Chapter 1: Forgiveness
Chapter Text
Quirin fell to his knees, coughing and sucking in deep breaths of air as he suddenly felt the world spin. He'd been trapped in the amber for the moon only knows how long! Breathing deeply, he barely registered the voices he heard nearby before something came crashing into him full force. Looking down he saw a head of black hair, goggles slightly askew as the small figure tightened their grasp around Quirin. It didn't take the retired knight very long to realize who this was and why they were holding him. Smiling he reached around and returned the hug without a second thought. The little light inside his heart growing brighter as he clutched the boy, his boy, tightly to his chest.
Varian broke the hug to smile happily at Quirin, his baby blue eyes were glistening with tears. Quirin returned the smile, giving a loving, "Oh son", in response. Suddenly, something caught Varian's eye.
"Dad the note!" Quirin and Varian both turned to see the discarded letter dissolve in the, now melted, amber. Turning back, Varian desperately clung to his father, "w-what did it say? I need to know!" he asked, eyes pleading for the truth.
Quirin could see how tired his son had become, if the bags under his eyes were anything to go by. He'd written that letter out of desperation and fear, thinking that Varian would never know where he came from, that his son would never find out how much he truly loved him. Now that he was here, and he could see how him being trapped in the amber had affected his boy, he couldn't tell him all of that right now! So he settled for the most important part of the note. Smiling, he cupped Varian's cheek in his hand, "all it said was, I'm so proud of you Varian" he chuckled at the surprised look his son gave him, "I always have been".
Varian embraced his dad again, a muffled, "I love you dad" coming from his vest. Quirin returned the hug, giving a quiet, "I love you too, son" in return. They stayed that way for a while, neither one of them willing to break the embrace. That is, until they heard a small cough come from behind them. Looking at each other, they looked in the direction it had come from and Quirin saw The princess, Eugene, and Lance all standing there smiling at the two. Quirin felt Varian squirm a little.
Looking down he realized his son was blushing, "heh... sorry, got a little caught up in the moment". Quirin chuckled, then stood up, his legs ached, but he was able steady himself just fine. Varian also stood, then looked up at his father, "you okay?" he asked, those blue eyes shooting the worried message straight to Quirin's heart.
"I'm alright son" he reassured, "what about you?" he asked, stepping in front of Varian and giving him a once over, "you're.... taller?" he chuckled, "how long was I in that amber?" his jovial mood subsided when Varian looked away in what could only be described as shame and regret. Quirin raised an eyebrow, turning towards the princess and her friends. He saw the feeling reflected in all of them, turning back towards his son the retired knight tilted his head to the side with confusion, "what's wrong?" He asked.
Varian merely stared at the ground for a moment or two longer before looking up at his dad, determination lighting up his eyes, though it was slightly duller than Quirin remembered, "d-dad, I've gotta... tell you something.... and it's not gonna be a great conversation...."
****
Quirin sat in his arm chair, shock clear on his face from what he'd just been told. They had decided that the basement was not the best place to relay such news to the, newly freed, retired knight. So they had all come into the living room, which looked like it had seen better days. They lit the fireplace, sat Quirin down, and told him everything, the princess, Eugene, and Lance adding their parts to the story. The broken promise, the blizzard, the wanted posters, the house arrest, the flower, the automatons, the jail time, the year and a half in the amber, Andrew, the Separatists of Seporia, the Quirineon (which Quirin was still confused about), the black rocks, the Demanitus scroll, the moonstone, Cassandra's betrayal (which Varian was suprised about), the brotherhood, king Edmund (they left out the part about Eugene being a prince, figuring the man was already having enough revelations for the day), the Dark kingdom, and on, and on.
Once they were done, Quirin was speechless. His emotions were flying everywhere! His son, HIS son, overtook the kingdom, but had also saved the kingdom, his son went to jail, his son was alone, his son was manipulated, his son.... was hiccuping right in front of him. Quirin snapped out of his stupor when he heard the quiet sobs coming from Varian, he looked at the small teenager (who was now 15, which also didn't sit right with Quirin but, bigger fish), and his heart broke at what he saw. His son, his little, tiny, alchemy loving, happy go lucky, hyper, imaginative, and brilliant son, was crying his eyes out right in front of him, saying a multitude of "I'm sorry"s and "I failed you"s. He wasn't looking at his father, he wasn't looking because of the shame that meeting that mans eyes would bring.
Quirin took in a deep breath, let it out slowly, lifted his hand, and placed it, gently, on his son’s shoulder. The boy flinched at the touch, but then looked at his father, the tears were streaming down his face as the unspoken fear and regret gave Quirin exactly the words he needed to say, "I forgive you Varian".
The look of shock that he was met with broke his heart even more. Varian stumbled over his next words, those being, "w-what, but I d-did so much bad! I d-destroyed everything, I f-failed you, I h-hurt people, I b-betrayed everyone I-!"
"I forgive you Varian" Quirin repeated, this time softer, "I forgive you, for everything you did, and I am so sorry I couldn't be there to protect you. None of this would've happened had I just told you the truth and been less strict about the black rocks". Quirin cupped Varian's cheek in his hand again, the tears stinging at the corners of his eyes, "I love you Varian, I will always love you, no matter what you have done or will do, and I'm so sorry I made you feel like I didn't. If I could take everything back, I would, as I'm certain you would too", he smiled as Varian placed his hand on Quirin's, "we both messed up, we both made mistakes, and it's time that we fix them. I'll help you, it won't be easy, but I'm here now" he locked eyes with his son, "and I am never going away again, on that you have my word".
Varian dove into Quirin, hugging him tightly, Quirin returned the hug, holding his son close, big arms wrapping around his small frame as if to protect something so precious. They stayed that way for a while before Quirin felt his son's weight shift, looking down he chuckled, Varian fell asleep. The slow breathing confirming that his boy was just too tired to stay awake any longer.
Quirin shifted Varian so that he was holding his son much like you would a baby. The village leader looked at the rest of the group, smiling at each one as they smiled back, "thank you, for giving him a second chance" he stated happily, "I'll never be able to tell you all how much that means to me".
They smiled happily, Rapunzel putting a hand on his shoulder as he stood up, Varian laying comfortably in his arms, "I should be thanking you and Varian, without either of you, I probably wouldn't be able to trust anyone again" she smiled sadly, "Cassandra... she really hurt me.... and if it weren't for Varian helping me save Corona and making me realize all that he's been through, I.... don't know if I would've been able to ever come to terms with what she did... and then you" she looked up at him, "you forgave him so easily, it makes me happy to see that. You're a good father Mr.Quirin".
Quirin chuckled, "just "Quirin” is fine princess".
She smiled, "only if you call me "Rapunzel" Quirin". He smiled back at her, then looked down at Varian, he was staring to curl in on himself, snuggling deeper into the furry vest Quirin had on. The retired knight’s smile widened, and, giving Rapunzel and her friends permission to stay for the night, excused himself and took Varian upstairs.
He dressed him in his pajamas and tucked him into bed. Pausing briefly as he watched his son shift in the blankets and sigh happily. Varian had been through a lot in the past year and a half without him, and Quirin regretted the way he had treat his son, always putting duty before his family. Well not anymore, the village leader decided to make a quiet promise to himself then and there. He promised to be there for Varian from now on, and to protect and guide him throughout his life. He sealed that promise with a kiss to Varian's forehead, which was met with a sleepy smile and a quiet mumble.
Smiling Quirin sighed, he knew he had a lot to make up for, and he knew that Varian did too. But whatever they would do, they would do it together. Quirin would make sure his little light never dimmed again, no matter what.
Chapter 2: The Alchemists New Clothes!
Summary:
This chapter takes place in the 1-2 weeks (or at least I'm guessing 1-2 weeks) Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance were adjusting to being back in Corona, the next few chapters will also take place in this time frame. Quirin will be helping Varian adjust to being out of jail. You'll find out what I mean by that soon enough :3
Also yes, the title is from "The Emperor's New Clothes" LOVE that song! I think it fits Varian a bit XD It's an angry song and he's an angry bean! :3
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian woke up the next morning confused. Looking around it took him a minute to realize where he was.
*Home* He thought happily, *I'm home, so it wasn't a dream?* He got up and looked down, noticing the pajamas he was in, they were a little small for him, though not in the stomach, but he'd worry about that later. For now, he needed to make sure he was correct. Heading downstairs, he smelled bacon, ham, and eggs, and, peeking into the kitchen he gasped. There he was, dressed in his farming best and cooking up a storm!
"Dad!" Varian ran over and hugged his father around his waist, he couldn't help the tears he shed while doing so, "if this is a dream, I don't want to wake up!" he hiccupped. He felt the knight return the embrace, and heard him chuckle.
"I guessed you really missed me huh?" Quirin teased, he started laughing when Varian made a noise akin to a huff whilst tightening his grip. They stayed that way for a moment, until the door opened.
Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance all stepped inside the kitchen, smelling the food. They were all dressed and ready for the day, which is probably why Varian's face was as red as an apple when he saw them and pulled away quickly from his father, who had began laughing even harder.
"Hey little man! Nice pjs!" Lance teased, earning him an elbow to the stomach from Eugene. Varian blushed harder and stepped a little behind Quirin, who had finally gained control over his laughter and had hooked an arm around his son's shoulders reassuringly.
"Don't worry about it Varian, you're home, you can be in your pajamas if you'd like" Rapunzel stated calmly, "and we *won't* poke fun at you" she looked pointedly towards Lance as he rubbed his stomach. Varian gave a smile smile from behind Quirin, but he still didn't come out of hiding, not that his father minded really. He was used to being a sort of shield for Varian, kinda the perks of becoming a father, it made him smile.
"Soooo" Eugene said, interrupting the awkward silence, "we appreciate you letting us stay, but we should probably head out. We've gotta get back to the castle and see about repairing the damage that the Sepor- uh I mean, we need to check on the castle" He finished quickly, looking at the blue eyed boy who was currently trembling at the thought of the Seporians.
Varian looked at Eugene and sighed, "it's.... it's okay to bring them up... I made the m-mistake after all..." he stated, his voice cracking just a smidge, "b-but do you really have to go? I m-mean, my dad makes the world's greatest breakfast! Trus-.... you should try it!" he stuttered looking at the ground. The words he was about to say sticking way too thickly in his throat, he was already in his pajamas in front of them, he really didn't want to cry too!
All three of them noticed the little correction Varian made, and they looked at each other worriedly. Before they could say anything however, they heard Varian yelp. Looking at the timid alchemist they smiled. Quirin had lifted Varian up and was now holding him bridle style in his arms. The teen was blushing profusely, but his dad didn't care. He nuzzled him lovingly and smiled.
"We'll always trust you, don't worry" he stated softly, "you don't have to correct yourself, you're in good company here" he smirked, "trust me".
Varian was a little taken a back, but he smiled happily wrapped his arms around his fathers neck, not really caring if he looked childish or not. Rapunzel smiled as Lance and Eugene looked on happily. Once the father and son stopped hugging, Qurin put Varian down on the counter, letting his son's legs dangle off the edge as he went back to cooking. He then turned towards the princess and her friends, "he's right you know, you're more than welcome to stay with us and have some breakfast." All three of them protested, saying they needed to get back, and they didn't want to impose when Quirin interrupted, "I'm certain all of that will be waiting for you when you return, but going on that far of a journey, even on a horse, is still not a good idea on an empty stomach", he stated knowingly, he then ruffled Varian's hair, making his boy giggle, "someone learned that the hard way one time, and he's never forgotten since" he chuckled.
"Daaad" Varian whined, Quirin stopped and went back to his cooking as the alchemist fixed his hair, not that it did much good considering the bedhead he'd already been dealing with wasn't going away any time soon.
The three guests giggled and, realizing that arguing was useless, sat down at the dining room table and talked amongst themselves.
****
The breakfast was amazing! Eugene had never had such amazing homecooked food! He now understood why Varian was so intent to have his dad back.... aside from you know.... the obvious.... Eugene is gonna stop thinking about this now. He helped Quirin clear the table while Lance and Rapunzel did the dishes, Varian scurried up the stairs to get some clothes and shoes on for the day.
After all was cleaned and put away, and Varian emerged from his bedroom in his usual blue shirt, tan trousers, full body apron, and black boots (his gloves dissolved when he'd touched Rapunzel, a fact that he was now regretting as he felt underdressed), they all headed outside to grab Max and Fidella. However, Quirin noticed that his son's clothes were just slightly too small, they didn't show anything, but he could see that they didn't exactly fit correctly on his boy's slender frame. Which is why he'd decided they were going clothes shopping that day.
"Clothes shopping?" Varian asked, he was waving goodbye to Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance as they made their way to the castle, they of course waved back. Once they were out of sight, Varian turned to his dad confused, "why? My clothes still fit me" he said as he looked down at himself. If he were completely honest, they weren't exactly the best fit, but he'd rather deal with that over the sneers and condescending looks he would receive in town.
Quirin, however, was not convinced, "Varian your clothes do not fit, they're small on you, you've grown just a bit" he chuckled, trying to distract himself from the sadness that little statement brought him, "we'll go together, we can even pick you up some new gloves and shoes!" His son looked a little scared at the prospect of going into town, and Quirin couldn't blame him. He sighed and wrapped his arm around Varian's shoulders, "look, I'll be right by your side, if anyone says or does anything to you, I'll be there to stop them", he said, but noting his boy still didn't look fully committed to this plan, the old farmer added, "we could go by the book store and grab a few books". He smirked when Varian's eyes lit up, books always win.
"o-ok!" He said excitedly, "m-maybe we could also go to the diner a-and get something to eat?"
Quirin chuckled, "yeah we can get something to eat, but after we get you some new clothes.... and if you behave" he added sneakily, receiving a bump to the side and a giggle in response.
****
They made their way through town, small whispers following them as the townsfolk stared at Varian. The insults they shot towards his son in hushed tones made Quirin's blood boil. They didn't understand, none of them did, but he couldn't yell at everyone to shut their mouths, so instead he held Varian close, watching him for any signs of fear or anxiety. He had a good reason too, aside from the fact that his son was not in a good place and he didn't need these gossipers to add to it, ever since Varian was little, he'd always had to deal with a fainting problem. Whenever his heartbeat sped up too fast, he ended up fainting, the first time it happened he'd gotten a concussion from falling on a wooden floor. The doctors had suggested he get a service animal. One that would be able to sense his son's heartbeat and give him alerts when needed. One alert, always on his cheek, just meant that Varian needed to slow down, two, always on his hand, meant he'd need to lay down somewhere, preferably a bench or bed. If it got to the point where he'd need to lay down immediately, the animal would need to pat his son's hand first. They'd had a hard time figuring out which animal would be perfect for his son, but in the end, he'd chosen Ruddigar. The little racoon earned his keep whenever Varian needed him.
But Ruddigar isn't there, and so Quirin took it upon himself to be the support that his son needed. At the moment, he needed a lot. The whispers kept getting worse as more and more people saw them walking by. A few people waved to Quirin, the man politely waving back, but they never came up to him and spoke, no one dared with the "dangerous alchemist" around. Finally they'd made it to the clothes shop, closing the door behind them as the bell alerted the clerk they had guests. When the man himself, a tall, skinny lad with black trousers, a blue tea shirt, glasses, small black gloves, messy red hair, glasses, and gloves, walked out, he froze, the sight before him making him feel a little unsafe. He settled down when he saw the alchemist hiding behind the village leader, peeking out only enough for the clerk to see he was in need of new clothing.
Quirin, noticing the clerk's fear and his son's anxiety, took the first step, "hello Jack" he smiled, the clerk nodding a hello in response, "sorry to come in so early, but we were hoping to find Varian here some new clothes?" he gestured to the small boy, hoping Jack would stop shaking and would help. Jack, who respected Quirin a great deal and had never had problems with the alchemist before the Seporian's attack, took in a deep breath, then let it out. He stepped forward and grabbed some measuring tape, gesturing for Varian to stand on the stool in the middle of the room. The tailor didn't speak much, only when it was necessary, and majority of the time it wasn't. But as he was taking the alchemist's measurements, he'd watched as the boy flinched when he'd touch his back or torso, even a graze against the arm sent him into a momentary panic attack. Something had clearly happened to this child, and Jack really couldn't, in good nature, stay mad at the small child he'd measured for years and had watched grow up. So, as the tailor continued with his work, he tried to refrain from touching Varian, opting instead to gesture at the child to spread his arms and legs out as he measured how much he'd grown.
He'd found some clothes befitting of the title "alchemist", a long sleeved white shirt, tan trousers, cream colored apron, reddish-brown vest, and a pair of brown leather gloves (he had added a pair of gauntlets with watches inside them via Quirin's request). Handed the to Varian and gestured towards the changing rooms. The boy went in and, after about 20 minutes, came out looking very happy with the choices the tailor had made.
Quirin smiled at his son, "you look very handsome in that Varian" he complimented, his son blushed while looking in the mirror.
"Y-you really think it looks good?" he asked quietly, "or are you just saying that because you're my dad?" he smirked.
"A little of both, honestly" Quirin replied, getting a scoff and giggle out of his boy. They looked towards Jack, who was watching them with a smile, "if you don't believe me, ask him" Quirin suggested.
Varian looked a little nervous, then, hopping off the stool, he spread his arms out to his sides, like a T pose, "is he lying?" he ask Jack, makin Quirin chuckle. The tailor's smile grew and he shook his head, giving Varian a thumbs up in agreement with his father.
"See?" Quirin replied, "and you doubted me and my fashion" he teased, sniffling a little in a mock dramatic way, making both Varian and Jack chuckle. He dubbed this little outfit a success, and paid Jack in full for it, with a large tip for being so kind, which Jack gratefully accepted. With that, they ordered a few more pairs of clothing along with some new pajamas and dress shirts and pants. After they were done, they both thanked the tailor, who nodded smiling, and left the shop, both smiling the entire way to the cobbler shop. Varian decided to wear his new clothes outside.
As they entered, Feldspar was in the process of making some new galoshes when he'd heard the bell. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw who was at the door. He narrowed his eyes at the intruder, sneering angrily, "what do you want?" he snapped, "want me to go digging in the mines again? Well it ain't happening! I'm not afraid of you anymore squirt! Go capture a princess in another castle!" He scolded the teen. The boy flinching at the words he was being told.
Quirin stepped, protectively, in front of his son, glaring daggers at the cobbler. He wanted to shout at him, but doing so would only cause a ruckus, and that is not what Varian needed, so he took the calmer approach, "Feldspar, good to see you again", he had to bite his tongue hard not to add more to that statement, "we wanted to see if we could get *my son*" he emphasized that, "some new shoes, preferably steel toed boots of some sort since his seem to be tearing a little". A moment of silence hung loudly in the air, neither one of them speaking, Feldspar still glaring at Varian, but not making any attempt to say anything nasty either. The air was thick, so thick in fact Quirin could slice it in half with a dull butter knife. A few more moments of silence passed between them before....
"I'm sorry...." a quiet voice spoke, both men looked at the small boy, he was trembling, tears threatening to roll down his cheeks as he faced the cobbler, his eyes never wavered away from the man's. He took a shaky step forward and spoke again, "I'm so sorry for what I did to you Feldspar.... I'm so sorry for what I did to Corona.... I never meant for it to get so... out of hand.... it's my fault it did though, and I take full responsibility.... you have every right to hate me, insult me, glare and whisper about me, I won't defend my actions, because at the end of the day, I know I did wrong, v-very wrong...." he was sniffling and hiccupping, but didn't stop, "y-you are more than able to s-say all that stuff about me, I w-won't stop you.... j-just... just k-know..." he looked down, took a deep breath, then looked straight at the cobbler again, "just know that I am truly sorry, for what I have done to you and to the people of Corona. I will t-try my best to make up for it, b-but it'll take some time for me to d-do that, which I know is m-my fault too... but, I'll t-try, and I'll never stop trying until I've successfully fixed my mistakes, you have my word, even if you don't want it". Varian exhaled, and backed up a little, trying to rub the tears off his face.
Turning to his dad, Varian took his hand, "c-come on, I won't force him to help m-me, we can f-find shoes somewhere else..." he said, dejectedly, Quirin wanted to say something, but was cut off before he could.
"....So you need steel toed boots?" Feldspar asked, "I've got a pair, they might actually fit you" he continued, ignoring the shocked looks he received from his other customers. Going into the back, Varian and Quirin stood there for a moment or two before the cobbler appeared again, holding a small box. Gesturing for Varian to come closer, he opened the box to reveal small, brown, steel toed boots with a small heel and two buckles. He gave them to Varian to try on, and they fit him perfectly.
Quirin was about to ask why Feldspar had changed his mind, but the cobbler was one step ahead of him, "I still don't like you, don't get me wrong, and you've got a *lot* to make up for" he stated bluntly, but then gave Varian a small smile, "but anyone willing to stand there and give me a full apology to my face, with a promise of trying to fix things walks out of my shop empty handed", he patted Varian's shoulder, making the teen smile a little, "plus you're gonna need some real special shoes to help you walk the path you're choosin, and like I always say, "the shoe picks the person", and today they picked you!" he stated.
Varian got up, walking around in his new shoes, he loved them, they were so comfy and safe at the same time, he felt like he could do anything in them! He wiped away some more tears, then turned to Feldspar, "t-thank you, so much!" he replied, giving wide smile.
Feldspar nodded, and, after Quirin paid for the boots, and made amends with the cobbler, waved as they walked out the door.
Varian felt so happy, sure there were still whispers, and yeah he has a lot he needs to fix. But the clothes, gloves, boots, and apron were a good start. As well as some new books promised to him by his dad. They entered the little diner to have their lunch when they heard a wolf whistle behind them, turning the saw Eugene smiling as he waved at the pair, "nice duds hairstrip! Looking real sharp!!!!" Varian blushed and waved back, giving a shy "thank you!" in response, Quirin just chuckled as they walked into the diner.
****
They just arrived home and it seemed "exhausted" was an understatement. Both men slumped into the living room, having eaten their fill at lunch, they decided a light dinner of ham sandwiches would be perfectly fine for them. After dinner, Varian changed into his old pajama's, the new one's would take a while to get there, and they both just sat in comfortable silence, reading the new books they'd bought. Once the clock hit 11pm, Varian made his way to his room, the drowsiness was overwhelming him. Before he did however, he gave Quirin a bug hug, which the man retuned happily, kissing his son's forehead and making him giggle.
"Thanks dad"
"For what?" Quirin questioned.
"For being there for me, through out the entire day you were always there, it... it really helped, so thank you" Varian replied sleepily.
Quirin smiled, stroking his boy's hair, "you're welcome son" he then cupped Varian's chin, "hey"
"hmm?" Quirin chuckled at the noise, moon above he loved his tiny son!
"I'm really proud of you Varian, for what you said at Feldspar's shop. You were very brave to do that, and believe me I could see how hard it was!" he smiled, "just know that while yes, you've made mistakes, you're also a very good boy, with a lot of heart and determination, you don't deserve to be talked down to or insulted, you're trying, that's all that matters, and I couldn't be more proud of how you handled yourself today!" Quirin finished, giving his son one last hug, "I love you Varian" he added.
Varian sniffled, smiling at his father, "I l-love you too dad!" returning the hug, he wiped his tears away. Then, after a moment, he began his trek upstairs. Opening his door, Varian walked into the room, he smiled happily as he placed the new books on the night stand and, with a long yawn, laid down and fell in a blissful sleep.
Notes:
Happy endings are my favorite endings!!!!!! So this chapter is much longer than the last because I kept getting more and more ideas of what to do! Also yes, ham sandwiches for the win!
Feldspar has never been a favorite character of mine, personally, I'm a Xavier bean if I had to choose a villager, but I do like the fact that he was one of the first people to forgive Varian, Xavier being the actual first if you don't count any of the main cast, or Quirin.
Papa love!!!!! Much needed, will type more!!!!! Hopefully this chapter was good! :D Thank you for reading <3
Chapter 3: Varian and the Apple Harvest!
Summary:
This is what happens when you mix an introverted alchemist, with an extroverted farmer (who also happens to be his dad)!
Notes:
I wanted to make a funny chapter, so here it is! I hope you enjoy!!!! :3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It was hot.
Well that was nothing new, Corona is known as the "kingdom of the Sun", but did the weather have to take that seriously?! Varian wiped his brow and grumbled. His father had decided that it was time to go back to the farm, since the repairs in town were underway and most of the fields were restored. Varian wasn't angry about his dad wanting to work again, in fact, he applauded it! It meant his dad was willing to get up and get back to his routine. But did he have to drag Varian with him? He has alchemy to do! He doesn't want to farm!
"Son, farming will do you some good! Plus the apple harvest is here! You used to love picking apples with me!" He remembered the old farmer saying. How had he gotten dragged into this again?
"If we have enough I'll make some homemade apple pie and apple juice"
....Right.... he sold his free day for some homemade apple products..... *uuuuuuugh* Oh well, at least the sweet treat would be nice to have after a long days work. Or at least that's what he tried to tell himself.
Varian walked over to the orchard, pushing a wheelbarrow with a wooden bucket in it that Quirin had asked him to bring. The trees would at least shade him from the heat, but he really didn't want to apple pick, even if his dad's apple pie's were amazing.
"Varian!" The alchemist jumped a bit, snapping out of his thoughts. He looked at his father, "Back to earth then?" Quirin chuckled. Varian gave him a grumpled look that Quirin could swear was a pout, before he looked away, stopping in front of the farmer, who began laughing, "aren't you a little old to pout?"
"I'm not pouting" Varian snapped, trying his best not pout, Quirin raised a brow at him, Varian raised a brow right back, making Quirin laugh even harder!
"You're my kid alright" He teased, "now come on, it's not gonna kill you to get a little exercise and sun.... son" he smirked, Varian rolled his eyes, but smiled and walked over to his father.
Grabbing the wooden bucket out of the wheelbarrow and setting it on the grass, Quirin and Varian grabbed a nearby ladder and set it against a tree. After it was settled in-between two strong looking branches, they went to work. Varian climbing up the ladder to, carefully, twist and pull the apples off their respective branches and pass them down to Quirin.
His father would then inspect them, and if they were good, he'd place them inside the bucket. If they were bad, he'd place them inside the wheelbarrow. Once it was full, they'd take the bruised apples over to the barn for them to be made into something else. If they weren't rotten or mushy, they'd be given to the pigs, if they were, they're be crushed up and mixed into the compost for the garden.
They'd done this song and dance before when Varian was younger. At that time, the tiny child would've been ecstatic that he could help his dad, just like a big kid! Now however, he was just bored. Find an apple, pick the apple, find an apple, pick the apple, and on and on. They'd been at it for a few hours before his thoughts began to wonder. The mechanisms and alchemical formulas he began to imagine were flying around so fast in his head that he accidentally dropped an apple and hit Quirin on the head.
"Ow!" his father rubbed spot the apple had landed on and just barely caught another apple that was falling from his son's grip. Looking up he sighed, Varian was off in his own little world. He tried to get his attention, waving his arms, poking him, even calling his name, but nothing worked. What's worse is that the apples were being bruised as his son just kinda dropped them on the grass.
He looked around and, noticing a stick with some dried leaves on it, picked it up, an idea popping into his head. Quirin walked over to his daydreaming son, who had accumulated a small pile of bruised apples below him at this point, and began poking his sides with it! Varian burst into laughter, trying to shield himself from the onslaught of stick poking. He wiggled away from his father and jumped off the ladder, blushing.
"What was that for?!" he asked incredulously.
Quirin chuckled, "you were daydreaming while you're supposed to be working, so I had to snap you out of it" he smiled holding up the tree branch, "plus you kinda hit me in the head with an apple."
"oops..." Varian lowered his head a little bit, "are you okay?" he asked.
Quirin rubbed his head, "no bumps, so I'm fine", he then ruffled Varian's hair, "just be a little more careful okay?" he stopped ruffling and walked over towards the fallen apples. He started to pick them up and place them inside the wheelbarrow. Varian walked over and began to help, but something was bothering him.
"Hey dad?" he asked.
"hm?"
"Why did you want to pick apples anyway?" he titled his head to the side, "I mean, the seeds need to be planted, the dirt needs more mulch, the animals need to be cleaned. So why apples?"
Quirin smiled sadly, "well when you were younger, you used to love picking apples with me. I thought that instead of getting you to help me with something I know you're not particularly fond of, we could try something you liked!" He explained, "though, I guess picking apples is a little tedious now, huh?"
Varian smiled, "it's not the worst thing in the world, buuuut...." he didn't finish that sentence.
Quirin just laughed, "well, I guess it was kind of a long shot" he replied, setting the final apples inside the wheelbarrow, "I just thought it might be fun, you know, like it used to be" he said, "plus it has been.... a while since we've done anything together...."
Varian's eyebrows raised in realization, *was that what dad wanted the entire time? To spend time with me?* he thought, *I mean, he was stuck in the amber for a year and a half, plus me and dad don't really have a lot in common. What if this was his way of trying to reconnect and I just messed it up? What if he thinks he can never reconnect with me? This was him trying, and all I could think about was being bored....* Varian felt horrible, all his dad wanted to do was spend time with his boy, the boy he's missed a year and a half with, and Varian wasn't even taking it seriously....
Walking over, he hugged his dad tightly, his guilt eating away at him as he pushed his face in his father's vest, "I'm sorry...." he stated, his voice muffled by the fluffy clothing, "I didn't know this was.... that it meant so much.... I'm sorry...." he said again.
Quirin was a little startled, but smiled at his son, he stroked Varian's head, "it's okay Varian, I'm not upset", his son didn't speak, Quirin got a little worried, "hey, you didn't suffocate in my vest did you?"
The small giggle he received made him chuckle. Quirin then sighed, "look maybe apple picking isn't really something you enjoy anymore, I should've probably realized that sooner, that was my bad". He cupped his son's chin, getting him to look up, "but I really appreciate you're willingness to help me out anyway, even if it didn't really go as planned", he gestured to the pile of bruised apples making Varian give a sheepish grin.
"I'll uh.... I c-can.... I.... WAIT!!!!" He shouted, startling Quirin, "I have a way to fix that! Hang on one moment, I'll be right back!" With that Varian rushed off, Quirin sighed but waited. He was a little worried about what his son would bring back, something alchemical that's for sure, but what more could he do to bruised apples?
*Make exploding applesauce, grow a brand new apple orchard, create an apple army...* sigh.... His mind was very mean to him.....
****
A few moments and anxious thoughts, later, Quirin saw Varian running back towards him, with a small test tube filled with a red liquid. Sliding to a halt, the alchemist grabbed one of the bruised apples and set it on a nearby tree stump. Opening the cork he motioned for his father to step back a bit. He let a little drop of the concoction splash onto the apple. For a moment, nothing happened, then suddenly, the apple started to shake, and Quirin started to get flashes of an outbreak of apples trying to take over Corona. The apple kept shaking for a moment or two more before it stopped and, with a flash of light, looked brand new, no bruise, no cracks, no tiny legs or hands that could carry pitchforks. It was just a plain, shiny, delicious looking apple.
"Ta daaaaa!" Varian sang triumphantly, gesturing to the lone fruit, "I have now solved our apple bruising problem with the *power of alchemy*!" He stated, "using the apple's chemical structure, I was able to study how they bruised and how long it would take for the bruising to finalize. Fun fact, you can still eat a bruised apple, it doesn't mean the actual fruit is unsafe to eat, just that hit the ground to hard", Varian blushed at that, "*ahem* anyway! We may be able to eat the bruised apples, but selling them like that is out of the question! So I came up with a way to get rid of the bruise entirely without infecting the fruit! See apple skin is a lot like dry human skin! When I found that out the rest was easy!" His eyes were so bright, it made Quirin smile, "in fact, a lot of skin care products come from apple trees, specifically the Uttwiler Spatlauber apple tree! They ca-!" he stopped mid sentence and blushed, "heh heh.... sorry" he said, then cleared his throat, which was now very dry.
Quirin chuckled and hugged his son, "I don't mind when you do that, it makes me happy knowing how much you love your passion!" Varian returned the hug with a smile. After about a moment, they parted and Varian picked up another bruised apple.
Looking at it carefully, he smiled and gave it to his dad with the "de-bruising" solution he'd made, "wanna try?" he asked excitedly.
The old farmer smiled and nodded, setting the fruit down on the stump he pulled the cork repeated exactly what Varian had done. Stepping back they watched the new apple shake, as the first one had, after about a moment, it stopped, the flash of light appeared, and the apple was no longer bruised.
Quirin felt a small amount of glee creep into his chest at the victorious de-bruising, letting out a quiet "ha!", unfortunatley for him, Varian noticed.
"hee hee, I heard that!" his son giggled. Quirin scoffed, then turned away, hiding his own blush.
Neither of them noticed the small creature hiding in a nearby bush, watching them closely, with emerald green eyes.
Notes:
So, that bit about the apple's and the apple tree is actually true! So we all learned something here today! Apples are awesome, trees are amazing, fluff is adorable, and I want Quirin's vest!
Also Hee hee hee! Super special fun to be continued ending!!!!! >:D *Laughs maniacally*
Chapter 4: Reunited!
Summary:
Varian gets an old friend back!
Chapter Text
The creature sniffed the air suspiciously, his fur was matted with mud and dirt, flees and ticks were running rampant on his poor, tired body, he was very skinny compared to what he was before. Ever since they had taken him away from his boy, things had only gotten worse. He smelled a very familiar scent, but lately it hadn't been very safe to be near that scent, not for his boy anyway. They made sure of that.... He focused his eyes on the fruit, the beautiful way the apples glinted in the sunlight made the animal's stomach growl. He was so hungry, how long had it been since he'd eaten? He didn't really know, all he knew is that something was different. Sniffing the air again, he longed to be near that scent, but he didn't trust it yet. He had once.... But that was before the nasty humans came along.
Shaking his head however, the creature pushed those.... things.... out of his head, he needed to focus. Apple, get to the apple, it was easy, a quick run, grab, and leave. He'd done it a million times! Surely this would be no different! Taking a chance, he bolted towards the apple. Claiming his prize he turned to leave when...
"R-Ruddigar?"
A voice so familiar to him met his ears. The voice of a friend, a family member, one that was so lost in his anger and sadness.
"Ruddigar!"
The second voice jolted him, it sounded like someone he hadn't seen, or smelled, for a long time, mostly because of his boy's funny mixtures. But that couldn't be right, he must be hearing things, being hungry did that to you. He started to run off when...
"Ruddigar WAIT!!!!"
That voice was so desperate, and his mind pleaded with him, begging him to stay, but he can't, he's not allowed. His boy would be hurt if he stuck around. He needed to go, he needed to run he needed t-!
Suddenly hands were on him, he hissed, trying to flee, to get away, he wanted his boy to understand the he didn't want to hurt him. But if he stayed he would. If he stayed they'd bring out that leather string again and.....
"P-please"
His boy was close to tears, he could hear it. He wanted to stay, he really did.
"It's okay now, you're safe, you don't have to worry about me anymore. Please.... p-please don't leave me.... please?"
He finally looked up, he saw his boy! His eyes were filled with tears, he was so sad, so lonely. The moon above couldn't comprehend how much those eyes spoke to the little racoon. The stories they could tell, the things they had seen. The racoon was scared, his boy was too.... But then, another figure stepped into his view.
Big, tall, muscular build, red shirt, brown vest, black pants, boots, and gloves. No way.... No WAY!!!!!
Ruddigar chittered, leaping away from Varian's arms and onto Quirin's shoulders, sniffing him, poking him with his nose, making sure what he was seeing was real, that he was back. He heard the man chuckle, that same warm chuckle that meant his boy was safe, that his boy was home....
"....Ruddigar?" Varian spoke again, his voice was very soft, "we're not in jail anymore buddy, we're home." He reassured, petting his furry companion, who flinched at the touch. Months without human contact had made the racoon a little wary, "....the princess set dad free, he's really back Ruddigar! I got pardoned by her, I helped stop the S-Seporians" Ruddigar hissed when those things were brought up, "....I know.... I'm sorry.... I'm s-so sorry I listened to them...." his boy was crying again, Ruddigar couldn't stand it. Hopping off Quirin, he landed on the stump next to his boy, nuzzling his hand with his nose.
Varian looked over at his old friend, he pat his head, this time he didn't flinch, opting to chitter in response, "you..... y-you can come home now if you w-want, I won't f-force you to.... B-but I've changed I'm not angry anymore! I'm trying to f-fix what I did, a-and I'd love it if you were with me, please?"
Ruddigar looked between his boy and their guardian. Was it really true? He wanted it to be, he wanted to go back home, eating apples, living happily, just his boy, their guardian, and him! He wanted to believe him.
"You can believe me" Ruddigar looked towards those blue eyes again, they were desperate again, but not in an angry or scared way like they had been before. "I won't go back to them, never again, a-and I won't turn you into that thing again either! I won't, I won't, I w-won't, I w-w-won't, I-!"
"Varian!"
The man had been there just in time to catch his boy, Ruddigar chittering as he immediately launched into action. Leaping onto Varian's chest as Quirin held him close, Ruddigar could feel his boy's heart practically fluttering. He'd fainted, his face was flushed, tears running down his cheeks. Ruddigar pressed tightly between his chest and chin, vibrating slightly to calm his unconscious boy down. It worked after a few minutes, his heartbeat slowed. But Ruddigar didn't move, he didn't move when Quirin's hand stroked his fur, he didn't move when, after a few more moments, Varian's hand scratched behind his ear, he didn't move when his boy's heart was back to it's normal pace. Ruddigar didn't move. He never wanted to move, never wanted to leave, so there they sat.
****
Quirin, Varian, and Ruddigar stayed in that spot for an hour, the largest of the three opting to sit on the stump that once held the de-bruised apples. None of them spoke, Varian leaned into his father's grasp as Ruddigar had shifted slightly to be on his boy's stomach instead.
After what seemed like an eternity to Ruddigar, he heard a soft, "thank you buddy". Looking up he saw his boy smiling weakly at him, his face was still flushed, but the tears had gone away, and he looked a little more alert now. Varian really had changed, but the racoon could tell he was better now. His eyes had returned to the same way they were before, if a little more experienced now. But they weren't hurt, scared, sad, or angry, they were happy. For Ruddigar, it sealed the deal. He smiled at his boy, purring happily.
"Does this mean you're staying?" Varian asked, he got happy chitters in reply, making him laugh, "I'm glad!" He felt the familiar scratching behind his ear, and purred softly again.
"I guess this means I'm gonna have to hide the apples again" Quirin joked, making Ruddigar smile and Varian laugh again, "but it is good to have you back, brat-coon" Ruddigar swished his tail happily, accepting the pets he got from his guardian.
A little more time passed before Quirin decided they should go inside now that the sun was beginning to set. Letting Varian down, and making sure he could walk properly, the old farmer grabbed the wheelbarrow and wooden bucket. Taking them both inside the barn while Varian, with Ruddigar on his shoulders, walked back inside. Varian splashed some water in his face and checked for any damage from when he fell. When he found nothing he gave Ruddigar a once over, picking any flees or ticks off him before grabbing a brass basin and filling it with water.
He gave his best friend a bath, scrubbing the dirt and muck out of his fur and, after having to change the water a couple times, rinsed and dried him off. He began brushing his fur after that, which Ruddigar loved! Purring the entire time as he flopped on his back, making his boy giggle as he continued to pamper the racoon. After he was properly brushed and dry, Varian gave him a gigantic red apple, which Ruddigar downed in one gulp.
His boy then proceeded to undress himself and step into the privy that was adjacent to his room. He began cleaning himself as Ruddigar watched, "excuse me peeper, a little privacy please" his boy giggled, flicking some water at the racoon, who chittered in delight before leaving his boy to his cleaning. Once he was done, Varian stepped out of the privy, dressed in his old pjs, Ruddigar made a face at how small they seemed to be, "oh don't worry, me and dad already ordered more". That seemed to satisfy the racoon, because he shrugged and hopped on his boy's shoulders.
They made their way to the kitchen, where his dad had made the promised apple pie and juice. Varian and Ruddigar began to drool when the smell hit them, making Quirin chuckle. "remember, no dessert until dinner is done", he reminded them.
"we know we know" Varian replied, sitting at the table, where a plate with some chicken, mashed potatoes, and peas were waiting. Ruddigar found a small bowl beside Varian, filled with nuts and cut up fruit. Chittering happily he looked at Quirin, the old farmer smiled, "welcome home Ruddigar".
Notes:
Hee hee!!!!! I love the little racoon! What can I say? He's an adorable fluffy brat-coon!!!! What better chapter to bring him back than the one full of apples! Also, I was very hungry while making this chapter, so I feel for Ruddigar here!
I hope you enjoyed! <3
Chapter 5: Nicknames! (Part 1)
Summary:
I'm just gonna leave this chapter a little ambiguous with the title :3
Notes:
If you know, you know, if you don't you'll find out! X3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin was not happy. Today was supposed to be a nice, quiet, calm, relaxing day with his son. Boy had that ship sunk fast when he saw who was sitting on his kitchen table with an apple in her hand, smirking at the retired knight. Her legs dangling happily, swinging away as if she hadn't just broken into his home and left the window open for all the bugs to get inside.
Standing in the entrance to the dining room, Quirin waited, gathering as much patience as he could because Demanitus knows he's going to need every bit. Taking a deep breath, he walked over to the face painted warrior.
After a few moments Quirin broke the silence, "....so, you've decided to forgo the door again I see", he jabbed, "as well as knocking.... and isn't this technically breaking and entering?"
"It's good to see you too brother", the women replied, taking a bite from the apple.
Quirin facepalmed, "Adira please tell me you got that from the market and *not* off of one of the apple trees?"
"Would you believe me if I did?"
"No."
"Then I won't"
Quirin sighed, don't get him wrong, he loved his sister and her antics, but when he was prepared to handle them.
"Is Hector with you?" He asked, almost afraid of the answer.
Adira shook her head, "our brother isn't my biggest fan right now"
"Again?" Quirin interrupted.
"So I decided to come here alone" Adira finished, "besides, I wanted to be first, I am older than him after all"
"First? First for what" Quirin tilted his head to the side.
"Why, to meet my nephew of course" She answered simply.
Quirin felt a shiver run up his spine, "so, let me get this straight, you broke into my home"
"Yes"
"Stole one of my apples"
"Mm-hmm"
"Sat on my table"
"Still am actually"
"Left my window open"
"It is getting drafty in here"
"All because you wanted to meet Varian."
"That would be correct!" Adira took another bite of the apple.
Quirin sighed again, "and you see no problem with this?"
She shrugged and swallowed the bite, "should I?"
The retired knight just shook his head, "you haven't changed".
"Not a bit!" Adira took the final bite out of the apple before throwing the core out the, still opened, window.
"This is going to be a long day isn't it?" Quirin asked, more to himself than anyone else.
"Depends on who you're asking"
"Me"
"Then yes, it will be"
Quirin rolled his eyes as he went over to the window and closed it. Then, shoeing Adira off the able and cleaning it, set out three plates, and a small bowl for Ruddigar, on the table. Making Adira's smirk turn into a smile.
"So I guess that means I'm staying?"
"Oh please you wouldn't you leave even if I told you to", the retired knight stated.
Adira looked a little hurt, "ye of little faith"
Quirin shrugged, "ok, then leave"
"hmmm, nah" she answered, then sat down, in a chair this time.
Quirin sighed once more, he's going to be doing that a lot today.
****
Varian stumbled out of bed, he had a gigantic headache, as he often did the day after a fainting spell. Ruddigar stretched, letting out a big yawn before hopping onto Varian's shoulders while his boy got ready for the day. They did the usual things, brushed their teeth, combed their hair, got their clothes on, grabbed their alchemy bombs, made sure nothing exploded overnight, then headed down for breakfast. Once they got there however, they saw a strange women, with half her face painted red, sitting in the dining room. She looked like she was talking to his father, who looked extremely tired, which was odd because he'd slept in today.
"Dad?" Varian said quietly, walking inside the room.
The two adults stopped whatever conversation they were having and both turned to look at the boy. Quirin smiled, "morning son!"
Varian returned the smile, "good morning" then looked at the guest, "who are you?" he asked.
The women smiled at him, her eyes sparkling a little as she spoke, "hello, I'm Adira" her voice was calm, but both Quirin and Varian could hear the hint of glee she had when addressing the boy, "your father probably never spoke of me", Quirin rolled his eyes, "but I'm your aunt!"
"M-my what?" Varian stuttered, his surprise making her laugh.
"Your aunt", she answered, "I used to work with Quirin as a knight of the Brotherhood".
Something clicked inside the alchemist's head, "oh! Y-yeah Rapunzel told me about you!" he replied, "you, my dad, and ....Hector?" Varian looked at his dad for confirmation, Quirin nodded, "yeah Hector! You guys all protected the Moonstone right?"
"That is correct!" Adira replied, "though, it's a little sad you heard about us from the Sundrop and not a certain knight that may or may not be standing in this room" she joked as Quirin huffed a little, "but I suppose that doesn't matter now". she waved it off as Quirin returned to making breakfast.
Noting his dad's aggravation, Varian decided to change the subject, "s-so what are you doing here?" he asked, "did you find something out about the Moonstone? Have you seen Cassandra?"
Quirin winced a little at the hope in his son's voice, he didn't want to dash them, but he had a feeling Varian should stay away from Cassandra, far away.
"No, I haven't come here for the Moonstone" Adira answered, "though I will be looking into it" she added, sneaking a glance towards Quirin, who nodded in response, "no I've come here for an even more pressing matter"
Varian's eyes grew wide, "a more pressing matter?" he asked, "what's more pressing than getting the Moonstone and Cassandra back?" He got a little nervous, if something more pressing than the Moonstone had brought his dad's sibling here, then he was sure they'd need to tell Rapunzel, possibly even Eugene and Lance.
Adira chuckled, "I've come here because I haven't met you yet!"
The alchemist's shoulders slumped with relief, "oh okay" he said as he let out a sigh of relief, "sorry I thought you were talking about something else attack- wait what?" he stopped himself short, "y-you came here... all the way from the Dark Kingdom, which is about a year's journey.... to meet me?"
"That's right Speckle!"
Varian tilted his head to the side as he heard his father chuckle, "Speckle?"
"You still do the nickname thing?" Quirin asked, amusement dripping off his words.
Adira nodded, "yes I do!" She replied before turning to Varian, "I find it's much easier to give nicknames based off of physical attributes than to actually remember your name, hence" she pointed to his freckles, "speckle!"
Varian blushed a little, trying very hard not to look down at his freckles, s-so.... what did you call the princess?"
"She's the Sundrop, so "Sundrop", the girl with the anger issues is "Short Hair", the small bearded drunk is "Soiled Gnome", The man with the Hook for a Foot is "Hoot Foot", the overconfident daydreamer who can't seem to take a hint is "Earring", and the confident man who preens himself all the time is "Fish skin"". Adira explained, smiling as Varian pieced together who was who, laughing at the funny names they had.
"W-wait "Fish skin", are you saying that because he uses a lot of skin care products, or because he kinda keeps the group together" at his father's confused expression, Varian explained, "fish skin can be used to make a sticky substance, almost like glue, it works really well with things like boots and gloves".
"Ah", nodding in understanding, Quirin finished making the food and began to set it at the table. Adira and Varian sitting down, Ruddigar jumping next to the bowl, happily waiting to be served.
"eh, kinda both" Adira replied, "he's the fish skin that holds the group together" she stated, before adding, "but he does use a lot of products", making Varian laugh.
"So", the alchemist managed to control his laughter, "what's dad's nickname?"
Quirin smiled as he joined them at the table, reliving the memory of how he got his nickname.
"Courage", was the simple reply, making Varian smile as he took a sip of milk, "though sometimes I change it to "Stickler" when he would get a little too strict about the rules".
"Pfft!" slapping his hand over his mouth, the alchemist blushed, setting the glass down and grabbing a napkin. The liquid didn't leave the cup, but did splash Varian in the face quite a bit. As he wiped his mouth with the napkin, Quirin began laughing.
Maybe this wouldn't be such a bad day after all.
Notes:
We all love Aunt Adira!!!!! She is a wise yet fun warrior who loved very few things:
-Her family
-Messing with her siblings
-Nicknames
-Snacks
-Being mysteriousWe appreciate the Adira-ness of Adira! :D
Yes, this is a two parter! :D
Chapter 6: Nicknames! (Part 2)
Summary:
This is the continuation of Adira's visit, this is also when Adira starts to bond with Varian more, and reconnect with Quirin, because we need some reconnection here! :D
Notes:
I love Adira, I loved her attitude, in fact, my favorite episode with her is when she's getting Rapunzel and the gang through "The Forest of No Return"! *weird monster noises*
It was funny yet sweet, and I'm glad that was a Eugene episode! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
After breakfast was done, Quirin and Varian cleared the table while Ruddigar wiped it down and Adira watched.
"Finally gave in to the animal craze hm?" She teased.
Quirin scoffed, "please. At least Ruddigar earns his keep and sticks with Varian. Not to mention that my son actually *trained* him unlike a certain animal loving man we both know", he smirked, "though I'm certain that conversation will come soon enough when he visits unexpectedly".
"Oh? How do you know he will?" Adira sassed, leaning against the counter as Varian picked Ruddigar up and headed into the kitchen with the dishes, "he's been stuck in that tree for the Moon only knows how long".
"25 and a half years, and because you did", the retired knight answered, "and as you know", he pointed at Adira and glared mockingly at her, "anything *she* can do *I* can do better".
Adira laughed as Varian stepped out of the kitchen and smiled, "so this Hector guy likes to see who's better?" he asked
Quirin chuckled, "almost all the time, but it's usually just in good fun" he smiled, "though, I will admit, it would be nice to see him out of that tree". Quirin looked at Adira, concern lacing his features, "The pr-.... *ahem* Rapunzel"
Varian laughed, "it took me a minute too!"
His father ruffled his hair, "Rapunzel told me what happened at the great tree, she said you stayed with him after", he stopped ruffling his son's hair, then looked at Adira, "was he okay? Have you checked on him since then?"
Adira nodded, "after the incident at the Great Tree, I stuck around to make sure he wasn't going to die", she scoffed a little, "not that he would, he's determined to outlive me, or at least try" she shrugged nonchalantly. "But I was with him until he got better, he was fine when I left, definitely had some injuries, but nothing I, nor he, couldn't handle".
Quirin let out a sigh of relief, "that's good... You know, as much as it pains me to say it, I miss him", Quirin gave a small smile to Adira, who smiled back, "it's.... it's been a while since I've seen either of you two.... or the king for that matter.... I genuinely miss seeing all of you".
The face painted warrior sighed, "yeah, it was nice being in the castle together. Would be nice to get back to where we were again", she stated. They both went quiet for a moment, Varian and Ruddigar looking between the two, surprised at how lost in thought they were before Adira shook her head, trying to get whatever thoughts she had, out. "Well", she stated, her voice turning playful, "trying to get sentimental on me hm?"
Quirin scoffed, "you wish".
"No no, I can see it", she smirked, "you missed us because you realized you aren't as fun as Hector and I are".
"I take it back, you can leave now".
Adira and Varian laughed, making Quirin laugh with them.
****
When the dishes were clean and the house chores complete, Varian and Quirin showed Adira around the farm. Which the face painted warrior enjoyed as she watched the farmers and stable hands take care of the crops and horses. She even started helping when Varian and Quirin began to feed the pigs and do a bit of farm work themselves. With the three of them combined, the work got done much faster, leaving enough time for Varian to show Adira his alchemy lab and latest projects he was working on after they finished lunch.
"This one is still in progress!" the tiny alchemist stated excitedly, "it's an early warning system, if the S-Seporians", Adira caught that little stutter, but decided she'd ask Quirin about it later, "or anyone else try to attack Corona, this baby will be able to warn everyone! All you'd have to do is input this chemical", he lifted up a glowing, green beaker, "just a drop though, if you add too much of it, this thing will shoot so high we'll end up warning another kingdom!"
The face painted warrior nodded, "you are quite the inventor!"
"T-thanks!" Varian blushed.
"Do you have a name for it yet?" She asked, looking over the schematics for the machine.
The alchemist shook his head, "unfortunately no.... I-I'm not very good with names, heck", he lifted the glowing, green beaker again, "I called this "Flynnolium" because Eugene happened to be there and he used to be known as "Flynn Rider"". he admitted, albeit a little timidly. "I think the only good name I came up with was Ruddigar", he stated, gesturing to the sleeping racoon, who was curled up on one of Varian's old apron, "b-but I only came up with that because my dad said it was what he and my mom debated when they were going to have me".
Quirin, who was standing near the door way, away from the black rocks and melted amber, chuckled, "let it be known that puppy dog eyes and a trembling lip from a red headed, blue eyed, freckle faced girl were used as a, surprisingly effective, weapon at 3 O' clock in the morning", he stated before including, "and are also highly unfair!"
Varian laughed as Adira smirked, "so what you're saying is, you lost", she stated, making Varian laugh even harder.
Quirin blushed, "only a little", scoffing he added, "he is a boy after all, so I still won".
Adira laughed now as Varian clutched his sides with tears rolling down his face.
"D-dad I c-can't w-with you!" he said between his giggles.
Once the laughing had died down, Varian and Adira cleared their throats, "*ahem* so anyway" the alchemist continued, "yeah, I can't name things really well, if you have a clever idea of what to name it, please be my guest!"
Adira thought for a moment or two, then gasped, "what if you named it "The Rooster"!"
"The Rooster?" Quirin questioned, coming a little closer towards the two, "does it look like a rooster?"
"No! But that's not what I'm basing it off of", Adira stated.
"First time for everything", Quirin chuckled, making Adira roll her eyes.
"What I mean is, it acts like a rooster would. Once the clock hits a certain time a rooster crows correct?" Varian nodded, "well it's kinda of the same concept here, except instead of warning you about early mornings, it warns you about early attacks!" Adira explained.
The alchemist smiled, "I like that! It's clever, funny, and it explains the entire system!" he smiled as he wrote down, "The Rooster" at the top of the page. "Thanks Adira! That's perfect!"
Quirin smirked, "I'm glad you two are getting along", he then scoffed, "the Rooster, I'm not going to get over that".
"Oh you're just upset because you didn't come up with it first", Adira stated.
Quirin raised a brow, "I would've thought "The Alarm Clock" would've been better".
Varian giggled, "next invention I make, I'll name "Alarm Clock", fair?"
Quirin chuckled, "you don't have to do that, I'm just teasing".
"Sure you are" Adira snarked, making Varian giggle again.
The alchemist then smirked, "it's a sad day in Corona when I'm the mature one", he giggled once more at the faces he received from both his father and his aunt, "what? I can't tease?"
"Nope" Quirin stated, recovering first, "and now you don't get any apple pie".
"Wha-! Hey!"
"I think that seems perfectly fair!" Adira agreed, smirking a bit.
"Wait! But, hold on now!" Varian started, before Quirin and Adira starting cracking up.
"Gotcha!" They stated in sync, making Varian scoff a bit before joining them.
****
They stayed in the lab for a couple more hours before Quirin decided it was time they go and eat some dinner. Walking out of the lab, the retired knight split off from their little group to get dinner started, giving them a, "no no, I can handle dinner, you two should talk more, get to know each other". They had began chatting and sat in the living room while waiting for the meal to be completed.
".....so you built automatons? By yourself?!"
"Yep!" Varian stated, "I d-didn't exactly use them for a good cause, but I did build them myself, they were pretty cool!"
Adira put her hand on her chin in thought, "you didn't use them for a good cause?" she asked, her brow raising a bit in confusion.
Varian winced at the realization of what he'd just said, "uh.... y-yeah I d-didn't use t-them for a good cause, b-but I'm not like t-that anymore s-so I-!"
"So that was you then", she interrupted, "when the whole commotion with the black rocks was going on, that was you who the princess was fighting".
Varian started to panic, he'd just met this women, and already she was finding out about what he'd done, he didn't want her to hate him, or worse, he didn't want her to look down on his father because she'll think that's how he raised him to be. His mind started to race, the thoughts were flowing way too fast in his head, he heard a distant chitter, and felt something tap his cheek, but he didn't quite comprehend it, that is until he he saw his father's face, looking at him with worry in his eyes.
"Varian!" Quirin shouted, his son winced at the sound before blinking a couple of times. "Hey, are you okay?" Varian looked at his dad for a moment or two, before shaking his head, trying to get the nasty thoughts out of it. When he felt them finally start to quiet down he looked at his father again, his face was a little less blurry now.
"I-I'm okay...." he stuttered, his voice was quiet, "s-sorry...." he looked over his dad's shoulder to see that Adira had stood up, her face was unreadable. He felt his stomach drop when she sat down next to him, closing his eyes as he waited for her to scold him for what he did to her brother, Rapunzel, and all of Corona.
"I'm sorry".
Varian blinked and looked at Adira, she was looking straight into his eyes, worry and concern flickering through them, "W-what?"
"I'm sorry", she said again, her tone was very soft, "I didn't realize it was.... difficult to talk about that", she scoffed then turned away, "though I probably should've figured it would be, considering that isn't exactly something anyone would wish to remember, but I..." she looked at Varian again, "I didn't realize it was so.... bad".
Varian tilted his head to the side, "what d-do you mean?"
"Varian, you're crying" Quirin pointed out.
Varian looked at his father, then touched his cheek, sure enough, when he pulled it away there was a little drop of wet seeping through his glove, "oh..."
Adira gave her nephew a sympathetic look, she had seen the fight take place, she saw how angry the person attacking was, but she hadn't put two and two together. She wanted to asked what happened, but was worried it would cause even more.... issues....
Ruddigar chittered again, nuzzling his boy, Varian scratched him behind his ear, "t-thanks buddy", he smiled when his racoon purred with delight before looking at his father, "he.... he gave me an alert".
"I know, Adira got me just in time to see him", Quirin stated, "are you feeling alright? Do you need to lay down at all?"
"No no, I'm okay now, j-just a little embarrassed if I'm being honest", he blushed.
"You have nothing to be embarrassed about Speckles", Adira smiled, receiving a small chuckle from her nephew, "our brother Hector knows all about service animals, he's taught me a great deal about them too!" She stated, happily changing the subject, "though I've never seen a racoon be one before, bear cats and rhino's, yes, racoon, no".
Varian looked a little startled by that, looking at his dad he mouthed, "rhino?", making the man chuckle, "it's true", he confirmed, before grabbing a couple of tissues and wiped Varian's face with them, gently getting rid of the extra tears that had fallen.
The alchemist blushed, "I-I can do that you know".
"I know, but you weren't, so I am", his father stated, making Varian blush harder.
Adira smiled at the duo, she didn't know when, but her brother had become a lot less strict and much more understanding. Not that he wasn't understanding before, but he wasn't as calm as he is now. She liked that, though, she looked at Varian, she was deeply concerned with what her nephew went through, but she'll have wait until later to ask.
****
A couple more hours passed, the three of them had dinner, which Ruddigar had given his boy an all clear tap on his cheek during. They talked for a little bit longer, before Quirin had gotten Varian off to bed. The alchemist had grumbled, wanting to stay up a little longer, but his father had noticed the way he was yawning and how low his eyelids had sunk, so he told him the faster he went to bed, the faster the morning would come, and he would be able to see his aunt again and talk with her. It didn't motivate him as much as Quirin would've liked, but Varian had gotten up and said goodnight, heading straight to his room, Ruddigar making sure he did much to the alchemist's chagrin.
When they were certain Varian was asleep, Adira sat closer to her brother, talking in a low tone so as not to wake the boy, "so.... wanna tell me what happened to him and why he has PTSD of some sort?"
"Blunt as always, huh?"
She huffed, giving him a look that told him she wasn't in the mood for jokes, "I just watched that boy panic at the mere mention of that attack, he looked so scared you would think his life was ending, what the hell happened to my nephew?!"
Quirin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and taking a deep breath before turning to look at her, "look Adira, he's gone through a lot, and he's still dealing with the consequences of what he's done and what people have done to him", he then glared at her, "so whatever you're planning on doing to "fix" this, don't", he locked eyes with his sister, "he's been through enough".
Adira shook her head, "I'm not planning on doing anything... yet, for now, I just want to know what happened", she replied, before adding, "and since when do you get to tell me not to do something?"
"Since it would affect my son, whatever you'd end up doing".
Adira paused at that, though she hated to admit it, he had a point. That fight involved not just her nephew, but the king, queen, citizens, and her brother as well. If she did do anything, it would have to be careful and cunning.... and not break any laws, which meant it would be a lot less fun, but she could handle that.
"If I promise not to do anything that would directly affect him or you, would you tell me then?" She asked.
Quirin raised a brow at her, clearly unconvinced that she would follow through with that promise.
"Give me a little credit, I'm not completely unreliable when it comes to these things", she stated, "and besides", she showed him a scar she'd received a long time ago on the bottom of her left forearm. It was faded, but there, a long, straight cut, "you should know by now, that I keep my promises".
He stared at the scar for a long time, memories flickering in and out of his eyes as he remembered how she'd gotten it, "fine", he finally said, snapping out of the moment, "I'll tell you what he and the princess told me", he then gave her a very serious look, "but if you want to keep seeing him, you'll let me take care of him and what he went through, or else", he locked her with a look that spoke volumes of his intent.
She looked him straight in the eyes, giving him an equally serious look, "you have my word, I won't do anything irrational, if you'd like I can even run, whatever I plan to do, by you first".
They stayed that way for a moment before Quirin sighed, "alright, I'm trusting you Adira", he stated, his eyes filled to the brim with worry and concern, pleading with her to listen, just this once. When she nodded, he began to tell her the tale. It was long, sad, and filled with betrayal and anger. Adira was shocked, it made her even angrier when she thought about the happy go lucky attitude the princess and her friends had during their brief encounters on the road. She also was *very* upset with short hair, who, out of all of them, should have never done what she did after the way she'd fought her nephew.
When he was done, Adira was silent. The retired knight watched her face, looking for any signs of emotion or physical reaction that would wake up his boy. When she didn't move for a full two minutes, Quirin started getting a little worried, poking her a little. Adira blinked, her thoughts leaving her for the moment, she looked at her brother, worry etched on his old features, he looked so tired. She noted the bags under his eyes, how weary his eyes looked when before they had looked so new and full of spark. She had really missed a lot, but that was going to change.
She placed a hand on his shoulder, looking at him with all the empathy she could muster, "I'm so sorry he went through that...." he exhaled, letting out a breath that neither knew he was holding, "they locked him away.... left him there to rot.... they just.... forgot about him, and with what happened to him, how they just abandoned him like that.... the things they did on their journey, Quirin I watched them, they sang songs! They laughed and joked, even when I mentioned you, the only one who showed any remorse was the Sundrop, and it was only for a second!" She felt the tears stinging her face, though she tried to shove them down quickly, "how.... why.... They didn't even mention him to me..... I knew he was your son, I said his name in fact! But...." She trailed off, flashes of her nephew rotting in a cell while some asshole made him feel like he was the only friend he had left.... It made her blood boil.
"Adira"
She looked at Quirin, he was frowning deeply, his own tears threatening to fall, right, he was her brother's son, if this affected her this much, Demanitus only knows how hard Quirin was taking it. She shook her head, "sorry", she added.
"It's okay", he smiled at her, "I guess this means he stole your heart too huh?"
She chuckled, "it's the eyes. Those big, blue orbs could melt a glacier if he just stared at it long enough".
Quirin laughed, "you're right, they really could!"
Adira smiled, she loved her little nephew, he was smart and clever! He'd shown her how much time and effort he'd spent trying to help the kingdom that hurt him so much! She really couldn't believe how abandoned and unloved he'd felt. Oh sure, his actions were definitely not the best. Hell she was surprised that fool king hadn't tried to kill him, but that didn't matter now, what did matter is that she loved him. She'd decided right then and there that she would make sure he never felt that abandoned and unloved again.
"Do you mind if I tell Hector?" She asked, "I'll make sure to let him know not to do anything rash, and if he tries, I'll stop him myself", she stated before Quirin could protest, "but he needs to know, otherwise he'll be even angrier while he's here".
Quirin thought about it, then nodded, "fine, just make sure to tell him not to mention it to Varian", he said, before adding, "unless he brings it up".
Adira nodded, smiling as she said, "I promise".
****
Varian was waving goodbye to his aunt, he'd woken up early that day, excited to get to talk to her again. They had a great conversation over breakfast, they discussed his inventions, books, and she'd even given him some new ideas to try out! But she did have to go at some point. Something about seeing a wild child at the great tree. Varian didn't really know what she meant, but she made a point to say he should look out for more surprise visits. Which made him excited!
Quirin watched his sister leave, smiling at her, they had restocked her supplies for the road. He'd also handed her a letter, asking her to give to the king it explained everything that had happened, and how happy he was to hear their old king was doing better since he'd left. It also was an invitation, Quirin had written that King Edmund was more than welcome to stop by for a visit any time! Which surprised Adira a little, but she smiled either way, sticking the note in her pocket for safe keeping.
Adira was waving back at Varian as she began to walk away, happy to see him doing much better today. He had a long road ahead of him. The path of redemption is a hard battle, but she believed in him, something she hadn't done in a very long time. He is a very strong child. She was certain he would be more than capable of handling anything this world throws at him. Especially when he's got an aunt like her on his side. Smirking at that thought, she turned, waving for the last time before starting on her long trek back to the dark kingdom.
Notes:
Hee hee!!!! I love Adira and I'm going to get a Hector and Edmund story in here soon!
Also yes, that is how I legitimately feel about what they did to Varian. This poor bean went through so freaking much, and yet what do they do?! Sing songs, joke around, that made me very upset, mind you, Varian was in the wrong, bit still!!!!!!! Jail time?! He's 14!!!!!!!
Sorry, rant over, hope you enjoyed!!!! :D
Chapter 7: Guy's Night!
Summary:
Lance and Eugene decide that they need a guy's night, and who better to invite but a tiny alchemist! But what happens when their grand adventure goes downhill? Stay tuned and find out!!!!
Notes:
Ok, so I wanted to do a guy's night because I think it's adorable for Team Awesome (plus Lance) to have some misadventures together!!!! So I plan on this being a thing throughout this series! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hey sleepyhead!"
"Mmph".
"Still not a morning person huh?" Quirin sighed, "some things never change". He placed a plate of food in front of his son. Varian wasn't always this grumpy, but he guessed last night was a little rough.
The alchemist rubbed his eyes as he spied the sausage and toast, the smell prompting his hand to pick up the food his stomach was nagging at him to eat. "Thank you", he said, taking a bite out of the toast.
"You're welcome", his father replied.
After a couple minutes of calm, serene silence, Varian finally spoke, "what kind of dark magic do you possess to makes you this perky in the morning", he asked.
Quirin just chuckled, "it's a magical elixir I whip up every morning called "coffee", and it's for people who are 18 years or older", he smirked, ruffling his son's head, "so it'll be a couple years before you get to have any of this".
Varian just mumbled, trying to come up with different ways he could try to make the elixir himself in his lab before he received a knowing look from his father and dropped the idea entirely, "kill joy".
Quirin laughed before returning to his breakfast, he loved his grumpy son!
****
They finished their meals and cleaned up, they didn't need to do much considering they did all the house chores while Adira was here. She wanted to see them, "in action", so they cleaned a little extra that day. It meant they had less to do in the morning, but it also meant that Varian had enough time to help his father in the fields. He wasn't exactly keen on doing any garden work, and was desperately hoping something would come by and take him away from the farm. His wishes came true about a minute later when he saw two very familiar people walking up to the farm on Max and Fidella.
"Eugene! Lance!" Varian perked up immediately when he saw the two men hopping off the horses and walk over to him, "what are you doing here?"
"Came to save you apparently", Lance said as he pointed to the garden hoe Varian had in his hand, "we're goin out tonight!"
Eugene nodded, "that's right! You, me, and Lance are having a guys night!" He announced, "even thought it's starts right now! We're gonna pal around and hang out, just us guys! You in?"
"YES!" Varian shouted, dropping the tool in his excitement, "whoops!" he said, smiling sheepishly as he went to pick up the tool.
"What's going on over here?" came a voice that startled all three of them, making Varian drop the garden hoe again.
Quirin picked it up, leaning it against the fence as he looked at the two visitors, "oh hi! Eugene and Lance right?"
The two men nodded, smiling, "good to see you again Quirin, we have a proposition for you", Eugene replied, smirking.
The farmer raised a brow, "oh really?"
"Why yes!" Lance stated, "it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to have your kid, yes the one with the goggles standing right there in front of you", he gestured dramatically towards Varian who began blushing, "a glorious and momentous memory that'll last him a lifetime and then some!"
Quirin looked at Varian, his son blushing even more as he gave a shy, "hello" with a wave.
"Hi", his father replied, waving back before tuning back to the two men, "momentous memory?"
"Yes sir!" Lance continue, "it's a heart stopping, ear popping, bubble gum chewing, friendship renewing, knee slappin, freckle face laughin experience he won't have with ANYONE else!"
Quirin laughed, "freckle face laughin! I can't!" He laughed for a little longer before wiping a tear away from his face, "just tell me what you'd like"
Lance took a breath, "Ah! In a normal way if you don't mind" he chuckled, "I don't think I can take anymore "Announcer Lance" thank you!"
Clearing his throat Lance exhaled, "I got you!" he said, giving Quirin finger guns and a wink.
Eugene stepped up and, placing an "I am so sorry", hand on the, extremely red alchemist's shoulder, who had completely hidden his face in his hands, replied, "we want to take Varian out for a safe and fun guy's night".
"Guy's night?" the farmer asked, smirking a little at his son who peeked out from behind his hands to see what was happening.
Eugene nodded, "we were just gonna explore the town a little, go out to eat, play some games, you know, have a fun time!" He explained, "we won't take him anywhere dangerous or scary, heck we won't even take him out of Corona", he smiled at Varian, who had recovered from "Announcer Lance", and was watching the interaction. "If he gets overwhelmed, we'll take him straight home and inform you of what's going on, I'll take full responsibility for his safety too!"
Lance wrapped his arm around Varian's shoulders, "we both will!" he stated, giving the alchemist a "we've got this" smile, which he returned.
Quirin thought about it for a moment, it would be good for Varian to get out of the house for a little bit, plus these two kept the prince- Rapunzel safe. Looking at his son, there was small twang of hope in his big, blue eyes, something Quirin hadn't seen in a long while, "....alright, he can go".
"YES!!!!!" Lance said, pumping his fist in the air.
"Hold on Lance", Eugene said, he turned to the farmer, eyeing him suspiciously, "what's the catch".
Quirin smiled, he liked this man, "only catch is that he has to take Ruddigar with him and be home by 9pm"
"12am" Varian debated, Quirin raised a brow, "I'm 15 dad, can't I stay out longer than that?"
His father thought about it, he looked at the two men, who had their hands in a pleading gesture, "fine, but not 12am, that's way too late".
"11:30pm?" Varian suggested, his puppy dog eyes were at full power.
Quirin chuckled, "how about we say 11pm on the dot, not more, no less, deal?" he reached his hand out towards his son. Varian thought about it for a moment, "going once" Quirin said, Varian hesitated, "going twice!"
"ok ok!" He took his father's hand, "11pm on the dot, no more no less!" he stated as they shook.
Quirin nodded, "good", then he pulled his son into a hug, "have a great time son, I love you!"
Varian returned the hug smiling, "I love you too dad!"
They were interrupted by a loud sniffle, turning towards the noise, they saw Lance blowing his nose on a handkerchief, tears welling up in his eyes, "that was so cute!"
Varian and Quirin both blushed a little as Eugene chuckled.
****
Giving one last wave to his dad, Varian turned towards the town, he, along with Ruddigar who was atop his shoulders, was riding his black horse, Willow, she had one white, heart shaped splotch on her chest and her eyes were emerald green. She's a very protective horse, especially when it comes to Varian, so Quirin thought it would be perfect to have Willow go with him.
Eugene, Varian, and Lance were ecstatic, but they kept their emotions in check until they were well out of sight of the farm and the retired knight before giving a bunch of "yahoos" and "yes's", Max, Fidella, Ruddigar, and Willow all smirking.
After they were done, they started chatting animatedly about what they were going to do, "aw you're gonna love it little man!" Lance was saying, "Attila has *really* improved on his recipe, and just wait until you've tried the best sushi in the world~!" he stated, looking a little misty eyed just thinking about it.
"Lance is right hairstripe! This is going to be the best guy's night yet!" Eugene agreed, making a point to warn the alchemist of a large bump in the dirt, "trust me you do not want your horse to run into that! You could break your arm, it's not pleasant", he stated, before continuing with their previous conversation, "anyway, you're gonna have so much fun you'll wish it'd never end!"
"You think so?" Varian asked, "even with all the townsfolk still being mad at me?" The two men stopped talking and looked at their companion, who was looking a little nervous. "Oh sorry!" he quickly added, "I didn't mean to kill the mood! It's just", he stopped, taking a deep breath, "last time I went into town, it didn't exactly go perfectly... I had a good time, but Feldspar and some of the other citizens were staring and.... even said some things". He remembered the cobbler's words clear as day, *want me to go digging in the mines again? Well it ain't happening! I'm not afraid of you anymore squirt!* He flinched, he knows the cobbler gave him the shoes, he was grateful for that, but it had been an eye opener that day. Varian hated to admit it, but, the words had gotten to him. He didn't let his dad know, how could he?! The man had just literally gotten out of the amber that *he* put him in! There was no way Varian would tell him how those words affected him, no way.
"Kid?"
"Huh?" Varian snapped out of his thoughts, Willow had stopped trotting, Max and Fidella had as well. Ruddigar was chirruping at him, petting his cheek in an attempt to comfort him. "Darn it!" he snapped, "I did it again, ugh...." he looked at Lance and Eugene, both had looks of concern on their faces, "sorry... sometimes my mind just zones me out, I c-can't really help it...."
Lance put a hand to his mouth, realization hitting him hard. Eugene gave Varian a sympathetic look before getting off Max. He went over to the alchemist and placed a hand on his, "hey, no need to apologize kiddo", he smiled up at the boy, "we just didn't realize how all this affected you, sorry about that". He squeezed Varian's hand, "look, we're gonna go out and have a great time, all of us together!" He declared.
"Yeah!" Lance agreed, "and if anyone says anything nasty, we'll be there to stop 'em!" he stated determinedly.
Varian chuckled, "you sound like my dad", he smiled, "that's almost exactly what he said".
"Guess that means you know we're not lying ey pal", Eugene stated.
Varian looked at Eugene, this man, who had been his childhood hero since he was in diapers, was now comforting him and calling him a pal, it helped, a lot more than Varian would ever be able to tell them, "thank you, both of you!" he said.
They nodded, Eugene letting go of his hand before going back to Max, hopping on as he got himself settled, then said, "well then, shall we go?"
Varian and Lance both gave a resounding, "yes!" Before the three of them headed off.
****
They had stopped at a few shops along the way to the Monty's. Varian had a little extra money from the tips he'd made on his apple deliveries, so he was able to pick a few items. Namely some chemicals they sold at the market place and a new dagger from Xavier's, it was a present for his dad for letting him go. Thanking the blacksmith, Varian couldn't help but wonder why Xavier seemed perfectly fine with him while the rest of the town still gave him weary looks and whispered as he passed by. When he asked, the blacksmith just chuckled, "I have seen many attacks in this kingdom, I've seen many criminals come and go, but I have only seen two criminal's come and change for the better", he gestured to Eugene and Lance, who were both looking at a jewelry shop, Eugene for Rapunzel, and Lance for a new earring to impress Adira. "I've learned to be a little more understanding about certain situations, including yours", he stated, "your father was trapped, and no one was willing to help you, and while I may not agree with your methods, I understand your anger and see that you are trying to fix it". Varian was shocked, but smiled happily, tears welling up a bit in his eyes, "plus your father has always been very good to me, he's a good man, and he raised a good son, of this, I am certain".
"Thank you Xavier!" Varian sniffled, "you d-don't know how much that means to me".
"You are very welcome Varian, try not to let the naysayers get to you, if you are really wanting to change, they will see it too, trust me", the blacksmith stated, before giving the alchemist a reassuring pat on his shoulder.
Varian said goodbye, then walked over to Eugene and Lance, both of which seemed to be arguing.
"Lance just pick a dang earring!"
"Would you hold your horses!" they both heard a disgruntled neigh from behind them, "no offense", he said to the horses.
"Lance, buddy, an earring in not going to impress that lady, she is from the dark kingdom!" Eugene went on to say, "honestly I don't think anything impresses them!"
"Aren't you from the dark kingdom, Prince Eugene", Lance bowed mockingly.
"Will you stop that?!" Eugene asked incredulously.
"You know what? I just realized that Quirin may have even seen you as a baby!" Lance continued, "Oh! Maybe even held you!"
Eugene blushed profusely, "he doesn't know! So stop talking about it please!"
"Wait you're a prince?" Varian asked, shocked by this revelation.
"What? No! I'm not a prince, what are you talking about, I'm just a normal guy, doing normal, not prince like things, in this lovely kingdom!" Eugene lied, "man the stuff these kids come up with huh? I mean come on!" He looked towards Max, who just stared at him, bored expression on him face as he lifted a brow.
"Once, just *once* Max, could you just be with on something for *once*!" He snapped.
"....So you are a prince, and the prince of the dark kingdom, meaning the same kingdom my dad is from?" Varian stated bluntly.
Lance laughed as Eugene blushed even more, "catches on quick doesn't he?" he teased, picking up another earring.
Eugene sighed, "look kid, please, don't tell your dad".
"Why?" Varian raised a brow, "wouldn't he want to know? I mean, you're kinda next in line to be the ruler of an entire kingdom, isn't there a sort of.... official training you're supposed to go through?"
Lance stopped and looked at Varian, "you know what, you're kinda right!" he said, "didn't even think about that".
Eugene shook his head, "look that's all fine and dandy, but I don't want to rule a kingdom! Alright? I just want to be a normal, everyday, run of the mill schmuck!"
"Who is currently in love with, and wants to marry, a princess of another kingdom", Varian replied, "this one, to be exact".
Lance laughed again as Eugene blushed even harder, "t-that's different! Rapunzel knows how to handle this kingdom!"
"But you'll have to help her, she can't just do it on her own", Varian tilted his head to the side, "is there something else going on here Eugene? Because none of what you're saying is adding up."
"Yes! Everything is fine! I just.... don't want to think about all that right now...." Eugene got quiet, Lance and Varian shared a worried glance before Lance sighed.
Setting the earring down he said, "alright, how about we go somewhere a little quieter and chat yeah?" He thanked the jeweler, who nodded in understanding, then took Eugene's arm and led him away from the crowds of people with Varian following.
****
They got to the pier and sat down, the sun was beginning to dip into the horizon, none of them realized they'd been out this long. They weren't worried about it though, they both focused on Eugene, who had become strangely quiet.
After a few moments, Lance piped up, "so uh... what's up?"
Eugene chuckled, "what's up?" he repeated sarcastically.
"Hey I'm trying here!" Lance argued, huffing a bit, "you aren't sayin anything!"
Eugene sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "right, sorry.... Just, thinking".
"About what?" Varian inquired, sitting on Eugene's left as Lance took his right.
"About if I'm even good enough to *be* a prince, let alone a king!" The former thief sighed, "I had nothing before, no name, no home, very few belongings, I was no one, and now I'm suddenly this big deal!" He replied, his voice wavering a little, "I know that one day I'll become king, one day, when I marry Rapunzel, I'll become the prince of this kingdom and I'll have to train for it and handle it, just like Rapunzel does now." He looked down into the water, his reflection showing his worry and it made him turn away. "....I was never important before now, I was never someone who people relied on, tch! In fact, I was the one they avoided because I wasn't trustworthy enough to *be* relied on!" His words became angry, but he calmed down before he continued, "now everyone wants to lean on me, and I don't mind at all, I really don't! I'm more than willing to lend a hand it's just...." He stopped, he was starting to shake at the weight of his next words, he looked at his two friends. Both were looking at him, their expressions unreadable at first, he looked away in shame, he couldn't continue.
He then felt a small hand touch his shoulder, looking over he saw Varian, the small alchemist was smiling at him, "hard?" he asked softly. His eyes showed understanding, it made Eugene feel warm as he nodded. "I get it, more than you know..." Varian squeezed Eugene's shoulder a little more before sighing, "my dad is the village leader, and one day, I'm going to have to become one too... It's kinda like being a prince or princess, just for a lot less people, but that doesn't mean it isn't difficult or hard...." Eugene and Lance watched the alchemist as he looked up into the sky, smiling sadly, "I don't want to be the Village Leader, I love alchemy! Making new things out of old ones, inventing brand new chemicals that could help people! That's my kind of work, but...." he looked at Eugene, "one day I'll have to step into the roll as a Village Leader, t-that's why I wanted to bring the people of Corona hot running water! Or get rid of the black rocks so badly, that's what a Village Leader is supposed to do!" He smirked, "I watch my dad, and I see him helping everyone out! They all respect him and love him almost as much as I do!" He stated, before adding, "almost". Which made Eugene and Lance chuckle. "I love him and I love what he does, but I won't lie, becoming the Village Leader, running the town, knowing how to solve every problem?! It scares me to death!" Varian shuddered, "I'm kinda in the same boat as you, just... less lanterns.... and no singing about how much we love each other because bleh", Eugene laughed at that, blushing. Varian smirked, looking at his two friends, "look getting responsibility is hard, especially when you don't believe you're the one people should look up to...." his eyes filled with tears at that, he swiped them away before they could fall, "but, if it helps any, I believe in you Eugene! I believe you'll be the best king Corona has ever seen!" He gave a mischievous smile, "I mean, you just have to be better than the king before you, and I *definitely* believe you are much more suited to the thrown than that guy", he blushed, "but maybe that's just me and my evil bias".
Lance laughed while Eugene elbowed Varian a little, "you're a brat", he joked as Varian giggled.
"That's what my dad says!"
"He's right!" Eugene stated, ruffling Varian's hair while smirking, "turd", he smiled, before adding, "Thanks hairstripe".
"No problem Fish Skin", The alchemist replied, making Lance laugh even harder as Eugene blushed again.
"That's a compliment!"
"More or less", Varian stated, Eugene elbowed his arm again, making the alchemist laugh.
****
It was a couple hours later, the three men had started making their way back home when Lance looked at a watch he'd.... borrowed.... and made a squeaking noise.
"Was.... was that a mouse?" Varian asked, he wasn't afraid of mice, but one being out here this late would be an interesting find, it may be something to tell his dad about when he got home!
Eugene smirked, "no that was Lance's "I'm very scared right now but don't want to say anything" squeak", Varian giggled as Eugene looked at Lance, "what's wrong? Is it a spider?"
"N-nope."
"Then what's up? You look like you're going to die in about two seconds", Eugene asked.
"Oh it's nothing! I'm definitely not makin that noise because we blew past 11pm and are now 10 minutes late getting Varian back home!" He replied.
Varian's face was paler than the moon as Eugene cursed under his breath, both of them looked at each other, all three of them thinking the same thing...
*That man is going to kill us!*
****
They were racing back to Varian's home, Ruddigar was clinging to his boy's shirt as if his life depended on it, which it kind of did if their speed was anything to go by. The trees were blurs as they ran by, rocks and gravel crushed under their horses hooves. All three of them were *begging* the clock to slow down just a smidge, maybe they could just say they lost track of time, or they were caught up in a game! That might work right?....
In their rush to get Varian home, the two former thieves didn't notice the bump Eugene had pointed out before until they saw the alchemist's horse trip badly and land on the gravel road, Varian landing a couple feet nearby with a very nasty thud. Both men jumped off their rides, not even waiting until they had fully stopped, Lance ran over to Varian as Eugene checked on his horse. Willow seemed to be okay, if a little shaken up, but she was able to stand just fine, he was relieved until he heard a yelp.
Eugene turned in the direction the sound had come from, only for his heart to jump into his chest, Varian was limping, badly, he was holding his left arm with his right, he had a nasty scrape on his right cheek, and he couldn't seem to get more than two steps before yelping again and falling over. Eugene booked it to the boy's side, Lance was right next to him, trying to find some way to help the kid without hurting him more.
Varian, for his part, was trying very hard not to cry or panic, his brain was in shock, his heart was beating way too fast, Ruddigar had already given him his first alert. He was trying to calm down but the pain that shot through his arm and leg were unbearable. As he kept taking deep breaths, Varian tried to focus on getting back on Willow, he didn't want Eugene or Lance to feel his father's wrath.
"Kid, stop, let me help you", Lance pleaded, trying desperately to get ahold of Varian, only to be flinched away from, a pained smile being the alchemist's only response. Lance realized what he was doing and sighed, "Varian, I don't care if your dad gets angry with us, you're hurt." He stated, grabbing the boy and lifting him up, "I am not gonna let a big man with a scary temper stop me from helping my friend!" With that, he rearranged the alchemist so that he was braced against his chest, Lance giving Varian's leg and arm as much support as possibly could while Eugene made two makeshift braces and wrapped them around the injured limbs.
When that was done, the two former thieves decided that riding would not be a good idea, opting to walk instead. Varian was being carried in Lance's arms while Eugene made sure Ruddigar didn't try climbing into his boy's arms. The racoon was determined to get to Varian, scratching and snapping at Eugene, in fact, the former thief was having such a hard time with the little creature that he was distracted. Fighting with the racoon proved to be difficult, so much so that he didn't notice the man standing a couple feet away until he'd bumped into him.
"Whoops! Sorry, got a little distracted", he gave Ruddigar a glare, but noticed the racoon's attention was no longer on him, in fact, the animal seemed very nervous about something. Turning to the person he'd just bumped into Eugene could now see why.
"You're late." Quirin growled.
****
The walk back to the stone building was extremely quiet. Varian was now being held by his father, who hadn't said a word upon seeing his son's condition other than, "follow me." Eugene and Lance were right behind him, one look at the Village Leader's face told them they did not want question his order. Though they did stay a couple feet behind him. After what seemed like an eternity to the two former thieves, they finally got back to house. Walking in after they had put the horses in the stables for the night.
Quirin was completely silent, setting Varian down in an arm chair, the retired knight told Eugene and Lance to sit while he got the medical supplies. None of them spoke, none of them were happy about their situation, except for the racoon who finally managed to crawl into the alchemist's embrace. After another eternity had passed, Quirin returned to the living room, first aid in hand, the fireplace next to the arm chair was already lit, bathing the room in an unfittingly warm glow, it looked like it had been lit for a while, the fact that the man had left his house with a fire like that made Eugene and Lance feel even worse. He must've been so worried about his boy....
Their thoughts were broken when they heard Varian whimper, looking at the boy they saw his dad cleaning the cut on his cheek. The medicine he was using ended up stinging. The silence was unbearable at this point, but seeing the pained expression on his buddy's face, Eugene got up and walked over the the pair. Grabbing some bandages he set to work on Varian's leg, it seemed like it was just a sprain, a bad one, but it was something he could treat. He starting wrapping the bandages around the alchemist's ankle, Lance ended up joining him a moment later. They were both trying incredibly hard not to touch the injury. After it was wrapped, Eugene grabbed the pins while Lance kept the bandages in place. As he grabbed them however, he noticed the farmer watching him. Their eyes met, and for a heart stopping moment, Eugene thought the man might throw him into a wall! Until he watched Quirin sigh and turn back to his son, Eugene letting out his own breath before grabbing the pins and securing the bandages.
Even more time passed as they all worked on healing Varian, who had been giving small whimpers and yelps during the process. He'd gotten a lot more scratched up than either of the former thieves had seen previously, which made them feel even worse. They also managed to set the bone in his arm, which was definitely not an easy task, but Quirin knew what he was doing, he had Eugene hold Varian down while Lance held his hand, and, with a little effort, and Varian biting hard on his glove to try to not scream, they managed to set it back in place and wrap it up.
"You'll need a doctor to take a look at it tomorrow, but that should hold it for now", the retired knight stated, he then looked at his son's face. The alchemist was trying so hard not to cry, and he'd succeeded thus far. But there were a couple of tears that had betrayed his fight, and, seeing that, Quirin's anger subsided. He scooped up his child and held him close to his chest, the motion breaking his son's resilience as he wept into his dad's vest. Eugene and Lance came over to the father and son and rubbed Varian's back and shoulder. Once the alchemist's crying had weakened into sniffles and hiccups, Quirin sat down in the arm chair, Eugene and Lance following suit, sitting on the couch nearby. They waited until Varian was completely calm before either of them spoke.
"Quirin, we are so sorry..." Eugene stated softly, "we never meant to be late, and when we saw the time, we rushed back here so fast that...." his sentence died as he looked at the tiny child who was now curled into a ball in Quirin's arms.
"We *never* meant for this to happen!" Lance continued, "we were just so excited for Varian to come with us that we didn't watch the time carefully enough, and when we found out how late it was....." he couldn't finish his sentence either, his heart breaking at the memory of Varian trying desperately to walk on his own, realizing he was doing that to protect them.
The room fell silent again, neither of them knowing what to say next.
"I b-broke my p-promise....." came a small voice, all three men looked at the alchemist, he was looking at his dad, shame and regret filling his eyes like the tears he was forming, "I b-broke my promise.... a-and t-then I broke m-my arm..... and s-sprained m-my ankle..... I-I'm so sorry..... I d-didn't mean t-to.... you m-must've b-been really worried a-and I...." Varian felt horrible, he couldn't look at father anymore, and instead looked at Ruddigar, who was nuzzling his face, trying to get the tears off his boy's face.
Quirin took a deep breath, then let it go. He let another moment of silence pass between the four of them, then finally spoke, "yes, you did", he stated, Varian flinched, but felt a hand cup his chin as his vision was guided back at his father, "but I think you've suffered enough for one day", he added, smiling softly at his son. "I'm not going to lie, I was very worried about you, all of you actually", he looked at Eugene and Lance, who were startled, but they didn't interrupt, "I thought something happened to all of you, thugs, kidnappers, a wild animal. I was extremely worried for your well beings". He watched the two former thieves hang their heads in shame before adding, "but that was before I saw you two holding my son".
They looked up, surprise lighting up their eyes, "you were holding him in a way that made it less painful for him, and instead of hiding what happened, you told me the truth. That, to me, speaks volumes about you two, it shows you're brave, loyal, and courteous of my son's needs". He chuckled a bit, "holding off Ruddigar is not an easy feat, let me tell you". Eugene gave an extremely annoyed "humph!" towards the racoon, who chittered out a laugh in response. "Look I may not be happy that all of you were late, and I am definitely not happy about my son being injured", Quirin continued, "but I am happy you got him back to me, safe and sound, and I am very happy", he looked at Varian again, "that you were so brave during that entire situation, you didn't squirm, move, barley flinched, and you even looked me in the eye and apologized!" He smiled as he stroked his son's hair, "despite you being late, I'm very proud of you Varian", he said, gently placing a kiss on the alchemist's forehead.
Varian sniffled, smiling as he hugged his dad, he wasn't used to receiving such high praise from his father, but he loved every bit of it! He let out a sigh of relief as his father returned the hug, letting a moment or two pass before he asked, "s-so.... does this mean we c-can go out again?"
Quirin, Eugene and Lance laughed, the retired knight breaking the hug in order to, gently, ruffle his son's head, "I'll think about it, for now you won't be going anywhere".
Varian huffed playfully, letting out a "kill joy".
"Stink bomb", his father retorted, erecting giggles from his son.
"Stick in the mud".
"Brat nugget", Varian ended up laughing at this one, making Quirin smile. "What am I going to do with you?"
"You could let me try out some alchemy experiments on my broken arm, I have a solution that makes bones heal quicker, I've been wanting to test it!" Varian suggested.
"Is that why you broke your arm?" Quirin joked.
"Nuuu! It was an accident! An honest to goodness one too!"
"Oh I'm glad it was an "honest to goodness" one", his father smirked, "we don't allow "deceitful to evil" injuries in this house".
Eugene snorted at that, "yeah no, if it were an evil injury Lance and I would've been out!"
Lance nodded, "yeah, we don't mess with evil injuries, they get inside your head man!"
All four of them laughed! The air having been cleared of any anxious energy. Eugene and Lance were allowed to stay the night, which meant they got to extend guy's night! This time including Quirin! They laughed and joked, playing games and having a blast until one by one, they fell asleep, letting all their worries drift away.
Notes:
So, I love protective angry parent Quirin, but he's freaking scary!!!! Also, I wanted more Eugene feelings! I feel like that was severely lacking in the show! The man had a full blown mid life crisis for about 2 episodes before it got resolved and not really talked about ever again! I mean COME ON!!!!!
Also "Announcer Lance" is now my new favorite gag! I will be using him more often in stories to come!
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed! :D
Chapter 8: Lazy Day!
Summary:
Varian is injured and has to stay in bed for a couple of days, much to his dismay. But thankfully he is not alone with Quirin, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance all there to take care of him, and make sure he stays in bed. The alchemist has other plans however.
Notes:
Ok so, I did not mean to make this fit so well here, but I was having trouble figuring out what to write next, I've got way too many ideas right now (but I'm still taking suggestions). So I guess my brain decided we needed a "not quite sick" fic. We will have a sick fic, because we obviously need more Varian and Quirin fluff, but we need the gang all together right now, and what better way to introduce Rapunzel in this series, than one where she can help heal someone! :D
Hope y'all enjoy! :3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*He'll have to stay here in bed for a couple days, we want to make sure that arm and ankle don't get any worse*
"Humph!"
"Oh come on kiddo, it's not that bad!" Eugene said as one of the doctors left the room, "at least you get to stay with us! Plus your dad'll be right in the other room!"
"*Humph!*"
"Geez, he does not like staying in bed, does he?" Lance asked, watching the grumpy alchemist as he lay, cross armed and angry faced, on the infirmary bed.
"No he does not", Eugene replied, "again, it's not that bad!" The alchemist just huffed at the statement.
"Hey, it'll be okay Varian!" said Rapunzel as she came inside the room with a tray of snacks, "you'll get to stay in the castle with us and have lots of fun! We'll bring you snacks, games, maybe even play chess or cards!" She set the tray on the nightstand next to the bed. "You can even try to beat Pascal! Though I'll let you in on a little secret, he's kind of a champion chess player", she stated, holding the chameleon out to Varian as the little creature flexed his muscles.
Varian raised a brow, clearly not amused, "thanks for trying Rapunzel, but I have way too much work to do! Poly-alchemical sub-striation tests to run! Metals to pit against each other to see which one is better, like steel, for its durability and thermal conductivity, or iron, for it's lustrous shine and high melting point!" He complained, "not sitting here doing nothing all day long while learning how to count bumps on the ceiling tiles".
Eugene snorted, but tried to hide it, he wasn't successful, "come on buddy, it's really not tha-!"
"If you say, "not that bad", one more time, I'm throwing my pillow at you!"
"Well then", Eugene stated, stopping himself and stepping slightly away from the grumpy alchemist.
"Sounds like we're dealing with a classic Varian pout", a bemused voice said, the owner of which stepping into the room with a smirk on his face.
"Dad I'm not pouting! I'm just frustrated!"
"I can tell", Quirin replied, "so frustrated that you threaten your friend with death by pillow".
Varian rolled his eyes, "he wouldn't die from it".
"Well no, he wouldn't", the old farmer chuckled, "but a feather in the eye hurts no matter how strong you are".
Eugene subconsciously rubbed at his eye, "you're not wrong", he agreed.
Rapunzel smiled, "I know it's not the greatest of circumstances", she stated, looking pointedly at the frowning alchemist, who raised a brow at her, "but I'm still really glad you two are here in the castle!" The princess sat on the bed opposite to her friend's, "it's nice to have everyone here! I won't lie, it's been a little rough being in the castle".
"What do you mean pri-, I mean, Rapunzel" Quirin asked, blushing just the teensiest bit, making the girl giggle.
"I mean, it's just so.... quiet? I guess that would be the right term, plus I was surrounded by almost all of my friends during that trip, and.... with one of them gone....." She trailed off, a sad expression taking over her usually bright and cheery features, "I don't know... it feels like something's missing without... her...." She then looked at Varian, "it was like that on the road too..." She smiled at him, "I would've loved to have you come with us, I really would have".
The alchemist said nothing, but gave her a small, sad smile, "thanks", he stated quietly, "it wasn't the same here either.... For many reasons...." He looked at his dad before looking at Ruddigar, his racoon was nestled on an extra pillow he'd received from one of the doctors.
Quirin kept him mouth shut, remembering what Adira had told him and making a tremendous effort not to say anything, that would be a conversation for later.
"By the way", Rapunzel tilted her head to the side, "how'd you end up breaking your arm in the first place?"
Eugene and Lance exchanged guilty looks between each other before they heard the alchemist giggle, "the short version, those two took me out for a Guy's Night, I had to be home by 11pm, and we were late, so we booked it back home and my horse fell". He smirked at the two former thieves who were avoiding Quirin's gaze, much to the man's amusement. He kept looking away slowly before quickly glancing back at them, chuckling as they would look away immediately, like some sort of game, "I ended up falling hard on my right arm", he moved the limb slightly, enough to show the princess, "sprained my left ankle and got a gash on my right cheek in the process, it wasn't fun getting injured, but the rest of the night went swimmingly!"
Rapunzel was shocked at first, but then began to laugh, looking over at Eugene and Lance, "so *that's* why you two didn't tell me about Guy's Night", she stated, gesturing towards the injured alchemist.
"That wasn't the reason!" Eugene replied, still avoiding Quirin's gaze.
"Yeah! We just wanted to preserve the memory for ourselves!" Lance added, "because memories are precious, and the memories we make on Guy's Night, are the most precious of all!"
"Yep!" Varian agreed, before adding, "I can't wait to tell my kids about how my two best friends took me out, got me candy, then broke my arm!"
"Wha-! Hey, un momento!" Eugene replied, stepping closer to Varian, "*We* did not break your arm! We helped you fix it!"
"Yeah!" Lance agreed.
"After my dad scared you!"
Lance scoffed, "please, he didn't scare us! He's a teddy bear!"
"That's right!" Eugene agreed as Quirin crept up right behind them, "He's a very gentle, fluffy, kind, good natured, even tempered, teddy bear!"
"Boo".
The duo yelped, making Quirin, Varian, and Rapunzel burst into laughter!
****
There were two doctors assigned to take care of the tiny alchemist. One of them was currently with another patient, but the other, a tall, skinny, amber haired woman, was constantly checking in on him. She'd just brought him the pajamas and told him to put them on.
"Do I really have to put on pajama's? Can't I just wear my normal clothes?" Varian asked, looking at the pair of hospital pj's. They were a white, long sleeve, button up shirt with a pair of long pants to match, both had thin, blue stripes running vertically up and down them. His father and friends had left, needing to get sleeping arrangements prepared and royal duties to tend to.
"Yes you really do", she stated softly, "you're going to be in bed for a while, wouldn't you rather be comfortable?"
Varian grumbled but didn't argue anymore as the doctor pulled the tarp above his bed closed so he had some privacy. She stayed in the room to make sure he was able to get the clothing on without hurting himself. After a few moments, Varian pulled the tarp open again, now dressed in the pj's with his street clothes folded neatly on the bed.
"Happy?" He asked, giving a slight pout as the doctor giggled.
"You look adorable if that helps", she stated, a little amused by the child's annoyance, "though, if you keep sticking your bottom lip out like that a little bird may poop on it". Varian blushed and looked away, sucking his lip into his mouth beneath his teeth. The doctor giggled again before taking his clothes, "I'll give these to the handmaidens so they can wash them for you. That way when you do leave, you'll be able to have nice, clean clothes!" She stated, trying to sound a little enthusiastic.
Varian turned back to her, "you don't have to have them washed, they're really not that dirty", he said, "plus I wouldn't want them to have to go to the trouble of washing my clothes...."
The doctor smiled, her emerald green eyes shimmering with affection for the small child laying in the bed, "it's no trouble sweetie, they don't mind washing a small load of clothing, but if it's any consolation, I can ask them before doing anything, and if they say no, I'll bring your clothes right back here, okay?" She offered.
Varian smiled, nodding, "Thank you Mrs. Solace", he stated softly.
"Varian, you know me and my husband way too well for formalities!" She smiled even wider.
The alchemist blushed again, "r-right... Mrs. Rose?"
Rose laughed, "you just can't help but be polite can you tiny one?"
"I'm not *that* tiny", Varian mumbled, "I grew a good two inches since the last time I saw you!"
"Yeah you're still tiny to me", she teased, she then took the clothes and smirked, "I'll be right back, and I'd better find you still in that bed".
"And If you don't?" He challenged.
"Then I'll tell Quirin".
"Hmph!"
She chuckled before leaving, closing the door behind her.
****
"Checkmate".
Pascal squeaked in surprise as Max handed a laughing Ruddigar another apple. Varian and Pascal had played seven games all together, and the alchemist had beaten the chameleon in every single one.
"Best out of 8 then?" He asked in a bored tone.
The little reptile looked over at Max, the horse had ten apples at one point, but with just three left Pascal thought he should call it a day. Shaking his head, he admitted defeat and latched himself onto his girl's shoulder, hanging his head.
"It's okay little guy, you'll beat him next time" Rapunzel said, poking her pet's nose and receiving a happy squeak in return.
The racoon was in heaven! Having bet on his boy to win, he marveled at the seven apples he'd accumulated! Chittering in delight, he picked one up and tossed it to Varian, who caught it with his right hand, toasted his racoon, and took a big bite. Max just watched, rolling his eyes at the hairball's antics before grabbing one of his own apples and munching on it grumpily.
"See *this* is why we should never bet against Varian when it comes to brain games", Lance grumbled, handing Quirin ten gold coins.
Eugene, handing over his own ten gold coins to the farmer, scoffed, "I think we should ban Varian from playing chess at all!"
"The only one you have to be mad at is yourself for not having any faith in my abilities!" The alchemist jeered, taking another bite from his apple.
Quirin chuckled, "he's got a point you know", he said, putting the twenty coins in a pack on his belt, which was getting full.
Rapunzel smiled, "so what else should we do?" she asked excitedly, "we could play cards or make something, like a painting or a sculpture!"
"Uh 'Punzel, I don't mean to burst your bubble but..." Varian gestured towards his broken arm.
Rapunzel blushed, "oh, right, sorry".
The room was filled with an awkward silence before the door opened and in stepped Rose and her husband. Both doctors walking directly to Varian, Rose stopping briefly to close the door. Everyone backed up a bit to let them tend to the alchemist.
"Hey there sport! How're you feeling?"
"I'm okay Mr. Isaac", Varian replied as the doctor checked his arm, "just bored is all".
"Mr?" Isaac asked, smirking, making Varian blush.
"He called me "Mrs. Rose" earlier", his wife stated, moving around the bed to grab some bandages.
Issac chuckled, "you're far too polite you know that?" He rubbed the right boy's shoulder, making sure to watch his reaction, when he didn't flinch the doctor rolled it back and forth slowly to make sure the break hadn't spread. Once he was satisfied he backed up a bit to let Rose through.
The female doctor cupped the child's chin, guiding him to look directly at her, she then undid the bandages on his cheek to check the cut. Varian closed his right eye instinctively, making her giggle as she cleaned the cut and re-bandaged it, "it doesn't look too bad, but try not to lay on it tonight okay?" She advised, the alchemist nodded, touching the new bandage with his uninjured hand.
Ruddigar began sniffing at it as Isaac began testing Varian's ankle, giving it little squeezes here and there. The alchemist yelped a little after the third squeeze, pulling his foot towards him just a bit. Isaac stood up and frowned, "sorry little guy, I wanted to make sure it hadn't gotten worse, but the swelling went up...."
Quirin gave Rose a worried look, "don't worry", she stated calmly, "it's going to do that, sprained ankles can vary depending on how badly the ankle was sprained, this one just happens to be a grade 2, which means there's a partial tear in the ligament", she noted the confused looks from the others, so she continued, "a partial tear in the ligament means it'll have swelling, pain, bruising, sensitivity to touch, limited mobility, and won't be able to support too much weight. Usually it takes up to, at least, three weeks to "fully recover" from a grade 2 sprain". Varian gawked at her, "by "fully recover", I mean just not overdoing it with walking, running, or moving it around too much, sitting and walking a little aren't bad, actually, you could walk with a grade 2 sprain, after a week or so of rest, but you'd need to monitor how much you use it". The alchemist sighed with relief, he knew doing alchemy with a broken arm would be hard enough, but being stuck in a bed for three weeks was pure torture.
"You'll still need to stay here for a week though, maybe even a week and a half", Isaac added, "but I'm certain we'll be able to make that time fly by!"
Varian looked at his dad, who gave him a sympathetic smile, before looking at his ankle and glaring at it, making Quirin chuckle.
"Hey, I know we're not happy with our foot here, but I need to wrap it back up", Isaac joked, "I don't think you can scare it into *heeling* faster, get it? *heeling*?"
Eugene groaned, "I think I'm starting to have sympathy pain for you kid".
"I don't know, I thought it was pretty good!" The princess replied.
"You would, Ra*PUN*zel", Varian joked, making Eugene groan louder as Rapunzel, Lance, both doctors, and Quirin laughed.
****
Three days came and went, nothing of note really happened, save for the numerous amount of puns that were told at Eugene's expense. Varian was itching to get his hands on *something* alchemical! Some racoon traps, a couple ingots, even a *beaker* would help at this point. He'd stayed in bed, just like the doctors told him, he'd played games, read over twenty books (even *rereading* some just to kill time), even participated in Corona's first Racoon vs Chameleon debate on what was better, apples or bugs (apples won). At this point, the little alchemist was starting to get irritable, he didn't snap or anything, but he would daydream during conversations, doze off during the day, and generally just did not seem interested in anything really. If he was honest, he was pretty sure atrophy had began sinking its way into his limbs.
His friends had noticed him becoming quieter and less responsive, they asked his father what they could do about it, that's when Quirin got an idea. Asking the doctors if it was okay, to which they agreed, he told the princess and her friends the plan. A couple hours later, Lance had come into the infirmary, carrying the alchemists street clothes, which were now clean.
"Hey little man, you awake?" He asked, poking the little lump in the bed, it didn't stir at first, but after a few more pokes he heard a muffled grunt and saw a big blue eye poke out, looking at him questioningly, "hey there sleeping beauty! Thought you'd like to put these back on". He handed the kid his clothes, receiving a confused looked in return, "just put them on, I'll wait until you do, okay?" With that, Lance pulled the tarp around the bed closed, he heard some shuffling behind it and before long, it was pulled open again.
"Lance, why do I have my clothes on?" Varian asked, Ruddigar hopping onto the nightstand to tilt his head at the larger human, "I thought I was supposed to keep the pajamas until I was fully recovered".
Lance giggled, "you'll see, now come here!" he picked the tiny alchemist up, careful to elevate his ankle and not touch his arm.
"Woah! W-wait! What are you doing?!"
"Just relax little man! I've got you!" He reassured the surprised child. Turning, he, with Ruddigar hopping into Varian's arm, went out the door. Walking down the stairs, he carried Varian all the way to the main level of the castle, and walked out the door. The alchemist was looking around, he didn't see his dad or Eugene or even Rapunzel, he clung to Lance tightly, gripping his shirt as if he would disappear. They went into the gardens and around a couple of hedges before Lance stopped and waited.
"W-why did we stop?"
"Just give me a second."
"Are we lost?"
"Nope, I know exactly where we are, and where we're heading."
"We were heading here?"
"Well no, but just give me a second".
They waited a few moments more before the alchemist looked up at the man, who was making a very strange face, "we're lost".
"N-now I never said that!"
"You didn't correct me this time though".
"...."
Varian sighed, "Ruddigar, could you find dad please?" the racoon chittered in response and began sniffing the air. He hopped to the floor and began sniffing more and more before he finally chittered towards the two, "he's got his scent, we can follow him".
"Yeah yeah, I heard".
"Should we go?"
"Yeah we can go...."
".....I can have Ruddigar stay in my arms while he points the way. We can just pretend this didn't happen".
"I'd like that very much".
"Oki", the alchemist called his racoon back and explained the situation, nodding, his buddy hopped into Varian's arm again and pointed to the right. Lance began walking.
****
They made it after about ten minutes, Varian seeing a big blanket on the grass with food and drinks laying on it. He saw the others, Eugene, Rapunzel, his father, Max, and Pascal all looking up at him. Eugene was looking at a watch before raising a brow at him.
"Ta daaaa!!!!" Lance announced, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks as he put the alchemist in Quirin's arms before sitting on the blanket next to Rapunzel, who giggled.
"What is all this?" The alchemist asked.
"It's a picnic", his father replied, "we thought that since you've been so good about staying in bed and obeying the doctor's orders, you deserved a little surprise lunch!"
"W-wait, this is for me?" his son smiled. His friends all nodded.
"We wanted to let you get some sun and have a break from white walls and really hot blankets", Rapunzel added.
Eugene smiled, "it's also to show to we care about you and get how hard it is being stuck in the same room for way too long".
Varian's smiled widened as he looked at his friends and father, "thank you! This means a lot!"
"You're welcome hairstrip!" Eugene replied, "now come on! Lets eat! We made this food particularly with you in mind!"
Quirin sat down on the blanket, placing Varian in his lap, making sure to keep his ankle elevated slightly. The alchemist gawked at the food, almost all of his favorites were there, apple pie, pumpkin soup, soft biscuits, mashed potatoes, ham sandwiches, they even had snacky things, like little bimberry cupcakes from Attila and some chocolates from Monty, Rapunzel didn't touch those, some lemon flavored stuff too, like lemon bars and lemon tarts.
He was grinning from ear to ear as Quirin grabbed him a plate and handed it to him. They all began to eat, chatting about whatever they could think of, Varian being much more lively and upbeat. After they'd finished eating, they went down to the river and grabbed a boat, Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel in one, and Quirin, Ruddigar, and Varian in the other. Max stayed behind because he couldn't fit, Pascal opting to stay with him so he wouldn't be lonely. The alchemist splashed his hand in the water, feeling like a little kid as he felt the fish swim around it. They rowed over to a small island not that far from the shore. Getting out, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Varian all dipped their feet in the water while Quirin and Lance sat on the beach. They were all having a great time, Varian most of all!
The sun began to dip a few hours later, and they headed back to the boats, Lance ending up falling in when he freaked out over a hermit crab. They all laughed after making sure he was alright. Once they were in the castle, Quirin carried Varian back to the room and laid him in the bed. But instead of leaving, Rapunzel and Lance, who had dried himself off, grabbed a bunch of blankets and pillows and built a gigantic pillow fort. They stayed up late that night, telling spooky stories and eating marshmallows, Quirin making hot cocoa for everyone, which Varian was extremely excited about.
At around 1:30am, they all started to get tired. They climbed into their pillow forts, they'd made Varian's bed into its own fort so he wouldn't be left out, even adding a little hammock for Ruddigar, and said their goodnights. For the first time in three days, Varian was happy to be there, surrounded by his friends and family. As he drifted off to sleep he smiled to himself, thinking that maybe it wouldn't be so bad to stay here for a little while longer.
Notes:
Grumpy Varian for LIFE!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D What can I say, the kid is cute when he's grumpled! ;3 And no, Quirin does not bet on his son all the time, just when he thinks it's funny, think of this as his small revenge, because Eugene and Lance are now out of pocket money. Should've trusted Varian's brain my guys X3
Also, these are my favorite OC's that I've made in this universe! I love them and Jack the tailor so much!!!! Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 9: The Memoires of a Retired Knight! (The Crow Statue!)
Summary:
Quirin is going through some of his old belongings, with Varian's help, when he ends up finding the old Brotherhood chest. Varian wants to know more about it, so Quirin tells him a story from his past.
Notes:
So, Varian is still in this, the bean must be of course, but I've never seen a "Quirin remembers his past" fic, and I thought about how interesting this would be! Plus the Brotherhood is a family, change my mind!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hey dad, what are you doing?"
Varian asked, as he walked and Ruddigar into the living room after a long, alchemy filled day, to see his father setting large boxes and various knick-knacks on the floor, "hey son, I'm reorganizing a little, seems like it's high time to go through some of this". He motioned to the pile and smiled, "I haven't actually gone through this stuff in years, it'll be nice to see some of it again".
Varian returned the smile, "need any help? I can always pit iron and steel against each other later".
Quirin nodded, "I'd like that, if you find anything interesting, ask me". With that, the duo got to work, Ruddigar helping by throwing things in the boxes he was told to as the father and son began pulling open a couple boxes. They starting organizing old papers and files the Village Leader had kept and had also seen some old portraits as well, those being of Varian's mother, Ulla, and the retired knight spending time together, which made them all a little sad.
They'd been at it for an hour when Varian spotted the chest, walking over to the dusty thing, he noticed the prominent Brotherhood symbol etched into the wood. Turning towards his father, the little alchemist asked, "hey dad, what's this chest for? It has the Brotherhood symbol that Adira showed me on it"?
Quirin turned around and saw the old trunk he'd hidden in his study for years. He walked over to it and stared for a moment or two, debating on what to tell his son. Looking down, he saw the interest growing even more as his son stared at the chest, and he sighed, realizing he wasn't going to win this battle. He'd decided to tell the truth, "it's my keepsakes from the when I used to be in the Brotherhood. My armor is still in there, as well as things from my past that I'd kept".
Varian's eyes widened even more, "really?!" He looked ecstatic, "c-can we look? Please, can we?! I promise I won't touch anything a-and I'll be super careful and won't tell a soul what's in there an-"
"Yes son, we can look", Quirin chuckled as his boy's enthusiasm, "but why don't we finish with the rest of this first hm?"
Varian's head bobbed up and down so fast Quirin could barely see his nose. He smiled, but a small knot grew in his chest. He hadn't opened that trunk in a long time, technically it was only a year and a half ago, but actually rifling through it was something he hadn't done since..... well since his wife was still alive.... If the retired knight was honest, he was a little afraid to see what they would dig up.
****
They'd finished the work in no time, with Varian's organization skills, Ruddigar's fast moving paws, and Quirin's knowledge of the antiques, they'd cleared the entire space in the span of two hours. All except for the giant chest which they'd purposefully left alone. Looking around, Varian smiled happily before placing the last box inside his dad's closet, letting Ruddigar climb up his shoulders, and closing the door behind them.
"Phew! Finally done!" He stated, wiping his forehead with his hand, "that was kinda fun!"
"Oh really, maybe you could implement the age old technique of cleaning to your room then?" Quirin teased.
"Oh very funny, you know, I'd suggest you be a comedian, but I think you'd give everyone third degree burns with that sass".
His father laughed, ruffling his boy's hair, Ruddigar jumping on the couch nearby with a chitter, "you're one to talk, you and your back talk".
"At least I'm funny when I back talk!" Varian shot back, trying in vain to get away from the attack on his hair, "ugh! You and Eugene are so bad about this! Stop it!" He tried to bat his father's hands away, but Quirin dodged his son's hands and ruffled his hair even more, "nuuuu! Stop it you evil person!"
"Nope, not until you say I'm funny!"
"NEVER!" Varian tried again to bat Quirin's hands away, giggling all the while. But he couldn't see and ended up flailing at nothing, sighing he said, "ok ok! You're funny! You're funny!"
Quirin ended the attack, chuckling as he gave a smug, "thank you!"
Varian huffed, but was smiling as he rubbed his, now very messy, head, his racoon hopping up once more to try and help, "this is my life now, forever cursed with messy bed head!"
His father rolled his eyes while smiling, "oh how dreadfully tortuous for you".
"Listen here!" Varian bumped his father a bit, erecting a laugh from the man. After they had tamed his son's hair, and eaten dinner, they went back into the living room and, when Varian had gotten his new pj's on, which had finally come in along with his new clothes, sat down in front of the chest.
Quirin looked it over, the old wooden crate had definitely seen better days. With cobwebs and dust bunnies lining it's surface, and the wood damaged due to years of neglect, the retired knight was surprised the rusty hinges still opened. As the chest creaked in irritation, the duo, plus Ruddigar, looked inside, seeing an old suit of black armor on top of multiple small boxes that laid inside. Taking the armor out, starting with the chest plate, the old farmer's hands caressed the metal, as if they were shaking hands with an old friend from many years ago. After the armor was removed, Quirin grabbed the first box, a small, white, rectangular shoe box, and opened it. Inside was an old crow statue, the edges were cracked a but, and there was a thick layer of dust on the old stone. But the retired knight smiled at it just the same.
"An old crow statue? What was this for?" Varian asked, tilting his head to the side, Ruddigar imitating his boy.
Quirin chuckled, "it was from the King of the Dark Kingdom, his name is King Edmund".
"Do you still talk to him?"
"No, unfortunately we've.... Lost touch since he tried to destroy the moonstone.... "
"Oh... Sorry...." His son lowered his head sadly.
His father smiled, "it's okay, do you want to know about him?"
"Yes!!" The alchemist looked up, "what's he like?"
"In a word.... fatherly"
Varian giggled, "in a good or bad way?"
Quirin smirked, "in a good way, brat", his son giggled again
"He was there for me when I really needed someone", Quirin stated, "I was an orphan before I was a knight. A small, hungry orphan who would steal food because I had no other choice. Back then life was very hard, and not just for me..."
Varian listened as his father began his tale.
****
"Years ago, a sickness unlike any other had ravaged the Dark Kingdom, it killed faster than it spread, so eventually it died out. But there were well over 300 people dead by that disgusting plague. My parents, and several other children's parents, were killed. ("I'm so sorry dad...."), It's not your fault, it happened a long time ago, and unfortunately, they stood no chance against it. After all was said and done, the Dark Kingdom was left with many orphans. Many children had to leave, they had family outside of the Dark Kingdom, and had left to go and be with them. I was not so lucky, I didn't have anyone, but with very little room at the orphanage, many of the older children were left on the streets. I was about 8 years old, the cut off was 5, ("why was the cut off 5"), because there wasn't any room for the next age group. The orphanage was very small, with only two or three in the whole Kingdom. The original King, King Richard, was not very kind or fair, ("Reminds me of another king who's not really kind or fair"), either way, he did not see the use in kids, so he didn't make that many places for the parentless children to go".
Quirin went on explaining how he'd stolen copious amounts of food from the vendors on the streets, none of which caught him. Only stopping to make sure Ruddigar didn't get any ideas, he continued saying how he was known throughout the Kingdom as the "Shadow Stealer", because he lurked in the shadows and only ever stole at night.
"I was never proud of what I was doing, but my will to live prevented me from stopping", he looked down in shame before letting out a sigh, "that is, until I decided to steal from the castle, ("You stole from the *castle*?!"), I really didn't have a choice! The vendors were getting close to catching me and I'd heard them setting up a trap for me, so I wanted to show them I could outsmart even the toughest people, like the royal family, ("How'd it go?"), ....poorly..... I was caught almost immediately, and brought before the King and his son, at the time he was Prince Edmund, who was 19 at the time. His father scolded me, yelling at me and screaming profanities I don't any child should ever hear, ("jerk"), he was unkind as I stated. So unkind in fact that he thought since I'd stolen so much and thought I could get away with it, he'd treat me like he would an adult thief, and had a guard grab my hand and pull me to an old flat rock, where he pinned my hand down on it ("What?! Why?!"), because the punishment for thievery, is losing your hand completely. ("WHAT?!"), that's how it was back then, the Dark Kingdom is known for being.... well.... dark.... The punishments were cruel, public lashings, cutting off limbs, rocks that were placed on your chest until it was crushed, stockades, even hanging and beheading weren't uncommon to us. ("I think I'm gonna be sick"), should I stop? ("N-no! I wanna hear more just... please no p-punishments..."), I guess you're in luck then, so was I too in fact, because just as the guard's sword came down, the prince's voice rang loud and clear, "if you cut off his hand then I'll run away and never come back!""
Quirin smiled as Varian's and his racoon's faces lit up with glee!
"The entire room was filled with silence, and the old king looked at his son, Prince Edmund was *angry*, terrifyingly so, he was glaring at the guard and his own father, both of whom, were startled at this proclamation, "what? Why are you saying such nonsense?! You are a *prince* and you would abandon your kingdom just to save a petty thief's hand?!" His father had glared daggers at me, as if I had any say in the matter, ("You really didn't"), yeah but try telling him that. The guard at this point was just so confused, apparently he'd heard these arguments before, but never like the one they were having about me. The prince had always been too afraid to stand up to his father, but I was the final straw, ("I'm sensing a little pride in that"), I haven't the foggiest idea what you mean by that, ("uh huh"). *Ahem* Anyway, the old king and the Prince went back and forth, the king saying I deserved nothing less, and the Prince vouching for my freedom, the guard standing there debating weather or not to just do the deed, and me praying for anyone to get me out of this, it was honestly one of the scariest moments of my life!"
Varian hugged his father, the retired knight hugging him back, after a moment, they separated, Quirin giving Ruddigar a couple scratches behind the ears and continuing.
"After what seemed like an eternity, the Prince finally stated something that changed the entire conversation, "I will not rule a Kingdom that torments and abuses it's people! Especially those of such a young age! I won't do it and you will *not* make me!" the old king had stayed silent for about a minute before I saw a nasty grin spread on his face, he looked at me and said in a tone that made hairs stand on the back of my neck, "fine, I'll let this little twerp go, but only if you take care of him, and if he steals, it'll be you who faces the punishment!" the Prince was so shocked, as was I and the guard, the old king continued, "you have so much faith in this boy, that he'll become something great, well then prove it, make him great!" ("boy is that Prince lucky he got stuck with you!"), I hate to say this, but you're kind of right, had it been Adira or Hector the poor Prince would've been lashed so badly his back would've never recovered.... sorry ("no... you're good.... just... need a minute to find my stomach"), should I stop? ("nope I'm fine... just really hate lashing...."), Varian..... ("I-I'll talk a-about that when I'm r-ready, for now, continue?") ....okay.... but you promise- ("y-yeah! I'll keep m-my word! I j-just... don't w-want to discuss that n-now....") ....ok, I'll drop it for now".
He eyed his son, who was receiving a full snug session from Ruddigar, who seemed to understand what was going on better than Quirin did. He decided to let it go for now, he knew pushing would only make things worse. So he continued, making sure not to mention that disgusting punishment.
"Well, suffice it to say, the Prince agreed, and I was let go. I was given a room next to the Prince, guards were stationed at my door, but I never went out anywhere. I was fed and taken care of after that, the Prince always visiting me and chatting with me. I stole maybe once or twice after that, but I never got caught, in fact, only the Prince knew, and the only reason I stole at all, was because the items belonged to me. ("Wait, they would steal from you but you weren't allowed to steal from them?!") yes, whenever a particular guard saw me with an old toy from my childhood or something that made me genuinely happy, he would take it. Whenever I would fight him on it, he would just say the same thing, "you stole from us, doesn't feel so good does it?" ("That's so stupid! I hate that logic! "Let's do it to you because you did it to us!" It's dumb! It's stupid! It's bullsh-!") Varian. ("uh.... *ahem* he's a jerk....")."
Quirin raised his brow at his son, making the tiny alchemist blush a little before continuing. Making a mental note to listen to his son's vocabulary from now on.
"Well either way, I got it back, and the guards never told because if they did, I'd tell the Prince, and they'd be the one's punished. ("Ha!") Heh anyway, the old king tried to get me to steal so he could teach his son a lesson, but I never betrayed the Prince, in fact, I told him what his father wanted me to do, they had words after that. It ended up causing the old king to retire early, making Prince Edmund, King Edmund at the young age of 21 years old! I'd stayed there for about two and a half years, and had learned how to fight, outranking the guards and becoming a squire in the process. The young King gave me the position of knight after a couple more years, and he walked into my room after the ceremony ended. He told me how proud he was of how far I'd come, and that he wanted me to have something that proved how much he appreciated my trust and loyalty".
Quirin held up the crow statue, smiling at it happily as he handed it to Varian, who held it carefully. Rubbing his thumbs over the details his son smiled at the little statue as well before handing it back to his father.
"He told me the statue was a gift from his mother, who was gone at this point in his life. He had five of them, and he was told, by his mother, to give them to the people that meant the most to him. I was the first, Adira and Hector both got one as well. So did King Edmund's wife, Queen Eden. The fifth and final statue was to be given to his son... But... He never got the chance to do that, having to send his son away because of the moonstone...."
Varian looked down, debating on weather or not he should tell his father about Eugene. But he decided against it, deciding that keeping his word to Eugene would be the most loyal thing he could do. Ruddigar chittered at him, smiling proudly at his boy.
"But that's how I got the statue, and I think that's all I'm going to tell you tonight", Quirin stated, closing the chest with a smirk.
"W-what? But there's so many other items in there!" Varian protested.
Quirin chuckled, "they're not going anywhere, and besides, it's almost 12am". He pointed to the clock.
"Oh....."
"Yeah, oh".
"But you'll tell me more tomorrow?"
"Yes son, I'll tell you more tomorrow, unless another colorful word pops out of your mouth", he raised his eyebrow at his son again.
Varian blushed, "uh... yeah s-sorry about that.... I'll be careful about those...."
"Please do".
The tiny alchemist nodded before giving Quirin a hug, his father returning it while also planting a kiss on his son's head, "I love you very much my potty mouthed son".
Varian giggled, "I love you too, my Robin hood father".
Chuckling, the retired knight led the tiny alchemist to the stairs before letting him climb up to his room. Quirin then departed to his own room for the night, still holding that stature in his hand. He got ready for bed, but before he fell asleep, he propped the tiny stone bird on his nightstand, smiling at it before he blew out the candle and drifted to sleep.
Notes:
So, I imagine Quirin being a lot like Varian in his youth, or I guess the it's the other way around but *ahem* anyway, I figured Varian had to get his antics from somewhere. Though Quirin is a much more cautious bean, but that's because he was trained to be. Varian is an alchemist and throws caution to the wind when it comes to alchemy!
Also, yes there will be more to this story telling chest. But it may be a couple of stories before I continue with them. The retired knight is retired for a reason, and he works as the Village Leader and a farmer! He can't tell Varian the stories every night, but he'll keep his word and tell them to him when he can!
Also also, there will be Adira, Hector, and Queen Eden stories too, just wanted King Edmund for this one, because that man is a bean!
I hope you all enjoyed this one! It's a lot more Quirin based, so I hope that's okay. :D
Chapter 10: Return of the King's Friend! (Part 1)
Summary:
The Dark King comes to visit his son, Eugene, in Corona. During his visit, he decides to stop by an old friend's house to make amends and meet his son, but he's nervous about the visit. He hasn't spoken to his friend in 26 long years, and the last thing he'd said to him wasn't great. Will his old friend forgive him, or is he angry and upset at the returning king? He won't know until he finds out.
Notes:
Here's the start of Season 3 and HERE COMES EDMUND!!!!! I'd like to think that Edmund's visit was longer than just a day or two because there are two time skips in the episode before he says goodbye! This takes place after the Stabingtons and before Edmund leaves, I want Eugene and Raps to be there! So here we go with our kinda cannon, mainly head cannon, happy fun fluff times with Grandpa Edmund! :D
(Also yes, this is a two parter! All of the Brotherhood member meeting stories will be two parters! Hector is next!)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Edmund twisted the leather reigns in his hand, the butterflies in his stomach were overwhelming! He'd just gotten back from one humdinger of an adventure with his son, Hora- Eugene, and they were heading back to the castle when he'd heard a name he hadn't heard in years, Quirin. He'd listened to the conversation the two villagers were having about how the knight, his knight, was back and how glad they were that he was. He'd also heard them talking about his boy, Varian, and how they still didn't trust him after all he'd done. The dark king has heard of the boy's troubled past, Adira had told him all about it, but she'd also told him why, and Edmund was not happy about the young man's situation. While he did not like the decisions he'd had made, he was not entirely guilty, in fact, there were many ways in which the people of Corona and even the royal family could've helped! Yet they did nothing, the king of Corona even making the situation worse by sticking up wanted posters of a 14 year old and sending a group of guards to keep the child under lock and key in his own home. So if anyone asked Edmund, he didn't blame the boy, and honestly he didn't have any right to judge anyone considering what he'd tried to pull.
"Dad".
The dark king was snapped out of his thoughts as he turned to his son, "oh yes sorry, I was deep in thought!"
"Yeah we know, we could hear everything you were saying dad". Eugene looked at him, a little annoyed, but his face brightened a little, "by the way, I'm glad you're okay with the kid, he's been through enough and definitely does not need anymore slander", he stated, "but.... how did Adira find out about what he did?"
Rapunzel, who remained quiet, snapped out of her own thoughts as she listened, "oh! Well apparently, Adira came and visited Quirin!" Edmund explained, "when she came back to the Dark Kingdom she gave me a note that apparently he'd written to me, saying I was more than welcome to come visit", he smiled, "so I thought, why not, and came over here as quick as I could!" He smiled, "I was going to visit my old friend first, but froze right outside of his house, that's when you came crashing in son!"
Eugene was a little shocked, but then looked down mumbling, "so Quirin told you to come! I'm going to speak to that man and tell him *warn* me next time!" He then looked at his father, who was cocking his head to the side, "*ahem* what I mean is, I'm glad you visited, and I'm glad we're going to see your old friend and his kiddo", he then got a little closer to Edmund, "but don't tell Quirin I'm the prince yet, okay?"
Edmund was a little taken aback, "why not? He was just as upset as I was to see you go", he questioned, "in fact, he watched you as the handmaiden took you away, he kept watching long after you were out of sight, then he, Adira, and Hector all went on their way".
Eugene stared at the man for a moment, really not sure what to say, sure crazy rhino guy and Adira knew, but he hadn't thought about how his disappearance had affected them, "was Adria and crazy rhino guy-!'
"Hector, his name is Hector", Edmund defended sternly, startling both Eugene and Rapunzel.
"R-right, sorry, Hector, were they upset too?"
Edmund nodded, "oh yes, they were very upset that I had sent you away. Quirin was the most shaken by it, but Adira and Hector...." the king looked down in shame, "I.... I really hurt those three doing what I did..... I owe it to them to apologize...."
The former thief started at his father, a small form of respect growing in his heart, he then sighed with defeat, "ok.... we can tell him, but not until I say okay? Please?"
Edmund looked up, his brown eyes twinkling happily, "oh ho! Yes of course! You'll want to make it an amazing reveal! I understand perfectly!'
Eugene shook his head, "reveal, yes, amazing? Not really sure about that yet", he mumbled looking at Rapunzel, who gave him a sad smile. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, "I'm fine, just... thinking...."
The former thief raised a brow at her, "blondie, you've been quiet this entire time, and don't even try to tell me you wanted to let me and my dad have a quality father and son conversation, because trust me we've had plenty of those today".
The princess giggled before she smiled at him, "I really am fine Eugene".
He raised his brow even higher.
"Ok ok", she sighed, "I'm.... just a little nervous seeing Quirin and Varian....."
"Why?" Eugene asked, "are you afraid of the kid?"
"No! No never! I trust Varian and I *know* he would never betray me.... again.... But... it's just....", she looked down, "just.... Your dad is right... There was a lot we could've done to help him.... checking on him at the very least would've been miles better than what actually happened!" She glared at the saddle she was riding, "I mean, Eugene I moped around and told you how bad I felt about him! What did I do to fix it? I took an art class, planned a party for dignitaries that my mother and father could've very well handled on their own, got mixed up in a mood potion, had a *birthday party*, and didn't even *try* to look for him when I went *to his house*!" She emphasized that last part, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at Eugene, "I-I could've done so much more to help him! Checked on him, gone with him, *something!* and I didn't!" Her tears were falling down her cheeks now, as she looked down again, ashamed, "and when he came back, when he asked for help a second time? It was too late, and he thought I wouldn't help him at all after he stole the flower that he went and kidnapped *my mom* to *lure* me to his house! He had to *lure* me Eugene! After that he got *arrested*, thrown in the dungeon with *Andrew* as his cell mate, and felt so bad about what he did that he thought he would never be able to fix it! So he tried to whip up a potion that makes everyone forget everything but ended up being betrayed *again*, this time by Andrew, and locked in the dungeon *again*, this time with me!" She started to get angry, "and you know what changed his mind about helping me? It wasn't me or anything I said, it was because Andrew said he wanted to destroy Corona and Varian *defended* it! He didn't want anyone harmed, he just wanted them to forget! That's why he helped me save everyone, because he never wanted to harm anyone, ever!" She finished with a huff. Then looked at her boyfriend again, who was looking at her sadly, "he tried to help me before he even knew me, saved Corona when Master Doctor St. Croix messed with his machine, and even *kept my secret* when I asked him to, without a second thought! What do I do? I betray him, abandon him, get mad at him when I see he's broken out of jail, and demand him to tell the Seporians to back off....." She sniffled, "what kind of friend am I?.... No wonder Cass stole the Moonstone...."
Eugene grabbed her hand, Edmund, who had been listening this entire time, merely watched, waiting for his son to reply. "....Blondie I know mistakes have been made, on both sides, yours, his, and mine", Rapunzel went to argue but Eugene stopped her, "I'm his friend too last time I checked, and I didn't check on him either, in fact, I believed the rumors and wanted posters, but I still didn't check or help him either. I'm just as guilty as you", she didn't respond, "but, I firmly believe that it's not what you've done in the past, it's what you do in the future, and just like Varian, we may still get people who are angry with us for what we did to the kid, particularly from Quirin", Edmund smirked at that, "but, again, just like Varian, we'll do our best to fix it, we'll be there for him, help him when he needs us, visit him, hang out with him, and try our best to fix what all of us, including him, broke". Eugene smiled, "I'll be with you the entire time, promise".
Rapunzel nodded, smiling at her boyfriend, she loved him so much. Squeezing his hand she let it go and looked, determinedly, towards the stone house. They were almost there, Eugene is right, it's time to fix their friendship, just like Edmund and Quirin! With a nod, she smiled widely, excitement growing in her heart as she thought about seeing the little alchemist again, this time with his father in tact!
****
Quirin smiled, holding the pumpkin seeds in his hand, they were so tiny and fragile, but they grew into such amazing crops! He looked over at his son, who was helping him plant in the fields. The alchemist was raking the last pile of dirt so his father could place the seed inside, huffing as he did so. The old farmer walked over to his boy, Ruddigar was sitting on the wooden fence not too far away, and watched him work, studying his raking.
"That's not bad Varian!" He complimented, planting the seeds as his son leaned against the garden tool and caught his breath, "keep it up and you'll become a great farmer someday!" The alchemist froze, looking at his father with a worried expression, he opened his mouth to reply but his dad stopped him, "I'm just kidding, you're going to be the greatest alchemist this world has ever seen, and I'll be happy to see you succeed!" He got a big smile from his boy, and smiled back, ruffling his hair before realizing he still had dirt on his glove. "Whoops!" He chuckled as Varian wiped the dirt off and shook his head, raising at brow at his father, "sorry, I actually didn't mean to do that", he stated.
"Oh it's fine, I was gonna take a bath anyway", the alchemist replied, "besides, what's a little dirt between "farmers" right?" He smirked as he grabbed a handful and sprinkled some on Quirin's arm, making the man laugh, "speaking of stinky, why not go get started on that?"
Varian sniffed his own shirt, "I don't smell *that* bad!"
"Uh huh yeah, and pigs don't play in mud".
Varian giggled, "you're just upset because I got more pigs to eat out of the trough that you did!"
"I'm not upset about that, because it didn't count", Quirin argued, "you cheated".
"I did not! Putting an extra apple in there was allowed! You even said so!"
"Yeah, a bruised apple, not a shiny, red, "catch a racoon/pig's attention", apple!" Ruddigar chittered at the mention of racoon, hopping onto his boy's shoulder and sniffing around for the aforementioned fruit, "as I said", the old farmer gestured to the furry creature.
"He only came by because you mentioned racoons and apples you know", Varian stated bluntly.
"And because you cheated" Quirin replied.
The alchemist laughed before giving Ruddigar an apple from his pocket, "ok, maybe I put a new fruit in there, but I did ask first, so technically, not cheating".
"Yeah ok, you're not only a cheater, but a stinky cheater who needs a bath" his father teased.
"Ruddigar doesn't think I smell, do you buddy?" The racoon sniffed his boy and shook his head, smiling at Varian, "see?"
"This coming from the same animal who thought a garbage can was an all you can eat buffet".
"You've got a point", Quirin raised his brow, "ok ok, I'll go, come on buddy, lets go get into some cold water and rid ourselves of this imaginary stink that my father is obsessing about". He giggled when the old farmer tickled his sides a little, making the alchemist jog to the house with a smile on his face.
His father gathered up the tools and stored them inside the shed, waved goodnight to the other farmhands, went inside his home to freshen up a bit, and started making dinner. He'd been at it for about a minute when he heard a knock on the door. Leaving the kitchen he walked to the wooden entrance and opened it, pausing at what he saw. There, on his doorstep, was none other than King Edmund, Princess Rapunzel, and Eugene.
****
The two men stared at each other for a moment, neither of them knowing what exactly to say. Quirin couldn't believe his eyes, the king, his king, was standing right in front of him, outside, on his porch, as the sun was setting. "Uh.... C-come in?" it came out as more of a question than anything else, but he stepped aside and all three of them walked in, the retired knight closing the door behind them.
As the other two walked past, Eugene stayed behind and turned towards the man, "I am so sorry about the....", he looked around the man's entrance, "*really* short notice, but the king of the Dark Kingdom wanted to say hi, and we really didn't have time to warn you".
Quirin blinked a couple times before nodding, "it's.... it's fine, just wasn't expecting it I guess" he stated, "though I probably should have....", the retired knight added, mumbling something that Eugene couldn't hear, something about Adira, Hector, and windows.
Eugene raised a brow, "uh right, so.... This isn't a problem is it? Because if it is we can go".
"No! No it's fine", Quirin stated a little too quickly, startling the man before him, "*ahem* sorry, it really is fine, I'm happy to welcome guests, though...." he looked outside, "you may have to stay here for the night".
The former thief looked out the window and groaned, it was starting to get dark, and they just arrived, "yeah you're probably right, sorry".
The old farmer chuckled, "I have plenty of room in this old place, so it's no trouble, plus you came at a good time, I just started making dinner".
"Oh really?" Eugene chuckled, "that is good timing, hairstripe keeps telling me I should try your food!"
Quirin smiled fondly, "he does like it when I cook, it's why I've been trying to do it more often", he stated, walking towards the living room.
"Speaking of, where is the kid anyway?" Eugene asked, looking around as both men joined Rapunzel and King Edmund, who stopped whatever conversation they were having.
"Oh he's taking a bath, he was smelly", Quirin smirked.
Eugene snorted as Edmund and Rapunzel giggled, "he was smelly?" She asked.
"He was smelly", the retired knight confirmed, "to be fair, he got that way because he was helping me with the farm, but he was still smelly".
Eugene shook his head in amusement as Edmund and Rapunzel continued to giggle, after about a moment the room went silent. All four of them were waiting for something to interrupt it.
"Uh... would you like to sit down?" Quirin finally asked, "I can get you some drinks".
"Oh! Sure!" Rapunzel was the first to reply, trying to save the visit, "water would be fine for me", she said as she took a seat on the couch behind her.
"You sure? I've got lemonade, apple juice, coffee, hot cocoa, you name it".
"Hot cocoa?" Eugene questioned.
"Varian loves the stuff, even when it's hot out, he can't get enough hot cocoa", Quirin explained, smiling a little, "sometimes I'll see him try to sneak a little into his lab, in fact, when he was five years old he tried to replicate it!"
"Really?" the former thief asked, sitting down next to his girlfriend.
"Yup, it went horribly, he came out of his lab covered head to foot in cocoa powder, I had to bath him three times just to get it out of his hair", the father continued, "he was laughing the entire time though, and listing off ways he could do it better".
"That sounds like Varian!" Rapunzel agreed, smiling happily, her boyfriend nodding in agreement.
"He sounds like quite an intelligent little fellow!" Edmund stated, sitting down on the chair next to the couch.
"He really is", Quirin replied, his eyes twinkling with pride, "he learned how to make flowers bloom faster when he was 10, the racoon traps when he was 11, and what was it? He made something extraordinary when he was 12.... uh... oh! a remembering potion, it helps you remember things that you forget!" He chuckled, "ironic how I almost forgot".
"Where'd he come up with that?" Eugene asked, tilting his head to the side.
"Were you ever told that if you tie a string around your finger, you'd remember something you didn't want to forget?" Quirin asked, all three of his guests nodded, "well, Varian didn't believe it worked, he even tested it out, and it didn't, so he decided he'd make a potion that would actually help you remember things out of spite!"
"Oh my gosh!" The princess laughed so hard her cheeks were red.
Edmund and Eugene smiled fondly, both watching the retired knight as he chuckled at the memory.
"Ok, I wish I knew him when he was younger, he must've been something else back then!" The former thief stated, "little, tiny, baby alchemist, running around like crazy, testing out all the legends you hear as a kid", he stopped, "wait, did he ever question Santa?"
"Nope!" Quirin stated, "he and the Easter bunny were the two things he didn't want to question, saying it made the holidays much more fun and how questioning such icons would bring dishonor on this house", he added, "plus he didn't want to end up on the naughty list".
Everyone gave a small "awww" at the younger alchemist's antics, all of them keeping a silent promise to protect the younger boy's holiday innocence. Just as they were about to continue, a door opened somewhere in the house, all four pairs of eyes were watching the hallway as one, soaking wet, alchemist came into view. He had his usual street clothes and shoes on, a newer pair that weren't dirty, or smelly, and was combing his hair when he stopped and looked at all three guests.
"Oh! Uh.... hi", he said shyly, the racoon on his shoulder was watching them, tail flicking in confusion.
"Hello!" Edmund replied, smiling warmly at the tiny child, "nice to meet you!" Eugene face palmed while Rapunzel smiled awkwardly. His father's heart skipped a beat, not really knowing what to do in this situation.
Notes:
I know, I know, I am evil for leaving it at a cliff hanger such as this! But it was a perfect way to end that and it's very late where I am.
I feel like Rapunzel did feel really guilty for how she treated Varian in the show, but it was never really addressed, so I did it here! We'll get into it a bit more as the chapters progress.
Eugene is fun to write, and he is wholesome! That is all!
Quirin loves his baby boy! I can imagine Varian being that kid that always asked their parent "why?" and the man just trying to keep up. But he loves his baby boy, and the wacky adventures that those two probably got into are endless!!!!!
Edmund, you are a protective bean and I love you, we will get into you more in the next chapter, I swear!
Varian be like: ('0_0)
Hope you all enjoyed! :D
Chapter 11: Return of the King's Friend! (Part 2)
Summary:
Here's part 2 to "Return of the King's Friend"! When we left off, our group of visitors were just talking about a certain alchemist right as he walked in. The alchemist froze with surprise when he saw the guests sitting in the living room, and with the Dark king saying hello, what will our band of hero's do? Can they save this visit? Will Quirin and Edmund find time to chat with each other and rekindle their friendship? Will Ruddigar ever get an apple?! Stay tuned on the next exciting chapter of "His Little Light"!
Notes:
And then a theme song plays as it depicts all of the shenanigan's the characters get into! Then it shows Varian and Quirin standing there being father and son and having fun times together! Then is shows Varian doing alchemy and Quirin farming! Then it shows them saving the day all heroic like! Then the chapter begins! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"Hello! Nice to meet you!"*
Varian froze, he had not been expecting a whole party when he came out of the bath. He knew his dad was excited to get back out there and work and such, but this was a little more than the alchemist expected. Not really knowing what to do he let out a "Oh! Uh... hi", then remained quiet. His mind was reeling, thoughts sprouting a million questions at once, *what is going on here? Why is Eugene face palming? Is that directed towards me? Rapunzel looks nervous, why? Is it because of the strange man on the couch? Who is that strange man? Is he here because of my dad? Speaking of, is my dad okay? He's standing across from them, but why is he looking at me that way? Oh no, am I panicking? Is that why he's looking at me like that? Ruddigar doesn't seem too worried, but maybe that's just because he's used to me? Wait, do racoons get annoyed with their humans? Is Ruddigar annoyed with me now? Should I give him an apple? I should probably wait until dad's not looking, he doesn't like it when I give Ruddigar too many apples.... I'm getting off topic aren't I? Where was I? Oh right! Random visitors!*
He snapped out of his thoughts, shaking his head to clear them away as wet hair flopped in his face. He heard his dad chuckle, "Here, let me help you", the man walked over and grabbed the brush out of his son's hand. Leading him over to the big armchair in front of the fireplace, his racoon hopping off the alchemist's shoulders and landed on the back of the chair. Quirin started brushing his boy's hair, gently getting the tangles out and smoothing the hair down, making sure to keep the same hairdo his son liked so much. Once that was done, he placed the alchemist's beloved goggles on his head, and smirked, "there, you look like you messy self again".
"Hey! I'm not *that* messy", he replied, turning around to face the man, "and you have no room to talk!"
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Because any messy trait I have originated from you!" Varian teased, smirking.
Quirin laughed, "yeah ok, you got me there! But, you're a lot messier than me", he replied, booping his son's nose, "remember the stink bomb incident?"
The alchemist cringed, "we don't talk about that!"
His father chuckled, "correction, *you* don't talk about that, *I* still do, and it's still funny!"
"The stink bomb incident?" Both of them looked over at Rapunzel, her head was tilted to the side, confusion clear on her face.
"Oh well, that's another story from his childhood", Quirin stated, "we should tell them".
"No", Varian stated
"I'm telling them".
"Nuuuu!" The alchemist tried, but his father already started.
"It was April Fools day, and this one", he pulled Varian closer, an arm embracing his son as the teenager hid his face in his father's vest, "thought it would a good idea to try to prank me".
"Oh no", Eugene said
"Oh yes", Quirin replied, "and try he did, he made the smelliest stink bomb alchemy could make, and placed it *in his room* to be used the day after!" He felt his boy wiggle a little deeper into his vest, trying to hide, he rubbed his back to calm him. "He really wanted to surprise me, so he thought pranking me the day after would catch me off guard. However, the stink bomb was not exactly okay with waiting, and, in the middle of the night, I woke up to the nastiest smell in the world, ran into his room, and he was sitting there crying because his stink bomb had rotted through the ball it was in, and stunk up the entire house!" They all laughed as Varian dug deeper into his father's vest, his entire face a bright shade of red, "let it be known he has never tried pulling that off again, but it was adorable either way", he rubbed his son's back again, looking at him and smiling, "you can come out of hiding now, I'm done".
"Nu. I live here now!" His voice was muffled by the fur, making Quirin snort. Ruddigar tried to coax him out, but the boy would not budge.
Edmund smiled fondly, getting up, he walked over to the duo and sat on the footrest near the armchair, "you know, that's not the most embarrassing story I've ever heard". He noticed the tiny alchemist peek out, "it's true, in fact, this one time, oh, have you met Adira yet?" The child nodded, still snuggled deep inside his father's vest, "good! This story wouldn't make a lick of sense otherwise! I'm Edmund by the way, nice to meet you!" He stuck his hand out for the young man to shake, with a little hesitation the boy took it, "Anyway, this one time, when Adira was about.... oh I'd say 12 years old at the time, she wanted to prove to me that she was brave! So she decided to accompany me on a stroll through the "Forest of No Return"", there were groans coming from somewhere, no one knew where, and Eugene, for some reason, Edmund didn't know, grumbled a little bit, something about how he really doesn't like that forest, "*ahem* anyway, we went.... there.... and were making our way through it, now I know know my way around that forest, and your father", he gestured to Quirin, who smirked with pride, "knows his way around that forest, and I had exclusively traveled with him for a very long time! So having someone who didn't know their around that forest was a little different. Specifically when she was surround by pup shrooms and one kept biting her and followed her the entire way", Varian giggled, "or when she fell into a sink hole and ended up inside a tree", He came out from his hiding spot a little bit, still giggling, "or, and this was the worst, she ended up ticking off a bunch of giant bugs and they chased her around so much that she ran and hid behind me!" The little alchemist was laughing harder than ever, all of them were, their faces were red as they imagined stoic Adira hiding behind Edmund! It was so adorable they couldn't take it!
They finally settled down after about two minutes, all of them breathing and smiling, "see? You're not the only one with a bit of an embarrassing past, we all do!" Edmund stated, making the young man smiled, "even me! But what matters is that we learn from them, you're probably never gonna make a stink bomb again right?" Varian giggled and shook his head, "then you learned!" The Dark king scooped the boy up, using his one arm to cradle him as the alchemist ended up in a fit of giggles again, "my you're a giggly one aren't you?" He giggled with the tiny child, the rest of the group smiling happily as they watched the two, Quirin sighing with relief, "I just realized something!" Varian looked at him as Ruddigar hopped onto the foot rest, "you're my grandson technically! So I'm a grandpa!" He looked at his knight, "that's right, right?" The retired knight nodded, smiling warmly, "ha! I thought so! So that means I'm supposed to spoil you!"
"Wait hold on!" Quirin objected
"Nope! I'm supposed to spoil this child!" Edmund interjected, "that's what a grandfather does!"
"I have many qualms about this".
"Oh don't be such an old fuddy duddy!" Edmund stated, hugging his grandson, his knight raised a brow, "don't you raise a brow at me, I think he deserves to be spoiled, what do you think?" He asked the boy, who nodded happily, his smile was wide and youthful, more youthful than any of them had seen in a long time.
Quirin sighed, "you know you're the reason they made the saying, "spare the rod, spoil the child"!"
"Well I won't be around much, so anytime I am here, I spoil the boy, and you can't stop me!" The king bragged.
"And why's that?"
"Because it's my money!"
Quirin chuckled, he watched as his son was hugged and snuggled, Ruddigar had started playing with the king's beard, but the man didn't seem to mind, he even laughed when he noticed the little creature. Varian ended up sneezing, the beard tickled his nose, it made everyone laugh, "ok, now I've seen everything!" Eugene stated, "Hairstripe being snuggled by a king, and enjoying it, is what I least expected!"
"Hey! Eugene! You do realize what Edmund being Varian's grandad means right?!" Rapunzel asked, her boyfriend thought about it for a moment or two before his eyes suddenly shot open. He looked at Rapunzel who nodded happily! Quirin and Varian looked at them, both extremely confused.
"What does it mean exactly?" The alchemist asked, raising his own brow, much to Edmund's delight, the king looking between his knight and his grandson, Quirin smirking at him.
Eugene looked at Varian, then at his father, then to Quirin, then to his father again, then back to Varian. The young alchemist followed his gaze, getting even more confused, until Eugene sighed, "well.... it means you've got an uncle kid".
"I know, dad told me a little bit about Hector, I'm supposed to meet him soon... I think?" He looked at his father, the retired knight shrugging his shoulders.
"Hector comes when he wants to", He stated, "I'm guessing it'll be in the fall".
"What? Why?" Edmund asked.
"Because that's the most inconvenient time I can think of".
The dark king laughed, making Varian giggle as his beard tickled him again, Ruddigar began batting at it, chittering with joy.
"No kiddo, I mean you have two uncles", Eugene stated.
Quirin looked confused for a second before something hit him, his eyes widened a bit as he looked Eugene up and down and then looked at his king. He looked at Eugene again, the former thief, understanding exactly what he was doing, smiled awkwardly, "H-Horace?" he breathed out, a shred of hope was etched in his voice.
"I... Yeah...." The prince stated, "it's me, I'm the lost prince of the Dark Kingdom". Varian gasped, he'd already known about this of course, he found out by accident. But he hadn't thought about the implications, technically, since Quirin was taken in by King Edmund, making him an unofficial son, that meant that Eugene was his unofficial uncle! The thought of it made the boy's eyes light up like fireworks, but he waited, watching his father.
The retired knight merely stared at the man before him, he blinked a couple of times, then looked at his king, who nodded. "You grew!" He said, he felt stupid for saying it, but he wasn't sure how else to react to this. He recovered quickly, "sorry, I mean, s-should I bow? Do you even want me to?"
"No! Please don't!" Eugene blushed.
"Right, I.... I'm so sorry, if I had known I could've...." He stopped and looked away.
The prince titled his head to the side, "could've what?"
"I... I could've, would have, taken care of you", The retired knight said.
Notes:
So.... We're making this a three parter, because I love Edmund, he's the bean king, Varian and Edmund are so much fun to write together, and Quirin needs three parts because I think he needs a break from the revelation! So we're gonna make a three parter here! Don't worry, I'll add an extra Adira and Hector story (when the man finally shows up), so I can balance it.
Also, Edmund for best grandpa, who's with me?! :D
I hope you all enjoyed! :)
Chapter 12: Return of the King's Friend! (Part 3)
Summary:
The finale to this three parter!!!!!
Notes:
Hello! I have finally found the time to update this glorious story! Hopefully you all enjoy it! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*I could've, would've, taken care of you".
Eugene was taken aback. Out of all the reactions he's expected, anger, frustration, surprise, heck even joy, he hadn't expected the man to feel *bad* for not knowing who he was. The prince looked at Varian, the tiny alchemist was giving him an *should've told him sooner* look that made Eugene feel a bit worse. He didn't want to make this man feel bad, he just didn't want to be....
"I'm sorry...." The retired knight said quietly. He was looking at the former thief, sad brown eyes locked on the prince.
"N-no, you don't have to feel bad! I didn't want you to feel bad! I...." Eugene trailed off, this man, the man that Varian, one of his best friends, had told him so many stories about. The man that the little alchemist had performed attempted regicide for and had spent a full year in jail for, was apologizing to *him*?! He.... He honestly didn't know how to feel about that, which surprised him because he never really cared about those who were in authority. Save for the king, Rapunzel's father, but that's because the man is the one who can say either yes or no to them getting married, so Eugene likes to think of that as a more..... give and take kind of deal. But for Quirin.....
The former thief tried to speak again, but his words were not working, he wanted to say something, to reach out, to at least tell the man that he doesn't *need* to feel bad! But...
"Don't worry dad! Eugene doesn't want you to feel bad! He's told me about some of his adventures on the road, and he's proud of them! If you took care of him, he wouldn't be who he is today, and that's a swash buckling, villain face beating, awesome explorer who fell madly in love with a hippy princess, got killed and brought back to life, and met us!" Varian voiced, almost, exactly what the prince wanted to say, he smiled and nodded.
"I'm gonna take that hippy comment as a compliment", Rapunzel teased, smirking a bit at the tiny alchemist.
"Heh, yeah, I-I meant it as one!" He replied, trying to recover. He had wriggled out of Edmund's grasp and was standing next to his dad, a hand on the man's shoulder, though he had to stand to do stand to do so seeing as the old farmer was twice his size. Ruddigar was perched on his boy's shoulders, chittering reassuringly.
Quirin looked over at his tiny son and smiled, then looked at Eugene, "I suppose talking about it makes you feel a little awkward hm?"
Eugene's jaw dropped open, *how did he-!*
"King Edmund-!"
"You can just call me Edmund, there's no need for formalities".
"....King Edmund and you share a couple facial features that kind of make it easy to pinpoint what's on your mind", he smirked as the man in question sighed with a smile, "and neither of you are good at hiding it".
"Hold on now, I'm not *that* bad at hiding my emotions!" Edmund defended, scooping his grandson up again as he stood, making the alchemist giggle and the raccoon jump to Quirin's shoulders for safety, "I'm actually very good with keeping my emotions in check!" Quirin went to speak when he heard Edmund mumble, "though now that my son has returned, and I now have a grandson, it is getting harder to be the stoic king that I've always been...."
The retired knight was silent for a moment or two before he burst out laughing, his face was flushed and his smile was wide. Everyone, including Varian, was shocked, they hadn't expected that, and when he finally stopped, the old farmer stood up next to his king, "you haven't changed a bit! Moon above how I've missed you!"
The dark king watched his knight, his mind was racing with too many emotions to voice before one shouted louder than the others, "Y-you missed me?!"
"Of course I did!" Quirin responded, taking up his son and holding him the same way Edmund had, the alchemist snuggled into his vest almost instinctually, which Rapunzel and Eugene smiled at. "You're my *king*! My actual king, not a fool, not a jerk, not a promise breaker, excuse maker, or anything like-!" He stopped himself, refusing to look at a certain blond female that was standing inside his house, ".....*ahem* I swore loyalty to you! You were my king, and my very first friend!" He smiled, "not to mention you adopted me and two other crazy kids off the street without so much as a second thought!" He chuckled, Ruddigar climbed down a little to mess with Varian's hair, the alchemist peeking out of his father's vest and petting the little creature, "I've missed you so much! When I had to.... to leave.... I never blamed you, I would've been angry too, in fact", he looked down at Varian, the alchemist looking up at him, seeing the regret lacing his father's features, "I was, I was so angry at the black rocks, at the moonstone, at anything associated with it..... I even took it out on my son, and that is something a father should never do!" He smiled when Varian placed a hand on the farmer's cheek, eyes filled with understanding, "you were mad, and people do stupid things when they're mad", he placed his own hand on Varian's, "especially to those you love the most, believe me, if anyone understands that it's me. But I'm making up for it, or trying to, and I can tell you are too". He looked at Eugene, then Rapunzel, his tiny alchemist, Ruddigar, who had climbed back on his shoulders and was now sitting comfortably, and finally Edmund, "we've all made stupid mistakes, all of us, the point isn't that we've made them, it's exactly as you said before, we learn, and we make up for them. The past is the past, the future is here, if you're willing to show me you want to change for the better, then I'm willing to forgive and help you". He looked at his son again who was tearing up a little, though he tried to hide it, "either way, I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't forgive you", he smiled and looked at his king again.
Edmund was touched, "I thought.... I thought you would've been....."
"What hurt? Upset? Mad that my home was destroyed? I was at first, but not at you", Quirin stated, "I was angry at the moonstone for causing this, for making life hard and for causing you distress. I was mad at Adira for trying to get me to believe a fairytale could go and save the day when no one had proof of it's actual existence", he smirked, "well, until now", he gestured towards Rapunzel who waved shyly. "I was mad at Hector for blaming Adira and I for what happened when he wasn't there and didn't understand the situation. But mostly.... I was mad at myself for letting you deal with it all alone, with little crows as your only company. I was mad at myself for letting you deal with the grief of losing someone you loved so much alone". He huffed a little, "honestly, I was just mad, and I hated being mad. Which is why I left it all behind, I left and went to a place that I thought would be safe, and protected. I had a wife and a son, both I could protect, if I could keep them safe...." he stopped, looking down at his son again, smiling sadly, "but I guess I couldn't do that either huh?"
"D-dad...."
"I'm alright, just... reflecting", Quirin quickly added, Varian gave him a worried stare, "later?"
"Later".
His father nodded, "either way", he stated, turning back to the Dark King, "I was never mad at you, why do you think I wrote the letter?"
"Yeah, about that", Eugene piped up, "maybe warn me next time you invite my old man to come down here?"
"I didn't know he was your father to be fair", Quirin raised a brow, "but I can warn you next time", he then looked at Varian, "do you need a warning too?"
Varian shook his head, "unless it's more than two people, I'm good, besides", he smiled, "I'm gonna be spoiled!"
Edmund chuckled, "and I can't wait to do so!" His spirits lifted, he scooped up Varian again, much to the alchemist's delight, and Ruddigar's dismay as he chittered aggravatedly, "sorry little friend, you can hop on my shoulders if you wish!"
The raccoon sniffed stranger's hand, eyeing him a little suspiciously, "hey, if you spoil me, does that mean Ruddigar gets spoiled too?" his boy asked, making the animal tilt his head to the side.
"Absolutely!!!!!!" his grandpa declared happily, Ruddigar chittering happily before jumping on his shoulders.
"Ok, I draw the line at the raccoon".
"I see no line drawn, only striped on this little beast's tail!"
"He's already fat King Edmund!"
"He's not fat!" Varian argued, "he's just fluffy!"
"He's fat, he's a fat-coon".
"No, he's a fluff-coon!" the alchemist continued, "right?" He looked at Edmund.
"Yep!"
"Are you kidding me?"
"Nope!"
Quirin sighed, "wow, overruled by a raccoon, my son, and my old king..... Somehow I thought this would be funnier".
"I think it's funny!"
"You're winning Hairstripe", Eugene commented.
"That's what makes it funny!"
They all laughed as Quirin rolled his eyes.
****
A couple hours passed with all of them passing the time by playing card games and joking around.
"Ha ha! Eugene's the old maid!" Varian bragged.
"Can we please stop playing this game?!" The prince groaned, "the kid's too good!"
"We could try a different game", Rapunzel agreed.
Varian got an evil glint in his eye, "how about Uno?"
"I have a very bad feeling about this", Eugene stated.
As they started setting up the game, Edmund decided he'd join Quirin in the kitchen, the retired knight had decided to finish making dinner before anymore arguments were made at his expense. As he walked in he smelled something amazing! Walking over he saw Quirin pulling something out of the wood oven the dark king assumed the little alchemist made. He smiled brightly, "I didn't know you could cook!"
The retired knight chuckled, "I couldn't when I last saw you, but being married to of an alchemist kinda makes you, and you son, want to try learning about mixing certain things together. For me, it was food, for him, it was chemicals", he smirked as he set the pan down, it was a baked pasta of some sort.
"It looks so good! Is it ready?"
"Not yet, are you getting hungry? I have little snacks you could munch on while we wait for it to cool", Quirin offered.
"No that's not necessary, I'll be fine for a bit", Edmund chuckled, he then sighed happily, looking around, "I like this place, it's cozy".
"Thanks, it's not like the castle back in the Dark Kingdom, but it's grown on me", the old farmer smiled, looking around his home, "Varian sure loves it, for him, it's the only home he's ever known".
"OH COME ON HOW ARE YOU SO GOOD AT THIS?!"
"Eugene it's okay, it's just a game", they heard Rapunzel say.
"Best two out of three?"
"You're on Hairstripe! I'm not losing this time!"
They both chuckled, "Apparently your son also loves card games too", Edmund stated while smiling.
"He does, though he can be a bit brutal with them, he doesn't like losing", the old farmer stated.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! YOU'RE CHEATING!!!!"
"Wha-! I'm not cheating, I'm just very good at Uno!"
"Maybe we should play a game that isn't card based so you two both have an equal stance?"
"We could play chess!"
"NO! I lost a lot of money to your dad with that game!"
"Is it my fault you underestimated my skills?"
"Alright that's it! Snakes and Ladders! You and me! NOW!"
"You're on!"
Rapunzel sighed.
The knight and king were busting up! After a couple of moments they composed themselves, snorting and giggling, but trying to stay quiet. The house was still, both men were happily comfortable in each other's presence. They remained that way until Eugene burst through the doorway, huffing and angry, apparently the final game had not gone in his favor. Varian and Rapunzel walked in a few moments later, the former smiling wide every time he looked at the prince, who grumbled under his breath. Rapunzel just looked tired, saying something to Pascal about how they were somehow louder than when Cass and Eugene would fight. The two men joining in the fun, throughout the dinner they listened to their sons, and Rapunzel, banter, when they were watching the board games continue they enjoyed every second. When the children had gone to bed for the night they gave the usual goodnights and chuckles and then quietly chatted until they could no longer keep their eyes open.
When the morning came, and everyone had eaten breakfast and gotten ready for the day, they all said their goodbyes, Quirin and Edmund shaking hands with each other, "come back and visit soon?" The retired knight asked.
"Absolutely! I'll bring Eugene and some new board games next time!" The prince groaned as Varian smirked.
"That's be great! We could maybe go camping soon too! I know a great fishing place that's not too far from here!"
"That's perfect! Father, son, daughter in law, and son's best friend camping day!" Edmund cheered, "oh! We could bring Adira and Hector, they'd *love* that!"
Quirin stopped and thought about it, he wanted to say no, but one look at his king's and his son's faces told him he'd lose this battle again, "alright fine, just.... warn me".
Edmund nodded, "will do! Oh and Quirin".
"Hm?"
Quirin was startled when he felt the king hug him tightly, but recovered and returned the gesture, smiling, "thank you for forgiving me!"
"Anytime"
With that, they parted and, after Edmund scooped Varian up and hugged him while petting Ruddigar's head, separated once more. Both of them excited to see the other again soon, even if it meant Adira and Hector would be joining them. Quirin and Varian watched the trio depart until they could no longer see them, then made their way back inside.
"Did you have to be so relentless?" Quirin teased as he and his son walked into their home.
"I had to get a little payback for him betting against me, he'll get over it", the alchemist giggled, giving his raccoon some walnuts he'd grabbed earlier.
"You're a brat", Quirin chuckled, ruffling his son's hair.
"I got it from the best!" Varian stated, smiling happily at his father.
The farmer smiled back, finally feeling like things were returning to normal. He walked into the kitchen and looked out the window, he saw the fields filled with crops, they started sprouting already, in fact, they were almost ready to harvest! The retired knight was watching them before he sighed, "Varian, you put some alchemy in the crops yesterday when I've told you not to, didn't you?"
"I haven't the foggiest idea what you're referring to!" his son stated as he walked into the kitchen.
"Uh huh, sure, and you just so happen to be the perfect person to help me harvest every single one of these once they ripen I hope you know!"
"I think I might be coming down with something dad! I suddenly feel extremely drained, it's as if an evil farmer has threatened to make me help him do torturous farm work!"
"I think you might be coming down with something too! It's like you'll be without alchemy for a week!"
".....You know suddenly I feel my energy coming back to me, with this sudden urge to harvest something!" He squeaked, walking towards the back door and grabbing a sack to place the fast growing produce in.
"Glad to hear it, how long until they ripen?"
"Uh about two minutes, tops".
"Then we'd better get picking", Quirin chuckled, he grabbed another sack and walked outside.
Notes:
Hee hee! I've learned four things from this:
1: Edmund is a sweetheart and I love him more than I thought I did
2: Eugene hates losing and I love writing him like that
3: Varian is a stinker who needs to stop messing with crops XD
4:The only way to scare an alchemist is to take away his alchemy, a lesson Quirin found out about really quickly
I hope you all enjoyed this! :D
Chapter 13: Forget me Not!
Summary:
Quirin and Varian run into someone that neither wanted to see, but for very different reasons.
Notes:
So, this idea just popped into my head and I'm writing as I go, here's to hoping it doesn't turn into a train wreck! :D Hope you all enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"And so begins the perilous journey of our long trek into the minefield that is this kingdom's town square, in search for the very thing my dad can't seem to find at home! What is this important item for which we are walking towards with full gusto you ask?" Varian stated, gesturing towards his dad, who was walking beside him and trying very hard not to smile at his son's antics.
"A basket".
"But wait! You say, as your mind starts to think, like any normal human mind would, why can't we just go home and use all the other twenty-something baskets we have? Well dear logical thinker, we cannot! For you see, this is no mere basket, it is a basket which can hold the worlds greatest treasure of all!" The alchemist gestured towards his father again.
"Eggs".
"Yes eggs! The world's greatest and most fragile treasure that we absolutely cannot use *any* other basket for!"
"Are you done?"
"I don't think you understand the seriousness of this father! For if there is one any other basket would not be capable of handling easily! It's *eggs*!" Quirin raised a brow, "ok *now* I'm done".
"Brat".
"Me? A brat? Why what ever would give you that idea?" The alchemist stated, giving Ruddigar a scratch behind the ears.
"Call it a father's intuition".
"Seriously though, why are we going all the way into town just for an egg basket?"
"Because the last one broke and we need another one".
"Why can't I just make you another one? I could probably do it!"
"Because I happen to like walking into town, and it'll be nice to get you out of that lab for a little bit", Quirin replied.
Varian rolled his eyes, but kept walking, he normally didn't mind going into town, you know, when all the villagers didn't hate him. "Hopefully it isn't too busy...." He mumbled quietly, stroking his raccoon's tail in an attempt to calm himself.
The old farmer looked sadly at his son, "I know you don't want to go, and I'm sorry, but I don't want you hiding at home all the time. I haven't seen you talk to someone outside the house in a very long time, it's concerning me".
"B-but no one *wants* to talk to me!" Varian argued.
"You think that, but they just might, enough time has past that, yeah, not everyone will have forgotten, but I'm certain they won't be afraid of you, besides, the princess said she's been trying to put in a good word about you to some of the town folk", his father stated, "and didn't you say that when you went with Eugene and Lance you had a nice conversation with Xavier?" He added.
The alchemist sighed, "yeah...."
"Then at least, if we do run into a little trouble here in town, we'll know where to go for a quick break", Quirin suggested, "plus the book store clerk seemed happy to see you last time, so was the tailor, and the doctors, and it's only for a little bit, maybe we can stop by Monty's and get a treat afterwards?"
Varian smiled, "I do like the lemon lollipops he makes...."
"See? Now you want to go".
The alchemist blushed, "I-I never said that!"
"But you were thinking it!"
His son huffed, "now who's the brat?"
"I learn quickly", Quirin joked, he placed an arm around his son's shoulders, making Ruddigar hop into Varian's arms, not that either of them minded. They made it to the square, unfortunately it was busy, but as they passed, no one really paid attention, no staring, no whispers, no glares. Varian started to feel a little more confident, perking up as he and his father, who had to unhook his arm from around his boy's shoulders so he could open the door, got to the basket weaver's shop without any problems. They managed to get inside, buy a new egg basket, and walk right back out, the clerk even gave a "have a nice day!" to the both of them before they left. The little alchemist felt much better, smiling as they made their way through the town and headed over to the blacksmith's shop.
Xavier was happy to see them both, offering a look around and even showing Varian the secret cave he had underneath his shop. Much to the young boy's delight, he started getting ideas for a secret bunker he could make at home, with moving doors connected to a lever too. Asking the blacksmith all sorts of questions about it and how long it had been there before Quirin motioned towards the clock, signifying they had to go. Saying his goodbyes, and picking up some steel and iron to try to get the contest of which metal was the best started again. They walked over to the candy shop, when they got inside, they were greeted warmly by Monty, Varian was still slightly nervous, but the Candyman handed him his favorite lollipop and gave him a big smile.
"H-how come you're not-!"
"What mad at you? Pffft! You're a kid! A small, angry, kid, and you were goin through a lot, plus you've helped me clean up my shop, you've brought me supplies almost every time you come into town, and you never accept payment for it, you're tryin! I can respect that, will I forget? No, but can I forgive, yeah, besides, you've got enough people makin ya feel guilty without me addin on to it!" Monty joked, making the alchemist giggle, "besides, you've been a customer here since I don't know how long! Let it be known you were much smaller dan dis!" He gestured to the alchemist, who blushed, "you've grown, and you're still growin, besides, at least you're *tryin* to make up for what you did, some of the thugs in the castle still do their crimes, and they constantly get away with it, thieves, muggers, violent people, you name it!" Just then Attila walked in, he looked at Monty a little sadly, "Not you Attila, you're working with me now and makin a name for yourself, I mean the people that still commit those crimes and get to go around and still harm people and not get a lick of punishment for it!" The pastry chef perked up a little at that. "Lets not forget to mention how quick the guards were to arrest anyone before the princess was found and punished for the most mundane things! So I say, if those guys get to walk away scott free after what they did, then you should at least get a second chance!"
Varian smiled, "thank you Monty"
"No problem kiddo! Don't forget to stop by anytime for a treat or just to chat! Oh, and thanks for fixing my shop, I appreciate it!"
The alchemist nodded, he waved goodbye at Attila, who waved back happily, then left the candy shop with a big smile on his face. He was licking his lollipop and walking beside his dad, who got a strawberry lollipop but was hiding it in his egg basket for later, when he accidentally bumped into someone. "Whoops! S-sorry about that I di-!" He stopped dead in his tracks as he looked at the man he'd just ran into. There, looking down at him, was the king of Corona himself. Varian's heart skipped three beats, his ears were filled with nothing but the sound of chains and leather ripping through the air as it clashed against cold skin, he felt a tap on his face, him mind didn't register it, all he could see was the man before him. He was staring, watching the boy as if he couldn't quite make out what he was seeing. The only reason Varian didn't faint, was because a pair of dainty hands grabbed his shoulders and startled back into the present. He was suddenly looking into a pair of green eyes, who were staring worriedly at him, then he heard a voice.
"Varian! Hey! You're pale, are you alright?!" Rapunzel asked, shaking her friend a little, the alchemist shook his head, Ruddigar chittering worriedly, trying hard to give him an alert, but it didn't seem to be getting through.
Suddenly a pair of big arms wrapped around Varian and pulled him back, picking him up and holding him bridal style. It was enough of a surprise that the alchemist was placed back into reality. Ruddigar hopped off his boy's shoulders and onto the retired knight's. Rapunzel looked at Quirin, he looked *furious*, his eyes were narrow, mouth cut into a deep frown, and the way he was holding his son, you weren't wrong to think that the king had just struck the boy and his father now held the rage of a man who's seen a thousand battles and is ready to fight a thousand more. The princess was a little afraid of the look Quirin was giving her father at the moment.
"Q-Quirin he.... he doesn't remember".
The man looked at her, his eyes were livid for a moment or two before he closed them and took a deep breath, a long deep breath, then let it go before opening them again. "I know.... Sorry, I'm just...." He glared at the king, who took a small step back, "....a little protective at the moment...."
Rapunzel looked between her father and Varian, the alchemist had snapped out of his stupor and was watching his dad, a little shocked actually. He place a hand on his father's chin, the other on Ruddigar, the little raccoon chittered, Rapunzel could swear she heard a little bit of relief in his voice. Quirin looked down at his son, then smirked, "it's okay, I'm not going to do anything", the boy then let his hand fall back on his chest before looking at the princess, she was giving him a worried looked, he returned it with a sheepish smile and a blush.
"S-sorry", he said quietly, and looked down.
"Y-you don't have to apologize, I....", she stopped, she wanted to say something but the words wouldn't come out. Her mind was screaming at her to apologize, but she didn't know what for. She looked at her father, the man was still watching the retired knight, his eyes were a little surprised until he noticed her looking at him.
"What have I done to make this man mad at me?" He asked her, his voice was laced with concern. She looked at him sadly, but said nothing.
Quirin's mind wanted to scream at both of them, telling them both off, yelling about how unfair the entire thing was, but he didn't act on that, he just huffed, tucked Varian in closer to his chest, and walked past the pair. He did stop when he was next to the king, turning towards the man he asked, "you don't remember anything about me or him right?"
"N-no.... I'm.... I'm afraid I don't".
The retired knight narrowed his eyes again, "fine.... Then heed my warning", he turned so that he was fully facing the king and princess, "stay the hell away from me and my kid, because even though he made mistakes, he only did them because of *your* actions! And believe me when I say, I won't forget how you treated my son, *ever*!" With that, he turned, huffed, and walked away. Varian looked back at the king and Rapunzel, her mouth was open in shock, and the king was watching the two of them go. For the smallest moment, the alchemist could've sworn he saw the smallest hint of familiarity and sadness as his dad carried him and Ruddigar away.
Notes:
So this is *definitely* not where I'm leaving this little interaction, I'm certainly going to have a full chapter and possibly more about Quirin and Fredrick's relationship, but I wanted to put a little something here because I'm certain Varian ran into the king every once in a while when his memory was gone. I mean he does try to help him get his memory back in the show.
Protective Quirin for the win!!!!!
The intro is my favorite part! I'm sorry, I just love sassy Varian!
Rapunzel needs to learn how to apologize, don't worry, she will.
Hope you all enjoyed! :D
Chapter 14: The Alchemist and the Big Bad Wolf! (Part 1)
Summary:
Quirin has heard the rumors about the creature that's stalking Old Corona, some say it's a werewolf, but others aren't too sure. The Village Leader decided it's time to put an end to these rumors and figure out what's really going on, but at what cost?
Notes:
So, I love this episode not gonna lie! Catalina and Angry and ADORABLE and I want more time spent with them! But sadly we did not get that, but what we did get is a fascinating episode about werewolves and where was our young alchemist in all of this? Well I'm hopefully gonna answer that! I may change the actual story a little bit, to make it more interesting!
Also, no, I do not ship Catalina and Varian, but I do like to think she developed a small crush on him, I plan on doing something with that later, but I am a VarianxHugo shipper all the way!
I hope you all enjoy, I'm so sorry this came a little late, I was writing it and my computer decided to erase my entire file and I could not find it again, so here it is again, rewritten and hopefully still good! :D
Also this is how they girls and Varian met, because we never did get an answer to that did we?
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin looked at the man standing before him, "a werewolf?"
"Yep, a werewolf"
"Come on now Adam, don't you think that's a bit of a stretch?"
Adam, a man that is almost a well respected as the Village Leader himself, chuckled, "what, don't believe me?"
The retired knight raised a brow.
"Oh right, because there haven't been stranger things that have happened to this kingdom, come on now Quirin, you and I both know it ain't that far fetched".
The retired knight rolled his eyes as he kept plowing the fields. He's come over here to help Adam out with the rest of the plowing since his job was done, but what he hadn't realized was that his second in command liked to listen to the rumors being spread through the kingdom. "Truth be told, I've heard about this werewolf, but I haven't seen anything like it around here".
"Well I've seen a little bit of it", the farmer stated, plowing right next to Quirin, "I saw red eyes peeking out through the forest trees the other day, when I went to go and check, all that was left behind was a large, deep pawprint, bigger than any I'd seen".
"It could've been a large bear you know"
"I know what it could've been, but you and I both know go off of what we see, and what I saw wasn't a bear"
"What makes you so sure?"
"Last time I checked, bears don't have paws almost as big as a house Quirin. Nor do they have read eyes, look, you've heard the rumors, and people are gettin antsy, wouldn't it just be better to check it out? I'll come with you", he offered
The Village Leader shook his head, "I appreciate it, but if you really insist that I check this out, then I'd rather go alone just in case things get dicey".
"Wouldn't you need someone to help you check what type of animal it is? That way if it isn't a werewolf then we know how to handle it?"
Quirin stopped for a moment and thought about that, gathering data on this creature would be beneficial to Corona, especially if people were afraid of it, "that does sound like a great idea, but would you know what to look for?"
Adam stopped plowing, "mmmm, guess you're right on that, but I happen to know of a certain pyromaniac that would be more than willing to help you out, and he just so happens to be you kid", he joked, earning a bump from Quirin as he laughed, "look you know I'm right, that kid would know exactly what to look for in a situation like this, and he'd be more than willing to help you out, so what've you got to lose here?"
"Aside from the fact that my son might get badly injured by this creature, whatever it is, he's an alchemist, not an animal expert", he stated before he smirked, "nor a pyromaniac thank you very little".
"Tch, could've fooled me with how much he lights up, but either way, it's your call. I would do something tonight though", Adam warned.
Quirin glanced at him confused, "why?"
"Because it's a full moon out tonight", he smirked as Quirin laughed.
****
A few hours later, Quirin had returned home and was in the process of making pork chops when he heard clamoring downstairs, "Varian, son are you okay in there?"
"Y-yes dad, I just almost dropped a book!" his son called back, before he heard a loud thump, "I dropped it! I-it was one of my big b-books!"
His father chuckled as he placed the meat inside the wood over and closed the door. After twenty minutes, the farmer placed oven mits over his hands and grabbed the now steaming pork chops, "son dinner's ready, wash up and come downstairs, I need to discuss something with you!"
"Ok!"
The Village Leader heard his boy putting stuff away, glasses clinking together and small puffs could be heard in the lab before another thump sounded throughout the home, "Varian"
"I keep dropping the book! It's very heavy!"
"Are you sure it's a book that keeps being dropped, or is it something you shouldn't have?"
"It's actually a book this time I promise!"
"Ok, but if I hear it drop again I'm coming up there to help alright?"
"Ok!"
The farmer waited for a few more moments and heard nothing, he shrugged and walked over the the plates, setting the food on them he picked them up and was about to carry them to the table when he heard the thump again. Sighing he set the plates down, took off the oven mits, and walked upstairs. When he entered his son's room he saw his boy sitting on the ground huffing as a gigantic book sat before him, "woah", Quirin stated.
"I told you it was actually a book this time!" Varian grumbled
"What? Where did you even get such a big book, it's almost bigger than you?"
His son got up and dusted himself off, "I got it from the library at the castle, Rapunzel told me I should take a look at these, they're fairytales, she said they were fun to read with a bunch of morals in them for kids. I took a look and these things are so horribly inaccurate it's not even funny!" The alchemist stated, grumbling as bit, "I mean so much of this is so made up it's no wonder it's made for kids 4 and below, I mean for Demanitus's sake, "the old lady that lives in a shoe", "the Man in the Moon", "Little Bo Peep" I mean my gosh they're so inaccurate!"
Quirin chuckled, "they're just there to teach little kids morals Varian, they're not supposed to be accurate".
"But this is why we have so many people with rumors and stories instead of hard facts! I mean I'm all for pushing the envelope and making the impossible possible, but those stories are way too far!"
"Well how about we go downstairs and eat dinner, and you can tell me all about it, hm?"
"Ok", the little alchemist grabbed the book and picked it up again, but was physically struggling to place it anywhere. Before the book could be dropped again, Quirin grabbed it and lifted it onto the desk, placing it on the top so it wouldn't slide off, "thanks dad, I'll go wash up okay?"
"Sounds good" His father agreed, they both went outside the room, Varian heading to the privy as Ruddigar jumped on his shoulders, and Quirin heading down to the kitchen.
****
A couple minutes later, the little alchemist and his raccoon came down the stairs and sat the the table, right as his father brought the food to the table, "so, did you read the one about the "tortoise and the hare"?"
"Oh that story was so scientifically inaccurate it hurts!" He grumbled as Quirin set the plates of food on the table and smirked, "first off, that tortoise would not have ever out run a hare, that concept alone should've been scrapped! Also animals cannot talk to each other because science has proven they each have their own unique way of communicating with each other that only their species can understand! Also a tortoise cannot stand up on two legs, neither can a hare for that matter and yes I am well aware that the moral of the story it "don't count your chickens before they hatch", but come on!"
"And people wonder why I don't read you fairytales"
"Because you know I'm way too intellectual to actually fall asleep to those stories"
"Was that the reason? I forget, I should've tied a string around my finger to remember"
"Oh don't you even!"
Quirin chuckled, "so I supposed your favorite topic would not be about the cow jumping over the moon with the dish and the spoon?"
"Nope! Also stories about little old ladies who like to live in candy houses that greedy little kids run up to and eat well over half their body weight because they can't control themselves, or little girls who wear bightly colored hoods in the middle of a dark forest and then wanna cry that a hungry wolf is out to get them even though their outfit just screams, "come out and eat me for I am a free meal", or the three little pigs looking for a home and two of them end up being really stupid and build houses out of straw and stick while a hungry wolf, with lungs of steel may I add, huffs and puffs and blows the houses down so they go running to the smarter pig who built his home out of brick, or how about when the poor boy wanted to pull a harmless prank and cried wolf two times and the third time when there actually was a wolf he got eaten and no body cared because "I don't like to be tricked by bratty kids who like to pull pranks" and then he dies!"
"Are you done?"
"Maybe"
"I'm just sayin, a little scientific accuracy in children's books isn't too much to ask!"
Quirin raised a brow
"Ok, now, I'm done"
"Good, now eat your pork chops"
Varian glared at his plate before getting an idea, picking up his knife and fork, he sliced a little piece off the chop and looked at his father, "hey dad"
"Hm?"
He pointed at the Village Leader's food, "that little piggy made the stick house", he then pointed to his own, "mine made the straw", he then took a big bite out of the chop, and smiled deviously, making Quirin roll his eyes.
"You're something you know that?"
"Yep! But it made dinner more enjoyable! So, what did you wanna discuss with me?"
"Right!" The retired knight replied, "I wanted to talk to you about a rumor I've been hearing about in town", he then explained the werewolf and how the townsfolk were frightened of it, he also told his son about the conversation he'd had with Adam and his suggestion, leaving out the pyromaniac part. Varian listened to the entire thing, nodding and asking questions from time to time, after the Village Leader had explained everything, they both agreed to go out tonight to see what was going on. They finished their dinner and began to pack, they grabbed medical kits, snacks for both humans and raccoons, books on animals, tools to take samples with, and a sword, just in case things got bad. They also brought a could lanterns and some raccoon traps and began journeying into the forest.
The sun was sinking into the horizon by the time they reached the edge of the trees, making their way through the brush and leaves, the duo began to get quieter and quieter as the sky grew darker. Quirin felt a little tug on his vest, looking down he smiled, Varian had inched closer to him and now had a fistful of his father's vest clutched tightly in his grip. An hour passed and the full moon was out, they both watched it, making sure to keep it in their sights at all times, finally, they made it to the clearing where they saw a large pawprint sitting in the dirt. Varian was just about to take out his notepad when they heard a very loud roar rip through the night!
They both turned towards the noise as Ruddigar hissed, his tail was high in the air, hackles raised and claws out and he clung to Varian shoulder. The alchemist inched a little closer to his dad, who placed a hand on his sword and stepped forwards a little bit, stepping in front of his son, "Varian, you need to listen to me, if I say run, you take Ruddigar, and you run into those bushes until I come for you, understand?"
"B-but dad-!"
"This isn't up for debate son, do you understand?"
The alchemist looked at his dad, fear shooting through him, but he nodded, "ok.... but I am absolutely not okay with this!"
"Dully noted"
The retired knight raised his sword, getting ready to attack when he saw a small women in strange armor run out of the bushes, screaming something about that thing wanting to kill her before she smacked right into Quirin.
The man looked down at her, raising a brow in confusion as he asked, "um, hello.... are you okay miss....?"
"Captain Creighton!"
"Huh?"
"I'm Captain Creighton, I'm a werewolf hunter, and you'd better run because that thing is right behind me!" As if to prove her point, a large roar rang throughout the forest, this time much louder and closer than it was before. Captain Creighton ran behind Quirin and hid, freaking Varian out a little bit.
"Varian, be prepared to run", Quirin stated quietly, making the alchemist gaze at him confused, "I mean it".
His voice was trembling, it scared Varian enough to tell his raccoon to get inside his backpack, once his friend was secure, he zipped it up and clutched it tight to make sure it didn't fall off. He then looked at where his dad was staring and his blood ran cold. There, about ten feet away from where they were standing, was a large, furry, drooling, wolf like creature that was standing on two legs and glaring hungrily at the trio with its large, red eyes.
"RUN!"
Notes:
Protective Quirin is the best, and I can see Varian going on and on about the inaccuracy of old Mother Goose/Nursery stories!
I do not like Captain Creighton at all! She's a horrible character and only puts herself in front of others, as will be shown in the next chapter
Sorry for the cliff hanger, I hope you all enjoyed! :D
Chapter 15: The Alchemist and the Big Bad Wolf! (Part 2)
Summary:
The werewolf found Quirin and Varian, along with this Captain Creighton women! Now all three of them are stuck and don't know what to do, the retired knight has no other choice but to fight, he just hopes he isn't too rusty!
Notes:
Soooo, I'm sorry this took me a bit to get back to, but I was very frustrated with my computer deleting the entire story and me having to start over, so I needed a break. But I'm here, and I sincerely hope this was worth the wait, here's part 2!
Side Note: Quirin is a duel wielder in my head cannon because it balances out the monk, axe wielder, and gauntlet blades Adira, Edmund, and Hector have respectfully. Plus duel wields are so cool! Here's so Quirin action that I'd wished we'd seen in the show! I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"*RUN!*"
The werewolf roared as the alchemist booked it towards the bushes, the women, Captain Creighton, right behind him. Unsheathing his duel blades, Quirin blocked the beast's path to the bushes and glared, bearing his teeth dangerously at the monster. It growled in response, taking the challenge and lunging at the retired knight. The man side stepped the on coming attack, slashing his blades in response, he landed a hit on the creature's arm, only for it to turn around and smack him with its paw. He slid back a bit, still on his feet but a little winded.
*Damn it! I'm rusty* He thought, *focus, gotta keep that thing away from my son!*
He ran forward and jumped, slashing down and cutting the beast again, this time making it roar and back up. He didn't give it any chance to recover as the retired knight landed on the ground and ran over to the creature, slashing again and again, side stepping it's large feet as it tried to block his attacks.
*That's it, dodge and attack, remember how you were trained!*
He managed to back the thing into against a large tree and smirked before jumping and bashing his shoulder into its stomach, knocking the wind out of it. The creature wheezed and bent down, giving the retired knight an opportunity to close the distance between them, unfortunately that was what the beast wanted as it looked up and opened it maw, biting down hard on Quirin's arm.
He yelled, slicing his sword at its nose, it yelped and let go, making the old farmer stumble back, clutching his arm. He looked at his wound, it was bleeding and the bite marks were pretty deep, he'd probably need stitches, but it would heal.
*Wrap it quickly while it's distracted!*
He jumped away quickly, landing a few feet away and grabbing the gauze out of his pack. He quickly wrapped the wound, hissing as the fabric stung against it, before putting the gauze back and looking at where the creature was. It was no longer against the tree, in fact, Quirin didn't see it anywhere, he looked at the bushes, his heart skipping a beat at the thought of that thing going after Varian, but all he saw were worried blue eyes peaking out from overtop the bushes. He sighed with relief, but then began looking around, looking in the shadows of the trees while keeping his bladed at the ready. His sharp eyes scanning every nook and cranny of the forest.
*Where could it be? It's not near Varian, nor is it next to me, did it just run away? No.... Not after a fight like that, it would want to finish me off, so where..... Wait.... King Edmund always said the best way to fool your opponent was to go where they least expected*
He looked up and sure enough, there it was, glaring at the retired knight. It roared and jumped down, Quirin gasped then ducked out of the way, just in time to feel the ground shake as it landed right behind him. The retired knight ran forward, nearly avoiding the claws that came screaming after him. He managed to face the creature once more, "I see you've got some tricks up your sleeve", it growled, drool dripping from its mouth as it glared hungrily at the retired knight, "right then, come and get me!"
It howled as it began running on all fours towards Quirin, he took a fighting stance, feet planted firmly on the ground as he waited for the beast, but just as they were about to resume, a shriek could be heard coming from the bushes. Both looked over, only for Quirin's breath to hitch at what he saw, Captain Creighton had a hold on Ruddigar's tail and was dangling the poor raccoon in front of her while using her other hand to keep his son back. The little animal was screeching his head off at the pain as his boy tried to grab his best friend, but to no avail. The women looked at the werewolf, fear and desperation taking over her gruff features as she shouted, "You hungry mutt? Well HERE, take this thing and let me go free!"
"GIVE HIM BACK!"
"SHUT UP! You want your dad to become wolf chow?!"
"YOU CAN LEAVE AT ANY TIME WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!"
"That *thing* is going to follow me no matter where I go! I'm gonna make sure that doesn't happen!"
The raccoon screeched once more, trying to bite and scratch at the women's hand as she looked at the beast again, "Let me go and you can have this thing as a treat!"
"RUDDIGAR!"
The wolf's eyes glinted with interest as it ran towards the tiny creature, Quirin ran after it as fast as he could, pushing past any pain he was feeling and reaching one hand out in an attempt to stop what was about to happen. But it was too late, the werewolf lunged at the creature, claws out and mouth open, the retired knight saw the raccoon freeze with terror before the retired knight heard the worst sound in he's hoped he'd never hear.
He watched as his son fell forward, Ruddigar tucked protectively in his arms as blood gushed out from the gashes ripping down his back and leg. His screams filled the trees as the thud of his body hitting the floor silenced them. The werewolf looked a little shocked, a moment of what looked like realization hitting it as it stared at its blood soaked paw.
Quirin ran over to his son, sliding to a halt and picking his boy up, he was unconscious and losing a lot of blood, "Varian?" He tried, the alchemist didn't stir, "VARIAN!" he tried again, same result, "No..... no, no, no no no you have to wake up, come on son, wake up! Wake UP!" he yelled, shaking his son and trying to stop the bleeding, Ruddigar trying to as well as he placed his paws on the wound, "please! Varian, wake up!!" he stopped shaking him, tears sliding down his cheek, "please...." nothing changed, his little boy's head just ended up flopping to the side, Quirin put his head to his son's chest, his heartbeat was faint, very faint, and his breaths were shallow. The man looked at the women, she showed no signs of remorse, only annoyance and anger as she glared at his son, that's when the father shattered.
He gently set his son down, telling the raccoon to get as many rags as he could on the boy and put pressure on them to keep the blood from flowing. The animal nodded and ran to his boy's back pack, which had fallen off during the attack, and grabbed the med kit before running back and placing rags on the unconscious teen.
The old farmer stood, his eyes were closed as his fists clenched around the handle on his blade. The werewolf looked at him, sensing his anger and backing up, fear shining in its crimson eyes as it hackles raised and it bared its teeth. Captain Creighton backed up and turned to run but didn't manage to get too far as a large hand clamped down on her arm and held her in place, she tried to struggled but the man didn't budge, instead, he bent to her level, locked her with a glare, and told to wait until he was done, she didn't move, not even after he let go.
He then turned to the wolf and not even a second went by before the creature felt searing pain shoot through its arm, then again through its leg. It howled and jumped away from the man, but he was too fast as another slice appeared on the creatures cheek, then another on its back. More and more slices appeared, the werewolf didn't have time to react as the knight bared his blades. His swords danced across the creature's flesh, making it yelp and howl as he unleashed his rage, how dare it attack HIS son! He used the trees as if they were springs, leaping off of one only to slice the wolf and land on another before leaping off again, almost breaking it in the process. He managed to stagger the beast, its back pressed against another tree as it felt the world start to fade, the knight saw his opportunity and leaped high into the air, about to unleash the final blow-!
"STOOOP!" The man froze, his blades stopping inches from the beast's heart, and from the little girl who stood before it. She had her arms out, protectively shielding the monster from any more blows. Her back was pressed tightly against the thing and her cheeks were wet, making the knight notice that she had been crying, "please don't kill my sister!"
His eyes widened in shock as the little girl looked up pleadingly at the man, "w-wha-!"
"Look I know she hurt your kid, but please, she doesn't know what she's doing! It's not her fault this happened, it was that lady, she attacked and my sister just got scared! Please don't kill her, let me talk to her, please!" She begged, "please, she's the only family I've got!"
Quirin paused at that, looking over at his boy then back at the girl, she was still staring at him, waiting for him to respond, he didn't know what to say until he saw another figure step into view, "Quirin please, let us help, I know this looks bad, but what Angry is saying is true!" Lance stated, as he stepped in front of the creature and girl, his eyes were locked onto the man, who, he'd just realized, was still holding a blade in this tiny girl's face. He lowered it and stepped back, still keeping it out just in case that thing tried anything, "thank you", the former thief stated, relief washing over him.
"I only lowered my sword because I'm not going to point it at a child", he growled, "what's going on? Why did she say that *thing* is her sister? And why the hell did it attack me and my kid?!"
"Because she's scared!" Rapunzel, who had walked up next to Lance, replied, "I'm assuming you've heard the rumors about the creature freaking out the villagers of Old Corona?" the knight nodded, "then we're on the same team, this", she gestured towards the werewolf, who was leaning against a tree, looking fearfully at Quirin, "is Catalina, she and her sister", she gestured towards the little girl, that the knight assumed was Angry, "are orphans that used to be thieves, they once stole from us, but after Eugene and Lance helped them find their own path, they decided to settle down here in Corona".
"We were trying to help them find a place because what they live in right now is a rundown tree house", Lance continued, "but Catalina wanted to stay, she and Angry had a fight, multiple actually, and they ended up staying mad at each other", he looked at Angry, who was staring at the ground, shame radiating off of her, "Catalina went for a walk one night when she was met by a werewolf spirit who told her it could give her what she wanted".
"Which was?"
"A voice", Lance answered, "all she wanted was to be heard, to be able to make decisions without being interrupted or disrespected, so she accepted the deal, and ended up becoming the werewolf".
Quirin glanced over at his son, who was now being treated by Eugene, he suddenly remembered how angry his boy had gotten at the thought of losing him, and how his voice never got heard by the king or the princess, who seemed to feel the same way because Rapunzel caught the knight's eye and a moment of quiet understanding shot between them.
"We found out a little bit ago", Angry stated, regaining the father's attention, "and we were about to help her get rid of it when we found out the spell to get rid of the werewolf spirit was fake because that lady", she pointed to Captain Creighton, who was still standing in the exact spot Quirin had told her to, "wrote it down in her book that we got from her about werewolfs so she would know where to find the wolf on the last day of the full moon and kill them.... which she tried to do, making Catalina angry and scared as she morphed into, well this, and ran away, I'm guessing she ran into you two after that".
The old farmer's anger grew a bit as he glared daggers at the women, who backed up a bit, but still didn't run. He then looked back at the three of them, "so she was what, so caught up in her rage and terror that she just attacked the nearest thing she could find?"
"Pretty much", Rapunzel replied, making the retired knight huff, "look, I know what she did was wrong-!"
"*VERY* wrong!" Quirin added.
"Right.... but she's not like this, she lost control and went on a rampage, but I know she would *never* hurt anyone innocent! Especially not Varian! She doesn't know him, she would never attack him, please, I know you're angry"
"Which you have every right to be!" Lance added
"But at least let us talk to her, we can get her out of that form and then we can help you and Varian heal and see where we can go from there, please, she's just a little girl", the princess begged.
The father wanted nothing more than to snap back about his son being only a little boy when her father threw him in jail, but stopped himself when he looked at the creature behind them. She was watching Eugene work on his boy, wincing at the small whimpers of pain his boy let out as the former thief whispered quiet words of comfort to the unconscious alchemist. He sighed but sheathed his swords, "fine".
They all let out a sigh of relief and thanked Quirin profusely before turning to the creature, "Catalina, it's me, Kiera, can you hear me?" Angry yelled, the werewolf's ears perked up at the sound of her sister's call as she turned her head to look at her, "I'm sorry Catalina.... I'm so sorry I've been so bossy and dismissive of your feelings, I just get worried we won't be able to have a good life together if we don't do it right, but that doesn't mean I get to tell you what to do or how to live. You're my family, and I love you so much! I'd never want anything to happen to you, so please, please calm down and we can talk, okay?"
The wolf stared at her sister for a moment or two, before letting out a deep breath and calming down, her form began to change right before the retired knight's eyes, her claws turned into tiny hands, black and brown fur turning a bright shade of red and receding into her body until all she had left was long red hair on top of her head, her face was fill with little freckles, and her eyes opened to a calm shade of green. Her clothes were torn, but they were intact enough to where she was covered by them. She fell to the floor, dizzy and tired from her rampage, Lance caught her at the last moment and held her close, Angry and Rapunzel hugging her and smiling.
Quirin watched them for a moment before walking over to his son and the prince. The man had torn the alchemist's blood soaked shirt off and had wrapped his chest, left leg, and right arm in gauze and was just now placing a small, blue, band aid with little beakers printed on it, on the child's cheek when he saw the retired knight walk up and sit down next to him.
"He'll need some time to heal, but I don't think it's anything serious, though I think the kid may need some stitches, some of those cuts were pretty deep".
"Thank you for healing him, you didn't have to do that"
"No problem Quirin, he would've done the same for me", Eugene smiled, "besides, I think they had it covered over there, thanks for not killing her.... I'm sorry she did this...."
"In all honesty, it wasn't her fault he got hurt"
"Don't you dare blame yourself or I sweat to Demanitus-!"
"I'm not blaming myself", the retired knight chuckled, "....though I could've been a little faster"
"Quirin!"
"I'm just kidding", he stated, smiling, "but it's true, Varian was only protecting Ruddigar, that women, Captain Creighton, she grabbed him from my son's bag and was dangling him in front of.... Catalina?" Eugene nodded, "Catalina like a piece of meat, begging for her to be let go if she gave Catalina the raccoon for a meal...."
Eugene gasped and looked at the little alchemist, "what the actual hell?...."
"Yeah..... Varian was only trying to protect his best friend, and I wasn't fast enough to grab Ruddigar before the werewolf sliced at him....." he cupped his son's chin in his hand, "my poor kid.... he's been through enough...."
"I know...." the former thief stated, before looking a little past Quirin, worry crossing his face, "uh.... listen, you're not still angry at Catalina are you?"
The retired knight looked at the prince before turning, only to be face to face with a very guilty looking little girl and her protective sister, "oh... hello", he stated, his voice was calm and quiet, she clearly looked upset, and for some reason, Quirin really didn't want to upset her more.
"H-hi.... I um...." She looked at him, then at Varian and winced, then looked back at him, "I'm.... I'm really sorry for what I did to him....." Her voice was shaky and weak, the old farmer could tell she was struggling just to stand up, let alone speak to him, she had slashes down her face and arms, and she was bleeding, though they seemed to have shrunk in comparison to when she was a werewolf, a small part of Quirin was grateful for that. "I-I could help you with him if you want".
"Help me with him?" He raised a brow at her.
"I-I mean, help you take care of him.... until he's healed I mean, I could help you change his bandages, clean his clothes, feed him, those kinds of thing, until he gets better, i-it's the least I can do for what I d-did to him...."
The retired knight was a little shocked, "I.... y-you don't have to-!"
"I want to!" She interrupted, "I want to help him! I hurt him so badly, and his scream.... it.....", her eyes grew wet as she tried to shake the scream out of her head, "it's gonna haunt me..... please let me help you take care of him, I want to make it up to him, I-I need to...." She looked so desperate, big green eyes pleading with the man she'd just spared with.
He didn't know how to feel about that, on one hand he was pleased that someone was actually taking responsibility for hurting his kid, on the other it happened to be a little girl who really couldn't help herself in the first place. The retired knight thought about it, then remembered how busy he was going to be with the farm for the next few months, and how his son's needs would always come first, but having someone there to help him around the house might actually be a good idea. With that settled, he nodded. "alright, you can help", she smiled, "but, you've gotta do something first".
Her smiled shrunk as her sister stepped a little closer to her, "w-what do I need to do?"
"Let me heal you", he stated with a gentle smile on his face, "I'm not patting myself on the back, but I did land a few good hits on you, and I can tell that little cut on your nose is going to become a scar. Let me heal you, or at least let me help heal you, that way we're even, deal?" He held his hand out, waiting for her to take it, she smiled and nodded, taking it as the shook.
****
They all managed to walk back to Quirin and Varian's home, Captain Creighton had managed to run off before anyone could grab her, not that Quirin cared, his little alchemist still hadn't woken up, but his breathing and heartbeat were stronger, so Quirin decided to stay with him for the night and keep an eye on him. They healed Catalina's wounds and the girls borrowed some of Varian's old clothes, they were a little big on them, but the girls didn't seem to mind. Quirin let them stay in a guest bedroom for the night, they slept in the same bed, both wrapping their arms around the other protectively as the adults got ready to go to sleep for the night,
Quirin had set Varian in his bed, opting to share a bed with his son tonight so he could make sure the little alchemist didn't wake up confused tomorrow. The princess, Lance, and Eugene all had rooms right next to each other on the first floor, so they could help Quirin with Varian as soon as they could. Rapunzel and Eugene were in the prince's bedroom, talking quietly with each other. Lance was still out in the living room, reading a Flynn Rider book, when the retired knight saw him he chuckled, "I guess my son isn't the only one into Flynn Rider hm?"
"Pfft not really! I'm reading it because I.... honestly don't know what to do with myself right now and need something to distract me".
"Oh? What's going on?" Quirin asked, sitting down in the arm chair
"I don't know, just been thinking about things.... The girls for instance.... I know Catalina wants to stay in that little treehouse, but I saw it Quirin, that thing's tiny, it won't fit those two, especially when they grow up! Plus there's no furniture, they don't have jobs and can't get any because of their age, they're gonna be all alone in that little house in the woods and have no one to take care of em..... it's just..... it's a lot for kids to be on their own, I should know, I was on my own longer than Eugene was, and I got lonely and scared, and it was so hard to handle.... I mean, what are they gonna do if one of em has a nightmare? Or how are they gonna cook a meal that actually keeps their bodies balanced, I don't know what they've been eating lately, but whatever it is sure ain't keepin them fit, they're small and I'm not saying that because they're little girls, they're 11 and 12 years old, they should be bigger than they are now, but they're not..... I just.... I don't know, I can't stop thinking and worryin about them...."
Quirin chuckled, "you sound like a father"
Lance looked at the man and blushed, "I uh... I do?"
The old farmer nodded, "that's what I think about with my son, he needs more food because he's tiny, is he shivering, he must be too cold, what if he trips on the way to the castle and scrapes his leg, will he faint from the blood? What's gonna happen if I'm not here and Varian wants or needs me? That's how fathers think, have you.... ever thought about adopting them?"
"Me? Adopt them? I.... have actually", he stated quietly, "don't tell anyone, because I'm not exactly ready for it, but.... I have thought about it..... But I don't know if I'm ready to be a dad, let alone if they'd even want me to be, I mean, I'm not exactly the greatest role model here".
"I know"
"Well alright then, go straight for the jugular", Lance muttered
Quirin chuckled, "I don't mean it that way, I mean I understand what you're thinking. Because when I became a father, I felt that way too, but here I am, 15 years later and he doesn't hate me nor is he starving or on the street, so I must be doing something right".
"Yeah but you're better at it than I am! I'll make mistakes and really hurt them!"
"Oh you mean like putting your job before you kids, or lying to them about your past, or yelling at them because they want to help but you're scared and yelling seems to be the only thing that works, or how about getting so caught up in an argument that you end up getting caught in amber and find out that you've been imprisoned for a year and a half while your son went on a rampage, ended up in jail, was manipulated by some ass who thinks the world owes him something, and then you watch your kid struggle to talk to someone who isn't you or his little raccoon because of the actions and decisions you've made?"
Lance was silent for a moment, "....yeah like that.... also are you okay?"
"I'm fine, I just... look being a father is very hard, yes, it is probably the biggest and most difficult decision you will ever make, and you're going to mess up. Everyone messes up, it's in the job description, but you are not alone in this, you've got Eugene, Rapunzel, Varian, and me", he smiled, "if you ever choose to become their father, then I'll be more than willing to help you", he said, "you're already thinking like a father should and you know what, I think you'd make a fantastic father one day, I really do Lance".
"You mean that?"
"I do, I may have made mistakes, lots of mistakes, but I'm trying to get better. So is Varian, it's hard, but we're getting there, the biggest thing that I'll say for certainty, is that we love each other, unconditionally, no rhyme, no reason, nothing, we just do. That alone makes being a father worth it. I love that boy, I will never stop loving that boy, he's my pride and joy and I couldn't be more proud of what he's been doing and how far he's come, even comparing him to a few weeks ago to now, he's grown so much and I am really proud of him!" He stated happily, "even though I've made mistakes in his life, he's make the correct choices, and he continually tells me it's because of what I've done for him. That is something I'll always treasure as a father, and I can tell you, for absolute certainty, you'll be perfect for those little girls in there".
"Why do you say that? You hardly know me"
"Because no one can stand up to me like that, and defend a creature that just harmed *my* kid, without having an unimaginable amount of care and love for the person they're protecting", he replied, "that is a fact".
Lance chuckled, "yeah you were pretty scary back there"
"Yes I was, because no one harms my baby and gets away with it"
"Your baby!" Lance squealed, "that's cute!"
Quirin blushed, "he is my baby, and I don't care how old he gets that's not changing".
The smiled happily and went quiet for a moment or two, both of them thinking about the kids in the next room before Lance yawned, "I should probably hit the hay, need to get some shut eye so I can figure out some way to get them food and help them earn it tomorrow".
Quirin smiled and yawned as well, "I think I'll head to bed too, I want to make sure Varian's okay anyway".
"Kid's tough as nails, he'll be alright", Lance commented, making Quirin smirk, "oh by the way"
"Hm?"
"Thank you, for the pep talk, maybe one day I'll adopt them, for now I don't think I'm quite ready, but one day, and when I do, you'll be the first to know"
"Thank you Lance"
"You're welcome Quirin, goodnight"
"Night"
With that, both men went to bed, Lance checked on the girls quickly, smiling at them as they snuggled each other happily, before saying goodnight to Eugene and Rapunzel and going to bed. Quirin went inside him room and got his pajama's on before sliding into bed next to his injured son. Varian hadn't woken up, but he didn't look worse, he was just sleeping, mumbling a little bit about the the diameters of the moon and how big of a ruler it would take to measure it. His father chuckled and planted a kiss on his forehead before laying down and blowing out the candle. He sighed and was just about to fall asleep when he felt a small tug on his arm, turning he saw his son was grabbing his sleeve, Ruddigar, who was on the pillow above Varian chittered a little, gaining a pet from the man in response before laying his head back down. Quirin looked at his son again, who had tugged on his sleeve once more, he rolled to face Varian and the tiny alchemist, feeling the bed shift, scooted closer to his father and curled into his chest, grabbing a bit of his pajama shirt before sighing happily and drifting back off to sleep. His father chuckled again and wrapped his big arms around the alchemist's tiny frame before pulling the blanket up around the both of them and setting his chin on his son's head.
"Goodnight son, have pleasant raccoon and alchemy filled dreams", he said quietly, before closing his eyes and going to sleep.
Notes:
I do not like Captain Creighton, she is a coward and a jerk and I did not enjoy her character in the show! Good thing she was only around for one episode! I prefer Calliope over her, CALLIOPE!
I love sleepy Varian, and snuggles! I think it's cute!
I also want to say it's a little thing, but I think Quirin and Lance would definitely be the ones to discuss parenting, mayhaps Quirin gives Lance some parenting tips and mayhaps Varian give the girls some kid tips, both benefitting each other in different ways! :D
Anyway, thank you for reading, I hope you all enjoyed! :D <3
Chapter 16: And Then They Meet!
Summary:
Varian wakes up after the battle with the werewolf.
Notes:
So here we go with Catalina and Varian, at least the first part of it! This is honestly how I think the three kids met, because it can't have been from the scavenger hunt, which I am SUPER excited about writing by the way! :D This isn't a part 3, this is just some of the aftermath of the two parter! I decided to split it in chunks because I want to explore the character's interactions more in this.
I hope you all enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian's eyes were heavy when he woke up, his chest, arm, and leg hurt really badly and he was definitely in a different room than his, the bed was way bigger for one thing. The little alchemist tried to sit up, but felt something large wrapped around him. Looking at it, he saw an arm, he would've started panicking had he not heard the quiet snores and mumbles of his father nearby. Looking over he giggled, the old farmer was on his stomach, one arm wrapped protectively around Varian and the other underneath the pillow he was sleeping on. His mouth was slightly open as he was mumbling about growing pumpkins and maybe some corn for the harvest, that's when the little alchemist got an idea.
He leaned in close and whispered, "dad, the sheep got out again"
The man sleepily mumbled, "hmm?"
"They sheep got out, they climbed through a hole in the fence, you may wanna go get them"
His face scrunched a bit before relaxing and then saying, "how about we let them go so we can have a chat about early morning pranks and how certain alchemists may get in trouble for them hm?"
Varian laughed, "dang it! How did you know this time?"
His father smirked and opened one eye to look at his son, "because you're usually the reason they got out in the first place".
His son sighed, "yeah I guess I need to work on my pranks a little"
"Or just not do them at all"
"Oh, but where's the fun in that?"
"Brat"
Varian giggled again before he felt a sharp pain shoot through his body. His smiled faded as he curled in on himself, Ruddigar, who had been woken up from his boy's giggles, chittered worriedly before hopping over and rubbing against the teen.
"Shit", Quirin stated, opening both eyes as he lifted his arm off his son and then cupped his cheek, "Varian on a scale of 1 to 10 how bad does it hurt?" The alchemist didn't speak, but held up seven fingers before wrapping his arms around his stomach in an attempt to stop the pain, it didn't work. His father got up and grabbed the med kit he'd kept in his room before speed walking back over to his son. He turned Varian over so that he was lying on his back, the alchemist whimpered at the movement and attempted to move back but was stopped by Quirin, "I know it hurts right now, but you have to stay on your back so I can take a look at it, okay?" He stated gently, his boy nodding in response.
The retired knight moved Varian's arms out of the way and saw the wound on his chest had begun bleeding again. Unwrapping the bandages, the father set to work, cleaning the wound with soap, water, and some rubbing alcohol before placing an extra set of gauze around the alchemist's chest and making sure they were tight enough to stop the bleeding, but not so tight that they would hurt his son. Once that was over he let his son curl again, the boy turning so his back was facing his dad, and put the kit away before returning to Varian's side to rub soothing circles on his back, it seemed to calm him enough to where he uncurled and laid fully on his stomach so his father could continue with the back rub.
A few minutes passed by before the retired knight noticed his boy had fallen asleep once more, he chuckled before placing the blankets on his son, grabbing his clothes, and walking to the privy in his room. He changed, brushed his hair and teeth, then splashed some water in his face and walked out, the little alchemist was now snuggling with Ruddigar, the little raccoon had been wrapped in his boy's arms and was purring happily, making Quirin smile as he got his work boots on and walked out of the room.
He was met with several pairs of eyes looking up at his as he closed his door, it startled him, but he smirked, "he's alright"
"Are you sure?" Catalina asked, her eyes were wide with worry, "we heard him whimpering, it sounded like he was in pain", the poor girl hadn't even changed out of the pajama's she'd been loaned.
"I'm sure, he just reopened a wound, but a quick change of bandages and a back rub got him back to sleep, he's currently snuggling with Ruddigar as we speak", the man chuckled, "he'll be alright, just a little sensitive to anything brushing against his wounds at the moment, but that's normal".
"Ok....", Catalina replied, she slid down a little, but the way her hair looked and the bags under her eyes, the retired knight could tell she felt horrible for what she did to his son. "oh!" his thoughts were interrupted and he turned to her, "your arm! Is it okay? I bit it really hard!"
If he was honest, Quirin had forgotten all about his own injuries, but now that it was brought up, he looked at his arm, it was a little swollen and the gauze needed to be replaced, but it didn't hurt, "it's alright, I've had worse, trust me".
"a-are you sure?"
"Positive, I just need to clean it a little"
"Maybe let one of us help you with that?", Rapunzel piped up, "as well as the other wounds that you forgot about?"
She pointed at his arms and the farmer finally got a good look at himself, he had a couple of scratches on his arms and face, as well as a nasty gash on his right cheek that would surly turn into a scar along with the bite wound on his arm. "Huh.... Guess I didn't see them".
"Your calm demeanor scares me a little Quirin", Eugene stated
"I'll be alright, nothing too serious", the prince raise a brow at him, clearly not amused, "what?"
"Pfft! you know you're just as bad as you kid", he sassed, "neither of you can accept someone else taking care of you!"
"You sound like King Edmund"
"I do not!"
"You do too, he always worried about the same thing, that we would never accept help when we really needed it, he would go crazy over it in fact, even though he was just as bad".
"Kinda like you do whenever Hair stripe gets sick or hurt and you keep him near you at all times to make sure he's okay?" This time Quirin raised a brow, "shit I really do sound like him don't I?"
"Yep"
"Don't you dare tell him that!"
"I might"
"Quirin!"
The retired knight laughed, "you know he'd be happy to hear it right? "My son sounds like me! We must celebrate with some comradery!", he'd say it just like that too before grabbing his axe and declaring it a national holiday"
Eugene sighed, "and you call Varian the brat"
"Where do you think he got it from?"
"Right..... So about those wounds"
The retired knight snorted before shaking his head and going into the kitchen, Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, and the girls all following him, the girls and Lance sat at the table while Quirin got the medkit and Rapunzel and Eugene helped him clean his wounds. After he was properly healed, the retired knight thanked the two before making breakfast and serving it to his guests. They all thanked him happily and ate, not really saying much to each other because they were still thinking about the sleeping boy in the other room. After they'd finished, they cleared the table and Lance went to help the girls get ready for the day while Rapunzel and Eugene helped Quirin clean everything up, making sure to let the farmer do as little as possible, which both amused and annoyed him, but he didn't fight it, they also left a separate plate out for Varian for when he woke up. Soon enough the entire kitchen was in ship shape and they were all sat at the table, not sure what to do next, the farm didn't have to be tended to for a little while since the seeds needed time to grow and Quirin had been told the animals were already taken care of.
Lance, Catalina, and Angry joined them, all three dressed and ready to start the day. "Hey, I see the kitchen's clean, there anything else we can do to help out?" Lance asked, the farmer just shook his head however, "are you sure? Usually farmers never stop working".
"That's usually true, but when it turns towards the colder time of the year, us farmers really don't have much to do, it's technically off season right now, late February early March is when we're on season again. We're just growing some a couple low maintenance foods right now, so really the only thing to do would be to feed and clean the animals, but that was done yesterday".
"Huh, that's actually really interesting, I don' think I've ever looked around the farms of Corona before", Rapunzel stated, "isn't that something I should've done a while ago?"
"Yes it was..." Quirin stated quietly
Rapunzel got the feeling this had something to do with her father, but she felt like she shouldn't ask just yet, if only to keep the peace between everyone here, Eugene must've agreed with her, because he was quick to change the subject, "soooo, the Village Leader job, what uh.... what is that like?"
The retired knight chuckled, "it's uh, it's something I suppose", he then grew quiet again before looking up and, blushing a little, he continued, "I usually just take care of minor things, unruly children messing the town up, keeping the peace between neighbors, and being the representative for the village should the need arise to speak with the royal family", he then cleared her his, "sorry, I'm not much of a talker, Varian usually keeps the conversation going, I'll give a little explanation and he'll usually take it from there", he smirked, "I depend on him a lot more than he thinks I do".
"Speaking of, shouldn't we check on him?" Angry asked
"Yeah! We should make sure he's doing alright, it's been a couple hours", Catalina agreed
"I whole heartedly agree! I mean what is taking you so long to check on your poor injured son?" A sassy voice called out from behind everyone, they turned and saw Varian standing there, leaning against the door frame, he'd gotten himself dressed and was giving them a cheeky grin.
"Varian!" Rapunzel exclaimed, ecstatically running over and giving the boy a hug, loosening up a little bit when he yelped, "sorry"
"You're good, you mean it with love!" The alchemist stated while laughing
"I do! I absolutely do!"
"Hey Hair stripe!" Eugene greeted, "good to see you're up and about!"
"Kinda surprised you're up and about considering you've got an injury that shouldn't let you be up and about", Lance stated, raising a brow at the young alchemist
"Uh... Yeah, d-don't worry about that, I'm all good!" Varian stated, giving him a sheepish look
"Oh really?" His father stated, he'd gotten up and walked over to his son, "you sure about that?"
Ruddigar chittered a little at his boy, conveying that he had nothing to do with this, "traitor" the alchemist whispered, making the raccoon flick his tail at him
His father raised a brow, "Varian".
"Ok, ok, so I'm not 100%", he stated as Rapunzel released him from her protective grasp and giggled, "but I'm not at 0 either so that counts for something, right?" He stated, using the full power of is puppy dog eyes on the man.
"You know that doesn't work on me"
"You're not gonna make me stay in bed all day again are you?"
"I might", Varian huffed a small pout forming, making his father chuckle as he picked him up, "son you're hurt"
"Yeah, but so are you", the alchemist pointed at his father's arm
"I'm not as hurt as you and you know it", now it was Varian's turn to raise his brow, "I wasn't the one who clutched his stomach in pain and ended up needing a back rub to calm me back to sleep this morning", Quirin reminded.
Varian blushed, "y-yeah, but I technically didn't ask for a back rub", Quirin chuckled, "come on, I don't want to stay in bed again all day! It's boring and there's not enough books in the world to make it at all interesting!"
His father sighed, "then how about we compromise".
Varian looked at his dad suspiciously, "I'm listening"
Quirin smirked, "though I may not want to, I do have to deal with some of the issues surrounding the um...", he looked over at Catalina, who looked at him confused, "incident", she realized what he meant, but nodded understandingly, "so I'll have to go into town, unfortunately I don't think you're able to travel with me, so how about this, you stay in the house and hang out with these two for a little bit and let them help you"
The little alchemist looked over at the two girls who waved at him, he waved back and smiled awkwardly before looking back at his dad, "why? Who are they?"
Quirin smiled, "I'm certain they'll explain, but either way, let them help you, and stay out of your lab until I come home. Once I'm done with that, I'll come back and check your injuries again, if they haven't worsened and you've stayed out of the lab, then maybe we'll talk about letting you do small experiments", he locked his son with a stern look, "emphasis on the word *small*, fair?"
Varian thought about it for a moment before sighing, "alright, something is better than nothing"
"I'm glad we agree on that", his father smiled, "but remember, stay out of the lab, please?"
"ok, but you've gotta let me take a look at that", he pointed to Quirin's arm again, "as well as that cut on your cheek, it looked bad when you got it...."
Quirin nodded, "alright", they hugged for a moment before his father set the little alchemist down, "oh, there's some food on the counter waiting for you"
"Oh so that's what I was smelling earlier"
"Do you mean that in a good way or a bad way?" Eugene asked
"Kinda both, my dad burns bacon"
"Wha-! I do not! I like mine crispy", the Village Leader stated indignantly
"Yeah, the burnt sort of crispy"
"You like yours practically raw!"
"I like mine with a slight crunch, not the entire piece crumbling in my hands" Varian teased
"I'd like to see you make your own bacon then", his father came over and ruffled his son's head, making him giggle
"Sure! I'll make the bacon, and you can make the pancakes!"
Quirin laughed, "well you're certainly acting like yourself, brat"
His son grinned before he walked over to the plate and grabbed it, happily sitting at the table and eating his food.
"Hey Quirin, do you mind if we join you?" Rapunzel asked, "I'd like to let the people of Old Corona know that they are safe, and Eugene wants to check with the guards to see if the Captain was caught at all", she explained, "we were also hoping we could stay the night again, just to.... you know, help?" She gestured towards Varian, the little alchemist tilting his head to the side in confusion.
"Yeah you can come with me, though you don't have to help if you don't want to, I'm perfectly capable of handling the problem child on my own", he caught a piece of bacon that flew at him and happily ate it while glancing at his, now smirking, son, "and you just lost a slice of bacon".
"That's fine, it was burnt anyway", he teased, making his father snort in response
The princess giggled, "I know, but we just wanna make sure he's okay, if that's alright, if not, then that's perfectly fine".
"It's fine, I don't mind having guests", he looked over at Lance, "I take it you'll be staying here too?"
"Well I was kinda hopin to be a bit of a safety net for these three", the former thief explained
The Village Leader nodded while taking the last bite of bacon, "again, that's fine, let me know if anything happens, okay?"
"Gotcha", Lance agreed.
With that, all three of them walked out, Varian giving his dad one last hug as he left, and then returning to finish his breakfast, giving Ruddigar an apple and some nuts while he did. Once his, and his raccoon's, breakfasts were done, the little alchemist cleaned their spot at the table and then walked into the living room with Ruddigar on his shoulders, Catalina, Angry, and Lance following him as all five sat on the couch, unsure of what to do next.
"So uh.... how do you two know my dad?" Varian asked, looking at the two girls confused.
They looked at each other worriedly before Catalina sighed and looked at the alchemist before her, "I met him yesterday"
"Were you attacked by the werewolf?" he asked, worry prominent in his voice
"Well, no.... I wasn't, I um.... I know who the werewolf is though"
"You do? Who are they? Are they dangerous? How did they even become the werewolf? Did they mean to attack me and my dad, or was that just an accident? And do they really want to eat my raccoon, because that's concerning to me on many levels", he asked
Lance looked at Catalina worriedly, "maybe slow down a bit little man, those are a lot of questions", he then mumbled, "though I probably should've expected that coming from you".
"Right right, sorry, got a little excited", Varian apologized
"Excited?" Angry asked, "not scared or angry just excited?"
"Well yeah! Can you imagine becoming a werewolf?! I didn't think it was possible, but seeing how that creature reacted to us last night and how they attacked my dad, the fight they has was so COOL! Mind you, that might be just a me thing, but I wanna meet that werewolf and first off, ask them why they would attack my raccoon, second, see if they're dangerous or not, and third, if they aren't dangerous, I've got a lot of questions for them!" He smiled brightly, his blue eyes practically glowing with excitement.
Catalina let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, she didn't know why, but she felt a little relieved to know that Varian didn't hate the werewolf, it made thing a little easier for her, "well, she's a girl, she became the werewolf when the spirit of the werewolf found her and told her they could help her get what she needed, which was for her voice to be heard. She didn't mean to cause anyone harm and I can promise you that she's not dangerous"
The alchemist stiffened a little, making Catalina tilt her head to the side, "sorry, I'm not really big on promises, I've had too many broken with me to really believe them, but you didn't know that, so I'll take your word for it", he explained, Lance giving him a sympathetic look before placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, which the alchemist was grateful for.
"I can understand that, promises just seem like empty words that someone uses to manipulate you, it's not exactly a perfect word, but she means it, trust me", Angry explained, Varian nodded, a small smile forming on his face.
"So, if she's not dangerous, then why did she attack Ruddigar, who didn't do anything to her", he pointed towards the little raccoon, who hopped onto his boy's lap.
"Because she was in such a blind rage from that lady, that she let the werewolf take full control over her, you see, she's only possessed this new power for a day or two, and it comes out when she's angry, so she doesn't really know how to control it", Catalina replied, looking down at her lap.
The little alchemist tilted his head to the side, "how do you know so much about this girl? Are you two friends?"
She didn't respond at first, Lance and Angry both looked at each other before looking back at Catalina. The red headed girl then erased one of her paint marks on her cheek and revealed the blue paw print underneath, "b-because I'm the werewolf...."
Notes:
So, this again isn't a two parter, but the story is kinda getting long and it's late where I'm at, so I'll have to continue this tomorrow. But I hope you all enjoyed!
Also, cute little moment of Quirin holding Varian, also slight hints towards future stories :D
Thank you for reading! :)
Chapter 17: Understanding!
Summary:
Catalina tells Varian her secret and how she plans to make up for what she did to him and his dad. The little alchemist is unsure of how to feel about this however, but tried to make it work.
Notes:
So this chapter is about Catalina, Angry, and Varian, with Ruddigar and Lance being there for emotional support! These three have a lot more in common and I wanted to explore that a little bit more. I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"I'm the werewolf"*
Varian couldn't believe what he'd just heard, she was the werewolf?! This tiny, red headed, freckle faced girl, was that gigantic creature that injured him and his father, and almost ate his raccoon?! He was shocked to say the least, but he waited for her to continue before saying anything.
"I-I didn't mean for it to get so out of hand! I was just so angry.... I'm not a confrontational person and I'm kind of quiet, so it's not really a great combination for someone who already has a hard time speaking... I've never been able to really tell anyone how I really feel about a lot of things because I worry that I'll upset them or get really mean because some of the things that I think.... aren't the nicest....."
That hit the alchemist hard as he thought about seeing his father in amber and getting thrown out into a blizzard that almost killed him, only to become a wanted criminal for something he didn't even do and no one coming to help him..... He felt his heart crack a little at what this girl was saying because, he'd felt it too.
"I hate feeling so horrible, I wish I didn't, I wish I could be like a lot of other people I've met and just throw caution to the wind and say what I want, when I want, without worrying about their feelings just like they do to me.... But I can't.... I end up worrying and feeling so anxious that my stomach makes me want to throw up at the thought of someone being angry with me.... So I don't say anything at all, when I walked away from Angry during a fight we had, I felt such a nasty, disgusting rage build up that I almost went back and said something that.... Should never be said to her...", she looked sadly over at her sister, who gave her an understanding smile and put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly, "I still ended up attacking people though, even lashing out at innocent people, like you, your father, and you raccoon", Ruddigar chittered a bit from Varian's lap, "I'm really sorry for what I did to you.... I plan to make up for it by helping you out around your house! I told your dad that I wanted to be there while you healed so you'd have someone to get things for you or even help you walk around in case you need support of someone to lean against, he agreed, but I want to ask you as well, if that's okay?" Catalina finished, then looked at the alchemist with hopeful eyes.
Varian just looked at her, he wasn't really sure what to say! He wanted to ask a million and one questions about the werewolf and how it worked, but he also didn't know how to feel about having a random person helping him around his own house and being his crutch basically. He felt a little awkward, but one look at the girl's green eyes made him realize how alike they were, which sealed the deal. "I.... I guess if you really want to, you can, I'm just..." he sighed, not really sure how to put this, "....I'm not entirely sure how I feel about having someone I barely know helping me out, only because I'd feel back if you'd just do everything for me.... You don't have to do that you know".
She smiled slightly, "I know it's kind of odd, I just don't have any other way to make it up to you, I don't have money, I don't have parents, and at the moment, the only home I have is the treehouse, but it is kind of small and I'm not really sure how that would help you...."
"You have a treehouse?" The alchemist asked, his interest peaked, "d-did you build it yourself?"
Angry looked at him a little confused, "yeah, we both built it ourselves, it's really rundown and not exactly stable but it works for now, why are you asking?"
"Oh! I um, sorry I like to build things, anything from a machine with different working parts and mechanical mayhem to bird houses with wood and nails, I'm an alchemist through and through, but I'm also an engineer and builder, I find treehouses and little machines really interesting, and I've always wanted to build one! But the trees nearby are all for the apple orchard, and my dad wants me to stay away from the forest unless he's with me, he's a little overprotective, but I know it's because he loves me", he smirked then looked at the girls, "and just between us, he's secretly a big softy!" They giggled and Lance smiled thoughtfully.
"So you like to build? C-can we see what you've made?" Catalina asked
"Oh sure we can just pop over to my l-! Oh wait, no we can't, because the big softy wants me to stay out of my lab until he gets home..... ugh, we'll have to wait, but I'd still love to show them to you! I've got plenty of inventions, trust me! I once made a machine that could create an entirely new element! I called it "Cassandrium" named after Cassandr-!" He stopped, his thoughts hitting him hard, he hadn't thought about her in a long time, ever since he'd been told of her betrayal, and thinking about that day at the Expo..... it hurt.....
Lance noticed this and his smile faded, "oh.... Hey, buddy it's okay, she's, she's still around you know", he tried, "she may come back one day, it's just gonna take her some time that's all...." The little alchemist looked at the man, "look, it's gonna take time for... her to come back, it takes everyone time, but she will come back, and when she does, she'll be more than happy to see ya!"
"Y-you think so? The last time I saw her I....." he turned away, trying not to think about what he'd done to her, "I...."
He suddenly felt himself being picked up and hugged, Lance had him in a sort of bridal style way that braced him against his chest so his wounds wouldn't be jarred at all. The little alchemist was startled at first, but then returned the hug, feeling slightly embarrassed, but comforted at the same time, they let go a few moments later, but Lance still held the small teen, "she'll come around, and when she does, we'll be waiting for her, okay?"
"Ok..... Thanks Lance"
"You're welcome kid", he then chuckled, "you really need to eat more, you're so tiny!"
"Hey! I'm not *that* small! I just haven't hit much of a growth spurt yet!"
"Yeah, sure"
"I'm gonna be as big as my dad someday, and when I am, I'll be sure to brag about it!"
"Can't wait for that day to come, but until then, I'm gonna keep callin you short!"
"Rude"
"I know", the former thief smiled, he then gave the alchemist another hug before setting him down on the couch. Varian huffed and scooted away from the man a small bit, blushing as he did so, Ruddigar, who had hopped off of his boy when he was picked up, climbed onto the back of the couch, chittering aggravatedly, "sorry little critter, I had to hug your buddy, but you can have him back now", the animal chittered again, as if to say that he didn't need the man's permission before flicking his tail at him and jumping on his boy's shoulder, making the little alchemist giggle.
"S-so, you like to build?" Catalina asked
Varian looked at her and smiled, "yeah I do! I've always found the process so interesting, and the ways you could change the design and make it something new is such an interesting concept! Like alchemy, taking old chemicals that no one uses or has any use for, and making them into something that you can use! Medicine, potions, goo traps-!"
"Bombs?" Angry asked, her eyes flickering with a bit of interest
"Uh.... yeah that would be easy, anywhere from a stink bomb to an actual bomb, even a paint bomb, which is something I'm working on for Rapunzel so don't tell her", he stated, then tilted his head to the side, "why do you ask?"
"Oh no reason, just curious is all, sooooo how do you make bombs then?" Angry asked, trying to sound innocent. Varian raised a brow and gave her a look that Lance could swear he stole from his father, "what, I wasn't gonna do anything with them, just curious".
"Yeah, sure"
"You sound like your dad"
"I'm taking that as a compliment"
"You should, he's cool, and also overprotective"
"Probably for the best in this instance"
"It doesn't have to be a big bomb"
"No"
"Haven't you ever pulled a prank before?"
"Yes"
"Wasn't it fun?"
"Kinda"
"Sooooo?"
"Still no"
Angry grumped, huffing a little as she pouted, it made Lance smirk and Catalina giggle.
"So, do you want to walk anywhere?" Catalina offered
"Hm?"
"I'm supposed to help you around the house, did you want to go anywhere? Do anything?" She offered again.
"Oh, right, um.... I don't... know?" Varian blushed, "s-sorry, I know you wanna make it up to me, b-but I just.... I really don't know.... If we were in my lab maybe you could bring me some supplies at the very least, b-but I.... I'm fine at the moment.... T-thank you though", he stated blushing even more now.
Catalina didn't know why, but she ended up blushing too, just a bit. She turned away and was trying not to show it, but both Lance and Angry noticed, they smiled and chuckled a little bit before the red headed girl suddenly got an idea, "hey! How about a card game!"
Varian looked at her and smirked, "I dunno, last time I played a card game someone got a little agitated with me", Lance looked at him confused, "turns out Eugene hates losing", the alchemist said calmly, making the former thief laugh loudly while the teenager looked at the girls, "you sure you wanna face me?" He raised a brow challengingly.
Both the girls smiled and together said, "you're on!"
****
The front door opened a couple hours later, Quirin, Eugene, and Rapunzel all walked in looking very tired. The retired knight closed the front door and wiped his brow, "well, at least that's done...."
"Those villagers do not trust easily do they?" Rapunzel asked, wiping her own brow
"Nope, they think "yes" is "no" and "it's safe" is "grab your children and run", I appreciate your help though, that usually lasts longer", the old farmer chuckled
"Quirin, it went on for two hours", Eugene stated
"Eugene, it usually takes me until 9:00pm to get the citizens to calm down", Quirin retorted, "two hours is practically nothing".
The couple just stared at him, mouths agape as they tried to imagine dealing with all those scared citizens for more than two hours, they both shuddered making the Village Leader laugh.
"New goal, get the people of Old Corona to stop doing that.... and possibly get you a paid vacation because wow....." Rapunzel stated, Eugene nodded vigorously, Quirin smirked.
All three froze when they heard, "are you kidding me?! AGAIN? How do you keep winning this?!" It was Lance, he sounded extremely annoyed.
"I think he's cheating, let me see you sleeves!" Angry's voice came next, sounding just as annoyed
"Guys I don't think he's cheating, especially since he pointed out the extra cards Lance was stowing in his own sleeves?" Catalina tried to reason, her voice a bit more amused than anything else.
"I tried to warn you three that I'm really good at card games, but you didn't listen", a very sassy sounding Varian replied, making his father and Rapunzel chuckled while Eugene just huffed with annoyance and his own amusement.
"Guess I'm not the only one that hates playing cards with your kid", he whispered to Quirin
The retired knight looked at him, "no one does, but the fun part is betting on Varian to win, you make a surprising amount of money that way"
"Isn't that a bad thing, betting on your son?" Rapunzel asked
"I like to think of it as me betting he'll be successful in his endeavors, and that included winning in card games and chess", the Village Leader stated smugly, making Rapunzel giggle and Eugene roll his eyes before all three of them walked into the room. They were met with a mess, card and board games everywhere, ranging anywhere from Monopoly to uno to even tic tac toe, apparently Varian was on fire today!
"Are you serious?! You go a two *right* when you needed it?", Lance complained
"Yep!" Varian stated, setting the pair of two down next to a line of doubles, "and now I have one card left, hey Lance, got a 3?"
The man sighed and slid his card to the boy, the teen happily taking it and placing the new pair neatly next to the two's, "and with that, I think it's safe to say I win".
"I'm not playing cards with you anymore", Angry stated grumpily
"I keep telling people we need to ban this kid from card games!" Eugene piped up, making all four of them look in his direction, "but nobody ever listens to me! Also Lance, I thought you knew not to go against Varian, the infirmary incident?"
"I didn't bet on this time, but he was playing a chameleon! I thought I'd give it a shot!" Pascal looked the man up and down and raised a brow, clearly not amused by that statement, "hey I lost either way, so you don't have to give me the stink eye!"
"Hi dad", Varian waved
"Hi son", Quirin waved back, before looking around, "I see you didn't hold anything back"
"Nope"
"He cheated..." Angry grumped, making Catalina giggle
"He doesn't cheat, he's just really good at card games", his father stated, walking over to his son and picking him up, "did he stay out of the lab?"
Lance nodded, "yeah he stayed out, we talked for a little bit then played, and lost, a bunch of games"
"Well that's good", he noticed the man's glare, "not about you losing, I mean about him staying out of the lab"
"So, about that deal we had", Varian prodded
"Wounds first, brat", Quirin stated before setting his giggling son on the armchair and grabbing the medkit.
"We should probably clean up the mess, huh girls?" Lance stated, Angry just glared while Catalina got up to start cleaning.
Varian too, before Eugene picked him up and set him back on the armchair, "ok, what is with you people and picking me up like a toddler, stop that!" he stated, crossing his arms, "also I helped make the mess, shouldn't I clean it?"
"Nope, you sit and wait until your dad gives you the all clear", the prince stated, "and possibly think about not beating people in card games"
"I feel like I'm in time-out"
"In a way, you are", Eugene stated, "a "stop beating people at card games" time-out"
"Well I can't help it! Find a game I'm bad at and I will", the teenager sassed
"You really are a brat aren't you hair strip?" Eugene chuckled, ruffling the boy's head
"Yep! And proud of it!" the alchemist smirked, swiping the former thief's hand away.
Quirin came back with the medkit just as Catalina, Lance, and a hesitant Angry finished cleaning up, "thank you", he stated, a nod from Lance giving him the go ahead to walk over to his son. He set the medkit down and started checking the wounds, they weren't worse, but they weren't better, it looked like the bleeding had stopped though, so all the father had to do was reapply the clean gauze with a promise of checking them again tomorrow. After that was done, Varian then checked on his father's wounds, changing the gauze himself and making sure they hadn't gotten worse either.
The were both rewrapped and happy, Quirin placed the medkit back in it's spot before turning around and almost bumping into a very excited alchemist. "You just can't wait can you?" He chuckled, leading his son back to the armchair.
"What? I'm an alchemist, I need to science!" He stated, before adding, "and figure out how better to say that sentence because that was not proper grammar!"
Catalina, Eugene, and Rapunzel laughed while Lance and Angry snorted, "well, your wounds don't seem too bad, if a little on the sensitive side...." his son gave him his puppy dog eyes again, but this time added a quivering lip to the mix, which was new and made Quirin chuckle again, "that still doesn't work on me, but the lip is a nice touch"
"I know right?" Varian smiled, "Catalina taught me!"
"Ah I see, so that's the help you meant", he smirked at the girl as she blushed and looked away, "I'm just teasing", he stated smiling, "and yes, you can go in your lab and do *small* experiments"
"YES!" Varian cheered
"Small, Varian"
"How small? Like potion small, or testing out metals small?"
"Small enough that there isn't a risk of explosion, no matter what", the alchemist thought about it, but then seemed to get an idea as his eyes lit up, "no machine building either!"
The alchemist crossed his arms, "killjoy", he stated, before thinking again and coming up with another idea, "potions are okay as long as they don't cause explosions right?"
"Or result in them based off of a chemical mix up, yes", Quirin stated
"Then I've got an idea, two actually!" His father raised a brow, "it's completely safe and it won't cause any damage, neither of them, but it's gonna take me a while, and she can't come with me, only because it's sort of a surprise", he explained while gesturing towards Catalina
"Wh-! But I won't get in the way" She stated
"Oh no no, it's nothing like that, I just can't show you or your sister yet, that's all, but I'll be sitting the whole time and won't even be working with chemicals!"
"What are you working on exactly?" Quirin asked, his son whispered something in his ear, to which the man got a shocked look at first before smiling, "ok, that's fine", he stated, "I'll call you up for dinner soon, okay?"
"I think I'll be done by then!"
"Ok, have fun"
With that, the alchemist jogged off towards his lab and closed the door, leaving everyone but Quirin confused, when they looked at him, he gave them a sympathetic smile and stated, "you'll find out" before getting up and walking towards the kitchen.
****
A few more hours later, they were all gathered around the table for dinner. The retired knight had been listening to them make theories about what his son was working on, and none of them were close.
"A new paint color?" Rapunzel suggested
"A took kit", Lance added
"A paint tool kit!" Eugene announced looking at Quirin excitedly, the man shook his head and they continued guessing until they all heard the lab door open and excited steps jogging into the kitchen.
"I'm done!" Varian announced as he opened the door excitedly
"Right on time, I was about to call for you", his father stated, setting the lasagna down on the stove and taking off the oven mits.
Varian sat down with a rolled up piece of paper in his hand, Lance started to drift his hand towards it when the alchemist notice, "don't touch that", he stated, making the man's hand back up slowly.
Quirin got the plates out and Rapunzel, wanting to help, grabbed the glasses and helped him serve some apple juice to everyone, which the retired knight thanked her for, before setting the plates filled with lasagna on the table and taking a seat next to his son who was practically dancing at this point, "ok, I think you need to show us before you combust", he teased.
"You'd be excited too if you'd come up with this", Varian shot back, before he unrolled the paper on the table, "Catalina and Angry, you two were telling me about your treehouse and how it's a little... messy, right?" Both girls nodded, "well, I think this might be a bit overkill, but it's definitely an upgrade, and I'd be more than happy to help you build it!"
He showed the two girls what he'd worked on this entire time, it was a blue print of a new treehouse, complete with an elevator and vine swing, and it was much bigger than the girls could have ever imagined. Eugene whistled, impressed with the details, Rapunzel was elated to see the design, hoping she would get to paint it, and Lance looked extremely happy and relieved, giving Quirin a knowing look which the father returned with a smile.
The girls were shocked, but both of their eyes lit up and sparkled, "you can actually *make* this?!" Angry asked
"Yep! Easily! I'd need some wood and would have to measure out the tree to see if it would fit everything on here, but it would be a snap!" He stated, waving his hand dismissively, "what do you think? Do you like it?"
"I *love* it!" Catalina exclaimed, "it's so cool! It's big, bigger than we need actually! It's got a vine swing, and it's so pretty!"
"Great! Then I'll help you two build it!" His father gave him a quiet *ahem*, "eheh, *after* my wounds heal", he stated, his father giving him a slight nod of approval.
The girls smiled widely, extremely excited about their new home!
****
The next couple of days were pretty much the same at that point, save for Eugene and Rapunzel returning to the castle after their second night in the Village Leader's home and Catalina helping Varian move around the house while also gathering supplies for him and his experiments, which he was eternally grateful for. Lance had stayed with the girls to make sure that anytime Quirin left, there was an adult around so the three kids didn't get into trouble, which they almost did when one of Varian's smaller experiments bubbled for a bit too long because the alchemist was trying to keep the man from touching a highly explosive chemical compound he'd been working on prior to the incident and ended up creating a tiny explosion that resulted in Varian getting a couple burns on his arm. Quirin wasn't too happy about it, but Lance promised he'd never let it happen again and it didn't after the retired knight nearly scared him half to death.
They moved past that however, and the former thief managed to keep his hands off of the large equipment until the alchemist was fully healed. He even ended up being a gigantic help when it came to building the actual treehouse, which made forgiving him a bit easier on the retired knight, especially when he got to see the finished product.
The treehouse looked amazing! The design was flawless, the paintings Rapunzel had made made it all look so much better, the elevator was innovative, and they had a ladder as a back up just in case the elevator wasn't working, or Ulf needed a break, all in all, he was very proud of his son and how hard he'd worked on this. In fact, he was going to tell him that right now, but as he walked into Varian's room, he saw the little alchemist had tuckered himself out and was asleep on his work desk, pencil in hand with drool dripping from his face.
Quirin smiled as he picked his son up and brought him over to his bed, Ruddigar was waiting for him on the pillow, once his father had laid him down, he took off his son's boots and pulled the blankets up to his chin before planting a small kiss on Varian's forehead, making the teen smile in his sleep, "goodnight son, I love you", he stated quietly before blowing out the lantern and leaving, just before he shut the door he heard something.
"I love you too dad"
The retired knight looked over at his sleeping child and smiled happily before leaving the room and closing the door softly behind him.
Notes:
Here we are! I honestly wonder if Varian had any decisions in the making of that gigantic treehouse, because you all know that boy must've been the reason that thing had a fully functioning elevator and a back up ladder just in case!
I like writing these three together, they make for some good back and forth sassing, with Catalina being the voice of reason in the group
Lance and Ruddigar should've had a better relationship, I'm just saying the thieving raccoon and the trying to not steal but can't help himself friend are perfect for a comedy duo!
Quirin is the peacemaker and the sassy father figure and I love it!
Rapunzel and Eugene are back up mom and dad/older siblings for Varian, and no one can tell me otherwise!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you enjoyed! :D
Chapter 18: The Warning!
Summary:
Quirin gets a day off, and he wants to make it a family day, however he receives some distressing news and he isn't sure how to handle it, especially when he tells Varian.
Notes:
So I wanted to create a chapter that pertained more towards the plot, build it up a little bit, plus I wanted to write this character more, I kind of owe it to this character because she needed a lot more screen time in the show! Plus she and Quirin play off each other super well!
As for who this is, you'll see (¬‿¬)! I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin had a big grin on his face as he looked at his calendar. He'd circled a date and written "Family Day!" on it, he'd been looking forward to this for a while, having asked Rapunzel for the day off before she left for the castle during the whole werewolf fiasco, she'd immediately agreed, who knew having her accompany him while handling the citizens of Old Corona would make the princess a lot more lenient about his vacation time, not that she wasn't before but he'd gotten his answer a lot quicker than normal.
The old farmer got ready for the day and went out into the kitchen, just about ready to make Family Day pancakes when he heard something. It sounded like a creak coming from the window, grabbing one his duel blades on his back, which he now kept on him just in case, he turned quickly and pointed the weapon at the intruder.
"I see your senses still remain sharp Stickler"
Quirin sighed as he lowered his weapon, "isn't it a little too early to be climbing in through my window Adira?"
"It's never too early!" The face painted warrior stated, smirking at her annoyed brother
The retired knight sighed again and sheathed his weapon as he turned back towards the kitchen, "what are you doing here?"
"I came to say hello" she stated while sitting on the table top
"Hi"
"Hello!"
"There are chairs right there you know", Quirin pointed out
"I know", she stated, not moving, he rolled his eyes and turned away, grabbing the supplies he needed to cook with. He was going to make this a very special day for his son, and no unexpected visits would ruin that for him, it was just for him and Varian. "What're you making?"
"Breakfast for me and my son", he then looked at her, she was standing right next to him, smiling, "as much as I love your visits Adira, this was kind of a day I planned for me and Varian, we don't get a lot of those".
The women nodded, "I won't be in your way, I was just coming to tell you that I'll be staying in Corona for a few months"
The farmer tilted his head, "why's that?"
"King Edmund is getting worried about Cassandra being near Corona, he wants someone to keep an eye on her and track her movements to see if we can come up with a plan to get the Moonstone back. He asked me to do so since Hector is off looking for any hideouts she might be in", she explained, he jovial mood disappearing, "she was spotted near your home Quirin... I asked the other villagers and they said they saw a women with blue hair walking around a few nights ago.... Which is another reason why I'm here".
The retired knight was silent, his thoughts immediately going to his son, what if she found him, what would she do to him? He started to get a little worried, he needed to protect his boy, but he needed to do that without suffocating him.... "Varian will want to talk to her.... He wants to reconnect because they were friends before..."
"So he'd be in danger of her....", Adira stated, Quirin nodded, "as would the Sundrop, Fish skin, and Earring....."
They both grew silent, each of them thinking of the many ways this could go before Adira spoke up, "I'll have to warn them you know, they'll need to be aware of what's going on"
"I know but.... Let me tell Varian, you can handle the princess, Eugene, and Lance, but I need to tell Varian", he stated, "he needs to know that I trust him enough to tell him about these things, and that kind of news coming from someone else when I know, it'll hurt him".
The face painted warrior nodded, "it would be better to tell him sooner rather than later, for him"
"I know....", the women watched her brother as his face voiced every concern he had in his head, his eyes darkening, his lips pressed into thin lines, and his shoulders slumping slightly, the weight was getting too big for him.
"Quirin, I'm here if you need me, I won't let anyone harm that child", she stated placing a hand on his shoulder comfortingly, "he's family, and so are you, you don't have to bear this alone anymore".
The knight looked at her, his eyes showing hope and despair at the same time, he was worried, she was too.
"Aunt Adira?" A voice asked from the entrance to the kitchen, making the both of them look towards the door, Varian was still in his pajamas. He was holding Ruddigar in his arms and kept shifting his gaze from Adira to his father.
The women smiled, "hello Speckles!" she greeted, "don't worry, I'm not here to ruin you or your dad's fun, I'm just visiting for a moment", she stated before turning back to Quirin, "I'll be in the trees, call out if you need me".
He nodded, "thank you Adira"
"What are sisters for?" she grinned before turning towards her nephew, "let me know if you need anything, I heard you met the king the other day".
"Yep! He was fun!" The little alchemist stated, "I also got attacked by a werewolf! So now I have a cool story to tell you about, with some battle scars!"
The face painted warrior chuckled, "werewolves are pretty viscous, even more dangerous than the Draxes in the Forest of No Return", there were groans heard from somewhere, they startled Varian, but Quirin facepalmed as Adira laughed, "don't worry Speckles, you'll be safe, trust me", with that warrior smirked, then with a bow she hopped out the window in the kitchen.
The retired knight walked over and sighed, "if anyone needed to be sent to a convent, it would be Adira", he joked before closing the window. He turned towards his son and chuckled, "you're not going to find them", he stated, the boy was searching for the groans they'd heard earlier, "it happened when King Edmund said it too you know".
"Yeah I remember, just.... how?" The alchemist asked, "the shouldn't be doing that, it's scientifically impossible!"
"Not sure, I think it may have something to do with the forest itself, but that's just me", Quirin stated before he remembered Adira's words, "son, I've got to talk to you about something".
His son looked at him, his eyes were wide with worry at his father's tone, "sure, is everything okay?" he asked, walking over to his father.
"I'm hoping it will be, but there's something you need to know about before we do anything today", he stated, sitting on a chair and gesturing for Varian to do the same. His son sat down in the chair across from him, Ruddigar hopping off his shoulders and watching the man carefully.
"What's wrong?"
Quirin took a deep breath, calming himself before he said, "Cassandra has been sighted near Old Corona, actually very close to our home...."
Varian was completely silent, his mind was a flurry of emotions ranging from *she's back?! T-that means I could talk to her! M-maybe she'll come back to us if I try to get her to understand!* to *oh no.... S-she'll go after Rapunzel, o-or Adira or my dad! she'll want a-answers and that won't be good! What if she hurts somebody?!* to even *d-does she hate me? She doesn't know I'm good now, I h-haven't seen her since the attack I did with my automatons....* and also *if she attacks my dad, I'm going to sick my automatons on her.... redemption be damned!* He snapped out of it when Ruddigar poked him with his cold nose.
"Oh! I u-um.... Sorry she, she's back?" He asked, hating the break in his voice as he stuttered.
Quirin gave him a sympathetic look before nodding, "yes, she's back, that's why Adira was here, she wanted to tell me so we could be prepared", he stated, "I know you probably have so many emotions flying through you right now about this"
*no kidding....*, Varian thought
"I know, "no kidding" right?" his son gave him a surprised look, making the man chuckle, "I know you a lot better than you think, for instance, the thoughts running through your head are probably as follows, "maybe I can talk to her into becoming good again", being the first, "what if she hurts someone like me, Rapunzel, or Adira", being the second, "I haven't seen her since I attacked the kingdom and I don't know if she hates me", is third, and "if she attacks my family, I'll kill her", being the last but definitely not least, am I right?"
The alchemist stared at his father, dumbfounded, "how, the he-!"
"Language", his father warned.
"*ahem* heck", he corrected, "did you know all that?! Did you smuggle some mind reading juice from my lab or something?"
"No I didn't..... But we'll certainly talk about that later", Quirin stated, raising a brow at his son who looked a little sheepish, "I just happen to know you well enough to understand your line of logic, and trust me, I understand all of those emotions, it's hard to lose a friend, especially one you had a *ahem* special connection with", his son blushed, "but you need to be careful, Cassandra she.... she isn't the same as before, from what your friends told me, she didn't just steal the Moonstone, she attacked them, ran away from them, yelled at them.... She's not the same person you spoke to before, she is.... lost, and unfortunately both of us understand what that's like...."
His son looked away, he never liked talking about his criminal past, it was very hard for him, but they both knew the situation called for it. "I.... I just want to help her...." Varian stated, his voice betraying him as tears stung in the corners of his eyes, "I was so alone when I did what I did.... Scared a-and afraid of losing everything.... you specifically.... I-I just want to help her get b-back on the right track.... S-she was amazing before dad, fearless, strong, doing whatever she needed to do to help those she truly cared about.... S-she gave up a job for the royal guards, something she's dreamed of for a long time, for me..... j-just to help me..... I want her back dad.... I need t-to apologize to her, for what I did...." His tears were flowing freely now, it hurt to think about, all that time he'd had with her, it just felt like there wasn't enough, his heart was nearly broken for her.... But he didn't hate her, he never could.....
Quirin got up and walked over to his son, wrapping his arms around him and hugging him gently, rubbing his back as his son cried. He wanted to tell him to stay away from her, that she was dangerous, but how could he? He knew of Varian's crush on the girl, heck his boy had spoken volumes of her, saying how great she was and how beautiful he thought she was, how she'd been so kind and understanding, and after the expo his love for her had only grown, talking about her mistake but how she chosen him in the end, and how she was the one to comfort him when he was feeling lower than dirt, how, for once, he felt like someone looked at him and saw someone worth fighting for, it boosted him, she boosted him, she was someone that his son needed.
But that's what scared the retired knight.... She had his son's heart, that's a *powerful* tool to use against someone, Quirin, of all people, should know.... He tightened his grip around his son, he was still crying, "I know son.... I know....", he didn't what else to say, he was certain telling his boy to be careful would not help this situation, but he didn't want him to be in danger either. His son's sobs started to calm down a bit, so he broke the embrace and looked him straight in the eyes, "look I know things seem very complicated and hard right now, I also know you want nothing more than to help her and I am more than willing to let you do that, but I also want you to be careful. She's on a very dark path right now, I won't tell you not to try to help, but...." He gave his son a pleading look, hoping he would understand.
The alchemist, through tear filled eyes, saw his father's worried expression, and smiled, "don't worry dad, I.... I won't leave you alone, I'll be careful I....", he hesitated, the words catching in his throat. He hated them, wanted to throw them out of the human and animal language altogether! But his dad needed them, he needed to know his son would listen this time, truly listen, so he swallowed his hatred because he knew he meant the words he was about to say.
"I promise".
His father's eyes glistened with tears as he hugged his boy, squeezing him tightly as Varian happily returned the hug.
They stayed that way for a while, neither wanting to let go. They were hugging each other so tightly in fact, that they didn't notice the lone figure watching them from outside, her blue eyes glaring at the pair as her fists clenched. The Moonstone crackling its magic in response to her rage as the black rocks began to rise while she walked away, "so you went back to them again huh? Fine, I guess I'm on my own", she stated bitterly, "not like I wasn't before".
Notes:
PLOT! I know these are one shots, but I am going off of the actual season 3 story and I wanted to add a little plot because it's fun!
Also, I had to add her! I wanted to, I missed her! She's so much fun to write with Quirin and Varian! Plus we needed more sentimental moments!
One last thing, how did Cassandra know Varian was good again? In the episode she kidnaps him, she seems to understand that he's on Rapunzel's side because she drugs him with the truth serum. The reason I'm saying that is because she says, and I quote, "I thought you might say that, so I went through your little bag of tricks. I found something that might change your mind, recognize this?" *Holds up the Truth Serum*. She *knew* Varian wouldn't tell her anything, but how? I'm guessing she may have done a little snooping before she actually kidnapped him, not that she planned on kidnapping him but still! I mean, we see her multiple times near Corona and she's always just standing there glaring at it, what if she went to town looking for Varian to help her take over and she saw him hugging his dad, that would make for an interesting way for her to find out which side he chose.
Anyway, enough rambling, thank you for reading! :D
Chapter 19: On the Open Road!
Summary:
Quirin is finally able to spend the day with his son, he has everything already planned out! The day starts with a very long road trip to the lake, getting there is half the fun as they always say!
Notes:
Hello! I'm still here don't worry, I've just been really busy and haven't been able to write any stories for a few days, but I'm here!
I wanted to make a cute shenanigan's because writing these two and their witty banter together is hilarious to me! Plus it lightens the mood after the last story!
Varian is adorable, there are no words for this bean's cuteness meter! <3
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Ok, fishing poles?"
"Check!"
"Picnic basket?"
"Check!"
"Snacks for the road?"
"Che- uh.... H-hang on..." Quirin heard the small sounds of scuffling and whispers of "hey get out of there! Those aren't for you!" and "you're gonna get me in trouble!" with a slew of agitated chitters before it all stopped and his son gave a very breathy, "*huff* check!" which made the father chuckle before he continued.
"Walking sticks?"
"Check! Complete with alchemical lights just in case!"
"Very illuminating", his father mused
"Indeed!" his son agreed
"Lets see, blankets?"
"Check!"
"Towels?"
"Check!"
"Change of clothing just in case?"
"Check!"
"Big medkit?"
"Check!"
"Bait, both for the fish and the raccoon?"
"Heh, double check!" a couple more agitated chitters were heard, "you're really complaining that we're bringing snacks specifically for you?" the little creature stayed quiet, "that's what I thought".
"Varian's homemade sunblock?"
"Check!"
"Big blue tent?"
"Check!"
"Brat-coon?"
"Check!" a small huff was heard at that, which was accompanied by giggles.
"Small, accident prone, alchemist?"
"Check and I take mild offense to that"
"Dully noted, and father figure that planned this whole trip?"
He felt a couple small pokes on his arm and looked down to see his son looking up at him with a smirk, "check!"
"Then we're ready to go!"
"Yay!" Varian cheered, "Varian and dad goin on a road trip!" he sang as he did a little victory dance.
Quirin shook his head and chuckled, "come on dancing bean", he teased, gesturing his son towards their ride.
Varian giggled before he hopped into the carriage and sat down in the front, looking at his dad excitedly, "ready!"
The old farmer took one more look at the fields, waving to Adam, who had agreed to cover his shift, before getting in the front of the carriage as well and grabbing the reigns attached to his donkey, Prometheus. He sat down next to his son, and a very disgruntled looking Ruddigar, before prompting the donkey forwards on their journey to their favorite fishing spot.
****
".....then he goes, "oh it's not a big deal, I'm just gonna poke it!" he does, and ends up tipping the whole beaker off the table, the chemical inside it exploded! I hopped in front of the girls so they wouldn't get hurt, it was a tiny explosion, but still!"
"Wow, so that's how Lance got banned from your lab?"
"Yep! And I'm never lifting that banishment until he learns to keep his hands *off* my chemicals!" The alchemist stated, huffing a bit to emphasize his point.
Quirin chuckled, "what was the chemical supposed to be anyway?"
"It was *supposed* to be a new pain reliever! Specifically for back pain! I had it all planned out too!"
"Back pain hm? Where'd you get that idea?"
"I was watching certain farmers in the field one day and noticed them rubbing their backs after plowing"
"So.... me?"
"Uh *ahem* anyway, I wanted to help them out so I was gonna make the potion for them, but Lance just *had* to touch the chemical, so now it's gotta take longer...."
Quirin smiled sympathetically at his son, "hey it's okay, I happen to know the farmers you're referring to are just happy you're thinking of them, take as much time as you need, ok?"
Varian smiled back, "thanks dad", he replied before letting out a relaxing breath and leaning against his father. Both of them stayed in comfortable silence for a little bit before they heard Ruddigar's stomach growl, "um, so about those snacks", the little alchemist joked.
His father smirked, "I suppose we can bust some of them out now, they're in the brown bag, with the red string keeping it closed".
With a nod his, son popped into the carriage and looked for the bag, after a few moments however he came back to the front empty handed and looking slightly concerned, "dad, we checked the food and bait off the list right?"
"Yeah why?"
"um.... b-because I can't find the bag...."
Quirin looked over at his son, who was looking down with a worried expression, the retired knight smiled, "it's alright, I'll go and have a look once we stop alright?" The little alchemist nodded but stayed quiet, "what's wrong?"
"I-I don't know why, but I feel really bad about not finding it, i-is that weird?"
His father was silent, a small pouch of anger he'd kept closed got a little heavier, "it's not weird Varian, it's.... it's your anxiety, unfortunately that'll happen every once in a while, or maybe even more than that, where you feel bad for little things. But it's really okay, either it's just camouflaged with the other bags, or a certain raccoon and I need to have a little talk".
Ruddigar chittered at the man, swishing his tail as if to say, "I didn't do it!" The retired knight and his son laughed, "I'm just kidding brat-coon, I know you wouldn't do that", Quirin stated. They managed to pull over and the old farmer got up and looked in the back, sure enough he didn't find the bag of extra food, raising a brow he told Varian and Ruddigar to stay put as he checked the road behind them, giving them a whistle in case someone they don't know comes along, or if they found it. He walked down the road in search of the bag, but couldn't find it. He stopped after about fifteen minutes of walking before deciding to go back, they could always grab some more food along the way, plus he didn't want to leave his son for too long. That's when he heard the whistle.
****
Quirin raced back to the carriage, swords in his hands just in case. He got there in five minutes and examined the carriage, only to find a large sword pointed at his face, "guess this makes us even then hm?" a familiar voice stated cheerily.
The retired knight sighed with relief, "Adira, for once I'm happy to see you"
"As opposed to the other times?" The face painted warrior asked, smirking with amusement as she lowered her sword
"Yes actually, at least you're not climbing in my window", he teased, smirking back at her before looking around, "where's Varian?"
"Dad!" The retired knight suddenly felt a small force plow itself into his stomach, nearly knocking the wind out of him. Looking down he saw his tiny son hugging him, Ruddigar climbing onto his shoulder as his claws gripped tightly to the man's shirt.
"There you are, are you okay?"
"Y-yeah I'm ok, you said to call the whistle if we found the bag right?"
"Yeah, so you found it?"
"Actually Adira found it, she said it was snagged by someone", his little alchemist explained, "so she grabbed it, ate an apple from it, then wanted to return it".
"An apple is the payment", Adira added
"I would've just given it to you if you'd asked", Quirin stated, but smiled all the same
"I know, but why wait?"
"Because patience is a virtue?"
"It also takes too long"
"How long did you have that bag exactly?"
"As long as I needed to"
"So probably when we left"
"Yep"
"And you ate more than one apple"
"Yep"
"So you're the one who snagged the bag"
"Snagged is such a strong word"
"What would you call it?"
"Borrowed"
"Right..."
"Checking the bag?"
"I'm seeing how much you ate"
"Three apples and a piece of cheese"
"You must've been hungry"
"Very much so"
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself"
"I did"
Varian giggled as Quirin rolled his eyes and Adira smirked, "at least I returned it, and told the truth, both of which are also virtues"
"You also are trying to steer away from the fact that you took the bag in the first place", he stated grumpily
"You've still got your keen senses though"
"Flattery will get you nowhere"
"What if I told you I had a gift for you and Speckles?"
"It wouldn't change much".
"Piqued your interest though, didn't it?"
"It piqued mine", Varian stated, looking at his dad and tilting his head
Quirin sighed and looked at Adira, "what is it?"
The face painted warrior smiled at her little nephew, then looked at her brother, "it's a small dagger for Speckles, and a matching one for you", she stated, handing both to Quirin, "I thought it was high time to get him associated with daggers and swords, now that there's a threat out there that could harm a multitude of people, it also may come in handy during your trip", she stated, "I saw fishing poles in that carriage, they could be good to cut up fish".
At this the little alchemist held his hand to his mouth to prevent the queasy feeling in his gut from spilling out onto the ground, "he's not exactly the one who cuts them up", Quirin stated, rubbing his son's back as Ruddigar hopped over to his boy and rubbed his cheek, "but the gift is nice, I've seen these before at Xavier's, I've thought about buying them myself.... you did *buy* these right?" he asked, handing one to Varian.
"For those, yes"
"For those? What do yo- you know what? I don't wanna know, just please pay him back, he's a good friend of mine"
"I have no idea what you're talking about, but if I did, be sure to know I will"
"Great...." The farmer was trying to relax during this trip, yet he felt his energy being zapped away by the second, he looked at Varian and smiled, "is Ruddigar still hungry? There's still a lot of food left in here"
The raccoon chittered excitedly and hopped onto Quirin, making the retired knight chuckled, "that's a yes", Varian replied, smirking at his best friend, placing the dagger in his pocket, "in all honesty, I'm hungry too, what time is it?"
Quirin grabbed an old, beat up pocket watch out of his pack and checked, "almost 1pm, looks like we could stop for a moment for that picnic"
His son's eyes lit up and him and Ruddigar cheered as they ran to the carriage to grab the blanket. Adira watched them, a fond smile on her face, before she turned to Quirin, "I'll repeat what I said earlier, I think it would be good for him to know hw to defend himself, just in case something happens"
"I actually agree with you Adira", her brother stated, "he needs to be prepared, he took the news of Cassandra fairly well, I think it's time I teach him how to sword fight, the dagger is a good start".
She smiled, "so, my misdeed with the apples and cheese then?"
Quirin laughed, "fine fine, I'll let it slide.... if you do one more thing"
The women raised a brow at him, "what thing?"
"Join us for lunch? If you're hungry enough to steal food then you must be running low on supplies".
"I wouldn't say I was "low" on supplies"
"Right, either way, join us for our picnic, you can also join for dinner later, after we're done fishing, that's a Varian and I activity only, but let me help you", he stated, a hint of worry slipping into his words
Adira frowned, "I'm not helpless Quirin, I can handle myself"
"It's not about you being helpless Adira, in fact, I think you'd be even more dangerous hungry", he mused, "but I'm here, and there's nothing wrong with getting a little help". He smirked, "also I offered, so you didn't ask".
The face painted warrior thought about it, hesitating a little, she hated getting hand outs. In her mind, she'd felt helpless once, and she would never let that happen again, ever-!
"Are you gonna join us wise eyes?" her thoughts were interrupted when a little voice piped in.
They both turned to look at the small teenager who was looking between the both of them, "w-what did you call me?"
"Wise eyes! You gave me a cool nickname, I thought I'd return the favor! Plus you're a really wise person, at least to me, and your eyes show that really well, hence, wise eyes!" Varian explained, "even when you look really upset or serious, your eyes never lose their glimmer, they're also really pretty!" he added before stopped and looked worried, "t-that's okay right? I could c-come up with a better one if you'd like".
Adira blinked a couple of times, her words sticking in her throat for a second or two before she looked at Quirin, he was smiling, giving her a knowing, yet sympathetic, look. She stayed quiet for a moment or two before she smiled gently, "Yeah, that's fine Speckles", she stated happily.
"A-are you sure? You stayed quiet for a little bit"
"I'm sure", she replied, "no one has ever given me a nickname, I guess it threw me off a little bit".
"Really? No one?"
"Nope, you're the first!"
He smiled widely, small sparkles were twinkling in his eyes, "s-so you'll join?"
She looked at Quirin again and smirked, "yeah, I think I will"
Her brother gestured towards the blanket on the floor, Prometheus was already chowing down on some grass nearby, Ruddigar had claimed a few apples from the bag and was waiting for them. All three walked over and sat down, Quirin handed out the food, passing Adira a slice of strawberry cake, she gave him a questioning look, "that was Varian's idea, he thought we might see you during our trip".
She looked at the little alchemist, who was taking a bite out of a ham sandwich. Catching his eye he noticed the cake, and swallowed, "you said you'd be sticking around for a couple months, if we didn't run into you I would've asked dad to stop by where you were to give it to you, after all, who doesn't like cake on a shift?"
She smirked and took picked up her fork, the two had brought an extra set just in case, then took a bite. She smiled as she listened to the father and son converse, "someone told me there was a sea monster in the river we're going to"
"Sea monsters don't exist", Varian stated
"In a world where there is a drop of sun that formed a flower, a small piece of the moon that formed into an opal, a magical princess whos hair can never be cut and is 80 feet long, another magical girl with lightning blue hair, a boy with a random blue streak in his black hair even though neither of his parents have blue in theirs, a literal werewolf, and four highly trained warriors that could kill a man in a million and one ways before he even blinked, two of which happen to be sitting right next to you, you don't believe there's a sea monster?" His father questioned, raising a brow.
"Nope" came the simple reply, "I understand the irony, but I can still explain a lot of the stuff you just said, and scientifically too!" He stated, "find a way to explain a sea monster to me scientifically, and we'll talk"
"How about it starting out as a regular fish before humans ended up dumping a chemical in the water that transformed it into the sea monster it's known as today?" Adira stated.
"What kind of chemical?" The teen challenged
"Something radioactive with a chance of mutation", the face painted warrior replied
"Why'd they dump it in?"
"Because they were testing out the affects the chemical had on nature, including water"
"Why did it only affect this one fish and not the rest?"
"Because while testing the group had made a controlled environment before testing on the real thing, hence only using one fish who managed to escape further experimentation because the chemical made them grow so big they ended up breaking their confines and busting out!"
".....ok, it's farfetched and completely circumstantial, but not impossible, so you got me"
Adira and Quirin chuckled as Varian asked more questions about this sea monster, theorizing and fantasizing about catching it and seeing if he could find a cure to turn it back to normal. After their lunch was finished, the three said goodbye, Quirin giving the face painted warrior a few extra apples and some more cheese before she set out on her mission once more, a promise of joining them for dinner with more talk about the sea monster and the little alchemist's findings, should he and his dad find it, exciting the three of them and empowering them to work hard and earn their meal.
Adira watched the duo climb into the carriage and set out once more, her nephew's words repeating in her head, *you're a really wise person, at least to me, and your eyes show that really well, hence, wise eyes! Even when you look really upset or serious, your eyes never lose their glimmer, they're also really pretty!* she smiled to herself, her eyes filling with small tears as she wiped them away quickly, "Edmund and Quirin were right", she stated, "he really is a special boy, more so than he will ever know".
Notes:
I wish we had more emotional Adira! The Fish Skin story was so good! She's such a complicated character and I wish she was explored more!!!!! There's so much potential with her!
Yeah, this Family day is gonna be a bit of a character development, relationship building, shenanigan having arch! I think it's kinda perfect, only thing is, I can't find a way to put Rapunzel in this, but we'll see, you never know with these stories!
Anyway, thank you all for reading! I hope you enjoyed! 💚💖🎶🎶
Chapter 20: They Wish for a Fish! (They End up with a Headache) Part 1
Summary:
Quirin and Varian have finally made it to their favorite fishing spot on the river and both are ecstatic! After the little visit with Adira, the duo are ready for anything, sharks, injuries, Eugene and Lance falling into their boat and almost sinking it-! Wait what?
Notes:
*TRIGGER WARNING!*
If you do not like fishing, or do not support it, this chapter is not for you! It includes fishing, cooking the fish, and eating the fish! Please do not read this story if that makes you uncomfortable! I will understand completely and be perfectly fine with you skipping this because I do not wish for anyone to be upset or uncomfortable reading these stories!Here's the fishing trip, and team Awesome (plus Lance and Quirin) because why not? XD
Yep! 2 parter baby! Because this series didn't have enough of those already! Sorry XD This is more of a fun 2 part story :3
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hey look, Ruddigar's the king of the world dad!"
"I see, I like the flower crown, it's a nice touch"
"Thanks! I made you one too!" Varian stated as he placed a dandelion crown on his father's head, "there! Now you're a king too!"
"Oh? What am I the king of exactly?"
"Hmmmmm...... What would you say he's the king of Ruddigar?", the little raccoon chittered a response that made the little alchemist giggle, "king of apples does have a nice ring to it"
"Not as high ranking as the king of the world though", Quirin teased as he fastened the last buckle on his son's life jacket
"Nope! Ruddigar will keep things peaceful though, right buddy?" The little raccoon chittered happily, "he says, "as long as there are apples I'm happy!" So I guess that means we'll have to plant apple trees".
"I suppose you're right, which means the raccoon king of the world and I have a pact", the apple king stated, receiving a nod from the raccoon king.
"What does that make me?" Varian asked
"Technically, if I'm the apple king, you're the prince", Quirin stated, ruffling his son's hair. Ruddigar chittered, "don't like that idea? What would you say he is?"
The little creature chittered again, "your translator? Couldn't I at least be the king of science or something and be your translator on the side?" Varian complained
"Are you arguing with the king of the world?" The apple king teased, raising his brow and smirking, "that's pretty bold of you translator"
"Hey! I demand a better title than "royal translator"! King of Science, specifically alchemy, would be perfect!" The translator argued. The king of the world chittered a response that made the alchemist grumble, "I don't have to keep you on my shoulder you know", the raccoon looked like he wanted to argue, but said nothing, "thought so".
"I think this power may be going to our heads, how about we just stay old farmer father, stinkbomb alchemy son, and brat-coon, fair?" The retired knight stated
Both his son and Ruddigar looked at him, then at each other, then back at him and nodded, "but I'm not a stinkbomb", Varian exclaimed, climbing in the boat, "I'll take the alchemy title though!"
"You're still a stinkbomb to me", Quirin stated, getting in the boat next to him while pushing off, "got your pole?"
The little alchemist grabbed the fishing pole next to him, it was blue with some added features made by the boy himself to keep the line securely in place and the handle a bit easier to grip, "got it!"
"Good, now, remember what I taught you?"
"Patience, deep breaths, and", he dove his hand into the bag next to them and pulled out a piece of cheese, "lots of snacks!" He giggled when Ruddigar chittered happily while holding a nut in his paws
Quirin chuckled, "that's right, plus quiet conversation so you don't scare the fish"
"Right!" They cast their lines and waited for a few moments before Varian piped up, "so whatcha wanna talk about?"
"How about that sea monster?" His father asked
"I still don't know if that's real, or if you and Aunt Adira were just making that up", the little alchemist stated
"I didn't make it up, it's what I'd heard", Quirin stated, "You definitely enjoyed discussing the possibilities though"
"Well.... Yeah, but that's because I've never thought about that before! What *if* a small fish got mutated from chemicals? I'd feel horrible for it, but that would be extremely interesting!"
"You would help the fish though wouldn't you?"
"Without a second thought.... I suppose that's Rapunzel rubbing off on me...."
Quirin smiled, "you really like the princess don't you?"
"Of course! She saved you!" Varian exclaimed, "plus she gave me a second chance, and one that I will *not* mess up! At least... I hope I won't"
"You won't", the old farmer stated, "you're way too innocent to be a villain for too long"
The alchemist looked at his father incredulously, "I'll have you know I can be pretty cunning, mischievous, and scary when I want to be"
"Mischievous, yes, cunning, yes, scary? Not really"
"Oh? How would you know?"
Quirin raised his brow, "oh please, big baby blue eyes, little freckles sprinkled on your face, your love for your little raccoon, plus the little moments I catch of you being angry only involving you biting your lip in frustration and possibly throwing your goggles down a little too hard before you pick them up quickly and apologize to them?" His son blushed, "I think I know Bubby"
Varian looked at his father, "what did you just call me?"
Quirin looked at him, "oh I called you-!" He stopped when he realized what he'd said, "....Bubby, I called you Bubby, it sort of slipped out"
"Y-you haven't called me that since I was a kid....." Varian stated happily, scratching Ruddigar behind the ear
"I know, I guess it slipped out...."
They were quiet for a moment, neither of them knowing what to say, that is until Varian's bob started to dip into the water, "I-I think I got a fish!" he exclaimed excitedly
"You did?" Quirin asked, "need help reeling it in?"
The little alchemist stood up and pulled hard on the pole, "yes! It's a big one!"
His father walked over to his son after locking his own pole in place. He grabbed Varian's pole and held onto it, digging his heels into the boat as Varian reeled it in, together they managed to get the fish next to them in the water, "grab the net! I'll hold it here!" Quirin stated.
Varian grabbed the net from the other side of the boat and leaned over the side, gripping his father's vest as he did so, Ruddigar grabbing a piece of his boy's vest while digging his claws into the wood. Using the net, he swung it down and caught the fish, gripping the opening of the net so the wiggly creature wouldn't jump out. Quirin came over, unhooked the fish, then helped his son plop it into the cooler filled with water, watching it swim around for a bit.
"Nice work! That's a big fish!" His father complimented
"How big is it?" Varian asked excitedly as his raccoon hopped on his shoulder
Quirin chuckled, "how about we wait to measure it until after we get off the boat hm?"
"Oki!" With a little bounce in his step, the alchemist got his pole from his dad, baited it, and cast it in again.
****
It had been a hour or two after they caught the fish, apply named, "Francium" by Varian. Since then, the duo had been chatting up a storm, going anywhere from which chemicals make up the lake to would Adira or a shark, with an alligator and crocodile on its side, win in a fight; they both agreed that would be a cake walk for the face painted warrior. They kept chatting more and more about sea monsters, Flynn Rider, Adira and King Edmund, and farming techniques and how they could be improved. Both were having a really great time before Quirin's line started to bob. Working together they managed to reel in another fish, this one just a touch smaller and lot skinnier than Francium, Quirin named it, "Stalk", it may not be as big as Varian's catch, but the farmer was proud all the same, smiling as he placed Stalk inside the cooler along with Francium.
After baiting his line and casting it again, they continued their conversation until they heard an explosion. Both turned to see where it came from, Ruddigar's hackles standing on end as he clung to Varian, only to have two people crash land into their boat, making it dip *very* low to the point where water filled it up to their ankles.
"Get the bucket and help me get the water out!" Quirin stated
"No need!" His son said, digging in his pocket and fishing out a little red ball the size of a marble, "I've got this!" With a flick he dropped the ball inside the boat and with a flash the ball had completely absorbed the water in the boat. It had also grown in size, becoming quite large, the little alchemist picked it up, went over to the side of the boat, and squeezed the ball. All the water drained out of it until it was its normal size again and, with a quick wipe with his apron, it was dried and placed back in his pocket, "ta da!"
His father looked around, aside from two people who just landed in their boat, their stuff was saved, "impressive", he stated before his brain screamed at him. He looked at the intruders and stood in front of Varian and Ruddigar, with an arm outstretched in front of them. The two strangers groaned a bit before they got up and looked around.
"Eugene? Lance?" The alchemist questioned, stepping forward and petting his raccoon to calm him down, "what are you doing here? And what was that?"
The two former thieves looked at the boy, then at Quirin, then down at their feet to see where they landed, then back at Varian, "uh.... coincidentally strolling by?" Eugene tried, he gave them a sheepish grin, both the boy and his father raising a brow at him, "eheh, yeah no, that wouldn't work for me either uh... Lance you wanna tell them what we're doing here?"
Lance shook his head, trying to clear his brain of the commotion he just went through, before looking at Varian, "uh... dropping in to say hi?"
"Not funny", the alchemist stated, "I smell chemicals and lies".
"Your nose must be magical then! Maybe we can get Rapunzel to look at that!" Varian glared at the man, making him sigh with defeat, "alright fine! We were going over to your place to see if you wanted to come with us for another guys night, but when you weren't home we-!"
"A-*HEM*" Eugene interrupted
"-*I* decided to see if you were in your lab, buuuuut you weren't!"
"And?" The retired knight added, knowing exactly where this was going
"And I *might've* touched a *few* chemicals in there and *possibly* made a super small extremely *tiny* explosion that *may* have caused us to skyrocket all the way here and land in your boat", Lance explained, "but you know what they say! The way to finding answers is paved with explosions!"
"That didn't work on my dad, and it certainly won't work on me! What the *hell* were you thinking?!" Varian yelled, making Ruddigar jump a bit
"I was uh.... experimenting?"
"With *my* equipment! In *my* lab! That *you* in particular are *banned* from entering!"
"Not gonna call him out on the language there Quirin?" Eugene asked quietly
"Normally I would, but this seems like an appropriate time to use it", the retired knight stated, making Eugene smirk, "where were you in all this?"
"Trying to stop him... Didn't quite work"
"I see"
"You could've gotten hurt, or destroyed the house, or even the crops! Do you have any idea how sensitive alchemy is?!" Varian continued before stopping and looking at his dad, "wait, is this what you felt whenever an experiment went wrong?" His father nodded, chuckling a bit, "huh, suddenly the scolding makes so much more sense now". He then shook his head then turned back to glare at Lance, "how much did you break?"
"What?"
"How much of the house did you break?"
"Oh that? Only a wall"
"*which* wall?"
"Uhhh..... the wall next to the weird printer thingy from when Rapunzel came over to see if you could help her with her hair....."
The alchemist face palmed, "that's.... near the crops....."
"It didn't damage them in my defense!" He stopped talking when Varian gave him a glare that made even Ruddigar freak out, the little raccoon ducking behind Quirin for safety, "r-right got it, shutting up".
"I have never once wanted to forget my own redemption for just two seconds so badly until now...."
Notes:
So, the nickname "Bubby" actually is a mix between "baby" and "Buddy"! I have a story for that, but it's Quirin's nickname for Varian, he came up with it when he was a toddler! <3
Fun fact: Francium has the largest atomic size on the periodic table! Hence why Varian named the big fish he caught "Francium"! Look at that, I learned something new! :D
Also "Stalk" is named after a corn stalk, Quirin is referring to the skinny nature of the fish! :D
Also I do that when I get frustrated, I'll set something down a bit too hard, then apologize to the inanimate object XD I don't know why! I do that when I bump into walls too!
Varian now regrets his redemption, thank you very much Lance! I honestly love Lance so much, but the guy is a grown up brat who can't stop touching Varian's experiments! I love him, he's really funny, and super adorable at times, but he's a brat XD
That moment when you realize how your parents felt and it all makes perfect sense to you now!
Poor Quirin, his house keeps getting destroyed, funny thing is, this wasn't Varian's fault
Eugene is just happy to be there XD Don't worry, he gets a bigger role in the next chapter X3
Thank you all for reading! :D
Chapter 21: They Wish for a Fish! (They End up with a Headache) Part 2
Summary:
After Eugene and Lance crash land in their boat, Quirin and Varian aren't exactly sure what to do, should they go back home, or stay an enjoy the rest of their day together?
Notes:
TRIGGER WARNING:
This talks about fishing, baiting using live worms, and cooking and eating the fish! If you are uncomfortable with this subject, do not read this fic! I have no qualms with you skipping it, I do not wish to upset anyone!That being said, please enjoy my part 2 of this fun little story! :D I hope you all enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene snorted as Lance backed up as much as the boat would let him. Watching the angry alchemist as he glared daggers at the man, "eheh, you don't really mean that, right?" he asked, Ruddigar peeped out from behind Eugene.
"A small part of me does...." Varian muttered, "I should throw a goo bomb at you and let you stick to the boat! But I won't.... yet", the former thief flinched at that as the teen turned to his dad, "what should we do? The damage to the house is probably big enough to warrant some sort of commotion in the village".
Quirin sighed, "I suppose that means we should get back...."
"Hold on now, I don't think you'll need to worry about that", Eugene piped up, getting all four of them to look at him
"What do you mean?" The Village Leader asked him, a brow raised questioningly
"What I mean is, there's a blond princess that's coming right for us on Max's back", he stated, pointing towards the land, all four turned to see Rapunzel racing towards them, a look of fear, brief surprise, and finally relief spreading across her freckled features as she reached the river, stopping right in front of it.
"We should probably go greet her", Lance stated
"Yeah we should, so that way *you* can tell her what *you* did!" Varian snapped, he was still glaring at the man, but calmed down when he felt a large hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see his father smiling at him sympathetically before he took a deep breath, and let it out.
"Thank you", Quirin said, grabbing an oar they'd used to get to their location earlier, "come on, let's go say hello", his son nodded and, grabbing the other oar, began to paddle their way back to the shore.
Lance and Eugene stayed out of their way, checking themselves for injuries while also petting Ruddigar to calm the little creature, who had been startled by his boy's outburst. They reached the shore in a few seconds, Rapunzel helping them secure the boat with a rope before glancing at the group, "well, this is a fine way to interrupt your day off", she joked.
"Little bit", the retired knight stated, but he smiled at her, trying to be cordial, "oh by the way, did you perhaps drop these?" He asked, gesturing over to Lance and Eugene, "because they fell in our boat a few moments ago and told us a riveting tale that I think Varian may kill Lance for".
The princess looked at the tiny alchemist and giggled as he huffed, "yes, I did indeed drop them, thank you very much for returning them to me, and about this tale?"
"It's quite an interesting one, it's about two men sneaking into my son's lab and one of them messing with chemicals, my house might be a bit damaged as well, though would *you* like to tell her", the Village Leader stated, looking at the former thief aggravatedly as Ruddigar climbed onto Varian's shoulders and attempted to calm the teen.
"Eheh.... Well...."
Rapunzel raised a brow at him, "you mixed chemicals together and caused an explosion that destroyed the wall in Quirin and Varian's home didn't you?"
"Yep"
"And you got Eugene involved how?"
"I was trying to stop him", the prince stated
"Right", the princess sighed as she looked at the alchemist, who was now petting his raccoon, "I took a look at the damage when some villagers told me about a very loud bang being heard, it isn't too bad and no one was hurt, but there is a gigantic hole in your lab though unfortunately."
"Figured....." Varian stated flatly, "guess that means we've gotta go fix it before bugs get in, or worse...." he looked extremely deflated at the thought of leaving the day off with his father on such a mediocre note
"Actually you don't have to worry about that", Rapunzel stated, smirking at her little friend
His eyes lit up with hope, "what do you mean?"
She turned to look at Quirin, "you would say you've got a good rep with the villagers yes?"
The retired knight thought about for a moment, then nodded, "I'd say so, maybe a little iffy at some points, but a relatively good rep with them, why?"
"Well they seem to think so too, because while I was busy trying to find Eugene and Lance, I stopped by your place to ask any witnesses where they'd gone, and I saw your wall being fixed by them!" Both Quirin and Varian looked very surprised, which made the princess giggle, "the farmhand there, Adam I believe his name is, he told me he and the other farmhands had started to help fix it when other villagers joined, including Xavier and Monty, they all said they owed it to the Village Leader and his son who's trying his best to fix everything he broke, they wanted to help fix something for you two in return!"
The little alchemist looked like he was about to cry, his lips were trembling just a bit as a small smile crept onto his face. Quirin and Rapunzel watched him blush and turn away to wipe the tears from his face, both of them smiled, "I'll have to thank Adam and the other villagers for that later, I guess that means there's no need to go back", his father stated, he placed a comforting hand on Varian's shoulder and pulled him closer, giving his son a side hug, which the teen leaned into, "so with that being said, what should we do?"
Ruddigar hopped on the retired knight's shoulder and shrugged before smiling at his boy and nuzzling him comfortingly, "well, you could continue fishing if you'd like, I can take Lance and Eugene home", the princess stated, placing a hand on Varian's other shoulder, giving it a small squeeze, the alchemist looked up at her and smiled happily.
"Well I definitely want to keep fishing!" Varian stated, "Rapunzel you should see the big fish I caught! Her name is Francium!"
"Francium?" Eugene asked
"It's a chemical with the largest atomic number on the periodic table! She's a really big fish!"
"Ah"
"Dad caught a big fish too!"
"I sure did, named him Stalk, he's lanky", Quirin explained
"That makes sense actually, also you two name the fish you catch?" Lance replied, tilting his head slightly in confusion
"It's an old fisherman's legend, you name the fish you catch to show that you respect the cycle of life", Quirin explained, "when you hunt or fish, you must do certain things to show respect towards nature and what it provides. For example, some people will thank the animal they hunted for being their meal in a prayer before they eat. There are even some religions that use the entire animal they hunt, they eat the meat, use the fur for clothes, grind the bones to make tools, weapons, and even talismans, and well..." he looked at Varian, who tilted his head to the side, "...the use the rest of the animal for other things too! Thing we shall not discuss here because certain people get a little squeamish about the subject", the little alchemist immediately understood and smiled shyly. "Anyway, it's a way to respect nature, for fishermen, and women, they name the fish they catch. A name is powerful, it provides an identity and is the most personal possession any creature could ever have, including humans".
"Wow! That's actually really neat! I didn't know you knew about that kind of stuff!" Rapunzel stated, her eyes wide with interest.
"Yeah, that's kinda neat actually! Do you have more hunting history?" Eugene asked
"I do, but I got most of it from Adira, she could tell you stories about different types of people and their ways of life, it's honestly nice to listen to her. When she's not bragging about her skills on the battlefield or the exploits of her journeys throughout her life, that is", Quirin teased, gaining a laugh from Rapunzel and Varian, a scoff from Eugene and Ruddigar, and a face the old farmer could only describe as longing from Lance. "She's actually going to join Varian, Ruddigar, and I for dinner tonight, she'll be excited to see the fish you caught", he nudged his son, who smiled excitedly, making his dad chuckle.
"That sounds like a lot of fun! I actually haven't seen Adira in a very long time!" Rapunzel stated, petting Max as he glared at the raccoon sitting on the little alchemist's shoulder, Ruddigar glared back before cheekily hopping into a tree nearby and grabbing an apple from it, sniffing it first before smiling at it, giving the horse a side glance, then eating it whole. Max huffed, which made the princess look at him questioningly, "are you okay Max?"
"Ruddigar don't do that", Varian stated, Rapunzel looked at them, the little raccoon chittered out a defense that she couldn't understand, "I know you and him don't get along, but you don't have to start a fight with him". The raccoon chittered once again, this time sounding like he was arguing with the boy, "yeah yeah I know, "he was glaring at me", but really?" Ruddigar huffed, making Varian sigh and roll his eyes, "you really are a brat-coon aren't you?" he stated, scratching his best friend behind the ears, the raccoon tried to resist the show of affection, but smiled and purred happily, "yeah you can't resist an ear scratch, I know you way too well buddy", his boy teased, before giggling at the happy creature.
Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance all smiled at the two, happy to see them together, "you know, she would probably be happy to see you three", they turned to looked at the retired knight, "plus we have plenty of food, and we have extra fishing poles", he looked at Varian, who looked back at him and smiled, nodding happily, "would you like to join us?"
"Are you sure?" Eugene asked, "this was kinda meant for just you and hairstripe".
"Which is why he looked at me and confirmed that it was okay, hence me nodding", Varian stated
"But isn't this cutting into your time with your dad?" The former thief asked
The little alchemist looked at his dad and smiled, "I happen to know for a fact that he has another day coming up soon where we're gonna hang out and spend even more time together, right?"
"Yep!" Quirin stated
"So we'll have plenty of time to spend by together, plus, after we're finished with dinner and get home, we're gonna be hanging out until late tonight! Got a whole thing planned with that!" Varian stated, "also, more people fishing together means more fish and fun names! I'd also really like to see if we can find an odd fish in the river, the more people that help us do that, the better!"
Eugene smirked, "you heard about the sea monster too?"
"Wait you *know* about that?!"
"Yep! I once saw it, it was *huge*! I have no idea what that thing was or how it got here, but believe me, it's definitely real!"
"Well now we *have* to find it!" Varian stated, "we can't stop until we find it so we can show Adira!"
Quirin chuckled, "I take it that means you have to join us now"
"Guess so", Rapunzel giggled
"So.... We're cool, right?" Lance asked the alchemist, a little nervously
"For now", he stated, "You still mixed chemicals in my lab and destroyed part of it, and you're gonna help me clean my lab later on, but I'm willing to look past it".
"I can accept that", the former thief stated, smiling, "so, about this monster, what did it look like?"
"I didn't see much of it, the thing was huge! I'm talkin bigger than me! But it has scars on it, and it definitely wasn't like any fish I've ever seen", Eugene stated
"Then why are we still on the shore, lets go catch us a sea monster!" Varian exclaimed, he climbed back into the boat as Quirin chuckled as he got inside the boat after his son and undid the rope.
Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance all got in as well, being handed their own fishing poles as they did so. Once everyone was situated they set sail once more, heading out a bigger location as they all cast their lines and began to chat.
"So anyone want to have a little friendly competition?" Lance asked
"What kind of competition?" Quirin inquired
"Well, seeing as how this isn't a card or chess game, I figure we all have a chance to beat the crazy card playing alchemist and see who can nab the biggest fish, and also who can get the most"
"You're only salty because I'm great at card games", Varian stated, making his raccoon laugh
"Well I'm good at fishing, so lets see who's better", Lance argued, giving the teen a side glance, which the alchemist matched with his own
"Are there teams?" Rapunzel asked, "I've never fished before"
"Rapunzel you and Eugene can be on a team me, Quirin, and cheaty over here will be on our own since we've fished before, fair?" Lance asked
"I'm fine with that, sore loser", Varian replied
"Sure", his father stated
"Yeah I can do that, me and blondie will kick your butts!" Eugene stated confidently, sliding next to Rapunzel and planting a kiss on her cheek
"Then let the games begin!" Lance announced
They all received separate buckets filled with water, save for Eugene and Rapunzel who would be sharing a bucket, they were color coded to match the person, Quirin got red, Varian blue, Rapunzel and Eugene purple, and Lance green. The two fish that were already caught were kept in the cooler and didn't count towards the overall score to the fisher. They decided to rotate their spots every hour just in case one spot had more fish than the other, and they were not allowed to mess with anyone or steal any fish, nor were they allowed to give people fish either, Rapunzel and Quirin mumbled a bit at that, but didn't argue. If they broke any of these rules, they were disqualified, that included any animal help, which made Pascal and Ruddigar annoyed, but they were fine chatting with each other while their humans fished. They did allow help in case the fish that was caught was a little too big for certain people to handle on their own, which a certain teenager huffed about, but also didn't argue.
A few minutes later, Varian caught the first fist in the competition, it was small and speedy, swimming around a lot before and giving the little alchemist a hard time before he was able to reel it in himself. He named it, "tachyon" for it's speed and set it in his blue bucket before rebaiting his line and casting it once again.
"Lucky catch, pretty small though", Lance stated
"At least I got a fish, your bucket looks so lonely without a fishy friend", Varian shot back
"You just wait until I catch a bunch of fish, even if they aren't big, I'll at least catch more than you!"
"You're so on!"
"So nice to spend time with friends, good times", Quirin stated
"I know right?" Eugene added, "super relaxing, in a boat, fishing, with these two about to tear each other's heads off"
"He started it", the little alchemist grumbled
"You two act like siblings I swear", Rapunzel replied, smiling happily
"That's true, he definitely looks up to me like a big brother", Lance teased
"Oh yeah right! If anything my dad and Eugene are the ones I look up to", Varian stated before stopping, blushing, and looking away, making Lance laugh as Eugene smiled
"I think of you as little brother Goggles, so don't worry so much", he stated
"T-thanks"
"No problem"
They went quiet for a bit, not really sure how to continue the conversation. That is, until Varian got another tug on his line, he tried pulling it up, but it fought back against him, Quirin set his pole down and went to help, Lance, Rapunzel, and Eugene watching and placing their poles down just in case. Like before Quirin held the line as Varian got the net, he swiped at the fish and managed to catch it when his father got it close enough to the boat, making sure to clutch the net closed until he could dispense it into his blue bucket.
"Thanks for the help dad!"
"You're welcome, that one was pretty big fish, possibly bigger than Fran... Fri..."
"Francium"
"Right, what are you gonna name this guy?"
"Hmmmm.... He is pretty big, but I don't think he's as big as Francium..... Still stronger though.... Ooh! I'll call him "Tungsten"!" At the confused looks he received he added, "strongest metal on earth".
"Oh!" Everyone stated
With that he hugged his dad, rebaited his pole, the cast it in again. The old farmer walking back to him pole and sitting down happily, giving Ruddigar some pets while passing him. Varian giggled as he watched his fish in the bucket, they were swimming around each other and it seemed like they were enjoying each other's company, "dad look they're playing!" he said excitedly.
"Very cute", Quirin replied, smiling as he took a look at the two fish in the bucket
"Quirin look!" Rapunzel pointed at the Village Leader's pole, it was bobbing up and down
The retired knight ran over and grabbed his pole, reeling the fish in easily, once he got the little thing in the net, he placed it gently in his red bucket, smiling as the tiny fish swam around. "nice! What are you gonna name it?" Eugene asked
"Itty Bitty", Quirin stated happily
Rapunzel giggled, "that is such a cute name! I can't!" she stated as she kept giggling
"He's a tiny little thing ain't he?" Lance stated, grinning from ear to ear
"Yup", the retired knight stated, "reminds me of someone"
"Et Tu Father?" Varian stated flatly, making Quirin and Lance laugh
Suddenly both Eugene and Rapunzel's poles started bobbing, they quickly grabbed theirs, Eugene was too busy with his own pole so Varian came over to help Rapunzel, with their combined efforts they were able to catch the fishes and place them both in the purple bucket, Rapunzel named hers "Sunny" while Eugene called his "Speedy". A few moments later, Lance finally caught a fish, though he almost dropped it when he caught it in the net, and nearly tripped over Ruddigar, who dove out of the way just in time. When he managed to get the fish inside the bucket he decided to name him, "Wiggles". None of the caught anything for the rest of the hour, so they switched, the raccoon sticking near his boy just in case the clumsy man decided to almost smash him again. Once they were situated, they cast their lines and waited.
Varian caught another fish, this one being even bigger than Francium by a large margin, so he named her, "Corona" and placed her inside his blue bucket.
"So we're gonna eat Corona?" Eugene teased
"Yep!" the alchemist replied, "we're gonna eat Corona!"
"Gotcha, so what will the royal family do after we eat their kingdom?"
"I dunno, maybe fish?"
This made Eugene laugh, they then got into a discussion about the royal family fishing while Lance caught another, this one being a little tinier than Wiggles, so he named him, "Wiggles Jr" before placing him inside his bucket.
****
It had been a couple hours now, in that time, Rapunzel caught one tiny fish named, "Droplet", Eugene caught two medium sized twins he named, "Flynn" and "Rider", Lance caught one big fish with a black dot on his face he named, "Spot", Varian caught two fish one small one name, "bolt", and one big one he name, "Nut", and Quirin had caught three fairly big sized fished, naming them, "Oak", "Spruce", and "Pine". Varian is still in the lead for the biggest fish, that being Corona, he is also tied for first with Eugene and Rapunzel for the most fish, sitting at a comfortable five, while Quirin is in second at four, and Lance in third with three. The little alchemist was enjoying his time with his family, they'd just switched seats for the fourth time, he had to be careful with his buckets, he has two now, both blue, Rapunzel and Eugene decided to place the fish they each caught in two purple buckets, Rapunzel has two while Eugene has three.
Lance looked up at the sky, the sun was setting and he was getting a little nervous about losing this, "hopefully this spot gets me a lot of catches"
"It's a good spot, though maybe bait your line?" Quirin stated, pointing at the wormless hook
"Oh uh.... r-right I was just, um, ya know letting the fish catch the sight of the hook, don't want them to wiggle too much when they chomp down on it ya know?"
"I think they got a pretty good look", the Village Leader stated, raising a brow at the man, "do you want help?"
"No Quirin, thank you! I am perfectly capable of handling worms!" Lance stated incredulously
"Alright then, bait your hook"
"I will!"
"This I gotta see", Eugene stated, turning to watch his friend
Lance walked over to the bait and opened the box, a bunch of worms were wriggling around, making the man shiver, he then looked at Quirin, who was watching him with a smirk on his face. Turning back to his task, Lance went to grab one of the worms, he felt one brush against his finger tips before he freaked out and backed away, making a very high squeaking noise.
In the time that he did that, Varian caught a tiny fish, he named her, "Quark", placed her in the bucket, then walked over to the bait box. He looked at Lance for a moment, "you okay?"
The man nodded, "just uh.... catchin my breath"
"Oki", the little alchemist said, before grabbing a worm, sticking it onto the hook, then walking away like it was nothing.
Lance sighed, "wait, Varian", the teen turned to look at him, "before you go sit down.... can you help me bait my hook please?" he blushed profusely, looking down with a bit of shame.
"Oh, yeah sure!" Giving Ruddigar a scratch while he passed him, Varian set his fishing pole down, grabbed a worm and Lance's pole, baited it, then gave it back to the man, "here you go!"
"Thank you...."
"You're welcome!" The little alchemist stated cheerfully before returning back to his spot. He jumped when Eugene burst out laughing before looking at Lance again, the man looked utterly dejected, his face almost as red as a tomato, his heart suddenly felt very bad, "you know Lance, it actually took me a while to get over that initial fear too".
"Really?"
"Yeah, when I was a kid, I'd go out fishing with my dad and would have to turn away every time he baited my pole for me, I couldn't seem to stomach the thought of the poor worm getting hooked." He stated, "in fact, I hated baiting so much that I did the same as you and didn't use bait, but I actually found out, that through scientific means, people have discovered that worms don't actually feel pain when they're put on a hook!"
"Wait seriously?" Eugene asked
"Yeah! The way worms perceive pain is completely different from us humans! They reflexively curl when hooked, but they don't actually feel the pain! Their brains aren't "complex" enough to really comprehend it, even being cut in half doesn't seem to bother them! They just go about their business! It's the same for crabs and lobsters when a cook boils them alive, they don't feel pain!" He then stopped, making a face, "though I don't like eating crab or lobster, I'm sorry but seeing them in the tank moving around then seeing them again on my plate, I just... I just can't ok, it's too much!" He stated, "it's like befriending your food, it's not right".
Quirin chuckled, "thanks little man, you actually made me feel a lot better", Lance stated.
"No problem, if you need me to bait your hook, I'm more than willing to help you out"
They both nodded before continuing with the competition.
****
The final two hours had passed, in that time, Quirin caught four more fish, getting the smallest fish in the boat, to medium sized fish, he named them, "Stinkbomb", for the smallest one, which made Varian huff, "Tree man", to the fish with yellow sales, "Painted lady", to the fish with splashes of red on her body, and "king", for the big dark fish. Lance, caught two more fish, both small, he named them, "cuddles" and "boops". Eugene and Rapunzel both caught one each, at the same time, they named theirs, "Herz Der Sonne" and "General Shampanier". Varian had caught one last fish at the very end, he was a very big fish, and had a striking resemblance to Ruddigar, so the little alchemist named him, "Ruddy Jr." Much to the little raccoon's delight. The placement for the contest is, Lance in last place with five, Rapunzel and Eugene tied for second place with Varian, each having caught seven fish, and Quirin winning the overall score with eight fish! The biggest fish catch of the night went to Varian with Corona, to celebrate they all got back to the shore and Quirin and Varian got to choose a fish to keep. Quirin decided to let Lance have the honor of picking since Varian won the biggest fish. Delighted, Lance picked Wiggles, and placed him in a separate bucket next to him, squealing in delight every time he looked at the tiny creature. Varian smirked then took a look at the fish, he eventually chose to keep Itty Bitty.
"Why'd you choose that fish?" Eugene asked, "I would've thought you would go for Ruddy Jr."
"I would have, but Ruddy jr. is an old fish, he's a little bit past his prime", he stated, then whispered, "plus, I think my dad got sort of attached to Itty Bitty, and I don't wanna break that"
"I heard that you little squirt", Quirin called from the cooking fire, he'd starting cooking the fish and had raised a brow at his son, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Varian giggled.
After a little while, the fish were done, Itty Bitty and Wiggles were set down a little ways away from the food, they were swimming happily. They had a feast set out and were about to sit down when they heard rustling from the trees, Quirin got up and, before Lance and Eugene pulled out their swords, told them to wait. The trees stopped for a moment or two before the retired knight rolled his eyes, "you know, grand entrances don't really work when we know you're there"
"Shows what you know", Adira stated, popping out from the tree behind the one Quirin was facing, making the man turn around and raise a brow, "grand entrances are made to impress the people who are watching, i.e, all of you!" she stated, gesturing to the entire group.
"Adira you're here!" Lance stated happily before he turned to Varian, "yo! How's my hair?"
"Uh..... fine?" The little alchemist stated as he gave Ruddigar a look, the raccoon just shrugged
"Thanks!" he stated before smoothing it out and walking over, "so how are you doin this fine evening?"
Adira looked a little startled before she rolled her eyes, Eugene face palmed as Quirin burst into laughter, startling everyone! He clutched his stomach as he kept laughing, turning away and stifling it, "sorry, g-give me a minute!"
Adira raised an annoyed brow at him before she sighed, "anyway", she walked past Lance, who followed her, smiling the entire time, "how was the fishing?" She asked, sitting next to Varian, who was still a bit startled at his father's laughing fit.
"Uh...." he shook his head to clear it, "sorry, it was fun! We had a competition for who could catch the biggest fish, and who could catch the most!"
"I take it you won?"
"I won the biggest fish competition! But dad got the most", he said, looking at his dad again. Quirin had gained control over his laughter at this point and had joined them around the fire, he passed Adira a fish, which she accepted while giving him a *don't you dare start* look. He raised his hands up, showing he wouldn't say anything before she turned back to her nephew, eyeing the retired knight.
"You wanna tell me about it?"
"Sure!"
Varian described their competition and how it worked, explaining the prizes and pointing them out to the face painted warrior, she had walked over to say hello, both the fish seemed to return the gesture before she walked back. They finished their meals and everyone started talking about the next time they'd get together to do something like this again, including Adira and possibly Edmund and Hector, so the teams would even. They began to pack up, the little alchemist and Ruddigar starting to yawn as the day had consumed most of their energy. They finished placing everything in the carriage, hooking Max up next to Prometheus, both of whom had been hanging out near the shore and had eaten apples and grass during the duration of the trip. They were about to depart when Rapunzel noticed the river acting off, she called it to attention, everyone went to investigate, when suddenly a large fish suddenly burst out of the water. It looked at Varian specifically, seemingly smirking as the little alchemist's eyes widened with wonder and amazement, the fish landed in the river and did not reappear, but everyone was awestruck.
"That must be the sea monster!" Rapunzel stated, "he was beautiful! Oh now I wanna draw him! Where's my notebook when I need it?"
"That was it! That was the fish I saw before! It's *huge*!" Eugene yelled
"Ok ok, I believe you now", Lance stated, "but what *was* that?!"
"A Sturgeon", Varian replied
"What?"
"That was a white sturgeon, they're the largest freshwater fish in the world! They can grow up to fifteen to twenty feet in length, weighing almost a full ton!" His eyes were sparkling, "they're super rare around here! You don't really see them that often in Corona! That was so cool! He was really big, definitely not an experimented fish, nor a sea monster! But still so cool!" He began speaking over a million miles per second, explaining every fact he knew about sturgeons and how amazing they were before he yawned again, his eyes half open.
"I think it's time we get home and get some sleep", Quirin stated quietly, lifting his son up and holding him bridal style to the carriage, "want a ride? There's still room", he asked Adira, the face painted warrior shook her head
"I'm going to do one more sweep around this area before I head into Corona, you should get him to bed", she smiled at the sleepy alchemist
"It was good to see you again Adira!" Rapunzel said, "thanks for joining us!"
"Good to see you too princess, fish skin, and earring", Lance blushed and hummed happily, Adira ignored it, "may your journey home be safe Stickler"
"Yours too Adira, or should I say Wise Eyes?"
"No", she said, making Quirin chuckle, "only he can call me that", she stated, pointing to Varian who was smiling at her
"Goodnight Wise Eyes", he said sleepily, Ruddigar curling up in his arms
"Goodnight Speckles", she replied
They left after that, Adira hopping into the trees with a smile on her face, carrying the little bag of supplies Quirin had given her. The Village Leader dropped Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, and Max off, the lovestruck man holding the bucket containing water and Wiggles in his hands as they waved goodbye. Once they got home, the retired knight put Prometheus away in the stables, giving him some extra hay for the hard work he'd done, and carried his son inside, the alchemist had fallen asleep on the journey back, so Quirin got him in his pajamas, and laid him in bed, giving him a kiss goodnight and closing his door before leaving. He grabbed the bucket holding Itty Bitty and placed the fish and the water inside a small, glass, fishbowl, promising to get the little swimmer some food in the morning as he got into his armchair and began to read. A few minutes passed before he heard the stairs creaking, he looked up when he felt small hands tug his shirt, he saw Varian climbing onto his lap and smiled. He wrapped his arms around his boy, the little raccoon climbing onto the back of the chair, stretching, and falling back asleep. The father held his son for a few more moments before he eventually ended up falling asleep too, all three of them smiling as they did.
Notes:
-"Tachyon" is the fastest moving particle, traveling at speeds faster than light!
-"Tungsten" is the strongest metal on earth
-"Quark" is a type of elementary particle and is smaller than an atom
-The thing about worms not feeling any pain when hooked, there's an article I found that talks about it, Link: https://www.chron.com/news/nation-world/article/Study-says-worms-on-fishhook-feel-no-pain-1516910.php It also talks, briefly, about crabs and lobsters too!
-Sturgeons are actually the biggest freshwater fish you can find! Everything Varian said about them was true!So many fun facts!
Thus ends another two parter and the family day story! I hope you all enjoyed! I'll still be writing more of course, but this ends the cute little group bonding!
Thank you all very much for reading! It really means a lot to me! <3
Chapter 22: Baby Boy!
Summary:
Memories are funny, they like to remind you things that you haven't thought about it years, Quirin's memories were no different here.
Notes:
I wanted to have a flashback of some tooth rotting, sweet tasting, absolute Quirin and Varian fluff! With some angst and a cute little end!
I hope you enjoy
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The stoic farmer stared out the window, his mind wondering as he thought of her. Moon above he missed her, it had been almost a year now and he still couldn't stop thinking about her! Ulla, her long red hair, her sky blue eyes, her freckles scattered on her face, he still loved her, and it made his heart ache. Standing there, he watched the villagers working hard to get the festival set up, it was the Goodwill festival, it was also the first holiday they were celebrating without her, save for their son's birthday of course, though he shouldn't be complaining. In fact, he was scolding himself for being so upset, *at least you still have your kid! Why on earth should you complain when you've got a little child running around? He's still here! He's still with you!* then the darker thoughts come to the forefront, *he's not her.... he's not my Ulla, she's the one I fell in love with, she was my everything and now she's gone! He's not her, he's not her! He's n-!"
"DADDY!"
His thoughts were interrupted by an excited little voice calling from upstairs, he heard the little pitter patter of tiny feet as someone ran down to greet him for the day, "hello little one", he stated, giving a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "did you have a good nap?"
The little child hugged his father, though he could only reach his knee, but that was okay, it was the thought that counts, "I guess so, even doe I still don't see why I need to nap", he pouted, "Imma big boy now!"
The man smirked as he picked up his tiny son, "Varian we've talked about this, naps help you grow up big and strong, you want to be big don't you?"
"Yeah! But I don't see how they make you big and strong! Is there any poof?"
"Proof?"
"Dats what I said, poof!"
He chuckled, "well, I guess you could say I'm proof of that, I took a lot of naps when I was your age, and look at how big I am", his son looked him up and down quizzically, then raised a brow.
"Hey wait a minute! You said dat when I wouldn't eat yucky spergus!"
"That's because both are true, you have to eat the yucky spergus and take some boring naps to grow big and strong"
"But why? Is dere somefin in spergus and naps dat make you grow?"
"Magic would not work on you as an answer would it?"
"Nope"
Quirin snorted before he thought for a moment, before he got an idea, "hey, you like experiments right?"
His son's eyes lit up, "yeah!"
"Well this could be an experiment, you could go and eat any asparagus that I give you, and take any nap that I say until your next birthday, and when your birthday comes around, we could measure you and see if you've grown at all!"
The boy thought about it before he stated, "otay, but we would need to have a measurement before dat!"
"We could measure you now against something, how about your door frame?"
"Dat's perfect!" Varian stated ecstatically before he wriggled out of his father's hold and ran to the stairs, "come on! We gotta get da measurement quickly before I grow from da nap!"
The farmer followed his son, swiping a marker along the way, they got to Varian's door frame and he chuckled when he saw his son standing up against it, bouncing a little on his heels, "you'll need to stop bouncing so I can get the perfect results", his son giggled but held still, straightening his his back and keeping his feet flat as he waited with baited breath. Quirin marked the door and smiled, "there, wanna see?"
"Yeah!" Varian replied, he bounced off the wall and took a look, "wow! I'm kinda short"
His father laughed a bit, "you're also 4 years old, I don't think you're done growing yet"
"Twue! But still, I wanna be as big as you one day!"
"You will be"
"Really?"
"Yep, as long as you eat your asparagus and take your naps"
The tiny child giggled, "daddy you're sneaky!"
A little blue flame sparked in the retired knight's heart as he smiled, this time for real.
****
6 years had passed, Varian was now 10 years old. The old farmer was in the fields, wiping his brow as he plowed the ground one last time, smirking at his work. He'd been at this for a couple hours now, having gotten a head start early this morning.
"Hey, aren't you supposed to be off today?" A voice called over, he turned to look, and saw Adam walking over, plow in tow.
"Actually I'm only off for half the day, that being during the night, I thought I'd get some plowing done", the Village Leader explained
"You had a fight with your kid again didn't you?"
"That obvious huh?"
The farmhand looked him up and down, "very", he stated flatly
Quirin sighed, "I just.... he doesn't understand how dangerous alchemy can be! Did you see his burns yesterday? They were pretty bad!"
"Yeah I saw em, and you're right, they were pretty bad"
"Exactly!"
"But, it's something he loves, you can't just tell him to stop"
"That's the thing, I didn't tell him to stop, I told him to stop for now! Just take a break so his arms can heal"
"Oh yeah? How'd that go?"
"I'm in the fields aren't I?" The made Adam laugh, the old farmhand clutching his side before gaining control
"Look Quirin, did you ever stop to think that maybe this is just what he wants to do?"
"Yes.... That's what scares me...."
The tone of the Village Leader changed immediately, getting darker, it made Adam flinch a bit, but he sighed, "buddy, look... I know it still hurts, but he's not goin anywhere"
"How do you know?!" He turned to glare at the man, "after all *she* promised to be with me, in sickness and in health, and yet she *left*! She *left* to go follow her loathsome friend in finding the seven trials for that damn alchemy! I still think about her all the time! At night, I still reach out as if she's right beside me, but she's not, she's *gone*! What's worse is now my *son* wants to learn about that disgusting subject! What if that woman comes back and takes him away too?!"
Adam looked at the Village Leader, he was so angry, he had tears streaming down his face, his yelling was loud, but it wasn't angry, it was scared, he was scared. The farmhand watched his friend turn away, trying to wipe away everything he felt, but the farmhand knew better, he placed a hand on Quirin's shoulder, "hey, look, I.... I understand my friend, I really do.... Losing someone you love, it's harder than anyone will ever know. I knew how much you loved that woman, I know how much your heart aches for her", he stated, noticing how the Village Leader had taken a deep breath, "but, you've got a kid in there that has a passion for something", Quirin turned to look at him, "I know it's hard, and scary, thinking he may leave you one day for the very same thing, and for all you know, he might!" The Village Leader was fully facing him now, "even if he does though, even if chooses to seek out a path in alchemy and try his luck at doin what his mother did, there's a major difference between her and him that I don't think you can see".
"A difference?"
"Yeah, you", he stated pointing at the Village Leader
"Me? H-how am I the difference?"
"Because you're his dad, he needs you Quirin, not just because he needs a home or food, he needs someone to be there for him", Adam stated, "look, he may be interested in alchemy, and even if he is, that's fine! What he does with his alchemy is completely up to how you raise him. You're his father, he thinks the world of you, and believe me when I say, if that boy doesn't love you, I'll eat my hat!"
The Village Leader chuckled, "I.... I'm sorry, I just... don't want to lose him like I lost her...."
"I know.... But you just might if you take away something that he loves, it'd be like takin you away from the farm", Quirin looked down, he loved farming, that was true, he loved it more than being a knight, at least he didn't have to kill anyone here, and it was so peaceful.... It hit the Village Leader hard, farming to him is what alchemy is to Varian, and he'd just told his son to stay away from it.... Adam could tell the man understood now and smiled, "you gonna go to him, or do I have to tell you?"
He handed the farmhand his plow and turned towards his house, before leaving however, he smiled at Adam, "thank you"
"No problem! Now go talk to your pyromaniac kid and take the rest of the day off!"
With that, the Village Leader ran back to his house, opened the door, a little too harshly, and ran up the stairs all the way to Varian's room. Once there, he peeked into his son's room, he saw the tiny child sitting in the middle of the floor, papers strewn about everywhere, some with complicated mechanisms, some with drawings, some with both, it made the father smile. He walked in quietly so as not to disturb the boy, who was looking at one paper before glaring and looking at another. "Concentrating?"
His son jumped at the sound of his voice before looking up, he'd been crying if the tear stains were anything to go by, "oh.... h-hi...."
"Hi, what are you doing?"
"Trying to find something to do...."
"Which is?"
"Drawing.... But I keep drawing bad stuff...."
"Bad stuff?"
"Alchemy"
"Oh"
"Yeah.... I'm sorry.... I'm trying not to....."
Quirin's heart broke a little at that, and he sighed, "son I..... I'm sorry"
Varian looked up, tilting his head to the side, "what?"
Quirin knelt down next to his son, "I'm sorry, I never should have gotten so mad at you for liking and practicing alchemy, its just..... it's hard for me.... to see something that your mother loved to do..... I see so much of her in you, you're almost exactly like her! But sometimes I get a little....."
"Sad?" Varian offered
"Among other things, yes", Quirin replied, "look I love you so much, you mean the world to me and if anything *ever* happened to you, I don't know what I'd do!"
"I feel the same about you dad", his son stated, "I love you too, and if alchemy makes you sad, I won't do it anymore...."
"No no! I want you to keep doing alchemy!" His father stated, "I want you to keep learning and growing and trying out new things Varian, I want that for you!" He said, his son looking at him with those big blue eyes, "but I also want you to be safe, I want you to be careful and rational, making decisions you won't regret in the end, and helping others and yourself. I'm so sorry if what I said before, our fight, I'm sorry if I made you feel like you couldn't do something you loved so much, that wasn't what I meant, I just want you to be careful, that's all."
The little alchemist stayed quiet for a moment or two, thinking about what he'd just been told, then he turned to his dad with a sad look on his face, and gave him a hug, "I miss her too...." The retired knight was surprised at first, before he hugged his son back, "I miss her a lot.... I wasn't very big when she left, but she was wonderful all the same, I miss her daddy, and I know you hurt whenever you remember her..... That's why I started alchemy"
Quirin broke the hug and looked at his son, "you started to do alchemy for me?"
"Yeah, I knew mommy loved it, I remember her showing me how to make a baking soda volcano, it was really cool!" He stated, eyes lighting up, "she made the whole thing blue, and it fizzed everywhere! It was amazing! I loved it it!" he then smiled sadly and looked at his dad, "when you said she was gone, I.... didn't know how to feel, I felt sad yeah, but I was more worried about you. You were with her longer than me, then I got an idea! I thought if I did alchemy, it would make you happy because you would remember her too, like I do! But when I started, I really really liked it! It was so interesting to find different things and mix them together to make something new, even if all it was was an explosion! But this morning you... you got angry when I got burned and I... I guess I wasn't thinking about how doing what she did would make you even sadder.... I'm sorry daddy...."
Quirin was both heartbroken and proud at the same time, he felt so ashamed of how upset he'd been this morning, but, he felt so proud of his little boy, words wouldn't be enough to tell his son how much that meant to him, so instead he pulled him into a hug and said, "please keep experimenting, and you don't have to be sorry, I'm sorry too, your daddy's got a lot of work to do".
He felt his son's tiny arm wrap around his neck, "I love you daddy"
"I love you too son"
The little flame in his heart growing just the tiniest bit brighter.
****
Quirin had just finished up a day of work in the fields and was looking forward to getting home and relaxing with a good book. His mind had been wandering all day to the little experiments his son did when he was younger, it made the man happy. Walking through the door he smiled as a familiar scent hit him.
"Varian must be experimenting again", he stated, "and I'm talking to myself, oh joy".
The Village Leader walked over to the fishbowl sitting on the counter, pouring some fish flakes inside and watching as Itty Bitty ate them up, smiling at the little fish, the retired knight walked over to the book shelf and found one he hadn't read in a long time. He sighed, sitting down in his arm chair and opening it up, though he hadn't gotten past the first line when he heard a gigantic explosion that shook the house.
"Varian, are you okay in there?" He yelled, he didn't hear a response, "VARIAN!" he yelled louder, yet again, nothing. He got up immediately and ran downstairs, slamming open the basement door, the room was filled with smoke, a couple of small fires here and there, but nothing too serious, looking around he spotted Ruddigar, the little raccoon was trying to move a piece of ceiling. Quirin ran over and pushed the piece off easily, hearing small coughs as he did so. Looking down he saw his son, he was covered in ash and had some nasty burns on his arms and legs, but he seemed alright for the most part, the retired knight knelt down next to him and brushed the bangs out of the little alchemist's face, "son? Can you hear me?"
Varian coughed a couple more times before finally opening his eyes, he looked up at his father, "yeah, yeah dad I'm okay, sorry", he stated, his voice sounded a little gruff, he probably needed some water for his throat.
Quirin sighed, "well this was a bit extreme, what were you making this time?" He asked, picking his son up and carrying him out of the lab, Ruddigar hopping onto the retired knight's shoulders and shaking off the ash before sneezing.
"Well, I was trying to make a chemical compound that would help get rid of bugs and bacteria on fruit without affecting the actual food, I was gonna call it, "pesticide", but the chemicals that I was using, namely Chlordane and Atrazine didn't quite mix well and ended up.... well.... doing that", he gestured towards the basement as Quirin carried him into the kitchen. "If I could just get the chemicals right, I might be able to figure out how to make it work, but unfortunately this didn't turn out quite right".
"Nope", his father stated, setting Varian on the counter in such a way so the little alchemist was sitting on the edge, legs dangling off of it. He grabbed the small first aid kit and began to patch his son up.
"Sorry about that, I'll clean it up and make sure to be careful next time", his son stated
"Ok", Quirin replied, bandaging up his son's legs, the burns weren't too bad this time.
"D-Dad?"
"Hm?" The retired knight looked at the little alchemist, "what's wrong?"
"I.... I don't know, but you're acting a little weird.... A-are you okay? Did I overdo it?"
"What? No, I", his father chuckled, "I'm sorry, my mind has been reminiscing all day about when you were younger and how you did stuff like this all the time".
"Really?" Varian asked, tilting his head to the side
"Yup, remember when we first measured how tall you were at your door?"
"Oh, you mean when you tricked me into eating asparagus and taking long naps for an entire year?"
"Hey, you were the one who agreed to the experiment, and weren't you happy to find out I was right?"
The alchemist scoffed, "you weren't right! I was growing just the same without the nasty green bombs you forced me to eat"
"You still ate them, and it was nice to see you eating your greens"
"I stand by my word of you being a sneaky dad"
"I stand by my word of you being a brat"
"I can accept that"
"I'm glad"
"Indeed"
The two smirked at each other before giggling, well, chuckling for Quirin. Varian ended up helping to patch himself up before his father gave him a glass, Ruddigar a bowl, of water. The pair ended up drinking too fast and began coughing a but, the retired knight had to pat his son's back a few times before the coughing subsided.
"Thanks"
"You're welcome"
They then cleaned the lab together, there wasn't too much damage, save for a chunk of the roof missing, but they set up a tarp and made measurements that Varian said he'd put to good use tomorrow. Once that was finished, they went back to the kitchen and had some dinner, talking about what happened when Varian was young and laughing at the little situations the tiny alchemist had gotten into. After they cleared the dishes, Varian had gotten in his pjs and was reading a book, feeding Itty Bitty a little more fish food before settling down on the couch with Ruddigar. Quirin walked in and joined his child, grabbing the book he had before and sitting down in his arm chair.
Both of them were calm, the house was quiet, and as Quirin looked over at his little alchemist, he smiled, the little blue flame was now encasing his heart, and it grew stronger every single day.
Notes:
So those are actual chemicals inside pesticide, also, side note, Varian is not the inventor of pesticide, this was just a fun idea for a story, please do not copyright me!
The little blue flame keeps Quirin warm, Varian is his little light after all ╰(*°▽°*)╯
Thank you very much for reading! :D
Chapter 23: Little Haircut of Horrors!
Summary:
Varian's hair grew shaggy while he was in jail, one morning, Quirin saw it was nearly in his son's face, so it was now time to give his little alchemist a haircut.
Notes:
So this idea actually was brought up when talking to a commenter of this little series, Cardcaptorkatara, we both agreed this would be a really cute idea, and I finally have time to make it! So here we go!
Thank you Cardcaptorkatara!
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Dad I don't need it!"
"Yes you do, very badly actually"
"It's not *that* bad"
"Varian if your hair got any longer I think we'd need to ask Rapunzel for help managing it"
"Ok now that's definitely a stretch, her hair is eighty feet long!"
"It's a very good comparison though, and you're getting one, that's final"
The alchemist sighed, glaring at the oatmeal he was eating, it was a good meal but he didn't like what was coming next. His father wanted to give him a haircut, but the alchemist had never liked the process, the hair always fell on him and made him sneeze, plus, after he was done, he felt very itchy and his hair felt very weird after. None the less, the man had spoken, so the alchemist could only prolong his breakfast before the inevitable occurred. So prolonged he did, he took tiny bites of his oatmeal, making sure to drink slowly from his glass, and would very frequently stop, place his spoon down, and pat his mouth with a napkin.
"It's still gonna happen even if we sit here for hours, I can always tell Adam that my unruly son needs a haircut, trust me, he'll understand", his father stated, looking at his son in slight annoyance and amusement
"Is a haircut really necessary? My hair is fine"
"It's in your eyes, in your food, and on you raccoon", he gestured to Ruddigar, who was itching some of the aforementioned hair off himself with a huff at his boy.
"Traitor"
"Look you don't like it, I understand, but the sooner we get it done without certain boy trying to delay it, the better"
"But I can work just fine like this, it was never an issue before!"
"Because it wasn't this long before"
"It's on my neck, like usual", Quirin raised an unamused brow at his son, "ok fine, maybe it's a *little* longer"
"If you'd rather have someone else do it that's fine, but you need it done"
"Someone else? Like anyone?"
"I'd prefer someone I know, but yes"
Varian thought for a moment, and got an idea, "you mentioned Rapunzel, maybe she could give me one? Plus I need to visit her anyway"
"Would she have time?"
"I dunno, but it's worth a shot"
"Why Rapunzel?"
"Because she's been meaning to talk to me about something, she actually sent a letter to have me come over sometime so we could chat, this would be a good opportunity, plus she won't scald my head with hot water from a lava pit"
"It's not that hot"
"It is *very* hot! It also hurts my head after, and don't think I don't feel you trying to style it differently"
"I don't know what you're talking about", his father stated a little too innocently, "just because I think your bangs would be better side swiped or across your forehead does not mean I style it differently"
"Uh huh", Varian replied, raising a brow at his father
"Put that brow back down and finish your breakfast you brat, then we'll head to the castle", the red clad man chuckled
"I'll eat my food, but my brow is still raised at you sir!" He stated as his father laughed while walking away
****
They'd managed to walk over to the castle, Quirin had asked Adam to take over while he was gone, which the old farmhand happily agreed. Once they arrived, they told Nigel to let the princess know and with a glare towards the alchemist, which his father put a very quick end to with a glare of his own, the advisor went and alerted the princess.
They waited for a few moments before they heard the doors open and saw princess Rapunzel standing there with a gigantic grin on her face, "Varian! Quirin! Welcome! I'm really glad you guys came to the castle!"
"Thanks Rapunzel! Glad to see you too!" His son stated quietly, "we kinda have two reasons for coming here"
"That's fine, follow me, we can talk in the family room", the princess stated grabbing hold of the alchemist's hand and pulling him with her, Quirin chuckling as he followed. They walked inside a double door and saw a big space filled with couches and chairs, one of them looking very similar to the armchair they had back home, it was even near a fireplace, which is where Quirin sat down.
"So, what's up?" Rapunzel asked, she was smiling wide, her eyes were shining bright, like she was super excited about something.
"Well ok, first things first, what was the letter for? You said you needed to talk to me?" Varian asked, tilting his head to the side
"Oh! Well, that is actually something that I think you're be *ecstatic* about!" She stated, green eyes sparkling, "see, while we were out on our travels, we came across a scroll, it's called, "The Demanitus Scroll", have you heard about it?"
Quirin and Varian looked at the princess with wide eyes, one filled with worry, the other filled with curiosity, "N-no, I mean yes, sort of, b-but no, I only saw a piece of it, but never the whole thing, why?"
"Because", she went over to a desk and pulled out a rolled up piece of paper, walking back over she opened it, "I have the entire thing right here!"
The little alchemist stared at it, mouth agape as he took in every mark, indent, and stain the old paper had, "it's beautiful", he stated, awestruck.
Rapunzel smiled wide but caught a glimpse Quirin, the man had turned paler than the moon as he stared long and hard at that scroll, "are you okay?"
Varian looked at her then looked over at his father, "dad?" Ruddigar let out a chitter of worry as well
"S-sorry just.... last time I saw that thing....." His mind suddenly flashed with black rocks flying everywhere as he and Adira were knocked off their feet, rising only to see their king caught underneath fallen debris, blood pooling out.
"Dad!" Varian's voice cut through the haze, the retired knight shook his head a bit, clearing the images he saw and looking down into big, bright, worried filled, eyes, "a-are you okay?"
"Y-yeah yeah, I'm fine, sorry", he stated quickly, "it's just been a while since I've seen that"
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to bring up any past trauma", Rapunzel stated, "you've seen this, in it's entirety, before?"
"Not in its entirety, I'm not sure how you fixed it, but I've seen three parts of it, one was handed to me by King Edmund and I was told to keep it safe, the second was with Adira, who received the same instructions, and the third was in the Spire, which Hector, Adira, and I would check on, that and.... something else there that's equally as dangerous...." He shuddered, "how on earth did you get that anyway? Specifically the piece that was with me?"
Varian and Rapunzel looked at each other for a moment or two before looking back at the man, "uh.... Funny thing about when you were in the amber..... King Fredrick somehow knew about the scroll piece you had and thought I was hiding it.... s-so when guards came to find it, I may have looked m-myself and found it in your old trunk..... t-then gave it to Rapunzel because her dad didn't want her to see it, t-then took it back when I captured the queen.... a-after that I'm not sure how you got it...." Varian stated, looking at the princess
"Adira.... she gave it to me after the battle with.... you.... and told me to follow the black rocks.... after I did, she gave me her piece, then told me where to find the one in the Spire", Rapunzel explained
Quirin's eyes focused on his son, but his mind was screaming various profanities at the foolish king and how he handled things while the Village Leader was indisposed, but he calmed down, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly, "well, at least it's back in your hands. But why show it to us now?"
"Because I was hoping the most brilliant mind in Corona could help me out and translate it?" Rapunzel stated while looking at Varian as Quirin got a very bad feeling in his gut
"Y-you want me to translate Demanitus's scroll?! Really???" His eyes were lit up like fireworks, his gaze unmatched, not even by the sunshine princess herself
"Yep! You translated a little bit of it before if I remember correctly"
"I did! I-it was on the scrap my dad had! I didn't get much time with it, b-but I'd *love* to translate the whole thing!" He stated, talking a million miles per second before he stopped and turned to his dad, "u-unless you think that'd be a bit too dangerous, you know more about it than I do".
Quirin was a little surprised to hear that, but he smiled, "if you think you can, go ahead, just, be careful, okay?"
His son nodded, "I will!" With that he turned and held out his hands, Rapunzel rolled up the scroll and handed it to him carefully.
"Thank you so much Varian!"
"You're welcome! Though I should be thanking you, considering Demanitus is my absolute hero!"
She giggled, "oh, you said you were coming her for two reasons, I believe that was one, what was the other?"
"R-right! Sorry, completely forgot", he blushed, "um... I know it's odd to ask, but someone thinks I need a hair cut.... a-and I wanted to see if you'd be willing t-!"
"OF COURSE!" Rapunzel squealed, "I would love to! I love cutting Eugene's hair! I would definitely love to cut yours!"
The Village Leader chuckled, "just don't use water that's too hot, because someone doesn't like hot water on his head"
"You burn me!"
"I do not"
"Do to!"
"Do not"
"Do to!"
"I d-! Hold on", His father said
Varian giggled, "yeeees?"
Quirin raised a brow at him before smiling and ruffling his hair, "brat"
****
Quirin needed to get back to the fields, with a swear by Rapunzel that nothing would happen to his son, and a hug from Varian and Ruddigar, the man made his way back to the farm.
"Ok Varian, lets get that hair cut shall we?" Rapunzel stated
"Uh ok... A-are you sure this isn't too much trouble? I wouldn't wanna get in the way of-!"
"No no, definitely not! I like cutting hair, like I said, I did Eugene's while we were on the road, he definitely seemed to like how I did it! So I'm confident I can help you out!" She stated, "besides, Corona is a lot quieter than being on the road all the time, so I can handle this! Come on, to the barber room!"
She grabbed the alchemist's hand and pulled him with her, he had to run just to stay on his feet, but he kept up just fine. They made a couple of turns here and there before finally entering what looked like a spa mixed with a barber shop. Though the little alchemist had never really seen a barber shop, his father always cut his hair.
"Hairstrip?" A familiar voice called out, Varian turned to see Eugene watching him, he was sitting on a bench while Lance was beside him with some sort of mud on his face.
"Oh, hi Euegene", he replied timidly
"What are you doing here?"
"I-I need a hair cut because my dad says my hair is shaggy...." he pouted
Eugene snorted, "not a big fan huh?"
"No"
"Why? Getting your hair cut is so relaxing!" Lance stated, running a hand over his scalp
"It's itchy, you have to wait for so long in a tarp that makes you feel like a tent, you're not allowed to move or the whole process could be ruined, and he uses way too hot water on my head, all very good reason for disliking the process", the alchemist listed off
"Well then you haven't had the royal treatment! I take it that's what blondie's here to do yeah?" Eugene asked smiling
"Yep! Come over here and sit down Varian, uh please", she stated while blushing a bit
"Ok, oh uh, t-thank you, I can pay you if you w-!"
"Nope! You're my friend, you get a free hair cut!" She said, "and we're not arguing about it", she added, which the alchemist huffed at, but sat down in the chair, it was a small stool with a tiny back so the user could rest against it, but it wouldn't block the barbers reach for the hair, the stool also had some cushion on it, which made it much more comfortable than the wooden stool his dad had at home.
"So, would you like the normal style? One bang longer than the other with your hair flipping in the back?" Rapunzel asked
"Uh, s-sure?"
The princess giggled, "don't be nervous Varian, I'll be quick about it, okay? But there will be times where I'll need you to lay back okay?"
"Lay back? Why?"
"So I can wash your hair silly! I have to wash it first so the strands will be easier to manage and I won't make any mistakes".
"That, and the shampoo smells really nice", Lance added before glaring at the raccoon that just stole a cucumber off his eye and eating it
"Oh, I didn't know there were so many steps to cutting hair", the teen stated, blushing slightly
"You could say it's kinda like your alchemy", Eugene piped up, "there are certain things you have to do to get the hair just right so the barber can cut it, sound right?"
"Yeah!" Varian stated, smiling, "like prepping the materials!"
"Right!" The prince stated, "though in this case, you aren't doing anything except relaxing!"
"I-I'll try"
"Great! Here we go~" Rapunzel sang, as she began running a brush through the alchemist's hair. There weren't too many tangles, so it didn't take too long, once she was done, she had Varian lay back over a sink, where she used warm water and shampoo to wash his hair, as she did so, she noticed Varian struggling a little, he was twitchy and kept looking around with a worried expression, thinking for a moment, she got an idea, walking over, she grabbed Ruddigar and placed him in the alchemist's arms. They immediately began stroking the raccoon's fur, which made Ruddigar purr in response.
"T-thank you", Varian said, smiling at the princess
"No problem, now just close your eyes, and let me work", she said
He nodded and did so, allowing the princess to guide him and pull him anywhere he needed to be, he felt himself being placed gently back in the chair, but he soon began to wander. His mind was at peace, ad he let it take over, his thoughts began to swim to earlier days, when he would sit in that wooden stool and his father would cut his hair. Sure the man wasn't always that gentle, but he'd made Varian feel happy whenever he did, cracking jokes, teasing the tiny child, and then going on a special trip to Monty's to get him his favorite lollipop. He's even got to see the Stabbingtons being arrested, which was definitely cool at the time! He remembered wondering if Flynn Rider was in the area, since bad guys like that would've been no problem for him! He then heard a soft voice calling out to him.
"Varian?" it said, it sounded like a women, she was calm and sounded very kind
"Maybe we should let the kid sleep?" another voice replied, this one sounding like a man, but not his dad, he sounded charming too, like what the teen imagined Flynn Rider to sound like
"He looks so cute, look at that little smile!" this voice sounded a bit deeper than the other man's voice, though the alchemist felt the slightest twang of annoyance, but he still was happy to hear it all the same
"He does that sometimes, he gets so relaxed that he falls asleep, I love it when he does", this one was his dad, he felt the warmth over take him when he spoke and felt his warm vest resting against his cheek, so soft, so warm, smelling of apples and wood, he smiled
"Hey! Didja see that? He smiled when you spoke!" the deeper voice replied, he sounded happy, the alchemist still felt that annoyance, but it had lessened a bit
"The kid knows you're the one talking even in his sleep I guess, that's some powerful connection you've got there", the Flynn Rider voice commented
He then heard a chitter with a small chuckle, that's when he woke up, his eyes fluttering open as he looked around. Ruddigar was in his lap, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance were all smiling at him, and when he turned, he saw his father, he was smiling widely, his brown eyes were sparkling, and it made Varian smile, "hi"
"Hello, are you okay? You still look a little sleepy", his father asked
The alchemist yawned, "I am sleepy, but I'm okay", he then remembered where he was and looked around, noticing a hand mirror nearby he grabbed it and looked, "wow! You did a really great job Rapunzel! Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome! You definitely seemed like you enjoyed it!" She giggled as he blushed
"Yeah sorry, I guess I didn't realize how tired I was"
"Or how relaxing a hair cut can be", Eugene added before looking at Quirin, "guess you'll be taking him here from now on?"
"If Rapunzel doesn't mind, it would certainly save me an argument", he smirked at his son, who hmphed at him
"I wouldn't mind at all! You don't have to pay me either, his hair is really fun to work with!" The princess stated
"Thank you again, I appreciate it", his father stated
"Wait, how long was I in here?" Varian asked
"Well..... it's about 6pm right now", Rapunzel replied
"What?! My gosh I've gotta go!"
"Where exactly are you going?" Quirin asked
"I've got an royal assignment?" He stated, patting him pocket which held the scroll
"Royal assignment?" Eugene asked
"It's top secret, the less who know, the better", the princess said, "but once it's done, I'll tell you!"
"Well, alright", Eugene stated
"We should probably get going though, we need to head back before it gets too much later", the Village Leader stated
Lance hopped up, "I'll head out too, I wanna check on Angry and Catalina, plus I gotta take the carriage back anyway"
"Carriage?" Varian tilted his head
"Rapunzel had a carriage sent out to get me so I could get here a little faster and check on you", his father explained
"Oh, thanks!"
"Sure! If you really have to go, I won't stop you, just make sure you take breaks with that okay?" Rapunzel said, looking directly at Varian
"Yeah yeah, I will!" The alchemist stated, before getting up and heading to the door
"I'll make sure he does", Quirin stated, raising a brow at his son, who raised a brow back, making Lance and Eugene laugh
"Thank you, and be careful!" The princess called as the three left, they all got into the carriage and started on their way back to Old Corona, Varian getting more and more excited about the scroll and wishing he could just pop it open right then adn there. But he waited, instead he laid back, leaning a bit against his dad, who placed an arm around him, and listened to the two men speak as they rode the carriage home.
Notes:
Varian gets a haircut and we get an answer to when Rapunzel decided to ask about the Demanitus scroll! Sorry if the ending felt a little rushed, I wanted to get this out before I got offline for the evening X3
Thank you very much for reading! :D
Chapter 24: The Stories We Share!
Summary:
Quirin invited Eugene to his house, given how well Varian and the young prince get along. He'd hoped this visit would help Varian heal a little more, and it did, just not in the way he predicted.
Notes:
So this has been in my head for a long time, and I really wanted to get it right. It disturbed me to find out Varian was left in jail for the better part of a year while Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, Cassandra, and Hookfoot went on the Season 2 adventure! I actually can't watch Season 2 without thinking about that.... I looked up medieval dungeons, they're horrible to their prisoners! Even to the thieves and lesser criminals, and just like how Varian was seen drinking a beer in the bar in the last two parter, I imagine the same, no age restrictions, apply to the dungeon..... Which makes everything a whole lot worse....
TRIGGER WARNING:
This is going to involve PTSD, blood, injuries, swearing, and possible torture stories, you have been warned, this is gonna be a dark one folks
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Sooooo, wanna play cards?"
"With you? Absolutely not!"
"Awww, why not?"
"Because your dad made a fortune off of you last time you played against Pascal, and Lance and Angry are *still* recovering from how soundly you beat them at all those games", Eugene shuddered, "we still have nightmares..."
The little alchemist laughed before stroking Ruddigar's fur happily, "oh come on! I didn't beat you *that* badly"
The prince raised a brow at the tiny teen, who raised a brow right back, "sassy", he stated
"I learned from the best", Varian said gesturing towards his father who was watching them with amusement
"Yeah, by the way, am I here as a back up babysitter?" Eugene asked, "because I know the kid can be a turd, but this seems a little excessive", Varian huffed a little, making the former thief chuckled, "though, I might be wrong".
Quirin chuckled as well, "no, I didn't invite you over to watch Varian", he stated, then smirked, "though, that wouldn't be a bad idea", his son glared at the both of them indignantly before huffing again, louder this time, "I asked you over because I thought it would be nice considering how well you and stinkbomb get along, plus you're nice to talk to".
"Do my huffs mean nothing to you people?!" Varian asked
"Nope", both men replied, before laughing
"I'm about two seconds from throwing goo bombs at you two"
"You'll be cleaning the entire mess up with a mop and no alchemy if you do you know", Quirin warned
"It'd be worth it", Varian replied, smirking a bit
"Brat"
"So what would you two like to do?" Eugene asked
"Sword training!" Varian replied, Quirin raised a brow, "what? I heard you and aunt Adira talking about it, it would be a lot of fun plus a good way for me to defend myself"
"Do you have a sword hairstripe?"
"Well no, but I do have the alchemy sword I made before, remember? I was swinging it at you!"
"Right, the one that blew up on of the wanted posters of me"
"Yeah! That and the little dagger Adira gave me!" Varian pulled out the dagger, it was closed, "dad won't let me open it until I find out how to use it outside of cutting fish until I learn how to sword fight...." he stated
"That's right, and I'm still not changing that rule", the retired knight stated
"Yeah I know, that's why your nickname fits so well"
"Wait, nickname?" Eugene asked
"Adira has two nicknames for my dad, one is courage, because he's courageous obviously, and the other is stickler, a name I very much agree with", Eugene laughed
"Can I really be called a stickler when I'm the one that made the rules?" Quirin argued, for some reason, he thought he could hear the faintest laughter coming all the way from the capital of Corona from a very amused face painted warrior, and it made him sigh, "never mind...."
"I wouldn't mind teaching him the basics if you're okay with it", Eugene offered, making the little alchemist light up with joy
Quirin looked at the pair and knew the argument had been decided before he even got a chance, "I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea, but you're using wooden swords"
"Yes!" Varian yelled as he jumped in the air, landed, and did a little dance as he sang, "Varian and Eugene, going to practice with wooden swords~"
Quirin watched his son, then looked at the prince, who was a little surprised and returned the look to the retired knight, both of them laughed as the little scientist continued his victory dance with Ruddigar holding on for dear life
****
"Not bad kiddo!" Eugene stated, "just remember to counter when you get the chance, that could be the difference between life and death"
"Got it!"
Varian and Eugene had been practicing for a half an hour and Quirin had to admit, his son was a very quick study. He was able to block a lot of the attacks Eugene threw at him just by watching the prince's steps, his son was also able to dodge rather quickly, and he didn't stay down for very long whenever the former thief would knock him off his feet. His father was a impressed, he also noted the way Varian's other hand would twitch or clench whenever he went to attack, it seemed like being a duel wielder might've passed onto his child, and the retired knight wasn't entirely sure how to feel about that. On one hand his heart was filled with pride at the thought that his boy might have taken a little after him. On the other he was worried that, should Varian ever show he could handle two swords at once, some nosey aristocrat would want him in their guard, and freelance knights or even squires were seldom able to say no to an aristocrat's wish unless they were already honor bound to a kingdom. That's how the retired knight had gotten away from any of the aristocrats who were interested in him, but that was a story for another day, one he'd have to tell Varian.
Speaking of, Quirin snapped out of his thoughts and watched them continue to spar, his son was able to spin around Eugene's blow but unfortunately left himself open. Seizing the opportunity, the prince smirked at his father, who nodded. Eugene then tripped the little alchemist, and as he fell, the former thief disarmed him and pinned him to the floor, his hands were sprawled out in front of him, but Eugene's weight was holding him down, "gotcha! Now, when this type of trap occurs, what you should do i-!"
He didn't get to finish that thought as he felt the teen push up fast before elbowing the prince in the stomach and pushing him off. The former thief clutched his stomach as he rolled onto his back. A shadow then loomed over him, looking up he saw Varian, only the teen was crying, his tears we sliding down his cheeks as he pointed the sword towards the man's heart, but it was his eyes that scared Eugene, they were wild and frantic, dilated down to pinpricks as he bared his teeth. Ruddigar, who was next to Quirin the entire time, chittered worriedly, then ran over to his boy and slid in front of Eugene, chittering loudly as if he was trying to get the alchemist's attention. His father was at his feet the moment Eugene went down, and was kneeling next to the man while watching his son in less than two seconds. Eugene didn't move, he just waited, listening to the raccoon chitter and looking at his friend, his little brother actually. He looked so scared, like they weren't just sparring, it was as if the former thief was going to hurt him and the boy was doing anything he could to defend himself, for some reason, the prince couldn't help but think he'd been one of the reasons for this behavior.
"Varian?" He heard Quirin say, his voice was filled to the brim with worry, *so this is the first time something like this has happened? I wonder if-!* he was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a thump. Looking up he saw the tiny alchemist had dropped the wooden sword, his hands were now cupped over his mouth and his tears were flowing a lot more. He looked absolutely devastated, like he'd just realized what he'd done and couldn't accept it. "I-I..... I d-didn't m-mean to.... I d-didn't.... I.... I...." he couldn't finish his sentence, he outstretched a hand before drawing it back, almost as if he'd been burned. Ruddigar was on his shoulders, giving him smalls pets on the cheek to try to comfort him, but it didn't seem to work as the little alchemist turned and ran away.
"VARIAN!" Quirin called out, but the boy had already disappeared. Eugene sat up and was stunned, he felt a mixture of fear, worry, frustration, and surprise, but the more he felt was angry. Angry at the fact that his friend, his little brother, would have such a reaction to being pinned, it didn't just mean the boy was pinned before this, no no, that would've been bad, but Eugene could handle that. It meant that this little boy had been hurt, beaten, and frightened, because the look he'd just been given was not for the former thief, and unfortunately Eugene knew what that meant. He glanced at Quirin, the retired knight looked like he had the same inclination, because he was staring right back, their eyes met, and with a nod they both ran in the direction Varian had gone.
"VARIAN! Where are you kid?"
"Son? VARIAN!"
They were both screaming his name over and over again, neither having much success in finding him. They searched the fields, asking everyone they saw if they'd seen him, nobody had. They'd looked in the shed, where various tools were kept, and searched every nook and cranny, but they found nothing. They looked throughout the house, searching everywhere, but they came up empty handed. They had one place left to search, and unfortunately, it was the worst place he could be. Entering the basement door, they walked inside, making sure to step over any trip wires they happen to see to avoid any goo bombs going off. They only stopped when they heard a mixture of sniffles and chitters, both of them looking at each other before moving forwards towards the noise. They were greeted by the small boy curled into a fetal position in the middle of the floor, he was holding his knees and sobbing as Ruddigar tried to calm him down by rubbing against him and petting his face.
"Hairstripe?" Eugene whispered, making the teen flinch and the raccoon look up, eyes suspicious at first before he saw who was speaking and relaxed.
"Son..." Quirin walked over and knelt down next to his boy, he went to pick him up but the moment his hands brushed against the boy he curled even tighter in on himself, making the retired knight take his hands away.
"I-I'm s-sorry...." Varian stated, "I d-didn't mean to, I j-just..... I...."
"When did this start?" Quirin looked at Eugene, a small hint of a glare glimmered in his eyes, but the former thief continued, "Varian, I know what this is, when did it start?"
Varian didn't look up, "w-when I was in jail...."
That startled Quirin but didn't surprise either of them, "I figured as much, look kiddo, I know it's hard to talk about your time there, but you just ran off after throwing me to the ground, that's concerning". The alchemist didn't move, but he didn't disagree, so Eugene continued, "look, being in the dungeon is hard, even for me, I was in there for half a day and they wanted to cut my head off! I still get nightmares from that, I remember being led through the halls as they made no attempt to hide what they were gonna do to me. Had I not been saved, I wouldn't be here right now, that's not something you can just get over. But you.... You were in there for a whole year, with Andrew none the less! I don't know what they did to you back there, but.... I want to help, we both do, and I'd be more than willing to listen. If you don't want to get into details that's fine, we don't have to, but at the very least, can we talk about what just happened here?"
He waited for a few more moments before he went to speak again, though he was cut off when he saw the little alchemist move, uncurling and sitting up, he was facing his father, but the prince could tell he was avoiding eye contact. Ruddigar climbed into his lap while Eugene went around and sat next to Varian, giving him a minute, "....I.... I c-can't get into everything.... I-I don't know if I ever w-will.... but you're right.... I n-need to talk about this.... i-if I don't I'll hurt you again.... I don't w-wanna do that...."
"I know Varian, you're not like that", Eugene said softly
"You never were", Quirin added, Varian was about to protest when his father cut him off, "you never were, I know what you've done, the automatons, the lying, trying to erase everyone's memory, I know. But I also know you went against the Seporians because they were going to hurt people. That speaks volumes Varian, you didn't go against them because Rapunzel told you to, you weren't threatened, you weren't pushed, you went against them because they were going to harm and kill innocent people, and even though a lot of those people didn't help you when you needed them to, you still protected them and helped stop the Seporians. So I'll say it again, you *never* were".
The teen looked at his father and smiled softly, "t-thanks dad", his father nodded as Varian took a deep breath, then let it out. "I.... I c-can't be pinned like that.... I d-don't know why, I've tried to find any kind of b-book about it, but.... whenever I am... I get... flashbacks.... I'm back in the dungeons again and being..... b-brought to t-that room...."
"That room?" Quirin asked tilting his head to the side, Eugene stayed quiet, he had a bad feeling he knew where this was going
"T-there's a room in the very b-back of the dungeons.... I-it's got a single wooden pole in the m-middle of it a-and areas f-for people to sit in..... The v-very first time I was brought t-there, the p-people of Corona were sitting in the seats.... T-they saw me and shouted a lot of.... b-bad things.... my way. N-not that I blame them, b-but um anyway.... I w-was brought to the center, t-the king was sitting in front of m-me, he looked angry, I d-didn't know what was going on, I f-felt myself being pinned against the pole b-by the captain.... He t-took off my shirt and t-tied my arms to the pole.... He told me that this was only h-happening because of my actions, a-and that I only had myself to blame. Then he went around t-to where my back was and......" Varian didn't finish, he felt tears trickling down his face as he remembered the pain and humiliation he felt of that leather string. He remembered hearing the sounds of his own screams being drowned out as the voices of the people jeered and cursed at him. The kind sat in silence, watching it all happen, he couldn't see his face, but them again, he didn't want to.... "A-after it was d-done, the c-captain untied me.... H-he turned me to face the king and I.... I couldn't look up.... I h-heard him tell the captain to take me b-back to my cell, I was dragged back, I-I couldn't walk, t-then the bars slammed open, I was t-thrown in, and they slammed shut.... A-Andrew he.... he covered my b-back.... It was.... it was something t-that I'll never forget.... I remember crying into his chest as he held me.... I remember falling asleep in his lap and w-waking up the next morning, m-my back was healed, or at least h-had bandages on it.... I found out later t-that the Queen had asked a nurse to help me, s-she was against t-the punishment, I found t-that out from Andrew, his words were, "looks like a least one Coronan has some amount of decency, not that it matters, still a shitty place, but still".... H-he told me what happened to me.... I didn't get a public punishment like that again, b-but there were some cruel guards who.... t-thought it was funny to pin me against a wall or on the floor and tear my s-shirt open, t-they only got one or two lashes in b-before they stopped and threatened me... t-told me if I ever told anyone I'd get worse.... I never said a word...."
Eugene felt sick, he wished on every star in the universe that he could've been there to stop that, he wished they had all been there to stop that. He wished he would've helped Varian and taken him with, but he didn't, they didn't, they left a 14 year old boy in jail and let him get whipped without a second thought. He hated himself for it, he really did..... "I.... I'm so sorry Varian.... had I... Had we-!'
"I know.... B-but you didn't.... I guess that's w-what the king meant by "help"...." The teen stated, giving a weak chuckle while he stroked Ruddigar's fur
"Fuck him", they both looked at Quirin, the man had tears rolling down his face as he bared his teeth, "fuck Fredrick", he stated, "I was willing to look past it, I was willing to let him be, at least leave him alone, because I thought he was a decent enough man to know when to draw the line.... Shame on fuckin me....." his fists were balled so tightly that it even wigged Varian out, Eugene wrapped an arm around the boy, watching the retired knight, he wouldn't show it, but he thought the exact same thing.
"Quirin, this isn't the time", Eugene stated softly
The Village Leader looked at Eugene, then at Varian, his son looked worried, and a little scared. It snapped him out of his anger, "I....", he let out a breath, "sorry... I just.... I'm sorry, you're right, this isn't the time.... But believe me I plan to have a chat with that man. A long chat".
"I'll go with you, I think I need to have a chat with the captain too....."
"N-no! You don't have to! It was m-my fault! I made the bad decisions, I-!"
"Varian it's okay", Quirin stated, placing a hand on his son's cheek, "look I won't hurt anyone or get myself thrown in jail, I won't, I'll never leave you, ever. But that needs to be addressed, what they did to you, it was wrong, very wrong. I don't care what you've done, you don't ever do that to a 14 year old, may they be a boy or a girl, it doesn't matter."
"He's right kiddo, you're not a hardened criminal, you don't kill or maim people on a daily basis, this was your first offense, yeah it was a bad one, but that doesn't matter", Eugene stated, "you had reasons for what you did, did you even get a trial?" The alchemist shook his head, "I didn't think so.... Look, hairstripe you can blame yourself all you want to, because you're right, you made bad choices. But you didn't get a fair chance to defend yourself, did you get a sentence?"
"Yes..."
"What was it?", the teen hesitated, "kiddo I know you don't want any trouble, but I need to know"
"W-why? ....Y-you're not gonna talk to Rapunzel about this are you?! P-please don't! She'll be so upset, a-and she'll feel r-really bad about leaving even though it wasn't her fault, s-she'll blame herself and she'll have more to d-deal with an-!"
"Varian, she's the princess of Corona, her job is to help the citizens of Corona live the best lives they can here, she's the one we'll need to discuss with because the king did not follow protocol and ended up passing down judgement without a fair trial", his father stated, "you don't want her to have more pressure on her shoulders, and I completely understand, but if she's the friend you tell me she is, she'll *want* to know about this so she can fix it".
"B-but...."
"I know you don't want Blondie to feel any guiltier than she already does, believe me, I understand that, but she'll feel guiltier if we don't tell her and this continues", Eugene added
Varian looked down, petting Ruddigar faster now, he felt horrible, guilt kept eating at him as all he could think was, *why did I have to have an episode in front of them?! Why?1 T-they're gonna tell her and she's gonna feel terrible... or maybe she won't.... b-but either way she doesn't need to know, I d-don't want her to know, i-if I could've just kept calm.... So dumb Varian! Why did you have to do that why, why? W-!" his thoughts were interrupted when he felt a large pair of arms wrap around him.
He was pulled into a furry vest, the arms creating a protective barrier that shielded him from the world, he nestled into it, letting the vest overtake his sense as he smelled the calming scent of apples and wood, he loved that scent. "It's okay son", he heard his father say, he clung to the fur, his raccoon hopping onto the man's shoulders as he continued, rubbing small circles into his son's back, "it's okay, you don't have to feel guilty, you don't. You had something horrible happen to you, and it's stuck in your mind, that big, brilliant mind of yours. Unfortunately, that tends to happen.... I have things that stick in my head, Eugene does too I'm guessing"
"I do", he heard the former thief say
"See? Look", Varian felt himself being pulled from the vest, he looked up, seeing his father's face, his chocolate brown eyes fixed on him, it calmed the little alchemist down, "if you're truly worried that this will affect Rapunzel in such a way that it'll only cause harm, then we'll wait to tell her, for now, we won't say a word. But this only temporary, at some point we will have to let her know so she can help fix it. It'll not only help you, but all of the other prisoners in there. I know you don't want to stress her out right now, I understand that, so we won't push, but we'll need to tell her, we can do that when you're ready though"
"When you are, we'll be right there with you, helping you every step of the way, okay?" Eugene added
Varian let out a sigh of relief, he hugged his father, who wrapped his arms around him once more, "thank you...."
Quirin looked at Eugene, both of them sharing the exact same expression, they would keep their word, absolutely, they'll wait until the right time. But they will tell her, and once they do, they know that Varian will need them both, then more than ever. They silently promised each other to be there when that happened.
"So, with that being said, shall we head on over to the kitchen for some after PTSD snacks?" Eugene joked
"PTSD?" Varian asked, tilting his head a little, Eugene glanced at Quirin, who chuckled
"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it's what just happened to you, you get flashbacks and anxiety over something that happened to you in your lifetime, sometimes nightmares if it gets really bad", the prince explained
"So that's what it's called! PTSD! I... D-do you have a book on it?"
"Yeah actually, I found it at the bookstore here in town, I can bring it over to you sometime soon, the book has got some really great ways to help you cope with it"
"Ok sure! Thanks Eugene!" Varian stated happily
"Really, thank you Eugene", Quirin added, giving the former thief a small grateful smile
Eugene returned it, nodding understandingly, "hey, c-can we still practice sword fighting? I think I was getting better at counters!" Varian asked
Quirin chuckled, "maybe after we get something in our stomachs, yeah?"
"Ok!" With that, all three walked upstairs, listening to Varian chatter on about different ideas for sword techniques.
Notes:
So, here it is, they didn't see the scars yet, but that's another story for another day. I relate to Varian extremely well in the show, we don't get to see much, but the boy definitely has some PTSD, and it's hard to think about what he's been through in that jail. But this is the start of a step in the right direction for our little alchemist!
Thank you very much for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day! :D
Chapter 25: Guys Night: The Squeakquel! (Part 1)
Summary:
Lance and Eugene want to take Varian out again, this time they plan on taking him to the bar, though they'll have to convince his father first.
Notes:
I wanted to make a funny chapter, plus I need to make another Guy's Night, this time without injuries, though, I'm adding protective farmer dad, because he is best protective farmer dad!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Calling out to all Quirin's and Varian's in the area! Coming to you *live* from your front door, it's Lance and Eugene! We have come today to give a very special invitation for another Guy's Night, complete with brotherly bonding you just can't get anywhere else!"
"Lance-!"
"Before you give us your answer, please note that this time there'll be lack of injury to your precious baby boy's body, he will be completely 100% safe guaranteed or you will have full permission to make me work for him for several weeks, which is definitely not something he or I wish to do, so you know this is legit!"
"Lance please-!"
"This is a twice in a lifetime offer because we have already offered this to you and your bean before, and you have accepted, we just want to give him the bonding experience he's never had, so please think before you reject this offer of wholesome fun and activities!"
"LANCE!"
"WHAT? Can't you see I'm tryin to make a deal here?!"
Eugene face palmed, making the little alchemist standing in the door bust a gut as his father watched on with growing amusement, "is this going to be a thing with you two every time you ask for a Guy's Night?" he asked
"No"
"Yes"
"Lance!"
"What? It's funny!"
"No it's not!"
"Yes it is! Look at the little man, he's laughin his goggles off!"
"I honestly think he's laughing out of pity"
"Nah, he's laughin because I'm hilarious, and you're a stick in the mud!"
"You know sometimes I really don't like you"
"I know, so, Quirin, what do you say? Up for letting Varian have fun for a guy's night? Eh? Eh?" The former thief nudged him a bit with his elbow making the retired knight raise a brow, "right, no elbowin, message received", Varian laughed harder, his face was beet red as he clutched his side, Ruddigar chittered happily.
"Quirin, I completely understand if you do not want me coming back here with this train wreck...." Eugene stated, pointing at Lance as the man gave him a side glare
The retired knight chuckled, "no, it's fine, your train wreck is making my stinkbomb laugh harder than I've seen in weeks, so it's a small price to pay"
"Ya see? I make Vari- wait a minute"
Varian had tears in his eyes at this point, he was bent over and laughing extremely hard, "though maybe stop with the semantics until after he's calmed down a bit?" His father stated
"Got it", Lance said, watching the alchemist struggle for a moment or two more before he finally calmed down. "He's calm, can I continue?"
"Proceed"
"So gentleman, little man, and sir raccoon", Ruddigar puffed his chest fur out with pride at that, "what do you say to my *generous* offer? Fun times with Eugene and I, mostly me, at the low low price of one tiny alchemist for the rest of the day!"
"How did I become the price tag?" Varian asked
"Because you're the only thing missing in this equation", Lance explained, "oh! Your little raccoon buddy too!"
"Of course! Can't leave Ruddigar behind, right buddy?" The little creature chittered happily as his boy gave him a scratch behind his ears
"Where exactly are you taking my bean?" Quirin asked
"Oh, I didn't say that did I?" Lance asked, "heh, yeah, we'd be taking him to the Snuggly Duckling to play some pool"
"The Snuggly Duckling? You mean the bar?"
"Uhhhhh..... yeah? Just to play some pool though"
"You don't see a problem with this?"
"Ok, Lance if not making it sound good, look, I know almost everyone that comes in and put of that place, he'll be perfectly safe if we're with him", Eugene stated, "besides that, he's gotten better with his little dagger, if we get into a sticky situation, we'll be able to get out no problem"
"Not to mention that majority of those men are friends with Rapunzel! They wouldn't harm him, not unless they wanna suffer her wrath", Lance shuddered, "and that lady can be surprisingly scary at the best of times"
"W-will Attila be there?" Varian asked, sounding hopeful
"You know Attila?" Eugene replied
"Yeah! He sells pastry's with Uncle Monty! I try them all the time, my favorite is the lemon tarts!" The little alchemist explained, "Ruddigar loved his apple treats, and though he won't admit it, dad likes the strawberry tarts"
"I don't know what you're talking about", Quirin stated smirking
"You know aunt Adira and Grandpa both love sweet things, so it's not a crime for you to like them too right?"
"Adira is addicted, and King Edmund.... actually he's not so bad about it"
"No, he's really not"
"Wait, what kind of things does Adira like? Does she like strawberry cake? Blueberry muffins maybe? Ooh ooh! Cupcakes or muffins?" Lance asked, letting out excited squeaks
"Is all of them an answer?" The retired knight asked, making Eugene and Varian snort
"That's fine, but what's her *favorite*?"
Quirin chuckled, "she can't choose, she likes basically anything sweet, cakes, pastries, Varian, cookies-!"
"Scuse me but can we take a step back for a sec?" Varian stated, blushing a bit, Eugene laughed as Lance got an idea
"Hey kid, you wanna be a present for Adira?" he asked
"Wha-! NO! Dad!"
"Actually, that might work-!", his father stated
"DAD!"
"I'm just kidding", he stated, laughing as he ruffled his son's hair, "but in all seriousness, you want to take my child to a bar?"
"If that's okay with you", Eugene stated, "he'll be completely safe, I pro-! You have my word", Eugene finished quickly, looking at Varian for a brief moment before looking back at Quirin, he then got an idea, "you know, you could join us"
"Me? Join you at a Guy's Night bar trip?"
"Yeah! You could spend some time with us! You'd be able to watch your son and have a night out with us!"
"Ooh! Yeah you should join dad! Though, if you keep making sassy remarks I'm sending you home!" Varian stated, crossing his arms
"Pfft! You'll send *me* home?" His father stated
"Yep! I can be a parent too ya know!"
"Right, and I'm king of Corona"
"You'd probably run it better", Varian muttered
"Probably", Quirin agreed
"So?" Lance asked, "wanna join?"
The retired knight though about it for a moment before he smiled and nodded, "I suppose I could, since it is one of my days off, plus it sounds like fun"
"YAY!" Eugene, Lance, and Varian cheered, Ruddigar giving a happy chitter as well
With that, the five set out on their journey towards the Snuggly Duckling, chatting excitedly about the fun they would have and how much pool they would play. Quirin and Lance already had a bet going about the little alchemist's pool playing skills, the old farmer was looking forward to watching his son enjoy his time at the bar, though a small bit of worry did sit in the pit of his stomach as they drew closer to the place. But looking towards the two men and his son, who was allowed to bring his dagger and placed it in his pocket, he felt a little more reassured, and grew excited about the trip.
Notes:
I! LOVE! ANNOUNCER! LANCE! I love writing him, I am very glad this is becoming a running gag! XD
Protective farmer dad gets to join this one!
Sorry it's so short, it's very late here and it has been a long day, I was originally gonna make it just one story, but my head is killing me and it would be ten times longer if I continued, so a two parter it shall be, it's Guy's Night, they deserve a two parter
Eugene is tired of having to reel in his train wreck, but we all love Lance
Varian is just happy to be there! Plus he's a bean!
Thank you very much for reading! :D
Chapter 26: Guys Night: The Squeakquel! (Part 2)
Summary:
They finally make it to the bar, all of them are on guard, but they don't expect what happens when they arrive!
Notes:
So here's part 2 of Guy's Night: The Squeakquel this time with Quirin!
Let's see how this plays out with protective farmer dad and protective big brothers, plus the adorable and heroic raccoon! Our little alchemist seems to be building an army of protectors it seems, they need jackets X3
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Here we are! It's rundown, kinda dirty, and smells of beer and Shorty's gym socks! But it's our home away from home!" Lance stated happily, gesturing to the small building behind him, "first order of business, you!" He pointed at the little alchemist, "have you even played pool before?"
"Uh... no?"
"Good! Then I am gonna make some money today!"
"We'll see", Quirin stated, he helped Eugene tie up the horses, he'd brought his own horse, Chisel, who was a very large stone grey horse with a black mane and blue eyes. Lance was riding Fidella, Eugene had Max, and Varian had brought Willow. They'd decided to let the horses intermingle with each other outside while they went in, thinking it would be better to let Max and Fidella get to know some farm horses, they seemed pretty happy about it.
"We *will* see, once I kick your son's butt at some pool, and have something to brag to Angry about", Lance stated, "I will be the one with no empty pockets today!"
"I can't believe how supportive you are Lance", Varian stated sarcastically, "I mean, it's so nice to have a friend that definitely wants me to succeed in everything I do"
Eugene and Quirin laughed as Lance blushed, "I *would* be more supportive, if you didn't keep beating me at everything!"
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again, find me something to play, and I'll be more than willing to learn"
"Yeah well, Eugene will teach you how to play pool, and I'll play you, you'll lose, I'll win and I'll get every cent I lost back and get to rub it in your wallet emptyin, smirk givin, deep voiced, bettin father's face!"
Quirin raised a brow, "smirk givin?"
"You smirk a lot!"
"Deep voiced?"
"Have you heard yourself lately? You've got a very deep, gruff voice! Seriously surprised on how the lady's haven't snatched you up!" Lance stated before stopping, "oops, uh... sorry"
The retired knight waved it off, "it's alright, I know she'd probably want me to move on from her, but honestly, Varian is more than enough for me", he said before adding, "in a good way"
His son smiled, "thanks dad! You are too, enough for me that is, in a good way", his father smirked, realized what he was doing and blushed, "Lance is right, you do smirk a lot", Varian giggled
"See?!" Lance stated incredulously
"I didn't realize it was such a problem", the Village Leader said
"It's not, Lance is just being a, well a brat actually", Eugene replied
"So you've got a Varian in your life too?" Quirin joked, making the little alchemist huff
"Yep! Only this one doesn't do alchemy, instead he announces things instead of asking and thinks he's hilarious"
"Uh, I actually thought it was funny, to be fair", Varian stated quietly
"Thank you!" Lance replied as he started walking to the bar, "now lets go! The Snuggly Duckling won't snag the pool table and save it for us!"
"Right", Quirin agreed as he gave Eugene a small smile, which the former thief returned
With that, they all walked in, the place was as loud and rambunctious as usual, Attila seemed to be taking a day off, as he was sitting at the bar and watching as Ulf, Bruiser, wearing a shirt he'd knitted himself, and Vladimir were tossing Shorty around, the little bearded man was giving half hearted shouts as he was tossed to and from each member in their three man game. Varian gulped as he stuck closer to his dad, Ruddigar, who was on his boy's shoulders, wrapped himself around the little alchemist's neck, making a little furry barrier.
"Hey fellas! Is it Shorty Toss time already?" Lance asked getting the three to look at him
"Yep", Vladimir replied, "what are you doin here? Bored of hanging around the castle?"
"Actually, we're doin a Guy's Night! With a little friend of ours!" He gestured towards the little alchemist, who was very close to his dad, "and his money makin dad", Lance added giving a little huff towards the man
The bar mates stared for a little bit at the teen looking at him with unreadable expressions, none of them really spoke, in fact, they even stopped playing their game of Shorty Toss, setting the bearded man down as he fell asleep on the floor.
Eugene suddenly felt a worried pang shoot through him, looking at Varian he could tell the stares were making him uncomfortable, so he stood next to him, "don't worry kiddo, we're right here, let's get to the pool table yeah?" When the alchemist nodded, they made their way to the table.
Lance looked around, everyone in the bar was staring, he felt an overwhelming sense of guilt as he grabbed the pool sticks they'd need. Quirin noticed a few men standing up while looking at his son, he give them death glares that made them sit right back down, he gave a huff in their direction to make sure they knew not to try anything, before he looked at his boy. Varian was staring at the ground, he was blushing badly and he looked like he was about to cry, it seemed like his mind was swirling with all sorts of bad thoughts and it made his father furious.
Apparently Eugene felt the same as he grabbed one of the sticks and glared at the bar thugs, "all right knock it off! What's with you guys, you've literally done crimes your entire life and even brag about them! Now this kid walks in and *none* of you say a word? Exactly what's going on here, because if you plan on making him upset, you may want to stop!" He thumped the blunt end of the pool stick on the wooden floor, making the threat loud and clear.
"I think you misunderstand Eugene", Killer stated, "we're not starin because we're scared or angry at the kid"
"Then why are you-!"
"Because he's a big shot here", Attila stated, showing them a wanted poster of Varian's that was hanging next to other wanted posters of thugs, the wall was titled, 'Wall of Pain/Fame', "these guys won't say anything because they're star struck, I didn't wanna say anything because I didn't know how it would make the kid feel". They all looked at Attila, "hey, he buys lemon tarts from me frequently, and his dad actually spread the word about my pastries and cupcakes to a lot of the people in Old Corona, I like them alright?!"
"oh", everyone replied, all nodding in understanding
"So... Wait, you're all fans of his?" Lance asked
"Well yeah! He took over the kingdom twice", Bruiser exclaimed excitedly
"Yeah, then he helped save it! That's like taking a bone from a werewolf and giving it right back because you didn't want it! It's the ultimate way to say, "you're weak compared to me" and it's *awesome*!" Killer finished
"Uh... Thank you?" Varian replied, not entirely sure how to feel about that, "t-though I don't wanna do that again..."
"That's kinda what makes you a star", Attila added, "yo found out that you didn't want to be bad anymore, and saved the kingdom because you wanted to, it's a big deal to us, hence why you're up there with the greats!" He gestured to the wall, "there's Hook Hand and Hook Foot, who are now doin a two bros show with dancin and piano, there's Ruthless Ruth, who, even as a ghost, scared the livin daylight outta people, including us, but had one of the catchiest songs there ever was"
"We still sing it actually, 'Listen up, all you thugs, raise your glasses and mugs mugs'!" Bruiser started
"'Don't be shy, raise em high'!" Big Nose added
"'Listen up!'" Everyone in the bar finished, including Lance
"Ok, Blondie told me about that song, how do you know it?" Eugene asked his best friend
"I come here all the time and play the piano, they like it when I play that song", Lance explained, "though it gets stuck in my head a lot"
"Right, then there's Eugene ", Attila stated
"You have *me* up there too?" The prince asked, a little taken aback
"Well, yeah, you were wanted in more than just the seven kingdoms, you were a literal ladies man, you saved the long lost princess and brought her home, you got her to meet us, that's a big one, and you help her save the kingdom everytime!" Big Nose stated, "you may be fun to tick off, but you're actually really well respected here you know"
Eugene smiled and even blushed a little, "thanks guys"
"What about me? Am I up there too?" Lance asked excitedly
"Eh not yet, you're poster is in here though, we're waiting", Attila stated
"Waiting? For what?"
"Each of the people up there have been through a lot and have come out better for it, we already explained most of them, Varian", Attila gestured to the little alchemist, "he tried to help get rid of the black rocks, ended up losing his dad, got no help, lost control and kidnapped the queen, went to jail for a full year, escaped, took over the kingdom, then helped save it, and helps fix it every single day, plus he got his dad back and his little raccoon buddy", Ruddigar chittered happily as he nuzzled his boy, making the little alchemist giggle, "so he earned his way on the wall of Pain/Fame".
"Ah, so I gotta earn it then"
"Yep" Everyone at the bar stated
"Huh, well that's definitely not what I expected, but it's not bad either is it kiddo?" Eugene asked, looking at Varian
"No, it's not", The alchemist replied, before turning to look at the bar thugs, "t-thank you!"
They nodded, "hey, aren't you the guy that had the power of Aladdin?" Shorty, who had woken up from his nap, asked, pointing to Varian
"It's alchemy, and yes, you're the assistant that uh... helped with the science expo, Shorty, right?"
"Who wants ta know, are you my grandpa?"
"What?"
"Well don't you go stealing my acorn grandpa! I have to loan it to a squirrel later today"
"Um.... ok?"
"Good, now where were we? Oh yes, I believe I was being thrown?" He jumped into Vladimir's hands and smiled, "maestro if you please" with that, they continued with their game of Shorty Toss as Varian just looked on with utter confusion.
"It's Shorty, he's the town drunk, I don't think even he knows what's going on right now, I would roll with it", Quirin explained, chuckling at his son's expression
"H-he likes that?" They watched as the man was accidentally dropped, but then picked back up and thrown again
"Apparently"
"Ok then...."
"Come on, how about that pool game hm?" his father asked while turning his son's attention back to the table and their two friends
"R-right right, I've gotta learn how to play first"
"Yep, come over here hairstripe, I'll teach you!" Eugene stated, he then explained the rules and they began their game, laughing and having a great time doing so!
****
"You hustled me!"
"I'm telling you, I've never played before, my dad is my witness!"
"You *hustled* me!"
"I did not hustle you! It's just a really strategic game! I like strategy!"
"Hustler"
"Dad!"
"Lance stop being a poor sport", Eugene stated, they were walking out of the bar and stopped near the trees
"He hustled me"
"He did not hustle you! We'll just need to find another game to play that doesn't include strategy"
"Strategy, math, science, equations, money, counting, pictures, or cards! That's basically all of them!"
"You could try Yahtzee, it's based entirely on luck", Quirin suggested while counting his coins and placing them in his pocket, "or maybe you could not bet against my kid?"
"I'll find a game! I'll find *something* he can't beat me at and finally settle our score!" Lance promised, glaring determinedly at Quirin
"That's going to be a bit of a challenge", a familiar voice said, "considering who you're talking about"
They saw someone jump from the trees and onto the grass in front of them, then Lance let out an excited squeak as Quirin sighed
"Wise Eyes!" Varian exclaimed before running over and hugging his aunt, who returned the hug and smiled
"Hello Speckles!" Adira replied
"Why am I not surprised to see you here?" Quirin asked, but smiled all the same
The face painted warrior chuckled, "because I'm spontaneous, and you've gotten used to my spontaneity", she stated before smirking, "or maybe you just missed me and was hoping I would show up"
"Don't hold your breath"
"I won't"
"So what are you doing here Adira?" Eugene asked
"Well as you are aware, I'm scouting around to see if I can find a certain moonstone thief, sometimes the job gets boring, so I come here and spar a bit", she chuckled, "what I didn't expect to see was my nephew playing pool and beating every person who challenged him, they seemed to be pretty happy even when they lost too", Varian smiled with pride as Ruddigar sniffed at the women and chittered, "I take it you can smell the apple in my pocket?" The raccoon gave the women a look then pointed to Quirin, making the old farmer raise a brow
"Let me guess.... There's an apple missing from my orchard"
"A couple actually"
"You're paying me back you know"
"In due time"
"Meaning never"
"Probably"
"Definitely"
"Well if you're going to expect it then I should be predictable, isn't that what you want?"
"What I want is for you to stop breaking into my home through my window"
"So you don't want me to pay you back?"
"Adira"
"That would be me"
The retired knight sighed, getting a little frustrated as his son giggled, "you have to deal with a Lance of your very own plus Varian, I pity you Quirin"
"My life is full of snarky sisters and sassy sons, I pity me too Eugene"
"Hey, I'm not that bad okay? I make funny sassy remarks, and Wise Eyes makes funny snarky remarks, both are hilarious and will not stop any time soon", Varian stated, receiving a chuckle from his aunt
Lance scooted a little closer to the face painted warrior, "so, just outta curiosity, what's your favorite snack?"
Adira looked at him, "can't choose, they're all pretty good, why do you ask earring?"
"Just curious"
The warrior raised her brow this time and took a step away from him, making Quirin snicker, "anyway, I only stopped by to say a quick hello, I have to get back to my mission"
"Will you come over again soon? I wanna show you the progress I had on the Rooster!" Varian asked
His aunt smiled, "soon, and just to annoy Stickler, I'll make sure it's inconvenient, through the window, and with two apples", Adira shot
"And I'll make sure to let Lance know so he can be there during your inconvenient visit through my window with two apples", Quirin shot back, making Eugene laugh and Lance give out a squeak of excitement, not even caring that he was being used as a weapon against the women
"I'm up for a challenge"
"I'm glad"
"Good for you"
"It is"
"That's good"
"Great even"
"Science beaker!" They looked at Varian who was smiling, "did I win?"
Both of them blinked for a moment before laughing, Quirin pulling his son into a hug, "I love you"
"I love you too!" the little alchemist replied as he snuggled against his dad
After a moment or two, Adira smiled, "I should probably get back to the mission, but it was good to see you, all of you", she looked at Lance who smiled
"It was good to see you too Adira, maybe you can join us for a guy's night one day", Eugene offered
"That would be nice, nice hair cut by the way", she replied, ruffling her nephew's hair, making him giggle again, "see you all next time", with that she waved, and jumped into the trees
"That women is *amazing*", Lance stated dreamily, "I can't believe you're related to her, wait, Rooster?"
"It's something I'm working on, I'll let you know more once I'm a little closer to finishing it!" Varian stated, fixing his hair and stroking Ruddigar's fur, "for now, we should probably get back, it's getting late"
"Right, come on, let's head back", Eugene agreed heading over to their horses, he hopped onto Max and gave stroked the horse's neck
"We goin back to the castle? Or are we dropping them off first?" Lance asked as Quirin, Varian, and he all did the same as Eugene
"it's a bit too late to head to the castle right now don't you think?" Quirin asked
"Well I guess", Eugene stated
"Guy's Night lasted all night last time, why not keep it going?" Varian offered
"Is that okay?"
"Of course, come on, I'll make a nice dinner and you two can stay in the guest rooms", Quirin replied
With that, they headed back to the farm, they made it in no time at all and put the horses inside the stables, giving each of them a sugar cube for their hard work before they headed inside. Everyone got settled, Lance and Quirin were happily cooking dinner in the kitchen as Varian and Eugene were discussing Flynn Rider among other things, Ruddigar was sleeping in his boy's lap. All in all, everyone agreed that this was a very successful Guy's Night, and they couldn't wait for it to happen again!
Notes:
Hint to another Guy's Night, this time featuring our favorite face painted warrior! Let me know what you all think about that :D
Poor Lance does not have any luck with Varian and games! XD
Also, I always wondered if the bar thugs would be angry that Varian messed with Rapunzel, or if they'd be impressed that he'd managed to conquer the kingdom then help save it. I went with the fun one for this chapter because he was fine in the very last episode, so I'm guessing he must've visited at some point and made spoke with them, that or Rapunzel told them not to give him a hard time.
Anyway, thank you for reading! :D
Chapter 27: The Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne? Oui! Oui it is! (Part 1)
Summary:
Rapunzel invites Varian and several other citizens of Corona to help rebuild the castle, the alchemist is very worried, but he wants to help fix everything he destroyed, so he joins in. But he gets a very bad feeling when the discover a map to Herz Der Sonne's lost treasure. Though he gets excited at the prospect of getting something that could help his father, so he joins in the hunt, not like he had much of a choice, the princess picks up puppy dog eyes really well.
OR
The Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne but in Varian's POV!
Notes:
HERE IT IS! The big story itself! I'm excited about writing this, though I love "The Day of the Animals", this is one of my favorite episodes in the series, though that could be just because of Varian being in it XD
Either way, it's a great episode, so here's Varian's POV! With some Quirin because WE NEED PROTECTIVE FARM DAD! XD
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"So you're going to the castle?" Quirin asked as he finished washing the last of the dishes from their breakfast
"Yep! Rapunzel said she was going to start reconstructing the castle, and asked if I wanted to help", Varian replied, making sure he had plenty of supplies and tools for fixing the place. He was also bringing along some old Seporian and Old Coronan texts, just in case he got time to get some translating done.
Ruddigar chittered excitedly, he was going with his boy and was looking forward to the journey. "You sure you don't need me to come along?" His father asked as he helped his son place the backpack on and straightened out his shirt a little
"Yeah, I'm good to go alone", Ruddigar chittered, "ok, not completely alone, sorry buddy", the raccoon huffed before hopping on his boy's shoulders and curling his tail around his neck. Quirin gave him a worried look, "dad I'll be okay, I need to do this, besides, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance will be there, so if I get really upset or hurt, they'll be able to help me no problem!" He reassured, "besides, you've got a lot of work to do with the farm, and more villagers are coming back today, I wouldn't want to get in the way of your job"
Quirin hugged his son, "you're never in the way Varian, I love having you with me during my work days", he let go and smiled, placing a hand on his son's shoulder, "but if you think you'll be okay, then I won't stop you. Just be careful alright? Don't push yourself too hard?"
"I won't dad, you can trust me", he stated smiling, "I'll go over, help rebuild, maybe even get some food, then be home by tonight!"
"Ok, I love you son"
"I love you too!" They hugged one more time before the little alchemist finally set out towards the castle, opting to walk there so he could prepare himself for whatever was going to happen that day. He had a feeling whatever it was was going to be one heck of a story by the time he and Ruddigar got home.
****
"Varian! I'm so glad you could make it!" The princess greeted excitedly as she hugged the little alchemist, he nervously returned the hug
"Thanks! I'm glad I can help", he stated, the broke the hug and smiled at each other, Ruddigar waving to Pascal and chittering out a hello, which the chameleon happily returned giving him a greeting squeak, "so, put me to work, where would you like me to be?"
"Well for right now, everyone's gathering up in the thrown room, not everyone has arrived, so you can join them until we're ready to start, ok?"
"Alright", he nodded before he and Ruddigar went inside the thrown room, there was a small group gathered around, and all of them were faces he recognized, he waved at Monty and Lance, who smiled and waved back. He stayed far away from Ms. Crowley and Feldspar though, he knew the shoemaker was ok with him, but he'll make the occasional comment every once in a while so the alchemist thought it would be best to avoid him for now, same as the maid, she never needed to say anything, but her gaze always seemed to get even more grumpy whenever he appeared. He saw Angry and Catalina chatting excitedly, they were talking about painting the throne room.
"I think it should be red, to show dominance", Angry stated
"But the original design was purple, shouldn't we stick with what the King and Queen want?" Catalina argued, Varian had to admit, he was a little on the red headed girl's side. Purple and yellow were the Corona colors, it would better to stick with what they had before instead of changing it, but he kept his thoughts to himself, not really wanting to start an argument. He wondered around a bit, seeing Vladimir chatting with Pete, the ceramic unicorn collector smiled and waved at him as he passed by, he waved back.
"Hairstripe! There you are!" A familiar voice called out and effectively silencing the nervous voices in his head
"Eugene! Hey!" Ruddigar chittered out a greeting
"Hello furry creature", Eugene responded to the raccoon, giving him a scratch behind the ears, "glad to know your cat's joining in"
"He's a raccoon"
"Cat, raccoon, same thing as the chameleon and frog that is Pascal"
Varian giggled, "right, so you're helping out too?"
"Yep! Blondie asked me to lend a hand, I figured why not? I'm not really doing anything today, besides, Rapunzel's here, Lance is here, you're here, Attila's working, and your dad is probably doing Village Leader stuff"
"Good guess"
"What does he do as the Village Leader anyway? That's kinda been floating in my mind ever since we had that guy's night, he seemed to be on pretty good terms with the bar people"
"He makes sure everyone in Old Corona are at peace, and if there are disputes, he's usually the one they talk to, emergency protocols, follow my dad, you have an annoying neighbor won't stop practicing his violin, call my dad, you can't tell who's sheep are who's, my dad can help with that"
"So he's basically the king of the village"
"Basically, he fixes the stuff in the village so the royal family can focus on the capital and the kingdom as a whole, though if there's something he can't solve, which is rare, he's the one that'll go to the king and queen to ask for their assistance, though I suppose he'd go to Rapunzel for things now since....." The little alchemist looked down
"Hey, kiddo it's okay, look you're fixing it, we all understand that's not who you are anymore, alright?" Eugene stated quickly as he placed an arm around his little brother's shoulders
"Y-yeah, I know, just hard to think about sometimes, you know?"
"Yeah, I understand.... it was hard for me too, pfft the first ball I went to with Rapunzel, so many nobles tried to stomp on my feet and gave me nasty glares that I almost walked out, if it weren't for Blondie, I definitely wouldn't be here", he gave Varian a side hug, "don't worry kiddo, you can stick close to me okay? We'll fix the castle together"
"Ok, thanks Eugene"
"What are Team Awesome members for?"
The alchemist blushed, "moon above, I cannot believe I said "Team Awesome", geez.... I could've come up with something *way* better than "Team Awesome", something cool"
"Hey, I happen to like the name "Team Awesome", because we *are* awesome!" Eugene nudged the alchemist playfully, getting a giggle in response
"Alright everyone, gather round, it's time to get started!" They heard an excited Rapunzel say, turning they walked over to the crowd as she gave a speech, prompting the entire room to cheer as they began.
****
Varian and Eugene were working on the big hole in the wall, the little alchemist was measuring a wood plank and was seemingly at peace, he never understood why, but building things like this just sort of relaxed him. His thoughts were drifting when he felt someone touch his shoulder, it made him jump a little with a yelp.
"Whoops, sorry kiddo, was wondering if you were doing alright, you kinda drifted a little there", Eugene stated, "plus I need another piece of wood"
"Oh, sorry, I guess I kinda got lost in the work", Varian blushed, he handed the former thief the 2 by 4 he was measuring, "here you go, it's all measured and ready to be nailed"
"Thank you much hairstripe!" Eugene stated before turning and walking back up the scaffolding they'd brought out, Varian smiled and got up to grab another wood plank, and to check on Ruddigar, he'd been assigned to grab paint for the walls along with Max, the alchemist had been making little journey's over to make sure the two were getting along. Though it looked like they were racing each other, Ruddigar had climbed up one of the walls and was running along the pillars as Max raced along the ground next to him, they were both trying to grab what looked like the last bucket of paint.
Varian sighed as he rolled his eyes, "guys, there's plenty of other paint buckets over there", he gestured to the literal pile of paint buckets filled to the brim with more colors than most people could think of when asked to. The two animals looked at each other, then Ruddigar zipped forward and grabbed the bucket they were racing towards, tauntingly walking away, his tail flicking happily. Max just huffed, walked over to the other paint buckets, grabbed one, and walked over with his ears flat. Varian sighed, grabbed another wood plank, and made his way back to the little station he and Eugene had set up.
He set the wood plank down and noticed Rapunzel was at their station, he gave her a small smile, which she returned, then got back to work, he tuned out Eugene and her conversation, focusing more on measuring the next piece of wood when he heard a very loud crashing sound, startled, he looked to see Ms. Crowley and Feldspar arguing, the women going so far as to call the shoemaker a loafer, which made the alchemist gasp a bit.
"Hey, little man, what's a loafer?" Lance, who had walked over to him, whispered
"It's a really bad shoe, it breaks easily, is super uncomfortable, and extremely annoying to deal with"
"So a pretty big insult to a shoe cobbler", Eugene, who was listening in, asked
"Pretty much"
"Yikes", they both said as they watched the older women walk away saying how she prefers to work alone as Feldspar, who didn't seem too upset, went to grab glue and Rapunzel inspected some kind of strange markings on the wall.
She looked like she was trying to decipher something when it seemed she got an idea. She turned and waved, "hey Varian, can you come here for a second? I need your help with something!"
Varian raised a brow, but shrugged, got up, and walked over to the princess, she gestured to the markings, "do these look like anything to you, or do you recognize any of the words?"
The little alchemist looked, he saw lines going to and from Corona, plus what appeared to be an X where they ended, if he didn't know any better though, the words looked like, "old Seporian?"
"What?" Rapunzel asked, looking at him
"The words, they're old Seporian! I have a book actually-!"
"Of course you do", Eugene teased
The alchemist gave him the stink eye before opening his bag and rummaging through it, "anyway, I have a book that has translations from the ancient Seporia language! Here", he handed the princess the book, she looked at it then smiled
"You were planning on translating the scroll a bit more weren't you?"
Varian blushed, "I was debating it, yes", he rubbed the back of his head as Ruddigar hopped on his shoulders
Rapunzel giggled, then opened the book and began to translate, Varian backed up to give her some space, he ended up bumping into Angry, "s-sorry"
"It's fine V", she stated
"V?"
"Yeah, it's your nickname, Catalina thought it would be a good idea to give you one since you helped us with the treehouse, which is doing fine by the way"
"Oh! Ok, thank you! A-and I'm glad it's doing good, I was actually gonna come over and check on it soon! See if you wanted to upgrade anything"
"We'll keep that in mind, thanks", Angry stated, smirking at the alchemist
"Yeah, thanks a lot", Catalina added, blushing a bit, "I was thinking we could maybe add a pool sometime soon, just for when it gets too hot during the summer"
Varian thought about it for a moment, "I think I could do that, maybe have a way for the water to refresh itself or even just a way to keep it clean, plus it could be an ice rink in the winter, which would be cool"
"Definitely!" The girls stated excitedly
"Ok, I'll draw up some blueprints, though I'll have to ask dad first, he is kinda the owner"
"Right, well, if you ask him, tell him he can use it anytime!" Angry stated, "that oughta sweeten the deal"
Varian chuckled, "ok, I'm sure he'll appreciate that"
"Guys, it's a map!" They heard Rapunzel say excitedly
"It's a map?" Eugene asked
"Yeah, it says right here, "Herz Der Sonne's Lost Treasure"!"
"I have heard of the Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne, it is a legend that started a long time ago-!" Xavier started
"Uh, Xaves, bottom line us will ya?" Eugene interrupted, not that Varian could blame him, he liked the blacksmith, but he never wanted to hear the legends from the blacksmith
"She's right, it is a map", he confirmed
Rapunzel suddenly got extremely excited for what seemed like the third time that day, going on and on about an idea she had, "ok, everyone wait right her, I'll be back, Varian, I'll need your help again!" She stated before pulling the little alchemist by the arm and dragging him out of the room without another word.
"R-rapunzel where are we going?!" He asked, a little unsure as Ruddigar held onto his vest tightly
"To my room! You've got your tools with you right?"
"Y-yeah, of course"
"Good! Cause we're gonna need em, we're gonna make something!" She slammed open her bedroom doors and pulled the teen inside, closing them before rummaging through her possessions, Varian looked around, he'd never been in the princess's room before, it was huge!
"Wow! I like your room!" Varian said a little amazed
"Thanks! Now where did I put that- Oh! Found it! Ok, need a couple more things, hang on one second Varian!" She began looking around again as the alchemist walked over to her bed
"Wow! This thing could fit three whole dads on here!"
The princess stopped what she was doing and looked at where the alchemist was staring, her bed, she giggled, "could fit three whole dads on there huh? Your dad or mine?"
"Mine, I think your dad might be a slight bit smaller"
"You may be right, to be fair, your dad was a knight"
"Yep, I know"
"So how many of my dads would fit on my bed?"
"I'd say about three and a half, give of take"
"That the exact measurement of dad?"
Varian blushed, "oh stop! I was just saying"
She giggled again before resuming her search. He walked over to the walls and looked up, seeing all the paintings she'd made, "you painted these?"
"Yep!"
"They're really good!"
"Thanks, they're all of the adventures I've gone on and the memories I've made, you're in there too actually"
"Yeah, I see Ruddigar too! You paint him really well, doesn't she buddy?" The raccoon chittered happily, looking at the painting and puffing out his chest with pride.
Varian looked at all the paintings, seeing pictures of Eugene and Lance, Adira, Edmund, Cassandra, which he walked a little fast past, he ended up seeing something that made him stop however, it was big and grey, with two others behind it, even though it was a painting, Varian could swear he heard the sounds of the musical key that made it move, he suddenly got flashes of the automatons running through Corona, he spotted Ruddigar in that monstrous form he'd made his best friend become, then, when he tried to turn away from it all, he saw what he never wanted to see again, his dad, trapped in amber, reaching up with the letter in his hand. tears rolled down the alchemist's face as the faint chitters of Ruddigar fell on deaf ears, he stared at that painting, not really caring about how long he was standing there for, he didn't feel the alert his raccoon gave him, he barely felt the little creature hop off his shoulders and running away, all her could hear, were his father's screams and the music of the army he'd made. All he saw, was that bright, acid yellow amber that was stained permanently in his mind as the thunderous stomps of the robotic soldiers came crashing down around him, the drill was broken, Rapunzel was hugging her family while his was stuck inside a prison of his own creation. He felt the hatred, his anger bubbled, his fear took over as his sadness refused to leave him be.
"VARIAN!" Rapunzel shrieked, snapping him out of his thoughts, right before he looked up, only to see the world fade to black.
****
He woke up a half an hour later, groaning as he placed a hand on his head, he tried to get up but felt something small on his chest, looking down he was met with green, worry filled eyes and a grey face, "R-ruddigar? Hey, w-what happened?"
"Varian!" He heard Rapunzel say, he tried to turn and look but was immediately pulled into a bear hug, "Varian I'm so glad you're awake! Are you alright?" She asked, pulling away to brush his bangs out of his face
"Y-yeah, yeah I'm fine, a little dizzy but fine, what happened to me?"
"You passed out", Eugene stated, walking over to the boy with a glass of water "Rapunzel came and got me and Lance when you did"
"We left Max in charge", Lance added with a chuckle
"She said Ruddigar gave you a pat on your cheek then another on your hand, two alerts" Eugene finished
"Oh..." the teen responded, taking the water and sitting up, Ruddigar hopped off his chest and stayed in his lap, "thank you", he stated
"No problem Hairstripe"
Lance, who had posted himself in front of the paintings, walked over and, after Varian had drank the entire cup of water, looked him over for any bumps, "not seeing anything, looks like he's actually ok"
"Well Blondie did catch him just before his head hit the ground, which was lucky", Eugene stated, "what happened anyway? Did you two get a little too overzealous and he just worked himself a little too hard?"
"N-no.... He was looking at the paintings...." Rapunzel responded, "specifically that one", she pointed to the automatons and beast mode Ruddigar, then towards the amber
"Ah...."
Lance looked at the alchemist again, "are you sure you're okay? Maybe we should call your dad and get him to take you home"
"No! No I don't wanna worry him, I'm fine, I really am, it was just a small episode, so I'll be okay" Varian responded quickly
Eugene raised a brow, before gesturing to Lance, who backed up, and taking his place, giving the teen his own check, he checked for any fevers or bumps, then looked the kid up and down, his face was serious the entire time. Varian got a little nervous, but he let the man do what he needed to do, after about 10 minutes of silence, Eugene sighed, "he doesn't look, feel, and even smell sick, no bumps or bruises, his color is slowly coming back.... I think he'll be okay for now, though, Blondie told me what she plans on having us do, it's gonna take a lot and I mean *a lot* of energy and stamina, are you gonna be able to handle that, tell me the truth".
Varian looked at Eugene then thought about it for a moment, he felt fine, but he usually did whenever he had an episode until he actually started to move, he stretched out his arms and bent his fingers, no stiffness or aching. He excused himself and got up, walking a little to gauge how his legs were, they seemed fine, he twisted and turned a little, jumping and jogging just to make sure, he wasn't dizzy, tired, or even out of breath. Smiling he turned to his friends, "I'm good"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure, if you really want to test me, have me work on the project with Rapunzel, what are you making anyway?"
"I was gonna make a sort of pulley system with names on it that will automatically give us two names together", she explained the mechanics and how they would work
"Seems like a simple build for me", Varian stated after she finished, "I'll help her build it, you can judge if I'm able to handle what comes next of not, okay?"
Eugene thought about it then nodded, "alright", with that Rapunzel and Varian got to work.
****
"Ok, I'll admit, that's impressive, just going based off of looks, but why didn't you let us see how if worked?" Lance asked
"Because it's part of the surprise!" Rapunzel explained as she grinned happily, she then looked at Eugene, who was, once again, checking over Varian, "what do you think? Will he be okay?"
The prince was studying the young alchemist, who admittedly was a little nervous, but he stood still and let the man do what he needed, once he was done, he looked at Rapunzel, then Lance, then Ruddigar, than Varian himself, smiled and gave a thumbs up, "he's good to go"
All four cheered as they placed a tarp over the machine and wheeled it to the thrown room, once there, they gathered everyone in a group as Rapunzel explained the rules, she had decided it would be a race, the first team to get there wins the entire treasure, they were paired up, Varian getting paired with Xavier which he did not mind at all, the man had proven he already trusted the alchemist, with a grateful smile given to the black smith, which he happily returned with a smile of his own, they were told to take an hour and a half, pack up what they needed, and wait at the starting line.
Eugene then walked over to the pair as Ruddigar watched his partner, Hamuel the crow, smash into a wall and fall to the ground, the raccoon face palmed and rolled his eyes, Varian couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him. "Kid, you may need to let your dad know what just happened", Eugene stated, "he'll wanna know, plus it'll be better, tell him I checked you over and said you seem fine and that you'll be with Xavier, that should be enough to convince him".
Varian frowned, his nerves getting the better of him, "w-why can't I just tell dad after this is all over? He'll be fine with it once I'm h-home safe and sound right?"
"Varian".
The alchemist sighed, "yeah.... fine, I'll tell him..." He looked away, a twang of guilt and worry flooding his eyes
Eugene put an arm around the teen, "hey, what's wrong? Why don't you wanna tell your dad?"
"Yes, I have been made aware of what happened earlier today, but I would think you'd want to tell your father", Xavier replied
Varian took in a deep breath, "it's just... he's got so much to do and I don't want him to worry about me on top of it.... He's got loads of work today, what with the farm needing to be tended to, the amount of people he's helping move it.... I just.... I don't want to add to that you know, I'd feel terrible it I did"
Eugene and Xavier glanced at each other then smiled, "aw kiddo, I get it, I really do, but you know he's just gonna worry more that you didn't tell him right?"
"That's true, Quirin loves you more than life itself, he'd worry more that you didn't say a word to him, he'd think you don't trust him"
Varian looked at the blacksmith, eyes wide, "b-but I do trust him!"
"I know you do, and I believe everything you said just now is true, but just like the legend of the silent son, your father will worry a lot more if hears nothing of what occurred today"
"Legend of the silent son?" Eugene asked, raising a brow
"To, "bottom line" you", he quoted, getting Eugene to blush and chuckle, "it is the legend of a blacksmith's son who did not tell him of the bullies he would endure so as not to worry his hard working father, not until he got very hurt and ended up in the infirmary where he nearly died. His father, the blacksmith, had worried so much over him, that he spent all day and night never sleeping, eating, or even working. His son pulled through, but after his father demanded to know what was going on, the boy finally told him. He stopped the bullies but felt like his son didn't trust him, it broke his heart even though his boy tried very hard to tell his father he did. To this day that boy regrets what he did, because his father passed on believing that he was not a trustworthy man. Which made the boy vow to always ask for help, and to pass the lesson onto his children".
Varian looked down, he was worried, but Xavier was right, he trusted his dad, he needed to tell him, "ok.... I'll tell him.... B-but can you two come with me? Please? I k-know it's a lot to ask bu-!"
"I'll come with you", Eugene stated without a moment of hesitation, "Lance and I are always prepared for this kind of thing, besides, we've got this in the bag"
Xavier chuckled then looked at Varian, "I would be more than happy to accompany you to your father's, it would be nice to say hello"
The little alchemist smiled and, after he got Ruddigar to hop on his shoulders along with Hamuel, who flew into Varian's chest, made a noise, then hopped on his other shoulder, they set out to Old Corona, chatting and the entire way to ease the tension.
****
They made it to Old Corona and were walking around looking for the Village Leader when they heard a women yelling, looking at each other they rushed over to see what was the matter, the women, which Varian had told them was Myrtle Whiner, was yelling at a poor little farmhand who was delivering apples and it seemed like he'd tripped over a very old looking sheep.
"WHY ARE YOU JUST SITTIN THERE?! GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUM AND PICK UP *MY* PRODUCE!" she yelled, the poor farmhand looked like he was about to cyr, he hand sandy blonde hair, freckles on his face, pale skin, and grey blue eyes. He was shaking and his leg looked like it had taken quite a beating from the ground. He tried standing but ended up falling as he put pressure on his leg, making the women furious, "first you trip over my precious award winning sheep, then you drop my order, and now you won't even stand?! I'LL HAVE YOUR JOB FOR THIS YOU HEAR ME?!"
"I-I'm s-sorry m-mam, t-the sheep g-got in the w-way a-a-!" he tired, but he was cut off
"OH SO NOW YOU'RE BLAMING MY SHEEP?! I'll have *you* know that my precious little pumpkin had won AWARDS BOY! He would never trip you up! You're nothing but a lazy, self entitled, arrogant little gremlin who thinks the world owes them something!"
Varian was furious and, forgetting his nerves for a moment, he faced forward and yelled, "STOP!"
Myrtle was taken aback, she immediately plastered on a smile and, with as sweet as chocolate, said, "well hello there Varian, what are you doing here?"
"Save it! I was watching you just now yell at this boy, I don't care how amazing you sheep is, you do not, I repeat, you do NOT yell at one of my dad's farmhands who also happens to be my friend!" He scolded, startling Eugene, Xavier, and the nasty women herself
"B-but he dropped my produce-!"
"Mrs. Whiner *I've* tripped over your sheep before! In fact *many* of our farmhands have, we've all said the same thing, your sheep *does* trip up people, he *does* make it hard for us to do our jobs, and you will *not* yell and scream at someone just because *your* sheep decided that would be a nice place to rest instead of behind the *fence* with the *rest* of the sheep! Do you understand?!" He fixed her with a glare that *dared* her to talk back to him, Ruddigar adding a low growl into the mix
She gulped, "y-yes sir"
"Good, now if you apologize to this boy, I may be able to talk to my father and see about getting you a new order before the day's end"
She looked at the boy on the floor, who was stunned but looked at her, "I... I'm sorry I yelled at you"
"I-it's ok, s-sorry I dropped your apples...."
She nodded, going over to her *prize winning* sheep, she gently picked the old creature up, and placed him with the other sheep as Varian, Eugene, and Xavier helped the farmhand to his feet, "you okay Robin?" Varian asked
"Y-yeah, my ankle hurts a bit, b-but I'm okay, t-thanks Varian, a-and Ruddigar, w-where'd you come from, y-your dad said you were busy today"
"I still am, got a big to do for the princess, but I was on my way to see my father when I heard the commotion", Varian looked at the boy apologetically, "I take it you took my route?" Robin nodded, "thanks, I appreciate it", Eugene cleared his throat, catching Varian and Robin's attention, "oh! Sorry, Robin this is Eugene Fitzherbert, and you already know Xavier"
"Hiya", the prince greeted, "took quite a fall there, you sure you're alright?
"Y-yeah, I'm ok", he stuttered, "t-thank you very much for your concern though s-sir"
"Sir? Never been called sir before", Eugene stated, "he might be even more polite than you hairstripe"
Varian giggled as he and Eugene helped Rabin walk away towards the farm while Xavier picked up the apples. They were just about to head inside the fence when they heard, "Varian?" behind them. Turning, they saw a very worried looking Quirin standing there, "son, what are you and Eugene doing here? And what happened to you Robin?"
The man looked exhausted, his face a flushed and he looked a disheveled, his hair was a little messy and he had dirt and dust on his shirt and pants. Whatever he'd been doing, it had been extremely dirty and tiring, Varian felt the lump of guilt inside him grow a little bigger.
"Hi dad, I came to talk to you, but while we were walking we heard a commotion, apparently Robin tripped on Mrs. Whiny's sheep and she was letting him have it. I handled it, she apologized, though she'll need another delivery of apples before today's end", he explained, Ruddigar chittered and flicked his tail in the direction of that women's house.
Quirin chuckled, "you mean Mrs. Whiner?"
"I hear no difference"
"Right", his father smirked and took out a notepad, writing something on it before placing it back in his pocket, "did she apologize?"
"Yep, Hairstripe made her", Eugene stated
"Good, thank you for handling that", he smiled at his son, who smiled back, "and I'm sorry you had to endure that Robin", the old farmer said, giving a sympathetic look to the boy, "if you'd like, we can take you into the barn and have Evan take a look at you, then you can have the rest of the day off yeah?"
Robin smiled and nodded, "t-thank you Mr. Vanguard"
"You know you can just call me Quirin"
"R-right, Mr. Quirin?" Robin blushed
"It's a start", the Village Leader chuckled, "Varian, do you mind bringing him to Evan, we can talk after that if you've got time"
"Yeah I can do that!" Varian nodded, glancing at Eugene who nodded and helped him take the boy towards the barn
"Hey Haristripe, gotta ask, I've met Adam, but who the heck is Evan?"
"Evan is Adam's second in command, third if you add my dad to the mix, he's actually a really sweet guy, I like him a lot!" Varian explained before he looked behind him, "hey, where'd Xavier and Hamuel go?"
"T-the blacksmith went with your dad, he was chatting with him as we w-walked away", Robin replied, "a-and the bird crash landed into the wooden post, I t-think your dad caught him, I s-saw him watching the bird anyway"
"Oh, thanks Robin!"
"You're w-welcome, thank you for sticking up f-for me"
"No problem"
****
They got Robin to the barn where Evan was more than happy to take care of the kid, which Eugene found out was 13 years old, not that much younger than Varian himself! After they said their goodbyes, Eugene, Varian, and Ruddigar all headed over to the fields once more, they saw Xavier and Quirin sitting and chatting, the Village Leader looking a little more at ease for the moment, Varian tilted his head to the side when he felt someone poke him, he turned to see Adam smirking at him, garden hoe in his hand. Varian immediately understood and mouthed a silent, "thank you", to the man, he nodded and continued working as the teen walked over to his dad.
"My dad, sitting in the shade and chatting with his friend, and crazy bird, on the job? What is this world coming to?" He teased
Quirin smiled, "my son standing up to an older women and making sure she apologizes to a boy she screamed at? Whatever this world is coming to, I'll be glad for the change"
The little alchemist blushed before he received a particularly painful elbow to the shoulder, he glared at Eugene who motioned to his father with his eyes, making the teen sigh, "I uh... I actually came here because I needed to tell you something"
The Village Leader raised a brow, "everything okay?"
"Y-yeah, everything's perfectly *fine*", he emphasized that last part while turning to Eugene, who gave him the stink eye, "I just", he turned back to his father, "something.... happened at the castle, and I need to tell you about it"
He then explained what happened to him in Rapunzel's room, how he fainted and what he was feeling at the time, how Ruddigar had given him two alerts that he barely felt, but also how Eugene checked him over twice and he was fine and was more than able to do the race for the treasure and how he really really wanted to do it and that his dad shouldn't worry because he'd be with Xavier and it would all be perfectly fine!
Quirin watched his son for a moment, who was panting after he finished his explanation, before looking at Eugene, "he fainted?"
"Yeah.... It was pretty bad, he seems to be doing a lot better now, and was able to walk here all on his own, so I don't think he's hurt at all, but we all wanted you to be informed since, well he is your kid", the prince explained
The old farmer looked back at his son, then at Xavier who nodded. He then got up and walked over to his boy, cupping his chin in his hand and making the teen look up, "are you okay?" he asked worriedly
"I-I'm okay dad", Varian stated, placing his own hand on his father's as his hand rose to his cheek, "it was just a minor episode, nothing too bad, I'm really okay"
"Are you sure? Because you've said that before"
"I know, b-but I actually mean it this time, it really was just a small one"
Quirin looked directly in his son's eyes and began a silent battle between the two, on one side, there was the worry that his son may not actually be okay and he should stay home, but on the other, he trusted his boy would tell him the truth and wouldn't say he's okay if he weren't, it was a heated battle of chocolate brown and sky blue, in the end, Quirin closed his eyes. Varian waited for a moment, holding his breath as he waited for his father to answer.
"Alright, I trust you Varian", he opened his eyes and smiled, "if you say you're okay, then I believe you, but if you feel dizzy or hurt"
"I'll come straight home", Varian finished with a smile
Quirin smiled back before hugging his son, making Eugene, Xavier, Ruddigar, and even Hamuel smile happily for them
"Thank you dad"
"You're welcome son"
The broke the hug and looked at each other before Quirin broke the silence, "do you need any supplies? Food, books, possibly a blanket or towel, I think you should bring a towel, there happens to be a river you tend to fall into"
His son laughed, "sure, I can bring some snacks along, and maybe one towel, some goo balls would be a good idea too, just in case"
"I'll bring some first aid kits and a couple of tools just in case if that will ease your mind a bit Quirin", Xavier added
"Thank you my friend", the Village Leader responded
"Oh hey dad, Angry and Catalina want a pool for their treehouse, I told them I'd ask you", Varian stated
The old farmer chuckled, "we'll discuss that later, need any help getting ready?"
"Ok, I wouldn't mind a hand", with that the little group walked towards Quirin's house, a huge weight had been lifted off of Varian's shoulders, even with Ruddigar riding on them. His heart felt a little lighter with his father's words still echoing in his brain, "I trust you Varian", it was something he would never forget, his father trusts him. Filling with pride, the little alchemist felt a lot better than he had on the journey here, he walked with a skip in his step as he smiled up at his father, who smiled back down at him.
Notes:
Ok this is a long freaking chapter! I, again, was only gonna have it be 1 chapter all together, but this time I kept getting more and more ideas, and the treasure hunt itself should be a chapter on its own, so here's another two parter! This time with Varian character development, Team Awesome, Rapunzel being a concerned big sister, Ruddigar being epic, and Quirin being the best over protective farmer dad ever!
I'm sorry it's so long XD I hope this makes up for the shorter chapters though, thank you very much for reading! <3
Chapter 28: The Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne? Oui! Oui it is! (Part 2)
Summary:
The treasure hunt is about to begin, and with Varian and Xavier all packed and ready to go, they set out on their journey to get the the treasure first, both have their own reasons for wanting it. But with the majority of the capital searching for this treasure, shenanigan's are sure to ensue!
Notes:
So here's part 2 of this story! I'm excited to write this bit because I think Varian was *hilarious* in this episode! Little bean just gets so frustrated with the old black smith and I find it funny to watch and re-watch over and over again!
With that being said, I hope you all enjoy and...
LET THE RACE BEGIN!!!!!! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
After Varian, Eugene, Ruddigar, Hamuel, and Xavier all pack up and say their goodbye to the Village Leader, Varian giving his father one last hug before thanking him once more. They head out to the town square, where they meet a very excited Rapunzel and a lounging Lance, which Eugene joins immediately, lounging with him, a smirk forming on his face as the racers head to the starting line.
"We really are gonna win this race, no problem", Eugene stated as the little alchemist walked by, "all these miss matched teams stand no chance with us together"
"You are so right my good man, I'm gonna finally be able to meet Caviar Lance!~ It'll be a magical moment indeed", Lance responded dreamily
"Ok first off, ew with the Caviar Lance.... thing", Varian stated making a disgusted face, "second, as my dad always says, "don't count your chickens before they hatch", almost the *entire* capital is competing. I wouldn't place my bets on you two just because you make a good team", he stated raising a brow
"You know you look more and more like your dad every day?" Eugene stated, "course that could be because you two raise your eyebrows a lot"
"I'm taking that as a compliment because my dad's awesome and you know it"
"He is, no worries, but come on hairstripe, who better than a couple of former thieves to literally steal the prize right from under your freckled nose?"
Varian blushed a bit, "be that as it may, you don't know what kind of skill some people have in this kingdom, Xavier for example probably knows a lot more about the treasure and its history than you two do. Plus I happen to have memorized that map easily *and* already have a great route for us to go that'll make the trip shorter and safer! Plus I lived near these woods, and explored them, a lot, I know them like the back of my hand!"
"We've stayed in these woods a lot too, and already have been to that cave before! So trust me, we've got plenty of ways to get there quicker than lightning!" Lance argued
Varian smirked, "if you've been there so many times, then why haven't you already gotten the treasure?"
Lance and Eugene looked at each other, then back at the waiting alchemist, "w-we uh...." Lance started
"You've never been inside have you?"
"That's beside the point!" Lance stated, "we'll still get there faster than you!"
Then Eugene got an idea, "hey, you seem pretty confident Goggles, so how about we make a little wager shall we?"
The alchemist thought for a moment, then sat down next to Lance, "I'm listening"
Lance smirked as Eugene continued, "we bet you that we'll get to the cave *before* you and Xavier do!"
"I bet we get there before you and fish man do! What's the prize?"
"If we win, you have to pay us every *each* single cent that we lost to your dad, plus say that we are better at treasure hunting than you in front of Rapunzel and Quirin!"
"And if *I* win?" The alchemist raised a brow again
"If you win, we'll give you double what we gave Quirin, and Lance will never step foot in your lab ever again"
"Hmmmm.... plus you have to say that I'm better at treasure hunting than you and Lance in front of Rapunzel and my dad?"
Lance gasped and looked at Eugene who was thinking about it, before he smirked and outstretched his hand, "you're on"
Varian shook the prince's hand then got up, "well, guess I've got a race to win"
"Guess you've got a race to lose you mean?" Lance replied
The alchemist smirked and narrowed his eyes, "you wish", with that he walked away
"He's kinda scary when he lets his evil side out", Lance stated, Eugene nodded
****
Varian walked over to the Black smith's shop, eager to tell him of the bet he'd just made, "hey Xavier, boy have I got a story to tell y-!" he stopped when he saw the man had barely started packing, "hey, weren't you supposed to be getting ready?"
"I was getting ready young Varian, but when I was grabbing my books, some slipped and I ended up reading a little, I must've lost track of time", Xavier explained
Varian huffed a bit but he calmed himself and helped pick up the books. Placing them inside the backpack the man seemed to be bringing along, "it's fine, we just need to hurry up and get you packed before-!" He was cut off by the cheerful sound of Rapunzel calling everyone to the starting line, groaning he turned back to Xavier, "ok look, we'll get to the starting line, begin the race, then head back her to get you packed so we can head out, sound good?"
"You know you sound like Flyta the impatient, the legend of the young man who would never wait", the alchemist raised a brow, "right, I'm coming now, we can stop by here to grab the rest"
They both made their way to the starting line, a small lump of annoyance had grown in Varian and he had a feeling it wouldn't go away soon. Though he pressed it down, trying his best to remember how kind the man had been to him before and how close a friend he was to his father, someone he'd rather not upset by misbehaving. He ended up passing Ruddigar, who was glaring at Max, and gave him a few pats, receiving a chitter in response which made him smile. The little alchemist ended up stretching taking in deep breaths so he could calm himself. He glanced over at where Eugene and Lance were sitting and was surprised, and a little annoyed, to see them still lounging around and not worrying at all about if they would win or not, seeing them there made the alchemist's blood boil and he glared at them as he turned his attention forwards. That's when Rapunzel shouted for the race to start, Varian began running forwards, noticing Xavier running beside him, he smirked, but then he caught wind of a conversation.
"It's sad really, all these people getting riled up for a race they're not going to win", it was Eugene, Varian heard Rapunzel respond to him, but his anger blocked out her words as he walked over to the black smith's place. To his surprise, and relief, he saw the older man packing up his belongings and it looked like he was almost done, the young alchemist helped him out, placing his own pack on the table so he could help carry some. As he placed his bag back on, Xavier had an idea that intrigued him.
"The winds are blowing hard today, if only there were a way we could use their mighty draft to fly to the cave"
Suddenly a lightbulb lit, "wait!" he stated, starling the old man, he felt slightly bad for that, "the Seporians used hot air balloons! Uh, I know how to build one!" he stated, walking forward, he started to draw up blueprints in his mind from his time with the Seporians, trying to bite back the unnerving fear that crept in him when he thought about his former cell mate he noticed that Xavier wasn't following him. Looking behind him he noticed the man was rambling about another legend, this was going to be a thing with him wasn't it? The little alchemist walked over, trying very hard not to grumble as he had to *physically* move this much larger man over to where the teen would work.
After he'd managed to get the blacksmith, who was still rambling with the legend, over towards the castle, Varian had gone behind one of the buildings and pulled out a basket he'd made before. It was a complete basket with exquisite detailing, he also pulled out an unfinished balloon and, grabbing a needle and some string, he started to sow .
****
He'd finished the balloon and had managed to get Xavier to climb inside, looking at his watch he noticed he'd taken over 15 minutes to complete this. His gut twisted with worry at having to face Eugene and Lance after them getting there first, but as they lifted off the ground, he noticed they'd fallen asleep at their table. He felt his blood boil again, he normally didn't mind when they teased him or even picked on him a bit, but he was starting to take it as a personal insult to his abilities. Glaring daggers at them as they passed he looked forwards and was immediately swept away at what he saw.
"Wow, the sky is *beautiful* up here!" he stated
"It is indeed, quite a lovely view! Your father would love it up here", the blacksmith stated cheerfully
Varian looked at the man, "he would?"
"Oh yes, he would never admit it, but when he was a younger, I'd say in his 30's and 40's, he'd travel to the highest peak of Mount Saison and hold his arms out like a bird would its wings. He's stay up there for hours on end, it was usually me or Adam who had to get him back down", he chuckled at the memory
Varian's eyes widened with wonder, "he liked to feel the wind?"
"Why yes he did, still does actually, why do you think he spends so much time outside in the first place. I suppose it was because where he came from, there wasn't much of a draft to begin with"
The little alchemist suddenly had a thought and, with a lot of hesitation, he asked, "hey Xavier, d-did you know my mom at all?"
The blacksmith smiled, "I did, I knew her very well, unlike your father, Ulla lived here in Corona very much before he arrived, she moved here when she was about your age"
"Really?"
"Yes, she came from a distant land, much more distant than Corona or any of the seven kingdoms, she was a very different girl, very sweet and very interested in the medals I worked with, though not quite as interested as you, though I suppose that means you are you're own person, which is not a bad thing at all"
"S-she wasn't from Corona? Did she ever tell you where she *was* from?"
"No, only that she didn't really want to talk about it, it seemed as though she grew up with a very rough childhood, not unlike your father actually"
"Oh...."
"But she was very happy here all the same, she would run around all of Corona and make mixtures that would heal the sick and help with pains and aches. The kingdom was definitely sad to see her go, though not nearly as sad as Quirin himself."
"I know that part...."
Xavier looked at the boy, guilt and sadness shooting through his old bones, "she would have been very proud of you"
The teen smiled, "thanks"
"You're welcome, is there anything else you'd like to know?"
The alchemist thought for a moment, "when she was with my dad, what were they like together"
That made the man laugh, he cleared his throat soon after, "sorry, it's just, they were a very funny couple", he explained, "Quirin was always so quiet and calm, but whenever Ulla came into the mix, she made him smile so much brighter. They got into a lot of trouble, well, I should rephrase that. *She* got them into a lot of trouble, even when Quirin would tell her they needed to stop, she would keep going until something exploded it usually ended up all over Quirin too"
Varian giggled, "like what"
"Like the raccoon traps that you've mastered"
"Wait, mom tried to make these?!"
"Yes, she loved animals almost as much as she loved Quirin himself, she would go to great lengths to find a way to trap them humanly, unfortunately she never did find the correct combination"
The teen felt a little pride in that, smiling happily, "thank you Xavier.... I... Dad he d-doesn't- n-not that I blame him b-but-!"
"I understand Varian", the blacksmith said, "it is very hard to lose someone you truly care about, Quirin wouldn't want to talk about her, it would hurt him too much... If you ever want to hear stories of her, please do not hesitate to ask me"
"Thank you"
****
They'd been flying for a couple hours now, and for the first part of it the alchemist had had a blast, unfortunately, once Xavier was done talking about Ulla, he went back to droning on and on about the legends. Varian felt the annoyance building again in the pit of his stomach, but he tried his best to keep calm, thinking about the sky, the balloon, *that plant*, he suddenly found himself in a cloud. His eyes lit up as he grabbed a vial from his pocket. the cloud passed by as another came towards them, seizing his moment he walked over to the edge of the balloon and smiled.
"Ha! This is so great!" He stated, swiping the vial in the cloud and putting the cork on it as he turned to face Xavier, "I feel like a bird!"
"Indeed!" The blacksmith stated placing a hand on the alchemist's shoulder before he got that look in his eye, "have you ever heard of the legend of the known bad man of swandelea?"
Varian looked conflicted for a moment before he answered, "no well uh... no but I uh-!"
"The ancient people of Swandlea..." and the blacksmith was gone, the alchemist sighed as he flopped over the edge of the balloon's basket, letting his arms dangle in the wind.
He was starting debate weather or not jumping out would cost them time when he noticed someone in the water, panicking, and thanking whatever was watching him for the distraction, he pointed, "hey LOOK! SOMEONE NEEDS HELP!"
The blacksmith, thankfully, stopped his story to get the balloon down, as he tied it to a branch so it wouldn't slip away, Varian ran forward towards what looked like a guard tied to a boulder, "hang on! We're coming!" Picking up the helmet to let whoever was in there breath, he noticed the armor was empty, "huh?" noticing Xavier was next to him he was about to investigate the armor when he saw a balloon shaped shadow cross his path. Looking up he watched helplessly as Angry and Stan flew away in their ballon, "HEY!"
"Catch ya later *suckers*!" Stan bragged as Angry smirked at the alchemist
"You're playin *dirty*!" He snapped as he hopped into the water in an attempt to keep within their sight
"There's *nothing* in the rulebook that says we can't be smarter than *you*!" Angry stated before she made a face as their balloon disappeared
The alchemist glared daggers at the girl and guard as he stepped out of the river next to the blacksmith, "you know she reminds me of Perpetua Demonstanies, the young girl who though she was smarter than all those around her", he chuckled, not noticing the teen next to him hide himself in the helmet and sink angrily to the floor, little growls coming from within it.
Varian was so angry at this point he was half tempted to yell, everything seemed to be working against them today, and if he didn't get to the treasure before Eugene and Lance did he would be more upset after this whole stupid treasure hunt was done. His mind was reeling about what they could do, they could start walking but they would be outrun by Eugene and Lance should the two actually shake a leg and *start* the stupid race. They could run, but with Varian's low speed and what he assumed to be a lower stamina on the older gent next to him the possibility of that going any better were slim to none. He was starting to lose hope and trying to remember how much money he actually had when he felt something hit his leg. Peeking out from the helmet he noticed a boat with a single paddle in it, it wasn't much, but from he remembered that river goes directly to the cave.
"Hey a boat!" He pointed out to Xavier, who was stopped his rambling to look, "maybe we can use it! The current looks strong enough to be faster than walking or running! Come on!"
"Well you cheered up fast, kind of like-!"
"No time! Come on!" The little alchemist stated as he pushed Xavier towards the boat, the older man began climbing in as the alchemist helped, once he was settled, Varian hopped in as well. Noticing the blacksmith reaching for the paddle the alchemist swiped it away quickly, "h-how about I paddle us towards the cave!"
The man looked a little startled, but shrugged, "alright, it'll give me time to tell you about the legend of the wise men of swandelea...."
Varian rolled his eyes, this was going to be a long boat ride
****
Varian's patience was gone, depleted into nothing, reduced to atoms and even quarks. The teen was tired, hungry, annoyed, angry, and had a headache the size of Mount Saison, he wanted nothing more than the man in front of him to shut the hell up, but he would never say that. They were almost to the caves, if he could just keep it up for a couple more minutes they would beat Eugene and Lance and he wouldn't have to worry anymore.
"And that brings us to the Legend of-!"
Suddenly a blur of pink, purple, and yellow flew past them, Varian immediately recognized Rapunzel and her partner Feldspar, "where'd they come from?" he asked before he realized something, "how are they moving so fast?" He watched as he noticed the wheeled shoes the princess and the cobbler were wearing, for a moment he wondered how they made them before he spotted a piece of paper in her hands, his heart skipped a beat as he realized what it was, "wait she has a map", he stood up, "HEY! YOU'RE CHEATING!!!!" He couldn't believe it, Rapunzel, the princess of the sunshine kingdom who goes on and on about fairness and *made up the rules of this treasure hunt* was cheating?! His anger was boiling over, not just because of the cheaters, but because they *passed* them, unfortunately he stood up too fast and ended up falling into the river.
Struggling for a moment as he saw the boat moving past him, he grabbed onto the bottom and then the edge, he felt around, Xavier didn't seem to be moving to help him, in a panic he managed to swing around and pull himself up, landing into the boat with a thump. "Using a map is cheating indeed!", Xavier said as Varian tried to take calming breaths, he looked at the man, who hadn't even tried to help him, his anger kept growing, "which reminds me of the legend of the cheating willows-!"
"ENOUGH WITH THE LEGENDS!!!!!" He screamed as he used his *hand* to paddle them towards the cave. He felt a twang of guilt as the man next to him fell silent, but a bigger part of him just didn't care, it was *finally* quiet! They ended up arriving at the cave, stepping out of the boat Varian stomped inside, he didn't care if Eugene and Lance were already there, he didn't care if he wasn't first to get to the treasure, he saw a little crowd gathered at the entrance. Walking towards them he noticed the balloon he'd made a little ways away, they'd crashed it.
He saw Stan and Angry walking over to Catalina and what looked like a sap covered Pete, he saw red, "you *CRASHED* it?! My balloon, our balloon, YOU CRASHED OUR BALLOON?!" he yelled at the girl, who turned and glared up at him
"It's not *my* fault, the dopey guard here was the one that crashed it!" She argued
"I DON'T CARE *WHO* CRASHED IT, IT'S CRASHED! END OF STORY!!!!!!" The little alchemist was absolutely done with all of this, all he wanted to do *all* he wanted, was to fix his own mistakes today, instead no, he just *had* to get caught up in this crazy adventure, first fainting, then Xavier and his stupid legends, then the balloon gets stolen, then he falls into a river, then he saves *himself*, then he finds out his friend is cheating, and *now* the balloon is crashed?!
"Hey, calm down, look we're all upset that today hasn't been the greatest, but it's Rapunzel you should be angry at, she's the one who cheated!" Catalina stated, stepping in front of Angry
She had a point, "fine, bigger fish, but we're NOT done here!" he stated as he stomped towards the cave, everyone joined him
****
Rapunzel and Felspar were standing in the cave when everyone walked in
"Hey, CHEATERS!" Stan called
"What shame!" Xavier stated!
They walked over as Feldspar said something to the princess than hid behind her, "you *cheated*!" Angry growled
"Yeah that's right!" Varian agreed, before he stopped, "ah wha- bu- you're one to talk you stole our balloon!"
"That was *well* within the rules!" Stan defended, getting a glare from the alchemist, he was about to rebuttal when Shorty interrupted him
"Turn around so I can get in on this action!" he stated from behind Pate's back
Suddenly everyone started to argue, Varian included, "you know what? Next time you guys need *any* thing from me you can just-!"
"STOP FIGHTING AND *LISTEN*!" Rapunzel yelled, getting everyone's attention, "*no one can take that treasure! It's *cursed*!"
"Why should we listen to a CHEATER?!" Stan yelled, everyone agreed, looking a the princess
"I'M NOT A CHEATER!" she took a breath, glancing at Varian as the alchemist raised a disapproving brow at her, "ok you could make an argument that I did cheat but it was to *save your lives*-!"
"HEY!" Vladimir yelled, pushing Monty out of the way, "the girl's got the treasure!" he yelled
All of them looked and saw that Catalina had managed to slip away from the argument and was now sitting on the pedestal, holding the treasure box and looking quite please with herself as well. Varian ran forward, he didn't care if he wasn't the first person there, he had a *long* day, he was getting that treasure, apparently everyone had the same idea as they ran forward, ever Ruddigar was glaring as Catalina stood up and threw it to Pete, who didn't catch it, but it ended up landing on his chest. The alchemist was glaring daggers at the man, daring him to move as he stomped forward to grab it.
"Stop! *Listen* to me, everyone, *please*!" They stopped and turned towards the princess, she grabbed the map from Feldspar, "it say right here if you claim that treasure we are all *doomed*!" She stated
"Doomed? Do you wanna maybe clarity the word "doomed", is there like a scale of doom that you can tell us about?" Varian asked, genuinely curious, but of course he got drowned out by the others talking over him. He rolled him eyes and noticed movement from the entrance. Lance and Eugene had finally arrived, "well at least I won that bet", the alchemist stated sighing, a small bit of relief calming him
Suddenly he saw Eugene roll over to Pete, take the box with a cocky, "yoink!", then roll over to Lance, presenting him with the box as they opened the box, a red glow emanating off from it as they both looked, Eugene let out a small, "woah", eyes twinkling excitedly. Varian had half a mind to run and grab the box out of his hands, he was just about to when he heard Rapunzel yell something as she moved closer to him, an arm outstretched. Suddenly the red glow wrapped around the pair as they stared at the contents inside the box. Varian got a bad feeling as it rose into the sky, shooting a beam of red into the air.
He heard Catalina and Angry let out a couple shouts, then the cave started to shake, "DOOM!" he realized what the princess had said was true, "ten on the doom scale, TEN ON THE DOOM SCALE!" He yelled, looking around as his mind reeled from the day's events. He then noticed Feldspar point to something as everything glowed red, there were what looked like coffins on the wall. He wondered if they held anything inside them for about two seconds before he got his answer, one of the coffins opened slowly, revealing a skeleton dressed in what looked like robes, with glowing yellow eyes, and skeletal claws for hands. If he lived to tell this tale, Varian now had a new worst fear, second only to his father being trapped in amber again!
Notes:
Flyta means something that is fast and rapid
So I'm making it a three parter because the next part deserves a full chapter on it! Though it may be shorter than the other two, but here's part two!
Poor baby needs a nap after this, plus Quirin snuggles and some hot chocolate.
I never understood why Xavier didn't help pull Varian out of the river, but maybe he's just a slow mover, which is fine, but there was a child in the river friend! Please help the tiny alchemist before he drowns! DX (I actually really love Xavier, so don't worry folks!)
Thank you all for reading! :D
Chapter 29: The Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne? Oui! Oui it is! (Part 3)
Summary:
The group finds themselves surrounded by walking skeletons who seem pretty angry that they were messing with the treasure. With everyone surrounded and no one getting along, Varian isn't entirely sure how they're going to get out of this mess!
Notes:
Ok here's the *final* part of this three part story! Took me a while to figure out exactly what I'm going to do with this part because I'm not super perfect with endings, but that's how it goes I suppose. That being said, I sincerely hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian was freaking out, mind you that is putting it *very* lightly, but still! His heart was racing as he watched these skeletal creatures *float* out of their coffins while giving a screech like sound as they glared at the group.
Suddenly, Xavier gasped, "the legend is TURE! THE UNDEAD PROTECTORS OF HERZ DER SONNE'S TREASURE HAVE RISEN!!!!" He exclaimed excitedly
The little alchemist's mind snapped, "WHAT?!" he stated, grabbing his face, *he knew all this time?!* He thought, glaring he turned back to the blacksmith, "YOU KNOW NEXT TIME *LEAD* WITH THE-THE HIGH DOOM RATIO LEGENDS!!!!!" he yelled before one of the skeletons screeched at them.
"Eugene put the lid back *on*!" Rapunzel demanded, the former thief did so and looked at the skeletons, but nothing happened, "we have to put it back where it belongs!" She stated untying her hair and swiping at the undead protectors.
Varian grit his teeth as he and Xavier saw one of the skeletons began to float after them, they ran, trying desperately not to get scratched.
"Varian, Xavier, get behind the rock!" Catalina yelled over, the alchemist and blacksmith did as she told, hearing a sound, peeking out from behind the rock, They noticed the skeleton was no longer there, but a bunch of sticks and smaller stones were.
"Thank you very much Catalina", Xavier stated before turning to Varian, who seemed to be panting and holding his head, he was still dripping wet from the fall in the river, "perhaps you should grab that towel your father asked you to bring? It might help you feel a little better, you're shivering, which reminds me of the legend of the shivering s-!"
"I swear to Demanitus if you tell me another damn legend I'm gonna lose my temper!" The alchemist snapped, "and I *know* a towel would be useful right now, but unfortunately we don't have time!"
The blacksmith looked a little offended and was about to reply when he noticed another protector rushing towards them, "RUN!" He shouted, Varian looked behind him and, seeing the monster, ran with Xavier.
They ended up dodging around a couple of rocks before Ruddigar chittered at them, Varian smirked, "FOLLOW ME!" he shouted, the blacksmith followed as they ran over to his raccoon. Ruddigar then hopped on his boy's shoulders and signaled to something above them. Suddenly a rock came down from the sky and hit the protector in the head, shattering it. Looking up, Varian and Xavier smiled as they watched Hamuel flutter down, giving Ruddigar a high five in the process. "Thanks you two!" The alchemist stated before he got a good look at his best friend, "oh my gosh buddy! What *happened* to you?!" The raccoon gave his boy a sheepish smile, "we'll talk later, okay?" He nodded, then hopped off and ran to see if anyone else needed help.
"Varian, I feel like you are upset with me, did I do something wrong?" Xavier asked
The little alchemist huffed, then turned to face the man. He felt guilt shoot through him however as he saw the man's face, he looked both worried and sad, it made all the anger the teen felt towards the older gent dissipate in an instant, though he was still annoyed, "....l-look I.... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you, but.... today's been a lot...."
"Varian-!"
"It's fine, I'm not angry I ju-!'
"Varian you can *be* angry!" The blacksmith stated, his tone was firm, not unlike his father's actually
"W-what?"
"If I've made you upset or angry in any way, then you *should* be upset or angry, you shouldn't hide what you're feeling just because I may not like that fact that you are feeling it! It'll lead to trouble later on if you do, I would compare it to a legend, but I feel like that might be a part of it. So please tell me, have I made you upset or angry and why, so I can stop", he explained
The little alchemist was stunned, he'd never been told he could be upset or angry, he usually was brushed aside, by his town, by his friends, by Rapunzel.... His dad was usually the only one who could tell if he was aggravated, and he usually had to coax him into telling him why. So he really didn't know how to react, on one hand, yes he was very angry and upset, everything that could go wrong went wrong, falling into the river, getting his balloon stolen, skeleton protectors, the blacksmith droning on and on about those legends, *everything*! On the other, this man just made him feel validated and gave him permission to be upset at him and tell him why, he was hurt yes, but he was willing to listen and concerned for the alchemist more than himself, that.... Varian is feeling very conflicted right now, he has stopped working and no amount of reboots will help him out.
"Varian?"
"Ah! S-sorry, I...." he looked down, suddenly feeling very ashamed, "I-I....."
"I've made it worse haven't I?" The blacksmith gave him a sympathetic smile
"No! Y-you...." He took in a deep breath, "you m-made it better I j-just I.... I just wanted to fix everything I d-did, I just wanted today t-to work out so the castle, t-the place t-that held the most damage from me would be fixed, b-but everything went wrong, a-and then Eugene with the bet a-and you with your legends and the balloon being s-stolen, and I worked hard on that balloon a-and I j-just....." He sighed, "I feel l-like no matter what I do, nothing will be good enough you know? T-that's why I got so upset, I wanted this to just *work* and it d-didn't.... I shouldn't have taken it out on you, s-so I feel bad about it, b-but I got really..... well....."
"Bored with the legends?" Xavier finished, the alchemist looked up at him, "I know I tell a lot of them, and they can be extremely boring to listen to, I should've understood that, I've had many people tell me. It's just nice to have someone to talk to, and those legends bring me great joy, I wanted to share them with you because I thought you might like them as well, but not everyone will like what I like"
"I-it's not that I don't like them! There's just a time and a p-place and any other day, I would've *loved* to hear about those stories!"
"Really?"
"Yeah! I like old legends and new history, s-sometimes it's real, sometimes not, it depends, but I find them fascinating all the same, if I wasn't so..... If there wasn't so much pressure right now, I would love to hear them, b-but I kinda put it on myself"
"You have been through a lot Varian, seen a lot, done a lot, and that is okay, it is okay to tell me that you don't want to hear about something, I'll be fine with it"
"I w-wish more people were like you", he glanced at Rapunzel, the princess was watching as Eugene fell on the floor unconscious
Xavier gave him a knowing look, "I understand, when you are with royalty, it can be hard to get let your voice be heard, but when you are with me, upsetting or not, you can tell me when you don't wish to talk about or hear something I say or do, it will be fine with me", he smiled at the young boy, who smiled back
"Thank you, Xavier"
"You can call me Xaves if you wish, Eugene came up with it because it's what friends do, and you are my friend, Varian"
"You're my friend too"
"EVERYONE!" Rapunzel called, she was smiling determinedly, they watched as the group huddled around her, getting slightly closer, the skeletons were blocking their path, "our only chance out of this is to put that treasure *back* on it's alter!" She stated, "so lets show these show these mummies what Corona spirit can *do*!"
Xavier cheered as Varian smiled, "alright!" He called out before hearing another screech, he and Xavier ran, the protector chased after them, it grabbed the alchemist's arm and swiped at his face, scratching it. The blacksmith suddenly yelled out a battle cry as he slammed into the beast, two more began chasing him, he pushed the teen away as he led the two away from him.
Varian looked around, spotting the box he tried to run towards it but bumped into another protector, it raised its hand and went to swipe at him, the alchemist blocking his face and closing his eyes when he heard the thing let out a surprised yelp. Opening his eyes he saw Pascal, Max, and Ruddigar smiling at him, he smiled back he watched the undead monster saunter towards the trio, Max bucked its head off its shoulders, sending it flying right into Pete the guard, it stuck on the sap he was covered in. Varian then heard Ruddigar chittering a signal, he watched as a beehive fell out of the sky, landing on the thing's shoulders, he looked up to see Hamuel again.
He laughed as he turned towards his raccoon, only to find a skeleton waiting in his path, he yelped until he heard a familiar voice, "ah returned from the grave I see, much like the... mummy of Questiana, or so the story goes, you see, there once was a mummy who..." Varian looked at the protector, then at Xavier, then back at the protector, before sliding away from the monster as it fell apart.
Xavier stopped and looked at the pile of bones the protector had become, smirking as he walked over to the little alchemist, "I guess my stories need a bit of work, but at least they're useful!"
The teen giggled, "thanks"
"You're welcome", he then glanced worriedly at the alchemist's cheek, "that looks like it hurts, do you want me t-!"
he was cut off when Varian was slammed into, landing hard against the wall nearby, Xavier ran over to check on the boy but was blocked by two skeletons, who joined the first. The alchemist got up, the wind was knocked out of him and he was fairly certain he now had a minor concussion, but he stood up and looked at the blacksmith, he saw the two protectors closing in on him and, seeing red he ran at full speed and slammed into one of them, making it break into pieces, he smiled at Xavier, "now we're even!" The blacksmith smiled back before they heard the princess yell, looking up they saw Rapunzel flying through the air towards the alter. She landed gracefully in front of it before she turned and placed the treasure back on top.
Suddenly there was a gigantic flash of red as the beam of light shot through the sky once more and the undead protectors of Herz Der Sonne's treasure turned into a gaseous state that made Varian wonder what they were made of before they all went back inside their coffins which slammed shut. They all cheered happily as the fight had finally ended with not casualties, save for the splitting headache Varian was sure was a side effect of a minor concussion.
****
They were walking out of the cave moments later, Rapunzel declaring that she would postpone the rebuilding until after everyone was healed, she'd done a check and double check of Varian and Eugene specifically and made them promise to get looked at by the infirmary for Eugene and Quirin for Varian, after they'd, hesitantly, agreed, she'd finally let them go, checking the blacksmith and Vladimir next. Varian met up with Xavier outside the cave entrance, leaning against it so he didn't extend what little energy he had left
"Good job Xavier!" he stated as the older gent walked out
He turned, "yes, you too Varian", he stated before turning to leave with a smile on his face
"Hey you wait, uh Xaves", the blacksmith turned to him again, "I-I just realized somethin, you uh, ya never finished the legend of the cheating Willows"
"Really?" Xavier asked, growing excited, "well it is a rather *long* story"
Varian walked over to him and placed a hand on his back, "I've got time"
They walked together as the older gent giggled and began his tale. They'd gotten a big further from the cave, Ruddigar had caught up to them and was resting on top of his boy's shoulders, when they heard someone call out to them.
"Hey Hairstripe!" They turned and saw Eugene and Lance sliding to a stop before panting for a moment
"Are you two okay?" The blacksmith asked, raising a concern brow as Varian blinked at the two with confusion
"Yeah, we're fine, just gotta ask", Lance smirked, "when can we expect payment from you?"
Xavier looked at Varian, who tilted his head to the side, "what are you talking about?"
"The bet", Eugene stated, finally catching his breath and smirking as well, "*we* got to the treasure first, so officially, *we* win the bet"
The alchemist's eyes went wide for a moment before he smirked right back at them, "if I remember correctly, the bet was who could get to the *cave* before the other, and, if my memory serves me well, I believe *we*" he gestured to the blacksmith and him, "got there before *you*!"
The two looked shocked for a moment before Lance said, "but we grabbed the box before you did"
"Ah but see that wasn't the deal", he stated, raising a brow as he circled around them, "we said whoever got to the cave, not treasure, first the other would pay the winner what you lost to my dad, plus they'd say that the winner is a better treasure hunter than them in front of my dad and Rapunzel, and like I said before, *we* got to the cave first, I distinctly remember because me and Xaves here both saw you two walk in and Eugene snatch the treasure off of Pete". He'd circled all the way back to Xavier, who was smirking at the boy before looking at the two men.
"What he says is true, you did appear after Varian and I had already entered the cave", the blacksmith confirmed. "Now you don't want to break your bet right? Because I know you two would've kept Varian at his word, just as sure you will keep to yours"
The two former thieves looked at each other before glancing at Varian, his raccoon giving them a look that said he meant business, they then sighed defeatedly as they shuffled through their pockets and pulled out their money bags, "how much did you lose to Quirin Lance?" Eugene asked, raising a brow
The man blushed, "uh.... about 250 gold pieces"
"250 gold p- LANCE!"
"I thought we'd win okay?!"
Varian giggled as he pulled out his own money bag, it was smaller than theirs and didn't have a lot in it, "so?"
Eugene sighed as he pulled out the 250 gold pieces and placed them in the alchemist's bag, Lance repeating the process as he glared, "I really need to stop betting against you"
"Yeah you do", the alchemist stated as Eugene and Lance placed their, now nearly empty, money bags back in their pockets, "tell ya what", he stated as he placed the, now full, bag in his pack and buttoning it up, "I'm feeling a little under the weather today and don't really wanna have to grab both Rapunzel and my dad to get them to hear what you'll have to say, sooo, I'll let that part of the deal drop so long as you two keep trying to find games that I may not be good at, no betting needed, though if you wanna bet, that's up to you, okay?"
The men looked at each other then smirked, "we'll accept that", Eugene stated outstretching a hand, the alchemist shook it, giggling before he turned and, giving Ruddigar a scratch, placed his arm around the blacksmith once more, "so about that legend?"
Xavier, Lance, Eugene, Ruddigar, and Varian all walked off, going towards Old Corona. Though the day may have been a complete and utter train wreck, the alchemist felt like it was successful all the same. They'd won, he and Xavier had gotten closer, and even though he and Ruddigar needed a check up from his father, he had won the bet and was extremely happy with his prize, thinking about getting a new garden hoe to replace the old one they had as well as some copper plated elements from the Nedzerdnia market, but that could all wait as he listened to the Blacksmith's legend, a small bit of peace settled on the group as the sun set on what would be known to all of them as a *very* stressful day.
Notes:
Here is the final part! Don't worry I'll have the aftermath of the day for the next chapter up soon, that one had loads of Quirin and Varian moments, but for now, this is the final part of the Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne!
Poor Eugene and Lance will have to work their butts off to get that money back XD Never bet against the bean!
Xavier and Varian have very similar interests, I betcha dollars to donuts the only reason that boy was so bored by the old Blacksmith's stories is because there was a race going on! I wish they would've elaborated on that though but oh well :3
Varian is a bean and I love him! You can't tell me he didn't at the very least get a scratch from those undead protectors, I didn't see any alchemy bombs being thrown, so something happened.
Thank you all so much for reading!!!! Have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 30: The Good, The Soft, and The Sick!
Summary:
Varian returns home after his adventures with Xavier and the lost treasure of Herz Der Sonne, and he's not feeling good. His father checks him over and realizes his son got caught up in more than just an adventure, which means it's going to be a very long day for the farmer and his son's raccoon.
Notes:
I love sick fics to an unnatural degree, also this boy needs snuggles and love, so here it is, my little sick fic but with Quirin and Ruddigar taking care of their boy! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian and Ruddigar walked inside their home, Xavier, Eugene, and Lance had offered to stay with them, but the little alchemist had insisted the day had been stressful for all of them and they deserved a good rest. After much debating, and Xavier getting the boy to wrap himself up in the towel his father insisted he bring, they'd finally agreed, Lance and Eugene saying they'd stop by tomorrow to make sure the little alchemist was okay, to which he agreed.
"There you are", Quirin exclaimed as he got up from his place on the couch, "I was starting to worry, it's later than I g-!" His smile turned into a concerned frown as he got a good look at his son, "Varian, what happened?!"
"Uh.... Just a bit of a snag while f-!"
"Varian"
His son sighed, "well it's a bit of a long story"
"I've got time", his father stated as he sat down and patted the seat next to him. The little alchemist sat down, placing the beneath him so he didn't get the sofa wet. Ruddigar hopped onto the back of the couch and itched at a bee sting he'd received during the day's events. Once they were settled, and Quirin had gotten the fireplace going, he started his tale. He told his father everything from the time he'd arrived at the castle, to the moment he'd gotten home, Quirin had a mix of emotions as he listened to his son, ranging anywhere from surprised, confused, happy, angry, and concerned, the last one he'd shown a lot more than the others. Once Varian was done, the retired knight had immediately gotten the first aid kit and helped his son clean up, as the little alchemist cleaned his Raccoon, his father checked his eyes and head to make sure of any signs of a concussion, from what he saw, it was just a really nasty bump. After the pair were cleaned up, Quirin got his son to get into his pajamas for the night and to stay out of his lab, which the little alchemist was not happy about, but one look from his father told him not to argue.
Once he'd done so, they'd eaten dinner together, talked about his father's day and stayed in the living room for the rest of the night, Varian noticed his father was watching him like a hawk, which gave him an idea, once in a while Quirin would look away, when he did Varian made a silly face at him, getting Ruddigar to chitter happily, he would stop once his father looked back, brow raised in confusion. They did this for a while, it was amusing to the young man, but then he decided he'd like to take it one step further. This time he got up and hid behind the couch, Ruddigar doing the same, they giggled a bit until they didn't hear anything. They waited for a little bit, hoping to hear his father get up, call his name, something, but they heard nothing. That is, until someone picked them up, making Varian let out something akin to a meep in surprise. "H-hey wh-!"
"Nice try", he heard his father say, he looked at the person holding him and was met with amused, brown eyes, "just because I'm a retired knight, doesn't mean my senses have gone away squirt"
Varian giggled, "yeah I know, you're watching me like a hawk and no matter what I do I can't seem to sneak past you", Ruddigar huffed in agreement
"Maybe find a better way to get a late night snack than by stepping on all the squeaky boards in the house?"
"I really need to fix those"
"You also need to stop stepping on them when you're trying to be sneaky"
"Is that how you caught me just now?"
"Nope"
"Then how did you know where I was"
"Because I have eyes in the back of my head", Varian raised a brow, "plus there's virtually no other hiding spot in the living room that you could've gotten to fast enough without Ruddigar's tail showing"
The raccoon huffed and wrapped his tail around himself as he sat on his boy's chest, making the little alchemist giggle happily, "I don't think he liked that"
"Bratcoon", the little creature chittered grumpily but purred when he received a scratch behind the ears from the old human. Quirin then set Varian down and smiled before looking a little concerned, "son, are you feeling alright?"
"Yeah? I'm fine why?"
"You look a little pale, plus you're shaking like you're cold"
The alchemist looked down and noticed his hands were indeed shaking particularly badly, which was odd because he hadn't noticed until just now. "I.... Didn't notice, but now that you mention it, it is kinda cold in here", he stated, wrapping his arms around himself and shivering.
Quirin picked up his son once more and brought him closer to the fireplace, wrapping him in his furry vest and setting him on the armchair before he exits the room. Ruddigar hopped onto his boy's lap as the larger human walked in carrying a little stick from what the raccoon could make out. His boy seemed to know what it was and made a very unhappy face, "come on now, we need to make sure this isn't something bad"
"I hate that thing though, it's annoying and I have to bite it hard so it doesn't fall out, not to mention how inaccurate it can be a-!" he got interrupted when his father shoved the thermometer in his mouth, then began counting silently. Varian was grumbling the entire time, eyes narrowed with annoyance, but he did not spit it out or even struggle until they heard it beep multiple times.
Taking it out, Quirin checked the temperature and frowned, "you fell in the river right?"
"Y-yeah...."
"Well I think you're sick"
The little alchemist groaned, "are you kidding me? I don't need to be sick right now, I need to work on the scroll and m-making alchemical solutions a-!"
"and going to bed, and getting some rest, and not working at the moment", his father stated
"But dad I *need* to"
"Varian what you *need* to do is take care of your body, you're sick, I'm not entirely sure how sick, but it's bad enough that it's concerning me. You need to go to bed and rest it off so you can be better tomorrow to do what you, "need", to do", he stated
"But sitting in bed and being sick is just gonna waste my time, it's the broken arm scenario all over again except this time I have both my arms and feel just fine! I only feel a little cold, and my back is aching slightly, and my throat itches, plus my stomach doesn't feel th- point is, I can work, and if I can work then what's the p-!" he interrupted himself with a nasty coughing fit, barely breathing as the hacks and wheezes were flying out of him. Ruddigar jumped up, his tail poofing to twice it's normal size as his boy's face turned bright red. Quirin came over to try and help, he ended up stopping after about a full minute, breathing heavily as his father rubbed soothing circles on his back. They were silent for a couple of minutes, one letting the other think as the sickness sunk in, ".....you're n-not gonna let me work a-are you?"
"No"
Varian looked up, he had tears in his eyes, "t-today really sucked dad...." He looked terrible, his hair was a mess, he has a bandage on his cheek and one around his head, he was in his pajama's, and the poor boy had tears and sweat running down his red face, "I f-fell in the r-river, Angry stole my b-balloon, I a-almost died, I s-snapped at X-xavier, I..... I'm s-sick...." he suddenly felt all of today weigh *heavily* on his back, his head felt so heavy, everything was blurry, and all he wanted to do was sit there and cry like a child, which made him feel even worse.
Quirin watched his sad son, he'd looked down at his legs, shivering and wrapped in a vest that was way too big for him, it made the man's heart shatter. But babying him would only make it worse, "I know son, I know....", he picked him up once more and hugged him, Varian wrapped his arms around the retired knight's neck as he sobbed, "it's gonna be hard the next couple of days, and I know you hate being sick, but you must take care of yourself, that way you can get better a lot quicker"
"B-but I d-don-!"
"I know son, but the more you struggle against this, the worse it's going to get, best to nip it in the bud right?" He felt the small teen nod after some hesitation, the old farmer couldn't help but feel bad for having to be so stern, he knew Varian didn't want this, it was unfair and, for lack of a better term, stunk. But his boy needed to get better, he just needed someone to help him do that, and that's when the retired knight got an idea, "you know, I may be able to take a couple of days off, help you handle this nasty cold you caught and spend some time with you. It could be fun, we could complete puzzles, play some card games, I could even make you some pumpkin soup, I know how much you like it". He chuckled when he looked down and saw one big blue eyes peeking out from behind the messy hair, "you think you'd like that idea?" The eye blinked before squinting with happiness, it twinkled as the rest of his son's face joined in, smiling up at his father, it was a weak smile but it's a start.
"C-can we read together too? M-maybe you could tell me stories of when you were my age?" Varian asked, his voice was hoarse, sounding rougher than it had just a couple moments ago, Quirin chalked it up to the crying.
"We could do that, we could even draw up some blueprints if you'd like, maybe make some invention ideas together like a shovel that digs it's own dirt", he sighed, "or a scooper, that could scoop up the horses s-!" He stopped himself, looking down at his child
"Shit?"
"Varian!"
"What?" He giggled, "it's what you were gonna say"
"You may be sick, but there's still a nice bar of soap I can grab"
"It's the sick brain dad, makes me forget the rules"
"Right, and I'm the tooth fairy"
"You'd look good in a dress"
"I'd rather not"
"A really long red dress with golden trim and a cape"
"I might still grab that soap"
"Then you could wear a golden crown with rubies in it and be the queen of the tooth fairies"
"I'm grabbing the soap"
Varian giggled, "ok I'll stop I'll stop", Quirin raised a brow at his son, "I actually will because laughing will make me cough and I *really* don't wanna do that again"
His father sighed as he walked over to his armchair and, making sure Varian's legs were out of the way, sat down and placed his son on his lap, "you're a brat"
Ruddigar hopped onto Varian as the little alchemist snuggled closer to his dad, "I know", he then fell asleep, the day's stress finally overtaking him
The retired knight chuckled as he brushed his son's bangs out of his face, he was still red and flushed and he definitely had a fever if the sweat was anything to go by, but he still looked peaceful as he slept. Quirin smiled down at his boy, he knew these next few days were going to be hard, Varian being sick was always hard, if he didn't know any better, Quirin could swear the alchemist got more energy when he was sick due to how much he fought being taken care of. But that didn't matter now, what mattered was that he was home, safe, and the retired knight would make sure he stayed that way. With a sigh he blew out the candle on the stand next to his armchair, kissed his son on his head, and watched the fire, Ruddigar had sensed the movement and looked at the man before smiling as he stroked the creature's fur, "I suppose this is as good a spot as any to sleep huh?" The animal chittered then purred happily, they both looked at Varian, who was now drooling on his father, but the man didn't mind, smiling as he stroked his son's head gently, "sleep well son, you'll feel better in the morning". With that the man yawned and laid back a bit, watching the fire with Ruddigar until they both fell asleep.
Notes:
So, I'm gonna do a thing here, I'm making the sick fic into a sort of plot point like I did with the day off arch. I'll have multiple stories written while Varian is sick because I could think of more than a few ways this boy could be pampered while being sick. So here we go with some set up!
Also, Quirin only curses when he's not around his son, or the situation is just too infuriating, that is my headcannon and I'm sticking to it.
Thank you all for reading, sorry this one is a bit on the shorter side <3
Chapter 31: Coughing and Sneezing and Aches oh my!
Summary:
Varian is feeling worse than ever and will do anything he can to ignore it. But he has a retired knight for a dad and a tattletale raccoon that never let him out of their sight!
Notes:
Here we go! Varian is sick and he's not a happy camper, so be prepared for some stern fatherly love, Ruddigar chitters, and unhappy yet very adorable sick Varian!
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Sodium Chloride"
"Varian"
"Sodium Chloride"
"Son, stop"
"Sodium Chloride"
"Look I know you're upset that you have to stay in bed, but must you remind me that you're salty about it?"
"Sodium Chloride!"
Quirin sighed, ever since this morning, Varian has been nothing but grumpy with him. Grumbling about the work that he needed to finish, rolling his eyes when his father took his temperature again, his fever was 99.5 degrees this morning, and was now repeating the phrase, "sodium chloride" over and over to make his point that he was not happy. The man had patience, but it was thin as his boy kept up his unruly behavior.
"Sodium Chloride"
The retired knight gave the teen a look, silencing him. Varian was laying on the couch, watching his father rub his forehead, a small headache forming, his son was always like this when he was sick, moody, annoyed, but mostly grumpy. Laying in bed and resting was not the ideal way to spend an afternoon and unfortunately he made sure everyone knew it, "look, I'm going to talk with Adam and explain the situation, that way I can take a few days off to be with you, but you need to stay on the couch and actually rest while I do so. No getting up to check on something, no seeing what that noise was in the other room, and definitely no making a concoction that would make the sickness go away. Stay on the couch and rest, when I get back we'll play some games together and try to make the most out of this situation, okay?" Varian sunk lower into the blankets, his eyes narrowing as his father had taken away every excuse he had, until one popped in his head.
"What if I need water?"
"Then Ruddigar will be more than happy to get it for you", the raccoon, who was sitting on his boy's chest because it was comfortable, and to make sure he didn't get up, chittered out an approval, making the old farmer smirk
"What about tissues?" The man silently pointed to the full box sitting right next to the teen on the stand, "what if I use them all?"
"In that unlikely scenario, Ruddigar knows where there are more and has graciously volunteered to grab them if needed", his father stated, "oh, and bathroom breaks, you take the raccoon with you and head straight back here", he added sternly, "if you're butt is not on that couch by the time I get back, you won't be doing any alchemy even when you *are* better". The alchemist sunk lower in the blankets, narrowing his eyes to glare at the little patch on couch, making his father sigh once more, "I hate having to be strict with you Varian, but I want you to feel better, so you can do what you love and more without the risk of getting worse".
"But I feel fine, just a little stuffy", the alchemist argued before he sneezed
"Bless you"
"Thanks...." he sniffled
He nodded before continuing, "I know right now all you feel is stuffy, with some sneezing and coughing. But I also know there's a bug going around and the first symptoms are exactly the ones you have. It's safe to assume you'll be getting more, you already have a fever".
"It's only 99.5"
"A small fever that you know will get worse as time goes on, plus if you start working then it'll definitely get worse and you'll be stuck resting much longer, do you really want that?"
The alchemist thought about it for a moment, genuinely debating if he wanted to take the risk before coming to the conclusion that losing alchemy for an undetermined amount of time as his father had established earlier due to him leaving the dreaded couch would not be worth it, "no.... but only because I don't know exactly how long you'd ground me for"
His father chuckled, "you won't know either because I'm still not telling you"
"Killjoy"
"I know", he walked over and kissed Varian's forehead, which was extremely hot at the moment. Making a mental note to get a wet wash clothe and place it on him later, the man turned and walked towards the door.
"Dad?" He turned back towards his son, who had sat up just a bit, his cheeks were still flushed, "you'll be back soon, right?"
The retired knight smiled, "always", with that he walked out the door, shutting and locking it behind him.
****
"So the pyromaniac is sick huh? Guess it was about damn time", Adam stated as he leaned against the fence surrounding the fields, "that boy is more stubborn than a mule, still surprised he didn't get sick earlier"
"A small part of me is too, though I still don't like that fact that he's sick, I sincerely wish he wasn't", Quirin stated, rubbing his head a bit
The old farmer laughed, "yeah, betcha he's givin you a run for your money ain't he?" The Village Leader sighed as his friend laughed
"He's something alright, anyway about the work load-!"
"You know I'll handle it, no worries, the farm is in good hands while you take care of your pyro kid"
"He works with chemicals you know"
"Yet he makes more fires than anything else", Quirin raised an unamused brow, "now I'm just kiddin, he's a good kid, you know I know that"
"I know, sorry, just a little tired from today's events", he stated, once again rubbing his aching forehead
"Maybe go for a walk?" Adam stated, "a little fresh air never killed anybody"
"No, I need to get back, he's alone over there and I want to make sure he rests"
"Right, right, well you know I'll handle the farm, oh, actually, been wanting to ask you about something", Adam stated, straightening up, "I wanna train Evan over there to take over if I or you aren't available, wanted to run it by you first, he'll be needin a second in command, but I've left him alone for a full hour and when I came back things were fine, I think he'd be good for it"
The Village Leader looked at the man Adam was referring to, Evan was a strong yet kind individual who always put the welfare of others before him, "yeah you can do that, I think he'd be a good pick too"
"Great, I was also gonna ask if your boy would wanna sub for him as a second in command, that way he's got someone there who knows how to handle things, but he can ask him for any help"
"I'll ask Varian", Quirin smirked, "thank you, you've been very patient lately, I really appreciate it"
"Just doin my part", Adam smiled, "also, if you ask me, best part about being sick is getting treats and playin games"
"What kind of treats do you have in mind?"
****
Varian was bored, well, that was an understatement, but it was the best his mind could come up with at the moment. He was coughing up a lung, his fever was getting worse, and his stomach was bubbling, he'd been lying on the couch, counting the bumps on the ceiling for the third time that day, mind you he couldn't see all of them, but there were a lot.
"One thousand two hundred and forty three, one thousand two hundred and forty four, one thousand two hundred and forty five, one th- oh wait, that's not a bump that's a spider, great..."He watched the little arachnid scuttle across the ceiling until it disappeared from sight, "you wouldn't let me up even if that spider came down to bite me would you?" Ruddigar, who was still on his boy's chest and had been watching him this entire time, chittered a response, "figured".
Varian huffed as he saw the spider reappear and crawl slowly across the ceiling again, "you know Lance would be freaking out if he saw that", he smirked, "he'd probably let out a squeak and move to the other side of the room, making up some excuse about how spiders were super dangerous and more often than not, poisonous", he chuckled, "you know, if he did a little research, he'd find out that out of the literal 50,000 species of spiders known to mankind, on 25 of them actually have venom that can cause illness to us humans", he then looked back at the racoon, "though I'm not so sure how you would handle their venom, maybe I'll research that a bit more", the little creature let out a chitter, "I wouldn't actually have spiders bite you, I would just look for books on the matter, geez, I may be grumpy, but I'm not sadistic!"
The raccoon chittered once more, "you and dad sound exactly the same, I know I'm a brat, I am well aware of this fact, it makes for funny banter", he coughed, Ruddigar walked up to his face to make sure he was okay, once his boy stopped, the little raccoon bent his head down and rubbed his furry cheek on the teen's, "t-thanks buddy", he stated weakly, stroking the creature's fur, "I hate being sick, it's no fun....."
The raccoon went back to the teen's chest and curled up again, listening to his boy's heartbeat, it was slower today, that made the animal worry.
"Ruddigar?" The raccoon looked at his boy, "d-do you think I was too harsh on him earlier?" The animal tilted his head to the side, noticing small tears in the young boy's eyes, "dad I mean.... H-he was just trying to help, and I wasn't.... D-do you think I made him upset?"
Ruddigar was going to respond when suddenly there was a knock on the door. The animal looked over to it when someone knocked again, this time louder. The larger human wouldn't knock to get into his own house, he'd just open the door, so who was there?
"Varian? Quirin?" The princess's voice called out, the raccoon immediately recognized her, looking at his boy, the teen looked just as surprised as the animal felt
"Hairstripe? Quirin? Are either of you in there?" Another voice said, Ruddigar recognized Flynn Rider too. Again he looked at his boy, who looked even more surprised
"What do we do? I'm not allowed to get up", the alchemist stated, chittering, the raccoon jumped over to his boy's shoulder, bit the blanket that was over him, and dragged it upwards more, resting it on Varian's chin, before motioning to the door, "you want me to stay here while you answer the door?" Ruddigar nodded, then shot his boy a look, "alright, I won't move, I don't think they'll be happy if I do", he stated, sniffling a bit to clear his nose
With that, the animal jumped off the couch and headed to the door, he heard them whispering, apparently they were starting to get worried, and were debating just opening the door. But the raccoon knew they would have a tough time doing that considering the larger human locked it before he left. So Ruddigar chittered, "wait, do you hear that?" The princess's voice stated
"It sounds like that little raccoon Varian has, what was his name?" The voice of the clumsy human, Lance, replied. The raccoon got slightly annoyed at that, *I remember your name, how could you not remember mine?* he thought to himself
"Ruddigar, his name is Ruddigar", the voice of Flynn replied, making the animal chitter out a happy reply, "Ruddigar, are you able to open the door?"
The raccoon let out a reply he heard Pascal translating, "ok, we'll wait", the princess replied, *thank goodness she brought the chameleon along*, the little racoon thought as he climbed up the little steps his boy had made for him, just in case the little animal wanted to go outside, course an open window would've also been fine, but it was the thought that counts. Ruddigar hopped over to the door knob and, with some effort, was able to unlatch the lock and open the door, sliding down as the humans saw him.
"Thanks little buddy!" The clumsy one exclaimed, picking up the animal and scratching him behind the ear, the raccoon let out chitters of content as he watched them walk in, close the door, and lock it behind them.
"Why was the door locked but you're still here?" Eugene asked, "I thought the kid brought you everywhere"
"I do", came a weak reply, Ruddigar's ears straightened as he remembered why he'd been the one to answer the door in the first place. Wiggling out of Lance's grasp, he ran over to where his boy was lying, gesturing the group to follow him. They did and all gasped when they saw Varian, who was shivering more but had stayed in bed none the less, Ruddigar was proud.
The raccoon hopped onto the couch and gently stepped onto his boy's chest, curling onto his chest as the Flynn Rider human sat down next to the teen, "holy cow, what happened to you?"
"Oh you know the usual, falling into rivers, almost getting killed by skeletons, and hiking through the forest kinda takes it out of you", the alchemist replied before he started coughing, making Lance back up a bit as Eugene rubbed the teen's back until the coughing subsided.
"Geez kiddo, you sound awful"
"Not as bad as I feel though", he let out a weak laugh before sliding down, "I hate being sick.... Dad fusses over me, I can't do anything, I feel like shit", Ruddigar chittered, "he's not here right now and it's true, both very good reasons to swear", the raccoon raised a brow at him, Varian raised a brow back
"And you're sassier than ever", Eugene added
"I call it rebellious, but yes", the alchemist stated, letting out a few more coughs before groaning
Rapunzel, who was sitting on the arm of the couch, looked around, "where is Quirin anyway?"
"He went to go ask Adam if he could watch the farm for a few days so he could take care of me, he left Ruddigar in charge while he was out, it's only been a half an hour, he'll be back soon"
"Ah", all three guests stated
"Well, we were going to just pop by and say hello, but I don't want to leave you like this", the princess stated
"Rapunzel you don't have to spend your day with me, dad'll be back soon and it's not much will happen while I'm sick"
"Who says I came here to be entertained?"
The teen looked up at her, "don't you have other plans? I don't wanna get in the way of them, plus you could catch this"
"So? Then we'd be sick together!" She stated happily
"You're stuck with us now, you know that right?" Lance stated, "once you said you were sick, it was all over"
Varian smirked, "some part of me knew"
Eugene stroked Ruddigar's fur, "so what are the rules?"
Varian cleared his throat, than in a rough, low, gravely voice he stated, "if your butt leaves this couch for any reason by the time I get home, no alchemy for an undermined amount of time because I am dad and I do not wish for you to have fun!" He coughed a bit, then looked at Eugene, "I am sentenced to this couch till the end of days"
Rapunzel and Lance laughed as Eugene stifled a chuckle, "you know he's only doing that to help you rest right?" He stated, smiling as he did
"I know, I actually feel a little bad for him, I gave him kind of a hard time.... I just hate being sick, but I know that's not his fault...." He looked down at the blankets, he felt ashamed for how he'd acted earlier, all his father wanted to do was help him feel better, and he'd been rather nasty to him
Lance smiled, "hey look, your dad loves you, even if you gave him a bit of a hard time, he probably understands and is gonna walk through that door more with a smile on his face because he'll be happy you stayed on the couch while he was out".
The little alchemist looked up, "you think so?"
"Buddy I know so, if I were your dad, I wouldn't care if you gave me a hard time or not, you're sick, sick brains don't help you make good decisions", the man explained, he then stepped closer and gently ruffled the boy's head, "but if you're really feelin bad, you could always apologize to him"
"Yeah, I probably should", Varian stated, "t-thanks Lance"
"You're welcome"
"Oh, there's a spider on the ceiling, wanted to warn you"
Lance suddenly got as pale as Varian's as he looked up, eyes darting right to left looking for the little arachnid, "w-what did it l-look like?"
"It was black, I couldn't really see it that much, just a tiny dot on the ceiling"
The former thief let out a very high pitched squeak as he pointed, "i-it's right there", he stated, barely above a whisper as he pointed to it, they all looked up to see the tiny black dot Varian had seen earlier now crawling on the wall towards the sick boy. None of them noticed the door open and close as Lance screamed and picked up the little alchemist, who let out a yelp of surprise. "IT'S GONNA KILL US ALL!!!!" The man screamed, holding the sick teen close to his chest as the boy protested.
"L-Lance! Put me down!" Varian stated before he started to cough, the blankets that were over him had fallen off and Ruddigar had gotten tangled in them. Eugene was trying to get Varian out of Lance's arms as Rapunzel tried to help Ruddigar out, all of them stopped when they heard a firm thud hit the wall.
They looked and saw a very aggravated Quirin, who had slammed a cup over the spider and slid a thin piece of cardboard under its legs. He moved the little arachnid over to the window, opened it, and let it free, closing the window again and putting the cup and cardboard down before looking at all of them. Rapunzel had finally gotten Ruddigar out of the blankets, the little mammal shooting out of the blankets and, noticing the larger human was back, ran up his body, got on his shoulder, and chittered to the man about the entire situation, seemingly calming him.
"Quirin, s-sorry, we didn't mean to break in or anything", Rapunzel stated hastily
"We didn't break in", Lance added, "we were let in by the raccoon"
"His name is Ruddigar and could you please put Varian down?" Eugene replied
"Oh! Right", the former thief gently placed the alchemist back on the couch, covering him up in the blankets and backing away slowly as the teen coughed a bit then sneezed
"Bless you", his father stated as he walked over and handed his son a tissue
"Thank you", Varian replied weakly, accepting the tissue and blowing his nose, which had gotten very red at this point
"So uh..... did you have a nice trip?" Rapunzel asked, trying to break the tension
The Village Leader turned to face her, "yeah, it was fine, got a few things while I was out"
"Are you-!"
"I'm not upset, Ruddigar told me what happened, I'm actually glad someone was here to keep my son company, even if it was for a little bit", he stated, "though I don't appreciate someone holding him while screaming about a tiny spider on the ceiling", he raised a brow at Lance, making the man flinch a little, "but I'm willing to let that slide"
"Wait you said you got a few things? Varian said you were just asking Adam to take you shift", Eugene pointed out
"I realize, but Adam gave me an idea", he walked back over to the bag he'd dropped in favor of rescuing his son and the spider, picking it up he smiled and walked back over, sitting down next to Varian and stroking his head, the boy looked up at him, he was paler than this morning and his face was even more flushed, "sorry I took so long"
"It's okay", his son replied, his voice was very hoarse, "oh d-dad about this morning I-!"
"Don't worry about it"
"Huh?"
"I figured you'd feel a little bad about how you acted earlier, you're not really like that and I could tell when I was leaving that you didn't want to end on bad terms", his father smiled, "you're sick, it's okay, Ruddigar told me you stayed on the couch though, thank you". He smiled and kissed his boy's forehead, making the alchemist smile back, "I know I was gone for a bit longer, but Adam gave me some treat ideas that might help with your stomach", he stated, digging through his bag, he pulled out some salted crackers, a couple of lemon and strawberry tarts from Attila's bakery, popsicles, and some tea, "all of these apparently will help your stomach and make you feel better"
"Even the tarts?"
"Well no, not exactly, but he said comfort foods would help your body want more food, and I know you love the lemon tarts, plus we've got plenty of apples and oranges to help you get you vitamin C"
Varian smiled, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome, I'll got put the food away, unless you want some"
The alchemist thought for a moment before smiling, "pumpkin soup?"
His father grinned, "I'll get you some pumpkin soup, with some tea, that'll be a nice combo", he got up and started to walk towards the kitchen before he stopped, "oh", he turned around and gave Varian a book, "I managed to snag a big book on the way back, should keep your mind from being bored for too long yeah?"
Varian turned it over and saw it was a book about herbs and how to mix them together to create potions and such, "ooh! W-where'd you find this?"
"Oddly enough, from the horticulture section, the clerk told me about it and said you may be interested", he chuckled at his son's surprised face and turned, walking into the kitchen to start the soup, giving their guests permission to stay if they wish.
****
"This book is *amazing*! It has so many different things I could try! I didn't even know they grow mint leaves near here! I've gotta find them! They'd be perfect for m-!" Varian ended up having a coughing fit, his face turned bright red as he kept coughing, Quirin handed him another tissue as tears started to fall down his face, he grabbed it and covered his mouth as his father rubbed his back. Once the coughing quieted down, he regained his composure and smiled weakly at his dad, "my goo bombs"
The retired knight chuckled, "I bet they would, but lets see if we can get a little more soup down hm?" he asked before picking up the spoon and handing it to his son
"Ok", the alchemist stated as he took the spoon, he'd been eating the soup slowly so he wouldn't upset his stomach, but he ate all of the crackers and drank nearly all the tea
"Let it be known that you have more of an apatite when you're sick hairstripe", Eugene teased
"Let it be known that my dad's cooking is amazing especially when I'm sick Horace", Varian shot back
The prince gasped in horror, "who told y- you know what? Never mind, Edmund will feel my wrath soon"
"Pretty bold words to say in front of one of his knights, even a retired one", Quirin retorted
"Isn't he technically the prince? Couldn't he demote you?" Lance asked
"That's not how it works", Rapunzel chimed, "for a knight to be demoted he or she would need to lose their honor, from there the head of state would demote them and possibly even have them face public humifaction depending on what the knight, or dame for female knights, would do", she explained, "speaking for Quirin and as a princess, he's a retired knight and one that had immense amounts of honor and loyalty towards the Dark kingdom and the king at the time, thus he wouldn't be acting irrational or with disloyalty if he were to defend his king from the crowned prince"
"Rapunzel's right", Varian replied, swallowing the spoonful of soup he had in his mouth, "there have been several occasions where the prince has overtaken the kingdom from their king's, in which case, a knight's loyalty is tested, depending on who knighted them, they would have to fight on that side", he explained, "if you were to attack the Dark Kingdom Eugene, my dad, and the rest of the brotherhood, should they choose to raise their swords for battle, would have to fight against you since grandpa was the one they swore loyalty to, so, that being said, what my dad just said would get immeasurable amounts of praise and honor whereas you would get scolded"
"Geez, I was joking", Eugene raised his hands in the air, trying to show peace
"We know", Varian stated as he grabbed another spoonful
"We were answering Lance mostly, but Varian is right, you should be careful for what you say, especially in front of anyone who was or is loyal to your dad", Rapunzel added, "though, I don't think Quirin took it that seriously"
"I didn't, but I'm glad we discussed it because it brings up a point", he looked at Eugene, "do you have a person you have in mind to knight? Usually the prince of the Dark Kingdom would've chosen a second in command by this point"
"Second in command?" The prince looked at the Village Leader confused
"A second in command would be sort of like a lady in waiting for a princess", he noticed Varian and Rapunzel flinch a little, "sorry"
"It's okay, she's.... she'll be back one day, I know she will", Rapunzel replied, "and once she does, we'll talk and get this whole thing sorted out"
Varian yawned, his eyes were drooping and he placed the spoon back inside the bowl, "sleepy?" Quirin asked
"Mmm...." was the only response he got as the little alchemist rubbed his eyes
"Looks like the little man needs some shut eye", Lance chuckled, "we'll be quiet while he rests"
"Thank you", Quirin replied as he tucked Varian into the sheets. His son wasn't fighting, he must be extremely tired, taking the wet wash clothe he'd gotten a little while ago and dunking it into the water basin next to the couch, the retired knight placed it gently on his son's head and watched as his little boy drifted off to sleep.
Ruddigar purred to help soothe the boy, receiving scratches behind the ear from Quirin, the man grabbed the bowl of unfinished soup and placed it on the stand next to the couch. He then picked up all the tissues scattered on the floor
"Thank goodness you have gloves", Eugene whispered, making the man chuckle as he placed them inside the waste basket. After all was clean, we gestured for the three of them to follow into the kitchen, they did so and as Quirin slowly closed the door behind him, he took one last glance at his son, who was sleeping peacefully on the couch with his raccoon, he smiled, finally closing the door.
Notes:
That spider fact came from: https://www.burkemuseum.org/collections-and-research/biology/arachnology-and-entomology/spider-myths/myth-some-spiders-are
(Side note: I'm with Lance, spiders scare the crud out of me! Though they have cute toes, look up spider toes, you'll be surprised!)All that knight stuff, I'm certain some of it is true, though I think you can demote a knight if you're a prince. Most of it was just a theory, so I can't really vouch for it, but I couldn't find anything more accurate than wikipedia, and even so the page didn't load for me X3 So take that part with a gigantic grain of salt, sorry XD
Any way, this is the first part of the sick fic story had to add Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance because these three would want to help.
Quirin is still loyal to King Edmund, no one can tell me different
Thank you so much for reading!!!!! <3
Chapter 32: The Storm! (Part 1)
Summary:
Varian's sickness gets worse, worrying Quirin, Ruddigar, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance. They all decided to work together to help the little alchemist feel better, putting their plans on hold to take care of the poor little teen, even when they get a somewhat unexpected surprise.
Notes:
So, I'm being sneaky again and I hope you all enjoy it! :D
That's all, no more author's notes until the end, I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
A day had passed and it was storming outside, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance had decided to stay with Quirin and Varian to help take care of their sick friend, which the old farmer appreciated immensely. The little alchemist had gotten worse, his fever shot up from 99.5 degrees to 102, they were noticing him shiver a lot more even though he said he was hot, he'd began having more frequent coughing fits as well. They'd asked a doctor to come out and, when they heard it was Varian who was sick Rose and Isaac Solace came running, bringing their medic bags and treats with them despite the rain.
They'd done a normal check up, Isaac taking over the external procedures like reaction time, eye movement, and weight as Rose took care of the internal procedures, like temperature, heart beat, and ear/throat checks. Once they were done, they took out a needle with some medicine inside it, though they had to ask for Quirin's help because the little alchemist was not a big fan of needles as he nearly knocked the thing out of Rose's hands.
"Varian it's okay, it'll make you feel better", Quirin stated softly, trying to coax the teen out from under the blankets
"No!" Came the stern reply, though it was a little horse
"The longer you wait, the longer they're gonna be here to try and give it to you"
"No!"
"Would it help if I held your hand?"
"N.... Maybe...."
Quirin smiled, "I'll be right here holding your hand son, it's okay"
The teen poked his head out slightly from the blanket and stared at his father, his big blue eyes showing only fear. But the brown ones he met calmed him down enough to get the boy to, slowly, take his left arm out of the blanket, grab his father's hand, and close his eyes. He squeezed his hand tightly as they gave him the shot and looked away as they did so.
"All done", Isaac stated, placing the needle back inside the bag once it was cleaned, "not bad this time, took a lot longer when he didn't have the stomach flu"
"Stomach flu?" Rapunzel asked, she, Eugene, and Lance had stood back to let the doctors, and Quirin, take care of the little alchemist
"Yep, really bad case of the stomach flu, though I bet he hasn't started puking yet, has he?" Rose asked, cleaning up her own supplies before handing the teen a lemon lollipop, which he took while blushing, holding the sweet treat away from Ruddigar, who sniffed at it.
"No he hasn't, though I thought that may be the case, I take it that'll happen soon?" His father replied, chuckling as Varian slid over to him, his raccoon still trying to sniff at the treat he'd been given
Rose nodded, "without a doubt, he should start it very soon, I recommend giving him an oatmeal bath, and a lot of tea, preferably something that'll taste good, he'll need to stay hydrated"
"What's an oatmeal bath?" Rapunzel asked, she then giggled as Varian pulled his dad's arm between him and Ruddigar and opened the lollipop, getting a chitter of annoyance
"It's where you sprinkle a bit of oatmeal into the bath water, it helps with dry skin and stuff", Eugene explained, "we used to get them all the time when we were sick in the orphanage"
"True that, though I loved the oatmeal baths, they were always so warm and refreshing even if you weren't sick", Lance added
"It also helps keep moisture in the skin, and for someone who is dehydrated, or has the chance to get dehydrated, that's important, because it'll help the body overall", Isaac explained, "if possible, get some steam going too, that'll relieve the sinuses, and make sure he gets plenty of fluids"
"If he starts to cough really badly, honey and lemon in tea will do wonders", Rose added, "though these are home remedies, so take with them what you will, but they do work"
"Thank you, both of you", Quirin replied, lifting his arm as the raccoon shuffled underneath it and tried to get at the treat, Varian gave him the stink eye as he shoved the entire lollipop in his mouth
"You're welcome, We'll be back in a few days to check up on the little guy", Isaac stated, smiling at the alchemist as he enjoyed the treat while his animal friend glared
"Here", Rose handed Quirin a small bottle filled with pink liquid, and also gave Ruddigar a slice of an apple, which the raccoon chittered happily before giving Varian a side glance and chomping into it, the alchemist just rolled his eyes as he kept eating the lemon treat, "it's medicine, give him one spoonful every day, twice a day, once before breakfast, and once after dinner. It'll help with his stomach"
Quirin nodded, making a mental note as he was about to place it in his pocket, he stopped and smirked when Varian looked interestedly at the bottle, letting him take a look at the ingredients, "again, thank you"
"You're welcome", Rose stated, "we should probably head back, it was very nice to see all of you again", she then smiled at the teen, "particularly you", the teen looked at her and, taking the lollipop out of his mouth, smiled at her politely
"Thank you", he responded, his voice was still horse
"You're welcome", She responded, before turning and walking out the door
"I would have a bucket nearby, he's gonna need it soon", Isaac warned, the retired knight nodded before looking down at his son, who had managed to crunch into the lemon treat he'd been given and was now chewing it happily
Quirin smiled, "enjoying yourself?" Varian nodded happily before crunching off another piece while looking at the ingredients on the bottle's label
****
The doctors left, Eugene closed the door behind them with a smile and a wave. Varian had finished the lollipop and laid back down on the blankets, the exhaustion was starting to overcome him. He looked at his father, who smiled at him, "you did a lot better than usual you know, I'm very happy with you son", the little alchemist smiled back before his eyes dropped and fell asleep.
"Then usual?" Lance asked, watching the raccoon snuggle into the boy's arms as he slept
"He puts up much more of a fuss when he's feeling fine, he hates shots, needles and blood scare him", Quirin explained, "I remember this one time he had to get his blood drawn, he hid inside a large flower pot for the better half of an hour before I could finally find him and bring him to the doctor, and he still fussed until I held his hand"
"Oh geez", the former thief stated, chuckling, "guess he's almost as afraid of needles and blood as I am of spiders"
"Yes, except he probably wouldn't be able to pick you up and hold you high in the air while shrieking like a little girl", Eugene teased making his friend glare at him
"So, what was the medicine for?" Rapunzel asked, seeing Quirin gently take the pink bottle out of his sleeping son's hands and pocket it as he walked over to the three of them so they wouldn't disturb his son
"It's called Pepto Bismol, it helps relieve the stomach and any issues it might be having", the retired knight stated before he chuckled, "though Varian hates the stuff, says it tastes like bad bubble gum"
"So that'll be a struggle too I take it?" Eugene asked, raising a brow at the sleeping teen
Quirin shook his head, "not so much, I can at least use logic with this one", at the confused glances he received, the old farmer explained, "though Varian may not like shots or blood, when it comes to medicine he's a little more lenient if I can explain why he has to take it. Specifically Pepto Bismol, I can always tell him it'll make his stomach feel better, and he all but steals it from me"
Eugene and Lance laughed as Rapunzel went over and gently pushed Varian's bangs out of his face, "you think he'll be okay?"
"Yeah, he will, I had a feeling it was the stomach flu, there's a bug going around", Quirin then had a thought, "wait, you should be careful being near him, I could get sick and would be fine, but if you get sick-!"
"Don't worry", the princess interrupted, walking back over to the group, "whenever I get sick, I heal really quickly, it doesn't even hurt me that much, just need a good nap to feel better", she then looked at her braid, "I suppose that's the Sundrop's doing"
"That wouldn't surprise me", the retired knight stated, "it is known for it's healing abilities"
"Right, I keep forgetting you know about it, majority of the time I have to explain it to people", Rapunzel giggled, suddenly there was a loud crack of thunder and a large CREEEEEEAAAAAAAAAK *THUD* as what sounded like a very large tree branch fell outside.
Varian woke up, he was sweating more now as he sat up on the couch and yelped, shaking a bit as he looked around, "hey, hey it's okay", Quirin stated, he was at his son's side in an instant, "I'm here, it's okay, it was just some thunder and tree branches".
The alchemist looked at the man, his eyes not recognizing him at first, but when they did, they calmed down as he reached out and grabbed a fistful of his father's shirt, "d-dad..."
His father sat on the couch next to his son, pulling him into a tight hug, "it's okay now son, it'll be okay", they stayed that way until Quirin heard Varian let out a sigh, looking down he saw his boy was asleep and smiled, "every time", he laid the boy back down and tucked him in, stroking Ruddigar's fur before got up and walked over to the window. He looked outside to see if there was any damage to the fields when he saw something strange, "Eugene, are my eyes playing tricks on me or can you see someone out there?"
The prince walked over and took a look, his eyes suddenly went wide, "no that would be a very large person standing just outside your home and being extremely creepy about it", he answered
"I thought so", with that he walked over to the fireplace where he kept his duel blades on the mantel, taking them and placing them on his back as he grabbed a coat and a lantern then walked over to the door. He turned to face the group, "stay inside, if I yell for help, Eugene and Lance come after me, and Rapunzel stay with Varian, wake him up and hide if we don't come back in 5 minutes. If I call out to hide, then all of you take Varian, lock the door, and hide, do not come outside, got it?" They nodded, Eugene and Lance grabbing their swords as Rapunzel sat on the couch next to Varian.
Quirin walked outside, closing the door behind him and lighting the lantern, he'd gotten the coat on and was standing on the steps to his house when he looked at where he'd spotted the person before. They were closer to the door now, giving off much more of a shape, though it was still raining harshly the retired knight could definitely tell they were human, they were as tall as the old farmer himself. Lowering the lantern, he glared at the person, not a scary glare, but one that told them not to try anything stupid, the figure seemed to understand as they nodded, prompting the retired knight to get just touch closer, he never left the steps, staying firmly in front of the door.
The figure watched him get a little closer and did the same, stopping when Quirin did, *smart, seems to understand what I'm doing*, the Village Leader thought, *lets see who they are*, he then set the lantern down in front of him, prompting the stranger to move towards it. The figure didn't hesitate, walking forward until they were right next to the light, it illuminated the figure's face, revealing brown eyes, long brown hair with a beard and mustache, and face that was filled with the gentleness of a father, but the experience of a warrior.
****
Lance was pacing back and forth as he looked out the window again, "Lance, for the millionth time, Quirin is a skilled Brotherhood member, if he needs us, he'll call", Eugene stated
"Yeah I know, I'm just worried, he could probably take out more guys than us, j-!"
"Dad?" A quiet voice interrupted Lance, making both former thieves look towards it. They saw the little alchemist sitting up and looking around, Rapunzel was trying to get him to lay back down, "d-dad"
Eugene and Lance walked over, "hey Hairstripe, it's okay, just lay back down for a bit, your dad went to go check out a noise outside is all", the prince explained
"N-no... Dad.... H-he was in the a-amber...." All three looked at each other, sad and worried expressions mixed between them
"Varian he's not in the amber anymore, we got him out remember?" Rapunzel explained
"B-but he was trapped, a-and no one h-helped me.... I-I kept running t-to different houses and t-they slammed the door in my f-face.... H-he's trapped I gotta g-get him out"
"Oh kid...." Eugene said quietly
"Look little man, it's okay, you're dad is alright h-!"
"NO!" Varian yelled, interrupting Lance and throwing the blankets off him, "I n-need to get him back! I-I gotta find help!" Ruddigar tried to hop in his way, but the little alchemist side stepped him and ran over towards the door. Eugene and Rapunzel ran after him, trying to grab him before he reached the door, but they were too slow, he opened it, only to be scooped up into someone's arms with a yelp, "h-hey put me down! I-I need to save my d-dad!" He yelled, wiggling to break free from this stranger's grasp
"My hero"
The little alchemist stopped wiggling and looked up, seeing his father's face looking down at him, he was smiling, "d-dad?"
"Hi"
"Dad", Varian wrapped his arms around the larger man's neck and hugged him tightly, tears sliding down his cheeks as the door closed behind his father
"Quirin, thank goodness!" Rapunzel stated happily, "sorry, we tried to grab him b-!"
"It's alright, I should've warned you about that, he has really bad dreams when he's sick, though..." He looked back down at his son, who was still latched onto him, "I'll have to talk to him later about that"
"It seemed to be a hum dinger of a dream", another voice stated, startling Lance and Rapunzel
Eugene instantly recognized it and groaned, "you pop up at the most random times you know that?"
"Wait, who are you talkin about?" Lance asked, "is it the creepy shadow you saw outside?"
"Well I don't know about creepy, a little pale maybe, but creepy?" The voice said again, this time Rapunzel caught on and smiled
"Found him outside, though maybe we discuss that after I get this one to fall asleep?" Quirin gestured to the tiny child in his arms as he walked towards the couch
"Who is it?" Lance asked, he was getting annoyed at this point, it seemed like everyone knew but him
"Oh, sorry, did me and Hamuel not say yet?" The man stated, walking inside and pulling down his hood, "sorry about that, that was a bit rude, though we met before if I remember right but we didn't get much of a chance to talk"
"Edmund!" Rapunzel stated excitedly
"Edmund..." Eugene groaned
"Me!" Edmund stated, Hamuel letting out a caw, "I've come to say hello!"
Notes:
Hee hee!!!!! So here's a two parter because I think it's funny XD
I couldn't resist, we need grandpa love! He would help make Varian feel all sorts of better, plus his comedic timing is everything to me! He's just such an awkward, funny, doof and I love him!
We will get a Hector story soon, I promise, I have a way of introducing him, but I wanna make it perfect, and not when Varian is sick.
PTSD sucks, also I have terrifying dreams when I'm sick, funny thing, I'm sick right now, so this is kind of perfect X3 Poor bean....
I brought my OC's back! They're my favorite OC's save for Adam himself, I just love them both so much! :D
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 33: The Storm! (Part 2)
Summary:
Edmund has shown up, with him, Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, and Quirin all under one roof, along with an extremely sick alchemist and over protective raccoon, things are going to get very interesting around here.
Notes:
AUTHOR'S NOTE!
I am so sorry for the delay on this! I've been sick for the last three days and haven't been able to really write anything, I hope this chapter makes up for it.
Also, time for poor bean to get the worst of this, luckily he's got a lot of people by his side. I also might make a side story where it's just Quirin taking care of him with a visit from Eugene and Rapunzel, let me know if you guys want that.
With that being said, I hope you all enjoy, and I'm so sorry for the delay! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I've come to say hello!"
Eugene rolled his eyes at the Dark King, "your timing is as perfect as ever dad", he stated sarcastically
"Thank you!" Edmund stated cheerfully puffing his chest out as Hamuel cawed, "I thought this would be a great time t-!" he began, stopping when he heard the coughing coming from the direction his knight had gone. The king looked and finally noticed the sick alchemist Quirin was laying down on the cough. "Oh no, is he okay?" he asked, worry lacing his voice as he walked over to the pair, Eugene following.
Lance had grabbed an extra blanket from a closet nearby and was wrapping Varian in it as Rapunzel set a glass of water on the stand next to the couch, "he's very sick", Quirin replied before thanking the two and finally laying his son down and stroking his head. "He caught a really nasty case of stomach flu and unfortunately, today seems to be taking its toll on him".
"We may need that waste bucket, this is the worst he's gotten", Eugene stated, sitting down next to the retired knight, who nodded.
Edmund watched the teen as he slept, he was shivering badly and his breaths were unsteady, almost as if he were having a nightmare. It made his heart ache, "is there anything I could do to help?"
"You don't have to-!" Quirin started
"I took care of you, Adira, and Hector when all three of you had the chicken pox, fevers, sniffles, pink eye, stomach flus, and various colds and allergies, plus he's my grandson and the only one that I have", he stated before looking at Eugene and Rapunzel, "for now", he grinned, making the princess blush as Eugene facepalmed. "I can help, I know what to do and all you need to do is tell me, plus look at him", he gestured to the child, who had now curled in on himself, "another hand wouldn't be a bad idea, even if it is just one", he joked, waving with his left hand.
Quirin sighed, but smiled at the man, "if you really want to, but I won't lie, today might get messy", Varian started coughing, his face turned red and he started to sweat profusely before he stopped, "very messy...."
"I can handle it, a little puke never bothered me", he smiled sympathetically, the crow on his shoulder cawing in agreement, "though.... I'm certain he probably will be embarrassed if he's anything like you".
Quirin blushed, "yeah he will be"
"You got embarrassed when you puked?" Lance asked, the retired knight nodded, "why?"
"I don't know, it was messy, it went all over the floor, and me, I wasn't able to clean it up myself so I felt even worse that other people were cleaning up my own mess", the man sighed as he looked at the teen, "we both share that unfortunately, me and my son, he apologizes a lot when he throws up, when he had a cold, he kept apologizing every time he sneezed".
"Why is that both sad and adorable?" Rapunzel asked, giggling a little
"Because it's exactly what goggles would do", Eugene replied, smirking lovingly at the sleeping alchemist as Ruddigar hopped on top of the blankets next to his boy and curled up with a chitter.
Edmund watched as Varian wrapped his arms around the raccoon and pulled him closer, making the little creature purr in response, "he's actually a lot like Quirin, they both curl in on themselves when they're sick, both feel bad whenever they do something they can't control, and both liked to snuggle the closet thing to them, for Varian it's his little animal friend, for Quirin it was the blankets"
Lance snorted as the Village Leader shook his head, "not gonna try and stop him?" Eugene asked
"He wouldn't even if I asked"
"That would be correct!" Edmund stated cheerfully
Suddenly, thunder roared and lightning flashed as Varian's eyes shot open as he sat up quickly and slapped his hand over his mouth, he then bolted, jumping off the couch and running into the privy as he slammed the door shut, Ruddigar just barely making it inside with him. Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, and Edmund looked at each other sympathetically as Quirin got up, "I'm going to get another rag and some towels, Eugene, do you mind making sure he gets back on the couch once he's out?"
"I can do that", the prince stated as he got up and walked over to the door the little alchemist had just slammed
Edmund looked at his knight, "you know, a good bath would be very soothing, plus some tea and crackers for the stomach"
"I'll draw him up a bath a little later, before dinner perhaps. I've got some crackers and tea that might do the trick, it was green tea you gave us when me, Adira, and Hector were sick was it not?"
"Yep! With some lemon and honey mixed in, mostly honey", Hamuel fluffed up his chest, "I think Hamuel may want some too"
Quirin chuckled, "that explains the sweetness, I've already got a kettle at the ready, I'm just gonna place in on the stove for a bit, please excuse me", with that he walked inside the kitchen and grabbed the aforementioned kettle, filling it with water and placing it on the stone stove that Varian made.
****
The rain was still pelting on the roof as the door to the privy finally opened, and out walked a very dizzy and embarrassed alchemist. Eugene was waiting for him, giving him a gentle hug before walking him back to the couch, once there he helped lift the boy onto the couch before covering him with a blanket. Rapunzel grabbed couple tissues and wiped the tears, among other things, off Varian's face, smiling sympathetically at the teen as she did so.
"I'm sorry..." he stated softly, his voice was barely above a whisper
"It's okay, you couldn't help it", she responded gently
"B-but I m-made a mess..."
"It's alright Varian, you're sick it was bound to happen"
"I t-tried to clean it"
"We can handle that part, you just rest okay?"
"B-but-!"
"You rest, Lance already volunteered to clean it up"
Right as she said that, the former thief walked out of the privy with a, now clean, waste bucket and set it next to the couch, he gave the teen a smile and a wink as he walked past with a sack in his gloved hands.
"T-thank you"
"Don't mention it little man", Lance stated before he disappeared inside the kitchen.
Varian coughed again, turning away from Rapunzel and covering his mouth with his arm as he did so, Ruddigar rubbed his boy's cheek comfortingly after the coughing had subsided, receiving a scratch behind the ears, "thanks buddy", the little raccoon chittered delightedly. The little alchemist felt his chin being pulled as he faced the princess once more, she finished wiping his face with a warm wet washcloth Eugene had just given her, "I hate being sick..." Varian sniffled
"I know, I'm sorry you're going through this right now, but it won't last forever, and once it's over you can do alchemy again!"
"Yeah! Then you can make explosions with chemicals, beat Lance at cards and chess, and explain everything that is science to us in words we don't understand again!" Eugene teased, making Varian giggle, "I see a smile"
"You see nothing", the teen turned away
"Nope, I know what I saw and it had a row of pearly whites"
"I don't know what you're talking about"
Eugene then gently ruffled the teen's extremely messy hair, "geez kiddo, I think we need to brush you, you're starting to look like Ruddigar"
The raccoon chittered a little, a little offended at the accusation, "thanks for the defense...." Varian stated sarcastically before coughing a little more
Lance walked back in the living room, followed by Quirin, who was holding a plate, and Edmund, who smiled when he saw the little alchemist, "hello there tiny one!"
Varian looked and smiled, "oh hi, w-when did you get here?"
"When you were talking about saving Quirin", he stated while sitting in an arm chair opposite to Quirin's arm chair near the fireplace, "I was the spooky person outside the window"
"Spooky person?"
"He was asleep for that", the retired knight stated, placing the plate on the stand next to the couch as he replaced Rapunzel who moved so he could sit next to his son on the couch
"Mostly anyway", Lance added, leaning against the wall next to the kitchen door
"Oh right, either way, I came to say hello and check on things here, but when I saw you were sick I wanted to help", Edmund explained, Hamuel flapping his wings a little as he cawed at the alchemist, "Hamuel did too!"
Varian blushed a little, "y-you don't have to, I mean you probably have a million and one things you'd rather be doing"
"Nothing is more important to me than family, and you're my only grandson", he stated
"For now", Lance added while snickering as Varian blinked at him innocently, "you'll understand when you're older"
"I'm 15"
"Your point?"
Eugene, who had pulled the foot stool to Quirin's armchair closer to the couch sighed as Rapunzel, who sat next to him, raised a brow at Lance, "I think we may be getting a little off track here", Edmund stated while giving a side glance to Quirin, "point is", he looked at Varian again, "I *want* to help you! Besides, grandpa healing is the best kind of healing", he stated, making Hamuel caw, he glanced at him just as Quirin raised his brow at that statement before looking at his son. The little alchemist smiled and shook his head before pointing at him secretly, making the farmer smirk.
"So, what do grandfather's do exactly?" Rapunzel asked while smiling
"They spoil the heck out of their grandkids and make their parents go crazy while sharing embarrassing stories of them", Edmund explained, making the retired knight look at him
"Let me guess, Adira told you that", his knight stated, handing a cup of tea to the teen, who took it excitedly
"Why yes she did, why? Did she tell you the same thing?"
Quirin sighed as he rolled his eyes and smiled, making his son giggle as he blew on the hot tea before taking a sip, "is that really what grandparents are supposed to do?" the princess asked
"In a way yes, not all grandparents do that, it honestly depends on the person. My grandfather was kind to me before he passed away, that was before the plague", he added, stopping Varian's question before he could even say it, "they were kind and considerate, they actually taught me a lot of the morals I know today, particularly my grandfather", he smiled at the memory of the man sharing his stories with a five year old Quirin before he snapped out of it, "*ahem*, anyway, every grandparent is different, it honestly depends on what the child would need I suppose"
"Exactly, and what *this* child needs is to be spoiled and loved and pampered!" Edmund stated, catching the face he was receiving from his knight, "I mean, I *could* tell him stories, like the one time you, Hector, and Adira thought it would be a good idea to sneak out only to be caught by me in the dead of night"
"That was Hector and Adira who snuck out, I got dragged into that because I was trying to stop them"
"You were still out past your bedtime"
"Yet I was the one that kept them from doing anything worse, like the vase incident"
The king cringed at that, "ok, that one you've got a point about"
"The vase incident?" Rapunzel asked, Eugene having an equally confused look on his face as Lance thought about Adira when she was younger and getting a picture of a small teen girl with white hair and red paint on her face, she looked a lot like Angry in his head and it made him smirk
Edmund chuckled as Quirin rolled his eyes, "Adira and Hector liked to get into trouble a lot when they were younger", Edmund explained
"Emphasis on *a lot*", the retired knight retorted
Varian giggled as the king continued, "they thought they'd be able to hide in a vase because I had multiple vases lined up in a hallway. They were big and painted differently to represent the eight kingdoms"
"Wait, *eight* kingdoms?" Rapunzel asked
"Well yes, back then the Dark Kingdom had active trades and partnerships with Corona, we were a part of the Seven Kingdoms before....." He looked down at his right arm before glancing at Quirin
"The Moonstone incident?" Eugene finished gently
Edmund sighed, "yes that..."
Varian looked at his father, who had placed a hand on his king's left shoulder for comfort as the storm outside seemed to calm a little, before glancing down at Ruddigar and stroking his fur and looking up at his grandfather, "you're making up for it"
"Hm?" Edmund looked at the sick teen, who coughed a little before continuing
"Y-you're making up for what you did, you came and talked with dad, you visit Eugene, you helped Rapunzel get to the Moonstone in the first place, you're trying to fix it. That's the best thing you can do, e-even if you still feel guilty for it", he smiled at the man, who blinked at him for a moment before realization hit and he smiled back
"Thank you", the alchemist nodded before gesturing for him to continue, "oh right! The vase incident!" Quirin, removing his hand off of Edmund's shoulder, pulled his son close to him and gave him a hug, kissing his forehead as the king continued with his tale, "the vases were in the western wing of the castle, nearest to the kitchen, so the two thought it would be a good idea to try and sneak into the vase hallway and hide in them so they could stay inside until after the guards made their rounds and grab some snacks before heading off to bed for the night. What they didn't realize, was that Quirin, who was a newly appointed knight and was about 21 years old at this point, and I were walking down that corridor, talking about new security measures that would be kept in place for a long time yet to come due to how useful they were in this particular situation". The retired knight started to laugh as the dark king smirked, at the younger folk's confused expressions he stated, "this part of the story is Quirin's favorite"
The Village Leader laughed a bit more before he calmed himself, "sorry, it's just funny to remember, and Adira absolutely *hates* it when I remind her..... which I'm going to do next time I see her", he smirked, making Varian giggle
"You call me the brat", the little alchemist stated, Ruddigar chittering in agreement
"She had it coming, lets just say that", his father stated, making Edmund chuckle
"Yes well, she and Hector both were a little more than surprised to see us, in fact they were so surprised that both of them ended up falling inside the Dark Kingdom vase, which I actually painted myself".
"How big were theses vases?" Eugene asked a little flabbergasted
"Big enough to fit a 10 year old girl and a 8 year old boy", Quirin replied, "Hector was a little smaller than Varian when he was 8, Adira being a touch taller than that, they were both pretty skinny as well, so I'd say it was about as big as a normal sized barrel, maybe slightly taller and a touch skinnier"
"Ah", Eugene replied as Lance joined him and Rapunzel on the footstool
"Naturally we heard them fall in and went to investigate, only to find that Hector had fallen on top of Adira and both were stuck in the vase, neither one could get out, they needed us to pull them out and it was way past their curfew", Edmund stated, "neither wanted our help and told us they could get out on their own, so we let them try. To be fair they managed to get out all by themselves.... by wobbling the vase too much that they made it fall onto the hard stone floor and it busted into several small pieces"
"Oh no", Varian stated
"Oh yes, it then created a domino affect and made the other vases fall as well, creating a huge mess and ruining pieces of art the other kingdoms worked *hard* to make. They were in big trouble after that, they spent many days cleaning that up, and they were big vases too. They also cleaned the entire hallway, apologized to each kingdom and asked them to make another, which they did, and were grounded to their rooms for a week, only being allowed out to eat and use the restroom with Quirin being their guard"
"Which I was more than happy to do considering all the trouble they got me into", the retired knight added as he handed his son the plate, which held crackers and some soup
"That was forever known as the vase incident and was talked about for many years after, none of the kingdoms were too upset, they were children after all". The dark king explained while smiling, "in fact, it was a very fun activity for the royals to make and paint the vases that represented their kingdoms, the new ones came out even better than before!"
"That's good to know, I'm glad no one was upset", Rapunzel stated, "it also gives me a couple of ideas"
"Why do I feel like those ideas are going to end up with me and Lance covered in paint?" Eugene asked
"Because you probably will be", the princess retorted, "Varian and Quirin will be too", she smirked at the duo, who were a little surprised at that
"Before we go make any craft projects, lets heal the sickly first? ....And maybe not do that in my house?" the Village Leader stated, making everyone laugh
Hours passed as they spent the rest of the day going over stories, the storm hadn't cleared completely, but the rain had stopped for now, thunder and lightning warning the kingdom that it was not over yet. Though the group didn't seem to pay it any mind, Eugene and Edmund, along with Hamuel, offered to make dinner as Quirin and Ruddigar helped Varian get a bath, Rapunzel and Lance cleaned up the couch and made sure it was all set for the little alchemist to settle in for the night. Once dinner was ready and the couch was all clean, they chatted for a bit until the privy door opened, Varian looked extremely tired, when asked, Quirin explained he'd ended up puking again, which made them feel really bad. They helped him crawl back onto the couch and got him to eat a little more food before he passed out. His fever was still high and he was coughing a bit more frequently, but the little group would make sure he'd be well taken care of, Edmund had certainly made keeping the alchemist calm a lot easier, which everyone was grateful for, they spent the rest of the night taking turns watching over Varian before everyone ended up falling asleep in the living room together, Quirin being the last one to do so, putting out the fire and giving his son a kiss on the forehead before he pulled the armchair next to the couch, sat down, and fell asleep, a grateful smile on his face for the little family they had.
Notes:
Here it is! The Storm Part 2, Varian is still sick, and we're still gonna get more sick fic, but this was a little bit of King Edmund love because that man is a bean!
Again, I really am sorry for the delay on this, like I said, I've been really sick and haven't been able to write anything, I hope this makes up for that though because I really do love writing this series! :D
Thank you all for reading!
Chapter 34: And Then They Talk!
Summary:
Quirin and Edmund have a fatherly chat!
Notes:
Edmund and Quirin needed more of this in the show!
I'm still sick, but gosh darn it Imma write! XD
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin's eyes fluttered open as the morning sun hit his face, he lifted his head and cracked it a bit, it ached just a tad. Rubbing the back of his neck he looked around, it looked like mostly everyone else was still asleep, the old farmer smirked when he saw King Edmund was already awake and moving around judging from the vacant chair across from him where a single crow sat. The retired knight was about to get up when he realized he felt something on his chest, it was very warm and was preventing him from moving. He looked down and smiled at the mess of black and blue hair that greeted him, the small alchemist had somehow managed to climb into his lap during the night and fell asleep, he noticed Ruddigar had gotten trapped in the little teen's arms, but he didn't seem to mind and was fast asleep as well. Not wanting to wake him, Quirin tried his best to shimmy his son to the side, but every time he got close, the teen would make a noise akin to a whine, grab onto his father's shirt, and pull himself back on the man's chest.
The retired knight would've laughed if he thought it wouldn't wake the others, "you're going to be a brat nugget today aren't you?" He whispered jokingly to his sleeping son, who curled up even more and latched onto the man's vest, making him chuckle.
"Ah you're awake!" A voice stated quietly, the retired knight looked up to see Edmund standing next to the crow in the adjacent chair, he sat down and smiled, "I see you noticed the little ball of science on you"
"Yes I did, did you put him here?"
"Nope, I woke up this morning and saw him walk over to you on his own", the Dark king then made a concern face, "he... ended up puking on himself during the night, it's why I woke up, he was crying...."
The Village Leader felt his heart break as he looked down at his son, "oh Varian...." he stroked the boy's head gently, receiving a quiet and tired hum in return before he looked back at the king, "he puked on himself? Did he change his clothes? Why didn't he wake me up?"
"Calm down Quirin", Edmund stated softly, "I handled all of that, he didn't wake you because I stopped him. He was making his way over to you when I asked him what was wrong, he pointed to the couch and... well.... it was a big mess, we'll leave it at that"
"Oh no..."
"Yeah, he was very upset and extremely embarrassed, poor little peanut...." He looked at the small child and watched him for a moment or two before continuing, "But I had him change his clothes upstairs, I helped him up, and while he was changing I cleaned the mess up. I asked if he wanted to lay back down on the couch, but he climbed on you instead, he seemed pretty upset, I think he may have had a nightmare...."
"Another one?"
"It would appear so...."
Quirin sighed, looking at his son again, he rubbed his back gently, making the little alchemist stretch a little as the raccoon purred contently, "we're going to have a conversation about those nightmares, they may have something to do with his PTSD"
"Your son has PTSD?"
The Village Leader looked at his king and saw the man looking sympathetically at the teen, "yes... unfortunately with what happened while I was stuck inside the amber, he.... went through a lot, I know Adira told you about it"
"She did.... she also mentioned it affected him a great deal but I didn't think...." The Dark King put a hand on his forehead and looked shocked for a moment, "PTSD...." He looked at the boy again, lowering his arm, "no child, no matter if they are a teen or not, should have to go through what your boy did...."
"I know...."
The king then noticed his knight with a different look on his face, pain and fear stretched across the man's features as he watched his child breathe. Edmund immediately felt anger and sadness run through his bones as his knight, and best friend, wore the same look of guilt he'd had for 25 long years. "Quirin, this isn't your fault-!", he tried, but the farmer was two steps ahead
"Not my fault? I should've told him from the very beginning and trusted him, I should've listened to him when he and the rest of the village asked me to inform the king about the black rocks, and when I didn't and Varian questioned me, I got mad and scolded him, even going so far as to tell him he wasn't ready. I should've been more upfront with him, been more honest and kind to him, instead I made him feel like he wasn't important, like he wasn't good enough for me, and he lashed out and now he's having nightmares and flashbacks.... You're right, he shouldn't have PTSD, but because of me and my actions, he does, and I don't know how to help him.... So tell me again how that isn't my fault?"
"Did I or did I not tell you to keep the Moonstone a secret?"
"That has nothing to do wi-!"
"But it really does", Edmund stated, his voice was still quiet but it's tone was level and serious, "I told you to keep it a secret, from everyone, you gave an oath to protect the Moonstone no matter what, I made you promise to protect people *from* the Moonstone no matter what. You did exactly as I told you, you kept it a secret, you kept quiet, and yes, it caused damage, could things have been better, yes, but they always could be. I didn't have to attack the stone and make it backfire against you and Adira, which by the way, don't think I didn't notice that little blue streak in his hair".
"He hasn't shown any signs of being connected to it"
"Yet. The magic blasted right through you, in a stripe, I know he's an alchemist, but I don't think even he would do something like that to his hair. From what I gathered from Adira, the queen of Corona drank the tea that held the Sunflower and Rapunzel was born with the Sundrop, for all we know that very same magic could be flowing from you and into your boy the day he was born, giving him that little stripe".
Quirin looked down at his son again, the blue hair stripe was a mess on his boy's extremely unkempt head, but even so, the strands were almost glowing against the black and brown background the rest of his head provided. The retired knight would be lying if he'd said he hadn't worried about that before, but this wasn't about that, "what does that have anything to do with what I've done against my child? You didn't see him, I hurt him, I hurt my son"
"I left mine in an orphanage from 25 years and he grew up on the streets as the worlds most talented thief", Quirin blinked a few times before looking at Eugene, who was sleeping next to Lance and Rapunzel, having one arm protectively around the princess, and the other rubbing elbows with his best friend, then looking back at his king with a sad expression, "my son who, somehow, managed to find the Sundrop princess, rescue her, and went with her on a mission to find the Moonstone, and found me".
The retired knight was silent as he rubbed Varian's back, was he really about to have a contest on who was the bigger failure of a father with his king? "What exactly am I supposed to say here? If I tried to justify your actions, you would just turn it back on me and ask how can I justify you but can't justify myself, if I don't, you'll continue telling me that I'm not a failure of father but we both know neither way will comfort either of us"
Edmund chuckled as he looked at his friend, "you were never one to be fooled with such easy words were you Quirin?"
"Nope"
"Well, I suppose it was a long shot, but seriously, you shouldn't say that about yourself, look at your boy", the Dark King stated as the retired knight raised a brow, "I'm serious, look at him", Quirin did and smiled, Varian had grabbed a bit of the Village Leader's vest and was now clinging to it while he mumbled a small bit, something about making a fireworks show for the moon, "that little boy is clinging to you and you alone, when he puked, he almost immediately went to wake you and ask for *your* help, not mine, not Eugene's, not the princess's or Lance, you. He wanted his dad, he's always wanted you, though he may fight you and maybe even ruffle your feathers, he only wants you, now I may be kind of new at this, but any child who loves their father like that, must have a damn good reason to"
"But what I did to him-!"
"Quirin, that boy made those decisions to free *you*! He took over Corona, because the king of Corona and its people abandoned *you*! He went through pain, anger, sadness, depression, loneliness, and everything else under the sun and moon to save *you*! You know why? Because he loves you, because he wanted you, yeah sure, you could make the argument that he felt bad, but what did he say when he saw your arm trapped in that amber? What did he say, because I'll bet you gold coins to apples, it wasn't 'you should've listened to me dad'"
"He told me he'd go find help"
"And he ran out the door didn't he?" The Village Leader stayed quiet, Ruddigar letting out a chitter during the pause, "you know your silence is only proving my point"
Quirin chuckled, then sighed, "you know you're not a failure of a father either?" Edmund scoffed, which made the retired knight raise his brow again, Edmund tried to raise it back, but ended up raising both brows, which made the Villager Leader smile as the Dark King blushed, "having difficulties?"
"I used to be able to do that", he huffed and pouted
"Very regal behavior your highness"
"Shush"
The retired knight snickered, then looked down at his child once more, "you know, Eugene has told me a thing or two about you, not much, but given what I've heard, you're not a bad father either"
The king stopped pouting and looked at the man, "what do you mean?"
Quirin smiled, "Eugene told me about the little trip you two went on. You know, the one where you threw both your axe and his sword into a dead tree stump that launched them down a cliff?" Edmund blushed, "yeah, that was a fun story to listen to, it reminded me of when you forced me, Adira, and Hector into that fishing trip because we kept fighting, you managed to lose every single fish we caught, so we had to spend an extra hour catching more"
"In my defense, they were very slippery"
"Which is why you place them in a net first, *then* take to hook out"
"I'm very glad we had this fishing lesson, your point?" The Dark King grumped
The retired knight chuckled, "my point is, it's one of my favorite memories growing up, I was what, 14 at the time? Adira and Hector were 8 and 6 respectively, when Adira, Hector, and I said our final goodbyes, that was a moment we reminded ourselves off as we departed. You were an amazing father figure to us, we had no one, we could've easily turned out like Eugene, in fact, I almost did until you stood up for me"
"Yeah it's uh, funny how the tables turned on that", Edmund stated, smiling as he gestured to his right shoulder
"It uh...." Quirin wasn't sure how to respond to that
Edmund laughed, then slapped a hand over his mouth as he looked around the room, out of everyone, only Ruddigar and Varian seemed to notice the noise, the raccoon hopped onto the arm of the chair as his boy ended up making a small whine again before he turned over to lay on his right side and curled up once more, Ruddigar slipping into his arms, staying awake this time just in case. "Sorry", the king whispered, the retired knight nodded as he rubbed his son's back again, erecting another hum that made him smile. "You know it's okay to point it out right?" Edmund stated after waiting to make sure he wouldn't wake the sleeping alchemist, "I make jokes about it all the time, it's not like it's something new that I have to live with".
"Well, I suppose", the Village Leader responded
"You're still not gonna respond to that are you?"
"Nope", The Dark King giggled this time, making Quirin snicker as well, "anyway, your royal jokester, you're a great father, you just need to spend more time with him, when he's willing".
"Right, forcing anything with a son, even a grown up son, is probably the worst way to bond"
The Village Leader nodded, before he heard his boy make a noise, looking down he smiled as Varian had turned to lay on his back, with Ruddigar laying on his chest, and was now talking in his sleep, "how many spoons would it take to dig to the center of the earth?" he seemingly asked Quirin
"I believe more than we have in this household son", his father stated
"But what if they were metal spoons?" The little alchemist retorted
"You'd still need more than we have in this house, why do you want to go to the center of the earth?"
"I want a cup of magma"
"Why do you want a cup of magma?"
"So I can heat up the water in my tanks"
"What would you place the magma in?" His father responded, "it would have to be pretty durable to hold magma"
The little alchemist then turned and laid on his left side, mumbling about an indestructible cup as the little raccoon hopped off and managed to make it to the arm of the chair before he got squashed, he ended up laying there and chittering softly to his boy, making Quirin and Edmund snicker
"Do you two do that a lot?" The Dark King asked
"Yep, believe it or not, he's actually had a full blown conversation with me while asleep, we talked about agriculture, he woke up the next morning and made a mulch that helped the plants grow faster, I take partial credit for that", he smirked, "though I'm a little worried about the cup of magma thing, not gonna lie, that's a bit concerning".
The Dark king chuckled as he looked between his own little prince and the sleeping teen, "he and Eugene are very similar you know, they're both pretty sassy and can be extremely intelligent in their fields"
"Plus they both have a knack for getting themselves into trouble", Quirin added
"You're right about that", they both carried on for a while, talking about their kids and how they get along so well, the fires in their hearts lighting up even brighter as they joked and enjoyed each other's company.
****
"Do I really have to take that? It's liquid bubble gum", Varian grumbled, "and not the good kind either..." He'd woken up just a few hours later and, much to everyone delight, and Quirin's relief, his fever had finally broken. Though he still needed to stay on the couch for a couple more days since he was still not fully recovered. He was slightly embarrassed, however, about having climbed into his father's lap and slept there that morning, much like what his raccoon was doing now to keep him on the couch.
"It'll make your stomach stop doing backflips so you can eat something", Quirin stated, not budging on the matter as he held a tiny cup filled with the pink liquid the doctors had prescribed. The little alchemist grumbled about the flawed logic, but swiped the cup and drank the medicine down in one gulp, holding a hand over his mouth so he didn't spit it out. Finally swallowing, quickly grabbed the water cup Rapunzel was holding nearby and glugged it down, dripping a little on Ruddigar as his father roll his eyes, "drama queen".
The old farmer grabbed the cup as his son raised a brow at him, he raised a brow right back and poked the teen's nose as he walked away, "hey! No unnecessary nose booping!" The tiny alchemist grumped
"The rules were not established before I did the deed, so therefore, there is no penalty"
"Wait who's the judge? I'd like to speak to them and launch a formal complaint against a particular father figure in this house hold", the little alchemist then sneezed, making Ruddigar jump a bit before falling back asleep.
Quirin chuckled as he walked over, and handed his son a tissue, "that would be me", he stated, kissing the teen's head as he walked away
"I call for a revote", Varian stated sassily through the tissue, making Rapunzel giggle as Eugene and Lance smirked at each other before sitting next to the sick teen
Quirin walked into the kitchen and saw Edmund cleaning up the dishes from breakfast, "thank you, you didn't have to do that"
"Oh I don't mind, he's feeling better I see"
"Yep, there was never a more sassier teen, than the one sitting in my living room", Quirin joked making the Dark King laugh, they suddenly heard the little alchemist sneeze again and smiled
"He's got tiny sneezes", Edmund stated
"Tiny, yet frequent", the Village Leader replied, "how long are you planning on staying by the way? If it'll be a while, I can get a room set up for you so you don't have to spend you visit on the chair"
"That would be nice, but I only plan on being here for a couple more days, I wanted to send a note, but...." He looked at Hamuel who cawed at him from his shoulder, "while he's a trust worthy bird, he could never handle a storm"
"I'm surprised he can still handle the trip, he's a very old crow", Quirin retorted
"Hey, an old crow can still learn new tricks!" Edmund stated firmly
They heard Varian sneeze again, Eugene's laugher followed after that, "what do you wanna bet he just sneezed on Lance?" The retired knight stated smirking as his king dried his hands
"2 gold pieces he sneezed on his raccoon instead", Edmund stated, they shook on it and entered the room.
"Did you have to sneeze on *me*?! Really?! If I get sick I'm blamin you!" Lance snapped while grabbing a bunch of tissue papers and wiping his shirt off as quick as he could
"I said I was sorry, I couldn't control that one", the little alchemist defended
"Right sure you couldn't"
"I told you not to stand too close to him Lance, so if anyone's to blame for getting you sick, it's you", Rapunzel piped up
"Blondie's got a point", he then noticed his father handing two gold coins to a very smug looking Quirin, "OH COME ON! Seriously?! You even win when my DAD bets against you?!"
Varian than noticed and started to laugh as Lance and Rapunzel sighed, "welcome to the 'we all lost to Quirin in a bet against his son' club, there's a lot of us...." Lance stated, making Quirin laugh next
Edmund huffed then stood next to Eugene, "well the WALTQIABAHS Club will rise together and find *something* to win against Quirin and his little peanut!" He announced, getting a resounding "YEAH!" from Eugene and Lance, "and our first order of business is to find a new name for ourselves!" They gave another resounding "YEAH!" before they looked at each other.
"What name should we have?" Lance asked
"Well the Walt-Qi-abahs is definitely not sticking", Eugene stated
"We need to find a cool name for ourselves so we don't look like utter fools should we tell other people of our club", Edmund stated
"How about the 'Better Than Thems'!" Lance suggested
"Lance, that's not a name", Eugene stated
"Yet, the former thief stated
Varian than looked at his father, "wanna make our own team?" He asked
"Sure, what's our name?" The retired knight stated as he sat next to his son on the couch and stroked Ruddigar's fur, getting a purr in return
The little alchemist thought for a moment before he gasped, "how about 'Daditude'!"
Quirin snorted, "*Dad*itude?!"
"Yeah it's perfect, with my attitude, and you're dadliness mixed together we can *never* lose!"
His father was still chuckling as he stated, "ok, ok, we can be team 'Daditude', I'm fine with that", Varian hugged him happily, giggling as he did
"See?! They already have a cool team name!" Lance whined, "I'm serious team 'Better Than Them' is epic!"
"Yeah no, doesn't really role of the tongue my friend, we need something that shows how unbeatable we are!" Eugene stated
"Like team 'Awesome'?" Rapunzel, who was sitting on the arm chair that Edmund had previously taken, asked, smiling at the alchemist and her boyfriend
"Hey, team 'Awesome' will never die, no matter what other bonds we make", the prince stated
"Yep! Team 'Awesome' is an unbreakable bond that no one can come between!" Varian agreed as he and Eugene high fived each other
They kept discussing more names they could try for while before deciding to wait to pick a name at a later date. Edmund and Eugene went to the market place to pick up some groceries while Lance and Rapunzel kept an eye on Varian so Quirin could check on things on the farm, he walked down his steps and closed the door just as Rapunzel suggested they play some games, a mixture of delight and annoyance were heard, making the Village Leader chuckle as he walked down towards the fields, enjoying a moment in the sun as he strolled out, catching a glimpse of a red painted face watching him through the trees, he smirked as he waved, Adira waved back, then jumped into another tree and disappeared from sight. He shook his head and turned to walk down the road, enjoying the view of a nice spring day.
Notes:
Poor Ruddigar just can't seem to find a good spot to lay X3 Don't worry, he gets plenty of apples later
Grumpy Varian is back! I love grumpy Varian! He may be in the next chapter too! :D
I wanted Quirin and King Edmund to have a moment together that involved their kids, since I think they would have an interesting conversation about that, also, more Quirin development! YAY!
Thank you all very much for reading! <3
Chapter 35: Finding Ways to Beat Boredom!
Summary:
Varian hates being sick and he wants to work on his projects but can't because he's still stuck on the couch, which annoys him to no end. His father comes up with an idea for his sick child to not be bored as he lays on the couch.
Notes:
So, Varian is gonna be a little grumpy here, he's not a happy sickly! But Quirin makes him feel better, so yay!
Also this chapter is going to be a little shorter today, since I don't have a lot of time to write it, sorry about that.
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Now?"
"No"
"....How about now?"
"No"
"........Now?"
"Varian"
"But I'm bored!"
"And sick"
"I'm mostly bored"
"You're staying on the couch"
"......Now?"
Quirin sighed, he'd gotten back from his trek to the fields just a few hours ago, Lance had lost several games of chess in that time and Rapunzel thought it might be a good idea for the man to get some air. So she took the former thief on a walk due to the sheer frustration he was feeling. The retired knight had told them he could handle watching his son, but forgot how persistent he got during the final phase of the sickness.
"Dad?"
"Still no"
"Humph!" Varian crossed his arm and huffed and he sat on the couch. His lower half was wrapped in blankets as his upper half was exposed, he had a short sleeved pajama shirt on and his goggles, apron, boots, and gloves had all been removed, the goggles were sitting on the side table next to a glass of water. He glared at the couch for a moment, wishing it would disappear so he could at least *sit* somewhere else, mind you, he wasn't mad, but he nearly back to normal, surly there was *something* he could do besides sit here. He suddenly felt his stomach bubble, he grabbed the glass of water and took an unsteady sip before setting it down, it was still bubbling, and it felt like it was climbing. He put a hand over his mouth, begging it not to come up, he tried to force it down, screaming in his head, but the sickening feeling found its way up to his cheeks, he was about to get up and run but felt his stomach lurch and his mouth open.
The contents of his stomach spilled out of his mouth and into the waste bucket his father had quickly grabbed and raised right in the nick of time. Varian clutched the sides and bent his head as the painful process continued, his father rubbing his back as it happened. Ruddigar had managed to hop out of the way and onto the arm of the couch, he was now chittering worriedly at his boy as he watched. "It's okay son, I'm here, I'm here", his father cooed softly as tears began to sting in the corner of Varian's eyes. When the puke finally left his system, he nearly dropped the bucket as he fell back, exhausted from the action, Quirin managed to catch it before it tipped onto the floor, setting it gently on the ground as he sat next to his son.
Varian leaned on his father's shoulder, shivering as he suddenly felt very cold, "I t-thought I was done with t-this...." he stuttered, trying not to cry as he hid his beat red face in his hands.
"The sick doesn't go away after your fever breaks, it just becomes a little more tolerable", his father stated as he pulled his son in his arms and hugged him, smiling when he felt a little hand clutch his vest.
"W-why can't it go away? I hate b-being sick...."
"I know son, I know, but it'll go away soon enough, you just have to be patient", Quirin began rubbing Varian's back again as Ruddigar hopped on the Village Leader's shoulders and stroked his boy's hair in an attempt to comfort him.
The little alchemist peeked out from his hiding spot in his father's vest and looked up at the man with one eye, "h-how'd you know I was gonna puke?"
His father chuckled, "you put your hand on your mouth and turned paler than a ghost, I had a feeling it was either puke or an idea for an escape attempt, both of which would've ended badly", he raised a brow at the teen.
Varian gave the man a small smile as he continued to hug him, letting out a breath as did so, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome son", Quirin replied, they stayed silent for a little bit, neither really knowing what to say, until his father got an idea, "you're bored right?"
"To the point where watching paint dry would be a better activity, why?"
"I think I may have a fun idea, hold on, I have to grab something", the old farmer stated
"Nuuuu, I don't want you to move", the teen whined
"I'll be right back", his father chuckled
"But you're warm", Varian blushed a bit, "and believe me when I say it's taking every fiber in my being to actually tell you that without dying from embarrassment..."
The Village Leader laughed as he sat down and gave his son one last hug, "the sooner I grab what I need, the faster I'll be back and the less bored you'll be after, sound fair?"
The alchemist thought about it for a moment before he sighed and let go, "please hurry, I'm really cold"
"I will", Quirin stated, chuckling as he got up and walked over to the kitchen door, he walked through, grabbed a notepad, eraser, pencil, and sharpener, then walked back inside the living room and sat down next to his son, who pounced on him and pulled his vest over him, "hey, I'm still wearing that you know".
"I know but it's big and warm and you can share", came the muffled reply as the teen leaned against his father once more before peeking out of the vest to look at what his father grabbed, "a pad and pencil?"
"Yep, I thought maybe you could sketch out some blueprints or jot down some ideas while you're sick, that way once you're better, you'll already have the ideas prepared". Varian took the notepad in his hands and opened it, it was completely empty and had plenty of space to write on, he thought about it for a moment, then smiled and immediately began writing down an idea for an indestructible cup. "I'm gonna say this now, you're not putting magma in that", Quirin stated sternly, making the alchemist blush again.
"Dang it! I knew I got that idea somewhere!" he replied, coughing a bit as his father chuckled, "you and your practical ideas!"
"Maybe don't talk in your sleep then?" The retired knight suggested
"Yeah yeah...." He turned the page and wrote in big letters, 'machine to stop sleep talking', which made his father laugh.
****
A couple hours had passed, and Varian had already filled out ten pages of the notepad, front to back, with ideas he had for machines and chemicals he could test on. Quirin would write a couple of notes in there while the alchemist wasn't looking, things like, 'no magma', or 'outside use only'. He would chuckle when he noticed the side glances he got from his son, they were a combination of annoyance and excitement. Rapunzel and Lance had returned from their walk, along Eugene and Edmund from the market place. The two had bought food and drinks for the house as a thank you to Quirin for letting them stay there, the prince had also bought a small gift for the sick teen, it was two magnets that stuck together and made a noise when they were thrown in the air, which Varian had enjoyed playing with for a bit before getting a new idea and jotting it in the notepad.
"Where'd you get that?" Rapunzel asked, noticing the teen writing something down
"My dad, I was bored, so he thought this might give me something to do while I wait to get better", Varian explained as he finished writing, whatever new invention he had in mind, down
The princess snuck a peek, "oooh! Neat drawings! Wait, who wrote, 'try not to burn the house down this time', here?"
"DAD THAT WAS ONE TIME!" Varian yelled, he got a sneaky chuckle from the kitchen, making Eugene and Lance laugh as Rapunzel giggled and kept reading, "oh I like this one! You know, you're a really great artist! You should try to draw a picture of someone!"
"Who would I draw? I've never tried drawing people before", the little alchemist responded, looking at the princess
"Hmmmm.... you could try to draw Ruddigar as a start, that's how I started, except I drew Pascal", she booped the little chameleon on the nose, he made a happy squeaking noise in return
"I guess I could try, uh but you can't watch me!" He blushed
Rapunzel giggled, "alright, I won't, in fact, I'll draw too!" She then grabbed her journal out of her bag and started to sketch, Varian doing the same as he looked at his sleeping raccoon. They managed to finished nearly in sync, and showed each other.
"Wow! Yours looks almost exactly like Pascal! You even got some of his scales!" The teen complimented as he stared in awe at the drawing.
"Thanks! Can I see yours?"
"Uh sure, b-but it's not nearly that good", he replied, showing the drawing
The princess took a look and gasped, "are you kidding me?! That's AMAZING! You got every detail of him, even the blankets he's laying on!" The raccoon in question woke up from his nap and looked at the two, he crawled over and looked at the drawing of himself, smiling and chittering happily, "see? He lies it too! You've got to show this to Quirin!"
"I don't think it's *that* good Rapunzel, it's my first time drawing an animal and honestly, I think I made his leg look off"
"But Varian don't you realize what you just said? This is your first time drawing an animal, and honestly it looks really good!"
"You really think so?"
"Oh I *know* so! Art is my thing, I can tell you put a lot of effort into this! You even added shading, that's really impressive for someone who never draws live beings before!"
Varian blushed, "y-you think he'd like it?"
"He'd love it! Come on!" She grabbed the little alchemist's hand and helped him up, Ruddigar hopping on his shoulder as they walked into the kitchen. They saw Quirin and Edmund putting the food away, "hey Quirin, Varian drew Ruddigar and it's really good", the princess announced as she and the sick teen walked over to the Village Leader.
He turned around and smiled, "you drew Ruddigar?"
"Uh yeah.... B-but it's not *that* great, I-I mean it's the first time I did it soooo...." He rubbed the back of his neck and held out the picture, "s-she wanted me to show you"
His father chuckled and took the notepad, looking at the drawing, his eyes widened, "oh wow, it's actually really good son!"
Varian looked at the man like he'd grown a second head, "wait really?"
"Yeah! You even got his paws right, that's hard to draw, it's a really good drawing!" He then chuckled, "you added the hot chocolate stains on the blankets, I see that"
Varian giggled, "yep! I did"
"Hinting at something I take it?"
"Mmmmaybe, b-but the picture, you... you really like it?"
"I do! It's very impressive! You made Ruddigar look regal, which until this day I thought was impossible", he teased, getting a couple angry chitters in response, "I think it's a wonderful piece of art"
"T-thank you!" Varian hugged his dad, who hugged him back, and smiled wide
They let go after a minute and Varian sneezed, "bless you", Quirin stated, handing him a tissue, "now maybe go take your sick self back to the couch?"
"R-right", his son stated, taking the notepad back and, along with Rapunzel, walked back into the living room. Quirin made dinner an hour later and, after they ate, cleaned up, and played a couple more games that Varian won, the little alchemist ended up falling asleep. They all decided to call it a night and each person went about getting ready for bed while the retired knight tucked his son under the blankets. He ended up knocking the notepad off the couch, he picked it up and noticed a new drawing, it made him smile, it was him smiling happily at the person who was looking. Quirin went to go put it on the stand but stopped when he noticed a little note in the corner of the drawing. It said, 'my dad, the leader of Old Corona, a man who's fought hard to get where he is today, I'm proud of him'. The Village Leader sniffled a bit at that, setting the notepad down and kissing his son on the cheek, he got a happy hum in response. He smiled and stroked his boy's hair, "I'm proud of you too son", he whispered, "I always will be".
Notes:
Truly this is one of the fluffiest chapters I have written in this series, and I'm okay with that XD
Sorry about the ending lately, I can't seem to think straight with them and they always end up a little rushed, plus I'm short on time
Quirin is the best dad and deserves recognition for that!
Freckle twins chapter, sort of, Rapunzel is supportive of Varian's artistic ways, it's actually cannon he can draw a little too, so yay!
Thank you all for reading! :D
Chapter 36: A Day Out!
Summary:
Varian gets to have a break from being stuck inside all day!
Notes:
This one was hard to write because I didn't have a good bride to show he was getting better, so this is what popped out!
I hope you all enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"GOOD MORNING SICK BOY!!!!"
"Mph hm?" Varian blinked awake as a loud, booming voice yelled out with excitement. The little alchemist sat up and rubbed his eyes, Ruddigar, who was curled up next to him, sat up as well and gave an annoyed chitter.
"Are you ready for an fun day?!" The voice said, Varian looked up and saw Lance staring at him, a huge grin was plastered on his face
"L-Lance? What time is it?"
"It is 10:30AM and it's time for you to shake those bones awake! Because today you get to hang out with the coolest, funest, and more epic duo this side of the Corona wall!"
"Eugene?"
A loud 'HA' came from behind the man, "I said *duo* little man"
"You also said 'funest' and that's not a word"
"Picky boy", the former thief stated, "*ahem* anyway, did you wanna know what we're doin or not?"
Varian stretched and yawned before turning to look at the man, "aside from the fact that you woke me and Ruddigar up by yelling, I haven't eaten breakfast yet, your grammar is incorrect, and you're using your announcer voice which I've come to associate with trouble, yeah sure, I have a slight interest in what you're trying to sell me", he smirked sassily
Lance scoffed, "and to think I was just trying to get you out of the house for today", the man stated dramatically as Varian sneezed
"What did you expect exactly", Quirin, who walked over, fed Itty Bitty the fish, and gave his son a tissue, stated, "he's not a morning person Lance, you'll need to give him a moment"
"Right right, I just wanted to get him hyped up!" Lance responded excitedly, "so when will he be awake enough for it?"
Varian blew his nose and coughed, "as I said, give him a moment", his father stated, rubbing his son's back as the little alchemist crumpled up the tissue paper.
His stomach growled loudly, making him blush, "uh, eheh heh... is breakfast ready?" he chuckled nervously, looking at his dad
The Village Leader smiled, "I believe that's the first time you've been hungry since you got sick", he chuckled when his son's stomach growled again, "I'll grab you some soup"
"A-actually, c-can I have something that isn't soup or bread? Or is that still not allowed?" Varian asked
Quirin thought about it for a moment, "how's your stomach feeling?"
"Not too bad, hungry mostly", his father raised a brow, "I mean it! It doesn't feel too bad today, I don't feel queasy or nauseous-!" his stomach growled once more, "and I'm *really* hungry", he stated, looking at his father
"Hmmm, well, I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least try to get you to eat normal food. Although you keep forgetting puppy dog eyes don't work on me, though the trembling lip is a nice touch"
"Isn't it though? I got it from Catalina!"
Quirin chuckled, "I'm very glad she's teaching you new ways to beg"
"It's not begging because I'm not technically saying anything, just giving you a look"
"Right", The old farmer ruffled his son's hair before walking towards the kitchen, "though, just to let you know, I made the bacon my way"
"I will deal with the burnt bacon", the alchemist responded, "just so long as I get some"
"Oh so, it's not so bad then"
"If you mean eating glorified charcoal is better than drinking half my weight in liquids, then yes"
"Yeah you're definitely feeling better", his father stated, making Varian giggle
****
After everyone had something to eat, Varian was able to change his clothes and wear his normal outfit, which delighted him to no end. He kept smiling at his apron as he sat back on the couch, waiting for Lance to tell him whatever it was he wanted to say.
"You excited?" Eugene asked, sitting next to the teen and smirking as Rapunzel chatted with Edmund
"Kinda, I'd be more excited if I knew what was going on"
"You'll find out, and I know you're gonna love it", he noticed the alchemist was swinging his legs and snickered, "I take it you're happy you're dressed?"
"I may not have my gloves, goggles, or shoes, but yes, the apron, shirt, vest, and pants definitely make me a happy alchemist"
Eugene smiled as the kitchen door opened, Lance and Quirin walked out, the farmer noticed what Varian was wearing and smirked, "lookin spiffy"
"Thank you!"
"Alright, need everyone to quiet down now, because today is important!" Lance stated, Rapunzel and Edmund stopped their conversation and looked at the former thief, "thank you!" He then looked at Varian and cleared his throat, "so we all know that a certain someone has been way too sick to even get off the couch right?" Everyone nodded, "well, I was able to convince a certain sheriff of this household to let the little man outside for a couple hours of sunshine and freedom, as long as he's got chaperones!"
"Wait really?" Varian asked, eyes lighting up as he looked at his father, the man nodded before the little alchemist looked back at Lance suspiciously, "how?"
"I told him that you'd be perfectly safe with me and Eugene and that you would have a blast and a half", the man stated innocently, he looked at the alchemist, who raised a brow at him, "aaaand he's tagging along just in case... plus we're only going to the market place and back, so it'll only be an hour, tops. But hey I still managed to get him to compromise!"
The little alchemist smirked, "true, that's more than most can say", he stated, looking at his father, who smiled back, "so, what are we grabbing? I thought Eugene and grandpa got food yesterday"
"We did, but Attila's selling some special sweets, plus this isn't grocery shopping. We've all been cooped up for a couple days, it'll be nice to get out for a bit", Eugene explained as Ruddigar hopped on Varian's shoulders
The little alchemist nodded, "so when are we going?"
"Now, actually", Quirin stated, he'd grabbed the teen's boots and set them next his son, "just, if you start feeling sick or nauseous-!"
"I'll tell you immediately and we can go somewhere and sit down", Varian responded, getting his boots on quickly and standing up, "then we can do the whole, 'are you okay?', 'no I'm nauseous', 'ok, lay down here', 'ok father figure', we stay there, do the father son bonding thing because the people demand it, and then we walk back once I'm feeling better", he then smiled cheekily.
"Brat"
"I know"
"What 'people' are you talking about?" Lance asked worriedly, looking around
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you", Varian stated before he turned to his father, "can we go now?"
His father laughed, "yes, we can go now", with that, they walked out the door and made their way to town.
****
They arrived and started looking around, the market place was packed with people. Varian was still nervous walking around the town, but he'd rather do this than sit at home again, even so, he stuck close to his father. They went to the Sweet Shop, Monty was handing out candy left and right while Attila was holding a plate of freshly made bimberry muffins. The little alchemist pulled his father towards the former crook and they each got a muffin, happily eating it while chatting with Attila about the rest of the bar thugs.
Rapunzel and Eugene sat down at the back of the sweet shop, the princess had given a very cold greeting to the old sweets seller, to which he responded just as coldly. Eugene decided to stick with her so she wouldn't feel alone, they chatted about the status of the repairs, specifically in Old Corona and the capital, both of which were going amazingly well thanks to a certain alchemist's help. They began discussing the Dark Kingdom after that, getting into a topic they decided to talk to Quirin and Edmund about a bit later.
Speaking of, Edmund was with Lance, both of which lit up when they saw the rows upon rows of candy and sweets. They started perusing around when they spotted a roll of plastic gift bags in front of large boxes of terrific taffy, lavish lollipops, and gooey gumdrops. Both look at each other with excitement as they run over and grab a couple bags each, filling them all with different types of candies before walking over to the register to pay for their bounty. They each let out an excited squeak and make their way over to the princess and prince's table, snacking on a few treats on their way.
Varian and Quirin join the others after finishing their conversation with Attila and buying two pastries, one for each. While the pastry chef was handling other customers, Quirin and Varian unwrapped their treats and, sitting down at the table, they began to eat.
Eugene let out a chuckle, "you know you and Adira both have a sugar addiction"
"She does, I do not", the Village Leader stated, "I'm having only one pastry, she would've gobbled down three by now"
"Uh huh, and the fact that it's strawberry?"
"Means absolutely nothing", the man stated, taking a bite out of the treat and swallowing
"Adira isn't like that", Lance piped up, "she's so calm and cool, yet with a snarky attitude, and you know, real men love strong women". The former thief than looked at Edmund and Quirin, "do you think she'd like a bouquet of flowers?"
The retired knight snorted before placing a hand over his mouth quickly, he and his king looked at each other for a moment, a moment of silence passed between the two before Edmund broke the silence, "Adira isn't really a *flower* type of women, in fact, she's not really into any kind of girly things like make up or dresses"
"What about her face paint?" Rapunzel asked, "she seems to like that right?"
"That's because it was part of her people's tradition", Quirin answered, taking another bite out of his treat and swallowing before he continued, "she isn't originally from the Dark Kingdom"
Varian's eyes got wide with interest, "really? Do you know where she came from?"
"She uh.... Never told us", the Dark King stated sadly, "she was always very personal about her past, and unlike Quirin and Hector, she never really opened up about it to anyone", the retired knight then looked away, his eyes betraying his thoughts. Edmund caught it and raised a brow, "of course I could be wrong"
Quirin sighed, "she told me a little bit, but not much, and what she did say was not really good. I promised her I'd keep it a secret, and I intend to keep that", Varian smiled at him, a small spark of pride igniting in his eyes.
"That's fair", Lance said, "though if you know when her birthday is, I'd love to know"
The retired knight chuckled before he ate the final bite of his sweet treat and crumpled up the paper that lined it. Varian also finished his lemon tart, crumpling up his paper the same way, making his father smile.
****
They walked out of the sweet shop and went around the various benders on the street, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Eugene went over to the jewelry vendor while Varian, Quirin, and Edmund went to the blacksmith shop.
The little alchemist noticed something out of the corner of his eye and, while his father and grandfather were talking to Xavier, who seemed extremely happy to see them, he tiptoed over and grabbed the object, stuffing it into his bag. Ruddigar looked at him confused before he shushed him, "I'll pay for it, just need to wait for.... ah, there we go!" He walked over to Xavier and, while the Village Leader was chatting with the Dark King, purchased the item and had Xavier put a little engraving on it before wrapping it quickly, the old blacksmith making sure to keep it out of sight and slid it over to the alchemist. "Thanks Xaves! I owe you one!"
"Not a problem Varian, let me know if you need to purchase anything to go with that, I have a couple ideas on what would work", the old legend keeper stated, "oh, how are you feeling? Your father said you've been pretty ill for the last few days"
"I'm alright, had a nasty stomach flu, this is my first time out since the treasure hunt", the little alchemist explained, Ruddigar chitter in agreement
"Oh my, I heard that bug was going around, are you sure you're okay?"
The teen nodded, "I'm all good, just need to take it easy for a bit, dad's keeping a close eye on me, plus Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, and my grandpa have been helping me feel a lot better", he then heard a chitter, "Ruddigar too"
The blacksmith chuckled, "well, if ever you wish to come by, I have some tea that can help sooth your stomach"
"Thank you Xaves"
"You're welcome Varian"
"Son, we're heading out", they heard Quirin call
Saying his goodbyes, the little alchemist jogged over to his dad, stopping when he saw the annoyed look on Eugene's face, "are you okay?"
"Lance took all that time looking at each earring individually and decided to pick a bracelet instead, then he wanted a necklace to go with it, but couldn't find which one suited him best, so we went through, I kid you not, 50 different necklaces before he finally chose one, and *still* couldn't find a earring he liked...."
"So, you had fun?"
"Sure...."
Varian giggled, "are we going anywhere else?" He asked, looking up at his father
"We might stop by a little restaurant and get something to go, it's a bit too late to cook anything", his father responding, looking up at the sky.
Varian did as well and noticed they'd been out for way more than an hour, he smirked, "so does this mean I'm off the couch?"
His father chuckled, "you need to stay on it at least until you get the all clear from the doctors", when he heard the dejected noise his son made, he smiled sympathetically, "but you can eat some normal food now and, if you're good, I'll let you do some *minor* alchemy experiments", his son gasped, eyes lighting up excitedly, "itty bitty experiments"
"I can work with itty bitty!" He stated before he sneezed
"Bless you", Quirin stated, digging in his pocket and handing Varian a tissue
"Thank you", the little alchemist stated, taking the tissue and blowing his nose
****
They all ordered some food and got back to the castle like home, eating and chatting before cleaning up and grouping up in the living room. Varian had changed back into his pajamas, much to his dismay, but managed to keep the little item he'd purchased from Xavier. He and Ruddigar were watching Itty Bitty swim around in his fish bowl before they noticed his father sitting down in his armchair.
Smiling at his raccoon, Varian strolled over, "hey dad, are you tired?"
"Hm? No why?" Quirin asked, tilting his head to the side
"Well, when we were out and about today, I managed to grab you a small present"
His father looked surprised, "you got me a present?"
The little alchemist nodded, "yep! I bought it with the money I won from Eugene and Lance in the bet we made during the treasure hunt"
The retired knight looked at the two men, who had overheard and looked rather embarrassed, "kid, I thought we weren't gonna talk about that", Eugene stated
"I said you didn't have to complete the full deal, I never said I wouldn't talk about it", Varian smirked, making both former thieves groan as Rapunzel looked at them with, confusion etched on her face. The teen giggled before turning back to his dad, "anyway, I saw something that I though you might like, I've actually been watching it for a while, I just haven't been able to grab it yet", he then handed the man the little package Xavier had wrapped as Ruddigar chittered excitedly.
Quirin opened the package, inside was a small, black, leather sheath it was of high quality and looked extremely well made. Opening it revealed a small dagger with a brown, wooden hilt and a rainbow tinted to the blade, turning it around in his hand he saw a little engraving on it that read, 'N’importe quel homme peut être père, mais il faut quelqu’un de spécial pour *être* papa'. He looked at his son confused.
"It's French, it means, 'any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad'".
His father was startled for a moment, before he looked at the dagger, then back at his son, tears stung at his eyes as he wrapped his arms around the little alchemist and picked him up, pulling him onto his chair, "thank you Varian"
"You're welcome dad", the teen replied, hugging the man back as his tears started to form. They stayed that way for a little bit, before they let go and wiped their eyes and blushed, Quirin kept looking at the little dagger and smiling before Lance let out a gasp.
"Oh wait! I almost forgot!" He then got up and grabbed two out of the six colorful bags of candy he and Edmund had bought, "I bought Rapunzel and Eugene some candy bags!"
"Oh right! I got Quirin and Varian some too!" Edmund stated, he walked over and grabbed two bags as well. Lance handed a yellow bag to Rapunzel and a purple one to Eugene while Edmund handed a red bag to Quirin and a blue bag to Varian. They all opened them and were delighted to see an enormous amount of candy in the bags.
"Thank you very much!" Rapunzel stated, happily eating a piece of taffy
"Yeah thanks you two!" Eugene added
"Thank you!" Varian agreed, unwrapping a butterscotch candy while Ruddigar sniffed at an apple taffy
"Thanks!" Quirin replied
"You're welcome!" Lance and Edmund stated at the same time before looking at each other and laughing. The rest of the night was spent eating candy and chatting happily, all of them enjoying their time together as the night came to an end.
Notes:
"Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad" is a quote by Anne Geddes, I thought it fit Quirin perfectly here
So, for this chapter, I actually just wrote whatever came to mind, this one had no prior ideas or story in mind. I did a little fixing here and there but majority of it just kind of happened.
I wanted to give each character a moment in the spot light during Varian's sick days, this one is kinda for all of them though, Varian and Quirin mostly!
Thank you all so much for reading!
Chapter 37: Story Time!
Summary:
Quirin tells a story from his first day as a knight, while the little group has one last day together before they each return back to their homes.
Notes:
This is the final bit in the sick fic part of this story, for now, there may be another sick fic chapter somewhere in here! I decided to continue the story and have Varian be a healthy bean again after this, so here we go!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
'It was a dark and stormy night, thunder clashed against the windows as rain pelted on the castle ceiling. I was on my first patrol as a new knight for the Dark Kingdom, and I had been given a long, dark corridor that many of the maids and guards dared not go.'
"Why not?" Varian asked
'They said they saw something lurking there in the dead of night that scared everyone in the castle.'
"Woah, what was it?" Rapunzel responded as she leaned in closer
'Well, to figure that out, we'll need to go to the very beginning.'
"Of your career?" Lance said
'Of the shift'
"Oh"
'And my career'
"Oh!" The former thief started to shake, making the retired knight raise a brow before continuing
'Anyway, I was starting my very first patrol route, getting a warning from the former guard that worked there before I took over about this person. He said they looked like an older women with bloodstains on her dress and face. She would look at you in such a way that would leave you completely immobile, then make a sound so horrible that you would have nightmares for days.'
"That's scientifically impossible, I mean, she would have to make such an inhumane noise that the person who heard it would have gone completely insane for nightmares to plague them. Also bloodstains on her dress and face? Surely someone would've gotten the knight or even the king himself to handle something like that, maybe even a nurse. I highly doubt that if there were rumors that spread throughout the castle about this person that no one would do anything about them, it just seems so illogical an-!"
'A-*Hem*"
The little alchemist realized everyone was staring at him and blushed, "eheh, sorry"
"Just to prove the *ahem* naysayers wrong, the king *was* informed of this, that's why he asked me to look into it in the first place", Edmund nodded in agreement, "this was a fairly new phenomenon, the only people that were affected were a couple maids who did late night shifts, and the guard I mentioned earlier, all of which had the exact same story, without any interaction with each other, and were in the infirmary being treated because they weren't in their right minds to work." He looked pointedly at his son, who was blushing even harder now, then smirked, "you know, I know when you do that it's because you get freaked out by what I'm saying"
"N-no! I just don't l-like stories that are full of falsehoods!" The teen defended, but his father noticed him shiver a bit
"Right, well if you get a little too freaked out, you can come sit with me, okay?"
".....ok...." That seemed to calm him a bit as the little alchemist held Ruddigar in his arms and stroked his fur
The retired knight smiled and continued his story, 'after the maids had left for the evening, I went on my patrol. Things were quiet at first, save for the sound of the residents in the castle occasionally moving about, it was frankly a little boring. That is, until 3am rolled around, the hall got noticeably darker for some reason, I didn't pay it any mind at first, until I heard something odd coming from the other end of the hall.' His voice got low and quiet, 'It sounded like scraping on the stone floor, I went to go investigate, but found nothing, there wasn't a soul in sight. I looked around a bit more before heading back to my place, I was seated in the middle of the hallway, where a lot of the entrances to other hallways connect. I could see many things, but I wish I'd seen the shadow that appeared behind me before the ear piercing scream ripped through the hall'
"Wait, what did it sound like?" Eugene asked, his eyes growing wide
'It sounded like a lot of things, a child, a women, a monster, even me, it had many different voices packed into one and was as loud as a large tree falling right next to you, it was as sudden as lightning too. I fell to the floor and covered my ears, when the ringing finally stopped, and I looked up, there way no body there.'
The room was eerily quiet as the group barely breathed, their eyes were wide
'I looked around me to see if anyone had heard it, surely someone would be notified of a scream that loud! But no, no doors opened, no one ran to my aid, I think that was the worst part, because in that moment I realized this *thing* could do whatever it wanted to me, and *no one* would hear.....'
Varian suddenly got up and, holding his raccoon close, walked over to his father and climbed on the armchair, making the man chuckle as he situated himself so his son was between him and the arm of the chair, he was leaning on the retired knight while clutching Ruddigar tightly to his chest, "are you okay?" The boy nodded but didn't say a word, he was shivering and curled into the man's side, "should I stop?" He shook his head and silently gestured for his father to continue with the story. The retired knight kissed the top of his son's head before rubbing his back and continuing his tale.
'I got up and dusted myself off, trying to calm my already frayed nerves, and walking up and down the corridors, trying to spot anything. I really wish I hadn't though, I found myself in the nursery when I found a women standing there. She had her back turned to me, but in the light of the moon I could see her pale skin glow, she had long, blonde hair that reached her waist, she was standing by one of the cribs and crying from what I could hear. She hadn't noticed me yet, but my blood ran cold when I saw her, I backed up a bit, trying to stay silent so I could slip over to the king's room and tell him what I saw'
"I thought you were supposed to take care of it", Lance said, fear still on his face
'No, I was tasked with looking for whatever the guard and maids had seen during the night. Trying to figure out what it was, and I knew full well not to mess with any spirit I came across.' His voice got very quiet at this point, a little quiver could be heard as he spoke, 'I unfortunately ended up backing into another crib and made a very loud noise.... My heart stopped when it happened, and when I looked towards the spirit, they were gone.' His voice shook even more, 'I heard whispers from all around me then, all of the illegible, but they got closer as my heart pounded in my chest. I turned in every way possible, trying to find a way out, but my sense of direction was off from the noise, and it just kept getting louder. I finally ran in a direction, hoping it would be near the king, or Adira and Hector, I knew at least they'd help me if I needed it, but I ended up running deeper inside the nursery. The spirit appeared before me and stopped me.'
"Stopped you?" Eugene inquired
'I was frozen, our gaze met and suddenly, I couldn't move! My body was stiff, my legs wouldn't listen, my blood ran cold, and all I felt was fear as I looked at her, and she was *angry*. She had white eyes, glazed over with age and crust, he tears were still pouring and she was crying, he face had blood on it as well as her dress, it was splattered around her stomach and mouth as she glared daggers at me. I felt sorry for her, I didn't know why, but she felt sad and lonely, something about her made me want to reach out, I was unable to though, and her mouth opened wide. She had jagged, white teeth that glistened in the light, and her mouth was completely black on the inside as it opened wider. She let out a scream that to this day I still hear sometimes, it sounded like something I can't even describe! The next moment, I woke up in bed, King Edmund was sitting next to me, I was in the infirmary and had a massive headache.' He felt shivering and looked at Varian, his eyes were as wide as dinner plated as he hugged Ruddigar, nearly crushing him in his grasp, his father scooped the little alchemist up and held him close.
"What happened?!" Rapunzel asked, she was leaning forward so much the retired knight was worried she'd fall over
'I'd fainted apparently, he', he gestured to Edmund, who smiled cheerfully and waved, 'told me I was *found* on the nursery floor, my skin was pale and I had been crying and shivering, like I was having a nightmare. Adira and Hector were the ones who found me, and they'd gotten King Edmund to carry me to the nursery. I was asleep for two full days, whatever happened to me knocked me for a loop, it scared majority of the staff to the point where that hallway had gotten cleansed. Since then, no one was allowed in there after dark, a new hallway was being made to cut the old one off, and once that was done, no one had spotted the women since, and I was let out a week later and was assigned away from that place, the guard and maid were as well. Though sometimes, I remember hearing those whispers late at night, they'd heard them too, it was like she was waiting for us to come back, and it still makes my skin crawl.'
"Ok, that's horrifying", Lance stated, shuddering a bit
"That actually happened?" Eugene asked, a little shocked
"Yeah, it actually did", Quirin replied, still rubbing his shivering boy's back, "if you don't believe me, ask King Edmund"
Everyone turned to look at the king, "yeah, it really did happen, and boy it was one hum dinger of a spectacle. Many people, from nurses and doctors to guards and knights wanted to know what happened to Quirin. Why, Adira and Hector started training more and more because they wanted to explore that hallway! I never let them of course, which made them mad, but I couldn't, not after....." He looked at his knight, they shared a looked between each other, one with worry, the other with reassurance, both men smiled at one another before looking at the little group again, "I just didn't feel right letting other people down there knowing full well what one of the bravest men I know went through.... After he told me what he saw, that hallway was all but destroyed once I got through with it".
"Aka, he's a protective father figure who didn't want any one else getting hurt", Quirin retorted, receiving a chuckle from his king
"Heh, g-guess that's where you got it from, huh?" The little alchemist piped up, smirking at his dad
The Village Leader smirked back, "I suppose so, though can you really blame me?" He ruffled his son's hair, "it's not like I have much of a choice with you"
Varian giggled before shaking his father's hand off and fixing his hair, "alchemy is different than ghosts"
"You believe in both though"
"True, but alchemy is much more fun!"
"Yet somehow more destructive"
"Says the man who just told us about a ghost that made him faint for two days"
"Ghosts make people faint, alchemy makes building fall, shall we bring up the water tanks?"
Varian blushed, "uh...." he looked at Rapunzel and Eugene, both of which shared a look with him, "...no we're good!"
"Thought so"
Edmund chuckled, "you two remind me of when Quirin was your age, we would often get into debates like that too!"
The retired knight smiled fondly before he heard his son sneeze, "bless you", he said, grabbing a tissue and handing it to Varian
"Thank you", the little alchemist replied, taking the tissue and blowing his nose
"Honestly, this was a fun way to spend our last night here", Rapunzel stated, smiling warmly at the two before looking at the Dark King, "so, you're staying here with them for a little while longer?"
"Yep!" He responded, "I want to get a chance to talk with Adira on the status of her mission, plus Hector is holding down the fort back home"
"Speaking of, has he said anything about coming over? I really wanna meet him", the teen asked, scratching his raccoon behind the ears and making him purr, "I want him to meet Ruddigar too, dad said he's an animal lover"
"Oh he's much more than that! He's a tamer! He has a rhino, and two binturongs that follow him everywhere he goes! That being said, I'm sure he'd love your little fluffy creature! Truth be told he's been eager to meet you too, as he put it and I quote, 'Quirin's spawn sounds different than him and I want to make sure he's up to snuff', unquote"
"He called him my spawn?" Quirin asked, raising a brow in annoyance
"Yep! But I think he meant it in an affectionate way, he's already taken a liking to him"
"Wha-? How? Crazy rhino guy's never met that kid! Last I checked, my title for him still fits!" Eugene stated, huffing a little
Quirin snorted as Edmund raised his own brow, "his name is Hector, and he's not crazy, he's just been alone in the Great Tree for many years without much human interaction and has developed a sort of animalistic behavior because of it is all, not savage of course, more like, attack then ask questions", the Dark King explained
"I don't think that's helping", the retired knight stated, catching the annoyed looked the prince had
"Well I think it'll be great to have you around for a little while! You're more than welcome to join us at the castle as well, we could use the company, you know, aside from.... some other people....." Rapunzel stated before politely clearing her throat
"You mean those stuffy dignitaries that always seem to have their fancy furs in a bunch?" Varian stated bluntly, making Lance and Eugene laugh
"Oh come on Varian, they aren't *that* stuffy", it was the alchemist's turn to raise a brow, "ok so they're a little stuffy, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy their company! Besides, it would be good to include the Dark Kingdom in some of the seven kingdom's activities, oh hey! Quirin you could join the Challenge of the Brave! I bet you would be *great* at it!"
"You mean the competition where everyone fights each other for glory and respect?" The farmer asked, receiving an excited nod in response, "I've thought about it, but I'm not sure, I guess I'll have to see when I comes around once more", he then looked down at his son, who was looking at him with his eyes lit up, "I repeat, I'll have to see", the little alchemist huffed but didn't push it. That's when Quirin looked at the clock, "also, it's past a certain sick teen's bedtime"
"I'm a 16 year old independent alchemist", Varian argued
"Yes, and you're a sick 16 year old independent alchemist who already has trouble falling asleep at night on time", the teen sighed, "once you're no longer sick, you can have your no bedtime privileges' back, but for now, you're still coughing and sneezing, the doctors are coming tomorrow and if they give you an all clear, you'll be good to go, but until then, you need sleep".
"Fine", the teen grumbled, but then yawned, getting an amused look from his father, "that doesn't mean anything"
"Right, take your fat-coon and get to the couch"
"He's not fat, he's fluffy", Varian stated tiredly before getting up with Ruddigar hopping on his shoulders and walking over to the couch before climbing in. Eugene helped him get situated while Lance and Rapunzel helped Quirin clean up. Edmund grabbed the dishes that were scattered about and took them into the kitchen before coming back and helping as well. Once everything was said and done, they all got ready to sleep and by the time they were done, Varian had already passed out.
"He fights me every time but always falls asleep first", his father stated
"He's your brat", Eugene teased, smiling at the sleeping teen
"Don't I know it, thank you all for helping me take care of him, it was nice having you here"
Lance nodded, "if you ever need a hand takin care of the little man again, let me know, I can bring Catalina and Angry next time!"
"They'd probably have more fun teasing him than helping", Eugene pointed out
"Eh maybe, I think they'd be helpful too, after all, Catalina certainly likes him, and Angry took a shine to him after the whole treasure hunt fiasco"
"I'll be happy to help too, it was actually really fun to spend time here! Thank you for letting us stay for as long as we did", Rapunzel stated, smiling at the retired knight
"It was my pleasure, and Lance, you can bring the girls by for a visit even before he gets sick again if you'd like, he'd enjoy that", Quirin state, smiling
"Yes!" Lance squealed before he slapped his hands over his mouth and watching the little alchemist, who merely turned over on the couch and mumbled in his sleep, making the former thief sigh with relief
The Dark King smiled happily at the little group, "I'll pop by for a visit at the castle soon, it'll be nice to see, plus I'd like to do some sight seeing while I'm here"
"That would be great!" Rapunzel exclaimed quietly, let me know when you'll want to and we can set up a day!"
They all kept talking animatedly about their plans for the future once they left the castle like house. All the while stating how happy they were that Varian was getting better, they each fell asleep one after another until it was just Quirin and Edmund left, both men sighing with content as they looked at their kids happily.
"Though I wish the circumstances had been different, it was nice spending time with you again old friend", the Dark King stated happily
"It was nice spending time with you too, I missed this actually", the retired knight replied, before an idea popped in his head, "hey, we should have a day where you, me, Varian, and Eugene go out for a trip, just for a little bonding time, that would be nice"
"I'd love that! It'd give us a chance to watch our boys interact, though seeing them together during this endeavor was nice to see"
"It really was", Quirin yawned, "we should probably get some sleep"
"That we should", Edmund agreed, they both got situated to go to sleep before the Dark King had a thought, "Quirin?"
"Hm?"
"What will we do, about Cassandra I mean, Eugene was very close with her and from what I heard, so was Varian, what if she can't be reasoned with?"
The retired knight thought about it for a moment before he looked at his son and smiled, "I trust Varian, and I also trust Eugene, both of them understand what's happening and I have faith they'll do what they must to protect this kingdom and it's people"
"I do too of course, but.... how do you help them cope? I mean, he may not be as close to me as your little peanut is to you, but Eugene he.... He'll need someone to be there for him, like I know he'll be for Rapunzel"
"That's simple, just be you"
"What if being me isn't good enough to help him?"
Quirin looked over at the king, he saw the worry in his eyes and understood, smiling, "you were there for me, Adira, and Hector when we were young, and you're here for me now, you helped me take care of my son and made him laugh and enjoy himself even when he was stuck in bed, you're not as bad as you think you are, and I have no doubt in my mind that when the time comes, you'll be exactly who Eugene will need, just like you were for me".
Edmund smiled at the man, "thank you Quirin, you really are an amazing friend"
"I learned from the best", the retired knight smirked before he laid back down on his armchair
"You're an amazing father too", he heard his king say, he smiled widely
"So are you"
Notes:
Scary stories are fun to write, even if this one isn't super scary, also, have you *heard* a tree fall near you?! It's REALLY loud! I had it happen once and it made my ears ring so badly I wanted to cry!
Varian comforts his dad while also getting his own comfort! Tis the little things in life
This chapter popped into my brain and made me want to write it, I am a horror lover, but I'm sorry if this wasn't super scary, I don't know if kids read this stuff or not
I love ghosts and spirits, I actually study them a bit irl! I would never try anything, I'm not stupid, but I love learning about them and their stories, and I've had a few encounters myself.
Also, Hector hints! Hee hee!
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 38: No Time Like the Present! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian and Quirin go on a trip to a neighboring village to help settle some disputes between the village folk. The Village Leader is excited to have his son along to show him the ropes of becoming a Village Leader, which makes it all the worse for the alchemist, who doesn't want to become one.
Notes:
This takes place during the episode, "No Time Like the Past", I wanted to write an episode I think would've been better served in its place, like this. An episode showing Varian and Quirin getting along and spending some time together instead of another Eugene and Rapunzel centric episode that we already have too many of. Though I will say, 5/6 year old Varian is the most adorable thing in the show I've ever seen!
I was able to get help on deciding what this chapter, and the next episode chapter, would be about from CardCaptorKatara, so a gigantic thank you to them for helping me figure this out!!!! :D Check out their "Silver Wings" story, it's about Varian getting wings and it's amazing! :D
With that being said, I hope you all enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Varian and Quirin, going to another village to solve a dispute~"
"Oh come on, I was 14!"
"And that little dance you did will forever be in my mind along with the tiny tune you sang"
"You rolled your eyes and blushed when I did it!"
"Right, so this is pay back", the little alchemist face palmed as his father proceeded to shimmy his shoulders a little while smirking sassily at his son, "what? I don't have the moves?"
Varian giggled as Ruddigar chittered happily on his shoulder, "you're a doof you know that?"
Quirin stopped and smiled, "heh, sorry, I guess I'm a little excited"
"You would be, considering we're in a carriage and riding out to the village, called Maven, to settle a dispute among the villagers", the alchemist then blinked, "and I've become the exposition giver, great", he raised a brow at no one in particular, making his father look at him a little worriedly
"Are you okay son?" He asked
"Yeah I'm fine, why?"
"No reason", he stated, sharing a look with the Raccoon before shaking the thought out of his head, "anyway, yes we are, and this'll be a great opportunity for you to see how I handle disputes as a Village Leader!" He smiled happily, "it's also a perfect chance for you to prepare to become the next Village Leader when I step down".
"W-well, that won't happen for a l-long time, so we don't n-need to worry about it for a w-while", Varian stated while he gave a nervous giggle, Ruddigar looked at him and tilted his head, concerned.
His father then looked at him, a gentle smile forming across his face as he placed an arm around his boy, "don't worry so much son, you'll do great as a Village Leader!"
The little alchemist felt his stomach tie in a knot but gave his father a nervous smile, "t-thanks dad"
****
They made it to the village, it was about as big as Old Corona and there were farming fields nearby, once there, the father, son, and raccoon trio made their way over to the village elder's home, which was slightly smaller than their own, and knocked on the wooden door.
"So, she's an elder? What do they do?" Varian asked, looking up at his father as he gave his raccoon a scratch behind the ear
"They're a lot like a Village Leader, they help the people in the village and practically run it. The only differences being they don't have a king or queen, so they aren't given the position by a higher authority, plus they don't work in the fields or run the farms, but heal the injured instead and are said to be extremely wise", Quirin answered, a little delighted in his son's show of interest.
"Wait, if they don't have a king and queen, then who makes the rules? Also where do they go to help solve problems that the village elder can't?"
The Village Leader chuckled, "they go to Corona, there are many villages around the kingdom aren't officially a part of it, those villages, like Maven, live on Coronan land and are protected by Corona, in return they trade goods with us and, should there be a fight or war, they'd send people and supplies to help".
"Ok, that makes sense, but what about solving problems?"
"Why do you think we're here?"
"Ah"
The door opened and they looked forward to see a tall, skinny women with long, blond, wavy hair, freckles, and a green cloak on with a hood, she smiled at the three, her blue eyes sparkling, "hello, you must be sir Quirin of Old Corona!"
"Yes I am, but Quirin is fine", he replied before gesturing to the little alchemist and the animal on his shoulder, "this is my son, Varian, and his best friend Ruddigar. He's learning how to be a Village Leader, so I brought them both with me, I hope that's okay"
She looked at the boy and his small mammal up and down, his eyes replicating hers, making her smile even wider, "that's fine, he's a good boy, I can tell, and I like the raccoon", Ruddigar chittered happily as she opened her door wider, "come on in! You'll have to stay with me while you're here, sorry about that, but I do have a bedroom upstairs for the three of you, it's just been cleaned and aired out"
"Thank you very much", Quirin replied before nudging Varian forward, the little teen nervously stepping in
"T-thank you miss", he stated timidly, blushing a little when he heard his father chuckle behind him
The elder smiled, "you're welcome, and don't worry little one, you don't have to be so formal with me", she closed the door once the Village Leader was inside, she then gestured the two of them towards her living room, it had a large, stone fireplace and a comfortable looking couch with two arm chairs sitting across from each other, both having their own little foot stool, there was also a little wooden table in the middle. The Village Elder sat down on the couch and gestured for the trio to take a seat anywhere.
Varian looked around, he wrung his hands together, trying to decide where he would be in the way the least, his heart started pumping faster as he looked around. His mind started playing different scenarios of him sitting down somewhere right as his father was about to, or him tripping and falling, or even him breaking something valuable to the women and her getting mad and kicking him, Ruddigar, and his father out and getting that disappointed look on his father's face and never being able to make him proud ever again and-!
He suddenly felt Ruddigar's cold nose against his cheek and heard his worried chitters, he came back to his senses and looked around, Quirin had already taken his seat, in the armchair next to the Village elder, and was looking at him worriedly. The Village Elder was also looking at him, but her expression was sad, almost as if she knew what he was feeling, "uh, s-sorry, heh, got lost in thought", he tried to smile and lighten the mood, walking over and taking a seat on the foot stool of the armchair his father was sitting in.
The Village Elder was still giving him that sad expression, which made him blush and look down, trying to practice the breathing exercises his father and Eugene had gone over with him. "So, I take it you've come here to settle the village disputes?" The women asked, unknowingly filling Varian with relief
"Yes, we heard there were fights breaking out among your people, and we were sent by the acting queen, Rapunzel, to help you sort them out", Quirin explained, before a thought hit him, "I'm so sorry, I never asked your name, my that was rude"
The little alchemist heard the women snort and looked at her, "no no, don't worry about it! My name is Sage, Sage Melody, I help heal the people of Maven and handle majority of their problems, but recently everyone has been a bit on edge with each other".
"Do you know why?"
"No, though I suppose I saw it coming, the people of Maven have been getting on each other's nerves a lot more that usual lately. Ever since the black rocks came about and people had to flee their homes, no one's exactly been keen on coming back, the only reason some of them did was out of obligation to the crown".
The Village Leader thought for a moment, "do you think it may have anything to do with the king and queen being temporarily replaced?"
"I have a feeling that may be a part of it, but not a large one, our village is a very tight knit community, for example, anyone looking for a place to stay would certainly be accepted, neighbors are like family here, and there are many people who have come from fallen kingdoms and suffered many hardships and have found comfort here. But lately, people have found it harder and harder to get along, they've been rather nasty to one another and spreading rumors".
"D-do you know how the rumors started?" Varian asked, stroking Ruddigar's fur softly
Sage shook her head, "no, unfortunately, they've begun cropping up ever since the king and queen of Corona were replaced with the princess, no one really knows for sure who started them, or who spread them. I've tried tracing it, but I always end up going in circles, it's the strangest thing, and the fighting has only gotten worse", the Village Elder looked down, sadness filled her eyes, the entire room seemed to darken along with her, "I'm sorry I can't give you more, I wish I could, but as far as I can tell, that's the only things I know about this sudden anarchy".
"That's okay, you've given us plenty to go off of for a start, and I thank you for that", Quirin stated, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, receiving a grateful smile in return, "it may take me some time to figure out what to do though, things like this need time to figure out".
"Of course", Sage replied, "take as much time as you need, my people will not listen to me, so any and all help you can give will be worth it!"
"We'll do all that we can, you have my word on this Sage"
"I believe you Quirin, I really do, my friend has told me a lot about you"
"Your friend?" Varian questioned, him and Ruddigar looking at the women for a moment, a brief hint of alert slashing through his body, "are they someone we know?"
"You might", Sage state, "in fact, they're going to visit me tomorrow, and I'd love for you two to see them, I know they know Quirin", she looked at the man, "they were the ones that recommended you in this endeavor, they'd tried their hand at solving this too, but fell into the same trap I did"
"What's their name?" The Village Leader asked
"Oh they told me not to tell you until they were able to visit, I suppose they wanted to keep it a surprise"
That little alert feeling grew stronger as the little alchemist looked at his dad, then at Ruddigar before worry and anger joined. He tried to remember if he'd made any enemiesbefore coming here today, but the only ones he could think of was master doctor St. Croix, and the Seporians. One of which would be back handed by his father before he could stick his snobby nose anywhere, and the other was locked away in the dungeons in Corona. He then thought of Cassandra, but she wouldn't try anything to get to his father, not after the incident with the amber, Eugene and his dad could say what they wanted, but Cass knew not to touch the Village Leader, not after he'd fought so hard to get him back, she wasn't that cruel. Unfortunately he felt a cold chill run down his spine when that thought crossed his mind, but he shook it away instantly, *no*, he thought, *it's not her, but if not, then who?*
"Varian"
"Huh?" The teen was suddenly snapped out of his thoughts when he heard his father's voice, he, Ruddigar, and the Village Elder were looking at him, concern lacing their faces, "oh, s-sorry! Just thinking about how to solve this, and who would do it"
Quirin smiled, his eyes sparking with a bit of pride, "heh, well I'm glad you're taking this seriously", the man stated, "that being said, I'm going to take a look around, why don't you stay here and rest until I get back"
"Oh, I-I'm okay, I can help you"
"I know you can son", his father smiled gently, "but you're a little pale at the moment, and I know that look, you're tired and need to rest, it was a long journey"
"But what about you?"
"I didn't just get over a sickness a week ago"
The teen huffed, making Quirin laugh, "you'll be out and about to help me soon enough, I'm gonna need your help with this either way"
The little alchemist looked up, a little surprised, "really?"
The retired knight nodded, "of course, you're actually a really good judge of character, I'll be needing that to solve this, but that's why you need to stay and rest for now, I'm just going to get my bearings, then I'll come back and we can discuss with Sage here", he gestured to the Village Elder, who smiled cheerfully, "ok?"
"Ok, but you'll be back soon right?"
"Definitely, but try to get some rest while I'm gone, alright?"
"Ok", he hugged his dad as the man left, Sage closing the door behind him before showing Varian and Ruddigar up to their room, it was actually a very nice place. There were two beds and a private privy, two desks and two closets, plus a small, wooden dresser in the middle with a small mirror in front of it
"Take as much time as you and your little raccoon friend need up here, I'll be downstairs making some dinner, alright?"
"Alright, thank you, do you need any help?"
"No no, I'm all good, you rest like your father told you", she stated gently before turning to leave, she ended up stopping before she got to the door, turning back to look at the little alchemist, who was unpacking his suit case, "you know, I had a friend who had what you have", she stated, startling the teen, "whoops, sorry"
"N-no it's fine, but it was just a little stomach flu, I'm certain everyone's had that before"
The women giggled, "oh no, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that, I meant the anxiety"
His eyes widened a bit before he looked down, blushing, "oh..... s-so you noticed that huh?" Ruddigar rubbed against his cheek comfortingly as he stroked his fur.
"Yes I did, and my friend tried to hide just as you are now, but she couldn't and I ended up finding out pretty quickly, but while she had it due to her home life, you seem to have it for many reasons, and none of them are good", she stated, walking a little closer to the little alchemist, "forgive me for saying so, but maybe you should talk to your father about how you're really feeling". Varian looked at her in shock, "I suppose it's natural for you to be surprised, everyone usually is, but I seem to have an innate ability to, sort of, understand and feel other people's emotions, I call it a sixth sense, some of the others call it annoying, I suppose both are very true". She smiled, "I've had it for years, and it's helped me solve many problems here, that's how I became the Village Elder, oh but I'm getting off topic", she giggled, "you're a very intelligent boy who works very hard to impress others that don't seem to notice you all the time, the only one who does is your father, and yet you don't see eye to eye on everything, am I right?"
"Y-yeah, exactly right"
"I thought so, though I'm guessing this anxiety is coming from something else. My little friend, please take my advise, if you don't tell him how you feel now, it'll only escalate, it's best to tell him now so you won't lead him to believe you want what he wants later", she stated, seeing his worried eyes she gave him a sympathetic look, "I know it's hard, and you're worried you may hurt him, but trust me when I say, it'll be good for the both of you, and he'd rather hear it from you than anyone else".
"B-but.... what if he doesn't like what he hears?"
"If I may be frank, tough, if he loves you like I know he does, then he'll suck it up and understand, and as I stated, I know he does", she smirked
The little alchemist looked down, he gave Ruddigar a scratch behind the ears, his mind was racing at the thought of saying what was on his mind, "w-what if I wait until the trip is over? T-then I can tell him after he and I have figured all of this out"
"You're only postponing it, and that never works as much as you think it does, trust me", Sage stated, "and although I'll respect your feelings and won't say a word, I highly suggest you think about what I've said, I may not know him very much, but your father loves you more than anything in this world, trust me when I say, he'll understand".
The little alchemist sighed, "yeah... you're right, I should tell him.... just.... I n-need to find out a way to do it"
"On that I'll say, take your time and find the words you believe will fit best here, but it's the same message, just makes sure he receives it the right way", with that she gave him one last smile and left the room, leaving the little alchemist alone with his thoughts.
He turned to Ruddigar and the raccoon hopped off his shoulders and looked at him, giving his boy a look, "I know she's right buddy, but I can't tell him right away, I just.... need a little time", the raccoon chittered, "I won't wait that long, just a little bit longer, she's right, it's better to tell him sooner rather than later". His best friend chittered happily at him, showing his support for the decision, "thanks bud, you'll be there when I tell him, right?" Ruddigar nodded, rubbing against his boy as reassurance, "heh, thanks", he replied, yawning a bit, "I will say, dad was right about one thing, I'm really tired, I guess a nap wouldn't be too much of a hassle yeah?" Ruddigar hopped over his boy and onto the bed, curling up on top of the blankets and making the little alchemist giggle, "I guess you're way ahead of me huh? You always are", with that he laid down and covered himself with the blankets, stroking the raccoon's fur, "have a good nap bud", Ruddigar chittered out a reply before he yawned and fell asleep. Varian sighed contentedly before turning over and drifting off himself.
Notes:
Here we go! Some character growth is coming, also, yes, Sage Melody has a sixth sense, I believe in the super natural and believe certain people have really powerful sixth senses. I wish more characters were made with them, they're so interesting to explore.
She's another OC of mine that is a favorite for me, I'll have to draw her, she's not that old, she's a little younger than Quirin actually, and she's an absolute sweetheart!
Varian and Quirin character development! Village Leader plot, more multiple part stories, WOOOOT!
Thank you all very much for reading! :D
Chapter 39: No Time Like the Present! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Quirin, Varian, and Sage try to figure out a plan to get the people of Maven to stop fighting with each other.
Notes:
Here we go with part 2! This one is more for the exposition part, getting to know Sage and the village of Maven more!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"How long has he been asleep?"
"Pretty much since you've left, I made trips up here to check on him, he's alright"
"I believe you, I just didn't expect him to actually take a nap, he hasn't done that since he was 5"
"He must've been very tired"
"Extremely tired, oh wait, he's waking up!"
Varian's eyes fluttered open as the world came back into focus. He sat up and rubbed the sleep from them as he began to look around, he stopped when he saw his father looking at him, he had a look of worry on his face. "Hi dad, when did you get back?" He asked sleepily before he shook it off and looked at the man.
Quirin smiled, "just a few minutes ago, you must've been tired"
The alchemist gave him a little hum of agreement before stretching his limbs, seeing Ruddigar doing the same and smirking, "we both must've been huh buddy?" He scratched his raccoon behind the ear, getting a happy chitter in return. He stopped when he heard quiet giggling, looking over, he noticed his father had his hand over him mouth, "what? What's so funny?"
Quirin snorted a bit before he finally put him hand down, "I'm sorry, it's just.... your hair!"
Varian tilted his head and walked over to the mirror in the room, looking into it he blushed, his hair was standing up and was tangled beyond belief, it looked as though a bunch of wind was blowing it back. He sighed and walked back to the bed, digging in his suitcase to find a brush before trying to untangle it, unfortunately he couldn't seem to brush it correctly and started to get frustrated.
"Here, let me help you", his father gently took the brush out of his son's hands and sat down behind him on the bed, brushing his hair and styling it in the way the teen preferred. Even though there were a few times where the tangle hurt the boy, it felt nice, though he'd never admit it. He heard the Village Elder giggling and looked over, she was watching the pair, particularly Varian, which now made him for more awkward.
"Sorry", she stated quickly, "I remember when my hair would get brushed by my mother, it was such a nice feeling, though I'd never tell her that".
Quirin chuckled, "is she reading your thoughts?"
"What? N-no!" The little alchemist blushed, but then he thought about it, "c-can you?!"
Sage laughed, "no no, I can't read thoughts, feel emotions and energy, yes, read minds, no. If I could do that I wouldn't need your two's help"
"Fair point", he wouldn't say anything, and he was sure she could probably tell, but Varian felt a little more relieved than he should have about that, then he had a thought, "how do you sense their emotions?"
The Village Elder giggled at the exasperated look the little alchemist's father gave his son, receiving a blush in return, "it's alright, I like talking about it, and questions are a far more welcome response over disbelief", she noticed the relaxation in the Village Leader's eyes and smiled as she continued, "my sixth sense is a bit different than what you would expect. You see, I don't 'feel' the emotions like you would expect someone to say they do, I hear them".
The little alchemist tilted his head to the side, getting a small huff from his father as he tried to maneuver the hairbrush so it wouldn't pull Varian's hair, "you 'hear' them? What do you mean?"
"Well, do you know, when you're in nature, you hear nature noises, birds chirping, water flowing down a stream, the wind flying through the trees?"
"Yeah"
"Well it's kind of like that, except, I hear it in my mind and not with my ears. The emotions sound like instruments in a band to me, for example, anxiety sounds like a drum, love sounds like a harp, and anger.... well that one changes depending on the person, but I can usually tell what it means".
"Wow, that's really interesting!" The little alchemist stated, leaning forward as he listened, wincing a small bit as the brush pulled. He looked at his father, who raised an annoyed brow at him, he blushed, "sorry dad".
The man sighed, "it's fine, just", he gently pulled his son back towards him, making the teen giggle, "don't move so much you brat nugget"
"Ok ok, I won't", Varian replied, before he got curious, "hey, what does my dad's annoyance sound like?"
The Village Elder chuckled, "sort of like a trombone going wah wah waaaaah", she sang, going down with each 'wah' and getting the little alchemist to laugh as Quirin rolled his eyes, but smiled all the same.
"All done, you now look like your usual messy self", he stated, putting the brush away happily as he inspected his work.
The teen snorted, "well thanks, I appreciate the extra sass", he stated, turning and smirking at his father
"Happy to oblige", Quirin stated, he stood up and walked over to his side of the room, he'd managed to unpack already and had set up everything he needed.
Varian then remembered the reason they'd come here, "oh, how was your trip around the town? Did you find out anything?"
His father looked back at him and sighed, "no I'm afraid not, though I wasn't looking too hard during my outing, I did try to strike up a conversation with the townsfolk, but none of them seemed interested in what I had to say. Very little answered any of my questions, in fact, they seemed afraid to".
"They were... afraid?" Sage asked, confusion plastered on her face as she looked between the two
"Yes, or at least that's the feeling I got off them. They stuttered a lot, were sweating bullets, and had shifty eyes and stances. They looked like they'd rather be anywhere else in that conversation then with me, I wonder if whoever is starting these rumors is threatening them, if that's the case then we have a much bigger problem on our hands".
"Maybe they just didn't want to talk to someone who wasn't a part of the town?" Varian suggested, picking up Ruddigar and propping him up so he could climb on his shoulder, "I mean, Sage said it earlier, they're a very tight knit community, maybe someone from outside their village coming in and asking questions freaks them out?"
"Maybe", Quirin stated, "though that concerns me even more because we've made trades with this village, so people from Corona shouldn't be anything new. Wait, Sage you also said you get a lot of people from different lands here, surely something like this has happened before has it not?"
The Village Elder sighed, "yes, it has, but not this badly. There have been certain travelers that have come here and tried to make a mess out of the village, spreading rumors, getting neighbors to fight and argue, but unlike those times this is something much bigger. Some one is pulling the strings, I just know it, I feel my village's fear and anxiety, it gives me a headache sometimes it gets so bad".
"How much bigger is this? What have you done to stop it from getting this big before?" Varian asked, he felt his heartbeat picking back up as he thought about what could happen if they're unable to resolve this, but he stopped, took a deep breath, and calmed himself, "s-sorry, I didn't mean that the way it came out, I just mean, any tiny bit of information you can give us about something like this happening in the past would be more than helpful".
She could tell he felt guilty about his little outburst, the quiet sound of a violin playing a couple anxiety filled tremors validating that, she smiled, "it's alright, this is a very daunting task, I wouldn't need to help if it wasn't. Why don't we go down to the kitchen where dinner is waiting, I can tell you both what happened and how it was resolved, it's actually how I met my friend and how they told me about you!" She gestured to the Village Leader, which made him smile, "so what do you three say? Ready to eat?"
Varian and Ruddigar's stomachs growled as they both looked at each other, nodding at the Village Elder, "yeah, that sounds great!"
****
They'd gone down stairs and helped set the table as the Village Elder gathered up the food and served it to her guests before she sat down and began.
'It was about a year before the princess was found and brought back to the kingdom of Corona. The village and its people were flourishing just fine together, back then our farmers would offer work to the wayward travelers that would pass through for room and board. They would earn their keep and enjoy their stay, then either decide to live here, or leave to head to Corona. One day, I met a strange women, she'd come from a long way, and she was determined to get to Old Corona to, as she put it, 'check on a myth', many villagers thought she was very odd, but I liked her. I offered her a place to stay and she was extremely grateful, we talked for hours and we quickly became friends!' Sage noticed the confused looks she was receiving and explained, 'I tell you this because this women was one of the reasons I was able to solve the past trouble. She was a huge help in stopping the outbreak of rumors spreading throughout our village'.
"Wow, she just helped you without a second thought? This lady sounds really nice" Varian stated, scrunching his nose at a carrot and sneaking it over to Ruddigar, who munched it before the his father could see.
"She certainly was a very kind person, and I definitely didn't expect her to do what she did", the Village Elder smiled happily as she continued, 'at the time we started to notice the villager's arguing, she'd been with me on and off for about two months'.
"On and off?" Quirin asked, eyeing his son and the sudden disappearance of his carrots
'Yes, she'd left a couple of times, but always came back after a few short days. One day, she and I were having tea when we heard shouting just outside my door. When we went to investigate, one of the farmers had gotten into an argument with the librarian in town. Their tiff had gotten quite loud and was attracting other people around to watch, when I tried to interrupt, they both glared daggers at me, they stopped when they realized who was speaking and apologized for their actions. When I asked why they were arguing, they said they'd heard from their friends the other had been saying horrible things about them behind their back, stuff that would ruin their businesses. A few other villagers stepped up to claim they'd heard the same thing, which didn't help matters'.
"I wouldn't think so", the Village Leader agreed, placing a few more carrots on his son's plate and giving the pouting alchemist a pointed look before shifting his attention back to Sage, "to confirm you've heard the rumors would only make the situation worse, it'd just escalate the situation".
'She would agree with you, my friend silenced the other villagers and said there was no point in listening to the false accusations of someone who only wanted to start drama, I asked who they'd heard it from, when I got their names I told them to stay away from each other until they were calm enough to talk it out. They agreed and left for their homes while we went to investigate these rumors'.
"Did you find anything out?", Varian asked while poking at the carrots with his fork before finally picking one up and studying it, Ruddigar sneaking over and sniffing at the veggie.
The Village Elder nodded while giggling at the teen's antics, 'we discovered there was a couple in the village who wanted to spread rumors because they wanted the farmer and librarian's businesses to fall flat so they could rise up and take their place. Unfortunately, that kind of behavior is not tolerated here, I sent them on their way, telling them they can come back when they decide to place others above themselves. They never returned', she noticed the trio look at each other before looking back at her, 'I know what you may think, but no, they aren't the ones causing this, I checked myself to see, and it wasn't them, they're still not back'. They relaxed before going back to their meals, she smiled, 'anyway, after all that was said and done, the village, and villagers, started getting along again, my friend had departed not long after that, but not before giving me a way to contact her should the need arise. She came back when I did contact her, but was unable to help me, that's when she told me about you!'
Quirin smiled and nodded in approval, not noticing Ruddigar chowing down on the extra carrots Varian had hidden in a napkin on his lap, "I'm appreciative that someone recommended me, though, I'm struggling to remember if I've helped anyone before with this sort of situation".
"Maybe you helped them when it wasn't such a big issue and thus forgot?" The Village Elder suggested, seeing the little alchemist place the uneaten carrot crumbs on his plate and looking up at his dad oh so innocently as the raccoon hopped onto the table, clearly satisfied with the meal he'd just had.
The retired knight thought for a moment, "no, I'm certain I would've remembered something like that, then again, Corona isn't really known as the gossip capital".
"Pfft, yeah right...." Varian scoffed, making Quirin look at his son's plate
"Hm, those carrots certainly disappeared fast", he stated bluntly, which made Sage giggle as he noticed Ruddigar's sleepy face, "and doesn't he seem extremely satisfied with himself".
The teen gave the man a surprised look, "father, are you suggesting I didn't eat my carrots and gave them to Ruddigar instead?"
"If the boot fits"
Varian looked offended, "how dare"
Quirin chuckled, shaking his head at his son's antics, "you know I'm just going to give you more until you actually eat them right?"
"And wouldn't you feel just terrible if I actually did eat them and you're punishing me by making me eat more?" Varian argued back before he heard Ruddigar burp, a piece of carrot escaping the raccoon's mouth and landing on the table
"You were saying?"
The little alchemist face palmed, blushing as he sighed, a defeated smiled spread on his face as he stroked his best friend's fur, "just couldn't hold it in a little longer, huh buddy", the raccoon gave an apologetic chitter.
"See? You're great at investigating people's problems! I was correct to recommend you!" A very familiar voice stated from behind the retired knight.
Quirin suddenly felt a small headache beginning to form as he turned around to see someone he didn't expect, holding an apple in her left hand while twirling a small dagger in her right, smirking cheekily at the man, "Adira?!"
"Hello Stickler".
Notes:
Sorry for the exposition, but I needed a good way to have a certain someone come into play here!
Also, I couldn't help it, this story was *made* for her to take part in! Plus her and Sage actually do get along in my universe, so it fits!
Sage's sixth sense is really good at sensing emotions and such, she can also tell when there are spirits nearby, which I definitely believe in! (It's okay if you don't)
Thank you very much for reading!!!! :D
Chapter 40: No Time Like the Present! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Quirin, Varian, Ruddigar, Sage, and Adira set out to determine who's the cause for the chaos in town.
Notes:
I have no notes here, I'm saving them until the end
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hello Stickler"
Quirin sighed, pinching his forehead before looking at the face painted warrior once more, "why am I not surprised?"
"I'm not sure I can answer that for you, though if you'd like me to give it a shot-!"
"No I'm good, thank you"
Adira shrugged, smirking as she took a bite out of the apple before noticing Ruddigar's face, "didn't you just have carrots?" The raccoon chittered a reply that she couldn't understand, though it still made her smirk, "I may have some more apples stored away somewhere, if you're good then I'll give you a piece of this one", the little creature seemed to be satisfied with that, nodding and hopping onto his boy's shoulders.
"Hi Wise Eyes", Varian stated excitedly
"Hello Speckles, keeping your father on his toes?"
"More or less", the little alchemist giggled as he shared a look with his father
Sage smiled happily, "so glad you could make it my friend"
"Thank you for inviting me", Adira replied before she looked towards Quirin, "so, what plan do you have to resolve this issue?"
The old farmer raised a brow, "do you wanna help?"
"Hmmm yes and also no"
"I'm guessing you're going to be cryptic the whole time?"
"Only as cryptic as you want me to be"
"If I say, I don't want you to be cryptic, would that change anything?"
"Nope"
"So that was a lie"
"It could be, then again it could not be"
The Village Leader felt the small headache getting bigger, but decided to ignore it, turning his attention back to the Village Elder, "alright, so you've traced this back like before and ended up in a circle?"
"That's right, along with knowing it wasn't the couple before that's causing this now", Sage responded, smiling as she watched a piece of apple fly by and Ruddigar catch it in midair.
"So if tracing it won't work, something we could try is to locate who started these rumors, by eliminating who only heard about them", Varian stated
His father nodded with a smirk, "I was thinking the same thing, we already have several people off the table, me, Varian, Adira, and you Sage, there's also the couple from before, and the villagers that are fighting amongst each other".
"Right", Sage agreed, "they wouldn't be fighting if they weren't a part of those rumors, why would they spread them about themselves?"
"To get you off their scent", Adira stated simply throwing another apple piece to the raccoon.
"That's true", Varian stated, feeling a little embarrassed he didn't think of that, "so I guess we can't fully take off the fighting villagers.... Wait! We could trace it like you two did before!"
The Village Elder and face painted warrior looked at the boy, confusion clear on their faces, "hear me out, the person spreading these rumors wouldn't want the people trying to solve this to get close to them, correct?" The group nodded, "well then they basically trapped themselves! If it were me, I'd wanna keep everything far away from me, so I'd tell who ever I'm speaking with that I'd heard it from someone else and switch it every time while still using the same couple of people! I'd end up making the investigators go in a circle that I wasn't a part of so there was no way I could be traced!"
"So, anyone who isn't a part of the loop...." Quirin started
"....Would be prime suspects because of their lack of inclusion! That's genius!" Sage finished excitedly
"Only one problem, what if there are multiple people spreading these rumors and causing the mayhem?" Adira pointed out
"Either way we gain information that we didn't have before, because if there are multiple people, then we'll see at least one or two in the circle to throw us off even more, which is why we'll need Sage to join us", the Village Elder tilted her head, "you know everyone that comes in and out of this village, correct? All the people who've stayed here for a while at the very least?" She nodded, "good, it's a safe bet that those people are not the ones starting these rumors, and it's potentially someone, or a group of some one's, who would've just gotten here a little bit ago".
"There are some people that arrived today too, I know they didn't start the rumors, it's been going on for quite some time", Sage stated
"Right, which is again why we'll need you, do you have a list of all the people in this village?"
"I do"
"Great! Do you mind if we make a few copies and cross out any people we deem innocent?"
"No, I don't mind, I'll grab it right now!" With that, she walked up the stairs, dancing to the sound of a triumphant trumpet in her head as she smiled at the teen
Once Sage gave them the list, she, along with Varian, Quirin, and Adira were all writing down the names of each villager, when they arrived, and how long they've stayed in the village, adding side notes like, 'stayed for a bit, then left, and joined back up again'. They also decided it would be best to divide and conquer, each taking a section of the village, and villagers, and deciding on a time to group back up once their section was done. Ruddigar stuck with Varian, hopping onto his boy's shoulders just in case things got a little edgy for the teen, they also took an alchemy bomb from Varian, "just in case you need help, throw it on the ground and someone from the other section will see it, guaranteed", he'd explained. When they were ready to go, they each set out, saying their goodbyes and wishing each other good luck.
****
Sage
The Village Elder walked around her section, she'd gotten the middle, it held the most amount of people and had the town square inside it, where a bunch of market places and shops would be. She walked around and began asking people about the rumors they'd heard, they didn't seem to mind answering her. She traced the rumors around until they led her back in a circle, then asked another person outside of the circle if they'd heard the same rumor. She'd been doing that for a couple hours now and it kept going until there were very few people she could ask left, she spotted a gentlemen she didn't recognize, he was wearing a dark teal top hat with a matching overcoat, and had a long grey beard with a matching mustache, he was also wearing a light teal scarf and black vest.
"Hello there", she stated, walking up to him, though she instantly regretted it when she got a bad feeling off of this man.
He turned to look at her, his eyes darting up and down as he watched her then smiled, "well hello there, and who might you be?"
"My name is Sage, I'm the Village Leader here, and I've never seen you before, did you just come in?"
His smile grew wider as she heard the sound of a sickly satisfying saxophone in her mind, "why yes, I'm new, my name is Juniper, quite nice to meet you madam", he bowed
She curtsied politely, her mind screaming to be very careful of this man, "do you have any family here?"
Juniper straightened his back and smirked, "yes I do, they've been here for a while, so I'm guessing you might've run into them at some point"
Suddenly, a voice behind them called out, "ey June! The boss wants to chat with us about Va-!" The voice stopped as an older women walked out, her hair was white and braided, she was very small and had freckles on her face, her brown eyes locked on the Village Elder and she smirked as well, walking over to the two "oh excuse me Miss. Sage, I suppose you've met my cousin Juniper, he's from out of town, I was going to tell you, but I saw you were with company last night and I didn't want to interrupt".
"Oh that's alright Miss. Sainte, any family member of yours is welcome here in Maven!" She stated, though she looked a little nervously at the man, she did not trust him for some reason.
"Well thank you my dear, I'll be taking him home with me now, we've got some plans we need to handle, so sorry to have to cut this so short!"
"Oh not a problem at all! Have fun and be careful!" The Village Elder stated, she watched the pair make their way over to a nearby house, chatting happily about something, the saxophone in her head quieting down until all she could hear was her own heartbeat.
She shuddered, "I have a very bad feeling about this...." she stated to herself. she walked off, writing Juniper's name down, adding 'suspicious' next to it when her eyes caught something that terrified her, light bright, light blue flare was darting into the sky, she looked at where it had come from, and her worry got even worse as she ran towards the blue light.
****
Adira
The face painted warrior had gotten the western part of the village, it had the second most amount of people in the village, but it was full of homes, with maybe a few shops here and there. She'd been making good time, walking up to the homes and asking for anything the villagers may know about the rumors that were spreading, most of them were more than happy to chat with her about them. Adira had gotten some major progress done in the few hours she'd started this search when she heard whispering from behind her, turning around she saw a small women with black hair tied into dreads, she wore a dark red shirt and an orange skirt, she looked very young, potentially not that much old than the face painted warrior's nephew.
The women stopped whispering to the person she'd been talking to as they had a look of pure shock on their face before running off. She glared at Adira, Adira glared at her, immediately not liking this girl, there was something about her that the face painted warrior didn't trust. The two were silent, unsure of what the other wanted, though it seemed the younger girl was not very patient, "what are you staring at?"
"You, thought that was obvious".
"What the hell gives you the authority to look me up and down like that?"
"A much higher authority than you think, mind telling me why you're spreading more rumors?"
"None of your damn business"
Adira narrowed her eyes at the women as her voice got dangerously low, "I'll give you one warning, because I really don't like to be cursed at, almost as much as I don't like to be touched, answer my question, or else"
"Fuck you", the girl spat, beginning to walk away
The face painted warrior sighed, "I warned you", she then jumped in the air and landed in a tree nearby, using the leverage of her jump to spring her over to the girl. Crashing into her, they both slammed into an alley way, the face painted warrior than jumped up and, before the girl had time to process what was happening, Adira landed in front of her and swept the girl's feet out from beneath her, making her land on her back as she slammed her foot next to the girl's face. "You wanna tell me now dreadlocks? Or do I have to make you?" She smirked down at the girl as she stared up at the women in shock.
"Who *are* you?!"
"Your worst nightmare if you don't tell me what I want to know"
"Alright alright! I heard the rumor fr-!"
"Oh yes, lying in this situation will *definitely* make me quit what I'm doing", Adira stated sarcastically, "try again, you get one chance"
The girl started to sweat, her eyes full of fear as she watched the women tower over her, she sighed, "fine.... I started the rumor I was spreadin"
"Why?"
"Because I'd heard so many other rumors that I thought I'd join in! Everyone's talkin, now a days it's the only way you get heard!" The face painted warrior raised a brow, "it's the truth!"
"Convince me"
"Look lady, you really think I wanna get whatever the fuck you're handin out?! You've already got me pinned, what more do you want from me?!"
"The truth"
The girl started to sweat even more, that is until her face was lit by a blue light, Adira turned to face whatever that light was and her heart stopped. The blue flare was visible from high above the buildings, shining brightly in the sky. Hearing a noise she turned back to see the girl was gone, scoffing she turned away, "I'll find you later you little rat!" She then ran through the town, finding the location the flare was coming from.
****
Quirin
The old farmer sighed, he'd been tasked with the eastern side of the town, where all the farms were located. He'd spent the last few hours chatting every single farmhand and stable boy that weren't busy, even getting the farmers themselves. Unfortunately it seemed the farming part of the village was out of the mix, unlike himself, they stuck to their farms, only leaving to make deliveries. They were useful when asked about the fighting though, through their deliveries there've been several delivery people injured during the scuffles, something that gravely worried Quirin as he thought about his son wondering the southern side of the village with nothing but his raccoon with him.
"Hey! You there, guy with the furry vest!" A voice called out, the Village Leader snapped out of his thoughts and turned towards the direction of the voice. There was a very large man standing near the fences of the farms, he had a long red beard with black tattoos going down his arms, he wore a tiny, tan hat on his head and had golden hoop earrings with a gold necklace. Quirin had never seen this person before, he pointed to himself and the man yelled, "yeah you! You mind comin over here for a sec?"
Raising a confused brow, the retired knight got up from where he was sitting and walked over to the man, he stopped a few feet away from him, making sure to keep his distance, close enough for a normal conversation, far enough not to get ambushed , "did you need something?" He asked, making sure to keep the stranger in front of him at all times.
"I just wanted to ask where you got your vest? I can tell that's faux fur a mile away, but it looks so snazzy!" The man stated, surprising the old farmer as he looked down at his vest
Looking up again he smiled, "uh, thank you"
"You're welcome! You obviously take good care of it too, I've got this friend right? He wears a faux fur vest too, though his is white, I like both though I could never pull of the look"
"I'm certain you could, just gotta have the right outfit for it", Quirin stated before realizing what he just said, "not that your outfit is bad"
"Oh no, don't worry, I understand, my outfit is the bomb, I know that. But you're right, the vest looks real nice with red, could you tell me where you got it from?"
"Oh.... Uh... unfortunately I'm not entirely sure where it came from, you see, my late wife bought this for me a long time ago, I'm not sure where she got it from since she never told me"
The man looked sympathetic, "oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you remember that"
"It's okay, she's nice to remember, I'm just sorry I can't tell you where find this.... you know, you could try Corona, that's where we were at the time she got this for me", he made sure not to be careful about not giving this man anymore details than he needed, Quirin still had an odd feeling about this person, which was only made more apparent when the guy's nose scrunched up at the mention of the kingdom, "not a Corona fan?"
"Well, not entirely, there's just somethings that you can never forget, and unfortunately, the royal family really did a number on me and my friends", the man stated before snapping out of it, "sorry, didn't mean to talk negatively about the place you and your wife stayed, I'm certain you had a great time, but.... Let's just leave it at, it's not very welcoming to everybody".
The retired knight found that strange considering the man was standing in a village that traded goods with Corona and was so close to the kingdom, in fact he was about to question him about it until he saw a faint blue light in the distance. He rushed behind the man and looked towards the horizon, mapping out exactly where the flare was coming from, when he did, his heart sank, "Varian....."
****
Somewhere in town....
"Wow, you really did a number on him didn't you?"
"Where's the little rat he had with him?"
"It ran off, don't worry, I suspect it went to go find his father, isn't that right 'buddy'?" The little alchemist glared at the man from where he sat, "oh what? No sassy comeback? No catchy zinger? Nothing?" He narrowed his eyes at the man, "oh right, guess you can't talk with that gag over your mouth can you?"
The rest of his crew laughed as the teen kept glaring daggers at the man, "oof, if looks could kill kid, unfortunately for you though, they don't. Though I can cut you a little slack, Clementine, remove the gag, let the little brat speak".
The white haired women walked over to Varian and ripped the gag off of him, intentionally scraping against his now bruised cheek. The little alchemist yelped, making the group laugh once more before he growled, "what do you want with me?"
"Oh nothing yet, but you'll find out soon, very soon", the leader stated, smirking at the teen, "though I'm surprised at that temper of yours, didn't you miss me? We used to be cell mates after all".
Notes:
Sainte is French for Saint, Clementine is a French name that means merciful, which is hilarious to me, because that girl is the least likely to be merciful! But I thought it would be funny to have her last name be the opposite of her.
Hee hee! Yep a four parter! This story needed it and I wanted to make it interesting!
I would've loved to have seen the show do more with these characters, to find out about more of their personalities, but unfortunately, we did not get that. So hopefully this will suffice!
I wanted everyone to have a moment in the spotlight again, also Adira is bada*s and I needed to show that, it was my duty as a fan of this universe to do so!
Thank you all for reading! :D
Chapter 41: No Time Like the Present! (Part 4!)
Summary:
Varian is captured by some old enemies and it's up to Quirin, Ruddigar, Adira, and Sage to rescue him before it's too late!
Notes:
This is the final chapter to this four parter! I won't say much here
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin's heart was beating fast as he ran down the streets, people were looking at him but the retired knight didn't care! He had to get to Varian, had to find him, had to know he was safe! The blue flare was still in the air, though it was dimming, seeing this made the old farmer shake off his age and run like he hadn't in years. Quirin slid around another corner as he booked it towards the bright blue light, he was almost there, if he was fast enough, maybe he could help his boy! Turning down the final corner he say a small lump on the ground where the blue light originated from, his mind raced as he drew closer and saw blood on the floor. He finally reached the lump and realized it was, "Ruddigar?!"
The little raccoon was curled up on the floor, he was shaking and his leg was cut deeply as blood seeped through the wound. The retired knight carefully picked up the little creature and held him close, digging through his pack strapped to his belt and grabbing a small medkit. He opened it up and began working on the wound, calming the scared mammal as he did so, when he finally wrapped it up he set the raccoon down, "feel better?" The creature chittered out an approval, "good, now where's Varian?" Ruddigar chittered angrily, his hackles rising as he glared towards an alley way.
"He's not in there", a voice stated, Quirin and Ruddigar turned to see Adira hopping off of a roof as Sage finally managed to arrive, "I got here a couple minutes ago and was told the same thing, I figured you'd heal the raccoon so I checked the alley, no one's in there, but there was something I did find-!"
"What is it?" The father interrupted, letting his emotions take over for a second
"I think you may want to come see for yourself...."
His eyes widened as he picked up Ruddigar and ran into the alleyway, Sage following suit after putting the flare out. They both stopped and stared at the puddle of blood on the floor, there were scratch marks and knocked over wooden crates as well as a couple of pink splotches on the walls and floors. As he took in the sight Quirin's heart grew faster and faster, his head was filled with so many questions and worries about his son and what happened that the world start to go blurry. He was losing focus and his head felt dizzy, that is, until he felt a cold nose on his cheek, snapping back to reality, Quirin looked to see Ruddigar's green eyes looking at him worriedly, he gave a soft chitter and rubbed his head against the old farmer's.
The retired knight smiled, stroking the little mammal's fur until his thoughts calmed down, "thank you Ruddigar, you're a good raccoon", he stated, getting a quiet purr in return. Quirin then sighed, looking around he started to investigate, "Varian gave em hell, the scratch marks and pink splatters tell me that much. Whoever caught him however must've met my boy from somewhere".
"Why do you say that?" Sage asked, picking up a crate and placing it upright once more before picking up its contents and placing them back inside.
"Because the pink on the walls are from his goo bombs, they make a person stick and the only way to get out of one is for Varian to use his special alchemical solution to unstick them, otherwise you'd be waiting for.... I'm not entirely sure how long you'd be waiting to get unstuck, Ruddigar?" The raccoon shrugged, "hm, I guess Varian's just always there when you need him, and he cleans up every mess he makes too...." The man looked down, his mind filling with worry again as he stared at his sons blood.
"We'll find him Brother, we will, I promise", Adira reassured, placing a hand on the retired knight's shoulder
"Right, we will", he stated, trying to convince himself more than anyone else, he turned and gave a soft smile to the face painted warrior , "thanks Adira".
****
"So what are we gonna do with him Andrew?" Clementine asked, glaring at the small teen as he shivered where he was laying.
Their leader, Andrew, smirked at his friend as he walked over to the teen, "well normally I'd just kill him right here, after all, traitors to Saporia pay with their lives, but I wanna take it one step further"
"What do you mean?"
He chuckled ominously before grabbing the boy's hair roughly and making him look up, "the entire time we were in jail together he spoke of nothing but his father being trapped in the amber, now that he's out, I wanna have a little fun". He grinned when he saw Varian's eyes widen.
The older women grew concerned, "isn't his father the Village Leader? Surely a man like that would be hard to take down".
"See that's where I come in", another voice stated, a large man stepped out of the shadows, red hair and beard, gold necklace and earrings.
"Kai, good to see you're back, did you find him?" Andrew asked, letting go of Varian's head so he fell to the stone floor with a thud.
"Yep, we had a little chat, the guy stayed a couple feet away from me, so he's smart at least, looks pretty big too, but he's friendly and old. We talked about his vest, once I didn't seem like a threat, he didn't seem worried, we left on good terms too".
"Good, we can use that to our advantage", the Saporian leader stated, "where's Juniper and Maisie?"
"Juniper is patching Maisie up, apparently some women beat her pretty good, asking about the rumors we've been spreading", Clementine stated, Varian let out a small gasp through his gag as the realization hit him, unfortunately Andrew noticed.
"That's right, *we've* been spreading those rumors throughout the village, those stupid Coronans will believe anything someone tells them, I'm not surprised they were so easy to trick". The little alchemist glared, "yeah yeah, you're not happy with me, but had you stayed on our side, we wouldn't be having this discussion, so who's at fault here?"
Varian looked away, he didn't know how to feel, in his mind Andrew had no reason to harm innocent people, but then again, Varian had done the same. He suddenly felt his head being pulled to face forwards, he saw the green eyed man looking at him, a small amount of interest was displayed on his face, "I bet you have your own perspective on things, you probably think we tricked you. But you and I both know that you would've harmed the people of Corona after their memories were wiped, don't deny it. Underneath the innocent face lies someone who lied, schemed, and fought his way to the top, you're a villain Varian, just like me, but we weren't born that way, Corona made us become what we are, why are you so bent on helping those people anyway?"
The little alchemist didn't say a word, mostly because he couldn't due to the gag, but also because he couldn't reply, he knew that as much as he'd never want to admit it, Andrew was right, he was a villain. He'd attacked innocent people, tricked his friends, lied to them, all because he wanted to save his dad from a trap *he* invented. He may have changed sides at the last minute, but did that really make him any better than the Saporian's that held him prisoner? Thinking about it, he felt his tears stinging at the corners of his eyes as he felt the guilt fill his body, he looked at the man, they locked their gazes with each other, Andrew smiled, "you feel guilty, but that's not really much of a reason to betray the people that kept you company all those days in the dungeons is it? I was there for you, helped you, talked to you, and yet look what you did". His tears escaped and ran down his bruised cheeks as he felt his guilt grow more and more, "at least you have some semblance of what you did to us. Guess that makes you better than Corona, but you're still gonna pay, you, and because of what you did, your dad too". Varian wanted to argue, he wanted to shout and beg the man to leave his father alone, but Andrew merely laughed, "you brought him into this when you chose Corona over us, over me. My my if he knew what you were really like, he'd never be proud of you, some soon to be Village Leader", Varian winced at the remark, making Andrew smile more, "that's right, I know you're supposed to be the next Village Leader, but judging from how easy it was to capture you, I'd say Corona would be better off with raccoon. You have failed every opportunity to become a great leader, and you'll never be able to follow in your father's footprints, remember that when you see him fall", with that the Saporian got up, letting go of the alchemist's face as he crumpled to the ground, his sobs falling on deaf ears as Andrew walked away.
****
Quirin, Ruddigar, Adira, and Sage walked around the village, desperately searching for clues to where the little alchemist could be. They checked the entire southern part of the village and came up empty handed, they then decided to check the other sections. Going to the north, and then west, finding nothing they finally ended up in the east. Quirin asked the farmers if they'd seen his boy but none of them had, nor had any of the farmhands and stable workers.
"Where could he be?" Sage wondered, hearing the swarm of angry trumpets and worried drums behind her as she tried to keep calm, "this village doesn't have a lot of places for someone to hide, though.... he is a rather small teenager-!"
"Hey it's you again!" They heard a voice call out, looking Quirin recognized the large man he'd spoken to before, "what are you doing over here again? You ran off pretty dang fast earlier".
"Do you know this man?" Adira asked the retired knight, raising a brow at the stranger
The Village Leader nodded, "he struck up a conversation with me right before I saw Varian's blue flare"
"Well that's not concerning at all...."
"I just had the same thought, if he knows anything about my son though....."
"I understand, but be on guard if he does, I don't like the looks of him, he reminds me of the dreadlocks girl I told you and Sage about earlier".
"Got it", with that they walked over, Quirin waving back, "hello, sorry about that there was something I needed to attend to".
The man waved his hands dismissively, "don't worry about it, I get it buddy, it gets busy this time of year, we're all tending to stuff, though I see you brought friends", he smiled at the two women, Adira nodded as Sage looked a little confused, "what's wrong? I got something on my face?"
"O-oh I'm sorry it's just... I've never seen you around here before", the Village Elder stated, hearing the cowbells ringing in her ears as the two next to her shared a look with one anther.
"Oh right! Yeah sorry, I'm helping out my father, he's a farmer, I don't really do much farming though, not really my thing", Quirin looked down, his boy's face flashing in his mind, Ruddigar chittered at him sadly, receiving a scratch behind the ears and not noticing the secret smirk the man gave, "what's a matter friend? Something on your mind".
The retired knight looked at the man, noticing he was looking at him, "oh sorry.... actually, I have a question for you", he gave Adira a side glance and she nodded, "you wouldn't have happened to see my son around here would you?"
"I see a lot of kids, what's he look like?"
"He's small, skinny, has little freckles on his face, big blue eyes, black hair with a little blue streak going through it, and he's about yay big", he then placed his hand parallel to the ground next to his chest
"Hmmmm, you know what? He actually sounds familiar... Yeah I *have* seen him, he was with a my friend with the white vest!"
"Your friend? Where'd they go?" Quirin asked, trying hard not to let the worry seep into his voice
"They went over... You know what? I can show you! Follow me!" With that, the man turned and started walking before stopping and turning back to them, "oh, my name's Kai by the way, what's yours?"
"Quirin"
"Nice to meet you Quirin and nice raccoon!" Ruddigar chittered, "Anyway, lets go!"
They started to follow Kai over to the middle of town, Sage recognized the houses they were walking towards as the one Clementine and her cousin disappeared into, she then got a sickening feeling as she remembered what Clementine had said before she noticed the Village Elder standing there. She gasped then slapped her hands over her mouth and looked at the group. They were all looking at her, confusion clear on their faces, "s-sorry! Um.... Quirin, Adira, could I speak with you two alone for a moment?" She then looked at Kai, "I'm sorry, that.... thing.... that Quirin was tending to, I just realized something about it and it's.... private".
"Oh no you go right on ahead, I'll wait here, I've gotta check on something anyway", he stated, smiling as he walked over towards a small vendor selling some sweets.
They walked over to a secluded spot, "guys, I spoke with a villager and her cousin earlier!" The two both raised their brows at her and she heard their confusion loudly, sighing she explained, "the villager is named Clementine Sainte, she's an older women that came here a few years ago, she left for a bit last year and returned not too long ago, her cousin, Juniper I think his name was, he was new. I was chatting with Juniper when Clementine came out, she said something before she saw me, something about the boss needing to talk to them about Va!"
"Va?" Adira asked
"Varian", Quirin responded, he, and the little raccoon on his shoulder, looked furious, Sage could hear the drums of war blazing with a mix of angry trumpets
"A-are you okay?" The Village Elder asked
"Kai, Juniper, and Clementine are all names of people my son told me about, they, along with a few others. They are a part of a group called 'The Separatists of Saporia', they're main goal is to destroy Corona and bring it back to its "former glory", by making it the new Saporia..... Those people that you just named were the ones that manipulated my son then tried to kill him because he chose to fight against them.... I hate them, their leader is on my list of people to..... we'll just say 'severely damage', and leave it at that".
The Village Elder looked shocked, "wait, how did that sweet kid get mixed up with them?!" Sage asked
Adira's face darkened, "when you're put in a position where you feel you have no one left in this world, you're at your most vulnerable, unfortunately, people like the Separatists will take great pleasure in using that to their advantage.... No matter what their age.... I watched the battle at Old Corona, I saw them take my nephew away in chains.... I can only imagine what they said to get him into their little club...."
The Village Elder felt horrible, envisioning the small teen she'd seen not too long ago with puppet strings attached to his arms and legs, it made her sad as she looked at the pair, "well, given that information it's safe to assume we know the who in this equation, how many are there?"
"Five, Kai, Juniper, Clementine, Maisie, and their leader, Andrew", Quirin replied, his voice got very deep when he said the man's name
"So here's the plan, me and Sage will take care of Kai, Clementine, Juniper, and Maisie, and you can do whatever you wish to the leader, I know a good place to hide the body, just don't associate me with it", Adira stated smirking
"Y-you're not serious are you?" The Village Elder asked
The face painted warrior looked at her, "that man took my nephew and twisted him to do his bidding because he thinks the world owes him a favor, and he might've taken him again and Demanitus knows what he's doing to him now".
"So, deadly serious"
"So dead that there's no skeleton left"
"Ok, at least we know who we're up against, all we need now is a plan", Quirin stated, thinking for a moment before looking over at Kai, he was chatting with a vendor, "hmm, we could use him".
"How?" The face painted warrior asked
"As far as I know, he doesn't suspect a thing, which is good. I also know the Saporians have a thing about their members, they think of each other like a family", he and Ruddigar looked at Adira, "see where I'm going with this?"
She smiled, "yep, I've got rope"
"I've got my swords"
They both looked at Sage, she wasn't sure what to say, on one hand she was definitely against violence of any kind in her village, on the other a boy has been kidnapped by the very people working undercover to hurt it. She didn't need much time to think before she pulled out a couple of bottles filled with liquid, "lets go save your son!"
Quirin got an image of his little alchemist throwing his goo bombs and smiled, "thank you Sage, Ruddigar, get somewhere safe", the little raccoon chittered in approval, then limped off the man's shoulder and hid.
They snuck over to the bulky man, Sage signaled over to the vendor to keep him distracted, the clerk was visibly confused but nodded and kept chatting. Once they were close enough, Adira grabbed one of his arms and wrapped the rope around it, "WHAT IN THE NAME O-!"
He stopped short when he had a very sharp blade inches from his face, looking at the wielder he was shocked, "take me to my son, *now*"
"I w-was going to! What's all this for?!" He stuttered
The retired knight glared at the man, "I know you, and your boss, I also remember my son mentioning a quote, 'traitors to Saporia pay with their lives', ring a bell?"
Kai glared, "your son is gonna be killed, but we need to let him watch you *first*!" He raised his arm with the rope around it and managed to get it around the old farmer's feet, pulling hard, he watched as Quirin tripped, but his smile quickly disappeared when the retired knight punched him square in the chin.
"Talk about a glass jaw", Adira joked
"Mind giving me a hand?" Quirin responded
"Sure", she ran over and used his back as a spring board, bouncing off, doing a flip, and landing behind the staggering Saporian.
"Show off".
Kai recovered from the punch and began to run towards the old farmer before he was suddenly surrounded by smoke, looking over he saw the Village Elder with a gray bottle in her hand, he glared, "again with an alchemist?! How many are we gonna deal with?!"
Adira than kicked his back, knocking him flat on the floor before tying his hands with the rope, "she'll be the last".
The man struggled with the ropes but they were too strong. "Let me out of these fuckin ropes *now* or else Varian wi-!" He felt a sharp tip touch his nose, looking up he saw the farmer with the nastiest glare he'd ever seen on a man.
"You gonna finish that *fucking* sentence?"
****
Andrew paced back and forth, *he should've been back by now, with the brat's father none the less, what's taking Kai so long?* he thought to himself.
"ANDREW!!!!" Clementine's voice yelled out, the Saporian leader looked over and saw the old women running towards him, "Andrew, we've got a situation!!!!!" She stated, "Kai he-he's-!"
"Been captured", a deep voice stated, a large man with a furry vest, red shirt, and a raccoon on his shoulder stepped out of the shadows, Kai was tied up in front of him with a gag in his mouth, he looked like he'd been beaten pretty badly, "and you're gonna be next if you don't do as I say".
The man raised a brow then smirked, "you must be Quirin, nice to finally meet you, though this is a bit much don't you think?"
"You have my son, I have your friend, I think it's pretty equal, also, he's not very convincing"
"Noted, look we can all be civil about this, just give me Kai back and you can leave with you dignity in tact, what do you say?"
Now Quirin raised a brow, "excuse me?"
That's when Juniper and Maisie stepped out of the shadows, pointing their swords in the retired knight's back, Clementine was laughing, "stupid Coronan! You really thought we didn't *prepare* for this?!" She laughed even more, until she was kicked across the room and slammed into a wall. Andrew turned to see what happened until the room filled with smoke, he heard Maisie and Juniper fighting and, when the smoke cleared, they were tied up as well with the Village Elder and a new person, with half her face painted, looking very proud of themselves.
"Actually we did, thanks to your friend over here", Quirin stated, poking Kai with his sword
"Kai, wha-!" Andrew started, but stopped when he heard the new person chuckled
"He was *easy* to crack, we didn't have to do much! Just rough him up a little bit and he was singing like a canary", she patted the man's shoulder, which made him tremble, before looking at Maisie, "I see this is where you got the smart mouth from, interesting but, not surprised dreadlocks".
"YOU! You're the one that tried to beat me up earlier!" She screamed
"I am, nice to see you again!"
"ENOUGH!" Andrew yelled, he was seething, "you think you've won?! You Coronan's don't know the first thing about us, we are the Separatists of Saporia, and we will never be unprepared!" He then reached for something out of sight and pulled hard, they all froze when they heard a small yelp of pain before seeing a small figure pulled into the man's arms, he was bloody and beaten and looked terrified
"VARIAN!" Quirin shouted
"D-dad!" The little alchemist responded
Andrew smiled wickedly, "originally this was going to be him watching us kill you, but I can make it the other way around", he pulled out a knife and brought it up to Varian's neck
"Let him go!"
"Too late", he pushed the blade further into the alchemist's neck when he was crashed into by a ball of black and gray. Varian fell to his knees as he watch Ruddigar fight Andrew off, scratching, biting, stinging, anything you could imagine. "GET OFF ME YOU STUPID DAMN RODENT!" The man yelled, he managed to kicked Ruddigar off but as he did he saw Adira push Maisie into Juniper and Quirin punch Kai, knocking all three out . Sage grabbed Clementine and put her with the rest of them before all three glared at the man.
Andrew looked around, panic starting to overwhelm him, he saw the three getting closer as Ruddigar shook off being thrown and hissed at him loudly. He backed up before catching Varian's eye, the two exchanged a look, he saw the fear in the alchemist's eyes and smiled, "this isn't over you know", he stated before throwing something on the floor, it was one of Varian's teleport bombs, he reappeared next to his friends, still smiling, "I'll be back for you buddy, and when I am, you'll be sorry you and your dad *ever* came across me", he then glared, "I promise". Varian winced, making him smile wider as he threw another bomb on the floor. Him and the rest of the Saporians disappearing into thin air.
The room was silent for a moment before Ruddigar started to chitter loudly, Quirin, Adira, and Sage looked and saw him run to the little alchemist, they ended up doing the same. Quirin picked him up and cradled him in his arms, "son? Varian are you okay?"
"D-dad", came the quiet response, Varian outstretched a hand and his father took it, they stared at each other for a moment before the little alchemist began to cry, all the emotions he'd felt during that time pouring out at once.
"It's okay Varian, I'm here now son, you're safe, you're safe", Quirin soothed, hugging his boy close to his chest. Adira and Sage sat down next to the retired knight, all five of them finally relieved it was all over.
Notes:
There it is! I'm gonna have a follow up chapter after this, but this is what I wish we would've seen instead of no time like the past. I hope this suffices as a good replacement for that episode. I know this is a bit darker than my usual stories, but Andrew is a darker character, and he'll be returning too.
Varian *really* needs some hot chocolate and snuggles right now! XD I'm gonna give him some though :3
Quirin is the best protective farmer dad, Adira is the best protective warrior aunt, and Ruddigar is the best protective raccoon! (We needed a Ruddigar moment here!)
Sage is not an alchemist, she's a healer, but she makes her own medicine, I'll explain more in the next chapter.
Anyway, thank you all for reading!!!!
Chapter 42: Epilogue!
Summary:
After everything is said and done after the Saporian's attack, Varian, Quirin, Ruddigar, Adira, and Sage return to the Village Elder's home for some much needed rest, relaxation, and conversation.
Notes:
So, I know this boy needs some snuggles, and by golly I'm gonna give it to him! This will also include some story plot because who doesn't like some plot in the cute chapters! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"It's okay son, I'm here, you're safe, you're safe"
Those words echoed in the young alchemist's mind as his father picked him up and held him close to his chest. He grabbed a fist full of the retired knight's furry vest and sobbed the day's events away until there was nothing left but a scratchy throat and small whimpers. Varian leaned his head against the Village Leader's chest and sighed, closing his eyes and escaping the world in the comfort of darkness. He felt his raccoon hop into his arms, and he wrapped them around the little creature and stroked his fur soothingly.
"Looks like he's calmed down", he heard Adira say, her voice was laced with worry that had all but died down as he felt her fingers lace through his hair, receiving a comforted sigh in return
"We should head back to my home, I have medical equipment and potions there that can help", the Sage stated.
"Right, Kai said you were an alchemist of some sort?" His father replied, Varian could tell the man was still watching him, his voice was quiet and calm, but filled to the brim with fear and anger, a hint of relief also mixing in.
"I'm not an alchemist, but I'm what you would call a 'witch doctor', I make healing potions and use herbs and such to help people, some chemicals do end up coming in handy if I ever need to get away or fight for any reason, a smoke bomb or two is never a bad thing. But that's the most I'll do", he heard he step closer to him and felt her check his wounds, "I have tons of lotions and ointments that'll help his wounds heal faster without him having to visit a doctor, tea would also help with that scratchy throat".
"How do you know he's got a scratchy throat?"
The Village Elder hummed, "he did a lot of.... uhh....."
"Crying?" Adira replied
"Well... Yes, though I was trying to be a little less blunt about it", she stated, hearing the sounds of an embarrassed tuba play as the young alchemist blushed
Quirin chuckled as he hugged his son, "getting back to your home sounds like a good idea, though, while I agree about the tea, may I make a suggestion?"
****
The little alchemist was smiling widely as the Village Elder handed him a large mug full of hot chocolate, it also had whipped cream and chocolate flakes on the top. Varian licked at the whipped cream, enjoying the feeling of the cool, smooth substance run down his throat, soothing it for a moment. He was sitting comfortably on one of the large armchairs and was being looked over by his aunt and father before the Sage started to rub some ointment on his arms and legs, wrapping gauze around them after. The process as a whole took 45 minutes to complete, by the time it was done, there wasn't any hot chocolate left in the teen's cup. He looked over at his father, who was standing next to the arm chair, and nudged his arm with the empty mug, getting him to look at his son.
Quirin chuckled and smiled, "I take it you want more?" Varian gave him his puppy dog eyes, "you keep forgetting those don't work on me", the little alchemist continued, making them wider and adding tears to the mix, "ok, that's not fair, you can't add tears it's cheating!"
"Having trouble Stickler?" Adira asked, the retired knight turned to look at her and saw she was smirking
He scoffed, "you wanna try to say no to this?" He stepped aside and let the face painted warrior see the tear filled puppy dog eyes
She started them down for a minute before she sighed and turned away, "fine, I concede defeat, how on earth do you ever say no to that?"
"The tears are new"
"Ah"
Quirin turned back to his son and took the mug, "ok, I'll grab you another glass, but this is the last one okay?"
"Whipped cream?" The little alchemist asked quietly
His father snorted, "yeah, you get whipped cream", he laughed when Varian wrapped his arms around his waist, "pfft, no matter how big you get, some things never change". Varian smiled up at him as he let go and settled back into the big arm chair while his father walked away, Adira followed him, teasing him a bit about being a softy.
The Village Elder came back from the kitchen, chuckling at the two as she held Ruddigar in her arms before carefully setting the little mammal on the little alchemist's lap, "there, all fixed up with some ointment and bandages".
"Thank you"
"You're very welcome little one", she smiled before she heard the worried drums in her mind, she looked at the young alchemist and gave him a sympathetic look, "I suppose with all that's happened, you can't really be expected to have such a meaningful conversation with your father right this moment, can you?" Varian looked up at her as Ruddigar curled into a ball and fell asleep on his lap
"I.... I'm sorry...." He looked down, his disappointment in himself overwhelming her other senses
"Hey", she touched his shoulder, "it's gonna be okay, I know he loves you, you know he loves you, when you do have that talk with him, he will never stop loving you, ever, I hope you know that".
Varian sighed, "I know, it's just.... He wants me to be something that I can't be, I don't know how to be a Village Leader, hell I got captured trying to *train* as one!!!! H-how am I supposed to become a person who's supposed to lead people and act as a role model if I can't be too sure that being a role model would even make sense.... I've done some terrible things in my past, things that.... I can never forget about, Andrew was certainly quick to throw them in my face...." He looked down, his tears dripping onto the sleeping raccoon in his lap, waking him up and getting his attention as he stood up carefully and nuzzled his boy's chin.
"Oh Varian.... You're not a bad person, you never were, you never have been. I've.... heard about the rumors of the alchemist that went rogue. I heard about the battle in Old Corona, I heard how you were defeated, but I never thought, for one instant, that you were a person to fear. In fact, when I found out that you were the Village Leader's son all I could think was, wow he must be under a lot of pressure".
The little alchemist looked up, "r-really?"
"Yes, I know what it's like to be there and feel every worry in the world about messing up or hurting people, I've felt angry, I've felt depressed, maybe my experience is different, but I at least understand a little of how you're feeling, and you're allowed to be worried and scared, you're allowed to say no if you really don't think you're cut out for it or if it's something you don't wanna do. You're allowed little one, you always have been, and I'm so sorry that man decided to throw your past in your face".
"It's not your fault he d-did"
"But it still isn't right, no one should throw your past in your face, it isn't fair. You aren't that person anymore, I can see it, your father can see, and I know a fair few out in my village could see it too! You're a good boy and no one can tell me otherwise", she smiled at him warmly, "you're good Varian, no matter what you've done before, you're good, and you'll make an amazing scientist one day!"
The teen smiled and, before he could stop himself, latched onto Sage, hugging her tightly as she stumbled back a bit in surprise. She recovered quickly though, and returned the hug, rubbing his back soothingly, they stayed that way for a few moments before they heard the kitchen door open, the smell of freshly brewed hot chocolate wafting in the air and making them both look towards the door.
"Are we, interrupting something?" Adira asked, smirking at bit as the two blushed
"Uh... No?" The little alchemist replied, letting go of the Village Elder and hurriedly curling back into the armchair
"Once more with feeling son and you might convince us", Quirin teased, chuckling as a pillow found its way to his shoulder.
****
An hour and a half later, everyone was settled in the living room of the Village Elder's, Sage and Adira were chatting quietly to themselves while Varian, Quirin, and Ruddigar were all snuggled in the same armchair, listening to the fire crackle in the fireplace as the little alchemist was on the verge of drifting off to sleep. His top half was securely on his father's chest while his bottom half was on his lap, he was wrapped like a burrito in a fuzzy blanket. He had finished drinking his second mug of hot chocolate and he felt content for the first time since they'd arrived, he was stroking his raccoon's fur happily, the little mammal purring quietly.
"Quirin, I need to talk to you about my mission", Adira stated, getting the retired knight to look over as a sleepy Varian perked up a bit
"What about it? Have you found anything?" The retired knight asked calmly, so as not to alert his son
The face painted warrior sighed, "yes, I saw her"
Varian's eyes shot open as he sat up, rubbing roughly against the cuts and bruises and startling Ruddigar, but he didn't care, "y-you saw Cass?! Where? Is she okay? W-what was she doing?"
"Varian, son, calm down, you're still hurt", his father responded, wrapping one arm around his boy and laying him back down, putting the blanket around him once more
Adira gave the teen an understanding look before continuing, "she was in Old Corona, next to your house, I think she might've had a reason for being there, and I don't think it was a particularly good reason", she looked pointedly at Varian, the boy shuddering a bit.
"You think she'd go after him?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if she tried, he's a very good ally to have after all", she smiled at the little alchemist, who smiled back.
"Did you tell King Edmund?"
"I did, he was the first I told since he's at your house right now, what's he doing there anyway?"
"Taking care of the farm"
"And Itty Bitty the fish", Varian added, receiving a hair ruffle from his father
"And taking care of Itty Bitty the fish, he's a very important family member, though he's not as portable as Ruddigar", the raccoon chittered happily at that before finding a comfortable spot in his boy's lap and, twirling around a couple times, laid down, curling into a donut shape.
"Ah I see, how is Itty Bitty the fish?"
"Doing good, he swims in circles really fast whenever dad comes around though, I think he's his favorite", Varian teased, smirking at his father who blushed
"He's a good boy, I'm thinking about teaching him some tricks, if... fish can even learn tricks... hm"
"I know they can, I had a goldfish once that I taught to hop from one bowl into the next", Sage stated, "she was a very good goldfish too, I named her Sunny!"
Varian smiled as Quirin drew the conversation back, "so, what should we do about her? She's near our home, we need to go back though".
"I've already told the princess and Fish skin, they both said they'll keep an eye out for her", she explained
"What about Lance?" The teen asked, tilting his head to the side
"I haven't told him yet", Adira admitted, "I was hoping Stickler might do that for me", Quirin raised an amused brow and smirk, "he's near you more often than he is me"
"Because you avoid him?" The retired knight replied
"Perhaps", Quirin chuckled, "anyway, I wanted to let you two know, it's also why I recommended you to Sage, you're safer here than you are in Old Corona, though I know you'll need to get back"
"We do, or at last, I do", the Village Leader stated, "maybe Varian c-!"
"Don't you dare leave me behind while you and the others risk your lives, remember I've got a royal job to do anyway and I still haven't finished with it yet", the little alchemist interrupted
"You could finish it here then I could come get it"
"I'm not leaving you alone, not only would I feel terrible about it, but I'd be so worried that Ruddigar would never stop alerting me!"
His father sighed, "stubborn"
"I got it from you you know"
"Nope, this one is all you"
"Pfft! Yeah right! Grandpa told me stories about how stubborn you could be!"
"I was stubborn when I *needed* to be"
"Right, like the time with the gardens"
The retired knight blushed as Adira laughed, "we don't talk about that"
"The gardens?" Sage asked, clearly confused
"When we come back to visit, we are coming back right?" Varian asked, looking up at his father who nodded, "oki, when we come back, we'll have to bring grandpa so he can tell you the story! It's really funny!"
"I think he should talk about the vase incident too", Quirin added, making Adira blush, "that one's pretty funny".
The face painted warrior narrowed her eyes at her brother, who returned the glare with a pleasant smile. They suddenly began bickering about what story could be told next time they arrived at Sage's place, making Varian, Sage, and Ruddigar laugh while they carried on. They finally ended it when the little alchemist fell asleep, deciding it was time for bed, Quirin carried his son to their room, thanking Sage for her hospitality, while Adira walked towards her own room. They slept through the night, and woke up early the next morning, having a calm breakfast before the father son duo packed their things away after making sure Varian and Ruddigar's wounds were healed before they set out on the road. A small knot was sitting in the little alchemist's stomach, but as he turned to wave goodbye, he saw the Village Elder giving him a thumbs up, realizing she could still feel his emotions, he smiled widely at her and gave her a thumbs up back before turning towards the open road, leaning against his father as the man wrapped his arm around the teen. In his mind, he reminded himself that his father loved him and always would, still feeling the butterflies in his stomach he looked up at the man, he noticing his father was looking at him too before the man blushed and turned away, a small smile still printed on his face. Varian sighed and smiled, closing his eyes and stroking Ruddigar's fur as the butterflies finally flew away.
Notes:
Little bean comfort! Also, back to Corona! This four parter and the epilogue were fun to write, I definitely enjoyed taking the time to make it!
He finally got his hot chocolate and snuggles! I was very much needed at this point, he'll be getting more of course! <3
Adira is always fun to write! :D I love the face painted warrior!
Sage is a comfort bean, and I'll have to draw pictures of her sometime to show you all :D
There will be a time when they come back with Edmund, the man would love the village of Maven!
Thank you all so much for reading! <3
Chapter 43: An Unexplected Break in!
Summary:
Quirin and Varian finally come home and find something they don't expect.
Notes:
No notes, not spoiling this!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"We're home! Grandpa, are you he- WOAH!" Varian yelled, he was standing outside their home and was startled at the front door's state. The whole thing looked like someone had rammed it through with a boulder, the door's hinges were broken, the knob was completely off, the window next to it had been smashed, and there were chunks of wood and metal strewn about. "Dad!!!!" The little alchemist called, "dad you need to come see this!" Ruddigar hopped off his boy's shoulders and sniffed at the rubble, making worried chittering sounds as he checked the mess out.
Quirin came around and gasped, "woah!"
"That's what I said"
"Oh boy, ok, don't touch anything, in fact, take Ruddigar and see if you can get a guard, I'll check out the parameter, come get me once you get here".
"Got it", with that, the little teen grabbed his raccoon and ran off into the town. He passed by the fields and waved at a couple farmhands, seeing Robin as well, he waved at the shy delivery boy, who waved back, then booked it towards the town square. He managed to run into the two guards he was hoping he'd find, they were chatting with Eugene of all people, "STAN PETE!!!! You guys need to come quickly!" He yelled out, running towards the trio who stopped their conversation to look at him.
"Hey kiddo! Good to see you're back... what's going on?" Eugene asked, watching the little alchemist slide to a halt in front of him and bend forwards to catch his breath. Ruddigar started chittering continuously and making hand gestures and signals at the former thief, "woah, slow down fur ball, I don't speak cat", he joked, getting a frustrated growl from the mammal before Varian finally caught his breath.
"Mine and dad's home was broken into! There's glass and wood scattered *everywhere* and the door is practically in shambles! Dad's checking the outside to make sure it's safe to go near, but we've gotta hurry!"
"A break in? Stand back citizens, Stan and I will handle this!" Pete stated, pushing Eugene back a bit before running off
"Uh Pete, Varian's house it *that* way", Eugene pointed out
"Right!" The guard stated firmly as he ran towards the house
The little alchemist face palmed before Stan smirked, "he's actually pretty good at this, he's just had a rough day today, you'll have to give him a break", he explained before following his best friend.
Eugene sighed and placed an arm around Varian, "come on kiddo, I'll help out too, four or five heads are better than two am I right?"
"Right, we gotta go, come on!" He grabbed the prince's hand and pulled him towards the house, running faster than he had the first time as Ruddigar held on for dear life. They made it to the front yard and noticed Stan and Pete looking around
"Holy moly hair stripe you weren't kidding!" Eugene stated, his expression shifting into one of surprise as he looked at the damage
"Y-yeah, it's pretty bad, I can fix it easy though, in fact, I'm excited to f-! ITTY BITTY!!!!" He yelled, before taking off towards the house, he was stopped by Quirin, who managed to grab his arm before he entered the home
"Woah there, easy son, you're supposed to come get me first", he stated, gently guiding his son away from the door
"B-but Itty Bitty-!"
"I'm certain Itty Bitty is fine, he's a very resourceful fish. Did you get the guards?"
"Yes he did sir! Stan and Pete reporting for duty!" Pete stated before continuing their search
Quirin raised a brow before Eugene stepped in, "I'm also here if you need a second, or third, opinion"
The Village Leader smirked, "thanks"
The former thief nodded before Stan called out, "hey! I found a piece of torn fabric! It's black and kind of dirty, a little wet as well, who ever did this must've been near water before or after they broke in".
Pete took the fabric and started to sniff it, "huh, it smells like animals, and not just one"
The retired knight suddenly got a very annoyed feeling in his stomach, "by any chance, does it smell like a rhino?"
"Well that would be a little hard to decipher since we've never met an actual rhino before", Pete stated, looking at the Village Leader confused, "why would it smell like a rhino anyway?"
"Wait", Stan stated, "how would you even know what a rhino smells like Quirin?"
"Experience.....", the man replied, looking very much done with this situation
"Dad?" Varian said, tilting his head to the side
His father sighed, "and to think I went around my house to look for a break in when I just needed to look at the front door.... Ugh, what a headache..."
Eugene raised a brow and looked at Varian, who was also looking at his dad, his own brow raised, "uh...."
"He's gonna lead me on a wild goose chase isn't he? Fine, guess I have no choice", with that, Quirin walked over and grabbed the piece of fabric, rubbing it in-between his forefinger and thumb before muttering to himself, "it's damp and smells like animals, so the forest then". He handed the fabric back to the, now very confused looking, guards and sighed, "Varian, you and Eugene should probably join me, I have a feeling there's a reason they're doing this while you're both here, Stan and Pete, I figured it out, thank you for the help and sorry to take your time away". With that he walked over to his son and took his hand, "we'll check on Itty Bitty and head out, okay?"
"Uh.... okay"
They walked inside, Stan and Pete both glancing at Eugene, who shrugged, before seeing the duo walk out, the teen looking much calmer than before, "I take it the fish is okay?" The former thief asked
"Yep, they left him alone", the Village Leader stated, "we just gave him some fish treats".
"He swam in circles when he saw dad", the little alchemist giggled
Quirin sighed but smiled, "Stan and Pete said they don't mind watching the house for us, so come on, we've got two nuts to find, are you coming?" He asked the prince.
Eugene nodded, "yeah why not, I'm up for an adventure, blondie's busy today anyway and Lance is hanging out with Angry and Catalina".
"I thought there was a less Lance like presence here", Varian teased, getting an elbow to the side, which made him giggle
****
They entered the forest nearby and managed to find a stream, there were a bunch of animals next to the trees, licking at something sweet, when the retired knight looked, it was honey.
"Honey? On a tree? Who put that there?!" Eugene asked, getting even more confused as time went on
"Someone who wants us to find them, Varian, what do you think of honey?" Quirin asked looking at his tiny son
"Well.... It's smooth, golden, sweet-!"
"Sweet! That's gotta be it, come on, we're heading to the sweets shop next"
Varian and Eugene gave each other a look before following the man, "dad, you're uh... acting weird.... is everything okay?"
"Yes and no, I'm fine with him setting all this up, but he ruined my door"
"Which I can fix!" His son pointed out, "even make it better!"
His father chuckled, "I know you can, but he also made me think my house got broken into, and worried you, safe to say, I'm a little frustrated"
"Who are you talking about?" Eugene inquired, jumping over a log
"You'll fine out, believe me, if I "spoil" it, then he'll get upset", they stopped when they heard Varian giggling, looking over they noticed him and Ruddigar had butterflies surrounding them. One had landed on the little alchemist's nose, which made both the men smile at the teen's antics, Ruddigar was purring as one landed on his head. "Having fun over there?" His father called out, getting his son to look at him and smile.
"Yep! They're tickling me!" He responded happily
"You must smell nice, I found out from Rapunzel that butterflies only land on you when you smell good", Eugene stated, smirking at the happy teen
"Either way, come on, I hate to break up the party, but we've gotta get going", the retired knight stated
"Oki", the teen replied before he sneezed, the butterfly on his nose fluttered off and he waved goodbye before running over to his dad and Eugene
"Uh, your cat has a stowaway kiddo", the former thief stated, pointing to the little raccoon's ear
Varian looked and giggled again, "scuse me Mr. Butterfly, but me and Ruddigar have to go now", the butterfly seemed to understand and fluttered off, making sure to land on the alchemist's googles lens before flying off, "thank you!"
"Mr. Butterfly?" Quirin asked, a little amused
"Hey, butterflies can be boys too"
"You've been hanging out with blondie too much", Eugene stated, ruffling the boy's head
****
They arrived at the sweet's shop where the saw Attila humming something to himself as he sold his bimberry muffins on the street, it sounded very familiar to the little group as they walked by, Varian waved at the man, who waved back and handed him a muffin before continuing to hum.
"Heya Monty!" Eugene called as they entered the shop
"Oh, hiya Eugene, oh! I see you've brought Quirin and Varian with ya, want the usual?" The jolly man asked, smirking at the duo
"No not today, but than-!" The Village Leader stopped when he felt a small tug on his vest, looking down, he chuckled as Varian's puppy dog eyes were cranked up to full power, "ok ok, I guess we can get a couple things while we're here"
Monty chuckled, "could never say no to a face like that could ya?" He asked, already grabbing a lemon lollipop and handing it to the teen
"I have several times, but he catches me off guard sometimes"
"Riiiiight", the sweet shop owner stated, before hearing the bell and looking over, seeing Attila walking in and humming, "you've been hummin that song all day Attila, must be really stuck in your head huh?"
"Can't seem to lose it, not after that guy came around and kept singing it, it's been stuck in my head!" The baker stated before he continued humming it
Eugene's ears perked up as he finally recognized it, "flower gleam and glow, let your power shine, make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine", he sang in tune with Attila's humming, Quirin immediately understanding what it meant
"Next stop is the castle then", the old farmer stated, handing the sweets shop owner the money and giving the lemon lollipop to Varian, who opened it before holding it out of Ruddigar's reach
"So, the fabric piece led us to the forest, which led us to hear, which you think will lead us to the castle, this sounds like a scavenger hunt, but what's the prize?" His son asked, finally getting to lick the sweet treat as he grabbed a candied apple and gave it the raccoon before paying for it himself
"A headache, maybe two", Quirin replied, rubbing his temples
Eugene looked at the man with concern, "you gonna be okay?"
"I'll be fine, I know why this is happening, it's just been a while, hopefully this one is shorter than the rest of them"
"I'm having fun if that counts for anything", his son stated, smiling at his father
The retired knight chuckled, "it does actually"
"Plus, I get to fix the door when we get home!"
"You keep mentioning that, I'm both surprised and not surprised that *that* is exciting for you", Eugene teased, this time it was him receiving an elbow to the side.
****
They finally made it to the castle, Ruddigar had finished his candied apple and was playing with the wrapper as Varian poked it with the lollipop wrapper, getting into a, sort of, wrapper fight with his best friend, giggling and chittering the entire way. The little group entered the main foyer and began to look around for any signs of clues, but saw nothing. They walked into the bedrooms, the hallways, the library, which delighted Varian to no end, and even Eugene's room.
When they popped into the prince's room, the former thief noticed a few things out of place, like his brushes and combs, and skin care lotions, to which he was mildly annoyed by, "who would go into a man's private quarters and mess with his skin care routine?! I mean I had everything organized for tomorrow, whoever this person is, they're getting a very long lecture about skin care, they're like my dad! Can't stop messing with my-! Hey wait a minute, my dad, he's usually the one I have to stop from touching my stuff, not even Lance touches it. You think this might be another clue?"
"Mmmm That one seems a little too coincidental, he wouldn't do that...." Quirin stated
"I still have no idea who you're referring to"
"Again, "cheating", can't say"
"Who made that a rule if the surprise is already revealed to you?"
"Because it's not for me", the old farmer looked at Varian, who was staring in awe at the massive Flynn Rider book collection, his eyes were sparkling with delight at the mint condition books
"Ah"
"Hey, if we do take this as a sort of hint as to where to go, wouldn't that mean we should find Rapunzel?" Varian asked, turning to face the pair, "you know, because she's his "one and only" and "true love" and "dreams really do come true because magical hair is magical" and all that"
"Ok, first off, that's not how it works, second, how dare, and third, you've got a point", Eugene replied, smirking at the sassy alchemist
Quirin nodded, "so we need to find the princess, where would she be at this time?"
"Probably in the court room, she said she had some special court request before sending me out of the castle"
"Wait, she sent you out?" Varian asked, scratching Ruddigar behind the ear
"Yep, said she had something planned and that she had all the help s- ....oi vey, I'm a moron, I think I figured out who's behind this Quirin".
"Took you long enough", the retired knight chuckled
The little alchemist was still confused, "I don't get it, who are you two talking about?"
"You'll see son, come one, we're off the court room"
They exited the former thief's living quarters and headed straight to the largest room in the castle, stopping when they spotted Nigel pacing back and forth in front of the door, "hey Nigel", Eugene called out
The anxious advisor looked up and sighed, "*there* you are! I was starting to think you'd gotten lost! Is... Is the boy with you?"
"Yeah...." Varian stated quietly, he, and Ruddigar, had a very dark look on their faces as he and the royal advisor locked eyes with each other for a moment, a silent conversation was taking place before the man nodded
"Fine, go through to the court room", he stated, gesturing for them to enter the large doors
Quirin looked at his son for a moment, raising a concerned brow before placing his hand on the little alchemist's shoulder and guiding him towards the doors. He managed to get the teen to look at him, "you okay?"
"I'm fine"
"Son"
"I'll talk to you about it later, for now, it's fine"
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure, I'm still having fun d-don't worry"
"Alright, later then"
"Right"
With that, they walked through the doors and entered the courtroom, "SURPRIIIIIIISE!!!! WELCOME BACK YOU TWO!" The princess shouted, as Lance, Angry, and Catalina blew into sound makers
Varian and Quirin were a little startled, until they saw the Dark King himself, giggling. The retired knight smiled as he watched his son's face light up with wonder and surprise, "a party?" The little alchemist asked
"Yep! A party! A welcome home party! We heard you were coming back today from a letter! So we wanted to make it special, sooooo, WELCOME HOME!" Rapunzel explained before running over and hugging Varian
"Wait, you planned a party for the kid and his padre, but why was I not allowed to be a part of it?" Eugene asked, a little hurt
The princess let go of the little alchemist and smiling sympathetically at her boyfriend, "sorry Eugene, but your dad thought it would be more fun if these two had you with them, plus you're really good at riddles!"
"Exsqueeze me", the teen raised a brow
"Not that you're not, I'm just saying four heads are better than one, even if one of them only thinks about apples", she smiled at Ruddigar who chittered happily
Quirin looked around at all the decorations and nodded in approval, "this is nice of you, thank you very much"
"Oh Quirin it gets *better*!!!!" Edmund exclaimed, making a very similar squeaking noise to Lance
"I think I know what you're about to tell me", the retired knight stated, looking around for a moment before sighing, "if you're gonna pop out, you might as well do it now", he called to no one in particular
"Kay", a voice stated frim behind him, startling Varian, Ruddigar, and Eugene as they turned around and saw a skinny man with black clothes and a long red cape flowing behind him, he had, what looked like a blueish mark on his nose, but the biggest thing Varian noticed about him, was the large, yellow eyes that were staring directly at him.
Notes:
Hee hee! Guess who!!!!! Had to bring him in at some point!
Sorry it took so long for me to do, but I wanted to make it perfect! Also, I take him as a scavenger hunt kind of guy, either that or he just likes to mess with Quirin X3
Thank you so much for reading! :D
Chapter 44: A Crazy Rhino Appearance! (Part 1!)
Summary:
An unexpected, but not unwelcomed, guest shows up to the party and makes sure everyone knows it!
Notes:
I finally brought him into the story! I'll be honest, I'm nervous about writing him, so I hope I do him justice just like Adira and Edmund!
I hope you all enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin sighed, "well, you came before the fall harvest at least", he sated, smirking at the surprised reactions of his son and raccoon
"Crazy rhino guy?!" Eugene shouted
"That's not my name", the new guest stated, he was still watching Varian, but had a slightly annoyed look on his face
The former thief huffed, "oh I'm sorry, that last time we saw you didn't leave a very good first impression!"
He finally looked at the prince and smirked, "I chased you with my rhino and had a sword fight with Adira, I thought the interaction went pretty well"
"He's not entirely wrong", Edmund muttered to no one in particular, Hamuel giving a loud caw in response
Eugene raised a brow before Rapunzel stepped in, "uh so yeah! Hector is here to join the party!" she stated, taking hold of Eugene's hand and rubbing her thumb over his knuckles comfortingly
"And to meet a certain someone, nudge nudge", Lance stated, smiling at Varian
The little alchemist was a little overwhelmed, he wasn't entirely sure how to react, looking to his dad the man instantly took the hint and walked over. He placed a hand on his son's shoulder and smiled, "Varian this is Hector, he's the final member of the Brotherhood", he added a soft, "thank goodness", to that before continuing, "Hector this is Varian, my son, be nice". He raised a brow at the man who rolled his eyes but didn't argue, instead he walked forwards a bit and looked the teen up and down, studying him for a moment, the little alchemist felt a bit nervous, shifting anxiously and trying to find the right posture for this meeting.
"Hi", the teen stated shyly
"Hi", the wild tamer responded, with a hint of amusement in his voice, "so you're my brother's spawn huh?"
"Don't call him that!" Quirin defended
"Did he come from you?"
"Well yes b-!"
"Then he's your spawn"
"He's my *son*"
"Same thing"
The retired knight face palmed as Varian thought about it for a moment, "you know, he's not technically wrong, I am your spawn"
"Please don't encourage him", his father stated as Hector noticed the little raccoon sitting on the teen's shoulders, he smirked
"So you finally cracked then?"
"What are you talking about?" Quirin asked, raising a brow suspiciously at the man
"Oh you know, just the fact that you finally caved on the whole animal thing considering how opposed to it you were before"
"Unlike you, my son doesn't push it with a rhino and two bear cats!"
"A raccoon is still not a normal house pet"
"Much safer than any one of your animals"
"I wouldn't mind a rhino and two bear cats", the little alchemist stated, scratching Ruddigar behind the ear, "then Ruddigar would have some friends to play with"
"You were planning this weren't you?" Quirin stated
"Me?" Hector asked innocently before chuckling, "yeah, I was"
The retired knight sighed, "I knew I'd have a headache by the end of the day"
The wild tamer chuckled again before turning back to the teen, "so, you're name's Varian?", the little alchemist nodded, "nice to meet you, though you're not what I expected", Varian tilted his head to the side, confusion clear on his face, "I mean you cam from this", he gestured to Quirin who raised a brow, "yet you're so.... tiny"
"Oh", Varian blushed, "yeah I uh... G-got that from my mom"
"Well where is she?"
The teen didn't answer, instead he looked at his father, Hector did the same, this time looking confused, "she's gone", the retired knight stated softly
The wild tamer was startled for a moment before sighing, looking between the king and Quirin before his yellow eyes landed on Varian, "sorry"
"It's okay, she's been gone for a long time, it's been me and my dad since I was 3", the little alchemist explained, "b-but I'm not upset about it! I have a really great parent you know? That's a lot luckier than most, and he's got me, and Ruddigar of course, right buddy?" The little raccoon chittered happily, making the retired knight smile
The wild tamer was intrigued by the teen, he held a hand over his mouth, none of them were sure if it was because he was thinking or trying to hide a smirk under there, though Edmund and Quirin seemed to understand his body language. They were calm when he finally spoke, "so you like animals, have you ever seen a real rhino?"
"No"
"Would you like to?"
Varian's eyes lit up again as he looked the man up and down to see if he was pulling an tricks before smiling wide and giving a resounding, "yes please!"
Hector put his hand down and smirked, "follow me"
He turned and walked out of the court room, heading for the exit, the little alchemist looked at his dad, the question clear without him having to say a word, "go on, I'll be right behind you"
"Oki!" with that, the teen jogged off after the wild tamer, smiling the entire way
Quirin turned towards the princess, "sorry about that, you set all this up"
"Oh it's alright, I knew it may not really matter much, but I'm certain we'll get a little time inside after this, I've got some cake and snacks for you two whenever you'd like"
"Thank you Rapunzel"
"You're welcome Quirin"
"Oh ho! I'm so excited to see the look on my little grandson's face as he sees the rhino!" Edmund exclaimed, walking towards the door, "coming Quirin?"
"Definitely", with that, the little group followed the wild tamer and the little alchemist outside.
****
"Beautiful!" Varian stated, he was staring at the large grey beast in front of him, the rhino was looking at Hector, waiting for a command.
"Thanks, her name's Xena", the wild tamer stated, rubbing Xena's temple, "she was.... borrowed"
"And never returned"
"Hey, you and our sister *helped* me 'borrow' her from those sales merchants! She was gonna starve otherwise!"
"Yeah I remember, I still can't believe the king said yes"
Edmund chuckled, "I can't believe I said yes either! Then again, I have a murder of crows as pets", he stated, rubbing a finger up and down Hamuel's breast
"Wanna pet her?" Hector asked, looking at Varian again
The little alchemist smiled but stopped himself, looking at his father again, "you can pet her, I trust Hector won't let anything happen to you, just be careful".
"Oki!" The teen stated as he walked over to the rhino, he grew cautious with every step he took before he reached the man himself.
The wild tamer pulled Varian over to him so that they were both facing the rhino, he held his hand out, prompting the alchemist to do the same, which he did. Gently taking the teen's hand, Hector helped him outstretch it slowly towards Xena, the rhino sniffed it and looked at her master. The man nodded at her with a smirk, seeing this the rhino sniffed the hand once more and licked it, erecting a giggle from the alchemist, "you can pet her now", the wild tamer stated.
Varian rubbed the rhino's head gently, making sure to watch out for the horns, he smiled wide as his eyes began to twinkle, looking over at his dad, Quirin gave him a thumbs up. Varian than looked at Hector, "can... can I try something?"
The man raised a brow but gave a small, "kay", before backing up a bit for the little alchemist to have some space.
Varian kept petting Xena with one hand but then put another up to Ruddigar, the little raccoon sniffed it and looked at his boy before climbing on the arm he'd been offered. The teen then brought the arm closer to the rhino's nose and Xena sniffed, "this it Ruddigar, he's my best friend and a very good raccoon", he explained quietly. The small mammal also began to sniff, their noses touched for a moment, making both animals freeze, everyone, except Hector, held their breath as the anticipation grew thick in the air. The rhino and raccoon just stared at each other, neither one dropping eye contact before Ruddigar started to chitter something to Xena, whatever it was, the rhino seemed to enjoy as she let out a small grunt as a response.
Both animals untouched noses and started to talk, Ruddigar hopped onto the rhino's head and began chittering as he gestured towards Varian and Quirin while Xena listened, once the raccoon was finished it was the rhino's turn to talk about her master and siblings, tilting her large head at the two binturongs standing nearby. The group let out a collective breath before Hector smirked, "so you're a tamer".
"What?"
"A tamer, that's what I am, you know how to treat animals right, your raccoon is a little big in the middle, but he's got one of the fluffiest tails I've ever seen, plus his fur is shiny and looks well groomed. You take good care of him, just like I do with Basil and Pixie", with their names being said, the two bear cats moved forwards and looked up at the teen, who giggled and held out a hand to them. They sniffed and looked at their master, he nodded and they sniffed again before Pixie gave Varian's hand a small head bump, receiving head scratches in return. Basil got jealous and head bumped the little alchemist's other hand, also getting head scratches, they both gave relaxed chitters as the boy continued to pet them.
"They're surprisingly fluffy!" The teen exclaimed, "I thought their fur would be a bit more coarse".
"Yeah, but they don't", the wild tamer stated, "they like when I groom them, spoiled binturongs".
Both bear cats huffed at that before continuing to get pets from Varian, "it's okay, Ruddigar is spoiled too, can't get much done without giving him an apple or two", he turned to look at the raccoon, who was still chittering with the rhino, giving the wild tamer an idea.
Hector looked at Quirin, who noticed and, before he could say a word, picked up Varian and walked him over to Xena, placing him on top of the rhino and smirking at the retired knight, "let's go for a ride kid".
Notes:
Part 1 of the Hector 2 parter! I hope I did him justice, he'll show his more angry side when Adira is there, which won't be in this two parter. For now, he's just gonna tease the frick out of Quirin while simultaneously giving him a heart attack.
Varian is good with animals, Pascal and Max both seem to like him, plus Ruddigar is a raccoon which are hard to train!
Everything said about Binturongs was found with multiple sources, mostly used google, sad to say the fact that they are almost extinct is very true.... Save the binturongs!
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 45: A Crazy Rhino Appearance! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Hector learns of Varian's past and has a few things to say.
Notes:
I am so sorry this took me so long to write, but I finally got it done!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The little alchemist's eyes lit up as he sat on the rhino, his heart beat raced and he smiled widely before nodding, "ok!"
"Wait, Hecto-!" Quirin started, but the wild tamer had already given Xena the signal and the rhino, with his son, raccoon, and the tamer himself, took off running. The retired knight was left speechless as Varian's cheers could be heard all the way down the road.
Edmund chuckled, "I suppose this means Hector likes him"
"It also means we should probably not tick off the large farmer standing next to us", Eugene added, eyeing Quirin nervously
The old farmer just sighed, "I might have to skin him"
"He'd make a really great thrown rug", Lance piped in, making the retired knight laugh
"Lance", the Dark King stated sternly
"No no, just think, when he gets dirty we can take him out an beat him!" Quirin replied, getting a laugh from both the former thieves as Rapunzel and Edmund sighed.
A few minutes later the rhino came back, with a nauseous Ruddigar hopping off and looking extremely dizzy. "Hey, you're spawn's a natural rhino rider, I'll have to get him a rhino", the wild tamer stated, hopping down.
"You are not getting him a rhino, we don't have the space", the retired knight objected
"Don't you live on a farm?"
"Not one big enough for a rhino"
"Kill joy"
"Anyone else getting a deja vu feeling here?" Eugene asked, looking between Hector and Varian as the little alchemist got down, his hair looked like it had been blown back by Rapunzel's giant hair dryer.
Catalina nodded as Angry laughed, "he's got a wild tamer side! So he's *not* a complete stick in the mud!" She exclaimed, holding her side as she busted a gut
Varian raised an annoyed brow at her, "for the record, alchemy is extremely dangerous, extremely rewarding, and highly sensitive. It's super cool and while there may be a lot of calculations involved, it's definitely cool!"
"You're still a nerd", the girl retorted, at the annoyed look she got she added, "you're our nerd though".
"Cause that makes it better..." The little alchemist sassed before picking up his dizzy raccoon and placing him gently on his shoulders
"Wait you're an alchemist? I haven't seen an alchemist in decades, we used to have them in the Dark Kingdom", Hector stated
The teen looked shocked before turning to his dad, "you never told me you had *alchemists* in the Dark Kingdom!"
"I.... didn't know actually, I always stayed near the castle or the king, but crazy 1 and 2 duo were always sneaking out to cause trouble", the man explained.
"I'd better be the '1' in that duo", the wild tamer stated bluntly
"You're two, because 1 doesn't take my kid and speed off with him on a rhino!"
"That rhino ride was so *cool*! We were going really fast and then turned and Xena was so smooth, I never knew you could ride a rhino, it was *amazing*!" Varian rambled, his eyes sparkling
"See? He liked it, plus he was with me", Hector retorted
"You're still crazy 2", Quirin state bluntly
Edmund, seeing the rising storm, stepped in, "so he's too crazy to be crazy 1?" He offered, making the old farmer sigh.
The wild tamer calmed down and smirked, "kay, I'll take it, only because it annoys him".
Varian giggled before hugging his dad, who hugged him back before ruffling his hair, "brat nugget"
"Learned from the best", the little alchemist stated a he grinned up at his father
Quirin chuckled before they let go and he smirked, "why don't we go fix that crazy hairdo hm?"
The teen blushed, stroking Ruddigar's fur to calm the little mammal's stomach, then nodded, they all proceeded to walk inside after Hector thanked Xena and gave her a treat.
****
The little group was back in the lobby, hanging out and eating the refreshments when the father son duo walked back in. Varian's hair was tidy, Ruddigar looked a little less green, and Quirin had calmed down significantly. They rejoined the group and started to chat, getting some food for themselves and enjoying their time.
"So wait, you found your son? Our prince? Well where is he?" Hector asked, his eyes wide with surprise, until Edmund pointed to Eugene, who blushed a bit.
"Yep, I'm the long lost prince of the Dark Kingdom, and this man's son", the former thief stated, gesturing to the Dark King who nodded happily as his crow cawed in what Eugene thought was agreement
The wild tamer was shocked for a moment or two before he spoke once more, "I.... tried to kill you.... would that be treason if I didn't know?"
Quirin chuckled as Edmund shook his head, "no no, you didn't realize who you were chasing! So it's ok, though if you did it *now* then I'd have a few questions", the Dark King stated, raising a brow
"I would never! Quirin knows I wouldn't!" The wild tamer stated
"I mean, you're not the only one who committed treason in this room, so I think you're okay", Varian stated, scratching Ruddigar behind the ears, until he felt eyes burning into him as he saw his new uncle staring, those big yellow eyes shined with both confusion and concern. "I-I just mean that you're n-not alone is all, I... i-it was just a joke", he stated, trying to will himself to disappear
Hector kept looking at the boy before the retired knight stepped in, giving the wild tamer a warning look before placing a comforting hand on the little alchemist's shoulder, "how would you know about treason at such a young age?"
"Oh I uh.... I m-may have.... committed it myself... eheh..." The teen's voice was shaking and was extremely quiet, barely above a whisper
The wild tamer tilted his head to the side and looked at his brother, Quirin was looking at his son, his face was sad as he pulled him closer in a side hug. Hector than looked at Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel, who looked sad as well before he looked back at the teen and glared, "what kind of fucked up system has it to where a child can commit treason? I mean what did you do, glare a the king for a split second?"
"M-more like kept a secret for the princess but that secret ended up being the black rocks which were ruining my village and harming the people of Old Corona so me and dad went to go talk to the king but dad ended up lying because the king didn't allow him to talk about the black rocks which I didn't understand so we got into an argument and Rapunzel saw the argument and promised me everything would be okay and then we got back home then I tested on the black rocks even though dad told me to stay away from them but the tests kept failing and I was trying out another one when he ended up walking in my lab and we got into another argument but this time the solution that I made started to come towards me which dad saw and pushed me out of the way but got trapped himself and it started to slowly trap him so I ran to get help from the princess because the king and queen were gone at the time but there was a gigantic blizzard happening so Rapunzel couldn't help me and I got thrown out and ran back home after trying a couple more houses but when I got back he was completely trapped and I got really angry then the king sent guards to keep watch over me and I was accused of harming the princess and had wanted posters of me everywhere so I tried to find what they wanted me to give them which was a piece of the Demanitus scroll and I was able to secretly give it to Rapunzel but she didn't come find me which made me angrier so I made a truth serum and drugged the entire kingdom to find the sundrop flower but found out it was in a vault underneath the castle and fooled Rapunzel into helping me steal it but found out later that it's her that's the sundrop so I kidnapped the queen to get Rapunzel to come to my house but her hair didn't work on the solution trapping my dad and I ended up sending out an automaton army after everyone and attacking people and Rapunzel defeated me then I was in jail for a year and met the Separatists of Saporia who wanted to wipe Corona off the planet but I didn't know they wante dot kill people I thought they only wanted to make them forget so I made them a potion that ended up exploding by accident and then betrayed them and helped Rapunzel save Corona and now we're here and I got pardoned but am still trying to make up for everything I did also the king and queen have forgotten everything because the Saporians used the wand of Oblivion to erase their memories". Varian finally took in a breath and looked down at the floor with a light blush on his cheeks, he felt tears stinging in the corner of his eyes as he waiting anxiously for Hector to pass down judgement on him.
"Where is he?" came the angry response
Varian looked up, confused at the question, then jumped when he saw the nasty glare the wild tamer was giving, "w-what?"
"Where is he? That fucking joke of a king! Where is he?"
"I.... y-you're mad at the k-king? B-but I kidnapped the queen, I-I attacked several people, I.... I a-almost killed people I-!"
"Yeah, you did, but did anyone ask *why*?! Did anyone stop to think "huh maybe that kid running in a gigantic blizzard needs help, wait, isn't that Quirin's boy?" did they?! No, they didn't, and neither did that fucking fool of a king, where the FUCK is he?!" He screamed
"Hector calm down, the ki-!" Edmund tried
"DON'T YOU *DARE* TELL ME TO CALM FUCKING DOWN!" Hector screamed before stopping and taking a breath and continuing, "You *know* how to run a kingdom! Even when you made that mistake you took the blame because it was *your* fault! You stayed behind and fucking watched it and sent US out to make sure no one came by to steal it! You gave up YEARS of your life and even your own FUCKING SON to make sure everyone was safe, and what does THIS KING DO?! Silences my brother, makes him a liar, puts wanted posters of my nephew out when he didn't even fucking do anything, sends GUARDS after him and to his fucking home, *JAILS* HIM even though it's his own fucking fault all this even *happened*, then to make matters worse, he gets off SCOFF FUCKING FREE because his memories are wiped, fuck him, fuck that, where is he, I'll BEAT the fucking memories into him!"
Quirin laughed, it was loud, sad, and happy at the same time and startled everyone in the room, including the wild tamer himself, he laughed so hard that he had tears coming down his face before he finally calmed down, "Hector I missed you", he stated, smiling wide at his brother, who blinked, visibly confused
"What?"
"I missed you, I missed you're reckless behavior, your emotional rampages, your crazy personality, I missed you so much! I also can not agree more, I want nothing more than to beat some sense into that.... barely call him a man at this point, sorry Rapunzel", the princess blinked a couple times before brushing it off, trying to not voice concern about her father receiving beatings from two men she knew were much stronger than him, "but I also know that doing so will only cause trouble".
"Fuck trouble, we can *handle* trouble!" Hector replied
"For us, yes, we definitely can. But not for Varian", at that the wild tamer stopped and looked at the tiny alchemist, who was shocked at what the man had said, "if you and I, and Adira because lets face it she would want in on that, were to fight the literal king of Corona, not only would we be charged with three counts of treason, but Varian would be in a world of trouble, he may even go back to jail, and I'm not letting him. It's honestly the *only* reason I've stayed away from the king, because I've run into him before".
Hector thought about that for a moment before he nodded, "you're unfortunately right.... We'd get my nephew in a lot of trouble..... That fucking fool isn't worth that".
"Right".
"So if you're not gonna fight him.... can I at the very least scare the piss out of him once he gets his memories back?"
"How?"
"Just a small threat, maybe even a look at my rhino"
Quirin raised a brow, Edmund doing the same as Hamuel cawed and Ruddigar chittered
"...Fine", Hector pouted before he looked at his nephew and sighed, walking over and placing a hand on the teen's head, startling him, "you're a good kid, you made mistakes but so have we, you're making up for em though, right?"
"Y-yeah", came the nervous response
"Then you're fine, you're good, don't worry about what other fuck heads think alright? They're dumbasses who don't know anything about what you've been through. Plus you're my nephew, that automatically makes you better than everyone here, don't forget that, okay?" He smiled at the boy before ruffling his hair a little and lifting his hand off of the teen's head, "I'm gonna head out, it was nice to meet you, but I've got a mission to focus on, it's similar to Adira's, but better, obviously", he raised a brow at Quirin's snort then turned and began walking out the door with Pixie and Basil following behind.
Varian stood there for a moment or two before his brain finally caught up to what was happening and he looked and saw the man was almost out the door, "t-thank you uncle Hector! I hope you come back soon!" He yelled, smiling
The wild tamer stopped for a moment before continuing to walk, "I will", he stated and waved at the little alchemist, hoping the small waver in his voice wasn't heard by Quirin and Edmund, as he stepped outside.
****
"So you finally met him huh?" Adira stated, leaning against the tree outside the castle and smiling as she received a glare and a huff for her comment, "what do you think?"
"What are you doing here?" He snapped
"In Corona, doing my mission, here right now, annoying you", she replied cooley
"Doin a great job"
"I'm very glad, but you didn't answer my question"
"I have to?"
"Yes"
"Fuck off"
"Nah, too much trouble and not enough pay off"
"You've gotten more annoying"
"And you've gotten more emotional"
The man faltered in front of his rhino and two binturongs before he looked at his sister, his yellow eyes flashing with anger. Adira smiled sympathetically, "me too", she said.
He sighed and looked up as Adira stared forward at something, the moon was shining brightly above them as they sat in silence for a moment, neither one really knowing what to say before Hector broke the silence, "does the princess even care?"
Adira shrugged, "when I was with her, they were singing and cheering and joking like nothing in the world was wrong".
Hector growled, "then she's even worse than her father"
"I wouldn't say that, she chose to save the majority over one, yes what she did after was wrong, but she made the best choice for her kingdom during that storm, and I don't fault her for that".
"What did that fucking fool do to make the black rocks sprout?"
"He used the sundrop flower to heal his dying wife and child"
"Oh, well then it's all fucking *better*!" Hector replies sarcastically
"Yup, and the wars have stopped and world hunger has been resolved"
"And every fucking man, women, and child gets a magical pony farting fucking rainbows!"
They snickered for a moment before looking up at the sky again, "Corona sucks", Hector stated flatly, "they damaged that kid.... our nephew... and silenced our brother, who no doubt probably feels horrible about the whole fucking affair"
"I know"
"And we're supposed to do *nothing* about it?"
"No"
"Then what?"
"I'm doing it"
Hector stared at her for a moment before looking at where Adira has been watching the entire time, and saw the young alchemist in a window talking with their brother, smiling and laughing with a little trickle of tears in his eyes, "oh".
"Yup"
"....Want some help?"
"I figured you'd ask that"
"Do you want it or not?"
"Would it matter if I said no?" The wild tamer was silent for a moment before walking over and watching their nephew, "so you like him then, huh?"
"Shut up Adira"
Notes:
Hector is overprotective and adorable at the same time! He's a temper bean, wild tempered tamer bean! That's his new nickname!
Let it be known, he no longer likes Corona, or King Fredrick, but I think that much was obvious
Poor Rapunzel is getting more and more antsy XD
Varian and Quirin are both beans and deserve the freaking world!
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 46: The Three Misfits of Corona!
Summary:
Angry and Catalina make their way home during a storm and end up getting lost and scared, they really wish they'd listened to a certain alchemist.
Notes:
I wanted to make a story about Catalina and Angry because I wish their characters were flushed out more in the show, specifically with Varian! So this is what I came up with!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Angry, are you sure it's a good idea to walk home this late? It's really dark outside", Catalina asked, her nerves rising as the two little thieves got closer to the door
"Sure I'm sure, it's not like anyone can really do anything to us, you're a werewolf and I'm pretty fast on my feet, we'll be fine, besides, Eugene and Lance are busy right now with the princess and V".
"What about Varian's father Quirin, or even that Edmund guy?"
"Pfft! We don't need them, we'll be fine, also, Quirin will probably want to stick with V after what just happened with that one crazy guy"
"Hector", Varian stated
"Yeah him", Angry stopped before looking at the little alchemist that had just manifested right in front of them
"Hi", he stated shyly, "where are you two going in such a rush?"
"To the treehouse, we're coming back here tomorrow to help take down the decorations and finish the leftovers", the lead thief explained
"You're going *this* late? Are you crazy? It's pitch black out there, not even *Ruddigar* goes out this late! And he's nocternal"
Angry huffed, "move it powder puff", she stated bluntly as she pushed past the teen and began walking again, Catalina following behind her but still looking nervous
"H-Hey wait!" Varian shouted before running in front of them again
"V it's fine, we know where we're going"
"Seriously Angry it's too dark, plus it's started to rain, I'm not even going back tonight, dad, grandpa, and I are staying the night here, so it Lance, I'm sure if you just ask you and Catalina can stay here too"
The black haired girl rolled her eyes, "look, I get it, you're worried, but you don't need to be, we can handle ourselves, we don't need some super strong guardian to help us out, now move!" She shoved him aside once and grabbed Catalina's hand, running out into the night while ignoring the shouting coming from the little alchemist.
****
The rain pelted the two girls as they made their way through the rain, both of them were shivering and could barely see, but they kept up their fast pace. Angry was trying to look for the landmarks Lance had shown them before when he'd guided them to the castle that same morning, but everything was too blurry to see. They ended up coming to a clearing only to be pushed back a bit by the rain, sliding down and falling in mud, both girls getting covered in the stuff.
"Angry, we need to get back to the castle! If we go back, we could still see if we can stay there for the night!" Catalina yelled over the rain
The black haired girl shook her head before realizing her sister probably couldn't see it, "no, we're fine! We can make it to the treehouse, we don't need to go back!"
"But the rain is only getting worse! This is bad, we're gonna get stuck out here!"
"We've faced worse than this, stop worrying and lets get moving!" With that, Angry got up and helped her sister up, both of them clambering out of the mud before looking around, they still couldn't see anything, look at her sibling, Angry noticed the faintest glow in Catalina's eyes, looking where she was, she noticed a little light in the distance that looked like it was getting closer to them.
"W-was that light always there before we fell in the mud?" The red head asked, her voice wavering a bit from the cold
"No, it wasn't", Angry replied before shaking the sudden goosebumps she had away and grabbing Catalina's hand again, "come on! Let's keep going!"
She pulled her sister away from the mud and moved in the opposite direction from the light, trying hard not to think about it as they began to walk again. A few minutes later, they found themselves back where they were before falling into the mud. She looked around, trying to find something, *anything* that would help them at this point, before spotting the little light they'd seen earlier, it was bigger now, and was getting closer. Feeling her hairs stand on end, Angry had no choice, tightening her grip she ran in the opposite direction of the light, hoping to get as far away from it as possible. She ignored her sister's protests and kept running, only stopping when she heard the word "CLIFF!" She managed to slide to a halt right before the edge, backing up a bit so they wouldn't fall off.
Catalina panted heavily, thanking her lucky stars they'd been able to stop in time before her anger found it's voice, "Angry, what the heck?! We should've just stayed in the castle, we should've listened to Varian! But we didn't, no, YOU didn't, and now we're stuck out here in the middle of a storm and we don't even know how to get back! It's dark, it's freezing, and we're wet and hungry, I thought you'd gotten better at listening to me, but you haven't! You're still not listening, what's going on with you?!"
"I.... I-I don't know...." came the quiet reply, startling the red head a bit as she caught a glimpse of her sister's expression, she noticed her tears mixed with the rain running down her face.
"Kiera...." Angry sniffled and turned away, "Kiera, talk to me, what's going on?" When she got no reply, she walked over to face her sister, grabbing her hand and squeezing it, "please, I'm here, just tell me what's going on".
"I...." The little girl started, but hesitated, taking a moment and letting out a breath before continuing, "I don't need any help, I never needed it before, never, *we* never needed it. It's always just been you ad me, together, alone, watching out for each other, but.... now...."
"Now.... What?"
"Now we've got Lance and Eugene, then there's Rapunzel a-and V.... His dad, I just... I don't know how to handle this, I've been in charge of us since forever, making majority of our decisions, handling the food and shelters, you've always been there and helped me but I was the one in control, I had everything under control..... B-but then I didn't, the Baron caught us, and Eugene and Lance had to c-come and save us.... Then t-that stupid monkey came and made me realize how easy I was to fool, and then you... and the treehouse, your wolf powers I..... You don't n-need me anymore, you can take care of yourself, you were strong enough to take that wolf spirit, you were strong enough to s-stand up to me, you are stronger without me... a-and I'm so scare that you're gonna realize that o-one day and leave me alone.... I-I felt angry when you agreed with Varian earlier, in fact, I was so angry that I w-wanted to punch him! B-but I knew it wasn't his fault, it's just me.... I.... I don't know what to do, I don't know how to handle this, I thought at the very least I could get us home but even *that's* not working and I j-just got us stuck!"
Catalina was surprised, "Kiera I.... I didn't know I-!"
"Of course you didn't", Angry interrupted, "I never told you, I never *wanted* to tell you! Because then you'd try to help me and then I'd feel *worse*! I'm supposed to be the one who takes care of us, I've been doing it this whole time but I just....."
"....Couldn't figure out how?" Catalina finished, "and the thought of that made you feel weak?"
"Yeah! Exact-! oh.... I... Guess you understand how that feels.... huh", the red head smiled, the paint on her face was being washed away by the rain, showing the blue wolf mark on her cheek as she nodded, "I guess I'm not a great leader am I? I mean, I got us stuck out here, it's pathetic...."
"Kiera you're not pathetic! You're allowed to not know what to do sometimes, you don't have to always have the answers"
"Bit I *want* to have the answers! I used to have them all the time when we were alone and things were harder, why don't I have them now?!"
"Because we aren't alone anymore, things aren't as hard as they were before, we have friends and people who care about us now. We have a home here, and friends who helped build it, in fact, Varian and Quirin were the ones that helped the most with the treehouse! And Eugene and Lance were the first people ever that didn't give up on us, that's *why* we came to Corona in the first place, to be with people that we care about, and who care about us, so we don't have to be alone anymore!" Angry sighed, her tears still flowing, but she didn't respond, "....look", Catalina continued, "it's hard for me too, when we first thought those thieves in the house where the monkey pointed us to was your family, I thought you were gonna leave me too!"
"Really?" The black haired girl asked, a little surprised, "b-but, you never said anything!"
"I usually never did back then remember? I kept quiet because I thought I was being stupid and kept my mouth shut, when we got there, I was so relieved that you told them we were a packaged deal, then when they turned out to be thieves, I... was even more relieved, because it meant I got to stick with you!" She then got quiet, "but when you started to cry I realized how much you were hoping for this, for us to be with a family again, then Rapunzel talked to you and you felt better and gave me this", she pulled the golden leaf necklace out from under her coat and smiled, "I never take it off, you know that, but when you gave it to me, it was what sealed the deal that we would never be apart, I don't have anything to give you to show that, but.... I promise you, I will never leave you alone, you're my sister Kiera, and even though we don't always get along, that will never change, even when you don't have the answers, but you've gotta talk to me when you feel like this, so we can fix it before... well...."
"This happens?" Angry finished with a giggle
"Yeah, before this happens", Catalina replied with a smile, they hugged each other tightly and stayed that way for a bit before they finally let go
The black haired girl suddenly got a smirk on her face, "so, you're not just saying this so we can stay with your little dream boat alchemist?"
Catalina blushed, "I-I didn't say that!"
"You didn't have to"
"S-shut up!"
Angry laughed before she realized something, "you know, he's a lot like us"
"Huh?"
"Varian I mean, he's a lot like us, he has a criminal past, a lot of people don't trust him, and he was really worried about us when we were leaving the castle.... Oh great, the dorky science nerd is starting to grow on me!"
The red head laughed, "he may be a dorky science nerd, but he's *our* dorky science nerd!"
"Yeah he is, he's a misfit, just like us...." Angry stated before she looked around, "hey Cat"
"Hm?"
"I'm lost, can you help me?"
Her sister smiled, "then how about we try to find our way back to the castle, yeah?" She replied, outstretching her hand
The black hair thief took it and smiled, "ok"
****
They walked back the way they came, trying to retrace their footsteps, but they rain had washed them away, they ended up circling back a couple more times before Angry finally got frustrated, "ugh! How do we keep looping *back*?! We weren't even going the same way we were before!"
"Maybe if we try turning left?" Catalina offered
"No, we tried that already, and right, and left then right, and backwards, and ugh EVERYWHERE! We cannot seriously be *this* lost!"
The red head tried to think before her eyes were lit up, turning to look she gasped, the light they'd seen earlier was right in front of them, in the light they saw a small figure with a long, black trench coat on and a some sort of mask for a face, it noticed them and immediately started to run towards them, a strange sound coming from it as they saw another light fly in the air. Both girls screamed and ran as fast as they could in the opposite direction, trying to get away from that thing.
"What is that thing?!" Angry yelled as she ran
"I-I don't know! I've n-never seen it before!" Catalina replied
"Well keep running, we have to lose it before it can grab us!"
They kept running forwards, hearing the thing chasing not too far behind them. Angry managed to grab a flimsy branch on a tree and swung Catalina around before letting the branch go, it hit it's target, sending the odd creature back as they began to run again. They ducked into the mud pit they'd been in before, thankful to have found it again and hid, covering themselves in as much mud as possible so they could blend in. "Stay quiet, try not to panic okay?" Angry stated as Catalina, who's heart was racing, nodded.
They heard the footsteps of the creature clomping towards them and stop right next to the mud pit, they grabbed each other's hand and prayed to Demnaitus this thing wouldn't find them. After a few long minutes, the creature stomped off, they didn't say anything, waiting until they couldn't hear it's stomping anymore before they let out a single breath. That's when a bright light shined on them and they gasped, the creature was right in front of them, making it's strange sound as it found them once more and it looked like it was removing it's face, the girls screamed again and Angry threw mud at the thing. It landed on the creature's other face, causing it to stumble backwards as the girls ran again.
They didn't really have a direction, only thinking of how to get away when they suddenly felt the ground disappear, looking down they realized their mistake way too late as the cliff ended before they could stop. They started plummeting to their death before angry managed to snag a branch and her sister's hand, she held on tight as they both looked down, unable to see the ground below. "Oh great! Cat, look for any caves or holes, can you see any?" She yelled
The red head looked around for a moment or two before looking up, "No! I don't, I can't see anything!"
"What about your wolf powers?"
"The only work when I'm a werewolf, and if I turn into one now you won't be able to hold on!"
Angry bit her lip before the worst sound she'd ever heard reach her ears, looking up she saw the branch they were hanging onto was cracking, "no no no no no! Crap hold on, I-I don't have any time to think!" She tried to think of something, *anything* that would help here, but the only thing she could think of was.... She opened her eyes, looked up, and screamed, "HEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!!! WE'RE GONNA FALL, PLEASE!!!!!!"
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Catalina yelled
"Think about it! If we get that creature to come help us, it'll be easier to escape that thing than to survive however long this fall is gonna be!" She explained before yelling again, "HEEEY! HELP US WE'RE GONNA FALL!!!! HELP PLEASE!!!!!"
The branch cracked more and more as they sunk lower and lower, "HEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!!!!" This time Angry was truly terrified, willing her sore throat to get in one last scream she yelled, "HHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLP!" before the branch finally broke!
They both screamed as they fell, closing their eyes as tears shot out of them, hearing the wind whistling in their ears before Angry felt her hand being grabbed as well as seeing Catalina's being grabbed as well, they stopped falling and looked at each other before looking up, that's when they saw the creature, it had placed it's mask face back on and was pulling the two up, managing to finally get them on the cliff and back to safety at the very last minute!
The girls were panting and shaking, neither having the energy to say or do anything for a moment or two before Angry sprang up and ran in front of her sister, shielding her from the creature as she glared, "ok, listen, thanks for the rescue and all, but if you think I'm gonna let you eat me and my sister you've got another thing coming!" She stated, panting as she did so, "I'm ready to fight, so come at m-!" she stopped when she heard a familiar chitter coming from the creature's coat, "wha-?"
The coat began to shake a bit before a little face popped out, "R-Ruddigar?" Catalina asked, receiving a happy chitter in return, "wait, i-if that's you than...." they looked at the figure who was lifting its mask face off, revealing the face underneath
"DO YOU TWO HAVE ANY IDEA H-HOW FREAKING WORRIED I WAS ABOUT YOU?!" Varian shouted throwing his mask on the ground, his eyes were filled with tears as a bruise across his nose proved that he was indeed the person chasing the the entire time
"VARIAN?!" Angry yelled
"YEAH! ME! IT'S ALWAYS BEEN ME! I FINALLY FIND YOU TWO AFTER H-HOURS OF S-SEARCHING AND WHAT DO YOU DO?! R-RUN AWAY, SLAP A BRANCH IN MY FACE, THROW M-MUD AT ME, THEN ALMOST DIVE OFF A FREAKING C-CLIFF!!!!! WHAT IS *WRONG* WITH YOU TWO?! YOU A-ALMOST GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK!"
"Varian w-we're sorry we didn-!" Catalina tried
"NO! No don't you D-DARE!" He screamed, his voice cracking a bit as his voice wavered, "Y-you almost DIED and I was s-so scared and y-you two didn't liste-!" He stopped when they both ran up and hugged him tightly
"We're sorry!" Angry stated, "we're so sorry! I'm so sorry, this was all my fault! I was just so upset with myself that I didn't listen to you and almost got Catalina and me killed and I.... I'm so so *so* sorry!"
The little alchemist paused for a moment before he hugged them back tightly, holding them so close as he let out a few sniffles. After a moment or two, they let go, "oh! H-here, you're probably freezing!" The teen stated before taking off his own coat and wrapping it around the girls, "I s-sent out a flare earlier when I first saw you two, W-we have to get back to the spot I set it off s-so Rapunzel can pick us up", he stated
"Pick us up?" Catalina asked
"W-when you two left I ran over and told my dad, Eugene, Lance, Grandpa, and Rapunzel what was going on, we came up with a plan, m-my dad would take the east, grandpa would take the west, Lance the n-north, and me the south, Eugene and Rapunzel would s-stay by the castle to see if you two got back, I g-gave every one a flare that they would set off it w-we found you, everyone out looking would run t-to the flare while Rapunzel and Eugene would b-bring a caravan to bring us b-back just in case you two were hurt or sick, Eugene ended up searching after an h-hour because he knew other places you two had hidden in before, I t-told him to wait an hour with Rapunzel so he could keep her calm".
"*You* came up with this?!" Angry asked, the teen nodded before turning
"Come on, lets g-get back to the flare, my dad will show up f-first", with that they walked back to the place they'd been spotted before, Varian's coat was extremely warm and he'd told Ruddigar to stay in the coat with them until his father arrived, reluctantly the small mammal complied as Varian wrapped his arms around himself and started a small fire under some trees for all three of them.
"Hey, what was that thing you took off earlier?" Catalina asked, "I couldn't see it because it's so dark"
"This?" He pulled out the mask, "it's my alchemy mask, I use it when working with highly acidic chemicals so I don't burn my face off, it's also good at keeping me warm. It was taken from me along with my coat and other alchemy supplies when I got put in the dungeon, I got it back today from Rapunzel".
"Oh", they remained quiet after that, no one really knowing what to say. The teen kept the fire going as they waited for someone to arrive
A few minutes passed and just as he'd predicted, Quirin showed up first, "Varian?"
"Over here dad!" The little alchemist called, getting the retired knight to run over, seeing the two girls in his son's coat, Quirin sighed and wrapped his own coat around his son, pulling him close, Ruddigar joined them, wrapping around Varian's neck, "hey, are you two hurt?"
"No, just cold", Angry replied
"We're so sorry about all of this.... We-!"
"It was my fault, I was upset and ended up almost getting us killed, if you're gonna be upset at anyone, it's me", the black haired thief stated firmly
"I appreciate that Angry, but for right now don't worry about it, you're safe, that's all we care about, okay?" The old farmer replied gently, "we'll talk about it later, alright?"
She nodded and looked at Varian, the teen looked so small compared to his giant father, he was shivering badly and was curled in a little ball leaning on his father, but he was still awake and was watching them even though he looked exhausted. It made the little girl smile just a bit, even as she felt bad for making him worry so much.
Edmund joined the after that, giving the girls an even bigger coat that easily covered both before returning Varian's coat back to him and sitting down as Quirin received his coat back from his son. The Dark King began making small conversation with his retired knight before Lance and Eugene showed up, the former wrapping his arms around the two and crying as Eugene walked over to Quirin and Varian, checking on the little alchemist before sitting down on on his other side, giving the teen a knowing look. It didn't take Rapunzel too long to find them with the caravan, the girls, mostly Angry, getting scolded for their reckless behavior before they were told they weren't allowed to go anywhere outside the castle for a week without someone with them, Catalina got the lesser punishment of a few days since Angry explained what had really happened. After that they tended to their two girl's wounds and made sure they got cleaned when they reached the castle before they'd all sat down in the family room together for the rest of the night.
****
"It's going, it's goiiiiiing, AND IT'S GOOOONE! Can't see another talent like that folks anywhere else in the 7 kingdoms!"
"Lance"
"It's absolutely *magnificent*! The amazing Lance Strongbow can catch *five* whole grapes in his mouth when he throws them up in the air!"
"*Lance!*"
"Can he do *six*?! Will he be able to catch *six* grapes folks? The wolf girl is nodding her head in confidence as the angry thief doubts this man's abilities! Meanwhile the tiny alchemist and his favorite little raccoon watches with baited breath, he's definitely riveted by these games as he giggles at the hilarious Lance Strongbow's attempt at humor!"
"Oh my lord Lance"
"And Lance's soon to be ex best friend Eugene is trying to interrupt this important event because he is annoyed! But will the amazing Lance Strongbow stop doing what he's doing? Tell him please will ya folks?"
"No!" Varian, Catalina, Angry, and Ruddigar all stated, and chittered, before bursting into a fit of giggles
"Traitors", the prince huffed
"Alright alright folks, time to see if the amazing Lance Strongbow can land a sick number six!" The former thief threw the tiny purple grape high in the air and opened his mouth wide before Ruddigar snagged it and ate it whole
"Hey! Interruption from the audience! That does not count!" Lance stated aggravatedly as the teens started to laugh
"Thank you for interrupting Ruddigar", Eugene stated, smirking at Lance's annoyed expression as he picked the small mammal up and walked over to the little alchemist, "hey hair stripe, your dad says it's time to go to bed for the night, you girls too", he stated before plopping the raccoon into the teen's arms
"Awww, does he have to? We were having a lot of fun", Catalina complained
"Yeah, hearing the ratios of weather or not Lance will catch the grape made it actually more exciting", Angry added
The prince sighed but smiled, "sorry girls, he's gotta go, you do too, it's been quite a day for all of us".
"Why can't he just stay here in the other guest rooms with us?" The wolf teen asked, smiling shyly at Varian, who smiled back before getting up and dusting himself off
"Because he's gonna get a good night's sleep tonight in a place where I can keep an eye on him, Lance will be doing the same for you two", a voice replied, the teens and former thieves turned to see Quirin, Rapunzel, and Edmund walking in.
The girls sighed and looked at Lance with pleasing eyes, "sorry girls, not even the amazing Lance Strongbow can argue with a man two times bigger than him", the former thief stated, making Quirin snort
"I can give you some quick ratios before I hit the hay if you want", Varian offered, making both the girls nod excitedly, "hee hee, oki, want me to use the scientific scale with numbers, or the funny scale where I make up a bunch of things instead of numbers?"
"Fun scale!" The girls stated, making the little alchemist giggle
"Alright, give me two scenarios, Catalina first, since Angry got to choose the last one"
"What was the last one?" Rapunzel asked
"Weather or not we could get Lance to toss grapes into his mouth or not, and the ratios of how many he can catch in a row, the first one using the fun scale and the second using numbers"
"Hmmmmm.... what's the ratio of Eugene reading to us out of a Flynn Rider book using all the voices?" Catalina asked while smiling at the startled thief
"The ratio for that would depend entirely on how you'd ask and how Eugene feels, I'd say it's more possible than Rapunzel wearing shoes, but not as possible as my grandpa giving a big ol belly laugh after I say this sentence"
Edmund laughed at that, before laughing even more about what just happened, making Quirin and Eugene join in, "so a solid maybe", the wolf girl stated, as they finally caught their breaths
"Correct! Okay, Angry's turn!"
"How about the possibility of you not fixing that door that your uncle broke", Angry stated
Varian giggled, "the possibility of that happening depends on mine and dad's discussion while we make our way home next week, but ultimately, there'd be a bigger chance of my dad ballet dancing while wearing a tutu in the middle of town"
"So no"
"Solid no", the little alchemist stated before catching a glimpse of his father staring at him with a raised brow, "unless you wanna ballet dance in town"
"I'm okay thank you", the man responded, making the teens chuckle before Varian turned to Catalina with a smile
"One last ratio for the both of you, you're next"
"ok, ummmm.... how about the possibility that Rapunzel will let us braid her hair tonight"
Rapunzel smiled wide with excitement as the little alchemist chuckled, "the odds of that happening are about the same as Eugene and Lance losing to my dad in another bet against me"
"So high", Angry giggled
"Hey!" Eugene and Lance snapped as Quirin, Edmund, and Rapunzel started to chuckle
"Last one for the night Angry", the little alchemist stated as he looked at the small girl
The little thief had a thought cross her mind though, looking at the teen before her, she wasn't entirely sure if she should try it, but swallowing her nerves, she asked anyway, "what are the chances that you'll be....." She stopped and looked away, "ugh, never mind"
"W-wait, what was it?" Varian asked, looking a little worried
Catalina looked at her sister, then realized what she wanted to say and smiled before turning to the little alchemist, "be our big brother, we were kinda hoping to ask if you'd consider being our big brother and hanging out with us more, since we're all misfits in this kingdom".
"Misfits?"
"None of us fit in the prefect kingdom that is Corona, we're all messed up and different", Angry stated, still not looking at the teen, "so we're misfits, and misfits gotta stick together".
The little alchemist was taken aback by this at first, but then smiled wide as he walked over to a blushing Angry and wrapped his arms around her gently, "I'd say the chances of that are about as good as me giving you a hug right now", he stated as he tightened his grip around the little girl
Angry was startled, but hugged back, Catalina joining in, the three teens finding comfort in each other as the three misfits of Corona.
Notes:
I know this is more of a Catalina and Angry story, but Varian is a gigantic part of it, plus there's a little Quirin and Varian fluff in here! Plus this is an episode I feel liked we needed for these two, Angry specifically, I hope this suffices the need for more fics about these three because they genuinely make me think of siblings in all honesty!
Misfit: a person whose behavior or attitude sets them apart from others in an uncomfortably conspicuous way
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 47: Hide and Seek!
Summary:
Catalina, Angry, and Varian play a fun game together!
Notes:
This is fun fluff! I wanted to write these three more because they are really fun to write! Also, what better way for the brother younger sisters bond to get rolling than a game of hide and seek? :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Please"
"No"
"Pleeeeease"
"No!"
"Pleeeeeeeaaaaaaaaasssssssse"
"Noooooooooooooooooooooo!"
"Oh come on, we learned our lesson, we won't go out in storms and I'll ask for help more, can we please go outside for a just an hour?"
"I'm sorry Angry but you and Catalina broke the rules, you're gonna have to face the consequences", Eugene stated
"But V gets to go outside!" The black haired girl argued
"That's because Varian informed us of what was going on, plus he warned you, found you, and saved you from impending doom when you fell off a cliff, so once again, no".
The teen thief huffed, pouting at the older man who sighed, "look, if you wanna play, why not find something to do in the castle. It's a big place, filled with a bunch of things, play tag, hide and seek, heck play a bored game, but I'm not lifting your punishment!"
"Fine", she stated before marching towards the room she and Catalina had been given, making the former thief sigh
"Ugh! He's so strict!" She complained as soon as she walked in the door, "I mean, yeah we made a mistake, mostly me, but keeping us inside, it's annoying!"
Catalina sighed defeatedly, "Rapunzel and Lance wouldn't budge either, both of them saying we could find something else to do", she responded defeatedly, "we could try Quirin or that king"
Angry thought about the old farmer, then remembered Varian's face when he'd found them and the large bruise she'd given him from the tree branch before shaking her head, "he'd say no before we could even ask"
"Right, maybe that Edmund guy then? He's pretty soft", her sister suggested
"Yeah, beats waiting around anyway", with a new found determination they left their room in search of the gentle king.
Unfortunately, he was chatting with Quirin and Varian in the family room, still determined however, they walked over to them and opened their mouths to speak when, "no", was what they got. The retired knight had raised a brow at them and was staring, his face unamused as the Dark King looked confused for a moment before turning around and seeing the two girls.
"Oh uh, hello you two, did you need something?" He asked cheerfully
"They want to know if we'll lift their punishment and let them go outside, the answer is no", Quirin replied
"We didn't even get a chance to plea our case, don't you have rules for a fair trial?" Angry rebutted
"Your trial was when you apologized, which helped your case, you can try to appeal your punishment to the court to lessen it, but unfortunately that won't happen, all of us agreed on this".
"Throwing the dad pants on then?" Edmund asked, getting a nod from his knight
The black haired thief sighed before Catalina stepped up, looking very determined before noticing Varian was now listening to the conversation and blushing, "w-well, we didn't know we were on trial before, s-so technically it doesn't count", she blushed even harder when she heard the little alchemist giggling a bit
"I appreciate the logic, and maybe before I had a literal science child that may have worked, but he's used that schtick before, it won't, you'll just have to wait it out for now", the old farmer stated in a firm yet gentle manner.
Both girls sighed defeatedly, "guess that's it then", Angry mumbled, "we'll be stuck in this castle until we're old and gray!"
"It's a week, even less for Catalina, I think you'll live", the retired knight stated with a smirk
"Wow, you're very prepared for this, I'm impressed!" Edmund stated delightedly, "how are managing not to crack? It's really hard to say no to their tiny faces", Quirin pointed to the blue eyed alchemist that smiled a bit and waved at his grandfather, "right, I suppose you'd *have* to built up an immunity to cute with this little bean walking around!" He stated while scooping Varian up and hugging him happily, making the little alchemist giggle.
"Yes I did", the retired knight stated, smiling lovingly at the pair as a disheveled Ruddigar hopped onto his shoulder
The red head smiled at the show of affection given to the alchemist, noting how happy he looked as the man's beard made him sneeze, getting a belly laugh from the king which made him giggle even more. Angry however was bored but didn't argue and sat down on one of the couches, "guess that settles that", she stated.
"Well, it's not too bad, at least we're here in the castle, Eugene's right there's plenty we can do inside", Catalina replied
Varian took note of this after he was set down and his raccoon hopped back on his shoulder, he thought for a moment before looking up at his dad, "hey dad, what if they won a game against me?"
His father raised a brow, "Varian"
"I know I know, but hear me out, they choose the game, if I win, they drop it and wait out the punishment, if they win, they're punishment is lessened just a bit, meaning they still can't go out today, but they'll be able to get out sooner, so it's still a punishment, but a little less, that's fair, right?" He replied
The old farmer sighed but thought about it, "you'd have to get the others to agree, plus it'll have to be played inside and with a judge"
The little alchemist nodded, "ok, so we need Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance to agree, oh! And grandpa".
"Don't worry about me, I agree with it", the cheery man replied
"Agree with what?" A voice from behind them asked, turning around the group saw Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel all walking in, the princess looking rather tired for some reason.
"I'll explain in a minute, Rapunzel are you okay?" The little alchemist asked while stroking Ruddigar's fur
The princess yawned a bit, "yeah sorry, I've just been handling a lot of really important paper work and such and really haven't gotten much time to rest. Luckily it's finished thanks to these two though", she explained
"Oh, I would've helped you know"
"I know Varian, I just *yawn* didn't want you to overwork yourself"
"Uh..."
"This *yawn* doesn't count"
"Riiiight"
Lance snickered as Eugene looked at the girls suspiciously, "so what is my dad agreeing to exactly?"
"An idea I came up with, which I'll need you to agree with too", the little alchemist stated
"*You* came up with this? What is it exactly?"
"It's about Catalina and Angry getting their punishment reduced, and BEFORE you say anything", the former thief stopped what he was about to say and waited, "*I* came up with this, they didn't bribe me, threaten me, or do anything to me, I just thought they handled my dad saying no rather well, and good behavior should be rewarded with a chance, yes?" Eugene sighed, but gestured for the teen to continue, Lance and Rapunzel sat down and waited, "ok, first, this is to *reduce* their punishment, not let them off completely, they'd still have to wait, just not as long".
"Ok, but what exactly would they be doing and how much would be reduced?" The prince asked
"That depends entirely on what they would choose, you see, they have to verse me in a game of their choosing as long as it's inside. If they win, they get their wait time reduced, if I win, they drop this entirely, the rules can change depending on the game, yeah?"
Eugene and Lance looked at each other then smirked, "alright", they said in unison
"Wait really?" Angry asked, startled by this
"Yup, we are completely okay with this", Eugene stated
"100% on bored", Lance agreed
"I... did not expect that", Catalina replied
"Hey, when you lose a bunch of money to these two over bets made against that kid who's won every game you've played against him, it feels nice to watch for once without having any risks", Lance stated
"Hey boys, 20 gold coins says Varian wins", Quirin stated
"NO!" both former thieves replied, making the entire room laugh
Rapunzel nodded once the laughter died down, "I'm on bored too, as long as we all agree on how much it's reduced, okay?"
"That's fair, so girls, what game do you two wanna play? It can be a bored game, card game, or a game where we use the castle as a sort of playground", he then stopped and thought about it, "provided we don't hurt any of the hand maidens or staff that are working here", he added.
The girls talked amongst themselves for a moment before smiling, "Hide and Seek", they announced, before everyone looked at the old farmer who slapped his hand over his mouth after letting out a very loud "HA!"
Varian smirked at his dad, Ruddigar chittering something to his boy, "that's the game they chose buddy", the raccoon gave him a look before chittering again, "we'll see".
The girls, and the rest of the group including Edmund looked very much confused at the three before the little alchemist stepped forwards a bit, "don't worry about them, they're being brats", he ignored his father having to sit down in a nearby armchair before continuing, "so, hide and seek then?"
"Yup!" the girls stated confidently
"Ok, we'll each have one turn to hide, you two can hide together or separately if you'd like, Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, where in the castle are out of bounds"
"Dungeons for sure", Eugene stated, "and the captain's office"
"Kitchens are off limits too, there's way too many cooks in there right now", Lance stated
"I'd also say maybe stay out of any of the staff rooms, but any vacant rooms or any of our rooms are ok, and the balconies are allowed, just so long as no one hangs off the edges", the princess replied
"Can I add, we should only make it the first and second floor and Rapunzel's tower room? That way we all have a better chance of finding each other, and if we don't we know where to look?" Catalina added
"Good idea, that way no one gets lost", Edmund agreed
"Alright, so kitchen, staff bedrooms, outside, dungeons, the captain's office, and any floors above the second are out of bounds, but Rapunzel's tower, first and second floors, balconies, and vacant, or our friend's, bedrooms are allowed", the alchemist repeated
Everyone agreed, "alright, now for the rules. Angry and Catalina are on a team, I'm with Ruddigar just incase I need him, no one from the audience, meaning everyone here, can help any of the teams out, in fact, do you guys mind closing your eyes whenever we hide? Just so you aren't able to know", everyone nodded, "great! Thanks, and you can't move from your spot either, once you're in, do not walk out, if you do, you automatically lose. No asking staff either if they've seen us, that's cheating, and just so we're not at this all day, let's set a timer, once it's over the hiding team has to come out and it's their victory, if both teams find each other, it's whoever found them first that wins, yeah?"
"Ok, how long do we have to look?" Angry asked
"Well, the castle is big, it's a couple hours away from dinner, and I believe Rapunzel is done with royal duties for today, yes?" Varian asked
"Yup, all done", the princess responded
The little alchemist smiled, "how about two hours then? By that time everyone will be hungry and the chef's will be almost done with dinner, ok?"
"That's fine with us!" Angry stated, Catalina smiling at her sister's excitement
"Alright, you two hide first, I'll close my eyes and count until.... let's say 120, that gives you two minutes, more or less, to hide, when you're ready, I'll count".
"The girls talked to each other for a moment, whispering about possible hiding spots before turning and nodding, "ready!" They said in unison
"Ok, counting now", the little alchemist then turned away, closed his eyes, and began to count, the others closing their eyes as well
Giggling the girls ran off, holding each other's hands as the game began!
****
"How long has it been?" Angry asked
"Uh.... 45 minutes", Catalina replied, looking at a clock nearby their hiding spot
"See? I told you hiding in Rapunzel's closet would be a great idea!" She stated before looking around, "wow she has a lot of dresses, and brushes"
"Which kind, paint brushes, or hair brushes?" the red head asked
"Both honestly, all I smell is paint!"
The two giggled then stopped when they heard footsteps and quiet conversation, "ok, Rapunzel's tower, where would they be?" A small chitter came next, and the girl's heart almost jumped into their throats as they heard the teen walking around. He lit a lantern in the princess's room before walking around some more, the little raccoon chittered once more, "I know I know, I really need to work on climbing more stairs.... or maybe I make another pulley system that would work in the castle! That way stair can be a thing of the past and I won't need to run up and down them anymore!" A moment of silence passed before the girls heard the teen sigh, "it'll be a good idea once I can figure it out, you'll see", they heard Ruddigar chitter again, "yeah, I'm still looking, it's been about... 52 minutes, I really think they're in here though", another chitter, "because they'd wanna go somewhere that would tire me out physically which would give them a slight advantage, plus they'll be hiding together, or at the very least in the same room, so it'd have to be big enough for both to hide without being obvious"
The girls had to admit that was extremely smart thinking, they started feeling anxious however when a few minutes of searching led the little alchemist towards the closet, "ok, closet... is it technically wrong to look in a women's closet?" They heard a couple chitters, "well to be fair, she did say it was allowed.... which also makes me wonder if they chose to hide in here because they knew I'd be hesitant to look", Ruddigar chittered once more, "ok yeah, I might be over thinking it, but they're clever girls". They heard the alchemist shuffle through the close, getting closer and closer before they saw the clothes in front of them get gently moved, a wide grin spread across the alchemist's face as his blue eyes caught them , "found you!" he stated, as Ruddigar, who was on his shoulder, looked too and chittered victoriously, "and in", he looked at his gauntlet watch, "a hours time, so you two have an hour to find me!"
"Damn it!" Angry stated before helping her sister up and walking out of the closet, "well, it was a really great spot to be fair"
"And yes, you were overthinking it", Catalina stated, smiling shyly at the boy
The little alchemist blushed, "eheh, yeah, come on, lets get you two back to the family room". They walked back, talking the entire way, upon entering the family room, Varian stated, "found them!" To which group cheered.
"Where were they?" Edmund asked
"In Rapunzel's closet, also, I'm making a pulley system for the castle, because stairs are now my enemy"
The princess giggled, "that would be nice, I certainly wouldn't mind having an easier way to go up to my room for the night"
"Ok, so now it's your turn to hide right?" Lance asked, hugging the girls happily when they walked over to him
Varian nodded, "yup! They have an hour to find me, if they can't, I win".
"Ok, are you ready?" Angry asked, excited to get this started
The little alchemist thought for a moment before looking at Ruddigar and smiling, he whispered in the raccoon's ear, getting a big grin from the animal before snickering, "ready".
"Counting now!" The girls repeated what the alchemist had done before and began to count, everyone shielding their eyes once more so they didn't know where Varian would go, as soon as the 120 seconds were up, they turned around and saw the alchemist had disappeared. Looking around, they saw nothing out of place in the room, they looked in the curtains, next to the fireplace, and even behind the vases.
"Wait, I have an idea!" Catalina stated before running over to Quirin, who was still sitting in the arm chair, she looked behind the chair, under it, and even moved the old farmer's arm to make sure, but didn't see the alchemist, "eheh, ok no", she blushed, getting a raised brow from the retired knight as well as a smirk.
"Good guess though", he replied
Angry was standing at the door, "come on, he isn't in here, let's go check somewhere else!"
"Alright", she then turned back to Quirin, "sorry", she said, before running over to her sister and running out the door.
They ran through the hallways, checking every nook and cranny, they went into Eugene's room, Lance's room, heck, they even went into the Dark King's room, Quirin's room, and the little alchemist's room, and they still couldn't find Varian. "Geez where'd he go? I realize he's tiny, but we're smaller than him, he shouldn't be this good!"
"well, we still have 40 minutes, and we still have plenty of spaces to check, like the tower for instance", Catalina pointed out
"Hey you're RIGHT! Come on, let's go to the tower!" Angry shouted, grabbing Catalina's hand and running to the tower, "he's a nerd, but a clever nerd, he'd go to the place we'd least expect, which would be where we hid! I would never expect him to go there because it would be so obvious!"
Catalina smiled, "good point!" They ran up the stairs and went to the princess's closet, searching through it quickly, they ended up not finding the alchemist. They began to search the rest of the room, under her bed, behind the vase's, underneath several easels, but came up empty handed, no alchemist, and no raccoon.
"What the frick? Where could he be?!" Angry snapped, "if he's not here, then where is he?"
"It's okay, how about we try the second floor vacant rooms?" The red head suggested
"We've searched them already, the only things we haven't looked yet are the balconies!"
"We can search there! Let's go!" This time Catalina grabbed Angry's hand and ran to Rapunzel's balcony, staying away from the edge, the girls checked the outside area and didn't find the alchemist, they ran to other balconies as well, and still couldn't find him, or Ruddigar. They searched other places they'd already checked, and with 10 minutes left, they were starting to lose hope.
"Crap", the black hair girl commented, "we're almost out of time, where could he be?"
"Hmmmm.... Wait! Did we search the thrown room?"
"He never said it was allowed"
"But he never said it wasn't!"
Angry glared, "if V made that a secret loop hole and we lose because of it, I'm gonna kill him!"
They ran to the thrown room and looked everywhere, even behind the thrown itself, but they couldn't find him, getting frustrated they ran back into the hallway before Eugene stepped out from around the corner, "hey, girls the hour's up, you gotta come back", he stated sympathetically, the girls sighed and walked back into the family room, they were met with cheers as well as some "good try's", but they felt really defeated.
Angry sighed, "we searched *everywhere*, does *anyone know where he is?!"
"No", Edmund replied, "we closed our eyes and none of us peeked, right?"
"I know I didn't", Lance replied
"Same", Eugene agreed
"I didn't either", Quirin stated
"Nor did I", Rapunzel added
"Ok, so how do we find him? He's not technically allowed to move from his spot until we find him", Catalina stated
"Well, he never said we couldn't help", Eugene replied, "just that we weren't allowed to watch him hide"
"That's true! A loophole!" Edmund cheered as Hamuel cawed happily, "so, where should we start looking?"
Lance and Eugene looked at each other, "actually your dark majesty, we were thinking of letting a Varian expert take the lead on this one", Lance replied while smirking
The Dark king looked at the man, "oh? Who would th-! Never mind", he smiled and turned to look at his smiling retired knight, "lead the way Quirin!"
The Village Leader chuckled, "he's actually really easy to find"
"What do you mean?" Eugene asked
"Yeah, we searched high and low", Angry agreed
"Yes, but you missed a spot", the retired knight stated before standing up, walking over to a vase, and knocking on the top, "you can come out now".
Suddenly the top started to move and out popped the little alchemist and his raccoon, "ta daaaaa!" he sang, the top of the vase sitting on his head crookedly
"Are", Angry started
"You", Catalina added
"KIDDING ME?!" They both finished, making the group laugh
"Oh my gosh that's so good!" Eugene chortled, "my *gosh* kid!"
"That's freaking brutal!" Lance agreed as he fell into a chair laughing
"We SEARCHED over there!" Angry snapped
"Yes you did", Quirin responded, "behind it, next to it, under it, but not inside it".
"I... didn't even know it could open, and how do you *fit* in there?!" Catalina asked
The teen climbed out with his father's help, "I have to curl my knees in pretty tightly, I'd like to thank my aunt and my uncle for the inspiration, and would also like to point out, I did *not* break the vase!" He snarked, making his grandfather laugh
"No, no you didn't! I'd call that a rousing success!" Edmund cheered, "oh I can't wait to tell Adira and Hector!"
"How did you know he was there Quirin?" Rapunzel asked after the laughing died down
"Honestly, dad can *smell* me", Varian replied, making his father snort, "he knows *exactly* where I hide and I still don't know how he does it!"
"No I can't", he stated, ruffling his son's hair, "I just know him well enough to know where he'd hide, we've played hide and seek so many times. The first rounds were rough for me, until I noticed a pattern, after that he was extremely easy to find"
"What's the pattern?" the red head asked, genuinely curious
"That's a secret", the retired knight teased
Angry sighed, "so we lost and have to wait it out...."
"Yeah, those are the rules", the little alchemist stated, "but maybe it won't be as bad as you think"
"What do you mean?"
He chuckled, "since the door is still broken, and dad has forbidden me to fix it for now, I'm stuck at the castle too, we'll be here for a little while with Stan and Pete making sure no one steals anything from out home".
The girl's eyes widened a bit, "so you'll be here with us?" They asked
"Yep! To tell you honestly, this was a lot of fun, I want to do some work with a certain project", he looked at Rapunzel who smiled, "but I'll still be able to make time to hang out with you two, how's that sound?"
The girls were silent for a moment before both ran forwards and knocked the alchemist to the ground right as Ruddigar hopped safely onto Quirin's shoulder, they ended up in a big hugging pile, giggling together. "I'll take that as a "sounds good"?" The little alchemist asked, receiving hugs as a reply.
Notes:
Ok I had WAY too much fun writing this! XD Everyone was fun to write, we still have Quirin and Varian fluff, and it's just so much fun!
Catalina and Angry needed more screen time! They were so much fun to have around! I can't wait to write more about them!
I can see Rapunzel being extremely exhausted over having to take over the kingdom by herself, so this was a good way for her to rest
Quirin is best protective farmer dad! I loved writing the parts with him in it! XD
Varian is a sneak and I love it, also he and Ruddigar share a special bond!
Eugene and Lance know what's up, they finally said no! I'm so proud of them!
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 48: This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things!
Summary:
These are fun little short stories with Lance in the castle!
Notes:
I love Lance, he's a goober and amazingly deep as well! I love his character, his design, and his shining moments! The man deserves the world, but I can't give him that since I already promised it to Varian and Quirin, but I can at least give him a chapter! XD
This is for all the Lance stans out there!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"So, you two wanna tell me what happened?" Eugene asked, looking at the two guilty looking culprits
The little alchemist smiled sheepishly, stroking his raccoon's fur as the larger man standing next to him remained indignant, "I'd like to speak to my lawyer!"
"Lance, this isn't a courtroom, you don't get a lawyer"
"Well the I'd like a word with you about your approach, I was fearing for my *life*!"
Eugene rolled his eyes and looked at Varian, "what happened?"
"W-well, Lance asked me if I'd be able to make food fly, to which I responded appropriately with, 'why?', and he said he had an experiment he'd like to test out", the little alchemist explained
"Ok, keep going"
"Eheh, s-so he told me he, Catalina, and Angry wanted to see which food would fly the largest distance if thrown in the same way over and over, something about a 'light dinner', I'm n-not really too sure. B-but I was interested in the idea, so I made an invention that would throw food, and ONLY food, at the same speed, rate, and strength, I double checked everything and it worked like a dream!"
"And then?"
".....A-and then.... um.... t-they used it", Ruddigar chittered as the former thief raised a brow
"Intimidation tactics! That is unfair!" Lance retorted
Eugene sighed, "buddy, just tell me what happened", he replied softly to the nervous teen
Varian sighed, "w-well while they were using it, I was keeping an eye on them, like any good scientist would, may I point out!"
"It's been noted, go on"
"R-right... W-well um... I may have gotten a *little* distracted when my dad walked by and I went over to say a quick hello, like really quick, so quick that it was barely a few seconds, buuuuut... W-when I came back s-something happened with the machine and before I could stop it, it started throwing food everywhere and well...." He gestured to the messy kitchen and the broken window inside of it, Ruddigar patted his cheek comfortingly before looking at the dark prince.
Eugene face palmed, "in our defense, we now know that meatballs are the *best* food for throwing over a large distance! I'd call that successful and therefore, we shouldn't be punished for it", Lance retorted, trying to make the little alchemist laugh, it didn't work unfortunately.
Varian looked down, guilt twisting in his stomach, "I-I can clean it up, i-it's fine....." He replied quietly
"If I may interrupt, judge", a voice behind Eugene stated, turning around the former knight saw Quirin standing in the doorway, "I believe I have two witnesses that will vouch for my son's innocence". He then backed up to reveal Edmund and Rapunzel, which startled the little alchemist
"I was with Quirin and ended up calling out to Varian so that he and Lance, who looked over, got distracted", the Dark King stated
Rapunzel then smiled at Varian, trying to calm his nerves a bit, "and I was watching the entire time and saw the girls mess with the machine, it didn't go haywire all on it's own and Lance, who noticed it start to fizz, tried to stop it but ended up getting caught in the crossfire"
"I also have a couple of confessions you may want to hear", the retired knight added as he stepped back once more and Catalina and Angry walked out, looking rather guilty themselves
Both girls walked over to Eugene, "I wanted to see the food fly faster, so I pulled a couple levers to make it", Angry stated
"When she did I pressed a couple buttons and it made the machine shake, that's when Lance saw and tried to stop it", Catalina replied
"So, this was kinda our faults", the black haired girl stated, "and we can clean it up too".
Eugene smiled as Varian, Ruddigar, and Lance looked a little surprised, "thank you girls, and yeah, please clean it up. Just don't touch the glass okay, I'll clear that up myself", he then turned to Lance and Varian, "as for you two", he waited for a moment then smirked, "kid go to your dad, you're both off the hook". The little alchemist didn't need to be told twice as he ran over to his father and crash-hugged into the man, Ruddigar hopping onto the old farmer's shoulder and getting a chuckle in response as the retired knight hugged them back.
"You know you make a good judge, maybe you should think about doing that one day", Lance replied, looking at the girls who began sweeping up their mess with a proud smirk on his face
The dark prince snickered, "yeah, the day I become more than a thief catcher teacher will be the day Corona falls"
"You never know, when you do, I've got a few outstanding citations that I wouldn't mind forgetting about", the larger man replied, getting Eugene to laugh.
****
"Thanks for helping me organize all this stuff guys, it's been really piling up since I came back to Corona!"
"No problem Rapunzel!" Varian replied happily, humming as he picked up a sea shell from the Lorbs's island, "so you said Pascal was mistaken for a mystical ruler and had to fight a gigantic, fire spitting bug?"
"That's right!" The princess replied as she gave the little chameleon a gentle scratch on the muzzle, getting a happy squeak in return.
The alchemist shook his head as Ruddigar sniffed the shell curiously then tried to bite it, "and to think you thought *I* was the dangerous one", he replied before placing the shell in a box labeled 'Keep', much to the mammal's chagrin.
Rapunzel giggled and began to shift through some old journals of hers until she heard a loud shriek come from her closet, along with laughter, exchanging a look with the teen, the both walked inside only to see Lance stiff and flat against a wall staring at something opposite to him, "Lance? you okay?" The princess asked
"S-sp-sp......" He couldn't complete his sentence and just merely pointed
Following his finger, Varian saw a spider on the other wall and smirked, "are you afraid of spiders?"
The man nodded quickly and began to shake harder as the arachnid moved a little to the left before stopping, "acute aracniphob-b-bia......" he stuttered
The teen sighed and walked over to the spider, avoiding Catalina and Angry who were still on the floor laughing. He outstretched his hand and managed to get the spider on his gloved palm before placing his other hand around it so the little arachnid couldn't escape. Ruddigar chittered before going on his boy's opposite shoulder and swishing his tail anxiously, "it's okay buddy, I won't let the spider get to you, I'll just pop him out the window, okay?" The raccoon chittered again as the little alchemist walked out of the closet.
The girls, Rapunzel, and a very hesitant Lance followed behind as he walked onto the balcony and let the spider crawl on the wall. It skittered out of the teen's hand, looked a little in disbelief, and crawled away quickly before Varian walked back inside and closed the balcony door, "for your sake Lance, don't walk out on the balcony, okay?"
"H-how did you just do that?" The man asked, calming down now that the spider was gone
Varian shrugged, "I watched my dad do it all the time when I was a kid, he made spiders seem a lot less scary"
"How???"
"He told me, 'they're more scared of you than you are of them', and showed me they wouldn't really harm you unless you bother them first"
"How'd he show you?"
"Well he puts them in the gardens, the spiders keep the ants, caterpillars, and other bugs that would eat our crops away, they work hard and earn their keep, so they get to rest in the gardens. None of them bite the farmers either, so I grew to be less scared over time"
"Hmmmmmm.... Then I know what I need to do!"
Rapunzel, Varian, Ruddigar, Catalina, and Angry all looked at the man before he darted out of the room, "why do I suddenly have a very bad feeling?" The little alchemist asked
*A few moments later*
"They're more scared of you then you are of them", the retired knight stated
"Wow, it becomes so much clearer when you hear it from a dad!" Lance sniffled before wrapping his arms around Quirin, who looked very uncomfortable for a moment
"Uh.... Glad I could help?"
Varian face palmed as Ruddigar, Catalina and Angry rolled on the floor laughing, "it was a valiant effort Varian", the princess replied, patting the boy's shoulder comfortingly.
****
"So.... Raccoons...."
"Suddenly I'm very concerned about what events will transpire today", Varian stated as he looked at the large man standing in front of him scratching his chin and staring at Ruddigar
"I want one", Lance responded
"Congratulations?"
"But Eugene won't tell me where to get one"
"I wonder why"
"So I thought"
"You can do that?"
"Why not ask your best friend in the world, Varian!"
"Poor Eugene, we knew thee well"
"Eugene didn't think you would help me"
"Smart guy"
"So we made a bet"
"Of course you did"
"And I had another thought"
"Still surprised by that"
"He wouldn't wanna tell me that!"
"How right you are"
"But I got an idea"
"And here we go"
"What if I bargained with the tiny alchemist"
"Off to a bad start"
"So I went out and bought something"
"I'm certain you did"
"That would knock your socks off"
"Yet here they remain"
"But I broke it"
"I'm not surprised"
"So I got another idea"
"Better than the last?"
"He likes to fix things right?"
"Indeed I do"
"So if he fixed what I bought him"
"Mm-hmm"
"And then let him keep what I got"
"Right"
"He'd get two scientific projects instead of one!"
"Interesting notion"
"So here it is!!!!!!" The man presented a broken, empty, wooden scroll holder
"Uh..."
"I had another thought"
"Three in a row, are you okay?"
"I have the scroll with me"
The alchemist raised a brow
"This is the scroll", he pulled out a rolled up paper that looked ancient and worn, but from the markings on the seal Varian could see it was made by Demanitus
"Wait WHAT?!"
"This is what I bought"
"How did you FIND that?!"
"So I'll give it to you"
"Please do, that would help me out!"
"But only until *after* you help me get a raccoon"
"...."
*A few minutes later*
"VARIAN!" Eugene screamed as five raccoons ran around the family room while Lance held one in his arms and was snuggling it happily
"I WAS WEAK EUEGENE!!!!" The little alchemist replied from another room
****
Lance had been watching the little alchemist ever since they'd returned from the Dark Kingdom, but something was bothering him. It's been a month and a half since they returned to Corona, and yet the former thief could see signs from the teens that made him worry, he wanted to ask, but had no idea how, so he went to the only Varian expert he knew.
"You're worried about my son?" Quirin asked
"Yeah, look Quirin, I know I'm not exactly the sharpest tool in the barn, but...." Lance sighed, "I'm really worried about the kid... He's jumpy and stutters a lot, he doesn't like a lot of touch except when it's from someone he knows and trusts, and even then he jumps, especially around Rapunzel.... Plus he still gets stared at and whispered about by the townsfolk, I.... I'm not his dad, obviously, but I remember what Eugene told me before.... what happened to you.... Happened and what he was like, and he'd not like that right not. It's not my place, and you can tell me to stop, but I wanna know if it'd be a good idea to have a chat with him about... certain things he's gone through this last year".
The retired knight eyed the man suspiciously, "what exactly are you going to chat about", his voice was calm, but had a sharpness to it that made Lance wanna back up, but he stood his ground
"I wanna talk to him about what a criminal will experience when in custody, and waiting until he's ready to say somethin about it isn't gonna help, trust me."
Quirin raised a brow, "do you have experience with this?"
The former thief sighed and shook his head, "I don't.... I know that's not comforting, but I only have his best interests at heart and.... I really do wanna make sure he's got someone he can talk to"
"He's got me".
"I know, but, can I be honest?" The retired knight nodded, "he would never want to talk about what happened down there with you"
"Why's that?" The question came out a slightly more desperate, which both relieved and worried Lance
"Because you're his only parent. I grew up with no one except Eugene, and he got in the same kind of trouble I did as a kid, we didn't have a life where we were told right from wrong, we had to figure it out for ourselves, and it was easy for us because we didn't have anyone to disappoint.... You, are the only family he's got in this world, you and Ruddigar but he's a raccoon. Quirin, he did everything that he did to make you proud and save your life, now that he's got you back, do you know how much pressure he's probably under right now to not disappoint you again?"
"I know...." The man stated quietly, "I see it everyday when he looks at me, his eyes aren't the same... I'll always be proud of him, and I've tried to tell him more, but it doesn't seem to be working..."
"I figured as much", the former thief stated, "you're a good dad you know, you're the best one I've ever seen actually, no one can tell me you don't love your son and think the world of him, but that's kind of the problem. He went through so much after what happened to you, so the last thing he'd wanna do...."
"Is tell me what his punishment was for doing so many bad things...." Quirin finished, the answer hitting him like a caravan
"Right....." Lance replied, "because he'd feel like he'd be lettin you down, plus you've never been down there and it's rough.... Really rough"
"I understand what you're saying, I'm just worried that opening this will hurt him more.... He's gotten so much better, he's much more confident in his alchemy, in himself I... I don't want to hurt him again..."
Lance looked at the retired knight and felt all the guilt the man had inside. It was emanating off of him like heat off a flame, and he understood why. But it needed to be done, so he looked at him directly, eye to eye, and said, "Quirin, I promise you I will not hurt your child when I talk to him about this, and if I do, you have my permission to hurt me ten times over".
The Village Leader stared at the man in front of him for a few moments as a silent conversation passed between them, when the debate finally finished, Quirin nodded, "ok, if it'll help him".
"Thank you for trusting me, it means a lot".
"Lance out of everyone here you're the one I trust the most with my son".
The former thief was surprised by that, "wait really?"
"You may have helped in the battle against him, but he was.... beyond reason at that point.... Even so you were never cruel to him or harmful. You didn't put him in the dungeons to rot and suffer, you didn't abandon him because he betrayed everyone, you didn't break a promise to him, and you didn't lie...." Lance felt the last part sting as the retired knight took in a shaky breath and let it out slowly, "I *hate* what I've done to him, I *hate* what other people have done to him, I like his friends, I do, but I don't trust them.... The only one I trust with Varian is you, and I believe what you're saying is true, I wish I could be the one to help my son with this, but I'm not the person he needs.... I'd rather the right person talk to, and help, him, over someone with good intentions but the wrong mindset make him worse... Thank you, for wanting to help him in the way he needs, you truly are a good friend Lance", Quirin smiled at the man, Lance smiled back.
Just then the door opened and Varian rushed in, closing it behind him before turning and seeing the two men, "uhh.... Eugene might still be mad at me for helping you with the raccoons", the little alchemist stated, letting out a nervous chuckle as Ruddigar nuzzled his cheek.
The retired knight smiled and stood up, walking over to his son and picking him up. He held him in his arms and hugged him tightly, startling the boy before he hugged back with a wide smile before the old farmer set him down and opened the door, finding a very agitated Eugene outside with four raccoons chewing on his boots. "How about we face this together yeah?" Quirin asked as he offered a hand out to his son
"Ok", the teen replied before taking it and walking over to the dark prince.
Lance sighed and smiled, he'd been worried that this conversation would be a lot harder, but was glad he'd finally gotten permission. It really did mean a lot that Quirin trusted him, and he wouldn't let him down.... *though maybe I can hold off on that for a little bit", he thought to himself as Eugene, Quirin, and Varian tried to get the raccoons off the former thief's boots while another two raccoons were watching from the rafters.
Notes:
So here's a love letter to Lance Strongbow, for being a bro and a goofball at the same time! I love this man and want only good things to happen to him! He's not Lance Strongbow, he's Lance StrongBRO! (I'm not sorry XD)
I can see Lance and Quirin developing a very close relationship to each other! They're gonna be good friends in my stories! :D
Yeah I'm hinting at another chapter! It's coming and poor baby bean is gonna have a long chat and a rough road, but he's got protective papa and Lax Lance to help him out! Plus Team Awesome and Freckle siblings, which I still love! :D
Thank you all so much for reading! <3
Chapter 49: The Scars We Bear! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian finally talks about his time in the dungeons
Notes:
This took so long to make because I wanted it to be perfect, sorry for the wait either way
TRIGGER WARNING:
This story has PTSD and scars, stories of abuse and many dark themes in itI hope you all enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian waited anxiously outside the room, he stroked his raccoon's fur as his heart beat pounded in his ears. He thought about anything he might've done or said to have upset the person he was about to speak with, *m-maybe I shouldn't have made so many jokes about his ideas.... o-or maybe he got i-it's about the raccoons, I hope Ruddigar doesn't have to p-pay the price, I don't think I can handle being away from him.... a-again....* His thoughts were interrupted when the door before him opened and a person walked out.
"Oh hey there little man! Was wondering if you'd remember or not!" Lance spoke as he smiled at the little alchemist, though it didn't quite reach his eyes
"Hey Lance, my dad said you had something you wanted to t-talk about?" The teen replied, offering his own, smaller, shakier smile in return, Ruddigar chittered a greeting as well.
The former thief nodded a hello to the small mammal before looking at the timid boy, "your dad was right, come on in, it's uh, gonna be kind of a long talk, you've got time right?"
"Y-yeah, I'm not working on anything right now and Catalina is finally able to go outside, so she's grabbing some things for her and Angry, who is a bit too excited to do anything else except wait so....."
Lance chuckled, "those two I swear, come on in kid", he gestured for the teen to come inside, which he did. Closing the door behind them, the large man grabbed a cup of water, "you want some? I've got more if you need it"
"N-no I'm good, um... Lance I'm sorry if this comes out a bit rude but.... W-why did you want to talk to me? Dad made it sound like it was serious, d-did I do something wrong?"
"What? Oh no, you didn't trust me! I'm guessin Quirin is just a little nervous is all"
"W-why would he be nervous?" The teen tilted his head to the side, confusion clear on his face as his anxiety started to bubble. Ruddigar started to nuzzle his boy's cheek, getting some ear scratches in return.
"Why don't you take a seat and I can explain, okay?"
"Um, o-ok", Varian looked behind him and saw two comfy chairs sitting across from each other, one with a little stand and some tissues next to it, the other had some sweets in a basket, still confused the little alchemist decided to sit at the sweets chair, silently asking if he could have one, to which the former thief was more than happy to allow. Taking the tiny chocolate he noticed it was shaped like a heart, smirking he unwrapped it and popped it in his mouth, humming happily at the sweet taste.
Lance chuckled, "big fan of chocolate huh?"
Varian blushed, "y-yeah, sorry"
"You don't have to apologize, I like em too, it's why they're in my room, and definitely supposed to be here, not in the main lobby for guests when they walk in".
The teen blinked for a moment before swallowing his piece and feeling a bit guilty, "um.... Lance"
"Don't worry I'll put them back, but you can have as many as you want, they've got a whole stock pile of them, plus I got permission to have them"
"Permission?", suddenly he felt the anxiety come back, his raccoon chittered worriedly, "w-why do you need permission?"
"Easy buddy, you're not in any danger, I just wanted to talk okay"
"A-about what? Lance you're making me r-really nervous and I don't k-know why", he tried to calm his breathing as he stroked Ruddigar's fur again, he didn't know why but he had a really bad feeling he wasn't gonna like this conversation.
He heard the former thief sigh and felt a hand on his shoulder, "hey, look at me", he looked at the man, he saw a gentle smile on his lips and felt just a bit calmer, "everything is gonna be okay, I'll be honest with you, this conversation is gonna be hard, but I want you to know that you're safe here, you're safe and able to say anything you want, I won't judge you or make you feel bad. I just wanna help, and I know that this will, but you're gonna have to trust me, okay?"
Varian looked into Lance's big, brown eyes, they were filled with genuine worry and fear, but hope and determination, it reminded the little alchemist of his father's brown eyes and helped him relax. Letting out a breath, the teen nodded, "ok, w-what did you wanna talk about?"
This time the large man took in a breath before letting it out slowly and sitting down in the chair opposite the alchemist, "I.... I wanted to talk to you about the dungeons".
There was a moment of silence between the pair, even Ruddigar was speechless, "....dad told you to do this..... didn't he?"
"No, I actually asked him if I could, he said yes after I explained, before you sa-!"
"No"
"Just let m-!"
"No"
"I'm not gonn-!"
"NO", the teen got up and began walking to the door before he was stopped by the former thief
"Let me explain before you walk out of here, please, 5 minutes, that's all I'm askin", he looked desperate, so desperate in fact that the alchemist was startled by it. He wanted to walk out, the door was so close, but he sighed, something in his mind knew he couldn't keep avoiding this conversation forever, he nodded, "5 minutes to convince me".
"Thank you!" Lance stated
"4 minutes and 55 seconds"
"Right! Sorry, look, I know this is definitely not something you wanna discuss, but believe me when I say, I know what it's like to be locked up down there. You're alone, scared, cold, hungry, and the guard aren't exactly the nicest to you, they'll look at you like a piece of meat and hurt you because it seems like nobody cares for you down there. I get it, I really get it, and I know that my first time alone down there wasn't fun, when Eugene and I got separated, I got caught and sent to the dungeons, no trial, no lawyer, nothin, I was treated horribly and called nasty names, Varian I was 18 years old and I was terrified, Eugene came back for me after a day and I had nightmares for weeks after that. You were down there for a year and a half, with Andrew, alone, no one came, no one helped you, no one talked to you and I.... I can tell you know.... I can tell whenever you look at Rapunzel, I can see the panic when Eugene raises his hand, I see you flinch when people start to talk loud... I see it, I see you, and I understand what that's like, and yeah, maybe I don't have near the experience you do with the dungeon... but from what I do have, I know it still hurts you, I also know that talking to your dad about it would be the last thing you'd wanna do. Look I.... I'm not smart, I'm not cunning, I'm not magical or scary, but I'm *here*, and I'm willing to listen, I won't judge you, I have no right to, I never would even if I did. You went through trauma though Varian, you were locked up, thrown away, left alone to rot while we left the kingdom on this grand adventure and your dad sat in..... well.... either way, you haven't gotten a voice kid, and I'm willing to give you one, maybe even help you and give you some advice, I won't if you don't fell comfortable, but anything you say in this room will *stay* in this room, I won't even tell your dad, which he already agreed with. I just.... want to give you the option to talk and get anything off your chest, and you don't have to tell me everything, just what you feel comfortable with, we can even do this multiple times, that way you can tell me what you want when you feel more comfortable! I'm not saying you have to either, it's completely up to you, I just thought it would help, if you want you can think about it before you say or do anything, again, I won't judge". He took in a breath and let it out before looking at the teen and smiling warmly, "long story short, I want to help, and I'll keep it between us unless you say otherwise".
Varian was surprised, he didn't know what to say, *h-he wants to give me an... outlet? B-but....* "Why?" He asked, not realizing he'd said that out loud
"It's like I said, I wanna help, that's all there is to it", the man replied simply, smiling gently at the alchemist
"B-but why, why do you *want* t-to help me?! What reason have I e-ever given you that you'd wanna h-help me?" he hated his voice cracking as tears welled up in his eyes, but continued either way, ignoring the visions of a man in a white vest smirking as he said his empty words of comfort, "why? Y-you can't just wanna help me, NO ONE has ever wanted to just *help* me", he ignored the images of being pushed down and slapped whenever he wasn't able to work on the Quirineon that day, "my d-dad is the only person and h-he's not here, y-you have no reason to h-help, it's not logically possible, I'm n-not useful to you!" He shook away the pictures of angry eyes drilling into him as a whip sliced through his skin and ignored the laughter from the on lookers as he cried, "I don't u-understand, I c-can't understand I don't d-deserve it, I haven't a-asked for it, I-!"
He stopped when he felt the large man wrap his arms around his small frame and hug him tightly, "I want to help you because I care about you Varian, nothing more, nothing less". The teen's tear dripped onto Lance's shirt as he clung to him, grabbing hand fulls of his vest as a small light finally lit in his mind, the darkness ebbing away from it in disgust. It was small and frail, and the fact that it was alive in the first place was beyond any logic the little alchemist could comprehend, but it was there, and it wasn't going away, it was warm and welcoming and so peaceful to the small teen that he never wanted to let it go, so he didn't.
"Ok...." He replied quietly, his voice was horse from his crying
"Ok?" Lance asked, looking at the boy without letting him go, "you mean....?"
"I.... I'll try.... I c-can't talk about everything... A-at least not yet, b-but I'll try..... W-will that b-be okay?" The question sounded ridiculous to him, like a child asking their parent if they could go outside, but it seemed like the the only thing the little alchemist could do.
"I'm more than fine with that, thank you for trustin me, it means a lot", the large man stated with a wide smile, "I mean that".
"I'll always t-trust you Lance.... okay, m-maybe not with my alchemy, b-but I trust you with everything else!" That made the man laugh hard
"To be honest, I wouldn't trust myself with your alchemy equipment!"
Varian giggled, he felt his anxiety go away for the moment, scratching Ruddigar's ears and getting the raccoon to purr happily before looking at the chocolate, "c-can I have another?" He asked, pointing at the bowl
The former thief snorted, "go ahead little man, I'll get you some water too, and a tissue"
"That would be nice"
With that they walked over and, after Varian was handed everything, took a moment to calm down, joking and laughing with each other to lighten the mood. A few moments later and the three were in a much better place, that's when Lance sighed and looked at the teen, "ok, are you ready?"
Varian looked at him for a moment before taking a shakey breath, "y-yeah, I'm ready"
Nodding, Lance gave a small smile, "so where do you wanna start?"
Thinking for a moment Varian asked, "d-does it have to be in chronological order?"
That made the former thief chuckle, "nah, you can start wherever you want, you can even start when it ended, if that makes it easier for you"
"I see.... I guess... I-I don't know....."
Seeing the teen struggle, Lance asked, "how about we see what you don't want to talk about? I could start naming some things and you tell me if you can talk about them or not yeah?" With a nod from the teen the large man started, "how about the cell"
"N-not much to talk about, it was cold, small, and had one window in it... I l-looked out of it a lot, particularly when festivals w-were going on, but other than that, nothing".
"Ok, how about the food"
"It wasn't good, in fact, I'd say it was the worst food I've ever had, c-can't really call it gruel either, it's an insult to gruel...."
"That bad huh?"
"It tasted like sweat socks and skunk..... D-don't ask me how I know that, please"
"Taking your word for it, how about the beds?"
"Hard and lumpy, and the blankets were worn and holey, b-but that's all, actually I.... k-kinda miss it sometimes, being in that b-bed, it was the only thing I had to comfort really"
"What about Ruddigar?"
"T-they took him away w-when I first got caught.... H-he wasn't allowed b-back.... I d-don't wanna t-talk about that...." He sniffled as he hugged his raccoon, Ruddigar hugging him back and chittering softly at him
"That's okay, we can move on and talk about that later if you want"
Varian nodded, "t-thanks"
"No problem, how about what you had to do down there? Activities?"
"T-they mostly had us working in the castle, cleaning it, o-organizing, t-they also had us d-doing odd jobs throughout Corona, but always n-near the castle, I-I didn't mind that too much, i-it kept m-my mind at ease"
"So it helped you a bit?"
"N-not really helped me, j-just let me think about different things, l-like how m-my solution would have the floors c-cleaned in an instant, I e-even was able to hypothesize about some different mixtures and managed to write some things down that I honestly forgot to try, I'll have to show those to my dad, it might help him, maybe even show them to Faith, Freedborg and the other handmaidens, they might enjoy- ....S-sorry, I got c-carried away"
Lance smiled, "that's all good little man, again, I'm here to listen"
"T-thanks, but no, nothing really bad a-about the chores, t-they were chores, boring, plain, and simple"
"Fair, how about sleeping?"
"S-sleeping?"
"Yeah, how'd you sleep? Have any weird dreams?"
"I.... n-nightmares.... lots of n-nightmares"
"What about?" The former thief asked in a gentle tone
"M-my dad mostly, him being s-stuck in the a-a..... solution....."
"Did you ever have nightmares about Rapunzel?" The alchemist nodded but didn't speak, "that one a bit too hard to talk about?" Another nod confirmed his assumption, "alright, we can move on then, how about other prisoners?"
"T-the others?" Varian thought for a moment, he hadn't thought about the other prisoners in quite some time, "well there was Maxie, she was in there for disturbing the peace, Clank who w-was in because he'd punched one of the guards for a laugh, Dwayne for stealing, t-though how he managed to steal anything I'm not entirely sure, h-he said he knew you and Eugene actually"
"Oh yeah, I remember Dwayne, he wasn't the brightest crayon in the box, but not a real bad guy, just kinda down on his luck ya know?"
"Yeah, I know, h-he was nice to me, though he'd a-always startle me, he's sneaky. O-oh, then there was Lady Caine, boy s-she was angry, n-not a very friendly person, let me tell you... S-she threw a lot of insults at everyone, n-nobody really liked her, I felt b-bad but stayed away because any time I'd *try* to s-say something she'd throw a knife at me.... f-for that matter how'd she always h-have a knife?.... A-anyway then there was Biggs, he was big... T-that's kinda it..... He had a feisty friend named Smalls, b-but they had separate cells... I think the only one l-left i-!" He suddenly had a flash of cold green eyes glaring at him and a slap sounded through their cell
"YOU MESSED UP AGAIN YOU FUCKING IDIOT! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THIS STUFF, BUT YOU'RE SO USELESS!" Andrew yelled, his voice carrying through out the dungeon
"I-I'm sorry, I d-didn't think it w-would blow up! I d-didn't kn-!" Varian felt a fist lunge into his stomach as he fell to the floor, puking up a bit
"Listen *buddy*, you're the alchemist *expert* here, so fucking figure it out because I'm starting to lose my patience!" He spit on the boy before walking away, leaving the teen crumpled to the floor as tears started to fall
"I-I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I-!"
"Varian!"
The boy looked up to see brown eyes filled with worry, "hey little man, it's okay, it's okay, you're safe now, you're safe".
He sniffled and looked around, he was on the floor, clutching his stomach and breathing heavily, he felt pressure on his shoulders. When he looked he saw Ruddigar looking at him, chittering worriedly before nuzzling his face, "I.... I d-don't wanna t-talk about him..... N-not yet.... Please d-don't make m-me Lance, p-please I d-don't wanna t-talk about A-Andrew, p-please I c-can't I-!"
"You don't have to, it's okay, you don't have to talk about him at all", he felt Lance hug him, and he hugged him back before he wasn't able to hold it in any longer, and cried.
Notes:
This is both personal experience and what I believe happened to Varian inside those dungeons, PTSD is rough and scary and it's not pretty at all. The people who have PTSD have been through trauma bad enough to make them physically and mentally hurt, and it's not easy to be able to move on from it. PTSD is hard and painful and suffocating, I don't wish it on even my worst enemies because no one deserves to feel that. And no, simply talking to someone is not the answer, I realize that, therapy, medication, coping mechanisms, and talking, they all help in their own way, so while this fic is just for fun, I am in NO way, an expert on this subject despite having a small condition of it myself, it is freaking rough and terrifying, so please if you're going through it, know that you're not alone and please get the help you need, and do it for you, because you don't deserve to feel that way at all!
Sorry for the tangent, but I needed to say it, I loved writing this chapter, and the chapters to come, but it was very hard, I had to take a couple breaks because it hurt me so much. I'm sorry for the delay, but I hope you enjoy it at the very least.
Thank you for all of your patience and thank you for reading, seriously, thank you, you help me way more than you know 💙🎶
Chapter 50: The Scars We Bear! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Lance and Varian finish their talk and join the others in the family room.
Notes:
This is the second part to this two parter! I wanted Lance to have a major role in this one as well, focus more on him for a moment because he deserves it!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The two stayed on the floor for a while, Lance clutched the small teen in his arms as Varian wept, he screamed and cried, letting every drop of frustration, fear, anger, and humiliation out until there was nothing left. He stayed in the large man's arms, his eyes dripping with left over tears as he kept his head laid heavily on the former thief's chest. His sniffles were the only thing that could be heard in the room, Ruddigar wasn't making a sound either, opting instead to curl up on his boy's lap and give a quiet purr. After a few more moments, Lance felt Varian wiggle a bit, he looked down and saw the little alchemist was wiping his eyes on his sleeve, "hold on, before you go puttin snot on your sleeve, how about we get some tissues yeah?" He teased, smiling a bit when he heard a small chuckle come from the teen along with a small nod.
He managed to rearrange himself in a way that allowed him to grab the box of tissues while still having an arm around the boy. He held it for Varian as he took a tissue, "t-thank you", he replied, his voice was very hoarse, but he gave a grateful smile whiling taking one of the tissues and blowing his nose.
Lance rubbed his shoulder softly and waited until the teen was done before he spoke again, "do you wanna stop here for the day?"
"S-should we?" The tiny teen asked after picking Ruddigar up and disposing of the tissues, washing his hands after.
"It's up to you, you've made amazing progress so far, and you were able to let out some emotions that I could tell were building up, if you wanna talk more, I'm more than willing to keep going"
Varian thought about it for a moment, he looked at Ruddigar, who shrugged and nuzzled his cheek affectionately, making him giggle a bit before looking at Lance, "I... w-wouldn't mind talking more... b-but my throat really hurts"
The large man nodded with a smile, "we can take a break if you'd like, maybe go see your dad?"
Varian's eyes grew wide as he realized just how much he wanted a hug from his father right now, "yes please"
Lance laughed, "I gotcha, come on, we can get some food too, and don't worry, if anyone asks, I'll back you up, okay?"
"Thanks Lance"
"No problem little man", they walked out of the room, after the little alchemist cleaned his face up a bit, and made their way over to the family room, they found the retired knight sitting near the fireplace, it was on and blazing as the princess and her prince consort were sitting opposite to Quirin. The Dark King was also there, sitting next to his knight and watching the two little female thieves who were chatting happily to each other. They all turned and saw the duo, Quirin smiled wide at his son, who was blushing, and got up.
He walked over to the teen and opened his arms, immediately laughing as the alchemist rammed into him, wrapping his arms around the man tightly, "hi dad".
"Hi son", Quirin replied, catching the gruffness in his boy's voice, he looked at Lance, who mouthed that it was an emotional talk, before he scooped the teen up and held him like you would a baby, "I take it you're tired?" The nod from the teen and the snuggle that followed suit was all the old farmer needed, "are you two done for the day?" He asked the former thief as Catalina and Angry walked over to their adopted brother and watched him nervously, making Ruddigar give them a warning chitter before perching on his boy's chest.
Lance shook his head, "we came out here for a break and some food, but I stay up pretty late, so if he wants to take a nap for a bit, I'm okay with that".
Quirin looked back at Varian, "you wanna take a nap?" He asked softly, receiving a nod in return which made him chuckle, "alright, how about you lay with me for a bit yeah?" Another nod made the retired knight smile again as he nodded a quiet thank you to Lance before taking his son and walking him over to the armchair he was in before. He sat down and set the teen on his lap, making note that his son had already fallen asleep and was now letting out a quiet mumble as he was laid on his father's lap and covered in a nearby blanket by Rapunzel as his raccoon snuggled in his arms.
"He looks so peaceful", the princess stated, smiling at the alchemist
"Yeah, what exactly did you two do?" Eugene asked, raising a brow at his friend
"Just talked, it was pretty emotional", Lance replied
"Wow, what about?" Angry asked, still looking at the alchemist with concern, "because whatever it was really knocked him out"
"I can't tell you that"
"Why not?" Catalina asked, genuinely confused
"Because what we talk about during those meetings stays there unless Varian says otherwise", the former thief explained gently
"Why do you need a rule like that?" The black haired girl responded, raising her own brow
"So Varian can feel safe and secure, he needs that right now", Quirin explained, "he's been through a lot.... more than any of us can really understand, so he needs a space to let out what he's been through"
"Right, and the best way to do that is to give him a space where he can talk, cry, yell, scream, and do whatever so long as it doesn't hurt himself, or me, without anyone judgin him, he needs an ear, a shoulder to cry on, or really, he just needs a friend", Lance added
Edmund smiled, "it sounds like a very good idea, seems like this little one has been through far too much to handle on his own", he stroked the teen's head as Ruddigar eyed the man protectively, getting a quiet chuckle out of the man.
"Lance, is there any way me and Eugene could join you for some of those? I'd like to help Varian too", Rapunzel asked, her eyes bright with excitement at the thought of helping her friend
Lance's face turned serious, which Eugene immediately understood, "sorry princess, but these talks have to stay between me and the little man"
"Oh, really? But why?"
"Sunshine, this isn't something me or you could help with", Eugene responded gently
Rapunzel looked at her lover, trying to understand, "but why? I'm really good at keeping secrets, and I'd never want to hurt him"
"I know Rapunzel it just-!"
"Just that, Varian doesn't need someone who wants to make him *feel* better, he needs someone that will help him *get* better", Lance replied softly, "look princess, you're a wonderful, strong, well intentioned, kind, and caring person who only wants to see the good in people, and to be fair, you helped Varian *a lot* when you gave him a second chance", the former thief then sighed, "but this isn't like that, he trusts you, he knows you trust him, but right now, this isn't someone who can hear positive things about themselves and believe it. He...." Lance sighed again as he looked at the sleeping boy, remembering how terrified he looked when they were talking about Andrew, "....he needs genuine help to handle what he's been through. Someone who's been through it too, and can relate to him. I'm not an expert, I'm not, don't claim to be, but Eugene and I went through that, the trauma, the scares, the hurt, the anger, we've felt it all, the only difference is Eugene found you and you showed him a better way. That's your contribution, you guide people back to the light princess, but Varian is already back, and now he needs someone who can help him stay in the light without getting burned, or feeling like he's getting burned, see what I'm saying?"
"I.... Sort of, but I still want to help, he's hurting and I...." Rapunzel looked at the sleeping teen, her eyes were filled with worry and fear for him
"I understand, I really do", the former thief continued, "but when's the last time you made a decision that ended up causing you to go to jail?" She was silent, "exactly, he went to prison, alone, his dad was stuck in amber for a full year and a half, and Quirin if you ever need to talk about that, I can make sessions for you too", he looked at the man who was a little startled, "don't try to tell me that didn't affect you, I'm not an expert, but I don't need to be to see that it did".
Quirin thought about it before sighing defeatedly, "maybe one day I will.... For now I'm okay", Edmund placed a hand on his knight's shoulder, getting a smile in return
"That's fine, whenever you wanna come over and chat, I'll make time for you", Lance smiled before turning back to Rapunzel and Eugene, "like I said, I understand, but Rapunzel, unfortunately you're not the person that can help him right now, being there for him, being his friend, that does genuinely help!"
"It does?" She asked, her eyes filling with hope
"More than you will ever know!" Lance replied while smiling, "you play an incredibly important role in his life, you gave him a second chance Rapunzel, and you help him and talk to him almost every day! But like you, I have my own role to play, and for me, that's giving him a space where he can feel whatever he wants, and needs, to feel, so he can finally let those emotions out instead of keeping them inside where they can infect and hurt him".
Rapunzel nodded, "I guess I understand, I'll be honest, it's gonna be a little hard for me to fully be okay with not helping someone"
"That's perfectly fine, you don't have to be okay with it, just don't push him, alright? He needs something in his life to be secure and safe, something that'll stick"
"What about Quirin?"
"I'll always be here for my son", the old farmer replied, "but I was part of the reason he got this way.... In more ways than one.... I've gotten better, I know I have, heck, he hasn't slept on my lap like this since he was a toddler!" The retired knight stated, smiling happily at his little son, who curled up and snuggled deeper into the farmer's chest, "I've gotten better, but I'm not the person he needs right now, I've accepted that. Does it upset me? A little, I wish I could change so many things, but I can't, so instead of worrying about what happened in the past, I'm changing what I do in the future and using the past to guide me".
"I see", the princess smiled, "you feel exactly what I feel"
Quirin nodded, "but I'm helping in my own way, for example, I make a pretty good bed don't you think?" He joked, smiling as Catalina and Angry laughed
"Yes, yes you do", Eugene chuckled, "and a pretty good pillow too"
"Yeah, my pillow levels are pretty high, though no one can beat my bed", right as the old farmer said that, Varian stretched a bit before scooting down a little and curling up again, mumbling to himself about soap and chemicals
"Pfft!" The Dark King had to hold a hand over his as he giggled at the little teen, after a moment he whispered, "cute!" To which everyone nodded happily.
****
A couple hours passed by, Lance had gotten some food for himself and the small teen as Rapunzel and Eugene left to finish up some royal duties, and Catalina, Angry, and King Edmund all departed to their rooms for the night. The former thief was finishing his dinner when he heard a quiet mumble, looking over he saw Varian sit up and yawn, stretching his arm up before he froze, noticing his father was right above him before smirking and wrapping his arms around the man's neck, "hi dad".
"Hi son", Quirin chuckled, kissing the teen's forehead gently
"I fell asleep"
"Yes you did, and mumbled"
"Did I?"
"Yep, about soap this time"
"hm..."
"Reach any conclusions?"
"Not really, I came to a stand still..."
"Ah well, there's always the next dream"
"Yeah, I guess", the teen then stretched his arms again before placing them on his own chest, scratching Ruddigar behind the ears as he did so, his stomach suddenly growled loudly, "huh... That's probably why I didn't figure it out"
"Probably"
"I'm hungry", he looked up at his dad again
"I can tell, Lance has some food for you"
"Did you make it?"
"Not this time, I can make some tomorrow though if you'd like"
"Ok", his stomach growled again, "I'm gonna eat"
"Good plan"
With that the little alchemist slowly got up and unwrapped the blanket he was in before hopping off his father and looking around, "over here little man!" Lance stated, waving his arm as Varian walked over, he saw the large spread of food that was next to the man, plates of various cheeses, meats, potatoes, both mashed and baked, salads, and some veggies were set out in front of him, his stomach growled loudly, making him blush, "well go ahead and dig in, I made some cake in the kitchen too".
"Thank you", Varian smiled happily as he grabbed a plate and began to put some food on it when Quirin walked over and, noticing a severe lack of greens, placed some carrots on his son's plate, "scuse you sir", his son stated indignantly while wrinkling his nose at the orange veggie
"No cake until you eat those.... and no Ruddigar either", he added
"Stick in the mud"
"Mud grows good carrots, which help your eyesight and lets me keep an eye on sneaky alchemist's who don't like to eat their greens"
"But they're orange"
"You know what I mean"
"mmmmmaybe"
"Brat", Varian pouted, "I stand by my word"
"Fine, I'll ingest the disgusting orange monstrosities that you have bestowed upon my plate father", he replied, "but know that I'm doing so *only* because Lance's cake is delicious and I am extremely hungry"
"Your hesitant forfeit has been noted", Quirin smirked before kissing his son's head once more, "now go eat your carrots", he replied before returning to his seat
Varian huffed but sat down at the table anyway and poked at the carrots, finally stabbing one with his fork and bringing it up to his mouth before plugging his nose and eating it, chewing it quickly and swallowing before letting out a shudder, "so gross..."
"You *really* hate carrots huh?" Lance asked with a chuckle
"Yes... But for your amazing cake and Ruddigar, I'll bear it", he stated before eating another forkful, making his raccoon, who was with the old farmer, chitter encouragingly. The former thief smirked and let the little alchemist finish his veggies, "there, I ate all of them, can I have my raccoon back now please?"
Quirin raised a brow before looking at Lance, "he ate em all, I watched", the retired knight nodded as Ruddigar hopped off the armchair and climbed onto his boy's shoulder
"Thank you very much, you evil jerkface", Varian teased
"You're quite welcome, you bratty stinkbomb", his father replied, getting a snort from the teen as he continued to eat his food
The former thief smiled at the duo before turning to the teen, "hey, how are you feeling?"
"Oh, I feel... better actually... a lot better, why do I feel better?"
"You got some things off your chest, that's normal when you start somethin like this, I'm glad you feel better, but you know there's more you've gotta talk about"
"I know.... Lance I-I know I said we could do more tonight... but...." The large man smiled softly, gesturing for the little alchemist to say it, "...w-well I was kinda hoping maybe we could do this another time? I w-wouldn't mind tomorrow o-or sometimes soon though"
"I'm fine with that", the man stated simply
"R-really?"
"Yeah, I told you before and I'll say it again, I'm here to listen whenever *you* wanna chat, and while I do suggest you have at least a weekly visit, you can choose whatever fits your schedule best, okay?"
"You recommend a weekly schedule though?"
"Well it's up to you-!"
"I-I can't.... I.... I d-don't know how to do this.... I n-need advice.... I-!" Varian stopped when he realized he interrupted, feeling bad immediately after, "s-sorry I d-didn't mean to-!"
"It's okay", Lance replied, "you're new to this, I don't expect you to know exactly what to do, I can schedule them if you want, we could start with once a week, then talk about a different schedule or even a break if you need one", he placed a hand on the teen's shoulder, "you're not alone in this little man, I'm here to help you, and if you need me to take the reigns on some things, I'm willin to do that".
"Thanks Lance"
"You're welcome"
"N-no, seriously", Varian looked at the man's eyes, his own filled with tears of both fear and relief, "thank you so much Lance"
Quirin, who had been watching the entire time, smiled at that, he felt his own tears sting in his eyes as his little boy finally seemed to find his voice. Lance stared at those eyes for a couple minutes before he smiled happily, "you're welcome Varian".
Notes:
Rapunzel is not a bad character, I'm saying that now because I don't want anyone to think I'm bashing her. I love Rapunzel, she's a sweetheart! But she helps in ways that don't always work, she's got everyone's best interests in mind and heart, but she can't help everyone, it's a hard lesson that never really gets taught in media today. So here I am makin a fic about it!
Lance is amazing and I want more fun times with Lance, I will make more, especially announcer Lance, for now, this is soft boy Lance
Quirin makes the best dad bed and Varian mumbles in his sleep, I think he comes up with formulas in his sleep too, wouldn't surprise me honestly XD
Thank you all for reading! 💙
Chapter 51: The Knight, The Warrior, The Tamer, and The Alchemist!
Summary:
Someone pays the castle a visit, much to Quirin's chagrin.
Notes:
I wanted to make a fun chapter, so here we go! There's more notes at the end.
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The castle's kitchen window was open when the little alchemist walked in, Ruddigar was sniffing the air as if he was hoping to find something, and they heard someone bite into what sounded like fruit, all these signs made Varian smile wide as he ran over to the door leading into the dining room and opened it.
"Hello Speckles"
"ADIRA!" The teen exclaimed as he ran over and wrapped his arms around the startled women, who took a moment before awkwardly returning the hug.
"Seriously sister? The window?" Another voice replied behind the two
Looking confused for a moment, Varian looked at his aunt before she pointed nonchalantly behind her. When the little alchemist looked, he saw, "HECTOR!" He ran over to him as well before hesitating, "uh... d-do you like hugs?"
The tamer was a little surprised but thought about it before sighing and opening his arms, "sure"
Varian squeaked a little with joy before he hugged the man happily, not seeing the small smile that found it's way onto Hector's face before the teen let go, "hi!"
"Hey"
"So what were you going to ridicule me for this time?" Adira asked, raising a brow and smirking
The wild tamer looked at his sister, "the kitchen window, really?"
"I got in here first"
"We got in at the same time, but there are better ways to get inside"
"How'd you get in?" She asked while taking a bite from her apple
"Through my room", another voice replied, this one sounded aggravated as all three turned towards it, Hector smirking
"Hi dad!" Varian replied before noting the annoyed glare he was giving the man behind him
Adira laughed, "you went through *his* room?" She asked
"Through his window actually, so I took your idea and did it better"
The face painted warrior gave her brother a slow clap, "alright alright, that was good"
"No it wasn't" Quirin stated grumpily before happily accepting the hug his son gave him
"It got better when Pixie and Basil followed me inside", Hector added as the two binturongs in question walked over and nuzzled the little alchemist, who giggled as Ruddigar sniffed at them
"I will kill you"
"Try it"
"Uh... Maybe we don't fight in the royal dining room?" Varian asked quietly, looking nervously between the two as Pixie sniffed his raccoon back before booping noses with the smaller mammal, "dad I thought you got along with Hector"
"I do, he likes the challenge, but when Adira's with him the two are intolerable", his father replied, raising a brow at the half eaten apple in the face painted Warrior's hand and receiving a shrug in return before she took another bite.
"Plus I like taking the piss out of your dad", the wild tamer added, snickering at the glare he got from the retired knight. His other binturong watching his mate and Ruddigar interact before going over and booping noses with the raccoon as well.
"Well what's all this?" All four of them turned around to see King Edmund walking in, "hello! How long has it been since we've all been in a room together?" He replied happily as he immediately walked over to his grandson and scooped him up, getting a giggle as Ruddigar hopped on Quirin's shoulder, letting out an annoyed chitter
"You'll get to sit on his shoulder later little guy, don't worry", the retired knight comforted, scratching the raccoon behind the ear, "truth is I'm a little with you on this one", he added, making Ruddigar smirk as Pixie and Basil slunk back over their master, who gave them each a scratch behind the ears before they laid down behind him to nap.
"Oh come on now Quirin, they're family, you should at least *try* to get along with them", Edmund replied, using a voice that almost sounded oddly familiar to the little alchemist in his arm
"Pfft, yes dad", Quirin snarked, getting snorts from both Hector and Adira as the Dark King rolled his eyes before raising a brow, "oh relax, I'm kidding"
*He used a dad voice.... on my dad.... huh* The little alchemist thought as he had a momentary existential crisis
"So what brings you two to the castle?" The Dark King asked
"Mostly reports", Adira stated, taking the last bit of her apple before tossing it in a nearby waste basket, "but also to see our nephew and Stickler"
"Haven't heard that name in a while", Hector replied while smirking at Quirin, "but yeah, we came to give our reports, though there's not much"
"Any report is a good report", Edmund stated before giving Varian one last hug and setting him down, Ruddigar happily hopping onto his boy's shoulder with a satisfied chitter, "so what have you seen?"
"Cassandra's definitely in Corona, and she seems to be staying near the outskirts", Adira stated, taking note of the sad look on her nephew's face before continuing, "she hasn't done anything yet to any of the citizens, in fact, she comes into Old Corona, walks around a bit with a dark cloak on, then heads out. It seems like she's looking for something, but I'm not sure what it could be".
"On the outside of the kingdom, she keeps talking to herself", Hector added, "she's having full blown conversations with something, or someone that I can't see. I tried getting closer to hear what she was saying, but she somehow found out I was there, though I don't think she can control her power yet, she didn't really put up much of a fight, in fact, I almost got her.... But...." He hesitated
"But what?" The Dark King asked, seeing the worry on his tamer's face
"I... She somehow managed to suddenly figure it out, rocks came shooting up from the ground and she cornered me, I had to escape or else...."
Varian immediately understood and walked over to his uncle, grabbing his hand and giving him a smile, "I'm glad you're safe", he replied comfortingly
Hector was startled for a minute before his face darkened, "I failed"
"You're alive, that's not a failure"
"What is it then, because it isn't a win"
"It's a tie"
The wild tamer thought about that before looking at Quirin and smirking, closing his hand around the teen's, "you really are his kid"
That made the little alchemist smile wide, "and I'm proud to have his name!"
"I'm proud you're my son too", Quirin replied, smiling lovingly as his boy looked at him and smiled even wider, "you're gonna split your lip if you smile any bigger you know", he teased
"Then it'll be your fault", he shot back while still smiling
Edmund chuckled before looking at Hector, "he's right you know, I'm glad you're still here, you didn't fail, thank you, both of you, for doing this"
Adira smiled, "happy to", she replied before standing up and stretching, "now that that's done, I should probably head back out"
"Do you have to? Can't you stay here for a bit?" Varian asked, "both of you?" He looked up at his uncle, using his puppy dog eyes on the man
Hector watched the teen for a moment, seeing the raccoon make a similar face. He struggled, trying very hard not crack when, "you two do deserve a break, you could stay here for the day if you'd like", their king replied, "I'm certain the princess wouldn't mind if you said hello".
"We can't just leave Short hair alone for too much lo-!" Adira started
"Kay", Hector replied, getting a cheer from his nephew
The face painted warrior was startled, that is, until her nephew gave her the same look, along with his partner in crime, she stared at them, trying hard to stand her ground, but ultimately sighed, "I suppose it couldn't hurt"
Varian cheered triumphantly, startling the two binturongs awake as Edmund and Quirin snickered, "brat nugget", the retired knight stated
****
Eugene and Rapunzel were staring at the group that just entered the family room, Catalina and Angry were as well as they stopped playing uno and stared. Lance however was beyond himself with excitement, making a noise similar to Ruddigar when he sees an apple. The large man quickly checked his breath and ran his hand over his head before making his way over to the face painted warrior, "well hello there fair maiden", he responded, "didn't think I'd see you here today".
Adira rolled her eyes and sighed as Hector and Quirin slapped their hands over their mouths, getting the stink eye from Edmund, "hello earring, I didn't expect to see you either", she replied, ignoring the quiet snickers coming from her two brothers
"Lance, buddy, we really need to have a conversation about women later", Eugene stated as Rapunzel smiled wide
"Hi Adira and Hector, good to see you both!" She greeted as she and the dark prince walked over, "so you invited them I take it?" She looked over at the Dark King
"Me? Oh no, they came to give me a report and were... convinced to stay", he replied, looking pointedly at his little grandson
Eugene noticed this and smirked, "convinced?" He looked at Varian who blushed
"I-I can be pretty persuasive you know", the little alchemist replied while stroking his raccoon's fur happily
"Right"
"Who are you?" Angry, who had stopped playing uno and walked over to the group, asked while eyeing Adira's outfit. Catalina was right behind her, looking at Hector's coat with interest before seeing the two binturongs behind him and waving to them with a smile
"I'm Adira, I'm Speckle's aunt, who are you?"
"I'm Angry and this is Catalina, we're thieves turned good, who's Speckles?" She asked as her sister looked at the wild tamer then looked at the two animals behind him
"That would be me", Varian answered
"Speckles?" The girl asked as Hector gestured for the two Binturongs to come say hello to Catalina, which they did, sniffing her and making her giggle
"It's because his freckles are spread across his face", the face painted warrior explained
"Why the nickname?"
"Easier to remember than a regular name, though you seem to already have one, or is Angry your real name?"
"It's a nickname given to me by that guy", she gestured to Eugene, who was eyeing the binturongs and ignoring the glare he was getting from Hector before looking at the pair
He then smirked, "I stand by it too"
"Not bad Fish Skin", Adira replied
"Fish skin?!" Angry repeated, startling the binturongs before Catalina stroked their fur and calmed them down, impressing the wild tamer
"It's a compliment!" The former thief replied
"Is it?" The black haired thief asked the women
"Eh"
"Pfft!"
"Shush!" Eugene snapped
"Anyway, did you two wanna stay in the castle for a little while? I'm certain I can find some room for you", Rapunzel asked while grabbing her boyfriend's hand and running her thumb over his knuckles
"No, we came just for the day", Adira replied, "we only wanted to give our reports than go, but our nephew had other plans", she ruffled Varian's hair a bit, making him giggle before he tried to fix it
"It's a lost cause you know", his father stated with a smirk
"I'm gonna anyway", the teen stated, getting a chuckle from Quirin
Catalina sat down as the two binturongs laid next to her, "so you're Adira then"
"You've heard of me?" The face painted warrior asked
"More or less, Hector mentioned you when he came around to meet Varian, and Quirin mentions you on and off, so does Edmund", she explained
"Oh do they?" She smirked at all four of the men standing next to her
The retired knight raised a brow and smirked, "of course we do, we talk about the vase incident and other fun stories of you"
The wild tamer glared daggers at his brother, "I thought we agreed to not mention that story"
"Oh oh! I managed to successfully hide in a vase without breaking it!" Varian stated excitedly, making Edmund and Quirin laugh as Adira and Hector blushed a bit
Rapunzel and Eugene were taken aback when they saw the women blush, but Lance smiled wide, "don't worry Adira, we all make mistakes, I know I've made a few", he said
"You've made quite a lot from what I've seen", she replied
"eheheh, yeah true, you know me so well", the face painted warrior sighed
Hector then looked at his nephew, "how'd you manage to hide in such a small space?" He asked, genuinely curious despite the slight embarrassment
"Because he's tiny", Quirin joked
"Compared to you dad *everyone* is tiny!" Varian shot
"True, but that just makes you extra tiny", his father shot back, making Varian blush this time as he nudged the retired knight, making him laugh
"By the way, speaking of tiny beings, what ever happened to that fish you two caught", Adira asked while patting Varian's shoulder comfortingly
The little alchemist smiled, "you mean Itty Bitty? He's doing just fine, grandpa brought him with when he and uncle Hector came to the castle, he's been staying dad's room ever since"
"He stays in your room?"
The Village Leader blushed, "he uh *ahem* likes it in there"
Adira snickered as Hector raised a brow, "nah, too easy", she stated, getting the wild tamer to laugh as Quirin rolled his eyes
"So how long were you two planning to stay then?" This time Eugene laughed as Rapunzel smiled sympathetically at the old farmer
Edmund sighed, "children please don't bicker", he stated as Hamuel cawed
"Oh you're one to talk", Hector replied
"Seriously", Adira agreed as Quirin raised a brow at the king
"If you three don't get along I'll take away your Varian privileges!" He stated sternly
"uh-!" the retired knight started as Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance stared at the man
"And Quirin's duel blades!"
"thank you", the old farmer replied as he picked up his son and held him close while Ruddigar wrapped around his boy protectively
Hector sighed, "fine, we'll call a truce.... but only for our nephew"
"I agree", Adria replied, shaking hands with each other before looking at their brother
"I'm fine as long as you two don't start up again", he replied, making Catalina and Angry snicker
The face painted warrior then got a look on her face, she whispered something to the wild tamer, which made him smirk before both looked at the princess, "you said you've got enough rooms for both of us to stay in right?" She asked
Rapunzel smiled, "of course!"
"The king did say we deserve a break", Hector added
Edmund looked at the pair suspiciously, "what are you tw-!"
"Guess we'll be staying for a couple days after all", he stated
Varian and Lance cheered as Eugene and Quirin face palmed. The princess grew excited as she talked about what rooms they'd like and how long they were staying as the two tiny thieves exchanged a look that said 'this was going to be fun'. As for the Dark King himself, he resigned himself to his fate but smiled all the same, "well ain't that a humdinger", he chuckled good naturedly as he looked at the pair, "challenge accepted".
They smirked, an evil glint shining in their eyes as Quirin shook his head, "I think I already feel my hair greying..."
"It won't be so bad Stickler", Adira stated
Hector nodded, "yeah, our nephew can ride on my rhino again, he liked that", he smiled at the look of excitement on his nephews face
"This is going to be a long couple of days..."
Notes:
I had to! I wanted to have all four of them together at once for a little while! There's gonna be more stuff like this later in this series so don't worry, but there needs to be more Brotherhood fluff, so here we are!
They all play off each other so well it's madness! I honestly think Adira and Hector would be absolute brats it they're together while still at each other's throats, Quirin is the older sibling who they constantly mess with because they think it's funny, and Edmund is the father figure who tries to keep the peace, Varian, who is the sweet nephew that everyone loves, helps him with that while simultaneously helping his father and Eugene, to whom they like to mess with as well, keep calm. They have a family dynamic that I love and I hope that I'm writing it well!
Eugene is going to be a great comfort to Quirin I can tell you that much XD
Lance is gonna have a moment with Adira, I decree it! XD
Thank you all so much for reading! 💚🎶
Chapter 52: Love is Different for Everyone!
Summary:
Lance and Adira finally have a talk.
Notes:
Notes will be at the end!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian sighed contentedly as he snuggled next to his father next to the fireplace. He'd been able to go back to his house and finally fix the door, even adding a lock and cleaning up the mess his uncle had left behind, with the man's help of course. However the princess, after hearing about the Brotherhood's recent report, requested they stay for a little while to make sure it was safe. They'd both protested, his father repeating that he needed to get back to work, but when Rapunzel offered him a paid vacation and extra hands to help on the farm and the citizens of Old Corona, the man did not have any other excuse.
As for the alchemist, he'd been wanting to spend sometime with his aunt and uncle for a while and even though he'd originally said no, his relatives, King Edmund included, had apparently learned from him and gave him their own puppy dog eyes, he giggled, "I still can't believe I fell for my own weapon", he stated with stroking Ruddigar's fur.
"Well, to be fair there were three of them and only one of you, I don't blame you for caving", he then smirked, "but I do blame you for teaching them that", he poked his son's side, getting a giggle
"Hey you caved too!" He argued, poking his father back
The retired knight chuckled and ruffled his boy's head, "I only did because the princess was insistent that I stay, plus a paid vacation is nice I suppose"
The little alchemist eyed his father with a smirk, "you wanted this didn't you?"
"I won't say no considering I agreed to it, but I didn't expect it if that's what you're implying. Like you I prefer to work for my pay and home"
"Workaholic"
"Look who's talking, exactly how many times did I find you trying to sneak over to that little mission of yours in secret last night?"
"It wasn't *that* many"
"23 times son"
"....At least it wasn't 24?"
His father raised a brow before the door to the family room opened and Lance walked in, "hey you two! Whatcha doin in here?" he asked looking a little confused
"Hiding", Quirin replied
"From what?"
"That", he pointed to the people behind the man. When he turned to see who it was, his eyes lit up as the face painted warrior, along with her brother and king, came into his view.
"Hey Adira, you know, I've been thinking"
"Did it hurt?" She raised a brow, making Varian and Quirin slap their hands over their mouths as Hector and Edmund let out a loud, "pfft!" before doing the same.
"eheheh, trust me, you'll definitely like this", he blushed, "I made you something!"
Adira sighed, "look earring, I understand you have an infatuation with me, bu-!"
"Before you say anything! Just let me give it to you first okay?"
"I-!"
"Please?"
She hesitated, seeing the look he was giving her stopping her from continuing, he looked so genuine to her. It was a look she'd never seen on the man before, so she sighed, "alright, but after you have to let me say my piece, okay?"
"Sure sure, no problem, just let me explain before you do alright?"
"Alright"
With that he ran off, letting out a small squeak of excitement as he exited the room. Adira sighed once more, this one sounding more exhausted than before, "are you okay?" Varian asked as he walked over to his aunt with Ruddigar on his shoulder
"I'll be fine"
The teen smirked, "I invented that look you know, it never fooled my dad and it isn't gonna fool me, what's wrong?"
She chuckled as the Dark King and wild tamer sat next to the pair, Quirin sitting up a bit in his chair to listen, "I just don't know how to handle this I suppose", she admitted
"What do you mean?"
"Well, back in the Dark Kingdom no one really looked at you the way your friend looks at me".
"Really? But, and not to be weird here, you're really pretty", Varian replied, "I'm surprised you wouldn't get noticed"
"Thank you for that, but I was noticed, just, not for my looks".
The little alchemist tilted his head, "then what for?"
Adira chuckled, "back then, what was noticed was your strength and usefulness, if you could prove you were worth keeping around, you'd never have to worry about finding someone else to match with".
"Is that true dad?" he asked, looking over at his father, his raccoon doing the same, which made Hector chuckle and pet him.
Quirin nodded, "it's true, if you weren't useful, why were you there? It was the old king's rule that never really faded, no matter how hard King Edmund tried", he explained
"And try I did! No one should have to work to feel worth it, I never wanted that, but old habits die hard I suppose", the Dark King stated
Varian looked at his grandfather sadly, placing a hand on his shoulder and getting a small smile in return before looking back at his aunt, "so you worked to get noticed? There's nothing wrong with that"
"I agree, but the thing is, I've never been.... fawned after like this.... I am a trained warrior that has seen many battles, I was trained from a very young age to be that and *only* that. So to have someone doing.... whatever earring is doing bothers me because I... don't know how to react to it"
This surprised the young alchemist, he looked at his father for assistance but the man appeared to be just as surprised as he was. He turned back to his aunt, who was looking down, a faint blush on her face showing she really was lost. "Hey, look if it's any consolation, no one's an expert at love or crushes, in fact I had a huge crush on someone that.... left me behind and has now betrayed the princess.... Point is, no one is ever gonna know what exactly to do in a situation like this, no one", he stated before smiling and catching the women's eyes with his own, "but that's kinda the best part about a crush, it's unusual and new, and yeah, maybe you don't feel the same way, you don't have to. But if I'm looking through Lance's eyes right now, I see someone who's funny, kind, eccentric, and kinda kooky!"
"Don't forget crazy, strange, and snarky", Hector added with a smile, making Adira chuckle
"All those things and more, either way, even if you don't feel the same way, he still see's something more than a warrior in there. Maybe once you figure out who you are underneath that you'll be able to see her too", he replied
The face painted warrior thought about it, she'd never seen herself as someone approachable or fun, she was always just Adira, the warrior of the brotherhood and protector of the Moonstone, nothing more nothing less. Hearing her nephew's words however struck a chord with her, but before she said anything, "Adiiiiiiiraaaaaaaa~" Lance called, "I've goooooooot it!" He walked into the room holding a small strawberry cake and a very long box with a wide smile on his face.
"Earring I-!"
"Wait wait, you said I could explain first, so you gotta let me, okay?"
She stopped and looked at her older brother for help, the retired knight merely smirked however and gestured towards the man, seeming to know something she doesn't. Sighing she looked back at the man, "alright, go ahead".
The former thief let out a squeak before setting the box down on the floor for a moment, "here, I baked this, heard you liked strawberries, plus I've got a little container you can put it in so it won't got back too quick, Varian helped me make it", he smiled at the teen who blushed
"I-I didn't know this is what you were using that for!" He replied
"I know you didn't, because you would've stopped me if you had", the little alchemist scuffed his shoe on the floor but didn't reply, "either way, take the cake, it's for you and you alone. Before you eat it though", he bent down and picked up the box, "I got somethin for ya".
He handed Adira the cake, which she set down carefully on a table nearby before taking the box, "I-!"
"Open it first, then I'll explain", he interrupted
She looked at him worriedly before looking at the box, opening it and looking inside. There she saw a long silver sword with a brownish red handle, taking it out she looked it over and saw it was made out of really strong titanium, "wha-!"
"Ok, so look, I'm not the most subtle about how I feel about you, I realize that. And you are definitely not subtle about how you feel about me, and that's fine. I just wanted to let you know that I know you don't feel the same way, I know but...." he sighed and took a minute before looking back at her, "you are the strongest, funniest, sassiest, and most loyal person I have ever met! You helped us out knowing that it was technically treason against your own home! You went against your family to get back what you loved and lost and that speaks volumes to me! ....I didn't have a home, I grew up in an orphanage then turned into a thief before I even passed grade school, so I understand what losing yours is like because you never really feel.... complete...." He then looked at Varian and smiled wide, "then I found a new home, and got to meet new people, like that one over there", he nodded at the little alchemist, who smiled at him, "and I found out my role isn't a thief anymore, that I can do more than steal and commit crimes, I can help other people! It's freeing in a way knowing that I'm more than what I was before but... I don't get the same feeling from you, I think all you see is a warrior but I can see way more in you! Adira, I will never stop loving you, ever, I think you're beautiful and fun and I would love nothin more than to be the guy by your side! But I know you don't want that, and that's okay, you're not ready to settle down and you might never be, but I wanted you to know that even if I can't be your husband, that I'm more than willing to be your friend, whenever you need me, like a strong sword!" He nodded towards the weapon, "I can help you, I don't need to be your family or partner to want to either, so.... what do you say?" He outstretched a hand and smiled, "friends?"
Adira was speechless, she wasn't sure what to say. She was so worried and, dare she even admit it, scared to speak to this man. But here he was, offering to be something she never really had growing up. The face painted warrior smiled, her eyes finally seeing the man for the first time and, getting an idea, she gently put down the sword and gave him a hug. She felt the man freeze for a moment before wrapping his arms around her back, "thank you Lance", she stated happily
"You're welcome Adira", he replied before smirking, "and don't worry, I'll keep the tears a secret", he whispered, making her chuckle and dry them before they both let go.
"I'll gladly accept your friendship Earring, and your sword", she outstretched her own hand, "as long as you accept mine"
He smiled and took it, "you got a deal!" They shook, making the little group smile wide
"You really are something you know that Lance?" Varian said after his aunt had sat down next to Hector, Edmund, and his father, all of them examining the sword, clearly impressed with it. Ruddigar let out a happy chitter at the man, smiling wide.
"I know, also sorry"
"For what?"
"I'm not supposed to be feelin better about talking to someone who's hurting, but I-!"
"Lance you helped me admit I was upset and let me get it out, and you're still letting me do that with you by taking time out of your day to do so, I definitely don't mind you feeling proud of that"
"Thanks, I guess I just didn't want you to think I like you having these issues"
"I know you want me to get better, but you're helping me, it's amazing how far you've come! So don't worry so much!"
Lance smiled at the teen, "thanks little man, by the way, you up for another session anytime soon?"
"It looks like I'll be in the castle for a while, so I suppose another session wouldn't be a bad idea, when's a good time?"
"How about tomorrow? We can have one later that day so you can get some work done"
Varian smiled, "oki, I can do that!"
"Hey you two, wanna join the party, we're seeing how sharp this thing is by slicing the box!" Hector called making the duo giggle, they nodded to each other with a smile before happily joining the group.
Notes:
I wanted to give Lance his moment with Adira, so this popped into my mind, I think Adira and Lance wouldn't really get together, but they would make amazing friends, and I can see Lance making jokes about love being so fickle even though him and Adira came to an understanding. Don't get me wrong, I think the man still loves her, but the very last episode he seems to think of her more as a friend, in the second season he was fawning over her and staring at her with dreamy eyes. But in season three, at least in the finale, when he see's her he says, "Adira!" and opens his arms like he's gonna give her a hug, I think they had a chat in the show and this is what it was, or at least I hope it was something like this XD
Either way I love both characters, and while this isn't exactly a funny chapter, nor is it entirely about Varian and Quirin (don't worry we'll get back to that), I thought these two deserved a chapter together, if only for a moment!
Thank you all for reading! :D <3
Chapter 53: How Much We Despair!
Summary:
Varian and Lance have another therapy session.
Chapter Text
Varian had a very long day, working on his alchemy, mastering equations, hanging out with Catalina and Angry, trying to keep them from blowing up his lab, and even getting to spend some time with Rapunzel before her advisor nudged him away as she had more royal duties to fulfill. The little alchemist was definitely tired from the day's events and wanted nothing more than to sit down with his father and relax the rest of the day, but his mind had other plans apparently. He wasn't really sure what'd brought this on, one moment he's walking down the hall and thinking about his inventions, the next he can barely breath and ran into the closest privy he can find. *breath in, breath out, it's okay, you've got this, no problem. you've got this*, he tried to think, but his mind kept buzzing and wouldn't stop. His thoughts swirled around his head as if they were toying with him like a cat would a string. Voices would sporadically come in and out of his mind....
"YOU PROMISED!"
"DAD DAD! DADDY NO DAD... dad..."
"Sorry Princess.. But I know how well you keep your promises...."
"Varian-!"
"QUIET!"
"They.... Will... PAY...."
"I'll MAKE them HEAR ME!"
"Not until you bear how much pain AND AGONY I HAVE!"
"Hey!" The teen suddenly felt strong hands grip his shoulders and he looked up, seeing brown eyes filled with concern, "Varian, it's alright, I'm here, calm down little man, you're alright". He felt those same hands wrap around him protectively and pull him into a gentle hug, his face was laying against a soft chest as he heard the man continue to talk, the thoughts fading away as the man's voice filled his head, "it's alright now, you're okay. You're not alone, I'm here, I'm right here". The voices were finally gone after a few moments and the teen could see again, the only blurriness coming from the tears dripping down his face as his shaky breaths came and went, "do you know my name?" the man asked
"N-no...."
"Can you see?"
"Y-yes..."
"Do you wanna look at me real quick?" He pulled away and looked at the person, seeing those brown eyes again but this time seeing an earring and a partially bald head, "do you recognize me?"
"Yes..."
"Good, let's try this again, what's my name, you can take your time to answer okay?"
The little alchemist thought for a moment, several names swarmed around his mind, none of them coming close to the forefront for a few moments, he shook his head a bit, trying to clear the left over jumble. Once he did he finally found a name, "L-Lance... You're Lance..."
"That's right! Great job little man! Do you know your name?"
He thought for another moment, this time it was quicker however as his mind started to clear, "V-Varian"
"Last name?"
"Vanguard, my n-name is Varian Vanguard"
"There ya go! Do you know where you are?"
He looked around and nodded, "the c-castle, in a room"
"Right, my room actually, guess that's a good thing too cause you're raccoon found me right as I was comin back from the kitchen", he chuckled before the small mammal in question popped over and pressed a cold nose to his boy's cheek, "do you remember his name?"
"Ruddigar"
"That was quick"
"I could n-never forget Ruddigar", he smiled weakly as his raccoon purred happily
Lance chuckled, "bet not, he's a good raccoon", he watched as Ruddigar climbed on Varian's shoulders before speaking again, "you wanna talk about it?"
The little alchemist stroked his best friend's fur for a moment before sighing, "I think I should...."
"Do you *want* to?"
"I.... Yeah.... I-I do.... i-it's getting worse Lance...."
The former thief nodded, "I got a couple chairs ready, and some tissues too"
"D-do you have the chocolate?"
Lance snickered, "yeah I got the chocolate too, come on little man"
They both stood up and made their way to the chairs, the teen sitting next to the chocolates, grabbing a few tissues before hand and cleaning his face a bit before grabbing a treat and popping it into his mouth. The sweetness made the bitter feeling in his stomach momentarily subside as he stroked Ruddigar's fur again and accepted the glass of apple juice Lance gave him before the man sat down himself. They waited for a moment or two, Varian taking a sip of the juice and relishing in it's taste before setting it down and sighing, "I... w-where do we start? I n-need a d-direction"
"Well, we could start with what you're feeling right now, how about that?"
"O-ok.... I... I feel scared a-and lost... b-but I also feel something else.... t-though I don't know w-why I feel it..."
"What is it?" Lance asked gently, smiling at the teen encouragingly
"....Anger.... n-no... More than that I feel.... Hatred.... It's d-dark and scary... B-but it feels right....."
"Do you know who you feel it towards?"
"Yes... b-but I don't wanna feel this way towards them!"
"Is that true?"
"I-I thought it was... B-but now I'm n-not so sure...."
The man thought for a moment, "why aren't you sure?"
"huh?"
"Well, when you feel a really strong emotion to someone it's usually for a reason, but you're not too sure if you wanna hate them or not, why aren't you sure?"
"I don't know...."
"Is that true?" Varian stayed quiet, he didn't look Lance in the eyes and instead curled a little tighter into himself. The former thief nodded, "can I tell you something?" The little alchemist nodded, "I hated Eugene when I first saw him in Corona"
"Wait what?"
"Yeah, I hated him. I saw how well he was doin and how he landed a sweet girl, got a room in the castle, all without anyone knowin he'd split with me a long time ago and left me to do his thievin with side burns and eye patch. I hated him and wanted to get him back, so I did. I used his trust and made him lie to his girl to get a bunch of money from the Baron, when I was counting the money in the forest, I could tell I hurt him real bad... He told me I broke his trust and to be fair I didn't care, I wanted him to hurt because he left me behind. But then he started talking about how much he loved the princess and I could tell it was genuine, I felt horrible to say the least, and ended up lying to save his butt and get him out of trouble with her when she and.... a certain other person, came to find us and found a ring that had fallen out of the bag of money I had. Thing is, I was still angry with him, so I didn't care when he told me that ring originally belonged to the queen and that she'd recognize it once she saw it. But he made me help him get it back and together we tried to pull a full blown heist, I was annoyed, but I realized I missed him, we were chattin while we stole and it just like old times! I couldn't stay mad at him, especially when we got caught and he looked so broken hearted, and even though I was the cause of this, Eugene still tried to defend me, in a way, and take majority of the blame for it, that's when I realized what he'd found and took the blame myself. We became good friends after that and I started trying to redeem myself and change my ways, but yeah, I hated him".
Varian was startled by this, but it made sense, "I can u-understand why you would hate him.... B-being left alone is the worst f-feeling in the world, and having s-someone close to you... s-someone you t-thought you could trust d-do that it's.... hard to forgive....."
"It is.... It's hard to watch someone you care about treat you like you're the bad guy too, like they're any better just because they have something better goin on in their lives", Lance stated
"Y-yeah, why do people d-do that? So what i-if you had to make a h-hard decision! J-just because of that you d-don't go and check on a friend after? I-is it really that h-hard to show someone an ounce of s-sympathy? E-especially when they kept a s-secret for y-you, TWO actually a-and then all of a sudden you break y-your promise and t-throw them out into the freezing c-cold and don't even c-check on them after?! T-they were hurt, they were s-scared, they were only l-looking for help b-because they were about t-to lost the only p-person they HAVE in this world and that person, their "friend" cast them out Rapunzel YOU CAST ME OUT!!!!!" He yelled, startling himself again and clapping his hands over his mouth as his tear began to pour
Lance was startled too, but recovered quickly and gave the alchemist a small, sympathetic smile, "go on, keep goin, she can't hear you", Varian shook his head, "is it because it makes you uncomfortable, or because you think it's wrong?" He stayed quiet, "thought so... How about this, I'm Rapunzel"
"What?"
"Just roll with me, I'm Rapunzel, I love every color of the rainbow, have a super hot boyfriend, and think shoes are the devil's work", this made Varian chuckle a little, "I love painting, writing stuff in my journal, and want everyone to know things will all be alright, how do you feel?"
"I... Aggravated...."
"Why?"
"I-I don't know, I shouldn-!"
"Don't think about what you should and shouldn't do here, there are no rules. Shout, scream, yell, slam things on the ground, throw a temper tantrum, go ahead, this is your room, these are *your* feelings, let them out"
"B-but the last t-time I did...."
That's when it clicked, why the teen was so scared to say how he felt this whole time, "Varian, you're afraid of yourself, aren't you?"
"I-I... N... I.......... Yes...." Varian stated, "I-I d-don't wanna h-hurt anyone.... I d-don't wanna let it out.... M-my anger hurt p-people *I* hurt people!"
"You're not gonna hurt anyone here though"
"H-how do you know?! Can y-you guarantee that?! T-that I won't go m-mad and hurt you?! H-how, how.... Why d-do you trust me so damn much?!"
"Because I know you", came the simple reply, "because you're not that person anymore, and despite what you may think about yourself, you never wanted to hurt anyone in the first place"
"How do you know that?" The teen was crying again, Ruddigar crawled into his lap and chittered at him worriedly
"Because when I first saw you after we came back to Corona and we had a fight with you and.... certain other people, I saw that look you gave us when we got thrown out of the castle, you didn't *want* to hurt us, ever. You were only doing what you thought you should do Varian, that's all you've ever done, and the one time you didn't cost you your dad for a year and a half! No wonder you're scared, I would be too if it were me, but here's the thing, you're not like that and you never were". Lance repeated, "I saw you in that jail cell little man, I wiped that pen beard off your chin, kid, your skin was so clean it made a squeaky noise"
"I...." Varian blushed
"Your dad taught you to always stay clean didn't he?" He received a very shy nod from the still blushing alchemist, "exactly, you always did what you were told unless it came down to alchemy, and even then you never lied to your dad about what happened and who caused it, Eugene told me about the time he first met you, he said the person you were with saw your father come up to you and ask what happened, and you told him the truth".
"H-he never liked l-liars...."
"So you didn't lie, you did what you were told even though it got you in trouble. Then Rapunzel betrayed you", Varian went to speak, "Rapunzel betrayed you", Lance stopped him, "no use sugar coatin it, you were betrayed, left behind, abandoned, lied to, manipulated, then had to fight us again and are still getting stared at and whispered about. All because she couldn't keep her promise and her father put his family before his kingdom, you and your dad paid the price and you have every right to be angry about it!" The man exclaimed, "so get angry, get emotional, like I said, scream, yell, shout, do what you need to do, because the reason you did what you did in the first place, was because you didn't let yourself feel what *you* needed to feel, you always did what you were told and that just ain't right". Varian looked down, stroking Ruddigar's fur for the third time that day, "look, I know it's gonna be hard, and you don't have to start off goin crazy but, and here's where I suggest somethin to you not just as a friend, but as your listener here, you need to let your emotions out. Get them out now where you have the space and ability to, because Varian what just happened earlier is gonna keep happenin until you let them out. If you're really against doin that today, then ok, but you've gotta at least try, just once".
The little alchemist stared at the man before him, trying to think of a million ways to get out of this situation, but he knew he had to, he wanted to get better and if this was the only way to do it..... "I.... I'm really angry at Rapunzel...." He stated after a moment, "No not j-just angry, I'm furious with her, I want to yell at her and make her cry, I want her to understand what she did to me, I *need* her to! B-Because she n-needs to.... no, because I fucking want her to!" He stated, Ruddigar chittering at him encouragingly, "I want her to see how much damage she did to me, I want her to spend a week, no TWO weeks inside that s-stupid jail cell and get t-treated the *exact* same way I did! I want her to look at the captain of the guards and see the h-hate he showed me! I want her to feel alone, I want her to feel hurt, I want her to feel my anger and hatred and agony, B-but most of all, I want her to see her dad the way I saw mine, how vulnerable he looked in that amber and how dead he looked, I want her to hear my thoughts about how he could already be d-dead and the sadness I felt! I want her to HURT! I want her to BEG for my forgiveness and tell me she'll never put me and my dad in danger again! For once Rapunzel, I want you to wipe that STUPID smile off your fucking face and just LISTEN TO ME!" He panted, his eyes glowing with rage as his heart was beating so hard he thought it would burst out of his chest. But after he settled down again, he realized what he'd said and clapped his hands over his mouth, his tears started rolling down his cheeks again, "I'm sorry.... I-I'm so sorry.... I.... Fuck what's wrong with me?!"
He felt himself being pulled into another hug, letting his tears drip onto the red shirt he saw before him, "you're hurt Varian... That's what's wrong.... You're really really hurt.... and that's what happens when you're hurt, you get some jagged edges and cracks that seem almost impossible to fix", he heard the man say, his voice was wavering a little, and the little alchemist wondered if he was scared of him for a moment.
"Lance I'm s-sorry..... I didn't mean any of it, I-!"
"Yes you did! You meant every single word, and I'm so proud of you little man!" The former thief finally broke the hug and looked at the little alchemist, he was crying, his tears were running down his face, but he smiled all the same, "you let them out, not all of them, I can tell, but that's okay, you made a gigantic step in the right direction, and I'm so proud of you!"
Varian was startled again, "b-but all those things, they w-were so horrible"
"Is it how you really feel?"
"Y-yes...."
"Are you planning on actually doing them?"
"N-no...."
"Then what's so bad about it?"
"I shouldn't f-feel that way about someone I consider a friend....."
Lance took in a breath and exhaled before sitting next to the teen, "how do I put this?.... Have you ever seen someone and wanted to hit them randomly?"
"I.... What?"
"Have you?"
"Well... Yeah... actually, I have...."
"Have you wanted to try something just to see what would happen when you do, even if it's bad?"
"Yeah...."
"They're called intrusive thoughts, they're a side effect of PTSD, which is definitely something you have".
"Intrusive thoughts?"
"They're thoughts that happen without warning, like what I mentioned earlier, hitting a random person, doing something just to see what happens, that's called intrusive thoughts. They happen randomly, can be violent, and often come before or after a panic attack, PTSD episode, or other things. I may not know a lot about them, but I do know what they look like, and you're definitely not alone. I sometimes have them, I think everyone does at some point in their lives".
"R-really? S-so everything I just said, what I wanted to do...."
"Those were intrusive thoughts, and they were directed at Rapunzel because she wronged you in a really big way, you'd never act on them yeah?"
"Of course not!"
"Then there you go, look, I trust you Varian, I trust that you would never act on these thoughts. You just spent some time with Rapunzel, and you may have had a couple thoughts here and there, but did you say anything?"
"No"
"See? The best way to handle those thoughts that you've got, is to let them out in a way that helps you and doesn't hurt anyone, so here's what I suggest. Whenever you feel like you're gonna have a moment where you need to let some things out, send me a letter or find me, I'll make time and have you stop by that day or right in the moment. You and your dad won't in the castle forever, but I'll be hanging around Catalina and Angry's place a lot too, so if you're really havin a hard time, stop by there too. If you can't find me, then maybe say something to your dad, like, 'I need to be alone for a little bit', somethin like that, make it clear that you need your space and find something to do that'll help you get those thoughts and feelings out. I can talk to Quirin myself and explain what he'd need to do to help you out if that ever happens, that way he can help you if I'm not available, that sound fair?"
The little alchemist was hesitant, "y-you won't tell him what I s-said, right?"
"Course not, that stays between you and me", Lance smiled, "always"
With that, Varian gave a small smile and nodded, "ok.... thank you Lance"
"You're welcome little man, you wanna talk a little more?"
"I.... I'm tired...." He let out a yawn and scratched Ruddigar behind the ear when the raccoon tried to sniff his open mouth, getting a chuckle out of Lance
"Alright, we can stop here for the day, you did really great you know and-!" He stopped when he felt Varian's head plop against his arm, "....How about I get you to your dad"
"Mhm"
The former thief chuckled as he picked the teen up and walked him out of the room, entering the family room he saw the retired knight was chatting with Adira and Hector before he turned and saw his son. Smiling lovingly he walked over but stopped when he noticed the tear stains, "what happened?" He whispered while gently taking his son out of the man's arms
"We had another session, it wasn't planned but it was definitely emotional to say the least"
"Is he okay?" The worried father asked, brushing Varian's bangs out of his face as Ruddigar jumped on his shoulders
"He will be, oh hey, when you get a moment I need to talk to you, there's something you can do to help Varian if I'm not around but I need to kinda explain it a bit"
Quirin nodded, "ok, will I need anything for it?"
"Aside from dad support, nah"
The retired knight chuckled, "I can do dad support, but I'll wait until you explain before doing anything", the Village Leader than smiled, "thank you Lance, for helping my son"
"I'm always happy to help"
Notes:
Intrusive thoughts: unwanted thoughts that can pop into our heads without warning, at any time. They're often repetitive – with the same kind of thought cropping up again and again. They can be disturbing or even distressing
I have friends who deal with intrusive thoughts, trust me they're real and very tough to deal with. I feel like Varian would have them along with a lot more anger towards Rapunzel and her father, she's not a horrible person and I love Rapunzel a lot, but when it comes to Varian there are a lot of things that should've been done differently. Neither of them were right, but neither of them were wrong either. Not Rapunzel bashing, this is what I genuinely think Varian would feel if he got the chance to tell us.
Another Lance story, man that's two in a row, oh well, I love Lance and therapy Lance is even better!
Quirin is best supportive protective farmer dad! There will be more with him I promise, protective farmer dad will be back! :D
Thank you all very much for reading! :)
Chapter 54: Quirin's Decision!
Summary:
Memories flare up about things long past, memories of happier times when things seemed less broken. But who knew a simple memory could bring up so much grief.
Notes:
This is someone grieving, this is someone hurt, but he wants to get better, just not for himself.
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Daddy?"
"Hm?"
"Can I help plant fowers pease?"
The retired knight chuckled, "fowers?"
"Nu, fowers, *fowers!*" The little boy giggled
"Oh *flowers*! I see, you want to help me plant flowers"
"Yeah!"
"Well I suppose you can, but you'll have to be careful, okay?"
"Otay!" The 3 year old plopped down next to his father and picked up a seed packet before putting his hand inside and grabbing one little seed. He then got up and walked over to an empty patch, dropping the seed and putting dirt on top of it, "I did it!"
His father chuckled, "well almost Varian, see, these seeds have to be planted together, so you have to shake them out into a patch of dirt and gently place the soil on top, see?" Quirin moved some soil and softly shook the seed package until a few plopped onto the dirt before he carefully placed some more on top, "see? Like that, would you like to try to add more seeds to yours?" He asked, offering the seed package.
"Yes pease!" came the excited response as the child took the bag from his father and walked back over to his patch of soil, he moved it carefully and found the little seed he'd planted, he then shook the package a little roughly, making the old farmer smile, before a bunch of seeds poured out, he then placed the soil back on top, carefully, and walked back over to his father. "Did I do it wight?"
The retired knight nodded, "that was better, but a little less seeds next time, okay?"
"Otay!"
"You wanna help me water them?"
"Yeah!" The little boy ran over to the watering can nearby and tried to pick it up, but ended up falling down, "it's heavy!"
"It sure is, how about we lift it together?" Quirin stated
"Otay!" Varian got up quickly and grabbed the handle with both hands as the retired knight also grabbed the handle, they picked it up together, the little boy struggling a bit to keep his balance before he began walking with his father over to the plants and they began to pour the water out. Despite the child's best efforts however, he ended up falling once more and the water poured on him, making him giggle, "oopsie, sowwy daddy"
Quirin chuckled, "it's alright, are you okay?"
"I'm otay, just wet!" He giggled again before letting out a sneeze
"Bless you"
"Tank you!" He smiled up at his dad happily
"You're welcome, how about we finish up here then dry you off inside yeah?"
"Can we have lunch after?"
The Village Leader nodded, "I think we've earned some lunch", his son cheered as he finished watering the plants, "come on drippy", he said, setting the watering can down and picking up his tiny son. Quirin held the 3 year old close to his chest and wrapped his vest around him so the child wouldn't get cold, he could feel him already starting to shiver as they entered their home. Placing Varian on the counter, his father took off the vest completely and wrapped his son in it, getting another giggle from the boy.
"I'm daddy now!"
"Are you?"
"Yeah! Dat means I get to be da boss!"
"Oh really!"
"Uh huh!"
His father grabbed a couple towels and, unwrapping half of his boy, began to dry the 3 year old off, "alright, so what does the boss do next?"
"Hmmm.... I get to tell da viwwagers to give me fee candy!"
"Is that so?"
"Yep! Dey have to, betawse I told dem to"
"Well there's more to being the Village Leader than bossing people around you know"
"Dere's more?"
His father chuckled, "Varian", he smiled before tickling his son a little, making the tiny child giggle once more, "giggly boy"
"Silly daddy"
"So what else do you think a Village Leader does?" He asked, genuinely curious to hear his son's response
"I tink you feed da peep peeps next"
"I feed the peep peeps?"
"Yeah! Den dey go 'peep peep' betawse dey are happy peep peeps!"
"I see, and we definitely need to have happy peep peeps"
"Absowutewy! Den dey don't make de eggies and we can't have daddy's pie!"
Quirin nodded, "that's right", he switched to the other side, wrapping the vest around the newly dried side of his son once more, "guess that makes the peep peeps very important huh?"
"Extwemwey!"
"Extwemwey?"
"Nu extwemwey daddy! *Extwemwey!"
"Oh extremely!"
"Yeah!"
"I see, that's a pretty big word, where'd you hear that one from?"
"I saw it in a book and asked Mr. Adam about it, he said it means, to a gweat degwee, or vewy. I tink it emp-ee.... empacicles da word you'we twyin to use".
"empacicles?" His father repeated, trying not to laugh as he wrapped the vest around his son again and began removing his shoes and socks to dry his feet
"Yeah you know, wike how when I say dat you'wr pie is yummy, to empacicle it I would say it is vewy yummy!"
"Oh emphasize!"
"Yeah dat!"
He was impressed, "wow, you figured that out just from what Adam told you?"
"Yeah!"
"That's pretty smart of you Bubby"
His child giggled, "tank you daddy!" He then sneezed again
"Bless you"
"Tank you... daddy, I'm cold"
"You're cold?"
"Yeah... weawwy cold", another sneeze
"Bless you"
"tank you..."
Quirin looked at his son, he was shivering a lot more now and looked very pale, "oh bubby, come on, why don't we get some nice hot soup for you yeah?"
"Otay daddy", the retired knight picked up his boy and began walking over to the stove but found that he couldn't move. Looking down he noticed a faint yellow glow, it began to surround them and move up the man's legs.
"Wha-!" Quirin was now surrounded by the yellow substance, his little 3 year old was now 14 and was running over to help him, "No! Stay back!" He yelled, startling his boy, who took a few steps back
"I-I'll go get help!" He responded
"No son WAIT!" He tried, but the teen was already out the door, he could see the snow blowing harder and harder as he waited for hours. His stomach twisted in knots as he watched the door, hoping with all his heart his son would burst in, he didn't even care if Varian found someone to help or not, he just wanted his son. A few more hours passed and the glowing substance had reached the man's chest, he felt his breathing slow down and his heart rate decrease, it was painful and suffocating as he felt the substance crawling up his back. He tried to fight but his lower half wouldn't move, in a moment of desperation he slammed his free arm against it, but nothing happened, he tried over and over and over, but it always ended in a dull thud with his fist aching more and more. The longer he waited, the more he realized something that terrified him to his core.... he was dying..... He could feel his body starting to shut down as he struggled to breathe, he had many thoughts running through his head, but one screamed out more than the rest, *VARIAN!*
"I n-need to talk to him!" He stated out loud, looking around desperately, he prayed for something, anything, that would help him. That's when he heard a crash and something crack next to him, looking over he saw a table with a pencil and paper his son must've been using to write on. Thanking whoever was watching him he quickly grabbed the pencil and began to write, managing to write a letter full of regret, sorrow, pride, and love and hoping, despite himself, that his son would be able to find it, find him, in time. Unfortunately the solution was too fast, and Quirin was completely engulfed. All he could feel was his slow heart beat, he couldn't move, he couldn't talk, but he could hear, he could hear the door slam open and his son's shouts of distress, it broke his heart.
*Varian* He thought, *I'm so sorry... I'm here, I'm still here*
He could hear his son's anger and sadness as well as the angry shouts from what seemed like men looking for his child.
*LEAVE MY SON ALONE! He didn't do anything!* He tried, but no one could hear him, he felt so alone.
He heard his son talking to him, saying how sorry he was and how he'd make them pay for not helping him.
*Varian no! Please, it's my fault, IT'S MY FAULT!*
He heard the princess when she finally came by to see him, her gasp and how she reacted to seeing his frozen body.
*Princess, please save my son.... Please....* He begged her, but no one heard him again.
He could hear everything that happened the night his son was arrested, he wept internally as he thought of his poor boy sitting in a cell, yes he'd gone too far, but the pain and suffering he'd gone through at the expense of royals who didn't seem to care about their own kingdom made him realize just how blind he'd been. He never wanted this, he only wanted to protect his son....
*Varian....* He cried, his heart was shattered, he just wanted his son back.
"Oh Quirin", he heard a familiar voice say, "what did your boy do to you?"
*My boy? He didn't do anything to me?! All he wanted to do was help!* He thought to himself.
"He's a disaster without you you know, all of this could've been avoided too, if you'd just listened to me", who ever this was, he would make a note to punch him once he got out of this. "I just don't understand your child Quirin, he kidnaps my wife, harms my daughter, then blames me for this? I suppose this sort of irrational thinking just runs in your family".
That's when it clicked, *Fredrick?* He thought, *you're saying all of this? I WARNED you! I told you this would happ- wait, what did you jus-!*
"You and your son make very rash decisions you know! This all could have been avoided! All of this! I just wanted to keep my kingdom safe, and what did you and your son do?! This is just.... too much... I've dealt with your withering looks and your son's numerous inventions exploding and causing damage, but I will NOT stand for this! This time it's gone too far Quirin, too far, and I've no choice but to lock him away!"
*LOCK HIM AWAY?! HE'S 14! I may not know what's going on, but you'd lock a literal CHILD away?! GET ME OUT OF HERE! LET ME TALK TO MY SON! PLEASE!*
"This is for his own good, he was a danger to us all anyway... For that matter, so were you, you just didn't see what I was trying to do, for that reason and many others", he heard the man sigh, "Quirin Vanguard, I'm placing you on house arrest and will have guards posted at your house! If you ever get out of that amber prison, rest assured I will not stop until you have been handcuffed and placed back in your home. I should send your boy to the gallows for what he's done, but I'm showing him mercy and allowing him to live out his days in prison. It's for the best old friend".
*WHAT?!* The man couldn't believe it, he didn't WANT to believe it! His head was spinning and he swore if he wasn't frozen right now he would have probably fallen down. *You can't do this! Fredrick let my son go!* He heard nothing but the sound of the lab door closing, *Fredrick?* The air was still, *FREDRICK!* Nothing still, "VARIAN!*
****
"VARIAN!" He screamed, finally moving, finally breathing, his heart was racing as he felt hot tears slide down his cheeks, looking around he didn't see anything, it was all so blurry as the images he'd just seen flashed in his mind, everything was screaming until
"Dad?" A small voice right in front of him stopped his search, he blinked, everything was dark "dad!" He suddenly saw a small blue flame light up, and it brought everything back.
"Wha-?"
"It's okay, you're awake dad, you're awake", the voice said again, this time softer
Quirin was panting, he pressed against the back of whatever he was sitting on so he could ground himself. *T-that's right, I'm in the castle, with the Brotherhood, and my.... VARIAN!* He looked towards the voice and sighed, relief washing over him when he saw his boy's freckled face looking at him with concern. Blue eyes were laced with worry but the retired knight could only feel joy as he scooped up his son, getting a surprised meep out of the boy as he held him close, his tears dripping onto him, "Varian....." He stated quietly, he hugged him tightly, holding him as close as he could and ignoring Ruddigar's startled chitters and even going so far as to hug him too.
"Quirin?" His king's voice said, opening his eyes he looked at the man, he was next to him, his right arm hanging in the air and touching his shoulder as his eyes were filled with the same worry his son's did, "are you alright?" He asked, genuine concern etched on his old features, it made the old farmer smile.
"I-I'm okay, sorry, I.... had a nightmare...", he looked down at Varian, who was still squished against his chest, but he didn't seem to mind
"A nightmare?" The little alchemist asked as he pushed himself up a little so he was face to face with his father, "are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm alright, just.... relieved honestly, glad to be awake and that it was only a dream", he replied, Varian raised a brow, "I'm serious, I'm okay"
"Said the alchemist's father, the one that started the trend of not talking about what's actually bothering you because you're worried it'll upset me", the teen teased with a smirk, "you started that you know"
"I realize you stink bomb", he tickled his son a bit, who giggled and bapped his hands away
"You're not allowed to do that!" The laughing teen replied
Now Quirin raised a brow, "I'm you father, if I wanna tickle you, I'm gonna tickle you", he stated
"Evil jerkface"
"Bratty stinkbomb", he chuckled at the involuntary snort his son gave, "you just can't help but laugh at that name huh?"
"It's so ridiculous I just can't, this is why you're the evil one!"
Quirin chuckled, hugging his son happily, his big arms protecting him from everything and everyone. He couldn't hide the single tear that dripped from his eyes, or the fact that Adira, Hector, and Edmund had noticed. But the one person that noticed more than anyone else, was Lance. He caught the man's eye and they were locked for a while, he heard the question emanating off of him as the silent worry slipped quietly between the two. The question hung loosely in the air as the former thief stared the man down, he knew he needed it, he wouldn't push, but he'd offer. Quirin knew he wanted to help, but wasn't sure if he was ready for that, they were meant for Varian, not himself, why should he partake when he was half the problem? But looking down at the little alchemist in his arms, he knew he needed to be better, he wanted to be better, for him. He deserved someone strong, someone that can be there for him without breaking down himself, so he looked back at Lance, and replied.
"Ok".
Notes:
This chapter was so hard to write.... Quirin lost a year and a half of his life, and he almost lost his son. The last words he said to him were out of anger and fear and I hope no one will ever have to feel how horrible that can be. Quirin is a good man, he made mistakes but he's a good freaking dad and I love him to bits! I want him to get help, because he freaking needs it, he really does, the only way he's gonna realize that though, is if he remembers what happened to him and his son....
Lance is gonna be a bro in so many of these therapy chapters, and I'm sorry if anyone out there wants the lighthearted stories again, I promise those will come back, I just like exploring the mental health side of things, so I hope you don't mind.
Thank you so much for reading! <3
Chapter 55: The Idea!
Summary:
Varian hears so much about the Brotherhood's missions that happened before he was born and he loves the wacky situations his family got themselves into, so of course it's only natural that he wants to join the fun and go on a mission with the Brotherhood too! They just need some things sorted out first!
Notes:
I wanted to write a fun chapter with the Brotherhood and Varian and this story just kinda popped into my mind! XD
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"If you're going to keep glaring at me like that, you might as well take a seat"
The man said nothing as he kept glaring at the women before him
"It's not like anything's going to change, relax"
He raised a brow and she sighed
"Oh come now, you're taking the fun out of this"
"Seriously?"
"Don't be such a stickler, it's not like you're short apples anyway"
"They're for the kingdom!"
"Am I not protecting that kingdom?"
"Adira"
"Oh calm down, I'll pay for them"
"When exactly?"
"Eventually"
He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as she took another bite from the juicy red fruit, "and to think I was starting to enjoy your company..."
"Aw so you do care!"
"Shush!"
Suddenly the door opened and two people entered the room, chatting happily before the stopped and stared at the two, "pfft! Taking the piss outta Quirin already? It's not even 9 o clock!" One said, laughing as the other looked sympathetically at the old farmer
"Hello Wild Child, hello Speckles"
"Hiya Wise Eyes! Hey dad", Varian responded as he walked over to his father and nudged him a little
"Hi son, what are you two doing?" Quirin asked as he smiled warmly at his boy
The little alchemist smiled, "me and uncle Hector were talking about the farm, he wants to visit there and see what we do with the animals!"
The old farmer looked at the cackling tamer, "you do?"
Once the man settled down, he looked at his brother and smirked, "why not? I've never really been to a farm and your kid says all the animals there have a job to do, so I'm curious"
"I see, well I wouldn't mind giving you a tour, provided you don't try to free them like you did with the binturongs", he gestured to Pixie and Basil, both of which chittered at him as Ruddigar sat on Pixie's back, looking very comfortable
"Tch! You *helped* me with that, you and our sister both!" He argued, giving his binturongs a scratch behind the ears as well as the raccoon, who chittered happily
Varian looked between his father and his uncle before turning to Adira, "how'd he get the binturongs?"
"He never told you?" she asked, taking the final bite of her apple as the teen shook his head, "well, Pixie and Basil were a part of a traveling circus that passed by one of our mission spots. We, me, Stickler, and Wild Child, as well as our king, went to watch it, hearing rumors that it was a place where a lot of thieves and crooks would be-!"
"Don't lie, you wanted to see it because it looked like fun and you wanted to try out the trapeze swings", Quirin interrupted with a smirk
"I remember that, I wanted to walk on the tightrope", Hector exclaimed with a fond smiled, "and his majesty wanted some cotton candy"
"What did you wanna do dad?" Varian asked, genuinely curious
"I.... Wanted to watch the elephants", he blushed, "I think the tricks they do are neat"
His son giggled as Adira clear her throat, "anyway, we went, all of us excited to see the show. To be fair we were all enjoying ourselves, that is, until the final act..." She looked over at her brother and gestured for him to continue the story
"What happened?" Their nephew replied, tilting his head to the side as he looked at the two bear cats worriedly
Hector clenched his fists and spoke in a low growl, "those abusive assholes had the binturongs dressed as clowns, make up, clothes and all, and had them hopping through flaming rings and biting on rubber fucking horns!" Varian gasped, "yeah.... let it be known that circus no longer runs anymore, to be fair, if that's all that was happening to the animals and they enjoyed themselves and were being taken care of, I wouldn't have had a problem with it. But when we went backstage so Adira could try the trapeze swing and Quirin could pet the elephants, me and our king went to look for the binturongs and we found them burnt, scared, and extremely skinny. Their ring leader had a cattle prog and was lashing them with it because they ended up being burnt! Believe me, that circus no longer runs anymore".
"What about the elephants?"
"They were way too skinny and seemed abused as well, since we had the king with us, he managed to set the animals free, including the elephants, but they had to be healed and fixed up first, so we did and had them sent back to the wild where they belong, they're doing much better, I check on them now and again and they have a family".
Varian smiled wide, "that's good to hear, it seems like you guys go on the craziest adventures!"
"That wasn't even the craziest one, it wasn't even a mission", his father stated
"The king did say it was our "mission" to watch that show", Adira retorted
Quirin rolled his eyes, "ok so not an *official* mission, that better?" She nodded while picking up another apple and taking a bite.
"This may be random, but can I go on a mission with you guys?" The little alchemist asked, his eyes lighting up with excitement, "it doesn't have to be dangerous, and I've been getting better at my sword training, I also wouldn't get in the way either, plus if I have my alchemy belt with me I could take down enemies easily, or at least make them stay in place, please?" He looked at his father with the best puppy dog eyes he could muster, complete with a trembling lip and sparkles.
The retired knight raised a brow, "you've gotten liberal with those puppy dog eyes haven't you?" He teased
"A mission with our nephew and you two? Huh.... I don't think it would be a bad idea, but what would we do?" Hector asked, "we're usually assigned a mission by royalty"
"We could ask grandpa! I'm certain he could give us a mission!" The teen suggested excitedly as his raccoon stretched, hopped off Basil's back, and crawled up his boy slowly before wrapping himself around the teen's neck with a purr
"I don't have a problem with going on a mission with Speckles, we'd be there to protect him as well, plus the experience would be good for his sword training that he mentioned", the face painted warrior replied, taking another bite from her apple
They all looked at Quirin who was a little startled, all of them had their own version of puppy dog eyes locked onto him and he sighed, "we could ask, but if we do get a mission, you have to listen to what we say alright Varian?" The boy nodded happily and his father smiled before getting a thought, "how would we even get a mission from the king? I'm not sure how much we could do here, it's not his kingdom".
"I've seen some pretty violent thieves get caught here", Adira pointed out, taking the final bite of the apple, "if anything else, a patrol would practically be the same thing, especially since there's less guards in the kingdom, I'm certain the princess wouldn't mind a hand should we ask".
"I suppose that's true", the Village Leader replied, "though I'm not so sure a patrol would be a good idea, especially if it's in town", he looked at his son worriedly
Hector scoffed, "if anyone says a fucking word to our nephew I'll wring their necks"
"Yeah that's what I'm worried about...."
****
"A mission?" Edmund asked, a little startled by the request. He'd been sitting in the family room once again, chatting with Hamuel about whatever he could think of in that moment before the door had opened and the little group came in. His grandson running over and embracing him happily before standing up straight and explaining what they'd planned on doing.
"Yeah!" Varian exclaimed, "they were telling me this story about a circus you investigated, and even though it wasn't an actual mission it sounded like a lot of fun! I wanna go on a mission with them!" He explained, "so we're asking you if you have any missions for them!"
The Dark King looked at the three behind the teen, his knight looked a little worried, his warrior seemed amused, and his tamer was smirking. He looked back at the teen and smiled lovingly, "I would love to give you a mission, but unless it has something to do with the Moonstone, I don't think I have much ground to stand on here".
"Hmmm.... Well, what if I helped with the investigation of the Moonstone?" The little alchemist offered, Ruddigar chittered to the teen, gaining his attention for a moment, "no, I'll be okay, I'll have dad, Adira, and Hector with me, so I won't be alone", the small mammal chittered once more, "I can see your point buddy but I have another mission that already pertains to the Moonstone, studying what she can do with it may help me". His raccoon argued and pointed towards the teen's heart, "I already know the risks of seeing her again, but you'll be with me too, plus Lance's sessions and Eugene's breathing exercises have been helping me cope with my heart racing, as long as I keep those in mind I should be fine", another chitter, "you and dad worry too much you know that?"
"To be fair, even though I'm with the raccoon in this debate, moon above that's a sentence I never thought I'd say, I didn't actually say anything and am, instead, trusting you to know your limits. So the comment is a little unappreciated", Quirin argued with a smirk.
His son snickered, "that doesn't make it less true you know", his hair got ruffled a bit
"Bratty stinkbomb"
"Evil jerkface", he batted his father's hands away and tried to fix his hair, "also would you stop that? My hair is already messy you know!"
"Nope"
Edmund chuckled a little, "either way, I don't think I'm the right person you should be talking too, if you're really set on a mission then I suppose I could have you help out with the Moonstone investigation for today, but maybe talk to Rapunzel about other missions for Corona first?"
Varian nodded, "oki! Come on, lets go find her! Bye grandpa!" He ran out of the room, Adira and Hector following
Quirin walked behind them and was about to leave as well when, "hey Quirin, can I ask you something?" Edmund called making the retired knight turn to face him
"Sure, is everything okay?" He asked, tilting his head to the side
"Well I hope so, you see, I watched you the other night, while you were sleeping in the arm chair. You.... Quirin you were tossing and turning and crying in your sleep, I haven't seen you do that since you were 8 years old. I'm worried about you", he stated seriously, "I know it's probably not my place but.... That nightmare, it was about the amber wasn't it?"
The Village Leader was silent, he didn't know what to say. He wanted to lie and say no, that everything was fine, but he knew Edmund would see right through that, "I... Yes it was, I was stuck inside the amber again and the memories were not pleasant to relive", he responded, sitting down in the chair across from his king.
"I'm certain they were not, but I have a question that's been bothering me since we first spoke about that experience", he took a deep breath and let it out before continuing, "Quirin.... Could you hear what was going on in that stasis?"
"..................Yes".
"I thought so", the Dark King stated, "you heard everything that your son did, what happened to him, you heard his pleas and cries too. I'm guessing you must've heard the people that were chasing him too".
"Among other things....."
"You heard something else, I know you did, and it's been bothering you since you were freed". The retired knight stayed quiet, not daring to look his king in the eyes for fear that he may break. "....Quirin you don't have to tell me yet, I'm sorry for my pushiness, I just want you to know that I'm here if you ever want to talk about it, you're not alone and I know you're going to have a session with Lance soon, he's probably better suited for this task than I. But you can come to me if you ever need someone to help you push past this, as a friend and a king".
The old farmer finally looked at the man before him, realizing he knew exactly what he might've heard, "I.... How did you-!"
"When you woke up and I asked if you were okay, the smile you gave me is the same one you use whenever you're relieved to see someone. Seeing me made you show that smile, so I'm guessing what you heard had to do with a king"
"Perceptive as always", the retired knight chuckled, "you're right.... He came in that night, I.... He.... I was put on house arrest.... He said that if I was ever released, he'd make sure I was handcuffed and brought back to my home.... I'm really worried about what will happen when he remembers all that's been done... Will he put my son back in prison? Will he keep his word about me never being allowed to leave my home? I.... I don't think I could handle that if he did.... I don't *want* to handle that.... If I ever saw him again I'd... I might end up doing something violent if he tried to take my son away, I know it won't help, it'd honestly make the situation worse, but...."
"You wouldn't be able to live without your son, now that you have him back", Edmund finished, smiling knowingly
"You understand then"
"Oh yes, I understand that feeling quite well", just as he said that the door to the family room opened and their group along with Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, Catalina, and Angry all walked in. Everyone was chatting happily with each other as the Dark King smiled and waved to his son, catching Eugene's eye as the Dark Prince waved back before returning to his conversation with Varian.
"Good timing", Quirin stated
"Immaculate", Edmund replied with a chuckle
"There you are!" Rapunzel exclaimed, smiling wide at the retired knight as she walked over to the two, "Varian asked me for a mission in Corona with you, Adira, and Hector. I have one in mind, but I wanted to find you so all of you were up to date on the situation", she explained as the alchemist in question, having ended his conversation with Eugene, ran over to his father and hopped onto the arm of the chair he was sitting on, getting a chuckle from the man.
"We can continue our conversation another time, just let me know alright?" His king stated before getting up and walking over to his son, who face palmed as he watched Lance, Angry, and Catalina play with the binturongs before one of them crashed into a stand and knocked over an expensive looking box, the thief caught it and placed it back on the stand, only for it to get knocked over again.
The princess frowned, "I'm sorry, did I interrupt?"
"No no, we were finished anyway", he smiled, "so what is this mission you have in mind?" He asked as Adira and Hector sat down beside him
"Right! Well, as you know, there are fewer guards in the kingdom"
"Yes"
"Well, ever since we've come back, there've been some reports that someone's been hiding out in the forest nearby Old Corona. A lot of villagers have reported they've spotted a strange man out there wondering around and stealing items like jewels, food, and clothing from stores nearby, but no one's been able to find out who they are or what they're doing. Some children have said they've seen this person, but anytime one of them tries to call for someone, they scare them so badly that they don't tell the guards anything. I've been wondering about how to best approach this person, they're too fast for the guards we have here and they're scaring kids and stealing supplies, I'm worried they may be hurt or homeless but either way they're causing public unrest and I'd like them found and brought to me", she explained.
Adira raised a brow, "jewels, food, and clothing? Sounds like a very desperate thief to me"
"Yeah, plus they're scaring kids so they don't have anywhere else to go, thing is, why wouldn't the adults go there themselves and take this person over?" Hector asked
"The captain of the guards was aware of this situation before we got back to Corona and instructed everyone to stay away for fear that they may be dangerous", Rapunzel repsonded
Quirin nodded, "makes sense, if this person is truly hiding in the forest near Old Corona, that means they probably know it like the back of their hand and could lead people to traps"
"Or have them fall off a cliff", Angry, who had been listening this entire time, added, "believe me it's easier to do than you think"
Catalina, who had also been listening, followed her sister, Pixie and Basil close behind her as she pet them, "there's an old hideout that me and Angry used to live in around the forest, it's inside a cliff like a hole in the wall. It's pretty hard to get to unless you're agile, maybe this thief found it and is hiding in there?"
"It's a good place to start", Adira stated, smiling at the girl, "where is it exactly?"
Catalina and Angry smirked, "well", the black haired girl started, "we'd tell you, but it'd be better if we show you, like she said, you have to be pretty agile, and I happen to know for a fact that science nerd over here is the polar opposite of that", she gestured to Varian, who huffed a little
The face painted warrior raised a brow, "think I'm not agile then?"
"Well I haven't exactly seen you in action plus you're related to V", another huff, this one louder, was given as a response from the little alchemist
"I see, so you think Stickler, Wild Child, and I aren't capable of scaling a cliff or even climbing down to get to it?"
"That's correct!"
Hector then chimed in, "and this assumption was made all because we have a nephew that you also don't believe has the capabilities to get to the cave?"
"Yep!"
They looked at each other with a smirk, "before you two do anything, could we move this little contest outside please? Where there's an actual training ground with a gigantic wall the guards use that would be much better suited for this?" Quirin interrupted, raising a brow at the two girls as a silent warning.
"If I recall, both of their groundings were done a couple days ago is that correct?" Edmund asked his son
"Yep, they're both able to go outside now, so I agree with moving this little show to the training grounds. They're empty right now anyway since the guards are on duty today", Eugene answered
The two girls and two brotherhood members nodded, "this should be fun", the wild tamer stated, "Xena can watch too, and Varian, you can sit on her if you'd like, that way you have a front row seat".
"Really?!" The teen asked as his eyes sparkled with delight
"Just don't go anywhere okay?" His father asked, "we don't need another rhino joy ride like last time", he looked pointedly at Hector
"At least he enjoyed it"
The retired knight sighed
****
The group walked outside and headed to the training grounds where the gigantic wooden wall was located. Varian wondered to himself how high the structure stood before feeling a rough nose press against his arm, he smiled, "hiya Xena! Wanna watch Hector and Adira jump this with me?" He asked, petting the rhino on her muzzle happily. She looked to her master and he smirked, with the message received she turned and lowered herself a little, "thank you!" Varian replied before hopping onto her back, getting a little help from his father before settling and scratching her head, "good rhino!" He cooed, getting a smile and soft noise of approval from Xena.
"You worry me you know that?" Quirin stated
The teen giggled, "don't worry, I love animals but I'm an alchemist through and through, so you only have to worry about one dangerous life style for me"
"I appreciate that"
"Killjoy", the wild tamer retorted
Lance walked up to the wall along with Eugene, "alright people! I am the only one who's actually climbed this thing in our little group so I'll explain while Lance demonstrates!" The dark prince stated, getting everyone's attention, "the name of the game is climb or jump! You are to use whatever means necessary to get to the top, the only rule is that you cannot use each other or grab the sides to scale it, that is cheating! I also know you are going one at a time but I wanted to repeat that you are NOT allowed to use each other to climb the wall! I happen to know some people that do not like to follow the rules, so if I see you cheating, you're out, I mean it!" He looked pointedly at Hector and Angry, both of whom brushed him off but shared a smirk with each other, "alright Lance, go ahead and start climbing I'll time you"
"Got it!" With that Lance began to climb, seemingly having no problems getting to the top as he slowly made his way up the wall, looking for any dents or divots that would help him keep a grip better. The crowd below him cheered as he climbed up more and more, finally making it to the top and pumping a fist in the air, "how'd I do?"
"1 minute and 45 seconds my friend, not bad, not bad at all!" Eugene called up, "now drop the rope!"
Lance pulled a rope he'd been holding out of his pack around his waist and tired it to the side of the wall on one of the poles before dropping the rest down and making sure it was on tight, "done!"
"What's the rope for?" Catalina asked, giggling as Pixie nudged her with a cold nose
"I'm very glad you asked, Lance, you wanna show them what the rope's for?"
With a thumbs up, the former thief grabbed the rope with both ends and jumped off the edge of the wall, making Rapunzel and Varian gasp before he caught himself and slid down the rest of the way, landing safely on the ground, "ta daa!" He said, giving the group jazz hands as he smiled happily, "and I stick the landing!"
Eugene smirked, "that people, is the safety rope! It is there to catch you if/when you fall! Do not use the rope to climb, that is also considered cheating, however, if you feel like you're about to lose your grip you have every right to grab the rope and balance yourself but I am not stopping the timer if you do, got it?" He received a nod from everyone, "if there does come a time when you fall and get hurt, I know for a fact there's a medication professional standing by in the infirmary, two of them actually, they're Varian's doctors and secondary parents".
The little alchemist giggled, "Mr and Mrs. Solace!"
"That's right! They're on duty today and will be for a while! With that being said, who wants to go first?"
"I'll go!" Catalina replied, raising her hand up and waving it excitedly
Lance smiled with pride as the red head made her way to the wall, "get ready, set, go!" Eugene stated
Catalina hopped onto the wall and began to climb, getting the group below her to cheer her on. She managed to skitter up quickly, only losing her balance one or two times and grabbing the rope before she managed to climb all the way up, waving happily as she reached the top and the former thief stopped the timer, "1 minute and 54 seconds, not bad!"
"Woo hoo!" The girl exclaimed as she slid down the rope, letting go when she reached the middle and did a flip before landing on the ground safely while the group clapped.
Eugene smirked, "nice work", he stated, giving the girl a high five as she walked past, "who's next?"
"ME! Me me me! Let me try!" Angry called, waving her hand frantically
Eugene looked at the two brotherhood members, both nodded in approval, "alrighty Angry, lets see whatcha got!"
"Yes!" She walked over to the walk and cracked her knuckles and neck before looking at Eugene
"Alright, ready, set, go!"
Angry backed up and took a running leap, getting a higher jump and landing in the middle of the wall as the group cheered once more. She began climbing. She only lost her balance once and had to grab the rope before she scaled it and got to the top, "done!" She yelled down below as she waved to the group with a smiled, "how was that?"
"1 minute and 35 seconds, holy cow!"
"She beat *me*!" Lance exclaimed beaming with pride as the girl slid down, repeating her sister and doing a flip before landing, receiving applause as the large man smiled, "I'm so proud of both of them!"
She looked at Adira and Hector, "beat that!" She stated, giving Eugene a high five before running over to her sister, hugging her happily.
Adira smirked and looked at Hector, "you wanna go?"
"Kay", he walked over to the wall and raised an amused brow
Quirin sighed, "they're going for the win"
"Hm?" Varian and Rapunzel both looked at him confused
"I thought they'd let the girls win, but no, suppose that little comment Angry made must've changed that", he explained
The princess tilted her head, "I dunno, Angry and Catalina are incredibly fast and agile, Adira may have a chance, but even I've tried climbing that wall, it's hard. Plus Hector seems like he'd be slowed down with all the clothing he's got on him", she replied
Varian smirked, "you kidding? Wise eyes is crazy fast and uncle Hector would pounce on you in an instant, I think they'll win"
The blonde smiled at the teen, "you're enjoying this aren't you?"
"I might be, plus this is fun! I kinda wanna try climbing the wall myself, ooh! Or see dad do it!" Ruddigar chittered excitedly as Quirin chuckled
"Oh Quirin would win for sure!" Edmund piped in, making the man blush a little, "even though Adira is agile and Hector is fast, Quirin is both with his duel blades, he's actually quite skilled!"
The old farmer nudged his king, "come on now, I'm rusty, they'd probably be able to out climb me"
The Dark King shook his head, "I have full confidence that you'd still win!"
"Scuse me!" The small group looked at Eugene, "you four done?" The raccoon chittered with annoyance, "sorry, five".
The retired knight and raccoon raised a brow as Edmund, Varian, and Rapunzel blushed, "sorry!" The three replied before giggling
Eugene raised a brow right back at the Village Leader and Ruddigar before turning to look back at Hector, "alrighty, ready, set, go!"
The wild tamer, smiling at his nephew's cheering, merely jumped up and landed near the top of the wall, making both Angry and Catalina gasp as he easily scales the wall and hops on the top. "How was that?" He asked, almost in a bored tone that made Quirin snort.
"Uh..... 45 seconds...."
"Holy shit", Lance stated quietly, so the retired knight couldn't hear, as the wild tamer hopped off the wall without grabbing the rope, flipped three times, and landed perfectly on the ground before walking over to his sister and smirking, receiving surprised applause from the group
"THAT WAS SO COOL!" Varian shouted happily as Ruddigar chittered and Xena, Pixie, and Basil gave a cheer of their own.
"Beat that", he stated, making her smile
"I will", with that she walked up to the wall and looked at Eugene with a nod
The former thief was a little startled but shook it off and nodded, "ok, ready, set, go!"
The face painted warrior backed up and few feet, confusing everyone except for Hector, Quirin, and Edmund who continued to cheer before she sprinted forwards and ran up the wall, she managed to reach just above the middle before she rolled sideways, horizontally to the wall, and landed on the side before doing one last jump and landing on the top. "Done".
Eugene's jaw dropped as did the girls, "uh....."
"Well Fish skin, what was the time?" The asked as she sat at the top of the wall
The dark prince shook the shock away as he looked at his watch, "holy fffffffffffudge...." He looked at Quirin who was eyeing him for a moment before looking back at the watch, "uh... 40 seconds"
"WOW! That's AMAZING! She used her speed and balance to run up the wall and then when she wasn't able to stick she spun and lauched herself to the top! That takes both calculation AND precision!" Varian raved, balling his fists with excitement and wiggling happily, a wide smile plastered on his face
Adira nodded smugly as she too jumped off the wall, did several flips in the air, and landed on the ground, bowing at the applause she received, "now I want to see Stickler do that".
"Yeah no", Quirin responded
The face painted warrior turned to look at him, "why not? Afraid you'll get hurt?"
"Oh please, I'm not gonna climb a wall because you pressure me to", he replied, "I think you and Hector have won, no need to join in"
"Please dad! I want to see you do it!" His son begged, "please?"
His father sighed, "Varian I don't th-!"
"But you would do really well and I reeeeally wanna see it!"
"I haven't done it in years"
"So? You fought a werewolf off by yourself and nearly won! No offense Catalina", the red head waved it off as Hector looked at her interestedly, "I think you could do it! It would also prove that you're not rusty but experienced, and isn't that the best lesson here?" His father raised a brow, "did I mention how it'd be really cool?"
The retired knight sighed, "you really wanna see me?" His son nodded excitedly, getting his father to chuckle, "well, I haven't really seen you this excited in a while.... fine.... But you owe me for this", he ruffled his boy's hair, making him giggle and cheer as he walked over to the walk and looked up, taking a few steps back to start with before looking at Eugene and Lance, "what did I get myself into?"
"Varian love and way too much puppy dog eyes", the dark prince replied, making the Village Leader snort, "ready?"
"Yup"
"Alright, ready, set, go!"
Quirin ran forwards and jumped, smiling as he heard Varian cheering for him, but instead of heading for the wall itself, he landed on the side and began jumping from the right to the left side until he made it to the top. He hopped up and smiled, breathing slightly heavily as he looked down and waved.
"OH MY GOSH! THAT WAS THE BEST!" Varian yelled, pumping his fist into the air, "WAY TO GO DAD!!!!!!!!"
Quirin blushed and smiled wide as he hopped off the wall, doing a couple flips before he landed on the ground safely, getting his son to cheer even more before realizing he was a little too loud and apologizing to Xena, giving he pets. His father chuckled before looking at Eugene, "how was I?"
"30 seconds", the man stated, absolutely amazed, "you beat everybody, including Adira!"
"Figured", Adira stated as she walked over to her brother and placed a hand on his shoulder, "could never keep up with you even in your worst state could I Stickler?"
"I wouldn't say that, you were much better at hand to hand combat, but thank you", he replied
"That's our brother for ya, always one upping us", Hector retorted before looking towards the horizon, "whoops, looks like we missed out on doin that mission"
"That's okay, you can do it tomorrow", Rapunzel stated as she, Varian on Xena, Ruddigar on Varian, Edmund, Hamuel on Edmund, and Pixie and Basil walked over
Catalina and Angry walked over to the brotherhood members and outstretched their hands, "good game", they both said
Adira and Hector were startled but Quirin returned the smiled and shook their hands, "good game you two, you did really well. With more practice, I bet you could be better than us one day"
Catalina's smile widened as Angry looked determined, "I will! When I get better, I want another try against all of you!" She stated happily
The retired knight nodded, "we look forward to it", before letting go of their hands as they ran over to Lance and hugged him
Varian, with Edmund and Rapunzel's help, managed to hop off the rhino and ran over to his father, wrapping his arms around the man and snuggling him happily, "great job dad!" He cheered, his voice sounding just the slightest bit hoarse
"Thanks son, you may have thrown your voice a bit though", he teased as he picked his boy up and held him close
The little alchemist giggled, "yeah, I think I may have yelled a little too much from the excitement, do you think we can go in and have some tea?"
His father nodded, "yeah we can, I'll put some honey in there too, how about that?"
"Ok!" He responded as his father carried him, and Ruddigar, inside.
Notes:
So I had way too much fun writing this chapter and seeing as this was getting way too long I'm gonna have to make the mission a chapter all on it's own! I'm genuinely excited about it too, there's going to be moments of fun, moments of bonding, and moments of seriousness, but for now, here's a cute chapter with the Brotherhood interacting with the Tangled crew! XD
Edmund would be a good therapist too, but for this story he's remaining a friend/shoulder to cry on for Quirin. Varian has Ruddigar and Eugene for the comfort side of things, and they both have Lance, so Edmund shall be a comfort, plus fatherly Edmund is nice to have with good parent Quirin around! :D
Competitive Adira and Hector + Bored Catalina and Angry = Funny competition that both annoys and amuses Quirin to the point where he and Varian get dragged into it XD
Thank you all so much for reading! :D <3
Chapter 56: Preparation!
Summary:
Varian and Quirin prepare for the mission.
Notes:
I know this is mean, but I have one more chapter before the mission!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Come on!"
"Woah! Stop pulling me"
"Then hurry, we gotta go!"
"You may only get a piece of me if you keep pulling on my arm like that"
"Then come OOOOON!"
Quirin chuckled as his son continued to pull him towards the castle entrance, Ruddigar chittering encouragingly. The man had barely enough time to brush his teeth this morning before his son, and raccoon, came running over and pulling him out, it made him laugh at first until he realized his boy hadn't eaten anything yet. He'd gotten a lot of groans and sighs during breakfast before they'd finished their meal and he was once again being pulled, "take it easy Varian, we'll get there in due time".
His son didn't seem to hear however as he kept pulling and pulling as Ruddigar swished his tail excitedly, so the Village Leader sighed and stopped dead in his tracks, making the teen falter a little and look behind him. "hey, why'd you stop?"
"Because you need to slow down a little", he replied with a chuckle
The little alchemist tried to pull, but the man didn't budge and instead raised a brow with a smirk on his face, "dang it why do you need to be so big?!" He asked incredulously as Ruddigar tried his luck, but to no avail
"Because, unlike you, I ate my greens when I was your age"
"Hey I actually do eat my greens, it's the orange sticks of doom that I don't like!"
"Which are also part of that food group"
The teen huffed, letting go of his father's arm as he pouted, Ruddigar hopping onto his shoulder to do the same, "we're gonna be late"
"We won't be late, we're not supposed to meet up until a few hours from now"
"But Adira said she likes to get there early! She said in her eyes, anyone later than a few hours early is late!" The teen explained
"Pfft! Adira, when she was your age, barely got out of bed on time! In fact, before she began her training as a squire, she was *always* late to missions, in fact *I* was the one getting *her* out of bed!"
"Still"
Quirin sighed, "just take a breath son, we'll get there in due time to help with the preparations, besides, I think you and I need to set some ground rules before we go anywhere"
"But dad-!"
"Not buts, it may be your first *field* mission, but I still want you to be safe", his father replied sternly, "this isn't a fun adventure like Flynn Rider, you could actually get hurt and I don't want that to happen".
Varian sighed but complied, his raccoon patting his cheeks comfortingly, "ok fine, what are the ground rules?"
The old farmer smiled, "accepting them now hm?"
"No use in arguing, it's just gonna take longer"
"True", the man agreed, "either way, rules are pretty standard: no leaving our sight, stay near us at all times, don't take any unnecessary actions, and this is the most important rule", he locked eyes with his son and balanced his tone to show this was not up for debate, "if I or Adira or Hector tell you to run, you *run*. No looking back, no arguing, run, got it?"
Varian was startled by this, he didn't want to leave anyone behind, particularly his father, but he understood the seriousness of this rule, so with some hesitation he nodded, "ok.... but that's a last resort, I'm not leaving you behind just because I stubbed a toe on a stick or something, ok?"
Quirin chuckled, "ok"
"Dad, promise me"
Ruddigar and the retired knight froze and stared at the boy for a moment, "I... I thought-!"
Varian looked down, "I trust you and you alone, to keep your promises to me. You were lying to me before about the black rocks because you were scared, and fear makes people do crazy things. To be honest, I s-should've listened to you, I should've understood why you were so against me going up to those crazy rocks, b-but instead I experimented anyway and you ended up stuck inside amber for a year and a h-half.... I should've listened, so I'm trying to get better.... B-but you have to trust me!" He looked up at his father and locked eyes with him, Ruddigar doubling the stare, "you have t-to trust that I can handle myself, that I'm n-not just a child anymore, I can help you, I know t-there'll be times when I can't and you think I'll need to run... B-but you need to promise me that'll only be in dire circumstances *and* if y-you really think there's nothing else I can do, promise me, please".
Quirin was shocked at first, but nodded, "I promise son", he stated, getting a nod from the teen before he turned and started to walk away. The next action was new to the old farmer however as his own hand shot out and placed itself gently on his boy's shoulder, stopping him and making the teen, and the raccoon, turn to look at him, a confusion etched on their faces.
"Dad?"
"I...." He sighed, the nightmare he'd had just a few days ago still haunting his mind, "I.... I'm sorry Varian..."
"Huh? Sorry? Sorry for wh-!" He was cut off when he felt himself being pulling into a tight embrace by the man, feeling something wet drop onto his head as Ruddigar hopped down and looked up with surprise, "d-dad?"
"I'm so sorry son...." Came the quiet reply, the little alchemist noting the waver in his father's voice, "I..." Quirin sighed and backed up a bit, letting his son go and collecting himself, "I need to talk to you, but I'm not sure how to go about it.... I... I need to tell you something, and I don't think it can wait any longer", he said, wiping the tears from his eyes
Ruddigar hopped back onto his boy's shoulders as Varian stared at his father before instantly understanding. He nodded, "we can go inside one of the guest bedrooms, as far as I know, the ones in the left wing have already been cleaned today".
"Ok", his father replied, and they set off to find a vacant room.
****
It didn't take too long for the trio to find a room, and a quick word to Rapunzel made sure that no one would disturb them, Lance noticed the retired knight's emotional stated and, with an encouraging smile, gave the man a box of tissues and a, "you've got this", before they set off once more.
Varian closed the door behind them as Ruddigar hopped off his shoulders and landed on the bed, curling up and watching them as the duo sat down, Quirin on the bed and Varian next to him and his raccoon. They were silent for a moment, neither of them really knowing what to say until Quirin took a breath, "ok", he stated, letting it out slowly, "I... I think I'm better, sorry about that"
"I-it's fine, are you okay?"
"To be honest, no, I'm not.... I don't think you are either...." He replied, setting the tissue box down, "I.... Varian I've been... Having nightmares about what happened, a lot more than just the one.... I haven't really been able to sleep because of it, and I know why I'm having them".
"B-because I put you i-in the amber right?"
"What?" Quirin looked at his son and saw him shaking, he was looking down at the floor
"Y-you....Were stuck in that amber for a year and a h-half and.... and it was my fault.... Y-you probably have a lot of t-trauma from being stuck.... A-and I don't b-blame you for being upset about it.... I-I can try to make it up to y-you and s-see if maybe I can f-find a way to give you that y-year and a half b-back, I-I can f-fix it, I c-can f-figure it out I-!"
"Hey", the Village Leader placed his hands on his son's shoulders, snapping him out of whatever trance he'd just been in, "Varian that's.... That's.... I'm not mad at you"
"What?" Varian looked up at his father, Quirin winced at the tears staining his boy's cheeks, "b-but you were having nightmares, y-you were crying when you woke up, y-you.... dad you screamed my name!"
"Because I lost you!" The retired knight exclaimed, "I.... I could hear everything that was happening to you Varian"
"Y-you could....."
"I heard you crying for me, screaming about what happened and hearing you sob at my feet all night! I heard you crying and coughing and sneezing and wheezing, I heard your anger and hatred, I heard you building and those stupid men that were chasing you I-I heard everything! And it *killed* me! Not because of what you did and were doing, it killed me because *I* put you there!" He replied loudly, his eyes filling with his own tears, "I couldn't comfort you, I couldn't touch you, all I could do was hear you scream, and it killed me, it ripped me and broke me and it never stopped! When it did, when you were arrested, Fredrich visited me, h-he told me he'd locked you up and how it was MY fault!"
"He t-told you....."
"Yes! He did!" Quirin replied, "he said I should've listened to him, and t-that you'd been taken away and arrested, you, my 14 year old son, were arrested because of what happened that night! They shackled you, beat you, whipped you, insulted you, did everything and anything they wanted to you, then threw you away like you were a piece of garbage, and I was the one who did it! I hurt you and lied to you, I didn't let you near the black rocks when I knew I should've left, I should've taken you FAR away, and yet I didn't, because I thought I could trust him, because I thought he'd look out for you! But I was wrong Varian, I! WAS! WRONG! And *you* paid the price!" He covered his mouth and looked down at the ground, his tears were falling freely and his shoulders shaking.
"D-dad.... How.... How long have you felt like this?" Varian asked, his eyes wide with worry as Ruddigar watched the large man with worry of his own
Quirin scoffed despite himself, "how long? Since the amber caught my arm and I pushed you out of the way.... You ran out to save me, you didn't even give it a second thought, you loved me so much that you'd risk going out into a blistering blizzard knowing that you could be killed just to save me..... That's when I realized my mistake..... well.... mistake(s)", he corrected looking at his son, "I lied to you, yelled at you, scolded you, had been so hard on you.... All because I was afraid to lose you.... I was so scared that you would leave me, or some freak accident would take you away that I pushed you away myself, and when I finally figured it out you were already gone.... I tried to write it on that note.... I lied about that too...."
"I know you did"
"Y-you-!"
"It was a full page, front to back, tiny handwritten letter addressed to me, the biggest word being on there was, 'Son', in bold letters..... I knew there was more than, 'I'm so proud of you Varian, I always have been', on there, but I wanted to give you time before you told me what you'd actually said", Varian smiled at his dad sadly, "and if I found out you were cursing me out and disowning me as your son, I'd accept it completely and try to win back your favor.... E-even if it meant leaving home....."
"Varian....." Quirin pulled his son closer to him, wrapping his arms protectively around his small frame and holding him tight, "I'd never want you to go.... Never..... I'm so sorry I made you feel the way you did.... Like you had to prove something to me just for me to love you.... I'm so sorry..... I've always loved you son, no matter what invention blows up, or how many raccoons you bring into our home, you're my little light, and I could never hate you....."
He felt the little alchemist return the hug after a moment of silence, "I l-love you too dad"
Quirin smiled and continued to hug his son, they stayed that way for a while, neither one wanting to let the other go, but as time passed they loosened their grip and finally faced each other once more. The retired knight chuckled, "we're a mess, aren't we?"
Varian smiled and nodded, "yeah we really are...." He sniffled a bit before stroking Ruddigar's fur, getting the raccoon to purr happily before he looked at his father once more, "dad"
"Hm?"
"What did the note say?"
Quirin looked at the teen and, seeing the longing in his eyes, took a deep breath and let it out slow:
"Son,
I'm so sorry for what I've done to you. You were right, you always were, these rocks are not natural at all, in fact, I know where they came from. My home, my original home, it was called The Dark Kingdom. I was a knight, and one of three, we're called the Brotherhood, and we made an oath to protect the world from what lies inside my dead kingdom. It's called the Moonstone, it's the Sundrop's polar opposite and the creator of these rocks. The Princess must've awakened its power when she got her hair back all those months ago, and now it's searching for her. I have a chest in my room, do you remember the place I told you never to go near? There's a chest there, it has the symbol of the Brotherhood on it, you've seen it before, it's the same symbol on my left hand, the circle with the three slashes going through it. Go find my chest and open it, you'll see a scroll holder, inside is a piece of Demanitus's scroll, it holds the secrets of the Sundrop and the Moonstone, you'll have to translate it, but the pictures alone should tell you enough. The Sundrop and the Moonstone are meant to be together son, and that's why these black rocks are here, they want their Sundrop, they want Rapunzel, which is why Fredrick won't let her near them either.
I'm so sorry for everything Varian, if I'd just told you everything from the beginning then maybe you could've helped, but instead I lied. I lied to you, the village, and the kingdom, and I've hurt you so many times. I am so sorry for that, for everything I said, I loved you so much, I will always love you, always. I was just so scared of what would happen if you found out, what would he, Fredrick, do to you if he found out you knew? I didn't want him to hurt you, I would never want anyone to hurt you, but in doing so I ended up hurting you myself. You have been and will always be the greatest thing that ever happened to me Varian, you're my little light, my pride and joy and I wish I could've told you that before it was too late, but I let my fear get the better of me. The moment I saw you experimenting on the rocks made me see so many scenarios where you'd suffered a horrible injury or death, and I lashed out at you. I cannot tell you enough how sorry I am to you, I love you so much my son, I've loved you since the day you were born, and I'm so proud of you Varian, I always have been and I always will be! I hope you can forgive me some day, though I don't deserve it. I love you so much my son, my little alchemist!
Sincerely,
Your Father"
Varian's eyes were filled to the brim with tears as he hugged his father tightly, "I forgive you dad.... I was never mad at you to begin with! I n-never hated y-you! I'm s-sorry too... I'm so sorry...." He cried into his father's vest, Ruddigar hopping up to rub against his boy, hoping to give him some comfort.
"Hey, hey, it's okay, it's okay", his father replied, he rubbed his son's back soothingly and let the boy cry it out, Lance's words coming into his head, *if there's ever a time that kid needs to talk to you, or you need to talk to him, let him get it all out. He'll need to cry, let him cry, rub his back, hold him, wrap your vest around him, doesn't matter, just let him cry. Because if he doesn't do it then, he'll never let it out and it'll all get worse*. He wanted to comfort his boy, to help him dry his tears, but the former thief was right, he needed this, he needed to cry, so he let him.
After a few minutes, Quirin heard his son start to sniffle, a sign he'd recognized as his son being done. Lifting the teen off of his chest, the retired knight cupped his cheeks in his hands and wiped his tears away, "are you alright?"
Varian sniffled a couple more times but nodded, his nose a cherry red, it made the man chuckle a bit before grabbing the tissue box, "need one?"
The little alchemist giggled, "y-yeah, I think so", he grabbed a couple and blew his nose, turning away from Ruddigar and Quirin as he did so before he crumpled them up and threw them in the waste basket. He was silent for a moment before looking at his dad, "you don't have to take the blame anymore you know"
"Hm?"
"I..." Varian let out a shaky sigh before continuing, "I never blamed you for what happened to me, could there have been times where you could've been a little easier on me? Y-yeah, but raising an alchemist is hard to do, a-and knowing what I know now about you, I understand why you'd never want me to know.... Y-you lost your home dad, you lost people you cared about, heck, the king, your king, lost an arm and well over a quarter of his lifetime because of those rocks! I d-don't blame you for the way you acted".
"I don't blame you for how you acted either", Quirin replied, "you didn't know, and how could you? Did things go too far? Yes, they did, but you were scared, and angry, and upset and it was because you had so little in your life that what you did have was so precious to you, you wanted to protect it so you did whatever means necessary to do so!"
Varian smiled, Quirin smiled back, "w-we're broken aren't we?" He asked his father
"Yeah, we are", the retired knight responded, "I think we've hit rock bottom so hard there are cracks in the floor"
Varian giggled, "more like chasms"
"Mmmm.... how about Quirin and Varian shaped imprints?"
The teen laughed, the image of two, them shaped, dents in the floor hitting him just right, "and when we finally pick ourselves up, even after 100 years or erosion, they'll still be there"
"They'll be man made fossils, and people will wonder how on earth we didn't die on impact from it", the Village Leader retorted, making them both crack up at the same time.
Ruddigar swished his tail happily between the two as they breathed for what seemed like the first time in years. Varian then had a thought, "h-hey dad"
"Hm?"
"W-what if I don't want to become the Village Leader one day? What if I just wanna be an alchemist? W-would you hate me then?" He asked quietly
The man stopped and looked at his son, the teen was wringing his hands together and was two times smaller than he was before. He didn't notice the large arm that wrapped around his back, it made him let out a meep when he was pulled into another hug, "I became the Village Leader from a man I respected and worked under for years. He gave me the village of Old Corona because he knew that was what I was meant to do. Varian", his son looked at him, "I see you being one thing, and one thing alone"
"W-what's that?"
His father smiled, "you'll be the best fucking alchemist this world will ever see, and I'll be right there watching you stick it to every noble man, women, king, and queen who ever thought that farmers were nothing more than a bunch of red necks playing in the dirt!"
The little alchemist was shocked, "y-you-!"
"I would *never* force you to become a Village Leader, don't get me wrong, you've got the qualities, and you'd be a damned good one, but that just isn't you, you're Varian Edmund Vanguard, my son, and the most talented alchemist I've ever seen", he then looked at his son with a smile, "that includes your mother".
The teen smiled wide as Ruddigar cheered, Varian laid his head on his father's chest and sighed contentedly, "dad?"
"Hm?"
"I love you, so much"
Quirin smiled, placing his chin on top of his boy's head, "I love you too".
Notes:
THEY NEEDED THIS! They needed an episode where these two freaking TALKED! So here's my take on it! Sorry if the ending is a little rushed, the Village Leader story will be a bigger arch on its own later, but for now it gets a mention.
Quirin loves his boy, there's no doubt in my mind that he does, and I bet anything this is exactly what he would feel and was why he was quick to forgive his boy!
Varian is a bean and everyone needs to protect him! He's a good boy and he loves, and needs, his dad! Quirin may not be able to help him get through everything, but he can help him get through the most important things.
We stan supportive Ruddigar in this house hold!
Lance isn't even in this chapter for very long, and yet he's still a freaking boss!
Thank you all so much for reading! :D <3
Chapter 57: The Send off!
Summary:
After gathering the materials needed, Quirin, Varian, Ruddigar, Adira, Hector, Xena, Basil, and Pixie finally head out on their mission to solve the case of the mysterious person lingering in the woods!
Notes:
It's time everybody! Well, almost, gotta have an emotional send off!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Adira set the final bag in the caravan as Hector hooked Xena to the reigns, Quirin and Varian were carrying a very large crate together and setting it into the back before closing the doors. Quirin smiled and held out his hand as Varian jumped up and high fived it happily, giggling as he did so. Once Xena was finally hooked up, and Adira had made herself a home on top of the caravan, much to the retired knight amusement, the father took his place at the front of the vehicle next to Hector, who held the reigns, "ready for this brother?" The wild tamer asked, "first mission in.... 25 years?"
"Yep", the Village Leader replied while glancing at Adira, "as ready as I'll ever be", he added
"Where's your spawn?"
"My *son*"
"That's what I said"
"Gonna ignore that, he should be coming", the Village Leader looked over at the side of the caravan but there was no sign of his son. He grew a little anxious and was about to call out when he felt someone poke his back, he turned to see who it was and was greeted with big blue eyes and a wide, freckle faced, smile. He chuckled, "well hello there sneaky".
"Hi!" Varian responded happily, "it's very spacious back here"
"Is it?"
"Yeah, there's even room for me to walk around! I can't believe Rapunzel actually traveled in this thing!"
His father chuckled as Hector raised a brow in annoyance, "yeah, thought I'd destroyed this thing"
"Well you can't beat the power of an over eager alchemist", a voice responded, getting everyone to look as Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, and Edmund walked out, "so you all were just gonna leave without saying goodbye?" He asked
"Well it is 5:30 in the morning, we didn't think you'd be awake", Adira responded, a small small and wave to Lance made the man smile wide and wave back
Varian, who opened the caravan door and hopped out with Ruddigar on his shoulders, smiled, "we didn't wanna wake you all... wait.... Where's Catalina and Angry?"
"They're still asleep", the red clad thief explained, "and trust me when I say, you do not want to try to wake a werewolf and her sister barley before sunrise"
The alchemist giggled as Rapunzel looked smiled at the caravan, "you fixed it up really well Varian! How'd you do all of this anyway?"
"Oh it was no big deal, once you gave me that painting you'd made of what it was supposed to look like along with the parts you managed to collect, it was just a bit of gathering other parts to piece the whole thing together. Plus dad helped me out, he painted it!"
"Quirin can paint?" Edmund asked, "even I didn't know that", he stated as he looked at his knight, who'd also, with a shrug to an annoyed looking Hector, hopped off the caravan and walked over, "where'd you learn to paint?"
"When you run a farm, village, and have an accident prone alchemist for a son", he ruffled Varian's hair, getting another giggle from his boy, "you either learn how to paint, and repaint, many walls, fences, and signs. Oddly enough it's surprisingly peaceful".
"We should have a paint session Quirin! You, me, and Varian! It would be a lot of fun!" Rapunzel stated
Lance smirked, "maybe I could join, would be a lot better than almost getting your soul ripped out of you for painting a tree"
"Wait what?" Hector asked, finally walking over to the group with Adira in tow
"Right that art class...." The princess stated quietly as she looked guiltily at the alchemist
"Art class?" Varian asked, tilting his head to the side a bit, noticing the stare he was given as Ruddigar wrapped himself around his boy's neck, getting a bad feeling
"Rapunzel was having a really bad bout of "painter's block" after that huge, gigantic blizzard came and she was upset because she made the hard decision to-.....", Eugene started before he stopped and looked at the teen, who had a very hurt look on his face as his raccoon glared daggers at the man, "Uh you know, never mind, either way, she couldn't paint because of that and decided to take an art class. But it turned out she couldn't really take that art class anymore because a witch who was apparently studying under Zhan Tiri was trying to use the painters to paint a picture of a tree to release Zhan Tiri, who is an ancient demon that we are constantly hearing about and is anyone starting to worry about that, because I sure am!" He redirected, sweating bullets as he felt the death glare emanating off of Quirin and into his back.
Sensing the mood change, Hector immediately latched onto the first thing that stuck out to him, "Zhan Tiri.... The demon who made a home in the Tree of Life.... There was a witch who was trying to free him?"
"Yep!" Eugene said a little too loudly as he felt relief wash over him and gave a grateful smile to the wild tamer as Lance walked over to the teen and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, getting a small smile from him and Ruddigar.
"Huh..... That's concerning, sister maybe we should look into that, it could be trouble later on"
Adira, who was watching Lance and Varian, looked at her brother and nodded, "its worth checking out at least, have you had any other run ins with Zhan Tiri's minions?"
"Well, there was this one ghost who placed me in a trance at the house of yesterday's tomorrow, that's actually where Cassandra...." Rapunzel looked down, her mood shifting to one of worry and sadness. She glanced over at Varian again, who was talking quietly with Lance, it seemed like they were having a quick session, the teen seemed really upset. She shook it off however, "e-either way! Let's not look at the past, it's done and over with now! It would be a great idea if you all could look into the Zhan Tiri thing, if you really think it's worth checking out, but today isn't about that, it's about your mission, remember?" She smiled cheerfully, Eugene giving her a worried looked before noticing his father had moved, looking around he saw the Dark King talking to a very angry looking Quirin, the man's fists were clenched but looked like he was slowly letting go as his king spoke more.
"Right", the face painted warrior stated, giving a slightly disapproving look before she sighed, "we should probably head out, we won't catch that thief just standing here, will we?"
"Nope", Hector replied before walking over to his brother an king and saying something to them. The old farmer nodded, looking much calmer now, before he turned, said something to Edmund, and walked over to his sister, Hector and the Dark king joining them before glancing over at Varian, Ruddigar, and Lance.
The trio looked to be about done, the teen rubbing his eye a little bit before giving the red clad former thief a hug. The stayed that way for a moment before letting go and smiling at each other, Lance holding out a fist to the teen and getting a giggle before Varian bumped it with his own fist and smiled up at the man, getting a quiet chuckle from Quirin. They started to walk back when they froze, seeing that all eyes were on them, the little alchemist blushed and hid a little behind the former thief, stroking Ruddigar's fur nervously , "Well, can't a man and his teen alchemist buddy have a quiet conversation about science and raccoon stuff without all you eyes starin at us?" Lance joked, "avert your peepers please!"
With a snort from the group, everyone, except Quirin, looked away with slight smirks as they began to talk about nonsense to make the trio feel better, "*LOVELY* weather today am I right Adira?" Eugene stated
"Absolutely! It would be perfect weather for a stroll through the Forest of No Return Fish Skin!" The warrior replied, ignoring the sudden groans that sounded after she said that.
They heard the trio walk up to the retired knight and speak for a moment, they couldn't hear what, so they kept trying to make light conversation, "sooooo, binturongs!" Rapunzel stated
"Yep", Hector replied
"Very.... Rare... animals, right?"
"Yep"
"I heard they are *really* hard to tame too"
"Yep"
"Soooo.... How did you.... Find them?"
"In a circus where they were being abused"
"Oh.... But they're okay now?"
"Yep"
"That's good, great even!"
"Yep"
"Yep...." The princess felt like the wild tamer was mad at her for some reason, but she wasn't really sure, "so.... have you taught them anything? Like tricks?"
"They're not dogs, they're binturongs"
Yep definitely angry, though she wasn't really sure why, she was about to ask when, "s-sorry about that, I uh.... Didn't mean to...." a little voice interrupted.
She looked over to see the little alchemist rubbing the back of his neck and looking down at the floor, he was blushing a bit, "oh it's alright, sometimes emotions get a little ahead of us! I completely understand!" She responded, trying to be helpful, but the way the teen flinched at her words made her second guess herself, "Varian, are you-!"
"So we should probably head out, got a lot of miles to cover and we won't be getting anywhere by staying here and chatting", Quirin interrupted, giving the princess a look that told her the conversation was done, she nodded, secretly a little grateful it was over
"Alright, I hope you all have a really great time", she responded with a smile
"Thanks princess", Varian replied, her smile withering as he turned and walked towards the caravan
Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, and Edmund all waved goodbye as the group climbed in the vehicle and began their journey, Adira and Varian being the only two to wave back. As they watched the caravan ride off, the princess looked at her lover and Lance, "I... Did I say something that upset him?" She asked, her eyes wide and filled with worry
"It.... was a combination of both of us blondie.... I shouldn't have brought up the blizzard...." Eugene confessed, his father placing a hand on his shoulder
"You two didn't mean any harm", the Dark King replied, "I know that, and I'm certain they'll understand that as well, just give them some time.... and maybe don't mention those past events anymore", he added looking pointedly at Rapunzel
"But I said we could move past them, that what was done was done, so what happened there? I... I genuinely don't understand", the blond responded
"That's the problem...." They heard, all three of them looked at Lance, he was staring at the floor, and looked extremely upset
"Lance?" Eugene asked, a little worried
The man took in a deep breath and let it out slowly before turning to the pair, "you two wanna move past what happened to you, you wanna forget about it, sweep it under the rug, but it doesn't work that way for everyone. Eugene you caught yourself, I'll give you credit for that, but I thought you, Rapunzel, of all people would understand what it feels to be hurt, betrayed, and upset over something that happened in the past".
"Wha- I *do* understand Lance!"
"Apparently not", he snapped, glaring daggers at her, "you really don't, not at all, because if you did you wouldn't have made a stupid comment like, "let's move forward", and "the past is the past!" You would've figured that saying something like that would upset him and make him feel...." He sighed again, trying to keep calm, "look you.... You are a wonderful person, and I know you probably didn't mean to, but that comment, and that comment *alone*, really upset Varian. I won't go into details, he doesn't wanna talk about it yet and I respect that, but just.... please, think before you say somethin like that, okay?"
Eugene felt a surge of protection shoot through him as he heard his princess start to sniffle, but when he remembered the look on the teen's face he stopped himself, sighing he looked at Rapunzel and saw she was still confused. He knew exactly why too, "sunshine, remember when I told you you were doing that thing where you pretend like everything is okay when it's clearly not?" She nodded, "well that comment, the "past is the past", comment, it.... Felt like you were brushing off what happened in that entire year, and I get why, that was hard for you, you got betrayed by two really close friends and Cass... it's hard to think about, but unfortunately, I think that same notion won't work on Hair stripe", he explained.
"B-but.... But I thought he'd *want* to move past it, isn't that what he wants? To not think of himself that way anymore?" She asked, tears coming to her eyes as her worry for her friend outweighed everything else when she pictured the look on his face, "please, Eugene help me understand, he looks at you and see's a friend, he looks at Lance and see's help, he looks at Edmund and see's a grandpa, but when he looks at me he.... he doesn't see anything, it's l-like he's afraid of me or something, but I don't want him to be, why would he be? What am I doing wrong?"
"You.... you're not letting him feel what he needs to feel princess", Lance replied, getting her to turn to him, "you want him to forget what he did, but..... That's not what he needs"
"Then what DOES he need?! Should I say how upset I was that he betrayed me? Should I tell him how horrible it was seeing him kidnap my mom and send robots against me? Should I tell him how his betrayal and Cassandra's betrayal affected me?"
"How about you start with thinking about him?" Edmund stated seriously, she looked at him and saw him glaring directly at her, "how about you see just how much your broken promise hurt him, or maybe how you didn't check on him, a 14 year old who was alone and clearly concerned about his father, the only man he has left in this world, and instead went to a *painting* class because you were upset that you had to make, and I quote, "a hard decision"? How about how you no only left him here to deal with your father, who already showed you *many* signs of mistrust and broken deals, in a jail cell while you sang songs and had fun on a glorious adventure that ended up-!" He stopped, closed his eyes, stepped back, and took a breath. After a moment he opened them and looked at her again, "look, I am *eternally* grateful, to have my son back, to have met you, to find out more about what you two are like and do, but when it comes to someone else and how they're affected by the actions you make, you're not very good at understanding how that makes *them* feel. You looked at that boy and to his face told him to move on and forget about everything he's been through like it didn't even matter to you, and I understand why, that's *your* way of coping with it, but unfortunately, that's not a good way to do it.... I should know, I locked myself away for *years*, alone in that castle protecting something that got stolen anyway. I ruined my home, my subject's home, and sent my knight, warrior, tamer, and even my own son away because I was so caught up in my own grief that I failed to see how my actions affected theirs.... Look what happened to them, Adira could've figured out how to love and have a happy life, yet she spent those years searching for the Sundrop. Hector could've lived his life and helped other people, instead he spent those years stuck in a tree with a rhino and two binturongs for his friends. And Quirin? He did start a life, he had a son, a wonderful, glorious son, and had a lovely home and wife.... But even so he had to leave his home, the only home he's ever had after a horrible childhood and he wanted to protect it so much that he pushed his own boy away and was silenced by another king and trapped for a year and a half that he'll never get back!"
"Edmund.... I-!"
"I like you a lot Rapunzel, you're sweet and kind, and you will make an amazing daughter in law one day.... But if I had to give you a fatal flaw, it's that you don't think about how your actions and words affect other people, and it's a very tough nut to crack.... I had to figure it out the hard way and I hurt so many people and lost so many friends and family members because of it.... My poor choices in the past are reflected every day on the people I claimed to love and cherish.... So please take my advice, don't be like me, watch what you say and do, because one day that remark you just said is going to come and bite you", with that the man turned and sighed, "I'm going to go back inside and wait for their return, you're welcome to join me if you'd like", he then walked away, Lance following him.
Eugene was a little startled, but sighed non the less, he watched them go and turned to Rapunzel, he face a mix of sadness, worry, and thought, "you okay?"
She didn't move for a moment, her eyes filled with unshed tears that stayed in their place. She stayed that way for a moment or two before her expression changed, "I.... Eugene..... I think I understand"
"Hm?"
"I... Varian.... He thinks of himself so badly.... He only feels guilt for what he did.... Like... Like how I did with Gothel...."
"Oh Rapunzel-!"
"No no! This is good!"
"What?"
"Ok well it's definitely not good that he thinks that way but, I finally understand! I've been wondering why he's been looking at me that way, like he's scared of what I'll say or do, like he'd gonna step one toe out of line and I'll break him in two and I *never* understood why! But I get it, I FINALLY get it! He's me!" She exclaimed, "that look he gives me, the way he grows quieter around me, how hw watches what he says and stays on "safe" topics around me, it's me, he's ME when I was in the tower!" She stated, "and I...." Her face shifted, from surprise to grim realization, "I'm mother.... I'm her.... I hurt him so much.... I didn't mean to of course, and I know he knows he's definitely at fault for some things but I.... I'm my mother.... Eugene I hurt him I ignored his pain, I ignored CASSANDRA'S pain! I made it all go away with a word or a wave of my hand like she used to do to me! I finally understand!"
"Are you okay?" Eugene asked, noticing her tears getting bigger
"Oh ye-.... No, no I'm not okay, I'm not!" She sniffled, "I found out that I've been hurting one of my closet friends with a smile and a wave and I've just been harming him more and more! My dad too, I wondered why Quirin did that, I wondered why for so long, but I get it now!"
"D-did what exactly?"
"There-there was this time in Old Corona where I'd taken my father around the town to try and help him remember something, but we ran into Varian and Quirin there. Varian, he-he bumped into my father and for some reason froze and nearly fainted, and his father, Quirin, he glared at my dad and told him to stay away from him, and it confused me so much! I didn't understand WHY, but it makes perfect sense! My father BETRAYED Quirin, and he broke his promise to me and Varian! No WONDER his dad was upset, me and my father hurt Varian! We hurt him so badly that he needs someone ELSE to help him pick up the pieces Eugene it's just like me, Varian is just! Like! ME!" She screamed and Eugene grabbed her and pulled her into a hug, he wrapped his arms tightly around her as the princess's tears finally fell down her face. She returned the hug a moment later, finally crying into his shoulder and letting everything she was feeling out, "h-he.... I..." She tried between her sobs, but she couldn't get more than that out. She could feel her lover's tears sprinkle on her back as well as the realization hit him too.
Lance, who'd turned to see if Eugene was gonna join him, heard the entire thing, and sighed. He walked over to them and waited, not wanting to interrupt what was clearly a necessary hug, he saw that Eugene noticed him, and gave his best friend an understanding smile. After a few minutes, they broke the hug and Rapunzel sniffled a little more, "Rapunzel..." Eugene started
"He must hate me...." She replied, her voice no louder than a whisper
"He doesn't", Lance said, getting them to look, "he doesn't hate you, I won't say what he does feel, but I can tell you it isn't hate".
"Lance", the princess wiped her face and walked over to him, "y-you understand this better than anyone here, and I really messed up today, I know that now.... I.... I need to fix it, but I wanna fix it the right way.... Please, help me fix it, please?" She begged, her tears streaming again, "I c-can't live with the fact that he's hurting like I did.... I can't... He doesn't deserve that.... Please...."
"I can help you Rapunzel, and I know you didn't mean to", he responded softly, "but you gotta give him some time right now, he needs space"
"W-would it be okay t-to at least apologize to him?" She asked, "I w-want him to know I understand"
"I know you do.... And yeah, when he gets back, you can apologize to him, but after, let him do what he needs to do okay? If he needs to walk away, let him walk away, and if you feel like you messed up or did it wrong, then come talk to me"
"W-will you and Eugene b-be there? I know it's childish t-to ask but-!"
"It's not childish Sunshine", Eugene responded, "and I'll be there, I owe him an apology too...."
Lance nodded, "I can be there too, when they get back, I'll be right there with you, okay?" Rapunzel nodded and hugged the large man, she cried once more as Eugene joined the hug. She felt so much pain and guilt that it nearly knocked her down, all she wanted to do was run after the caravan and apologize, she wanted to fix it right away, but she knew it wouldn't help, so here she stayed, waiting for Varian to return, so she can finally help him the way he *needs* her to help. With her resolve in mind, however, she continued to cry.
Notes:
So.... This actually happened to me..... I'm not Rapunzel though, I'm Varian.... I won't say much about it, and the situation has gotten amazingly better, but I had help from a friend with the emotions in this.
I love Rapunzel, she's an amazing women through and through, but abuse breaks people, it can even cause them to become the abusers themselves, I'm not saying everyone, but there are some. I feel like everything Rapunzel did in the show can reflect on how she was raised, that thing she does when she pretends everything's okay when it's clearly not, she got that from being locked up for years with a women who never gave her a chance to freaking SPEAK! She's abused! And unfortunately she ended up doing the same thing to Cassandra and Varian, she made up for it of course, but I wanted to write how she came to realize what she did. So here it is! A send off to remember, and for various reasons.
Don't worry, I love Punzel, she's an amazing character, and once this arch is complete, she's going to be the bestest big sister ever! But for now, she's got a lot of things to work on, that's what Eugene and Lance are for.
Quick shout out to Edmund and Lance and protective farmer dad for being bros!
Even quicker one for protective aunt and uncle, plus supportive raccoon!
Thank you all so much for reading! <3
Chapter 58: The Mission! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Quirin, Varian, Ruddigar, Adira, Hector, Xena, Pixie, and Basil finally start their mission
Notes:
Ok, this is the actual mission, sorry about the build up, I hope I don't disappoint X3
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group was quiet as they began their journey to the woods, it would be a very long trip to the forest, half a day's travel in fact, which is why they started their journey so early. But the day's events had sullied the mood a little, especially for one angry protective farmer. He stared straight ahead, not daring to look at any of his companions or his son for fear of letting his frustration take his voice. He tried counting, taking breaths, even looking at the scenery beside him, which usually worked. Unfortunately it wasn't this time, the only thing repeating in his mind was the look on his son's face as the princess brushed away what he'd been through, it made the man's blood boil as he glared at the trees they passed. He was so angry in fact, the he didn't notice the voices calling his name, nor did he notice the chitter in his ear, he did notice the cold nose when it pressed against the back of his neck and made him jump, "oh, Ruddigar, hi", he said as the Raccoon's tail poofed up a bit, making him chuckle.
"Dad are you okay?" A small voice asked, the retired knight looked and saw his son watching him, "you've been glaring at the environment ever since we left the castle".
"Yeah brother, if you glare any harder the trees with self destruct", Hector joked
Quirin chuckled, "sorry, just...."
"Fuming about what happened back there?" Adira asked, gesturing towards the castle
"Yeah..."
Varian sighed, "I.... It's okay, Lance helped me work through it, she d-didn't mean what she said, I know she didn't.... I-it must be hard for her too.... I did k-kidnap her mom after all..."
His father sighed as well, he wanted to say something, to argue that she'd just completely waved off everything his son had been through, what he himself had been through, but he knew it wouldn't help, so he stayed quiet, deciding to glare at the trees once more. "....Well that didn't fix anything", he heard Adira say, he rolled his eyes. "....Alright fine, since I seem to be the only one willing to be blunt, I will. The Sundrop completely invalidated everything you and Stickler went through and that's not okay, it's why he's brooding, because he thinks she should apologize, but we've already left, so she can't. I'm certain earring and fuzz face will set her straight though, if not, Fish Skin caught it too and will talk to her, so what's there to brood about exactly?"
Quirin had to admit, she had a good point, there was no point in being mad, it wouldn't change anything since they'd already left. Plus Eugene, King Edmund, and Lance were very aware of what Varian was feeling, and he knew they'd say something to her, so why was he so mad? He didn't really understand, he had no reason to be upset, yet he couldn't let it go, that was the more infuriating part of it all, why couldn't he let it go? "....Because it hurt me dad", his son answered, making the retired knight jump
"D-did I say that out loud?" He asked, turning to look at his boy
Varian chuckled and shook his head, "you aren't as secretive about your feelings as you thing though", he replied
His father raised a brow before shaking it off, "we'll get to that topic later, how did you know?"
"Because if someone did that to you, I'd be angry at them too", came the simple answer, "we almost lost each other during that incident, and we don't wanna lose each other again, so of course if one of us gets hurt, the other won't be happy until the issue is resolved. B-but this is our, sorry, my first mission, I don't wanna be angry during it. Is there a way you can try to let it go for now, just for now, we can think about it later, I just wanna have fun right now".
The Village Leader looked at his son for a moment or two, debating on weather he should or not, but seeing the sincerity in his little alchemist's eyes he sighed, "alright, for now, I'll let it go, but, later?"
"Absolutely"
Quirin nodded with a smile before ruffling Varian's hair, "bratty stink bomb"
The teen giggled, "evil jerk face"
"Well those are interesting", Adira scoffed, "wouldn't use them myself, but they're cute"
"You'd rather use nicknames that you think are clever when they're really not", Hector retorted
The face painted warrior smirked, "what, don't like your nickname, Wild Child?"
The wild tamer huffed, "just because I'm a little feral doesn't make me wild"
The women raised a brow in amusement, "yes and throwing a temper tantrum will *certainly* change my mind"
Hector bared his teeth at her as she chuckled, "come on you two, knock it off", Quirin responded, raising his own brow, "you're acting less mature than the tiny one in the caravan"
"It's not something I'm not used to", the teen teased before he looked at his uncle, "by the way, you just mentioned that you're feral, so what's the difference between wild and feral to you? Because I've always thought they were the same"
"Wild is uncoordinated and messy, a wild animal would die fighting a battle they had no business being a part of because they lack the common sense to stay out of it. But being feral means you're well aware of what you're getting into and use your emotions as a strength. Your senses are sharp, eyes focused, and body working like a well oiled machine. You don't make mistakes when you're feral because you know it could be your last, you're trained to know when and where to take a bite out of the fucker that messed with you. When you're wild, you're untrained and clumsy, good if you have raw power, but ultimately stupid in the end".
The little alchemist's eyes widened with interest as he watched his uncle, the man seemed to be getting into the conversation, "so it's like an alchemy, some chemicals will have so much potency yet be extremely hard to contain, maybe even break the jars they're placed in, where as other chemicals with more use will remain in their jars and help make more discoveries because alchemists like me will be more than likely to use them"
"Yeah, kinda like that"
Varian smiled, "that's so interesting uncle Hector!" He replied, noticing the small jolt the man gave, "I hear you use gauntlet swords and that they come out of your, well, gauntlets, is that true?" At this the man outstretched his left arm, keeping the right on the reigns as a sword popped out, "woah!" Varian responded, watching the sword slowly make it's way back inside the gauntlet, "did you make that yourself?"
"Sort of, I got the idea when I watched our brother hide a dagger in his sleeve one time. He pulled it out exactly like how my swords do and was able to do some major damage to the people we were fighting against, I thought it was clever, so I built the gauntlets to hide the swords until I need them again".
Quirin and Adira smiled at each other as Varian's eyes got bigger, "h-how did you build that?!"
"Didn't take much", the tamer replied, a slight hint of excitement stirred in his voice, "a couple of springs and some screws, a metal scrap or two, I could show you if you want"
"Yeah, that'd be neat!"
Hector smiled at the boy before turning back to look at the road, "so once we leave I'm taking your spawn with me brother"
"My *so-! Wait what?" The retired knight looked at the man
"I'll be taking him with me, once I see what he can do on this mission of course and he gets the proper training, after that he'll accompany me until he turns 18, then he can choose whatever he wants"
"....You're not taking him anywhere"
"Says you"
"Hector"
"He'll be safe don't worry, and I'll make sure he eats and gets his own rhino"
"Hector!"
Adira started to laugh as Varian smiled wide at his father and uncle, his aunt nudging him and, with a smile, replied, "seems as though you've been adopted"
"Guess so, as long as Ruddigar gets to go it wouldn't be so bad, grow my hair out, live in a cave"
"Share beds with fleas, get a few new battle scars"
"Sounds like a blast"
"Dream come true", they chuckled quietly as the group made their way out of the capital and onto the open road.
****
They'd gotten quiet again, the tamer and the knight finally calling a truce and watching the road as Adira meditated on top of the caravan and Varian sketched some ideas for his own pair of sword gauntlets on the journal the princess had given him while he was sick. He ignored the irony of his use of the notebook and justified it in the name of science, drawing various ways he could improve the gauntlets, along with the duel blades his father uses and the great sword Adira brings along. Once he was satisfied, he walked over to the window, stroking a sleeping Ruddigar's fur as he, Pixie, and Basil napped away, the shifting one eye open to watch the teen, giving him a questioning chitter and grabbing the boy's attention, "don't worry Basil, I'm not leaving, just wanted to run a few ideas with uncle Hector, aunt Adira, and my dad real quick". The binturong looked the boy up and down before giving a nod and closing his eye once more, letting out a soft purr as the alchemist scratched behind his ear.
"Are you sure you went the right way?" Quirin questioned, looking around the unfamiliar terrain before them
The tamer huffed, "I've been on these roads many times, this is a short cut and will save us hours of travel, now would you stop side seat caravaning?"
The retired knight raised a brow before giving Adira a pleading look, to which she merely shrugged, receiving a disgruntled sigh in return. Varian giggled a little before poking his father's back, "hey dad"
"Hm?" His father turned to look at his boy
"I've got some ideas I wanna show you"
"Ideas? You mean for inventions?"
"Well not exactly, see I was thinking about what uncle Hector said about his gauntlets and thought up some improvements that could be made for a more strategic fight, I added the same ideas to your swords and Wise Eyes's great sword, check them out!" He handed over the journal and watched as his father scrolled through it, noticing the small smile that formed on his lips as he continued to look through the book
"You just thought these up son?"
"Yeah, t-they're still works in progress of course, b-but the results would be undoubtedly enticing! I'd have to ask Xavier to help me build the blades and such, he's more of an expert that I am at them after all. P-plus I'd need Adira and Hector to approve of t-!"
A hand suddenly shot out and froze in front of Quirin, the fingers making a grabby motion as the old farmer chuckled, "you could ask you know", he snarked, handing the hand the notebook as it was pulled up. Varian watched it before smiling as he saw his aunt looking it over interestedly.
"Hm, not bad, not bad at all", she replied, getting an aggravated huff from her brother as she flipped to the next page, "ooh I like this, it would make it much easier to knock out opponents at a distance"
"You really like it?" The little alchemist's eyes lit up happily
The women nodded, "Wild child, check this out", she tossed the notebook like a frisbee over to the wild tamer, who caught it without a second thought before looking through it himself, handing the reigns over to the retired knight
"Angular sword gauntlets huh? Not a bad idea though a little impractical when fighting normally, what if they could switch?"
The teen's eyes sparkled, "I had that same thought! L-look at the back of that page"
He saw his uncle do so as he let out an impressed, "hm", before continuing through, "pfft! duel bladed spear, that would make control easier for you", he smirked at Quirin who raised a brow, "I see the chained ball too, you'd have to be pretty confident in your strength to wield something like that"
"Or have really good armor", Varian snorted before blushing a bit, "l-like I said, they're still in early development, definitely not the finished product. But you really like them so far?"
Quirin swapped the notebook for the reigns and flipped through the notes once more, "they're actually really interesting ideas, some of them I could genuinely see giving the fighters an edge in the fight... Though I'm a little worried you're coming up with weapons now", he stated, handing the journal back to his son
The teen smirked, "I'm still an alchemist through and through dad, don't worry, but I thought that since you three had to fight so much, and there's sort of a threat nearby Old Corona, that it may be a good idea to.... "armor up", i-is that what they say?"
"No, but good try", Adira replied
Quirin tiled his head slightly, "you..... You're drawing up ideas about new weaponry for us specifically?"
"W-well I mean yes, but also for the many other guards that'll be in this fight! Everyone should be prepared, you me, Adira, Hector, Lance, Eugene.... Ruddigar"
"Very convincing"
"I.... Ok fine, I'm worried about you three! You're all connected to the Moonstone in one way or another and I-I'm afraid that connection could be used against you", he admitted looking down, "y-you three could be hurt or used a-and I wanna make sure that if that does happen, which I hope it never will, that you can defend yourselves and make sure no one can hurt you, or injure you, o-or take you away, o-"
"Take us away?"
"....S-sorry that s-slipped out...."
Quirin saw his son look down and wipe something away, he sighed, realizing what he meant, "Varian, you don't think that because we made an oath to the moonstone we're going to leave do you?"
"W-well no.... I know you w-wouldn't *want* to anyway... B-but you swore an oath to protect it, a-and what happens if you go an attack the person wielding it, what if that's breaking your oath? Y-you told me there was a magic that b-binds you to it, s-so if you go and a-attack it and it gets mad...." He went quiet
All three brotherhood members were looking at the teen, worry passing between them. No one spoke and the air grew thick as the implications of what the teen said dawned on the three, what *if* the Moonstone got upset, what would it do? They did swear an oath, that much was true, so what would happen? They all thought for a moment, none of them really coming up with an answer, that is, until the retired knight spoke, "King Edmund tried to destroy the Moonstone when it lay dormant, the most it could do was send him flying back into a wall with a magical blast that destroyed it's own black rocks, with someone wielding that power, the wielder would be the one to control what the moonstone does, even if it wanted to attack, the wielder would have to be the one to initiate it. From what I heard, Adira and Hector tried to attack her, both of them are still here, and mind you that was before they had something to fight for". He then smiled at his son before cupping his cheek in his hand, "I understand your worry, believe me I do, I hadn't thought about it before, but they both survived their encounters, I'm certain I will too. You don't have anything to fear son, we won't be taken by the moonstone, we may be bound to it, but we didn't swear our lives, we swore our loyalty, but that was before we found out the real goal of the moonstone"
"Real goal?"
His father nodded, "it wants the Sundrop, it wants to be reunited with it and shield and protect it. That's why Rapunzel's hair is unbreakable now, she has some of the Moonstone's protection in her from when she touched the black rocks, before that the Sundrop laid dormant inside her, but now it's back and lively, and the Moonstone does not want harm to come to it. If we're fighting to reconnect it, I'm certain the opal will understand", he then rubbed his thumb on his son's cheek, "but I'd still like to use those ideas of yours, I think they're pretty neat"
The little alchemist smiled at his father and nodded, "ok, I'll keep working on them!" His father lowered his hand and the teen slipped back inside the caravan, jotting down some notes and getting back to work. The retired knight smiled and sat next to Hector once more before he felt arms wrap around him
"I love you dad"
He smiled, "I love you too", with that, they continued on their journey, a new found glimmer shining brightly between them.
Notes:
Some fluffy Brotherhood stuff as they make their way to their destination, with a little angst at the end. I wanted a soft start to this tale, so here it is, I'll give you all a little hint, this isn't gonna be a real angsty muli-part story, the mission is gonna be light hearted and full of bonds because we need a break from the angst for a bit!
Plus we don't get to see a lot of brotherhood fluff, so here's some fresh from my mind
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 59: The Mission! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The little group sets up camp for the night in the woods and spend some time together while they investigate!
Notes:
More Brotherhood fluff! With a side of Varian and Ruddigar cuteness! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Are we there yet?"
"No"
"...Are we there *yet*?"
"No"
"......Arrrrrre we there yeeet?"
"No"
"........Are we-!"
"I'd expect this from Varian you know!"
"I realize, but it's fun to annoy you!"
"No it's not"
"Maybe not for you"
Quirin sighed and looked forwards again, "go back to your meditation"
".........Are we there yet?"
"Yep", Hector answered, "now stop asking", he added, clearly annoyed by his sister's antics, which made Quirin smirk before he turned to look inside the caravan.
"Varian?" He called, but was met with no response, feeling a jab of worry he got up and looked inside the little window behind him, "son are y-!" He stopped when he noticed a small lump in the corner. Smiling he gestured for Hector and Adira to come take a look, when they came over, they saw the two binturongs acting as a bed for the little alchemist, his raccoon curled happily in his arms as all of them slept.
The face painted warrior chuckled, "looks like Speckles got a little tired"
"Well he's not a morning person, and we did get up rather early. I'm not surprised he fell asleep", his father stated with a smile, "though he'll want to be awake for this, hang on". He hopped off the caravan and opened the doors on the side, entering it and walking quietly over to his son while Adira and Hector watched curiously. The Village Leader smiled even wider when he got closer to his sleeping teen, hearing him mumble something about a potion that makes farming go faster. The retired knight then poked his son a bit, getting a moan in return as his son turned away from him and curled up even tighter, which made his father snicker, "come on Bubby, you've gotta wake up now", he stated, poking is son once more.
"Mmmmph.... Five more minutes...." The little alchemist replied tiredly as he bapped his dad's hand away
Quirin raised a brow before he sighed, "one more chance", he stated as he poke Varian again, still the boy refused to wake up, "alright, guess we're doing this the hard way". With that he began to poke his son's side, getting the teen to giggle in his sleep before he moved up to his ribs and then to his stomach, making the alchemist let out a fit of laughter as he turned and tried to defend himself from the onslaught. He didn't manage to block his father and instead tried to continuously bap his hands away.
"ALRIGHT ALRIGHT I'M HEE HEE I'M AWAHAHAHAHAKE!!!!! DAHAHAHAHAD!" The teen exclaimed as he sat up backed up against the wall, pulling knees to his chin and wrapping his arms around them, finally blocking the man.
Quirin snorted as he watched his son calm down from the tickling and look up at him, "we're here"
"So I gather!" He replied, "you really are an evil jerk face"
"And you're a bratty stink bomb, who's extra stinky today", he replied while looking at the two binturongs his son was currently sitting on
"I'm not *that* stinky"
"You slept on binturongs, they have a very potent smell!"
"They were comfy!"
"There are hammocks *right* there", he gestured to the unused hammocks in the opposite corner
Varian shrugged, "I honestly didn't notice them", he replied, scratching the two binturongs behind the ears happily before stretching with a yawn. "So we're here then?"
His father sighed but smiled, "yes we're here, you're getting a bath tonight"
The teen blushed, "b-but how? There's no privy!"
His father ruffled his hair, "don't worry we'll find a private place for you to get clean, Adira, Hector, and I won't go near it, alright?"
With a little hesitation, the alchemist nodded, "fine.... But you gotta promise!"
"I promise you'll have some privacy", the retired knight replied, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. Satisfying the teen Quirin watched as Ruddigar yawned and clambered onto his boy's shoulders, getting scratched behind the ears as well before his father asked, "do you mind setting up the tents?"
Varian shook his head, "don't mind at all", with that he hopped up and headed out the doors, Adira and Hector had already started unpacking the items by the time the duo reached them
"Hello Speckles", Adira greeted, "get a good nap in?"
The teen rubbed at his eyes tiredly before smiling up at her, "yeah I think so, could've done *without* the rude awakening though", he gave his father the stink eye, Quirin merely smirked before walking over to grab one of the food crates.
The face painted warrior chuckled, "I saw that, though he was much worse when we were younger"
"Really?"
"Big time", Hector replied, setting one of the tent bags down in front of the teen, "one time he woke me up with a bucket of cold water"
"What?!" Varian asked while looking back at his father as Ruddigar sniffed the air and hopped off his shoulders, running over to the Village Leader and climbing into the back of the caravan before sniffing at the crate the man was holding.
The retired knight chuckled, "you were dirty and I warned you that if you didn't get up and wash I'd make sure you were clean"
"So spilling cold water on me made it better?" The wild tamer retorted, raising a questioning brow
"You were cleaner than before and woke up, win win", the man shrugged
Hector glared at his brother as the retired knight raised a bemused brow at the raccoon, the small mammal putting his paws together like he was praying and giving the man a pleading look before Adira chimed in, "pfft, a bucket of cold water is the worst he gave you? He *scared* me out of bed one time! I was sleeping in that day because I didn't need a lot of time to get ready, when Stickler walks in and says it's time to get up. I tell him no and hear him walk out the door, or so I thought. Turns out he faked his steps out the door, tiptoed over to my bed, and blasted a buisine in my ear! Since then I sleep with one eye open or up high somewhere no one can reach me".
The teen looked at his father once more, "you're brutal"
"Well I *was* anyway, I don't blow a buisine in your ear, nor do I dump cold water on you, although you're a lot easier to wake than these two", he gestured to his siblings before giving Ruddigar an apple from the food crate, receiving a happy chitter as the raccoon scurried away. He then turned to look at Adira, "also we had role call that morning and were being assigned jobs to help the castle staff, you *told* me to wake you up by whatever means necessary"
"Whatever means necessary does not include cold water and buisine blasts", Hector argued as he gave Varian a sleeping bag
"You weren't late were you?"
The wild tamer face palmed and Adira sighed, "we're not going to win this argument you know, Stickler is as stubborn as a mule", she stated, watching Ruddigar climb back onto her nephew's shoulders with the apple in his mouth before chomping on it happily.
"True", Hector agreed, giving Pixie and Basil an apple as well once they came out of the caravan, "stubborn and strict, hence the name 'Stickler', which is the only one I agree with"
"Aw, you *do* care", Adira teased
"Shut up Adira", Hector retorted
****
They managed to unpack what they needed for the night and went about collecting supplies for their stay as Varian, with the help of Ruddigar, Pixie, and Basil, pitched the tents. "Alright, good job men", Pixie chittered, "and lady, my apologies", the binturong nodded, "alright, so the tents are pitched, hammock is set up, and the site is pretty clean, what else should we do?"
Ruddigar chittered, "well we could, but I don't think dad would want us to start the campfire without him, any other suggestions?"
Pixie replied, "that's a good idea! Do you know who's sleeping bag is who's?" She nodded and walked over to the small pile, sniffing it before grabbing a particularly big sleeping bag and placing it into the teen's hands before pointing to the raggedy looking black tent, "oh, this must be uncle Hector's than, thanks Pixie!" He stated, giving the binturong head rubs before walking over to the tent and unzipping it, "woah!" He gasped, looking around, the inside of the tent was beautiful, having a velvet like feel to it with midnight blue replacing the black for color, curious the little alchemist took ran out of the tent, picked up a small lantern, lit it, and ran back inside. He smiled wide as he set the lantern in the middle of the tent and laid on the ground, looking up at the blue ceiling as the flames danced and caused a beautiful light show against the velvet lining, "uncle Hector's tent is really beautiful, on the inside at least", he smiled wider, "kinda like him, only difference is he's amazing on the outside too!"
He got up and placed the sleeping back inside, unfurling it and smiling at the matching black color before he stepped outside and zipped the entrance back up.
"Alright, that takes care of uncle Hector, who's next?" Basil walked over to the pile and sniffed before grabbing a small, brown sack and giving it to the alchemist, pointing towards the hammock, "ok, guess it's aunt Adira's turn yeah?" The binturong nodded, "thank you Basil!" He replied, giving the binturong a chin scratch before heading over to the hammock. He went to unfurl the bundle and looked inside before raising a brow, "what is this?" He asked before taking out what looked like a folder, golden colored blanket with strings, he unfolded it and noticed something peeking out, grabbing it he found a small fleece blanket with a rose design. Curious, Varian took off one of his gauntlet and gloves and touched the fabric, "wow, it's so soft! I've never seen this type of blanket before, by the looks of it it's incredibly old, must be from her home", he smiled at the cherished item before placing it carefully onto the hammock and tucking in the sides, putting his glove and gauntlet back on once he was finished. He then turned to the other blanket with the strings, "what the heck is this for?" He looked at the animals, all of them shrugged, "well let's see", he unfolded it even more to see a little handwritten tag that said 'roof' on it, "oh ok, this must go above the hammock then, nifty!"
He climbed up one of the trees the hammock was between and tied the clothe roof above the hammock before he slid down to look at his handiwork, "not bad?" The animals chittered with approval, "unusual sleeping pattern with a cherished blanket, pretty much sums Wise Eyes up huh?" They nodded, "alright, who's next?" Ruddigar ran over to the two remaining sleeping bags, grabbing, and struggling with, a large red one. He managed to get it to his boy before climbing on is shoulder, panting, "heh, thanks buddy, dad's next then", the teen replied as he scratched his raccoon behind the ears.
He walked over to his father's red tent and climbed in, smiling wide as he looked around at the familiar sight. The tent's color matched the outside with a comforting rustic red color, not too bright but not too dark, the tent itself was simple enough, if a little bigger than most, the only difference is the little paintings the lined it's ceiling. The alchemist walked over to them and ran his hand over it before he closed his eyes....
"Daddy look! They're letting da lanterns go!"
Quirin smiled, "then we should probably do the same yeah?"
"Yeah! You pwomised I could do it dis time! Can I do it? Pweeeeeeaaase!"
"Alright alright", his father chuckled, "but you gotta let me light it first okay?"
"Otay!"
The retired knight picked up both lanterns and lit them before he knelt down and handed one to his son, "ready?"
"Yeah!" They lifted them into the air and watched as they danced around each other before joining the rest of the group, the sight itself was breath taking and the 4 year old and his father watched until the last lantern passed, "wow! I hope day fine da lost pwincess soon daddy"
"I'm sure they will one day"
"Would you send wanterns out for me if I were wost daddy?"
His father chuckled, "Varian I'd stop at nothing to bring you home, and I'd send lanterns, fireworks, and anything else I could find to get you back to me"
"Pwomise?"
"Promise"
The tiny child giggled as he hugged his daddy
....Varian opened his eyes again as he looked at the painting he'd made that night before bed, it was of him and his father watching the lanterns, the words 'I wove my daddy' crudely written below the painting, what he didn't notice, before tonight, was another note right below the first, it read, 'I love you too, my bubbly little alchemist'. He was surprised at first, but felt his eyes fill with tears as he smiled wide, "dad.... Ugh! How do you manage to make me sentimental without even being here?!" He asked the air as Ruddigar patted his boy's cheek, "I'm alright buddy, dad's just a big evil jerk face.... a dopey and loving big evil jerk face", he stated before he wiped his eyes and unfurled the sleeping bag. He giggled a bit, "it's so freaking big!" He laid on it, his raccoon hopping to the floor as he measured his height out, "look buddy, I'm about up to dad's chest, in a couple years I'll be....", he raised his hand a bit, "...right about here, accurate?" Ruddigar thought for a moment before chittering and hopping over to his boy's hand, moving it a little lower before chittering, "that's barely anything, come on I'll be a *little* taller than that", the raccoon raised a brow, "tch, you're no fun". He smirked with rubbing his best friend's head.
"Having fun?" A low voice called out, startling the teen and making him sit up quickly, only to see his father watching him with a bemused look on his face.
"D-dad! I didn't see you there! Heh heh.... uh.... How long have you been there?"
"Big evil jerk face, no, a dopey and loving, big evil jerk face"
Varian blushed, "uh.... Tha-that was Ruddigar", the raccoon chittered then nudged his boy a bit, making the retired knight chuckle
"Well then, tell Ruddigar that he sounds like a dopey and loving tiny bratty stink bomb so we can leave my tent and start the fire"
"D-do I really-"
Quirin laughed, "I'm just kidding, come on"
The alchemist smiled as he exited his father's tent, the man following behind him and zipping it up before the duo looked around. Hector was petting Pixie and Basil happily as Adira looked at her hammock, after inspecting it she nodded with a smile before seeing the duo, "nice work Speckles"
"Thanks Wise Eyes! You're hammock is really cool!"
"Thank you", she replied, "I like your sleeping bag and tent, it's interesting that you wrote on the inside however"
The wild tamer looked up, "yeah what *was* all that?" He asked
Varian blushed again, "o-oh I uh, j-just some ideas that I come up with in my sleep while camping, t-they don't usually happen when I'm outside, but by the time I wake up I don't really have time to grab paper and a pencil to jot them down, so I wrote them in the tent"
"aaaaaaah", they both replied, seemingly understanding their nephew's logic
Quirin smiled, "how about we start the campfire, Adira caught a lot of fish while we were out, and Hector and I got plenty of firewood".
"Yeah! Are you gonna let me do it this time? You promised I'd be able to!" Varian stated, "pleeeeeeeeeease"
"Alright alright", his father chuckled, "but you gotta let me start it okay?"
"Okay!"
With that the retired knight began the process of making a campfire, he set the wood and rocks up and showed his son the motion of rolling the stick against the wood to get the smoke, the teen grew excited as he took over and began to roll the stick, the friction causing smoke to appear while his aunt and uncle watched, Quirin directed Varian as he began to blow on the smoke and finally got the first lit. Everyone cheered happily for the proud teen and began to get the fire bigger, none of them realized the eyes in the bush, watching the family as they began to roast hotdogs and fish over the fire, or the wide grin that spread across his face, "wait ain't that a pretty picture", the figure said, "such a cute little family, those hot dogs look rather nice too. Guess I'll have to partake in some, though I'll have to be careful, that burglar cat and those two fuzzy rats will probably try to bite me, dumb animals.... I hate animals", as he said that a large bird flew by and cawed at him, "n-not birds though, I *love b-birds, especially giant s-scary birds, heh heh". The creature seemed to get distracted by something else as it flew away, letting the man peer through the bushes once more, "soon little family, soon...."
Notes:
Buisine: Medieval trumpet (Ma look I learned somethin!)
I found out the creator of Adira, or at least one of them, was inspired by Korean culture for her design. So while she doesn't have a designated ethnicity, I based her blanket off of Korean fleece blankets, mind you I did had very limited time to research more about these blankets but every design I came across had some sort of flower on it, so I added a flower to her blanket!
First glimpse at the thief, anyone got any guesses? XD
Thank you for reading! :D
Chapter 60: The Mission! (Part 2.5!)
Summary:
Adira tells a story
Chapter Text
The sun had set hours ago as the little group ate their food and talked amongst themselves. Ruddigar, Basil, and Pixie had all but tuckered themselves out and were now sleeping in a heap in-between Hector and Varian, both of which would take turns scratching their animals behind their ears or stroking their fur happily. "So, how did you guys meet each other?" Varian asked as he and his uncle smirked at each other when they went to pet their animals, "I know how dad met grandpa, but how did you two come into the picture?"
Adira shared a glance with her brother, smiling before she answered, "it was a long time ago, well.... maybe not that long, we're not old.... Except Stickler", Quirin raised a brow.
"How did you get to the Dark Kingdom?"
The face painted warrior sighed, "I was about 6 years old when I first appeared, by that time I was in cahoots with a man, his name was the Baron"
The little alchemist was startled a bit, "I've h-heard of the Baron, Eugene and Lance, as well as Catalina and Angry, they... They all ran away from the Baron, told me to stay away from him if ever I came across him"
"They were right.... He was.... is, a very cruel and dangerous man....."
"What did he do? I-if you don't mind me asking"
His aunt smiled warmly at him, "I don't mind, I'm safe now, with these two, he can't hurt me anymore"
Quirin and Hector smiled, "and if he tries..." The retired knight started
"....We'll beat him the fuck up!" The wild tamer finished
Adira and Varian chuckled, "thanks you two", she replied before looking up at the sky, "I was 4 years old when I ran into the Baron. Me and my parents were celebrating my fourth birthday when our caravan was ransacked, his men killed my mother and father right in front of me, they were about to do the same to me before the man himself stopped them. See where I come from, white hair is a rare trait, even for older folk. Their hair would grow to be gray or even black, but never white. However my family is part of an elite blood type of ancient warriors, my father himself being a descendent of them, he had white hair as well in fact, where my mother had red. The Baron recognized our family, and scolded his men for killing him before he smiled at me, he had me chained up and blindfolded so I couldn't see where we were headed. The only times I was able to have my restraints removed was when I was let out to.... do my business... So to speak"
Varian saw red, "he-he k-k.... HE'S A FUCKING ASSHOLE!"
"Varian!" Quirin scolded
"He's not wrong", Hector replied, making Adira laugh
"Sorry but can you really *blame* me?!" The teen asked incredulously
"I-!" The retired knight stopped and thought about what his sister just said, "....I'll let that go, because you're right, but just this once.... But you're not allowed to repeat it"
Varian sighed, "fine, but my opinion is fact!"
"Yeah", Adira replied
"Yep", Hector agreed
"Mmhm", his father concurred before gesturing for the face painted warrior to continue
With a smirk to her nephew, she began once more, "my family, like I said, is from an elite blood type of ancient warriors, so even though I'd never been in a fight, my senses were already trained to know how to handle a situation, at least survive it. I knew I had to make as many excuses as I could to get the blindfold taken off, and to also make sure I kept my legs and arms moving so, if I did manage to escape, I could run. Unfortunately it also meant the Baron had plenty of reasons to... get a little rough with me.... He never did anything serious, as much of an asshole he was, he never stooped that low, but he wasn't above beatings or painful punishments. If I spoke out of turn or did something he didn't approve of, he'd slap me, hit me, punch me, he'd even used a bamboo stick on my back, and mind you, I was still 4 years old, so I really couldn't do much against him. That is, until I met Stickler for the first time, he was 15 years old when we'd first come into contact with him"
"You were my age?" Varian looked at his dad who nodded, "what were you doing?"
"I was on one of my very first missions, just like you, but I was with King Edmund at the time, he was teaching me how to be sneaky"
"Irony much?"
"Little bit yeah"
The face painted warrior chuckled again, "well I was lucky you were training in that, because the caravan stopped for another.... break.... I had my blindfold off and was given a small ounce of privacy while handling my business, when I noticed something shimmering in the sunlight. When I was finished, I didn't say anything to the person keeping watch, he was given a time limit for me, 5 minutes, I'd gotten quicker after a while and managed to finish in 1 minute, so I tried to see what the shimmering thing was. Only to see it was attached to a boy. He had a hand over his eyes and was blushing, so I knew he'd seen me, I hadn't seen another person before, so I was desperate. I found a pebble and threw it at him, when he uncovered his eyes, I waved, he actually blushed harder and went to leave when, again desperate, I ran over to him and clung to his arm. He turned to face me and I shushed him and pointed to the guard, I think you figured it out from there didn't you?"
Quirin nodded, "a girl with bruises and cuts all over her, telling me to be quiet and pointing to a man with his back turned to her, yeah caught on pretty quick"
She rolled her eyes but smiled, "I was grateful either way, your father didn't hesitate, he grabbed my arm and pulled me over to his hiding spot, ducking down and telling me to stay quiet as he pulled a bunch of thorn cover bramble in front of us. I was so scared that I could hear my heart in my ears, but I felt him rub my arm softly, which was something my mother used to do, it comforted me. The guard finally turned around and saw that I was gone, he started to call for me, saying he wouldn't tell if I came quietly, and begging for me to come back or else the Baron would have his head. I didn't move, even if I did feel pity for him, Stickler held me close and kept me calm, the guard ended up walking right past the bramble, when he did, your father leaped out and knocked him unconscious before he took my hand and we *ran*!"
The teen's eyes were sparkling, "how'd you feel?"
"In a word, exhilarated, sure I was running for my life with a complete stranger, but I was away from the Baron, that's all I cared about, though I was slowed down due to the chains around my ankles and wrists, but I kept up just fine. We managed to run and fair bit away before we stopped, hiding behind a rock, I hadn't noticed it before then, but two men were talking right in front of us, when I looked, the Baron was talking to a man I'd never seen before, they were laughing with each other and having a great time, that's when I felt Stickler pull on my arm, he wanted me to go *towards* them!"
"What?!" Varian stared at his father
"I didn't know she was running from *him*! I only saw the guard", the retired knight defended
"You're in the dog house now aren't ya?" Hector teased, getting a glare from the man
Adira smirked, "he honestly didn't know Speckles"
"I know, still... I'm very protective over the tiny aunt Wise Eyes!" He crossed his arms with a huff
Quirin and the wild tamer snorted as the face painted warrior beamed, "either way, I didn't budge, I looked at him pleadingly, he took the hint and stopped pulling, instead crouching to my level once more and giving me a concerned looked before another man joined the two. One of the other guards had found the first one knocked out and they were now searching for me. The Baron cursed then asked his friend to help him out, saying I was dangerous and not to judge me by my looks, the stranger agreed and began to search, that's when Stickler pushed against me and hid me behind his back. The stranger walked by, before he fully left however, he sighed, "I know you're there Quirin, and I know you're hiding someone else with you, is she really what they say, or am I being lied to?" That's when your father answer, "you're being lied to", in a very quiet voice, which scared me, but he gave me a reassuring smile and held my hand. That's when the stranger sighed, "I knew it", he's said, "I've seen him before, you know where to take her, be swift about it, did they see you?" Stickler told him the knocked out guard had and the man just nodded and walked away".
"That was grandpa wasn't it?" Varian smiled wide, Adira nodded, "figured, he taught dad, their instincts are very similar to each other"
Quirin raised a brow before he picked his son up and placed him in his lap before wrapping his arms around the boy, "I hope you mean that in a good way"
The alchemist giggled as he snuggled into his father's vest, "I do, I definitely do"
"You two are like those three", Hector replied before pointing to the two binturongs and one raccoon snuggled happily together, "you know that right?"
"We're aware", his brother stated
"We're team 'Daditude'! Which basically means we get to snuggle and ignore the judgement because we can", the teen replied, getting his father to chuckle
Adira raised a brow, "Daditude?"
Varian snickered, "it was my idea, Dad is him, attitude is me, 'Daditude'!"
"I see", she smirked, "that one's cute, I approve of that nickname"
"Yeah", the wild tamer replied, "it's actually clever"
The teen beamed before he gestured for his aunt to continued, she smiled, "well after that Stickler took me to their camp site and began to patch me up, he only had basic medical training at the time, so he couldn't fix everything, but he'd done a good job cleaning the gashes and wrapping me in bandages, even getting the nasty marks on my back. When he was done, he started a fire and told me to stay near it while he guarded the entrance, he promised I'd be safe as well, and I did as I was told. I ended up falling asleep after a while, my body was so tired from the day's events, when I woke up however, I saw a blanket was wrapped around me and the fire was still going, I also heard two men talking, but I recognized your father's voice, and the stranger's voice as well. I sat up and looked around, "hey you're awake", your father had said, he was next to me in an instant and checked me over, I could barely make out what he was saying, my head was swimming for some reason, I heard the work, 'sick', before I passed out again. When I came to for the second time, I was in a bed, laying on my back with a night gown on and no recollection of how I'd gotten there. Safe to say I was a little freaked out, but your father had been there when I woke up and explained where I was, the Dark Kingdom's medical wing, I'd been asleep for two days with a nasty illness, apparently I was lucky, any longer and I would've been dead".
"Did she...." Varian looked up at his father with a sad expression
Quirin nodded, "she had the plague, she'd have it for a couple more weeks after that, but she survived thankfully"
"Still though.... That had to be difficult to see again"
"It was, but she's still here", he smiled at his sister lovingly, "and I'm very glad she is"
The face painted warrior smiled back, "glad to be here, with you, Speckles, and Wild Child", she looked over at Hector, and he nodded, not really emoting much, she smiled, "you can tell he's happy too"
"Shut up Adira", he replied, a little softer this time
She smiled even wider, "well, after that there's not much to tell, Fuz Face accepted me as one of his own and I trained to become what I am today. The blanket I received from your father, he said he'd found it at my old village and gave it to me, it was my mother's"
"Wow", Varian replied as he stifled a yawn, "sorry, that was an amazing, yet heartbreaking, story, I'm really sorry you went through that...."
"It's not your fault Speckles, it's just what happens, but I found a new family and home after that, so I'd say I'm pretty happy with how it ended, wouldn't you?"
"Uh huh!" The teen nodded happily before he yawned once more
Quirin chuckled, "I think someone's ready for bed"
"But I haven't gotten that bath you wanted me to get yet", he argued tiredly, trying to give his father puppy dog eyes
Hector snorted, "smart argument"
The retired knight shook his head, "you can get one tomorrow, I found a place you can bathe in, for now, lets get you to bed, alright?"
Varian yawned once more, "fiiine, goodnight aunt Adira, goodnight uncle Hector", he replied as he was picked up by his father
"Goodnight Speckles"
"Night spawn", Varian giggled at his father's stink eye before the man picked up Ruddigar, who chittered tiredly before being set in his boy's arms and falling asleep again, and carried them both to the teen's tent, leaving Adira and Hector alone for a moment.
They were silent, both just listened to the crickets chirping before Adira felt caught a pebble just before it hit her arm, "what's this for?"
"Just because", the wild tamer replied
The face painted warrior smiled, "I'm happy you're here too Hector", she stated, noticing the small smile her brother gave before she looked back up at the stars again, feeling at peace.
Notes:
So I didn't think I'd be finishing this tonight, but I'm very glad I did, originally this was going to be one long chapter, but I wanted Adira to have her moment without interruption, don't worry, Hector will get his soon, but this is what I imagine happened to Adira before the Dark Kingdom.
Sorry if it's not what you were expecting, but hey, that just means there's a longer chapter for our thief and our brotherhood beans, plus Varian!
Thank you all very much for reading!!!!! :D
Chapter 61: The Mission! (Part 3!)
Summary:
The thief ends up with something precious, but unknowingly releasing something dark in the process.
Notes:
You'll see what I mean X3
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"You won't r-right?"
"We won't, don't worry, you'll even have Ruddigar as your guard if we get too close"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I'm sure, now go on, before lunch is finished cooking"
"A-alright", the little alchemist blushed as he was nudged by his father towards the river just down the path near their campsite, Ruddigar trailing right behind him.
When the teen reached the edge of the river, he looked around and saw that someone had made a small space, almost like a changing room. When the teen walked over to it, he noticed a note from his father that read: 'So you don't feel out in the open -Dad'. He smiled, "thanks dad", he began to shed his clothing, putting it on a couple branches the retired knight had managed to tire together to make a sort of shelf, the teen smiled, "I'll have to ask him about that later, he may not be an alchemist, be he sure can build!"
With that he walked over to the river and slowly made his way inside, shivering a little as the cool water touched his skin. Getting used to the temperature, Varian walked deeper into the river and began to wash himself, he'd gotten a little more comfortable as time went on and began to relax a bit before he heard a couple chitters in the forest behind him. Looking at his best friend, he saw Ruddigar's tail poofed and his hackles raised, the little alchemist ducked into the water up to his nose and walked/swam over to a nearby rock so he couldn't be spotted, "t-that better be my dad c-checking on me....." He stated quietly to himself.
He was blushing profusely as he hid behind the rock, hearing Ruddigar continue to chitter at the unknown assailant, suddenly, a thought struck him and made his blood run cold, *if that were dad, my uncle, or my aunt, surly they would've calmed Ruddigar down by now, b-but he's still chittering... which means either someone is here by accident, or it's t-that thief we came here to find.....* He shivered even more as the thought scared him that some strange person might be lurking about the bushes. He closed his eyes, hoping whoever they were would leave him and his raccoon alone, not hearing a small yelp that came from whoever they were, a curse, then a thud. He was just so scared, he felt so venerable, the last time he felt this was during the blizzard, *nonononono*, he tried to shut those thoughts out, so much so that he hadn't noticed Ruddigar no longer chittering.
He began to use Eugene's breathing exercises and managed to calm himself, but when he realized all was silent, his heart dropped, "R-Ruddigar?" He called quietly, he got no reply, "Ruddigar??" Still no reply, he peeked out from behind the rock and couldn't see his little friend anywhere. Ducking down into the river again, he swam over to where his friend had been and looked around, only popping out halfway to look around the bushes, "Ruddigar???" He called for the third time, still no answer. Deciding enough was enough, he swam over to the makeshift changing room and, looking around once more, darted out of the river, dried himself off quickly, and put his clothing back on, skipping the shoes for time's sake and holding them instead.
He ran back towards the camp. "RUDDIGAR?" He called out louder, hoping that maybe his best friend would've ran back to the site, "RUDDIGAR?!" His heart was pounding even faster as he could see the clearing to the camp coming up, "RUDDIGAAAAAR?!" Still no reply, he ran past the clearing kept looking around, his vision blurring from the tears stinging in his eyes, silently begging that his pal had just ran to get his father, but something told him he hadn't. "PLEASE COME OUT!!!!!" He yelled, he was turning around quickly, looking for any signs of his raccoon, seeing nothing he turned back, only to bump into something large, soft, and fluffy.
"Varian?" A familiar voice said, startling the boy so badly that he let out a yelp and backed up a bit, dropping his shoes, pulling out the small carving knife Adira had given him and instantly taking a fighting stance. He glared through his tears, only being able to see a large person standing before him, remembering what he'd been taught he decided to close his eyes, he heard the person in front of him step back, so he sprang forwards, slashing the blade through the air. He suddenly felt himself miss, but heard the person sidestep over to his right, they took out a blade of their own and were saying something, but the teen couldn't make out what they were saying in his panicked stated, he pivoted and slashed forwards again, hearing his blade clang against theirs before he was hugged from behind.
He tried to use his blade against the person holding him but it was knocked out of his hand before he could, his eyes were still closed but his tears were falling freely now as he tried to slap the other person, he managed to hit them but it wasn't enough to break him out of their hold, for a moment he felt the air freeze, hearing more than one voice around him, that is, until they stopped talking and he heard another familiar voice in his ear, "Speckles", she said, "Speckles can you hear me?" Her voice was soft and calm, with a hint of worry mixed in.
"Bubby it's okay, it's us", another voice said, this one had cupped the teen's cheek gently and was stroking it with his thumb soothingly
"You're okay spawn, you're safe", the third voice added, the alchemist felt two furry animals rub against him, which made him sob more.
Varian finally snapped out of his stooper and sobbed, relaxing while simultaneously leaning into his father's hand, "d-dad.... Ruddigar's g-gone.... I d-don't know w-where he w-went or w-what h-happened to him and h-he was c-chittering before ab-bout something and-!"
"Shhhh it's okay, it's okay", he still had his eyes closed, but felt him father lift him up and wrap his arms around him protectively, he was being held like one would a baby, but he didn't care. He snuggled into the retired knight's soft vest and cried, curling in on himself and letting it all out, he felt his aunt rub his back as his uncle spoke to him softly, reassuring that he was safe and they'd find his raccoon.
****
Half an hour later, Varian had calmed down, he was still in his father's arms but they'd managed to get him to eat and drink some water as Quirin patched up his feet and held him once more, Hector volunteering to go to the river to scout for clues in the meantime, he took Pixie and Basil with him. Adira had made some tea and slowly but surely got the scared teen to drink it as well, she was now sitting next to her brother and nephew, continuing to rub the alchemist's back as Quirin kept holding him. "Felling a little better?" His father asked gently, giving his son a calming smile.
"Mmhm", Varian replied, though his throat was sore from yelling and crying
The retired knight chuckled, "gave yourself a pretty good scare there hm?"
"S-sorry..."
"No it's alright, at least I know the sword fighting has been paying off, I had to unsheathe one of my blades to make sure you didn't stab me, that's pretty impressive"
The alchemist smiled tiredly at his father before he looked around, "R-ruddigar..."
"Wild Child is looking for him as we speak, don't worry, if I know him he won't stop until he's found something", the face painted warrior answered, "bit of an animal lover, if you couldn't tell", she added with a smile before looking serious, "for us to help you find him though, we need to know what happened".
Varian nodded and, wiggling a little to signal he wanted to be put down, he pulled his knees up to his chest and leaned back into his father's stomach as he sat in his lap, "I was taking my bath and u-unclothed and everything when Ruddigar s-started chittering. At first I t-thought it might've been one of y-you but he d-didn't stop a-and I got scared s-so I h-hid behind a rock and t-tried to calm d-down and he k-kept chittering and I t-thought about the blizzard a-!"
"Hey, hey it's okay, breathe son, breathe", Quirin interrupted, getting his boy to stop and take a couple breathes before continuing
"S-sorry"
"It's alright, what happened after you noticed him missing?" His aunt asked, exchanging a glance with her brother before deciding against asking about the blizzard.
Varian took one last breath and let it out before he continued, "....I called out for him, I didn't g-get a reply so", he took another breath, "I called out again, this time louder, still no reply. I checked where he was and saw nothing, so I got out of the water", he cringed at his voice crack but kept going, "dried off quickly, a-and went to look for him. I thought maybe he ran back here, but the closer I got the more panicked I b-became and well, I couldn't see by the time I got back here s-so bumping into someone and not being able to m-make out what they were saying, I closed my eyes and pulled out my carving knife... S-sorry", he looked up at his father, who nodded with understanding, "t-that's about it, y-you know the rest".
They nodded, both thinking for a moment before Adira chimed in, "neither of us were there, and it's unlike Ruddigar to run off like that. I'm guessing that means he is either following the thief or-!"
"Adira", Quirin warned
"I-it's okay dad I...." He sighed, "I know the other option... I really hope that isn't it.... I really hope it's not...."
At the river....
Hector rifled through the handmade changing room to see if there were any signs of struggle, he noticed a couple sticks were broken, but nothing an animal would do, they were snapped like something had pulled hard on them, that was his nephew's doing, *trying to get his clothes on fast as he can no doubt*. He turned to look at his two binturongs, who were sniffing around for the little raccoon, they'd been left around the trees a couple of times, which made the wild tamer raise a brow, *why would a raccoon run around a tree like that? I get he's not that old but really? I don't get the impression Ruddigar's dumb, so what was he-!*
The thought struck him and he walked over to the trees Pixie and Basil were sniffing, he knelt down and lifted a bramble up, letting out a gasp, "blood", he said, placing his index finger in it and sniffing, "human blood, he managed to trick the thief into pricking his finger, not bad, but then where is he?" He looked around the bramble and noticed the same blood dripped away from the bramble, he followed it, having a bad feeling where it might lead, seeing Ruddigar's own footprints still in the bramble, *he was following the human, but why?* He thought.
The bad feeling got worse when he looked over to the river, the person that had been there had a bunch of tree limbs in the way, so what were they walking towards, he stopped when he heard Pixie, who was walking in front of him, give a low growl, her hackles raised. Basil, who was walking beside him, walked over to his mate and also gave a low growl, the wild tamer raised his brow again, freeing his sword from its gauntlet as he stepped forward, the bad feeling growing worse and worse, when he saw what his binturongs did, he glared and bared his teeth as his mind faltered a bit at what he saw.
****
"That was close, guess I outsmarted you huh? You stupid little thing" The man teased as he poked at the bag in his hand.
The creature inside growled and wiggled furiously.
"Ah ah ah, we mustn't be a sore loser! After all, I caught you fair and square, and you'll make a lovely dinner too!"
The mammal once again growled and tried to break free, scratching and clawing at the bag.
The man laughed, "don't waste your energy, I've caught way worse things than you in there, and none of them managed to escape!"
Angry chitters could be heard from the bag as the animal persisted in trying to get out
"Aw what, still upset that I have you in a bag? Well here!" He opened the bag and dumped the mammal out
The raccoon froze for a moment before trying to scurry away, ignoring his aching paw. He managed to shake off the pain and went to run forwards when he heard something shut, he ended up running into a barrier that wasn't there before, he chittered angrily, looking up at the man and glaring.
"What? You didn't think I was actually gonna let you *go* did you? Like I said you're my meal, course I do have those hot dogs I managed to grab from that weird campsite, can't wait to have those either! Maybe I'll save you for tomorrow's lunch, what do you say burglar cat?"
The raccoon chittered even more, anger and worry washing over him as he thought more and more about who he left behind. He tried desperately to get the man to understand, he wanted to go back, he *needed* to go back! His boy was away from him, that wasn't good, the last time he'd been away for too long.... Ruddigar didn't want to think about it, all he knew was that he needed to go back, he needed his boy, he begged the man, pleaded with him, even giving puppy dog eyes, could you blame him? He was desperate!
The thief raised a brow before seemingly realizing what the raccoon was saying, "you're worried about that kid aren't you? What were you his pet or something?"
The raccoon chittered again, nodding profusely and trying to tell him he needed to go back, he needed to understand!
"Pfft! Nice try! Like any kid would have a pet bugler cat! Geez you really think I'm that dumb? I'm not the best thief in the kingdom for nothin you know!"
Ruddigar raised a brow, clearly unconvinced
The thief took note of that, "alright so I'm second to Flynn Rider, but *he's* livin the high life with the princess right now! So's his friend Lance Strongbow for that matter! So they don't count anymore, which would make *me* the best thief in this kingdom!"
The raccoon still looked unconvinced, but brushed it aside, trying again to convince the thief to let him go!
The man ignored him and grabbed one of the stolen hot dogs, "I'm not letting you go, you can't fool me, I'm way too smart for you! I caught you fair and square, and besides, you shouldn't have gotten in the way! So stop your chitterin and let me eat my hot dog in peace!" With that he began to roast the sausage and hum to himself, ignoring the chitters still coming from the cage, even when they persisted well into the night.
****
To say the wild tamer was angry was the understatement of the year, he cursed all the way back to the campsite, shouting a bunch of "fuck this" and "shit head" that, and those were the tame ones. He stomped into their campsite, startling all three people who were sitting by the fire, well two of them, Adira knew he was coming a mile away, merely jumping out of the way of a flying stick he'd accidentally sent flying her way, "that fucking shit stain of a coward is gonna fucking lose his dick if it's that last fucking thing I do!"
Varian was a little shocked, but looked up at his father with annoyance when the man put his hands over his son's ears, "do you mind? Your blue steak is gonna blind me", the retired knight retorted making the face painted warrior laugh
"Are you- THIS ISN'T ABOUT MY FUCKING CUSSING! YOU'RE FUCKING SPAWN WAS ALMOST KILLED IN THOSE WOODS AND THAT FUCKING COWARD TOOK RUDDIGAR BECAUSE HE WAS PROTECTING HIM!"
"Wait what?!" The little alchemist asked, removing his father's hands from his ears and his eyes growing wide with fear, "he's got Ruddigar?!"
"Yeah he does, and he used a fucking shitty cop out to do it!" The tamer replied
"Cop out? What do you mean cop out?" Adira asked, getting up and facing the tamer, Quirin and Varian doing the same
Hector huffed, "me, Pixie, and Basil found this in the woods where your spawn was bathing", he pulled out a crossbow, the arrow was nocked and ready to fire. "It was pointed at the fucking lake and had his shitty ass blood on it, at first I was angry because he had a fucking weapon pointed at my nephew, but Basil found Ruddigar's fur on the floor next to it, along with a string from what I assume is a bag, looks cheap and tattered, but it would be enough to hold a raccoon". He held up the string and fur and glared, "your fucking raccoon is so overprotective of you that he'd do anything to keep you safe, I saw blood on a nearby tree, I'm guessing he knocked the fucker away from you and got snagged in the process".
"Ruddigar...." The little alchemist felt his tears roll down his cheeks again as he thought about his best friend defending him, "he would... B-but why would the guy t-take him?! Why w-wouldn't he just knock him away and t-try to kill me?"
"My guess is he's low on food and thought any victory would be better than fucking none, thing that kills me is that he hurt your raccoon, aimed at you, got knocked back, and probably went back to the cross fucking bow again"
"What makes you say that?" Quirin asked, glancing at his son worriedly
Hector held up the fur again, "because this had his blood on it, but it's dry, the crossbow", he held up the weapon, "has wet blood, and not just his. Jackass probably tried to get rid of the raccoon, which means....." He stopped and looked at his nephew, flashing a bit of sympathy his way
Varian understood instantly, his eyes flaring with rage as he balled his fists, "Ruddigar's hurt.... He hurt my best friend and took him away because he was trying to protect me.... 'Any victory is better than none', he either killed him and ran, or took him and plans to kill him later...."
The tamer nodded, "yeah".
The alchemist looked down, he was shaking as his blood boiled, he felt something cold and dark boiling to the surface, something he'd hope would never show up again, but he wasn't about to let it stop. Turning he grabbed his shoes and put them on before going into his tent and coming out with a couple goo traps, some bath bombs, and a his carving knife, placing all of them inside his belt he looked at his uncle, seeing the same anger in the man that he now felt, "let's get my best friend back".
Notes:
I love me a cup of "edgy Varian", don't you? Right next to my angsty-o's cereal and my burnt toast, the perfect meal combo to write an angry chapter with! XD
Ruddigar is precious and adorable and we all love and stan him in this house hold!
Quirin being a good papa and hiding teen bean ears from the blue streak that is Hector is my favorite XD
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 62: The Mission! (Part 4!)
Summary:
The group go off on a rescue mission to save Ruddigar
Chapter Text
Varian stared at the road ahead as he and Hector walked fast over to the river where Ruddigar had been taken, Quirin and Adira walking after them, both exchanging very concerned glances with each other. They'd had Pixie and Basil stay behind to watch the camp as they got to the river and found the bramble the raccoon had hidden in. Varian took out a vial from his pocket and dropped a bit of it's contents onto the floor, revealing paw prints that glowed in the moonlight, "that's impressive", Adira stated
"Ruddigar liked to wonder around when he was younger, so I made a chemical that could track his pawprints so I could see where he went", the teen explained, following the prints as another set appeared, Adira was about to ask when Varian beat her to it, "it makes raccoon shaped tracks glow, even when they're gone, the potion doesn't differentiate between human feet and raccoon paws however since they're so similar. Never got the kinks worked out, guess that's a good thing in this case".
She shut her mouth and followed silently, looking at the retired knight, who was staring at his son's back worriedly, before facing forwards and following again. The wild tamer and the little alchemist stopped at a spot, looking at it intently before looking forwards, "this is when he took him", Hector stated, getting a silent nod in return, "good to go?"
"Ready as I'll ever be", he replied while unsheathing his knife
They walked forwards and began the trek to find the thief
****
Ruddigar was in the cage, he'd tried everything he could to get out, scratching, biting, even using his paws to unlatch the lock, nothing worked. His stomach growled and he looked over at the man who'd taken him, he was asleep, downed about a apple cart full of hotdogs before he'd finally passed out, the raccoon gave the man a glare before he looked up to the sky. He was so tired, he just wanted to sleep, but he needed to get back to his boy, he needed to, but what else could he do?
"*snort snort* hot dogs *snort* r-raccoon....." he heard the man mumble, the small mammal smiled a bit, remembering how his boy would mumble in his sleep, though he'd list off inventions and chemical equations. Ruddigar chittered out a small laugh, he missed his boy, he wanted to hug him, wrap his tail around him, comfort him-, "you won't get the b-best of....." the man mumbled again, kicking his foot in the air like a dog when you scratch their belly.
Ruddigar rolled his eyes and looked around, trying to see if there was anything he could find that would help him when suddenly, his eyes spotted something shimmering in the moon light. Lighting up a bit he saw it was a lock pick, chittering excitedly Ruddigar reached his tail through the bars and tried to grab the pick, his tail ended up coming shot however. He growled but then had a thought, looking at what he was placed on, a wooden crate, he figured the height was less than what he'd jumped before and decided the risk was worth it, "I-I'm Dwayne! I.... *snore*" He heard the man, Dwayne he guessed, mumbled once more in his sleep.
The raccoon took a couple breaths before running to the back of the cage and slamming himself against the front, moving it forwards just a bit. Giving himself an excited chitter he repeated the process until the cage started to tip over, bracing himself for impact, he ran to the front of the cage as it fell and stood on the door. The caged clambered to the ground, knocking the small mammal off his paws for a moment. But he shook it off and got up, looking around he saw the lock pick sitting in the grass, chittering happily once more, the raccoon reached his tail out and managed to snag it, but before he could pull it back in, he felt the cage lift up, and saw angry, brown eyes glaring at him, "you damn dumb animal!" He chuckled before slamming the cage back on the crate and placing a large sack of food on top before bending down and picking up the lock pick.
Ruddigar chittered angrily, ignoring his aching paw and headache, he growled at the man and persisted that he left him out, "I told you I'm not lettin you out! Just for that, I'm not gonna wait til mornin, I'm gonna have you cooked up and fried right now!" He walked over to the cage and, taking the sack off it, picked it up, heading straight for the campfire.
The raccoon chittered and growled, begging the man not to, trying to say he wouldn't just be killing him, but the man ignored his pleas, humming to himself he slammed the cage down, knocking Ruddigar down and making him step on his hurt paw, he let out a loud yelp at that, before beginning to light the campfire again, "you're gonna taste great, I've never had raccoon before, but hey, once I've gotten you cleaned up a bit, you'll be a perfect meal for me t-!" He stopped dead when he saw a carving knife had been thrown at him, it missed by an inch, landing in the tree next to him. The thud that came after speaking volumes of it's intentions, Dwayne looked over and saw a small teen standing across from his, he was skinny and small, would be an easy, but that's not what scared the thief, it was his eyes, they were hallow. The teen's eyes were big, blue, and looked like they could light a room, but the way they were glaring at the man only sent cold shivers down his spine, "h-hey, who the heck are you?! Y-you're not tryin to get my meal are you? The raccoon's mine you hear?! I caught it fair and square so you can just back off!"
That was the wrong thing to say apparently because the boy dug in his pocket and threw something that let out a pink fog and sparkles. Coughing, Dwayne waved his hand around to get the stuff away from him before seeing the boy again, "why you-!" He stopped short when he felt his feet were unable to move. Looking down he noticed some kind of pink jelly surrounding his ankles, "what the hell? What *is* this?!"
"In a word, alchemy", another voice replied, Dwayne turned to find it's source but was met with a blade to the throat when he tried, a man's voice whispering in his ear, "heya shithead, you kidnapped my nephew's best friend, I'm gonna need you to give him back, like now", he emphasized his point by digging the blade into the thief's skin, getting a yelp of pain and surprise
"W-what? I haven't kidnapped anybody! L-let me go, you've got the wrong guy!" He tried to struggle but stopped when he felt the blade dig deeper, letting out another yelp of pain, "ok ok! You can have whatever you want, my food, my tent, I don't care! Just let me go!" He begged
"Wild Child, that's enough", another voice, this one female, called out before a women hopped out of a tree, startling Dwayne, "let him go, he said he'd cooperate, there's no need to draw this out"
"What's with you and hopping out of trees sister?" The man, Wild child? Asked the women who appeared to be his sister
"Element of surprise, now put him down, he'd obviously not a threat anymore, and we weren't trained to kill someone that didn't pose a threat"
Wild Child sighed, "kay", he replied before letting Dwayne go, making the man fall to the floor and back up against a tree
"W-who are you people?! And why do you think I kidnapped someone?! I-I didn't I didn't do anything to you!" He yelled
"But you did", the boy said, Dwayne looked over at him, his spine practically freezing under his icy glare, "you stole my best friend, what's worse is you hurt him. You want to say you didn't do anything to us, to me, but look what you did to him?" He pointed at the cage that was still in the thief's hand
Dwayne looked at Ruddigar, completely confused, "w-wait, this burglar cat, he really is yours?" He held up the cage with Ruddigar inside it, the raccoon chittering madly and reaching out to his boy
"Yes he does, he's my best friend, and you took him, you hurt him, you caged him, you *scared* him, y-you, you...." Varian suddenly felt darkness sweep over him, he felt nothing after that and only saw that man, the one who hurt his Ruddigar. He glared daggers at him, the whispers he'd been ignoring coming back to him
*He deserves the same!*
*He hurt my raccoon!*
*Ruddigar looks so afraid*
*The thief looks terrified*
*He should be...*
*He should hurt*
*He *needs* to hurt*
*I hate him*
*I HATE HIM!*
"VARIAN STOP!" A voice screamed, snapping out of the darkness, the teen was back to reality and noticed he was holding the carving knife against the man's neck, Ruddigar was practically screaming at him from the cage as a large hand had grabbed his arm and was holding him back, "you're going too far!" Varian looked up at the person and recognized him as his father, the retired knight's eyes were filled with worry and fear, the teen then looked over at what he knew was his aunt and uncle, they were closer to him, and they looked scared, very scared.
*Who are they afraid of?*
*It must be that man*
*Then why are they looking at me?*
*This doesn't make any sense*
*What's going on?*
*Am I doing something wrong?*
*What am I doing?*
*WHAT AM I DOING?!*
Varian dropped the knife and backed away from the thief, he looked at his father confused, he wasn't sure what happened, "d-dad I.... I don't f-feel right.... W-what's happening to me?"
The retired knight stared at his son, his boy, his little light, and he felt him fading. Lance had told him about this, a shut down is what he'd called it, the former thief's words echoing in the man's mind....
"If Varian ever shows signs of him not showin any emotion, that's called a mental shut down, it's when someone's mind is so hurt or under so much stress that their body shuts down the first useless thing inside it, to a brain, that's your emotions because they get in the way of gettin stuff done", Lance stated, as he and Quirin sat in the family room, a sleeping Varian in the retired knight's lap
The father looked at his boy with concern before looking back at the man, "what should I do if that happens? Should I do anything or should I leave him be?"
"Don't *ever* leave him alone when he's like that, for some people it's because they're depression is acting up, they may end up hurtin themselves, for people with anxiety, they'll overthink until sick, for Varian, he'll get *angry*. Now I know that kid is good, he's always been good, but he's got a lot and I mean a *lot* of pent up anger and sorrow inside that tiny body. If his emotions shut down and you see that dark side of him start to come out, stick to him like glue, because his emotions keep his brain in check", Lance then sighed and looked at the sleeping alchemist, he looked so peaceful, holding Ruddigar like a teddy bear and mumbling. "Quirin, I'm gonna tell you somethin, and you may not like it at all, but you're gonna have to trust me okay?"
Quirin nodded, "I trust you"
Lance smiled sincerely before sighing again and looking at the father, "I love your kid, I love him like a little brother, he's sweet, kind, caring, and above everything else is my closest friend outside of Eugene Fitzherbert himself! But.... When he goes into that state, where his mind and his heart aren't seein eye to eye, he's the scariest being I have ever seen, I'd rather take ten Cassandra's with the power of the moonstone over one emotionally shut down Varian.... If he gets to that point, no matter how logical he is, you need to stop him from doin whatever he's about to do and calm him down, because odds are, he's gonna do somethin he won't come back from Quirin, he almost did when you were trapped.... I love him, but he's got a lot to work on, the only way he's gonna work on it, is if he follows what I told him, but in a situation like that, he's gonna need you to remind him, you're the only one that can do it Quirin, you gotta promise that you will, no matter what".
The retired knight was startled at this, he could never think of his little boy as a killer, ever. But, he looked down, he never thought of him as a queen-napper either.... Remembering that, and how hard he'd clung to his vest the night he himself was freed, Quirin looked at the former thief and nodded, "I promise"
....Quirin stared at his son, glancing over at Hector and Adira as well, who seemed to be startled by their nephew's tone, before he looked back at his son, kneeing before him, and placing his hands on his son's small shoulders, "Varian, you're angry and hurt and scared, I understand that.... But you are not yourself right now".
"I'm fine?" The alchemist replied, the statement sounding more like a question than an answer
"No you're not, you're not letting yourself feel anything, you've shut down son".
"Shut d-down?" His boy tilted his head to the side, a small spark of curiosity stirring within him
Quirin nodded, "Varian you.... What do you feel right now?"
"What do I...."
"What do you feel?" He repeated
The teen placed a hand on his chest and felt blinked a couple times, "I feel my heat beat, and my h-head hurts a little"
"No I mean emotionally", his father stated gently
"I.... D-don't...."
"Exactly, you should be angry, frustrated, scared, sad, worried, upset, something, but you're not, are you?"
"I.... What's wrong with me?"
That broke Quirin's heart, his son was looking at him with his big blue eyes and all the man could see was how much anger he had at himself, "Varian you're so upset at what happened that your mind got overstressed, it blocked you off, it took you away from yourself so you could solve the problem. And you were so hellbent on finding Ruddigar that you lost yourself in the process, you shut down", he cupped his son's cheek, "but you stopped, you stopped in the nick of time, and you have a chance to come back, I'm right here son, I'm right here, come back to me, please come back", he hugged his boy, clinging to him tightly and letting his tears soak into his shirt
Varian was so confused, his mind was quiet for a moment, not even the voices were speaking now. He felt his father holding him so tightly he could barely breath, but he didn't know why, his mind was blank, he couldn't hear anything, he could see anything, he was drifting, until *please come back*, his father's words echoed in his mind, bouncing from one end to the other, cracking the darkness and repeating themselves, suddenly a drop of something came back, it was warm and bright, he wanted to touch it. Another drop followed after, and another after that, suddenly the drops turned into rain, and the rain flooded his mind, drowning the darkness away and pouring the light back in, so much so that it leaked out of his eyes, and he cried.
The alchemist's arms slowly wrapped around his father's back clinging to the his vest tightly as he continued to cry, he cried and cried and cried some more, "there you are", he heard his father say, "there you are", he felt the man pick him and cradle him as Varian just clung to his vest and continued to let his pain out. Turning to his siblings Quirin smiled, "I think you two can handle this, right?"
They nodded, and Adira walked over to the thief and grabbed a fistful of his shirt, lifting up from his sitting position but unable to lift him further due to the goo trapping his feet, "I'm only going to say this once", she began, but before she could continue Dwayne stopped her
"I'll give the raccoon back"
"What?"
He managed to get himself out of her grip, balancing himself and dusting his shirt off before continuing, "I-I'll give it-!"
"HIM!" All three brotherhood members yelled
"Him! Him! I'll give *HIM* back! S-sorry, I... I didn't really think he belonged to that kid, I just thought he was attackin me because I was in his territory, s-so I took him because he was gettin in my way, b-but I'll give him back", he went to walk towards the teen and his father but stopped when he almost tripped over himseld, looking down he sighed, "uhhh.... You mind gettin whatever this is off of me?"
The retired knight raised his brow, his son, who'd calmed down now, snuggling deeper into his dad's vest, "how do we know you won't just run away?"
"You've got all my food, supplies, and weapons, I won't leave without them, so you can keep me in your sights the entire time", Dwayne replied, Quirin still didn't trust it, but moved a little closer, nudging Varian to get his attention. The alchemist looked at the situation and glared at the thief, this time with less ice, before grabbing a vial out of his vest and shaking it over the man's legs.
The goo trap dispersed with sparkles and flair as Dwayne stepped off of it and raised the cage holding Ruddigar inside, he opened it and the raccoon jumped into his boy's arms, chittering at him worriedly while nuzzling him, "R-Ruddigar, hey hey, I'm okay, I'm hee hee I'm okay!" He replied, giggling as his best friend continued to nuzzle him frantically. Everyone smiled at the pair as Varian began to try and fix his raccoon's damaged paw while simultaneously snuggling him.
"See? Now I'll just be takin my leave a-!"
"Wait a moment", Hector had his sword pointed at the man's throat, "why did you point your crossbow at my nephew? And I would advise against lying to me", he growled
"I j-just wanted to scare him! I was never gonna shoot him, just shoot near him! I've been doing that for a while, shooting at kids and their parents that come into my woods, I only do it so they don't come near me and my campsite", he explained quickly. He noticed all four of them glance at each other, "what?"
"You've been the one scaring the people of Old Corona away from these woods?" Quirin asked, when he received a nod in return he smirked, "well isn't that funny, we're supposed to arrest the person doing that and bring them to the princess".
Hearing this the thief blinked a couple of times, "uh... Bye!" He took off running, not bothering to grab his supplies, "you're not goin anywhere", Hector stated, blocking his path. Turning the opposite way, Dwayne continued to run, but bumped into Adira, who smiled and waved, he turned once more but was stopped by Quirin and a, now standing, Varian, Ruddigar perched happily on his shoulders.
He sighed, "fine, you caught me, just... please be gentle", he asked allowing himself to be led away from his campsite.
On the way back he wasn't handcuffed at all, just led by the shoulder by Hector as Adira walked behind him, Quirin, who'd picked his son back up, walking in front. Dwayne was silent and cooperative, even when he was told to sit next to Pixie and Basil, who were tasked with guarding him. The group made some food and were sitting and chatting, when Varian, who was stroking a sleeping Ruddigar's fur, suddenly got up with a couple hot dogs and walked over to Dwayne, he got defensive at first, but when the teen handed him the hot dogs with a smile, he smiled right back and began to eat them happily.
"What was that for?" His father asked as his boy returned to his spot next to him
"He returned my best friend and gave himself up with no fight, I say that earns him a little reward, plus I recognize him, he was in jail with me before, he was never unkind or rude, just... kinda...."
"Stupid?" Hector finished
Varian blushed, "I-I wouldn't say that"
"I would", Adira replied
"I'm sitting right here you know", Dwayne stated a little offendedly before he bit into the hot dog once more
"H-he isn't stupid, honestly that could've gone a lot worse that it did.... A l-lot worse..." Varian replied, looking down for a moment
"You wouldn't have done it you know", his father stated, making his son look up
"H-how do you know? I felt nothing dad, no remorse, no worry, no fear..."
"Yes, but you also didn't feel the hatred or the anger, Varian I watched you when you were in that state, and you held that knife to his throat and hesitated. I could tell your body was fighting it, yes you almost did something that you would've never come back from, but you didn't, at the end of the day, that's all that matters. You didn't then, you wouldn't now, or ever, you have to trust yourself son".
"H-how can I trust myself w-when I almost-!"
"You didn't though, you didn't", he hugged Varian and rubbed his back soothingly, "you didn't, I've seen people go through that struggle a lot, and most of the have gone through with it, regardless of what their body told them, but you stopped yourself Varian, *you* did that, I was a little late getting to you, one second too slow, but you stopped yourself, I didn't, I may have helped you come back, but you fought back against your own desire, that was you, so believe me when I say, you really wouldn't have done it".
"Really?" He looked at his father, his big blue eyes shimmering
"I promise", Quirin replied, cupping his son's cheek, "you completed your first mission today, and you battled your own demons at the same time, you should be proud", he smiled, "I know I am"
The teen stopped and his eyes widened, his father's loving gaze confirming what he'd just said. Varian smiled and hugged his dad, "thank you so much dad", he replied, voice muffled by the man's vest
"You're welcome son", the retired knight replied, returning the hug. Adira and Hector smiled at the pair, happy for their brother and nephew before looking at each other
"Should we?" The wild tamer asked
"No", the face painted warrior replied
"Thank Demanitus", he replied, before they looked up at the moon, peace filling the campsite at last.
Notes:
Here we are, the end of the four parter! I hope you liked it! I know I said before that it wasn't gonna be too important, but I guess I wanted to add a little angst in there, sorry about that XD
Quirin is the best dad, no one can tell me otherwise!
Adira and Hector have an amazing relationship and I loves it!
Ruddigar is the best little raccoon and I will protect him no matter what, plus I wanted to pay homage to him and how he's helped our little science bean!
Lance isn't even in this story and yet he'd a boss! XD
Snuggles! All the freaking snuggles!!!!!! :D
Thank you all very much for reading! :D <3
Chapter 63: A Crazy Wild Backstory!
Summary:
The little group, exhausted from their mission, make their way back home, Dwayne sitting in the back of the caravan with Pixie and Basil keeping watch.
Chapter Text
"Wake up"
"Mmmmm..."
"Come on, we gotta get back"
"Mmmmmmm!"
"...I'm gonna tickle you again if you don't get up"
"Mph, fiiiine I'm up"
".....You're still in your sleeping bag"
"I'm preparing my brain"
"I see"
"Yeah it needs to be stimulated to wake up at such a tortuous time"
"It's almost 9am"
"Only 9? Ugh.... This may take a while you might as well wait for about uuh I'd say 30 more minutes"
The retired knight raised a brow, "30 minutes hm?"
"Mhm"
"Alrighty then, I guess 30 minutes is fine", he got up to leave before he stopped and smirked, "besides, every minute you stay in this tent after I walk out will be a day without alchemy, but I suppose that's fine since you need to 'stimulate your brain', so I'll leave you to it", he continued to leave when he felt a tug on his sleeve, turning he smiled.
"You're evil"
"I know, now come on and wash up, you can help us pack and we can hit the road, okay?"
Varian huffed before he walked over to his shoes, put them on, helped Ruddigar onto his shoulder, put on his goggles, and walked out with his father carrying a tooth brush, "evil jerkface", he muttered
"Bratty stinkbomb, also, you wore your clothes to bed?"
"Yesterday was too emotional to change into pajama's"
"Ah"
"So where's the river again?"
"Very tired"
"Unstimulated brain mixed with meanie father equals tired alchemist and his raccoon", Varian replied before looking at his father through his disheveled bangs, "river?"
Quirin pointed to the east, "want me to come with?"
"No I'm okay", the teen yawned, "I'm grumpy and need a minute"
His father chuckled, "alright, just don't fall asleep again, okay?"
"I won't, where's Dwayne?"
"He's pouting as Basil and Pixie watch him, he's not excited about going back to Corona"
"I can imagine, but too bad"
"No mercy?"
"He stole and hurt my raccoon, the punishment is either jail time or leave him in a room with uncle Hector for 15 minutes, I think jail is mercy enough"
"Fair"
"I still don't agree", they heard the wild tamer call out, turning they saw him holding his tent with an annoyed glare on his face
"You don't agree on anything", Adira, who walked past him with her hammock and blanket, replied sassily
"I don't agree on anything with *you*!"
The face painted warrior rolled her eyes before setting her supplies on top of the caravan, "Speckles, not to rush you, but try to hurry, you make this mission less unbearable"
"I take offense to that", Quirin stated as Varian giggled
"I'll try to hurry", he replied before walking off towards the river. He and Ruddigar make it and take a brief moment to calm themselves before getting ready for the day. Varian, after taking off his goggles, dipped his head into the water and pulled it out before brushing it and replacing his goggles, Ruddigar splashing some water in his face with his uninjured paw and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Once that was done the pair set about getting their teeth cleaned, the teen brushing them with with the utensil he'd brought and a new solution he called toothpaste before spitting it out and washing his mouth. Ruddigar lapped up the water and swished around in his mouth before spitting it out and repeating the same thing until he was satisfied. They both washed their faces once more and, looking at their reflection in the mirror, nodded with approval before Varian helped Ruddigar back onto his shoulders and they walked back, feeling a little more refreshed.
They walked back only to find his aunt sitting on top of a rock and meditating, his uncle glaring at Dwayne, who had pushed his back against a rock, and his father folding the little alchemist's tent and sleeping bag. He smiled and looked at his aunt before sneaking over and poking her arm. She opened one eye and looked at him before smirking and closing it again as he giggled, he poked her once more and she flicked his nose, which made him giggle again before she went back to her meditation.
He grinned at her before walking over to Hector and tilting his head before making the same face he was making and staring at him. This lasted for a couple minutes before his uncle snorted and made another face, Varian copied this too, getting them both to chuckle. The teen then made a face of his own, tongue sticking out as he closed one of his eyes and smiled (😜), the wild tamer cracked up and made the face back, getting his nephew to giggle before he nudged him a bit and turned back to Dwayne. He was visibly calmer, now with a softer expression and a small smirk on him face, Varian felt a little proud of himself as he walked over to his father next, Ruddigar giving him a supportive chitter.
As he got closer he heard his father quietly singing something familiar, sneaking a little closer he smiled after recognizing the song, and, closing his eyes, sang along:
🎶Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moonlight have all passed away!
Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea,
Mermaids are chanting the wild Lorelei;
Over the stream let vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.
Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E'en as the morn on the stream let and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!🎶
He finished with a breath and opened his eyes again, only to see his father smiling down at his sleeping bag, small tears in the retired knights eyes. Varian smiled sympathetically and hugged his dad, he felt the man's big arms wrap around his small frame. They stayed that way for a few moments before the little alchemist broke the hug, wiping his own tears away, "I miss her".
"I miss her too son", Quirin replied, "I remember when she gave you that lullaby, she said you were her little dreamer, looking at you now", he cupped his son's cheek in his hand, "you're so much more than that"
Varian's smile widened as he put his hand on his father's and leaned into his touch, "thanks dad"
The retired knight smiled and nodded, "hey! Are we heading out or are we staying here another night?" Hector called over to them, making the duo chuckle
"We're coming Hector, just hold on", the Village Leader responded before he turned back to his son, "we'd better go before he has a conniption fit".
"Ok", with that, Varian helped his father pack the rest of his things and hopped into on top of the caravan next to Adira while Dwayne, Pixie, and Basil were kept in the back and the doors were locked. Quirin and Hector were sitting next to each other once more in the front, Xena hooked up to the caravan with Hector at the reigns.
"Everyone ready?" The wild tamer asked, when he received a barrage of confirmations, he signaled to Xena and they were on their way back to Corona.
****
"So the best way to meditate is to think of something that calms you or makes you happy?"
The face painted warrior nodded with a smiled, "you get into a comfortable position, not so comfortable that you fall asleep, but one that'll keep you alert but calm, think of something that calms or enlightens you, and voila!"
The little alchemist thought for a moment, "I think I get it, but every time I try I always end up panicking or overthinking it"
"That's because your thoughts haven't been trained to concentrate, it takes years of practice to fully understand the skill of meditation and, in some cases, is even better than sleeping. Stickler got it after I did, Wild Child however could never really grasp it"
"Hey I can relax, just in a different way", the wild tamer retorted as he sat back down next to Quirin, "the prisoner's asleep by the way", he responded before taking the reigns back
The retired knight smiled, "thank you for checking that Hector, I'm glad he's at least relaxing in there"
"Uh huh"
Varian tilted his head, "how do you relax uncle Hector?"
The man glanced up before looking at the road again, "simple, I fight or spar with someone, it calms me down and gives me a good work out"
"Really?"
"Yep"
"That makes sense, I can see you being more of a physical relaxer"
Hector raised a brow, "physical relaxer?"
"Oh sorry, that's just what I call it when someone who is a much more hands on type of approach to things uses physical activities to relax, it's like dad and farming", he gestured to his father who nodded
"Wait farming is relaxing to you?" The wild tamer asked
The retired knight nodded again, "I like to work hard, it gives my mind a break and lets me focus on a task for a while so I don't feel too overloaded by the troubles of the village or villagers".
"Guess that would be rough having to deal with all those people, don't know how you can fucking stand it"
Quirin gave his brother a sympathetic look, as did Adira, confusing the little alchemist as he stroked Ruddigar's fur, "i-is something wrong?"
"Hm?" Hector turned to his nephew before noticing the looks, "oh fucking forget it I'm fine!"
"We know, we just... Understand", the retired knight stated
"Why wouldn't you be fine?" Varian asked
His aunt instinctively placed an arm in front of the teen, confusing him even more. The alchemist then saw him father's jaw hardening nervously as he watched his brother. The wild tamer himself wasn't looking up, in fact he looked like he'd gotten very tense before he let out a sigh, "I'm not gonna be upset because my nephew doesn't know, so you two don't have to worry alright?" He stated defensively before taking a breath, "can you take the reigns?" He looked at Quirin, who nodded and took them as the wild tamer looked at Varian, his eyes looked very tired and.... scared? "I, if you're going to get to know me, you should probably know what I've been through, 't's only fair, so do you want to?"
The little alchemist's eyes lit up for a brief moment before he calmed himself and nodded, something told him being happy about this would be a bad idea, "want me to come down there with you?"
Hector chuckled, "might make it easier"
The teen held onto Ruddigar and hopped down carefully before sitting in-between his father and his uncle. He set his best friend back on his shoulders, giving him a scratch behind the ears before turning to look at the wild tamer, "ok, I'm ready. O-oh and you can take your time if you want, I'm more than willing to wait while you gather your thoughts". Quirin grinned a little, remembering hearing Lance say that when he was calming Varian down after Rapunzel's disregard for his son's feelings, but that was a battle for another day.
Hector smirked and nudged his nephew, "thanks, I'll keep that in mind", he then let out a sigh and closed his eyes for a moment before he opened them and looked at Varian, "ok, so I don't talk about this with anyone because everybody fucking sucks and I don't trust them, but there's a reason for that. I, like my sister up there", he gestured to Adira who waved, Varian smiled and waved back before looking at his uncle again, "was not born in the Dark kingdom, I'm actually from Ingvarr".
"You're from Ingvarr?!"
"Yeah?"
"That's so cool! I heard they're really technically advanced, at least in battles! I've wanted to visit for a while but haven't really had a reason to go other than extreme fascination!"
The wild tamer blinked a bit but smirked and ruffled his nephew's hair, "well maybe I'll take you one day"
Varian giggled, "I'd love that!" He fixed his hair after his uncle stopped messing with it before he realized he'd interrupted, "oh sorry, I g-got excited a-!"
"It's alright kid, you're fine, but if you wanna get back to it", he looked at the teen who nodded with a smile, getting a chuckle from both his father and his aunt, "alright then", Hector responded, "this is my story".
"When I was a kid, I had two siblings before me, and older brother and sister, and my parents who were both high nobles and extremely close to the king and queen of Ingvarr. My siblings, specifically my brother who was the oldest, got to choose what they wanted to do with their lives, see in ingvarr you have a choice of three things that'll make you useful, fighting skills, education, and creativity. My brother was given a choice between all three of these, and he chose to be the smart one. My sister, who came next, chose to be creative, they both exceeded our parent's expectations and rose through the ranks to be the smartest and most creative in their classes, so when I came along, my parents stuck me with being the best fighter. (V: That's a lot of pressure....) Oh it gets better, see when I was born, I was born sick, and that sickness made me very weak, in both body mass and muscle gain. I was so weak my cries were barely heard, my parents were devastated, though the doctors were able to cure me, I was still very weak as a child and got sick really easily, (Q: the plague at that time didn't help either), right, because of this, my parents were warned to keep an eye on me and to make sure I got plenty of nutrition and protein so that once I grew older, I could live a normal life. (A: Key word being 'normal') Exactly, though I still get cold really easily, which is why I wear the coat, (V: it's a really cool coat to be fair), well thanks, but my parents were furious. They blamed me for being weak and still demanded that I become top of my class in fighting, they had me train every week, hard, long, training, from when the sun came up until the moon dipped the next day, I was to be given lessons at home and never was allowed to associate with other kids because, "as long as you persist to embarrass us with your pitiful excuse of a sickness, we will persist in your training and limited contact until you are a proper member of society like your siblings", their exact words. (V: I hate them), I do too, but not when I was a kid, I loved my parents, and wanted to make them proud of me so badly that I tried every single day as hard as I could to fight and be the best. All it got me though was fucking beating across my back every night for not being the prodigy my parents wanted me to be. (V: T-they beat you?) Every day and every night unless I did something that impressed them, which hardly happened because of my condition. (V: What did your condition do to you i-if you don't mind me asking), I don't mind, it made it so my muscles and my body weren't growing properly, I had a hard time gaining weight as well because I needed a protein packed diet at specific times of the day, but my parents would refuse to let me eat until my training was done, I wasn't even allowed to eat at the fucking table with them, I was forced to eat in my room, it gave me a chance to hide, but I felt so.... (A: lonely?) .... (V: are you okay?) ....yeah, I'm fine.... Just fuckin hate being alone.... (Q: Hector-!) *ahem* a-anyway I was um.... I was going through that until I was about 7 years old, that was when Ingvarr was having a ceremony, the same one they have every fucking year. 'The Contest of the Crowns', every year the, then 8, now 7, kingdoms would gather to a different kingdom and show how fuckin fancy they were through contests chosen by each kingdom, for Ingvarr it was always something showing off their fighting skill and I.... My fucking parents signed me up for it, without my knowledge or consent, they told me the fucking week prior and trained me so hard that I could barely walk, let alone fight.... (V: you can take a minute if you want, i-it's okay) I....."
Hector took a breath and let it out slowly, turning away to wipe his eyes before he felt someone touch his shoulder softly, he looked to see his brother handing him a red handkerchief. He was hesitant but took it and, thanking Quirin, wiped his tears away as Varian checked on Dwayne in the back and Adira meditated to give the man a little privacy. The only one that wasn't was Quirin, he'd placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and whispered to him for a moment, Hector whispering back, after a minute or two, the wild tamer poked the little alchemist on the shoulder, Varian turned to looked at him and he gave a thumbs up. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah I'm sure, sorry, just.... Next part is.... Rough...."
"....I have trouble carrying my own inventions sometimes, to the point where I need dad to help me"
Hector was a little startled but smiled, "thanks, I know you won't judge me, it's just hard to talk about is all", the teen nodded and, after a few more breaths, Hector continued:
"The day of the contest, I was dressed in fancy clothing and told that if I lost then I'd be thrown out of my home. I was terrified and told myself I was going to give it my all, even if it killed me.... (V: Why were you competing? From what I read, you had to be a prince or princess to compete didn't you?) Yeah, well, kinda, see, it's usually just princesses that compete, if a royal couple had a prince, then he'd compete instead, but the king and queen of Ingvarr didn't have any kids yet, so they got to choose from the nobles, and they chose my family because my siblings were top tier and they knew I'd been in, as my parents put it, 'special training', to prepare for this. (V: I hate them), you said that, (V: I hate them more now), pfft! Well thanks, I hate them too. I was actually pretty good at the contests, a lot of them were about creativity, and I'd chosen my sister to compete with me because of obvious reasons. (V: Were your siblings nice to you?) They could be, in fact my sister was kind to me majority of the time, and my brother helped me with my studies a lot, so I wouldn't say they were horrible, they were just.... Afraid of my our parents, so they never stopped me from being the scapegoat, I can't say I blame them, (A: Still doesn't make it right), it didn't make it easy either. Anyway, my sister (A: other one), yes, was encouraging me the entire time and she helped me through a lot of competitions, but I was supposed to carry her weight in the last contest, which was the fighting competition. We managed to be one of the two teams to get to that point, (V: who was the other team?) The Dark Kingdom. (V: Oh no....) Yeah..... At that time Adira was 9 and Quirin was 20, they were both in the competition and representing the Dark Kingdom since king Edmund didn't have a child.... yet. (Q: Eugene), Right so picture me, a tiny 7 year old with his 17 year old sister, against a highly trained, in his prime, 20 year old Quirin and a decently trained, 9 year old Adira, I was fucked. (V: Well you could.... I mean you..... You could tr.... Yeah.... You were f-) (Q: a-*hem*) (V: fudged) Pfft! (Q: continue) Right, so, the battle was simple, you get the flag the other team is guarding, you have to be quick, agile, fast on your feet, (V: a duel sword wielder), practically, and strong. My sister decided to be offense and I could be defense, since I had the superior sword training, I could defend while she takes her time getting past Adira, (A: not a bad plan, I wasn't fully trained at the time), it failed anyway, no matter how hard I fought Quirin was too fast for me, and he ended up getting past me and taking the flag before I had a chance to get it back.... (V: take your time, it's okay) ....*sniffle* I know... I..... *sigh* I know.... Thanks.... I f-failed, and Ingvarr came second place. The king and queen didn't mind so much, they were impressed I gave a really great fight but.... My father held my shoulder tightly as he apologized to the king and queen for my loss.... We went back to the house and.... (Q: Hey, Hector you're not there anymore) I... (Q: You're not there, you're here, with us, safe and wanted) .....Right.... (V: *puts his hand on his uncle's*) Thanks..... They um.... They beat the fuck outta me that night.... Then tossed me out.... They tossed me out and said so many things to me.... How I wasn't wanted or how I wasn't useful, how I was a waste and they'd wished I'd died in that hospital so they could try again..... I believed every word because I had no one else to believe.... (V:....) (Q: Son?) (V:....I love you so much dad....) (Q: ....I love you too) (A: the next part is better) That's true, I was wondering the streets for a while when I ended up bumping into Quirin, he took one look at me and for some fucking reason, took me to see his king. King Edmund recognized me from the competition and took me in, the details are foggy because I was in so much pain that I don't remember all of them, but the gist of it is, the king and queen of Ingvarr talked to my parents and they disowned me in front of them, so King Edmund took me in, again for some fucking unknown reason, and healed me. He gave me food and water, took care of my scares and wounds, then, when I was ready to, started to train me. He had me train with Adira and Quirin because he knew I needed someone that understood me in a way no one else did, so he paired me up with two other broken kids and together we took over the knights! We were the toughest son's of bitches there ever fucking was and you know fucking what? I make sure to prove how much better I am than before every single fucking day, I don't need those fucking people, I don't need my fucking parents! I got a better life because I worked fucking for it and no one is gonna take it away again! No one, because I'm not fucking weak....."
Hector sniffled once more before he shook away the tears and looked at the moon that had began to rise, he loved the moon, it was safe, it was home, it was pure, he felt safer at night, he never was really sure why though. Maybe it was because it was when his animals curled with him, or when he'd wake up screaming and no one would be there, he didn't have to worry about being weak then, because no one could see those moments. He thought for a moment while staring at the lunar light, he really couldn't figure out why, just something about it. The wild tamer wasn't expecting something suddenly laying against him, nor did he expect to look down and see his small nephew wrapping his arms around the man tightly, he was about to softly nudge him off when the teen whispered, "I love you uncle Hector, and I want you, I'll always want you, even if you lose, I'll always be proud of you".
The man froze, he'd felt this before, something warm, some reassuring words, someone saying it would be okay, then he remembered:
*He was a child, his back was torn to shreds, he could barely stand as he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. He heard something faintly, but it was all nonsense, probably a few royals bragging about their loses, didn't matter to him, nothing mattered to him, he hated them, all of them, he wanted to hurt them, he wanted them to feel what he was feeling, how dare they laugh and joke about their loss when his was so hard to bare? His fist clenched, he gritted his teeth, but then he fell, bumping into something large. He landed on his back, *no don't cry, don't cry, they can't see you weak, they c-!* "Hey, are you okay?"
The child looked up, seeing gentle brown eyes looking at him worriedly, "I-I'm fine", he replied fast before getting up and backing away from the stranger, he was big and muscular, his hands were as big as the child's head, he recognized him, right down to those freckles he had on his face, why of all people did he have to bump into him?! As if this night couldn't be worse, *just apologize for bumping into him and walk away*, "I'm so-!"
"Hey I recognize you, you're the little squirt in the competition! Hoo boy did you give Stickler one hell of a fight!" A female's voice chimed in, he suddenly saw a women around his age hop down out of no where and smile at him, "kinda small for a warrior, but not a bad fighter, wouldn't ya say?" She teased, unknowingly making his blood boil
"'Dira, that's not polite, he gave a good fight today, I think he s-!"
"I'm not small, I'm just not grown up yet"
"Hm? So you can actually talk?" The girl replied
The child glared at her, his yellow eyes burning her from the inside out as his tears stung at the corners of his eyes, "j-just because you won doesn't mean I'm w-weak! I'm gonna be strong one day, I'm gonna be! W-when I am you'll see, you'll ALL see! That I can be just as, no, better than YOU! I'm b-better! I can be, I CAN! I j-just need another chance I-I need one more chance I-!" He felt someone pick him up and hold on to him tightly, he braced himself, waiting for pain to shoot through his body, but it never came, in fact, he heard something different instead, a heartbeat. It was soft and gentle, soothing even, he felt someone's arms wrapping around him, but they weren't constricting or suffocating, they were protective.
"Hey it.... It's okay", he looked up and saw those brown eyes again, they were looking at him with something he didn't recognize, they didn't seem angry, but they didn't seem happy either.
"W-what are you doing to me?" He asked tiredly, he was so, so tired, "if you're gonna hurt me t-then can you hurry? I lost so just get it over with already..."
There was silence, complete and utter silence, not even the wind made a sound as it rustled through the autumn leaves, the boy closed his eyes, he was still waiting, what was taking this man so long? "I'm not going to hurt you", his eyes shot open and he looked at the man again, "I enjoyed our fight, you're a really talented fighter, in fact one day, you could be the best fighter in all the realm, you should be proud of yourself, I know I am"
"You're what?"
The young man smiled wide, the light of the full moon behind him catching his gentle eyes as he replied, "I'm so proud of you!"*
Hector felt his tears slide down his face as he snapped back to reality. He looked around, seeing the moon above him again, she was glowing. For a brief moment he was that child, that small, scared, helpless child who didn't have a friend in the world, but as he looked around, he saw Pixie and Basil watching him from the window, he saw Xena looking back at him from the front of the caravan, he saw Adira watching him, smiling wide, and finally he saw his brother, his brown eyes shining bright as his own tears stained his cheeks, he was the first one who tried, the first friend he'd ever made, and as he looked at that man and relived every moment they had together, he looked down at his nephew, and hugged him back.
Notes:
Hector is an angry character that holds a lot of his emotions inside, he's been hurt so much in his life, I can tell even though he's barely on screen, he trusts animals more than people, the only people he does trust ended up helping to destroy his only home, he lost his only home, and you can just tell from the way he acts he's got so much on his shoulders. He's been hurt somehow, and he deserves to know he's loved and cared about, just like everyone in this world. No one deserves to be abused, hated, or hurt, just because you aren't the best doesn't make you useless, and I hope you all know that if you comment or not, if you like or not, if you're reading this at all or not, I care about you! I care, you're wonderful and amazing in every single way! I don't have to know you to see that, you don't have to prove anything to me, to you, or to anybody, you're you, and I'm so freaking glad you're here!
Thank you all so much for reading, for commenting, for being here, just thank you, I hope you all have a wonderful day! 😊💚💙🎶
Chapter 64: And Then They Return!
Summary:
The group is finally back in Corona and present their findings to the princess.
Notes:
So this chapter is a break from the drama
Even so, I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The sun shined in the early afternoon sky as the group found themselves at the stone arch of the castle, there were guards scattered around the area as they entered, they ended up being stopped however by none other than Pete and Stan, "halt! State your business in the castle?" Stan stated sternly
Quirin raised a brow, "uh Stan"
"I know who you are but it's procedure", the gentle guard whispered sympathetically to the Village Leader
The retired knight sighed before digging into his pocket and grabbing his identification papers, "Quirin Vanguard of Old Corona, along with my son Varian Vanguard", the little alchemist waved at Stan nervously, he waved back, "and my siblings, Hector and Adira of the Dark Kingdom". Adira gave the guard finger guns from the top of the caravan as Hector merely glared, "we also have a prisoner that the princess asked us to bring to her directly", Dwayne peeked out from inside the caravan and blinked at the guard.
"I see, do you need any help with the prisoner?"
The wild tamer, getting a little fed up with this, bared his teeth at Dwayne and growled, the thief yelped and ducked down, "no I think we've got it", Quirin replied, a little amused at his brother.
Stan nodded before handing the retired knight his papers back and gesturing for him to go on through. They managed to put the caravan away as the maids and other guards persisted in helping them unpack while they take Dwayne to the princess. They'd finally accepted, Hector asked Pixie and Basil to stay with Xena just in case any of the maids or guards got stupid, and walked inside the castle. Varian grabbed his backpack before the maids could, saying it held personal items inside, the maid huffed but let it be and began to grab another bag as the teen placed the bag back onto himself and stroked his raccoon's fur, "how ya holdin up buddy?" Ruddigar chittered, "well that's good, at lease you're doing better, I'll have Mrs. and Mr. Solace take a look at that paw later, okay?" Another chitter confirmed the raccoon was on bored with this idea and make the alchemist chuckle, "you're such a good boy!"
Quirin smiled at his son before looking over at Hector and Adira, "having fun back there?"
"A blast", Hector replied, "where are we headed anyway?"
"The thrown room", Varian replied, "it's early afternoon and the king and queen still d-don't have their um... their memory back, so Rapunzel would be in the thrown room right about now, probably doing court for the citizens of the kingdom.... A-actually, you think I should stay here? I w-wouldn't wanna disturb anyone".
His father placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "it's okay, we'll be with you the entire time, don't worry", he smiled reassuringly
"O-ok", the little alchemist replied, he wrung his hands together nervously as Ruddigar nuzzled his cheek, giving him a tap to his hand.
Quirin recognized that, it was an alert, his son's heart beat was rising, "Varian, it's okay, take a breath", his son did so, then another, he was calming down with each one until Ruddigar had given him the all clear. The retired knight was worried about that, but remembering what Lance said, smiled, "hey, if you really don't want to go inside that court room it's okay, we could try to find Eugene or even King Edmund to keep you company before we go, that way you won't be alone, maybe even Lance?"
Varian took note of that, feeling extremely grateful but, he looked at the door to the thrown room, they'd stopped in the middle of the hallway, people were staring and, of course, whispering amongst themselves. He felt his heart beating again but shook it off, "no, I can do this, I've been in that thrown room before, I don't n-need to worry about it this time"
"That was when you were fixing it, this is different, you're bringing in a prisoner after a, not so charming, goodbye from the very person sitting behind that door, I'd be nervous too. So it's really okay if you want to stay out here, you don't have to see her right away, it'll give you time to prepare", the Village Leader responded gently
"I prepared the entire way back here, I've spent days away from her, and I.... I need to do this, not just to prove that I can, but that I will, I completed a mission, if I hope to be a part of this kingdom and help it's citizens then I'm gonna have to get over my personal feelings for the royal family and just do my job. I need to start that here and now, I need to", he responded determinedly, unknowingly igniting his father's pride in him to the point where his eyes were shining bright.
Quirin smiled, "ok, I'm right here if you need me"
"Thanks dad"
With that they heard Nigel call out for the next arrivals to step forwards, they did and the royal advisor, who noticed the alchemist and glared, getting a glare back from both Adira and Hector, jumped back and let them pass. Receiving a chitter of laughter from Ruddigar and one last withering glare from Quirin to emphasize the point. Once the royal advisor got over his fear, he ran in ahead of them and stood up straight before announcing, "Quirin of Old Corona, his son Varian of Old Corona, Adira of the Dark Kingdom, and Hector of the Dark Kingdom-", he heard a quiet chitter and rolled his eyes, "and Ruddigar of Old Corona, have completed their mission and have a prisoner along with them to present to you your majesty".
Rapunzel, who was sitting in her thrown with Eugene by her side in the thrown next to hers, lit up immediately when she heard their names and smiled wide, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "oh that's wonderfu- *ahem* thank you Nigel, please bring them forwards"
"As you wish your majesty", the royal advisor bowed before beckoning the group forwards, Quirin taking notice of Lance and his king, who were smiling at them from the sides. He waved, they waved back, and he proceeded forwards. Once they reached the thrown they went to bow.
"You don't have to do that, actually, please don't do that", she got up off the thrown and walked over to them, "you're my friends, my friends don't have to look up to me", she responded happily
"Thank fuck", Hector replied
Quirin shot him a look, trying to ignore both his son's and Lance's giggling at the man's impoliteness before he cleared his throat, "princess we found the man scaring the people of Corona and Old Corona in the woods", he backed up and gestured over to the thief
"Dwayne?! Seriously?" Eugene responded, getting up and joining his girlfriend, "what were you doing in the woods?!"
"Like I'd tell *you*", Dwayne replied before huffing at him
"You got lost didn't you?" Lance asked, raising a brow as he and Edmund joined the group. The Dark King picking up his grandson and hugging him happily as Ruddigar jumped onto Quirin's shoulders
"I.... Not sayin anything"
Varian then sighed, "people who were thieves say I!"
"I", Eugene, Lance replied
"Hey wait a-!"
"People who have quit being thieves and started a better life say I!" The little alchemist continued
"I", Eugene and Lance said again, this time smiling
"Wait but I wanna play!"
"And finally people who got lost in the woods, decided to live there, and shot at people to scare them off so they wouldn't find their campsite say I!" The teen exclaimed
"I!" Dwayne replied, waving his hand in the air
"Dwayne wins!" Varian replied
"HA! I w-..... DAMN IT!"
The group laughed at the flustered thief as Varian smiled wide, a little proud of himself. Once they'd calmed down a bit Rapunzel motioned the guards over, "take him to a holding cell for the night, I'd like to have a chat with him later, oh and be careful with him", she added as the guards led Dwayne away, with him mumbling to himself.
Edmund set his little grandson down and ruffled his hair, "that was very clever of you!"
"Extremely clever hair stripe!" Eugene added as he and Varian high fived before the teen fixed his hair
"Thanks", he giggled
"How was the mission?" Lance asked Adira with a smile
"It went well", she responded, "though I didn't get to use my new sword yet, when I do I'll let you know"
The man smiled wide and nodded, "thanks, did you at least have any fun?"
Adira paused for a moment before looking at her nephew and older brother, "a little", they smiled at her
Rapunzel looked at Eugene and sighed before she walked over to the little alchemist, "hey Varian I... I need to talk to you for a minute"
The teen looked at her for a moment, startled, but nodded, "do you want me to walk with you or-"
"No you don't have to leave, I just.... Had an epiphany of sorts and, I wanted to... I wanted to apologize to you Varian", she looked at him straight in the eyes
"A-apologize? For what?"
"I.... what I said to you before you left I.... Oh Varian I feel terrible about it! I never meant to upset you or hurt you! I just... I...." She sighed, showing the teen how tired she really was for a brief moment, he could tell she'd spent a lot of time thinking about this, in a way it made him feel a little better about it, but he wasn't sure how to handle this, "I treated you exactly how Gothel treated me...."
"W-what?"
"My mother.... Or at least who I thought was my mother, she would dismiss my feelings and write them off as not important, she made me feel like I was smaller than a grain of sand and I would get false compliments that she would use to boost her own ego.... I did the exact same thing to you when you were leaving for you mission, belittled your feelings, said, 'the past is the past', and shoved it to the side not even realizing that you were still hurting.... I'm really sorry Varian, I just.... Sometimes it's hard for me to handle the past, so I wave it off and try to forget so that it's easier to handle the present, it's a really bad habit that I've picked up and I just.... Don't know how to handle it right now", her eyes grew wet as she looked at the ground once more, "I felt so ashamed of what I said to you that I could barely sleep, it wasn't right, and I really am sorry, I still have to work on it, and I can't guarantee that I'll be 100% on top of it, but", she looked at him again, her eyes focused on his as she gave him a serious stare, "I can tell you for certain that I will try, I'll try to fix it, all I can ask is that you be just a little patient with me, if that's okay".
Varian was silent, his mind was reeling, but he could tell she meant every word, he glanced at Lance, who was smiling at him. He then looked back at the princess and realized he hadn't given an answer, "I...." He wasn't really sure what to say, he went over her words once more in his head, trying to find out why he was so shocked
"Validation", he heard Lance say
He looked over at him and realized what he meant, then it all clicked, "I..... Thank you Rapunzel, t-that means a lot to me, I can accept that, being patient. I-it won't be easy, and s-sometimes I'm going to get mad, but you saying that, it really helps, thank you", he smiled at her and she smiled back
"Can I give you a hug or is that too much?" She asked, her hands twitching a little with what he described as excitement and he giggled
Outstretching his own arms he smiled, "ok"
She let out a small squee and hugged him happily, he returned her hug, feeling Ruddigar hop over to his father as he heard the man chuckle, accompanied by a bunch of chitters, "oh you're fine, let him have a moment, then you can be the fierce, territorial brat-coon you were always meant to be", he teased, getting a couple more agitated chitters.
They stayed that way for a little bit longer before the princess broke the hug and smiled at the teen, he eyes were glistening as he smiled back at her, "sorry, I think I may have cried a little on your vest", she replied, blushing a bit
"Meh it's okay, with the raccoon fur and the dad vest, I think this thing can handle a few princess tears"
"'Scuse me, my vest is clean I'll have you know", Quirin retorted, "can't say the same about your fat-coon over here though"
"Ok first of all, Ruddigar keeps himself extremely clean I'll have *you* know, and second, he is not fat!"
Rapunzel and Eugene smiled at the duo's bickering as Lance and Edmund laughed and Adira and Hector somehow managed to make popcorn. The group was enjoying the show and taking a side of the debate until finally the general consensus was that Ruddigar was 'big boned', and very fluffy. Once the agreement was set, the brotherhood, along with Varian and Ruddigar, retired to their rooms to freshen up and relax after a successful mission, Quirin blushing when Varian, Ruddigar, Adira, Hector, Pixie, and Basil caught him playing with Itty Bitty happily before they all settled in the family room with Catalina and Angry, who were spending the night with Lance. Everyone seemed to be at peace as the sun set that night, all of them playing games together and just having a really nice time.
Notes:
I genuinely love Rapunzel, she's a sweet heart, she'd just not perfect, but I wanted to show her growing, so this is a growing moment for her. She's still going to make mistakes, but I think by season 3 she really started to understand how to treat people and how not to treat people, and I think this was sort of the start of that process.
Quirin is a bean! I'm not going to let this go, he's freaking cute! Go back and look at his moments again, I'm serious, he's got moments when he looks at the camera and all I can think is vfoiHVOIHO boy how are YOU being cute?!?!?!?!?!
Also Itty Bitty is the best fish XD
Lance only has two lines and he's still a freaking king!
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 65: Guy's Night: Once More With Feeling! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Eugene, Lance, Varian, and Ruddigar all go out for a night for fun! But when Eugene notices how close Lance and Varian have gotten, he starts to wonder if there's any room for him in their friendship.
Notes:
Eugene centric two parter! Let's GOOOOOOO!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
There was a knock on the door, which was odd since it was near 5pm. Quirin sighed and got up from his arm chair, they were still staying in the castle, the princess requesting they take an extra day of two to relax after their mission, though the retired knight wasn't entirely keen on the idea, he really couldn't argue with a royal decree from Rapunzel. He reached the door, ruffling Varian's hair as he passed and getting a giggle in response as his son read his Flynn Rider book quietly on the couch, when a second knock came, the people on the other side seemed to be impatient, he braced himself for a moment before opening the door and chuckled, seeing the two former thieves smiling so wide he was surprised their lips weren't split, "oh this oughta be interesting".
"Come one! Come ALL! To another amazing night of pure, unadulterated fun in the dippin sun for your teenager to enjoy!" Lance began, Quirin shaking his head in amusement as Varian peaked over the top of the couch, "featuring, but not limited to, shopping, goin out, hangin out with the two coolest cats in the kingdom, and NOT bein injured for fear of our very lives!"
"I take it that's a new feature?" The old farmer teased as the little alchemist joined his father at the door, Ruddigar perched happily on his shoulders
"New and Permanent!" Lance confirmed enthusiastically, "we will stay in the capital of Corona and see the sights, from the creepiness of an old abandoned art class that tried to steal my very soul, to the gorgeous views of the river on a boat! Your teen will be so happy during this trip that he'll be talking about it for weeks! We've even got a little picnic set up on a little island near the docks so your little man can enjoy! So what do ya say? Are ya gonna let your son enjoy this once in a lifetime offer??"
Quirin leaned against the door frame as he listened to what the man had proposed, chucking as he looked at Eugene, the prince having placed his face in his palm long before his best friend had finished his announcement. He then looked at his son and raised a brow, "interested?"
Varian was giggling at Lance's antics before he nodded, "it sounds like fun, and I love a good sales pitch"
His father smirked before looking at Eugene, "have him back by 11pm?"
The former thief looked at the father, removing his hand from his face, and smiled, "on the dot"
"Then it's okay with me"
"You have made an outstanding choice my good man! One that'll be with your son for years to come", Lance replied, emphasizing his point by making an arching gesture with his hand
"Can you stop being so corny for two seconds?" Eugene complained
"Nope!"
Varian laughed, "oh this is gonna be fun!" With that he walked over to a book shelf and placed his novel inside before checking his bag, nodding with satisfaction he waved goodbye to Itty Bitty and walked over to his father, giving him a hug, "I love you dad".
"Love you too son, be safe okay?" Quirin replied, kissing his boy on the cheek
"I will, you try to have fun, maybe invite grandpa over"
The retired knight chuckled, "I'll think about it, watch out for him, ok Ruddigar?" The raccoon gave a salute with a confirming chitter as the teen hugged his father once more before walking out the door with the two former thieves.
****
"Well it's been a while since one of these eh kiddo?" Eugene asked as the group exited the castle
"It really has, I'm not gonna lie, I missed guy's nights"
Lance smiled, "we missed them too, been a little crazy lately with everything that's been goin on, hasn't it?"
Eugene and Varian nodded as Ruddigar chittered, "hey, can I ask you guys something?"
"Sure hair strip, what's up?" The Dark Prince asked with a smile
"What's...." The little alchemist sighed, "n-never mind, I'll ask later"
Both men looked at each other before looking back at the alchemist, "what's wrong?" the red clad man asked
"I... It's nothing really, just an odd question", Lance shot him a look, "i-it's nothing you need to worry about, I'll ask later, it's just something that's been on my mind, but I wanna enjoy guy's night first"
Eugene looked at Lance, trying to see how his friend would gauge that, before he saw him sigh, "alright little man, we can talk about it later and enjoy guy's night for now, but you're gonna talk about it, right?"
Varian nodded with a small smile, "I will, I just wanna collect my thoughts on it first before anything, that's all"
"Alright, we won't push, for now, let's have some fun, yeah?"
"Yeah"
The teen walked forwards, Lance joining him, but the third in their group stayed back a bit, his own feelings bubbling just a tad. Ruddigar noticed and hopped onto his shoulder, looking at him with concern, "hm?" Eugene looked at the raccoon and smirked, "can tell something's up huh? You really are a good service animal huh?" He scratched the small mammal behind his ear before sighing, "hey, I know I probably wouldn't understand all the way, but does Varian.... Does he still like me?" Ruddigar tilted his head to the side, getting the man to sigh, "sorry, it's just, he's been spending a lot more time with Lance and chatting about feeling and such.... I feel like I've been kinda placed on the back burner as they get closer, and I don't really know how to feel about it.... I mean, the kid used to worship me, and while I don't want him to do that, I used to be closer to him, but I feel like we've been drifting apart...." Ruddigar gave him a sympathetic looked and nuzzled his cheek before smiling at him understandingly and nodding to his boy and the large man, ".... you feel that way too huh?" The raccoon nodded, "sorry bud.... I know he loves you with all his heart, he'd kill someone if it meant keeping you around, you know that right?" Ruddigar chittered in confirmation, gesturing to the nearly invisible scratch on his paw, "I saw that, what happened on that trip?"
"Lots of things actually", a voice responded, making the Dark Prince nearly jump out of his skin, "then again you could always just ask me if you want, I'm fairly certain I'm the only raccoon speaker in this kingdom", Varian replied with a smirk before looking concerned, "you okay? I'm sorry if I interrupted something, but you were talking to my raccoon and that usually means you've got something on your mind".
"That a fact?" Eugene asked as he panted and clutched his heart, Lance picking up Ruddigar and placing him on his shoulder as his best friend caught his breath
The teen smiled, "yep, Ruddigar may be a raccoon, but he's special, he can sense whenever someone's got a lot on their mind and he tries to help them out, especially if they're one of my closest friends"
A small part of Eugene wondered if the teen had said that because he'd heard what they'd been talking about, another part of him didn't want to know that answer, that part won, "I see, guess you trained him pretty well huh?"
"Yup! Dad helped me a lot with that", Varian stated with a smile, "it helps that he's got an unnatural addiction to apples", Ruddigar chittered as he hopped off of Lance, onto Eugene, then onto his boy and huffed, "you do! You'll steal any apple you can get your little raccoony hands on, save for mine but I think that's because you know I'm the only one that'll defend you", he snickered as his raccoon chittered once more before messing with his boy's hair, "ok ok! I'm sorry! Stop that!" Varian replied as he fought the small mammal away from his head, getting a satisfied chitter as he blew his bangs out of his face, "see this is why I don't brush my hair".
Eugene and Lance laughed at the duo's antics before the dark prince walked over and, pulling out a comb, brushed the teen's hair a bit, "better?"
"Much, thanks"
"No problem goggles, now come on! Let's head over to town before the vendors close for the night", they began to walk to the town square, the four of them joking around and enjoying each other's company. They made it to the square and looked around for a bit, stopping Lance from going to the earring shop for fear of last time's lapse in time management. Varian spotted a vendor selling toys, pointing a stuffed animal that looked exactly like Itty Bitty, smiling wide the group walked over and bought a couple dolls before giggling to themselves and walking away.
"Which one's did you buy?" Lance asked as he held up a bag, "I bought a wolf stuffed animal for Catalina and a samurai plush for Angry"
"I got a chameleon plush for Rapunzel, and a yo-yo for me", Eugene replied happily
Varian grinned, "I got the Itty Bitty plush for dad, a binturong plush for uncle Hector, a strawberry plush for Aunt Adira, and a little crow plush for grandpa!"
"Oh lord, he's gonna go crazy with that thing, you know this right?"
"I am aware", the teen stated, "oh, I also grabbed a little raccoon doll for Ruddigar, you like it huh buddy?" The small mammal chittered happily as he licked the doll he'd been given and nuzzled it. Varian giggled before turning to Lance, "so where to now?"
"Now little man, we head to the boats"
Eugene smiled as the teen cheered and jogged towards the shore, Lance following after him as the alchemist's excitement spread. The dark prince looked up to the sky, seeing the brightly lit moon above he sighed once more before shaking his head and jogging after the pair, trying not to let his emotions get the better of him. He managed to catch up the the duo as they were preparing to hop into the boat, Eugene froze when he saw Lance fixing Varian's life jacket, the teen raising a sassy brow, "I can do that you know"
"It's already done, so ha", Lance retorted as he stuck out his tongue playfully at the boy
"You're a big goof", the alchemist replied as he bapped the man with the bag of plushies they'd just purchased
"Oh you wanna play like that huh?" The former thief replied before chasing after Varian with his own plushies, the teen squeaking before running away. They ran around Eugene, who was watching them with a smirk, before the boy finally got bapped back
"Cheater!"
"I didn't cheat, just because I have longer arms does not mean I cheated"
"You cheated!"
"Did not"
"Did too"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did not times a million, ha!" Lance stuck his tongue out again
"Did too times a million and one, ha-HA!" Varian stuck his tongue out back as the large man gasped dramatically
"Are you two done?" Eugene asked, both of them stopping and looking at the man before they blushed
"Yep"
"Uh-Huh"
The dark prince chuckled as he watched Ruddigar shake his own head, "you two I swear, come on, we've got a dinner prepared remember?"
He walked over to the docks and found the boat he and Lance had set out before, twirling the rope in his hand and smirking, "who's ready for an island dinner?" He asked, genuinely smiling as the pair raised their hands excitedly and hopped into the boat before they set sail, none of them noticed the person glaring at them from the shadows, or the crossbow they had in their hands.
Notes:
Who could that mysterious person be that lurks in the shadows? We shall find out in part 2!
I wanted to make a Eugene centric two parter because I love Team Awesome and their bond in the show! So here's a little story where their bond is tested, but Lance is there and since he's a king, he helps, Ruddigar does too because we love supportive raccoon!
Also, ANNOUNCER LANCE IS BACK BABY!!!!! XDXDXDXD Seriously, the man is so much fin to write! Plus he brings out Varian's emotions, like his inner child, his growing rage, and everything in between, Lance is a good emotions character, so here's me playing with that idea! I hope I'm doing it well!
Thank you all so much for reading! <3
Chapter 66: Guy's Night: Once More With Feeling! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Eugene, Lance, Varian, and Ruddigar are all enjoying their guy's night, but when an old enemy arrives and makes a mess of things, what will the little group do?
Notes:
Part 2 of the two parter! Let's do it!!!!!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene smiled at the teen as he played with the fish in the water, poking his finger into the lake and giggling as the fish swam up to nibble on it. He'd taken off his gloves and was messing around when he suddenly started to lose his balance, before Eugene could get up however, Lance was already there and helping Varian stay on the boat, "what's with you and falling out of boats?" The man teased
The little alchemist blushed, "sorry, guess I got a little too mesmerized by the fish"
"A little?" The former thief raised a brow
Varian raised a brow right back, "yes, a little", he smirked, "I'm not as bad as you with your earrings"
"Hey, I'll have you know that was one of the first things your aunt noticed about me!" He replied while gently dusting off his earring
The teen rolled his eyes with a smile, "I thought you were gonna just be friends now"
"I am, but I still love her, even if I've stopped trying to court her she's still number one on my list"
The alchemist nodded, "that makes sense, though I'm glad you're taking her feelings into consideration, it's nice"
"We're here", Eugene interrupted, he managed to slow the boat down enough to where they drifted to the shore of the little island, "you two wanna help me get the boat tied down?"
They nodded and hopped out of the boat, pulling it to shore and tying it down before Eugene smirked at Lance and covered Varian's eyes, "h-hey! Wha-!"
"Don't worry kiddo, it's a part of the surprise", he began to lead the teen towards their little picnic, growing more and more excited as they grew closer to their destination
"E-Eugene?"
"I'm still here hair stripe, it's still me, just a little further okay?"
"O-okay"
Eugene led him further onto the island, talking to the teen as they went so he knew the man was still there. By the time they reached the picnic, Lance pointed out the teen's behavior, Varian was wringing his hands together, Ruddigar was nuzzling him for comfort but it didn't seem to be working. The dark prince noticed this too and was confused by it, he wanted to ask but wasn't sure if that was the right call considering what happened the last time he did. Getting a signal from his best friend, he decided against it since they were already there, "you ready to see the site?"
"Uh-huh"
Eugene heard the shakiness in the boy's voice and lowered his hands, letting the alchemist's eyes adjust to the light a little before the teen saw the picnic and gave a small smile, "wow, this looks great!"
"You okay kid?"
"Y-yeah I'm fine, don't worry about me!" Varian replied, his voice sounded relieved for some reason, the dark prince would make a note to ask later, and smirked
"Alrighty then, welcome to the picnic!" He gestured towards their set up which contained a large blanket on the sand with food sitting on top, a small campfire pit with a roaring fire in the middle, and odd decorations with funny smilies clearly drawn on using some ink, Eugene smiled, "Lance, take it away"
Lance smirked and nodded, clearing his throat, "who's ready to party?"
"Me?" Varian responded quietly
"I can't heeeeear yooooou~!"
Varian giggled, "ME!"
"That's right! We are finally here folks, we have reached the destination of our dreams and we are gonna party hard AAAAAAALL NIGHT!!!!! ....Or until 11pm because the little man has a curfew and needs his beauty sleep"
Varian blushed, "dad is an evil jerkface"
"He's an evil jerkface that loves you though!" Lance joked, "now come on, let's have us a blast!"
They began to party, enjoying the food they made and toasting some s'mores as Varian and Lance got into a conversation about the Brotherhood, Eugene would try to join in, but really hadn't spent much time with Adira or Hector, so he stayed quiet, those feelings coming back that he was missing something. He tried to ignore it, tried to make them go away, but they kept bubbling to the surface, things like how much time the two were spending together and how he felt like he couldn't chat with the kid like they'd used to. *You're being stupid you know*, he thought to himself, *if you wanna join the conversation, then just join in! You're only making it worse for yourself!* He knew he was right, but every time he felt him mouth open, the only thing that would come out wasn't good, so he'd shut it and keep quiet. By 9:30pm, he felt really left out, and he knew it wasn't their fault, they'd tried to include him, asking if he was enjoying himself and including him in conversation, and he'd give a quick response then go back to being quiet again. *What is WRONG with you?! You're having a Guy's Night, it's supposed to be about the kid, you, and Lance bonding, so why aren't you bonding?!* He was getting frustrated, why couldn't he just get over this?! He sighed, he really didn't want to let his frustrations out on them, "hey, I'm gonna go get some air real quick okay?" He said, getting up from his spot on the sand.
"Oh, o-ok, are you alright?" Varian asked, concern lacing his voice as his big blue eyes looked directly at Eugene, making him feel worse
"Y-yeah I'm alright, just feeling a little under the weather, that's all, you two enjoy, I'll be right back", he gave them both a reassuring smile before he walked away. He managed to get far enough away to where he couldn't be seen or heard, "UGH! What is WRONG with me?! Why can't I just enjoy myself?! This is supposed to be fun and enjoyable, so why can't I FUCKING enjoy it?!" He yelled to himself, he sighed, looking at a tree, "...I know why... But I don't want to feel that way.... Why do I feel that way about him? He can be friends with Lance and me at the same time, hell he's friends with Rapunzel and was close to CassANdra and I wasn't upset about that! So why am I so upset now? Why am I so frustrated?!" He growled a little, ignoring the distressed chittering calling over to him, "why am I doing this? I should be over there, hanging out, and being friendly, no instead I'm getting angry over quite possibly the stupidest reason in the universe and making that kid feel really bad!" The chittering got louder but he still didn't notice, "I mean did you SEE the way he looked at me and I walked away?! What the fuck am I thinking letting him feel like that? Especially after what I already put him through.... I.... What I put him through... Is that it? Is th- AAAH!" He yelled as something bashed into him at full speed, he got up quickly and unsheathed his sword before stopping when he saw black and white stripes, "Ruddigar?"
The raccoon chittered at the man, getting up and shaking the sand off of him before climbing up him, perching on his shoulder, and chittering frantically as he pointed towards the campsite
"What the hell? Why aren't you with Varian and Lance?"
The small mammal chittered again, pointing once more to the site, trying desperately to tell the man something
"The site? You're pointing to the site? What did something happen?"
Ruddigar screeched out a confirmation and hopped off the man's shoulders, gesturing him to follow
"Alright alright! I'm coming!" He followed the raccoon as he ran towards the site, stopping short when he saw the mess it was left in, "oh no...."
****
He was panting, tears were streaking down his face as he felt the bramble scratch his face. They'd gotten separated and the teen felt his heart racing as he ran through the woods, hearing the maniacs crossbow firing left and right. He needed to find an escape, he needed to find his friends, he needed to find Ruddigar, but he was lost, so incredibly lost, just like before, just like in the cell, that thought alone made him trip and fall down a small hill. He tumbled to the ground, feeling rocks and sand slide against him as he continued falling, he finally hit the bottom a minute later. He tried to get up, but his ankle scraped against a particularly sharp rock and made him fall again, getting a mouth full of sand as he did so. He stayed on the floor for a moment, unable to move due to the sheer amount of fear he was experiencing, but he managed to convince himself to look around.
He lifted his head and searched the beach, rounding a corner when he noticed a small cave nearby, he tried to get a look inside but was too far away to do so. He sighed, getting up and ignoring the pain in his ankle, Varian limped over to it, he peeked inside and saw nothing, just darkness. Backing up a bit he took off his pack and dug through it, pulling out a stick with one of his alchemy bombs on top, placing his pack back on he limped over to the cave's opening and broke the bomb against the wall. He watched as the fire ignited to life, lighting up the cave and smiled a little, *a-at least it works*, he thought before he made his way inside the cave. He noticed there wasn't a nest or fur and it looked empty, sighing with relief the teen slide to the ground and pulled his knees to his chin, "Eugene.... Lance.... Ruddigar... Where are you?" He sobbed as he sat there alone, his torch keeping him warm, he didn't know what to do, his mind was fuzzy and he felt so overwhelmed by everything, he just wanted to spend some time with his friends.... He just wanted his friends.... He just.... "Daddy...." He cried as his father's face formed in his mind, "daddy where are you?..... I really n-need you right now...." He continued to cry silently as the sun dipped fully behind the horizon and the moon shined bright.
****
The man was silent, hiding in the foliage surrounding him as best as he could, his hand clamped tightly over his mouth. He was watching his pursuer walk around right in front of him, unfortunately he couldn't see Varian from where he was at, but he tried to take solace in the fact that the kid had a brain the size of the entire kingdom and knew how to hide pretty well. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, hoping his attacker couldn't hear the sound of air slipping through his fingers, he'd managed to be distracting enough to keep the person chasing after him, but now he didn't know what to do, he'd left his sword at their site, and he didn't know where Eugene had run off to, Ruddigar either for that matter, he hoped the raccoon had followed Varian's instructions and found him, he really hoped so.
A snap made the man nearly jump out of his skin as the attacker moved closer to his bush, the person wouldn't really give him much of a fight, considering their small stature against his, but they sure knew how to handle that crossbow. *What do I do? what do I do? I gotta find Varian and make sure he's okay, but I can't do that with crossbow McGee over here hot on my tail.... He ran towards the right, poor kid must be really freakin scared right now.... Shit his anxiety is probably through the roof.... Focus Lance, gotta figure out a way to the kid..... Or.... Maybe that's the point.... He ran off to the right, so if I run to the left.....* He sighed before nodding, *now or never!* He pumped himself up before jumping out of the bushes, making the pursuer turn around and aim their crossbow at him, "COME AT ME YOU FUCKIN BITCH!" With that he dove out of the way of the flying arrows and booked it to the left, getting the person to follow after him, he smirked, "just like old times".
****
Eugene was shocked when he saw the site, everything was scattered and/or broken, the fire was out, there were arrows everywhere, and the only thing he had left of his two friends was Lance's sword and Varian's shoes. "What in the actual fuck?" He questioned, before looking around, there were footprints in the sand, ones that were made with tiny bare feet, Varian, one he recognized as Lance's boots, and one more pair, they were small, easily ten times smaller than Lance, but they were distant from the others two. Eugene could figure out they were caught by surprise and booked it, not a bad idea, but still.... He looked at Ruddigar, who had hopped off his shoulder and was sniffing his boy's boots, nuzzling them, "I take it he sent you to come find me didn't he?"
The small mammal nodded and chittered at the boots again, that gave Eugene an idea, "hey, can you sniff him out?"
Ruddigar froze and thought about it before nodding, taking a big wiff of the boots before placing his nose to the ground and sniffing, he sniffed around the tracks and walked around Eugene before he waddled towards the woods, he began to sniff harder until he chittered triumphantly and used his paw to point towards the right. "Alright! Great job Ruddigar! Can you keep sniffing? We've gotta find Varian first, Lance can fight but Varian's probably alone at the moment, knowing my best friend, he'd keep whoever this is far away from the kid".
The raccoon nodded and began to run off into the woods, Eugene following behind him, they had to stop a few times so Ruddigar could resniff and figure out where his boy went next before they took off once more, a couple worry filled minutes passed by before they came across a large hill. Ruddigar looked at it worriedly before sniffing around, "VARIAN!" Eugene called, his voice echoed but he didn't hear anyone respond. His heart leapt into his throat when Ruddigar chittered at him once more, "fucking hell raccoon you're gonna give me a heart attack!"
The small mammal continued to chitter, pointing and gesturing frantically at something, the former thief looked at where the raccoon was pointing and saw a couple pink alchemy bombs caught on the sandy hill along side small droplets of blood, "Varian... Let's go Ruddigar, we need to get to him fast!"
The raccoon hopped on Eugene's shoulder and they carefully slid down the sandy hill. Once they were at the bottom, Ruddigar's ear perked up and he chittered at the dark prince, "what? You hear something?" The raccoon nodded and Eugene stayed quiet for a moment, he heard it too, it sounded familiar, "let's go". They walked towards the sound, seeing more droplets of blood and some footprints, these ones were made by tiny bare feet like before. Feeling a small amount of hope brighten up, Eugene quickened his pace and rounded a corner, only to find a small cave.
He sneaked over to it and peaked it, his heart breaking at the sight, there was Varian, curled up in a little ball against the wall, a torch in his hand and his ankle bleeding badly, the teen was crying, his words cutting the former thief deeply, "daddy where are you?..... I really n-need you right now...."
The sun was dipping down and the moon began to rise as Eugene immediately ran over to the kid, "Varian!" He wrapped his arms around the teen, "Varian! Hair stripe! It's okay, I'm here, I found you!"
"E-Eugene?"
"Yeah kid it's me, I found you, I finally found you"
He felt the teen's arms wrap around him, returning the hug and leaning into the man's touch, "Eugene...." He sounded relieved and so so tired, Ruddigar hopped off the former thief's shoulders and walked over to his boy, nuzzling him and licking at his wound, getting the boy to look at him, "Ruddigar", he picked the little raccoon up and snuggled him, stroking his fur softly.
"You alright?"
"I t-think so.... My mind feels f-fuzzy...."
"Do you see anything odd?"
"....Little black d-dots...."
*Fuck he's fainting!* Eugene thought, "hey, kid stay with me alright, can you hear me?"
"Mm-hmm"
"Ok, listen I need you to take a couple breaths with me, just like I showed you can you do that?"
"B-breaths?"
"Yes breaths, look at me buddy, can you see me?"
"Yeah"
"Good, that's good, now watch me and do what I do, okay?"
"Ok"
Eugene inhaled and held it, Varian did the same, he then let it go slowly, the alchemist repeated him. They did this for a couple minutes until Eugene saw the teen's eyes open up a little wider, "you're doing great hair stripe! Just a couple more breaths okay?"
"O-okay"
He stuttered, but he was waking up, the thief kept breathing with him, and slowly but surely Varian came back to him, his eyes were awake and shining bright and he didn't seem tired anymore, in fact, he was wide awake, "you with me now kid?"
"Y-yeah, I'm back, thanks, w-where are we?"
"We're in a cave, I take it you fell down that hill?"
"Yeah...." The teen blushed
"Hey it's okay, I've done that before, especially when you're in a hurry, nothing to worry about, but I gotta take a look at your ankle real quick"
"I-is it bad?"
"I won't lie kid, it's bleeding, but it doesn't look broken, were you able to stand on it before?"
"Limp, I-I limped on it"
"That's better than nothing, but you still gotta let me take a look okay?"
"Ok", the teen moved his leg out gently and let the man inspect it, "I h-have some medical supplies i-in my pack"
"You do?"
"Y-yeah, I never fully unpacked i-it from my mission before, s-so it's still in there"
Eugene smirked, "that's great kiddo! You're prepared as usual!" He walked over to Varian's back and unzipped his pack, retrieving the medkit from inside, "this a torch?" He held up the stick with an alchemy bomb onit, when Varian nodded he took it out as well torch before zipping it back up and checking the wound once more. He managed to clean it up and wrap it while also getting the small cuts and bruises Varian had from the fall. He gave the teen a once over three different times before nodding, "you're clean goggles, no breaks, no gashes, the only bad thing is that ankle of yours, and it doesn't look too bad, I'll have to carry you on my back though because there is no way I'm letting you walk on that thing".
Varian chuckled, "thanks dad"
Eugene snorted and replied in a voice that sounded a little like Quirin's, "you're welcome son, now eat your carrots or no alchemy for you"
The teen laughed, "that's not bad Eugene!"
"I try my best kid", he smiled before remembering Lance, "we gotta go though, Lance is still out there and he'll need our help, you coming with me?"
"Yeah", Eugene smiled proudly at the boy as Ruddigar hopped on the alchemist's shoulders and he climbed onto the former thief's back
"Comfy?"
"Um....clarify 'comfy'"
"Not about to fall off or hurt yourself"
"Oh, then yes, very 'comfy'"
"Great! Now let's-!"
"Though now that I think about it, that definition sounds a lot more like 'secure', not 'comfy'"
"I'm gonna drop you"
"Ok i-it's comfy"
"Turd"
"You asked"
"A simple 'yes' would've been perfectly f- you know what? Never mind, come on, we've got a Lance to save!"
"Right! Hi-ho Eugene!"
"...."
"Please don't drop me"
"I'll think about it, now come on", he began walking around the cave and making his way towards where he thinks Lance may have gone, praying to the moon above he was safe out there, "we're coming buddy, just hang in there".
****
It didn't take them long to find Lance, they followed the barrage of arrows that were sticking out of the ground, "for a surprise attack, this person seems to be pretty keen on letting us know where they are", Varian commented
"Yeah they don't seem to be hiding the fact that they're trying to kill us.... Though it could be because we're the only one's here", Eugene responded, "either way it gives us a good map of where Lance is headed"
"Right.... Hey Eugene?"
"Hm?"
"A-are you okay?"
"Yeah, why?"
The teen looked down, Ruddigar nuzzling him comfortingly before he spoke, "....w-when you left the site, I got really worried about you".
That made the former thief stop and look at the teen, "you were worried about me?"
"W-well yeah, you left in kind of a huff and I thought.... I dunno, t-that maybe I did something to upset you?"
Guilt washed over the man as he felt his heart break even more at those words, "aw kid no, no you didn't do anything wrong I was just...." He sighed, looking down in shame, "I.... I know this'll sound bad, but I felt really jealous of you and Lance... And I needed a minute to calm down before I said something I would regret..."
This surprised Varian as Eugene began walking again, "you were.... jealous?"
"Well yeah, you and I were so close before, team Awesome and Flynn Rider were something you and I shared together, it was special, and to me it's still special but.... After everything that happened with you and Quirin.... And how we just left you behind.... Then when we came back and I made you wince with that comment about trusting you I... I dunno, just Lance has always been better at the whole emotional gig than I ever have and when you needed someone to help and that person turned out to be him instead of me.... I felt...."
"Left out?" Varian finished, "kinda like, "why couldn't I be the one to help you?""
"Yes exactly! It's so freaking selfish of me to even think that way too! I know Lance has been genuinely helping you and with how I treated you before.... I just.... I'm really sorry Varian.... I'm sorry for what I did to you, led an army against you, fought you, abandoned you, believed everything everyone else said about you.... Hell I didn't even give you much of a chance to explain yourself, even after you were back with us.... Yet I feel jealous because I can't be the one to help you.... How fucking selfish is that? Some 'hero'...."
The teen was silent, at a loss for words, on one hand Eugene was right, that was incredibly selfish of him and really rude too considering all that he'd been through, but on the other hand, Varian could tell he didn't *want* to feel that way, he'd even apologized and told him everything, even distancing himself so he *wouldn't* say anything, he didn't want to hurt him.... When the alchemist thought of it like that, he smiled, "Eugene"
"Hm?"
"You're still my hero you know"
"What?"
Varian's smile widened, "you're still my hero, Flynn Rider had selfish thoughts too you know, after all he stole from a lot of people, good or bad it didn't matter, he stole because he knew they had the money to lose. Even if he meant it in a good way he was still being selfish, but that's kinda the whole point of the book series. Flynn is a rogue thief who looks out for those who need it, he helps everyone he can and when he can't help one way, he finds another way to do so, that's you! You do help me, in so many ways, yeah maybe you can't help me with my emotions or my baggage, but you help me in other ways"
"How?"
"Well, for example, you make me laugh the hardest, and you're always there when I *really* need you, you give me the best hugs and right when I need them, and we can't forget about Team Awesome! You comfort me Eugene, just like Ruddigar does, you're there when I need you the most, you help me at my lowest points, and yeah, you can't fix everything, neither can he", Ruddigar chittered happily as he smiled at Eugene, "but you both comfort and guide me in a way that helps me get better. You actually help me a lot more than Lance does sometimes. The talks with him are great, and they help me so so soooo much, but sometimes, all I need is a friend, or raccoon, to hug me or hold me and tell me it's okay and mean it. It doesn't always work, but you calm me down to the point where I don't hit those lows anymore, I mean, you just did it in the cave! And when I get really flustered I remember the breathing technique *you* taught me when we were sword fighting before! You're my Flynn Rider, my Eugene, and most importantly, my big brother, and I couldn't ask for anybody better for the job than you!"
Eugene sniffled a bit before he wiped a tear from his face and smiled, "thanks kiddo, I really needed that"
"You're welcome, I guess I'm your raccoon huh?"
The former thief chuckled, "yep, you're my raccoon"
They laughed a bit before growing silent once more, both of them smiling fondly in the light of the moon before Varian spoke up, "hey Eugene"
"Hm?"
"I love you"
The dark prince grinned, "I love you too"
For a moment is was comfortable, but then they both stopped when they heard a yell and curse coming from their site, looking at each other Eugene booked it towards the beach, both of them saying the same thing, "Lance!"
****
The man was hiding behind a tree, his arm throbbing with pain as he held it, when an arrow came shooting by, barely missing his face, he yelled, "FUCK!" and ran away from the tree, about five arrows followed behind him as he bobbed and weaved out of their path, he ended up getting cornered, the river being his only option left, he backed up when another arrow flew past him, tripping on the sand as an arrow stuck itself against his pants, pinning him in place.
"Finally caught ya you stupid fuckin werewolf lover!" The women scowled at the man as she walked up to him and held her crossbow right between his eyes, "now that I gotcher attention, why don't we have a little chat-!"
"Oh there won't be ANY of that!" Another voice yelled, both Lance and his attacker looked up and saw Eugene glaring daggers at the women, his sword was drawn and he was not happy, "Captain Creighton, so you're the one that attacked us?"
"EUGENE! Aw man am I glad to see you!" Lance replied happily
"Oh fuck you're here too? Figures, that big guy here? The one that went toe to toe with the monster?"
"No!" Yet another voice called out before pink smoke lit up the beach. Captain Creighton coughed a bit before she looked up and saw a boy with Eugene, "but I'm here, and I'm not happy to see you again you fucking raccoon murderer!"
"Hey, aren't you that same kid that was in the woods with the werewolf? I thought you fuckin died!"
"No I didn't, no thank to you! What are you *doing* here?" Varian asked, his eyes glowing with rage at the sight of her
She scoffed, "I came by because this fucker", she gestured to Lance using her crossbow, "thinks he can just play house with a werewolf and not suffer any fuckin consequences! So I'm here to correct that little problem if ya catch my drift", she pointed the crossbow at him again, the man wincing away from it.
"You came to KILL Lance?! Are you-! You know what? Fuck this, I'm done talking!" Eugene replied as he slid down to her and pointed his blade right at her heart, "leave my best friend alone or I'll fucking gut you like a fish!"
"You wouldn't *dare*!" Captain Creighton challenged
"Wouldn't he?" Varian replied, also sliding down and walking up behind Eugene, "you have no idea who the hell you're threatening right now do you?"
The werewolf hunter raised her brow questioningly, looking at Lance up and down before turning back to the duo, "an idiot?"
"NO!" They both yelled, Varian pulling out his carving knife and pointing it at her neck as Eugene's sword got close enough to make her trip and fall
"You're threatening my best fucking friend in the world and the closest person I have to family all because he cares about a little girl who happens to be a werewolf! You want to kill him because of that, you already hurt him lady, and I'm really close to ending you right fucking here and now, don't make this any worse!" Eugene replied, his voice was low and serious, Captain Creighton had never heard this man act like this before.
"Tch, and I thought the princess wore the pants in the family, turns out the fucking kid and husband do!" She laughed but it was cut short when Varian's knight touched her neck, she looked at the teen and he narrowed his eyes, looking a lot like his father had when facing the werewolf before. Taking the hint, Captain Creighton sighed and let go of her crossbow, "fine, you win...." Lance sighed with relief as Varian pulled away, Eugene however, stood his ground, he still glared at the women before he nodded, suddenly the werewolf hunter felt her arms being restrained, when she turned around the kid's raccoon had tired her wrists together, "wait, what the-!"
"Captain Creighton, you're wanted for attempted murder, twice, there's a bounty on your head in Corona, and we'll be more than happy to take you there!" Varian stated with a smirk, "you can either come quietly, or I can knock you out, your choice".
"I.... BUT..... Fuck...."
"That's what I thought", with that the duo turned to Lance, Ruddigar keeping a sharp eye on the women, "you okay Lance?" The teen asked, breaking the arrow and pulling from the ground before he and Eugene helped the man up
"I'm alright, thanks you two, are you alright little man? Look at your ankle!"
"I'm okay, don't worry, Eugene fixed me up, though dad will probably want me to stay off of this for a little while"
Eugene smiled before he looked at Lance, he looked like a wreck, his clothes were dirty and torn, his arm had clearly been shot, and he had scratches and bruises all over him. The dark prince sighed though, relieved that his best friend was alright, he walked over and without saying a word hugged Lance tightly, smiling when he felt Varian join in and the large man return the hug, "I'm really glad you're okay buddy"
"Thanks", Lance replied before breaking the hug and smiling, "and thanks for the save man"
"No problem, now come on, it's a long way home, Quirin is already going to kill us for getting there late so we should probably not make him worry anymore than he is"
"You think he'd believe a 'we got lost' story?"
They both looked at Varian, hope shining in their eyes for a moment, "nope", they sighed in defeat, "maybe the plushy will make it better?" The teen offered
"One can only hope kid, one can only hope, either way, I think that's good for a guy's night yeah?" Eugene replied with a smirk
"Yep!" Lance agreed
"Absolutely", Varian confirmed, and they all packed up and, along with Ruddigar and Captain Creighton, started the long journey back to the castle, the moon shining bright as they made their way home.
Notes:
That's the end of this two parter! I'm gonna make a chapter where they get home and have to explain all of this to Quirin, so protective farmer dad will be making an entire chapter his own! That's gonna be so much fun to write XD
Lance is a good damsel in distress, it's like he was made for the part!
Eugene and Varian have a bro moment and I love their bro moments, team Awesome forever!
Ruddigar is the best raccoon, but Varian's been learning some tricks from him, I think he's doing rather well with his raccoon training, don't you?
Thank you all so much for reading! :D
Chapter 67: Their Return!
Summary:
Eugene, Varian, Lance, and Ruddigar all return to Corona along with a very irritated Captain Creighton. But with both Varian and Lance injured, and them coming back late, what exactly are they coming back to?
Notes:
Go go gadget protective farmer dad!!!!!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian's gut twisted a bit as he saw the docks of the sun kingdom come into view, he glanced around and sighed as Eugene finished wrapping Lance's arm up and Ruddigar glared at Captain Creighton, who was still tied up and scowling right back at the raccoon, but didn't see anything out of place quite yet. Still, he had an odd feeling like someone was watching them slowly make their way back, "you good kiddo?" Eugene asked, startling the teen.
"Y-yeah I'm fine, just a little nervous about getting back I guess", he replied, rubbing the back of his neck, "I love my dad, don't get me wrong, but he's not going to be happy about this.... I'm j-just worried he might not allow me to do anymore guy's nights....."
The two former thieves looked at each other sadly before the larger man smiled reassuringly at the alchemist and sat next to him, "hey, Quirin is, as we all know, a reasonable and kind individual, if anything else, he'll be mad but will let us explain once he's calmed down"
"That's the problem though, once he'd calmed down he's even more terrifying"
The dark prince chuckled as he sat next to the teen as well, "he really scares you doesn't he?"
Varian chuckled, "he doesn't scare me at all, he's just.... Really overprotective, and I can't blame him but..... I dunno, I just don't want him to worry, I feel more bad than scared... Although my nerves are a little frayed at the thought of no alchemy for a while, which is a very real possibility considering we are *very* late"
Lance snickered, "don't worry, if you get grounded, we'll find ways to entertain you little man"
"Thanks Lance", the teen smiled, "that actually makes me feel a bit better"
The larger man smiled before getting an idea, "oh hey! Why don't we play I spy while we're sailing!"
"Lance, that's a child's game... Plus Varian'll win", Eugene replied
"Wanna bet?"
"NO!" The dark prince yelled, making Varian laugh
"Moon above, I don't mean an *actual* bet! My wallet's still filling in the gaps from the treasure hunt incident...." He gave Varian the stink eye as the teen giggled, "I just mean we could play an innocent game to make the time pass by"
The little alchemist nodded, eyeing the werewolf hunter as she shifted a little before looking back at the two former thieves, "I'm game, Eugene?"
The man sighed, "fine, we'll play and lose the game, beats sitting here"
Lance chuckled before looking around, "alright, I'll start, I spy with my gorgeously brown eye, something that is also brown!"
"Is it the docks?" Eugene asked
"Nope!"
"Is it the boat?" Varian inquired
"Nu-uh!"
"Hmmmm....." The teen and prince looked around for a moment before Eugene stood up straight
"Ha! It's the barrels on the dock isn't it?!"
"Yep you got it! You're turn!" Lance replied as Varian snapped his fingers in defeat
"Sweetness! Ok maybe this won't be so bad.... I see with my extremely handsome eye something that is..... purple!"
"Purple?" His best friend responded
"Yep!"
"Is it..... The sky?" Varian asked as he looked up at the purple and black sky
"Good guess, but no"
"Is it that little flower over there?" Lance asked
"Bzzzt! Wrong!"
The teen looked around a little more before smiling wide, "it's the Corona flag over there!"
"Yep! Nice job kid!"
"Damn, that one was tough", the red clad man replied
Varian giggled, "ok, I spy with my scientifically accurate eye, something that is black"
"Is it the pirate flag on the ships?" Eugene replied
"Negative"
"How about mine or your belt!" Lance replied excitedly
"You are incorrect"
The two former thieves looked around before Lance gasped, startling both Eugene and Varian, "it's Ruddigar's stripes!"
The raccoon chittered happily as his boy snickered, "yep! You got it!"
"YES!" Lance pumped his fist in the air before he looked around, "alright, I spy with my-! Uh... W-with my very concerned and fearful eye, something that is red, brown, and angry!"
Both the alchemist and the prince looked confused before Varian looked towards the docks and let out a squeak before getting up and limping over to Eugene, hiding behind him. The man himself also looked at the docks and gritted his teeth as he saw a very angry retired knight glaring daggers at them from the dock, Rapunzel, Adira, King Edmund, Hector, Catalina, and Angry were all with him, and none of them were pleased, "oh.... Fuck...."
****
Both men, the teen, raccoon, and even Captain Creighton stayed quiet as the boat drifted up to the docks, Eugene pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time '1:30am', *oh shit*, he thought. Their boat finally reached the docks and Lance managed to tie them to it before they all got out, Ruddigar hopping onto Varian's shoulders as Eugene picked him up on his back and stepped out of the boat. Lance helped Captain Creighton to her feet and climbed out with her, keeping one arm on her as his other arm resting in its slink around his neck. The crowd was silent for a moment before the dark prince sighed, "hi, look before you get extremely upset with us, can you hear us out first? Because believe it or not this wasn't our fault, and we actually have proof", he gestured over to the werewolf hunter, who was glaring at Catalina, she growled back at her, a slight shade of red glinting in her eyes at the sight of the women.
Quirin raised a brow at the women before looking back at Eugene, his expression staying the same. The dark prince felt his bone freeze under the man's expression and he stepped back a bit, "d-dad it's true, it really w-wasn't our fault this time", Varian tried, his hand tightening protectively as he gripped Eugene's shirt, "you gotta let us explain, please? I k-know you were worried and I'm sorry, but we couldn't h-help it this time, we really couldn't", Ruddigar chittered in agreement, trying to convince the man.
Quirin's face still stayed the same, until he felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned and saw Edmund looking at him sympathetically and for a moment there was a silent debate before the retired knight sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose before looking back at his son, Eugene, and Lance, "give me back my child and we'll go back to the castle, we can talk there while Captain Creighton goes, I'm assuming, to the dungeon in a holding cell".
"What?! You don't even know what I did! I ain't afraid of you ya big fucker! even with my hands tied behind my back I can sti-!" She stopped short when a sword was inches from her face and the retired knight's face showed no emotion, save for an expression with only one intent, "y-you wouldn'-!"
"I am a knight of the Dark Kingdom and you injured the only reason I've got to live and almost killed his best friend after you tried to kill a little girl. Believe me, I have no reason to keep you alive if you don't shut the fuck up", he replied coldly, his voice sending shivers down the women's spine, "you have one option and one warning, this is it, now choose".
She didn't hesitate, shutting her mouth and backing up a bit into Lance, who, despite the tense atmosphere, leaned down and whispered, "who's scarier, a wolf, or him?"
"Him"
"Right, so I would listen if I were you"
She nodded as he straightened himself back up and led her towards the castle and away from the dark knight as he sheathed his duel blades and turned to Eugene, who had set the teen down and was helping him walk over to his father. Quirin lifted his boy up and cradled him protectively while Eugene held his shoes, "he can walk but we thought it was best if he kept these off, his ankle's pretty swollen, not broken, but swollen", the former thief explained as he held out the boots to them, the little alchemist taking them before looking up at his father.
Quirin didn't respond but watched his son for a moment, his eyes taking in every injury he could see before his son cupped his cheek, "I'm okay dad, really". The man took his son's hand in his and for a moment they stared at each other before his father smiled at him, his eyes filled with worry and concern, but also love and warmth.
"I'm glad you're safe", he said, kissing his son on his forehead before he turned and walked towards the castle as Rapunzel walked next to Eugene and smiled.
"Hey blondie, you okay?" He asked her
"I'm fine, I'm glad all three of you are safe, we were really worried about you, Quirin got so worried that by 12am he started to search the town, we joined him after a little bit, that's when Xavier told us you went to the docks and didn't come back, we were going to rent a boat and travel out to find you but then Adira spotted you sailing back towards the docks", she explained
"I take it that's why Quirin was glaring?"
"No, he was actually glaring at Lance and Varian's injuries and Captain Creighton, he hates her so when he saw her with you three he got.... well.... Hector", she looked at the wild tamer as he and his sister passed by them, Edmund having run ahead to catch up with their brother and nephew, "how did you put it when you described what Quirin was feeling when he saw the boat?"
"Like someone shit in his cereal, fucked up his home, killed Itty Bitty, and stomped his gardens flat"
"Or, to put it bluntly", Adira smirked, "pissed"
"Yeah.... that", Rapunzel replied with a giggle before turning back to Eugene, "he was upset at seeing that women with you and honestly, I don't blame him, Varian got extremely hurt because of her, and Catalina and Ruddigar nearly got killed while she ran away. She's not trustworthy and dangerous, she'll be sitting in that holding cell for sure for what she's done, it looks like she did even more though.... What happened to you?"
"I think I'd better explain when we're back at the castle and she's locked away, because if what you're saying is right, Quirin will kill her", Adira and Hector raised their brows when they heard this, "they might too"
****
They were all back at the castle, settling in the family room as Doctor's Mr. and Mrs. Solace checked Varian and Lance over, giving them the all clear and wrapping them up properly before they said their goodbyes and left. The little alchemist was laying in his father's lap, his head on the man's chest as his fingers messed with Quirin's vest while Lance was sitting with Catalina and Angry, they were listening to Eugene as he told everyone what happened on their trip, "...And that's why we were so late and had madam shoots a lot with us", he finished before sitting next to Rapunzel with a sigh, "we're really sorry, Guy's Nights just seem to be a little dangerous, we'll understand if you want Lance and I to stop them for a while".
"So anyone else down to kill her, or is it just me?" Hector asked, raising his hand in the air, Adira, Quirin, and even King Edmund raised theirs as well, "four out of several, should be enough, let's go"
"No, you're not killing her", Rapunzel responded, "you may not be citizens in my kingdom but she's under my custody and injured three of my people, she's mine to punish and I'll punish her fairly and with what I see fit", she decreed
"No offense princess, but 'the way you see fit', left my nephew in a dungeon and my brother in some amber for over a year", the wild tamer replied, staring the princess down
She stood her ground however, "I realize our past mistakes taken were not the best, but we are learning from them. In my opinion everyone deserves a chance for redemption unless proven otherwise, at this point we haven't even given her a chance. So no, executing her is not our only option, she deserves a chance to tell us why she's done what she's done, before it was because she genuinely thought the werewolf would be dangerous, but now-!"
"*NOW* she attacked *your* people and injured two of them because she was, what, pissed at you for protecting a little girl?" Hector asked, looking at Lance questioningly, the man sighed but nodded, "right, and you think someone like that will be fucking ready to reevaluate everything and be happy and full of rainbows now?!"
"That's what happened to me", Varian spoke up, his voice was quiet and tired, but he looked directly at his uncle and showed no fear, "I was angry and upset, I kidnapped the queen and nearly killed and injured several people because I wanted my dad back. Then I spent a year in jail and tried to erase everyone's memories so they would forget what I did to them and we could go back to normal, well, almost", he looked up at his father for a brief moment before sighing and looking at Hector once more, "I tried to hurt people and very nearly killed them, it took Rapunzel giving me a second chance to get me back, and I'm better than before. I may not like this women, heck I genuinely hate her for almost killing Ruddigar... But Rapunzel's right, she deserves a second chance, or at the very least a chance to explain why".
Hector huffed, "see, here's the fucking thing though, you were DIFFERENT! You may have done bad things, really bad fucking things, but you were trying to fix them, and you had a good reason to fucking do them in the first place! She may have been trying to protect people, but what reason do we have to believe that she even *wants* to change? Varian showed he wanted to change when you finally fucking talked to him!" He looked straight at Rapunzel, "same with you boyfriend and my sister's fucking admirer over there!" He gestured to Lance, who blushed a bit, "yet this lady just waltz's right fucking up to Eugene and said she was only doing this again to show there were, 'consequences' for loving a fucking werewolf girl who's already shown she's not gonna hurt anybody! THAT'S the difference, you three", he gestured to Varian, Lance, and Eugene, "showed fucking remorse for your actions, that bitch has not and is now responsible for injuring my nephew TWICE, injuring Lance once while simultaneously putting my brother in fucking danger, attempting to kill Ruddigar and Catalina, and almost killing Eugene as well!" He crossed his arms, "argue with that".
The room was silent for a moment, everyone digesting what Hector had just pointed out before Rapunzel sighed, "I'll admit it, you're right, she hasn't shown remorse for what she's done, but it can take people years to show it. I'm sorry to point this out, but it took Varian a full year to show how bad he felt-!"
"No actually, it didn't", Adira interrupted, "it took you a year to get back to Corona to *see* that he felt bad for what he did, it did not take him a year to feel that way. I watched him in that cell, I wanted to break him out but unfortunately I had to guide you to the moonstone and you kept getting lost".
"Is that why you seemed so aggravated whenever you had to come save us?" Eugene asked
She nodded, "in the time I was away from you and your adventures I'd traveled back to Corona to see what Speckles was doing"
"Why?" Varian asked, "you didn't know me back then"
His aunt smiled, "you didn't know *me*, but I knew all about you remember? When we first met I said, 'your father probably never spoke of me', then Stickler rolled his eyes", she looked over at Quirin, who rolled his eyes with a smirk, "and I continued with, 'but I'm your aunt!' I've known about you for a long time Speckles, and I've kept an eye on you ever since you were born".
"Y-you have?"
"Yes I have, annoyed your father a lot back then too, but that's besides the point. I was there when you were arrested, I was there when you were in that cell, I was there when you were lashed, I was always there, but I couldn't do anything about it because I wasn't supposed to! It killed me every single time, but then you escaped and you were with that group, I hated them from the start but at least you were safe with them for the time being. Either way, I watched him, and it took him maybe a day to realize what he'd done and feel horrible about it, you didn't see it Sundrop, but it happened, and unfortunately I think it may have skewed your way of thinking when it comes to reformation".
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel asked
Adira sighed and looked at the princess sympathetically, "I don't blame you for this, I honestly don't, but you've managed to make yourself believe that as long as you talk to the person you're trying to save, that it's the only way to help them when in reality that's the only way you've found to give others a second chance. To be fair your success rate is three for three counting my nephew, Fish Skin, and Earring. But there will come a time where you can't save someone that you want to save, and unfortunately Sundrop, I don't think you've figured that out quite yet".
Rapunzel was hurt, but she shook it off and thought about it for a moment, she wanted to believe that Adira was wrong, that Captain Creighton could be saved but, was she really not seeing the obvious? The talk King Edmund and Lance had given her before proved that she was blind to many things in this world and that she didn't see everything for what it was all the time, but she wanted to believe that something could be done to help her, even so were they right? Is the werewolf hunter a lost cause? If she is though... Her resolve strengthened and she looked Adira directly in the eyes, "you're right, maybe I can't see everything perfectly, I'll admit there are a lot of mistakes I've made, and I'll probably make several more, but I will not have Captain Creighton executed for this, I won't. Say what you will but everything you've just told me will not change my mind, however I will say this, you're right about her not being able to be reformed, she may be stuck on this path and will never want to change, and yes, leaving her like that is extremely dangerous, but she is in my jail and she is my prisoner, so I will take responsibility for what happens to her like every ruler should!" She then turned to Varian and gave him a sympathetic look, "I can't change what I've done in the past, I really wish I could because I would have done so many things differently, especially when it came to you", he nodded understandingly and she looked back at Adira, "but Captain Creighton is a different person with a different story so here's what I propose. We will give her a trial, it will be fair, unbiased, and calm, I will see to it that every measure is taken to ensure she will not escape from this, her crimes cannot be ignored but her punishment is not yet determined. We have several witnesses and will have them speak if they wish, we will also give her an alley, someone who will speak on her behalf should she choose to do so, King Edmund", she turned to him and he straightened his back, sensing the severity in her tone, "I know this isn't my place to ask but as she is a traveler I cannot very well punish her on Coronan law alone, I'd like your help with that as a representative of the Dark kingdom, if you're willing to"
"Wouldn't that be a bad idea? My son was attacked by her too so isn't he conflict of interest?" He asked
She thought for a moment, "you're right...."
"You could find out if she worked in other kingdoms", Varian suggested, "you said she's a traveler, so surely she'll have worked in more than one kingdom, maybe ask the other 7 kingdoms to see if they know her and have them attend the trial as well, that way the verdict will be balanced and instead of one person making the decision several people can debate amongst themselves depending on the work she'd provided and how much she's helped other people, and if she's lying, that makes the choice a little easier for us, either way we could ask a representative from each kingdom to come down and help make this decision".
Everyone was silent before Rapunzel hopped up, walked over, and hugged the alchemist tightly, "Varian you're a GENIUS!!!!! That's PERFECT!!!!!"
The teen was startled but smirked and hugged her back happily, "t-thanks", he replied before finding his father's hand and squeezing it, unknowingly making Quirin smile.
The princess broke the hug and smiled at her friend before turning back to the others, "then it's settled! She'll have a trial and I'll reach out to the other kingdoms to see if they know her or would be willing to join the trial and give her a fair judgement, Catalina, I might need you to show that werewolves do exist, you'll have guards protecting you and Angry with you of course, will you be willing to do that?"
the red head was startled, but smiled and nodded, "ok, I can do that".
"Great, glad everything is settled and this matter is resolved so now we can all go back to our places in the castle and be perfectly happy with this result correct?" Eugene tried
"Hold on", the retired knight replied, "there's still one more issue that you know we have to resolve"
Both former thieves and Varian sighed and looked at Quirin, "how long am I grounded for?" Varian asked defeatedly as Ruddigar rubbed against his arm
"How quick you are to assume you're going to be punished Varian", his father replied
"Wait so.... I'm not in trouble?"
The Village Leader smirked, "no, none of you are, the only real issue I have is these Guy's nights, Eugene pointed out earlier how dangerous they're getting, I'd like to discuss that".
"Oh", Lance replied, "yeah that is a pretty big issue.... But how are we supposed to fix it aside from not having a Guy's Night anymore?"
"Maybe you could have Guy's Nights inside sometimes, or maybe earlier in the day, they could be Guy's afternoons", the old farmer suggested, "but Eugene's right, they're getting a little too dangerous at night, and I'm worried that if something like this happens again, and you four get hurt and can't get back, we won't be able to find you, I knew several places where you might've been, and by the time we got to the docks, you were already coming back, that scares me...." He looked at his son, "a lot...."
"Guy's afternoon!" Lance tried, but sighed, "ugh no... It just doesn't have the same ring to it", he complained
"Hmmm.... What if, instead of going several places, we could just go to one place and hang out instead, that way you know exactly where we are and can come find us if we end up being late, and, for a little while, we can steer clear of places that are farther away from people we know, so the little island or the Snuggly Duckling would be off limits, unless you were to come with Quirin, does that sound fair?" Eugene suggested
The retired knight thought about it for a moment before he looked at his son again, who's puppy dog eyes were on full display, his father snorted, "you're really pushing this aren't you?" The little alchemist said nothing, but kept his puppy dog eyes at maximum, "...I'm honestly okay with that, despite the attempt to whittle me down", he chuckled at his son, who hugged him happily, "mind you these changes would only be temporary, just until things calm down and there are fewer criminals that want to hurt you four".
"Ok", the teen replied with a smile as Ruddigar climbed onto the old farmer and licked his cheek, getting Quirin to laugh. "OH! That reminds me! I got something for you! Oh and Wise Eyes, Uncle Hector, and Grandpa too!" The teen shifted a little before he propped himself up on his knees and reached over the side of the armchair, snagging the bag he'd set there previously and pulling it up with him before flopping back into his father's chest, making the man giggle a bit, before turning himself around so his back was against the retired knight's stomach and pulled his knees up before opening the bag excitedly, the process was entertaining to watch for everyone in the room.
"Needed to flop there kiddo?" Eugene teased
"Yes, dad stomach is perfect for optimal flopping on, it's soft, comfy, and makes him giggle, so it's worth it!" Varian responded, unknowingly getting his father to blush as Hector and Adira snickered while Edmund smiled at his knight happily.
"Soft?" Lance asked
"Well not soft like fat, soft as in it's a stomach and all stomachs are soft"
"So like pillow soft or....?"
Varian sighed, "my dad is completely in shape and probably has a six pack on his abs, that being said he's got a stomach that is soft like yours, Eugene's and mine, stomachs, by nature, are soft! Heck you ran into Grandpa to fight him and ended up slamming into him because he's so strong and yet he has a soft stomach, everyone's stomach is soft, stop picking on my dad!" The teen defended as he blushed before looking at his dad, "I'd also like to point out, I do not proactively look at your stomach but needed to prove a point".
"Noted, understood, and wanting to move on please", the retired knight responded as he heard Adira and Hector laughing quietly, he looked over to his king and he was also blushing, they smiled at each other
"Ok", the alchemist replied, "to be fair, they're both much more fun to snuggle with than you two"
"Oh now that's just hurtful!" Eugene replied, as Lance clutched his heart
"Cut us right down to the bone there little man"
"Then don't pick on my dad!"
Quirin smiled and kissed his son's head, getting a giggle in return before he looked at the bag the teen was ruffling through, "what is that anyway?"
"Oh right! Look!" He found what he was looking for and pulled it out, handing it to his father, "it's an Itty Bitty plushy!"
The retired knight looked at the doll and smiled wide at it, he tried to hide his excitement but couldn't for very long, "it's so tiny!" He replied quietly, making the little doll swim in the air, "and it looks just like him!"
"I knew you'd like it!" Varian stated before digging in the bag a little more and bringing out the rest, "here's a binturong doll for uncle Hector!"
The wild tamer's eye lit up for a split second before he closed them, taking the doll and, opened them, and stroked it lovingly, "thanks"
"You're welcome! Here's one for Wise Eyes, sorry it's not an animal, but it smells good!"
He handed the strawberry plush to Adira and she smiled softly before sniffing the plush and smiling even wider, "it's strawberry scented! Thank you!"
"You're welcome, and here's a crow for Grandpa!"
The Dark King took the crow doll and held it gently in his hands, looking it over and petting it's feathers before a small tear rolled down his cheek. He quickly brushed it away and blushed however, "t-thank you grandson! I shall... Take good care of it!" He replied
"You're welcome!" The teen smiled
Edmund smiled back before quietly adding, "thank goodness, you've avoided letting him see how soft you are and managed to let him keep thinking you're a strong king! But hold out old boy, you're not out of the woods yet, try not to get emotional even though this is the first gift you've received in over 20 years and it means the world to you and you're *sniff sniff* already losing this fight!" He began to choke up a bit, not noticing that everyone heard that, Varian smiled and, wiggling out of his father's lap, limped over and hugged his grandpa.
"I still think you're strong, even when you cry, it's okay", he said softly
The dark king froze and blushed before realizing what his grandson had said, he then scooped the boy up and hugged him tightly, letting his tears flow happily as he cried, "thank you Varian! I love it so much!"
The alchemist giggled and hugged the man once more, "you're welcome Grandpa!"
Adira smirked as she held the strawberry close to her chest. Hector put his binturong in his lap and was petting it as he smiled at his king and nephew's interaction. Quirin was playing with the Itty Bitty doll and smiling before he hugged it close to his heart and smiled wide. Rapunzel squealed in delight when Eugene brought out the chameleon plush as Catalina and Angry hugged Lance tightly when they were given theirs. Everyone stayed up for a little longer that night, playing with the dolls and chatting before the two teen thieves and the little alchemist fell asleep, the adults smiling at them before calling it a night and retiring to their rooms, everyone falling asleep peacefully.
Notes:
Protective farmer dad, fluffy grandpa, and fun family fluff all rolled up into one chapter! It adds nothing to the over arching story but it's cute, fun, wholesome, and there's plushies!
Side note, Quirin is *terrifying* when he's mad!
Not much else to write here, I'm very tired and wrote this while working my job, so that's fun! :D
Thank you all so much for reading! :D Have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 68: The Lunar Love Festival!
Summary:
Rapunzel and Eugene find out about a festival they've never heard of before, and are excited to find out more!
Notes:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene glared daggers at the two little girls currently hiding behind Lance, "come on man, it's all in good fun!"
"I do not take THIS as FUN!" The dark prince pointed to his hair, which was currently a bright shade of pink, "IT LOOKS LIKE COTTON CANDY!"
His best friend giggled, "it kinda does actually", Eugene raised a brow at him, "....alright alright *fine*!" He turned to the girls, "don't pull any more pranks on him okay? He can't take it"
"Oh I can TAKE it! But only when it's something FUNNY! And throwing pink hair dye in a man's morning hair routine makes them CRANKY!"
The girls giggled, "but you look so nice with pink hair", Catalina stated
"Yeah, if anything it's an improvement!" Angry added
The man sighed with defeat as he walked away, "where ya goin?" Lance asked
"To find Varian, I need this stuff out of my hair!" With that the man walked off to find the little alchemist. Luckily he didn't need to look too far as he heard laughter coming from the library, turning towards the large room he opened the door, only to find Rapunzel and the teen looking at a book together. He blushed and walked over, "hey blondie, goggles, need a little help with something, also..." He looked around, "where's your cat?"
The teen sighed and without looking up, replied, "he's a raccoon, not a cat, and he and Pascal are hanging out for the day, so me and Rapunzel are doing the same, at least until tonight"
"Tonight?"
"Dad and me have plans"
"Ah, anyway, help?"
The duo looked up to see what the problem was but, when they saw the man, their faces froze for a second before they both cracked up, "that's uh *ha ha* a n-nice fashion choice Eugene!" Varian chuckled
"Yeah yeah it's sooo funny, look can you just fix it please?"
"Oh why would you wanna fix it? It actually looks really good on you!" Rapunzel replied, getting up and kissing Eugene on the cheek
The man smirked, "while that is true and I appreciate it blondie, I'm more of a brunette and natural hair color kind of guy, unlike hair stripe"
The alchemist raised a brow, "hey my hair is actually natural!"
"Is it really? Even the blue stripe?" The princess asked
"Yeah, I was born with it, not really sure why, but I was, either way it's natural"
"That's molto interessante but back to this", he pointed at his hair, "kid, please"
"Right right, here hold still", the little alchemist stood up and moved a chair over to Eugene before hopping onto it carefully so he didn't irritate his injured ankle, which he was still limping on, and, reaching into his pocket, sprinkled something onto the man's head. The chemical shimmered before the pink evaporated and all that was left was the normal brown color it had been before, "ta daa! Alchemy!"
The former thief took out a hand mirror and looked at himself before smiling, "thanks! You really fixed it up, it looks brand n- ....Wait.... How did you just happen to have a chemical in your pocket that alchemied the pink away?"
Varian blushed, "uh.... T-they may have asked me to make that potion b-before today and I t-thought it would be to either prank me, my dad, Rapunzel.... o-or you, eheh"
Eugene sighed, "so you made a potion to get rid of it?"
"Yep"
"And they chose me"
"Yep"
"And didn't tell you anything"
"Yep"
"Oi Vey...."
"At least it's out now?"
"Yep"
The princess smiled at the two before looking back at the book she and Varian were reading, "Hey Eugene, check this out!" She picked the book up and walked over to her boyfriend as he helped the little alchemist step off the stool and sit on it instead to get off his ankle, "the characters in this book celebrate a holiday called Halloween! They dress up in fun costumes and get candy by going door to door yelling 'trick or treat!' Then the adults give them candy and they run off to do the same thing somewhere else! It sounds wonderful, I wish Corona did something like that!"
"Blondie we do"
Rapunzel blinked for a moment before looking at her lover, "what?"
"You didn't know? It's called the 'Lunar Love Festival' and is a kingdom wide celebration", Varian added, "though it's technically not a 'real' holiday, so people don't make too much of a fuss about it. B-but dad and I celebrate every year, so do most of the kids in Old Corona in fact, school lets out and people get to run around and celebrate, it's actually a lot of fun!"
Rapunzel took a deep breath, smiling wide as Eugene braced himself, "What do you do? What's it's about? Are there parties? Why is it only celebrated in Old Corona yet a kingdom wide holiday? If school lets out then why don't more people celebrate? How do you celebrate? How do you and Quirin celebrate specifically? It is like the festival we just read about? When do you start celebrating? Do you need to be home to celebrate it? And Can me, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Edmund, Hector, and Adira celebrate with you??????" She then took a breath before sparkling with excitement.
"Yep, should've seen that one comin", the dark prince stated as he rubbed his head a bit before smiling at the blond, "I love you so much sunshine"
"I love you to! But Varian, details!" The teen was frozen for a moment, "uh... Varian?" Eugene chuckled before he snapped his fingers and the little alchemist suddenly flinched before shaking his head and looking at Eugene
"T-thanks"
"Yep"
The princess giggled, "sorry, I got excited, but either way, details?"
Smirking the teen scooted over to the table and gestured for the pair to sit with him, once they did he began:
"The Lunar Love Festival began a long time ago, back when Old Corona was just Corona. The king during that time was King Solar, and he was a warm and comforting king who loved his people and the land they lived on. Back then the people of Corona only celebrated 'The Goodwill Festival' along with smaller festivals celebrating the sun, along with many other festivals celebrating the sun itself, you know, because Corona. Well one night, King Solar woke up from a terrible dream, one so horrible that he couldn't fall back to sleep, his wife, Queen Serenity, also had a terrible dream that night, and woke at the same time as her husband. They were confused and full of fear, but thought nothing of it, it's only one bad dream, they happen, so they went back to bed, but couldn't fall asleep. Every night the same thing would happen to them, they'd wake up at the same time, try to go back to sleep, and fail, this went on for several weeks, but they found out it wasn't just them. The king and queen were holding court one day when almost all of their people came to them and spoke of horrid dreams that would keep them up at night. Not only that but the water levels were rising in the river nearby and nearly flooding the kingdom, plus the nights were growing darker and darker. Everyone was so confused until one man stepped up to the rulers of the kingdom, his name was Demanitus-!"
"Of course it was!" Eugene interrupted, "is there *anything* this guy hasn't done? I mean COME ON! He stopped a giant storm, stopped a demon and trapped it in the Great Tree, made a scroll about the sundrop and the moonstone, and now what he-he *began* a holiday I m-!"
"AHEM!" Varian pouted at the man
The former thief looked between the teen and his girlfriend, who raised a brow at him before blushing once more, "oh uh sorry..."
The teen glared for a moment more before saying with an annoyed smirk, "....thank you I'll continue forward:
"His name was Demanitus, we already know about him, obviously, but he was a wise man of Corona. Not many in the kingdom really questioned his judgment since he practically knew everything about everything, and he was s-super smart and had so m-many great inventions an-!"
"AHEM!" Eugene cleared his throat, raising a brow at the teen with a smirk
"Eheheh.... Right sorry moving on!" He continued:
"Anyway, Demanitus warned the king and queen it was because the kingdom was unbalanced, they celebrated things about the sun, but the moon brought the kingdom gifts too. Examples of such gifts were the peaceful sleep they were given at night, the light the moon spread to the earth to protect them from the darkness, the water that the moon controlled and kept at bay, and even more than that. The kingdom never celebrated the moon and had managed to anger her and spurn her blessings, so she took them away. Demanitus then spoke of a people bathed in the moonlight, very much like how Corona was bathed in the sun and how they celebrated the moon and all her blessings while simultaneously thanking the sun for his gifts as well, they kept balance. Demanitus then offered to speak with these people and have them come to Corona to help them embrace the moon, the king and queen agreed and off Demanitus went! He came back a few days later, the kingdom still suffering from the moon's rage, but he brought the chief of the people, her name was Luna, and she was wise and beautiful. She made plans with the rulers and her and her people helped them celebrate the moon and all her riches by using masks to represent their fears and how the moon chased them away, they made dances that lasted all night and burned sage and incense to cleanse the night air. The Coronan's enjoyed their newest celebration and they were more than happy to thank the moon and praise her like she deserved. Because of this, the moon showed them mercy by giving her blessings back to the people of Corona, with a promise to celebrate every year. King Solar and Queen Serenity were so grateful to the people of the moon that they gave them a lot of land to live and raise their young, and continued to celebrate every year!"
"That sounds amazing!" Rapunzel sighed happily
Varian smiled before his eyes lit up, "hey fun fact, one day, the moon blessed the moon people with one more gift, as did the sun with the Coronan's, a piece of themselves, turning into a drop from the sun, and a stone from the moon. The Coronan's celebrated but eventually moved on from tradition, instead of celebrating the sundrop, they protected it by creating walls around their growing kingdom. The moon people however, grew to cherish that piece of moon, and every year would celebrate it and the Coronan's gift to them, they eventually became what is now, The Dark Kingdom! So this celebration not only began because a tribe helped Corona prosper, as did the moon, but also started the Dark Kingdom and is how me and my dad are here today! Cool right?"
"That's... Actually really cool", the dark prince replied, his eyes lighting up a bit as they met the alchemist's
"Wait, when did you find out about all of this?" The princess asked
"I've known about the 'Lunar Love Festival for a long time, I knew about how it began too, but dad recently told me about how the Dark Kingdom came to be and how it connected to this holiday. It explains why he emphasized celebrating it the most, it's our history and honestly", he smiled, "it made me really happy to find out more about mine and my father's people, I mean I was born in Corona, but I'm half Dark Kingdom, so knowing more about it.... Makes me feel, I dunno, complete, you know?"
Eugene smiled and hugged the teen, "yeah kid, I really do", he replied as he and Varian smiled even wider
Rapunzel watched to two happily before she got an idea, "Varian, how do you celebrate?"
"Me and dad? Why do you wanna know?"
"Because I just got the BEST idea ever!"
**A few Hours Later**
"So why are we being summoned to the thrown room?" Hector asked as he, Pixie, Basil, Adira, Edmund, Quirin, Ruddigar, and Pascal all walked down the hall
The retired knight sighed before looking at him, "I don't know, all I know is, Varian came over, said we were needed, and asked me to grab you all and get down to the thrown room quickly, no explanation, no hint, nothing"
The wild tamer huffed, "of all the nights to call us down..."
"Oh I'm certain it won't take long Hector", Edmund tried as Hamuel cawed happily from his shoulder, "they wouldn't keep us all night, especially not if the little peanut's with them, he knows about tonight doesn't he?"
"Yes he does"
"Peanut?" Adira asked
"That's my nickname for Varian! Peanut or tiny one, because he's so small I can lift him with one arm"
The face painted warrior chuckled, "to be fair, you could probably lift most with one arm"
"That's true, but he's a special sort of tiny", the happy grandfather replied with a smile on his face
Ruddigar chittered aggravatedly at the man, "you may want to refrain from saying that", the Village Leader replied with a smirk as Pascal, who was sitting on the raccoon's head, smiled at him
"Good to see his animal companion defends him even when the spawn is away", Hector stated
"Son!"
"Same thing"
"It's not"
"Practically"
"Hector-!"
"Come on now you two, it's a joyful night, can't you just get along for once evening?" The Dark King tried
"....Stop calling him that!"
"Mmmm nah"
Adira snorted, "did you really believe that would work?"
"No but it was worth a shot"
"Ahem", a small voice interrupted, the group stopped in their tracks and looked in front of them to see Varian standing in front of the thrown room door, a wide smile on his face. Ruddigar chittered happily and hopped off of Quirin, running to his boy and climbing up him before nuzzling the teen happily. The alchemist giggled as Pascal climbed on his other shoulder safely, "good to see you too buddy!" He scratched his beat friend behind the ear before looking at Pascal, "hey, Rapunzel's excited to see you too" The chameleon gave him a happy squeak, "oh, she wanted me to do this", he gently poked the lizard's nose, making him smile wide before the teen turned to the group, "you guys ready?"
"Son what's this all about?" His father asked
Varian giggled again, "walk in and find out!" He stepped to the side and gestured for the brotherhood to proceed
They all looked at each other and shrugged before walking in, Quirin scooping his son up and taking him with as they did so. "SURPRIIIISE!!! HAPPY LUNAR LOVE FESTIVAL!!!!!" The small, masked, group inside shouted happily
The Dark Kingdom group, save for Varian, was startled, "w-wha-?" Edmund started
"It's a celebration dad", Eugene stated as he walked over wearing a mask, "we all made our own masks and we've got incense over here, mask making over there, and dancing with traditional Dark Kingdom instruments over that a way", he explained while pointing to the various locations, "Adira you can be the daegeum, Hector you can be the drums, dad you can be the tambourine, and Quirin, Varian said you play an amazing guitar! So we set one up for you, plus a piano for your kid and I wouldn't mind learning a song or two to sing!"
"Y-you.... How did you-!" Hector continued
"Varian!" Rapunzel replied, as the teen wiggled out of his father's arms, "he helped us find out how to celebrate the traditional way!"
"Rapunzel was the one that came up with the plan!" The little alchemist replied, standing next to her
"And our friends helped us with the rest!" They said in unison before snickering
"Why?" Adira asked
"Because it's your culture and your holiday", Lance answered as he walked over, holding a Melodica, "we wanted you guys to know that you're just as much a part of this kingdom as we are, and your culture and history won't be forgotten, ever", he smiled at the face painted warrior. "Besides, I got to learn how to play a Melodica!" He then began to play a short song into the instrument, it had bad notes and wasn't timed quite right, but Adira smiled all the same.
They all looked at Quirin, "you got any questions?" Eugene asked with a smirk
The retired knight was quiet for a moment, but then smiled, "c-can I see that guitar?"
Varian smiled even wider and hugged his father tightly, "I knew you'd love it!" He stated as the man returned the hug
"I'm with Quirin, we can't let this all go to waste! Let's celebrate!" The Dark King yelled, getting the entire room to cheer as Catalina and Angry began to play a couple trumpets while Lance joined in on a very sharp sounding Melodica
Adira and Hector smirked before they joined in, Adira grabbing some sweets as Hector walked over to the mask making station. Quirin made a beeline to the guitar as Eugene and Edmund talked, he picked up the acoustic instrument and smiled as memories of him playing with his 2 year old toddler singing and his beautiful wife playing the piano as he played a couple chords to a song he hadn't played in a long long time. Varian was right beside him as the rest of the room was distracted, they began to sing together quietly:
"Well, I won't back down
No I won't back down
You could stand me up at the gates of Hell
But I won't back down
No I'll stand my ground
Won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground
And I won't back down
Hey
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
Well, I know what's right
I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground
And I won't back down
Hey
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I will stand my ground (I won't back down)
And I won't back down
Hey
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I won't back down
Hey
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I will stand my ground (I won't back down)
And I won't back down (I won't back down)
No I won't back down"
Notes:
"molto interessante": italian for Very interesting
Daegeum: Korean flute
"I won't back down", By Tom Petty
-I'm not sure what this song is really about, but the way I interpret it is that someone is faced with so many difficult things in life, yet they keep fighting and going. They wouldn't give up back then, and they won't give up now. Quirin embodies every single part of that, he's been through so much but still works hard every single day to keep going and fighting for what little he has! I respect the heck out of this man and he and Varian singing this together is a nod to all of their struggles in the past and how they keep going, fighting for each other as father and son. It's a headcannon of mine that Quirin actually sings really well, but only sings for and with Varian, he won't sing for or with anyone else, just his little boy, which is why only they can hear the song, it's their song.I wanted to make a Halloween holiday since they didn't have one in Tangled, they celebrate with music, good food, dancing, mask making, and incense and sage burning at the end of the night to cleanse the air and thank the moon! Tis a small holiday for Corna, but in the Dark Kingdom, it's sacred!
Thank you all so much for reading, it took me a couple days to write this, so I hope you like it! Have a great Halloween, and if you don't celebrate, may you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 69: Memories!
Summary:
Varian tells Rapunzel about the day he met Ruddigar.
Notes:
This is the "Beginnings" chapter! I made it take place after the episode!
More notes at the end!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian was sitting on Rapunzel's bed, the princess having called him there to get his opinion on something, "ok, so how about this?" She placed a couple of rubber bands, some glue, a wooden spoon, and a couple sticks in front of the teen, "I want to make something with these that would help me with a painting project, but I'm suffering from a really bad artist's block, can you make something with these that'll help me push past it?"
"Hmmmmm...." Varian picked up the items one at a time, examining them before he suddenly got an idea, "how about this?" He broke the curved part of the spoon off the straight part and snapped the rubber bands apart before tying the ends together. Using the glue he stuck the scoop onto the middle of the rubber bands and then glued two stick together and, using his carving knife, whittle two other sticks to where they curve outwards and glued them to both the rubbed bands and the bottom sticks. He then grabbed one of his alchemy bomb containers and filled it with blue paint before closing it, placing it in the scoop, pulling the rubber band back, aiming, and letting it fly. The ball of paint flew into air the and landed on the blank aisle Rapunzel had placed before with a splat, making the paint spread across the canvas in a pattern, "there! Now you can paint using whatever pattern the splat makes, it can be like a challenge!"
The princess's eyes lit up as she smiled wide and clapped her hands, "Varian that's brilliant! You're so creative!"
The little alchemist blushed as he rubbed the back of his neck, "aw thanks, I'm just doin my part", he then glanced at his ankle, which was still swollen and wrapped up in bandages, "a-are you sure it's okay for me to be lying on your bed? Especially with no shoes?"
"Yeah! It's perfectly fine, that's what the bed is for!"
He blushed, "r-right"
Rapunzel smiled before she looked behind him and giggled, "uh Varian, don't wanna alarm you but, there's a lump behind you in my bed"
The teen blinked in confusion before turning around and seeing a small lump moving around from under the princess's blankets, Pascal was grinning at it as Varian chuckled, "oh no, whatever shall I do about this mysterious lump"
He smiled even wider when the lump stopped moving, taking it as an invitation, the alchemist crawler over to the lump and poked it, getting a chirrup in return, "wow, it's a noisy lump", Rapunzel commented
"Yep, I wonder what would happen if I did this", he began to scratch the lump, getting more chitters coming from it before he felt it start to scratch back at him, "hee hee, oh no, I'm being attacked", he responded in mock concern before he noticed a corner of the blanket was folded up a bit. He smirked and, still scratching the lump with one hand, used the other to grab the corner, "let's see what's under blanket number one!" He stated before lifting it entirely and revealing a raccoon, on his back, under the blanket, "caught ya!" Varian replied as Rapunzel laughed
Ruddigar chittered happily before he rolled over and hopped onto his boy's shoulders before tickling his neck a bit with his tail, getting the teen to giggle before he nuzzled him, receiving a scratch behind the ears, "wow, you and Ruddigar have about as close a relationship as me and Pascal do huh?" She asked as he picked the little chameleon up and poked his nose gently, getting a happy squeak in return.
"Yeah, me and Ruddigar have known each other for years actually, ever since I was a kid"
"You mean you aren't a kid now?" The princess teased, getting a pillow to the face as she laughed
"I mean an *actual* kid!" He replied, catching the pillow before it hit his face, "anyway, he's my best friend, and I'd do anything I can to protect him", the alchemist replied as he watched his raccoon hop onto the bed once more and dig under the covers, becoming a blanket lump for the second time that day.
The princess smiled at the small mammal before looking at Varian, "I'll bet you two hit it off right away didn't you?"
"Pfft! Oh no! Me and Ruddigar did not get along in the beginning!"
"Wait really?"
"Are you kidding? He's a raccoon and I live on a farm where raccoons generally like to steal from".
The blond nodded, "right, forgot about that, huh, it sounds like me and Cass, we didn't get along so well either in the beginning"
"You didn't?" The teen raised a brow at her
"No... I was a tree hugging princess that loved absolutely everything and she.... Well she was a guard to be and lady in waiting that wanted no part of being a lady in waiting.... It didn't take us long to *become* good friends, but it was... rocky at first"
"How rocky?"
"Well.... So rocky that she tried to get a job in Ingvarr by winning the Contest of Crowns without telling me at first because she really did not want to be a lady in waiting. Plus the queen of Ingvarr promised her something she felt like she couldn't refuse, b-but she herself *chose* to stick with me, so we became really great friends after that!"
The teen tilted his head to the side curiously, "do you know what the queen proposed to her?"
"I do, but she chose to stick with me", Rapunzel smiled sadly, "she was my very first friend when she did that, outside of Eugene of course", she corrected before sighing, "hey, can we change the subject? I'm sorry but I just... Cass she's... Been on my mind lately and-!"
"Right right! Sorry, we can change the subject.... Though I do have just one question, if you don't mind me asking"
"Hmmm.... I'll answer your question if you tell me how you and Ruddigar met, because I'm really curious!" Rapunzel smirked
Varian froze for a moment before he sighed and chuckled, "I'm rubbing off on you with the clever ideas huh?"
"You and Eugene both!"
The teen smiled, "alright, it seems fair enough, want the long or short version?"
"Long if that's alright, I'm really curious!"
He nodded, "alrighty then princess, but I get to ask more than one question after", when Rapunzel nodded and crossed her legs excitedly, the little alchemist chuckled again and sighed, "ok then Rapunzel, sit back, relax, and without further ado, this is the long version of how me and Ruddigar met, characters include, me, my dad, Ruddy, and Adam", at the princess's confused look the teen laughed, "my dad's right hand man on the farm and as the Village Leader", Rapunzel nodded and gestured for the teen to begin, Pascal crawled into her lap and began to listen too as Ruddigar crawled into Varian's lap and purred:
'It was a beautiful day outside, birds were singing, flowers were blooming, on days like these, the kids of Old Corona would run around outside and play at the pond nearby, or chase each other in the fields, or even just enjoy a good book under the shade of a tree. But for one kid, he had other plans in mind, he woke up bright and early and dressed in his farming best, running down the stairs, chalk full of excitement and joy at the spring harvest having just begun, "daddy! Daddy come on we gotta hurry!" A six year old Varian called as he ran down the stairs and into the kitchen, seeing his father cooking something, "daddy we gotta goooo!" The child ran over to his father and began to pull on his pant leg.
"Woah easy there speedy", the man knelt down and picked up his tiny son with one arm. He then chuckled as the boy tried to climb out of his arm before pouting as the man adjusted his grip and managed to get ahold of his son, "you gotta eat a good breakfast *before* you help me work today, it'll keep your strength up and make it s-!"
"So I won't become tired, or sick, or even grow weak because we need to use all our strength for a hard days work and blah blah dad stuff", he looked up at the man with a sassy grin
Quirin smirked, "oh you think you're pretty smart don't you?" He set down the spoon he was using and tickled his son, getting him to laugh uncontrollably for a bit before his face turned red and the man stopped, still holding him with one arm and turning back to the breakfast with the other, "brat"
"Hee hee, I learned from the best!" He retorted before looking up at his father once more, "but you said we gotta get an early start, and we're gonna be laaaate"
"We're not going to be laaaate because I'm almost doooone and then we can goooo, so we can harvest the plaaaants"
"I don't sound like thaaaat!"
"Yes you doooo now eat your fooood", his father set the boy down and set a plate of oatmeal in front of him before sitting down himself with his own bowl.
"You're silly daddy", the tiny boy giggled
The Village Leader chuckled at his boy, "I learned from the best", he teased before pointing his spoon to the child's bowl, "now eat up before it gets cold okay?"
"Oki!" With that, Varian finished his breakfast while chatting excitedly about how him and his daddy were gonna work together that day. They finished a couple minutes later and after, what the young alchemist referred to as 'FOREVEEERRRR', of cleaning dishes, they finally went outside to join the other farmhands to work.
"Hey, look at that the little tater tot's joinin us in the fields!" A familiar voice called out
Quirin smiled, "hey Adam, been working hard?"
"Or hardly workin, give or take, same shit, different day!"
Varian gasped then giggled, "Mr. Adam said a naughty word"
His father raised a brow at the old farmhand, making the man chuckle, "whatcha gonna do boss, wash my mouth out?"
"I might you potty mouth", the Village Leader replied teasingly, getting his old friend to laugh
"I can't say that can I daddy?" The 5 year old asked, looking up at his father
"No you can't, in fact, if you hear any naughty words today, don't repeat them alright?"
"Oki! So, are we gonna feed the aminals yet?"
"Aminals?"
"You know, aminals! Like the peepers and the moo-moos!"
"Oh, like the baa's and the oinkers?"
"Yeah!"
"Those are *animals*"
"That's what I said daddy, aminals!"
"You're switching the letters there bubby"
Varian giggled, "no I not!" He replied with a smile
"Yes you is, but that's ok, let's go feed the aminals"
Quirin scooped his boy up, getting an excited squee from the child before they waved goodbye to Adam and walked over to feed the chickens, "so I dump the food out in front of them right?"
His father smirked at his little boy as he held the feeding bag for the chickens in his little arms, "yep, though you don't dump it all at once, you gotta dump a couple little piles in from of them, otherwise they'll fight over it, and we don't want the peepers fighting with other peepers do we?"
"Nope!" The boy exclaimed, "betawse then they won't lay the eggies and daddy can't make his pie!"
The retired knight's smile widened as he watched his son carefully pour out some small piles of chicken feed on the ground for the feathered animals to come eat before he noticed something behind the chickens. His eyes narrowed as he saw a small creature hiding in the bushes and before his son was finished, the father scooped him up quickly just as a raccoon lunged out of the bushes nearby. The creature growled menacingly at the chickens before grabbing as much of the feed as possible and storing it in it's cheeks before running away, "that was close", Quirin replied before looking at his little boy, "are you alright?"
Varian's eyes were wide with wonder and interest as he watched the little creature go, they seemed to be holding something in their paws, but he couldn't see what, "what was that?"
"That was a raccoon, they're pests that keep sneaking into our barns and stealing the feed for the farm animals, they're not very nice creatures", his father explained before noticing his son's look, "Varian, you need to stay away from that creature, they're very dirty and hold many diseases, not to mention they could bite or scratch you, and that would be very unpleasant, do you understand?"
The boy sighed but looked up at his father and nodded, "yes daddy"
"You promise?"
"I...." The little boy looked down, he really hoped he'd run into that raccoon again.
"Son, please, promise me?"
He looked up and saw how worried his father looked, "ok, I promise daddy", he replied with a sigh
Quirin smiled, "thank you", noticing his son's disappointment, the old farmer smirked, "how about we go down to Monty's later today and get you some candy hm?"
The child's eyes lit up, "really?!"
"Really, but we gotta finish our chores first"
"Oki!" With that, the duo continued feeding the chickens and other animals, neither of them were interrupted for the rest of the day.
****
A few hours later, the duo had managed to get a lot of work done that day and were very tired from the day's activities. The Village Leader double checked to make sure there's was nothing more they needed to do before he smiled at his yawning son, "you sleepy?"
"Nu", the child replied before yawning again
Quirin chuckled, scooping his boy up happily, "how about we head into town and get you to Monty's for a job well done hm?"
Varian instantly lit up and smiled wide at his father, "oki!" Taking his father's hand, the 5 year old cheerfully walked to the candy shop with his daddy.
They grabbed a couple of treats and chatted with Monty for a little bit before heading back home, Varian was munching happily on his lollipop when, "hey, Quirin, I need you for a sec!" A voice called out in the distance. The 5 year old looked over and saw Mr. Adam walking towards the pair, waving one arm in the air.
Quirin waved back and nodded before looking at his son, "do you mind staying here for a minute, there's Mr. Evan if you get scared", he asked before pointing towards another farmhand, a tall, skinny man, who was leaning on the fence, waved his hand in response.
"Oki, I'll stay here for daddy"
"That a boy!" His father ruffled his son's hair lovingly before walking over to Adam, the man instantly chatting with him about whatever adults chat about.
The little alchemist continued to lick his lollipop and began humming to himself, sitting on the grass as he looked over and saw Mr. Evan smirking at him. He smiled back before going back to his treat, that's when he heard a strange sound coming from somewhere. He looked around and no one else seemed to notice it, not even Mr. Evan, who was now chatting with another farmhand. The sound interrupted the silence once more and the 5 year old got up, his curiosity out weighing the nagging worry that sounded a lot like his daddy. He followed the sound, looking around to see if any of the adults had heard it, none of them had, so he continued to follow. The noise got louder and louder as the little boy made his way towards it, he ended up in the apple orchard near his home. Looking around, Varian felt a small sense of fear as the large trees loomed over him, for the first time in his little life, he felt very afraid of such large things in the dark, "h-hewwo?" He called out, and the sound responded back, this time much louder, and desperate, the boy followed it.
He ran fast through the orchard, remembering what his daddy told him about it, 'if you ever get lost, be sure to look up and follow the moon, it'll guide you right back to me'. He smiled as he looked up and saw the moon above him, shining brighter than ever, "follow the moon", he repeated as he looked forwards and continued to follow the noise. He found himself in a small clearing in the orchard, the moon continued to shine bright as he looked around, the noise was here. He looked at the trees and bushes before noticing something shaking on the floor. His eyes widened when he saw the raccoon from before, but this was different, the creature looked very different. For one thing they were on the floor, for another there was a smaller raccoon next to them. Varian tilted his head to the side before he noticed something red coming out of the larger raccoon's leg before he winced and looked away, trying not to faint at the sight.
That's when he heard the noise again, curiosity got the better of him and he braved a look, only to see it was the smaller raccoon. The tiny mammal was making a small noise, almost sounding like a cry, and was staring at Varian, big green eyes were glistening under the moonlight. "It was you, you were making the noise weren't you?" He asked with a smile before looking back at the bigger raccoon and frowned. Her breathing was shallow and there was a lot of blood coming from the poor thing, the little boy didn't know what to do, he wanted to help but something told him it was too late, he felt really bad. Looking at the smaller mammal he could tell he was a baby and the bigger creature must be his mom. The little boy walked over to the tiny animal and sat down next to him, startling the baby at first, before he settled next to the boy, not knowing what else to do.
They sat in silence for a little while, Varian petting the bigger raccoon comfortingly, at first, the mammal glared at the boy, but seeing his eyes, she softened her gaze before looking at her baby, "I'll stay with you if you want", Varian offered with a small, but sad, smile, "I've been through this before...."
The larger raccoon looked at the boy for a long moment before letting out a breath and accepting him as she stared at her baby. They all sat there for a moment, silence was the only thing between them, the baby didn't cry anymore but instead sought comfort in the little boy sitting next to him, which Varian was more than willing to provide. The moment lasted for a little bit before the 5 year old looked at the larger raccoon, her eyes were closed, and she was no longer breathing. He stopped petting her and let the baby walk over, he nuzzled her, making small noises as if he were trying to wake her up before he curled up next to her and let out small noises.
Varian could feel tears stinging in the corner of his own eyes before he wiped them away and, standing up he looked around, seeing a small patch of soil he ran over and began to dig. He dug and dug until his little knuckles bled before he looked at his handiwork and nodded. He walked back over to the baby and his mother and gave him a small poke, the tiny raccoon was startled and backed up before seeing the boy, "hey, sorry I just.... My mommy did the same thing.... She's gone and my daddy says that when someone's gone, they need a proper goodbye, so I made her a goodbye bed, that way she'll be safe and no one can ever touch her, do you want me to put her there?"
He didn't think the raccoon would understand him, but the baby looked from him, to the hole he'd made in the bushes, to his mother, to the boy again, and nodded. The 5 year old nodded back and, carefully, picked up the larger raccoon, walking over to the hole he placed her inside and buried her, making sure to place flowers on top and sitting in front of her grave with the baby raccoon. They stayed that way for a bit, neither one really knowing what to do, before the baby raccoon gave a small howl for his mother. The little boy recognized it as a last goodbye and howled too, they howled for a couple minutes until the baby stopped, Varian looked at him and notice he'd leaned against him. He pet the little raccoon softly and kept him close, "I'm sorry you lost your momma.... I lost mine too.... But she'd still with you, everyday, that's what my daddy says, she's watching over you, and you know what?" The tiny raccoon looked at the boy, "she would be so proud of you".
For a moment the baby didn't respond, but slowly he seemed to understand, and smiled at the child. He nuzzled his hand, licking at his knuckles and making Varian giggle, "you're a good raccoon". The tiny mammal smiled wider at the boy before looking at the bushes once more, seeing them shake ferociously. Getting scared, the baby raccoon darted to the bushed behind his mother's grave as the little boy stood up, "h-hewwo?" He called out, suddenly realizing how alone he was, he backed up a bit, not knowing what was about to come through those bushes until
"Varian!" His father ran forwards and scooped him up, hugging him tightly and peppering him with kisses to his head
"Daddy!" The little boy replied, wrapping his arms around the man happily as he saw Mr. Adam and Mr. Evan walking out of the bushes
"Well there he is! Moon above tater tot we were worried about you!" Adam exclaimed
"Are you alright? I'm so sorry I didn't see you leave", Evan replied
"It's okay Evan, someone shouldn't have been wondering around", Quirin answered, raising a brow at his child as he held him out in front of him
The 5 year old shrunk a little, "sowwy daddy..."
His father sighed and hugged him again, "it's alright, just please don't do that okay? I was so worried about you"
"Sowwy"
"It's okay, it's okay"
The tiny raccoon watched the interaction and could tell the man clearly loved his child. Sniffing the air a little bit, the raccoon caught the boys scent and chittered before he nuzzled the ground where his mother layed before running off into the orchard as the little boy was taken away.'
"So that's what happened", Varian finished as Ruddigar climbed into his lap, having tuckered himself out from playing in the sheets
Rapunzel smiled wide, "that was such a sweet and sad story Varian, I didn't know...." she looked at Ruddigar and scratched him behind his ear, getting a happy chitter in response, "I'm so sorry about his mom.... And yours...."
The teen shrugged, "our moms are watching over us, and it's been so many years of just me and my dad that if I still had my mom.... I really wouldn't know what to do with her", he responded, "it's odd, you'd think that would upset me, but it doesn't".
The princess smiled before she realized something, "hey, you promised him, did he ever find out about what happened?"
The alchemist nodded, "oh he found out, he wasn't too happy either, to be fair, I didn't know the sound was a little raccoon, but I couldn't just leave her there"
"Right, no I completely understand that, I take it promises became a big thing after that?"
"When dad told me how important they were, yeah, I told him I'd never break a promise again after that"
"Were you punished?"
"No, dad said that since I was 5 I really didn't know any better, so he let it go. Buuuuut I was told not to do it again"
"What would happen if you did?"
"I dunno, I never found out", he laughed
Rapunzel smiled before looking at Ruddigar again, "so that's how you two met, but how did he stick with you?"
Varian snickered, "we actually met a few months later, he got stuck in a really nasty trap and I set him free, that's how dad found out about us meeting that night. Ever since then he kept sneaking into the house at night and snuggling with me in my room, dad kept catching him and would chase him off, but it never worked. He did it so often that dad eventually gave up since he wasn't hurting me, but made him get a bath. Eventually he started to sneak into my lab, which I didn't like, so I made the raccoon traps, developed them when I was 7, and made them what they are today when I was 8. By that time, Ruddigar had gotten his name and my dad's blessing to become my service animal, so it worked out".
"That's amazing!"
"Thanks!" The teen replied, but then smirked, "now you've gotta answer my Cassandra questions"
The princess sighed, "darn, I was hoping you'd forget about that"
"Nu"
The blond giggle, "alright, fire away"
"Ok, so, what exactly was she offered?"
"She was offered a place in Ingvarr as one of their top fighters"
"Why'd she give it up?"
"I guess she saw how sad it made me? I'm not sure, I made her friendship bracelets and tried to throw a slumber party in her room but.... She had other plans and wasn't happy with her position with me. So she fought to win the competition so she could get that position in Ingvarr, but then she gave it up".
"Why?"
"Because I found out and was hurt, she saw how upset I was and decided she valued our friendship over a new position", Rapunzel smiled, "she cared about me and how I felt, and she gave up something to help me"
Varian was quiet, he just stared at the princess for a moment, his mouth was slightly ajar before he closed it completely. He didn't know why, but he felt something bubbling inside of him, and he didn't like how it felt, "d-did she tell you?"
"No, I found out because the queen of Ingvarr said something while I was nearby"
"Did y-you ask her how she felt after?"
"Well yeah, but she said it was fine, I was so worried about it at first, but then I kept thinking, 'if she valued it so much more than our friendship, she wouldn't have given it up to be with me', so I stopped worrying!"
"What exactly did s-she say when you asked her?"
Noticing the alight waver in the alchemist's voice the princess glanced at him, "are you okay?"
Varian nodded, "I'm alright, j-just really curious"
"Are you sure?"
"Yep"
"Ok, well, she said she was fine, her exact words were, 'don't worry about it', so I didn't"
"How long were you out of the tower at that point?"
Rapunzel smirked, "that's not a Cass question", she teased
"Right, never mind", he replied before getting up, Ruddigar hopping onto his shoulders, and limping over to the door
"Hey, where're you going?"
"Hm? Oh I j-just remembered something and w-wanted to take care of it real quick", he smiled as he turned around, "s-sorry, did you still need me for anything?"
Rapunzel looked around and shook her head, "nope, I think we're all good! Thanks for the help today Varian!"
"N-no problem! See you later princess"
"Bye!"
The teen walked out, closing the door behind him before he limped to the steps and walked down them quickly. He tripped on the last step due to his ankle and ended up falling on the floor, Ruddigar managing to hop off and land on all four paws before running over to Varian. He nuzzled the boy before he got up, his face was scraped and he had tears streaming down his face but he picked himself back up, along with Ruddigar, placed his best friend on his shoulders, and continued to limp down the hallway. He had no shoes on and was extremely distraught, it was honestly a miracle he found who he was looking for, but when he did he knocked on the door and waited. It only took a few seconds for the door to open and out step the person he really needed to see, "hey little man, what's-!"
"L-Lance!" The teen bawled before wrapping his arms around the man and crying into his shirt, startling him
It took the man only a second to realize what was going on before he scooped the teen up, closed the door behind him, locked it, grabbed some tissues, and began to comfort the little alchemist, "hey it's okay, it's alright, I'm right here, I'm right here", he cooed as Varian continued to cry in his arms.
Notes:
So this episode left a really sour taste in my mouth after watching it, simply because I feel like Rapunzel kinda made Cass feel bad for wanting a better position. And yes, I am aware that Cassandra was the one to give it up and Rapunzel didn't *make* her do it, but the guilt trip was really unnecessary. I feel like Cassandra would've been a lot happier going to Ingvarr and would've felt so much more fulfilled there, not to mention she would probably not be doing what she's doing now if she'd actually taken that offer.
I don't know, maybe that's just me, either way I think Varian would actually be really offended by this story, only because it was another instance of Rapunzel kinda just disregarding someone's feelings, mind you, she's still learning, but it was too much for the bean to take at the moment.
I love Rapunzel I promise, but she's gonna make mistakes before she gets better! She can't just learn a lesson once and completely change who she is, I love the blond princess but sometimes I do not understand to blond princess. She's a good person, she's just gonna make some mistakes.
We get Ruddy buddy's story! He and Varian share something in common, and I believe whole heartedly that animals can understand humans far more than we believe they can. A tiny 5 year old boy comforting a dying momma raccoon while not showing any signs of threat to her baby is definitely an 'I cant trust you' sort of sign!
Papabear Quirin is the BEST!
Once again, Lance is king! XD
Thank you all so much for reading! <3
Chapter 70: Validation!
Summary:
Varian needs comfort from Lance after the conversation he just had with Rapunzel.
Notes:
In other words, Lance is king, Quirin is best dad, and Rapunzel really needs to work on her people skills X3
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lance held the teen for a few moments as the boy cried in his arms, the man going over multiple different scenarios in his head to try and figure out how best to help him, *ok, did he fall? He's got a scrape on his cheek, but that really wouldn't make him come cryin to me, his father maybe, but not me. What if this has to do with Quirin? Is he hurt or sick, no that wouldn't make him come to me, he'd stick by his dad's side... Well what if Eugene said somethin, or Angry and Catalina? Nah, they'd be chansin after him, so wha- wait.... Wasn't he hangin out with-!"
"S-she doesn't c-care! S-she d-doesn't, t-that apology w-was a lie, it w-was a *lie*!" The teen sobbed before continuing to cry
*Rapunzel, got it*
He sighed as he thought about what the princess could've said or done to make the alchemist so upset, *she'd meant that apology, I know that for a fact, so what did she do and why wasn't she here? She would be right behind Varian if she knew that she'd upset him... If she knew* Suddenly it clicked, this was something she'd done without realizing, and Varian hid it from her, apparently really well. He heard the boy sniffling, apparently he'd managed to cry it all out, looking down he confirmed it as he saw the boy stroking his raccoon's fur while small tears trickled down his cheeks. He was hiccupping and had a very runny nose, but otherwise looked okay, the sight made the man smile a bit before he thought better of it, "want a tissue?"
The teen looked up and saw the man's warm brown eyes watching him, they were sympathetic, *he understands*, Varian thought, then nodded, accepting the small tissue and wiping his face as he got another one to blow his nose. Once he'd cleaned himself up, Lance picked him up once more and brought him to the sink, getting a wash clothe and wiping the scrape on his cheek with soap before placing a bandage on it and walking back to the chairs, sitting down once more and letting the teen decide where he wanted to go. Varian looked around before snuggling deeper into the man's arms, hearing the slight chuckle before the arms wrapped around him again.
"Man you are one snuggly teen you know that?" Lance teased, trying to lighten the mood
The alchemist snickered, "y-yeah, I know, s-sorry"
"No no, I don't mind, it's nice actually, I wanna have kids one day, and I'm gonna have to snuggle them when I do"
Varian smiled up at the man, "you'll make a great dad one day Lance"
That made the man choke up a bit, he sniffled a little, "aw kid don't do that"
The teen giggled before grabbing the tissue box, "tissue?" He offered
The former thief smirked before ruffling the alchemist's hair and taking the box, grabbing one and dabbing his eyes a bit before setting them down, "stinker"
Varian grinned at him before looking down as Ruddigar and petting him again, getting a quiet chitter from the small mammal before he sighed, "we w-were talking about h-how I met Ruddigar and how s-she met C-Cassandra.... T-the way she met her...."
Lance tilted his head to the side, he hadn't actually heard that story, "how'd they meet if you don't mind me askin?"
"N-not at all", the teen then went on to explain how they met and became friends, he also added what Cassandra had given up to stay with Rapunzel and what the princess had said afterwards, "i-it shouldn't bother me... It really s-shouldn't, but t-the way she made it sound.... She just d-didn't care, or didn't want to.... She said she felt guilty, b-but then brushed it off, again, l-like everything else.... N-no wonder C-.... I... I shouldn't say that..."
"No wonder Cassandra's doin what she'd doin now?" Lance offered
I-!"
"You didn't say it, I did", the man smiled
"B-but you shouldn't, *I* s-shouldn't! That's not o-okay! She m-made that choice, *Cassandra* m-made that choice, Rapunzel d-didn't make her! "
"How do you figure?"
The teen looked up at the man, "w-well Cass chose to stick w-with Rapunzel without the princess saying anything to her about not being able to leave. S-seriously Rapunzel would've allowed her to, she was a-actually fighting to get her that p-position, but then C-Cassandra...." He hiccupped again as more tears rolled down his face before he continued, "....C-c....." He closed his eyes tightly, the images of the lady in waiting flashing in his mind as he remembered the last thing he did to her, the automaton had her in it's grip and was crushing her, she couldn't breathe and he.... He just laughed and made a bad joke, w-why was he thinking about this now?! WHY? The images flashed even faster as he remembered the science expo and his first meeting with her, how she'd saved him, how she'd nearly gotten killed, how she... she-!"
"Hey! Varian!"
He snapped out of it right as big green eyes appeared in front of his face, he blinked before realizing who they belonged to, "R-ruddigar". The raccoon chittered worriedly at his boy before nuzzling him, he suddenly felt someone rubbing his back, looking up he realized he was still sitting on Lance and blushed, "s-sorry..."
"It's alright little man, you okay? That was a doozy"
"Yeah... Yeah I'm okay, just... e-embarrassed"
The former thief smiled before he hugged the teen tightly, "kiddo, you're not wrong you know"
"Huh?"
"Rapunzel and Pascal kinda made Cassandra feel bad for wanting to switch careers, in fact, Rapunzel made it worse by not speaking to Cassandra. They barely knew each other and were just starting to get along, during that time it seemed like Rapunzel was making a lot of mistakes that ended up causing Cassandra to be laughed at and mocked. It's no wonder she wanted to leave so badly, and the opportunity of a lifetime comes up and she tries to take it and suddenly Rapunzel's upset, after everything she'd just put Cassandra through, yeah sure, they were getting along now, but that was Cassandra's dream, and because Rapunzel got mad and practically guilt tripped her, she gave it away. What does the princess have to say about this, 'oh it's alright, she decided to choose me, so I'll stop worrying because she said it was fine'. That would tick me off too honestly, especially after what you and her went through and how your relationship is right now, I'm surprised she'd be so willing to tell you that without a second thought.... I'll need to have a talk about that, she's getting a little better when it comes to the present, but she's really gotta work on the past", hearing the worried whimper coming from his lap, the man smiled at the teen, "I won't tell her what you told me, I'll just say I heard about it from Eugene, I'll ask him about it after we're done here so we have an alibi", he winked at the teen, who smiled
"You're way too good at being a thief you know that?"
"I know, and people think it's just Eugene", the large man chuckled before looking at the teen, "you alright?"
"Y-yeah, I actually feel a little better", he then looked up, "why d-do I feel better?"
"Huh?"
"Why do I feel better? I mean, you didn't solve the problem, you just talked to me, w-why did that help, why does talking help? I don't really understand....."
Lance hugged the teen again, startling him before he spoke, "because it's validation little man"
"I remember you saying that before, w-when Rapunzel apologized, but what e-exactly do you mean by that?"
Lance broke the hug and looked at the boy with a smile, "it means someone basically told you you're not wrong for feeling what you're feeling, that they understand you and you're not crazy. Sometimes the best thing any person can do when someone else has a problem they can't readily solve, is tell them it's okay to feel that way, and be there for them. It doesn't always work, and sometimes, you need more than validation, but it's a comfort to know you're not the only one that feels that way, that you're not-!"
"Alone", Varian finished, "you're not alone.... I'm not alone.... N-not anymore.... I was... I was so lonely down there, even w-with.... even w-with A-Andrew with me.... I was alone and I was scared... and sad.... I-I watched the festivals through the w-window and kept remembering h-how me and dad would celebrate them.... Together.... B-but he wasn't there, and neither w-was Ruddigar.... I felt so alone, s-so when you tell me I'm not, w-when you validate me...." Tears began to trickle down the alchemist's face again as he sniffled once more.
Lance gently wiped the tears away with his thumb and looked the teen right in the eyes, "it means you're not alone anymore, and you never will be"
Varian smiled sadly at the man, "I r-really am a mess aren't I?"
"Honestly, we all are, even your dad"
The teen chuckled, "he always seems so put together though, my dad, he's strong.... A lot stronger than me"
"I wouldn't say that, I'd say he's stronger in certain things, but Varian", Lance cupped the boy's chin and guided him to look back up, "you're stronger, a lot stronger, than you think you are. In some ways, you're stronger than Quirin could ever be, in other ways, you'll get stronger, and I'll be there every step of the way, okay?"
With one more sniffle, the alchemist wiped his eyes and nodded, "ok"
"That a boy!" Lance cheered, making the boy giggle, "now then, speaking of your dad, I take it you wanna see him right now, yeah?"
"By George I think you're right!" The teen joked as he scratched Ruddigar behind the ear, "who knew!"
"Who's George?"
"I have no idea"
"Why do people say that then?"
"I dunno, cause it's a saying?"
"Hmmmm.... Maybe we should personalize it, say someone's name that we know"
Varian thought for a moment before smiling, "by Itty Bitty I think you've got it!"
Lance laughed, "that's stickin now! By Itty Bitty I think you- heh heh, oh we gotta tell your dad that!" The teen nodded and they both got up and walked/limped over to the door, the former thief smirking and picking Varian up, chuckling at the startled meep he got before he unlocked the door and walked out. They made their way to the family room once more and walked in, smiling wide when they found the retired knight had brought his little fish friend with him this time and was playing with him and the plushie Varian had bought him, making it swim in the air as Itty Bitty swam in his tank, evidently enjoying the show before Lance interrupted with a loud, "ahem".
The Village Leader stopped and looked up before blushing a bit at the sight of the pair, he then looked at his fish friend and shrugged, continuing to play with him with a smile as the pair walked over to him. "I take it you're having fun?" Varian asked with a giggle
"Yup, he likes to swim with a friend, though I think the plush is a little too big for the tank", his father responded before gently placing a finger on the tank, Itty Bitty swimming over to it and nuzzling it before Quirin removed his finger and set the plush down next to the tank. His attention drawn to his son instead, "you okay?"
"I am now, thanks to Lance", he looked at the former thief, who was trying not to giggle at the little fish swimming over to the plush and smiling at it. Varian looked back at his dad, "just had a little.... Episode"
The Village Leader, thanking the former thief, took his son from his arms and hugged him before he looked at him worriedly, "was it bad?"
"Not too bad, ask Ruddigar", they both looked at the raccoon as Lance walked over to the fish tank and began to play with Itty Bitty as well, giggling as the fish swam with the plushie. The small mammal nodded with confirmation, "see?"
"I see, that's good at least, though I'm sorry I wasn't there, I could've helped you", Quirin replied with a sad look on his face
The teen was startled but smiled, "hey it's okay, l-look I... You help me in many more ways than you think you know"
The retired knight raised a brow, Lance stopping his play time to look at the alchemist with a smile and nod, "how do I help exactly? I helped on the trip, but I couldn't stop you before you reached that point, I'm really not that helpful to you"
"Yes you are! You *saved* me on that trip dad!" Varian replied, "I was in a really bad place, not even Lance could've gotten me out of it, but you did dad, *you* got me out! Not only that but you've always been there for me when I had no one else, before Lance, before Eugene, heck, even before *Ruddigar*! You were all I had, and you took care of me, fed me, raised me, put clothes on my back and a roof over my head, dad you could've g-given me up, you know that? S-so many kids get abandoned when a parent's spouse leaves t-them or passes away, but you didn't, yeah you were sad, b-but you stayed there, you were always there! Did we argue, yes, is that normal, absolutely! You're an amazing father, and the only one I would *ever* want in my life, ever!" He smiled wide at the man before he looked down at his vest and smirked, "I uh.... I'm a l-little embarrassed to say this, b-but when I was in the dungeons, and Andrew was trying to get me to his side, it wasn't h-his argument that got me.... I-it uh... It was his vest".
"His vest?" Quirin asked as Lance clapped a hand over his mouth in an attempt not to laugh
Varian blushed but then looked at his dad, "it felt exactly like yours, it was the wrong color, b-but he wrapped it around me one night when the guards t-took my blankets away", his father raised his brow again, "t-they were cleaning them, they got cleaned once every week but it would take all n-night and it was cold, standard procedure, t-that's all. Anyway, he wrapped it around me and I e-ended up crying silently because it felt like you. When you hold me like this, and I'm really tired, I lean my head against your chest because your heartbeat is really soothing to me, I don't know *why* it's a heart beat for Ruddigar's sake! But it's soft, and steady, and gentle.... I guess it just kinda lulls me to sleep", he smiled at the retired knight, "you do a lot more for me than I will ever be able to name, and honestly, I wouldn't be here today without you.... a-and not just because you actually m-made me either.... Wanna make that clear".
Quirin chuckled, then smiled wide at his son as he wiped a tear from his face, before kissing his forehead gently, "thank you Varian, I never realized how much I needed to hear that, I love you so much".
"I love you too dad" the little teen replied before hugging his father happily, his head leaning against his chest and hearing the man's heart beat once more as he sighed, content and comfortable in his father's arms.
Notes:
Lance is king, or emperor if you prefer, and should've been the go to guy for all things psychological! The man knows about feelings, he's shown it time and time again! So here I am writing another chapter on it because by golly he's gonna have his moments!
Also, Varian being held or in someone's lap is adorable to me, and I don't know why, he's just so tiny! <3
Also also, Quirin is best dad, fight me if you want, but he is best dad, as well as an adorable bean! Especially when it comes to Varian and Itty Bitty!
Itty Bitty is MVP fish, just as Ruddigar is MVP raccoon!
Thank you all so much for reading, have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 71: Game Night! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Rapunzel wants to celebrate the last night Quirin, Varian, Adira, and Hector will be in the castle but with rivalries propping up along with uncertain feelings towards one another, this game night is starting to turn sour.
Notes:
Hoo boy, that's all I've gotta say
More notes at the end
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Who's ready for game night?" Rapunzel announced as she walked into the family room, getting everyone inside to look at her curiously
"Game night?" Eugene asked as he walked over to her and gave her a peck on the cheek
She giggled, "yep, game night! Since tonight is Varian and Quirin's-!" An angry chitter came from across the room, "sorry, and Ruddigar, and of course Itty Bitty's, last night in the castle, and Adira and Hector's last day off, I thought it would be a lot of fun to have ourselves a good night of games!"
Lance huffed, "well we *would* if Varian didn't always win at every game we play", he raised a brow at the little alchemist, who was smirking
"Find me a game to play an-!"
"And you'll be more than willing to learn", Eugene and Lance both finished, making the teen giggle
Edmund titled his head, "I tale it you've lost a lot to him?"
"Yeah", they both replied
"We have to", Angry, who was smirking at her sister as she played with Pixie and Basil, replied
Rapunzel smiled wide, "well maybe this time it'll be different! No betting, no rivalry, just a bunch of friends and family members hanging out and playing games, what do you say?"
Everyone replied with a less than enthusiastic yes, but the princess took it, and set the games out, "alright, which one should we play first? We've got checkers, chess, uno, monopoly, candy land, yatzee-!"
"Wait, didn't Quirin say in our second Guy's Night that Yatzee was based on luck?" Lance asked
"Why yes he did old chap, why don't we see how good the kid's luck really is", Eugene replied as they both smirked at Varian
The teen looked at his father, "how do you play Yatzee?"
"You get 5 dice and continuously roll them until all the spaces on the scorecard are filled up, but you have to meet certain requirements on the card to be able to add something to your score like three of a kind being three of the same kind of number, or a small straight is four numbers that are chronologically correct, the person with the highest score at the end wins. But you have to think hard about what you fill where, because if you roll and nothing matches what you're allowed to add, you have to put a zero in the place of something that would normally get you more points", his father replied before he continued to watch Itty Bitty swim around happily, "he really likes his new tank, doesn't he?"
Varian smiled, "yeah he does, he's a good fishy"
"A very good fishy"
"So what do you say kid?" Eugene stated, "not to interrupt you're dad being.... actually Quirin's being cute over there with his fishy", he smirked at the man before looking back at the alchemist, "either way, you up for a challenge?"
"Sure, why not? Dad you wanna join?" He smirked as his father continued to watch his fish friend, "Itty Bitty can watch the game"
"I wouldn't mind", Quirin smiled as he turned to his son, "it'll be fun"
With that, they all gathered in the middle of the room where a table sat and Rapunzel opened the Yatzee box. She gave a scorecard to Lance, Eugene, Quirin, Varian, herself, Hector, and Adira. Edmund, Angry, and Catalina decided to sit this one out, opting to play with the binturong, and Ruddigar, and watch instead. Once they played a couple practice rounds to catch everyone up to speed, they began the game.
****
"Ok, one Yatzee is lucky, two is near impossible but can happen, but three, THREE?!" Eugene sucked in a breath, held it for a moment, then let it out slowly, "I don't know how, but you're cheating"
"I am not cheating, I guess I'm just lucky", Varian replied while running the numbers in his head as the probability of getting three Yatzee's in the same game would be
Catalina smirked, "if you're crunching the numbers, what's the funny ratio?" She asked
The alchemist smirked, "it's more likely that Lance and Eugene will win a game against me than for me to get three Yatzee's like this"
Lance sighed, "I'm no longer fightin it, there's no way we can defeat you, I concede defeat", he replied sadly while lowering his scorecard sadly
"Well *I'm* not giving up!" Eugene replied determinedly
The princess smiled as she began the final round, they all finished the round and added up their scores, Rapunzel and Hector tying for last place, Eugene getting second to last, Lance getting third, Quirin and Adira tying for second, and Varian getting first, "uh... G-good game?" The teen tried
Eugene sighed, "good game, I will not be a poor sport, but will kindly ask if we can please switch games blondie"
Rapunzel giggled, "alright, we can switch, did anyone want to stop playing?" No one spoke up, "does anyone want to join in?" Again no one spoke up, "Edmund?"
"I'm alright just watching", he replied before he quietly added, "besides, I wouldn't want to kick their butts and break my grandson's winning streak"
The little alchemist smiled wide as he and his father exchanged an expression, "subtlety is not your strong suit is it dad?" Eugene asked with a raised brow
"I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about son"
The dark prince rolled his eyes as the princess got up to grab a different game, "ooh! How about Monopoly? I used to play it all the time with Eugene and-!" She stopped and looked down, causing everyone to look at her with worry "Rapunzel?" Quirin replied, "are you alright?" The princess looked at the man then smiled wide, "eheh, yeah sorry, I was gonna say Cassandra, I used to play this game with Eugene and Cassandra" The retired knight gave a sympathetic look, "we can play something else if yo-!" "No no! It's fine! I'm fine! Everything's all good, I really want to play this game, just because she's not here doesn't mean I can't play it! It's fine, it really is fine" she replied hastily. Varian didn't know why, but he felt a little hint of frustration when she said that
"A-alright then, if you're sure", Quirin responded
"Oh boy, prepare to lose your properties people, and watch out for the alchemist, he's a schemer", Lance whispered to Hector, who raised an amused at his nephew
"I take it you're good at this game?" The wild tamer asked with a smirk
The teen rubbed the back of his neck, "well I wouldn't say 'good' just-!"
"Unbelievably lucky?" Eugene finished
"Yeah that"
Quirin chuckled, "he's always been good at Monopoly, it was one of his favorite games growing up".
"Then this should be interesting", Adira replied
At the confused look, the retired knight explained, "Adira is also extremely good at this game and seems to always grab all of the property before Hector and I could even get to it"
"I still say her dice were weighted", Hector responded as he helped Rapunzel set the game up
"You're just upset because I won and you had to take guard duty over for a week", Adira replied
"You guys gambled?" Varian asked
Quirin nodded as he smiled wide at Itty Bitty, who was swimming next to him happily, "we never bet on money because we never had any"
"Weren't you a knight?" Rapunzel asked
"Well yes", the retired knight looked at her, "but we never worked for money, we worked to earn our keep. See, none of us had a home outside of that castle, so instead of working and earning a wage, we earn our rooms, clothes, and food. It worked out well since the king enjoyed our company and allowed us to stay there. We just had to maintain our regular duties"
"So how'd you bet your shifts if you needed to earn your keep?" Eugene replied
The old farmer chuckled, "well, king Edmund was never really strict on *who* worked, just that the shifts were fulfilled, so whenever we would play a game, we'd bet shifts, though I never really liked doing that"
"You know that pesky 'workaholic' syndrome you have Speckles?" Adira asked Varian, who nodded, "you got it from him", she gestured to his father, who smirked
"Really?" The teen asked
Hector chuckled, "yep, we had to force him to actually take a day off, he'd get so mad too"
"Well I wouldn't have gotten mad if you didn't lock me in my room and hide the key until dinner", Quirin responded with a huff
"We would keep you company until then to be fair", Adira responded as she found the cat piece and chose it, Hector choosing the dog after her.
The retired knight rolled his eyes, "right, and there was no thought to the fact that the king might be looking for me, or that I'd need to use the restroom and eat, nope, just lock me up, that'll make me relax", he chose the hat piece and placed it on his son's head as Varian giggled and placed his own piece, the shoe, on the board as well as his father's piece.
"None what so ever", the face painted warrior replied before looking at her nephew's piece, "you like to be the shoe?"
"It's a squeaky shoe!" The teen replied, "and it goes very well with dad's hat"
"Super fashionable kiddo", Eugene teased as Lance and Rapunzel did a quick game of rock, paper, scissors for the duckling piece. Lance won and gave a happy squeak before picking up the piece as the princess grabbed the thimble instead and sighed with defeat.
"Which piece are you taking Eugene?" Rapunzel asked
"I'll be the skillet", he smirked at his lover as she smiled and kissed his cheek happily
"Do you two mind?" Angry asked as she and Catalina made a face while Edmund chuckled
The pair blushed, "sorry, let's play!" Rapunzel responded, and with a dice roll to see who goes first, Varian and Adira had to roll again since they got a tie, Varian winning in the end and Adira getting second, the game began!
****
"I shall take that property, a-thank you"
"You're dad's right, you're a brat", the dark prince stated as he handed Varian the sweets shop property card
Quirin chuckled, "he's a brat with money apparently", he replied as he watched his son look at the card for a moment, "what's wrong?"
The teen stared at it for a bit before smirking, "hey Rapunzel, would you be upset if I wrote something on this?"
"O-on the card? What are you writing?" She asked as she handed him a quill
"Oh nothing much, just adding 'Attila the Bun' to it, ya know, since he's working there now?" He replied before adding the bakery to the card
Rapunzel smiled, "I'll have to let him know you did that, maybe even have a chat with the game designers about adding it in"
"Wait, you know who designed this game?" Varian asked
The princess nodded, "yep! My father wanted me to get used to the map of Corona, so he had people design a copy of this game for me to help me transition, I used to play it all the time with Eugene and Ca-...." She stopped short when her best friend's name cropped up, getting everyone to look at her worriedly before she shook the feeling away, "either way I used to play this a lot! Since then it's been a favorite of mine", she smiled wide, trying not to let her sadness show
"You okay?" Lance asked
"Yep! I'm completely fine! Everything is!" She responded
The little alchemist felt a small pang of both frustration and guilt, "s-sorry"
"It's okay really! Just haven't really thought about her in a bit is all! But it's okay, don't worry about that, let's continue the game shall we?"
Lance cringed a bit before looking at the teen, who was watching the princess with a momentarily shocked face before he shook his head and looked down, "yeah... L-let's continue"
Catching the note in his son's voice, Quirin glanced over at Varian and placed a hand on his shoulder, getting a small smile in return before they continued with the game. This went on for a couple minutes until Rapunzel landed on the jail spot, "uh oh, guess I'm heading to the dungeon", the princess replied with a giggle before she glanced at Varian, "uh... Sorry"
"N-no it's alright, it's part of the game", Varian replied
"Are you sure? I really didn't mean to make that a joke, that's not something to joke about", she responded
The teen nodded, a twang of frustration and guilt hitting him again before he smiled a little, "like I said, y-you didn't mean it that way, I could tell"
She nodded, "got it, it's fine then", she didn't notice the teen's twitch at that and moved her thimble over to the dungeons before giving the dice over to Quirin to continue the round. He took them but gave a her a side glance, catching it she gave him a sorry look, he narrowed his eye before taking his turn, managing to not only land on the Old Corona card, but snagged a get out of dungeons free card that he subtly placed next to her. She took the warning and didn't speak of the dungeons anymore, at least until Varian himself got caught in them two turns later. At that point Lance, Adira, Quirin, and Hector all offered him a get out of dungeons card, making him giggle while accepting his father's and hopping out.
He rolled the dice and landed next to his father's hat, "wow, that's surprisingly accurate", the teen joked, "I got out because of Rapunzel, made my way back to Old Corona, and was reunited with my father", he then moved his piece to face Quirin's, "hi dad", he stated
The retired knight smiled before moving his own piece to face his son's, "hi son, wanna go to Monty's?"
"Sure!"
"Ok, roll a nine and I'll meet you there!"
"Ok!" They laughed before Varian passed the dice to the Village Leader, who managed to roll a nine, "wow, can we say 'predetermined destiny' or what?"
Quirin chuckled, "I told you I'd meet you there"
"True", the teen giggled
Almost all the properties were taken at this point, with only the Old Corona farms and the Village Leader's home being the final two, both being from the same, blue colored, Monopoly with Quirin holding their third, which was his son's lab. Rapunzel was taking her turn and rolled the dice, landing on the home of the Village Leader and buying it, "sleepover?" She glanced at Varian, who snorted
"Maybe", he replied before getting the dice and landing on the Old Corona farms, he bought the last property and smirked at his dad, "guess I won't be working in these for a while"
"You won't be working in this either then you know", his father replied, showing the lab card he'd gotten earlier
Varian pouted, "touché"
Picking up the dice, Quirin rolled and ended up going to the dungeons and smirking, "I kinda don't mind this at the moment"
"Why's that?" Eugene replied
"Because he basically gets to sit there and collect money while the rest of us pray we don't land on anyone else's Monopolies", Adira explained with a smirk, "it's complete luck, but it's the best strategy at this point in the game"
Lance sighed, "so, we're either gonna lost to Quirin, or Varian, because he's got majority of the properties right now!"
"Yup!" Varian smiled
"Well, guess it's a good thing we didn't bet anything", Eugene replied
Adira raised a brow, "you know I'm not too far behind my nephew in properties right, nickle and diming people is a strategy too since I have my own Monopolies"
"We're aware", Hector grumbled as he looked at what little money he had left
"Seriously, how lucky are you people?" Eugene replied as Edmund, Catalina, and Angry snickered at his growing frustration
"I told you to buy that property when you could", the Dark King replied. His son huffed as the group laughed, everyone except Rapunzel, who was looking at card sadly. Catching this, the king tilted his head, "are you alright princess?"
The blond looked up and set the card down, "hm? Oh yeah, sorry just, thinking about things that I shouldn't be"
"That you shouldn't be?"
The princess sighed, "sorry just.... Thinking about Cass... she really loved this game and made it her goal to try to get to the dungeons and sit because you're right", she looked at Adira with a sad smile, "that is the best strategy...." She shook her head, "don't mind me, we can continue! It's fine, I'm fine, everything is 100% a-o-!"
"NO IT'S NOT!" Varian yelled, startling everyone, "it's NOT fine! It's never BEEN fine! And you CONTINUALLY saying it's fine and PRETENDING like you aren't UPSET is only making it WORSE!"
Rapunzel blinked a couple times at the young alchemist before shaking her head and smiling weakly, "it's fine Varian, look I r-really am o-!"
"NO YOU'RE NOT! And neither am I! Yet you continue to slap a fake smile on your face and reassure yourself that y-you aren't upset a-and making everything s-seem like one big FUCKING picnic and it's NOT, I'm NOT, you're NOT, nobody is FINE! I-is this what you did?! W-when I was locked in the fucking DUNGEONS?! J-just forget about me, everything's fine? I-is it?! D-did you jus forget about ME, my RACCOON, my DAD, my HOME, d-did you?! L-like a fucking burden? B-because if that's all I and my struggles are to you then WHY DO YOU KEEP TALKING TO ME?! If y-you don't wanna face w-what happened so badly then why don't you just avoid me, LIKE YOU DID BACK THEN?!" He screamed before slapping his hands over his mouth, instantly regretting what he'd just said. His tears were flowing as he saw the hurt and surprised look on Rapunzel face before he got up and darted out of the room, ignoring his hurt ankle and bursting through the opened door, Ruddigar following right behind along with Quirin.
Rapunzel stared at the open door, her thoughts reeling through what she'd just been told before she looked at Lance, her eyes full of tears and regret, "w-what did I just do?"
Notes:
Ok, so Rapunzel needs therapy just as much as Varian! She's a victim in this and doesn't know how to act or how to handle feelings about things like this. So while she's trying to get better, she'd also hurting herself, and unknowingly hurting Varian, in the process. I really do love Rapunzel, and this isn't the worst mistake she's gonna make, that comes later, but this was coming. That being said, I honestly don't see this as her fault, and I'll touch that topic in the next chapter, this is gonna be a doozy of a two parter X3
Poor Varian... Bean has too much emotion sometimes.... His dad and raccoon will always be there to help him, always.
Itty Bitty is going to make more appearances from now on, he's too cute not to!
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! :D
Chapter 72: Game Night! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian gets a little too frustrated with Rapunzel and the princess isn't sure how to fix it.
Notes:
Here's part 2!
More notes at the end!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lance sighed as he saw the utter defeat in the princess's face, he rubbed his head, "oh boy... I was really hopin this wouldn't happen..."
"L-Lance...." He looked at Rapunzel and saw tears in her eyes, she looked so worried
"Princess, this was an accident, you didn't know and quite frankly, how could you have...."
"B-but Varian he's.... He's still upset.... What did I just d-do?"
The larger former thief looked at her sympathetically, "you uh.... you lied"
"What?"
"You're not fine Rapunzel, you never were. Cassandra betrayed you, Gothel abused you, your dad lied to you and locked you in your room, Varian betrayed you and then came back but with a lot of baggage he's gotta sort out which I'm guessing makes you anxious.... You've been through so much in the past two years and yet you continually lie to yourself about how 'fine' you are when you're not. Mind you, it's a coping mechanism, I use it, Eugene uses it, hell I wouldn't be surprised if Itty Bitty uses it, but unfortunately, because you have such a deep connection with what Varian himself went through, your words.... Have a lot more weight than you think... So when you say you're fine and try to convince yourself even though you're not...."
The princess gasped, "it's like I'm ignoring everything he went through too! Like I don't care about..... Oh...."
"Yeah.... Without sayin much princess, that little boy takes a lot of what you say personally, and to be fair, you can't help that, but sometimes, the things you say around him unintentionally.... hurt"
"I can see why.... I broke my promise to him.... That's the biggest reason he gets so upset with me isn't it? Because I didn't keep my word?"
Lance didn't say anything at first, he looked like he wanted to, but knew he couldn't, "if you really wanna know what's goin on with Varian, you've gotta talk to him, face to face"
Rapunzel was a little startled, "why don't you tell her? Clearly you want them to work this out don't you?" Eugene asked, genuinely curious
"Because I promised Varian would have a safe space where he can let everything out, no judgements, no worries, nothin, and that includes me keepin my mouth shut about everything he tells me in that room. So I'm really sorry, but if I were to break that kind of trust and tell you what he's told me-!"
"You'd break him even more than he is now...." The dark prince replied, "got it...."
Adira looked towards the door, it was still open, before she looked back at the princess, "so what will you do?"
"Huh?" Rapunzel asked, looking at her
"What will you do?" She repeated
"I do-!"
"Oh for fuck's sake! Are you gonna run after our nephew and help him get fucking through this or not?!" Hector interrupted, getting fed up, "I'm tired of the fucking 'guiding teacher' bullshit, just make your choice already!"
"Hector!" King Edmund snapped
"Oh don't you 'Hector' me, this is fucking stupid, if you're worried, go after him, if you don't fucking care, then sit here and wallow in self fucking pity!"
"Ok listen crazy rhino guy, you may be one of the strongest people in this room, but you are not, I repeat, you are NOT gonna talk to MY Rapunzel that way!" Eugene replied angrily as he glared at Hector
"Both of you stop!" The face painted warrior replied, "this isn't helping"
The room was silent as Rapunzel thought, she didn't know what to do, if she ran to Varian, wouldn't she be hurting him more? What he'd said, did he really feel that way? He looked so regretful... He mind reeled until she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up, seeing the dark king looking back at her, "you're worried about hurting him aren't you?" He asked, she nodded as tears streamed down her face, "I understand, I really do, hurting that little peanut is probably one of the last things you want to do right now isn't it?" She nodded again and he smiled before looking serious again, "I can't make your choice for you, I can't tell you what's right and what's wrong, frankly, I shouldn't with my track record", he looked pointedly at Eugene then at Adira and Hector before turning back to Rapunzel, "but let me tell you something, you are kind, sweet, caring, and a joy to be around, I can think of no one else better suited to represent the Sundrop than you. But right now, light isn't going to help you here, you've felt what he's feeling, you've been through your own darkness, think about it this way, if someone just made you feel the way you believe Varian feels right now, and you knew they regretted it, would you want them to run and help you, or stay here and leave you alone?"
She thought about that for a couple moments before making her decision. Smiling wide she kissed the Dark king's cheek, making him smile and blush a bit, "thank you!" She replied as she got up and booked it out of the room
He watched her leave and smiled even wider, "go get him honey"
****
Varian sniffled as he looked out at the kingdom below him, everyone had gone to their homes at this point, so all he could see, from the balcony he was standing on, were faint lights in the distance. His tears streamed down his face as he remembered what he'd just done a few minutes ago before burying his head in his arms and groaning, "s-she probably hates me now.... And I d-don't blame h-her...." He sniffled again before letting out a small hiccup.
"Balcony staring huh? Never a good sign", a familiar voice replied
"...You c-came after me?"
"Course I did, you're my son after all, and I'm not alone", Quirin replied as he leaned against the balcony railing
"What do y-!" Varian was cut short when a flash of gray and black burst out in front of him, worried chitters filling the air as the small mammal pawed at his face and licked his tears up, "R-Ruddigar!" The teen replied, giving his raccoon a hug and stroking his fur, making the little creature purr.
His father smiled as he watched the duo before looking out at the stars, his face turning solemn, "are you alright?"
The teen looked at the retired knight before he felt his tears return as he thought about Rapunzel, "n-no...." He replied quietly, "then a-again, when was the l-last time I actually *was* alright?"
His father chuckled sadly, "I believe that would be about over a year ago"
"I think you're right, been about that long since I haven't felt the depression making a home in my head", he replied with a sad smirk as he continued to stroke his raccoon's fur, "then again, seeing you play with Itty Bitty and his plushie twin was a pretty good break"
Quirin snorted, "well I'm glad I could be of assistance"
"You were indeed"
"Bratty stinkbomb"
"Evil jerkface"
They both smiled at each other before growing quiet once more and looking up to the sky, both taking comfort in each other's presence for a moment before the Village Leader sighed, "you want to talk to her, don't you?"
"Yeah...."
"But you're scared to?"
"Yeah...."
"That's quite a conundrum"
"Yeah...."
"Itty Bitty is a far better animal companion than Ruddigar"
"Ye- Hey!"
His father chuckled, "just making sure you were still with me"
"You really are an evil jerkface"
"I know"
"Ruddigar is better in every way"
"Agree to disagree because we're getting off topic"
The alchemist pouted before sighing defeatedly, placing his arms back onto the balcony railing and placing his chin on top of them, "I... I should apologize to her... S-she didn't mean to.... This time anyway.... S-she didn't deserve that...."
"In a way you're right, she didn't deserve to be yelled at tonight, especially for feelings you haven't really coped with yourself", the teen suck further into his arms, "but, you also managed to tell her how you felt, sure it was the wrong way to do it, but she clearly got the message. You may have been harsh but honestly, this group could use a little brute strength mixed in"
"Brute strength?"
"Yup, some blunt truths, someone to tell it like it is without holding anything back, getting the message across in a clear and rational way"
"I think my brute strength might be broken"
Quirin chuckled again, "it's not broken, I think your brute strength has been hiding for so long that it ended up coming out at a random time. You and I both have a bad habit of not really talking about what we feel, but you chatting with Lance is starting to help, I can tell. You're much more up front with how you feel now than you've ever been, and it's a little easier for me to tell when it's the time to come and help you, and when it's the time to leave you be". He smiled lovingly at his son, "you're making a lot of progress with Lance you know, even if there are times like this where everything comes out in one big yell, it came out!"
"B-but wouldn't the progress be halted if I just e-end up saying everything I feel with no r-regards to anyone else's feeling?" Varian replied worriedly as Ruddigar nuzzled him, "I mean, you t-talk about how me yelling a-and cussing out the princess is a good thing b-but I fail to see how w-what I just did will make a-any difference aside from bad!"
"Because she heard you"
"W-what?"
"VARIAN!" A voice yelled from down the hall, the trio looked behind them and saw a teary eyed and panting princess staring back at them, her eyes were flooded with concern and fear as she ran forwards, "Varian!"
Quirin gestured to her with a smirk before he nudged his son, "I know you're scared Bubby, and I understand I really do, but this would be a really great time for you to finally work some things out. Not just for her or me, but for yourself, finally work through those emotions that you've been bottling up. That's why she's running down here like that, she never knew you felt that way and she wants to fix it, but you'll need to meet her halfway son, and only you can do that".
Varian was quiet for a moment before he looked at Rapunzel, she was halfway down the hall and coming fast, her hair was waving behind her as she moved and her eyes were locked directly on him. Sighing he finally made his choice and nodded to his father, "ok"
The man smiled proudly at his son before hugging him and kissing his forehead, "are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be"
****
The princess slid to a halt in front of the trio, panting heavily as she caught her breath before looking directly at the little alchemist, "Varian! I finally found you! Listen, I know I'm probably the last person you wanna see right now but Lance told me to make a decision and Eugene and Hector started arguing then Adira tried to make me make a choice and I was so confused until Edmund asked me what I would wanna do in this scenario and that made me realize I'd want someone to come check on me and help me figure this out so.... so....." She sighed, finally catching her breath and standing up straight, "so here I am, a-and I.... We.... We need to talk"
Varian winced a little but felt Ruddigar nuzzle his cheek, he looked at his raccoon and gave a small smile before turning to look at the princess, "y-yeah... Yeah we really do....."
They were quiet for a moment, neither one really knowing what to say until, "I should probably go", Quirin stated, raising his hands in a placating gesture, "I'll make sure everyone gives you two your privacy.... And I'll make sure Eugene and Hector don't try to kill each other...." He sighed
"Itty Bitty will be there", his son replied
His father froze for a moment before chuckling, "that is a plus, we'll be in the family room when you two are done, okay?"
"Ok", they both responded and with a nod, the retired knight closed the balcony door behind him and walked away. Varian and Rapunzel looked at each other once more
"S-so uh.... How do you usually start one of these?" The princess asked as she played with her hair
"I have no idea... Usually Lance makes the first move, t-then I follow...." The alchemist responded as he rubbed the back of his neck. They both became quiet once again, getting Ruddigar and Pascal to stare at each other before the raccoon sighed and hopped off of his boy's shoulder, gesturing for him to start, "I...." The teen was about to argue but stopped and sighed, looking at the princess, "I.... I'm sorry for w-what I said earlier.... I d-don't know why I even said it, I w-was just.... I don't know"
"NO no I should apologize for not realizing that what I was saying was hurting you! I should've taken your feelings into consideration.... I didn't mean to make you feel like I'm ignoring you... o-or what you went through I just...." She sighed, looking away, "I...."
"Don't know how to handle what you're feeling?" Varian offered, "s-so you bury so deep to ignore it because ignoring the problem is so much easier than facing it?"
"Yeah...."
"Same....."
"You do?"
"Princess, I avoided walking into town and getting new clothes that actually fit me because I didn't want to face the townspeople hating me for what I did....."
"Oh"
"Yeah.... I have a lot o-of things I need to make up for I just..... I don't know.... I g-guess tonight I just lost it...."
Rapunzel looked at Varian sympathetically, he was looking at the ground, not willing to look her in the eye, "Varian", he looked at her, "did you mean everything you said? BEFORE you answer, I'm not upset, I mean, I was at first, but going over it in my head... I realize there's a lot more to those words than just anger and I need to know... I need to know I-if I made you feel that way, so I can fix it, so I can help you"
"Help me?"
"N-not in a condescending way! I mean in a, 'my friend is really upset and it might be my fault so I really wanna fix it so we can get better and be better' sort of way"
The teen blinked then snorted before he smirked, "you talk really fast when you're nervous"
She blushed, "like you don't have your own quirks Varian Vanguard!"
"I certainly do and I admit them with gusto Rapunzel Sonne!"
She giggled before smirking herself, "you're avoiding the question"
"You said my last name", she raised a brow and he sighed, "r-right sorry, told you I avoid things too.... Yes... In that moment, I meant every word that came out of my mouth... B-but I take back the cursing now... I... I d-didn't mean that"
"Yes you did, and it's okay"
"N-no it's n-!"
"Yes it actually is!" She smiled at him, "look I.... I grew up in a tower alone with a kidnapper as my only companion, she used me, mentally abused me, and made me feel like I was nothing compared to her.... It really damaged me in a way I never thought about before and.... And I think... No... I know it's messed with how I perceive a lot of things outside of that tower.... I don't see the world normally nor do I see people normally and sometimes I come across as warm and inviting and other times I'm condescending and nasty.... And yeah, hearing what you said, it hurt, a lot, but I needed to hear it! I needed to, I am not perfect, never have been, and I have a lot of things I need to work on, Cassandra being one, you being the other", she smiled at him, "I never really addressed anything I did to you, I never said anything to you about my life or even asked you about yours, your father is one of two people in your life, Ruddigar being the other, that looked out for you and stayed by your side and you.... You were losing him.... I can't imagine what that must've felt like, and I don't want to.... And what do I do? I broke my promise to you and let your father suffer the consequences of what my father was doing...."
"It wasn't about that"
"Huh?"
Rapunzel looked at the teen and saw his tears start to flow again, but he wasn't angry this time, he just looked.... sad, "I-it's not about the p-promise.... I w-was hurt about it yes, b-but I could've lived with that.... M-my father was gone, b-but I was still trying to save him everyday Rapunzel, every day. N-nothing I did worked, m-my potions, m-my alchemy, the o-only thing I had, I t-tried everything and nothing w-worked..... Then these g-guards come out of n-nowhere and accuse me of a-attacking you when I d-didn't.... I'm f-forced to hide in my own h-home, m-my dad was gone, Ruddigar was s-scared, I was s-scared and you.... You were nowhere.... Y-you never came back f-for me, never checked on m-me, never asked m-me if I was okay.... Y-you were my friend a-and you never...." The teen looked away, trying to hold back the sob as the princess covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes widening once more as the teen continued, "t-the guards threatened me.... d-did you know that? T-they threatened to hurt me if I d-didn't give them what they wanted. I didn't k-know what a graphite w-was, my father never told m-me about it, so I kept trying t-to find it, but k-kept getting caught by them and beaten for trying.... T-they hurt me Rapunzel, they hit me, and insulted me, m-made me stay in t-the same room as my father while they teased m-me and told me I k-killed him!" He turned around to face her, "and where w-were you? Where? Y-you just left me alone! Y-you knew what I actually d-did that day, you KNEW I didn't a-attack you, you knew! So w-why didn't you come looking for me? Why Rapunzel? O-out of every answer I want, t-that's the biggest, why didn't you h-help me?" He hated the crack in his voice as he spoke, but ignored it, "o-over time I got angrier and angrier, u-until there was nothing left.... I d-didn't feel anything anymore, just numb.... T-the only reason I kept going was b-because I needed to get my father out of the amber, t-that was the only thing I have left in m-my mind.... After that yeah I threatened to harm the k-kingdom, but what was I gonna do? M-my father and Ruddigar were the only ones I had, a-and I just...." He sniffled, feeling overwhelmed he ended up sitting on the balcony floor, his knees were up to his chin and he closed his eyes before continuing, "I-I don't know.... T-this is too much.... I can't do this..." He his his face in his knees and sobbed, "I-I'm not strong enough for this..... I.... I-I'm not....."
Rapunzel didn't know what to say, she just watched as this 15 year old sobbed his eyes out on the floor, curled into a little ball. She never knew, how could she have know, *but this isn't right, I came here to apologize, I made it worse, I....* She sucked in a breath and let it go before she walked over to the teen, sitting next to him and gently wrapping her arms around him, holding him close, "I'm so sorry Varian, you're right, I should've looked for you, I abandoned you and left you alone, twice.... Once after the blizzard, and then again after the fight at your home.... I'm so sorry..... I'm really, really sorry Varian.... I know this won't fix everything, I know..... Because it's still gonna hurt, but I will never abandon you again, ever. I love you so much Varian, you're my little brother, and I never ever wanted to hurt you, I'm so sorry that I did.... I'm so so so so so sorry....."
She held onto him as he sobbed, she held onto him as her own tears started to fall, she held onto him when he stopped, she held onto him when Ruddigar chittered, and she kept holding him as minutes passed by before she felt him wrap his arms around her. She still held on to him, she didn't let him go until she felt him break the hug and even still she kept her hand on his as they faced each other once more, his eyes were closed and he was breathing heavily. It took him a couple minutes to look at her again, his big blue eyes locked with her green before he sniffled one last time and smiled, "thank you".
Notes:
Everything is not fixed, but the first step in making things right, is to apologize, and it's one of the hardest steps you can take. Now that she'd taken it, it's going to be a long road for her to get Varian to fully forgive her, but she's willing to climb it, for him.
Hector is hilarious and I think him and Eugene would butt heads a lot of the time, only because he does not like Rapunzel in this story and will take any chance to show it. So Eugene is best boy for standing up for his lover, it's both a sweet and hilarious moment!
Lance and Edmund are freaking amazing! I love them so much!
Quirin is the best father in the universe, just try to change my mind!
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! :D
Chapter 73: Good Game, Good Night!
Summary:
Game night comes to a close as everyone reunites in the family room
Chapter Text
The room was a mess when the retired knight returned, chairs were flipped over, pieces had been thrown in every direction, the Monopoly game itself was upside down, it's pieces were scattered everywhere, Itty Bitty had a couple more board games set on his tank with small pieces floating in his tank, and the 'adults', animals, and children inside the room stopped what they were doing and stared at the man, all with the same child like look the Village Leader saw on his teenage son when he got caught doing alchemy when he was supposed to be in bed. "Uh..." Eugene started, "t-this isn't what it looks like"
Quirin face palmed, his nerves were already frayed and of course he just had to come back to find.... this..... "So... wanna tell me what happened, or should I guess?"
"We can tell you", the dark prince replied
"Please do"
"Right!" He waited as the former thief looked around him, biting his lower lip as he did so, "I'm about to start.... Like right now..... S-seriously-!"
"In *this* millennia", the man replied, walking over to his beloved fish friend and carefully getting the games off his tank before removing his left glove and grabbing the pieces out, chuckling as Itty Bitty rubbed and nuzzled his fingers.
"R-right.... So um.... Lance was trying to set up another game while we waited for you, Blondie, and Hair stripe to return when uh.... Catalina and Angry wanted to play!"
"Ok", the old farmer replied, petting the small fish happily as he grabbed the last piece and took his hand out before replacing the top of the tank back on.
Eugene nodded, "o-ok, right so.... We were gonna let them play when they said they wanted to play Monopoly, and we told them no because there was a game in process. So they got a *little* upset, not too much though, because we found another game to play! Corona who actually! you know, the game where you try to guess which Coronan the other person is talking about, you know that one? Right?"
"I am aware", Quirin replied as he dried the pieces and set them with their proper games before he looked at the former thief
"Y-yeah, so we played that for a little while but um.... We uh.... got bored"
"Bored of a board game, how ironic", the retired knight teased as he dried his own hand and put his left glove back on before picking up Itty Bitty's tank and walking over to an arm chair before sitting down, moving a couple stray pieces out of the way as he did so, "Go on".
"Uh... Right so we got bored and um.... decided to play Frustration Operation, which, let me tell you the name of that game is completely correct!" The Village Leader raised a brow, "uh... *ahem* so we played that for a little bit until we all got too frustrated and uh.... Someone may have flipped the game over angrily", his eyes darted to Angry, who huffed, "and after that it was a little bit of a free for all as someone else joined in thinking it was another game", his eyes darted to his father, who blushed and received a couple reassuring hand pats from both Adira and Lance, "they uh, stopped when they realized that's not how it works but at that point someone *else* joined in", his eyes darted to Catalina, "and we tried to stop them but kept getting pummeled by games, I was pulling a game away from two little someone's as Lance and Adira comforted someone else and Hector laughed, that's when you came in".
Quirin sighed and set Itty Bitty down on the little table next to him before placing his head in his hand, pinching the bridge of his nose as the door opened once more, "woah!" Rapunzel stated, seeing the mess as she and Varian, who was leaning against her, walked inside
"Uh.... What happened here?" The teen asked, his voice both amused and worried at the same time
"It's a long story....." The retired knight replied
****
Rapunzel smiled at the father and son duo as they snuggled in the armchair together, Ruddigar and Pascal playing a round of Corona Who as the others cleaned up the mess they'd made. "Still don't see why I'm cleaning too, considering I didn't contribute to this", Hector complained as Ruddigar chittered out a guess, getting Pascal to grumble and nod as he showed him a picture of Quirin. The raccoon chittered and gestured to the chameleon to guess, just to make it fair, the lizard squeaked out a guess, but Ruddigar shook his head, showing a picture of Eugene. Pascal sighed but admitted defeat, shaking hands with the raccoon before hopping off the table and crawling up on Rapunzel, receiving a 'better luck next time' kiss to the head as Ruddigar waddled over to his boy and snuggled in his arms happily, getting a 'congrats on the win' scratch.
"Neither did Earring or I, but we didn't really help stop it either, so stop your complaining and just pick up the piece of corn, I think that's from Frustration Operation", Adira replied before looking over at the game in question.
"Wait did someone find the corn? We've been lookin for that" Lance replied as he got up from looking under a couch
"I still can't believe the mess all of you made, we weren't gone that long you know", Varian replied with a giggle as his father booped his nose gently
"Yeah yeah, we know", Eugene replied grumpily, "next time, you get babysitting duty"
The princess looked at the old farmer, "are you sure we shouldn't help them? At least a little bit?"
"Yes I'm sure, they made the mess, they can clean it up", Quirin replied
"Yes *dad*" Hector snarked
"One more comment like that and you'll be grounded", his brother shot back, making the wild tamer roll his eyes before tossing the corn piece over to Lance
They continued cleaning up until everything was picked up and put away, the only game left out being the Monopoly they'd already started, "I take it we're not finishing this tonight?" Adira asked
Looking down at his son, the retired knight smiled at how comfortable he and Ruddigar looked before looking back at his sister, "unfortunately not"
"Who won?" Catalina asked
"Well, usually it's whoever has the most money", Eugene replied
"Well then I guess I lost, because I spent my last bit on the final property I bought", the little alchemist replied, at the look of surprise he replied, "I had a plan! I have about three monopolies, if I could pass the castle and collect two hundred fake gold pieces, I would have enough to buy several windmills to place on them so I could get more money from all of you. I-it kinda went out the window when I um...." He looked at Rapunzel, "....did what I d-did". She smiled reassuringly at the teen, who returned the smile with one of his own before stroking Ruddigar's fur, getting the raccoon to purr.
"How'd that go by the way? Are you two.... Alright?" Lance asked, giving them both a worried look
"We talked it out, sort of", the princess responded
"Sort of?" Hector asked flatly as Eugene raised his brow at the wild tamer
Varian sighed, "I um.... I couldn't g-get much out.... B-but I managed to talk about some of the things t-that were... b-bothering me.... It wasn't much a-and I really should t-talk about more b-but I couldn't get more than what I s-said out a-!" He was interrupted when he felt Lance hug him tightly, startling Quirin and Ruddigar a bit as the raccoon hopped onto the retired knight's shoulder.
The large former thief broke the hug and smiled at the teen, "that's okay, you can take your time, point is you got somethin out right?"
"I... I guess?"
"Not really convinced?"
"N-no... It wasn't a lot... N-not even close"
"Do you feel any better?"
"....A little actually"
"Then it was perfect, you got out what you could, and that's a gigantic step little man! I'm really proud of you", he smiled wide at the little alchemist
"R-really?"
"Yeah! I know it's been tough for you right now, but you said somethin, Varian you *said* somethin! You didn't avoid it, you didn't lie about it, you talked about it! That's a huge step, even if what you said was very little, we can talk more about it if you want a little later, when things have settled down a bit, but you made some actual progress, and that's amazing!" He then looked at Rapunzel, "and the fact that you were willing to run after him and listen to somethin that I know probably wasn't east to hear speaks volumes ya know, I'm really proud of you too!" She smiled wide and nodded before he turned back to Varian, "it takes guts seeking help, it takes smarts to talk about how you *really* feel, it takes strength to talk to the person that you're upset at, that's what you did today, and it makes you strong little man, really strong, like Quirin strong but on the inside!"
Quirin chuckled, "'Quirin strong' huh?"
"I uh.... May have told him I wanted to be as strong as you one day"
"You're way stronger than me son"
"What?" Quirin chuckled as his son looked up at him
"He's right, it does take strength to do that, strength that not even I have yet. I'm not really emotional, mostly because I don't know how to handle them so I come across as stoic or quiet or-"
"Broody?" Adira replied with a smirk, "grumpy?"
"Intimidating?" Hector added
"Mysterious is what I would have said, but thanks", he raised a brow at his siblings before looking back at his son, "you may not have planned on doing this tonight, heck you may have tried to avoid it as long as possible just so you didn't have to worry about it. But when it did come up, you didn't run, well, you did at first, but you stayed when she followed so.... that doesn't count". The teen giggled a little with a slight blush as the retired knight smile, "point is, you said something, it may not have been a lot of somethings, but it was still something, and it helped in one way or another, right?"
"Right"
"Then Lance is correct, that's a big step, and you know what?" He cupped his son's cheek in his hand and kissed his forehead, "I'm really proud of you too Varian"
The teen sniffled a little at that before hugging his father happily, "thanks dad", he replied as his father hugged him back
Lance got up and walked over to Rapunzel, hugging her as well, "thank you, for helping him"
"Thank you for showing me how", she replied, returning the hug. They stayed that way for a moment before letting go and grinning at each other
Angry groaned, listen I'm all for the feel good stuff, but no one answered the question of who actually won the stupid game!"
Rapunzel giggle before she got up and walked over to the board, "here, I'll count the money up and write what's on there on a piece of paper really quick, Eugene, Edmund, do you two mind helping me put this away?"
"Don't mind at all blondie!" Eugene replied
"Of course not honey!" Edmund assured
Both men looked at each other for a moment, the princess snickering, "similar nicknames? You two really are father and son huh?"
"You did that on purpose didn't you?" Her boyfriend asked flatly
"Maybe", she beamed before going back to counting the money and placing them in the box
Edmund then cleared his throat before he mumble, "well um... That was awkward", "to himself
"You!... You make it worse by saying that!" The Dark Prince complained, making Hector and Adira chuckle
"Saying what?"
"Never mind...." The former thief pouted before walking over and helping Rapunzel, his father doing the same. Once the game was finished being put away and the scores were all tallied, the princess stood up and announced the placements, "in last place, me with $250 left, in sixth place with $545, Hector!" The man huffed but nodded, "in fifth place, Varian with $762".
"Again, I had a plan", the teen defended
"Wait! It *just* hit me that the kid lost!" Eugene stated before grinning wide, "sorry, continue!"
"So glad to have such great support from my friends....", Varian replied sarcastically as his father laughed, hugging him tight
"In fourth place, Adira with $783"
"Not bad, I was going for the same route as Speckles", she added with a smile his way, getting a smile back
Rapunzel giggled before continuing, "in third place with $853 iiiiiiis Eugene!"
"Damn it! I mean third isn't bad, but it doesn't really count as winning against hair stripe if we don't win the game, does it?" He looked at Varian, who shook his head, "damn, oh well"
"I'm gonna make you have a swear jar in a minute here sir", the Village Leader warned
Eugene raised a brow, "says the man who swore various times in front of me, and a couple times in front of his kid"
"To be fair, you swear a hell of a lot more than he does", the wild tamer retorted
The former thief gestured to the wild tamer while looking at the retired knight incredulously, "he's said a lot worse", the man replied
"But none were around your spawn", Hector stated with a smirk
"Son!" Quirin corrected
"Speckles", Adira added
"Peanut", Edmund claimed
"Hair Stripe", Eugene chimed in
"Little man", Lance insisted
"TOO MANY NAMES!" Varian yelled, making the entire room laugh as he hid his face in his father's vest
"Ok ok, we'll stop", the old farmer replied with a chuckle before looking Rapunzel, "we interrupted, sorry, please continue"
The Princess snickered a bit before resuming, "the person holding second place with $952 iiiiiiis..... QUIRIN!"
"I thought it may be something like that, congrats Lance", the retired knight nodded before rubbing his son's back soothingly
"W-wait, I... I won? A-against Varian *and* Quirin?" The larger former thief asked
"Yup! With $1202!" Rapunzel answered with a grin, "congrats!"
The man was silent for a moment before he cheered, "YES! I AM THE KING OF MONOPOLY!!!!!! WOO HOOOOO!" He stopped and took in a breath before walking over to Quirin and Varian and smiling, "good game?"
The duo was grinning, "you can cheer you know, you've earned it", the little alchemist replied
"I will in my own time, for now, I'm bein a good sport", the man replied
Quirin nodded and took his hand, "good game Lance"
"Very good game!" Varian replied as he also shook his hand, "guess we'll have to play again, yeah?"
"Definitely!" Lance replied before turning to face the group, beaming happily and trying to conceal his excitement as he walked over and behind Adira, making small squeaks of happiness as he did. The face painted warrior smirked at him with amusement and sat down next to him
"Good job Earring"
The man was a little startled but smiled wide all the same, "thanks Adira!"
The little group then began to talk amongst themselves, the mess having been cleaned and all of them just enjoying each others company. They went to bed that night, happy with the events that transpired and before they knew it the sun was up and shining bright. With everything packed and ready and Varian getting the okay from Mr. and Mrs. Doctor Solace about his ankle, Quirin, Adira, Hector and the little alchemist said their goodbyes, Ruddigar and Itty Bitty sitting next to their men before the group set out, watching Adira hop into a nearby tree as Hector rolled his eyes and smirked at the pair before riding off on Xena. During the trip the duo conversed happily, making it to their home by mid afternoon and heading inside. They did a little cleaning and Quirin cooked a nice lunch for the two of them while giving Ruddigar and Itty Bitty their afternoon food before joining his son at the table and eating lunch together, both of them very happy to finally be home.
Notes:
I wanted to give him SOMETHING! He's the king after all! If you've read the chapter you know what I'm talking about :D He deserved a little reward for all his hard work, he'll get more later, but this is just a little gift. :)
Quirin is completely done with everyone at this point XD He's the only adult in the Brotherhood and it's hilarious to me!
Varian is a good little bean and he's too precious for this world! He also is a bean with many names XD
Rapunzel is a good big sister and I'll be darned if I don't write a little something about that!
Eugene is hilarious and him and Edmund are way too similar in personalities for me not to poke fun at it XD
Catalina and Angry are not brats, but they are chaotic, and it's fun to write them that way! :D
Adira and Hector are way too funny! Their banter is amazing and I love having them together!
Tis the end of the castle stories for now, gotta get back to some semblance of normal X3
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 74: Always!
Summary:
Quirin will love his son even when his life comes to an end, he just wants to make sure Varian knows that.
Notes:
So, I'm writing this as I'm going, this wasn't a planned chapter, it just popped into my head and I'm rolling with it.
More notes at the end!
With that being said, I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Dad!"
*Why am I here again?! I don't want to *be* here!*
"DAD! No no Daddy dad dad..... dad..."
*Let me move, LET ME MOVE!*
"Look at him! He's dead because of you! HE'S DEAD!"
"N-no.... I.... He's n-not.... He.... H-he can't b-be.... Dad.... Dad....."
*SHUT THE FUCK UP! LEAVE HIM ALONE!*
(dad?)
"You will be put on house arrest if you ever come out"
*(dad) Please.... Please stop torturing me.... Please*
"They.... Will... PAY...."
*Varian no! (dad?) Please! No..... no....*
"DAAAAAAAD!"
"AH!" Quirin bolted up in his bed, sweat dripping off of him as he tiredly looked around his dark room. His head was swimming and his stomach flipped, making him clutch it.
"H-hey, are you alright?"
That voice, he knew it, and he wanted to hear it again. He looked to his side and saw bright blue eyes looking at him worriedly, along with smaller green ones, "I.... W-what?" He must be getting old, all he could hear was a ringing sound.
Suddenly there was a hand on his head, he looked to where it had originated and saw brown eyes also worriedly watching him, "he's very warm.... I'm not surprised he had a nightmare, he normally does when he's sick"
"Oh dad....."
Dad? Wait, then that means-! "V-Varian?" His voice sounded so hoarse as he spoke, he reached out and cupped his son's cheek in his hand, "Varian".
His son placed his own hand on his father's and smiled, "hi dad"
"Hi"
"Oh he's definitely sick, poor thing doesn't even recognize us.... At least not immediately".
Quirin looked over at the brown eyes and stared at them for a moment before the rest of the man came into focus, "K-King Edmund?"
"Hey, there ya go!" The dark king smiled as Hamuel cawed happily, "at least you're coming back to us, are you alright?"
".....Head.... Hurts...."
"Bad?" Varian asked
"Very bad..." His father confirmed
Edmund chuckled, "there's more than a headache going on here", he replied before gently pushing his retired knight back in a laying position and covered him up to his neck, the man suddenly feeling very cold for some reason. "He's probably not very aware he's sick right now, or aware of much unfortunately, we'll need to take care of him today, you wanna help me peanut?"
He heard his son giggle at the nickname, "definitely", then it got quiet for a moment. The Village Leader saw those big blue eyes again and smiled at them, trying to show he was okay, "don't worry dad, we'll take care of you, okay?" He felt a smaller hand on his cheek and placed his hand over it, it felt nice against his warm skin. He suddenly felt very confused as to why his skin was so hot but his body was so cold, but he didn't care, he loved to look at those eyes. He watched them for a little bit before his eyes got too heavy to keep open and he ended up closing them.
****
"You hate m-me don't you?"
*I don't hate you son, I never hated you.... DAMMIT WHY CAN'T I MOVE?!*
"I'm so s-sorry dad.... I wish i-it never happened.... I..."
*Bubby.... Please don't cry.... I'm right here, I'm right here! Please...*
"I w-wish you never h-had me as a son.... M-maybe it would b-be easier on you...."
*No! I love you Varian! Don't you know that? Didn't I tell you that?!*
"I j-just wanted you to be proud of m-me.....*
*But I AM proud of you! Haven't I said that? Don't you know that?*
"I'm s-sorry.... I'm s-so sorry....."
*Why are you apologizing? I... did I really make you feel that way? Like you were a disappointment?*
"...I m-miss you dad...."
*I'm right here son! Please, whoever's listening, please let me move, just a little, so he knows I'm here! Please! PLEASE!*
"I.... I w-wish I w-wasn't here...."
*Don't say that! Just let me MOVE! Let me comfort my son! PLEASE!*
"Y-you probably hate me...."
*I don't! I NEVER DID! PLEASE! LET ME MOVE! PLEASE!*
He woke up again, this time with tears in his eyes, he felt worse as his entire body ached and he felt so cold. Looking around again, the room was empty, save for a small noise next to him, looking down he saw a ball of black and grey, "R-Ruddigar?"
The raccoon's ear instantly perked up and he lifted his head, looking at the man with his green eyes before chittering happily and nuzzling the man's face with his cold nose.
"Hello", the man replied with a weak chuckle before he scratched the raccoon's chin, getting him to purr a bit, "hey, y-you were with him the entire time I was s-stuck right?"
Ruddigar stopped and looked at the man questioningly before nodding
"Was he.... Did he.... I...." He sighed, "don't tell him this?"
The small mammal nodded again
"I... Heard everything he said.... He doesn't know that though... And I don't know if I should tell him.... I heard what he said, what he felt.... The guards.... Frederick.... Rapunzel.... I heard everything.... Ruddigar did he.... Did he really say that he wished he wasn't b-born? So it would be easier on me?"
The raccoon was very startled by this new knowledge, but after a about a minute of him arguing with himself, he nodded in confirmation
Tears stung at the corner of Quirin's eyes as he remembered how defeated and broken his son sounded, "h-he really thought that I...." The tears fell down his face as he pictured his poor little alchemist in a cell with those dark feelings, "I.... I'm a r-really horrible father..... Aren't I?...."
Ruddigar immediately rushed up to his face and chittered a very quick, 'no!' He kept chittering on how his boy loves his father and how he would *never* think of him as a bad father, ever!
"B-but I made him f-feel like I hated him.... Like I didn't want h-him...."
The raccoon nuzzled the man and chittered that he'd been making up for it, and his boy was better than ever because of the old farmer's help and love. He reminded him of how Varian had told the man how much he'd helped his boy, and how much he loved him, making sure the retired knight knew Varian was well aware he loved him and that he was the best father ever, even by raccoon standards!
Quirin smiled, "t-thank you, you're a good raccoon, you know that?" He replied as he stroked the small mammal's fur
Ruddigar chittered happily before nuzzling the man again and curling up in his arms, his warmth lulling him to sleep once more.
****
"Hey daaaaaddy"
"Hey whaaaaat?"
The tiny alchemist giggled, "I just wanted to say I wuv you!"
"You wuv me?" The retired knight chuckled
"I wuv you! And you're da best daddy ever!"
"I am?"
"Yup! Do ya know why?"
"Why that Bubby?"
"Betawse, you make me happy! And when I'm a happy bean, dat means you're doing a gweat job!"
"Oh is that what that means? And here I was thinking I was torturing you", he teased as he tickled his little 4 year old
The child laughed, "you're hee hee you're torchin me *now* Staahahahahap!"
Quirin stopped and smiled, "I'm 'torchin' you?"
"Yeah! You were torchin me, now you stopped"
"That's odd because you don't look like you're on fire, since I torched you"
Varian giggled again, "not 'torch' *torchin* daddy!"
"Torchin?"
"Yeah, wike when you say, 'no more toys for two minutes'"
"oooh Torturing"
"Yeah!"
"I see"
"You're a siwwy daddy!"
"Well you're a siwwy Varian!" He scooped up his son and placed him on his shoulders, walking back over to the house, "hey, by the way"
"Huh?"
Suddenly the room changed, his son was 14 years old and was shocked as his father had finally broken through the amber and was holding him so tight, never wanting to let him go, ever again, "I love you so much son, I always have, and I always will"
The teen's arms wrapped around his father and the man felt tears drip onto his vest
He woke up to the smell of something good next to him, turning he saw Varian smiling at him with Ruddigar around his shoulders, "hey! Y-you're awake, how do you feel?"
The retired knight felt his head and realized it hurt a little less, in fact, his whole body hurt less, "a bit better actually", he cringed at how hoarse he still sounded, "though not quite perfect yet... How long was I out?"
"About a day and a half, you've been in bed sleeping for majority of this, but Grandpa says that's normal for you, he went out to grab some snacks, he's been with me this entire time and has been helping me take care of you"
Quirin chuckled, "that sounds like him", he noticed his son holding a bowl with crackers and red liquid inside, the raccoon was sniffing at it while the teen was shooing him away, "that for me?"
The teen giggled at his best friend's pout before looking back at his father, "yep, it's tomato soup, homemade tomato soup! Lance taught me a really great recipe while we were at the castle", he helped the Village Leader sit up before handing him the hot dish and watching him try it as Ruddigar started to sneak over.
"Wow, this is really good, little hot though", he replied, swallowing his bite before scooping up another
"Well you're *supposed* to blow on it first ya dork", Varian teased, he raised a brow at his raccoon, who huffed and pouted again before cheering up instantly when Quirin gave him a cracker
The man smirked at his teen, "don't I get a sickness excuse, something along the lines of my brain being a bit 'too fuzzy' to be called a dork"
"Nope, only me"
"I see"
"Yup! I get son privileges"
"Son privileges?"
"Basically means I get all the excuses because I'm still learning but you get none since you're the parent", he bragged, "so, in layman's terms, I have an excuse to be a hypocrite!"
Quirin snickered, "ah, the 'do as I say, not as I do' rule, got it", he took another spoonful of soup before a thought struck him, he looked at the little alchemist, "why's king Edmund here? Shouldn't he be at the castle?"
Varian grinned, "thought you might ask that", he replied as his raccoon hopped back onto his shoulders, wiping the cracker crumbs off his face happily, "he's here because he wanted to visit, we've been gone for two days and apparently it was enough to get him to miss us"
The retired knight smiled, "I missed him too in all honesty, it was nice having him around"
"It really was, funny thing is, he still tries to carry me around the house, even though my ankle is fully healed". He shook his head before remembering something, "oh! and he's proclaimed that he's staying with us until you are 100% back in action, and he will not take any 'no's' or 'but's' as an answer!" He grinned, "he told me to say that"
"I'll bet"
Ruddigar chittered happily before he hopped onto the bed and nuzzled Quirin, "hey! Traitor!" The alchemist pouted, getting his father to laugh
"I'll bet you're flirting because you want another cracker hm?" The raccoon chittered out a defense but dropped it when the old farmer started to scratch his chin. That motion alone made Quirin remember his nightmare and look at his son, worry passing through him before he looked at the soup and crackers and smiled
"You okay? You're crying over soup", the teen replied, a little concerned
"Wh-?" He wiped his cheeks and realized they had tears on them before chuckling, "sorry, you get some very odd dreams when you're sick"
"Grandpa mentioned that.... A-Are you okay?"
He looked at his son before placing his dry hand on the boy's cheek, "I am now, thanks to you"
Ruddigar gave him a approving chitter as Varian looked a little startled but smiled back, "thanks dad"
"Varian?"
"Hm?"
"You..... You know I love you... Right?"
"Well yeah, of course I do"
"You mean it?"
The alchemist stared at his father for a bit, again, startled by what his father just asked before he sighed, climbed onto the bed, and hugged his dad, "I mean it dad"
Quirin hugged him back, making sure to keep the soup at a safe distance, "s-sorry I just-!"
"No no, it's okay!" His son replied before breaking the hug, "I... I get them too... Nightmares, though you already know that! I still get them too, b-but it's okay, we're gonna work together to fix them, make them disappear, that way neither of us have to suffer from them anymore", he looked at the Village Leader with determination in his eyes, "if that means I have to tell you that I know you love me over and over again, then I will, because I really do! I know you love me, and I love you, I always will!"
The retired knight smiled wide at his son, embracing him again, "I always will too, always"
Notes:
Quirin will always love his son, and Varian will always love his dad, I felt like they needed a chapter about it, so here it is!
King Edmund, through out season 3, has been shown to stick close to, or inside, Corona, so I'm guessing between episodes he constantly swaps between the castle and Quirin's home. This time he happened to swap when his knight was sick, and deems it necessary to help heal him and take care of his peanut grandson!
Ruddigar is a brat-coon for a reason! XD He's also a very good boy and I love him!
Itty Bitty it being taken care of by Edmund at the moment while Quirin is sick, you'll find out more about that next time! :D
WHY ARE THERE NO QUIRIN GETTING SICK FICS?! In my time on this website I have only ever seen one, and it was ADORABLE! Why aren't there more than that? It's so cute! I realize this is merely a chapter, so not really a full sick fic, but STILL! Protective farmer dad needs some lovins too! XD (in all seriousness, you can write whatever you'd like on this site, I'm actually joking, there aren't a lot but if you don't want to write them, that's perfectly fine :D)
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 75: The King and His Knight! (Part 1!)
Summary:
King Edmund returns to the Vanguard household to find a sick Quirin awake and chatting with his son, so he begins to take care of his former knight, that is, until emotions act up.
Notes:
I love Grandpa Edmund! Super cute man with a super cute role and I loves it!
More sick Quirin! Because apparently we need that XD
More notes at the end
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"You think we've got enough Hamuel?" The old crow cawed in what the dark king could only assume was confirmation, "good! We'll need as much as possible to take care of Quirin!"
"What's wrong with Quirin?" A familiar voice asked. King Edmund smiled wide as he turned to see his son walking beside him on Max
"Hello there Horace!"
The former thief sighed, "Eugene, father, it's Eugene"
"Right right, Eugene, Hello!" The Dark king corrected, "sorry I've... Got a lot on my mind".
The dark prince caught a note of something in his father's voice, but wasn't sure what it was. He chose to shake it off for now, getting back to the topic at hand, "right... So, what's going on with Quirin, he okay?" He asked, stopping Max and hopping off of him before walking beside his dad
Edmund shook his head sadly, "unfortunately no, he's not. He's sick with a pretty bad cold and has been asleep for a day and a half, waking up very little through out. Although, he looked a lot better today, still pale and with a slight fever, but he did look better".
Eugene looked concerned, "oh geez, you need any help taking care of him?"
"Don't you have plans with you mistress today?"
Ignoring the playful tone in his father's voice along with a suggestive caw from his crow, the former thief shook his head, "Blondie's got a lot of.... Princessy things she needs to take care of, so I'm out of the loop for a bit"
Edmund raised a brow, "really? Wouldn't you normally stick by her while she does her royal duties?"
"Normally, yes I would, but today I was apparently in the way a lot, or so Nigel says", the man huffed, "so I was gonna just ride around for a bit since it's Max's day off but saw you and figured I'd say hi"
The king smiled, "y-you really wanted to say hello to me?"
"Yeah? Have I really been nasty enough to make you think I don't like you?"
"Hm? Oh no! no no no! Just... It's nice to have someone actually want me around for a change"
There was that odd note in the king's voice, Eugene couldn't quite place what that was, "are you okay? You seem a little.... Upset?"
This seemed to startle the dark king as he flustered to respond, "Ah! Yes I'm fine, no worries! Just a little tired is all, you know, since I've been helping my little grandson take care of my sick knight and all that I haven't really gotten much sleep is all", he answered quickly, a little too quickly for the former thief's liking. But right as Eugene was about to point it out, his father changed the subject, "You know what? That reminds me, we should probably get you prepared for your prince training!"
"Prince training?" He blinked, a small pit of worry developing in his stomach
Edmund nodded excitedly, "you're a prince! Maybe a prince of a dead kingdom..." The man seemed to hesitate at that, even getting Hamuel to look a little unsure before he shook it off, "b-but a prince all the same!" He replied with a smile, "and you're infatuated with a princess! So you'll need training on how to be a prince and, one day, a ruler!"
The former thief cringed a little before shaking it off, "uh, l-let's not worry about that for now, instead maybe talk about Quirin?"
"Right! Bigger fish!" The dark king replied as he picked up his pace towards the large home, "but, we aren't done with this topic! You'll need proper training if you really want to marry Rapunzel one day! It'll be better to do it sooner rather than later son"
The man didn't wait for his prince to reply as he sped off towards the house, nor did he notice the worried look Eugene made behind is back. Max nudged him slightly, giving a concerned snort at him, "I'm fine Max just he's acting off and with the whole prince thing I just...." He sighed, "never mind, let's go help Quirin yeah?" Max nodded and they both made their way over to the manor.
****
Quirin was still awake, he was tired and his body was aching a little more now, but he was awake. He'd finished his soup and crackers, Ruddigar having stolen a couple more before Varian placed him in time out on his shoulders, and was now leaning against his piled up pillows. His son had cleaned his dishes and was now sitting with him, "Mr. Adam said he's more than willing to continue to run the farm while you rest. He said Evan's been really helpful with the preparations for the harvest".
"That's good at least, though I really should help them soon, I feel lazy", his father replied before coughing a bit
The alchemist raised a brow, "you, lazy? Pfft! Dad I'm surprised that word is even in your vocabulary"
"Says the workaholic", the man teased
"Where do you think I got it from?" His son retorted
"Adira"
"You wish"
Suddenly the door to Quirin's room opened and in stepped the dark king and his son, holding a couple bags a groceries and smiling wide, "hey! You're awake!" He set the bags down and walked over to his knight before removing his glove with his teeth and placing his hand on the man's forehead, making him blush a bit, "mmm.... You're still warm"
"I am under blankets to be fair", the old farmer replied, subtly getting the king's hand off his head as the little alchemist giggled
Edmund cringed, "your voice is hoarse too! This must be a pretty bad case, do you ache at all? Have a migraine? Coughing? Sneezing?"
"I'm fine", the Village Leader replied before smiling as Eugene and Varian greeted each other with a hug. He was about to say something to them until a rough sounding cough stopped him.
"You're pale, coughing, have a hoarse voice, and are warm to the touch", the dark king replied, "that is the opposite of 'fine' Quirin, and is the reason I'm staying here to help take care of you". He then looked at his grandson, "you gave him my message earlier, right?"
Varian broke the hug between him and Eugene and looked at his grandfather, "yeah I did. He's doing a lot better than before though, hasn't shown signs of aching or nausea, plus he ate a whole bowl of tomato soup!"
"Tomato soup?" The former thief questioned
"Lance's tomato soup! From personal experience that soup could cure a plague by sheer taste alone", the teen replied
"True"
"That's good to know, at least it's not a flu, but still", Edmund replied while looking his knight with concern
The old farmer tilted his head a bit, "I really am okay you know, it's just a little cold, you really don't have to stay here and take care of me"
Edmund huffed, a little knot in his stomach starting to tighten, "a little cold for you back when you were in the Dark Kingdom would turn into a full blown stomach flu"
"Wait really?" Varian asked, his interest growing a bit as well as his worry
The dark king nodded, "when he was your age, he'd get the sniffles and would be fine the first day or two, but then he'd get worse, rough breathing, dry cough, really bad sore throats, it was not fun"
"That hasn't happened in years", the retired knight defended, unknowingly tightening that knot in the dark king's stomach, making him grow a little frustrated
"That doesn't mean it won't happen at all, you're still sick aren't you?"
Quirin went to argue but was cut off by a couple more coughs, one's that made Ruddigar hop off of Varian's shoulders and onto the bed, sniffing the man to make sure he was alright. Edmund handed his knight a cup of water once he was finished, "this... doesn't prove anything", the Village Leader retorted as he tried to catch his breath.
The dark king raised his brow, the knot continuing to tighten, as Eugene and Varian exchanged looks before the teen walked over and hopped on the bed with his father, the dark prince standing next, and glancing at, a very huffy looking Edmund, "look Quirin, I don't normally agree with this man, but you nearly hacked up a lung in front of us", he stated, trying to catch his father's eye, it wasn't working, he was just staring at his knight.
"He's right dad, you may be awake, but you've still got a fever and a really bad cough that sounds like it's getting worse", the alchemist agreed, noticing his grandfather's stare and feeling a vague sense of familiarity as his raccoon continued to sniff at the retired knight.
The man sighed, "ok, so it's a little more than a cold, I just.... You really don't have to worry so much about me, I'll be okay"
Edmund huffed with frustration before his son raised a brow, "wow, and I thought you were stubborn kiddo", he smirked at the teen
"I am", Varian replied, "he's worse", he pointed at his dad, making Eugene snort
"Stubborn or not, it doesn't matter, my message is as clear as the little peanut's hair strip is blue!" The dark king stated before looking pointedly at his knight, "I'm staying to help take care of you, that is final". Quirin raised a brow, "brow or not, I'm not changing my mind". His nerves were fraying, unfortunately he couldn't seem to hold them back for much longer.
The retired knight smirked tiredly before looking at his son and Eugene, "you think I'm stubborn"
"I'm only stubborn when I need to be", the grandfather replied sternly before wincing a little at his tone
Varian blinked, "wow, deja vu", his father chuckled
"You okay?" Eugene asked, getting both Varian and Quirin to look at the dark king
"oh I'm fine, I'm fine, really, just a little frustrated is all", he tried to state gently, but bit his lip at his grandson's wince at his tone
"Dad, you're acting a little off, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, it's fine I-!" He stopped when he noticed Varian's look, it was the same one he'd given Rapunzel before he yelled at her. He knew they could all tell something was wrong, they were all looking at him, watching his shifts in weight, he'd been careless, lack of sleep will do that to a person, but he'd hoped it'd be better than this. Feeling his frustration rise and looking at his sick knight, he couldn't keep it in any longer, "oh forget it! You, Adira, and Hector I swear are the three most frustrating people in my life you know that?" Edmund stated, a hint of anger mixing with the worry in his usually gentle voice, "none of you accept any help, or fight me on it until you have very little strength back, why?"
"Wh-! Quirin started
"Why don't you three let someone help you? Why is it so difficult? I mean I suppose I understand just...." He sighed, "is it me? I suppose I wouldn't blame you if it was, considering I was the reason you three lost your home...."
"Wait what? Where did that come from?" The retired knight asked, genuine concern reflecting off of him and into his son and Eugene as they all watched the dark king sigh once more.
"I... Never mind, it doesn't matter, I shouldn't have said that, I was just frustrated", Edmund replied, "what matters is that I'm going to help you, that's final"
He began to walk out of the room when a small voice piped in, "I know what it feels like to regret something you've done in your past", the dark king froze before turning and seeing his grandson looking at him, Ruddigar was perched on his shoulder once more and nuzzling his boy.
"Little one, I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you, I just don't re-!"
"Don't want to talk about it because one of us might confirm your feelings are right?" The teen asked, his face filled with sadness, "that they feel the same way and you never knowing would be way better than you ever finding out?"
"I...." The dark king was at a loss for words
Varian sighed sadly, "I thought so, ever since I've met you, you've gone above and beyond to make me laugh, spoil me, joke with me, spend time with me, and done the same with Eugene, dad, Adira, and Hector. You've been there and watched us interact with each other and always ended up being one of the first ones to stop the fighting"
"How did you-!"
"At Game Night. Rapunzel told me how it was you who told her to make a choice about going after me or not, she also told me that you'd been talking to, and spending time with, my dad, my aunt, and my uncle any chance you could get while simultaneously spending time with me or Eugene. You were the one that told Adira and Hector to go on vacation in the first place, and I'm guessing you spent enormous amounts of time with Eugene while we were gone, didn't you?"
Eugene nodded, "yeah, any chance he got he'd find me and hang out, even if I wasn't talking, he'd just sit and watch"
The little alchemist looked back at his grandfather, "you also, after we went back home, decided to come visit us and have been getting groceries, carrying me around, taking care of Itty Bitty, and checking over my dad whenever I didn't a chance".
"Well I wanted to make sure he was okay, that's all, and you being alone with a hurt ankl-!"
"My ankle is fine", the teen gently interrupted, "it's been fine, I can walk on it without limping. You're doing what I usually do when I feel guilty, help, and help a lot. Taking care of dad and me, watching over Itty Bitty even though he's a fish and is content swimming around in his tank, you even fed Ruddigar".
The dark king just stared at the floor, not really sure what to say, "I..... Y...." He sighed for a final time and gave up, "you're right.... I have been overdoing it a bit...."
The dark prince looked very concerned as he remembered how his father acted when he'd arrived before realizing something, "dead kingdom...."
"What?" Quirin asked, his own concern evident in his tone as he looked at Eugene
"A dead kingdom.... This... All of this.... it's about the Dark Kingdom isn't it?" He asked his father, who flinched, "it is.... You even said so earlier, 'I was the reason you three lost your home'...."
"Was uh... Was hoping you wouldn't catch that...." Edmund replied, a sad look in his eyes
The retired knight frowned, "is that what this is all about?"
"Yes... It is.... I.... I suppose it was foolish to think I could hide it...." The mustached man replied, his voice sounding very tired, "you and Adira and Hector all came to me at times that left you venerable, weak, defenseless, and afraid. Back then, you continued to tell me how much I'd helped you, saved you, and even loved you. I taught you how to fight, I kept your education going, I got you three jobs and kept you close to me, wanting to protect you from everything, but then that day came.... The black rocks took her away, and I got so angry that I tried to destroy something that I shouldn't have touched.... What do I end up doing?" He asked, a little louder than he wanted as tears stung the corners of his eyes, "I try to destroy the most powerful thing in the world and end up destroying the home I was trying to save.... I made you three leave, I gave up my own son! I.... I did so much damage to everyone.... Hector stayed behind and protected the dark kingdom, he never moved on or had a life full of fulfilment and wonder, his only friends were the wild creatures I'd helped him meet! Adira spent her entire life searching for something to bring her home *back*, she never fell in love or had a family, she avoided everyone instead and remained distant because of me! And then there's you!" He gestured to his sick knight, "you moved on, fell in love, had a wonderful son, got a new life! But because of the mess I caused, you protected what little you had left so much that your wife left and never returned, you were silenced by the king of Corona, you were never allowed to face closure for your past, and what's worse than all of that?! You and your baby got separated because of these damn black rocks that *I* didn't need to make *you* keep a secret!"
"I chose to keep them a secret, you only said to protect people from them", Quirin argued, "you can't blame yourself for my actions"
"Why did you keep them a secret?" His knight didn't answer, "it's because you were afraid wasn't it? You were afraid that if someone messed with them they'd react like they had before, so you kept them, and your past, a secret, from your wife, from your village.... From him", Edmund looked at Varian with a pained expression, "the rocks came back and let me guess, you were going to leave weren't you?"
"I...."
"Weren't you?"
Quirin sighed, "Yes.... I was...."
"We were going to leave?" Varian asked, a little startled at this
"Yes we were...." His father replied, "when I saw those rocks, I remembered what they'd done in the past and I wanted to leave.... I was coming into your lab that day to get you to pack up before I saw you experimenting with them", he replied, "I dug through an old trunk filled with my armor and memories of the Dark Kingdom, I held my helmet and debated on placing it on you to ensure you'd be safe.... I was going to tell you everything that day.... That's why I walked in, I was coming to apologize to you for scolding you at the palace and to tell you why I was so afraid of them.... But then you were messing with the black rocks and it brought everything back, my fears, my regrets, my home..... And I lost my temper...." He answered, startling his son even more before he turned to look at his king, "but I *never* thought of that being because of you, ever, and I still *don't*".
"How isn't it because of me?! I made you fear them, I destroyed our home with them, it was me, I lost my son, my wife, my home, and my family, and I hurt everyone! How is that not my fault?"
"Because you were scared too!" Eugene replied, "you were afraid, you.... The rocks did something to you and it made you afraid. That's what you implied when I first met you, that the rocks were dangerous and destroying the moonstone was the only way to get rid of them".
The alchemist tilted his head to the side, "why just the black rocks? Why were they the last straw?"
"Because they killed the queen...." Quirin stated weakly as all three men, one raccoon, and one crow looked at him with a mix of shock, and sadness.
Notes:
TO BE CONTINUED (sorry).....
Here we go with the LOOOOOORE!!!!!! You'll find out what I mean in the next chapter!
Poor Edmund..... He needs therapy too, all of them freaking do! We never really got into his side of things in the show, so here's him and his character arch!
Sorry if this chapter feels rushed, I had very limited time to write it X3
Eugene and Edmund moments! :D
Sick Quirin is still adorable!
Varian is a good science boy who knows what it's like to have that kind of guilt and fear, I feel like this would've been an interesting conversation that we never really got to see <3
Thank you so much for reading! Have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 76: The King and His Knight! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Edmund finally talks about some difficult feelings he's been going through lately.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
All three men looked back at the retired knight, he was looking down at his bed sheets, his fist clenched around them as he stared, "w-what?" Varian asked worriedly, "what do you mean they killed the queen?"
Quirin sighed, his head was hurting much worse now and his exhaustion was taking over, but he shoo it off and looked at his son as he spoke, "there was a reason I was so afraid of them before, it isn't just because they destroyed my home, though that is a big part of it. It's... It's because of what happened to the queen.... What I saw that day.... And what happened after...."
"That wasn't your fault", Edmund tried
"Really?" His retired knight raised his brow, "you're saying what happened that day wasn't my fault when we're having a discussion like this right now?"
The dark king sighed, "I realize it sounds hypocritical, but it really wasn't your fault! The kingdom being destroyed was, but what happened that day.... I don't blame you for it.... I never did"
"And I'm, what, supposed to accept it?" The man replied with a chuckle, making Varian worry even more
"W-what.... What happened dad?" The little alchemist asked as Ruddigar chittered worriedly to the man as well, sensing his sadness become overwhelming
Quirin was silent for a moment before he looked at Eugene, "do you want to know?"
"Why are you asking me?" The former thief responded
"Because she was your mother", came the gentle response
Eugene was startled by how sad the retired knight's voice sounded when he'd said that. It seemed like he knew her as more than just a queen, the dark prince looked at his own father, who was looking at him with a sad expression before he turned back to the old famer and nodded, "yeah, I would"
Quirin nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He closed it again, closing his eyes as well until he opened them quickly and scooped hos son up, getting a startled meep as a response. He held onto the teen, holding him close as he positioned the little alchemist so he was sitting on the bed but was leaning against his father. They stayed silent before the retired knight took in a breath. let it out, then finally spoke, "her name was Eden, queen Eden to be precise. She was kind, gentle, sassy, sarcastic...", he looked at Eugene with a smile, "and had the same eyes as you"
The dark prince's eyes widened before he felt a small sense of pride in himself, giving a small smile at that comment, "really?"
"Yup, she had very warm brown eyes, they welcomed everyone to the kingdom", Quirin replied, "in fact, most people deemed her as the moon's version of a sun. She was bright, and loving, she accepted everyone inside the kingdom, and to me, Adira, and Hector.... Was the closest thing any of us had to a mother...."
"Wait she was.... Like a mother?" Varian asked
Quirin nodded, "she'd brush Adira's hair every night and tell her how beautiful she was. She'd read Hector bedtime stories and hugged him almost everyday. And for me, she helped me when I was afraid or lost, gave me advice on things I never had the courage to ask about, and knew, somehow, what I was feeling in that moment and would help me get through it. Back then, I tried to hide a lot of my emotions because of...." He looked at his son and then smiled lovingly at him, "....because of my life before coming to the castle and staying there".
The former thief tilted his head to the side, "wait you didn't always live there?"
"Of course not, I'm not royalty I was an orphan when I met King Edmund, and I was a thief. I told Varian about this already, but I nearly ended up like you, though not for the same reasons, I was adopted by your father, and trained to be a knight. Because of this, there were a lot of things I never really knew how to handle, my feelings on girls, the way I interact with people, my own social graces, I never really had anyone to teach me that until the king met your mother. She fell in love with all three of us instantly and helped take care of us"
"How old were you when you met her?" Varian asked as he stroked Ruddigar's fur
"Well, I met the king when I was 8 years old, he was 19. He met the queen when he was 25, so I was 14 when I met her, Adira and Hector were not in the castle yet when she came around".
"How old were they when they met her?" Eugene asked
"Adira was 4 years old, Hector, who is two years younger than Adira, was 7. They had a better connection to her, but she was special to all of us and treated us like her own child", he smirked at Eugene, "until, she got pregnant of course. Even then, she was still very motherly and gentle, even when we were a little rambunctious. We loved her", the retired knight stated as he looked down again
"W-what happened to her? How did the rocks.... H-how did they...." Varian couldn't finish his statement, looking up at his father
Quirin looked at his boy, stroking his hair a bit before he nodded, "the queen had gotten very ill when she had you Eugene.... Not your fault, it was the way things were back then, she was being taken care of by the doctors and nurses at the castle.... Our castle.... She'd been bed ridden for weeks, but had shown improvement as the days went on. The king was sleep deprived and worked hard every single day while she was sick. Me, Adira, and Hector were all working double shifts just to give him a bit of a break at night. One day, the queen had called me in and wanted help walking outside, she was very weak, but loved to go on small walks to the courtyard to watch the moon rise". He smiled as he recounted her excitement when he'd walked in, how joyfully she'd gotten her shoes on that night as he's stepped over to her to walk her out, "During that time, the moonstone had made the kingdom almost entirely out of it's black rocks, it sheltered us and kept us safe, at the same time, we let it be free to move the rocks at night. They were never in the way, but the opal would have fun playing with it's rocks as it shielded us from the night, very few people were hurt by the rocks at night, and normally they were quite calm. But because everything in the castle was so frenzied at the time, the moonstone could feel it and it's rocks moved faster and more chaotically.... I shouldn't have agreed to take her on that walk.... I shouldn't have...." He stated sadly, "I.... We heard the noise of the rocks moving, but it was different somehow, like they were coming from beneath us, and before I had any chance to move, the Queen pushed me away from her, not hard, but enough to make me stumble back.... Right as black rocks sprouted from the ground beneath me.... She.... C-Couldn't get out of the way in time and...." He shut his eyes as he remembered her screams before he felt something on his hand, opening his eyes he saw his son next to him, his hand placed gently on him.
"I'm sorry...." Varian said softly
His father shook his head, "not your fault... But thank you", he smiled at his boy before continuing, "she was gone.... Before I knew it, Adira, Hector, and him", he pointed to Edmund, who was looking at the ground sadly, Eugene right by his side with a hand on his shoulder, "had come out to see what'd happened..... When the king saw her.... He cried.... he continued to until his sadness turned to rage, Adira was checking on me as Hector was helping the guards get her d-down...." He closed his eyes again, letting his stomach settle before continuing, noticing the little hand squeeze he'd received and returning it before opening his eyes again, "that's when he ran inside the castle, me and Adira followed him. We were told several times to stay back, but we didn't listen, we followed him all the way to the opal's room, he'd stopped at the beginning of the bridge to tell us to stop following him, we tried to reason with him, but his rage silenced us". We were standing there as he paced before he'd brought out a sword and tried to destroy the cage the moonstone was in, when it broke, he tried to reach in himself. That's when I tried to stop him, telling him it couldn't be destroyed but.... He was too angry and reached in anyway.... He, Adira, and I were blown backward, he was crushed underneath rock and rubble as Adira and I rushed to his aid... We managed to lift a couple rocks off him before he said he was a fool and told us to keep everyone away.... He fell ill after that, he'd ordered the entire kingdom to evacuate, we managed it, all three of us, Hector joining later on, arguing about what would be best for the kingdom....."
"So you were afraid of those rocks.... Because they killed your wife...." Eugene replied sadly to Edmund
"And you were afraid of them because of what you saw them do...." Varian added to Quirin, both nodded silently before the retired knight looked at his king
"I never blamed you for my fear of those rocks, I never blamed you for the destruction of the kingdom, I never blamed you. You lost your wife, your son would never get to know his mother and that thought alone terrified me, because I know what it's like".
Edmund sighed, "the others-!"
"They don't blame you either", the Village Leader interrupted, "you wanna know the real reason we don't ask for help? It's because of our pasts before the Dark Kingdom! I lost my family because of a plague and spent years on the streets stealing, lying, and cheating for survival, alone. Adira lost her parents due to murder and was abused and neglected in the very early years of her life. Hector's parents beat him and called him useless then kicked him out because he was an 'embarrassment' to them for not being strong enough despite trying his best! All of us still have scars from our past, we've moved on, but those scars are still healing, and some are more physical than others". He then sighed, "look, I will say this again, I never blamed you, never, the reason I don't ask for help is because I don't like to and never have. Maybe that's something I'll need to work on, but blaming yourself for what happened in the Dark Kingdom.... It's not fair, to you, to me, to Adira and Hector, to anyone. You're hurting yourself, and you may not see it, but you are".
Edmund listened to what Quirin said before he walked over to his knight, Eugene next to him, and sat down on the edge of the bed with a sigh. He stay quiet for a bit before tuning to him, seeming much more exhausted than he had in a while, "what if I can't stop?" He asked, "what if I can't believe what you're telling me? What if I leave here and the thoughts of what I did and how you feel about it continue? What do I do then, because I can't silence them, I can't.... I've tried...."
"Then you come find one of us" Varian replied with a smile, placing a comforting hand on his grandfather's, "we want to help you move on so you can have a better life. Trust me when I say, all of us have experienced, and are still experiencing, the kind of guilt you're going through. Talking with Lance has helped me understand that it's okay to feel what you're feeling, it really is. But you can't let it hurt you, and it is, it's hurting you grandpa, and we wanna help you, we really do".
Edmund was stunned, "I...." He looked at his knight, "you.... You really forgive me?"
The desperation in his king's voice made Quirin's heart crack a little as he watched the man's face, bags and all, stare at him hopelessly, "of course I do, Varian's right", he smiled a his boy as Ruddigar hopped off of his son's lap and waddled over to the dark king, nuzzling him, before he looked back at the man, "all of this guilt will eat at you, for years, it's like a parasite. That's what guilt is, a parasite, and it's so hard to get rid of... I have my own that I'm still trying to squash...." Varian hugged him, and he wrapped his arms around his teen happily, "look we all have made some really horrible decisions, but the best thing we can do is try to make up for them".
"I... I thought helping any time I could.... I thought it would make up for them", Edmund replied quietly
The Village Leader coughed a little, covering his face from his son to make sure he didn't cough on him. Once the coughing had subsided, he smirked, "you could spend time with us, talk with us, take a break with us, helping isn't the only way to make up for something you regret, sometimes a sorry is enough".
"I suppose.... But I still think I should stick around to help you feel better. At least let me do this, I want to"
Quirin was about to argue again but Varian stepped in, "would it really be a big deal if he stayed here and helped? It's been really fun having him over, and who knows, maybe he could learn about alchemy or farming!"
"I certainly wouldn't mind, I've never really thought about farms and alchemy, it could be fun!" The dark king replied, "plus, maybe I could try to farm in the Dark Kingdom, it may not be as lush as Corona, but who knows, there's plenty of soil there"
This interested the retired knight as he looked at his king, "you.... Want to farm in the Dark kingdom? Are you planning to rebuild it?"
Edmund smiled, "maybe one day, I don't know if it'll work, or even if I should, I want to run it by Adira and Hector first, plus it'll be good for my son and this little peanut", he ruffled Varian's hair, making the teen giggle, "to see where they came from, don't you think?"
The Village Leader noticed a light in the man's eyes that he hadn't seen before, almost like a small spark. Seeing it made him smile and he nodded, "ok, I guess it really wouldn't be a huge deal if you stuck around for a bit". He replied, "but Varian's in charge while I'm sick", he added
"That's not fair, I'm older than him after all", Edmund argued with a slight pout
"Yet Hair Stripe is quieter than you, says something doesn't it?" Eugene teased
"You always liked Quirin better didn't you?" The dark king sassed, getting his knight, son, and grandson to laugh as Ruddigar waddled back over to his boy and hopped into his lap, "et tu raccoon?"
Ruddigar chittered as Varian scratched behind his ear, "to be fair, he's biased to me more than dad"
"True"
Quirin smirked before unintentionally letting out a yawn, "uh oh, looks like you're starting to get sleepy", the little alchemist stated with a raised brow
"I don't know what would ever make you think that", his father replied sassily, his voice much quieter than before
"Maybe we should leave you be for the time being hm?" The dark king suggested
The retired knight let out another yawn before nodding, "maybe...."
Eugene smiled as Edmund and Varian hopped off the bed, the teen helping his father lay back down before kissing his cheek gently as the man almost instantly fell asleep, "I love you dad"
"Love you too", a quiet mumble replied from the sleeping man, making all three chuckle as they snuck out of the room
Edmund, Eugene, Varian, and Ruddigar slipped out and managed to close the door quietly behind them before turning to face each other, "are you staying tonight Eugene?" Varian asked
The prince looked out the window to see it was very dark out, "I think I'll have to", he replied before looking at the teen, "that's okay yeah?"
"Of course! Me and Grandpa can make some dinner and we can chat a bit, it'll be nice!"
"Maybe instead of chatting, we could read some Flynn Rider?" The dark king suggested getting both men to look at him, their eyes shining brightly
"We could act it out!" Varian began
"We'll have to be quiet though", Eugene replied
"Then we can act it out quietly"
"I'm Flynn Rider"
"Of course, I'll be your sidekick!"
"Perfect, that means dad's gonna have to be the villain"
"He should be the Earl on Caminbear! That guy has a great backstory!"
"Sounds like a perfect role! Ooh ohh! Maybe we should...."
They continued their conversation excitedly as they made their way to the kitchen. Edmund smiling after them before he looked back at the closed door, he walked over to it and peeked inside quietly, seeing his knight had rolled onto his back and was mumbling a little about pumpkins and such. It made him smile as he closed the door again, chuckling as he heard his son and grandson already getting into character, he chuckled as he remembered Quirin's words, 'you could spend time with us, talk with us, take a break with us, helping isn't the only way to make up for something you regret, sometimes a sorry is enough'. He sighed, "I suppose this would be a good start, right Hamuel?" the crow cawed in what Edmund hoped was encouragement, "right! One step at a time then". He smiled determinedly before he stepped forwards and entered the kitchen.
Notes:
End of part 2! This was a little harder for me to write, but I hope it was good all the same. This is just a theory, but Quirin always seemed much more afraid of the black rocks more than anyone else, and I wondered about that, maybe he saw something? Maybe they did something that he couldn't look past? I don't know for sure, but this is what I believed happened.
Quirin and Edmund need more talks! XD
Eugene is going to have something similar happen later on, for now, he's here for support because he's a helpful bean! :D
Varian would understand more than anyone else what feeling guilt like this is like, him and Quirin both! So of course he'd be the perfect one to help Edmund talk about what's on his mind! :)
Ruddigar is a sweetheart! I love supportive raccoon! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 77: A Big Favor!
Summary:
Rapunzel comes by to see Varian and asks him for a huge favor.
Notes:
There's a bit of a time skip, sorry about that
More notes at the end
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The princess sucked in a breath, then let it out slowly, it has been about five days since Varian and the Brotherhood had left the castle when she realized she had a favor to ask of the little alchemist. Taking in another breath however she realized just how nervous she was to ask as she rode Fidella to the large manor in Old Corona. "You okay blondie?" Eugene, who was riding, on Max, next to her, asked worriedly.
"I'm fine, just worried about what he'll say to this.... I know he and Quirin are a bit..... On the fence about this particular topic", she sighed then looked at Eugene, "you really sure Quirin's no longer sick?"
"As sure as I my hair is perfect!" The former thief replied while floofing his hair a bit. Catching her brow raise he cleared his throat, "yes I'm sure, he rested and was taken care of by both my dad and Varian and healed in no time flat. He actually went back to work today and is happier than ever because he's a big farming nut!" He joked
Rapunzel laughed, feeling her tension ease just a bit, "thanks Eugene"
"For what Blondie?"
"For coming with me, and for making me laugh, I guess I'm just really nervous about Varian and Quirin...."
Her lover raised a brow, "why? They're both understanding people, you really think they'll be upset about you asking the kid to help you?"
"That's the thing! I know Varian would help me if I asked, it's just the thing I'm asking him to help me *with* that's the problem...." She looked down, "it's not like this is just me asking him for advice, I.... This favor.... It might be too much for him"
The former thief sighed, "I understand your worry Sunshine, I really do, but this is Varian we're talking about! The kid's not gonna yell or scream, especially since this means a lot to you. Look you and him have had some pretty rough patches here and there, but believe me when I say, the kid cares about you, like I do".
She gave him a small smile before biting her lower lip nervously, "I know he cares about me but what if this upsets him? I know he hasn't fully moved on from what happened in the past.... I know he still blames himself but.... What if this ruins our friendship? What if he *hates* me for asking him this? What if this brings back horrible memories?! W-What if-!"
"Rapunzel! Slow down!" Eugene stopped her, getting Max to halt in front of her and Fidella so he could cup her cheek gently, "look at me, you're gonna give yourself a panic attack!"
She stopped and blinked a couple of times before she took a couple deep breaths and calmed herself, "s-sorry, guess I'm more worried than I thought"
Eugene sighed before he rubbed his thumb against her cheek, "I know Blondie, and believe me, I get it. But again, this is Varian we're talking about, even if the topic is something he's not exactly comfortable with, I'm certain he wouldn't get mad at you for asking, in fact, the worst he could say is no, and that wouldn't be such a big deal would it?"
"I suppose not", the princess replied
The former thief smiled, "and even if he did say no, there are other things we could try to fix this problem, yes?"
She nodded with a smile, "right"
"Right, this is only one of the ideas you have to try and fix this, and it's certainly not the only solution. So all we need to do is go in, ask him for help, and wait for an answer, are we ready?"
"Ready", Rapunzel replied, determination sparkling in her eyes
"Then let's go see a hair striped, clumsy, pint sized alchemist!" The dark prince exclaimed as he and Max rode off towards the manor
"Right! Let's go!" The princess answered with a giggle, riding off right behind him with a large smile on her face.
****
Varian hummed happily as he gently grabbed the eggs from the hen house before sneaking out with a grin. He tiptoed over to the gate, watching the chickens as they ate the feed he'd laid out before setting the egg basket down, opening the gate, sneaking out, and closing it behind him. "Phew, that's the last basket!" He replied as he set the basket in the wheelbarrow his father had pulled over to him.
"Thanks for helping me today son, I appreciate it", Quirin stated with a smile
"No problem dad, though, you just got over a sickness, are you really sure you should be working this hard already?" The teen questioned
The old farmer chuckled, "you sound like King Edmund, speaking of, where is he again?"
"Pig pen feeding the pigs, he seemed to love petting them so I thought it might be a good starter job for him since he wants to learn", the teen replied
Quirin nodded, "I see, well he really can't do much harm to those pigs, they're too gentle. Kinda like him in fact", he joked before glancing at something in the chicken pen, "hey um, maybe go rescue your raccoon, he thinks he's a chicken", he pointed towards the chickens
The alchemist looked where his dad was pointing and saw Ruddigar grabbing pawfuls of chicken feed and stuffing them in his mouth before taking off as chickens pecked at him, "Ruddigar, over here!" The raccoon chittered and booked it to his boy before hopping over the gate and into Varian's arms, his tail poof and hackles raised as he chittered at the chickens angrily.
"Well that's what you get for being a brat and trying to take their food, you little brat-coon", Quirin replied with a chuckle as his son checked his best friend for injuries
Ruddigar chittered again, arguing back, "he's right you know", his boy replied after making sure he had no injuries, "you've had an apple and plenty of protein for today, you don't need to eat their chicken feed". His raccoon chittered a grumble before he hopped on his boy's shoulder and wrapped himself around his neck, making the teen giggle.
"Hey Varian!" A voice called out, startling the three of them before they looked to see Rapunzel and Eugene standing by the gate, smiling and waving at the trio.
"Oh, hi Rapunzel, hi Eugene, what's up?" The teen replied with a small smile as Quirin rebalanced the eggs in the wheelbarrow before setting it down gently and walking over to the pair with his son.
The princess grinned, "nothing much, how about you?" She stated
"We're good, did you need something?" The alchemist asked, "me and dad are working right now but we should be done soon enou-!"
"Oh no take your time! We can definitely wait!" Rapunzel replied a little too quickly before clapping a hand over her mouth and blushing, "oh uh, sorry"
Varian blinked a bit before looking at Quirin, who shrugged, he then smiled, "o-ok, well, you guys can take a seat near the stables if you want"
"Ok!" Rapunzel replied before walking over quickly and sitting down at the stables with a very wide grin on her face that made Varian feel really nervous
Quirin noticed this and tried to think of a distraction before noticing Edmund struggling to feed the pigs and grinned, "hey Bubby, looks like your grandpa is having some trouble, wanna go help him out?"
The teen glanced over at the dark king, who was now being chased by the pigs and giggled, "ok", before his eyes widened, "GRANDPA! NO! PLAY DEAD! PLAY DEEEEAD!!!!!" He then booked it to the pig pen, leaving Eugene and the old farmer laughing!
They managed to control their laughter after a bit and the father looked at the former thief seriously, "is she okay?" He asked
Eugene sighed, "she's uh.... Got a lot on her mind"
The retired knight raised a brow, "should we be worried?"
The former thief shook his head, "no you shouldn't"
"You sure?" The father glanced at his son, who was now trying to get the pigs away from his king by banging on a metal bin nearby as Ruddigar chittered. Rapunzel had joined in, taking the metal bin as Varian hopped into the pen, then back at the dark prince
"I'm sure, I'll say you may not like the topic, but that's the worst of it, you have my word", he replied, giving the man a reassuring grin
Quirin nodded, "I can accept that at least", before his own eyes widened, "DUCK!"
They both ducked as mud flew above their heads and landed in the chicken pen. Straightening up they both looked at the pig pen and saw a very dirty alchemist and raccoon riding on the shoulders of an equally dirty and guilty looking grandfather, "eheh, um... Lesson learned, never run from pigs when carrying their food, that only makes them angry", the dark king replied with a shy smile.
"Why'd you run with their food in the first place?" The retired knight asked with a chuckle as the princess, who didn't have a scrap of mud on her, walked next to Eugene with a smile.
"Beeeecause they were running over.... It uh.... It startled me..." He blushed, getting Quirin, Eugene, and Rapunzel to laugh loudly.
****
A couple baths later the group was inside the Village Leader's home, having finished everything on the farm. Quirin walked inside the living room and passed his king, who was standing by the kitchen door, snickering a bit, "ha ha, yes we all think it was funny!" Edmund replied sarcastically
"I'm- (hee hee) I'm so sorry, I just c-can't stop picturing you running awahahahay from the pihihihihigs!" The retired knight began to laugh, "I'm so sorryheeheeheeheehee".
Edmund raised an annoyed brow before noticing his grandson, and his raccoon, walking in, now in a pair of moonstone blue pajamas with little beakers strewn about as a design, "hello little peanut", he greeted, "can you get your father to stop laughing at me?"
The teen looked up at his father and smirked, "you're a brat", he replied
The retired knight snorted before scooping his boy up, Ruddigar climbing onto his shoulders with a couple chitters, "look who's talking", he chuckled, nuzzling his son happily before noticing the small brush he had in his hands, "need some help?"
Varian blushed but nodded, "please? The mud's starting to dry and I couldn't get it out"
"If you want mud out of your hair, using some good shampoo will really do the trick!" Eugene replied as he and Rapunzel walked inside the manor
"Where were you two? I thought you came in with the rest of us", the dark king asked, as he smiled at Quirin brushing his son's hair on the armchair next to the fireplace
"We saw a little pond nearby and stopped at it for a bit", the princess explained, "sorry about that"
The village Leader shook his head, "it's okay, if you'd like, you could take a seat, it'll only take me a minute to finish this", he stated as he continued to brush his son's hair, Ruddigar was still perched on his shoulders as he did so.
"Thanks, hanging in there Goggles?" The former thief asked as he noticed the teen wince a bit
Varian looked at him, "hm? Oh yeah, he doesn't pull too hard, it's the mud that's making it hurt", he answered, another wince making the father stop and try to untangle the lock of hair with his fingers before continuing, the alchemist didn't seem to wince too much after that.
A few minutes later, the retired knight had finished, placing the mud covered brush on a side table and running his fingers through his son's hair, "that feel better?" He asked
"Much, thanks", the relieved teen replied before Ruddigar leaped onto his shoulders and he hopped up and sat on the armchair opposite his father's. Kind Edmund leaned against the wall a bit to listen with a smile on his face as Hamuel cawed.
Rapunzel and Eugene sat down on the couch and the princess took a deep breath before letting it out slowly, making Quirin raise a brow, "you seem rather nervous".
"I... A bit...." She replied then looked at Varian, "um... So I kinda had... A bit of a big favor to ask you, you can say no if you want, but I just thought I'd ask because I thought it might be a good idea to at least try this.... Um...." She stopped and bit her lip again, her nerves making her stomach flip flop before she felt someone grab her hand. Looking she saw it was Eugene, he was smiling at her and gave her a thumbs up.
"Rapunzel if it's a favor you need I'd be more than willing to listen to what you have to say", the little alchemist replied with an encouraging smile, "you can come to me you know, I just can't guarantee it'll work".
The blonde nodded, "oh I understand that completely, I just...." She took in another breath and let it go before facing the teen, "I'm sorry, I just... This favor has to do with something.... Sone*one* that you and your father may not want to see..."
This made the retired knight tilt his head to the side, his suspicion raising just a touch, for some reason he had a really bad feeling about what she was going to say, "some*one*?"
Rapunzel nodded, "yes.... My... My mother.... and father to be precise".
This made the retired knight stiffen as he bit his tongue, trying very hard not to let what he wanted to say, out. Ruddigar, immediately sensing the shift in tone, climbing into his boy's lap and curled up, trying to comfort him as the tee just stared at the princess for a moment or two before clearing his throat, "uh, s-so what ab-bout your mother and f-father?" He asked, hating the stutter in his voice as he noticed both his family members stiffen even more.
The princess noticed the quick shift and immediately regretted bringing it up, she felt her boyfriend squeeze her hand with silent support before she continued, "I.... I wanted to see if maybe you could use alchemy to bring their memories back, you don't have to say yes or agree, and I won't hold it against you if you refuse but...." She looked down, feeling small tears sting the corners of her eyes, "I.... The Day of Hearts is coming up and.... And I can't stand seeing them like this.... They're lost and confused and don't know who or what they are and what they've done or been through.... I can't just leave them like that... I know it's a huge favor, and I'm so sorry to have to ask you, but I wouldn't ask if I didn't think there could be a possibility....." She looked up at him, and saw his fear shining through his eyes, instantly regretting ever bringing it up, "you can say n-!"
"No", a deep voice replied, she looked and winced a little at the old farmer's glare. His usually gentle brown eyes now merely slits of brown and black as his mouth was drawn in a thin frown.
"D-dad I-!" Varian tried
"No. That.... *Person* is not coming anywhere *near* my son or me, *ever*".
"Dad I... I n-need to make that decision"
The retired knight looked at his boy, "Varian after what he did-!"
"It's still my decision, I know you're trying to protect me, but I can't just outright refuse the favor without hearing her out fully!" He stated, his voice was wavering a bit with fear, but he didn't back down.
"He's right Quirin", Edmund agreed, "regardless of either of our worries or concerns, it's his decision to make, we can't force him not to help if he wants to"
The father was a little stunned but sighed, taking a minute before nodding, "right... You're right.... Sorry"
The teen smiled lovingly at his dad, "it's okay", he replied, getting a small smile back before looking at Rapunzel and Eugene again, "you can continue if you want, it's okay"
Eugene nodded, proud of the little alchemist before nudging Rapunzel, "o-oh, um.... S-sorry I uh..." She sighed, trying to secretly wipe her tears away, "I just... They're not responding to anything I've shown them or told them, they don't even seem like they want anything to do with each other.... I'm worried that if they don't get their memories back, they'll drift apart and...." She looked away, "if they want to d-drift apart that's their decision, but I want it to be up to them, n-not because the Sepori-!" She stopped when she realized who she was talking to, "the uh... the-the bad guys erased their memories", she corrected.
Varian gave her a grateful smile before he looked down at Ruddigar, the raccoon was purring on his lap as he stroked his fur. He thought for a moment, his fears and anxieties throwing him every reason in the book not to try getting them back. *They could lock me up again! Take away dad! They'll still be angry with me, w-why should I help them?! It's stupid, I should just say no, dad's right... B-but it was my fault that they're like this.... I can't just leave them like that, e-even if....* He sighed, he knew the king and queen didn't forgive him for what he did, and he didn't blame them.... He wanted to say no and to run away, everything was telling him to do so, but.... He looked at his dad, the man looked very worried, almost scared, he used to be best friends with the king.... *It's because of me they're no longer like that....* He remembered the day in town where he'd run into the king with Rapunzel, and how angry his father had gotten, *he wouldn't be so angry if I hadn't attacked the queen...* Still though, he noticed his father had his arms wrapped around him, normally they were crossed when he was angry but.... He looked at the retired knight's eyes, they looked so afraid, what was he afraid of? *Me going back to jail? Rapunzel said she wouldn't let that happen, s-she said she wouldn't.... I.... I need to trust her... Maybe... Maybe when they get their memories back, maybe that'll help dad too? So he can move on? I-isn't that what Lance would say? ....I'm gonna r-regret this...* He looked at the princess and nodded, "o-okay, I'll help".
"Really?!" She responded, her eyes glittering happily, "y-you don't have to you know"
"I... I-I know, but if I d-don't I'm never gonna f-forgive myself for not at l-least trying.... I have to try... I'm part of the reason they got t-their memories erased.... I need to clean up my mess.... I n-need to"
Even though he didn't want this outcome, Quirin couldn't help but feel a huge amount of pride swell up in his heart as his son was embraced by the princess as Ruddigar chittered in agitation. Edmund and he shared a look, on that said they'd be there the day she brought them to the house. "We'll protect him you know", another voice stated quietly to the retired knight, looking up he saw it was Eugene
"What?"
"We'll protect him, if they get their memories back we won't let him go back to the dungeons, ever. He doesn't deserve that, not after all the help he's given, and everything he's done. He's never going back", the former thief replied before smiling at the man, "I know he isn't big on promises, but I think you know what it means for someone to give you their word on their title right?"
The Village Leader nodded as the dark king walked over, listening in as well, "I do".
The dark prince nodded before kneeling before Quirin and bowing his head, "you have my word that he will never be thrown in those dungeons again, I swear as the prince of the Dark Kingdom that kid will not be punished for his past or his actions", he then looked up at the knight, "that goes for you too, you won't be harmed by the king or queen and your family will be safe", he stated before adding, "I promise".
Edmund was shocked, "son, such a promise would mean if you broke it, you wouldn't be allowed back into the Dark Kingdom, and you'd bring dishonor to your family should he choose to accept it, that includes Quirin and Varian"
"I know dad", the prince replied before standing up, he was still looking at Quirin, "that's why I intend to keep it", he outstretched a hand to the man with a reassuring smile, "I love that kid, and I won't let anything happen to him or you".
The old farmer looked at his eyes, seeing no signs of mistrust or deceit, he was serious, the most serious he'd ever looked in fact. With a little hesitation, Quirin stood up and, with one more long look at Eugene, took his hand and shook it, "I accept".
Notes:
This is my all time head cannon for how Rapunzel managed to ask Varian about helping her get her mom and dad's memories back. I wish we could've seen that reaction because with Varian's trauma and Quirin's past, it was sure to be quite the conversation. But we didn't so here's my theory XD
Eugene would definitely promise Quirin that he and Varian would be safe, and Edmund would definitely protect his grandson no matter what!
Ruddigar is a good raccoon! We all love supportive Ruddigar <3
Varian showed that he is more than willing to help Rapunzel's parents, even after all that they (Fredrick) did, but he would have a lot of thoughts on the matter. At the end of the day, he knew he needed to fix it, if not for Rapunzel, then for him.
Even when he's not here, Lance is still a freaking king! XD
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 78: Memories Crannies! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian tries to help the king and queen get their memories back.
Notes:
Oh boy.... That's all I have to say on this....
More notes at the end!
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It was the Day of Hearts, and instead of being excited, Varian had been pacing, in his lab, for hours, repeating the steps he'd taken over and over again as Ruddigar watched him from the table in his lab. The little raccoon wasn't sure what to do, he wanted to comfort his boy, but he wasn't sure if the teen wanted to be comforted. The alchemist's face was filled with anxiety as he mumbled to himself, reciting calculations in his head and out loud as the clocked ticked down to the time he was dreading. "The concoction is pumping through just fine, I definitely measured all of the ingredients before I placed them inside the tanks..... The tables are secure, nothing will be able to harm them as long as they stay in them without struggling too badly... There shouldn't be anything wrong, I have the failsafe button just in case and my dad and Grandpa are upstairs just in case the gears get stuck..... Or if the king and queen are still u-upset with me.... Nothing could go wrong, nothing *should* go wrong... Rapunzel will b-be here, Ruddigar will be here, it'll work a-and even if it doesn't, I can always try to find a new way to fix them...." He let out a long breath that he hadn't realized he'd been holding and looked back at the clock, almost 10:30AM. "Ok, m-maybe I should just go and sit down.... Y-yeah, I should sit d-down... Pacing isn't gonna help a-anyone...." He didn't move, his mind kept repeating that he needed to sit but his body didn't listen.
Ruddigar chittered before hopping off the table and climbing up his boy shoulders, startling him with a loud chitter in his ear.
"AH! Oh, Ruddigar! H-hi buddy.... S-sorry, I guess I'm a lot more nervous than I thought...."
"That's normal you know", a voice replied, startling the boy even more as he turned and saw his father at the foot of the stairs, "I'd be worried if you weren't, at least, a little nervous".
"D-dad! Uh.... H-how long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to see we'll need new concrete for the floor", the retired knight teased as he looked at the small indent his son had made from his pacing
Varian blushed, "oh uh... o-oops.... I can fix that"
Quirin chuckled, "don't worry about it son", he walked over to his boy and hugged him, smiling as he felt tiny arms wrap around his waist.
They stayed that way for a moment or two before the teen broke the hug and looked down, "d-dad I.... W-what if this doesn't work?"
"Then the princess will have to find a new way to get her parent's memories back", the man replied before smirking, "which I'm kinda hoping for, but we'll keep that a secret".
His son giggled a bit before the butterflies in his stomach began to take flight, he looked up at his father, "w-what if it d-does work?...."
The Village Leader was quiet for a moment, seeing how much the worry and exhaustion of having to make this particular concoction had taken its toll on his poor son. He knew the real answer would only make it worse, so he smiled reassuringly instead, "then they'll have them back and will rule over the kingdom once again".
"Y-you really think that'll b-be it?"
"I'm sure, and if it isn't, Rapunzel and Eugene will fight for you, as well as me and your grandpa, we won't let you be punished anymore son. You're safe with us", Quirin replied confidently
"P-promise?" The word came out quiet and filled with fear, but had a very small twang of hope
Either way, it broke the retired knight's heart as he looked into his son's baby blue eyes and smiled once again, his next words filling those eyes with sparkles of light as he replied, "I promise Varian. Oh! And don't forget to wear your metal mask"
They hugged once more as the raccoon could feel the air lift, he smiled wide before noticing a string on Varian's apron was hanging loose. His eyes grew wide as he stared at it before leaping into his boy's shirt and scurrying down his pants, "AH! R-Ruddigar what are you d-doing?!" The alchemist replied as he let go of his father and looked inside his shirt, only to see his best friend smiling at him while laying on his bare chest.
His father peeked in as well before smirking, "pfft! He looks pretty comfortable in there", he replied
"Not funny, get out of there you rascal!" The teen ordered, but the raccoon merely yawned and curled up happily in his shirt, making the alchemist sighed while his father laughed, "why must you do these things to me?" He asked, receiving a happy chitter in response
"Brat-coon", Quirin replied before hearing the lab door open
They both looked up and saw Edmund peek in, "um, they're here", he stated, "with Eugene too actually!"
The former thief popped his head inside and waved, "sup"
"Hi", the duo replied before they looked at each other and took a breath, letting it out slowly to prepare themselves for the events ahead
They then heard King Fredrick's voice echo through their home, "my this house is lovely! I see they seem to have a very good sense in décor!" Varian's shoulders raised just a bit before he took on final breath and nodded
"Here we go"
****
"MWAHAHAHAHAHA EHEHEHEEHEEHAHAA!!!" Varian laughed maniacally as lighting struck behind him, the lab, and his metal face mask were bathed in a blanket of pink as the machines sprung to life, shaking the entire manor. The duo particle converters made lightning strike again as the teen continued his maniacal laughter, though it seemed to change a bit as the princess watched him. Varian had advised his father, Grandfather, and Eugene to stay upstairs due to the machine's sparking being able to cause serious burns. He couldn't convince Rapunzel however, who argued that she needed to be the first person they saw when their memories were restored, her hands were clasped nervously in front of her as she gave the teen a concerned look, "AHHAHAA EHEE *snort* HEHEHEEHEH R-Ruddigar get out of my apron that *tickles*" He replied, lifting his leg and mask up up, throwing his mask away, and balancing himself against his machine's control panel as the raccoon zipped out of his pant leg with a chitter. Rapunzel giggled a bit at the small mammal scampered off before hearing Varian let out a breath of relief as he pulled a lever excitedly, making more lightning flash.
"Varian", the princess started, walking up to him as her hair and dressed fluttered at the odd wind the giant machines were causing, "are you sure this will work?"
The alchemist smiled wide at the princess, taking glee in having an audience, "if my machine works the way it should, aaaand it will", he added with a confident snicker, "we are moments away from reversing the effects of the Seporian's memory wash!" He brimmed gleefully as the static made King Fredrick's beard poof to an unnatural degree before hearing the system overload as the gauges cracked. He turned and saw the pipes above him shaking before one pipe burst, spraying the pink concoction everywhere, including on the two rulers of Corona and the princess, all of whom seemed unaffected.
The teen looked at them for a moment, his stomach a mishmash of excitement and fear as the king opened his mouth, "uggh w-where am I? And why do I feel so.... Gooey?"
Surprisingly, mostly to himself, Varian felt a wave of disappointment as he faced the princess, "I-I'm sorry Rapunzel, I-I was so *sure* this was going to *work! Ugh, I feel like I've tried everything....", he looked at the ground sadly as his mind felt both relief and disappointment, *another failure for the books I guess...*, he thought to himself sadly.
"You did your best", he heard the princess say gently, "besides *I* have another method up my sleeve!" He looked at her, a little hurt by her words, noticing this she was quick to correct herself, "don't get me wrong the power of science is impressive, but it is *nothing* compared to the *power* of *love*!" She emphasized, flexing her arms a bit before the burst pipe from before sprayed another load of pink onto her and Pascal, who looked very annoyed.
Varian was a little startled as he jumped back a bit, nearly falling before catching himself against the control panel, looking at her with worry before Ruddigar hopped down from wherever he'd been hiding, grabbing a pawful of the pink goop and taking a bite. Before the alchemist could stop her, Rapunzel took a bite as well, smiling wide, "mmmm! Strawberry!"
With a quiet snort the teen smiled at the princess before shaking his head at his raccoon, "you two, I swear".
The small mammal chittered happily before dropping his good and hoping onto his boy's shoulders, nuzzling him happily as Rapunzel tried to shake off some of the goop. "What did you put in this anyway? It tastes delicious!" She replied, eating a little more of it.
"The ingredients? Oh! I found a Seporian book that talks about the wand of Oblivion when I was... Uh *ahem* s-staying in the castle while you were gone", he blushed a little, "that I ended up taking home to study when you released my dad. I meant to take it back but kept forgetting and when you asked me for the favor I ended up looking into it and found a potion that would reverse the effects of the wand! B-but when I looked even further, the potion only works for a limited amount of time.... I-it was three days... I thought that if I could enhance the ingredients somehow, with a bit of lightning, and some fresher plants, then the potion might be much more powerful and would reverse them! I did *several* tests and even made sure it was safe for consumption since Ruddigar kept trying to eat it, it was working so I thought it would be perfect! B-but.... Well.... You see how that turned out...." He gestured to the piles of goop that were the king and queen of Corona, who were still trapped on the experimenting tables.
Realizing this, Varian turned to the control panel and pushed the failsafe button, unlatching the tables and letting the couple out. They got up and looked around, Arianna trying to clean herself off as Fredrick sniffed the goop before licking it, he smiled and licked it again, getting his daughter to giggle, "well, it's not that big of a deal, like I said, there is nothing that can be compared to the power of *love*! So don't be so hard on yourself!"
*That's easy for you to say*, Varian thought to himself before he heard the door to the lad open just a tad, turning he saw his father peeking in, "hey dad", he greeted, a little dejectedly
"Hey", Quirin replied, "everything alright down here? I got worried when the whole house stopped shaking, which would be an odd thing to say in any other family", he teased, making his son roll his eyes with a smile
Rapunzel giggled again before nodding, "everything is a-okay! The experiment didn't work, but I've got another idea! We just... Need to get cleaned up", she replied before looking down at herself then back at the Village Leader, who had a brow raised for a moment before he lowered it quickly. She decided to ignore that for now, she'd ask later, "do you mind if we wash up a bit?" She asked
The retired knight stepped fully into the lab and looked her, and her parents up and down before nodding, "go ahead, we can clean this up while you do". She nodded before walking over to her parents and grabbing their hands before leading them out of the lab, Quirin and Fredrick glanced at each other before the king looked down quickly. Apparently he remembered what the father had said before and was following the rule, for a small moment, majority of the old farmer took glee in watching the man that took away his son cower from his gaze, a small part regretted it, he managed to silence that part as he walked down the stairs to meet his son who looked very disappointed as he looked at the mess he'd created, "hey, you alright?"
"Hm? Oh... Yeah I guess... I-it didn't work so.... B-but Rapunzel has another plan a-and...." He looked down, trying not to let his tears fall as his mind kept berating him for his failure
His father placed a hand on his son's shoulder, getting the boy to look up, "hey, it's okay, not every plan is going to work, the point is you tried right?" He replied with an understanding smile
"I-I guess... Just... S-she has another plan a-and-!"
"And she will now have to deal with her parents and take them *far* away from here", he interrupted with a smirk, "believe me son, that's a blessing"
Varian snorted, "you really don't like them do you?"
"Arianna is fine, her husband? Nope"
His son smiled as two more heads peeked inside the lab, "hey, everything alright down there?" Edmund called before seeing the pink goop
Eugene also noticed the goop and smirked, walking into the lab entirely, "wow, this is where strawberries go to die I take it?"
"N-nu!" Varian replied quickly, "dad would kill me if that were true!"
"Yes I would", his father replied before looking around and spotting a mop, "what's say you and I get to cleaning hm?"
The teen nodded before grabbing the mop, Ruddigar already beginning to clean by eating a bunch of the goop off the floor happily, "uh... Is it safe for him to eat that?" The dark king asked as he and Eugene walked down the stairs
Varian giggled, "yeah it's fine, most of the stuff that's in there he's probably already had, the other stuff is neutralized by the other chemicals I put in, so it's completely safe".
"Ah"
The former thief got a finger full and licked it, "mmmm! strawberries!" He replied with a smile before getting some more
"You and Rapunzel I swear!" The alchemist laughed as Quirin grabbed another mop and a water bucket, "you staying to help us clean up Eugene, or are you gonna help Rapunzel? She's in the privy right now"
The man straightened up before looking at the mess, "uh....."
Sensing the prince's uncertainty, the retired knight chuckled, "why don't you help the princess and her parents, we've got clean up duty here"
Eugene looked at him, "are you sure? I don't mind helping"
"It's perfectly fine, besides, the sooner you get the king out of my house and away from my son, the better", he replied
Taking the hint the dark prince smiled and nodded, giving a quick goodbye to Varian and Edmund before retreating up the stairs to help Rapunzel. The dark king raised a brow at his knight, "you're not angry with my son are you?"
"Not at all", Quirin replied as he continued to mop, "I want the person he's with out, unfortunately that means he'll need to leave too, but I'm more than willing to let him visit after that".
****
A few hours later, Rapunzel, her parents, and Eugene had let and the trio were still cleaning up, they'd taken a couple breaks but were still working for a while. During that time, they'd managed to clean majority of the mess up, but had a ways to go, wiping off his brow Quirin looked around him, he was getting tired but didn't want to quit until the job was done, looking over at his clean up crew he nodded, "it's clean over here", he stated, "also it's nearly 3pm, this has been quite the Day of Hearts".
Edmund chuckled, "well at least we're seeing pink, that's not a horrible color to have on The Day of Hearts if I'm not mistaken"
"No you're not, then again, maybe if we finish quickly we can still go out and get some snacks later?" Varian suggested as he looked at his father with his puppy dog eyes. Funnily enough King Edmund joined in, giving his own puppy dog eyes while sidling up to his grandson.
Quirin laughed, "alright alright, we can go and get some snacks from the festival after we're done. But we've gotta be careful".
"Why?" The Dark King asked while tilting his head to the side
"Because dad's being protective", the alchemist replied with a smirk
"Hey there is nothing wrong with being protective you squirt", his father replied
"Hey! Ok first, there's a problem when you are *over*protective, and second, who are you calling squirt, jerk face?"
"You my dear bratty stinkbomb, for you are much tinier than me", his father teased
The teen scoffed before noticing something behind the man, "hey, overprotective jerk face, you missed a spot", the alchemist stated with a smirk. His father noticed the small bit of pink he'd forgotten and mopped it up before he placed the mop in the bucket, brought it out, and flicked some at his son, "agh! hey!"
"What? You were dirty"
The teen's eyes glinted a little before he grabbed a bit of goop and threw it at his dad, it landed on his shoulder, splatting a little and leaving a pink stain on his shirt. The old farmer raised a brow before placing his mop back in the mop bucket, taking off his vest, setting it in a drawer safely, grabbing a handful of goop, and throwing it at Varian's face. With a yelp the alchemist ducked just in time for the ball of goop to miss, he stood up and turned with a wide smile, "HA! You mi-!" He was interrupted by a second ball hitting him in the face.
"Missed? I know", his father teased, "glad you noticed"
Edmund started to back up, picking up Ruddigar, who chittered agitatedly, and hiding behind a pillar, "this might get ugly little friend, I suggest you stick with me", he replied to the raccoon as Hamuel cawed in agreement.
The father and son looked at each other for a moment, tension rising as Varian wiped the goop off his face, he glared at Quirin as the retired knight glared back before he raised a fistful of the slime and threw it. The Village Leader dodged it easily and threw his own goop, a small yelp escaped the teen's throat as he jumped out of the way, managing to just barely miss it. As he slid on the ground he managed to get an arm full of the pink substance and flung it at his father. Quirin got splashed with a little but managed to avoid the majority of the attack, smirking before his eyes widened and he ducked behind a desk as more goop flew above him. Chuckling he looked around the corner and didn't see his son, he checked the other corner and still didn't see him. That was when he noticed a shadow fall on him from above that looked very much like a lanky teen holding something above his head. The retired knight used the mess under his feet to his advantage as he skated away, just in time to see his boy jump down and slam the pink slime onto the floor before he glared at his slippery enemy, an idea suddenly popped into his head. Digging in his pocket, he found an empty alchemy bomb and scooped a bunch of goop inside it before running over to his father and latching onto him, "w-what the-!" The man started
"GOOP BOMB!!!!" The alchemist yelled before throwing the ball on the floor and letting the slime splatter all over both of them, making his father trip up a bit and fall onto the floor with him still latched on.
Wiping the pink substance off of his face, the retired knight blinked a few timed before looking down at his son, who was smiling happily as he stared at his father, before both of them cracked up, hugging each other happily as Edmund carefully stepped out of his hiding spot, carrying Ruddigar and Hamuel, "uh... Are you two finished?"
They duo looked at him and nodded, "yeah, we're done", Varian replied, "the goop bomb won"
"Yes it did", Quirin admitted, "truce bratty stinkbomb?" He held out his hand
"Truce evil jerk face", the alchemist replied, taking the hand and shaking it before they both got up and looked around.
"Well... This spot *was* clean", the retired knight joked
"Who's fault is that again?" The dark king teased with a smile as the raccoon struggled out of his hands and climbed up his boy before licking him happily, making him giggle.
The Village Leader chuckled, "ours, we'll clean this up, don't worry", he then poked his little son, "and we won't miss any spots"
"Nope!" Varian replied happily before picking up his mop and continuing to clean, his grandpa and father joining him, this time with smiles on their faces.
****
"Strawberry, lemon, and orange!" Varian shouted as he walked down the road, with Ruddigar on his shoulders, towards Monty's Sweets shop and looked at his dad
"Oh my!" The man replied with a smile on his face. They'd finally finished cleaning the lab, it was now 6:15pm, but they were bound and determined to get some sweets tonight.
"Grandpa, you've gotta do it too", the teen stated
Edmund looked a little startled but then blushed before saying, "oh! Oooooh my?"
"I'll take it"
Quirin chuckled as the dark king beamed happily before they walked into the shop, "welcome to the Sweet's sho-! Oh, hey Varian, Quirin, and King Edmund!" Monty greeted as the group walked in
The dark king smiled, "you can just call me Edmund you know. If I remember correctly we're friends right?" He asked
The store owner chuckled, "oh right, sorry about that uh, force of habit", he replied before looking at the duo, "so, whatcha lookin for on this fine evenin of love? I take it not the usual?"
The alchemist giggled, "we might get the usual for later, but for now I'd love to try some of those chocolate hearts you have!"
"Course ya would! I've got plenty made to! Let me go get em from the back yeah?"
"Oki! Thanks Mr. Monty!"
"Oh you with that 'Mr.' I'm not nearly that fancy ya know"
Varian blushed, "you're fancy to me"
The jolly man chuckled, "well aren't you sweet! Always are too!" He then smiled wide, "betcha you're lookin for extra candy aren't ya?"
"Wha-! N-nu I-!"
"Ha! I'm just teasing ya you cute little dumplin, let me go get those hearts real quick okay?" He laughed before going into the back
The teen blushed a little more as his father laughed, "you are pretty cute"
"S-shush!" The alchemist replied as he blushed even harder
The dark king chuckled, "in all honesty, it's okay to be called cute, it just means you're a very likable human being"
Varian brought his goggles down to cover his face as he tried to escape from the teasing. Ruddigar chittered a little, nuzzling his boy before his father noticed and snickered, "alright we'll stop", he replied, pulling his son into a one armed hug, "no need to hide, we'll stop, we'll stop", he rubbed his hand on the teen's arm to comfort him before the little alchemist came out of hiding and leaned against him. Monty came back out a few moments later, this time with Attila, who had freshly baked tarts for the three of them before handing Ruddigar and candied apple and Hamuel a couple salted seed before chatting with them for a bit. They ended up leaving a little while later, the sun had gone down dully as they made their way back to the manor.
The group made a few pitstops here and there as they passed by some of the vendors on the roads, buying a couple items and exchanging pleasantries before saying their goodnights and moving on. Their night was near perfect as they made their way to the edge of the city, Varian had began to walk backwards as he chatted with his father and grandfather before he ran into someone, "o-oops! Sorry about that I d-!" He stopped short when he realized who he'd ran into, looking up at the man's pale blue eyes as his blood ran cold, they were glaring daggers at him, a deep frown was forever glued to his face as the man immediately recognized who had just bumped into him, "k-k-ki-ki-"
"Varian..... Long time no see...." King Fredrick replied as he continued to glare at the boy, making him cower beneath his gaze. He went to say something else but was stopped instantly when he was met with brown eyes, equally as angry as his and very close to him. He blinked before recognizing them and stiffened as the man towered over him, his teeth were bared and his eyes were narrowed, "Quirin...."
"Fredrick..."
"Oh boy..." Edmund replied before stepping in front of his grandson and placing a protective arm around the shaking boy, "ain't this a humdinger...."
Notes:
HERE WE GOOOOOOO! Needed to make it sometime! :D
Protective farmer dad, angry psycho king, terrified science bean, and worried oddball man all packed into a very tense freaking chapter! This is going to be *very* interesting!
Sorry for the 'To be Continued', but this is gonna be a long arch! XD
With that being said, *puts on helmet* Huston, we're goin in!
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 79: Memories Crannies! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Frederic remembers everything....
Notes:
I've been misspelling his name this *entire* time! XD I am so sorry! XD Imma correct that here, it's Frederic! Sorry everyone! XD
More notes at the end
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Frederic and Quirin glared at each other, neither one saying a word as their eyes did the talking. Varian was still shaking on the floor, his heart beating faster than it ever had before as Ruddigar tried to comfort him. Edmund kept his arm protectively around his grandson as he watched his knight face the man that had tortured the teen for a full year. A couple tense moments rolled by before the Coronan king opened his mouth, "I knew this conversation would come, but I'd like to have it in a more private place if it's all the same to you", he stated calmly.
The Village Leader raised a brow, "why? So your people don't find out what a coward their king truly is?"
"Because I'd much rather discuss the mess you and your *son* have caused without prying eyes", the man replied calmly, "it is for *your* comfort, not mine".
"The mess *me and my son* caused?" The retired knight repeated, his voice as sharp as a blade as he narrowed his eyes, "I see, so you would rather throw the blame onto an easier target, is that right?"
This seemed to tick the Coronan off as he narrowed his own eyes, "I'm trying to be civil about this-!"
"Civil? Is *that* what you claim caging him like an animal in his own home is supposed to be? Is t*that* fucking civil?" Quirin's anger bared a bit as he stated those words, "or how about how you left him, a 14 year old *boy*, in a jail cell with a *grown man* as a roommate to rot? Is that the 'civil' you're referring to? If it is, you and I have *very* different definitions on what that word actually means".
"I understand that my treatment of him is not to your liking-!"
"To my *liking*?!"
"-BUT it was the punishment he *deserved*! Did he not inform you of what he did to me, to my queen, to my *daughter*, to this kingdom?!" Frederic's anger now started to show as his eyes opened wide, glaring at the man in front of him who used to be his friend. "You told me before that you would punish those who deserved it, but when it comes to your *son* I see that oath goes out the window!" Neither of them noticed the small shift in the tree above them as two pairs of eyes were watching this event.
"My oath was to protect the *innocent* from people who do them harm! That includes disgusting, fear mongering, lying fucking *COWARDS* like YOU!" The old farmer took a step forwards, making the Coronan king take a step back as a crowd began to form around the group, "you *ignored* me when I told you about that flower in favor of your wife and child being saved despite *KNOWING* the devastation it would cause!" He continued to walk forwards, making the king walk back as his words lashed into him with every sin the retired knight named. "You *intentionally* kept me quiet, even going so far as the threaten my *FAMILY* in the process when your daughter finally came back! You silenced your own child from speaking of the black rocks and let them *CONTINUE* to destroy your kingdom despite *KNOWING* what they would do and how much damage they caused! You shielded your daughter from *HER* destiny Frederic, YOU OWN! FUCKING! *DAUGHTER*!" The royal's back was against a tree as Quirin continued, keeping his eyes locked on the cowardly king's, "then you locked her away in a tower just like Gothel did to her!"
"That was for her own PROTECTION-!"
"That was so you could *CONTROL* HER YOU FUCKING *ASS*! And even if it WAS for her protection it was a piss poor way to do it! What good is locking your child away from something they need to see?!"
"She needed to be protected from YOUR MONSTER OF A BOY!"
"MY BOY WAS A VICTIM OF YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER!" His eyes were piercing into the man as his teeth seemed to sharpen, "and on that subject, why don't we talk about Varian for a moment! He came to your daughter for HELP after keeping SEVERAL secrets and promises to her! What does she do?! She throws him into a fucking BLIZZARD and your advisor spreads a rumor that he ATTACKED her which he NEVER DID! He asked for fucking HELP because I was being encased in AMBER! He came home and found me completely ingulfed and no one came around! No one! Actually, no wait, scratch that, someone DID come around, your guards, who threatened him, beat him, hurt him, and practically tortured him? You know who DIDN'T come around? You, your daughter, your wife, or anyone that was supposedly friends with MY FUCKING SON!" He felt tears stinging at the corners of his eyes as the crowd covered their mouths in shock and horror. None of them apparently knew the real story of Varian, and Quirin was about the change that as he continued to glare at the man who'd betrayed him, "he was left ALONE to fend for HIMSELF as your guards took unjustified anger out on him! As YOU punished MY SON for what your daughter dragged him into! He didn't even know about the Dark kingdom or the Sundrop and Moonstone, he didn't know Frederic, HE! DIDN'T! KNOW!"
"Quirin please you're causing a scene!" Frederic tried
The retired knight chuckled, "oh am I causing a scene? Is that what I'm doing? Well GOOD!" He yelled, letting his anger out fully for all to see, "it's about time EVERYONE heard about what you fucking DID TO MY SON!!!! YOU sent guards after him for something he never did or knew about! YOU threw him in jail with a fucking grown ass man and left him alone with that dick for hours everyday! YOU broke your promise to your own daughter to get him help! YOU let your guards beat and abuse him everyday and turned a blind eye to it!" His anger was getting out of control, so much so that he didn't notice the blonde women that ran past him to his son, nor the three other people that joined her as he continued, "YOU destroyed your kingdom and ignored my warnings! YOU locked your daughter away in a tower! YOU silenced her! YOU kept your wife in the dark about everything that was going on! YOU silenced me by threatening my family's safety! YOU were the cause that made my baby boy go mad and attack everyone and everything in his path FREDERIC!" He couldn't stop as everyone stared in disbelief, it made the king *very* nervous.
"Quirin I-!"
"YOU threatened me while I was in amber! That's right, I COULD HEAR EVERYTHING! My son's depression and anger! Your guards torture! You daughter's distress! MY son's arrest! You threatening to lock me away from MY SON should I EVER get out of my own prison! YOU HAD THE CAPTAIN PUBLICALLY WHIP HIM UNTIL HE WAS CRYING ANG BEGGING FOR MERCY!!!!!" He screamed that last part as his tears finally escaped and streamed down his face, his fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles were white, and he wasn't done.
"I-!"
"ADMIT IT!"
"YES! Yes I did"
"Why?!"
"I-It was to make him an example while also showing others what awaits them should they do what h-!"
"DON'T LIE TO ME!" He drew even closer as he growled, "the truth, NOW!"
Frederic's mouth trembled before he sighed defeatedly, "it was to make him fear me... Punish him for his crimes in a way that would make sure he would never do it again.... I.... I thought it would help....." Gasps were heard throughout the crowd as whispers began to spread, some were in agreement, but some debated it was too harsh, the retired knight didn't care as he stared the man down, his anger only rising.
"YEARS of service! YEARS of loyalty! YEARS of leading! YEARS of friendship! AND YOU WHIPPED MY SON! MY BABY! MY ONLY REASON FOR LIVING AND YOU FUCKING HAD! HIM! LASHED!" His throat burned, his eyes stung, his heart ached, and yet he'd just begun, "I gave EVERYTHING to you! My story, my service, my loyalty, my fucking LIFE Frederic! You didn't even help me when *I* was trapped and you ABANDONED my son! You promised he'd be safe, you promised you'd protect him the day he was born, YOU PROMISED! You looked into his big, blue eyes and told me you'd keep him safe as I held him on his very first day! I...." He stopped, his tears were pouring out of him as he looked at his hands, finally realizing what he felt, what this feeling was before looking at that man, "I hate you..... I hate YOU! I! *HATE*! YOU! YOU'RE A TRAITOR TO ME! TO MY SON! TO YOUR WIFE! TO YOUR DAUGHTER! AND TO YOUR KINGDOM! YOU are NOT MY KING! I am NOT loyal to YOU!" His eyes blazed as he burned a hole through the man he once called a friend before he closed his eyes and exhaled, feeling a weight lift off his back before he opened them once again, "and I never will be again".
Frederic was stunned, his eyes were wide with fear as he looked at the man before him, seemingly realizing what he's just lost. He tried to step forwards, to defend himself, but was stopped instantly when a blade was held to his nose, "stay the *fuck* back or I *will* kill you!" An angry voice demanded as wild yellow eyes glared daggers at the king.
"W-who ar-!"
"We're friend's and siblings of the man you betrayed", another voice, this one female, and as cold as ice, replied as a figured jumped out of the tree above them. Half her face was painted red as she gave the king her own icy stare before turning to look at Quirin, "finally stuck up for yourself hm?"
The retired knight blinked, he was breathing heavily and his throat was still burning, but answered all the same, "no.... For my son, who never had a voice"
Adira smiled, "even better". Her eyes then looked towards her nephew before they widened with shock, "you may want to see who you just told the truth to".
Raising a confused brow as he noticed the king's and Hector's shocked expressions before he turned and saw the queen, the princess, Lance, and Eugene all stare at the pair in what could only be described at horror, disgust, and shock. "I.... I knew you whipped him when he t-told me.... But the reason you did it....." The Dark Prince began before his stomach churned and he covered his mouth to stop it.
Lance's mouth was thin and frowning deeply, a little tremble could be seen as well before he looked at the teen he was previously trying to comfort, "h-he... He really?...." Varian nodded, tears had fallen down his face as well as his lip trembled slightly. "I.... I'm so sorry.... If I had known...." The man shed his own tears, his head shaking slowly as if he couldn't believe it.
The Queen was disgusted, her eyes filled with *fury* as she stood up and walked over to her husband, "you..... You...." Her feeling overwhelmed her as she stared into his eyes
"Arianna I.... He-!" A slap sounded throughout the entire kingdom as everyone gasped. The Coronan king placed a shaking hand on his, now red, cheek as he looked at her
"That is *not* how things are done in Corona! No matter *who* we have in our custody, we *NEVER* whip and humiliate a child, never!" She scolded as her eyes narrowed, "you have *a LOT* of explaining and apologizing to do before you can even *think* about making this right! Believe me I will make sure you do", she stated before she turned and looked at the little alchemist. Her emerald eyes were once filled with fear by this boy, but hearing what he'd gone through changed everything. She walked to him, stopping to look at Quirin for a brief moment, he met her gaze and they shared a silent conversation, one that promised to continue at a later date before she continued to walk over to the teen. He was still on the ground as she approached and immediately looked down, his guilt taking over as he was unable to meet her eyes. She helped him do so, cupping his chin gently and raising his gaze to meet hers, her face was calm, her eyes filled with remorse and sorrow, and her voice was quiet as she spoke, "I am so sorry Varian.... What you went through, what happened to you, what my husband did to you..... I'm so sorry... You had every right to be scared, sad, angry, and so much more.... I wish I could've helped you, I wish I could take it all back....." She removed her hand from his chin, he didn't lower his gaze, too shocked to even move, "there is not much I can offer you, barely anything compared to what you and your father went through. But for your past transgressions and crimes, I pardon you completely, as the Queen of Corona, you are free of every charge made against you, as my daughter as my witness", she gestured to Rapunzel, who'd snapped out of her stupor and nodded before she turned back to the teen, "I pardon you Varian Vanguard, and..." She closed her eyes, taking a breath to steady herself before she opened them again, giving the boy a small smile, "I forgive you too, and I hope one day, you can forgive me too, for what I never knew, and for what I allowed under my watch... I truly am sorry.... I am...."
He didn't know what to say, he never forgave him*self* for what he'd done, but his *victim* was willing to?! This wasn't right! He needed to make up for it! "I.... Y-you.... You don't have to", he replied, startling her a bit, "I kidnapped you, I trapped you, I-I-I threatened you! W-why...." He sniffled a bit as his mind tried to wrap around this, "w-why would you forgive m-me for everything I did?"
Arianna hugged him tightly, "oh sweetheart, I was never really angry with you!"
He blinked in surprise, "y-you weren't?"
"No!" She replied, letting the teen go to look at him face to face, "I was sad! I was there when you were born! I watched you grow up! You are the sweetest, kindest, most gentle little boy I've ever met! To see you so angry and scared and sad... It made my heart ache.... I wanted to come down into the dungeons, to talk to you and try to help, but I was never given the chance to, something always seemed to pop up, a ruler activity, a democrat I had to greet, a court hearing I had to listen to..... Now that I think about it, it's like I was *prevented* from talking with you... I wonder why", she gave a slight glare over to her husband before returning her gaze to the teen sitting in front of her, "point is, I was *never* angry with you, I just never got a chance to talk with you, and had I been able to I could've tried to help you, I *would've* tried to help you, I really would! There's nothing in this world that'll ever make up for what happened to you and your father, but", she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, "I'd... Really like to try, if that's okay with you".
Varian stared at the queen for a few moments, debating in his head weather or not he should, could, trust her or not. But seeing her smile at him and how gentle her touch was, he felt a warm feeling, like something he hadn't experienced since.... With a flash of blue eyes watching him lovingly, and red hair flying everywhere, he smiled and nodded at Arianna, "I-I'd like that.... a lot".
Her smile widened as she gave him one last hug before getting up and helping him to his feet, Edmund, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance all doing the same. "We'll schedule some time together soon, you and me, and your father if you want", Ruddigar climbed up his boy and chittered at her protectively before nuzzling his boy, getting her to chuckle, "and Ruddigar too, of course".
The raccoon huffed before getting a scratch behind his ear from his teen, "thanks- er I-I mean, t-thank you y-your maj-!"
"There's no need for that", she interrupted, "Arianna is fine Varian".
Blushing a bit, the alchemist nodded, "thank you, A-Arianna"
She gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, "thank *you* Varian, for giving me a chance". With that, she lowered her hand and walked past him, standing next to her daughter who was watching the two, her hand was being held in Eugene's and by the looks of it, she was squeezing life out of him.
The princess smiled wide at her mom before she turned towards her father, her lips trembling as they frowned. Her cheeks had tear stains on them as she unhooked her hand from her lover's and walked up to her father. She stared at him for a long time, never lowering, never wavering, she barely even blinked, they just stared at each other as she debated with herself before letting out a long breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Shaking her head a bit to clear her mind, she finally spoke, "I am not going to say that I hate you, because that would be a lie.... I'm not going to say how dare you, because I've done wrong by Varian too.... But I will say, that the punishments he received, and the blame he was given was not justified in the slightest. I left him here, abandoned him, believing you would keep your word, but this is not what I expected". She stated calmly, her anger giving her words a slight undertone as she spoke, "I have a lot of things to make up for, and so do you. He helped you, he saved you, mom, and Corona, he tried to get you and mom's memories back at my request, and to hear what he was put through..... I really only have myself to blame.... I should've helped him.... I should have.... But I didn't, and this is the price.... Unfortunately *I* wasn't the one who paid.... I do not hate you, but I do *not* trust you at all.... Until you can prove to me that you *are* trustworthy, I will *not* be changing my mind anytime soon!" With that, she walked back towards the group, not able to look Quirin in the eyes for what her own father did to his son, one of her closet friends, while she was away. She couldn't look at Varian as she passed him by, she couldn't look at Eugene or Lance either, she couldn't even look at her own mother. She'd managed to stay strong when confronting her father, but as she thought about it more and more, she remembered the little alchemist's words on Game Night:
"Y-You just left me alone! Y-you knew what I actually did that day, you KNEW I didn't a-attack you, you knew! So why didn't you come looking for me? Why Rapunzel? O-out of every answer I want, t-that's the biggest, why didn't you h-help me?"
Her tears flowed freely as shame and regret filled her heart, she saw Cassandra's broken face in the Great Tree as her arm was burnt to a crisp, she saw the betrayed look on the teen's face as he was being dragged away, the words, 'YOU PROMISED!' Echoing off the walls, then she saw flashes of Quirin, him frozen in amber, him fighting Catalina in her wolf form, him glaring daggers at her when she'd asked his son to help her parents get their memories back, and his face as he screamed at her dad.... She'd done this, she'd made all this happen, she'd abandoned him, he got whipped because of her..... She ran inside the castle and straight to her room, her sobs bouncing off the walls as she slammed the door open and shut before she slid against the wall and cried her heart out, for her, for Cassandra, for her mom, for Quirin.... And especially for the little boy she'd left behind, "....oh Varian", she sniffled to herself, "I.... I'm so sorry....."
In town, the entire kingdom had seen the princess run past, all of them with looks of shock and worry on their faces. Eugene looked at Varian, eyes darting worriedly from him to the castle, the silent question made loud and clear, "go to her, s-she needs you", the teen answer with a smile.
The dark prince smiled back, hugging him quickly and saying, "I'm so sorry, but thank you", before he ran off after her as fast as he could.
The alchemist watched him go, his respect for his idol growing even more as he watched him soar through the city to get to his princess. The citizens began to disperse, whispering amongst themselves as they walked back to their homes, the day of Hearts celebration coming to an official end. Frederic watched his kingdom disperse before looking at his Queen, she glared at him before turning and walking back to the castle and, with a defeated sigh, he walked followed her. Lance, who hadn't left Varian's side this entire time, looked at the teen with a worried expression, "I-I'll be okay", Varian tried, but with a raised brow from the former thief, he knew that wasn't going to cut it. He smiled weakly at the man before nodding, "I'll t-take a day to come see you.... B-but it may be a b-bit, ok?" That seemed to satisfy the man because he nodded before giving the teen one last hug and turned to leave, spying Catalina and Angry in the crowd and walking over to them in the process. The teen then turned back to look at his father, aunt, uncle, and grandfather, all of whom were looking at him, before he walked over to his dad and wrapped his arms around him tightly, "thank you so much dad".
Quirin was startled by this, "I... Y-you're.... thanking me? But I just-!"
"Just stood up for me and t-told everyone what actually happened d-during that time! You helped me! I.... I d-didn't know what to feel about him, t-the king.... I feared him for so long t-that the thought of seeing him again and having to face him.... I-it scared me so badly..... I d-didn't think anyone would believe me i-if I told people what happened.... I d-didn't think Rapunzel would believe me.... B-but you stood up for me, you defended me, you-you-you-you....." He paused for a minute, trying to catch his breath, the events and new information he'd just gained taking a lot out of him. Ruddigar nuzzled him worriedly as his father kneeled before him, making sure to keep him steady as he managed to gain control over his breathing. He looked at the retired knight, his eyes shining with tears as he smiled at him with a mixture of both sadness and glee, "I.... T-there are so many things t-that are running through my head r-right now... Y-you heard everything.... You.... B-but you defended me and the w-whole kingdom knows.... B-but the things I said and did.... A-and they believe me..... T-too much..... It's too much.... I'm s-so grateful to you.... B-but I'm.... I'm so s-sorry for trapping you.... Y-you heard.... B-but you don't hate me.... I...." He sniffled as he wiped his face with his arm, his emotions overwhelming him so much that he wasn't even making coherent sentences anymore.
"Son", he heard his father say, he couldn't see past the tears, that is, until he felt someone hug him tightly. Feeling the fluffy vest beneath his fingers and hearing a familiar heartbeat, he smiled and layed his head on his father's vest, wringing his hand through it as the soft fur comforted him. "Varian I.... I never hated you, I could never hate you, you're my baby, I love you way too much to hate you. Yes, I.... I heard everything you said and felt, I heard what the guards did to you... I heard what that fool said to me after, and I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner, I just...." He let out a soft sigh as his tears came back, falling onto his son's back with a plop, "I.... I didn't know how to tell you.... You were growing so much and g-getting better and I.... I-I-I didn't want to halt that because I heard you during that time... I knew what you were feeling was genuine, that's why I'm trying so hard to be better... For you... And I.... Varian.... P-please tell me the truth" He broke the hug and looked at his son worriedly, "d-did I ever make you feel like I h-hated you?" The retired knight's voice cracked a bit when he asked that, but he didn't care, he needed to know, he needed to.
Varian's tears were lessening now and allowing him to see his father's own tear stained face, "no, n-never, and that's the truth! You've always been good to me dad, I.... I k-knew that you weren't completely on board with my alchemy, but you let me do it anyway, you hated how explosive it got but were never too harsh with me after, even comforting me sometimes because you knew, you *knew*, how much I wanted to help! Even... Even when we had that a-argument at the castle I knew you still cared about me, I was just... In a *really* bad place at that time.... I didn't think anybody loved me, cared for me, I thought of myself as the worst person in the universe.... S-sometimes I still do.... B-but that wasn't because of you.... Dad I... I want to get better, and t-there'll be times when I'll get really bad, a-and I may say things that'll hurt, j-just.... Just know that I don't mean them okay? I love you, I always have, and I always will". He smiled at his father as Ruddigar chittered happily at the two, nuzzling them both.
Quirin was speechless for a bit before he smiled wide and hugged his son once more, "thank you Varian, I love you too! Always have, always will"
They stayed that way for a while, Edmund, Adira, and Hector all giving some semblance of a smile at the pair while they embraced before they let go and looked at the group, "uh.... G-guess we should've done that.... P-privately huh?" The teen asked as he blushed profusely, leaning into his father's vest again as he was picked up by the man.
Quirin chuckled and held his son close as he stood up straight and looked at his family, "wanna come home with us? Been a bit of a long night, but I'm certain we can stay up a little longer to entertain you".
"Why not? It'll be nice to not have to share the same air as that jester", Adira replied
"You mean jackass?" Hector corrected
"Nah, how about idiot"
"I'm good with fuck face"
"W-we'll be glad to join!" Edmund interrupted, cutting them both off and raising a brow at them, getting the alchemist and retired knight to laugh as the little group began their journey back to Old Corona with smiles on their faces.
Notes:
So that was a lot of venting, sorry about that, but either way....
Ta DAAAAAA! So this arch is gonna be the longest running arch in my story! We're gonna see a lot of Frederic trying to understand and make up for what he's done. This isn't the end of Quirin and the king's arguments either, no no, this is just the beginning! The man has hurt papabear's baby, he's going to hear about it A LOT!
I hope this was satisfying to see, I'm sorry if it wasn't, but honestly, this is how I picture Quirin confronting Frederic. He wouldn't hit him or fight him, at least not in my opinion, he would yell, scream, and get extremely emotional, because that's his *child* this man just abused, but he's also the king, so Quirin would go to jail for kicking his royal keister unfortunately. I hope this is a good compromise at the very least.
For Quirin, this was a HUGE step in his character arch I have planned, confronting one of his and his son's abusers because I'm sorry, but Quirin got abused too! Maybe it wasn't as bad as Varian to a lot of people, but the man betrayed him! He hurt his son, he ignored his warning, he BETRAYED Quirin! That hurts! A lot! I've had friends that I thought would have my back betray me after years of giving them my time, love, care, and affection, and they turned their backs on me because I wasn't 'popular enough', that freaking HURTS! So yeah, Quirin was betrayed and NEEDED to let it out, he's been holding it back for far too long, just like his son! Sorry for the tangent, but I'm very passionate about this X3 Sorry XD
Arianna had nothing to do with Varian's punishment! She is too kind a queen, and mother, to allow that little boy to sit in a dungeon and be tortured for that long! No thank you, I will take the arguments on this, Arianna is a good queen, Frederic is a sucky king!
Poor Rapunzel.... She didn't know, and it killed her to find out.... Eugene to the rescue, nut seriously.... Poor Rapunzel.....
Eugene is a good boyfriend, tell me I'm wrong, I dare you.
Lance is a freaking KING!
Adira and Hector got to see the show! Don't worry, they'll have a fun chapter coming soon :D
Edmund is a good grandpa! He's also a killer parent too! The only one that can stop the troublesome duo's arguing with only a raised brow XD
And finally, Varian! Poor baby was so stunned throughout this entire thing that he was just sitting there listening the entire time! He really loves his dad, and his dad really loves him! They still have a long way to go, but this was a big step in the right direction! <3
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 80: Support System!
Summary:
The group has returned to the Village Leader's home after a very eventful Day of Hearts.
Chapter Text
"So.... When do you want it done?"
"What?"
"When do you want it done? We can have that *thing* gotten rid of and hidden within a couple hours"
"Adira.... You're not going to kill the king"
"I know"
"Good"
"That's why I said *we*"
Quirin faced palmed, they'd just gotten back from their journey into town, the father had just put his boy to bed after he'd fallen asleep in his arms when he'd walked down and entered his kitchen to find Adira sitting on his counter eating another apple, Hector leaning against the wall as he sharpened his blade, and Edmund sitting at the kitchen table looking a bit unsure of what to do. Sighing the retired knight raised a brow at his sister, "let me rephrase, *no one* is going to kill the king"
"Well of course not, we would *never* do that", Hector replied, continuing to sharpen his blade
"Thank yo-!"
"Why would we kill our king when we can kill the jackass running Corona!" The wild tamer added
"Wait n-!"
"Right! How could you think so little of us dear Stickler?" The face painted warrior agreed whist taking a bite from her apple, "I mean you said it yourself, we protect the innocent from.... Oh what was it?"
"If I remember correctly sister it was, 'disgusting, fear mongering, lying fucking *COWARDS*' Right?" Hector offered
Adira nodded as she swallowed her bite, "right!"
Quirin pinched the bridge of his nose, he was *way* too tired to deal with this..... Sensing the tension right, King Edmund stood up, "alright that's enough you two", he stated as he walked over to his knight and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "it's been a bit of a night for everyone, I think it'd be best if you didn't pick on him right now". The duo opened their mouths to argue, but the dark king glared shut them up quickly with one glower in their direction before looking at the Village Leader worriedly, "are you alright? That must've been a lot for you.... I know it certainly took a lot out of the little peanut", he chuckled lightly
Quirin snorted before looking at his king with a weak smile, "I will be... It's just going to.... Be hard for a while", he replied before placing a hand on the side of his head, "I... Can't believe I really said all that.... It feels like I'm in a dream".
"I would imagine it'd feel pretty odd to you, you're not really one to show strong emotions like that", Edmund replied with a sympathetic smile, "but I could tell you meant every word, and your boy certainly could as well...." He stopped when he remembering something that propped up during his knight's aggressive speech. Looking at the man before him only made that concern grow and before he could stop himself, he removed his hand from the farmer's shoulder and spoke, "y-you.... Heard everything?"
The retired knight froze in place, his shoulders stiffening before he looked at his king's face, it was filled to the brim with worry and anxiety. He looked at his siblings who shared the same look and sighed before walking over and sitting down at the kitchen table. Edmund, Adira, and Hector were all watching him before the dark king joined, the face painted warrior slipping off the counter, opting to sit on the table instead next to her brother. The wild tamer stayed where he was, but scooched a little closer as his brother began to speak, "I.... Yeah... I could hear everything.... I couldn't move, talk, yell, speak, help, or stop anything that was happening.... Hell I couldn't even see.... I... I heard Varian's despair His sadness and anger, his guilt.... Then I heard his screams.... His cries for help as those fucking guards hurt him and trapped him with me... They taunted him... All night.... He would be locked away, staring at me because they got pleasure out of his misery..... He... He would say that I hated him, that I must be so disappointed and I couldn't say anything.... I-I wanted to! I wanted to hold him, tell him it wasn't true but I couldn't...." He felt his tears begin to surface but wiped them away, not wanting to cry anymore. He looked down at the table as the memories of his son's tortured danced in his head like a nightmare.... "T-the only solace he had was Ruddigar.... That little raccoon stuck by his side the entire time he was.... I... I can't help him, I don't know *how* to help him, and he's perfectly fine saying I'm a good father and how much he loves me but with what I heard.... With what I d-did to him.... How am I good to him, how can he tell me that with a straight face? How? Why does he.... Why does he still c-care about me?" He couldn't stop the tears this time as they dripped onto the table, his head hurt now but he didn't care, "I just don't understand *why* or *how* he still cares about me when I'm the reason he went through this.... I didn't tell him anything and he was punished for my secret, it's exactly like what the princess said, 'this is the price.... Unfortunately *I* wasn't the one who paid'.... Those words hit harder than she will ever know...."
Edmund was silent for a moment before he wrapped his arm around his knight, hugging him tightly, "you *are a good father Quirin"
"B-but I-!"
"No!" He interrupted, "you *ARE* a good father! That little boy would not stand there and hug you, fall asleep in your arms, allow you to tuck him in, smile at you, constantly seek your approval, and want to spend time with you unless you did something *right*! You are a *GOOD* father, and nothing is going to tell me any differently!" He stated seriously, "he climbs into you lap when he's scared, tired, sick, or just because. He listens to your heartbeat because it comforts him, Quirin, he loves your *VEST*! I bet if I gave him one of his own he'd toss it aside and crawl into your vest just because it belonged to you! You know why he does that? It's because you're a good father, one of the best, Eugene see's it, Lance see's it, Rapunzel and Arianna see it, Varian himself see's it, the only one who doesn't is you!"
"How can I see it?" The man looked at his king desperately, trying to believe him with every fiber of his being, "how? Because right now I've done *nothing* to prove otherwise"
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Hector stated, startling the duo and making them turn to him, "you just screamed your head off in the fucking middle of town about how the *ruler* treated you kid! You defended him in front of every fucking bitch, dick, ass, spawn, Arianna, Lance, and Prince Eugene there is and you *still* don't see why that kid loves you?"
"As poetic as Wild Child's statement was not, I'll have to agree", Adira replied, "you yelled so loud about the injustice of his treatment that *we* heard you from the outskirts of Old Corona! That is a lot of lung coming from one old farmer", she jabbed playfully with a smile before adding, "and let's not forget how you defended him from the Seporians"
"Or how fast you glared that fucking ass of a king down just a few hours ago", the wild tamer offered
"Or when he got sick and you were there for him every day and night to take of him, need I mention how he wanted *you* when he threw up at night, and he climbed in *your* lap when I'd cleaned it up?" The dark king stated before he sighed, loosening his hug a bit and smiling at his knight, "look, you've made mistakes, that much is clear, but so have I, do you hate me?"
"No", Quirin replied
Edmund nodded, "do you remember what you told me when you were sick? 'Sometimes a sorry is enough', remember?" He nudged the man a bit
"I remember", the Village Leader chuckled softly
"Then why don't you give yourself a break? You've apologized and done near everything in your power to make it up to him, he's forgiven you now you know. That's obvious to us at least, are there feelings you two should talk about? Yes, absolutely, will you talk about them and get emotional? Of course, who doesn't? But you've been punishing yourself enough for what happened in the past Quirin!" The man replied, "enough is enough".
"I.... I...."
"He's right", Adira stated, "Speckles feels horrible for what he did while you were trapped, should *he* continue to punish himself?"
"No!"
"Then why should you?"
"Because you feel like it's your fault?" Hector asked, raising a brow, "because if I remember right, you warned that fucker about touching the sunflower and got ignored and silenced. Protected this shit stain of a kingdom for fucking *years* as their Village Leader! Your spawn-!"
"Son" Quirin corrected
"-Spawn was left alone by the royals and the people, you didn't have a choice because you were fucking stuck, none of what happened to your kid was actually your fault. If anything, the only thing I could blame you on is not trusting him more, but then again, you're already fixing that", the wild tamer stated with a smirk, "so what exactly are you feelin guilty for?"
The retired knight was speechless, he wanted to argue against it, but every word his family stated made sense to him. He had warned the king, he did protect the villagers, he wouldn't have left Varian, and he was making up for not trusting him, plus he'd stood up for him, stuck by him, and helped him in any way he could. The guilt he was harboring was weakening more and more with every word they spoke but kept reigniting for some reason, "i-it... It won't go away... I don't get it, why can't I just *believe* you?"
"Because guilt is like a parasite", Edmund replied with a smile, "it'll keep knowing at you until you go insane if you let it. Look we can't cure your pain, and finding out about what you heard for months.... There's no way a couple of words can ever fix that, what I can say is that we'll keep trying, at least I will", the dark king assured. "That guilt over destroying the Dark Kingdom-!"
"You feel guilty for that?" The wild tamer asked
"You know we don't blame you for that, right?" The face painted warrior added
The man blinked for a moment before looking at his knight, who was smirking and raised a brow at him, "oh don't you raise a brow at me when we're having a conversation like *this*!" He joked, nudging Quirin once more and getting him to laugh, "either way, the guilt I feel hasn't gone away from what you, Eugene, my grandson, and these two have said, that's not how it works. It'll take time and patience before it can fully disappear, but I'm more than willing to continually remind you that you are not a bad father, and I know your little son will be too, just as you remind him of how amazing he truly is".
"Just like how you saved me when I was four and trained me to protect myself", Adira stated
"And how you took me in and healed me even though I lost against you that day", Hector added, "you know you saved us both the days we met you, and", he sighed aggravatedly, "I'll deny this *any* time you tell anyone... But.... We look up to you.... You saved us, helped raise us, protected us, and taught us how to fight, you may not realize it...." He rolled his eyes, "and not to get too fucking mushy, but you're like a second dad, even if this one is the first", he gestured to the dark king, who smiled brightly.
Adira nodded in agreement, "he's right, when I was growing up, I never really had a connection to anyone as close as I had to you. It's why stealing your apples and eating them in front of you is so fun, because you're never going to hurt me no matter how angry you get". She teased as she took another bite from the apple and reveled in her brother's annoyed look before swallowing, "you may be a stickler when it comes to rules, regulations, even yourself. But when it comes to the people you love, you have the biggest heart and more bravery and loyalty than anyone I've ever seen, a trait you passed onto Speckles I'm happy to say", she added with a loving glance towards the stairs. "It's why you have two nicknames, because one wasn't enough to define you, you're a Stickler.... And the Courage of your family".
The retired knight sniffled a bit as he smiled wide at his kin, "thank you, all of you, so much for that... I never knew I needed to hear it". They all smiled at him happily, relief washing over the room before the kitchen door opened slightly and a raccoon waddled inside as a pair of ungloved hands opened it a bit wider, revealing a very disheveled looking alchemist. Complete with a bed head, large blue pajamas with stars and the moon on them for decoration, and a tired look in his eye. They all turned to see him as he rubbed his left eye a bit with his hand before yawning, walking over to his father, climbing into his lap, and hugging him tightly, letting out a soft hum as the vest tickled his nose. They were all a little startled at first before their faces cracked into adoring grins and Quirin wrapped his arms around his boy, "what's this about?" He asked softly, not wanting to disturb the drifting teen as Ruddigar climbed onto Hector and nuzzled his cheek with his nose.
"Nightmare...." Varian replied tiredly
"Bad one?"
"No"
"No? Then why'd you come out of bed?"
"Heard you talking... Wanted snuggles..."
His father chuckled, "I see, was it worth the trip?"
"Mm-hm"
"Are you comfortable?"
"Mm-hm"
"Gonna sleep here?"
"Mm-hm"
"Helping me farm tomorrow?"
"Mh-h-! ....Evil jerk face"
"Had to try"
"You're grounded..."
"I'm grounded?"
"Mm-hm"
"What am I grounded from exactly?"
"No Ruddigar snuggles for a week"
"How will I survive?"
"Make do"
"Do I get Varian snuggles?"
"Only if you're good"
"Ok"
"And no cheating with sneaky hugs"
"That's just not fair"
"Too bad, no Ruddigar snuggles, only for me"
"Only for you?"
"Only for me"
Quirin wanted to laugh but was afraid it would wake his tiny son, so he let out a few small chuckles before he nuzzled his little alchemist, "you're such a brat"
"Learned from the best"
With a loud, "PFFT!" Coming from Edmund, the retired knight snickered a bit before he glanced at his brother, who had managed to get Ruddigar to fall asleep around his neck and looked pretty satified with himself as Adira scratched the Raccoon's head softly. He then turned back to his son, who had fallen asleep and was mumbling to himself about the physics of winged people before his father kissed his head gently and, with a wide smile, held him close, the little flame in his heart burning even brighter.
Notes:
I wanted to make something light hearted yet fluffy, so this popped into mind!
Adira and Hector love their big brother! They pick on him, play with him, and support him, I wanted to show that because I don't really see it that much
Edmund is the best grandpa, and one of the best father's in the show (the best one being Quirin). I feel like he was also Quirin's main emotional support when he was growing up! So I wrote a chapter on it XD
Sleepy Varian is the most adorable Varian ever! He's a snuggle monster, seriously, I can see that boy snuggling his father (and Hugo one day ;D) no matter how old he gets, if he's sleepy and awake, he wants his dad and no one else, that's a rule!
Ruddigar snuggles are so nice and warm, Quirin is gonna go through withdrawals within a week XD
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 81: Cloudy Sunshine!
Summary:
Varian wants to talk with Rapunzel
Chapter Text
Varian yawned as his eyes fluttered open, looking around he took in his surrounding, a side table to right, a soft bed underneath him, his dad's snoring to his right, his starry pajam-! *Wait... Dad's snoring?* He shook his head to clear his mind before turning to his right once more, there, sleeping beside him with one arm wrapped around him protectively, was the old farmer, sound asleep and snoring quietly as he mumbled. Blinking a bit the teen wasn't sure why he was sleeping with his father, last night had been sort of an ordeal and he was left in a bit of a haze. Trying to remember he saw pictures flash before him, his father crying, his aunt and uncle hopping out of a tree, King Frederic, Ruddigar comforting him.... *oh.... Right... The king remembers and dad defended me.... Then we cam home and.... I thought I was in my own bed....* He looked at his father again, listening closely to his sleepy mumbles.
"...Pumpkins make good pie...." The old farmer muttered, getting his boy to snort a bit
"Farmer till the end huh dad?" The alchemist replied quietly, smirking as his father smiled with satisfaction, feeling his arm tighten a bit as he was pulled in a little closer to the man. The smell of Apples and wood providing comfort to the teen's senses as his father rested his chin on his son's head. Varian's smirk widened to a smile as he snuggled into the man's chest before he continued to remember last night, *so.... I went to my own bed.... Then I...* He heard a yawn beside him and looked towards it, seeing a ball of grey, white, and black curled in-between him and his father before he smiled, *right, I had a nightmare and came downstairs, which would make sense as to why dad would want to stick with me.... He's still grounded from raccoon snuggles though*, he thought as he scratched Ruddigar behind the ear, getting the small mammal to purr before he let out a content sigh, staring up at his father's ceiling, the room was completely quiet and calm, a perfect way to sp-! Wait.... It's completely quiet.... But wasn't his father j-!
"Awake are we?"
"MEEP!" The alchemist yelped before scooching back to the edge of the bed and looking at his father, who was laughing, "you! UGH! You brat!"
Quirin laughed even more at his son's exasperated face, tears forming in his eyes as his stomach hurt from laughing so much, "you can't blame me for that, your weren't paying attention".
"You're grounded for *two* weeks from raccoon snuggles!" The teen replied before huffing a bit at the man as he picked up Ruddigar and held him close to his chest
His father smirked a bit before grabbing, pulling, and hugging his son, chuckling as the teen tried, and failed, to get out of his grip, "I love you Varian".
Huffing once more, the teen shot a glare at the man before realizing just how warm he was and sighing, his anger instantly giving out, "you're mean... You and your body heat..." He mumbled before curling into the retired knight's chest.
This made Quirin smile as he hugged his child, "I know, I'm very mean", he replied before yawning and looking at the clock nearby the crow statue, "hm, it's about 8:15am, time to get up?"
"Nu"
"I need to get up"
"Nu, you're warm"
"Are you cold?"
"....Maybe"
The old farmer chuckled, watching his son's breathing for a moment or two before getting an idea, turning a bit he spotted his vest that'd he's thrown on he side table the night before and grabbed it before wrapping his son inside, "that work?"
He watched as Varian curled inside the vest, which was very big on him and nearly covered him like a blanket, before his boy sighed, "mm-hm".
Smiling the large man got up and stretched before kissing his alchemist on the cheek, grabbing his clothes, and heading to his privy. He got ready for the day and walked out, only to find his teen fast asleep on his bed, he'd managed to climb into his father's empty spot and cover himself in blankets as well, Ruddigar was in a ball on top on his sleeping form. Deciding a little extra sleep wouldn't do his son any harm, Quirin walked out of his room and closed the door, finding himself face to face with an eager Edmund was was smiling wide at him, "hello there", he responded with a chuckle, "what bring you this close to my face on this fine, chilly morning?"
The Dark king snickered before backing up a bit, "sorry, just happy to see you're awake, where's your little peanut?" He asked, looking behind his knight curiously
"Still asleep, he woke up before me, then fell asleep when I got up, he's sleeping where I was, must be cold".
"It is rather frosty today", Adira, who was sitting on the couch behind their king, agreed as she munched on an apple
The old farmer's eye twitched a bit, "apple", he stated
"Is delicious", she replied as she took a bite and smirked
Quirin face palmed as he heard Hector, who was leaning against the wall, laugh at his sister's shenanigan's, "if you two don't behave...."
"Oh what, you'll 'punish' us?" The wild tamer teased, "how do you plan on doing that exactly?"
Suddenly the door behind the retired knight opened and Varian stepped out, still wrapped in his father's vest, and with Ruddigar on his shoulder. He closed the bedroom door and looked around, he still looked very tired, but was awake enough to smile at each member of his family before he leaned on his father's arm. Quirin raised a brow and smirked before picking his son up and cradling him before looking between his two siblings, "I'll take away your nephew privileges"
Edmund smirked as the duo looked a little startled before trying to brush it off, they didn't continue their teasing however, which made the retired knight laugh. "Hello little one", the dark king said, brushing a couple of loose strands from his grandson's forehead before smiling wide as the pair of big blue eyes landed on him, "how are you?"
"Tired, but okay", the teen answered with a small smile on his face before looking at his dad, "hey, are you really busy today?"
"Not really, since it's still pretty cold out I don't have much to do save for feeding the animals and maintaining a few crops, why?" Quirin replied, raising a brow in concern
The alchemist hesitated for a moment before sighing, "I.... I-I wanna check on Rapunzel...." He stated, "s-she didn't know what her father d-did to me... Neither did her mom.... The way she looked.... I-I can't let her think t-that I blame her for that... She's d-done a lot to me but.... S-she's also done a lot f-for me", he looked up at his father and smiled, "she got you back to me, and I n-need her to..." He took a breath and let it out slow as Ruddigar tapped his cheek, giving him his first alert, "....I need to let her know that I d-don't blame her for this.... Even i-if it means I might run into the... K-king....."
Everyone was quiet, none of them really knowing what to say until the retired knight smiled wide and kissed his son's forehead before nodding, "ok, we can go together, and if that...."
"Fuck face?" Hector offered with a smirk
"Idiot?" Adira suggested
"Coward?" Edmund replied
"....Screw it, if that cowardly, idiotic, fuck face comes around, then he'll have to deal with me", the retired knight stated before smirking at his son's expression, "what? He's a pain in my ass".
Varian smiled wide, "I'm gonna make you a swear jar sir"
"Oh like you haven't said worse you squirt", he nuzzled his son, getting him to giggle
"That mean I can say those words?"
"Nope"
"Wha- Why not?"
"Because I have Dad privileges"
"Dad privileges?"
"Like son privileges but for dad's, cursing is one of them"
".....Copy cat"
"I wouldn't have to be if you weren't such a brat", he replied before setting Varian down, "why don't you go get ready for the day while I farm a bit, then we can head out after lunch yeah?"
"Oki, thanks dad", the teen replied before he began to run off, he stopped when he reached the stairs, blushing a bit and coming back. He unwrapped the vest off himself and handed it to his father, "eheheh sorry"
Quirin chuckled, "it's alright, now go on you vest stealer"
Varian giggled before he ran back over to the stairs, climbing them this time and heading to his room with his family watching him lovingly.
****
Once everyone was ready, they'd fed Itty Bitty and left him inside Quirin's room, next to the bed so he'd be warm, the retired knight giving him a 'be good' speech, which the fish seemed to understand, before taking off, Pixie, Basil, and Xena staying there to watch the house. "You'd think he'd throw a fish party and invite all his friends while we're out", Adira joked.
"You never know, besides, this is one of his first times being alone at home, I want to make sure he knows the rules", the old farmer rebutted
"He's a *fish*!"
"A *smart* fish"
"What's he gonna do, jump out of his tank?"
"Not anymore, since Varian placed that lid on it, keeps dust out and him in"
The little alchemist smirked, "glad to be of service to all of Itty Bitty kind"
"Your services are very much appreciated", his father replied as Adira face palmed
"This is why I prefer to be alone", she snarked
"N-not all the time, right?" Varian asked, giving her a puppy dog look
"....This is why I prefer it to just be me and Speckles", she corrected, getting a wide smile from the alchemist as they continued to walk.
It hadn't taken them long to reach the city since Varian was walking faster than all of them to keep up his and Ruddigar's body heat and they were keeping up. There were little snowflakes that landed here and there, but nothing to out of the ordinary, still, the teen shivered as they continued their trek, his old coat and scarf not really helping him much to face the cold February day. They made it to the castle before noon and managed to, very quickly, walk inside, the little alchemist panting as he and his family entered the main doors. "You alright?" His father asked, "you look bluer than your eyes".
"C-cold.... V-very c-c-cold..." The teen replied as he shivered
With a sympathetic look the old farmer picked his son up and held him close, trying to warm him, "wanna see if they're in the nice, warm, family room?" He offered with a smile, his son nodded and he and Ruddigar snuggled close in the man's arms, getting him to chuckle before he led Edmund, Adira, and Hector towards the family room.
The wild tamer's eyes were darting at every person they passed, or were about to pass, before they got to the family room, he noticed the snooty advisor walking their way and before he could open his mouth to say a word, Hector fixed him with a glare that shut him up and sent him running the opposite way, getting his sister to chuckle. He smirked with satisfaction before catching a glance from their king, "he deserved it".
"Behave you two", Edmund replied with a raised brow
"I didn't do anything", the face painted warrior argued
"Encouraging bad behavior is still participating", Quirin replied
"Like you didn't chuckle a bit when that pompous annoyance ran off with his tail between his legs", she retorted sarcastically
The retired knight didn't reply before he opened the door and gestured for them to walk in, handing Varian over to his grandpa to get cozy while he went to search for the princess, Eugene, or Lance. As Adira and Hector passed however he grinned and whispered, "not loud enough for him to hear", before smiling wide at their shocked faces and darting off to find their friends.
"Are you two coming in or are you going to stand out there?" Edmund called from inside the room as he and his grandson started the fireplace up and begin to warm up.
"Sneaky asshole", Hector chuckled, a little amused by his brother's antics
"We'll get him back, for now, he won this round", Adira replied as she narrowed her eyes in Quirin's direction before they both entered the family room. The wild tamer leaned against the wall near the fire place while the face painted warrior sat next to her nephew, who was right in front of the fireplace with his hands outstretched towards it to keep warm.
Ruddigar was in his lap and purring as Edmund was on an armchair and smiling lovingly at the teen. Everyone seemed content before the alchemist looked around, "w-where's dad?"
"He went to go find anyone who knew where the princess was", his aunt answered, "he'll be back soon"
"Oh, ok, thanks", he smiled at her appreciatively, receiving a smile back, accompanied by a nod before they both turned and watched the fire dance, the family room slipping into a comfortable silence as all five of them enjoyed each other's company.
****
The retired knight walked down the halls towards the dining hall, out of everyone he was hoping to run into, there was a good chance he'd be in there. Taking another left turn, the man opened the doors to the aforementioned room and smiled as he spotted two people he recognized and walked over to them, hearing what sounded like an argument, "Lance caviar is not gonna be able to hold for an actual sculptor of yourself!"
"You don't know what you're talkin about Eugene! Caviar Lance will come true one day! I know it!"
"Buddy come on it's literal fish eggs! How are you gonna make them into a sculptor of *you*?"
"With imagination, luck, and a little something I like to call, the Lance touch, somethin *you* don't have!"
"You can keep your fishy Lance touch, I'm good"
"Ahem", the retired knight cleared his throat, making both men turn to him, "sorry to interrupt this.... Important... Conversation, but do either of you two know where the princess is?"
They stared at him for a moment or two before Lance smiled wide, "hey Quirin! Haven't seen you since you and the kin-!"
"-Since you and the *kid* had a fun outing yesterday, how was that anyway?" Eugene interrupted, stopping Lance in his tracks and ignoring the annoyed glare his best friend gave him.
The retired knight raised a confused brow, "I'm not going to be upset if you mention that I had a fight with Frederic you know"
The dark prince winced a little before Lance stepped up, "of *course* you're not, because you finally *let it out* and are probably feeling a lot better, right?"
The retired knight nodded, "a bit, not 100%, but a bit"
The red clad thief gave Eugene an 'I told you so' look, making him roll his eyes before he looked back at Quirin, "how's Varian?"
Lance blinked before nodding, "right, how's he doin? Any better than last night?"
"He's okay, sort of, at the moment he's worried about Rapunzel, he doesn't want her to blame herself for what her father did, so he came all this way to talk to her", the Village Leader explained, "have either of you two seen her?"
The exchanged looks with each other before Eugene sighed, "yeah.... She's.... She's not doing great.... She took what happened to Hair stripe hard..."
"That bad?" Quirin asked, concern seeping through his voice
"Worse..." Lance answered with a sad look on his face, "she doesn't wanna see anyone right now, not us, her parents... Not even Pascal", he stepped aside to show the worried chameleon, who was standing on the dining table, a sad expression on his face.
"Where is she?"
"In her room.... Quirin not even *I* could help her...." The dark prince stated, "do you think you'll be able to-!"
"No"
"Then who?"
"Varian"
****
The doors to the family room opened wide as Eugene, Lance, and Quirin walked inside, making everyone turn to see them, a wide smile stretching across Edmund's face as he got up and ran over to his child, "hello son!" he stated happily, giving him a one armed bear hug
"Hello.... Father.... Can't... *Breath*!" The dark prince struggled to reply
"Oh! Oopsie, sorry!" Edmund stated, letting go of the man and watching him pant a little, making the red clad thief laugh a bit
"Dad, hi", Varian stated as he got up, much to Ruddigar's dismay as he climbed onto his boy's shoulder, and walked over, giving his father a hug
Quirin chuckled, hugging his son back, "hello son", he replied before pulling the teen back, "hey, listen I found out where Rapunzel is"
"Oh good!"
"But she's not exactly in the greatest mood...."
"Oh... S-should we leave her be? I don't want to disturb her"
The retired knight smiled at how sweet his boy was before shaking his head, "no I think... Varian I think you're the only one who can help her right now"
"What?" The alchemist asked as he tilted his head to the side
"Varian she's not speaking to anyone, not even Pascal", he stepped back a bit to let Eugene show a sad chameleon in his hand, "or Eugene", the dark prince made a puppy dog face, getting the knight to chuckle and his king to chuckle before clearing their throats and the former thief stepped back a bit. "Anyway, she's locked herself in her room and refuses to speak with anyone, I think.... I think you might be the only one she would speak to".
The teen was startled by this, "m-me?! Why would you think *I* would be the only one if *Eugene* couldn't even get close?"
"Because she's upset about *you* little man", Lance stated, joining the conversation as Adira and Hector walked over. "She's upset because of how her dad treated you, she blames herself and doesn't know what to do, unfortunately, none of us do either.... It... It might be good for you and her to talk, get some things out in the open?"
"I.... B-but I don't blame her!"
"You don't?"
Varian shook his head, "n-no! At least, not about this! I could *never* blame her for what her father did to me! I-it'd be like my dad calling her a nasty name while I was standing there, I didn't make him do that, sure I couldn't stop him but that's not *my* fault! W-would I be angry at my father for saying something nasty? Yes, would I be the reason? No! Course dad would never insult her.... Unless she did something *really* bad, b-but you'd have to get dad really angry and it would have to build up an-!"
"Son, getting a little off topic", Quirin interrupted
Varian blushed, "eheheh, r-right.... Either way, I don't blame her for what her father.... For what K-king Frederic.... D-did to me.... I never will"
Lance smiled at the teen, "maybe you could tell her that, if you want"
"I... D-do you honestly think she'd wanna see me?"
"Of course she would! She's your friend and you're hers! Out of everybody she wants to see, it's you, and l think if you told her what you just said, it may help her, and you"
"H-how would it help me?"
The former thief sighed before he faced the alchemist fully, "you and her have a relationship that's both rocky and smooth, in some places, it's perfectly fine! Smooth sailin, no problem! But in others, there's a lot of jagged rocks and glass floors, one slip could break the whole thing. Let's say you bein in the dungeons is one of the jagged places, you don't like to talk about it, and she doesn't like to talk about it, but you both are standin on it and makin it crack. If you start to talk about how you feel about her, and her dad, it may help you two work some things out about that whole situation".
The alchemist thought about that, it made sense, they did need to talk about what happened that day he went to the dungeons.... But... "L-lance... What if I mess up? W-what if I fall..... What if w-what I told you about before... T-the... Thoughts.... W-what if they come out while we're talking?"
"Why'd you come here to the castle?" He asked simply
"T-to talk to Rapunzel, b-but-!"
"They won't come then"
"H-how can you be sure?! W-what if I say something bad? What if I snap at her? W-what if I... Hurt her?" Ruddigar nuzzled his boy comfortingly as the teen looked at the floor, "I... I w-wasn't strong enough to finish what I actually f-felt before about everyone l-leaving me.... I didn't finish my t-thoughts... Just started them and fell into a mess on the floor.... W-what if I can't do this.... M-maybe I should've planned this more... M-maybe I should've stayed home for a couple of days so she could d-digest what happened...."
This time Quirin stepped closer, kneeling down in front of his son and smiling reassuringly, "I yelled at King Frederic in front of the entire kingdom without a plan or thought as to how I would confront him, I screamed, I yelled, I snapped, I cursed, and you know what? It helped"
"Wha-!"
"Queen Arianna managed to finally speak out against him and took control of how *she* felt about the situation, Varian, she was able to forgive you", he stated, "Rapunzel may be in a bit of an emotional state, but she'd realized what needs to be fixed in thins kingdom and how to fix it, should she feel better about what's happened to you, she'll be able to better the kingdom. Lance didn't know what all happened to you and can now help you better, Eugene, almost immediately asked me how you were, I won't lie and say what I did was smart or perfect, or even good", he chuckled at that last part before frowning a bit, guilt surfacing in his eyes, " I told the whole kingdom what you went through, blurted out a lot of things I should not have said, and revealed somethings I don't think you were ready for the world to know, sorry about that..."
His son smiled reassuringly, "i-it's okay dad, I... They needed to come out"
His father smirked a bit, appreciating his son's forgiving nature before continuing, "even so, I didn't plan any of that, I didn't think about it, it happened, I spoke my mind and some good things happened. That's sort of how life works, I don't think you praising Rapunzel will solve anything, or you telling her something she'll want to hear will help. I agree with Lance, you and her talking and getting things out will be a good thing for the both of you, her knowing you don't blame her alone will be enough to at least get her spark back". The teen still hesitated, looking nervous, "if you really don't want to, that's okay, we won't force you, in fact, how about we give you a few moments?" He asked, getting up and smiling at his boy, "we can relax and wait for a bit, letting you think a moment before deciding what you wanna do, that way when you make your choice, you'll have no regrets".
"Right!" Eugene agreed, "and if you don't wanna talk to her right now, then that's okay, none of us will judge, yeah?" He looked at everyone in the room
"Course we won't!" Edmund answered
"Agreed!" Lance replied
"Indeed", Adira responded
"Kay", Hector stated
The alchemist nodded with a small smile, "that would be nice, thanks"
With that, they all sat down, relaxing and chatting a bit as the teen thought, the more he focused on it however, the more his nerves frayed, his mind spinning 1000 miles per minute, a whole bunch of scenarios popping up in his mind about how this conversation could go before he heard Rauddigar chitter. He looked at the raccoon, who smiled at him, seemingly knowing what the right decision was. Varian and the small mammal shared a silent debate before the teen made up his mind.
**A few minutes later**
The princess was in her room, piles of easels were thrown onto the floor as her mistakes on the painting almost glowed in the dim lighting. Her blinds were closed and her hair was in tangled bunches *everywhere*, un brushed, unkempt, and unloved that morning. Her art supplied, sketch books, journals, paint brushes, and paint, were dirty and dripping, not having been cleaned from their last use. The only thing that seemed at all intact was a lone purse sitting in her closet, and her bed. She couldn't paint, she couldn't sleep, she couldn't even look outside, her emotions and thoughts were so dark that her hair seemed dimmer than usual. She hadn't changed out of the clothing she'd worn the day prior, the dress was dirty, but she didn't care, her mind only had, 'YOU PROMISED!' Coursing through it on repeat, it was so loud she was surprised no one else heard it. It was louder than Pascal, it was louder than her singing, it was louder than the gentle knock at her door, it was louder th-.....She groaned, the gentle knocking sounding for the second time.... Or was it the third? she didn't know and she didn't *care*! ....There it was again, steady 'knock knock knock'.... She sighed before saying, "who is it?" in a very annoyed tone so the person on the other side knew she did *not* want to be disturbed
"Blondie? Hey it's me"
"Eugene, I don't want to talk right now"
"I know you *said* that bu-!"
"Please just.... Just leave me alone..." She wanted to hide, her head was pulsing, she felt sick to her stomach as she curled into a ball in the middle of her bed and tears dripped down her face. For a few moments, she couldn't hear Eugene anymore, she didn't know if she was grateful or not for that... She was about to go back to *trying* to go back to sleep, before another voice was hear.
"R-Rapunzel?"
That was, "V-Varian?" She asked timidly, her voice sounding so weak as his name left her trembling lips
"Yeah it's... I-it's me... Look I... Y-you probably don't want to... B-but... I think we should talk.... I t-think we *need* to talk.... I can come back later if you w-want, but.... I didn't wanna leave you like this...."
His voice was so soft, so worried, her head didn't hurt when he spoke. She didn't know why, but every part of her screamed to get up, to face him. She was scared.... Her heart was worried that she might say something to hurt him, she didn't want to... Not again, "I...." She didn't know what to say, what *do* you say to someone your father lashed and tortured in a dungeon?! "I... I...." She tried again and again, but the words kept getting stuck in her throat, and she didn't know why....
"....I don't blame you", he said, "for what your father did to me I mean.... You.... You don't have to apologize for that.... Y-you have things that we need to talk about but.... B-but you didn't want what he did to me.... I d-don't blame you Rapunzel"
The room felt a bit brighter as, like magic, her body started to move. She walked over to the door with every word he spoke, her mind was silent, the room was silent, the only thing that she could hear, was him, "y-you... You don't-!"
"I don't blame you Rapunzel.... There are mistakes you made with me.... But you're trying to make up for them and I can see that princess, I can see it!.... I know hearing about what he d-did.... I know it was hard.... B-but I think.... I think it would help if we just.... I-if we talked about it, because I... I don't want to leave you thinking you wanted me hurt... I know you didn't.... You're just as damaged as me.... I.... I don't blame you, not for what happened after you left, I never blamed you for that.... Ever"
She was against the door now, her cheek pressed tightly against it. She wanted to open the door and hug him, wrap him in her arms and just hold onto him tightly, but she didn't know if he'd want that. "Varian I.... D-do you want this? Do you want to talk to me about this? O-or.... Or do you feel like you *have* to...."
There was a silence for a moment, she could tell her was thinking about it, she could physically hear his gears turning. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would explode, her heart kept saying no, not to listen, her brain kept telling her she was foolish to think he'd do this on his own, that of course someone made him! But all of them were silenced when he spoke once more, "I want to".
The doors burst open as he let out a startled meep and backed up a bit, Eugene, Lance, Pascal, Ruddigar, Quirin, Adira, Hector, and Edmund all stopped and looked at the door. For a moment there was nothing but smoke, until a blond crying princess bounded out of it and latched onto the little alchemist, hugging him tightly and crying into his shoulder, a whole slew of, "I'm so sorry"s and "If I had known"s coming from her muffled voice as her hair fell behind her, it was glowing as she held onto the boy, her sobs could be heard from clear across the kingdom as Varian froze, not knowing what to do. However, feeling her weight pressed against him and her tears drip onto his vest, he gave a soft sigh, smiled, and hugged her back, "it's okay Rapunzel, it's gonna be okay".
Notes:
Punzie gets a freaking hug! This girl needed it so freaking badly! Again, I LOVE Rapunzel, she made mistakes, but she'd human, damaged, and a good girl. Not everything is her fault, and Varian definitely understands that.
Quirin is a good man and a good father, him and Lance make an amazing 'support the bean' team!
Eugene is a good big brother and will help when needed, he was a little more focused on Rapunzel though to be fair, she was in a pretty bad state
Edmund is a parent over everything else! Adira and Hector will only listen to him and him alone!
Also Itty Bitty, Pixie, Basil, and Xena are having their own little animal party! :D
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 82: Group Therapy! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian and Rapunzel has some unresolved issues with each other, but are unsure how to go about it, so Lance has an idea!
Chapter Text
The group was sitting awkwardly in the family room, everyone was quiet, unsure of what to say as Lance, who was seated in the middle of the room, smiled at everyone happily, "alright guys, I know this is gonna be a bit awkward at first, but we need to have this happen, and since these two", he gestured towards the shy looking princess who was currently holding Eugene's hand tightly, and the timid looking alchemist who was curled in his father's lap, Ruddigar purring in his lap. "Are willin to do this, I figured it would a good idea to give them as much support as possible!"
Hector raised a brow as he sat next to his sister, who was sitting next to their brother and nephew, the dark king on the retired knight's other side, "so what exactly are we doing here?"
"Simple", the therapy driven thief replied, "we're gonna have a group session, kinda like the small talks me and Varian do, but this time with all of us"
"Why?"
"Because this talk is kinda.... Different... Many people are involved here, you and Adira, the king of the Dark Kingdom, Quirin, Varian, Rapunzel, the king and queen of Corona, Eugene, and myself have all been a part of this.... Scuse the phrasin but.... Mess, since the beginning. Frederic is the main reason, everyone can agree with that yeah?" Solemn nods were given throughout the room as Rapunzel leaned her head against Eugene's shoulder, she'd changed out of her dirty dress and polished herself up for the day, but was still feeling rather unpleasant all things considered. "Right, since we're all involved, it's only right that we all share our opinions on what's been happenin and try to... clear the air with each other so to speak".
Adira nodded, "I suppose that's fair, though Wild child and I don't have much to contribute", she stated, "neither of us were really affected by what the jester of Corona did to any of you"
Lance gave a sympathetic smile, "there was.... One thing that you specifically mentioned before about you and Varian Adira", he answered, "somethin you saw but weren't able to stop?"
The face painted warrior's eyes widened before she glanced at her nephew, who was looking at her worriedly before looking down at the floor, "right... That...."
"Yeah... and look, I'm not pressurin anybody here to talk about things they'd much rather talk about alone, but there's some things we *need* to get out in the air, unfortunately", he looked at the little alchemist, who let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, "it's gonna be kinda.... rough.... I've got tissues with me and some chocolates next to Varian-!"
"*Those* are where the castle entry chocolates have been running off to! Lance!" Eugene stated before fixing the man with a glare
"What? They've been used to help the little man during sessions and are put back right after! So *I* don't see the harm!" He replied with a smirk as the teen, having just noticed the chocolates, shifted so he could reach them before grabbing two and handing one to his father, who chuckled, before eating the other happily.
Eugene was about to say more before noticing the happy look on the teen's face and sighing, "this is *not* over!" He stated before he pouted. His eyes lit up however when he caught a chocolate flying towards him, catching it he glanced at the teen, who was smiling wide with a chocolate in his mouth pushed to the side and making his left cheek stick out. The dark prince smiled back and unwrapped the treat before sticking it in his mouth and doing the same thing, getting the teen to giggle.
"Anyway, let's get started shall we? Who wants to go first?" Lance asked, opening the room to the group, no one spook, not really knowing where to start, the red clad thief thought for a moment before getting an idea, "how about we start off this way, does anyone have questions for anyone else in this room?"
This made a couple people shift, but for a moment, no one spoke. That is until Rapunzel sighed and raised her hand, "I do.... But I'm not sure if the person I ask will want to answer".
"That's a good point, what if there are things we're not quite ready to discuss... For example, a certain cellmate", Quirin responded, glancing at his son for a moment before looking back at the man in the middle, "are they not allowed to say no?"
This made Lance think a bit, he knew there are some things that *need* to be discussed, but there are some things that can't be talked about. Looking at Varian, he and the little alchemist exchanged looks before the former thief got another idea, "how about we do what me and Varian do in sessions, he'll tell me when he can't, or won't, talk about somethin. There are some things I'll push because I think we'll need to discuss, so I'm sorry for that, but if you *really* can't talk about some things, then you just need to say somethin, and there's no judging either, this is a *safe* place, got it?" Everyone agreed to the terms before Lance looked back at the princess, "alright Rapunzel, what's your question?" He asked with an encouraging smile.
She was nervous, squeezing Eugene's hand a bit and biting her lip before she felt him squeeze back, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding before looking directly at Varian, "I wanted to know.... What happened down there.... You can skip over parts as needed but... I don't know..... I feel like it would help give me an idea of.... Of what you went through while I was gone"
"You shouldn't blame yourself", the alchemist stated, "what you're father did after you left wasn't your doing"
"I... I know... to a degree, but I... I-I need to know... I want to help you... But I can't do that if... If I don't understand what you went through first", she explained
The teen was startled by this, he wasn't really sure what to say. His time in the dungeons wasn't pleasant, sure, but it's not like she could turn back time, he wished she could, with all their memories in tact so they wouldn't have gone through this at all, but sadly, that's not how these things worked, "princess I...." He wanted to say no, wanted to keep that year to himself for fear of what the other's would say or do to the people that caused him misery, but one look in her eyes told him he couldn't say no. Swallowing a huge lump in his throat, his shoulders tensed a bit as he tried to speak, the words getting caught in his throat, until he felt a small kiss being planted on his head. Looking up, he saw his father's warm brown eyes and gentle smile looking back at him, he was being supportive, even if the topic would hurt him as well. He smiled at the man and felt his raccoon purring louder, giving him another swarm of confidence before his voice come back to him, he looked at Rapunzel once more, "ok, I... Can't tell you everything... B-but I'll try"
She smiled and nodded, "I understand, thank you Varian"
He nodded before taking another breath and letting it out before he began his story:
"When I was arrested, I was handcuffed and placed in the barred cart with Ruddigar, we were both sent back to the castle, no one spoke to us on the way there. We were taken out of the cart and Nigel made us wait for the king to arrive, the guards had their hands on my shoulders and tried to take Ruddigar away, but he kept biting and hissing at them, they stopped after a while and just held onto me. It wasn't until Nigel left the room and came back that I was stripped of my apron, shoes, gloves, and goggles and thrown into a holding cell alone that night. It.... was a couple days later when the.... K-king arrived and told me..... H-he had Nigel read off m-my crimes.... O-one of them was m-murdering my dad.... T-they said there's n-no greater crime in our l-land and said m-my sentence was life in prison.... I w-was taken out of the holding cell and brought d-down to the pits of the dungeon.... T-they threw me and Ruddigar inside a-and slammed the door shut...."
"Wait, hold on a fucking minute", Hector interrupted, "they didn't give you a trial or even hear what *you* had to say about the whole thing? Isn't that against Coronan law? Help me here brother because I'm not sure"
"It is", came his father's quiet reply, "there's no excuse for no trial, even if.... Even if Varian *had* killed someone... They *always* get a trial", his voice sounded very sad and shaky, along with rigged anger sharpening it
"You... D-didn't get a trial?" Rapunzel asked, the teen shook his head and she frowned even more, "oh Varian I... I'm so sorry...."
"It's not your fault, I'm certain you would've wanted me to get a trial but.... Unfortunately that's not how it worked", the alchemist replied with a sad smile, "I.... I didn't really care.... I had given up at that point and I figured what was the u-use in fighting.... I just needed to survive".
"What happened after that?" Lance asked, getting them back on the right track. Varian nodded in understanding and continued:
"After that I... I was alone in the cell, it was the middle of the day, s-so all the other prisoners were out cleaning and/or d-doing tasks around the castle... It was just me and Ruddigar for a bit, nothing was different either, s-save for the cell having two beds instead of one and a shared toilet in the m-middle.... That um.... That took getting used to..... Evening came soon enough and my c-cellmate came along.... He noticed me immediately b-but Ruddigar kept him at bay, hissing at him and making sure he knew to stay away from me. H-he did for a while, a-as long as Ruddigar was there, he didn't touch me, t-that's..... T-t-that's when I g-got..... uh...." His eyes filled with tears as he remembered being dragged out of the cell one day, Andrew was watching with shock as the two guards had grabbed the teen and made him stay back. He remembered the Seporian had tried to argue against what was about to happen, but the guards didn't listen and had instead dragged him to that pole.... He remembered fear eating him from the inside out, he remembered Ruddigar screaming and hissing when someone had finally taken him away, he remembered being chained to the pole and his shirt being taken off and then he remembered the pain shoot through his body, he felt it again, searing through as the leather cut his flesh, he felt his back begin to hurt once again as the old wounds flared, his eyes filled with tears and he wanted to scream!
"Varian!" His father's voice ripped through his haze and he felt his face being held by his warm hands, the blurriness of his tears disappearing as he blinked them away and he saw his father's worried face in his view.
"D-.....I'm sorry..... I-I can't talk about t-the.... Punishment.... I-I can't I tried b-but I-!"
Quirin pulled him into a tight hug, stroking his hair comfortingly, "Varian it's okay, you don't have to talk about it. You can skip that part, it's alright, it's alright", he cooed, his voice was gentle and calming, lulling his boy for a moment as the teen wrapped his arms around his father, gripping tightly to his vest as he did so. They stayed that way for a while before they both let go, smiling at each other before the teen realized his back was actually hurting and he didn't know why,
Looking around he saw everyone was either standing up and looking at him with worried expressions on their face, or were kneeling next to him as his father was, Ruddigar was nuzzling his arm and when Varian looked down at him, he noticed he was on the floor, "w-wha-.... Wait h-how'd I get on the floor?" He asked, looking at his friends and family, "and w-why are you all staring at me like that?"
Eugene and Rapunzel, who were standing next to Lance exchanged looks with each other before the dark prince answered, "kid you uh... You kinda fell on the floor.... Pretty hard too, landing on your back with a thump...."
"I... Did?"
"Yes you did", his grandpa, who was kneeling next to him, his dad, his aunt, and his uncle replied, "you froze for a bit before you started to cry and jumped out of your father's lap, you didn't quite make the landing...."
"Oh.... Oops.... Well that's embarrassing...." The teen blushed before looking up at his father once more as he stroked Ruddigar's fur, "s-sorry...."
"It's alright, this.... Isn't an easy thing to really handle, no one can blame you for what you're feeling right now, so don't feel embarrassed", the retired knight replied with a reassuring smile
"Yeah you say that dad.... B-but when you start falling out of grandpa's lap and landing flat on your back, we'll see how you feel", he half joked as he blushed even more
The Village Leader chuckled before scooping his son up, allowing his raccoon to climb up onto his shoulder before he nuzzled his son, "I suppose that's fair, I don't really have.... Well... Actually... I sort of do"
"Hm?"
"Have a bit of knowledge on what you feel... It's only a small bit, but being a knight in the Dark Kingdom wasn't always full of fun and light hearted missions, there were a lot of times when me, Adira, Hector, and even King Edmund had to do something that ended up.... Badly...."
"Wait really?" The alchemist asked, his eyes widening with interest
"That's right", his father replied, "I.... Had to do some things that I've still never really gotten over, I don't know anyone who could, and there are times when I have visions about them or dreams that scare me half to death. Maybe it isn't as bad, but it certainly scarred me enough to make my mind continually remind me of the actions I had to take in order to complete the mission given to me".
Lance stepped forwards, a concerned frown showing on his face, "don't say that Quirin", he stated
"Hm?" The retired knight and alchemist looked at the man before them
"Don't compare what you went through to someone else and claim yours isn't as bad. You are not Varian, you're different than him, he and you *both* went through a lot, just because you aren't as affected as he is doesn't make the event you went through any less horrible, especially if they're still appearin in your dreams today. That's some serious scarrin, and no matter what happened or who you are, comparing yourself and your battles to someone else isn't healthy, you shouldn't be doin that", he stated, "I realize I'm comin across as reprimandin without really meanin to, but that's something I'm passionate about, I compared myself *a lot* to Eugene, he was the better looker, the smarter one, the braver one, sometimes, he could even be stronger. I compared myself to him so much that there was a time I ended up really dislikin him, and he hadn't done anything to me! I even yelled at him one day, takin my frustrations out of him because of what I was doin, and you know what he did?"
"What?" Rapunzel asked, smiling wide and squeezing her lover's hand happily as they all were listening to Lance
He smiled at her then turned back to look at the old farmer and his son, "he apologized to me, told me he never realized I felt like I was less than him and told me how much he cared about me. He even went so far as to tell me what I did better than him and said I have my own strength. He was the reason I started to get into mental health in the first place, I may not be an expert, but I know a lot about it because of Eugene, and as much pain as I went through comparin my strengths to his, I can't imagine how horrible it must feel to compare your mental health to someone else. We've *all* been through a lot, and it affects us differently, if you're getting nightmares about somethin like that, then it's just as rough on you as it is on your kid, not because you went through more, but because it's *still* affectin you. So don't say that, 'maybe it isn't as bad', because it is, and I am *not* gonna let you downplay yourself and ignore what *you* need to make him feel better, he wouldn't want that either".
Varian smiled wide at the former thief before looking up at his father, who was a little startled, "he's right you know, I could say you've gone through more than me, but it's not fair to do that. I know you're trying to make me feel better, but don't let it be at the cost of yourself, okay?" He stated, getting the man's attention, "I would never want you to do that to yourself".
Quirin blushed a bit but then smiled, "eheh, sorry, I didn't mean for that to come out bad"
"You don't have to apologize, just, don't downplay yourself", Lance stated, smiling happily at the retired knight, "sorry if that came across as condescending, I get a little too into the moment before I can really stop myself"
"You're fine, and... Thanks"
"You're welcome!" With that they all sat back down, the room calming for a moment before Rapunzel looked over at the little alchemist against, "um... Do you mind continuing or.... Or are you..."
"I'm alright, I'll skip over that part", the teen replied before continuing his tale:
"After.... T-that.... as all said and done, they threw me back in the cell, Ruddigar had managed to get away and ran over to me, licking my face and nuzzling me. I was crying and... I hurt so badly..... I couldn't move, I couldn't speak... T-that's when Andrew came over and wrapped his vest around me.... I-it was white, but felt and looked so close to my dad's t-that I curled into it and held it close to me. H-he managed to pick me up and carry me over to his bed, h-he ended up keeping me calm u-until a doctor came and took care of my w-wounds.... It hurt a lot b-but they were cleaned and bandaged, a-after that he kept me on his bed, talking to me until I fell asleep, t-that was the first time he'd done anything like that. He would c-continue to do things like that, slowly worming his way into m-my good graces, n-not long after that, Ruddigar disappeared. I d-don't know what happened to him.... He just left one day... Ruddigar, what happened? W-where'd you go?"
The raccoon looked up at his boy and chittered out a long story of his own, from Varian and Quirin's expressions, and Hector face growing angrier, apparently the reason was not very good. After the small mammal had finished, the teen picked up the raccoon and hugged him tightly, sniffling as his father looked shock and the wild tamer was growled, "I fucking hate Coronan guards.... The only one's that seem to have fucking common curtesy are the two dumbasses guarding the room we're in right now".
"Stan and Pete are not dumb, they're just.... Different", Quirin defended, "but you're right, that's..... Yet another reason why I'm questioning many things about this kingdom and their legal system...."
"What happened?" Eugene asked, both out of curiosity and concern
Varian sniffled a little, continuing to hug his best friend tightly before he looked at Eugene, "he.... He was told by the guards t-that if he didn't abandon me.... T-they would.... They would lash me again.... T-this time harder a-and in front of m-my.... Of d-dad.... Ruddigar d-didn't want me to get hurt.... S-so he left and headed to the forest.... H-he tried to survive a-and managed to keep himself from d-dying but.... H-he left for me.... He l-left to protect me..... I... I....." It was too much, the teen was overwhelmed as he shut down immediately, he cradled his best friend, the only one that had stuck by him the entire time. "I q-questioned so much about where my raccoon went, why he'd l-leave me... I started to b-believe that Andrew w-was right... That no one would c-come back.... T-that everyone had abandoned me... B-because out of everyone... Ruddigar.... H-he was the final straw and w-when he left.... I thought it was because of me.... I t-thought I drove h-him away.... I.... I t-thought.... He h-hated me.... B-but he never did.... He w-was protecting m-me and I.... What I d-did.... The memory w-wash... I wouldn't have done it h-had Ruddigar been there.... I wouldn't have l-listened to Andrew... I would've i-ignored him.... I wanted to.... I was gonna..... I.... I...." He cried. His walls of defense were shattered, one by one, as he learned this new tidbit. He held Ruddigar close and screamed into his fur, all his anguish and guilt hitting him full force as his heart broke. His best friend, his *only* friend, had *never* abandoned him, never, yet he'd questioned him, he'd grown angry and sad and depressed to the point where Andrew was able to manipulate him into doing what he'd wanted al because he'd believed his best friend had gone and left him behind. All of that time spent trying to make the new concoction felt like a betrayal to Ruddigar, and Varian couldn't hold it in anymore.....
Notes:
This one wasn't supposed to be a two parter, but I got so emotional writing this that I couldn't actually see XD Maybe that's just because of how this relates to what I've been through, I don't know, either way, here's a two parter! XD
They finally TALK! They finally talk about what happened to Varian down in those dungeons! This is only the first part, so more is coming, but they TALK!
Quirin is a good bean and he probably has a lot of trauma from being a knight! That's a hard job to be, especially for a kingdom that's no longer active, that's really rough! He'll get a therapy session with our King Lance soon, for now, tis about Varian, and Ruddigar, and Rapunzel.
The Ruddigar part.... I am an animal lover, I have many pets and animal friends, they're my children and I love them. That being said, I have one particular animal, her name is willow and she's my kitty, she's also my emotional support cat and is my avatar for my account on here. Ruddigar is to Varian, in this story, what Willow is to me, and that is not an overstatement! So if this ever happened to me I would lose my actual mind and my heart would shatter! Hence the entire reaction, sorry if it was over the top
Either way, I hope this answers some of those questions and thank you all so much for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day/night!
Chapter 83: Group Therapy! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The group session continues
Notes:
More Notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everyone was shocked, no one could speak as they heard the teen whimpering as he held his raccoon in his arms, Ruddigar was trying to comfort him but it only seemed to make the alchemist cry more every time he did. The small mammal looked at everyone in the room for help, chittering helplessly as his boy sobbed profusely. Suddenly there was a shift as two large hands wrapped around the teen and raccoon before they held them close, the smell of apples and wood filling the creatures nose as he looked up to see his boy's guardian holding them both, "Varian, it's okay, it's alright", Quirin comforted soothingly as he picked the alchemist up and cradled him like a baby. Varian couldn't control himself, his sobs and cries breaking every heart in the room as he muffled himself in his best friend's fur.
Edmund stood up and walked over to his knight, trying to help him comfort the boy but he didn't really know what to do. He looked down at the small child, sympathy filling his heart as he watched Varian curl around his raccoon, the mammal looked even more concerned, "hey it's-it's okay, he's here now"
"B-but he", the teen sniffled, "he.... And I.... I... I d-didn't...." He couldn't finished as he continued to cry
Both adults looked at each other, worry filling both of them before Varian, and Ruddigar, were lifted out their father's arms. Quirin and Edmund looked at who had taken him only to see a very somber looking Hector cradling the sobbing child. He cradled him in his own arms and just held him tightly before he spoke in a quiet voice, "he understands, he doesn't hate you, it's okay, calm down a bit alright?" To everyone's surprise, this worked as they watched the teen's sobbing soften just a bit as the wild tamer's words sunk in.
He was still sniffling and holding Ruddigar close, but he was peaking out from his fur, his eyes were red and puffy but he'd finally stopped and looked up at his uncle, "b-but.... H-he l-left a-and I thought-!"
"He knows and understands, he's a smart raccoon and knew what they were trying to do. You don't think he would've come back if he hated or resented you do you?"
"I.... N-no..... He would've s-stayed away"
"Right, so you don't have to feel guilty, it's okay", Hector smiled, "look even *he's* trying to tell you that"
Varian looked at Ruddigar, who smiled wide and nuzzled his cheek before licking at his tears, making the teen giggle before he frowned and looked at his best friend, "I.... I'm s-so sorry or e-ever questioning y-you..." Ruddigar chittered and waved a paw dismissively before rubbing his furry cheek against his boy's, forgiving him in an instant and calming everyone in the room down.
"Thank you Hector", Quirin replied with a grateful smile, "sincerely"
The tamer looked at his brother then shrugged, " 's not a big deal I mean, I'd be pretty upset too if some fucker made Basil, Pixie, and Xena leave me and make me think I was alone, it's fucking rough...."
His words seemed to have a small edge to them, making the teen look up at him before he glanced at his dad. Quirin was giving the man a sympathetic look, Edmund was as well, Varian looked towards Adira and their looks were reflected on her features, that's when Varian remembered something Hector had said before:
"I wasn't even allowed to eat at the fucking table with them, I was forced to eat in my room, it gave me a chance to hide, but I felt so.... (A: lonely?) .... (V: are you okay?) ....yeah I'm fine.... Just fuckin hate being alone...."
The alchemist blinked before looking up sadly at his uncle, placing his hand on the man's chest, over his heart before saying, "I won't leave you"
"....Thanks", the wild tamer replied with the softest smile anyone had ever seen before he replaced it quickly with his usual glare and partially tossed the boy back at his father, making him let out a meep before laughing happily.
"That was surprisingly fun!" He stated after the retired knight caught him safely
"You are an odd little noodle you know that?" His grandpa giggled as he watched his grandson lovingly
"I know", the alchemist replied before he began wiping his face
Lance, who finally snapped out of his stupor, stopped him and offered a couple tissues, "maybe snot on your hands won't be the best idea, don't wanna dirty up the comfort vest yeah?" He joked
Varian blushed before taking the tissues, "r-right... thank you"
"No problem little man", the former thief said before he walked back over to the middle of the room and let out a breath of air, "once you're finished wiping up, we can continue, if you want that is"
The alchemist stopped and looked at the red clad thief, "I... Um.... I c-can continue, b-but I just had a very big r-revelation and...." He hesitated to finish, hoping the man would pick up on his cue
Thankfully Lance did as it seemed to click for him and he nodded, "that's perfectly fine, we can move on", he then looked at the princess, "you mind if we hold off on the rest of your question until he feels a bit better? We could do another group session for it if you'd like".
Rapunzel nodded with an understanding smile, "that's fine, I get it, just.... Varian I need to know this... Would you... Be willing to go over how we can improve life in the dungeons... When you're ready, I.... They hurt you... Badly.... I know they're intended for criminals but.... But there needs to be a change, and I wanna start it"
The teen was surprised but he thought about it for a bit, thinking of the many things that were damaged and useless that didn't need to be before nodding, "ok, w-when I'm ready, I can help with that"
"Thank you, sincerely", she smiled at her friend, and he smiled back before he finished wiping himself off and threw the tissues in the waste basket near the fire place before Quirin sat down with him in his arms and Edmund and Hector returned to their seats.
For a while all was quiet, none of them really knowing how to continue after such an emotional outburst before Eugene raised a hand, when Lance nodded to him he asked, "it's... Actually for Quirin... Maybe you don't want to answer right now but.... You heard everything.... Are... You okay?"
The Village Leader blinked a bit, not expecting that question before he let out a sigh, "if I'm honest, no, I'm not"
"Is there anything we can do to help you?" The dark prince replied, "I feel like that's.... A really big thing to go through and.... And it doesn't feel right to just know about it and not try to help...."
Quirin chuckled, "I appreciate that but... I really don't know if there would be a way to help... I'm.... Not very good at emotions unfortunately, so if I do need help, I'm not really sure what to ask for to get it".
"Well", Lance began, "how about we start with, and bear with me here cause this is gonna be a little motherly but, how do you feel about what you heard?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like, do you feel a certain way about the guards, or about Varian. When you think about what you heard, what do you feel?" The former thief explained
The Village Leader thought about it for a moment, his mind flashed with the nightmares he'd been having and his son's words and screams, he remembered the guards taunting voices and what his former best friend, and fool of a king, said to him after. He remembered how quiet it had gotten after Varian and Ruddigar were taken away and how the only person to visit him was Frederic, only to remind him of what he'd said before and how disappointed he was, "d-dad!" Varian's voice cut through his thoughts and he looked at him, realizing something dripped from his face.
Placing his hand on his cheek, he pulled it away to find a tear on his glove. He looked at his son once more and the teen was staring at him, his eyes filled to the brim with worry and concern as Ruddigar pawed at his shirt comfortingly, "oh heh, um... Guess sad is the main emotion", he replied while wiping his tears away and smiling reassuringly at his boy, who still looked worried before looking back at Lance, "along with a lot of anger and frustration and.... and fear... I'm certain that's normal considering what I heard.... I don't know, I'm fine for now, it's not really my main focus"
"You just teared up with the mere thought of what happened", Rapunzel replied gently, "fine is not how I would define that"
"Ok maybe not fine but..." The retired knight sighed with a little frustration, "I-I don't know, I have strong feelings towards it but I can't really let them out and I don't know why, I.... I really don't". He looked down at his son once more, his smile disappearing, "kinda pitiful don't you think? I'm supposed to be a father, a father is *supposed* to be an example for their kid, supposed to be strong and able to lift them up when they feel low, supposed to *protect* them.... But I... I didn't protect mine... I hurt him instead..." He cupped Varian's cheek, the alchemist placing his hand over his father's. The old farmer sighed, "that's um... That wasn't supposed to come out..."
Lance smiled, "I'm glad it did, I'm really glad you said somethin, thank you for tellin us".
Quirin looked up and gave him a small smile, "you're welcome? Not sure how to respond to that", he replied with a small blush
"Me either", Varian replied as he gave Ruddigar a scratch behind his ear, "the first time he did that to me, I blushed really bad and he laughed so hard"
"Pfft! Like Lance can talk! You freak out over singing in front of an audience!" Eugene stated
"I'm not dignifyin that with a response!" The former thief replied
Quirin snorted a bit, "you two are almost exactly like Adira and Hector"
The face painted warrior raised a brow, "should we talk about how you and the king would argue over which weapon is better to pose with?"
"Hey! The answer is clearly axes and Quirin knows it!" Edmund replied
"Yeah no, duel blades for the win", the retired knight stated, getting his king to huff
"Getting a little off track here guys", the wild tamer stated, snapping them all back into focus
"Oh right, the therapy session, sorry", the dark king said softly
The Village Leader sighed, "there's not really much to talk about... I don't know how else to feel... I made some terrible mistakes and regret them, heard how badly I'd hurt my son, and now I'm here trying to get better yet these feelings won't go away, even after what he'd told me before.... I just... Can't get rid of them and I don't know why"
"Guilt", Lance stated
"What?"
"Guilt", the man replied, "you're angry and upset over what other people did to your son that the small mistakes you made are multiplied because you feel like you were the reason it happened in the first place. It's guilt, and unfortunately it doesn't go away easily. It's gonna take time for it to fully disappear, thing is, what would help it leave? That's something only you can answer".
"Well I... I don't know I just.... Lance I don't know"
"What do you feel the most guilty about?"
"Varian.... Specifically how my actions affected him...." The retired knight looked back at his boy, who was still looking at him worriedly, "I could've told you so much... Could've done a lot more.... I wish I did but I didn't and now.... Now you've got PTSD and anxiety and so much more on your shoulders I just.... I feel like I broke you.... And I don't know if I can fix it...."
"....Dad I.... I'm so sorry you heard all of that... I really am..." Varian replied sadly
"You shouldn't be, it's how you felt, I just... Wish you hadn't felt that way, it's not like you can control that.... If I'd been better-!"
"You ARE better! And you were NEVER bad in the first place!" The alchemist stated before he slid himself up into a sitting position, "l-look I... I wasn't an easy kid alright? I love *alchemy* of al things a-and dreamed of meeting a freaking *thief* one day because he was my *idol*! I mean, that's rough enough, but you're also the Village Leader and had to not only put almost everything you had into the village but into it's farms, people, and issues that are so dumb I don't really know how people get up without needing someone to help them change *clothes*! I mean *really*?! You can't who's sheep are who's?! Get a freaking RIBBON and tie it on all your sheep, or put a couple collars on them, or even paint a freaking *dot* on their face, it's not that hard!" He ranted, "also how do you mess up hair and not notice until the very end? Ear muffs block out sound yes, but take them off and *ask* what the customer *wants* and *then* put them on! Or, and stay with me because I know this is *crazy*, but why not ask the guy to play *when you're closed!* GASP such a bug favor, my goodness! Also how is a violin disturbing your customers? Surely it isn't that loud, and if it is, can he not play somewhere else, or maybe even strike up a deal with the guy and see if he would like to make a few coins playing in your store! UGH!" He huffed, "one last thing, ignore the kitties, seriously just ignore them, they're like raccoons, they'll get bored and move on".
His father smiled wide at his son's antics, "well that was a lot, you been saving that little rant for a while?"
"Since season 1 anyway..." The alchemist stated dismissively as he glared towards something the others couldn't see as Rapunzel held a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"Season what now?"
"Never mind, either way, you dealt with a lot from the village, to the farm, to the people, and then you had me who was.... kind of a mess, and that's not me saying I'm horrible, it's that truth. I was a mess, my alchemy made a lot of messes, and you usually had to clean them up while also getting the town to not burn me at the stake, it was tough. But that's the *thing*! You still protected me, loved me, kept me, raised me, and took care of me, and yeah there were *some* mistakes along the way, but I don't blame you for them, I never have and I never will.... When you heard me.... I.... was in a really bad place.... I told you this already but I'm saying it again because it's the truth, I was in a *really* bad place! And during that time, Ruddigar hated me, Rapunzel hated me, Eugene hated me, Lance hated me, Ca.... T-the king and queen hated me..... You were added to that pile because I was alone and sad and angry and so many other things.... Nothing was good, everything was bad, Demanitus is dead, Corona is gone, and Seporia now reigns supreme because that's the only thing I could feel.... It wasn't anything you did or said to get me to that point.... It wasn't.... I'm sorry you think you hurt me, because you didn't, you really didn't, I...." He looked at his father's eyes and smiled, "I promise you didn't hurt me, and I know you love me, I love you too, and I know this alone won't fix a lot of how you feel but I hope, at the very least, this helps a little, okay?"
Quirin's eyes were shining bright as he looked at his son, his baby, and took his words to heart. He heard Rapunzel gasp when he'd said 'promise' but he knew what that meant, and even though he really couldn't understand what he felt about the situation he was in, the words his son said had made him feel like a large weight had lifted from his back as he hugged his little boy tightly, "thank you Varian".
"You're welcome dad", the teen replied before an idea struck him, he broke the hug and looked at Lance, "um... Lance w-what if.... Would it be okay if dad joined us sometimes? M-maybe they could help him out to?"
The former thief nodded, "I'd be okay with that, there are still gonna be sessions where it'll be you and me alone though yeah?"
"Yeah, b-but maybe if dad starts to come to some of mine, h-he could talk about some of the things that he can't really.... Figure out", Varian replied, giving an empathetic smile to his father before adding, "t-that is, if you want to, and don't worry, it took me a little bit to get used to them too, but it may help you, genuinely".
"I... Might take you up on that, though there are some things I'll need to keep to myself", the retired knight replied
"Perfectly fine with that", Lance replied, "when you're in those rooms we can go at whatever pace you and the little man set, and nothing will come out of those rooms either, unless they need to, like with Rapunzel and Varian"
"Right", the teen replied, stroking Ruddigar's fur as the princess nodded with a smile, she was leaning her head against Eugene's shoulder once more, he eyes drooping a bit.
"Uh Lance", the dark prince said, getting the man's attention, "I think someone's a bit.... Tuckered out"
"Right, if everyone's okay with it, we can stop here for the day. We can regroup another time and maybe talk more about certain things", he stated before adding, "oh! Wanted to say, these group sessions are private, so nothing leaves them, okay? You can discuss with each other, but please try to keep everything that's said here a secret, okay?"
Everyone agreed before they all stood up and left the room, Varian sneaking one last chocolate for him and his dad, and Adira snagged a couple for herself, before Eugene snatched it away with a raise brow, making everyone laugh. The sun was dipping by the time the brotherhood, Varian, and Ruddigar made it back to the Village's Leader's home. Pixie, Basil, and Xena were all outside as Quirin checked on Itty Bitty, the fish swimming around happily and blowing little bubbles at the retired knight, making him chuckle. They all settled in and had a light conversation, a quiet peace finally settling in the home after a very emotional day.
Notes:
So, I've learned that in my life, no matter how many times someone will say 'I forgive you', the guilt that you've been feeling doesn't go away. It sucks, it hurts, and you can repeat that I am not a monster until you're blue in the face, doesn't matter, I will still hurt over my past transgressions. That's Quirin right now and how I think he feels throughout all of season 3, he thinks he's a monster that hurt his son and damaged him beyond repair, it's hard to feel like you're forgiven after all of that, especially after what he heard.... So this may come up every once in a while, like how Varian's guilt about what he did came up multiple times in the show. :D
Hector and Adira are best uncle and aunt and I needed to show that a little, they also have their own issues that I have not forgotten about and will be discussing in a later chapter
Edmund and Quirin's debate is a personal war within myself, which one do you think is cooler to pose with? I'm more prone to duel blades, but axes are cool too!
Rapunzel and Eugene are beans together, they also make a great team! :) Sadly this part wasn't entirely about them, but we'll get a chapter about them soon enough :D
Ruddy buddy is best raccoon and no one can deny me this fact! XD
LANCE IS A KING!!!! That is all! <3
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 84: Thank You!
Summary:
There is no summary, if you read the chapter, you'll find out why! :)
Chapter Text
"Come on we're gonna be late!" Lance stated as he, Catalina, and Angry all ran towards the large manor in Old Corona.
"We're coming!" Angry replied as she and her sister struggled with the huge bag. Seeing his girls fighting to keep the bag from falling, the former thief ran to them and picked the bag up himself, slinging it over his shoulders and smiling
"Whew! Thanks!" Catalina replied as she and Angry panted heavily, "who knew words could be so heavy!"
Lance smiled at the duo lovingly, letting them catch their breaths before looking towards the manor once more, "you think they'll wait for us?" He asked
The black haired thief sighed before straightening up and looking at the man, "we have the bag, they're gonna *have* to wait"
"True", her sister agreed, "but we should probably hurry either way, wanna get there as soon as possible so there's enough time to read as many as we can!"
The large man nodded in agreement, "right! Don't wanna keep anyone waitin!" He gave the girls a few more moments before gesturing them to follow, "if you two are ready, then we should keep goin"
Angry and Catalina looked at each other excitedly and nodded before they continued to make their way to he large manor. All three of them had wide smiles on their faces as they reached the old wooden door and knocked on it, "there you three are!" Rapunzel replied, her smile widening as she saw the three, "oh! And you brought the bag, great! Come on in, everyone's ready to go!" She gestured for the trio to walk inside then shut the door behind them before walking past and into the living room. The trio walked in after her and everyone looked up as they entered.
"Lance!" Eugene stated cheerfully, "Catalina, Angry, good you three made it!"
"Yeah we did, sorry for the hold up but", the former thief held up the bag, "this was heavier than we thought"
"Thank you for bringing it", Quirin replied as he and Varian were sitting in their armchair next to the fireplace, which was blazing brightly, "we really appreciate it"
"Not a problem, should we sit down and start this thing?"
"Yep!" Varian replied happily, "but first, Lance, dad made kababs if you wanna have one", he gestured to a table set in the middle of their living room filled with snacks, kababs, and treats
The former thief let out an excited squeal before dropping the bag in Hector's arms, who happened to be standing next to him, and ran over to the food, grabbing a plateful of kababs and treats and sitting next to Eugene and Rapunzel, beaming brighter than the sun as he ate the meaty delight. Angry and Catalina laughed before walking over and grabbing a couple for themselves, they sat on the floor in front of the fireplace and began to eat as the wild tamer set the bag in the middle of the table before opening it, "so, how are we gonna do this?" He asked the room as he raised a brow at the contents of the bag.
"Well, I figured we could all take one and read it out loud to everyone in the room, then we can all react to it", Rapunzel replied happily
"Sounds like a good idea Sundrop", Adira, who was leaning against the back of Quirin and Varian's armchair while petting Ruddigar softly, replied, "who should go first?"
"Well", Edmund, who was sitting across from Quirin and Varian in another armchair, piped in, "why don't we start with Quirin? This is about him and his little peanut after all"
The alchemist smiled and nodded, "that's not a bad idea, dad why don't you pull the first one out?"
The retired knight looked around and saw everyone was in agreement, "alright, I can do that". He then set Varian beside him before leaning over and blindly pulled something out. He straightened up and opened his hand, in his palm was a small piece of folded paper, unfolding it he read what it said, "this is from, Cardcaptorkatara, very unique name, 'Yay I love Good Parent Quirin. Aww this was so sweet. Such a good father. I can't wait to read more. Varian loves his dad so much'". The old farmer blushed, "well thank you very much for that!"
Varian smiled wide as he hugged his father, "they're right, I definitely love you and you *are* a good father!" The retired knight wrapped an arm around his son and smiled even bigger
"Wasn't that the very first one?" Catalina asked as she grinned at the father son duo
Eugene nodded, "yup! Cardcaptorkatara was the very first person to comment on this story, and they've commented on almost every chapter since then! Super cool person!"
"Wow!" Rapunzel replied, "from their comment, they seem to really like Quirin, and Varian too!" She beamed happily
"Well that made me smile", the retired knight replied, " and their comment was very sweet too, thank you Cardcaptorkatara"
"Yeah thanks for making my dad smile!" The teen replied before looking at Lance, "who should go next?"
"You! This story is about you and Quirin, so you should go next", the former thief replied with a smirk, "plus I'm eatin kababs"
Varian giggled before he leaned forwards as well and grabbed another piece of paper from the bag, unfolding it excitedly, " from moonlight, oddly appropriate name for this series, 'oh my god I love this fanfiction so much- GIMME MORE FLUFF, BROTHERHOOD FLUFF IS MY OXYGEN *AAAAAAA-*'". He laughed, "Ok that was funny!"
"Brotherhood... Fluff?.... Like Quirin's vest fluff or....?" Edmund asked, tilting his head a bit in confusion, "also, how is fluff also oxygen?"
Rapunzel giggled as Eugene sighed, "it's a metaphor, they're saying you, Adira, Hector, and Quirin are cute, or in other words fluffy, and that they enjoyed it, a lot, they want more"
"Ah! Well thank you!" Edmund smiled wide
"Which chapter was this one on?" Hector asked
Varian looked at the top of the comment and smiled, "chapter 6: Nicknames! (Part 2!), when I first met Wise Eyes", he looked over at Adira who smirked
"I see why they liked the chapter then", she teased
The wild tamer rolled his eyes, "so this was before I came in?"
"Yeah, but I'm certain moonlight likes you too!" The teen replied before leaning in and shifting through the papers before plucking one out, "does anyone mind if I just...?"
"Go ahead", Rapunzel replied with a smile
"Thanks!" The teen smiled back before looking at the paper, "here, moonlight again, and this one's was for your backstory chapter, it's a long one too:
'too much emotions for my little heart 😭💔 HECTOR BRO U’RE AMAZING AND WANTED AND LOVED 💚 I swear I’m gonna kill his parents what kind of assholes are they?! I’m gonna repeat it because clearly, it’s too hard to understand for a lot of people : YOU DON’T BEAT UP A CHILD, THANK YOU VERY MUCH (in fact, you don’t beat up anyone, like, calm down guys - plus tiny Hector must’ve been so adorable you heartless human beings)
Quirin you’re- hell I don’t even have the words but I love you dude 😭 BestProtectiveDad’nBrother™️
and Varian, the hug was a very good idea 👍 it was so cute, bonus points for you ma boi 😘
I’ve always felt the same about Hector, even if he definitely doesn’t have enough screen time. I mean, there were moments when the series made him look like an absolute sadistic character and I’m actually pretty sad about it... like yeah, he’s feral, yeah, he has two big bearcats and a rhino as friends, yeah he tried to kill Punzie’s crew but- I never saw him as a "villainous" character. the guy has spent two decades in a tree to respect his oath, if this isn’t a sign of nobility then what is it? I swear he’s so underrated. I totally approve of the backstory you’ve written, I enjoyed reading it! Hector is a good person who’s been through a lot and no one will change my mind about it!
The note in the end of the chapter is to me the confirmation that you’re a sweet, caring person! It was really thoughtful of you <3 not everyone cares like that about their readers.. or even about other people in general, and I find it beautiful 💛🌻'
Varian looked at the wild tamer and saw the man smiling just the smallest bit, "you okay?" he asked
"Hm?" Hector looked at the teen then looked away before looking back and nodding, "yeah I'm good..... This person...." He sighed and gave a warm smile at the paper, "thank you moonlight", before glancing at his nephew, "can I keep that?"
The alchemist smiled and nodded, handing his uncle the comment and watching as he reread it and smiled once more, "there's a bit for you and Quirin in here too"
"The 'BestProtectiveDad'nBrother™️'? I caught that, thank you very much for that", Quirin replied happily, "I'm very glad you think I'm a good father and brother", he then smiled at his siblings, "they're worth being a brother to". Adira and Hector returning his glance with smiles of their own.
"Also, I'm very glad I gave you that hug now!" The teen stated, getting his uncle to look at him once more, "I was happy about it before but I'm even happier I did it now", he added, getting his father to chuckle
"Just don't try to do that *all* the time, because then I'll have to feed you to Xena", Hector joked, making Varian giggle as Lance stepped forwards, having finished his kababs and dug through the bag, pulling a paper out and unfolding it.
"From... Oh geez, Imma yell this name *ahem*, FIDELIS_SCRIPTOR!"
"Why did you yell it?" Eugene asked, rubbing his ear as Lance laughed
"Because it's in all caps, ya need to yell anything that's in all caps.... Plus it's a cool name, I mean COME ON! Fidelis_Scriptor just *sounds* cool!"
"That's true, it does sound neat, like moonlight and Cardkaptorkatara", the dark prince agreed, "alright fine I'll let that go, but don't do that again"
"Noted, anyway, from Fidelis_Scriptor: 'Okay so things with the Saporians didn't work out but...how about Varian launches another coup and makes LANCE the actual King of Corona. I'm kidding...*totally* kidding...maybe... I loved it as usual! Rapunzel and Varian hugging it out after talking about their feelings is one of my favorite things ever. They're so sweet. :)'"
The entire room was silent before Varian and Lance burst into laughter, "yes!" He stated, "the Seporians didn't quite cut it, too mean. Now *Lance*? You and me together, my brains, your brawn, perfect coup!"
The former thief placed a hand over his mouth to control his giggles, when he finally did he smiled wide at the teen, "absolutely! We'll take over the kingdom, overthrow the guards, and ensure that caviar Lance be made for all to see!" This made Varian laugh even more, "oh I love this comment!" Lance stated, "thank you for that Fedelis_Scriptor! We needed that!"
The princess smiled, "and the part where you mentioned Varian and I hugging our feelings out, thank you, that made me happy", she replied
"Geez, we're never gonna hear the end of this, are we you two?" Eugene asked
"Nope!" Varian replied, "I'm on the 'Lance as king' train officially!"
"I am too", Quirin replied with a smirk, "all hail the new ruler"
"Pffft! Quirin please, I just ate another kabab!" Lance chortled as he covered his mouth
"How about we move onto a different comment before Lance loses his dinner", Eugene replied while digging in the bag and pulling out another piece of paper, "this one's from moonlight again, "NOW ARE YOU SERIOUS CREIGHTON WHAT THE HELL 😵🔫 she’s completely crazy! you don’t try to kill the KING MA’AM! Oh god I’m so mad at her Ù^Ú
Ruddiger you’re a hero buddy! This little raccoon is so cool, Varian is doing a great job! And Team Awesome bonding my gosh 😭❤️ they’re too precious and must be PROTECTED AT ALL COST!
I swear Quirin is never gonna let Varian get out of the house without him again 😂 guys nights are cursed! it’s all cute ’n all and then *CRASH* danger! danger! injured baby Varian! poof! bang! and they have to carry him home 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I hope PapaBear will restrain himself from killing our two ex-thieves 😵😂 Anyway, I LOVED this chapter!'"
This got everyone laughing and smiling as Quirin blushed once more, "I'm papabear, kinda like that actually", he replied
"You didn't tell me I couldn't do another Guy's Night, but you weren't exactly happy with what happened", the teen stated before he looked at his raccoon, "also they're right, you really are a hero buddy!" He scratched Ruddigar behind the ear, getting the raccoon to purr happily
"Can we talk about how Lance is a king again?" Rapunzel asked with a giggle, "they like you a lot Lance"
"They like me! They *really* like me!" The man said as he sniffled a bit, "also yeah, that Captain was 100% crazy!"
"She really was", the dark prince agreed, "also, thank you for the team Awesome comment, all comments about us are appreciated!"
"So 'papabear', *were* you upset at the two ex-thieves?" Adira asked with a smirk, "also, I may steal that"
Quirin snorted, "no I wasn't, I was just concerned is all, also yes, Guy's Nights are cursed and always seem to end up in Varian getting injured and being carried home"
"Not *all* of them! The night at the bar didn't injure me!" The teen replied
"I was there"
"You've got a point"
"Also", Edmund grinned, "baby Varian"
"FRICK! Nu! I was hoping no one noticed that!" The alchemist exclaimed as he blushed
The dark king chuckled, "I noticed and it's cute!"
"Nu"
"You're already *his* baby you know", Hector stated while gesturing to his brother, who was smirking
"That's different!" The teen argued, "he's an evil jerkface as well as my dad, it's his *job* to call me that"
"Is it?" The retired knight asked sarcastically, "had no idea"
Varian huffed, "evil jerkface"
"Bratty stinkbomb... And baby Varian"
"Stahp!"
"Nu"
Eugene and Lance cracked up as Rapunzel dug through the bag again, trying to keep Varian from turning any redder, "ooh! From Cardkaptorkatara again, hi! 'First off, gotta say. LOVE Eugene defending Rapunzel. Glad to see they are taking steps to healing. My poor babies. I love Varian and Rapunzel so much <3' Awwwww! Thank you so much!" The princess replied as she smiled wide at the comment, "yeah there are still things we need to talk about.... When we're ready to, but that means so much to me, I really appreciate that! Thank you!"
Varian smiled at the comment as well, "yeah that was really nice of you to say!" He replied, "and also, when did Eugene defend Rapunzel? I-I mean, I've seen him do that, but when was this with me?"
"Right, that was during game night, you ran out of the room", Eugene stated, "it was after you ran out, Hector was.... Getting a little testy-!"
"She was sitting on the floor and crying while you ran out of the room in a full blown panic attack wondering what she should do", the wild tamer stated, "sorry if my little comment pissed you off but in my opinion, you wanna fix something? Then fix it, don't sit and wonder why it's broken.... Plus my nephew had just fucking ran out of the room while crying his eyes out, I was worried and snapped..."
"You cursed at her and made her feel worse", the dark prince stated flatly
"Again, I was worried", Hector defended before sighing, "though I probably could've been nicer, just... He's my only nephew, and he ran away in tears..."
Rapunzel, understanding the tamer's feeling, smiled wide, stopping Eugene from arguing, "it's alright Hector, I get it, I would've done the same thing.... Maybe not the cursing part, but definitely would've been snappy"
"....Thanks", he replied softly
"Thank you for defending me", Varian stated
"You're worth defending"
The teen smiled as Edmund grabbed another piece of paper from the bag and unfolded it with his thumb, "this one's from Eva_O_tangledfan: 'So cute! I love how Quirin and Edmund just take turns picking up and holding Varian😆 he may be a teenager but that doesn't mean he can't have cuddles!❤' Hee hee, he's fun to pick up", he chuckled happily
"That's true", Quirin agreed, "he's easy to scoop up and snuggle, and though he won't admit it, he really loves snuggles, exhibit A", he gestured to the blushing alchemist who was currently trying to hide in his father's vest
"Either way, thank you Eva_O_tangledfan, I'm glad you like me and Quirin picking the little peanut up all the time. In fact, now we'll do it more because of you!" The dark king chuckled as he got up, walked over to the father son duo, and carefully scooped the embarrassed teen up as he proceeded to curl into a ball and hide in the man's chest, getting everyone to chuckle a bit.
"You know you can't hide from them right?" His father teased
"I can try!" Varian replied before curling into an even tighter ball
Catalina and Angry giggled before walking over to the bag and shuffling through it before pulling out a paper together and unfolding it, "from Dangara2610: '🌻🌻🏵️🏵️💐🌸🌸🌷🌹🌷🍂🌾🍂🌷🌹🌷🌸💐🌷🌺💐🌺🌹🌻🌻🏵️💐🌈⭐🌟💫💫✨🌙🌌🍉'" Angry showed the paper to everyone
"Oooooh! That's actually really pretty!" Rapunzel replied happily as she smiled at the sinflowers on the paper
"I like the watermelon", Quirin replied, "it's a good fruit"
"Pfft! Farm boy", Hector teased
"Shush animal hoarder"
Varian smiled wide as he glanced at the comment, "the stars are really nice, I like them a lot"
"I like the stars too, ooh! And the bouquet!" Edmund stated, "both are lovely!"
"I like the red flowers, they're nice", Catalina responded with a blush towards Varian
"Those autumn leaves look just right for jumping in!" Angry replied with a smirk
Lance pointed to the banana, "they got one of my favorite fruits on there!" He stated happily
"Lance, you like every fruit", Eugene stated
"But not *every* fruit is one of my favorites!"
The alchemist noticed his aunt was staring at something in particular and smiling, "hey Wise Eyes, what are you looking at?"
"Hm?" She glanced at him and smiled, "oh, the rainbow, don't know why, I've always had an affinity for them, they're nice to look at"
Catalina turned the comment back to her and her sister and smiled, "they may not have written anything, but they still made a really pretty comment, so thank you Dangara2610!"
"Yeah thanks!" Rapunzel exclaimed, "it gave me some ideas for a couple painting I could make!"
"With all that being said, I think that's all the time we have for tonight unfortunately", Quirin replied, taking Varian back from his king. He was met with whines and complaints from the group, "I know none of us want to stop looking through the comments bag, but we'll do this again sometime, how about that?" The group cheered before they began to clean up as Quirin sat down with Varian in their arm chair and looked straight at all of you, "to all of you reading this right now, I want to say from all of us in this story, thank you so much for taking time out of your days to read this!"
Varian perked up and, as he stroked Ruddigar's fur, smiled and looked at all of you, "yeah, thank you so much for reading and commenting! Even if you don't comment, you taking time to read and be here is more than enough for us! You could be a guest, a commenter, a friend, or heck, just someone who found this story on a whim, it doesn't matter, we're all so happy you came! We care about each and every one of you and I'm so sorry if your comment wasn't read or seen by one of us. We're gonna end up doing this a couple more times before the story concludes, so we'll hopefully get to one of your comments soon! Either way, thank you all so much for reading and joining us and our crazy adventures! You mean the world to every one of us here and we're so thankful to all of you!"
Ruddigar chitter happily at you before giving you a tiny lick on your cheek!
Varian, Quirin, Ruddigar, Edmund, Adira, Hector, Hamuel, Pixie, Basil, Xena, Max, Pascal, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Eugene, and Rapunzel all looked at each and every single one of you and smile happily before saying at the same time, "from all of us here in the 'His Little Light' story, thank you all so much for reading! If you need us at any time, come back and read some more! We'll be waiting for you, always!"
Notes:
**PLEASE READ THIS**
Hello! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! If you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, well then happy Thursday the 24th! :D I just wanted to make a chapter showcasing how much you all mean to me! Every comment, like, and view has helped me become much more confident and happy in my life and in my writing. As you can probably guess, I deal with almost everything I write about in this story, and to hear everything all of you say, you make me feel like I'm no alone anymore and it means the world to me! I've have so many horrible things happen in my life, from friends passing away to abuse from many people in my life, there's so many things that I didn't think I would ever be able to talk or even write about. But when I did, the overwhelming amount of love, compassion, and kindness I got from all of you made it so much easier to get up every day and keep trying! Thank you all so much for the positivity you've brought to my life! Sincerely, you've helped me out in so many ways, and it may not seem like a lot, but whenever I post a chapter, I find myself excited to write another because of the comments, kudos, views, and all around support that you've all given me! If I'm grateful for anything this year, it's all of you! You've made me keep going and that is something I will always be grateful for! I did not expect this story to go for so long and grow as much as it did, but because of you, every single one of YOU beautiful people out there, you've made me continue to write and create more and more! From every fiber of my being, thank you all SO much for what you've done for me! I would not be here today, writing this or even where I'm at in my life mentally without all of you! It's so amazing what positive words and views can do to someone, but you've all helped me so much! I will be doing this again, make a little chapter where the characters react to your comments, because every single one of you deserve to know that you're wanted and cared about, even if I don't know your name, I care about you, sincerely! I really do, and I really appreciate you!
With all that being said (and before I end up crying) Thank you all so much for reading this! I hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving/Thursday the 24th! And I hope you have a wonderful day/night too! And once again, thank you! 💖🎶🥰
Chapter 85: What's Next?
Summary:
After their chat at the castle, Quirin and Varian aren't really sure what to expect to happen next, and they really wish they had.
Chapter Text
Quirin was whistling a tune as he opened to door to his dining room, he felt cheerful today, his son and him were back home, they'd had a nice chat with the princess and her friends, things seemed to be looking up! He just needed to get breakfast started and-! He froze, for a small moment his mind didn't believe what he was seeing. His gaze was glued to the window as he narrowed his eyes, balled his fists, and kept his distance as the person on the other side smiled at him, seemingly mocking his startled state, "so you're really out huh?" They asked, stepping closer to the window, which the old farmer now wondered why it was open in the first place, then he remembered Adira was in his home.
"Yes, I'm out, I see you're lingering around Old Corona, any reason why?" He questioned, not letting his guard down
The person outside chuckled, giving him an icy smirk that didn't quite reach their eyes, "I'm keeping my options open, any chance your kid's available?"
He bared his teeth as his blood boiled, "if you know what's good for you, you'll leave him *alone*", he warned, taking a step closer as his glare hardened
"Oh, well isn't that threatening, but see, I can't do that. A 'friend' told me he's got something I want, and I'm gonna get it, no matter what", they stated, glaring right back at Quirin
Before either of them could continue, the dining room door opened once more as Varian and Ruddigar walked inside. The teen was still in his pajamas and didn't look like he'd slept well at all, his raccoon showing concern for his boy as he was perched on his shoulders before his green eyes landed on the person at the window, and he growled, gaining the alchemist's attention. Varian stopped and looked at the person as well, his eyes were wide and he looked startled, but his gaze softened at the sight of them, "C-Cassie?" He asked quietly
Cassandra grinned wickedly at the teen, her eyes showing no ounce of care as she opened her mouth to speak, only for her to be cut off with a body slamming into her full force. "You know, you should really watch your flank Short Hair", Adira stated as she smirked at the women falling to the floor, noticing her brother pulling his son behind his back, before glaring back at her opponent, "what exactly are you doing here?"
The moonstone thief coughed a bit before hopping up and glaring right back at the face painted warrior, "Adira, figured you wouldn't be too far. But I'm not here for you.... Yet"
"That a challenge?"
"In the future, yes, for now", she raised her hand and managed to summon a few small black rocks that made Adira dodge, "no". She turned to look at the retired knight, who was in a battle stance of his own, Varian was standing behind him, staring at her, his eyes laced with concern and fear. Cassandra began to walk towards the window, gripping her sword's hilt and about to pull it out before something jumped on her, distracting her away from the teen and his father and getting whatever it was off of her. She glared at the binturong she'd just tossed before seeing another one leap over to her, claws and fangs bared.
Barely dodging it, she unsheathed her sword, only to be met with another pointed directly at her nose, "as my sister stated, you should really watch your flank".
"Are you kidding me? *You're* here too?!"
Hector raised a brow and smirked, "yep, and I'm very glad that annoys you because threatening my nephew and throwing my binturongs really *pisses* me off!" He lunged at her, slicing his blade down, she managed to dodge it, but just barely as he swung his other blade towards her, his gauntlets shining in the daylight.
Her eyes widened as she placed her arms in front of her face, bracing for the pain that she knew was coming. But instead of pain, she heard a sound of breaking metal, opening her eyes she saw the wild tamer's blade had broken and her smile grew wider, "unbreakable armor, you like it?" She asked before kicking him in the stomach and going for a punch.
He grabbed her wrist and began to twist it, making her cry out in pain, "bone breaking arm twist, you like it?" He sassed back, not realizing the ground below him was shaking
"HECTOR! LOOK OUT!" Quirin shouted as black rocks sprouted up from underneath him. The wild tamer didn't have time to get out of the way and felt a couple pierce his skin before someone pulled him free just in the nick of time.
Hector ended up sliding backwards as whoever just pulled him free threw him behind them, he looked over and saw his sister standing a few feet away, she gave him a worried look and he signaled he was okay despite the pain before looking at who'd just saved him. "You betray your princess, stole our moonstone, harmed my son, knight, warrior, and tamer, and then *dare* to come here and threaten my grandson?" Edmund stated angrily as he glared at the women before him, "have you no shame for the crimes that you're committing? The people that you're hurting? Do you have any idea what you're even doing or *why*?" He asked, his glare never faltering as Cassandra stared at him, her face showing no signs of his words getting through to her.
Varian ran forwards, dodging his father's arm as he ran to the window, "Cassie I.... I'm sorry f-for what I did to you!" He stated, looking directly at her as she turned to face him with a surprised expression. "L-look I... I get it, b-being angry and all that, it's hard to handle, b-but this, all of this, i-it's not right! You're not being you right now! Cassie you can end all of this right here and now if you just give the Moonstone back, i-it's not too late, you can still fix this, y-you ca-!"
"*Fix* this?!" She interrupted, "you think I want to *fix* this?! I finally have a destiny, a reason for being here, you think I'm just going to give that up?" She snapped, "no! *Hell* no! I've got the Moonstone, it's MINE! I'm not gonna give it up, EVER! It's my destiny, and you and your *family* are NEVER getting it back!" She felt the ground beneath her shake and looked down before hopping out of the way right before more rocks sprouted from beneath her.
"Cassandra look! You can't even control it! Y-you're gonna hurt yourself or someone else, t-this isn't right, this isn't YOU!"
"Oh and you think YOU know who I am?! Seriously, after what YOU did?!"
"I.... I'm trying to fix it, and I can help you fix this if you'd jus-!"
"I don't WANT your HELP!" She screamed as the black rocks sprouted in the dining room, Quirin just barley pulling his son out of the way, getting a nasty gash in his arm as a reward
"Dad!"
"I'm fine", he replied, "I'm alright, I've had worse"
The teen looked up at his father, worry filling his blue eyes before he looked back out the window, "p-please Cassie I... You're still my friend, I still care about you"
"Right, after almost crushing me with a robot *you* still care-!"
"I DO!" He yelled, startling everyone, "I do care about you, and Rapunzel, and Eugene, and Lance! I-I care about ALL of you! I w-was in a really bad place before, and I'm s-so sorry for what I did to you, b-but what you're doing right now will end badly for you"
"How do you-!"
"TRUST me! It WILL end badly for you! I went to the dungeons and was trapped down there with a cellmate for a full year! It didn't make me better it made me worse! Y-you're going down the *same* path Cassie and it's not good! It's paved in black and you don't want to get lost in it, it's very easy to! L-look I went down that way because I lost everything and, almost, everyone that mattered to me! I lost Ruddigar when I was in the dungeons.... B-but when I came back and fixed it, I got everything back, plus more! I got new family members, I got my home back, Cassandra my DAD'S back! I helped save Corona and got my life back and I'm never losing it again, but if you keep going, you're gonna lose everything....." Varian warned, seeing Cassandra was listening he continued, "l-look I... I know I've wronged you... And I'm *really* sorry I did.... I still care about you though and when I heard you were doing this I... I-I wanted to help you, that was the *first* thing I thought you know, that I wanted to help! I know I c-can't make up for betraying you before, I understand that, I also know this isn't about what I did to you but something else entirely, and I want to understand Cassie, I *want* to! I wanna help you, but you need to let me first, please", he held out his hand as Ruddigar chittered from his shoulder encouragingly, "let me help you make this right, you don't have to do this alone".
The women seemed to think about it, her eyes darted to the Moonstone then back at the teen's hand, her own clenching and unclenching at his offer. She stayed frozen like that, unsure of what to do when a small voice filled her mind, "he's tricking you you know". The little girl that had been following her before reappeared beside her, she was smiling as she looked at Cassandra, "he hasn't even told you how he managed to help save Corona after you took the Moonstone".
"W-what do yo-!" She began
"Ask him and see what I mean", the girl replied before disappearing, like she was never even there
"Cassie?" Cassandra looked back at Varian
He looked confused but smiled all the same, his eyes looked genuine, but the girl's words kept echoing in her mind, "you saved Corona from what?"
"Huh?"
"You said you saved Corona, but from what? What exactly did Corona need saving from?"
He hesitated for a moment, pulling his hand back and looking extremely guilty as his father placed a hand on his shoulder. The alchemist sighed, "f-from me.... And the Separatists of Seporia.... A-Andrew, their leader, h-he was my cellmate and had me join up. T-they erased the king and queen's memories and we took over. I w-was making a potion to erase everyone else's memories b-because I wanted to start over with everyone. But Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance returned and fought us, w-we managed to get them to back off f-for a bit but Rapunzel snuck back into the castle at night and got caught and thrown in a cell. S-she talked to me while she was in there, t-told me that I could change, get better, t-that I didn't need to keep doing this. I wasn't sure at first, s-still wanted to erase everyone's minds. B-but A-Andrew said my chemical was better used as an explosive.... He w-wanted to hurt innocent people and I didn't let him... l-listened to Rapunzel and ended up in the cell with her... We t-talked even more and she gave me a second chance, I took it and we managed to escape w-with Eugene and Lance's help, and g-got rid of the chemical. T-that's when she freed my dad and I began to fix everything". She was shocked but then saw him look at her again, "I'm fixing it t-though! I rebuilt a lot of the city a-and the castle, I e-ended helping Rapunzel with a couple of quests and have apologized to everyone for everything I did, n-not everyone has forgiven me but I'm willing to try to fix it! B-but that's why I'm offering this to you, I was in the dungeons a-and they made me worse, b-but I'm better now, and I *know* you're better than this!" He held out his hand again, "let me help you! D-don't do what I did, please, it's.... It's not worth it! If things in your life are bad, and you're angry, I'll help you figure out a better way!"
Cassandra was hesitant as well, she wasn't sure what to think, "y-you.... Took over the kingdom *again*?"
"Yes b-but I-!"
"And you think *your* help is gonna do *me* any good?! You GOT your happy ending when you took over! Rapunzel HELPED you when she was in a cell, she finally LISTENED to you because she had no other CHOICE!"
"N-no Cass! She didn't listen because s-she was in a cell, she listened because she *understood*! Because me and her *talked*! Y-you just need to talk to her, if you do she'll be more than willing to help yo-!"
"I DON'T WANT HER *PITY*!" She screamed at the boy, the Moonstone sparking to life, "YOU MAY SETTLE FOR HER LOOKING DOWN ON YOU EVERYDAY LIKE SOME STUPID LITTLE PET! BUT I AM *NOT* GONNA BE HER LADY IN WAITING ANYMORE!!!!!" The stone glowed dangerously bright as the women felt her rage grow. Hector, Adira, and Edmund all tensed up, gripping their weapons tightly as Quirin stepped closer to his son, getting ready to pull him away.
"She doesn't look at me with pity!" Varian tried, "I'm her equal, Cass *PLEASE*! You just need to calm down!"
"CALM DOWN?!" She snapped, "oh I see, so I'm just being irrational, is that it?!"
"NO! I never said that!" He reached out further, trying to reach out for her, "Cassie!"
"DON'T!" She yelled, "I'm not Cassie! It's CASSANDRA!" The stone was letting out electrical magic around her as she glared at the teen
"You don't have to do this! I'm not saying she'll pity you! I didn't say you were irrational! You're just ANGRY! Being angry gets you NOWHERE! You feel horrible, l-like everyone's out to get you when they're not! THEY'RE NOT CASS! I understand that feeling! I'm here, I'm your friend, I want to HELP you! Rapunzel would want to too, and not out of PITY!" He yelled, reaching out on last time, "I understand how you feel!"
"You don't understand ANYTHING!" She yelled as a burst of energy shot through the air, making the black rocks burst through the ground and towards the teen. His hand was knocked back by the rocks, a loud crack sounding as he let out an ear piercing scream, the magical energy making him fly backwards, Quirin caught him right before he hit the wall of sharp rocks that had former behind him and shielded the teen from further harm as Adira, Hector, and Edmund lunged. Their weapons were out as they tried to attack Cassandra, but she turned and smiled wildly as she sent more rocks towards them.
Adira managed to hop over and tried to fight her hand to hand, but the rocks kept her kicks and punches from meeting their target and she was blown backwards. She ended up sliding on the floor before dodging another black rock sprouting up. She ran forwards, heading straight to Cassandra, the rocks following her before she side stepped out of the way at the last minute, getting the rocks to hit Cassandra instead. They didn't do much as she slid back, making them slow down before reaching her, but it distracted her enough to allow the face painted warrior to slam into her once more, this however, ended up being a mistake as Cassandra sent black rocks flying at her, making Adira fly backwards and crash into a tree trunk before she slid down onto the floor, Edmund ran after her, making sure she was alright.
Hector came next, Pixie and Basil attacking with him, surrounding Cassandra as she stood back up and dusted herself off. She managed to dodge the two binturongs and sent them flying. Hector managed to slice her cheek a bit, ticking her off even more as she sent a barrage of rocks his way. He jumped and managed to land a few feet away before charging at her again, but she ended up dodging and knocked him off his feet by kicking his legs out from beneath him. She ran towards the manor, she got to the wall but was blocked by Edmund, she turned around and saw Adira, now glaring daggers at her as a trickle of blood poured down her forehead. She turned once more and saw Hector, they managed to surround her, cornering her against the wall of the building before she looked up and smirked wickedly, she hopped up and backflipped into the window, entering it.
She looked around, trying to find Varian, but couldn't see him, "where'd you go you littl-!"
"Get the FUCK out of MY HOUSE!" A deep voice yelled as she felt searing pain shoot through her face, yelping she jumped back and saw a *furious* looking Quirin glaring daggers at her, he had two blades in his hands and his teeth were bared.
Oh so you can *fight* huh?" She snickered, "alright then, let's see what you can do Village Leader"
"Should've taken my son's help you *bitch*!" He snapped before slashing at her so fast that she couldn't see the point of his blade. She jumped out of the way, but he turned quickly and slashed his other blade, giving her another slice on her cheek.
She yelled out in pain before drawing her own sword and, just barely, blocking his next slash, "so you're fast, fine, but you're not gonna win!" She slashed back at him, managing to make him jump back a few feet away. She smirked, "two blades means little defense". He didn't say anything, just continued to glare at her, "not much of a talker?" She saw him take a fighting stance, his left foot in front on his right, his body turned to the side as his eyes never left her. One sword in front of him, the other behind, he didn't speak, barely moved, even his breathing seemed steady and calm given the situation. That's when it clicked, "I pissed you off didn't I?" She teased, getting his glare to deepen, "I see, well this oughta be interesting then". She too a fighting stance of her own, one she'd grown up practicing for years, and charged at him.
He dodged her and took another slash at her back, the blade didn't penetrate her armor, but it also didn't break. She was a little startled by that but couldn't linger for too long as he bounced back and slashed at her again, this time aiming for her face. She ducked and rolled out of the way, her sword being dropped in the process. She hopped up was was knocked onto the floor when someone kicked her legs from beneath her, looking up she saw Hector glaring down at her, "not so fun when it happens to you is it?" He snarked
"Fuck you!" She spat, getting him to place his foot on her stomach
"I *really* wouldn't if I were you", he warned as Adira, Edmund, and Quirin stepped into her view, all of them were glaring at her.
Edmund leaned down, his arm outstretched and reaching for the Moonstone, it began to glow again as he panic began to set in, she came so far, she was so close to getting what she needed, and it was all about to be taken away, "are you really going to let them take your destiny away from you?" The little girl's voice filled her head again, she saw her laying on the floor next to her, she was looking at Cassandra, her eyes half closed as if not impressed, "is that all you've got? Didn't you say this was important to you, and yet you're giving up right here?"
This angered the women, infuriated her in fact, she didn't noticed the devious smile spreading across the girl's face as she disappeared, the light of the Moonstone shined brightly as black rocks began to sprout from everywhere, they knocked the dark king's hand away from her and forced the Brotherhood to stumble back as they formed a shield around her. Seeing everything in her life flash before her she grew even angrier, letting out a scream as the rocks lunged open, knocking everyone surrounding her off their feet and injuring them as a surge of blue burst from her! She was lifted slightly in the air for a moment, her eyes glowing before she was set back down and looked around. Adira and Hector had been pushed into each other and went flying into the wall behind them, knocked out. Quirin had been hit by the black rocks and had several bruises forming on his arms before he'd gotten blown into the counter and knocked out. Edmund was the only one still awake, having managed to avoid the rocks but still got blown back and landed against the table and onto the floor, unable to get up due to the nasty gash on his head. He looked up at Cassandra and glared, "y-you... don't have any idea what you're doing...."
She smirked, "you're wrong, I know *exactly* what I'm doing, and none of you are going to stop me!" she began to walk forwards to leave before he grabbed her arm
"Listen to me!" He snapped, "that stone is *dangerous*! You may think you know what it's capable of, but trust me, that thing destroyed almost everything in my life, it made me a mess and took so much from me! So please *hear* me when I say", he locked eyes with her and gave her the most serious expression he could muster, "you don't have *any* idea what you're doing!"
Cassandra narrowed her eyes and snatched her arm away before smirking, "if you really think I'm going to make the same foolish mistakes you did, then you're wrong, thing is, it's not that I don't know what I'm doing", she got eye level with him and smirked, "it's that you have no idea *who* *you're* messing with". With that she got up and walked out as the dark king lost consciousness, his head leaning forwards as worry filled his drifting mind.
****
Quirin felt pain pulse through his arms and back as his eyes slowly opened. He let out a groan as he sat himself up and looked around, he was in his living room, in his armchair to be precise, and he didn't really know how he'd gotten there. He saw Edmund on the armchair opposite to him, and Hector and Adira on the couch together, both in an upright sitting position with blankets over them and bandages covering their wounds, he noticed his king was also bandaged and covered in a blanket, but he was awake, "King Edmund?"
The man looked over and smiled wide at his knight, "Quirin! Good to see you're awake!" He replied happily before looking confused, "do you happen to know how we ended up in your living room?" The retired knight shook his head, "neither do I, just woke up a few moments before you and I haven't seen anyone...." He then looked concerned as his eyes darted up and down the Village Leader's body, "you.... Took a lot of damage.... Are you alright?"
Quirin looked down at himself, smirking at the raccoon that stared back at him, he tried to move his arms, wincing a little as the bruises hadn't healed yet, "I'll... Be fine, how about you?" He looked at the dark king who chuckled
"Same", he smirked, gaining a light snicker out of the man opposite to him. The dining room doors suddenly opened and a small group of people walked into the living room, one of them carrying someone
"Man that place is a mess!" A man's voice stated
"Yeah... She... Really did a number on it didn't she?" A women's voice replied, both sounded extremely worried and sad at the same time
The group came into view of the two men and they saw Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance, who was holding a bandaged Varian. "Yeah she did... Good thing the little man found us but...." He looked at Adira and Hector, both of which still hadn't woken up yet, "what she did to them, Varian, Quirin, and Edmund, just...." The former thief let out a sigh.
"Varian", Quirin said, getting the entire group to look at him, he outstretched his arms and stared straight at his son, "Varian". Lance smiled and walked over, handing the teen to his father as Ruddigar moved out of the way, hopping on the back of the chair instead and chittering. The former thief's smile grew wider as the man hugged the alchemist tightly, feeling his son wrap one arm around him. This confused him for a moment, but he hugged him a little longer before letting go and looking the teen up and down, he noticed his arm was in a sling and he had several bandages on his face, arms, and legs, "y-your arm...."
"It's.... It's broken.... S-she slammed a rock into it r-really badly... The Doctor was able to fix it.... They were able to heal all of you actually... B-but it's broken...." He explained, "you were o-out for a couple hours give or take... I f-found Eugene in town and h-he managed to get Lance and Rapunzel here along with both Mr. and Mrs. Solace. T-they helped me get you all in the living room and heal you w-while Lance, Rapunzel, and Eugene cleaned the dining room up... I helped them once you were healed".
This surprised the Village Leader as he looked at the group before him, all of them were smiling sympathetically at him and he smiled back, "thank you", they nodded, "Eugene the king's awake too", he gestured to Edmund who smiled at his own son
The dark prince smiled at his father and walked over to him, sitting on the arm of the arm chair and chatting with him quietly. "Are you okay?" Varian asked, getting his father's attention again
"Yeah I'm alright, are you?"
"Yeah", Quirin raised a brow, "if you get to lie, I get to lie"
His father chuckled and gently ruffled his son's head, "fair, that's fair", he replied with a smirk before looking at him worriedly, "in all seriousness.... You.... What she said to you...."
This made the alchemist let out a long breath and look down, his bangs hiding his eyes for a moment, "she.... I know she wasn't right... I know that... I j-just wish I could've...." He went silent, not really wanting to finish that sentence
"I know son, I know", the retired knight cupped Varian's cheek in his hand, lifting his gaze to meet his father's, "but, even if though you weren't able to this time, I'm really proud of you, you know that?" At his son's curious look he smiled, "you tried to reach out to her, using what you went through to get through, and for a bit it was working, she was thinking about it. But something changed, I don't know what, but it did, whatever it was, we may not find out for a while, either way I'm still very proud of you and how brace you were. Plus how quickly you thought, I mean running off to find Eugene, that was clever!"
This made the teen giggle as he hugged his father tightly, "thanks dad, I... I really needed that.... Because I.... I feel like I...."
"Like you.... What?"
"...Like I failed..." He sniffled and broke the hug, Ruddigar hopping onto his shoulders and nuzzling him, "I... I t-tried dad, I tried r-really hard to help her.... And she.... S-she didn't..."
"Hey, easy, take it easy", he pulled Varian back into a hug and held him as his son sobbed, his quiet cries breaking his heart as he thought about Cassandra and what she'd said to him, "Varian you... You didn't fail"
"B-but she didn-!"
"She *heard* you", he interrupted, looking down at his son as Rapunzel and Lance took a seat on the foot stool of the arm chair, placing their hands on Varian's shoulders. "She heard what you said, how hard you fought, the path that you went down, I could tell that resonated with her. She heard you, she really did, she may not have come back, but... She chose to continue her pursuits because your situation and hers are different... She's got a different reason for doing what she's doing, what that reason is, I have no idea, but what matters is that she *heard* you", he stated, rubbing his thumb on his son's cheek and wiping a tear away from him. "At the moment, she's in a very bad place, and you once told me that when you're like that, everyone and everything is against you, no loves you, not Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, me, Ruddigar, isn't that right?" The teen nodded, "right, it took you a long time to realize that isn't true, a lot of people had to tell you and even still, I know it's still a struggle for you, and that's okay", he explained reassuringly. "Cassandra.... She needs time to process what you said, I'm certain she will, with the look she gave you it seems she'll be thinking about it for a while".
"You...." Varian sniffled again, "you r-really think she'll think about it? You really believe it made a difference?"
"I really do", Quirin smiled at his boy, "I think you and Rapunzel will probably be the best people to help her come back"
"A-and... you're okay with that?"
This startled the man, he thought about it for a moment, the fight he'd just been through flashing in his mind, his unconscious son being hidden in the Village Leader's room on the bed before he'd gone back to the fight. He remembered locking the door shut to make sure it would be harder for the women to get inside, not wanting her anywhere near his boy, but then he looked at his son's eyes, they were filled with longing and hope, he *needed* to know he could help, he needed his father to be okay with him trying, but.... The fear of losing his boy again surfaced, it made Quirin let out a sigh before he caught Lance's eye. They both looked at each other, having a quiet conversation, the end result being the former thief telling the retired knight to just tell Varian the truth. It worried him for a bit, but he nodded before he opened his mouth and spoke, "I.... Honestly.... I'm not okay with you looking for her, she hurt you, me, my siblings, and King Edmund, and I'd be worried sick if I knew you were searching for her, I really would". The teen looked down, but not for long as he felt his father's hand cup his chin and get him to look up again, "but.... If there ever comes a time when you meet her, and it doesn't seem like she'll hurt you, you can try to talk to her. I won't tell you no, I can't tell you no", he chuckled as his son smirked, "but I will say, be careful. I know you still care about her, but she's.... She's dangerous right now, you're a very smart boy, you're *my* very smart boy, and you're the only one I have. In this instance, it's better to be safe than sorry, but I trust you to know the difference, does that sound fair?"
Varian grinned happily and hugged his father, Quirin returned the hug, they stayed that way for a moment before the teen broke the hug and nodded, "I will be, I'll be safe, for you".
Quirin leaned down and kissed his son's forehead, making him giggle, "Thank you Varian"
"I love you dad"
"I love you too son"
Notes:
Brotherhood fighting chapter! Also the return of a very controversial character in this series! I like her in seasons 1 and 2, I'm not really a fan in season 3, but that's just me. X3
Quirin and Varian fluffy moments at the end are so much fun to envision, I want a small animation of Quirin kissing the bean's forehead! It's just too cute not to do! <3
Adira and Hector are freaking amazing fighters, Quirin is as well! I realize Edmund didn't really fight much in this chapter, but he's older than all of them and probably doesn't have it in him like he used to, I mean we see him fight Quirin in the show and it looks like he can still keep up, but he was definitely struggling, and did end up being kicked pretty hard by Hector before that, so Imma go out on a limb and say he's a little too old to fight, he fights when he has to, and is still very good but Quirin, Adira, and Hector are younger and a bit more spry, so they're able to do it more. -\_(._.)_/-
Either way this was way too fun to write, I really like action scenes apparently! Also, Protective farmer dad makes a return!
Thank you all so much for reading! Have a wonderful day/night! :D
Chapter 86: Healing! (Part 1!)
Summary:
After Cassandra's surprise attack, the group decides it's time to recover physically. Adira didn't realize that also meant mentally as well.
Notes:
Adira chapter! :D Though it may not seem like it at first, I'll explain more in the end notes!
More notes at the end!
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"B-but... What if he f-finds me again....?" The little girl asked as the older teen wrapped her cuts and wounds. They'd run into a cave after the older man told them to hide, there was a small shelter there, some tents were set up as well as a little campfire they were next to. The teen had began healing her almost immediately, taking out a medkit and checking for any particularly nasty wounds to heal first.
"He won't find you, I promise", he replied, his brown eyes were gentle and caring, very different from what she'd been accustomed to
Even so, the fear and anxiety kept her mind screaming that she needed to run, to get away. "Y-you don't know that! H-He's everywhere! He's h-hunted me down before! I t-tried to escape a-and he found me! H-He hurt me really b-badly f-for doing that! He'll h-hurt you t-too! He-!"
"He won't hurt you anymore", the boy interrupted calmly, "I won't let him. It's okay, you're safe now"
"Y-you don-!"
"Yes I do, I know that for a fact. You're gonna be okay, we'll heal you up and protect you. I won't let him anywhere near you, ever". He looked like he meant it, his eyes never faltering from hers, but she couldn't be sure, she needed him to prove it.
"....P-promise?...." She asked timidly, her four year old mind snapping at her to shut up before she got hit for questioning him.
She closed her eyes and waited for the blow she knew was coming, it was always like this, but instead of pain, she felt a hand cup her cheek. Her eyes opened and she looked at the teen, seeing him fully for the first time, a small smile graced his lips are his sincerity shined through, she made him think of a knight. She stared into those eyes of his, looking for anything that showed any kind if cruelty or pain, but she found none, the only thing she could see was care, "I Promise".
****
She woke up to yelling as she heard someone scream, "Where is she?!" Even though her eyes were still closed, she smirked at that voice, knowing it way too well
"Just calm down, you're still hurt and you don't want to make your injuries worse!" Another voice chimed in, pleading with the first in a gentle tone. She knew this one too, though he was usually more cheerful, given the circumstances however, she really couldn't blame him.
"I don't give a FUCK about my injuries! Where is that fucking BITCH?! I'll fucking kill her!" She chuckled, the first voice was always like this when he got angry, that's what made it so fun to mess with him.
"Please calm down, this isn't helping!" Her heart reached out for the second voice, she knew he meant well, but unless he'd use 'the glower', he wasn't going to calm the man down.
"It doesn't help if we just fucking sit on our asses while SHE'S out there planning my nephew's demise! We need to know *why* she even wanted him! Where the *fuck* did she go?!"
She'd heard enough and let out a breath, "ugh... Can you please refrain from yelling, it's doing a number on my ears". This made both voices shut up as she finally managed to open her eyes and sit up a little, noticing the raccoon that was asleep on her lap.
"Adira", the gentle voice said, looking up she found Edmund had walked over to her, looking very worried, "are you alright? You got pretty hurt and have been out for quite a while, we've all been really worried about you"
The face painted warrior smiled gently at her king, "I'm fine, just.... annoyed", she stated, giving Hector, the other voice in the argument, an understanding look. This seemed to calm him as he crossed his arms and huffed before walking over and sitting on the couch next to her, glaring daggers into the floor. "Where's Speckles and Stickler?" She asked, petting the raccoon, making him wake up and stretch before he smiled up at her sleepily.
"Quirin took the little peanut into the kitchen to see if he could make some food, both of them are in pretty rough shape..." He looked down for a moment before looking back at her, "you... You and Hector tried you best you know"
This made both Brotherhood members look at him, a little startled by what he'd just said, "but we failed", Hector replied, a hint despair in his voice, "we fucking failed and now she's out there and knows we're here. We failed, how is that 'trying our best'?"
"Not two minutes ago, you were screaming at the top of your lungs about how you wanted to find, and hurt, her", Edmund replied, "plus all of you, Quirin and Varian included, are alive and okay. That's not a failure"
"Great, so we can live to tell the tale of how we failed, fan-fucking-tastic..."
Adira looked at her brother, she knew he didn't mean what he said out of anger. Looking at him now he made that fact obvious with his back completely against the couch, shoulders stiffened, head leaned forwards, hands folded in his lap, binturongs nuzzling his legs, and eyes planted firmly on the floor. "You're too hard on yourself you know", she stated, "the king's right, we tried our best, we weren't prepared for the Moonstone's power, none of us, what's the use of beating ourselves more?" She asked, she managed to catch his eye's for a moment before he looked away, making her sigh, "look Wild C- ....Hector, the fact that we managed to get a couple of scratches on her means we didn't fully fail, we managed to hurt her, and we have more information about her and her abilities, for one thing, she can't control the rocks, she got away with pure luck on her side. Isn't there an old saying, 'we may not win the battle, but we'll definitely win the war'?" His shoulders relaxed a bit as she continued, "she's gone for now, but we know her tactics, she can't seem to handle close combat since she doesn't have much control, she could end up hitting herself which she actually did at one point. We can use that and many other facts to figure out how to beat her next time, and there *will* be a next time. We haven't given up, so let's regroup and figure out what to do, yeah?"
He glanced at her then looked back at the floor, a sign he'd acknowledged her words, it made her smile just a bit. "Thank you Adira", her king replied, she nodded before the dining room door opened, making Ruddigar perk up as someone stepped through.
"Delicious food filled with dadness is finally done", Varian annouced as he, his father, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance all walked inside the living room carrying bowls of oatmeal along with utensils.
Quirin snorted, "dadness?"
"It's a good thing"
"You know compliments won't get you, or your alchemy needs, anywhere"
"Well I mean that wasn't what I was *going* for, buuuut since you *mentioned* it-!"
"Varian"
"I can still *walk* you know, so I can still do *alchemy*-!"
"Varian"
"I mean my right arm's not *that* broken-!"
"Son"
".....Can we at least *talk* about it?"
"Later"
"Oki", the teen replied with a smile before he walked over to the armchair and hopped on it, Ruddigar waddling over to him and hopping in his lap as the alchemist got situated, "oh hey Ruddi-! Ruddigar! If you're over here that means", he looked over to his aunt, who was smiling wide at him, giving a little wave, "hi aunt Wise Eyes!"
"Hello Speckles", she replied before she was handed a bowl filled with oatmeal and strawberries by Lance, "thank you"
"You're welcome", he replied before handing one to Hector and sitting down in-between them with his own bowl in his hands. Eugene and Rapunzel shared the armchair's footstool as Edmund sat on the opposite armchair. Quirin walked over to his son, picked him up, sat in the arm chair, and placed the teen on his lap, booping his nose in the process and making him giggle. Ruddigar hand clung to his boy's shirt and was now settled in the alchemist's lap, purring happily.
Everyone was quietly chatting with each other while they ate, the moment was actually rather peaceful, they finished their meals and cleaned up before congregating back into the living room once more. No one was really sure what to say until Eugene spoke up, "so...." He said awkwardly, "we should talk about what happened, shouldn't we?"
"I thought Varian told you everything", Edmund replied
"I was knocked out for majority of it.... P-plus I didn't really have time to say everything since my injuries left me really weak. The most I could say was, 'we're in trouble, C-Cassandra's here, we need help!' B-before I ended up passing out in Eugene's arms.... I woke up later and saw everyone in the living room hurt.... T-that's when I started to help heal you guys and clean up".
"Tough little peanut", Edmund replied as Ruddigar chittered in agreement, making the teen grin a little
"If that's the case, then we should discuss what happened, and what's next", Hector determined, "we *need* to get back out there and find her".
Lance raised a brow, "you mean *after* you're healed.... Right?"
This got the man a slight glare from the wild tamer, making the former thief scooch away just a little. "He's right you know", Adira replied, giving her brother a pointed look and managing to stop him from glaring at Lance.
"I never said he wasn't", Hector replied sharply
This made the room go quiet, the air became tense for a moment, "it's okay uncle Hector", Varian chimed in, getting the man to look at him, "I know you're worried, but it's okay, we're safe, you don't have to be on guard right now"
For a moment, no one said a word, but then the wild tamer took a deep breath and let it go, closing his eyes for a moment. His hands were stroking Pixie and Basil's heads before he opened them and looked at Lance, "sorry".
This surprised the former thief, but he smiled sympathetically and nodded, "it's alright, I understand". He got a small smile from Hector before he turned to look at his binturongs again, continuing to pet them as Varian beamed happily.
Adira was a little startled at this, she looked at her nephew, smirking as his father kissed his head and thanked him. "So what should we discuss first? The fight, what led up to it, the information we've acquired, or all three?"
"All three", Rapunzel responded, "we need to know all the facts, plus I.... Need to know what Cassandra was doing here and why...."
"She wanted Varian", Edmund replied sadly, "she seemed to be looking for him, but none of us know why"
"Did she say anything to give you any ideas?" The princess asked worriedly
"She said, 'I'm keeping my options open, any chance your kid's around?' When I asked her why she's been lingering around Old Corona", Quirin replied seriously as his arms folding around his son, "she also mentioned a friend telling her he's got something she wants".
"Something she wants?" Eugene asked as he raised his brow, "Varian, you got a secret stash we don't know about?"
"Nu.... Well... An alchemy stash...." The teen answered
"GASP! You fiend!"
The alchemist giggled as his father raised an amused brow at the dark prince before shaking his head a bit with a smile on his face. "I don't think Cass would want an alchemy stash", Rapunzel stated, she thought about anything else Varian could have, listing them out loud, "chemicals, Flynn Rider collection, Eugene shrine-!"
"Hey!" The teen interrupted
"You had a piece of my hair kid", Eugene stated flatly
"How'd you even get that anyway?" Lance asked
The alchemist blushed, "I uh.... Saw you in town... Y-you got your ponytail cut off by the barber when you tried to steal from his shop"
"Oooooh! Right I remember that", the dark prince replied before his eyes widened, "wait, you *kept* that?"
"You were my hero! I wasn't gonna pass that up!" The teen blushed even more, "b-besides it was gonna be thrown away..."
"He's right, no one would've grabbed that, and you liked that ponytail", Lance replied
"It did look good on me", Eugene stated, "maybe I should grow my hair out again, what do you think?"
"Can you three focus please?" Quirin chuckled as Ruddigar chittered in agreement
"Ok", all three replied before looking back at Rapunzel, who was grinning
She cleared her throat and continued to list things off, "various inventions, tools, plans, paperwork, the demani-!" She stopped and looked at the teen, reflecting her own fear filled expression, "I..... Do you think...."
"M-maybe.... It would be the only explanation but... How'd she find out?" He asked
"Find out about what?" Eugene asked, raising his brow at the pair, "are you two keeping secrets from me?"
"From us, because I don't know about whatever they're talkin about either", Lance stated
The princess and alchemist looked at each other before looking at the two former thieves, "remember when I told you both that Varian was doing a 'royal assignment' for me and I told you two that it would be better that you didn't know?" Rapunzel asked.
"You mean when he got his hair cut? Yeah I remember", her boyfriend replied
"Well... It's *still* better you don't know, but it may be what Cass is looking for.... And... If it is... Then that means...." She went quiet, looking at Quirin, who caught the hint
"He's in danger, isn't he?" The retired knight asked, not needing an answer, "Rapunzel-!"
"I know, but I *assure* you he won't be in any danger", she interrupted, "I won't let that happen"
"You said it was okay before", the teen added
"I said to be careful as well, this isn't careful anymore, she'd looking for it, and by the way she acted, she'll do anything to get it", his father retorted, "Varian she broke your arm"
"W-we don't even know if *that's* what she's after! She could be after many things!"
"Name one"
"Ok well.... S-she could be after.... Um.... S-she could be after chemicals! Some of my alchemical solutions would definitely benefit her!"
"Varian"
"O-or she could be after information! A lot of us helped rebuild Old Corona and the Castle! S-she could be after that!"
"Varian"
"Or maybe e-even finding out what the king and queen remember!"
"She didn't even know they lost their memories"
"Still! We can't rule it out"
"Varian! I *still* trust you", Quirin stated firmly but gently, stopping the teen from arguing further, "I still trust your judgement and am willing to listen to you on how to handle this, but it's gotten dangerous!" He explained, "she broke your arm among other things, harmed me, my siblings, and my king, destroyed our dining room, and all with a flick of her wrist! I understand you wanna keep studying it, as a matter of fact, I think we need you to, but this is different now". With every word he spoke, his voice softened until it was back to it's calmer demeanor, Adira could hear the worry in her brother's voice as he spoke, it made her smile just a little despite the circumstances as she remembered the little memory that had cropped up earlier, he had that same tone with her. The alchemist was still listening as his father sighed, "look I know there are other things she may want, you on her side, chemicals that she deems important that only you can make, but if there's a possibility that she'll be looking for what we think she might be looking for, then we need to be cautious, *very* cautious", he stated, looking directly at the princess when he said that, "I trust that you have my son's protection at heart, but I've seen this scenario way too many times, and it almost always ends up getting the one in the middle, like Varian, killed or hurt, and I don't want to see that happen... He's my son, my *only* son, and even though I know he needs to do this job, he's still in a lot of danger. I think we need to set some ground rules about this and, at the *very* least, have that thing protected or hidden".
"I couldn't agree more", Rapunzel replied, "look I *completely* understand your perspective on this Quirin, I really do, and rest assured I'm going to take every precaution needed to ensure his safety, even if it means the favor is jeopardized because of it. I just... I also know Cassandra.... She's not evil, she may be acting like it right now, but she's not *evil*! She's just going down the wrong path, so while I'm going to make sure Varian's safe, I don't think you'll need to worry"
"You say that now, but you weren't in the same fight we were...."
"Good point.... hmmm.... How about this! I'll take the.... Royal assignment.... With me for safe keeping, whenever Varian comes over, he can work on it, he can come and go as he pleases, that way, there's very little risk and he can be guarded!"
"W-wait!" Varian replied, "I.... I know this seems really stupid.... B-but I tend to... Do things that other people may find... Odd... When I work... N-not disgusting things, just... Things I don't like other people, outside of Ruddigar, seeing...." The teen blushed as his raccoon chittered, "I... I don't know if working in front of a bunch of guards.... A-alone.... Would be ok...."
Eugene chuckled, "what odd things do you *do* kid?"
"N-nothing! Just ya know... Things you do when n-no one else is around"
"That's concerning"
"N-not *those* things!" The teen blushed even more, "I-I mean.... UGH! I t-tend to talk to myself a-and have little debates and such! I-it's embarrassing but I c-can't seem to *quit* the habit because it helps me think ok?!"
"Easy hair stripe, I'm not judging", the dark prince replied, hands in a placating gesture, "I'm not judging at all, I talk to myself too, maybe I don't have little debates, but I do other things too, it's okay"
"Yeah little man don't worry, we all have our odd habits, it's normal", Lance agreed
"R-really?" Varian asked, receiving a nod from the too his blush disappeared a bit and he smiled, "t-thanks you two"
"No problem", they replied
"E-either way though", the teen continued, looking back at the princess, "even if my... h-habits... Weren't there, I'd still feel really nervous around a bunch of armed guards..."
"Right, that's true.... OH! How about I make a special place for you in the castle! A room all your own that'll give you the space and privacy you need to work without feeling the pressure from the guards!" She stated, "plus we can set up moments where Eugene, Lance, and I can come check on you, maybe even have mom and Quirin there too! How about that?"
Varian and his dad exchanged looks, a silent debate happening between them before the retired knight nodded, "that sounds fine", he replied, "though won't Eugene and Lance have to know what Varian's working on to check on him? The queen too for that matter".
"How about we knock before we enter and wait until the kid lets us in. If you really want it to be a secret, then we'll respect that and wait for an invitation", Eugene suggested, Lance nodding in agreement
"Perfect!" The princess replied, "that solves that problem at least! Now onto the bigger problem.... What if she comes back...."
"As much as I'd love to say, 'we can handle it', we really couldn't", Adira admitted, "Stickler is right, she beat us pretty bad, even with a lot of luck involved she was still able to overpower all four of us"
Edmund nodded, "she may not have complete control over the black rocks, but she certainly knows how to use what little control she currently possesses"
"We'll need to make a plan", Hector stated, "we know about the moonstone, you know about the bitch-!"
"She's not a-!" Rapunzel tried
"We could combine what we know and see if she may have any blind spots", he suggested, smirking at the princesses unamused pout
"That's a good idea!" Quirin replied, also taking a little enjoyment out of Rapunzel's annoyance, "I don't have a lot of knowledge on her specifically, but I did learn a lot during out fight, could come in handy"
"We should make a list", Lance replied, "write everything down so we know what we're dealin with"
"Before we go any further", Eugene stated before looking at his princess, "you understand why we need to do this right? I wanna make sure you're completely on board, she is your friend after all, mine too in fact, I haven't forgotten that"
Rapunzel's pout softened a bit as she looked into her boyfriend's eyes, she nodded, "I understand, she attacked innocent people and that's... That's not okay, in order to protect Corona, and Old Corona, I'm willing to help you with this"
Eugene nodded and they began discussing the fight, Lance and Edmund had grabbed a couple notepads and quills and were writing down what everyone was saying, making sure to add any thoughts they may have, all the while Adira was quiet. She had a thoughtful look on her face as she watched her nephew interacting with the group, his comment about the guards being around him made her think. 'I... I don't know if working in front of a bunch of guards.... A-alone.... Would be ok....' She remembered Lance pointing out that talking things out would help in the long run, but she wasn't quite sure where to start. She looked at the man, seeing him writing down everything the group was saying, she didn't want to interrupt, but the thought was eating at her. She then looked at Quirin, who still had his arms wrapped around the teen, she remembered how safe he'd made her feel the very first time they'd met, she wanted her nephew to feel the same way with her, that he was safe, but....
She sighed, giving up the debate in her mind, she nudged the former thief, getting him to look at her, the grin on his face disappearing almost instantly as she gave him a serious look. "What's up?" He asked quietly, handing the notepad and quill to Eugene, who quickly took over.
"I... Need to talk to you... In private if that's okay.... It's...." She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them again, "it's about Speckles".
Notes:
Hello! So, this is an Adira centric two parter! But while I was writing it, it started to steer more towards Quirin and Varian. I pulled it back but if you notice a little bit of a jump between characters, that's why, I hope I made it smooth, but knowing me, I may have made some rough edges, sorry about that, but this is *Adira's* two parter! She needs one because she is one of my favorite characters! <3
I absolutely love Adira, I loved her when we first saw her in the show, she's funny, quick witted, and made me laugh way too many times in season 2! So she gets a two parter! Hector will get one too, Edmund's had a couple already but he'll probably get more, but I wanted to focus on Adira <3
Quirin is protective and Varian is adorable! These two make it way too easy to write together! Also, I love the scene where Varian is playing around with Ruddigar, iron, steel, and Ruddigar, I think it's cute and I want more scenes like it, so I shall make them! :D
Hector gets *angry* when he's worried, this is a defense mechanism that he and Varian share in my opinion, they either get angry, anxious (for Varian), or defensive (for Hector). Hence why the bean understands over all :D
Edmund is a very caring grandpa and father in general! He loves his children and it's adorable, I wish there were more instances of that in the show, but I digress XD
Lance is the freaking KING! Everyone gonna talk to Lance! Therapy boy in the house! XD
That's to origin story of the Eugene hair we see in Varian's shrine! It got cut off by the barber when Eugene and Lance were stealing from them, Varian was a 4 year old little tater tot when he found it (that's me guessing Eugene was about 15 years old in the episode when Rapunzel goes back in time? Maybe a little older?)
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 87: Healing! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Adira has a chat with Lance about certain things that have been bothering her for a while.
Chapter Text
"It's about Speckles"
Lance was a little startled, but glanced at the teen, he seemed pretty into the conversation he was having with the rest of the group, everyone did in face, so the former thief nodded and got up, "we can head to the kitchen if you want", he offered with an encouraging smile.
Adira nodded and got up as well, "where are you two going?" They both turned to see Hector looking at them, a raised brow and hushed tone told them he knew they were sneaking away.
"We need to discuss something.... It's important", his sister answered
The wild tamer looked in-between the both of them before he locked his gaze back on the face painted warrior, "want me to join? I can keep them away", he offered, gesturing to the rest of the group, "plus it might be better to have someone there who understands you more than most". He then looked at Lance, "no offense".
"None taken", the former thief replied
This made Adira smirk, she turned towards her friend, "would that be okay?"
"If it'll make you more comfortable, I certainly don't mind", the larger man replied
"Thank you Earring"
"No problem Adira... Or... should I call you 'Wise Eyes'?"
"Sorry, that's a nickname only my nephew can call me", she stated with a quick glance over to Varian again, she was smiling at first, but the guilt inside her stomach began to twist, making her turn away.
This startled the two men as they both gave her concerned looks, "you okay?" Her brother asked
She nodded, "I'm fine.... But we should talk quickly..."
"Right, let's head to the kitchen, maybe get you some water, you look pale", Lance suggested
He led them through the dining room and into the kitchen, getting the face painted warrior to sit at the table while he grabbed her some water along with a tissue box. Handing the glass to her, he and Hector sat down, Lance across from her, the wild tamer to her left, Adira drank a bit from the water before noticing the tissues, "thank you for the water, but I'm not much of a crier, it's a sign of weakness to me", she stated flatly.
"Ok first, it's okay to cry, doesn't make you weak if you get a little teary eyed. Even I cry, and since you wanted to chat with specifically me, I'm guessing you need a little advice about somethin, so second, it's a 'just in case' kind of thing. Always be prepared, ya know?" The former thief explained, "either way, what did you wanna talk about?"
"Straight to the point?"
"You do strike me as the 'patient' type"
"That's fair", she chuckled before setting her glass down, "I... Saw him in the dungeons... Speckles I mean... Obviously you know this but... I saw him getting... Lashed..." This made her brother wince a little, she placed a hand on his before continuing, "I watched the fight he and the princess had before that, I saw him get thrown into jail, I saw our brother in the amber, I saw Speckles's harsh treatment courtesy of the guards, I saw his punishment, I saw everything.... And I couldn't... Or didn't.... Do anything about it...." She stated, getting angrier with every word she said.
"Do you mind if I ask why you didn't?" Lance asked calmly
"It's because I had to protect the Sundrop. Seeing her use her power.... against him.... It made everything so clear to me, what her destiny was, who would be in her way, and how I could help her... and my kingdom... I visited Sti-....Quirin.... I visited Quirin while he was trapped, I didn't say anything so I highly doubt he even knew I was there, but I saw him, trapped.... I tried using my sword to break him out, I tried, but it didn't cut.... The reason it didn't is the same reason my sword didn't cut the Sundrop's hair when I swiped at it, both were made from the same things, the Moonstone's power. The black rocks came from that power as well and made the amber he was in unbreakable.... I couldn't get him out.... So I thought I could bust Speckles out of jail.... But every time I saw an opportunity, a guard would interrupt, or the king, or the Sundrop would be in danger...."
"How'd you know when we needed your help?"
She showed her right hand to the former thief, the Brotherhood's symbol giving off a slight glow, "this mark informs all of us when the Moonstone is in danger, when the princess got her hair back, we all were alerted by it's eerie glow".
Hector gave his sister a confused look, "wait, how'd you even know Varian was our brother's spawn?"
Chuckling a little, Adira smiled, "I traveled to Corona because I'd heard a rumor that the Sundrop was located there. By the time I'd gotten here though, everyone was cleaning up a huge mess, an explosion of some sort, half the village was destroyed. I asked around and was told the Village Leader's son was the cause, I was intrigued so I went to find this mayhem maker when, to my surprise, I saw our dear brother talking to Speckles. I hid in the trees and listened to their conversation, he was talking to him about alchemy and how dangerous it was, poor little Speckles looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders as they spoke, and Quirin noticed:
**A year and several months ago**
"I'm sorry dad I... I really thought it would work this time...." A fourteen year old Varian stated sadly as he picked up a couple of metal pieces from his, now destroyed, water heater tank.
Quirin, who was holding a broom, sighed agitatedly, "son I know you're trying to help in your own way, but making the entire village explode won't change people's minds about alchemy".
"It was only half the village that blew up", the teen corrected. His father raised a brow, "Uh... Right, n-not the point, look, I can fix it!" He replied, "I just have to rerun the calculations... and rebuild the machines... A-and half the town... B-but I can fix it! I can bring us hot water a-and make this right, I can-!"
"Varian, you just destroyed half the village and our home, I think you can hold off on the water tanks for a while. A *long* while", his father stated firmly, he began sweeping again, "I wish you would understand how dangerous alchemy can be"
"But-!"
"No, no 'buts'! This is too much, people could've been seriously hurt, or killed. The farm could've been destroyed Varian, hundreds of people rely on that farm, and on Old Corona itself!"
"I-I know I just-!"
"You just need to think before you try all these dangerous things, a lot of this could've been avoided had you put a little more forethought into it, or at the very least *asked* me first"
"I wanted it to be a surprise", the teen tried
"Well that's nice but unfortunately the surprise ended up causing serious damage to the village", he turned to face his boy, "you want to help, I understand that, but there's a way you can do that without putting people's lives at risk"
The little alchemist hung his head low but said nothing as he continued to clean up the mess he'd made. The air was tense between the pair, so tense in fact that neither noticed the small shimmy in the trees above them as Adira watched from above, she couldn't believe what she was seeing, her brother had a *child*?!. Thinking of her older sibling having a kid felt a little odd to her, but she didn't have much time to let the thought process as the teen spoke once more. "I... I'm really s-sorry dad...." His voice was wavering and quiet, she could see his shoulders trembling as he continued to pick up the debris.
The retired knight had apparently caught it as well, "Varian?"
The teen didn't respond at first, keeping quiet as he wiped his tears away, but he didn't want his father to think he was ignoring him, "I-I'm still here... J-just picking up t-the trash..."
The Village Leader felt guilt wash over him as his son spoke, hearing the disappointment in his little boy's voice made all the anger flow out of the man. He dropped the broom and walked over to the teen before he wrapped his arms around him, startling the boy. They stayed that way for a bit before the man spoke, "I'm sorry, that was a little too harsh on my part. You're already disappointed in yourself and your invention exploded, I know that's hard for you so I'm sorry for being so rough". He then sighed as he let go and the teen turned to face him, his cheeks still had tears running down them as his father continued, "it's just, I worry Varian, I love you so much and I want you to succeed, I really do, but these inventions are too big for this little town. People don't understand them-!"
"Or me...."
"They understand you", now it was Varian's turn to raise his brow at his father, who chuckled, "alright, maybe not *fully*, but they do understand you're only trying to help in your own way. Son, I know you want to do big things for this kingdom, and one day, you will, I have complete faith that you will become the greatest alchemist who ever lived! But like many other scientists when they were younger, they had to start out small, I think if you did that, and maybe gave the people of Old Corona a hand with rebuilding, they'd start to see the amazing alchemical person that I see in you". He cupped his boy's cheek, rubbing his thumb against it to wipe the tears away as Varian smiled at him, "do you think you could do that, for me?"
The alchemist nodded before wrapping his arms around his father's waist, hugging him tightly as Quirin returned the loving gesture, "I love you dad"
"I love you too son, and I always will", came the soft reply. The face painted warrior smiled at the small family before she spotted a little raccoon running over to the duo.
He climbed up the teen and nuzzled him happily, a little bit of pink goo shined on him tail as the trio laughed, "well good for you Stickler", she smirked, "good for you".
**Back to the present**
Adira smiled as she finished the story, getting Lance to chuckle, "so that's what Eugene and Rapunzel were talkin about, they told me about the water tanks blowin up, but I had no idea it was Varian who did that. Makes a lot of sense now that I think about it though".
"After that I began watching them at a distance while keeping an eye out for the Sundrop flower. I was never told the flower had been used to heal the Queen of Corona and her daughter, so I didn't realize the princess was the Sundrop until I saw he hair reacting to the black rocks during the science expo, where she made Speckles promise to keep her little secret... I followed her after that, keeping dangers away from her while trying to see how much she knew".
"You didn't talk to Quirin at all?" The former thief asked
"No, I couldn't, or at least I thought I couldn't.... When we left the Dark Kingdom, I thought I was on my own, sorry Wild Child"
"No problem", Hector replied, "I called you a traitor and told you I'd attack if you ever came near the Moonstone. I wouldn't expect any help from me either".
She smirked and continued, "and seeing as he had a child, I didn't think he'd want to help. Plus that little boy means the world to him, you have no idea how many times he'd gush about Speckles to his fellow farmers, how much time he'd spent helping his boy prepare for something, everyone in the whole *village* knew how much Quirin loved his child, I didn't want to include him in this mess... Yet another mistake I made while investigating the Sundrop as I could've saved my brother from a year in amber and my nephew from the tortures he went through...." She looked at Lance once more *it's okay to cry* echoed in her mind, but she shook it away and continued, "I spent so much time investing in the Sundrop that I didn't help Speckles until it was too late... He went crazy the next time I saw him.... The automatons attacking, everyone against him, Quirin in the amber, and I couldn't do a thing to stop it.... I wanted to but if I tried, I would've tried to protect my little nephew, and had I done so, even if I'd won, he wouldn't have listened to me, I don't know if he would've even believed me. Then there was the Sundrop herself, had I protected him, she wouldn't have listened to me or gone with what I'd told her, then her destiny would never be fulfilled and the Moonstone would've continued to create chaos and.... I had to choose to ignore him.... I had to choose to protect the Sundrop over my own family and I just...." *It's okay to cry*, she shook her head, looking at her hands on the table, they were clenched so tightly that her knuckles were white, that's when she saw a hand touch hers.
Turning she saw Hector looking at her, his face sympathetic, "I yelled at you and called you a traitor for trying to save our kingdom, our *home*, by any means necessary, and spent 25 years of my life in a tree protecting something no one was even looking for", he said softly, remembering her words. "Our brother yelled at his kid and didn't warn him about the dangers he was facing, our king tried to destroy a mystical stone that started this whole thing in the first place. We *all* made mistakes when it came to the Moonstone..."
Lance nodded, "and it wasn't exactly like any of *us* were tryin real hard either", he said, "sure we knew about the black rocks, but none of us, except for Varian, did anything to stop them, in fact, the only one that tried to do anything at all was that kid in there.... He suffered a lot because of all of us, and we're all tryin to make up for it".
"But it's not *just* that, I... I saw him in the dungeons, I watched him get punished in so many cruel ways, I just stood there as he got *lashed*!" She snapped, shame dripping from her voice as the words, *it's okay to cry* echoed in her mind once more, she shook them away for the third time and continued, "I was *there*! And I did *nothing* to stop it, to stop *them*! I... I just let it happen... Because I thought getting the Sundrop to the Dark kingdom was more important than that poor boy sitting in the living room...."
"You said that before, that you were there", Lance said softly, "what do you mean exactly, and why couldn't you help, can you tell us?"
"....I would switch my positions a lot, between you and him, I would keep an eye out for you and your group while also journeying back to Corona and watching him. That's why there were times when you were in danger that I wasn't around, I travel light and fast, it takes me a couple weeks to travel back and fourth from Corona to the Dark Kingdom, you were about halfway there when he was whipped.... That was when you met Hector..."
The former thief's eyes widened, "we were at the Great tree when he was-!"
"Yes....", she replied softly", "Or at least you were heading there, I heard the Sundrop mention your route to the Dark Kingdom and had planned a trip to Corona with enough time to make it to the Great Tree a little before you got there, just in case I needed to help you.... I was watching Speckles in the dungeons, his little raccoon had been keeping his cellmate away from him for a while by hissing, it was quite entertaining to watch. So far, he'd just been surviving, he was months into his sentence and he looked pretty good for a teenager being in a cell".
"Why didn't you just bust him out?" The wild tamer asked
The question shook her more than she wanted it to *it's okay to cry*, echoed in her mind, she kept shaking it away, "i-if I did, I would've had to take him with me, and had I done that, he would've been spotted by their group", she gestured to Lance, "and I didn't know how that little interaction would go, I thought it would be safer for him to stay in Corona, that at least his raccoon would keep him safe while I was gone...." *It's okay to cry* echoed again, and she shook it away, but it was getting harder for her to do, it annoyed her. "....What I didn't expect was for them to take Ruddigar away and drag Speckles out of his cell on the day I came back after Hector and I parted ways...." *It's okay to cry*, "shut up...."
"What?" Lance replied, concern lacing his voice
"I.... Don't worry about it. We, I and your group Lance, spent a day in that tree, I spent one more day with Hector after it was destroyed, patched his wounds, made sure he was alright, and then left for Corona. I got back and visited Quirin, I didn't say anything, I never did, but I always made it a point to visit, to make sure he was still there and find him if he wasn't...." *It's okay to cry* "....I made my way to the castle and got there by early evening.... That's when I heard Speckles screaming in pain..." *It's okay to cry* "I tried to get there as fast as I could but when I did... He was...." She covered her mouth and closed her eyes, too horrified to speak as the image of her nephew chained and whipped flashed in her mind, *It's okay to cry*. Tears stung in her eyes as she remembered his screams, *It's okay to cry*, the memory became too much for her as the tears streamed down her face, "I... I-I couldn't do anything.... I... Felt s-so helpless... I just watched him... Crying out in pain... Crying out for Quirin.... And I couldn't... I *didn't*...." *It's okay to cry*, her mind suddenly heard herself, all those years ago, asking if she would be safe, if the man she'd just escaped from, the man who beat and tortured her, would find her and hurt her again. *It's okay to cry* She heard Quirin's calm words give her assurance that she would be safe, that he wouldn't let anything happen to her, she'd felt so helpless back then too, like she couldn't do anything but watch as other people protected her *It's okay to cry*. As she was flashed forwards and seeing that boy again, all her mind could think was she'd thought she'd gotten stronger, she'd thought she could make a difference, but that was wrong, *she* was wrong, this boy needed her help, and all she could do was watch *It's okay to cry*. All the pain, guilt, shame, and horror she felt finally bubbled over, she couldn't keep it up anymore and burst into tears, letting everything out as she hid her head in her arms on the table, she didn't feel Lance and Hector's hands on her back, didn't hear their words as they consoled her. All she could hear was her nephew's screams and that horrible sound of a leather string snapping on his skin.
Notes:
I'm sorry I didn't update yesterday, I got *really* sick and could barely work, I'm still sick but I wanted to make this chapter today, I'm also making this a three parter because Adira needs a three parter!
I love Adira and I feel like, out of all of them, she's the one that trusts her emotions the least. Each of the Brotherhood members seems to have something they do not trust, Hector trusts people the least, Quirin trusts himself the least, Edmund trusts his leadership the least. I feel like Adira does not trust her emotions, and she hides them with a cool front so others don't see what she doesn't want them to see. The only ones that can I'm hoping I made obvious enough for you to guess in these chapters, but if not, they are Hector, Edmund, and Quirin (and now Lance but we'll get there in the next chapter :3).
I got this idea from them in the show, each of them had a failure, Edmund failed to protect his kingdom (the Moonstone destroyed it when he attacked it), Quirin failed to protect his son (Varian was sent to prison when he kept secrets from him), Hector failed to protect his home (both when it got destroyed by the Moonstone he wasn't there and when Rapunzel and her gang got through the great tree when he lost the battle), and Adira failed to protect her family (when Hector got taken over by the tree because she led Rapunzel's group there, when Edmund lost his arm when she didn't stop him in time, and when Quirin got frozen in amber when she didn't try to help him with the black rocks). Let me know what you think of this, it's an interesting idea to me but I'm open to your opinions :D
Either way, I'm hoping you like this arc so far, also, Quirin is the best big brother!
And yes, Hector and Adira have a close relationship, I have an idea as to why that I'll probably bring up in a later chapter, but out of the four of them, Quirin and Edmund are the closest to each other, and Hector and Adira are the closest to each other, but they all love each other immensely!
Of course Varian is the favorite in the family, they love Eugene as well, and they constantly fight for the duo's love, and it's adorable! <3
Sorry for rambling XD Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 88: Healing! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Adira talks to Varian
Chapter Text
The face painted warrior's head pounded when her tears finally cleared. She felt two hands on her, one on her shoulder, the other on her back, she didn't feel like she deserved them but appreciated the gesture all the same as she sat back up, accepting the tissue Lance offered and cleaned her face before letting out a sigh. "I.... Really messed up.... I.... Could've done so much more... I could've kept him safe.... I could've helped him.... But I didn't.... And I see him now, with all the trauma he's suffering and everything that he's been through and I.... I wish I did more... There's no excuse for that... I abandoned him just like everyone else.... I... I don't know what to do Lance...."
The former thief gave Adira a sympathetic look, "what do you think you should do?" He asked
"I should face justice! I should be screamed at for abandoning him, for not doing anything to help him! More than that, I... I shouldn't even be near him.... I don't deserve to be...."
"Do you want to be?"
"Yes... I love him... He's my Speckles...."
This made Lance chuckle, "your Speckles?"
She nodded solemnly, "though I don't deserve to call him that.... I've hurt him and I don't think he even knows it.... You... I'm surprised you're not yelling at me for what I did..."
"I abandoned him too, we all did", Lance stated, "I have no right to judge you, plus", he placed a hand on hers and smiled comfortingly, "I can tell you feel horrible about it, why would I make you feel worse? It'd be like me tellin Rapunzel about everything she did to him, I know she feels bad, and she's tryin to make up for it. I also know she cares about Varian, just like you, so again, why would I judge you?"
This made the face painted warrior smile a bit before the teen's screams filled her mind again, "I.... What do I do? I don't know how to fix this...."
"Why don't you talk to him?" Hector suggested, making both turn to look at him, "if you really want justice, then have him be the judge".
His sister nodded, "I should, he should know...." She hesitated
"What's wrong?" Lance asked worriedly
"I don't want to lose him... I realize that makes me sound even worse, why didn't I go after him and help him if I didn't want to lose him? But.... It's true.... I really don't want to lose him.... I care about him, as much as I care about my brothers and my king, maybe even more.... But he... I'm afraid of what he'll say... I should be... I deserve to be... I'm being a coward...."
The former thief and wild tamer looked at each other before looking back at the face painted warrior, she was looking at the ground, he eyes were still filled with tears and she had her head hung low. "Adira", Lance said, "I know you're afraid, you... You're allowed to be, and I know you feel ashamed and guilty right now, but you are anything *but* a coward!" He stated, "you've faced so many people, fought hard to get where you are, even faced your own *king*! All in the name of finding the truth and getting your home back! You are not a coward, tellin someone about somethin you did that wasn't great is scary but... But you know it's what you gotta do, to help you... And to help him. It's completely up to you if you wanna do this, I can't guarantee he'll be okay with it, but I *can* guarantee that I'll be here to help if you need me, every step of the way", he smiled at her gently, looking her straight in the eyes as he said this.
"I'll be here too", her brother agreed, "I'm not gonna hate you, I've known you way too long and fought by your side to do that, so you'll at least have us", he replied with a smirk
"Hector... What do you feel about what I just told you?.... Be honest with me, I... I need to know"
"Me?" He asked, she nodded silently and waited for his reply, he thought about it for a moment before sighing, "if you want honest, then I think the whole thing is a mess. He suffered in there, a lot, we see that everyday, you were there, you saw that. I can't blame you for not being able to help him all the time, you had make sure that pretty princess was safe... It's just... I can't imagine what it must've been like to watch him suffer and not be able to do anything about it. Though why you didn't beat the shit out of the Seporians I will never know-!"
"I tried"
"What?"
"I tried to defeat them, they're not that tough, they're really not, I could do it in my sleep if I wanted... But I ended up running into their leader...." She closed her eyes, her shoulders tensing up as she remembered that night:
She was in the trees, sneaking from branch to branch, she was so close to the castle, this was too easy. The Seporians had a weak patrol walking around, two men were wondering the parameters of the castle outside, neither one had seen her, she would've laughed had she thought she could've gotten away with it. She managed to break in, the window was always the best option in her opinion, and fortunately for her, she'd snuck into the room next to her target's. Looking both left and right, she was about to slip inside the teen's room before a hand jutted out and grabbed her wrist, catching her off guard and pulling, then pushing, her inside a different room in one fluid motion before shutting, and locking, the door, trapping her inside. She noticed there was no window in this room, it only had one exit, and it was currently locked, "hello mystery women", a voice said, she turned around and saw a tall skinny man with a bun in his hair, he was smirking.
She glared at him, "let me out, or I'll break every bone in your body until you do".
"You could try, but I locked his door too and I'm the only one with the key", he responded, "so maybe you wanna stay in there and play nice so we can have a little chat".
"Why would two locked doors stop me?", she asked, "I know you have the key, and I'm not above killing you to get it".
"Oh I think you really should be, considering I have one of my friends inside the same room as that kid", he stated, "and he's got quite a large knife with him with a very *painful* poison on it too".
Her eyes went wide, "you wouldn't"
"I would, and I'll keep that man, or myself, near him every second of everyday too".
"You need him!"
"Not really, he already made some of the chemical, and said he's gonna test it out tomorrow to see if it works, plus, it's not like we really need to do much, we've already got control of Corona, the princess is no where to be found and even if she *were* here, we have enough power from the kids little 'goo bombs' to trap her and her friends with no problem at all. Really, the only thing we need this kid for, is to keep you at bay".
"Me? So, you knew I was-!"
"Pfft! Of course I knew! None of the others noticed because they aren't as perceptive as me, but I've seen you scoping out the area, trying to remain in the shadows, it was bound to happen, I mean, we have people placed everywhere, one of us was *going* to see you, it just happened to be me".
She sat on the bed, feeling like she'd just got punched in the gut before she spoke once more, "you would kill an innocent boy?"
"We'll do what we need to do to make sure no one stands in our way, and if keeping that kid around means you'll stay off our backs, then fine. So let's strike a deal, you leave Corona and let us be, and I'll keep the kid safe"
"I don't trust you", she stated
"You don't really have a choice, now do you?"
He was right, she didn't, but she got an idea, "I'm not leaving completely, I'll be everywhere, and I'll make sure I'm hidden this time"
"Lady did you not hear me befor-!"
Her face was centimeters from his in an instant, her voice low and icy once more as she spoke, "I am a warrior and know how to kill any man in thousands of ways using only my two hands, I also know that I wasn't being too careful before but will be now that you know I'm here. I'm going to be here every single day, hour, minute, second, and millisecond, and I'll hear every word, breath, sneeze, and cough. I'll make sure to watch that little boy every second and if I see you so much as lay one finger on his tiny head once I leave this room, I'll do things so painful to you that I'll make you wish you'd never been born. Am I understood you disgusting, savage, pathetic human *waste* of oxygen?"
They stayed that way for a full minute before the man nodded, "deal", he outstretched his hand and she ignored it, walking over to the door instead. He unlocked it and let her out, as she walked, she noticed the man open Varian's door, she managed to get one last look at him as he slept. She smiled adoringly as she took in every detail of the small bundle on the bed inside, she could only see his little nose, freckled cheeks, and messy black and blue hair, the rest of him was covered in a large blanket, but he looked to be okay. She continued to watch him until she got to the room she'd entered through, that's when the Seporian leader blocked her view, a disgusting grin on his face as he slowly closed the door behind him, giving one last cold glare, she hopped out the window and into the trees, quickly making her way to the other side and watching her little nephew from her perch, making sure the man she'd just spoken to could see she was still there.
"I stayed there but made sure to hide myself so he could never tell where I was.... So when I went to join you at the Dark Kingdom, I knew he was safe, that disgusting Seporian wouldn't try anything because he couldn't tell if I was there or not. When your friend stole the Moonstone, I made my way back to Corona, or tried, the king gave me a mission to search for your friend. I did so as made my way back, though I wasn't really looking as hard as I could... Too worried about him, but the next time I saw Speckles, Quirin was free and they were chatting and.... He was okay.... I was so relieved by that but... It doesn't make up for me abandoning him.... It doesn't...."
"You kept him safe".
"Hm?" Adira looked at Lance, who was smiling wide
"You kept him safe, the little man told me a bit about the Seporians, *very* little actually, but from what I gathered, they were cruel to him before, he.... Still suffers from what they did to him before... But you kept him safe, that's more than nothin you know"
"It wasn't enough.... I should've done more...."
"Let him decide that", Hector stated, "go talk to him, tell him what happened, let him decide what he thinks. Like I said before, you have me, and I guess you got butter ball here too"
"He referrin to me?" Lance asked
Adira chuckled, "yes he is, and that's a good sign"
The wild tamer smirked before turning his full attention to his sister, "talk to him Adira. You won't get better by waiting, if anything else, Lance is right, he needs to know".
"You're right, so does Quirin.... I abandoned his son and didn't say a word.... He deserves to know too...." They nodded in agreement and stood up, Adira cleaning her face once more and redoing the paint before she, Lance and Hector walked back into the living room.
****
Varian was speechless as he stared at his aunt while stroking Ruddigar's fur, Adira was looking at the floor in shame. She, his uncle, and his therapist had walked out of the dining room and announced they needed to talk about something important, when everyone agreed, none of them were expecting what the face painted warrior had to say would be anything like this. "That's.... That's all...." Adira stated softly, "I... I'm so sorry for not protecting you better... I abandoned you, just like everyone else.... I could've done so much more to protect you but I didn't... I'm so sorry... I... I wanted you to know because you deserve to know that truth". She took in a shaky breath and let it out slowly before she continued, "I won't lie and say I wanted to tell you from the beginning.... I was afraid to say a word to you, to *both* of you actually.... But Lance and Hector both told me it would be better for you to know, so you could heal, they're right, you should heal... I.... I'm really sorry...."
She went quiet, still not being able to look either of them in the eye, as she'd told her story, Quirin's grip on his son had gotten tighter, his big arms wrapping around his boy protectively, but he remained quiet, watching his son and seeing what he would do. Varian himself was still stunned, *she was there, t-the whole time?! S-she saw me get whipped? S-she didn't do anything to help?!* *No! She got Andrew and his gang to stop being so nasty to me! That's something!* *It doesn't fix everything else she could've stopped!* "But she couldn't! There were guards everywhere!* *She's a trained warrior, how could she not get past them and help you?!* *she tried to get dad out, she tried! She cares about me!* *NO SHE DOESN'T!* *YES SHE DOES!* *SHUT UP!* He yelled in his mind before he felt his raccoon's cold nose nuzzle him, he really wished those voices would stay quiet, he hated them, they were what made him do those horrible things in the first place.... Thinking about the events that transpired in the dungeons as he scratched Ruddigar's chin however made something click within him, and he got up. His father let him out and held onto his raccoon as they both watched him walk over to the women, her head was still hanging low, she felt her heart thumping in her chest as she heard his soft footsteps approach her, she closed her eyes, waiting for him to strike her, "W-why didn't you stop the g-guards from hurting me in m-my home?" He asked softly, making her look up, his eyes were shining, but otherwise he was showing no emotion, "I... I c-can't make a decision until I know that".
She nodded, "the day the guards came to your home was during or sometime after the blizzard, correct?"
"Yeah"
"During the blizzard I was helping people get to shelter. There were several Old Coronans that got stuck or had gotten injured during that storm, I was helping them get somewhere safe, I didn't know what was going on between you and you father, I wish I had.... I would've come running... After that, there wasn't much of a change at first, save for people moving out, the only difference is that I hadn't seen you nor your father for a couple days... I went to search for you, that's when I saw a wanted poster with your face on it. I ran over to your home immediately, but when I got there, you weren't home.... I looked everywhere for you in this house, but you were no where to be seen, I found Quirin that way... That's when I tried to free him, I used my blade, but it didn't cut.... I tried several other things to free him too, the chemicals around the lab, other swords and weapons I could find, my hands until they bled, anything, but nothing worked... I gave up and went to look for you instead, I searched the house, the farm, the lab, the forest, the town, I don't know where you went but you disappeared!"
"I... I think t-that was a few days after I found d-dad encased.... I was in the c-city, trying to gather supplies from anywhere I could", Varian explained
"Well I never stopped searching, and I did eventually find you.... Being pushed inside your home with guards surrounding you..."
"T-they... Found me and b-brought me home...."
"I'm sorry..."
"It's okay, please continue"
"Right... I saw them pushing you in and was about to attack them when I got surrounded by other guards.... They arrested me and threw me in the dungeons as well, that idiot of a king kept me locked in there and apparently knew who I was, I'm... Guessing you mentioned me?"
She glanced over at her older brother, who looked startled, but then nodded, "when I came to Corona he wanted me to tell him everything I knew, I told him the basics, I had two siblings and a father, you", he nodded to Edmund
The Dark king smiled wide, "you said I was your father?!"
This made the retired knight smirk and nod, chuckling a bit as the man grinned even wider before turning to his sister, "I suppose he figured out what you and Hector could really do after he found out I was a knight, which is another story for another day, continue".
"Right", she looked back at her nephew, "I was arrested and placed in a holding cell, he constantly tried to convince me that you were evil and I should stop trying to help you, but I never did. I ended up escaping, but the guards always seemed to be ready for me, and they always had so many that it was too much for me to take alone. I kept getting thrown back in that stupid cell and breaking out before something changed, the captain of the guards was back, the princess had apparently found out about their little scheme and saw no point in keeping me locked up. He let me go, and I ran like hell to get to you, but by the time I managed to get to your home...."
"I.... I left for Corona a-after Rapunzel visited my home... I... I was t-too far gone after that... You knew it, didn't you?...." the teen asked, making his aunt nod, her head was hung in shame once more, she closed her eyes again, waiting for his decision, but she felt him wrap his tiny arm around her instead. They stayed that way for a while before she heard him speak, "....I forgive you Adira".
"What? I... After what I did to you.... Or didn't do...."
"You tried.... M-maybe you could've done more.... But you could've done less t-too...." He let go of her and she looked up at him, his eyes were shining but he smiled at her just the same, "t-the guards that were watching me... I n-noticed them be gentler with me after I was w-whipped.... And the Seporians too.... I got tortured, I got beat.... T-there are things that I wonder, l-like when they took Ruddigar a-away, o-or when Andrew was manipulating me. But you d-did help me, a lot more than I think you remember. L-like how you watched me at night, I w-woke up a couple times and could see you.... When I was in jail I.... I couldn't understand who it was that kept throwing a-apples in my cell when the guards didn't let me eat that day... I d-didn't understand why the guards were gentle with me, e-even though there were times they were cruel.. T-the guards knew when you were g-gone... That's when they got worse... B-but they would suddenly be very easy with m-me... You also stopped A-Andrew from killing me that n-night and made i-it so much e-easier on me when I was w-with the Seporians.... You didn't protect me from everything, y-you didn't, but you protected me from a lot either way. I.... I'm guess I'm glad to finally k-know who was there for me, even i-in a small way, you tried, s-so, thank you". He smiled at her and gripped her tighter with his good arm, "thank you for trying aunt Adira".
The face painted warrior was so shocked, she didn't know what say, but she wrapped her arms around the teen, around her nephew, and hugged him so tight. She never wanted to let go, she wanted to stay this way forever, holding him, keeping him safe, like she should have before. There were still a lot of things she needed to make up for as she felt her stomach twist with guilt so strong that it almost knocked her down.... She wouldn't let herself off the hook that easily, but she took comfort in her little nephew, feeling a few tears drip from her eyes as she held him close, "thank you for forgiving me Varian".
He smiled in her arms and leaned into her touch, "call me Speckles, Wise Eyes".
Notes:
Ok, so this is the end of the three parter!
She finally told him! Mind you, this is only Varian's reaction to what they were just told, we've still got Quirin and Edmund, not to mention Eugene and Rapunzel. In my mind, I think Varian would forgive his aunt because, in reality, *any* help was a blessing for him, but she still feels super guilty about what she did, and intends to make up for what she didn't protect him from, unfortunately, there are things she couldn't stop, she *had* to get Rapunzel to the Dark Kingdom, or at least that's what she thought... I honestly feel really bad for her, but for reasons you'll find out in later chapters.
Sorry if this chapter seems a bit rushed, I'm still a little sick and work was *really* rough today, like really freaking rough.... Even so, I hope you still enjoy it, like I said before, I'm more than willing to talk about this chapter and Adira herself! :D
Varian is a forgiving bean, he wouldn't want to hate her, he wouldn't.
I'm not saying anymore for fear of accidental spoilers popping out, but thank you all so much for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 89: Story Time!
Summary:
The gang needs a break, especially after what they'd just heard, so Quirin tells a story about Varian's fear of blood.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian and Adira had hugged for a while before the alchemist broke the hug and smiled wide at his aunt, who smiled back, her eyes shining with unshed tears before the teen let out a breath and walked back over to his father, climbing into his lap once more and laying his head against the man's chest. This prompted Adira to look at her big brother, who was watching his son adoringly, before hearing a sniffling noise nearby. Turning to look, she saw Rapunzel with tears in her eyes, she was looking at the floor and trying very hard not to be too loud, but noticing the face painted warrior watching her, she blushed and leaned against Eugene, who was holding her hand. "....I'm.... Sorry you had to hear about this...", she tried, "I know you wouldn't have done that, you're different".
"It doesn't make it right..." The princess stated, giving up the fight and letting her tears fall down her face, "my father... He did so many things to your family... Is... Is there anything else I should know?"
"Princess-!"
"No!" She snapped, making everyone, except Hector and Quirin, jump at bit, "I'm done being coddled and blindsided by *everything* my father has done! He's imprisoned, whipped, tortured, and abused *my* little brother! He imprisoned you for just being concerned! He betrayed Quirin, *his* best friend, and lied to me and my mom!" She snarled before feeling her hand being squeezed, she turned and saw Eugene looking at her worriedly. She took a breath and let it out slowly before looking at the Brotherhood members, and Varian, "I'm sorry.... I'm just so... Frustrated? Angry? Sad? I don't even know!.... He... He's been so kind and loving to me and my mom, I know he has those qualities inside him.... Why is he like this with all of you? I there a reason?"
Varian, Ruddigar, Edmund, Hamuel, Adira, Hector, Pixie, and Basil all looked at Quirin, the retired knight was thinking, trying to find any reason for the king's treatment of him, before something seemed to click, "I... Think it may have something to do with the Moonstone and our connection to it", he responded.
"What do you mean?" Eugene asked
"I mean, Rapunzel is the Sundrop, or at least the embodiment of it, and I warned Frederic about the dangers of that particular flower. He didn't listen to me and it got you kidnapped Rapunzel, after you were gone, he'd called me back, asking me to give him everything I knew about the Moonstone".
"Did you tell him anything?" Edmund asked, a little worriedly
The retired knight shook his head, "I managed to avoid the subject for a while by telling him general things, mainly about the Sundrop and what I knew about it, which is what Adira told me about it". He nodded to his sister, who smiled, "it wasn't much, all I knew was that it may be the counterpart to something far darker and the little piece of the Demanitus scroll that I had kept a secret nobody could really understand. He wanted the scroll piece and I told him no, it wasn't meant to leave my hands, he got very angry at that, but understood there were things I couldn't, and wouldn't, tell him".
Lance tilted his head to the side, "wait, but he ended up wantin that scroll when you were.... Um...." He looked at Varian
"In the amber?" The teen finished, "you can say it, I'm.... I'm getting better at accepting it now"
"Really?"
The alchemist nodded, stroking Ruddigar's fur as the raccoon curled onto his lap, "you've been helping me accept a lot of things that happened, I won't lie and say it doesn't affect me still but", he looked up at his father, who smiled at him before he looked back at the former thief, "it's getting easier to talk about because of you".
This made Lance smile wide at the teen, "I'm really proud of you, you know that?"
This made Varian giggle, "thanks"
"You're welcome little man", they stayed quiet for a moment before the former thief looked at Quirin again, "sorry uh, either way, he basically knew everything that was on it, didn't he? Why would he go out of his way to try and get it again?"
"That... Is a fair point", the Village Leader replied, "as far as I know, that piece of the scroll held only bits and pieces of what the full scroll said, and I never translated it, I don't know how.... Either way, he didn't get anything out of me for a while... Until Varian was three".
This made the dark king raise a brow and look at his grandson, "why would the little peanut being three change anything?"
"Because Ulla left and I was alone with a three year old on the outskirts of Old corona. Back then, criminals would jump at the chance to hurt anyone in Corona, but since it was heavily guarded, Old Corona was fair game... Unfortunately... There was a night that ended up making that little fact all too clear..."
Varian shuddered, "it's also the night that made me afraid of blood...."
"Wait really?" Eugene asked, "what happened?"
The retired knight glared at the memory, "it's a long story"
"I'm curious, and honestly could go for a distraction", the dark prince stated, glancing at his princess, who seemed interested too
"Would... would Varian mind?" Rapunzel asked, "I know certain things trigger...."
The teen, taking Eugene's hint, shook his head, "no, it may be a good idea to take a break from... Well everything.... But dad's right, it's a long story"
The princess smiled gratefully, "I'm willing to listen"
This made the alchemist smile before he looked at his father and nodded, "I guess I'm telling the story then?" The old father sassed
"It makes me faint!"
"Bratty Stinkbomb"
"Evil Jerkface"
Chuckling, the Village Leader cleared his throat before he began the tale:
****
Quirin sighed as he walked through the front door of his home, work in the fields had been exhausting that day, but he was sure it would be a bountiful harvest this year. He closed the front door and walked inside, he took a moment to collect himself as he walked in his living room, hearing the comforting sound of the crackles in the fireplace. "Daddy!" his three year old exclaimed, hopping off the couch, knocking a few pillows off in the process, and running towards the man, hugging his leg happily as the old farmer chuckled.
"Hi Bubby, did you behave for the babysitter?" He asked, scooping his boy up into his arms
"I tink so, but you're donna ask dem anyway", the little boy replied, crossing his arms across his chest and pouting a little
"Well is there anything you'd like to tell me before I ask?"
The child thought for a moment, looking up, then down, then back at his dad, then up again before shaking his head, "nope, I was a good boy! So I tan get da good boy pie!"
"Good boy pie?"
"Yeah! You said dere's a good boy pie for good boys, member?"
"Right, I member", he chuckled, "how about we find your babysitter first though hm?"
"Otay!"
"Where'd she go anyway?"
"I dunno, she was gonna get snackies and told me ta stay put, so I did, wike a good boy!"
"I see, alright well, let's go find her then", with that, Quirin took his boy inside the dining room, but immediately felt something off. His sense going wild when he smelled a slight hint of copper in the air and didn't hear anyone in the kitchen area.
"Daddy?"
He looked down and saw his tiny, blue eyed boy in his arms, apparently the child could sense something was amiss too, he was being quiet and had curled up a little in his father's arms. The retired knight looked around, the lanterns in the dining room were off, the room was still, and the air was tense, almost as if time itself was afraid to tick. "Varian", Quirin whispered, "I'm gonna need you to be very quiet, and if I say run, you run, okay?"
"D-daddy?"
"It'll be alright Bubby, I'll be safe, you'll be safe, and your babysitter will be safe, but you need to be quiet and do as I say, okay?" He replied, he was gentle but serious, showing his son this was not a time to argue. When he saw his child nod solemnly, he smiled and planted a kiss to his forehead before looking around again, he had both arms around his son and was holding him very close to his chest. Neither spoke as the retired knight walked through his dining room and into the kitchen, grabbing a knife he kept in the drawer and giving Varian a fork, the three year old gripped the utensil exactly like his daddy was holding the knife, giving a small moment of light to the situation before the father looked around once more.
"Daddy", Varian whispered, "dere's somefin over dere", he pointed to something in the corner of the dark dining room, it was large and pitch black.
Quirin gripped the knight in one hand, holding his child in the other, before moving towards the shadow, he got about an arms length away, the blob wasn't moving. The Village Leader glanced at his son, who was holding his hands over his mouth so he wouldn't speak, before turning back to the blob and nudged it with the knife. It didn't move, the old farmer noticed a broken lantern by the thing's feet along with a couple apples on the floor, and suddenly realized what this was, he slid the knife in his belt and picked up the lantern before managing to flick it on, there was Varian's babysitter. She was tied up and had multiple cuts and bruises on her, she was bleeding pretty badly too, it looked like she'd been knocked out when she'd gone to get snacks, "Bubby, how long was she gone?"
"....10 m-minutes...." Came the quiet reply
"Did you hear anything?"
"N-no...."
"Try to think back to before I came home", he said calmly, looking at his tiny son in his arms, who looked incredibly scared. Realizing this, he calmed down and spoke again, "I know this is very scary Bubby, I'm scared too, but that's why I need you to remember, any little detail will help".
The child nodded and closed his eyes, he was shaking but concentrated before opening them again, "I-I heard somefin break, and den da door opened and somefin stompin up da stairs. Dey didn't come down dough".
"Are you sure?"
The boy closed his eyes again and nodded, "yeah, dey didn't see me betawse da fire was wit and I was hidin in da piwwos to scawe.... H-her..." He looked at his babysitter worriedly, "is she gonna be otay?"
Quirin looked at his son's babysitter, setting the lantern down and checking her heart beat, it was steady, as were her breaths, "she'll be alright, we just need to get her out...." He then looked at his son for a moment, then looked back at the babysitter, she was at 14 year old girl, and a very good friend's daughter. She would often babysit Varian, and his three year old loved having her around, the retired knight wouldn't leave her, but... He looked back at his son one more time, then got an idea, "Bubby, I'm gonna need you to climb on my back, okay?"
"Wike a waccoon?"
"Like a raccoon"
"O-otay", the three year old climbed on his father's back and clung to him as the man untied the babysitter's hands and feet before picking her up and cradling her, "we're gonna leave the house and get some help, okay?"
"Otay...."
"You alright?"
"Dere's.... She's.... got r-red stuff tomin out of her... Dat's bad...."
Quirin looked at the girl's cuts, they were pretty deep, a lot of blood had leaked onto her clothing and skin, she looked very pale as well, making a mental note to pay for any doctor bills this may accumulate, the old farmer looked back at his son, "it's gonna be alright", he whispered, "we just need to get out of the house, do you trust me?"
Varian looked at his dad, then nodded, "always"
This made the man smile, "then we'll be alright, I won't let anyone hurt us or her, alright?" His son nodded and he looked forwards, the trespasser had gone upstairs, that means the back door would be a safer option. Although, they may have come in through the back door and there may be more than just one person. He looked at the back door, it didn't look like it had been broken into, but it was slightly ajar, a light breeze confirming this made the retired knight head the way they'd just entered. He walked out of the dining room door and looked around, that's when his heart stopped as the door closed behind him.... the fireplace was out....
A small gasp escaping his son made him realize his boy noticed it too, he looked at the child and saw him with his hands over his mouth again, the fork was still clutched in his little fist. Quirin looked down at his belt and took a small comfort in the kitchen knife being there as he scanned the area around him. Nothing was out of the ordinary, save for the fireplace, "daddy, da piwwos are on da couch...." Varian whispered
"That's normal Bubby", his father replied calmly
"But I knocked dem off when I hugged you earwier.... And I didn't put dem back.... Did you?"
The made the man freeze, how had he missed that?! He silently shook his head and looked at the couch a little closer, the pillows were placed on the couch, they were leaning on the top of the cushion and the base of the back. The way they were placed however made the retired knight glare, "Varian".
"Yeah?"
"Hide, now", there was a small pause before he felt his little boy crawl off of his back and hear his little feet pad over to a safe distance, once the child had hidden, Quirin placed the babysitter on his back, hoping like hell she wouldn't fall off before he grabbed the knife from his belt. He glanced to his duel blades and wished with all his might he could wield them right now before looking back at the couch, it was too risky to run to them with the girl on him. The pillows began to shift before someone popped out of them, he screamed loudly and slashed a sword at the old farmer, who countered it with a well timed block with his knife before punching the man in the stomach and knocking him to the floor. Unfortunately, there was another man that came out of nowhere and managed to cut the retired knight's arm with another sword, he got punched in the nose for that before Quirin noticed two more men coming from behind him, he turned and managed to knock them off their feet before he slashed the knife he was holding behind him, cutting the first trespasser's lip and knocking him to the ground. Unfortunately, there were too many of them as two more popped into view and managed to hop on top of Quirin, the other four piling onto him and knocking the knife out of his hand as he shielded the babysitter with his own body, he ended up pinned on the floor, too tired from the long day to fight with all his strength. One stood up as the rest kept him on the floor, he grabbed the knife and kneeled in front of the single father.
"Hello there Village Leader, we were wondering when you'd come by", the man said in a cocky voice, "didn't think we'd get the drop on ya, heard a rumor you were so strong it'd take an army to knock you down. Yet it only took six of us, huh, guess that old rumor was a li-!"
"AH!" One of his men yelled before he hopped off Quirin and grabbed his leg
"What the fuck? What are you doing?! Get back on top of him!"
"Something just fucking *stabbed* my leg!" The man replied
"OUCH!" Another one cried, getting up as well and looking at his arm, there were three little holes perfectly aligned on his arm, whatever stabbed him had been sharp enough to pierce skin, but not that far
The leader was getting angry as the retired knight heard little feet padding away right after another man screamed in pain. He smirked, realizing this would be his only chance, he did a push up and managed to knock the two remaining people off of him before grabbing the girl, throwing her on his back, and running to his duel blades, "GET HIM!" He heard the leader yell, but it was too late. With his blades in hand he took a fighting stance, a new strength had risen in him as he fought every single person in that room, slicing, punching, kicking, and head butting each one until they were all knocked out on the floor.
He panted, glaring at the people on his floor, his mind screaming at him to end it right here and now, and he was about to, gripping one of his swords tightly before he noticed a big blue eye looking at him from behind the couch. It made the man stop in his tracks, they stared at each other, he noticed a little hand holding a blood covered fork, making him break out of his blood lust. He put his blades back in their sheaths before turning and walking over to the blue eye, "hey there little peeper, it's alright, daddy knocked them out".
Varian ran out of his hiding spot and into his father's arms, allowing the man to scoop him up and hold him tightly, he dropped the fork and clung to his father's vest, "d-daddy..." The three year old began to cry, "y-you told m-me to hide a-and I d-did but den you g-got pushed o-on da gwound a-and you w-weren't gettin u-up and I-!"
"Shhhh, it's okay now Bubby, you're okay, you're okay", he cooed, stroking his son's hair softly.
****
"And that's the story", the Village Leader finished
"Woah.... You had to stab people with a fork at *three*?!.... Geez kid, what the actual f-!" Eugene stared
"a-HEM!" Quirin raised a brow
"ffffffffudge", the dark prince finished
"Dad, *you've* sworn in front of me", Varian stated flatly
"Only when absolutely necessary"
Rapunzel looked at the teen worriedly, "so, the sight of blood makes you remember that night, and that's why you faint?"
The alchemist shook his head, "the sight of blood reminds me of how I almost lost my dad and babysitter that night... It's.... Not a good feeling...."
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere", Quirin stated, hugging his son, who happily returned the hug
Lance smiled at the pair, "you two and adorable"
"They are, oh wait!" Edmund stated, "what happened to the babysitter? Was she okay?"
Varian nodded as he let go of his father, "yeah, she's okay, she stopped babysitting me of course, but we're still good friends, her father was really grateful to me and my dad for saving her"
The dark king smiled wide, "well that's because you're a fearsome fighter!"
"Really fearsome", Hector replied with an impressed smirk, "three years old and stabbing people with forks, we'll make a fighter out of you yet"
"Yep, he'd be a great warrior", Adira replied
"Actually, a tamer would be better for him sister, he's already got a raccoon", the wild tamer retorted, gesturing to Ruddigar, who chittered happily
"Both of you are wrong!" Edmund stated, "neither of those would fit the little peanut at all! He'd make an *excellent* axe wielder!"
"No he wouldn't", both Adira and Hector stated at the same time
Quirin just shook his head as his siblings and king argued with each other while Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel tried to calm them down. He looked down at his son, who looked a little nervous before catching his eye and getting him to look up, "you can be whatever you wanna be son".
Varian beamed up at his father, "how about an alchemist?"
"Perfect"
Notes:
So, I know this change of pace may come out of nowhere, but my body is still getting over being sick and I couldn't, for the life of me, shake off the enormous headache that came with this, so I needed something a little light hearted, plus I've often wondered why Varian was so afraid of blood, he's an alchemist, he gets burned and bruised a lot (considering his track record), and none of that makes him faint, but a drop of blood and he's passed out? I thought I'd try my hand at it.
The Rapunzel and Frederic bit in the beginning are hints about what's to come, we'll get into it a bit more as the story continues, sorry for the break in story, but I wanted to write it when I'm at my absolute best, I'm hoping this will suffice for now.
Three year old Varian is way too cute for words! <3
Lance and Eugene are kinda there in this chapter, sorry about that, they'll get a couple chapters soon, don't worry! :D
Edmund will be the center soon, I have an idea for him :3
With all that being said, thank you all so much for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 90: It’s a Start!
Summary:
Quirin and Adira finally talk.
Chapter Text
Adira glanced at her older brother for what seemed like the millionth time that night. He hadn’t spoken to her, save for a few polite gestures, for a few days! She knew it was because of what she’d admitted to everyone, but she still felt this burning worry inside that made her stomach do flips every time he entered a room. She wanted to say something to him, but whenever she’d try, he’d suddenly have somewhere else to be. Well not today, she *will* talk to him today, she just needed to know how without having everyone else in the same room. She finally got an idea once majority of the residents in her brother’s home were asleep, it was just her, Hector, King Edmund, and Quirin in his living room, none of the, were really speaking, opting to sharpen their gauntlet blade or read Flynn Rider for what seemed to be the fifth time since they’d been there. She smirked as she heard the dark king chuckle at another, of his many, ‘favorite parts’ before her eyes landed on the retired knight, who was peacefully watching the fire, a thoughtful look on his face. Taking in a deep breath, she steeled her nerves and walked over to the man, “Quirin”, she stated, getting him, Hector and Edmund, to look up at her, “we need to talk”.
This made the Village Leader raise a brow as the dark king and wild tamer exchanged worried glances with each other, “we do?”
“Yes, we do, about…. About Speckles”
For a moment he looked confused, but then something clicked, and he sighed, “Adira, I don’t want to-!”
“If you’re trying to wait until you’ve calmed down to speak with me about it, then you can stop. Yell at me, scream, insult me, I don’t care, just *talk* to me, because the last few days of silence have been torture and I’d rather take your anger over your silence at this point”, she interrupted.
He looked a little startled and tilted his head to the side, “I didn’t realize me collecting my thoughts on the matter would affect you in such a way”
“Believe it or not, your opinion does, indeed, matter to me. I… I keep thinking you’re going to…” she shook her head, “just, can we please talk? I know you have an opinion on what I did and, even if it means you’re furious with me or hate me….” Those words wavered as she stated them before she sat right across from him, on the armchair’s footstool, “…I’ll accept your judgement, I just need to know what it is… So I can try to fix it”.
Quirin looked at his sister, seeing her worry filled eyes lock onto him made him let out a long sigh before he looked at her again, “alright, we can talk… you’re right, we should nip this in the bud before it escalates…. And even with the few days of thought, my emotions haven’t really changed…. Maybe we can fix that, because Adira I really want to understand your actions during my son’s incarceration, I really do….” She nodded and sat up straighter as he looked at her seriously, “now, I want to be clear, it’s not fair of me to *expect* you to help him considering you hadn’t spoken to him at all and barely knew anything about him before all of this happened…. However, when you were watching him in the cell…. When he was being tortured by guards and lashed…. Just….” He let out another sigh as Hector retracted his blade back into its gauntlet and Edmund gave his knight a sympathetic look, “you were there, the entire time, and even though you helped, which I appreciate *immensely*, you… didn’t… ugh I don’t know! Break him out? Let him go? Tell him he wasn’t alone or that what was happening to him wasn’t justified? …I…. I guess I just don’t know how to feel about that right now…. He was stuck in there…. With that fucking Seporian as a roommate that hurt and manipulated him into doing, and thinking, things he should’ve *never* thought about himself, I guess… knowing you were right there and could’ve stopped that… that’s what’s getting me…. He’s got PTSD from all of that, and his anxiety has gotten so much worse now, he has to take Ruddigar practically everywhere with him when before he could at least go into town and not have to worry so much….” He looked at the floor, trying to keep himself from yelling as billions of thoughts zipped in his head, he remained quiet, not really knowing what else to say except, “I don’t know how to handle this…”
“…well”, the Dark king said as he sat up a little, getting all three of his children to look at him, “how about I help you with that?”
“What do you mean?” Quirin asked
“Yeah, how are you gonna get our brother’s feelings out of his head?” Hector asked bluntly, “it’s not exactly like there’s subtitles here or anything”.
This made Edmund chuckle, “well that’s true, but I’ve been talking a lot with Lance, he’s been giving me wonderful pointers and advice on how to help in a situation like this, I may not be an expert like him, but I could try at the very least”.
Adira looked back at the retired knight, “would that help?”
“It… honestly would…” he replied
“Alrighty then, Adira, why don’t you sit next to Hector, Quirin you can stay right where you are, I’ll be here and can try to moderate a bit”.
“What am I supposed to do?” The wild tamer asked as his sister sat next to him
“Hector you can try to understand from each person’s point of view, that way whenever there’s something the other can’t say or it seems to be coming out wrong, you can… well…” the dark king stopped, trying to find the best words
“Spell it out for them?” Hector finished
“Exactly! That way, there’s no miscommunication! Sound fair? We can work this out as a family”, Edmund offered, and, with a nod from everyone, the family discussion began! “Alright, now Quirin, what you seem to be upset over, from what I gathered, is how much Varian actually went through during his time in jail and how it all affected him coinciding with the new knowledge that Adira was there the entire time. It seems like those feelings are attacking your perception of your son’s time in prison, am I correct?”
“Yes”, the Village Leader replied
“Right then, is there anything else you’d like to add to that?” The retired knight thought for a moment, before his shoulders slumped and he hesitated a little, “Quirin, even if it goes against your oath as a knight or the Dark Kingdom itself, you can say it, everything that is said during this discussion is what you feel, and will not change any of our perspectives on you or your loyalty to your kingdom… both kingdoms”, Edmund stated with a smile
This made the Village Leader smile back, giving a nod of thanks as a weight lifted just a bit. He looked at his sister and took in a deep breath before letting it out slowly and opened his mouth, “I… guess the question I have is… if Varian’s second to the Dark Kingdom for you?” He asked gently, “I realize that sounds horrible but… You chose to constantly leave my son behind in a cell in order to make suRe the Sundrop got to the Moonstone… he… got tortured and hurt while you were gone, the guards knew you’d left and… and they hurt him worse for it… As I stated before, this *isn’t* a fair question to ask, but… I just… I’m worried that something may happen with Cassandra and the Moonstone and Varian will be in trouble… and the worst thought in my mind is that you’ll choose to get the Moonstone first before saving my son… Which is horrib-!”
“It’s not and unfounded thought”, Adira replied sadly, “I practically told you that would be the case when I told you my actions during his imprisonment…”
“Would you choose the Moonstone over Varian Adira?” Edmund asked gently, encouraging her to speak
She shook her head, “as much as I want to get that Opal back and place it where it should be, I…. Want my nephew to be safe first and foremost…. Which is why it kills me to think of what I did prior to getting to know him…. I wish I’d done more to help, break him out, stop the guards, show that he’s not alone-!”
“Stab the fuck out of Andrew?” Hector added with a smirk
“That goes without saying”, the face painted warrior replied before she looked at her brother, “I… I know this won’t change much, but if I could go back and do it all again, I would, but better… I truly mean that”.
“I know you do”, Quirin replied, “I guess that’s why I’m not sure how to feel, I know that you love him and want the best for him now, I believe you when you apologized to him, but for some reason, the thought that you were *there* and were able to do more just….” He looked at his king for help
“…Frustrates you?” He offered, receiving a nod
“I think I get it”, Hector stated, “the thought that she would change things now as opposed to not doing them in the first place is driving you nuts. The only difference between then and now being that she actually talked to your spawn, which isn’t that big a difference at all, is it?”
“Not completely…” The retired knight replied softly, “after all, you’d known him for a while before that, and knew he was my kid, you even said you knew how much I cared about him and you *still* didn’t break him out… you…”
“I chose my kingdom over my family, and that’s something I promised I’d never do”, Adira stated, “I was loyal, but to something that was, and I’m so sorry King Edmund, already dead”.
“Yes! Exactly!” Quirin exclaimed, feeling his feelings finally click into place, “you left my baby boy in a *dungeon* to help save something that was already gone, and now he’s suffering from PTSD, anxiety, some form of depression, and so many other things that I barely understand and I can’t help him with because… I… I don’t know why…” he looked down and sighed, “why was getting the Sundrop to the Dark Kingdom so important? It didn’t even-!” He stopped himself, shutting his mouth before something more could slip out.
“Work?” Adira finished, “my plan to get the Sundrop to the Moonstone failed, and I invested so much of my time it *it* instead of Varian. That’s what stings the most, right?” Her brother was silent, “it’s okay, go ahead and say it”, she gave him a sad smile.
He closed his eyes for a moment before nodding his head and opening them, “yes… you spent all that time trying to get her to the Moonstone and let Varian stay in that dungeon… And your plan didn’t work… I… it’s not fair to say that to you… it’s not…”
“But it *is* how you feel”, Edmund stated, “isn’t it?”
“Yes…. And I hate myself for it…”
“You shouldn’t”, Adira replied, “you have every right to feel what you’re feeling towards me, even if you think you’re not being fair, which in this case, you are”.
The retired knight looked at his sister, their eyes met for a moment and he nodded, “thanks Adira”.
This made the Dark King smile wide before he looked at Adira again, “do you want to reply?”
She nodded and took in a breath before letting it out slowly and looking at her older brother, “you’re right”, she stated, “you’re completely right, I chose my kingdom over my family, and I was wrong…. Very wrong…” she said, “even if Varian forgives me for trying, that doesn’t make what I did and chose any less horrible, I admit that openly… But… do you mind if I explain why? It may not be much of a reason, but… Maybe it’ll help?” She offered. Quirin hesitated before nodding, gesturing for her to go on, “thanks”, she replied. She closed her eyes for a moment, collecting her own thoughts before opening them and looking at her older brother, “you saved me when I was four years old, back then, all I’d known, or all,I could remember, was that man and his abusive ways to me… I had no home, no family, no life… But that’s when you came along, you saved me, along with King Edmund, and brought me to the Dark Kingdom. You healed me, taught me to fight, gave me food, clothing, love…. A home…” she closed her eyes again before opening them and looking at her brother, “I hadn’t felt safe at all during that time, in fact, I didn’t know what feeling safe *was* back then, not until I met you… The Dark Kingdom was my home for well over 20 years, the events with the Opal…. It was hard… on all of us… you relocated and found a new life, Hector stayed in the great tree and found a new mission, King Edmund stayed behind and kept the old mission, but me… I… I didn’t know where to go, what to do, I didn’t have a life outside of the Dark Kingdom, I was… lost... The only thing I thought I *could* do, was try to bring it back, I scoured for anything having to do with the Sundrop, and when I finally found her, and saw what she could do, all I could think was ‘this is it! I can bring it all back! We can finally go home!’ And finally found a new goal! …but… then you and that Amber… And Varian… I… I needed to get the Sundrop to the Moonstone, but I really didn’t want to leave him… But then my mind fought with itself, ‘I could bring my home back!’ ‘But he needs my help’ ‘But King Edmund and Hector would come back! ‘But he’s being tortured’ ‘But things could go back to normal again! We could finally be home and safe! And Varian could come with us!’ ‘You still need to keep him safe, for him and for Quirin!’ That’s… about the time I decided to try to help, keep the guards at bay, feed him when he needed it, scare the Seporians away from him, but my decisions, my actions…. They weren’t okay… He wasn’t safe, and I could justify it for you, could tell you my goals included him, which they did, but that doesn’t make my choices right… it doesn’t...” She sighed, “Quirin, I am *so* sorry for choosing my Kingdom before my family, and I will make every attempt I can t fix what I’ve done… I will take any punishment you see fit, I will, I’ll do my best to make it up to you, just… if there’s anything I can do… please tell me, I want to make this right, for you, for me, and especially for him”.
Quirin listened to his sister, taking in every word she said and letting them sink in, it took him a moment as he closed his eyes and thought, Hector and Edmund remaining silent as he did so. He finally opened him eyes and looked at the face painted warrior, “I understand”, he replied, “your reasons, you decisions, I understand why now… I can’t say that I’m completely okay with the reason, mainly because he’s still suffering, but I can’t say I’m angry and hate you for it… because I don’t, I understand why you did what you did, I accept your apology too. If you truly mean what you say, then I believe you, just… can you promise me something?”
“What is it?” Adira replied
“…can you promise me you’ll protect him? That if I’m unable to, you’ll do what needs to be done to help? I… I know your word it strong, I know you keep to it more than anyone else… it would help if you could promise me that, just so I know he’s got more family on his side”.
She smiled and stood up, “how about this instead”, she walked over to her brother and kneeled before him, startling the man before she spoke, “I swear, on my title and name, to protect Varian Vanguard, as much as I can, from any harm that may fall his way”. She then stood up and outstretched her hand, “I promise as a warrior, and as you sister, I’ll do whatever I can to protect him, I promise”.
She waited, her hand outstretched toward him, Quirin wasn’t sure what to say, but after a quiet moment, he stood up, took her hand, and smiled wide, “I accept sister”. He then pulled her into a hug, “thank you Adira”.
She froze, her body subconsciously tensing up before her memories flashed an image of a younger her being held in these same, protective arms, once it faded, she smiled back and wrapped her arms around him, “thank you brother”.
Hector and Edmund smiled wide, none of them noticed the bright blue eyes watching from the staircase. No one heard the quiet padding of little feet hurry up to a room and shut the door, they didn’t see the wide smile on his freckled face as he cheered quietly to himself, a weight lifting off his own shoulders as he fell into his bed. Ruddigar chittered questioningly at his boy before he nuzzled the teen’s face, “thank goodness!” The little teen said, “he didn’t forgive her Ruddigar, but it’s a start, he’s giving her a chance!” He smiled even wider as his raccoon chittered happily to his boy, “I won’t lose her! I won’t lose my aunt!” He teared up as he remembered the scene as it replayed in his head, “she… she really cares about me… they all do…” He giggled as Ruddigar nuzzled his and chittered knowingly, “I know I know, you told me so”, he replied, “I just… I really needed to hear that I guess”. He wiggled under his blankets and sighed happily as the small mammal curled onto his chest, “I really love my family Ruddigar”, the raccoon chittered, getting the teen to giggle, “of course that includes you too”. He scratched the small mammal’s ear before yawning, “I think this is the first time I’ve felt this happy since before the dungeons buddy”, he smiled as he looked up at his ceiling, “I really love them, a lot”.
Notes:
They finally talk!!!!! Quirin loves his sister, he wouldn’t hate her, but he’d have a hard time forgiving her, so this is what I think he would do, baby steps. Sometimes that’s all it takes, proving that you’re willing to work for forgiveness, and Adira would be more than willing to do that.
Varian it being a sneaky bean, but I honestly think he needs to hear it, it’s time he knew how much he’s loved!
Edmund and Hector play the therapists this time! 😊
Lance isn’t even on screen and he’s *still* a king!
Thank you all so much for reading! Have a great day/night! ❤️🎶😊
Chapter 91: The Great Cow Chase! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Adira and Hector help Varian, Quirin, and King Edmund on the farm.
Chapter Text
"Does the sign saying, 'do not steal these' mean anything to you?" Quirin asked aggravatedly as he walked into his dining room. He'd gotten up early to see Lance, Rapunzel, and Eugene off before walking back into his home and finding the window open and his sister eating yet *another* ill gotten apple.
"Not really", she replied with a smirk, "though it entertains me whenever you draw attention to it"
The Village Leader huffed, "you owe me a lot of coins from the apples *alone* you know"
She waved her hand dismissively, "you'll be paid back in full, don't worry"
The retired knight rolled his eyes, "I would prefer you not steal the apples at *all*", he stated before noticing the dining room door open slightly
"Um... Is this a bad time?" Varian asked as both adults looked at him
His father sighed but smiled at his son, "no, it's fine, ready to have me check your arm?"
"Yup", the teen stated, jogging over to the man with Ruddigar waddling behind him, the sleepy raccoon perking up when he spied Adira's apple, chittering at her
"Sorry Stripes, this one's mine today, you'll have to pay for you own", the face painted warrior stated
"Try taking your own advice once and a while", Quirin replied with a raised brow
"Hmm, nah"
The Village Leader sighed before turning to look at his boy, "alright, let's see, can you wiggle your figures?" Varian wiggled his fingers gently, "alright, do you feel any pain?"
"Nu"
Quirin chuckled, "nu?"
"Nu", the teen repeated
"Alrighty then, nu it is", the old farmer replied with a smirk before removing the cast, "can you bend your arm for me?" The alchemist bent his arm slowly multiple times with a smile, "and it doesn't hurt when I squeeze?" The teen shook his head, "good, seems like you're healing pretty quickly"
"Sooooo", Varian started, "alchemy?" He gave his father the biggest puppy dog eyes he could muster
Quirin chuckled, "I think we should wait a little bit before you start doing too much"
"But daaad"
"No 'but daaad', you need to let you arm *settle* after a break, even a little one"
"Evil jerkface", the teen pouted
"Bratty stinkbomb", the retired knight replied with a smirk before turning to look at his sister, "do you mind not stealing our apples please? They're for the village"
Adira took one last bite from the apple in her hand and chuckled, "no promises, but I'll try"
The Village Leader rolled his eyes before looking back at his son, who was still pouting, "you know, you could help me do some farming if you're just gonna pout all day"
"Isn't that gonna overwork my arm?" Varian replied sassily
"You know, sassy comments like that will only increase you days away from alchemy", this made the teen sulk even more, getting his father to sigh, "look son I know you wanna do your experiments, but it'll do you some good to take a rest for a bit, besides you'll have plenty of time to explode the neighborhood another day. Why don't you come outside with me and help for a bit, who knows, you may find that you enjoy doing a little farm work with me".
The alchemist sighed, "maybe.... It's been a while since I've helped on the farm, maybe I will enjoy it"
"There ya go! Think positive!"
Varian smiled up at his father, "oki, I'm gonna get my clothes on", his stomach suddenly growled, "uh... eheheh"
Quirin chuckled, "how about some breakfast first hm?"
"Oki"
****
The teen had gotten changed and was outside with his father and aunt, who'd decided to join them, "what do you need me to do?" The alchemist asked
"Hmm... Well with that arm still being a little sensitive, how about we have you feeding the animals today, you know, the peep peeps?"
Varian blushed, "I was FOUR!"
Quirin laughed, "it's still adorable!"
The teen huffed but looked over to the chickens, "uh... Dad... I think uncle Hector already got to them", he said in-between giggles
The retired knight looked over, only to see his brother sitting in the middle of the chicken pen and smiling peacefully as he fed the chickens that came near him, petting them while they ate, seemingly not noticing the two little chicks on his head that were peeping up a storm. It made the Village Leader smile wide as he, Adira, Varian, and Ruddigar, walked over to the pen, "having fun?" Quirin called out, getting his brother to look up at him.
"Actually yeah, they've made me their king", the wild tamer responded with a smirk, "we've come to an understanding"
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"I'm their translator"
"You speak chicken?"
"Yep"
"So what do they say?"
"Give them better food or they'll peck your eyes out"
"I see"
"It's a fair demand I'd say"
"Right, maybe tell them the food they get is nutritionally better for them and that they'd be very skinny and sad if I *didn't* give them that particular chicken feed"
Hector whispered to the chickens, and to everyone's surprise, they all seemed to understand him, gathering around as if him talking was more important than their own activities. The wild tamer nodded as they tweeted back to him before he looked at Quirin once again, "they want to know if they can have some sort of chicken treat at the very least".
Quirin, after getting over the initial shock that his brother was having a full blown conversation with his chickens, snapped out of his stupor and thought it over before nodding, "I think I can arrange that, they're good chickens"
Hector nodded and repeated what the old farmer had stated to his feathery friends before all the chickens clucked happily and began bouncing around like they were excited. At the raised brow the retired knight was giving, Hector snickered, "they're excited about getting chicken treats", he then stood up, balancing the two chicks on his head and walking over to the group, "though you may want to actually stick with that promise, they *will* peck your eyes out and start a revolution if you don't".
"Viva la Chicken!" Adira cheered sarcastically, getting Varian to laugh
"Noted", Quirin replied, "I take it you're going to be feeding the animals today?"
The two chicks fell off the wild tamer's head, being caught in his waiting hands before he placed the on the floor and scooted them towards the rest of the pack before looking at his brother, "yeah, figured I'd do something today... Unless your spawn was going to".
"Son"
"Whatever"
Varian giggled, "I was because dad says I can't do alchemy today since my arm needs to rest, but if you're feeding them-!"
"We could do it together if you want, seems like all the other farmers have everything under control without us... Save for King Edmund, but I don't think he counts"
"Grandpa's farming?"
"Well *trying* to", his uncle replied, "he planted a few seeds earlier, but ended up slipping and sliding around because he overwatered them", he then looked at Quirin, "you may want to help him out, he's in a mud puddle with corn seeds and a garden hoe".
The retired knight snorted, "oh boy, well thanks for the warning", he then looked at his son, "will you be okay with your uncle today?"
Varian nodded happily, "of course! It'll be fun!"
This made the wild tamer smile a bit before turning to his sister, "you joining him or us?"
"You", she responded, "not that farming doesn't sound... exciting..." She smirked at the small huff she got from her older brother, "but I'd rather not be covered in mud from our king's... antics"
"How quickly you all abandon our mighty leader in his time of need", the retired knight responded slyly before looking back at his son, who was scratching Ruddigar behind the ear, "I'll be done around 7pm tonight, you think you can keep these two out of trouble until then?"
Varian nodded happily, "absolutely!"
His father smiled before hugging his son, "thank you Varian", they broke the hug and looked at each other, "try to have some fun today yeah?"
"I'll try", the alchemist nodded before he let go and backed up a bit, "try not to get too frustrated with Grandpa?"
His father snickered, "I'll try"
****
"So, you used to call them 'peep peeps'?" Hector asked his little nephew, with a bemused smile before noticing the teen struggle with a bale of hay. He grabbed it and placed it on his shoulder, next to the bale he was carrying before he continued to walk.
The teen blushed, "thank you, and y-yes, but too be fair I was *only* four years old!"
"What did you call the cows?" Adira added as she carried her own bale of hay in one hand, another apple in the next, making Ruddigar chitter at her before she split it in half and gave one to him.
"Um... Moo moo's..." Both brotherhood members stopped and tried to hold their laughter in, but unfortunately lost their battle, making the alchemist blush even more, "i-it's not *that* funny!"
"No, it's just cute", his uncle replied, finally controlling his laughter and ruffling his nephew's hair, "you're not the only one who gave animals little names like that you know. I used to call rhinos like Xena a rawr".
"A rawr?"
"They made roaring sounds, or at least what I thought were roaring sounds, so I called them rawrs"
Varian smiled, "ok now *that's* cute"
"Hypocrite"
"You started it!"
"We're here ladies", Adira announced as the four of them stopped walking, "the cow pastures"
"Wow", Hector stated, looking out into the fields, "how'd Quirin get so many cows?"
"Some he found being sold by merchants, some wandered over from other farms and they just let us keep them, and others he's bought from people who can't take care of them anymore", the teen explained as he opened the fence and walked in, Hector and Adira walking behind him before the wild tamer shut it, "see that big boy over there?" Varian pointed to one of the cows that seemed much larger and older than the others, "his name is 'Big Bovine' or Bo for short, he's the oldest, largest, and sweetest cow we've got! He came from a poor family that couldn't take care of him due to their money struggles, we took him in and kept him for them so they could visit, my dad gave them a pretty large amount of coins for him too just to help the family out. Once their money struggles had gone away, they decided to let us keep him as a thank you, as well as the father and son coming over and working here for some jobs, that's how they got out of debt!"
"Huh, I never realized you could help people just by owning a farm", Adira replied as she set the bale of hay next to a couple cows and looking at her nephew, "do you have any other farm stories?"
"Oh plenty", Varian replied as he helped his uncle set the other two bales down and then grabbed his carving knife from his pocket, cutting the rope to each bale and letting the hay fall and settle before ringing a cow bell and getting all the bovines to come to them, each cow getting a couple mouthfuls of hay while happily swishing their tails as the alchemist smiled before turning to his aunt and uncle, "the time I got stuck in a tree picking apples with dad in the orchard. The time dad and I had to chorale all the horses back into the stables because Ruddigar startled them by accident", the raccoon chittered agitatedly, "I know you say that, but I assure you those horses were not bragging about getting apples", the small mammal chittered once more, "because majority of them are way too sweet to do something like that", Ruddigar chittered once more, "language, sir", the raccoon pouted. Varian shook his head, "*anyway* there's so many storied I could tell y-! ...Uh oh..."
"What?" Adira asked as Hector raised his brow
"Um... D-did either of you happen to lock the fence when you closed it?" They shook their heads, "ah.. Well... Dad's gonna be a little upset..." He pointed behind them, making them both turn around before gasping, all the cows were gone and the fence they'd just walked through was swaying in the wind, wide open and creaking merrily.
Adira and Hector both felt their hearts skip a beat as their eyes widened, both of them silent for a moment before looking at each other, then at their nephew before Hector opened his mouth, "oh shit".
Notes:
Hello! So, I am *really* sorry updates have been kind of slower lately, this season in particular is very busy for me and my job, so I may not update everyday like I was before, though I promise you I'll try! I love this story and writing it makes me very happy, so I'll try to update as much as I can, but there may be days where I won't be able to, I'm really sorry about that.
With that being said, this two parter is about Adira, Hector, and our beautiful science bean! I thought it would be funny to have them farming, or at least feeding the animals. This is more of a relationship building two parter. I will say this, next episode chapter (Which is Day of the Animals and is by far one of my favorite episodes) will be coming out very soon! :D
Hector can communicate with animals, he has two binturongs and a freaking rhino! This man is an animal whisperer!
Adira still likes stealing apples, she's even worse than Ruddigar in all honesty, which is an accomplishment in and of itself! XD
Poor Edmund just can't seem to get the hang of farming XD The man just wants to plant a *seed*!
Varian is a bean and all shall love him and his farming stories!
Quirin is the best dad in the world! I will write so many little spats between him and his teenage son though because I think they are cute! :D
Thank you all so much for reading! Again, I'm really sorry that updates may be slower, I'll try to keep up with them as much as I can! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 92: The Great Cow Chase! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The cows are loose and causing a ruckus, Varian, Ruddigar, Adira, and Hector have to try to get them back in their pasture before Quirin sees!
Chapter Text
The gate swung lazily in the wing as the group of four started at it worriedly, "well fuck, what do we do now?" Hector asked, turning to his nephew
"T-the last time this happened the cows went directly to the crops and began to d-devour them... Dad was *not* happy...."
"Alright then", Adira stated, her tone authoritative, "our mission is to get those cows back into the pasture before Stickler see's they've escaped and lectures us to death", she stated, "do you all understand what we must do?" The trio nodded, Ruddigar chittering as well to make sure she knew he was going to participate, "your involvement is both noted and appreciated Stripes", the raccoon saluted the face painted warrior. "Alrighty then boys", she turned and faced the opened gate, "let's go!"
They ran out of the pastures and split up, each going in a different direction to see if they could direct the cows in a direction back to the gate. Hector managed to catch up to them first, he hopped on one of the stampeding bovine and tired to get the animal to stop, but ended up making the creature run through the pig pen instead. It broke through the gate and did end up stopping, but threw the wild tamer off it's back, making him *almost* land in the mud before he caught himself at the last minute, using one leg to bounce off the pig's feeding trough and landing on the fence behind it, he huffed with frustration as the cattle passed him before he began to lead the lone cow he'd stopped back to the pastures, "well there's *one*", he mumbled, closing and blocking the gate.
Adira managed to catch up next and hopped to the side of the stampede, she'd grabbed the cow bell earlier and began to ring it loudly. Majority of the cows ignored the sound, or they just couldn't hear it, but she'd managed to lead a couple to her, she ran back to the pastures, "Wild Child, open the gate!" She yelled as she ran towards the pastures, the cows following right behind her. Hector opened then just in time for his sister to rush inside, the small group she'd managed to round up running in as well before the wild tamer closed the gate and locked it this time, "phew! There's a few more", she stated with a smirk, "how many did you get?"
"Shut up", he replied, getting her to chuckle before they both ran back to help their nephew
Varian came next, ran a few yards in front of the stampede and stopped, panting a bit and looking around, he noticed a bunch of farm hands and stable boys and girls walking around, his mind worrying that they'd get squished. He then got an idea and ran over to a fence, he hopped on top of it and screamed, "EVERYONE!!!!! STAMPEEEEEEEEDE!!!!!!!" This made all the workers look directly at him before yelping and moving out of the way as all the cows passed, Adira and Hector ran over to him as the bovines passed, "sorry... I didn't wanted anyone to get hurt".
"No that was a good call", the face painted warrior replied, "they won't get hurt this way and it makes our job easier".
"She's right", the wild tamer agreed, "but we need to figure out how to get them to turn around".
The alchemist thought for a moment before he noticed the bell in his aunt's hand, "hmmm.... Uncle Hector, do you think you could get Xena in front of them and keep running?"
"Easily"
"Great! Aunt Adira, could you ring the bell at the gate when I give you a signal?"
"Absolutely"
"Alright! Then I have a plan!"
****
Hector hopped on Xena, petting her happily before they began to run after the cows as Pixie and Basil ran by their side, they broke off when they reached the back of the stampede, Pixie going left, Basil going right, Hector and Xena going through the middle. They reached to front with ease and maintained their lead before the wild tamer let out a loud whistle.
Varian, who was ducked behind the pig pen, hopped out and ran right beside Basil as he outstretched his arm, letting Ruddigar hop off him and make his way across the bovine's backs before he landed on the left side, running right next to Pixie, "GO IN!" Varian ordered getting Ruddigar and Pixie to move towards the right as Varian and Basil moved left, Hector and Xena slowing down a bit, all of them made the cows group together, controlling them to the point where they weren't causing as much damage as before. "GOOD! NOW TURN LEFT HERE!" Together, the teen and Basil pushed the cows left as Ruddigar and Pixie ran with them, keeping any stragglers from breaking away and running off. Hector and Xena kept the cow's pace slow to avoid losing anyone, "FOLLOW THE PATH! IT'LL LEAD US STRAIGHT TO THE PASTURES!" Varian yelled, he gestured with his arm but felt a sharp pain shoot through it as soon as he pointed. He pulled it back and lost a little speed but fought to keep running, Basil chittered at him worriedly but he shook it off.
Both heard the wild tamer whistle, signaling that they were coming closer to the pastures where Adira was waiting with the bell. The teen sped up, Basil following as Ruddigar and Pixie did the same, they were at the sides but were now running in front of the pack, the path too narrow for any cows to stray, Varian grabbed Basil and was pulled up onto the rhino by his uncle, trying to ignore the pain that shot through his arm as he settled on Xena's back, "wait for it", he said as Pixie and Ruddigar hopped on the rhino's back as well. Varian stood up and steadied himself as Xena ran towards the pastures, Hector gave his nephew a look.
"Almost there", the teen replied, they were a few feet from the fence when the alchemist screamed, "NOW ADIRA!" He yelled before losing his balance.
The face painted warrior kicked the gate open and stepped out, ringing the cow bell loudly as Hector made Xena veer off to the side and slow down, letting the cows pass. The stampeded ran into their pasture, Adira hopping out of the way in the nick of time and closing the gates behind her before locking them shut, "they're in!" She cheered as she turned to face her brother, who was panting, "we did it".
"Thank the fucking moon!" He exclaimed before turning to look at his nephew, "that was a really well thought out pl-!" He stopped when he realized Varian was no longer on Xena's back. "Varian?" He asked, looking around worriedly, Ruddigar wasn't there either.
"Oh no, did he fall off?!" Adira asked
"I really fucking hope not, VARIAN!"
"SPECKLES!!!" Both Brotherhood members looked around but didn't see a blue streak, goggles, or blue eyes anywhere, "SPECKLES!" Adira called again, "WHERE ARE YOU?"
"HEY! NEPHEW!" Hector yelled, "ARE YOU HERE?"
Both Brotherhood members continued to search for a while before hearing someone chitter, Hector instantly recognized it and followed the noise, getting his sister to do the same. As they got closer, the chittering got louder, they continued to walk, following the chitters, only to see Ruddigar looking up at them, he didn't seem very happy, "well there *you* are", the wild tamer replied with a smirk, "where's Varian?"
"A-*HEM*!" Came a voice, they both looked up and saw their mud covered older brother holding a very worried looking alchemist in his arms, his brow was raised and he looked rather irritated as he looked at the pair before him. King Edmund was right behind him, also covered in mud but holding a garden hoe in his hands as he looked at his children worriedly before he waved awkwardly.
"We're in trouble", Adira stated
"Yup", Hector agreed before looking behind him then back at his brother, "to be fair, we got the cows back inside without too much damage", he pointed out
This made Quirin gestured behind him, getting the pair to look at the broken pig fence, the trampled grass, and many broken tools and gates the cow's had stampeded over. He then gestured to his son, who was cradling his right arm like it was hurting and was covered in scratches and scrapes, a couple tears slid down his face as he avoided eye contact with his father, who was glaring at his siblings. The pair stared at their nephew, "are you okay Speckles?" Adira asked worriedly.
"I-I'm fine, j-just hurts a little", Varian replied quietly
The duo immediately walked over and began inspecting his arm, "it's swollen...." the wild tamer stated sadly, "he'll need some ice on it...."
This surprised the retired knight at first, his anger taking a back seat for a moment as he nodded, "I think we're done with farm chores for the day"
"I-I need t-to fix the p-pig pen!" Varian replied, "a-and then t-the other g-gates that the c-cows tramples, a-and th-!"
"That can wait son", his father interrupted gently, "your arm's hurt, we need to take care of it before it can get any worse"
"B-but the damage-!"
"Can wait until you get better, besides, Adam said he's already taking care of it"
"B-but...." The teen sniffled, a huge lump of guilt forming in his stomach as he looked over to the broken fences and gigantic mess he helped create before he looked down, a few more tears sliding down his face as he remembered all the times he'd blown up the village or harmed the crops with his alchemy, he didn't dare look his father in the eyes as he spoke once more, "I'm s-sorry..."
Realizing what his son was thinking about, Quirin instantly hugged his boy gently, resting his chin on the teen's head and smiling, "it's okay, it's alright". He then looked at his siblings, he didn't notice how guilty they looked as well, or how dirty and scraped up they'd gotten, it extinguished his anger entirely as he pictured them younger, apologizing to him for breaking a vase or causing him to get in trouble, it made him chuckle, "it really is alright". This made all four of them, Ruddigar included, who was sitting on the Village Leader's shoulder, look at him with surprise, "this was genuinely an accident, I can't really get mad at something that majority of the new farm hands do on their first day. Besides, we've handled worse", he smirked at them, getting them to smirk back before he looked down at his son, his eyes were gentle as his boy finally looked back, "you've all worked hard today, I think that means we can take it easy".
"I-I'm still sorry...."
"It's alright Bubby", the retired knight replied with a smile, "if you really feel that bad about it, why don't we help clean up the mess tomorrow, yeah?" The teen nodded, giving a little smile back as he took comfort in the nickname his father had given him, "alright, come on, let's go inside".
As the group began to head in the manor, Adira glanced at her king and chuckled, "who won, the mud or the seeds?"
"....Neither... It was the water..." The dark king replied with a little blush as his warrior laughed, "Adira, do you know why I'm doing this?"
"No", she responded after a minute, "but I am interested in finding out"
Edmund smiled at her before letting out a small sigh, "I... I want to try and rebuild the Dark Kingdom"
She stopped walking, the answer surprising her enough to stare at her king in disbelief as he turned to look at her, "really? But the Moonstone isn't back"
"I know, but I feel like we could still rebuild it, maybe even make it better than before! I... I don't want to give up on our home, I've already told Quirin, which is why he's letting me help on the farm, so I can learn how. I actually managed to plant a couple seeds and I'm so *excited* to see them grow! I haven't told Hector yet because I wanted to tell you each one at a time, but... What do you think? Would you want to help me rebuild our home?"
There was a moment of silence between the pair, the face painted warrior too shocked to really know what to say, but after about a minute, a wide smile grew on her face as her eyes shimmered with excitement and hope, "yes, I would love to rebuild our home".
Edmund returned her smile and nodded, "thank you Adira", he replied happily
"Hey! Are you two coming or what? Don't have all day ya know!" Hector called after them, getting the pair to turn and chuckle
"Sorry! We'll be there in a minute!" The dark king called before he and Adira walked side by side to the house, both of them beaming happily as the sun set on the horizon.
Notes:
Aunt, Uncle, Nephew, and Nephew's raccoon working together to put the cows back into their pasture! :D I thought this would be a fun little story to deepen Varian's relationship with his aunt and uncle, plus, who doesn't like a good old fashioned cow wrangle? XD
Edmund and Adira need more moments together, I've realized this and I'm very agitated at myself for not writing more of them! They're way too cute not to have moments like this!
Hector would make a good animal herder! Him and Xena will always be in front of the pack!
Poor Varian keeps getting hurt in my stories X3 The bean needs a rest, my lanta XD
Thank you all so much for reading! Have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 93: Trust!
Summary:
Trust: a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian sighed as Quirin rewrapped his arm once more before chuckling, "it's better to be-!"
"Safe then sorry, and to always make sure to keep my arm in the sling, not do any alchemy, blah blah dad stuff, I love you son", Varian interrupted before placing his arm back in it's sling and pouting
"Well I'm so glad your sassiness hasn't gone away", his father remarked, "but I gotta say, doesn't really convince me to let you do alchemy right away", Varian huffed.
"Oh come on Quirin, don't you think you're being a little harsh?" King Edmund asked as he scooped his grandson up and cradled him, "it wasn't like he could help it after all".
The retired knight raised a brow, "to be fair, he could've helped it had *we* not left the gate unlocked", Adira stated, gesturing to herself and Hector, who nodded in agreement as he pet Pixie and Basil on the head, having already given Xena a large treat for her help.
"I realize, but he still needs to lay off the alchemy", everyone in the room gave him puppy dog eyes, "not as a punishment! The chemicals could make the injury worse, and none of us want that".
"Killjoy", Varian, Hector, and Adira replied quietly
"Why am I the only adult in this room?" The retired knight asked as he pinched the bridge of his nose
Edmund chuckled, "well, it's kind of been your role for a very long time when you, Adira, and Hector were training together"
This interested the little alchemist, who looked up at his grandpa, "hey, I wanted to ask, how are people chosen for the brotherhood exactly?"
The Dark king got excited as he looked at his grandson and smiled wide, "oh! Well you see, you are to be put under three weeks of intense training before you're chosen out of a fair amount of people to be apart of the Brotherhood! The captain of the guards himself would train the newest trainees, then pick out of the best ones!"
"Though me and Adira were different", Hector stated with a smirk, "Quirin was already in the Brotherhood when we were allowed to try out, and he got train help train us"
Varian's eyes grew wide with interest as he was set back on the couch, Ruddigar hopping into his lap and curling up happily, "really? Is that how you three got so close?"
His aunt nodded, "though the process was slow, but how we got to know each other is an interesting tale in and of itself!"
"C-can you tell me?"
"That curious huh Speckles?" Varian nodded excitedly, making her snicker before looking at her oldest brother, "would you like us to, Stickler? Or would you rather we save that story for a rainy day?"
Quirin felt the full force of his son's puppy dog eyes burning a hole into his heart, making him chuckle, "I don't think I have any say in this, but-!"
"Ugh! There's *ALWAYS* a 'but'!" The teen exclaimed
His father snorted, "*BUT*", Varian huffed, "we should tell it in pieces, it's a long story, plus *someone's* being a brat nugget right now"
"Hey! I just helped wrangle a bunch of cows back into the pasture and fell off a *RHINO* today, I am *allowed* to be bratty!" He then paused, "even though I still feel bad for the mess..."
Quirin chuckled before sitting down next to his son and smiling, "fine, I'll let it go... But I still think pieces would be better, besides, it'll give you something to look forward to everyday until your arm is healed".
The teen thought about this, seeing as he wasn't going to be doing any science for a bit, he supposed this was a plus, "I'll take it, so what happens? How does it work? Do you have barracks? Were you already *in* the Brotherhood when Uncle Hector and Aunt Wise Eyes joined? Were you already friends? What di-!"
"Hold on, hold on", his father interrupted, "one at a time", he smirked, "curious boy".
"Scientist!"
"Bratty Stinkbomb"
"Evil Jerkface!"
"Edmund!" The Dark King stated, getting to duo to look at him, blink, then laugh
"He wins", Adira stated
"Yep!" Hector agreed
After they controlled their laughter, and Varian gave his grandpa a hug, the teen looked at the Village Leader, "so... What *can* you tell me?"
Quirin thought for a moment before he smiled, "I could tell you how Adira and Hector started to get close, which is also when the Brotherhood was choosing a couple new Brotherhood members, how about that?" When his son nodded happily before settling on the couch, the retired knight began:
'The Dark Kingdom was very different, all those years ago. Back then, you were trained to be chosen for the Brotherhood, and it only happened when a member of the Brotherhood passed away. Since there were only meant to be a few members of the group, I'm not even allowed to say how many there are, that's how secret it had to be. But you could get in with a recommendation from another brotherhood member and/or excelling at the training, but you had to prove yourself first':
Adira and Hector both stood at attention among a line of other hopefuls as their teacher, the captain of the royal guard, paced back and forth in front of them. He had a glare on his face as he looked at every child up and down before stopping in front of Adira, she was the only girl in the line and one of only two children as well, the others either being teens or young adults, and he glared daggers at her, and she was the only girl in line, "you think you've got what it takes to play with the boys then huh little girl?"
The 10 year old girl remained stoic as she continued to face forwards, "yes sir", she responded loud and clear
The knight raised a brow, "you realize there's only room for two members correct? And there's *never* been a female brotherhood member unless they were a royal family member".
"I understand"
"You're still not backing down?"
"No sir"
"Hm... We'll see", he then turned and looked at Hector, who was 8, was the youngest one there, and the shortest, "pfft! Didn't know we were hiring toddlers". The boy growled but kept his temper in check, continuing to look forwards and remain calm, "I bet you two will drop out on the very first day", he stated to the both of them, "neither of you fit what we're looking for in a Brotherhood member!"
"That's why we don't base it off looks captain", a voice replied calmly, making the captain turn around to see King Edmund, along with his newest Brotherhood member, Quirin, standing behind him
"Your majesty!" He replied, bowing before looking behind him and seeing that the kids were bowing as well, save for Adira, who curtsied
The Dark King chuckled, "there's no need for that", he replied cheerfully before glancing at Adira and Hector, both of whom were smiling at him happily as they straightened their postures.
"What are you doing here if I may ask your highness?"
"Oh me and my friend wanted to look at the new recruits and wish them luck!" He replied while glancing at the two young children and smiling wide, "also, I wanted to have my knight be here to help train them! After all, who better to train a bunch of Brotherhood trainees than a Brotherhood member himself!"
The captain nodded and glanced over to Quirin, giving the lone Brotherhood member a sharp, but quick, glare before smiling at the king, "right! Of course! A very good idea your highness!"
"Thank you!" Edmund replied, giving the captain a knowing look before he looked at Quirin, "you'll make sure things are fair, right?"
"Of course", the knight replied
"Good! Then I'll leave these recruits in *both* of your capable hands!" The Dark King said, "I trust the both of you to choose a group of hopefuls that you full heartedly believe truly deserve the respect and responsibility of being in the Brotherhood!"
"Yes your majesty", both Quirin and the captain replied, giving respectful bows as Edmund left. They straightened up when he was gone before turning to each other
"Right then", the captain stated bitterly, "shall we begin?"
"Yes, what would you like to have them start with?" Quirin asked, his voice had a slight hint of defense in it, but it was hidden enough that majority of the recruits didn't notice, in fact, only two seemed to hear it, and they nodded and tensed their shoulders, preparing for anything this man may throw their way.
"I was thinking the obstacle course, see how well they can survive"
"Survive?" One of the teenage hopefuls asked with a small waver in his voice
This made the royal guard turn and glare at the boy, who shrunk underneath his stare, "yes, *survive*", he then looked at the rest of the group, "there will be tests to see what you as an individual and team can do! These tests will *not* be for the feint of heart, each task will break you down, stomp on your remains, and make you wish you'd stayed at home with your mommies! They are here to see what you're *truly* made of, if you can't take it, then leave now, because we don't need you".
The man turned his back, giving them a chance to decide as Quirin closed his eyes and bowed his head. There were a couple that left, having shameful looks on their faces as they did so, after a bit there was silence, the captain and Quirin opened their eyes and saw the remaining hopefuls still standing there, including Adira and Hector, "congrats", the knight stated, "you passed your first test, and in our eyes at lease, have what it takes to be a royal guard and maybe a Brotherhood member", he smirked as the trainees smiled wide, feeling pride in their hearts.
"Don't get too cocky though, that was the *easiest* test", the captain stated harshly, "for the next three weeks you will be going through the most grueling, harsh, rough, and terrifying tests that you've *ever* seen and been through! Starting with the obstacle course tomorrow!" He glared at the two children, both of whom seemed unmoved by his stare, "if you impress me, and the knight, then you'll be in the top running for the Brotherhood, if you don't, then you'd better hope that you at least make a good enough impression to make it to the royal guard!" He looked pointedly at Adira, "and I don't think I need to remind anyone that being a guards isn't for *little girls*!"
She wanted nothing more than to punch his lights out, but remained calm and refrained, noticing Quirin smile at her helped, "you'll be staying in the barracks, there are rooms already made for all of you", the knight explained, "you'll each have a room mate, they'll also be your partner for the rest of your training, the Brotherhood relies on trust, kindness, generosity, loyalty, fun, yes *fun*", he glanced at the captain, who scoffed, "and honor, they also stand together, not just as individuals, but as a team, so your roommate could potentially be your best friend, or greatest enemy, so choose wisely". The hopefuls looked at one another, some were eyeing others, some looked genuinely interested in meeting, and some were still and focused completely on the knight and captain in front of them.
"You've already been assigned, first day of training starts tomorrow, work hard, and you'll succeed, fail, and you'll be sent home", the captain stated before he dismissed the group.
They walked into the barracks and saw their luggage in the hallway, picking it up they made their ways to the rooms, the rooms all looked the same, two beds, two desks, two cabinets, one privy, there were two rooms that were different, both were made for only one person, the captain's name was on one of the doors, the other had Quirin's. Walking through the halls, Hector saw all the other recruits choosing each other, he huffed as a couple looked at him and laughed, he'd show them, he didn't need their approval, he didn't need *anyone's* approval! He was just fine on his *own*! He noticed Quirin walking in his room, the knight noticed the boy and smiled warmly at him before pointing to the room next to his and disappearing. The 8 year old raised a brow before heading to that room, seeing a couple adults walk out with disgusted looks on their faces before he walked in and saw Adira, who looked extremely angry but remained quiet as she unpacked her things. "Hey", Hector said, remembering her from Ingvarr.
She looked up and nodded, "hello", she then sighed, "if you'd rather not be the laughing stock of the entire brigade, then don't room with me, apparently girls aren't supposed to be here", she stated, a slight bitterness in her voice, "I fought in a contest in Ingvarr of all places against some of the fiercest competition with Stickler by my side, and yet these idiots *still* think I can't handle this... Sorry".
The 8 year old huffed, "'s fine, not like I was any good in that fight", he replied before heading inside the room and hopping on the opposite bed
Adira looked at him with a raised brow, "did you not hear what I said or do you really not care?"
Hector shook his head, "you're the only person I know here, aside from Quirin but he's got his own room, plus I'm not exactly respected here either, so why not prove em wrong?"
This made the 10 year old stop and look the boy up and down, then smirked, "Stickler did say our roommate could be our best friend or our greatest enemy, which do you choose?"
Hector thought about it for a moment before smirking, "let's make em fucking scream"
Adira smiled wide then nodded, "deal"
From the doorway, Quirin watched the duo interact, smiling wide as he left the room, "they'll be okay", he said to himself, "I'll make sure of that".
"And that's how they really started to become close", the retired knight finished
"They *really* thought girls wouldn't make good Brotherhood members?" Varian asked his aunt
"Yep", she replied, "back then, women were looked at as 'weaker' then men, if you were a girl, you were to stay home. As I've stated before, you only got recognized by your actions for your kingdom, if you were a girl, you needed to learn how to cook, clean, and look after the kids, if you were a man, you *had* to fight, be strong, and suck in your emotions".
"And if you were sick or had a weaker immune system, male or female, you were useless..." Hector stated bitterly
"I still hate that..." Edmund replied, "I never wanted to be a part of something that gave such horrible labels, everyone is equal to me, it doesn't matter the sex"
"Which is why Adira was able to join the trainees in the first place actually", Quirin stated, "because the king made the captain of the guards train her along with the rest of the boys", he smirked
Varian looked at his father, "was he the same guy that tried to cut off your hand?"
The retired knight nodded, "jackass", Hector growled, getting his brother to smile at him
"Well, having only one hand isn't too bad", Edmund stated
"Oh definitely not", his knight replied, "you make it look easy though"
This made the dark king smile widely, "thanks!"
"Sooooo, what happens next?" Varian asked with a grin
"Nice try, that's all for today", his father replied
"Fiiine.... B-but, you're gonna tell me more tomorrow... Right?"
"Right"
"Promise?"
The retired knight looked at his son and realized he was serious, his blue eyes were glued to him and he was smiling wide, he knew what he'd said. His father beamed at his son, his heart feeling warm as he nodded, "I promise".
Notes:
So, there are several ways someone can trust another, there's also many ways to not trust someone, I wanted to show both here! I also wanted to grow the Brotherhood out a little more, so here's how they get chosen! :D
Quirin was already in the Brotherhood when he was in Ingvarr and met Hector, Adira was in training, wanna make that clear because I know some will ask :D
Edmund is way too precious! I love the man to death and will be writing more of him! <3
Hector and Adira are the two problem children that are extremely close to each other. Quirin is the oldest brother, who constantly has to keep them in check and who's younger siblings both get annoyed by him, but will protect him at all costs, vice versa for him to them. Edmund is the dad that tries to keep them together. Varian is the youngest and favorite, because he needs to be! XD
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 94: Guys Night: Food Fight! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian is stuck at home and he's *bored*! But when a couple of unexpected guests come over, he's definitely not bored anymore!
(I stink at summaries XD)
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian sighed grumpily as he sat on the couch in the living room, his arm hung uselessly in it's sling as he was sentenced to being a couch potato for the next few days. Groaning, the alchemist laid down, completely bored as he began to count the markings in the wood ceiling, he got to one thousand, four hundred, and fifty two when someone knocked on the front door. Raising a brow, the teen looked at his raccoon, who was set on babysitting duty while his uncle, aunt, grandpa, and father went out to clean up the cow mess. Ruddigar looked at the door before glancing at the teen, chittering for him to stay before he hopped off the couch and waddled over to the door, listening to the voices behind it and hearing small giggles of excitement. This confused the small mammal before he felt himself being picked up, he chittered at his boy, who set him on his shoulder, "oh come *on*! I'm not sick, I *can* walk around you know". The raccoon still chittered at him, "you're such a naggy raccoon, you're a nag-coon!" Ruddigar huffed at his boy, "relax, I'm still sentenced to being a couch potato, but opening the door is not gonna kill me".
He opened it to find an *ecstatic* looking Lance behind it, "LADY'S AND GENTLEMEN! BOYS AND GIRLS! RACCOONS AND ALCHEMISTS! ARE YOU READY FOR ANOTHER GUYS NIIIIIIIIIIGHT~?!" Varian smiled wide as he saw a bemused Eugene right behind his best friend, face palming. "We have another exciting day planned for you, the man with the plan! The kid that boggles with his awesome goggles! The tiny snuggle bear with the messy stripy hair!"
"Tiny snuggle bear? Really?" Eugene replied flatly
"He's snuggly!" Lance defended
"He's also not 4!"
"You be quiet!" The former thief then turned his attention back to the teen, "ignoring that obviously cranky man standin right behind me, we have some more family fun activities for us *all* to enjoy! All you need to do is get your parent's permission because Quirin is a scary man and we do *not* wanna get on his bad side, if you know what I mean", he chuckled nervously as he said that, getting Varian to snicker and nod, "so what do ya say?! You wanna hang out with us cool cats? Or do you wanna stay inside all day and be a borin spud?"
"Spud Lance?"
"He said he was sentenced to bein a couch potato, weren't you listenin?!"
This made Varian laugh as Eugene let out a groan, "you're right!" The alchemist stated, continuing to laugh even more
The dark prince shook his head before he noticed the teen's arm, "hey kiddo, I thought that would've healed by now... and what are *you* of all people still doing in your pjs?"
"Oh, yeah that", Varian replied after he gained control of his laughter, "there was a bit of a cow stampede a couple hours ago that me, Adira, and Hector managed to control, but I fell off the back of Xena", they gave him confused looks, "my uncle's rhino", they both seemed to understand and gestured for him to continue, "I fell off of her and dad said 'you need to rest, me and your extended family will take care of this mess, no alchemy for you because I am the adult and do not like my son having fun! Blah blah don't get up until we get back or else no more stories about the Brotherhood, blah blah, Ruddigar's in charge, blah I love you son'. And then he kissed my forehead and left".
The two former thieves blinked for a moment before chuckling, "*very* good Quirin impression there hair stripe", Eugene stated with a smirk
"Thank you", the teen bowed, "I'll be here all eternity... In my pjs... Because I'm full of starch.... And the couch in my new bed.... Ugh..."
"Pfft! Well if you can't come out, they how about *we* come on it?" Lance suggested eagerly
Varian tilted his head to the side, "w-well I don't wanna throw away plans that you may have already set up"
"Don't worry about it little man! We we're gonna hang out in town again since your dad made us swear that we wouldn't go too far, but this is perfect! Your house isn't too far, we could hang out, I could make some food, and we could do somethin here! We just need Quirin's permission because again, that man is surprisingly terrifyin!"
"Oh? Surly I'm not *that* scary", a voice replied right behind the larger man, who let out a high pitched squeal and hid behind Varian, getting the teen and Ruddigar to laugh once even harder
Eugene snickered, "hey Quirin"
"Hello", the retired knight responded with a smirk as he tried not to laugh, "that was quite a yell".
"Not funny!" Lance exclaimed, coming out from behind the alchemist, who was still busting a gut
"You're right", Hector, who was snickering behind his brother, stated, "it was hilarious!"
Adira walked over to Lance and patted his shoulder, "it's alright, it happens to the best of us"
"She's right!" King Edmund replied as he walked over to his grandson and scooped him up, Ruddigar climbing onto his shoulder and chittering, "Quirin's startled all of us at one point or another!"
"It means he likes you", the face painted warrior added
Lance looked at the Village Leader, "really?"
Quirin nodded, "yup", before he looked at his child, "also what are you doing outside?"
"I wasn't outside until Grandpa picked me up", the teen defended before looking up at the Dark King, "which I'm okay with by the way", Edmund smiled wide and hugged the teen, getting him to giggle as he spoke again, "I was in the door way before that, technically not outside and I was only doing that because they knocked on the door"
His father raised a brow, "loophole"
"Still counts"
"Bratty Stinkbomb"
"Evil Jerkface", the teen then remembered something, "how'd the repairs go? Is there still work to do?"
His father shook his head, "nope, all done, it wasn't that much, the only real trouble was the broken fences, but Adam put up some temporary gates that'll hold until the new ones can get made". His son stared at him, waiting for the Village Leader to answer the obvious question he was about to ask. Quirin smirked and let in linger for a moment before the alchemist raised an annoyed brow, getting the man to chuckle, "yes, that means he's waiting until your arm heals *completely* healed so you can fix it".
"Yay!"
Lance and Eugene snorted before they looked at the retired knight, "so uh... He's not allowed to leave the house, which he told us, buuuut would it be okay if we had a Guy's Night here?" The Dark Prince asked
"Guy's Night?" Hector repeated
"Yep! Guy's Night!" Lance replied, slinging an arm around the wild tamer, "a night where guys can be guys, hang out, be stupid, or talk about stuff that's on our mind! It's a little tradition Eugene and I came up with after comin back to Corona!"
Hector growled at the man, getting him to remove his arm faster than he thought possible before he spoke, "so why is my nephew involved?"
"It's our way of bonding with him!" The former thief replied after walking quickly over to Edmund and Varian, taking the teen out of his granfather's arms, and holding him close, "we thought it would be a good idea!"
Eugene nodded, "right! After uh... *ahem* certain events, Lance and I thought that Hair Stripe would wanna know that there's someone there for him, someone that cares about him and wants to be his friend, which we do!" He added before the alchemist could ask, "we definitely do! We love hanging out with you kiddo, don't worry", this made Varian smile wide.
"He's right! You're a lot of fun to be around!" Lance happily agreed
"Soooo... About Guy's Night?" Eugene looked at Quirin again with a hopeful look on his face
The retired knight sighed, but looking at his son, he saw Varian beaming happily as he hugged Lance and the former thief hugged him back with a smile, "alright, Guy's Night at my house"
"YES!" Eugene, Lance, and Varian cheered before they ran inside the old farmer's home
He chuckled once more before offering his arm to Ruddigar, who hopped off of Edmund's shoulder and onto the Village Leader's, before gesturing to the rest of the group to head inside. They all entered the building on to see Lance and Varian sitting on the couch and chatting as Eugene waited for them by the door, "uh, sorry about running inside, we got a little excited", he blushed as he gave a shy smile to Quirin.
The retired knight returned the smile, "it's alright, I understand, though, what are you planning to do for Guy's Night here? I don't think bored games are on the table"
"Absolutely not, your kid cheats and I am not going to lose another game of Uno with him and Lance"
Varian giggled from the next room, "find me a game that I don't know about-!"
"And you'll try it! I know, I know!" The dark prince interrupted with an annoyed smirk, "you're a brat!"
"And you're a sore loser"
"Kid, I swear on all things Itty Bitty I *will* ruffle your hair so badly that you won't be able to untangle it for a week!"
"Don't swear on all things Itty Bitty! He's too precious for that!"
"Can I swear on all things Quirin?"
"....Depends"
"Hey!" Quirin stated, getting everyone to laugh before they all entered the living room, the retired knight giving Ruddigar back to his son before ruffling his hair and sitting down next to him on the couch
"Speaking of, Quirin", Lance said, looking at the father, "would it be okay if I cook somethin? I was just chattin with the little man over here and he told me he's never had ravioli, which is a sad"
"A sad?"
"Yes, a sad! Life is a sad when you don't have any ravioli in it"
"This has been proven?"
"By many Italians and by Eugene and myself"
"Hey! *That's* what we could do for Guy's Night! A cooking night!" Varian exclaimed excitedly, "we could all make something that we love to eat, and we could all try each other's food! There's enough time in the day, if we need any ingredients we could go out and grab em quickly, and it'd be like a big old family meal!"
"Huh, I like the sound of that!" Eugene responded happily, "you may not know it, but I'm not a bad chef!"
"I am a great cook myself!" Lance replied, "and that ravioli is super easy for me to make!"
"Could I join in?" Adira asked, "or is this as exclusive as the night's name?"
"Aunt Adira can join! Right?" Varian asked
"Absolutely!" Lance replied, "I remember that food you made for us in that forest... What was the name again?"
"The Forest of no-!" Adira started
"Don't you dare say it!" Eugene interrupted
"....Return", she whispered with a smirk as the groans sounded behind her
"You know sometimes I really don't like you..."
"Either way", Lance exclaimed, after he managed to stop laughing, "that food was *amazing*! I'd love to see what you can do in an actual kitchen!"
"Oooh! I could cook a traditional Dark Kingdom meal! It's called Pelmeni and it's *delicious*!" Edmund stated excitedly
"Pelmeni?" Eugene asked
Quirin smiled wide, "it's a Dark Kingdom delicacy and is genuinely very good! It's pastry dumplings that are typically filled with minced meat and wrapped in a thin, pasta-like dough! They can be served with butter and topped with sour cream, alone, or in a soup broth, I haven't had it in *years*!"
"Heh, it kinda sounds like ravioli", Lance replied with a smirk
"Little bit yeah, I'd actually like to try that", Eugene agreed
"Ok wait", Varian stated, "I wanna have the Pelmeni and the ravioli, but if everyone cooks a main meal, there won't be any room for anything else"
"He's got a point", his grandpa stated
They thought for a moment before Quirin got an idea, "I make a mean apple pie, how about I cook that? We can have someone else do another desert as well, Adira?"
"I'd rather do an appetizer, the soup I had in mind would make a perfect combo with the pelmeni", the face painted warrior replied before looking over at Hector, "but I just *happen* to know of someone that makes a really good Dark Kingdom desert"
The wild tamer huffed, but seeing his nephew looking at him excitedly made him sigh, "I mean... I haven't made it in a while... But I'm pretty good with a Bird's milk cake"
"Bird's milk cake?" The teen asked
"You can make it like a candy or cake, both are really good", he explained, his yellow eyes softening as he remembered the recipe, "I like to make it as a cake, takes longer but the result is worth it. It's a really hard to make sponge cake like dessert, the flavor is a mix of sweet and sour, the main ingredients are sour cream and sweet milk... It's actually a lot better than it sounds, trust me".
"I believe you!" His nephew replied happily, "and now I really wanna try that! ....Oh but... What will I make?"
"How about you help me with the pie?" Quirin offered, when his son gave him a sad look he smiled, "we could add some extra interesting ingredients~"
This peaked the teen's interest, "like what?"
"Surprise me"
Varian's eyes widened and a spark lit up his entire face as *many* ideas flowed through his head before he looked at his dad, "r-really?"
The Village Leader nodded with a smile before thinking better of it, "uh, within the restraints of the kitchen please"
The teen giggled, "deal!"
"Alrighty!" Eugene replied, "Lance, you ready?"
"Oh yeah!" The former thief replied
"Then let's get this food party STARRRRTEEEEEED!"
Notes:
Two parter Guy's Night! Because we need one! XD This time *including* the Brotherhood!
The Pelmani and Bird's Milk Cake are actually Russian foods, there's a theory going around that the Dark Kingdom represents Russia while Corona represents Germany or Poland or both. I liked the idea so I went with it! :D
Lance is still the king!
Eugene is one of the best big brothers ever! I love him and Varian messing with each other too much XD
Quirin is the master of the startling XD It's also funny to imagine a younger Quirin sneaking behind Adira while she's meditating, Hector while he's training, and Edmund while he's delegating and him shouting "BOO!" and startling all three of them! It's too precious! <3
Itty Bitty got a mention! Best feesh ever! :D Along side Ruddigar, the best raccoon ever! <3
Adira made a really great soup in the Forest of no Return (groans) episode, she also made it with cheese and made Pascal a bug kabob, so my headcannon is that she's secretly are really great cook too!
Hector cooks very little, but he knows how to make some really complicated dishes, Bird's Milk Cake is actually really hard to make if you don't know what you're doing
Edmund is a sweet bean that needs to be protected from all the world, he and his pelmeni is too adorable! (I seriously love him more and more whenever I write him XD)
Part 2 shall be coming soon! :D Thank you all so much for reading! Have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 95: Guys Night: Food Fight! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Everyone starts to cook together in the kitchen
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin has a big house, so big that Eugene would even go so far as to say the entire village of Old Corona could probably live inside it and *still* have rooms available, and each room was already set with a bed, closet, and desk. The kitchen however, was a different story, to say the kitchen was crowded would be an *understatement*, the group had gone out and bought the ingredients they needed, and to be fair, the pantry was big enough to store for weeks on end! But while the dark prince had been ecstatic to be making his own little appetizer, he wished he had a little more room to make it, but kept bumping into both Lance and Hector, both of whom were on his right and left respectively, "I hate to call the crow black here but, is anyone else feeling a little claustrophobic?" Apparently his father had felt the same way as Hamuel cawed loudly in agreement, right in Hector's ear, the wild tamer raised a brow at the bird which made him quiet down immediately.
"Yeah... The kitchen's not exactly spacious", the retired knight replied shyly, "sorry, I'm so used to cooking by myself in here, or trying to keep a certain brat-coon from grabbing all of the apples for the pie", he looked at Ruddiger, who was resting on Varian's shoulder and chittered, "that I suppose I never really noticed just how small it is".
"It's not a big deal", Adira replied with a smirk as she watched everyone cook from her corner of the kitchen, "we'll just have to avoid each other"
"Easy for you to say", Hector snarked, "you have to make soup, which takes what maybe two or three minutes?"
"Five actually"
"My point still stands"
"Adira's right though", Lance stated as he began to stir his mixture of onions and spices in a pot at the stone stove, "all we have to do is just stay in our stations for now"
"Lance I'm pretty sure everyone will need the stove at one point", Eugene commented
"Actually I need it in a few minutes", the Dark King added
"Oh here!" The former thief scotched to another part of the stove, leaving the other half open, "we can share!"
As Edmund walked over with his meal, Varian smiled wide at the dough his father was preparing, he watched the man stir the mixture before he grabbed an egg, "ready?"
The retired knight smirked and nodded, sliding the bowl over to his son, "remember, no yolk"
"Got it! Ooh! Ooh! Watch this!" The teen exclaimed before he cracked the egg with one hand using his thumb and pointer finger and managed to jiggle the yolk in-between the two shells, getting the white of the egg to pour into the bowl and setting the shell with the yolk still inside the tray and grinning happily
"Wow, where'd you learn to crack an egg like that", Quirin asked, a little impressed as he whisked the egg into the mixture
"In a cook book! I was reading one a couple days ago when I wasn't allowed to do alchemy because of my arm, I got bored and saw it, it had some really cool tricks in there!"
"Wait, what kind of cook book was it?" Lance asked, suddenly very interested in the conversation
"I don't think it's dad's, and it's not mine either, it has a bunch of 'how to's in it, like 'how to crack an egg with one hand' or 'how to whisk properly' ....Dad's doing a great job!"
His father chuckled, "well thanks"
"Little man, did that book happen to have a note on the cover, somethin kinda like, 'whenever you feel lonely, take a look in this book'"
"'When the world looks really crumby, learn how to cook'? Yeah it did!"
The former thief's eyes widened, "t-that's mine! I've been lookin everywhere for it! I... I thought I lost it...."
Varian turned to look at his friend, who was looking at the ground sadly, "hold on", the teen stated before looking at his dad, "can you manage without me for a minute?"
Quirin smirked, "I think I have this under control", he tapped the whisk against the bowl a couple times before setting it down, "just in case, I think I'll hold off until you get back"
The alchemist smiled wide before giving the man a quick, on armed, hug and running off. It only took a few minutes for the teen to come speeding back in the kitchen, carrying a small, rough looking cook book in his hands and walking over to Lance, "is this it?"
Seeing the book, the former thief stopped stirring the ravioli sauce and took the book in his hands, smiling wide as he flipped through the yellowed pages before looking at the note written on the back of the cover, "yeah, this is it! You found my old book!" He looked at the dark prince, "Eugene he found it!"
"Is it really the same one?" Eugene asked, walking over to the duo
"Yeah, it's got the note and everything!"
"Is it special to you?" Adira asked curiously
The former thief nodded, "I got it from... Well from my mom...."
"Your mom?!" Varian asked, "w-wait but aren't you...."
"Yeah... But I knew her.... She passed away when I was four... My dad ran out on us before that... This was the only thing I was allowed to keep before they took me to the orphanage...."
Quirin looked directly at Varian, who felt a pang shoot through his heart before he raised his hand and touched his goggles with it, "I.... I know how that feels... Kinda", he looked over at his father and smiled at the man, the retired knight smiled back, "mom gave me these before she left... S-she passed away when I was three too.... On a trip.... It's been dad and me ever since..."
"I'm sorry Varian..." Lance replied, "that's.... That's hard.... on both of you", he looked at Quirin, who nodded before jumping a little when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning he saw Edmund looking at him sadly, he didn't say a word, but the look he gave his knight spoke volumes.
"Later", Quirin replied
"Later", the Dark King agreed before giving the Village Leader's shoulder a squeeze and dropping his hand
Hector glanced at the duo before looking at his nephew and Lance, "I've always thought the best way to honor a passing is by living to the fullest everyday, the people you know that can't be with you anymore stay with you in spirit. There's so much they didn't get to see before they... Left... So show them as much as you can".
The teen looked at his uncle and smiled, "I believe that too! I know mom was an alchemist, so I wanna be the best alchemist in the world to show her how much it grew while she's been away"
Lance nodded, "that's a really great way to look at it! ....My mom would cook the most amazin things! She *loved* cookin, I may not wanna be a chef, but I'll make as much as I can to show her how many things yiu can make with just a few simple ingredients!"
"Good", Hector stated, "you do as much as you can, for you and for them, and they'll be proud of what you've achieved.... Your moms would be really proud of the both of you, they really would", he smiled at the two
"Thanks uncle Hector", Varian replied as tears stung in his eyes, he heard Lance sniffle and giggled
"Man buddy, you've been choppin so many onions that you made yourself cry!" Eugene offered
Lance laughed and wiped his eyes on his sleeve, "you're right! It's the onions, definitely the onions!" He chuckled as he felt a hand on his back, looking he saw Adira smiling at him sympathetically, "I'm alright, just... Haven't thought about her in a while.... Sorry to bring the mood down".
"Telling us about someone you care about and remembering them fondly does not make the Guy's Night any less enjoyable", the face painted warrior replied, "I have my own gifts from home that I keep, and in my experience", she said, "they make the onions worse for me too".
The former thief laughed again as a few tears streaked down his face, "thank you, to all of you... Didn't know I needed that...."
"OH!" Varian replied before digging his hand into his pocket and pulling out a piece of the castle's chocolate, "here! It'll make you feel better!"
"Wha-!" Eugene started, "where the heck did you get that?!"
"I... Maaay have taken a few when we did that group session because I was afraid I wouldn't get anymore"
"Varian you shouldn't have!" Lance replied, happily accepting the candy and eating it
"You two are brats!" The Dark Prince stated flatly
"Welcome to my world", Quirin added with a chuckle
****
They'd began to cook once more, Quirin chuckling as his son made a flour volcano that erupted with sugar, "nifty"
"Thank you! I call it: 'flour-cano'!" The teen replied happily as Ruddigar applauded his boy, getting the alchemist to giggle before he looked into the pie bowl.
He watched as his dad added the last few ingredients to his pie, including a touch of cinnamon in the batter before Varian sneezed, "bless you", the retired knight said with a smirk
"Thanks, I think cinnamon makes my nose itch", the teen answered, rubbing his nose a bit with a tissue his raccoon gave him.
"It is a pretty powerful spice, then again, it wouldn't make your nose itch so badly if you weren't staring into the bowl so close"
"I wasn't *that* close"
"Son if you were standing any closer I would've began to worry that you might fallen and had gotten baked inside"
"Nu-uh!"
"Uh-huh!"
Eugene laughed, "you two are killing me!"
"He was standing right over the bowl", Quirin exclaimed with a chuckle, "it was cute but still"
"I will flour-cano you!" The alchemist threatened
"Oh really?"
"Yes really!"
"I swear to Quirin if you two start a food fight", the dark prince replied before he broke out in a smile and chuckle, "I'm almost done over here, don't you dare!"
"What are you making anyway Eugene?" Varian asked curiously
"Stuffed mushrooms! They were my favorite appetizer when I was in Italy, though this is my first time making them", he then gave the duo a stink eye, "so no
Ruddigar immediately got an evil look on his, and before Varian could stop him, he grabbed a pawful of flour and sprinkled it on Eugene's head, making the teen and his father gasp as the raccoon laughed, "Ruddigar!" Varian stated, trying not the laugh at the little white patch on Eugene's head, "t-that wasn't... Funny...." He stated, his snickers getting the best of him before he broke and began to laugh as well.
Quirin held a hand over his mouth, trying to hide his smile, but his eyes failed him, "uh... Eugene you have a little... Something... On your head..."
The Dark Prince huffed before he looked at the raccoon, "ok cat, let's see how you like *this*!" He threw an egg at Ruddigar, who dodged it, only for it to hit Varian on the head and crack open instead, "whoops! Heh, uh sorry kiddo, wasn't aiming for you".
This broke the retired knight, who laughed loudly as the egg white dripped onto his son's nose, the teen eyed his father for a moment before he noticed his uncle set a bowl of frosting next to him. Looking up at the wild tamer, he notice a small smirk on his face while he 'innocently' spread the frosting on his cake, the teen grinned before grabbing a spoonful of frosting and flinging it at both his father and Eugene, Quirin managed to duck out of the way, but the Dark prince was not so lucky, ending up with frosting splattering on his nose, "that was revenge", Varian beamed as Eugene huffed and wiped the frosting off his face.
"A-*HEM*!" Another voice stated, getting all four trouble makers to look, seeing Adira with a bit of frosting on her cheek and looking none to pleased about it
"Oh", Varian started
"No", Quirin finished
"Oh yes", the face painted warrior replied with an evil grin before she snatched the egg tray from the counter before her oldest brother could and threw an egg at each person, save for Varian, which she gently cracked the egg on his head with one hand and let it slowly drip onto him, making the teen giggle, before she continued her assault on Quirin and Eugene as Ruddigar hid behind his boy. The retired knight was doing a great job dodging, throwing flour back at his sister which she managed to dodge as well, Eugene however, had given up, he was covered head to foot in food and he didn't think he could dodge Adira or Quirin's ammo.
That is, until he got a great idea and hid behind his father, who noticed and chuckled, "hello"
"Hi, mind if I just"
"Nope, don't mind at all!"
Varian joined the dark prince after a little while, almost completely covered in flour and egg, "wow Hair Strip, you look like a slightly off white ghost"
"Wooooooo~!" The teen replied as he wiggled his not broken fingers menacingly at the man
"Very funny", Eugene responded with a smirk, "I would ruffle your hair, but I don't know where it is right now"
"It's right here", Varian answered, pointing to the top of his head and giggling once again when the dark prince ruffled it
"WOULD YOU TWO CUT IT OUT!" Hector yelled as he protected his cake, "IF YOU MAKE THIS THING FALL I'M GONNA KILL YOU BOTH!"
They stopped for a moment, panting and snickering, "you gave Speckles ammo!" The face painted warrior retorted
"And you meant for it to land on *me*!" The retired knight replied before both of them got a great idea and, with egg and flour in hand, they smirked evilly at their brother
The wild tamer was startled at first before he held up a hand, "wait!" They waited as he picked up his cake, which was completely finished, walked it over to the dining room table, placed a lid on it, walked back into the kitchen, then grabbed his frosting bowl and smirked, "bring it the fuck on!"
Adira and Quirin smiled wide before they continued to fight, this time adding frosting to the mix as Hector fought them both! Lance, who'd been avoiding getting hit by anything, squealed and ducked right as a lump of frosting soared over his head, "ok this is crazy!"
"YOU THINK?!" Eugene yelled as he watched his father get a face full of frosting
"Well, to be fair, at least it tastes good!" Edmund replied, licking his lips as the sugary sauce dripped down his mustache
"Is it really?" Varian asked, before he got an answer, he got splattered with some frosting as well, "hey you're right! It *does* taste good!"
The dark king chuckled as he watched his grandson lick some of it off his fingers, "you're so cute you little peanut!"
This gave Eugene an idea, he looked at the three fighters before he picked Varian up, receiving a surprised 'meep' from the teen, and carried him onto the battlefield. He managed to dodge majority of the food, getting splattered just a little before he lifted the 15 year old up on his shoulders, immediately stopping the food fight, "hey! That's playing dirty!" Hector exclaimed as he placed the frosting had in his hands back into the bowl.
"Yeah well, sometimes you have to play dirty in order to stop a fight! I will not put the Hair Strip down until you three come to a truce!" Eugene stated
Edmund sniffled a bit as he wiped a flour covered tear from his eye, "that's my son and grandson!"
Quirin chuckled as Adira sighed and put the egg she had down, "fine, I suppose it's only fair", she then threw the egg at Hector, who got splattered in the face, "ok, *now* I'm done!"
The wild tamer growled but noticed his brother sneaking over to the face painted warrior, and as she turned to look at him he flicked a bunch of flour in her face with a wide grin, "and now *I'm* done!"
He and Hector laughed as Adira shook the flour off of her and smirked at the duo before she looked at Eugene, "we're done".
"Good, if you start up again, I'm picking him up again", he warned before setting the alchemist down, hearing a splash, he looked down and saw he'd set Varian in an egg puddle
"Uh.... Ew", the teen replied, lifting one of his feet and watching the egg drip off of it and onto the floor before looking at Ruddigar, who gave him a disgusted look
"Sorry kid"
"It's alright", the alchemist replied, setting his foot down again and looking at the dark prince, "you could say that fight got a little *egg-splosive*!"
"No! No egg puns!"
Lance laughed, "Varian, was that a *yolk* I just heard?"
"Why yes it was Lance! An *Egg-cellent* one if I do say so myself!"
"STOP!" Eugene yelled
"Why Eugene? I'm just expressing my opinion that the food fight was quite, *egg-citing*!" Varian joked
"That's *egg-xactly* what I was going to say my fine floury friend!" Lance replied with a snicker
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Everyone laughed, the teen and former thief being the loudest as their faces turned red from laughing so hard! After a while, the little group had finally finished their dishes, and once Quirin, Hector, and Adira cleaned up the kitchen (leaving flour-cano alone for the time being), they set the table, and got cleaned up. Varian was so caked with flour, egg, and frosting that he needed a bath, Ruddigar too, it took everyone a couple hours to get fully cleaned up and changed before they all reunited in the dining room. The dishes were still steaming thanks to the alchemist's modifications to the pots and pans, "they last for *hours* after you cook them, *and* there's a chemical compound in there that makes them keep the food fresh and delicious! Though I do have to renew it soon because it's been on there for a while and I should really check th-!" He stopped when he realized he was the only one talking, everyone was watching him. He blushed and leaned a little closer to his father, "s-sorry..."
"It's alright, I was actually interested in hearing about that", Adira replied with a reassuring smile, "I wonder, could you make those types of containers for travel?"
The teen's eyes lit up and he nodded enthusiastically, "I *definitely* could! Though you'd have to come back to get them renewed... I'd say uh... About twice every month"
"Not a problem", she replied, making the alchemist beam happily
"Before he explodes from entirely too much joy, shall we try the food?" Quirin joked, receiving a gentle nudge from his son's broken arm, "be careful with that"
"I am, that's why it was gentle"
Eugene and Lance snorted as Edmund, Hector, and Adira smiling lovingly at the duo before the Dark King raised his glass, "to family fun!"
Everyone raised their glasses, Ruddigar raising his fruit bowl, and cheered happily before digging in! Everyone had a sample of each dish, chatting amongst themselves until Quirin brought out the apple pie, and Hector unveiled his cake, smirking at the 'ooh's and 'ahh's he got from the table. Once they'd finished, they all cleared the dishes, Lance and Varian washing and drying them together as Quirin, Hector, Adira, and Edmund managed to lift 'flour-cano' off the counter and placed it on a tray before cleaning up the mess it left behind. Once everything was done, the group sat happily in the living room, Varian, Ruddigar, and Quirin sitting in the armchair next to the fireplace with Itty Bitty on the stand next to them. The raccoon and fish chatting with each other happily as their boy's watched the lovingly. Edmund was sitting in the armchair opposite to them with Eugene leaning on the back, and Lance, Adira, and Hector all sitting on the couch, the wild tamer petting Pixie and Basil and enjoying the peace while his sister and the former thief looked inside his mother's cookbook. "So", Lance asked after a moment of reading his beloved book, "which was your favorite dish?"
"Who are you asking?" The Dark prince replied
"The room, open for discussion"
"Ah"
"That's a tough one", Edmund replied, "there were so many amazing dishes... I'd have to go with the stuffed mushrooms! I've never had them before, and now I want to make them more often!"
Eugene secretly beamed at that, "thanks dad", he replied, "I really liked your pelmeni, it was a really balanced dish! We should swap recipes sometime"
"Yes we should!"
Adira smiled before looking at her nephew and oldest brother, "I liked the apple pie, which is normal for me, but there was something different in this one that I couldn't quite figure out"
"That would be Varian's 'secret ingredient'", Quirin responded as he ruffled his son's hair, "which, are we sharing secrets today?"
The teen nodded, "only with family though! ...Lance is apart of that too! Honorary family member"
The former thief smiled wide, "thanks little man", the alchemist returned the grin with on of his own
The retired knight looked at his son proudly before answering, "the secret is nutmeg, pixie, and basil"
Hector raised a brow, "should I ask?"
"I think you know the answer"
The wild tamer chuckled as he continued to pet his two binturongs cheerfully, "surprising ingredients that I didn't think would go well in a pie", the face painted warrior replied, "I'll have to come back and get some more"
"Lay off the apple orchard and we'll see"
"Hmm nah"
Quirin huffed a little, "I think my favorite was a four way tie between the pelmeni, ravioli, soup, and cake", he looked directly at his uncle, "*especially* that cake!"
Hector chuckled, "thanks, I could show you how to make it somet-!"
"YES PLEASE! ...I-I mean yes..." Varian blushed as his aunt and uncle snickered and Quirin hugged him gently, "uh... W-what was your favorite dad?"
The old farmer thought for a moment, "mmmm... The pelmeni and stuffed mushrooms, both worked really well together. I also liked your soup Adira, I haven't had a soup like that in years"
"I'm glad you both enjoyed", his sister responded happily, "Wild Child? What was yo-!"
"Ravioli and pie, one because I liked the sauce, and two because the pie was the best", the wild tamer replied, making Lance, Varian, and Quirin happy
"No hesitation?" The retired knight asked
"Nope"
"Alrighty then"
"Last but not least buddy, what's your favorite dish Lance?" Eugene asked
"No pressure", Hector replied, getting a snort from his king
The former thief thought about it for a moment before he smiled wide, "Flour-cano"
"YES!" Varian exclaimed, "flour-cano for the WIN!"
Everyone laughed cheerfully as the teen did a tiny victory dance in the chair before laughing as well. The sun set behind the trees as the family continued to talk until the late hours of the night, everyone declaring a massive sleep over and playing bored games, which Varian won, and enjoying each other's company. The Guy's Night had been a blast as the family grew tired, everyone changed into their pajama's and got comfortable before they finally fell asleep, bringing an end to a chaotic, yet peaceful day.
Notes:
Hello! So I wanted a fluffy ending and for once to have a Guy's Night end in a good way! The little extended family deserves a break from all the chaos and craziness, they make enough of that on their own! XD
I wanted to have Varian make a dish originally, but thought it would be cuter if he and Quirin made a pie together! Also, flour-cano is hilarious to me XD
Quirin is a *really* freaking amazing cook! But with him and Varian together, they could probably make a master piece by mere thought alone! I'm gonna have a chapter on it someday, because that would be fun to write! :D Would you all want a father, son, raccoon, and fish cooking chapter? (Also, Itty Bitty appearance! We love tiny feesh!)
Ok so, Lance's mom is going to be touched upon more in later chapters, but for now this was just a hint, she was a very good mother to Lance, I feel like he and Eugene met in the orphanage around the age of 5 or 6 years old because Eugene has a more distrustful nature due to being left alone as a baby yet Lance seems to be more trusting and in tune with his emotions, it makes me think his mom may have been around long enough for him to remember her and taught him some life lessons before she passed away. It's head cannon, but for the KING, it's a risk I'm willing to take! :D
Hector, Adira, and Quirin are stinkers and would get into a lot of funny fights when they were younger, in my mind. Quirin is usually the one who tried to stop the pair from tearing each other apart, but in a food fight, he's perfectly happy with it XD
GRANDPA EDMUND IS TOO PRESCIOUUUUUUS!!!! Him and Eugene needed more moments together, they were so much fun to write! <3
Ruddigar is a brat-coon and I wanted to write it, he's a food fight starter, but he got a bath that he didn't want, so I'm counting it as proper punishment XD (Also him and Itty Bitty have a bro moment and I loves it!)
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 96: Kindness!
Summary:
Kindness: the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian was bored again, Lance and Eugene had left that morning after saying their goodbyes, the teen was sad to see them go, but knew they had other responsibilities. Still, he let out a loud sigh as he laid on the couch, his alchemy instincts were twitching as he so desperately wanted to experiment with *something*! He looked around, Ruddigar was watching him from the top of the couch, his green eyes looking at his boy sympathetically, "I may die of boredom", the teen stated, "I don't think I've ever been this bored in my life...." The raccoon chittered at his boy, raising a brow, "hey, I sat through dad's 100th extremely long lecture about farm equipment safety when I was 12 and nearly bumped my head on the floor falling asleep from it. Yet I would *gladly* take that over staring at the ceiling and being not sick right now!"
"So you might actually *listen* to that lecture then?" A voice replied, making the teen and raccoon sit up and look towards it. Quirin was standing in the dining room doorway with an amused smirk on his face.
The alchemist smirked, "well it would be better than sitting here and doing nothing!"
The Village Leader raised a brow, "you have a really bad case of cabin fever don't you?"
"Yes and it's *torture*!" The teen replied before he let out a startled 'meep' as he was scooped up
"That's understandable, Horace and Lance are gone and you're now stuck on the couch with nothing to do! It's a very boring situation", his grandpa responded cheerfully
His raccoon chittered at the alchemist, making the teen realize something, "wait!" He looked at his father, "Ruddigar just reminded me that today's the next day and *you* said if I behaved you would tell me more about the Brotherhood!"
"I don't know, I think that little boredom joke may have been a little sassy", Quirin replied
"Daaaaaaaad!"
His father chuckled as Edmund smiled, "wouldn't you wanna read a Flynn Rider book?" He asked
"Well.... Yeah, but I also wanna find out more about the Brotherhood!"
"Why not just ask us?" Adira replied as she and Hector walked in from the front door, "see, that was so boring".
"That way gave me less of a headache", the old farmer responded
"....I'm using the window next time"
"I think I'll join you", The wild tamer responded
"Is it really that fun?" Edmund asked
"No don't you dare!" The retired knight replied, getting the Dark King to laugh, "again, why am I the only *adult* in this room?!"
"Because you tell great stories?" Varian replied
His father smirked, "nice try"
The teen sighed and huffed a little, "why don't you ask Adira and Hector?" His grandfather asked
"I guess it's because of his perspective?" The little alchemist replied, "I mean, he was already in his 20's and they were just getting to know each other! I guess I like to see from a teacher's point of view because it must've been fun to watch"
"It was", His father replied, "I think my favorite story is the obstacle course"
"What happened?"
Quirin was about to respond when he saw his son giving him the puppy dog eyes, sighing he smirked, "I'm not getting out of this am I?"
"Pleeeeeease?"
The retired knight chuckled, "you haven't grown up past 6 you know that?"
"If I say yes, will you tell me the story?"
"I'll tell you the story either way because I promised"
"Then nu"
His father laughed, then sat down on the couch as Edmund placed the teen in his knight's lap and smiled wide before sitting down himself in an armchair. Adira and Hector began to listen themselves, taking their own seats on the couch next to their nephew, Ruddigar, who hopped on his boy's shoulders and chittered happily, and brother as he began the tale:
'It was the first day of training, everyone was excited to see that obstacle course, mind you, that course had been shown many times in the Dark Kingdom as sort of an entertainment for the locals. I believe Adira was the one that mentioned the Dark Kingdom being a place where you earned someone's affection by being strong, not by looking great, it was true for everyone in our kingdom. That obstacle course was one where people would try to see how far they could get without prior training, the farthest anyone got was 1/4th of the way through it.... At least until Adira came along...
Today had been rough.... That was to be expected of course, this was training to be a Brotherhood member after all! But the captain and lone Brotherhood member had stated at the very beginning of the day that the first day was always the hardest. For 10 year old Adira and 8 year old Hector, they'd been right. The two children were panting up a storm as they'd trained under the unrelenting chill of the evening, they were cold, tired, hungry, and every part of them ached, but they trained and trained and trained past their limits and were still standing! Everyone was, and both the captain of the royal guard and 21 year old Quirin were impressed, as they lined the trainees up, the captain addressed the hopefuls, "well then troops! Good thing is, there's one last activity for you to do today, bad thing is... It's the obstacle course! The Brotherhood can do this course in their *sleep*! I realize there's only one, but he can pass this thing easily without breaking a sweat!" This made the trainees look worried, "relax, I don't expect you to sweat, hell I don't even expect half of you to *complete* this course today! *BUT* if you wanna have a chance to get into the Brotherhood, then you must get through at least *half* the course! If you fail that expectation today, you will be sent home, IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!"
"YES SIR!" The trainees yelled
"The halfway point is just after the giant climbing wall", Quirin replied as he walked over to it, the wall stood at about 20 feet high and 7 feet wide, "once you pass here, you'll be set to stay another day, but", he then walked back to the group, "on my first day, I completed the course going through the same training all of you just went through. Mind you, I was slow, sweaty, tired, and in dire need of water", this made the group giggle a bit, "but I still did it because I wanted to push myself to my limit, today, you've all done amazingly well, and if you reach that halfway mark, you have every right to stop for the day, but if you feel like you can go a little further, then go a little further, believe in yourself! Also, feel free to cheer for your fellow trainees, show them your support, even if they don't make it because to me, you've all proven you're worthy to be a Brotherhood member". He smiled at the two children in particular, "all of you", they smiled back, their eyes filling with hope.
The captain of the Royal guards rolled his eyes and stepped in front of the Brotherhood member, "with that being said, who wants to go first?"
****
"NEXT!" The captain of the guard yelled as the trainee that had just tried to go through the course was wheeled away to the castle's emergency room. So far, only a handful had managed to survive the obstacle, they stood next to Quirin as they passed, unfortunately for the next trainee, who took a nasty fall right before reaching the halfway point, majority of them ended up just like him, disqualified, embarrassed, and sent to the infirmary.
Adira stepped up to the start of the course, watching every swinging axe, flying arrow, and flame before looking to the captain and nodding, "I'm ready to start the obstacle course sir".
He hesitated, "you can back out right now if you want *little girl*, no one would blame ya", Quirin raised his brow at the man before looking back at the girl, an apologetic look on his face.
"I'm ready to start the obstacle course *sir*", she repeated, he voice a little icier than before, he simply shrugged and blew his whistle before she ran inside the course, closing her eyes, she dodged every arrow, flying in-between them like she was the wind itself. Next came the swinging axes, which she, again, dodged with ease, after that was the large climbing wall. She took a breath, held it, and ran up the wall, turning completely perpendicular with the floor as she did so before she lost her momentum. She managed one last hop and just barely managed to grip onto the edge of the top before swinging herself on it and climbing down.
The captain was dumbfounded before he shook it off, giving the girl a nasty glare before blowing his whistle, making her stop, "DISQUALIFIED!" He shouted
"What?!"
"That is the *climbing* wall missy! You do not *run* up the *climbing* wall!" He stated, getting majority of the other trainees to chuckle at her, save for Quirin and Hector
"When was that ever a rule?"
"IT'S IN THE FUCKIN NAME!"
"Fine then I'll climb it instead!"
"OH NO YOU DON'T!" He yelled, "you're giving your commander and chief attitude and talkin back! When you're in the Brotherhood, you ain't allowed to do that!"
"But I'm no-!"
"You *little girl* are OUT! You don't get to train, you don't get to become a guard, and you will *NEVER* become a Brotherhood member!" He smirked at her, "what you'll be doin, is cleanin the house and cookin the dinner for when the *real* warriors come home! Now SKIDADDLE OUT OF HERE!"
"But I-!"
"MOVE!"
"B-but I-!" She heard the slap sound way before she felt it across her cheek as she fell to the floor, her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at the man, he was towering over her, suddenly gigantic compared to her, his eyes were wide and he no longer looked like the captain of the guard anymore, now he had long blond hair with a blond beard and mustache to match, he had a green ring on his finger that held a horrid spider with a painful poison, and he wore a wicked smile on his face, his teeth nearly breaking at how hard he'd clenched them
"WHAT DID I JUST SAY YOU LITTLE BITCH! I SAID *MOV-!"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Another voice screamed at him, the Baron/captain of the royal guard looked over and saw Hector growling at the man, his teeth were bared and his yellow eyes glared daggers at him, "LEAVE HER ALONE RIGHT NOW! SHE PASSED YOUR STUPID FUCKING TEST AND I SAW A LOT OF THOSE GUYS RUN UP THAT WALL AND YOU DIDN'T SAY A WORD! SO SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU DISGUSTIING EXCUSE FOR A FUCKING TIN CAN!"
Everyone was dumbfounded as they watched the youngest member of their group stand up to the captain of the royal guards without so much as a shiver. Adira was staring at the 8 year old before a hand touched her shoulder, she jumped a little, "hey, it's okay, you're okay, I've got you now, you're safe", the calming voice of the knight replied, she instantly felt her defenses fall as the man took her in his arms and checked her, "you're going to have a bruise, but nothing too serious, are you alright?" She nodded silently, her hands were shaking as she grabbed his hands and squeezed them tightly. He squeezed hers back, "it's alright, I'm here, I promised you I wouldn't let anyone hurt you, and I won't, you're safe now". She finally managed to look up at him and saw his smile, gentle brown eyes meeting fear filled ones, but she calmed down, taking a deep breath before letting it out slowly.
"I-I'm.... I'm okay", she replied quietly, "I'm okay"
"That-a girl", the knight responded before he turned to look at something that made him chuckle, "I think I'll leave you in some very capable hands while I have a little chat with the captain, okay?"
"O-okay..."
He got up and walked over to the man just as smaller hands grabbed Adira's, she looked at the person who held them and saw big, yellow eyes looking at her worriedly, "are you okay?"
It took her a moment to respond, giving the boy a quiet, "yeah, thanks".
He smiled at her, "good, you're way tougher than he'll ever know, I believe that... Plus it was really cool how you dodged all those arrows! I mean did you *see* yourself! You were all woo! woo! Woo! WOO! And the arrows were like ping pa-ping ping ping!, it was AWESOME!"
She blinked then smiled, "r-really?"
"YEAH! I've only ever seen one person do that"
"Who?"
"Him", he pointed to Quirin, who was talking to the captain, it looked like the guard was shrinking under the knight's lecture, and if his glare was anything to go by, the guard *should* be.
Being compared to the knight however made the 10 year old's heart skip a beat, "y-you're... Comparing me to him? B-but he's a knight"
"And you just did something that none of these fuckers could even *dream* of! Trust me, you'll make an amazing Brotherhood member one day, and I'll be right there with ya, with a cool sword or ooh ooh! I'll be on a DINOSAUR!" He yelled excitedly, making her laugh, "heh heh... You made a deal with me".
She looked at him and saw the most serious face an 8 year old could muster, "what?"
"you agreed we would prove them wrong, and make them fucking scream, so let's do that and prove that we're the best of the best, together, okay?"
Her smile widened and she hugged the 8 year old, startling him for a moment or two before he hugged her back
****
"READY?" Quirin yelled as Adira took her place at the beginning of the obstacle, she passed, after the knight got through with the royal guard and took over training, he passed her and told her she could stand with the rest of the trainees, but she didn't want that. "GET SET!" She wanted to *prove* she was able to handle this obstacle course, to prove her worth, to prove she was the best of the best, and so she would. "GO!" Her heart raced with exhilaration as she moved on to the first obstacle, then the next, then the next, she moved through each one with a shred of worry, doubt, or sweat, even climbing the wall with amazing speed out of spite. She reveled in the chuckled she heard from Quirin at that. Once she got to the final obstacle, which required her to grab a person shaped dummy and protect them through a field of hazards that she'd just gotten past, she smirked and grabbed the dummy, running through the field, dodging arrows and axes, climbing wall after wall, and avoiding many of the other traps before she finally made it to the finish line, placing the dummy on the stand and panting excitedly as she fell to her knees. She smiled and looked at the knight, hearing Hector scream and cheer happily as the knight walked over to her, "how do you feel?" He asked worriedly.
"I finished the obstacle course..." She panted, "and I was slow, but", she looked at the knight, "now I'm sweaty, tired, and in dire need of water", she responded with a grin, "and I'm gonna be in the Brotherhood with you and Hector one day!"
He beamed proudly as they looked over at the 8 year old, he raced over to the obstacle course, bouncing of his toes as he waited for his turn to try it out. Quirin looked back at Adira and smiled wide, "yes you will", he replied.'
"And that's the obstacle course story", the retired knight replied
"Man, that captain was an absolute a-!" Varian started
"A-*hem*"
"Aaaaaaaaawful person", the teen finished
"Smooth", Adira replied
"Here, let me help you, asshole, fucker, piece of shit, shit stain, asshat, fuck face, and that's off the top of my head", Hector stated, making his nephew laugh as Quirin face palmed with a groan, "he didn't say it"
"I'm making you your own swear jar", the Village Leader stated
The wild tamer laughed, "and if you think you're gonna make me pay it, then you're dead wrong"
Edmund shook his head, "the captain was a mistake on my part... Should've just had Quirin teach the new recruits"
"Why didn't you?" The alchemist asked
"He didn't want me to play favorites", his father replied, "I told him Adira and Hector would be the perfect members from the start, but he wanted it to be fair, which I can respect"
The Dark King sighed, "kind of a moot point if the captain himself won't play fair"
"You were trying", Adira replied, "we appreciated that, and it worked out in the end anyway"
Hector nodded, "plus, we got to see Quirin kick the royal guard's ass! That was fucking funny!"
"Wait, you beat up the *guard*?!" Varian asked his father, who blushed
"That.... Is another story for another day", the old farmer replied
"Tomorrow?"
"Well I'm no-!"
"Or the next day?"
"Varian"
"Or the day after that?"
Quirin hugged his bean happily, chuckling as he did, "you're such a stinker!" He stated
The teen giggled, "I know"
Notes:
Another Brotherhood chapter! This one's got angst and fluff and I didn't think I'd be able to finish it today, but I did and I'm very happy with how it turned out! :D
Quirin is the best older brother ever! Which also helped him become the best dad ever! :D
Varian is a teen drama bean when he's bored and I can't get enough of it! He's too adorable not to write that way XD Also pushy Varian being excited about his dad's stories is now what I'm gonna be drawing today XD
Edmund is a bean and he loves his tiny grandson! (Side note: I'll write an Edmund chapter, but this is for Adira and Hector for right now)
Adira is a proven warrior and is the descendent of warriors, I'm certain she can take an obstacle at the age of 10, but she'd still be a little worn out by it. She'd also do it with *style* and *sass* because she's Adira! <3
Hector is a major bean! He was super adorable when he was a little 8 year old baby and I can see him wanting to ride a dinosaur! He came close, rhinos and dinosaurs looks kinda the same, just a little XD
The beginning was a little rough because I was super tired while writing it, but suddenly got a random energy boost when writing the middle and end, I blame the Brotherhood XD
Thank you all so much for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 97: A Visit No One Wanted!
Summary:
Rapunzel invites Varian, Quirin, Ruddigar, Edmund, Hector, and Adira to a ball where dignitaries from the seven kingdoms meet up. Unfortunately for the wild tamer, that includes Ingvarr.
Chapter Text
"The 7 Kingdom Ball?" Varian asked the beaming princess
"That's right! The Kingdom Ball celebrates all the 7 kingdoms coming together and uniting as one! I thought since you and your family are from the Dark Kingdom, and they used to be a part of the 7 Kingdoms, that maybe you'd like to join us?" Rapunzel explained to the quiet living room. It had been a peaceful morning, the alchemist's arm had finally healed so he no longer had a cast on and was off doing tiny alchemy experiments when the practically sparkling princess knocked on his lab's door. She, Eugene, and Lance were all in the living room, after gathering Quirin, Edmund, Hector, and Adira, and were waiting for the Dark kingdom member's response with baited breath, "I think it would be a good idea to try to intergrade you back into the 7 Kingdoms again, since you're still a king and Eugene's a prince! Your family line is still alive, that means your kingdom isn't dead, it's just.... a little smaller than before. I was going to have Nigel write down your names on the invitations but I asked Lance and he said I should probably ask first, which is why I'm here, what do you say?"
"I say it's a good thing you asked", Edmund replied a little shakily, "princess I... *We* haven't been a part of the 7 kingdoms for 25 *years*.... I'm not entirely sure we'd be welcomed at this ball, at least not right now..."
"I understand your worry, and I've already put that into account, *if* you decide to come, I'd make sure everyone knew your situation was a delicate one and not to bring it up. I'd also remind everyone that this is a ball to *celebrate* the kingdoms, including the ones that were a part of us before, I've got a whole speech and everything!" She showed them a couple cue cards, which she handed over to Varian, who read them quickly.
"Ooh! Ok this is really good... But uh... 'you can't have a rainbow without all the colors'? Miiiight be a little much", he suggested
"Why does no one like a good rainbow metaphor?" The princess asked
"It's not that I don't like it, it's actually kinda clever, but you have a puppy metaphor right before it and two metaphors that say the same thing in the same speech may be a *little* on the nose"
"Which should I go with?"
The teen reread it before instantly saying, "the rainbow one. The puppy metaphor could be taken two ways and one of them is mean.... And makes me sad for puppies.... Dad can we get a puppy?"
Quirin chuckled, "train your brat-coon first, then we'll get a puppy"
Ruddigar chittered then swished his tail indignantly as he sat on Varian's shoulders, "I'll change it up then", Rapunzel replied with a giggle before taking her cards back, "but either way, what do you guys think?"
"What..." Hector started, then stopped, took in a small breath, and let it out, "which kingdoms with be there?...."
"All of them!" The princess replied, "Corona, Kato, Neserdnia, Bayangor, Galcrest, Pittsford, and Ingvarr!"
"I'm not going"
"Wait what?"
"I'm not going"
"Wait but, I thought you were gonna th-!"
"I am *NOT* going!" Hector snapped, "Fuck that, no way in *Hell* am I going to see a kingdom that shits on every weak fucking kid in there! Nope, never, fuck that, I'm not going".
Rapunzel was taken aback at first, then looked around, Eugene and Lance looked just as startled as her, but Adira looked sympathetic, Varian too while Quirin looked angry at something he was thinking about and Edmund looked worried, "ok, what's going on?" She asked gently, before the wild tamer could respond she added, "I'm not going to try and change your answer, but as a princess and soon to be queen, it worries me that one of the 7 Kingdoms may have done something, or are doing something, terrible to children. I don't tolerate that, so what's going on?"
The room was eerily quiet before Varian spoke up, "uncle Hector has a.... Past... With one of the kingdoms, and not Eugene and Lance kind of past either..."
This worried the princess, who looked at the wild tamer, "I.... I won't ask... Because I understand that's private, but.... Is there any way I could change your mind? Maybe you'd have a good time and you certainly wouldn't be alone"
"I don't want to go..." Hector replied quietly
"What if the people you're worried about won't be there?"
"They will, they always are... Their dignitaries in that kingdom, so of course they'd be a part of the fucking ball"
"They're dignitaries?"
The wild tamer sighed tiredly, "yes... The people I don't want to come into contact with are dignitaries.... They're... Also my parents..."
"Really disgusting parents at that", Adira replied bitterly, "they don't deserve the title in all honesty"
"They're your parents?" Eugene asked, a little shocked at that, "wait..." He looks at Varian, "you said he doesn't have the same kind of situation as Lance and I... But... If that's that case then...." He looks back at the wild tamer, "did you... Run away?"
"No, though I fucking should have, don't think I would've made it but it would've been better than what *they* fucking did to me!" Hector replied, "I just... I hate them..... And I'm not gonna go to a fucking *ball* just to see them again...."
Rapunzel and Eugene looked at the man sadly as Lance spoke up, "you know, I realize this may not be the time for this, but... If you wanna talk-!"
"Yeah yeah I can talk to you, I get it, but this isn't something I'd really like to discuss.... At least not with..."
"Some one outside your family?" The former thief asked with a smile, "believe it or not, I understand, I don't like talkin about a lot of stuff like that with people I barely know. But the offer's there if you want it".
"....Thanks"
"You're welcome"
The room got quiet, not even Ruddigar was chittering at this point, too worried about the feral man's emotions to really say anything. Pixie and Basil were trying to give him support, but it didn't seem like it was working, that is, until a little voice cut through the quiet, "fuck them"
Everyone stared at the little alchemist, the room now filled with shocked, and amused, expressions, "Varian!" Quirin scolded
"No, fuck them! They're horrible people who don't deserve to be in the same place as uncle Hector! If I were him, and they were my parents, I'd beat em up just to show them how strong I've gotten!" Varian replied angrily, "they're cruel, nasty, mean, horrid, and above all else the worst fucking parents I've ever heard of!" He let out a huff before continuing, "but you're not me, you're Hector, and you know them way better than I do. What if you did go to the ball, and what if they were there, would you really hide away because you don't want to see them?"
"I..." The wild tamer began, but stopped when he realized what his nephew was saying
"You're strong, mean, tough, and by far one of the scariest people in the world, only being beaten out by my dad to whom I am currently avoiding eye contact with because he's probably very upset that I said a bad word, but it had to be done and I have very small regrets!" The teen stated, getting his father to let out a small chuckle before continuing, "you're not just their kid anymore, you're Hector! Member of the Brotherhood, brother to Adira and my dad, and served under his majesty King Edmund for I don't even *know* how long, and you were able to keep up with them with ease! You've got an awesome rhino, two *gorgeous* binturongs, and the worlds most dirtiest mouth filled to the brim with cuss words that make me laugh really hard! If *anyone* is gonna walk up to you and tell you you're weak, then they *clearly* need a reality check and should be given one immediately!"
Hector was startled at first, but smiled at his nephew, dropping his hostility for a brief moment before putting it up again and blinking before looking at the princess, "....I'll think about it"
She smiled, "that's perfectly fine, take your time, all of you! The ball is a few weeks away, so you've got plenty of time, there's no pressure at all!" She replied before looking at the alchemist, "by the way, me, Angry, and Catalina were gonna go to the Neserdnia market in a couple days, is there anything you'd need since you're back to the alchemy again?"
"W-well.... I might not be for a bit..." Varian replied with a blush before glancing at his father, "*but* if you're going to the market I'd love to join you! ...Hopefully".
Quirin chuckled once more before getting up and walking over to his son and hugging him. Breaking the hug and looking at his son, "normally I'd be about ready to wash your mouth out for that little stunt... But", he looked over at his brother and smiled, the wild tamer smiled back, "I think I can let it go... *this* time", he replied, "besides I'd be a little bit of a hypocrite if I didn't let a little cursing slip when needed".
Varian smiled wide, "thanks dad, does.... Does that mean I can go with them?"
"If she's okay with it"
Rapunzel nodded, "yay!" The teen replied, "I can pick up some copper plated elements from there! That means I can run so many poly-alchemical subtraction tests without any worry of any of my good metals to be worn down!" He looked at his dad, "do you know what that means?!"
The old farmer blinked a little, then smirked, "I'm going to have another hole in my house?"
"Ha ha, sooooo funny, actually it means you'll have *less* holes in the house, so there!"
"Goody"
"....You're an evil jerkface"
"And you're a bratty stinkbomb"
"Yeah but I'm a bratty stinkbomb that's going to have *a lot* of fun in the next few days with *metals*!"
Rapunzel giggled as she watched the alchemist literally sparkle with joy, "glad you're excited"
This made Varian stop and smile at her, "thanks, and thank you for offering to let me go with you, it'll be nice just to relax", Ruddigar chittered, "oh! C-can Ruddigar come too? Or is it a human thing?"
"Oh he can *definitely* come!"
Eugene had worry shoot through him as he looked out the window towards Max, "uh sunshine, aren't you taking Max on that trip?"
"Yes"
"Don't Varian's cat-!"
"Raccoon", the teen corrected
"His cat and Max not get along very well?" He asked, smirking at the huff the little alchemist gave him
The princess smiled, "well that's *why* he'll be going! This will be a great chance for them to finally get along! Right Ruddigar?"
The raccoon raised a brow at her before glancing over at the horse, who was currently munching on an apple. The small mammal huffed and chittered a reply, "he won't steal your apples", Varian stated, his best friend chittered again, "what is with you and horses, you both eat the same fruit and there's plenty to go around!" Ruddigar argued with his boy, "not every apple is yours you brat-coon", the raccoon chittered even more, "yeah yeah I know that's dad's thing, but I can't help but agree with him sometimes". Quirin chuckled as Ruddigar chittered again, "Max is a good horse, he's also a royal guard and the nicest one out there outside of Stan and Pete, can't you *try* to give him a chance?" This made the raccoon freeze before letting out a long sigh, he chittered defeatedly, "thanks bud, look I'll be there with you so you won't be alone, we'll travel together and have a lot of fun, it'll be great!" Ruddigar looked at the teen, who smiled wide at him, and smiled back, nuzzling his boy happily.
"I will never understand the mechanisms of you talking your cat or blondie with her frog", Eugene stated flatly
"Or Quirin with his fish?" Edmund asked
"You talk to your fish?"
"Itty Bitty is a good listener!" Quirin defended
"He kinda is, Ruddigar and Itty Bitty talk all the time, apparently he's a really sweet boy", Varian agreed
Adira then looked at Lance, "hey, didn't you have your own fish from that little contest way back when?"
The former thief smiled wide, letting out a small squeak of happiness, "Wiggles is still with me! I keep him at the castle in my bedroom, he's got his own little tank and everything", then the man got an idea, "Quirin! We should do a play date! Itty Bitty and Wiggles!"
The retired knight's eyes lit up, "oh he'd love that, he liked Wiggles and I'm certain could use another fish friend to blub with"
"I'm sorry, but 'blub with'?" Eugene asked
Edmund smiled, "Itty Bitty likes to blub at Quirin, it's actually really cute!"
"Little bubbles come out of his mouth", the Village Leader responded happily, "I love my tiny fish"
As the group continued to chat about the fish play date, Adira noticed Hector had gotten very quiet. Getting up, she walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, "you okay?"
"Hm? Yeah..." He replied
She raised a brow, "what's wrong?"
He sighed, "I'm nervous, and I hate being nervous... Varian's right, I should show them how strong I've gotten, I should have no problem giving them a reality check but..." He stopped, hesitating
"But?" She prompted, giving him an encouraging smile
"...I... I'm scared Adira... They were cruel to me and made me feel like I didn't matter and would be better off dead.... They... They hated me... They were my parents and they hated me.... What if I go to this fucking ball and.... They still hate me.... Even though I've gotten better...."
The face painted warrior was silent for a moment or two before she asked, "why did you get strong?"
"What?"
"Why did you get strong? Why did you want to join the Brotherhood in the first place, because I know it wasn't to show them otherwise you would've joined the guard".
"...I joined because I wanted to be stronger..."
"And?"
He was silent but then closed his eyes, "and because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do anything I set my mind to"
"That's right", she replied with a grin, "you joined for *you*, to show *yourself* how valuable you are, and you are *extremely* valuable, in your skills, in your fights, but more than that", she smiled at him, "you're valuable to me, and to King Edmund and St- ...Quirin and Varian, both of whom just proved how true that statement is. You're Hector, the wild tamer of the Brotherhood and also my younger brother, the kid I fought with when he was 7 years old and still put up a good enough fight to have me sweating when I was 9. You are strong in so many ways, and have so many people that care about you, myself included, I know this will be the toughest challenge that you've ever faced, but compared to you, those dignitaries are nothing. Remember we'll all be there too, reminding you of how much you've grown and accomplished, but even more, how much you mean to us, no one else could've done that, only you".
Her brother looked at her, his eyes shining for a moment before he closed them and smiled, "you really mean that?"
"Of course I do", Adira replied, "you've fought way too hard to think of yourself lower than that scum now", she suddenly noticed something out of the corner of her eye and smiled, "And I happen to know one person who agrees with me without needing to say a word"
"What?" The wild tamer opened his eyes, "who?"
She looked at Hector and smirked, "him", she pointed, getting him to follow her finger until it landed on Quirin. Varian was still giggling and chatting with Lance, Eugene, Edmund, and Rapunzel, but the retired knight was looking directly at the duo, he had a gentle smile on his face as he looked at his younger brother before nodding in confirmation.
"How did he-?" Hector started
"He's Quirin, do you really need to ask?" His sister interrupted
Hector stopped and continued to look at his big brother before he smiled once more, letting a single tear slide down his face, "thank you", he replied, before looking at his older sister, "both of you".
Notes:
HECTOR CHAPTER!!!! :D :D :D :D
We got the crazy rhino guy to have some feels for one chapter! He needed it either way, but here it is all the same! I genuinely think that if given more screen time, Hector might've become one of the best characters on the show, he has such an interesting back story that I would've loved to have seen more from and for him! So I made this chapter because I wish to see more, so I shall write more! XD
Varian is such a good little nephew, he's super sweet, unbelievably kind, and I loves him with his crazy extended family, it's too precious for words! Also him and Ruddigar arguing is funny XD
I genuinely wonder if there's a ball thanking all the 7 kingdoms for uniting together, if there is, there's a lot of potential for a story or even an episode like that! :D I'm gonna write it, trust me, because Hector needs closure! But think about how cool it would've been to see that in the show! <3
Quirin is the best older brother in the universe, he's also the best father too! He would definitely be the older sibling that the other two look up to and want to be like someday. he really would, and he'd take his job super seriously too! Also, another Itty Bitty mention, and I'm writing an Itty Bitty and Wiggles chapter, because that sounds so cute! :D
Adira is an amazing big sister! She's the quiet middle child that really understands both sides of her two brother's, she's sensitive enough to know how to help them, but tough enough to get them to keep going and it's amazing! <3
Edmund, Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel were just kinda vibing in this chapter, but they'll have more important roles coming up soon :D
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 98: A Momentary Lapse!
Summary:
Rapunzel wants to show Varian and Quirin the new lab at the castle, but unfortunately they run into a very familiar face.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian was practically glowing with excitement as he looked out the window of the carriage he was in. He watched the villagers go about their lives, walking around like it was a normal day, none of them knew how exciting this morning and afternoon would be for the little alchemist. Ruddigar chittered from his boy's shoulder, equally excited for the teen as he nuzzled his cheek, "hee hee thanks buddy! I'm so nervous but also super excited! I can't believe this is actually happening!!!!"
Quirin chuckled from his seat next to his son, "I haven't seen you this ecstatic since the first time you caught Ruddigar in the raccoon trap"
"That was a monuments step for all things alchemy and even *you* were impressed by that"
"True", the old farmer agree with a shrug, "though, I'd prefer if I could talk to you face to face while we're in the carriage.... And before we hit a bump and you fall out of your set".
The teen scoffed, "dad I'm 15 years old, I'm pretty sure I wo-!" Before he could finish, the carriage hit a bump and knocked Varian, and Ruddigar, off balance, he couldn't catch himself and began to fall, only to be caught in his, smirking, father's arms, the raccoon caught in the teen's, and set back on the seat, properly this time. Varian was silent for a moment, allowing Ruddigar to climb back on his shoulders before a light blush spread over his cheeks, "....p-point taken".
The retired knight snickered and gently ruffled his son's hair, "I'm glad the princess is keeping her word about giving you a lab to work in while you're at the castle, but you'll be giving me updates if you plan on staying there for too long yes?"
"Of course!" The teen replied, snapping himself out of his stupor, "there may be times where I'll be gone for a full week, but I'll send a letter to you every day!"
"....Promise?"
"Promise!"
Quirin smiled wide as he hugged his son happily, they stayed that way for a moment or two before letting go and looking around, "I can't believe they sent someone in the caravan to get us", the Village Leader replied, "they know we have a carriage, yes?"
"Yeah but they also know people in Corona and Old Corona aren't particularly big fans of mine... S-so they sent the caravan because the one we have doesn't have a top. Which now makes me wanna make a top for it".
"We could've also borrowed the one we borrowed before for the fishing trip... Though I will say, this caravan is pretty roomy", he stretched his arms out and smiled happily before setting his hands in his lap.
Varian giggled, "I love you"
"I love you too"
****
"I'm just saying, if you wanna be a top notch guard, you're gonna have to learn how to be more sneaky", Pete stated
"Oh yeah, like you're really the sneakiest", Stan replied flatly
"I am!"
"Pete, you got caught trying to steal a castle chocolate".
"I was only doing that because Lance made them sound so good! And you wanted one too!"
"I got one", the larger guard held up a small piece of chocolate in his hand, "and I didn't get caught"
"Oh look at you! Master thief over here, should give Eugene a call, maybe he'll take notes!"
"Hi Stan! Hi Pete! How are y-!" Varian started
"Now you're upset", Stan unconsciously interrupted
"Uh guys"
"I'm not upset!" Pete replied aggravatedly
"Guys?"
"You *sound* upset", Stan stated
"Guys...."
"That's because you upset me!" Pete exclaimed
"Guys!"
"Well then you're upset!" Stan argued
"I am not upset!" Pete bickered
"Oh really, then why are you arguing with me right now?"
"Because you won't stop!"
"Because you're upset!"
"I am NOT!"
"GUYS!!!!!" Varian shouted, getting the duo to look at him, "hi"
"Oh uh *ahem* hi Varian, Quirin", Stan greeted awkwardly
"Hello", the retired knight replied with a smirk and raised brow, "slow day?"
"Little bit", Pete answered, "the princess is looking for you two and asked us to wait here for your arrival"
"Welp, we're here", the alchemist stated
"Yes, yes you are!"
"....Soooo-!"
"So! You should uh...." Stan sighed, a little blush appeared on his mustached face as he took the lead, "you should come with us"
"Sounds good", Quirin replied with an amused grin before he, Varian, and Ruddigar followed the duo into the castle
They walked inside and snickered quietly as the two guards remained completely silent, an air of embarrassment wafting around their little group. In a few moments, they were led to the thrown room, passing Nigel along the way. The royal advisor glancing at Varian before Quirin shot a glare his way, making him bite his tongue from whatever he was planning on saying. He entered the room and nearly bonked into his son, who was completely frozen in his place as Ruddigar growled from his shoulder. Confused, Quirin looked at the teen's face only to see his boy completely and utterly terrified. Following his son's gaze, the retired knight looked at the thrown and didn't see the blond princess, but instead a very depressed and tired looking king sitting alone with a pack of papers in his hands as the guards presented the pair, "your majesty, the princess requested these two for a visit", Stan explained a little uncomfortably, stepping slightly in front of the alchemist as he addressed his king with a bow, Pete doing the same. He had bags under his eyes and he looked like he hadn't slept in weeks, his beard and mustache were messy, his crown was crooked, his clothes a little shabbier than normal, even his complexion was paler, suffice it to say, he was an absolute *mess*.
Frederic looked up from his papers and instantly felt a chill run down his spine as he saw Quirin's glare, though, if it affected him, he didn't show it as he looked back at his guard, "thank you Stan, Pete, you may resume your duties. Bring Nigel in here as you go please", he replied gently, but cautiously.
"Yes your highness", Stan and Pete replied before they turned to walk out, giving Varian a encouraging look before walking out
A few silent seconds passed between the father son duo and the king of Corona, Quirin moving his son behind him as he continued to glare at the king. Suddenly the doors opened and Nigel quickly walked in, "greetings your majesty", he stated with a bow, sounding a little chipper, "is there anything I could help you with?" He asked, straightening up and smiling at Frederic.
"Hello Nigel, do you... Happen to know where Rapunzel is at the moment?" The king replied as he was all too happy to direct his attention to the royal advisor
"Why yes, I believe she's in her room at the moment"
"Could you go and get her please? It seems she's invited guests"
"Right away your highness", he bowed once more before he turned to leave, giving the teen an angry smirk before walking out, closing the large doors behind him.
The room grew still once more as Nigel left, Ruddigar was still growling on his boy's shoulder while Quirin continued to glare, though Frederic said nothing as he continued to look at the papers in his hands, that is, until his eyes widened a bit and he got up, walked over to the duo but stopping a few feet away, and looked at his old friend again, "how... How are the crops coming?" He asked, keeping his eyes firmly on the Village Leader.
"They're fine", Quirin replied professionally, though he wanted nothing more than to deck the king's face, he knew this wasn't the time, nor the place. He kept his temper in check and his body firmly in-between his son and the fool king, making sure to shoulders squared and posture perfect, no matter if he didn't like the person sitting in that chair, they were still a king, and he needed to remember that.
"Well that's good, I'm... I'm glad things seem to be working out over in Old Corona"
"Indeed".
"...Um... So....." He let out a breath, "Quirin... I-!"
"Don't want to talk about it"
"But-!"
"No"
"We.... We used to be friends before...."
"Yes we did, but that was before you-!" Quirin stopped himself and inhaled a *deep* breath, letting it out slowly. He felt his son's hand grab for his, and he took it, giving the teen a gentle squeeze and rubbing his thumb over his knuckles before looking back at the king, "I don't want to talk about this right now...."
"....I understand...." Frederic replied softly, "for what it's worth.... I'm sorry for what I've done...." He was looking at Varian now, the teen began to shiver as he felt the man's stare on him, Ruddigar's hackles stood as his tail puffed up and he continued to growl, "to both of you..." The king looked back at the retired knight, "I know that mere words alone cannot fix this... But... I want to fix it... I truly do.... But if you need time, then I'll give you time...."
Quirin wanted to scream at him, bite his head off, hurt him, *something* for making his baby shake like a tree in a blizzard behind him, but he didn't, no, more like he couldn't. *Of course one of the times I would LOVE to have my siblings here is one of the times they decided to continue their mission to look for the Moonstone*, he thought to himself as he continued to eye the man before him. Yet there was something in him, a small, quiet, very weak voice that wanted to reach out and comfort the king and for a moment the old farmer considered, but he shook it off the instant he felt his son's shivers or heard his little whimper when that man looked him. *Don't you fucking look at him you piece of shit*, he thought before sliding even more in front of his child, "I... Appreciate that...", he replied quietly.
That's when the door opened, "Variaaan, Quiriiiiin, I am *so* sorry I'm late! Pascal and I were trying to stop Lance and Eugene from arguing an-!" Rapunzel stopped when she saw her father and the father son duo, a little gasp escaping her lips before she walked forwards and placed a comforting hand on the alchemist's shoulder, "hi dad".
"Hello Rapunzel", her father responded softly, noticing the teen flinch when he spoke, ".... I...." He looked at Varian, seeing the teen shiver even more, "I-I'm sorry...."
"V-Varian?" The princess asked worriedly, making Quirin look fully at his son and gasp. The teen had tears streaming down his face, his eyes were wide, and he had a horrified look on his face as he stared at the king. His eyes looked distant, like he wasn't in the room anymore, his shaking was getting worse and Ruddigar chittered, giving him a pat on his cheek
"Second alert? I... I didn't see the first..." The Village Leader looked at Ruddigar, the small mammal chittering something to him, "you didn't give him one yet? You mean he's-! VARIAN!" Quirin shouted as he tumbled forwards and caught his son, who's legs had just given out from beneath him, "Varian! Son, it's okay!" He tried, but the teen couldn't hear him, he was shaking so badly and his tears were pouring more and more. The retired knight looked at Rapunzel desperately and said the two words that shook her to her core, "get Lance!"
****
*W-where am I? Why i-is everything so... Black? ....Dad? DAD?!*
"Shall I begin your majesty?" The captain of the royal guards voice asked coldly
*Start? S-start what? A-and why can't I move my arms?*
"Yes captain, start", King Frederic replied, there was no emotion in his voice
*S-start what? Where am I? W-why am I-!*
CRACK!!!!
*W-wait.... Wait I-I..... I d-d-don't wanna be here!*
CRACK!!!!
*STOP! I D-DON'T WANNA B-BE HERE!!! N-NOT AGAIN!!!*
CRACK!!!!
*IT HURTS!!!! PLEASE!!!!! P-PLEASE!!!!*
CRACK!!!! CRACK!!!!
*R-RUDDIGAR!!! LANCE!!! E-EUGENE!!!*
CRACK!!!!
*DADDY!!!!*
CRACK!!!!
*D-DADDY!!! D-DADDY HELP M-ME!!!*
CRACK!!!! CRACK!!!! CRACK!!!!
"DADDY!"
"Varian!" Large arms wrapped around the teen as he shot up, "Varian, Bubby it's okay, it's okay! You're okay, you're alright now, you're safe, you're safe", Quirin said as his grip tightened around his son
Varian's eyes were wide open as more and more tears fell down his face, he heard Ruddigar chittering, only knowing the mammal was there when he felt a cold nose push against his cheek. "D-d-d-d...." He couldn't speak, he could barely breath, he felt his lungs working hard to grab what little air they could and use it. His head was hurting badly, so was his eyes, legs, hands.... And back.... "I.... I-I d-don't wanna b-be there a-anymore...." He sobbed, "I d-don't wanna *b-be* there a-anymore...." He cried, letting his fear and sadness take over as his father held him close, he clung to his dad's vest as he did, never wanting to let go for fear he'll got back to that place again.
"It's okay Little Man", he heard a familiar voice say, "you're not goin back there, never again, we won't let you".
"He's right Hair Stripe", another voice chimed in, "you really are safe with us, we won't let you go back there, ever".
He heard Ruddigar chittering again, giving him words of comfort as well as his heartbeat slowed down, returning to it's normal rhythm. He stayed curled up in his father's arms for a long time, letting his tears pour out before he broke the embrace and looked up. Quirin was watching him, his gentle brown eyes filled to the brim with worry and their own tears, the teen felt guilt twist in his stomach once more, "s-sorry..."
"You don't have to be", the retired knight replied with a smile, "this isn't something you can control, it's going to take time and that's okay. I'm willing to help you no matter how long it takes... Are you okay?"
Varian took in a breath and let it out slowly, just like Eugene had shown him, before taking a minute and nodding, "I... I'm better now... W-what happened?"
"You fainted...." Rapunzel replied, getting Quirin, Varian, and Ruddigar to look at her, she was standing next to Eugene, holding his hand as he brushed his thumb against her knuckles comfortingly as she continued, "you had an.... Moment...."
"PTSD", Lance replied as he smiled at the alchemist comfortingly, "really bad PTSD moment"
"Oh...." Varian replied, "a-are you all okay?"
"Kid we're fine", Eugene stated, "we were worried about you, sure, but we're not hurt or anything. We should be asking you that actually".
"I'm f-fine... Just a little tired...."
"You sure? You look more than 'a little tired'"
"...Well I mean.... This bed is really soft.."
"Oh we're blaming the bed now?"
The alchemist giggled, "nuuuu"
"Yeeees"
"Nu"
"Yes"
"You're mean"
"And you're stinky"
"Wha-! I'm not stinky!"
Eugene smirked as he saw his little brother's eyes light up a bit with his usual sass, "pfft! Yes you are, I carried you're little butt into this room, and you *stink*!"
"I do not! I took a bath yesterday!"
"You still stink"
"Do not!"
"Do so!"
"Do not!"
"You do so! You smell of chemicals! If I didn't know any better I'd think you'd have developed a new science"
"*Smell*-chemy?" Lance asked, making Eugene and Ruddigar laugh
"*AL*-chemy!" Varian corrected, eyeing the large man
"You could've studied flowers or water or even *rocks*, but noooo you chose *smell*-chemy" The dark prince teased
"*AL*-chemy!"
As the boys continued their teasing, Quirin noticed Rapunzel staying completely quiet, tilting his head he poked her arm, making her jump a bit before noticing him, "you okay?" He asked quietly
She nodded, but, at his raised brow, she sighed, "that was... rough... To watch...." She replied, "I... I didn't know it could get that bad..."
The retired knight sighed, but nodded in understanding, "I know... I've seen him do it only once before this, and very slightly in his sleep. He's growing, a lot, but he's still got so much he won't talk about... The king... Your father... Being the main one".
"My dad really damaged him didn't he...."
The Village Leader looked at Rapunzel and saw her looking at the floor in shame, "don't do that"
"Huh?"
"Blame yourself, don't do that, none of what he did is your fault"
"Isn't it though? I... I abandoned him and left him with my father... Had I been there, or taken Varian with me-!"
"I kept my past a secret, scolded my son for wanting to find the truth and help people, lied to the king and nearly abandoned this kingdom myself, and was the *reason* Varian went down such a dark path in the first place. Do you blame *me* for what I did?"
"No of course not!"
"Then why blame yourself?" She didn't respond, not really knowing how, "Rapunzel Varian loves you so much, you and him are very close to each other, and this is *after* everything that happened between you two. I realize this is the pot calling the kettle black here, but, don't you think you've punished yourself enough?"
"I...." Again she didn't know how to respond before a thought hit her, "I... He's punished everyday by the thoughts and memories of what he's been through... How is it fair that he continues to be punished while I'm not?"
Quirin sighed, "saying my own thoughts out loud doesn't make them right...."
"Q-Quirin...."
"I understand how hard it is to feel upset, worried, scared, sad, and angry about what you did to hurt the people you love... I did it too.... But I have to be strong, for him"
"What do you mean?"
The retired knight glanced at his son, who had been picked up at some point and was being held by Lance as he, Ruddigar, and Eugene cheered the teen up, "I see him struggle everyday to keep going, he'll wake up and want to stay in bed, he'll apologize for things he doesn't need to, he'll stutter over his words because he's not confident in what he'll say... I watch him, all day, every day, as much as I can, and I see him trying all the time, fighting an invisible battle that I wish I understood... He works so hard and fights just to smile and laugh, it's so hard for him to do that when he's got the weight of the world on his back... That's why I have to be strong for him, I may hate what I did, scratch that I absolutely hate what I did to him, I want to scream and yell and kick myself for what I said to him! But if I keep thinking about my past, I'll be blind to the present, and he needs me *now*. Why he wants me, I will never understand, he could tell me, hell, he *has*! Until he's blue in the face, but I still can't see myself as valuable to him. Because of what I did.... and didn't do... He got hurt in the process, how can he ever see me as anything more than a liar?" The man sniffled a little, wiping a single tear away as Rapunzel got closer, her heart breaking as her thoughts were voiced. Then, Quirin looked up at her, "but I can't sit there and wallow in my own self pity, I can't yell or kick myself because then I'll abandon him again, that's what I mean by being strong. I haven't forgiven myself for what I did, I don't think I ever will... But I'll fight tooth and nail to be what Varian needs me to be, and I'll take every cut, bruise, burn, gash, and scar that comes with it. I'll be strong and be the parent, the father, that he *needs* me to be, because that's what I can do".
The princess was startled by this, but looking back at Varian, Lance, Eugene, and Ruddigar, she noticed that this wasn't something Quirin did alone. Lance held the teen as close as he could, his grip tighter than Rapunzel had realized, Eugene hadn't stopped joking with the teen, making him laugh as hard as he could, any time he would stop or slow down, the dark prince would crack another that busted him up again! And Ruddigar moved wherever he needed to so he could stay on his boy's shoulder, if Varian moved left, Ruddigar moved right, if Varian moved right, Ruddigar moved left. The princess then looked at Quirin who was smiling at the group, he looked like he wanted to go over there, but stayed put, "why don't you join them?" She asked
"Because that's too many people", he replied simply
That's when it clicked, the princess finally understood and smiled at the man, "you're a really great father, you know that?"
"I'll will be anyway", the retired knight replied, "but thanks for saying so". She beamed happily as he smiled back, they both continued to watch the little group before Quirin looked at her again, "aren't you going over there?"
"Nah, I think Eugene, Lance, and Ruddigar have this one, besides", she smirked, "it's too many people".
Notes:
PUNZIE IS LEARNING YALL!!!!! She's an amazing character and I love her a lot, and now she's finally learning! I'M SO PROUD!!!!! XD
Quirin, is the best dad in the universe, and honestly, he's probably gotta hold himself back *a lot* to help Varian out. But that's the point, you have to know where and when is the proper time to wait and let someone else take charge. Quirin is slowly figuring it out, and is turning into the type of father that Varian needs him to be! <3
Varian still has a lot to work through... That PTSD is gonna be really rough, particularly with Frederic, but it's gonna be worked on, sooner or later.
Lance and Eugene are the best big bros in all of Corona, just try to change my mind! XD
Frederic is starting to understand.... I have a plan for him, that's all I'm saying :3
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 99: The Room!
Summary:
After everything that happened with King Frederic, Varian finally gets to see the lab, and is visited by the Queen.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Do you feel dizzy?"
"Nope"
"Lightheaded?"
"Nu uh"
"Scared or anxious?"
"Negative"
"Can't breath?"
"No"
"Smell bad?"
Varian giggled, "nu! Can we be done now?"
"Let the record show that my son is lying about that last question but otherwise seems perfectly fine"
"Daaad!"
Quirin chuckled, "I'm just teasing, I think you're alright now"
"Good so I can get up?"
"Weeell....." The retired knight looked his son up and down, the only thing left from his PTSD episode was his messy bed head, otherwise he seemed fine, "I suppose... But take it easy in the beginning okay? No running or jumping, just to be sure"
The alchemist thought about it for a moment before nodding, "oki"
His father smiled and gave him a hug before helping his son off the bed, watching as his boy walked over to Eugene and hugged him happily, the dark prince returning the hug, "you're looking a lot better kiddo", he stated.
"Thanks! A-although a part of me feels bad for sleeping in Rapunzel's bed", the teen replied with a little blush on his face
The princess smiled, "it's alright, you're perfectly fine using my bed whenever you need it... Speaking of, I had an idea I wanted to run across you two", she added, looking at both Quirin and Varian
"What is it?" The retired knight asked as he sat down next to Lance on a couch.
"How would you both feel if Varian had a room in the castle?"
"A room?"
"Yeah, since he'd probably spend a couple days here at a time, I thought it would be better for him to have a room near the lab so he wouldn't have to go very far to rest for the night, what do you think?"
The Village Leader thought about it for a moment before today's events played in his mind, and he shuddered, "I'm more than fine with that but... Is there a way he could be near one of you? Just in case something like this happens again?"
"I was actually gonna suggest that", Lance stated, "I wouldn't mind him bein next to me, but there are times where I'll be out of the castle, so that may not work"
Varian looked at the man, "where do you go?"
Lance smiled, "I see Catalina and Angry those days, I'm usually just checkin on them and seein how they're doin"
"He could be next to me and Rapunzel", Eugene suggested, "his lab isn't too far from out rooms anyway, and I definitely don't mind checking on him"
Quirin smiled, "thank you Eugene"
"No problem"
"Alright", the princess replied excitedly, "we'll figure out the room situation, but first, who's ready to see the best lab ever?!" Varian shyly raised his hand, a wide grin on his face as he did so. Rapunzel giggled and hugged the teen happily before she grabbed his hand and pulled him with her, "then let's go!"
****
Joy, pure joy is all the alchemist felt as he stepped into the large room, there were various desks, chairs, beakers, test tubes, tools, chemicals (all labeled), tons of papers, metals (also labeled), hooks, chalk, plenty of space for small and large inventions, and a multitude of alchemy books and note pads. The teen spun in a slow circle in the middle of the room as he scanned all of the items one by one, his heart was beating so fast that Ruddigar gave him an alert on his hand, making him take a seat in one of the chairs behind him. His eyes were shining bright as his mind reeled with possible ideas he could try here without damaging anyone in the process, "I.... How... But....... *lab*!" Was all he could say, making the group behind him snicker a bit as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy
"Sooo you like it?" Eugene teased, laughing as Varian made a noise which was a cross between a whimper and an 'uh huh'.
"We're really glad you do Varian", Rapunzel replied before looking at Quirin, "hey, does he need anything for his room? A window to look outside? A glass of water by his bed? ....A lock?"
The old farmer chuckled at that last part, "he may need a desk, he likes to write down ideas he has at night. Oh! And a bookshelf.... Just trust me on that, he's close to the library, he'll need one".
The princess giggled once more, "I figured that, anything else?"
"A window would be a good idea", the Village Leader suggested, "he likes to look outside them, but maybe one with a view?"
Rapunzel nodded, "I have a couple ideas"
"He may need a big enough room to fit two people as well", Lance replied, "just in case Quirin ever needs to stay here"
"That too", Quirin replied
"Alright so, a bookshelf, desk, large window with a view, and big enough for two beds...." The princess listed
The old farmer grimaced, "sorry, seems kind of like a tall order"
The blonde waved her hand, "oh don't worry about it, this isn't *nearly* as tall an order as some of the delegates from the other kingdoms, *trust* me, they're picky"
"Hello? Is someone in here?" A voice called from the door to the lab, everyone turned and saw the Queen standing there, looking a little concerned
"Mom?" Rapunzel called
"Oh! Rapunzel there you are!" She replied, "do you mind if I come in?" Arianna asked
The princess looked at Quirin, who looked at his son, the alchemist, who was snapped out of his stupor, nodded, getting his father to nod and Rapunzel to smile, "yeah, you can come in!"
Her mother entered the room and noticed the rest of the group, "oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone else was in here"
"That's alright", Eugene replied with a grin, "we were just discussing room ideas for Varian"
"Ah alright, that makes se-!" She stopped when she realized what the dark prince had said before looking around, her eyes landing on the alchemist. The boy got up from his seat and was looking at her, "Varian", she said softly, "you're here"
"Uh... Y-yeah, h-hi your majesty", he replied quietly before looking at the floor, his hands wringing together nervously as he did
"Oh honey you can just call me Arianna", she replied with a smile before noticing his hands. Her smile faded, a look of sadness taking its place before she walked over to him, getting the teen to look at her, "how are you?" She asked gently.
"I-I'm okay, h-how are you?" He responded
"I'm fine", she answered, watching his hands clench nervously before quickly unclenching and clasping together in front of the teen. She let out a sigh, "how are you really?"
"I-!"
"I heard about you and Frederic", she interrupted, her voice calm, "how are you really?"
The alchemist let out a sigh, seemingly defeated as he looked down, "n-not great... B-but I'm fine n-now so y-you... You don't h-have to..." He trailed off, not really sure how to finish that sentence
"Still nervous around me hm?"
"..."
"That's okay, one step at a time, I'm sorry you ran into him though", she responded, "I was told what happened when Nigel asked me where Rapunzel was"
"Wait", Quirin chimed in, "he told the king that she was in her room and went to go get her"
Rapunzel raised a brow, "I wasn't in my room, I was in the west wing hallway because Lance and Eugene had began to argue"
"So he lied...." The retired knight responded quietly
"Why would Nigel do something like that?"
"....B-because he doesn't trust me", came Varian's quiet response, making the group look at him, "he thinks I'm g-gonna hurt everyone in the castle, a-and that it's only a matter of time before I do..."
"He told you this?" Lance asked
"Y-yes... He told m-me when I w-was spending the night at the castle with dad... T-the maids gossip a-about what he s-says to them too.... F-Faith... She's actually a r-really great friend of mine.... She h-hates Nigel for what h-he says about me... Friedborg does too"
"Hold on", Eugene paused the conversation, "you're friends with both Faith and Friedborg? When did that happen?"
The teen nodded, "Faith used to live in Old Corona, her family was really close to mine... W-well, they were close to dad... I don't think they know Aunt Adira, Uncle Hector, or Grandpa"
"No they don't", Quirin replied before muttering under his breath, "thankfully", before noticing Eugene catch that and smirking
Varian didn't seem to notice as he continued, feeling his nerves fade as he talked about his friend, "w-whenever her parents would come around, she'd come w-with them, she wasn't that much older than me, so we became friends. Then her parents... P-passed away... And she was taken to the castle when she was 10... I still got to see her though"
"Why'd she come to the castle?" Rapunzel asked, clearly interested now
"Because her aunt and uncle work at the castle, they're Mr. and Mrs. Solace!" Varian smiled wide, "that's how I got to keep seeing her, she's super shy around most people, but she's really fun to talk to around me, though she's pretty hard on herself... Poor Faith... Ms. Crowley is kinda rough on her..."
"Noted, but what about Friedborg?" The princess asked, getting her mother to smile a bit
"Friedborg and Faith are friends, and I met Friedborg through Faith, they're really fun to talk to as well actually!"
"They?" Eugene asked
"Yep, they don't really have a preference, they love to dress up, especially in the handmaiden dress, blue is their favorite color actually! They also love to braid their hair, that's why they have three braids instead of two!"
"Huh", the dark prince replied, "that's actually really neat! Why don't they talk much though?"
"You think Faith is shy? Friedborg is even more so, they've had a really rough life too, though they'd rather not talk about it much, but I will say, they really care about you Rapunzel", Varian stated
"They do?" The princess asked
The teen nodded, "whenever I ask them how they've been, they talk about how lovely you looked in a particular dress, how nice you are to them, how you may not know exactly what to say to them but they really appreciate your attempts, they genuinely care about you, and love your free spirit", he then looked at Lance, "though they may or may not have a crush on someone in this room, and it's really cute"
The large man blushed a bit, then chuckled, "that is really cute! I'll have to talk to them a little more, maybe we could be friends"
"They'd love that! I could introduce you two!" Varian offered excitedly, "they're really wild and free spirited themselves, apparently they got into a lot of trouble with someone named Willow"
The Queen sighed, "Willowmina... She's my free spirited sister"
Varian's eyebrows raised a little in surprise, "you have a sister?"
"Yes, and she's a sweet person who's kind and very carefree, but she's also a bit of a handful"
"Aren't all siblings?" Quirin asked with a smirk
"That's true, but I'll bet your siblings don't build a 'flying machine' and end up causing you to fall into a bush of poison ivy"
"Are you kidding? Adira and Hector once tricked me into following them, blindfolded, then tripped me into a thorn bush because I 'needed to loosen up'"
"How did you end up blindfolded?" Eugene asked
"They told me they had something they wanted me to see, but didn't want me to 'peak' ...Adira was 13, Hector was 11.... I've never trusted them since"
"Oh goodness", Arianna replied, placing a hand over her mouth to cover her smile, "I keep forgetting your siblings are the Brotherhood members, I don't think I've had the chance to meet them, I'd love to one day"
"No you wouldn't", Quirin replied jokingly, "they're more trouble than I make them out to be"
"They're not *that* bad", Varian retorted, "you're just grumpy because Aunt Wise Eyes keeps stealing apples"
"She's going to pay for those"
The teen giggled, "my point still stands"
The Queen smiled lovingly at the alchemist before turning to her daughter, "I'll have to have a chat with Nigel, see what's going on, I just wanted to check in to see if everything was alright".
"Thanks mom", Rapunzel grinned gratefully, "things are alright for now... Although, do you have any room suggestions for Varian? He's gonna need one if he ever needs to stay the night here"
Arianna thought for a moment before her eyes widened, "I think I have a perfect room!"
****
Varian beamed as he and Ruddigar laid on the bed and looked up at the ceiling, the bed was so soft and the little alchemist could feel his excitement as he sat up and looked at the other bed across from his. It was much bigger, had a red blanket on it and was where his father was currently sitting, "hi dad".
"Hello", Quirin replied happily
The teen laid back on the bed and continued to stare at the ceiling, it was made of glass so he could see outside, but was fortified enough to where he didn't have to worry about it shattering during a storm. Through the glass he could see a clear view of the sky, the sun had began to set and the moon was peaking from the horizon, he sighed as he watched the celestial bodies pass each other slowly. He hadn't know he could feel so peaceful until now as he softly stroked Ruddigar's fur, "I think he likes it", he heard Lance whisper.
"I think so too", Eugene agreed
Rapunzel watched her little brother stare at the ceiling before turning to her mother, "how did you know he'd like this?"
She giggled, "ever since he was 4 years old, he would sneak into this room whenever he and his father came to visit", she explained with a smile. "He'd be gone for hours and we'd have to go searching for him, it only took us the first two visits to realize he liked to stare off into space, it was adorable".
"I can't believe you remember all that", the retired knight replied as he got up and walked over to the queen, "that was such a long time ago".
She nodded, "I suppose I kept that particular memory because I used to do the same thing with this room, though, back then it didn't have any furniture in it, it used to be an unused observatory that one of the past rulers of Corona loved. None of the other kings or queens used it after that though".
"How'd it get furniture if it was never used until now?" Lance asked
Arianna remained quiet, but her expression said it all as she watched the teen lovingly, her eyes were gentle and shined with the care and affection only a mother could have. The group smiled at her before looking back at the teen once more, he was still watching the sky, his eyes were sparkling and he looked so content. For just a small moment in their lives, everything finally felt at peace.
Notes:
So this chapter honestly just came to me, I was randomly typing out another idea I had in mind when I kept typing out the conversation in the lab, so I ended up making it a light and fluffy chapter to balance out the last one, plus it's a good way to introduce Varian's relationship to the Queen!
I love Queen Arianna, I think she has such an interesting character and I really wish we got to see more of that outside of the Willow episode. I think she would be an amazing source of motherly love for our little science bean, so I am making it so! :D
Quirin and Arianna would be really great friends to me, I think they would have a fun relationship as well, and I actually have something planned for these two in another chapter!
Rapunzel, Lance, and Eugene are kinda just there for this chapter, but Lance and Eugene just had a two parter not too long ago and Punzie had a learning moment, so they get a little break for now :3 Plus there's the day of the animals chapter that I'm currently working on right now.
Ruddy buddy is the best little raccoon!!!! <3 <3 That's all, he's the best and I loves him! :3
Varian would be the type of kid who would befriend the outcasts of the world, Faith and Friedborg will actually make an appearance in this story, they're going to be actual characters because I find them interesting without really knowing much about them! I love them both and shall adopt them into my story :D (Plus Faith is a cutie patootie and I also wanted some representation for the non-binary people in this world, and Friedborg is perfect because she's beautiful in her own way, just like non-binary people and anyone else in and out of the LGBT+ community <3)
Varian himself is a bean that would *LOVE* a glass ceiling! I can see him staring at it all day and night when he needs to destress and it's adorable to me! I do that same thing so I think this would be a fun idea to play with. Plus, astronomy and astrology is a thing in this world, (*ahem* Nuru *ahem*) XD
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 100: Answers!
Summary:
Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, and Queen Arianna have a lot of questions for Varian that have been on their minds since the teen's redemption. So Lance thinks it's a great time for another group session, inviting all of the Brotherhood members, King Edmund, and Queen Arianna into the mix!
Notes:
Oh my lanta y'all made me CRY! XD Your questions were amazing and the response of love I got from each of you just.... *sniffles* thank you so much for that! I really needed it! I'm gonna address as many of your questions in this chapter as possible, there are some that I can't discuss until near the end of this story, but I'll address each and every one of them in the end notes, just so you know I'll either address them later in the story or just to hear my thoughts on them because (and this made me feel so loved by all of you <3) You'd like to hear my thoughts in general about these questions, so I'll place your name and Comment in the end notes and give you my thoughts and also what I plan to do with such questions for the story! :D
Credit for these ideas and questions (<3):
-Cardcaptorkatara
-mha_kny
-Crystal
-Ash:>
-FEDELIS_SCRIPTOR
-moonlight
-LionRoar74
-AnneMore notes at the end! I hope you all enjoy! <3
Chapter Text
"Lance are you sure this is a good idea? I mean the kid's pretty sensitive about this.... Subject", Eugene asked as he, Rapunzel, Lance, and Queen Arianna sat in the family room nervously
The former thief nodded, "Varian's sessions with me have shown he's got a lot of things he's still not letting go of and that worries me. I know that I told him we could take it at his pace, but there's a point in time where the person in the sessions stops growin, and it's because they've reached a really rough spot.... Varian he... He's gotten a lot better but the things he needs to talk about now... They're rough... It's why I invited Adira, Hector, and King Edmund for this too, I've gotta try and get him over the hump, the only way to do that is to show him he's got our support". He then turned to look at the group, "but this is not gonna be an easy session... For *any* of us, he's gonna be talkin about the Seporians, the dungeons, possibly Rapunzel's dad, Quirin bein trapped in the amber, and his feelings about everything... Some of those feelings are gonna be really hard to swallow and will probably upset all of us, but we've gotta be strong and let him get it out, for him, this is about *Varian* ok?"
"Lance what if.... what if there's something I.... Or someone else needs to tell the kid...." Eugene asked, his face filled with worry, "it's about him and needs to be addressed... It's something I did to him...."
The man thought about that for a moment, "do you think it'll help him?"
The dark prince nodded, "I think he'll need to hear it at the very least..."
"That's fine, if you think he needs to hear it, and it's about something that he's havin a hard time talkin about, ok. But I'll stop you if it isn't", he warned
"I'm perfectly fine with that"
Rapunzel nodded, "I am too, and you don't have to worry about me, I've been preparing for this ever since you told me about it. I'm not gonna break down or cry, and if I feel like I might, I'll ask to take a walk, maybe even say I have some princess duties to attend to... Lance... Will we be talking about... Well the.... Lashing?"
"No. He's already talking about everything else, that's the last thing I'm bringin up", Lance responded immediately, "I may also back down on a few other things too if I feel like he really can't talk about them, this may be a push, but I'm not gonna make him fall flat on his face. That punishment is not comin up today unless he wants to talk about it".
"Got it"
"How will you know when it's too much for him?" Eugene asked, "isn't he going to be upset this entire time?"
"That's why Ruddigar's here", the larger man smirked, "I was able to ask him, when he and Pascal were havin a play day, if he'd be willin to help me do this for the little man. I may not speak raccoon, but he seemed to be okay with the idea, Quirin too actually, I asked him after I asked Ruddigar, he'll be helping me with that too".
"Quirin..." Arianna said quietly, "out of everyone this is going to be really rough for him.... Outside of Varian of course"
"I know... But he said he was ready, so I'm makin the call... It's gonna be rough on Adira, Hector, and Edmund too.... They love the kid almost as much as Quirin does".
"Well", the Queen stated, "no matter what happens today, we'll all be here, for the both of them, right?"
"Right!" The group replied energetically before continuing to get the family room ready. This group session was going to be big, but they all agreed it was what's best for the little alchemist, even when their worry gripped their hearts.
****
The Brotherhood, King Edmund, and Varian arrived later that day, they were all in good moods, despite everyone, save for the teen, knowing what was going to happen. They had some lunch, played some games, and even watched the alchemist do his thing in the new lab, but as the clock struck 3pm, and they all made their way to the family room, everyone knew it was time to begin. Varian was seated with his father in an armchair next to the fireplace, there was a box of tissues next to them along with some castle chocolate, which Eugene allowed this time. Edmund and Arianna were on a couch across from them, chatting to themselves, Adira and Hector were on another couch next to the father son duo, Eugene and Rapunzel were in a love seat together next to the king of the Dark kingdom and the Queen of Corona, and Lance was in another armchair in the middle of the room. The teen hadn't noticed at first, too busy petting Ruddigar and chatting with his dad about the day's events before he went to ask Lance a question and stopped, "....Uh... W-what's going on?"
Lance took a moment to prepare his next words carefully before he replied, "Varian, we need to talk about somethin"
"....Am I in trouble?" He asked his father
Quirin chuckled, "no you're not in trouble, but this is important"
"Oh, what's it about?" The alchemist asked, turning back to the former thief
Lance took in a breath and let it out slowly before replying, "Varian you like our private sessions yeah?"
"O-of course! They've been really helping me!"
The man smiled, "that's good, I'm glad they have, but... see we've hit a bit of a road block..."
"Oh... Right the sessions have been getting a little... Stagnant... I h-haven't meant them too..."
"I know little man, I know, you're really not in trouble, but... You told me there would be times where I'll need to take the wheel, this... Is one of those times... Varian there are things you've gotta talk about, you've been holdin them back and I think it's time we face them. I'm not gonna force you to talk about something that'll end up hurtin you, but I think you're ready to tackle some of the bigger issues you've had to handle".
"L-like what?"
"Well, how about we start easy, your time in the dungeons would be a good place to start", Lance suggested
"M-my...."
"You don't have to talk about the... punishment you endured... I'm not pushin you there yet, I'm talking your time in the cell, your time spent there, your feelings about it.... Andrew"
This made the teen's shoulders tense, "I.... I-is it bad to say I feel a little a-ambushed r-right now?"
"No it's not bad, I'll be honest with you, that's kinda the point", the former thief replied, "you and I have been talkin about a lot of things, and you've been makin some real progress, but if you really wanna get better, you need to talk about some of the harder issues... It's a huge step, I won't lie, and it's gonna be messy and rough. But it's probably one of the most important steps you'll have to take, and I think you're ready to do that. I brought everyone here because I wanted to show you've got a lot of support, none of us are gonna judge you, hurt you, we're all only here to listen and help. They've all promised not to say anything to anyone outside of this room, right?" He looked at the group and they all nodded before he looked back at the teen, "they're only here to support you, they may even ask a few questions of their own to give you a bit more ground to stand on, but I give you my word, this is only to help, and if it seems like you really can't talk about it, then I'll change the subject, but we gotta talk about at least one big issue you're still having trouble with, because if we don't, things won't get better, they'll only hurt you more, and it ain't fair to you".
Varian thought about it for a moment, his mind was reeling from the surprise, but letting Lance's words settle in his mind, he nodded, "you're right.... I... I-I'm scared to.... But you're right.... We... I.... Need to talk about t-this stuff.... I knew I needed to, I was scared to, b-but that's normal... Right?"
"Absolutely", Quirin replied as he wrapped an arm around his son's shoulders, "everything you're feeling right now is normal and understandable. What you've been through... Was more than any kid, teen, or even adult, should've been through, and it's hard to talk about those feelings. We're here to support you and listen, we can take this one step at a time, we can start wherever you want to, but it's okay to feel what you're feeling right now, it's okay".
Varian smiled at his father, hugging him happily as he felt Ruddigar nuzzle his cheek, he scratched the raccoon's chin and broke the hug, closing his eyes for a moment or two, everyone remained quiet. He took a couple of deep breaths in and out before opening his eyes once more and nodding, "ok... I-I'm ready... Though, w-where do I start?"
For a moment, no one really had an answer, that is, until Eugene chimed in, "how about what happened while we were gone? What was your point of view and..." the dark prince stopped
"You can ask Eugene", the alchemist responded, "I... I need to talk about it"
Eugene sighed, "how'd you end up helping the Seporians? Y-you can start with your dungeon experience first! But.... It's... Been on my mind?"
Varian smiled, "that's okay, I... I can answer that one...." He took a shaky breath in and out once more before he began, "from my point of view, I... Already told you what happened a-after the battle at my house.... How I got taken to a holding cell then b-brought into the cell with A..." He took in another breath, "A-Andrew.... I told you a-about that l-lashing.... I s-still can't...."
"That's okay, you don't have to right now", Lance replied gently
"T-thanks", Varian responded with a smile, ".....A-after all that... The days kind melded together a bit... W-we did chores around the c-castle, we ate, we stayed in our cells and slept... T-the bathing was... hard to get used to... they had you shower w-with your cellmate, since I w-was under the age, t-they gave me a little curtain so A-andrew couldn't see me, b-but the guards stayed in the showers t-too... they timed you and if y-you weren't out by the time you were supposed to be, t-they'd pull you out and... W-well it only t-took me once to remember to count in m-my head.... It wasn't t-too bad in general... After I got used to the work and showers, t-things we a little more mellow... I'm g-guessing some of that was because of Adira being there.... Uh... D-did you see me... i-in the shower?"
"Nope", the face painted warrior replied, "anytime they took you I turned my head and simply listened, just in case.... Though I wasn't there when they pulled you out, when did that happen?"
"I-it was one of the first times I showered, a-around the time they.... uh.... T-the punishment"
"Right.... I... Wasn't there until after they started... I'm still sorry for that.... If I had been there-!"
"What could you have done? Told them to not? You would've had to break me out, and you already explained to me why you wouldn't have been able to"
"I still could've done *something*! You said I scared them enough to be gentler with you"
"That's when they knew you were there, y-you would leave and they always knew somehow, t-they would've done what they did to me while you w-were gone, in fact, I think they p-planned it.... You arrived when it had already started s-so it wasn't like you could stop it... I don't blame you Wise Eyes, and I never will, ever".
Adira smiled at her nephew, "thank you... Though this isn't about me"
"I know", Varian responded, "but I wanted to say it, so I did.... I... I can do that right?"
Lance chuckled, "yes you can"
"Oki", he nodded, "b-but back to what I was saying.... The time in the dungeons, it was normal stuff, get up, eat a very quick breakfast, work, eat lunch, work more, break, work more, dinner, shower, bed. It was a standard routine and it l-left very little time for anything else really, t-there were days where we'd be able to have to ourselves, holidays, events, guard's birthdays, i-it was nice to have t-that time to think.... But a-after Ruddigar was....g-gone" He sniffled and held his raccoon close before continuing, "A-Andrew started to get close... M-mind you, I was away from everyone now... Dad, all of you, Ruddigar, n-no one else was there.... I felt alone and lost and s-scared.... I h-hated myself for everything that happened.... Blamed myself and... I-I'm sorry but I blamed a lot of you too.... I-it wasn't right... I don't blame you now, b-but back then..."
"Kid", Eugene stopped him, "we left you alone"
"Huh?"
Eugene hesitated, looking at Lance for a moment. There was a silent conversation before his best friend nodded, the Dark prince returning the nod and continuing, "the whole thing with you and Quirin... It was a giant mess, and none of us", he gestured to himself, Lance, and Rapunzel, "helped you or were there for you when you needed us"
"W-what are you-!"
"I... Varian I've been thinking a lot about what happened those few months.... I thought about your point of view and what it must've been like for you... And I'm... I'm so ashamed of myself for it.... I turned on you... I listened to the rumors about you and drew my sword without a second thought... You're a *kid* and I..." His shoulders slumped as he remembered his actions, "I... I do not condone anything that I did to you... I feel horrible about it too... You were 14 and lost you dad, you were wanted, people were spreading more and more rumors... What did *I* do?! Sat back and didn't even *try* to help you! I fought you without a second thought, without asking you why, I just.... I wish I could change that... I was a thief, a con man, a rouge, I stole a lost princesses crown and tried to trick her", he pointed to Rapunzel, "just so I could get it back, did she judge me? No, she didn't trust me, but gave me the benefit of the doubt, and I was forgiven and allowed a chance to do better. I didn't give that to you, I didn't, and kid... I am so.... *so* sorry... You were *alone*! Your dad was trapped, your life in shatters, and I didn't even give you a chance.... I... that's messed up on my part..."
"I.... I trapped my own father, attacked the kingdom, stole the sunflower, kidnapped the queen, threatened the royal family, made my best friend become a monster.... Y-you had ever right not to trust me"
"You may have done some things that... Weren't the best, but you also deserved a chance to explain yourself, and I didn't give you that! You're my friend, and I even consider you my little brother, and yet what I did to you.... Not giving you a chance... It wasn't right, it wasn't fair... You weren't the only one to blame there".
"He's right", Queen Arianna spoke up, "my husband lied to everyone and made you an example. He made you fear him because of his own bad choices and that's not okay, that's not how Corona is run! He even silenced Quirin, our oldest and loyalist friend Quirin, he threw him out! That's not right either"
"And I neglected you", Rapunzel spoke up, "I didn't check on you, I broke our promise, and I abandoned you.... I didn't even check on you after the blizzard..."
"I lied to you too... I didn't tell you everything I knew... Had I done so, things may have been different, regardless of what Frederic had told me", Quirin added sadly, "you're my *son* and I scolded you for wanting to know the truth, we... All of us were to blame for what happened with you... You were the only one that paid the price.... Eugene's right, that wasn't fair, not at all".
"Dad you got trapped in a-amber for a full year!" Varian stated, "and you didn't tell me anything because of what happened to your home prior to this! I don't blame you for not telling me anything! I don't blame you at all!"
Lance was silent as everyone confessed, Edmund, Adira, and Hector were quiet as well, not really sure how to contribute to this. The former thief continued to listen before he spoke up, "why not call a spade a spade, it was a mess... A giant, nasty, rough, mess... Quirin's right, only you paid the price, I'm not innocent either, I attacked you too, yeah I didn't really know you, but that's not an excuse. I'm not brushing it off either, but it was a gigantic mess and... Honestly, how do you feel about it? Because I'm curious about that".
"...How I feel about what happened? ....I-In all honesty.... I feel really bad about what I did... B-but I... I felt betrayed too.... I-I was alone and scared and m-my dad was gone, g-guards were in my home.... I.... I was in a r-really dark place at that time... I... T-there were times w-where I would've welcomed.... I would've w-welcomed...." He couldn't say it, he didn't want to....
"Death?" Quirin finished, at his son's silence he continued, "I know.... And I'm so sorry it came to that..."
"D-dad have you.... H-have you e-ever felt that way before?"
"Yes.... Being a knight made you feel a lot of things... Death being one of them... It happened more than I'd like to admit... I understand why you'd feel that way too, I wish you never had to feel that way... Son do you... Still... Feel that way?"
The teen thought about it before shaking his head, "no... I don't anymore... I have too much to lose", he smiled at the Village Leader, who smiled back before he looked at Eugene, "I... I agree with Lance, it was a mess, a gigantic mess... E-everyone shared the blame, and honestly.... I... I don't b-blame anyone for what they did... I did once, I won't lie, b-but I don't now, and you shouldn't either! I.... I wanna move past it... There may be little things that pop up, trust issues I'm still working on and a-abandonment issues that are really h-hard to work past... B-but I wanna move past the past, i-it was a mess, but it's over now. T-the only thing I wanna do with everyone i-in this room is move f-forwards.... T-the king I... I'm sorry I-I can't...."
"That's okay", Rapunzel smiled, "he was the biggest reason for that whole thing, it's gonna take time to move past him, I'm more than willing to help you though"
"As am I", Arianna added with a smile
"T-thanks", Varian replied, he then took in a breath before turning back to Lance, "about A-Andrew..."
"Right", Lance responded
"He.... Made me feel comfortable... I m-mentioned this before, b-but after... the p-punishment... Andrew comforted me, and i-it was the first time anyone had done so e-ever since I got there... He was kind to me, a-and it was slow at first. He would talk to me and c-comfort me when I had a nightmare... H-his vest... T-that played a really b-big part in that..." The teen stated as he snuggled into his father's vest, "it was familiar, i-it was comfortable... I was alone and h-he... He was there... I didn't trust him, I n-never trusted him.... B-but he made me f-feel like I had a friend again, l-like there was someone that still cared about me... A-and... And b-being alone... Made it hard to say no.... I w-wanted someone there, I *needed* s-someone! He was t-there, he w-was the only one t-there...." Varian sniffled as he clung to Quirin's vest, his tears dripping down his face, "I... I knew I shouldn't t-trust him, I *knew* b-but he was there... S-so I started to t-talk to him... He asked me q-questions like w-what did I like, w-what my d-dreams were, t-things like that. He started s-slow but we spent most of our t-time in there together t-that I... Started to r-reply on him... H-he defended me when the guards g-got rough and Adira wasn't there... H-he'd comfort me w-when I was reminded o-of dad and the s-situation I was in... He t-told me his reasons f-for doing what he did, a-and he made them seem like i-it was Corona's fault.... He was just like m-me... and he was there... He was the o-only one there... S-so when he introduced me t-to the r-rest of the Seporians a few m-months later, t-they were thrown in jail with us on purpose, a-and told me his plan... I... I joined him... H-he wanted to harm people at first, a-and from my point of view, I didn't blame him... B-but I didn't want anyone to be harmed... So when Clementine s-showed me the wand of Oblivion, I t-thought it would be better to erase everyone's memories a-and take over that way.... T-they erased the king and queen's b-before I knew they did... S-sorry"
"It's alright", Arianna replied with a smile, "keep going, you're doing great!"
Varian smiled at her before he took in a deep breath, let it out, and continued, "t-they brought me to you two and told you t-that I was your royal advisor... A-after that you listened to everything I s-said... T-that's how me and the S-Seporians got close... W-we took over easily after that... T-the Seporians had the k-king call every subject to the t-town square and began setting rules a-about gathering materials and c-curfews. B-by the time they were finished they i-introduced us, the people were arguing b-but Andrew s-stopped them and told them t-they w-weren't supposed to oppose their king and queen, o-otherwise it would be treason.... The p-people backed down, and the S-Seporians w-would give harsh p-punishments to those w-who would oppose them... I.... W-wasn't apart of that... I d-didn't find out about t-those punishments until l-later... It's why I s-started to go b-back on what the Seporians w-were doing... I t-tried to stop them b-but Andrew stopped b-being nice to me after that... He was rough u-until Adira g-got him to stop.... B-but even after I was terrified.... H-he'd lock me away if I s-stopped working on the chemical.... He'd hurt m-me physically if I s-said no... He was just.... R-rough... and t-there was nothing I could d-do..."
"He groomed you...." Eugene replied angrily
"Fucking asshole..." Hector agreed
"G-groomed me?" The teen replied confused
"To groom someone means someone builds a relationship, something along the lines of trust and emotional connection, with a child or young person, you at 14, so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them...." Hector stated, "Andrew made you feel safe and wanted when you were at your fucking lowest and made you his pet... He used your smarts to get what he needed because he saw use for you... Had you not been a fucking genius he probably would've left you alone or used you for something else... But for fucks sake.... He groomed you... It's *disgusting* and he's a fucking *coward*!"
Varian was startled, "I... I-I'm sorry...."
"Bubby you shouldn't be sorry, that's not your fault", Quirin replied gently
"I-isn't it though? I-I let him do it! I d-didn't stop it! I l-let him use m-me a-and he h-had me m-make that chemical.... I-I named i-it a-after you dad! *He* s-suggested that! S-said it would be 'p-p-poetic'... I... It was m-my fault, I l-let him, i-it was me i-it was m-me it w-was m-!"
The teen gasped when he felt himself being hugged tightly, arms wrapped around him and rubbed his back as he felt strands of hair tickle his nose. He was so startled he didn't know what to think, he didn't even know who was holding him until they spoke, "that *wasn't* your fault", Rapunzel stated, her voice filled to the brim with anger and sadness, "you are not to blame for that, you're not! You are the *victim* Varian, not the criminal, you were alone and scared and abandoned, *no one* can blame you for seeking any sort of comfort.... No one... I'm sorry Andrew did that to you... I'm sorry I helped put you in that situation... But I'm really glad you told me, told us, because now we can help you!" She let go and faced him with a watery smile, "you've been so brave and kind throughout this entire thing, the group session, answering our questions, you've been so amazing and I'm *so* proud of you! I really am! I'm gonna make this right, I'm gonna help you fix it, but you need to stop blaming yourself, this isn't your fault, you did some bad things, but so did we, and there were a lot of bad things that happened to you! I don't blame you for doing what you did, I may not agree with everything, but you had no other choice, no one was listening to you, and we're listening now".
Lance smiled and nodded, "she's right little man, we're gonna support you, and you're really amazin for tellin us what happened, that was a huge step in the right direction, we're *all* proud of you!"
"Absolutely!" Eugene agreed, "thank you for trusting us kiddo"
"Y-you... I..." The teen was shocked, he expected them to be mad, he expected them to yell and scream at him for getting so easily fooled, but they... Were thanking him? *Grooming.... I'll... Have to read about that later...* The teen thought, *b-but... Maybe they're right... M-maybe I shouldn't feel s-so bad for what I did...* He felt Ruddigar nuzzle him, getting him to giggle a bit before his tears started to pour down his cheeks, "t-thanks everyone.... I... You made it a lot easier on m-me... Thank you so much!"
"We were only here for the support, it was *you* who took the next step little peanut", Edmund replied with a warm smile, "for what it's worth, I'm very proud of you too"
"As am I", Adira agreed, "talking about something like that is very hard, the fact that you did is astounding", she got up and stroked his head lovingly, "you're a lot braver than me, you know that Speckles? I may give you two nicknames as well, something like your father".
"How about 'Honor'?" Hector suggested with a smirk, "makes sense since Quirin's courage and this is his spawn"
"Son", the retired knight corrected
"Why do you keep trying?"
"I don't know!"
Adira chuckled before nodding, "Honor and Speckles, makes sense"
Varian smiled at his family gratefully, "thank you... A-all of you.... Lance"
"Hm?" The former thief replied
"I... I think I'm done for now... I d-don't think.... I...." He looked down, he was tired and his head was heavy. Ruddigar chittered as Quirin lifted his son up and cradled him in his arms
"I think we're done for the day", the retired knight replied as the raccoon agreed
Lance nodded with a smile, "that's perfectly fine, we can stop there, it really was an amazing first step"
"It really was", Quirin agreed before looking at his son, "think you could do that step on your own once in a while with Lance?"
"I.... yeah, I can", Varian replied
His father smiled lovingly at his son before kissing his forehead and hugging his boy, "I love you so much son, and I'm so proud of you"
The teen sniffled, returning his dad's hug, "I love you too dad, and thank you so much".
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So, I wasn't able to post my responses to all of you in the end notes, because there wasn't enough room, so I'm posting them here! :D
Cardcaptorkatara
-That little hair stripe is actually going to be part of an arc later on in this story! :D I couldn't really talk about it here but I'll be bringing it up later on, I'm glad you asked though I was hoping someone would! I want to make it apart of someone's arc in particular, Quirin's, because out of everyone, he would want to know that most. Edmund will be a big part of that particular arc because Edmund would be Quirin's biggest support to me, but that is going to be about Quirin and how he feels about it. The man, as you stated before, is emotionally constipated (XD), he needs a little nudge in the right direction XD I think an arc about his worry for his baby boy would be the nudge that he'd need to really show his love for his boy! I'll start that arc soon enough, have to have a few things happen first, but it will happen, and I hope you enjoy it! :D
mha_kay
-XD I honestly write down the adventures I came up with when watching the show XD I came up with so many that I wanted to write about, then Eva wrote a fanfic with a bunch of one shots and I got this idea, so these are all the ideas I thought about but amped up into chapters! :D By the way you'd be an amazing writer! I don't need to read a story to know you've got the passion to become one!!!! :D I'd love to read a story of yours one day though :)
--I answered this for Card, but the connection between Varian and the Moonstone is actually going to be an arc for this story. I have to follow cannon of course (for this story, gonna make my own rewrite of half of season 1, and all of seasons 2 and 3), so it may not have him have powers, but I have an idea for it and I'm excited to type it out :D
Crystal
-Alrighty so, I've never watched Owl House (yet) I haven't had the chance to as of now, BUT I do intend to watch it soon! As for the idea, I don't think I'll be able to fit it into this story, but time traveling Varian is an interesting notion :D I may not write it myself (mostly because I haven't seen Owl House yet) but I'd love to read about something like that! :D
--I haven't forgotten about you Varian bird idea, I'm still dong that, but there's a place I have for it, and it's actually coming up rather soon :D The Varian mermaid idea may come way later however, but I love me some mermaid transformations, that's gonna be a fun chapter to write! :D
Ash:>
-So that chapter/chapters will be near the end of this series, but if you want my opinion.... YES IT WAS A COMPLETE MESS AND ABSOLUTE BULL THAT CASSANDRA GOT AWAY!!!!! DX I was SO upset when I watched her walk out SCOTT FREAKING FREE while our boy had to SUFFER in a cell! The comparisons to Cass and Varian are just... UGH! There's going to be SEVERAL chapters on that particular moment in the last season, because that was such bull! (Although I still love Cass's character, it was destroyed in season 3, so I may change that up a bit). I'm so glad you asked this because I could rant and rave about it ALL FREAKING DAY! I won't, but I could! XD I'm gonna change that, cannon or no that is the one thing I'm gonna change, because that ending for Cass was freaking borked!
--Oh she'll be apologizing if I have anything to say about it! Sorry just, ugh that last bit.... I loved the finale but my lanta! I'm gonna do exactly what you said and have everyone reacting to her pardon, but I can't say much more because that'll spoil things :D Either way, just know, that's gonna come up and I'm very excited to write it XD
---Oh absolutely! I LOVE VAT7K! Hugo+Varian FIVEVERE! (It's even longer than forever) <3 I love the spin off way too much for it not to be referenced! :D (I'm gonna write my own version of the events that transpire after I finish writing this story and the rewrite, it'll take place after the rewrite story because I have moon Varian in that one :D)
----Thank you so much for saying that! That means the WORLD to me, it made my day and I'm so happy you've stuck around for so long! Thank you so much! I had no idea how far this little series would go, and here we are at 100 chapters and it's really surreal to me <3 I will keep bringing you Team Awesome, Brotherhood, family fun because I love writing it and I'm so glad you enjoy reading it! <3 Sincerely, thank you for saying that <3
FEDELIS_SCRIPTOR
-So everything I wrote in this chapter is exactly how I feel about the ending of season one and how all the characters reacted. It was a huge mess and nobody really acted right, though I can understand why but it doesn't make anyone's actions okay. However, I can see both sides to every coin, Varian did not need to attack the kingdom and kidnap the queen/He was alone, abandoned, his father was gone, and he was really angry, that anger can drive people mad! Eugene didn't even give Varian, a 14 year old boy, a chance, they were friends/Eugene just watched as this 14 year old boy attacked his love and kidnapped the queen, he's scared and angry too and wants to protect Rapunzel. Rapunzel should've checked on Varian when she found out he needed help, she was his friend and she threw him in a blizzard, what the heck/She needed to save the kingdom from a raging blizzard that could've killed so many people in the process, she had to measure the one against the many, she's a princess, that's her job. The only one I cannot see both sides to is Frederic, and even *he's* not completely evil to me, he lied, harmed, betrayed, trapped, and abused, what he did is NOT okay, at all! But he only did it to protect his daughter and wife, he's clearly still hurting from when Rapunzel was baby-napped and now his wife is too, that's really hard and you can tell he's got PTSD from it. None of their decisions were good, but I can see why they made them. In the end, I blame Fred and Rapunzel mostly for that mess because it was their decisions that caused the most damage, but I also blame Varian, Eugene, and Cassandra for thinking too irrationally, everyone is to blame somewhat for the mess, except maybe Lance because he didn't really get to know Varian really well, but even then, he tried to fight a 14 year old boy. My biggest issue is just the punishment... Varian got blamed and became the example, he, and he *alone* took the punishment even though he was just as much a victim as he was the cause, and that really upset me, he did not deserve to be thrown in jail, that was not okay, and I wish it was discussed in the show, but it wasn't. He automatically became the sole reason for everyone fighting and once he was 'dealt with' suddenly everyone's issues were fine and nothing was wrong, that's not how that works! Varian didn't cause Rapunzel's mistrust of her father, Varian didn't cause Cass to feel jealous of Rapunzel, Varian didn't cause the rocks to spread and harm people, Varian didn't make Eugene feel useless, the only thing Varian did was accidentally trap his father, ask for help, get thrown into a blizzard, become wanted for something he didn't even do, and got so angry, sad, depressed, and scared that he struck first before he got hurt again! He just wanted his dad back and he got punished for it, his life was not great before, but instead of allowing him to grow, he got thrown away and used as a 'solve all your problems' ex machina and it really bugged me. It's why I write a lot about how Varian feels betrayed and abandoned, it's why I fell in love with him in the first place, because for a long time in my life, that was me! I was (apparently) the reason everyone was fighting and angry, and yeah maybe I did some things that weren't perfect (nothing illegal, just normal kid stuff) but I wasn't the sole reason everyone was so miserable. And to see it happen to Varian.... It brought a lot of things back for me.... Maybe that's why I'm so passionate about it, he's me when I was a kid, always being told you're useless until we finally speak out, then we're tossed away like we were the problem until we 'grow up' and 'get better', for us, that means locking yourself away and keeping what you feel to yourself.... Varian helped me through a lot, he still does.... Sorry, that got deep XD Um... But yeah, those are my thoughts, I'm a lot better now, just so you know <3 Sorry about that XD If you wanna chat more, I'm more than willing :)
moonlight
-Pfft! Oh lord you keep making me laugh XDXDXDXDXD Not a terrible use of the English language, you're doing perfectly fine! <3
--I talked about this with an earlier comment, and I'll be writing a couple chapters about this at the end, but you're exactly right, I did not like how Cassandra got to walk away scott free while Varian had to suffer, that was both an injustice to her and an injustice to Varian. I'm actually going to change the ending a bit, I'm allowing myself one change in particular, it won't be big, the ending will remain mostly the same, but I'm placing something in the end that'll hopefully fix the issue a little bit. I love Cass, I thought she was an amazing character in season 1 and the first half of season 2, but season 3 ruined her and that's just not okay! She was a more evil villain that Varian, and we all saw what he had to go through! Why does she get off scott free while he got locked in a dungeon?! The heck?! Either way, yes this will definitely be a thing that I'll be mentioning and talking about near the end of this series! :D
---So I actually agree with you about Rapunzel's Return. Varian should've been handled much differently than he was, and the Seporians should've been more of a threat than they were, but they weren't he wasn't, and it made me sad. The best thing that came out of those two episodes is that Varian came back and he was redeemed, that's it! I answered this in the chapter, but from Varian's point of view, I'm guessing it was mostly him getting used to being in jail and living with Andrew. Though do I think Andrew was super nice to him and kind? Heck no! The man probably used and abused him, once Ruddigar was out of the picture (because you know Ruddy Buddy would protect his boy) Andrew started to manipulate and control Varian as best as he could. And in such a fragile state, Varian would've been absorbent to *any* kind of care and love thrown his way, it's disgusting and horrid, but that's what I think happened. Why else would our science bean be on the Seporians side, because there's no way anyone can tell me he actually agreed with them! He went against Andrew the *instant* he found out Andrew was gonna harm people, the *instant*! That proves this boy was not okay with this from the start, he only did it because he wanted to go back to his old life and to freaking survive! He would've died in that cell had he not done what he did! As for the take over, I think it was a mix of the king and queen getting their memories wiped, and the Seporians putting really nasty punishments in place in order to control the people. When we first see the group get back, Feldspar is seen freaking out over dropping whatever element he was carrying, saying, "I'm never gonna meet my quota", which told me there's something dark going on, the only way to control strong willed people is to break their spirit (I'm not quoting Zhan Tiri on that either XD). Best way to break their spirit is to make them feel like they have little to no control or freedom, that's how I think they did it. Varian wouldn't have wanted to be apart of that, but if he was under the same duress, or maybe even a worse situation (mental and physical abuse, neglect, being locked in a dark closet, being forced to see his father in the amber....), he would comply to survive. It's dark, it's horrible, but it's honestly the only thing I can think of and something I really wish they would've talked about in the show as well, because that's super interesting! (I'm a sucker for apocalyptic type scenarios)!
----Thank you! Happy 100th Chapter to you as well moonlight! <3
LionRoar74
-XD Lance would DIE laughing if he heard that! Oml I've gotta make that now! XD
--Oh I'm definitely going to be writing more about Eugene's mom, and Varian's grandma, very soon! She's going to have a couple chapters about her, and there will definitely be more stories of the Brotherhood, actually, the story about Adira and Hector being trained for the Brotherhood will also have her in them too! But that's all I can say for now about it :D
Anne
-LMAO!!!!!! Poor bean would be like 'um...Crush, what crush?' Also, you think I wouldn't be able to make a whole chapter out of that? Buddy challenge accepted!!!!! XDXDXDXD I'm gonna make a WHOLE chapter about Varian denying his Cassie crush! ...though it may be a while because I have a couple ideas first. But I'm absolutely going to make that a full chapter! XD It's gonna be FUNNY! XD
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Hello!
So here it is, the 100th chapter! It's a group therapy session with out KING, Lance, and every amazing character in this universe, I included Queen Arianna in this because she's going to become more important as the story goes on! :D To everyone who commented, thank you so much, your responses were so kind, loving, wonderful, and so much fun to read! I didn't think this story would get so big or even get past chapter 50, thought I'd be done with it, but because of all of you, and I mean EVERYONE, those who simply read it, leave kudos, give me a view, bookmark it, comment, even just a glance, you've changed my life so much, all of you! I'm not gonna lie, this story was not meant to be anything more than Quirin being a good dad and making up for his mistakes because I love the man so much! But then more and more people came and kept me going, you all helped me continue, now there's 100 chapters and it's made everyday so much more fun to me! There are topics in here than I thought only I went through, only to find out there are more people like me, there are characters in here that I thought only I cared about, but then the comments flood with love for them too! I am an outcast irl, I'm not really one that people wanna talk to and not gonna lie, being alone really sucks.... But all of you have made me feel like I had friends, you've made me feel included, and you didn't have to do that, you could've just left the story, you could've just ignored it completely and gone on to read an even better story, but you didn't and I just gotta say, thank you all so much for that! You cheer me up when I'm down, you've helped me grow so much in my life, and I got some really amazing friends and comrades out of this story. This is not the end, heck this isn't even half way, but I'm so excited to continue writing this! This.... Varian and Quirin in this story is me... I deal with a lot of the things I write, and to know that you guys care so much about them, about me, it means so much to me, it really does. I've said this before, and I'll say it again, I care about every single one of you in this community, I really do, I treasure the comments, the kudos, the views, I treasure them, not because I'm gettin attention, but because someone's listening, I'm not alone, and neither are any of you! You're all wonderful individuals that make everyday so much better by being in it! Not just for me, but for your loved ones, for your friends, even for the people that you don't really have too much connection to. You change people's lives everyday, and you've all certainly changed mine, for the better, I swear! I'm sorry I couldn't answer everyone's question in this chapter, I really wish I could've, but I wanna tackle them in the best way possible, with the respect and care that they deserve! :D
I'm gonna stop writing this not because I'm actually crying and I'm gonna short circuit the keyboard if I don't stop, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much for everything you've done for me! You've really helped me a lot, this isn't just my chapter or my story, this is yours too! I'm so proud of all of you, and if you ever feel alone, or sad, or angry, or depressed, I'll be here anytime you need me to be, my story is here to help you if you need it to, I am here if you need me, always! <3
With that being said (and if my freaking tears could stop please XD) Thank you all so much for reading and commenting! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! HAPPY 100TH CHAPTER!!!!!! <3
Sincerely,
HarmonySong123
Chapter 101: Snow!
Summary:
Corona gets it's first snow storm since the Battle of Old Corona.
Chapter Text
It was cold, which was a little odd for Corona, it's the kingdom of the sun after all. But as Quirin walked through the castle halls, he felt a small chill run down his spins as his short sleeved shirt seemed like a really bad choice for the brisk morning air. He wasn't really worried, it was a lot colder in the Dark Kingdom, a small chill, a little wind, *maybe* a few flakes of snow didn't really bother the retired knight. But as he looked out the castle window, he noticed dark clouds roll over the city, they didn't look too friendly either as he suddenly got a very bad feeling in his gut. "Hey Quirin!" King Edmund greeted cheerfully as he walked over to his knight, "looks like there's gonna be a snow storm tonight! Reminds me a little of home now that I think about it", he then muttered, "though those storms were a bit weaker compared to Corona but who can really say for sure", to himself as Hamuel cawed in agreement before he looked back at the Village Leader, "Quirin?"
The old farmer was staring out the window, his eyes distant and glassy as something seemed to be on his mind, "don't leave...." He replied quietly, "please don't leave..."
"Quirin?" Edmund asked again, a little worried now
"Varian..."
The Dark king's eyes widened as he realized what was happening, he gently touched his knight's shoulders, making him face away from the window, "Quirin, it's me, Edmund, do you recognize me?"
It took a few minutes for the retired knight to respond as his eyes darted around on his king's face before the glassiness went away and he blinked a few times, "K...King Edmund"
"That's right, it's me, are you alright? What just happened?"
"I..." Quirin was a little scrambled at the moment, his mind was racing as was his heart beat.
"Take a few deep breaths, then talk to me", Edmund stated calmly
The retired knight nodded and did so, feeling better with every breath, "I'm alright now, thanks, sorry about that. I... Varian ran out into a blizzard when I was stuck in the amber... I remember looking up at the clouds that day, they looked almost exactly like that and he just... Disappeared... I didn't see him until a year later... I... I thought I got past that..."
Edmund frowned, "oh Quirin..."
"I'm sorry-!"
"Don't apologize! You've got nothing to apologize for, what happened to you and the little peanut was traumatizing! Why I wouldn't be surprised if this weather affected him too"
"You... you're right... I should check on him..."
"I'll go with you if you want"
Quirin smiled at his king before nodding, "thank you, I'd really like that"
The Dark king beamed before they began to head to the alchemist's castle lab, hearing the sounds of idle chatter confused the pair as they wandered in, they saw a small group standing in the lab before the Dark king spotted someone and grinned, "HORACE!"
"PFFT!" Lance started before clapping a hand over his mouth as Eugene glared daggers at his friend
"Hello father", the dark prince replied flatly, "and for the 10th time today it's *Eugene*!"
"Such a *lovely* name"
"Can it Lance!"
"What does Horace even mean anyway?"
"I said can it!"
"It means time or season", Varian stated as he hid his own smile behind his hand
"So when people ask 'what season is it', do they say, 'what Horace is it?' instead?" The former thief joked
"LANCE!" Eugene yelled
"It's latin if that makes it sound cooler", Varian tried, getting the dark prince to sigh defeatedly
"I think it's a cool name", Edmund replied as he pouted, making his son raise a brow
Quirin chuckled before walking over to the teen and picking him up, hugging him happily and starling the alchemist, "hi!" He said
"Hi!" Varian replied as he returned the hug with a grin, "should I ask what the random show of affection was about? Or should I wait until the writer reveals it in a dramatic way?"
"Writer?"
"Dramatic it is, how are you?" The teen giggled
Shaking off the confusion for a moment, his father smirked, "I'm alright, how about you?"
"I'm..." He looked over at Lance who, after he finished laughing, noticed the teen's glance, smiled, and nodded, "I'm kinda alright if I'm honest"
"Kinda alright?"
"The snow, it's... It reminds me of when you were in the amber... S-so it's bothering me a bit, it's why Lance and Eugene are in here with me... I kinda had a moment earlier when I looked outside...."
"Oh, I'm sorry, are you alright?"
"Y-yeah, I'm alright now", the teen smiled lovingly at his father, "what about you? Are you okay?"
Quirin hesitated, not really sure what to say except, "yeah, I'm okay"
"Wait but Quir-!" Edmund started
"We were just checking in on you, I'm planning on making some gumbo later, you want some?"
Varian's eye lit up excitedly, "yes!!!! I LOVE your gumbo! Wait, is it the chicken or the fish gumbo? This is a very important question"
The retired knight chuckled, "chicken, I'll be making it in front of Itty Bitty"
"Good call, don't wanna scare the little guy", the alchemist replied before he hopped out of his father's arms and began to hop excitedly, "GUMBO! CHICKEN GUMBO! YAY!"
"Wow! You think he's excited Lance?" Eugene asked with a smirk
"I'd say he is", Lance replied
The teen stopped hopping and looked at the pair, "you two don't understand the majesty of my dad's gumbo! It is the BEST thing he makes, even better than his pies, and that's saying something!"
"That good huh?" The Dark prince asked
"BETTER! Think of the best food in the world, you got it?"
"Yep", the former thieves replied
"Great! Now throw it out because dad's chicken gumbo is better"
"Better than caviar?" Lance asked astounded by this revelation
"Better than ANYTHING!" Varian stated, "that's a scientific FACT!"
"Will we be able to partake in this extravagant dish Quirin?" Eugene asked
The old famer chuckled, then blushed, "he's overselling it, but yes, I'll make plenty for everyone", at the sight of his son's puppy dog eyes, he chuckled, "I'll make an extra batch for us to take home too"
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeee!" Varian replied, his grin growing unbelievably wide as he sparkled brighter than the sun princess herself as he walked over to his older brothers and began chatting with them
Quirin smiled but noticed his king's raised brow and sighed, "son me and king Edmund are going to get the ingredients ready, are you gonna be alright here?"
Varian nodded, "I'll be okay, and if I'm not, Ruddigar, Lance, or Eugene will come get you!"
"Ok, thanks, I love you"
"Love you too!"
The retired knight nodded, then left, Edmund following him silently
****
"Why didn't you tell him?" Edmund asked worriedly after a very long silence, they'd been walking for a while, the snow had turned into a storm at this point as neither of them really knew what to say until now, "we've been talking to him this entire time about how he can come to us when he needs it, yet you just lied to him!"
"I know..." Quirin replied quietly as they walked down the halls
"Well why?"
"...."
"Quirin"
"........"
"Quirin!"
"I can't tell him"
"Why not?"
"Because..."
The Dark king huffed frustrated before he rans forwards and stopped in front of his knight, "because why? You want him to be more open and honest with you, but you can't do the same to him?"
"That's not it"
"Then what? Because you're starting to worry me Qu-!"
"Because if I say something to him then he'll know it affected me and feel horrible for it!" Quirin snapped angrily, "that group session taught me a lot, but the biggest thing it showed me was that Varian was hurt *badly* by what happened with the amber! He still suffers from nightmares and PTSD! Yeah he's getting better, but if he see's that it's bothering me too he's going to feel horrible and blame himself, and he doesn't need to do that right now! ..... It.... It won't help him.... It'll just make him hurt...."
The Dark king was startled by this, "Quirin he would *want* to know this is bothering you"
"I know he does... But what would that do to him? Make him feel horrible for putting me there in the first place, his guilt will build and he'll spiral back into his anxieties and fears.... He's gotten better and he's so strong, I... I don't want him to hurt anymore, I want him to get past this.... He doesn't need to hurt because of me anymore.... Not again...."
"Quirin...."
"I scolded him for trying to help people, I made him feel useless and wrong.... That was me... I did that... I don't want to make him any worse... Not again... Not because of me", he looked at his king, tears were sliding down his face as he did, "everyone else can remind him of what he did, everyone else *does*! But I won't be apart of that, I won't.... Not for him..."
Edmund sighed, feeling his anger flow out of him the instant he saw his knight crying. He placed a hand on Quirin's shoulder, "I understand your worry my friend.... I really do... You want to protect him and help him get better... But hiding how you feel isn't the best way to do that, it'll just hurt you"
"I'd rather hurt me than him"
"I'd rather no one got hurt at all"
"That's not how this works, you know that"
"Quirin... Telling your *son* how you feel isn't going to hurt him, if anything, it'll show that you trust him enough to say something... And might even help him in a different way that you didn't expect"
"A different way? What do yo-!"
"QUIRIN!!!!" A voice screamed from down the hall, it was accompanied by a multitude of worried chitters as Lance and Ruddigar ran down the hallway, "QUIRIN!!!!"
"Lance? What's wr-!"
"It's Varian! He went outside and is booking it back to Old Corona!"
"WHAT?!" The king and knight yelled
"You were just with him Lance, what happened?" Edmund asked worriedly
The former thief was panting but managed to explain, "Eugene and I suggested we get some food because we were all gettin hungry, Varian agreed so we all three went to the kitchen, but as Eugene and I were deciding what to make Ruddigar started to chitter. We looked and Varian was gone! We found him runnin down the halls and tried to keep up but when he opened the main doors the wind pushed us off our feet, when we got back up, he was runnin, full speed, through the snow screamin about you! Eugene's gettin Max to go and grab him! I came to get you"
Quirin's eyes widened as his heart raced, "PTSD..."
"Really bad PTSD", Lance agreed
"I'm going to find him"
"Quirin what ab-!" Edmund started
"My son is out in the freezing cold without a jacket in the middle of a storm that I knew was coming! I'm going after him"
"But-!"
"I'll have Eugene with me, I'll need to borrow Domino though, please"
Edmund looked at his knight for a moment before nodding, "I'll get Adira, Hector, go and find your son, we'll be close by".
Quirin smiled at his king gratefully, "Thank you"
****
Varian sniffled as his tears froze on his cheeks, he didn't know why he'd been at the castle in the first place, what was he thinking? "D-dad, I... I n-need to help d-dad", he stated as he continued to trudge through the wind and snow. Little cuts formed on his cheeks as the hail beat against him. He'd managed to get to the bridge but noticed it was completely blocked by snow, sighing he walked over to it, regretting not bringing any chemicals with him, he'd been a rush to be fair.
"N-need to g-get a-across...." He said to himself as he looked around before spotting the frozen lake underneath the bridge. An idea formed in his head and he walked over to the thickest part, he tapped his shoe against the ice before smiling satisfyingly. He stepped onto it, it didn't break, he took another step, bringing his full weight onto the frozen river now, it didn't even crack. Taking it as a sign he carefully moved forwards, taking step after painfully cold step as he walked across the ice, slipping only once or twice before starting again.
"VARIAN!!!!" A voice called out over the swirling snow, the teen looked up but didn't see anything, he shook it off and continued to trek over the ice, which now started to weaken under his weight
"N-need to g-get to d-dad.... N-need to... H-help him"
"VARIAAAAN!!!!!!" The voice called again, it was closer this time, the alchemist ignored it and kept going, his mind focusing on the task at hand as he took another step, he was getting closer to the other side.
"D-dad"
"VARIAN STOP!!!!"
"AH!" He yelped as, suddenly, the ice gave out from beneath him and he fell through, the freezing water making his body ache as his clothes got soaked and his mind went into shock. He thought he heard another splash over his own but as vision started to blur, he couldn't sense anything anymore, he just felt cold, so... very... cold.... He thought he felt something wrap around him, but was beginning to black out, just before he did however he noticed someone looking at him from under the water. The last thing he saw was a pair of wide, worried filled brown eyes that he could've sworn he'd seen before....
"HHHHHHHHHU!!!!!" He gasped before puking up cold water, Varian clutched his stomach as the nasty liquid escaped his body, which felt so cold it burned. He continued to cough and gasp and sputter until the water was out, along with some of his breakfast. The cold struck him next as the wave of pain shot through his body, he fell onto his side and curled up, shivering badly as he did so. He winced a little when he felt something wrap around him again, it was soft and plush, he curled into it, taking in the familiar scent of apples and wood. He felt himself being lifted up and cradled, someone was holding him, and they were so *warm*, he snuggled against them, ignoring the pain that action caused. He stayed that way the entire time he was carried, whimpering a little when he felt the warmth go away for a second before it came back. He heard faint voices talking, someone said his name, another sounded relieved, another suggested something, everyone agreed and off they went, taking the alchemist with them. He felt sad and worried, he didn't know where they were going, or what they would do to him, the only thing he could hope for was that they were taking him to his father, he needed to save him... He needed to, "d-dad...." He managed to say quietly, and felt something gently press against his face, it was comforting in a way, almost like his father cupping his cheek, he smiled, calmed by the gesture before the exhaustion took over, and he fell asleep.
****
"-rian"
"Va-an..."
"Varian", a voice called gently as the teen blinked back into consciousness
"H-huh?" He replied tiredly, before he clutched his stomach once more, pain shooting through it, "ow..."
"Are you okay?"
"S...S-stomach..."
"Oh... Right... You didn't eat lunch or dinner, you're probably starving", the voice said before it paused, "do you... Recognize me?"
"N-No...."
"Thought so, here, let me try this", he felt his shirt lift up and felt someone rub some sort of lotion on his chest, their touch was gentle and careful. The lotion's scent filled the boy's nostrils, clearing them up a bit and allowing his eyes to open, he looked around and realized he was in the castle's infirmary, "there we go, hi little one", the voice replied. Varian looked to see who it was, only to see Mrs. Solace smiling back at him, "recognize me now?"
He returned her smile, "Mrs. S-Solace"
"That's right, although I keep saying you can call me Rose", she replied before poking his nose
He gave a weak giggle, "s-sorry"
"It's alright, at least we know you're alert now yeah? That was quite an adventure you went on, I don't think it was a pleasant experience though huh?"
"A-adventure?"
"I suppose you wouldn't remember much of it right now... Unless, do you know where you are?"
"C-castle infirmary"
"Good, but that was an easy one...." She hesitated before adding, "do you know where your father is?"
This took him a few moments, his mind wasn't really sure what his father was doing, "l-last time I saw d-dad he was talking t-to me, Eugene, and Lance i-in my lab in the castle.... T-then he went to make c-chicken gumbo... D-did he make it y-yet? I'm hungry..."
This took the doctor by surprise before she giggled, "yeah he made it, though, if you want to ask questions like that, then maybe look up"
"L-look... Up?" He didn't understand, but did what he was told, only to be met with those same brown eyes from before, this time however, they were attached to a face with a smile on it, "dad!" Varian stated happily
Quirin chuckled, "hi there"
"Pfft! Ok that was cute!" Another voice replied, making the alchemist look to see Eugene, Lance, Adira, Hector, Edmund, and Rapunzel sitting around the room, which turned out to be the family room, "back with us hair stripe?" Eugene added with a smirk
"B-back... With you?" The teen replied before he felt Ruddigar nuzzling his cheek gently, his cold nose sending shivers down the alchemist's body
"Give him a minute, that dip in the river did not do him any favors", Doctor Solace stated
Varian tried to remember what had happened, his raccoon rubbing against him affectionately before it all came flooding back to him, "oh..."
"There it is", Lance replied, "you alright little man?"
"Aside from almost fucking freezing to death? I'm sure he's peachy", Hector stated sarcastically
"Wha-! I wasn-!"
"No... Sorry... He really fucking scared me...."
"Oh... It's alright, I get it", Lance smiled at the tamer, who gave him a small smile back
"In all seriousness though, are you okay little peanut? You really gave us quite the scare", Edmund asked
Varian nodded as he scratched Ruddigar's chin, getting the raccoon to purr, "yeah... Sorry...."
"It's okay, you really can't help it"
Rapunzel nodded, "he's right Varian, you don't have to apologize, though I think you'll be a little sick for a while"
The alchemist sneezed and coughed a little before sniffling, "....Uh-huh..." He confirmed sadly as Ruddigar chittered at him, "t-thanks buddy"
The princess smiled and walked over to him, handing him a tissue before hugging him gently, "I'm so glad you're okay"
"T-thanks Rapunzel", he replied before hugging her back
"That's my cue!" Doctor Solace stated, "I've gotta get back to the infirmary, you wouldn't *believe* how many cases of sniffles we've got over there", Varian sneezed, "....or you might, either way, if he starts to get a little stuffed up, rub this on his chest"
"W-what is that stuff?" Varian asked, his eyes were a little too blurry for him to see the concoction, Ruddigar tried to bring it closer, but it didn't really help
Doctor Solace smiled, "it's an alchemical solution of your own design"
This made the teen smile wide as he realized what she meant, "is it helping?"
"You tell me"
"....Yep!"
Quirin snickered as the doctor nodded, "good, I've got plenty more where that came from thanks to you, but I've gotta get back. Let me know if you need me yeah?"
"Course, thank you Rose", the Village Leader replied as the doctor smiled and walked out
The room was silent for a moment before Varian spoke up, "I'm sorry I did that... I-I know you guys keep saying it's alright, b-but that was really bad.... I'm really s-sorry...."
"We forgive you Speckles", Adira replied with a smile, "it's not like you can control it"
"B-but I wish I c-could... I wish I c-could turn it off and leave it o-off... I hate h-having this... It causes a lot of b-bad things to happen and i-it would be better if I didn't have it..."
Quirin felt a pang of guilt shoot through him as he noticed Edmund's stare, "Varian you didn't do anything wrong", he tried as he saw Ruddigar hop onto his son's lap and curl up, falling asleep as the teen stroked his fur
"R-really? I ran out into a b-blizzard, I fell into ice a-and had to have someone come i-in after me, I... I almost ran a-all the way home because I thought you were in danger! H-how is this n-not a bad thing? It's not like a-any of you have it!@ W-why can't I get over it? W-why?.... Just wanna move p-past this....."
That's when it clicked for the Village Leader, he remembered what his king had stated earlier, 'Quirin... Telling your *son* how you feel isn't going to hurt him, if anything, it'll show that you trust him enough to say something... And might even help him in a different way that you didn't expect'.
"....I have it too"
"Wait what?"
Quirin sighed, "it was a few minutes before me and king Edmund went to speak to you in your lab... I looked out of the window and froze... Flashes of you running out into the blizzard without me took over my mind and I froze... He had to physically grab my shoulder to snap me out of it..." The old farmer said sadly as he looked at his son's shocked face, "I... Didn't want to tell you because I thought if I did, you'd feel guilty and blame yourself, so I kept it quiet.... We were talking about why I should tell you when Lance and Ruddigar found us in the hallway, you'd already left by that point...."
"Dad...."
"I'm sorry.... I just... Didn't want you to feel bad.... I may have it, but that's not your fault... I just haven't gotten over the past either... You're not alone in that I guess.... Still I... I'm sorry I lied... That wasn't right"
Varian was silent for a moment, still a little shocked but then smiled at his father, "it's okay", he said
"No it-!"
"No dad i-it really is okay", the alchemist said, "I understand why you didn't wanna tell me, the group session and PTSD moments really haven't proven that I won't do that, you... You were just trying to spare my feelings, sure that wasn't the best way, but I understand why you were doing it", he explained, "I.... I have a lot to work on, I know that, but it's.... Kinda nice to know I'm not the only one.... Course I wish that *weren't* the case for either of us, but since it is, at least we can work on it together, right?"
Quirin was a little startled, but smiled and nodded, "right"
"A-*HEM!*"
The retired knight chuckled, "King Edmund was right"
"Thank YOU!" The Dark King stated sassily, "and don't you forget it", he stated before Hamuel cawed
Eugene shook his head before smiling, "you're a dork you know that"
"I'm still right!"
"True"
Varian giggled, "smart grandpa"
"He has his moments", Adira agreed
"Very few and far between but-!" Hector started
"Wha-! Hey!" Edmund interrupted, getting everyone to laugh before Varian began to cough.
Quirin gave him a tissue and rubbed his arm a little as he held him, once the teen was done and properly blew his nose, he looked up at his father, "hey, you know what would *really* clear the sinuses?"
"What?" The Village Leader asked
"Some chicken gumbo"
His father laughed before nodding, "alright, but I'm taking you with me, you have my vest"
Looking down, Varian noticed the brown fluff wrapped around him as Ruddigar, who was shaken awake, climbed onto his shoulders, "w-wait, the person who gave me this got me out of the water, t-that means...." He looked up at his father again, who was cradling him now before he smiled wide, "I love you dad".
"I love you too son"
Notes:
Blizzard chapter! Can't have a Tangled the Series story without a blizzard chapter! The bean and his protective daddy need to work out their issues with the scary cold weather! You know, I've read a bunch of stories about blizzards in Corona, and none of them (at least none that I've read) have really talked about how *Quirin* would feel in this type of weather? Varian? Of course, Eugene, yep! Even Rapunzel and Lance, but not Quirin, that's so odd to me, he would be just as affected considering his son left him during a blizzard and he was swallowed up by the amber by the time he got back, the blizzard is probably the last thing he heard! That's terrifying! Or maybe I'm reading too much into it, who knows, either way, this is my blizzard weather story! :D (Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk)
EDMUND!!!!! This was an Edmund chapter too!!!!! He was right and he deserves to gloat a little! The man is a good boy! Also people asked for more Eugene and Edmund shenanigan's, so I hope this helps a little, also also, Lance reacting to Eugene being called Horace! Which was another request I got, so there's that, I'll have more of the characters react to it soon! :D
Quirin, I love this man way too much! I figured he'd finally get a chapter mainly about him, he needed it. Yes he made a mistake here, but he's only doing that because he thinks it's the best thing for his kid, I honestly think he would do something like this, he loves his baby boy, and only wants what's best for him. He's still gotta grow himself, but he'll get there, this also helped Varian a little bit too, no he knows he's not alone :D
Varian is a bean and also needs all the snuggles and lovins and hot chocolates! He'll be getting that tomorrow XD Ruddy Buddy is the best Raccoon as well by the way :D
Thank you all so much for reading!!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 102: Tangled Carols!
Summary:
Lance takes a bunch of old Christmas carols and gives them a Tangled twist!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everyone was enjoying the Christmas party in Corona castle, exchanging gifts, laughing and talking, eating food, everyone was having such a great time! The party had been going for hours when, suddenly, Lance sat at the piano. "Lance, what are you doing?" Eugene asked as he raised a brow at his friend.
"You know how every year; we sing the same old Christmas carols over and over again?"
"Yeah"
"Well, this year, I gave em a little twist!" He struck a few keys on the keyboard, "I personalized em so they'd be about one, or all, of us!"
Rapunzel smiled with joy, "really? That's amazing Lance!"
"Thanks! I'll show you how each one goes; you can even make your own lyrics if you want!"
Everyone gathered around the piano, "who's the first one gonna be about?" Angry asked as she and her sister hopped onto the seat next to Lance.
"Hmmmm.... Choose a carol", Lance replied with a smirk
"How about 'Jolly Old Saint Nickolus'?" Catalina asked with a grin
The former thief chuckled, "good pick, *ahem*", playing a couple of keys, and taking a breath, the man began to sing.
'Happy tiny Varian,
I am here to say!
Don't you start experiments,
Here on Christmas Day!
Buddy, they explode a lot
Trust me little man!
Things will go wrong really soon,
Nothing according to plan!
You want to help Corona out,
Hey now that's a treat!
Not to mention extremely nice,
And also super sweet!
But there's something that you can do,
That won't end in a fail!
Build something that's filled with love,
I'm sure you will prevail!'
Varian laughed as everyone clapped, "they don't explode *ALL* the time!" The teen defended
"Kiddo if it's enough for Lance to make a song about them... It's too much", Eugene reasoned
Quirin nodded with a smirk, "he's right, but you only do it to help people, which he mentioned"
"True", the dark prince agreed with a smile
The alchemist giggled, "what's the next song?"
"Pick a carol", Lance replied with a grin, "Varian's turn since the last song was about him"
The teen thought for a moment before whispering to Ruddigar, who chittered back, they both nodded to each other before he said, 'how about "Hark the Herald Angels Sing'"
"Of *course* you would pick that one!" Lance laughed. Seeing the confused look on the alchemist's face, the man said, "you'll see what I mean". He then took another breath and began to sing.
'Look how Quirin plows the field,
As the harvest is revealed!
Planting seeds he plans to grow,
Hey! That's really nice of you bro!
From his brow he does perspire,
As he works while we admire,
All, of his hard work, you see
he has our respect, we all agree!
Look! How Quirin plows the field!
As the harvest iiiiiis reeeeeveeeeeeeealed!'
Quirin smiled brightly as everyone clapped and cheered, "he does have our respect, that's very true!" Rapunzel stated happily
"I chose a dad song! I'm so happy!" Varian exclaimed as he hugged his father
"Did you like it Quirin?" Lance asked as he looked at the man
The retired knight nodded, "thank you for that, it was very nice"
"Thanks! Now it's your turn to choose a carol, but if you choose a Varian one, you have to choose again"
"Sounds fair", the old farmer replied before taking a moment to think, his eyes widened as he replied, "Jingle Bell Rock?"
"You like 'Jingle Bell Rock'?" Adira asked, a little surprised by that
Quirin raised a brow, "yes, there a problem with that?"
"I thought you'd choose 'We Three Kings' or something"
"What? Why?"
"Because you're old fashioned", she teased as Hector snickered
"One, being old fashioned is not a bad thing, two, 'We Three Kings' is actually a very nice song, and three.... Shush"
The face painted warrior and wild tamer chuckled as Lance played a few chords, "I actually like 'We Three Kings' too, but I had a lot of trouble coming up with lyrics for it, but 'Jingle Bell Rock', I can do!" He took in a breath and began.
'Rapunzel and Eugene are havin a blast,
They're laughin while they sing and they're dancin while they swing!
Shinin so brightly they're havin some fun,
Now their party has really begun!
Rapunzel and Eugene are gettin a treat,
They're dancin in the square, spreadin love everywhere
People are watching them show how they care,
Ya might wanna prepaaaaare!
Cause the princess, shows an interest,
In everybody's life!
While Eugene can, make a new plan,
To finally make Rapunzel become his wife!
Here we go, once again, the time has come,
To enjoy their fun at last!
To miss out on this would be really dumb
Because they're havin a,
Because they're havin a,
Because they're havin a blaaaaaast!'
"That was amazing Lance!" Rapunzel replied happily as Eugene and Varian laughed, "I LOVED it! It was so bouncy!"
"Thanks princess, though I only tweaked the lyrics a little, not a big deal", Lance replied with a light blush
"Can you do one more? PLEEEEASE?"
"Alright alright, one more, which one should I do?"
"Oh! Oh! 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas!'" Edmund replied excitedly, "if uh.... If no one else minds of course", he added before blushing and muttering to himself, "it uh... Wasn't my turn to choose". Hamuel cawed in agreement as Eugene smirked.
"Actually, I wouldn't mind hearing that one dad", the dark prince stated as he threw an arm around the dark king
"Really?"
"Yeah!"
Edmund smiled wide as Lance nodded, "alrighty! I was hopin you would pick that one too", as he played a couple notes, he began to sing.
'We have some extended family,
We have some extended family,
We have some extended family,
That you've gotta see!
Adira will come to bring you some sass
She's part of our family, and she kicks major ass!
There's more to our little family,
There's more to our little family,
There's more to our little family,
Now listen to me!
There's none like Hector, he's fearsome and bold,
He's also a little snappy but he does what he's told!
We love our funny family,
We love our funny family,
We love our funny family,
And Edmund makes three!
He's kind and he's sweet, can't ever be mean,
He talks to his little peanut who's only fifteen!
Now this man is the reason,
We celebrate this frosty season,
As the members start to ease in,
Cause he was the key!
His name is Quirin, he was a dark knight,
He also has Varian, and he raised him up right!
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We know you will kind of miss us,
So let me just say this cause,
You matter to me!
May your Christmas be fun, and happy and bright,
Enjoy your friends and family, and have a great night!'
Everyone smiled brightly as the former thief ended the song, he then stood up from the piano and faced all of you, Varian, Quirin, Ruddigar, Rapunzel, Eugene, Angry, Catalina, Adira, Hector, Pixie, Basil, and Edmund did the same. They all smiled lovingly at you and opened their mouths to say, "Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you had an amazing holiday!"
Varian stepped forwards, "and if you don't celebrate Christmas, happy holidays to you! You all mean so much to us and we wouldn't be where we are today without you!"
Quirin stepped beside his son, "he's right, you're the reason we're here in the first place, and we sincerely hope you enjoyed this day! Even if you don't celebrate anything at all, we care about you and wish you the best! With that being said!"
They stepped back and joined their family as they all said, "SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!!!"
Notes:
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!! If you don't celebrate, then happy Sunday! <3
I wanted to make a funny little chapter that is fun and bright for today! This day is meant to be peaceful and merry, so I wanted to respect that. You've all been so kind and generous to me, and I wanted to show you that I care about each and every one of you! It's pretty obvious that I celebrate Christmas considering the songs, and I got to spend time with people I love today! But I wanted to make sure I gave you all a chapter, one that shows the cheery nature of this holiday and the fun you can have with it! I know it's a bunch of songs but that's how I celebrate, I love to sing and dance and laugh all day, just having fun with everyone and spreading some cheer! I hope I was able to do that for you, and that you know you're not alone today, I'm here and all of the characters are too!
That being said, I sincerely hope you had a wonderful day, may it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Rohatsu, Winter Solstace, or even just a normal day! I hope you had an amazing one, and I hope you have way more wonderful days for years!
Thank you all so much for reading! Have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 103: Let Them Eat Cake!
Summary:
Someone stole cake and Eugene wants to know who; Adira gives Varian advice while talking about her past.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Now then.... Who's gonna own up to eating all the cake in the royal kitchen?" Eugene asked as he looked at the four guilty looking people standing before him.
Lance was looking indignant as he had his arms crossed, "I want my one phone call!"
"Who would you call?"
"Anyone but you!"
Eugene facepalmed before looking at Catalina, her eyes were to the floor as her shoulders were tensed, she looked very uncomfortable as she looked up before yelping as her eyes met his and looking down once more, "s-sorry...."
"Cat, it's okay, you can look at me you know", the Dark Prince said softly before looking at her sister
Angry had her arms crossed as well, but unlike her sister, she was staring right at Eugene, her eyes glaring into his as her mouth was drawn in a frown, "I'm not saying a word to you!"
This made him raise his brow and smirk, "didn't you just say you weren't gonna say a word? That's seven words you know", he teased, she let out a loud, 'humph!' before hardening her glare at him.
This brought Eugene's attention to the last person he expected to see in this line up. Adira stared right into her interrogator's eyes, not moving an inch, she was completely calm and showed no emotion save for the serene smile on her face, "hello Fish Skin", she stated cheerfully.
"Hello, I want to believe you're not apart of this"
"Oh but where's the fun in that?"
"Well, it would make my life easier"
"And what good is an easy life, you miss a lot of adventure that way"
"You are not allowed to go guru on me while in interrogation!"
"If I'm getting to you so much, then who's really interrogating whom?"
"Don't you try to twist my words, *I'm* interrogating *you*! I'm not falling for that"
"Are you sure?"
"Wh-what do yo-! Of course I'm sure, would you stop!"
"Mmm nah"
"You're becoming more suspicious you know"
"If I'm becoming more suspicious simply by getting on your nerves, then every annoying individual would fill up Corona's jail in an instant"
"What? Why?"
"There are a lot of annoying people in Corona"
Eugene huffed before turning back to Lance, "seriously, just tell me who did it and this all goes away"
"I plead the 5th!" Lance stated, making the dark prince groan before the door opened behind them
"Uh.... Hi.... What did I just walk in on?" Varian asked as he saw the group, Ruddigar chitter in confusion
"Hey Hair Stripe, someone ate all the cake in the kitchen", Eugene stated
"....I-is that bad?"
"I made that cake for Rapunzel, I was proud of it too and it even had a note next to it saying not to touch it, I came back to grab it when I found these four in here looking very nervous"
"...Wise Eyes doesn't loo-!"
"She's the exception"
"Ah"
"I'm trying to figure out who would do such a thing and not have anything to say about it"
The alchemist thought for a moment before his raccoon pointed to something, making the teen smirk, "Eugene where was the note?"
The dark prince looked at the teen, "it was right next to the cake on the counter"
"Is it that?" Varian pointed to the floor next to the counter where a little piece of paper was
Eugene picked it up and looked at it, "yeah it is"
"Eugene I think I know who ate your cake... And I *really* wouldn't be mad at them because they *sincerely* didn't know..."
The Dark prince raised a brow as the group of four looked at him with curiosity
**A Few Moments Later**
"I'm so sorry!"
"It's okay", Eugene stated softly
"B-but I really am-!"
"I'm not upset, it was an accident"
"A-are you sure? I *really* didn't mean too"
"Yes I'm sure"
"B-but-!"
"Don't worry Edmund, it's really alright", Rapunzel stated with a warm smile as she and Edmund sat at the table filled with four empty plates, four tea cups, and half a cake in the middle, "if Eugene really meant for the cake to go to me then it got where it was supposed to be in the end, plus there's still half left over!"
King Edmund had a very light blush on his face as he looked at Eugene once more, "I'm really sorry... I feel really bad about that"
"It's really okay dad, blondie's right, it made it to the right person and there's still some left over, my thing is, why take a random cake?"
"I'd told the cooks that me, Rapunzel, Quirin, and the little peanut were having a tea party and asked them to make one, I thought your cake was the one they made..."
"That... Actually makes a lot of sense", he then turned to look at the four suspects, "sorry about all that guys"
Lance huffed, "sorry ain't good enough, I demand compensation!" The dark prince rolled his eyes but smirked as he stepped aside and gestured to the cake, "that'll do!" The former thief replied before walking over and grabbing some with Angry and Catalina.
Quirin, who'd been watching this entire time, glanced at his sister and raised a brow, "so which way did you go this time? 'Annoying Guru' or 'Cold Shoulder'? He's not insane so I know you didn't use 'Assassin'"
"Guru", Adira replied with a smile
"Classic"
Eugene looked in-between the pair, "wait, how'd *you* know that?"
The retired knight scoffed as he helped Varian climb into the chair next to him, "anyone who knows Adira well enough knows she has three 'roles' she likes to play when in interrogation, 'Annoying Guru' is when she turns the questions she's asked back on the guard's heads and confuses the heck out of them, it's pretty funny to watch. 'Cold Shoulder' is when she's completely silent and glared daggers at the guards to freak them out".
"And 'Assassin'?"
The old farmer's face darkened a little before he said in a serious voice, "she makes everyone go insane.... That's not a joke, don't make her use 'Assassin', it'll be the death of you".
Everyone was startled by this before they looked at Adira, who was still smiling as she cut a piece of cake for herself and ate it. The room was silent before Varian sneezed, "bless you Speckles", she said before handing him a napkin
"Thank you", he replied as he blew his nose, "I guess I'm not completely over this cold yet..."
"No, but ivy leaf tea with honey is very good for coughing and a sore throat, good choice Stickler"
"Thank you", Quirin replied with a smirk
"Am I the only one who's freaked out by how calm you people are at the moment?" Eugene asked
"No you are not", Lance replied as he watched the face painted warrior
She sighed, "I don't understand why you're so worried, I *didn't* use that method on you, that's a good thing you know"
"But.... Where'd you...." The Dark prince asked
"Where'd I what? Where'd I learn it?" Eugene nodded as he sat next to Rapunzel, who took his hand in hers and looked just as interested, "the Baron".
"The Baron?" Lance asked worriedly as his shoulders tensed at the name. Angry and Catalina froze for a moment before looking at each other and scooting closer to the former thief, who wrapped his arms around them protectively.
"Yes, he held me captive when I was very young, and did things in front of, and to, me that no child should ever... *ahem* I studied his technique of interrogation whenever he had 'business' to tend to... Some of that included me... So I made a counter for it, it was one of the first things I ever did to survive.... It's also what changed my image of the world.... Back then, I thought someone would save me, people were looking for me, that the world wasn't a horrible place filled to the brim with people that'd backstab you just to save their own skin... I was wrong... So I came up with a way to defend myself, it worked, the only reason he never went insane is because he'd have his guards 'deal' with me, he lost a lot of them when he'd finally stopped them from interrogating me".
"Holy shit.... Are you... I mean I didn't mean to.... I...." Eugene tried but couldn't find the words he was looking for
The face painted warrior smiled at him, "it's alright, I don't mind talking about my past with all of you, it's nice. Though don't expect that out of Wild Child... Or Stickler for that matter"
Everyone looked at Quirin, who had picked Varian up and placed him in his lap, Ruddigar was in his boy's lap, sleeping. The retired knight looked at them all, "um... Hi?"
Adira chuckled, "smooth"
"Shush"
"Adira, w-with the Baron.... Would you.... Be able to face him again?" Varian asked curiously
"If I needed to, though I won't lie, it'd be hard to do.... Why do you ask Speckles?" His aunt replied as she raised a curious brow at him
"W-well.... There are some people that I... H-haven't really b-been able to face yet either..."
The face painted warrior realized who he meant instantly and shot a glance towards Rapunzel, who caught it to and was giving the teen a sympathetic look before Adira replied, "take your time"
"Huh?"
"Take your time, take however long you need to face him. You're not going get over your fears and trauma in the short time that you've had, that's impossible for anyone to do. Take your time, it's okay to not pressure yourself to face something or someone now. If you were locking yourself away because you were afraid of the world for years, then that's different, you'd be wasting you life, but if you're genuinely trying to better yourself in little ways first, then take your time".
"I.... Y-you... Really think so?"
She smiled at her nephew, "of course I do, there's no rush, take the steps you need to take first before adding something else, that could hurt you and end up making you revert back to what you were before. You're perfectly fine doing what you're doing now Speckles, it's okay, take your time".
The alchemist smiled wide at his aunt, his eyes shining brightly as he felt a weight lift off his shoulders, "thank you Aunt Wise Eyes".
Notes:
Aunt Wise Eyes is fun to write and I wanted to make a chapter that shows every side to her, the funny, kookie weirdo, the traumatized, guarded warrior, and the loving, wise aunt/mother. She's an amazing character and I hope I portrayed her well enough here without making each section seem like a completely different story X3
Quirin is precious! He's just there for the ride a lot of the time but is such a good character mold to bring out the other character's beauty! He's also got a lot of beauty of his own! I love this farming knight so freaking much it's not even funny! <3
EDMUND IS TOO PURE! XD That is all! XD
Varian and Ruddy didn't have too much of a role, but the bean got a little lighter by the end of this story because of his aunt! <3
Eugene was kinda the driving point for this whole chapter, he was extremely helpful in giving me a transition! He'll have more of an arc a little later, for now I'm giving little hints as to what he'll be doing, can you catch them?
Angry and Catalina are in here! They don't have too big a role in this chapter, but "Day of the Animals' is coming up and I wanted to show them here as a hint to that!
Hi Punzie! Bye Punzie! XD Again, 'Day of the Animals' is going to be a thing soon, so those characters are not getting major roles for a bit (except for Varian XD)
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 104: A Raging Rhino!
Summary:
Varian is summoned to the thrown room but two guards play a horrible prank on him before he can reach it. All H*ll breaks loose when Uncle Hector finds out who did it.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian felt a shiver run down his spine as he walked through the halls of the castle, he'd been summoned to the thrown room and he wasn't sure why. His father had been called away to help on the farm, apparently the snow storm had affected the crops, Varian had wanted to go with but Quirin had told him to stay since he still had a cold. The alchemist was fine with it at the time, not really into farming, but being summoned to the scariest place in the castle... Well... Second scariest... Can really make pulling weeds seem like fun. As he walked he glanced at the two guards that were guiding him, he recognized them from his time in the dungeons, neither of them were kind to him, in fact, these two seemed to take great pleasure in hurting him when he was there... He continued to pet Ruddigar's tail as he realized they'd taken a wrong turn, "u-um.... T-the thrown r-room is-!"
"Shut up *criminal*!" One of the guards barked, he grabbed the teen's wrist tightly
"W-wait, wh-!" Varian tried but was cut off when something covered his vision, "w-what?! What a-are you doing?! W-what's going on?!" He felt his other wrist being grabbed and pulled behind his back as the familiar sounds to handcuffs locked around them. Ruddigar tried to fight back but let out a yelp as if he were grabbed and thrown. That's when the teen began to panic, "d-did I do something? I-I'm sorry if I d-did! Please l-let me go! P-please! I d-didn't do it!" His anxiety only got worse as he felt himself being dragged over to a very familiar sounding door, hearing it open and being dragged inside. "P-please! Please please! D-don't make m-me go back here!! I-I d-didn't... I.. P-please!! D-dad! DAD!!!! D-DADDY! HELP!!!!!" He felt something hard slap his face, knocking him unconscious as his tears began to trickle down his face.
He woke up a little bit later and looked around but everything was blurry, his hands were still bound behind his back and he realized he was on the floor. He sat up and felt a sharp pain in his head, "ow.... H-head.... P-possible concussion...." He looked around once more and felt his heart stop. He was in a jail cell, but not just any cell, *his* original cell... In a flash he saw memories of him and Andrew together, talking, crying, yelling.... Hitting... Varian started to shiver, he tried taking a few deep breaths, but the more breath he sucked in, the more his mind raced, he wanted to go home, he wanted his father, he wanted to be *anywhere* but here! He scooched into a corner as best he could before silently crying to himself, Ruddigar was no where to be seen, he was alone again, alone and scared, nobody knew where he was or where he'd gone, that's when his thoughts spoke up.
*They won't come looking for you you know*
"T-they will", he tried
*They didn't look for you before, why would they now?*
"I-I changed, I g-got better, t-they... T-they forgave m-me!"
*That's what they *say* but is that how they truly *feel*? Did you ever ask?*
"I... T-they told me.... T-they s-said that... T-that they forgave me.... T-they.... T-they sa-!"
*Just like when the princess said she'd free your father?*
"S-stop"
*Just like when she *promised* you everything would be alright?*
"Please s-stop...."
*People let you down, you're smart enough to know no one's gonna come looking for you, no one cares!*
"T-they do"
*Yeah right! If they cared then do you really think they'd send *guards* to come get you and take you to the *thrown room*?!*
"M-maybe it was t-the king.... H-he doesn't k-know any b-better....*
*Right so the king just *decided* to speak to you on a day your father *happens* to be called away for work*
"I.... H-he...."
*Very sound argument there*
"S-shut up! I... I s-still have faith in them! I... I s-still believe i-in them... T-they're my friends, t-they would l-let me down"
"SHUT UP IN THERE!!!! CAN'T YOU TELL THERE ARE PEOPLE TRYING TO SLEEP?!" Another prisoner yelled from his cell, making the alchemist yelp a little at his harsh tone before shutting his mouth.
He felt cold blast of wind pass through the bars above him, the air making the room get chiller. He shivered even more and curled up as much as he could, "I j-just need to w-wait until they f-find me..." He whispered, "t-they'll come for me... T-they will... They w-will.... T-they...." His voice gave out as his sobs took over, being swallowed by the silence that surrounded him.
****
Hector was bored, he'd been spying on the same paths to and from Old Corona for several days and nothing happened. The most exciting thing that happened today was Adira stopping by to talk to him before leaving to patrol her own route, and his brother passing by a little bit ago, something about his precious farm needing help before he'd rode off to take care of it. The wild tamer was starting to fall asleep when something hit him, he... Hadn't seen Varian with Quirin... Did the teen not go with? He'd gotten on Xena and had her make her way to the Village Leader's home, he instantly saw him placing a tarp over some of the crops as he hopped over the fence, ignoring the other farmer's complaints as he made a beeline for his brother, "hey".
The retired knight, finally managing to get the tarp over securely, straightened his back and looked at Hector, "hi, everything ok?"
"Where's your spawn?"
"Son"
"Where is he right now?"
"At the castle, he's too sick to help me with this"
"....You left him at the castle with that fucking asshole roaming around?"
"Hector Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, and King Edmund are all there and told me they'd watch out for him. Not to mention Ruddigar, who's insanely protective over him and would never leave his side"
The wild tamer had a very bad feeling hit him when the Village Leader said that, "what if they're busy?"
"Wh-!"
"What if they're distracted?"
"Hector I trust them"
"I don't... Save for Lance and our king, but both get distracted easily"
"...You're worried about him"
"...That's not the fucking point"
"I realize, but it's sweet, look, I'm almost finished here, if you wait for a few moments, I'll go with you back to the castle and we'll find Varian together, yeah?"
"Kay"
Quirin smiled at his brother, making the man raise a brow, "sorry, just glad you like him"
"I don't"
"Wh-!"
"I love him.... So hurry the hell up!"
His older brother laughed before nodding, "will do"
****
Ruddigar opened his eyes and shook the dizziness off of himself before sniffing the air, his eyes darted around but didn't see his boy anywhere. He chittered, but heard no response, he chittered again, this time louder, nothing, getting worried, he sniffed the air, but couldn't seem to catch his boy's scent. He did, however, catch a certain guard horse's and, pressing his pride to the side, followed it, trying to locate the guard. It didn't take him long to find Max, the horse was notorious for doing patrols around the inner confines of the castle. Running over to the snobby stead, Ruddigar chittered loudly to get his attention.
Max's ear perked up before he looked to find the rapscallion rodent at his hooves, huffing he chose to ignore the thief's incessant chittering, that is, until Varian's name popped up. Max looked at Ruddigar and gave him a questioning neigh.
Ruddigar chittered out an explanation of the events that had just transpired, emphasizing the teen's fear drawn tears and cries.
The quadruped guard realized the urgency of the situation and lowered his head, allowing the rambunctious raccoon to form a temporary truce and climb on him before he galloped off to find Eugene.
The frenemy duo searched the entirety of the castle grounds to find Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, and King Edmund sitting together outside having a picnic. Giving a loud whinny, the horse and raccoon ran over to the group, instantly catching their attention.
"Max? Ruddigar? What's wrong?" Eugene asked, instantly standing up from the signals his horse gave off
Ruddigar chittered as Max neighed, both of them interrupting each other to get the story out, "one at a time guys!" Rapunzel stated, getting them both to stop
"Seems like they're worried about something", Edmund stated, standing up as well, Lance and Rapunzel following suit, their picnic forgotten
Pascal squeaked at Rapunzel, who smiled and nodded before she held out her arm and allowed the chameleon to crawl on it until he got to her hand. He then asked them what was going on, Max signaled to Ruddigar who explained the situation, shocking Pascal. He ran back to Rapunzel and told her what happened, making her gasp, "what? What's wrong?" Lance asked worriedly
"Apparently my father sent two guards to summon Varian to the thrown room, but while they were on their way, the guards threw a bag over his head, handcuffed him and knocked Ruddigar out!" The princess explained
"WHAT?!" All three yelled angrily
"When Ruddigar woke up, Varian and the guards were gone and he couldn't find their scent, so he looked for Max instead and he brought Ruddigar here to tell us!"
"WHAT THE *FUCK* DID YOU JUST SAY?!" A voice screamed from behind Rapunzel
The little group looked and saw a *very* angry and shocked Quirin and Hector standing behind them, the wild tamer walking closer to the horse and raccoon as Xena, Pixie, and Basil growled angrily, "you didn't see where they took him?" He asked Ruddigar, the poor raccoon shook his head, feeling ashamed of himself, "no your fault, what's a little raccoon gonna do against two armed guards, side I'm guessing you tried right?" Ruddigar nodded before he chittered something to the man, "we'll find him, and I'm fucking killing some guards today"
"H-Hector-!" Rapunzel tried
"If they fucking hurt my nephew, they're going to fucking *die*" The wild tamer stated before picking up Ruddigar and motioning over to his binturongs before walking towards the castle, Quirin having already gone inside.
Eugene and Rapunzel gave each other worried looks before they began to follow him, "if he tries to kill them, I'll stop him", Edmund stated, "...though.... Quirin may be a bit more difficult..."
****
Varian laid on the floor, he didn't know how long he's been in here, and he didn't care, his mind and vision is fuzzy and his head thumped. The silence had taken it's toll on the little alchemist as his throat couldn't do much more than give the small, quiet whimpers it'd been giving since he'd first woken up. He hadn't heard anyone, hadn't spoken to anyone, only played victim to his mind's cruel words, he just wanted to go home, he didn't do anything... Recently... Though could he really blame the guards for doing what they did? No... He understood they were still angry, he'd done so much harm to the kingdom, it's not like he didn't deserve this... He should be in here, he should be locked up.... He was... is.... A criminal... No matter how hard he tried that fact would never go away, he'd hurt people.... Maybe they were right to hurt him back.... "Varian?" A voice called, he didn't dare look up, he recognized it, it was the voice of a guard, but he didn't know which one, and he didn't wanna know, "Varian is that you?" The voice called again, he remained silent and didn't move, "Vari- AHH!" The teen's eyes widened when he heard hissing and chitters, it sounded like an animal attacking the guard, he lifted his head slightly, ignoring the pain for a moment to see a blurry image of what looks like a.... Binturong?
"WAIT! WAIT THAT'S STAN!!! HECTOR STOP! HE WOULDN'T HARM VARIAN!" He heard another very familiar voice yell before seeing a yellow blob rush over as the animal stopped it's attack, "are you okay?" the voice asked gently.
"Yeah I'm fine princess", the guard replied, "but, are you looking for Varian?"
"Yes, yes we are, do you know where he is?" Varian saw something white pointing at him as he heard Rapunzel gasp, "Varian!"
The teen didn't respond, he couldn't respond, he just watched as the yellow blow tried to open the cell, onto be gently nudged away by a big read blob. The red blob grabbed onto the bars, and in one swift motion ripped the door open, not even needing a key, before he walked over to the shivering teen on the floor, "Varian"
"D-dad", Varian instantly recognized his father's voice as he felt the man pick him up and set him down once more, his weight being supported by the wall behind him. It didn't last for long however as the teen felt himself be gently brought forwards, his cheek against something soft and furry, the calming smell of wood and apples making his vision clear up a bit as his father touched the handcuffs around his wrists. In one fast motion, the chains to the cuffs were broken and the alchemist wrapped his arms around his father, gripping him tightly, "dad...." His throat hurt, his head pounded, his wrists were bleeding, and his tears dripped onto the old farmer's shirt, but Varian didn't care, he just wanted his dad and only his dad. He felt large arms wrap around him as well as he cried.
****
Varian continued to cling to his father's shirt, even as the man picked him up and carried him out of the cell. "What the hell happened to him?" Eugene asked Stan, who followed them out and closed the dungeon door.
"I-I don't know Eugene! I was going down there for my usual dungeon patrol when I saw him in the cell curled into a ball, the only thing I said to him was his name before the... Binturong? Attacked me", the gentle guard explained, "I have no idea how long he's been down there or how he got locked up in the first place, I know there's no warrant for his arrest, the king didn't ask him to be locked up, in fact the king asked Pete to find him because he was summoned to the throne room and never got there".
"Why was he summoned?" Rapunzel asked
"I think the king was going to a favor of him, he said he wanted to try and 'incorporate alchemy into Corona', so he asked to meet with Varian".
Quirin growled and held Varian closer to his chest as Hector and Edmund walked beside him, the Dark King making sure his grandson was alright, the wild tamer glaring daggers as he walked forwards. He suddenly stopped when he saw two guards walking past, they glared at the teen, who noticed them and shrunk in his father's arms, Ruddigar growling at the men as they passed. This made everyone else stop as well and look at Hector, "you okay?" Lance asked, a little afraid of the answer.
Hector was quiet, his eyes were closed, his fists were clenched, and he looked *angry*! But when he opened his eyes, he smiled, "I'm fine", he stated calmly before turning, "I have some business to take care of", he added, before walking away.
No one spoke before Rapunzel tried to run after him, "he won't stop even if you're there", Quirin stated, stopping the princess in her tracks, "he won't kill them, despite what he says, Hector will show you when he wants to kill, that wasn't it, he doesn't even like killing, only does it when he feels he has to". The retired knight smiled at that, "none of us kill unless we have to, rules are different here than the Dark Kingdom, but that philosophy is the same among the Brotherhood. The Dark Kingdom celebrated when you killed an enemy, but none of us like to. Those guards... They may need a nurse or doctor after, but he won't kill them.... But can you honestly blame him?"
The princess looked at the small teen in the Village Leader's arms, he was still shaking.... Badly... And he had blood trickling down his face and hands, staining the father's shirt as he held his son tightly, "I... I won't sit by and let him hurt my people... I can't", she explained sadly as she looked at her friend, "....No matter how much you think they deserve it...."
The Village Leader smiled warmly at the princess, "I understand Rapunzel, you're going to be a great ruler one day"
"Wh-Wait really?"
He nodded, "you put your people first, even if you'd be more than willing to let Hector have his way, you protect them, and I'm assuming you'll want to give them a fair trial"
"Yes"
"That's a good thing, I'm his father, I don't agree, but I'm not a ruler, so I'm allowed to not agree. I respect your decision though, and appreciate it, thank you for being unbiased, we need that in this kingdom"
The princess smiled wide, "that means a lot coming from you, thank you", she replied before she turned and began to run towards where Hector went off to.
"You want me to come with blondie?" Eugene asked worriedly
"No, I've got this one, just help watch over Varian, he'll need his big brother", she smiled at her lover, he smiled back, giving her a kiss before he watch her run off before he joined Quirin and the rest of the group as they took Varian to the infirmary.
****
Hector smiled wickedly as he spotted the two guards standing in their posts, and, snapping his fingers, he got Pixie and Basil to run after them. A couple of yells and screams later, the two binturongs dragged the two guards over to their master and spit them out of their mouths, growling dangerously as they circled the pair, *daring* them to move an inch. "Hello fuck faces", the wild tamer stated as he grinned at them, making their blood run cold, "what's your names?"
"W-what?" One of the guards asked
"What's your names? It's polite to introduce yourselves to someone who you've never met, I'm Hector"
The guards looked at each other, completely dumbfounded before laughing at the man, "you think we're afraid of you? You look like a tooth pick! We could break you in an instant!" The second guard replied with a smirk as he and his friend stood up and brushed off the fur, "and your little pets are 'cute' but not very harmful".
"Oh surely you don't *mean* that", the wild tamer replied in a mock sad voice
The first guard smirked, "we do, I wouldn't mess with us if I were you, everyone in the kingdom knows Quirin is the strongest out of you three! And we could take him down in an instant!"
This made Hector's brow raise, "oh you could? Have you tried?"
"Don't need to, he's an old *farmer*, he may be the Village Leader but he's made his name fall into disgrace with that *failure* of a son he's got!" The first guard stated with a laugh
"Yeah! Should've heard him begging, 'please don't take me there! P-please!' Pfft! In my opinion he deserves to sit and *rot* in that cell, little vermin!" The second guard agreed
Hector's eyes narrowed as he listened to the pain, his blood beginning to boil, "I would stop if I were you, I was gonna let you go with a few scratches, but you're starting to *piss* me off", he warned as his binturongs hissed right as Rapunzel arrived on scene, she stopped when she heard the warning and stopped, waiting to see what her guards would say.
"Daaaaawwww! Did we hurt your dumb ass feelings?" The second guard asked in a baby tone, shocking her, "not our fault that little *brat* got what was coming to him! He's fucking useless to this town! Just like his father, who needs a Village Leader anyway? It's not like the *bumpkins* of Old Corona really have much to think about with their one collective brain cell!"
The guards laughed again, making the princess's blood boil as well before the first guard added, "yeah! That *freak* of a kid is better of dead!" Rapunzel gasped, "it's not like he's every gonna amount to anything! In fact, he should just k-!" His words were cut short when he felt pain shoot through his arm, letting out a scream instead. The second guard let out a similar scream as he tried to unsheathe his sword, dropping it as blood trickled onto the floor.
Hector continued to slice them, cutting their legs, arms, faces, backs, and chests until they were covered head to foot in blood and gashes. They stumbled, unable to fight back until they fell on the floor, Rapunzel ran over, snapping out of her anger and yelling, "HECTOR STOP!"
The wild tamer turned and she was silenced when she saw his face, he.... Was crying.... His yellow eyes were filled with anger and fury and his teeth were bared like a wild animal, but he was crying. He *glared* at her but didn't move, waiting for her to speak, she realized she didn't know what to say, until Quirin's words popped into her head, 'he won't kill them, despite what he says, Hector will show you when he wants to kill, that wasn't it, he doesn't even like killing, only does it when he feels he has to'. That's when it hit her, she would know when he was about the kill, Quirin had said that wasn't it, it'd been proven when Hector stated he was only planning on leaving a few scratches earlier, the only thing that changed was what the guard's said.... She looked into Hector's eyes, he glared right back, still waiting for her to say something, "....I'm sorry Hector", she replied gently, "I'm so sorry.... For what they did, for what they said, I'm so sorry.... But doing what you're about to do, it's not gonna solve anythin-!"
"They fucking deserve it...." He replied growled viciously
"....They do", this startled the tamer, "the things they said are horrible and inhumane, and I *WILL* be talking to my mother about them, but you shouldn't let what they say affect you, especially since they don't know what they're talking about, *AT ALL*!" She glared at the pair of guards, who shrunk under her stare.
"....You.... Would you protect him.... Do anything to protect him.... Would you?...." Hector asked quietly
The princess was about to answer, but stopped, she thought about it first before nodding, "I would, short of killing someone... I can't promise that.... I *won't* promise that, but I *will* protect him, both of them actually... But in Corona, this isn't the way we give out justice, unless you have no other choice but you do". She stepped forwards, the wild tamer didn't more, "you have a choice here, you don't have to do this, no matter what they said or did, you don't have to. You... You could be punished for this, for them, would you really want that? To go to prison for them?" She took another step, he still didn't move, "you've hurt them, scared them, that's enough for now. We'll clean them up, and hold them in the cells for what they've done, we'll give them a trial for committing this disgusting act of cruelty, and they'll be the one's punished for this". Another step forward, she was within arms reach, "but if you do this, it's only gonna hurt you, and they won't learn anything. I know the Dark Kingdom is not sunshine and rainbows, I know our methods are strange, but you and your family are more than welcomed here, you're safe, all of you are Hector", she took one final step before stopping right in front of him, "you're not alone anymore, Hector, and you never will be again".
She waited, unsure of what he would do, she didn't speak anymore, letting him choose, before she heard his blade slide back into his gauntlet. She felt a pat on her head and looked up, seeing the wild tamer looking at her, he looked relieved, "thanks Rapunzel..."
She smiled back, "thank *you* Hector", before looking at the guards, "you mind helping me find some other guards to take them to the infirmary in handcuffs?"
"Pixie, find Stan please", Hector replied, the binturong nodding before sniffing the air, catching a scent, and running off as Basil watched the guards, making sure they didn't move. The wild tamer and the princess of Corona looked at each other for a moment, "you... Could've been killed.... Why'd you stop me? It wasn't like your conscious would be affected by this".
"Oh but it would"
"How?" He asked, raising a brow at her
Rapunzel beamed at the brotherhood member as Stan and Pixie ran approached the scene, "because it would've affected you", she replied simply. He was startled by that, but seeing her eyes, seeing how much she meant it, made the wild tamer smile.
Notes:
HECTOR CHAPTER!!!! Mainly Varian, poor bean.... But HECTOR CHAPTER!!!! :D
Hector is an amazing character who is extremely deep and has a lot of interesting ideas you can play with. He's honestly a very different character from the cast, guarded, angry, quirky, closed off, and sassy. I love the man a lot, I love writing him too! Honestly he could have some really interestingly dark storylines, like this for example! :D
Poor Varian.... Little bean just can't catch a break.... Don't worry, those guards will get what's coming to them, Quirin will make sure of that! But the bean's gotta sleep for a minute XD He's too tired for all this edgy stuff!
Quirin is the best protective parent in the world! That is all XD
PUNZIE IS SUCH A GOOD GIRL!!!! She's getting better at reading people! She's not perfect, as later chapters will show, but she's getting there! She also just earned Hector's respect, bonus! :D
Ruddigar, Max, Pascal, Edmund, Lance, and Eugene were kinda here, sorry XD They helped some, but I wanted the focus to stay on Varian and Hector. (and Quirin) So they had to sit for a bit, sorry X3
Thank you all so much for reading! hope you have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 105: Worry, Realization, and Peace!
Summary:
Sometimes the aftermath of a storm can bring about realizations to things you didn't know about yourself.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel and Hector stepped into the infirmary a few hours later, they'd taken the guards, who were now unconscious, into a separate room to be healed, explaining what'd happened and making sure they were handcuffed with Stan and Pete guarding their door before they were directed to Varian's room. As they walked in, they saw Eugene and Lance sitting on a bed, opposite to the alchemist's, they were talking quietly to themselves, Edmund was in the middle of the room, pacing, he kept glancing over to the other bed before pacing again. Quirin was sitting next to Varian's bed, he was holding his son's hand, rubbing his thumb over the teen's knuckles, the alchemist himself was asleep, too exhausted to continue staying awake as Ruddigar was curled on his stomach, eyeing anyone who dared get close to his boy. Hector noticed something and smirked before he walked over and opened the large window in the room, allowing Adira to quietly hop inside, "heard there was trouble with Speckles and some guards, he okay?" She asked
"Take a look", the wild tamer replied as he gestured to their nephew, who was shaking in his sleep, his head and wrists were wrapped in bandages and he was whimpering, only stopping when Quirin squeezed his hand just a bit or his raccoon nuzzled his chin.
The face painted warrior's face darkened, "where are they?"
"In another infirmary room, I took care of them", Hector stated
"How bad?"
"Doctor said they'll be in a lot of pain for a while"
"Good... Assholes"
"Yeah.... You don't know the half of it"
"Should I add to their suffering?"
"You'll want to"
"But you're not going to", Edmund stated as he stopped pacing and stared at the duo, "I'm not happy about this situation either, but what Hector did is already pushing it. Those guards are in Coronan hands now, let's leave them at that"
"....So Quirin could hurt them then", the wild tamer half joked
"Don't tempt me", Quirin replied as he continued to watch his son shake in his sleep. His voice was low and soft, but everyone could hear the anger behind it, even Ruddigar looked mildly concerned about the man.
Rapunzel watched the retired knight for a moment before she grew worried, "Quiri-!"
"I won't do anything to them, rest assured I won't... But what they did to my son.... He's... He's shaking in his sleep.... He's *clinging* to my hand.... His whimpers are breaking my heart and I can't stop them for very long.... It...." He looked at the princess, she hadn't notice before, but she could see the large bags under his eyes, the tears he wasn't allowing to fall, and the frown that quivered slightly, not enough for anyone to notice from a distance, "it hurts Rapunzel.... It really hurts to see him like this again.... He did this when I was out of the amber... The first few nights I was out, he snuck into my bed and slept by my side almost every night... After you left our home and we got his new clothes.... It wasn't until we picked the apples together and Ruddigar came back that he spent the night in his own bed, and there were still nights where he couldn't.... And he'd shake and whimper..... It hurts... It hurts so much to see him like this and not be able to *do* anything about it.... I can't fix this... I'm trying but then those guards, and the people... They remind him... They keep reminding him and he reverts back to this.... How long was he in there? How long did he suffer? That's all my mind is thinking, that's all it ever thinks.... Why does this keep happening, isn't he doing enough? Isn't he?"
"He is, he's done more than enough", Rapunzel replied, "he's done so much, for me, for this kingdom, he's done more than enough-!"
"Then WHY?!" Quirin yelled before realizing that startled his son and quieting down, "...Why..... You know he's not evil, Eugene knows he's not evil, Lance knows he's not evil, even the *Queen* knows he's not evil...." He looked back at Varian, who whimpered again. He brushed his son's bangs out of his face, getting the teen to relax a little before he shifted, turning onto his side, facing his father and curling up, his grip tightening around the man's hand. The Village Leader sighed as Ruddigar moved to Varian's stomach and curled up, remaining awake and watching, "Why princess.... Why can't the guards and villagers see that? I understand he did wrong, but their whispers, their glares, a-and now this? What's next, someone beating him? Lashing him? A-a noose around his neck?"
"Absolutely not", Rapunzel replied
"The fucking guards did this, the *guards*", Hector stated, "they're trained to protect the innocent yet they just attacked, bound, insulted, and potentially traumatized someone innocent! Quirin's questions aren't wrong here!"
"His concerns are justified Sundrop", Adira agreed, "considering what just happened to Speckles"
Rapunzel looked at the teen, a pang of guilt and worry shot through her as he continued to shiver, "I understand the worry, but I won't let this happen again, I won't"
"How?" Edmund ask gently, "half the guards are gone from what I understand, the captain himself is gone, it's not like you can lose guards, it'll put your citizens in danger. Adira and Hector help, and so can I, but we're all from a different kingdom with no jurisdiction in this place, we don't have any permission to arrest or control a Coronan criminal". He looked sympathetically at the princess, "you're in a really sticky pickle right now and can't afford to lose any guards, even the rancid ones...."
The princess thought for a moment before she got an idea, "Eugene, you train the guards in how to catch a thief right?"
"Yep", the dark prince replied, "all of them, though classes have been a little scarce in that department considering majority of the guards are gone".
"What if, instead of you training the old guards on how to be better at their jobs, you train completely new guards to handle the smaller crimes in Corona, make them junior guards. Then we can keep the fully trained guards around for the bigger issues, it would take how long to train new recruits?"
"In how to catch a thief and handle the smaller crimes?" Eugene asked, when Rapunzel nodded he thought about it for a moment, "alone, two weeks, with Max or Lance, one".
"Perfect! Lance, do you mind helping Eugene train a couple junior guards?"
"I don't mind, can Catalina and Angry help out too? They'd probably enjoy it", Lance replied with a smile
"Of course! Though they may be out for a bit, the trip to Nazerdnia is in a couple days and me, Varian, Catalina, and Angry are all going... That is... If he's still allowed to and if he'd be willing to go", the princess looked at Quirin again
The retired knight let out a sigh, his exhaustion never leaving his face, "I'll.... Have to see how he feels when he wakes up...."
Everyone watched as the worried father stared at his son, never leaving his side or letting go of his hand, the raccoon rubbing against his boy anytime he gave the smallest whimper, "Quirin.... I'm... I'm really sorry this happened to him...." Rapunzel said softly as she walked over to the knight, "you're right to be upset and angry. You've made very valid points and I plan on fixing this problem.... Is there anything I can do to help you?"
The Village Leader looked at the princess, he could see her sincerity as she watched him, "no, not right now... But thank you... For the offer... I'm sorry for my outburst I've just been so... Tired lately an-!"
"Don't apologize for protecting someone you love", she interrupted gently, "you're angry, upset, and scared, and you have *every* right to be. He was attacked in the castle and I'm not gonna let that happen again, I'm not. I'll make sure to take every precaution to make sure he's safe. He's my little brother"
"Little brother?"
"Yes, ....well not biologically, but I consider him my little brother, and to see him like this...." She looked at the teen again, he'd finally stopped shivering and looked to be sleeping peacefully for the moment, he was still holding his father's hand as Ruddigar nuzzled his face gently before returning to his original position, "...to see him like this.... It upsets me too..." She looked back at Quirin, "I truly want him to be safe here, I want him to know he's alright and protected, if that means I have to do things differently around here, then I will. I'm going to give those guards a fair trial, but attacking someone unprovoked will at *very* least cost them their jobs. Varian is a citizen of Corona, he needs to be treated as such, he's not a second class citizen, he never has been and never will be, neither are you. I think... I think I need to start making a lot of changes with this kingdom, this whole experience showed me just how corrupt it can be... From the horrible treatment of the prisoners to biased guards, silencing the Village Leader, being unable to help a lone child, making Old Corona second class.... All these events tell me is that this has been going on for far too long and I plan on making *big* changes to Corona, for the better of *everyone*".
"....I-I'll help..." A small voice replied, everyone looked and saw Varian watching the princess from his bed, "I-I can help.... W-with the prison c-changes.... Y-you asked me before, I... I w-wanna help"
"Varian!" The princess ran over and hugged the teen tightly, startling him for a moment before he returned the hug, Ruddigar had hopped onto Quirin's shoulder right before being crushed, the retired knight chuckled. "Oh Varian I'm so glad you're awake!" She added before pulling away and placing her hands on his cheeks, checking him over, "are you alright? Any scratches or marks? D-do you have a concussion? Are yo-!"
The alchemist giggled, "I'm okay, I'm a-alright, the only that's happening right now is my face getting squished by a very worried big sister"
Rapunzel stopped for a moment before smiling wide, "b-big sister?"
"Well yeah, d-didn't you know that?"
"I mean I consider you my little brother but-!" She then realized she was still holding his face, and let go, "eheh, sorry"
"You're fine", the teen replied, rubbing his cheek a little as Ruddigar hopped of of the retired knight and snuggled in his boy's lap, purring softly as he fell asleep, "y-you consider me your little brother?"
"Of course! ....Why have we never told each other this?"
"Uh.... I blame Lance"
"Wha-! HEY!" The former thief replied as Eugene laughed
Rapunzel smiled before she looked the alchemist up and down, "seriously though, are you really okay?"
"I will be, I... Sort of expected this to happen w-when you said I'd get a room here.... I'm sorry if I made you all worry", Varian replied gently
"I'm sorry, maybe I missed something here but, why exactly are *you* apologizing?" The Dark prince asked
"I.... B-because I'm the r-reason they attacked m-me? Then y-you all worried about me-!"
"Because we love you kid!" Eugene stated, getting up from the opposite bed and walking over, "you're my little brother too, I'd never want anything to happen to you. Hair Stripe you mean more to me than almost everyone in Corona, Rapunzel takes priority but you're up there with Lance, and that's a pretty hard place to get to".
"Can't choose?" Lance joked
"Nah, you're the funny to his intelligence, it's balanced perfectly"
"I'm not funny?" Varian asked
"I'm not intelligent?" Lance added
"Wait no, that's not what I-!" He stopped when they started to giggle, "you're both brats...."
"We know", they replied
"Either way", the man stated before looking at Varian again, "we love you, and what happened today should never have happened"
"To be fair, i-it only happened because of what I did... I... Don't blame them for being upset..."
"Being upset and being cruel are two completely different things", Quirin stated, "you're *fixing* what you did, them punishing you for something you've already done when you know it was wrong is like kicking a man when he's down, that's not how this works. You're not being punished for what you did, you're being punished for trying to fix it, that's not right".
"W-what do you mean?" Varian asked, "I still did it"
The retired knight took a moment before he responded, collecting his thoughts, "here's a scenario, a child walks into a room and accidentally breaks a vase, it's one of a kind, very expensive, was a gift from a friend, and meant a lot to their parents, and they knew that. The child feels horrible about it and tells their parent what they did, apologizing profusely. The parents are rightfully upset, they punish the child, lets say they ground him, he accepts and then begins to clean up the mess. The child has already been punished right?"
"Right"
"Ok, then it should be over and done with, let's say the parent screams at the child as he's cleaning, and punishes him more for breaking the vase, does that make any sense to you?"
"No"
"Why?"
"B-because the child told the truth and is trying to clean up the vase he broke, t-that would be really cruel to make the kid feel worse for something he already knew was wrong and was already punished for"
"You're absolutely right, now take that scenario, and place it over you, you're the child that broke the vase and the guards are the parents. You were already punished and accepted what you did was wrong, they just punished you-!"
"For trying to fix it, oh"
"Yeah"
"Isn't it a different scenario t-though? I hurt people and wiped the memories of the rulers of the kingdom"
"They're memories are back and you haven't hurt anyone recently, not only that but you're working hard to fix what you broke every time you get a chance", his father stated, "give you another scenario that's a little closer, King Edmund's situation, sorry"
"It's alright", the Dark king replied with a smile, "makes me happy to be an example"
The retired knight smiled at his king before he turned to his son, "his situation, you already know it, do you think he should continue to feel horrible for it?"
"No!" The teen replied immediately
"Why?"
"B-because he's already apologized a-and the people most effected by his actions have already f-forgiven him! Plus he's here trying to make amends.... and he's a *good* grandpa!"
Quirin stopped and looked at his son before looking at the king, who was smiling wider than anyone had ever seen before. The Village leader chuckled as he looked back at his son and smiling, "you're a bean, either way, you're right, but do you see what I mean? His situation is very similar to yours, yet even you say he's been punished enough, which is true", he looked back at his king, "you don't get to punish yourself anymore"
"But-!"
"No"
"Quirin-!"
"Stop it, bad king Edmund!"
"Pfft! I'm not a dog!"
"I know and I'm not sure where that came from"
Varian laughed, "residual dadding"
"Dadding?" Quirin asked, looking at his son
"You dad a lot, even to the villagers you're very much a 'dad' to them, Mr. Adam agrees with me"
"We're getting off track", Eugene stated
"We are", the retired knight agreed, "we're not done with this conversation though", he added, getting his son and king to giggle before he continued, "either way, you agreed with me, that he's punished himself enough. So why doesn't the same reasoning apply to you?"
"I.... I don't know...." Varian replied softly, feeling a little anxious as he stroked Ruddigar's fur, "I just feel like I... Should still feel bad?" He looked at Lance, "w-what is that?"
"It can be a lot of things, but we can try to narrow it down, does it come in spurts or is it all the time?" The former thief asked
"Spurts, t-there are times when I feel like I can finally move on, and other times w-where the guilt gets so bad it twists my stomach...."
"Does it make you feel sick, or is it just a thought?"
"Both? I-it starts out as a thought, then gets w-worse the more I think about it... B-but I don't start to think about initially, i-it... It just pops into my head"
"Do you sometimes feel like you can't face the person your thoughts are about?"
"Yeah, t-that happens a lot.... There are even t-times where I'll avoid them.... I-it's not on purpose, I d-don't wanna avoid them, b-but sometimes I just can't stomach the thought of facing that person...."
"How often does it happen?"
"A lot r-recently.... Not so m-much before t-the amber incident...."
Lance stayed quiet for a moment before asked, "Varian... Have you ever had thoughts about.... What the world would be like without you?"
This startled the teen but he took a deep breath, and nodded, "I have... I've had those a lot lately too..."
"I think you may have depression", Lance stated softly, "those regrets you were talkin about and the thoughts about you not existing along with the other things we've discussed... They're all signs of depression, no I know I've talked to you before about it, but I wasn't always sure... I think you may have a form of depression and that it's starting to affect you more and more lately... Is there any reason why around this time these feeling are poppin up and affectin you so badly?"
The teen thought about it for a moment before realizing something, "I.... Mom..." This startled Quirin a bit as he squeezed his son's hand gently, "mom left around this time.... I... I'm not sure why this is affecting anything I'm doing now though..."
"Well, think about what you've been regretting", Lance suggested, "can you name some?"
"W-well.... The time I was annoyed w-when helping dad farm even though he just w-wanted to spend time with me.... T-the times I slept in his bed and bothered him in the m-middle of the night... The Amber... T-that's the biggest one... S-some thigs I broke as a kid that dad really l-liked.... The alchemy explosions...."
"I noticed you haven't really been doin a lot of alchemy either lately"
"Y-yeah... I want to but every time I do I get a flash to an explosion a-and then see dad getting yelled at... I just end up turning away from it...."
"Notice a connection?"
"....Dad"
"The one parent you got left, the only one, he represents your family image doesn't he?"
"Uh huh"
"That's actually normal, I think of Eugene when I think of family, it's because I grew up with him, he's been my only family. You think about your dad a lot, and honestly, I'm startin to wonder if maybe your mom bein.... Gone.... If maybe that timin affects you more than you think it does... Which makes your depression worse, the things you've been regretting are affectin your depression, which is affectin your mental state and thus, makin you think you need to be even further punished than you already have been and makes what the guards did seem reasonable while everyone else getting punished like you just did is not okay. It's a really rough spot to be in little man, really rough, but you're not alone in this, I can schedule some extra sessions with you in private if you want, maybe even have your dad in there too, cause I'm sure this time of the year hurts you too Quirin".
The retired knight nodded, "I haven't really been sleeping well because of it...."
"That would explain the bags under your eyes", Rapunzel replied sadly before realizing what she said, "sorry"
The Village Leader chuckled, "it's alright"
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Hector asked, "I'm not an expert but I'd like to help"
"That would be a question for these two", Lance replied before gesturing to the father son duo
"Well... I wouldn't mind going on a family trip someday", Varian suggested, "m-maybe getting out and cooling our heads will do us some good?"
Quirin smiled, "I wouldn't mind something like that, Eugene could join too, if you want, maybe we could camp"
"A family camping trip with almost everyone in this room...." Eugene replied, looking around at everyone before shrugging, "I wouldn't mind"
Adira nodded, "we'll have to plan for one once the new guards are trained, that way someone can look out for the Moonstone"
"Right", Edmund replied, "plus it'll give the little peanut time to heal"
"Oh hey, that reminds me", Rapunzel said as she looked at Varian, "the trip to Nezerdnia is in a couple days, Varian were you still wanting to go?"
The teen nodded, "I definitely still wanna go! I wanna get those copper plated elements from the market and see if they have a metal shop there". He then turned to his dad, "I-I'm still going right?"
The princess looked at Quirin, who was smiling lovingly at his son, "if you're healthy enough to go, then yes"
"Hmmm.... How healthy is 'healthy enough'?"
The retired knight chuckled and hugged his son happily, snuggling him and getting a hug in return, "you'll be able to go I'm sure of it", he reassured. His smile widened when he felt his son lean into his touch, curling into him and yawning, "sleepy?"
"Nu..." The teen yawned again
Quirin chuckled, "I think you're sleepy"
"I am.... Not...."
"Ok, you're not", the man replied as he felt his son's weight shift as he fell asleep in his hold, making everyone in the room smile as he let out a peaceful sigh.
Notes:
Early chapter realease folks! :D
The next chapter with be 'The Day of the Animals' beginning, I wanted to write an aftermath chapter for what Varian just went through, because that's traumatic!
Varian is a little bean and everyone must protect him! I decree it, also there are various hints to upcoming chapters I have planned :D
Poor Quirin.... The man really needs a break as well, but he'll get there, he's a good dad <3
Edmund you're adorable! :D Hector you're blunt and it's hilarious! XD Adira you're sassy to a T! X3
Ruddy buddy is best animal companion, ever vigilant until his boy's awake, and even then, sticks by the bean's side <3
Lance is KING!!!!!! This man needs no introduction, he's a king and I loveth emotional support Lance! <3 (Side note: more sessions will come soon :D)
Rapunzel is growing up! All hail the princess Punzie! <3
Eugene you're a sweetheart, there shall be more Team Awesome soon too :D
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 106: The Sendoff!
Summary:
The trip to Nezerdnia has finally come, and Varian is excited to head out!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian beamed with excitment, bouncing on his heels as his father brushed his hair, "hold still son, you're gonna make me pull".
"I'm sorry I can't help it! We're going to Nezerdnia today! I'm gonna get those copper plated elements and maybe even a few other things while we're there!"
"Got money burning a hole in your pocket?" The retired knight teased
"Ha ha"
"I thought it was funny"
The teen giggled, "either way, I've got plenty of money from tips from apple runs and Lance and Eugene's bet money"
"You still have some of that left over?"
"Yeah! I've been saving it ever since I heard about this trip! I wanna go so badly I could barely sleep last night!"
"I noticed, you know you wiggle a lot when you're excited?" Accidentally pulling a lock of his son's hair a bit too hard.
"Ow!"
"Sorry, but see? That wouldn't happen if you'd hold still"
"Alright alright", the teen replied, rubbing his head a bit before crossing his ankles and holding as still as he could.
Quirin finished brushing his hair before he straightened out the teen's shirt collar, "alright that should do it, let me get a look at you".
Varian stood up and turned around to face his father, who placed a hand on his chin, "what's wrong?"
"It needs something... What do you think Ruddigar?" The small mammal looked his boy over before smirking and climbing up the man's shoulder, chittering something in his ear. The retired knight nodded and grabbed something from a drawer behind him before placing it on his son's head, "perfect".
The alchemist looked skeptical before looking in a mirror and seeing a gigantic blue bow on his head, "hilarious you two", he replied sarcastically as the michievious duo laughed. The teen took the bow off and managed to get it on Quirin's head, "much better".
"Mmmm, blue's not really my color", the Village Leader replied, getting his son to face palm as Ruddigar continued to laugh.
Just then, the door opened and Eugene walked in, "alrighty Hair Stripe you ready t-! ....Hmmm Blue's not really your color Quirin"
"That's what I said, but *he* insisted on a blue bow", the old farmer replied with a smirk before gesturing to Varian
"Wha-! Bu-!"
"Goggles, maybe leave the fashion statements to me?" Eugene replied with a grin before he walked over and pulled a red bow out of the drawer, replacing the blue one on the Village Leader's head, "that's better, brings out your eyes more"
"I swear to Demanitus you two!" Varian giggled as he watched his father flip the ribbon of the bow dramatically, "can we *go* please?!" He asked with a large smile on his face
Eugene chuckled before nodding, "Rapunzel and the girls are waiting for you, they've got a carriage loaded up and ready".
They walked out, Ruddigar hopping onto Varian's shoulder as they did. Opening the main doors to the castle they saw Rapunzel, Catalina, Angry, Lance, and Edmund chatting happily before noticing the group, "hey gu-!" Edmund started before noticing the bow on his knight's head, "*lovely* accessory Quirin".
"Thank you, I thought I'd do something a little different today", the old farmer joked, getting the teen girls to giggle at his response
"Ain't nothin wrong with that", Lance replied with a smile, "really brings out your eyes".
"That's what I said", Eugene stated with a smirk
"It actually looks really adrable on you Quirin", the princess replied happily
"Really? I might wear it more often then", the retired knight replied
"I can't take you anywhere, honestly", Varian replied with a grin as he set his bag inside the carriage
"Well, maybe it's a little much", his father replied, "I feel like I overdressed a little not gonna lie". He removed the bow and stuck it in his pocket, "more of a 'welcome home' kind of thing, yeah?" He asked Eugene
"Oh absolutely!" The Dark prince replied
"No! Don't encourage him!" Varian pleaded
"Why not? Quirin can pull off a bow pretty well"
"Oh geez, if I come back and he's in a dress-!"
"No, we wouldn't go that far", his dad chuckled, "while there's nothing wrong with a man in a dress, I don't think it's really for me, the bow though".
"No the bow definitely suits you!" Eugene agreed
"It makes me feel pretty"
"You know what, you go ahead and wear the bow if you want dad", Varian replied with a grin, "it looks great on you"
"Thank you son", the old farmer replied with a chuckle, "now you'll be safe on this trip right? No wondering off, no getting distracted?"
"Yeah definitely!" The teen replied as Ruddigar hopped into the carriage, "it'll be just me, Rapunzel, Catalina, and Angry, and we'll be completely safe! The only dangerous part about the trip is really just 'Dead Man's Curve' which... eheh.... I-I'm not scared about a-at all!" He grit his teeth in a shaky smile.
Quirin raised a brow, taking off the bow and watching his son, "Bubby if you're nervous I could come with you"
"N-no! No I'm fine, j-just... Sorry that was where we camped last time.... I-in the woods.... That's where Ruddigar was taken away from me..."
"I remember, but he won't be this time, you're going to be alright, you've got Rapunzel with you, plus Catalina and Angry, who were extremely talented thieves themselves. Plus Dwayne is lock up, remember?"
Hearing this, the princess chimed in, "actually, I had a little chat with Dwayne, we spoke for a while and since his crimes weren't really bad, and he wasn't attacking me, I gave him a second chance and let him go, on the promise that he *wouldn't* go around stealing again". Noticing the worried looks from the alchemist, Ruddigar, and the retired knight she added, "*if* he comes around and causes trouble, we'll be more than able to handle it, *trust* me Dwayne is not a threat".
Edmund felt a pang of worry shoot through him, he backed up a bit and turned his back to the group before walking over and placing something into Varian's backpack. "He was when he took Ruddigar... T-then again I did scare him half to death without having to really do anything, but still..." Varian replied, not noticing his grandfather do this as Ruddigar nuzzled him comfortingly, "I-I guess I'll be fine, just don't wanna have that little.... I-incident happen again you know?"
"I understand, but don't worry, you and Ruddigar will be perfectly fine with us", the princess reassured with a wide smile on her face before looking at Catalina and Angry, who were hugging Lance goodbye, "are you two ready to go?"
"Yep!" Angry replied as she walked over and sat down next to Varian, "sup V"
"Hi Angry", the teen replied cheerfully
"Cat, are you coming?" The black haired thief asked
Catalina hugged Lance one more time before facing her sister, only stopping for just a moment when she saw Varian looking at her. A slight blush formed on her cheeks and she nodded, "yeah, I'm ready"
"Cool.... Uh... I take it you'll be standing the entire way?"
The wolf girl blushed even more before quickly walking over to her sister and sitting down on the other side of her, punching her arm and making her laugh. Rapunzel sat on Varian's other side and took the reigns, "alright, are we all ready to go?" The teens nodded, "come on guys, give me a little more energy than that!"
"Uh.... Weehoo?" Varian tried, twirling his finger in the air, making Quirin chuckle as Lance, Edmund, and Eugene stood next to him
Rapunzel giggled, "it'll do for now, but I expect a big cheer when we head home alchemy boy"
"That a demand Sun Princess?"
"Nope, it's a royal decree"
"I'll only do it because I'll get to see dad when we're back.... And I'll have new copper plated elements.... A-and maybe some other chemicals.... Ok *now* I'm excited!"
The princess hugged the teen, ruffling his hair a bit, "you're so cute!"
"Ey! Now how would you like it if I ruffled your braid?" Varian complained, breaking away from Rapunzel's hold and fixing his hair, "it'd get all tangled and you'd have 70 foot bird's next to brush"
"On the plus side, she could borrow your dad's bow", Angry joked
"No that bow was made for Quirin and Quirin alone", the princess smiled as the retired knight chuckled, "anyway, we should head out, we've got a lot of ground to cover!"
"Right", Catalina agreed, "we'll wanna get past the woods before nightfall"
"True, we should really get going, bye guys!" The princess said as she signaled for Max to begin walking, "see you in a few days!"
"Bye blondie, love you!" Eugene called
"Love you Varian!" Quirin replied
"Love you too!" They both answered happily as they waved
"Be safe everyone!" Edmund yelled, he waved happily, a small smirk was on his face as he waved
"What's the smirk for?" His knight asked
"Oh, I just know they'll be okay", he answered
Quirin raised a brow, "what did you do?"
"Nothing"
"No, I know you di-! ....Wait.... Where's Hamuel?"
Lance stepped up and shouted, "BYE GIRLS! BE SAAAAAAAAAFE!" Not letting the duo finish their conversation as they turned and saw the group was almost out of sight.
Catalina and Angry laughed and then yelled back, "DON'T EAT ALL THE CASTLE FOOOOOOOOOOOD!" Making the former thief cackle as they watched the little group set out on their trip to the Nezerdnian market.
Notes:
Hello! I wanted to do a fluff chapter before we head into the Day of the Animals episode chapter. Plus I wanted to give an explanation as to why Hamuel was there and not with Edmund, grandpa just wants his little peanut to be safe XD
Rapunzel and Varian moments!!!!!!
Bow Quirin is beautiful! <3 Fight me on that, I dare you!!!!!! XD
Lance is a good adoptive father, and I shall prove it! :D He is the KING after all!
Varian is adorable in every way, and yes, put the Peter Griffin meme, "AH! HE SAID IT!" Here, because I did just have him say Tangled XD
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 107: Day of the Animals! (part 1!)
Summary:
Varian, Rapunzel, Angry, and Catalina all set out on their road trip adventure, not aware of what exactly would be waiting for them.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“And then you take the magnesium and place it into the beaker to make the mixture bubble and then yo-!”
“BWAAAAAK!”
“W-what wa-!”
“BWAAAAAAAAAAAK!”
Varian looked around, but couldn’t seem to find the source of the odd noise, “where is that coming fro-!”
“BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!”
“Uh V, your bag is moving”, Angry said as she pointed to the twitching pack on the alchemist’s back.
“Did you bring any live chemicals or something Varian?” Rapunzel asked as she watched the teen shed his bag and unlatch the button
Varian shook his head, “nothing I remember, the only thing that could make this bag move is Ruddigar, but he’s on my shoulder”, the teen gestured to the questioning raccoon as he sniffed his boy’s bag before jumping back when it twitched again. The alchemist fully unlatched the flap and opened the bag, peeking in before closing it and looking both amused and curious, “um…. Did we order an old crow?”
“No why?”
“Because Hamuel’s in my bag”, he replied before opening the flap again only for the bird to fly out, blurting and very loud CAW! As he did so before he dove back down and landed, roughly, in the alchemist’s open hand. “Hamuel how did y-! A…. a-a note?” Varian took what the burd held in his mouth and unfolded it just as Hamuel hopped upright and flew onto the teen’s shoulder, making Ruddigar glare at him:
“Dear Little Peanut,
Hello, it’s grandpa! When I heard the princess had let the thief, Dwayne, out of jail, I felt a little worried about you considering your last run in with him didn’t seem very friendly from what Quirin, Adira, and Hector told me, so I thought I’d send a little friend to help you along!
I know he may not seem like it, but Hamuel is actually a very intelligent and graceful creature…. I-in his own way eheh…. He’s very loyal and will stay by your side should you need him too, plus he’s incredibly resourceful and willing to help in ways you wouldn’t really believe until you see it! ….Oh! And he can fly upside down, which is a trick I taught him a very long time ago, isn’t that neat? Heh heh!
Anyway I just thought that since you seemed a little worried about this Dwayne fellow, that you wouldn’t mind having an eye in the sky so to speak, he won’t take up much room and he’s a very handy little bird, just feed him and treat him well and he’ll stick to you like glue!
Also, I know things are a little grim right now, but maybe this little bird can show you how to look on the bright side a little bit, I mean he’s never frowned, ever! He’s certainly lightened my mood whenever things looked bleak, so maybe he’ll do the same for you! Either way, I love you my little peanut, and I wish you and your friends a safe and happy journey, I can’t wait until you come home either, things won’t be the same without you, though I suppose this old bag of bones could spend some time with Horace for a bit, and Quirin too!
Most importantly, know that I love you Varian, and I’ll be so excited to give you a big hug when you get home! Enjoy your time and bring home lots of alchemy equipment!
Love,
Your Grandpa Edmund <3
P.S. Please don’t let Quirin know I did this! I’ll never hear the end of it if he finds out!”
Varian smiled wide at the note and folded it back up, placing it into his bag before looking at the crow, “well, I guess you’re coming with us then huh buddy?” The alchemist asked as he scratched the bird with one finger, making the old crow stretch his neck out, happily accepting the attention. Ruddigar huffed, then nuzzled his boy, chittering as he did, “yes yes you too!” The teen giggled, scratching his raccoon’s chin, “you jealous thing you”.
Rapunzel smiled, “Edmund’s so sweet! I can’t believe he let you keep Hamuel with you!”
Varian smiled happily at the derpy bird, “I’ll make sure to take good care of him… Although, I’m curious as to how he can fly upside down…. I…. Didn’t think that was physically possible for a bird to do”.
“Maybe he can show us”, Catalina suggested before she scooted closer to the teen, hiding the small blush she gave him, “um, his Hamuel, do you mind showing us your upside-down flying?”
The old crow tilted his head at the girl before nodding and taking off, collecting a lot of speed before flipping upside down and continuing to fly, making everyone clap, “wow! Amazing job Hamuel!” They all complimented, making both Max and Ruddigar huff a little as Pascal cheered for the bird himself. Hamuel, noticing the little chameleon, soared down, flipped upright and used his claws to grab Pascal’s feet, taking him with.
“PASCAL!” Rapunzel yelled worriedly, “oh Hamuel, please be careful!”
The bird gave a squak before he turned upside down again, lifting Pascal into a standing position, the little chameleon struggled to balance for a moment before getting the hang of it and smiling. He waved to Rapunzel, getting the princess to smile wide, “wow, that’s actually pretty neat, but… What else can he do?” Angry asked.
“W-well I uh…. I…. Actually I don’t know… He usually just stays on grandpa’s shoulder….” Varian replied, “then again, grandpa did mention he’s useful in surprising ways, so maybe he’ll show us?”
“Maybe”, Catalina agreed, “I wouldn’t doubt it, I mean, Quirin didn’t strike me as a knight when I first met him… Though…. I was in my werewolf form when that happened…”
“That’s true, but even still, he doesn’t really look like a knight, he looks like a regular farmer to me”, Angry stated.
“Looks can be deceiving”, Varian replied with a grin, “my dad’s the strongest guy I’ve ever known! He’s also the best dad in the world sooo”
“Did you ever know?” Rapunzel asked, “that there was something you didn’t know about him I mean”.
The alchemist thought about it as Ruddigar hopped off his lap and settled at his feet, yawning a little and resting his eyes while Pascal and Hamuel flew in the air together happily, “I… guess when I was younger I never really thought of him as more than my dad. He’s always been there for me and loved and cared for me more than anyone else did. W-when I was younger… The villagers didn’t really understand me…. Guess nothing really changed… B-but dad would defend me, even though he didn’t understand himself, which he didn’t. But as far as his secret about being a knight from a different kingdom…. I…. Ya know, I never really thought about it until now, but it didn’t really surprise me”.
“Really?”
“Yeah, when he told me it just kinda made sense in my head, like it just… fit somehow… or like I already knew, like there was a little voice in my head that’d told me a long time ago…. Ya know…. I wonder if…. Well maybe that’s just silly…”
“What?” Angry asked, curious now
“W-well…. There were a lot of things that happened when I was a kid that…. Shouldn’t have I guess? L-like if he forgot what he was going to say, I knew it and would give him the words. Or if he was feeling down, I knew he was even though he could hide it from everyone else… O-or…. Or when he’d… Be thinking about something from his past…. I don’t know, i-it was like we were connected somehow, like I would, and could, understand him better than I should’ve been able to… Like during the blizzard…. I knew he was afraid of the black rocks… I-I didn’t know why but I knew he was afraid of them and that he knew more about them that what he was letting on… I… Wonder why that is…”
“Have you ever told him that Varian? I’m certain he’d wanna know about something like that”, Rapunzel stated.
“W-what exactly would I say to him? ‘Hey dad, did you know I knew you were afraid of the black rocks for a reason back then when I shouldn’t have? And that I wasn’t surprised you were a knight because I knew deep down all along without you having to tell me? Pretty nifty huh, ok so what’s for dinner?’ ….Yeah that’ll go about as well as me asking if I can get a rhino as a pet”
“Uhhh-!”
“Poorly”
“Varian you’ve gotta get more confidence in yourself, I mean what will he do? Declare you a witch and burn you at the stake? I think he’s already accepted you’re different and loved you all the same”.
“This is different, this isn’t me talking to him about alchemy, this is me saying all the worry, fear, and sadness he felt at keeping a secret like that from me would’ve been for nothing! And how did I know anyway?! Who told me, because it sure as heck wasn’t him or my mom for that matter…. I… Don’t even know if she knew…”
“Do you…. Think it had to do with the Moonstone?” Catalina asked quietly, getting everyone to stare at her, “w-well we all know what happened with Rapunzel and the sundrop! How do we know the same thing didn’t happen with Quirin and the Moonstone, after all he was guarding it for a long time wasn’t he? What if some of it’s magic rubbed off on you?”
“I… I’ve thought about that, b-but how would we know for sure?” Varian asked
“How long have you had that blue streak in your hair?” Angry asked, “we never got an explanation for that, what if it came from the magic of the Moonstone?”
The princess’s eyes widened before she looked at the hair stripe, “I didn’t think about that! It’s the exact same color as the Moonstone itself, I mean Varian you saw it! It’s…. How did you get that stripe anyway?”
“I was… Born with it… There’s a painting of me, dad, and mom in my dad’s room… I’m a baby in that picture, my dad said I was no more than a few months old, b-but the artist who painted it included my hair stripe… I’ve always had it…. Huh… Why did I never ask about it before? Seems so obvious now”.
“Maybe… You weren’t supposed to”
“What do you mean Rapunzel?”
“Well… For the longest time my father didn’t want me to even mention the Sundrop flower, black rocks, or my hair… He was afraid of what it meant and what it represented… And from what Edmund told me, the Moonstone didn’t seem too keen with people being close to it by the time you were born… So what if you were never supposed to ask about it because it didn’t want you to?”
“…T-that would make sense… B-but if that’s the case… T-then does that mean I’m…. connected to it somehow? A-and if so, what would that even mean? D-do I need to do something about the Moonstone or am I just… supposed to just… Stay away from it?”
“I don’t know… But have you ever… Glowed before?”
“Glowed?!”
“Yeah! Have you ever noticed a small glow about you, when you’ve felt angry or upset, or even scared? Ever?”
Varian thought for a moment, going back to all the times he could remember before a few moments in particular stuck out, “t-there were times where I t-thought it was lighter than before…. T-the most recent was when me, Lance, and Eugene g-got ambushed with that stu[id werewolf hunter… And a couple o-other times before that….”
The princess, Catalina, and Angry looked at the teen sadly, before Catalina stepped in, “why don’t we change the subject for now, I mean, we can ask Mr. Quirin about the connection when we get back, but why don’t we focus on getting to the Nedzerdnia market first yeah?” She suggested as Hamuel cawed while flying over head, getting Pascal to let out a happy squeak of joy.
“Y-yeah, we should focus on that for now!” Varian replied as he bent down to stroke Ruddigar’s fur a little, getting a purr from his raccoon and calming himself, “b-besides, I never really found out why you three were going to the market anyway, w-why was that again?”
Before anyone answered, Pascal and Hamuel ended up smacking into Max’s face, annoying the guard. Pascal tried to wave and apologize but before he could the horse knocked the both off his snout, sending them flying into the bags in the carriage, “oof! Careful you two!” Rapunzel stated as she climbed into the back and picked up the woozy chameleon, “we don’t wanna break this stuff before we get to Nedzerdnia”.
“That’s right”, Angry agreed, “cause once me and Catalina return this last sack of stolen loot, we’ll have officially put our thieving days behind us!”
Getting a nod from Varian, who seemed satisfied with the answer, “OH I can’t wait to get my hands on a copper plated element from the Nedzerdnia market!” He exclaimed with both excitement and relief before turning to look at Angry and Catalina, “do you know have any idea how many poly-alchemical substration tests I’ll be able to run?!”
The dark hair thief rolled her eyes, “anyone wanna switch seats with me?”
Rapunzel retook her place next to the alchemist with a hum, “we’re happy to have you along Varian”, she stated, getting him to smile wide before adding in a whisper, “pluuus I’m hoping once Max and Ruddigar spend some time together, they’ll *finally* become friends!”
Max rolled his eyes before looking forward, not wanting to even acknowledge the rodent’s presence before spotting a bright, red apple in a tree. Excitedly, the guard let out a small excited whinny, unfortunately he wasn’t the only one who caught it as the raccoon, catching the apple’s scent, gave an equally excited chitter before jumping over to the tree, climbing up it, picking a pine cone from it, and right before Max could take a bite, popped the pinecone in his mouth and snatching the apple as he dashed away and stopped the horse in his tracks, making the entire cart shift to a very abrupt stop.
Ruddigar let out a snicker as the proud pony spat the pinecone out and glared at the raccoon before he placed the apple on the tip of his tail and teased the horse with it, making Pascal face palm before he climbed back onto the horse’s muzzle trying to calm him down. Ruddigar smirked at the conniving colt’s expense before he saw the stupid stallion rush forwards at him, not realizing the carriage holding his boy and the other humans was attached to him and making it jerk forwards. He ran forwards a bit, getting the horse to jolt forwards once more, but this time he made the cart slide a bit. The raccoon stopped, hearing his boy let out a startled, “wooooah!” Before being lifted up as the privileged priss bit the apple and tried to take it.
“Woah! Eheh… What happened?” The princess asked as she saw Max and Ruddigar look at her while they each held an apple.
Varian raised a brow, making Ruddigar try to chitter out his defense before he was cut off by Catalina as she found something in their carriage, “what’s this?” She asked, picking whatever it was up and showing it to the group, “I don’t remember stealing it!”
Rapunzel let out an impressed sound as Varian gave Ruddigar a warning look before taking the reigns and getting Max to start moving again as Ruddigar hopped over to join him in the carriage, “whatever it is it’s *beautiful*!” She stated
“And I’ll bet it’s pretty valuable”, Angry added
That’s when Varian’s eyes widened in shock as he realized where they were, “uh g-gang hi hello!” He stated, getting their attention, “speaking of valuables, we uh might wanna stow the loot… We’re comin up on dead man’s curb… Yeah…. It’s a hot bed of highway robbery….”
The girls managed to reorganize the bags before joining Varian in the front of the carriage. Hearing the sound of an owl hooting, the teen’s shoulders tensed as he grabbed Rapunzel’s long braid and hid behind it.
“Uh… Varian..” The princess started
“Your hair is unbreakable and I’m feeling nervous…” The teen replied before hiding in it again, making Rapunzel both sympathetic and a little worried herself
“*Realax* V, real thieves don’t waste their *time* here, it’s mostly for hacks or knuckle heads”, Angry explained, calmly
For a moment, it seemed to work as Varian peeked out from behind the braid, but was startled when someone jumped in front of them, “HAND OVER THE GOODS!!!!” A very familiar voice demanded, pointing a sword at the group.
Varian and Ruddigar almost instantly recognized the thief, the alchemist going from nervous to giving him a death glare and startling the man a little as Catalina added, “or in this case, both…”
Rapunzel, Angry, and Catalina collectively said, “hi Dwayne…” As Varian and Ruddigar continued to glare at the man.
Notes:
TO BE CONTINUED!!!!! Sorry for the late upload! New Years Day was surprisingly busy for me XD
So I always wondered what they'd been talking about before we cut in and see what's going on, what if this was where they were discussing Varian's connection to the Moonstone? Just a thought, wouldn't be a bad place to put it XD
Grandpa Edmund is so freaking sweet, even when he's not in the chapter himself. He loves his little peanut! :D
Varian got them to start moving while everyone else was looking at the shell necklace, re-watch the episode, he's the only one that isn't facing the jewelry despite probably being the most curious person there. He probably got Ruddigar to come back and got Max to start moving again as he listened to them talk about the necklace! :D
Rapunzel is a good big sis, but even she would wanna know more about the Moonstone and Varian's connection to it (Note: I may change a few things about the Moonstone and Varian in this series, because design decision my butt, this boy had a more important role!)
Angry and Catalina will have bigger roles as this goes on, I promise :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 108: Day of the Animals! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian, Rapunzel, Catalina, and Angry all get stuck in the shell pendent!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hi Dwayne...."
"Aw nuts... H-hello princess", Dwayne replied nervously before noticing Varian and Ruddigar glaring daggers at him. He smiled anxiously, lowering his sword and hiding it behind his back.
"Dwayne... What did I say about stealing?" Rapunzel asked sternly
"Don't do it..." He replied, kicking a stone near his feet, "I-I promise, I'll never steal ever again!" He lied as he tiptoed around the carriage, "i-in fact, I'm gonna go and find an honest job right now! N-nice runnin into ya, enjoy your trip!" He stated before falling into the bushes behind him.
"Raccoon eating jerk...." Varian mumbled, not realizing Ruddigar had left his side and was digging inside Max's satchel instead. He pulled out the apple from before and was just about to take a bite when the stallion growled at him menacingly, making the raccoon run away. The horse chased after him, unintentionally pulling the cart with him, making everyone inside it yelp. He followed the raccoon as the small mammal climbed up a tree, following him around it while trying to grab the apple with his teeth and making Varian and Rapunzel bump against each other as Catalina and Angry raised their hands in the air and cheered. Finally the horse stopped and glared at the raccoon, who was perched at the top of the tree and held the apple out with a wide grin on his face, "RUDDIGAR!" Varian snapped, getting fed up with his best friend's antics, "get down here right now!"
Ruddigar looked at his boy, a little startled that he'd talk to him in such a way before seeing a pink tongue come out of nowhere and smack onto the apple. The fruit was then whisked out of the raccoon's paws as the perpetrator showed himself. IT was Pascal, he ran from Ruddigar, who chased after him angrily before the chameleon tripped over Hamuel, who was sleeping in the tree branches, and fell onto Max, Ruddigar following suit. Max, Ruddigar, and Pascal were all fighting over the apple, making the carriage rock back and forth as Rapunzel yelled, "come on guys!!!!!" She stopped saying anything more as Max ran in a circle to try and buck the other animals off him, making the carriage follow along. Varian held onto the side, feeling slightly queasy as Rapunzel tried to keep Angry and Catalina from falling out of it, the girls themselves were having a blast as they screamed delightedly. Ruddigar dropped the apple in the chase, making Max stopped before a shiny chain shot out in front of the group, it was the shell necklace.
It latched into the apple and was slowly being pulled towards something, when they all looked, they saw Hamuel reeling the fruit in like a fish. Ruddigar was the first to pounce, Pascal climbing onto him and holding his fur as he did, Max joined the fray, neighing and whinnying angrily until the princess had had, "ENOUGH!!!!" She yelled, standing up and getting the animals to freeze in place, "maybe it's time for you all to just shake hands and get along!" She snapped as she sat back down, "or I mean shake hoof and... Tail or.... Beak and paw-is that what raccoons have, paws?" She asked as she glanced at Varian, who looked less than amused at the question, he raised a brow and looked directly at Ruddigar, giving him a disapproving glance as the princess went on, "I can never remember if it's paws or feet..." Ruddigar himself, looked at his boy before nervously breaking eye contact and looking at his paws, opening and closing them curiously before snapping back to attention when Rapunzel continued, "oh well, just shake what you've got, and get *on* with it!"
The animals looked at each other for a moment, debating weather or not to obey the princess's orders, until Ruddigar noticed Hamuel's mouth on the shell of the necklace. Getting angry, he lunged at the old crow, fighting over the apple and not noticing the yellow magic spurting out of the pendant until it shot through the air, knocking them both back. It spun around his boy and the rest of the group, lifting them up and making them disappear inside the necklace. The animals all watched the necklace for a moment before Ruddigar bent down to pick it up, trying to make sure his teen was alright before Max whinnied at him to stop!
He chittered back at him, trying to explain that he wanted to check on his boy before giving up, grabbing the apple, and running, leaving Pascal and Hamuel behind. The raccoon didn't notice the necklace getting snagged on a flower and being pulled from the apple and launched in the air, past Max's face, and onto the grass.
Max did however, but when he tried to slow down, he ended up sliding forwards and getting stuck in the branches of a tree as the carriage unattached itself from him and rolled away. The guard horse sitting on his haunches and huffing a little, frustrated at this sudden turn of events as he watched the rapscallion raccoon walk over and smirk at him.
Hamuel walked over to the pendent, peaking inside and seeing the group of little humans inside, completely unharmed, with a caw of confirmation, he walked away, believing them to be safe and wondering how to get the horse out of the tree... He'd need some mud or something....
"Okaaay...." Rapunzel started as she sat cross legged on a pillow, "either we've somehow shrunk down and are imprisoned *inside* the shell pendent...."
"Ooooor?" Catalina asked worriedly
"Or.... Yeah sorry, I was hoping I'd think of something more positive sounding by the time I finished that thought but... I've got nothing...." She stated, noticing Varian looking around curiously, his eyes lit up with interest at their current scenario before snapping back into focus when Rapunzel quickly added, "it's okay! It's okay! We'll find a way out of here! We have been through *much worse* situations! .....Definitely not weirder", she continued as she walked around a little, "but worse".
"What have I ever done to deserve this?!" Angry yelled up to the heavens
"D-didn't you steal, from, you know, dozens of people?" Varian replied flatly
"Oh... Right...." The dark hair thief replied with a small chuckle as she picked up a pillow, "we're doomed". She threw it at the teen, hitting him square in the face and making him a satisfying grunt as it did. She smirked but then went to shield herself as he grinned and lifted the pillow in the air, about to throw it back before Rapunzel, quickly, snatched it out of his hands.
"Chin up guys!" The princess replied as she watched the alchemist slowly realize where the pillow had gone and pouted at her, grumbling a little as she walked forwards, "I'll bet Max and the others are already on their way to get help". She sat in front of the two younger thieves, ignoring Varian's subtle complaints behind her as she focused on the girls, "I'm sure we will be free, in no time!"
"But Rapunzel", Catalina spoke up, "what if we can't get out? W-what if we're stuck in here forever? ....What if we won't get to see Lance again...."
This startled the princess and Varian, who had gotten up and joined them, sitting down next to the red head, "don't worry Catalina, I'm certain we'll get out, we just need to figure out how is all, like a puzzle", the alchemist tried
"A puzzle?" Angry asked unenthused
"Well yeah!" Varian stood up and gestured around him, "we're stuck inside some strange magical artifact, usually it means there's a way to get out, it's a puzzle, we just need to find an answer!"
"Like.... A secret exit?" The little thief asked, perking up a bit
"Yeah! Something like that! All we need to do, is look around, find a button or loose brick or something and voila! Secret passage!" Varian exclaimed while looking at Rapunzel, who smiled as she remembered where he'd heard that little statement before.
The two girls hopped up excitedly and began to search, "this is gonna be so cool! A moving wall or a scary tunnel would be neat!" Angry stated as she looked in every nook and cranny she could find.
"Oooh! Or one of those things that makes the room seem much smaller than it actually is, or-or-or a series of puzzles we need to complete that'll make us fly out of here!" Catalina added
"What's with you and puzzles?" The dark hair girl asked with a raised brow
"I... Might have grown an interest in them", the red head answered timidly as she glanced at Varian while blushing a little
The alchemist didn't seem to notice however, too fixated on the task at hand to look at them, "puzzles are genuinely what makes the world go round in my opinion", he then stopped, "well... There's also farming and alchemy too.... So I guess puzzles are third.... Riddles are fourth".
"Why riddles?" The princess asked with a giggle
"Because Demanitus loved them and he's a genius for a reason, he'd make all *sorts* of riddles, from simple word problems to a legendary maze filled to the BRIM with riddle after riddle, and the thought of one day solving all of them and being one of the first people to make it through the maze and find out what's in the center of it makes me wanna explore the world, find the maze, and study everything I can about it!"
Rapunzel stopped and looked at the alchemist, wondering if she should say anything or just leave it be for now, she unfortunately didn't hide her expression when the teen turned and saw it, his eyes looking at her for a moment before realizing why she was looking that way, "w-wait... Did you find the maze already?"
"Um..... I-!"
"You did", Varian replied as he turned to fully face her, "w-why didn't you tell me?!"
"I... Honestly didn't know how you would react...."
Varian blinked a little before walking over to the princess silently, grabbing her by her shoulders and playfully shaking her while saying, "I WOULD'VE ASKED EVERY QUESTION I HAD!!!!!! What was it like?! What did you do to it?! Is it still there?! Can I come with you when you go back to it?! Is it everything I thought it would be?! Is it MORE than I thought it would be?! PUNZEL I NEED TO KNOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!"
She laughed as he shook her, getting the girls to look at them and giggle before she opened her arms wide and hugged the teen, making him stop and hug her back, "you're such a brat", she giggled
He smiled, "I know, but my questions are still valid"
She broke the hug and smiled warmly at him, "how about we get out of here first, *then* I'll tell you all about the Demanitus maze, yeah?"
"Mmmmmm oki", he replied with a giggle before he let go of her and walked over to the wall he was checking before, feeling it for any weaknesses, "although I'm keenly interested in what this shell is made out of... Like is it an actual shell or is it some sort of magical wall... And how in the wide wide world of Corona did it activate, and *why*? Was it because Hamuel had it in his mouth and water or saliva activates it?"
"Ew!" Angry grimaced, "can you not talk about bird spit please?"
The teen smirked, "ok if that's what you want, then again, bird poop is far more interesting, I mean birds, unlike mammals, don't produce urine. Instead they excrete nitrogenous wastes in the form of uric acid, which emerges as a white paste. And uric acid doesn't dissolve in water easily. Hence its ability to stick to your carriage like blobs of white plaster. Oh! And did you know tha-!"
"STOP!" Angry yelled, "please, my stomach can't take it!"
"Oh really? I was gonna talk about how they smash up the worms they eat and then puke them out and into their babies mouths to feed them because baby birds can't mash the worms like bigger birds can"
"STOOOOOP!!!!!" All three girls yelled, making the alchemist laugh
Catalina held a hand over her mouth as Rapunzel looked a little green, "why would you even bring that up?" The princess asked, "I'm all for learning new things, but ugh!"
Varian smirked as he looked at all three of them, "maybe next time you won't throw a pillow at my face and you won't take it away when I'm about to throw it back!" He replied, gesturing to both Angry and Rapunzel respectively before looking at Catalina, "sorry Cat, you were kind of a victim here".
"It's alright, I can handle gross things better than Angry... Still don't wanna talk about them though", the red head responded
The alchemist giggled, "noted"
"I'm gonna throw another pillow right in your stomach and it'll be so hard that it'll make you throw u-!" Angry started before Rapunzel covered her mouth with her hands
"OK!!!!! So revenge is Varian's, you're both even, and we are not going to start throwing very fast pillows that will make our friends puke! We're all getting along, remember?"
"Absolutely, besides, if she *did* throw a pillow at me and make me throw up", he glared at the girl, "I'd tell my dad on you".
This made Angry's eyes widen at the thought of an ferocious Quirin coming after her after she'd made his boy sick.... Shuddering she looked at Varian, "truce?"
"Truce!" The alchemist agreed with a smirk before they all went back and looked for a secret button or something to try and get themselves out of the shell pendant. Unfortunately, their search was cut short when they felt the necklace being moved, sending everyone sprawling on the floor.
"Ugh! What are those animals doing out there?!" Angry asked aggravatedly, "they know we're in here right?!
"Yeah they know, they might just be... Trying to shake us out?" Rapunzel offered, the room filled with silence, "Not one of my better suggestions?"
"Honestly? Could've been worse", Varian replied, "but uh... We should probably try to see what's going on out there.... OH! Hey look!" He pointed to the jewel of the shell, "I-I can see outside of it! There's the sky! I can't see Ruddigar, Max, Pascal, or Hamuel, but I can see outside!"
"Good eye Varian!" Rapunzel replied, "but it's kind of high, how would we be able to reach it?"
"What if we all climbed on each other's shoulders?" Catalina offered, "the one who weighs the most goes on the bottom, and the one who weighs the least goes on the top! We should be able to see out of it then!"
"Good idea! You weigh less than me Cat, so you're on the top", Angry answered before looking at Varian and Rapunzel, "uh... Which on of you weighs more?"
"I do", Rapunzel answered
"Wha-! But how do y-!" Varian stated, but didn't finish because the princess lifted him into her arms and held him with a smirk, ".....N-noted...." He blushed
"Plus, I don't exactly want anyone staring up my dress, I know you wouldn't, but still", she added
"D-double noted...." The alchemist's face was now completely red as he wiggled a little, getting the princess to put him down, "s-so... *ahem* h-how do I... Uh..."
Rapunzel giggled before she walked just below the jewel window and crouched, "Varian, climb on my back, then Angry climb on Varian, and Catalina, climb up me, Varian, and Angry!"
"Um... O-oki... S-sorry if I hurt you...." The alchemist replied timidly
"You'll be fine, come on", she smiled at her little brother as he walked over and gently placed a foot on her back, slowly pressing his weight on it, then placing the other foot once her got on her shoulders.
He managed to find his balance while also not hurting Rapunzel, who smiled gratefully at him, "o-ok, I'm good, come on Angry", he held out his hand to the dark haired girl, who took it and yelped a little when she felt herself being lifted in the air.
"H-how are you doing this?!" She asked as Varian easily lifted her up to his chest before rearranging his grip and letting her climb up onto his shoulders
"I used to help dad lift hay bales and bring them over to the cows and horses, not only that but carrying buckets of water, food, schlop, and bags of feed kinda gives you a workout! I'm not super tough, but I'm strong enough to carry very large people, including Eugene, if I wanted".
"Ok, *that's* a drawing I need to make!" Rapunzel replied, smiling as she pictured the Dark prince in little Varian's arms
"I'd love to see that", the teen replied with a smirk before looking up, "you good Angry?"
"One sec", she replied, before bending a little and brushing a feather on the teen's nose, making him sneeze and wiggle
"Angry!" The princess scolded
The dark haired thief laughed as Varian itched his nose grumpily, "now it's V 1, me 2!"
"You forget something", the teen stated before he tickled her sides with an evil grin, "2! 2!"
"You guys!" Rapunzel snapped with a smile
"Sorry", they replied before Varian offered Catalina a hand with a smile
She blushed a little as he asked, "you ready?"
"Y-yes", she replied
"Well then take my hand silly!" He replied
This snapped her out of it and she nodded, taking his hand and being lifted to his chest as he readjusted his grip and helped her climb up. She got to the top and balanced herself on her sister's shoulders before looking out the window, "well?" Rapunzel asked, struggling to keep them balanced, "unf! What can you see?"
"Um... Well it looks like we're moving", Catalina replied as she gripped onto the window tightly
"W-where is Max taking us?" Varian asked curiously
Catalina looked around before spotting something she wished she hadn't, "ugh.... *Max* isn't the one carrying us.... *Dwayne* is...."
Notes:
What Varian says about the bird poo, that's actually true! I found it in an article on google, link: https://www.audubon.org/news/what-makes-bird-poop-white#:~:text=The%20answer%20lies%20in%20the,like%20blobs%20of%20white%20plaster.
Varian and Angry have a competitive relationship, and it's really funny to see them compete with each other! XD
Catalina's crush is adorable and I shall write more about it because it's too cute not to! <3
Varian is a little turd and we all love him, even without Ruddigar he's a brat XD Good to see where the raccoon gets it from!
Rapunzel is the babysitter and it's kinda funny to watch XD
Dwayne's back everyone! And he's funnier than ever! XD
More about the animal's perspective in the next chapter! :D
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 109: Day of the Animals! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Ruddigar, Max, Pascal, and Hamuel have to find a way to get their loved ones out of the shell necklace!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"*Dwayne* is...."*
*Outside the shell a few minutes earlier*
Max pulled and pulled, but couldn't seem to get his face out of the tree! He used every muscle he could, but kept failing, to make matters worse, the dirty rodent was standing behind him, laughing like a loon! Nasty pest... The stallion continued to pull, getting more and more annoyed at the raccoon, he didn't know where Pascal or the old crow wa-! Nevermind.... The old gizzard slammed himself in the branch next to him.... Either way, it didn't matter, because he definitely knew the *last* animal he wanted to be with was Varian's smelly, nasty, trash picking raccoon!
He stopped pulling when he heard Dwayne come back, "hey princess, do you think I could catch a lift back to-!" The thief stopped and looked around, spotting the animals before noticing the necklace on the floor and taking it. He chuckled to himseld, placing it around his neck and wondering off as Max tried to pull harder and harder to get out of the tree, making Hamuel squawk every time he did so.
Ruddigar laughed his strips off! The snobby horse looked so stupid as he tried to pull free, serves him right either way! Pascal scolded him, trying to reason that was partially to blame for this situation, but the raccoon didn't care, as long as the necklace was still here and he could make sure his boy was okay, he was content to sit and watch the horse make a fool of himself. That is.... Until the large animal fell on the both of them, making them stick to him before they peeled off onto the floor.
The horse noticed the necklace was gone, making the other's notice as well before he explained that the petty thief must've taken it and started to sniff for him. He picked up a scent and followed it, not noticing the raccoon doing the same but in the opposite direction. He continued to follow before stumbling upon some foot prints, excited, he pointed his nose in that direction, letting Pascal, who was sitting in the middle of the two, know what he'd found.
The chameleon smiled happily before informing Ruddigar of Max's find, but the small mammal kept sniffing.
Ruddigar could smell his boy, he knew the teen's scent anywhere and came across his own set of footprints. He excitedly pointed as well using his paw, chittering to Pascal to let him know what he'd found.
Pascal squeaked at the horse, telling him what Ruddigar had found.
Max huffed, glaring at the pest before whinnying to just come on already!
Ruddigar ignored the stubborn horse, continuing to point at his direction and his footprints that *he* found!
Max tried to tell him, again, to just come on!
The raccoon glared, chittering that he'd found the right tracks and gestured to them!
Max pointed at the footprints that *he'd* found, saying *they* were the right ones.
Both animals walked towards each other, glaring and huffing, the guard going on about how a little raccoon like Ruddigar can't compete against a fully trained guard that was six times bigger than him!
The raccoon puffed out his chest, chittering back about how size didn't even matter if he couldn't climb up a tree and wasn't fast enough to keep up with him!
They glared at each other, catching Pascal in the middle, who tried to reason that they were both good trackers and excellent animals. He also reminded them that they needed to stay on task, which was getting Rapunzel. and the rest, out of that shell!
The raccoon huffed, correcting the chameleon that they needed to get *Varian*, Rapunzel, and the *girls* out out of the shell, saying how his boy was just as important as the princess!
Max neighed, saying enough was enough! That no, the princess was more important because she's who he was sent here to protect! And either way, his way is *right* so the raccoon can either follow along, or be left behind before walking off in the direction he'd chosen.
Pascal stared at the horse, never really seeing him like this before. He looked at Ruddigar and shrugged before saying it was better to be in a group than to be alone, and followed after the guard.
Ruddigar was shocked, he's smelled his *BOY*! They should follow him simply because raccoons are natural trackers, no matter if the horse was good at tracking or not, raccoon's have an innate sense of smell that vastly outmatches that of a regular horse! But it was too late, the two was already disappearing from sight. Cursing angrily, the raccoon grumbled, chittering about how much he really *hated* this snobby stallion, before hesitantly following them... Even if he did hate the stupid guard, being with him had a better chance of getting him back with Varian, which is a risk he's willing to take.
**Inside the shell**
"*Dwayne* has us?!" Angry repeated, wiggling so much that she almost made the entire group fall onto the floor.
The princess was shocked for a moment before realizing something and looking up, "hey, Catalina! Do you think you could push that jewel out of it's setting?"
"Oh yeah!" Varian replied as he struggled to hold the two girls up as they kept wiggling, "good idea, good idea-if you can you might be able to.... Unf... Squeeze through that opening!"
Catalina smiled at the boy, "I'll give it a try!" Before she began to push, "ugh... It's in there pretty good!"
"You can do it Cat!" Angry cheered
"Yeah you can do it!" Varian replied, "imagine that jewel is that stupid captain and you're pushing her!" He suggested
This made the wolf girl growl at the thought of that women, startling the group a bit before she managed to put her whole weight against the jewel and push, finally getting it to open, "UGH! GOT IT!"
"Great *JOB* Catalina!" Rapunzel praised, "can you fit?"
"I'll try!" The red head replied before slowly sticking her hand out of the hole. She felt her fingers grow as they touched the air, instantly squeezing her hand, she yelped a little at the pain before she heard Dwayne yelp out of fear. All of a sudden, the shell fell though the air and landed on the ground, making everyone inside lose their balance and fall onto the ground once more. Catalina had been stuck in the jewel, but the shaking from the necklace had loosened her hand enough to where she was able to pull it out and look at it before noticing her friends had all fallen, "a-are all of you okay?"
"Oh yeah... Peachy..." Angry complained before getting up and looking at Rapunzel and Varian. She giggled, "hey, we got a new pinata".
Rapunzel opened her eyes and saw Angry pointing at Varian, the poor teen was tangled in a blanket hanging on the ceiling, "don't you even think about it", she warned, staring directly at the dark haired girl
"I wouldn't *actually* hit him, it's just a joke"
"Alright then"
"Overprotective?"
"Big sister to little brother, there's a difference"
Catalina winced as the alchemist fell out of the blanket and landed on his head, she was about to help him up but noticed his eyes open and blushed. She looked away, only to look back when he said, "guys look!" They all walked over when they watched the teen somersault right side up and crouch in front of something. When they got closer, they saw a golden plaque on the floor, "wow..." Varian stated, impressed, "th-it uh appears to be some sort of ancient... Chirography... Mionoshion perhaps-NO! No... Maybe early Seporian!" He studied the plaque, excited to be useful and tried to decipher it, he felt Rapunzel's arm on his head as she leaned over him to read it.
She smirked, "uh... You're... Looking at it upside down", she giggled before walking to the other side of it
Varian's eyes widened before he tilted his head and blushed, "oh... Right... Course..." He responded, giving an embarrassed chuckle as Angry patted his shoulder
Rapunzel cleared her throat and read, "you are now prisoner of the Shell, to escape it's curse, you must return it to the briny deep of the sea, or remain inside it evermore..."
"Uh... How can we 'return the shell to the sea' if we're stuck *inside* of it?" Catalina asked, frustratedly
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again.... WE'RE DOOOOOOOOOMED!!!!!" Angry screamed
"Hey! Don't forget doom', upside down is 'woop!'" Rapunzel stated positively, confusing everyone in the shell before continuing, "and while you think about that, think about *this*! Our friends are still out there! Max is the *best* tracker in Corona! He's probably on Dwayne's tail as we speak!"
"And Pascal is really *really* smart!" Catalina added
"Plus *RUDDIGAR*!" Varian stated, jumping up on a step to emphasize his point, "can be *surprisingly* resourceful!" He smiled happily as he thought about his best friend
Angry smiled, feeling a little more confident before realizing something, "anyone wanna say anything nice about the bird?" Rapunzel and Catalina looked away as Varian whistled awkwardly, making the dark haired thief raise a brow.
That's when the alchemist remember his grandpa's note, "w-well.... He can... Fly upside down and... Maybe hasn't shown what he's capable of yet? My grandpa did say he was useful in mysterious ways"
Rapunzel smiled warmly at the teen as his words seemed to cheer Angry up, "right... He did say that didn't he?" She asked
"Yeah! He's also never usually wrong... Usually... B-but he's never wrong when it's something important! And I know he loves Hamuel a lot! Wait that's another thing, Hamuel's loyal! He's been with my grandpa for *years*! He would never abandon us and he's a good bird who knows how to cheer grandpa, my dad, aunt Adira, uncle Hector, and even me up when we're feeling really sad! It may not seem like much, but I'll be he's gonna help in a big way! I can feel it!" As he said that, his hair strip began to glow, making Rapunzel's hair light up a bit. "W-wha-?"
"My hair! It's reacting to... *You*!" The princess stated, "w-what are you doing?"
"N-nothing! I'm just t-thinking about my family!" The teen replied, "I-I'm sorry, I can't make it s-stop I-oh..." He calmed down when the stripe's glow died down. It flopped back down, the princess's braid doing the same as they both looked at each other, "I... Uh.... I-I'm sorry I... I don't know what just happened...."
Rapunzel thought about it for a moment before realizing something, "you were thinking about your family! They make you happy don't they?"
"Of course they do!"
"Particularly your dad right?"
"Y-yeah"
"Why? Think of the happiest memories you have of Quirin! Why does he make you happy?"
"I-I-I don't know because he's been there for me even when he didn't understand what I was doing? A-and how he'd take care of any burn, cut, or scratch I had from alchemy and heal them, a-and... How he's kiss my forehead at night... And his hugs always making me feel safe a-and-! M-my hair!" His stripe started to glow once more, this time lifting a little and making Rapunzel's hair do the same
The princess smiled, "Varian it's your emotions!"
"What?"
"When you feel strong emotions, your hair or eyes glow, right?"
"Y-yeah... A-at least I think so"
"Well from what I just saw, it's because you're feeling a strong emotion! ....When Cassandra took the Moonstone.... She was so angry and upset that her hair was constantly blue... She could control the black rocks just fine too.... I think the Moonstone's power lies in a person's emotions, and that's why your hair stripe glows! It's connected to the Moonstone as well, which makes my hair glow because I'm the Sundrop! It makes so much sense now that I'm a little surprised how I didn't see it before".
This made the teen's eyes widen as his stripe stopped glowing and the bang flopped in his face, he blew it out of the way, "d-do.... Do you think that's why Cass... H-had some much control over the rocks when s-she attacked me and my family.... B-because I made her upset?...."
The princess was startled by the question, but judging from the sad look on Varian's face, he didn't need to hear the answer, "hey, look what happened that day... It wasn't your fault you know"
"I... I know... Dad, Grandpa, Adira, and Hector all repeated that over and over again... B-but still... If I hadn't said anything, i-if I'd just stayed quiet... Maybe they wouldn't have gotten so hurt...."
"She would've hurt you anyway", Catalina replied, "someone who's that angry will stop at nothing to hurt the people they're angry at, and you and I both know that anger can blind you... My werewolf form is proof enough of that... So don't blame yourself because she didn't accept your help! Which that's all you were trying to do, help, and she's in the wrong for not accepting it and attacking you instead! I'm sorry Rapunzel, but Cassandra's kinda being a hypocrite, she's one of the people that didn't originally trust *us* because we were thieves, and now look what she's doing!" She looked at the teen sadly, "just because she got upset at you, doesn't mean you're wrong, she had no reason to be upset, you were trying to help, and honestly", she smiled at him, a light blush forming on her cheeks as she stared into his big blue eyes, "I think you were really brave to try, I really do".
"I... Yeah you're right", he smiled back at the red head, "thanks Cat"
This made the wolf girl blush even more, "y-you're welcome", she replied
**Outside the Shell**
Max continued to follow the tracks, neighing at his two followers to hurry up!
Pascal and Ruddigar huffed and puffed as they tried to keep up on their much smaller legs, panting and having to stop occasionally for a break, Ruddigar letting out a chitter of complaint before the snobby horse let out a successful whinny.
He pointed a hoof at some bushes before looking in them and seeing a lone boot sitting in the dirt. The raccoon and Pascal walked over to it, the rodent sniffing it and chittering about how he didn't smell this earlier but he recognized it for some reason before the boot hopped!
All of a sudden. Hamuel popped out of it, cawing at them confused, he'd gotten trapped earlier when the stallion got out of the tree branch and had tried to find his way out, he only found it when he saw Ruddigar's nose sniffing the top of it. He began to hop away, hearing something in the distance that sounded vagally like his Edmund.
Ruddigar chittered angrily, saying how *his* footprints were probably the *right* ones and that the bossy horse should've listened to him!
Max retorted, saying how they could've gotten here faster had the fat rodent not eaten so many apples instead of pacing himself!
This ticked the raccoon off, he growled that he ate because he needed to and that the stupid horse didn't understand what it was like to be hungry and not have a home! He'd been pampered all his life and was given a job without really earning it, because while he wore a guard's uniform he seldom acted like it because a guard is supposed to work as a *TEAM*!
Max gasped and whinnied back that the *pest* should listen to him because he had a higher rank, and that he'd earned his place by catching bad guys, was the only one that could find and keep an eye on the elusive Flynn Rider back in the day, helped the princess and Eugene stay together when they'd first met, could communicate with more humans that the stupid rodent could, and kept in shape! Plus he wasn't about to take orders from a racoon that couldn't even keep his emotionally unstable teen in his sight for too long, because where was Varian? That's right, *IN THE SHELL!*
Ruddigar *growled* at that, his hackles standing on end and his ears flattening against his head. How *DARE* he talk about *HIS* Varian! The snobby stallion didn't understand, he would *NEVER* understand! He was more than willing to fight to large animal, he warned him he was going down a very dangerous road if he continued.
The horse leveled his eyes with the rodent and snarled, he'd be more than willing to take this little racoon on! Any time, and place!
They both stopped when Pascal squeaked at them, getting their attention and screaming at them that this isn't the time, and that they should be more worried about Dwayne who was riding down the river on a raft, WITH THE NECKLACE!
The two mammals looked at each other before calling a temporary truce, Max picking up, and carelessly tossing, the raccoon over his shoulder before running after the thief!
Ruddigar grabbed onto the horse's tail and held on tight, making sure he wouldn't slip off at any point in time as he saw the stupid human sailing down the river. He chittered at the horse to slow down so he could hop on his back and then on the raft to grab the necklace, but the stubborn stallion didn't listen!
Max argued that he could catch him and climbed up a rock, jumped over a bush, and ducked under a branch, smirking as he heard the raccoon's chittering be interrupted when the rodent's face met the ground before he began running again. Only to stop when the pest let out a large chitter, startling the horse just in time to see the river cut of into several paths that were too far to jump over.
Hamuel, having been picked up by Pascal as they passed him, sat in the boot, happy as a clam before shaking it off and looking in-between the pair, cawing that they could find a way around and catch up using an old path he'd seen with his Edmund before.
Pascal squeaked excitedly at the idea, saying how he remembered how to get there! Max and Ruddigar nodded and together the followed the chameleon's instructions around the river.
The horse kicked it into high gear when he saw the thief again, lazily floating down the river without a care in the world! He huffed before spotting some vines up ahead, whinnying that he had an idea and quickly gathering some vines in his mouth and running ahead of the criminal, stopping in front of a tree. He neighed at Pascal and the rodent to grab an end. The raccoon and chameleon did as they were told before the stallion whipped them over to the other side of the river, he winced when he saw Pascal hit the tree on the other side, getting a little amusement when the stupid ball of stripes did to, falling off the tree and getting Pascal to bounce on his head.
Ruddigar got up and chittered angrily at the dumb guard, saying how much that hurt before the horse interrupted and told him to just pull! He and Pascal did, holding on as tight as they could while the stupid human floated by, the vine did manage to stop him for a moment before the raccoon and chameleon felt their feet begin to slip, they fell, fliting against the water before crashing into a rock, hard, and falling the river.
Max let the other end of the vine go, aggravated that he didn't have stronger animals with him, he's even take the *rhino* at this point! And she barely spoke to him! Something about, not trusting Coronan guards or something, he really didn't listen after she'd ignored him for the hundredth time. He saw Pascal and the rodent coming out from the water, looking annoyed, but he stamped him hooves, saying they should've tried harder.
Neither responded, but the raccoon's blood *boiled* as he shook himself off, he chittered to Pascal, asking if he was okay. The chameleon nodded, squeaking a reassurance before seeing a cut on the raccoon's shoulder.
Pascal squeaked with worry, asking if it hurt, Ruddigar looked at it and licked it a little, it wasn't bleeding that badly, but it would need tending to later. The raccoon chittered reassurances as well, saying he was fine, and that he'd be perfect once Varian was back, he knew how to fix this easily. The chameleon smiled, squeaking that he really loved his boy didn't he.
Ruddigar smiled warmly, chittering how Varian had shown him great kindness when everyone else made him feel like trash, he was always alone, but never felt that way with his boy. The little alchemist had buried his mom, having lost him own at what the small mammal believed to be too young an age for a human, they shared their pain together and comforted each other, he would do anything for his Varian. Thinking about the teen, and how he was trapped in the shell made the raccoon really sad though, his tail drooped as he ignored the horses whinnies that they needed to get going! He huffed and chittered to the stallion to hold his horse before they began to walk around the river.
The chameleon sighed, asking why the raccoon hated Max so much, sure he was bossy.... And he did just throw them in a river with very little concern.... And he could be sort of narrow sighted... But he wasn't a bad horse, he was just doing his duty, that's all.
Ruddigar sighed, he chittered at Pascal, saying the stallion didn't understand him or his boy... No one did... When he was growing up, everyone feared him for just... Being a raccoon... He never understood why, he just ate what the humans didn't, maybe even snag a nibble or two of human food if he could, but no matter how many times he'd explain that, he'd still get trapped in nasty metal contraptions that would hurt him. He'd be beaten with brooms, thrown out of trash cans, Pascal could name every cruel thing a human could do to an animal and 9 out of 10 times Ruddigar had experienced it first paw.... His life has been *hard*, and he'd never understood *why*, he was always hungry or dirty, and yet the humans never spared him any mercy, never.... Except for his boy, his boy and his boy's father, Quirin.
Pascal asked about that, wondering how he'd even became Varian's companion
The raccoon chittered out a chuckle before explaining about how one day, he ran into a new trap while trying to grab some berries that were growing in Old Corona's farmlands. It was sticky and pink, and no matter what he'd tried, he couldn't get out, not even when he'd bit at the stuff, he was reluctant to admit it, but he was *terrified*! The humans had him stuck, and a few of them recognized him now and again and weren't too keen on seeing him around, *especially* the farmers.... But when a shadow crossed his path, it was a little boy with big blue eyes and a wide smile on his face! He recognized the little one instantly as the child who'd buried his mother all those years ago, the raccoon thought he was about... 7 in human years?
Ruddigar chittered that he'd been nervous, but was a little relieved to see the boy and not an adult... At least until his dad came along.... Quirin had been talking to his son, congratulating him on a successful alchemy project and making the little boy laugh and giggle with joy, but that's when his attention was drawn to the trapped raccoon, and he... He'd recognized him... Again, other humans did too, but this one had only seen him once, and he was much smaller back then, so it surprised him a little when the child ran over and offered Ruddigar his hand to sniff, he'd asked if he knew who he was, which the raccoon had answered with a nod. Quirin raised a brow before his son explained what happened between him and the raccoon, in that moment, the raccoon had seen the large farmer's face got from confused, to horrified, to sad, to proud, in a matter of two minutes before he looked at the trapped raccoon. Varian than whispered something in his father's ear, getting the man to ask if he was sure, only for the excited alchemist to nod before the large farmer offered his own hand to the raccoon. Ruddigar explained that he'd sniffed it, but didn't do anything, he was a little too afraid to, not sure what was going on before Quirin said something about him being 'tame' around other humans, and 'giving it a shot?'. He never really understood what that'd meant until his boy had explained it to him later on, but Varian had let the raccoon out on a promise that he wouldn't run away, which he didn't, he didn't know *why* he didn't, he just didn't.
Then his boy had let him out of the trap and waited, he chittered that Varian had explained he was 'giving him a chance to run away if he wanted', but he didn't move. So the child had picked him up and carried him inside the gigantic home, they'd given him a bath, and that night was the first night in his *life* that he'd eaten an apple! In fact, that night he'd eaten about 3, it was fullest he's ever felt, which was a first, because he'd never been full, only hungry. He'd heard the father son duo talking about getting him checked for fleas and such, just to make sure he could be cleaned and wouldn't spread anything. But then his boy had talked about a name, and they debated a little bit before deciding on Ruddigar, and the name, and his place in their family had stuck ever since.
The chameleon smiled, squeaking about how he needed to tell Rapunzel that story sometime, she would cry if she heard it
The raccoon smirked before it faded when he saw the guard horse pacing impatiently, not noticing that they'd made it back to him. He sighed, looking at Pascal, he chittered that he'd seen Max around the farm, Quirin was the one to train him all those years ago, and he'd taught him several things. Max has known no hardship or worry, he's captured a few guys, yeah, and of course he's had a hoof in helping Rapunzel and Eugene when they'd first met.... But no matter what Ruddigar had done, no matter how much he'd tried, the horse always seemed to look down at him, saying he was in his way, or interrupting something important whenever the guards came to the farm to ask Quirin a few things and he'd played with Varian during their discussions. He had never seen eye to eye with him, and he really had tried, and... He admitted how he was a little jealous because while Ruddigar had worked so hard just to get in a loving home, Max had to do practically nothing to be born into one, and then he only needed to do a few 'fancy tricks' to become a royal guard, and suddenly he left the farm to become a 'big shot'.... He left Quirin and Varian behind, without even a second glance, and while the duo were happy for him, the raccoon never thought it was fair.... He got cheered on the street, treats for simply walking around, while Ruddigar got glared at, with Varian constantly defending his decision to have him as his companion all the time to the villagers.... To make matters worse, he never really gave the raccoon any credit, he'd chosen the right tracks in the first place, and instead of admitting he was wrong, the damn stallion had insulted him and very nearly insulted his boy! How can anyone be so cruel when their life was so perfect?!
Pascal squeaked that he understood, but Max had to also work hard, being a royal guard was a pretty rough gig, especially in Corona, old and new. He remembered seeing the horse look so tired from a long shift that he could barely stand, but he held his head with pride and kept doing his duty. He remembered how annoyed the horse had been with the rampant crimes and the other guards, not even the captain, being able to stop them, and don't even get him started about the other horse that strolled into town and, as Max had put it, 'stole the show and most of Corona's money.... Almost'. The chameleon explained how hard Max worked, and how rough it is to be one of the only royals guards that could do their job, and do it well. Pascal squeaked that he completely understood the raccoon's frustration, understanding how annoying the stallion could be, but he wasn't a bad guy, and if Ruddigar talked to him, and explained his story, it would probably make things a lot better between them, he was sure of it... Though, he did add how sorry he was, for Ruddigar's rough start to life... That wasn't fair, and he shared his own tale about the snake who ate his mom and had followed him up to Rapunzel's tower and killed him before she brought him back to life, he smiled, squeaking that he understood what it was like, and if the raccoon ever needed to talk, he'd be more than willing to listen, anytime.
Ruddigar smiled, nuzzling the chameleon, and thanking him for listening before he looked at the guard once more and letting out a sigh. He chittered that they should probably go over to him, shouldn't they?
Pascal nodded, and began to walk over to the horse.
Max noticed them immediately and was about to ask what took them so long before noticing Ruddigar's cut. He walked over and sniffed at it, making the raccoon's ears flatten a bit and back up.
The raccoon chittered at him, asking if he was going to complain that he shouldn't have gotten hurt?
Max raised his head, a little taken aback before lowering it again, flattening his own ears and taking a step back, showing he meant no harm and was sorry for being so rough on the ro-! ...Raccoon.
This startled Ruddigar as Pascal smiled before nudging the small mammal and gesturing to the horse.
The raccoon's ears straightened up and he nodded, smiling and accepting the horse's apology before chittering that it didn't really hurt, and he'd wait until Varian was out to really worry about it, his boy had some pretty nice smelling tonics that were good at this sort of thing.
Max smirked, ears straightening as well before he offered the raccoon and chameleon a ride on his back, the old crow was still sitting on it, and moved forwards a little to make room for the pair. Pascal and the raccoon climbed on before the horse began to run off in the direction of where Dwayne had left, ready to start a new plan to catch the criminal and save their friends!
Notes:
RUDDY BUDDY BACKSTORY!!!! Plus a small calm before the storm moment between Max and Ruddigar, they're both very good animals, and I love them a lot, they just have different point of view on things, and I hope I wrote that well enough X3
More moon science bean! This time with glowing hair stripe, yay! :D
Pascal is definitely Rapunzel in animal form, he's the peacemaker by far! (He also does it better than she does, but that's only because Punzie's still learning, we all love Punzie)
Speaking of, Rapunzel is such a good big sis, she's a sweetheart through and through and I love protective Punzie! :D
Hamuel is smart! He has very rare moments where he shows it, but you can see the little birb is smart! He shows us this in both this episode and in the lost treat of Herz Du Sonne! He is a smart BIRB!
Catalina is too adorable with her crush, and she will defend and help the science bean to feel better! :D
Angry is angry and I love it, she's also a stinker, no using Varian as a piñata! Nu!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 110: Day of the Animals! (Part 4!)
Summary:
Max, Ruddigar, Pascal, and Hamuel try their best to get the pendant back from Dwayne, but their differences make it a little too hard.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Who's the guy that *stole* from the princess? IT'S DWAYNE, yeah, IT'S DWAYNE!" The thief sang happily as he sets up camp for the night, getting ready to roast some hot dogs while using his sword hilt like a microphone.
Rapunzel sighed, beginning to get annoyed at the obnoxious man's singing as she, Varian, Catalina, and Angry had decided to continue searching for anything to get out, "no trap doors, *no* secret passages-ugh, not even a hidden compartment!" She scoffed, "what kind of enchanted talisman *is* this?"
Angry sighed, "looks like we're gonna be in here for the rest of our lives...." she replied disappointedly, noticing Varian looking worried and sad as he stopped searching and seemed to be staring off into space
"I CALL THIS COUCH!" Catalina yelled while running and jumping onto a couch nearby, "hey! This might not be so bad after a-!" She stopped when she felt some strange lump beneath her, digging through the couch, she uncovered a bird shaped skull. "Ew...." She said flatly before noticing Varian's forlorn look and smirking, getting a funny idea. She snuck over to the alchemist and, bird skull in hand, she pretended to make it talk, "howdy there roomy! Mah name's Skully!" She started with a southern accent, startling the teen before he raised his arm in-between the two, looking both disgusted and disturbed, "I've got a *bone* to pick with you!" She joked, noticing a small smile form on the alchemist's face before he hid it behind his arm.
"Let me try!" Angry replied excitedly as she ran over to them with her arms out
"Why?" Skull asked, "you wanna tickle everybody's *funny bone*?"
Varian let out a snort before the princess stepped in, "Skully shh", she said quietly, placing her hand on Skully's mouth. They all remained quiet, everyone seemed confused before they heard Dwayne singing again before Varian felt something off and began rifling through his bag, "Varian", Rapunzel whispered
"S-sorry it's just... One of my beakers is missing", he whispered back, "it was empty but I was gonna use it to hold the materials I got from the Nezerdnia market and now it's gone".
"We'll look for it later, but for right now, please"
"Right right, sorry", he placed his pack back on and crouched a little as they listened
"Who's gonna sell the necklace for a *fortune*? DWAYNE IS! That's me!" The thief bragged, "I say D-W-A-N-Uhhhh.... I mean D-W-A-Y-N-E!"
"Hooooo brother...." Angry said as she ran a hand through her hair as he continued to sing
"Guuuuys, don't you get it?" Rapunzel asked, "if *we* can hear *him*, *he* can hear *us*! We just need to make our voices louder!" She noticed one of Varian's beakers on the floor, and picked it up, showing them.
"Hey! That the beaker I was j-!" The alchemist began, but stopped midsentence when the princess yelled through it
"HELLO!!!!"
"WHA-?! S-someone there?!" Dwayne asked, startled by the sudden voice
"LISTEN YOU BONE HEADED WEASEL-!"
"ANGRY! GIVE IT BACK!!!!"
Getting up and using his hot dog as a weapon, the thief asked, "w-who's Angry?! Give *what* back?!"
"We are not going to get him to bring us to the sea by *insulting* at him!" Rapunzel scolded as she got the beaker back and handed it to Varian, making sure the dark haired girl didn't get it
"Waaaait... Insult *who*?"
"Ya know *something* tells me he's not gonna do it if we ask nicely... Either..." Varian reasoned, handing the beaker back to the princess
"You're right..." She replied before getting an idea, "DWAYNE!" She yelled through the beaker, starling the man again, "THIS IS YOUR SUBCONCIOUS!"
"Eh? ...S-sub... What now?" Dwayne asked, utterly confused
"YOUR SUBCONCIOUS, YOU KNOW YOUR... INNER MOST SELF...." She tried, seeing Varian face palm, "..THAT LITTLE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD?"
"I-I don't understan-!" Dwayne replied sadly
"*JUST* LISTEN!" She interrupted, startling him again, "YOU NEED TO DROP THE PENDANT INTO THE SEAAA"
"But WHY?!" The thief yelled, holding up the pendent and looking at it, "this thing is worth a *fortune*!"
"IT IS!" Rapunzel replied, before looking to the others for help
"M-make something up!" Angry stated
Rapunzel shrugged before Varian got an idea, "magic!" He whispered excitedly, "no one can explain it! Say it'll be worth more if he does"
"How?"
"W-well... Maybe say it'll grow! Bigger is better for knuckle heads right?" Knocking on his own head like Angry did before they got trapped in the shell and making the girl smile
The princess nodded then replied, "uh.. BUT IT'S A UH... *MAGIC* PENDANT!!!! IF YOU THROW IT IN THE SEA, IT WILL GROW... UH", she looked at the alchemist again who showed her ten fingers, "Uh-*TEN TIMES* AS BIG, AND BE WORTH *SOOO* MUCH MORE!"
"Mmmuuuuhhh I don't knooow...." The thief replied, looking at the pendent suspiciously
"Uh might be time for some reverse psychology..." Rapunzel stated quietly
Angry scoffed as Varian and Catalina blinked with shock about how unbelievably dumb this thief was, "I don't think *forwards* psychology would work on this dimwit".
"PFFT!" Varian clapped his hand over his mouth as he backed away to giggle in a corner
Angry and Catalina smiled as Rapunzel continued to talk through the beaker, "YOU'RE RIGHT DWAYNE!*DON'T* DO IT! LET THE LUCKY CROAK YOU SELL IT TO DO IT! THAT WAY *HE* CAN GET RICH!!!!"
"Why that backstabbing *jerk*!" Dwayne stated angrily
"Oh my gosh he's so stupid!" Varian said as he continued to giggle from the corner quietly, getting the girls and Rapunzel to snort
"NO ONE DOUBLE CROSSES DWAYNE!" He yelled before marching off to find some water
"BWAHAHAHAHAA!!!!" Varian couldn't hold it in any longer, falling onto his back and laughing so hard tears fell from his eyes. "Moon above he's so *stupihehehehed*! I know that's mean but AHAHAHAHAHAAAA!"
Rapunzel giggled, "Varian what are we gonna do with you?"
The teen began to cough a little before he finally caught his breath, "s-sorry... That was so mean b-but he just... Punzle he just-!"
"Believed I was his subconscious even though I was yelling through a beaker inside a magic shell necklace?" The princess finished
The alchemist snorted before nodding, "uh-huh!" He managed to control his laughter and stood up, "I'm sorry, that was really rude of me, for all I know, Dwayne could be really smart and ni-! ...Scratch that, not nice, he stole my raccoon and tried to eat him, but he could be smart.... A-Am I allowed to hit him?"
"Yes!" Angry replied with a grin
"No!" Rapunzel replied with a frown
"Maybe?" Catalina replied with a shrug
Varian giggled, "I'll take 'maybe?' for 20 coins please"
The red head blushed before the princess raised a brow, "Varian", she warned
"I'm kidding... Maybe... He deserves it!"
"Do you *really* think hitting him is the best option?"
"Yes"
"Aren't you a man of science?"
"Of course!"
"So, isn't there a principal with you guys and hitting?"
"....No, many scientists don't because they believe it's 'beneath' them. *I* am not one of such scientists because quite honestly there've been way too many people that I'd really like to punch!"
The princess blinked, "wow... Feisty Varian"
"I have a mean side to me"
Angry scoffed, "oh really?"
"Yes"
"Would love to see it"
"Don't tempt me"
"Varian if you hit Dwayne, I'll tell Quirin", Rapunzel warned
The alchemist thought about it before smirking, "I don't think he'd mind"
"Varian!"
"Alright alright! I won't hit him...."
"Good", Varian pouted, "really?"
"Yes"
The princess smiled lovingly at the teen, sitting next to him and giving him a hug, "you're a brat you know that?"
"I am aware, thank you", they all began to fall as the pendent was being lifted, the ceiling became the floor. Varian fell on the ceiling and both Angry and Rapunzel fell on him, making him let out a little groan of pain, "I realize I probably deserve this... But ow...."
"Sorry!" The princess replied as she and Angry quickly got off of him, "are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah, totally good, j-just really woozy..." He replied before shaking his head, trying to clear it.
"Hey guys, you should come over here, Dwayne's about the drop us in!" Catalina reported, getting them all to run over and look out the jewel
They saw him look at the pendant, though he looked a little dissatisfied with his choice, "maybe 'Dwayne's Subconscious' should give him some encouragement", Varian suggested
"Oh, good point", Rapunzel replied before grabbing the beaker she'd used before, "THAT'S IT DWAYNE! YOU'RE ALMOST THERE!"
Dwayne smiled as he raised the shell necklace in the air, dangling it above the water below, "OH!" Catalina yelled with excitment, "HE'S ACTUALLY DOING IT!!!!!"
**Outside the shell**
Max, Pascal, the bird, and the rodent spotted Dwayne walking through the woods and, through the guard's orders, decided to follow behind him. They snuck through the bushes and trees until they saw walk over to a cliff and raise the pendant over it, looking like he was about to drop the necklace. Neighing to get the groups attention, the white stallion drew out a plan using his hoof, whinnying that this would be the best way to get the jewelry back without losing their friends. He drew out a plan that showed him rushing forwards, using a vine to swing over to the thief, kick him off the cliff, making him land safely in the water, and him getting the pendant while Pascal and the raccoon cheer his name. By and large, he thought it was the best plan he'd ever seen!
Ruddigar studied it for a bit before rolling his eyes, chittering that he would be caught since he's easy to spot. But then smiled, erasing the horse's plan and showing a new one of himself getting the pendant, explaining that since he was darker furred and knew how to blend into the woods, he'd be able to sneak over and rescue his boy and the others, while still having time to get away from the raccoon eater!
Max shook his head, wiping the dumb plan away and whinnying that his plan would be best because he knew *he* could do it! What assurance did he have that the rodent, who stayed by an alchemist's side and ate apples all day, could do better than a fully trained guard horse?
Ruddigar tried to reason that it would be a lot smarter to do it *his* way, and that if he had Pascal with him, the chameleon could sneak over and grab onto the necklace while Ruddigar distracted the boy-napper, insuring the necklace, and his boy, the princess, and the girls inside, would all be safe while they got away! He chittered that the *logic* of his plan made more sense than that horse's brute force, swords blazing scheme that would most likely fail, and that he was only trying to help so the damn horse should just *listen* to him for once!
Pascal stopped their fighting, drawing himself in the dirt giving the horse an aggravated look before squeaking the Ruddigar's plan made more sense and they should try it, they only have one shot and he would rather be sneaky and careful over loud and clumsy. He also mentioned that Max's plan would be good, but not in this situation, but if the horse wanted to join on *this* plan, he would be more than able to, but they should go now.
Ruddigar asked if the stallion was coming, but the grumpy guss pouted and ignored him, fine, the raccoon chittered that he could just stay here and pout and stick his hoof in the dirt for all he cared before he and the chameleon snuck over to the edge of the bushes. Ruddigar chittered the he'd stay behind while Pascal blended in with the scenery to get to the necklace, and asked if he was able to climb the man.
Pascal smiled and saluted before turning near invisible to the raccoon's eyes and skittering over to Dwayne, feeling bad when he heard Max's worried whinny but smiling at Hamuel's encouraging caws. Pascal managed to climb up the thief without being detected before making himself reappear again and look into the shell. He smiled and squeaked with relief when he saw everyone inside was unharmed. He then noticed Rapunzel and let out a happy chirrup for her, making her smile.
**Inside the Shell**
As Dwayne raised the pendant, he'd turned it on it's side, making the group stumble a little, "everyone get up and move with the shell!" Rapunzel ordered, clutching the beaker in her hand and running
They did as they were told, getting up and running until the necklace stopped turning, "whew! Can he stop doing that?" Angry asked aggravatedly
"Yeah, it's starting to get dangerous! I mean Varian just dropped *another* beaker!" Catalina added
"Actually I think V just needs a new backpack"
The alchemist blushed as he picked up the beaker he'd just dropped and placed it back in his pack, "eheh... Sorry"
Rapunzel giggled, keeping the beaker she'd used before in her hand before hearing something so familiar to her she could almost cry. Turning she saw the cutest brown eye looking back at them from the jewel and heard a joyful squeak before the eye looked right at her and let out a happy chirrup that made her heart explode. She smiled lovingly at him, "Pascal! Hi buddy, I miss you *so* much!!!!" The chameleon chirruped again before she remembered where he was, "oh! B-be *careful* Pascal! Y-!"
"Pascal?" Dwayne interrupted, bringing the necklace back to eye level with him, "my name's *Dwayne*!"
Rapunzel covered her mouth with her hands, accidentally dropping the beaker and wincing as it smashed on the floor into pieces, getting a very annoyed brow raise from the alchemist. "Sorry", she whispered, "couldn't really help it"
"If we get out of this, you're buying me a new beaker", Varian stated flatly
"Noted"
"I'm beginning to suspect you're not my... my Sub... uh suba.... that-that-that-that thing you said", Dwayne stated, glaring at the shell pendant.
**Outside the shell**
Pascal let out a worried squeak, not really being able to help himself as the human began to grow suspicious. He then remembered that he was supposed to distract Dwayne for Ruddigar to come out, so he made himself visible, squeaking at the man.
"AHH!" Dwayne screamed, startled by the sudden appearance whatever this creature was, he didn't care he just wanted it off! He shook the pendant *hard* trying to get the animal off it.
Pascal let out worried squeaks before calling out to Ruddigar for help before losing his grip and sliding against the dirt floor.
Ruddigar's ears flattened and he bared his teeth as he watched Pascal slid on the floor. He saw red as he saw the man glaring at the pendant, at his *boy*! Chittering about how he was coming to save his Varian, the raccoon ran forwards, jumping on the man and reaching for the pendant, for Varian! He heard him, just briefly, his boy let out a gasp and shouted his name, he'd seen him! This prompted the raccoon to fight harder, trying to reach the shell, trying to save them, he was so close, he could smell his boy, suddenly, he felt the raccoon hater shift and he was pushed off, falling on his back and sliding on the floor. He could hear Varian yelling his name again, his voice was filled with worry and fear.
**In the Shell**
"RUDDIGAR!!!!"Rapunzel, Angry, and Catalina were all holding onto Varian as he screamed and reached for the jewel
"Varian you need to calm down!" Rapunzel tried
"HE HURT MY RUDDIGAR! I'M GONNA HURT HIM BACK! HE THREW MY RACCOON ON THE *GROUND*!" He screamed, his hair stripe and eyes began to glow a bright blue, lifting in the air slightly as Rapunzel's hair did the same
Angry and Catalina were startled by the sight, they'd *never* seen the alchemist like this before, usually he was so calm and funny, but he was so angry. They'd seen him scared when they tried to get home in a storm, but never angry. Catalina in particular felt pain shoot through her as she watched the teen scream, she managed to maneuver her way around him and gave him a hug, holding onto to him tightly as she felt him freeze a little, "it's okay, I know you're angry, but Ruddigar will be okay. He's strong, remember?"
"He.... H-he-he..." The alchemist seemed to be calming down, his hair and eyes dulling a little at her words
Angry hugged him as well, "she's right V, it's okay, Ruddigar will be alright, but he wouldn't want you to freak out like this, he'd want you to be safe and calm. Can you try that? For him?"
Varian sniffled, his arms lowering as Rapunzel stepped back, her hair dimmed a little as well and she smiled at the girls as she saw the alchemist return their hug, his eyes and hair fully dying down as he did so, "t-thank you, both of you... I'm... I-I'm sorry..."
"It's okay", the red head replied, "we get it, trust me"
Angry nodded, "it's alright V, you're allowed to be angry, it's really alright"
There was a brief moment of silence as the three embraced before they suddenly felt the entire shell shift and shake, almost as if the wind was blowing the necklace around. The whole thing whipped and shook, they heard Dwayne screaming, something about a bird and putting him down before the entire shell stopped and everyone was knocked into each other before falling on the floor, the jewel above them was up to about Rapunzel's height. They all got up and looked out of it before gasping, "h-how?" Angry asked before she backed up and yelled, "HOW DID WE END UP ALL THE WAY UP HERE?!"
"Did not see that coming", Rapunzel replied, a little surprised at the circumstances
**Outside the shell**
Max saw Ruddigar getting pushed to the ground and heard the teen's yells, he growled and went charging forwards, ignoring Pascal and Hamuel's cried for him not to. He passed by the bird helping Ruddigar to his paws, whinnying that the rodent should've listened to him in the first place as he ran after the criminal. The thief ran away, hoping down the cliff and continuing to run. Max stopped and looked down before turning and seeing the small animals looking up at him. He neighed that *he* would rescue their friends while they could sit and think about how they *failed* before angrily running off!
Ruddigar fumed as Pascal and Hamuel looked at each other, a little worried about what was about to happen. Pascal started to hop forwards, turning and squeaking that they needed to follow him!
Hamuel cawed in agreement before looking at Ruddigar, the raccoon's tail twitched but he huffed, chittering he was only doing it for Varian before following Pascal and Hamuel, who was flying.
The old crow spotted the horse and flew over the smaller animals, cawing at them that he'd found the horse.
Pascal thanked the bird and asked him to show them, seeing Hamuel nod and lead the way!
The old crow flew a little above the pair as they followed, unfortunately his eyes weren't what they used to be, otherwise he would've seen the bush in front of him before he crashed into it. He tried to fly his way out but got stuck once more, this time in the mud. He tried to caw at them, sqwaking that the horse was up ahead, but he felt them trying to pull him from the puddle. They managed to get him out but the force of their pull made the crow slam into them and sent them rolling through the bushes.
Max chased after the criminal, slowing down to sniff out his trail, he managed to catch his scent and found a lone tree stump. His instincts told him something was there and he started to sneak over to it. Only to be slammed into by the rodent and Pascal, Dwayne began to laugh as he got up and ran off, getting the animals to look at him.
"That's *right*!" He gloated, "no dumb *animal* is *EVER* gonna catch Dwa-!" His sentence was cut off by a large vulture, who carried him off and away from the animals, making him lose a boot in the process.
Max glared at the shrinking form of the thief before looking at the rodent and Pascal and huffing.
Ruddigar chittered, arguing that he has no right to get mad at them when *he* was the one that stormed off in the first place!
Pascal gave out a squeak of agreement, asking why Max seemed so adamant that *he* solve the problem when they *all* had a stake in this
Max whinnied that *he* was the guard, *he* was the one trained, it was *his* responsibility to keep the princess safe and that *pest* should've stayed out of it!
Pascal argued that Ruddigar was only trying to help in his own way, even if his plan didn't work
The raccoon jolted, chittering back that 'his own way' would've worked better had *someone* not stopped to gawk at their princess!
The chameleon grew angry, squeaking that he was trying to defend him, and that this whole thing started between those two and *not* him!
Max neighed and bucked that this was the reason he never trusted raccoons! They're the ciminals of the animal kingdom!
Ruddigar chittered and hissed that guards would never understand! That Max was just like all the rest of them, none of the guards gave his boy a chance, why should their damn *MULE* give be any *DIFFERENT*!
Max let out a loud neigh about how the raccoon didn't understand how hard it was to be a guard, and that maybe if he actually did something useful for a change instead to eating apples all day and getting in everybodies way, things would be a lot easier on everyone!
Ruddigar asked if the mule wanted him to just disappear, would that make it better?!
Max huffed, verifying that, yes, it *would* make things a ton more easier. In fact, if he did this mission on his own, then this wouldn't have ever happened!
The raccoon huffed, crossing his arms and nodding, chittering that, fine, he'll leave, and he'll save his boy on his *own*! He didn't need any help either, he only needed him and his boy, that's ALL! He never needed anyone else before, he was always *alone* before, why should he need anyone now?! It's not like the damned mule or chameleon cared about anyone aside from the pampered princess anyway!
This startled the chameleon and horse, Pascal tried to cut in, saying he didn't want to fight and that this was just a misunderstanding but was cut off by Max's hooves thumping in front of him.
The horse huffed, grunting that he's leaving, and once he saves the 'pampered princess', he'll have a little chat with Varian and raccoons all together before he began to storm off
Pascal finally got ticked, squeaking about why he even bothered to be around them in the first place if they never listened to him!
Ruddigar huffed and began to walk away, chittering that no one ever listened to *him*, save for his boy and the chameleon, why should Pascal even be surprised that the mule wasn't listening again?
the chameleon felt guilt slip through him when he heard that, but he didn't know what else to say, so he walked away too.
None of them noticed Hamuel sqwaking in the background, trying so hard to get them to stop, but he'd gotten stuck again, this time in a tree. When he'd finally gotten out, the fight was already done, and he fell on his face, letting out a sad caw, hoping someone had heard him say, wait.
Notes:
EARLY UPLOAD! :D
Here's the climax! I was writting this yesterday and wasn't able to finish due to time restraint, so I made it extra long today, sorry about that!
Poor Ruddigar and Varian, they understand each other, but no one understands them, it's rough when it's like that.
Pascal and Rapunzel were so happy to see each other that they ended up accidentally messing up the rescue, they're too pure!
Max is so used to being a leader that, at this point, he really can't go back to taking orders anymore, even if his plan doesn't work. But he's a good horse, he really is!
Poor Hamuel! XD He tries so hard by seldom does it work out in his favor, poor old crow.
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 111: Day of the Animals! (Part 5!)
Summary:
The animals have separated, the humans have been stuck in the shell for hours, and Dwayne might be eaten by a bird, things are not looking good.
Notes:
I'm changing a little bit of the ending of this episode, I'll explain in the notes at the end! :D
More notes at the end :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
**Max**
Max huffed to himself as rain started to pour, he grumbled and complained that neither Pascal nor that *rodent* understood what it was like to be a guard! Always having to protect people who couldn't protect themselves, always having to think of others *first* and never himself! What did that raccoon have to do anyway, look after a teenager that had plenty of other people around him? How hard can *that* be, the horse complained. He just needs to be there on the kid's shoulder and keep him happy, which is only challenging when the teen was in a bad place! Which.... Now that he'd thought about it was a lot of the time.... But that didn't matter!
He stomped around, pacing, trying to figure out how to save the princess and the rest from that vulture, but his mind kept trailing over to Varian... He remembered when the boy was much younger, growing up on the farm wasn't easy for him... But he's better now! But he wasn't back then... Max remembered a time Varian had only tried to help make the plants in the garden grow with one of those... solutions he's made, all the plants grew ten times bigger than they should have and it'd caused quite a ruckus in the village... In fact a lot of the villagers had screamed at the boy, who was no more than... 7... He'd remembered seeing the poor boy crying, getting screamed at by strangers that didn't understand him as his father tried to stop them.... No matter what the Village Leader said though, that didn't stop another child from running over and hitting Varian, making him cry even more.
He remembered being in his stall that day as a colt, watching as people laughed at the alchemist's misfortune, and how the little bully had went to hit him again, and he remembered seeing a tiny flash of black and white before the bully ended up kicking a raccoon instead, which made the town gasp. Varian had ran to the little raccoon's side, that little creature that defended the boy... Was that really the same rodent that was with him now? Max remembered the little child picking him up, and the name he screamed, "Ruddigar! Ruddigar! You kicked my Ruddigar! W-why would you kick h-him? It's m-me you're mad at! N-not Ruddigar! You hurt my Ruddigar! You hurt h-him!"
The bully had gotten in trouble for that, even though they'd been fine with him hurting another boy.... Thinking about that even more, Varian had never really been seen with other humans before, save for the princess, Eugene, Lance, and or course Quirin... Quirin.... His original trainer.... The man was tough but kind.... How long had it been since Max thought about him? A couple years maybe?
He remembered meeting the man, how sick he'd been before, the original family he'd been with had left one day and never came back.... He was a much smaller colt back then, he barely remembered that family, he knew they were kind, but he didn't know what happened to them after that.... He only remembered that he'd been sick on the day the Village Leader was supposed to take care of him in some way. Max remembered the day Quirin had come along, he had a much smaller Varian with him as well, the boy not being able to stay home by himself, was told to stay back, something about how this was no place for a child, which he'd seen the little boy pout about but he'd kept his distance. Quirin had come in and saw the little colt, he'd given him a check up and the face he'd made Max remembered well, because he'd never been more afraid in his life, the man looked so heart broken.... The Village Leader told him he was meant to take care of the little colt, but he didn't want to, he never wanted to, but he had to, because this is what a Village Leader does... Max understood that now, he did things that he didn't want to do, arrested people that had originally been kind to him but were now on a darker path...
The retired knight had an axe in his hand, and he looked like he was hesitant to use it, but he said he needed to, that it was what the village wanted, that sick colts weren't allowed in Corona for fear of them infecting the rest... He'd mentioned things being different in another kingdom, and how strange this one was, and how he'd sometimes missed his home... That's when Varian came running in, he immediately froze, those big blue eyes starting with aw at the white colt in front of him. Quirin seemed to get frustrated with his boy, but the child didn't really notice, he was so awestruck with Max that the horse was surprised he lived on a farm! The child had walked over and allowed the colt to sniff him before gently petting his nose, that'd felt nice, Max thought about how gentle the little one was, and he smiled, remembering the boy's delight when the colt had licked his hand. The boy had asked his father if they were going to keep him, and he *begged* him to keep him, saying how pretty he was and how big and strong he could be with the right food and medicine.
Quirin went to argue, but looking back at the colt, his face changed, from sadness to anger and determination, and he nodded, saying they'd keep him and make him the strongest horse Corona had ever seen! He remembered being moved to the farm that day, all the treatment he'd gotten and how they'd healed him quickly. He remembered his training and how hard he and Quirin had worked together to make him stronger, it'd been hard, but he'd done it, and now look at him! He was a guard now, and one of, if not, *the* best guard in all of Corona, he was well respected, cared for, ....loved.... That's when it hit him as he walked up to the river and looked at his reflection, he'd been loved majority of his life, yes he was abandoned early, but the Village Leader, his son, the captain of the guards, almost everyone fell in love with him, but a raccoon....
He remembered all the thought's he'd had about the ro-raccoon, about how he'd called him a rodent and a pest, and how he'd been so nasty to him... He just wanted to do his job but that didn't mean he had to disregard Ruddigar, the horse debated that the raccoon's plan had gotten them much closer to the thief than he'd thought, and sometimes being sneaky was better than being fast, as Eugene had taught him.... He also thought about how hard it was to *be* a raccoon, the thieves of the animal kingdom, especially in a place where the wild raccoons were more often than not, killed for being caught! In fact, Max had only ever seen one other raccoon, and the little creature got killed by the villager's traps.... How lonely Ruddigar must be.... Thinking about it now made the horse feel ashamed, he laid on his side, thinking about the raccoon and what he must be doing right now without his boy right now....
**Ruddigar**
The raccoon climbed a tree, chittering about how horrible and snobby that damn mule was, how could he say those things?! It wasn't like He was *trying* to ruin the mission, he wanted his boy back more than anyone else! In fact, the only other animal that really understood how much their human meant to them was *Pascal*! And it was *chameleon* who gawked at his *princess* and ruined *his* plan! It wasn't like *he* was to blame! Why was that stupid stallion always blaming *him*?! Calling him a pest and a rodent, bah!
The raccoon felt the rain tap on his head, sighing aggravatedly before he sniffed around and found a nice tree to climb up. Smirking he ran over to it before a clap of lightning and thunder shot through the air, startling him and making him run behind the tree before looking out from behind it. He began to shake, remembering those cold nights where he would be stuck in a storm like this, all alone.... He remembered the warmth of his boy as they snuggled under a blanket and he'd help Varian make some hot cocoa and eat an apple while snuggling with his boy, his Varian.... Moon above how he missed him....
He really hated being alone... He really did, he always felt like no one would come looking for him if he was alone.... Save for his boy but he was stuck in a necklace... Ruddigar made it to the top of the tree and noticed an apple hanging on the branch. He went to go and grab it, his stomach was growling anyway, and he'd need to keep his strength up if he was gonna save Varian after the rain stopped, but looking at that piece of fruit as the raindrops fell on it, he thought he saw the water make the horses shape.... And suddenly he wasn't very hungry anymore as he wrapped his tail around him....
**Pascal**
The small chameleon managed to finally get the leaf off the branch and grab a couple of small sticks before walking over to the only dry spot he could find. He made a fire with the sticks before lifting the leaf above his head, it wasn't much, but it'd do for now. He watched the fire dance sadly as he remembered Ruddigar's last chitters, was Varian and himself the only two people that listened to the raccoon? Pascal didn't want to believe it but the events that transpired today really didn't deny that claim, though Ruddigar had done his fair share of bad behavior, after all fighting over an apple and getting on Max's nerves when he knew he hated that, it wasn't like the striped animal wasn't partially to blame.... But then again, Rapunzel read a book about children when they were up in the tower, didn't that book say something about how misbehavior in children could be a sign of feeling ignored? Was that why Ruddigar acted the way he did, was that why Max acted the way *he* did?
Far be it from Pascal to squeak about the horse's own flaws, he's need to stick to the rules all the time, his stubborness, his pride, I mean the chameleon could go *on*! But deep down, Max just wanted to do what was right for world and Pascal could understand that, and when Max was younger, though he rarely whinnied about it, but, it seemed like it was a pretty upsetting life... It seemed that way for *all* of them, no parents, only one partner that they cared the world for, and barely anyone understood them, it was very hard to be an animal in this world, which is why they should stick together!
Seeing a raindrop put out the chameleon's fire however reminded him of just how hard working together could be, especially if someone didn't want to listen, or didn't think they'd *need* to listen... The chameleon sighed, after the rain stopped, he'd see if he could talk to the two of them again, maybe make them see eye to eye, for now however, it was a bit too dangerous for small animals like him and Ruddigar... So Pascal just sat there and sighed to himself as he turned a sad shade of blue....
**Hamuel**
The bird held his mouth open wide, getting as much water as he could and filling himself to the brim. He was alone in the woods and his Edmund wasn't around, so he needed to make sure he survived as long as he could before the next fi-! No... No that wasn't right, he.... He needed to do something.... He wasn't fighting right now, right? No no, that was someone else.... Wasn't there a raccoon and a horse involved... Right! Ruddigar and Max were fighting! They were arguing and Hamuel had tried to get them to stop! Boy was his mind getting worse, he'd forget his head if it wasn't attached to him.... He hoped that was just temporary, he needed to go back to his Edmund soon, he may be too old for the kids, but he was never too old for Edmund!
He'd been by his side through thick and thin, and he would keep it that way for as long as he could! Besides, his Edmund had asked him to do a mission.... What that mission was, he... Wasn't really sure.... Was Adira lost in the Forest of No Return again? (Groans) Where did those come from? A-anyway, no, this didn't look like that.
Was Hector running away once more? No... This wasn't where he normally ran to... Besides he wouldn't be gone for this long, and he'd come back once it'd started raining...
W-wait! Was Quirin sad?! Did he feel left out or alone and went to go play in his garden? Is that why the bird was sent out, because the man had been out for too long and needed to come in before he'd catch a cold and it turn into something worse?! No no no NO! None of these were it! Why couldn't the old crow remember?!
W-was it his Edmund? Was the man watching the outside world once more? Was he telling Hamuel about all of his regrets and decisions? Shouldn't he be listening? Well no, for one thing he'd be able to see his Edmund.... Then why was he so far away from the man? It was important, he remembered that, he needed to keep someone safe....
....VARIAN! He needed to keep VARIAN safe! The little one had gotten stuck in a shell! That's RIGHT!!!! Hamuel cawed happily, he just *knew* he'd remember!!!! He flapped his wings and took off, he needed to find the shell, once he did, he could find the boy a-and protect him like the good crow he was! Because he was still a good crow, he was! He'd just needed a little bit of time! He'd show them, he'd show all of them! He'd been there for everything, for everyone! He'd show them all that he could be here for the little teen! They'll see! He was useful, he was *always* useful.... He.... He was.... He needed to find someone... He needed to find them.... Why couldn't he remember? WHY COULDN'T HE REMEMBER?! He let out a frustrated caw as he continued to soar, he knew he wanted to go this way, so he'd go this way, he'd help, he always helped.... Always....
**Inside the Shell**
"W-where is the bird t-taking us?!" Varian asked as he tried to steady himself as the vulture carried them and Dwayne through the air, "a-also I realize the i-irony about me talking about b-bird facts earlier... B-but this isn't w-what I had in m-HIND!" He added as he lost his balance and began to tumble onto the floor.
Rapunzel untied her hair and whipped it over to the alchemist, getting it to wrap around his waist and catch him, mid-tumble, before pulling him over to her and wrapping her arm around him as she kept her other arm around Catalina and Angry, "I don't know, but wherever it is, we'll handle it together!"
"How are you so sunshiny?!" Angry asked, "we're stuck in a necklace, we've been stuck for *hours*, the carriage is gone, the supplies is gone, I'm pretty sure we're not gonna see the money we stole ever again so going to the Nezerdnia market would be a really bad idea for me and Catalina, all the animals are gone, V's hair has been glowing and dimming none stop since he saw his raccoon get hurt, and now we're all being flown hundreds of feet in the air with a dimwitted thief and a bird of prey!" She took in a breath and let it out slow before looking up at the princess, "seriously, aren't you scared?"
"Nope!" Rapunzel replied, getting Varian to raise a brow at her, "not scared at all!"
"You're really not afraid?" Catalina asked
"Nope, I am 100% completely and totally-!"
"Fine?" Varian finished, his serious tone catching the princess off guard as she looked at him. She felt a pang of guilt shoot through her when she remembered the Game Night, giving him an apologetic look.
She hesitated, but sighed, "ok, not 'fine' per say... But I'm not afraid, that much is true, I mean that", she answered with a small smile, Varian smiled back, wrapping an arm around her as well and giving her the best hug he could at the moment.
"So... What do you think we should do?" Catalina asked worriedly, "Angry's right, there's not a lot of good things happening for us right now! And... I'm kinda scared...."
Rapunzel looked at Catalina, "it's alright, you can be scared, there's nothing wrong with that, but I know this will all work out, I do".
"How?" The red head asked as the necklace stopped shaking, the seemed to have landed somewhere, the jewel was high above their heads once more, so they climbed up on each other's shoulder to see what's going on, this time with Angry on top.
"Looks like we can officially count the animals out of our rescue plan", Angry stated flatly as she looked out of the jewel
"Guy's I have been in a lot of situations like this", Varian looked down at her and raised a brow, "...well, eheh, not like this I mean, how often does a person get stuck inside a trinket, *but*", she looked back up at him and he smirked, "the important thing is we can *never* give up hope on our friends". She watched Angry hop down and help her sister as she spoked, "Max is a *top notch* guard! He just needs to learn that a great leader has to *listen* as well as give orders", Catalina began to shimmy down next, "in other words, he has to learn how to play well with others, they all do! Each one of those guys has something *special* about them!"
**Outside the shell**
Max continued to look at his reflection, grunting to himself before his ears caught something in the distance. Looking over, he noticed a couple of beavers building a dam, he watched them work, like it was nothing. At least *they* were accomplishing something.... He sat up and continued to watch them, there were three, one grabbed the sticks, one splat down mud, and the other took the sticks and placed them on the dam. The horse smiled, they seemed to be having some fun too, the beaver holding the mud just threw some at his friends, silly little rascal, he was a sassy li-wait.... DUH! That was him, Pascal, and Ruddigar! Why didn't he see it before! Oh all this time he'd been so worried about how *he* was going to accomplish this mission, it doesn't matter *who* does *what* it just matters that they get it done! What had he been thinking?! He got up and began to race off to find his friends, *all* off his friends, he needed to talk to them, needed to apologize, they were a team! How could he forget that?!
**Inside the shell**
"Pascal may be small but he's *mighty*", Rapunzel continued, as Catalina managed to safely climb down Varian, "...and... Also adorable!" she giggled as she helped Catalina get down.
**Outside the shell**
Max let out a loud whinny of joy as the rain cleared, he managed to sniff out Pascal, who was looking at him. Max ran over and whinnied how sorry he was as he licked the chameleon!
Pascal chirruped and laughed as he turned from blue to green, then looked up at the horse, squeaking about what changed his mind
The guard smiled, whinnying that he'd just needed some time to think, plus watching beavers by the river definitely helped drive the point home!
The chameleon squeaked that they needed to get Ruddigar
Max nodded as he lowered his head, grunting that he knew, and that he needed to apologize to him too
Pascal squeaked happily, climbing on Max's head and holding on tight as the horse took off to find the raccoon!
**Inside the shell**
"And Ruddigar is *cunning*", the princess continued as she looked up at Varian with a smile, "and *loyal*, she added, getting the boy to smile lovingly and nod
**Outside the shell**
The raccoon had gotten tired and was hanging by his tail in the tree, hoping to get some rest for just a moment before saving his boy, but was interrupted by a distant whinny . Opening one eye, he saw the horse and Pascal rushing over to him. Climbing back up on the tree, the raccoon watched the pair slide to a halt in front him. He chittered at them, confused as to why they were here.
Max whinnied that he was sorry he'd been so nasty to the raccoon, he was just trying to do the mission in the only way he knew how, but he hadn't been fair to the raccoon. He stood on his hind legs and bucked the tree with his front, making two apples fall and getting Ruddigar to catch them before whinnying that he wanted to do this mission as a team, and that he'd try to see if from the raccoon's point of view from now on.
Ruddigar was shocked, but smiled before chittering an apology himself, saying he shouldn't have been so bratty
Max shook his head, neighing that Ruddigar didn't need to apologize, that for once, he finally understood, and would listen better
Pascal waved to get the duo's attention, squeaking that they're a team, and no matter what, they'll help their friends together
Ruddigar and Max agreed, the raccoon hopping onto the horse's back and handing him the apple before they bumped them together, ate them, and rush off to save their loved ones!
**Inside the shell**
"If they could just come together, they would be, *unstoppable*!" Rapunzel explained as she let Varian hop off her and smiled wide
"I couldn't help but notice you forgot to mention the *bird*", Angry stated
"Oh! I didn't forget!" The princess replied
Varian chuckled, "ok, it's funny, but it's also not true, Hamuel is loyal, kind, caring, and has been through a *lot*, my dad said he's helped the Brotherhood when *they* were kids! Plus Grandpa sent him with me because he believes he can protect me, so I wouldn't count the bird out just yet", the alchemist replied with a smile before noticing a couple of his vials on the floor, groaning he shrugged off his pack and began to pick them up.
"Alright that's fair", Rapunzel replied, "we haven't really seen what he can do yet, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, he's a good bird"
"A *very* good bird", the teen stated
"But princess, even if those guys did get their act together, how would they find us all the way up here?" Catalina asked
Rapunzel's eyes widened, "you're *right*... Did you say your finger was normal sized outside of the shell?" Rapunzel asked Catalina, who nodded as she wiggled her finger. She then looked around, trying to figure out how they could get the animal's attention, "we'll need something they can pinpoint as us, something that would *scream* that *we're* up here". She noticed some purple blankets hanging loosely in the rafters, then noticed Varian picking up more beakers while grumbling about getting his backpack fixed. She smiled as an idea struck her, "hey Varian".
"Hm?" The alchemist looked at her curiously
"How much time does Ruddigar spend with you in the lab?"
"Everyday, why?"
"And how many people would you say know you're an alchemist in Corona?"
"Oh well let's see, there's dad, you, Eugene, Lance.... I'd say everyone, again, why?"
"Does that 'everyone' include animals?"
"I wouldn't be surprised but again, wh-! ....Question 1, what are planning on having me do? And question 2, if I think I know what you're suggesting, then do you, Catalina, and Angry have the proper fire safety equipment?"
The princess was a little startled before giggling, "no no, we're not starting a fire or an explosion, too risky, buuut I happen to know you have a *flair* about you! Nothing you do is just like everyone else, which is perfect because we've got enough clothe in here to make some really pretty, lanterns!"
"Lanterns and alchemy?" The teen replied before thinking about it and smiling *wide*, "princess I *LOVE* the way you think!" He stated before lowering his goggles over his eyes
**Outside the shell**
Max began to sniff before he heard something explode above him, looking up he saw something odd floating in the air. Whinnying to get Pascal and Ruddigar's attention so they could see what he was seeing.
Ruddigar looked up and instantly recognized the sound of his boy's alchemical explosions, looking through his hands, he confirmed those were Varians and chittered excitedly, showing Pascal and Max, who squeaked and whinnied with excitement as Ruddigar chittered lovingly about how smart his boy was before they took off towards the lanterns.
**Inside the shell**
"GREAT idea princess! Nothing like a little alchemical pizzazz to get their attention!" Varian stated before letting another lantern fly, "also, I'm gonna definitely show these to my dad when we get home! He'll LOVE them! Exploding lanterns that make fireworks, it's so COOL!"
Rapunzel smiled happily at her little brother before hugging him, "and only *you* could pull it off in no time flat!"
The teen giggled as he hugged her back, "he's still a nerd", Angry teased
"Yeah, but he's *our* nerd", Catalina added with a blush before shaking it off and adding, "and our nerd hopefully got the animal's attention, should we check?"
"Right!" Rapunzel stated before running over to the jewel and untying her hair, throwing it up and around some of the blankets and climbing up it so she could see outside, "they're here!" she exclaimed excitedly
**Outside the shell**
Max slid to a stop in front of the mountain, letting Ruddigar and Pascal down as he looked around and spotted an old tree. He suddenly got an idea and began to draw it out in the dirt with his hoof, explaining how he would jump off the old tree which would launch Ruddigar and Pascal up to the necklace so they could grab it, then climb back down sneakily.
Ruddigar thought about it before noticing a ledge over to the side, he waved his paws before erasing the ledge, chittering that he wouldn't get them high enough for them to land next to the necklace, but if Max were to jump off the square ledge, he'd have enough leverage to get them all the way to the top!
Pascal smiled wide and nodded at their idea, squeaking how he could disguise himself as a rock for a back up should Ruddigar get spotted by the bird or Dwayne!
Max looked over the plan before nodding, and they set to work setting it up, he bucked the old tree down, Ruddigar and Pascal helped him set it right, and the raccoon and Chameleon went onto one end while Max climbed up the mountain to the ledge Ruddigar pointed out.
The raccoon took his position, sitting down as Pascal gave him directions, squeaking for him to keep his head down
Ruddigar chittered head down and did so
Pascal squeaked out shoulders in
Ruddigar agreed and chittered shoulders in as he tensed his shoulders
Pascal giggled and added get ready to scream
Ruddigar nodded, chittering he was ready before stopping and repeating, to scream? Right as Max signaled that he was about to jump!
The horse jumped and landed on the other end, sending the mammal and chameleon skyrocketing to the cliff, making the raccoon scream before they both landed safely on the cliff, both of them hearing Rapunzel yell, "IT'S RUDDIGAR AND PASCAL!!!!"
Varian called out a cheerful, "HEY!!!" As the raccoon looked inside and saw his boy unharmed, chittering happily before he reached for the necklace.
"OH THANK GOODNESS!" Dwayne yelled as he noticed the raccoon, "you've gotta HELP me burglar cat!" He stated as he reached for the small mammal, making him back up as the vulture rose into the air and sqwacked at him agrily.
The raccoon backed up, not wanting to be eaten when he was *this* close to his boy before backing up too much, the last thing he heard was Varian screaming, "NO RUDDIGAR!!!!" As he began to fall off the cliff, he closed his eyes, hoping Max would be able to catch him, he heard the horses whinnies or worry as he plummeted to the earth, only to stop in midair by... Something at his feet, that's when he heard a *very* familiar caw!
Hamuel cawed happily, having *finally* made it to the party, he cawed about how he'd seen the explosions and how he flew as fast as he could, how he'd remembered, he remembered! And he wanted to help!
Ruddigar smiled at him, chittering how happy he was to see him and asking if he could bring him back up so his boy knew he was okay. With a caw of agreement, Hamuel flew them back up, Ruddigar chittered frantically before seeing the shell encased in blue
**Inside the shell**
Varian was crying, his best friend had fallen off a cliff, he fell of a cliff! He needed to get to him, he needed to save him! His eyes and hair glowed bright blue as his hair stripe glowed white, no sign of black could be seen on the teen's head as he began to float in the air, *Ruddigar* was all he could think, he didn't hear the princess, he didn't hear Catalina or Angry, all he could think was *Ruddigar, Ruddigar, Ruddigar, RUDDIGAR!* That's when he heard the chittering, he looked out the jewel, being able to see out of it as he floated in the air, he saw his best friend, he was waving at him! He was safe! "Ruddigar!" Varian yelled, reaching out to him, all the fear and worry evaporating in an instant as his hair went back to normal. Unfortunately, so did his gravity and he began to fall before Rapunzel caught him in her hair and brought him up to the window with her, hugging him tightly, he returned her hug as he looked at Ruddigar again, smiling at him, "Ruddigar..." He stated tiredly
"Are you okay?" The princess asked
"Y-yeah, I'm okay", he replied, "s-sorry"
"It's alright, we'll just... Need to figure that out", she reassured him, "but it's okay, I get, it, trust me", she gestured to the hair he was sitting in, making him giggled
"Thanks sis"
Rapunzel smiled warmly, "you're welcome, little bro"
**Outside the shell**
Ruddigar smiled back at his boy as the glowing went away before looking at the vulture, spitting at her and chittering that she can't catch them, she can't catch them! This ticked the vulture off and she flew after them, squaking with rage.
Pacal kept his eyes closed, but giggled when he heard the alchemist say, "oh we're doomed...." He climbed up the branch they were caught on, getting rid of his rock coloration and looking inside the shell, squeaking at Rapunzel as she smiled back at him
"Varian wait wait wait! This is part of their plan!!!" She exclaimed as Pascal got his claws on the necklace, "ha HA! They did it!" Be she gasped, "DWAYNE!" She growled as she watched the man reach for her Pascal. The thief tried to get away from the baby vultures that had his pants before they ripped and he made Pascal and the shell pendant fall from the cliff! Dwayne not too far behind, Ruddigar and Hamuel tried to grab it, but ended up being chased away from them by the vulture. The chameleon braced for impact, hoping that the pendant wouldn't break before suddenly, he stopped falling, looking up he saw Max smiling at him, the necklace's chain in his mouth, he'd caught them!
He caught Dwayne as well as the thief fell off his back and ran away, yelling a quick, "THANKS!" Before getting out of there!
The guard gently placed the necklace down and nuzzled Pascal, happy that he was okay before noticing the large vulture still chasing Ruddigar and Hamuel! Max looked around before noticing the large tree he'd kicked down was hollow. He whinnied at Pascal who nodded.
Pascal made his way to the end of the log and hung upside-down, changing from yellow to green as Max let out a loud neigh, getting the raccoon and bird's attention
Ruddigar looked at the duo and saw the log, smirking as he chittered to Hamuel, asking if he thought he could make it to that tree and fly through it before the vulture caught them
Hamuel cawed an affirmative and flew as fast as he could to, and through the tree, the vulture following them
Max, with Pascal now on his head, kicked the tree around after letting Ruddigar and Hamuel escape out of the open end, while the vulture smacked into the cliff and flew away in shame.
Ruddigar hopped off Hamuel and landed on the horse as the old crow fluttered gently down and cawed out, asking if he did good?
Pascal, Max, and Ruddigar all looked at each other before hugging the bird tightly, making him caw in surprise before hugging them back, happily accepting the embrace.
**A couple minutes later**
Ruddigar chittered worriedly at the pendant around his neck, "yeah buddy, the shell has to go in the water for us to get out", Varian explained, Ruddigar chittered again, "it's gonna be okay, the magic should take care of it.... I hope", he looked at Rapunzel
"I'm fairly certain the magic will get us out, don't worry", the princess replied
Max turned his head and whinnied that they were here before removing the necklace with his teeth before walking into the river water and dropping the shell pendant in. They waited for a moment or two before some light began to glow beneath the water's surface. Suddenly, the light came shining out brightly as Rapunzel popped out of the water, "hey!" She waved at the animals as Pascal hopped onto her shoulder and rubbed against her happily, "oh Pascal, I'm *so* happy to see you!!!!"
Suddenly the water shined again and Angry popped out next, "woah! That was really weird", she stated before looking at the animals and walking over, she pet Hamuel's head, "you're a good bird, a *very* good bird", she stated, getting him to caw happily
The water shined again as Catalina popped out, shaking her head a little, "phew, man it's good to be out of there! Who knew being in a shell for so long would really make you miss... Everything!" She stated, getting her sister to giggle before she walked over to Max, "thanks for the help, you did a really great job!" She praised as she pet his muzzle
Ruddigar chittered as the water shined one more time, Varian popping out next, holding the shell pendant as he did so be he slipped and fell into the water, "ah! Cold! Ahaha!" He giggled, not really minding the water before he was crashed into by a mix of grey, white, and black, "R-ruddigar! Hey AH! Hahahaha! Stop! I'm ok I'M OKAY!!!! HAHAHAHAAA STAAHAHAHAHAP!!!!" He laughed and squeaked as the raccoon sniffed, nuzzled, tickled, and checked every inch of his boy, chittering worriedly and continuing to nuzzle him happily, small tears dripping into the water as he felt Varian's arms wrap around him, "I'm really happy to see you too buddy! I missed you!" The teen stated sofley before he held out the raccoon, his eyes widening, "you're hurt!"
"What?" Rapunzel asked worriedly as Catalina and Angry looked over at him
"I-it's just a scratch but, how... Oh it doesn't matter, here", he shed his pack, getting up and holding it before setting it on the dry dirt and shifting through before grabbing a green vial, "let me see". Ruddigar showed him the cut, licking at it a little, "don't lick, it'll only make it worse", Varian stated, giggling as his raccoon pouted before he poured a small drop of the green substance on the wound. The skin seemed to heal itself, the wound wasn't completely gone, but it was as if it'd been there for weeks and was merely a scare now, "how's it feel?" He asked, the raccoon licked the wound once more before chittering happily, "oh thank goodness, do you have anymore?" Varian began to check his raccoon, getting the mammal to chitter, "hey, an eye for an eye!" The teen replied with a giggle before he finished checking, picked up his pack, and walked over to the group, "what should we do with this?" He asked the princess, holding out the shell pendant to her.
"I think we should keep it with us for now, it might come in handy, do you mind keeping it in your pack?"
"Not at all", the alchemist replied before giving it to Ruddigar, who placed it in before curling around his boy's neck happily
Angry stretched, yawning before looking up at the sky, "we should find some place to stay soon.... It's getting dark...."
"She's right, we don't have the carriage anymore, so we should really look for some shelter so-!" She stopped when she heard Max neigh loudly
They all ran in the direction of the sound and found the guard horse smiling with pride as he pointed, "the carriage!" The group yelled
"Wow! Max did you know where it was the entire time?" Rapunzel asked, smiling as the horse nodded
"You're the *BEST* Max!" Angry stated as she ran over to the carriage and dove inside, "all our food's in here!"
The princess chuckled before she looked at the rest of the group, "shall we eat?"
"Yes please!" Catalina and Varian replied at the same time before stopping and looking at each other
"Jinx!" Varian replied with a giggle, "now you owe me a drink!"
Catalina blushed and smiled, "I'll get you next time!" She stated, nudging him a little and getting him to giggle as they walked to the carriage
Rapunzel smiled and booped Pascal's nose before she joined them, happy to finally put this whole debacle behind them!
Notes:
FINALE!!!!!! YAY!!!!! :D
I changed the ending a little because I thought it would be sweeter for all the animals to get a little praise and admiration for their hard work, they'll get treats later on, for now they've all had a rough day. Plus I wanted to let Dwayne get away from the vulture, because I felt bad for him being stuck with them at the end of the episode.
Varian and Ruddy Buddy snuggles! And more moon Varian! Because science bean needs all the attention! :D
Rapunzel and Pascal lovins because those two are adorable together! :D
Max backstory! Yes Quirin was asked to put Max out of his misery, that was a thing back in the day, and it's still kinda true now, if a horse was deemed 'worthless', they were killed. Which is why Max works so hard to do his job the best he can, hence all the frustration and such from him in the episode! :D
HAMUEL IS A SAD BIRB AND I WANTS TO HUG HIM! DX He's so old and no one really gives him a chance, it's played off as a joke in the episode, but he's a good birb and I wanted to show that!
Angry is so much fun to write, she's so sassy! XD
Catalina is adorable and I love her and Varian, it's too cute! :D I still ship HugoXVarian, but the crush is too cute not to write! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 112: The Tea Kettle Incident!
Summary:
Angry and Catalina find something very interesting in the woods
Chapter Text
Angry sighed, she watched the trees go by as they made their way through the forest, “are we there yet?”
“21”, Varian replied
Rapunzel sighed, “not yet Angry”, she answered patiently
The dark-haired girl groaned, remaining silent for a few moments before asking, “are we there *yet*?”
“22”, Varian stated with a smirk, getting Catalina to giggle
“No, not yet”, the princess replied once again as Max huffed, getting annoyed
“How long is this road trip gonna take anyway? I’m gonna die of boredom!” Angry replied, frustratedly
Rapunzel looked at Angry sympathetically, “I understand Angry, but why don’t you try to entertain yourself? Like Catalina and Varian”
“You should join us!” Catalina replied happily, “we’re drawing in sketchbooks!”
“What are you drawing?” The princess asked as Angry rolled her eyes
“Nature! ….With a side of Ruddigar who is being the perfect model!” The red head replied as she watched the raccoon strike another pose with a branch in his mouth, getting his boy to raise a brow
“Aww! That sounds nice, you’ll have to show me your sketches once we’re in Nezerdnia”
“Oh you should see Varian’s! He’s surprisingly good at this! He drew this one picture of Hamuel that looks so cool!”
The alchemist blushed, “aw thanks, but I’m not *that* good”
“Are you serious? It looks almost exactly like him!” Catalina retorted with a smile, “he even drew me, Angry, his dad, and you in there princess!”
Rapunzel smiled as the alchemist blushed even more, “oh I know how good Varian’s drawing are, but I’d be interested in seeing the newest on-!”
“Are we there yet?” Angry interrupted aggravatedly
“23”, Varian replied as Rapunzel and Catalina let out a sigh
A couple hours passed when the group decided it was time for a break, setting out their gear to begin cooking. Ruddigar was helping his boy gather up some apples from a nearby tree when he let out a loud yelp before grabbing his tail and glaring, “oh, sorry Ruddigar”, Angry replied as she lifted her foot, allowing the raccoon’s tail to curl around the small mammal, “didn’t see you there”, she went to pet him, getting him to sniff her hand before bumping his head against it, acknowledging that all was forgiven.
“Everything okay?” Rapunzel asked as she tried to set up a fire pit
“Yeah, I just accidentally stepped on Ruddigar’s tail…”
Varian, who had heard his best friend’s yelp and hopped down by his side, was inspecting his tail before giving a thumbs up, “he’s good! No damage, save for maybe a little swelling”.
“That’s good, try to be a little more careful, okay Angry?” Rapunzel asked
The girl nodded, “right, sorry, uh, princess is there anything me and Cat can do?” She asked, noticing her sister was sitting next to Rapunzel and looking a little bored herself, “we’ve been on the road long enough to know how to protect ourselves, and I wanna help”.
“Hmmm… Well, how about you two go collect some firewood”, the princess suggested, “we’re gonna be here a while and I think it might be a good idea to have some extra for the road, just in case”.
“Sure! Let’s go Catalina!” Angry replied happily as he sister got up and followed her
“Just don’t go too far! Remember Dwayne’s still out there!” Varian called after them, “plus other animals and stuff…. A-actually, can you take Hamuel with you?” The alchemist asked as the old crow crashed into their apple basket, knocking some of the fresh fruit onto the floor and getting Ruddigar to growl a little at him, “he might like a walk, plus if you get into trouble, you can send him to get us!”
“Do we really need a birdy babysitter?” Catalina replied, “we really can handle ourselves”
“I know, it’s honestly just for my own peace of mind, so I know you two have someone round if you need them… Please?”
The red head wanted to argue, but seeing those big blue eyes staring at her, she began to blush and nodded, “o-ok”.
“Thanks!” Varian replied before picking the crow up, “Hamuel, can you please go with Catalina and Angry and watch out for them? They’ll need a good, brave bird like you to keep them safe, you think you can do that and let us know if they get into trouble?”
Hamuel cawed excitedly before flapping his wings and flying over to the two girls, landing on Catalina’s shoulder, who stroked his feathers gently.
“Thanks! Good crow!” Varian praised, getting Hamuel to puff out his chest happily, making Rapunzel giggle
“Be safe you three, if you’re not back in 20 minutes, well come looking for you, okay?” The princess stated
“Ok”, Angry replied before taking Catatlina’s hand, “let’s go!” They began to run off, smiling wide as they did so.
“FINALLY!” Angry shouted, “it was getting so *boring* with those two! At least we can walk around now”. She hopped on a log and balanced before walking across it
Catalina chuckled, “it wasn’t all that bad, the sketching was actually pretty fun!”
“For you maybe! I can’t sit for that long, I need to *do* something! Also what’s with old naggy the science nerd? I mean *seriously*? A birdy babysitter? We’re not 5!”
“He’s just making sure we’re safe, plus, I think Ruddigar was getting a little frustrated with Hamuel”, the red head reasoned as she scratched Hamuel’s chin while he rested on her shoulder, his ever-present smile glued to his beak. “Besides, it’s not a bad idea to have someone with us, Hamuel is pretty pleasant company too”.
“I guess…” Angry replied before back flipping off the log, letting out a peaceful sigh, “at least we’ve got 20 minutes to do what we want”. She was about to cartwheel when something caught her eye, it was…. A teakettle? “Hey Cat, I found something!”
The red head walked over and saw the object, “what’s this doing out here?” She asked curiously before picking it up. It was pink and blue, and looked pretty valuable too. “Wow, whoever lost this is probably really worried about it”
“Probably, judging from how old and fancy it looks, it probably belongs to someone really rich”, Angry stated, “or at least in high social standing…. What should we do with it?”
“Well we could search to see if anyone’s nearby… Or *Hamuel* could!” Catalina stated before letting the old crow perch on her fingers, “hey buddy, do you think you could fly ahead and see if anyone’s around? Look for someone that looks… Well… Fancy, do you think you could do that?”
Hamuel looked between the teakettle then back at the red head, cawing at her.
“Don’t worry, we’ll stay right here, okay?”
With a nod from the old crow, he took off in the air, looking around for anyone matching the girl’s description.
Angry raised a brow at her sister, “what? I asked Varian to teach me how to talk and understand him! I thought it would be useful!”
The dark-haired girl kept her brow raised, but smirked, “subtle”, she teased
“Shut up…” Catalina replied, a light blush forming on her cheeks before the old crow cawed in the air
Hamuel circled above them for a moment before he came in for a landing, perching on the red head’s shoulder and cawing at her, giving his findings
“He says he couldn’t find anyone… At least, no one fitting my description, he did mention seeing Dwayne not too far from here, but he’s roasting a hot dog and didn’t notice Hamuel in the air”.
“Huh… Guess the kettle is ours?” Angry replied, “though… I don’t really know how to use it….” She stated before getting an idea, “but we’ve got a science nerd that might!”
Catalina smiled and nodded as she and her sister got up before she looked around, “wait!”
“What?”
“Fire wood, remember?”
“Oooh! Right, we’ll get some of that first, then we’ll head back to camp, how much time do we have?”
Catalina looked up at the sky, “hmm…. Judging from the sun… 10 minutes”, Angry raised her brow again as she picked the tea kettle up off the ground, “what?! Varian taught me how to track the time using the sun! I-It was a long carriage ride!” Catalina defended, her blush getting darker as her sister giggled and began to search for some fire wood.
The girls ran back to the camp, carrying firewood and the teakettle in their hands before Catalina ran into something, landing on it with a thud before opening her eyes and seeing a freckled face in front of hers, “ow…” Varian stated
“Oh! S-sorry! Didn’t see you there! Um… Are you okay?” She asked, a little flustered as she got off the alchemist
“I’m fine’, he replied, getting up and dusting himself off, “just a little startled, I was just about to come search for you two, where’ve you been, Rapunzel already went searching for you a few minutes ago, we were getting worried”.
“Sorry about that V, we got a little sidetracked”, Angry stated as she walked over to the pair, “we found something and couldn’t find an owner, so we thought we’d ask you how to use it”, she showed him the old teakettle
“Woah! Y-you *found* this?” He asked as he took the kettle in his hands, “it’s so pretty!”
Angry smirked, “yeah, it’s a little dirty, but doesn’t seem like it has any holes in it”, she replied, “and again, we couldn’t find anyone nearby who looked like they owned it”. At the alchemist’s raised brow, the girl added, “Dwayne doesn’t strike me as a fancy teakettle kind of guy”.
“Ah”
“Yeah, so we were hoping we could… I don’t know… Find out how to use it to make tea?”
Varian tilted his head at the girl as Ruddigar climbed up his shoulder and sniffed the kettle, “not to sound rude Angry but… You never struck me as the fancy tea type either”
The black-haired girl rolled her eyes, “I’m not, but Aidra told me having good tea can help you concentrate, and concentration is one of the keys to being a really strong warrior”.
Varian smiled, “she told you that? When?”
“When you and Quirin traveled to that village a while ago and she and your uncle came to surprise you”
“You asked her then?”
“Yeah, why?”
“oh no reason, just… She’s pretty cool, huh?”
“Shut up!” Angry replied, punching the alchemist in the arm and getting him to laugh, “are you gonna show us how to make tea or not?”
Varian giggled, getting Catalina to smile before he replied,” sure, why not? Hamuel, you mind letting Rapunzel know the girls are back at camp?”
The old crow cawed happily before taking off into the air and beginning to fly north
“Other way buddy!” Varian called as he pointed south
Hamuel cawed and began to fly the opposite way, this time a little faster as Ruddigar facepalmed.
Varian smiled at the bird before looking at the girls, “we’ll need to clean this kettle out before we can make tea with it, but Rapunzel packed some cups in the carriage, while I’m cleaning this, do you two wanna clean the cups?”
“Ok!” The two girls responded happily before they all got to work
Varian had cleaned the kettle and got some fresh drinking water inside of it before placing it on the fire pit grate he’d made. “this should hold the kettle for now while boiling the water, did you two get the cups?” He asked the little girls smiling excitedly at him
“Yep! Everything’s all set, now what do we do?” Angry asked curiously
Varian giggled before he dug through his pocket and brought out a vial with some leaves inside. “So what you do to make good tea, is boil some leaves in hot water, the trick is to add a little teaspoon of sugar to the water to get an extra sweet flavor. Oh, and make sure the water is *boiling* before putting the tea leaves inside the kettle”. The teen explained as he poured some of the leaves inside.
“Question, what’s the different between tea leaves and regular leaves?” Catalina asked curiously
“Good question, tea leaves are actually not the same as regular leaves that come from trees. Tea leaves come from a specific plant that gives them a chemical make up we use to make tea!”
“Oh, neat!” The red head stated, the kettle then began to whistle, “what does that mean?”
“That means the tea is done”, Varian replied as he grabbed the kettle and began pouring the tea, he blew on it and began to drink before he smiled, “mmm! Tastes really good!”
The girls smiled and went to take a sip when a string of yellow hair shot through the air and knocked the cups from their hands. “DON’T DRINK THAT!” Rapunzel yelled
“W-what? Why?!” Angry asked before they heard Varian yell
Everyone turned to look at the alchemist before they saw him begin to change, his arms changed to wings, his legs began to shrink, and he felt something akin to needles bursting from his skin. He yelled and screamed until the pain finally stopped, opening his eyes he looked around and saw Ruddigar staring at him in shock, “are you okay?” The raccoon asked
“Y-yeah I’m fi-!” He blinked, “R-Ruddigar?! How…. H-how are you t-talking in Coronan?!”
“I-I’m not talking in Coronan! *You’re* talking in *animal*!” The raccoon replied worriedly, at his ‘boy’s’ expression, he added, “check the water”.
“W-what?” The teen ‘walked’ over to the river nearby and looked at his reflection, gasping as he saw a little blue bird staring back at him, “I-I’m a BIRD?!”
Notes:
I want to thank Crystal for giving me this idea! Thank you very much! :D
I made Varian a blue bird because they are very innocent, curious birds that are way too adorable for their own good! I love blue birds and I think Varian would make an adorable little blue bird bean! <3
Catalina and Angry would be the perfect two to find the kettle, they wouldn't know anything about it, plus Angry's still fun to write and Catalina's crush is still freaking cute!
Rapunzel tried to stop them, she managed to save Catalina and Angry, poor Varian though
Thank you for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 113: An Universal Encounter!
Summary:
Varian has just been turned into a bird and the group isn't sure how or why, but they end up meeting someone who, interestingly enough, seems to know something in the woods.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian hopped backwards, startled at his own reflection before lifting a shaky wing and staring at it before looking up at Rapunzel, "u-um...... WHAT?!"
"C-calm down Varian, it's gonna be okay!" She tried
"CALM DOWN?! I'M A *BLUE BIRD*!!!! H-HOW DID THIS EVEN H-HAPPEN?! ...Wait... Y-You *knew*! You stopped Catalina and Angry f-from drinking the tea! How did you know?!"
"Because I've seen that teakettle before"
"WHAT?!"
"Varian *please* just calm down, I'll explain everything, just... Please?"
The alchemist stared at the princess for a few moments, but noticed how worried and guilty she looked, and sighed, "o-ok.... S-sorry...."
"I-it's alright, I understand how freaked out you must be, it.... Startled Cassandra too..."
The blue bird looked at the princess, startled by what she'd just said, "C-cassie.... Turned into a bird too?"
"Yeah, it was when we left for the Dark Kingdom....", Rapunzel explained what happened with mother and father, along with the situation they found themselves in when they were all turned to birds, "....Cassandra destroyed the teakettle with her sword and made mother and father disappear before Shorty, as a bird, laid an egg and Cass used it on me. That's how we managed to escape.... I'd still be a bird without Cassandra...." She smiled sadly to herself before shaking her head and looking at Varian, "b-but now you're a bird and I'm not sure how this happened or where the teakettle came from! I recognized the teakettle the instant I saw it, which is why I stopped Catalina and Angry from drinking from it... Unfortunately I wasn't fast enough to stop you...."
Varian sighed, his anxiety slipping away for a brief moment before he glanced at his wings again, "w-well... I-it's not so bad... I-I mean I guess I can fly? T-that's neat, a-and if you and Cassandra were able to get out of it, I-I can too, we just need an egg.... T-though *where* we get it is going to be a problem...."
"Well, I mean from what the princess said, it just means *you'll* have to lay the egg V", Angry replied with a smirk, "so get laying!"
"I-What?! I don't know how to lay an egg!" The alchemist stuttered, his feathers puffing up worriedly, "I-I wouldn't even know where to start, w-what to do, I-I-I-I-!"
"Calm down, it's gonna be okay", Rapunzel said again, this time picking the hyperventilating blue bird up in her hands, "look I know things seem bad now, but we'll fix this, we'll get you back in your regular body and make sure this never happens again. It'll be okay, we'll help you Varian, we will, you're not alone".
"She's right Varian", Catalina agreed, "we just need to figure out how to get you to lay an egg, which shouldn't be hard, then all we need to do is crack it over you and BOOM! You're a human again!" She stated before adding, "plus you can fly and talk to Ruddigar better than before while still understanding us, so it's not all bad, right?"
The teen looked at the red head, calming his breathing a little, "r-right.... Right...." He finally caught his breath and inspected his body, "I-I guess it's not too bad... I-I mean, the feathers are pretty cool, a-and I have wings, which are nice, p-plus talking to Ruddigar on this level is pretty cool". He smiled at his best friend, who smiled back at him, "m-maybe this won't be so bad, I-I just need to lay a-an egg, that's all!" He then turned to look back at Rapunzel and Catalina, "t-thanks, sorry for freaking out"
"It's alright", the princess smiled before biting her lip and using her finger to scratch Varian's chin
"Mmmm-AH! Stop it!" He stated, blushing profusely as he pushed her finger away with his wing
"Sorry", she giggled, "couldn't help it", she then placed her finger on her chin in thought, "I wonder how Shorty was able to lay an egg like he did.... He wasn't upset or anything, it just kinda... Popped out of him...."
The alchemist blushed even more, "uh... N-no thank you"
"Well... How do you get chickens to lay eggs on your farm?" Angry asked
"Chickens are a lot different than blue birds, f-for one thing, they lay eggs during the day, w-which is why some farmers will purposely make it seem like day time at night in the chicken hut. Me and dad don't do that, we let the chickens lay their eggs when they need to, if they don't, we usually feed them extra so they'll have more energy to lay an egg. A magical blue bird born from a cursed tea however does not chicken! P-plus I'm human, I-I don't know how to lay an egg! Much less a *magical* one!"
"Well you're gonna have to if you wanna become human again!" The dark haired girl stated, "you can't just not lay an egg because you don't want to!"
Varian blushed even more, whimpering a little at the thought of laying an egg, he began shaking, making Ruddigar's ears perk up before he stood on his hind legs, gently picked his bird up, and nuzzled him, "it's okay, it's okay", he chittered softly, sounding very much like Quirin as he did so, "calm down, you gotta breath, okay? Just breath".
The teen felt a little faint, but managed to calm down as his raccoon continued to chitter at him. Without realizing it, he'd snuggled onto the small mammal's muzzle, folding his wings closed at his sides and sitting in Ruddigar's paws, "thanks buddy...." He replied tiredly
Rapunzel smiled at the pair before looking over at the teakettle, "where'd that come from?" She asked the two girls
"The forest, it was just sitting in the dirt, we took it here to learn how to make tea with it", Angry explained
"Hmmm.... Can you show me where you found it?"
With a nod, both girls got up along with Rapunzel before looking at Ruddigar, "uh, princess, shouldn't we take him with?" Catalina asked
The blond looked at Ruddigar, who was smiling at his bird, the teen had fallen asleep, "Ruddigar, if you walked with us, do you think he'd stay asleep? I don't want him to wake up, but I don't want him to be alone". The raccoon looked up at her before looking at his bird, he got an idea. Lifting his paws up, he set his Varian on his head, making sure the teen was laying against his ears so he wouldn't fall, then tried to walk. He managed to do so without disturbing the alchemist, and chittered a confirmation to the princess. "Great job! Now let's go!"
****
They walked into the woods, stopping when they found the spot and showed the princess, "here's where we found it", Angry said, "I just saw it in the ground"
"It wasn't broken or anything?" The princess asked
"Nope, it was just half buried in the dirt, almost like someone dropped it there and forgot about it"
"We had to clean it", Catalina added, "it was *really* dirty"
"Hmm.... That's so strange... Cassandra destroyed it completely.... Eugene and Lance saw her do it.... So how could it have just been sitting here....?" Rapunzel asked to herself before something caught her eye, there were bushes shuffling behind them. Turning her head, she noticed someone slipping back behind the trees, she narrowed her eyes, "come out, now!" She stated firmly as she stepped in front of the raccoon and sleeping alche-bird.
The person didn't move at first, "if you're planning on jumping us, maybe you should know we're armed and know how to fight!" Angry stated threateningly
"Also, believe me when I say, you would *not* like me when I'm angry", Catalina growled, "so come out and don't try anything funny!"
The person behind the bush waited for a few moments more before they all heard the snap of a twig, "alright fine, I'll come out, but you've gotta hear me out when I do, because believe it or not, I'm not an enemy!" The person sounded young, almost like they were in their teenage years
"Likely story!" Angry snapped, "come out unguarded and we'll see!"
They heard a sigh, "I'm not dropping anything, you have me outnumbered, and you're gonna need me if you want any chance for your friend to go back to being human again!"
This made them all gasp, "you... You *know* about the tea kettle?!" Rapunzel asked
They heard a snort, "I do *now*", they growled, "I mean I knew he was turned into a bird, I just didn't think it was a *teakettle* that did it"
The princess sighed, getting frustrated, "look, we won't hurt you if you don't hurt us, deal?"
"Mm deal", the person replied before he emerged from the bushes. He was a male, dressed in an emerald green jumpsuit that matched his eyes, black and brown boots, metal gauntlet and shoulder pads, and a pair of silver goggles with yellow lenses in them. He has blond hair that was tied up in a small ponytail, a couple earrings in one ear, and large, round, glasses sitting on his ever smirking face. He places a fingerless gloved hand on his hip and chuckled, "hello, the name's Hugo", he bowed gracefully, "a pleasure to meet you, princess Rapunzel of Corona".
Notes:
Thank you to Crystal for giving me this idea! :D
Also, I HAD to!!!! I wanted him in here! I'm gonna have him appear a couple more times too! We need more of the sassy thief in our lives, and I'm going to make it so! Plus, this'll be a great chance to further Varian's story arc! :D (Plus I love him to death! I really do! I always will, and the only reason I'm not saying his name is because I want people to read the chapter to find out who I'm talking about!)
Poor Varian, the bean needs a nap, I decided to give him one, he's getting a nap and some snugs from Ruddigar. Oh, the reason Ruddy buddy has quotes now as opposed to the way I had him talking before is because he's talking directly to Varian, who speaks human, the POV we were getting was birdy bean's, so I wanted to kinda emphasize that, I hope you like it, if not, I can change it back :D
Catalina and Angry are kinda just here in this chapter, but they'll get more parts in later chapters, this one was kinda short as well because I got excited about introducing a certain someone! Sorry about that
Rapunzel is protective sissy and I loves it! :D
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 114: Flying Lesson!
Summary:
Varian wakes up to find a very unfamiliar face in their group.
Notes:
LMFAO!!!! You guys made me bust a gut in the comments of that last chapter! I loved your reactions to Hugo's reveal, thank you so much for that! <3
With that being said, there shall be more notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian yawned, stretching his wings up and rubbing his eye a bit before he looked around, he didn't really remember what happened, all he knew was that he'd had a panic attack over something and fell asleep. He didn't feel the usual aches or pains that come after a normal panic attack, not that he was complaining! The teen felt a bit peaceful as he perched on his raccoon's head, the wind blowing through his feathers and giving him a much needed breath of fres-! Wait... Wings? Feathers?! He looked down and saw a light blue feathered body with a white belly, looking at his nose he saw a small, black, beak, "i-i-it wasn't a dream?" He asked
"No, it wasn't", a voice replied, looking down the teen saw Ruddigar looking up at him, "you're a bird, you and I can talk, and... There's some guy named Hugo here who seems to know about you becoming a bird and may have some answers for us".
The little blue bird was startled by the news before he looked to see the stranger standing next to the princess, "u-um.... Hi?"
"Hello little bird", Hugo replied with a chuckle as he straightened his back from the bow
Varian blushed as Catalina stepped forwards, "so who are you exactly and what do you know about... This?" she gestured to the alchemist
"As I stated before, the name's Hugo, I'm a traveler of sorts, and I heard about an item around here that changes people into birds, I was hoping to find it", he explained
"Why?"
"I have my reasons, let it be known, once again, that I mean your group no harm. I'm just looking for that.... Apparently it's a teakettle? How strange, either way I'm looking for it and would be more than willing to help your friend out here in exchange for it"
Angry raised a brow, "right, so you just *happen* to stumble through the woods at the exact same time our friend turns into a bird, signaling that we found the *exact* object you're looking for, and you'll, what, fix him with some sort of 'magical do dad' of your own?" She scoffed, "that's a little too convenient don't you think?"
The blonde boy smirked at the dark haired girl, a little impressed, "I suppose you could, but then, I've had stranger coincidences in my life, perhaps I was *meant* to find you, maybe it was destiny".
Varian rolled his eyes as Rapunzel stepped forwards, "I'm a big believer in destiny myself, but that doesn't mean I trust you, you're gonna need to give me a better reason than that".
"Well, I have tools at my disposal that I don't think any of you could really imagine, maybe one of them could help your friend, see I'm not exactly, what you would call, a 'normal' kind of person. I use things in different ways, mixing and matching every day items to get an even better, and much more useful, result". This caught Varian's attention, he felt something... Different about this blonde... Something that interested him in a much more personal way as he continued to speak, "so once again, I'll repeat, I'm more than willing to help your friend in exchange for the item that I seek. I'll stay in your sights the entire time if that makes you any less worried, though I don't do handcuffs, that's my offer, you can take it or leave it, either way I'm walking away with that teakettle, so you may want to say yes".
The princess glared at him before she heard Ruddigar chitter, looking back at him, she noticed the look he was giving her, it was a mix between worry and sadness as he gestured to his bird. Rapunzel then looked back at Hugo, who was watching her, still smirking, before she sighed, "fine, you can come with us, and *when* you fix him, I will give you the teakettle".
"Great!" The teen replied
"BUT!" She stopped him, "you've gotta tell me one thing"
He raised a brow, "you're not exactly my type princess, no offense"
Her eyes widened before she blushed, "NO! That was NOT what I was gonna ask! By the way, I'm in a *happy* relationship I'll have you know!"
"Is that why you're out here in the middle of the woods with no sign of your boyfriend?"
"This is meant to be a fun trip with friends and family! Nothing more nothing le-!"
"Rapunzel, you're uh.... Getting a little off topic?" Varian interrupted, flapping his wings a little to get her attention
She stopped and thought about it for a moment before realizing what was happening and glaring at the teen, who was laughing. Getting flustered, she let down her hair, lashed it around Hugo's waist, pulling him towards her and glaring, "I have *one* question for you, and you're going to answer, what do you plan on doing with that teakettle?"
He'd stopped laughing as was staring, unamused at the princess, "well this doesn't seem like royal behavior-!", he joked, instantly regretting it when she tightened her hair's grip, "ugh... Alright easy, I want to destroy it".
She stopped and raised a brow at the blonde, "so you're traveling all by yourself, searing for this particular teakettle, just to destroy it?"
"Believe it or not, yes"
"I don't believe you"
"Does it honestly look like I have *any* other options but to tell you the truth?!" Hugo asked as he struggled to breathe, "you're cutting off my air flow here!"
The princess waited for a few moments, making sure he wouldn't change his mind before letting him go, getting slight satisfaction as he fell to the floor, "fine, but I'm watching you!" She warned, "don't try *anything* to hurt me or my friends, and you'll be fine, but give me one good reason to think you might, and I-!"
"You'll wrap me in your death weave and kill the ever loving crap out of me, got it", the teen interrupted aggravatedly as he picked himself off the ground and dusted the dirt off.
Varian began to giggle, repeating the words, "Death weave!" Before giggling again getting both blonds to look at him
Hugo smirked, "well at least the bird thinks I'm funny, that's good right?"
Rapunzel watched her little brother laugh for the first time since he'd turned into a bird, and smiled, "yeah, that's good".
He raised a brow before looking in-between to two before remembering what the princess had said, 'This is meant to be a fun trip with friends and family!' It hit him and he looked at the bird boy again, a secret smile forming on his face.
****
They made their way back to the campsite, Catalina and Angry making sure Hugo was in the front of the pack so they could watch him, before they all sat down around the fire pit, the teakettle still sitting at the top. Hugo looked at it before looking at Varian, "so what exactly happened with a teakettle that turned you into a bird?" He asked, at the confused looks he added, "I know it turns people to birds, I don't know *how*".
"I-it.... Was the tea it made.... I-I made the tea in the kettle and drank some... n-now I'm a bird...." He blushed profusely as he explained, not looking the blond in the eye as he answered
"Oh.... In all honesty, it would've gotten me too, so don't feel too bad"
This made Varian perk up and look at him, "r-really?"
"Yeah, I mean who expects a teakettle to turn you into a bird with *tea*? That's not scientifically possible... Then again, magic never is"
"W-wait, scientifically possible? D-does that mean you're into science?"
Hugo nodded, "yep! Actually, I'm not just into it, I'm a scientist myself!"
The blue bird's eyes widened with interest, "which form do you use?"
"Mmm I'm an inventor mostly, but I do a lot of alchemy too"
"YOU DO ALCHEMY?!" This startled the blond as Varian flapped his wings excitedly, "w-who do you study under?! My favorite alchemist is Demanitus! He makes the best things in the world from an invention that can stop an entire *blizzard* to a maze filled to the brim with riddles and hiding some sort of dark secret! Did you know Demanitus likes hot chocolate? He drank it while he worked! I do that same thing actually! N-not because he does it, but because I like hot chocolate, I did even *know* he liked until *after*! H-he's also the man that made alchemy what it is today! And did you kn-!" He stopped when he noticed Catalina and Angry grinning at him and blushed, "uh... S-sorry... I've never met another alchemist before...."
Hugo's eyes was sparkling a little, "I've never met another alchemist either...." He replied quietly
"R-really?" Varian asked
The blond nodded, "I'm the only one I know, in fact, any time I *talk* about alchemy everyone's eyes glaze over. So to meet someone who's.... Surprisingly, even more interested in it than I am is.... New".
The teen smiled, his wings wiggling a little, "one I um... O-once I'm done being a bird, I'd love to talk to you more about it! I-if you want to". He wasn't sure why, but he felt his face blushing when he asked that.
Hugo bit his lip, "I'm... Not really gonna stay for very long once you're free from being a bird.... Got a lot to do... So we may not get a lot of time to... You know..."
"Oh... R-right yeah..." The little blue bird felt his heart break a bit at that, but he wasn't sure why.
Hugo felt a twang of guilt for the little bird, understanding why he would be so upset that he couldn't stay. This gave him an idea however, "hey, have you tried flying?"
"Hm? Flying? Oh no.... I-I'd fall knowing my luck"
"Why not try? Can't be too bad am I right?"
"W-well... I'll admit I've been curious, b-but...." The little blue birds head sunk into his body a bit as he hid his face a little
Hugo snorted before getting up and walking over to Varian and Ruddigar, the raccoon immediately let out a hiss, his tail poofing up as he growled at the blond. Rapunzel, Catalina, and Angry all looked a little surprised by this, "back off my boy!" Ruddigar chittered
"R-Ruddigar it's okay! H-he won't hurt me I swear!" Varian replied worriedly, trying to calm his best friend down
"I don't trust him! He smells weird, like he's not from around here.... He doesn't smell like the trees or the towns nearby"
"He.... Doesn't?"
"No! He smells like he's from somewhere far away!"
"W-wait, what else do you smell on him?"
This confused the raccoon, who looked up at his bird, "why are you asking?"
Varian blushed a little, "I... I'm just curious if he smells.... You know... L-like... Chemicals?"
The raccoon thought about that for a moment before looking at Hugo and sniffing him, much to the teens confusion, before Ruddigar stated, "he does... He smells different than you, but it's similar to the stinky stuff you use in that big room back home".
"M-my chemicals are not stinky!" Varian argued, "they just... Have a potent smell is all!"
The raccoon smirked, "they're stinky, especially the smelly hard silver stuff you bring home"
"That's metal"
"It's still smelly"
"Um... Not to interrupt this... Whatever conversation you were having, but have you convinced your raccoon that I'm not gonna hurt you yet?" Hugo asked, his brow raised a little bit
Varian looked up at him in confusion, "you... Can't understand what I'm saying?"
"Well not when you're talking to him", he pointed to Ruddigar, "all I hear is chirps"
"Which is kinda cute by the way!" Rapunzel stated happily, "you and Ruddigar were just chittering and tweeting at each other!"
The alche-bird blinked before hopping on Ruddigar's head and looking at him, "they said they only hear my chirp when I talk to you"
"I told you, you're speaking in animal", the raccoon explained, "you talk to me in human, and I can understand bits and pieces because it's you and I've picked up on some of your ques, but when it comes to other humans, I'm a little clueless. It's like when you talk to Pascal, Hamuel, or Max, you can only hear.... What you call, squeaks, chirps, and neighs, but we hear words".
"Huh.... So I'm talking animal right now?"
"Yep! Pretty neat huh?"
"Actually yes!"
"Do you uh... think he heard me?" Hugo asked the princess, who shrugged
"Oh... Eheh, sorry", Varian replied as he looked at Hugo, "yeah, I did, just... Learning new things!"
The blond teen nodded, "so... Can I pick you up or is he gonna bite me?"
"Oh! R-right we uh.... Didn't get to that yet...." The bird blushed a little before he looked at his best friend, "Ruddigar he's-!"
"Not gonna hurt you, yeah you said... I still don't trust him though...." The raccoon stated as he glared at the bespeckled teen
Varian sighed, "do you trust me?"
"What do y-Of *course* I trust you!"
"Then trust *me* when I say, he's not gonna hurt me", the bird replied, "he only wants to pick me up, I... I guess he wants to teach me how to fly? I-I'll admit I'm nervous, but I'm also very curious about it, a-and if he can help me, I'd really happy! I... I want to know how, maybe he can help me, please?"
The raccoon stared at his bird for a few moments before sighing, "fine, but if he drops you I'm biting his leg!"
Varian smiled and hugged Ruddigar, "I love you, you know that? You're such a good raccoon, and the best friend any human could ever ask for!"
Ruddigar hugged him back, nuzzling him as he did, "and you're the best boy any raccoon could ever have!"
The blue bird smiled even bigger before he let go and looked up at the blond teen, "he said it was okay, j-just don't drop me because he'll bite your leg"
"Noted", Hugo replied with a smirk before lowering his hands to the floor and allowing the alche-bird to climb in them. Varian was sitting in Hugo's hands as the teen held him gently, Ruddigar keeping an eye on him as he held the little blue bird, "ok, so the first thing you've gotta do is flap".
"Flap?" The blue bird asked
"Yeah, when I see birds take off flying, they flap first to give themselves enough acceleration to take off"
"What's with you alchemists and bird facts?" Angry asked, confusing the blonde teen
Varian giggled, "I grossed them out when they were getting on my nerves with bird facts"
Hugo smirked, "you tell em about their poo or how they feed their kids?"
"Both actually"
"Nice"
"Thanks!"
"You're both gross..." The dark haired girl replied, getting them both to laugh
Rapunzel felt a small smile tug at her mouth as she watched the two teens talking before she shook her head, frowning again, she didn't trust him, and she wouldn't show how cute the two acted with each other. "So... How do you plan on showing him how to fly if you've never been a bird?" Catalina asked, apparently she was doing the same, her voice a little gruff as she watched the blond holding Varian.
"Wait and see", he stated simply before looking at Varian again, "now try flapping, slow at first to get the right rhythm... also, you may need to stand"
The teen looked down and realized he'd sat down, "uh.... Oops, heh", he stood up, and spread his wings out, feeling the wind sweep through them as he did so, it felt nice. He then closed his eyes and began to flap a little, slowly at first before finding a beat and continuing to flap, enjoying the feeling the wind gave him
"Look down", Hugo stated softly
Varian opened his eyes before seeing Hugo smiling, lifting both his hands and showing the alche-bird. Varian looked down and saw nothing beneath him, his heart began to pump fast but it wasn't out of panic, for once all he could feel was pure *joy*! He continued to flap, but leaned a little to the left, low and behold, his body followed! He giggled and leaned to the right, his body going a bit to the right! He beamed before he let out an excited, "WOOHOO!!!!" Before letting out one big flap that sent him soaring up!
Ruddigar, Rapunzel, Angry, and Catalina all got up worriedly, but stopped when they heard Varian's cries of excitement as the teen caught himself and laughed before zipping around like crazy. He flew around the trees, the bushes, above their heads, he even flew close to the ground, the wind rushed through his wings as he soared! Hugo smiled at the little blue bird before looking at the red head, "and that's how you teach a human turned bird how to fly".
"He looks so... Happy", she responded as she watched Varian fly around
"Yeah, I guess he... does?" Hugo replied, a little confused at the way she said that
"I've never seen him so happy before.... He's always looking over his shoulder or nervous about something... Normally he's just so quiet but...." She stopped when she heard Varian let out another scream of joy. Catalina smiled, "he's just so happy".
Rapunzel nodded, "he really is, he's free up there, it's so much fun to fly like a bird, freeing too. In a way I wonder if this might be a good thing for Varian, n-not that I want him to stay that way forever, but..." She watched her little brother soar for the first time in her life, no strings attached as he continued to fly anywhere he could, "he really needed this..." She looked over at Hugo, smiling wide as a single tear rolled down her face, "thank you, you... You really are a good guy, aren't you".
The blond didn't respond, not really knowing what to say, "I.... I-it wasn't that big a deal I me-!"
"No, it.... It really was.... You only just met him today, but this... He needed this... You... Thank you Hugo, for doing that for him, I think you might've been just what he needed".
He looked back up at Varian, watching him soar through the air, she was right, without really doing much, he'd made the alchemist so happy by just being kind to him.... He hadn't even thought about it, he just.... Wanted to.... He looked towards the teakettle and felt a pang of guilt shoot through his chest as his mind raced, he wasn't supposed to do this! He was just supposed to get the teakettle and go! This was *not* part of the plan! He looked back up at the blue bird, *great....* He thought to himself, *now what am I supposed to do?*
Notes:
Varian is a free blue bird!!!!! <3 I wanted the bean to fly! He may be a magical bird, but he deserved to feel the freedom of flight! I feel like that would be really theraputic for our little science bean! <3
So Hugo is a smart a*s, and it often gets him in trouble, but he's also a secret sweet heart that has a lot of issues of his own he needs to deal with! I hope I wrote him well, I wanted to show both sides of him as well as his inner struggle, I thought a flying lesson may help with that :D
Poor Catalina, she can already sense something going on here, and she does *not* like it! XD
Angry is gonna hate having Hugo around, now Varian has some back up when she picks on him! XD
Punzie is best protective sister! :D I love her so much and the fact that she notices Varian having the time of his life as he flies just makes it so much better! Freckle siblings FIVEver!!!!!
Ruddy buddy is the best protective brat-coon ever! I loves him so much! :D
Also, for anyone who's curious, I really miss writing Quirin right now! DX I really miss my farmer dad! I wanna go back to him soon, he's gonna be extremely confused when Varian tells him about his latest adventure XD
Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 115: Bonding!
Summary:
Varian begins to bond with a couple unlikely people
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian was panting happily as he fluttered back down to the ground, he was tired, his hair was a mess, and his wings ached a little bit, but he was *so* happy as he perched himself next to Hamuel on a tree. He closed his wings and sat in the tree, wrapping his claws around the tiny branch both he and the old crow sat on as the group looked up at him and smiled, "done flying for now?" Rapunzel asked with a grin
"For now, but I wanna do it again later! That was so much *FUN*!" Varian replied, giggling as he did, "if....", he was still panting, very out of breath, "if-if-if I could do that every day.... I'd take *every* chance.... To do that!!! H-How do you not stay *up* there Hamuel?! S-seriously it's so *beautiful*!" He exclaimed as he looked at the black bird
Hamuel looked at him and smiled, "Rest, need to keep energy up!" He replied
"Oh Ok-! GAH! H-Hamuel just spoke to me!" Varian stated
"I told you earlier", Ruddigar said as he climbed the tree and sat next to his boy, "you can talk to all of us, you could probably talk to the horse and Pascal too", the raccoon explained
"O-oh right!" The alche-bird replied before looking back at Hamuel, "sorry"
"Apology accepted!" The old crow replied, "Surprised me too!"
Varian smiled, "you talk like grandpa!"
"Grandpa?"
"Oh uh, King Edmund"
"OH! My Edmund! Yes yes! Talk like him! Walk like him! My Edmund! Love my Edmund!" The old crow sang happily
The blue bird giggled, "he loves you too you know, a lot"
This made Hamuel stop and look at the alche-bird, "mean it? Does he say 'good bird'?"
"Yeah he does, he says you're the best bird in the world! I've got a whole letter from him confirming that"
The old crow's smiled widened and he looked out towards the horizon, "my Edmund.... Good human, best human"
Ruddigar smirked, "to you, yes, to me, best human is my boy", the raccoon hugged Varian, who hugged him back
"Hey, you done chirping up there?" Hugo called with a smirk, "if you are, I was gonna try something to see if I could change you back"
Varian looked down at the blond from his perch, "oh... R-right, change back to being a human...." He replied as he looked down at his own bird body, "I guess my dad would get pretty upset if I came home like this huh?"
Ruddigar looked at his bird worriedly, "you okay?"
"I guess I'm... Just gonna miss some things about being a bird... I-is that weird?"
The raccoon giggled, "no it's not weird, but I think you'll miss being human too, you can't really do your smelly science while being a bird"
"It's not smelly"
"It's smelly to me"
The teen giggled before hugging his raccoon, "I'm gonna miss talking to you"
"I'm gonna miss talking to you too", Ruddigar replied before getting an idea, "hey! Why not try to make something that'll *let* you talk to us! Once you're human again, you can start working on it!"
The alche-bird opened his eyes and stared at his raccoon in shock before grinning, "why didn't *I* think of that! Ruddy you're a GENIUS!!!!!" He flapped his wings, lifting in the air a little before fluttering down, "it... It may take me a while"
"That's okay, take as long as you need, knowing you, you'll wanna make it perfect!" Ruddigar replied with a grin, "until then, I'll keep chittering in your ear"
"Pfft! Oki! I'm gonna become human again, make that potion, and you and I are gonna have some fun, deal?"
"Deal!" They hugged one more time before letting go
Varian was about to fly down to the blond alchemist but stopped and looked over at Hamuel, "hey, when I'm human again and I make that potion, I'll give some to grandpa too, so you can talk to him, okay?"
The old crow grinned and nodded, "thank you tiny one!" He replied happily, "I'd love that, my Edmund would too! We talk, together, talk talk talk! My Edmund and me!"
The little blue bird smiled lovingly at the old crow before he flapped his wings and flew down, landing on the grass in front of Hugo, who smirked, "exchanging pleasantries?"
"Yep! I also have a new idea for an experiment, so I'm pretty happy right now", Varian replied, "so what's this idea you had?"
"Well, you won't like it, but it's the only way I know to get you out of this situation"
The blue bird raised a brow, "what exactly is it?"
"You need to lay an egg, and I've got a potion that'll help you do it, *but* it's gonna take some time to activate... Which may be a problem"
"What do you mean?"
Hugo looked at the princess, "you wanna tell him? Might be better coming from you"
Varian looked at Rapunzel worriedly, "tell me what?"
The princess sighed and walked over to Varian, offering her hand so he could climb up, he did and she picked him up, "well.... Ya see... W-when me and Cass were turned into birds.... Um... There's a bit of a... Time limit..."
"What?"
"Eheh... Um.... When you drink the tea from the teakettle, you have one hour to be a bird and fly around, but then you need to use an egg to turn yourself back.... The only way to get the egg, from my own experience, is for someone who drank the tea and turned into a bird to lay one.... And if you don't turn back after the time is up.... You... Turn completely into a feral bird and are unable to be turned back...."
All the color drained from the blue bird's feathers as he soaked in this new knowledge, "y-you.... You mean i-if I don't turn back... Then I'll be...."
"A wild bird.... Yes"
The alche-bird was silent for a moment, his heart racing, his mind began to fizz as his thoughts screamed through his head, *A BIRD?! A WILD BIRD?!* * I won't have any memories of my friends or family or *ANYONE*?!* *Why didn't she tell me that beforehand?! She *knew* the entire time and she didn't tell me until when, until *HUGO* told her to?!* *W-wait I have to lay an egg?!* *W-what am I gonna do? D-does she know how much time I have left?!* *A lot less than an *hour*!* *What i-if Hugo's potion doesn't work?! W-what if I turn into a wild bird *before it can*?!* *W-what do I do? WHAT DO I DO?!*
"VARIAN!" Ruddigar screeched, managing to snap his bird out of his panic attack, "hey! Look at me, it's okay! You're okay! Just stay with me alright, breathe, just breathe"
The little blue bird took a couple deep breaths, letting them out slowly before he regained control of his thoughts, "t-thanks Ruddigar", he said, petting his raccoon's nose with his wing before looking up at the princess, "d-do you know how m-much time I have left?"
Rapunzel thought about it, "I'd say about 30 minutes.... You fell asleep for 10 minutes, then we met Hugo and came back here and we watched you fly, all that took about 20", she calculated before looking at Hugo, "how long does your potion need to take affect and have him lay an egg?"
"20 minutes", the blond replied
"And you're *positive* it'll work"
"Yes, I've.... Had to experiment with it a few times... Some were not so lucky, but I ended up figuring it out, it'll work".
She gave him a worried glance, but seeing how serious he was, she didn't argue and turned back to Varian, "so we'll have, give or take, 10 minutes to spare when you lay the egg if you take the potion now, then you can crack it over yourself and turn back into a human again!"
The blue bird, having no other options he nodded, "o-ok.... I'll do it..."
Hugo stepped forwards with a dropper filled with a little green potion, Varian opened his beak and waited before felt a little drop fall into it. Closing his beak he grimaced at the taste, which was a mix between sour lemons and grass before it faded, he looked down and felt nothing, "like I said, it takes 20 minutes, during that time you'll feel a little odd, maybe a touch of pain, but nothing too serious", Hugo explained as he put the dropped away, "the laying the egg part will be the only thing that feels the oddest".
"Question", Catalina asked, "Rapunzel said Shorty, a.... 'friend'.... of ours, was able to lay an egg no problem, why can't Varian?"
"It could be a couple things, the biggest one being that he can't relax enough to do so", the blond alchemist explained, "I've seen a bunch of other people have this same problem"
"How many bird people have you come across exactly?" Angry asked with a raised brow
Hugo stopped and thought about it, "....about 25 actually...."
"Funny", Varian stated, "if I had a penny for every time someone told me they've come across bird people, I'd have two pennies.... Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice!"
****
A few minutes passed before Angry began to get bored again, sighing, she looked at her sister, who was drawing Varian posing with Ruddigar, "you make a good model, you know that?" She asked with a smile
The alche-bird giggled, "it's a little fun, not gonna lie"
Hugo chuckled, "you two look pretty cute together, not gonna lie"
Varian blushed, "uh, t-thanks"
"Sooo what, are we just gonna sit here and do nothing again?" Angry asked irritatedly
"Come on Angry, why not try drawing with Catalina?" Rapunzel asked with a smile
"We've done this before, I may have artist eyes when it comes to paint, but not pencil"
Varian tilted his head to the side, "you paint?"
"When we were fixing the castle and me and Catalina were painting the wall, I like doing that"
Catalina looked over at her sister, "well, we could use some more fire wood, why don't we grab some more?"
"That's a good idea!"
"Hold on girls", Rapunzel stated, stopping them before they could run off, "I think we should go with you this time"
"Uh... Princess I would... *really* rather stay here..." Varian replied with a blush
"Why? Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah just.... Um... Y-you might be gone for approximately 20 minutes s-so....."
"Oooh! I see, well, we can't leave you alone"
"I could stay with him", Hugo offered, "that way if there are any.... Complications, I'll be there to help"
"W-WHAT?!" Varian replied loudly as he flapped his wings anxiously, "I-I d-don't think y-you should, I-I mean y-you can.... I-I... U-um.... I c-can h-handle *that* m-myself thank y-you!" He stuttered, his face beet red as he looked at the other alchemist
Hugo laughed, "I meant with the *potion*! You can handle the egg laying bird brain"
The alche-bird stopped flapping and, somehow, blushed even deeper, "oh.... right...."
Rapunzel picked up her little brother and kissed his head before allowing him to hide behind her hand for a moment as she addressed the blond teen, "I don't know... I don't really know you, how can I be sure you won't just take the teakettle and run off?"
Hugo rolled his eyes, "you *really* think an upstanding guy like me, who hasn't even *tried* to steal the kettle *thus* far, would really try and do it while you're gone?" She raised a brow at him, "....Ok fair point, but I don't think it's a good idea to have him walking around or even perching on something else that walks when he's trying to lay an egg, in fact it would be better if he sat on a nest or something, and your friends seem pretty adamant that they wanna walk around judging from the fact that your dark hair friend is tapping her foot".
Rapunzel looked at Angry, who was indeed tapping her foot and looking impatient, she looked back Hugo and noticed him smirking. A small part of her felt her blood boil at that smirk before she got an idea, "oh Maaax~" She called, making the blond teen raise a brow before a white stallion, with a chameleon on his head, came running over and saluted the princess. Rapunzel set Varian on the horse's head, giggling as the blue bird got comfortable, then perched in the horse's mane as Ruddigar climbed on Max's back. "Max do you mind keeping an eye on Varian, the teakettle, and our new friend here? We wanna make sure nothing happens to *any* of them while me, Catalina, and Angry are gone, okay?"
Max nodded as he whinnied and gave Hugo the side eye, "he says that you can count on him, and that nothing will happen to the teakettle, the nervous bird, excuse you, and.... um.... Him...." At the blond teen's confused look, Varian added, "the person that Max just called a very mean name, on his watch".
Hugo placed a hand on his chest in mock offence, "how dare you horse", he smirked
Max growled at him, getting Varian to cover his mouth, making everyone look at him, "Max has a surprisingly dirty mouth!" The stallion huffed, flattening his ears and looking up at Varian, "you do! I mean really, that was rude!" Max neighed at him, "ok I *know* my dad didn't teach you that!"
Hugo chuckled, "I'm being defended by a blue bird, now that's something you don't see every day"
Varian's feathers puffed up a little in frustration, "you're rude too!"
"I know"
Rapunzel giggled, "either way, Max is in charge, and I really wouldn't get on his bad side if I were you", she warned
"Oh yes, leave the *horse* in charge, you Coronan's are very strange"
"Yes, yes we are", Rapunzel replied before she looked at Varian, "are you gonna be alright?"
"Yeah, the only thing that's worrying me is laying an egg, and Max's language", the horse huffed, "so rude"
The princess gently scratched Varian's chin, getting the teen to lean into the touch before blushing and bapping her hand away with his soft wings, "you're such a cute blue bird Varian!" She giggled before turning towards the girls, "alright, we're gonna walk and get some wood, admire scenery, then come back, let's go troops!"
Catalina and Angry giggled as they began to walk into the woods, they were out of sight after a minute. Hugo looked at the animals and raised a brow, getting Max to raise one right back, "oh this will be fun", he replied sarcastically before smirking as he saw the blue bird giggle at his joke, *at least it's not all bad*, he thought to himself before he sat down on the grass, "so, you wanna.... Talk?" He offered
"Not gonna try to run away?" Varian asked
"Nah, 'sides, I don't think our babysitter will let me"
Varian giggled again, stopping when Max huffed at him before he fluttered down next to Hugo's side, "o-oki, I wouldn't mind talking a bit", he smiled up at the blond before looking around and spotting a bush with a branch sticking out, flying up to it, he perched and waved, "I'm eye level with you now!" He stated happily, this time getting Hugo to chuckle
"You're so weird, bird brain"
"So are you, four eyes"
The blond teen stopped and looked at the alche-bird, who was smirking, he scoffed, "really? Four eyes? *That's* the best you could come up with?"
"Better than bird brain, I'm gonna turn back soon and once I do, your nick name won't make *any* sense, where as mine will"
"Huh, alright, ya got me there", Hugo admitted with a chuckle, "know what? You're not so bad... Varian right?"
"Right! You're not so bad either, Huuugo"
"Pffft! Vaaaarian"
"Huuuugo!"
They laughed together, both finding it very easy to talk to the other, they continued to chat, never hesitating to find a new topic they both could agree on. For once during this entire, odd, adventure, both alchemists felt at peace.
Notes:
So, sorry about yesterday I actually wrote a side story, about the aftermath of Cassandra's Revenge, because my mind would NOT let me type without writing out that story, and I wanted to give you all a good chapter, so I wrote it and posted it yesterday but ended up not having time to write anything else. Sorry about that, but here's a longer chapter today that I hope will make up for it! :D
This chapter is about bonding, with the animals and with Hugo, we needs to get the bonding fluff in this story somehow dang it! XD
That comment Ruddigar made about Varian creating a potion that allows him to talk to the animals is going to be another chapter I'm gonna write! :D
Hamuel is a good bird, and I loves him a lot! <3
Max would be a potty mouth when it comes to people he doesn't trust, he would not be very nice to, who he deems to be, criminals
Ruddigar is best fluffy friend, I said it! XD
Catalina and Angry had that argument during Herz Der Sonne's treasure and it made me wonder some things! XD
Rapunzel is a sneaky protective big sister XD
Varian is the best blue bird in the world and no one can tell me otherwise! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 116: Wants and Needs!
Summary:
Hugo and Varian have to choose weather they go with what they want, or what they need
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“So, you said you were an inventor and alchemist, right?” Varian asked as he smiled at the blond sitting next to him
“That would be correct, inventions over alchemy for me”, Hugo replied, returning the smile, “and, if I’m not mistaken, *you* are an alchemist and inventor, yes?”
“Yep! Alchemy over inventions for me!” The alche-bird answered, “what kind of inventions do you do?”
“All sorts, from an automatic hairbrush to adorable mechanical mice!”
“Mechanical mice?”
“Did I not show you?! Ugh! Shame on me”, the blond stated as he bapped his own forehead with his hand, “here, meet Olivia”. He placed a hand in his pocket, only to be stopped by Max, who stood up and glared at the boy, “chill horse, I’m bringing out a friend”.
Max whinnied at him, stamping his hooves on the floor, “he uh…. He says you’d better not be trying anything funny”, Varian hesitantly translated. Max huffed at the alche-bird, “I am *not* repeating that word! My dad would *genuinely* kill me if I did!” He argued, “and don’t even try to tell me he wouldn’t know, he’d find out, I don’t know *how*, but he would!”
Hugo then raised a brow, “hey, question, why do you talk to the horse normally, but you talk to the raccoon and bird in, what I assume to be, their language?”
Varian blinked, then looked at Hugo, “huh… I… Didn’t realize I was doing that in all honesty… I think Max can understand me no matter what language I speak…. When I talk to Ruddigar and Hamuel, I speak in their language without even realizing it”.
“But I can’t understand the horse”
“Right but that’s probably because you haven’t been around him nearly as much as I have, but he can definitely understand you”
“How do you know that?”
Max whinnied again, getting a glare from the alche-bird, which made him huff, “just…. Trust me… So rude”
Hugo raised a confused brow before shaking his head, deciding to move on, “well, either way, who I’m about to introduce you to is not, in any way shape or form, dangerous or scary… Unless you try to hurt me, then I’d be worried, but trust me, she’s a friend, my… Only friend actually… She won’t hurt you if you don’t hurt her, or me”. He explained, “that okay with you ‘babysitter’?”
Max mumbled a little before he huffed and sat on his haunches, still glaring at the blond, “he says that’s fine”. The guard raised a brow at Varian, “he said nothing *more* after that if he wants to eat anything besides grass for dinner!”
Hugo chuckled when Max stopped grumbling, “birdbrain’s laying down the law”
“’Scuse you? ‘birdbrain’?”
“I’m using it as much as I can”
“Brat”
“Thank you!”
"You're unwelcome"
Hugo snickered before he finally grabbed the object from his pocket, bringing his hand up to the blue bird's face and opening it, revealing a little mechanical mouse, "this is Olivia, I made her when I was a kid, she's been with me for *years* and it a lot like your raccoon by means of support for me".
Olivia opened her eyes and looked around before spotting the blue bird in front of her, she sniffed his wing when he offered it to her and squeaked, "hello, who are you? Are you friend or foe?"
"I'm a friend, hello my name's Varian, nice to meet you!" The alche-bird replied with a smile before looking up at the blond, "she's *amazing*! How'd you build her?!"
Hugo smiled proudly, "I used every piece of scrap metal I could find, upgrading her as I found even better parts too! she's been my best, and only, friend since I was a kid, we've never left each other's side, ever!"
Varian gave the teen a warm smile before he looked over at Ruddigar, who had come over and sniffed the mechanical mouse, "I.... Understand how that feels..."
The blond raised a brow, "you have the princess of Corona and those two little girls"
"I didn't meet the princess until about a year and a half ago... And the girls I met just this year.... I may have friends now, but back then, I really didn't.... I had me, my dad, and Ruddigar, that's it".
"Oh"
"Yeah.... Being an alchemist and inventor in Corona of all places is not easy...."
"I get it.... It wasn't easy for me either, it's why I made her", he held up Olivia to his face and smiled as she nuzzled him, "she made my life so much easier to live when I was a kid"
"Ruddigar did the same for me", Varian stated, "I only talked to him because when you're that lonely..."
"You'd do anything to..." Hugo continued
"Feel like you belonged", they finished together, startling each other before smiling
The raccoon and mouse in question looked at each other for a moment before nodding, seeming to understand the other a little bit better. Peace swept over the group, even Max seemed to calm down, until Varian felt something off, "um.... D-do you feel dizzy all of a sudden?" He asked Hugo
"No, why? Do you?"
"I feel... Weird.... L-like I j-just feel wei-PEEP!" He covered his mouth with his wings quickly, blushing profusely and looking at Hugo
The other alchemist covered his mouth as well as his eyes began to water, he snorted a bit but cleared his throat and spoke, "um.... Excuse you?"
"I... I-I-I didn't mean t-to do that!" He stuttered, hating the break in his voice, "w-where did that even c-come fr-PEEP!"
Hugo snickered, "I don't know, but it's kinda funny, not gonna lie"
"N-no it's not! I-I can't control it!"
"Aw come on, it's a little funny"
"N-No Hugo, I mean I r-real-PEEP... R-really can't control it!!!!!"
"Wait what?"
"I-It's j-just happening! I c-c-PEEP! C-can't PEEP CONTROL IT!!!!!" Varian felt his heart begin to race as he continued to chirp for no rhyme or reason. He fluttered his wings and tried to stop it, but it came out like hiccups, coming and going as it pleased.
Hugo watched the little blue bird for a moment, not really sure what to do before the realization began to hit, oh fuck, you're turning into a bird!"
"W-PEEP-HAT?!"
"T-there's a time limit of one hour remember? You must be turning into a bird, that's why you're peeping!"
"No! NononononoNO! I-PEEP-I c-can't be t-turning int-PEEP-o a bird! I c-can't!"
"Calm down, look, you'll be fine! You'll be alright!"
"HOW?!" Varian asked, he looked at Hugo with tears sliding down his feathered cheeks, "HOW WILL I-PEEP-I B-BE OKAY?! T-the egg hasn't c-come out! I d-PEEP-don't e-even FEEL it! I d-don't know what t-PEEP-o *do*!" His body began to shake as Ruddigar tried to calm him down, but it didn't work as the little alche-bird hyperventilated.
The blond watched as the raccoon tried, in vain, to help his bird, he chittered at him, tried to hold and hug him, did *everything* he could, Max and the chameleon even came over to try and calm him down, so did Hamuel, but none of it worked. Varian's eyes began to switch from his sky blue, to the feral black other blue birds had. For a moment, Hugo froze, his eyes darted to the teakettle still sitting unoccupied on the fire pit nearby, and his mind debated. He needed that teakettle, he had a job to do, but.... He looked back at the little blue bird, the poor thing was losing his humanity more and more, that wasn't good....
*What the fuck are you doing?! This is your chance why aren't you taking it?!* His mind screamed at him, but his body was still frozen in place as he watched the desperate attempts to calm the blue bird.
*What? Oh now because you found another fucking alchemist you're suddenly soft hearted?! The fuck man?! Just grab the kettle and GO!* His mind screamed again, but still he didn't move.
*Alright my dude, I don't understand what the problem is here, you WANT to be in her good graces yes?* He felt his head nod, *good, you WANT to be the one to do something the others could not, correct?* Another nod, *that's great! The only way you're gonna do that and impress her, which is what BOTH OF US want, is if you can get your thieving hands on the kettle. So take you damn feelings, shove them out the window, AND GO STEAL THE FUCKING TEAKETTLE!*
Hugo twitched, wincing a little at the voice in his mind, it didn't even sound like him... He shuddered as he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, he knew what he needed to do, because that was the best option for him any way. But, as he watched the blue bird.... No.... As he watched *Varian* continue to turn, he felt something... Odd, happening inside of him, what was this? He hurt, this hurt, but not physically, mentally? What the hell was he feeling right now?!
*Worry* A voice replied, he didn't recognize this one, it sounded different.... softer...
*You're worried, and scared, and sad. You know you don't want this to happen, he's different than the others, he's just like you and you know it!* The gentle voice stated, *you want to help him, you want to be there for him, because believe it or not, you're hoping he's the one other person you can trust! He didn't look at you with disgust, he doesn't hate you, he's not judging you, he's JUST! LIKE! YOU! Are you really gonna throw that away?!*
"I...I can't stay with him...." The blond stated sadly
*Which is WHY you should save him! You know how!* The voice stated firmly, *your orders are to get the teakettle, but he's made no move to harm or even stop you! You've seen what happens to those birds! You know what'll happen to him, do you *really* want that to happen, to him, to VARIAN?!*
"I...."
*You have your orders!* The first voice stated firmly, "FOLLOW THEM!*
"I don't... W-want to...."
*Then don't! Help him! Save Varian!* The gentle voice pleaded, something about it striking a cord with the teen, *please save him! You want to, you really want to!* He recognized it, but from where, *Hugo! SAVE VARIAN!* It was....
Hugo snapped out of his thoughts and ran over to the blue bird before he was blocked by Max, "move horse!" The stallion growled at him
"Look, you don't trust me, and I don't like you, but you *need* to *move*!" Max glared at the teen
"Fine, I'll level with you, you were *right*!" Max stopped, letting out a confused whinny
"Yeah, you were right! I was not trustworthy, my plan was to steal the teakettle when you weren't looking and bring it back to my boss, but I'm not doing that anymore!" The horse tilted his head, as if to ask what changed his mind
"Him", Hugo pointed to the little blue bird who was still having trouble breathing, his eyes changing from blue to black continuously, "he's just like me! Right down to the support animals that were our only friends, he's... Different then a lot of people I've met, they were scummy and nasty and cruel, you have no idea what I've been through and what I've had to do to get here! None! B-but *HE* does! *HE* gets it! A-and I can't let him suffer for that! So I'm changing my mind, I'm gonna save him, but you've gotta move so I can!" He grabbed the potion he'd given Varian before, "look I... I need to give him another drop, apparently he didn't get enough before, but this *will* help him! You've got to believe, let me save him! After that, you can hate me and hurt me al you want, throw me in jail, I don't care, JUST LET ME SAVE MY FIRST FRIEND!!!!!"
Max was shocked, he stared at the boy, looking him up and down, but saw no signs of lying, in fact, he reminded him of someone.... An image of Eugene flashed into the stallion's mind, how desperate he was to save Rapunzel.... Without Eugene, the princess would've never returned home.... Max looked over at Varian, he was fighting it, the change, he was fighting *hard*, but he wouldn't be able to win.... Looking back at Hugo, the horse made up his mind... And stepped out of the way.
"Thank you!" Hugo stated before he booked it to Varian's side
The alche-bird was on his back, he was *tired* so tired.... He couldn't grasp any of his thoughts as they passed through his mind, the only thing he could process was how blue the sky was as he stared at it. Tears streamed down his face as his vision became blurry, "I... I w-want my dad.... I w-want m-my daddy...." He sobbed before his vision went dark....
He was floating somewhere, he didn't know where he was or what he was doing, all he knew was that it was so peaceful, he smiled. Suddenly, he heard a voice, it was faint, but it was there, "hello?" He called, "i-is anyone there?" He added, but his voice merely echoed off the walls, suddenly, he felt something drip into his throat, it tasted like sour lemons and grass, he grimaced on instinct before he looked around again before it faded, and he was left alone. He heard something in the distance, it sounded like chittering of some sort, he recognized them, but for the life of him couldn't remember why, and a part of him didn't really care, it was so quiet. He didn't know where he was, but he did know he felt no pain, no guilt, no worry or fear, he just felt so nice, and he smiled again.
He then saw a bright light, it was shining down on him, it felt so warm on his.... skin? Feathers? Why would he have feathers? Either way, he felt himself being drawn to it, "h-hello?" He called
"Hello little one", a female's voice replied, she sounded so nice, her voice was welcoming and gentle, like the sun, "it's been a long time"
"W-who are you?"
"I'm someone that you know, and you're someone very special to me, someone I left behind a long time ago... I'm so sorry I did, but you can't come to where I am, not right now, it's far too early for you"
"T-too early? B-but it feels so nice, c-can't I come? Please? I feel so tired out there...."
"I know little one.... I'm so sorry for that, it's partially my fault you feel that way. I can't force you to go, that choice is up to you, but I will give you the option"
"Why? Why would I ever want to go back?"
"Because you have someone at home waiting for you, remember?" An image flashed through the boy's mind
*He saw a large man sitting in an armchair, he looked sad... Like he was thinking about something, "are you alright?" Someone asked, "you're not still worried about the little peanut are you?"
"Mm.... It's not the same without him here.... I feel... Out of place without him...." The man replied sadly, "it's such an odd feeling, when he's here, even when he's at the castle and I'm back home, I feel much more at ease... But when he's gone, and I know he's gone, I feel so odd... Like I'm not really sure what to do with myself..."
"Well you've been a father for 15, nearly 16, years now, anyone would feel a little lost when their baby goes away for a bit, that's normal"
"But this is.... Different.... It's not just lost... I feel worthless, like what I'm doing just doesn't seem as important anymore... I always told him I'd be there if he needed me... But... I never really told him that I needed him too...."
"Quirin...."
"I know... I'm being foolish"
"You're not being foolish! You and your boy have been through a lot over this past year, it's been hard on both of you, why I wouldn't be surprised if he felt the same way you know"
"Maybe.... I.... Edmund is it... Bad... To think that he's better off without me?"
"Is that how you really feel?"
"....Yes.... I feel like he would be better off without me.... He says he needs me, he's told me I help him.... I truly believe he means what he says.... But there's always a feeling in the back of my mind that just screams about how useless I am...."
"Oh Quirin...."
The large man chuckled bitterly before he wiped a couple tears off his face, "you know he'd probably yell at me for saying that", he smiled, "he'd probably glare at me with those big ol eyes and tell me I'm wrong, that I shouldn't feel that way.... But I really can't... Help it sometimes.... It hurts to think that he'll one day not need me anymore, in fact it scares me to death.... You know... One day he'll fall in love, he'll have someone else in his life that'll be there for him, someone much better.... And I really hate to say this, but I'm really afraid of that day...." His eyes filled with tears again, and he quickly wiped them away, "....I should be ashamed of thinking like that.... I want him to be happy, I *want* him to find someone.... What's wrong with me?"
"No you shouldn't, and there's *nothing* wrong with you! He wouldn't tell you to be ashamed, and I *highly* doubt he'd yell at you or tell you something's wrong with how you feel! He'd probably hug you Quirin, he'd tell you how much you mean to him, and how he feels the exact same way"
"You... Really think he would?"
"I *know* he would! You're his whole world, and yes there may come a day where you won't be the only person in his life anymore, but even then he'll want, and need, you! He may fall in love one day, and he may not need you *as much*, but he *will* need you! There's no greater love in this world, than the love of a child to their parent or guardian! He loves you, that boy will never stop loving and needing you, trust me", the teen watched the other man place a hand on the large man's shoulder, "he loves you Quirin, and he will *always* need his father"*
"Father...." The boy repeated to himself, "dad.... D-dad?"
"That's right, that's your dad, you need to go back for him, he needs you little one"
"Dad.... I.... I want to.... B-but it's so hard..."
"I know... And I can't promise that going back won't continue to be hard, in fact, it may even get worse"
"Y-you're not making a very good argument"
He heard the voice chuckle, "fair enough, and you're right, if you come here, you'll find peace, you won't feel pain or a care in the world, I don't, and won't, blame you for choosing that. But", he saw the man again, he was still sad. The boy watched as the man continued to look out the window, "I also know that if you choose to stay, you won't be able to be with him anymore.... Many things will happen if you're not around"
"Like what? Who would even need me around?"
"More people than you realize, you have so much to give, so much to teach", another person appeared, this one was blurry however, the boy could barely make out any features, but he felt like he knew this person, the only thing he could recognize however were emerald colored eyes, "you've already began helping without even realizing it".
"....Can't they find someone else? Someone better?"
"I don't think so little one, mind you, I can't tell you everything, but I will ask you this", the voice showed the man again, "do you care about him?"
"Yes"
"Do you recognize him?"
"N-no.... You s-said he's my dad, but... I don't recognize him in here"
"How can that be?"
"I-I don't know... But I know I love him... A-and I wanna see him again"
"Why?"
"B-because.... Because I want to?"
"Come now, you can do better than that"
"I..." The boy thought about it, thought about what the man had said, and he felt something sting in the corners of his eyes, "he... He needs me... A-and I need him.... I *want* him.... I want to *help* him"
The voice hummed, "such a tough choice then, I can tell you want to rest, I know how hard it's been on you, and I'm so sorry..."
The boy's tears floated above him as he watched the man, "I.... I d-don't know what to do..."
"That part is up to you, what do *you* want do?"
"I... I want to see him again"
"Once you do, you won't be able to come back here for a while"
"I... I know... B-but..." He looked at the man again, and for the first time since he's been here, he felt his heart began to break at the thought of leaving that man, his dad, behind, "I need to go back... I want to go back... I want to stay here, but I want to go back"
"If you want to go back to him, run towards his image, fight! If you're too tired, and you want to stay with me, then you can come to the light, the choice is yours to make little one, and whatever you choose, I'll be so proud of you"
The boy looked in-between to two, struggling with the choice before he heard chittering again. He saw flashes of something, the man hugging him, the man taking care of him, the man being there for him, and he smiled. He took one final breath... and ran forwards....
"....ake u...."
"W.... P!"
"WAKE UP!!!!!" Someone screamed as they shook the boy awake
"Mmph.... W-what?" Varian asked, his voice was horse, and his eyes were closed, "w-where?"
"Hey birdbrain! Open your eyes for fucks sake, you're freaking me out!"
"Hm?" The teen struggled for a moment before he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was another teen's face right above his. He had freckles, glasses, blond hair, and he was.... Crying, "a-are you alright?"
"Am *I* alright?! Are you fucking kidding me?!" The blond asked as he helped the alchemist sit up, "I don't give a damn about me, what about *YOU*?!" He asked, "y-your eyes t-turned completely black after I g-gave you the potion, a-and then you kept c-chirping at me and hopping around! T-then you laid the egg and I c-cracked it over your stupid bird head and you t-turned back but you didn't move and weren't *b-breathing* and I-!" He gasped when Varian pulled him into a hug, he squeezed the teen so tightly, smiling as small tears trickled down his face
"T-thank you for saving me Hugo", he replied softly, "you saved me life, and I'll never forget that". The blond stared at Varian as the teen smiled, his green eyes were scanning his face, taking in every detail they could, "uh... Hugo?" Varian said, blushing a little, "y-you're uh... Staring.... I-is there something wrong with my face?"
"No.... Nothing at all"
"T-then why are yo-!"
"You are so beautiful"
The teen blushed even deeper, his cheeks turning completely red, "uh Uh um I uh I-I-t-thank y-no that s-sounds conceited um I-oh gosh, I-you w-weren't supposed t-to say that!" He hid his face in his hands and curled up into a ball
Hugo blinked for a moment, watching Varian before he began to laugh, "HAHAHAAA Y-YOU WEREN'T S-SUPPOSED TO TURN INTHOHOHO A TUHURHURHURTLE!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!" He laughed so hard as tears poured down his face, pulling Varian into a hug and continuing to laugh as he held him tight. His laughter rang through the woods as he continued to hang onto Varian, he ignored his fears and worries, he ignored the voice screaming in his head, he cut the anger and regret short, all he thought about was the tiny alchemist he held in his arms, and how happy he was to see him!
Notes:
So... Archieve was down yesterday, and I had finished this chapter, but couldn't upload it. So to make up for that, I added more to it, A LOT MORE TO IT! XD I wanted Hugo and Varian to have a parallel here, they both need to make a choice, and both could result in someone's death, for Hugo, it's pretty obvious, but for Varian, not so much (unless I made it way too obvious, if so, sorry). They also both gained something from this too, I won't tell you what that is, I'll let you guess, but I've had moments like this, where I've had a choice and depending on what I chose, it would determine an outcome that would be good, or bad. Did I make the right choice? I guess I'll never know, but I know I tried my best, and it's been hard. That's true about a lot of things, no matter what you choose, it's going to be hard, but the choice you make can affect others in different ways, it's your choice however, and no one has the right to judge you for making it because they are not you!
Hugo is a very complicated character, he's gone through so much in his life that making a choice for him would be very hard, those two voices in his head, both are him. Guess who they sound like, I'll give you a hint, neither sound like Hugo, the angry voice is female, while the other is male. Hugo knew who the female voice was immediately, but it took him a minute to recognize the other, and both are characters we know, one from this series and the other from VAT7K.
As for Hugo himself, he's a very good boy who's has a very hard life, I love him so much and I want him to be a happy bean! So Imma make him a happy bean, also, gotta love Olivia! :D Always love the support animals!
Varian's choice was slightly different, if you know VAT7K, you'll know who the light represented XD Varian's also gone through a lot, just like Hugo, but in a different way, and I love that fact alone! They've both been through so much, but if they were both given that choice, Hugo would not go back at this point in time. Varian would though, but I wanted it to be because *he* wanted to, and I hope I did that right. I love Varian, but there's no doubt in my mind that got the short stick when it came to some of the fricked up things he's been through! So I can see his choice being really freaking hard, which is why I wrote it the way I did.
I've also felt so tired that I've wanted to give up, and it's hard, it's so *hard* to pick yourself back up and continue and I applaud *EVERYONE* who has ever done that, or has helped a friend through that, you are so brave and amazing and I'm so glad you're here right now! <3 Because simply making that choice, can be so freaking tiring and hard and you may not feel like you're worth it, or that you made the wrong choice but I'm to say that I'm so glad that you're here, you are *strong*, you are still living, and you can do it! I promise you that even though things are hard, they *will* get better, they will! I was in a place that I didn't think I'd ever come back from, sometimes I still am, and trust me when I say, it's so freaking hard to fight through that, I'm sorry you've been put through that kind of choice, I'm sorry you went through it, and I am so proud of you for being here I'm really freaking proud of you! <3
Here's the homework, take care of yourself, love yourself, and be who you wanna be, because the person that you are is absolutely beautiful! <3
Both of these boys have been through a lot, but they're going to get better, they needed to take the first step, and so can you! <3
Thank you for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 117: Realization!
Summary:
Rapunzel becomes extremely aware of Varian's connection to the Moonstone, as does Cassandra. While Varian and Hugo bond over something they didn't expect.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Don't go too far! We'll have to hurry back soon!" Rapunzel called, smiling as she watched the two girls run around the forest before her. She bent down to pick up a piece of wood when she suddenly felt something shoot through her heart! Her head became dizzy and her vision wasn't her own, for a few seconds, she was someone else, floating in a black void:
*They looked around, neither one knowing who they were, where they were, or what they were doing there. All they knew, is that it felt peaceful, and their body felt so incredibly tired.... Suddenly, they saw a bright light, and voice as warm as the sun, spoke to them.*
"RAPUNZEL!" Angry yelled, snapping the princess out of her momentary lapse in memory. She blinked a few times before looking up at the dark haired girl, "finally! Are you okay? You were following behind us when... You just... Fell.... With your hair glowing"
"You had your eyes open too", Catalina added nervously, "you were just staring up at the sky and kept repeating two names"
Rapunzel sat up and shook her head, closing her eyes as her thoughts coming back. She took a minute to register what she'd just been told before her eyes opened, "w-what? Names I... I don't remember.... What names did I say?"
Both girls looked at each other nervously before Angry sighed, "you said Varian.... A-and Cassandra...."
The princess was in shock before she stood up immediately, "we've gotta get back to Varian and Hugo, now!"
"What? W-what's wrong?" Catalina asked as she and her sister followed the worried princess
"If I'm right, and what I just saw is what's actually happening, then Varian is in serious danger.... And I'm not the only one who knows that...."
"WHAT?!" Both girls shouted
Rapunzel stopped and looked at the girls seriously, "you know how, when we were in the shell pendant, Varian's hair and eyes glowed brightly and my hair reacted to it?"
"His freckles glow too!" Catalina replied with a small smile before noticing the two looking at her. She blushed, "um... Y-yeah, we know"
The princess smiled at her before continuing, "well what I just saw, was someone floating in a black void and seeing an odd light appear with someone they recognized speaking out of it".
"What? That makes no sense", Angry stated, "I mean, you were only out for a second, and I didn't see a black void or a light, save for your hair"
"And I didn't hear a voice", her sister added
"I think I have a reason for that.... Angry, you said my hair was glowing right?" The dark haired girl nodded, "well, I think the reason it did was because that was what Varian was seeing.... We talked about this in the shell, but his hair glowing and making mine glow as well could have something to do with the Moonstone and Sundrop. Remember, we really couldn't tell if his hair glowing was because of the moonstone or not, but if it is, and I think it might be, what I saw must've been through his eyes.... If that's the case then anyone connected to the Moonstone and Sundrop would've seen that too, which is why we need to go back.... Because if you're right, and I said two names, then I wasn't the only one who saw that vision just then...."
"Uh oh...." The girls replied
****
The women opened her eyes, she was one the ground, her cheeks had tears streaking down them as she got up and looked around. She wasn't there anymore, she wasn't floating, she couldn't hear that voice, she didn't see the black void around her.... What was that, she looked around, she wasn't herself in that vision, that wasn't her body, so why was she there, who was that... And why did they have someone else with them.... The women looked around before she noticed the little girl sitting on a rock, smirking at her, "what do you want?" She asked coldly
"I've come to see what you've been up to, and it looks like I came just in time", the little girl replied
"What you're saying you know what just happened there?"
The little girl nodded, "there's someone else with a connection to the Moonstone and Sundrop, and they almost died"
"What?!"
"That's right, whomever you just saw floating in that black abyss just had their life hanging in the balance. They very nearly left this world, they were close too, the only reason they chose to live was because someone *else* intervened", the little girl answered, seeming disappointed in that fact, "pity.... He was so close, it would've been one less obstacle in your way you know".
"What are you talking about! The boy in that vision... I... I don't *want* him to die!" The women snapped, "sure he was a pain in the neck before! And he did some bad things before, b-but he doesn't deserve to *die*!"
The little girl raised her brow, "really? After all you did attack him and his family before, you hurt them pretty badly too, didn't he upset you? Hurt you? *Betray* your trust? Isn't he one of the reasons why you're here now? Why are you seeking pity for him, why show him any mercy when he showed you none Cassandra?"
The blue haired female sighed, "because he's just a kid! He may have done some bad things to me... But he's just as much a victim as I am... In fact, he tried to help me before...."
"You've said that", the ghost girl growled, "you've continued saying that ever since you saw him at his home, yet his family attacked you"
"I... Attacked them first...."
The little girl's eyes twitched before she sighed, "you want to go back don't you?"
"I...." Cassandra started, but couldn't seem to finish as her mind reeled at the vision she'd just seen
The little girl floated toward Cassandra, "you do realize that you seeing things through *his* point of view tells you something important, do you not?" At the blue hair female's silence, the girl continued, "it means that this boy has some connection to the Moonstone that we do not know about"
"What? But how?"
"Well his father was a knight in the Brotherhood wasn't he? Perhaps it has something to do with him, I'm not entirely sure of course, but I *do* know that if this little... *Problem* isn't taken care of soon, you'll have much less power then you should. He's preventing you from achieving your destiny, just like the Sundrop, and you're feeling pity for him? You must be far more merciful that I, because I'd be angry if I were you".
"I... He... I don't think he's meaning to"
"Oh sure, that could be the case, but no matter the reason, there's only one way you can achieve your full power"
"How?"
"You must take the power away from him, you won't be able to rid yourself of him otherwise"
"What do you mean?"
The ghost girl sighed once more, "if he continues to have a connection to the Moonstone, then his powers will grow, soon enough, he'll have control over the black rocks as well, even worse, the Moonstone may actually prefer him at some point".
Cassandra looked at her and glared, the Moonstone sparking a little, "why would it do that? I have the Moonstone"
"Because he's got a natural connection to it, you stole it, for good reasons of course, but it was still stolen".
"What does that matter?"
"Well, you've been having problems with control already with your wavering emotions, someone with a *natural* connection to the Moonstone will have an easier time controlling their powers".
"How do you know that?"
"By example my dear, Rapunzel had complete control over the Sundrop, and she was *born* with it, and this boy doesn't have the Moonstone, *your* Moonstone, yet he's already able to connect with you and with her"
Cassandra felt something twist in her stomach, the time she'd visited Varian's family.... Had not gone well, but if what this girl was saying was true.... Then... "The Moonstone won't listen to me if he's got this connection, will it?..."
"No it won't, it'll protect *him* instead, should you ever face him in battle, neither one of you would be able to harm the other, you *need* to get him to give you his power, may it be of his own free will, or by force, if you want to achieve your destiny".
Cassandra was silent, she looked up at the sky, the sun was dipping into the horizon, he eyes followed it before she glared, "looks like I'll have to pay Varian another visit...."
****
Varian was still blushing as he poked what little fire wood they had left with a stick, he and Hugo had stopped hugging and were watching the flames in silence, neither one really knowing what to say to the other The teen looked at his raccoon, who was asleep in-between the pair, Olivia sleeping on his head, Varian smiled, "lost in thought?"
"Huh?" Varian looked over at the other alchemist, who was smirking at him, "w-what?"
"You've been quiet this entire time, lost in thought?"
"Oh, y-yeah a little...."
Hugo raised a brow, "you alright? Whatever's bothering you, you can talk about it, you know that right?"
Varian smiled, "I know, thanks, it's just...." He sighed, "I.... Don't really know how to explain it...."
The other alchemist looked the teen up and down worriedly, "try"
"W-well.... When I was.... Unconscious... I was in this weird void of some sort...." He explained what happened to him in the void, and the voice that he'd heard, "....All of it just.... It's weird... The oddest part is that, for a moment, I didn't feel alone... It felt like there were two other people there with me, like they were watching through my eyes.... And when the voice came it... She.... Shoved them out....."
Hugo was shocked, not really knowing what to say, "you.... Did you recognize the voice?"
Varian nodded, a sad smile forming on his face as his eyes began to water, "I... Think she was my mom...."
"Your mom?"
"Mm hm....." He sniffled, "she... passed away when I was three... I didn't really get to know her, b-but my dad said she left a long time ago, but before she got home, she passed away.... Her friend came to the house and told us she was gone.... These goggles", he pointed to the one on his head, "they were hers.... She gave them to me the night she left...."
"I... I'm so sorry Varian....."
"It's okay, i-it's not like *you* made her leave! I just.... This is going to sound so horrible, but t-there are times where... I can't remember her voice.... O-or her face.... All I remember was her warmth as she held me... B-but the other memories I have are all of me and my dad, not that I mind, I love my dad, it's just.... It's hard sometimes you know? To forget...."
Hugo felt sadness shoot through him, his own eyes began to water, but he wiped them before Varian could notice. He went to say something but noticed Varian had gone quiet again, tears were rolling down his face as he watched the fire begin to dim, "....I... I know what you mean...." Hugo responded
"Y-you do?"
"Yeah... I... My parents.... Abandoned me...." He replied with a bitter chuckle, "they left me in the streets... See I grew up in a place that was so.... Advanced and stuck up, that anything less than perfect was deemed useless.... My parents, they had me and took one look... They decided that they didn't want me.... So they abandoned me, someone came by and took me in... A women that was also abandoned when she was young.... She raised me and taught me how to survive, and she was... Rough to say the least... But she's the only person I have in my life... Sure he methods aren't great but it's beats starving to death, you know?.... I um.... I don't know what they look like, or sound like either, so.... I understand".
Varian was shocked as he watched Hugo stare into the fire as well, his eyes were glistening. The teen then smiled and hugged him, startling the other alchemist for a moment, "thank you Hugo.... I... I've n-never told anyone about that before.... S-so it means a lot to hear you say that.... T-thank you.... A-and I'm sorry too...."
Hugo froze but let out a small chuckle and returned the hug, "we're really fucked up, aren't we?"
Varian laughed, "yeah! Yeah we really are!" He broke the hug, looking at the alchemist in the eyes and smiling
Hugo returned the smile, "now all we need to do is find out which kind of fucked up we are, good or bad?"
"Mmmm.... I'd say both for me"
"Nah, you're too innocent to be bad"
"Wha-! Innocent?"
"Oh come on, with those big old sapphire eyes? You kidding me?"
"Hey I'll have you know these sapphire eyes could give you a glare so icy you'd freeze to death!"
"I would *love* to see you try freckles"
"Freckles?"
"Need a new nickname, since birdbrain doesn't work"
"And you came up with freckles?"
"Yep!"
"....Creative"
"I'm pretty proud of it"
Varian giggled, "moon above, you're a lot like my aunt Adira... You're a lot like my uncle Hector too actually"
"And you're like a little lost angel"
"That supposed to be a pick up line?"
"Do you want it to be?"
"I... W-well I uh um I-Oh STOP D-DOING THAT!!!!" Varian yelled as his face blushed again, making Hugo laugh
"You're so easy to fluster!"
"S-shut up!"
The green eyed alchemist smirked before he heard something, he looked over to the bushes and watched, placing a hand on his belt. The bushes continued to shake, getting Varian's attention as well, they looked at each other before nodding and getting up. They moved closer to the bushes, Max stood up as well, glaring at the bushes and walking next to the duo, waiting. Suddenly, something emerged, Varian, who yelled, "GET BACK!" Threw something at the intruder, pink smoke filled the air , waking Ruddigar and Olivia up.
"ARE YOU CRAZY?! IT'S JUST *US*!" An angry voice shouted through the smoke
"A-Angry?" Varian asked
"Yeah you dork! It's ME! And Catalina and Rapunzel!"
The smoke cleared to reveal three girls, all of them stuck in the pink goo and waving the smoke away, "oh, heh heh... S-sorry about that".
Hugo began to laugh, getting Angry to glare at him, "this *isn't* funny!"
"Well what the hell did you expect?!" The blond alchemist asked, "you snuck through the fucking *bushes*! What did you want us to do, wait to see if you're a friend?"
"He's... Got a point", Catalina replied
Rapunzel was silent, she stared at Varian, who blinked at her in confusion, "uh... Hi?" She didn't say anything, "uh... O-okie dokie then...." He pulled out a vial containing the dissolvent before pouring a drop onto the goo, instantly making it disappear
The princess, once free from the goo, ran over and hugged Varian tightly, making him let out a small 'meep'. She held him tightly, squeezing him lovingly before breaking the hug and looking him straight in the eyes, "Varian, we need to talk".
Notes:
EARLY POST! Hee hee! :D
Punzie is in full protective big sister mode, so are Angry and Catalina, (thought they're little sisters).
Cassandra is mixed on Varian because she knows he's gone through what she's going through, she is so confused at this point, but one thing is clear, she doesn't want her power to go away. (Another reason why Moon bean would've been perfect, he could've given Cass a *reason* to kidnap Varian save for the scroll! But we'll get to that)
Hugo is best boy for Varian, Imma say it right freaking now, I love the two of them together and I want to write more of them! :D Someone suggested a Variago series, where it's a bunch of VarianXHugo one shots, would y'all wanna see that? :D
Varian is so freaking cute!!!! Also his thoughts about his mom are sad and true, I've heard several people tell me this, that they've lost someone and have a hard time remembering them, it's really sad and, although I've never experienced the forgetting part of this grief, I've lost someone in my life and it's so hard to accept that they're gone... It's so hard...
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 118: Should I Stay or Should I Go!
Summary:
The group needs to leave before Cassandra can get to them, but they’re not sure if all of them are going together.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy!!!! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“So, Cassandra was there?” Varian asked, surprised by this revelation as he, Hugo, Rapunzel, Angry, and Catalina gathered their thing and threw them into the carriage
“Yes, so was I, we were with you when you went into that black void, the reason we didn’t stay was because the voice kicked us out”, Rapunzel’s explained grimly, “which is why we need to leave *now*! Cassandra knows about what you just went through, and if she figures out the reason she saw that is because of your connection to the Moonstone…” The princess looked down, “I…. Don’t know what she’ll do to you…..”
Varian shuddered at the implication before placing the final object into the carriage before he turned around and faced her, “that’s everything”, he stated
“Right, then let’s go!”
“Hold it!” Angry stated, stopping the princess in her tracks, “there’s one thing you two are forgetting”
“What?” They both asked
“Him”, she pointed directly at Hugo, who sighed
“Figured that was coming”, he stated flatly
She raised a brow, “if you did, then why didn’t you say anything?”
“A guy can hope”
Angry rolled her eyes before she looked at the pair, “I’m all for making a quick getaway, but not with him”
Varian’s shoulders tensed up, “why not? H-he saved my life, he didn’t steal the kettle, heck he’s standing here and helping us pack up when he barely knows what’s going on!”
“He’s also someone we just met that tried to steal the kettle in the first place to do whatever he was with it! Plus he lied!”
“What? When did h-!”
“He said he’d destroy the kettle, but I *highly* doubt that, if he would then why hasn’t he yet?”
“I…. Guys I’m standing right here, you could ju-!” Hugo tried
“Because we told him not to!” Varian argued
“No, Rapunzel told him he had to cure *you* first!” Angry stated, “then she’d give it to him and well, you’re not a bird anymore”
“Guys?” Hugo tried again
“M-maybe he was waiting for her to give it to him?” Varian tried, only to get another brow raised directed to him, he sighed, “fine I see your point but… if Cassandra’s really gonna head this way to try and get me, wouldn’t he…. Be in her way?”
“And?”
“Guys”, the blond tried once more
“*And* she probably wouldn’t care about a complete stranger wandering in the woods, inc fact, she may even try to get him to tell her where we are, and that could lead to trouble! S-she could hurt him or-or trap him! And w-we’re just gonna leave him like that, h-he doesn’t even know about the Moonstone, so we’d basically be l-leaving him for dead!”
“She wouldn’t know he was with us”, Catalina offered
“Hello?” Hugo waved
“Cass is smart enough to know someone walking through the woods would definitely have run into us at *some* point! It’s highly unlikely they wouldn’t! I mean I’m even worried about Dwayne at this point, *DWAYNE*!”
Rapunzel sighed, “you have a point, I don’t want to leave Hugo in Cass’s way, but….” She looked at the blond suspiciously, “how do we know he won’t try to trick us”
“GUYS!!!!!” Hugo yelled, finally getting their attention, “thank you! Look I get your mistrust of me, I don’t blame you, if you want me to go then fine, I’ll go”
“No!” Varian snapped, “you’ll be in danger”
“From what exactly? Some crazy female that I barely know that bears no grudge against me?” He replied, “I’ve been avoiding people for years, trust me I’ll avoid this girl too. I’ll just stick to the lesser traveled paths, cut across a few creaks and be perfectly safe, not a big deal, just give me the kettle and I’ll go”.
“At least he has some sense”, Angry muttered
“No he doesn’t!” Varian argued before turning to the blond, “look you may know your way around the woods like Flynn Rider himself, but you don’t know Cassandra! She’s the captain of the guards daughter, she’s angry, and she has a very powerful weapon that, even though we know more than you about, we barely know anything about it to begin with! How is that sensible, rash, or even clever? Even if your plan works and you manage to avoid her, where exactly are you gonna go after thins that’ll keep you safe from anything kind of animal you may run into this late at night?!”
Hugo dismissed his worries, “I’ll be fine, I’ll wing it, no big d-!”
“No, big deal, REALLY big deal!” The blue eyed Alchemist interrupted, “you may have enough swagger to convince yourself that you’ll be fine, but I’ll bet your mind is telling you the complete opposite right now! It is not SAFE! Even without Cass around you’d still be in the dark, alone, with no one around save for Olivia, where wild animals roam, if you honestly think you’ll be safe from all of that, ON TOP OF THE FACT that you spent your *entire* day with me and I didn’t see you eat or drink anything which will leave you at a complete lack of energy. That is NOT a good combination with a crazy person holding a *grudge* walking around the woods!”
Hugo sighed, a small bit of nerves shooting through him, but he hid it as he replied with a sassy, “your confidence in my survival skills flatters me Freckles”
“Shush, you’re coming with”
“V we just met him!” Angry argued
Varian glared at her and was about to argue back when Hugo’s voice stopped him, “I was going to use it to make money”
“What?”
“The tea kettle, I wasn’t going to destroy it, your friend is right about me. I was gonna take it, bring it back to… someone, and we were going to turn people into birds then give them the antidote to make money”
Varian was shocked, he looked the other alchemist over for signs of deceit, but there was none, “Hugo-!”
“Yeah, I lied, your friend is fucking right”, he glared at the dark haired girl, who looked a little shocked herself, “so give me the damn kettle and let me walk away, I’m not the person you think I was, so stop worrying about me”. The blue eyed alchemist was still shocked as Hugo walked past him and grabbed the tea kettle, “I’ll uh… I’m gonna go okay? Just don’t follow me and get out of here, I’ll be fine, I’m a lot tougher than you think, plus I’ll probably just trick you again anyway. So it would be best if you didn’t worry, I’m not your problem anymore so go”. With that he began to walk away, there was silence before a hand was on his shoulder, he sighed, “if you’re gonna hit me, can you wait until after I-!” He stopped when he felt arms wrap around him tightly, seeing a streak of glowing blue hair when he turned.
“D-don’t do that….” Varian replied softly, “I-I know what you’re d-doing… and maybe you really w-were just tricking me to get the kettle…. B-but you could really die out there…. Please don’t do that… d-don’t make us hate you and leave so you can be a fucking idiot and get yourself killed…. I… I’ll never f-forgive myself if you d-do that….”
“Freckles I…. What are you…. Ugh! Would you just let me leave?! You don’t have time for this! Crazy lady with a grudge coming after you remember? And you’re gonna worry about a petty *thief*?!”
“YOU’RE NOT A PETTY THIEF!!!!” Varian snapped angrily, “you’re nice and funny a-and a lot kinder than you give yourself credit for! Y-you told me that so we’d leave you behind, and don’t you dare deny it!” He stated before Hugo could argue, “b-but I really don’t want you to leave, a-and I’m not leaving you behind!”
“Why?! We literally just met! Why the fuck would you wanna have me come with you and stay safe when we barely know each other! For fuck’s sake, I AM NOT YOUR PROBLEM ANYMORE!”
“You are not a problem!!!! J-just because you’ve done bad things in your life d-doesn’t make you a bad person or a problem! N-no one knows why you’re doing the things y-you’re doing, all they know is what you show them! A-and you…. Y-you saved my life….”
“W-well I had to! I n-needed the tea kettle!”
“BULLSHIT! You could’ve easily taken it and ran away when I was a bird! Hell you could’ve taken it when I way *dying*! B-but you didn’t! You chose to save me instead and you stick with me until Rapunzel, Angry, and Catalina showed up! T-then you helped us pack and tried to get us to leave you behind to save us, does that sound like a bad person to you?! Someone who only cares about the tea kettle?”
Hugo looked frantically from Varian to the woods, feeling anxious, he needed to leave, “w-what’s it gonna take for you to just GO! You don’t have time for this!”
“Come with me!” Varian replied, “just come with me! Please I-I don’t want you to get hurt! You don’t have to come back to Corona with us, b-but at the very least come with us to Nezerdnia! Please! Y-you’ll be safe there! Then we can drop you off and b-be on our way home if you want, but just…. Just don’t make us leave you in the woods!!!!” The alchemist stated firmly, “I don’t WANT to leave you! So d-don’t MAKE me!”
Hugo looked over to the woods again, he thought about sprinting away, but the idea was quickly dashed when Varian grabbed his hand with a surprisingly iron grip, getting the blond to look at him be gasp as he saw his hair and eyes glowing, “F-Freckles….”
“Please”, the glowing alchemist said once more, “please come with us”
Rapunzel, who’d been watching the entire time, smiled at her little brother and walked over to the pair, placing a gentle hand on Hugo’s shoulder, “he’s right, even if you did lie about the tea kettle, you still saved my little brother’s life, plus you’ve already proven that you have our safety at heart, come with us, we can help each other”
The blond wanted to argue again, but he felt a couple more hands on his shoulder and looked down, seeing Angry and Catalina smiling at him warmly, “b-but you said-!”
“V can be surprisingly convincing when he gets like this, plus…. You grew on me”, Angry stated with a smirk
Hugo was hesitant but, after he looked at all three of them, he returned the smirk and nodded, “o-okay…. I’ll come….”
Varian let out a sigh of relief and his glow vanished and he hugged the other alchemist, sniffling happily as Hugo blushed, “thank you…”
“For what? Making you so anxious that you ended up crying and glowing like a nightlight?” Hugo asked nervously chuckling as he looked at Varian worriedly
Varian smiled wide and him, his blue eyes capturing the green ones in their gaze, “for trusting me and letting me help you”
The blond was startled by this, but smiled, “thanks for the help”
They continued to smile at each other letting the world drift away for a moment and simply watching each other, “well isn’t this cute?” A voice cut through their moment, making them look and see an angry blue haired women smirking at them, “mind if I join the party?”
“Cassandra!” Rapunzel stated with a glare before she stepped in front of the group
“Hello princess”, Cassandra stated with a glare as the Moonstone sparked in her chest
Notes:
So, I didn’t think I’d upload today, technically the 18th since it’s past 12AM where I am, but I didn’t have time to write a really long chapter, so I thought I’d be uploading tomorrow. But I couldn’t sleep, so I wrote this short chapter out really quick!
Hugo and Varian share confidence issues in common, but in different ways, Hugo think he’s a burden and no one needs him unless he’s useful, Varian feels like no one ever wants him around even when he IS useful. Poor beans are both loved and help each other see that!
Catalina, Angry, and Punzie are just kinda here, but they’ll get more time in other chapters, I wanted to focus on Varian and Hugo here
Thank you for reading, sorry for the late upload, I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 119: Clash!
Summary:
Cassandra attacks the group and things get out of hand
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel glared at Cassandra, her green eyes never wavering from her best friend as the Moonstone sparked in the moon light, "hello princess", Cassandra stated angrily as she glared right back.
"What do you want?" Angry asked as Catalina's eyes glowed bright red in anticipation
The blue haired women scoffed, "I should think that would be obvious, I want what's *mine*!"
"Cass the Moonstone isn't *yours*!" Rapunzel snapped, "you *stole* it!"
"I only stole *it* because *you* took everything from me!"
"I'm *sorry* for what mo-*Gothel* did to you, but that doesn't mean you go and attack the people that want to *help* you!"
Black rocks began to burst from the ground and surrounded the group as Cassandra's hair shimmered dangerously, "*you* don't understand Rapunzel! You don't know what it's like to always be second best to everyone, including someone you *thought* was your friend!"
"But I *am* your friend! I'd be more than willing to listen if you would just *wait* and T-!"
"I AM *DONE* WAITING!" The blue hair women yelled, making the black rocks grow bigger, "I'm not waiting around ANYMORE!"
"Cassandra! I get it!" Varian tried, stepping forwards, "I've felt the same way you do! The anger the sadness, all of it! But this isn't *ri-AH!"
"VARIAN!" Hugo shouted as the alchemist crumpled to the floor, a black rock sliding back into the ground as Cassandra lowered her hand
She glared at the teen, "you don't understand either! *NONE* of you understand what it's like to watch your own *mother* choose SOMEONE ELSE OVER YOU!!!!"
Hugo ran forwards as more black rocks sprouted up near Varian, helping him up and looking at the crazy lady in front of him, "what the actual fuck...."
"*That's* the power of the Moonstone.... And *that's* why I didn't want you to be in her way!" Varian stated as he stood in front of the blond
"Holy shit.... Ok, point taken, I was *not* expecting that!" The green eyed alchemist replied
Cassandra raised a brow at the new comer, "who's this? My replacement?"
"Lady I don't think I'm *nearly* crazy enough to replace you"
"LOOK OUT!" Catalina yelled right as Varian pushed Hugo down
The blond looked up to see two pointed black rocks right where his head used to be, "not a fan of sarcasm, got it"
Cassandra scoffed, "pathetic", Hugo winced at that, making Varian glare
"I understand you're upset right now, but he's got *nothing* to do with this!" The teen snapped angrily, "if you wanna hit me then fine, but don't hit someone that did nothing to you!"
Cassandra smirked, "gladly!" She rose her hand, making several rocks burst from the ground, Varian yelped, grabbed Hugo's hand and pulled them both out of the way in the nick of time
"WAY too close", the blue eyed alchemist stated
"Thanks for the save", Hugo replied, getting a nod from the black haired teen
Catalina growled as she saw another barrage of black rocks heading their way, letting out an ear piercing howl before her body began to change. She grew ten times her size, her hair turned a brownish color as her once green eyes turned blood red. She snarled at the blue haired women, who was staring in shock before Catalina let out a load roar and lunged at Cassandra, "CATALINA NO!" Rapunzel yelled, but it was too late. The black rocks shot through the floor, the werewolf weaving in-between them and tackling her target, making the both fall to the ground.
Ruddigar hissed before grabbing Olivia and darting into Varian's backpack, "WHAT THE FUCK?!" Hugo yelled
"She did tell you you wouldn't like her when she's angry", Varian teased before wincing as the beast let out another roar
"Uh we may wanna RUN!" The princess snapped as the black rocks headed towards them
The group dodged the newest black rocks and booked it to the carriage, Angry was the last one to get inside as she watched her sister and Cassandra battle, "CATALINA COME ON! WE'RE SAFE, COME BACK!!!!!" She yelled worriedly
Catalina's ears perked up and she looked at her friends, seeing them inside the carriage, she nodded before hopping off Cassandra and racing towards the vehicle. Seeing this, Rapunzel took the reigns and yelled, "GO MAX GO!!!!!"
Max whinnied before he ran away from Cassandra, the blue haired women letting out an angry cry before she sent more rocks their way. They managed to dodge them, barely, as Catalina ran beside them, keeping up their pace, "Cat, can you distract her?" Angry asked
The werewolf nodded before she slid to a stop and began to throw things at Cassandra, rocks, tree stumps, anything she could find to make the women lose focus. Nothing seemed to work as Cassandra's eyes began to glow and the Moonstone sparked up, she grit her teeth and, making the rocks form around her feet, she used the rocks to launch her closer and closer to the group, "OH COME ON!!!!!" Hugo yelled
"Hugo! What kind of alchemy ingredients do you have?" Varian asked, getting the blond to look at him
"Not enough to break the rocks!"
"Nothing can break them-!"
"WHAT?!"
"BUT that's not what we need! We just need to stop her, and I've got an idea! You've gotta listen to my instructions though or it won't work, ok?"
Hugo looked at Varian for a moment before he smirked, "sir yes sir, what do you need? I've got bug shells, rocks, metal ore, sodium chloride, you can never have too much of that, some liquidized amber, flash balls, stink bombs-!"
"Wait what was that?"
"Stink bombs? I mean that might wig her out enough to stop her but I don't know i-!"
"No not that! T-the thing you said before the flash balls!"
"Liquidized amber? Yeah, funnily enough I *found* this, pretty nifty stuff, I'm thinking about making it int-What's wrong?" The blond asked as he noticed Varian staring at the golden liquid
Varian looked at Rapunzel, who was looking back at him, a silent conversation went between them before Rapunzel nodded, "just try not too...." She started but stopped before she finished
The blue eyed alchemist seemed to get the message since he nodded, "I won't... Not again".
"Again?" Hugo asked, "Freckles, are you seriously okay? You look.... Dark...."
"Don't worry about it", when the blond gave him a look, Varian sighed, "i-it's a long story, for now we need to focus, okay?"
Hugo nodded, "later then?"
"Yeah... Later"
****
Catalina snarled as she kept her pace with Cassandra, continually throwing things at her to try and slow her down, but the blue haired women seemed to be on a rampage as she cut, blocked, and destroyed everything the werewolf threw her way. Her sights were set on the black and blue mop of hair she saw blowing in the wind, she raised an arm and got ready to strike when she saw Varian stand up and throw something at her, something yellow. She gasped as she saw the mixture splash against her rocks, it began to harden then crystalize, and she instantly recognized it. Her eyes started to dim as images flashed of a certain farmer stuck in that same solution, and she growled. Her eyes reignited as she sent more rocks their way, but she stopped short when the yellow crystal was near her legs, yelping she ended up being knocked off the rock by a piece of wood thrown by Catalina. Cassandra fell to the floor with a thud, sitting up and seeing the cart get smaller and smaller. She growled, "how DARE you!!!!!" Her eyes and hair shined *bright* as her anger lifted her into the air, large amounts of black rocks shot through the earth, knocking a wheel off of the carriage.
"OH NO!" Angry yelled as she watched the wheel break off, "BRACE FOR IMPACT GUYS!"
Catalina just barely caught up to them as the carriage began to tip, she grabbed the side tried to stop it, she managed to slow it down before they ended up crashing into a large tree. Hugo felt his head swim before he noticed a faint blue glow in front of him, looking up he yelped when he saw the crazed blue haired female glaring back at him, "hi", he replied, she continued to glare at him, her eyes completely white, "may I just say that is a *lovely* shade of blue you have on! Yeah, really highlights the... Eternal *anger* you've got going on".
"Shut up", Cassandra snapped, "you're not who I'm looking for so don't get in my way"
"Who exactly *are* you looking for?"
"Varian"
Hugo felt his heart skip a beat when she said that, his stomach twisting with worry, "l-listen, there's really no need to go after *him* is there? I mean, you've already got the magic... Glowy... Thingy going on, what would you really want with a tiny alchemist?"
"You don't understand"
"That's fair, I don't, but maybe there's a reason for that", he noticed her glare twitch just a bit at that, "a-all I'm saying is, I've spent a lot of my life thinking that I was some sort of lone wolf that didn't need anyone, b-but I spent one day, literally, with this group and... They kinda changed my mind... L-look I may not know what you're going through exactly, but do you really think that attacking people you used to care about and making them suffer for something that happened, from what I can gather, years ago, is really gonna change anything?" He asked, she didn't respond, "I know you're upset but... Maybe there's something else you could try? Talking to them, getting some help, find some way of getting clos-ACK!" He was cut off mid sentence when her hand clamped around his neck.
Cassandra's face showed no remorse as she lifted the teen out of the carriage and held him above her head, "you do *NOT* understand", a voice replied through Cassandra
"W-what?" Hugo asked, struggling to breath as he grabbed her arm desperately, "what are yo-!" He gasped when he saw her face, her eyes were brighter than the sun, her hair shimmering, the Moonstone glowing just as bright, but there was something different, she wasn't herself anymore, it was like she was something... Some*one* entirely different. The glow wasn't hers anymore, it was... purple.... "C-Ca... Sa-ACK!" Hugo tried, but was cut off when her grip tightened
"PUT! HIM! *DOWN*!" Another voice yelled, making them both look towards it
Hugo's eyes widened when he saw Varian standing on top of the overturned carriage, his own eyes and hair glowing a bright blue as he glared at her, "Vari-AH!" Hugo grit his teeth as the grip was tightened once more
"I SAID! *PUT!* *HIM!* *DOWN!*" Varian repeated, his voice echoing off the trees, even making Catalina, who was still a werewolf, quake in fear
'Cassandra' dropped Hugo, making the blond crumple to the floor, she began walking over to the teen, "so it's true", 'she' said, "you really *are* connected to it...." Varian continued to glare at 'her', his fists were clenched and his shoulders tense as 'she' got closer to him, "you're such a little wonder... Aren't you... I can sense your violent nature you know", 'she' stated, stopping right in front of the teen, "you've got a lot of anger built up in your heart, such a feisty little human, so interesting, so vulnerable, even more so than her.... I wonder, what if I just... *took* you". 'Cassandra' reached 'her' hand out, trying to touch the boy's cheek, "that's it, just a little clos-AH!" A barrage of black rocks sprouted from beneath 'her', for 'her' to jump back, getting nicked by one of the rocks before 'she' landed, looking down 'she' saw 'her' leg had gotten cut, a small trickle of blood dripped from the wound, 'she' laughed, "oh I forgot how fragile these things can be!"
Varian looked at 'her', he felt so odd, heavy but light, small yet large, so peacefully balanced and yet he could feel himself slipping away from it, it was as if his whole body had something different coursing through him. He looked up and saw the moon looking back, he smiled, it smiled back, he felt a little giddy from that and he wasn't sure why. The moment was cut short however when he heard 'Cassandra' laugh, he looked at her once again and glared, that wasn't right, it felt wrong in some way, he wanted to correct it, but something told him he would end up doing more harm that good. "V-varian?" A voice called out, it was weak and scared, he looked over and saw Hugo staring at him, his green eyes were wide with fear and his glasses were cracked, he was shaking as well as he held his aching throat.
"Hugo...." Varian replied, feeling sad as he watched the blond, he didn't want this to happen, but it did, Hugo had gotten hurt....
"So you *care* about that little worm?" 'Cassandra' asked with a smirk, "then maybe we can strike a deal"
Varian glared at 'her' again, wishing that Rapunzel and Angry weren't knocked unconscious right now, and that Catalina wasn't hurt, "no"
'Cassandra' chuckled, "smart answer, but my deal may actually help you, you see, I know a lot more about the Moonstone than you do small one, I have many more answers about it and know a lot more of its secrets. You have a connection with this powerful jewel, and I'd be more than willing to help you, if you'd allow me to, and I'm willing to do this if you simply shake my hand", 'she' said, offering 'her' hand to the teen.
"No", Varian repeated instantly, his glare deepening
"I figured you'd say that, but I'll give you another chance and *before* you say anything, I'll even give you a gift", 'Cassandra' pressed her finger against Varian's forehead.
He saw a flash of light and then saw a blue eyed women with long red hair holding a baby, she was laughing and singing, spinning the baby around and having a blast! He heard the baby giggle with joy as their mother played with them happily, then the door opened, and the father walked in, Varian gasped when he saw his own dad smiling at the women and child. Quirin held the baby close, hugging and kissing the little bundle before hugging and kissing the women, she laughed and kissed him back. Varian felt a tear run down his face as he watched his father beam with happiness before he finally got to see the baby, he was a boy with raven black hair and one little blue streak going through it, "i-it's...."
"You?" 'Cassandra' finished, "yes, and your mother and father too, together and happy, playing and having fun with you when you were much smaller. It was so sad to see her go, so sad to watch your father grow more and more exhausted everyday, wasn't it small one?" The images flashed to the day Varian found out his mother was gone, he watched his father cry, then the years began to speed up, as Varian grew up, his father grew more distant. Coming home later and later, he was still there to take care of the boy, but watching the images flash by faster and faster broke Varian's heart as he realized how much his mother's disappearance affected his father. "It's such a pity when these things happen, one lover loses their other and they grow so distant that you're merely a speck in their life..." 'Cassandra's voice echoed in his mind, "but you know, I could bring her back, I could reunite your little family, all you simply must do, is take my hand".
Varian was suddenly brought back to reality, he was still facing 'Cassandra', she was smiling sweetly, his heart began to flutter as he recognized that smile, it was the same one she'd given him the day of the Science Expo, how he loved that smile, and how he'd missed it. He kept staring at 'her' for a moment, his hand twitching as he debated weather or not he should accept, *I could get her back! Mom could come home! Then dad would be so happy, he would be more than happy! It would be perfect, they'd be together again, and I'd... I'd have a mom... Mom.....* He felt his hand begin to rise, getting closer and closer to 'Cassandra's', the women smiling even wider, "VARIAN!" A voice practically screamed, snapping the teen's focus and getting him to look towards it, there he saw Hugo standing up, he was glaring at 'Cassandra', still holding his neck but he continued to shout, "DON'T LISTEN TO THAT THING! IT ISN'T HER!" He yelled, "PLEASE, I KNOW IT'S HARD TO LOSE SOMEONE, I GET IT, I REALLY DO! BUT THIS THING IS LYING TO YOU! YOU'RE A MAN OF SCIENCE JUST LIKE ME, WE'VE BEEN STUDYING IT OUR WHOLE ENTIRE LIVES, SO HAVE *MANY* PEOPLE BEFORE US! DO YOU REALLY THINK IN ALL THAT TIME WE'RE THE ONLY ONES WHO LOST SOMEONE?! IF NOT, THEN DO YOU REALLY THINK NO ONE'S TRIED TO BRING ANYONE BACK?! DO YOU KNOW WHY THEY HAVEN'T? BECAUSE IT'S NOT POSSIBLE! LOOK I KNOW YOU MISS HER, I GET IT, BUT I HIGHLY DOUBT WHATEVER THIS CRAZY THING IS CAN BRING HER BACK, AND IT *DEFINITELY* CAN'T IF IT NEEDS *YOUR* POWER TO HELP IT!!!!!!" He reasoned, struggling to continue as his voice was giving out, "I WANT HER TO COME BACK FOR YOU, BECAUSE I UNDERSTAND HOW IT FEELS, BUT IF YOU TAKE THAT DEAL AND SHAKE ITS HAND, THEN I DON'T THINK YOU'RE GONNA COME BACK! A-*cough*" His throat couldn't take much more, but with the remaining voice he had, he said, "and I want you to come back because... Because you're my first friend Freckles".
Varian's eyes widened at that revelation, "f-friends?" He asked, Hugo nodded with a tired smirk, making the blue eyed alchemist's heart flutter before he turned and glared at 'Cassandra' once again, "no", he replied, taking his hand away before his blue glow became even brighter and lifting him from the ground, "NO!" He repeated before an explosion of magic burst from his body, hitting 'Cassandra' and knocking 'her' off her feet. The bright, purple glow of 'her' eyes and hair dimming as 'she' slid on the floor. She looked up again and gasped, covering her mouth with her hands and looking down at the moonstone before she got up shakily and ran off into the woods.
Varian floated back down, his own blue glow dimming as his feet touched the ground, once he was fully down, his knees buckled and he began to fall, only to be caught in someone's arms, the glow finally dimming all the way.
"Easy there Varian", a warm voice replied, he looked up and saw Rapunzel smiling at him, though her eyes were filled with worry, and he could see she'd been crying, "are you alright?"
"Ra...Pun...Zle", the alchemist said, his voice just barely above a whisper
"Take it easy", the princess said, "you've been through a lot tonight"
He looked at her, confused by her statement before Hugo's words repeated in his mind, "w-wait you... You s-saw what s-she-!"
"Yeah we did", Angry answered from behind him, she was sitting with Catalina, stroking her muzzle as the werewolf looked at the teen sadly, "we also heard what Hugo said to you", she added before she looked up and smiled at something behind the alchemist
Varian looked where she was and saw Hugo smiling at him, he smiled back, "Huuugo"
The blond chuckled, "Vaaarian"
They giggled before Hugo coughed roughly, "a-are you okay?" The blue eyed alchemist asked worriedly
"Y-yeah yeah I'm good, just had some existential crisis stuck in my throat, don't worry about it"
This made Varian laugh, "existential crisis huh? Gonna go die your hair green or something?"
"Are you kidding? I'm going full rainbow, with a crazy outfit to boot! I'm talking blues, purples, reds- *cough cough* T-the whole kit and kabootle! No bell bottoms though those are too fashionable for an existential crisis"
They laughed again, for a moment, just one moment, they forgot about the chaos they'd just endured. It didn't take long for them to remember however when Varian felt all of his muscles, scrapes, and bruises remind him of *why* he was on the ground and not standing up, "ow...."
Hugo moved forwards worriedly, helping Rapunzel sit Varian against a tree and take a look at his wounds, "oh fuck, well... The good news, you're not gonna die, the bad news... you've got some broken bones"
"Ugh... Dad's gonna kill me...."
"Really? Why?"
"He told me to be safe on this trip...."
"....Freckles I don't really think you could've stopped this particular unsafe activity"
"Hugo's right Varian, Quirin wanted you to be safe, yes, but he'll understand what happened when we tell him, trust me", Rapunzel agreed, "but for now, we should probably fix you up hm? Catalina too actually, she got pretty bruised"
"I can handle him if you wanna heal the big poodle", Hugo offered with a smirk before he coughed a little, rubbing his throat
Rapunzel smiled at him, "how about you work on Catalina, your alchemy could help her faster while I clean Varian up, then you can come over and help us"
"And *you're* getting that throat healed", Varian stated firmly, pointing at Hugo, "I've got some tonic in my pack that can help with a sore throat, and I'll only give it to you when you do what Punzel says"
The blond raised a brow, "that's just mean"
"I know", Varian smirked
Hugo scoffed before nodding, "alright fine, but after that you have to rest while *we* fix the cart"
"W-wha-b-but-!"
"No other option Freckles"
Varian pouted, "fine"
Hugo chuckled, "you're such a teenager"
"How old are you exactly?"
"Not answering that"
"Cheater"
Hugo snickered before he walked over to the werewolf, she was licking her paw, "hey don't do that", he said, gently stopping her, "you'll infect it, here". He pulled out a vial of some sort of green liquid and poured it on the wound before rubbing it in. The cut miraculously began to heal, leaving a scar in it's place, "I haven't figured out how to get rid of scarring, but it should do for now, and I've got some ointment for those bruises, but you're gonna have to sit still okay?" Catalina sniffed her paw, sniffed Hugo, then nodded, "good", he stated before he pulled out more vials and, noticing her watching, handed Angry the ointment, "you're her sister right? Wanna help me heal her up?"
Angry was a little startled, but nodded before she began to help heal her sister, the ointment stung at first, but it quickly turned soothing, helping Catalina to relax during the treatment. Angry watched Hugo work, he looked so focused on his task, pushing his bangs out of his face as he continued to heal the werewolf, she smiled, "Hugo I... I'm sorry", she said.
"What?"
"I'm sorry for the way I treated you before... I guess I didn't really give you a chance and well... You saved my big brother and are healing my sister...I just... I'm really sorry...."
Hugo blinked a bit in surprise before he smiled at her, "don't worry about it kid, I get it, I was actually pretty impressed with you"
"Impressed? Why?"
"Because you're a lot tougher than most people I know, and trust me, I know a lot of tough people. You say what you *need* to say without hesitation, even if someone you care about disagrees, you also think before you react and wait for the perfect moment to do something, that kind of thinking can and will save you a lot of trouble when you get older, trust me"
She smiled, "I do"
He stopped and looked at her again before smiling back, "thanks Angry, that means a lot"
"No problem", she replied before smirking, "and now that you're around, V will have someone else to nerd out with, which gives me and Catalina ample material to make fun of on the road!"
"I heard that", Varian called as Rapunzel and Catalina giggled, making Angry snicker and Hugo smile.
Notes:
So, what happened to Cassandra will be touched on later, so I'm not gonna say much about it here, but let's just say, I have an idea with Cassandra and Zhan Tiri :3
Varian and Hugo are too adorable! I love writing them a lot more than I thought I would, also, Hugo sassy! XD It may get him hurt one day but he sassy! XD
Catalina's wolf form should've been used more, I said what I said and I have NO regrets! That form was so cool and I wish we could've seen it more!
Angry is a good girl, and she's incredibly smart too! I give her immense amount of credit, she was really cautious when it came to meeting Lance and Eugene before, and was really more than willing to apologize when she was wrong to Catalina in the werewolf episode, plus she's super sassy and I love it! She's a great character and I think, with a little more development, she could've been a top contender :D
Punzie is not important in this interaction with Cass because she was more worried about getting the group out of danger, but she's still a very good big sister and I loves her lots! You go Punzie! <3
Yeah, Varian used the you know what, I'm gonna touch on that topic more too in later chapters :3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 120: Two Sides!
Summary:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo finished bandaging the werewolf, who'd changed back into her human form, and was helping the princess heal Varian, and Ruddigar, who had climbed out of his boy's backpack and was resting in his lap. As they did, Angry gathered the items from the carriage wreckage, "so how exactly are you planning on fixing... This?" She gestured to the pile of wood in front of her
Hugo smirked, "elbow grease, a hammer... And lots of nails", Varian snorted at that
Angry raised a brow, "the wheels are broken, the reigns are shredded, all the wood is in pieces, and our luggage is nearly, if not completely, gone".
The blond chuckled, "I've built wheel before, we can make rope out of veins, there's hundreds of trees around us, and if we look hard enough I'm certain we can find every single piece of luggage you all lost in the crash". Angry was a little startled as Hugo glanced at her, "never underestimate the determination of an inventor/alchemist".
Angry rolled her eyes but smiled and continued to work, Catalina helping a little, still sore from the fight, but she managed. The group went quiet, none of them really knowing what to say, Varian looked up at Rapunzel and noticed that she was deep in thought, "you okay?" He asked
"Hm? Oh yeah I'm fine, just... Thinking", she responded before going quiet again
Varian huffed, then sat up, ignoring the pain that shot through his body as he stared at her, "I know you better than that, what's wrong?"
"I... I'm really okay Varian it's perfectly-!"
"Fine?" The alchemist finished with a raised brow
She sighed, "ok so maybe not.... But I'd rather not discuss it right now"
"Punzel you do that a lot, it's starting to worry me"
"Hello pot, I'm kettle"
"Very funny, look I know how hard it is to say what you're actually feeling, particularly for you. But I'm not gonna judge you or be nasty to you if you say something that I may not agree with", the blue eyed alchemist explained as Ruddigar chittered encouragingly, "I know what you've been through sis, I do, but I'm not gonna shut you down, not like her. You don't have to tell me now, but I'm here when you need to talk, okay?"
Rapunzel smiled, "thanks, I appreciate that, and I'll want to talk about it just.... Later?"
Varian nodded, "later is okay, whenever you're ready, okay?"
"Ok"
"Cute", Hugo stated, getting them both to blush, "are you gonna hug next?"
"Shut up!" Varian replied, nudging the other alchemist and making him laugh, "brat"
"Look who's talking!" Rapunzel teased
The teen sighed before he smiled at both blonds, they continued to heal him and managed to wrap up the last bandage when they heard something in the distance, it sounded like a voice, "did anyone else hear that?" Catalina asked as she looked around
"I did, it almost sounded like-!" Angry started before the voice called again, it seemed to be looking for someone
Varian's eyes widened, "d-dad?!" The voice echoed one last time, "DAD!!!" Varian yelled, sitting up quickly and instantly regretting it as his body shot another wave of pain through him, "ugh... Ow... W-we need to get his attention, I think that's my dad!"
"What would he be doing all the way out here?! How'd he even *find* us?!" Angry asked, startled by this revelation
Ruddigar perked up and chittered to his boy before pointing to the sky, the teen looked up and saw a black bird circling them in the dim morning light, "HAMUEL!!!! He must've flown back to Corona and led my dad here!" Quirin's voice called once more, making Varian smile, "dad...."
Rapunzel stood up and looked around, "we really need to find a way to get his attention, otherwise he won't find us... Varian do you still have any alchemy left in your bag?"
"No, I used it all when we made the lanterns and the... Um.... Solution that we used a-against Cassandra...."
"Oh...."
"I have something", Hugo offered and he took out a few flash bombs from his belt, "will these work?"
"Hugo you're a genius!" Varian complimented, smiling wide as he took the bombs, "if I can just get them high enough...." Sticking his tongue out in concentration, Varian aimed for a high tree branch and, with all his might threw the flash bomb, "COVER YOUR EYES!" He yelled, getting everyone to do so before the bomb went off, a bright flash of light shining through the air for a few seconds before it dimmed.
There was silence, no one spoke as their hearts beat quickly, suddenly, the farmer's voice called again, louder than ever, "VARIAN!"
"DAD!" Varian called, "CAN YOU HEAR ME?"
"YEAH! WE'RE ON OUR WAY! JUST STAY THERE!" Quirin called back
"O-OKAY!"
They heard some rustling through the trees before some bushes began to shake, all of them braced themselves for a fight, just in case until they saw Quirin slice through them with one of his duel blades, a large caravan being pulled by Domino and Fidella following him. He looked around before he spotted his son, "VARIAN!"
"DAD!" The Village Leader ran over and scooped his boy up in a hug, Hugo just barely hopping out of the way as the duo embraced
"Son! Oh thank the moon you're okay!" Quirin stated as he held his son tight
"Dad..." Varian replied, sniffling as he hugged his father back, the corner of his eyes stinging with a few tears as he did so
Hugo stood up, watching the two before he noticed the bushed shaking again, "hey! We're not alone!" He stated before he balled his fists
"It's okay it's Eugene and King Edmund, Lance, Adira, and Hector are with me too", Quirin replied, at the blond's raised brow he added, "they're family"
"And they don't know who *you* are", a voice stated from right behind the green eyed teen, making him jump back a few feet with a yelp, only to see a tall women with half her face painted red smirking at him, "hello jumpy"
"What in the actual fuck?!"
Varian giggled, "that's my aunt Adira, don't worry, he's a friend", he smiled at Hugo, "a really good friend"
The blond smiled back before noticing Varian wince a little, "uh... He uh, kinda got really hurt, so..."
"Hm? OH! Oh geez son, I'm sorry!" Quirin stated, loosening his grip when he realized how tightly he was holding his son
"I-it's okay, I needed that hug", he snuggled against his father's vest, "I *really* needed it"
"BLONDIE!" Eugene yelled, running over to Rapunzel and hugging her happily, she hesitantly returned it, getting him to look at her worriedly
"CATALINA! ANGRY!" Lance added, running over to the two girls and scooping them up, being careful with Catalina when he noticed her bandages
"Woah", Hector stated as he looked around, his binturongs and rhino also staring, "what the fuck happened here?"
"It's... A really long story... A-and I have to... Tell you guys something about me...." Varian replied softly, "it's about the Moonstone...."
****
"So... Let me get this straight", Hector started as he took in everything they'd just been told, "that Moonstone stealer came and attacked all you because *you*", he pointed to Varian, "nearly died and she sensed that, along with her", he pointed to Rapunzel, "because you've, somehow, got a weird connection to the Moonstone. And then she changed and wasn't herself, speaking in a weird accent and glowing purple, trying to make deals with you", he pointed back to Varian, "you said no because you", he pointed to Hugo, "told him not to because you're friends, and that somehow made you", he pointed back to Varian, "let out a huge magical moon blast thingy that sent the Moonstone stealer flying like it did with these two", he pointed to Adira and Quirin, "and him", he pointed at Edmund, "20 something years ago, and now you", he pointed back to Varian, "are worried that you have a deep connection to the Moonstone and wanna know more about it, us, and the Dark Kingdom, did I get that right?"
Varian giggled, "yes you", he pointed at Hector, "did"
"Don't forget that he", Quirin pointed to Varian, "turned into a blue bird and flew around because of a teakettle they", he pointed to Catalina and Angry, "found in the woods and had to get a magical egg that *he*", he pointed back to Varian, "layed and got cracked over his head by him", he pointed to Hugo, "which made them become friends because they", he pointed at both Hugo and Varian, "are both inventors and alchemists and bonded over it"
"Holy fuck", Hector stated as he placed a hand on his head, "and I was worried about the fucking 7 kingdom ball"
Adira patted her brother's shoulder comfortingly before she looked at her nephew, "so, with all this in mind, how are you feeling?"
"I-I don't know... Worried, scared.... A little angry.... It's all a bit too much right now and the aches and pains that I'm currently enduring are not helping the situation", he stated, glaring at some of his wounds on his body before he noticed Rapunzel looking down, "but I'm not really concerned about me right now...."
The group looked at the princess, who'd been quiet this entire time, she was leaning tiredly against Eugene's shoulder, "blondie", the dark prince said gently, "you haven't said anything since we got here, are you alright?"
Rapunzel looked up at him and noticed everyone watching her, "oh! I uh... I'm..." She stopped when she looked at Varian, who was giving her a worried stare, making her sigh, "not... D-doing so well.... I mean, I just watched my best friend attack us out of nowhere, saw he get so angry that she shined brighter than the sun, then that glow turned purple and she suddenly.... Wasn't herself anymore.... And when she snapped out of... Whatever that was, she looked so afraid when she ran off.... I... I know this seems selfish considering what she just did to everyone, especially Hugo and Varian, but.... I'm... Really worried about her.... Like I'm afraid for her, I'm afraid she's lost and she doesn't know where to go or what to do... I mean what she just did was *not* okay but... I...."
"You're still worried about her?" Varian offered with a gentle smile, "I am too"
"You are?"
"Well yeah, I was right in front of her when this happened", he replied, stroking Ruddigar's fur and getting the raccoon to purr happily, "I watched her turn from Cassandra to... I don't even know what that was... It scared me though and something kept telling me it wasn't anything good...." He looked into the campfire they'd set up before he leaned against his father, "she's.... She's doing what I did.... And that path it... It's so lonely... And scary... You feel like you always have to be on the run, l-like nothing you ever do will make a difference but you have to keep going just because you can't stop now! Not when you've done so many bad things... I-if I had just had some time to talk to her... M-maybe things would be easier for her... But as things are now, I-I don't know how we can help her, if we can at all...."
"Exactly", Rapunzel agreed, "she's going through so much and she's all alone..."
"What if she isn't...." Hugo asked darkly, making the two look at him
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel replied
"Well... And I'm not meaning to freak either of you out even more... But what if something's following her... Like something's attached to the Moonstone or something and she can't get rid of it", he stated, "after what we just saw today, it wouldn't surprise me if there was some sort of... *something* there, talking to her".
"What you mean a ghost?" Varian asked, when Hugo nodded he raised a brow, "you believe in ghosts?"
"I do", the princess stated, "I've seen, talked to, and sang with a spirit before"
"Of *course* you sang with them", Varian stated with a chuckle
"She was very nice, and had a lovely singing voice too! But no, spirits and ghosts are real, and I'm... Kinda wondering if what Hugo's saying is right...."
"Well if that's the case, and Cassandra is dealing with a spirit, then what we just saw makes perfect sense", Hugo replied, "again, not to freak you guys out, but.... Can't ghosts and spirits possess people?"
Quirin shuddered, making Varian look up at him, "sorry... Remember that spooky story I told you about?" The teen nodded, "that particular spirit had a rumor spread about her that she possessed people, and a lot of the guards and even Adira and Hector wondered if I'd gotten possessed myself.... It's... Not fun to think about someone else using your body without your permission.... Even the thought of it freaks me out"
"Wait you told the little peanut about the spirit in the castle?" Edmund asked
"Yes"
"I didn't have nightmares if that helps grandpa", the alchemist stated innocently
"I have qualms about that", the dark king stated
"We're getting off topic guys", Eugene stated as Adira and Hector snickered
Hugo smirked but noticed the princess looking down once more, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you"
"No no, it's alright I'm just thinking now", Rapunzel replied with a smile, "you... What you said actually made me feel a lot better"
"What do you mean?"
"Well if Cassandra did that by herself then I'd be worried that she'd be.... Too far gone to save... But if you're right, and there's something attached to the Moonstone, which given Quirin's story and Edmund's reaction I wouldn't be surprised if there was, it... It makes things a little easier to understand, just knowing that maybe some things that Cass said or did wasn't because of her... But because of something else... I... I don't want that to be true, but is it bad that a small part of me hopes that's the case?"
"No, it's not", Varian replied, "because if it's true, then Cassie's decisions would be easier to understand because, well, they aren't hers... I'm... Kinda hoping that's the case too... But if it isn't-!"
"If it isn't, then I'll still try to help her", Rapunzel interrupted, "but... She'll need to apologize at the very least, and own up to what she did"
"Right"
The group fell silent again as Eugene held Rapunzel's hand and Lance hugged Catalina and Angry closer to his chest. No one really knowing what to do or say before Adira looked at her nephew, "if it's true that you have some connection to the Moonstone, then we should probably figure it out, and soon".
Quirin looked at his son and touched the blue streak in his hair, "you said this glowed?" he asked, receiving a nod from his son, "do you know how or why?"
"It seems to react to my emotions, when, whatever that was, choked Hugo, I felt so much anger build up inside of me and suddenly my eyes and hair started to glow... Then it showed me something a-and I...." He closed his eyes, wincing at the images of his mother and father being happy together and remembering what 'Cassandra' had said
"Varian?" Quirin stated before his boy's hair began to glow, "Varian, hey", he scooped his son up and placed him in his lap before hugging him, "it's okay, it's alright"
The alchemist opened his eyes and realized he'd been crying before the dim morning light suddenly grew darker, "t-that's what it did!" He stated as the glow dimmed away, "t-that's the glow!"
Quirin blinked for a moment before he cupped his son's cheek, "are you okay?"
"D-dad I'm not worried ab-!"
"I am, you said it reacts to your emotions and then started glowing when 'Cassandra' showed you something, Varian you winced and glowed, what did 'she' show you?"
The teen looked at Hugo noticing his worried stare before he looked back up at his dad, "I... i-it's no-!"
"Don't tell me it's not important right now because that's a lie"
"I d-don't wanna t-talk about it.... N-not right now...." Varian said quietly, getting Quirin to stop. The alchemist felt tears begin to form and he wiped them away, "I... It's n-not that I don't trust you b-but... I... I d-don't wanna discuss it... N-not here...."
Quirin caught the hint and sighed, "sorry, I didn't mean to push, I just got worried"
"I-it's okay...."
"We can talk about it later, in private, so it'll be more comfortable alright, b-but can you tell me one thing?"
"Hm?"
"...Is it... Something I did?"
The question startled Varian, he'd never heard his father's voice so quiet before, he sounded so scared as he looked at his son. Warm brown eyes were staring into sky blue, silently begging for his thoughts to not be true, "no, it's something that happened *to* you... To both of us actually", the teen replied gently, "I told you I already forgave you"
"I know you did but...." The Village Leader stopped, looking towards Edmund, who gave him a sympathetic stare as he pet Hamuel's chest
"But the past still pops up in your head and tells you differently, right?" Varian finished for him with a smile, "it does the same to me too"
"What kind of past are you talking about Freckles?" Hugo asked, "you some kind of secret rebel, because, not gonna lie, that would be kinda cool"
Varian giggled, "you're such a brat!" Quirin raised an amused brow, "yeah yeah, look who's talking, Punzel already made that joke"
"It's true", his father chuckled
"You're a brat too!"
The group laughed, the tension dimming a bit as the air seemed to clear up, the sun finally shining brightly through the trees, signaling the morning had arrived, "ugh", Angry grumbled, "we've been up all night and we didn't even make it to Nezerdnia, I'm beginning to think returning the stolen loot is a lost cause"
Lance chuckled, "we'll still be able to get to Nezerdnia, all of us got here with the caravan remember?"
"That's true, but how far away are we right now?"
"Actually", Hugo started, "if you take the position of the moon, which rises in the east, and remember where it was when it began to go down, west, you can use those two points to find out which direction you're facing. And if you'd looked up at the sky last night you could've seen the north star which was positioned a little bit in this direction so you can tell that would be north, so if yo-!"
"In English"
".....It's that way, about 34 miles", Hugo stated, blushing as he pointed towards the woods behind them, "you're actually much father from Corona than you are Nezerdnia"
Varian giggled as Quirin smiled knowingly, "you're not the only one who does that, and I definitely appreciated the ramble"
Hugo smirked at the blue eyed alchemist, "thanks"
"You're both nerds", Angry stated, getting Catalina to giggle
"By the way, is he coming with us?" Hector asked, pointing to Hugo again
Varian perked up, "oh can you?! It would be so much fun to have you with us! T-they have copper plated elements a-and silver plated elements, and even some *gold* plated elements! P-plus they have a apothecary and herb shop too! It's basically a gold mine for alchemists and I think you'd really like it and-and-and-!"
"Slow down speedy", Quirin chuckled, getting his son to catch his breath, "maybe give him a moment"
Hugo snickered as he watched his friend take a few breaths before he smiled wide at him, "you're such a nut"
"He's a peanut", Edmund stated happily
"That because he's super salty?" Eugene and Lance cracked up as Varian facepalmed and Hugo chuckled, "I didn't think that would get the reaction it did!"
"Welcome to the group", Quirin replied with a smirk, "are you joining us though? My son seems pretty fond on you, I'd like to get to know you a little better myself if I'm being honest, you did save him after all"
Hugo was startled by that but looked at Varian, who was smiling underneath his hand, which was being nuzzled by Ruddigar, before he looked back up at the farmer and smiled, "yeah, I'd love to join!"
****
Cassandra panted as she ran through the woods, her mind was reeling from whatever had just happened to her. Her tears poured down her cheeks as she remembered Varian's face when she'd shown him those images of his family, "why?" She asked herself, "why? Why?! WHY?!"
"Because you need him", a calm voice replied, stopping her in her tracks and chilling her to her core
"W-where are you?! I want you to show yourself to me right now!"
The little ghost girl revealed herself, "you're handling this well", she replied sarcastically
"Y-you took over me! Why?! I didn't want you to do that!"
"I needed you to get the boy"
"What?"
"We need that boy, his connection to the Moonstone is far greater than I imagined, and if he's to continue having the connection, your power will fade while his grows"
"B-but I have the Moonstone"
"Yes but like I said before, his is a *natural* connection to the Moonstone", she stated, "like the princess, who was born with the power of the sun, the boy was born with the power of the moon. If that power is left alone, it will grow and grow until eventually the Moonstone can sense it, it's already started"
"What are you talking about?"
"You've complained about how hard it is to control your abilities before unless you feel an immense amount of emotion, during that fight, seeing the princess there was fuel enough. But when that boy's power grows and the Moonstone senses him, your emotions won't matter to it anymore, and it'll choose him, just like *she* did".
Cassandra growled, making the Moonstone spark before her mind flashed the image of Varian's face once more, "i-is there a way we can take his power away without killing him?"
The ghost girl raised a brow, "feeling merciful are we?"
"No it's just... Varian, he didn't have anything to do with Rapunzel and her family... In fact he was a victim too now that I think about it... I... I shouldn't have attacked him, I shouldn't have, what made me do that?"
"You", Cassandra glared at the girl, "I'm serious, whenever you wear that stone, your emotions become your weapons, it's only reasonable to think that every fleeting thought, rational or irrational logic, and erratic behavior should be amplified by it's power. That's why those who have protected the Moonstone have to learn how to hide their emotions, they keep calm in different ways, meditation, fighting, even doing something peaceful or something they enjoy can help them. They spend years and years practicing and training to keep their emotions in check because even being *around* the Moonstone can be quite harmful on someone's psyche, so again it stands to reason that any thought or action that you want to do becomes amplified so the Moonstone can keep using it's power, plus it becomes stronger at night, which was the time you felt the connection to that boy".
"So my emotions.... They're not just there because I'm feeling them, but because the Moonstone needs them? What does it feed off of them?"
"Not exactly, it needs emotions to use as it's power, that's why it amplifies them", the ghost girl explained, "that's why when that fool king tried to destroy the Moonstone when his wife passed away the stone sent a massive burst of energy out, much like that boy did, it was the sadness, anger, and desperation of the king himself that threw him back and made him lose the entire kingdom, which is funny, because I highly doubt even *he* knows that", she laughed
"Then how do you?"
"What?"
Cassandra raised a brow, "how do you know all of this? How do you know about the Moonstone at all, who the hell *are* you?"
The ghost girl giggled, "why Cassandra, I'm merely a friend who thinks the Moonstone should go to someone who deserves it"
"Cut the bullshit! What are you up to?"
"Ugh, honestly, I've helped you thus far and you're just *now* asking me this?" The blue hair female raised a brow again, "fine, I'm from the Dark Kingdom, or at least I *was*, in fact, I was once a member of the Brotherhood myself"
"What?"
"Yes, I was the late king Erebus's brotherhood member, I worked as their mage, casting spells, creating potions, studying the Moonstone, I *loved* it! Then, one day, some people from Corona stopped by to pay us a visit, and I met someone, he was smart, kind, and caring, and he was so loyal to his kingdom, which was something I could understand. We fell in love and he and I studied together, he studied the Sundrop, I studied the Moonstone, we compared our noted whenever we could, but one day he came in and told me of a prophecy, one that would destroy both our kingdoms if we did not stop it, something about the sun and moon fighting each other and causing a tear between the kingdoms. We told our rulers and they listened, but while my king, King Erebus wanted to protect everyone and tried to fix things, Corona's king at the time, King Solar, was corrupt and disgusting, and wanted to take control over things. You see, at the time the king heard of this, Corona had a war going on between them and some other tribe called the Seporians, they were fighting endlessly and things were beginning to get out of hand. Kind Erebus offered his help, but the only thing that disgusting sun loving ruler wanted was the Moonstone's power.... My king did not want such power in the middle of a war, so he tried to offer something else, food, resources, even people, he sent us, the Brotherhood, to fight along his side since our kingdoms were united, and though we fought well, King Solar didn't think it was enough".
"What did he do?" Cassandra asked as she sat on a stump and listened
The girl smirked secretly before she continued, "he tried to take the Moonstone of course! Coronans in my time were always corrupt and heartless, as you are very aware of considering the position they put you in. But when he tried to take it, we, the Brotherhood, stopped him. Unfortunately the fight ended up causing his, and King Erebus's death, and Corona believed it to be our fault. So when the man that I'd met and who'd helped warn the kings in the first place came to me and told me to hand over the Moonstone or he'd have to take it by force... Well... I had to fight him.... He'd destroyed my fellow Brotherhood members and had caused me a great deal of pain, so I took the Moonstone and used it to fight against him, I had no other choice.... I used it's power to create a massive storm, but the man was an inventor, and he managed to overtake my power and destroy my physical body, leaving me trapped in limbo....."
"That's... Horrible...."
"It is..."
"But wait... If that really happened then how did the Moonstone end up back in the Dark Kingdom?"
The ghost girl let out a sad sigh, "there was a prince, his name was prince Blake, and he was far more weaker minded than his father. The man I'd studied with told him a different story and begged him to keep the Moonstone safe. The prince did as he was told and made a chamber for the Moonstone and made the Brotherhood watch it. The two kingdoms became distant, I don't know what he did with the Sundrop, I doubt if it ever got moved from it's original spot, all I know is what happened in my kingdom, and how the Coronans took everything from me and my kingdom, and they're doing the same thing to you and that boy".
Cassandra sighed, "I don't want to fight him like that again... Not like that... If I'm gonna get my own destiny I need to do it my way"
"....Fine, I won't do that again then, there is, in fact, a way you *can* get the boy's power without having to kill him, all you'd need is one very simple thing"
"What's that?"
"Demanitus's scroll"
Notes:
EARLY UPLOAD! :D Hee hee!
Erebus: God of darkness and shadow
Blake: Black, dark, bright, shining, paleMore Dark Kingdom lore (or is it? ;3) Some of it's true, in my headcannon
Varian and Hugo chapters weren't meant to go for this long XD I was gonna have him leave after the whole bird situation, but then he kinda got sucked into Cassandra's plot and I thought him being there was super fun and Varigo is just too adorable dang it!!!!! XD So he's coming to Nezerdnia to geek out with out little science bean! :D But he won't be here for the entire story
Catalina and Angry are sleepy and it's cute <3
Lance is hilarious and also a very good adopted dad <3
Eugene is best supportive boyfriend! :D
Rapunzel has a lot she needs to work on, and that's okay, she's been through a lot, I honestly can draw more parallels to Rapunzel and Varian more than Cassandra and Varian
Adira and Hector are too much fun to write, their character dynamics with the group just work so well
Edmund you are far too cute! Stop it XD
QUIRIN'S BAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!! I missed my protective farmer dad!!!! I realize this is my own fic, but I love him so much and wanted him here! I didn't think I'd be writing him in until later, but plans change XD
Thank you for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 121: Nezerdnia!
Summary:
The group finally find themselves in the Nezerdnia Market, now they must deal with the most treacherous thing any vacationer or tourist must face on their journeys... Finding a good spot to sleep.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Ruddigar chittered happily as he felt the breeze against his fur, he was sitting on Max's head, eating an apple and enjoying the weather, the horse huffed at him for getting some apple crumbs on his muzzle, to which the raccoon chiitered out an apology and wiped the guard's face, getting Max to smile at him before they both got startled by a loud, "WE'RE HERE!!!!!" They looked back to see Catalina smiling wide as she sat atop the caravan with a meditating Adira, who opened one eye to look at her.
Hector, who was riding Xena next to the caravan, stood up on his mount and looked, "huh, big, with a lot of people running around"
"That gonna be okay?" Quirin asked, looking at his brother with concern
"It's fine, just so long as no one tries to steal Xena"
"They would try to take a rhino?" Catalina asked
Adria chuckled as she closed her eye again, "market people will look for a good deal any chance they get, it's why parents will tell their kids to hold their hands or keep a hand on their belongings any time their in a market place like this. Of course, you and you sibling already know that, otherwise why would you be here?"
"That's true, but a rhino?"
"A rare and beautiful beast that is fully trained and extremely loyal"
"Oh"
Quirin chuckled before he knocked on the little door behind him, "we're here, anyone wanna take a look before we actually go in?"
He waited for a moment and nothing happened, Edmund, who was sitting next to him, began to say something but stopped when his knight held up one finger. They waited, watching the door before it began to jiggle and finally opened, revealing an excited looking, blue eyed alchemist, "hello little peanut", Edmund stated delightedly as Quirin smirked
"Hello, sorry, it's a little cramped in here", he replied with a smile
"It wouldn't be if *someone* would squishing me", Eugene called from the back
"Hey! It's not *my* fault that I'm so much stronger than you!" Lance argued
"How does that make any sense?!"
"I'm stronger which makes me bigger"
"Lance!"
"Do they always fight like this?" A bemused Hugo asked while he stacked another two cards on the card house
"Yep", Angry replied, stacking another two cards on the card house, "you get used to it"
Varian giggled, "yeah, Lance is a good guy, so is Eugene"
Rapunzel nodded, "that's right, they just have.... Moments"
"Like Lance's annoying whistling", Eugene stated
"Or your need to always flip your hair when you think you've made a good point!" Lance retorted, making Hugo snort
"I do NOT do that!"
"Yes you do"
"No I don't"
"Yes you do"
"No I-!"
"GUYS!" Angry snapped, making the card house fall
"Well damn it", Hugo stated as he looked at the once proud card house, making Varian giggle
"Do wanna come out and look?" Edmund asked his grandson, a little amused smile beaming on his face
"Is there room?" Varian asked
"Yep"
"Oki", Varian squeezed through the small opening and, with his father's help, managed to sit on the bench in the front, looking towards Nezerdnia, "wow! EEE! I'm so excited!"
"27!" Hugo called
"Shut up!" Varian replied, at his father's confused brow raise, the teen explained, "every time Hugo thinks I do something 'cute' he counts it"
His father chuckled, "27?"
"He's cheating"
"Am not!" The blond stated
"Me sneezing does *not* count as a cute thing, so yes you are, in fact, CHEATING!" Varian snapped, his voice breaking in the middle of his sentence
"28!"
"Hugo!"
Quirin laughed as his son blushed profusely, "I'm afraid I have some terrible news son, you are, in fact, cute"
"Daaad!"
"HA! Even your *father* knows!" The green eyed alchemist teased
"You two are terrible!"
"Which is why I'm beginning to like this kid", his father retorted, getting a smirk from Hugo
"You two both need a time out"
"29!"
"Stop it!"
****
The group rode into town, Hugo taking Varian's spot at the window, and began searching for a place to spend the night, "how about that one?" Rapunzel asked as she pointed through the window to a large, white building with people walking around
"Not that one, a bunch of thieves stay there and will pick your lock at night to steal your money", Angry stated when she spotted the building, "we should know, Catalina and I did that ourselves"
"Funnily enough so did we", Lance stated as he gestured to himself and Eugene, "so that's a double no"
"We could go by the apple orchard, I heard there was a nice place there", Adira suggested
Quirin huffed at the mention of that place, "uh... That would be a little hard for us because the farmers around here are... We'll call them competitive, and don't like other farmers visiting", Varian stated, patting his father's shoulder
"Snotty, nasty farmers who think that just because I live in Corona that automatically makes me 'uncultured' in the way of farming. Well I'm *so* sorry I wasn't born and raised as a farmer, it's not like I had much of a choice", the retired knight grumbled
"Ah", Eugene said, "I uh... I see"
"They really get on you about not being raised as a farmer?" Adira asked, breaking her meditation to look at her older brother
"Yes they do.... Apparently you're not a 'real' farmer if you weren't raised on a farm, Varian, he's a real farmer because he was born and raised on a farm. But me, the person that *raised* him, is not...." Quirin stated before he noticed his son's look and ruffled his hair, "don't worry Bubby, you're an alchemist through and through, I know that. They just irritate me, you know?"
"I know", Varian replied as he giggled and bapped his father's hand away, "you and Eugene with my hair"
"30!" Hugo called with a snort
"I'm gonna kick you!"
"31!"
The alchemist huffed, "brat nugget"
"It's fucking stupid that they'd get riled up because you weren't born as a fucking farmer, what are you supposed to say? What, 'I'm so fucking sorry my parents weren't damn farmers, I had more im-fucking-portant things to do', or something?" Hector asked aggitatedly
Quirin snorted, "no, but I appreciate that"
"That actually raises a question, is the farming business competitive?" Eugene asked
"Oh yeah", the Village Leader replied
"Really?"
Varian nodded, "have you ever been to a farmer's market?"
"No", Eugene answered
"If you ever go with dad, you get to see how heated farmers can get, 'my goat produces the best milk!' 'Well my cow eats more grass!' They even compare their kids, 'well I've got three sons who work hard on my fields' 'oh yeah? I've got two daughters that work way harder than your sons!' It's rough.... For both of us". The teen stated before he perked up with an evil grin, "although, they certainly weren't expecting my dad winning first prize on a gigantic watermelon that he grew with a little alchemical solution of mine, hee hee".
"32 and that's awesome", Hugo stated
Varian stopped and looked at his dad, "I don't know weather to be annoyed or delighted"
Quirin chuckled before he noticed another building, "hey, what about there? I've heard their prices were pretty good"
Hector plugged his nose, "I can smell why, holy fuck that's a lot of beer!"
The retired knight raised a brow before the smell hit him, "ugh! Ok yep, skipping that"
"I'm making a note of that particular place though, seems rowdy, I like it", Hugo stated with a smirk
Varian sighed and rolled his eyes before he spotted something near the back of the building, he thought he saw a tall, skinny, man his hair in a bun, but when he blinked the figure went away. He stared at the spot a moment longer as he blood ran cold, he began to shiver and his heart began to beat fast at the thought of that person coming anywhere *near* them.... "Varian?" Quirin asked, snapping his son out of his worries and getting him to look up, "are you okay? You're shaking"
"Oh yeah I-I'm okay, just... I thought.... N-never mind, probably just my imagination...." He replied, trying to brush it off
His father raised a brow before he looked at the spot his son had stared at before, narrowing his eyes at it when he didn't see anything. He frowned, he didn't know why but his instincts were telling him that something bad was about to happen, "what did you see?" He asked his son, his tone calm but serious.
"I.... It's n-not a big deal"
Quirin softened his gaze as he looked at his son, "son, if you saw something that scared you, I wanna know about it, that way if what you saw comes near us we'll be ready", he explained gently, "plus..." He cupped Varian's cheek gently, "I don't want anything to hurt you anymore, and if there's something out there that's bothering you, I want to know so we can get rid of it".
Varian placed his own hand on his father's as it rested on his cheek and smiled before sighing, "I... Thought I saw a m-man that looked a lot like...."
"Like?" Edmund asked, encouraging his grandson to continue
"....L-like.... Andrew...."
The cart froze as everyone looked at Varian with wide eyed concern, save for Hugo who looked confused, "wait... ANDREW Andrew?" Eugene asked
"I-I wasn't sure if it was him or not! All I s-saw was a man behind the b-building with his hair in a bun, he's f-far away so I couldn't r-really make out his features! H-he may not even *be* Andrew", Varian stated, trying to deescalate the situation
"Not to interrupt but... Who's Andrew?" Hugo asked with a raised brow
"He's a man who.... Used and abused Varian while he was in jail..." Rapunzel explained
The blond alchemist's eyes widened, "wait, Freckles was in *jail*?!" Varian winced, instantly filling Hugo with regret, "uh... sorry"
"I-it's okay, you didn't know.... B-but.... You might as well know.... I-it's... Not a very good story.... A-and when you hear it... I h-hope you don't think any different of me...." The blue eyed alchemist replied
Hugo shook his head as he watched the teen, "I won't judge, trust me, I have no right to... Thief remember?"
This made Varian perk up a bit, "I... I guess that's true, b-but I did a lot more than steal...."
"Does this have anything to do with the liquidized amber you used from my bag?"
It was Quirin's turn to wince now as Varian nodded, "yes..." He placed a comforting hand on his father's shoulder before he sighed, "so, what happened was...."
****
Hugo was shocked as he listened to the blue eyed alchemist's story, staying quiet through the entire thing, even when Varian had to stop and take a few moments to collect himself as Ruddigar and Quirin helped him, skipping past a few details that he wasn't ready to talk about quite yet. He waited, not responding, nodding, shaking his head, or showing any signs of emotion until the story was completely finished. "...A-and then Rapunzel freed my father from the a-amber a-and.... That's it...."
The blond teen was silent, not really sure what to say at first. He knew everyone was waiting for him to respond, his thoughts reeled as he tried to digest what he'd just been told before he finally spoke, "I... I'm really sorry... That you went through that Varian...."
The blue eyed alchemist looked at him, expression so surprised that it hurt Hugo to see, "y-you.... You don't h-hate me?"
Those words hurt him too as he shook his head, "no, I could never hate you... If I were in your shoes I'd do the exact same thing", he stated before looking at Rapunzel, "sorry"
"It's alright", she replied, "I... wish I understood better back then... I would've done so many things differently...."
"Me too", Varian reminded her with a small smile
Hugo smirked as he watched the two before he frowned, "but you think you saw this Andrew fucker behind the building?"
Hector snorted, "ok, I like him"
"Of course you would", Adira teased
Varian nodded, "y-yeah... But I don't know if it was him or not, f-for all I know, it could've been someone who just looked l-like him... I mean, I d-didn't catch very many details"
Eugene raised a brow, "well I'm glad you said something, at least we know to look out for him or any of the other Seporians"
"Yeah", Lance replied as he looked at Catalina and Angry worriedly, "especially since we've got kids with us"
"I'm not one to volunteer my sibling, but I'm pretty sure a werewolf beats a terrorist any day", Angry replied with pride, getting her sister to giggle from her perch next to Adira
"True", Lance stated with a gentle smile, "but we wanna be careful... For Varian's sake"
"Yeah", Hugo agreed, "if this shit lord really tried to off Freckles simply because he didn't want to harm anybody, then he'll probably try to be as sneaky as possible to get to him... Speaking from personal experience".
Varian shuddered before he thought about what they were trying to do and looked around, "uh... T-that in mind, w-would it really be a g-good idea to find a p-place to stay *in* the kingdom? I-I mean I love s-staying at different p-places but...."
"You're right", Quirin agreed, "that'd be asking for trouble... But where could we-!" He stopped and smiled wide before he looked at his king, "you did say that you'd want a camping trip with you, me, Eugene, and Varian, right?"
Edmund looked confused for a moment before it hit him and he grinned, "yes I did! And we certainly have enough food and could find a place nearby a populated area so it would be safer"
The retired knight nodded, "anyone up for a camping trip? We could buy tents and whatever else we need in the market"
"Ooh! Ooh! Me! Mememememe MEEEE!" Lance replied excitedly as he waved his hand in the air excitedly, "camping! Yes please!"
Eugene chuckled at his best friend's excitement, "I'm good with a camping trip for a bit, how about you blondie?"
"What'd you call me?" Hugo asked with a raised brow, getting Varian to snort
Eugene shook his head quickly, "nonono, not you, sorry, I meant Rapunzel", he gestured to the blond princess, who waved
"Oh, okay", the glasses wearing teen stated with a relieved breath, "sorry, but you're not my type either"
"Wha-! I'll have you know I am in a *happy* relationship wi-!"
"With the pretty blond princess and she swept your heart away with her magical glowing hair and yada yada, yeah I went over this with her too. Side note, you guys *really* need to work on how you phrase things because this is the second time this has happened... Although you being together makes a little more sense now".
Varian laughed as Eugene huffed, "ok, now *I* like him", Adira stated with a smirk, making Hector snicker
"Either way", the princess stated as Eugene glared up at the ceiling of the caravan, "I'm fine with camping as well, it sounds like a lot of fun!"
"Alrighty then", Quirin nodded with a smile, "I guess we're going camping, but first, does anyone need a sleeping bag or anything from the market? Raise your hand", he looked behind him and saw Lance, Angry, Catalina, and Adira holding their hands up before turning and seeing Varian's hand raise as well, "what do *you* need from the market? I thought you brought your camping gear with you just in case"
"I did"
"Then what do you need?"
"A pillow", the teen stated shyly, "the ground is rocky"
"33", Hugo stated with a smile, making the blue eyed alchemist blush and the retired knight chuckle
"Alright, lets go get the pillow", he stated as he hugged his son lovingly before they headed towards the market, none of them noticing the man behind the building was watching them again
A smile formed on his face as he let out a quiet chuckle, "won't be long until we meet again, buddy"
Notes:
Sorry about not uploading the past couple of days, been really busy with work and family life, but I finally got this chapter up! :D This is meant to just be a fun chapter, laughing, joking, and just plain old family bonding (Hugo included). But since I wasn't able to upload until today, I added the bit at the end for a little chapter set up, so I hope that helps, again, sorry about that.
Varian and Hugo are so much fun to write, and Varian gets a taste of his own medicine with the counting thing he started in the beginning of the Day of the Animals arc! XD Also, little bean gets to snuggle on a Nezerdnian pillow! :3 There'll be more fluff between the boys soon as well, I can't WAIT to write that :D
Quirin is adorable, so is Edmund, and I love writing them so much! I'm so glad protective farmer dad is back, along with dark cuddly grandpa! :D
Adira and Hector are brats XD They're gonna LOVE Hugo XD
Eugene and Lance are beans and I love them being bros in the backseat! <3 More of them in upcoming chapters, may make a guy's night for them during their stay in Nezerdnia, let me know if y'all want that! :D
Catalina and Angry are gonna have some character growth too during this, I have ideas for them :)
Ruddy buddy, Pascal, Hamuel, and Max will have some hang out sessions too! :D I loved writing their interactions in Day of the Animals, so I may do that again soon! :D
Thank you for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 122: A Former Thief's Worry!
Summary:
Lance worries about Catalina and Angry and wonders if it would be a good time to tell them what he's planning.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
They got to the market and picked up the supplies they needed, plus extra food and medical supplies just in case. Varian and Hugo managed to spot a blacksmith booth nearby and tried to sneak over to it, but they were stopped when they saw Quirin's shadow on the ground in front of them, turning around to see the man staring at them with a raised eye brow. Giving innocent smiles they scurried back to the group and hopped into the caravan before the man said a word, Quirin chuckled before he walked back to the caravan and sat in front, taking the reigns before the window opened and revealed blue eyes looking at him, he smiled, "you can come back up here if you want". He heard a small cheer come from the teen before he climbed out from the back and sat in-between his father and grandpa as they noticed a pair of green eyes peeking out from the window as well. They looked at each other and chuckled before the Village Leader prompted the horses to begin moving once more.
They managed to reach the outskirts of the market place, finding a nice clearing with other campers nearby. They stopped and began to set up camp, "hey, anyone know where my pack went?" Varian asked as he looked around the caravan, Ruddigar was sniffing the ground, helping his boy look.
"Where'd you have it last?" Quirin asked as he hammered the last stake into the ground for his tent
"I set it down when I was getting my sleeping bag out of the caravan, but when I came back, it was gone"
"Hm... Did you check under the seats?"
"Yeah, I checked every nook and cranny of the caravan, it's not there"
Eugene poked his head out from inside his tent, "need some help looking Hair stripe? I'm almost done over here"
"I'd appreciate it"
"Oki, give me one sec... Aaaaaaand-ok! I'm coming!" The dark prince got out and walked over to the teen, helping him look around
"Hey, has anyone seen Catalina?" Lance called, "she was just here a second ago"
"She likes to wonder sometimes, she'll be okay", Angry stated
Lance looked at the girl worriedly, "where did she wonder to, do you know?"
"Calm down Lance she didn't go that far"
"You know where she went?"
"Well, no, but even when she's mad she never goes far, and she wasn't mad, she probably just needed a little space so she's walking around the campsite. She'll be fine, we've taken care of ourselves for years you know"
"I know that, but we're not in Corona right now", the man pointed out
"We've been here though, and if I'm right, then there's a small hill she'll walk to that she likes to sit on and watch the stars, we used to camp there a lot but she doesn't like being bothered there"
Lance sighed and thought about it for a moment, "how long does she usually stay there?"
"Up to an hour at most"
"She's been gone for about 5 minutes... I'll give her 10 more before I'll have you take me to that hill"
"Bu-!"
"I won't bother her if she's really just sitting there, but if she's alone and hurt, I wanna be there to help her when needed"
Angry thought about it before looking over at Varian, who was still searching for his pack worriedly, she then turned back to Lance and sighed, "alright fine, since you're worried I guess it wouldn't hurt to check on her"
Lance smiled, "thanks, remember, 10 minutes okay?"
"Ok"
****
Edmund smiled wide as he looked at his handiwork on his tent, a bit of pride welling up in his chest before he looked around, the rest of the tents were set up and everyone looked to be just about done, "alright, so do we want to start cooking dinner?"
"W-well I want to, but I can't find my pack!" Varian replied as he and Eugene continued to search
"It's gotta be around here somewhere", the dark prince stated as he looked underneath the caravan, "I mean you carry that thing everywhere"
"I know...."
Catching the sadness in his little brother's voice, Eugene looked at the teen to find him looking at the ground sadly, "don't worry kiddo, we'll find it"
"What's so special about that old backpack anyway?" Angry asked curiously
"W-well it was a gift... F-from dad", Varian replied softly as he looked over to his father, who smiled warmly at him, "he gave it to me a-after my new clothes arrived... He s-said it would be a good way to keep things I might n-need around and he g-got it made special at the tailors...."
"Special?"
"The fabric it's m-made out of is practically impossible to stain, p-plus it's really durable... The tailor didn't have anymore of it e-either.... Dad paid a lot for it, he even asked for special pocket f-for my vials a-and beakers a-and-and-an...." The teen began to tear up as he thought about losing his pack and how excited his father was to give it to him.
Quirin walked over and scooped his son up, "hey it's okay, it's alright, I know you didn't mean to", he comforted, "we'll look for it together okay? Don't worry"
Varian sniffled as he snuggled into his father's vest, right as Hugo came out of his tent. He stopped when he saw the pair, smiling at them before he noticed the other alchemist was crying, "hey what's wrong?"
"Varian misplaced his bookbag and it was really important to him", Eugene explained as he smiled at Rapunzel and Lance, who joined the search. Lance checking his watch before hand, signaling to Angry that they had two minutes left, to which the girl nodded.
"Misplaced his... Oh wait!" The blond stated before he ran back into his tent and came back out, "do you mean this?" He held up the lost pack, watching as Varian's face went from sad to joyful in a matter of two seconds
"THAT'S IT!" He yelled, hopping out of his father's arms and running over to the teen, grabbing the pack and hugging Hugo tightly, "Thank you! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou THANK YOU!"
"Ugh! Uh! You're welcome, um.... Can you... Let me *breath*?"
"Huh? OH! S-sorry!" Varian let go of the blond, watching as he grabbed his ribs and sucked in a couple breaths of air
"You *pant* are surprisngingly *huff* *strong*!" He replied
"Eheh... I um I w-wouldn't say *that*", Varian replied as his face began to blush. He then turned to his dad, "s-sorry for making such a fuss"
"It's okay, makes me happy you like it so much, you know?" Quirin replied with a smile before he raised a brow, "though, what was it doing in your tent Hugo?"
The blond managed to catch his breath as he looked up at the man, "I found it when we were setting up camp, I came back over to grab my sleeping bag when I noticed the bag. I thought I'd keep it with me and bring it up during dinner since everyone looked so busy".
"Ah"
"Thank you again Hugo! You really helped me out", Varian replied with a wide smile
Hugo was about to respond when he saw how happy the other alchemist looked, and for a moment, his heart fluttered and he blushed before he realized he hadn't responded yet, "oh uh, y-you're welcome"
Varian giggled, "smooth"
"Don't make me start counting again!"
"Don't you dare!"
Adira hopped down from a nearby tree, apple in hand, and landed in-between the two alchemists, startling them, "the market's closing in a few minutes, any last minute things we may need?"
Quirin snickered before shaking his head, "no, we're fine, unless you need somethi-Where'd you get that apple?"
"Nowhere"
"I didn't pack any"
"How rude of you"
"You got it from the orchard didn't you?"
"Would you believe me if I said no?"
"No"
"Then why ask?"
"Because one can hope"
"How's that working out?"
"Not good"
"Would it make you feel better if I mentioned it isn't yours?"
"Not really"
"Then I won't"
"Why must you do these things?"
"Because"
"That's not an answer"
"Were you looking for one?"
"Not really"
"Alright then"
Varian and Hugo laughed as Quirin gave an annoyed glare at his sister before feeling someone pat his shoulder. Turning he saw Edmund shaking his head as Hector snickered behind him, he sighed, "...Fine, I will let it go... Again...."
"AH! Catalina!" Eugene screamed
"Sorry! Didn't mean to startle you", the red head replied as she stepped out from behind the man
"THERE you are, where'd you run off to?" Lance asked as he walked over to the girl while Rapunzel comforted Eugene
Catalina blushed, "I finished setting up my tent a little early, and the moon looked really pretty, so I... Kinda watched it for a little bit on a small hill near here"
The former thief nodded, "ah, yeah the moon's pretty nice out here", he smiled before he added, "wait, did you go alone?"
"Yeah, but it was only a few feet away, I could show you if you wanted, I just... Needed a little space, you know?"
Lance nodded, "I completely understand that, but maybe next time tell someone where you're going okay? That way we know where you are in case you need any help"
She nodded, "ok, sorry"
"It's alright, just remember for next time okay?"
"Ok", she smiled and hugged the man before walking over to Angry
Lance sighed, his shoulders slumping a bit, the Village Leader noticed this and walked over to the man, "you okay?"
"Yeah just... You don't think that was too harsh do you?"
"No not at all, honestly I thought you handled that very well", Quirin replied with a smile
"You sure? She looked a little upset"
"Well I mean no kid likes to be told to do something after they've made a mistake, but you didn't yell or scream at her, and if she was really upset, she wouldn't have hugged you or responded so well"
"I guess so... Quirin I... Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure, we can go next to the caravan if you'd like, that way we have some privacy", the Village Leader offered
Lance nodded, "thanks"
They walked over to the caravan, looked around and saw no one else by it and sighed with relief, "alright, so what's wrong?" Quirin asked
"Well I... I just... I think it's time I told the girls what I was planning"
"You mean about adopting them?"
"Yeah", the former thief stated, "Quirin they..." He sighed, "they don't have a real home or someone to look after them. I mean the thing with Catalina walking around alone, at *night*?! I mean maybe I'm just bein over protective but... But Quirin that's...."
"Dangerous?" The retired knight offered, "and scary?"
"Yes! Angry didn't even seem too surprised, she just told me, 'this is something she just does' and that's it", Lance stated, "and I understand alone time, believe me I get it, Varian taught me a lot about the importance of gettin alone time when needed, but... They're 11 and 12 years old, and they walk around the world, always on guard, always lookin over their shoulders unless someone they trust is with em! That... That's no life for a kid, any kid.... But... I don't know if me tellin them I wanna adopt them will really... Do anything... A-and what if they don't *want* to be adopted?! W-what if they say no?"
"What if they do? Will that change anything?"
"No" Lance stated immediately, "even if they don't wanna be adopted, I'll never stop lookin out for them... Ever"
"But..."
"....But... I don't know if I could take them sayin no too well...." Lance admitted, "I wouldn't force them to of course, but.... Quirin I... I really love those girls..."
"I know"
"But if they don't wanna be adopted...."
"It'll break your heart"
"So you understand?"
Quirin smiled, "of course I do, when Varian was a baby I didn't want him to grow up, ever. He was so tiny... Well, tinier... That I could hold his whole hand on one finger. He would giggle and burble and make all sorts of little noises that just brought me so much joy! But... Then the amber came and he went to jail.... That fact alone breaks my heart, but what happened to him *during* that time...." The man frowned and shook his head, clearing his sadness away for a moment before facing Lance, "he was alone.... Hector... When he was a child.... He was alone too.... That's hard on a kid, and those girls are no different".
"I know..." Lance replied sadly, his eyes tearing up a bit before he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked at the Village Leader again, who smiled
"But they're not alone anymore"
"What?"
"Lance you said, even if they don't accept you adopting them, you'll still look out for them yes?"
"Of course"
"Then they're not alone anymore", at the man's confused look Quirin continued, "you've been there when they've needed someone, watched them and taken care of them when they were hurt. You worry about them all the time, if ever they need an adult, you're always nearby", he explained, "Lance you have been there for them ever since they moved into Corona, even longer than that if memory serves"
"Wait how'd you-!"
"Eugene told me, scared me a bit though because I almost forgot about it the other day"
"Memory actin funky?"
"I'm an old farmer Lance, memory is the first thing to go", they both chuckled, "even so, I remember you being there for them when no one else would. And I won't tell you that hearing them say that they'd rather not be adopted won't be hard, it'll hurt, it will. But even so, you don't have to worry about them being alone, not with you around"
Lance smiled wide before a thought crossed his mind, "b-but what if I'm not there? What if I get sick, or can't make it? W-what'll happen then?"
"Ah but see, that's where a big brother comes in", Quirin stated with a smirk before motioning for Lance to follow him. The former thief did and they made their way to the corner of the campfire before he gestured over to the little group closest to the fire. Varian laughed as Angry and Hugo argued about something, Catalina was sitting next to Varian and giggling herself before she leaned again the teen and blushed a little. Varian wrapped an arm around her and continued to laugh as Angry took Hugo's glasses, only for the blond to retaliate by taking her ponytail holder, making her hair fall around her shoulders. She growled and tried to get the holder back as he managed to snatch his glasses while easily over powering her and getting her in a headlock. Varian stepped in, getting Hugo to let her go, which resulted in a raspberry to his face. Hugo raspberried right back and ended up causing a very disgusting war between the two that resulted in the blue eyed alchemist and the red head to stop them before the crossfire ended up somewhere else. The two pouted before smirking at each other and then making faces, some silly, some scary, some extremely rude, but all of them funny, getting even funnier when the other two joined in and the little group began to laugh.
Lance smiled, his eyes filling with tears as he watched Varian giggle and hug the girls tightly, both of them hugging him back, Angry even pulling Hugo into the mix, which he, not so begrudgingly, accepted before the man turned to Quirin, "thank you for showin me that, I.... Didn't realize how much I needed to see it"
"You're welcome, if ever you worry about the girls being alone, just know that they've got a very protective older brother watching over them. I can't tell you how many times he's told me what Angry's done to make him laugh or how sweet Catalina was to him the other day. It seems as though we've got another big brother added to that as well", he smirked as he watched Hugo help Angry tie her hair back up with a smile on his face.
"Yeah, I guess we can", Lance replied as he watched the blond tighten the ponytail before playing with it, only to get his hands bapped away by the dark haired girl, who was blushing. Lance chuckled before he noticed Varian was staring off into space, his eyes were distant and he looked to be deep in thought, then the former thief looked at Quirin, who was watching his son, he was smiling but his eyes were filled to the brim with worry. The former thief nudged him, "he's gonna be okay you know"
"I know.... But...." Quirin kept watching his son, the teen's eyes never leaving the sky
Lance watched for a moment before he noticed something and smirked, "you said that when I'm not around, Varian will be the big brother that helps the girls out right?"
"Yes"
"What would you say if I told you Varian had one too?" He asked, at the retired knight's confused look, Lance nodded towards the group. The duo watched as Eugene plopped down next to Varian and wrapped an arm around him, making the teen jump a bit before he saw the dark prince and smiled wide. Eugene began to talk to the teen as Hugo entertained the girls with some alchemy tricks, they pair were whispering to themselves before Quirin saw Eugene give his son a hug, Varian reciprocating happily. They stayed that way for a moment before the alchemist broke the hug, smiling brightly at the man before Eugene ruffled Varian's head, getting the teen to giggle as he ruffled Eugene's hair back.
Quirin chuckled as he watched his son struggle to mess with the dark prince's head, getting his ruffled instead, "Team Awesome", the Village Leader said
"Team Awesome", Lance repeated
They looked at each other and chuckled, "thank you Lance", Quirin stated after a while before he added, "so, are you still gonna tell them?"
Lance watched the girls as their faces lit up in wonder at Hugo's alchemy before he shook his head, "nah, I realized I only wanted to because I was worried for them, but you're right, they're not alone anymore", he said. He looked at the old farmer once more, determination filling his eyes, "I'm gonna wait until the perfect time to tell them, then it'll be special... I want you to be there when I do, if that's okay"
Quirin smiled wide and nodded, "I'd be happy to Lance"
Notes:
EARLY POST AND LANCE CHAPTER!!!!! <3<3<3<3 He is the king after after all! <3
Catalina has a crush on Varian, so why not let Angry have a crush on Hugo? :D I accidentally wrote that in the chapter and ended up loving it so freaking much!!!!! Varian and Hugo are still the best ship, but the girls having crushes on the opposite alchemist is adorable to me!
Catalina is the type of girl that, when overwhelmed, would need some time to herself to sort of... Recuperate in a way, I do the same thing, when I get too overwhelmed, I walk somewhere and try to calm myself for a little while. I know plenty of other people who do that too, so if you're one of those people, that's completely normal and you're not alone <3
Hugo is such a good big brother! So is Varian and Eugene! They're all good boys who look out for each other! I think the three misfits may become four in the very near future :D
TEAM AWESOME MOMENT!!!! It's small but it's there! I'm gonna have more moments with the two because I love Team Awesome so much! Eugene is such a good role model for Varian! <3
Adira is a brat to Quirin and I LOVE it! XD Hector enjoys watching while Edmund comforts a very sad farmer dad <3
Thank you for all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 123: The Dream!
Summary:
Quirin tells the group about a dream he had last night, and they decipher its meaning
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I had a dream last night.... And it disturbed me...."
*I was walking through the woods with no goal in mind, no location, no reason, when I came upon a clearing. Walking inside it, all I saw was gray, no colors, just gray, though I didn't see it as out of the ordinary. The clearing was quiet and calm, no creatures, no noise, not even a breeze, it was just calm... And for some reason that scared me.... My heart began to race, my vision became blurred, and I could hear myself breathing fast and heavy like I'd just run a thousand miles. The quiet was too loud, every second kept stinging my ears and I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out why. That was when it happened, a light shined brightly, it was warm and cool at the same time, and it had color, it was blue, a little raccoon was there too, smiling happily while bathing in this new light. The moment it hit me my heart began to slow down and I finally felt safe, like having that life on me told me that everything would be okay, that I would be okay. I smiled as I looked up and saw the light was coming from the full moon, she smiled back, happy to see me I suppose. We were fine for a while, we would talk and sing together, even the raccoon would join in, though his voice wasn't as good, but that was okay. We were all happy and it felt like we'd been that way for years.... Until her light began to dim.
I looked up at the moon once more, and saw a cloud blocking her, it was grey and large and had overwhelmed the moon.... I could still see little beams of light coming from behind it, they were from her, I tried to reach out to her, to save her, but my arms weren't long enough.... Her raccoon tried to reach as well, but he was told something by the cloud that I couldn't hear, but it made him run away... I wasn't mad at him though, it didn't seem like he wanted to leave... I yelled and screamed, trying my best to get the cloud away, but my voice didn't work anymore, like it had been snuffed out, my body couldn't move, I was frozen like that, staring up at the moon, watching her continue to be overshadowed and not being able to *do* anything about it... T
hat's when the sun came up, the sun shined his light over the cloud and made it disappear, my body began to move and I could finally see my moon again, but she was different.... She was merely a crescent now, barely any of her was there and he light was very dim, she had cracks on her body, they looked angry and raw.... I could hear her crying, and it broke my heart... The sun tried to help, tried to comfort his little sister, but the cracks didn't heal... That's when I found my voice again, and I spoke to the moon, I told her it would be okay, and she wasn't alone anymore, I saw her light shine a little brighter and her cracks began to heal.
She was growing too, I'd spend most of my time with her now, singing and talking just like we used to. We stayed that way for a while, and I watched her cracks become scars, and her body grow back once again, still her wounds weren't fully gone, and they never would be, but she was still just as beautiful to me, even if no one else could see it. The sun had brought his friends along with him, a white cloud that stayed by his side, two cubs and a large, but friendly bear, I even saw some friends of mine return as well! There was a rhino, a tiger, and a crow, they all joined us as we helped comfort the moon, she was so happy, she was reunited with her raccoon and even made a new friend, a little star that stayed by her side, and the clearing began to fill with color!
For a while I was beginning to think that things would be alright, I could feel so happy with everyone there and the moon, even though she'd been through a lot, would be okay once again..... But that cloud came back.... And he brought some friends of his own.... He managed to sneak into the clearing while the rest of us were away, and he stole my moon! He took her away and kept her hidden, hurting her and shrouding her light once again, I knew something was wrong that instant things began to turn grey.... The star that had been by the moon's side had tried to help, he'd tried to keep her safe, but he'd been over powered by the cloud's friends, the raccoon had tried to help as well, but was taken with the moon. I felt my blood begin to boil and I glared up at the empty sky, the clearing was completely grey and the silence hit again, but I *fed* off the pain, and used it to fuel me.
I looked down at my hands and saw something black around them, I looked down at my body and saw the same thing. Even though it was new, however, I *relished* in the power it gave me and began to look for my moon, I didn't eat, I didn't sleep, I kept wondering around aimlessly, finding leads that went no where, other animals that gave me nothing, but still I kept searching. The sun was growing worried, my friends were as well, but I told them I was fine, and they were too afraid to argue.... I finally found my moon, she was barely there once again, and her scars were open and worse... She was crying on the floor, bleeding and hurt, begging for someone to save her, I noticed the raccoon in a cage, and went to release him, but the cloud's friends stood in my way.
They kept attacking me, giving me cuts and bruises, hurting my mind and my soul, and for a while, I let them... I felt it was my fault for leaving the moon on her own, I let them hurt me so I could suffer for it, but then she called out to me, singing a song we used to sing together... Her voice was weak, her body nearly gone, and yet *she* was trying to save *me*? That's when it happened.... The darkness surrounding my body hardened and began hard as stone, I found a weapon, something I was familiar with, and managed to fight back..... But even when the cloud's friends were defeated, I... Didn't stop....
I kept hitting them, slashing them, and I *enjoyed* their pain.... I smiled as they begged me to stop, telling me if I was going to kill them to just do it already! I didn't, I made the *suffer* for their part in hurting my moon, that's when the cloud came. He was angry, so much so that he began to thunder... He yelled at me and attacked, in a flash, we clashed! My blades against his lightning, his limit never coming as he continued to his me over and over, but my body didn't feel anything, *I* didn't feel anything anymore....
With one last glance, I looked back at my moon, her light was gone, her body torn to shreds, the sun, the star, and the animals were crying.... My moon, my little light, was gone.... I screamed and let the cloud have it, my blades slashing and cutting, never relenting, never stopping, I heard him cry, I heard the cloud beg, but I didn't *care*! I continued my assault, cursing him and hating him, letting my blades bear my emotion as that cloud took every single hit! I *loved* it, I loved watching him squirm, his blood splashed against me and I enjoyed it feeling against my face! In that moment, I wasn't myself anymore, I'd somehow left my body and was watching the next events unfold....
My blades finally stopped as the cloud, no bigger than a man lay on the ground and cry. He was weak, helpless, unable to do anything against me, in that moment I could do *anything* to him..... I felt the power rise in my head, my heart and mind in sync for once, saying he killed her, he snuffed her out.... he is *worthless*! I watched my body raise both blades over the cloud, every fiber of my being screaming against it, myself included, but my voice was gone again.... The blades finally swung down and....
The moon woke up.... The cloud was gone, disappeared by my hands, I was back in my body, looking down at my hands, when I felt the light on my back. I turned around and saw the moon open her eyes, I ran to her, wanting to hug her, keep her safe, but.... I looked at my hands again, they were still covered in the cloud's blood... They would stain her, corrupt her, she'd already been through enough.... I felt shame and fear when the moon saw what I'd done... I saw her looking at me, the little light she had so dim I could barely see it... I looked at her and cried, I begged her for forgiveness, told her I was ashamed...
She forgave me... She used what light she had and embraced me.... I felt her tears on my arms, and... W-when I looked down, she wasn't the m-moon anymore.... She.... was....*
Quirin covered his mouth as tears slid down his face, he closed his eyes, not being able to finish his thought. Everyone was staring at him, their eyes filled with worry and fear as they took everything he'd just said in. every detail, every emotion, they watched the Village Leader as he cried, too speechless to say a word. That was before a hand touched his arm, and he opened his eyes, he saw Varian smiling at him, his own eyes filled with tears, "I... I've had those dreams too dad", he said quietly.
The retired knight looked at his son in shock, lowering his hand a bit and giving a quiet, "y-you have?"
The blue eyed alchemist nodded, "I've... Had dreams w-where I killed Rapunzel.... B-back when I was in the dungeons... I told Lance about them, h-he... He said they're normal when you feel an enormous amount of anger towards someone". He then looked at the princess, "m-mind you, I haven't had them in a while, b-but they've happened a-and... I... I couldn't r-really control them..."
"It's okay, I understand", Rapunzel replied with a smile
"Thanks", Varian replied before he looked at his father once more, "b-but I've had them before, a-and even though I would never a-act on them, they've still b-been so horribly vivid that I found m-myself not being able to sleep at night...." He looked over at Lance, "y-you said that e-even though the dreams are b-bad, w-we should still talk about them, s-so we can figure out w-what they're warning us about and try t-to stop it, right?"
"That's right", Lance nodded with a smile, "dreams are from your subconscious, they can mean a lot of things. For example, being in a school in a dream could mean you're thinking about something from your past. A tornado could mean something's still bothering you or there's something comin, there's a type of symbolism in dreams, but they can also be literal. Let's take Quirin's dream for example", he looked at the man, "and I'll start off easy, the friends you were talking about, your friends that came back, you said one was a rhino, one was a tiger, and one was a crow yes?"
"Yeah"
"The rhino is Hector, the tiger Adira, and the crow is Edmund"
The old farmer nodded as he looked at his Dark Kingdom members, "y-yeah, I could see that.... They did come back after a long time, and they felt familiar"
"I'd like to go on record and say how much I'd love to be a rhino, just sayin", the wild tamer stated with a smirk, getting his older brother to chuckle
"I like the tiger idea", Adira agreed, "I think that fits pretty well"
Edmund smiled, "I'm happy to be a crow, though I'm guessing I was an old crow", he chuckled
Lance chuckled before he continued, "well the sun, cloud, bear, and cubs can be pretty easy too, the sun is Rapunzel, the cloud by her side is Eugene, and the big bear would be me, the little cubs bein Catalina and Angry"
"Makes sense", Eugene responded as he looked at Rapunzel, "I think a cloud represents me pretty well considering how you changed me, maybe I was like the dark cloud and I'm now a fluffy one that sticks close to you!"
"You were pretty fluffy", Quirin agreed
Rapunzel giggled, "I think the cloud represents you very well, you would be an adorable cloud in the sky with me!" She leaned against her lover, "and I'd want you right next to me, always"
"The bear also makes sense for Lance and the girls", Varian stated, "the bear is the animal of love in some cultures, and bear cubs are said to be a little mischievous", he smirked at the two girls
"Baby bears also have really sharp teeth too", Angry pointed out
Catalina snickered, "they're really cute though, I like baby bears, and now I kinda want one"
"I could help you with that", Hector offered
"Don't you dare", Eugene replied flatly as everyone laughed
Calming down, the group looked back at Lance curiously, "so", Adira started, "who would the cloud and his friends represent? As well as the raccoon, star, and moon?"
"I think the cloud himself might've been Andrew", Lance replied carefully, "Quirin, you've already shown that you're Andrew's biggest enemy, so it doesn't surprise me that the moment Varian says he see's someone that looks like Andrew peekin around the corner of a building that your fatherly instincts pop on. The cloud's friends probably represent the other Seporians in his group, always defendin him and helpin him whenever he needs it".
"I suppose so... But to do something like that... even to them...." The retired knight shivered, "never again"
"Again?" Eugene asked, his eyebrow quirked
Quirin sighed, "being a knight for the Dark Kingdom means you swear to protect it, the rulers, and everyone inside... You even take an oath when you join the Brotherhood, I was a knight because that's the lifestyle that suited me best, someone who's loyal, strong, and doing what needed to be done to protect the innocent.... Unfortunately that did include... D-death.... I... I never wanted to... Ever.... B-but when someone attacks your home and you see your king dead, and your only friend, the prince, on the ground about to be killed.... You act first and ask questions later.... I didn't think in those moments, I didn't have the luxury to do so.... It was either let King Edmund die, or bear the guilt and do my duty.... I did my duty.... I'm not proud of it, but I...." He looked at his king and smiled, "I'll never regret saving him, ever", Edmund smiled and placed a hand on his knight's shoulder.
"But you... You wouldn't...." The Dark Prince began, not being able to finish his question
"No, never again... I don't want too... I'm not a knight anymore, I would never want to kill anyone.... Never... But...." He looked at Varian, the teen looking back at him, a sympathetic look on his face, "in the dream I couldn't help it... I couldn't stop myself... It wasn't even me anymore it was like something, or someone, else took over"
"That's normal", Lance stated, "you're not a knight anymore, you're right about that, but you are a father. Even though you didn't swear an oath to a kingdom, any parent worth their salt knows the kid comes first... That being said... The star was Hugo, and the raccoon was Ruddigar"
"How do you know?" Hugo asked as Ruddigar titled his head at Lance
"Because when I looked at the moon one last time..." Quirin began, closing his eyes and remembering the last part of his dream
*She wasn't the moon anymore, her light was still there, just like it had always been, but she wasn't the celestial body that I'd come to know. She wasn't so powerful that she could float in the sky, she wasn't a being that could control the sky and stars around her, she wasn't immortal anymore... She.... Was a little boy, he was covered in gashes and scars and he was crying in my arms. The dream flashed images of my life before me, showing me when he'd been born, how he'd grown up, his struggles, his fears.... And when I looked at him again, he looked back up at me, and I saw*
"Varian", Quirin said, "I looked at the boy, and I saw Varian, my moon, my little light, the one that had been with me the entire time and I'd killed the cloud over... Was Varian" He looked at his son, who was smiling at his father as tears slid from his eyes, "you made a new friend in a star, that was Hugo. The little raccoon that tried to save you and had been with you the entire time, that was Ruddigar. And you, you were my moon", he repeated, smiling wide as he looked at his son, "my little light, the one thing in this world that keeps all my fears, my past, and my darkness at bay, you're my moon, my son, and I'd do anything to protect you, anything".
Varian hugged his father, clinging to his vest and holding him tightly, the man returning it, just as tight, as his large arms wrapped around that small body. Lance smiled, "you killed the cloud to save your son, he was healing, he had friends, the entire past year was in that dream".
"If that's the case", Hector stated, "when the hell did that fucker kidnap and hurt Varian"
"Well there was the time in the village with Sage... But it wasn't to that degree... So...." Adira looked at her brother, "do you think.... That dream...."
"Was a warning?" Edmund finished in a serious tone, "yes... I do...."
The group went quiet as they watched the father and son continue to hug, Quirin's arms moved to his son's back as he stroked the back of Varian's hair, "I'll protect you, I will", he promised
"I believe you, and... I'll protect you too", Varian agreed, "always"
Notes:
EARLY UPLOAD!!!!!
So Quirin had a scary dream, and I won't say too much about it, but I will say it's very important later on, and I will ask you, how did he get this dream? :3
Varian and Quirin fluff is the best kind of fluff! I can't get enough of it! :D
I really don't have much more to say about this chapter, but I really hope you liked it! :D
Thank you for reading, I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 124: The Plan!
Summary:
The group finally goes to the Nezerdnia Market, Eugene ends up getting an idea and asks Varian for help
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian beamed excitedly as he practically bored two little holes in the back of Quirin's head. He was grinning from ear to ear as he ate his breakfast, waiting for his father to say the phrase that will make all his little alchemist dreams come true! His heart was pumping as he continued to stare at the man, who was keeping his eyes locked on the campfire before him. His dad had become a master of planned ignoring, knowing full well that Varian was being as patient as he could, even going so far as to shush the excited squeak he sometimes made... Mostly.... "Hey Quirin", Eugene said
"Hm?"
"I don't wanna tell you how to do you job but... I think he might explode if you don't say something"
The retired knight chuckled, "he'll be fine for a few more seconds", Quirin replied, stifling a snicker when he noticed his son checking the watch on his left gauntlet, "besides, he knows we're not going anywhere until *all* of breakfast is eaten"
The teen stopped and looked down at the half full bowl of eggs and bacon his father had prepared before he blushed and began to eat. He managed to get the eggs down rather quickly, but froze at the bacon, scrunching his nose at it as he felt the crispy texture. He looked up at his father again, using the full force of his puppy dog eyes to silently beg him to not make him do it, but the cold hearted knight seemed intent to torture his son. Pouting a little, Varian sighed and quickly ate the bacon, shuddering at the crunch but enduring in the name of alchemy. Having fully finished his food, he all but shoved the bowl in the man's face, proving that he'd finished the task and was ready for the next. "Wow.... Freckles is impatient today", Hugo observed, a little amused at the other alchemist's antics with the, ever calm, Quirin taking it in stride.
"I agree with that", the retired knight replied before taking the bowl and setting it down next to the other dirty dishes he was washing, "along with bratty, overexcited, eager, pushy-!"
"Daaaaaad!" Varian whined
Quirin chuckled, "alright, go wash your hands and we'll go"
"EEE!" The blue eyed alchemist squeaked before he rushed off, "DO *NOT* COUNT THAT!" He yelled
"Going to!~" Hugo replied, a teasing note in his voice as he looked up at the old farmer, who stood up and wiped off the dust from his pants "So, does he.... Do that often or...."
"No", Quirin replied with a chuckle, "he's honestly a very patient boy, he's just excited because he's never been to the Nezerdnia Market"
"He's never been?!" Hugo and Eugene asked at the same time, looking at each other for a moment before looking back at the retired knight
The Village Leader shook his head sadly, "I only had time to do the farmer's market, and the Nezerdnia Market closes during those days to make room for the famers. I've been meaning to take him but... Well I... Didn't exactly have the... Time...."
The dark prince noticed how much Quirin's shoulders slumped at that statement, he looked at the man sympathetically before walking over and placing a hand on his shoulder, "hey it's... It's hard being a dad and the Village Leader. Rapunzel and I saw, first hand, how rough that position can be. Don't be too hard on yourself, you're here now, with him, that's all that matters, yeah?"
The father looked at Eugene for a moment, seeming to hesitated before a small smile came across his face, he nodded, "yeah, it... It is! And I'm gonna make sure Varian has the greatest time he's ever had at this market, ever!" He stated determindly before looking back at the prince, "thanks Eugene, I.... I needed that"
"You're welcome Quirin, you deserve it"
"HEY!" Varian suddenly yelled as he ran over to his father, "hands are clean, things are washed, we're burning alchemical daylight, come OOON!!!!!!!" He grabbed the man's arm and pulled as hard as he could, not making the retired knight move an inch, but it was the thought that counted
Quirin laughed, "alright alright", he stated with a grin, lifting his arm up and getting Varian to hang from it, "I'm coming"
"Yay!" The teen stated as he dropped from the arm, landed on his feet, and rushed over to the carriage excitedly
Hugo smirked, "this is gonna be fun"
"Extremely", Eugene agreed as Quirin snickered
****
The group settled into the Carriage and made their way to the market, everyone was giddy as the air filled with excitement! Varian, who was sitting up front once again with Edmund and Quirin, was practically bouncing in his seat as he watched the market come into view. "Son you're gonna make me drop the reigns", the retired knight stated with a smirk
"Sorry, I can't help it, we're *finally* going to the Nezerdnia Market, I've read up on the *entire* thing! They've got metals, alchemy, farming, jewelry, even pets! ...Hey, maybe we could find Itty Bitty a fishy friend!"
"Itty Bitty?" Hugo asked as he peeked out from the window behind them
Varian turned to face him and smiled, "Itty Bitty is dad's little fish, he's the best fish in the world, dad taught him tricks and even has him sleep next to his bed at night, he's a good boy"
"Oh, where is he now?"
"Back in the castle, I still can't believe you got Queen Arianna to watch him for you", the blue eyed alchemist stated as he looked at his father
Quirin smiled, "well, turns out I'm not the only one who loves fish as friends, nor is Lance. The Queen took one look at Itty Bitty and just about 'dawww'd herself to death"
Rapunzel giggled from the back as she thought about her mother's reaction to seeing the little fish before she realized something, "Lance, what about Cuddles?"
"He's with Itty Bitty and your mom, she wanted all the fishy friends", the former thief stated with a chuckle as the princess smiled
"I'll have to get her a fish of her own, what do you think Eugene?"
The Dark prince nodded, "I think the Queen would like a royal fish, maybe Varian could make a little crown for them"
"Don't tempt me!" The blue eyed alchemist stated
"We're here little peanut", Edmund stated excitedly, getting Adira and Hector to look at their nephew with smirks
Varian turned to look at his grandpa before hearing the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. He looked out towards it and beamed brighter than the moon as he saw the people laughing, buying stuff, and generally having a really great time together. He wiggled in excitement before noticing something, "dad herb shop!" He pointed towards a little green shop in the front corner of the market.
Quirin chuckled, "I see, how about we get the caravan taken care of first *before* you and Hugo run off"
"Why am I roped in that sentence?" The blond asked with a quirked brow
"Because I saw you and Varian sneaking towards the metals booth the other day", the old farmer stated, making the green eyed alchemist blush
"To be fair, that was his fault"
"E-squeeze me, *you* came up with the plan in the first place", Varian argued
Hugo smirked, "only because you were gullible enough to go for it"
"Aha, aha ha, right", the teen sassed, getting Hugo to snicker
"Either way, we all stay by the caravan until it's completely secure, yeah?" Quirin stated, looking at the two with a pointed stare
They both bowed their heads shyly and said, "yes sir", before looking at each other and raising a brow, getting Quirin to laugh
****
The caravan was secured, the princess paying for the extended parking while everyone grouped up, Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, Catalina, and Angry were one group. Quirin, Varian, Ruddigar, Hugo, and Olivia were another, and Hector, Pixie, Basil, Adira, Edmund, and Hamuel were the last, Xena and Domino stayed by the camp to guard it while Max and Fidella were in the stables, safe and guarding the caravan. With everyone settled and grouped up, they all made their way to the market, "finally!" Varian cheered
"You got anything in particular you gonna buy little man?" Lance asked curiously as he glared at a man who was looking Catalina up and down
Hugo tripped the man as Varian replied, "I'm gonna get those copper plated elements first, then I don't really know what I'm gonna buy, but I'd like to stop by that herb shop I saw earlier, and some farming and sword stalls for dad. Ruddigar would probably wanna see the animal zoo that I've read about, they have raccoons, and Hugo.... What do you wanna do?"
The blond snickered as the man he'd tripped cursed him out before realizing he'd just been asked a question, "hm?"
"Where do you wanna go? I know what me, dad, and Ruddigar wanna do, but what about you?"
"Oh! I.... I don't really know, didn't really plan on coming here, you know?"
"Right, the teakettle"
"Yeah, so whatever you wanna do is fine by me, though I wouldn't looking through the metals booth, I caught a couple things that seemed interesting"
Varian smiled before he looked back at Lance, "what are you hoping to find?"
"Hmmm..... More cookin stuff really, once you gave me my mom's cook book back, I kept rereading it over and over and ended up buyin more cook books. I saw a bunch of recipes in them, but I don't have the tools to make anything like Quirin's gumbo yet", the former thief replied, "oh! And maybe some nice stuff for Cat and Angry", he added, looking down at the girls, "after we return the money they stole", the girls nodded in agreement as they, Lance, and Eugene, carried the bags of gold they'd accumulated.
"Eugene? Rapunzel?" The teen asked with a smile
"Mmm, I'm actually here to just look around, if I see something I like, I'll buy it", the princess stated
"I was kinda thinkin that same thing blondie", Eugene agreed, but as Rapunzel smiled and turned her head, the dark prince scooted a little closer to Varian and whispered, "in all that reading, did you see anything about a ring?"
The blue eyed alchemist raised a confused brow before the man gestured to Rapunzel, Varian grinned and nodded, "there's a jeweler that's got an amazing set of rings in the market, but you have to know where to look. The book told me it would be near an old oak tree that stretches up towards the sky, right next to the farmer's stall".
Now it was Eugene's turn to raise a brow, "why so mysterious?"
"Because they have jewels that come from really far away lands, they're super rare and *super* valuable! But they sell em cheap, I was actually gonna see if I could sneak over there to get dad something nice... And Hugo something too"
"Hugo? Why's that? You just met him kiddo"
Varian blushed a little but shook it off, "I-I... He's a friend, a good friend, and he saved my life, i-it's a thank you"
"Ah"
The teen cleared his throat, "anyway, if you wanna sneak over later tonight while no one else is looking, I'm more than willing to go with you to help you search"
Eugene smiled and nodded, "we'll sneak off together when everyone else is tuckered out, deal?"
"Deal! Team Awesome deal"
"Team Awesome deal"
"Why are we whispering?" Adira asked with a smirk
"Because me and Var-AAH!" Eugene jumped back a few feet, dropping the bag of coins and nearly bumping into Rapunzel as he did before he steadied himself and looked at the women with irritation, "*WHY* must you *DO* that?!"
The face painted warrior snickered, "because it's funny, plus you two really need to work on your scheming better, everyone was watching you"
The pair looked at the group and noticed all eyes were on them, both amused and suspicious, "uh... Eheh heh ha..... Right..." Varian replied with a nervous chuckle, "w-we were just talking about some booths we wanted to see later"
"Which ones?" Quirin asked
"Um... It's a secret"
"And why's that?"
"B-because..."
"Because?"
"Yes"
"While that's a very interesting reason it doesn't quiet answer my question son"
"....Alchemy?"
"Nope"
"Wha-!"
"Because if it *was* alchemy you'd be taking Hugo and not Eugene"
"That's true", the blond teen stated
"Shush you", Varian replied with a pout
"Varian", the retired knight said, his voice calm but firm
The teen sighed, "it's.... I... I can't tell you"
"Well why not?"
"B-because it's a secret.... F-for you...."
The old farmer realized what he meant and his gaze softened a bit, "oh, I... You don't have t-!"
"But I *want* to! And if you know where we're going you're gonna know what it is because you're a sneaky dad that knows me way too well and it's not fair!" The blue eyed alchemist huffed, getting Eugene to snort
"The little peanut's got a point Quirin", Edmund replied with a loving smiled, "why not let them have their secret, he'll have Eugene with him", Ruddigar chittered, "and Ruddigar too of course"
"That's right, and I'll make sure he's protected", Eugene stated, "plus I... Kinda have a secret too, so it wouldn't be out of my way, and we could go when there's not too many people so we don't get separated"
Quirin thought about it before he looked at his son, who was looking at him with those big blue eyes again. The Village Leader chuckled and ruffled his son's hair before nodding, "ok, just be back before dark, okay?"
"Oki!" Varian replied with excitement, "oh but first, TO THE METAL BOOTH!" He yelled before stopping and blushing, "uh... Eheh.... Right?"
Quirin smiled and nodded, "right"
The group happily began their trek over to the metal booth, none of them noticing the two shadows that the around the corner, one large and buff, the other small and round, "you hear that, the boy's going to be alone with the schmuck later today", the smaller stated in a whisper
"Seems like a perfect time to strike then, we'll just have to be patient, should we tell him?"
"Yes Kai, yes we should"
"Then lets go Clementine", Kai replied with a dark smile, "you know he'd wanna be the one to do it, after all, he did share a cell with the little traitor"
"That's right, can't believe his awful luck", Clementine stated while scrunching up her nose, "traitors to Seporia pay with their lives, and this one's no different"
"No this one's more than different", another voice stated, startling the pair before they saw who it was, "he's much different than the other traitors...."
"How is he different Andrew?" Clementine asked
"He's still gonna pay for what he and those Coronans did to us yeah?" Kai asked as he raised a brow
"Of course, but he stopped us *twice*, and his dad ended up hurting a bunch of our crew just to save the little prick.... No he's *much* more than a traitor, he's *scum*! And he's gonna pay.... *Painfully*!"
Notes:
Here we go!
Varian being an impatient bean is so adorable! Also, Quirin has the strength to lift his boy up while he's gripping to his arm, the man is BUFF ok! XD
Eugene wants to pick up something pretty for his Punzie! :D Because he's a good fiance! <3 Also, TEAM AWESOME!!!!
Lance is a good dad and I will love him forever! :D
Adira is way too much fun, that part where she interrupts the group conversation in the Forest of No Return (groans) was hilarious to me, so here's a call back! :D
Catalina and Angry had their chapter last time, so they were kinda just there this time, but they're finally returning the gold they stole! :D
Punzie is also kinda just there, but she's got a role coming up soon :D
Hector's quiet in this chapter, he doesn't really like people so he probably wouldn't say much in a people filled setting, poor animal bean
Edmund is best grandpa and I loves him! <3
More story stuff! The title makes sense in two ways now, and we get name drops, though well over half the comments knew who this was, because y'all are smart! (And I'm not good at being secretive XD) But here's the start of the plot :D
Thank you for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 125: The Execution!
Summary:
The plan finally begins as they finally get what they're looking for
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian was giddy all day as he, Ruddigar, Quirin, and Hugo split off from the group to go exploring while Eugene and the others went to return Cataline and Angry's loot and Adira, Hector, and Edmund looked around for a bit. They looked around, stopping at the metal booth first and allowing Varian to pick up the copper plated elements he'd been so excited to get while Hugo grabbed a couple iron and steel ingots for some testing later on. They'd also stopped at some farming booths, Quirin picking up some strawberry and lavender seeds since none really grew in Corona. He's also gotten a new trowel and hand rake for the gentler planting as well as an egg basket, which Varian huffed at, making his father chuckle. They continued to walk around, grabbing some lunch and continuing to explore more before Varian spotted something in the corner of his eye, "ooh ooh! Hugo look at that!" The blue eyed alchemist stated as he pulled the blond towards and apothecary booth, they looked through the various potions before the bespeckled teen spotted a book on one of the selves.
"Hey freckles, look at this", he pulled the book of the shelf and opened it, showing the other alchemist all the ingredients for different potions they could try, "this lavender one would be really good to help you sleep at night".
"Yeah, ooh! And that ginkgo one would help with concentration, it's properties have been around for *ages*!"
"Well yeah", the blond snorted, "it's one of the oldest living tree species on our planet"
"True!"
Quirin chuckled as the booth owner watched the boys with obvious confusion, "they're alchemists, and this is my son's", he pointed to Varian, who was still studying the book, "first time being at this market", he explained, getting a warm smile from the booth owner.
"Isn't that sweet, well, feel free to peruse to your hearts content, I've gotten plenty of alchemists who've shopped here before", he stated jovially
This caught the pair's attention as they looked at the shop keeper, "really?" Varian asked, "how many?"
"Oh tons! Alchemists come to the Nezerdnia Market all the time, that's why we have such a wide array of metals, potions, herbs, and jewelry here! We love the alchemist people and are more than willing to support them in their endeavors. Although the farming community seems to think the opposite, so I'd steer clear of them".
Varian smiled as he looked at his dad, "my dad's actually a farmer, the best in my opinion, so believe me when I say, I understand and definitely appreciate the warning"
The booth owner looked back at Quirin, "oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-!"
"It's alright, I've seen what my son goes through first hand, so I get it", he gently interrupted, "I'm not offended, I was like that too once upon time, but when my son grew and got better with his alchemy, I began to understand it a lot more. It's actually a really nice tool to have around the house, I wish I'd figured that out earlier though".
The blue eyed teen walked over and hugged his father, "you did a good job with the knowledge you had, plus you never told me to stop, even when you didn't understand, so don't berate yourself over that, okay?"
Quirin hugged him back, "thanks son"
The booth owner watched the pair and smiled wide at them, "it's so nice to see that kind of care and affection, nowadays, most people steer away from each other, I'm glad you two are different".
They broke they hug and smiled back at the man, "it's nice to see someone not judge a book by it's cover", Varian replied, "you're a really nice man, thank you for that".
The booth owner nodded, "don't need to be thanked for bein nice, but I appreciate it all the same", he stated before looking at Hugo, who was smirking as he watched the events play out, "what about you?"
"Hm?" The blond stated, looking at the man, "me? Oh you wouldn't really like me, I tend to be sort of a keep to myself kind of guy"
The booth owner chuckled, "well if that's the case then you might be sticking to the wrong people"
"True, but I can make an exception", he looked at the father son duo, who grinned at him
"Oh! The book, sorry I uh, got a little side tracked", Varian stated with a blush
Hugo shrugged, "'s alright, you needed to hug, that's fine. Though I'll never understand you snuggly types"
Varian scoffed, "right, because you're above hugging, yeah?"
"Never said that"
"So you want a hug?"
"No"
"You sure?"
"I will turn you into a bird again"
"I'll still hug you"
"So help me-!"
"Come here Hugo", the teen began to walk towards the blond with his arms out
"No!"
"Come here", he came even closer
"Varian don-!" The blond sighed as Varian hugged him, rolling his eyes before he smirked. He held his hand up to his forehead and moved it forwards above Varian's head, "you done yet shorty?"
The alchemist looked up and noticed the hand before bapping it away, letting go of the blond in the process, "brat"
"Look who's talking"
Quirin and the booth owner chuckled before the retired knight realized something, "I'm sorry, I didn't even catch your name!"
"Name's Cedric"
"Cedric, good name, I'm Quirin and this is Varian and Hugo"
"Nice to meet ya"
"It's a pleasure"
Varian looked at the shelves of the booth and noticed a couple other potions before Ruddigar, who was on his shoulder, sniffed at a brown liquid. When the blue eyed teen looked at it, he gasped and stepped back, getting a confused look from his best friend, "it's a paralyzing potion, strong one too, one sniff and you won't be able to move for a couple hours, one drop and that'll turn into a full day".
Hugo's eyes widened as he walked over to the bottle, "woah, I haven't seen this type of solution in such a long time! It's super rare, and banned in so many kingdoms, why do you have this?" He asked
"One of the alchemists that came around here sold it to me for a handful of gold, said it caused her way too much trouble to keep. I've had it with me ever since, never been bought by anyone, it's mostly here for decoration to be honest, I never knew what it was, but I never sold it either", Cedric explained.
"You should be *really* careful with that stuff, I don't think you'll do anything to harm anyone, but it could cause major problems for you and your business if it crashes to the ground", Varian warned
Cedric's eyes widened and he picked up the potion, setting it in the back, out of sight, "thank you for telling me, I didn't realize it was that potent. Can I ask you something though"
"Huh?"
"How do I get rid of it? Because the lady who gave it to me said there's no easy way to destroy it, which is why I never tried"
Varian thought for a moment, Hugo too, before Quirin asked, "what if you put it in another potion?" Both alchemists looked at him, "I mean one that has... What was it you said before Varian.... Neutralizing qualities?"
The smaller alchemist titled his head to the side before looking back at the other potions Cedric had on his shelves, he then smiled, "that... Actually might work". He then began looking at a couple of purple and blue liquids, "you've got the right materials for it, this potion for example', he held up one of the lighter blues liquids, "it's a stain remover yeah?" Cedric nodded, "in its basic components that stain remover could be used as a starting point, since it's main materials would be used to remove a bunch of things while not harming others, such as clothing, sheets, blankets and such!"
"Hey, that's a good idea, oh and this!" Hugo stated, holding up a yellow potion, "I've made his potion, it's got lemon and salt inside, they're not the only parts, but they are the main ingredients, if you were to take this and add it to, let's say give or take, half of that stain remover, you would not only increase the neutralizing part of the stain remover, but you'd also make a sort of antidote for it, the lemon and salt making the remover safe to drink since the acids inside it break down a chemical's more poisonous aspects to humans and animals".
"Good idea!"
Quirin and Cedric smiled as they watched the pair continue to search for more materials to use for the paralyzing potion, neither one having the heart to stop them.
****
"Aaaand.... there!" Varian stated as he added one last drop to the mixture he and Hugo had created, the potion sizzled, making the pair of alchemists step back a bit before it settled, getting them to sigh with relief.
Hugo took his goggles off, letting them hang from his neck and he stretched, "well that was productive, super powerful potion with a super powerful antidote, and it only took us.... Oops..."
"What?"
"Well.... How do you feel about seeing the rest of the market tomorrow?"
"What?!" Varian raised his goggles, letting them rest on his head before he looked at his gauntlet watch, "ah dang.... I didn't even think about the time...."
"Neither did I, but I can say it was worth it", Hugo stated as he smiled at their green creation, "though I hope Cedric doesn't mind a lack of the potions we used up"
"Don't mind at all!" A voice replied from behind the pair, startling them both as they turned and saw Cedric and Quirin smirking at them, a couple of apple ciders sitting in front of them, "I kind of figured once I asked the question that this would happen, I don't really mind letting alchemists use my product, got plenty more in the back actually".
"I um... I can pay for the loss of product", Varian offered shyly
"I can help with that", Hugo stated
"Don't worry about it you two", Cedric stated with a wave, "you made another potion for my business, and a way for me to get rid of that bad potion I have, so I'd say that's payment enough, more than that actually, I've had people ask me for an antidote. The only things is, does it really work?"
"We should test it", Varian stated excitedly, "using a small amount if the paralyzing potion, you would only need a drop of this antidote to completely dissolve it... Or at least, that's the theory"
Quirin raised a brow and looked at Cedric, "shall we become alchemists?"
"For the experiment, we should play the part", Cedric replied with a smile before he went into the back and grabbed the potion again, bringing it up to the front and pouring a small amount into one of Varian's beakers. The teen held the beaker and arms length away as Hugo set the antidote on the counter, Quirin using a dropper to suck the liquid in and handing it to Varian as the little alchemist dropped it into the beaker and waited.
They all watched for a few moments before they saw the green droplet began to turn the rest of the liquid green, within a few seconds, the liquid was completely green. Varian and Hugo smiled wide as the blue eyed alchemist handed the blond the potion, watching with satisfaction as he sniffed it, "hmm, minty, good touch".
"Thank you!" Varian replied before he looked at the two men, "it works!!!"
"So it does", Cedric stated with a grin as he watched Hugo pour the potion onto the floor, making a small, blue flower appear and chuckling when the blond noticed it, picked it, and tucked it behind Varian's ear, "thank you two so much for the help, I really appreciate it".
"Thank *you* for letting us experiment, it was a lot of fun!" The blue eyed alchemist replied before noticing the flower and raising a brow at the innocent looking Hugo
"Anytime, oh! Here", the booth owner grabbed a couple of vials and filled them both with the green liquid, corking them and handing them to the alchemist's, "an alchemist should be able to keep what they make, right?"
Both teens looked shocked before accepting the gifts and beaming with happiness, "thank you!" They stated in unison before looking at each other
Quirin chuckled as the pair blushed before he lifted his mug of cider, "cheers to you, I'm glad we met", he stated with a grin
Cedric smiled at him and lifting his own mug, "I am too!" The clunked their mugs together and took a drink as the alchemists studied their vials happily.
****
They began to clean up the mess the boys made, helping the booth owner reorganize the potions to include the newly made green antidote to his shelves and placing the paralyzing potion in the back once more. Once that was done, they all chatted for just a bit longer before someone tapped Quirin's shoulder, getting the old farmer to turn around, "uh, am I interrupting?" Eugene asked a little nervously
"Oh, hi, sorry no, you're not, we got a little side tracked today so we may be coming back tomorrow". The old farmer responded with a smirk
The dark prince chuckled, "apothecary shop did you in huh? Can't say I'm surprised"
"Neither can I, oh, also, Hugo's a hugger"
"I am not!" The blond stated, hearing their conversation, "you sir, are spreading lies and slander"
"What? Afraid your street cred will go down if people find out you're a secret softy?" Varian teased as he turned a page in the potions book
Hugo rolled his eyes, "no, I just don't like it when people hug me, I'm not a touchy feely kind of guy"
"Says the teen who put a blue flower in my son's hair", Quirin stated, getting Varian to laugh as Hugo blushed
"T-that's different!"
"Uh-huh"
Eugene snorted, "don't worry Hugo, when Quirin begins to pick on you, it means he likes ya, and that's an accomplishment, trust me". The blond let out a sigh before nodding at the man with a smirk as the dark prince looked at Varian, "hey kiddo, so about that... thing we were discussing earlier"
Varian tilted his head to the side before his eyes widened, "oh yeah! We still need to do that! Um, dad can we go?"
They looked at the retired knight as Cedric came out and notice Eugene, smiling and waving at the man, who waved back, "you both won't leave the market, right?" Quirin asked
"Absolutely not, if this booth happens to be away from here, we're not going to it", Eugene stated
"And you'll keep an eye out?"
"Of course"
The old farmer looked at his son, who was smiling at him before he sighed, "alright, you can go, just be back at the caravan before 10 ok? You have until then before I go and search for you myself'
"Noted! Come one hair stripe, lets go!"
Varian paid for the potions book, sliding it in his pack and giving his dad a hug, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome, be safe"
"I will, bye Hugo!" Varian stated as he and Eugene began to head out
"See ya back at camp Freckles", the green eyed teen stated, waving as he watched the two go before he looked at the Village Leader, "so um... What's up?"
Quirin looked up, "the roof?" He joked
Hugo snorted, "technically true"
Quirin smiled before they became silent again, not really sure what to say to each other. The Villager Leader felt a small blush form as he couldn't really think of anything to talk about, had it always been this hard to speak with someone he didn't really know? He looked at the blond and noticed him looking away, apparently he felt the same, he snickered, "we're not good at this, are we?"
"Heh, nope, guess not"
Quirin smiled warmly at the boy, "I remember when it was like this between me and Varian, he usually drove the conversation"
"He still does, for the both of us I guess"
"Yeah...."
"....So.... You were... A knight before huh?" Hugo asked, "n-not that you have to tell me, but Varian brought it up and... I thought it was... Cool?"
The retired knight chuckled, making the blond blush even more, "well thank you, being an alchemist is cool too"
Hugo gave a nervous chuckle, "eheh, yeah.... Have you ever worked with any?"
"Alchemists? Well... Not when I was a knight, but I did have one in my life, Ulla, my wife"
"Oh.... S-sorry"
"'s alright, it's nice talking about her, so I don't mind"
Hugo nodded, "did you... Ever help her?"
"In her lab? Yeah a couple times, though mostly trying to clean up the mess", he chuckled, "Varian too for that matter, he sort of.... Adopted that from her"
"Seems like it, Freckles has a lot of ideas in his head, maybe it's just hard for him to get them all out, so he mixes them up and it ends up causing a big explosion.... It's what happened to me when I was younger before I learned the art of taking it slow"
Quirin smirked, "I never thought of that before, makes sense, I mix seeds together because I'm too excited to plant just one"
"That happen a lot?"
"It's rare, but it happens"
"Huh, you know what, I never really found out too much about farming, you mind if I ask you a few things?"
"Not at all if you don't mind me asking about alchemy, I'd like to have a few things answered that I didn't quite.... Understand in a way"
"Happy to!"
****
"You sure it's this way kid?" Eugene asked after several minutes of the pair of them walking around the market
"Positive", the alchemist stated excitedly, "I've been theorizing about this particular booth for a long time! I'm certain this booth is over here somewhere!" He pulled Eugene towards a less populated part of the market
The place they were headed had trees surrounding it, some large, some small, the booths here seemed to be lacking in business, all of the owners looking annoyed as they passed. Seemingly because of the lack of business, Eugene didn't know why, but every booth they passed made him feel a little more anxious before he felt himself being pulled around a corner, "woah!" He stated, nearly falling before Varian helped steady him.
"Sorry! Got a little too excited, but I wanna make sure we have as much time as possible, but... I.... I think I found it", he stated, pointing to something sticking out from behind another booth
"What is that?"
"If I'm correct, it's the top of the jewelry booth, hidden in plain sight next to the farmer's stall, and look", he pointed to a very large oak tree, "an oak tree that stretches to the sky!"
"Can't argue with a gigantic landmark like that", the dark prince stated as he felt himself being pulled again, he smiled as he watched his little brother excitedly running in front of him, how long had it been since he'd seen Varian this happy? A month? Maybe two? Or was that what his mind wanted to remember.... He frowned when he thought about the kid in the dungeons, shame filling his mind as he remembered how fast he'd raised his sword against him...
"Eugene, we're here! We found it!" Varian shouted, snapping the man out of his thoughts as he looked up and gasped
Before him stood a massive booth, hidden perfectly in the shadow of the oak tree and filled to the brim with jewelry and gems. He gawked at it for a few moments before smiling as he looked at Varian, "no, *you* found it, and I'm really glad you did kiddo, I couldn't have gotten here without you and your gigantic brain"
Varian blushed, "aww, t-thanks", he replied shyly as he kicked a bit of dirt with his boot before his eyes lit up, "come on let's go get that ring!"
Eugene smiled and nodded, allowing Varian to pull him once more, they ran over to the booth and each took their time looking around and picking out the items they wanted. Finally, after what seemed like a couple hours, Eugene found a golden banded ring with a large, yellow jewel on top, when he lifted it into the air, it created a rainbow effect, he grinned, envisioning Rapunzel's face when she saw it, "I think I'll buy this one, whatcha think kiddo?"
Varian looked at the ring and smiled wide, "she'll love it!"
"Think so?"
"Definitely!"
"That settles it, how much?" He asked the booth owner, who happily began ringing him up
"Hey Eugene, do you think Hugo would like this?" The alchemist showed the man a silver bracelet with emeralds and sapphires lining it, "t-they match the color of his eyes, I've already got dad, Adira, Hector, and Grandpa something, b-but I wanted to get this for Hugo, d-do you think he'd like it?"
Eugene looked at the bracelet, then looked at Varian with a smile, "he'll love it"
"Really?"
"Yeah, it represents both of you kinda, you're the sapphires and he's the emeralds, and silver matches his shoulder pads and gauntlets"
The teen smiled and looked at the bracelet again, "he... Deserves something like this... Even if he doesn't think so"
Eugene tilted his head to the side, "hey Varian, can I ask you something?"
"Hm?" The dark prince opened his mouth but no words came out, his thoughts going crazy as they screamed at him to stop, "Eugene?"
The former thief looked at the shy teen and sighed, "I... Was wondering what you got your dad"
Varian grinned, although his eyes looked relieved as he pulled out a dagger, "it's made of titanium and painted over with a rainbow effect whenever it shines! I think he'll love it a lot don't you?"
Eugene nodded with a warm smile, "yeah kid, he'll love it for sure"
They bought their items and began to walk to where the caravan was, chatting amongst themselves happily, "so, no one was upset about what Catalina and Angry did?" The little alchemist asked
"Nope, they accepted their money back and were more than happy to forgive the girls, especially after hearing why", Eugene replied
"That's good, and you said they're with Lance now?"
"Lance, Adira, Hector, and Edmund, yeah, probably your dad and Hugo too considering it's 9:30pm right now"
"Right, we should probably hurry, shouldn't we?"
"I wouldn't say that", a voice stated, stopping the two in their tracks
Eugene raised a brow, he recognized this voice, but he wasn't sure from where. But then felt something beside him, looking he saw Varian shaking like a leaf, "hair stripe?"
"C.....C-C-Clementine......"
"What?"
"Me!" The voice stated as a small women stepped out from the shadows, "he's talking about me"
"Wait, I know you", Eugene stated, trying to wrack his brain
"S-she was with A-A-Andrew and the Seporians", Varian replied
"That's right", another voice called as four more people walked out from the shadows, Eugene's hair *instantly* standing on end as he recognized this voice and he *glared*, "and it's so good to see you both again"
"Andrew!" The dark prince growled
"Hello", Andrew bowed, "prince of the Dark Kingdom", he snarked, "and hello", he straightened his back and glared at Varian as Ruddigar hopped off his boy's shoulder and hissed at the man, "Seporian traitor"
Notes:
TO BE CONTINUED!!!!
Lavender helps sooth the mind and helps give good dreams
Gingko is actually used for cognitive function and mental support, and is actually one of the oldest tree species on our planet, I found a couple articles about them on Google :D
Cedric: Kind and loved (makes sense because he's a very kind man)Quirin and Hugo bonding, new OC who is amazingly kind, Team Awesome fun with some foreshadowing for a future chapter! This is a floofy chapter, I wanted to kind of set this arc up because it's important.
I shall not say anymore, but here we go! :D
Thank you for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 126: The Seporians Attack!
Summary:
Varian and Eugene have come face to face with an old enemy
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian shivered as Eugene stepped in front of him, "what the hell do you want?" The dark prince snapped as he glared at the man before him
"How undignified of you your *majesty*", Andrew snarked, "such language isn't befitting of the royal tongue, in fact, you may want to watch that considering the old ways of the Dark Kingdom used to sever any naughty princes tongues were they causght saying something so vulgar"
"What do you *want*?!" Eugene repeated, his eyes glaring at the man dangerously
"I want to talk to my old buddy there, official Seporian business, so if you please-!"
"I'm not leaving Varian alone with you!"
Andrew shook his head disappointedly, "I'm giving you one last chance to walk away from this, you don't need to concern yourself with what we do with our.... 'Friends', so to speak".
Varian's shoulders tensed as he saw the man's eyes shoot a glare to him, speaking *volumes* about what he was planning on doing. The teen didn't realize it, but he'd grabbed ahold of Eugene's hand with both of his, gripping them tightly. He felt a little better when the man's hand returned the grip and gave him a reassuring squeeze, "I said I'm not leaving Varian alone with *you*!" Eugene repeated, gripping his sword and getting a tight hold on the teen's hand, preparing to run.
"Suit yourself", Andrew Shrugged, before he took out his own sword, "tried to warn you". The rest of the Seporians drew their weapons, growling at the trio before they ran towards them
"Varian! Raccoon trap NOW!" Eugene yelled, before a puff of pick blinded them, once the smoke cleared, the trio found themselves stuck in a very familiar pink substance
"W-what?" Varian stuttered, shaking even more
"Did you really think I wouldn't save any of your alchemy?" Andrew chided, "that stuff's pretty handy, and it's cruelty free, bonus", another puff of pink blinded the Seporians, clearing to show them trapped in more goo, Andrew growled
"You're an idiot if you didn't think I wouldn't throw it right back, also, you missed a key difference in your deduction", the alchemist stated
"What's that?" Andrew asked, his eye twitching with anger
Varian smirked and pulled out a vial, "I have the antidote dumb ass!" He uncorked it and freed himself and Eugene, the dark prince laughing at Andrew as they ran past the group
Eugene kept ahold of Varian's hand as they ran, feeling the teen still tremble as they did, "you alright?"
"I-I'm fine... We n-need to get back to dad"
"Right, don't worry, I'll get you back to him", Ruddigar chittered as he held onto his boy's shoulder for dear life, "what'd he say?"
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch, it's means not to underestimate the Seporians, he's right, we shouldn't"
"I know kid, I won't, you'll be safe with me, don't worry"
They rounded the corner from where they'd came from and ran right into Kai, who grinned evilly, "hello animal oppressors"
"Wait, how in th-!" Eugene started, but stopped when he felt someone punch him square in the jaw
"EUGENE!" Varian cried, running over to the man as he fell to the ground, "a-are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine", he stated, spitting out a little blood before realizing Varian was there, "sorry"
"I... I-it's fine, but t-there's more"
"What?" Suddenly Eugene felt himself being picked up by his shirt, face to face with Andrew
The Seporian smiled, "hello little lost prince"
"How in the fuck did you get out of that trap?" The former thief asked as he pushed himself away from the man and glared, standing in front of Varian once more while Ruddigar growled
"We learned quite a few things from him when he was with us, plus it's a good thing he likes to go on and on about his formulas for his various 'alchemical solutions'", he then looked at the teen, "dumb ass"
"Oops...." Varian said dejectedly, "s-sorry Eugene..."
"It's alright hair stripe, I don't blame you", the dark prince replied softly, "it's them that's the problem"
"Us?" Clementine asked, offended by the accusation, "all *we* want is *our* home back! *You* Coronans took it from us! And you blame *us* for wanting to get revenge on a traitor?!"
"I-I didn't betray you! *You* betrayed *me*!" Varian snapped, stepping forward a little and facing the group, "I d-didn't wanna hurt anyone, I d-didn't wanna scare people! I just wanted them to forget! Y-you, a-all of you, betrayed *ME*!" He glared, getting angrier, "I wanted to rewrite everything I did, b-bring back my old life, maybe even save my father, b-but none of you wanted that! Y-you used me and hurt me to make sure I would stay in l-line! I... I d-didn't betray you until you lied to me!"
Andrew stepped forward, matching the alchemist's glare, "*I* took care of you when the guards harmed you didn't I?"
"You-!"
"*I* kept you warm when they'd take your blanket and shielded you when they watched us shower, yes?"
"I-!"
"*I* told you my dreams and comforted you about your nightmares, *I* loaned you *my* vest when you got whipped, *I* *ASKED* you if you *wanted* to join me, did I not?!"
"YOU LIED AND MANIPULATED ME!" Varian yelled
"No I-!"
"You used me! Used my weaknesses, *MY* regrets, my own *MIND* against me so you could mold me into your perfect tool! You were horrible to me out of the cell, you hurt me, insulted me, a-abused me even worse than the guards! You are NOT innocent, you are NOT good! You are a MONSTER! And you betrayed ME!" The group winced as Varian's voice echoed off the walls when he stated that last word. They all gasped when his hair and eyes glowed a bright blue, Ruddigar's fur poofing as he held onto his boy's shirt tightly, "you made me feel safe and protected, then hurt and insulted me when I got really bad! You *used* me! I did not betray you, I wanted to help, b-but you never listened to me, NEVER! You locked me in a *closet* when I would get anxious or scared, you may have taken care of me *inside* our cell, but once we were out, I was your *TOOL*! And I'm NOT gonna be *ANYMORE*!" He glared at the man who had haunted his nightmares over and over again. He hated him, he hated everything about him, his eyes, his face, his beard, his *vest*!
"VARIAN!" Eugene called, he tried to make his way over to the teen, struggling against the energy permeating off the alchemist. He managed to look up and gasped.... Varian's pupils were gone, taken over by the glowing blue light, his mouth was twisted into an angry scowl, baring his teeth much like an animal would. But that wasn't what startled the dark prince, it was how scared he looked.... Varian had tears sliding down his face, his shoulders were tensed up, and his arms were wrapped around himself protectively, he may have had so much energy, but he looked so small in that moment. "Oh kid...." Eugene said sadly, feeling his guilt rise back up to his heart, his brown eyes meeting the teen's, getting the boy to gasp.
Suddenly the energy preventing Eugene from reaching him was gone, though the dark prince could tell it was still around if Andrew and the other Seporians's struggling to stand were anything to go by. The man looked back at Varian, who was still looking at him, "E-Eugene... H-help me....." He begged, reaching out for the dark prince
Feeling his heart break at how weak the alchemist sounded, Eugene ran over and gently wrapped his arms around the little boy, hugging him tightly and rubbing a hand up and down his back , "it's okay kid, I've gotcha, it's alright now, it's alright", he cooed.
The energy subsided as Varian began to calm down, his eyes closed and he wrapped his arms around Eugene, gripping the back of his shirt tightly. The blue glow went fully away, leaving the black hair with one blue stripe that Eugene had seen so many times before. Ruddigar nuzzled his boy's cheek as Varian and Eugene hugged each other, "I-I'm sorry...." The alchemist sobbed into the dark prince's chest.
"It's okay kiddo, I'm not mad, are you okay?" He watched the teen nod, "that's good", he stroked Varian's hair gently as he heard the teen cry
"I-I'm scared...."
"I know kiddo, I know, and I understand. But it's okay to be a little scared, it really is, I'm here, I'll keep you safe, okay?" Feeling the teen calm down a bit at his touch, Eugene smiled, holding his little brother close to his chest. The night was silent, everything was finally calm and quiet as the trio relaxed a bit. That is, before Eugene felt something hard and cold hit the back of his head, his vision swam as he looked up and saw a couple figures fighting with each other, his attention came back to him in a flash when he heard Varian's shouts and cries for help. His anger flared when he saw the boy yelping in pain as they stuck some strange liquid in his mouth, instantly preventing him from moving. Eugene's body acted first as he got up and began to swing, screaming, "LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!!"
Eugene managed to land a lot of good punches, kicks, scratches, and even bites to the Seporians, but they overtook the both of them, not even Ruddigar could fight his way out of it. All three ended up bloody and beaten on the floor, bruises, blood, and sweat dripped off of them, but Eugene still tried to fight, managing to unsheathe his sword and slash it at Andrew, cutting the man's cheek deeply before Kai came and overtook Eugene with the help of Juniper while Clementine captured Ruddigar and Andrew took Varian. The dark prince being forced to face the man as he held the unmoving alchemist and smirked wickedly, "thanks for distracting him 'your highness'".
Seeing the terrified look on Varian's face made Eugene gain another burst of energy, he surged forwards like an animal and screamed, "GIVE HIM BA-ACK!!!!!" Before Kai punched his stomach *hard* and dropping Eugene to the floor. He felt his stomach churn and ended up spitting up a little blood before his head swam and he fell, watching helplessly as the Seporians took Varian and Ruddigar away, he reached out to them weakly, "Var...ri...an...." He tried before the pain took over and his vision dipped into darkness.
****
"...Gene?"
"Eu...G...ne!"
"EUGENE!" Rapunzel yelled worriedly as she gently shook her boyfriend awake, he was laying on the floor, covered in blood, bruising, and several cuts, "c-can you hear me?"
The dark prince's vision came back to him and it was filled with the blond princess, face scrunched with worry as tears fell down her face, "Blondie?" He asked as she helped him sit up, Lance coming over and allowing his best friend to lean against him
"Eugene! Oh thank goodness you're okay!" Rapunzel stated, hugging him tightly, "I was so w-worried about you! You didn't respond a-and you were out cold for a while when we found you and y-you're all bloody and-!"
"I'm alright, I'm sorry I worried you, but I'm alright", Eugene responded softly before noticing the group that was surrounding them, one farmer in particular that he couldn't seem to face
Catalina walked over with a wet rag and gently placed it on Eugene's cheek, "you're... Really beat up..." She stated, her voice wavering as she looked at him worriedly
"Thanks ki- ....Catalina...." Eugene stated, wincing as the memory of what he'd just been through flashed through him mind
The group was silent for a moment before Hugo stepped forwards and, taking a deep breath, asked the question that everyone had on their mind, "where's Varian?"
The dark prince winced even more, his guilt rising so far into his chest that it almost knocked him down as he felt hot tears spill down his face, "I...." He took a shaky breath, let it out slowly, then looked directly at Quirin, "the Seporians jumped us.... There were too many for me to face and.... I... I tried...."
The retired knight's shoulders tensed as his fists clenched and his jaw squared, his whole body shook, but he said nothing, merely looking away from the man. "Do you know where they went?" Hugo asked, kneeling in front of Eugene, "I'm sorry, I know you're hurt, but we need to follow them".
"They didn't say anything, they just took him... Looked like they were heading that way", he nodded behind the blond, making him look off into the distance before looking back at the man
"Did you manage to cut him? Any of them actually"
"I.... Yeah, I slashed Andrew with my sword"
"Good", the bespeckled teen stated before getting up and pulling something out of his pockets, it was green and shined brightly in the night. He poured a little on the floor and waited before something turned a bright blue, "that's his blood, metal made cuts bleed for a long time, and it's fresh, we can follow it to where they took him".
"What if he hides it?" Rapunzel asked
"Then Pixie and Basil will pick up the scent", Hector stated as his two binturongs sniffed at the blue stain at the blond's feet
"Plus the Separatists Seporia are idiots, strong fighters, but idiots", Adira stated, "they leave an easy enough trail to track, broken sticks, smashed leaves, even if they tried to hide it the ground wouldn't be hard to see which way they went"
Eugene saw his father place a hand on Quirin's shoulder, getting the Village Leader to look at him, neither spoke a word, but the retired knight seemed to calm a little at seeing his king's expression. Eugene felt shame engulf him, "I... I'm so sorry Quirin.... I tried to save him... I tried.... I'm... I'm so sorry.... I-!"
"I'm not mad at you", came the short response, getting the prince to look up at the old farmer, his eyes were on him now, "I know you tried, I know you because you promised you would. I'm not mad at you Eugene"
"You.... You don't...." Eugene started, but he didn't finish, feeling foolish for saying something like what he was about to say
"Quirin you look like you're about ready to kill someone", Hugo stated
The retired knight looked at the ground before he frowned deeper, "my son was kidnapped, if Eugene is anything to go by he's hurt too, Ruddigar's been kidnapped too, they've been searching for him this entire time, that fucking asshole has been the main source of my son's nightmares, hell yeah I'm *fucking* angry!" He stated, his voice colder than ice as he continued, "I've been so worried about this trip, more than I've let on, come to find out he's got a connection to the moonstone that I know nothing about, he got stuck on a shell necklace and almost died, he turned into a bird and almost died, he had a fight with Cassandra and almost died, and now he's been kidnapped by the Seporians and may actually die because they decided he was a traitor want to do him harm! He's a little, 15 year old BOY, can he have a fucking break?! NO! Apparently not! He's already been through too much, this is just icing on the cake and the only thing that I can think of right now is that I fucking knew this would happen! That fucking dream didn't come out of my mind, it was a fucking *WARNING*! Why didn't I *LISTEN TO IT*?!" The man snapped before his fists began to shake, then suddenly, they stopped. His shoulders squared, his fists unclenched, and his eyes opened wide as he looked towards where the blood trail led, "I'm gonna find him.... I'm gonna find that fucking man...." He then turned to the rest of the group, tears sliding down his face as he gave them the angriest glare they'd ever seen, "and I'm going to *KILL* him!"
Notes:
Part 1 :D And oh boy....
So.... Protective farmer dad is gone, this is knight dad now... I've wanted to explore the extent of how much can people push the quiet Quirin before he finally snaps, the only thing I could think that would do that is if Varian were in danger multiple times, this was the last straw, Quirin's snapped, and Andrew better watch out..... So should everyone else...
I have a theory, I think Varian helps keep Quirin's knight side at peace. Think about it, what's stopping Quirin from being a knight, why did he retired in the first place, probably the same reason why when faced with the black rocks, Quirin didn't try to attack them or destroy them like he would've when he was a knight, he tried to run away, maybe the same reason he kept his past a secret, the same reason he lied about the black rocks to the king, the same reason he kept fighting with everyone, including said reason, to stay away from the rocks, to keep Varian safe! Quirin wasn't thinking as a Village Leader when he was about to run away from the black rocks, he was thinking like a *father* trying to protect his kid! Varian is the only thing *left* in his life! Sure he's got Adira, Hector, and Edmund now, but for 15 YEARS the man only had Ulla and Varian, then Ulla left and Varian was all that remained!
Varian is Quirin's only reason to live anymore, and he's felt that way for a long time, he's merely business to the rest of the cast, in the show, except for when Varian's around, and even then he doesn't speak, just emotes. A commenter by the name of Cardcaptorkatara said on one of the chapters that Quirin is emotionally constipated (still makes me laugh by the way XD), that's the comment that started this train of thought, because *why* is he like that? My answer, he's spent his whole life being a knight in the Dark Kingdom, losing so many, and even causing some people's deaths, that he closed himself off emotionally and mentally, he wasn't a human, he was a knight, that's all. Until he one day helps bring a little life into the world, Varian, and suddenly this little human is creating new things and living his own life, a life Quirin himself never got to enjoy, so he's protecting it, he's protecting him, and doing so helps him enjoy more, his farming, his Village Leader role, his cooking, he started enjoying them because Varian helped him realize there's more to life than do what you're supposed to!
I honestly don't think Quirin knows how to live (quote unquote) "normally" if Varian isn't there to show him, he's lost without his little light, just as Varian is without his father. So here's Quirin, here's his arc, this is where Quirin starts to heal, but he's gotta hit rock bottom first....
Sorry for the long tangent, but please tell me what you think! I'm curious to read your thoughts on that theory! :D
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 127: What's Next?!
Summary:
The group searched for Varian while Andrew has a little chat with the alchemist
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel and Lance helped Eugene limp over to the caravan, helping him inside before they began to heal his wounds while Hugo, Edmund, and Quirin sat up front and Hector and Adira sat on Xena. Hugo had scattered the potion nearby, finding some glowing blue on the floor, getting Pixie to sniff it, they verified it was Andrew's and followed the trail, "so, they jumped you?" Lance asked after a moment of silence.
"Yeah.... Thing is, we were able to get away using Varian's racoon trap, but they... Apparently remembered his ingredients for the... Whatever he uses to get rid of it, because Andrew had one at the ready...." Eugene stated, stopping whenever his wounds stung particularly badly, "....Varian ended up glowing during it.... He got angry at Andrew and... Told him off, I was proud of him... But it left him really exhausted and.... they ended up catching me off guard.... Even after I told him I'd keep him safe... I feel like I lied to him...."
Rapunzel and Lance looked at the man sadly as Angry walked over to him, "you tried your best, we know you did", she said softly
"Wish I could believe that.... You should've seen his poor face...." Eugene's memory flashed with Varian's final, terrified look before the Seporians took him away, "he.... I hated seeing that face on him...." the dark prince stated as tears slid down his face
"Oh Eugene...." Rapunzel said softly, setting down her rag and hugging him, "you tried to help him-!"
"I tried, that's it", Eugene stated, "I tried and I failed.... Just like before..."
"Before?" The princess looked at him worriedly
"I... Drew my sword against a kid, a fucking kid.... He was alone and scared and being hounded by guards, and I tried to fight him, a fucking 14 year old, who was just trying to get his dad back.... He may have been doing the wrong thing, but I could've helped him, no... Instead I gave into the rumors and fucking tried to fight a kid.... It's.... I still think about that... He looked up to me Rapunzel, I was his hero, he still does too, he's told me as much.... And yet here we are, and I failed to protect him... *again*"
Rapunzel looked at her boyfriend sadly, unsure of what to say before Lance took over, "finally letting it out huh?" He asked
"What?" Eugene replied, looking at his best friend
"You've been feelin this for a long time, you've been wantin to talk to Varian about for a while, but you never tried because you were too afraid of what he would say to you", the former thief stated, getting Hugo to peak inside curiously
"Lance I-!"
"Don't try it, you can't lie to me I know you too well", the man interrupted, "you've been holding all of this in, and now it's comin out. Gotta say, you could've picked a better time for it"
"What are y-!" He stopped when he saw the man glare at him, it was gentle, but firm
"You doin this, crying, regretin what you've done, any other time would be fine, but right now, we gotta look for Varian. I'm gonna say somethin that's a bit nasty, and I'm sorry for that, but you need to stop".
"What?"
Lance sighed, "you're upset and sad and I get it, you have every right to be and on a normal day, when everyone's safe and well, we'd sit down and talk about it, but right now, that little 15 year old that you're worried about, is trapped with people that are gonna harm him, badly.... So right now, I need you to stop, take what you're feelin and use it to fight, because you're right about one thing, Varian needs you, he needs us, now more than ever, and you and all of us wallowin in self pity and crying over what we could've done better isn't gonna help". The man sighed again, "I'm not gonna tell you you can't regret anything or that you should block off what you're feelin, ever, but right now, Varian doesn't need his big brother to cry and regret, he needs him to fight, he needs your help. He's still alive Eugene", Lance smiled, "he'll keep fighting for a while, that boy's got his dad's spirit after all, but it'll last him only so long, he needs us to *fight*, you can talk to him about what you regret later, but right now, you gotta puck up, heal up, and save him, that way you can apologize later, when he's safe and snugglin Quirin, yeah?"
Eugene sat up a bit, a little startled by his friend's words, "w-what if.... Lance what if I can't? What if I'm not strong enough for this?"
Lance smiled, "come on, you're Flynn Rider, the man who owns a thousand mug shots, not one of them with the correct nose, the man that's escaped too many prisons to count and stolen the hearts of way too many women.... And one princess", he winked at Rapunzel, who giggled, "you're a rogue thief who, on his own, made a livin dodging guards, bein sneaky, and an all around clever guy that made everyone, even a certain alchemist, fall in love with, and idolize, you. You know how many skills you've got? How many times you've been knocked down only to pop right back up with a punch to the jaw and sassy remark? Trust me, if you can do all of that and save a little lost princess from the frizzy rats nest she called a mom, then you can save a little alchemist from the man bun moron, you just need to fight".
Eugene smirked, "her hair was a crime against humanity, to be fair, and who wears man buns nowadays?" He chuckled, getting Rapunzel to laugh as Lance smiled, he smiled back, "thanks Lance, I really appreciate that, you're right, there's no time to wallow, I've gotta fight", he sat up straighter, wiped the tears off his face, and grabbed a rag, "I'll save hair stripe, then I'll talk to him about what happened between us and apologize.... Then he'll snuggle with Quirin and read Flynn Rider or alchemy books because he's a nerd".
"Right", Lance agreed with a chuckle, "and we'll help, always", he picked up his own rag and helped heal his friend, so did Rapunzel. None of them noticed the blond alchemist watching them through the window.
****
Hugo sighed and looked down, "you okay?" A voice asked, startling the teen and making him look up, "oops sorry", Edmund stated with a chuckle, "didn't mean to make you jump, but you look.... Kinda lost in thought"
"Oh, yeah I, sorry just.... Thinking", the blond replied, looking down again
"Worried about him huh? Or is it... Something else?"
"Something else?"
"Well, you're new to this group, and you mentioned being a bit of a lone wolf, I, out of everyone, understand how hard that can be. Spent 25 years alone, nothing but crows to keep me company", he gestured to Hamuel, who cawed happily, "it was... Rough, but see... There's also those people who say they're alone when they're not, but they're hanging around someone who isn't.... nice..... I've seen both sides, and I'm wondering which one you are, because from the way you interacted with my grandson", he smiled at the blond, "you didn't seem like you were much of lone wolf, in fact, you seemed to be enjoying the company".
"I.... uh...."
Edmund chuckled, "oh don't worry so much, I'm not gonna to try to dig into your past, obviously it's none of my business, but, I will say", he grinned at the young alchemist, "if you ever need to talk, let me know"
Hugo was shocked, in all his life, no one ever offered *that* to him, "but, you... Barely know me"
"So? Does that matter? You're what, 16, maybe 17 years old max? Seems a shame for a tiny alchemist like you to wander around on your own, and besides", he smirked, "I happen to know a little peanut who would love the company of another alchemist friend".
Hugo blushed, but smiled at the jolly man, "thanks... uh...."
"Edmund", the dark king stated, "you can call me Edmund, and you're welcome Hugo"
****
Adira sighed as she stared at her oldest brother as he steered the caravan, "your worrying isn't gonna fix his attitude you know", Hector stated softly as he watched Pixie and Basil sniff the ground to keep them on track, "your focus would be better spent searching for those pricks that stole our nephew".
"I realize but.... What he said, didn't it worry you?" The face painted warrior asked as she looked at the man in front of her
"No, should it?"
"He said he'd *kill* them Hector", Adira stated, "you know, out of all of us even our own *king*, Quirin would be the *last* one to kill, and you're telling me that doesn't worry you?"
The wild tamer sighed before glancing at his older brother, the man's expression never faltered as he glared at the ground before him, "we don't have kids, *none* of us understand what he's feeling right now, Eugene's a mess, Varian's gone, and the Seporians are back, bout fucking time he got mad enough to kill, but...." He looked at his brother once more, a sad look overtaking his features, "I... Can't say I'm not at least thinking about what he said...."
Adira was a little startled to hear that, but nodded, "I figured.... What if he does kill them?"
"What do you mean?"
"He's a knight, and back then killing your enemy was fine, but you remember the nights he cried about it just as well as I do. He may have been praised for it, but he'd shame himself to the point where he would barely speak, now he's got a child in danger and.... What will he do if he does end up killing Andrew.... I... Hector I don't think he could take it now, he could barely before".
"You're right.... He wouldn't...." They both looked at their brother again, worry flashing through them as the man stayed quiet
Adira sighed, "I want to talk to him"
"It won't help, he'll snap your head off", Hector stated, looking at the ground again
"But *something* would be better than nothing"
"Would it?"
"What do you mean?"
The wild tamer sighed, "never mind"
"No, Hector seriously, what do you mean?"
He growled but, defeatedly, responded, "I mean would saying something to him really be better than leaving him alone? Would it really be better to mess with someone, or something, that obviously shouldn't be touched?"
The face painted warrior was silent, the realization of what he meant hitting her like a rhino, she looked away, "still upset about that then?"
"I was possessed by that fucking tree, made to hurt innocent people, and after 25 years of guarding it, the Dark Kingdom, and the Moonstone, it was all basically fucking useless in the end and I was actually right to keep you away, yeah, I'm still fucking upset... But it doesn't matter"
"Yes it does", Adira stated, "I'm sorry for what happened to you, particularly for my part in it... I didn't want that to happen to you, ever, I just wanted to fix it, fix us, our home.... But I was wrong.... And like Varian, you paid the price for my mistake, so I'm sorry, I really am Hector...."
The wild tamer looked at his sister for a moment before looking back at his binturongs, "thanks.... I'm sorry too... To be fair, you weren't completely wrong"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, your actions got our king back, and we ended up reuniting after years of separation, even with the Moonstone gone, at least we're here, together again. I... Missed that"
Adira smiled and, in a rare moment, hugged her little brother, "I missed it too"
Hector tensed a little at the hug, but didn't push it away, instead smiling a little. He looked over at Quirin again and sighed, "he needs to think for a bit, it's gonna be hard to talk to him when he's like this, so we should wait until he's calmed down before we say anything, but.... It would be better to say something before it's too late".
Adira nodded, "agreed"
****
It was a half an hour later before Catalina let out a sigh, she'd been listening to everyone as she sat on top of the caravan. He heart was racing in her chest, but she tried to keep her breathing under control, not wanting to 'wolf out' when they were tracking the Seporians, but she couldn't help it, she wanted to tear their flesh from their body for what they've done! Ever since she'd been told about what happened between them and Varian, all she's wanted to do was scare the living crap out of Andrew and his thugs, but that wasn't allowed, so she waited. She sat up, Adira and Hector had gone silent, everyone in the caravan was talking quietly to themselves while Eugene rested, and Hugo and Edmund too quiet to hear. The red head grew curious and crawled over to the front, trying to find out what the king and alchemist were saying before she felt herself beginning to slip off, "woah! Nonono!" She stated, trying to rebalance herself, but ended up falling.... Right into Quirin's lap. Opening her eyes she was met with a very angry looking Village Leader, "oh! Um.... S-sorry I-I-I d-didn't-I-I mean I-I-!"
"Are you alright?" He asked quietly, offering her a hand so she could sit up
"I.... Y-yeah... I'm okay...." She hesitantly took the hand and sat up, shuffling so that she was on one of his legs, "I-I can move i-if you want"
"It's ok, you can stay if you want to", he stated, his voice calm, but sent shivers down her spine
She wanted to move, wanted to leave him alone, but something told her he didn't want that, so she stayed put. They were silent, listening to the clip clops of the horses hooves before Catalina couldn't take it anymore, "a-are.... Are *you* okay?" She asked, hoping he wouldn't be mad and wincing as he spoke
"I... Heh.... No, I'm not...." The Village Leader stated before he noticed her wince, "I... Sorry I guess I must look a bit.... scary... Right now...."
"I.... A little... But I know why..... I'm worried about him too..." she stated with a light blush on her cheeks, "he's the sweetest, nicest, kindest guy I've ever met and... Thinking about where he is now, and what he's going through is really making my blood boil.... I.... I want to go wolf on them and tear them up, limb from stupid limb but...." She stopped, unsure of herself and her words
"You don't know if it would even help?" Quirin finished for her, "and if doing so would result in more unnecessary death, or would finally fix the problem?" He asked, "same".
"Really?"
"Yeah... I know what I said earlier, but... I...." He sighed, looking far older than he was, "I'm scared... I'm *so* scared.... Varian's gone... Again... And I don't know what'll happen to him, what they'll do to him... How affected he'll be by this...." He looked at the ground, his eyes glazing over a bit as he went silent once more.
Catalina felt her heart break seeing the man like this, he looked so lost, almost like he couldn't see anymore, "Quirin...." She tried
"S-sorry, I'm.... I'll be fine once we find him and I know he's safe.... I-if he's safe...."
The red head hugged the Village Leader, unsure of what else to do, she hugged him, wrapping her tiny arms around his middle. For moment, she thought the man might shoe her off him, but she felt an arm wrap around her as well, and felt something fall on her head, she didn't look up, letting the concerned father have a moment of privacy as she hugged him. After a bit, she broke the hug and finally looked at him, she saw he'd wiped his face and she smiled comfortingly, "when we find him, he'll be okay. He's strong and careful, like you, you raised him well, enough to know when to push his luck and when not to, he's smart and wise, he'll keep himself safe. And when we rescue him and bring him back, the only thing he's gonna wanna do is hug you and be with you, because he loves you and he knows you're worried about him. No matter what happens though, he's going to be okay, he will, we'll make sure of that".
Quirin chuckled, but smiled at the girl, "thank you Catalina, I... Didn't realize how much I needed to hear that.... You're right, he'll be okay, I need to have faith in him, he's a very smart little boy. ...You mentioned you were angry too, how are you handling it?"
"Honestly, not very well, I keep trying to breathe, but it's not working"
The retired knight smiled, "me too"
The red head looked up at him, surprised by his admission, but smiled back, "I can... Stay with you, if you want, maybe we can just... Talk?"
The Village Leader smiled, "I'd like that"
****
The alchemist sniffled as he laid on the cold floor, his shoes, gloves, belt, and goggles had been taken away and Ruddigar was caged and placed in another room that he couldn't see. Varian tried to move, tried to wiggle a finger, toe, anything, but he couldn't, the liquid the Seporians stuffed into his mouth was burning his throat, he'd tried to spit it out before, but had swallowed enough that it was too late. He whimpered when he heard someone walk inside the room he was being kept before he grew angry at the green eyes glaring at him, "hello traitor", Andrew said, his voice dripping with amusement as he looked at his prisoner, "long time, no see".
Varian glared at the man, "you w-won't get away with this...." He stated, his voice sharp and cold
"Oh really?" The Seporian leader said as he began to sit the teen upright, leaning his back against a wall behind him, "and what exactly are you gonna do to stop me? You're not able to move, remember? You're like a rag doll, I could do whatever I wanted with you and you wouldn't be able to stop me".
Even though the thought of what the man had in mind sent a shiver down Varian's spine, he refused to show it as he continued to glare, "I'm not afraid of you"
Andrew sighed, "oh you Coronans and your *pride*", he spat, "of all the annoying traits you share with your home, that's, by far, the worst".
"Why are you even doing this Andrew? What's the point of attacking me? Do you really think what you're doing is gonna bring Seporia *back*?"
"I think getting rid of *you* will be a start!" He snapped, "you've been a thorn in my side for far too long, and I'm getting tired of it, you and you shitty family are going to stay out of my way from now *on*!" He pulled out a knife and smiled menacingly at the teen, "and I'll make *sure* of that", he pointed the knife at the teen's throat.
Varian looked at the knight, but kept his shield up, knowing full well that showing you were afraid would only make them enjoy it more, "what happened to you?" He asked, "before you weren't like this, it was for the sake of Seporia that you wanted to take over Corona, you said it was to get your home back, but would your home really be worth the lives of thousands of innocent people?"
This made the man falter before he laughed, "you *really* are brainwashed aren't you?!"
"What are you talking about?"
"MY HOME GOT DESTROYED VARIAN!" He yelled before he settled down, "war is an *ugly* thing, no side is better than the other, no matter what goal you're fighting for, innocent lives get hurt! My family was only a small margin of the lives the your people took!"
"Then what do you expect will happen if you start another?!" Varian snapped back, "what do you want to happen?! Even if you kill me and my family, even if you kill Rapunzel and the rest of the royal family, Coronan's are *strong* and *stubborn*! No matter what path you choose, you're subjecting more of your people to *death*! So what exactly are you planning on doing Andrew?! What is your goal in all this? If you were really worried about the innocent lives then you wouldn't have attacked Eugene like you did! You would've tried to *talk* to Rapunzel, who didn't have *any* part in the war our ancestors had! You could've done so many different things, different approaches, hell, you could've just come right out and told the king and queen you were a Seporian and wanted to talk about how your people wanted to move in! Maybe the king wouldn't have been so keen to listen, but did you even *try* a peaceful route?! Or did you just assume all us Coronans wouldn't see your point of view?!"
The Seporian leader stopped and shrunk back a bit, a little startled by the teen's outburst, but he glared, "name me *one* Cornan that even thought about the Seporians, *one*". He stated darkly, "name me one person that questioned that fucking holiday and book"
"Me"
"What?"
"ME!" Varian shouted, "*I* questioned it! I'm a logical thinker, even when I was *younger* I wondered about the Seporian people, when I met you I wanted to know more about your culture even before you told me your plan! I already knew how to build your hot air balloons, I knew how to speak ancient Seporian tongue! I *knew* Andrew! I questioned it! I'll bet, had you looked around, you would've found more than one!"
The Seporian leader shrank even more, his mind reeling at this information, "why don't they speak out?! Why don't they say anything?! Why do they just *blindly* follow what your king and queen say?!"
"Because that's how we're raised, at a young age we're told the king and queen are the rulers and we listen to them, it's a fucking monarchy in the 7 kingdoms, why do you think I was an outcast? People who think different, act different, *are* different, they don't *fit* into the status quo, so we're shunned. You would've realized that had you done more research, my family was shunned too you know".
"What?"
"The Dark Kingdom, my father is from the Dark Kingdom, he isn't Coronan, my mother was from over seas, I'm not technically Coronan either, sure, I was born there, but I still have other cultures, other traditions in my blood, I wouldn't be surprised if Seporian was among that". The alchemist sighed, "you went on and on about how your people were shunned and harmed, but did you ever stop to think that you're not the only ones? Did you ever wonder why the king and prince of the Dark Kingdom still stay in Corona and aren't 'shunned' like you? It's because they talked to the Coronans, they took a peaceful route, and yes, it doesn't always work, well over half the time that route ends up getting someone killed, but you could've *tried*. My dad lived in Corona for 25 years, the king knows that he's not Coronan, so does the queen, and you knew Eugene was the Dark prince, so what exactly are you angry at right now? That your plan didn't work, or that you didn't think before you acted?" This earned the teen a slap in the face, making him yelp, he felt his hair being pulled as he was forced to look at the man before him.
Andrew wasn't Andrew anymore, his eyes were wild, his hair disheveled, everything about him was wrong. The alchemist looked into the man's green eyes, and didn't see the Seporian anymore, "I think", Andrew stated darkly, "that's enough talking for you...."
Notes:
So, first things first, the title change of this and the last chapter. I changed it because the actual multiple part chapter for this particular arc will start a little later, and I didn't want this to become a five parter and not be about the arc itself, these chapters are the start of the arc, the incoming chapters are the arc itself and will be titled as such, sorry for the confusion!
Andrew is insane now, his thoughts have gone bye bye, and I'll explain why in later chapters, but the talk about war and what he could've done better were inspired by a conversation me and a commenter by the name of Moonlight had, so thank you for that Moonlight! :D We spoke about a lot of things but one of them was how Andrew went about his take over, so I wanted to kind of touch on it :D
Also, Varian's family are actually in kind of the same predicament as the Seporians in a way, they didn't got through war, but their kingdom was destroyed and none of the other kingdoms seemed to really care about it. The Dark Kingdom people are, in fact, almost a lost nation now, as are the Seporians, I realized that when I was looking up some stuff about Corona. It was very interesting to realize that, so I wanted to add that in, it also makes for an even greater point, Edmund and Quirin were both accepted into Corona with no questions asked, one is a king the other a knight, and no one seemed to mind them being there! Kind of goes to show that Andrew's violent ways of trying to get Seporia back could've been avoided had he tried to talk. And yes, the peaceful route is a not very effective in real life, but we see that it's, at the very least, an *option* in this universe, if that's the case, why didn't the Seporians take it?
Adira and Hector will talk about what they did to protect their kingdom in later chapters, but this is the start of it :D Also, their worry for their big brother is adorable, I want to focus a little on their relationship with Quirin, because it's honestly really sweet! <3
Catalina and Quirin are a friend pair I have never seen, and oddly enough I think it's cute! Not a couple pair, I mean just a friend pair, like father/uncle to child, I'm gonna have a Quirin and Angry moment too, because honestly, I think the girls would like Quirin :D
Eugene will be able to feel his feels, but there's a time and a place, the only character in my story who would be able to tell him that would be Lance. Lance is king after all, and honestly, that's a hard lesson, you can feel what you feel, but don't let your feelings over take you when you're doing something important. It's a lesson I had to learn as well, and hard one, so I hope I did it right.
Punzie is emotional support gang! she doesn't have a huge role, but she's great support! So is Angry, both are very good support roles in this chapter :D
Hugo and Edmund moment!!!!! Two beans that were emotionally scarred and need some pick me ups! It's too precious for me not to write! :D
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 128: Insanity! (TRIGGER WARNING!)
Summary:
**BIG FREAKING TRIGGER WARNING!!!!!**
This chapter is DARK! It's got child abuse, torture, whipping, insanity, and mental breakdowns! This is NOT for kids! DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DO NOT FEEL LIKE YOU CAN HANDLE IT!!!!! It's dark, darker than any chapter I've written so far, please do not read this unless you think you can stomach it!
Yes this is the summary, please read it!
Notes:
**BIG FREAKING TRIGGER WARNING!!!!!**
This chapter is DARK! It's got child abuse, torture, whipping, insanity, and mental breakdowns! This is NOT for kids! DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DO NOT FEEL LIKE YOU CAN HANDLE IT!!!!! It's dark, darker than any chapter I've written so far, please do not read this unless you think you can stomach it!
FINAL WARNING!!!!!
That being said, more notes at the end!
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Pixie and Basil growled, their hackles rising as they hopped off Xena's back, getting everyone's attention, "what'd you find?" Hector asked as he watched his binturongs sniff around. Basil chittered something to the wild tamer that made his glare deepen as he got off Xena as well and walked over to his binturongs. His one gauntlet blade shined as he let it slide out, "who's there? Better show yourself before I make you", he warned before falling silent. There was a moment of nothing before the tamer tilted his head slightly, letting a dagger pass his face and hit a tree behind him as he stared in the direction the blade had come from, "big fucking mistake".
He smirked and ran into the trees, "uh.... S-shouldn't we go after him?" Hugo asked, a little startled at the man's attitude
"Nah", Edmund replied, "he'll be back in a few seconds"
As if by magic, the man stepped out of the bushes, pulling another man with a top hat and beard with him, "told you to show yourself, should've listened". He then pulled him forwards, making him stumble and fall to the floor before he pointed a blade at him, "name"
"I'm no-!"
"NAME!"
"J-Juniper!"
"Alright Juniper, where's Varian?"
"Shit and fall in it Corona *scum*!" Juniper retorted
This was a mistake as Hector growled at the man, kneeling down to eye level, "I'm not *from* Corona", he stated, his voice as sharp as his blade, scaring the man, "I'm asking a-fucking-gain, where's Varian?"
"Why do you care?! He's a filthy Coronan, what's it matter to you?!"
"He's my damn *NEPHEW*!" He shouted, "where *IS* he?!"
"You'd associate yourself with filth like that? You should disown him, once Andrew's done with him, there won't be much left to sa-AAH!!!!" He was interrupted when someone picked him up by his arm, Hector looked up, shocked to see Quirin there, glaring at the man, teeth bared, fists clenched, eyes *dark*.
"Where the *FUCK* is my *SON*?!" The Village Leader snapped, squeezing his large hand around Juniper's, much smaller, arm. Catalina was by his side, a little startled by the man's actions, but was growling at Juniper all the same.
"I-IN THE CAVE!!! N-NOT FAR FROM H-HERE!!! I'LL S-SHOW YOU! I-I'LL LEAD Y-YOU THERE MYSELF J-JUST *PLEASE* PUT ME DOWN!!!!!" He begged as tears slid down his face
The knight dropped the man, glaring at him and freezing him in place, "lead us.... *now*", he stated, stepping in front of Catalina so she wouldn't get hurt.
"A-alright! J-just let me-!"
"*NOW*!"
The man yelped and got up, nodding, "y-yes sir!" Before he began walking towards the trees, pulling them aside to show a secret path, "s-see, he's d-down there, s-so now you can j-just follow it a-!"
"I'm not *stupid*", Quirin stated icily, "no tracks, no broken branches, no signs of struggle, obvious trap, try again", he pulled out one of his duel blades, ignoring the small gasp from the red head behind him, "*this* time get it *right*"
Juniper shuddered as the blade was *inches* from his nose, "y-yes s-s-sir"
Hector walked over to his brother and, hesitantly, placed a hand on his shoulder, getting the man to stop, look at him, and sigh before putting his blade away. The wild tamer gave the retired knight a worried look, "I'm fine... Just... Angry...." Quirin stated, looking at the little girl behind him, who gave him an understanding look.
"That's what worries me", Hector replied, "maybe I should handle this part, you know I can"
"I can't.... I need to do something, I can't just watch"
"But you're shaking"
Quirin looked down at his hands and noticed how violently they vibrated, "I'm scared...." He admitted, looking at Catalina when she placed her hand onto his
"Exactly, fear is a feral beast brother, it can control your actions and make you do things that you don't want to do. I'm worried that yours will make you do something bad, and I'm not the only one that feels this way", he nodded towards his rhino, getting Quirin to notice Adira's look, her eyes were wide and filled with worry as she looked at him.
He took a breath when he saw her, letting it out slowly before he picked Catalina up and placed her on his shoulder, "I.... Maybe you're right.... Just please find him..."
"Count on it", Hector affirmed before his own gauntlet blade came out and he shifted his gaze to the cowering man, "show us". Juniper nodded and scurried to get up, practically skipping as he showed them the correct path, which was covered by leaves and sticks. Hector nodded to Pixie, who sniffed the area and nodded, "good, now you're sticking with us until we find my nephew, don't try to run, I *will* catch you.... Plus you'll piss *him* off", he gestured to Quirin, who raised a brow, "and nobody wants that, right?"
"R-right"
"Good, you're smarter than the average idiot, now move", with a small push, Juniper began to make he way down the path, getting everyone to follow behind.
****
Varian panted as the pain began to settle, for once in this whole endeavor, he was grateful he was unable to move as any kind of movement, even the tiniest shift would've sent pain flashing through his body again. The various bruises and cuts on his body he could deal with, it was what hadn't happened yet that scared him, "you're pretty resilient you know that?" Andrew teased as he paced in front of the alchemist, "no screams, no yells, very little yelps of pain, it's almost as if you trained for this, maybe you knew this was coming?" He asked, the alchemist remained silent, panting and glaring at the man, "you've got a strong spirit at least, but... If there's one thing I know about you *buddy*, it's that you have an affiliation with things in the past, that right?"
Varian continued to say nothing, knowing full well the anything he'd say would only make his situation worse.
Andrew laughed, "so smart, sooooo intelligent, nothing gets past the wise and perfect *Varian*! You know what I'm gonna do don't you? And you're trying not to make it worse, but see, thing it", he walked up to the alchemist, grabbing his chin and forcing his gaze up, "no matter what you say or do, nothing's gonna change what I'm about to do to you".
Varian grit his teeth, his mind screaming at him to keep quiet, he knew what would happen, *but showing you're scared will only make it worse*, his mind stated
"I can tell you're afraid you know"
*Damn it*
Andrew laughed again, "you're so easy to fluster, honestly, I don't even know why I *bothered* with you! You're not useful, in fact, your chemical only had a use when you messed it up. What was it supposed to do again? Make people forget? HA! What a riot! It would be so much easier to blow it all up you know that, and had you stuck with the plan, *this* never would've happened, you could've been sitting pretty in New Seporia, but noooooo you just *had* to have a change of heart", Andrew glared at the boy, "this is all your fault you know, the pain you're feeling right now, could've easily been avoided had you just stuck with the plan".
"W-what would your plan have gotten me?" Varian asked
"What?"
"You t-talk about how it was my f-fault the plan didn't work, h-how it's my fault that I'm here, b-because I didn't stick to your plan. B-but what would your plan have gotten me?"
The Seporian leader scoffed, "well for one thing, less bruises"
"For another?"
Andrew was silent
"Thought so.... Y-you talk so much, but you rarely listen.... Y-you could've done so many things differently, s-started peaceful, and talk to the princess f-for a start, she would've listened to you. T-then she could've talked to her parents and g-gotten you a place in Corona for your Seproians.... Y-you could've done so much b-better Andrew, I think that's w-why me being here in front of you is tearing you apart... Because you were wrong from the start", he looked up at the man, "and you know that.... Don't you?"
The Seporian glared at the teen, his green eyes growing darker and darker with every passing second, ".....So you think you've figured it out...."
"I t-think I could try to help...." Varian retorted, "t-though I don't know why I want to, m-maybe it's a weakness to try to help your enemies.... B-but something's wrong with you Andrew...."
"You don't know what you're talking about!"
"B-but I do!" The alchemist stated, "I've b-been through it too, where you're so angry that it blinds you, a-and you end up making simple mistakes that end up hurting you in the end! Y-you're doing it right now!" Andrew grew silent again, "Andre you're w-wrong about a *lot* of things, b-but I agree with you when it comes to Seporia. Your people, your home, they're dwindling, a-and it's horrible.... I don't want Seporia to suffer like that, you, none of you deserve it!" Neither of them noticed Clementine entering the cave with a caged Ruddigar in her hands, she stopped when she heard the boy mention Seporia, "y-you and your people deserve to be saved d-despite what you've done to me and my family. No matter what you specifically do Andrew, your people don't deserve to be judged the same way! Y-you're right, there are a lot of innocent lives that got destroyed in a war that none of know the real outcome of! All we know is the story of love between the general and the king, that's it, b-but I want to help you change that!"
"Y-you're.... YOU'RE LYING!" Andrew screamed, getting Ruddigar to growl, onto to be shushed by Clementine
"No I'm not! Y-your people deserve a chance to live, no matter what you and your group do! M-my dad always said 'one bad egg doesn't spoil the whole nest', a-and that statement rings the same for you and your people! You m-may not be the best example of a Seporian d-due to your violent nature and plans, b-but your people are not you, they're different, some are probably scared, some are probably families, but your culture deserves to be saved. Even though your plans are bad, your intentions are pure, I can see that Andrew, I w-want to help you, I want to help your people, b-but you've gotta stop what y-you're doing first! I-if you stopped and l-let me talk to my father and the princess, t-then maybe I can help you!"
"Why should I trust you?! You've ruined my plans from the very beginning!" Andrew snapped, getting Clementine to nod in agreement
"Did I?" Varian asked, his blue eyes staring right into Andrew, "from what I remember, you were the one who promised me no one would be harmed, that was our biggest deal when I agreed to help you, and *you* broke that, then locked me in a cell with the princess! You were the one that kidnapped me when in that village and led my father, aunt, and uncle right to you and your group because *you* needed your revenge. I-In fact, Cassandra told me about your first attempt to take down Corona, *you* misspelled the word 'bibliophile' and t-tipped her off! You Andrew, all of those failures, those plans, they didn't work because of *you*! And I think you've put the blame on *me* so much because the thought of you being at fault would break you, but I'm s-sorry, I won't let you blame me!" He glared at the Seporian leader, who looked terrified, "I won't justify your anger, I won't fuel your hatred, and there is *NOTHING* you can do to make me! This isn't my fault Andrew, it's *yours*!"
Clementine gasped before placing a hand over her mouth, she hated to admit it, but when she thought about it, the boy was right.... And if he was sincere and could talk to the princess, then they may have an actual chance to get Seporia back. She smiled, thinking about how they could finally go home, how the Coronans and Seporians could live together, how she wouldn't mind teaching their ways to little children, she'd always wanted to do that. She waited, knowing that their leader would make the right call and let the boy g-"you really think I'm going to believe that?!" Andrew snapped, startling Ruddigar and Clementine both, "you're lying, you keep lying because you think I'm gullible enough to let you go, but I'm not stupid! My plans didn't fail because of me, it... It was because of *you*! NO ONE in Corona will listen to us or give us a chance! You think I believe that?!"
"Andrew if you would just listen I'm not lying I really, sincerely, want to h-!" A loud smack came from the caves
"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT THE FUCK *UP*!!!!!"
There was a moment of silence before Clementine and Ruddigar heard Andrew's footsteps walking towards something, she heard some sort of fumbling because hearing his steps go back to the boy, "....n-no...." Varian said quietly, his voice quivering as the air grew tense, making the raccoon give a worried chitter that was barely audible.
"I'm sick of your lies *buddy* SICK of them!" She heard the Seporian leader laugh, almost to a bone chilling cackle that sent shivers down her spine, "you-you-you-YOU think, that it was MY fault this happened?! YOU REALLY THINK THAT?! HA! Well what will you think of *this* huh? You remember? You remember what they did to you?!"
"A-Andrew..... You're.... You're insane....." Varian stated, "w-what.... What happened to you?"
"YOU DID!!!!!" He shouted before Clementine heard a very loud, very sharp, and very horrifying *CRACK* as she ran away while Ruddigar hissed and tried to escape the cage he was trapped in
She continued to run, all the while the Seporian's mind was reeling, *that isn't right, that *can't* be right! Andrew wouldn't do that, not when there's another option! He's a Seporian, he's not like that, h-he's not, right?!*
"Woah!" Maisie stated as she watched Clementine come running around the corner, grabbing her arm and stopping her, "what's up with you? Weren't you gonna talk to Andrew about somethin?"
"Andrew *huff* acting stranger *puff puff* the boy offered *pant huff* and Andrew said-!"
"Take a deep breath Clementine, you're workin yourself up", the dreadlock wearing girl stated, helping the older women to take a few breaths before she finally calmed down, "now what happened?"
"Andrew's gone nuts!" The old women shouted, before telling Masie the entire story
After Clementine was done, the Seporian girl just stared at her before she shook her head, "that's... That's wrong... He wouldn't... Not if he knew a better way"
"But the boy *gave* him a better way! Think about it Masie, Andrew's been acting off this entire time! Snapping at everyone, not taking care of himself, always going on and on about Varian and what *he* did, and now *this*! He's kidnapped a boy and is beating him senseless and for what?! This isn't the Seporian way, this isn't *our* way! You know that, I know that, Masie we trapped a *raccoon*!" She held up Ruddigar, who was watching the pair but kept glancing towards his boy, worriedly. "In all your years, have you *ever* seen a Seporian act like this before? Have you?!"
The girl thought about it, "well he was.... Really hooked on the kid... But I thought Varian was the reason we were in this mess"
"I thought so too before I heard the boy mention that he would talk to his group... I... I want to believe Andrew and think he's lying... But.... He sounded too sincere for that and...." A flash of Varian crossed her mind when he'd joined the group, making her stomach twist, "I... I don't think the boy.... Varian.... Would lie about something like this... He's not a good liar, he never was, you know that.... Maybe... Masie I think we're making a mistake..."
Masie looked at the older mage, she wanted to argue, to tall her not to question their leader but.... The look in her eyes told her differently, "let's got get Kai and Juniper... Now"
****
Juniper led the way to their campsite, he was still shaking and held his arm with his other as he walked, giving side glares towards Quirin, the retired knight shooting them right back and making the man's blood run cold every time. But as they approached a clearing, the man with the top hat seemed to be gaining more confidence, he was shaking less as his eyes scanned the area before he stopped walking all together, "hey, what are you doing?" Hector asked, his brow raised as Pixie and Basil growled. The man didn't answer, making Lance pick up Angry and Catalina, who was told by Quirin to stay by the former thief just in case, while Rapunzel raised her skillet next to Eugene and Adira, Hugo, and Edmund readied their own weapons.
The retired knight seemed to hear something as he turned to face a bush, "I'm telling who ever you are right now, I'm *not* in the mood for this, come out *peacefully*, and we can *talk*", he warned.
"Oh really? You wanna talk when you're trying to stop our cause?" A voice called from the bushes
Quirin recognized this voice, "Kai.... I remember you"
"Well ain't I lucky", Kai stated
"Yeah, lucky enough to still be standing you fucking coward!" Eugene snapped
The large Seporian stepped out of the bushes, a large grin on his face when he saw the dark prince, "hello your royal travesty, *love* what you've done with your face, is that a new bruise, or an old one?"
"SHUT THE *FUCK* UP!!!!!" Eugene yelled, raising his sword before Rapunzel stopped him
"It's okay Eugene, he's just trying to rile you up, don't let him get to you", she said
"She's right Fish Skin, ignore his jabs, obviously he knows he's out numbered if he has to resort to dumb insults and nit picks", Adira stated
Kai smirked, "Fish Skin?"
"It's a compliment", Eugene stated, "one that you'd never understand, now where's Varian?"
"With Andrew"
"Where?"
"With Andrew"
"I mean where's Andrew!"
"With Varian"
The dark prince face palmed, growing more annoyed by each second, "can I cut his head off?" Hector asked flatly
"Don't tempt me", Eugene stated
"HEY!" Another voice called, making everyone look toward it, Juniper and Kai exchanging looks when they saw Clementine and Masie running down the fields, a freaked out, caged raccoon with her that Quirin instantly recognized
"RUDDIGAR!" The Village Leader yelled, making the older women stop in her tracks and look up at the man
"E-easy, I-I'm not gonna hurt him", she stated
"Clementine, what in the hell are you and Masie doin out here?!" Kai asked, surprised to see the pair
"Yeah", Juniper agreed, "weren't you supposed to help Andrew should the prisoner escape?"
Quirin and Hector both growled at the man, making his shudder, "that's why we came out here!" Clementine stated, "something's wrong"
"With Andrew?!" Kai asked, "what did that little gremlin do to him?!"
"You'd better take that back...." Eugene warned as he glared at the large man
Masie stepped in-between them, "it's not what Varian did to Andrew, it's what Andrew did to Varian!" She stated, "just... Listen", she explained the story, Clementine adding in parts the Seporian girl left out, making the entire group go silent as they spoke. Kai and Juniper were stunned at their leader's actions, jaws dropping in shock at the retelling.
"...That's when I ran into Masie and told her the story...." Clementine stated, "and I wasn't there for all of it but... this.... Isn't what Seporians do... We don't torture unless we have to... Even when we capture Varian before, we didn't hurt him unless he struggled... This.... This is wrong, if he's giving us another way.... Andrew's not taking it...."
Kai shook his head, "Andrew wouldn't do that, he-he wouldn't! Not if he knew.... He told us there was no other way... T-that he'd tried to be peaceful.... Was... Did he... Did he lie?"
"Yes", Rapunzel stated, "he lied, he tried to steal the book of Herz Der Sonne on the Day of Hearts... Which is why he ended up in jail in the first place, what did he tell you?"
"He told us he'd tried talking with the king and the old clown locked him away..." Juniper explained, "but maybe there's been a mistake, Andrew isn't like that"
"I KNOW WHAT I HEARD!" Clementine yelled, "I've known Andrew the longest out of everyone! I know what I heard him say, don't question me just because I'm older!" She glared at Juniper
"I mean no disrespect Miss. Clementine, I just... I can't.... Andrew wouldn't...." The top hatted Seporian fell silent
"....Sorry", the old mage replied, receiving a nod from Juniper
"We need to see this for ourselves", Kai stated, "we need to see if we can talk to Andrew, this... It's not right... Maybe the kid said something to tick him off, m-maybe he did something"
"The boy can't move remember?" Masie stated, "the paralyzing potion we took made sure of that"
"The para-What paralyzing potion are you talking about?" Hugo asked, his eyes widening at this new found information
Kai glared at him, "we may be questioning our leaders actions but that doesn't me we trust you Corona-!"
"I'm not *FROM* Corna! But that kid in there is my fucking friend, so you're gonna tell me what I wanna know of I'll make sure to REARRANGE YOUR BODY!" Hugo snapped, glaring angrily at the man twice his size, "WHAT PARALYZING POTION DID YOU ASSHOLES USE?!"
"T-the one from the apothecary shop", Kai stated, "we swiped it w-when he wasn't lookin and stuffed it in Varian's mouth"
Hugo went pale, "h-how much did he drink?"
"Not much, maybe a spoonful, he spat out most of it", Clementine answered timidly
The blond let out a breath, "way less than the whole bottle is good enough...." At Quirin's confused expression the blond explained, "had he drank the whole bottle he would've never moved again, since it was a little bit, I have enough antidote to heal him"
"That is, if they won't stand in our way", Adira pointed out, glaring at the Seporians
Maisie sighed, "I.... If Andrew really is torturin the kid, and there really was a better way, then I'll help you get him back... Seporians don't torture, we hurt when we need to, but that's all"
"So blowing up all of Corona?" Eugene asked
"That's when we thought there was no hope of getting our home back, when we thought the Corona-....You, wouldn't listen to us or give us a chance", Clementine stated, "we were wrong, I'll admit that..."
"That's a sudden change of heart", Lance stated
Clementine looked at the ground, "I know what I heard... I don't want to believe it... But..." She noticed the raccoon in the cage, Ruddigar stared at her, his green eyes begging her to let him out. She sighed and unlocked the cage, letting the small mammal leap out of it and onto Quirin's shoulder, "we don't torture.... Especially when there's a better way.... I want to talk to Andrew... I want to reason with him if we can... You let me do that, and I'll help you get Varian back"
"How do we know your friends won't backstab you?" Hector stated, eyeing the other Seporians
"We would never turn our backs on one of our own!" Juniper stated, "which is why I'm having a hard time believing what's being said about Andrew, but if it's proven to be true, I'll have no qualms about helping the teen out...."
"Same...." Kai replied
"Yeah", Maisie agreed
Rapunzel looked at each Seporian, "I.... Thank you.... All of you"
They nodded solemnly before Maisie pointed towards where she and Clementine had just come from, "he's in there, it's a little cave we found, we made sure no one else could find it"
"Then let's go", Edmund stated before they all walked to the cave.
****
They made it to the entrance within a few moments, everyone was dead silent. There was no sound, save for a few whimpers, Ruddigar's tail poofed, as did Pixie and Basil, "blood...." Hector stated, his yellow eyes narrowing, "they smell blood...."
"P-please...." They heard a soft voice say, "y-you... Don't h-have to do this...."
"Varian...." Quirin stated, his heart breaking at his son's wavering voice
"I-I-I-I can h-help you.... P-p-please...." Varian said again, "please s-stop...."
"You're lying again", they heard another voice say in a teasing way
"Andrew?" Kai asked, his eyes wide with shock at the leader's tone
"You keep lying, lying-lying-lying-lying-LIES!" He shouted with a laugh, "nothing you say is right, but you don't think it's wrong, you're so mixed up you know that *buddy*?" He chuckled, "so... Mixed... Up...."
"What the actual fuck?...." Eugene stated
"Girls, stay behind me", Lance stated firmly, pushing Catalina and Angry behind him, they made no arguments as Catalina shook, her sense of smell being heightened by her wolf form enough to smell the alchemist's blood as well. Angry held her hand, rubbing a thumb over her sister's knuckles comfortingly
"What to do, what to *do*? What do we do with liars anyway? In Seporia we'd show them right from wrong, but you? You're from Corona... What do they do hm? Tell me, do you have an answer for that?"
"P-please...." Varian said again
"What no sassy remark? No-no-no *scientific* explanation? None of that? Why Varian, what happened to you, *buddy*? Where's my best *friend* in the whole world?"
*CRACK*
"Fuck this!" Quirin stated before he bolted forwards, "I'm not listening to this anymore!"
Everyone else was right behind him, they ran towards the room the pair were in, only to stop when the man froze at the door, "Quirin?" Edmund asked, "What's wr-!" He stopped at the sight in from of him
Andrew was standing over Varian, a wide, sickening smile on his face as he saw the people at the door, Varian was on the floor, bruised and cut, with long gashes on his arms and legs. The thing that made the retired knight's blood run cold however, was the long, thin, black whip the Seporian leader had in his hands, "oh hello", Andrew stated, that same sickening grin still on his face "care to join us?"
Notes:
So, the ending is very dark, sorry about that, but insanity in and of itself is a *dark* subject, Andrew's just had the run pulled out from beneath him, and in my opinion, I don't think he can take it. The rest of the Seporians didn't have a clue how unstable their leader actually was until this, I honestly think Seporia is a peaceful land, and the only reason they would fight is if they needed to. I say this because of the way Clementine and Kai specifically acted in the show, one of Kai's only lines was being upset at a horse shoe, and he wasn't a very good fighter, nor was Juniper, Clementine, or Maisie. The only one who was was Andrew, and then they had Varian, using that and some of the comments Andrew makes in the Day of Hearts episode made me think this as well. I feel like they are more in tune with nature than anything else, and their people practice potion making and magic (based off the *Seporian* wand of Oblivion). If given the chance, I honestly wonder if the rest of the Separatists of Seporia would change the way they went about their take over of Corona. I do not condone their actions, but I wonder what they would've done differently if it weren't for Andrew.
I feel like I should apologize for writing something so much darker than normal, sorry, but I wanted to get the point across that this isn't a game with Andrew anymore, this is serious, maybe I'm taking it too seriously, but I honestly get a very bad vibe off the man bun Seporian, I really do.... I don't like him, he's the one character in the show that I can't ever see being redeemed, at least to me, you can have your own opinions, I'm more than willing to discuss it too! :D This is just my take, I won't judge you or say you're wrong for liking Andrew and redeeming him or changing him in some way, that's perfectly fine with me :D
Quirin's rage mode is next, but he's got spouts coming from him, he was warned about this, that's all I'm saying, he was warned, and he was warned about what will happen next, if you want to know what I'm talking about, read the dream chapter again :3
Hugo is best boi! He loves his friend! <3
Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Catalina, and Angry don't have big roles here, but I wanted to focus on the Seporians in this one
Hector, Edmund, and Adira didn't have too big a role in this either, but they had roles that were big enough to say something about, they are Quirin's support, I want to make that clear, because they're gonna come in handy next chapter.
Last but not least, Varian... I felt so bad for writing this chapter, simply because seeing him, or writing him, like this is so hard for me to do! I love him so freaking much and I don't want any harm to come to him. But this is actually a part of his character arc too, I'm definitely giving him snuggles, lovings, hugs, and lots and LOTS of better, fluffier chapters for him coming up, but for now, it's gonna be dark... But Quirin's here, he'll protect him, he'll protect his little light, he will, always.
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 129: Obsession!
Summary:
The group tries to talk to Andrew
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everyone was silent as they saw the scene before them, the alchemist was lying on the floor, unmoving but very much alive, his breaths were shallow, and his were closed, but everyone could tell how scared the little alchemist was. Quirin in particular could see his son's hands shaking violently as he lay on the floor, the old farmer's eyes widened when he noticed the tears stains on his son's cheeks, "what... did you just do?" He asked, dumbstruck at the scene before him as Andrew gave him a sickening grin
"Oh, I was just having a discussion with my *buddy* isn't that right?" The Seporian looked at the teen, who merely whimpered at the man's question
"Andrew..." Clementine stated, "what did you do?"
"I *told* you", Andrew stated with a chuckle, "me and Varian were having a chat, that's all! Why? Did you wanna join us? I think he'll be more than willing to admit he's wrong with a few more slashes", the man raised the whip high and began to bring it it down.
A loud *CRACK* was heard, but instead of Varian's mournful yelp, the Seporian leader was met with angry brown eyes as the whip lashed onto Quirin's arm instead, "QUIRIN!" Eugene yelled, but stopped when he saw the look in the man's eye and shivered, it was practically glowing with anger.
"Aw, ruining the fun?" Andrew asked as he tried to lash the whip again before the knight slashed the string in half, one end flying across the room while the other fell uselessly in-between the two, "the fuck?" The Seporian leader snapped, glaring at the man before him.
"ANDREW!" Juniper yelled, getting the man to look at him, "what on EARTH are you DOING?!"
"What do you mean?! I'm punishing a traitor!"
"You're torturing a boy!"
"What you have *feelings* for this kid now? When did that happen?" The Seporian leader snapped
Juniper glared, "is it true he offered to help us with our cause in a peaceful way?"
"What?"
"Is it true Andrew?"
"What are yo-!"
"I heard him!" Clementine stated, stepping up, "I heard Varian offer to help us in a way that would be peaceful, I also heard you call him a liar and then this...." She gestured to the teen laying on the floor as Hugo side stepped towards, watching Andrew before taking another secret step.
Andrew glared, "he's lying! He wouldn't help us, and *all* of you *know* that! Why would you believe a little twerp like him anyway?!"
"Because he mentioned everything we went through went wrong because of you, and thinking about it now, he's not wrong"
This made the Seporian leader's blood boil, "I did *nothing* wrong, THIS-this-this-this *THING* was the reason our problems started in the first place! I spent *SO* much time comforting and helping and calming him down, SO much of my time was spent in that fucking cell with him and for WHAT?!" He pointed to Rapunzel, "for this perfect little princess to wave a magic fucking wand, blink her eyes sadly at him and have him turn away from us?!" Hugo took another step towards the blue eyed alchemist, Quirin noticed and shifted a bit so the blond wouldn't be caught right away, "*I* made the plan, *I* called you there, *I* got us so FUCKING close to success, only for the *brat* to throw it all away!"
"So that's it", Kai said, "you relied on him so much that when he turned away, you were out of options? What about us? You said we were all you needed", Hugo took another step
"Yeah, because *HE* was in the picture! But then *HE* betrayed us! Not only that but he fought us and ruined that plan, after that *HE* and *HIS* family over took us in that village! That was his fault too! If-if-if he wasn't there we would've succeeded in our goals by now!"
"Actually, you kidnapped Varian and trapped him with you, left various clues behind and made it easy to find you", Adira corrected, "so no, that was *your* fault, in fact, he *couldn't* do anything to stop you, he was tied up the entire time".
"I hate to say this, but she's got a point", Maisie stated, Hugo took another step closer, just a little further
"Thank you Dreadlocks"
"WHAT?! No she doesn't! We got him out of our way, had he not signaled that he'd gotten kidnapped then we would've been fine!" Andrew protested
"You know you didn't *have* to touch Varian at all and left him alone while doing your evil scheme", Eugene stated, "then you wouldn't have had the wrath of a thousand Quirin's on your back"
"He's right, that's just flawed logic right there", Lance stated with a raised brow
"Also you left Ruddigar behind", Hector stated flatly, "raccoons are very good trackers, so we would've found you even without the signal, dumbass"
Andrew's eye twitched as Hugo took another step closer, "I-but-but-he-I-no I-....." He closed his eyes, trying to think of anything he could point out that would make this Varian's fault, anything that would make the guilt stop, anything, anything, ANYTHING! ...His mind was blank... The Seporian opened his eyes and glared at his crew, "you... You're all with him aren't you?"
"W-what? No Andrew w-!" Clementine tried
"SHUT UP! JUST ALL OF YOU SHUT UP!!!! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! YOU'LL *NEVER* UNDERSTAND WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WATCH YOUR CULTURE *DIE*!!!!!!" He screamed before finally noticing Hugo as the blond took another step closer, "*YOU*", he roared animalistically, "STAY *AWAY* FROM HIM!!!!!" He lunged forwards as he unsheathed his sword, slashing at Hugo before being startled when the blond pulled out his own dagger
"I know how to fight too", Hugo stated before kicking the Seporian leader in the stomach and knocking him back a few feet before running to Varian's side, grabbing the green vial he has in his pocket, "hang on Freckles, I got ya!"
Andrew balanced himself and lunged again, startling the other Seporians, who tried to stop him, but ended up missing before they heard and very loud ring as Andrew's sword met Quirin's, stopping Hugo in his tracks as he saw the knight glaring at the man, "get to Varian", was all the Village Leader said before he pushed the man away again, this time knocking him into a wall clear across the room. Hugo nodded as Ruddigar hopped off of Quirin's shoulder and onto Hugo's as he continued to run towards Varian.
The blond slid to a stop next to the paralyzed teen, vial in hand, "Freckles, you with me?" He saw Varian open his eyes and look at the blond
"Hu...go..." The teen replied weakly
"Hang on, this is gonna taste horrible, but it'll help", the blond stated before he poured the green liquid into the blue eyed alchemist's mouth. Varian's nose scrunched as the flavor hit his tongue, but managed to swallow it, "got it all down"
"Mm-hm...."
"Good, now let's get you sitting upright", he helped the teen sit up, leaning his back against the wall while the potion did it's job
"HUGO! DUCK!" Angry screamed, getting the blond to duck his head just in time for a sword to fly above him and stick itself into the stone wall where his head was
"Holy shit! What the fuck?!" Hugo replied
"Quirin knocked it out of Andrew's hand", Angry replied
The green eyed alchemist looked at the father, he seemed to be in a very balanced position, on foot in front of the other with one blade out, the other still in it's sheath while his other arm was open and stretched behind him. He looked to be completely focused on Andrew, never dropping his glare as he continued to keep Andrew away from his son. Hugo then looked back at the girl, who was watching him as she and her sister stood behind Lance, "thanks!"
"Don't mention it!"
"How's he doing?" Catalina asked worriedly
Hugo looked at Varian, who's eyes were closed again, it looked like he was resting, but from the tears sliding down the alchemist's face, Hugo could tell sleep was the last thing he was doing, "not so hot...." He replied as he took Varian's hand in his
"ANDREW STOP!" Clementine screamed, stepping front of the Seporian leader before he could take another slash at Quirin, "this needs to stop! You're going too far! If there's a way to get our home back or even coexist with Coronans in our old lands then why wouldn't we take that?!"
"He's LYING!" Andrew yelled
"I'm n-not...." Varian tried, opening his eyes and looking at Andrew, stopping the fight and getting everyone to look at him, "I... I'm n-not lying to y-you.... I r-really w-wanna help... I'm... I.... N-no culture d-deserves to d-die out.... N-none... I k-know you're a-angry but... B-but I'm n-not lying, I w-want to help"
"No you don't! You wouldn't have betrayed us otherwise!"
"Y-you promised n-no one would get hurt....." Varian replied, "you p-promised.... Y-you p-p-promised...." This made Rapunzel wince as Andrew remained silent, "y-you were g-gonna kill e-everyone... I d-didn't want that"
"THEN WHAT DID YOU WANT?!" Andrew shouted, "you said you wanted them to suffer! You said you wanted them to PAY! You wanted to make your father proud, WELL HE WOULD BE PROUD IF YOU FOUGHT FOR HIM!!!! But instead you backed out! YOU BETRAYED ME!!!!!"
That hit Varian like a ton of bricks, that single sentence made him realize something he'd been missing this entire time. He looked at the man, Andrew was a shadow of the Seporian he'd been before, he was much skinnier, his eyes having bags underneath them, his whole body was shaking and he seemed to be out of breath from the fight he'd just had with Quirin. The teen felt guilt and worry swirl in his gut as his eyes watched the man, "A-Andrew I.... I'm sorry...."
This made Andrew stop, looking at the teen with shock, "w...what?"
"I'm.... I'm so sorry.... You.... You were trying to help your people and you went about it in the wrong way, b-but you.... Did you.... Did you actually.... Care about me?"
"I.... Who said I did?!"
"You...." Varian replied, "w-when we were in that cell, you... You took a lot of time to figure me out... Y-yeah you weren't kind or nice after a bit because I w-wasn't doing what you said... B-but you... I think you started to care about me.... T-the way you're acting right now, what you're doing.... I-it isn't healthy a-and you need to s-stop but.... I think what happened between us... Affected you more than you wanted it to...."
Andrew narrowed his eyes, "what are you talking about?"
"Think about it! Y-you spent all that time trying to figure me out a-and k-keep me in line that y-you probably d-didn't notice it at all.... B-but you.... Your mind faked c-caring about me so much t-that you fooled yourself... I... I w-won't lie... I care about you too..." Finally being able to move his body, the alchemist brought his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, "y-you wee there for me w-when I really needed someone, and e-even after you hurt and abused me I s-stayed by your side because I... I n-needed you.... But that was wrong, i-it was wrong for both of us, and you.... Y-you tricked your own m-mind into thinking that you n-needed to keep me u-under control that I think you... Broke.... B-but you don't have to be that w-way anymore.... A-Andrew you can... You can drop me, i-it'll be better for you if you d-did.... You won't b-be hurting yourself anymore a-and you can finally move on, y-you can just stop caring and f-forget about me.... I..." He sighed and looked at the man, "I don't w-want you to hurt because of m-me anymore.... So please... P-please stop..."
"I-!"
"Andrew I'm...." Varian sighed once more, then looked straight at the Seporian leader, "I'm never joining the Seporians again". The Seporian leader looked shocked, and for a brief moment, small tears stung in the corners of his eyes, "I'm sorry.... B-But I will be m-more than willing to help you get your culture back. I c-can talk to my friends, I can see w-what I can do to help, and I'll even b-be willing to listen to your stories.... B-but I'm not a Seporian, I'm barely even a Coronan, I'm just.... Me", he looked at Lance, who smiled encouragingly, "a-and I.... I'm okay with that, j-just being me". He looked at Andrew again, "I'm sorry...."
The Seporian leader merely stared at the boy, so many things were running through his mind as he felt the ground open up and begin to swallow him, "A-Andrew?" He heard Clementine say, but he didn't seem to hear her, his body moved on its own, moving slowly towards the alchemist, who began to look terrified, *that's right* a voice said in his head, *he should be scared of you*, "Andrew!" Clementine called again, this time sounding frantic. Andrew felt a tug on his arm but he jerked it away and kept going, getting closer and closer to the teen, he saw the blond stand in front of him, but that was okay, *I can make quick work of him*, he thought, his eyes were empty as he noticed Varian begin to shiver, then suddenly, he was stopped in his tracks when a large hand pressed against his chest, he looked up to see the boy's father glaring at him, his eyes warning him. "A-Andrew stop!" Clementine tried, grabbing her leader's hand again, "y-you don't need the boy, you can just come with us, we can fix this, w-we can help you!"
"She's right", Kai replied, "we can move on, we can get our home back, just leave him be"
"He's offered us a way to get back, to get our culture back, and he's letting you move on, there's no need to hurt him anymore", Juniper agreed, grabbing Andrew's other arm
"We can work this out together, you just need to calm down and talk to us Andrew, we can help you", Maisie replied, placing a hand on The leader's shoulder
Their voices were merely echoes as he stared at the blue eyed alchemist, who was staring back, terrified. He didn't think, he didn't feel, he didn't breathe, he was just.... "Empty..... Why am I so.... Empty?" He asked
"I.... I d-don't know...." Varian replied
"You don't know...." Andrew repeated before a large grin formed on his face, "you heh heh, you don't know, you don't *fucking* *KNOW*!" The man took a step forward, only for Quirin to push him back, making the Seporian Leader laugh maniacally
"A-Andrew I.... I'm so s-sorry...." Varian said, unable to think of anything else as tears stung in the corner of his eyes and his breathing became faster, alerting Ruddigar, which chittered at his boy, "I.... I-I.... I-I d-didn't-I didn't-I-I-I-I-I-I-!"
Hugo hugged the teen, "i-it's okay, it's okay Freckles, calm down"
"B-but he-I-I d-didn't mean t-to I-I-I t-thought it w-would h-help I-!"
"You did help Varian!" Lance replied, getting both teens to look over, "he's just.... Just..."
"Broken", Quirin replied darkly
Andrew laughed even more, scaring his fellow Seporians, who took a step back, "A-Andrew...." Clementine tried one more time, only for the leader to slash his sword at her, Maisie pulling her away as Hector and Adira held the man back
"Clem he's.... He's not Andrew anymore...." The dreadlock Seporian replied sadly
"No he's not, and he's fucking squirming!" Hector snapped as he tried to keep the Seporian Leader at bay
"Take Speckles and run! We'll hold him off!" Adira added
"Wait what? But we can't just-!" Rapunzel stated
"No", Edmund stated, "they can handle him, we need to get Varian out, *now*"
The princess looked like she was about to argue, but stopped when she saw the sad look the dark king and Quirin gave her and nodded, "ok...."
Hugo helped Varian up as Eugene ran over and scooped the teen in his arms, Ruddigar hopping onto his shoulder, before they all ran out. They heard Andrew screaming and thrashing as Adira and Hector tried to fight him off, sounds of metal against metal could be heard from the room as the group ran out. Varian clung to Eugene's shirt, sick with worry and guilt before they all stopped and turned to face the room, the sound they'd heard turning Quirin and Edmund's blood cold as they heard Adira let out a blood curdling *scream*....
Notes:
I am so sorry about the lack of uploads, I had something happen that didn't allow me to write for a bit, but I managed to get this done early, so I hope that helps a little <3
So Andrew's broken, the Seporians, Varian, and everyone else tried to help him, but he's broken.... Unfortunately, there are some cases where you just can't come back from that....
Poor Varian.... Obsession is not an easy thing to handle, obsession, among other things, is a hard thing to cope with, especially when you're the one that's targeted. It's very hard to get away from a person like that, and unfortunately, Andrew is to the point where even pain won't stop him.
I tried to write this carefully so I hope this turned out alright.
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 130: Quirin's Rage! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Quirin, Edmund, Hugo, and the Seporians find out what happened to Adira, and Quirin's temper is tested as the Seporian's leadership is questioned
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"No he's not, and he's fucking squirming!" Hector snapped as he tried to keep the Seporian Leader at bay
"Take Speckles and run! We'll hold him off!" Adira added
"Wait what? But we can't just-!" Rapunzel stated
"No", Edmund stated, "they can handle him, we need to get Varian out, *now*"
The princess looked like she was about to argue, but stopped when she saw the sad look the dark king and Quirin gave her and nodded, "ok...."
Hugo helped Varian up as Eugene ran over and scooped the teen in his arms, Ruddigar hopping onto his shoulder, before they all ran out. They heard Andrew screaming and thrashing as Adira and Hector tried to fight him off, sounds of metal against metal could be heard from the room as the group ran out. Varian clung to Eugene's shirt, sick with worry and guilt before they all stopped and turned to face the room, the sound they'd heard turning Quirin and Edmund's blood cold as they heard Adira let out a blood curdling *scream*....
"W-wait, that was-!" Edmund started
"Adira...." Quirin finished, his eyes wide with worry and anger
"Holy shit...." Eugene stated
"W-we can't just run away!" Varian stated, trying to wiggle out of the dark prince's arms, "w-we gotta h-help her!"
"Woah easy kid!" Eugene stated, trying to calm the alchemist down, "you're really hurt, you can't go back in there"
Varian stopped and looked at his big brother, "I-I can't... She's hurt Eugene! I-I can't just *leave* her!"
"Hair stripe you can barely *stand*"
"I d-don't care!" Varian wiggled again, this time managing to get Eugene to drop him by accident
"Easy little man, easy", Lance stated as caught the teen in the nick of time, "Eugene's right, you're really hurt"
"B-but she screamed Lance, she *screamed*! Adira n-never screams!!!! W-we can't leave her! I don't w-want to leave her! H-her and Hector c-could be hurt, and it w-would be all my fault if they are!"
"How would it b-!"
"Andrew's a-after ME! H-he's after me a-and she's d-defending me! If she dies i-it's my fault! I can't... S-she.... I can't leave her in t-there!" Varian cried, trying again to struggle out of Lance's grip fruitlessly, as the man had a much tighter hold on the tiny alchemist that the dark prince.
"Varian it... It's not your fault", Lance tried, but it was pointless as Varian continued to try and get out of his grip, "V-varian"
"Stop", Hugo stated, grabbing the blue eyed alchemist's face and getting him to hold still, "you're hurt and weak, you can't walk and that paralyzing potion is probably still inside your body, you keep this up and you're gonna end up worse than you are now, stop".
"B-but Hug-!" Varian started
"No, stop, you're hurt Freckles, your aunt and uncle wouldn't want you to go back in there when they're trying to help save you. Besides, you're too hurt to fight, you can't throw alchemy bombs with your arms cut up like that, hell, even Ruddigar is shaking his head no, you need to stop".
Varian was startled but the blond had a point, even if he went inside with them, what could he do, cheer them on from the side? He wanted to argue, wanted to make a point, he didn't want to give up.... "t-they're my family...." Hugo looked like he was about to argue, "t-they're my only family.... I-if you were hurt and y-you knew your family was h-hurt too.... Would you l-leave them behind?"
Hugo stopped, his jaw clenching, "that's.... That's not fair"
"Would you?"
"I....." Hugo sighed, "no.... No I wouldn't.... But I wouldn't rush into danger either without a plan!"
"I.... O-ok maybe I am.... B-but we *need* to get in there fast", Varian stated, shaking the blond's hands off his face and looking up at Lance, "we *need* to get inside and help them!"
"Then how about this?" Quirin stated, his voice low and icy, "you stick with Eugene and Lance and leave Andrew to *us*". Varian was about to argue with his father, but he stopped when he saw his dad's face. Quirin's eyes were *dark* as he glared at the place they'd left, "Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, take Varian and the girls and get back to the caravan, wait for us there. The king and I will finish this....", the Village Leader stated nodding to Edmund, who nodded back.
"So.... I noticed you didn't mention me when you told all of them to get to the caravan", Hugo said as he looked up at Quirin, "that mean I'm free to come along?"
"If you want to", the retired knight replied, "it would be nice to have an alchemist along, just in case Adira got paralyzed"
Hugo smiled, "you can count on me"
"I know", Quirin replied with a smirk, startling the blond before he returned the smirk
"B-but...." Varian started, "I.... D-dad you..."
"We'll be fine Varian, just go back to the caravan, please", the retired knight looked at his son, walking over and cupping his son's cheek gently, "please", he repeated, "you'll be safe there, we'll make sure to get Adira and Hector back"
"W-what about you?"
"What do yo-!"
"Y-your dream! I-it was warning you! Y-you don't w-want to... B-but you.... D-dad I... I'm worried about you...."
The retired knight was startled but sighed, "I... I'm angry... Very angry.... But I won't do what I did in my dream, I won't"
"Promise me", the teen stated, "promise me you won't do it, p-promise me"
Quirin smiled, carefully taking his son out of Lance's arms and hugging him tightly, letting the little alchemist cry into his vest, "I promise, I promise I won't, not unless I have to, I promise". Varian wrapped his arms around his father, holding him for a while before he broke the hug and kissed his son's head, "I promise, but can you promise me to stay in the caravan until we come back?"
"I...." Varian sighed, "Ok.... I p-promise.... B-but you'd better come back! E-even if.... Even if you h-had to...."
"I will", Quirin smiled, "I love you Varian"
"I love you too dad", they hugged one more time before the retired knight handed the teen over to Eugene, who smiled before taking the alchemist away as the retired knight, dark king, alchemist, and Seporians looked back at the room with worry.
****
Adira and Hector glared at the lead Seporian as they continued to try and keep him from struggling. Adira tried to knock him out, but Andrew growled like a wild animal and began to kick and slice at the duo, making them both jump back. Right as they did, Andrew elbowed Hector *hard* in the stomach, knocking the wild tamer back a bit more with a grunt, "GET AWAY FROM ME!!!!" The Seporian leader screamed as he took out his sword and swung it down at Hector.
A loud clang was heard throughout the room as Adira blocked the attack with the sword Lance gave her, she glared, "back off my BROTHER!" She pushed the Seporian back and they clashed swords, she managed to dodge most of Andrew's attacks but the deranged man was slashing far too quickly for her to dodge everything. The face painted warrior ended up with a slash on her cheek and a couple more on her arms before she managed to hop back, landing next to Hector, who had his gauntlet blade out.
"You okay?" He asked
"I'm fine... He's fighting like he has nothing left to lose though, so be careful"
"Noted, we work together then", the tamer replied before he blocked an attack from the Seporian leader before another slew of slashes came his way.
"Right", Adira agreed as the wild tamer managed to fight back and kept Andrew at bay while his she attacked him from behind, trying to knock him off his feet.
Andrew laughed, "YOU THINK YOU TWO CAN STOP *ME*?!" He asked before he nearly sliced Adira's head off, making the warrior back away, same as Hector, "you two don't get it at all.... I've lost everything, my home, my family, my group, everything, I don't care what happens to me now.... But if I'm going down", he raised his blade, "I'M TAKING THAT FUCKING TRAITOR, AND EVERYONE WHO STANDS WITH HIM, WITH ME!!!!!!" He raced towards Hector, slashing at the tamer.
Hector glared at the man, his yellow eyes glinting threateningly, "you're pushing a very serious button fucker, you may wanna stop before you end up losing more", he warned
Andrew scoffed, "what are you gonna do? Kill me? I wouldn't be opposed at this point!" He swung his sword down, making Hector dodge, he chuckled, "some *warriors* of the Dark Kingdom, you can't even take down m-!"
"Guess again", Hector stated from right behind the man, he kicked the back of his knees, making Andrew fall forwards and hit the ground with a thump, he flipped over to face the man before a blade was brought to his neck, "take down who now?" Hector asked with a smirk
Andrew growled before he noticed a dagger nearby, "do it", he stated as he brought his attention back to Hector, bringing the blade closer, "just fucking do it"
The tamer raised a brow as Adira walked over, keeping her distance, just in case, "you really wanna die that badly?" The wild tamer asked
"Like I said", Andrew chuckled, "I've got nothing left... My home, my people, my fucking family.... So just... Do it"
Hector hesitated, that ended up being a mistake as the Seporian ended up tripping the wild tamer, knocking him to the ground, Adira brought out her blade but as she was about to attack, she saw the Seporian grab the dagger and throw it at her brother, who was about to get up. Adira's eyes widened as she ran towards the blade, "LOOK OUT!" She screamed, pushing Hector out of the way right as the dagger pierced her side, making her let out a scream.
The wild tamer slid against the ground before looking up and seeing his sister holding her side with the dagger sticking out, "ADIRA!" He yelled, getting up and running to her, stopping when he saw a blade in his face
"Hello", Andrew stated with a smirk and a giggle, "remember me?"
Suddenly, the Seporian leader felt something crash against him, making him fly into the air before he landed across the room with a very loud *thud*. When he glared at the person, his blood chilled when he saw the icy stare Quirin gave him, "remember him?" Hector retorted as Quirin growled at the Seporian.
"ADIRA!" Edmund shouted, running over to the women
The face painted warrior sat up, wincing a bit as pain shot through her body before she smiled at the dark king, "hey, I.... I'm fine, it's not a big deal...." She replied
"Are you kidding?" Hugo asked, walking over to her and inspecting the wound, "the dagger went all the way to the hilt, it's *deep*, you *need* medical attention, fast"
"That bad?" The dark king asked worriedly, getting the blond to nod
Andrew cackled, standing up on wobbly legs and grinning at the group, "LIKE SHE DIDN'T *FUCKING* DESERVE IT!" He shouted, "and now look, I got you all back here, daww, isn't that so fucking *sweet*"
"A-Andrew...." Clementine started, "y-you.... you're...."
"I'm *what*?! Crazy? Insane?! HUH?! Well I WOULDN'T BE IF IT WERE FOR THAT FUCKING KID!!!!!!" He screamed
"ENOUGH!" Quirin yelled, his voice bouncing off the walls and commanding the entire room into silence
"Uh oh, daddy got mad", Andrew joked with a smirk
Quirin raised a brow, "'daddy'?" He repeated, noticing a plate nearby and picking it up, "you made my son cry that when you forced him inside the room with me while I was frozen in the amber, you heard him having nightmares where that was what he would say and you would just laugh, he has nightmares about you and screams 'daddy' until I come running in, so yes", the man threw the plate like a Frisbee, watching it crash onto the wall behind the Seporian as he ducked, "daddy is fucking *pissed*".
Andrew laughed, "aww, poor baby can't even go through the night without thinking about me, how sweet", Quirin growled, "what, don't like that? Odd seeing as how you're perfectly fine with him having the hots for a street rat!" He snapped, gesturing to Hugo, who blushed but ignored the man in favor of helping the fallen warrior
"I would shut your mouth if I were you", Edmund stated, his own eyes turning dark as he glared at the man before him, "you're in no position to talk like that...."
"A-Andrew please!" Clementine said, "you're not yourself right now! You can stop, you can stop this whole thing right now and just come with us"
"And WHAT?! Be in the shadow of the Coronans?! The kid tricked us, and he's tricking you again!"
"Andrew, he's not even here!" Maisie stated, "the kid's not with us right now, how can he be tricking us if he's not in the room?"
"Yes he is! He's everywhere! In your head, in your mind, in your fucking *heart*! He's everywhere, EVERYWHERE! I can't STAND him! I want him OUT! The only way to do that is to GET RID OF HIM! That's the ONLY way it'll stop!"
The Seporians looked at each other worriedly, "w-what'll stop?" Kai asked
"His fucking VOICE IN MY HEAD!!!!!" The man screamed, smashing his fist against the wall behind him, "it's always HIS voice saying shit I don't need to hear, 'you can do better Andrew' or 'you're above this Andrew' or fucking 'I'm not a Seporian Andrew' and I've HAD IT! He's there all day and all night, you can be better and change, you can do better for your people, you can, you will, you are, you you you-you-you-you-FUCKING *YOU*!!!!!!!" The Seporian leader screamed, "WHY CAN'T HE LEAVE MEN ALONE?! Why-*why*-WHY?! HE'S NOT MY FRIEND, HE'S NOT MY BROTHER! HE'S NOT!!!!!! HE'S *NOT*!!!!!!! He.... He doesn't even want to be a Seporian anymore.... So why can't I get his little annoying voice out of my head? Why?..." The man felt tears slide down his cheeks as he tried to figure out how to stop the teen's voice from comforting him, "...It's.... It's like I have him everywhere with me.... Everywhere... I see him next to me right now... Placing a hand on my shoulder.... Comforting me...." He shook, "I.... I don't want him here.... He's a traitor.... But why.... Why does his image make me feel better?....."
"He.... He did that for me too...." Hugo replied, his blush still there as he continued to focus on Adira's wound, "you're right, I'm a street rat, no home, no people, just a little rat the prowls around and looks for whatever can make me the most money... Hell I was trying to get my latest scam up and running when I ran into Varian... He was a bird, got turned into one when he drank some tea from a magic teakettle", at Andrew's confused look the blond chuckled, "long story. Either way, I said I'd heal him in return for that kettle, and I made good on my word, what I didn't expect was for that little bird to start talking to me. He asked me about myself and we bonded, over a lot actually, he's got a way of making you feel like you're not alone in this world, like when he's there, you've got a purpose somehow.... He's... He's pretty amazing in that way", Hugo smirked at the thought of the blue eyed alchemist's face, "I get why you'd see it as annoying, you only wanted to use him, but see, it doesn't work that way with Varian. He finds a way to wiggle into your heart weather you want him to or not, and I guess that's why he's driving you so crazy", he looked up at the man, "you care about him, he was right about that, but you're fighting with yourself, telling yourself you can be better because Varian said you could, he did didn't he?"
"I...."
"...Thought so", Hugo chuckled, "look you... Fuck it, I'm not lying, you're a really fucked up guy, like seriously whipping at 15 year old is not okay and if you ever do that to that fucking starlight kid again you're gonna meet the end of my boot! But.... Varian believes you can be a better person, maybe you don't think you can, maybe you think you've failed your people, but.... He believes in you, so maybe you could take a little of that belief and try not to be a horrible piece of shit for two minutes. Listen to your group, your people, and heal, would it really be so bad to accept his advice?"
The Seporian thought about it for a moment before visions of Varian and Rapunzel destroying his plans flashed in his mind, he growled, "yes, it would.... He needs to go... I need him dead.... And I'm not gonna stop until he is...." The Seporian Leader looked directly at Quirin, "and I'll kill *anyone* who stands in my fucking way...."
"Andrew...." Juniper stated, before closing his eyes, opening them again to glare at the man, "fine then, Andrew, I'm sorry but you leave me no choice". He stepped in front of Quirin and drew a sword, "Andrew, I am stripping you as a leader of this Seporian group movement, I no longer believe you are fit for the job!"
The other Seporians gasped, all of them unsure of what to say, "reeeeally? Heh heh, well FINE!" Andrew snapped, "questioning me means you're a traitor too! So I guess I'll have to deal with you like I'll deal with that fucking KID!!!!" Clementine, Maisie, and Kai were all shocked to hear their leader say this, but looking at each other, they all agreed, and stood next to Juniper, glaring at the man the used to be Andrew. He laughed even more, "FINE! That's fucking FINE!!!! You're all siding with the fucking traitor! Then I'll just have to take out ALL OF YOU!!!!!" He slashed his sword and glared at the group before seeing the retired knight step in front of them, "what are you doing? Protecting them?! They made their choice!"
Quirin stayed silent but glared at the man, before he looked at the Seporians, "stay behind me and you'll be safe"
"W-what.... What are you gonna do to him?" Clementine asked
The Village Leader drew his duel blades, "I'm going to stop him from harming the innocent, and himself", he then looked at the broken man, "and I'm avenging my *son*".
Notes:
Finally getting into Quirin's part in this! Here's part 1 folks :D
Quirin and Varian moments are adorable and we need more of them! :D Also, dad's taking out the broken trash! :D
Varigo is still the best ship, and I will make sure to keep it in my story X3 Also protective Hugo :D <3
Andrew has truly lost everything... Well... Almost everything....
Poor Adira, Andrew used a cheap shot! She protected her brother though, I like writing Hector and Adira's relationship, should I do more of it? Please let me know if you'd like to read that! :D
Thank you for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 131: Quirin's Rage! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Quirin faces the man that's caused his son so much pain.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Andrew laughed, "you're gonna 'avenge your son', really?" The Seporian was swept off his feet when the knight ran into him at full speed, pointing a blade to the man's neck was he looked up at him from the ground.
"You may want to watch what you say", Quirin warned, "*especially* about my son".
Andrew raised a brow, "you know what he did right? All those innocent people who got hurt, all those machines he set on your precious villagers", the Seporian kicked the retired knight's hand away quickly, managing to get up before the Village Leader picked up the blade and pointed the sword inches away from the Seporian's heart. Andrew scoffed, "wow, so serious, you know I helped your kid right? Took care of him, got him food when the guards didn't let him eat, made sure he was warm and comforted when he felt cold and abandoned... You know he actually told me things about you".
Quirin slashed his sword, cutting Andrew's cheek and then pushed the man away, "your mind games won't work on me, I'm giving you one chance, only *one*, to walk away and accept your wrong doings before I *make* you".
"Oh? And how are you gonna do that?" The Seporian asked, bringing out his own blade and taking a fighting stance, "by killing me?"
"No", the retired knight took his own fighting stance, "but keep talking like that and you'll find out"
"Pfft, typical Cornan behavior, so uppity, so much better than the rest of us *savages*, right? Even though you lock children in your cells and do horrible things to them, YOU'RE ALL A BUNCH OF FUCKING *HYPOCRITS*!" He ran forwards and slashed his blade at lightning speed, only for the attack to be blocked effortlessly by the retired knight, who kicked the Seporian's stomach and sent him flying backwards again.
"One chance Andrew, take it", Quirin warned, "not because I'm better than you, I don't care about that, but because it's better for your people if you do". He gestured towards the rest of the Seporians, "they don't want this, they don't want you to act like this, they want peace, shouldn't *that* be in a leader's interest? To do what his *people* want?"
Andrew laughed, "since when do YOU know about being a leader?!"
"Since I became the Village Leader, and even before that", the retired knight stated, "when you're a leader, knight, ruler, whatever, you make a promise to your people to keep them safe and help them when they need you! You protect them, no matter what happens to you, that's what being a leader is!" The Seporian growled, got up, and ran forwards, attacking the man again, only to be blocked over and over again as Quirin continued, "you lead them to a better life, a better way of being!" He grabbed the former leader of the Seporian's arm and threw him to the ground, pointing his blade at the man's neck again, "you sacrifice what you have to help them succeed, and you smile because your efforts and hard work helped someone other than you! *That's* what it means to *be* a leader, my king knew that when he was merely 19, and he probably knew before that! *You* are *not* a leader, you're a *coward* and you're *selfish*, you're not fit to lead anyone and your actions have hurt your cause and your people! Yet you blame a 15 year old *boy* who was tortured and abused!" He narrowed his eyes at the man below him, "now tell me again who's the *real* hypocrite".
Andrew growled before he remembered something, his eyes looking the man up and down before he smirked, "says the man who neglected that 15 year old for majority of his life". Quirin winced, allowing Andrew to kick him, making the Village Leader slide back a bit as he got up again and pick up his blade, "says the man that scolded Varian for just trying to help". He slashed his blade, cutting Quirin's arm as he blocked before the retired knight slashed back, connecting their swords together as the old farmer *glared* at the Seporian, "you wanna talk about hypocrisy? Let's fucking *talk*!"
Quirin bared his teeth as he pushed the Seporian away, making the man slide, "I'm only gonna say this *once*", he stated before he jumped over and slammed Andrew into the wall, "you are talking about things you do *not* understand! So if I were you, I'd shut up and walk away".
"Or what?" Andrew challenged, "you'll cry over how bad a parent you are?!" He kicked Quirin away before slashing his sword at him, keeping the retired knight from attacking as he blocked, "you'll cry over ow you treated him? You'll get mad because I'm telling you the truth? That you're not so great and you haven't changed and you never will? Is that why?" His words cut as deep as his sword as Quirin took every slash the man gave him, inside and out. "You yelled and snapped at him, distanced yourself from him, made him feel less and less important, and yet he gave up EVERYTHING for you! Yet you come in here and act like you're the hero?!"
"QUIRIN!" Edmund yelled as he watched his knight's knees knees buckle, he ran to the man's aid, bringing out his axe and slicing at Andrew, making the Seporian back away as he stood in front of his best friend, "get away from him!"
Andrew laughed maniacally, "Aww look at him! He's so cute when he crumples to the ground like that! You know your son got a lot from you, he got your anger, your stubborn pride", the man smiled, "and your cold shoulder". He backed up a bit when Edmund gave him a dark look, "tch, it's a wonder he fakes forgiving you, you know you don't deserve it, you know he's too good for you, you know that. Stubborn fucking idiot, can't even see past your own son's deceit, damn shame too, all you're good for is fucking fighting".
The retired knight closed his eyes, feeling his tears burn as they slid down his cheeks as the Seporian voiced all of his fears, "I... know.... I know...."
"YOU'RE WRONG!!!!!" Edmund yelled, "Varian DOES forgive him! He does! He's proved that time and time again, that boy thinks the world of his father, he knows how hard you try Quirin, he knows! I see it everyday when he looks at you, when you play or tease him, he loves you! You made mistakes, but you're making them right! He learns from you and will gladly stand by your side, he loves you and he HAS forgiven you!"
"He's right brother", Hector chimed in, "the kid may have been through a lot, and yeah you made mistakes, but he cares a lot about you. He has forgiven you, he has"
Adira nodded, too weak to stand up, "you made mistakes, but even I know that Speckles has forgiven you for them. You heard him say it yourself, in all that time, all those words, do you think any of *that* was a lie?"
Quirin looked at her, "I-!"
"Do you?"
"No.... No I... I know he didn't lie..."
"So then why are you letting this shit head get to you?" Hector asked, "he's wrong, and he's insane, he knows he's cooked so he's using anything he can to hurt you and knock you down, including Varian".
The retired knight stayed silent, he wanted to believe them, he wanted to, but.... "I.. May not know what exactly you're talking about, but I know Varian loves you a lot", Hugo said, getting the group to look at him, "the first time we met he mentioned it was just you and him... A-and Ruddigar but uh, humans first, eheh.... H-he mentioned that it was only you two for a long time, even before the raccoon, and although he didn't tell me much, when I first met you, and the way he ran to you told me plenty. When I saw you interacting with him too, right before the market, I could see how much he cared about you, tugging on you and hanging off your arm like a monkey doesn't really seem like something Freckles does on a constant basis. Hell, even before I met you he was cracking jokes about you, how you'd find out if he'd say a bad word or not, that he didn't know *how* you would find out, but you would, and it was enough for him not to", this made Quirin chuckle, prompting the blond to continue, "he mentioned the amber to me, I asked, and he told me the story, it... sounds like it was rough on both of you, but he still comforted you when you had that dream, he teased you and stuck by you in the market, he said he loved you and hugged you before you came in here, he even made you promise not to kill shit head over there because he knew it would affect you badly, he... He really cares about you, and if he really didn't forgive you then he wouldn't do any of that. That... Amber incident... It sucked, and maybe it wasn't your greatest moment, and yeah, maybe you felt like you had to distance yourself from him, to keep him safe among other things, but from what I saw, he doesn't hold that against you, he doesn't. And from the way you talked about him when he left with Eugene in the market, you care an awful lot about him too, kinda proves that you're not a horrible parent or person, you just made a mistake, and that's normal, it's human, we all do it". He stopped and blushed when he noticed everyone watching him, "....A-although I am new, so take my opinion with a gigantic mountain of salt! B-but... He really loves you Quirin, really, and if *I* can see that, than it's gotta be true, and if it's not", he pointed to Hector, "I'll eat his cape".
The wild tamer raised a brow, "and die trying", he retorted with a smirk
"Exactly"
The retired knight chuckled, the words sinking in, he knew none of them were lying, and he smiled. Before he heard his king let out a yelp in pain, looking he saw the dark king back up a bit, glaring as blood dripped from the new wound on his arm, "can we cut the fucking bullshit please?!" Andrew snapped, "I'm fucking over the fluffy cutsy stuff, I'm here to fucking fight, so FIGHT!" He lunged at the dark king, slashing his blade before it clashed with Quirin's, the retired knight stepping in front of his king and glaring at the man once more, "gonna fight me again? This oughta be fu-!"
Andrew didn't finish that sentence as Quirin sliced his chest before punching his jaw and knocking Andrew to the ground once more, "fun? Did you think it would be?"
The Seporian hopped up and picked up his sword, "oh what you're back to fighting me now? Had your flower moment and you think you can just stand up to me? That's not how this works, you know you don't believe them, you know you have your doubts, I would too if he were my fucking kid! He may play with you and tease you, but did you ever think it was maybe because he was afraid? Maybe he just didn't want to upset you because then you'd be disappointed?" Quirin narrowed his eyes, "yeah, thought so, like your doubts and fears will ever go away, you're just as broken as ME! Face the fucking facts! And you know what, because of you and what you did to him, so is Varian!"
The retired knight lunged forwards and began to slash at Andrew, the Seporian was surprised, but began to block, trying to stop the attacks before he found himself cornered with Quirin's blade at his neck, "you think you know everything there is to know, don't you?" The knight stated before he grabbed the man by the shirt and threw him to the ground, his eyes nearly pitch black as he kicked the Seporian's sword away, "you think you're so clever by throwing my past in my fucking face". He watched Andrew back up, unable to stand as the knight advanced, "then you hurt my son, you kidnap him twice, you torture him, you're the root nearly all his nightmares, then you have the *gull* to tell me it's all my fault, WELL I'M FULLY AWARE OF HOW BAD I MESSED UP!" He yelled, "and I'm fucking pissed again! Congrats, you've done it, you've actually managed to tick me off, are you FUCKING HAPPY?!" The man screamed, actually scaring the Seporian, getting Quirin to scoff, "what? Now me being upset worries you? Didn't you want this? For me to lose my temper and fight you?"
"I-I-!"
"Yes you did", Adira answered
"As a matter of fact, you practically *begged* for this", Hector agreed
"And now you have it", Edmund added, "you've just met quite possibly the scariest thing you're ever gonna see"
"Me", Quirin stated before he took another step forwards, getting closer to the retreating man
Andrew felt a shiver run down his spine as he stared at the large man above him, continuing to back away, "y-you wouldn't, you... Y-you're too-!"
"Too what? Too nice? Too soft? Too quiet? Or maybe I've just had enough, enough talk, enough waiting, enough time to fully process everything you've done to my child.... Not only him, but now you've stabbed my sister and wounded my king, and you seem to think that's okay because what, my son betrayed you?"
"H-he did! He-!"
"Shut up Andrew....", Quirin stated darkly as he backed the Seporian into a corner, bringing his blade to the man's neck, "I'm done listening to you...."
Andrew looked at the other Seporians, "h-hey, a-aren't you gonna stop him? H-he.... He's g-gonna kill me!"
"Oh now you want our help?" Clementine asked
"After we gave you so many chances?" Maisie added
"Did you not hear what I just said?! HE'S GONNA FUCKING KILL ME!!!!!"
Juniper and Kai remained silent, none of the Seporians made any attempts to stop the knight, none of the people in that room did, they all just watched as Quirin's blade got closer, and closer....
"DON'T!" Hugo screamed, running over and grabbing Quirin's arm, "y-you promised!" He said, looking straight into Quirin's eyes, "you promised him! You promised you wouldn't! So don't! He's had enough, don't, don't lower yourself to his level, don't, you're not like that". The knight stopped and looked at Hugo, for a moment he debated, looking in-between the man who's caused his son so much pain, and the new friend his son had just made. He wanted to end it, he wanted to get rid of him, he gripped his sword tightly as his eyes darted between the two, "Quirin, please", Hugo said, "don't.... Don't kill him.... He can go back to Corona and be held accountable for all that he's done, let his victims decide his fate", he sighed, "please, for Varian, don't kill him".
The retired knight's mind flashed images of his son, desperately clinging to him and making him promise not to kill Andrew. He'd meant that promise, he meant it with all his heart and soul, so with a heavy sigh, Quirin took one last look at Andrew.... And lowered his sword, "you're right Hugo.... I promised...." He smiled at the blond, "for Varian, always".
The blond smirked, letting go of the man's arm, "...n-none of you.... N-none of you would've s-stopped him...." Andrew said as he looked at the rest of the Seporians, all of them remained silent, but their lack of words were enough as the man felt his world break. He stared at them for a long time, "Y-you.... Y.......... I.... Really m-messed up..... Didn't I?....."
"Yeah", Juniper stated, "you did.... You weren't acting like a Seporian...."
"Andrew you...." Clementine sighed, "you.... You betrayed us.... You went against our ways... You betrayed us, your family, and your culture...."
"You're not a Seporian anymore...." Kai added
"And we're going to face what you've done.... All of us.... So we can make things right", Maisie stated, "if you have any kind of integrity or respect for our culture.... You'll do the same...."
"I.... B-betrayed you..... I'm n-not a Seporian anymore.... I...." Andrew's shoulders dropped, "I'm a traitor to Seporia....."
The room was silent as they all stared at the man before Hector walked over and stood him up, keeping on hand on his shoulder, "yep, and you're coming with us", he stated before looking at Edmund, who was helping Adira to her feet, "you got her?"
"She's not heavy, I've got her", the king replied with a smile
Adira raised a brow, "was there doubt?"
"From how many apples you steal? Maybe a little", Quirin teased, getting his sister to punch his arm as he chuckled, "I'm just kidding"
"Good to have you back at least, Stickler", the face painted warrior stated with a smile
"Come on, we should really get back to the caravan, Freckles is probably freaking out at this point", Hugo pointed out
Quirin smiled, "yeah, he probably is", he then looked at the blond, "thanks, for stopping me"
Hugo blinked for a moment before smiling, "anytime"
Notes:
Here it is, part 2 to 'Quirin's Rage', gotta say, I kept debating the ending for this, but I like how it turned out, I will say this, the next chapter is a doozy, so stay tuned for that! :D
Quirin's arc is the start of him finally beginning to forgive himself, he's been attacking himself, putting himself down, and feeling overwhelming guilt because of what happened in the past. He doesn't trust himself, he doesn't trust his actions, and that's very common with a lot of people, they don't trust who they are because of what they've done before. But you can, it takes time and you'll need help, but you can trust yourself again and learn to feel better about yourself, even if what you did caused someone else to hurt, if you fix what you did and you make up for it everyday, you have every right to forgive yourself. You're not a bad person because of the mistakes you've made, you're a bad person if you continue to make them. Quirin's story makes me sad, because we never really get to see him do this in the show, but I know he felt horrible for how he distanced himself from Varian, I know he felt bad, which is why he tried to fix it in his interactions with his son. I love Quirin, I really do, and I see a lot of things that happened in my life in him, I've made mistakes, we all have, but we're human, that's normal. Protective farmer dad gets a happy ending in my story, and he's gonna try to forgive himself too, he hasn't done it yet, but he'll try, because he's a good dad and he deserves it!
Hugo being there was not in the original plan, I was gonna have him be gone before this actually, but I liked having him here and he ended up playing a really important role in this. So I'm glad he's still around <3
Adira, Hector, Edmund, and the rest of the Seporians have minor roles here, but they're all important, also I'm gonna write more Dark Kingdom fluff, don't worry :3 I haven't forgotten the backstory for how Adira and Hector became part of the Brotherhood, I haven't, we'll get back to that, just gonna be a minute.
Andrew.... Well... You'll see.... :3
Thank you for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 132: Closure! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The group makes it back to the caravan
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group walked back to the caravan completely silent as rain began to pour around them. no one knew what to say, all they knew is they were tired and needed to rest. Hugo was leading the way and he ended up spotting the caravan first, particularly since he noticed the blue eyed alchemist pacing back and forth in front of it. He was limping and had his arms wrapped around himself, his cuts and bruises were all bandaged up and he looked a mess, but he continued to pace, "Varian come on, it's getting really bad out, you need to come inside", Rapunzel called from the caravan.
"I-I'm not going in u-until they're back", the teen called, continuing to pace
"Kid I know you're worried but they'll be alright, you need to get in here", Eugene retorted, huffing when he saw the teen shake his head, continuing to pace as Ruddigar chittered at him
Lance sighed, walking out into the rain, "come on little man, they'll be back soon, you gotta get inside otherwise you're gonna catch a cold", he explained gently
Varian just shook his head again, "n-need dad.... A-and Hugo a-and Adira.... A-and Hector and Grandpa.... I n-need them to come back first...."
Lance looked over to the caravan and shrugged, unsure of what else to do, Hugo smirked before he budged Quirin and pointed to the teen. The retired knight looked and sighed, but smiled as he walked over to his son. The teen had his back to him, still pacing and shivering before he yelped as he felt himself being picked up, "it's a little cold for bare feet in the mud don't you think?" The old farmer stated as he held the teen, bridal style, and kept him close to his chest
"D-dad!" Varian replied, his voice filled with relief as he hugged his father happily before feeling something drip on his shoulder, looking, he felt faint when he saw the red liquid coming from the Village Leader's arm, "o-oh no, you're-!"
"I'm alright, just got a little cut up"
"B-but your arm-!"
"Is okay, come on, let's get you inside, maybe to have a talk about the pros and cons of standing in the rain while bare foot and hurt?"
The teen stopped and blushed as he looked up at his father, "uh... eheh... D-does me being kidnapped and hurt warrant a skip on the lecture?"
"It skips the punishment, but the lecture is forthcoming"
"Not even if I apologize?"
"Nope"
"Evil jerkface" The alchemist replied, crossing his arms before he remembered something, "A-Adira! Is she-!"
"I'm fine", Adira stated as she and Edmund walked over to the pair, "just.... Need to get this out of me", she pointed to the dagger as Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel walked over
The dark prince and sunshine princess gasped as Lance stuttered, "A-A-..... uh..... Ow...."
The face painted warrior chuckled, "it's not so bad, goldilocks healed it up pretty well"
"Sorry I couldn't remove the dagger yet, it's safer to do so when I have all my tools", Hugo stated as he looked at the wound, "plus I didn't want you to bleed ou-Goldilocks?"
"That's understandable", the face painted warrior replied with a smirk, "and yes"
The green eyed alchemist raised a brow, "one, you are surprisingly calm about this, and two, no"
"Too late, can't take it back"
"Please do"
"I won't"
"Seriously?"
"It fits you"
"What if I died my hair?"
"Would you?"
Hugo went silent as Adira smiled, "shut up"
"I didn't say a word"
"You didn't have to..."
"That's true"
"What if I called you silver hair?"
"I'd say you have a keen eye"
"You really can't make it any less fairytale?"
"Nope"
"Why?"
"Because"
"Because?"
"Because"
The teen huffed as Varian giggled and patted his shoulder, "if it helps, I'm 'Speckles'"
"Speckles works, Goldilocks does not!"
"I like it"
Hugo sighed and shook his head before smirking at the other alchemist, "of course you do"
Varian giggled before a thought struck him, "w-wait, dad w-where's..... D-did...." He stopped, unable to ask his next question
"Andrew's alive", Kai answered as he, Juniper, Maisie, and Clementine walked over to the group, "he's with your uncle, he won't hurt you anymore"
the blue eyed alchemist looked a little startled before he looked up at his dad, "you... Y-you didn't..."
"No, I didn't", Quirin replied, "Hugo stopped me right before, he helped me keep my promise"
Varian smiled wide and hugged his father, relief washing over him as he felt tears roll down his cheeks, "thank you, for not.... I... I know it was hard... I'm s-sorry..."
His father returned his son's hug, "it's okay, I'm really glad you did"
They stayed that way for a bit before the teen broke the hug, he smiled at his dad, who smiled back before the retired knight felt something drip on his nose and he looked up at the sky, "the rain's getting worse", he looked back at his son, "we may wanna head inside"
"Fair point", Edmund agreed, "oh, by the way where's Catalina and Angry"
"Sleeping", Lance answered, "they helped heal Varian but ended up using a lot of energy today, so they're in the girls half of the caravan"
"That brings up a question", Eugene stated, "sleeping arrangements, how are we working that out?"
"The hurt should be in beds", Quirin stated, gesturing to Varian, Edmund, and Adira
"I'm fine", Varian replied, "I may be hurt but I can still sleep on the floor"
"Nope", Rapunzel stated
"B-bu-!"
"Nope"
"Rapunz-!"
"Nope"
"Chameleons are better than raccoons"
"No-Hey!"
"It's official"
"You brat!" The princess stated as she ruffled her little brother's head, getting him to giggle and bap her hands away as Hugo, Adira, Lance, Edmund, Eugene, and Quirin laughed
****
Andrew watched the group, remaining quiet as they made their way to the caravan. The Seporian leader sighed before looking down at the ground, *....Look what you did, some Seporian you are, you hurt your cause and your people, you're a failure and a traitor, no wonder they all hate what you've become* He shivered, his guilt beginning to fester before he felt his arm being pulled
"Let's go", Hector stated, getting the man to walk towards the caravan, "you're not fighting me much, are you?" Andrew remained silent, getting the wild tamer to raise a brow, "all that bark and bite that you had before, it's gone isn't it?" Andrew looked at him, "gotta say, I get it, and I really fucking hate that I do... But I do.... Feeling like you fail sucks, it really fucking sucks, especially if you put your entire life... Or majority of it.... Into something you thought was right. It's hard and it sucks, but you can fix it..." Hector sighed, "look I hate you, like I really fucking hate you for what you did to my nephew, my sister, and my king, but.... You can at least fix it, you've got a lot more to lose than you think, maybe if you tried, your people would be better for it. Maybe if you tried", Hector faced the man, "you could turn out better yourself, I did and I got a lot more than I deserved", he smiled at his tiny family as Lance managed to grab an alchemy ball from Varian, getting the teen to try and reach for it before he nearly fell out of Quirin's hands, making the group erupt into giggles as he clung to his father's vest like a raccoon, "a whole lot more".
"....How did you change?....." Andrew asked, "and what makes you think I'll be able to do the same?"
"Honestly, I don't know", Hector stated, "maybe because I had an annoying farmer telling me the same thing when I was younger.... I was angry, sad, depressed, and hated everyone and everything... I'm still kinda like that to be fucking honest, but I guess when you have something, or someone, to fight for, it makes it worth being a better person". He looked at the Seporian, "you think you lost everything but you haven't, your people are still alive, you are too, and you can believe him or fucking not but my nephew keeps his word about things like this, he really will talk to the princess and try to make things right for your people, you telling me you wouldn't fight for that?"
"I.... Of course I would"
"Then why does it sound like you're giving up?"
Andrew stayed quiet again, not really knowing an answer, "hey", a voice said, getting the pair to look and see Clementine watching them, "we're about to make some food.... I..... Didn't want you to starve, and the farm- ....Quirin.... Gave me a couple apples and some nuts and berries. Apparently the bo-Varian, told him how we were vegan, and he was more than willing to share.... So... Here", she handed him a small bag filled with nuts, berries, and one red apple inside, "it's from Quirin's farm.... He said you should eat it before the raccoon does...." She walked away, unable to look at her former leader anymore
"Thank you...." Andrew said, stopping her for a moment before she nodded and continued to walk away without another word
Hector looked at Andrew, "I'm sticking near you, and I don't want to be cold, so we're gonna head towards the caravan. Don't do anything stupid while we're there, because the last thing I wanted to do, oddly enough, is fucking break you in two for upsetting my nephew, ok?"
The Seporian stared after Clementine before he looked at Hector and nodded, "I won't"
****
The group made their way into the caravan as Varian began healing his father, wrapping his wounds and making sure they were taken care of before he stopped and stared at someone as they walked inside. He felt a shiver run down his spine as Andrew stared back, neither one saying a word to each other as every person in the caravan noticed the two. Eugene glared, getting up and walking in front of the teen, blocking Andrew's view, "easy tiger", Hector stated, walking behind the Seporian, "he's not gonna try anything, in fact, we're heading to that corner over there", he gestured to the corner furthest away from Varian, getting Andrew to move towards it without a word as the alchemist watched. Andrew sat down and continued to stare at the ground, eating from the small bag Clementine had given him beforehand as Hector sat on a bench right next to him, Pixie and Basil standing guard at his sides as they glared at the Seporian.
Varian felt a twang of guilt as he watched the two as the rest of the group glared at the man before they returned to their activities, Eugene deciding to sit next to Varian as he continued to heal Quirin's wounds. A few minutes passed by and the Adira, Edmund, and Quirin had been successfully healed, the farmer drying his son off while talking to him about walking around in the rain, much to the alchemist's chagrin, while Edmund, with his arm in a sling, watched Hugo begin to cook some food on a fire the green eyed alchemist had made with some chemicals and an old cauldron, "wow! You're right it really doesn't spread, not even with wood! And I still can't believe you managed to keep it in a big old pot like this!" The dark king stated jovially as he watched the teen prepare the group's dinner
Hugo smirked, "yep, super useful for a rainy day, smoked fish and meat taste so much better over an alchemical fire.... At least to me"
"I'm certainly excited to try it!" The man stated before he bumped into the cauldron, nearly knocking it over. He and Hugo managed to steady it as the Dark king blushed and chuckled, "eheh, sorry"
"It's fine, maybe back up a bit while I do the next fish though?"
"Right"
"Hey you two", Lance called, "while we were at the market, I found a cooking stall and managed to grab some spices, can we try some of them? Bet they'd taste great on those fish!"
"I wouldn't mind that", the dark king replied as Hugo nodded, getting an excited squeak from Lance as he ran over to the pair
The group had eaten and they'd set up their bedding, Varian, Adira, and Edmund ending up sleeping on the bunk beds, Adira and Edmund sleeping in the same one to let Varian have his own, which the alchemist had fought against until they practically threw him in it along with Hugo, who had been caught in the cross fire. He didn't seem to mind though as he fell asleep almost immediately, getting the group to snicker. Quirin slept in a chair leaning against the bed his son slept in as Rapunzel and Eugene shared a sleeping bag together and Lance had his own sleeping bag set on the floor in the room with Catalina and Angry. Juniper, Kai, Maisie, and Clementine had all pooled some sheets and blankets together to make a group pallet on the floor while Andrew and Hector remained in the corner, all of them had nodded off as Pixie and Basil continued to watch the Seporian leader.
Varian tossed and turned in the bed, his body shaking as his mind continued to plague him with images of his past, watching his father be frozen in the amber as Andrew laughed and lashed him with the whip. The Coronans around him laughed and jeered as the boy begged for him to stop. The moon shined brightly behind him as he screamed for help, begging for some sort of mercy, that's when he saw Cassandra walking towards him, her long, dark blade out and pointed at him. The teen backed up as the Coronans and Andrew disappeared, he was on the edge of a cliff, the river hundreds of feet below him, sharp rocks and rushing water were the only answers he received. He felt his foot reach the edge of the cliff as he faced Cassandra, she smiled wickedly at him before she ran forwards, making him jump and fall, bumping and scraping against the cliff's side before he finally met his end as he felt the ice cold grip of the water suffocate him.
*GASP*
Varian woke up with sweat dripping from his brow, he looked around, realizing he was still in the caravan. Ruddigar chittered at him, getting him to look at his best friend, his panicked mind began to reel before he heard a whistle beside him. Turning he saw Hugo's sleeping form, the blond taking in a breath of air before he let it out in a small, yet melodic, whistle, getting the blue eyed alchemist to calm down enough to giggle. He stroked Ruddigar's fur and took in a breath, letting it go before laying back down. He tried to close his eyes but flashes of his dream kept piercing his sleep deprived mind, making him shiver, he felt a cold nose against his cheek, opening his eyes to see Ruddigar looking at him worriedly. Groaning he gave up and stared at the ceiling tiredly while the raccoon licked his cheeks. Sitting up, Varian pulled his knees to his chin, his tears stinging his eyes, he looked behind him, seeing his father, the man looked so peaceful, his arms were wrapped around himself and he had his head bent low, a quiet snore coming from his mouth as he hummed the notes to a song Varian didn't know. He smiled at his dad before sighing and getting up, Ruddigar chittered at him, "it's okay bud, I'm just feeling a little too stuffy"
The raccoon chittered again
"No, I tried but the nightmare seems to wanna stay"
His best friend chittered again
"I know I should try again, but.... Ugh I don't know... Maybe I just need some fresh air"
Ruddigar grumbled
"I won't go too far, just need a minute to cool my head"
The raccoon argued
"You could come with me if you're so worried"
After a moment of silence, the raccoon nodded, getting his boy to smile as he climbed on the teen's shoulders and they walked out of the caravan.
The cool night air and rain hit the teen's face, making him sigh in relief, "see? I feel much better out here", Ruddigar chittered, "I don't know, maybe there's just too many people?"
The raccoon raised a brow, getting Varian to sigh
"Ok fine, it's because of him... It's not like I can really help it though, it's just... Hard... And it probably will be until we get back to Corona, which will be a while..."
Ruddigar chittered at his boy worriedly
"I'm fine Ruddigar, really, just.... Tired.... Today's been... A lot... Everything's been a lot actually... It's all just too much and... And I wanna tell them and h-have them believe me, that I'm fine and I won't fall apart all the time but... sometimes I wonder if they really trust me as much as they say, you know?"
The small mammal chirruped and nuzzled his boy
"I know you are, thank you, you're the best boy you know that?"
"So I've heard", a voice replied from behind the duo, getting the teen to yelp and turn around. His blood ran cold when he saw Andrew looking at him, "hello Varian"
"A-andrew I uh... I.... W-what-!"
"Easy, I'm not gonna hurt you", the Seporian stated, holding up his hands, which we still tied in rope, "couldn't even if I tried"
Ruddigar growled at the man as Varian felt a shiver run down his back, "w-w-what do you w-want?"
Andrew sighed, "I just.... I want to talk.... calmly", he answered, "I really won't hurt you, I won't, I just.... Need to sort some things out... Can I... Do that... With you?"
Notes:
SURPRISE TWO PARTER!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D
I won't say much because I don't wanna give much away, so here's small snippets:
Edmund is adorable! Best grandpa ever!
Quirin and Varian will talk more about what happened between him, Andrew, and Hugo
Hugo is a sleep whistler because cute! <3
Adira is so much fun to have banter with everyone and I'm keeping Goldilocks XD
Hector is amazing and I love him! :D
Lance is KING! We all know this! XD
Eugene and Rapunzel and very protective older siblings
Quirin is best protective papa! <3
I'm skipping Andrew so I don't spoil anything :3
And Varian is the purest boy that ever pured and we all love supportive raccoon!!!!!! <3<3<3<3
That is all, I shall not say anymore! XD Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 133: Closure! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Andrew and Varian talk
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian was shocked as he stared at the man before him, "y-you want to.... Talk.... T-to sort things out.... W-with me?"
"I realize how stupid it sounds, but yes", Andrew replied, "you... You don't have to... I just.... I don't know..."
The teen watched the man slump down on the ground, he looked so lost and confused, Varian sighed, "we can.... Talk... B-but we're sticking close to the caravan, a-and I'm not u-untying you"
The man looked up and nodded, "that's fair", he stood back up, "did you mind heading this way?" He pointed over towards a quieter area, "we'll still be in full view of the caravan and within earshot... It just... Feels more private..." Varian looked towards the area the Seporian mentioned, it was a small clearing next to a cliff. Raising a brow the teen looked at the Seporian, "I'll stay more than an arms length away, and we can steer clear of the cliff".
The alchemist looked at Ruddigar, who studied the man up and down and then chittered
"you think so?" Varian asked
The raccoon chittered again, this time, for much longer
Varian sighed, "...you might be right... Fine", he looked at Andrew seriously, "we can talk over there, but if you try anything funny, you'll end up as binturong food"
"Your warning has been noted"
They walked over towards the cliffside, though they stopped very far away from the edge, the caravan was in full view, "so what did you want to talk about?" The teen asked as he watched Andrew carefully
"I... Wanted to ask... About your perspective on what happened...." The Seporian stated, sitting on the grass and crossing his legs to show he meant no harm
"Why the sudden curiosity?" Varian asked, continuing to stand
"It.... Was sort of a mix between the blond kid and your dad.... And what you said...." This made the alchemist curious as he gestured for the man to continue, "....I... went nuts over you... Plotting, scheming, in my mind, you really were the cause of everything bad that had happened to me and my group.... But when I told you that and you said what you did.... And took every instance of what I tried to do and how it was my fault..... I broke....." He admitted, "and I ended up breaking so badly that I did many things my people promised never to do.... Things I didn't think I would be capable of... But.... But your uncle... He told me I could change... He mentioned that he'd been in the same boat, that he was angry and hated people... He mentioned he was still like that but having something or someone to fight for would make me better because that's what it did for him..... I... I don't want to be like what I was before, I don't.... I'm a Seporian, born and raised, and I want to be the leader that I'm supposed to be and help my people become stronger and wiser because of it... But... I think I lost myself in the process... And... I don't know how to get back...."
Varian looked at the man for a silent moment, a long debate playing out between his head and his heart before he sighed and finally sat down, "so I was right... You're going through what I did...."
Andrew looked at him, "I... Don't know..."
"Do you feel like you don't really understand why you did what you did?"
"Yes"
"Do you hate your actions but you can't seem to find any fault in them?"
"Yes"
"Do you hate yourself?"
"......Yes....."
"Then you're going through what I went through, I did terrible things to get my dad back, kidnapped the Queen, built an automaton army, betrayed Rapunzel-!"
"Siding with us"
"I...... Yeah...."
Andrew smirked, "it's fine to say it you know...."
"....I guess.... B-but either way, what I did and the things I did were horrible and wrong... But even now, even though I know they're bad... I justify them, I'll argue in my head that my actions led my father to be free and for me to get the truth, but all the while I feel like there... t-there could've been...."
"A better way?" Andrew offered, "but you were too blind to see it, so you blamed everyone else while you were angry until you couldn't blame them anymore?"
Varian sighed, "yeah.... I know what I did was wrong, and if I could change what I did I would.... But.... There are things I wouldn't change... I wouldn't change my fight with dad... I wouldn't change me trying to stop the black rocks, I wouldn't change my goal in the end.... I would change my actions but only slightly, I would change the chemical compound I spilled when dad walked in on me trying to stop the black rocks so he wouldn't get trapped in amber, I would change my approach to Rapunzel... Maybe not grab her shoulders and beg her to help me because that didn't go over so well.... I would change what I said to my dad...."
"You would change a lot"
"....Yeah...."
"So would I.... What you said about talking to the princess and going the peaceful way.... I wonder if I'd done that, would it really have gone over well?"
"I think it would, Rapunzel is actually a nice person and has a lot more pull with her parents than she thinks", the teen smiled to himself, "I mean... I'm not in a cell right now because of her...."
"Right.... A better way...."
The teen looked at Andrew, he had drawn his knees to his chest and was looking up at the sky, the rain was a little more than a drizzle now as the moon began to shine above them. Varian looked down as his heart beat rapidly against his chest, "A-Andrew... Would you have... C-changed what you d-did to.... To...."
"You?"
"Y-yeah...."
".....Yeah..... I would"
This startled the teen, who looked at the man, "y-you would have?"
"Yeah... Had you ended up in the cell with me, I would've been different, completely different"
"....How?"
The man looked at the teen, who was staring at him, his big blue eyes watery as he watched the man, "I would've been nicer to you, taken you in and helped you in the way you needed me to. Don't get me wrong, you were not my responsibility, but.... As a Seporian, you're supposed to take care of children, it's one of our rules. Children are sacred in our lands, they're pure and are just beginning their life... you were 14 when I met you, even at that age, you're still growing... So me using you the way I did.. I justified it because I thought you were fully Cornan... But even then, I knew it was wrong..."
"You were just trying to help your people...."
"BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT!" He yelled, scaring the teen, "s-sorry, I... I guess I'm still angry at myself.... Are you okay?"
Varian's heart was racing, but after Ruddigar nuzzled him and he took a few breaths, he calmed down, "y-yeah, I'm good just... D-don't...."
"I won't yell again, sorry"
"i-it's okay..."
The two were silent for a moment before the alchemist looked at the Seporian, "c-children are sacred? Why?"
"Because they're growing, and depending on how you raise them, they'll grow up to be strong, smart, wise, whatever. Children are, for lack of a better term, like clay, you can mold and shape them, your opinions matter to them and how you treat them goes a long way, that's why being a parent is highly celebrated in our community. When you're a Seporian parent, you get a huge celebration, people shower you with gifts and give you advice, Seporians are a huge family, having another member added to us is a huge deal.... But... What I did to you.... It wasn't right, and because of me..."
I'm.... Molded badly...."
"N-not in that way, you're scarred... There are some things that I did to you that may never be fixed.... In my culture, that's one of the most heinous crimes you can ever commit..... and I did it without a blink.... I know my group feels horrible for how they treated you too...."
"Yeah.... B-but again, y-you were just trying to save your culture... A-and you got so desperate I... I don't b-blame you.... N-not for everything...."
Andrew didn't realize this before, but as he watched the teen, he noticed the boy was looking at the grass. Avoiding the Seporians stare, "kid... Do you feel... Guilty about me?"
"I...." Varian turned away, sniffling a bit, "I do.... Y-you were just trying to help your people... Y-you just wanted to help your cause... A-and you got thrown away for it... Y-yeah you went about it in the wrong way, b-but you just... Wanted to help... A-and when you got thrown back in jail... Kidnapped me in the village... A-and then again now... I.... I never knew how much I hurt you...." He sighed, "I-I'm angry at you, really angry... Y-you betrayed me and abused me and hurt me to the p-point where I h-have nightmares about you a-almost every night.... but...." He looked at the man, "t-then I remember what you're fighting for and h-how I promised to help... A-and my stomach twists and h-hurts because I.... I feel horrible f-for not sticking to it.... T-to you...."
Andrew was shocked, he then began to think, for a while, there was silence between to two before the Sporian finally spoke, ".....I'm sorry"
"W-what?"
"I'm sorry, for what I did to you, for how much pain I caused you.... I'm sorry.... You don't need to feel guilty for not sticking by me, I did abuse you.... I hurt you and made you feel weak. I loved taking my anger out on you because you were something, someone, I could control.... I hurt you Varian, and I'm so sorry...." He sighed, "...don't feel guilty for my choices, I made them, I hurt my own cause and I need to come to terms with that and face it...." He closed his eyes, "I hate the fact that I hurt my cause, I hate the fact that I hurt you... I hate it.... I fucking hate it...." He put his head against his knees, "I'm not a Speorian anymore.... I'm a traitor... Traitors to Seporia pay with their lives... If I go back, I'll probably be killed for my transgressions.... But", he looked at the teen again, "until then, I want to try and make up for what I did... The first step would be to make it up to the person I hurt the most, you".
"A-Andrew-!"
"Don't", the man got up and turned his back to the alchemist, "don't try to stop them, to try to save me kid, don't...." He looked at the teen, "I want to face it, my punishment, because there isn't any way I can fully make up for the things I've done, I hurt my culture, I hurt my cause, I hurt my friends, and I abused and hurt you.... My fate is sealed and I want it to be... But you shouldn't blame yourself for what I did to you...." He fully faced the alchemist, "Varian, stop feeling guilty for what happened between you and me, stop telling yourself that it's your fault, because it wasn't, none of it was, you are a good, strong, kind, and passionate kid, and you need to remember that", he smiled, "I want to face what I've done, I want to fix it, like your uncle. I'm more than willing to face my punishment, I won't fight it, I won't, I'm sorry for what I did to you, I really am.... I can't take it back, but please know that it wasn't your fault, it wasn't, okay?" He began to walk back to the caravan, "thanks for talking with me, it helped me, and I hope... I hope it helped you too".
Varian wanted to let him go, he wanted to, but his heart beat so fast that he wasn't sure what was happening anymore. His mind grew fuzzy, he felt something tap his cheek, but it barely registered as he sunk to the floor. He heard Ruddigar chittering and felt him hit his hand, tears slid down his face, "I.... I-I-I-I-I....." He couldn't say anything, he was so overwhelmed, suddenly he could see an odd bluish glow emanate off of him, his mind fizzed a bit more as the glow grew brighter
"Varian?" He heard Andrew say before the Seporian let out a yell of surprise as black rocks shot from beneath the earth
"VARIAN!" Quirin, Edmund, Hector, and Adira all shouted as they woke up from their sleep, their marks burning on their hands. Hugo, the Seporians, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, and Angry all jumped awake as well, startled by the Brotherhood's yell before everyone noticed a yellow glow filling the caravan. Looking they all saw Rapunzel standing by the entrance of the caravan, she was staring out into the distance.
"Blondie?" Eugene said, walking over to her, "you okay?"
The princess turned and faced her lover, her pupils and iris's were gone and her hair was floating and glowing around her, all that was there was yellow light as she answered, "the Moonstone's power is here, and his mind is in danger"
"What?"
"Varian", Quirin stated before walking up to Rapunzel, "what happened, where is he?"
She pointed towards the cliff, "he's there with the Seporian, both are in danger", she then looked at the father, "do not be angry with the Seporian, he was helping your son, knight of the Brotherhood"
The old farmer looked at Rapunzel, "you're... Not the princess... Are you?"
She smiled, "no, I'm not, but we'll talk more later, go save your son"
"And Andrew?" The princess fell silent, "....Noted, thank you", Quirin gave a little bow of respect before running out of the caravan, everyone else following suit, save for Eugene, who looked at his girlfriend
"Is she... Okay... In there?" The dark prince asked
The princess nodded, "she'll be back after the boy is safe, you can stay if you wish, I don't mind"
Eugene nodded and sat next to her, having her sit too, "do you mind if I ask you a few questions before you go?"
"Not at all"
****
Varian groaned, his head hurt like crazy and his vision swam for a moment before he blinked and it cleared. He looked around, only to yelp when he saw the river below him, "don't freak out!" A voice called, getting the teen to look up and see Andrew holding onto his shirt, "your clothes are tearing, grab my arm!"
Hearing a ripping sound, Varian panicked and grabbed the Seporian's hand, wincing as the man let go of his shirt before his hand clamped around the teen's, "w-w-what happened?!" He asked, noticing Ruddigar was clinging to his back
"Well I started to walk away after our talk and you.... Kinda freaked out a little... Some black rocks sprouted up around you and made the cliff crumble. I managed to tear the rope on my hands and grabbed you but the rain made me slip, so.... Yeah"
"Oh...."
"To be fair, this isn't unusual for me", Andrew chuckled
"H-how?"
"I like to rock climb-!" They stopped talking when they heard something snap a bit
"W-what was that?" Varian asked worriedly
"Uh... The... Twig I'm holding onto?" Varian gritted his teeth, "i-it's okay, take it easy, stop... Glowing"
"G-glowing?" Varian looked up, only to see his hair was a light blue, "n-no... No not again! Why d-does this keep happening?!"
"I think it's got something to do with your emotions", the Seporian stated, "I mean, it seemed like you didn't want me to walk away, so the rocks came and stopped me, they actually bunched up and cut us off from the rest of the group, I couldn't get past them"
"W-wait what? Does that mean-!"
"VARIAN!" Quirin yelled
"DAD!!! DAD CAN YOU HEAR ME?!"
"YES I CAN! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!"
"YEAH I-I THINK I AM!!!! A-ANDREW IS TOO B-BUT WE'RE STUCK!"
"SO ARE WE!"
"WHAT?!"
*Quirin's POV*
Quirin looked at the black rocks in front of him, there were big ones, small ones, some the size of his head, none of them would let him get past however. He looked back over to the cliff, where he saw the blue glow, "THE BLACK ROCKS ARE BLOCKING OUR PATH!"
"C-CAN YOU FIND ANOTHER WAY?!" He heard Varian call
The retired knight looked around, "WE'RE TRYING!" He yelled, as everyone tried to go through the black rocks surrounding the cliff. Everytime they did however, a new rock would form, blocking their path once again
"What the fuck is with these rocks?!" Hector snapped before sighing, "I... I fell asleep... I fucking fell asleep!"
"Hector we *all* fell asleep", Adira reasoned, "if something happens it's *all* our faults, but right now we shouldn't worry about that"
"Adira's right", Edmund stated, "we need to get to Varian and Andrew, quickly"
"How?! We can't get past these stupid things!" Angry snapped, kicking a rock and yelping as one grew right below her, narrowly missing her when Lance pulled her back
Hugo tried to use a chemical to move the rocks, but that only made more grow, same for the Seporians as they tried to use various versions of Varian's alchemy bombs. That's when Catalina climbed a nearby tree and threw a rock, watching it soar above the spikey blockade and land safely next to the cliff, "I think I have an idea!"
*Varian's POV*
The alchemist was looking everywhere, seeing if he could find another twice, branch, rock, ledge, *anything* to keep them from falling to their deaths, "hey, w-why didn't you want me to leave?" Andrew asked as he looked at the teen. Varian didn't respond, "kid we're literally hanging for our lives because I either upset you or you wanted to keep talking, so what's up?"
Varian sighed, "I.... I c-can't.... I don't w-want you to think... T-that you're a horrible person and t-that you... T-that you deserve death.... I... I may b-be angry with you... B-but no one deserves to die... N-no one... I don't want you to die, I... I don't"
Andrew was startled by this, but smiled as guilt filled his heart and stomach more, "...thanks, I appreciate that, a lot.... I... Varian I really am sorry for what I did to you"
"I know.... A-and I-!"
"You don't need to apologize"
"B-but I do!" The twig snapped a little more, silencing the two for a moment before Varian continued, "I-I knew what was happening to your people was wrong, I knew it was! Y-yet I didn't ever bring it up or t-talk about it once I was out of the dungeons!" He looked down, shame filling him, "I-I just left you down there, even though I knew, I KNEW w-what was happening to your people and culture! I knew that Corona wasn't completely in the right, I knew Seporian culture was being lost, I knew, b-but I didn't do anything until I saw you again... I w-wasn't going to... I was just gonna abandon you, all of you, a-and let your culture die...." He looked up at the man, his tears sliding down his face as he laughed, "isn't that horrible? I w-was so afraid t-that I left you alone, e-even though my whole reason f-for being upset is because people abandoned me.... A-after all that I did, and all that happened... H-how am I being forgiven e-even though I'm part of the problem?.... H-how...."
"Varian you were *never* a part of the problem!" Andrew stated
The teen looked up, "W-what?"
"You listened to me, you learned about Seporian culture, you helped give us the tools to make it a reality, and when you knew we were gonna hurt people, you stopped us! We were going to do horrible things to Corona, things that would've ended horribly for everyone involved, none of us were thinking back then, so you actually stopped us from making a horrible mistake".
"B-bu-!"
"I don't blame you for not coming back or even helping our cause kid, I *abused* you! Hell I'm surprised you even want to help now! You were scared and hurt and I did that to you! So again, stop blaming yourself, please, it... It wasn't your fault, it wasn't, and if you're really upset that you didn't help our cause before, then you can help us now, but stop blaming yourself, you don't have to anymore"
Varian looked at Andrew, and for the first time in over a year, he saw the man he'd met before, the man who had comforted him and helped him in the cell. He smiled, and nodded, "ok, I will-!" The twig snapped even more, lowering them both, they were hanging on by a thread, "D-DAD!!!! D-DAD WHERE ARE YOU?!"
*Quirin's POV*
The retired knight watched Catalina slide down the tree, "it seems like we'll be able to go over it! I can change into a werewolf-!"
"What the fu-!" Hugo started
"Later", the red head said, "I can turn into a werewolf and hop us over, things is, I can only carry so many people, so we'd need the people who are strong and light"
"Are you sure that's gonna work?" Lance asked, "what if you hop over and they try to stab you in the air?"
Catalina shook her head, "they won't"
"How do yo-!"
"I don't know how I know, but for some reason I feel like they won't, and I'm trusting that, but we need to hurry"
"D-DAD!!!! D-DAD WHERE ARE YOU?!" Varian yelled
"I'M STILL HERE, WE'VE GOT A PLAN, JUST HANG ON SON!" Quirin called
"P-PLEASE HURRY, W-WE'RE SLIPPING!"
The father felt a pang of panic before he looked at Catalina, "you're sure this will work, we only have one shot"
"I'm sure", Catalina stated with determination
"Alright then, I'm going, who else?"
*Varian's POV*
The two watched the twig panic rising in their hearts more and more before Andrew looked down at the river below them, he saw the rushing river and the large rocks near the shore and sighed, "Varian, promise me something"
"I-!"
"Please, promise me something"
Varian was quiet for a moment, "...w-what?"
"Promise me", Andrew pulled the teen up, using all the strength he could to get the teen to his hip, "that you'll help my people"
"A-Andrew, w-what are yo-!"
"Promise me", he dropped and re-caught Varian, rearranging his grip so that his arm was around the teen's stomach, "that's you'll stick with and care about your friends and family"
"W-what are yo-!"
"And promise me", he pulled the teen up to eye level with him as tears slid down his face, "that you'll stop blaming yourself"
"A-Andrew-!" Varian couldn't finish as the Seporian threw him up onto the cliff, getting him to land safely on the edge. He got up and looked down, seeing the twig about to snap, "ANDREW!"
"Promise me kid!"
"I-I-I-!
"Please!" the Seporian looked up at him with a smile, "please don't let what I did to you hurt you anymore, don't let me be the reason you can't move forward and be the best damn alchemist you can be! Please, please promise me Varian!"
"A-Andrew I", Varian tried to reach out to him, "I-I-!"
"Please", the twig snapped, right as Varian caught the Seporian's hand and held on, "you gotta let me go, or else you're gonna fall in too! You gotta promise me!"
"I-I CAN'T!"
"YOU HAVE TO!"
"B-but-!"
"Varian if you don't let me go you're gonna fall, both fugitively and literally, you're going to drown in your past and never heal and I would be the one who did that to you! I hurt you kid, I know that, I know... And I'm so sorry, but promise me, and let me go, let me help you, please!" He looked up at the teen, "let me be the Seporian I should be"
The alchemist felt his grip weaken, he couldn't hold on much longer, his arms hurt too much as the wounds he had began to rip open once more. He saw blood flow from them and felt faint and dizzy, Ruddigar tried to help him keep his grip, but he could tell it was slipping, so with tears in his eyes, he looked at the man who'd abused and tortured him for years, and nodded, "I p-promise... A-and I... I forgive you Andrew, I forgive you".
The Seporian leader smiled wide as one last tear slid down his face, "thank you", he said, before he let go of Varian's hand, and fell
"ANDREW!!!!!!" Varian screamed, trying to re-grab the man, but began to fall himself, only to be caught by someone else as he watch the man splash into the river below.
"Varian!" Quirin stated, holding onto his son's hand as tight as he could, "Varian I-I... I'm here...." He lifted his son, and Ruddigar, up and brought him back to the cliff's edge as Catalina, in werewolf form, backed up, "I... I...."
The alchemist sniffled as he looked at the river below before he turned to his dad and burst into tears, "I-I c-couldn't h-hold on! I-I c-couldn't.... H-he.... A-Andrew...." He cried and cried, his father wrapping his arms around his son and holding him tight
"I know son, I know... And I'm so sorry... I'm so... So sorry...." The retired knight replied as he held his child close to his chest, his heart breaking as he listened to his painful sobs
Notes:
EARLY UPLOAD!!!! Woot woot! :D
So... I couldn't redeem him, I couldn't.... He did too much to Varian and many other people. But he had a good cause and honestly I think he ended up getting corrupted along the way. I don't think he wanted to do what he did, and while that doesn't make his actions at all right, but it makes him, as a person, understandable.... so this is my take on Andrew.
Varian is getting snuggled and loved on for YEARS to come after this!!!! My gosh this boy needs a freaking kit kat!
Quirin is going to play HUGE part in this next chapter, because he's gotta help his son, he's gotta. He also may feel guilty for not getting there in time, but we'll get there :3
Before anyone asks, there's a *reason* Rapunzel didn't just break the rocks or use her hair to swing over them and save them both, there's a reason! And Eugene plays a bigger role in the upcoming chapters that I have planned, so stay tuned :D
Catalina for the plan win! Werewolf girl gonna save her crush! Also Hugo will have many questions! XD
So Hugo, Lance, Angry, The Seporians, and the Brotherhood members did not play a huge role here, but they will in future chapters
Thank you for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 134: The Devotion Festival!
Summary:
Varian learns about how the Dark Kingdom celebrates their own version of the "Day of Hearts!"
Notes:
So I decided to take a small break in the story to write a world building chapter, this takes place before the events of the trip to Nezerdnia, I'm sorry for abrupt interruption to this very sad boy times, but I love Valentines day, I also celebrate it with my friends and call it 'Palentines Day' instead, which I got from my sibling, so credit goes to them for the name! I hope you all don't mind, but I wanted to give the bean a break <3
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian sighed as he looked out the window from his bedroom in the castle, watching everyone walk around with their science experiments in tow as this year's Science Expo came to an end. The teen slumped, his mouth and nose being hidden but his arms as he placed his chin atop them, "you okay?" A voice asked from behind the teen.
"Yeah, I'm fine... Just...." Varian didn't finish his thought, unsure of how to say what he was feeling
"Upset? Because Cassandra isn't here?" The voice finished
The alchemist blushed before he turned around, "h-how did you know that dad?!"
Quirin chuckled, "your crush was pretty much the talk of the town when you came skipping home after the last Science Expo and told me about how happy Cassandra made you feel, blushing the entire time might I add". Varian mumbled to himself, blushing even deeper than before, "you're a very smart little genius bubby, but you're not very subtle".
"Go play with Itty Bitty!"
The retired knight laughed, stopping when he noticed his son's distant look return. He thought for a moment before he remembered something, "you know, you could always talk to your grandpa, he's got some really nice stories about the Dark Kingdom", at his son's silence the Village Leader smirked, "that is... of course... Unless you don't *want* to learn about how the *Dark Kingdom* celebrates another holiday that just so *happens* to be coming up in a few days".
Varian's eyes widened and looked at his father before groaning, huffing as his father had seemingly disappeared from sight, "you are NOT subtle!" He stated loudly, "and you're an evil jerkface for getting me interested!"
"Who are you yelling at?" Eugene asked as he stopped to watch the teen yell at the air
The alchemist jumped a bit before sighing, "at my dad, WHO'S BEING A BRAT RIGHT NOW!"
The dark prince raised a brow, "...I'm concerned about you Hair Stripe"
"Everyone is, but that's not the point, where's grandpa, do you know?"
"My dad? Last time I saw him he was in the flower garden, talking about rocks.... I... Didn't stick around long enough to find out what he meant"
"Off to the-Wait rocks?"
"I don't know...."
"....Oki off to the garden for some.... Rocks.... This is gonna be weird"
****
Varian entered the garden and looked around, seeing tons of lovers exchanging flowers with each other before they noticed the teen and glared at him before walking away. The alchemist sighed before he heard something, looking to his left he giggled when he saw his grandpa crouched down and looking at something very seriously, "dirt worms get inside your boots?"
Edmund looked up and smiled wide when he saw his grandson, "hello little peanut!" He stood up and walked over to the teen, scooping him up and hugging him, "happy 'Devotion Festival'!"
"'Devotion Festival'?" Varian asked, giggling as he was picked up and hugged, returning the gesture happily
Edmund broke the hug and looked at the teen, "your father never told you about it?"
"Nope"
"I'll need to have a word with that man...."
"So what is it?"
"Oh ho-ho! Only the best festival in all of the Seven Kingdoms!!!! ....Or... Would it be eight?" He mumbled to himself, ".....I um... I'm not entirely sure... Hm..."
"Grandpa?"
"Right! Right sorry, the 'Devotion Festival' is my favorite festival!"
"Why's that?"
"Well because it's how I proposed to Eugene's mother of course!" He stated excitedly, "which... I should probably tell him about... shouldn't I?"
"Yes, yes you should", Varian replied with a wide smile as Hamuel cawed in agreement and Ruddigar face palmed
"Right... Let's go find him!"
The alchemist laughed as the Dark King ran back to the castle, his excitement overtaking his previous activity as they blasted into the main foyer and ran through the palace in search of the dark prince. After a few moments, Varian noticed Rapunzel in the kitchen, she was smiling and talking with someone, "hey, there's Rapunzel, maybe she'll know!"
"Good eye grandson!" Edmund stated before he turned on a dime and sped into the kitchen, "Rapunzel! I have a question for you!"
Varian laughed as he watched the blond jump a little at the sudden appearance of the dark king, "E-Edmund! Well hello!" she replied, "I see you've kidnapped Varian"
"Hm? Oh no!" The Dark king stated with a chuckle, "I was carrying him with me because he asked me an important question that I need to talk to Eugene about, have you seen him?"
"Um...." The princess looked to her left and giggled as Eugene face palmed beside her, "yes, yes I have"
"Eugene!" Edmund stated, getting Varian to laugh louder
"Varian I'm gonna kill you...", Eugene stated
"What are little brothers for", the teen teased, "oh b-but he actually told me something that you should probably hear!"
Eugene raised a brow before looking at his father, who was beaming brighter than the sun, "is this about the rock think you were doing before?"
"Rock thing?" Rapunzel asked
"Yes it does! And your mother too actually", Edmund stated
Seeing the princess's face light up, opposite to Eugene's shocked expression, Varian grinned, "also, I don't what he was was doing, but he was in the flower meadow and mumbling about rocks"
"Thank you for telling me, but what about Eugene's mom?!" Rapunzel asked excitedly
Edmund giggled before he set Varian in a chair, "well, as I told the little peanut here, I was preparing for my favorite Dark Kingdom festival, the 'Devotion Festival'! It's my favorite one because it's... How I proposed to your mother"
Eugene's eyes widened at this, "you... Proposed to her at a festival?" When his father nodded, Eugene looked at Rapunzel, a small glint of something shining through his eyes before he smiled and looked back up at his father, "w0what did you do?"
Seeing his son's interest excited the dark king even more, getting him to sit down next to Varian, "well, it was a *long* time ago! Your mother's name was Eden, and she was the most beautiful girl at this festival! Heh, it's funny, I actually have Quirin to thank for introducing us!"
"W-wait what?" The alchemist stated, "my dad helped you find your queen?!"
"Yup! He was friends with her!"
The alchemist's eyes sparkled before he remembered what his father had said about the black rocks and the queen, "oh..... Oh my gosh... P-poor dad..."
Thinking about it for a moment, Eugene realized it too, "oh.... Geez yeah.... No wonder he was so freaked out by the rocks...."
"Yeah...." Edmund stated, "it.... It took him a while to actually.... *ahem* n-never mind, either way, he helped me out a lot when I was courting her during our festival!":
"Hurry up Quirin!" A 23 year old Edmund stated as he ran ahead of his best friend
"Would you hold on your majesty?!" A 12 year old Quirin replied as he ran to catch up, "you're faster than a speeding horse you know that?!"
The young prince scoffed, "oh come on, you're the fastest guard in training we have! You're telling me you can't keep up with an old fogey like me?" He turned to face the pre-teen but was startled when he couldn't see the boy behind him, "Q-Quirin? Quirin!"
"Boo", the prince jumped two feet in the air before he fell backwards onto the floor and looked up, seeing a smirking Quirin above him
"Brat"
"Thank you!" The pre-teen helped the dark prince up and dusted him off, "so the 'Devotion Festival' Festival, why'd you wanna come here again?"
"Because it's *tradition*!" The prince stated, "besides I told you we'd do the ceremony together, remember?"
"Right, but... Won't your father be upset that you snuck out to do this?"
"Oh he'll be fine", Edmund brushed it off, right as he spotted a friendly face perching on his shoulder, "there you are Hamuel! How are you today my beautiful little birdy?" The young crow cawed happily, accepting the nuzzles and scratches his Edmund gave him
"You... Your majesty.... Pfft would you stop petting the bird for *two* seconds please?" Quirin giggled
"I can't help it! Wook a how cute him is!!!!!" Edmund gushed, "yes you is, yes you *is*!"
"Well isn't that a sight to see", a voice replied from behind the pair, prompting them both to turn around and see a tall, skinny women with long brown hair and warm brown eyes, she was smiling at the pair, "our prince snuggling a bird, it's honestly very cute", she added
"Eden!" Quirin replied with excitement as he ran up to her and gave her a hug, "what are you doing here?"
"Thought I'd check out the crowd, see what I could do", she looked down at the pre-teen, "you seem to be doing very well for yourself"
Quirin grinned, "yep! Being a knight in training certainly has it's perks, though I'd never take you for the festival girl"
"I'm not, but since I'm turning the ripe old age of 21, my parents want me to 'socialize'", she stated with a groan, "so here I am, 'socializing', never guessed my scrawny little pick pocket would be here", she ruffled the pre-teen's hair
"Hey stop that!" Quirin stated as he bapped her hands away, "you know, when I have a kid, I'm never doing that to them!"
"Wait until you're my age before you say that", she giggled before she noticed the prince staring at her, "what? Got something on my face?"
Edmund winced before shaking his head, "n-no! Your face is actually perfect-I uh I m-mean uh I uh-!"
Eden laughed as Quirin snorted, "smooth", the knight in training stated
"Shush"
"Oh man, alright Quirin, you got me, he's a cutie", the girl stated as she smiled at the pre-teen
"Wait WHAT?!" The prince replied, "what do you me-!"
"You said your dad also wanted you to socialize, so I took the liberty to have you meet a very good friend of mine", he gestured to the women, "she was one of the few friends I met when I was on the streets, her parents run a baking shop, and when I was on the streets, she gave me any food she could, in return, I'd keep watch over the money bin whenever she would want to leave to do.... Certain things by herself"
"Certain things?" The dark prince raised a brow questioningly
"That's a secret", Eden replied, "if I like you, I'll let you know"
Edmund stopped and looked in-between Quirin and Eden, he then smiled, "challenge accepted!" He stated, before he grabbed the knight in training and Eden's hand and ran off towards the festival, getting them both to laugh as they disappeared into the crowd
"That was the first time we'd met", a fully grown Edmund stated, "Eden and I hit it off rather well, both of us had.... Issues growing up, and neither of us really liked what our parents were doing, her parents were very strict, and wanted her to become a fully fledged baker, but she longed for something different, something that would help her change our kingdom"
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel asked, tilting her head to the side
"Well....":
Eden sighed, "parents getting on you again?" Edmund asked as he sat beside her while they watched Quirin garden
"What else is new?" She stated, "honestly, they can't, for one second, think of how much better things could be if people were to act a lot kinder towards each other! I mean, look at Corona, those people seem to have it right, my family took me there, and even though they seem a little strange, their little village is full of kind and generous people! And they treat each other like family, yeah you have the occasional thief or two, but no one's starving, no one's alone, no one's forcing someone else to be something they're NOT!" She clapped her hands over her mouth before looking around, "s-sorry.... You sure it's okay for me to be here?"
Edmund smiled, "of course it is", he placed his hand on hers, "I've taken every precaution possible to ensure we weren't disturbed, father never comes here even if he needed me, and the only guard that would ever say anything is the captain of the royal guards"
"Pbbbbt!" Quirin spat
Eden giggled, "pbbbt indeed!" The pre-teen smiled before going back to his garden
"Either way we're safe, the captain never comes here, if he does, he'll trample Quirin's crops", the prince looked over at the pre-teen before whispering, "and you don't want to trample that boy's crops"
"I can hear you you know", the pre-teen stated with a smirk and a raised brow
Eden laughed before she got up and walked over to see what the knight in training was doing, "what are those?" She asked, pointing to a peculiar looking seed
"Pumpkins!" The boy stated excitedly, "they're so rare in the Dark Kingdom, but I wanna see if I can get them to grow, I hear you can make some really great pie out of them, or even some fun decorations! I even read, i-in a gardening book, that pumkins represent generosity, harvest, abundance, and gratitude!"
"Why would you need to represent those?"
"...B-because they're important", the pre-teen stated shyly
Eden raised a brow and smiled, "important?"
"Well yeah, they remind me of you after all!" Quirin exclaimed before he blushed, "ah! B-but it's fine I-I also think they're really pretty and s-sweet, n-not that you're not I j-just um I-!"
Eden laughed as she hugged the pre-teen tightly, "Quirin you're the sweetest little knight I've ever met you know that?"
Quirin chuckled nervously, "eheh I um", he stopped and hugged her back, gently, "thanks Miss. Eden...."
"Excuse me kiddo? 'Miss'?"
"I'm sorry, I can't help it!"
Eden giggled, "you're such a polite boy, but you don't have to call me 'Miss', I'm your friend remember?"
"I-I know.... But I'm supposed to"
"Who told you that?"
"The captain... H-he says I'm supposed to be respectful at all times and make sure to keep my distance with people, b-because everyone can disappear one day, a-and I need to be prepared for that"
The boy's words shocked both Eden and Edmund, who stared at him for a long time before the girl finally spoke, she knelt down to Quirin's eye level and spoke gently, "I promise you kiddo, I'm not going anywhere, not now, not ever, you're stuck with me, for a long time, and no one, not my parents, not the guard, not even the king himself, is gonna take me away from you, okay?"
Quirin looked at her for a moment before he nodded, sniffled, and hugged her again, tightly this time, "s-same to you Eden"
She hugged him back, holding him close to her heart before glancing worriedly at the prince, he mouthed, "I'll talk to the captain", silently, getting her to nod before she continued to comfort the knight in training
"Dad...." Varian looked at the floor sadly, remembering times when he saw his father looking out the window at the pumpkin patch, a distant look on his face that the teen could never describe
"Wow... Life was really tough for him wasn't it?" Rapunzel asked, hugging Varian close to her heart protectively, smiling down at him when she felt the alchemist return the gesture
Edmund nodded, "very hard.... Eden told me first hand what she'd seen when she'd first met Quirin, a small little boy, alone, skinny to the point of near starvation, beaten bloody and bruised for getting caught stealing, and laying on the floor in the streets.... She'd snuck him into her family's home and hid him, feeding him and keeping him safe until he was able to function again, and she'd told me he was so afraid of her that he hid until she had to earn his trust, which came in the form of her hiding his whereabouts when guards came looking for him..... When I met him, he wasn't very well fed nor was he very strong, he was so tiny, tinier than his little peanut actually"
"He was smaller that Varian?" Eugene asked, astounded
"Yes... He'd grown up on the streets, and the Dark Kingdom didn't have farms or luxuries, it was cold and dark, which is why Eden wanted to change it", he smiled, "I wanted to change it with her, she'd shown me so many things that the kingdom was doing that I'd never seen before, she made me feel things I'd never felt before, and honestly, she made me braver than I'd ever been, and would ever be. She was a strong, kind, compassionate women who protected the one's she loved the most", he smiled at Eugene, "like you". The Dark Prince smiled, "one day, at the 'Devotion Festival', I got an idea, and Quirin helped me, this is where the festival comes in":
"Ok, so you're ready with the plan?" a 25 year old Edmund asked excitedly as he held a small box in his hands
"Yep!" A 14 year old Quirin replied, "we're gonna walk around the festival with Eden, talk, have a great time, eat food, then I'm gonna lead you guys to an excluded spot and keep a look out while you", he stopped and smiled wide before placing a hand on the box, "take care of the rest".
The Dark Prince smiled wide, "I *knew* I could count on you!" He exclaimed happily before placing the box in his pocket, "here she comes"
"What are you two giggling about?" Eden asked with a raised brow as she strolled up to them with a smirk
"We were... Um.... Were uh.... Um-!"
"Talking about Hamuel!" Quirin offered, "his caw is sounding a little horse these days, so we were wondering if he was catching a bug"
"Of course he is, he catches a lot of bugs actually", she joked
Edmund chuckled, "different bug Eden!"
"You're just upset that you didn't think of it first", she teased before she heard a loud noise behind her, looking and seeing the towns people yelling as a man drank to his heart's content in the middle. She rolled her eyes, "drunks"
Quirin scrunched up his nosed, "what's that smell?"
"That would be the smell of desperation, assholes, and things Quirin will not be when he grows up", Eden stated
"I'm 14!"
"How adorable!" She replied, getting the teen to huff
("I'm getting Rapunzel vibes", Varian interrupted with a giggle)
(Eugene smiled wide as he looked at his princess, "so am I")
("A-hem", Edmund raised a brow, "anyway")
The trio began to explore the festival, citizens talking to each other, exchanging gifts, and drinks, playing games and having a great time! Edmund and Eden ended up winning a couple prizes, one for each other and two for Quirin, a stuffed Raccoon and fish doll, prompting the teen to win them a few prizes as well, such as a crow doll for Edmund, and a simple bronze chained necklace with a single, diamond shaped, purple quartz on the end.
("Fun fact, she never took off that necklace", Edmund stated happily)
("Really?" Varian asked)
("Really, it was actually one of two, they were meant to be a pair, signifying best friends")
("Wait a pair? Where's the other one?" Eugene asked)
("I'm not sure, I don't know if Quirin still has it or not, after she passed away I.... I didn't see him wearing it")
("You didn't?" Rapunzel asked)
("Well I mean the next time I saw him he was trying to stop me from destroying the moonstone, and he usually hid the necklace underneath his armor, which he was wearing at the time. After that he left for Corona and... I... Don't think I've seen him wear it since then". Varian remained silent, deep in thought about something)
"Are you having a good time?" Edmund asked the pair as the moon began to rise over the festival
"Yep!" Eden stated, "surprisingly enough I'm having a genuinely great time!" She looked down at her necklace happily and smiled before looking at Edmund, holding his hand, "what about you two"
"I'm having fun", Edmund stated excitedly, "though I'm excited to see whatever Quirin's planning on showing us"
The teen smirked as he led the way to the private spot they'd agreed on, "here's the spot, best spot in the whole kingdom!"
"Why's that?" Eden asked
"You'll see, now you two go in and get comfortable while I make sure no one followed, it's a secret spot after all"
Eden giggled as Quirin rushed away, giving a thumbs up to Edmund, who returned the gesture before he led Eden into the secret spot, which turned out to be a flower filled cliff, within full view of the moon. They sat down together, smiling, blushing when their eyes met before Edmund sighed, "Eden, I.... I have something for you"
"I have something for you too", the dark haired girl stated with a giggle, "it's nothing fancy, but I thought, this being the 'Devotion Festival' and all, that I'd give you something to celebrate", she handed him a small package, he opened it up and gasped when he saw a beautiful carved onyx in the shape of the Dark Kingdom symbol, "Eden h-how did you-!"
"It took me ages to carve it, but I wanted you to know how much you mean to me, I carved it out of onyx because that stone represents protection, I couldn't think of a better protector than you", she smiled, "you make me really happy Prince Edmund"
He smiled, "you make me really happy too Eden, which is why", he took the box out of his pocket, "I want to spend more time with you, a lot more time".
Showing her the box, she gasped, "w-wait, is that-!"
"Eden of the Dark Kingdom, you have shown me things that I never knew, things I've never dreamed of knowing. You've made me so happy in so many ways, from giving me a reason to *want* to become king, to helping, nurturing, and caring for my best friend. You've made me a better man, prince, and someday, king, and I will forever be grateful to you. You've made me feel so happy these past couple of years, and I wanted to make you happy too, so", he opened the box and revealed a golden right with a purple amethyst in the center, "I plan to make you happy for as long as we both live, should you agree to my one question". He told a moment, taking a breath and letting it go before he looked at her, "will you marry me Eden?"
The girl gasped, clapping her hands over her mouth as tears rolled down her cheeks, she didn't speak for a few moments before she lowered her hands and smiled wide, "yes, I'll marry you Prince Edmund!"
The Dark Prince cheered with joy, hopping up and hugging his lover, spinning her around in a hug and laughing the entire time as Quirin watched from a distance, smiling wide at the pair
"In the Dark Kingdom, 'The Devotion' Festival is symbolized by rocks, majority of the celebrating is the same as Corona, games, drinks, friends, the main different however, is instead of gifting each other with extravagant things such as chocolates or dolls, we give each other a rock that symbolizes what that person means to you. In our culture, because the Moonstone had the black rocks that moved around in the kingdom, rocks were a very big contribution to our many activities, so we honored that and found symbolism in them. I gave Eden an amethyst, not only because it was her favorite stone, but it symbolizes positivity and wisdom, it's a healing stone, and she healed me and Quirin in so many ways", he sniffled a little when he thought about it, "you're supposed to find the rock you want to give someone on your own, it means more if you find it rather than buy it. The Dark Kingdom had plenty of them to go around, and if you looked hard enough, you could find the most beautiful stones, and for someone you love, the longer you looked, the more it meant".
"Wow", Rapunzel replied, "that's so beautiful!"
"So that's what you were doing in the flower garden? Searching for rocks?" Varian asked
The Dark King nodded, "I heard Corona has some very beautiful stones in the flower garden, so I was trying to see if I could find any"
The alchemist smiled before he noticed Eugene being extremely quiet, "hey Eugene, are you okay?"
The Dark Prince remained quiet for a moment or two longer before he looked up at his father, a few tears trickling down his face as he smiled, "I... I'm sorry I never asked.... That was... That was a really amazing story"
Edmund was a little startled but smiled wide, getting up and walking over to his son before he hugged him tightly, "she would've loved you you know"
Eugene hugged him back, staying silent for a moment, his shoulders shaking silently as Varian and Rapunzel smiled at the pair. After a few moments, Eugene broke the hug and sniffled before wiping his eyes on his sleeve, "eheh, sorry I... I don't know what came over me"
"It's alright I... I tear up whenever I hear that story too", Edmund replied gently
"So, the "Devotion Festival', what day is it?" Rapunzel asked
"A few days from now actually, why?", Edmund replied with a smile
"Because that gives me an idea"
****
A few days later, the princess beamed as she watched Adira and Hector chat quietly with each other while Quirin and Varian played Uno with Angry, Catalina, Lance, and Eugene as Edmund and Arianna watched, laughing whenever the teen managed to pull the perfect card at the perfect time while Eugene, Lance, and Angry freaked out. As the moon began to rise, the princess stood up and cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention, "sorry for the interruption, but I have a small announcement to make!"
"You're going to learn how to rub your stomach while you pat your head!" Lance guessed
"No"
"You're gonna try a new hairdo and you want our opinion?" Catalina asked
"N-No"
"YOU'RE GONNA WEAR SHOES?!" Angry exclaimed, getting the whole room to gasp
"Sun above, NO!" Rapunzel stated, "I'm GOING to introduce Corona's very first 'Devotion Festival'!"
Adira, Quirin, and Hector sat up straighter as Edmund, Eugene, and Varian smiled wide, "what's a 'Devotion Festival'?" Lance asked
"A 'Devotion Festival' is how the people of the Dark Kingdom celebrate what we Coronans call the 'Day of Hearts'! And it's such a fun and beautiful way to celebrate all sorts of friendships that I thought it would be nice to celebrate it with all of you!"
"W-wha-but *none* of us brought stones!" Hector stated, "how are we supposed to celebrate when we can't do the one thing that's different from Corona?"
"See that's where our tradition is going to differentiate *just* a little, at least until next year", the princess stated, "see, I thought it would be a good idea to search for the stones together! I have a place picked out that I *know* has a wide verity of stones, both beautiful and not so much", she exclaimed, "aaaand, it's near old Corona, so, Quirin agreeing, we could spend as much time there as we'll need to search, if not, then I have a back up place where we can stay, of course that's up to you Quirin".
The Village Leader was a little startled, but smiled and nodded, "I'm okay with everyone staying at my house, though it'll take some time to get rooms set up, but there's plenty of space.... enough for the entire village of Old Corona, actually", Varian giggled and hugged his father happily
The princess smiled, "thanks, sorry for putting you on the spot like that"
"It's alright, you said you had a back up in case I said no"
"Right, and I do, but still"
"It's fine", he chuckled, "besides I think someone's happy we'll be going home for a bit", he smirked as he looked at his son, who was still hugging him
The princess giggled before she gestured to the door, "to all of those who are still a little confused as to why we needs rocks, I'll explain along the way, for now, I have the caravan ready to bring us to the area I found!"
They made their way to Old Corona, Rapunzel explaining the festival to Lance and the girls as they did so, getting the excited, before the caravan stopped and they all ran out. Varian and Quirin stopping by their house to gather some tools to help them find the stones. The area Rapunzel had mentioned happened to be an old cave nearby, "Demanitus would use it for private study sessions", she explained, "I found that out while I was acting queen"
Varian's eyes widened as he looked at the books and letters Demanitus had made, "I live here now", he stated
"What have you done?" Quirin asked, getting Rapunzel to laugh as they passed by Demanitus's work space and went deeper into the cave before they began to search. Everyone seemed to find what they were looking for within a few hours, all of them growing tired as they went back to the Village Leader's home. Quirin set up some rooms for everyone to sleep in, Varian helping, as Lance, Catalina, and Angry cooked up some snacks in the kitchen. They all exchanged stones, laughing and talking about the symbolism for each one as the night grew later and later.
"Hey Edmund", Lance called, looking at the Dark King, "what do we do with the stones after the festival? I won't throw mine away, but can we make them into something?"
The Dark king nodded with a smile, "that's what people do majority of the time, they'll make the stones into jewelry or into something they'll use depending on what type of stone they got and their symbolism, why, what stones did you get?"
The former thief looked at his pile, "majority of them are rose quartz, what do those mean?"
Hector snickered, "it means you're a very loved Lance"
"Huh?"
"Rose quartz's represent love and happiness, whoever gave you a rose quartz could be telling you that you make them happy and they care deeply for you, or they love you a lot and want to make you happy", Adira explained, "it's not a common stone to get during the 'Devotion Festival'", she smirked, "I suppose that makes sense for you considering you're not a very common person, I mean that in a good way"
Lance smiled wide as he looked down at the quartz's in front of him, "thanks guys", he stated happily
"What did you get Adira?" Angry asked
"Well aside from the turquoise you gave me, which means strength, thank you", she smiled at the girl, who smiled back, "Speckles gave me a cherry quartz, which means action and drive, and I got a lot of rubies, which mean passion", she smirked, "so I'm pretty happy with that"
"What did Hector get?" Catalina inquired, noticing the wild tamer looking at a couple stones in particular with a smile on his face
"Blue sapphires", Varian replied, "me, dad, Adira, and grandpa each gave him a blue sapphire, it means loyalty, honesty, nobility, sincerity and integrity", he smiled at his uncle, "which is the best way to describe my uncle"
"What'd you get Varian?" Eugene asked as he held up a couple rubies himself with a smile before he grabbed a lone emerald and smiled at Rapunzel, who smiled back as she held a sunstone happily
"Well, I got a couple rose quartz's myself, which, yay! I got an aquamarine, which represents courage, truth, and hope", he smiled at Edmund, who smiled back, "and then..." He stopped when he saw the stone his father had given him, it was the smallest one he had, and he smiled when he picked it up, tears prickling in the corners of his eyes, "I got a blue diamond, which means peace, truth, devotion, and eternity". He looked up at his father, who was holding a small red diamond and smiling, small tears in his eyes as well, "I gave him that one, it's a stone that represents eternal love", he leaned against the man, "which is true".
Quirin wrapped his arm around his son, smiling happily as he kept staring at the little red stone, "I love you too"
Notes:
So this took me a while XD Happy Val/Pal-entines Day yall! I wanted to make a special chapter about this holiday because I think the meaning has sort of gotten lost. It's a holiday about love, not just between your lover, it's for your family, friends, pets, and anyone you care deeply for! It's meant to spread love and care throughout the world, and yes people market off of it and will make millions through it with candy sales and flowers and such, but it's honestly got a much deeper meaning than that, I for one, love Val/Pal-entines day, even before I had a lover to celebrate with. I gave my family and friends gifts and we'd spend time together! It may not be super popular, but I certainly love it :D Which is why I wanted to spend it with all of you! I care about each and every one of you, and I sincerely hope you all have the greatest days of your lives! I hope many good things come your way and make you smile! <3 I sincerely do! <3
Sorry for the break in the story, I'll get back to writing a new chapter to forward the story soon, but I wanted to post something special today, because today is special, even if you don't celebrate it, happy Val/Pal-entines day! <3
Thank you for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 135: Saying Goodbye!
Summary:
Varian doesn't know how to handle his feelings about Andrew's death
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin held his son close as the black rocks slid back into the ground, disappearing from sight. The rest of the group walked over, the Seporians shocked at what they'd just seen, "A-Andrew...." Clementine started before clapping a hand over her mouth and sobbing as Maisie pulled her into a hug.
"I-I'm sorry.... I.... I-I'm s-so sorry...." Varian replied through his cries, "I-!"
"It's okay Freckles", Hugo stated, hugging the teen as well, closely, "it.... It wasn't your fault.... It wasn't..."
Varian continued to cry into his father's vest as the rest of the Seporians mourned the loss of their leader. Quirin picked his son up after a while, cradling him and gesturing for everyone to get inside, they all followed behind him as the rain began to grow heavy. As the group walked in, they saw Eugene sitting next to a bed, inside of which lay a sleeping Rapunzel, "hey", the Dark Prince stated before seeing Varian, "what happened?"
"It's Andrew...." Juniper replied
"H.... He died.... Saving Varian...." Kai finished, getting Eugene to gasp
"I.... I'm sorry for your loss...." The Dark Prince replied softly, "he... He didn't deserve to die... Even if what he did wasn't right..."
The Seporians nodded before they went to sit down, all of them trying to comfort Clementine, who seemed to be taking it the hardest. Hugo, Lance, Catalina, who is no longer in wolf form, and Angry walked over next, "what happened to her?" Angry asked, pointing to Rapunzel
"The.... Person I was talking to... Wasn't her.... But... I think we should talk about that a little later..." Eugene replied before looking over at Varian, Quirin, Edmund, Adira, and Hector, who were all trying to calm the little alchemist
"Right...."
Hugo walked over to them, "Quirin I... I can make him something if you want. A-a drink or get him a blanket or.... Something...."
The retired knight looked at the blond and gave him a weak smile, "I... Appreciate that.... If you could maybe get some hot chocolate going, it may help"
"Got it", with that, the green eyed alchemist ran over to his cauldron fire and began to make the desire concoction.
"Quirin why don't you take Varian into the back and get him changed?" Edmund suggested, "we can get a small pallet ready for him, plenty of blankets and pillows, it may be better for him to have his dad right now".
The retired knight nodded, "yeah, thank you"
The Dark King nodded as he watched his knight take his grandson into the back, closing the door behind him before he looked at his warrior and tamer, "alright, Adira, we'll put you on the bottom bunk, but do you mind handing up blankets and pillows while Hector and I make the pallet"
"I don't mind", the face painted warrior agreed before she was brought to the aforementioned spot and began to hand the requested materials to her king and brother as they began to set up the fluffiest pallet possible right in front of the cauldron fire. They finished in a few minutes, right as Hugo set a cut of hot chocolate on the counter and the back door opened, revealing Quirin and Varian, who was dressed in a dark blue pair of pajamas with stars spaced out through out the entire outfit. His arms were bandaged up as well, as were his bare feet as some of the rocks had cut them just a bit while he was outside.
The retired knight smiled at the small pallet, thanking his family before setting his son on top of it, wrapping several blankets around the boy as Ruddigar hopped into the teen's lap, snuggling his boy. Varian had regained control of his tears and was quietly stroking his best friend's fur before smelling something sweet. Looking up, he saw Hugo holding a cut in front of him, "want it?" The blond offered, "it's hot chocolate, your dad said you liked it?"
The blue eyed alchemist was hesitant at first before he nodded and accepted the drink, "thanks Hugo", he stated as he blew on the hot drink
"No problem Varian"
For a moment the room was silent, no one was sure what to say for a while before Lance sighed, "I think.... We need to talk about what just happened".
Varian looked at him, "w-where.... Where would w-we even begin?...."
"Well.... We could start with what happened if you want, or how you feel", Lance suggested, "take your time though, you have complete control over what you wanna do first", he then looked at the Seporians, "you... You all do". The group looked at the man, save for Clementine, and nodded, smiling gratefully at him before he looked back at Varian.
"I-I don't k-know *how* I feel!" The alchemist replied, "u-upset? A-angry? Sad? I.... Ugh! I d-don't know!" He snapped as Ruddigar chittered nervously at him, "A-andrew was my e-enemy! He was the o-one that caused me pain and h-hurt! H-he did so many things t-to me a-and then he just, all of a sudden, comes o-out of nowhere a-a-and wants to apologize a-and tell me not to blame myself, and then h-he just....." The teen huff, panting a bit as he remembered how the man saved his life before he let go and plummeted into the river below, "he.... H-he just.... Died.... I l-left, and h-he.... He took the b-blame with him...." A few tears rolled down the teen's cheeks as he looked at Lance, "h-he just.... let go.... A-and took, w-what he thought, w-was a good punishment f-for all he did.... H-he just... Died.... A-and I... I don't know... H-how to handle that..... Damn it don't know!"
"Well... What do you feel right now?" Lance asked
"I f-feel sad a-and angry, regretful y-yet satisfied? I-I wanna scream and cry b-but I c-can't seem to pick one to g-go with! I-it's like I'm stuck on one t-thing then another pops up! T-they're all just *swirling* in y head l-like a freaking tornado and I don't k-know which one is the right one to feel!"
"Varian *all* of them are perfectly okay to feel right now", the former thief stated
"He's right", Hector chimed in, "this guy's been the source of a lot of things for you, it's okay that you feel more than one emotion, that's normal"
"B-BUT I D-DON'T *WANT* THIS!" the teen screamed, "I d-don't *WANT* to feel this way! I wanna move on! I wanna be perfectly fine! I d-don't want to think about this anymore I just wanna *forget* it!"
"It doesn't work that way kiddo", Eugene replied gently, "feelings don't just go away because you want them to, you gotta work through em"
"B-but it hurts too much!" Varian stated, "it hurts so freaking b-badly! T-then I end up a-asking myself *WHY* it hurts, b-because he caused me a lot of pain! W-why should I even care?!"
Lance thought about that for a moment before he asked, "....you mentioned that he... That Andrew apologized to you.. Then took all the blame before he died.... Varian did you... Did you forgive him?"
"NO! Y-yes? I-I don't know! I....." The blue eyed alchemist sighed, "....I said I did... I t-told him that I forgave him.... H-he let go of me after that a-and I couldn't hold on to h-him anymore...." He looked down at his arms, the bandages were keeping the wounds from bleeding out, but the teen still felt the dull ache that came with them, "I.... I thought I did.... H-he apologized to me... A-and admitted what he'd d-done was his fault.... H-he told me not to b-blame myself anymore a-and that I n-needed to promise to help his p-people, t-to stick by my family and friends a-and care for them, and t-that I needed to stop b-blaming myself.... I.... I-in the moment I agreed t-to that... I agreed and promised him I would... T-then I told him I forgave him and.... a-and then he fell...."
Lance nodded, "then you hurting is understandable"
"H-how?"
"You may still be mad at him little man, but what he did, savin you, takin the blame, apologizin, it showed you that he could change, that he was willing to and... And he gave you closure, allowed you blame him for what he did so you could move on. Even if he was the main reason for a lot of your pain, he still... Helped you... A lot.... Sometimes that happens", the former thief stated, sometimes, the people we need the most help from are the last people we expect. It can confuse us and even hurt us because we've spent so much time feeling really negative emotions towards them, and now all of a sudden they're tellin you your feelins were valid and end up makin it up to you but it happened so quickly that you're left feelin...."
"Fucked up?" Hugo offered
Hector snorted as Lance smirked, "yeah, honestly, kinda the best words to describe it, you end up feelin really fucked up and confused because they... Weren't supposed to do that, right?"
Varian's eyes widened before he nodded, "y-yeah, that's exactly right! A-Andrew wasn't supposed to be nice to me, he wasn't supposed to admit he was wrong, h-he was supposed to prove it! B-but he didn't, he took the high road a-and told me I was right... A-and now he's gone.... I c-can't talk to him, can't tell him how I feel... C-can't help him...." The teen sighed, "t-that.... that hurts the most... H-he was g-getting better... He was showing t-that he could do b-better... B-but now he can't even try... Lance, is it n-normal to feel guilty for being redeemed?"
"Yeah it is, especially when you go through somethin like this, I take it you're feelin guilt too?"
"Yeah.... I was a-able to change before it was too late.... B-but Andrew.... H-he's gone now... He won't know that he could've b-been better. t-that he had someone willing to help.... H-he didn't know..... I wanted to help him Lance, I-I wanted to help him"
"I believe you", the former thief replied, "we all believe you"
"He's right", Eugene agreed, "we all know you would've tried to help him, we know"
Varian looked down, still gently stroking Ruddigar's fur as he thought, "you know, you can still redeem him", Hugo replied, getting the blue eyed alchemist to look at him, "you promised you'd help his people right? And that you'd stick with you friends and family and stop blaming yourself? You can still do all those things, you can still help the Seporians, you can protect your friends and family, and you can begin to move on, to heal from the damage he's done for you", the blond smiled, "that would be a good first step".
"W-what would I do after that?" Varian asked, his eyes wide
"Well that part would have to be up to you, and it honestly depends on how long the other stuff takes you, I can give suggestions like say, help build a little community for the Seporians to live, find out more about Seporian culture, or even just sharing your memories of Andrew. That, in and of itself, would show that he changed at the end, and sharing his memories, if nothing else, will make sure no one will forget about him". The blond looked away, "if... If someone were to do that for me I'd say I was pretty lucky to be perfectly honest", he smiled, "we live our lives, then pass away, but many people still live on through different ways, through their bloodlines, through their stories, hell Demanitus isn't around anymore yet nearly everyone who hears his name freaks out with excitement and goes on and on about him!" He looked back at Varian, "if you have memories of Andrew, good or bad, you could share them with other people, because him being remembered after death is better than being forgotten".
"I.... I d-didn't think about it that way before.... I.... I think you're right, he could still be redeemed, j-just in a different way...." Varian replied, thinking for a moment, "w-we could tell people, tell them how he changed, how he saved me a-and.... And how.... How he helped me.... How he gave m-me something I didn't know I needed and helped me move on.... I...." He looked up, "I want to... I want to do that, to show people he was good inside, I want to keep my promise, a-and I will", he smiled, "I will...." He then looked at the other alchemist, "thanks Hugo, that... That helped.... a lot. I'll.... I'll remember you too, always".
The blond's eyes widened and he blushed, "uh t-thanks I... I didn-!"
"I know", Varian giggled, "but, I will, I'll remember you, you and your ponytail"
Hugo raised a brow and smirked, "oh yeah? Should we talk about the star jammies or should we just ignore those?"
"I.... These were dad's idea...."
"Makes sense, you look cute"
"S-shut up!"
Lance chuckled, "you feelin a little better than little man?"
Varian smiled, "y-yeah I... I think so... Oh! How.... Um", he looked at the other Seporians, "h-how do you do a Seporian funeral? I.... I wanna remember him but... I wanna give him a proper send off first... I think.... I think that would be the respectful thing to do".
Clementine, for the first time since hearing the news, looked up, her cheeks stained with tears as she looked at the boy as Maisie replied, "normally we would.... Burn the body but.... Well we can't do that..."
"W-what if we burned something of his?" Adira asked, "did he leave something with one of you?"
The Seporians thought about it for a moment before Kai remembered something, "I.... I have something of his we could use...."
****
The next morning everyone was up bright and early, save for Rapunzel, the sunny princess was still resting in one of the beds. The rain had cleared as everyone gathered outside, during the day they all made Seporian food and swapped stories of Andrew, sharing his past adventures and how he grew up.
As the moon began to rise, the group gathered around a large fire pit, dug out and made by everyone with a small box on top. The Coronans were lined on the left side of the box while the Seporians were on the right, they were all silent, eyes closed and heads down, with Clementine and Varian at the head of the lines with torches in one of hands, being the closest to Andrew.
That's when Kai walked out of the caravan, carrying something in his hands as he stopped at the front of the line, right in the middle, "he's here", the large Seporian stated, getting everyone to look at him
"Bring him up Kai", Clementine replied gently
Kai walked forwards slowly, allowing everyone in line ample time to say goodbye before he handed the item to both Varian and Clementine, each of them taking the item in one hand before they turned and set it inside the box, "thank you Kai", Varian stated, getting a nod from the large Seporian as he took his place in line.
The two then turned to the box and looked at the object:
"With this torch
We shall light
A fallen friend
In the night
He will ascend
Into the sky
And watch us all
From way up high
His life is done
His end is here
And even though
We shed a tear
He leaves here in
Euphoria
As a member of
Seporia"
When they've finished the poem, both Varian and Clementine set fire to the object and stepped back. Both of them held hands and watched as they saw the furry vest burn into ash.
Notes:
So, I tried to write this one as best as I could, but for some reason my head did not want to work, so I hope this turned out alright, sorry if it didn't.
I will do more with Quirin later on, for now he's playing supportive dad <3
This is a goodbye to Andrew, he'll prop up from time to time whenever the story calls for it, but he won't make another physical appearance, thought I'd give him a proper funeral, out of respect.
Lance is KING and Hugo is PRINCE! Both of them came in handy for this chapter as support for Varian (also, star pjs are my new favorite Varian pj!)
Adira, Hector, and Edmund will have bigger roles later one, trust me, the 7 Kingdom ball is next (poor Hector)
Rapunzel is okay! She's just really worn out! But she'll be okay, I wanted to make sure everyone knew that!
Varian will have more time to process things a bit later, I'm hoping this will do for now though <3
Thank you for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 136: Connection!
Summary:
Rapunzel finally wakes up and gets caught up on what's been going on since she was asleep
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
After the funeral was done, everyone had decided to go to bed for the night, the two alchemists sharing a bed once again while Adira and Edmund shared the pallet as Rapunzel was still asleep in the bottom bunk. Late at night however, Varian woke up to a sudden noise, looking around he noticed a figure was standing and looking at Eugene, who was sleeping in a chair next to Rapunzel's bed. Varian rubbed his eyes but couldn't see who the figure was, Ruddigar chittered as he woke up and saw the figure before scurrying in front of his boy and sniffing the air around the person before chittering to the teen. Varian looked at the figure again and tilted his head to the side, "Rapunzel?" He asked, seeing the figure jump a bit at his voice before turning around to look up at him.
"Varian?" The princess asked, "oh geez, I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to wake you"
"It's alright, I wasn't having a very pleasant dream anyway", he replied with a yawn, "you've been sleeping for a while, are you okay?"
"Hm? Oh! Yeah I-I am, just.... Just a little dizzy is all", she responded as she looked back at Eugene worriedly
Noticing this, the little alchemist said, "he's okay, he was moving and talking just fine earlier"
He saw the princess give a little sigh of relief before she turned to look at the teen, "how are you? Your injuries, are they bad?"
"I'm alright, just.... Been through a lot.... Rapunzel do you... Know what happened?"
"What happened with what?" The princess asked
"W-with Andrew?"
"I know he kidnapped you and we got you back, I know we healed you and then we all fell asleep, and I.... I know something strange happened to me when I was asleep and Eugene was.... Well he got caught in the middle of it.... Why? Did something else happen?"
The teen felt his heart begin to race at the thought of him having to tell Rapunzel what happened, but he needed to, he knew that. "U-um.... I... I uh... I-I need to tell you something.... A-and it's... It's a lot...."
He saw the princess staring at him for a bit before nodding, "do you.... Wanna talk somewhere else? Where no one else is-!" She was interrupted by a loud snore from Edmund, giggling a little at it, "doing that?"
The teen nodded before hearing a small whistle behind him, turning, he saw Hugo peacefully sleeping as he whistled once more, "I've gotta remember to pick on him about that tomorrow", Varian stated with a smirk as Ruddigar chittered with laughter. The alchemist shuffled away from the blond and climbed down the bunk beds, feeling his feet touch the floor before he turned and looked up at the princess. Her long hair was down and she looked a little disheveled, but she smiled either way, he smiled back, "glad to see you again sis".
This made the princess's smile widen, "same to you bro", she replied before they looked around, "we should got outside, may be a little less crowded there, yeah?"
The teen looked towards the door and shuddered, getting Rapunzel to look at him with worry, "l-like I said... A lot to talk about...."
"Are you sure you want to?"
"Yeah... It'll... It'll be good for me to talk about it, just... L-let's not go near the cliff... Okay?"
With a nod Rapunzel offered her hand, getting the alchemist to take it before they both walked out of the caravan
****
"So.... Andrew... He's really gone?" The princess asked as they sat next to the campfire Varian had lit to stay warm
"Yeah.... I couldn't hold onto him anymore a-and he slipped out of my hands after... After saying what he did...." The alchemist replied, looking into the fire sadly, "we had a Seporian funeral for him a-and said our goodbyes but..."
"....You're not really sure how to feel, are you?" Rapunzel offered
"No... I mean at first I felt so many emotions, now? I just.... I feel.... Sort of numb.... And empty... It's odd, I was so angry and sad, Lance and Hugo helped me through that but... I dunno I guess my mind's just really tired... Like I said, it's a lot"
"I know what you mean.... I'm so sorry that happened Varian", Rapunzel placed a hand on the teen's shoulder
"It's alright, not your fault, though... where were you? N-not that I blame you but, w-what happened to you, when I came back you were already asleep and Eugene was sitting right next to you"
"I...." The princess took her hand away and looked at the fire, her eyes distant for a moment before she blinked and looked at the alchemist, "Varian when you.... When the black rocks came out, I... I woke up in a weird way... I wasn't myself, I mean I was in my own body but I... I wasn't... Me?" She sighed, "I don't know... I can't explain it...."
Varian was quiet for a moment before he looked towards the cliffs, "dad told me, when we were heading to bed tonight, that when the black rocks came, he, Adira, Hector, and grandpa all woke up and dad's brotherhood mark was glowing on his hand.... He said it nearly burned and all of them had shouted my name, as if they all knew I was in danger.... Then he saw you and spoke to you and said you the Moonstone's power was here... Which I'm guessing is when the black rocks appeared. After that he asked you something that made him *know* you weren't you. In fact, his exact words before leaving to find me were, 'you're not the princess are you?' and you said no, he even bowed before leaving..... I... I think we should talk to him... He seems to know what's going on more than either of us do...."
"Do you.... Think it has something to do with the Sundrop?" Rapunzel asked, getting Varian to look at her, "I mean, whatever came over me happened when you said the black rocks came out.... Then I was talking about the Moonstone's power and.... I don't know... Maybe I'm just being crazy"
"You're not", a voice replied from behind to two, getting them both to jump and turn to see both Quirin and Eugene standing there, "you're not crazy blondie", Eugene repeated, "because that was the Sundrop who was talking through you"
"What?!" Both Varian and Rapunzel replied
"Eugene... You... Did you... What happened?" Rapunzel asked, "when I came out of my... Whatever that was, and you caught me, you gave me this look that.... Really worried me.... Do you... Did you... Ask me something while I was in that state?"
The Dark Prince nodded, "I asked you a couple things, only because I knew we'd need to know about whatever was happening.... And we", he gestured to all four of them, "really need to talk"
"By all means, sit down, fire's hot", Varian stated, gesturing to a couple seats across from them. Quirin chuckled before he walked around the fire, up to his son, picked him up, sat down, and set Varian in his lap, ".....Alright then", the alchemist stated, looking up at his father and blushing
"Mine", the Village Leader stated lovingly, placing his chin on his son's head, getting a giggle from the teen as Eugene sat down next to Rapunzel
They group of four, plus Ruddigar, who had hopped into his boy's lap and was purring, were silent for a moment before the Dark Prince let out another sigh, "Rapunzel that... What happened, that was the Sundrop", he said, "she was there because Varian's emotions caused the black rocks to explode out of the ground. She got worried that Varian would be hurt, so she warned us about where to go and what to do so he would be safe".
"Why me?" Varian asked
"Because... For some reason.... You have a connection to the Moonstone", Eugene replied
"What?"
"Yeah... But I think your dad can explain more about that"
Varian looked up at the man, who looked down at him, "dad..."
Quirin hesitated, but let out a big sigh before looking up at the moon, "I.... I think you got a connection to the Moonstone... Because of me being in the Brotherhood....." At his son's silence, he continued, "when I was in the Brotherhood, my job was to watch over the Moonstone, protect it, and the citizens of the Dark Kingdom. I would stay at its side for hours, watching it and making sure no one would come near it without permission"
"Permission?" Rapunzel asked
The old farmer lifted his left hand, uncovered it, and showed his mark to her, "permission", he repeated
"Oh...."
Lowering his hand, he looked up at the moon again, "back then things were simple, Adira, Hector, and I would switch off, we all had our positions, one of us would guard the Moonstone, one would guard the Great Tree, and the last would help Edmund protect the castle and citizens. We would spend two weeks on these shifts, unless there was a festival or celebration of some sort, but even then there were guards posted everywhere, the Moonstone doors would be closed and locked with guards standing out front, the Great Tree would be locked up as well and guarded as everyone celebrated. Things were fine for a while, but I think.... I think exposer to the Moonstone, particularly when it blasted Adira and I with it's magic, caused me to carry over remnants of its power", he looked down at his son, "and pass them onto you...."
The teen stared at his father for a moment, unsure of what to say at first before he asked, "w-what would you look for to even find something like that out?"
"Well, like Rapunzel's hair, it would be something that represents the moon", the old farmer then brushed Varian's bangs to the side, "something blue would be on you, like a blue dot, or a blue mark...." He then thumbed through his son's bangs before his hand landed on the discolored portion, "...or a blue hair stripe".
The alchemist pulled his bangs down, looking at the blue stripe for a moment, "d-did.... Did you think about what this meant when I was born?"
"Yes", his father replied, "the first time I saw that little stripe of hair I... I got very scared..." The man sighed, "you have a blue hair stripe that matches the *exact* color of your eyes, sky blue, ocean blue... Moonstone blue.... Mind you, I watched you like a hawk after that, but never saw you glow or show any signs of power, so I thought that maybe exposure to the Moonstone had just altered your features, so I didn't really mind it.... Not until I saw your eyes glow...."
"Wait you *saw* that?!"
"Several times actually.... Particularly when the black rocks came around.... That... Argument we had.... You... It was very faint, *incredibly* faint that I doubt anyone else would've noticed... But... When you and I were snapping at each other and you pushed me away, for a brief moment your eyes were glowing.... That... Was the first time it happened.... It's why I turned away from you when I said you weren't ready.... When I turned back, the amber started to grow and.... Well you know what happened after that..."
Varian and Rapunzel both shuddered, Eugene gripping his princess's hand, giving it a comforting squeeze as Quirin kissed his son's head, calming them both, "dad... You tried to stop me from grabbing Rapunzel... Y-you told me to wait and reached out to me... W-what... What were you going to tell me when you did that?" Eugene, Rapunzel, Ruddigar and Varian watched Quirin's shoulders tense up as his arms tightened around his tiny son, for just a moment he looked so scared, his eyes were closed and his hands were shaking as he hugged the teen close to his heart, so scared to let him go. For a silent moment or two, everyone waited, not wanting to scare the retired knight even more, before Varian turned and wrapped his arms around his father, "it's okay, it's okay, I'm not going anywhere, I'm not, I promise.... I promise dad".
The two lovers, and one raccoon, watched as the large Village Leader calmed down, little by little, as his son continued to hug him, giving him calming words and reassurances before the man seemed to be fully in control again, hugging his son back as tears fell onto Varian's head. They stayed that way for a few more moments before Varian broke the hug, "thanks...." Quirin stated, "sorry"
"It's okay", the teen replied softly with a warm smile, "I... I get them too sometimes...."
"I... I wish you didn't"
"It's not like either of us can control it, they just... Happen... so it's okay", the alchemist stated gently, "it really is okay, can you continue?"
The Village Leader hesitated for a moment before nodding, getting Varian to settle back down into his lap and look up at him, waiting patiently as the retired knight gathered his thoughts, "I.... I thought.... That that was going to be the last time I ever saw you...." His voice broke a little at the end of his sentence as more tears dripped off his chin
"Dad....."
"I... I thought you would come back and see me frozen... And not be able to get me out.... S-so I wanted to tell you.... how much you meant to me... B-but...." He stopped and took a deep breath before he continued, "I also... Wanted to tell you everything I knew... A-about me, about the rocks, a-about the Moonstone.... I was.... I was going to.... I was going to tell you everything..." He admitted, "and I was.... I was going to tell you about how I think you're connected to the Moonstone..." He then looked at Rapunzel, "and I... Was going to tell you about *her* connection to the Moonstone". He looked back at his son, "I was going to tell you everything so that you could be safe and... And stay away from everything.... Out of everything I went through, I never, *never* wanted any of this for you.... Ever.... It's why I was so adamant that you stayed away but... It... It ended up backfiring... And the last t-thing I saw of you was running away.... I hoped the noted would've been safe I... I should've thrown it somewhere..."
"If you think about what you 'should've' done, you won't remember what you did", Varian stated, "you saved my life, you protected me, then you tried to warn me. You tried your best dad, that's all anyone can ask for, and you know what, you really did help me a lot", he smiled up at his father, "because of you, I grew, m-maybe not at first, with the uh... The automatons and all, b-but you gave me a chance to live! A-after you came back, you were more open with me, more accepting, and more snuggly", he leaned into his father's chest, "case in point". He heard his father chuckle, getting him to smile, "you've helped a lot, and you shouldn't beat yourself up because of some bad decisions you made, i-it's not fair to do that to yourself, trust me".
"I... Eheh, you're right", Quirin smiled at his son, "you're right, you're always right, thank you Varian"
"You're welcome", the teen grinned as Rapunzel and Ruddigar smiled at the duo
Eugene however, stayed quiet, his mind was thinking as a question formed into his head, "Quirin not to break this up, but.... you said Varian that you think exposure to the Moonstone from both being around it a lot and getting blasted by it caused you to pass down some powers to Varian yeah?"
"Yes", the retired knight stated, "that would be my theory"
"Well... Just a thought but... Blondie your mom drank tea with some petals from the Sundrop, and now you've got it inside you, right?"
"That's right", Rapunzel agreed
"What are you thinking Eugene?" Varian asked as Ruddigar looked at the man with curiosity
"Well... Maybe this is a long shot but, does anyone else find it odd that the kid and Rapunzel had very similar ways of getting the two celestial drops's power? Even just a piece of it? And also that their hair seems to be the main show of their connection, blondie being... Well absolutely gorgeously blond and Hair Stripe having his signature hair stripe? Doesn't that mean that *you two* are connected, and if that's the case, then doesn't that mean that Rapunzel's destiny, which combines the Sundrop and the Moonstone together, would also include Varian?"
For a moment the group was silent, before Rapunzel and Varian looked at each other, as they did, the moon reached its peak in the sky, shining down on the group and making both Varian and Rapunzel's hair begin to glow bright.
Notes:
CLIFFHANGER! :D (please don't hate me X3)
Soooooo.... I've been seeing this around a lot, where people draw similarities to Varian and Rapunzel, how they look, how they act, how the two of them seem to have the most nightmares in the show (yes that's a thing), and I've come to realize, that I really wonder what the writers were doing leaving that bit out. I have so many ways this could go while still keeping in cannon with the show that it's not even funny! This is literally something you can play with and it be totally believable to show cannon!
I'm also gonna state this, I'm keeping with cannon as close as possible by means of keeping the episodes we were shown completely unchanged save for maybe a few things here and there. But anything the show did not show us, I technically have free reign, and gosh dang it we're gonna have moon boi in here! Because it just fits WAAAAY too well! I've already said I'm going to be changing the ending a bit, this story line is the main reason! Moon Varian is going to be a thing, I want him to be a thing XD but I'm still sticking to cannon, just adding a few extra things (like a reason for Cassandra to still want to fight against Rapunzel as an example)
Punzie's awake! Big sis is here and freckle siblings have a moment together because cute! :D
Varian is growing up so much! Starting off as the one that needed comfort and now he's giving it! <3 Little bean grows up so fast! <3
Poor Quirin.... So much guilt in that big farmer heart... My gosh.... 3
Eugene is a conspiracy theorist, calling it now XD
Edmund, Adira, Hector, Hugo, Lance, Angry, Catalina, and the Seporians will have more to do later on, don't worry :D
HUGO IS STILL A SLEEP WHISTLER!!!! XD
Thank you for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 137: We'll Work it out Together!
Summary:
Varian, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Quirin talk about the past and the future
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel and Varian gasped as they looked at their hair, one yellow one blue, both lifted up in the air and moving as if they were underwater. Neither of them moved, not wanting to stop whatever was happening until Varian saw his father's hand begin to glow. Looking at his father, Quirin lifted his hand and looked at it worriedly before he looked at his son, "d-dad", the teen said, "w-what.... What's h-happening?"
"I... I don't know", the retired knight replied, "I've never seen this before...."
For a moment, nothing happened, their hair glowed and swayed, but that was it, after a while, the moon began to lower and their hair returned to normal as Quirin's mark stopped glowing. No one spoke for a long time, not knowing what to say before Eugene sighed, "I think I just got my answer...."
"Yeah", Rapunzel agreed, "whatever happens now, I think... I think you're a part of this Varian... More than I thought"
"What do you mean?" The teen asked worriedly
"Well..." The princess sighed, "Remember before.... Before the Seporians and the amber.... before all of that... I came looking for you after you sent me the piece of the Demanitus scroll?" She saw the alchemist nod, "I had... Dreams about you.... Several actually... And when I did the black rocks were surrounding you and seemed to... To follow you in a way"
"T-they did?"
"Yes, you kept telling me to 'face my destiny', then ran at me, and you were so... so angry.... But before you reached me there was a bright flash of light and then I woke up... you always seemed like you were trying to reach out to me.... I..." She stopped, remembering how abandoned the teen had felt before as her guilt swirled in her stomach, "...I wish I'd done something to help you back then...."
"Rapunzel it.... It's okay", Varian replied gently, "l-look what happened between us.... Happened... I-I'm not completely over it but... B-but I'm not angry at you anymore...."
The princess looked at the teen sadly, "Varian you'd.... you'd tell me if you were still upset... Wouldn't you?"
This took the alchemist by surprise as he blinked at her for a moment or two before letting out a sigh, "I.... Would try"
"You would try?"
"I.... Rapunzel I can't tell you with 100% certainty that I'll be completely honest with how I feel about you every time... I can't... B-because there's... There's times where the memories get really bad... A-and I.. I have to stop myself from saying anything about them... B-because you're not like that anymore...B-but there's still some really... D-dark feelings that I can't really g-get rid of.... So I can't tell you what I'm feeling every time b-because there's times where I get a-angry at you for no good reason, t-there are times where I wanna yell at you, there are even times where I just.... Just want you to leave me alone... B-but it's not because of what you're doing or what you're saying, i-it's because of my feelings about the past, b-but I don't want you to feel like I hate you or anything! I-I don't I'm just... Just...."
"Scarred?" Quirin offered with a gentle smile
"Y-yeah... Scarred... Physically and mentally.... A-and it's gonna take some time for those scars to heal... S-some of them are still p-pretty bad a-and Lance is helping me handle them but..."
"....But they can get to a point where the feelings come back and you feel like you did back then even though you're not going through it anymore?" Rapunzel asked with a smile, "yeah I... I've felt that way too.... A-about mo-I mean Gothel.... She would disregard my feelings and make me feel so much less than her without having to raise a hand against me... And if I did anything against her I would be more afraid of disappointing her over what danger I could be in outside...."
"That... Sounds familiar", Varian replied as he looked up at his father with a smile, "minus the abusive part"
Quirin smiled back, kissing his son's forehead lovingly, "I could've been better to you", he admitted
"You're better now, and you weren't horrible to me back that, you just didn't understand, and that's okay, you weren't Gothel...." He looked at Rapunzel, "I was lucky in that regard, and I'm sorry you had to go through all of that... But yeah... You... you definitely understand.... I-I wish you didn't to be honest, because then you wouldn't know what it's like to feel like that..."
The princess smiled sadly, "I wish you didn't know what that feels like either, it's not fair to you.... It's not"
Varian chuckled bitterly before he looked up at the moon, "that connection between us, our destinies.... Do you really think it's real?"
"I think so, in a way, we just need to figure out what you're meant to do", the princess replied, "why? Does it scare you?"
Varian shook his head, "surprisingly no, I'm fascinated by it.... a-and a little nervous... And scared-B-but I'm interested!"
The princess giggled as Quirin wrapped his arms around his son and hugged him happily before looking over to the Nezerdnia Market, "well... This turned out to be a bust huh?"
"I wouldn't call it a complete bust, I mean me and Hugo made a cool antidote and I got my copper plated elements", Varian replied, "also, Catalina and Angry gave back the money they stole... OH! I almost forgot!" The teen exclaimed before he wiggled out of his father's arms and got up, "I-I'll be right back!" He stated before running off to the caravan, Ruddigar following behind him.
Eugene chuckled, "can't stay sitting for very long, can he?"
"Nope", the retired knight agreed with a smile, "he's a jumper"
"Jumper?"
"Jumps from one thing to the other as soon as it pops in his mind, jumper"
"Oh, makes sense"
Rapunzel smiled as she watched the alchemist disappear into the caravan before she frowned and looked down sadly, "I.... I really hurt him back then, didn't I?...."
Both men looked at her, "hey it's.... It's gonna be okay Sunshine", Eugene tried
"How?" Rapunzel asked, looking at the Dark Prince, "he's got so many things he's afraid of now! So many anxious thoughts and flashbacks that he shouldn't have to deal with! A-and it's all because of me! Because I didn't help him when I needed to!" She sighed and looked at the ground again, "I... I hurt him... I hurt one of my best friends and... And now he's got so much weight on his shoulders... And then this", she looked at her hair, "now he's apart of this and he'll have to do something with the Moonstone just like I do and... And it's just... It's too much... For him... For me... For Quirin...."
"Me?" The Villager Leader asked
"Yes you", the princess stated, looking at the retired knight, "he's your son! You already have trauma with these rocks and the Dark Kingdom in general and now he's being pulled away again! And it's all my fault...."
"Rapunzel, you didn't make Varian have some powers of the Moonstone", Quirin stated, "you didn't force him into this role, you didn't tell him he has to help you, it just happened to be that way".
"It wouldn't have been had I-!"
"Had you what? Not been born?" Rapunzel stayed silent, "princess you... You don't blame yourself for the black rocks... Do you?"
"....How could I not?" Rapunzel asked quietly, "had mom and I not gotten sick then my dad wouldn't have needed to use it to heal us... Then we would've passed on and Varian wouldn't have to deal with this..."
"Rapunze-!" Eugene stared
"No!" The princess snapped, "no I don't want to hear that this isn't my fault anymore! I don't want to hear that what Varian went through isn't my fault! Because it is! It's all my fault! *I* got sick so *my* father used the flower petals on *me*! Then Cass's mom kidnapped *me* and took *me* away for years until Eugene found *me*! Then *I* snuck out and touched the black rock when *I* shouldn't have! *My* hair grew and tied *me* and Varian to this destiny! It's all! *MY*! *FAULT*!"
"....I-It's not...." A voice stated from behind her, the princess turned to see Varian standing there with three objects in his hands, "R-Rapunzel i-it... It's not your fault...."
"V-Varian I-!"
"No", the alchemist said, "it's not your fault! Y-you didn't ask to be sick, y-you weren't even *born*! A-and you didn't *tell* your father to use the flower, i-in fact *my* dad tried to stop him! That was *his* choice not yours! A-after that Gothel kidnapped you against your will, you were a *baby*, you have no choice in that! When Eugene rescued you that was *his* choice, he *wanted* to rescue you! Ok so maybe you didn't *need* to sneak out and touch the black rock, b-but you didn't *know* what was gonna happen when you did! A-and after that.... Y-you didn't link me to this destiny... I... I was already linked to it Rapunzel".
"B-but-!"
"Y-you think that because you came around my destiny changed? T-that you had something to do with it? Y-you didn't, dad was always a member of the Brotherhood, he made that choice before either of us were born. Eugene was always the lost prince of the Dark Kingdom, you being in his life may have helped him find that out but he would still have that blood running through his veins. C-Cassandra was always Gothel's daughter, e-even if she hadn't kidnapped you I *highly* doubt C-Cassie would've been any better off than she is now. A-and then there's me, I was always dad's.... Always *Quirin's* son, always, and I'm *proud* to be his son! My destiny may have come at a later or sooner time had you not been here, but it would've been the same", he smiled at her, "princess the o-only thing you have to feel responsible for it the fact that I'm not doing this alone, and I'm very glad I d-don't, because I wouldn't know what to do or who to talk to about this. M-my dad doesn't have moon powers, I never would've met Eugene or Lance, same with Catalina and Angry, I knew C-Cassandra before but distantly, she would've never come to my home h-had you not been there. Rapunzel you... You don't have to feel responsible f-for me having a destiny because it was going to happen either way, that's how destinies work. Y-yeah some people can make them different, b-but they're still gonna happen, so... Please", he looked at her sadly, "s-stop feeling guilty for things you can't control, b-because they're not your fault Rapunzel, you... Y-you made bad decisions with me, yes, a-and that's gonna take time, b-but you feeling guilty for the Sundrop and Moonstone is not part of that, b-because no matter what choice you made, I would still have these powers, and if not you, then s-someone else would have the Sundrop, again, that's how it works sis".
He smiled at Rapunzel, who had her hands over her mouth and tears in her eyes before she ran over and hugged him tightly, "....thank you for that Varian", she stated as her tears dripped onto his head, "I... I really needed that"
He hugged her back as Ruddigar took the objects from his boy's hands, holding onto them safely, "you're welcome.... I.... I love you Rapunzel, e-even if we don't always get along, a-and there are things we need to work out... I really do love you, you're my big sister, and I couldn't ask for anyone better, I mean that"
Rapunzel smiled as Eugene and Quirin watched the pair happily, "I love you too Varian, you're the best little brother anyone could ask for". They stayed that way for a little bit longer before Rapunzel broke the hug, sniffling a bit before noticing Ruddigar, "oh! Sorry I.. I didn't mean to put a damper on... this?"
Varian giggled, "I picked up a few things from the market that I was gonna give you guys, I had to sneak it from Eugene because he was with me when I picked them out"
"Wait you got *me* a present?" Eugene asked, a little startled by that
"Yep! You, dad, Hugo, Rapunzel, Lance, the girls, Adira, Hector, and Grandpa", he looked back at the caravan before looking back with an excited smile, "I'm giving them theirs tomorrow, but I thought it would be nice to give you guys yours right now!"
Ruddigar climbed up his boy's shoulder and chittered
"I got you something too buddy, but it'll have to wait a little longer, oki?"
The raccoon hesitated before nodding and handing the three gifts to the teen
"You're the best you know that?"
Ruddigar chitter cockily
Varian giggled, "you're also a brat, but that's okay", he smirked, "so it dad"
Quirin raised a brow, "oh really?"
"You heard *nothing*!" The teen giggled before he gave the princess her gift, "I picked it out based off of... Recent, events"
The princess giggled when she saw the clam box he'd given her, "I think I caught the reference", she replied before she opened the clam and gasped as a coronan necklace sat in front of her, the sun symbol made out of sunstone as the golden chain shined in the night, "Varian this is.... Thank you so much! How did you find, and afford, this?!"
"Remember when me, Lance, Eugene, and the girls were playing Uno during the 'Devotion Festival'? Yeah Lance and Eugene really need to learn to stop betting against me with that game"
Eugene huffed, "I *still* think you cheated!"
"And you're really bad at Uno"
"I am not!"
The princess giggled, "thank you so much! This... Really means a lot to me"
Varian beamed happily, "I'm glad you like it because now I have to give cranky his present"
"Oi!" Eugene exclaimed
"Are you not grumpy?"
"I... It's not me being grumpy, it's me being huffy at your inaccurate accusation that *I* am bad at Uno"
"Did you win?"
"No"
"Then you're at least worse than me"
"PFFT!" Quirin clapped a hand over his mouth as he laughed quietly
Eugene gave the retired knight the stink eye before standing up and ruffling the teen's hair, "you really are a brat you know that?"
Varian bapped the man's hands away with a giggle before he handed him the wrapped gift, "I know"
Eugene accepted it with a smirk and opened it up to see a Flynn Rider utility belt, "oh my-!"
"It's got his knife and even a rope too"
The Dark Prince took the pocket knife out of it's holder and flipped it open, staring at it, his eyes twinkling at the engraving, it said, 'if something is not impossible, it's not worth doing!'. The man stared at that knife for a long time before he silently closed it, put it back in the holder, handed Rapunzel the belt, lifted Varian up, making the alchemist let out a startled 'meep!', and hugged him tightly. The teen hugging him back as he giggled, "thank you kiddo!" Eugene stated, "this is the best thing anyone has ever given me!"
Varian smiled wide, "you're welcome! Anything for *my* Flynn Rider"
Again, they stayed that way for a little while, but this time Quirin stood up and walked over to the two with a grin, "are you gonna try and steal him?" The retired knight teased
"I might!" Eugene replied, getting Varian to laugh before the Dark Prince finally set him down, getting the belt back and playing with it
Varian held the last present close to him as he walked over to his father and handed it over, "I hope you like it, i-it's kinda special"
Quirin smiled, "I love everything you give to me, this will be no different"
The alchemist smiled wide as he watched his father open and look at the gift, he pulled out the dagger made of titanium with a rainbow finish, smiling happily as he turned it in his hands before he felt something else inside. Turning the dagger's holder over, he felt something drop onto his glove, looking at it he saw a small necklace, it was a sapphire right half of the moon with a silver chain, he looked at Varian, who then pulled out another necklace, this one was a ruby left half of the moon with a silver chain. The teen walked over and put the two necklaces together, getting Quirin to notice they fit perfectly together and form a red and blue moon, "now you'll have me with you, and I'll have you with me", Varian explained with a smile.
Quirin stared at the necklaces before he smiled wide and wrapped his arm around his son, leaning his head against the teen's, "thank you son, I love it, a lot"
"You're welcome dad", Varian replied, "I love you"
His father kissed his head and hugged him closer, "I love you too"
Notes:
EARLY UPLOAD!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D
I love fluff! I can't help it, plus Varian just went through a lot so I think fluff is needed for this little moon bean! :D
Poor Punzie, she feels a lot of guilt and honestly, I wish they would've touched on how she felt during the Cassandra and Varian situation, and how she feels responsible for a lot of it, which I'll bet she did. Also, freckle siblings moments!!!!!
Eugene is epic older brother who picks on his little brother but loves him all the same! We all love supportive big brother Eugene! <3 And yes, the man plays with toys in my mind, can you blame him though?
Quirin is an amazing father and I want him to feel all the love in the world, hence the daggers, the necklace, and all the snuggles from his son, he's going to be a loved Quirin doggonit! XD
Hugo, Lance, the girls, Hector, Adira, Edmund, and the Seporians will get their own roles later on :D
Time to head back to Corona everyone! We've got some story ideas that need to be written, so stay tuned!!!! :D
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 138: Parting Ways! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The group gets ready to head back to Corona, but Varian has somethings he needs to sort out first, like how he feels about a certain alchemist
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian yawned as he stretched his arms and legs in the bed, he felt Ruddigar's fur to the left of him, giving the raccoon a gentle scratch as a good morning and giggling when he heard his best begin to purr. To say the teen was exhausted was an understatement as he tried to sit up, his head felt heavy and was pounding as his eyes barely opened, he groaned, "sun too bright Freckles?" A voice asked, startling the teen to the point where he nearly fell off the bed before someone grabbed him.
Looking at the person, Varian sighed when he saw a smirking blond looking back at him, "Hugo"
"Me"
The blue eyed alchemist chuckled as he slid back onto the bed, making sure Ruddigar didn't get knocked off in the process before looking at the teen, "good morning, thought you would've been up by now"
"Nah"
"Why not?"
"Sun's too bright"
Varian snorted, "you're a dork"
"And you aren't?"
"I.... Will not dignify that question with a response"
"Wasn't *that* a response"
"....Shut up"
Hugo snickered before noticing how tired the other alchemist looked, "what happened to you? It looks like you got punched in both eyes"
"Thank you for that flattering description", Varian sassed, "I'm fine, just tired, didn't get much sleep last night"
"Why not?"
"Well Rapunzel woke up in the middle of the night, I caught her up on what was going on and she told me what happened to her, it was kind of a long talk"
"I see", the blond responded, "I was wondering why your dad carried you back in last night, scared the fuck outta me"
"Wait he *carried me back in?"
"Yeah, it was almost 3AM when he did, he shuffled the blankets so much that he scared me awake. Course he apologized and said he was just tucking you in, which was cute because you were latched onto his vest for some reason"
Varian blushed, "i-it's fluffy!"
"Hey I'm not judging, I see that thing all the time on him, probably smells like him, which can be comforting so I get it. Either way he set you in bed and fell asleep on the chair over there", the blond pointed to an empty chair near the bed they were in, "of course, he woke up a while ago and headed out, everyone did actually, but he asked me to keep an eye on you since I was awake, so here I am".
"Riveting"
"Very"
The blue eyed alchemist chuckled, "well thanks for keeping an eye on me, but despite the way I look I should probably get up"
"Ok", Varian paused, "what?"
"Not gonna tell me to stay and get some rest?"
"No?"
"Huh"
"What?"
"Sorry I'm just... Used to people doing that to me... It's nice when someone doesn't"
Hugo snorted, "trust me, I'm in the same boat, I get up when I want and I sleep when I sleep. I hate it when people tell me that I should 'get more rest' it's like, I'm sorry, are *you* my body?"
Varian laughed, "right?! Oh my gosh, then they're all like, 'but it's healthier for you, blah blah blah', it's like, yeah I *know* but it'll be better if I just get the work done and rest *after*"
"Exactly!"
The two alchemist giggled before Varian smiled at Hugo sadly, "I... Think we may be heading back to Corona tomorrow... And I'm gonna ask now because I think I know that answer, are you coming with?"
Hugo looked at the blue eyed alchemist, he hesitated for a moment, really not wanting to say what he had to, but he sighed and shook his head, "I can't...."
"Right.... I figured, but there's always that chance you know?"
"Yeah... I wish I could if that helps, I'm just... Not able to... I've got things I need to do and-and people I need to see so I... Varian I wish I could-!"
"I-it's okay, I know you can't, I understand why you can't too, it's just... Sad... you know? I feel like I finally met someone that *gets* it, gets *me*, a-and now we have to say goodbye..."
"Same here Freckles... But hey, maybe I'll visit you in Corona one day, never know, could be fun"
Varian's eyes lit up with excitement, "you really think so?!"
"Yeah, why not? I mean if there's people like you there, might just be worth the trip", the blond replied with a blush
The blue eyed alchemist smiled, blushing too, "thanks Hugo, that means a lot"
"No problem Freckles"
The two were silent for a moment before Varian realized he was still in bed, with Hugo. He blushed even more and began to scramble out of the blankets, "w-well I'd um, I'd b-better be getting to work now"
"Varian-!"
"N-no worries, you j-just take you time and get up when you want too!"
"But Vari-!"
"D-don't about it! I'll j-just get out of he-AH!" The alchemist yelped as he fell off the bed and fell into someone's arms, looking up he saw his father looking at him with a smile
"Morning clumsy", Quirin stated
Varian blushed even more as he looked over at Hugo, who was laughing, "I wahahas trying to tehehell you thahat you were gohohohonna fall of the behehehed ha HA!"
"Eheh... Ha ha he~.... Yeah um.... H-hi dad, thank you, bye!" He wriggled out of his father's grip and ran out of the caravan as the two watched him run away
Quirin raised a brow then looked up at the blond, "you gonna fall out too?"
The alchemist shook his head, "nah, I'm thinking about going down the old fashioned way, for old times sake"
"Sounds good"
****
"Stupid!" Varian scolded himself as Ruddigar waddled beside him, "I'm so stupid! H-He probably thinks I'm a joke, or a dork, or a loser! UGH! W-why didn't I have to fall out of the *bed*?!"
Ruddigar chittered at his boy
"No, he won't let me live that down, he's too sassy"
The raccoon chittered again
"How can I not worry? He's leaving today, I still have to give him his gift, but how am I supposed to face him when I just did, arguably, the most embarrassing thing I could've done"
The small mammal chittered quickly, hopping onto his boy's shoulder
"Yeah yeah, I know there's way worse things that could've happened-!"
Ruddigar chittered
"Like that yes I-!"
He chittered again
"That too-!"
He chittered once more
Varian blushed even more, "*never*"
The raccoon laughed
"You're gross you know that?"
Ruddigar chittered again, this time encouragingly
"...Yeah I guess you're right... I just wish I could go back in time and do that over again, I would've said something smooth like 'yeah you need to leave, but here's something to remember me by dude', or 'I figured you wouldn't stay, but I know this will, with you', or even 'don't even worry, you won't forget me, especially not after I give you this'"
Ruddigar raised a brow
"T-too smooth?"
"Catalina can you grab that box over there and help me get it into the caravan?" The teen heard Lance say, "we need to pack this stuff up for tomorrow"
"Ok", Catalina responded as Varian perked up at their voices
Angry groaned, "why are packing today when we're leaving tomorrow?"
"Because we need to get up early tomorrow so we can be in Corona by sundown, so getting a headstart and packing up what we won't need will help us all out in the long run", he then paused, "unless you'd like to get up at 6AM and do this"
"....What else do you need me to carry?" The dark haired girl asked, getting the man to laugh
"Hey, m-maybe Lance will know what to do, oh! And Eugene! He's smooth with the ladies, what with being Flynn Rider and all", Varian stated as he smiled at his raccoon
Ruddigar chittered again
"Yes yes, I know he wasn't *actually* *the* Flynn Rider, but he's the closest and acts just like him! Plus they're the only ones I really trust with this information... Save for dad... Or you, but still, couldn't hurt, right?"
The raccoon chittered once again, bringing up a good point
The teen blinked, "...r-right.. I never told them.... B-but maybe I should? I-I don't know, m-maybe they'd help me with it? T-then again, I don't really k-know how they'll react...."
"Lance, that box goes in the front, it's fragile remember?" Varian heard his dad say
The teen peeked from around the corner once more and saw his father had made his way out of the caravan and was helping put boxes and bags away, "dad.... M-maybe I should talk to him first?"
The raccoon nodded
"O-oki.... D-dad would probably be the best option... T-though... I s-still wanna tell Eugene...."
Ruddigar thought for a moment before he got an idea and shared it with his boy
"Both? At the same time? T-that might work! J-just gotta find Eugene"
"Why do you need to find me?" Eugene asked from behind the alchemist making the teen yelp
The teen turned and saw the man smiling at him, "E-Eugene, h-hi! Don't... Please don't do that, m-my heart can't take it right now.."
"Sorry kiddo, you okay, you look a little...." The Dark Prince looked his little brother up and down, noting how he was still in his pajamas, barefoot, face redder than a tomato, hair completely messy, and was shaking a little, "....Nervous".
"Y-yeah I'm okay, j-just really excited t-to return h-home you know?" Eugene raised a brow, "....Yeah I wouldn't believe me either... Eugene I... I need to talk to you, and dad, about something... I-It's not as serious as things have been before b-but it's... It's important enough that I'd like to talk in private... Please?"
Eugene nodded, "I'll cut you a deal, I'm helping Lance, Quirin, Hugo, and the girls pack up while the Seporians are gathering some food for the road tomorrow with my dad, Adira, and Hector. Why don't you go back in the caravan to get cleaned up and relax a bit and I'll bring Quirin around a little later so we can talk yeah? Because no offense kid, but you... you don't look alright".
"That's putting it lightly to be perfectly honest", Varian replied, "I know I'm a mess, so, I'll take the offer, y-you... You don't need my help with anything?"
"Nah kiddo, we got it, Rapunzel should be in there too actually, she's resting up, maybe you should do the same for a bit, yeah?" The Dark Prince replied with a gentle smile, "we'll be here for a whole day, so you and she can rest and chat until Quirin and I come along. If you want, we can go into the other side of the caravan and talk in there, total privacy yeah?"
Varian smiled, "yeah, thanks Eugene!" He hugged his big brother, who smiled and hugged back, before the alchemist ran to the caravan
"No problem kiddo", the Dark Prince replied softly with a loving smile
****
Varian had gone inside the caravan, where he noticed Rapunzel asleep, he smiled, walking over and wrapping a blanket over her before noticing his and Hugo's bed was empty. Breathing a sigh of relief the teen set about getting himself cleaned up, brushing his teeth before he grabbed some clean clothes and found a river nearby, making sure to place some blankets up so no one saw him before he took a dip inside, shivering at the cold. He cleaned his body, being careful of the lashes he'd gotten, before he got out, dried himself and put on the clean clothes. He made his way back to the caravan, the princess was still sleep, he checked on her and smiled when he noticed her breathing before he brushed his hair out. Once that was done he climbed back into his and Hugo's bed, making it real quick before he laid into it and sighed, enjoying the feeling of the sheets against his skin. He rebandaged his wounds and read a book until he fell asleep, he began having an odd dream:
*He was in the woods, lost? He wasn't sure, but he looked up and saw the moon above him, he smiled at it before looking forwards again. Something isn't right, he noticed the air felt tense and dark, he felt like he was being watched by someone, or something. He continued to look around before he felt his body begin to move on it's own, looking down he saw he was barefoot, for some reason he felt that was very strange, why would he be barefoot in a forest? He looked forwards again, but this time he saw something glowing in front of him, a blue light, he felt like he should chase it so he ran. He ran towards it as fast as he could, something was screaming at him that it was important and that he needed it, the closer he got however, the worse he felt, his stomach twisted with anxiety as his mind kept saying the same word over and over again, it was getting louder and louder but he couldn't make out the word. He saw a cave, the blue light was inside, he swallowed the lump in his throat before he made his way inside, the wet floors were cold and his feet felt frozen, but he kept going until he saw a tall, dark figure standing in front of the blue light. Their eyes were blood red and they growled at the teen, he felt so scared, but he needed that blue light, so he stepped forward, and that's when he finally heard the word his mind was trying to tell him...
"PAIN!"*
Varian woke up with a start, looking around as he felt his shoulders tensed to an unnatural degree, "Varian?" A voice called worriedly
He looked forwards to see Rapunzel looking at him, her face was a mixture of worry and fear as she watched the teen closely, "R-Rapunzel? What's wrong?"
"You... Your hair is glowing again...."
He looked up and saw his usually black hair glowing a bright blue color and swaying as it did the night prior, he moved his hand to touch it, it was soft, just like usual, "w-why is this happening?"
"I don't know, you almost fell out of the top bunk", Rapunzel replied
"What?"
"You were twisting and turning to the point where you nearly fell out, I was able to catch you in time with my hair, but you didn't wake up, a-and you kept... Saying something...."
"Saying something?"
"Yeah... A word... Just one, it scared me...."
"Rapunzel what word was it?"
"Pain....."
Varian's eyes went wide as he remembered his dream and how desperate he was to get to the blue light, "I...."
"Varian are you... Alright? You sounded so scared and then your hair glowed and now.... What happened in that dream?"
"I-I don't know, there was a blue light that I needed to get, I was barefoot and lost in a forest which I thought was weird, the closer I got to the blue light the worse I felt, when I got close enough to the blue light it was in a cave, a-and when I finally got to the blue light there was a large shadow person standing in front of it, growling at me, with red eyes.... My mind was screaming 'pain', the entire time I was in that dream but I couldn't hear it until I got to the blue light and saw the figure.... R-Rapunzel what does that mean?"
The princess thought for a moment before shaking her head, "I... Don't know... I could just say 'dreams are weird and don't mean anything' but going based off of your father's dream about Andrew..."
"Right...." The alchemist looked down, noticing Ruddigar was in his lap, he smiled and stroked his best friend's fur before he looked up at his big sister, "Rapunzel, can you not tell anyone about this? I know it's wrong but we've all been through a lot and I want to see if I can figure out what this means first before getting anyone else involved... Please?"
Rapunzel looked at him worriedly, "you sure? Maybe we should tell your father"
"No, especially not him", Varian replied quickly, "he's... He's been through enough... I don't want him to hear about this and worry even *more* about me, just... Please? Please let this be our secret for now? I'll update you whenever I find anything else out about it, a-and if it gets to the point where I, or you, feel like it's dangerous, then we'll tell him, just... Please?"
"I.... Yeah ok, I can do that", the princess stated, "but you *will* tell me if it gets bad right?"
"Absolutely"
".....Varian..... Do you promise?"
The teen looked at her for a moment, a small bit of him wanting to snap at her for even daring to ask him to promise *her* something. But one look at her face told him she was scared and worried about him, and he knew she had every right to be. So with a sigh and a nod, he replied, "I promise...."
"I'm sorry I just-!"
"I get it, I do, this is.... A lot like the black rocks before... It's just...."
"Hard?" She offered
"Yeah, b-but I trust you, a-and you trust me, s-so..." He sighed and looked at her, "it's a step in the right direction at least"
She nodded, "I'll keep the secret, just like you did for me, I will"
"Thanks princess"
She smiled and nodded before she noticed something behind Varian, "Eugene!" She squealed in delight before running over and hugging the man she loved
Varian turned to see the Dark Prince laughing and hugging her back, "heya blondie, what's up?"
"Nothing much, just talking! I missed you"
"Missed you too Sunshine", he responded, hugging her happily as Quirin walked past the two and over to his son
"Blech, my sister and brother are kissing!" Varian teased
Quirin raised a brow, "that... Is oddly enough a very gross sentence"
The little alchemist thought about it for a moment before clapping his hands over his mouth and blushing as he looked at his father, "I-I didn't mean it like that!"
His father laughed, "I know bubby I know", he wrapped an arm around his son and hugged him happily before he looked down at the teen, "Eugene mentioned you needed to talk about something important, what's up?"
The teen blushed even more before he looked up at his father, "um... C-can we go into another room a-and talk please?"
The Village Leader was a little startled but nodded before he looked at Eugene, "you coming?"
"Yep, one sec", the Dark Prince replied before he looked at Rapunzel and kissed her on the lips before he hugged her, said something to her and walked over, "sorry about that, shall we?"
"Um..." Varian wasn't sure what to say
Eugene smirked, "you'll understand when you're older"
"I-I'm 15"
"That's still too young, come on"
The alchemist huffed a little but didn't argue as all three of them walked into the other half of the caravan, leaving a very happy looking Rapunzel behind as they closed the door. Varian took a minute to take a breath and slowly release it before he turned and looked at the two, "um... H-hi"
"Hi", Quirin replied with a gentle smile, "everything okay?"
"Y-yeah, just... I.. I n-need to ask you two something"
"What's up kiddo?" Eugene replied as he sat in a hammock, the retired knight opting to sit on a chest nearby
"W-well.... I... I w-wanted to... T-to ask you two if.... Um...." The teen blushed profusely and for some reason his throat and mouth suddenly felt very dry, he wanted to say what was on his mind but didn't know how to start, "I..."
Seeing his son struggle, Quirin smiled, "hey, whatever it is, you don't have to feel afraid of telling us"
Eugene nodded with a smile, "he's right, we won't judge you or make you feel bad, just say what's on your mind kiddo"
Varian was silent for a moment, looking at Ruddigar who chittered encouragingly before he looked at his father and big brother and blurted out the first thing that came to his mind, "I-I think I like boys the same way I like girls!"
The room was silent as the alchemist kept his eyes closed before he opened them to see his father's and Eugene's surprised expressions, "what?" Quirin asked as Eugene stayed in silent shock.
Notes:
Early upload, part 1, and coming out, I'm excited! :D
I wanted to make a chapter about this because it's important, I'm part the LGBT+ community myself, so I understand how hard it can be to tell someone, weather you care about them or not, what kind of sexuality you are. I wanted to make this chapter, in particular, very special, because this topic is very near and dear to me and my family, who have struggled with this before. To anyone who's feeling scared or worried, we accept you, all of us, and we will stand by you, you're not alone, you're not <3
I won't say anymore, I'll let this chapter and the next one after speak for themselves, but I will say all are welcomed here, every single one of you, no matter if you're, gay, straight, bi, ace, demi, poly, doesn't matter, you're included here! <3
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 139: Parting Ways! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian tells Eugene and Quirin a huge secret and waits for their reaction
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian blushed deeply as he looked in-between his father and big brother, "I-I-I... I t-think I like boys the same way I l-like girls? Eheh...."
The room remained silent for a moment or two longer because the teen saw his father grin widely before he looked at Eugene, "I win"
"What?" The alchemist asked, a little stunned at their reactions
Eugene huffed, "yeah yeah, you win you big brat nugget"
"E-excuse me-!"
"Well that's what you get for betting against *my* son", Quirin defended
"You know technically he didn't say *who* he was interested in", the Dark Prince replied
"Well maybe we should ask him, or are you too much of a sore loser?"
"I am not! Varian, who are you interested in?"
The alchemist blushed even more, "u-um...."
"Oh, heh heh, whoops", his father replied with a slight blush of his own, "sorry Bubby, we can talk about this later"
"Right", Eugene agreed
The retired knight walked over to his son and sat next to him, "it's okay, sorry about that, just take a deep breath and start at the beginning"
Varian froze for a moment before he followed his father's instructions, taking a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds, then letting it go slowly. He repeated this over and over again until he was much calmer before he looked up at his dad, "y-you knew?"
Quirin smiled, "we... Sort of notice how you and a certain other person act around each other, plus you've shown signs for a little while that you had an interest in boys, we just wanted to wait until you were ready to tell us"
"H-how... When did *you* figure it out?"
"When you made a shrine of Flynn Rider in my house and called him 'cute and handsome'", his father replied as Eugene placed a hand over his mouth to hide his smile
The alchemist blushed even more, "b-but that wasn't-I-I-I d-didn't m-mean it like-I... Meeeeeeeeeeeeh!"
The retired knight laughed softly as he wrapped one arm around his son, pulling him in closely and hugging him, "it's okay son, it's alright, none of us judge you at all for whatever feelings you may have towards anyone, right Eugene?"
"Absolutely", Eugene agreed with a smile, "don't worry kiddo, we really don't judge you for who you like, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters, yeah?"
The alchemist looked in-between the pair, then smiled, "thanks guys"
"You're welcome", they both replied
"So... Can I ask who you're interested in that would make you feel this way?" Eugene asked as casually as possible
Apparently it was in vain however, because Varian became a sort of turtle and somehow hid his neck and half his face in his shirt while blushing even more than before. Quirin smiled lovingly as he tried not to snicker at his son's face, "son we can't help you if you don't tell us", the Village Leader pointed out, while Eugene tried to find the teen's neck.
"Mmmmeh", Varian responded, getting Quirin to snort
"Variheeheeheeheean", his father giggled, "I cahahahan't even with you, you little nugget", he hugged his son happily, getting the alchemist to giggle, coming out of his shirt a little to hug his father back, "feel better?"
"Uh huh"
"Ok, you wanna tell us now so we can help?"
"Maybe... B-but you can't laugh"
"We won't"
"Promise?"
"Promise"
"Eugene?"
"I promise kiddo", the Dark Prince replied honestly
"O-oki", Varian replied, his head fully emerging from his shirt as he took a couple deep breaths before he finally spoke, "it's... I-it's Hugo", he responded shyly before blushing again, "a-and I wanna give him something s-special before we have to leave b-because he can't come with us... B-but every time I try I g-get really nervous and blush and stutter a lot.... T-then he snickers at me and I g-get worse because.... B-because his eyes look r-really pretty w-when he smiles...."
Quirin was a little startled before he smiled wide, remembering how he fell in love with Ulla, "you know, it's funny, you look nothing like me, but you act almost the same as me"
"I-I do?"
His father nodded, "I don't think I ever told you how I met your mother, did I?" Varian shook his head, "well it's a little embarrassing, but... It's a lot like what you're going through now, I also fell for the eyes:
*"You're going to love it in Old Corona Quirin", king Frederic stated with pride, "it's got charm, charisma, tenacity! And lets not forget farms, lots and lots of farms, it's the perfect place for a retired individual such as yourself to settle down and enjoy! Besides that we finally got the old castle up and running again, so it's... Well... A little like home don't you think?"
The retired knight sighed, "I suppose... Though I'm not entirely sure that's such a good thing your majesty...."
The king of Corona looked at his friend worriedly, "you're still thinking about it? It's been what, 5 years now? Come on old friend, surely you can look past this and try to make a new life for yourself here!"
The large man was quiet, unsure of how to really answer the optimistic king's question, "dear, maybe we shouldn't push him", Arianna replied softly as she watched the retired knight's saddened eyes, "after all losing someone's home is hard...."
"It's been 5 years Arianna"
"Yes, just 5 short years", the Queen corrected, "I certainly wouldn't be ready to discuss something like that, no matter how long it's been"
"I suppose you're right, sorry Quirin"
"It's alright", the retired knight replied, "maybe it will be good for me to move on... After all, I can't change the past...." He responded before his mind added, *Although I wish I could....*
The carriage they were seated in finally stopped, "oh, we're here!" Frederic stated, opening the door, "are you coming Quirin?"
"I'm coming", the retired knight got up, allowing Arianna out first before he stepped out himself and looked at the tall, castle-like, building in front of him
The king smiled happily, "what do you think?"
"It's.... Big... Very big... Are you sure I'll need all the room?"
"Well I'll admit it's been some time since we've had a Village Leader in our kingdom, I think the last one was during my grandfather's reign as king, and even then he didn't last very long", Frederic explained, "so no one's really remodeled this old building, they've just let it be lost to time, so to speak, but I've had many maids and butlers go through it and clean it up. Many people have worked hard to make this place livable and clean, maybe you could use the extra rooms for different things, such as gardening rooms, studies, even a library", he suggested
"I.... Thank you your majesty, I apologize if I don't seem grateful I'm just...."
"....Homesick?" Arianna offered
"Yeah", Quirin nodded, "b-but I'm still very grateful for this opportunity! I really am"
Frederic nodded, "I understand my friend, don't worry. I just hope you can find a home here, it's a good place and the people are kind here, try to take a little time to get to know them, you might find there's more to this place than meets the eye"
"Right", the retired knight replied with a smile, "thank you, both of you, for letting me stay here and be the Village Leader, I'll work hard to earn my keep"
Arianna smiled warmly, "how about you find your place first, I know you'll earn your keep, but that's not how Corona works", she stated, "just do your best, we can always help when you need us, the Village Leader helps the village, that much is true, but the Village Leader isn't the King and Queen, you help us, but you're not alone. You can make mistakes and let us know, it's okay".
For a moment, Quirin didn't know what to say, he looked at the Queen and didn't see Arianna in that moment, instead he saw someone else he hadn't seen in a long time, and it made him smile, "thank you your majesty"
"You can call me Arianna, we're friends, remember?"
The retired knight gave a watery chuckle and nodded, "thank you Arianna"
"You're welcome Quirin"
"I hate to cut you two short, but it's going to rain soon, and it doesn't look like a pleasant storm, Ari, we should get back to the castle", Frederic stated sadly
The Queen nodded, "we should... Will you be alright here Quirin?"
"Yeah, I'll.... I'll be okay, I'll probably unpack and explore, you know, get a feel for it", the retired knight responded with a small smile, "I'll be okay"
Arianna nodded, "just let us know if you need anything, okay?"
"I will, thank you"
She nodded, and with that, the two royals went back to the carriage and rode off, leaving the retired knight to look back at the castle, which was strange, because while they were here, it look so much brighter than it did now.... With a heavy sigh, Quirin walked forwards, unlocked the door, and walked in. The place was big, a huge fire place in the center with a couch and two armchairs around a small table in the living room. "Oh boy..." He said to himself, "come on, it's just a small castle, you can do this, just.... Take a breath and calm down..." He closed his eyes, took a breath, then opened them, "....it's too big...." He replied sadly, the silence only confirmed his worry, "way too big...."
He walked through the place, checking every room, all were made like guest bedrooms save for a large master bedroom on the first floor, complete with it's own privy, and another master bedroom on the second floor with a privy across the hall, "for a prince or princess I suppose", the man muttered to himself, "don't suppose any of those will be running around anytime soon....." His mind wandered to a little baby he used to hold in his arms, he was so small with his mother's brown eyes and his father's nose, "Horace.... I wonder if you'd like it here...." Shaking his head he closed the door and walked into the kitchen.
He noticed there was a window that looked out into one of the fields, it was overgrown and shaggy, "that's a shame... Maybe I can clean that up later", he said, "would be a good distraction", he chuckled, "or an annoying habit, right Hect-!" He stopped when he turned to see no one there, he frowned, "I've gotta stop doing that... I need to make a new life for myself, fresh start, new place, new people.... N-new home...." He sighed, "I c-can do this, just, maybe unpacking will help me".
He exited the kitchen and entered the master bedroom on the first floor, "it would be better to have a first floor room just in case something happens at night", he explained to the wall, "....Thank you for listening, and I'm glad you like my idea", he then stopped and blushed, "Adira would tell me I'm losing my mind... And I'd have to agree with her...." He went about unpacking his things, he didn't have much, a blanket and pillow, his swords, which he hung on the walls with pride, some books he'd brought with him, some farming tools he'd managed to snag before leaving the castle, and an old chest that... He'd rather not open right now.... "Memories...."
Having sorted everything, the retired knight stepped back and inspected the room, "there now that's.... Still empty, I... don't have a lot of stuff I guess.... Never really needed it... M-maybe I could spread this out a little? My duel blades would look nice above the fire place, let's try that". He took the blades off the wall and walked into the living room, hanging them above the fire place, "there, that's a little better!" He smiled, "now they'll be there for all to see! Like King Edmund would've li-! ....Damn it, why do I keep doing that?" He sighed, placing a hand over his eyes, images of his family flashing behind his eyelids, "I... I miss them but... But they're not here, it's been 5 fucking *years* *why* can't I get over this?!"
He sighed in frustration, running his hand through his hair as he looked at the ground sadly, "of course I can't get over them... They were my home.... I... I want to go home...."
He stayed like that for what seemed like hours, letting his tears drip off his face before he heard someone knock on the door repeatedly. Jumping a little at the sudden noise, the retired knight wiped off the tears and walked over to the door, opening it and seeing two women, the taller one was covered in a blue cloak and had dark green, nearly brown, eyes, she was glaring at the man before her, like she didn't want to be here. The second, a small women standing who was covered in a black cloak, looked up at the man with her glistening blue eyes, "h-hello, I'm so sorry to bother you at this time, but it's storming very badly out here and I live a ways away from here. D-do you think it'd be okay if I stayed here for a little bit while the rain p-passes?" She asked
Quirin blinked a little, blushing and staring at her before he shook his head to clear it, and took a look around. Noticing just how bad the weather had gotten before looking at the women again and nodding, "s-sure, come on in, I've got a fireplace I can set up.... I-if I can find some wood"
"Thank you so much!" She replied before the two walked inside the retired knight's home as he shut the door. The blue eyed women looked around the home for a moment or two before looking at the man, "do you mind if we take these off?" She asked, pointing to the cloaks she and her friend wore, "they're a little wet, so I don't want to throw them somewhere".
"Oh, you can hand them to me, I'll put them in the upstairs privy to dry if that's alright with you two", Quirin offered politely before he caught a glimpse of her eyes again and blushed
"A-are you okay?"
"Hm? Oh! Yeah sorry, just... You've got really beautiful eyes", he stated before blushing even more, "sorry that sounds *very* strange coming from a man you've just met"
The female giggled, "it's alright, thank you, I appreciate it", she smiled up at him, "you've got really pretty eyes too, they look like brownies!"
Quirin chuckled, "well thank you, though I'd think brownies would taste better.... That was so bad...."
The blue eyed women laughed, "no no, I thought it was cute!" She giggled, "you're right, brownies would taste better!"
The retired knight blushed even more, but smiled warmly at her, "I'll be here all week", he replied, getting her to snicker, "a-anyway the offer for your cloaks to stay in the privy still stands"
"That's okay with us, right Don?" She asked her friend
The other women, who seemed to be named 'Don', looked the man up and down for a moment, her eyes showing mistrust as she sized him up before she got a nudge from the other, their eyes met for a moment before she sighed, "fine".
"Thank you sir", the blue eyed female replied
"You're welcome miss.... I'm sorry I didn't even ask your names", Quirin replied with a slight blush
The blue eyed female giggle before she took off her cloak, revealing her long orange hair, small stature, freckled face, and blue dress with an apron and black boots, "my name's Ulla, and this", she gestured to the women next to her who was in a slate grey jumper with knee high black boots, "is Donella, my best friend". She then smiled playfully, "don't worry about her, she's always a little grumpy around new faces in Corona"
"We just stepped into an unknown man's home and asked to stay here even though we don't know him and he obviously just moved in", Donella stated bluntly
"Don!" Ulla scolded
"No she's right, I did just move in, today actually, and it's perfectly reasonable to be suspicious of a person you've just met and are in the home of", he then smirked, "but it also gives me every right be suspicious right back, so at least we're on the same page"
Donella's face changed, for a split second, to a look of surprise before she shifted it into a mask of unfeeling, "hilarious".
Ulla giggled, "I thought it was", ignoring her friend's scowl, Ulla folded her cloak and handed it to the retired knight, "thank you very much for your hospitality"
"You're welcome, make yourselves at home, it's no trouble, I'll be back with some towels, did you want anything to drink?"
"Hm... I know this is a bit of a tall ask, but do you have some hot chocolate?"
Donella raised a brow and chuckled, "you still love that stuff? You know it's bad for you right?"
"I realize, but it's the perfect drink for such a cold day, plus it's my coffee"
Quirin smiled, "I think I have some, I can definitely check, if not, would tea work?"
"Absolutely! And though she won't say it, Don would want some tea too, no sugar though"
"Got it, be right back", the retired knight replied before he grabbed Donella's cloak, folded it, and walked upstairs. He opened the door to the privy and set the two cloaks up, hanging them from the hooks nearby before he closed the door and walked down into the kitchen. As he did, he noticed the red head, Ulla, had a strange vial in her hand, he stopped and watched her methodically throw the vial into the fire place, instantly setting it ablaze. Donella then tended to the wood, managing to control the flames and keep them in the fireplace, "woah", he said, looking at the two, "what was that?"
"*That* was *alchemy*!" Ulla replied, giving the man jazz hands to emphasize the word, "it's what me and Don do on a regular basis, sorry, we thought we'd start the fire for you since you were being so kind, is... Is that okay?"
"That's perfectly fine, thank you for that", he nodded with a smile
"Ulla, why are you telling him everything? We don't even know him-*plus* he probably doesn't even understand alchemy, he might think it's witchcraft or something... wouldn't be the first time remember?" She pointed to the scar on her cheek
"Oh... right... Sorry Don..." Ulla replied a little dejectedly
Quirin shook his head, "believe it or not, I happen to know what alchemy is, and I know it's not witchcraft"
Donella raised a brow before she stepped in front of her friend protectively, "we've lived here for 3 years and have seen *no* one using alchemy, how would *you* possibly know about it?"
"Because I'm not from this kingdom either"
"You're not?" Ulla asked, her eyes brightening
The retired knight shook his head again, "no, I'm from a far away kingdom, it's... no longer active anymore.... But we had alchemists there, mind you I never really talked to them, too busy I suppose, but I know it's not magic, it's a science... That's about all I know though..."
The red head giggled, getting the retired knight to smile, "if you'd like, I'd be more than willing to teach you about alchemy, if you're interested that is"
"I certainly wouldn't mind, although I think your friend might"
Ulla looked over at Donella, who was glaring at Quirin, "come *on* Don! We can't just stay silent about alchemy forever! You said that you wanted to help people with it, to make their lives easier, we won't be able to do that if we never tell anyone!" She stated, her eyes boring determined holes into her friend's heart
Donella watched the red head for a moment or two before she sighed, "fine, we can tell him, but *only* him! Once we do, we can show him a *little* bit of what we're capable of and see where it goes from there, okay?"
Ulla nodded with a wide smile before looking back at Quirin happily, "good sir-!"
"Quirin", the retired knight replied, "sorry, didn't introduce myself before"
"Quirin, I like that name", Ulla giggled with a slight blush, "sir Quirin! We have decided to show you a *taste* of the amazing world of *alchemy*! Sit back, relax, and let the science *begin*! ....A-After hot chocolate, because I'm starting to get cold again... Eheh"
Donella and Quirin laughed as Ulla blushed before joining in, suddenly the large castle-like structure was starting to feel like home.*
Varian giggled, "I mean, brownies are really good"
"Shush you", his father stated, ruffling his son's head good naturedly, "the point is, I was just about as lost as you are when it came to this. I'm not very smooth when it comes to courting, but I was myself the entire time, and I'm certain that Hugo will like you for you if you give him the chance"
"I completely agree with your dad", Eugene stated with a warm smile
"Oh please", Varian snarked, "you're smoother than a stick of butter Eugene!"
The Dark Prince laughed, "while that's *true*, I'm only like that because that's just how I work, some people don't like that about me though believe it or not"
"T-they don't? Name me *one* person"
"Rapunzel", the alchemist was shocked into silence as Eugene explained, "I tried every trick in the book kiddo, even going so far as to use my smolder on her"
"Smolder?" Quirin asked with a raised brow
"It's a lady killer Quirin"
"I'll bet"
"You want me to use it on *you*?"
"You could try", Eugene 'unleashed' the Smolder on the retired knight, getting the man to chuckle, "yeah ok you can stop *that*"
"Too much for ya old timer?"
"Scuse you? 'Old Timer'?"
"Respectfully, yes"
"Fires of all, how dare, second, your father has a scarier look than that, third, and most importantly, you're so much like King Edmund it's uncanny! I'm going to tell him that too"
"Don't you *dare*!"
"I will"
"Quirin"
"You mean 'Old Timer'?"
"Uh guys?" Varian chimed in, "s-still full of anxiety and bad feelings"
They both looked at the teen, "sorry Varian", his father replied, "you're right, bad feelings first, ticking off Eugene later"
"Ignoring that", Eugene stated flatly before looking at the alchemist, "it's true, Rapunzel didn't like any of my tricks, I used one liners, two liners, the smolder, even tried to trick her into going back to the tower so I could get away... I still feel bad about that actually. Either way, nothing worked, so I gave in and started to take her to see the lanterns when we... Started falling in love, I stopped being so guarded after she and I almost died, and she showed me her magic hair, which, yes, did freak me out at first, but who wouldn't that scare. Then she defended me from Max, who was chasing me down because I, oddly enough, stole the lost princess's crown, then we took a boat ride to see the lanterns, let our own go, and had a moment.... Then I got kidnapped, put in prison, almost hanged for my crimes, got saved by Max, got stabbed by Gothel, cut off Blondie's hair, made Gothel turn super old while Pascal tripped her out the window, died, and came back to life".
"Wow", Varian replied
"Yeah, strange things happen a lot around here, but the point is, once I stopped being so guarded and insecure, I got to know Rapunzel, and... She got to know me, we sort of clicked after that, so yeah, I agree with your father. Being, as you say, 'as smooth as butter' can be great, but when I was myself, it made a world of difference because Rapunzel fell in love with the *real* me, not Flynn Rider, but Eugene Fitzherbert"
"Also known as Horace", Quirin chimed in with a smirk
"Quiet you!"
Varian giggled, "oki, I... I guess I'll just have to wing it... B-but... I... I don't think I'm ready to tell him how I feel yet"
"That's okay son, take your time with this", his father replied
"He's right kiddo, there's no rush, just do what you'd normally do, be you, odds are Hugo will appreciate that more than anything else, okay?"
"Ok, thanks guys", Varian replied, smiling at them both
****
The next morning was a blurr as everyone got up, ate breakfast, and began to pack up, Hugo was helping when he noticed the bird turning teakettle sitting atop of some luggage. He stared at it for a few seconds, getting the attention of Rapunzel, who walked over and picked it up before handing it to him with a smile, "wha-! I-I wasn't gonna-!"
"I know", she responded, "but you kept your promise and have helped us with so much, it's honestly the least we could do, so here"
He was a little startled, but smiled and took the kettle, "thanks"
"You're welcome! We're also packing you some food, I noticed you liked Lance's cupcakes from last night, so I maaaay have hidden a few for you and stowed them in your pack"
The green eyed alchemist smirked, "thank you again, I'll look forward to eating them... W-was it that obvious?"
"Your secret's safe with me", the princess responded with a wink before she noticed someone walking over, "welp, I'm heading over here"
"What?" The teen said as he watched Rapunzel walk away, "....Did I say something wrong?"
"No", Varian replied with a chuckle as Hugo jumped a bit, "she's just being Rapunzel, which entails being a good big sister but not being very subtle"
The green eyed alchemist watched the blond princess giggle before running over to Eugene and hugging him excitedly, making him raise a brow, "Coronans are weird"
"Yeah we are, you're lucky I don't take that as an insult", Varian replied, nudging Hugo and getting him to laugh
"Like you wouldn't fit that bill!"
"You would too you know! You're weirder than *me*!"
"Whatever! I've got street cred!"
"Uh huh, wanna come off your street cred high horse for a second to mingle with the commoners? I have a present for you"
"Let me check my schedule"
"Oh my Demanitus"
"I'm free, what's up?"
"First off, you're a freaking brat, second, you whistle very nicely when you sleep"
"I still do that?" Hugo asked, blushing profusely
"Yep! And I'm *never* letting you live that down"
"Damn it"
"And third.... You're.... A really nice guy you know that?"
"I... Wait what?"
Varian blushed as he smiled at the blond, "you were really kind to me when I was a bird, you took care of me and helped me learn how to fly and it's was really nice of you... P-plus you helped save my life and healed my aunt from a stab wound when you didn't need to. All I'm saying is... Y-you mentioned that you were alone, but... I-if you ever need some company, find me in Corona okay? I'd love to hang out because you're a really amazing guy and... a-and I'd be really stupid if I didn't tell you that I... I s-sincerely wanna be your friend, i-if that's okay with you?" The teen pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to the blond.
It was a silver bracelet with emeralds and sapphires lining it, both jewels perfectly matched both alchemist's eyes as the blond stared at Varian, "V-Varian I.... I-!"
"You don't have to react if you don't want to, just... Think it over, yeah?"
Hugo smiled warmly at the blue eyed alchemist before nodding, "definitely, and... Thanks"
"You're welcome!"
"Varian! We gotta go son", Quirin called as everyone started to head inside the caravan
"Oops, time to leave! I uh... I-I hope I see you around sometime"
The blond nodded, "you will, trust me Freckles"
Varian giggled before he caught sight of the blond's green eyes, for a moment, he felt his heart beat and in a moment of completely irrational thinking, he gave Hugo a quick peck on the cheek before running off, his face redder than a tomato
The blond was so startled that he didn't react for a good 5 seconds, slowly placing a hand on his cheek and blushing even deeper before he smiled wide. He watched the caravan pull away, seeing Varian sitting in front with his hands covering his face, Hugo chuckled and set the teakettle down as he ran forwards, managing to to hop onto a large rock and wave as he yelled, "SEE YOU IN CORONA! I PROMISE VAAAAARIAN!"
He saw Varian's face shoot up and look at him before the blue eyed alchemist smiled wide, stood up, and waved back yelling, "I'LL LOOK FORWARD TO IT HUUUUUGO!"
They waved until the caravan was out of sight before Hugo turned away, looking at the bracelet and slipping it on, "perfect fit, you're too good at this Freckles". He then hopped off the rock and noticed the teakettle, he walked over to it and sighed, picking it up and looking at it. He knew what he was supposed to do but....
"Hugo?" A voice called from behind him, startling the teen and making him turn towards it as a tall women appeared in a slate grey jumper with knee high black boots, "Hugo, what are you doing?" She asked, her dark green, nearly brown, eyes were glaring coldly at him.
"I.... I-I was just...." He looked at the teakettle in his hands, his heart raced as he thought about what he'd just been through before he closed his eyes and let the kettle drop to the ground, shattering instantly, "w-whoops! I-I guess we c-can't use that.... S-sorry.... I-I was so close too..."
She raised a brow, walking over to the broken kettle and examining the pieces before looking at the teen, "oh Hugo.... You never cease to amaze me with how bad you are at telling lies"
"W-what but I-!"
"You did that on purpose, I know you did, and you know what will happen if you try to deny it"
"I....." Hugo didn't finish that sentence, instead he let out a sigh and looked at the floor, "yes ma'am...."
"Good boy, now come along, we'll have to fix this little... Misjudgment on your part a-!" She stopped when she noticed the bracelet, "where'd you get that?"
"What?" She pointed to the bracelet, "that? Oh I just stole it from one of the booths in the market, nothing big"
"Why would you steal something so unnecessary? That's not like you"
"I just thought it looked better on me than in some stupid booth"
"Hmm... I'll believe you for now, but you make want to be careful of what you steal. You don't want to get us banned from these places"
"Yes ma'am I-I know... Won't happen again"
"Good, now let's go", she walked off into the forest as the teen looked at the bracelet, trying to hide the small tears that threatened to fall.
Olivia popped out of his pocket and nuzzled her boy, squeaking softly, "I-I know Liv... B-but I.... I don't want her to hurt him.... I'll j-just have to be careful is all, I can still see him again". The robitic mouse squeaked again, rubbing his cheek, "yeah I... I miss them already too, b-but we'll see them soon, we will", he smiled as he looked in the direction the caravan had left, "I promised him after all".
Notes:
EARLY UPLOAD!
So we have a few appearances from some people here, if you know you know, I won't say their names here. All I will say is I do not see *her* as a mother figure, but I'm not opposed to the idea that she might just enough about the teen to keep him around. That being said, I like reading stories about her being a motherly figure, but I prefer dark tales, filled to the *brim* with angst! So broody lady may not be so nice, sorry :3
Quirin tells the story of how he met Varian's mother! :D I've always wondering how they did, but I'm guessing it would be during a time when Quirin would feel completely alone, so of course that would be when he first moves into Old Corona! It just makes sense to me
Frederic in *not* a bad light? WHAAAAT?! :0
Hugo is amazing! That is all I shall say about precious blond bean for now! He will be back, he's the William Afton of this series, 'I *always* come back!'
Eugene is a stinker and we loves him very much! <3 Also him and Rapunzel are not very subtle, but it's cute so I won't deny it XD
Lance and the girls with have some upcoming chapters soon, but for now, back to Corona! :D
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 140: Back in Old Corona!
Summary:
The group returns home after an exhausting adventure
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I spy with my luscious eye, somethin that iiiiiis red", Lance stated happily
"The sunset?" Rapunzel asked
"Nope"
"The apples?" Clementine responded
"Nada"
"Dad's shirt?" Varian answered
"CORRRRECT!!!!"
"Why do you always choose Quirin stuff?" The Dark Prince asked, "you know he's gonna guess that!"
"I know", Lance stated with a chuckle, "it's why I bet he'd win this time, and he's up by four with four more rounds, soooo"
"That's cheating!"
"Is not when you can guess well, like my little money maker over here!"
"Lance!"
Varian giggled, "so is it my turn?"
Eugene huffed as Rapunzel nodded, "yep, your turn"
"Oki, I spy-!"
"With your adorable eye", Quirin interrupted
"Daaad!" The teen grumble, nudging his father as the man chuckled, "with my *alchemical* eye, evil jerkface, something that iiiiiiis...." He snorted, "red"
"Red again?" Rapunzel asked, when Varian nodded she looked around, "is it Adira's design on her... Dress? Coat?"
"Coat", the face painted warrior replied with a smile as she road on the back of Xena with Hector
"Coat! Adira's coat?"
"Nu", Varian responded, "although that is a good one to use another time"
"Catalina's hair?" Lance responded
"Negatory, also why do they call that *red* hair, it's *orange*!"
"I have no idea"
"Is it *Lance's* shirt?" Eugene retorted incredulously
Varian giggled, "nu-uh, but I was half tempted"
When the Dark Prince pouted, Quirin laughed, "I know what it is and you're a brat!"
The alchemist snickered as everyone else looked confused, "we'll give it to Quirin, what is it?" The princess asked
"It's Eugene's fahahahahace!"
"Yep!" Varian replied
"Wha-?! Oh you're in for it *now* buddy!" Eugene stated as he lunged at Varian and began to tickle him mercilessly, getting the alchemist to laugh as he struggled to get away
"Those two are dorks", Angry stated as she and Catalina watched the duo wrestle
"Yeah, but they're funny, also, Quirin step on it! I gotta win that bet!" Lance shouted
"Why does that mean I need to step on it?" The retired knight asked
"Because it ends when we get to your house, and Varian's up by four!"
"Ah"
"Hey!" Eugene snapped, sitting up as Varian tried to climb on his back, only to be tickled again, "no getting Quirin on your side"
"He's already on my side because he bet Varian would win too!" Lance argued before he snickered as Varian managed to roll away and hop onto Eugene's back, getting the man to fall forwards as the teen climbed him like a raccoon, placing his chin on the man's head with a delighted smile
"Hee hee", the teen giggled
"Shush", Eugene retorted, "you have until we get to your house befor-!" Varian wrapped his arms around his big brother, letting out a tired yawn and humming as he fell asleep, "....Nevermind"
Quirin chuckled, knowing that feeling as Lance and Rapunzel dawww'd to their hearts content at the pair, "cute little peanut", Edmund stated, "you know it may not have been the best trip, but it certainly was fun at times, right?"
"I'd say so", Catalina agreed from inside the caravan, "I mean, that market was pretty cool!"
"Plus we finally returned the last of our stolen goods, so we're thief free!" Angry added
"And I couldn't be prouder", Lance replied, hugging the two girls happily
"The camping was nice", Adira added, "I like sleeping under the stars, even if I only got to do it once during this trip"
"We'll heal you up and I'll throw you outside soon", Hector joked
"Aw, you care"
"Shut up"
Edmund chuckled before looking inside the caravan again, "I think we all know what the little peanut's favorite part was"
The group went quiet as they all looked at the sleeping Varian, who was still on Eugene's back. No one had really talked about Hugo ever since they'd left the site, not wanting to upset the teen, "we're gonna have to talk about it, you guys know that right?" Lance asked
"We know Lance it's just... What if he's not okay?" Rapunzel asked worriedly as she looked at her little brother, "he's been through so much, done so much, the *last* thing I wanna do is hurt him anymore, but...."
Eugene sighed, "Hugo not being around is gonna be hard on the kid.... But we're just gonna have to be there for him"
"Eugene's right", Lance agreed, "we won't push the issue, but if he brings it up we gotta be there for him"
"I know..." The princess stated, "it's just gonna be..."
"Heartbreaking?" Quirin offered
"Yeah..."
The retired knight sighed as he glanced at his sleeping son before looking at the road again, "he'll be okay, he'll be sad for sure, and there'll be times where he'll miss him, but he'll be okay"
"How do you know for sure?" Hector asked, "has he been through this before?"
"Well no, but I know my son", the retired knight stated, "he's a strong boy, I won't say he's going to be completely alright considering none of us really know *when* we'll see Hugo again. But I know he'll get through this"
"Oh I know he will", Rapunzel replied, "I just... Can't help but feel a little worried is all"
"Yeah, he's been through a lot during this trip", Lance stated, "too much if you ask me"
Everyone nodded in silent agreement as they watched the teen sleep. An hour passed, Varian still slept on Eugene's back, not like the Dark Prince minded however as he lay on his stomach, building a card house with Catalina and Angry. They'd gotten pretty far before the caravan hit a bump and sent the house tumbling, "well, damn", Eugene stated, "sorry girls"
"It's fine", Angry replied, "not like we really had a chance in a moving caravan"
"True"
"We're here", Quirin called as he stopped the caravan in front of his home, "it's getting a little too dark to get to the castle today. You can stay with us for the night, I hope that's okay"
Rapunzel nodded, "that's okay, thank you Quirin!"
"I *win*!" Lance cheered before stopping and covering his mouth as he looked at the sleeping teen as the princess and the Village Leader raised a brow at the man, "sorry", he whispered
The Dark Prince sighed, "yeah yeah, you and Quirin both win because Varian wins, help me get him up without disturbing him will you?"
With a nod from his best friend, the two gingerly picked up the alchemist, Lance cradling him in his arms as Eugene stood and stretched before they replaced the teen back on the Dark Prince's back. The group managed to open the doors and walk inside, Quirin bringing in his and Varian's bags and unpacking them as Lance and Rapunzel helped. Eugene held Varian close, looking around as he saw the Seporians and brotherhood members, including his father, begin to set the rooms up for everyone to sleep in. He looked down at the teen again and gasped when he noticed a single tear sliding down the alchemist's face, "aw kid..." He sat down on the couch and sighed, wiping the tear from Varian's face before he noticed Quirin staring at him, "I think you may need to talk to him...."
The retired knight nodded as he walked over to the pair and inspected his son, seeing another tear, he let out a worried breath before wiping it away gently, "I'll put the rest of our things away and take him up to his room, do you mind keeping an eye on him for just a little longer?"
"I don't mind", Eugene replied with a smile
"Thanks Eugene, I'll be quick"
And he was, Quirin unpacked everything at lightning speed, making sure it was all in its proper place as the Dark Prince continued to hold onto his little brother. As the father worked, Eugene noticed a few more tears trickle down, gently wiping each of them off while talking to the teen, giving him words of encouragement. After a few minutes, Varian curled into Eugene's chest and grabbed his jacket with one hand, whimpering a little, "kid?" He gasped when the alchemist's hair began to glow, "oh, forgot about that"
"What's wrong?" A voice asked, getting the man to turn to see his princess, her hair glowing as well
"....Is this a thing with you two?"
"Kinda", Rapunzel replied with a timid smile before she walked around to look at the teen, "he's... Really having a bad one isn't he?"
"Looks like it... Poor kid... He was crying a little too"
"Crying?"
"Yeah, just a little, Quirin's gonna talk to him in a minute"
The princess looked at the alchemist once more, "has... Has he said anything Eugene?"
The Dark Prince tilted his head, "no? Unless you count small whimpers as words", Rapunzel continued to stare at the teen, "blondie are... Are you okay?"
"Hm? Yeah I'm fine just... Just worried"
He raised a brow, "Rapunzel"
She looked at him with a sad smile, "I'm sorry Eugene but... I promised I wouldn't tell until he was ready"
"Promised? Who, Varian?" The blond nodded, "....While I'm happy the kid's taking a step in the right direction, I'm a little worried about that promise..." Rapunzel didn't look at him, "....Very worried... Sunshine you'd tell us if it were something bad right?"
"Absolutely!"
"Rapunzel"
"Eugene if it were something really bad I'd tell you and Quirin immediately! Even if it made Varian mad, but this.... I... I don't know if it's hurting him or not...."
"What do you mean?"
The princess looked at him sadly, "Eugene..."
"Right... The Promise.... Look I won't push, but if you notice the kid's acting strange or off, you'd let me know right?"
"Of course, Quirin too, no matter what promise I make"
Eugene nodded, "ok, I trust you sunshine"
Rapunzel smiled before kissing her prince, neither one were aware that Quirin had finished unpacking and was standing behind them, hearing everything.
Notes:
Sooo, this was meant for mostly fluff, but I added the plot at the end because why not X3
Rapunzel is keeping her promise, she just didn't see Quirin behind her, nor did Eugene
We have some Team Awesome fluff, because I think it's freaking cute! :D
The Seporians will be a thing later, for now they're just kinda hanging out X3
Lance is KING! No one will tell me otherwise! XD (with a small prince Hugo <3)
So Quirin and Varian are going to have a talk, little bean's got some explaining to do to his protective farmer dad <3
Thank you for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 141: Anybody Have a Map?
Summary:
Quirin knows something's bothering his son, but he isn't sure how to approach it.
Notes:
More notes at the end :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin stared at the couple for a few moments, his mind reeling at the new information before he took a breath and let it out slowly, knowing what he had to do.... And dreading it. He walked over to the group, "hey".
Rapunzel and Eugene jumped a bit at his voice before they turned to him, "oh! H-hey Quirin!" Rapunzel stated, "random question but how long were you standing there?"
The retired knight had to bite his tongue *hard* before he spoke, "...not long, just finished packing up, thought I'd take Varian off Eugene's hands"
"Right, right, because of the uh... Tears", Eugene stated uncertainly as the father raised a brow, "eheh sorry, just worried about him is all, but I'm certain he'll be alright, yeah?"
"I hope so", the Village Leader replied as he walked around and took his son, cradling him close to his chest, "thank you for watching him"
"You're welcome", Quirin turned to walk away when, "uh, Quirin?"
"Hm?" The retired knight looked at the Dark Prince
Eugene hesitated, "I.... I-if we knew something about Varian that would be... *potentially* worrisome, would you.... Want us to tell you? Even if Varian asked us not to?"
"Yes I would", the Village Leader stated, "in fact it would be better if you did because Varian doesn't always know what's good for him. He's a smart boy but only when it comes to others, when it comes to himself however...." He looked down at his son sadly, "...He's clueless...." He then looked at the couple, a small bit of hope igniting, "did you.... Have something you wanted to tell me?"
The couple hesitated, looking at each other for a moment before Rapunzel stood up, "what if we promised not to say anything?"
"I would still want to know, I'd take the blame if you broke a promise with him. But if something's bothering my son, who's already been through a lot, and you two don't tell me when you know something... I...." The old farmer looked down, "I wouldn't be able to trust you then.... I'd think you'd hold his health and wellbeing over a promise, that's what you told me", he looked at them again, "so do you have something to tell me?"
Rapunzel bit her lip as Eugene looked at her, his eyes *begging* her to say something, anything, "....I...." She started, but her mouth wouldn't work, "Q-Quirin I.... I... I....."
The retired knight sighed, "you made him a promise Rapunzel, to keep something a secret... I heard that..."
"I... I-I *want* to tell you...."
"...I know..." He looked at the sleeping teen and sighed, "...I understand why you don't want to break that promise... It's just hard to accept it... But I understand.... But something's bothering him Rapunzel", he looked at her, "and if you know something, and you think it'll hurt him-!"
"That's just it, I don't *know*! I-I don't know if it'll hurt him or not! I didn't see what he saw! And when he made me promise, I.... I felt like we were finally getting past the past.... I don't want to break it... I already did that once...."
The retired knight closed his eyes, he felt his anger boil a little, but he understood why she felt this way. *Eugene doesn't seem to know*, he thought to himself, *about what the princess promised to Varian, so I he's innocent, but....* He looked at the pair one more time before nodding, "I understand... Just... Remember that it wasn't the *promise* that made what happened bad... I believe he told you that...." With that, the man turned and walked upstairs
"I'm sorry", he heard Rapunzel say, and felt guilt twist in his stomach as he entered his son's room and closed the door, dreading what he'd need to do next.
****
The retired knight, gently, set Varian on the bed and looked at him, he had a few new tears sliding down his cheeks, but otherwise looked peaceful. Sighing, Quirin walked over to a dresser and pulled out some pajamas before setting them on the bed and nudging his son, "hey, time to wake up".
"Mph... Hm?" Varian's eyes slowly blinked open as the teen let out a squeaky yawn, "dad?"
"Hi, you fell asleep"
"I... Did?"
"Yup"
"Where are we?"
"In your room actually, and... I need to talk to you about something"
The alchemist stretched his arms before sitting up and looking at his father, "what's wrong? Did something happen?"
Quirin shook his head, "nothing too bad... Save for you crying in your sleep"
"What?" Varian wiped his face and felt the tears as he did, "oh...."
"Yeah, you wanna tell me why?"
"I.... Honestly I don't k-know", his father raised a brow, "I.... You don't believe that, do you?"
"No"
"W-well I can handle it, trust me, I've got it under control", Varian stated before he noticed the pajamas and giggled, "you really like the chemistry pj's huh?"
The retired knight knew his son was trying to distract him, but he smiled all the same, "I do, they look cute on you"
Varian blushed, "you know, when I'm older, you won't be allowed to call me that"
"That's not true, I'll be able to call you that because I'm dad"
"Hey! No dad rules!"
"Dad rules are staying tiny one"
"Until when?"
"Until you're the same age as me"
"Now?"
"Nope, you have to be the exact same age as me that day"
"But that's impossible!"
"That's why the dad rules staying"
"Evil jerkface"
"Bratty stinkbomb"
Varian giggled before he looked at his father again and frowned, "you're.... Dad I can tell you're worried"
"That's good"
"Why?"
"Because I'm not trying to hide it"
"Oh... I-I'm-!"
"Fine?" His father interrupted, raising a brow, "didn't you get mad at Rapunzel for that? Saying she was fine all the time when she really wasn't?"
"T-that was different, that was about the past!" His son argued
"And this isn't?"
"W-what isn't?"
"The nightmare you just had in your sleep?"
"I.... Wait... D-did Rapunzel say something to you?"
"No, she didn't, you were crying in your sleep and Eugene noticed your hair glowing"
"Oh.... Wait my *hair* was glowing?!"
Quirin sighed, "Varian"
"Dad I-I'm-! ...I.... I don't wanna talk about it...." The alchemist admitted
The retired knight looked down, "I... I understand son but... But something's bothering you... To the point where you're crying in your sleep and your hair's glowing, so I know it's not something small...." He noticed his son's shoulders tense as the teen stared at the bed, "look I... I'm not the best at this... I'm not, but the fact that you're keeping things from me is concerning. I want to help you son, I want to be there for you, but I can't do that if you don't tell me what's going on".
"W-what if I don't w-want to tell you?" Varian asked quietly, not looking at his father
Quirin felt his heart break a small bit at that, but kept his voice level, "I suppose that's your choice, but I... I'd like to know why you wouldn't want to tell me? Is... Is it because of what I did before?"
"No! Nonono! I-It's not because of that! I-I know why you d-did that and I know you've changed! I trust you dad", Varian reassured, "I just...."
"Just?" Quirin asked gently
"...J-just... Don't w-wanna worry you anymore...." The teen answered, "you've b-been watching me like a hawk a-and I've heard some of your conversations w-when I've been asleep... You're s-so worried about me all the time and I-I don't want you to be... I w-want you to feel like I can walk around and h-handle whatever gets thrown my w-way, but then s-stuff like what happened on this trip h-happens and... And I j-just prove that I'm not g-good enough to do things on my o-own to you.... E-everyone ends up taking care of me or s-saving me and I see a look on your f-face that tells me you're scared for me and...." He sighed, pulling in his knees and placing his head on top of them as Ruddigar, who'd been sitting on his boy's bed ever since they came into the room, nuzzled him gently. "I don't know... I j-just.... Wanna handle some things on my own...."
This surprised Quirin, "I... I didn't realize.... I'm sorry if I made you feel like I didn't believe in you son, I do, I know you can handle yourself, no matter the situation, you proved that to me a long time ago"
Varian looked up, "I did?"
"Yes, whenever something blew up you never cried or fussed, instead you always cleaned it up and rebuilt anything you damaged, even apologizing and taking every yell, scolding, or nasty remark thrown at you, which... I *may* have said something to those people during or after.... But that's only because they didn't need to do that, you already felt bad enough, then you solved several problems in Old Corona that none of the villagers, or me, could've figured out. You've taken so much on your shoulders and yet still try your best to help everyone, even if that means taking on more. Even when things got really bad... The amber, the black rocks, you time in a certain place we do not discuss, you're still working hard each and everyday to make up for what you did. Varian I'm so proud of you and what you're doing and have done, maybe I don't say it enough, and I'm sorry for that, but I know, better than anyone else, that you're a very strong boy, I know you can handle whatever comes your way. But I'm still going to worry when things do, because I love you and don't want to see you get hurt. That doesn't mean I don't have faith in you, I'm sorry if I never let you know that, but keeping secrets from me, especially when I know they're bothering you, is only gonna make the situation worse. I want to help, not because I don't think you can handle it, but because I don't want to see you suffer, that's all".
The alchemist sniffled, "y-you mean that?"
"Of course I do", Quirin replied with a smile, "Varian I love you, I want you to be happy, but if something's bothering you, I won't think you're weak for telling me about it"
"B-but what if I really *do* wanna handle some things on my own? W-would you be upset if I did?"
The retired knight thought about it for a moment before smiling, "no I wouldn't, but I need you to just... Confirm something for me"
Varian tilted his head to the side, "what is it?"
"I... I'm going to word this badly but... If you have something bothering you, but you wanna handle it on your own, that's fine. I just... I guess I'd just like to know when something is and weather or not you want help? I won't ask any questions aside from if it's bad or not and if you're okay, and maybe I'll ask how you're doing if I know something's wrong, but.... I guess I just...."
"Wanna know if something's wrong so you can help me if needed?" Varian offered with a smile
"If that's okay"
His son nodded, "that's fine, I... May make a few mistakes here and there about what I can, and cannot handle.... I-If you think it's something that I can't handle...."
"You can trust me to voice my concern", his father smiled, "just so long as you listen?"
"I will", the alchemist replied with a smile, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome son", the retired knight replied, wrapping an arm around his child and hugging him happily, smiling wide as he felt tiny arms wrap around him in return. They stayed that way for a while before Quirin remembered something and let go, "Varian, this nightmare...."
The teen sighed, "it... Was about Hugo... I really miss him dad...."
"I'm sorry"
"It's alright, I know we'll see him again, it's just gonna be hard to really... Be without him, you know? Plus it'll be a while before we see him... Which doesn't help..."
"I understand, I'm sorry we couldn't bring him with"
"It's not your fault"
"I know, but I'm still sorry", his father responded, "I know he was special to you, and to be honest, he was a good boy.... How about this, we can plan what to do when we see him again"
"Really?"
"Yeah, we can make a pie, maybe throw a little 'welcome to Corona' party, he could even stay in our house, we've certainly got the room"
Varian smiled, "yeah! I can show him my lab and-and-and tell him all about my latest projects!"
"That's right! But it's gonna take some planning, we're gonna need a 'party on the go' sort of set up", Quirin stated with a smirk
His son's eyes instantly lit up, "party on the go? L-like a firework that throws party favors, hats, and confetti down! Or-or-or a *party cannon*!"
"Maaaybe we stick to smaller 'party on the go' inventions? Considering the people of Old Corona don't know who he is?"
"....Good point-BUT we can definitely do something that'll impress him! Something alchemical and cool, maybe even with his colors, green and yellow!"
"That sounds better", the retired knight chuckle
Varian let out a little squeak of excitement before he started listing off other things they could do for the party, getting happier and happier with every passing second. Quirin smiled and gave suggestions as well, and he was very happy doing so, but all the while he couldn't shake an annoyingly loud voice in his mind telling him his son wasn't telling him the entire truth, and he had a feeling the princess knew about it. The retired knight wanted to say something, but one look at his son made him stop, he trusted his son, he always would, and he needed to show him that. So he let it go, for the time being, at least.
Notes:
Hello all! :D
The dream means something, it's going to be apart of a plot point, but for now, we have dad and son talk!
I don't have a lot to say in the end notes this time, sorry, this chapter is mainly about Quirin and Varian trusting each other, and I hope I got that across well enough <3 Varian's gonna have a tough time with this dream, which is why I'm glad 'Be Very Afraid', is the next episode! :D
Rapunzel did just lose a little bit of brownie points with Quirin, this will come into play later. He understands Eugene's perspective, but he's a little frustrated with Rapunzel right now.
Thank you all for reading, I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 142: Anxiety Attack!
Summary:
Hector's got too many things happening around him, the noise, the people, the unfamiliarity, and the thoughts
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector had always been a simple person, he stayed around people and animals that he liked, and avoided, and scared, whichever came first, the ones he didn't. Unfortunately for him, he didn't get that option because his damn brother had allowed the princess, and they Seporians to take refuge in his home, prompting the wild tamer to find a nice corner, and stay in it for the remainder of their visit. Normally this would be fine as he would just stay there and pet Pixie and Basil, but due to the trip being what it was, the two binturongs were exhausted and had fallen asleep at his side. He sighed, stroking their fur silently as he felt his heart rate spike a bit and he glared at anyone who passed by.
To anyone that knew him, this would be a clear indicator that he wanted to be left alone, but for some damn reason, everyone seemed keen on intruding in his personal space, even when he would glare, they'd just smile and come closer. He hated this, there were too many people around, most of them being people he hated, or severely disliked in the princess's case, and no one seemed to understand what 'leave me the fuck alone', meant. He sighed, "feeling unsociable?" A voice asked, he turned and saw his sister had made her way over to him and was sitting by his side, her wound wrapped up and secure.
"What gave it away?" He asked sarcastically
"Well the glares gave me a hint, but it wasn't until you growled at grey braids", she pointed to Clementine, who looked frightened to her core, "I caught on"
"Ha ha..." He looked away, hating how fast his heart was racing and wishing Basil and Pixie would wake up
Adira looked at him worriedly, "are you okay?"
"Fucking fantastic...."
"Hector"
He looked at her and saw the worry in her eyes, "....I just.... There's too many people Adira.... And I don't like a lot of them"
"I know, I understand how difficult being around so many is for you, but hiding in corner will only make it worse you know", he huffed at her, "why don't you try going outside?"
The wild tamer didn't respond at first, instead he looked away from his sister, looking down at his shaking hands instead before he hid them, "I... Can't...."
The face painted warrior raised a brow, "why not? You've never had a problem getting outside before"
Hector shook his head, "this time's different..."
Getting a bad feeling, Adira looked at her brother's hands, noticing how quickly he'd wrapped them around himself, "....are you alright?"
"I'm fine"
"You don't seem l-!"
"I said I'm fucking fine!" He snapped, getting the room to go quiet for a moment as everyone looked in the two's direction, getting Hector to feel even worse, "I.... I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...."
"It's alright", Adira replied softly, looking at Lance, who nodded and got everyone's attention away from the two. She then looked back at her brother and smiled gently, "I know you've been dealing with this problem for a long time, but it's been a while since it's cropped up, hasn't it?" Her brother merely nodded, feeling like a child talking to an adult, "you know I understand, right?" He nodded again, but still didn't say a word, his gut twisting with guilt as she watched him sadly, unsure of what to do.
"...Why am I like this?" He asked sadly, "I hate this fucking feeling...."
She didn't have an answer she could give, panicking, Adira looked around, hoping to find an answer when it came down the stairs with it's son close behind wearing chemistry pajamas. She smiled, "Stickler"
Quirin looked over with a smirk before he noticed Hector and grew concerned, "hey Varian, why don't you got talk to Lance over there for a second"
Varian looked up at his father with confusion before he looked over at his aunt and uncle, instantly understanding, "ok, give him a hug for me?"
"Count on it", the retired knight replied with a smile before his son walked over to Lance. Quirin then turned and walked over to his siblings, kneeling in front of the two, "hey, what's wrong?"
"He's having an episode", Adira replied softly, "it's getting bad"
"Hector?"
The wild tamer didn't look right away, but when his brother remained silent, he sighed and looked at him, his head was starting to feel very heavy, "I don't know what's wrong with me...."
Quirin looked him up and down, "you're having an anxiety attack"
"A what?"
"An anxiety attack, Varian has them sometimes, they happen when you're overwhelmed, tired, stressed, or all three. Adira, did he say anything that would indicate that he's over stimulated in a way?"
"He mentioned there were too many people", the face painted warrior replied
"That would do it"
"Hold on", Hector interrupted, "what does anxiety have to do with me?"
The retired knight looked down, thinking for a moment, before he looked over at Varian, who was chatting with Lance happily before looking back at his siblings, "you know how Varian will sometimes snuggle with me when everyone's here? You'll see him rubbing or playing with my vest while holding Ruddigar in his arms?"
"Yeah", the face painted warrior replied, "I've always wondered about that"
Quirin smiled, "he does that when his anxiety acts up, Ruddigar calms him down and prevents him from having an anxiety or panic attack, which, by the way, they're not the same. My vest does the same, but.... and this will sound odd.. but it's in a different way, it smells like me, which I suppose is a bit of a comfort to him, it's also very soft and warm, so when he lays against it, it calms him down. I think it may also have something to do with the texture, but I'd have to ask him about that. The reason I bring it up is because what helps calm Varian down is space, quiet, or something familiar, but you don't have a lot of that here. You're surrounded by people you don't know, or like, the place isn't quiet due to the chatter, and my home isn't very familiar to you, plus.... I think something else's been on your mind, hasn't it?"
The wild tamer was a little shocked, but tried not to show it, looking down and away from his brother and sister to hide his worry, "Hector", Adira replied, "you can talk to us you know, if you want to, we're here to help"
"I.... I don't fucking know! all I know is I hate what I'm fucking feeling!" He looked at them, glaring, more at himself than anyone else, "it feels like I'm fucking dying, I can't breathe, can't relax, it's like I'm on edge and I can't fucking fix it!" He unconsciously got the attention of Lance and Varian, both of whom looked over worriedly, "I just want this feeling to go away, I want it to shut the fuck up and stop making me think about the things I fucking hate! But I can't, and the more people ask me the fucking *angrier* I get! So I end up snapping at people who don't deserve it and I make them leave, and yeah, maybe that's what I feel like I want even though I fucking *hate* being alone.... Why can't it go away? Why can't I make it leave? Why?"
"Because that's... Not how anxiety works...." A small voice replied, getting all three to look over and see that Varian and Lance had walked over, "the emotion you're feeling.... That's not how it works.... You can't make it go away or disappear, you can distract your mind for a long time, but that only postpones it for a little while", the alchemist explained sadly, "it happens to me too...."
"The snapping at people and getting angry, it's a defense mechanism", Lance replied, "two of many I'm afraid, and it's different for everyone. Some people scream, some cry, some cuddle with their fathers and raccoons", Varian giggled at that as the former thief smirked at him, "it's just... Hard to handle, but you're not alone, if that helps you at all"
"What does that fucking matter?!" Hector snapped, "now I get to know other people have the same problem as me, how is that supposed to make me feel better? Knowing other people have to suffer anxiety or whatever the fuck this is! I know Varian has to deal with it, and I hate that he does, I know my brother and sister have some things they haven't fucking worked on, and I wish that they didn't, it doesn't make me feel better to know that someone *else* has to feel what I'm feeling right now! It just.... It just makes it worse...." He looked down, trying not to let the water escape his eyes as he fought the growing butterflies pounding in his stomach
The group was silent for a moment, unsure of what to say, all the while the wild tamer kept wondering if they'd left already, wondering if they hated him for what he'd just said and done, *I wouldn't blame them.... I really fucking wouldn't.... I'm worrying over nothing, fucking nothing! If they knew, they wouldn't want to help me, they'd just tell me to get over it.... I should, I *want* to..... Why can't I? Why is that how this works? It's fucking stupid but... I'm the one that's fucking falling for it...* He remained quiet as well, continuing to stare at the floor before he heard someone sit next to him, looking over he saw Varian sitting in front of Adira, holding Ruddigar and stroking his fur while he waited, "w-what are you doing?"
"You're right", the alchemist replied softly, "finding out someone else is suffering doesn't help me either, but it's the only thing that most people can say because... Well... They don't know what else to say to be perfectly honest. The only thing majority of the people know is that anxiety makes someone panic or overthink about everything and that the people who have anxiety, most of the time, would rather not be alone, so they think it's a comfort, and in some cases, knowing you're not alone *is* a comfort, but for you and me, it's not, and that's okay".
Hector raised a brow, "is it? Letting people know they're not helping fucking sucks too"
"Well yeah, that's true, but the people that are right here", he gestured to his father, aunt, and Lance, "understand, you're probably not gonna believe that at first, and there are gonna be times when you question that, but it's true. I told dad that there'll be days where I'll get really bad, where nothing will work with me and I just need to be alone or quiet, he understood that, and Lance was the one who told me to have the confidence to say it. Adira's also been there when I was at my worst, so have you, and you've both helped me in ways that I didn't think would work, Eugene taught me a breathing technique, and Rapunzel and I are getting better with each other. All of that took time and hard work to figure out, all of it, and the biggest step you're gonna need to take, is admitting you have a problem to the people you care about the most".
The wild tamer chuckled a bit before he felt a little claustrophobic as he looked around at the people staring at him, "easier said than done..."
Varian looked around again and smiled, "um guys, he's in a corner", Quirin and Lance immediately moved the side a bit, Quirin sitting near the sleeping binturongs while Lance sat on the opposite side of Adira, "thank you!"
Hector looked at his brother, a little startled at how he reacted, "how'd you know-!"
"The last thing you want to do with someone having an anxiety attack, is crowd or yell at them, it'll make things worse", the retired knight stated
"Although you also don't want them to feel super exposed", Lance chimed in, "so you stay nearby, letting them be able to see you so they know you're there without the worry that someone else may be listening, trust me, they're not", he pointed to the res of the people in the livingroom, all of them were talking amongst themselves
"....Is... It bad to think they're talking about me?" Hector asked
"I wouldn't call it bad per say, it's normal if you have anxiety", Varian replied, "it's the same for me too, every time I hear the word 'he', I think they're saying something about me and get worried"
"See, why is *that* fine, but knowing you have to deal with the same damn feeling in general is bad?"
Varian smirked, "as Lance would put it, 'validation', it's a bit different. Knowing someone suffers from anxiety itself is not helpful because you know they're suffering in general, but knowing they have similar feelings to you is validating, makes you feel less like an oddball and more understandable, but I'm not an expert, this is just from personal experience"
"Huh"
They remained quiet for a bit before Lance sighed, "I know this isn't really my place, but I overheard Quirin say somethin about you havin somethin else on your mind. I completely understand if you don't wanna talk about it, but it might help to get it off your chest if it's makin you this upset"
The wild tamer froze, he'd hoped they'd all forgotten about that, but he was wrong, looking at the floor once more, he sighed, he didn't want to say anything, he felt like it should be *his* burden to bear, but the longer he held it, the bigger it got. He felt like he was being crushed by it, it took everything away from him, his breath, his thoughts, his mind, he couldn't even control his body, he thought about it more and more, closing his eyes before he felt a hand touch his. Opening his eyes he saw Quirin looking at him, warm brown eyes met yellow as they started at each other for a few moments before the wild tamer sighed, "I..... I'm worried... A-about that damn ball...." He finally admitted
"The ball?" Adira asked
"The 7 Kingdom Ball", Varian stated, "where all the kingdoms come together... Including Ingvarr"
"Yeah...." Hector replied, "I'll see them there... My parents... My siblings... I'll... I'll see them and they'll see me.... I don't want to see them.... I don't want to have them ask about me... I don't want to talk to them and tell them about how I wasted 25 years of my life in a tree.... I-I don't want them to know how I nearly killed the prince and didn't do my job well enough I.... I don't want them to see me...." He stated sadly, holding back his tears once more. Adira reached over Varian and placed her hand on his and Quirin's as Lance and the alchemist looked on sadly, "and it's so fucking *stupid* to be worried about it, I'm a fucking tamer, I've got a new family, and I worked hard to be one of the best fighters in the kingdom but... But seeing them again...."
"Scares you?" Varian offered, his uncle nodded, "I.... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry you have to feel that way..."
"It's not *your* fault"
"No, but someone should apologize to you!" Varian stated, Hector noticing his eyes had narrowed, "they hurt you, b-beat you, abandoned you, and the fact that them coming to the ball and seeing you is causing you this much pain...." His hair began to glow, making all four adults look at him as Ruddigar chittered worriedly, "sorry dad, but it pisses me off..... Because I know how that feels too... It's the same worry I felt when the king and queen regained their memories and saw me.... It's loud, it hurts, and it's *suffocating* and the fact that it came from people who are supposed to love and care about you just...." Then teen glared at the floor as he brought his knees up to his chin, Ruddigar climbing up his boy and nuzzling him, getting a scratch behind the ear for it
Hector watched his nephew before he smiled, "thanks...."
Varian looked up at him, "what?"
"That... For some reason... Made me feel better...." The wild tamer looked at his siblings, "you two will be there, right?"
"That's correct", Adira replied with a smile
"With my blue anger ball too", Quirin joked, "also, I'm being lenient on the cussing, but you're on thin ice bubby"
"It was appropriate!" Varian argued
The wild tamer laughed, startling everyone but Lance, who smiled as he watched the man continue to laugh as hard as he could, "your spahahawn was pihihihihissed!" He stated before looking at his brother, "I say those words all the fucking time, what's the big deal?"
"The big deal is that there are better words he can use when he's angry, it's also not polite", the retired knight stated
"Dunno if you noticed, but we're not exactly the damn princess's of Arendelle!"
"I... Have to agree with Wild Child to be perfectly honest", Adira replied as Varian's hair began to dim back to it's normal color, "none of us are, what upper society would call, 'polite company', in fact, aren't knight notorious for being rude and bad mannered?"
The alchemist clapped a hand over his mouth as he watched his father's face change from calm, to extremely annoyed in .02 seconds, "Adira..."
"I'm kidding, take it easy"
"Not one with the stereotypes dad?" Varian asked
"He *hates* them", Hector replied with a grin on his face, "we used to pick on him when we were younger, we'd mention how dirty knights before us were, how everyone thought knights were so noble and clean yet they cursed like fucking sailors and had the worst manners we'd ever seen. Hell majority of the words I've learned were from the older knights in the Dark Kingdom"
"There were older knights?"
"Yep!" The face painted warrior replied, "well, they weren't *from* the Dark Kingdom, but they helped train Stickler back in the day, which was hilarious because they were the polar opposite of him"
Lance raised a brow, "that true?"
"Unfortunately...." Quirin replied with a sigh, "though I appreciated their teachings and I certainly learned a lot, the knights that resided in the Dark Kingdom were... A bit messy... No polished armor, lack of table manners, ate the most when it came to dinner-!"
"Shit in their suits", Hector interrupted as Lance and Varian clapped their hands over the mouths to keep from laughing
"One, that was *one* time! And he only did that because he got kicked so hard he couldn't help it!" Quirin retorted with a light blush, "he ended up in the hospital for it"
"True, and he was defending a civilian", Adira stated, "though had he not antagonized the man in the *first* please that may not have happened"
The retired knight huffed as his siblings snickered, "we're just playing", the wild tamer replied with a grin, "we know you're the best knight anyway, so I don't know why you're getting upset"
"Because it's the princi-Wait what?" Quirin stopped and looked at his brother, who smirked
"He's right", the face painted warrior agreed, "just like I'm the best warrior and Wild Child's the best tamer, you're the best knight, far above those who trained you"
The Village Leader blinked a couple times before he sighed, "how do you two do that?"
"What?"
"Go from ticking me off to making me happy in no time at all?"
"Cause we're siblings", the wild tamer stated, "that's what we do"
"And being siblings means we stick together too", Adira stated, looking directly at Hector as Varian and Lance smiled at each other knowingly, "through anything, may it be earthquakes, tornados"
"Bad parents, horrible past lives", Quirin added with a smirk, "even the occasional anxiety attack"
The wild tamer with a little startled, but smiled at them both, finally letting his tears slid down his chin, "thanks"
Notes:
Hello! So I'm gonna start this off by saying, I am not an expert! This is from my own experience with minor research, so everything said in this chapter, please take it with a mountain of salt! I will say, the biggest thing that's been a major issue for me in my life, particularly in recent days, has been my anxiety, so I wrote a chapter about it and made it about Hector! :D
Hector's meeting with his parents is going to be the next major story arc, it's gonna be messy, rough, and very hard to write. The 7 Kingdom Ball is going to be rough on several of these characters, mainly Hector, Varian, Quirin, Eugene, and Edmund, but Hector is the main focus.
Varian and Lance are double teaming today! Lance is king, as always, but I think Prince Hugo has some competition to the crown XD
Adira and Quirin are Hector's biggest supports, so I'm gonna be focusing on how they react with each other during this arc, Edmund an Eugene will be having their own issues they'll be dealing with :D
Varian's biggest worry is going to be a certain king, so that's gonna be fun to write
If you suffer from anxiety, or any mental illness, I'm sorry you have to go through that.... Someone suffering from any mental illness is hard, all of them, in one way or another, make you feel like you're dying and are not fun at all.... If you're going through something like that, I'm so sorry you are, I really am... It's so hard living life with so many things happening in your mind, but you're strong and smart and amazing, you can get through it! I know somedays it feels like the world is going to end, but you're still here, living and working and fighting, and it's amazing to me, it really is! I'm proud of you, I am, because that's such a hard thing to have to deal with, and just know, you can come here and be worry free, no one will judge you, and if they do, I'll remove them immediately, you're safe here, you are, please remember that <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 143: Any Suggestions?
Summary:
Varian wonders how to approach the topic of the Seporians to the people of Corona (and Eugene has some bad luck because it's just one of those days)
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Seporians, Rapunzel, Lance, the girls, and Eugene had spent a few days in the Village Leader's home, playing games, healing, and generally trying to find some sort of normalcy. However, when Rapunzel woke up this morning, she noticed a note from Quirin on her door, it read:
'Morning Princess,
Your parents would like to see you, I have a letter sent from them, if you'd like to see it, ask Varian, he's in his lab, though he may come out for a bite to eat. If he doesn't, be careful of the raccoon traps, and stinkbombs. Breakfast is already prepared in the kitchen, help yourself to whatever you'd like, enjoy the rest of your day!
-Quirin'
Rapunzel smiled at the note, tucking it into her bag before she walked down the stairs, "it's my apple! He's not supposed to take it!" She heard Eugene say. Grinning, the blond opened the door to find the man she loved trying to grab Ruddigar, who'd climbed to the top of a cabinet and was hanging an apple from his tail teasingly.
"He's a raccoon man", Lance stated, "you really think he's gonna let you have the apple when he grabbed it fair and square?"
"HE TOOK IT FROM MY HANDS!"
"You let your guard down"
The Dark Prince huffed as he tried to get the apple back from the small mammal, who chittered with laughter when Eugene ended up falling to the floor, "*HOW* is this *CAT* not *TRAINED*?!"
The raccoon chittered angrily
"I'm calling you a cat until you give me my apple!"
Ruddigar chittered once more before crossing his arms with the apple still balanced on his tail
"Oh oh, so you're gonna try to reverse it back onto me!" Eugene stated, sitting up and looking at the mammal
The raccoon chittered again
"Well I'm not Varian! If he were here, he'd tell you to give me my apple back!"
The raccoon huffed, taking the apple off his tail to swish it at the man
"That's it, you're not allowed to climb on my shoulder at all *brat*-coon!"
Ruddigar chittered
"MY shoulder is *not* dirty! Plus you dig in trash cans, trash panda!"
The small mammal glared at the man before he hopped over to the rest of the apples, grabbed the entire bowl, and managed to climb up the cabinet, keeping the apples out of Eugene's hands
"HEY!"
Rapunzel and Lance laughed as they watched the Dark Prince try to stop the raccoon, but to no avail. Just then the door to the kitchen opened and Varian walked inside, "oh hey g-! ....who called Ruddigar a trash panda?"
"Eugene did it!" Lance tattled
"Wha-! Lance!" Eugene replied
"I'm not gettin in trouble because you insulted the beautiful raccoon above you"
Ruddigar bowed to Lance with a smirk before he blew a raspberry at Eugene
"You're gonna need to apologize you know", Varian stated
"What?! *He* stole *my* apple! Plus, 'trash panda' is another word for raccoon! Hell he was offended when your *dad* said you stunk like one!"
"That was different, Ruddigar already knows he smells like a trash panda, however, he is a 'higher class' raccoon, and does not like being called a trash panda, because it offends his people, who only dug in the trash because they didn't have any other choice. Using it to tease is okay, using it as an insult is just *rude*".
Ruddigar nodded in agreement, blowing another raspberry at Eugene
The Dark Prince face palmed, "you're killing me kid...."
"Just say sorry, he'll give you an apple when you do"
"*When* I do?"
"No offense Eugene, but Ruddigar's *far* more stubborn than you, not even *dad* can get him down from there, and trust me, he's tried. He's got a nice place to lay, all the apples he could want for a while, and a window to look out, he's good"
Eugene grumbled a little, "come on Eugene, is it really that big a deal to just apologize for hurting Ruddigar's feelings?" Rapunzel asked
"He started it!"
"He's a raccoon"
"....That's beside the point!"
"Eugene"
"Fine", he looked up at the raccoon, who put a paw to his ear as if to say, 'I'm waiting', making the Dark Prince scowl before he sighed, "Ruddigar, I'm sorry for calling you a trash panda, may I please have an apple so I can eat something"
The small mammal thought about it for a moment, getting a smirk on his face, "Ruddigar", Varian warned, getting the raccoon to sigh before he nodded and tossed down an apple to the man
"Thank you!" Eugene stated, biting into the juicy fruit before the raccoon could change his mind
Ruddigar hopped off the cabinet, carrying two apples with him, one in each paw. He hopped from the counter onto Varian's shoulder, handing the teen a fruit, toasting with him, and taking a bite.
"Well that was hilarious, and you call me chaotic", Lance stated with a smirk as he watched Eugene sit next to him
"Shut up", the Dark Prince stated, taking another bite
"What's the matter fish skin? Not good with animals?" A voice asked
Everyone looked in the voices direction to see Adira sitting atop the cabinet, cross legged, and eating an apple with a smirk on her face, "what th-! How d-! ...I'm not gonna ask"
The face painted warrior chuckled, "hiya Wise Eyes, how are you?" Varian asked, "how's the wound?"
"It's better Speckles", Adira replied with a loving smile, "can hardly feel it now"
"That's good", the alchemist stated with relief
That's when Rapunzel remembered Quirin's note, "oh! Varian your dad left a note on my door that said my parents sent a letter to me?"
"Hm? OH! Yeah, here", the teen dug into his backpack before pulling out a letter with the royal symbol on it, handing it to the princess, "he asked me to hold onto it because he would be in the fields all day today"
"Thank you!" The princess replied, taking the letter and opening it as Eugene got up and walked towards the cabinet:
'Dear Rapunzel,
Your father and I are so excited for your return! We've began making preparations for the 7 Kingdom Ball and are excited to go over them with you! You've always had a better eye for decoration, and we've got a few ideas that we believe would be very fun for everyone to enjoy! We actually have a small request, when you, Lance, and Eugene come back to the castle, take as much time as you need, per your letter you sent before, could you bring Varian, Quirin, and the Seporians with you? We want to discuss their ideas in bringing their culture back as well as ask Varian for a small favor, should he accept it. He and his family are more than welcome to join the festivities as well of course! We're so proud of you dear and how hard you're working, and we hope to bring more light to our history and the Seporian's history as well.
We love you so much Rapunzel, and can't wait to see you once again, we love you so much!
Sincerely,
Mom and Dad
(Queen and King of Corona)'
The princess smiled wide at the letter, hugging it close to her chest happily before sighing, "I miss them, a lot"
"Do they need us back at the castle?" Eugene asked as he finished the apple and threw it in the trash bin
"Not immediately, but when we do go back, we need to bring Quirin, Varian, and the Seporians, oh!" She looked at the alchemist, who was startled by her 'oh' that he coughed a little, "sorry, but they have a small favor to ask you Varian!"
The teen blinked for a moment before he asked, "um... W-what favor d-did they need?"
"They didn't say, but mom says you don't have to do it if you don't want to"
"O-ok"
"You alright?"
"Yeah! I-I just..." He sighed, "I'm... Still n-nervous about... Seeing... y-your dad"
The princess smiled, "I understand, it's going to take a while before things will be okay between our families, but that's alright, the fact that you come to the castle in the first place is nice enough"
Varian smiled wide before he heard something crash behind him, looking he saw Eugene covered head to foot in flower, a bowl was in one of his hands, the others were on the floor, shattered, "....this is going to be a very bad day for me...." The Dark Prince stated as Lance and Adira laughed
****
After Eugene got cleaned up, the group cleaned the shatter pottery, the Dark Prince saying he would pay for replacements before they finished breakfast, washing their dishes after, "so what should we do?" Lance asked as Rapunzel finished reading her letting to them, "are we leavin today or should we wait?"
"Well", Varian started, "I know the Seporians are eager to get their culture back up and running, but I'm not entirely sure how we would even begin..."
"What do you mean?"
"Well it's not like Coronans will accept Seporian culture right away, I mean.... I... Kinda helped them take over... A-and people are still mad at me for it... S-so it's not like we can just start telling people about Seporian culture and have them accept it", the alchemist explained, "there's gotta be a way to ease them in somehow, they're a part of our history, their side is just as important as ours, but I know it won't be that easy"
"Hmm.... What if we added some of their story to the Day of Hearts?" Rapunzel suggested, "maybe that would be a good start, add in some Seporian celebrations!"
Varian nodded, "that could be a good start, especially since the Seporians are mainly tied with the Day of Hearts, but we'll need to introduce them into the kingdom first.... Um.... R-Rapunzel do you know of any abandoned or unused land in Corona?"
"Abandoned or unused land?"
"Yeah, s-see I was thinking maybe the Seporians could have a small place in Corona to go, l-like a place to rest when they come to visit? O-or even a place where they can live and keep their culture, like a-a little Seporia"
"Hmmm... We'll have to see about that one, my parents will have to decide on that"
Lance tilted his head to the side, "you can't make that decision yourself?" He asked, "but aren't you a princess?"
Rapunzel nodded, "I am a princess, and as acting queen I know there's some lands that haven't been touched in a while, but, as princess, I don't have the ability to give land away, that responsibility lies only with the King and Queen"
"Ah"
"S-so I'll need to talk to t-them about it.... O-oki, I... I can do that", Varian replied, taking a breath and letting it out slowly
"Would it help if I and Wild Child came along?" Adira offered, "we would definitely keep that fool king at bay"
The teen chuckled, "t-thanks Adira but... I... I need to do this part on my own... B-Besides, dad's gonna be there, s-so I won't be alone"
"I suppose that's true", the face painted warrior replied, "Stickler would be the first to protect you should the need arise... Although you may want to tell you uncle about that, he'll try something otherwise"
Varian smiled and nodded, "will do... Actually, I think uncle Hector is outside with dad and grandpa, I also think the Sporians, Angry, and Catalina are there too, maybe we should go out and ask their opinions?"
"That'd be a good idea", Eugene stated, "would be best to have everyone know the plan, shall we head ou-!" Just then, Eugene ended up tripping on an Uno card box and fell to the floor with a thud
"What the heck is up with you today man?" Lance asked as he helped his best friend up while Ruddigar laughed
"I TOLD YOU IT WAS GOING TO BE A BAD DAY FOR ME!"
****
The group went outside, the sun was shining brightly as they walked down the path of the castle house and towards the fields. Varian waved to several farmers he knew, including Robin, the shy blond waving happily to the alchemist before tripping over his own two feet and falling to the floor, "are you okay?" Varian called out worriedly
"Y-yeah, I'm good, sorry!" Robin responded
"You're fine, just make sure to take the bruised apples to the pigs yeah?"
"You got it!"
"Thank you!" The alchemist replied with a smile when he saw some farm hands helping the blond up before, for a split second, Robin wasn't Robin anymore. His eyes were an emerald green, wearing black boots and a green jumper, his hair tied back in a ponytail with his freckled face bearing circular glasses.
The teen smirked at Varian, getting the blue eyed alchemist's heart to beat quickly, "kid?", a voice said, but Varian kept staring at the blond teen before him, "Hair Stripe", the blond teen opened his mouth to speak, "VARIAN!"
"EEP!" Varian squeaked as someone grabbed his shoulder, getting the teen to punch the person who touched him, closing his eyes as he did so, only to open them and see Eugene looking at his chest where the teen's fist was, "um...."
Eugene continued to look at the fist before he looked at his little brother, "so we're gonna need to train you on how to punch a little better"
"S-shut up!" Varian retorted, blushing and punching the Dark Prince again
Lance snorted, "I can hear the little squeak everytime you punch him!"
"I do not like you two right now!" The alchemist pouted, blushing deeply
"Don't worry Speckles, you're not meant to fight with your fists", Adira stated, "though if you'd like, *I* could train you"
"NO!" Lance and Eugene yelled, getting Varian to perk up as Rapunzel and Ruddigar laughed
"What's going on over here?" Quirin asked from behind the group
The face painted warrior smirked, "oh nothing, just scaring these two is all"
"So I see"
"Dad!" Varian exclaimed, running over and hugging the man
The old farmer chuckled, returning the hug, "hello, thought you'd be in the lab today"
"I will, just... Can I ask you for your opinion? You, grandpa, uncle Hector, and the Seporians?"
"Also where's Angry and Catalina?" Lance added
The retired knight pointed his thumb behind him, "helping King Edmund feed the pigs, Catalina's a surprisingly good farm hand"
"And Angry?"
"....She chased the chickens?"
The former thief chuckled lovingly, "she likes doin that"
Quirin smirked before looking at his son, "do you mind waiting until we finish feeding the cows?"
"I don't mind, actually... Can... Can I help with that?" Varian asked shyly
His father laughed, "yeah, come on squirt"
****
After the feeding was done, everyone went inside for the day, they all freshened up, Eugene grumbling as he got mud off his clothes from slipping in the mud at one point, "really bad day", Lance stated
"Yeah yeah.... Glad it's almost over", the Dark Prince replied as he changed into a clean shirt
The group all gathered in the livingroom, Varian sitting with his father in the big armchair, stroking Ruddigar's fur as he nervously waited for everyone to enter the room. When they did, Quirin looked at his son and smiled, "what did you need an opinion about?"
"U-Um.... Well... R-Rapunzel do you mind reading your letter?" The teen asked
"Don't mind at all!" The princess agreed, and read the letter to everyone
Once she was done, Varian spoke up once more, "I... Wanted to get everyone's opinion on what... O-or really how, we should go about integrating the Seporian's into Corona. R-Rapunzel suggested having some of your celebrations", he looked at the Seporians, "in the Day of Hearts, but I didn't know what they were and how you would celebrate, I thought we could introduce you by seeing if we could get some buildings built and have some of you stay here, but thinking about that now, it may need to wait until the people start to accept you in.... I... I basically need suggestions... I wanna do this right, for your culture, your people, ....a-and Andrew...."
The room was silent for a moment as everyone thought before Clementine piped up, "well, we don't know a lot about Corona either, so maybe we could, instead of starting off big with including our celebrations, maybe we could find out more about, and participate in, Coronas?" She asked, "that way we can learn about yours and teach others about ours, should they ask".
"That could work", Varian stated, "m-maybe we could include some of your holidays too! I mean, Rapunzel did some Dark Kingdom holidays in Corona, though it was only for our group, it still meant a lot and was super fun!"
"Ooh! You could maybe make a.... Well a symbolic statue of some sort", King Edmund suggested, "I'm not sure what god, goddess, or higher being your culture worships, but my people worship the moon and Corona worships the sun. Maybe there could be a symbol in Corona to harken back to it's Seporian roots"
"A statue? Maybe but that would probably be later on", the alchemist replied, "though I do like the idea of harkening back to Coronan and Seporian roots", the Dark King smiled with joy when he heard that, getting a chuckle from his knight
"What do you worship anyway?" Angry asked curiously
"The Earth", Kai replied, "we worship the Earth and thank her for giving us a home. We plant seeds in here to give back what she's given us, I'm talkin trees seeds and plant life that we don't benefit from, but also doesn't hurt us"
"We are kind to animals, never trapping or endangering them, we never eat them or use their flesh either, we find other ways to make our clothes, ways that the Earth provides", Maisie added on, "when we pass on, as you saw before, even if our bodies cannot be obtained, we burn something the represents us, the ashes shoot up to the sky, signifying the spirit of our loved one joining the Earth in Nervana while their body takes no space on her soil. Normally we'd spread their ashes in a place they wanted to be, but before Andrew.... Did what he did, he said he wanted to go wherever the Earth took him, so we let his ashes fly in the wind"
"He went to the forest", Juniper said, "I watched the pass and enter the trees, it was nice to see"
Varian smiled as Kai and Clementine placed their hands on Juniper's shoulders comfortingly, "what holidays do you celebrate?" The alchemist asked
"Well, the biggest one for us is 'Earth Day', we feast in the spring on what the Earth has blessed us with while making clay dolls that harden over night. Some say the clay on Earth Day is the most magical", the older women's eyes then lit up, "that's another thing, magic, Earthly magic! We love magic, any magic the Earth grants us we use to preserve her and keep her safe, it's funny because alchemy is apart of that"
"Wait, really?"
"It's an old magic, but yes, many alchemists of our older times used to make potions and brews out of herbs and leaves from the earth, it was once said that the greatest wizard of all time was an alchemist and is celebrated in many customs, we call him a wizard, others call him a scientist, no matter what however, he was always looked upon with great respect in many cultures. No one no a days does alchemy, save for you, it's a very rare art"
The alchemist felt pride well up in his chest at that as he smiled wide, "I'd... Really like to know more if you don't mind"
The Seporians smiled happily and continued to explain their traditions late into the night
Notes:
Funny thing, this was originally supposed to be a chapter about Eugene having a bad day, it was supposed to be a fluff chapter but it ended up becoming more about the Seporians and what Varian wants to do to intergrade them into Corona/slice of life. XD
I wanted to world build a little, plus the Seporians are definitely going to play a slightly bigger role for Varian specifically, they won't be an end of a character arch, but they'll be there for some world building and interesting ideas for later :3
Poor Eugene, I love the man a lot, but sometimes, it's just one of those days. He rolls with it though because that's how Eugene do, Lance finds it funny though XD
Rapunzel has a bigger role to play! Yay! Supportive Punzie! :D
Varian and Quirin are adorable together, so majority of their parts were fluff, but I think that's where their relationship shines the brightest in all honesty <3
Ruddigar is a sassy! XD I freaking love Ruddigar! XD
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 144: Fly Me to the Moon!
Summary:
Varian has a very interesting dream
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian woke up the next morning feeling very groggy, his head was pounding as he slid out of bed, stroking Ruddigar's fur as he did and getting the raccoon to purr while he continued to snooze. The alchemist made his way over to the privy to change out of his pajamas, walking in he closed the door behind him and checked the mirror before gasping and backing up a bit. He took a few breaths before he walked over to the mirror again, his hair was bright blue and waving like he was underwater, his eyes were glowing as well, poking his hair with one finger, he noted that it felt like normal hair but was just floating. "W-why is this happening?" He asked himself before placing a hand over his heart, "my heartbeat seems normal", he placed two fingers on his wrist, "so does my pulse in general, I don't feel worried about anything either... What's going on?"
'Come'
"What?" He turned around seeing no one nearby
'Come outside and find me little one'
"W-who's there?" He looked around the privy, no one was there, "who's talking to me?"
'Find out, come outside'
"I d-don-!"
'COME!'
He felt a huge gust of wind blow open the privy door, making him stumble back as he guarded his face. The teen started to panic, crouching as the wind picked up and placing his hands on his head to protect it as he closed his eyes tightly, "I-IF YOU WANT ME T-TO COME OUTSIDE Y-YOU GOTTA STOP S-SCARING ME!" He yelled
As suddenly as it came, the wind died down, leaving the alchemist shivering on the floor as it did, 'I'm sorry little one.... It's been a very long time since I've spoken to a human...'
The teen opened his eyes again and looked towards the door, he saw a faint blue light, "I...." Before he could speak, he felt something odd, it was as if the light at the door was showing him how it felt, which was a mix between sadness and concern, "....You.... C-can you tell me something? A-are... Are you gonna hurt me?"
The feeling changed to one of surprise before a mix of protectiveness and love, 'I would never hurt you little one'
For some strange reason, the teen felt a sense of warmth and longing to this being, he *wanted* to see her, but he wasn't sure why. Getting up he looked around, "where are we?"
'I shall tell you more, but you must come outside'
The alchemist hesitated but nodded and walked out of the privy and into his hallway, he looked at his room, "m-my raccoon is in my room, is that actually him?"
'In a way, it is the representation of him, just like everything in this home is'
"Representation?"
'You will understand soon, follow my light please little one, I do not wish for you to be lost'
Varian saw another light coming from a closet, walking over he opened the door and stepped through, only to see himself in his father's room. Unlike Ruddigar however, Quirin was wide awake, in fact, the man was pacing, "dad?"
The retired knight stopped and looked in his son's direction, an eyebrow raised in confusion, "Varian?"
"Dad!" Varian stated again
The Village Leader looked stunned before he looked around, "Varian? Why can I hear you?"
"Because I'm standing right in front of you?" The teen explained
'You're not'
"What?"
'You're not in front of him, though it is not a surprise that your father can hear you little one, but he cannot see you'
"He can't see me?"
"Varian?" Quirin called out, "Varian are you still there?"
"Yeah, I... I think I am, I don't know wh-!" Varian stopped when he saw his father's left hand begin to glow light blue, "dad your hand!"
The old farmer looked down and jumped a bit, "I.... W-what?" Quirin removed his gardening glove and saw his Dark Kingdom mark was emitting the light, "I.... V-Varian, where are you?"
'Tell him you're still in your room and that you need him to stay by your side'
"I.... Why?" Varian asked
'It is better to have someone there when you wake up from this'
"Wake up? Does that mean.... D-Dad I... I'm still in my room, can you watch over me? I'll explain what's going on later, b-but I'm okay for now"
Quirin looked like he wanted to argue, but his mark glowed even brighter when he did, looking at he his eyes widened as if he'd just realized something before he sighed, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them and nodding, "I'll protect you Varian, just... Be careful, and... Don't stray too far away from the house okay? It's dangerous"
"I... You.. you know something about this?"
"A little... I'll explain when you wake up"
"Promise?"
"Promise"
Varian smiled at his father, "oki, then I promise too, see you then"
"Bye son, I love you", his father replied with a sad but proud smile on his face
"I love you too dad", the teen replied before the mark on his father's hand stopped glowing. For a moment, he watched Quirin stand there, looking up at the ceiling with a worried expression before he shook his head, nodding to himself before he ran out of the room, "what was that about? How could he hear me? What do he know? What's going *on* here?!"
'You're certainly a very curious human'
"Can you blame me?"
'No, I suppose not, come, you're almost there'
There was a blue light coming from Quirin's privy, "uh...."
'It's not what it seems'
"....Oki", with a little hesitation, Varian walked inside, finding himself in the front yard, "....I think dad may have a problem with your rearrangement of the house, particularly this part"
'It'll be back to normal, I assure you, now, follow'
The blue light shined in the fields, "we're not going too far are we?"
'No little one, this is the last place'
Varian looked at the fields and sighed, "oki", he replied before he walked into the cool night air, he smiled when he felt the gentle wind hit his cheeks and the evening grass between his toes before he began to walk towards the fields, "it's so peaceful out here"
'I'm glad you like it'
The alchemist smiled as he looked up at the sky, seeing all the stars sparkling happily, "you know, I've always loved the night better than the day, I'm mean there's nothing wrong with the day, but the night was always my favorite"
'....What do you like in particular about the night little one?'
"Probably how beautiful it is, I love the stars and the moon, I think they're all very pretty. I also like how calm it is, and even though this will sound very weird, I like how dark it can be, it's just... Nice, even having a storm at night is peaceful... Though I was scared of them when I was a kid", the teen stopped, realizing he was talking to someone he didn't know and couldn't see, "uh... Sorry you... Probably didn't want to know all of that"
'I don't mind, it's nice to know'
Varian smiled before he noticed he'd made it to the light, looking around he started to get confused, "where are you?"
'Look up', he did, and gasped we he saw the moon right above him, she was shining bright, the stars around her twinkling in excitement, 'hello little one'
"I.... Y-you're the...." He blushed, and for some reason his eyes began to water as he stared at her, "h-hi"
He heard her giggle a bit, 'I'm sorry, this must be a bit of a shock to you, but I wanted to meet you'
"Y-you wanted to m-meet me? W-why?"
'Well... Let me shift to a different form first, it'll be a little easier this way'
The moon shined brightly, making Varian have to look away and close his eyes. He heard the wind rushing around him but wasn't blown away this time, in fact, it seemed to be avoiding him, he'd be fascinated by this fact if he weren't talking to the actual moon herself! Just like before, as quickly as it had come, the wind suddenly stopped, he kept his eyes closed however, waiting, he didn't know why be he felt it would be rude to turn around now. He didn't hear anything for a few moments, "u-um... Are you... S-still there?"
'I'm here, you can turn around now'
He turned around and opened his eyes, only to gasp again as he saw a blue version of... *him!* Though it was him when he was 14, wearing the blue tee shirt with the patch on the left sleeve, his brown pants, black boots and gloves, the only different was that his eyes were no longer blue, instead his irises were golden, like the stars, "h-how? ...You're me"
'Yes, hello'
"H-hi", he replied, blushing again, "w-why are you me?"
'I took the form of you in your dream, you often dream of yourself in this form'
"Right.... S-so... You're the Moon?"
'I am, and it is nice to meet you little one. I came here because I need to talk to you'
"Why?"
The Moon looked down, looking like she was trying to find a way to say what she wanted to say, 'I don't want you to be afraid, but I have to warn you of something coming'
Varian tilted his head to the side, "something coming?"
'Yes', the Moon replied, looking at the teen seriously, 'a piece of me is coming to your home, and that piece is powered by someone you know. She will be coming to take something I have given you, and you need to protect it at all costs'
The alchemist looked surprised before realizing who she was talking about, "Cassandra...."
'If that is the name of the one that stole a piece of me, yes. She's going to come and take something from you, and I want you to be prepared for it', the Moon then looked at the teen seriously, 'I'm going to give you a gift, a way to defend yourself should the need arise'.
"A gift?"
'Yes, I want you to be protected little one, you and your family'
Varian's eyes widened as he realized something, "do... Do you know my family? Their names and faces?"
The Moon smiled lovingly, 'I do, the little piece of me was protected by your family, your father in particular when the king tried to destroy me'
"Grandpa... He was angry... I'm... I'm sorry he did that... B-but he... He wasn't really in his right mind when he did what he did..."
'I understand, I took away something from him, it was beyond my control but that didn't make the act any less cruel... I understand his anger and I bear no ill will towards him, his family protected me for generations, I am very grateful to them'
Varian smiled, "c-can I tell him that?"
The Moon nodded and smiled back, 'please do, and tell your father thank you, he protected me, and I will never forget that, it's why I'm here now talking with you'. She lifted a hand to the teen's forehead, for a moment, Varian wasn't sure what was happening, until he felt a surge of power flow through his body, it was such an odd sensation, warm and cool at the same time, never burning nor freezing the teen, almost as if the power itself was a balance between good and bad. He felt it go through his entire body, from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet, it stayed that way for a moment until the feeling finally subsided.
Varian gasped for air, almost like he hadn't been breathing before he fell forwards and landed on his knees, "w-what... What *was* that?" He asked as he panted heavily
'Sorry, I should've prepared you, it was my gift to you, you must be careful with it though, it'll appear when your body and mind feel they are in danger. It will push back, and even knock over, your enemies but it will drain you of your energy and could cause damage, I do not want you to be afraid of it though, it really is a gift, so you can be protected'
The alchemist finally managed to catch his breath before he stood up, "I... Thank you, for giving me a gift in the first place", he replied with a smile, "I'll be sure to use it the way you want me to"
She nodded at the teen, 'I will send you back to your father now, he's be worried about you'
Varian nodded, ready to go back before a question popped into his mind, "hey, I... I know I probably have no place asking this, but... Why me? And how am I connected to Rapunzel? Do you know?"
The Moon looked at him sadly, 'you are connected through me, your father is the reason for the connection, he protected me, so I gave him a gift too. Unfortunately that gift ended up causing pain, and I'm sorry for that... As for why it is *you* specifically, well', she smiled at him lovingly, making the teen blush even more, 'you are far more special than you think little one, always remember that'
"B-but... I'm just... Varian, regular, ordinary Varian"
The Moon shook her head before walking forwards and grabbing his hand gently, 'Varian', he looked at her curiously, 'there is *nothing* ordinary about you'
When she said that, the alchemist felt so blissfully warm and loved, more so than he had in a very long time, he smiled at her as tears slid down his face, "thank you", he replied before he began to fall, normally he'd feel scared and try to grab onto something, but as he fell, he somehow knew he would be okay, closing his eyes, he trusted the Moon as he continued to fall further and further until he suddenly gasped, shooting up from his bed and looking around
"Varian!" Quirin stated, running over and hugging his son, "Varian it's okay, I'm here, I'm here"
The alchemist calmed down as reality began to set in, eventually wrapping his arms around his father and returning the hug, "dad", he replied as more tears slid down his face
They stayed that way for a while before the alchemist broke the hug and smiled at the Village Leader happily. The retired knight cupped his son's cheek, rubbing his thumb up and down it, "are you okay?" He asked
"Yeah dad, a-and I remember telling you to watch over me until I woke up"
Quirin's eyes widened, "so that *was* you, how did... What... How did you *do* that?"
"I didn't, she did"
"She?"
The alchemist blushed before he felt a cold nose against his hand, looking down he saw Ruddigar looking up at him, "hey buddy", he replied, scratching the raccoon behind the ear before looking back at his dad, "I've got so much I need to tell you! Starting with her!"
The retired knight pulled up a chair and sat down, "ok, well first, who's 'she'?"
The alchemist smiled wider as he looked at his father in the eyes and said, "the Moon"
Notes:
So, yeah, guess who Varian gets to talk to! :D We'll find out what the gift is in a future chapter, but I felt like it was time for the little moon bean to finally talk to the moon :D
For those who are curious, when Varian told Quirin he needed him to watch over him in his room, he was astral projecting. I'm going to be talking more about that soon, but yeah, little bean was astral projecting, I've done it a couple of times without realizing it, it's very cool, but can be very dangerous, this is not me telling you to try it, if you do, please be safe about it and do your research first!
Quirin is gonna have to watch his son day and night now, not like he didn't before, but yeah, protective papa may have some moon time adventures too, though I'm not entirely sure yet, let me know if you'd like that or not :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 145: A Shoulder to Cry On!
Summary:
Varian can't take the secrets anymore, but something's preventing him from saying anything
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin was stunned by what his son had just told him, "the Moon told you all of this?" He asked
"Yeah", Varian replied with a smile
"....How do you feel, are you alright?"
"I'm ok"
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah"
The retired knight stared at his son, he knew he was lying, he could tell by how hard the teen kept the smile plastered on his face. But he'd promised to let Varian tell him when he believed he couldn't handle something, and the man would keep to his word, "ok, I trust you, did you want me to stay in here? We could talk for a little while if you want"
The teen shook his head, "no I'm... I'll be alright, just need to sleep for a bit, I'm really tired you know?"
"I suppose you would be after an adventure like that", Quirin replied, "do you... Want me to say something to King Edmund, Adira, and Hector?"
"No! N-no I... Do you mind keeping it a secret for now?"
"Why?"
"I just... I want to make sure I understand it fully before I explain it to other people, you're the exception because you're dad"
The retired knight chuckled, "well I'm glad I'm the exception, I'll keep it between us, but remember we're here if you need to talk okay?"
"I remember, thanks dad, sorry for waking you up"
"It's alright, I wasn't asleep"
Varian's eyes widened a bit as he remembered seeing his father pacing in his room, "hey that's right, what were you doing up anyway? You looked... A little scared"
The old farmer smiled, "I was having a debate with myself is all"
"A debate?"
"Yeah, it was silly"
"Do you mind if I ask what it was about?"
Quirin smirked, "I was wondering where to put the pumpkins for the next harvest, I want them to be front and center for all to see, but they grow better in the south field, but no one can see them there, so I was debating"
Varian giggled, "you and your pumpkins"
"It's important, pumpkins are the best"
The teen smiled lovingly at his father, "you're a dork you know that?"
The retired knight scoffed as he ruffled his son's hair, "look who's talking my little Flynn Rider fan boy"
"Hey! Flynn Rider happens to be the best book series ever!" Varian stated a little too loudly
"You tell him Hair Stripe", they heard Eugene call from the other room
Looking at each other, the duo began to laugh, "sorry Eugene!" The alchemist called
"It's okay", the Dark Prince replied with a chuckle, "it's only 2AM"
"Pfft!" Quirin placed a hand over his mouth, blocking his snickers before he looked at his son, "we should probably get to sleep yeah?"
"Yeah, we should", the alchemist replied, "thanks for watching over me dad"
"You're welcome, come to me anytime you need to talk, okay?"
"Oki, I love you"
Quirin kissed his son's head, "I love you too". With that, the retired knight got up and walked over to the door to his son's room, he was about to step out when he looked at his son one more time, "you sure you're okay?"
"I'm sure", Varian replied, the same plastered smile on his face
The father wanted to say something, but he stopped himself and nodded, "alright, goodnight son"
"Night dad", the alchemist watched his father walk out and close the door before he let out a long sigh and flopped his back onto his bed. Ruddigar chittered at him worriedly, "I know buddy, I know... But I need to figure this out on my own"
Ruddigar chittered anxiously
"I just need to think, figure it out first"
The raccoon argued
Varian huffed, "it's not like telling everyone and freaking them out is gonna help, what you want me to start telling them what I saw and have them worry about me *more*?"
The small mammal was startled by his boy's tone, he'd never spoken to him that way, he chittered softly, a little nervous of what would happen next
The alchemist blinked at his best friend's quieter tone and sighed, "....Sorry.... I didn't mean to snap, I'm just... I just want things to go back to normal for a while, and when I handle the Seporians and help them as I promised, it will. I don't want to deal with all this stuff about destiny and the moonstone and such, I just... Need a break, and everytime something happens, it keeps getting worse, so I'm gonna just... Let it simmer for a bit, think about it, collect my thoughts, *then* tell the others when a little bit of time has passed. Dad knows, so he'll be able to help should the need arise, I just... Ruddigar I just need a *break*".
The raccoon chittered, a little more confident now in what he was saying to his boy
"I know, I won't let it get to me, I won't, I just don't want to handle *all* of this on *top* of what I'm already dealing with, it's.... It's too much, and I don't want everyone else coming over and asking me if I'm okay for the billionth time, I'm fine for now, I just wanna be calm for a little bit"
Ruddigar chittered a warning to his boy, knowing how well bottling things up had gone before with other humans he'd witnessed
"I'm not bottling it up, just... Putting it away, temporarily"
Ruddigar raised a brow
Varian sighed, "I'll be alright, I will, I just need things to calm down"
The raccoon nodded understandingly, waddling over to his boy's arm, nuzzling his way underneath it, and curling in the crook of Varian's elbow, purring and licking the teen's nose
The alchemist giggled, "thanks buddy, I appreciate it", he stroked his best friend's fur until the raccoon fell asleep before he slowly drifted to sleep as well
****
The next morning, the teen woke up with bags under his eyes, looking out the window he saw the sun shining brightly in his room, making him groan. His head pounded painfully as he tried to get out of bed before he ended up falling onto the floor with a crash. Ruddigar jumped at the noise then looked over the edge of the bed to see his boy sprawled out on to wooden flooring, he chittered, "I'm fine... Just... Tired", Varian replied sleepily
The raccoon chittered once more, hopping down and licking his boy's cheek worriedly
The alchemist stroked his fur, "thanks... D-don't worry I j-just forgot where the edge of the bed was is all...."
The small mammal chittered again, tilting his head to the side questioningly
"Did I have a nightmare last night? Yeah, but it's kinda normal for me now.... S-so I'm totally used to it"
Ruddigar nuzzled his boy affectionately
"Thanks buddy", that's when he heard footsteps approaching his door, hopping up, Varian quickly straightened out the blankets on his bed and grabbed a brush, combing his hair before there was a knock
"Hey kiddo, you awake?" He heard Eugene called
Varian smiled, "y-yeah, I'm awake, you can come in if you want"
The door opened and the Dark Prince walked inside, "hey Hair str-woah", the man stopped when he looked at the teen, his clothes looked disheveled and his hair had been quickly brushed, but that wasn't what worried the man. It was the gigantic bags that hung sadly from the boy's eyes, "Varian are... You okay?"
"I'm fine, just sleepy is all"
"Are you sure? You look a little more than sleepy kid"
Varian felt a twinge of annoyance, but kept his voice calm, "yep, just sleepy, what's up?"
"...Okaaay... Well... Blondie wanted to do a family picnic with everyone today, you know, to celebrate us being back in Corona and bringing new friends? She wanted to know if you wanted to make something, you know, since you don't have a broken arm this time"
The alchemist nodded, "sure, I can back a-!" He was interrupted by a long and squeaky yawn before he continued, "I can bake a cake or a pie, maybe even make some ham sandwiches and... And..." The teen began to drift a little, his head nodding forwards as his eyes began to close
"Kid? ....Uh... Varian.... VARIAN!"
"Wh-AH BEAKERS!" The teen yelled before he fell onto his bed with a puff
Eugene chuckled before he walked over and smirked at the alchemist, "you sure you don't want to take a nap first?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm just sleepy, but I don't need a nap", Varian stated, sitting up and shaking his head to clear his mind, "like I said, just sleepy... And I'm not a child who needs a nap Eugene", he added with a raised brow, a little annoyed at the accusation
"Easy kiddo, I didn't mean it that way, all I'm saying is that you look exhausted", the Dark Prince replied with a placating gesture, "we can push the picnic back by a few hours, it's not a big deal"
The teen huffed, "you don't need to push anything back for me, I'll just get myself ready and be perfectly okay, okay?"
Eugene was taken aback at the snappy tone of his little brother, blinking a bit he sighed, "kid, you're being a bit snappy, I just came in to ask if you wanted to make something for the picnic but if you want me to leave you alone, I can do that too"
This made Varian realize how he was acting and stopped, "oh... I-I'm sorry Eugene I'm just... I'm just really tired... I know you didn't mean it that way... S-sorry..." He looked down, he felt horrible
The Dark Prince looked at his little brother and smiled at him before he sat down on the bed next to him, "it's okay kiddo, look we all have bad days, it's not a big deal. But I am worried about you, what's going on, you're never usually this...." He looked the teen up and down before saying, "....disorganized"
Varian chuckled bitterly, "that's a nice way to put it, I'm just tired is all"
"Are you sure?"
Varian felt his eye twitch at that sentence, but let out a sigh, "yeah, I'm sure..." He wrapped his arms around himself protectively, "I'll be okay, I'm sorry for snapping though.... That wasn't fair..."
"It's okay kid, like I said, everyone has a bad day... Look maybe we don't do the picnic today, we've got time, we can do it tomorrow"
"No no, I d-don't wanna ruin everyone's fun! I... M-maybe I need a bath, that usually wakes me up"
Eugene raised a brow, "are you s-! ....If you think you can handle having the picnic today, that's fine, but try not to push yourself, we don't want to have the picnic without you but we also want you to be well enough to participate. If you're not and you need to talk or rest, that's perfectly fine, we don't have to do it for a little while, we can take things slow"
"I... I don't want to take things slow and make postpone the entire picnic because of me..." Varian stated sadly, feeling his guilt swarm in his stomach
Eugene noticed this, "kid... Is there something else that's bothering you?"
"What? No, w-why do you ask?"
"Because you're acting.... Well like how Rapunzel acts when something's wrong... She brushes it off until it becomes so overwhelming for her that she ends up... Snapping at someone else... It's something she's gotta work on, but I feel like it's starting to happen with you, and I'm a little concerned"
The teen looked down, he knew the man was right, if he was being honest, he really *wanted* to talk to someone about this.... But.... "Eugene... I-if there was something you were afraid of... B-but you wanted to try and figure it out on your own... But then you kept g-getting more things thrown on top of it a-and you end u-up feeling worse but d-don't know what to do.... W-would.... would you t-tell someone about what you were a-afraid of, even though you already told that p-person you could handle it?"
The Dark Prince was a little startled, but gave a gentle smile to his little brother, "yeah, I would. If it were hurting me and I really needed to talk about it, I'd say something, because even though I said I could handle it before, it's gotten a lot worse now, and it's a lot bigger, so it's not the same thing anymore and I might need some help just to hold it". He then wrapped an arm around the teen, "and if I were on the opposite end, and was told you could handle something that you can't anymore, I'd be really proud that you came and told me kiddo, I really would".
Varian looked up at the man, small tears sliding down his face before he smirked, "you know who I'm t-talking about, don't you", he asked with a sniffle
"Yeah, he looked pretty worried this morning, but I think I can understand why he didn't push. Though kid, I'll tell you something that I told Rapunzel", Eugene looked at him seriously, "you don't keep secrets from the people you love, especially when it's bothering you so badly. If it's something you'd rather not share because it's embarrassing, that's okay, but if it's bothering you like it is right now, then please tell someone, even if that person isn't me, I'll just be happy you're talking to someone at all"
"B-but what if it ends u-up hurting him.... He worries about m-me so much and I don't wanna worry h-him anymore.... I don't..." Varian hiccupped
Eugene pulled his little brother into a hug, holding him close to his heart as he spoke, "Varian your dad loves you so much, he only wants the best for you. That means he's gonna worry no matter what, that's just how parents are, but", he broke the hug and looked at his little brother, "this'll sound a little crazy, but he *wants* to worry about you"
"What?"
"He's your dad, and being the dad that he is, he'll want to know how you're feeling everyday because he wants to know if you're alright or not. That includes if something's bothering you, yeah he'll be worried, but honestly, that's what he'd want, because then he'd know and would be able to help you", Eugene smiled, "Quirin is a rough and tough retired knight of the Dark Kingdom, but whenever you're around, he's a gigantic teddy bear that loves sweets and pumpkins and you above everyone, and everything, else. He'd want you to tell him what's bothering you, because not only does it show you trust him enough to talk about it, but he can help you fix it, and to a dad, that's the best feeling in the world! I should know, my dad's *constantly* asking if I'm okay and checking up on me, it's annoying, but it's because he cares and wants to help".
"I wish he didn't have to worry...."
"I know... Neither do I kiddo, but you know, the sooner you tell him, the sooner he can help you, and the less he'll have to worry!"
Varian blinked for a moment before giggling, "you're right, but it's an evil right"
Eugene laughed, "my logic is infallible, you have no proof it's wrong because it is fool proof, mostly because it was made *by* a fool!"
This time the alchemist laughed, hugging his big brother and getting hugged back, they stayed that way for a bit before Varian broke the hug and smiled up at Eugene, "thanks, I'm sorry for earlier"
"It's alright, I already have a way you can make up for it"
"How?"
"Get a bath", the Dark Prince stated with a smirk, "you are very stinky"
The teen blushed, "I am not!"
"You smell like *feet*!"
"I just woke up!"
"So, go take a bath"
"You're not my dad!" Varian stated before he bumped into Eugene, prompting the man to grab the teen and tickle him, "hey nohohoho! Stahahap!"
Varian kicked a bit, trying to get the man off him before he finally managed to escape, crawling to the other side of the bed and hiding under the covers with Ruddigar, "you're a brat", Eugene stated as he smiled lovingly at the bump under the covers
The alchemist giggled before he peeked out from under the blankets, "can we still do the picnic?"
"Yeah, we can still do the picnic, as long as you're able to, you are right?"
"I will be, once I get a bath.... And talk to my dad"
Eugene smiled wide at his little brother, "I'm proud of ya kid"
Varian smiled back, "thanks Eugene, sincerely, thank you"
****
Quirin smiled as he set the apple pie inside the stone oven that Varian had made, closing it up and stepping back as he watched it cook. He waited for a moment or two, listening to Lance whistle as the former thief prepared his own bread dough, "hey dad", a little voice said from behind him, getting the retired knight to turn around and see his son standing in the door way, looking like he'd just come from the privy.
"Hello son, how are y-!" He stopped when he noticed his son's bags under his eyes
"I um... C-can I talk to you for a moment? I... I-it's important..."
The Village Leader was a little surprised before he nodded, "Lance, can you watch this for me please?"
"Yeah, no problem", Lance replied as he smiled at the pair
"Thank you", the Village Leader stated before he looked at his son and nodded, "where do you want to go?"
"Um... I-in a room?" The teen blushed
His father chuckled, "how about we head into mine yeah? It's a little closer"
"Oki"
They walked out of the kitchen and into the retired knight's room, closing the door behind them as the man turned to looked at his son, "is everything okay?"
Varian looked at his father for a moment, unsure of himself before he sighed and shook his head, "no... D-dad I... l-lied to you last night...." He replied quietly, not looking into his father's eyes, "I-I said I'm okay, b-but I'm not... I s-said I could handle this b-but I can't... I...." He felt his breath begin to quicken, hearing Ruddigar chitter worriedly before he took a deep breath and continued, "t-the dream with the M-Moon a-and the things that've happened lately... A-And Hugo not b-being here anymore.... The n-nightmares I keep having I... I c-can't take it anymore... It's too much f-for me and-and I've been trying t-to figure it out, t-trying to handle it, d-do it myself so n-no one had to worry, b-but I can't handle this... I can't... I t-tried and I c-can't.... D-Dad I c-can't I can't I-!"
"It's okay", Quirin replied gently, crossing the room the moment he saw his son's first tear and wrapping his arms around him protectively, "it's okay Varian, it's okay"
"N-no it's not... I-I'm tired a-and scared and f-freaked out, A-Andrew died in f-front of me, I h-have nightmares e-every night, a-and now I'm apart of some g-great *destiny* a-and Cassandra's gonna c-come and try to d-do something to me and d-dad I'm so s-scared and I just.... I...." He sniffled as more tears fell onto his father's shoulder, he couldn't speak anymore, could barely breath, he tried to, tried to tell his father what he's been feeling, but all that came out were sobs as he laid his face into his father's chest, wrapping his own arms around the man and holding onto him for dear life. He felt like a child again, running to daddy for help, unable to do anything to stop whatever nonsensical thing he was fussing about and annoying the grown up, but as he felt his father pick him up and hold him close, those feelings went away, instead of feeling dumb or insignificant, he felt comforted and warm. Looking up at his father through red, puffy eyes, he saw the man looking at him with no sign of disdain or hatred or even annoyance, just worry and love, seeing this calmed the teen down to where his sobs were nothing more than mere sniffles now as his father walked over to his bed and sat down, placing Varian in his lap and continuing to hold him.
They remained silent for a long time, the only sound being heard were Varian's hiccups and occasional sniffles, "feel any better?" Quirin asked softly after a minute
"A-a little", the teen replied, "I-I'm sorry I lied... I j-just... I w-wanted to figure this out o-on my own... B-but I just...."
"Can't?" His father offered with a smile
"Yeah..."
"That's okay, you don't have to figure it out all the time you know"
"B-but lately I haven't b-been figuring it out at all... Y-you and everyone else have b-been helping me, a-and I feel... l-like such a burden to all of you..."
"A burden?"
"Uh-huh..." The alchemist looked up at his father, "w-when I was younger, I could do so much w-without your help, I w-wasn't afraid of nearly as m-much as I am now... B-but now... I can't even fall asleep w-without having nightmares, I c-can't walk two feet into town without needing s-someone with me, I c-can't even *cry* without feeling bad... I just... I f-feel so useless..."
"Varian, you are anything *but* useless, you're so strong and try so hard everyday even when things are hard", the retired knight looked at his son and smiled sadly, "you should have never seen what you have, never done the things you've had to do, but you did, it's hurt, and changed you in many different ways. When you were younger, you'd never seen a black rock before, never got into too much trouble, never had things blow up and out of your control save for eating your 'spergus' and carrots", he teased, "so yeah, back then you were able to do things without a care in the world because, well, you didn't have to worry so much. But now you've gone through so much and seen so many things that your perspective has changed, and I think you sometimes forget that you're still growing".
Ruddigar chittered, nuzzling his boy and getting a scratch behind the ear for it much to his delight, "I guess..." The teen replied
His father looked at him and sighed, "would it help you any to know I was once in your shoes?"
"What?"
"Yeah, I felt the exact same way you do, I used to be so happy go lucky and could do so many things on my own, but when I started to grow, things happened to me that made me start to fear the world. I became reclusive and quiet, never showing how I felt because I didn't want to upset or worry anyone, they already had so much on their plate, why should I bother them with my problems... Sound familiar?"
Varian blushed a little, "w-what did you do to fix it?"
The Village Leader smirked, "I had a King Edmund as a best friend", the teen smiled wide as he thought about his grandpa, "he held me just like this, and kept me close to his chest. He told me what I just told you, and then said something that I really needed to hear".
"What was that?"
"I respect you, you may have made mistakes and have fallen a few times, but every single time you got up and continued to walk. You kept trying to get better, kept doing what you needed to do, and that's not an easy feat". Quirin nuzzled his son's head gently, "you've done a lot in your life, and even when things seemed grim, you kept going, that's the strongest thing you can do, and you know what?"
"What?" Varian asked, as he looked at his dad curiously
Quirin looked right into his son's eyes and smiled, "you're doing great"
The alchemist was silent for a moment, letting the words sink in before he felt his eyes begin to water, and he smiled back at his father, hugging him tightly, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome son", his dad replied, "just remember that you're never a burden to me, ever, I love you and I want to help you, I'll always want to help you. Even when I'm having a bad day and I hate the world and want to just be alone, I take one look at you and all I want to do is make you happy again. You're my son, my best friend, and the most important person to me, you are, and I will never, *ever*, think of you as a burden. You're not annoying, you're not cruel, you're a good person, you are, and nothing you do will ever change that, okay?"
"Oki"
The room fell silent again, the duo hugging each other for a while as Varian continued to sniffle into his father's shirt. After another moment, the duo broke the hug and Varian noticed his father had his own tears on his cheeks and giggled, "empowered by your own speech?"
Quirin chuckled, "I guess so, it's been a while since I've thought about that conversation", the retired knight then looked at his son, "so, did you want to talk about what's been bothering you?"
The teen blinked for a moment before he smiled and nodded, explaining everything, the dream he'd made Rapunzel promise not to tell, the Moon talking to him and what she'd said, the nightmares he kept having in-between, everything, and Quirin listened to him the entire time, "...a-and that's basically everything... I... I've just been so afraid to talk about any of this b-because I wasn't sure what it meant and... Honestly, I don't want to think about it... I don't want to worry about this anymore, I just want to go back to normal! I... D-dad I don't even want to talk to the king and queen about Seporia, I just wanna... Go into my lab and make alchemical solutions again, I haven't done that in such a long time that I think I think I've forgotten any project I'm working on"
"You were in your lab the other day"
"Yeah, b-but I didn't even *do* anything, I just kinda stood there and waited"
"Waited?"
"For something to strike me to make a chemical compound of it! I was thinking about the copper plated elements but even *they* don't seem like any fun anymore... I just... The things I want to do just seem like they're in the way, and I don't want to do them anymore... But I keep forcing myself to do so because... What else am I supposed to do?"
"Hmm... Well let's talk about the dream you had with the blue light first, you said you followed it to a cave, there was a shadow figure, it was blocking you from the light, and your head was screaming pain, then you woke up with your hair and eyes glowing?"
"Yeah"
"....It sort of sounds like a bit of a warning, like if you go near a blue light, you might get hurt by someone"
"Another warning? B-but where is *this* one coming from?"
"The Moonstone?" At his son's confused expression, Quirin continued, "when the Moonstone came to earth, it became it's own separate being, it's no longer attached to the Moon but still has a connection to her. I've seen, first hand, how that little stone seems to have a mind of its own sometimes whenever it moved the black rocks, there were times where I swear I would be talking to it, telling it to let me through an entry way it blocked with its rocks, it would move them when I asked. I wonder if it was warning you that there might be a danger coming your way... I also wonder if that aligns with the Moon's warning"
"You mean, their the same warning but in two different ways?"
"Yeah"
"B-but how's that possible?"
"Well... You know how, if you ever cut a worm in half, you'd have two worms instead of two halves of one worm? It's the same thing, the Moonstone is its own entity now, just like the Moon, but they both know what's going to happen, so they warned you. I'm thinking Cassandra might try to lure you somewhere and end up hurting you, in which case, we need to keep you far away from her at all costs..."
Varian blinked but nodded, "it makes sense... B-but what about the gift the Moon gave me? S-should I be worried about that? And what about my destiny with Rapunzel?"
"I don't know about your destiny with Rapunzel, though it's clear you've got a connection to the Moonstone, so that's probably part of it, if it is, it might mean you'll need to get the Moonstone away from Cassandra, but you'll need to be careful about it. Though, we can figure all of that out later, for now, things are calm, she's not here, and you're safe, if she causes a stir, me, Adira, Hector, and King Edmund will help fight her back, but you don't have to worry about that now, okay?"
"Ok.... D-dad, what about the nightmares? How do I stop them?"
"Oh that, well, there's a very old Dark Kingdom secret to defeating nightmares", the retired knight stated seriously
"Really? What? What is it?"
The teen suddenly felt his father's arms wrap around him as the man kissed his forehead, "think of me beating them up before you fall asleep, and if that doesn't work, come find me, I'll always come running when you need me, always"
Varian smiled wide and giggled, "oki, I'll remember"
"You promise?"
"I promise", the alchemist replied before he hugged his father back, "thanks dad, you... You really helped me out, I feel a lot better now"
Quirin smiled, "I'm glad I could help, and look", he stood up, taking the teen with him and spinning around with Varian laughing as he swung in the air, "light as a feather, I see no burdens here!"
"Dahahahahad!" Varian squeaked as he laughed while he was flying through the air
"And now I'm getting dizzy, maybe I should ditch this thing I'm carrying!" Quirin stated as he stopped and threw Varian into the air, getting him to land safely on the old farmer's bed as he giggled, "phew, haven't done that in a while"
"Hee hee, that was way more fun than I remember!" The alchemist replied as Ruddigar waddled up to him and nuzzled him happily, getting the alchemist to yawn sleepily
Noticing this, the retired knight smirked before laying a blanket over his son, "get some sleep bubby"
"B-but dad what about ab-*yawn*-out the picnic?"
"We'll wait for you, and don't feel bad about it either, we *want* to wait for you, it can be a dinner picnic"
"A pinner?"
His father snorted, "yes, a pinner", he stroked his son's hair lovingly, "now go ahead and get some sleep, alright?"
"Oki, thanks dad"
"You're welcome son", as Quirin started to walk out, he turned to glance at his son one more time and chuckled when he saw his boy was already fast asleep.
Notes:
So Varian finally says what he's been feeling, he doesn't say everything, but he finally got a lot of stress off his chest! Little bean is gonna get the support he needs dang it!
TEAM AWESOME! We finally have some team Awesome in here! Yeah Varian's a little grumpy, but Eugene understands and helps his little brother and I love him in that role! :D Lance is still king of course, but Eugene gets some spotlight for being the first big brother <3
Quirin and Varian talk! <3 I love having these two talk about things together, it's something I wish we'd gotten more in the show, but since we didn't here's some family fluff right here :D He's a good dad, and I will fight to the bitter end to prove that!
Lance, the brotherhood and Edmund, the girls, and the Seporians were all getting ready for the pinner, which yes, I'm calling picnic dinners that from now on XD
We all love ourselves some emotional support Ruddigar! I love the little sassy raccoon, he knows what's best for his boy! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 146: This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Some more funny short stories with Lance, this time in Quirin and Varian's home!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Put me to work Quirin!" Lance stated eagerly as he smiled wide at the retired knight, who was drinking coffee at the kitchen table
"Hm? Put you to work?" The old farmer replied with confusion, "what do you mean?"
"I mean, put me to work, Eugene, Rapunzel, and I've been at your place for a few days now, and we've stayed here before without so much as liftin a finger in your fields, so, put me to work, what can I do?"
The Village Leader raised a brow, "Lance, have you worked on a farm or in a field before?"
The former thief thought about it for a moment before shaking his head, "nope, but I'm willin to try"
"I don't know... You can't start working on a farm without prior experience... Unless you have someone with you to guide you through it but all of my farm hands are busy getting ready for the harvest today"
"Isn't there something I can do? Like plant a flower, or maybe a tiny veggie?"
Quirin smiled warmly at the man, "I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather you not get hurt, and farming's not an easy task to do on a whim. It's not a big deal to have you stay here, you help me in different ways, like those sessions with Varian, they help a lot!"
"Well yeah, I appreciate that, but I wanna help more than that, you've got.... Varian... Adira... Me.... plus yourself.... *14* people in your home, and you cook and clean and make sure all of them are taken care of while *still* takin care of the farm and village, that's a lot, and I feel bad that ya gotta do so much", Lance stated sadly. "I know I'm not a farmer, but maybe I could do somethin to make your job a little easier, pleeeeease?"
If the retired knight didn't know any better, he could've swore Lance was using Varian's puppy dog eyes as he stared at him. The man sighed, not sure how to handle this, he looked into his cup of coffee and thought for a moment before he remembered something, "you.... Like animals, don't you?"
"Yes!" The former thief squeaked with joy, "I *love* animals! I want to pet them all and give them all the love!"
The Village Leader smirked, "well, how about you help me feed the animals then? That isn't hard to do and I know you wouldn't harm them, plus, Adam's feeding the animals today, and I'm certain he could use a hand"
Lance beamed from ear to ear, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he nodded enthusiastically, "I'll do it!"
"What are you doing?" A voice asked, getting both men to turn and see Eugene looking at them with concern
"I'm helpin Quirin and his farmer friend Adam feed the animals today!"
The Dark Prince's eyes widened as he looked at Quirin with worry, "uh.... You uh... You sure that's a good idea?"
"Pfft! Oh yee of little faith!" Lance stated, "you know, I happen to be very good with animals Eugene, unlike you"
The Dark Prince raised a brow, "I'm better at taking care of animals than *you*"
The former thief laughed, "wasn't it not what, a couple days ago you got into a fight with Ruddigar because you called him a trash panda and he got offended?"
The retired knight looked back at Eugene, "you called Ruddigar a trash panda? He hates that you know"
"Yes I found that out when he stole my breakfast and hid on top of your cabinet...."
"So that's what he was doing up there.... Rude"
Lance snorted as Eugene sighed, "look, I apologized, we made up, I got breakfast, that's not the point though!"
"Kinda is if you're gonna go on a tangent about how I can't take care of animals... Raccoon offender", the former thief replied with his arms crossed
The Dark Prince sighed, then looked at Quirin, "look, I know Lance, he's my best friend... Most of the time... And he's a good man that really loves animals, but see, he loves them *too* much. If he wants to help you with the farm work, please have him plant something or water something instead, because I'm telling you right now, it won't end well for you if you let him feed the animals", he locked eyes with the man, "I'm speaking from *experience* here Quirin".
"Well...." The retired knight started, noting how serious Eugene seemed to be, "I... Guess I could have him water the seeds I plant instead"
"Wha-! Don't let Eugene talk you outta that! *He* doesn't even know how to weed, let alone take care of animals!" Lance argued
"I could do it a lot better than you", Eugene retorted
"Guys, you don't have t-!" Quirin tired
"We'll see who's better at what!" The former thief interrupted, "I bet I can do more farm work than *you*!"
"Guys-!"
"Challenge accepted!" The Dark Prince replied, "but when I win, you gotta clean the horse stables for a week!"
"Boys-!"
"Vise versa for you *pal*!" Lance snapped, walking over and shaking Eugene's hand before they both ran out of the dining room, passing a confused looking Varian as they did
The teen walked into the room and looked at his father, who seemed very worried, "what just happened?"
"....I don't know.... But I'm very concerned...." The retired knight replied
Varian looked back towards the door the two men had just ran out of, then back at his father, "if they mess something up, would you like help fixing it?"
"Yes please"
"Do I get an extra slice of pie if I do?"
Quirin smirked, "I think I can accept that"
*A few hours later!*
"Heh heh, so... Turns out we're *both* bad at farm work... Heh..." Eugene said timidly as he and Lance stood next to a shocked looking Quirin and Varian, who remained silent as they stared at the disaster that used to be the Old Corona fields.
"So.... We've both decided that we'll both clean the stables for a week!" Lance replied nervously, "to make up for... A-all of this"
The father son duo remained silent as they watched chickens and pigs running around the farm with farmhands and stable people running after them. They saw the fields begin to flood with water and watched the cows begin to eat the corn they'd planted and worked hard to grow. Their mouths hung open when they saw Adira hop out of an apple tree, her face showing her displeasure as she saw the goats eating the apples she loved so much while Edmund and Hecotor were covered head to foot in mud, blinking and completely unsure of what to do with themselves.
"Uh... Quirin?" Lance asked, waving a hand in front of the old farmers face
"Varian?" Eugene added, poking the teen's shoulder gently
The alchemist closed his mouth before he looked up at his father, ".....two extra pie slices?" He asked, as Ruddigar ran over and began to grab as many apples as he could away from the goats, chittering at them when they bleated their annoyance at the small mammal.
Quirin closed his own mouth, then sighed, "just take the whole pie, we're gonna be here a while"
"Need our help?" Lance asked
"No!" Varian and Quirin replied, making the two retreat into the house before more damage could be done
****
Varian was in his lab, happily stirring his latest concoction when he noticed the door open and saw two, big, brown eyes peep in, "you're not allowed in here Lance", the alchemist replied as he set the mixture down and watched it turn from green to blue, "fascinating".
"That's a nice color", Lance replied, walking next to the teen
Varian sighed, "did you hear me?"
"I have a proposition for you"
"And now I'm concerned"
"So you know alchemy"
"That I do"
"Well I had a thought"
"This sounds familiar"
"I wanna make somethin"
"I'll bet you do"
"So I asked Eugene"
"Of course you did"
"And he said you wouldn't help"
"He's right"
"But I remembered somethin"
"And here we go"
"You helped me before"
"Which was a mistake"
"But I remembered another thing"
"That being?"
"Eugene was very mad at you for helpin me"
"Yes he was, I was scared for my life"
"So I had another thought"
"I still wonder if they hurt you"
"He wouldn't help me again"
"How right you are"
"But I've got a thing"
"A thing?"
"That'll change your mind about not helping me"
"I see..."
"So here's the thing", Lance presented the alchemist with an empty wooden box
"....Um-!"
"I have another thing"
"And now I'm scared"
"That you'll want very badly"
"I'm gonna tell my dad on you"
"It's this", he showed the teen a titanium ingot with flecks of gold inside, "this is the other thing!"
"WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?!"
"I bought it in Nezerdnia"
"Oh"
"So I'll give you this thing"
"Uh-huh"
"Along with its box"
"I could fix that up"
"*If* you show me how to make something cool"
Varian was silent, his mind kept flashing from Eugene's glare to the titanium ingot with gold flecks, and he began to sweat..
*An hour later!*
"VARIAAAAAAAN!!!!!" Eugene yelled as he watched Lance make three sparklers that burned in multiple colors and run through the house with Catalina and Angry
"HE'S TOO GOOD AT THIS EUGENE!" The little alchemist yelled from his lab
****
Eugene sighed as he laid in the guest bed he'd been given, his back and arms throbbed painfully from all the shoveling he'd done in the horse stables earlier that day. His head hurt badly and his eyelids were very heavy, just as he was about to doze off into a blissful sleep, "psst", his face scrunched as he tried to ignore the noise, "I said *PSSSST*!"
"I heard your 'PSSSST!' but I'm *trying* to *sleep*!" He snapped
"Well ain't you just a bucket full of delight", Lance retorted as he leaned against the door frame
"Oh yes, delight, puppies, rainbows, and the occasional narwhal"
The former thief snorted, "very nice"
"Thank you, now what do you want? Aren't you tired from today?"
"Yeah, but I was thinking-!"
"Oh boy"
"Hear me out, Quirin's mad at us right?"
"Undoubtly"
"Well, what if we fixed him up somethin? Ya know, somethin sweet and fun, like a strawberry tart", the man suggested, "Varian said he liked them, even though he tries to hide it. Maybe a sweet treat would be a good way to apologize for messin up the farm two days ago".
Eugene sighed, but sat up to look at his best friend, "Lance your concern and worry about Quirin being mad at us is understandable and the fact that you want to make it up to him is heartwarming, but there's one thing, and just one thing, you should know about Quirin above everything else".
"What's that?"
"When he's pissed, leave him *alone*", Lance's face fell, "look, I get it, I wanna make up for what we did too, but he's mad, *really* mad, didn't help that poor Varian got so exhausted from helping clean up our mess that he practically fainted when he got inside the house after".
"Aw come on! We gotta do *somethin*! He's not even talkin to us, save for that small 'polite phrases' he says like 'morning', or 'I'm fine', or 'please go talk to Eugene'"
"When did he say that last one?"
"A few minutes ago...."
"Ah"
"Seriously though, he's not talkin to us and it's killin me! I feel bad, we gotta do somethin"
"Look, buddy, there are some people that just need to be mad, Quirin's one of them, you of all people should know that".
"Yeah I get, completely, but I just...." The former thief sighed, "I feel really bad Eugene.... He cleaned up our mess, ended up get dirty and scratched up, and then Varian... Just.... I feel really bad for makin both of them upset... While I respect that he's angry, I... I need to *do* somethin about it ya know? I can't just let him sit there and stew, I wanna make up for it so he doesn't have to be angry anymore.... He's got enough on his plate anyway.... Both of them do...."
Eugene blinked as he stared at his best friend, unsure of how to react to this before he smiled, "Lance you've got a really big heart you know that?"
"I guess.... Wish my big heart would help my brain stop bein stupid and mess things up...."
"You are not stupid! You're just... Clumsy, and sometimes being clumsy and having big heart don't mix very well, take Varian for example. Biggest heart out of any 15 year old I've ever seen, but extremely clumsy"
Lance smiled, "I'm not *nearly* good enough to be on Varian's level, he's got a way bigger heath than me"
"I wouldn't sell yourself short you know", Eugene replied, "trust me, you've got a much bigger heart than you think. But, the main reason I'm saying this is because... I get it, you wanna help Quirin feel better, but the man needs to be left alone, trust me. Trying to cheer him up or apologize *now* will only make things worse, I think the only people that could get away with that is Adira, Hector, my dad, and Varian.... And Itty Bitty, seriously that fish could *kill* someone and Quirin would help hide the damn body!"
Lance laughed, getting the Dark Prince to smirk, "yeah you're right... We should probably leave him alone.... My sparklers didn't really help anyway considerin they ended up makin some burn marks in his carpet... I'm sorry Eugene I just... I really don't like it when people are mad at me.... I feel really bad and end up doin somethin worse because I really wanna make up for it.... I think it's a form of anxiety.... Tch... Some mental helper I am...."
"Lance you can have your own troubles and still help people you know", Eugene stated, when his friend remained silent however, he grew worried, "...You... You do know that right?"
"....I want to.... I would really love to believe that.... But I don't see how... Varian comes to me because he wants to get *away* from those problems but... What would he do if he knew I had em too...." The man laughed bitterly to himself, "...I.... I know he'd be a lot nicer than I'm thinkin.... But...." He looked at Eugene, "I'm... Really scared to tell him that you know? ...I wanna help him.... W-what if I can't?.... What if Quirin stays mad?.... What if he doesn't want me talkin to Varian anymore....."
Eugene was silent, watching as his best friend had tears begin to roll down his face, his whole body tense and defensive as he stared at the ground. The Dark Prince didn't know what to do, he knew telling Lance what he was thinking was wrong wouldn't work, he'd tried it how many times with Varian and *nothing* changed. Watching the man however, he could feel nothing but fear and worry as he watched Lance sink into his own worries.... That's when he got an idea and smiled wide, "hey, you wanna make Quirin feel better right?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, what's the one thing in this world that can make that man smile no matter *how* angry he gets?"
The former thief thought for a moment before it hit him and he beamed with joy!
*An hour later!*
"Dad! Dad look-look-look!" Varian yelled as he ran into the living room where his father was brooding in
The retired knight turned just in time to catch his mid jump as the teen slammed into him at full speed, "woah, hello there, what's all the fuss?" He asked, looking at his bouncing child with a smirk
"Look!" The teen shoved a piece of paper in his father's face, getting the man to gently take it from his son and look with a chuckle
What he saw was a Flynn belt blueprint mixed with alchemy bomb holders, what impressed him the most was the fact that it already had instructions on how to make it and was exactly Varian's size with a little room to grow, "wow! How long did this take you to draw up?"
"That's the thing, *I* didn't make that! Eugene and Lance did, and they're gonna help me build it!"
"They are?"
"Yeah! And-and-and Eugene's gonna help me get a Flynn rider outfit, and-and boots, and Lance already made gloves, and LOOK! Lookit what they say on them!"
The retired knight laughed as his son shoved the gloves in his face next, gently taking them and noting how soft they feel before he saw the golden stitching which turned out to be letters saying, 'Team Awesome!' He smiled and looked at his bouncing boy, who had gotten ahold of the blue prints again and was jumping up and down with excitement as he continued to stare at them with joy before the retired knight noticed the two men standing in the door way, smiling lovingly at the alchemist. Quirin watched Varian as well, chuckling as the teen fell onto the couch, clutching the blueprints to his chest as if they were the best things in the world before he looked at the formers thieves once again and nodded, giving them a wide grin as Varian hopped up and ran over to him again and began chatting.
"I think that means we're forgiven", Eugene stated as he wrapped an arm around his best friend, "feel better?"
"Yeah, thanks", Lance replied, wrapping an arm around Eugene in return
"Anytime buddy"
Notes:
So, I might be bringing this up a couple more times, I can't help it, I love Lance! He's a king and an amazing and severely underrated character! I will show this man some love in my story! He deserves it! <3
Varian is being a sassy, adorable, bean again! XD I can't with these two, they work so well off each other! XD
Eugene is the best friend a guy could ever ask for, and he's the best big brother as well, I picture it as Eugene being the oldest and the, somewhat immature yet wise, brother, then Lance is the middle child with a very innocent outlook to a lot of things, then Varian is the youngest brother but with the most maturity save for tiny things that bring out his inner child, like Flynn Rider! I love Eugene too, he was the best character in the movie (IMO) and the second best character in the show along with Lance, Varian and Quirin tying for the top spot of course! He grew so much in the show and became such an amazing person that I just really love him, genuinely, so I gave some Eugene love too! <3
Quirin is an angry farmer! I believe the man needs a good sulk fest when he gets angry, leave him alone for a while so he can calm down, then approach him and apologize.... Or just make Varian super happy, that works too XD
Also, I've struggled with what Lance does myself, I wanna help someone, especially when they're mad at me, and I feel horrible and want to make it up to them asap, but that's not how people work, I got better after a while, but it was hard. So I wrote it in my story, and honestly, it kinda fits Lance, he's helping a lot of people, so of course when someone gets mad at him he'd want to fix it, because he's a wonderful human being and we all love Lance! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 147: Old Friends! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian, Quirin, Ruddigar, Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, and the Seporians head to the castle for a few days to discuss bringing Seporian culture into Corona with King Frederic and Queen Arianna.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian took a deep breath, letting it out slowly before taking another one and letting it out slow, "kid are you gonna be okay?" Eugene asked as he watched the teen from across the caravan they were traveling in, "you seem a little.... Stressed...."
The alchemist looked at the man and nodded, "y-yeah I'm fine, just... trying to calm down is all.... I-I mean these negotiations and planning may take a while, s-so I have to be prepared to stay in the castle for a couple days, be firm, a-and talk t-to....U-Um-!"
"Don't worry so much Varian", Rapunzel stated, sitting next to her little brother and wrapping an arm around him gently, "my parents are more than willing to listen to what you have to say and if they don't, you'll have me, Eugene, Lance, and Quirin to back you up!" Ruddigar chittered from his boy's shoulder, "Ruddigar as well".
The alchemist looked at his big sister and nodded, "o-oki"
There was a small silence before the Dark Prince smirked, "you're still nervous aren't you?"
"Yes.... Sorry..."
"It's okay little man", Lance stated reassuringly, "we all get nervous, it's normal. I mean I'm nervous about leavin Catalina and Angry with Edmund, Adira, and Hector, but I gotta trust them, like you need to trust yourself. You can do this, we know you can!"
"Thank you, I really appreciate it, i-it's just... I really hope I can say what I need to say so the Seporians can get the help they need... I don't want to make what they're going through any worse you know?"
"You'll do great", the former thief replied with a warm smile, "you've already got some really great ideas, you just need to be confident is all, like me and Eugene"
"He's right hair stripe", Eugene agreed, "be confident, what you're doing is for a good cause, it's gonna help people, a lot of people, and may even add to the Coronan population and teach people about their past"
"That's the thing though, i-it's so important that what I say to the rulers of Corona *because* it can help so many people!" Varian explained, "it... It's a lot of pressure and I don't want to mess it up...." He took another deep breath as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy's cheek comfortingly while he let the breath go.
"I still can't believe we're actually gonna do this", Kai stated as he watched the group, "this is just... Something I never thought would happen, us going to the castle or all places to discuss peace between our people"
Varian smiled at him, "I never thought *I'd* be the one doing this to be fair, I... Always thought it would've been.... B-but I guess that didn't really... W-work out...."
The princess looked at the teen worriedly, "Varian are you... Still upset about what happened with Andrew?"
The alchemist hesitated, opening his mouth to answer when the caravan suddenly stopped and there was a knock on the door, "princess", a familiar voice called, "are you in there?"
"Nigel?" Eugene replied, clearly confused as to why the royal advisor was coming to greet them
"He might be out here because my parents are excited to see me and want him to direct me straight to them!" Rapunzel replied before she walked over and opened the door, sure enough there was the royal advisor, "hey Nig-! What are you doing?"
Nigel wasn't looking at the princess, instead, it seemed him and Quirin, who'd been driving the caravan, were staring at each other, neither one were speaking as Varian, Lance, Eugene, and the Seporians joined the princess at the door. They watched as Nigel narrowed his eyes at the Village Leader, who raised a brow, "there a problem?" The retired knight asked in a warning tone as the royal advisor continued to stare at the man.
"No, just... Thinking", Nigel replied
Varian hopped out of the caravan and looked up at Nigel, "m-my dad isn't an issue, if you have one, t-talk to me, otherwise leave him out of it", he stated firmly as he glared at the man.
This took the royal advisor by surprise, he looked like he was about to snap back when Rapunzel cleared her throat, making him clamp him mouth shut before clearing his own throat, "there isn't an issue at all, follow me please, the king and queen would like to see all of you".
"Thank you Nigel", the princess replied politely
"You're welcome your highness, the guards will take care of the caravan and Max, if you'll ju-!" He stopped when he noticed Ruddigar on Varian's shoulder, "um.... Not to be rude, but I don't know how well the king and queen will take having a raccoon in the castle"
"Ruddigar's been in there before and hasn't caused any trouble Nigel", the princess replied, "plus, Pascal?" She gestured to the small chameleon on her shoulder, who coked his head to the side.
"Yes but Pascal is *your* pet princess, and he serves a purpose of keeping you happy, a sort of, service animal"
"Ruddigar does too", Varian stated, "he's been certified and trained, if it helps, he'll stay on my shoulder while me and dad are in the castle. If not he'll be in my arms or right next to me, he doesn't leave my side unless I'm in danger".
Nigel stared at the boy for a moment or two before he nodded, "as long as he sticks to you it should be fine then, come with me please", he turned and began to walk towards the castle doors.
"Princess", Quirin whispered as they began to follow the royal advisor, Lance and Eugene walking next to their little brother and wrapping their arms around him comfortingly, making him giggle, "I have a favor"
"What's that?" Rapunzel asked, noting the anger in the retired knight's voice
"Keep Nigel away from me...."
"Will do"
****
The group entered the castle and continued to follow Nigel over to the throne room, when he turned to look at them, "I'll need to announce your arrival, if you don't mind waiting here for a moment"
"Not at all", Rapunzel replied with a small smile as she watched the royal advisor enter the thrown room before looking at Varian, "I am *so* sorry about that"
"It's fine", the teen replied, "I knew he would do something like this anyway, so it's not surprising", he scratched Ruddigar's ears, getting the raccoon to purr happily
"That doesn't make it okay"
"It doesn't, but what are you gonna do, fire him? He won't change his mind about me, neither will majority of the villagers, I... I'm coming to terms with it..."
The princess was about to argue when the doors opened, "princess, you and your group may enter", Nigel stated, bowing to Rapunzel
"Oh, um, thank you Nigel", she responded, a little startled before she looked at Varian, "we'll talk about this later though, yeah?"
"Maybe", the teen replied, "it may be a little later than you'd like"
She smiled and nodded understandingly before they walked inside, the doors closing behind them. The princess's mind was reeling before her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a familiar voice, "Rapunzel!" Looking up she smiled wide when she saw her mother smiling wide at her with her arms outstretched and walking quickly towards her daughter.
"Mom!" The blond replied, running over and hugging her mother happily, "it's so good to see you! We've had a bit of an adventure this past week and a half"
"So I heard, are you alright dear? We've been extremely worried about all of you"
"I'm fine, the others are fine too... Save for a few new things that need to be sorted"
"Right, speaking of", Arianna looked behind her daughter and smiled warmly at Varian and the Seporians, all of whom were hiding behind Quirin, "hello"
"Hello your majesty", the retired knight replied with a smile before he looked at his son and nudged him encouragingly. The alchemist remained in his spot, but nodded politely, staring past her with wide eyes as he stared at the King of Corona himself, who was standing a few feet behind his wide, looking at him worriedly.
The Queen looked at him sadly, "I'm so sorry, I didn't want you to feel scared"
"I can... Leave if that'll make things easier", Frederic replied, frowning when he saw the boy wince when he spoke
"N-n-no I... I-I can do this... I...." Varian closed his eyes and took a breath, letting it out slowly and relishing in Ruddigar's nuzzles before he opened them again and looked directly at the king, "I n-need to talk to both of you... About the Seporians a-and how we can add t-their culture into the kingdom of Corona. I promised I would a-and I'm... I'm going to keep that promise, I-I can do this, to do so I n-need to have both of you here since it p-pertains to the entire kingdom. I have ideas f-for how it can happen, and I'd l-like to go over them with you b-both", he stated with determination as Quirin, Lance, Eugene, Rapunzel, and the Seporians looked at him with pride.
Arianna smiled, "I'd love to hear your ideas, we both would, and I certainly wouldn't mind integrating Seporian customs into our way of living", she looked at the group of Seporians, "I recognize all of you, you're the Separatists of Seporia if I'm not mistaken, am I right?"
"Yes your majesty", Clementine replied, "we wanted to apologize for our actions before against you and your kingdom, we... We thought it was the only way to help our people, but we were wrong, and for that we are all deeply sorry...." They bowed to the rulers humbly.
"It's alright, you don't have to bow", Queen Arianna replied, getting them to straighten their postures and look at her once more, "I understand what it feels like to want to do what is right for your people. I can see a change in all of you, and my daughter's been telling me of what you did to save her and her friends.... She also told me of your loss, and I'm very sorry about that... I hope he rests in peace, sincerely".
"Thank you..." Clementine replied, sniffling a bit as a flash of Andrew's face came to her mind, "he was... A great man before... He was..."
"I believe it", Arianna agreed, "even though his ways were different and he made some..." She stopped, not entirely sure how to word what she was about to say
"...Interesting decisions?" Maisie offered gently
"Yes", the Queen nodded, "thank you, I believe he had a good heart and his intentions were pure. He just... Needed a little guidance, as we all do in life", she looked at Varian, notice his lips quivering a bit, "but we'll make sure he's not forgotten, I'm more than willing to work with you to help your people and cause, because your people are our people in a way, if that makes sense".
The Seporians smiled at the queen, "it does to us", Juniper replied, "thank you for your kindness your highness"
"Thank you for giving us a chance to be kind", Arianna replied with a warm smile, "my husband and I have made rooms for each of you here in the castle, we had our chefs study and prepare special meals for you that lack any animals, and we've lined your beds with sheets, blankets, and pillows made out of polyester, it may be a little itchy, but it's not made from animals at all, we wanted to make sure you were fully comfortable while we make plans". She then looked at Quirin and Varian, "I also had your room cleaned, Itty Bitty's waiting in there as well, I know you may not be here for very long, but I wanted to make the both of you as comfortable as possible as well".
Quirin's eyes lit up at the mention of his little fish but he nodded calmly, "thank you your highness, we appreciate that immensely", he then smiled, "was he good?"
"He was an angel, so was Cuddles"
Lance grinned, "I can't *wait* to see my little fishy!" He stated happily
"Thank you for taking care of them while we were gone", the retired knight replied
"You're very welcome, oh! Itty Bitty learned a new trick, I'll have to show you later", the Queen smiled, "he's learned how to make a tiny whirlpool!"
The old farmer placed a hand on his heart and beamed, "they grow up so fast"
Varian giggled, "don't they just?"
"You shush, you're not allowed to grow up"
"What?"
"That's right, you're grounded from growing, you shall remain this small forever"
"I'm a rebellious teenager, Imma grow up anyway, so ha"
"Those darn teen years"
The alchemist laughed, feeling a lot calmer now as he heard his father's snickers before he stopped and blushed, "uh.. Eheh s-sorry"
Arianna smiled warmly at the pair, "it's alright, I think we've said all that we need to for now. Why don't you all head to your rooms, Clementine, Maisie, Juniper, and Kai, you all have rooms right across the hall from Varian and Quirin's, your names are on the doors, I can have one of my guards show you where to go if you'd like".
"That would be nice, thank you your majesty", Clementine replied before seeing Stan walk over, "oh, it's you, hello", she said with a smile
"Hello ma'am", the mustached guard replied politely, "if you'll all come with me, I'll be more than happy to take you to your rooms until dinner"
"Thank you very much"
"You're welcome", the guard led the Seporians to their rooms, Varian and Quirin saying their goodbyes and following behind as Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel stayed behind to catch up with the queen. It took a few moments before the father son duo opened the door to their room, the skylight above showing the night sky beginning to dim.
Varian hopped onto his bed, letting out a long sigh as he felt the weight on his shoulders finally leave him be, "*that* was so difficult...." He stated as he stroked Ruddigar's fur softly
"You did it though", his father replied, closing the door behind him, "and I'm so proud of you! You stood your ground and told them exactly what needed to be done. I know you said you don't want to be the Village Leader, and I'm still okay with that, but you would be a very good one when you're older"
Varian smiled tiredly at his dad, "thanks"
"You're welcome", the retired knight replied before something caught his eyes, "ITTY BITTY!" He exclaimed, running over to his little fish, who was swimming in circles happily as the Village Leader picked up his tank, "hi buddy, how are you?" The black and white fish blew a few bubbles at Quirin, he snickered, "I missed you too, I heard you learned a new trick and you were such a good boy! I'm giving you so many fish treats, yes I am!"
The alchemist grinned at his father's excitement before he looked at Ruddigar, "I'm gonna talk to you in a baby voice for the rest of the day, yes I will!" He teased as Ruddigar laughed
"You shush, I haven't seen him in a while"
"I know, I'm just playing", the teen then saw something on the dresser, "oh boy..."
"What?"
"Bow"
"What?" Quirin looked at the dresser and saw the big, red, bow he'd worn before his son had left for the trip, "pfft, oh, you know I might wear that at dinner tonight"
"It would definitely make a statement"
"You think the Queen would notice my accessory?"
"I think she's the one that put it in here"
"You're probably right"
Suddenly there was a knock on the door, getting the two to look at each other confused for a moment, "it... Could be Rapunzel, Lance, and Eugene coming to check in on us", Varian theorized
"Could be, hold on", the retired knight, with Itty Bitty, walked over to the door and opened it, only to freeze at the person behind it
The alchemist couldn't see past his father's frame, but he could tell whoever it was made Quirin upset. Getting a bad feeling, the teen timidly walked over to his father, "d-dad, who's at the-!" He stopped mid-sentence when he saw who was standing there
"Hello", King Frederic said nervously, "is... This a bad time?...." He asked
Notes:
Sorry for the late post, but here's another chapter! :D
So yeah, this is going to be fun to write! X3 I thought it should be about time to actually address the elephant in the room and have a talk with a certain Coronan king about his treatment of Varian. But I'm going to try something different with Frederic, and I hope it turns out well, it's going to be hard but I'm willing to write it!
Varian and Quirin bonding is so much fun to write! Their dynamic together is so stinking cute! :D Also, we got Itty Bitty back! Black and white fishy finally makes a return! :D
Eugene didn't have a huge role in this part because I have an idea for him later :D
Nigel's going to get what he deserves, trust me....
Punzie being protective of her little bro is also very fun to write! :D
Lance is a major bro here and I love the man for it! <3 He's the king after all!
The Seporians are finally going to try and make peace, yay! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 148: Old Friends! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Quirin and Varian talk about how they feel about King Frederic, and Varian learns more about his father's feelings to the king... So does the king himself.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hello, is... This a bad time?..."
Varian stared at the king for a moment or two, unsure of what to say or do. His whole body froze with shock as the king looked back at him, his face mixed with sympathy and concern, "....do you need something?" Quirin asked coldly as he stepped in front of his son.
"I... W-well I wanted to check in on you both, since I heard about what... Happened?" The king replied timidly
"We're fine, thanks", the retired knight stated before he began to close the door
"Quirin wait!" Frederic stated, stopping the door from closing fully, "l-look I... I understand we're not... In the best spot at the moment, but..." He sighed, "I wanted to just... Make sure you both knew I don't mean any harm... You'll be staying in the castle for a little while, and I don't want..." He looked at the teen sadly, "I don't want you to worry or become scared anytime you see me...."
The alchemist tried to keep eye contact with the king, but only managed to keep it there for about two seconds before his eyes went straight to the floor and his body began to shiver more. The Village Leader glared, "well unfortunately, that's not how trauma works".
Frederic winced at the retired knight's harsh tone, "I... Quirin-!"
"Don't", the father snapped, "I'll be respectful, because you're still the king. But I told you once, and I'll say it again", he looked the man right in the eyes, "stay *away* my from son". He then backed into the room and closed the door before looking at his son, "are you okay?"
"I.... Y-yeah... I'm fine", the alchemist replied before looking up at his father, "d-do you think that was a good idea?"
"What do you mean?"
"H-He's the king dad, and while you didn't flat out yell, y-you still..."
"Showed I was angry?" When his son nodded, Quirin smiled, "I didn't disrespect, threaten, or hurt him, as a matter or fact we have every right to tell the rulers of Corona that they messed up and we're not happy, as long as we do it in a way that shows no ill will. I won't hurt the king, I don't plan on hurting him either, but I told him to stay away, making him aware that we are not happy with him right now".
"I s-still have a bad feeling..."
His father scooped his son up and hugged him, "I'm sorry, I should've taken your worries into account, I just don't want him to hurt you again", he looked at the teen, "you were shaking so badly and standing there frozen, I suppose I let my anger get the better of me".
"It's alright, I understand, and I really appreciate you standing up for me. I just don't want you to get in trouble and... And t-to be taken a-away..."
Quirin's eyes widened, "oh, Varian I didn't realize.... I won't be taken away for being a little snippy with the king"
The alchemist looked up at his father worriedly, "y-you won't?"
"No bubby, I won't, if I were there would be, for lack of a better term, literal hell to pay"
The teen gasped, "potty mouth"
Quirin snickered, "it was appropriate you little stinkbomb", he nuzzled his son lovingly, getting the alchemist to giggle before he walked over to his son's bed and sat down on it, setting Varian on his lap, "hey, I've got a question for you. Have you... Been avoiding talking to the king about what he did... Because you're worried you'll be sent to jail for it?"
The teen hesitated before he nodded, "I... D-didn't wanna cause anymore trouble... S-so I tried to keep away from him and k-keep my mouth shut.... B-because I'd rather keep everything to myself o-over being sent to that cell again...."
"I thought so... That shivering, it wasn't because you're scared of him, it's because you're angry, am I right?"
Varian looked down, "i-it's actually a mixture... I'm so... Mad at him but... B-but I'm also scared, l-like I can face him, b-but when I do all I feel is this horrible mix of anger so hot it burns, and sadness so deep I nearly drown in it... Then there's the usual trickle of guilt, but I've gotten used to *that* feeling lately...." He sighed, "I just... I don't know how to f-face him without... Saying or doing something that could come across as rude, nasty, angry, or even sassy.... P-plus", he looked up at his father, "w-whenever I look into his eyes I.. Get brought b-back to that day a-at the.... t-the pole.... W-when they w-wh... Punished me... I... I looked a-at him once it was d-done..."
"You did?"
"Y-yeah.... And when I did a-all I could feel was fear... He was just s-staring at me... H-he wasn't even glaring.... Just...." The teen sighed, "I-I don't know... I was mad at him from the start, b-but I could never explain the look he gave me... I-it almost looked like...." He went silent as the realization hit him
"Like what?" His father asked, a little worried about the answer
"....Disdain...." Varian finally said, "l-like he didn't care that I was on the floor w-with my back bleeding... L-like he could look at m-me and just.... Stare.... I... You.... never did that, you never m-made a face like that to me before. Y-you were busy a-and I could cause a lot of trouble, b-but even when you got to the point where you could barely stand, a-and your body ached or I messed up r-really badly and cause property damage.... You still smiled at me whenever I came running, you held me when I needed it, like now actually, and you looked at me with as much love as you could show. You never abused or insulted me, you were just busy so you didn't have a lot of time to spend, a-and I caused a lot of damage so you had be stern. But you always made sure I was taken care of, no matter how bad things got, even when we had that argument.... D-dad you pushed me out of the way of the amber and saved my life because you didn't want to see me get hurt", he smiled up at his father, "I know you love me, even if I sometimes forget, I would always remember sooner or later. But... T-to see that look...." The teen shivered, "i-it just... It was so *cold*... L-like nothing I said or did mattered, like w-whatever I could, or would, say would o-only make things worse... I-it was just... Pure... Hatred... A-and having someone look at you t-that way... It's... It's scary... Is that stupid? T-to be afraid of someone b-because of a feeling?"
"No", Quirin responded gently, "it isn't stupid, you saw a man, who had complete control over your life, look at you when you were very hurt and vulnerable and feel nothing... That's...." The old farmer sighed, "that's hard... I've had a few people do that to me in my life, two of them really affected me too, because they would be able to make or break me.... One was the captain of the royal guards in the Dark Kingdom.... The other.... Was someone I cared deeply for.... Someone I thought I could trust and was a friend to me for years... But I found out I was nothing but 'useful' to her, and when I'd outlived my 'usefulness', she didn't care about me anymore... Years spent being friends it... It hurts, and it can be very scary".
Varian stared at his father, "dad?"
"Hm?"
"You know I love you, right? And that I always will?"
Quirin smiled, "I know son, I love you too, and I always will"
Ruddigar chittered, stating the same and getting the alchemist to smile before he looked at the door the king had been standing behind, "...I.... I should talk to him, shouldn't I?"
"Only if you want to"
The teen thought about it, "I... I really don't.... I haven't really... Moved on from what he did..."
"Then don't"
Varian looked at Quirin again, "dad do you hate him?"
"I hate his actions"
"And your feelings towards him?"
The retired knight looked away, thinking for a moment before he looked at his son, "I feel like he betrayed me...."
"Betrayed you?"
"Yes..." The retired knight sighed, "I love my home, my family, and nearly my life when I came to Corona. I was starving, having ran out of food one my journey here, my horse had left me, I had nothing but my armor and my vest, I was cold and tired and scared. I ended up in the square and passed out from exhaustion, when I woke up, Frederic was watching over me, he asked me questions, like where I'd come from and why I was there, and in my fizzled mind I'd told him everything, about me, the Dark Kingdom, what I'd been through, everything.... He doesn't know about my past or why I became a knight, but he knew why I'd had to leave my kingdom, and he knew how crushed I as about it.... He knew..."
"He knew about the black rocks...."
"Yes... He knew... But I begged him to keep it a secret... He said he would and told me to get some rest. I fell asleep again, and when I woke up, I met Arianna, she'd come to say hello with Frederic, that's when we started to become friends". Quirin smiled at the memory, "they let me stay in the castle and help them when needed for 5 years, then they asked if I wanted to become a Village Leader because I'd shown exceptional leadership skills and helped them on many occasions. I accepted because they mentioned I'd get to do a lot of farming and gardening, which was a blessing for me. They helped me get a home and I helped them lead the village of Old Corona. The Queen got pregnant about a year later with Rapunzel, I was so happy for her, we celebrated and I helped Frederic run the kingdom while she rested, but then she got sick... Frederic knew about the black rocks, and he asked me about the legend of the Sundrop, I warned him not to touch it because it would awaken something he really did not want to wake...." Quirin frowned, "he ignored me and threw me out... He used the Sundrop flower and it worked, it saved his Queen and baby.... But Rapunzel was born with the Sundrop inside her... and got kidnapped...." He closed his eyes, "I tried *everything* I could to get her back, tracking, interrogating, everything.... But I couldn't find her... Gothel had hidden her far away and not even *I* could find her..."
"What did the king and queen do?"
"They never stopped searching... But Frederic grew cold... His punishments became worse, petty thieves and small crime doers were thrown in jail and kept there far longer than they should've been... Seporians that showed a pinch of rebellion would be locked up or sent away.... Anything anyone did would not go unpunished, there were guards everyone, and people started to feel uneasy. I hadn't spoken to Frederic ever since he'd thrown me out, but the villagers asked me to speak with him, so I did"
"How'd that go?"
"He listened, he was happy to see me actually and apologized for throwing me out, telling me I was right. I accepted, because he was my friend, and we talked about his punishments and how they made his people feel. He lessened them, Queen Arianna thanked me for that, and things seemed to be getting a lot better. I was in a loving relationship with your mother during that time, it was a few years after that when we had you!" He smiled at his son, "my little blue eyed bubby".
Varian blushed, "daad"
Quirin snickered, "I can't help it if the memory of you being a baby makes me happy, you were adorable back then, and you still are"
His smiled widened when Varian giggled before he looked at his father once again, "what happened after that?"
"Well, Frederic and Arianna came to visit and when they saw you they gushed about how tiny you were! Frederic even joking about how such a small person came from a big guy like me, it was a very nice moment..." The retired knight looked down sadly, "that's... Why he betrayed me...."
"What do you mean?"
"He made me a promise", Quirin replied, looking at his son:
'Frederic smiled as he saw his best friend coo at his newborn son while tucking his sleeping wife in for the night, "congratulations old friend, I'm very happy for you both", the King stated quietly as Quirin walked out of the room, holding the newborn in his arms.
"Thank you", the retired knight replied, his smile widening as his tiny son let out a small sound, "I never though I'd be a father one day, especially to one so..." He looked at his son again, "so... I can't describe him, there's too many words, adorable, small, cute, tiny, t-there's so many", he looked at the King, "that's normal right?"
Frederic chuckled, "yes that's normal, it's exactly what I went through when I had...." He stopped, looking sad for a moment before shaking his head, "a-anyway, I'm very happy for you Quirin, I know you'll be a great father to your son"
The Village Leader looked at the man sadly, "I... I'm sorry, I know this must be hard..."
"It's alright", Frederic stated, "I don't want to dwell on the past, I want to look forward to the future", he looked at the little boy in the old farmer's arms, "what's his name?"
"Varian", Quirin replied happily, gently stroking his newborn's hair, "Varian Asher Vanguard, my little baby boy"
"Asher, a blessing"
"Yes", Quirin smiled wide, "my little blessing"
"That's a beautiful name old friend"
"Thank you", Frederic smiled and nodded as he watched the retired knight stare, lovingly, at his newborn, the small child making little noises as his father held him close. The King felt an odd sense of joy and sadness as he watched the pair, though he didn't want to sully this moment. He smiled at the small bundle , "do you want to hold him?"
"What? I-I couldn't I-!"
"It's okay", the old farmer replied, "I know you won't hurt him, if you don't want to that's fine, I just thought I'd offer"
The king hesitated for a moment before he nodded, "I would love to hold him"
Quirin smiled and gently handed Frederic Varian, the Coronan King looked at the boy for a few moments before the newborn made another small noise, making the older man smile and begin to tear up, "he's.... so precious"
"He is", The Village Leader agreed
The King continued to stare at the baby before he looked at his best friend, "Quirin, I've decided something"
"What's that?"
"I've decided this baby will be protected"
"What?"
Frederic looked at Varian again, "he's so young and pure, so precious and small, seeing him now, after what I've lost... I... I needed this, I feel like I needed to see him", he looked back at Quirin, "so I'm making you a promise, that I'll protect him from harm and take care of him, he will be kept safe, even if he causes trouble. I will protect him, for you, for Ulla, and for Varian himself", he smiled, "I'll protect him too, I promise you this old friend, no matter what, no harm will come to this child under my care"
Quirin smiled, "thank you Frederic"
"You're welcome, old friend", the King replied before he chuckled when baby Varian squeaked happily in his arms'
"...He promise he'd take care of you and protect you under his care, even when you got into trouble.... He lied... He looked at you and lied...." Quirin stated bitterly, "I know what you did was wrong, I know there wasn't a way for you to not be punished, but to be so cruel to you.. Sending guards after you without checking to see if the rumors were true... Having them beat and berate you over something he knew you didn't know... Throwing you in jail... *Lashing* you.... He broke his promise, he lied, and he hurt you..." The retired knight glared at the ground, "I'll never be able to forget what he did... Never..."
"Dad...." Varian said sadly, "I... I'm sorry... H-had I not done what I did-!"
"Don't you blame yourself for that", his father stated, looking at his son, "don't blame yourself for his actions against you. Even if you weren't my son and he hadn't made that promise, what he did was still cruel and horrid.... I could never respect a man like that, not to mention he's a *king*, he's supposed to remain neutral"
"I don't think it counts when someone kidnaps his wife and threatens his daughter...."
"You wouldn't have done that had you not been pushed to that point", Quirin stated, "he believed the rumors about you, he had those wanted posters placed around the kingdom about you, asking for you 'dead or alive' might I add. He was the one that sent the guards to our home and had them hurt you for something you didn't know, he was the one that lied to his daughter and made her want to find the truth in the first place. You kidnapped the queen and threatened Rapunzel yes, and you stole the flower, but that wasn't until *after* he did all of what I just named". The retired knight stated, "so don't you blame yourself for his actions, they were his and his *alone*, and even when he had you captured, he didn't even *try* to free me!" A singled tear slid down the retired knights face, "I was his friend, I helped him when he needed me to, I was there when Arianna was pregnant and helped run the kingdom in her stead, I was there Rapunzel was taken and tried to find her, I warned him about the black rocks and moonstone, I let him hold *you*, he was my *best* friend, my *family* and he just...." The retired knight closed his eyes and sighed, "it's not *just* what he did to you that causes me pain when I see him... It's what he did to me too..."
"You were abandoned...." Varian said quietly, "just like me..."
"Yes..." His father replied with a watery smiled, "just like you... A-and it hurts..."
The teen hugged his father tightly, the man returning the hug, "I'm sorry..." He stated sadly, "I'm sorry he abandoned you..."
"It's not your fault...." Quirin replied, "I'm sorry *she* abandoned *you*...."
Varian chuckled, "it's not *your* fault", he replied, getting the retired knight to snicker
They broke the hug and smiled at each other before Quirin sighed, "we're a little broken aren't we?"
"Yeah... Best thing about being broken together is that you can help build each other back up", Varian replied with a smirk, "that is, if you want to"
The Village Leader smiled, "with you? Of course I do"
The duo continued to talk to each other, their mood lightened as they changed the subject to that of Itty Bitty and Ruddigar, who were playing with each other. Neither of them realized the king of Corona was still standing by the door, and had heard the whole thing. He sighed and began to walk away, not really sure which direction he was headed, and not really caring as he stared at the floor. If there was a door in front of him, he'd just open it and walk inside, and he turned in whichever direction his feet seemed to guide him towards. His thoughts whispered in his mind, the words Quirin and Varian had stated repeating in his mind over and over, torturing him like a music box, it only stopped when he heard, "dad?" Looking up from the door he'd just opened, he saw his daughter and Eugene staring at him, "hey dad, are you okay?" The princess asked
"Oh, R-Rapunzel I... I'm sorry I didn't mean to come in here, I'll leave-!"
"Wait!" The blond replied, "what's wrong?"
"What do you mean? Nothing's wrong my dear, I just lost my way a bit"
Rapunzel looked at her father worriedly, "then... Why are you crying?"
The king froze before placing a hand to his cheek and feeling the wet tear that had snuck onto it, "o-oh! I uh, eheh, I suppose I just got a little emotional is all, heh heh"
"Dad..."
"D-don't worry about it, I'm fine, really, I ju-!"
"It's about Quirin and Varian... Isn't it?"
Frederic wanted to argue, particularly because of how shocked Eugene looked, he did *not* want to discuss this in front of the man knowing how much he cared for the alchemist. But as he watched his daughter, he knew he couldn't lie to her, and sighed defeatedly, "I.... I hurt them... I didn't know the extent of what I'd done... U-until I heard them talking in their room... Rapunzel I..." He closed his eyes as his heart filled with guilt and regret, "I abused a 14 year old boy.... A-and abandoned my best friend... All b-because of what? My pride? I... I really am horrible, aren't I?"
The princess ran to her father and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly as he felt more tears slide down his face. He returned the hug as Eugene walked over and watched, not saying a word, "dad I... Me too..." Rapunzel replied, breaking the hug and looking up at her father, "I hurt them both too..."
"H-how... How do I fix this? T-they won't let me say one word to them... I want to fix this Rapunzel...."
"You've gotta give them time"
"It's been months"
"Dad, it took me a whole year and a half", the princess stated gently, "and Varian and I are still working some things out... It takes time"
The king nodded quietly, "I... I just want them to know that I'm sorry for what I did... B-but I don't know how to do that..."
"Did you try to talk to them?"
"I tried, b-but Quirin... Well he sort of slammed the door in my face... Politely... B-but... Rapunzel I... I don't think I can ever make up w-what I did to him.... Not after what I heard...."
The princess thought for a moment before he she pulled her father over to her bed and sat him down next to her, smiling, "tell me what you heard"
"Why?"
"Because I want to help you, and maybe", she looked over at Eugene, "maybe it'll help Quirin and Varian both get some closure for what we did to them", Eugene smiled at her lovingly and nodded before she looked at her father, "so what did you hear?"
Notes:
EARLY UPLOAD!!!! Sorry for not uploading in a bit, I've been super busy and haven't really had time to write, I'm glad I could get this chapter done for you guys though!
So, yeah the interaction with Frederic, Quirin, and Varian was very low during this chapter, but that's why this is a three parter! :D
Punzie is planning something, and that worries me
Frederic is NOT innocent, but that doesn't mean he can't try to make up for what he did, so he's gonna try.
The king of Corona hurt more than just Varian, he actually does consider Quirin a friend in the show, so the fact that he doesn't even try (or we don't see him try) to get Quirin out of the amber, and didn't seem to care when he saw him, really irritated me. Poor Quirin could probably hear everything, and probably did feel very hurt about Frederic flat out ignoring him. So it's gonna be addressed, I've been wanting to do something like this for a while! :D
BABY VARIAN!!!! Little cooing baby! I love the moon bean so much, him as a newborn is so precious to me! :D Also him and Quirin having that talk makes my heart happy, they heal each other! <3
Eugene be watching to make sure they don't go over board, that's why he didn't say anything, that and he knows how upset Varian is at the king, so I think he might be a little angry on Varian's behalf, but we'll get to that too! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 149: Old Friends! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Frederic wants to fix his mistakes, so he asks someone for help, Lance.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"They said all that huh?" The princess asked sadly
"Yes...." Frederic replied, "I'm afraid I may have messed a lot of things up..." He added, "particularly with Quirin...."
Rapunzel looked at her father sadly, unsure of what to say before an idea struck her, "I know who can help!"
"Why?"
"Come with me, Eugene, are you coming?"
The Dark Prince raised a brow, "who are you gonna try to help with this?"
"Take a guess"
The man thought about it for a moment before it hit him, he grinned, "yeah I'm coming! He's probably in the kitchen"
"Great, let's go!"
"Who's in the kitch-AH!" Frederic didn't have time to finish his question as his daughter pulled him towards the dining area, weaving in-between maids before they opened the doors to the kitchen. Only for the King to see the person they'd been looking for, "Lance!" Eugene exclaimed, getting the man to turn around and smile at the group happily as he licked a spoon
"Hey!" The former thief replied, "what's up?"
"Lance I have a- ...Are you licking a spoon?" The princess asked, pointing to the utensil in the man's hand
"Yeeeeees?"
"Why?"
"It may or may not have had frosting on it, and I may or may not have made some cupcakes just now"
Eugene face palmed as Rapunzel giggled and Frederic raised a brow, "anyway, Lance I have need a favor"
The red clad man placed the spoon in the sink and looked at the princess, "sure, what's up?"
Well..." The blond took a deep breath in before she started to explain at 100 miles per minute, "my dad overheard Varian and Quirin talking about him and how hurt they are about what he did to them. So he wants to make up for it, but doesn't know how, and I'm not really sure either considering I did the same thing so I was hoping I could get your input because you've been helping both of them with how they feel about the whole situation so do you mind helping us?" She let the breath go and looked at Lance hopefully.
The former thief stared at her, a little shocked, before he looked at her father seriously, "....Do you *really* wanna fix things?"
"...Yes", Frederic answered, "I really want to fix things with them"
"Alright, well first things first", the former thief stated, "why do you wanna fix things with them?"
"What?"
Lance looked serious, "you've gotta be honest with yourself and with them. I may not know you very well, but from what I got from Varian and Quirin, there's one thing you did that they're *both* angry about"
"I lied"
"Right"
"Lance!" Rapunzel snapped
"Rapunzel he's gotta be *honest*", the man argued, "you may not like it, but what he did to Quirin and Varian was wrong, am I right?"
"We-!"
"Am I right?"
"...Yes, but what does making my father feel even *worse* have to do with that?"
Lance sighed, "princess, I mean no offense, but when you finally realized what you did to Varian, how did you feel?"
"I..." She sighed, "I felt horrible..."
"You did, you felt guilty and sad and angry with yourself, to the point where you were more than willin to listen to Varian tellin you off for what you did and still apologize. You *listened*, and I know that was hard to do", the former thief stated with a smile, "but your dad is very different from you, for one thing, and no offense, but he's a lot more stubborn. That stubbornness, like it or not, is gonna make those two snap right back at him and could cause something worse to happen should he even *attempt* to apologize"
The King looked at Lance, "what do you mean?"
The red clad man sighed, "Varian... He's a lot quieter than his dad, save for when it comes to alchemy. He doesn't do confrontation, it makes things worse for him. But his dad has no problem with confrontation when it comes to protectin his son, and if you go over to that man and tell him you're sorry, but he starts to say all things on his mind and you start to snap back, he's gonna deck you".
Rapunzel raised a brow, "I've never known Quirin to be violent"
"That's because Varian's steered *you* in particular *away* from him", Lance stated
"I hate to say it blondie, but it's true", Eugene agreed, "Quirin loves Varian more than anything, or anyone. He'd harm *anyone* that would do anything to his kid, and even though he would never physically hit you, there were a couple times I watched the man nearly bite his tongue completely *off* when... Certain things come up..."
The princess's eyes widened when a thought hit her, "the dream...."
"Yeah..." Eugene stated, "the dream...."
"*That's* why he was so quiet and he walked away..." She said
"Exactly", Lance replied, "Varian protects you, a *lot*, from his dad, he protects me and Eugene a lot too actually"
"Yeah, he does", Eugene replied, "but..." He looked at the king, "you.... May have a tougher situation since..."
"I hurt them both..." Frederic stated sadly, "I understand my situation, but I truly want to make this better, I want to fix this", he looked at Lance, "and if I am to be honest... I want Quirin back... He's my best friend, and I... I miss him... I feel bad for what I did to Varian, I realize it was wrong and I want to help him too.... But I... I *really* want my best friend back..."
Lance nodded, "I figured, but you *need* to help Varian too", the former thief replied sternly, "you hurt Quirin by abandoning him, but you also abused and abandoned his son, then hurt him physically and mentally, to the point where he gets nightmares and really bad PTSD about you. I gotta tell ya, it ain't gonna be pretty when you get them to start talkin to ya, but I'm willin to help".
"Thank you L-!"
"I'm not done..." Lance stated, "because I've spent so much time with Varian, I've come to find out a lot more about what the little guy went through and is dealin with now. To be perfectly honest with ya", he glared at the king of Corona, "I'm fucking pissed at you... But because Varian's my friend, I'm gonna help, but let me make myself clear", he stared straight at Frederic, "you give me *one* good reason to think you're only doin this just for your own self gain, and you can forget about me helpin you with *anything*".
"I... Y-you... Really don't trust me?"
Lance sighed, "it's not that I don't trust you in general, I don't trust you with *Varian*. I know you wanna make it up to Quirin, but that kid's been through enough", he explained gently, "I want to help *both* of them, because..." The red clad man looked at Eugene
The Dark Prince sighed, "Varian watched his father get frozen in amber after an argument, got thrown into a blizzard when he tried to ask for help, was a wanted criminal based off a lie, got beaten and abused when guards came to his *house* ask him about something he didn't know about, failed over and over again trying to free his father, lost it and stole the flower trying to save his father, failed to save his father again, tried to use Rapunzel to free his father and failed, lost his mind and attacked innocent people because he couldn't think anymore and feels horrible for it, got hurt in the battle, went to jail and got a life sentence for killing his father without a trial, was fucking *lashed* in *public*, would get abused by the guards, got manipulated by Andrew into doing more bad things, had to face us and got a could nasty remarks from us two, had to earn *our* trust even though *we* should've been earning his, *finally* got his father back only to watch Rapunzel almost die, found out about the Dark Kingdom, the Moonstone, Cassandra's betrayal, and his father's dark past all in one night, had to put up with, and *still* puts up with, the citizens of Corona saying nasty things about him even though they don't know the whole story... Am I leaving anything out?"
"The Seporians came back, kidnapped, and hurt him, found out he had family he never knew about before, found out his raccoon left to protect him and cried about it for days, fought Cassandra, got his lab blown up by me once and had to rebuild that, had been dealing with PTSD secretly until we finally found out by accident, has been dealing with Depression and Anxiety in secret until we found out by accident, had to confess how he felt about Rapunzel *to* Rapunzel which hurt him and her, found out his father was traumatized from the amber and could hear everything that was happening while he was inside, got his feelings hurt *multiple* times by many people in this group, had to face you, King Frederic, when you first got your memories back, watched his father scream at you and found out his father had even *more* trauma because of the amber and black rocks, found out about Eugene bein a prince and had to keep it a secret, got sick from fallin into a river while listenin to Xavier's stories, had us bettin on him to lose which I'm certain didn't help", Lance stated
"Yeah we gotta stop that..."
"Actually, I think he finds it funny now, but where was I?"
"You just mentioned us betting on him to lose"
"Oh right! Nearly lost Catalina and Angry when they tried to leave the castle alone durin a storm, got sick again, got hurt *many* times, physically, from Guy's Night antics, found out about, and helped heal, his extended family's trauma, found out his aunt was there for a lot of things he went through *including* the public lashing, got turned into a bird, had Cassandra attack again, found out he's got a connection to the Moonstone and Rapunzel, watched Andrew die and couldn't save him, nearly died himself, again,
had to leave, Hugo, someone very special to him, behind to be seen again who the fuck knows when, has to help a dying culture get back on its feet, and is now stayin in to castle and has to talk to you, King Frederic, about the Seporians and their culture while tryin to keep his, and his dad's, cool". Lance looked at the room, "that's a lot of shit on one little teenage kid, don't you think?"
The king nodded silently, shocked at how much the alchemist had gone through, "I... Didn't realize I'd put him through so much..."
"I didn't either..." Rapunzel replied sadly as she placed a hand on her father's shoulder, "but I'm fixing what I did, and if you *really* want to fix this, then you're going to have to face what you did, I'm still facing it, so is Varian and Quirin"
"What do you mean? What did Quirin do?"
"Neglected his son", Lance stated, "along with keepin his past a secret until it was too late... He feels horrible for that, and even though Varian's forgiven him, he still see's the damage it did to the little guy everyday... So do I...."
Frederic looked at the former thief, "Varian... He really suffered a lot... Didn't he?"
"Yeah he did", the man replied coldly
The king looked at Lance, "I... You're right"
"About what?"
"About everything, about what I've done, how I treated Quirin and Varian, everything.... I did so many terrible things to that child in particular, that I drove my best friend away... I just... I don't think they'll forgive me..." He sighed, "but I need to make it right, I *want* to, so I will... If you'll really help me do so"
Lance looked the man up and down then nodded, "if you *truly* wanna fix this, then yes, but you gotta understand, even if you *do* make up for what you did. I can't guarantee that Quirin's gonna be your friend again *or* that they'll even forgive you.... That possibility is a lot more likely than you think, so you gotta tell me, for certain, that even if they don't forgive you, that you wanna do this."
The king thought about it for a moment, he didn't like the fact that Quirin may not be his friend again... But hearing all that Varian went through and remembering how hurt his best friend was, he nodded, "yes, even if Quirin still hates me and neither forgive me... I'll hurt about it.... But I will understand, I need to make up for this... For them, even if I get nothing in return".
Lance smiled, "than I'm more than willin to help, but be prepared, because they may have a lot of things to say to you"
"I'll take every insult", Frederic replied, "thank you, all of you", he stated to his daughter and son in law too before turning back to Lance, "how do we start?"
"First, we need a group session"
****
"So... We're doing a group session right now?" Varian asked as he and his father walked beside Lance
"Yep!" The former thief replied, "but this one is a special"
"Special?"
They began to approach the family room when Lance stopped and stepped in front of the door and nodded, "special, but, I don't want either of you two to feel ambushed, and I'm gonna say this right now, you have *every* right to turn away from this session and come back when you feel you're comfortable"
Quirin raised a brow suspiciously, "why are you giving us that option?"
The former thief looked at him, "before I answer that, if you don't like the answer, can you let me explain first and then decide? It's important and I think this can help you both a lot, but it's gonna be somethin neither of you are gonna wanna do, but you gotta let me explain, please?"
The father son duo looked at each other and, after a moment of hesitation, nodded, "we'll let you explain, but I can't guarantee a yes", the retired knight stated, "because I have a funny feeling I know who's behind that door...."
Lance chuckled, "yeah, you would", he looked at Varian, "you?"
"I'll listen, but I'm with dad on this..." The teen stated, "I think I know who's behind there too"
The former thief smiled and nodded, "thanks little man", he then looked at the both of them, "King Frederic is in that room, and he wants to talk to you both". He watched the two tense up a bit, Quirin glaring at the door and Varian shivering a bit, getting Ruddigar to chitter and nuzzle his cheek comfortingly. Lance let them have a moment before they both looked back at him, "you two okay?"
"Scared and very nervous", Varian replied
"And a little frustrated, Lance, I trust you but...." Quirin stopped and looked at his son worriedly
"I know Quirin", the former thief replied softly, getting the man to look back at him, "believe me I was not gonna just throw you two into this. But I... I think this may help you both"
"What d-do you mean?" Varian asked
"Well, you were both hurt by him, you both have trouble handling certain things because of him, and before today, he didn't understand that. But he does now, how I know is because he and Rapunzel came to me to ask how he can fix things with you two. He asked me for help because he realized what he did was wrong, *very* wrong, and he wants to make up for it".
"What if we don't want to have him 'make up for it'?" Quirin asked using his fingers for air quotes, "I'll be honest, anytime I see him I..." The Village Leader's hand clenched into a fist as his voice got very quiet, "I think very bad thoughts on what I want to do to him..."
Lance and Varian looked at the man worriedly, the alchemist placing a hand on his father's, getting the retired knight to look at him, smile, and unclench his fist to hold the teen's hand gently. "I know neither of you wanna see him, for good reasons, but, and this is the part I wanted to explain", he stated, "you were both hurt by him and have conditions because of what he did, PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, everything that you're feelin right now? Majority of that was because of the lone figure waitin in that room. He knows that you may not forgive him, he knows you may never become his friend again, but he still wants to help you both face what he's done to you". Lance smiled at Varian, "you've been comin so far in your talks with me, and makin amazin progress because of how brave you've been in sharin how you feel". The teen blushed and smiled as Lance looked at Quirin, "and you've shown a lot of improvement in handling how you feel, yeah you're still workin on some things, but let's just take a minute here and congratulate the fact that you didn't run into the room and scream at him just now. Plus you told me how you felt about him just now, you're makin a lot of progress too!"
"I suppose... But what will facing him do?" The Village Leader asked
"Well for one thing, you both face the person that started this whole thing, plus you can tell him how you feel and hear him explain his actions", the former thief stated, "like I said, neither of you *have* to do what I'm sayin, if you aren't ready, you can turn around and head into your rooms, or wherever you wanna go, and wait until you can face him. But I think you two can do this, because I've seen you both grow as people, and I'm really proud of *both* of you! This", he gestured to the door, "is a *huge* step, but standing up to the person that's been the main cause for so many things to you may help you face some things you weren't able to face before".
"I-if we do this... A-and we say what we want to... W-will we get in trouble?" Varian asked worriedly
"Trouble?"
"He's the *king* Lance, y-you can't just waltz over to the king of all Corona and call him out for what he did to you! Dad was able to because there were too many people nearby that would've seen and been there to witness him being cruel, but we're in *his* castle, his *home*, that... That's an easy way t-to get away with something..."
The former thief smiled, "you don't need to worry about that, Rapunzel, Eugene, and I will be in there as witnesses, if he tries anything, we'll be there to stop him"
"R-Rapunzel?"
"It's okay, she's on your side"
"S-she doesn't n-need to see that though!"
"Varian, sh-!"
"It'll hurt her!" The teen stated worriedly, "s-she's already been through e-enough! She knows w-what she did to me, s-she doesn't need to know what her *father* added! S-she...." He closed his eyes, "I... I don't w-wanna hurt her again...."
Lance watched the teen, "Varian...."
"L-Lance I... I made her cry... S-she was there when dad t-told off her f-father in public.... S-she cried and held m-me when she f-found out... W-what happened t-to me in the dungeons a-and with her father.... I... I d-don't wanna hurt her again..." He sniffled
"Little man she didn't cry because *you* made her, she cried because of what happened *to* you!" The former thief replied gently, "she cares about you"
"T-that's the problem! She's g-gonna find out what else h-he did a-and she's gonna get hurt!"
"Varian she wants to be there for you and your dad"
"B-but I don't w-want her to... T-to cry again... n-not my big s-sister...."
Lance thought about it for a moment before he smirked, "wait here, okay?" When Quirin nodded as he knelt next to his son to comfort him, the former thief opened the door a crack and ran inside. Quirin started to give his son words of encouragement and reassurance when they saw Lance step back out, with Rapunzel herself.
"Hi", the princess said softly, looking at Varian with a warm smile
"H-hi..." The teen replied, blushing and looking away
There was a few moments of silence before Rapunzel walked over and hugged the alchemist, "it's okay Varian", she stated softly
"L-Lance-!"
"He told me, and it's okay", the blond replied as the former thief closed the door once again
"H-how is it okay? Y-you... You're already fixing w-what you did to me, I.. Y-you don't need to w-worry about what he did t-too... And d-don't tell me you won't, y-you showed me y-you would before"
The princess chuckled sadly before she broke the hug to look at the teen, "you're right", she said, "if you do decide to go in and talk to my dad, I can't guarantee that I won't be upset with what I hear... But that's okay"
"W-what?"
"Yeah, it's okay, I *want* you to let everything you've been feeling about him, out", the blond stated, moving a single hair away from Varian's eyes before it poked them, "look, I... I did bad things to you, I know that, do I *like* knowing that I did bad things to you? No, because I hurt you, badly, and there are still some things I'm betting you haven't talked about yet that I've done. But my dad..." She sighed, "he did a lot... To you, to Quirin, to *me*, and while that's hard for me to hear too, what's *harder*, is knowing that we hurt you and keep hurting you every time you see him...."
"I-it is?"
"Yeah, and while I want you to be absolutely sure that you *want* to do this, that you *want* to talk to my father, I also want you to be able to move past it, to get the help you need and say what you need to say to help you move on. Because I watched you cower in front of my father when he gave you a *look*, I saw you shiver when he passed by you, Varian you... You're suffering because of what my father did to you, and so are you Quirin", she looked at the retired knight, who was standing next to Lance, "you're both hurting because of what he did... And because of what I did..." She looked at Varian again, "I won't force you to do this, if you really don't want to talk about anything with him, you don't have to. But", she smiled at her little brother again, "you don't have to worry about me, because this isn't *about* me, it's about *you* and your *father* getting the closure that *you* need. I'm not the one hurt by what he did to me, *you* and Quirin are, and... I want to help you get better, if being a witness so you feel more comfortable will help, then I'm more than willing to. And if you're still worried about me, I can wait out here", she added, "I don't need to be a part of this talk if you're worried I'll be hurt, weather or not you want to have it now or later", she placed a hand on his shoulder, "whatever makes you more comfortable, I'll do it, but please, please don't worry about me. I've prepared myself, I'll be okay, okay?"
The alchemist blinked for a moment before he smiled, "thank you Rapunzel"
"You're welcome"
"So", Lance stated, getting the pair's attention, "do you want to try? You and you", he pointed to Quirin, "can start and stop this anytime, you have complete control"
Varian looked at his dad, "do *you* want to? This isn't j-just about me you know"
The retired knight looked at the door, thinking about the King's face and growling before he sighed, "I... I think I *need* to... I definitely don't *want* to, but if I don't.... I think I might do something I'll regret...."
"Are you gonna be okay?"
"I.... Yeah, maybe once we clear the air things will be a little easier for me... Because even staying in this castle makes me sick... And I don't want to feel that way, I suppose that's it, I don't want to *feel* the way I do, which is why I *need* to face him. So I will"
Varian walked over to his dad and took his hand, "are you sure you'll be okay?"
Quirin smiled at his son, "yeah, I'm sure, because I've got you with me"
The alchemist smiled wide and nodded, "same here"
"Are you two ready?" Lance asked as Rapunzel smiled at the two of them, when they nodded, the former thief opened the door and let the father and son walk inside, hand in hand, together.
Notes:
EARLY UPLOAD!!!! :D
We got the KING helping out like a freaking bro! :D And also, Eugene and Lance moment that I don't usually write and need to write more of! :D
Rapunzel is a sweetheart, and I honestly think, had she been given the chance to, she would've encouraged this talk to happen. She wants Varian to feel better, she's not a horrible person, she just made some really bad decisions, but I think if she were given time to grow and learn, she would've become a really amazing and supportive friend and big sister! <3
Quirin is a big ol' papabear that wants to protect his tiny baby boy! But sometimes, big ol' papabears need protecting too! I honestly love this idea and may have more of this in the future, please tell me what you guys think of this! :D
Frederic is going to have to own up to *A LOT*, but I wanna give him to chance to try, he's not a nice person, but he's been hurt too, and I think it's fair to at least let him try to make up for what he did, even if he gets nothing out of it.
Varian is the best bean in the whole wide WORLD! He's too precious and sweet and king to be hurt the way he was! I love him so freaking much, and this isn't out of character for him! He would genuinely be worried about Rapunzel if he were to talk to the king! He's a good boy, and I really love him, this is one of the reasons why! <3
And of course we can't forget about the amazingness that is Ruddigar! He's the greatest raccoon ever! :D We love supportive animal friend! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 150: Old Friends! (Part 4!)
Summary:
Quirin and Varian finally talk to King Frederic!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Frederic took a deep breath as the doors to the family room opened and Quirin and Varian walked inside. They were holding hands and looking directly at the king of Corona, who stood up respectfully. He nodded to them, Quirin nodded back as Varian looked at the ground nervously. Lance and Rapunzel walked in behind them, closing the door before the former thief walked to the middle of the room where Eugene was waiting, "ok", Lance began, "so here we all are!" He smiled at everyone in the room, "I know this is goin to be tough, but we're all here to hep you three along, okay?" He got a nod from the three, "alrighty, Varian, Quirin, do you wanna sit or stand?"
"O-oh... Um... S-sit?" The alchemist replied looking up at his father
"Might be a good idea", the retired knight agreed with a smile before he noticed an arm chair and lead his son to it, sitting down and helping Varian hop in next to him, Ruddigar going onto his boy's lap once the teen was comfortable.
The room was silent once again, no one really knowing how to start and looking at Lance for guidance, "do you guys wanna talk about how this all started? Or maybe what's been botherin you the most?" He offered before looking at Frederic, "or you could start with an apology"
"I..." The King stopped and sighed, "I would, but... I feel like it wouldn't mean much"
"What do you mean?" Eugene asked with a raised brow
"Well I.. I don't know how what they went through all the way, all I know is I caused them pain and trouble, I... I want the apology to be sincere, so I don't think it would be appropriate to apologize before we begin to talk"
Lance nodded, "I can see why you'd feel that way, you want it to mean somethin first"
"Yes", the Coronan King replied, "not that it wouldn't now but... I... Don't have the full story yet..."
"Right", the former thief looked at the father son duo, "you guys wanna say what's been bothin you?"
The two hesitated, unsure of what to say at first until Quirin sighed, "best place to start would be when you lied to me", he stated, looking directly at the king, "when you lied about protecting Varian even if he got into trouble. Or how you threw me out when I tried to warn you of the black rocks, or even how you jailed my sister for trying to help my son, or how you threw Varian into the dungeons in the first place, had him lashed, believed a rumor without even getting his side of the story, didn't even *try* to help me when I was frozen in amber... Or what you said while I was inside...."
"You... Could hear me?"
"Yes... It was nice to know I would be kept away from my *child* should I manage to get out of the amber. That was a pleasant thought after hearing him for days and nights over your guard's harsh treatment of him...."
"I said that because I was angry and I want you to know I didn't mean it, I realize that's not going to solve the worry you had over it, but I felt horrible after, and had I known you could hear me I would've taken that back..." Frederic replied, "I was... Caught up in the moment... It's not a good excuse but that's why I said it", he looked at Quirin, "I would've never kept you away from him had you gotten out"
The retired knight raised a brow, "well out of everything else you are, I'm glad you wouldn't separate a family on top of abusing and breaking it, that's good to know", he stated sarcastially
Frederic winced, "I... I know my actions against you and your son were not justified-!"
"Some of them I c-could understand..." Varian chimed in, "I... D-did kidnap your wife a-and threaten your d-daughter... T-that wasn't right..."
"That doesn't make abusing and harming you okay though", the king replied sadly, "out of everything I regret doing, I regret what I did to you the most Varian..."
"I... I did things to deserve some of t-that treatment..."
"No you didn't, you were just trying to get your father back... He's the only person you have in your family, well, at the time he was... I understand that desperation for trying to get him back... I felt the same way about Rapunzel..." The king then sighed, "I suppose that's why I was so angry... Because Rapunzel was finding out more about the magic inside of her, the black rocks continued to come closer to her, and after what happened with Gothel.... I... I didn't trust Rapunzel to be able to protect herself, and left you alone to fend for yourself while trying to keep her safe... Everything that you did Varian, it was because of my bad judgement, and I will not excuse it", he looked at the teen, "please don't excuse it yourself, I did wrong by you and Quirin, and I want to fix it. I know this won't fix everything I've done, but I want to know what I did and how I made you feel so you can begin to heal"
"Begin to heal?" Quirin asked, "well maybe you could start with giving us both back the year and a half of our lives that we lost, or how about you change Varian back to being 14 again so I don't miss his birthday, or, I know, you go back and time and don't do what you *did*! Oh wait, that's impossible"
Frederic looked down, "I know my actions are irreversible, but I really *do* want to try and make up for them"
"What if you can't?" The Village Leader asked, "what if you can't make up for what you did and we're just stuck being this way? What will you do then?"
"I won't give up trying", the king looked at his Village Leader, "you can dislike me, be angry with me, feel any way you wish towards me, you have every right to"
Quirin's eyes narrowed, "what if... Never mind...."
Frederic looked at him, "what if?"
"Forget it... It's a horrible thing to say..."
"What if you hate King Frederic?" Lance asked, getting the retired knight to look at him, "you don't have to stop yourself, you can say what you want in here"
"I don't want to say that... Hating corrupts you, darkens your heart and twists you..."
"Is that how you feel towards him though?"
"I...." The retired knight stopped and looked at the Coronan king again, his blood boiling as he stared at the man, his thoughts becoming dark, "...I'm very close to it yes...."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that every time I look at... At you", he glared at Frederic, "that my blood boils, my eyes narrow, and all my thoughts are filled with nothing but the satisfaction of you feeling exactly what you made me and my son feel! I *want* you to go through what we went through, be trapped in amber and listen to your child's screams, be thrown in a cell with a maniac who manipulates and grooms you, be lashed in front of everyone, be betrayed, I *want* you to go through all of that, to suffer like we did! But... But then I don't..." He sighed and looked down, crossing his arms, "every time I think about how I feel about you, I feel horrible and wonder how I could ever think that way about someone. But then I look at my son and see what he's gone through and it just... It tears me apart because no matter how hard I try, I can't take anything back, I can't go back and fix it, fix him, fix how he feels or what he's been through", he looked at Varian, "I can't take those scars off his back, I can't wash away the scars from his wrists, I can't get rid of that fear he feels when he has a nightmare about the past year, I can't... I can't make him forget, I can't change what I said, I can't change that I trusted *you*", he glared at Frederic again, "with his wellbeing and hoped you'd take care of him like you promised I... I can't stop myself from being stupid enough to trust you... It makes me sick... But even though I feel that way, I can't hate you... I *want* to... I guess that would be the best way to put it, I want to hate you, but I can't bring myself to do so. Maybe it's because of our past, or how you helped me before, but I just can't hate you, and that makes me so angry! I want to, but I *can't*.... Maybe it's a good thing I don't.... Because hatred is cruel and dark and suffocating... But it tics me off that I can't..."
"Do you know a word that would describe what you *do* feel?" Eugene asked as Rapunzel and Lance looked at Quirin sympathetically
"I... I don't know..."
"....Betrayed", Varian offered, "you said it before, but maybe you couldn't think of it because he's right there?"
Quirin nodded, "betrayed would be the best way to describe it.... As well as angry.... Very *very* angry..."
"I'm sorry...." Frederic replied softly, noticing Quirin shift a bit, turning his head away and wiping a tear off his face. Varian leaned against his father, getting the man to wrap an arm around him protectively as Ruddigar nuzzled the man. The group was quiet for a moment before the Coronan king looked at the alchemist, "do you feel the same way?"
Varian looked at the man and shook his head, "no... I don't hate you... I don't feel betrayed by you... You didn't betray me, that was... That was someone else, and we're already fixing it", he smiled at Rapunzel, who smiled back.
"Do you mind if I ask what *you* feel towards me?"
"What *I* feel?"
"Yes, if you want to tell me"
The teen looked down for a moment, unsure of what to say before he looked at Lance, "you can start off slow if you want, like you're talkin to me", the former thief stated with an encouraging smile
The alchemist sighed, "I...." He looked at the ground again, "I don't know w-what to feel towards you", he stated, "I feel a-angry, but I also feel sad? I f-feel guilty for what I did to Queen Arianna and Rapunzel... S-some of that guilt goes to you as well because of how that may have affected you..." He looked at the king, "b-but how I feel about you personally? I... I feel...." He stopped, thinking for a moment, "....Numb..."
"Numb?"
"Numb... A-and scared.... And angry... *Very* angry.... Y-you sent your g-guards to my home and made them hurt m-me until I told them where the graphite was, s-something I didn't even know about until the g-guards asked me about it... You came after me based on a lie, I n-never hurt or attacked Rapunzel, I was begging her for help! Y-you ignored my father being stuck in the amber and treated me horribly when you finally saw me... Y-you threw me in jail with a person that was far older than ma, a-and you know what, h-had Andrew now been a Seporian, h-he could've done some awful stuck to m-me... And I don't think you would've cared.... T-then...." He closed his eyes, "y-you had me... Y-you h-had me w-whipped.... Publicly...." He watched the king wince, "y-you had your guards grab me from m-my cell that day, t-they brought me out into the hot sun... T-they took off my shirt and forced m-my arms around a w-wooden pole.... The captain of the guards talked t-to me and told me a-about crime and punishment, I-I didn't know what was going on, I was scared, and worried, and ached, a-and everything ran through my m-mind when I saw all of Corona w-watching me, then I heard you say start, a-and felt that fist l-lash and.... A-and...." He didn't realize he was breathing so fast or that his heart was beating too quickly, he felt Ruddigar's nose on his cheek as tears slid down him face. Varian sniffled as he pet his raccoon, stroking his fur as his father swept his bangs out of his face. He calmed down when he felt the calming mothing of Quirin's figures against his forehead, closing his eyes and letting his tears drip onto his pants before he found his voice again, "and I.... I f-felt the pain.... T-the pain that kept coming, c-could hear my own screams, I... I called out for Ruddigar, then dad... T-then I called f-for my mom..."
Rapunzel placed her hands over her mouth as Eugene looked shocked and Lance sad, "Varian...." The princess said quietly, but was unsure of what to say next
"I-I called out for m-my mom... S-she's dead... Gone... A-and I called out to her b-because I was scared... I d-don't... I...." The alchemist let out a sob, trying to catch his breath, "I d-don't want to cry right n-now... I...." He looked at the king, "y-you didn't c-care... You d-d-didn't care... I called o-out for her... A-and you d-didn't stop.... Y-your guards, your people, e-even the captain h-hesitated... B-but you... You j-just watched.... I..." He sniffled again and glared at Frederic, "I d-don't feel anything for you, pain, care, love, hate, I... I'm just numb, n-numb, angry, and scared... I d-don't want you to feel what I felt, I w-wouldn't wish that o-on my mortal enemies... B-but I..." He shook his head, "Ruddigar was taken a-away from me, t-told by your guards that I w-would be w-whipped again if he didn't leave... T-that was under your watch... And y-you didn't care..." He sighed, "I think I just... d-don't wanna care about you anymore... I d-don't wanna feel anything towards you, y-you're here though, in my m-mind... A-and you won't leave me alone... You c-can apologize, y-you can try to make up for it... B-but...." The teen felt the final tears slide down his cheeks as he stared right at Frederic, "y-you know what? I... I think I n-need you to leave me alone.... I d-don't want you to try and m--make up for it, I d-don't want you to try and help me f-feel better, because I don't, I won't, a-and you trying is m-making me feel worse...."
The king's shoulders dropped, "are... You sure? I.... I want to try-!"
"I'm sure...." Varian stated, "y-you can feel all the guilt you want to, y-you can feel all the anxiety and worry, go ahead, I m-may not want you to feel what I f-felt, but I won't s-stop you from feeling what you feel. B-but I... I don't want your apology, I d-don't want it b-because no matter how bad you feel, I... I w-won't believe it..." He looked up at his father, "you hurt my father badly, and if he w-wants an apology, then you apologize to *him*.... B-but", Varian looked at the king again, "I w-want you to l-leave *me* alone.... I w-won't disrespect you... I won't ignore you if w-we happen to be in the same room... B-but I... I c-can't forgive you for what you did... You c-can't fix what you did to me, Ruddigar, or my father, n-not in my eyes... I can see why you felt the way you did, I c-can understand your anger when I kidnapped your wife a-and you fear when I threatened your daughter... I served my time, I apologized... You were still cruel to me... You kept going... U-under your watche, you let guards hurt me, you had me lashed publicly, and s-sometimes your guards would do little lashes here and there j-just to make me remember... You locked my aunt up for trying to help me when my father got stuck... You.... No...." Varian shook his head, "I c-can't and won't forgive you.... I won't forget what you did to me or my father.... I n-need you to leave me alone..."
"I.... Ok..." Frederic replied sadly, "if... If there's anyway I can make up for what I did to you, w-will you let me know?"
"By leaving me alone...." The teen repeated, "m-maybe there'll be a day when I'll want an apology... B-but for right now, I want you to stay away from me... You really hurt me, you hurt my father, you hurt my raccoon... I... I don't want anything from you... Nothing..."
"I understand", the Coronan king replied solemnly, "if it'll be better for you... I'll stay away..."
Varian nodded before sighing, "t-thank you..."
Frederic nodded before looking at Quirin, "for what it's worth, I really am sorry for what I did to you and your family... I am... If you need me to stay away from you as well, I will... But I hope you know that I mean that sincerely.... I... I'm really sorry Quirin..."
The retired knight nodded, "I know... Thank you... It.... I... I just wanted you to know how much you hurt me... I don't think I can forgive what you did either... But I accept your apology"
"We... We won't be friends again... Will we?"
"....Not at this time... Maybe one day... But not right now... I... I can't be right now... I'm still angry...." He looked at the man, "I don't hate you, and I'll still be polite and cordial with you.... But I won't forget either... You helped me in so many ways before, and I thank you for that... Even now you're willing to help us bring the Seporian's culture back, that does mean a lot... But with everything that happened... I think it's better that we don't become more than just... Village Leader and king... For right now..."
"Ok, I will respect that"
"Thank you...."
The room was quiet once more, no one spoke, "is there anything else any of you need to say?" Lance asked
"Thank you both, for telling me all of this", Frederic said, "I know I won't be able to take back what I did, but you gave me a chance to improve, and I appreciate it. I... Will be better, for the kingdom, and for you". Quirin and Varian nodded as Ruddigar chittered, "I'm... Not entirely sure what you said"
"He was asking if me and dad are okay, and he also asked if you would keep your word", Varian translated
Kind Frederic nodded, "I will"
Ruddigar raised a brow before huffing and turning to look at his boy, getting a scratch behind the ear, "I think he actually will bud", the teen stated, "and if he doesn't, Rapunzel will hit him with a skillet"
The princes laughed, "you bet!" She confirmed
"See?"
"I have some concerns with that", Frederic replied
"Too bad", the princess replied with a grin, getting her father to smirk
Lance smiled at everyone, "I'm really proud of you all, I really am! Thank you for doin this", he looked at Quirin and Varian, "did this help?"
"A little", the retired knight nodded, "I feel a bit better about staying here now"
"Yeah", Varian agreed, "it... It feels like the air is a little clearer... It's gonna take time to get used to it though"
"I understand", Lance replied, "and if you two ever need to talk, you know I'm always open"
"Thanks Lance"
"You're welcome", the former thief sighed, "alright, I think it's time for dinner, how about all of you?"
The group agreed and headed to the kitchen, eating their fill before returning to their rooms for the night. King Frederic walked inside his room to find his queen waiting for him, "hello", Arianna greeted, "how'd the talk go?"
He looked at her, a little startled, "wait how did yo-!"
"Rapunzel, she told me before heading to the family room that you were going to try and make things right with Varian and Quirin. She asked that I don't go into the family room, so I stayed in here"
"Ah... It... It went well but..." He looked down, "I really hurt them Ari..."
She nodded, "you did"
"I apologized, but Varian wants me to leave him alone, and Quirin... I don't think we'll ever be friends again...."
The Queen looked at her husband, "are you going to be okay with that?"
"I'm going to have to be... They said the talk made them feel better at least, so that's good..." He looked at her, "Arianna I.... I will respect their wishes... But I..." He closed his eyes, "I wish there was more I could do to help them..."
Arianna sighed and held her husband's hand as she cupped his cheek, "I know you want to make up for this... But you've got to do what they want, if they don't want you to try and make amends right now, then you'll have to respect that"
"I intend to... I just..."
"Want to make things right? You started to, this talk was a good first step"
"What if I can never make things right? Quirin seemed like he might be up for an apology sometime in the future, and maybe would be willing to talk. But Varian... Ari he flat out told me no, I... I will respect that, but I hurt him the most... I don't know if I can be strong enough to leave him be... I want to help... To fix what I've done..."
The Queen smiled lovingly, "I know, but if he really doesn't want to accept your apology, then you'll just have to let him be. And I know that's hard to accept, but, if it helps, you at least let him know how horribly you felt, even if he says he doesn't care, I'm certain he appreciated that"
"You think so?"
"I do, maybe he won't ever want to talk with you, but knowing that you wanted to make things right does genuinely help", she responded, "give him his space, it's the right thing to do for him"
Frederic nodded, "thank you my love, I'll... I'll try, for Varian. I wonder what he's doing right now though"
Varian sighed as he looked out the window of his and his father's shared room, Quirin was in the privy, getting cleaned up for the night. The teen stared at the open sky, appreciating the cool night air that hit his cheeks as Ruddigar sat beside his arms, "you think he really meant it Ruddigar?"
The raccoon chittered, smiling and swishing his tail
Varian giggled, "I don't know if Rapunzel would be okay with you biting her father should he not keep his word"
The small mammal chittered once again
"Chameleon treats? What so we bribe Pascal into getting her on our side?"
Ruddigar nodded
"Pfft! You really are a brat-coon you know that?" He chuckled, ruffling Ruddigar's head before he sighed, "I hope he does keep his word this time..."
The raccoon chittered questioningly
"I meant it, I need him to leave me alone, I don't want to be nervous around him anymore, I don't want to care about him anymore. I don't need an apology from him, you know I won't accept it anyway". Ruddigar nuzzled his boy's arm, getting a scratch behind the ear.
The raccoon chittered again, tilting his head to the side
"Do I feel better?" Varian looked out into the night, thinking for a moment before he looked at the small mammal and smiled, "a little, really, once a little time has passed, I think I'll finally be able to move on. It felt good to finally say everything I did, I could tell he truly didn't realize how horribly he made me feel, which was nice to see. I guess I just needed him to know, now that he does, I can focus on moving on"
The small mammal purred and rubbed against his boy
"Thanks buddy, I appreciate that", Varian replied, stroking the raccoon's fur before he looked out of the window again, "I finally feel like I'm getting better, the guilt and anger, it's not fully gone, I don't think it'll ever be, but it's gotten lighter", he smiled, "a little easier to bear I guess, I can tell dad feels better too"
Ruddigar chittered questioningly once again
"How can I tell?" The teen walked over to the privy and peeked in, smiling when he showed Ruddigar. His father's back was to the door, but he was humming as the tub was filled with cool water, Itty Bitty was swimming around in it happily, blowing bubbles as the retired knight giggled delightedly, seemingly in the brightest mood he's been in a while. Ruddigar smiled and purred happily as Varian snickered quietly before backing out of the privy, "I think he's going to be okay".
Notes:
Here's the final part to this 4 parter! :D
They finally cleared the air! :D I wanted to solely focus on Quirin, Varian, and Frederic, so the others had to be in the background a bit, sorry about that.
Eugene ad Rapunzel were the most in the background, but they were there for emotional support, because they're good big siblings! <3
Lance is KING and of course wanna gonna be there to help smooth things over should the need arise! :D That's just how amazing Lance is!
I wanted to have Frederic accept Quirin and Varian's choices, but he's still sad they have to be the choices they are. It's hard to accept that you hurt someone and there's nothing you can do to fix it, hence why Arianna was there. But either way, he's gonna respect their wishes, I don't think I can ever forgive Frederic, but I can see him trying to be better at the very least.
Queen Arianna is very upset about her husband's actions, but she still loves him, she's going to support him trying to fix things, she does not condone his actions though.
Varian can finally move on from what happened to him, he just needs to get rid of the toxic part of his life, which is what King Frederic represents, hence why he doesn't want anything to do with the man anymore. But there may be a chapter where he wants an apology, I'm still thinking about that, but for now, this is what we have. He definitely should get one, but that's if he wants it or not, and I don't think he would right away.
Poor Quirin felt so upset, both with what happened to his boy and the betrayal of his friend, honestly, he needed an apology, he really did. I may or may not have them start to talk to each other again, I'm not sure about that either, but he gets an apology, because he really needed one, he really did.
Ruddigar is the best support animal, I love the sassy baby so much!
Itty Bitty is the best fish in the universe! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 151: There's Always Room for Improvement!
Summary:
Varian is called to meet with Queen Arianna, and he's not sure why.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian yawned, stretching as the early morning sun hit his face, making him grumble and pull the blankets over his head and huffed. He closed his eyes, hoping for the peacefulness of sleep to over take him when he heard some snickering from the other side of the room, "still not a morning person I see", Quirin teased as he watched his son curl into a ball underneath the blankets, "you know, hiding from the sun doesn't make it go away".
"I'm well aware", the teen replied grumpily, "but I'm still gonna try"
"You do that", his father replied, "do know that you were asked to be seen today"
The alchemist peeked out from beneath the blankets as Ruddigar, who'd been asleep next to him and was woken up by his boy's movements, sniffed his head, "I was asked to be seen, by who?"
"Oh no one in particular", Quirin replied, sipping a coffee he was holding, "just Queen Arianna"
"WHAT?!" Varian shouted as he jumped out of bed and fell on the floor with a thump before getting up and looking at his father, "t-the *Queen* wants to see me? W-why? I-is she mad? W-what should I do? S-should I d-dress up or-!"
"Son, take a breath, it's okay, she isn't angry or upset", the Village Leader stated as he looked the teen over for any scrapes or bruising
"W-what did she want to see me about?"
"She didn't tell me, she only mentioned that she wanted to talk to you"
"J-just me?"
Seeing how nervous his son was, Quirin wrapped an arm around the alchemist lovingly, "do you want me to go with you? She didn't say you had to be alone"
Varian took in a breath and let it out slowly before shaking his head, "n-no, I need to f-face her on my own"
"You sure?"
"Yeah", the teen replied, looking at his father determinedly, "I-I'm sure"
Quirin smiled, "alright, if you need me, I'll be in the palace gardens"
"The gardens?"
"Me and Itty Bitty are going on a picnic"
"....You want to watch the roses bloom, don't you?"
"It's pretty"
The alchemist giggled, hugging his father, "I love you dad"
"I love you too", the Village Leader replied, returning the hug before kissing his son's forehead, "you're gonna be okay, you know that right?"
"I know", the teen replied with a smile, "at least, now I do"
****
Varian had gotten dressed and ready for the day, grabbing, and splitting, and apple with Ruddigar before he said goodbye to his father, and Itty Bitty, and headed to the thrown room. He stopped when he reached the large door, staring up at it worriedly, "y-you... Really don't think she would b-be mad at what I said t-to her husband... Would she?"
Ruddigar, who was sitting on his boy's shoulders, chittered encouragingly, nuzzling his boy's cheek comfortingly
"Y-you're right, I can't let my worries get the b-better of me. Queen Arianna is a very calm, nice, kind, and u-understanding women. I-I just need to go in there and t-talk to her!"
The raccoon let out a cheerful chitter and pointed his nose forwards. But noticed they weren't moving towards the door, he looked at his human, and noticed his legs were shaking
"S-sorry... J-jelly legs got me, eheh...." He sighed, "who am I kidding, I really wish I hadn't told dad I could do this on my own...."
Ruddigar chittered out a suggestion
"Go back and get him? No he's with Itty Bitty by now, and I don't wanna interrupt them when I already said I'd be fine"
The raccoon argued, giving his boy a worried stare
"I know I'm worried and freaked out right now, b-but I don't wanna interrupt my dad's day... Yeah I wish I hadn't told him I would be fine, but I'm already here, I just need to go in there and face her"
Ruddigar chittered and nuzzled his boy's cheek once more
"Thanks bud, I know you're gonna stick with me, I really appreciate it"
Ruddigar purred happily before he pointed his nose to the door
Varian took a deep breath and nodded, "alright, I'm as ready as I'll ever be". With that, the alchemist walked over and opened the large doors before instantly smiling at who he saw inside, "Eugene!"
The Dark Prince turned to see the teen and smiled, "hey Hair Stripe"
Varian ran forwards and hugged his big brother, secretly relieved someone else was in the room with him and Ruddigar. He felt the man return the hug with a chuckle and smiled even wider before he broke the hug to look up, "what are you doing here?"
"Got called here to speak with the queen, though I'm not sure why, what about you?"
"Same"
"Really?"
"Yeah, I don't know why either"
They stopped talking when they heard a sound, turning, they saw Queen Arianna step out from a door behind the thrones and smile at the pair, "looks like we're about to find out", the Dark Prince stated, waving politely to the Queen
"I guess so", Varian agreed, also waving at her
She waved back with a smile, "I'm so glad you two could make it", Arianna stated as the two approached her, they began to bow, "there's no need for that, this isn't a royal visit"
Straightening their posture, the duo looked confused, "oh, is it okay if we ask why you called us here then?" Eugene responded, a little nervously
"I wanted you two here because I've thought long and hard about my husband's actions against you both, and", she let out a breath, getting the two to notice how nervous she seemed, "and I wanted to talk to you both about how we can improve our correctional system"
Varian was a little startled by this, but nodded, "R-Rapunzel mentioned wanting to do the same"
Queen Arianna nodded, "she was the one who inspired me to ask, I know this is a big favor, and I'm sorry, but since you've both had.... Experience, with the system, I wanted to get your opinions". She then looked at Varian directly, "I also wanted to say hello to you in particular, it's been a while since we've spoken and... Well I suppose I wanted a reason to talk with you and see how you're doing"
The alchemist blinked but then smiled, "o-oh, hello, t-thank you that's really nice of you!"
The Queen smiled delightedly before Eugene spoke up, "so what do you need us to do exactly?"
"Well, I want to improve life down there, see if there's a better way to help the people inside, instead of...." She stopped herself, clearing her throat instead, "well, you know, if you're uncomfortable with this idea, you don't have to participate, but I would like ideas on how we can improve our ways of 'handling criminals', as Nigel would put it".
Eugene looked at Varian, "well, I'm game, but how about you?"
The alchemist looked down, unsure of what to say, he's told Rapunzel he wanted to but wasn't ready, and he wasn't sure if he still was or not. Closing his eyes, he remembered the talk he and his father had with King Frederic and sighed before he opened his eyes and nodded, "I... I think I can now... T-though I need to ask... A-are we gonna go down into the dungeons?"
Arianna nodded, "if you want to, we don't have to right away, but I would like to and get your opinions on maybe some changes to how the dungeons look and feel"
The alchemist nodded, "that part m-may be hard for me, but I'll try"
"You don't have to", the Queen replied gently, "I don't want to force you to do anything. If you cannot be in there, we won't go, we can go into the planning room instead and I can have Nigel write down your ideas for changes instead"
Varian smiled, "n-no it's okay, I.. I wanna do it, I think I need to in a weird way", he took a deep breath and let it go, "I need to face my past, if that means going back down into the dungeons, t-then I will"
The Dark Prince smiled proudly at his little brother, wrapping his arm around the teen, "you won't be alone kiddo, remember that"
"Thanks Eugene"
Queen Arianna smiled at the both of them, "thank you both for helping me with this, if you'd like, we can go to the dungeons first, to get it out of the way"
"Out of the way?"
"Well I planned on going to the planning room after the dungeons, I have some snacks in there"
Eugene smirked, "you thought of everything huh?"
"I did", she replied, "I want to make sure this is a good trip, I sincerely want to make improvements in our system, but I leave the choice up to you two"
The Dark Prince looked at Varian, waiting for his response, "....t-the dungeons would probably be a good place to s-start", the teen replied
"Are you positive?" Arianna asked, "we don't have to go down there if you don't want to"
He nodded with a smirk, "I'm sure"
Eugene nodded, "alrighty, let's go"
"Yes, lets", the Queen agreed, leading them out of the thrown room and towards the dungeons
"Hey, I've got a question", the Dark Prince asked the Queen
"Hm?"
"You've got me and Hair Stripe here, but what about Lance? He's got more experience than any of us, and he's been in the Coronan dungeons before"
Arianna smiled, "oh he already gave me his opinion beforehand"
"He did?" Varian replied a little surprised by that
"Yes he did, I went into the dungeons when I'd heard about..." She stopped
"About what?" The teen asked
"....W-well it was... When the guards pulled that horrid prank on you actually...."
"Oh..."
"Yeah... I went down to the dungeons because I thought you might've still been in them... They'd already gotten you out by the time I got there, but when I came down, Lance was standing there".
"What was he doing?" Eugene asked
"Yelling at the guards", this made both Varian and Eugene stop and look at the Queen in shock, "I couldn't believe it either. In the short time I've known Lance, I've never heard him yell, he was so angry and the guards he was yelling at looked so scared, not that they didn't deserve it for what they did to you Varian. Oh, they no longer work here anymore by the way, and they won't work anywhere near here either", she stated, smiling at Varian, "I don't know if you knew that"
"I didn't, and honestly, it makes me feel a little better", the alchemist replied as Ruddigar cheered
Arianna chuckled before she looked at Eugene, "your friend was furious about what happened, and he was certainly making sure the guards knew what they did was wrong, even threatening them. I was so surprised when I'd heard that, but I could understand his anger. Though, I did stop them when he got very close to one of them, he looked about ready to fight, I didn't want him to get into trouble, so I intervened and we began to talk. He didn't yell at me, but he did tell me you were safe Varian, and said you were with your father, Eugene, and Rapunzel in the medical wing and that you had been for a few hours. I got him to calm down after that, and we began to talk, he asked me if I wanted to improve things around here, I said I did and that's when I asked for his opinion".
"Huh", the Dark Prince replied, "good on Lance"
"Wait, I thought the guards were knocked out when I was in the medical wing because of my uncle, what were they doing in the dungeons?" Varian asked
"Collecting the last of their things", the Queen replied, "Frederic kicked them out the moment he'd heard about the situation apparently, and I didn't object"
"Wow"
She nodded, "we don't tolerate that kind of behavior in our kingdom, particularly not to our friends", she smiled at the teen, who smiled back
They began to walk again, Eugene and Arianna continuing to talk as Varian thought about what he'd just been told and making a mental note to hug and thank Lance later before he noticed a door coming up and felt a shiver run down his spine, getting Ruddigar to look at him with concern. He scratched the raccoon behind the ear, getting him to purr before he quietly spoke up, "w-we're here".
Eugene stopped and looked at Varian before looking at the door, "yup, you gonna be okay?"
The alchemist took another deep breath, letting it out slowly before nodding, "yeah, I'll be okay"
The Queen and the Dark Prince smiled at the teen before a figure walked over to them and bowed respectfully, "hello your majesty", Nigel greeted
"Hello Nigel, you can stand", Arianna replied, getting the royal advisor to straighten his back and nod before he noticed the alchemist and looked at him, "is everything alright?" She asked, raising a brow and stepping a little in front of Varian
"Oh yes your majesty", the royal advisor replied, "I just... Thought this trip would only be with Prince Fitzherbert"
"Nigel you can just call me Eugene, I don't even *live* in the Dark Kingdom", the Dark Prince replied
"It is respectful to call people by their titles"
"Yes but *technically* I'm not really a prince considering I've never learned the customs and my kingdom is... Well.... In need of a major makeover"
"Of course, but your bloodline still lives, as long as you are alive, you will forever be the Prince of the Dark Kingdom", the royal advisor stated, before looking directly at Varian as he said, "after all, any titles we *earn* stay with us, no matter how hard we try to *erase* them"
The alchemist felt a twang of guilt as he took a step back, getting the Queen to notice, "yes but titles are not what make us *who* we are, 'plus est en vous', there is more in you. There's more in *all* of us, sure Eugene may be a prince, but that doesn't define him, I'd say he's a rogue adventurer who has a tongue as sharp as his wit, he can think on his feet given any situation, in all honesty the person who fits Eugene the most, would be Flynn Rider, which makes sense", she grinned at the man, who smiled back before the Queen turned to Nigel, "and Varian is a smart, kind, caring, amazing, and adorable alchemist who tries his best to help those in need! No title will ever change who he is, and I'll thank you to remember that please".
"Yes, your majesty", Nigel replied with a hint of aggravation in his voice
"Thank you", the Queen replied, "now then", she turned to the pair, "shall we go down?" Varian, who was smiling gratefully at her, nodded as Eugene chuckled at the teen's face. Arianna smiled back before she offered her hand to him, which he hesitantly took as they began to walk inside the dungeons.
****
When they finally reached the bottom, a shiver went up Varian's spine once more as he saw flashes of himself being brought down here before he shook them away. Ruddigar chittered worriedly, "I-I'm okay", he reassured, stroking his best friend's fur
"You sure Hair Stripe?" Eugene asked, him and Queen Arianna having noticed his momentary lapse into the past
"Y-yeah, I'm good just... You know.. A lot of memories here", at their saddened expressions he quickly added, "b-but I'm fine, it's bound to happen w-what with everything that happened down here! Don't worry I'll be fine, and if I'm not, either I or Ruddigar will let you know, trust me".
The Dark Prince looked like he wanted to say something, but Arianna stopped him, "we trust you, we do, though we may ask if you're alright from time to time", she stated, giving him hand a gentle squeeze, "I guess we care about you", she joked
The alchemist giggled, "I guess I care about you two as well", he replied, returning the hand squeeze, "I really am okay though, just needed a moment"
"Alright", Eugene replied, "but if you need us to stop or get out, you'll let us know right?"
"Absolutely"
His big brother smirked, "alright Hair Stripe"
With that, they walked on, passing the various cells with only a few holding inmates, some turning their heads when they saw the teen pass them by. Varian said nothing and kept walking as the group made their way through the dark place. They remained quiet, Eugene raising a brow at certain people he passed by and Ruddigar hissing when they saw Dwayne glaring at them from inside a cell, "how in the heck-you know what? I don't wanna know", Eugene stated when he saw the petty thief
"Good, cause I wasn't gonna tell ya anyway!" Dwayne retorted grumpily
"I would hold my tongue if I were you, thief", Nigel snapped, "you're in the presence of royalty"
"Ooh, what are they gonna do, lock me up? Oh wait", Varian placed a hand over his mouth to stop the giggles that attempted to escape from it as Nigel glared daggers at Dwayne
"It's alright Nigel", Arianna replied calmly, a hint of amusement in her voice, "he's not bothering me"
"It's disrespectful your majesty", the royal advisor stated, "although what should I expect out of a petty thief in all honesty"
"That", the alchemist stated, getting everyone's attention, including Dwayne's
"What?" Eugene asked
"That", the teen repeated, "that's what needs to change", he pointed to Nigel, who raised a brow at him
Arianna tilted her head to the side, a little confused, "Nigel?"
"Not him specifically, but his attitude towards the people in these cells"
"What do you mean?"
Varian looked at the Queen, "when I was in here, there were guards that made fun of me, beat me for what I did, yelled at me, screamed and insulted me, and even when so far as to bring up my father and how horrified he'd be should he ever find out what I'd done.... It hurt, all of it hurt... A lot.... And hearing things like *that*", he looked directly at Nigel, "is exactly why I started to think Andrew was right...." He sighed and looked down, "look I... Did a lot of bad things, I won't deny that, b-but I did them because I was so desperate to save my father, the *only* human family member I had in my life at the time, and free him from the amber. I was wrong, no reason could ever excuse what I did, b-but being constantly reminded of how horrible you are when you're l-locked in a dingy old dungeon with no comfort, light, freedom, or hope made me susceptible to manipulation, grooming, attacks.... A-and depression.... I already felt ashamed for what I did, and I was constantly reminded of my misdeeds everyday.... Maybe that doesn't affect everyone down her but it certainly affected me, and not in the way you'd like, it made me *angry*, it made me want to hurt people. Everytime I got called a *traitor* I wanted to attack the closest warm body simply because they didn't listen to *my* side of the story!" He glared at the royal advisor again, "I'm still afraid to walk near a guard, I'm still scared to sleep in the dark, I still worry whenever someone says my name when my back is turned to them, because all I can think is that they'll barrate, hurt, or punish me even though I'm no longer down here being punished. And it was because the people down here were treated like the dirt and filth they lived in", he gestured to Dwayne, "*you* don't know what he's been through to make him be like this! *You* don't even *try* to understand why he's like this! That's the problem, that's what needs to change, their treatment and how they're looked at, if someone were to show them a little compassion, even if they didn't change all together, it would at least lessen the mental damage done to them!"
"And what good is it if the damage done to them is less than the damage they caused?" Nigel snapped at the little alchemist, shocking the Queen and Eugene, "they made their beds they can *certainly* lie in them! Is it *our* fault they decided to become a menace to society?"
"In a way, yes"
"Excuse me?!"
"I did what I did because the king lied to me, his daughter, and his wife and kept the truth from his subjects, he flat out *admitted* that to me! His reasoning behind it, while understandable, made him make a horrible decision that damaged this kingdom beyond repair in some ways!"
"He's right", a voice called from one of the cells across from Dwayne's, as they turned the saw Lady Caine glaring at them, "the kid's right, my father stole, he was a 'petty thief' as you so kindly put it, and he was caged like a dog and thrown into some mines for the rest of his fucking life! I never saw him again.... That's why I tried to take away this king at his daughter's coronation, so he could know what it felt like!"
"And me", another voice cropped up, looking the group saw it was Fernanda Pizazzo
"W-what are *you* doing in here?!" Varian asked, very surprised to see the women that took away the blue ribbon at the science expo with her flying chocolate and floating crystal ball which, the alchemist had already figured out, floated using magnets
"I'm here because I'm a Seporian", Fernanda stated, "the chocolate I had fly into the air had a bit of a persuasive potion inside of it that made the people of Corona, and Master Dr. St. Croix, choose my science project to win. Unfortunately when I ran after the Doctor, some guards, who had opened the chocolate, noticed the odd color and arrested me for it, they gave me a 3 year sentence".
"Huh"
"Yeah, to be fair, I only did that because I wanted to show Corona that Seporians could be just as good at science as they are! The Coronans are not very kind to my people, so I wanted to show what we could do, but I got caught in the act"
"Then there's Flynn Rider himself", Dwayne stated, "didn't you once tell me that you stole because you wanted to have your own island and riches because of how poorly you were treated by everyone?"
"Well yeah", Eugene responded, "but that wasn't *just* Corona, and I already had a name *before* I came to Corona"
"Your nose", Varian stated, "the Coronans always got your nose wrong on the wanted posters"
The Dark Princes face turned red with rage as he huffed, "ok that's true... And I'm gonna have a *stern* talking to the person who got my nose wrong for all those years!"
"Then there was Andrew", the teen stated, "who only wanted the Seporians to be accepted and their culture brought back... He did it in the wrong way as well, but it's because Coronans really didn't give Seporians a chance..." He looked at Fernanda with a smirk, "I'm fixing that by the way"
"You are?" She asked, when he nodded she smiled, "thank you"
"Oh, let's not forget Adira", Eugene added, "she got arrested for trying to help you kiddo"
"Yeah..." Varian replied sadly, "she got thrown in here several times because she wanted to help me... That was even before I knew her...." He then looked at Nigel, "that's what needs to change, people's attitude towards the people in these cells! Along with some interior changes because it gets very cold, very fast... And dark, very dark.... And they'll need better blankets.... a-and pillows, maybe some privacy for when they need to use the bathroom, particularly for the ladies and younger prisoners, as well a-!"
"The point is", Eugene interrupted as he placed a hand on the alchemist's shoulder with a smile, "the attitude and how they're treated needs to change, maybe we could even offer some therapy or at least someone to talk to. But I agree whole heartedly with Varian", he looked at the royal advisor, "they're still people, and they deserved to be treated that way".
Nigel looked like he wanted to argue, but he kept his mouth shut, his eyes continuing to glare at the teen, "I agree with you too Varian", Queen Arianna replied with a warm smile, "the biggest change we need to make would be how we treat the people locked up. No child should be left without their parent", Lady Caine smirked, "no man or women should feel they would not be given a fair chance simply because of their culture", Fernanda nodded in agreement, "no one should be thought of as lower simply because they steal what they cannot afford", Dwayne smiled warmly, "no human being should ever feel as though they are being body shamed", Eugene grinned. She turned to Varian directly, "and no family member should be placed in jail simply for trying to save their father, or their nephew", the alchemist twiddled his fingers together shyly as he looked up at the Queen, "I will make sure that you're all treated much better, I will. It will take me time, but I want to fix this"
"M-maybe there can be a program?" Varian suggested, "l-like a sort of.... Redemption program for anyone willing to change? They don't have to agree to it of course, b-but if anyone in the dungeons wants, they could try to sort out why they're doing what they're doing, and maybe help them fix it. M-maybe they could even get a job, find a home, get some closure, or just... F-feel better about themselves?"
Arianna nodded, "I could definitely get something like that started, I'd need Rapunzel's help with that, and yours too if you're willing"
"I wouldn't mind"
The Queen smiled warmly at the teen, "thank you Varian, you as well Eugene, and all of you", she looked at each person who'd spoken up, in and out of the cells, "I really appreciate your input, I'm going to make things better for you, all of you. No one deserves the harsh treatment you've all been given, and I'll make sure it's fixed". The prisoners cheered as they walked out, Arianna asking Nigel to write everything mentioned down so she would remember and having Eugene check to make sure things were correct. They headed to the planning room after that, enjoying the refreshments as they spoke about their ideas for how they could fix the dungeons, Queen Arianna getting a couple guards to bring each person a nice blanket and pillow so they can sleep comfortably tonight. Varian smiled as he watched the guards head into the dungeons with new pillows and blankets for every cell, much to Nigel's chagrin. The little alchemist felt a wave of joy as he spoke with the Queen and Eugene about plans for therapy sessions and the redemption program he'd suggested, even going so far as to have Eugene ask Lance's opinion later on. As Ruddigar purred happily while he bit into a juicy apple, Varian sighed with relief feeling that wave of worry he had at talking with Queen Arianna disappear as he enjoyed his time with her and Eugene.
Notes:
So we've got an Arianna chapter! :D She wanted to fix things, and got inspired to do so when Rapunzel told her about her husband's talk with Quirin and Varian. What better way to fix her kingdom then by trying to help those who need it the most, the prisoners in the castle dungeons! :D Side not, I love Arianna and would've loved to have seen more with her. The few moments we got to see of her were very short and fun and I wish we got more, she would've been a super great mom for the entire cast (who is lacking in the mom department save for Rapunzel herself).
Quirin and Varian are so much fun to write together, and yes, Quirin likes to have picnics with Itty Bitty while watching the roses bloom, it's an adorable past time they spend together! <3
Varian is really growing up, he stood up to Nigel this time, for a bunch of people he knows a little, some more than others! I'm really proud of him, he's a good bean and I can't wait to write more about the redemption program! <3
Eugene is one of the best big brothers ever, so is Lance, both of them are amazing and I love writing about how much they care for Varian, so I'm eager to write more! <3
Adira got a mention because I absolutely love her, she's a queen, and I've been a little scarce on her lately, save for her getting stabbed, which... Yeah Imma write an Adira chapter soon because our fun loving aunt needs some love herself! :D
Ruddigar is still the best raccoon in the universe! Eat your heart out Pocahantas! Miko's got nothing on Ruddigar! The true raccoon NVP! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 152: I'm a What?
Summary:
Varian returns from his talk with the Queen and Eugene to find someone in his room!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :d
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian was beaming as he walked back to his and his father's room in the castle, having just finished talking with the Queen of Corona and Eugene about improvements to their prison system, he felt a little more at ease, ideas whirling in his head for repairs he could make to the cells. As he reached the bedroom door he noticed it was slightly ajar, stopping, he stared at it for a moment before something hit him, *what if there's a guard in there looking for me? O-or the king going back on w-what he said about leaving me alone? W-what if dad's in trouble? He wouldn't leave the door ajar like that, w-what should I do? C-calm down Varian, it's fine, just be cautious and remember your training, first things first, find a weapon*. He looked around and saw one of the maids had left a broom leaning against the opposite door, grabbing it the alchemist gripped it like a sword, *good good, now we need to be cautious and survey the area, be sneaky*, he tiptoed over to the door and peeked inside the opening, *nothing out of the ordinary so far.... M-maybe that's what they want me to think though.... Wait, Ruddigar could sniff the door!*
Varian looked at his best friend, who had his ears flattened against his head, clearly sensing something was wrong. The teen pointed to his nose, then to the raccoon's nose, then to the door, when the small mammal chitter in quiet affirmation and climbed down his boy's body, the alchemist smiled happily, realizing his best boy had caught the question. Ruddigar began to sniff the air and ground, sneezing a little from some dust before continuing. The raccoon waddled in a circle for a moment before his ears perked and he grinned, chittering happily as he climbed up his boy's back and explaining the situation.
Varian's eyes widened, as did his smile, before he put the broom down and walked through the door, "grandpa?" He called out, "are you in here? Ruddigar sniffed you, Adira, and Hector, so if you're hiding to try and scare me, I don't think it'll work"
He waited for a few seconds before he heard a small sound and saw his grandfather come out from a closet while Adira hopped down from the rafters and Hector laughed as he leaned against a wall, "I told you it wouldn't work, kids too smart for that", the wild tamer stated as he smirked at his nephew, "using Ruddigar's a good idea, though I wouldn't rely solely on him considering one of us could be captured and used".
"That's why when he told me all three of you were in here, I knew it was safe", the teen replied with a smirk, "someone would have to be insane to try and capture *all* of you!"
"Fair point"
"Good job speckles", Adira stated as she ruffled the alchemist's hair, "you're getting a lot better about being cautious"
"Thanks", Varian giggled, "what are you guys doing here?"
"Well we were called", Edmund answered, "by Rapunzel actually, she said since the 7 Kingdom Ball is coming up, she wanted to have our rooms prepared beforehand so we could choose weather or not we'd like to stay near you two or not"
The alchemist smiled happily, "ah oki, well I'm glad you're here, it's fun when you're around! Wait, does dad know?"
"Nope", Hector answer with an evil grin
Varian snickered, "I happen to know where he is"
"Oh really?" Adira replied, "do you mind sharing that information?"
"If you let me in on the prank you're definitely gonna pull"
"Deal!"
****
Quirin sighed happily as he sat in the rose garden, he smiled as he watched Itty Bitty swimming around, enjoying his time outside, "I love the smell of roses in the afternoon, don't you?" He asked
Itty Bitty blew a few bubbles at his best friend, getting the man to chuckle
"Your bubbles are the best you know that?"
The little fishy swam around happily, making the retired knight beam happily
"Want another treat?"
Itty Bitty swam to the top of his fish bowl and blew a few more bubbles, getting them to pop when they reached the surface
The retired knight chuckled before he pulled a small bag from his picnic basket, grabbed a treat from it, and plopped it gently on the water's surface. He smiled delightedly when he saw the little black and white fish nibble the treat and was about to say something when he stopped, hearing a crack in the bushes. He looked towards them, his eyes narrowing before he noticed a small pinch of blue mixed into the green and had to hide his smile as he got up, he then notice a streak of red in the trees, along with a yellow eye and brown eye peeking from around the castle corners. He kept his frown and narrowed eyes firmly in place as he walked over to the blue, having to bite back a chuckle when he heard small giggles coming from it.
He looked at the bush, and in one swoop scooped out a surprised alchemist with his chittering raccoon on his shoulder, getting him to let out a very loud 'MEEP!' as he hugged the teen happily
"Hello sneaky", the retired knight teased, "word of advice, if you wanna sneak up on a knight, hide the hair stripe, and quite possibly any clothes that'll give you away, right Adira? Or maybe don't peek out from behind the corner of the building if you have yellow or brown eyes that are easily recognizable? Of course I'd hope King Edmund and Hector would know that".
Adira hopped out of the trees as Hector and Edmund walked over, the Dark King chuckling, "we can never sneak up on you can we Quirin?" He asked jovially
"Nope", the Village Leader replied with a smirk as his son began to try and wriggle out of his grip, he chuckled and let the teen down, "you okay?"
"I'm fine", Varian replied with a smile as he scratched Ruddigar's ear, calming the raccoon, "you just startled me"
"Sorry, I couldn't resist, how did the talk with the Queen go?"
"It went well, she asked me about the improvements that could be made for the prisoners in the dungeons"
Quirin's eyes widened, as did Edmund's, Hector and Adira remained indifferent, "are you okay?" His father asked
Varian nodded, "yeah I'm okay, it was actually a nice talk, though Nigel was kind of a jerk, but even then, Queen Arianna told him off for it, so did Eugene, and he stopped", he then remembered something, "oh! Remember those two guards that threw me into a cell a little while ago as an extra 'punishemnt'?"
"Yes..." The wild tamer stated, "do I need to fuck them up again?"
"Nope, they got fired"
"Really?"
"Yep! The Queen fired them, funny thing though, Lance apparently went down there and screamed at them, which is scary to think about considering the man barely raises his voice"
Quirin blinked, letting out a surprised, "huh", before he smirked, "well at least they won't be bothering you anymore", he then looked at Adira, "why are you all here by the way, not that I mind"
"We got called here by the princess, she wanted us to choose our rooms before the 7 Kingdom Ball", the face painted warrior explained before she smirked, "so of course we chose to be right next to you and Speckles"
"Of course"
"That Ball is coming up pretty quickly huh?" Edmund asked
"Too fast..." Hector replied, crossing his arms around himself protectively
Varian looked at his uncle sympathetically, "it's gonna be okay, we'll be with you you know"
"I know... Just... Really gonna fucking hate this...." He sighed before he felt something cling to him, looking down he saw his nephew giving him a hug. He chuckled and hugged the teen back, "thanks", suddenly, he remembered something, "oh hey, I got something for you, a letter actually"
"A letter? For me?" Varian asked, letting go of the wild tamer as he pulled out the letter from his side bag and handed it to the teen, "from who?"
"Dunno, didn't read it"
Varian blushed, "eheh, right, sorry"
"It's fine"
The alchemist looked at the envelope before noticing something that made his eyes widen with surprise and hope, "Varian?" Quirin asked, noticing his son's stare
"T-this is.... Maybe...." The teen opened the letter carefully, finding a note something small wrapped up inside it. Holding the small, unknown item, Varian read the letter out loud:
'Hey Goggles,
Long time no see, I heard Corona's having a big ol party soon, so I decided that I'm gonna crash it. Maybe shake things up a bit since it seems like the kingdom could use a good riling if you catch my drift, plus I got asked to come by Ingvarr, along with a friend of mine. Didn't tell you this before, but I helped Ingvarr with a couple of inventions of mine, and I guess they heard there's this weird alchemist that caused some trouble about a year ago, so they asked me to keep an eye on them, I'm guessing that alchemist is you, so of course I was more than happy to take the job!
Even if they aren't you, I'm (h̶o̶p̶i̶n̶g̶) guessing that you're gonna be there anyway considering you're (F̶r̶i̶e̶n̶d̶s̶) close to the princess. So we may run into each other, and if you weren't planning on being there, then I guess I'll have to find you another way, so I got an idea. In this letter you'll find a little something wrapped up, it (m̶e̶a̶n̶s̶ a̶ l̶o̶t̶ t̶o̶) was given to me by a weird person, but I guess I care about it and don't wanna lose it. So I'm letting you hang onto it and return it to me when I get there, that way we have to see each other. If you don't return it to me, then you're stealing, and a goody two shoes like you wouldn't wanna do that.
I'll have some company with me just so you're aware, she's not bad or anything, but she's not very friendly and may give some dirty looks. But if you see me, come over and ask to talk, say it's about something important or something and I'll head with you no questions asked. This party's gonna be a bore anyway, might as well make it entertaining am I right? Plus you've gotta show me your lab like you said you would, I'm keeping my promise after all, it's only fair.
See you at the Ball Goggles! Dress fancy for me, kay?
Sincerely,
Hugo ;)
PS: Bring Ruddigar, I'll bring Olivia, they got along pretty well, might be good to have them catch up too!'
The alchemist's smiled widened with every word he read before he opened the little package, only to see the emerald and sapphire bracelet he'd given to the blond before they'd parted. He felt tears slide down his face as Hugo flashed in his mind, "h-he's coming!"
Quirin smiled, "well I guess the 'to go party' won't need to happen with the Ball will it?"
"Nope, with Hugo there, it'll turn into a party!"
The old farmer smirked, "just so long as you two don't get into trouble"
"We won't, we're better alchemists together, you know that"
"I know", the retired knight stated with a smile before he looked at his king, "what are you planning on doing during the ball anyway?"
"I was going to see if I could get some people interested in the Dark Kingdom, though I... don't really have an idea on how to do that yet.... Uh-OH! Maybe I could show them some nik nacs!" The Dark King suggested excitedly, "though it... Has been a while since those nik nacs saw the light of day..." He mumbled to himself, "and who knows if Quirin, Hector, Adira, or even the little peanut would even want to *see* those old nik nac.... Come on Edmund, think of a better idea quickly before Quirin thinks you a fool!"
"I don't think you're a fool", the retired knight replied politely, "I honestly think some of the old Dark Kingdom nik nacs would draw a large amount of attention to some historians, though I'm not certain people at a ball will really fall for them"
Edmund blushed, "you uh... you heard that huh?"
"Yup"
"Drat! I will work on this flaw! *Twice* as hard if I have to!" The Dark King declared before he mumbled to himself once more, "you don't want to be doing that during the 7 Kingdom Ball, *no one* would want to talk to you then!" He turned and saw Quirin with a huge grin on his face, "...I'm doing it again aren't I?"
"Mm-hm"
"Well peanuts...."
"Ex-squeeze me?" Varian exclaimed
"Not little peanuts, just... Peanuts... With less Varian, they're the bad kind trust me"
"Not to change this riveting conversation, but I think the princess wants us", Hector stated, pointing towards the castle where Rapunzel and Eugene were standing
"SON!" Edmund yelled excitedly as he ran over to the Dark Prince and hugged him happily
"Gah! Hello dad", a startled Eugene replied as the rest of the group walked over, Varian giggling at his big brother, who pouted at him
Rapunzel smiled sympathetically, "sorry to interrupt, but Eugene and I were just talking about how the talk with my mother went, and he told me about Nigel's behavior", she looked at the alchemist with concern, "I'm sorry he acted that way, I plan on saying something to him later"
"No that's okay, your mom took care of it", the teen replied, "besides, I've got some news!" He held up the letter, "princess what would you say to having *two* alchemists at the ball?"
"Two alch-! Hugo's coming?!"
"Yup! I-if that's okay"
"Are you kidding, of *course* that's okay! I'm so excited to see him!"
Eugene smirked, "I'll bet he'll return that little peck on the cheek you gave him hm?"
The alchemist's face grew beet red, "s-shut up!" He replied, punching the Dark Prince's shoulder and getting the man to laugh
"That's pay back for giggling at my misfortune you turd!"
"Hey grandpa, I think Eugene needs another hug"
Edmund smiled, catching the hint of revenge in his grandsons voice and hugging his prince happily, not even caring that he was being used as a weapon, "I think he does too!" The Dark King replied, smirking at the teen's snicker as Eugene sighed
"Oh! I actually came out here for another reason Varian", Rapunzel stated, grinning excitedly, "I know what Nigel said about titles, and I was curious, so I looked it up, and when you're the son of a knight, you don't have a title, but you're supposed to be called 'Master Varian', or 'Master Vanguard'"
"Really?"
"Yup!"
"You didn't know that?" Adira asked
"N-no.. S-should I have?" Varian asked shyly
"Well I suppose not, though I wish I would've known sooner, you know you have more than one title right?"
"What do you mean?"
The face painted warrior smirked, "well, since the King adopted all three of us, officially, we are technically in line for the thrown after Fish Skin himself. And since the only one of us three had a child, you would be next in line for the throne should something happen to the king, Fish Skin, and Stickler".
Quirin blinked, "I.... Completely forgot about that...."
"With how high and mighty you act? I'm a little surprised by that", Hector stated, getting a raised brow from his brother
"Wait, how come it would skip over you two?" Eugene asked curiously
"Because he's the oldest", Adira replied, "and since he had a son, it would go straight to his lineage, that's how it works. If something were to happen to him, then the thrown would go to me, after me, it would go to Wild Child"
Rapunzel smiled wide, "so that technically makes Varian a *prince*!"
"Officially", Hector corrected, "we are too, I'm a prince, Quirin's a prince, and Adira's a fairy princess"
The face painted warrior rolled her eyes, "oh please"
"She has a little wand she uses too, casts pretty sparkly spells"
"And it's going to be shoved down your throat if you don't stop talking"
"Try it I dare you"
"Oooki and we're not fighting today", Quirin stated, walking over and pushing in-between his siblings
"S-so I'm a prince?" Varian asked, a little in shock as he looked up at his father
The retired knight nodded, "technically, we both are"
"Huh...."
"You okay?"
"Yeah just... That's shocking, not gonna lie... I-I'm a prince, *you're* a prince.... S-sorry it's gonna take some getting used to"
"That's alright little peanut", Edmund replied with a smile, "if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them"
Varian looked at his grandfather and nodded, "I actually do have some questions, i-if you really don't mind answering them"
"Not at all! Come on, we can sit down and talk!" The Dark King replied with a grin
Quirin smiled, "that's a good idea actually, why don't we all sit and talk, I don't have a lot of food left, but my blanket's certainly big enough for everyone"
"Oh! I can bring out some more food!" Rapunzel exclaimed, "we can have a huge 'royal' picnic!"
Eugene smiled, "I wouldn't mind that, food sounds good right now"
With a collective cheer, the group went about setting up an even larger picnic in the rose gardens, Quirin and Itty Bitty making room for the new guests as they all began to discuss their heritage together!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this was actually just a fun little fluff chapter to set up a few things, first being the 7 Kingdom Ball, second being someone's return! :D third being Royal Varian and the fourth being the Brotherhood coming back into the story! :D It wasn't much and I'm sorry if it seemed a little mashed together, but I have so many ideas and I wanna get them out and into words before I forget you know? XD
Quirin is the master of the sneak attacks, no one can sneak up on the man, he's got eyes like a hawk! Also I plan on writing more Itty Bitty and Quirin interactions because the two are adorable together!
Prince Varian! :D He'd be so adorable in a crown, I actually got this idea from Ash:>! They come up with some truly amazing ideas, and I wanted to give credit where credit was due! :D Thank you for helping me with this! <3 (Side note: Ruddigar would be a royal raccoon then, oh he's gonna hold that over Max hard core now XD)
Edmund, Adira, and Hector are back! :D I missed Brotherhood shenanigans! :D They're so much fun to write together and they're the perfect 'protect the bean' group I swear!
Eugene is fun to mess with, but he's also the perfect support, I love that his character can go from 'butt of jokes' to 'supportive best friend/boyfriend/big brother' in two seconds flat!
Rapunzel doesn't have too big a role in this one, but she's being supportive! :D I love Punzie but we had a thing with her not too long ago <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 153: A Different Perspective!
Summary:
You never know what someone else is dealing with until you see it from their point of view!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
**A Week Before the Picnic**
Hugo sighed as he looked at his surroundings, same broken down building they'd been staying in for the past year, same boring old trees that hid them from their enemies, and the same rules he *always* had to follow.... It was the same, over and over, when had his life even changed to this? Had it always been this mundane before? As he thought about it, he heard the bushes rustling nearby, getting up and grabbing his dagger, he readied himself for a fight, waiting patiently before he saw an apple roll out from the bush, he sighed, "you know you should really *say* something if you're planning on sneaking around like that. I was about to take your head off", he scolded, glaring at the bush
"What? You still jumpy from when you failed your mission?" A man replied snarkily before he came out from the bush smirking at the teen. He was carrying a bunch of logs and two more apples in his hands before he dropped the logs and looked at the teen.
Hugo rolled his eyes, "I've failed *one* mission, just one, against your... Hmm.... Two, three... 100?"
"Shut up", the man snapped, "eat your apple before I smash it"
The blond raised a brow before he picked up the apple, wiped it off on his shirt, then took a bite, "thanks Cyrus"
"Whatever, pain in my ass", Cyrus stated before walking away
Hugo sighed as he chewed on the apple chunk, he looked at it, then blinked, for a split second he could've sworn he saw.... *No...* He thought, *he's well over halfway to Corona by now...* The alchemist sat down and continued to eat the apple before Olivia began to squeak, popping out of his pocket and sniffing around. He chuckled before biting off a piece of the apple and handing it to her, "that what you want?"
She squeaked happily and began to chew on the fruit, nuzzling her boy as she did so
Hugo smirked, "thanks, you always know when I need you, doncha girl?" He asked, rubbing her head with his finger gently
They stayed that way for a little bit as Cyrus began to chop the wood, the sound bringing Hugo a bit of peace as he listened to the continual chops and thud as one log fell to the floor after another. For a while, it stayed that way, until Hugo finished his apple and felt a chill run down his spine when he heard someone's unmistakable footsteps walking through the woods. He froze, knowing exactly who was coming before he turned and saw her walked out of the brush, "hello boys", she stated calmly as she walked past the two
"Hello Donella", Cyrus replied, much to Hugo's disgust, like a dog to their master
The blond remained silent, but looked at her when she passed by, showing his attention was received. She gave a small smile, *uh oh*, he thought, as dread and worried filled his stomach.
Donella walked past him and into their decrepit home, Hugo and Cyrus exchange worried glances before looking at the tent again. With a sigh, Hugo got up and walked inside after her, placing his hands behind his back and straightening his back as he stood behind the women, "I've received some news from Ingvarr", the women stated, not even bothering to look at the blond as she busied herself with whatever task she could, "they asked us to accompany them to this '7 Kingdom Ba;;' being held in Corona"
Hugo's heart skipped a beat, *Corona? Did I just hear her right? Are we going to go? Should I ask? No, wait, just calm down and wait for her to continue*, he reminded himself, straying quiet
"They want us to be with them because they heard about an alchemist there that has caused the kingdom some form of grief about a year ago, do you know anything about this?"
"No ma'am", he replied coolly, *although I think I know who they're talking about*, he thought to himself
She looked at him with a raised brow, "really?"
"Yes ma'am"
She studied him for a bit before letting out a small, "hm..." before returning to her task, "I have a problem however", she stated, "there's an old... Acquaintance in Corona... He's not one to be trifled with or even be taken at face value, and I fear we may run into him when we attend this... Ugh... Ball... If we do, you do not say *anything* to him", she stated, "the rulers of Ingvarr only need us there to keep an eye out for this alchemist, I suppose they're concerned they may try something while there".
"Ma'am, if this alchemist caused trouble, then why would he be at this ball?"
Donella looked at the teen, "I never said this alchemist was a boy Hugo"
*Damn it!* He cursed to himself, "are they not? I suppose I assumed they were"
"Oh Hugo..." The women stated, getting the teen's blood to chill at her words, "you were always such a terrible liar, you know that? So do us a favor and don't, the consequences will be less if you drop the act and tell me what you know of this alchemist now"
The blond tried to keep his cool, "I don't know much to be honest, I've heard stories of a wayward alchemist in one of the 7 kingdoms, he was a boy, so I assumed that's who you were referring to-!" His glasses fell to the floor as a sharp pain shot through his cheek. He bit his lip, trying not to show how much the slap had actually hurt before he looked at the women again, she was glaring at him.
"Try again Hugo", he tone was a warning, quiet and cold, so very cold
"I.... met an alchemist.... H-he was the one that had the teakettle I dropped, it's why my mission to get it took longer than it should, I was trying to get it from them", he explained
"So you met an alchemist on the road? Really?"
"I-it's true, honest", he replied, "I m-met him and he... We... Bonded... It's why I didn't mention him... I was trying to forget...."
When the teen looked down, Donella's expression softened, "I see, you made a friend, but you know that's against the rules"
"Yes ma'am..."
"...I should be more angry with you, but your friendship may prove to be quite useful to us in this endeavor, you should count yourself lucky", she stated, "what do you know about him?"
"Not much", he lied, "just his name and that he's an alchemist, we didn't talk about anything more than that"
"Then why did you become friends? You don't do that very often"
"I don't meet a lot of alchemists", he replied, instantly regretting it when she slapped him again, this time knocking him down. He couldn't help the one tear that slid down his face, wincing as it passed the bruising skin before he looked up at her, "h-he was nice... T-to me...."
Donella sighed, "so gullible... Let's see if you can remember this line", she helped the boy up by his hair, getting him to look at her, "someone who is nice...."
"I-isn't real", he finished, before yelping as she let him drop to the floor again
"Right, and you falling for someone who is 'nice' is only going to get you killed", she stated, noticing his shallow breaths, she sighed, her voice softening, "I'm only telling you this because I don't want to see you get hurt, you know that right?"
"Y-yes ma'am...." He replied, wincing once more when he saw her hand before noticing she was offering it to help him up. He took it, knowing he would be punished if he didn't
Donella dusted him off, straightening his hair before she smiled at him, "you're a smart boy Hugo, so I know you remember all the rules I've taught you, I just can't understand why you refuse to follow them"
He hated the guilt that twisted inside him stomach as he stared at the ground, "I-I'm sorry..."
She didn't speak, but noticed his glasses on the ground, she bent down and picked them up, cleaning them before gently placing them on the teen, "I know you are, just like I know you'll follow my instructions, tell me what you know about this alchemist"
Hugo nodded, "h-his name is Varian, he didn't give me his last name... I didn't really get to know h-him, that part was true, b-but I do know he's got a father, a man named Quirin, a-and that he's very good at alchemy.... T-that's all I know", when he noticed her glared he put up his hands in a placating gesture, "that really *is* a-all I know, aside from some little alchemy facts, t-that's it"
She stared at the blond for a while, but seeing the bruising skin and the tear stain, she sighed and let it go, "fine, I suppose that's enough, particularly since his father is the one I'm concerned about"
"Quirin?"
"Yes, that's the name of my old acquaintance, so him being this alchemist's father makes the mission a bit more difficult.... It also means he's.... Her son...."
"Um... W-who's her?"
Donella looked at the blond, realizing she'd said that out loud, "never mind... I want you to keep an eye on this alchemist as we were instructed to do", she stated, "you are to keep him under your constant watch, which I suppose won't be too hard for you. But let me be *perfectly* clear", she walked up to him and placed her figure on his chest, "you are *not* to be fooled by this alchemist again, he's not to be trusted, and you are to remember that. But I want to continue to *act* like his friend, see if you can find out anything more on his father, should the man himself come around, be on your guard, he's as fake as they come...." She turned away, "he fooled *her* after all...."
Hugo looked at the women, feeling a twang of worry for her, "a-are you okay?"
"I'm *fine*!" She snapped, getting the teen to wince as she narrowed her eyes at him, "as I said, be on your *guard*, that man is tricky, and if this alchemist is anything like his father, then he's fake too and he'll do the same thing to you that she did to-! ....Never mind.... Just be weary, understand?"
"Yes ma'am"
"Good, now get out"
He nodded and began to leave before feeling her push him, making him stumble before he caught his balance and continued to walk out. The door slammed shut behind him as he heard Cyrus snicker, "nice bruise", the man stated, "gonna piss her off more today? I could use the entertainment"
"Fuck off..." He stated, getting the man to laugh even more as the blond walked away
Hugo didn't know where he was going, or what he was doing, all he knew was that he wanted to get far away from that campsite. As he wandered through the woods, he spotted some black rocks nearby, the sight of them breaking the last of his defenses as he felt his tear slide down his face freely, he walked over to the rocks and sat down next to them, leaning against the biggest one and closing his eyes. He stayed there for a while, letting his tears fall as he quietly cried to himself, his mind spun as he thought about what he was supposed to do, he didn't want to do this mission, he didn't want to betray Varian, but if he didn't.... An image of Donella glaring at him as she raised her hand to strike filled his mind as he gently touched the bruised cheek and shuddered, "w-what am I going to do...." He asked no one in particular
Olivia popped out of his pocket once more, having hidden in there when Donella had arrived. She climbed up to her boy's face and nuzzled it gently
"Hey Liv...." He said, rubbing the mouse's head with his finger
She squeaked out a greeting before rubbing against him
He smiled, "thanks, I... I don't know what I'm going to do.... You heard her... I-I'm supposed to basically betray him, she thinks he's fake.... I-is she right?"
The mouse squeaked out an argument to the alchemist
"I know he was kind and nice a-and... completely open with me.... And..." He sighed, "I know she's wrong.... B-but I... If I don't do this... S-she'll... She's gonna kill me.... A-and his father didn't s-seem fake, he seemed genuine.... I... I wonder what happened..."
Olivia shrugged, squeaking out that she doesn't understand it either
The blond chuckled, "I guess you wouldn't", he replied, stroking her back gently and getting the cybernetic mouse to smile, "I.. I have to warn him, I've gotta warn Varian about this, but I've gotta do it in a way that Don wouldn't suspect..." He looked around, trying to think of a plan when he noticed some birds flying overhead, giving him an idea.
****
Donella and Cyrus were sitting around a campfire, "yup, chopped the logs myself, pretty good if I do say so myself", the man stated with a proud smirk
Donella rolled her eyes, but didn't respond, she was preoccupied, looking around for where Hugo had gone. Just as she was about to go out and find him, "hey", the teen in question called out from behind them.
Cyrus raised a brow, "where'd you run off to?" He asked suspiciously
"Just needed to think", the blond responded as he sat down and turned his attention to the women, "I had an idea, what if I sent Varian a letter letting him know I'll be coming"
She raised a brow, "what use would that serve?"
"Well, if I just showed up unannounced he'd probably know something was up, but if I were to send him a letter explaining that Ingvarr wants to keep an eye on him, he might trust me enough to tell me more about himself, his dad, and anything else he might be hiding. Plus, he thinks we're friends, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to give him a heads up and to ask him to stick with me, would it? That way, I'd have him all to myself without interruption"
Donella thought about it for a moment before nodding, "it's a good idea, but I want to see the letter before you send it"
"Yes ma'am, I'll write it right away and let you look it over", Hugo replied, before he walked over to their home and found a piece of paper and a pencil. Sitting down once more, he wrote the letter out and gave it to the women, who scanned it over:
'Hey Varian,
Long time no see, I heard Corona's having a Ball, and I was invited. Which is a good thing because maybe we can shake things up a bit since it seems like the kingdom could use a good riling if you catch my drift. I thought I'd send this letter since we may run into each other and I wanted to give you a heads up. I enjoyed our last conversation about alchemy and wanted to continue that if you don't mind, you had some very interesting ideas that I'd like to find out a little bit more about.
I'm hoping it can just be us two the night of the ball since I really don't think many other people will understand what we're saying, might even think we're trying to set off a bomb or something. I don't think we need any onlookers worrying about that, they;ll be asking us questions all night, and that just won't be fun for either of us.
Anyway, I hope this letter finds you well, and I hope to see you at the ball, it'll be nice to catch up considering you had to go pretty quickly the last time we got to talk.
See you at the ball!
Sincerely,
Hugo'
Donella scanned the letter over and over again before nodding, "good, send it", she stated, handing the letter back to the teen
Hugo nodded as he placed the letter in his right pocket, "I'm glad it meets your approval"
"I'm glad it does too", she replied, "you've taken my warning to heart then?"
"Yes ma'am"
"Good, let's see to it that you don't make the same mistake again"
"Yes ma'am, I won't"
She nodded once more before going silent, all three of them ate their dinner in silence as well, none of them really having anything to say to each other. The air was thick around then, the breeze felt as cold as ice to Hugo as it breezed against, and mercilessly stung, his bruised cheek. His thoughts wandered to the night's he'd spent with Varian and his group, remembering how warm they'd been, how kind they all were, even when they didn't trust him he'd felt a sense of connection, of belonging to that group that he barely knew. It was so strange for the teen to miss the group, but he did, and he couldn't wait to see them again. A few hours passed by with not a word between the three, their dinners were done as they all sat around the fire before Donella finally said. "time for bed, Hugo, send the letter, Cyrus, put out the fire, we'll head in after that", she ordered.
"Yes ma'am", the blond replied before he got up and walked over to a messenger bird they'd stolen from one of the merchants nearby. Opening the cage, he pulled the letter out of his left pocket, smirking as he did so and opening it to re-read what he'd written:
'Hey Goggles,
Long time no see, I heard Corona's having a big ol party soon, so I decided that I'm gonna crash it. Maybe shake things up a bit since it seems like the kingdom could use a good riling if you catch my drift, plus I got asked to come by Ingvarr, along with a friend of mine. Didn't tell you this before, but I helped Ingvarr with a couple of inventions of mine, and I guess they heard there's this weird alchemist that caused some trouble about a year ago, so they asked me to keep an eye on them, I'm guessing that alchemist is you, so of course I was more than happy to take the job!
Even if they aren't you, I'm (h̶o̶p̶i̶n̶g̶) guessing that you're gonna be there anyway considering you're (F̶r̶i̶e̶n̶d̶s̶) close to the princess. So we may run into each other, and if you weren't planning on being there, then I guess I'll have to find you another way, so I got an idea. In this letter you'll find a little something wrapped up, it (m̶e̶a̶n̶s̶ a̶ l̶o̶t̶ t̶o̶) was given to me by a weird person, but I guess I care about it and don't wanna lose it. So I'm letting you hang onto it and return it to me when I get there, that way we have to see each other. If you don't return it to me, then you're stealing, and a goody two shoes like you wouldn't wanna do that.
I'll have some company with me just so you're aware, she's not bad or anything, but she's not very friendly and may give some dirty looks. But if you see me, come over and ask to talk, say it's about something important or something and I'll head with you no questions asked. This party's gonna be a bore anyway, might as well make it entertaining am I right? Plus you've gotta show me your lab like you said you would, I'm keeping my promise after all, it's only fair.
See you at the Ball Goggles! Dress fancy for me, kay?
Sincerely,
Hugo ;)
PS: Bring Ruddigar, I'll bring Olivia, they got along pretty well, might be good to have them catch up too!'
Smiling he pulled the wrapped up sapphire and emerald bracelet out of his right pocket and stuck it onto the letter before closing and attaching it to the bird, giving it orders to fly to Corona castle and deliver it to the princess before letting the bird fly away into the night. He turned and saw Don smirking at him, "good", she stated, making relief swell inside of him as she gave Cyrus the orders to stomp out the flames before they retired for the night. As Hugo looked at the ceiling that night in his sleeping bag, he turned away from Donella and gave a secret smile to himself, knowing he'd be able to protect Varian, no matter what as he fell into a blissful sleep.
**A Week Later During the Picnic**
Varian giggled as his grandfather threw up and caught a couple grapes in his mouth, getting the group to applaud as Lance and Eugene tried to one up him. The alchemist sighed contentedly as he looked at the letter he'd received one more time, smiling wider then ever as he re-read the words Hugo had written and turned the bracelet in his hands happily, "excited?" Quirin asked, startling the teen
Varian blushed, "well it's not everyday you meet an alchemist you know"
"I know", the retired knight replied with a smile, "I'm certain he's going to be happy to see you"
The alchemist smiled, "I'll be happy to see him too, I miss him"
His father noticed his son's blush and chuckled, "I'm certain he misses you too"
"How do you know?"
"Because when I used to blush like that when thinking about her, your mother said she could feel it, like she knew I was thinking about her"
"Really?"
"Yeah", the Village Leader looked up at the sky, which was starting to darken as the moon began to rise, "whenever we were away from each other, she always told me she'd look up at the sky and could tell I was thinking about her"
Varian looked up at the sky as well, smiling as he continued to think about Hugo, "do you think he can tell I'm thinking about him?"
****
Hugo walked behind Donella and Cyrus as the two chatted with each other about whatever plan they had to get them all some nicer clothing for the ball before he suddenly felt a warmth hit his back. He stopped and looked up, seeing the moon begin to rise as his thoughts wandered, and for some strange reason, they filled him with energy as he smiled, he knew this feeling. He only got this feeling from one person.
****
Quirin smiled and nodded, "I know he can"
Notes:
Hello!
I decided I wanted to do a surprise, I missed him so much and it was nice to write in his point of view! :D Also, I do not like Donella one bit, I'm sorry to any Donella fan, I may try to write in a nicer light with other stories, but in this one, she's an abusive jerk.
I love Hugo so much, he's got such a sad and interesting backstory and I love writing him and his perspective on things! I wanted to give him a little more screen time because he's honestly a really great character and I just... We needed more Hugo, he's too sassy not to include! XD Also, don't worry, Varian will help him, as much as I love anticipation, that's something I'll spoil right off the bat, Varian's gonna help Hugo in so many ways!
We all love supportive animals, so of course Olivia is gonna be Hugo's Ruddigar! She's such a good little mouse! <3
Donella's got a thing against Quirin, we'll get into it but diving into her personality more, I can see her being a lot like Gothel but in a physical way. She is not a kind person to me and honestly I've got... A bit of a history with certain things in this chapter that I won't get into but yeah, Donella's not gonna be a good person in this story. Though I do believe she cares for Hugo on some level, I don't think it's necessarily a good kind of care, I think she likes him because he's useful, and once he's outlived his usefulness, she won't need him anymore. I'm gonna have a chapter addressing it, but that's kinda where I see their relationship at, I'd be happy to get your opinions on this though, I certainly don't mind debating about it either! :D
Cyrus is going to become a thing in this story, I just don't have too much of a role for him yet, so I'm just feeling him out for right now. I apologize if he seems a little under done in this chapter, I've got ideas, but that's all they are for now, at least until I work with him a little more :D
Side note: I apologize for the mixup, it’s a bracelet that Varian gave Hugo, not a ring, sorry, that’s was my mistake, I shall fix it in the chapters where it’s mentioned. Thank you to all who pointed it out! You all are awesome! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 154: The Art of the Dress!
Summary:
Varian and Rapunzel discuss what they're going to wear at the 7 Kingdom Ball!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hi Varian!" Rapunzel stated, grinning from ear to ear as she watch the little alchemist walk into the thrown room early that morning
"Uh... Hi?" Varian replied, a little taken aback by the princess's grin, "everything okay? My dad said you wanted to talk to m-ok your grin is a little scary sis"
The princess giggled, "sorry, I'm just excited, ever since I found out you were a prince and what happened between you and Nigel, I've been thinking of a way to get him to understand that he shouldn't be treating you that way, and I think I've finally come up with something that'll make him rethink everything about you!"
The teen blinked, "uh... I-I'm fine with just keeping out of his way Rapunzel, i-it's no big deal"
"But it *is* a big deal! He treats you badly because of what happened a year and a half ago and I don't think it's fair to you! So I want to change it, and I think I know how, follow me!" She stated before grabbing Varian's hand and pulling him with her into a few other rooms before stopping, "ta-DAAA!" She stated, getting the teen to look at the room they were in
"Wait, isn't this the room you cut my hair in?" He asked
She nodded, "yup! It also happens to be the best room for the royal tailor to work on new clothes! So I thought it would be a great idea to show off you being a prince by having you were traditional Dark Kingdom garments!"
Varian's eyes widened when he saw the royal tailor come out with pins held in his mouth as he began to measure the teen from head to foot, "u-uh Rapunzel"
"He's taking your measurements for the clothes", the princess explained
"B-but I can't pay for new clothes"
"That's why he's the *royal* tailor, he's going to be paid by me!"
Varian was about to say something else when he felt the tailor lift up his arm and measure it before he lifted the boy's other arm and measured it as well before going over to his back. Varian immediately turned around, "I-I'm sorry but i-it there any way you could measure t-the front of me instead p-please?" The tailor was a little startled, but nodded with a smile and measured the teen's from instead before writing down his findings and walking over to the fabrics nearby. "Um, Rapunzel I... I d-don't need a new garment or anything, t-though I really appreciate it, I just... I-I'd feel bad if you bought me something I'd only use once though...."
Rapunzel smiled and hugged her little brother, "I know you would, but you don't have to feel bad, I'm doing this because I want to help you", she broke the hug and sighed, "I've been noticing a lot more about you lately, about your mental health and how you've been treated and... I... I want to help you in some way", she looked at the teen with a sad smile, "I know this isn't really a huge deal, but it is to me, you're my friend, one of my best friends actually, and I can't stand that fact the Nigel bullies you the way her does! It isn't right, and I want him to stop, but I know if I say anything, he'll just do it behind my back. So maybe if he knows you're a prince, he'll back off because you can get in some serious trouble for crossing a prince's path".
Varian smiled back, "I really appreciate that, I really do, I just... D-don't wanna start anything..."
"I know, and you won't", the princess replied, "this is just some clothes to show you're a prince! I figure it could send a small message to Nigel that he needs to stop picking on you"
"I suppose... But what kind of garments *did* the Dark Kingdom used to wear? ...And how do you know about them?"
Rapunzel giggled, "I asked Adira actually, she and I had a great talk about it during the picnic! She told me about princely clothes that the Dark Kingdom princes would wear, but she also told me about this really pretty garment that people who were associated with the Moon on a different level would wear, she gave me an idea of what a prince with a connection to the Moon would wear, so I'm making it!" She showed him the drawing she made of a long, purple kimono with wide sleeves, the color faded from a rich purple into a sky blue, the fabric was satin and there was a black belt that rested around the middle of the wearer with, what looked like, the symbol of the dark Kingdom on it in the form of a silver clip. The kimono had a small apron like fabric coming off of it that, and had silver dots representing stars on the bottom, and on the top was a small silver crown, that matched the clip on the belt, with blue and purple jewels, that matched the colors of the garment. The wearer would also have on blue boots that faded into black with the same star design speckled throughout the piece.
"It's.... So pretty", Varian replied, awestruck at the outfit
"Isn't it? The crown is actually what a prince in waiting would wear too! Save for the blue jewels, it's gonna look so great on you!" She exclaimed, beaming with excitement
"I'm gonna wear that? I-it's so.... I... I've never worn something like this before"
"Adira says it's super comfortable too! She said she's worn a kimono a couple of times, and she loved the feeling of it! Oh! That reminds me! Quirin, Edmund, Adira, and Hector are all going to wear outfits that represent their status too! Adira said they're going to be wearing purple and black, so your colors and outfit may stand out in comparison, but that's why", she put the drawing of the kimono away and brought out a sketch book and pencil, "I want *you* to design me a sun outfit using Corona styles!"
"W-what?"
"Well, I designed yours after Adira gave me some ideas, and since we both have something to do with the Sun and the Moon, I thought it would be only fair!" She responded, "besides, I know you can draw, and I'd like to see what you make! Plus it would make it easier on you, I know you don't like it when people stare"
The alchemist was a little startled, "you want *me* to make *you* an outfit design? S-shouldn't that be up to him?" He gestured to the tailor, who smirked but went back to his work
"Normally, yes, but this is different, you're different", she replied, "I want us to be seen as friends and family, so the whole kingdom knows how much you've grown and how much you've done for us! I want them to see you for you, and you are a wonderful, kind, strong, loving, caring, devoted, and loyal individual! I want you to shine Varian, just like you should", Rapunzel stated with a loving smile, "because you've done a lot for this kingdom, and you're still doing a lot. I want people to recognize that, so you making me this outfit, and me making yours, shows that you and I are together, that we're family", she stated, "I want them to remember that"
Varian felt a few tears sting in his eyes as he let out a small sniffle, "o-oki, b-but it's gonna take me some time to do that"
"Take as much time as you need!" The princess stated, "just know that whatever you come up with, I'll love it no matter what, ok?"
The little alchemist smiled and nodded before he hugged his big sister, "thanks Rapunzel"
"You're welcome Varian", she replied, happily hugging him back
****
Varian walked around the castle a few hours later, having been measured just about to death before the royal tailor gave him the thumbs up to go. The teen had the pencil and paper in his hand, opened and ready to draw, but he groaned in frustration as the paper remained black, "hey kiddo, whatcha doing?" A familiar voice asked
The alchemist turned around to see Eugene smiling at him, "oh, hey Eugene, sorry I just... Rapunzel asked me to design her something to wear at the 7 Kingdom Ball, but every time I try to draw something out, my mind goes blank.... I mean how do you draw the literal embodiment of the magical, wonderous, Sundrop into an article of clothing?! How do you draw Rapunzel herself into an article of clothing for that matter?"
The Dark Prince chuckled, "so she finally told you about her grand master plan huh?"
"You knew?"
"Yeah, she asked me for my opinion and I think it's a good idea, though if she knew you'd have this much trouble with it she'd probably have the tailor do it", he teased
"UGH!" Varian replied, huffing as he sat down on a nearby bench
"...Why not try looking into old Coronan fashion?" Eugene suggested
"I tried but nothing screams 'Rapunzel'! They all have the Sun perfectly, but Rapunzel herself would look like a wilting flower in one of those super tight, flower throw up outfits"
"Pfft! Flower throw up?"
"They *all* have flowers on them, *everywhere*, on the pants, the shirts, Eugene they even have flowers in the *armpits*!"
The Dark Prince laughed, getting the teen to chuckle a bit, "holy shit kid you're gonna kill me I swear!"
"It's true!"
"I believe you, I do", Eugene replied with a smirk, "here, why don't we start off easy, do you want her to wear a dress?"
Varian thought about it for a moment, "I think so? Though I was kind of thinking she'd look really pretty in a kimono too"
"Well there you go, you've got *what* you want her to wear, kimono or dress, which one do you like better?"
"Well... Maybe a kimono? Since I'm wearing one, and I did see a small page where the Coronan people wore kimonos"
"Plus it would make for some good symbolism too", Eugene added, "with you and her both wearing a kimono together"
Varian smiled and nodded, "you're right! So a kimono!"
"Great! Now what colors do you think she should wear?"
"Well..." The alchemist thought, "Coronan colors are purple and yellow, which could work.... But it doesn't really scream 'Rapunzel'"
The Dark Prince nodded, "you're definitely right about that, what *does* scream Rapunzel though?" Eugene asked, sitting next to the teen
"Well.... Pink", the teen stated, "pink is what I associate with her majority of the time, pink and purple, with maybe some yellow mixed in"
"There's your colors!"
The alchemist stopped and blinked before he smiled, "you're right!" He wrote them down so he wouldn't forget, "now, the design", he looked at Eugene, "what does design represent in clothing?"
"Usually it's the personality of the person wearing it"
"Hm.... She's bubbly, kind, sweet, caring, perky, hyper, loving, compassionate, and understanding", Varian listed, writing all that down on the paper, "she's also got a spice to her, a bit of sass with a scary temper when ticked"
Eugene shuddered, "definitely agree with you on that"
Varian giggled before he looked at the list, "hmm.... I would say little suns, but I don't know if that would really work...."
"Well I guess you gotta figure out what you wanna do with the colors first. What did Rapunzel do with yours?"
"She had them fade into each other, a calming purple turning into a light blue, with white stars at the bottom"
The Dark Prince smiled, "that matches you exactly"
"What do you mean?"
"A calming purple, you're quiet and a little timid, turning to a light blue, which means you have passion and when you're excited about something, you're *really* excited, the stars show that you shine no matter what you do, does it come with a belt?"
"Yeah, a black one with a silver Dark Kingdom symbol clip, I also have blue boots that fade into black, and a silver crown with purple and blue jewels to match the outfit as a whole"
"The belt's pretty obvious, that's your origins, it being on your waist shows that you care for your family above all else, something we can all agree with, and the boots being a mixture of blue and black represent how your family, being represented by the black, affects you and your passion, it's a nice design, really represents you kiddo"
The teen's eyes widened at that, "wow... S-she really put a lot of thought into it"
"Yeah she real-!"
"A-and here I am just going with whatever s-sounds good!"
"What? K-kid no yo-!"
"I-I'm not doing this right! I s-should've put more thought into this! T-this won't do, she's better than my s-stupid ideas! S-she should've c-chosen someone else, not me, I c-can't I-!"
"Varian!" Eugene yelled, hugging the teen tightly, "it's okay kiddo, calm down, that's not what I meant by saying that"
The teen took a few deep breaths, slowing down his racing heart as Ruddigar nuzzled him comfortingly. When he was finally calm, the alchemist looked up at his big brother, "E-Eugene what if I can't d-do this? S-she put so much thought into m-my outfit, w-what if mine just.... I-isn't up to par...."
The Dark Prince looked at his little brother with a gentle smile, "Hair Stripe, I've seen you make machines out a scrap metal, full bottles of chemicals from a single drop of potion, a literal *army* of automatons, a whole new element just to impress your crush, air ships and hot air balloons out of old blankets and towels-!"
"H-how did you know that's what I made the balloon out of?!"
"You used my old bath towel and one of my blankets"
"....Uh... Sorry?"
Eugene chuckled, "you're fine, either way, you have made the most amazing things I've ever seen out of practically nothing! I've been to your house kid, and I haven't seen one scrap of metal there! You've got creativity and an artistic eye, you just need to get inspired a little bi-! Wait.... I have an idea!" The man grabbed the teen's hand and pulled him along as they made their way through the castle before he stopped, placed a finger over his mouth, signifying for the alchemist to be quiet before he gestured for him to come and look.
With a raise brow Varian hesitantly looked, only to see Rapunzel singing happily to herself as she helped the royal tailor make the teen's outfit for the ball. Every time she went to grab a new fabric she spun around and giggled, she fell into some clothing at one point when trying to make a pile of satin, but she laughed it off and got the tailor to fall in with her, getting the man to laugh right along with her! She continued to smile even when there was a small or big mistake made, keeping the royal tailor relaxed and happy, making the garment they were creating seem a lot brighter than the colors would allow. Seeing this, Varian smiled happily at his big sister, feeling his mind ignite with ideas for an outfit for her before his eyes widened and he smiled at Eugene before hugging him, "thank you", he whispered before running off with the sketchbook in hand, Ruddigar following behind him as the Dark Prince watched his little brother run off with a smile of his face.
****
The Coronan princess admired her and the royal tailor's work, looking the purple and blue kimono up and down with a smile on her face, "this looks amazing so far! Oh I can't *wait* to see it on him!"
"It is one of your finer works your majesty", the royal tailor stated with a smile
"It's one of *our* finer works! You did majority of the sewing after all! Thank you so much for your help!"
"It has been my pleasure"
"RAPUNZEL!" An excited voice called out, getting the two to turn and see Varian and Eugene run in, "Rapunzel I did it! I'm done with your outfit design!"
The princess smiled excitedly, "really? Oh let me see!"
"Lookit!" The little alchemist stated, handing her the sketchbook as Ruddigar chittered happily
Rapunzel looked, and gasped, the drawing was a picture of her wearing a long kimono, it had long, thin, sleeves the reached down to the floor, the garment itself faded from a beautiful pearly pink to a rich coronan purple, there were star like sprakles on the bottom of the fabric in shining gold, the belt was the same golden color of the sparkles with a golden clip of the Coronan sun, in the picture she wore a golden tiara with one big purple jewel in the middle and two smaller pink jewels to the bottom right and left side of the purple jewel, and she had a golden bangle on her ankle in the picture, the whole thing was very flowy, something she could easily dance in if she wanted with the kimono itself stopping at her calves so her ankles would be shown.
"It's.... It's so *beautiful*!" Rapunzel responded, tears forming in her eyes as she looked at the garment, "you made this for me?"
"Yup!" Varian replied, "the color is because you're bright and perky without being to over the top, so a gentle pink fading into a rich purple because you're the princess of Corona, the belt represents Corona as well, the length is so you can dance, because I know you're gonna want to, no shoes because duh, a golden bangle to draw attention to how light on your feet you are, the tiara showing you're a princess, and the sparkles show that you shine bright, even in the dark, because you give hope to your people, including me".
The princess continued to look at the drawing before she wrapped her arms around the little alchemist, "I absolutely *love* it! Thank you so much Varian!"
The teen returned the hug and smiled, "thank you for having faith in me", he replied, getting Rapunzel to smile wide as she continued to hug her little brother lovingly
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is the traditional garments for Rapunzel and Varian to wear at the 7 Kingdom Ball, I wanted to make it a freckle twins story! We need more sister and brother bonding between these two, so I decided to do so by having them both design each other's outfit for the ball because I think it's cute and they're both artists so why not!
Side note: I'm gonna actually draw and post what these kimono's look like in one of these chapters, I hope you like the designs, I think they're pretty but I don't know if I described them too well, I guess we'll see when I draw them out :D
Rapunzel is being the best, supportive big sister ever, and honestly with everything that's about to happen, Varian's gonna need that. Punzie is gonna help Varian with Nigel, which may be another story point at the Ball! :D Regardless, Punzie is being an amazing big sister and I love writing these two together! <3
Varian is such a sweet younger brother, like my gosh! He cares so much about making his family happy that he will actually worry if what he's making is even up to par! I love this sweet moon bean so much! This story is very fluffy, but honestly, with everything that's gonna happy, it's the fluffy moments that these characters cherish! <3 Plus, there may be an outfit for Ruddigar soon, I'm not sure, but I'm willing to draw it, I just needs an idea for it XD
Eugene and Varian have a TEAM AWESOME moment! I'm gonna write more Team Awesome soon, but them talking like this is such a nice moment and I love writing it! :D
Ruddigar is, as always, the best raccoon in the universe! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 155: Welcome to Corona!
Summary:
Representatives from one of the 7 Kingdoms decided to show up early for the 7 Kingdom Ball, with a could very special guests!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy, also, sorry for the two day break, I got very busy, so I hope this makes up for it! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel smiled excitedly as Faith and Friedborg helped her get ready to greet the guests that were arriving early to the 7 Kingdom Ball while Varian, Ruddigar, and Eugene stood by to watch. They noted how quickly the handmaidens moved to get the blond dressed and hair braided before the princess turned to face her friends, hold her arms out to show them the long, glittery, purple strapless dress she had on with her tiara placed gently on her head, "what do you think?" She asked
"You look absolutely beautiful blondie!" Eugene stated happily
Varian nodded in agreement as the raccoon gave the princess a thumbs up, "that dress definitely looks great on you!"
She giggled, "thanks you two", she then looked at the two handmaidens, "and thank you two as well! I wouldn't have been able to get ready in time had it not been for you!"
Faith blushed, "i-it wasn't a big deal your highness, this is our j-job after all"
"You still didn't *have* to help, but you did", Rapunzel replied with a smile, "so I really appreciate it"
Faith blushed even harder as Friedborg nodded their head, "better than getting snapped at by Miss. Crowly", the alchemist joked as he walked over to Faith and elbowed her arm gently
She giggled, "you're right, she's been getting... harsh lately.... I-I'm a little worried about her"
"Well she likes things quiet and peaceful, so maybe everything's a little too loud right now", Rapunzel stated, at everyone's confused expressions she added, "I... May have tried to get her to smile and found out she likes everything, and everyone, to be completely quiet. I got her to smile by giving her ear plugs and painting her a landscape painting of a lake and some trees".
Faith blinked, "huh, that.... Makes a lot of sense"
Varian giggled before they heard trumpets playing, the sound startling Ruddigar to the point where his tail poofed, "uh oh, that means someone's arrived, Rapunzel you're gonna be late!"
"Oh no! I've gotta go!" The princess stated before she began to rush out of the room, Eugene following after her as Varian calmed his raccoon down with small pets
Faith watched the princess leave with a hand to her mouth, "I r-really hope we don't get into trouble for the princess being late...."
"You won't", the alchemist replied as Ruddigar finally calmed down enough to chitter at his boy before nuzzling him, "trust me, Rapunzel will make sure you two are safe from your boss's wrath"
The shy handmaiden smiled at the teen and his small mammal, "you really think so?"
"I know so"
"Thanks Varian, by the way, it's good to see you, you need to stop by a lot more", she stated, nudging the teen's shoulder a little
He chuckled before he looked up at Friedborg, "you're being extra quiet today, are you alright?"
The quiet handmaiden let out a breath, "sorry just.... Don't like talking around royalty... I say the wrong thing a lot...."
"I understand that, but Rapunzel's really nice, I think you two would get along really well, you both love to paint after all"
They nodded with a small smile, "she does, and she is a very good artist", Friedborg looked around the princess's room, "very Van Gogh"
"What are you three doing inside the princess's room?" An old voice snapped, startling the three
When they turned towards the voice, Miss. Crowley was glaring back at them with a raised brow, "s-sorry Miss. Crowley", Varian replied as Ruddigar tilted his head at the older women, "they were helping the princess get ready for the day, and she ended up running out. We were just about to leave when you walked by"
Miss. Crowley's expression softened just a bit at this, "fine, the princess isn't in there though"
"Right, lady and Friedborg's first", the little alchemist replied with a smile as he side stepped to let the two walk past.
"Thank you good sir", Faith replied with a wide smile as she and Friedborg, who nodded gracefully at him, walked past the teen
Miss. Crowley rolled her eyes and began to walk away before Varian stopped her, "hey, you're doing a really great job Miss. Crowley, I-I know this ball is going to be a lot, but I appreciate what you and your coworkers have been doing!"
The older women stopped and looked at the boy and his raccoon, "really?"
"Yup! You've made this castle spotless and it looks wonderful! You've all been working really hard that I was gonna talk to the princess to see if maybe there could be a small thank you banquet made for all of you. B-but I'd need to know what snacks you'd like, do you have any preferences?"
Miss. Crowley turned to fully face the boy, prompting Ruddigar to slip off the teen's shoulder to waddle over to the older women and sniff her dress curiously. She thought for a moment, "....the little ham and cheese bread rolls would be good"
Varian smiled wide as Friedborg and Faith looked shocked, "of course! I'll let the princess know and, if I can get an approval for the banquet, have plenty of them made for you and the rest of the staff! Oh! A-and some apple pie, I know how much you liked my father's"
Miss. Crowley gave a small smile before she noticed the small mammal, "he does make good pies.... Will he be there?" She asked as she bent down and allowed the raccoon to sniff her hand, her smiled growing wider when Ruddigar nuzzled her hand gently
"He might be a little busy, what with farm work and such, but I can ask him if he'd stop by to say hello to you, I know he's been wanting to", the teen replied, smirking at his best friend
"Thank you", she replied before noticing Faith and Friedborg, "are they helping you?"
"Hm? Oh! We were going to finish our conversation, i-is that okay?"
"That's fine, but they need to get back to work soon", she stated before straightening up her back
Hearing it crack a little, Varian added, "I can make some back lotion if you'd like"
"That would be nice", she replied, "thank you", she watched Ruddigar waddle back to his boy before the raccoon hopped onto the teen's shoulder and purred happily. She then sighed, "gotta get back to work, tell Mr. Vanguard I said hi", Miss Crowley stated before she turned away from the group.
"Oki, thank you Miss. Crowley"
She nodded before walking away as the alchemist turned to look at the two handmaidens, "h-how did you ju-!" Faith started
"She and my dad are really good friends with each other, believe it or not she used to live in Old Corona before her grand kids moved away and left her alone. She began to grow really sad around the town, the only one that could cheer her up was my father. But she always liked cleaning, she one time told me it kept her at peace, so when I told my dad, he pulled a few strings and got her a place in the castle as chief of staff. She was really happy about it when she found out Rapunzel was going to be born, she wanted to look after another child, but when she was taken, it really affected her. When Rapunzel was found, Miss. Crowley was relived, but when she found out she wasn't a child anymore she got so upset and thought the world was trying to be cruel to her, hence why she's so... angry now. A visit from my dad and I makes her feel a little better and my father always made it a point to tell me to always be kind to her, so I am. I guess that's why she's a little open with me, she likes Lance too, mostly because he's kind of like a big child so she's a bit more gentle with him".
"Oh... I see... I guess I should be a little kinder to her too..." Faith replied, looking down shamefully
"Faith you didn't know, neither did you Friedborg", Varian replied, startling Friedborg, "don't give me that look, I can tell you were upset too. Look, neither of you knew, and to be perfectly honest, she's really hard on the both of you so I understand your frustration", the teen stated, "so don't feel too upset, I'd be frustrated too if I were in your shoes, as pinchy as they may be"
Faith giggled, "you're so silly Varian", she stated as Friedborg smiled at the alchemist, gently ruffling his, and Ruddigar's, hair and getting the two of them to snicker
"So are the both of you!" He responded, "speaking of, we need a game night with the both of you, me, Lance, and Eugene, they are so much fun to play and Friedborg, you would *terminate* them with your amazing card skills!"
"I'd be happy to", Friedborg responded with a wide smile, "it would be a lot of fun"
Faith beamed happily before letting out a sigh, "I suppose we should probably go, don't want to upset her even more, but we'll talk more about game night soon, yeah?"
"Definitely!" Varian replied, "great to see you two again!"
"You too Varian", Friedborg replied before the two handmaiden's waved and walked away
The alchemist smiled, waving back before he looked around, seeing no one nearby he kicked the carpet a little bit, unsure of what to do. Ruddigar chittered at him and pointed to a nearby window, when the teen looked, he saw Ingvarrian flags flapping in the air and smiled wide, "he's here!" He stated, "good eye bud! Come on, maybe if we hurry we can catch up to him!" With that the teen ran towards the entrance of the castle at lightning speed, his heart racing with excitement at the thought of seeing his new friend again.
****
Rapunzel and Eugene smiled wide when they saw the Ingvarr flags approaching the castle. They watched as several caravan's pulled forwards, the doors opening to reveal the queen of Ingvarr stepping out, "welcome to Corona your majesty!" Rapunzel exclaimed, bowing respectfully, having learned from last time that Ingvarrians did *not* like hugs.
"The pleasure is all mine your highness", the Ingvarrian Queen replied, returning the bow, "I hope you don't mind, but I asked a few old friends of mine to accompany me", she gestured to the other caravan where an old couple stood with what seemed to be their children, both older than Rapunzel but reminding her of a certain crazy rhino guy, all of them had long black hair with a mixture of brown or green eyes.
When Rapunzel turned to speak to them, she noticed a familiar face behind them and smiled, "I see, who might they be if you don't mind me asking?"
"Well, this is my duke and duchess, along with their two amazing children, one skilled in intelligence, the other skilled in creativity, they are my closest companions and wished to accompany me to this ball", she introduced
"Hello your highness", the duchess replied with a smile and bow, her tone sickeningly sweet, to the point where Eugene thought he grew a cavity, "I'm so very delighted to meet with you for the first time".
"Yes it is good to meet you too", the princess replied, trying her best to hide her anxiety as she felt an oddness to this women before her eyes met with that familiar face once again, "and who are they if I may inquire?" She added, nodding to the three people behind the Duke and Duchess's family.
"Ah! An old friend of mine!" The Queen of Ingvarr replied as she walked over to them
Eugene smirked, his grin growing wider when he felt a little bump next to him and, looking down, saw a mop of black hair with one, light blue hair stripe. He wrapped an arm around the teen, feeling a slight jump before he felt them relax a bit when they realized who was touching them. The Dark Prince snorted, "excited?" He asked, when he saw the mop of hair nodded excitedly, he snickered before he caught sight of a raised brow from Queen Arianna, he smiled sheepishly, to which she smiled back before looking back at the Queen of Ingvarr and her daughter once more.
"This is Donella, she's a very good friend of my Duke and Duchess!" The Queen replied, gesturing to a tall women in green with a scar on her cheek, "and these two are her adopted family, her right hand man, Cyrus, and her son, Hugo"
"Hello your majesty", Donella replied, bowing graciously, Hugo and Cyrus doing the same
Rapunzel bowed back, "nice to meet you", she looked directly at Hugo, "all of you". The blond fixed his glass and smiled back, "I'm very happy to welcome all of you to Corona, I have rooms prepared for each and every one of you, since you're the first to arrive, you get to pick!"
"That's very generous of you", the Invarrian Queen replied, "thank you your highness", she then smiled, "I would not mind a room near the caravan's, the last time we came to a Coronan gathering.... There was... An attack by a... Lady Caine?"
"Yes of course, we can get you set up with one nearest to the caravans, would you like your duke and duchess, their family, and your old friends nearby you?"
"If that is not too much to ask"
"Not at all! I actually have a few rooms you'd be perfectly comfortable in", the princess replied before she spotted Eugene pointing to someone next to him and smiled, "in fact, I have a friend of mine who can show you to them"
"Really?"
"Yes! His name is Varian", the princess stated, his excitement bubbling when she saw Hugo's eyes brighten a bit as he tried to hold back a grin. She turned and looked at her parents, "he knows the castle like the back of his hand and is a very close friend of mine", she replied with begging eyes
Arianna smiled, "Varian would be a perfect escort to their rooms", she responded, "we know we can trust him"
Eugene nudged the teen forwards, getting Varian to walk forwards. His mind was going a million miles per second, but as he felt Ruddigar purring in his backpack, having slipped inside when he heard his boy's name called, the teen instantly calmed down and bowed to the Queen just as his father had taught him to, "hello your highness, I'm here to escort you to your rooms?"
The Queen raised a brow, but smiled, "perfect posture, not bad for one so tiny", she teased, "though try to ease up a bit, I'm not that uptight"
He straightened his back and smiled at the ruler politely, "you're right, but you can never be too careful, it's better to be perfectly polite than to be incredibly rude"
"This I agree with", she responded, "I like you"
"Thank you, I'm honored by that", he then turned to Rapunzel, "which rooms did you have in mind?"
"The rooms near mine actually, they have a perfect view of the caravans and the gardens as well", she smiled even wider and added, "they also are the closest to the library and the lab"
Varian tried his hardest not to jump for joy as he nodded, practically beaming as he turned back to the ruler of Ingvarr, "alright, if you'll follow me, I'll show you to your quarters"
"Thank you Varian!"
"It's my pleasure your majesty"
****
As they walked through the halls Varian looked at the Queen next to him, "so from my understanding, you've brought some new people with you since your last visit, is that correct?"
"It is", the Queen replied
"Would any of them be interested in a tour of the castle? I'd be happy to show them around"
She looked back at her guests, "would any of you be interested in a tour?"
The Duke and Duchess remained silent, as did their two children, "I would like to", Hugo responded, looking directly at Donella, "it would be a great way to find out more about Corona"
The scarred women raised a brow at him before the blond gestured to a chemical he had on his belt, getting her to nod in approval, "I'd like to go as well", the Duke's daughter replied, making the bespeckled teen's heart drop just a bit, "I find Coronan architecture very interesting"
"Anyone else?" The Queen asked, when no one else responded she smiled at Varian, "well you've got two interested, I certainly wouldn't mind them looking around"
"I shall show them the best the castle has to offer then", the teen replied before he stopped, "this would be the hallway the princess was talking about. The rooms she specifically mentioned are to the left, my room is actually right across from the furthest one"
"Which one is the biggest?" The Queen asked with a smirk
"That would depend on what you mean, the room with the highest ceiling is this room next to me", he gestured to the door behind him, "but the one with the most walking space would be the next room", he gestured to the door next to the room he'd previously gesture to
"You are very smart, not many people answer that question correctly"
Varian grinned, "not many people would be smart enough to ask it"
"HA!" The Queen laughed, "oh I really like you! Alright, the room with the most beds, which one would that be?"
"This one", the alchemist replied, walking over to the one in the middle and opening the door, when the group looked inside, they saw it had several rooms and was practically a house, complete with a living room and an upstairs, the only thing it was missing was a kitchen.
The Queen looked at her Duke and Duchess, "would this be suitable for you and your family?"
"Yes my Queen", the Duke replied, his voice was raspy and low, sending shivers up and down Varian's spine
"Then it shall be yours for the duration of this stay", the Queen replied
"Thank you my Queen"
"You're welcome, Donella", the Queen turned to the older women, "where would you and your company like to sleep?"
"Wherever you need us to, anything will be fine", Donella responded
Varian, seeing Hugo's worried expression, backed up a few feet until he reached a door right across from his, "this one has three beds and a living room as well", he offered, opening the door to let them look, "my Queen I have a particular room that I think you may enjoy, it's the one next to this", he opened the door to the left of the opened room, showing a lush living room, "this one has a single bedroom, but it's the biggest in both walking space and ceiling. It even has it's own privy in the bedroom so you may have some privacy".
The Ingvarr ruler smiled, clearly impressed, "I like it, thank you young Varian"
"You're very welcome your highness", the alchemist replied with another polite bow, "dinner will be in a few hours, would you like someone to come and fetch you?"
"Yes please"
"I shall let the princess know, I can offer the same to you Duke's family, plus Miss. Donella as well", he turned to look at the women, who raised a brow to him. He felt her stare into his soul, as if she were searching for something, she made him incredibly uncomfortable, but he kept calm, "would you like someone to fetch you for dinner as well, oh, and will that room be alright?"
For a moment she didn't speak, but when Hugo cleared his throat, she snapped out of whatever state she was in and nodded, "sure, thank you, and this room will do just fine"
Varian smiled, "I'm glad, I hope your stay will be comfortable", he then looked at Hugo, "let me know when you and the Duke's daughter are ready for that tour, I'll be more than happy to show you around". With that, the teen gave one last bow to the Queen, who nodded approvingly before the teen politely closed the door to her living quarters. He then walked over to his and his father's room and entered it, the entire time he hid his smile until the door was fully closed before he slid down and sighed as Ruddigar climbed out of his bag, "he's here!" He excitedly whispered to the small mammal, who chittered happily as his boy hugged him with delight.
****
A knock on the alchemist's door had him jump a few feet in the air before he duster himself off and walked over, opening it to find a smiling Hugo, "hey, you said to let you know when me and the Duke's daughter are ready for the tour?"
"Yep!" He responded, a large grin finding its way on his face as he stepped out of the room with Ruddigar on his shoulder.
"Is that a raccoon?" The Duke's daughter asked, pointing the the striped creature
"Oh, yes I'm sorry, he's a friend of mine and completely harmless, unless I'm in danger of course. I hope that's okay?"
"More than okay, I love raccoons! They.... Remind me of someone from a long time ago, he loved animals a lot", she replied, he face drawing into a sad smile as the teen took note of that. Reminding himself to mention that to his uncle later.
"Do you wanna pet him?" He offered
The Duke's daughter's eyes brightened just a bit as she nodded and moved forwards, she outstretched her hand, letting Ruddigar sniff it before the raccoon chittered and headbumped her hand gently, "he's so soft", she noted, scratching the raccoon's ears, "hello there little friend"
Ruddigar purred happily as he gladly accepted the extra attention from the women. Hugo snorted, stroking Ruddigar's fur casually and getting the small mammal to flop in Varian's arms, "wha-! Ruddigar!" The teen exclaimed, catching his best friend as the green eyed alchemist laughed
The Duke's daughter smiled, "he's a very good boy I can definitely tell, thank you for letting us do that"
"Of course", Varian responded, getting the small mammal back on his shoulder, "he's a brat, but he's pretty calm when he knows you're not a threat", he then looked at Hugo, "so you may wanna watch out", he teased
The blond raised a brow, "I see you haven't changed Freckles"
"Nope, you either, Huuuugo"
"Vaaarian"
The two chuckled as the Duke's daughter tilted her head to the side, "you two know each other?" She asked
"Oh, yeah sorry Miss-!", the blue eyed alchemist responded before he realized something, "oh my Demanitus, I'm so sorry! I didn't even ask your name!"
She smiled, "it's alright, I know what it's like to see old friends, my name is Trinity Jaecar, nice to meet you Mr...."
"Varian Vanguard, it's nice to meet you too Miss. Jaecar, that's a very pretty name by the way, Trinity meaning 'three', and Jaecar meaning 'hunter'. It's a very strong name for such a strong family"
"Thank you but... Our family isn't as strong as they look, there's... Really only one who was ever really strong"
"Really? Who if you don't mind me asking?"
Trinity looked at him and shook her head, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said...."
Hugo raised a brow, "you okay?" He asked, "I've never seen you this sad before"
"I'm alright, I'm just... Reminiscing I suppose", she shook her head, clearing it of any stray bad memories, "shall we start on the tour?"
Varian, taking another mental note, nodded, "yeah, we can start, where would you like to go?"
"Well, I was interested in seeing the gardens"
"To the gardens we go!" The blue eyed alchemist exclaimed before he blushed, "uh... S-sorry that was supposed to sound cooler in my head"
"It must've, ya dork", Hugo teased
"Look who's talking!" Varian giggled, bumping the blond and getting him to snicker as Trinity smiled fondly
"*Anyway!*" Varian stated before he turned to Trinity, "let's go see the gardens, they're right this way, there's actually a side entrance from here so they're not too far away!"
****
They walked out to the gardens, the smell of fresh roses filling the air as the three looked around, "the castle gardens are usually filled to the brim with flowers and even some fruit on the rare occasion! Though that changed when certain animals began to eat the fruit and caused a bit of a ruckus", Varian explained as he smirked at Ruddigar, who chittered happily
"Raccoons are very smart creatures, so I'm not surprised that your friend decided the fruit trees would make a nice snack", Trinity replied with a smile
"You seem to know a lot about animals", Hugo noted
She nodded, "I studied up on them, I find them very peaceful to draw, though I haven't really gotten a good portrait of a raccoon yet"
"This guy's got a built in model button, if you ever wanna draw him I'd be more than willing to let you", Varian stated as he stroked Ruddigar's fur, "he *loves* the attention"
She giggled, "so I see, though if I were him I would love to model too, he's clearly very well taken care of, if a little big", at the raccoon's offended chitters Trinity smiled, "you make it look good, trust me".
The small mammal looked at his body, then at his boy, "she's got an artistic eye, and the princess loves drawing you too, so you really can't argue with *two* artists", the teen replied
"He looks pretty good when he's posing with a bird", Hugo added
Varian snorted, then blushed, "I think they did a good job together!"
"I didn't say they didn't"
Varian blushed even more, "I-you-with your-and the..... You're a brat", he stated before walking a little faster and getting the blond to laugh
The three of them finally made it to the lush gardens, Trinity smiling wide as some of the rose petals floated in the air and the nearby fountain, "wow, I never knew Corona had such a beautiful area near their castle"
"It is really peaceful here", Varian replied, "I've had a couple picnics here with my father, they've been really fun!"
"A picnic sounds nice actually", Hugo stated, "I could definitely see this as a nice spot to just relax for a bit, get away from it all you know?"
The blue eyes alchemist turned to look at the blond with a smile, "I could see it, maybe one nice, when it's dark out and no one can see anybody outside". Neither of them noticed Trinity walk in front of Varian, sitting down on a bench nearby and looking around at the flowers.
Hugo, catching what the teen was implying, smirked, "yeah, someone could meet their friend here, say, around 7 at night with some food and a blanket"
"That would be really nice", Varian agreed, a light blush coming to his cheeks, "especially around the back, where there are a lot of trees to cover anyone from view. It would be a perfect place to catch up"
The blond hummed, "yeah it would"
"Trinity?" A very familiar voice stated from behind Varian
The blue eyed alchemist turned to see Hector standing there, staring at the Duke's daughter. Hugo looked at Trinity and saw she was staring back at the man in front of her, "H-Hector?" She replied, equally as shocked as she stared into his big, yellow eyes while a women with white hair and half her face painted, and two men, one wearing black armor with a furry cape, and the other wearing a red shirt with a fluffy vest, walked up next to the man, looking in-between to two as the world was shrouded in silence.
Notes:
Hello!
Like I said in the beginning notes I'm really sorry for the two-day break in story writing, this weekend got so busy for me that I wasn't able to get anything on my story done! But I decided to make up for that with a super long chapter filled to the brim with excitement as certain guests arrive in Corona! :D
Varian is the end all, be all of being a good, polite, understanding bean! He's super kind, super open, and extremely intelligent! I honestly think he'd be able to think on his feet when being thrown into a situation he wasn't prepared for while simultaneously freaking out and crushing it! :D He's the best boy after all, and best boy's deserve to be in the spotlight! :D (Also flirting, lots and lots of flirting!)
Punzie and Eugene didn't have too big a role in this, neither did Queen Arianna, but they are being very supportive and I love it! :D We all love supportive siblings! <3
The Queen of Ingvarr isn't an evil lady, she was the one that offered Cassandra an amazing job for very little to no knowledge of her past! I think she's actually one of the more likable rulers in this universe, along with Ari and Edmund of course! :D I think out of every ruler, she's probably the most relaxed and will take a liking to you if you're quick on your feet, have a wit, or are Varian, I'm sorry I mean or if you impress her XD My mistake XD
The Duke and Duchess are Hector's parents, and they are as fake and as snobby as ever, will not like them, ever :3
Hector's brother will get more screen time, for now he's very quiet and there's a good reason for that, I actually feel really bad for him!
And here we have the introduction to Trinity Jaecar, Hector's sister and the one that fought with him when he met Quirin and Adira! She'll definitely recognize them, but she just saw her long lost brother so her brain is a little... Overwhelmed so to speak :3
Hector, Quirin, Edmund, and Adira are in for some serious conversations! Imma leave it at that! :D
HUGOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Blond boi is BACK!!!!! I was gonna wait, but I really wanted to write him again, so I did! XD And he's just as flirty as ever! I shall love this man with all my heart because he's an absolute bean and I love him and want only the best for him! So that's what I shall write, after all the angst because that's some good drama I guess XD
And of course, Ruddigar is the best raccoon in the whole universe and deserves all the pets! I decree this! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 156: Family Ties! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Hector sees a face he never thought he'd see again and Eugene finds out something horrible about Hugo
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector stared at the women before him, unable to speak as her green eyes stared back. She was... Older now, then again so was he. They continued to stare at each other, neither one really knowing what to say, "....so uh.... Nice weather we're having huh?", Edmund asked with a nervous chuckle.
No one responded, not really sure how to respond, "....Hi", Hector finally said, "it's been a while"
Trinity nodded, "yes it... It really has", she smiled at him, "you're looking well"
"Thanks, you are too"
"Thank you"
They became silent once again, the wild tamer looked at the ground while his sister looked at the sky. Varian could feel the anxiety building as he started to wring his hands together nervously, Ruddigar nuzzling him to try and comfort his boy. Noticing this, Hugo grew concerned before the aggravation kicked in, "so I take it it's been a while since you two have seen each other? Why not talk about what you've been up to?" He suggested, "just a thought"
Quirin placed a hand over his mouth, unsure if he was preventing a scolding, or his own snickers as he watched the siblings look at him before Trinity sighed, "he's right we.... Should talk"
"About what?" Hector asked, a tinge of defensiveness slipping into his words as they came out
"About, things? I-I don't know it's been so long since I've seen you...." She chuckled bitterly to herself, "oddly enough I... Thought I'd know what to say if I ever saw you again but... I guess I don't...."
The wild tamer sighed, "me too...." He replied sadly, getting his sister to look up at him, "I thought I'd be able to do this.... Face all of you.. I knew you were coming but I didn't expect to see..." He stopped when he looked at her, "....is Dexter here too?"
"Yes, he is"
"Huh.... So they brought you both.... Wonder if they knew"
"They didn't"
He looked at her, "what?"
"They didn't know you would be here", she repeated, "they wanted to bring us to show us off....."
"Oh...."
"Yeah..." She replied with a sad smile, "they'll want me to paint something, and they'll want Dexter to butt heads with the smartest Coronan they can find which... I heard was a young child, he's an alchemist", Varian suddenly felt a cold chill go down his spine as Hugo grabbed his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, instantly calming Varian's nerves as Ruddigar smiled at the blond gratefully. Trinity sighed, "I was even told to show the princess of Corona my paintings.... They heard she was talented in the world of the arts and want to show what Ingvarr can do"
"Sounds like a fucking blast", Hector stated as he crossed his arms
She chuckled, "oh don't you know, I just *love* showing up everyone in the room with my *magnificent* portraits!" Trinity stated sarcastically, "they're just the absolute best and you should feel *honored* to represent your family with your abilities"
Hector chuckled, "what the hell? Is that *really* what they say?"
"Yes, all the time"
"Geez.... Maybe it was a good thing I was kicked out", he replied with a smirk as he looked at Adira, Edmund, and Quirin, who smiled back at him, before he looked back at his sister, "you haven't changed you know, I'm happy for that"
Trinity smiled, "you're the opposite, you've changed so much, and I'm happy for that too"
The wild tamer grinned before his eyes darted to something behind her, "who the hell is that?"
They looked to see a tall women with grey hair wearing a green jumper, Hugo's blood ran cold as he let go of Varian's hand, much to the alchemist's confusion, as the women walked forwards. He eyes fixated on one face in particular, "Quirin", she stated.
"Donella", the retired knight stated as he stared right back at the women. If Varian didn't know any better, he could've sworn his father was contemplating running at the women, attacking her viciously by the way he said her name. He also noticed Hugo seemed extremely nervous around this person as well, which wasn't like him at all.
the blue eyed alchemist looked at the blond and saw his back straight, hands behind it, and his face devoid of any emotion as his green eyes were set on the women. Something wasn't right, all of Varian's alarm were setting off, including Ruddigar himself, who was growling at the women as he looked at Donella, she was still staring... No... Glaring? At his father? But why? Feeling more anxious than before, he let out a breath and stepped in-between the two, "h-hello Miss. Donella, is everything okay?" He asked, trying to ease the tension.
For a moment, the women looked like she was going to attack the teen, only to notice Hugo step into her line of sight. She sighed and refrained, "everything's fine, I was just on a walk when I noticed everyone here", she replied before noticing Hector, "oh, I didn't think *you'd* be here"
Hector raised a brow, sensing his brother's growing frustration and immediately disliking this women, "do I know you?"
"No, but I've heard all about you from you parents", she replied
Yeah, no, he didn't like her one bit. Hector glared, "like it's any of your fucking business"
"Oh my, seems as though I've made you upset, it wasn't my intention of course", she looked at Quirin once more, "of course we never *mean* to have bad intentions when we see someone for the first time, now do we?"
"Watch it....", Quirin warned, his voice extremely low, nearly sounding like a growl, it sent more shivers up his son's back, enough to make Ruddigar's hackles stand on end as well
Donella smirked, "touchy aren't we?"
"This is a ceremony to welcome all kingdoms as allies", the Village Leader stated, "we wouldn't want to go and make things go south now would we? Secrets could get out you know...."
That seemed to break the women's façade as her smile dropped, her eyes narrowing at the man, "how low you have to sink just to keep the peace"
"It's not low if the stakes are high enough, you know that as much as I do, Donella", he retorted, "now, before someone does something they'll regret, I suggest we put an *end* this conversation"
The taller women seemed to contemplate that, but seeing Adira, Edmund, and Hector glaring at her seemed to make her rethink her plan. She smiled, "fine, until we meet again then", she turned to leave before looking over her shoulder, "oh, Hugo, I need to *see* you for a moment"
The blond's shoulders tensed, his heart dropped into his stomach, but he kept it hidden as he nodded, "yes ma'am"
Varian's eyes grew wide as he watched the green eyed alchemist follow behind the women, without even so much as a wave in his direction. He watched them disappear into the castle before he turned to look at his father, "what was that?"
Quirin sighed, "*that* was Donella.... A women I never thought I'd see again...."
"What did she do to you?"
The retired knight looked at his son sadly, "it's not what she did to me, it's.... What she did to you.... And your mother actually...."
The alchemist's eyes widened as everyone stared at the retired knight, "s-she knew mom?"
"Unfortunately...."
"Dad y-you...." The teen stopped himself when he saw the look on his father's face, the same depressed looked he'd been given when he asked about the black rocks, only this time it was much worse, "....she's not like my aunt, uncle, and grandpa... Is she?"
"No...." Quirin replied, "she's not...."
The teen wanted to continue asking questions, he has so many stirring in his mind, but one look at his father told him this would need to be private. He sighed, "later?"
"Later"
"You promise?"
His father smiled, "I promise"
****
Hugo glared at the floor, he knew what was coming, and he hated how quiet Don was being about it. He wanted her to just get it over with, but that wouldn't happen, she liked to make him wait, it was one of her favorite things to do. He followed her silently as they entered their living quarters, she closed the door behind them as Cyrus came out from the kitchen, leaning against the wall with a smirk on his face, of course he'd wanna watch.... Hugo stood with his back turned to the women, waiting for her to say something, the silence was killing him, he just wanted it to be over with alrea-! "So you didn't grow close to him then?" She finally asked
"No", he replied
"Face me Hugo"
He winced at her harsh tone before turning to look at her, she was an arm's length away, but he knew that wouldn't last long, "no", he repeated, "we didn't"
"Really?"
"Yes", he lied
"So the holding hands thing was, what, a happy accident?"
*Shit*, he thought to himself, "he had a nightmare when I was with him, I acted on impulse and grabbed his hand, it calmed him down"
"Cut the shit!" She snapped, moving closer to him, "you lied to me"
"Don I-!" There it was, the sting of her hand against his cheek, not nearly as hard as he thought however, which made things worse as he heard Cyrus chuckling
"Stupid", she stated, "you lie to me after all *I've* done for you, and yet you *keep* lying to my *face*, knowing it'll only end up in you getting *hurt*", she snapped, slapping him again, this time harder, "you don't *do* this unless you *care* about the person you're *protecting*, I *know* you Hugo! Yet you seem to *forget* that!"
"What do you *want* me to say then?!" He snapped back, his temper getting the better of him, "I've given you *all* the information I have! His name, his occupation, his friendship with me! I don't have anything left, in *fact* the only person that seems to be keeping secrets is *you*! You *knew* who that man was, you *knew* more about *him* than *you're* letting on, so where do *you* get off calling *me* a liar and punishing *me* when all you've *done* is keep your *fucking* secrets?!"
The women stopped, her eyes wide with shock, as were Cyrus's, as they stared at the teen. She was silent for a moment before her eyes narrowed and she grabbed the front of the teen's shirt, pulling him close to her, "you don't *need* to know what I do.... That's why *I'm* in fucking charge", she whispered before throwing the teen on the floor, knocking the wind out of him, "don't you get it? *I* keep us safe", she stated, pulling him up again and slamming him on the wall, "*I* keep us fed!" She cupped his chin as her fingers already started to make bruises on his cheeks, "*I* am the one who's kept the all those angry villagers you stole from *away* from you, do you not remember that?" She squeezed his chin harder, getting him to whimper, "*I* found you, *I* saved you, *I* took care of you, be fucking *grateful* to me you shitty little *brat*!" She let him drop to the floor with a thud, glaring at him as he didn't look up.
Hugo sat there, not moving, unable to say a word as he felt her eyes burning a hole into his scalp. He didn't want to give her the satisfaction, but all of his guilt twisted inside his stomach, making him feel so sick that he nearly threw up. *Why did I open my mouth? Why do I keep going against her? Why can't I just learn to shut up and do what she says? Why am I even lying to her in the first place?" Suddenly he saw Varian's big, blue eyes looking at him, his crooked smile and buck teeth filling him with warmth as he heard the teen laugh with him. He then felt the gentle kiss on his cheek, it'd been so soft, so light, so... Genuine.... He felt a tear roll down him cheek at the thought of that boy's face should he ever find out that Hugo had betrayed him, instantly remembering why he'd kept the teen to himself. He let out a breath, *just get through this, apologize, make up for it somehow, then you can see him again!* Shaking away the tear, Hugo looked up at her and, through gritted teeth, uttered the words that nearly lost him his lunch, "I-I'm sorry... You're right... I'm wrong..."
This seemed to calm the women as she knelt down, picked up his glasses, which had fallen off when she'd let him fall, and placed them gently on his face before she placed a finger on the bottom of his chin and guided him to look at her eyes, "I accept your apology, but *don't* forget this again, it won't end well for you", she stated before letting his chin drop, "I know you want to run off to your 'friend' again, so go ahead, but don't let him continue to fool you, or else *this* is all you'll have to look forward to, understand"
"Yes ma'am...." He replied, standing up and nodding to her as he heard Cyrus snickering once more
"Good, now go"
The teen pretended to be mortified as he walked out of the room, looking at the floor as he passed a cackling Cyrus before he walked out the door. Even pretending to slip a bit before he was on the other side as the door slammed shut behind him. He walked down the hall, still pretending to be upset before he turned the corner and sighed, relief filling his mind as he ran to a nearby privy, washing off his face, getting rid of any tears stains and dusting himself, straightening his shirt and hair before he deemed them perfect. He was about to head for the door when he saw someone in the corner of his eyes, turning around he saw Eugene standing there, his eyes wide as he stared at the blond, "hey Hugo", the Dark Prince stated quietly, instantly noticing the bruises and how startled the teen had been, "are... You okay?"
"Yeah yeah perfectly fine!" Hugo lied plastering a smile on his face, "you know me, j-just making sure to keep my looks in check you know?"
Eugene raised a brow, "you sure?"
"Yup!"
"Really? Because out of everyone, I should know what it looks like to straighten yourself up", he replied before adding, "especially after you get beat...."
This made the teen flinch, "I-I'm fine"
"Kid, you're talking to the big brother of one of the most intelligent and anxious alchemist's in the world. The 'I'm fine', is not gonna work on me", he stated calmly, "I saw you run in here, I came to ask you if you were alright when I saw the bruises that I *know* you didn't have before.... Those don't appear for no reason, and they're about as big as a female's finger prints.... I should know", he lifted up a sleeve to reveal a couple scares, "I had a girlfriend who did the same thing to me...."
Seeing the scars, Hugo recognized similar scarring from his own experiences. He sighed, "I.... P-please don't tell Varian...." He asked
Rolling his sleeve back down, Eugene looked at the teen worriedly, "I... I won't", he replied, "but... Why?"
"B-because I don't want him to-!"
"Not Varian, why did *she* do this to you?"
Hugo's heart dropped as he stared into the man's warm, brown eyes, "I...." He stopped, "w-would you even believe me if I said I didn't know?"
"No", Eugene replied with a sympathetic smile
The blond chuckled bitterly as he felt tears sting in his eyes, "would y-you let me pass if I told you it'd only get w-worse if I s-said anything?"
This made the man freeze, seeing the, usually laid back, Hugo breathing shallow breaths like he was about to burst into tears, "...I... Hugo I want to help you"
"You can't.... I... I'm stuck, a-and it's my own fault...." He gave Eugene a weak smile as his tears streamed down his face, "I a-agreed to do what she says, I s-stuck with her through thick and thin, I d-don't have anywhere else I can go, s-so I can't tell you anything", he stated, "i-it's the way things h-have to be...."
"No they don't", the Dark Prince replied, "Hugo you've got friends here, people that would be more than willing to help you!"
"N-name one person who would d-drop everything to face a women t-they barely know f-for me"
"Varian"
Now it was Hugo's turn to freeze as the image of the blue eyed alchemist flashed in his mind again, "n-no... n-not him.... I don't want to g-get him involved...."
"Me", Hugo raised a brow, "I may not know you very well, but I know Varian, and he told me something that.... Well I can't really tell you..." He chuckled, "but I *can* say that my little brother cares an awful lot about you, I know it and so does Quirin, so trust me when I say, that since that kid cares about you so much, I'm more than willing to fight some lady I barely know for you, *especially* if she's doing what I think she's doing to you".
"I...." The blond looked at the Dark Prince, he was smiling, it was sincere and caring, something Hugo hadn't had much of in his life. He wanted to believe it, his mind screamed at him to take the offer, but.... "....He would get hurt...."
"What?"
"S-she knows how much I care for him.... F-for Varian.... She would use that t-to her advantage if she knew I was trying to leave her.... She'd u-use him.... I-I don't want him to get hurt...."
Eugene was silent, thinking for a moment before he got an idea, "Hugo, I... I won't ask you to tell me now, but if I find a way to get you, me, Quirin, and Varian alone together, would you be willing to tell me what she does to you then? You could warn Varian, you'd have several people on your side, and you wouldn't be alone at all", he asked, grabbing the teen's shoulder's gently as he did so
The blond chuckled bitterly, "if you f-find a way to do that *and* sneak past her, I'll t-tell you where I was fucking *born*"
Eugene smirked, "that a promise?"
Hugo raised a brow again before remembering what Varian had told him about promises, if he said yes to Eugene, he needed to keep it. His heart started to race when he saw the determination in the man's eyes, he knew if he said yes, he'd need to keep it, but... It would never happen... And if it did, would he really pass up an opportunity? "....I.... Yeah, I promise".
The Dark Prince smiled wide, "thank you", he stated, "I'll keep your secret for now, just remember that you promised, okay?"
"I will.... B-but you'll keep this between us?"
"Yeah", Eugene replied, "I promise"
Hugo snorted, "you Coronans are so weird"
"I'll accept that", the Dark Prince replied, "you Ingvarrians are crazy, I just talked with the Duchess, she's a little..." He spun his finger in a circle pointing to his head, getting Hugo to laugh
"Yeah, she's something else", he replied with a smile, "she wouldn't stop gloating about her kids on the way here, it was exhausting, no wonder the Queen took her own caravan"
"Pfft! Good gosh", Eugene replied before he let go of the teen's shoulders and shook his head, "I will never understand royalty, seriously"
"Same he-! Wait, aren't you a prince?"
"....I don't count"
Hugo snickered, "does your dad?"
"Yes, yes he does", the Dark Prince replied with a grin on his face, "hey I've gotta go, Rapunzel's calling me, but", he looked back at the teen with a sympathetic grin, "have a little faith kid, everything's gonna be okay, yeah?"
Hugo smiled back, wiping the last of his tears and nodding, "yeah, thanks, sincerely"
"No problem, see ya around glasses", with that, the Dark Prince walked out of the privy, leaving the teen alone once more. He sighed and looked at himself in the mirror, "what are you thinking? Trusting him like that, you barely know any of them, *including* Varian, why are you so keen on leaving Don anyway? She's right! She's fed you, clothed you, kept you fucking *safe*! Where else would you go anyway? Face it, you don't *have* anywhere else to go, no one would want you, not a dirty thief like you. You're not *good* enough for Varian remember? He probably doesn't want you anyway, he's probably just pretending to like you out of pity!"
*Are you really going to sully his memory like that?* His mind argued, *remember what he did for you? How he saved you, stood up for you against his friends knowing you would be killed when that crazy lady came around? *He* stuck up for you, *he* kept you around, *Varian* did that for you! Don't forget that, don't forget that he cared about you, to the point where he cried when you and he had to separate! You remember that? Do you remember what he gave you *before* you left? The bracelet wasn't cheap you know, you double checked! He didn't steal that, he *bought* it for *you*! You're really gonna say that he doesn't care? Don't do that, not again, that's how we got in this mess in the first place....*
"He... He was just saving face-!"
*There was no one around except for the people you barely knew*
"He had to do that-!"
*Why? Because his daddy told him to? He's your age Hugo, try again*
"I..."
*Face it, he cares about you, and you care about him, just admit it, let Eugene help you for fucks sake! You could be free of her, free of Donella, don't you want that?*
"...Yeah"
*Then let him help you, let *Varian* help you, you've paid for your crimes for 16 long years! I think you've suffered enough!*
"....I.... I wanna see him right now"
*Then go find him, he's probably worried about you*
Hugo nodded and wiped his face once again before he walked out of the privy without any interruptions. He looked around, the only people he saw were a few handmaidens, he noticed one of them looking at him, *maybe she knows where Varian is?* He thought to himself as he walked over to her. He watched her turn to him and smiled, "hi, sorry to bother you but, do you happen to know where I can find Varian Vanguard right now?"
The handmaiden, who, he noticed, had greyish blue eyes and long brown hair, looked the teen up and down, "why do you need to see him?" she asked
"I was on the tour with him earlier and it got... Interrupted... I wanted to apologize for that and ask if he'd be willing to continue the tour?" He lied
The girl's expression seemed to soften, "ah ok, he's in the gardens, sorry, I'm a friend of his and got worried you were... Upset with him"
Hugo smiled, *looks like me, Eugene, and his father aren't the only ones protecting Freckles*, the thought to himself, "no, I wouldn't be angry with him, I just felt bad about having to leave before he was done, you said he was still in the gardens?"
"Mm-hm! Down that hall and to the right", she replied, pointing towards the side entrance Varian has shown him before
"Thanks, oh uh, Miss..."
"Faith", she replied with a shy smiled, "my name is Faith, Mr...."
"Hugo", Hugo replied with a smile, "nice to meet you Fa-!" He stopped when Eugene's words came to mind
'have a little faith kid, everything's gonna be okay, yeah?'
He grinned, oh the irony, "Faith, it's very nice to meet you Miss. Faith, and... Thank you"
She grinned, "it was my pleasure Mr. Hugo"
He nodded before he walked towards the side doors, grinning like a mad man as he went over the ratio's of that encounter, laughing as he got the answer right as he stepped outside, seeing Varian turn to him and smile widely as he caught sight of Eugene and Rapunzel standing not too far away, *just as I thought, that encounter was 100 to 1 chance.... Nearly impossible*, he smiled even wider when he saw the blue eyed alchemist run over to him with his arms outstretched, *huh.... Maybe having a little faith wouldn't be the worst thing in the world*
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter was originally meant for Hector and his sister, but as I continued to write it turned into Hugo and Donella. So I'm gonna have a Hector and Trinity chapter be the *next* one and make this a two parter XD I'm sorry about that, I guess my mind really wanted to focus on Hugo today XD Blond boy just kinda popped up out of nowhere and pushed the other two aside for a chapter XD I'm gonna write the next one in Varian's POV while Hugo had that little 'talk' with Donella and the encounter with Eugene, that way you all don't miss a thing. Sorry about the weird transition, I guess I just got a little too excited about Hugo's story XD
On that note:
Hugo is an amazing bean and I want to write him getting a happy ending! So I'm making sure he gets one, with Varian, in this story! Trust me, there's going a to be a lot that happens still and I can't wait to write more of it! :D
Donella has some dark secrets she *knows* Quirin has kept for her, what they could be, well you'll have to find out :3 But either way, she doesn't want them to get out, she's a nasty person and I do not like her in this story, but she'll get her just deserts, she will :3
Cyrus, I finally found a use for him, being a total jerk and enjoying Hugo getting beat! Trust me, he's got a fist to the face waiting for him, for now however, we're gonna have to grit our teeth and wait because he's not getting any better. I've had people like this in my life, it's not pleasant....
Trinity will have more characterization soon, for now, there's some sibling banter, a name drop for the older brother, Dexter, and some bonding, I'll write more in the next part because we need more of the Jaecar sibling bonding times! <3
Hector is the best out of the Jaecar family, but his sister and brother aren't that bad, his parents however.... You'll see.... Hector however, I'm going to love writing in the next chapter! :D
Eugene is a bean and an amazing person in general! He's got plans, big plans, and he'll stop at nothing to help Hugo!!!! Also, yeah, I have a funky feeling you all know who I was referring to when he talked about a past girlfriend who did the same to him, though if you'd like me to clarify, don't hesitate to ask :D But yeah, Eugene hasn't had it completely easy for him, he said in the episode, 'big brothers of Corona', where they first meet Catalina and Angry, that being a thief is hard, and sure he mentioned always being on the run with every meal not always guaranteed and of course the Baron, but I think he meant more than that and just didn't say. I'm gonna write more Eugene backstory, Lance too, because honestly, I think they deserve more backstory! :D
Quirin is *extremely* terrifying when he gets mad, and the only one that can make him go from a calm 0 to an gut punching 20 would be Donella, and majority of you know why, but I can't wait to write more about it! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 157: Family Ties! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Hector and Trinity finally get a chance to catch up while Varian worries over Hugo and Eugene talks to Donella!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector raised a brow as he watched Donella and Hugo disappear inside the castle, making a mental note to check the kid when he came back.... *if he comes back....*, the man thought to himself
He looked at his brother, noticing how much the man shook as he also watched the figures disappear into the castle, well that wasn't good. He opened his mouth to say something when, "Hector", Trinity said quietly, "I... Need to ask you something"
He looked at her, "what's up?"
"....How.... Oh never mind, it's a horrible thing to ask"
"How did I survive?"
She looked at her younger brother and bit her bottom lip nervously before nodding, "I... Our parent's-!"
"*Your* parents, those *things* disowned me remember?"
"R-right... My parents.... They said you were very weak and lost, and made it sound like you'd perished right in front of them... I didn't want to believe it, but when me and Dexter searched for you the next day... You were gone...." She replied sadly, "we thought they were right.... We.... Nearly gave up hope of seeing you again"
He tilted his head, "nearly?"
She smiled, "call it a sibling's intuition, but I.... Had a funny feeling you wouldn't go down so easily", she looked at him lovingly, "you were too stubborn for that"
He chuckled, "true.... They were right, I was really hurt from that fight, and I did get lost, but", he smirked at Quirin, "some crazy, goofy, big hearted, plant lover found me and took me in, with his weirdo of a sister helping him out"
"Yup, we added a Wild Child that night to our group", Adira stated, "and the rest is history"
The retired knight snorted as Hector looked at Trinity with a grin, "I've been with them ever since and eventually grew mostly out of my body's weakened state, I still get cold very easily, so I have to wear a coat majority of the time, but you learn to live with it", he shrugged, "I got better at fighting, to the point where I was rewarded with the title of 'Tamer of the Dark Kingdom Brotherhood', along with these two and fought by the king's side to protect the entire kingdom", as he spoke, the wild tamer's heart filled with pride as he recounted his tale, delighting in his artistic sister's grin as she heard more and more about his adventures, "then there was the first time we went into 'The Forest of No Return'", he stated
"That's so-!" Trinity stopped when she heard random groans from behind her, looking around nervously
"That... Y-yeah that happens when they mention the forest", Varian replied with a chuckle, "don't worry about it"
"ooookay.... Well, all of that sounds so incredible! I bet if you told mom and dad they'd be really impressed!"
Hector frowned, "why would I want to talk to them?" He asked
"To show them how far you've come along on your own, to prove that you're more than what they said, and to, metaphorically, rub their noses in it!" She stated with a smirk, "they should know how hard you've fought and what you've accomplished, and they should feel ashamed for the way they treated you! I.... I know I am...." She said, looking down sadly, "I didn't help you before when they would berate or even punish you like they did... In fact I hid behind you so I didn't end up the same way.... I'm really sorry about that Hector...."
The wild tamer looked a little surprised before he sighed, "it wasn't like you really had any choice in the matter", he stated quietly, "they were hard on all of us, including Dexter"
"That doesn't make what I did to you right", she exclaimed, looking at her brother, "you were beaten and bruised, neglected and left to rot in your room, eating off the floor like a *dog*! It wasn't fair to you! And yet I said nothing to help, nothing.... I am ashamed of the way I hid behind you, hearing them being so cruel and never raising a finger to stop them, it wasn't right.... I was devastated when you left, not because mother and father got worse, but because you were gone, and... In a way, I helped them make you leave by not protecting you the way I should...."
Hector walked over to Trinity, "look you.... You didn't have a choice", she was about to protest, "ah no! You didn't have a *choice*! They were rough on me, yeah, but I heard them yell and scream at you two, berate you and make you feel ashamed for making one little mistake that honestly any kid you or Dexter's age, at the time, would make. They even compared you to me, saying you'd be a failure and freaking you out, they may have been horrible to me, but that doesn't mean they were easy on you", he stated, "besides that, you were a *kid* for fuck's sake, the hell are *you* supposed to do? What, stand in front of me while they beat my back with a stick?"
"They.... They did that to you?" Varian asked, shocked at that revelation, Ruddigar chittering with the same kind of shock on his face
"Yeah... But I'm better now, got away from it and found a new family", Hector replied with a smirk, until he noticed his nephew look down. He was confused for a moment before he remembered the teen's punishment in the dungeons, "....sorry"
"No you're fine, just.... I.... Didn't know they did that to you...."
"It was a common form of punishment when we were kids", Hector explained, "they stopped it when it became clear that punishment was cruel and nasty"
Varian shivered and looked at his father, "d-did you ever get that?"
Quirin nodded, "the guards in the Dark Kingdom thought it was a justified punishment"
"Wait the *guards* punished you?!"
"Well I don't really remember much about my parents, so I don't know if they felt the same, and the villagers would throw things at me or try to catch me when I stole, but they never did otherwise they probably would've done the same. The guards had complete control over me, so it was their responsibility to punish me should they see fit, and they did.... Frequently... Particularly the captain himself...."
"Until I stopped it", Edmund spoke up, placing a hand on his knight's shoulder, "because I absolutely hated that form of punishment and stopped it as soon as I got the chance"
"W-was Adira ev-!" Varian started
"Nope", Adira replied, "I always hid when they tried, but the rules changed not long after I came to the castle, so they didn't have much of a chance to do that to me", she stated, then smirked, "and if they tried, I'd have them on the ground in two seconds flat"
"Had some of the guards running when you did", Hector snickered
"Yes I did", she replied proudly, getting her nephew to smile
"Seriously though", the wild tamer stated, turning back to Trinity, "what were you supposed to do? You were a kid for fuck's sake, it's not like you could've gotten them to stop, you would've gotten hurt had you done so", he smiled, "believe me, I've forgiven you for that, I wasn't even mad in the first place, I fucking hate the people that birthed us, but not you or Dexter, not ever"
The dark haired female smiled, "thank you Hector", she replied softly before she softly touched his cheek, watching him flinch for a minute before he allowed her to place her hand on his face. She smiled as tears came to her eyes, "I really missed you little brother"
He smiled, "I missed you too sis"
"Oh am I... Interrupting something?" A voice asked, getting the group to turn and look to see Eugene standing there, Rapunzel walking up from behind him, still wearing the sparkling purple dress
"Eugene!" Edmund exclaimed excitedly, "and Rapunzel! Good to see the both of you! How'd the greeting go?"
"Well, the Queen of Ingvarr was very impressed with Varian, she really likes you a lot!" The princess stated happily, getting the teen to blush as Quirin felt a surge of pride swell in his chest, "the Duke and Duchess seem to be getting along well, their son is too, and I'm guessing from the smile on your face, you are too?" She asked Trinity
"I am, thank you very much your highness", the Ingvarrian replied politely
"In fact, the only thing I think may be a problem in Miss. Donella, she seemed.... Very angry when I checked in on her, and when I asked how Cyrus and Hugo were doing, she said Cyrus was fine but Hugo was... In her own words, 'refusing to cooperate'.... I... I'm really not sure what that means, but when I asked she said he was fine and told me he would probably be out here with you again Varian, have you seen hi-! Varian?"
The princess looked at her little brother, who'd frozen and was staring at the pain as Ruddigar sniffed him worriedly, "h-he.... Hugo, y-you didn't see him?" He asked
"No?" Rapunzel replied as Eugene bit his lip
"B-but if she s-said that he would be w-with me, a-and he's not here, t-then where is he?"
"I do-!"
"W-we need to find him fast!" Varian stated, "w-we gotta look for him! Now! He might be l-lost or surrounded by guards or-!"
"Varian, it's okay, Hugo's your age, he can handle this", Rapunzel replied gently
"Y-you don't understand, h-he left with Donella earlier"
"What?"
The alchemist nodded, "h-he looked so upset too! N-nervous, like something bad w-was about to happen to him!" He exclaimed, "I.... H-he didn't even say goodbye... A-and he was staring at the ground, Rapunzel I don't trust Donella, I-I think she.... S-she might be..." He shook his head, "n-no that's a horrible thing to think... H-he just... He looked so scared, I-I need to find him"
Varian began to walk past the duo, not catching Eugene's smirk as he did, "wait, Varian!" Rapunzel tried but stopped when she saw the alchemist had frozen and was staring ahead
"HUGO!" Varian yelled, relief flooding through him as he saw the blond alchemist walk out of the castle's side door, "HUGO!!!!" Varian ran over to him, with Ruddigar clinging on for dear life, arms outstretched as he saw the teen smirk and wave before grunting as the blue eyed teen hugged him happily.
Hugo returned the hug with a snicker, "miss me that much did we?" He asked, "I was only gone for a few minutes Freckles"
Varian pulled away and looked to teen up and down before noticing a few new bruises on his cheek, along with two large red marks, "w-what happened?"
"Hm? Oh! Yeah sorry, I slammed into a wall while running to get back here", he lied. Varian raised a brow, as did Ruddigar, "honest! I wasn't looking where I was going and ended up slamming into a wall when trying to get back"
"What did Donella need you for?"
The green eyed alchemist felt a shiver run up his spine before he let out a nervous chuckle, "she just needed my opinion on some things is all, don't worry so much Freckles"
"A-are you sure? You... Y-you looked... Really scared...." The blue eyed alchemist replied quietly, "I-I mean, I saw you when C-Cassandra attacked us, y-you were frightened during then, b-but.... When she said she needed to talk you... Y-you... I've never seen you looked that worried...."
*Damn it he noticed! How did he notice?! Ok, *calm* down, you can fix this, just act casual like usual, he doesn't know anything*, he eyed Eugene for a second, *...Yet....*
"Easy Freckles, she just took me off guard for a bit. It kinda seemed like she was having a rough start with your dad so I got nervous"
*There ya go, keep going!*
"So when she asked me to come and speak with her, I thought she would tell me to stay away from him since they don't seem to like each other"
*Almost there, now bring it home!*
"By proxy that would include you since he is your dad. But she just wanted my opinion on outfit or something, it wasn't important", he noticed Quirin raise a brow, but the man stayed quiet
"Oh", Varian replied, feeling a lot more at ease with that answer, "o-oki, I'm glad she doesn't want you to stay away from me or my dad just... Please don't scare me like that, you had me really worried"
"Aww, you care!"
"Of course I do!" Varian retorted, startling the green eyed teen and Ruddigar, "why wouldn't I you're.... You're really important to me"
Hugo stopped and stared at the teen before a wide smile stretched across his face for a moment, which he quickly covered up by clearing his throat and blushing profusely, "uh y-yeah you're uh *ahem* you're really important to me to Freckles, eheh, ehehe"
Varian snorted, "wow, the great Hugo, flustered by a simple compliment? Never thought I'd see the day"
"Shut up!" Hugo stated, getting Varian to laugh as he punched the teen's arm lightly, "you're one to talk, last time *we* spoke you looked like a tomato!"
Now it was Varian's time to blush, "I did not!"
"You did so! And it was all because of-!" He stopped and smirked
The blue eyed alchemist raised a brow, "what?"
Hugo leaned forwards, not saying a word before he placed a hand on Varian's cheek, and kissed him on the nose, shocking everyone. He backed up and grinned, a light blush coming over his face, "because of that"
Varian was silent, though he felt his face grow hot as it turned a bright red as Ruddigar sniffed him again, "well then", Quirin stated with a wide smile, "that happened"
Edmund chuckled, "little peanut got a kiss! That's *adorable*!" He exclaimed before mumbling, "I wonder if I'm making things better or worse for him by saying that....." to himself, "maybe Eugene will know?"
"I don't think anyone can make this better or worse dad", the Dark Prince replied with a grin before as he, and Rapunzel, who placed a hand over her mouth to stop her squeal, watched their younger brother
Varian blinked a couple times before he looked at Hugo, "you good there Freckles?" The green eyed teen asked
"U-um....." Was all Varian could let out before he became quiet once again, Ruddigar nuzzled him, it didn't seem to work
Hugo snickered, "Quirin I think I broke him"
"Oh no", the retired knight replied with a chuckle before he walked over, "son?" He asked, waving a hand in the teen's face, when that didn't work he looked at Hugo, "do you have a vial with a cork on it? Preferably empty?"
"Yeah"
"Could I borrow it for a second?"
"Sure?" He grabbed the vial out of his pocket and handed it to Quirin
"Thank you", the retired knight replied before holding the vial in front of his son and uncorking it, getting it to make a small *pop*
"RACCOONS! Huh w-what? What just happened to me?" Varian asked, startling Ruddigar once again, as he saw his father grinning at him
"That, my son, is what I like to call, a love freeze"
The blue eyed alchemist blinked a bit before nudging his father, "daad!" He stated, blushing again as Quirin chuckled
"You're welcome for waking you up, you may continue with your adorable courting"
"DAD!"
Quirin laughed, "okahahay I'm done, I'm done!" He replied before stepping out of the way, handing Hugo, who had his hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing, his vial back
Varian glared at the man before he looked at Hugo once again and blushed, stroking Ruddigar's fur ansxiously, "uh... Eheheh he's uh... He's joking"
"Noted", the green eyed alchemist replied, "say we um, we never finished the tour of the castle did we?"
The blue eyed teen smiled, "you're right we uh, we-we-we didn't"
"Wanna finish it? A nice walk around may get us in the mood for food later"
"Sure", Varian replied before looking over at Trinity and Hector, "did you wanna come with?"
The Ingvarrian smiled and shook her head, "I think I'd like to stay here for a bit and just... Talk", she replied, looking at the wild tamer
Hector smirked, "I'm fine with that, though I was having a picnic with Quirin, Adira, and King Edmund.... And Itty Bitty Quirin's fish, if you don't mind the company, you could join"
"Itty Bitty does tricks", Quirin offered with a grin
Trinity giggled before nodding, "I'd love to", she replied
Varian smiled as he watched his family walk away before turning to look at Hugo, "guess it's just us then, is that okay?"
Hugo smiled happily at the teen, making him blush again, "lead the way Vaaaarian"
The blue eyed alchemist giggled, "right this way Huuuuugo", they snickered as they began to walk back towards the castle, Ruddigar chittering as his tail swished excitedly, "yeah we'll grab some apples on the way bud, don't worry".
Eugene and Rapunzel smiled wide as they watched to groups split, "I hope things stay like this, it's nice", the princess stated, leaning against her lover happily
"Me too, well, mostly", Eugene stated, "I could change a few things"
"Like what?"
"Well like the weather, it's a little breezy, and maybe we could've had our own picnic before my crazy family got here"
Rapunzel giggled, "how about we go into my room instead, I could get us some snacks"
Eugene smiled, "I'd love that", with that, he and Rapunzel made their way towards the castle as well, as they walked in they noticed Donella and Cyrus were standing in the halls, next to the windows. Eugene's heart sank as he thought about what they might've just seen, "hey blondie, I'll catch up in a second, I just remembered something I need to take care of"
"Sure okay, but don't be too long ok?"
"You got it!" Eugene replied, watching his princess leave before he looked at the pair, who were now looking back at him, "hi"
"Hello", Donella replied
"Can we help you?" Cyrus asked coldly
The women in green stepped forwards, "now now Cyrus, he's not doing anything wrong, he just said hello"
"She's right, Cyrus", Eugene replied, "besides", he looked directly at Donella, "I would never start something I couldn't finish"
The women raised a brow, "me either", she replied, her voice deepening just a bit, "then again, I don't start something unless I *need* to, do you have reason to believe I should?"
"Not exactly, as long as everyone gets along and no one hurts anyone else, then we should be *perfectly* fine", the Dark Prince replied, relishing when he saw the women's eye's widening just a hair, "of course who's to say who hurt who am I right? I mean it's not like there are guards everywhere and handmaidens checking every room for any signs of wear and tear every day. No no, I just stopped by to say hello and see how you're doing because, from what Varian told me earlier, you seemed pretty angry before", he stated wit ha smile, keeping his eyes locked on her at all times, "and since you really can't leave until this ball is over, I know how hard it can be to find a good hiding spot where no one can see you, because, as you probably know, I know every inch of this castle inside and out, and I tend to kinda, walk around a lot, you know, with the princess, and my friends, like Lance, Varian.... *Quirin*"
"I understand your point Mr. Fitzherbert", Donella replied, equally as polite, her eyes never leaving the man's face, "of course, I have to do my job, and that's to keep things in order for her majesty, the Queen of Ingvarr, and the Duke and Duchess. Especially if, certain things, tend to step out of line"
"Right right, you have every right to do your job however way you see fit, far be it from me to stand in anyone's way and it's certainly none of my business of course", Eugene replied, "but see, it's also a part of *my* job, to see to it that *everyone* is happy. That includes you, your best friend Cyrus, and what was your other friend's name? Oh yeah, Hugo, right? Right, so, you see Donnie, can I call ya Donnie? I think we're good enough *friends* for nicknames, see Donnie, I *have* to do my job here in Corona, and the thing is, we don't really like it when not everyone is happy in the castle", he replied, wrapping an arm around the women, "so, you know, I just wanna make sure you know that and also know that I'll be checking in on all of you from time to time, just to, you know, keep the peace and make sure everyone's fine, happy, and *healthy*". He unwrapped his arm and dusted her shoulder off, "off course, that won't be a problem for *you* because you're just doing what you need to do, and I completely understand that, but I thought I'd give ya a heads up so that you're not so surprised when you see me walking around or even popping in to say hi"
The women glared at the man, "what would give you the impression that we weren't fine, happy, and *healthy*, if I may ask?"
"Oh you know, how worried Varian seemed to be when you came out and seemed to get into a bit of an argument with his dad over, seemingly nothing. How you asked you little friend for his opinion on something right after and, oh I don't know, I guess I just happen to *recognize* when someone is upset is all, no biggie. I just sort of *notice* these things, I mean you don't become a legendary thief for no reason am I right?" He chuckled, "anyway, you do you, have a *great* time and keep doing your job, I just wanted to give you a heads up because, we're all trying to have a good time here", he glared at her, "and we don't want that messed up, okay? This was a *great* talk Donnie, I hope you, Cyrus, and uh... Oh geez I keep forgetting his name uh-oh yeah, Hugo, have a great time here and *enjoy* your stay, alright? See ya later!" He walked away, secretly slipping behind a corner when he knew she wasn't looking.
All was quiet for a moment or two before he heard Cyrus speak up, "what are you gonna do Don?"
"For now, play by his rules...." She replied, her voice filled to the brim with venom, "I'll just have to... Take care of him is all, as I always do"
Eugene heard Cyrus snicker, "need any help?"
"No, this time I think I'll handle this little *bug* myself, he's not as stupid as the others were, so I'll need to be careful"
"What about the boy?"
"As I said, we'll play his game for now and keep Hugo happy until I can get rid of Mr. Fitzherbert, after that? We'll *deal* with *Hugo*...."
Eugene growled as he heard Cyrus let out another snicker before he heard the two walk away, *that's right lady, come after me first-!*
"Eugene?" A voice replied, startling the man, he turned around to see Varian, Ruddigar, and Hugo looking at him with concern, "what are you doing?" The blue eyed teen asked with a raised brow
"Oh uh, nothing kiddo, just you know, leanin, looking cool, as you do", he replied as he leaned against the wall
"oookay uh, Rapunzel's looking for you, something about an indoor picnic-I don't know. She's got a whole fort built in her room with way more food than she should be eating a few hours before dinner time"
Eugene chuckled, "right, I'll take care of that", he replied, "thanks for letting me know kiddo, oh hey, how's the tour going?"
"Actually, we haven't really gone too far yet", Varian replied with a blush as Hugo smirked, "we keep getting distracted with alchemy in literature"
"You can't turn any metal into pure gold, it's a fact!" Hugo stated, "yet they keep writing about it in old books and it makes life hard for us alchemists because *everybody* thinks we can just make our own gold, it's fucking crazy!"
"I know right?! And then with the King Midas story with his gold touch, it's physically impossible!" Varian agreed, stopping when he saw the look on Eugene and Ruddigar's faces, "uh eheheh, we uh... Got *really* distracted"
Eugene chuckled, "why don't you two go into the library and look at the Demanitus wing? Don't you two both have an alchemical crush on the guy?"
"I.... Will not respond to that question", Varian stated, as Hugo and Ruddigar laughed
"Get out of here you two", Eugene replied with a grin, "just watch the time kiddo, if I've gotta come over and drag your butts out of there because you're late to dinner I'm gonna tell Quirin on you!"
"We'll watch the time.... And don't threaten to tell my *dad* on me!"
"Then don't be late for dinner"
"Imma throw a book at you"
"Come on before we run out of time Freckles", Hugo stated, Ruddigar chittering in agreement, "you've been gushing about this Demanitus wing for a while, I wanna get some time in it"
"Ok ok, but I'm watching you!" Varian stated to Eugene
"The feeling's mutual!" The Dark Prince replied with a snicker before he watched to two walk to the library, noticing how happy Hugo looked as he laughed and messed with Varian. Eugene smiled, *that's right kid, you're safe here, don't worry, I'll make sure of it*
Notes:
Hello!
So this is kind of three stories in one, but they all end up mashing together with a little overlap. I've seen some people write like this and I wanted to try it, I hope it came out well! :D
I love Trinity, I think she's a sweetheart and having her there is gonna bring a whole new side to Hector that I'm super excited to write! :D
Hector is being the best younger brother ever and messing with his siblings while also complimenting them! It's very sweet and I love it! <3
Varian got his kiss returned! I'm gonna write more fluff, but I was very excited about that, also, VARIGO MOMENTS!!!!!
Hugo being loved is so much fun to write! Imma write more! :D
Eugene is the BEST big brother ever! Lance is also the best, just in a different way, (don't worry, he'll be coming in soon). I love writing Eugene being sneaky and protective, he's an amazing character and I love him to death, writing him more makes me love him more! XD
Donella and Cyrus are the main baddies for this part of the story, them and some other characters I haven't introduced yet but I think you can all guess. I loved writing that conversation between Donella and Eugene because I can definitely see him doing that to her. She's not stupid either, she knows what he means, so this is gonna be a fun Ball! XD
Quirin is best dad, I love Edmund, but Quirin is best dad by far! I love the man so much and I love writing him being sweet and adorable with his bean! :D
Edmund, Adira, and Rapunzel did not get a lot of time in the spotlight today, but they have had, or will have, their moments soon! :D
Ruddigar is the best animal in the series by far, as always! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 158: Uh oh!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo talk and grow closer, much to the dismay of a red headed werewolf girl
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*that's right kid, you're safe here, don't worry, I'll make sure of it*
Hugo looked over his shoulder at the man, seeing the man smiling back at him. He gave him a smirk, he didn't know why, but he got the oddest feeling the Dark Prince had just done him a huge favor, though he wasn't sure what, "you okay?" Varian asked, interrupting his thoughts
"Huh? Oh sorry, I'm good, just thinking", the green eyed alchemist replied
"About what?" The blue freckled teen asked, "something complicated? Ooh like a math equation?!"
Hugo snorted, "you're such a dork"
"I know", Varian replied, a light blush coming across his face, "hey Hugo"
"Hm?"
"W-when you kissed my nose earlier... W-were you.... Trying to aim lower?"
The bespeckled alchemist stopped and blushed profusely, "Whaaat! I uh, I-I wasn't gonna-and in front of dad to-I uh.... W-what would you say if I said yes?"
Varian giggled, "I'd say you'd need new glasses", he laughed when he felt the blond lightly punch his arm before laughing as well.
"Your dad's right, you are a brat", Hugo snickered
"I know", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "b-but... In all seriousness... Thanks for that", he said, "it... Meant a lot to me"
"The kiss?"
"Yeah", the freckled teen looked at the other, "you.... Didn't have to do that, b-but you did and it made me... Happy, so... uh... Eheh h-has it gotten hot? I uh I'm not sure what's happening to me", he stated as Ruddigar chittered happily, nuzzling his boy affectionately and helping his anxiety go down
Hugo blushed, but smirked, "you're welcome Freckles", he replied, "let me know if you want me to do that again anytime soon"
Varian laughed nervously, "I-I-I y-yeah I um... Uh... Eheh uh-!"
Th bespeckled teen snickered, "easy goggles, I'm just messing with ya"
"I-I know... And it's mean"
"Can you blame me? You're cute when you blush like that"
Varian's eyes widened as he looked at the green eyed alchemist, "I.... Doggonit *stop* that!"
Hugo laughed again, wiping a tear from his eye as he did so, "ah you're so much fun to fluster!" He saw the freckled teen pout and snorted, "come on goggles, I'll stop, why don't we head over to the Demanitus wing yeah?"
"Fine"
"Aw come on, you can't stay mad at me"
"I can certainly try!" He saw the bespeckled teen smirk at him, "ugh... You're a brat nugget"
"I know"
"A flirty brat nugget"
"This I also know"
"And you're evil"
"Absolutely"
".....Oki let's go"
"Alrighty then", Hugo follow the flustered teen, noticing Ruddigar nuzzling his boy's cheek a bit, getting the blue eyed alchemist to calm down as they reached the Demanitus wing, "wow, it's *huge*!"
"Yeah", Varian nodded with a smile, seeming to have calmed down, Hugo made a mental note to sneak the raccoon a few extra apples later. "Demanitus originally came from Corona, he helped the Dark Kingdom become... Well a Kingdom actually!"
"Really?"
"Yeah, that's what my grandpa tells me, Demanitus helped the people of the Dark Kingdom, who used to be an old tribe that worshipped the Moon, find a home and land for their people. The Dark Kingdom people having helped the Coronans during that time to warrant such a reward", he explained happily, "so when my grandpa, aunt, and uncle came to Corona to meet me and see my dad after 15 long years, Rapunzel asked if he'd be willing to share some of their history since Demanitus played a huge role in their history, he helped add more to this wing and now more people know about the Dark Kingdom!"
"Do they know about the Moonstone?" Hugo asked curiously
"No, Grandpa decided that should be left out, just because of... Well what's happening now.... S-so that part of their history isn't in these old books, but Grandpa says that one day, he'll convince dad to bring me to the Dark Kingdom where they have *hundreds* of books and scrolls on the Moonstone alone! I'm so excited for that, I can't *wait* to find out more about the Dark Kingdom, I really can't! I-It's a part of me after all, and... You know, I never really told anyone this but... I've always kinda felt like a part of me was missing... L-like I didn't really know a lot about myself or my family... I realize why *now* considering talking about your home being destroyed would be hard for *anyone* to do but... I just... I don't know... I never really felt... At *home* in Corona...." Varian admitted sadly as Ruddigar pat his cheek comfortingly, "eheh, s-sorry, that uh... That got a little too emotional, eheheh"
"No Freckles I... I get it", Hugo replied gently, "I understand how you feel because I... Never really had a home before..."
"Really?"
"Yeah", the green eyed teen replied with a bitter chuckle, "I grew up in the slums of Ingvarr", at Varian's confused expression Hugo explained, "in Ingvarr, there are three classes, high class, middle class, and low class, the higher ups are the Queen herself, Duke and Duchess, noble men and women, war heros and veterans, and rich people. Middle was guards, hand maidens, royal advisors, royal scientists, and anyone with a decent job, and then there was the lower class. They were the burglars, thieves, murderers, thugs, homeless, abused, poor, and broken... My family was lower class... It was just me, my mom, and my father... When I was about 4 years old, my mom... she got really sick one day and... Well she wasn't with us after that.... And my father couldn't make enough to really keep me and him afloat alone, so he went to the Queen to beg for help... The Queen had sent us to the Duke and Duchess, who already had two kids and didn't want a third... Apparently something happened with their third child, I'm guessing that's your uncle"
"Yeah", Varian replied quietly
Hugo chuckled, "makes sense... The Duke wanted nothing to do with me, but the Duchess thought I could useful for chores and such, so they asked if they could buy me from my father... In return they would give him a good amount of money, a job, and a decent home.... He said yes and that was that...."
"Your father... Oh Hugo I... I'm so sorry"
"It's alright Freckles, to be honest I'm really glad he did. It was a good thing for the both of us, he didn't care about me, so I went somewhere where I could be useful. In a way, I learned a lot working for the Duke and Duchess's family, that's actually where I started to develop an interest in science and Alchemy, I would constantly see what the royal scientist could do and ended up trying a could experiments myself! I got really good at it and ended up getting noticed.... By Donella", he sighed, "she was a retired royal scientist, she wasn't very old when she retired, but something happened to her on her last adventure and she ended up losing a friend of hers, so she retired...."
The freckled teen's eyes widened as he remember what his father had said earlier, "d-did she mention who that friend of hers was?"
"No, she didn't like to talk about it, anytime I would bring it up I'd always get a glare and was told to drop it... Why?"
"No reason, I just... Had a thought, but, what happened when you met her?"
"Well she caught me one day, practicing alchemy, freaked me the hell out too, I wasn't supposed to be doing that".
"Why not?"
"In Ingvarr, you stick to the role you have, if you're a duchess, you stay a duchess, if you're a servant, you stay a servant, it's how it things worked. Anyone who deviated from what they were supposed to do would be seen as abandoning their livelihood and would be punished, you played your part, nothing more, nothing less, unless you got *really* lucky or managed to leave Ingvarr without a trace"
"Hector"
"Right, so when she saw me, I thought I'd be punished, abandoned and alone once again, I *begged* her not to tell anyone, said I'd do anything for her. She... took that literally and asked if I wanted to get away from there, I said yes and she smiled. She asked if I could go with her, and train to be an alchemist, the Duchess didn't seem to care, saying I was bad at my job anyway and handed me off.... So I went with Don, she taught me all about alchemy and science, kept me fed and gave me clothing I'd never had before. I'm really grateful to her, but I know how you feel because I never really had a forever home either... I just kinda stayed with her, she was the only constant in my life, she still is actually, so I stick by her side.... No matter what... She's... The only person who's ever seen a use in me...." Varian watched as Hugo looked at the ground, neither saying a word for a while before the blue eyed alchemist hugged the bespeckled teen, "w-what are yo-!"
"I think you're useful, a-and that you have an amazing talent, in and outside of alchemy. A-and even if you didn't, I'd still care about you, you're really funny and really sweet. E-even if you didn't share my interests, or didn't have any kind of 'use', I'd still want you around, because you're you", he smiled at Hugo
The green eyed teen was shocked for a moment or two before he smiled back and returned the hug, "thanks Freckles, that.... Really means a lot"
They heard a sniffle from behind them before a voice stated, "that's *sniffle* the sweetest things I've seen all day!"
Breaking the hug the two alchemists looked behind them to see the last person they'd thought they'd see, "LANCE!" Varian yelled as he blushed profusely, "what are you *doing* in here?!"
"I came here because I was invited to the ball and Catalina and Angry wanted somethin to do during it, so I thought they could try reading", the former thief explained, "but what I just saw was probably the best love story in any old book!"
"Yeah V, who knew you could be so gushy", Angry replied as she, and Catalina, walked out from behind the emotional man with a smirk
"G-girls?! I-we-um-it was j-just-he-I-I-!"
"Were having a quiet moment and thought you were *alone*?"
Varian glared at the girl as he blushed, "not funny! We were having a private mome-!"
"How much did you three hear?" Hugo's voice interrupted, it was soft and quiet, almost timid. The blue eyed alchemist turned to look at the blond and noticed a single tear sliding down his face.
"H-hugo-!"
"H-how much did you h-hear?" He repeated
"Not much I promise", Lance replied quickly, "we only saw Varian hugging you and you huggin him back"
"You're sure?"
"Yeah", the former thief replied, "we couldn't hear you, we just happened to see you and I thought it was cute so we came over and made a little joke, sorry about that"
"It's..." Hugo let out a sigh of relief, "it's fine, just..."
"Yeah I understand", Lance replied with a smile, "sorry"
"It's okay"
Varian looked at Hugo worried before the green eyed teen gave him a reassuring smile. The freckled teen smiled back and nodded before he looked at the three, "so you're coming to the ball too?"
"Yup! Got our invitations right here!" Lance replied as he pulled out three pieces of paper that Varian could clearly see were made by Rapunzel, if the glitter was anything to go by
"Ah"
"Question V, do we *have* to wear really dumb looking clothes? Or can we just come like this?" Angry asked, gesturing to the clothing she was wearing at the moment
"As much as I love your sense of fashion, you're gonna have to wear some formal clothing"
The dark haired girl pouted before the freckled teen noticed Catalina was staring at the floor, "hey Cat, you okay? You've been kinda quiet today"
"Hm?" She looked up and blushed, "o-oh no i-it's nothing just...." Her eyes quickly looked over at Hugo, who noticed, before she looked at Varian again, "....just thinking"
"Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine", she responded, "like I said, just thinking"
Lance looked at her worriedly as did Angry before the dark haired girl looked at Hugo and instantly understood, stepping in front of her sibling, "don't worry about her, she's just nervous about this boring ball is all. I mean, we're gonna be around royalty that doesn't like thieves, or former thieves, really stuck up nobles, and probably a very exhausted Rapunzel considering this is a pretty huge deal"
"...Right..." Varian said before Ruddigar chittered at him, pointing to one of his gauntlets, "huh? Oh! Dinner!" He looked at the gauntlet, "oh crud, we have 5 minutes to be there before Eugene comes! Come on we've gotta go!" He grabbed Hugo's hand and began to run out
"Woah!" The green eyed alchemist stated as he was pulled, "you're really that worried about Eugene coming?"
"If he tells my dad that I was late to dinner because I was in the library, dad'll tell me I won't be allowed in there for the rest of the time you're here!"
"Ah, well then we'd better hurry, which way's the kitchen?"
"That waAAAAAAY!" Varian yelled as Hugo picked up the pace, taking the lead and getting them to the kitchen much faster than the blue eyed teen would have, getting him to smile wide as Ruddigar held on for dear life.
All the while Angry, Catalina, and Lance watched them run off, the former thief snickering, "those two, I swear, they're too cute for wor-Hey, you okay?" He asked, looking directly at Catalina
"Huh?" The red head replied, looking up as she felt tears slide down her face, "y-yeah I'm fine, j-just-!"
"Broken hearted" Angry stated sadly
"Broken hearted? About wh-! ...Oh...." Lance said, the realization hitting him like a caravan, "oh... Catalina hey, it's gonna be okay"
"Yeah Cat, besides they didn't say they were together, just friends for right now is all", Angry stated
"Yeah! Wait what?"
"T-they didn't?" Catalina asked
"No they didn't! Besides, V never showed an interest in boys, and from what I heard, his last crush was Cassandra"
"Wait, girls he-!" Lance tried
"You mean that?" Catalina asked, her eyes widening with hope
"I know it!" Angry stated, "so don't worry too much, we haven't seen him or Hugo really do much save for hug, so you've still got a chance"
The red head smiled wide, "o-okay, then I'm gonna need to get him something right now!"
"Why now?"
"Because you saw how they were acting with each other! I've gotta hurry up and tell him, I.... I *want* to... I've been waiting to tell him because I've been too afraid of what he'd say, b-but now I need to before Hugo wins him over!"
"Wait, g-girls-!" Lance tried again
"Then let's go and get something he's gonna like! Come on!" Angry stated, grabbing her sister's hand and running off with her, leaving Lance behind as he watched the girls disappear down the hall
His heart began to race as he felt a crippling amount of worry swell inside his chest, "oh no...."
Notes:
Hello!
So the title doesn't make sense until the very end, but I feel it's pretty fitting! :3 We've got another two parter coming up soon! :D
Lance is back! The king is back baby!!!!! I missed the man so freaking much! Though, to be fair, he doesn't get a whole lot of screen time in this particular chapter, but trust me when I say he will soon! :D
Catalina and Angry are back too! And now we've got a story for them, well, for Catalina, and you'll see what it is soon! :D
Varian is the best Moon bean in the world and I love him to bits and pieces!!!!! I will always love the Moon bean, he's a huge comfort and I can't wait to write this upcoming story!!!!!
Hugo's got a backstory!!!! This is merely one of the three backstories I have given him, but it fits this story the best and I actually have an idea of where to take this! :D Poor bean was abandoned... I feel really bad for him, but Varian and Quirin will help him, so will Eugene and Lance! :D Hugo is gonna get a happy ending for sure! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 159: Broken Hearted! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Catalina finds a perfect gift for Varian, only to find out the awful truth!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Catalina ran with her sister as they made their way through the castle, she didn't know where they were headed, but she knew one thing, she had to tell Varian how she felt, she just had to! She felt determination swell in her chest before she took the lead, running out of the castle and into the town square. The cool evening air blowing gently against their faces as she looked around for something that would catch the blue eyed teen's interest! That's when she saw it, sitting right inside the window, the very first Flynn Rider book with big bold letters saying, 'limited edition, signed by the author R.K. Tumbling copy!' "There!" She pointed to the bookshop, "that's what I wanna give him, he'd *love* it!"
"A signed, limited edition, Flynn Rider book huh?" Angry replied, "that would be the perfect gift for him, but how to get it?"
"Right, we don't have any money"
"Well we do, just not enough for that", they thought for a moment, Angry getting a smirk on her face, "I mean we could always just take it"
"Angry!"
"I'm kidding.... Mostly"
Catalina raised a brow, "I don't wanna give him something we stole!" She stated, "I wanna give him something that he'll love and that I got the right way"
"Ok so, how are we gonna raise the money?"
"Hmmm... Well we could do odd jobs"
"Like what? Who would want two little kids doing odd jobs for them?"
"Hey Catalina, hello Angry", a familiar voice said, the two girls turned to see who was speaking to them, only to be met with a warm smile from a very tall old farmer
"Quirin!" Catalina exclaimed, "hi! What are you doing in town?"
"Well Varian's going to be helping around the castle today and me, Adira, Hector, King Edmund, and Hector's sister finished our picnic, so I thought I'd grab a few things for later", the retired knight explained
"A few things?" Angry asked
"For later?" Catalina finished
Quirin nodded, "some treats for Varian and I, he likes palace food, but isn't really used to it. So we always share some treats in the evening so his stomach doesn't get upset. Plus I need to pick a couple things for when we go back to the farm"
Angry tilted her head, "aren't you and V staying for the ball? Also, shouldn't you be at dinner right now?"
"Yeah, but I like to get my shopping done early, the Ball is going to be crazy with all the royals and citizen that'll want to see them, so the traffic will be... Well... Varian would get crushed, we'll just say that", the man replied with a chuckle, "also I just had a picnic with my siblings, father figure, and my sibling's sibling... If that makes any sense, so I'm not too hungry at the moment-! Actually, what are you two doing here, shouldn't you be at dinner with Lance?"
"Looking for a gift for Varian", Catalina replied shyly, "plus Lance already made dinner, so we're not very hungry right now"
Quirin smiled, "I see, and that's very sweet of you, have you found anything yet?"
"Yup", she pointed to the book once again
"Oh wow, he'd love that, though it's a little much for a simple gift don't you think?"
"I-it's actually for something special"
"Something special?"
"I-it's... Kind of a secret"
"Oh, oki dokie then"
Angry then got an idea, "hey, if we help you with your shopping, would *you* help us buy the book? We'd be earning the money to do it!"
The Village Leader gave a sad smile, "I'm sorry but I don't really need any help right now girls"
"Pleeeeeeeeeeease?" They both said, giving the man their own versions of his son's puppy dog eyes
Quirin snorted, "you're both getting better at that, but if I can stand up to Varian's, I can stand up to anyone's"
"That's true", Catalina stated, "but how are we gonna get that book before someone else does? I don't have enough to buy it for him!"
"How much is it?"
"I.... Don't know... More than I can afford, I know that"
Quirin thought for a moment before he sighed, "let me take a look", he walked over, having the two girls follow behind him and checked the pricing, "100 gold pieces", he said, letting out an impressed whistle, "comes with an authenticity certificate too, wow"
"Yeah...." The red head replied, "I only have 25 gold pieces, that's not nearly enough"
The retired knight looked at the girl, noting how sad she looked, *huh... It seems like this is really important to her... All for Varian too....* He smirked, "alright, if you two help me out, I'll help you buy the book"
"Really?!" They both asked
"Yes", he chuckled, "but we'll need to hurry, the bookstore closes around sunset"
"Oh crap, ok, what do we do, when do we do, and how do we do?" Angry asked quickly
Quirin chuckled, "I need to pick up some fruit and veggies first"
"Don't you live on, and own, all of Corona's farms?"
"I didn't bring any food with me when we came here, and I happen to know fruit and veggies here a fresh because we grow them"
"Why are you buying it then?"
They began to walk towards the fruits and veggie stalls, "because I like to support local businesses, plus the moment we hand the produce over to the sellers, it's no longer ours anymore. So I always buy what I need back, plus I don't take what I grow off the farm, that'd be stealing since it's not for me, it's for Corona"
"Huh, never thought of it like that before"
Catalina smiled as she saw the booth come into view, "what foods do you need?"
"Let's see", Quirin pulled out his list, "apples, nuts, and berries for Ruddigar, then some carrots, asparagus, tomatoes, and grapes for Varian and I"
"Doesn't V hate asparagus and carrots?" Angry asked
"Yes, but he still needs to eat them, they'll help you grow stronger in the future"
The red head smiled and nodded, "I'll look for the carrots and asparagus, Angry do you wanna get the grapes and tomatoes while Quirin gets the fruit and nuts for Ruddigar?"
"Ok", the dark haired girl replied, walking off to get what she was told, Quirin doing the same
Catalina looked around and found the carrots and asparagus, picking a couple up and checking them, remembering something Varian had told her and her sister before:
*"So you work on a farm, right V?" Angry had asked
"Yes?" Varian responded, "why do you ask?"
"Well, me and Cat were thinking about growing some food around our place, like you and your dad do, but we have a problem"
"What's that?" Catalina stepped forwards and shyly showed the alchemist a rotted and chewed on carrot, "woah!"
"Yeah, how do we not get... That? Because it's been happening to majority of the stuff we grow"
The teen took the fruit and sniffed it a bit, "yikes! Oki, first thing, find *good* soil, not every soil you step on is gonna have the nutrients it takes to grow an actual plant"
"How do we tell the difference?" Catalina asked curiously
"Usually you can tell by how well the soil holds the water and how the water drains from it. The best soil to use would be Loamy soil, stuff with lots of silt, sand, and clay. Worms can also help you identify which soil is good because they live in it in order to survive", the teen explained. When he saw the confused expressions he was receiving he giggled, "sorry, I learned this stuff from my dad, basically good soil will have worms and moisture"
"Why worms?" The red head replied
"Because they help the oxygen flow from the soil into the plant and they break down the organic matter in the soil that helps the plants grow"
"Huh, neat! So, where would be the best spot for us to plant food?"
Varian smiled at the red head, getting her to blush, "I can help you two look if you'd like, maybe dad'll let me borrow a few seeds so we can start a little garden for you two! You'll need to check them though, they're not ripe if they're small and green, or just small, make sure you get the best ones by touching or squeezing any fruit or veggie you see, if it's too touch, it's not ripe, if it's too soft, it's over ripe!"
"So it's like Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Has to be juuust right?" Angry joked
Varian smirked, "as much as I dislike that particular story, it's very much like that"
"You don't like Goldilocks and the three bears?"
"The bears would *eat* that girl! And why are they living in a house, sleeping in beds, and eating porridge from bowls? It makes not logical sense!"
"You're such a nerd"
"You want me to show you how to plant stuff or not?"
"Fine fine, I'll stop... For now"
Varian sighed as Catalina giggled at the two*
The red head hummed in delight as the memory faded before she looked at the produce once more, touching each one until she found a couple bushels of asparagus and carrots that seemed perfect. She took them and walked over to Quirin, "will there do?" She asked, handing them to the old farmer
"Wow, these are actually perfect, you've got an eye for veggie pickin", he responded with a smile before ruffling the little girl's head, "we'll make a farmer out of you yet", he joked
Catalina giggled, blushing a little, "thanks! I'm glad they're alright, what else do we need to do?"
"Well first, wait for your sister, who is eyeing every grape", he chuckled as he watched Angry, "then head to Monty's after buying all of this", he gestured to the basket he was holding
The red head nodded before she heard a small commotion, turning she saw Angry yelling at another customer, who looked like he was wanting to take the grapes she was looking at, "um..."
Quirin chuckled, "hang on, I've got it"
****
"I still can't believe you let that guy take those grapes", Angry stated as she pouted, "they were *prefect*!"
"I understand, but the grapes you found after were perfect too", Quirin responded good naturedly, "plus you uh... sort of bit the man"
"He started it!"
"Well it's okay though right? We did end up getting the stuff you needed yeah?" Catalina asked nervously
The retired knight nodded, "yes we did, and I really appreciate the help. Once we're done at Monty's, we'll have just enough time to walk back to the book store and pick up the present"
"YES!" The girls exclaimed, high fiving each other happily before they ran ahead and waited for the man at the sweet's shop entrance.
Quirin chuckled, "you two remind me of Varian"
"We do?" Catalina asked
"Yeah, when he was younger, he was always this energetic when we would go to Monty's together"
"V energetic about something other than alchemy? That's a lie", Angry joked with a smirk
The retired knight snorted, "you're right, to a point, Varian loves his alchemy, but back then he loved to go on walks through out the town with me, saying hi to everyone and looking for the newest Flynn Rider wanted poster. He always managed to sneak one back home and I never had the heart to take them away", he smiled lovingly as he thought about his son when he was younger
"Does he still do that now?" Catalina asked
"Sometimes, but... It's a little harder for him to do that now"
"What do you mean?" Angry asked
Quirin gave them a sad smile, "well, let's just say the townspeople were a little more accepting of Varian before he started doing bigger alchemy experiments, and...."
"....The Seporian attack... Right?"
"...Yeah"
"He still gets scolded for that?" Catalina asked worriedly
The Village Leader nodded, "I still get people asking me how I can have a son like that", he scoffed, "I tell them it's because they don't know the full story. They always walk away after that... Muttering to themselves, but they'll see", the father stated, "they'll see what my son can do and how much good he can bring to this kingdom, and I'll be standing right by his side, always"
Angry and Catalina smiled up at the man, "we will too", the dark haired girl replied, "he's our misfit brother after all"
"Right!" The red head agreed, "misfits have to stick together", she added, blushing a bit
Quirin smiled at the two girls, "thank you for saying that, shall we go in?"
"Yeah!" They exclaimed, before running inside the store, making the retired knight chuckle
****
"Woo!" Monty exclaimed, nearly being ran into by two, little girl looking, flashes that ran by, "well then, I see we're excited", he chuckled good naturedly before noticing the Village Leader walk inside, "hey Quirin, been a while"
"Hello Monty", Quirin replied before noticing the girls, "sorry about them, they're uh, they're with me"
The candy man smiled, "ah it's alright, I'd recognize Lance's girls anywhere, they're always well behaved, but what brings you here? Come for some sweets?"
"Yes actually", he replied, noticing Catalina had ran up to him and was standing by his side politely, a small smile on her face as she waited
Monty laughed, "you've got a new little partner I see"
Quirin smiled at Catalina, "yes I do, hello"
"Hi", she replied shyly
Monty snickered a little before he gestured for the Village Leader to follow, "come over this way, I just finished baking some new snickerdoodles that the little rugrats could try"
The retired knight had to hide his grin as he became aware of the tiny dark haired girl who'd heard the word 'snickerdoodle' and stopped at his side just as her sister had. They made their way over to the counter and, as Monty gave the girls one, fresh snickerdoodle each, the Village Leader began ordering him and his son some treats. Catalina noticing a new flavored pastry Attila had just made, "what flavor is that?" She asked the Viking-like thug
"Oh, it's a mix between lemon and strawberry, I wanted to try something different today", he explained
The red head smiled, "I bet Varian would wanna try that", she looked over at Quirin before walking over to the man and pulling on his sleeve gently to get his attention, when he looked she pointed to the new pastry, "it's strawberry and lemon mixed together"
The retired knight looked at it, then smirked, "is it for sale?"
"I think so?" She looked at Attila again, "is it?"
"Yup! I have a few batches bagged and ready to go", the shy man replied
"Could I buy a few?" Quirin asked
"Of course!"
Monty happily rang up the order, including the new pastries before the retired knight paid for it and they said their goodbyes before walking out, "good eye Catalina, I'm certain Varian's gonna want to try these!" The Village Leader complimented, "and Angry, thank you for helping me carry some of the bags"
"Sure!" The dark haired girl replied, "they're actually pretty light!"
"You two were a big help today, and you certainly earned the difference on that book. Also there may be a few snickerdoodles for you two and Lance to try"
"Really?" The girls asked excitedly
"Yup"
"Thank you so much Quirin! That's really nice of you!" Catalina replied as Angry hopped up and down excitedly
The retired knight smiled wide, "no problem, now then, to the bookstore?"
"YES!" Angry exclaimed, running ahead as her sister and Quirin chuckled
****
They'd made it to the bookstore and bought the Limited Edition Flynn Rider book with the author's signature, buying it right before the store closed and making their way back to the castle. They got to the family room, where they were met with, "*THERE* YOU TWO ARE!!!!!" Lance exclaimed, rushing over and hugging the two girls affectionately, "where have you been?! I've been lookin *everywhere* for ya!"
"You two didn't tell Lance you were leaving?" Quirin asked with a raised brow
"Uh... Oops?" Angry replied with a sheepish grin as Lance set them down
"We got a little too excited about getting a present for Varian that we ended up forgetting to say where we were going", Catalina explained before looking at the man, "sorry about that"
"It's fine", Lance replied with a sigh, "I take it you were with Quirin the whole time?"
"Yeah! We helped him shop around so he helped us find the perfect gift for Varian!" Angry explained before she pulled out the book and showed it to Lance
"A sighed by the author, limited edition, Flynn Rider book?"
"WHAT?!" Eugene exclaimed from behind the man, "THERE WAS ONE OF THOSE IN TOWN?!?!?!?!" He huffed when Rapunzel placed a hand on his shoulder comfortingly
"I guess so, this must've cost a lot though", Lance replied, looking at Quirin worriedly
"Don't worry, I make enough from farming... And bets", the retired knight teased
Lance smirked before his eyes widened, "uh... Quirin did they *tell* you what this was for?"
"They said it was for Varian for something special, but that's it, why?"
"W-well um-!"
"D-don't tell him yet!" Catalina replied nervously as she blushed profusely, "I... I want Varian to tell him"
Quirin raised a brow, "you want Varian to tell me you got him a book?"
"No", Eugene responded, "she wants Varian to tell you what she plans on asking him after she gives him that book". He then looked at the girls sadly, "but... Um..." He looked over at Lance, who looked *very* worried, as did Rapunzel.
"Ok I'm concerned, what's going on?" The retired knight asked
Angry looked at the two men and the princess, "why are you all acting so weird? It's not like she's doing anything wrong, unless you think she's too young to try and court someone"
"Wait *court*?" Quirin asked, looking at the two girls as Angry clapped her hands over her mouth
"S-sorry Cat"
"It's okay", Catalina replied before she nodded to Quirin, "yes, court, I..." she blushed, "I really like Varian, a-a lot... A-and I wanted to ask him if he would want to start.... I-if he wouldn't mind if I started c-courting him"
The Village Leader was startled for a moment before he felt a wave of sadness hit him like a black rock, "Catalina, I-!"
"Is that wrong?" Angry asked, a little defensively, "she likes him, would it really be so bad for her to try?"
"N-no of course not but-!"
"But what?"
Quirin sighed as Lance kneeled down next to the girls, looking directly Catalina, "girls I... I'm so sorry, I tried to tell you earlier but... Varian... He's got feelings for Hugo"
Catalina felt her heart drop as Angry looked shocked, "WHAT?!" The dark haired girl exclaimed, "b-but, he CAN'T! They only just met, a-and he's never shown an interest in boys before!"
"I'm sorry... But it's true", Eugene replied sadly, "Varian told Quirin and I before the day we left on the trip to the Nezerdnian Market...."
"He's right", the retired knight replied softly, "I'm *so* sorry, had I known that's what the book was for I would've..." He stopped when he looked at Catalina
She was looking at the floor, the book in one hand as her tears dripped off her cheeks, "Cat... I-!" Angry started
"NO!" She yelled, "this... T-this was all POINTLESS!!!!"
"Catalina-!" Lance tried
"I DON'T WANNA HEAR IT!!!!! HE-! ...H-he l-loves him... He loves Hugo... H-he loves HUGO!!!!! WHY D-DIDN'T I SEE THAT BEFORE?! It's o-obvious he cares about him, and that blond cares right back! I'm so STUPID!!!! Why did I think anything I ever did mattered?! WHY?!"
"Catalina you didn't know", Rapunzel stated, "it's ok-!"
"No it's NOT okay!" She snapped, "he loves Hugo and I was so stupid to think he didn't! I could see it in his big, stupid, ADORABLY BLUE EYES!!!!! How he would give his full attention to him! H-how he would give him that same adorable crooked smile! How he would laugh SO HARD when Hugo made a joke! I guess that's what I am, just a JOKE! I could *see* it damn it WHY DIDN'T I LISTEN?!" She shouted, he eyes glowing red, "it's all that stupid Hugo's fault! H-he NEVER should've met Varian! T-then this *wouldn't* have happen!!!!" She screamed before she ran out of the room
"CATALINA!" Lance yelled
"We've gotta go after her, NOW!" Eugene exclaimed, they all began to run out of the room before Lance stopped and turned to see Angry not moving.
Her eyes were wide as she stared at where her sister had ran as small tears ran down her face, "Angry?" The former thief asked, stopping everyone to look at the two
"I... I-I got her hopes up... I-I hurt my sister... I...." She sniffled, "I-I made her think t-that Varian...." She couldn't finish her sentence as her sobs broke her words
Lance walked over to her and gave the little girl a hug, "it's okay honey, it's okay", he cooed softly, "you didn't know"
"I s-should've listened to you!"
"It's okay", Lance said, hugging her tighter, "you just wanted to make her happy, that's all, and that's a very noble thing to do", he said, breaking the hug and looking at the little girl with a gentle smile, "you cared about her and you didn't know that Varian had feelings for Hugo, so it's alright, I understand, and so will she. But right now we've gotta go find her, she's gonna need our support", he said, "particularly yours, okay?"
Angry sniffled one last time, wiping her eyes before she nodded, "okay"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" An ear piercing scream cut through the hallways of the castle, making everyone's blood run cold
"That sounded like-!" Eugene started
"VARIAN!" Quirin yelled as he burst into a full on sprint towards the noise, the others following right behind him as a roar ripped through the silence, accompanied by another blood curdling scream
"HUGO!" Eugene yelled, "THAT WAS HUGO!"
"CATALINA!" Lance yelled as another roar shook the castle
They all rounded a corner and stopped at the scene ahead of them. Varian and Ruddigar were on the floor, the raccoon clearly knocked out as the alchemist held him and his side as blood seeped through his clothing, he was staring, wide eyed, at the huge werewolf in front of him that held a very frightened looking Hugo in one hand with the book in another, "CATALINA!!!!" Angry yelled, "CATALINA STOP!!!!"
The werewolf turned to her and *glared*, roaring at the group, "C-catalina?" Varian said, getting her to stop and look at him. He stared at her for a long time, neither able to speak before he saw tears drip down the wolf's muzzle before the creature noticed Hugo's struggling in her grip. Her eyes became angry as she growled at the green eyed alchemist, roaring at him before she turned to the wall, busting a hole through it and taking Hugo with her
"HEEEEELP!" The blond yelled
Varian got up and ran to the hole, leaning against it as pain shot through his body, "HUGO!!!!!" He screamed, watching as the werewolf ran away from the castle, going towards the forest
Quirin was at his son's side in an instant as was the rest of the group, "Varian...." Rapunzel started, but she was unable to finish when she saw the horrified look on the teen's face as he turned to his father
"W-why?" He asked, "why d-did she just do that?"
Quirin looked at his son sadly before he replied, "because she got her heart broken...."
"B-but why did she take *Hugo*?!"
"Because he's in love with you"
The alchemist stopped and stared at his father before looking out towards the forest again. He placed his bloodied hand on his mouth as he held an unconscious Ruddigar close, "oh no...."
Notes:
Hello!
Long chapter, YAY!!!!! And here we have the first part to the two parter "Heart Broken!" Oh joy this is not going to end well!!!!! :D
I wanted to have a chapter where Quirin hangs out with the girls, and I found a way to do that! Quirin's such a patient man and a good dad, I think he would be really kind to the girls, and they would certainly have a lot of fun with him! So this chapter was kinda showing how much of a good guy Quirin is, even when he's not around Varian! (As well as start this whole arc, but you know, that comes at the end XD)
Angry is very much the more aggressive yet energetic one out of the duo, she strikes me as very loyal to the one's she loves and will do everything she can to make them happy! Hence why she took so long to get the grapes and why she bit a man who was trying to take the one's she found!
Catalina, oh my gosh this poor girl! I'm not gonna lie, I feel *really* bad for breaking her heart like this! I really love Catalina, she's the quiet, shy, and sweet one of the pair, and I would've loved to have seen more from her and her sister! But we didn't get that, so I guess Imma just break her freaking heart! XD Oh geez... Good gosh, what have I become?! XD
Rapunzel, Lance, and Eugene being the one's to tell Catalina how Varian really felt worked better here to me because had Varian told her, I couldn't think of a way to fit in her werewolf transformation (which was *criminally* underused in the show!) Plus I have an idea to still make this a very sweet ending. Plus I had my heart broken a couple times, and if I were a werewolf, I would've probably done the same thing, because I felt insanely stupid when I got my heart broken, like why should I have even felt anything for this person? So that's kinda why what happened in this chapter, happened. Getting your heart broken sucks, it just does, I'm sorry to the people who've experienced this.
Poor Hugo and Varian, like my gosh can they just get a freaking break?! (Me: No, hee hee). They just wanna love each other dang it! XD Believe it or not I was actually debating *hard core* about this chapter, I was either gonna have it be one part with Varian and Catalina talking, or I was gonna have this. I guess I decided this because why? I have no freaking clue XD
Ruddy buddy NOOOOOO!!!!! Poor baby got knocked out so badly!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 160: Broken Hearted! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian needs to save Hugo from an angry Catalina, and Hugo needs to make sure he doesn't die!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian was silent as his father carried him to the medical wing of the castle, setting the shocked teen on the bed as Eugene explained the situation to Mr. and Mrs. Solace. They immediately got to work patching up both Ruddigar and Varian. When they were done, they gave Quirin a small bottle with some pain relivers inside before letting the group have the room. Everyone was silent, no one really knew how to start, "....S-she loves me...." The alchemist stated quietly, "she l-loves me and I... I didn't...."
"That's not your fault kid", Eugene stated, "she didn't tell you and honestly, was being kinda subtle about it"
"Eugene's right son", Quirin agreed, "you didn't know, and that isn't the point right now. We need to find a way to save Hugo and calm Catalina down, that's top priority, yeah?"
Varian nodded, "of course it is but.... B-but Catalina...."
"I know son, I know", his father replied, sitting on the edge of the medical bed and wrapping one of his arms around his child gently
"She wouldn't have gotten this hopeful about trying to get with you if I didn't get her hopes up..." Angry admitted, "I'm so sorry...."
Varian looked at her, "you didn't know, it's okay, we just.... N-need to find a solution...." He looked at his unconscious raccoon, who was laying in his lap. The doctors had said he would be okay but the twirling guilt and anxiety in Varian's stomach weren't helping his nerves as he stared at his best friend sadly.
"Eugene, you've had experiences like this before", Lance stated, when the Dark Prince raised a brow he put up a placating gesture, "I don't mean it that way, I'm just... I'm worried about my kid and I don't know how to handle this...."
Eugene's gaze softened as he sighed, "yeah I've had experiences like this before, but nothing like this... save for Stallion but I needed Rapunzel and CassAndra to bust me out of that.... Adira too"
"Wait, what?" Quirin asked
"Oh I had a run in with an old Ex of mine who kidnapped me and forced me to marry her by having her dad poison Lance with a spider bite. Adira just happened to be following us and helped bust me out so she could give Rapunzel a piece to the Demanitus scroll-I-it's a long story, either way, I had to *fight* my way out of that situation, and I don't think that's what we wanna do here"
"Well, what other option is there?" the retired knight asked, "I mean Catalina just kidnapped Hugo and injured both Varian and Ruddigar without hesitation, so it's not like she's really seeing sense right now. Plus when I fought her in wolf form, though she had a lot of scratches on her when she came out of it, they seemed to lessen when she turned back into a little girl. I don't *want* to fight her, but if we don't have a different option, that may be the only way to save Hugo".
"W-what if I talked to her?" Varian asked
"Son, you're in a hospital bed because of her"
"But she froze", Rapunzel stated, getting everyone to look at her, "mind you we didn't see what she did when she first saw Hugo and Varian, but when Varian said her name, she froze and stared at him for a few seconds before she felt Hugo wriggling to escape, not that I blame him. But that could come in handy, what *if* Varian tried to talk to her?"
"Rapunzel, as much as I appreciate you not wanting to fight a little werewolf girl, she injured my son and his raccoon", Quirin stated with a worried expression, "having him walk up to her and try to talk might only result in the same thing happening"
"But what if it didn't?" The princess pushed, "what if Catalina snapped out of it and her and Varian had a heart to heart? She would calm down, Hugo would be safe, and no harm would be done to Catalina"
"Let me play Devil's Advocate as say what if it did? And what if his injuries were worse than they are now? What if Catalina see's him and grows furious because her heart is broken and seeing Varian reminds her of that? Then what would you want us to do?"
The blond looked at the retired knight, "you asked for another option"
"One that doesn't put my son in danger", he stated, "I'm sorry, but what you just proposed could either go very well, or very badly with very little in-between"
"We could *try*", Rapunzel stated, getting a little irritated, "I mean haven't I proven that I don't want Varian to be hurt by now? I could just as easily wrap my hair around him and pull him out of the way if she ends up trying to hurt him"
Quirin raised a brow, "what if there's not enough room for you to do that at a safe distance? What if Catalina jumps on him as you pull him away? What if Varian has to run away in general with the injuries he's gotten? What if she ends up hurting Hugo while trying to *get* to Varian? I appreciate you wanting a peaceful resolution princess, *I* want one too! But placing Varian in front of Catalina may do more harm than good in this situation". He then looked at Lance, "I mean no offense by that"
"I know, it's... It's just hard...." The former thief replied, "you've gotta protect your kid"
"So what, you wanna go in there swinging?" The blond asked angrily, "because you harming her before wasn't traumatic enough?!"
"Rapunzel!" Varian snapped as the princess clapped her hands over her mouth
"I-I'm sorry, I don't know where that came from!" She exclaimed as her cheeks turned red and she looked at Quirin, seeing the hurt on the retired knight's face, "I-I'm so sorry"
Eugene stepped forwards, "look we... We're all in a bad state of mind right now, how about we just take a step back for a minute and breathe, ok?"
The princess nodded, backing up a bit as Varian placed a hand on his father's shoulder comfortingly, the Village leader giving him a grateful look as he did. Everyone was silent for a moment before they all heard a small noise, looking at Varian's lap, they saw Ruddigar shake his head a bit before opening his eyes and looking up, "hey bud", the alchemist said quietly, stroking Ruddigar's left ear and getting a purr out of the small mammal, "are you alright?"
The raccoon gave a quiet chitter of confirmation before repeating the question back to his boy
"I'm alright, just..." He looked between his father and his sister, "a little torn.... Rud.... Catalina has a crush on me...."
The raccoon stopped and looked at his boy with a confused look
"Like how I feel about Hugo"
Recognizing this, the raccoon's eyes widened
"Yeah... That's.... Why she did what she did I guess..."
"Hey kid", Eugene said, "we heard screams and saw you after, but what actually happened when Catalina found you? Because she wasn't in wolf form before then"
"Well... Hugo and I had just finished up with dinner, and we weren't late"
"Yep I saw that, I was very proud, then what?"
The alchemist smirked before continuing, "well we were back in the library, checking out some other books when Hugo had an interesting question":
*"So Freckles... You said Demanitus helped the Dark Kingdom people, but he was also Coronan, right?" Hugo asked as he flipped through a history book
"Yes, why?" Varian responded, giggling when he found Ruddigar sleeping in his back pack, gently slipping it on so the raccoon could rest
"Well I was just thinking... How did the Brotherhood even start?"
"What do you mean?"
The blond alchemist smirked, "well you said Demanitus help find the Dark Kingdom people a home and land they could call their own. During that time, the Moonstone appeared, and they worshipped it. After that the Dark Kingdom began to grow around the Moonstone due to it bringing them prosperity and good fortune. But if that's the case, how did the Brotherhood come along, and what's with the glowy marks on their hands? Why did they get them, how'd they get them, are they connected to the Moonstone in some way and they had magical surgery or something?"
Varian's eyebrows rose as he listened, "you know what, I've never thought about it before! But you're right, that's so odd! My dad, my aunt, and my uncle have, at one point, shown me that mark on their hands, and it's glowed whenever they knew I was in trouble.... So.... How does it do that, did the Moonstone give that to them? My dad said he was trained and chosen from a group of warriors to be in the Brotherhood by the king himself. But how'd they form the Brotherhood before the king chose?"
Hugo smirked, "yup"
"What?"
"You're just cute when you realize something interesting"
Varian blushed, "s-stop that", he stated, getting the blond to laugh as he sighed, "my dad went out shopping, but maybe we'll be able to find my aunt or uncle somewhere around, we could ask if they know, or even grandpa"
"Your grandpa might be the best option"
"True, but I wanna see my aunt and uncle, they're fun"
The bespeckled alchemist snorted, "alrighty then, if we see them, we'll say hi"
Varian smiled with joy as he grabbed the blond's hand, "oki let's go!" He then pulled Hugo with him as they ran through the halls, looking around for any of the Dark Kingdom members. They were just about to turn the corner to go into the family room when, *THUD!*
"Hey you okay?" Hugo asked as he looked at Varian worriedly, "took a nasty fall there goggles"
The blue eyed teen rubbed his head, "yeah, I'm alright, what did I run int-!" He stopped when he saw the red headed girl standing nearby, looking at the floor, "Catalina?" Varian asked, accepting Hugo's hand to get up as he walked over to the girl, "Cat I'm so sorry are you o-!" He stopped when he saw a tear slide down her face, "kay...."
"She um.... She's got a little scrape on her cheek from running into you, but she seems alright", Hugo said, "or at least... I think she is? She didn't say anything to me when I asked"
"Cat? Are you alright?" Varian asked, kneeling down in front of her, "are you hurt anywhere?" The little girl shook her head, "did someone say something nasty to you?" Another shake of the head, "what's wrong? Why are you so upset?"
"N-no reason... I j-just need t-to go..." She said quietly before she began to walk away
"Wait, Cat", Varian called before Hugo stopped him and pointed silently to the girl's arm, which was covered in brown hair, "oh no...." Varian walked over to her, "Cat, why don't we talk for a minute-!"
"About *what*?!" She snapped, turning around to face him, her eyes filled with angry tears, a low growl emitting from her lips as she glared at the two
Varian took a step back, startled by the harsh tone before he took a breath, "a-about how you're feeling. Look you're upset, I can tell, a-and I wanna help you but, you... you've gotta try and calm down a little"
"WHY?!" She yelled, "why should *I* have to calm down when *HE'S* the whole reason this even *HAPPENED*!" She snapped, pointing at Hugo angrily, "a-and you don't even know.... Y-you don't understand why... Y-you didn't n-notice.... So WHY SHOULD I CALM DOWN?!" Her other arm becoming engulfed in the brown fur as her eyes began to glow red
"Cat please-!" Varian tried
"NO! I'm DONE trying! I'm DONE being the nice one that everyone can SHOVE TO THE FLOOR!!!!!" She screamed, her voice becoming lower and louder as her ears changed from human to wolf like, "if I can't feel happy with you then WHY SHOULD HE?! IT'S NOT *FAAAAAAAAIR!*" She roared, completely turning into a werewolf as Varian and Hugo were knocked off their feet
"CATALINA!" Varian yelled, reaching out to her, but the wolf swiped at him, scratching his side very badly and sending the teen to the floor as he let out a painful scream.
"VARIAN!" Hugo shouted, running over to his alchemist grabbing his hand. Ruddigar, sensing something was wrong, popped out of Varian's bag and growled at the werewolf, blocking both teens from danger, "hey, Freckles are you alright? Can you hear me?"
Varian opened his eyes and looked at the green eyed teen, "I-I'm alright", he replied weakly as Hugo helped him sit up before they heard Ruddigar screech. Looking they saw the raccoon fly into the wall next to Varian, "RUDDIGAR!"
The freckled teen managed to grab his best friend and hold him close as Hugo stood up and faced the werewolf, "CATALINA YOU'VE GOTTA CALM DOWN!!!!" He yelled, "I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON, BUT WHATEVER IT IS I'M CERTAIN WE CAN TRY AND WORK IT OUT!"
The werewolf growled at the blond, her blood red eyes narrowing as she dashed to him and grabbed Hugo, digging her claws into his body as he screamed, "HUGO!" Varian yelled as he stared wide eyed in fear while his little sister picked up the man he cared for and roared once more.
"CATALINA!!!!" He heard a familiar voice cry out, turning he saw Angry, Lance, Rapunzel, Eugene, and his father, "CATALINA STOP!!!!" Angry yelled, trying to stop her sister.
It didn't work as the werewolf *glared* at her and roared once again, "C-Catalina?" Varian said weakly.
The werewolf stopped and stared at him, their eyes met and he felt something inside of him stir, almost like a sadness he didn't know he felt. He wanted to reach out to her, but she got distracted when Hugo tried to wriggle free, roaring at the boy before bursting through the castle wall and taking the teen with her, "HEEEEELP!" Hugo screamed, prompting Varian to get up.
He took Ruddigar with him as he ran to the hole and yelled, "HUGO!!!!!" Before he felt pain shoot through him, making him lean against the wall nearby as he watched his angry and sad little sister run off with his crush*
"That's when dad picked me up and got me in here", Varian finished quietly as he stroked Ruddigar's fur sadly, "she... Looked so angry... A-and sad.... I wish I'd known how she felt... I could've saved her from this.... Preventing it from happening at all...."
"Kid you didn't know", Eugene stated, "and it isn't like you didn't try to help, sounds like you did all that you could, she just...." The Dark Prince sighed, "she's too angry right now..."
"He's right Varian", Lance said, "as much as I hate to admit it... She's too angry to really hear anyone..." He looked at Rapunzel, who was still blushing as she sat on the opposite bed from Varian and Quirin, "talkin to her right now won't work... She'll just get angrier, maybe we could sneak in, grab Hugo, then sneak out", he suggested, looking at Eugene, "and when we have him, we can get him here and get him healed, then we could go and try to talk to Catalina again after she's calmer"
"Maybe... If there's no other option that would probably be the best course of action", the Dark Prince replied, not noticing Varian and Angry looking at each other.
"I wouldn't object to that", Quirin agreed, "it would keep everyone out of danger and could give us time to gather more information from Hugo on how Catalina is feeling". Angry nodded to Varian, then alchemist nodding back, again, going unnoticed
"We would need to find out where she went", Eugene stated
"It looked like she went towards the forest, though she could’ve turned around and gone to another part of the castle as well….", the retired knight replied
"It would have to be a large space, somewhere that she could keep Hugo from escapin", Lance added, “the forest doesn’t have a place to keep Hugo from escapin, not unless he likes starin at trees”
Rapunzel gasped, "what if they're in the dungeons?!"
Eugene's eyes widened, "that.... Would make a lot of sense..."
"A perfect place to keep Hugo..." Lance said quietly
"Nice and wide, not to mention, big", Quirin added
"We need to get him out of there *now*!" The princess replied, "oh, but... What about Varian?"
"He'll need to stay her-!" Quirin turned to face his son, only to see an empty bed behind him, "Varian?"
"Hey, where's Angry?" Lance asked, looking around frantically
"You don't think..." Rapunzel started, stopping when she saw the frightened look on Quirin's face
"We've gotta find them, *NOW*!" Eugene stated before they all ran out of the room in search of the two teens.
****
Varian felt a shiver run up his spine as he stared at the wooden door that stood before him, "you sure you wanna do this V?" Angry asked worriedly, "Quirin's right, going after her while she's in this state could end up in more harm then good"
The alchemist sucked in a breath before letting it out slowly as he felt Ruddigar shift in his bag, looking at his boy and nuzzling his face gently, "she has Hugo in there, and she's upset because of me. If anyone is gonna fix this, it's gonna be me"
"Do you have a plan?"
"Not.... Really, but do you?"
"Nope"
The teen looked at the door again, "....This is a really stupid idea...."
"Yup"
"We might get killed"
"Probably"
"Or broken beyond repair"
"Are you gonna turn back?"
"No", he stated, his eyes filled with determination as he grabbed the door knob and opened it slowly, "let's go save Catalina and my Hugo"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this was meant to be a two parter, but I guess the big fight is gonna be longer than I though, so I had to split it XD EXCITING!
We got to see Varian and Hugo's POV here! :D Poor beans were just gonna help build more of this world and they just *happen* to run into the last person they probably should have. And then Varian got hurt, Hugo got captured, Ruddigar got knocked out, and Catalina's is still sad. It's just not a good time all around for these characters. And now Varian and Angry have gone off to try and save Hugo on their own and hoo boy, you'll see how well that goes next chapter.
Quirin and Punzie have an argument here because honestly, I could see this happening. Quirin is a very laid back person, but when he needs to fight, he looks for the most logical way of thinking that'll cause the least amount of harm. While Rapunzel wants to find a peaceful solution that causes no harm at all. They both have the same goal, but they would definitely butt heads about how to go about it. And I can see Rapunzel trying to get Catalina to calm down by having Varian talk to her, but she's not seeing all the details. Meanwhile Quirin is so focused on keeping everyone safe that he doesn't want to take any risks because someone might get hurt. Neither one are really seeing how the other's idea could benefit this whole thing, and since Quirin remains calm and steadfast in any situation, he's not liable to get flustered, but Rapunzel's not used to someone arguing with her I've noticed, so she ends up snapping a little too much. It's something I've been wanting to explore more because they're so different yet have very similar goals and I love it! :D
Eugene and Lance are the idea people in this chapter, both of them want to save Hugo and help Catalina, but neither know how to do it. Lance being the one to suggest they sneak in, grab Hugo, and run out so they can help Catalina later would be the best option in his mind because it means they don't have to fight his little girl. Eugene would definitely support this because he cares about everyone involved, the two kings are backing each other up in this chapter and I love writing it! :D
Poor Ruddy buddy got hurt, but he'll be okay, just needs to recover <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 161: Broken Hearted! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Varian and Angry come face to face with a angry Catalina and a very hurt Hugo!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Angry and Varian walked silently through the dungeons, neither one hearing anything, not even the other prisoners seemed to care about their presence as they continued to walk. The teens felt their anxieties piling in their chests as their minds jumped from one situation to another before Angry had enough and looked at the alchemist, "so", she stated quietly, "when we get there, what exactly are you gonna do?"
"I don't know to be honest", Varian replied, equally as quiet, "I just know that I want to talk to her.... Try to calm her down but... B-but I'm not really sure how to do that..."
"Well, what would you want someone to say if you were her?"
The teen chuckled, "I was her at one point...."
"What do you mean?"
Varian looked at Angry, "I... Had a major crush on C-Cassandra... Before the Moonstone a-and my betrayal... She... Was my crush, and I did everything I could think of to impress her... But..."
"But?"
"She um... Wasn't interested... In fact she told me that I was a 'good kid', and a 'friend'. And even though I still really loved her, I knew it wouldn't work.... That she didn't care about me the same way I did about her", he sighed, "and it hurt... A lot...."
Angry looked at the teen, "is... That why you're not so angry at Catalina? Because I noticed you're not mad or even upset, just concerned. Which I'm happy about but... I thought you'd be..."
"Angry?" He asked with a smirk
"Ignoring the pun, yes"
He chuckled before nodding, "yeah, that's why I'm not so upset with Catalina... That and she's my little sister, I don't think I could ever hate her. She's just... Making a mistake, a really big mistake, like I did... And it caused me so much grief and trauma that I guess I'm more afraid of what this will *do* to her instead of being angry that she took Hugo". He looked at the dark haired girl, "though I'm afraid for Hugo, he looked so scared... I... don't want to see him look like that..."
"...You must really care about him, don't you?" The dark haired girl asked, when she received a nod she placed a hand on her big brother's shoulder, "I'm sorry..."
"It's not your fault"
"I didn't exactly help", Angry admitted, "I got her hopes up and told her to get you something so that she could confess. It wasn't exactly like I didn't stop her from getting this upset..."
Varian smiled, "you were just trying to help your sister, so it's understandable"
"Yeah, but it still sucks"
"Yeah..." He agreed sadly, "but isn't that why we're down here? To fix this?"
Angry nodded, "yeah, to help Catalina and Hugo"
The alchemist grinned, "so let's go help them, and face this situation together!"
"Right", the dark haired girl agreed as they began to walk through the dungeons again.
They remained quiet for a little longer until Varian spoke up, "so... She... Had a crush on me?"
Angry smiled, "yeah, she still does and honestly", she looked at her big brother, "who could blame her?"
"W-what do you mean?"
"Oh come on, with your black and blue hair, your big ol eyes, freckles, and how kind you are to her and me? Seriously dude, who could blame her, or Hugo for that matter"
Varian blushed, "I.... D-didn't realize, I-I mean it's really nice of her t-to feel that way b-but I mean, I-I'm not the *best* guy in the w-world a-and she could definitely do b-better than me p-plus sh-!"
"Stop"
"Huh?"
"Stop doing that, degrading yourself, insulting yourself, stop it", Angry stated, "look, you're smart, you're kind, and you look... okay for a guy I guess", she stated, a small blush showing up on her face as well, "plus you don't... Judge us for what we did in our past because you understand... What I'm saying is, you're a good pick, which is why I was on board with her confessing to you in the first place. So stop, stop telling yourself you're horrible and not worth it, and don't try and tell you don't because I know you do! You're a good guy and super sweet and honestly", she smirked, "you're gonna make Hugo really fucking happy"
The alchemist grinned, "t-thanks Angry", he stated, "you're gonna make someone really happy one day too"
"I know"
Varian snorted before he heard a roar coming from down the stairs, he knew exactly where it was coming from too, "of all places..." He said as he felt his anxiety began to bubble. A cold nose pressed against his cheek, getting him to turn and see Ruddigar nuzzling him. He stroked his best friend's fur for a moment before sighing, "l-let's go"
"You sure?" Angry asked, "I think I know why you're so worried about this particular place"
The alchemist nodded, "yeah... But I'll be okay, it's just a cell after all", he gulped down his fears and let out a breath, "I'll be alright, for Catalina and Hugo's sake, it'll push it aside"
The dark haired girl nodded before she grabbed Varian's hand, "I'm right here if you need me"
Varian smiled gratefully at her, "thank you Angry", before he looked at the stairs, dread filling up the pit of his stomach as they descended down the steps quietly.
****
"VARIAN!" Quirin yelled as he, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance ran towards the dungeon doors, his heart was racing a million miles per second as he feared the worst. Rounding the corner his heart dropped when he saw the opened door, "no...."
"They went down...." Eugene replied, equally as shocked, "damn it why did they go down?!"
"We've gotta go after them, now", Lance stated, "they're in danger down there!"
"Right, let's g-!", Rapunzel stated before noticing Quirin was already gone, she sighed frustratedely.
Eugene snorted, "I'm with him, let's go"
"Right"
They made their way down, seeing the Village Leader waiting for them at the bottom, "sorry", he replied
"It's okay", Lance replied with a smile, "let's go save our babies"
Quirin nodded with a small smile before they began to walk around the dungeons, "where do you think they headed?" The Dark Prince asked
"To the biggest place in the dungeon, the bottom", the retired knight replied, "which... Was where Varian was held when he was down here...."
The group was silent for a moment before the princess replied, "how... Do you know that?"
"He and Adira told me... Said it was freezing and dark which is why he likes to keep his bedroom door open just a crack at night now.... He didn't before...."
They grew silent again, no one really sure how to respond to that, "...Quirin... Are you okay?" Lance asked after a minute, "you... You seem really angry"
The Village Leader stopped and sighed, "my son wandered down here without me, he's hurt, *Ruddigar* got hurt, Hugo's trapped, Catalina's broken hearted, and this place is just...." He sighed, "it's getting to me I suppose... Seeing the cells, the beds, the bars, and thinking my son, *my own son* was inside one of them... It just.... Hurts.... A lot..."
"I understand", the former thief replied, "it ain't fun to be behind bars, and it's not fun to see them again afterwards either. But Varian's grown a lot since then and he's movin on from this, I know it hurts seeing these, but maybe, since he's movin on, you can too?"
Quirin nodded, "yeah... Just hard but... I'm trying"
Lance smiled, "I know, I can tell, if you ever need to talk, I'm here"
"Thank you Lance, I really appreciate tha-!"
The group gasped when they heard an ear piercing roar shake the entire dungeon, rattling the cells and making the ceiling above them crumble just a bit.
"Oh shit..." Eugene cursed, "guys we've gotta go!"
"Yes we do", Rapunzel replied before grabbing Eugene's hand and pulling him with her as Quirin and Lance followed. They found the stairs and climbed down as fast as they could, fearing what they would see when they got down there.
****
Varian and Angry hopped off the final step and looked around, the room was pitch black. There was cold wind, and no light, save for the very little that came from the small windows in the cells. The alchemist felt a shiver run down his spine as he remembered the long nights he'd spent in here before he heard something, it sounded like.... Heavy breathing? Looking around quickly his heart jumped into his throat when he saw the large werewolf huddled in a corner, her back was turned to them and it seemed like she was.... Crying? All of a sudden, a small object rolled over to Varian's feet, he looked down to find an Ingvarrian coin sitting there. His heart skipped a beat when he saw it, picking it up quickly before he looked around and spotted, "Hugo!" He whispered, before clapping his hands over his mouth and looking at the werewolf, she didn't notice.
The blond alchemist was hurt, badly, he had blood running down his sides and his forehead, his hair was disheveled and he looked so tried as he leaned against a wall in a cell. Varian and Angry made their way over to him quietly, not wanting to anger the werewolf anymore than they should. They managed to get to the cell without alerting Catalina, "hey Freckles", Hugo whispered, his voice sound rough and weak as he gave a small smirk
"Hugo..." Varian reached out and touched the green eyed alchemist's hand through the bars, "are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm good, I've been in a lot more pain than this", he winced a bit, "...can't really think of any right *now*, but you know, comes and goes"
The blue eyes alchemist smiled lovingly, "you're such a brat"
"Look who's talking"
"Hey", Angry interrupted, "can you two old ladies flirt later? We need to get you out of here before she wakes up"
"Right", Varian replied with a blush before looking at Hugo, "where's the keys?"
"There", the bespeckled teen pointed behind the two, getting them to look and see the keys hanging on the wall opposite to the cell
"Of course..." Varian stated aggravatedly, "did she use them?"
"No, the damn door locked when she closed it"
"Great...."
"Keep your man company, I've got this", Angry stated, before she carefully walked over to the keys
"'Your man' huh?" Hugo asked with a smirk and raised brow, "what did you two talk about?"
"Shush", Varian replied with a blush before he looked at the other's cuts. He felt his mind grow fuzzy as the red liquid flowed freely from them. He managed to shake it away, focusing on the other alchemist's face instead, "are you sure you're alright, those cuts look really bad"
"I'm alright, trust me I've..." Donella's hand flashed through his mind, "...I've been through worse than this"
The blue eyed alchemist raised a concerned brow, noticing that sad look on the blond's face, "hey, you okay?"
"Hm? Yeah, yeah I'm good, just thinking is all"
Varian went to say something when, "V LOOK OUT!" Angry yelled
The teen turned around only to come face to face with a gigantic red eye glaring at him, "um.... H-hi?"
The werewolf let out a very loud *ROAR* before stomping her paw on the floor, making both alchemists stumble to the floor, "CATALINA NO!" Angry stated, surprisingly stopping the werewolf, "DON'T HURT THEM! PLEASE!"
Catalina turned to her sister, she was growling at first, until she saw Angry's eyes. They were wide with terror as she stared at her sister and wet with unshed tears, "A.... A-Angry?" The werewolf said, her eyes growing a little dimmer as her ear flattened against her forehead and more tears fell from her eyes.
"Yes it's *me* Cat! Do you recognize me?"
"I.... I-I...." She began, but stopped when she heard footsteps along with worried voices coming down the steps. She growled, "y-you set up a *TRAP*?!" She snarled
"What? No! What are yo-!"
"There's people coming down! They're here to stop me aren't they? To hurt me because I'm a *MONSTER*!" She yelled, a roar escaping her lips as the room shook
"NO!" Angry yelled, "No it isn't a trap! We came down here to talk to you! To help you!"
"HELP ME?!" Catalina asked, "the only thing that'll help me is to *LEAVE ME ALONE!*" She screamed, her tail swiping Varian harshly and sending him sliding across the floor. She turned to see what she'd done and gasped, "I... I d-didn't... Mean to...."
Hearing this, the alchemist sat up quickly, "l-look I'm okay! I'm n-not hurt, it's fine", he stated, trying to calm her down before he felt something wriggle in his back pack. Realizing Ruddigar was still in there, he quickly took off the bag and checked on his best friend. The raccoon shook his head to clear it, but didn't seem to be hurt, "s-see! Ruddigar's fine too!"
Catalina stared at the teen for a moment, "w-why are you consoling m-me?" She asked, "I-I'm a monster.... I t-took Hugo a-and I'm still not willing to g-give him back!" She stated, "w-why are you being so kind t-to me right now! I-it doesn't make any sense!"
"Because you're my little sister", Varian replied without hesitation, "I care about you"
This seemed to make the werewolf pause for a long time, unsure of what to do. She wanted to tear the blond apart but... "Catalina?" Another voice said, looking she saw Lance, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Quirin watching her, "Catalina it's okay", Lance said, "we're here for you, we just wanna help"
"But WHY?!" She yelled, as she went on all fours, her ears flattening once more as she backed up, guarding Hugo's cell, "y-you all shouldn't WANT to help me! W-why would you wanna help a monster? WHY?!"
"Because you're not a monster!" Varian exclaimed, "you're angry and hurt and... And it's my fault that you are"
"What?"
"I...." He sighed, "I'm so sorry Catalina... I should've said something to you about Hugo and I... A-about... How I feel about him...."
Hugo's brows raised a bit as he listened in, "w-what but... You... Why would you apologize to me?" She asked, "I took h-him away, I hurt y-you and Ruddigar, I.... Y-you shouldn't be apologizing f-for what I did..." She stated, her sobs breaking her words up as her paws clamped over her ears
Varian got up and, looking over at the group, he saw Lance nod with a smile on his face before he turned back to Catalina and began to step towards her, "Cat I... I understand how you feel... Being in love with someone.. O-only to find out they don't love you back it... It hurts..." He took another step closer, "you feel like your heart shatters and you feel less than dirt... *Especially* if it's your very first crush", he added, taking another step forwards
"HOW DO *YOU* KNOW?!" She roared, getting the teen to fall backwards, stopping her and making her wince when she heard a small yelp escape his lips
Quirin twitched, wanting to run over to his son, to protect him, but he stood still as he watched his son get right back up and look at the werewolf, "b-because... I... Felt the same way... A-about Cassandra"
Rapunzel felt Eugene grab her hand and squeeze it when the teen said her best friend's name. She felt tears sting in the corners of her eyes as she thought about her, but stayed quiet.
"Y-You did?"
"Yes... I loved her Catalina, I told my dad she was the one for me. I felt like she understood me a-and cared about my well being", he looked at the werewolf, "s-she was my first crush Cat, and I really loved her... A-a lot", he took another step towards Catalina
She watched him as her eyes dimmed, "s-she... She didn't love you b-back?"
"No... S-she didn't", he replied, a small tear streaking down his face as he thought about it, "s-she didn't feel the same way about me... I-instead she... She saw me as a friend... A-and Cat it broke my heart w-when I realized that..." Hating his voice breaking as he said that, the alchemist took another few step forwards, he was so close.
"W-what did you do?"
He chuckled, "w-what any teenager would do in that situation, I got mad.... It wasn't the main reason I did what I did... B-but my anger about Cassie... I-it contributed to me building the automatons... My dad was in the a-amber, the guards w-were at my home, my l-life was completely shattered, t-there were lies being spread about me, I was c-completely alone save for Ruddigar, a-and to top it all off my very first crush d-didn't feel the same way I did about her...." He took another step, "s-she didn't love me like I loved her.... A-and that hurt.... S-so I got mad... I yelled, I screamed, I even threw things.... B-but...." He looked up at her, "w-when I finally calmed down and thought a-about everything, I... Was f-finally able to move on".
"HOW?!" Catalina yelled, making Varian wince, "how do you still not HURT when you think about her? When you *see* her, when you *hear* her?! How?!"
Varian smiled sadly as he took another step towards her, one more, "I... Met Hugo"
The blond alchemist's eyes widened as he stared in shock at what he was hearing, "what do you mean?" Catalina asked, equally as shocked
"I... M-mean I..." Varian sighed, "I moved on w-when I got out of jail, but I never... Forgot... I never forgot how I felt about Cassandra, I never forgot about how kind and understanding she was to me, a-and even when she attacked my family, I... I still remembered how I felt, and that feeling... I-it burns, it kept burning me every time I saw her, heard her, anything having to *do* with her! I-it caused me so much pain some days that I d-didn't think I could bare it! S-so I distracted myself with alchemy or time spent with friends a-and dad, grandpa, Adira, and Hector! I-I'd try to fix my mistakes and rebuild the castle and would get so focused in my work s-so that I didn't have to think about how much Cassandra meant to me and how much I missed here! U-until I met Hugo", he said again. Varian blushed as he felt tears well up in his eyes, "I-I met him when I was a bird, a fucking *bird*! A-and I thought t-that he would just, you know, g-give me the potion a-and move on! B-but then he sat down and t-talked to me, to *me*! H-he loves alchemy and inventing things, a-and I do too! He made jokes and w-was super sassy a-and made me laugh so h-hard that I'd cry! H-he saved my actual life *twice* and w-was there for me when A-Andrew...." He stopped, sniffling a bit and wiping his eyes on his sleeve before he took a breath and let it go slowly, ".....H-Hugo.... Made me feel special, l-like I could finally be myself and he wouldn't care.... H-he would laugh and call me a dork, or t-tell me I'm being adorable instead... L-like dad would".
Quirin smiled at that, his heart filling with warmth at his son's words
The blue eyed alchemist gave a watery chuckle, "y-you know, I read s-somewhere that when you f-fall in love, it's usually w-with someone who reminds you of o-one of your parents", he stated, "w-when I fell in love with Cassie, s-she reminded me of dad, steady, dependable, kind, loving, caring, a-and gentle, even when I did something wrong. B-but Hugo? H-he reminds me of both of my parents", he admitted, "o-or at least, what I can remember... H-he's like my dad in the same way that Cassie was", he smiled at Hugo, "steady, dependable, kind, loving, caring, and gentle, with an extra hint of protective for good measure", he teased, getting both Hugo and Quirin to snicker, "b-but my mom... She was always so soft and warm, s-she always made me feel safe and wanted a-and she could make *anything* interesting! I mean anything, a-and Hugo does that too", he explained as his blush deepened, "a lot". He looked up at Catalina, "I... I'm sorry that I d-don't share the feelings you have for me, I... I really am.... A-and I *know* how much it hurts to know that, b-but I still care about you i-if that helps you any".
"Y-you... Still care a-about me?" Catalina asked
"Of course I do!" Varian replied, "you're Catalina for Demanitus's sake! You're my fiery little sister that can steal like Flynn Rider, get out of *any* situation she's in, and is an actual *WEREWOLF*! Do you have any *idea* how *AWESOME* that makes you?! Plus", he took that final step and placed a gentle hand on her paw, "I... Really care about you Cat, a lot, maybe not as a girlfriend, but as a sister you, Rapunzel, and Angry have no one even in the same *league* as you three! I care about a lot, I..." He looked at her and smiled, "I love you Catalina", he added sincerely, "and I always will".
The werewolf froze, her heart and mind racing as her tears began to pour down her cheeks once more, she felt all her anger drain away as her body began to shrink. She cried, letting all of her pain and sadness out as she did until she was human once again. She felt Varian's arms wrap around her and she hugged him back, in-between sobs she repeated, "I-I'm sorry! I-I'm so sorry", over and over again as she cried into his vest. Varian remained silent, smiling the entire time as he held her close quietly comforting her as he rubbed her back with his hand.
Lance let out a breath of relief as Eugene walked over to Angry, "you okay?" He asked
"Yeah, we're alright", she replied as she watched her sibling's embrace with a grin before she turned to Eugene, "I have the cell keys"
The Dark Prince nodded, "let's get him out of here yeah?"
"Yeah"
They walked by, quietly slipping past Varian and Catalina and stopping at the cell entrance, "you alright Hugo?"
"Yeah I...." The blond continued to watch Varian, he was still surprised at what he'd heard as he blushed, "a-actually I think I m-might be a little broken at the moment"
Eugene chuckled, "let's open this cell up". Taking the key from Angry, the Dark Prince opened the cell door and helped the teen walk out, having Hugo lean against him as they walked over the to group of adults waiting by the door.
Lance ran over and scooped Hugo up, "don't worry, I'm a pro when it comes to carryin small teens", he winked, getting the blond to snicker before they continued to watch Varian and Catalina.
After a few moments, the red head had calmed down, to the point where her sobs had been reduced to sniffles as Varian pulled out a handkerchief and offered it to her. She took it and blew her nose before wiping her eyes and leaning against her big brother, finally being able to breathe as she stayed in his arms. Her eyes felt heavy as she listened to his heartbeat, only to be interrupted by a gently, "are you okay?"
She looked up at him and smiled, "mm-hm", she replied, "thank you Varian, and.... I'm really sorry"
"I forgive you Cat", he replied with a warm smile, "I'll always forgive you". She returned the smile before a yawn escaped, placing her hand over her mouth as she tried to hide it before hearing him chuckle, "how about we get you in a bed yeah?"
"Ok", she replied sleepily, earning another giggle from her big brother as she felt herself being picked up and carried out of the dungeons as she felt herself drift into a peaceful sleep.
Notes:
Hello!
End of the three parter and of Catalina's secret crush (Varian's too actually cause now Hugo knows! XD)
Honestly, Angry was such a sweet character in the first two seasons, then she and Catalina were kinda reduced to background fodder and became interchangeable, which made me really sad. Angry is quick to anger, sassy, and confident. Catalina is slow to anger, quiet, and shy, that was their whole appeal! So why the writers decided to change that is beyond me, but I digress. Angry is a sweetheart, and I love the softer moments we get with her, so I wanted to write one with her and Varian because they're the perfect siblings that get along when it's important, but otherwise will pick on each other on a regular day! XD
Catalina is a people pleaser, so she would get along with both of them, which makes her the perfect person to separate the two when they get out of hand, but when she needs a helping hand, both Varian and Angry are *right there* when they need her! That's how I wanted to portray their siblingship, so I hope it came across well!
Varian finally admitted his feelings for Hugo in front of him! :D He's growing up so fast! Mind you it was to help calm down his werewolf sister from tearing his crush apart but it still happened! Plus he got some cute moments with his sisters and managed to handle his nerves while he was down in the dungeons! I'm so freaking proud of him right now I could cry, and he's a cartoon character! XD
Hugo's broken, it's official Hugo it's completely broken! He has no words, no thoughts, he's just a broken bean that really needs some super glue right now XD
Lance and Eugene played very similar roles in this particular chapter, but they both had moments to shine because they both help in different ways, like how Lance will know the exact right words to say when he's comforting someone, or when Eugene will be able to handle and clean any mess without causing it to get worse! I love these two, they're both kings, and I wanted to give them credit! <3
Rapunzel didn't play a huge role here, but she got a little flustered with Quirin, but we'll get more into that when the time comes, for now, I shall merely mention it :3
Quirin is the best protective father in the world, and him feeling angry on his son's behalf makes sense to me for his character. He would genuinely be upset if he were in the same place where his son was held, plus I'm planning another therapy chapter and I'm thinking it might be for Quirin, but I'm still debating! Let me know what you think! :D
Ruddigar is okay, he was safe in the backpack and will heal, I needed to say this because I don't want to worry anyone, Ruddy buddy will be okay, he's got his boy to look after him, trust me :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 162: To Love, or Not to Love!
Summary:
Hugo has to make a huge decision that can go two way, he could lose Donella's trust, or he could lose Varian!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo groaned as he opened his eyes, blocking his eyes for a moment as the light burned his retinas, had he passed out? Looking around he didn't recognize his surroundings, where was he? "Hey, you're awake", a small voice said, they sounded very weak and tired, turning the green eyed alchemist saw Varian sitting across from him in another bed, "hello", he stated, "how are you feeling?"
Hugo was quiet as he stared at the teen, he was a mess! Hair disheveled, tear stains down his cheeks, bags under his puffy eyes, a few more bandages than the bespeckled teen would like to see on his Varian, *one is already too much*, he thought to himself, he was even shaking, as though something had happened while the other had been asleep, "are you okay?" He asked after a moment of silence, "you look... Really shaken up"
"Hm? O-oh yeah I um, I'm fine just... Eheh, I uh... I guess Miss. Donella w-was really worried a-about you...." Varian replied shyly, "s-she saw you as we were taking y-you here and... Um... W-well she wasn't happy, w-we'll leave it at that"
"What did she-D-did she hurt you?!" The blond asked, sitting up far too quickly than he should have and regretting it instantly as he felt a sharp pain shoot through his body, making him lay back down
"P-please don't do that! Y-your wounds are still r-really bad", Varian pleaded, his eyes widening with worry as he watched his crush moan a little in discomfort, "are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm good, just... You know, a little sore"
The blue eyed alchemist sighed and shook his head with a small smile on his face, "you're hopeless you know that?"
"I am *well* aware"
Varian snorted before he looked down at his lap, where Ruddigar was sleeping. He stroked the tired raccoon's fur softly, smiling at the quiet purr he received before he sighed, "she didn't hurt me... She just yelled... A lot...."
Hugo looked at the teen worriedly, "she yelled at you? Why?"
"Because you were hurt and she wasn't made aware of it until after.... I suppose that's kinda my fault since I didn't really give anyone a chance to grab her and Mr. Cyrus to help save you... She was really concerned"
*Probably because I'm her best shot of getting any information out of you...* The green eyed alchemist thought to himself, "are you okay? I'm sorry she did that"
"It's not your fault, and yeah, I'm okay, just... I-it was a lot...." Varian replied, "Nigel, t-the royal advisor, got involved a-and we had to talk to the Queen and King... T-they weren't happy either though they didn't escalate the situation... N-Nigel said he's going to have a conversation w-with me about it l-later.... S-so I'm a little nervous about that, m-my dad is talking things over with the King and Queen, Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Nigel, Miss. Donella, and Mr. Cyrus now... S-so I'm n-not really sure what's going to happen...."
Hugo raised a brow, "why are they blaming you exactly?"
"B-because I um..." He sighed, "I s-should've know w-what Catalina was f-feeling a-and shouldn't have g-gone after her the w-way I did... H-had I let my d-dad handle it the situation c-could've been solved d-differently a-and because I d-didn't wait f-for someone else t-to handle it... Y-you got hurt.... A-and Catalina got so u-upset because I d-didn't notice t-that she um... D-did what she did... A-all because I... I-I-I fell i-in love with another b-boy... A-and that's... That's w-wrong in Corona a-apparently..." He sniffled a bit as he wiped his tears away, "i-it's not 'the right way' to l-love in Corona... A-according to N-Nigel anyway...."
"Wait what? Seriously?" Hugo asked, shocked, "they're pinning this on you because you have *feelings* for me?!" When Varian nodded, the green eyed teen felt his blood boil
"I d-didn't tell them about h-how you kissed m-me... I *had* to t-tell them how I kissed you d-during the trip though... S-so they wouldn't b-blame you...."
"You.... Why didn't you-!"
"B-because they would've g-gotten the Queen of Ingvarr i-involved a-and you would've b-been in trouble and-and-and y-you're hurt and w-were unconscious a-and...." He sighed, "I.... D-didn't know i-if you felt the s-same way yet or n-not... So I don't wanna g-get you in trouble f-for something I'm not e-even sure you feel.... P-plus you... Didn't do anything wrong...." Varian sniffled again, "i-it was my fault Catalina did what she did... N-not yours...."
It took a minute for Varian's words to settle in the blond's head before he felt his stomach churn with anger and his blood boil with hate. He glared at the ceiling before forcing himself to sit up so he could face the teen, "that's fucking bullshit!" He snapped, startling the blue eyed alchemist, "they're gonna get mad at *you* for fucking *saving* my ass because you *love* me?! Are they fucking serious?!"
"W-well it-!"
"I don't CARE if it's fucking wrong in Corona!" He snarled, "that's still fucking *bullshit* that they're pinning this whole fucking thing on *YOU*!" He calmed down instantly when he saw Varian whimpering, tears running down the blue eyed alchemist's face as he curled into a ball, alerting Ruddigar and getting the raccoon to wake up and begin to nuzzle his boy immediately, "Varian..." Hugo tried, but seeing the teen wince cut him off. He felt guilt swirl into the mixture of anger in his stomach, he was still furious, but remained quiet as he watched Varian wrap his arms around him knees and cry.
*Too much.... He mentioned that... His head must be filled to the fucking brim with everything that's going on right now....* The bespeckled teen thought before he heard something odd. He looked towards the window, an eyebrow raised at it as he heard it again, *is someone... Knocking... On a fucking second story window?* Sure enough, he heard the knocking once more and, getting up, he made his way over to it. Looking through the pane, he saw nothing at first, until a women with half her face painted red, the other half not, popped up and smiled at the teen. She waved before pointing towards the lock, *oh... Her*, he recognized her from before, Varian called her his aunt of sorts. He smirked and unlocked the window before backing up, allowing her to come inside.
"Thank you glasses", Adira stated calmly
He raised a brow, "'glasses' huh? So I finally got me a nickname?"
"Yup", she replied before turning to face her nephew, who was still sobbing his eyes out in his knees, "that doesn't look good"
"It's not...." Hugo replied angrily, "they're blaming him for all of this...."
"Who do you blame?"
"Not him"
Adira smiled, "then we're on the same page", he looked up at her, a little surprised, "what?"
"Not that I pegged you as a judgmental asshole, but the Dark Kingdom and Corona are pretty close kingdoms from what I understand"
She grinned, "ah but see we're very different people. The Dark Kingdom was a place of strength and honor, they didn't care *who* you fell in love with, just that you made yourself useful. In a way, we were a lot like Ingvarr, although our king, King Edmund, actually cared for his people. The Queen of Ingvarr seems to only care about winning, at least, that's what I've witnessed".
"You're not wrong"
"I know", Hugo smiled as he watched the women walk over to her nephew and sit on the bed next to him. She didn't touch him at all, instead waiting for the teen to calm down enough to notice her sitting next to him, "hello Speckles", she said gently. The teen didn't say a word, instead he just sniffled, but he seemed much calmer than before, "it's too much isn't it?" She asked, receiving a nod she scooted more onto the bed, getting her back against the wall and sitting cross legged next to Varian, "I'm right here if you need me". There was a moment of hesitation before the blue eyed teen uncurled and leaned against the face painted warrior, allowing her to wrap her arm around him carefully and rub his shoulder, "it's going to be okay", she said softly, "Stickler, Fish Skin, Earring, Sundrop, Wolf Girl, and Ponytail are not angry with you, they're defending you and the Queen seems to be in agreement while the jester has not shared his opinion yet, I believe you'll be safe, and if not, then they'll answer to me".
This seemed to calm Varian down a great deal as Hugo watched the teen take a shaky breath and let it out slowly. Ruddigar continued to rub against the teen's arm as the green eyed alchemist walked over and sat on the bed as well, thankful to let his wounds rest for a bit, "so", he started, "at the risk of getting my ass beat by your aunt for asking this.... Did you mean everything you said in there?"
Varian blushed, getting a raised brow directed towards the bespeckled teen before the blue eyed alchemist lifted his head to look at Hugo, "I.... Y-yeah", he replied timidly, "I-I did...."
The blond blushed as well, "oh"
"Uh-huh...." Varian replied, "y-you... Don't have to f-feel the same, i-if you don't want t-to...." He added, "I... D-don't want you to feel pressured to"
The room was silent for a while, neither one really knowing how to respond before there was a knock on the door, "here we go", Adira stated before looking at her nephew, "you ready?"
"Uh-huh..."
"I'm right here if you need me, okay?"
Varian sniffled, "Oki"
Hugo, receiving a nod from the face painted warrior, walked over to the door and opened it, "Hugo!" Catalina exclaimed before running over to the teen and wrapping her arms around him, "you're okay!"
"Ack! U-uh yeah I'm, I'm good", he replied, a little startled by the girl's reaction before his blood ran cold. He looked up and saw Donella staring at him, her brown eyes interlocked with his as the girl continued to hug him
"Hey Cat, I think you might be hurtin him a little bit", Lance said gently, easing the girl off of the teen
She looked Hugo up and down, "oh... R-right sorry...."
"It's all good, I'm fine, just sore", he replied cooley, ignoring Donella's raised brow, "did you guys need to come in?"
"If that's okay", Rapunzel replied
He looked at her with confusion, "um... I-isn't it *your* castle?"
She giggled, "yes, but it's rude to just *walk in* when someone else is using a room"
"I... Guess-oh! uh Y-you can come in", he stated, stepping back and opening the door, blushing slightly as his heart raced a bit
"Thank you", Rapunzel replied with a warm smile, "and don't worry, you're fine", she added, instantly calming the blond a bit before they spiked right back up as Donella walked past the princess
"So this is where you've been staying to heal?" The grey haired women asked in an unimpressed tone, "it's.... Fluffy"
"Yeah well, generally we like our friends to be *comfortable* while they're healing", Eugene stated as he walked in behind her with a smirk, "you know, so their injuries don't get worse?"
"I gathered that", she replied coldly, making Hugo raise a confused brow
The green clad teen looked in-between the two as they gave each other friendly glares, *why do I get the feeling that has something to do with me?* He thought to himself, before noticing a familiar red shirt pass by him and head straight for Varian's bed
"Son", Quirin said quietly, getting everyone in the room to look at the pair as the old farmer cupped his son's cheek, wiping a tear away with his thumb, "are you alright?"
"He had a bit of a panic attack", Adira commented, "but he's calmer now"
"Thanks Adira", the Village Leader replied with a smile as he sat on the bed next to his son, allowing the teen to climb onto his lap and lean against his chest defensively with Ruddigar.
"Anytime"
Donella rolled her eyes before she looked directly at Hugo, "shouldn't you be sitting?"
"Huh?" The blond asked
"Your wounds"
He looked down and instantly felt pain jar his senses back, "ah, right, I should um..." He walked over and sat on the bed opposite to Varian, not wanting to cause anymore problems for the day as he let out a small sigh, his wounds showering him in warning stings if he tried that again.
"Right, now then royal advisor, shall we begin?" The grey haired women asked
"Yes, we should", another voice replied, getting Hugo to look and see a big nose, prissy looking, ponytail having snob of a man walk into the room
"Not to be frank but who the hell is this?" The blond asked, raising a brow at the disgusted look the man hid under his fake professional look
Eugene snorted before controlling himself, "this is Nigel Mendacious, he's the royal advisor"
"Wait 'Mendacious'? Doesn't that name mean 'fake'?"
"Hugo bite your tongue!" Donella scolded, getting the teen to flinch a bit before he closed his mouth. Although he noticed a small hint of a smile on Varian's face, quickly hidden away when the blue eyed teen saw the man turn to look at him.
The royal advisor gave a 'professional' chuckle, "it's not a problem, I have many people ask me that, it is a family name that I am proud to hold"
*I'll bet*, the green clad teen thought to himself
"At any rate", Nigel continued, "we are here to discuss what is to be done with these... 'Feelings', for Hugo"
The green eyed alchemist's nose wrinkled at the way the royal advisor said that, *the fuck is wrong with that? I mean, it's not like I....* Hugo stopped and looked at Varian, the blue eyed teen was clinging to his father's vest tightly as his knees were still up to his chin, he looked like he was ready to run out screaming if he needed to, that did *not* sit well with the blond, *whoever this guy is, he makes one wrong move? I'm fucking thrashing him*.
Noticing Donella give him a look told the teen she knew what he was thinking and that he'd better not as the royal advisor continued, "obviously these things happen from time to time, so it certainly isn't the first time this has happened. But as it is now, we cannot have this, Hugo is a guest from Ingvarr, and we wouldn't want to cause a stir with these.... Unimportant trivialities".
*In other words, keep your rainbows in the pot because if word gets out, the kingdoms may go to war.... Right....*
"We have measures we'll need to take to ensure these feelings do not blossom any further, but we'll need everyone to agree", Nigel stared directly at Varian, "it's for *everyone's* best interests", he stated, getting the blue eyed teen to wince as his father wrapped his arms around him protectively.
"I'd like to cut in and say do *not* agree with these terms in the slightest, neither did my parents", Rapunzel stated aggravatedly
"Your opinions are respected and understood princess, but this is what *Hugo* wants", Donella stated
*Wait what?*
"He doesn't want to be flirted with by another male"
*Wait bu-!*
"He doesn't *need* that sort of pressure or behavior during this ball, we are merely here to be the Queen's guests, along with the Duke and Duchess, not to galivant around with some boy we *barely* know"
In that instant, the bespeckled teen knew exactly what was going on. He looked at Varian, the teen wasn't meeting his gaze, but it seemed he knew this as well. How he'd found out, he wasn't sure, Hugo had a feeling Eugene might've been involved in some way, but the way this sounded, it seemed like a trap, *if I say the opposite... Don will know I lied but it could save Varian from whatever punishment they're gonna give him... He's defending me... Just like he said.... But...*
"Have you asked him?" The princess asked calmly
"I don't need to, I *know* Hugo, and I *know* he barely knows this teen", the grey haired women replied, just as calm, "these feelings are completely unorthodox and I'm willing to overlook them in order for the demands to be met. I'm being very generous here considering the circumstances in which *you* allowed to happen to *my* child".
"But-!"
"She's right your highness", Nigel interrupted, "this cannot continue, it's been made clear that this is wrong and the events that have happened today wouldn't have had Varian not cared for Hugo the way he did"
"But-!"
"It would be different if Hugo felt the same way, but Miss Donella has already made it clear that he does not, so therefore, we must do what we must to keep the peace"
*'I suppose that's kinda my fault...' 'y-you... Don't have to f-feel the same, i-if you don't want t-to....' ' So I don't wanna g-get you in trouble f-for something I'm not e-even sure you feel.... P-plus you... Didn't do anything wrong.... I-it was my fault Catalina did what she did... N-not yours....'* Varian's words kept running through Hugo's head, he'd been warning him, telling him not to say a word, he knew what was going to happen, he *knew* what Donella and Nigel were gonna try, he *knew*!
"Which is why we must take the precautions we need to", he heard the royal advisor say, "it's why he must stay *away* from Hugo, why he must cut off all contact with the teen for the entirety of their stay, and why he will be apologizing for his unorthodox 'feelings' to Hugo as soon as possible, starting now, actually", he stated, "those are the rules that are set, and should he follow them, there will be no issue here, and I'm sorry princess but we must get on with it so that peace can be restored".
Rapunzel was silent, she looked just about ready to attack everyone in the room but she couldn't, Quirin, Adira, and Ruddigar looked like they wanted to do the same but he couldn't, no one had the power to stop this as Varian got off the bed, without his raccoon, and began to timidly walk over to the blond. Everyone, save for Donella and Nigel, looked unhappy about this, but the face that drew Hugo's attention was Varian's. He was staring at the ground as he held back obvious tears in his eyes, he couldn't even *look* at the blond, but he didn't fight it either, *he's doing this for you! You're the only one that can say anything!*
*Donella will kill you if she finds out*
*YOU'RE NEVER GOING TO SEE VARIAN AGAIN!*
*He did this for you, he's being strong, you need to do that same! Respect his wishes, he'll be okay, it wouldn't have worked out anyway*
*Do you *really* believe this will be the end of his troubles? He's never going to be able to look at you, be in the same *room* as you, by that logic he won't even be allowed to be at-!*
Hugo's eyes widened as the realization hit him, as he saw the royal advisor and Donella's glee in their eyes, as he saw one tear drip down Varian's face, *the ball.... H-he won't be able to go... He won't be able to be there with his family, his friends, he'll be... Alone.... Again...*
Varian stepped in front of Hugo, he opened his mouth to speak but the blond had enough, "fuck this", he stated
"W-what?" The blue eyed teen asked
"I said fuck this, fuck him!" He pointed to Nigel, "fuck her", he pointed to Donella, "and fuck the rules, fuck this, *FUCK* this!" He got off the bed and stood next to Varian, cupping the teen's cheek
"H-Hugo w-what are you-!"
"You want to defend me, but I don't want to lose you", Hugo interrupted, shocking Varian into silence, "not being able to see you again is gonna fucking kill me, and it's *bullshit* that you even have to pull a stunt like this to 'keep the peace', so you know what?" He looked at Donella, "I lied, I fucking lied, I know him, I know him *a lot* better than you think I do, though I think you already knew that. I don't care if this ends up bad for me later, I don't care if things happen and peace isn't kept, if this is gonna work then let's let the world fucking burn because I fucking love Varian Vanguard! I think he's cute, adorable, sweet, and so fucking smart! I love him, I care about him, and *nobody* is gonna take him away from me, *ever*!" He stated, "and if you really need proof", he looked at Varian and, with a smirk, kissed the teen directly on the lips as tears slid down the blue eyed alchemist's face.
It took a minute, but Varian returned the kiss, deepening it and blushing as everyone watched, Eugene and Lance handing over a couple bags of coins to Quirin as the Village Leader smiled wide, taking the bags as happy tears slid down his own face while Ruddigar chittered excitedly for his boy! Rapunzel let out a squeak of joy as Adira smiled wide with pride and Catalina and Angry cheered. Nigel and Donella's mouth hung ajar as they watched the two kiss, neither one was able to say a word, but as Donella's blood boiled and Nigel's glare returned, the two alchemist's parted and stared at each other, "I... Y-you do?" Varian asked
"Yup", Hugo replied with a smile, "and I always will too"
The freckled alchemist hugged the bespeckled teen tightly, "thank you", he said happily as Hugo returned the hug, "I love you too".
Rapunzel looked at the royal advisor, "well then, now that we know for *sure* that Hugo loves Varian back, I suppose there's no need for any of this", she responded, "that's what you said, isn't it Nigel?"
With hesitation, the royal advisor nodded, "yes princess.... It... Is what I said... Since Hugo does seem to care about to boy in return, it seems they would both be the cause for Miss. Catalina's outburst"
"Which means what exactly?"
Nigel closed his eyes for a moment, collecting himself, before he opened them and looked at her, "it means that both boys were victims in Miss. Catalina's attack, and it wasn't Varian causing the trouble but merely a girl with a broken heart. And we do not punish the broken hearted, though the love of two boys being together may cause a stir"
"I'll handle that", the princess stated, "if anyone has anything to say about them being together, than they'll have to answer to me"
"As you wish, your highness", he replied with a bow, "I will inform the King and Queen of this turn of events, I'm certain they'll want to hear about it"
"I think I'll go with you", Adira stated, getting up and standing next to the advisor, "just in case you need a reminder on what *exactly* happened just now"
"That's a great idea Adira", Rapunzel agreed, "thank you!"
"Anytime Princess", she replied, "shall we Long Face?"
Varian clapped a hand over his mouth to hide his snort as Hugo held his breath to stop his laughter from bursting, "...Yes... We shall Mistress Adira", Nigel replied before they walked out of the room
Donella watched the two depart before she looked over at Hugo, glaring angrily as she opened her mouth, "so *Donnie*, how do *you* feel about this unexpected turn of events?" Eugene cut in, wrapping an arm around the women, "aren't you *happy* for the two? They found true love, it's almost like a magical fantasy story am I right?"
"Yeah!" Lance agreed as he ran over to the two and hugged them happily, "it's like Varian's a little princess and his prince Hugo came to rescue him!" The man picked the two up and faced the rest of the group, still hugging the teens, "it's so beautiful I could *cry*!" He squeaked
"Lahahahance!" Varian laughed as Hugo snickered happily, "put us *down*!" He giggled
"Not until you two decide on what your first date is gonna be!" He exclaimed, "come *on* I want details!"
The blue eyed teen giggled, "ok ok! But you gotta put us *dohohohown!* I can't breathe", he looked at the blond, "a-and you're aggravating Hugo's wounds!"
"Hm? Oh!" Lance dropped the two, "sorry, you okay?"
The green clad teen let out a breath before he, unconsciously, leaned against Varian, who let out a squeak of delight as he blushed, "yeah I *huff* I'm good", he replied before noticing the teen and blushing himself, "tch, hello"
"Hi"
"So...." He started, getting off the teen and hopping onto the bed as his alchemist did the same, "First date?"
The blue eyed alchemist blushed profusely, "I... W-well um I uh-w-where do you w-want to go?"
The green clad alchemist snorted, "I have no idea, I've never been to Corona"
"Oh... Um r-right uh..." Varian cleared his throat, "w-we could um... maybe... go on a picnic?"
Hugo smirked, "I mean we *were* talking about it", he replied, "maybe at night? I can't really cook, but I know how to make small things"
Varian nodded, "I know how to bake, dad taught me. Plus it's a lot like alchemy, just with more mundane ingredients and tastier results"
"I take offense to that", Quirin chimed in jokingly, getting his son to giggle
"It's true!"
The green eyed alchemist snickered, "a picnic would be really nice, especially at night"
"I think so too! What would be the best time? I-I mean it can be any time b-but I wanna make sure it's perfect, so would it be better-!"
"At night?"
"Yeah! A-and maybe in-!"
"The castle gardens?"
"Uh-huh, with-!"
"A blanket and some food? Sounds great"
Varian hugged Hugo happily as the bespeckled teen returned the gesture, smiling wide as he felt a little blue light shine brightly in his heart.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I am bi, and I'm proud to be bi! I'm also Asexual, and I'm proud to be Ace! To anyone who's ever gone through something even close to this, I care about you, you're wanted, needed, beautiful, wonderful, and above all else loved! I am for the LGBT+ community and I will stand by their side no matter what!
That being said, I found several articles about how being gay was both tolerated and not depending on who you asked. In some kingdoms, there were harsh punishments for being gay, in others, it was tolerated but not widely accepted. I think Corona would be one of those that wouldn't tolerate it because it was a kingdom that came to be from a man and women coming together during a war. So of course they'd probably be against a couple who don't reflect that, I'm honestly wondering if Coronan's have their own religion and I really wanna theorize about it now! :D I'll repeat, I am with the LGBT+ community! I just really like world building, but it's not meant to sound like the opposite, I mean that sincerely and apologize if it does!
Quirin, Adira, Lance, Eugene, Rapunzel, Angry, and Catalina do not have huge roles here, I wanted to focus on Hugo, Varian, Nigel, and Donella for this one, but I hope the parts they did play helped make this chapter a good one :D (Also we will get to the bet the Eugene and Lance lost to Quirin in the next chapter! XD)
Nigel is evil and I do not like him, that's why his last name means 'fake' because that's what he is, fake! He's nice to the rulers of Corona and any rich or noble man or women, but when it comes to the common folk he thinks he's above them, particularly criminals and it ticks me off! He's not a nice man and I will never like him!
Donella just got served! (How far back does that lingo date me? XD) And Eugene's here to make sure it *stings* because he and I are petty! XD There's going to be more with those two, but I wanted to make Donella angry in this one, she's just not a nice women at all!
Hugo is a soft bean and I love him very much! He's like King Edmund, I love him more and more the more I write him! :D I'm loving writing him and I love writing him more when he's with Varian! :D
Varian is the best bean! Still my favorite character and still my favorite part in every chapter! <3 He wanted to protect Hugo in this one, he really did, and no, he doesn't know about Donella's abuse yet, but believe me, he's not going to be happy when he finds out!
Ruddigar is the best emotional support raccoon ever! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 163: Dream Sweet Dreams!
Summary:
Hugo gets sick from his injuries and ends up having nightmares that lead to Quirin discovering something about the green eyed teen
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"After everything I've done for you! You'd stoop so low as to fall in love with that *BOY*?!" Donella screamed as she continued to berate Hugo over and over, beating him senselessly, "you're disgusting! Horrid! Nasty! Ungrateful! All because you think you're in *LOVE*!" With every insult she said, she would hit the teen more and more, he was writhing on the floor, screaming in pain! He couldn't run, he couldn't move, he couldn't hide, all he could do was take it and feel all the fear and hatred boil inside of him.... He wanted to run, scream, do SOMETHING, but as he continued to be beaten, he felt his life slipping away.... And as he looked around, he saw something in the distance, something that warmed his soul, it was a blue flame, he reached out to touch it, to hold it, he wanted it so badly, but Donella raised her hand over him, and brought it down one last time-!*
"AH!" Hugo jolted up, instantly regretting it as pain shot through his body, taking his breath away as he fell back on the bed. He felt hot, very hot, and was sweating profusely, he didn't remember being this hot before actually.
"Hugo?" A small voice called, his eyes were closed, he couldn't see who'd said his name, but feeling cold hands touch his cheek, he felt relief wash over him at their gentleness, "Hugo are you okay?"
He knew that voice, it was timid and quiet, but lulling at the same time, "V-Varian?" He asked, his voice was rough and raspy, almost as if he'd swallowed a mouthful of bees
"Yeah, it's me", the blue eyed alchemist replied
Hugo smiled, his voice sounded happy, that was good, "are we... On our picnic yet?"
He heard Varian giggle, "not yet, we've gotta heal first and I think you might be a little sick"
"Don't know what you're talking about", the blond replied before going into a coughing fit
"Yup", Varian replied sarcastically, "no idea"
Hugo felt the teen help him sit up before he felt something cool touch his lips, taking a sip he realized it was water, and after a few more swallows the cup was removed, "thanks"
"You're welcome", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "can you open your eyes?"
The bespeckled teen tried, it was surprisingly hard to do this morning, but he managed to crack them open just a bit. He rubbed his eyes and managed to open them a little wider before seeing Varian smiling at him, "hi"
"Hi!" The blue eyed teen replied, "how are you feeling?"
Hugo was instantly hit with aches and pains, his head felt heavy and his eyes were threatening to close once again and plunge him into darkness, "....Ugh...."
"Noted", the freckled teen replied, "Hugo is feeling 'ugh', now I know you're sick, and you probably have a fever. Will you be okay if I go get some help?" when he received a slow nod, Varian smiled, "I'll be right back, okay?"
With that, he got up and walked out of the room, leaving the blond alone. Hugo tried to look around, but felt his head swim, making his curiosity come to a grinding halt as he tried to get ahold of his thoughts. He ended up falling asleep in the process *before feeling his body fall to the floor...
He was in that same dark place once again, the one he'd just escaped from, only this time, he had shackles on his legs and hands. Looking up he saw Donella holding the key and smiling at him, "do you really think you're going to get away from me?" She asked
"W-why am I here?"
"Because you're being punished, as all *traitorous scumbags* should be!" She set the key down on a table before she grabbed something that made Hugo's blood run cold, a long, black, leather whip
"NO!" He begged, seeing the blue flame watching as he reached for it, feeling his heart pull him towards it's glow, "Don PLEASE!"
"This is what you get *traitor*!" She screamed before bringing the whip down*
"NO!" Hugo screamed, jolting awake again and backing up, "NO! Nonononononon-!"
"HUGO!" Varian yelled, cupping the teen's cheeks again, "it's okay, it's me, you're safe, you're safe"
The blond was breathing heavily as he looked at his lover, he felt than before as he looked into those cool blue eyes, "V-Varian?"
"Yeah, it's me", the teen replied, "are you okay?"
The green eyed teen was silent for a moment before he lunged forwards and wrapped his arms around the blue eyed teen, "Varian..."
The freckled teen returned the hug before looking to the side, "he's really sick...."
"I see..." A familiar voice said, getting Hugo to look up and see Quirin sitting next to him, "hey", the Village Leader stated with a gentle smile
"H-hi..." The blond replied, keeping his arms wrapped around Varian protectively
"Dad what do we do? The doctor's are busy and I don't wanna leave him in here like this?"
The retired knight chuckled, "I could take care of him while the doctors are busy", he replied, "I may not be a doctor, but I've seen this type of sickness before"
"Is it bad?"
"No, he's just sick because of the scratches, they must've ended up getting some bacteria in them when he was in the dungeons", Quirin replied as he grabbed some clothe and water, "it's normal for this kind of thing to happen, as long as he's treated he should be able to recover from it no problem, although he may get a little delusional from time to time, depending on his fever"
Hugo squinted at the man, "how do you have clouds in your hands? I thought you couldn't hold them"
The retired knight chuckled, "like that"
Varian looked at the blond worriedly, "what should we do?"
"Make sure he gets plenty of rest and keep him under constant supervision", his father explained, walking over and getting one of the clothes wet before he rolled it up and looked at his son, "can you get him to lay down?"
The blue eyed teen looked at Hugo once again and sighed, "hey, how about we lay down for a bit, yeah?"
"With you?" The green eyed teen asked
"Um..." The alchemist looked at his father, blushing a little as the man nodded with consent, "s-sure, I can lay down with you"
They both layed on the bed as Quirin placed the cold rag on Hugo's forehead, "thanks Mr. Golem", the teen stated
The retired knight chuckled, "you're welcome"
Hugo than looked at Varian once again and giggled, "you're cute"
"And you are *very* sick", the blue eyed teen replied with a smile
"I might be, but I'm not gonna tell you"
Varian snorted, "how about you close your eyes and get some sleep hm?"
"But I wanna talk to you", the blond whined
"You can talk to me in your sleep, how about that?"
"Hmmm... Ok", the alchemist replied tiredly before he pulled Varian closer to him, hugging him tight, "goodnight", he yawned
"Goodnight", the blue eyed alchemist replied with a blush as he brushed some of the blond's hair out of his face gently, lulling him into a deep sleep....
*His back ached, it felt like it was on fire and yet the blows just kept on coming! He wanted it to stop, he *begged* for relief, but it never came, no one could hear him except for her, and she didn't care.... He knew this was his fault, he saw himself glaring at his mangled body on the floor. He knew it was because of him that he was here, she kept reminding him on that, "I told you not to get close to that boy, but did you listen?" She brought down the whip and gave him another lash, "NO! You didn't! Any noe look at you!"
"I-I'm sorry D-Don.... I-I'm so sorry...." He tried
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!" She screamed, lashing him once more
His other selves began to chant with every lash he received as he cried out for forgiveness, "traitor, traitor, traitor, traitor"
"PLEASE!" He screamed
"Traitor, *traitor*, TRAITOR, *TRAITOR*"
"I'M SORRY!" He tried, seeing the blue flame once more and reaching out towards it, he was almost there but the other Hugo's smacked his hand away and continued to chant, getting louder, and louder as each new lash stung
"Traitor, traitor, traitor, TRAITOR!"*
"STOOOOP!" He screamed loudly, pushing away from whatever he was next to
"EEP!" Varian squeaked, as he flew into the wall with a thud
Hugo began to fall off the bed, "w-wait-wait-w-wait-wait-WAIT!" He begged, clawing at the blankets before he felt himself being caught by someone, looking up he saw Quirin smiling at him, "....u-uh... Hi?"
"Hi, you seem a lot more alert than before", the retired knight replied before he helped the teen back onto the bed, "Varian, are you okay?"
"Wait that was.... Fuck", Hugo turned to looked at his boyfriend, "a-are you okay? I d-didn't mean to I-I-!"
"I'm alright", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "I'm okay, just a little winded", he coughed a bit before shaking his head, clearing it for the moment before he looked at the blond, "are *you* okay? You threw me pretty dang hard"
"I.... I'm s-so sorry I... I just-wait, d-did I harm Ruddigar? I-is he okay?"
"He's on the other bed", Quirin said calmly, "sleeping off his wounds"
Hugo looked to see the little grey and black donut under the covers of the opposite bed and sighed with relief as he layed back down on the bed. A little moment passed between the three of them before Varian finally spoke up, "Hugo, are you having nightmares?"
"No", the blond lied instantly, "j-just.... I um...."
"Kick in your sleep so hard that you knock another human into a wall when you're sick?" Quirin responded with a smirk, when Hugo said nothing, the man chuckled, "I have a little alchemist who doesn't like to talking about his nightmares either remember?" He pointed to Varian, who blushed, "you kissed him the other day".
Hugo blushed as well, "eheheh... r-right...." He looked at the blue eyed alchemist and couldn't tell if he was hot because of the fever, or his own embarrassment before he sighed, "I.... Yeah... I h-have...."
Varian tilted his head to the side worriedly before sliding over to the blond, "do you... Wanna talk about them?"
The Village Leader re-applied the cold water to the rag before placing it on Hugo's head, "we won't judge you if you want to talk about them", he said with a smile, "trust me, we've had a lot of experiences with nightmares"
"I.... I don't know..." the blond replied truthfully, "I've... Never had them this bad before..."
"What are they about? I-if you don't mind me asking", the blue eyed alchemist asked
Hugo sighed and explained the dreams, giving the father son duo all the details he could before finishing with, "in each dream, I'm reaching out to this blue light... I... Feel really safe when it's around and I want to go inside of it, but... I'm always out of reach... A-and I don't know what to do to get to it before I either die or I wake up"
Varian's eyes were wide with worry and concern, "Hugo...."
The blond began to cough a little before he felt a chill run up his spine, feeling his entire body begin to shiver, "I-I'm fine just... T-they were a lot.... S-so...."
Quirin placed a light blanket around the teen, keeping the cool clothe on his forehead, "dad?" Varian said, getting the bespeckled teen to look at the Village Leader and gasp, he looked *furious*!
His usually warm brown eyes were now as cold as ice, his shoulders tensed, and his mouth was drawn into a *deep* frown as he sat next to the two teens, "Q-Quirin?...."
The man blinked as Hugo's quiet voice, his face shifting back to it's normal, calm look as he faced the blond, "sorry I... Got stuck in a thought.... A really bad thought... Those dreams sound really bad, I'm sorry you're having them"
"It's not your fault", the green clad alchemist replied, "you didn't force them onto me,... It isn't your fault I slammed your kid into the wall because of them either...."
"You still shouldn't be having them, and someone should apologize for that", the retired knight replied with a gentle smile , "plus, in all honesty, I would've someone into a wall if I were having those dreams too, so it's okay"
"Yeah", Varian replied, "plus you didn't hurt me, I'm alright, but.... Are you?"
Hugo closed his eyes, seeing images of the dreams flashing through his mind before he shivered and opened them again, "....No.... I wish I could make them go away... B-but I don't know how..."
The blue eyed alchemist thought for a moment before he got an idea, "wait here!"
"Scuse you?" Quirin said, raising a brow, "you're still hurt you know, why do you think you're still in this room?"
"I'm just grabbing a book from my bed", the alchemist replied shyly, "and I'm not *that* hurt"
"You carried Catalina out of the dungeons and reopened your already bleeding wound"
"....So c-can you wanna grab it?"
His father chuckled and nodded, "where is it?"
"On the desk, the one with an eye on the cover", the teen pointed to the little side table next to his temporary bed
Quirin got up, walked over, and found the book. He checked on Ruddigar, who was still asleep and seemed to be doing alright, before he walked back to Hugo's bed and handed his son the book, "a sleep study?" The old farmer asked
"Actually, it's a dream study!" The blue eyed alchemist replied, "the title is a little misleading"
His father glanced at it again, "A Guide to the World of Sleep"
"Oki *very* misleading", Varian replied grumpily, "but it's all about how some people can control their dreams from the waking world", he explained excitedly, "Rapunzel let me borrow it because of my own nightmares. Some of it doesn't really make any sense to me, but there's a part in here that might help you, at least for a little bit", he looked at his boyfriend with a smiled, "if you wanna try it that is"
Hugo smiled tiredly, feeling his mind start to dim a little bit, "sure"
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah just.. Getting sleepy again"
"Oh geez, oki then we need to hurry up", Varian quickly opened the book and flipped through the pages until he let out an excited, "AHA!" Startling both his father and the blond. He blushed, "sorry, I found the page"
The retired knight chuckled as Hugo let out a breath, "you awake now?" The Village Leader asked
"Yup", the green clad teen replied with a smirk
"Shush you two", the blue eyed alchemist replied before he began to read an exert from the book:
"Nightmares are an amalgamation of one's inner more thoughts coming back to haunt them, at least that's the most common trait. Sometimes nightmares are just something scary we've read or thought, but majority of the time, they are a part of our subconscious, the part we repress in order to live normally everyday. They are normally unorganized and messy, and in some cases can cause even more nightmares to spread throughout our minds. But with careful study, I believe there may be a way for us to control our nightmares in the waking world. You see through my research, I've found that meditation and relaxation do very little to quell the incredibly active mind, people with anxiety, depression, or any other form of mental or physical illness have a harder time relaxing or meditating at all. So when majority of researches say the best way to get rid of nightmares is to relax, that really doesn't help most of the population. But, through careful analysis and close study, I've found that having someone think a specific thought and focus on it before they sleep can help their dreamselves control a part of their mind and change the dream."
"Woah", Hugo said, his eyes widening, "how?"
Varian grinned, "oh it's so cool!" He began to read the next paragraph:
"When you are about to doze off, the last thing on your mind is usually going to end up in your dreams, now mind you, this does not happen all the time and in fact, can be completely erased from your mind should it not be important enough. But, I have taken great measures to see if this phenomenon is true, and I have many people who have experienced enough of the previous statement to know that it is, at the very least, 75 % true! So I've thought of an idea, before you go to sleep that night, I want you to try an exercise, think of something you love, something you care about, and let it engulf your mind, body, and soul just before you fall asleep. You'll have to try and erase all other thoughts from your mind, which can take a while for those with the aforementioned disabilities, but I know you can do it with time and practice! When you fall asleep that night, see if that certain thing appears in your dreams, if it does, then you'll know it worked and can move on to step two! The next step is to talk to your dreamself, tell them what they will be doing should a certain situation show up in your mind, let's say for example, you're running away from some wolves, and they end up catching you at the end. Well, try to tell yourself to find another route to run, take a turn, find a gate, climb up it, and run away. You must constantly chant this to yourself until you fall asleep, and see if it comes true. I've had numerous people, myself included, where this has worked, while you're in the waking world, even if you are on the cusp of sleep, you still have control over you mind, and you can either tell it to be strong and fight back, or find a different way to get out of the situation you're in. What you tell yourself will depend on your dream of course, but it goes without saying that this method could be used for any other situation! You must cheer yourself on, tell yourself it's going to be okay, that it's just a dream and you *can* and *will* be okay, and you must *believe* it! That is my method, and it does not work every time, but if you're having reoccurring nightmares and can barely sleep, then this method would be a good first try, at least until you can figure out the reason for your dreams in the first place and seek the proper help to fix them".
Varian closed the book and smiled at Hugo, "so basically, you need to try and talk to yourself, tell yourself what to do before you fall asleep, and your dream self will just need the courage to do it"
"Huh", the blond replied, "I suppose I could try, but.... I... I don't know *how* to get out of that situation"
The freckled teen thought for a moment before he smiled, "you mentioned a blue flame that you felt safe with yeah?"
"Yup"
"What if you tell yourself to reach it, and to do so by knocking Miss. Donella away long enough for you to run towards it", he suggested, "you could use something to scare her or you could kick her, then run to the flame"
Hugo thought about it before his eyes began to feel heavy and he yawned, "I... I could try", he agreed, before he leaned into the pillow underneath him. He was just about to concentrate when he got an idea, "c-can... Can I hold your hand?" He asked
Varian's eyes widened, but he smiled all the same and nodded, "always"
He took the blue eyed teen's hand and smiled, "thanks", before he looked up at the ceiling and began to formulate a plan for his dream. Coming up with one he liked, he smirked and concentrated on it before he felt himself fall into a deep sleep.
*He was on the ground again, his back was stinging, screaming at him for relief as he felt another lash to it, he looked up and saw her, Donella, laughing at him with a crazed look in her eye. His blood was on her face and hands as she lifted the whip once more when suddenly, a large roar ripped through the dungeons, "what?" The grey haired women looked around, only to be tackled to the ground by a familiar looking werewolf.
"RUN!" Catalina roared to Hugo before she pinned Donella to the floor
Hugo felt the pain in his back lessen as he managed to pull himself up, only to see dozens of himself blocking his path, "traitor, traitor, traitor, TRAITOR", they chanted, making the teen's ears hurt
"Shut the fuck up!" Another voice called, before all the other Hugo's heads were sliced from their bodies, the blond turned to see Eugene standing in front of him, smirking, "go kid! You're free, go to him now!"
The bespeckled teen smiled before he began to run as more of himself began to form, he was so close to the blue flame we he felt something grab him, turning he saw a bloodied Donella glaring at him, "you're MINE!" She screaming, before a sword rammed through her body
The blond looked up to see Quirin smiling at him, "go ahead, me and my siblings will protect you", he reassured as Adira and Hector joined him, the retired knight cutting the shackles on his hands and feet, "you're free now, go"
"Thank you", Hugo replied, before he ran over to the blue flame, he finally reached it, running inside as he heard screaming behind him before he began to fall. The flames were engulfing him, but they didn't burn, in fact they were comforting as he floated through the dream. He looked around and was suddenly face to face with the full Moon, he felt a warm smile emanating off of her before he felt something in his pocket, he took it out and saw a bright star shining in his palm. He didn't know why, but he felt like this little star knew him in some way before it dashed out of his hand and found it's place right next to the Moon before he felt someone hold his hand.
"Hello Love", a timid voice said, he looked and smiled wide as he face the familiar blue eyes and freckled face, of Varian, "care for a dance?"
The blond felt tears slide down his face as he nodded, "I would love one Freckles"
He took the blue eyed alchemist's hand in his and they began to twirl and glide across the night sky, he felt weightless and peaceful as the world drifted away, all his fears and worries no longer matter as he dance through the night with his one and only*
Hugo's eyes opened slowly, his head wasn't pounding, instead a dull pain replaced the original drumming. He sat up and looked around, only to see the retired knight had left the room, the doctors taking his place and smiling at him, "hello there Mr. Hugo", Mrs. Solace said cheerfully, "you look like you just had a very pleasant dream".
The green clad alchemist smiled before he felt something in his hand, looking he saw Varian asleep right next to him, the alchemist's mouth was open as a small snore escaped his lips. Hugo smirked, "yeah, yeah it really was an amazing dream"
****
Quirin made his way through the halls as his mind reeled, having left the medical wing a few minutes ago the retired knight made a beeline towards the one person he was sure would tell him exactly what he needed to know. Rounding the corner he heard the man's familiar laughter as he got closer to the room. Knocking on the door he heard the laughter pause before the door opened and he saw the person he'd been looking for, "hey Quirin, what's up?"
"Eugene", the Village Leader replied, "I.. I have a question for you, can you talk to me for a moment, in private?"
The Dark Prince raised a brow before he turned to looked behind him, "hey, I'll be right back okay?"
"Where ya goin?" Lance asked as Rapunzel and him noticed Quirin, "everything okay?"
"Yeah", Eugene replied, "just need to talk for a second"
The princess gave the two a warm smiled, "ok, but if you need us, let us know okay?"
"Will do Sunshine", the Dark Prince replied before he exited the room and closed the door, "I know an empty room nearby, you wanna go there?"
"Yes please", Quirin replied, "and thank you"
"No problem", Eugene stated, "I have a feeling I know what this is about". They walked into a nearby room and closed the door, locking it before Eugene took a seat on the bed, Quirin in a chair.
All was silent for a moment as the Village Leader collected his thoughts before he finally spoke, "I... I've noticed you've been a bit... 'Buddy buddy', with Donella lately if you catch my drift"
"Yup"
"I hope I'm not reading this wrong, otherwise this could turn into a huge mistake but... Does it... Have something to do with Hugo?"
The Dark Prince tensed a little, his jaw squaring a bit, "why do you ask?"
That was all the answer Quirin needed, "she's abusing him.... Isn't she...."
Eugene paused, unsure of how to respond before he nodded, "yeah.... She is.... And I told him I wouldn't tell unless I got you, me, and Varian alone together.... How'd you figure it out"
"He's been having nightmares..."
"Nightmares?" The man replied curiously, "what would give you the idea that he's abused from a couple of nightmares?"
"Well for one they're all about Donella lashing him over and over and calling him a traitor", the retired knight stated bluntly, "and for another..." He sighed before he looked at Eugene with a very dark gaze, "they're nearly *identical* to my wife's....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So Quirin knows now! :D That's all I'm saying about that!
More Variago in this chapter, honestly, a whole heck of a lot of it! The boys just work so well together that I can't stop writing them! :D Hugo being sick is adorable, but Hugo being sick and having Varian and Quirin take care of him is even more adorable! Added with the little drunk Hugo moments and the fluff was just super nova! XD
Poor Ruddy buddy is sleeping off his injuries, I think the raccoon deserves to rest for a while thank you!
Eugene and Quirin, now that's a combination that I'm excited to explore even more! The two seem to know each other well enough for Eugene to yell the man's name and have him throw a pitch fork in his direction in the finale of the show without so much as a flinch from the farmer. So I think it's safe to say they probably bonded off screen! :D I think these two would be really funny together and really good with serious chapters together as well! :D So I'm very excited to continue this! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 164: Abandoned Love!
Summary:
Quirin tells Eugene about his and Ulla's past with Donella!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Quirin let out a small breath as he stared up towards the partially cloudy sky, smiling wide as a few beads of sweat slid down his brow, "well don't you look happy tough guy", a voice teased, getting him to grin even wider as he saw a red headed women walking towards him, "then again, you always look happy when you farm".
"That's because I always am Ulla", the retired knight replied, "it's very peaceful work"
"Well for someone who's only been at this whole 'Village Leader' biz for a few months, you're certainly getting the hang of it"
The Village Leader smiled, "thanks, that means a lot, how's the house hunt going?"
She sighed, "not very well, turns out you need a lot of money to pay for an entire house, and since the people here aren't as understanding of alchemy as you are, it's...."
"Hard?"
"Very"
"Oh boy, well, like I said before, you're more than willing to stay with me for as long as you and Miss. Donella need to"
She chuckled, "I'm sorry, I'm just not used to people calling her, *Miss* Donella"
Quirin chuckled as well, "well I don't think she'd like me calling her 'Donnie', like you. In fact she might end up punching me for that"
Ulla laughed, "she would, she really would!"
Her laugh seemed infectious, because it wasn't too long until the old farmer began to laugh as well, enjoying the brief moment of joy before they heard, "and what is so funny exactly?" From a very stern sounding voice, instantly snuffing out their laughter and getting them to look in it's direction.
"Oh, hi Donnie, sorry, we were just having a laugh about how you'd react to Mr. Vanguard calling you Donnie instead of Miss. Donella", she replied with a small smile, "he wasn't planning on changing it, but it was funny to think how you'd react"
"I'd punch him", Donella stated flatly, getting them both to laugh again
"That's *exactly* what he said!" Ulla giggled before she quickly controller her laughter, "anyway, did you have any luck in the market?"
"No...." Donella stated, quickly chilling the air with her cold response, "no one had anything available, plus they don't want 'witches' fucking up their homes...."
"Oh...." Ulla looked down at the floor for a moment, "well I... Suppose there's really nothing we can do then, is there?"
Quirin thought for a moment, "well hey, how about I ask the King and Queen if they have any ideas?"
The red head's eyes lit up, making the old farmer's heart skip a beat, "you would actually *do* that for us?!"
"Don't be ridiculous!" The grey haired women snapped, "you really think the King and Queen of Corona, the actual *rulers* of the people that are actively shunning us, would be open to having two alchemists help them out?"
Quirin smirked, trying to hide his annoyance, "well not to put a damper on that *wonderful* stereotype you've just placed on the people I lead, but not *all* of them think you're evil witches you know", he pointed to himself, "case in point, plus Lord Demanitus himself was an alchemist, a very famous one, and he came *from* Corona. So the people of *Old* Corona may not be so willing, but I'm certain the people in the *city* would want to give your ideas a try"
"He's got a point Donnie!" Ulla agreed, "Lord Demanitus did come from Corona, we know that, everyone back home knows it too, it's how we even go *in* to alchemy!" She smiled wide, "maybe we could give his ideas a chance? Just a little one?"
The retired knight raised a brow at how shy the, normally happy go lucky, red head sounded as she sided with him. But when he saw the grey haired women sigh in defeat, he smiled, "I suppose it couldn't hurt to *try*, but if it doesn't work, we need to leave", she stated, "as soon as possible Ulla".
The red head's shoulder's tensed, "aw but Don, we could try to convince people before we just up an leave, couldn't we?"
Donella's brow raised uninterestedly, "you really think that if the King and Queen themselves wouldn't accept us, that their people will?"
"W-well I'm hopeful they'll listen, there's nothing wrong w-with a little optimism right?"
"There is when it gets us killed!" Donella snapped, getting Ulla to wince a bit as Quirin walked in front of the red head
"There's no need to be like that", the old farmer replied gently, "I understand your worry Miss. Donella, but I haven't even spoken to the rulers yet. Surely this little dispute can come after I have an answer for the both of you yeah?" He suggested with a smile, "as I was telling Ulla, you both can stay here for as long as you need, I really don't mind, but I don't want you fighting. If anything else, I could see if I would need any help with your alchemy, I'm certain there are ways you can both help me on the farm with your alchemy. So even if the King and Queen don't have any ideas, there's still another option so you two don't have to leave".
Donella growled, "what *you'll* pay *us* to help *you*?"
"Well, yes, I make more than I know what to do with, I don't have any children to speak of, nor any animals in my home that need tending to, save for the farm animals but I have other farmhands that help with that. So you two would be able to stay with me until you've made enough to move out, find your own home, and by that point you'll have made a name for yourselves to where the people of Old Corona would be willing to give your alchemy a try. Even if they didn't, there's more than enough to do on my farm that could use a... Scientific touch? If you'd be willing to", he smiled at the grey haired women, "you two could have a safe home here, I certainly wouldn't mind, it would be nice to have some company for a while, just as it's been nice having the both of you here for the couple of months you've stayed".
"....We'll see...." Donella stated, "I'm going to get some things ready, Ulla, I'll need your help...." She stated before turning on her heel and walking to the Village Leader's home
Quirin sighed and turned to face Ulla when he froze, "are you alright?"
The red head's eyes were wide and she was trembling, her shoulders were tense as she watched her best friend walk inside, "hm?" Noticing the old farmer, she nodded, "y-yeah, I'm... I-I'm sorry she's just... Not very trusting um.... I... I should go after her...."
"Ulla? I'm... Sorry if I caused any problems...."
Ulla looked at the man and, seeing his worried expression, her blue eyes softened and she touched his cheek gently, "It's alright, and you didn't, Don's just not very trusting, like I said. Thank you though, for... standing up for me, that meant a lot, really", she replied, before blushing a lowering her hand quickly, "uh b-but um, I should uh... I-I should go, I really should, she'll need someone to... T-to talk to so... I'll see you later, yeah?"
"Of course", the retired knight replied, "let me know if you need any help ok?"
"Deal", she giggled before turning to walk over to the house after Donella*
"Sounds exactly like what happened with Hugo...." Eugene stated angrily as he listened to the old farmer's tale
Quirin nodded, "it gets worse.... After I'd finished farming that day, I came inside my home, only to find Donella in the livingroom...."
*The retired knight opened his door, waving goodnight to Adam as he opened it and entered his home before closing the door behind him. He stretched, feeling the aches of the day's hard labor before he walked inside the livingroom, stopping when he saw Donella standing in front of him, her arms crossed over her chest as she glared at the man. He instantly felt the tense air hit his chest and was immediately on his guard, "is everything okay?" He asked calmly.
"No", came the short replied from the grey haired women, "and I think we should address this issue now before certain things come to pass that shouldn't"
Quirin raised a brow, "alright", he replied, not wanting to escalate the situation as he stood his ground, "what's wrong?"
"You", she stated, "and how you're treating Ulla"
The retired knight's brows raised in surprise and worry, "have I insulted her? I certainly didn't mean to"
The grey haired women sighed, "no, you didn't"
"Oh well that's good... Unless I hurt her, or said the wrong thing?"
"NO!" She shouted, startling the man before she let out a breath, "just... You've been... Getting closer to her... And it's a bad idea"
"....What?"
The women looked at the man, her face more serious than it ever has been, "let me put it a different way... Ulla is *mine*. *We* worked hard together and fought to where we are not, *us* without*you*!"
Quirin tilted his head to the side, "I.... I'm sorry, I don't understand-!"
"No, you don't", she interrupted, "you don't understand me and Ulla and you never will. She's *my* friend, she's *my* Ulla, you can't *have* her, and yet you keep trying to take her away!"
"Miss. Donella I... I'm not trying to take her away from you", the retired knight stated, "I'm being nice to her, and you for that matter, because I want to be nice, I'm not doing it to gain any loyalty or money. So I'm not really sure what you're trying to imply.... But I'm not sure I like it very much".
She sighed, "so you haven't noticed... You're just as oblivious as her..."
"Oblivious to what?"
"She has a crush on you you fucking idiot!" She snapped, "when she sees you she blushes, when you smile at her her knees go weak! And I can't tell you have a crush on her too and I want you to stop!"
Quirin blinked for a moment before he blushed, "she.... Has a crush on me?" At the annoyed groan from the grey haired women, the old farmer blushed even more, I.... Didn't know...." He gave a shy smile, "I suppose I didn't really think something like that would happen to someone like me...."
Donella rolled her eyes, "yeah yeah, and the world is full of cupcakes and rainbows but listen", she stated, getting close to the man, "you make me think for *one* instant that you might be feeling that same way? And I'll gut you like the fish you catch and hang your insides in the town square for everyone to see, got it?"
"W-wait", the retired knight looked at the women, completely unfazed, "*that's* why you're upset? Because you think if Ulla and I get together, she won't care about you anymore?"
"I-it's more than that! She's *my* Ulla Quirin! So back OFF!"
"Ulla doesn't *belong* to anyone Donella", the retired knight replied, "now mind you, if you have feelings for her then fine, I'll back off, do you?" The women went silent, "I need to know now, I won't judge if you do"
"I..... No... I don't", she stated darkly, "but she's still *mine*"
"Why? Why is she yours?"
"Because that's how it's *supposed* to be!" She exclaimed, "she's mine, only mine, and having her fall in love with some stupid hick is going to throw all of what I've done with her out the window! So you need to back off!"
This made the retired knight angry as he thought about that free spirited red head being chained up and attached to this women. He imagined her wilting away as Donella soaked in all her warmth and felt his blood begin to boil, "look, I don't know what game you're playing, but I get the feeling it's not going to end well for Ulla, so I've been listening to you this entire time, but now you're going to hear *me*", he stated, glaring right back at the women angrily, "I don't care if she decides to fall in love with me or not, but if I think for one moment that you're going to hurt that young women upstairs, then you've got another thing coming. I don't like the way you're talking about her, *she* deserves to decide what *she* wants, and as her *closest friend*, I would think you would want the best for her, but it doesn't seem like you do. You think she's yours when she's not, she's Ulla's, she belongs to herself, that's all! I would say the same thing about you, you don't get to control people or make them your property as if you have some right to them because you don't! You have *no* right to 'claim' her like that!"
"You're only saying this because you like her back!" Donella spat
"NO!" Quirin yelled, "I'm saying this because I'm worried you're going to COMTROL HER!" He snapped, "and I've seen what that does to people, I know how much control can hurt a person!" An image of Adira and Hector flashed in his mind before he shook it away, "you won't control Ulla, YOU WON'T! Not as long as you two remain in MY home! She does not belong to you, she doesn't belong to me, she doesn't *belong* to anyone! She's her own person, and you *will* respect that in my home!" With that he huffed and walked into the kitchen before he could do something he would regret later on, leaving the grey haired women alone with her own thoughts.*
"What the actual fuck...." Eugene stated, completely in shock of what he's just been told, "she really did that?"
"Yes...." Quirin replied angrily, "and I'm worried she's doing the same thing to Hugo..."
"How do you know his nightmares are the same?"
"Because Ulla told me about hers"
*A couple more months had passed and the retired knight was in his kitchen making breakfast, pancakes and bacon, Ulla's favorite. He hummed a secret tune as he set the plates before he heard the door open, turning he grinned, "morning, how are y-!" He stopped when he saw Ulla, her hair was a mess and she had massive bags underneath her eyes. He clothing was wrinkled, as if she had slept in them, and what was worse was the tears stains the knight noticed on her cheeks, "are you alright?"
"Hm?" The red head looked at the man and gave a weak smile, "yeah I'm-!", she yawned, interrupting herself, "I'm alright, just... You know, pretty tired after researching so much last night"
The Village Leader raised a brow before noticing Donella walk inside the kitchen, she froze when she saw Ulla, "are you alright?"
"Yes yes", the red head replied with a chuckle, "I'm alright, just tired, as I was just telling Q"
"Q?"
"Q for Quirin!"
"...Oh"
She gave a small chuckle, "a-anyway, I just didn't sleep much last night, that book about alchemy had my mind racing!"
The retired knight smirked, but continued to look at the tear stains on the women's face, *a book wouldn't do that unless it was a very sad story, I don't think that would exist in an alchemy book unless I'm missing the entire point of the practice... So what really happened?* He looked at Donella, who was helping her friend sit down and eat, *no... she was just as concerned as I was, not to mention surprised, she wouldn't have anything to do with i-!* He stopped when he noticed Ulla violently flinch away from Donella's touch, startling the grey haired women, *....I.... Have an idea....* Making a mental note to talk to Ulla later, the retired knight joined them at the table.
A few hours had passed and Donella had gone out to fetch a few more books from the book store. Quirin looked at Ulla and tilted his head at her as she read a Flynn Rider book he had lying around, "so.... Nightmares huh?"
"Hm?" The red head looked at him, her blue eyes wide with worry for a brief second before she plastered on a smile, "oh uh, eheh no! What would give you that idea?"
"Ulla I've had nightmares before, and I've helped others through them as well, I can certainly tell when a nightmare has had it's way with a person's mind", he replied, "especially when they don't wash the tear stains off their face before coming to breakfast"
The blue eyed alchemist snapped her fingers in frustration, "darn, I knew I missed something...."
Quirin snorted, "do you wanna talk about th-!"
"No!" She exclaimed a little too quickly, before chuckling nervously, "eheh I-I mean no... I just... Sorry", she said, "I didn't mean to give you the impression that I was in need for help I just... I need to handle them on my own, and I can do that, it's just... Hard sometimes"
"Sometimes? So these have been going on for quite sometime?"
"I-I-uh-I never I-ugh! Stop that!" She stated, "how are you so good at figuring out how I feel?"
Quirin shrugged, "guess I like you"
She looked at him and blushed before giggling, "I like you too tough guy, but I'm not a mind reader"
"Tch, if I were a mind reader, do you really think it would take me so long to lead the villagers like I need to?"
She snickered, "probably not, but you're very good at it either way"
"Maybe I'll take it up sometime, who knows, it could come in handy. Like how I need to figure out *why* you're having these nightmares so they can stop"
Ulla's smile faded as she looked at the floor, "i-it's nothing... Just some mindless fears that I'm certain will never come true...."
The village Leader watched the women stare sadly at the floor, "are you telling me that, or are you convincing yourself?"
She chuckled bitterly, "both, is that an answer?" Ulla then placed her hands on her face and groaned, "Quirin.... I-if you had nightmares about someone you hold dear... would you tell them?"
"Depends on what the nightmare means", the retired knight replied sincerely, "if my friend died, I don't think they'd want to hear about that, but if they were hurt, or hurting me or someone else, I'd wanna let them know, could be some subconscious trauma"
She smirked and looked at the man, "and you say you don't understand science?"
"Psychology is a little different, dream psychology even more so. But I've... Had experience in this particular field...." His sibling's faces flashed in his mind again, along with his king before he shook them away.
"Ah...." She replied, "I'm sorry you've been through that"
"Not your fault"
"Someone should apologize", she retorted, "heck someone should apologize for the headache they gave me this morning! Not pleasant"
Quirin snorted again, "they never are", he then looked at the women, "....Do.... They happen to have anything to do with Donella?"
Ulla froze, instantly becoming tense before she sighed, "yeah.... Oh please don't tell her that though! I would never forgive myself if she found out about the things I've dreamed about her!"
"I won't tell her, I promise", he replied with a reassuring smile, "but... I'm here to listen if you need me to", he offered
She smiled, clearly comforted by this before sighing and nodding, "yeah I... I think I'll take you up on that"*
"So she told you about her dreams then?" Eugene asked
"Yup, and they were exactly like the ones Hugo's having right now, and I came to find out later why...." The retired knight replied, "Eugene.... If Hugo's having these nightmares, then we need to get him away from Donella as soon as possible"
"Why?"
"Because she's dangerous, *very* dangerous", he stated, "she'll stop at nothing to get what she wants, do what she needs to do to make sure everything is perfect.... She did that to Ulla Eugene...."
"And what happened?"
The man looked at the Dark Prince as tears filled his eyes, "Varian grew up without a mother...."
Eugene's eyes widened, "you mean she-!"
"She didn't kill her... I... I don't know what she did.... B-but she took her away.... I never saw her again when she did...." Quirin replied sadly as a single tear slid down his face, "I watched her take Ulla away.... I couldn't stop her because of her control, because of her abuse.... A-and because of that, Ulla.... She never came home...." He then glared, "and I'm *not* letting her do that to Hugo, I won't!"
The Dark Prince nodded, "*we* won't, I promise you I won't let Hugo be taken away, not like Ulla.... I promised"
Quirin nodded before wiping his eyes, "sorry"
"It's alright, she was your *wife*", Eugene stated, "that kind of thing.... It doesn't go away.... But I'm here if you need to talk, okay?"
The retired knight smiled, "thank you, and same"
"Hm?"
"Finding out you're the lost prince of the Dark Kingdom? Finding out your father had to leave you with strangers for all of your life? Finding out you belonged somewhere?" When the Dark Prince began to stutter the retired knight chuckled, "I'm a mind reader remember?"
Eugene stopped and chuckled, "I guess so, good gosh!" He then stopped and looked at Quirin, "hey, if Donella was so against you two being together, to the point of threatening you, then how'd you end up having Varian?"
The retired knight smiled sadly, "because Donella made a huge mistake.... And Ulla.... She made her own choice"
*"This situation is wrong", Donella stated as she glared at the retired knight in the living room. Ulla was sitting on the couch with Quirin, they were looking through a Flynn Rider book when the grey haired women had entered the room
"What's wrong?" The red head asked
"Us living here with you", Donella pointed to Quirin angrily, "it shouldn't be like this and I'm not going to burden you with us anymore I-!"
"You two aren't a burden!" Quirin interrupted as calm as he could, noticing Ulla glance at him worriedly, "whoever called you a burden is wrong and I'd like to know their names so I can correct that"
The red head looked in-between the two before turning to Quirin, "you really aren't upset that we still haven't found a place, right? I mean it's been over a year now"
"No why would I be?"
"Because we shouldn't be here!" Donella snapped, getting the two to look at her, "we don't *need* to be in Old Corona where the people revere us as outsiders! We need to be in a *home*, so we're leaving, tonight"
The old farmer's eyes widened, "you're leaving? But why would you want to when you've got options here?" He asked before sighing at the glare he received, "look I won't force you to stay, if you really *want* to go, then go. But surely you can give me a better reason than that".
"That is the one and *only* reason", Donella stated, "and we're leaving *now*, come on Ulla"
The red head looked at her best friend, "a-alright, why don't we just calm down and talk about thi-!"
"...why do I feel like you're lying?"
Donella froze but didn't speak as Ulla looked at the retired knight with wide, fearful, eyes, "um... Quirin I d-don't thi-!"
"Why do I feel like you're lying Miss. Donella?" The man repeated, "I won't stop you from leaving, but...." He looked at Ulla for a moment, his eyes betraying him as a flash of worry shifted through them before he looked back at the grey haired women, "I don't think you're being completely honest with me, and I want to make sure I didn't do something wrong to provoke this sudden decision".
"You don't need to worry about that, because we won't be coming back"
"What?" Ulla exclaimed, "b-but you said we'd visit!"
Donella sighed, "Ulla, we don't need to be here"
"B-but we should still visit!" Ulla argued, "he's our *friend* Donnie! He helped us when no one else would! And now you want to leave and never see him again? That's not fair! He's a good man, and he's kind, and sweet as well! I agreed to leave when the time came but only if you promised we would visit him, did you lie about that?!"
"Ulla! Come on we don't need him! All we need is us, that's it, we don't need some dusty old farmer! Remember when it was just us and we ran from home? We can do *amazing* things together, we don't *need* to keep depending on complete strangers to do the things we love!"
"You're not even giving him a *chance* Donnie!" Ulla argued, "you were right before, about a lot of things! But when I chose to leave my family and your family behind to find a safe place for us to live, I thought that meant we would support each other no matter what!"
"I *am* supporting you! Being with this guy isn't smart Ulla!"
"How?! Just because *you* don't trust him? What about me, what about what *I* think?!" She snapped as Quirin felt his heart soar with happiness when she said that, "you never listen to me about *anything*! You know how *hard* that's been on me?! You know I have *nightmares* about you?! Beating me and telling that I betrayed you when I haven't done anything wrong? You know who helped me through that and kept me by your side during that time? Quirin! He *helped* me, and he's been helping us from the beginning! So why can't you see that and stop thinking he's going to harm us when he's *NOT*?!"
"WHO *CARES* WHAT *YOU* THINK ULLA! YOU HAVEN'T MADE *ANY* GOOD DECISIONS FOR US AT *ALL*! IT'S BEEN *ME*! *I* KEEP US SAFE! *I* KEEP US PROTECTED! SO *YOU* NEED TO LISTEN TO *ME*! WE ARE *NOT* STAYING HERE WITH *HIM*! WE ARE *LEAVING NOW*!" Donella screamed, Quirin was shocked at what he'd heard, watching as Ulla backed up a few steps. He felt his heart break when he heard her sniffling, "I...." The grey haired women tried, "Ulla I... I-I'm sorry I ju-!" She stopped when the red haired women ran up the stairs, they both heard a door slam shut before everything grew still.
The retired knight just stared in worry at the stairs, "this is all *YOUR* fault!" He heard Donella snap, but he ignored her, still worried about how upset Ulla had gotten. He didn't care when he heard the stomps from Donella's boots, and didn't care when he heard the front door slam shut. He sat there for a moment before he finally managed to move, going directly to the stairs and walking up, going to the bedroom where the sobs escaped from and quietly knocking on the door, "g-go away...." He heard Ulla say, "I-I just c-can't talk to you r-right now Donnie...."
"I-It's me", Quirin replied softly, "Donella walked outside I believe. If you want to be alone, I can do that, but I... I wanted to check on you". He didn't heard anything for a couple minutes and began to walk away, when the bedroom door slammed open and Ulla flew out of it, hugging the man tightly and crying into his shirt. Immediately getting him to return the hug, "I'm sorry Ulla...." He said, "I'm so sorry...."*
"She left her that night...." The Village Leader stated sadly, "when she left the house she only came back to grab her stuff and walked out. I think she expected Ulla to follow her, but she didn't, she stayed with me, and Donella couldn't take it.... She *abandoned* her Eugene", he stated, "she *abandoned* her best friend, her *sister*! That's what Ulla told me, that she was like her sister, and Donella just *abandoned* her.... For years... that kind of thing would be punished big time in the Dark Kingdom", he stated, "there's one thing we value most of all, and it's loyalty! To your family, to your brothers and sisters in arms, and to your king, abandoning someone like that.... Just because they made a choice you don't agree with...." He closed his eyes, "she cried for years.... She would wake up even after we got married and would cry.... Varian helped her heal, he was the filling she needed for that hole in her heart that Donella had left... But when he turned three.... She came back.... And took Ulla away...."
"Geez...." Eugene said, "I... I'm so sorry Quirin"
The retired knight shook his head before looking at the Dark Prince, "I don't want the same thing to happen with Hugo, Varian loves him, and Hugo loves Varian", he smiled, "they act a lot like we did back then, shy and clumsy and unsure of themselves.... I can tell Hugo makes my son happy, and I don't want what happened to me to happen to him.... Not again...."
Eugene smiled and placed a hand on the knight's shoulder and smiled, "we won't, I promise", he stated, "we just need to come up with a plan"
"Right", Quirin agreed, "first things first, I think we need to get Varian in on this"
"I already have an idea for that", the Dark Prince replied with a grin, getting the Village Leader to do the same, the hope in the man's eyes brightening a bit as he and Eugene began to plan operation: Save Hugo!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here's some more Ulla and Quirin fluff, oh yeah, and Donella's there.
Eugene is definitely turning into a king, right next to Lance and prince Hugo! The man is doing Quirin a justice here! :D
Quirin is adorable, he's so awkward and sincere yet knows when to be serious! Plus he makes the best pancakes! :D
Donella has another thing coming, then again, she's not alone this time....
Varian and Hugo have some serious past trauma's in their families! Seriously, all the abandonment and such going on, they all need freaking therapy, like my gosh! Also yeah, they didn't show up much in this one, only got a few mentions, but I think we needed a Quirin and Eugene moment, those are pure and we need them in our lives! :D (Don't worry, next chapter will have more alchemists in it, trust me! :D)
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 165: Be Prepared!
Summary:
Varian gets a warning and begins to feel very worried for Cassandra!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*'You're hurt little one'
"I'm sorry...."
'There's no need to apologize, are you alright?'
"Yes, just... Sore"
'Allow me to help you little one, you and your friend will be okay now. But be warned, there is a storm coming soon'
"A-about the piece that's coming?"
'No, this one is different, but that piece of me will be the cause. You will need to protect the one's you hold dear very soon, in more ways than one, including your little star'
"My star?"
'You'll understand when he tells you, but either way. There's a great danger coming, it will happen after the great ball you're preparing for. It will be coming in the color of red, and can harm you from the inside out'
"Inside out? S-so.... What should I do?"
'Remain strong and vigilant, but above all else, whatever happens, you must be brave little one, you needs to face your fear, fight it, don't let your past harm you anymore'
"M-my past?"
'Yes, you must face your past, you will be the only one to stop this new threat, but I know you can do it, you are amazing little one. You can do amazing things as long as you have the confidence to do them. I believe in you'
"....Oki, I... I'll do my best"
'I know you will, now step into my light and wake up. You're little star is waiting for you'*
Varian yawned, stretching his arms as his eyes opened slightly, he looked around before his eyes landed on a smirking blond that was staring at him, "hiya Freckles"
The teen smiled, "hi", he replied sleepily, "did it work?"
"The dream idea? Yeah, it did"
"That's good", Varian replied before another yawn escaped him, getting Hugo to snicker
"Sleepy?"
"A little", he replied before sitting up and looking around. He noticed Ruddigar was now awake, his tail swishing when he saw his boy had woken up, "hey bud", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "how are you feeling?"
The raccoon gave a happy chitter, getting the teen to sigh with relief
"I'm glad, you had me really worried", he then looked at the blond, "and how are *you* feeling?"
"A lot better, still not 100% but, not super sick like before", Hugo replied, "your dad has a magic touch apparently, also, how long was I out?"
Varian looked around, "judging from how light it is now, you've been out all night and most of the day, so have I actually. Did you happen to see where my dad went?"
The blond shook his head, "he must've left before I woke up, because the person I saw were the two doctors.... Doctor's Solace I think they're names are? They're nice"
The blue eyed alchemist nodded, "they really are, they're a lot like parents in a way"
"Well thank you little one", a voice replied happily, getting the alchemist to look over and see Mrs. Solace smiling at him
"I.... W-when did you-!"
"I've been here, I didn't want to interrupt your conversation"
Varian blushed, "ah, oki, s-sorry I didn't know you were there"
She chuckled, "you're alright, that was very sweet of you two to say", she replied before she got up, "and I'm glad you're alright Hugo", she added, "the both of you seemed to have healed pretty quickly, I would've thought that illness you got from your cuts would've lasted a bit longer, but it seems as though it didn't. You two should be free to go in a little bit"
"Wait really?" The blue eyed teen asked, when he received a nod he lifted his shirt a bit to look at his scratch and gasped. The bandage was off and all that was left was a small cut, it would scar for sure, but it was almost completely healed, "h-how...."
"Oh by the way, the glowing thing, is the new?" Mrs. Solace asked
"What?"
She gave him a confused expression, "well in the middle of the night your hair began to glow a bright blue.... Me and my husband were concerned and we were going to grab a guard or someone to see if they knew anything, but your father came in to check on you and told us it would be okay. He stayed with you until the glowing stopped and, well, that was that. Oh, he did say that if you woke up, to tell you he'd be in the family room before he went to sleep in the room right next to this one".
The alchemist blinked for a few minutes before he and Hugo exchanged expressions and looked back at the doctor, "it's not really normal, but it's happened before an-! W-wait, did it.... W-was the glow touching Hugo?"
"Yup"
"Was it blue?" Hugo asked
"Yup"
Without skipping a beat, the blond lifted his shirt and checked his sides, they were same as Varian's. Small scratches that would scar, but nothing more than that, they looked at each other once more before Varian nodded, "do you need us to stay in here any longer?" The blue eyed alchemist asked the doctor
She nodded, "We just want to make sure you two are completely healed first before letting you leave, so we just need to do a few check ups. Plus Ruddigar is still in bad shape, but he'll be able to travel with you provided he doesn't jump or climb on anything for a little while"
"Oki", he responded, "thank you"
She smiled, "you're welcome!" She replied, "no then, how about we get the check ups out of the way yeah?" She asked before grabbing her stethoscope.
****
The two alchemists were allowed to leave the medical wing with Ruddigar kept securely in Varian's arms as they made a beeline to the family room, "I can't believe it, that glow, it's the Moon isn't it?" Hugo asked
"It's gotta be, and if that's happening that could mean one of two things, either I was having some odd feelings last night, or C-Cassandra's nearby"
"Well shit...." The blond stated before he stopped, "wait, what if it's not either of those things?"
Varian looked at the green clad alchemist, "what do you mean?"
"Well, you were hurt, and when you were facing Cassandra when... whatever happened to her, happened, you glowed too, maybe the Moon realized you were hurt and healed you?"
The alchemist blinked for a moment, "I.... I think you're right...."
"Really? I mean I was just kinda guessing"
"I could tell", the blond huffed, "but you're right, I.... I heard a voice in my sleep, and they sounded exactly like...." The realization of whom he'd been speaking to hit him like a caravan, "we need to find dad, now!" He gingerly handed Ruddigar over to the green eyed teen before taking his hand and running down the halls, pulling him to the family room doors.
****
All was quiet in the family room as the fire in the fireplace clicked and shimmered with life, Quirin let out a tired sigh, "didn't get a lot of sleep last night?" A small voice asked, looking at the couch next to him, the Village Leader saw Catalina watching him worriedly, as Lance and Angry played Go Fish together, and smiled
"Yeah, but I'm alright, just... thinking", he replied
"Are Varian and Hugo alright?" She asked
He nodded, "they'll be okay, in fact, they'll be coming back from the infirmary today, should be anytime now"
The red head's eyes widened, "wait really? But they got hurt from me, how would they be healed already?"
Before the retired knight could answer, the door to the family room burst open as two people ran inside, "dad!" Varian yelled
"Hi so-!" He was cut off when he felt the teen run into his chest, hugging him tightly. The father was startled for a moment before he returned the hug, "it's okay", he consoled, "it's okay"
Hugo was standing behind his boyfriend, he was holding a worried looking Ruddigar in his arms as he watched the duo, "hey I... Hate to interrupt this moment, but he kinda pulled me along without much of an explanation, do you know what's going on?"
Quirin chuckled, "to a degree", he looked at his son, "though I think he may know more about this than I do"
Varian pulled away and looked at his father, "y-you saw me glowing last night"
"I did, you stopped though, and my mark didn't glow, so I knew you weren't in danger"
"Why didn't you wake me up?" He asked
"I.... Wasn't supposed to", the man replied
"Wait what?"
The retired knight sighed, "ok first, calm down a bit, you're a little too worked up and I understand why, but take a breath alright"
Varian nodded and took in a shaky breath before letting it out slowly as Lance, Catalina, and Angry watched. When the teen seemed to be a bit calmer he looked at his father, "I'm better now but, y-you weren't supposed to?"
Quirin nodded, "when I came in to check on you and Hugo, you were already glowing. I was about to wake you up to see if you needed any help, when a gentle voice told me not to, that you were safe and just told me to keep watch over you, so I did, and when you stopped glowing I checked yours and Hugo's breathing and you were both doing alright, that's when I noticed your wounds had been healed and Hugo wasn't sick anymore. I asked the doctors to keep an eye on the both of you, and once you woke up, to tell you both to come find me in the family room, which I see they did".
"Y-you heard a voice?"
"Yes, a gentle one, very calm and motherly almost, like she was lulling me to sleep"
"Then it *was* her...." The tiny alchemist said thoughtfully
"Her?" Hugo asked as Ruddigar chitter in confusion, "her who?"
Varian looked at the blond, "the Moon...." At the surprised expressions of both his boyfriend, therapist, younger sisters, and father, the teen explained, "when we came back to Old Corona I... Had a strange dream that I was talking to the Moon, she guided me outside and told me she'd given me a gift", he looked at his father, "you remember, right?"
Quirin nodded, "I do, I've been thinking about it a lot"
"So have I", his son agreed, "her voice was calming and gentle, like she was trying to sing me a lullaby, and she told me that... That there was something coming"
"Again?"
"No, something different, she said it would be red, and that it has something to do with my fears and my past. She said I'd be the only one to stop it and that I needed to be ready, and she said it would come after the ball and that C-Cassandra would be the cause of it...."
The retired knight was startled before taking a breath and letting it go, "well, the ball is still a little while from now, so we have time to prepare", he looked at his son, "are you okay?"
"I..... She believes in me, and told me I can do amazing things but.... B-but I haven't really done that much to really agree...." He admitted
"Are you kidding?" Lance asked, "you built entire armies, constructed gigantic balloon ships and a hot air balloon in no time flat, and you've made so many potions that I can't even remember all their names or functions", the man listed with a grin, "trust me, you're more than you think you are little man"
"Lance is right V", Angry agreed, "I mean, that hot air balloon was *awesome*!"
"Oh you mean the one you stole then broke?" Varian asked with a raised brow
"Yup! When it wasn't broken, it was awesome! Plus you came after me and Cat and saved us when that big storm came around and we tried to make our way back home!"
"Plus you calmed me down when I took Hugo and hurt him, you, and Ruddigar", Catalina added, "I'm... Still sorry about that by the way...."
Varian smiled, "we already forgave you you know"
"He's right", Hugo agreed, "you're fine, it's not like we're dead or anything", he then looked at his boyfriend, "by that way, if I remember correctly, you were protecting me from getting in trouble by taking the blame for me being captured because you knew it was wrong for two people to be in love if they are the same gender in Corona, so yeah, that's pretty amazing too".
The blue eyed alchemist blushed, "t-thanks guys... B-but this new warning, a-and the new threat... I'm worried about it, about *her*...., I don't know why, but I get the feeling that C-Cassandra is going to be just as surprised as we will be.... and that freaks me out more.... For her, me, and Rapunzel...."
"Don't worry son", Quirin reassured, "we'll be right there with you, you won't face whatever's going to happen alone"
Varian smiled at his father and nodded, "thanks, I really appreciate that", he replied before he hugged Quirin happily, Lance, Angry, Catalina, Hugo, and Ruddigar joining in.
****
Cassandra was breathing heavily as she walked through the woods, her mind reeled as she felt the Moonstone glowing in her chest, *what's going on? Why's this happening?* She tripped and fell onto the forest floor, looking back she's not sure why she even tripped, feeling her hear begin to beat rapidly against her chest she curled her knees into her chest and tried to breathe. But as she did so, she felt something begin to rise below her.
"LOOK OUT!" A familiar voice screamed, making the women jump out of the way, just in time for something to burst out of the floor beneath her
Cassandra looked behind her and gasped as she saw a glowing red rock shining brightly in the dark, she suddenly felt chills run down her spine as she saw the ghostly blue girl float over to her, "y-you saved me, thank you"
"You're welcome, are you alright?"
"I.... I think so.... W-why am I feeling like this, my heart feels like it's about to explode!"
"Because the Moonstone is sensing the boy more and more everyday, I suspect the Moon herself has already made contact with him.... Which is not good for you Cassandra"
The blue haired women tilted her head to the side, "the *Moon* made a connection to Varian?"
"Yes", the ghost girl replied, "she's a powerful entity all on her own, you don't even have a pebble of her and yet you have so much power. Now think of what that *boy* could do to you should he gain that power"
Cassandra felt the chills run down her spine once more, "....I-is that why I'm feeling this way?"
"I suspect it might be, the Moon does not like being taken from those she deems worthy to wield her, and in a way, you took her from the boy", when she received a glare from Cassandra she added, "I never said I disagreed with you, I'm simply stating facts. That power was gifted to the boy from the Moon herself, just as the power of the Sun was gifted to that girl. So of course the Moon would be upset if someone else were wielding it without, first, getting rid of the prior chosen partner".
Cassandra looked at the Moonstone, "so even *it* wouldn't choose me first..."
The ghost girl gave a secret smile at that before quickly replacing it with a concerned look, "I would", she stated, "I'd certainly choose you over some young child that clearly isn't better than you, but I'm not the Moon so I suppose my opinion doesn't matter in this whole ordeal. I still think you should just get rid of the boy all together", receiving another glare she sighed, "but I see you haven't changed your mind on that..."
"I am not going to take my anger for Rapunzel and her family out on Varian, he didn't do anything, he didn't...." She looked at the red rock again and saw a flash in her mind of her standing over Varian's dead body, looking at her hands she saw his blood on them, she yelped and shook her head before looking around, the teen's body was gone and she was back in the forest again, "w-what?"
"We should get away from that", the ghost girl pointed to the rock, "it's messing with your mind, besides, we need to focus on getting to the Great Tree"
"R-right.... We need to find a translation scroll, r-right?"
"Yes, it's the only way we can translate the Demanitus scroll"
"Wait, how come *you* can't translate it?" Cassandra asked as she began to walk away from the red rock, feeling her mind clearing a bit the farther away she got
The ghost girl let out an annoyed sigh, "because the man made it in a tongue only he and very few others could speak, I would need someone to translate it for me, and even then, Demanitus was known for his riddles, so he probably hid a lot of secrets on there that we wouldn't be able to see without the translation"
"Huh... Demanitus really didn't trust anyone either, did he?"
"No he didn't.... Not even..." The ghost girl shook her head, "we need to go, we need to get the translation and then the scroll, by the way, where would that scroll be anyway?"
"With Rapunzel, she took it with her when I took the Moonstone..."
The ghost girl smiled, "then I guess we'll need to stop by Corona then"
Notes:
Hello!
So, to avoid confusion, Hugo fell asleep around mid afternoon and stayed asleep until the next day in the after noon, Varian fell asleep at night and stayed asleep until a little after Hugo. Quirin went to see Eugene when Varian fell asleep, it was around 8 to 9PM for them, but he checked on Varian, as pointed out by Mrs. Solace, around 1AM before going to bed in a separate room since there were no beds. I realized how confusing I made that and wanted to just clear up the confusion, sorry XD
As for the story itself, I wanted to do something a little light since there's been some heavy stuff in this story lately, hence why this was more of a build up chapter than anything else! :D
Varian and Hugo sleeping in the same bed is adorable to me, I can definitely see Hugo being the one that wakes up first and just watches Varian sleep until he wakes up as well to a calm smile in the morning, it's a nice moment and I loves it! :D
Quirin, Lance, Catalina, and Angry don't really have too big a role here, nor does Ruddigar or Dr. Solace, but they're there for Varian and Hugo, and they're doing great at being there! Lance is still king though XD
We got a Cassandra and Zhan Tiri moment! :D I feel like they could've been built up more in the story, so I'm trying, plus we see Cassandra at the Great Tree looking through the scrolls, though I think it may be later in the story but I'm moving it up because reasons! XD Either way we got a little more lore and a little more Zhan Tiri backstory! We'll get to the ball of course, but I wanted to have Hugo and Varian be healed first
Also no, super speedy healing isn't the Moon's gift to Varian, that comes later, I have an idea for it! So many ideas and not enough time to write! It's a good problem to have honestly XD
Either way, I hope you all enjoyed, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 166: The One With the Older Brother!
Summary:
Dexter is looking for Trinity, Quirin and Varian go to warn her and Hector!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin smiled happily as he splashed a little water in the tub he sat next to. He watched as Itty Bitty swam over to his hand and nuzzled it, getting the retired knight to stroke the fish's small scales with his index finger before the door to the privy opened behind him, "hiya dad", Varian stated, "playing with Itty Bitty again?"
"Yup", the Village Leader replied, "he's such a good little swimmer", he added, chuckling as the tiny black and white fish circled around the man's hand like a shark before bumping the man's finger with his head, getting Quirin to smile even wider before he looked over at his son, who was brushing his hair in a mirror, "going to see Hugo again?" He teased
Varian blushed, "I-*No*....W-well ok yes, but w-we're not going on a date or anything! I just... W-wanna look my best, you know?"
His father chuckled, "I know, it was the same for me with your mother", he replied, "I always wanted to look my best for her, so I'd brush my hair, wear nice clothes, and do whatever I could to make myself appear much more presentable than my normally dusty old self"
"You're not *that* dusty, only a little"
"Well thanks for that, and you only slightly smell like chemicals today, good for you"
"Hey, for your information Hugo happens to *like* that smell!"
"How would you know that?"
Varian blushed again before turning back to the mirror, ignoring the question entirely and making his father laugh before there was a knock on their room's door. They both turned to look at it before the retired knight sighed and, taking his hand out of the water, much to Itty Bitty's sadness, walked over to it. He dried his hands and opened the door, a little startled to see who was behind it, "oh, hello, is everything alright?"
At his father's surprised voice, the alchemist put the brush down and walked over to the door, glancing at Ruddigar, who was resting on his bed nearby before he looked at the guest and gasped as a tall, dark haired, glasses wearing man looked back at him, "sorry to disturb you Mr. Vanguard, and little Vanguard", the man noticed Ruddigar in the background, "and.... Raccoon Vanguard, but um, have either of you seen my sister, Trinity? She's missed breakfast and my parents are concerned"
"No we haven't seen her", Quirin replied, his face shifting from surprise to worry to calm in the blink of an eye, "if we do happen to see her, we'll let her know you and your parents are searching though"
"Thank you, she's been wandering around a lot lately and we don't want her to get into any trouble, so your assistance is appreciated", he then looked at Varian and smiled, "hello by the way, my name is Dexter Jaecar, I've met your father already, but I don't believe I've met you", he offered his hand politely, "it's nice to meet you little Vanguard".
The alchemist raised a brow but returned the handshake politely, "nice to meet you too, oh and you can just call me Varian"
"Varian Vanguard, that's a good name, you can call me Dexter", he said with a smile before he looked at Quirin, "thank you for your assistance in this endeavor. If you need me, I'll be walking around the castle trying to locate her", with that he gave one last kind smile to Varian before he bowed he head to Quirin and walked away as the retired knight closed the door.
The duo remained silent for a few moments before the alchemist looked at his father, "so um... We should probably tell Uncle Hector"
"Yup"
****
"Pfft! You're serious?" Hector asked with a grin as he and his sister sat in the castle gardens by themselves, "that actually happened?"
"Yes!" Trinity replied with a giggled, "Dexter was covered, head to foot, in paint and flour because of it! I couldn't stop myself from laughing it was so funny!"
"Wow", the wild tamer replied with a snort, "I wish I could've seen him like that"
His sister hummed happily, "'it was definitely a sight to see"
Hector smirked, "that's our intelligent big brother for ya, so smart he circles back to being fucking stupid"
Trinity snickered, "he's still really smart you know"
"I know, I'm just teasing"
She smiled before looking at her little brother, "Hector, did you know I used to draw you all grown up when I was younger?"
"Really?"
"Yup!" She replied as her smile widened, "I used to imagine that you'd grown into a fierce warrior and would draw your clothing and such", she looked him up and down, "I was way off on the clothing"
"Pfft!" The wild tamer chuckled, "to be honest, I didn't think I'd be wearing this shit either, but here we are"
She laughed, "it's not bad, I think it's actually a lot better than what I thought, every time I drew you, you were always in a stuffy guard's uniform"
"Well that's fucking gross"
"Oh shush you!" She nudged his shoulder a bit, "it's not like I had anything else to base it off of", she defended, "I always had to draw what I saw, never really got to go out of bounds with it"
"Seriously? Isn't that what art is? Thinking outside the box and exploring new ways of looking at things?" At the surprised and amused look his sister gave him, the wild tamer blushed and crossed his arms defensively, "I read it in one of Adira's fucking books!"
"Very poetic"
"Bite me"
Trinity laughed once more as her little brother pouted, "hey!" A voice called, stopping the two siblings looked towards the door to the castle and saw Varian, Quirin, and a very confused looking Hugo running towards them at full speed, "Uncle Hector!" Varian called as he slid to a stop right in front of them before he began to pant a bit, "glad *huff* we *pant* found you two *pant pant*".
"Hello spawn", Hector replied, "you good?"
"Out *huff huff* of breath *pant* was looking *huff pant* for you two *huff* all morning!"
The wild tamer raised a brow and looked at his brother, "what's wrong?"
"Your *other* older brother is looking for Miss. Trinity", Quirin replied as Hugo rubbed Varian's back comfortingly, "he came to my door and asked me and Varian if we'd seen her, apparently your 'parents' are growing concerned because she missed breakfast this morning"
Trinity gasped, "oh no.... I had breakfast with Hector today", she explained, "I completely forgot to leave them a note.... Oh that's not good, if they see you they'll...." She looked at her little brother worriedly, "I don't want you to get in trouble, I won't tell them I saw you but... I may not be able to come around as often as I have been... They'll suspect something otherwise and will have Donella come with me to see you..." She stated sadly, "she hasn't said anything yet about you... But if she has to take time out of her day to make sure I stay out of trouble then she will and..." She looked down, "I really don't want them to hurt you again...."
Hector blinked for a moment before he looked at the retired knight, "did Dexter seem angry?"
"No actually, he seemed cheerful enough, just a little worried", Quirin responded, "he actually seemed to be happy when he saw Varian actually"
Trinity smiled, "yeah, he's got a soft spot for kids, particularly cute blue eyed ones, like yours"
The Village Leader nodded understandingly before he looked at Hector, "why do you ask?"
The wild tamer thought about it for a moment before he sighed, "...maybe you won't have to worry about hiding me from your parents", he said as he looked at Trinity, "what if I talk to Dexter?"
"You mean, let him see you? But I don't know how he'll react!" Trinity exclaimed worriedly
"You mentioned you and he looked for me when I disappeared"
"Yes, but it's been years and we don't really get to talk to each other about you anymore... I... Don't know how he feels about you anymore...."
"Well it can never hurt to try, and if your parents find out, well then I guess I'll just have to beat the fuck outta them"
The artist gasped before she giggled, "oh gosh, I shouldn't be laughing!"
"But you are", Hector teased with a smirk
"Bite me", she replied with a grin, getting the wild tamer to snort before he stood up and looked at the Village Leader, "care to join us?"
The retired knight nodded with a warm smile, "if you want me to"
"Always", Hector replied before looking at his nephew, who was still panting and being comforted by his boyfriend, "we can go find Dexter whenever your spawn can breathe again"
Hugo looked at the man, "that may take a minute"
"We've got time"
****
"Sorry for taking so long to catch my breath", Varian stated shyly as he looked behind himself at the group, "I guess I just got a little over worked"
"It's alright", his uncle replied as they walked through the halls of the castle, "just so long as you're good now... Although, that makes me a little worried about your stamina"
The blue eyed alchemist chuckled nervously, "h-honestly, I have good stamina but I uh... Kinda worked myself into a *liiiittle* frenzy"
Ruddigar chittered at his boy from his shoulder with a raised brow as Quirin and Hugo snorted
"Oki a *big* frenzy, but how would *you* feel if *you* had to help your father find a safe place for his fish friend in a bowl, quickly, before running out the door to find your boyfriend, grab his hand without explanation, and practically *drag* him through the castle trying to find your uncle and his sister because their big brother came to *your* door early in the morning looking for said sister and worrying that your uncle will get caught and be hurt, while your boyfriend continually asks what's going on with you not being able to explain as your raccoon is chittering in your ear that you have to hurry continuously?" Varian argued
Hector looked between him, Quirin, Hugo, and Ruddigar before he snickered, "ok, fair"
"Hmph!"
Trinity giggled, "you're such a good nephew Varian"
"Thank you!"
"She's not here either", a concerned voice stated, making everyone pause and stare at where it was coming from, "where could she be? If she doesn't show up soon...." They heard the person stop walking and sigh defeatedly before their steps continued
"It's him", Trinity said quietly before she looked at Hector, "are you sure about this?"
The wild tamer nodded, "positive"
The person talking turned the corner and they all saw a worried looking Dexter looking around, his hands were wringing together in a way Varian recognized as anxiety. The little alchemist felt sorrow wash over him before the man noticed him standing there, "oh", Dexter smiled warmly at the teen, "hello there Varian, what are you doing here?"
The blue eyed teen blinked for a moment before he thought to himself, *Uncle Hector, Hugo, dad, and Miss. Trinity are a little ways behind me, he must be too anxious to really notice them... Huh... That's familiar*. Realizing he hadn't answered he opened his mouth to speak, "um..." He began, but was unsure of what to say, he looked behind him nervously, trying to find the right words, he still didn't really know this person very well after all so it's not like it was really that easy to talk to him, "u-um..."
"Are you lost?" Dexter asked, "I think I kinda am too in all honesty, it's a pretty big castle"
Varian looked at the man again, he felt a small amount of comfort from the tone in his voice and he wasn't sure why, "I uh.... N-no I'm not lost, just...." He stopped, again, not knowing what to say
"He's with me", Hector replied, stepping forwards and finally getting the man to notice someone else, much to Varian's relief, "hi"
Dexter looked at the wild tamer for a moment, seemingly not recognizing him before his jaw dropped and his eyes widened, "H... Hector?"
"Yep"
Dexter blinked a couple of times before taking off his glasses, wiping them on his shirt, and placing them back on his face before looking at his little brother once more, "it... You... You're actually here?"
"Yep"
"A-and you're alive?"
"Yep"
"How?"
"Found some new, weird ass, friends that became my damn family and took me in, weather I liked it or not. I learned to fight after that, became one of the best fucking fighters in the Dark Kingdom, and.... Yeah"
"Oh"
"Yep"
The two were silent for a moment, neither one really knowing what to say before Dexter looked at Varian, "....Is he a part of your family too?"
"Yep, he's my nephew"
Hector's brother smiled at the teen, "ah, he does look like you"
The wild tamer looked at the little alchemist and smirked, "yeah, guess he does", he then looked at Dexter, "Trinity, she's been hanging out with me"
At the mention of her name, Hector's sister walked over shyly, "hi Dexter"
"There you are! Mother and father have b-! Y... You've been hanging out with..." He looked at the wild tamer again before looking at his sister, "when did you know he was here?"
"Um... T-the day we arrived", she responded, "I met him on the tour"
"I see"
The dark haired women felt a pang of guilt at the sadness in her older brother's voice, "I.... Didn't know how you'd react s-so I-!"
"No I....", he interrupted, "...I understand..." He looked at his little brother, "I mean, we've been told never to be like you... Never to follow in your footsteps because we'd end up dead or worse..."
Hector raised a brow, "so don't be free or full of fight, don't try your best at everything you do, that's a fucking *great* message to kids! Never try, you'll never fail! Fucking brilliant!" He then looked at Varian, "I know you're fucking smart enough to know this, but I'm being sarcastic, please do the opposite of what I'm saying"
"Noted", the little alchemist replied with a giggle
Hector then looked at Hugo, "that goes for you too"
"I sassily take the advice with a sashay and nod", the blond responded with a smirk, getting the wild tamer to snort as Varian hugged his boyfriend happily
Dexter watched the two, feeling warmth grow in his heart as the two embraced before he looked at his little brother. He stared at him for a moment, "so", Hector said, "you good or...?" The oldest sibling continued to stare at his younger brother before he walked over to him... And wrapped his arms around the man, startling the wild tamer, "w-wh... But you-!"
"I missed you so much Hector.... I'm so glad you're okay", he stated, tightening his grip on the younger happily while Trinity, Quirin, Varian, Hugo, and Ruddigar watched with relieved smiles on their faces
Hector paused for a moment before he felt the small sting of tears in his eyes, smiled, and returned the hug, "I missed you too Dexy... A lot"
Notes:
Hello!
So we finally got a chapter with Dexter HOORAY!!!!! :D I hope you all like him, I'm excited to explore his character more! You'll find out why he's got a soft spot for kids later on, it's very cute but sad, because angst! :D
Hector and Trinity swapping stories is so adorable to me, I might draw them together at some point because they're adorable together! :D
Thank you to Moonlight for giving me Dexter's nickname idea! 'Dexy' is adorable and I sincerely appreciate the nickname! <3
Soooo, we may get a little bit of jealous Quirin, just a little because that's *his* Hector! I'm very excited to write that! :D
Varian and Hugo fluff! Because we need more of that in this and every other chapter I write! XD
Ruddigar didn't have too much to do in this chapter because he's still a very sleepy and hurt raccoon that I think needs a break. But we got more Itty Bitty lovins! I'm very happy to write Quirin and Itty Bitty moments, I'm going to write more soon! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 167: Ambush!
Summary:
Hector wants to make sure his sister and brother do not get in trouble, so he comes up with a plan and needs his found family's help!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dexter watched the two, feeling warmth grow in his heart as the two embraced before he looked at his little brother. He stared at him for a moment, "so", Hector said, "you good or...?" The oldest sibling continued to stare at his younger brother before he walked over to him... And wrapped his arms around the man, startling the wild tamer, "w-wh... But you-!"
"I missed you so much Hector.... I'm so glad you're okay", he stated, tightening his grip on the younger happily while Trinity, Quirin, Varian, Hugo, and Ruddigar watched with relieved smiles on their faces
Hector paused for a moment before he felt the small sting of tears in his eyes, smiled, and returned the hug, "I missed you too Dexy... A lot"
Dexter chuckled, "'Dexy', haven't heard that in a *long* time". He broke the hug, smiling at his little brother
"Still hate it?" Hector asked
"Yup"
"Good"
"Indeed"
Quirin snorted a bit as he watched the two, "so, what are you planning on telling your parents?" He asked
Dexter winced a bit, "I completely forgot about them.... Well shit I can't really tell them where Trinity's been can I?"
"No", his sister responded, "because then our parents will...." She looked at Hector worriedly
"I can fight them off you know", the wild tamer stated, "it's not like they could really take me"
"Plus he's got me, Adira, and Edmund", Quirin added
"And me!" Varian chimed in, puffing out his chest a little, "anyone messes with my uncle Hector they're gonna get a face full of alchemy! Duke, Duchess, King, Queen, what have you!"
Dexter's eyes widened, "wait, are *you* the alchemist?!"
Varian looked up at the man and nodded shyly, "uh-huh"
"B-but... I'm... I'm supposed to...."
"Show him up?" Hugo finished, "yeah, that's a problem, not only because Freckles is so smart that he even gives *me* a run for my money, but uh... Yeah, technically he's your nephew too"
"Ha!" Hector clapped his hands, "that's fuckin funny, it's true too, because I was adopted by the same man who adopted Quirin, that makes this goofy farmer your brother too! Which means Varian's a part of our dysfunctional fucking family! Oh that's just too good!"
"I don't see how", Dexter stated worriedly, "I knew I would be facing a younger man, but a *child*?!"
"Actually, I'm 15", Varian pointed out helpfully
The Duke's son looked at the tiny alchemist up and down, "you're 15?"
"Yea"
"You're so tiny"
"Hey I'll grow!" The alchemist argued, "I'll be bigger than my dad one day and you'll *all* be sorry you ever said that!"
Quirin chuckled, "son the only thing shorter than you is your temper"
Varian blushed as Hugo clapped a hand over his mouth before he hugged his boyfriend, "it's okay, you make up for it with the size of your brain"
"Damn straight!" Varian stated confidently, before he shyly hugged his boyfriend back, "r-really?"
"Absolutely, and they're just jealous"
"Right!"
Quirin snickered lovingly before he looked at Hector, "so do you have a plan on how to get your sister out of trouble?"
The wild tamer thought for a moment, "I might have something, but I'm gonna need yours, Rapunzel's, Eugene's, Lance's, Varian's, king Edmund's, and Adira's help", he looked at Hugo, "I may need yours as well, if you can stop hugging your lover long enough to do it"
The blond blushed and he and Varian immediately parted, the blue eyed alchemist also blushing as his boyfriend replied, "uh, yeah sorry, can't help it sometimes"
Hector raised an amused brow, "just keep it clean you two"
"Hector!" Varian exclaimed, nudging his uncle softly as Hugo blushed even deeper and the wild tamer laughed
Quirin smiled, snickering a bit before he looked at his brother, "what do you need us to do?"
****
"So you found her Dexter?" The Duke asked, "where is she?"
"Just outside, she's been working on something big", the intelligent son replied
"Whatever it is better be a good explanation as to why she's missed breakfast and has been actively leaving our side", the Duchess stated huffily, "I don't want her to end up like her failure of a brother.... May his soul rest in peace since he just couldn't take living anymore"
"Yeah..." Dexter replied sadly, hiding the small smile on his face as he continued to lead his parents, along with Donella, Cyrus, and Hugo, out the side doors, "we wouldn't want that..."
"And you helped find her, is that correct Hugo?" The Duke asked
"Yes sir", the blond replied, "I happened to walk by when your son did"
Donella and Cyrus watched the teen, but as the blond added nothing more, they nodded, "at least she's safe", the green clad women replied
"Yes", the Duchess stated, "and she'll stay that way as long as she follows our instructions, but you know how children can be"
The grey haired women nodded, "I do", she replied, glancing, once again, at Hugo, who made no motion to argue that point
As they made their way through the gardens, the two dignitaries heard humming coming from the middle of the roses, turning the corner they stopped when they saw their daughter, surrounded by people, including princess Rapunzel herself, who was watching her paint on an aisle, "Trinity!" The Duke called, "what are you-!"
He stopped when he saw the painting, the canvas was full of roses and the bright blue sky but that wasn't the best part. In the middle of the canvas sat Varian, Quirin, Ruddigar, Itty Bitty, King Edmund, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, and Adira. They were all having a picnic and had wide smiles on their faces, "oh, hello father, hello mother, I'm sorry for my absence this morning but I just had to capture this moment", she responded with robotic politeness, "they just looked so happy that I couldn't resist, I've been coming out here to paint them and ended up adding more and more. The princess was so impress that she came over to watch me", she gestured to the painting, "it's nearly halfway done, but what do you think?"
The Duke and Duchess studied the canvas and nodded approvingly, "it's magnificent!" Her father complimented, "they perfect shading, blends, the colors are a perfect match, and you've captured the beauty in this scenario!"
"Yes", he mother agreed, "it's by far the best painting you've ever made"
"Thank you both very much", Trinity replied with a polite bow that made Dexter feel sick
"She really is a natural", Rapunzel replied, "I'm really impressed with how amazing this looks"
The Duke and Duchess smiled knowingly at each other, "your praise is very appreciated your highness", the Duchess stated before she looked at Donella, "don't you think it looks divine?"
"Yes", the grey haired women replied with a bored expression, "it does"
"Thank you Miss. Donella", Trinity said, "if I may ask though, Hugo, do you have any suggestions on what I could do to bring this painting more to life?"
"Why ask him?" Cyrus replied with a raised brow
The artist smiled, "because even though he's young, teens and children see the world in a much brighter light, and I love exploring their point of view, so I ask their suggestions because they often make the painting look a lot better"
The blond was a little startled but noticing his boyfriend smiling directly at him, he smirked, "honestly, there's already so much life in it, I'm not really sure what I could possibly add"
"Everyone has a voice in the world of art, look at the people and tell me what you see", Trinity suggested as she gently took Hugo's hand and guided him forwards to look
The bespeckled teen was a little startled, but as he scanned the people, his eyes landed directly onto Varian, who smiled at him lovingly, he smiled back before he instantly got an idea, "you know, I always thought family portraits weren't the full story because they always showed bloodlines. But sometimes someone is found and loved by someone who isn't part of their blood line, and they become their new family. So what if you added something to show the different lands they come from? Like maybe the symbol of their kingdoms or something?"
The artist thought for a moment before giving the teen a wide grin and nodding, "I think that's perfect, and it's exactly what the painting needs!" She turned to the canvas and began to add the Dark Kingdom and Cornan symbols before she got to Varian, "what about him?"
Hugo smirked at the Duke and Duchess raised a brow, "what do you mean, 'what about him?', he's from Corona isn't he?"
"Actually, I'm half Dark Kingdom, on my father's side", Varian said, looking up proudly at his father, who smiled back at him lovingly
"Really?" The Duchess asked, "do you have a rank in the Dark Kingdom?"
"Uh huh"
"What is it if you don't mind me asking", she then added, "oh not to be rude, but that kingdom has been... Well..."
"Destroyed?" Edmund asked quietly
"Yes... For two decades now, so unless you've got a rank that would mean something in the Dark Kingdom-!"
"Not to interrupt", Adira stated with polite irritation that anyone who knew her could hear, "but he's a prince, a prince of the Dark Kingdom, and I am a princess"
"What?"
"I'm a princess through adoption", she stated, "he's a prince", she gestured to Varian, "so is he", she gestured to Quirin, "and him", she gestured to Eugene, "and him", she pointed to behind the Duke and Duchess, both of whom, turned to face the person she was pointing at, only to let out gasps as Hector stood behind them, "he's a prince too", Adira finished with a smirk.
The Duke and Duchess was shocked as they stared at the man before them, he was much bigger than before, but those bright, yellow eyes were unmistakable as they stared their own child in the face, "hello", Hector stated, "remember me?"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, this happened! XD Surprise! :D
I'm not going to go over every character like I normally do, since I'd like to know your thoughts on what's gonna happen next :D But I will say that the fluffiness between Varian, Hugo, Hector, and Quirin was so much fun to write and I enjoyed it immensely!
I apologize for the shorter chapter today as well, I just really wanted this to be sort of a "oh frick" moment, plus it's the first time you get to meet the Duke and Duchess, and we wouldn't wanna take time away from that! XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 168: Hi, I'm Hector!
Summary:
Hector confronts his parents for the first time in years!
Notes:
Sorry for the three day disappearance, Easter had me really busy, I'm planning on writing an Easter chapter soon, so be on the look out for that! For now, Imma continue the story! :D
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Hector looked around the caravan sleepily, what had he been doing? He was in a tournament, lost, got booted from his home, and had started talking to two strangers before....
He looked around again....
Before what? He wasn't too sure all he remembered was gentle brown eyes, the moon, and the sound of a heartbeat mixed with someone's soft voice saying they were....
It suddenly clicked, he'd met the two fighters he and his sister Trinity had gone up against after his parents had thrown him out of their home! And that man, the one with the gentle brown eyes, he'd said he was proud of the 7 year old. He remembered the feeling of the man holding him as some form of comfort he wasn't too familiar with.
But what had happened after that? He looked around again, he was covered, head to foot, in blankets with a pillow underneath his head. Yellow eyes scanned the room he was in, he saw the girl from before, the one that'd made fun of his height, but where... Where was the nice man? Hector wanted to see him again, the man had been warm and gentle, even though he was *much* bigger than the 7 year old was.
The 7 year old looked around once more before noticing the girl was watching him, a smirk on her face, "he's awake", she stated before she hopped down and walked over to the child, "hi". Hector glared at her as best he could and didn't say a word, "still mad at me for the height thing huh? Look I'm sorry about that, I'm just not used to a child being around, I'm so used to Stickler and the king that you were a bit of a surprise, but not a bad one", she stated. The apology seemed to be accepted as the 7 year old's glare softened a bit, getting the girl to smile, "my name is Adira, what's yours if you don't my asking?"
"....Hector", Hector responded hesitantly
"Nice to make your acquaintance Hector", the face painted girl replied, "not a bad name either"
The yellow eyed child blinked a bit, "thanks.... W-where's the nice man?"
"Nice man? Which one are you referring t-Oh you mean Stickler!" She exclaimed, "he's closer than you think actually"
Hector raised a brow, "closer than I t-think?"
With a nod the girl pointed to something above the 7 year old, turning his head he was met with those gentle brown eyes once more and felt their warmth and concern wash over him, "hello", came the man's soft voice
"H-hi", Hector replied shyly, his heart started beating a little too fast as he realized he'd been laying on the nice man's legs instead of the pillows he'd previously thought
The nice man chuckled a little, "how are you feeling?"
"I'm okay.... W-where am I?"
"In a caravan, sorry but we couldn't just leave you there, you ended up falling asleep and I wasn't comfortable leaving you alone like that. So our king told us to look around to find your parents and...." His eyes faltered a little, "we... uh... We found them.... They...."
"They d-don't want me...." Hector finished sadly as a few tears stung in the corners of his eyes, "I-I'm not useful.... I'm n-not strong.... T-they don't want me...."
The nice man looked at the small child sadly before he lifted him up and held him close, careful not to touch his back, "we do", he stated softly, "we want you"
The 7 year old heard the man's heart beat once again, and he curled into his chest. He sniffled a little, unsure of how else to react to this as he looked up at the nice man, "w-where are we g-going?"
"To the Dark Kingdom", Adira replied with jazz hands, "it's... Well it's dark, and kinda cold, but you'll be safe there, and we've got plenty of blankets and such"
"D-Dark Kingdom?"
"Yup", she replied, "see, when you fell asleep, our king, King Edmund, came around and saw Stickler holding you. So he asked us to find your parents, when we did, they were.... Less than optimistic to see you.... So our king asked if we could take you with us. When your parents agreed, we got you a bunch of blankets, wrapped you up, and now you're here!"
Hector looked around once more, unsure of what to make out of the caravan. He then looked up at the nice man, "d-did my siblings s-see you?"
He watched the man's eyes widen with worry, "y-you have siblings? No... We didn't see them... Should we go back?"
"No", the 7 year old replied, "m-mother and father w-want them.... I just... D-didn't know i-if they knew where w-we were going...."
The nice man looked at the child sadly, "I'm sorry.... That you've been treated this way... If it makes you feel any better, we won't do that to you, even if you can't fight, which, you obviously can. But even if you couldn't, we still want you around, and we're willing to help you if you'd like"
Hector blinked, "why?"
"Why?" Adira repeated with a raised brow
Hector looked at her, "I l-lost to you both... A-and I'm not v-very talented i-in much.... I d-don't have super fighting p-powers or a-any form of a-artistic creativity, I'm n-not super smart either.... I... I'm n-not really worth the t-time... I'm just d-dead weight t-that needs to be c-carried around... Why w-would you wanna help s-someone like me?"
"Ok first, you're *not* dead weight!" The girl stated, her face becoming more serious than the 7 year old had ever seen, "no one is dead weight, everyone has a use, everyone is strong in their *own* way, you just need to find yours"
"And second", the nice man continued, "since when did we need a reason to help people?" He smiled at the child in his arms, "you're strong in your own way, Adira's right about that, plus you put up a really amazing fight. Trust me, you're a lot stronger than you think, and if you work hard enough, you can prove your parents wrong one day, and when you do, I'll be right by your side, smiling with pride, as I watch the expressions on their faces when they see how far you've come", he stated, "you've just gotten believe in yourself, like we do".
"Y-you.... Believe in me?"
"Yup!" Adira replied, "because we were in your shoes once, and we got a chance to prove ourselves, so why shouldn't you?"
He looked at the face painted girl, "y-you're... Like me?"
"In different ways, yes", she replied, "we were both thought of as different, useless, or nothing more than a street rat", he felt the nice man wince at that statement, "sorry"
"It's alright", the nice man said, getting the 7 year old to look at him and see a sad look on his face, "either way, we've been where you are", he looked at Hector, "and we've had to fight to get where we are now, and we're more than willing to help, in any way you need it. Like helping you get over that fever for example"
"Fever?" Hector hadn't noticed just how hot and cold he'd felt until the nice man pointed it out, "o-oh...."
Adira and the nice man smiled warmly at the child before the bigger of the two wrapped the blankets around the 7 year old more securely, "that better?"
"Mm-hm", Hector replied before he lifted his yellow eyes up to the man's gentle brown, "w-what's your name... U-unless it's S-Stickler"
"It's not", he replied with a chuckled, "'Dira just likes to call me that because I follow the rules when she doesn't like to"
"That's because you're a kill joy", Adira stated
The nice man raised a brow as the face painted girl stuck her tongue out at him sassily before the man rolled his eyes and looked at Hector, "my actual name is Quirin, and it's very nice to meet you Hector"
The 7 year old smiled wide and nodded, "it n-nice to meet you too Quirin, and... Thank you"
"For what?"
"...F-for saving me from my parents"*
The Duke and Duchess continued to stare at the man before them, taking in every inch of their abandoned son, "h-how?!" The Duke stated after a moment or two of silence, "how are you *here*?!"
"Because I didn't fucking die", the wild tamer spat, "and I fought my way to survive", he added, glaring at them, "I fought every single day to ditch the sickness I had and become stronger, and now? I'm a fucking tamer of the Dark Kingdom, got adopted, and became strong, no thanks to either of *you*!"
His father narrowed his eyes, "you're lying, you're not my son! He passed away that night, he was far too weak from-!"
"From what, the injuries you gave me? Yeah, I thought I would die too, they fucking hurt, but nope. I'm alive, I'm here, and I'm *pissed off* at the both of you!" He snapped
"That is no way to speak to us!" The Duchess snapped back, "you may be grown now, but you've still not learned how to bite your tongue!"
The wild tamer raised a brow, "why would I need to watch what I say?"
"Because we are the Duke and Duchess, and you are just a-!"
"A prince", Quirin interrupted, getting up and, while still holding Varian in his arms, walked over to the group. "He's a prince, that's a higher rank than Duchess and Duke. He shouldn't be disrespectful, but to be fair, you did mistreat him when he was a child, so I believe the Queen of Ingvarr would understand his anger", he noticed the Duchess's face turn pale, "or haven't you told them what *really* happened to your *precious* youngest child?"
The Duchess's face turned beet red as the Duke stepped forwards, "I... Remember you, you were-!"
"The man that asked about your son the night you threw him out? Yes I am, and that's my sister", he gestured to Adira, who waved with a smirk, "she was there that night as well, and you want to know what we found on him when we got him to the Dark Kingdom?" He asked politely, "scars aged years back, freshly opened wounds, raw and infected, his small body nothing but bone until we fed him, scratches and bruising everywhere on his body and obvious signs of mistreatment anywhere you looked on him", the man narrowed his eyes, "you do realize the moment you said we could take your son with us, he became a part of the Dark Kingdom, sealed by the adoption right? And we don't take too kindly to people who abuse *our* children...."
Both dignitaries were speechless for a moment before the Duke started to speak once more, his tone a lot quieter than before, "we did what we had to do in order to keep him strong"
"No you didn't", Hector stated, "you made me weak by knocking me down over and over again, you told my blood siblings that I was dead and told them not to end up like me in order to keep them under control! So no, you didn't do any of that to make me strong, *they*", he gestured to Quirin, Adira, and King Edmund, who was standing now, as was Adira and Eugene, "made me strong, *I* made *myself* strong, *you* did nothing but hurt, abuse, beat, and insult me!"
"To make you determined!" His father snapped
"To be cruel!" Hector spat, "you were never trying to make me better, you threatened me the day of that tournament and threw me out when I *lost*! It was cruel, *you* were cruel, and you haven't changed one *fucking* bit!"
"So what are you going to do?" His mother retorted, "shame us? Yell at us? Scream at the top of your lungs of the wrongdoings we did? It won't matter it's been *years* since we've seen you! Even if you have proof, witnesses, you still don't have any way to get us punished! Remember, *we* didn't ask for *you* to be born, we didn't ask for you to be *sick*!"
"NEITHER DID I!" The wild tamer yelled, finally losing his temper, "I DIDN'T *WANT* TO BE PLACED IN A HOUSE WHERE THE PEOPLE I LOOKED UP TO WOULD *BEAT* AND *BERATE* ME FOR FUCKING *EXISTING*!" He shouted, baring his teeth and making the Duchess back up a few steps before he felt a hand on his shoulder, turning he saw Quirin standing next to him. The retired knight's face was calm but the warning it gave was loud and clear as Hector closed his eyes and stepped back, taking a few breaths as the Village Leader set his son down in order to comfort his brother.
Everyone was silent for a moment before Varian noticed the Duchess smiling wickedly, raising a brow she finally spoke, "I felt threatened by you", she stated in a calm voice, making Donella and Hugo raise their brows too, "I felt threatened for me, my children, and my husband, and, as I'm sure you know, being a representative of a different kingdom, having a dignitary feeling threatened during a peaceful gathering is against the rules, and I can have you removed for it", she grinned, "and I think I will".
"You'd have to take that up with the King and Queen of Corona", Varian replied, getting the Duke and Duchess to look at him, "all proceedings needing a court mandate or trial need to be brought up to the king and queen, and since she's here, the princess of Corona as well".
"What are you talking about?" The Duke asked, "we're from Ingvarr"
"So the Queen of Ingvarr would also need to be involved in the proceedings, but she does not have the final say in what happens to Hector should this matter be taken to court", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "see, here's the thing about peaceful gatherings, may you be a ruler or a dignitary, during peaceful gatherings, of which you've just defined this as, you have to abide by the rules of the kingdom you're currently in. If you were in Ingvarr, the Queen of Ingvarr would be the one to pass on judgement based soley off of the victim's story and weather or not she decided to accept it without hearing the other side of the story. In Ingvarr, the *Queen* has all the say since there is a lack of a King, am I correct?"
"Yes"
"But see you're not in Ingvarr, you're in *Corona*", the teen replied, "see, the Cornans have this innate ability to always try and see the good in everyone, and for a kingdom that was built upon by love, it's not hard to see why. But the thing about their court system is, they gather *everyone's* side of the story, not just yours, and, with the Royal Advisor's assistance, help come to a decision based off of what they've been told. You'd also need a state's person to act as your representative and help you defend your side of the argument, normally that would be the Village Leader"
"So we'll just ask the Village Leader then!"
"Go right ahead, he's right there", Varian pointed to his father, who gave a small wave
The Duchess's eyes widened with realization, "wait but he's a-!"
"Prince of the Dark Kingdom, witness, and the Village Leader, honestly it would make your story much better considering he was here to witness it", Varian then smiled, "but I don't think you want that do you?" The Duke and Duchess were silent, "your silence speaks volumes and can, and will, be used against you should you proceed to go through with the 'feeling threatened' claim. You would need to ask the Village Leader to represent you both, where as the witnesses would need to represent Hector since they would be his main defense, side note, if there are no witnesses, both parties would have to provide evidence instead and would have to represent themselves, this can also be chosen if the accusing party would like to not have the Village Leader represent them. But I digress, both sides would present their stories to the King and Queen, and princess in this case, of Corona and, based off the evidence, facts, reasoning behind the threat, and how everyone behaves, the king and queen of Corona come up with the judgement", the tiny alchemist explained, feeling satisfaction in his chest as he watched the two dignitaries faces turn pale.
"After that, the sentence would be written out and established with both parties present to find out the verdict, so....." He looked at the pair, "you do have a slim chance of getting Hector removed, but you should probably note that should your case go through and it comes to a point where it's well established that he did nothing that would warrant such a verdict or even a trial, you would be punished for wasting the court's time, and I don't think the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr would really want that on their records, would they?"
The Duke and Duchess froze before the Duchess glared at the boy, "well we don't want our child talking to him anyway, and there should be a way to do *that*!"
"I'm afraid there's really nothing you can do"
"what do you mean?"
"Well, she isn't a child", the alchemist stated, "Miss. Trinity is above the age of 15 years old, n-no offense, you look great!" Varian stated, smiling at the artist.
Trinity giggled, "thank you, that's very kind of you to say!"
"You're welcome", the blue eyed teen replied before looking back at the Duke and Duchess, "either way, she's over 15, so if she happens to run into Hector and begins to talk to him, even though you're her parents, you're not allowed to tell her she can't because she's no longer under your supervision. She can take tours, talk to whomever she wants, and, as long as she doesn't get hurt, hang out with Hector, and honestly, she's pretty safe with Hector, so"
The Duke glared at the boy, "if you were in Ingvarr I swear I'd-!"
"You'd what?" Rapunzel interrupted with a politely stern tone, getting the man's attention and making him freeze at all the glares he was receiving, including from Hugo
"I...."
"Pardon me for saying so, but it sounds like you're trying to threaten *me*", Varian stated, "which makes me a bit uncomfortable considering my room is very close to yours"
"I-No! No I wasn't going to threaten you"
"Oh I see, then what were you going to say?"
"I-I was going to say if you were in Ingvarr I'd... Show the Queen how knowledgable you seem to be about the rules and have you added to the court as a representative, is all"
"Ah, I see, well thank you I appreciate that", Varian replied with a knowing grin on his face, "either way, would you like to persue your accusation of my uncle Hector with the charge of threatening a dignitary?"
After a few more moments of silence, the Duchess stepped forwards and gave a defeated, "no..." Through clenched teeth, "but if she ends up hurt-!"
"You will be notified immediately and we will take every action to punish the party responsible", Varian assured with a polite smile
The Duke and Duchess looked at their daughter, who was standing in front of her aisle and waiting for them to say something with baited breath, "I.... suppose there's no harm being done here...." The Duke seethed, "carry on with your painting Trinity, we'll be discussing this later though"
"Oh I'm glad you will!" Eugene chimed in, "because I was planning on stopping by and sticking around for a bit, see I tend to stay around that particular area to keep everyone safe, that includes you, your *lovely* family, Donella, Cyrus, and... Who am I forgetting, oh right, Hugo!" He gave finger guns to the blond, who blinked with confusion before giving them back to the man. The Dark Prince smirked knowingly, "so yeah, we might be able to see each other, don't worry, she'll be completely safe with me, as the princess's boyfriend, it's my job to make sure *everyone's* safe! Ask my good friend Donnie here, she could tell you *aaaaaaaaaall* about it! Isn't that right Donnie?"
Hugo stared at the man for a moment before the realization hit him like a caravan and he turned to see the grey haired women clench her jaw just the *slightest* before she replied with a stern, "yes".
The bespeckled teen looked at Eugene, "see? Everyone's safe as long as I'm around, and I like to stick around your hallway often, it is the closest to the windows after all, and I'd rather not have some goon coming in and hurting anyone you know?" Eugene then looked directly at Hugo and smiled, "besides, everyone deserves to have a good time at least once in their life, so I'm gonna make sure it *stays* that way", before the man looked at Trinity, "for everyone!"
The Duke, Duchess, and Donella, all tensed a bit before the grey haired women regained her composure and nodded, "I'm glad to have someone as *diligent* as you come around and make sure nothing's happening, it would be a shame for anyone to get hurt during this peaceful celebration"
"Ya got that right Donnie!" The Dark Prince stated, "I mean, it's fine if *I* get hurt-!"
"No it isn't!" Rapunzel exclaimed, "if you got hurt I'd make sure the person responsible would be found and punished *properly*!"
"I second that", Edmund replied
"Third!" Varian replied before he looked at His father and Hugo, "that goes *double* for you two! Except I'm giving the *first* punch".
Quirin chuckled as Hugo smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, "either way", Eugene stated with a grateful grin, "I mean I'm willing to take a few punches if it means I protect a few lives, so you may see me around, a lot actually. Not to mention guards, the princess herself, oh and this guy", he gestured to the retired knight, "who stays in the same room as this guy", he gestured to Varian, "and has the sharpest ears I've ever known"
"Yup", Quirin agreed with a direct look at Donella, who narrowed her eyes at him
"That's.... Good to know...." The Duke replied before adding, "we're going to be going now.... Thank you for showing us where your sister is Dexter"
"You're welcome, I... think I'm going to stay out here for a little bit if that's okay", the child loving man replied
"....Yeah", his father replied before he and the Duchess turned and began to leave, Donella and Cyrus deciding to go with them without even bothering to ask Hugo if he were coming too.
When the four of them were out of sight, Hector let out a sigh, "fuck me it was so hard to keep my fucking temper in check"
"You did a good job", Quirin replied offering a smile, "if it helps any, I'm proud of you for that"
The wild tamer looked at him and returned the smile with one of his own, "thanks"
"So.... What was that about Eugene?" Varian asked, looking at his big brother, "it seemed like you and Miss. Donella had spoken before"
The Dark Prince hesitated, seeing Hugo's frightened look flash across the teen's features before it quickly disappeared, "oh nothing, I told Donella that I'd be making rounds near her room so that she knew she was protected, I wanted to extend that 'gesture' over to the Duke and Duchess as well, you know, just in case"
The teen smirked, "sneaky"
"Thank you", Eugene bowed, straightening up and giving a quick wink to Hugo as the blond let out a relieved sigh
"I... Can't believe that worked", Trinity stated as she stared at the door where her parents had gone through, "we... You.... Did it...." she smiled wide and ran over, hugging her little brother happily, "YOU ACTUALLY DID IT!!!!!" She exclaimed happily
Dexter smiled as he watched Hector and Trinity spin around happily, the wild tamer clearly unsure of how to react to this level of affection, "are you okay?" A voice asked, the man turned to see Rapunzel looking at him with a warm smile on her face
"I... Yeah I'm alright, just... I wasn't sure if that would work or not", he replied genuinely, "thank you for you and your friend's help in this, you.... didn't have to do that for us"
"It was no trouble at all!" Rapunzel replied, "and honestly, I was happy to help, thank you for letting us"
Dexter smiled at the princess happily before he was pulled into the dance his two siblings were having, "AH! TRINITY!"
"WE'RE FREE!" Trinity laughed happily, "WE'RE *FREE*!!!!!"
"Just roll with it", Hector replied with a smile, getting his brother to smile back happily as the rest of the group watched the three happily spinning around with joy, Ruddigar giving excited chitters along with Pixie and Basil
Inside the castle, through the window, the Duke and Duchess stared at their children, glaring angrily at the display of excitement at their misfortune, "damn that idiot...." The Duchess stated
"Now now Delores, we may not be able to do much right now, but once we leave this place they'll be back in our hands again", the Duke stated comfortingly as he took his wife's hand in his
"Do you not see them out there Damien?!" Delores snapped, "playing and laughing at *our* misfortune! Ungrateful whelps should be beaten until their backs are black and blue!"
"I couldn't agree with you more", a voice replied from behind the pair, getting them to turn and see Donella and Cyrus watching them thoughtfully, "it seems the free spirit of the Coronans has infest it's way into Hugo as well", she walked to the window and nodded towards the blond, who was holding Varian's hand and smiling as he and the blue eyed alchemist talked and laughed together happily, "this, we cannot allow", she then looked at the Duke and Duchess, "so I have a proposition for you, all I need you to do is follow my lead".
****
A few hours later, Eugene had dropped off Trinity and Dexter to their rooms, and waved goodnight to Hugo, before he leaned against a wall in-between the two rooms, he was waiting for about 5 minutes when another door opened, "hey, you're still here", Varian said, getting the Dark Prince's attention
"Hey kiddo, what are you doing out here?"
"Just... Wanted to see if you were sticking to your word about what you said earlier", he replied, "n-not that I don't trust you I just...."
Eugene looked at his little brother for a few moments before smiling at him, "you okay?"
"Huh? Y-yeah I'm-!"
"Varian"
"....N-nu...."
"What's wrong?"
The teen walked fully out of the room, closing the door behind him quietly before he walked over to the Dark Prince, "I.... Had a question...."
"A question? Are you sure that's it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Kiddo you're in your pajamas in the hallway and you're not wearing shoes"
Varian looked down at his outfit and blushed, "uh... Y-yeah um... forgot about that, eheh.... I was about to head to bed actually, dad's already asleep on the couch"
"That why he's not out here with you?"
"Yeah, it's why Ruddigar isn't either, I asked him to stay with dad because I wanted to ask you this in private..."
Eugene noticed the alchemist wringing his hands together nervously, "I'm willing to answer hair stripe, but you gotta ask the question for me to do that", he teased, trying to lighten the mood a bit
To his surprise, Varian giggled a little and relaxed before he took in a shaky breath, letting it go slowly before he looked directly at his big brother, "Eugene..... What does Miss. Donella do to Hugo?"
Notes:
Hello! :D
Hooray for a new chapter! :D I wanted to make this one count, so we've got Brotherhood backstory, the return of the confrontation, and a huge cliff hanger at the end! :D WOOT!!!!!
Delores: Sorrow (she was the first of the two parents to insult and berate her children, making them feel worthless)
Damien: to tame or subdue (he was the one that punished them, he would take the time to make sure his children felt every ounce of their punishment, particularly Hector....)Donella and Cyrus are scheming, and now they've got more people on their side, this is just great.... The Duke and Duchess are going to be really hated characters, I can already tell XD
Varigo must be safe and secure for all times! And yes, Hugo now knows what Eugene's been doing, or at least he has an inkling, which is more than nothing! :D
Brotherhood love! Because we need more Brotherhood backstory! :D I want to explore Hector and Quirin's relationship more now, because we've explored Adira's and Hector's, Quirin's and Adira's, and sort of have Edmund with all three of them. So now it's Quirin and Hector's turn! :D
Varian should be a lawyer doggonit! XD With Ruddigar as his right hand raccoon! :D Boy's too perceptive for his own good man!
Lance and the girls didn't have any lines in this because they just had a whole thing not too long ago and honestly, I think they could use a bit of a break! We'll get more of them soon though! :D
Eugene and Rapunzel are on protection duty, although Eugene knows far more than Punzie does, but she's protective big sis, so she'll be helping as much as she can! :D
Also, Team Awesome moments! I love them, even when they end on a super scary note in the form of a *very* loaded question! We love that! XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 169: Lies!
Summary:
Eugene isn't sure what to tell Varian as Hugo decides to have faith!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Eugene..... What does Miss. Donella do to Hugo?"
The Dark Prince was speechless as his eyes widened and his mouth hung ajar, *how in the hell did he-No no, don't freak out, you've got this*
"Eugene?"
*Just play it cool, he doesn't know anything yet, probably just got a hint that something was off based on how I was acting towards Donella before*
"E-Eugene?"
*No need to freak out about his question, just play it cool and just do-!"
"EUGENE!"
"Wha-! Huh I-oh", he looked at the teen, who was staring at the man wide eyed, his face filled with worry and fear, "s-sorry kid, hey it's okay"
"N-no it's not, you froze when I asked you that! S-something's wrong, H-hugo's in trouble a-and you know something about i-!"
Varian stopped speaking when he was pulled into a tight hug, Eugene wrapping his arms around the little alchemist protectively as the teen began to sniffle, "it's okay kiddo, it's okay", the Dark Prince reassured, "I froze because the question caught me off guard, that's all, nothing more, nothing less, okay?"
"B-but-!"
"It's alright", his big brother replied softly, "it's alright, don't worry"
Varian knew this was wrong, something told him Eugene was lying, but he returned the hug either way as he sniffled a little more. He hadn't realized how worried he was about this until now as the Dark Prince held him. After a moment, he broke the hug and looked up at his big brother, "....Y-you.... I know it's probably for a good reason, b-but... I can tell you're lying t-to me about him....."
Eugene was startled, "k-kid I-!"
"I-it's okay I just...." Varian gave a small bitter chuckle as he rubbed his eye, "y-you were protecting him... L-like you protected Miss. Trinity and Mr. Dexter f-from their parents.... You made sure to specifically point out that Miss. Donella knew what you were talking about and she agreed.... It was a message to Hugo that he was safe...."
"...Picked up on that huh?" Eugene asked with a loving smile, "I keep forgetting how smart you are goggles"
"N-not smart enough to know what's g-going on with Hugo apparently...."
The Dark Prince sighed, "Varian I... I only know what's going on because it happened to me once.... And.... I.... I ended up having to corner him about it"
The alchemist's eyes widened, "you cornered him?"
"It was a complete accident", Eugene replied quickly, "I didn't know he was there and when I saw him I asked and he.... L-look I can't really give too many details about it, but trust me, he's going to be okay"
"H-how?" Varian asked, "h-he's in there right now with her! S-so is Miss. Trinity and Mr. Dexter, t-they're in there right now, h-how can you be so sure that they'll b-be okay?"
"Because I'm here too", this made Varian stop for a moment, "kid I'm not leaving them alone with those people, I'm not. That's why I'm still in this hallway, it's why I've been visiting it a lot more than usual unless there's a guard or Rapunzel around. I stay at this spot until the night patrol comes along and tells me they'll take it from there, and they stand guard all night".
"...I can see how that would work but... What do they need protection for? I know why Miss. Trinity and Mr. Dexter do, but why Hugo?"
Eugene tensed a little, "I... Kid... I can't tell you.... I'm sorry..."
The alchemist tilted his head to the side, "why not? I won't say anything"
The Dark Prince sighed, "because I...." Suddenly a thought hit him and he felt a twang of guilt but decided it was for the best, "I promised him I wouldn't tell anyone...."
Varian's eyes widened and he remained silent for a few moments, he looked like he wanted to argue but no words came out of his mouth. He stood there for a few more minutes before he sighed, "....I hate promises...."
"I'm sorry....."
"No I... I'm glad you're keeping it.... Better than n-not..."
Eugene's heart broke at his little brother's sad expression, he wanted to just tell him everything, but he knew it wouldn't help, *Hugo needs to know that you're trust worthy, Quirin found out because of his wife, I found out because it's happened to me, but Varian can't know yet, at least he can't find out from me, it's gotta come from Hugo.... Even if it means Varian hates me for not saying anything.... But maybe....*
The Dark Prince thought for a moment before a smile crept onto his face, "hey kid, why don't you ask him?"
"What?"
"Why don't you ask Hugo", Eugene repeated, "and bring your dad with you"
Varian blinked a bit before he raised a brow, "wouldn't that defeat the purpose of the promise if I just asked Hugo outright and he told me and my dad?"
*Fuck... How to explain without telling him about our deal....* The Dark Prince's mind flashed an image of Rapunzel in his head, *Got it!*
Eugene grinned, "well you see kid, you know how you and Rapunzel were going to figure out all there was to know about the black rocks together, but she needed to work out a few missing pieces first?"
"Y-yeah?"
"You and Quirin are the pieces, and you need to grab Quirin, and find a nice, peaceful, *private* place where you can ask Hugo about what's going on.... I'll need to be there too, so you've gotta find a time where *all three of us* can be *together* in a *private* place so you can ask him *properly*. See what I mean?"
The teen thought about it for a moment before his eyes lit up and he looked at Eugene, the man smiling at him excitedly, "I.... Y-you.... Ah! Flynn Rider you keep finding more ways to impress me!" The teen smiled wide as he hugged his big brother happily
Eugene chuckled, "Flynn Rider never disappoints kiddo", he returned the hug happily, "especially when it's this important"
They stayed that way for a little bit before Varian broke the hug and smiled at the man before his eyes widened again and he grinned, "tomorrow at sunset, come to the gardens by yourself! You'll find dad, he'll show you where to go from there"
The Dark Prince was a little surprised but nodded, "noted"
"Hey Eugene", a familiar voice called, getting the two's attention
Eugene smiled, "hey Stan, hey Pete"
Pete smiled and nodded in response before noticing Varian, "oh hey, you got company tonight huh?"
"Yup, though I think he's just about to head in for the night, so your timing couldn't be any better"
Stan grinned at the little alchemist, "good to see you again Varian"
The teen smiled back at the guard, "good to see you too Mr. Stan, and you as well Mr. Pete"
The two chuckled, "you don't have to use 'Mr' you know", Stan stated gently
Varian blushed, "I-I know", he then looked at Eugene, "I gotta go, see you tomorrow oki?"
"Ok", Eugene replied with a snicker before he watched his little brother run into the room he and his father shared, closing the door behind them and making the Dark Prince smile warmly after him before he said goodnight to the guards and walked to his room, neither one noticing the little robotic mouse sitting in front of the door, who managed to slip back inside before Eugene passed.
****
Hugo was sitting on the bed, staring out the window and letting out a big sigh before he heard his shoulders tense at a sudden knock on the door, "who is it?"
"Who do you think?!"
The blond rolled his eyes and walked over to the door, opening it to see Cyrus standing there, "what do you want?"
"Donella's lookin for ya", the man stated, "don't keep her waiting, she's pissed off enough as it is"
"Great..." The alchemist let out another sigh and walked out of his room, closing his door and glaring at the man before he began to walk towards the living room before stopping, "you're not gonna watch this time?"
"Don told me to stay out of it, so I am, guess it's private or something, tch, not like I care", Cyrus smirked, "I'll see your ass get best another day anyway"
Hugo sighed, bracing himself before walking into the living room where the grey haired women was waiting. She had her back turned to him and was staring at the door, "hi, did you need something?" The blond asked, instantly feeling the air in the room change as his shoulders tensed up a bit.
Donella didn't reply right away, instead keeping her back to him as she continued to watch the door. Hugo could feel his heart beating faster and faster until, after a few minutes of nothing, she finally spoke, "so that Varian kid is pretty smart hm?"
This, *instantly* made the hairs on the back of Hugo's neck stand, "u-uh yeah I um, I suppose"
"You suppose? I wouldn't think you'd fall in love with someone that you 'guessed' was smart Hugo", the women looked at him for the first time since he'd entered the room, her face was gentle and calm, but is froze the teen to his core, "come now, we both know you're not one to go for looks alone, although he's certainly got those going for him too with those blue eyes and freckles, isn't that what you call him? Freckles?"
"I...." The blond felt his blood begin to boil, "....What do you want with him?"
"What do *I* want with him? Nothing, but I do want you to be careful is all"
"What are you talking abou-!"
"He's the son of Quirin Hugo, and by this point you should *know* how I feel about that man"
Hugo raised a brow, "so is *that* what this is all about? Your apparent 'rivalry' with Quirin?"
"Calm yourself, this isn't about that man right now, this is about Varian himself", Donella replied calmly, "I know I'm not on your good side at the moment, but I despite what you may think I *do* care about you, why do you think I got to such great lengths to get you to be careful?"
"For control"
"No Hugo, it's because I know where you'll be heading should you get the chance to continue on this path you're going down"
"What are yo-!"
"Did I ever tell you about a very old friend of mine? Someone I lost a long time ago?"
The teen was a little startled but nodded, "you never really got into it, but you mentioned them from time to time before telling me to drop it, why bring them up now?"
"Because she was Quirin's wife and Varian's mother"
Hugo's eyes widened as he stared at the women, "y-you... You *knew* his mom?!"
"Yes, her name was Ulla, and she was my best friend in the world until Quirin came along and took her away...."
The blond remained silent as his mind reeled at the new information, *she knew his mom! Why did she never bring that up? Is that why she hasn't said a word about me courting him or was that because of Eugene? What the fuck am I supposed to do here?!*
"Hugo"
The blond looked at the grey haired women, "I.... W-what do you want me to say?"
"Nothing, I want you to listen", she replied, "because as much as you love that boy, no matter how hard you promise to protect him or keep him safe, he'll end up betraying you because of his father, just like his mother did to me.... And I want you to be ready for that"
"I... Wait-no.... No Varian wouldn't betray me, and Quirin wouldn't want him to! H-he wouldn't"
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes", Hugo stated, "I'm sure, and I won't let your lies tell me any differently!"
He turned to walk away, "you sound just like me, full of faith in the one you care about, the one you love...."
That made the teen freeze, *love?* He thought
"Yes, love", Donella repeated, as if she were reading the teen's thoughts, "I fell in love with her, and for a while I thought she felt the same for me.... She'd even told me as such... But I was wrong, and I'm afraid you might be too", when the blond remained silent the grey haired women continued, "haven't you ever had the slightest thought that maybe he doesn't feel the way he says he does? Or maybe you've thought that someone like him could never fall in love with someone like you? Have you ever seen him give the same smile he gives you to someone else he cares about? Or how he'll play and chat and protect his father and friends as much as he says he'd protect you? Hugo you've heard the story of the wayward alchemist, you know because I told you on our way to the castle, and I'm certain Varian's told you as well, how hard he fought just to get his father back and all he betrayed just to do so. Do you really think that he'll protect *you* just as much after all he's been through? Face it Hugo, I was just like you, I fell in love with someone I thought I could trust, someone who'd gone through hell and back with me and I would do anything for! You know what she did? She chose *him* over *me*! And Varian will do the same thing to you, he'll choose his friends and family over you, and when he does.... It's going to hurt, and hurt a lot, it did to me, why do you think I'm so hard on you in the first place?"
Hugo remained silent, he felt his tears slide down his face, "y-you're wrong"
"Am I really? I left my family, my friends, my *home* for Ulla, I left behind everyone I knew and cared about, and then, *she* chose *him* over *me*! She did that because of Quirin, because he made her, and regardless of if you believe my way of thinking is correct or not the fact is, she still did it.... she still left me...."
"....How'd she die?"
"What?"
"How'd she die? And how do you know she died? Because the way you talk about Quirin makes it seem like you never wanted to speak to him again, and you just told me Ulla *left* you for Quirin, so she was still alive when she did so, so how'd you know she died?" Donella remained silent, getting Hugo to chuckle bitterly, "you talk all this big talk about how you care about me, and how you want me to be safe, yet you leave out big holes in your story. If she and you really went through so much together and were super close like you said, then how did Quirin convince her to stick with him? And don't pretend like you actually understand how I feel about anything or try to put any doubts in my head, I *know* Varian, a lot better than you, and he's not you, he's not Ulla, and he's not Quirin, he's Varian, and he's amazing, I will *always* believe in him, always!"
Before she could say another word, Hugo walked back to his room and slammed the door shut, locking it before he slid down it and cried softly. His thoughts filling his head with doubt and fear as Donella's words continued to pray on his heart. His shoulders shook with silent sobs as they attacked his already abused mind and continue to plague his images of the blue eyed alchemist, twisting them and turning their glow into something rotten and decayed. He knew she was lying, but his mind wouldn't let him believe it as his anxiety continued to grow, it wasn't until he heard a small squeak that he finally looked up and saw Olivia sitting on his knee, she crawled over and nuzzled him before she told him what she'd heard.
Suddenly his mind stopped, her squeaks silencing each toxic thought as Eugene's plan began to grow into a distinct possibility, "he... Kept his promise.... And Varian... W-was worried about me?"
Olivia squeaked in excited validation, unknowingly making Hugo's heart skip a beat
"He does care... Fuck she's getting to me... How could I doubt him? I know h-he cares, I know he does.... I know...." He hiccupped as the cybernetic mouse hugged her boy's cheek, "I know... I know he cares... He'll help me... He will, I... I j-just need to... T-to believe in him..." He smiled at Olivia, "thanks Liv, you came right when I needed you"
Olivia squeaked happily before noticing another tear slid down the blond's face, she nuzzled him again
"I'm alright... Just..." He sniffled, as more tears fell, "I d-don't know how much more I can take of this...." He sniffled and sighed as the robotic mouse continued to rub against him, "tch, I'm being a fucking crybaby...." He stated before he couldn't hold his sobs back anymore and quietly cried in both relief and pain.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter is full of lies, but while they are often seen as bad things, lies can also be good, they can protect people and end up helping them, I don't know if I did that right here, hope I did, but that's what I was going for here :D
Team Awesome moments again! :D We all love the team Awesome moments! Varian and Eugene are too adorable together it's insane! :D
Donella and Cyrus are jerks, that's all I'm saying about them for fear of saying too much about the story X3
Poor Hugo... I'm glad he's got Olivia with him but poor Hugo... The bean really can't seem to catch a break and some days are just better than others in an abusive home... Donella doesn't even need to hit him to hurt the blond and it freaking ticks me off! It may make for a good story but it angers me so much to write it, I don't know if that's weird but I'm putting it here anyway! XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 170: The Great Scavenger Hunt!
Summary:
Easter chapter filled with Varigo and Eugene teasing (the teasing is at the end XD)!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
**A Few days before Hector confronted his parents**
Hugo walked around the castle, smiling as the decorations for the spring holiday hung with care, sparkling in the sunlit halls. He watched as all the maids hustled about, setting up more and more decorations with excited smiles on their faces, "so did you hear about what they added to this years scavenger hunt?" One maid said to Faith
"No? What are they adding?" The shy girl asked with a smile on her face
"Well, on top of the normal stuff you'd need to find in the city, they added some stuff that represents the Dark Kingdom and Ingvarr, since there will be representatives from both kingdoms participating in this year's hunt!"
"Really? Like what?"
"I don't know, but everyone's talking about how the Dark Kingdom practically *lived* in those black rocks for centuries! So they're pretty hardy people, a lot of people are saying they have some super cool jewel they put in the game!"
Faith tilted her head, "super cool jewel? I'm not sure I believe that, it could be something different, like a sash or something"
The gossiping maid waved her hands dismissively, "oh come *on* Faith! Have a little imagination, didn't you used to babysit that Dark Kingdom kid?"
"Varian? Yeah, a long time ago"
"Well, wasn't his dad part of the Dark Kingdom?"
"Yeah?"
"Sooooo?"
The blue eyed maid's nose scrunched up with disgust, "I'm not going to *use* Varian or his father that way! For your information, he's a very good friend of mine!"
"Which is why you should ask! He wouldn't mind telling you and what's the harm in finding out am I right?"
Hugo raised a brow at the girl as Faith huffed, "I'm not asking, if you want to find whatever 'super cool jewel' the Dark Kingdom put into the Scavenger Hunt, then you'll just have to find a partner and find it yourself"
"Tch, whatever, I knew going to you was a waste", the maid then rolled her eyes and walked away
Faith sighed as Hugo walked over, "want me to dye her hair pink?" He offered with a smirk
The girl blinked for a moment before she giggled, "noho it's fine, thank you for the offer though"
"You sure? It seems like she could use an attitude adjustment"
Faith snorted before shaking her head, "it's fine, she won't do anything harmful"
"If you say so", the blond replied with a shrug before noticing the decorations in the shy girl's hands, "need some help?"
"Hm? Oh no, I've got it, this is my job after all", Faith then turned and began to hang up the streamers she was holding, "so what are you doing, walking around?"
"Yup, saw everyone in a frenzy and wanted to see why the crazy Coronans were acting even crazier"
Faith laughed, "I take it you Ingavarrians don't celebrate the 'Great Scavenger Hunt'?"
Hugo shook his head, "nope, we celebrate victory and triumph because our kingdom was founded during a war, where everyone had a use, so scavenger hunts and parties don't really fall into that category"
"Fair", Faith replied before she hopped down to check her work, "does that look straight to you?"
"You're asking the wrong guy you know"
She giggled, "just answer the question"
The blond smirked, "yeah, it looks good", he replied, "so what's the story behind the 'Great Scavenger Hunt'?"
"Well, there really isn't any, this holiday is actually just a kingdom wide celebration, it's supposed to bring joy just like the Goodwill Festival brings good will, but there's really no history for it", she sighed, "I guess you could say it's the Coronan's way of celebrating peace between their people but, that's just for the history buffs"
"HUGO!" A familiar voice called, getting the two to turn and see Varian running down the hallway excitedly
"Speaking of", the blond joked, getting Faith to giggle
The blue eyed alchemist slid to a halt and smiled at the maid, "hiya Faith, nice job on the decorations"
"Thanks Varian, oh hey, watch out for any maids today, they're gossiping", the shy maid warned
"Is it about the treasure my grandpa put into the scavenger hunt?"
"Yup"
"Yeah I've already gotten asked five times today", the teen sighed, "I guess there's a rumor saying it's either super valuable or really rare?"
"Yeah"
Varian sighed, "why don't they just join the hunt and find out?"
"Because that would require work Freckles", Hugo replied, "and where's the fun in that?"
"Pfft! Oki, I completely see you point of view now, thanks Huuuuugo"
"No problem Vaaaaarian", the green clad teen replied with a grin, "so what's up?"
"Huh what do you-OH! You gotta come to the thrown room! The Queen of Ingvarr wants to ask you something!"
The blond raised a brow, "the Queen wants to ask *me* something?"
"Yup!" Varian looked at Faith, "I *really* wanna chat but-!"
"It's alright, I've gotta finish setting up anyway, you two go on", the blue eyed maid replied with a smile
The blue eyed alchemist smiled back, "are you and Friedborg gonna join the hunt together this year?"
"If we finish our tasks in time, then yes, and we're almost done too!"
Varian grinned, "that's great! Can't wait to watch you two compete!"
"You're not?"
"Well, I mean you have to have a partner to do so and.... Well my dad helped hide the Dark Kingdom prize so...."
Faith frowned, "I'm sorry Varian"
"I-It's alright! I'll just cheer for my favorite teams on from the side lines! That includes you and Friedborg, so you'd better win!"
The shy maid nodded, "we will, then maybe you, Friedborg, Hugo, and I could all go on a picnic together!"
The blond looked surprised, "me?"
"Well of course!" Faith replied, "you're a friend of Varian's now! It's tradition that all friends of Varian's must hang out and judge each other before you can be fully accepted into the club!"
"Club?"
"Yup! The Varian's Friends club! It's very exclusive, Princess Rapunzel barely made it in, where as Lance and Eugene absolutely crushed the initial judging!"
Varian blushed, "w-we should probably get going"
"Oh right, don't wanna keep the Queen of Ingvarr waiting, you two go on, we'll see you after the hunt okay?"
"Oki", the blue eyed alchemist replied before he grabbed Hugo's hand and pulled him away
****
"Sooo.... The Varian's Friend Club huh?"
Varian's blush deepened as he and Hugo turned the corner towards the thrown room, "eheh, don't mind her, she and Friedborg are really protective over me"
"Why's that?"
"Just because of everything that's happened, they tend to make sure I'm hanging out with the right people. Nearly scared Rapunzel half to death actually...."
The blond's brows raised, "uh-!"
"Don't worry, you'll make it in", Varian replied with a smirk, "you're a lot like Eugene, so they'll definitely like you, Faith already does"
"....Why am I relieved by that?"
Varian snorted, "because Faith made it seem exclusive and anyone finding out they're about to be judged to join something exclusive would be naturally worried", he then looked at the blond, "or you just really wanna join"
"Oh don't you even start!" Hugo replied, getting Varian to snicker, "so.... Do you want to be in the scavenger hunt?"
"Hm? What are you talking about?"
"Well, and this may just be me, but it seemed like you were kinda upset that you wouldn't be able to participate this year"
Varian turned to Hugo, "so you caught that huh?"
"Little bit"
The teen smiled sadly, "well I mean... I am kinda sad that I won't get to be *in* the scavenger hunt this year, but I like rooting for my friends, so it's really not too bad"
The blond raised a brow as he saw Ruddigar nuzzling his boy comfortingly, "what about Rapunzel or Eugene?"
"Rapunzel helped hide a lot of the prizes, so she wouldn't be able to participate either, and Eugene was already asked to be Lance's partner since this'll be his very first scavenger hunt", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "and before you say Catalina or Angry, they're partnered up together, and they really don't accept animal partners, even though I think that's speciesism", Ruddigar chittered in agreement
"Huh... So you're really bummed out about this aren't you?"
"Yeah, but it'll be okay, there's always next year, right?"
before Hugo could respond, they heard someone clear their throat and stopped walking. Looking at where they were, they noticed they were standing in front of the thrown room doors. Hugo saw the royal advisor standing in front of them, staring at the two, "uh.... Hi?" He said, a little confused as the man looked at them with an oddly pompous sneer on his face.
The snotty looking man raised a brow, "this is Hugo", Varian stated, "the Queen of Ingvarr wanted to see him Nigel"
"Oh so *this* is the Ingvarrian dignitary", the man replied, almost instantly plastering the fakest smiled Hugo had ever seen on his face, "hello there sir, it's a pleasure to meet you, wait one moment out here whilst I inform the Queen of your arrival". With that, the man turned his back to the two alchemists and entered the thrown room, closing the doors behind him as he did so and leaving the two alone.
There was a moment of silence before the blind huffed, "that was the fakest fucking smile I've ever seen in my life"
Varian burst out laughing, "you thought so too huh?! Oh geez, I thought I was the only one!"
The blond smirked, "nope, and what was with the initial look he gave me? He looked like he had a corn cob stuck up his ass!"
"Pffffft!" Varian clapped a hand over his mouth and tried to keep from laughing even harder as his face turned red, "you're gonna kihihihihill me!" He giggled, getting Hugo the snicker, "hee hee, that's Nigel, he's the royal advisor to the king and queen of Corona. It's his job to introduce visitors to the rulers as well as give them advice"
"Is it also his job to rub elbows with 'dignitaries' in an effort to fake his way to the top? Because he's doing a damn good job!"
The blue eyed alchemist laughed a little more, "you're not wrong", he replied through his giggles before the thrown room doors opened to reveal the royal advisor once more, instantly getting Varian to control his laughter as the man walked over to them
Nigel cleared his throat, "the King and Queen of Corona, as well as the Princess, and the Queen of Ingvarr, and King of the Dark Kingdom shall see you both now", the man's nose then scrunched, "although, you may want to let go of each other's hands"
Hugo and Varian looked down to see they were still clutching each other's hands and blushed before letting go and walking inside, "thanks", Hugo stated
"You're quite welcome master Hugo", Nigel replied politely before the doors to the thrown room closed behind the pair
"Master?" The blond asked Varian
"You're technically a dignitary here, but since you're not royalty, you would be known as 'master Hugo'"
"Huh.... I'm not sure how I feel about that"
The freckled alchemist smirked, "come on, we should probably walk all the way into the thrown room"
"Right", the bespeckled teen agreed as he followed Varian inside, looking around and seeing more decorations hung everywhere, though with a lot more color than the hallways. He was so distracted by them in fact, that he ended up bumping into the blue eyed alchemist's back, his glasses dangling from one ear as he looked at the blurry figure that turned to face him. He fixed his glasses in time to see Varian giving him a worried look, "eheh, sorry, was looking at the decorations"
"Ah, so you like those then", a voice replied, getting the blond to turn and see Rapunzel smiling at the pair as she stood in-between her parents, the Queen of Ingvarr standing next to King Frederic while King Edmund stood next to Queen Arianna, "that's great! See? I knew decorations in the throne room would go over well!"
"Well, they ended up distracting him to the point where he bonked into Varian", her father replied with a chuckle
The princess blushed a little, "still a small win, right?"
"I like em", Hugo said, getting the two's attention, "just didn't expect them"
Rapunzel smiled wide as Frederic smiled, "alright then, you were right Rapunzel"
The sunny princess grinned at her father before she looked next to him at the Queen of Ingvarr, who looked amused by the situation, "so, now that he's here, what would you like to talk to Hugo about your majesty?"
The Ingvarrian Queen nodded before she looked at the teen, "hello Hugo, sorry to call you in here like this, but I had a thought. Considering we ended up coming here earlier than expected, I felt it would be a good idea to celebrate the Coronan holidays and was going to ask if you would help me do that"
The blond tilted his head, "I wouldn't mind, but how?"
"Well, as you're probably aware, there's a huge scavenger hunt that will happen today at noon, I was thinking, if you wouldn't mind, maybe having you pair up with a Coronan and join the hunt, as a way to commemorate the beginning of our two kingdoms alliances", she replied, "I would ask Damien and Delores, but I know they do not really enjoy scavenger hunts, and their children would rather watch by their parent's side. Of course Donella wouldn't want to either, nor would Cyrus to which... I do not know if he enjoys them or not"
"He doesn't", Hugo replied flatly, "he's not really into anything fun, just likes to punch things if I'm being honest...."
The Queen laughed as Hugo's sass, "ah true, very true, but see I didn't think it would be fair for *me* to enter the competition, but I will if you're not really willing to do so, I won't force you of course, the choice is yours"
The blond thought for a moment before he remembered his conversation prior to entering the thrown room and smirked, "sure, I'll participate, I get to pick my partner though, yeah?"
"Of course!" Rapunzel replied with delight, "did you have someone in mind?"
The green clad alchemist grinned and nodded before he looked at Varian, who's eyes widened in surprise, "if you want to that is"
The freckled teen was startled for a brief moment before his expression changed to one of excitement, his eyes sparkling with joy as he nodded, "I'd *love* to!" He replied, a little too loudly, ending up blushing even more, "s-sorry"
Edmund chuckled at his grandsons excitement as Rapunzel placed a hand over her mouth, just barely hiding her happiness as her little brother smiled at her happily, "great!" The Queen of Ingvarr exclaimed, "that's actually perfect! I'll inform Donella of what's going on and that you're doing it as a favor to me, that way she knows it was a last minute sort of thing", she smiled at the teen, "thank you for doing this Hugo, I hope you two have fun during the hunt, I'll be rooting for you both!"
"Me too!" Rapunzel replied, "along with Eugene and Lance, and Catalina and Angry, eee! I'm so excited for this scavenger hunt now!"
"I am as well!" Edmund replied jovially, "I only had one team to root for, but now my grandson will be in it as well! This will be a lot of fun!" He then added, "and I happen to know a certain farmer who will rooting for you two as well!"
Varian smiled wide as he thought about his father cheering for him in the crowd, "oh! We've gotta go plan our strategy!"
"Strategy?" Hugo asked
"Yeah! See every year there are items hidden throughout the city, the places that are off limits are inside the castle and inside any homes or building, and they have to based off a theme! I think this year the theme is history, which means we have an advantage. But Eugene and Lance are sneaky, so they might try a few things"
The blond raised a brow, for what seemed like the forth or fifth time that day, before he shrugged and smiled, "lead the way all mighty strata-Freckles"
Varian stopped before giggling, "first 'birdbrain', now 'strata-Freckles'?"
"I like nicknames"
"You're a doof"
"A doof?"
"Yes, a doof"
"And what exactly is a doof?"
"You"
"And what am I?"
"A doof!"
"...I've changed my mind"
"Too late!" Varian snickered before he grabbed the blond's arm and dragged him away, getting the bespeckled teen to laugh as the group of royals watched the two alchemists, the raccoon, and the mouse, run off, with large smiles on their faces
****
Hugo and Varian smiled wide as they sat on the picnic blanket, Faith and Friedborg were having small conversations with Eugene and Lance as the two alchemists happily watched the sun dip below the horizon, "that was one crazy scavenger hunt huh?" Hugo asked as He handed Olivia and Ruddigar a few apple pieces
"Uh huh", Varian replied sleepily, "still can't believe how close it got"
"Yeah, pfft, you were right though, Eugene and Lance tried their best to pull a few stunts. Them following us throughout the entire competition should be dubbed as cheating"
"Yeah, but your idea of taking wrong turns to get them mixed up really helped", Varian replied with a snicker, "Eugene and Lance owe my dad how many coins now?"
"375 I think", the blond replied, "why do they bet against you again?"
The blue eyed teen shrugged, "I dunno, guess they wanna beat me at a game, I keep telling them that I'll try any game they want, but they keep saying I'm cheating whenever I win one"
"To be fair, using raccoon traps to make them stick to a tree I think is actually cheating", Hugo replied, "though it was fucking funny"
Varian giggled, "they didn't follow us after that to be fair"
"No they followed Faith and Friedborg after that"
The blue eyed teen laughed before he felt someone tap his shoulder, looking over he saw his father smiling at him before he handed the pair a few watermelon slices, which the two gratefully accepted before the retired knight ruffled his son's hair and walked back to join Adira, Edmund, and Hector at a table nearby, "so, did you have fun?"
Hugo took a big bite of the juicy fruit and smiled, "sure did", he replied before swallowing, "I liked the fact that we got to keep the prizes we found too, that's kinda neat! Makes everyone a winner in a way"
"Yup, it's why it's one of my favorite holidays, no one has to feel the pressure of losing because there's so many prizes that you'll at least get one"
"True, though the medals at the end really don't help", the blond replied with a chuckle as he looked at the golden award around his neck, "still can't believe we found the most"
"What can I say, I'm a history buff", Varian replied before taking a bite of his watermelon, his eyes widening as he reveled in the juicy taste before swallowing, "there are the best my dad's grown!"
"Your father grew these?"
"Yup", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "he's in charge of all the kingdom's fruits and veggies, as well as majority of the livestock and horses"
The blond thought for a moment before he snickered, "I think I remember you mentioning that he trained that one white horse that didn't like me very much, kept cussing me out if I remember right"
"Max, and yeah, I'm still surprised by his dirty language"
"Haven't you said curse words before?"
"Yes, but not like *that*, I mean I use them to express when I'm feeling strong emotions, Max was just being *mean*"
Hugo laughed, "I still can't unsee a little blue bird defending me from a big ol guard horse"
The freckled teen blushed, "it must've been quite a sight"
"It really was", the bespeckled teen agreed with a smirk before they both felt silent again. The Sun was fully down now, the moon rising into the air slowly as the two watched the stars begin to shine in the night sky. The cool, evening breeze passed them by before Hugo began to speak again, "so, what are you gonna do with your Dark Kingdom find?"
Varian held up the pink amethyst in his hands, smiling at it lovingly, "I think I'm just going to keep it, they're really rare and honestly, their meaning really makes me happy"
Hugo held up his own and tilted his head, "they're meaning? What do they symbolize?"
Varian smiled, "since they're still fairly new, this is only speculation but, they symbolize 'the best is yet to come'"
"Really?"
"Yup, they're supposedly an omen of good luck and hope, the fact that they were near my home too...." The blue eyed alchemist closed his eyes for a moment, feeling them water a bit before he shook the tears away and glanced over at his grandfather, "I have a feeling he wanted me or Eugene to find them, because only we would know where they were", he then looked back at Hugo, "it's been a really rough year for me... S-so many things have happened and...." He sniffled, "s-sorry...."
"Hey it's... It's okay Freckles", The blond replied, setting his watermelon down and hugging the teen, "it's alright, I... I get it... It's been hard for me too...."
They stayed that way for a moment, neither one really saying anything as Varian's sniffled filled the silence. Before too long, the blue eyed alchemist sighed and hugged Hugo back, "thanks, I needed that"
"You're welcome", the blond replied before the two broke the hug and blushed a bit
They began to eat their watermelons once more, neither one really knowing what else to say before Varian let out a small noise, "oh, here!" He dug inside his pocket and pulled out something wrapped in clothe, "I almost forgot!"
Handing it to Hugo the bespeckled teen unwrapped it and smiled when he saw the emerald and sapphire bracelet, "hey, you remembered!"
"Of course I did! Your letter kinda made it clear that you'd want it back"
"True", the blond replied as he slipped the bracelet around his wrist, "I actually missed having this on"
Varian smirked, "I'm really glad you like it, I was surprised to see it in the letter"
"Yeah well, I wanted to make sure I got to see you ya know?"
"Yeah", Varian replied with a warm smile, "I know"
Hugo blushed before returning the warm grin, they began to lean in, getting closer and closer until, "hey lovebirds!" A voice called out, startling the both of them and getting them to look and see Eugene grinning at them from ear to ear, "who's up for a watermelon seed spitting contest?"
Both alchemists blushed for a few moments before they looked at each other, grinned, and nodded, "we're in", Varian replied
"Although, you sure you really wanna go against me *and* Varian after such a devastating loss to your ego *and* your wallet?" Hugo teased, "I mean you had to make an IOU to Quirin sooo-!"
"Ey! No bets are going to be made during this contest!" The Dark Prince argued as Quirin laughed, "and hush you!" He stated to the Village Leader
"Serves you right for betting against Varian", the retired knight replied with a grin
"Yeah well he won't be able to beat us in this competition!" Lance stated, "we were the reigning champs at watermelon seed spitting at our orphanage!"
"Yeah! So if there *was* a bet made, which there is *not*!" Eugene emphasized, getting Quirin to snort, "we would *definitely* win!"
"Then why won't you make one?" Hugo asked with a smirk
"....Would you just get your alche-asses over here and play the game?!"
Varian and Hugo burst into laughter as did Quirin, Adira, and Hector before the two regained control and joined the game, the night being filled with laughter and joy as the moon shined brightly in the night sky!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Happy late Easter everyone! Sorry about the later chapter, this one is right after Catalina's heart break but before Hector confronts his parents, hence the lack of Dexter and Trinity in this one.
So, I found out that pink amethysts are actually *super* rare and a pretty new thing as of 2019! They are meant to be promises untold or good things yet to come, but their symbolism may change, so don't quote me on that! But it makes perfect sense considering everything that's just happened and is about to happen, so yay! :D
Hugo and Varian are so cute together that I wanted to make this chapter just full of them being adorable! The chapter got a bit long though, so I had to cut the scavenger hunt short, but I'll bet you can guess who won! XD
Rapunzel being a supportive big sissy again! Also, the Queen of Ingvarr is very chill in this fic! XD I think she got a bad rap in the show, but she's pretty chill right now XD
Edmund is the best Grandpa, fight me on this one, I dare you!
Quirin is such a brat and I LOVE it! Him picking on Eugene and Lance, particularly Eugene, makes me laugh so hard XD
Poor Eugene and Lance by the way, the scavenger hunt was fun for them I promise, they just don't have a lot of knowledge on history XD
Ruddigar and Olivia sharing apple slices is adorable to me, and Ruddy buddy is feeling a lot better by this point, so yay! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 171: Help!
Summary:
Varian gives Hugo a choice
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo yawned as his eyes fluttered open, looking around he realized that he'd slept on the floor against the door all night. Groaning he stood up, stretching before he rubbed his eyes, "too bright..." He complained before walking over to the privy in the room and entering it. He looked at himself in the mirror and saw bags under his eyes, his hair was a raggedy mess, and his glasses with sitting crookedly on the tip of his nose. He narrowed his eyes at his reflection before sighing, noticing Olivia crawl onto his shoulder and nuzzle him, "hey Liv", he said, smiling and petting the robotic mouse before he looked back in the mirror, "you think they'd let me stay in my room today?"
The robotic mouse frowned sadly at her boy
"Yeah, didn't think so either...." With a sigh, the blond began to clean himself up, brushing his hair and teeth, getting some clean clothing on, washing up, and getting himself ready for the day. By the time he was done he looked in the mirror once more, smirking, "not bad, yeah?"
Olivia squeaked out an affirmation with a paw up
Hugo chuckled
*Tink*
"Huh?" The blond looked around, but didn't see anyone
*Tink tink*
"Did you hear the Liv?" He asked his best friend
The mouse nodded before she began to look around herself
*Tick ta tink tinky tink*
"Where is that coming from?!"
*Tinky tink*
Olivia let out a surprised squeak before she pointed to the window, getting Hugo to look at it. He blinked a few times before smirking when he saw the little raccoon standing at his window, using his paws to tap at the glass
*Tinky tink tink*
Snickering, Hugo walked over to the window and opened it, "hey Ruddigar, what are you doing at my window?"
The raccoon chittered happily before he pointed towards the ground below him
Hugo looked down and smirked when he saw Varian waving, "you up yet Sleeping Beauty?" The blue eyed alchemist teased, "it's past noon!"
Eyes widening in alarm, the blond looked at a watch on his wrist which read '1:30PM', "shit!"
Varian laughed, "don't worry! Miss. Donella and Mr. Cyrus left your living quarters already!"
"Wait they did?"
"Yup!" The teen replied, "something about, spending the day with the Duke and Duchess? Either way they're gonna be gone all day and I didn't see you with them, so I thought I'd check! You wanna come down?"
Hugo smirked, "you just can't wait to see me can you?"
"I mean, I could find something else to do if you really wanna be a tease"
"No no! I'm coming", the blond replied a little too quickly, blushing when he head the blue eyed alchemist laugh
"Come on then 'Rapunzel', I would like to talk to you when you're *not* in your tower!"
The bespeckled teen raised a brow with a smirk, "how upset would she be if she heard you say that?"
"I'm not", a giggly voice called, getting Hugo to notice the blond princess sitting with Eugene, Lance, Catalina, and Angry a little ways behind Varian
The blond chuckled before he looked back at Varian, "I'll be right down okay?"
"Oki, you mind bringing Ruddigar with you? I don't think he can get down from there"
Hugo looked at the small mammal and smiled, "yeah I can take him", he offered to let the creature inside, to which the raccoon was all too happy to accept as he hopped inside the safe room, chasing his tail and chittering happily as he did so. "Pfft, I think your buddy's glad to be in a room, how'd he get up here anyway?"
"He climbed", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "he's a really great climber, but getting down seems to be a problem"
"So I see, well, be down in a bit"
"See you then!"
The blond gave one last smile to the teen before he turned to face the two animals, "well then, shall we go downstairs?"
Ruddigar and Olivia chittered and squeaked in approval before they both climbed up the teen and rested on his shoulders, getting him to snort
"Comfy?"
They nodded
"Good, next time you two carry me"
The animals chittered with laughter as the bespeckled teen got his shoes on and walked out of his bedroom door.
****
Hugo opened the doors to the gardens and smiled when he saw Varian waving at him once more. Walking over, Ruddigar hopped off his shoulder and climbed up the blue eyed teen's, getting them both to chuckle, "so that's the thanks I get for carrying you two down here?"
Ruddigar chittered apologetically
"I'm just kidding", the blond replied good naturedly, "I know you love your Varian"
The raccoon purred with appreciation
The freckled alchemist snickered, "so, did you get enough beauty rest?"
"That depends, how do I look?" The blond asked, posing dramatically
"Pfft! Hugo!" Varian giggled, "you look great, just, stop it wihihith the pohohohoses! HUGO!" The teen continued to laugh as the blond made a few more dramatic poses while he spoke, Olivia joining in, "you're a doof!"
"A good looking doof?"
"Pfft, yeah, a good looking doof"
The bespeckled teen smirked and stopped posing, "so whatcha wanna do today Freckles?"
Varian hummed in thought for a moment before he looked at Eugene, the two of them exchanging looks before the blue eyed alchemist looked back at his boyfriend, "I actually have an idea, how about we spend the day together, then at night I can show you a secret place that's away from everyone! Eugene and my dad know about it too, so we might see them there"
Hugo raised a brow, "a secret place?"
"Yeah! I.... W-well it was a good place for me to go when I.... Um.... W-when I was with the Seporians before Rapunzel got back to Corona", the blue eyed teen explained shyly, "i-it was a really nice, quiet, place to go when I needed some time alone, and it's got a really pretty view of the stars, we can have a picnic there!"
The blond snorted, "what's with your family and picnics?"
"So you don't wanna go?" The freckled teen asked, eyes as big as dinner plates as he looked sadly at the blond with a quivering lip
"Gh! I didn't say that I was just-uh..... That's cheating...."
"Is it working?"
".....Yes"
"Night time picnic?"
"Fine."
Varian giggled, smiling wide before he grabbed Hugo's hand, "then come on! We've gotta get to the kitchen and set some things up! Let's go!"
"Whoa okay!" The green clad alchemist replied as he was pulled towards the doors he'd just came from, noticing Quirin he waved at the man, who waved back before the two disappeared inside the castle
****
"So this is the royal kitchen huh? Pretty snazzy", Hugo stated, looking around the pristine kitchen as a bunch of cooks ran around preparing dinner
Varian smiled, "yup, I've been in here a few times actually"
"Really? What were you in here for the first time?"
The blue eyed teen snickered, "I helped Eugene bake a cake for Rapunzel, there was an... Alchemical accident because Eugene used the wrong vial in the cake batter, but we fixed it, cleaned it up, and made a really awesome cake! It moved and everything, although, the cooks definitely weren't happy"
"Oh geez, they didn't blame *you* for that did they?"
"Nope, they did, however, tell my dad what happened, and he... Well he wasn't surprised. But he didn't get me in trouble since Eugene was the one that caused the mess"
"When was that?"
"A long time ago now that I think about it", Varian replied as he set Ruddigar on a counter and began to grab a few bowls, "Eugene and Cassandra apparently argued about how Eugene couldn't bake, and he can't. But when I helped, we actually made something that turned out way better than I previously thought it would!"
Hugo smirked, grabbing one of the bowls and beginning to mix some flour and eggs together, "so now the cooks don't mind you baking in here?"
"Just so long as I keep my chemicals away from the batter, they're fine with it, actually, Attila comes in here a lot, so I usually spend time talking to him whenever he's around!"
"Attila?"
"Oh right, sorry you're not from here, Attila works with Mr. Monty over at the sweet's shop in town and is a really good baker! If you don't know about the sweet's shop, I'll have to take you there sometime very soon, he has the best butterscotch lollipops!"
Hugo snorted before nodding, "alrighty then, you'll just have to take me sometime"
The blue eyed teen paused, then looked at the blond before smiling wide, "I'd love to! I need to take you on a full tour of Corona actually! I can't believe I didn't think of that earlier! We could go to the best places in town and, dad permitting, we could even go to my house and", Varian gasped, "I could show you my LAB! That'd be so much fun! We could experiment together like we did with the paralyzing potion antidote!"
The bespeckled teen snickered at the excitement in his boyfriend's eyes and nodded, "sounds like a really fun day, I'd definitely be into that", he then got an idea, getting a little of his mixture on his finger, he went over and poked Varian's nose, "gotcha"
The freckled teen stopped, looked at his nose, then giggled, "brat"
"Look who's talking"
"Well! How dare, you know what, just for that, you don't get to have any of my cupcakes!"
"Wha-! Hey! How's that fair?"
"It serves you right for being a brat in the kitchen"
"You know I can just clean it off right?" The blond then cupped Varian's chin with his hand before he kissed the teen's nose, getting the mixture off and making the blue eyed teen blush at the same time, "ta da!"
Varian blinked for a few moments before his face continued to grow even redder and redder, making Ruddigar chittering nervously
"Shit I broke him again, uh, hold on Freckles", the green eyed teen grabbed a corked vial out of his pocket, that he didn't see was filled with a duplicating chemical, and uncorked it in front of Varian's face, unknowingly dripping some into the batter he was making
"IRON AND STEEL METAL CONTEST! Huh? W-what?"
Hugo snorted, "ya back with us?"
The freckled teen looked at Hugo and began to blush again, "ooh! Now why do you keep doing that?!"
"He's back"
Ruddigar sighed with relief before Olivia let out a warning squeak, pointing to Hugo's bowl as it shook violently
The two alchemists looked at the bowl before they tensed up, "oh SHIT!" Hugo exclaimed before he grabbed Varian and pulled him to the floor, just in time for the bowl to explode and batter fly everywhere!
After about a minute of splatters and globs of batter landing around them, the sound stopped and the two teens slowly got up and looked around, "uh oh...." Varian said, "w-well um.... What happened?"
Hugo looked at the vial in his hand and blushed, "uh... I may have just pulled a Eugene with my duplication extract...." He showed Varian the vial, "eheh, oops"
The blue eyed teen stared at it for a few seconds before he began to laugh, "yohohohou, ha ha, yohou really did puhuhull a Eugehehehehehene! Ahahaha ha!!!!!"
Hugo blinked before he smiled, a small blush coming to his cheeks as he watched Varian continue to laugh, "yeah I, I guess I did". He joined in Varian's laughter, Olivia and Ruddigar joining in, soon enough they were all on the floor, covered with batter and laughing like crazy before finally calming down, "wehe should uh, probably clean this up huh?"
They heard someone clear their throats nearby, looking, the two alchemists saw the head chef looking at them with a raised brow, "yes, yes we should", Varian replied as Hugo waved shyly to the chef
****
With the picnic basket in hand, the two alchemists, raccoon, and robotic mouse, walked through the side doors and through the gardens, Varian leading the way as the sun had set and the moon began to peak out from the horizon, "it's over here!" Varian whispered, "I don't come here too often because I don't want anyone to find it, but it's a really nice place to hide when you need to get away, I call it my 'quiet place'".
"Your 'quiet place' huh? Sounds pretty mysterious Freckles. Also, why'd you pack so much food? Isn't it just gonna be the two of us?"
"Well yeah, but you never know who might show up", the blue eyed alchemist replied with a grin, "now come on! We've gotta hurry!"
"Excited for the first date huh?" Hugo teased, snorting when he saw the freckled teen blush before he stopped, eyes widening as he stared at something long, wooden, and painted with someone's dried blood, "....V.... Varian...."
"I know...." Came the quiet reply, the funny moment slipping away as a tense air settled between the two, "....they um.... Still haven't cleaned it... S-since I was on there...."
The blond stared at the large pole, seeing roped that hung nearby, "....W-what were you doing over here?"
The blue eyed alchemist sighed, "I... Wanted to see if I could face it.... T-the pole I mean.... When I was with the Seporians, one of their ways of getting over fear was to face it, literally.... S-so I took it to heart and came here.... It.... Didn't work out so well... S-seeing the blood... M-my blood.... Dried on there still, staining the wood forever now.... T-the ropes too.... I-it was too much for me.... S-so I tried to run away, but I couldn't face A-Andrew or the Seporians after I'd told them I would face it.... S-so I tried again, but as I was making my way towards it, I ended up tripping on a stick nearby and found this place!"
He poked the bespeckled teen, getting him to look and see Varian moving a boulder out of the way, "holy fuck, where've you been hiding *those* muscles?"
"Since never", Varian blushed, "I um, work on a farm with my dad, so my arms kinda got used to pushing and moving big things out of the way"
Hugo smirked, "damn, got a six pack underneath that apron?"
"S-shut up!"
The blond laughed as he felt Varian nudge him a bit before he looked at the pole again, "...I'm sorry you went through something like that.... You didn't deserve it...."
"Not your fault", the blue eyed teen replied, "'sides, if I hadn't, I would've never found my 'quiet place', so it's kind of a win"
Hugo smiled before he realized something, "hey wait, didn't you say your dad and Eugene know about this place?"
"Yeah"
"How'd they find out?"
Varian snorted, "well, my dad is very over protective of me, not that I blame him, considering, I'm over protective of him too. A-anyway, I was hiding in here one day when the castle got a little too much for me. And, being the protective person he is, my dad went looking for me to make sure I was okay and heard me singing to myself"
"You sing?"
"Once in a while, it's... A little embarrassing, but I like to sing, just not around a lot of people. But um, dad heard me and followed my voice until he found the boulder, moved it, and, seeing a path, walked inside"
"Woah!" Hugo looked around, his eyes shining at the sight of Varian's 'quiet place'. The area was surrounded with roses as far as the eyes could see, a little path made of stone bricks led to a circle with a comfortable looking bench, a few trees hiding anyone in the circle from sight, with a full view of the stars in the sky, the moon shining down and the evening wind blowing just right, "i-it's amazing!"
"Thanks!" Varian replied happily as Ruddigar hopped off his shoulder and scampered around the place before hopping on the bench and curling up into a grey donut, "by the way, you're not gonna ask how my dad got in here?"
Hugo snorted, "you kidding? The man is bigger than *Cyrus*, with *twice* the muscle mass and much less *fat*! I think I can figure it out!"
"Pfft! True", Varian giggled
"Speaking of", a familiar, and slightly amused, voice said, startling the two and getting them to look and see Eugene and Quirin standing nearby, both with large smirks on their faces, "hello son, hi Hugo, and um.... Thank you?" Quirin said, with a chuckle
Hugo blushed as Varian laughed, "hi dad, hi Eugene!" The blue eyed alchemist replied
"Uh.... Yeah *ahem* uh hi", the blond replied before he raised a brow at his boyfriend, "I feel like that was a set up"
Varian smiled innocently, "why whatever would make you think that?"
"Jerk", the bespeckled teen replied, lightly punching Varian's shoulder and getting him to giggle, "so, what are you two doing here?"
"We were in the neighborhood", Eugene replied nonchalantly, making Hugo freeze
The blue eyed teen smiled at Eugene, "well we've got more than enough food for you two if you want some"
The retired knight smiled, "we brought some too, if you don't mind sharing the spot"
"Nope!" Varian replied before he began to set up the picnic, laying down the blanket
None of them noticed the blond, who was staring at the three of them as they spoke to each other calmly. His green eyes watching Eugene in particular, getting the Dark Prince to notice after a few minutes, "this.... You...." The bespeckled teen closed his mouth as Varian and Quirin looked at him before the blue eyed alchemist sighed
Varian turned to look at his boyfriend with a sad smile, "yeah I... I knew you'd figure it out the moment you saw them... You're too smart not to"
"....So this is what I think it is...." He looked at Eugene, "did you-!"
"I haven't told them anything", Eugene replied, "I promised and I'm keeping that promise, though", he looked at Quirin, "he picked up on it too, and we did talk, but I didn't tell him what you told me, just bits and pieces"
"Hugo, I.... I'm sorry we had to ambush you a bit but.... But something's wrong..." Varian said, "a-and I think it has something to do with Miss. Donella.... Eugene didn't tell me anything, I can assure you of that, and even if he did, I would want to hear it from you anyway but...." He walked over and gently held Hugo's hand in his, "I... I'm really worried about you... I'm worried that you might be.... Getting hurt... I want to help you in any way I can, b-but I... I won't do anything that you don't want me to. That's a rule in my 'quiet place', it's a place where you can be yourself and no one is allowed to judge you for it, a-and whatever is said in this place, *stays* here, right?"
"Absolutely", Eugene replied
"Right", Quirin agreed
Varian turned back to the blond, "Hugo, you mean the *world* to me, and the thought of you being in a situation that could harm or hurt you in some way shape or form it... It scares me... You're so funny, and sassy, and you make me happy every time I see you and you're just being yourself! I really care about you Hugo, and.... Whenever I see you with Miss. Donella... You freeze... Your shoulders tense... Y-you call her ma'am...." Varian sighed, "I noticed the bruises on your cheek... I see the way you look at her with fear and anxiety, and I don't want you to ever feel that way again... S-so if I can help you in anyway, I want to, but only if you want me to". He let go and backed up, "so I'm giving you a choice... I'm not sure of the details of whatever promise you made to Eugene, b-but this is different, whatever's going on, I want you to tell us when you feel comfortable to. I won't ask about it, I won't force you to tell me, I want you to decide, do you wanna talk about this now, or when you feel more comfortable? Because if you tell us now, I'll be honest, I may be more likely to keep you away from Miss. Donella if I feel you need to, same with my dad and Eugene, things won't be the same. If that's something you don't want, then you're more than able to say so and we'll drop it and have a nice picnic instead", he smiled, "I mean that, this is up to you, not us, we won't help you unless you say you need us to, so.... Do you?"
Hugo stared at his boyfriend for a a while, unable to speak or even move. His eyes shifted from Varian, to Eugene, to Quirin, then back to Varian, unsure of what to do.
*Don't trust them!*
*This is a trap!*
*They don't mean it, they'll tell Donella and you'll be worse off!*
*Fuck them, I knew they'd ambush me!*
*This is wrong, I need to get out of here!*
*What would Donella say? What would she DO?!*
*What do I do, what do I do?!*
*I don't want this!*
*Tell him no!*
*Break up with him!*
*GET OUT OF THERE NOW!*
*....what if they're telling the truth?*
The blond's eyes widened as a familiar blue glow shined in his heart
*....what if they mean what they say? do you really have any reason to not trust them?*
*They fooled us!*
*Trapped us!*
*Ambushed us!*
*...they gave you the option to leave even though you promised Eugene you would talk about Donella....*
Hugo looked at the floor, unable to look into Varian's eyes
*....do you really wanna be stuck with donella forever?....*
*She's safe!*
*She'll keep us alive, even if she hurts us!*
*Who would care about us more than her?! We're useful to her!*
*...remember what varian said?....*:
'A flash of that day in the library lit up in Hugo's mind as he saw Varian hugging him before the blue eyed alchemist smiled, "I think you're useful, a-and that you have an amazing talent, in and outside of alchemy. A-and even if you didn't, I'd still care about you, you're really funny and really sweet. E-even if you didn't share my interests, or didn't have any kind of 'use', I'd still want you around, because you're you"'
*...do you really think that was a lie? he didn't have to say that you know, he wasn't forced to worry about us....*
Hugo looked at Varian again, the freckled teen was still watching him, his face remained the same, he was expressionless so he wouldn't sway the blond's mind, but his eyes danced with worry and fear. Yet he remained still as the bespeckled teen continued to debate
*....he's waiting for an answer, he's not even forcing you to speak. what if they could help you?....*
Suddenly the blue glow grew bigger
*...What if he really does care about you? Don't you care about him?....*
It grew even bigger as the two alchemists stared at each other
*Let him help you Hugo, let Varian help you! You don't deserve the pain you've been given, so accept his help, he's waiting*
None of the other voices spoke up against the glow, none of them could. The blond's mind was filled with memories of him and Varian, all shining brightly and filled with laughter and joy, more than Hugo had ever felt before in his life! The bespeckled teen took a step forwards, then another step, and another. He closed the gap between him and Varian and wrapped his arms around the blue eyed alchemist, the memories shining brighter when he felt the teen return the hug.
*Let him love you!*
"Yes", Hugo replied
"What?" Varian asked, breaking the hug to look at the blond
Hugo smiled at the blue eyed teen as tears fell from his eyes, "I... Yes... I need h-help Varian.... I really n-need some help right now...." He replied before he felt all of his pent up anger, frustration, sadness, and fear come out as he began to cry into Varian's chest.
The freckled teen was stunned for a moment before he smiled and returned the hug as Eugene and Quirin smiled, relief clear as day on their faces as they watched the two embrace, "ok Hugo", Varian replied softly, his own tears sliding down his face as he held the man he loved, "ok, we'll help, we're gonna help you, we're gonna help, I promise".
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, to anyone who's going through something like this, please know that you're not alone. I went through this myself when I was younger, so did many people I know and even more that I don't. You're not alone, you're not! You're loved and cared about much more than you think you are, and you're a lot stronger than your think you are! ou have the ability to ask for help, you will always have that ability, you just need to find a way to get it, weather that be through a friend, a family member, even a neighbor, you're not alone, you're never alone! You're loved and wanted and needed in this world, remember that, please!
I'm not an expert on things like this, yes I went through it myself, but my journey is much different than yours. But even so, you're better than any person that would do something like this to you! You're an amazing, wonderful, and incredible individual that is more than what your abusers say you are! Please don't believe them, you're amazing, and I care about you, I don't need to know you to care! <3 Keep being you, keep fighting, keep living, because you're gonna get out of that situation one day and you're gonna feel amazing when you do! Never give up hope, there's always someone out there that's willing to help, always, it's hard, I know, but you can do it, I believe in you, I really do! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 172: He Talks About Her!
Summary:
Hugo talks about his relationship with Donella!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I've been with Donella since I was 4 years old", Hugo began, "I.... I told Varian this, but my mother passed away from a disease and after that, my father sold me to the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr in exchange for a good paying job, a house, and money.... I worked for the Duke and Duchess for a couple of months but they found that my knowledge in chores and menial labor was lacking.... So when Donella, a retired royal scientist and close friend to the Duke and Duchess, took an interest in me, they gave me to her.... She raised me, taught me about alchemy, and gave me clothing and places to stay, but....", the blond sighed, "she.... Didn't like anyone showing anything but blind loyalty to her.... Cyrus was already with her at the time of my arrival, and he was as brutish as ever.... He often got me in trouble with Don, and I would end up getting punished in many different ways, from kneeling on a bunch of grits on the floor to being publicly humiliated and shamed, and it only got worse from there.... Believe it or not, she didn't start out that way, in fact, she was really kind in the beginning, and I loved the lessons I got from her!"
"What changed?" Varian asked as he took a bite out of a ham sandwich he and Hugo had packed while Quirin and Eugene listened quietly
The blond sighed, "she did.... I'm not sure exactly what happened but... something in her.... Snapped.... She went on a trip somewhere, she didn't tell me or Cyrus, I was 5 at the time and was more than capable of taking care of myself. Cyrus stayed behind because he wasn't allowed to go"
Eugene snickered, "how upset was he?"
"Very", the bespeckled teen smirked, "he got a little riled up after she left, I just shrugged and locked myself in a room until he calmed down"
"I'm sorry you had to do that...." The blue eyed alchemist replied
"Meh, it was honestly funny to watch a full grown man having a tantrum, and he left me alone while he did that, so it was fine. Honestly, Cyrus and I staying behind was fine, I made my own food, clothed myself, took care of myself, and even cleaned up a little. I actually remember making Don this cake, it was small and burnt, but I made it because she was coming back that day and I was excited to see her", the green clad teen then sighed, "but... I-it uh... Didn't really turn out the way I thought it would...."
*Hugo smiled excitedly as he watched the little sweet treat he'd made cook, the 5 year old's green eyes lighting up as a timer he'd set went of beside him. Stopping the timer, he grabbed some nearby gloves and opened the small oven, pulling the cupcake out and placing it onto the counter that was taller than him, "ugh! What's burning?" A gruff voice asked, walking into the tiny kitchen they shared then staring at the burnt treat, "pfft! Nice one, what did you do, get into a fight with a fire?"
"For your information, that's my very *first* attempt at making a cupcake, and it turned out *way* better than your food!" The tiny blond replied before he gestured to the literal charcoal sitting on another counter nearby
Cyrus blushed and glared at the kid, "oh shut up! Not like you did *that* much better!"
"On the contrary, mine's still *edible* and with the right amount of frosting, and some proper cutting, it'll be perfectly fine, if you'll excuse me", the blond turned back to his treat and, after blowing on it a bit, he began to cut it gently, getting rid of most of the burnt pieces before he placed the frosting on the top perfectly. Smiling at his work he placed it on a plate and began to clean up his mess, getting everything done right as the front door to the house opened. Turning, the bespeckled teen smiled wide when he saw the grey haired women walk inside their home, "Don!"
Grabbing the plate he ran over to her and showed her the cupcake, "hi, welcome home! I made you a cupcake!" He stated excitedly, "it's.... A little burnt, but I got most of the burn off and gave you a lot of frosting! So it shouldn't taste too-! ....W-what happened to you? Are you okay?"
The grey haired women glared daggers at the blond, making chills go up his spine as he continued to stare at the bandage on the women's cheek, there was a little blood that had seeped through, making the mark look worse than it was, "....Leave me alone...." The women stated, her voice as cold as ice as she pushed past the child and slammed the door to her room shut, locking it.
Cyrus and Hugo continued to stare at the door for several silent seconds before the man looked at the 5 year old, "what the fuck just happened?"
"I... Don't know...." The bespeckled child continued to watch the door, worry filling his mind as he and Cyrus became silent once more
It was only a few minutes later that Cyrus shrugged, "she said 'leave me alone', and she meant it"
"R-right.... Cyrus, w-will she be okay?"
"She'll be fine, she's Donella, if anything else she's one tough fucking bitch. Whatever happened, she'll be fine, but we should leave her alone"
"O-ok...." Hugo replied nervously, he and Cyrus began to walk away before the blond stopped, getting a great idea, he placed the cupcake next to the door, hoping Donella would like it, before he walked away with a smile on his face*
"I found my cupcake smashed and in the garbage the next morning...." Hugo stated, "then Don yelled at me for leaving it out when she wanted to be alone. When I tried to explain the reason, she slapped my face and told me to zip it before she did worse, then walked out.... Ever since then, she was never the same... She became strict, demanding I learn how to fight, and when I would mess up, I'd get yelled at and told to do it until it was perfect. I managed to learn a lot of fighting moves, stances, using different weapons, and just in general having a basic understanding of combat", Hugo explained, "it was good to know, so I can't complain, but it was hard work and a little scary to see the switch.... We didn't spend that much time together either, instead she would push me away, only asking for me when she wanted something, that bird teakettle, she asked me to find that"
"Wait really?" Varian asked
"Did you end up giving it to her?" Eugene added, a little worried as his mind flashed an image of several people bird flying everywhere during the ball
The blond shook his head though, "I ended up dropping it right before handing it to her"
"Wait... You dropped it?" the Dark Prince asked, before he smirked, "I won't assume, but I think I have a good idea of why", he looked at his little brother with a smirk
Varian blushed, "oh I-I don't think it was because of *me*"
"It was", Hugo replied softly with a small smile on his face, "she was going to use it to make money off of it. It was a quick cash grab, I make the antidotes after she turns the people into birds and then sell them the antidote. That's how we made our money, we would travel from place to place, scamming people and taking their money using mine and her alchemy, or Cyrus's brute strength.... That was something that changed too.... We didn't scam people before, and honestly, even though the scams we did were harmless, it... didn't make me feel any better about doing them...." The bespeckled teen then noticed Quirin staring at the ground, "are... You okay?"
The retired knight looked at him sadly an sighed, "I... just had a thought.... You didn't know where she went when she first changed?"
"Yeah?"
"And she didn't have those scars on her cheek before?"
"No?"
".....That's what I was afraid of...."
"Dad?" Varian looked at his father worriedly, as did Eugene
Quirin sighed once more, "she... Went to Old Corona...."
"What? B-but how do you kno-!"
"Because she came to see me.... And you...." Everyone stared at the man, waiting for him to continue, the old farmer looked at his son sadly, "I... Never told you this... And I'm sorry for that but... I have a reason as to why...."
"I'm willing to listen, but... Miss. Donella knew mom.... Didn't she?"
"Yes...." His father replied quietly as Eugene placed a comforting hand on the man's shoulder, "Ulla and Donella came to my home and stayed there for a while, apparently they'd left their homes to be together, but when Ulla began to show an interest in me, Donella grew upset and left...."
Hugo's eyes widened as he remembered what Donella had told him, '"Nothing, I want you to listen! Because as much as you love that boy, no matter how hard you promise to protect him or keep him safe, he'll end up betraying you because of his father, just like his mother did to me.... And I want you to be ready for that' 'Yes, love! I fell in love with her, and for a while I thought she felt the same for me.... She'd even told me as such... But I was wrong, and I'm afraid you might be too....'
"She.... W-was telling the truth...." The blond stated
Quirin looked at the teen, seeing the fear in his eyes, "Hugo, I don't know what Donella told you, but I was there, I know what happened"
"I...." The blond looked at Varian, his thoughts beginning to fill with anxiety as the grey haired women's words continued to plague his mind, 'haven't you ever had the slightest thought that maybe he doesn't feel the way he says he does? Or maybe you've thought that someone like him could never fall in love with someone like you? Have you ever seen him give the same smile he gives you to someone else he cares about? Or how he'll play and chat and protect his father and friends as much as he says he'd protect you? Hugo you've heard the story of the wayward alchemist, you know because I told you on our way to the castle, and I'm certain Varian's told you as well, how hard he fought just to get his father back and all he betrayed just to do so. Do you really think that he'll protect *you* just as much after all he's been through? Face it Hugo, I was just like you, I fell in love with someone I thought I could trust, someone who'd gone through hell and back with me and I would do anything for! You know what she did? She chose *him* over *me*! And Varian will do the same thing to you, he'll choose his friends and family over you, and when he does.... It's going to hurt, and hurt a lot, it did to me, why do you think I'm so hard on you in the first place?'
"N-no...." He stuttered, "n-no nonono s-she can't be telling the t-truth s-she can't she.... She-!"
He felt a pair of hands grab his face as soft lips met his, they kissed him, surprising him before they left too quickly as he opened his tear filled eyes, "it's okay", Varian said, smiling at him as a deep blush came across his freckled features, "it's okay"
"...S-she.... Said y-you would l-leave me...." Hugo hiccupped
"I won't"
"B-but U-Ulla"
"Ulla didn't leave Donella, Donella left Ulla", Quirin stated, getting both teens to look at him, "she saw that Ulla had grown fond of me and wanted to force her to leave my home when they had no where else to go.... Ulla wanted to stay, not with me, she just wanted to stay in Old Corona, she liked it here and wanted to make a home in it, but Donella didn't want to because she couldn't bear the thought of Ulla having an interest in someone other than herself. So the night she tried to *force* Ulla to leave my home, Ulla stood up for herself for the very first time, and Donella abandoned her".
Both alchemists were shocked at this, their eyes wide as the retired knight had tears slide down his cheeks, "she left my mom?" Varian asked
"Yes... She left her... She abandoned her in Old Corona and didn't come back until after you were born Varian... Then... She took Ulla away.... Told her about some 'quest' of some sort and Ulla agreed to go with her.... A-and never came home...." The retired knight stated sadly, "...t-that trip Donella went on.... Is the reason why I never told you about her.... She tried to take you too...."
"What?!" Eugene, Varian, and Hugo said at the same time as Ruddigar and Olivia gave a surprised chitter and squeak
Quirin sighed one more time before he explained, "Donella had sent me a letter about Ulla's passing when you were 3 years old Varian.... You remember that right?" When his son nodded quietly, the Village Leader continued, "well I didn't respond to it.... Donella and I were not on speaking terms and had nothing to say to each other at all.... But she showed up one day, she said she wanted to see Ulla's baby.... She cried.... Told me she missed Ulla and wanted to see who she made.... Varian you were only 4 years old, only *4*, and you were, and still are, so incredibly smart and amazing in every single way! But I made the mistake of showing Donella that... You wouldn't remember this... Well, you might remember a part of it, but we peeked at you when you were in your room. You were playing with a jr chemistry set that I'd found at the market, and you managed to make a sparkler with ingredients that I didn't think you'd be able to make a sparkler with. You were so proud too, hopping up and down with the little sparkler and dancing in your room", he chuckled, "it was adorable to watch, and both me and Donella continued to watch you as you made several more sparklers and even a firework or two, which I believe I took away later on for fear of you blasting your fingers off"
"Yup", Varian replied with a grin, "though you gave them back during the Goodwill Festival, that was a lot of fun!"
Quirin smiled, "it was.... But that day... Donella saw potential in you... And she wanted it... She asked me how much I'd be willing to sell you for, which..." He looked at Hugo, "I suppose I can see why she would think that was an appropriate response...."
"Yeah..." The blond said sadly
"You're worth every copper piece", Varian reassured, "trust me"
"He's right, but I wasn't going to sell my son to this women! I loved you, I still love you Varian, and when she asked me that, I was outraged and told her no. She got mad and said I'd never get you to your greatest potential, she told me I'd hold you back from growing, and that I'm not fit to have a child like you. I told her she was wrong and that she couldn't have you, but she claimed she'd find a way, and walked out of my house.... She tried to take you several times after that, I don't know if you remember, but you woke up screaming one night because you saw-!"
"A scary lady at my window who tried to grab me!" Varian interrupted as his eyes widened, "I remember that! I thought it was just a nightmare but I slept in your bed for *weeks* because of that! She scared the living *daylights* out of me!"
Quirin nodded, "I know... I ended up catching her that night and screamed at her to go away when you were asleep in the house. She tried again a few nights later, but since you were in my bed, she ended up failing. She tried to take you when you were getting a lollipop from monty's"
"That was when I saw Eye patch and Side burns in the guard's caravan!" Varian exclaimed, "I remember thinking about how odd they looked before I turned a corner and she asked me to follow her, *that's* why you gave me a whole ['stranger danger' speech that day!"
"Yup", the Village Leader replied, "and when you came running into my arms saying some strange lady offered you something if you followed her, I took you home, got Adam to watch you, and searched the entire village to find her like an old witch hunt". The retired knight growled, "then she pulled something so horrid that I nearly....." He closed his eyes and shook his head before opening them and looking at the alchemists and Eugene, "...She tried to knock you out and take you Varian"
"WHAT?!"
"Yeah.... I was moving hay around with a pitchfork when Adam told me some lady was talking with you and had said she was an old relative of mine, but he'd never seen her before and grew concerned. I thought it might have been Adira, which I would've both expected and not expected, so I went to check and see, when I got there however.... Things got.... Messy...."
*Quirin walked through the fields, sweat dripping from his brow as the summer sun pressed against his back. Pitchfork in hand, the Village Leader made his way over to the orchard where his son liked to play, waving every once in a while at a fellow farmer or stablehand before he reached the beginning of the orchard. Following the usual path he'd laid out for his son, the old farmer looked around, his ears perking when he heard his son's innocent giggle and following it. He smiled when he heard his son singing a familiar tune, "Bootiful dweeeaaaamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dewdwops are waiting for teeeee; Sounds of the wuude world, heawd in da daaaaay, Wull'd by da moonwight have all passed awaaaaaay!"
He chuckled before his blood ran cold when he heard a women's voice that sounded *nothing* like Adira, "that's a nice song, where'd you hear it from?"
"Huh?" He heard his son say as he began to run towards the voices, "oh, h-hewwo.... W-who are you?"
"A friend of your father's"
"Y-you're a fwiend of daddy's?" Quirin picked up the pace, as he heard leaves crunching, seemingly towards his son
"Yup, and I would like to talk to you if you have a minute"
"I was pwayin.... Um.... What's dat?"
"Oh this? It's a really fun toy, and I think you'd like it"
"A toy? It doesn't wook wike one... It wooks wike what my daddy says to stay away fwom when he's cookin food.... W-why are you getting cwoser to me? ....I... I d-don't wanna pway wif you.... I d-don't wanna pway!"
"Just stay right there for a few more seconds and it'll all be fine...."
Quirin was in a full on sprint before his blood ran cold when he heard his son let out a terrified scream. Narrowing his eyes and gripping his pitchfork, the man burst through the bushes and attacked the grey haired women, his body fueled by *rage* as he continued to pound the women's defenses away, moving faster than he ever had before until he saw an opening and took it, swiping the sharp end of the pitchfork up and hearing a tear and scream from the women before she fell to the floor. He glared at her, pointing the sharp end of the pitchfork towards her as she lay sprawled on the grass, he cheek bleeding a large amount of blood as the knight *growled* dangerously at the women before he heard his son's soft sniffles. Turning he found his child laying on the floor with blood running down his arm, "Varian!" Quirin stabbed the pitchfork into the ground and Donella's sleeve, "don't you *dare* move a muscle!" He spat at her before he ran to his child. Kneeling down he picked his son up and held him close to his chest, "it's okay son, it's okay, I'm here, I'm here"
"D-daddy.... D-d-d-daddy..."
"It's alright, it's alright, daddy's here, daddy's got you", he looked at the arm and winced, seeing the large cut running down it like a angry crack on a porcelain pot, "how about we go inside and get that cleaned up huh?"
"M-mm hm...." Came the shaky replied as his son fought the urge to cry or even look at the wound, opting to bury his face in his father's vest instead as the retired knight held him close and began to walk to their home*
"I got Adam and a few guards to bring Donella to the castle, she was healed and was put on trial for attempted kidnapping, of which she was banned from Corona unless with royalty such as the Queen of Ingvarr or the Duke and Duchess, I suppose that's why she kept them so close, in case she ever needed to come back to Old Corona again...." Quirin finished
"Wait, but if she did all that, why didn't the king and queen of Corona recognize her?" Hugo asked
"They did", the Village Leader replied, "they couldn't say anything however because she was with the Queen of Ingvarr, but that's why there are guards at your doors every night, particularly since you're close to Varian and me"
"*That's* why they're there!" Eugene replied as it clicked, "I was *wondering* why Stan and Pete all of a sudden had a vested interest in that hallway!"
"What about Don?" The blond added, "when I mentioned Varian's name, she didn't recognize it until I told her that he was your son"
"I never told her his name, and when I said it in front of her she was on the floor with a wound on her face, I don't think she was really paying any attention to me", the Village Leader answered before he raised a brow, "I'm not lying to you Hugo, this actually happened, if you need proof, Check Varian's arm"
The blue eyed teen removed his gauntlet and rolled up his sleeve, a long, white scar ran down it and, as Quirin had said, it looked like an angry crack in a porcelain pot, "s-so.... This really did.... S-she's been lying... A-about everything...."
"Hugo...." Varian replied, but was unsure of how to continue that sentence
The blond snickered, "y-you know what she t-told me about you Quirin? S-she said not to trust you, s-she, heh heh, s-she said you were fake", he giggled like a mad man, "s-she told me to *act* like Varian's friend, s-so that I could get close to you, h-her exact words were, 'see if you can find out anything more on his father, should the man himself come around, be on your guard, he's as fake as they come', ha ha, I-I guess she was lying, s-she's been lying about *everything*! A-about you, a-about Varian, about y-your *mom*! She.... S-she's even lied about m-me....." He felt tears slide down his cheeks again, "s-she kept hitting me, k-kept abusing me, over and over, s-saying she was only d-doing this t-to protect me", he looked at Varian and grinned widely, "s-she even told me that I should be careful of *you*! S-she told me she fell in *love* with your mom and that *Ulla* betrayed *her*! S-she lied, she *LIED!* She.... S-she...." He stopped laughing as more tears began to flow, "s-she.... She r-really fooled m-me... I t-thought I was h-horrible... I f-felt guilty I... I *defended* her a-against *Eugene* t-that day in the bathroom! S-she was lying to me, s-she lied, s-she was always l-lying and like an *IDIOT* I *FELL* for it! I w-wanted to believe that s-she cared! B-but what do I know right?! My own *FATHER* d-didn't want me and my mom p-passed away before she could grow to hate me! W-what's one more am I right?!"
"Hugo", Varian wrapped his arms around the blond, "Hugo i-it's okay-!"
"Not it's not!" The bespeckled teen replied, breaking the hug and looking at his boyfriend, "d-do you know how many scars I have from that women? D-do you know how many times I stood up for her and kept her secrets, l-losing friends, making enemies, *doing her fucking bidding* while under the guise that she truly cared about me! I..... I......" He placed his face in his hands as his mind reeled with all the tasks he's done of rher, all the guilt he's felt just *questioning* her, and suddenly he couldn't keep his cool, something broke, like a crack in a dam, as his sobs pierced the night sky, his cried ripping into the beautiful night as they mixed with his laughter. He felt a hole open underneath him and he wanted it to swallow him whole, *what use am I now? Was I ever useful at all? To anyone?!*
*Hugo*
His vision began to darken as his head began to swim, *what's the point? She never cared about me, Cyrus always hated me, what's the point if I'm just a burden to everyone?*
*HUGO*
He felt lighter than air for a moment as his memories flashed of all the times he'd spent with Donella, catering to her every whim. He began to close his eyes as his vision became pitch black, *....I should just-!*
"HUGO!!!!"
Suddenly, a bright flash of blue brought him back, blinding him for a moment before he felt a dull pain on the back of his head, wincing he opened his eyes to see the blue glow, "w-wha?"
Opening his eyes a little more, he saw blue hair and glowing blue eyes watching over him before a small voice called out, "H-Hugo...."
He recognized that voice, "V-Varian?" Suddenly, the world came back as he came crashing down into himself. He looked around, the pain in the back of his head becoming much clearer now before he noticed Varian sitting above him, his eyes, hair, and freckled were glowing brightly as his hair swam in the air like he was underwater
"Hugo?"
"Varian?" The blond stared at the freckled teen for a few moments before he sat up, "w-what happened to me?"
"You fainted.... A-and you hit your head really badly on the concrete.... A-are you okay?"
"I.... Wait.... Physically or mentally?"
"Physically"
"I'm fine, j-just sore"
"A-and mentally?"
The bespeckled teen froze for a moment before he sighed and shook his head, "....no...."
He yelped a little when he felt arms wrap around his tightly as the blue eyed alchemist hugged him, "I'm so sorry Hugo.... I-I shouldn't have d-done any of this... I should've pushed you to say n-no and talk about this when you w-were ready I-!"
"Hey it's... It's okay, It's okay, you... You were helping me, don't say that about yourself, i-it's not your fault", the blond replied, comforting his boyfriend as he returned the hug
They stayed that way for a little bit before the blond broke the hug, "I... I'm sorry...." Varian repeated
"It's alright... I'm sorry I scared you..."
"You're fine I.... I understand... L-learning about something like that... Must be hard...."
"Oh fuck, Varian you... Y-your mom!"
"It's alright I... I'll just talk to Lance about it, in fact, m-maybe we should both talk to Lance"
"Lance?"
"He's a surprisingly good therapist, and he means it when he says whatever he's told will stay in the room it's told in, he hasn't told anyone about how I feel or anything I've said, just listened to me and helped me figure things out when I needed him to", Varian explained as his hair, eyes, and freckles went back to normal, "m-maybe we can have you start to talk to him too, when you feel more comfortable doing so, b-but for now, I.... I wanna make sure you're okay first, a-are you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah, I.... It was just... A lot... To take in.... B-but I'm alright now, j-just need to work things out.... Believe it or not this talk did help, i-it's just... Hard"
"Yeah.... I understand"
Hugo looked at the freckled teen, "Varian I... Y-you... You weren't lying i-in the library right?" He asked shyly, "I-I mean when y-you said that I w-was useful, y-you meant it... Right?"
Varian smiled and nodded, "of course I did, I meant every word"
"I'm s-sorry to ask this but.... P-promise?"
"Promise", the teen replied, "and you know *I* keep my promises"
Hugo returned the smile, "t-thanks"
"You're welcome, I... I love you Hugo", Varian said with a little blush on his face, "I mean it, I really love you, a lot"
The blond was a little startled, but he smiled and kissed his boyfriend's cheek, "I love you too Varian, a lot"
Varian giggled, blushing even harder, "brat"
The blond smirked before he stopped and looked around, noticing nothing by black, "w-wha-?"
"Oh uh, y-yeah I um... Might've made a few black rocks appear w-when trying to catch you before you fell over, eheh", the freckled teen stated before his eyes widened, "Oh no, DAD! EUGENE! Are you two okay?!"
"Yup!" Eugene replied from the behind the rocks, "super good, the rocks only knocked us a few feet away and we'll have bruises in *several* places, but we're good!"
"I did tell you to look out", Quirin replied
"Shush"
The two alchemists giggled before they watched the rocks sink back into the ground, leaving no trace of being there to begin with as the teens saw the two men smiling at them, "hello", Quirin said
"Hi", Varian replied, there was a moment of silence before the freckled teen added, "um, s-should we continue eating? I-I mean, I'm still hungry and I think we could all u-use a break after what just happened"
"Yeah, I agree", Eugene replied
"Same", Hugo answered
"Alright", the retired knight said before they all sat down and, grateful the picnic basket hadn't been damaged, they began to finish their meal
"So", Eugene began after a moment, "what should we do about... Her...?"
"I.... Think we should come up with a plan", the blond replied, "she seems to be planning something big, and I have a feeling it's going to hurt all three of you to keep me in check.... I'm not sure what it is, but I don't want any of you to get hurt"
Quirin nodded, swallowing the food in his mouth before he replied, "alright then, where should we begin?"
Notes:
Hello! Sorry for the late upload, I got very busy today, but I hope this long chapter makes up for it!
Poor freaking Hugo! The boy needs a freaking kit kat after all this is said and done, my gosh!
Varian, your Moon powers are showing, (this isn't the gift, but it is a nod to it :D) Also, the teen was 4 when all this happened, so he didn't recognize Donella because he put it in the back of his mind, he remembers getting the scar, but didn't really recall how, repressed memories! (are very sad and scary majority of the time)
So this is also a reason why I believe Quirin was so overprotective of Varian, not only because of the loss of his wife due to alchemy, but also because the man literally fought tooth and nail to keep his son from being kidnapped! In my opinion, he has every right to be overprotective!
Eugene is boss and best big brother, he also didn't have too big a role in here, neither did Ruddigar or Olivia, but they will soon! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 173: Guy's Night: Featuring Hugo! (Part: 1!)
Summary:
Hugo joins in for his very first Guy's Night!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
There was a knock on the door, Donella raised a brow as Hugo and Cyrus looked at it with a mixture of both confusion and worry. The grey haired women got up and walked over to it, her shoulders tensed as she readied herself for whomever was behind it. With a quick glance to the other two in the room, she slowly opened the door, "HELLO!" A booming voice yelled, making Donella draw her sword, "woah woah easy, it's just me!" Lance exclaimed, placing his hands up as he looked at the sword, which was *inches* from his nose.
The green clad female blinked a few times at the people in front of her, then sighed as she put her sword away, "you really shouldn't sneak up on people like that, especially when they're in a new environment and don't really know you", she stated as her eyes crept down to the little alchemist that was standing next to the former thief, "what are you doing here?"
Varian stiffened a bit, Ruddigar's tail poofing as his boy bit his tongue. He looked back at the women, his eyes never leaving hers are he fought the urge to glare. They were silent for a moment before Eugene stepped in-between them, "uh *ahem* sorry about the scare but uh, is Hugo around?"
Donella raised a brow, "yes, why? Did he do something?"
"No! Nonono, we just, wanted to see if he was available to hang out with the guys"
The blond in question walked over to the door after hearing his name and smirked, "hiya Freckles"
"Hiya", the blue eyed alchemist replied with an excited grin
Cyrus walked over as well, pushing the blond back a little as Donella interrupted, "so, you want to have him... Hang out with the guys?"
"Yup", Eugene replied
"Iiiiiit's GUYS NIGHT!" Lance yelled excitedly, getting Eugene to face palm as Varian giggled and Ruddigar tilted his head in curiosity, "a night where all us guys get together and hang out! We end up doing some really fun stuff too! Though.... We have to stay close by because QUIRIN'S A KILLJOY!" He yelled
"Let's see", Quirin said right beside Lance, getting the man to jump 8 feet in the air with a startled squeak before he sidled behind Eugene, "my son's arm was broken on the first Guy's Night, the second one was fine but you took him to the bar which was very nerve wracking for him, the third time you were attacked by a killer werewolf hunter and ended up coming back late, aaaaand then you had a massive food fight in my home, though, to be fair, that one was a lot of fun".
Hugo's brows raised as the man listed off the several things that were done, "holy hell"
"Yeah, Guy's Nights get a little crazy, but they're *always* fun and the memories last a lifetime!" Lance replied, "right shorty?"
"Right!" Varian replied, before he stopped, blinking for a moment before raised an annoyed brow, "I am not *that* short!" He exclaimed, getting Ruddigar to chitter with laughter
"You're barely up to my chest!"
"I'll grow! You know guys don't stop growing until they're 21! At the rate I'm going, I'll be as big as dad!"
"At the rate you're going, you won't be as big as Eugene!" Lance teased
"I *will* place a stinkbomb in your bed tonight, mark my *words* Lance!"
Hugo snorted, "I can help with that"
"Oi! No pickin on the Guy's Night expert!" The former thief exclaimed, "also", he looked at Quirin, "where'd you come from?!"
"You just asked me if Varian could go for a Guy's Night, got excited about inviting Hugo, then left to go do so *before* I even got a chance to say yes", the retired knight replied with a smirk
"Oh.... Oops"
"Expert?" Varian asked with a raised brow, Ruddigar copying his boy
"Shush!"
Hugo giggled before Cyrus pushed him aside and glared directly at Quirin, "you gonna be with them?"
The retired knight raised a brow, "don't know yet, does that matter?"
"It fucking does"
"Wanna tell me why and maybe watch your mouth while you're at it?"
Both men glared at each other before Donella sighed, "Cyrus, it's fine, you're not helping anyway"
Cyrus looked at her, "but he-!"
"Is only here to give permission for his *own* son to join. Weather or not he goes with them is none of our business, Hugo will be fine either way so it's fine, he can go"
"B-but-!"
Sighing, the grey haired women nudged Cyrus out of the way before pushing Hugo out the door, only for him to be caught by Varian, who cupped his cheek gently to make sure he was okay before the blond nodded then looked at Donella, "t-thank you"
"Yup, be back before 12", she stated sharply before she glared at Quirin and slammed the door shut
The group was silent for a moment before they looked at the bespeckled teen, "what was that about?" Eugene asked
"Not sure, but she's been like that ever since they got back from the day she spent with the Duke and Duchess, very short with me and just really not paying me much attention", Hugo replied with a shrug, "I'm not sure how to feel about it yet"
"Huh"
They were quiet again before Varian looked at his father, then at the door, "how about we go back to me and dad's room, yeah?" He asked as Ruddigar hopped onto Quirin's shoulders and nuzzled him, getting the man to stroke his fur gratefully
Lance, catching the hint, nodded, "yeah, let's go"
They walked to the father and son's room, closing the door behind them before the blue eyed alchemist looked at his dad again, "scale of 1 to 10, how angry are you?"
"11...." Quirin replied before he sighed, "but I'm calming down", Ruddigar hopped off of his shoulder and climbed back on his son as he looked at Hugo, "are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm good, just a little startled, but hey, I'm free", the blond replied nonchalantly
"That's good", the retired knight replied, "I'm sorry for getting so upset, that man.... Cyrus? He was challenging me for some reason, I suppose that means Donella's told him about me"
"Yeah, she told both of us to be weary of you, so his way of doing that is to be as obnoxious as ever so that you get the point", Hugo stated, rolling his eyes, "the man has no tact whatsoever and I'm honestly wondering what Don even uses him for aside for extra muscle".
Varian giggled, "brains always beat brawns after all"
"Yup"
Quirin smirked before he felt a tap on his shoulder, turning, he saw Lance giving him puppy dog eyes, "uh.... Hi?"
Eugene sighed, "he wants to convince you to let Varian join the Guy's Night in his own way"
The Village Leader chuckled, "I see, alrighty then, go ahead"
Letting out a squeak of delight, Lance smiled wide and began, "COME ONE! COME ALL! TO THE *AMAZING* GUY'S NIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!! We've got *games*, we've got *snacks*, and we've got all the time in the world to have this Guy's Night because Eugene and I set up this Guy's Night... Waaaaait for it..... IN THE THRONE ROOM WOOO!!!!!" The former thief pumped his fist in the air as Varian and Hugo laughed, Eugene let out a defeated sigh as Quirin snorted, "curtesy of the Queen and Princess Rapunzel herself!"
"How did you-?" Quirin began
"We helped decorate the castle for the 'Great Scavenger Hunt', then helped clean up after, the Queen decided that was fair enough since there were no royal activities to do today. Plus Rapunzel helped us convince her parents to let us use the thrown room", Eugene explained
"Ah"
"A*HEM*!" Lance stated, raising a brow at Eugene
"Right, sorry, go ahead"
The former thief waited for a moment before he began again, "so anyway, *ahem*.... WE'VE GOT GAMES! WE'VE GOT PRIZES! WE'VE GOT FUN FILLED ADVENTURES WITH THE TWO BEST BOIS THIS SIDE OF THE CORONAN WALL! Best part is you'll be able to check on your boy anytime you want, so what do ya say?! ARE YOU IN?!"
The retired knight chuckled and nodded, "I'm in, Varian can go"
Varian, Ruddigar, and Hugo clapped politely, as Lance cheered, then turned to them and bowed, "thank you, thank you, I'm here everyday! ....Mostly"
"Pfft!" The blond slapped a hand over his mouth before he looked at his boyfriend, "does he do this a lot?"
"Yup, that's Lance for ya", Varian replied with a grin, "he's a good man, quirky, weird, and doesn't know how to respect the 'do not touch my dangerous chemicals' rule, but a good man none the less"
"Noted"
Eugene smirked, "couldn't agree with ya more kiddo, oh, you coming too?" He asked Quirin, "you're always welcome for Guy's Night"
"Mmm, I think I'll let you boys have your fun this time, just... Don't injure it", he gestured to his son, "it's fragile"
"Daaaad!" Varian replied with a blush as Hugo and Ruddigar giggled
"We won't", the Dark Prince replied, "if we do, we lose our Varian privileges"
"Well, that and your Hugo privileges", the Village Leader added, "they're a package deal"
Lance gasped, "Quirin!"
"I'm a privilege?" The blond asked
Varian nodded, "a privilege we want to keep", he added, making his boyfriend blush a little
"Oh no", Eugene stated
"What?" Lance asked
"I just realized, we're gonna have to sit through a lot of nerdy flirting tonight!"
Quirin laughed as Hugo and Varian blushed before the bespeckled teen smirked and looked at his boyfriend, "oh Varian, your polyalchemical substraition tests are *really* hot!"
Varian grinned, "and the way you turn on a Bunsen Burner just lights up my world Huuuugo"
The blond snorted, "Vaaaaaarian"
"Huuuuuuuuuuugo"
"Vaaaaaaaaaaaaaarian"
"Huuuuuuuuuuuuuu-!"
"STOP! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS SANITY *STOP*!" Eugene yelled, getting everyone in the room to cackle as he began to have regrets for this Guy's Night
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I'm very sorry for the shorter chapter, I'm currently very sick and didn't know if I'd be able to post one or not. I wanted to post something, so I ended up posting this, I hope that's okay, plus we haven't had a Guy's Night in a long time and Hugo needs a break in all honesty. I hope this suffices, again, sorry for it being shorter, I'll get the part 2 out soon! <3
Hugo being with Lance and Eugene for a Guy's Night is going to be very interesting to write, I feel like they would have a different big brother dynamic. It would still be really fun and really high energy, but he and Eugene would get along really well and they would pick on each other a lot XD So I'm excited to write that! :D
Lance is still the youngest mentally (but second oldest physically), that everyone loves and is full of hyper energy, because he's Lance! XD
Eugene is the oldest and the most tired, he keeps the group sane but loves to pick on his brothers a lot because that's what older brothers do XD
And Varian is the actual youngest (though oldest mentally), he's the one everyone protects and cares for because he is fragile bean and everyone must protect this boi otherwise protective farmer dad is going to slice people in two!
And Quirin is the parent (obviously), because he's the best and everyone loves the best dad, (Edmund is still the fun grandpa with Hector and Adira being the crazy and kookie uncle and aunt!)
And of course, Ruddigar is the best raccoon in the world! :D
Thank you all for reading, again, sorry for the shortness of this chapter I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!
Chapter 174: Guy's Night: Featuring Hugo! (Part: 2!)
Summary:
Guy's Night get interrupted!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"So.... The Coronan throne room huh?" Hugo stated as he, Varian, Eugene, Lance, and Ruddigar, walked down the hallway towards the large doors, "why do you guys need such a huge space for Guy's Night?"
"Well they tend to get a little out of control", Eugene replied, "so we decided that since Quirin has effectively grounded us from going too far away from him, we would need a bigger space to 'stretch our wings' in a way"
The blond raised a brow, "you sure there's not gonna be any royalty in there?"
"Positive", Lance replied, "we made sure to check with the Queen, King, Rapunzel, the Queen of Ingvarr, and even Eugene's dad!"
"Nigel too", the Dark Prince added with a smirk
Lance nodded because he continued, "they all said no one's throwin any royal parties in here today, so we're all set! Ooh and this is gonna be a great Guy's Night!"
Varian giggled, "you're more excited than ever"
"How could I *not* be! We've got the place full of so many things to do!"
Ruddigar tilted his head curiously as his boy smiled at the man, "what kinds of things?"
"Ah ah ah! You'll have to wait until we get there kiddo", Eugene stated with a smirk, "trust me, you're either gonna find it really fun, or you'll get so amused you'll wanna try it"
Varian raised a brow, "I'm both very nervous, and very scared"
"As you should be"
Hugo snorted before looking at his boyfriend, "so how did you get roped into these Guy's Nights?"
"Well, after the Seporians were defeated, Eugene and Lance came to my house and took me on a trip they deemed, 'Guy's Night'. They said I'd be safe and wouldn't be late, and I even promised dad because I had so much faith in them. Then we got into a conversation that lasted a bit longer than it should have and well...."
"You were late"
"By 10 minutes, yes"
"Pffft! How pissed was your dad?"
"Very, he scared *Ruddigar*", Varian replied, the raccoon nodding in agreement, "but to be fair, my arm was broken when he saw me, and my ankle was sprained"
"What the fu-How?"
"I *may* have fallen off my horse while trying to race back to my home in order for Eugene and Lance to not get in trouble with my dad and ended up having my horse trip and accidentally sending me flying"
The bespeckled teen's eyes widened, "holy shit...."
"Yeah", Varian blushed, "it was something else, let me tell you"
"How'd you two manage to escape Quirin's wrath?"
Lance smiled at the memory fondly, "well, we ended up tellin the truth instead of hidin what had happened, explained the situation and, when Varian was all nice and healed, Quirin forgave us", he explained, "honestly the man is actually very understanding, ya just gotta respect him and keep his kid safe, do that and you're set"
"So in other words, take what he said about it", he gestured to his boyfriend, "being fragile seriously"
"Yup"
"It's super fragile", Eugene stated, "more so than the average 15 year old boy"
"Absolutely", Lance agreed, "it's filled with fragile alchemy and adorable juices"
"You're all brats", Varian stated, getting the rest of the group to laugh as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy
****
"Lance, you sound like a balloon", the Dark Prince stated
The former thief smiled wide as he looked at the doors in front of him, still squeaking with joy, "I'm excited, aren't you?"
Eugene chuckled, "sure buddy", he then looked at Varian and Hugo, "you two ready?"
"Yup!" Both alchemists replied
"Are you suuuuuure?" Lance added
"Yup!" They repeated
"Then feast your eyes on thi-Hey!" As the throne room doors opened, the group saw a bunch of well dressed people inside, who turned to look at them, "who are all of you?" The former thief asked before he noticed some of them were holding the snacks he'd made, "and what are you doin with our snacks?!"
"*Your* snacks?" One women said as she walked over to the group, "this isn't for *you*! We're here for the 7 Kingdoms Ball, and *this* happens to be the royal advisor's welcome party!" She explained with a sneer in their direction before her eyes caught a glimpse of the blond teen, "Master Hugo? Well *there* you are! Mistress Donella and the Duke and Duchess have been looking for you everywhere?"
"What but I-!" Hugo began
"Come along! They'll want to see you", the lady walked over and grabbed the blond's hand, pulling him with her without his consent
"Hey!" Varian said, running in front of the women that held his boyfriend captive, "no disrespect meant miss, but Master Hugo was given permission by Miss. Donella to be with *us* tonight, in fact, we were supposed to have a small get together in here".
The women raised a brow at the teen, her eyes looking him up and down, "you are.... I'm sorry, but what exactly is your *rank* for you to be talking to me in such an *informal* way?"
The blue eyed teen had to bite his tongue as he fought the urge not scream that he was a prince for fear of making things even worse, "....m-my father is Quirin Vanguard"
"Ah! The Knight of the Dark Kingdom, so *you're* his son! That would explain the... uh.... 'fashion' choice. Either way, Mistress Donella is close friends with the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr, so I apologize, but your plans will have to wait in lieu of more important matters, such as this welcoming ceremony for the dignitaries of Ingvarr among other kingdoms of which Master Hugo *must* be in attendance for. So if you'll excuse us, we'll be going now".
With that, the women took Hugo away by the arm, nudging Varian just a little and ticking the alchemist off. He turned to say something but Hugo made a gesture for him not to, his green eyes portraying how nothing good would come out of it as he was dragged away. The blue eyed teen watched his boyfriend disappear into the crowd of dignitaries, rethinking his redemption as Eugene and Lance stared in shocked silence before the alchemist looked at them, "what do we do?"
".....We talk to Rapunzel", Eugene stated, nodding towards someone, Lance and Varian looked in the direction he nodded towards and saw the blond princess staring at them, her eyes showing all the fury of the sun as well as sympathy, "she'll know what's going on".
****
"I am *so* sorry about all of this you guys", Rapunzel stated as she had Eugene, Lance, Varian, and Ruddigar follow her into a private area, "all these dignitaries showed up out of *nowhere* and entered the thrown room. My parents were just about to leave when they got caught off guard by everyone bursting through the doors! They tried to direct them away from the throne room, but apparently Nigel stepped in and advices them to allow the guests to stay, since there were already snacks and things to do.... My parents didn't get a choice because the dignitaries were already eating and messing with the games.... I ended up being summoned, dressed to the nines, and sent out into the crowd to converse with them...." She explained
"So, they just came out of nowhere?" Eugene asked, "has this ever happened before?"
"No", the princess replied, "the dignitaries have *always* given notice before they've come to the castle, and they said they'd be coming tomorrow, I double checked the responses to the invitation just to be completely sure, they all have tomorrow's date on them...."
Lance sighed, "so much for Guy's Night...."
"I'm so sorry Lance...."
"This is too convenient..." Varian stated
Rapunzel looked at him, "you think someone may have planned this?"
The alchemist nodded, "out of all the times for this to happen, it just so happens to happen after...." He stopped, his mind flashing an image of a scared looking Hugo, ".....Never mind.... My point still stands that it's way too suspicious for this not to be a ploy somehow"
"Kid sometimes things like this just happen", the Dark Prince said gently, "not everything bad that happens is because someone planned it that way"
Varian raised a brow at Eugene, "ok normally I would agree, but allow me to refresh your memory of the very same thing Lance and you told me and Hugo not *two* minutes ago, 'we made sure to check with the Queen, King, Rapunzel, the Queen of Ingvarr, and even Eugene's dad! Nigel too, they all said no one's throwin any royal parties in here today, so we're all set! Ooh and this is gonna be a great Guy's Night!' How long ago did you two make sure that anyone who needed to use the throne room knew you wanted to use it?"
"A week ago", Lance replied
"When were the invitations sent out?"
"A week ago", Rapunzel replied
"When did you get the replies?"
"Two days ag-oh....."
"Yeah", Varian said, "that's a little too close for people to 'all of a sudden' arrive a day early, plus my own *father* didn't know the dignitaries were coming, and I don't know if I'm blind or not, but I didn't see my grandpa, aunt, uncle, or father inside the throne room, so they didn't know about the schedule change either and I would assume they'd be invited to something like this wouldn't they?"
"They were", Rapunzel replied, "all four of them got their invitations and RSVP'd right away.... So this.... B-but that can't mean that someone would go out of their way to destroy Guy's Night! I mean why would they even do that in the first place?"
"Yeah", Lance agreed, "what's destroying Guy's Night got to do with anybody trying to plot against us? That's a bit of a stretch to make, don't you think little man?"
Eugene, Varian, and Ruddigar looked at each other worriedly, "should we....?" Varian asked
"Kid, I don't think we really have a choice here... Plus... They'll need to know eventually, they'd wanna help too and they're a part of the plan", the Dark Prince replied
"Know about what?" Rapunzel asked worriedly, "what's going on?"
Lance raised a brow at his best friend's anxiety filled look, "you're worryin me Eugene...."
Varian sighed, "you want me to-!" Eugene began
"No, I... I should be the one to explain.... But thanks though", he smiled at his big brother before looking at the princess and his other big brother, "ok look... There's.... Something going on... I-it's about Hugo... But before I tell you two anything, I...." He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, before he looked directly at Rapunzel, "I need you both to *promise* me that you won't say a *word* to anyone else, please".
The princess was shocked, as was Lance, as they stared at the teen for a few minutes. Recognizing the seriousness of this situation, they nodded, "I promise I won't tell", Rapunzel stated, looking in the alchemist's eyes, "and I'll keep my word"
"Same", Lance agreed, "I'll keep my work too"
"You've also gotta act normal when you hear what he's going to tell you two. I won't sugar coat this at all, so I'm sorry if this sounds mean, but you two have a tendency to want to fix everyone, but this is something serious, we need to stick to what we've decided to do, okay?" Eugene added
The two of them nodded, "we'll do exactly what you need us to", Lance stated, "I have a feelin this isn't somethin I'm unfamiliar with"
"It isn't...." Eugene replied, at Varian's curious look, the Dark Prince added, "he was there when I was going through something like this...."
"Oh...." The alchemist said, "....Right..."
"Yeah.... But they promised kiddo, it's up to you weather you believe them or not"
Varian looked at the two before him, his eyes constantly drifting to Rapunzel specifically as the memories of his father trapped in the amber as he screamed *YOU PROMISED* in his head. He shook the memories away when he felt Ruddigar's nose against his cheek, stroking his best friend's fur affectionately and nodding, "I believe them", he looked at Rapunzel, "and I believe in second chances".
Rapunzel smiled gratefully before she nodded, "I'll make sure I've earned it"
Varian smiled at his big sister before he looked at them both and began, "so.... Hugo has a bit of a long story....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is the very first Guy's night that got interrupted! How dare whomever did this! But who did? Oh you'll see :3
Again, poor Hugo! Good gosh this kid needs a freaking break! Even when *I'M* trying to give him one the freaking characters don't let me!
Varian was fully about to go yandere on that women, I'm telling you all now, had Hugo not said otherwise, he would've completely *demolished* her! And now I kinda wanna see it XD
Eugene and Lance are, again, amazing in their own ways, they have similar roles here, but trust me, they'll get their moments in the next chapter
Let's here it for some CHARACTER GROWTH! Woot woot! I know Rapunzel already had Rapunzel promise something to him, but that was small compared to what he had her promise just now. Just like before he's placing trust in her, and just like before if she breaks her promise, someone he cares about is going to get hurt, so this was a HUGE step for them! :D Freckle siblings having some character growth today WOO! :D
Ruddigar is still the best, I will never stop saying that either XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful night! <3
Chapter 175: Guy's Night: Featuring Hugo! (Part: 3!)
Summary:
Eugene and Varian hatch a plan to save Guy's Night!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel and Lance were speechless as Varian told them Hugo's story. The princess's eyes watered as Lance grew angrier and angrier with every word the teen said, once he alchemist was done, neither spoke for a long time, "....So..... So Ingvarr just *sells* kids like that? They think that that's *okay*?! W-what the actual *hell* is wrong with people?!" The former thief snapped, his eyes narrowing more than Varian had ever seen before, "n-no *wonder* Hugo's not super social, the poor kid probably doesn't even know how to interact with anyone his age!"
"Lance..." Eugene started, giving the man a sympathetic look
Lance sighed, closing his eyes for a moment before he opened them again, much calmer then he was before, "sorry... I just.... I can't stand it when kids get hurt like that", he looked at Varian, "so she still hurts him?"
"Yeah...." The alchemist replied, his own fist clenching, "she's got him on a very tight leash right now and it's taking every *atom* in my body not to wring her *neck* with my own *hands*! But.... Hugo doesn't want that.... We have a plan to help him out, you guys are in the plan which is why we told you what we know. But you've *got* to keep your emotions in check when you're around Miss. Donella and Mr. Cyrus.... Just like I have to keep my own emotions in check around the Duke and Duchess as well as Hugo's.... 'Guardians'...."
Lance, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Ruddigar stared at the teen, "kid.... Are you okay?" The Dark Prince asked
"To be honest? No, I'm really not", Varian replied, "my boyfriend is being abused, my uncle hasn't spoken to his siblings in years and *they're* being abused, my *father* is upset because the women that took my *mother* away is standing right inside that fucking throne room *as* she abuses my boyfriend the same way she *abused* my mom! My grandfather is trying his best to rebuild his own kingdom by trying to intergrade it back into society while all these snobby dignitaries sour it and his name, and to make matters worse, *I* have to suck up to all these people, let them push me around and say what they want about my family because they're snobby *dignitaries* and if I say what's *actually* on my mind, then I would get the Dark Kingdom and Corona in trouble!" He huffed, "plus Guy's Night is effectively ruined and I heard someone bad mouthing raccoons behind my back, so no... I'm really not o-fucking-kay..... I want my family to be left *alone*, but it doesn't seem like that's ever going to be an actual possibility because no one seems to wanna respect them or even give them a fucking *chance*! I mean, is it *really* so hard to accept another kingdom into the fucking 7 Kingdoms club? Because it's honestly starting to feel like the Dark Kingdom shouldn't have any part in this at all! All these dignitaries are so snobby and uptight that it seems like the Dark Kingdom would be better off going on their *own* and allying themselves with other kingdoms like *Arendelle*! I heard they have a surprisingly lovely Queen and King there with two very nice princesses named Anna and Elsa, I certainly wouldn't be surprised if *that* were the better route to go after all of this...... But I can't say and of *that* either....."
Eugene walked over and hugged his little brother as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy, "it's gonna be okay kiddo", he said, "I know things are hard right now, but we'll get through this"
"If it helps any, we're already starting to", Rapunzel said in a gentle voice as the shock of what she'd just been told wore off, "you're in a relationship with Hugo now, so at least he has someone he *knows* cares about him. He's also got Eugene and Quirin that he can trust, plus Trinity and Dexter are spending time with Hector now because of you. Quirin may be upset about Donella, but since you're aware of what she did now, you won't be swayed by her and leave him too, which I'm certain is a huge comfort to him. Yeah, Edmund is having a hard time getting the Dark Kingdom back into the mold with the other kingdoms, but he's got his son and family back! And we still love and respect him even when other dignitaries don't, trust me, even if the other kingdoms don't like it, the Dark Kingdom is a Coronan ally, so they're a part of the 7 kingdoms no matter what, it'll just take some getting used to. And.... I'm sorry about Guy's Night and how hard you're working just to keep the peace, I hope you know how much we appreciate that from you. I know it's frustrating but once this whole thing is over, all your hard work will pay off, I can assure you of that"
Varian listened to what he was told, and felt a little calmer, giving Rapunzel a small smile, "thanks, I appreciate that, you're right, things are getting a little better it's just.... I... don't think I can take much more of this.... I don't think Hugo can either...."
"I understand", the blond replied, "but as long as we work together, everything will be alright"
A flash of Rapunzel smiling at him as he watched his father walk down the castle hall interrupted the teen's vision before he saw his father being encased in the amber and begging Varian to stay with him as the boy ran out into the snow. He shuddered, shaking the images away before he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw Lance smiling warmly at him, "it really will be alright little man, don't worry", he reassured
The alchemist's smile grew a little bigger as he wiped his eyes a bit before nodding, "r-right, um *ahem*, a-anyway, what should we do about Guy's Night?"
Eugene peeked through a door, watching all the dignitaries talk and play games together before he spotted a miserable looking Hugo standing by Donella's side as she spoke to the Duke and Duchess, while Trinity and Dexter looked just as miserable as Hugo as they stood next to their parents. Cyrus kept close to the blond, drinking from a cup of something as he glanced in the green eyed alchemist's direction as the poor teen sadly sipped from his own cup. It made the Dark Prince feel sick, which gave him an idea, "so", he started as he closed the door quietly, "all those dignitaries are in there because of the snacks and games Lance and I set up, they were appealing and fun looking, so they just dug right in. Buuut, what if we made the affair, a little more appealing for *us* even *with* all those Guy's Night stealers in there?"
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel asked, "remember that this is a *peaceful* affair, anything too drastic or mean could result in an all out war"
"I know blondie, but see, that's what I'm hoping they remember, because while they may have our snacks and party games, they don't have something that our *accepting* and *open minded* group does"
"....I'm confused", Lance said
Varian's eyes then widened as he realized something, "oooooooh", the teen grinned evilly, "Eugene, since this event was, by all means, 'pushed forwards', then shouldn't *everyone* who was *invited* attend this 'formal' affair?"
The Dark Prince grinned, "oh that would be perfect kiddo! Then they can see what we have in store too!"
Rapunzel and Lance looked at each other before looking at the other two, "we still don't follow", the former thief said, receiving nothing but mischievous grins from the duo Dark Kingdom princes, "and now I'm scared...."
"You shouldn't be, you're on our side", Eugene stated before he looked at his princess, "blondie I would join the festivities again if I were you. It's gonna look suspicious if you end up joining right after what's about to happen, happens"
"O-ok... This won't be bad, right?"
"Nope", Varian replied, "trust us Rapunzel, we've got this"
The blond nodded before she walked back inside the room, greeting a few dignitaries as she did so before standing next to the refreshments table, unsure of where else to go as her parents continued to talk to other dignitaries, "alright Lance", Eugene started, turning to his best friend, "we've got a special job for you".
****
"Isn't this a nice little get together", Delores stated with a knowing smirk to Donella, "and it was so nice of those two... Former criminals to set the whole thing up for us, isn't it?"
"Indeed", Damien replied, "I'm also very glad our friends could join us on such short notice as well, how did that happen again Donella?"
The grey haired women raised a brow, "I'm not sure, though I think I may know a certain someone who may have something to do with it", her eyes crept over towards the royal advisor, who smirked at her
Cyrus drank a glass of hot chocolate, "nice that they served this stuff, don't get a lot of it in Ingvarr, right Hugo"
All three of them looked at the blond, who was staring at his cup of hot chocolate sadly, "yeah.... Sure...."
Donella was about to reply when the doors to the throne room opened. Turning to face them, she saw six people she didn't expect to see enter the room, "what are *they* doing here?" Delores asked quietly as she watched Quirin, Varian, Eugene, King Edmund, Adira, and Hector close the doors behind them politely as the party continued.
"They shouldn't know the welcome ceremony was moved", Cyrus added quietly as Hugo's eyes brightened a bit
Two of the guests noticed the group looking at them and decided to walk over, "heya Donnie"
The grey haired women felt her entire body tense up as she looked at the man in front of her, "hello Mr. Fitzherbert"
Eugene smirked as he watched the women with an *immense* amount of satisfaction before looking at the Duke and Duchess, "hello, you know, it's a good thing you all interrupted mine and Lance's party tonight, otherwise my family would've missed the welcoming ceremony, and that would've just been incredibly *rude* don't you think?"
The husband and wife nodded silently as they watched the Dark King begin to chat with a few dignitaries while Adira and Quirin headed to the refreshments table and Hector stood next to his brother and sister, getting Trinity and Dexter to perk up immediately. Cyrus glanced at Donella, who was glaring at the Dark Prince, "hello Master Hugo", another voice said, getting the women's attention on the blond
"Hello Master Varian", Hugo responded politely as his grin widened, "how are you this fine evening?"
"Perfectly fine now actually, I was having a bit of a hard time before, but it seems to have gotten a lot better, say, is that hot chocolate you're drinking?"
"Why yes it is old friend, pray tell, would you like a glass?"
"Yes indeed I would, shall we go over to the refreshments table?"
"Yes we shall", he then looked at Cyrus and Donella, "you'll have to excuse me, but it would be rude of me to decline an invitation from a fellow dignitary from the hosting kingdom", with that he gave a smirk before he and Varian walked away from the pair happily
"I think I'll join them", Eugene added, "after all, I *did* just get here, and it seems as though I've got a lot of people to greet and talk to about this strange circumstance", with that, he left the group and followed Varian and Hugo with a cocky smile on his face as he saw Rapunzel beaming at him happily from her own spot at the refreshments table
"This was such an *amazing* plan", she exclaimed as Eugene grabbed a plate
He chuckled, "blondie it's only gonna get better from here"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you know how every royal get together has an MC of sorts?"
"Yes?"
"We've got one, or actually, one and 2 helpers"
"HOW'S EVERYONE DOIN TONIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT?!" A booming voice shouted through the room as the dignitaries looked at the thrones, only to see Lance standing up there with Angry and Catalina at his side as smoke filled the room, "MAKE SOME NOISE IF YOU'RE EXCITED TO BE IN CORONA!!!!!!" The entire room cheered save for a few snobby dignitaries, the Duke, Duchess, Donella, Nigel, and Cyrus, "MAKE SOME NOISE IF YOU WANNA GET THE *FULL* CORONA SPIRIT UP IN THIS ROOM!!!!!" The whole room cheered once again save for the same few people who didn't, giving the man nasty looks, "YOU WANNA HAVE SOME FUN?"
"YEEEEES!"
"YOU WANT US TO START THIS PARTY?!"
"YEEEEES!"
"THEN LETS *PARTYYYYYYYYYYYYY*!!!!!!" Lance, Catalina, and Angry yelled as loud yet bouncy music began to play, the dignitaries begining to dance, while a few moved to the side of the room, deciding to socialize, or complain, instead
Rapunzel smiled wide as she watched the two girls work the smoke machine Eugene had kept, recognizing it from when they accidentally drank that mood potion. She giggled at the memory as she watched everyone before looking at Eugene, "this is amazing!"
"Oh it gets better", her lover replied with a smirk
"What do you mean?"
"Weeeeeell, see, Hugo's a very flirty boy, he's a lot like me, which, I'm definitely picking on Varian for that later, buuuuuut, Hugo's been the one to make majority of the first moves. Soooooo, I gave the kid a little advice before we crashed the party"
The princess raised a brow, "what kind of advice?"
"Hey Hugo", they heard Varian say, turning around to face the two teens and see the blue eyed alchemist blushing profusely
"I told him to make a move that would surprise Hugo", Eugene replied quietly as they, Quirin, and Adira watched the two interact
"What's up, and why do you look redder than one of your dad's tomatoes?" The blond replied with a snicker, getting the Village Leader and face painted warrior to chuckle at the joke
"I-I wanted t-to ask you something" The teen replied, "and you two be quiet!" He added as he raised a brow to his father, who began to snicker silently and Adira ate a piece of cake with the sword Lance gave her
The bespeckled teen tilted his head at his boyfriend, "what's going on, are you alright?"
Ruddigar hopped off of Varian's shoulders and climbed up Quirin's as his boy began to speak, "y-yeah, just don't need bratty dad's and aunt's snickering up a storm while I'm trying to ask you something", the blue eyed alchemist replied before he sighed, "l-look I... I still wanna have a Guy's Night with you, and it looks like that's gonna be kinda difficult, b-but I thought maybe.... I-if you wanted to", he offered his hand to the teen, "w-we could maybe d-dance together?"
Hugo was a little startled before he began blushing as well, "F-Freckles if we dance together w-we could get into *huge* trouble with the other kingdoms"
"So?" Varian replied, "they ruined our Guy's Night, so how about we create a little chaos for revenge?" He smirked, "besides, when have you ever wanted to play by the rules, wasn't it you who said, " I don't care if this ends up bad for me later, I don't care if things happen and peace isn't kept, if this is gonna work then let's let the world fucking burn because I fucking love Varian Vanguard!"? Did you change your mind?"
The blond's brows raised a bit, "you remembered all that?"
"How could I not?" Varian asked with a chuckle, "that was one of the first times I felt truly happy with someone other than my dad in well over a year!" His grin grew wider, "so... You wanna watch the world burn?"
Hugo giggled and nodded, taking Varian's hand, "absolutely"
They walked out to the dance floor and, getting Lance to notice, he began to play a slow song as the two stood facing each other hand in hand. The entire room was silent as every eye was on the two alchemists, but they didn't care as the song began to play. They smiled, kissed each other on the lips, erecting gasps from the crowd, and began to waltz around the room, gliding easily across the floor as they kept with the rhythm of the song. They were smiling the entire time as they spun, Hugo picking Varian up and tossing him in the air before catching him as the freckled teen giggled, blushing a bit as they continued to dance. Varian spun Hugo like a princess before catching him in his arms, hugging him gently before they spun away from each other, meeting once again in the middle as they continued to waltz. Rapunzel smiled brighter than she ever had before as she watched her little brother, he was ignoring the whispers, ignoring the stares, all he did, was stare straight into Hugo's eyes, the blond doing the same.
The song continued to play as Eugene looked at Rapunzel, "blondie, do you mind if I share a dance with a friend of mine?" He asked, the princess looked confused at first, but she noticed Lance grinning from ear to ear.
The realization finally hitting her, she nodded, planting a kiss on her lover's lips, "go get em"
"Thanks Sunshine, I owe you one *hell* of a favor later"
"Consider it already paid in full", she replied, nodding to Varian and Hugo as happy tears appeared in her eyes
Eugene smiled, kissed his princess once more, and walked over to Lance, "may I have this dance you *handsome* devil?" He asked
Lance giggled, "why yes you may you *gorgeously* elegant gent"
They joined the two alchemist's on the dance, getting more people to gasp as they began to dance. Soon enough however, Catalina and Angry joined in, so did a few other more accepting dignitaries, until the entire room was filled with dancers, surrounding Hugo and Varian in a protective circle as the two teens continued to dance the night away together. Once the music had quieted down, and the King announced it was the end of the ceremony, people began to file out of the throne room and make their way to their designated rooms, led by guards. A furious looking Nigel walked with the Duke, Duchess, Cyrus, and Donella as Hugo and Varian sat down at a nearby table right next to Quirin, who gave the group all the stink eye as they passed while Ruddigar nuzzled his boy happily. Both of the alchemist's faces with red and they were breathing a little heavily, but they smiled all the same as their hands were together and they leaned against each other happily. Seeing Eugene walk over to the pair, he sat down across from Varian and grinned, "how was your night hair stripe?" He asked
Varian smiled tiredly as Hugo felt Hugo begin to drift off to sleep and he began to do the same, "best.... Guy's Night... Ever", he replied before his eyes finally closed and he began to fly off into a peaceful slumber.
Notes:
Hello! :D
I hope you all enjoyed the pettiness and adorable revenge that was this chapter! It was honestly a lot of fun to write and I enjoyed every second of it! <3 Also, I'm still sick, but I hope this turned out alright! X3
Hugo and Varian are too cute a couple not to write! They are super adorable, super awkward, and super sweet with each other it's undeniable! :D
Quirin, Hector, Adira, and Edmund all coming in to help crash the party was so funny to me, because they would honestly do that just to tick Donella, Delores, and Damien off XD
Eugene and Lance dancing together was so adorable to me! They would do something like this too, where they wouldn't want Varian and Hugo to get hurt, so they would dance with them in an effort to protect the beans! Also, I've seen a few artists draw Eugene and Lance together, I do not personally ship them, but I think they are very sweet together and really freaking funny, so here's a little more fuel to that fire! :D
Punzie, bless her heart, is so unbelievably supportive that it's adorable and I wanted to show case that here! <3
As always, Ruddigar is the best! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 176: The Moonstone! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The Moon wishes to speak with Varian about the Moonstone!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Varian's eyes fluttered open as he began to look around, he felt the soft, safe, warmth of a bed beneath him, but when he looked down, there was nothing there. He looked around and tried to speak, but nothing came out. Panicking he tried to move, but something kept him in place, he was able to stand, but wasn't able to move his feet. He continued to look around and again saw nothing but an inky black moving around him like tendrils. He reached out to touch it and gasped, *i-is this.... Hair?* He thought to himself.
*Yes little one* A calm voice replied
He recognized her instantly, looking around frantically as he tried to find out where she was. He tried to call out for her but remembered he couldn't speak, *M-Moon?* He thought
*Hello little one, it is good to see you again*
*Moon!* He thought again, *w-where are you?! I-I can't see anything!*
*Do not be afraid, for I am nearby, look at a place that is on you, but you only see a part of*
*T-the place I only see for a little bit of the day? W-what does that mean?* When there was no reply, he felt his heart begin to beat, *w-wait, don't leave me here! I-I don't know w-where I am o-or what to do!* He thought, *MOON!* Silence followed as his thoughts became swallowed by the black hair around him, he sighed, *a-a place that is o-on me.... B-but I can o-only see a part of.... D-does she mean my h-hair?* He touched his head, searching for a moment before he felt something hard in it. He gasped when his figures touched it, as if it shocked him a little bit, *w-what... *is* this?* He thought to himself, *i-is it a.... piece of the Moon? ...W-wait, i-it's the Moonstone!* He thought, right as he did however, the stone began to glow a bright blue, engulfing the teen and making him close his eyes before he felt the light dim.
*Open your eyes little one, you're safe now* The Moon told him
He did as he was told, and found himself inside the room in the castle, looking around he saw himself in his bed, lying next to a slumbering Hugo, a snoring Ruddigar was in a donut position on his chest, and he turned and saw his father was wide awake. The man was staring at his son as he held his own left hand, "t-the Brotherhood mark", Varian said, realizing he could speak now and getting up, freaking out a little when his body didn't follow him before he got off the bed and faced his father.
*That's right, he knows I'm speaking to you and has decided to watch over your body*, the Moon explained before she chuckled, *he is a very good guardian, and a very loyal knight*
The alchemist smiled at his father, "he really is", he then looked up towards the skylight, seeing the moon shining above him, "a-am.... Am I sick or something?"
*No little one, I just needed to speak with you for a moment, I apologize for the abrupt interruption to your sleep*
"It's okay, I-I think I'm getting used to it now", he replied with a smile before looking at his father once more, "....Can I tell him I'm alright please?"
*You may, just touch his hand with the mark*
Varian looked up again, "wait, before I could speak to him without needing to touch him, what changed?"
*Dreams are very strange little one, one dream may have different ways of communication than the other, as we did before*
"Huh, guess that makes sense.... Does that mean the hairy place was a dream within a dream?"
*Something like that* The Moon replied, a light chuckled could be heard in her voice as her light sparkled a little with joy
Varian smiled at her before he looked at his father again and, walking over, gently touched his hand, "dad?"
"Varian?" Quirin replied quietly so as not to wake Hugo, "where are you?"
"Talking to the Moon in my sleep"
".....Ah"
The alchemist giggled, "I'm safe by the way, I didn't want you to worry"
His father smiled, "well I suppose it's a little too late for that, but thank you son. Does the Moon ask if everything's alright?"
Varian looked up at the Moon, *I don't mind, and everything is alright, I wanted to inform you of something is all. You can tell him all about it when you wake up*
The teen smiled up at her before looking at his father, "she says she doesn't mind, and that everything's alright. She just needed to tell me something, so she called me in my sleep"
"I see, would you like me to watch over you again?"
"I wouldn't mind, though even if I did mind, I don't think you'd stop"
"Probably not, but it's more polite to ask"
The alchemist smiled lovingly at his father, "I'll be back soon, okay?"
"Alright, I'll be here when you wake up", Hugo whistled a little louder, catching the pair's attention as he rolled over and hugged Varian's body protectively, "Hugo will be too"
Varian snickered, "oh I'm so picking on him for that"
"He whistles very nicely in his sleep"
"He really does", the teen agreed before he looked at his father again, "I've gotta go dad, but I'll be back really soon, okay?"
"Alright, please be careful, I know home's safe, but the castle.... Has a lot of dark energy connected to it"
"I'll be careful, I love you dad"
"I love you too son"
Varian hugged his father, which the retired knight, surprisingly, returned before the little alchemist broke the hug, smiled at his father, and let go of his hand before he wandered off with the Moon, following her light. He looked around and found himself in Donella's bedroom, he saw the women pacing back and forth, glaring at the floor as she did so, "that little *brat* is going to get what's coming to him....." She muttered to herself, "but how can I do that with that big oaf, his son, and his lackeys around.... He has her eyes.... Varian as Ulla's eyes and I *hate* him for it! ....No, focus, you need to get Hugo back under control.... What would make him come back to you? ....Well... He's close to Varian of course, but he wasn't as close to Fitzherbert.... And he knows Varian is... Now that's an interesting thought...." She smirked, stopping her pace for a moment to think more of what she'd just said.
Varian grew furious as he watched the women, "'under control'? Are you kidding me?! And she's gonna try to go after *Eugene*?1 Oh *hell* no, you are not *touching* my big brother!"
*I don't wish to upset you, but at the moment, there's nothing you can do to her Little one. You are in a dream stated, you cannot touch her*
Varian looked up at the Moon worriedly, "w-what if she tired something and hurts Eugene?"
*I do not believe that will happen, she's too cautious to do something like that for now. The prince is safe for tonight, you can warn him when my sibling comes to warm up your day tomorrow*
The alchemist looked at the women again before he huffed, "I know you're right, but it still makes me really mad...."
*I understand, and I'm so sorry for that... She does not seem like a very kind human....*
"She's not.... She abuses Hugo.... She made him cry...."
*I am.... Sorry for that....*
"It's not your fault.... Miss. Moon, do you know if what we, Eugene, my dad, and I, have planned will work to help Hugo?" He asked, looking up at her
The Moon was silent for a moment before her light glimmered, *I cannot say, but I will tell you to stick with your heart, it will guide you through this and help your little star when he needs you the most*
Varian smiled at her before he began to blush, "m-my star? W-wait, but does that mean t-that dad's dream.... Did you send that to him *knowing* me and Hugo would be a thing?!"
He felt her light shimmering with laughter, *I think you may already know that answer*
Varian twiddled his fingers shyly, "s-so you um.... Y-you knew a-about our feelings for each other?"
The Moon chuckled, *yes, but we can discuss that later, for now we must hurry, out time is growing short*
"Oh, r-right, sorry", he gave Donella one more, nasty, glare before he followed the Moon's light into another room, which turned out to be his grandpa's. He smiled when he saw the man sitting on his bed and looking out the window, seemingly lost in thought before the teen heard a loud CAW next to him. Turning, he saw Hamuel staring straight at him, "c-can you see me?" The old crow CAWed once more, prompting the teen to look up at the Moon curiously.
*Animals can sense things that humans cannot, I'm certain if he were awake, your little raccoon friend would've sensed you too*
The alchemist smiled before he looked back at Hamuel, "hey there, don't worry, I'm safe, just going on a dream walk, oki?"
The old crow CAWed once more before he gave the teen a smile and flew over to his Edmund, settling next to the man, who smiled at him and stroked his feathers gently before the teen looked around and saw the Moon's light shining on his grandpa's door. He walked through it and saw Adira and Hector right in front of him, they were standing in the castle gardens as the Moon's light shined brightly on the roses. Varian smiled at the pair before he noticed something, "hey, their marks aren't glowing like my dad's was, why's that?"
*Your father is connected to you on a very special level, and while you have a connection to them as well, he is more in tune with you and his mark will react accordingly*, the Moon happily explained
Varian smiled before he noticed the light shining towards a particular place, "are we going to my quiet place?"
*Yes, I feel you will be more comfortable there, but be warned, you have.... Bad memories in a place not too far from it....*
The little alchemist shuddered as his back gave him a phantom sting, "yeah.... Definitely noted...."
Varian walked around the gardens and found the rock to his quiet place was gone, *it's still there*, the Moon said, *you cannot see it because you already know what lies beyond it*
"So it's my dream being smart?"
*It's your mind being smart by showing you what it already knows in your dream*
Varian smiled as a light blush graced his cheeks before he began to walk towards his quiet place. He was just about to enter when he heard shouting coming from around the corner, he tilted his head to the side to look at what was going on.... And froze.... He saw a huge crowd surrounding the pole before he saw King Frederic standing next to it, looking in his direction. The man's face was completely expressionless as he watched the little alchemist shiver and shake at his presence, "we don't have all day *traitor*"
*LITTLE ONE!* The Moon's light brightened, wrapping protectively around the alchemist and making the shadows around the pole go away, *are you alright?*
"I.... Y-yeah... I'm sorry... Y-you warned m-me and I-!"
*It's alright little one, you are curious, I understand that, are you sure you're unharmed?*
"I'm alright, just.... W-what was that?"
*Sometimes your worst fears or memories will flood your mind in this stated, unfortunately, when you walk in your dreams, they can and will harm you if you get too close*
"Oh..... I... Really need to read more about dreams and dream walkers...."
He heard the moon giggle as her light became calm and sparkling with joy once again, *you're almost to a safe spot, we can talk there without any interruptions*
"Oki", he followed her light and stepped into his quiet place, smiling at the familiar feeling of the place before he looked up at her, "so, what did you wanna talk to me about?"
Her light sparkled a little more before focusing on the teen, he felt his hair turn blue and begin to float before he felt lighter than air himself and hovered off the ground a little as something shined in his hair, *I wanted to tell you more about the Moonstone and your connection with it*, she replied softly as her light washed over the tiny alchemist.
The teen as though someone were holding him gently in their arms as he began to spin a little in the air as his body shifted its weight around. He giggled when he made himself spin a little too fast before he looked up, "what about the Moonstone?"
*It wants to be with you little one*
The alchemist's eyes widened at that as he stared up at the Moon, "w-what?"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I decided we needed to have more Moon and Varian and Moon bean, so here we go with a two parter about the Moonstone liking Varian much more than Cassandra! :D Still sick though, so I apologize for the shorter chapter, but I'm getting better, so yay! :D
Varian is adorable and I love his curiosity, he would be the one to ask the Moon so many questions about the dream world! :D Plus I wanted to play around a little more with the fact that this is, in fact, happening in Varian's head, so I hope I did that well enough.
The Moon is such a caring celestial being, seriously! I love her so much and how motherly she is with Varian, she loves him dearly and I could just see her holding him close as she tells him some startling news like a mom would, she's a good Moon <3
Quirin, Adira, Hector, and Edmund all lived in the Dark Kingdom, so of course they would be up at night thinking, or talking, or watching over their loved ones! They're all night owls and I'm planning a night time adventure with Varian once all the crazy has died down, what do you guys think?
Donella be planning nasty things, and now Varian knows about them :3
Ruddigar is the best donut! :D (For those who are wondering, Itty Bitty is in his fish bowl, asleep as well because he's a cartoon fish, and Olivia likes to sleep in Hugo's pocket, it's warm in there)
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 177: The Moonstone! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The Moon tells Varian about the Moonstone and his connection to them!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The alchemist's eyes widened at that as he stared up at the Moon, "w-what?" He said, "y-you... The M-Moonstone... Is alive?!"
*Yes, and they want to be with you*
"W-why?"
*Because you have a connection to me, and therefore, are the rightful wielder of the Moonstone* The Moon explained
"T-the rightful 'wielder', w-what does that mean?"
Suddenly, the world shifted, and Varian was no longer in his quiet place, instead, he was standing in a place *filled* with black rocks, he looked around and felt a sense of familiarity with it, "w-where are we?"
*The Dark Kingdom*
The alchemist's eyes widened before he looked around, "w-woah, wait we're really here?! T-this is the place my *dad* grew up in! C-can we see his old room? Or maybe the fields he used to train in?" He felt the sparkling laughter of the Moon, smiling up at her a little embarrassed, "eheh, sorry"
*It's alright little one, your love for your father is strong and passionate, it's understandable that you would want to see his home, though I think he should show you that*
"Yeah, you're probably right.... M-maybe just oooone peak at his old bedroom?"
The Moon's light sparkled around him happily as he felt her holding him, almost like a hug, as he heard he chuckle, *we'll see, for now, look in front of you*
He looked and his jaw nearly dropped to the floor when he saw a bright blue opal floating in a cage of black rocks, "t-the Moonstone! B-but I though C-Cassandra had it"
*She does, this is not the Moonstone in the present, this is the Moonstone in the past*
"Oh.... Wow, you know, I know this is only a piece of you, but... it's very beautiful"
*Thank you little one, although the Moonstone is not an 'it', they are a 'they'*
Varian clapped his hands over his mouth and blushed, "I'm so sorry!"
*It's alright, you didn't know*, the Moon replied, *either way, this is the Moonstone in the past, you may see your father here actually*
"Really? Why?"
*Watch and see*
They became quiet once the sound of a door slamming open as three people walked in interrupted them. Varian watched the three approach the Moonstone, his eyes brightening when he saw his father dressed in black armor, along with his grandpa, who has two arms instead of one, and his aunt, dressed in her usual coat and boots. His father and Adira stood beside the Moonstone, hands behind their backs as they watched Edmund pace angrily, "h-he's... So angry... W-why is he so angry?" Varian asked
*He's lost someone important to him*, the Moon replied
"Someone important to hi-! Oh no..."
"I can't stand this!" Edmund snapped, "this *stone* has destroyed *too many lives!*" He pointed a sword at the Moonstone, glaring at them hatefully before he exclaimed, "it stops TODAY!" Swiping his sword up, he ran towards the Moonstone, Varian watching in horror as his grandpa charged at the stone, swiping at the cage with the sword before it broke. The Dark King grew wild with fury as he screamed and reached towards the cage with his hands before Quirin grabbed him from behind, stopping him from moving forwards
"YOUR MAJESTY *PLEASE*!" He shouted desperately, unknowingly making his son's heart break, "you're not thinking clearly! You *know* the stone cannot be *destroyed*!" He stated as he held Edmund's hand tightly, trying to comfort him as Adira watched sadly from behind her brother
Edmund growled, glaring at Quirin in a way Varian had never seen him do before snatching his own hand away and pushing Quirin back into Adira just a bit before turning to the cage where the Moonstone is being held in and reaching inside aggressively as his fingers clawed at the Moonstone. Varian felt panic sweep over him as he tried to stop his grandpa, but couldn't move, "NO!" He shouted as tears filled his eyes, "NO! Nonono GRANDPA NO!" He screamed, reaching out to the man as he watched his father and aunt run towards him, trying to stop him as well while the light the Moonstone, and Varian's hair, was emitting grew brighter and brighter before
*BOOM!!!!!*
A huge burst of light filled the room as Varian heard a small voice say, *I'm sorry....* Before the light faded and he looked at the scene before him and gasped. His father and aunt were on the floor, Quirin seemed to have pushed Adira out of the way of the falling debris, but had taken a bit of a blow because of it. His aunt seemed to be alright as she got up, wincing a bit before her and Quirin's eyes landed on their king, who was buried under a bunch of large debris.
"YOUR MAJESTY!" Quirin yelled, breaking Varian's heart again as he and Adira ran to him, pushing the debris away desperately before Edmund coughed and placed his free hand on Quirin's chest, stopping the knight in his tracks as he held onto his king's arm gently to support him
Edmund coughed once more before looking at his friends, his *family*, sadly, "I was a fool.... It cannot be stopped..." He said weakly as Varian watched his father's eyes widen with worry and fear, "our only hope is to keep it's power from the *world*"
"But your majesty-!" Adira started
"At any cost!" Edmund interrupted, "you *must* leave this castle, keep *any* from finding it...." He looked at Quirin sadly, "anyone who seeks out this opal, must.... Be... *Stopped*..." He stated before coughing once more
During this time, Varian noticed a piece of the black rock on the floor next to Adira, it was glowing. The face painted warrior seemed to notice it too as she picked it up and held it close to her, "y-your majesty...." Came a sad voice, "E-Edmund...." Adira looked and saw Quirin trying to shake the man awake as their king had passed out from his injuries, "p-please don't...."
"He's alive brother", she reassured, "he's still breathing, he's just very weak right now. We need to get him to the medical wing, quickly"
"I... I k-know you're right but...." The knight shook his head, "you're right, you're right, let's get him to the medical wing"
Varian watched his father pick up a limp Edmund and carry the man out of the room as Adira, who had offered to help but was politely declined, walked behind him, her eyes watching her brother and eyed him up and down to make sure he had no bad injuries. The teen had his hands over his mouth as his hair returned to it's original color before he looked at the Moonstone, then the Moon. Removing his hands he asked, "t-this is when Grandpa lost his wife isn't it?"
*Yes* The Moon replied sadly
He looked at the Moonstone, "I.... Heard a little voice.... W-when the Moonstone let out that big burst of light.... Was that the Moonstone?"
*Yes*
"Are you okay?"
*This is.... A painful memory as you humans would say....*
"Oh.... I'm sorry...."
*It's alright... I showed you this for a reason, the burst of magic*, the memory rewound for a moment before stopping as the magic light hit Quirin, *watch your father's chest*
Varian looked at his father as the man pushed Adira out of the way of falling debris, getting hit himself as the light sent him and Adira flying. Right as he was hit however, the light phased through his chest but left behind something, a glowing, moon shaped, mark on his heart before it disappeared, "wait, what was that?"
*The mark of the Moonstone, of me. You see*, the memory faded, and Varian and the Moon were back in his quiet place, *when the Moonstone was sent down here, just as the Sundrop was, there was a reason for it. Me and my brother knew the Earth needed to be protected from the dangers people got themselves into. There was already magic in your world, long before my brother and me sent ours into it. We decided that each generation should have someone with the potential to wield our power, so they may protect this world should the need come for it. But humans became greedy, they knew of the Sundrop and the Moonstone, and while my brother's power remained hidden for centuries, my power was not.... The people of the Dark Kingdom did protect it, until the kingdom of Corona was beginning to grow desperate as they were at war with another kingdom.... They wanted to Moonstone's power to help them through the war.... But the Moonstone was not meant for that, and the Dark king at the time refused. I suppose one of the Brotherhood members did not agree with this as she betrayed the rest, and took the power of my Moonstone for herself.... She, and she alone, wielded mine and the Moonstone's magic, and sent her followers to search for my brother's.... But the Sundrop remained hidden among the foliage of the sun kingdom, there was ever only one who found my brother's magic... Two, after the King of Corona....*
"Gothel...." Varian said, his eyes widening in realization, "w-wait, but Gothel.... S-she was following a person who took the Moonstone? W-who.... What was that?" Varian asked
*Zhan Tiri*
"WHAT?!"
*Yes... I believe you've read about her little one*
"Y-yeah I have! B-but he... Zhan Tiri was always depicted as a male in the books, a-and Demanitus defeated him with his weather machine!"
*Yes, but to be fair, back then the females of the human species were looked upon as less than men*
Varian blinked as this new information was taken in before he looked up at the Moon, "wait, but why is this all happening now?"
*Because the Moonstone was stolen and the Sundrop was wounded*
"Wounded?"
The Moon's light shined brightly once more and Varian was shown inside a tower, he heard voices, turning he saw Eugene on the floor, blood coming from a wound in his back as Rapunzel leaned over him, crying and trying to heal him as an older women stood at the side with a glare on her face, *that is Gothel*, the Moon explained
"She's.... W-wait, Eugene told me he died.... A-and then Rapunzel saved him but...." He noticed the blood and looked away for a moment before he focused on Eugene worriedly, "h.... He didn't t-tell me he got stabbed...."
"No Rapunzel...." Eugene said weakly, getting the lost princess to look at him
"I promise, you *have* to *trust* me", Rapunzel stated, gathering her hair frantically as he coughed, "come on, just breathe"
"I can't let you do this!" He exclaimed, pushing her hair back and getting Varian to choke up a bit
Rapunzel looked at him sadly, "and I can't let you die...."
"But if you do this.... T-then *you* will die...." The thief argued sadly, sounding like he was about to cry
"Hey", Rapunzel stated, smiling at him lovingly, "it's gonna be alright"
For a moment they stared at each other, Eugene seeming much calmer now as Rapunzel began to grab her hair once again, "Rapunzel... Wait...." Eugene said, giving Varian a very bad feeling as he watched, unable to move as he watched his, soon to be, big brother stroke the lost princess's hair one last time before he grabbed it gently and cut it off using a piece of, what looked to be, mirror, making both Varian and Rapunzel gasp as his hand fell to the floor limply and he passed away.
The alchemist was staring at his big brother's dead body as he heard Gothel begin to freak out, grabbing the hair before Pascal pulled a small bit of it and tripped the women out of the window. Her dying screams were muted to the teen's ears as he slowly walked over to Eugene's body, finally able to move as tears dripped down his face, "....H-he.... Gave u-up *everything* f-for her...." Varian hiccupped, "h-he....." He sniffled as he watched his big brother.
Rapunzel began to cry over him too after she tried, several times, to heal him, none of them worked... The lost princess's tear fell onto the man's cheek, Varian watched the tear be absorbed into the man's skin and yelped in surprise as he jumped back a little at the glowing golden magic before it all disappeared and Eugene opened his eyes and he and Rapunzel embraced. The alchemist smiled at them before the setting changed and he was back in his quiet place, "wounded.... So when Eugene cut off Rapunzel's hair... He wounded the Sundrop without knowing it?"
*Yes, and because he did, it opened the door for the wielder of the Moonstone to come forth and protect the Sundrop*, the Moon explained, *because your father tried to stop his king, his best friend and father figure, from destroying the Moonstone. They were grateful to him and blessed him with you. But in doing so, made you become their wielder, hence the magic mark on your father's chest*
Varian was silent for a moment before he looked up at the Moon again, "w-what about everything I did to her?"
*What do you mean?*
"T-the automatons, me kidnapping her mother, siding with the Seporians, betraying everyone... H-how and why should the Moonstone ever trust me after I put Rapunzel in so much danger?"
He felt the Moon's light wrap around him again, once again feeling like a comforting hug, *you are not that person anymore, why do you think I've started talking with you? You are good, and kind, and you've taken responsibility for what you've done. You are good little one, and you understand balance*
"Balance?"
*Between good and bad, you understand what it's like to be on both sides, for a wielder of the Moonstone, that is a good experience to have, even if you regret some of it, it's made you who you are today, and I couldn't be more prouder of you as you are now*
Varian looked up at her and smiled wide, "t-thank you, that means a lot"
*You're welcome little one, but be warned*, he light stopped hold him and shifted to a different scene, one where they saw Cassandra walking around the ruins of the Great Tree, *she will be able to sense your connection now little one... And she will not like it and will try to take it away. You must be prepared for this, she is not balanced, she is not who she used to be, no matter if she acts like she is or not....*
Varian watched his original crush rifle through a bunch of old scrolls in the destroyed tree before the scene changed again, back to his quiet place, "she... S-she's just like me...."
*No... She's not*, the Moon stated, getting the teen to look up at her, *she is doing this because she believes in something that was never hers to begin with. She's powered by an emotion you would call, 'selfish'. You were powered by justified rage at the situation you and your father were thrown into. And while you did stay on a dark path for a while, you were goaded into it by many other people, including the King of Corona and the leader of the Seporians. You did not have a lot of control and lost *everything* before you grew angry. Cassandra *has* everything, a loving family, a job she loved and wanted, friends she had fights with but knew loved and cared about her, and she will lose it slowly if she continues down the road she's on now.... She is the one who destroyed her life, you had your life destroyed, and fought to survive, there's a difference little one, you're that difference. I will not let you think otherwise, if you do, she'll end up hurting you....*
The alchemist was surprised by this, but smiled up at her, "thank you"
*You're welcome little one*, the Moon's light sparkled a bit before she let out a quiet sigh, *I must leave you now little one, please remember what I've said, be cautious around her. She is not to be trusted, you must find a way to get the Moonstone from her, it will be the best thing for both you and your world*
"That's my destiny?" Varian asked
*Yes*
The alchemist nodded, "oki, I'll... I'll d-do my best, b-but what if I make a mistake?"
*I have faith in you little one, you are far stronger than you think, all you need to do, is feel the same*, the Moon reassured as her light wrapped around the teen safely once more, making him smile
"I... Y-you remind me of my mom", he admitted tiredly
The Moon hummed happily, her light lulling him into a peaceful sleep, *goodnight my little one, I wish you pleasant dreams*, she said, before the alchemist's eyes slowly drifted closed.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, Varian no knows about his destiny, it's to save the Moonstone! :D We got a couple flash backs, and a flash forward too! :D Woot! :D
Varian is adorable but the bean does not have a lot of self confidence, it's something he's gotta work on, but he'll get there :D
The Moon absolutely loves her little one! She's definitely being a mom to him and I love it! <3
You know, both the scene where Eugene dies and the scene where Quirin stops Edmund and is looking at him with so much fear as the man is trapped up fallen debris never struck me as emotional until I began writing this? I don't know why, but I had to look at the little details in that scene to really get it I guess, how Quirin looks like he pushed Adira out of the way, how scared he looks when staring at Edmund, how scared *Adira* looks when she's looking at Edmund, how Eugene accepted he was going to die when he cut off Rapunzel's hair, how Rapunzel was willing to give up her freedom for Eugene in order to save his life, how hard it must've been for all of them... It hit me a little harder here than it did on my first viewing, and I guess it's because I was writing them and had to rewatch them in order to understand, goes to show how important a second viewing is huh? :3
Anyway, thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! :D
Chapter 178: Quirin's Pep Talk!
Summary:
Varian tells his father what happened between him and the Moon!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian yawned squeakily, stretching his arms and legs before curling up once more and turning on his side, letting out an aggravated sigh when he felt the Sun's light warming his face. Opening his eyes a little as he looked up at the sky light in the room, "mph.... Too much light, can't the Sun take a break for one day?" He grumbled sleepily
"I'm afraid not", came an amused reply, "the Sun says it's time to get up, so up you must get sleepy bean"
The alchemist sighed, "early morning fathers are the evilest villains to all night owl scientists...."
"This is true", Quirin chuckled, "but you still gotta get up brat nugget"
Varian felt a cold nose press against his cheek, looking at the source, he smiled lovingly at Ruddigar, who chittered at him happily, "hey bud". He gave his best friend a scratch behind the ears before he looked across from him, seeing an empty space, "where's Hugo?"
"He got up a while ago and decided he needed a morning shower"
"Ah", the teen sat up in bed, feeling his head become a little dizzy before he shook it away and finally looked at his father, "hiya evil jerkface"
"Hello bratty stinkbomb", Quirin replied with a loving grin, "how are you feeling today?"
The alchemist thought for a moment, "....is 'blerg' a feeling?"
His father snorted, "yes, 'blerg' can definitely be a feeling, especially after what happened last night"
"what happened last-!" Varian's eyes widened as he remembered talking to the Moon about the Moonstone before images of his father's sad face and Eugene's dead body flashed through his mind, "....oh...."
The retired knight raised a concerned brow, "you alright son?"
The teen was quiet for a moment before he looked at his father, then man's warm, brown eyes were laced with concern and worry, but not a hint of sadness could be found, "I..... Yeah.... I just....." He frowned, "dad I.... t-the Moon... showed me some things.... A-and told me a lot.... She.... I...." He felt his emotions well up at the information he was given
"Hey, hey hey hey it's okay, it's okay", Quirin immediately wrapped his arms around his tiny boy as he watched tears slide down the teen's cheeks, "it's alright son, it's alright"
Varian sniffled a few times, hugging his father tightly as the man rubbed his back gently. They stayed that way for a while before the alchemist broke the hug, "s-sorry... I just.... It was a lot.... Last night... W-with the Guy's Night, a-and then the Moon.... She told me *a lot* dad, about the Moonstone, the Sundrop, herself and the Sun.... A-and about you...."
"Me?"
"yeah.... I... Saw when the Dark Kingdom was destroyed... She showed me what happened and when Grandpa attacked the Moonstone.... she showed me when Eugene died after Gothel stabbed him and Rapunzel brought him back to life... She told me about the past of Corona and the Dark Kingdom.... A-and she told me my destiny...."
Quirin's eyes were wide, in fact, they looked exactly the same as they looked when his father was hold his king in his arms when the man was underneath the debris. It made Varian shiver and looked away, not wanting to see that haunting look ever again as he stroked Ruddigar's fur affectionately. Apparently his father had realized this, because the teen felt a gentle hand cup his cheek and guide his gaze to look at the man, who kissed his forehead, "I'm so sorry you had to see all of that..."
"It's not your fault"
"No... but it's something I was glad you weren't able to witness... Until now...." The old farmer said, "are you alright?"
Varian looked and his father, "honestly? ....No.... Seeing grandpa like that... Seeing you and Adira so afraid... Watching Eugene die while he and Rapunzel gave up everything for each other.... It.... Hurt... B-but that's not your fault, I needed to see that, the Moon needed to show me, because I wouldn't have understood otherwise"
"Understood?" Quirin repeated, "what did you have to understand?"
"The reason the Moonstone picked me"
"What?"
Varian explained everything that happened with him and the Moon to his father, once he was done, he watched the man for a moment nervously, "....s-so.... Um.... Yeah.... A-are you okay?"
Quirin was silent for a moment before he looked at his son, "am *I* okay? What about *you*?! You found out your destiny is to wield something that is, by all means, extremely potent yet extremely dangerous and is in the hands of a mad women who is.... Well, she's completely nuts! Are you're asking *me* if *I'm* okay?"
"I.... Yes?"
Quirin blinked a few times before he sighed and scooped his son in his arms, holding him close to his chest and hugging him tightly, "Varian.... Bubby I'm fine, but what about *you*? How are *you* feeling?"
"I... d-don't know...." The alchemist replied quietly, "I... W-was fine at first, b-but the more I think about it, t-the more afraid I become", he chuckled bitterly, "i-isn't that horrible? My destiny is to save so many p-people and help Rapunzel by g-getting and wielding the Moonstone, a-and I'm shaking so b-badly that I can barely stand up.... Miss. Moon said I was chosen, b-but I don't feel l-like I'm worthy of that power.... n-not after everything I did.... I... I d-don't deserve the Moonstone"
"Yes you do", his father replied, "Varian you said the Moon herself told you why you were chosen, and from what you said I agree with her! You're balanced, you know good and bad and chose to make the *right* decision-!"
"And that makes it okay? Everything I did, everyone I hurt, it's all okay suddenly because I 'made the choice to be good'? H-how is that fair? h-how is it okay t-that I can do all of that a-and still be granted that power when-! .....Never mind..." He looked away as his eyes began to water.
The retired knight raised a confused brow, not sure why his son was so against the Moonstone, *it can't be because he's afraid, he was so curious about the rocks before, and even now, even after all that happened he never ran away from them.... Maybe when he saw that memory he got upset? But why would he not want the Moonstone after that? King Edmund attacked it, not the other way around, so he wouldn't be angry with the Moonstone either... so why would he-!*
"Hey you two", a voice said, getting the Village Leader to look and see Hugo smirking at the pair, "everything alright, or am I interrupting a mad cuddle session?"
Quirin snorted before he noticed Varian actively avoiding his gaze, the realization suddenly hitting him as he felt his heart swell but guilt flood his mind, "yeah, we're in the middle of a snuggle, how was the shower?"
"Refreshing actually, and I'd stick around to watch this, because Freckles couldn't look any cuter curled in your arms Quirin, but I've actually gotta go to a dignitary breakfast, apparently, 'my presence is required, not requested'. So, boring breakfast, here I come"
"You need some company?" Varian asked, sitting up a bit to look at his boyfriend worriedly
"As much as I would love to have you come with, I can't. Besides, I'm good this time, Don and rocks for brains went with the Duke and Duchess on another Corona outing, so I'm free for the day. Plus they said this was just for the dignitaries, which I'm guessing wouldn't include you two since you live here, yeah?"
"Yup", Quirin replied, stopping himself from correcting the blond about him and his son being royalty
"Yeah, unfortunately that means I'll be fucking bored, but at least I'll be safe? If dying from said boredom doesn't get me first", he walked over and kissed Varian's nose, making the teen blush, "I'm definitely seeing you after though, yeah?"
"Definitely", the blue eyed alchemist replied with a grin
Hugo smirked before he looked at Quirin and blushed, "uh, eheh, sorry"
"You're fine", the Village Leader chuckled
With that, the blond smiled at the both of them and began to leave, "oh, thanks for the help yesterday, it meant a lot", he said before he gave them a wide grin and left, closing the door behind him
The father son duo waited for a minute before Quirin looked at his son, "why do you get such amazing power when there are people out there that you feel deserve it more, is that right?" Varian winced before he nodded sadly, "oh Varian"
"H-he's *abused* dad! Abused and hurt a-and insulted *EVERY DAY*! S-so why do *I* get this amazing power, a power so great t-that it scares even *you*! W-why do I get it, a-and Hugo or someone like him doesn't? Why? It's not *fair*! I-it's not fair to him, I mean, the Moonstone *picked* me, b-but why? What did I do to *deserve* their choice?! I'm not abused, I'm not harmed everyday, I made bad choices and ended up paying for them! I don't deserve to be the one to have this power over someone else who needs it! I.... I shouldn't have been picked for this... Hugo needs it more, why do I get the power?"
"Because you can help him"
"How?! I don't have the Moonstone *now*!"
"No, but-!"
"But what?! He suffers while me and Rapunzel get to pal around with *magic*?!"
"Varian-!"
"Why did *either* of us get picked for this?! Miss. Moon said it was because I was balanced, that I knew what it was like to be on both sides! B-but so does Hugo!"
"Varian-!"
"I'm not miserable, I have you and Ruddigar and my friends, why did *I* get blessed with that power instead of *him*?!"
"VARIAN!" His father yelled, instantly feeling guilty when his son winced before sighing, "sorry... You were beginning to panic... Look, you were chosen because you are the perfect person to wield the Moonstone"
"B-but why me over Hugo?"
"Because you suffered son", Quirin stated, getting the teen to look up at him, "you had a father that lied to you, kept secrets from you, and grew distant to the point where you didn't know how proud of you I was. You were beaten and harmed because of something the king of Corona did and hid from his daughter and kingdom, you were punished for crimes you only committed when you had nothing else you could do, you were lashed, thrown in a cell with a man that manipulated and harmed you, then *tossed* you aside when you didn't want to harm anyone, then you *chose*, Varian, *you CHOSE* to become good again and save the kingdom despite *knowing* that you may never get me back and might be thrown back into jail! Son, you were chosen because you *earned* your power, and the Moon and Moonstone saw that! So did Rapunzel, she was kidnapped by an evil witch, used and mentally abused for 18 of her 20 years of life, found out she was a lost princess and the mother she had was actually the women that *stole* her away, then tried to give up *everything she had* to save a man she'd barely met because he was the first person that was kind to her and she'd fallen in love, good thing that was Eugene. Rapunzel, just like you, *earned* her power, have you both made mistakes, yes, have you grown from them, yes, so you questioning why you have this over Hugo is understandable, but Bubby you *deserve* that power! You've helped so many people in this kingdom, son you're helping *Hugo* right now! And you're telling me you don't look at your past, your decisions, and think that *maybe* you've *earned* the ability to hold a power that is both misunderstood, like you, but so amazing and wonderful when you get to know more about it, just like you? Because it seems perfectly obvious to me". He looked at his son and smiled lovingly when he saw the alchemist's eyes water again, but his frown turn into a grin, "Varian you are wonderful, kind, adorable, generous, adaptable, shy, a little bratty, sassy, and so wonderfully odd and curious, and every aspect of you makes me happier than you could *ever* imagine, and I *know* Hugo feels the *exact* same way! I'll repeat this until I'm blue in the face too, don't you think I won't!" The teen giggled as his father nuzzled his face gently, "trust me son, the Moon and Moonstone chose you for a good reason, just like the Sun and the Sundrop chose Rapunzel for a good reason. You've earned your power, and while Hugo could certainly use some right now, he's got you, Ruddigar, me, Lance, Rapunzel, and Eugene to help him, with all that help, he won't need that power to get out of his situation".
Varian hummed as his father snuggled him before he looked up at the man, "thanks dad, I'm sorry... I feel like I just threw a fit like a child"
"You didn't, you were sad, and I understand why, but you really have earned your power, don't ever forget that, okay?"
"Oki", he hugged his father tightly, the retired knight returning the hug happily before the teen realized he was still in his father's lap, in his pj's, and blushed, "u-um... I should uh... Probably go change"
Quirin chuckled, "why? Don't wanna snuggle with your old man now?" He teased, hugging his son even tighter
"Daaad!" Varian replied, giggling as he struggled to get out of the man's grip, "leggo! This is kidnapping *sir*!"
"Nah, this is Varian-napping", Quirin corrected
"Varian-napping?"
"Yup, you kidnap an anxious Varian, hug him until he blushed, then wrap him in a blanket like a burrito and show him to his friends"
"AH! Nu! Back you vile *beast*!" The teen struggled as his father grabbed a blanket, managing to wiggle away and run, with Ruddigar, into the privy nearby, closing the door behind him as his father laughed, "you know they have a special place for burrito wrappers in the *dungeons*!" The alchemist yelled, making his father laugh even harder as the teen huffed before he smiled lovingly as his listened to the sound of his father's joy.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I didn't have a lot of time to finish this chapter, which is why it's full of fluff, angst, and burrito children. I'll get back to the story soon, but this is Quirin's reaction to the Moon and Varian's conversation as well as an adorable pep talk because Varian freaking needs one! :D
Varian may have accepted everything the Moon told him, but he still feels bad that he gets the power when he feels like Hugo could need it more. But Quirin's right, so is the Moon, Varian earned his power, just as Rapunzel did, and he needs to stop doubting that. So here's the start of the self confidence arc! :D
Quirin is the best father in this universe and I will repeat that until *I'm* blue in the face! The man loves his son so freaking much and I love him for it! That being said, I feel like Quirin would be the best person to received this pep talk from, out of everyone in this series, Varian see's his father's opinion much higher on the emotional scale than any other characters, and this is proven over and over again in the show. So of course, if his father tells him he's earned this and he deserves it, then he's going to believe him, however, Quirin can also hurt his son because his opinion is held in such high regard, something I may touch on later (when I find out how), and that can be dangerous if you aren't careful.
Hugo is just fun to write, no matter what, he had a brief appearance here, but him flirting with Varian while being cool and shy at the same time is just so much fun to write and could only happen with Hugo himself, it just works for him XD I love my blond alchemy bean! <3
As always, Ruddy Buddy is the best raccoon in the world, helping his boy feel better with a few chitters and nose boops! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 179: Beautiful!
Summary:
Adira finds out there's more to a dress than just looking good
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Adira let out a sigh as she stretched her arms up high that bright sunny morning. She smiled up at the bright sky before as she lay comfortably on the tree branch she was currently occupying, munching on an apple joyfully, "oh my, what a sight", an unfamiliar voice caught the women's attention as she looked down from her perch to see a group of dignitaries looking up at her.
She raised a brow, "there a problem?" She asked
"No problem at all dear", one said, she recognized her as being the snobby dignitary that had snatched Hugo away from Varian during the Welcome Ceremony, "just admiring the Sun, though I suppose you're doing that as well?"
"As a matter of fact, I am, much easier to admire from up here", the face painted warrior replied, "though it's even better when it's *quiet*"
"Oh of *course*", the dignitary replied, "wouldn't want to disturb you at all"
"Yes, continue *sunbathing*", another dignitary replied with a chuckle, "I'm certain the squirrels and birds appreciate your company up there!"
The group laughed as Adira rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore them as she leaned back against the tree once more and continued to enjoy her apple, "look at her", she heard one whisper, "so undignified"
"Take notes ladies", the snobby Hugo snatcher stated, "this is a prime example of what *not* to be, a *slob*"
The face painted warrior felt herself wince a bit at the remark as the jeering laughter cut through her. She sighed before spotting a beehive nearby. Smirking, she threw her apple at it, causing the hive to fall and break open, making the dignitaries scatter as she chuckled and pulled out another apple. The world was quiet once again as she felt herself begin to drift off to sleep when, "mistress Adira! Mistress *Adira*! Where *are* you?!" A voice called, getting the face painted warrior to look down and see the Royal Advisor looking for her. Rolling her eyes she sighed, ate the rest of her apple, and hopped down, landing right behind the man, "Mistress Adira!" He called again, getting her to snicker quietly
"Hello"
"AH!" Nigel fell forward, his face landing in the dirt as she placed a hand over her mouth and snickered
"The morning dew feel nice?" She asked
The man groaned before he quickly got up, brushing himself off and looking up at the women, "*there* you are! I've been looking for you all *morning*! You must come with me quickly, you have to get ready and there's no time to lose!"
"Get ready? For what exactly? The Ball is a few days away still"
"*Precisely!* Which is *why* you need to get ready for the introduction ceremony!"
Adira raised a confused brow, "wasn't that the other night? With the Dignitaries, Duke, and Duchess?"
"NononoNO! That was the Dignitaries *welcoming* ceremony! This is the royal *introduction* ceremony! All of the 7 kingdoms's Kings and Queens, princes, and princesses, and every dignitary will be joining us today for a grand introduction ceremony to *begin* the 7 Kingdom Ball! Everyone is going to be in attendance, which is why *you* should be getting ready!" He attempted to grab the women's wrist but backed off when he received the nastiest glare he's ever seen
Adira, seeing the man's frightened expression, softened hers a bit, her thoughts filling her head with those dignitaries comments before she shook them away, "sorry, I should've warned you, I uh.... don't really like being *touched*"
"N-noted"
"Thank you, now, where do we go? To find my brothers I assume?"
"Heavens *no*! You'll be in a private dressing room!"
"Dressing room?" She asked, following the man as he led her down the halls
"Yes yes, you can't go to the introduction ceremony dressed like *that*! You must dress *formally* for the occasion in your traditional Dark Kingdom attire"
"Traditional Dark Kingdom attire? So we'll be wearing armor?"
Nigel stopped and turned to look at the women, his face frozen in shock, "do you not *know* you own kingdom's *formal attire*?!"
She rolled her eyes at his dramatic tone, "I'm not originally *from* the Dark Kingdom, *Quirin* and King *Edmund* are, but me and Hector are from *differing* kingdoms! The king never made us wear anything we didn't want to because he wanted us to be ourselves. So I wore my original family's traditional attire, which is what I'm wearing now", she gestured to her coat, boats, and tied up hair, "while showing my loyalty to my new home", she gestured to her belt and the Dark Kingdom symbol that hung on it.
"....I see", the royal advisor replied with a touch of disgust, "well, you'll be dressed to the nines as they say! In a *gorgeous* dress might I add, fit for a princess of your standards of course", he exclaimed before he turned his back to her and began leading while he whispered under his breath, "...as low as they may be...."
"Excuse me?" Adira asked, raising a brow
"I said, come! There's much to see!"
"Uh huh...."
****
They walked down the hall until they reached a particular room, Nigel opened the door and smiled, "I've brought her your majesty!"
Adira stepped inside, only to be startled by the women standing before her, "hello Adira"
"Hello Queen Arianna", the face painted warrior replied with a kind smile, "it's good to see you"
"Good to see you too, sorry I haven't really gotten a chance to speak with you, I suppose with everything's that's been going on, it's just been...."
"A lot?"
"Yes"
Adira nodded, "understandable, I certainly don't mind, but, why are you in here? Not to be rude, but doesn't the Queen have her own dressing room?"
Arinna giggled, "oh I do, but I don't use it much, it's a little... Well.... A bit too fancy for me if I'm being honest", she admitted as a light blush formed on her cheeks
"I know what you mean", Adira replied as she looked around at the bright purples and pinks that surrounded her, along with the miles of fabric and dresses that lined the walls with chairs and couches accompanied by stands with snacks on them that Adira didn't recognize.
Arianna smiled at the women before she looked at Nigel, "thank you for your help Nigel"
"Of course your majesty", with a bow, the royal advisor walked out and closed the door behind him
The Queen sighed, "sorry about him, he's just a little huffy today"
"Today?"
Arianna giggled again, "ok, he's been a little huffier than usual *lately*, but he's been a big help with the planning and such, so I'm giving him a little bit of a break"
"I suppose that's fair, so, what exactly are we supposed to be doing in here?"
"Well", she smiled brightly at the women before she walked over to a dress, "if you'll bare with me, I think I've got something you'll love!" She pulled out a poofy, black, ball gown with purple diamond shaped jewels on the bottom of the dress. the top was sleeveless and had long, purple gloves to go with it along with purple dress boots that went up to the middle of the calf. There was a black tiara and neckalace that accompanied it with a diamond shaped, purple jewel as the pendant and in the center of the tiara.
The face painted warrior looked the gown up and down and felt her shoulders tense up a bit, "um... I-it's a lovely dress but... who's going to be wearing it exactly?"
The Queen smiled understandingly as she set the dress down, "I know it's not really your cup of tea, but I thought you might want to try it on for this occasion"
"I...." Adira sighed, "no offense your highness but... I'm not really the.... Dress.... Type...."
"I understand, but it will make a good impression on the neighboring kingdoms, and I'm certain you'd look lovely in it, plus", she smiled, "I... Heard what you said before about being recognized only by your strength and usefulness in the Dark Kingdom"
The face painted worrier's eyes widened a bit at that as she remembered that day:
"Well, back in the Dark Kingdom no one really looked at you the way your friend looks at me".
"Really? But, and not to be weird here, you're really pretty", Varian replied, "I'm surprised you wouldn't get noticed"
"Thank you for that, but I was noticed, just, not for my looks".
The little alchemist tilted his head, "then what for?"
Adira chuckled, "back then, what was noticed was your strength and usefulness, if you could prove you were worth keeping around, you'd never have to worry about finding someone else to match with".
*"Is that true dad?" Varian asked, looking over at his father, his raccoon doing the same, which made Hector chuckle and pet him.
Quirin nodded, "it's true, if you weren't useful, why were you there? It was the old king's rule that never really faded, no matter how hard King Edmund tried", he explained
"And try I did! No one should have to work to feel worth it, I never wanted that, but old habits die hard I suppose", the Dark King stated
Varian looked at his grandfather sadly, placing a hand on his shoulder and getting a small smile in return before looking back at his aunt, "so you worked to get noticed? There's nothing wrong with that"
"I agree, but the thing is, I've never been.... fawned after like this.... I am a trained warrior that has seen many battles, I was trained from a very young age to be that and *only* that. So to have someone doing.... whatever earring is doing bothers me because I... don't know how to react to it"*
"....I... You did?"
"Yes, I did, Quirin and I still happen to be very good friends, he told me about that a long time ago, and I heard about it again from Lance and Eugene when he gave you the sword"
Adira blushed a bit but then shook it away, "I mean, not to be rude, but what does that have to do with the dress?"
"Well", the Queen smiled, "I agree with Varian, you're very pretty, beautiful even, and honestly, I think you'd look amazing in a dress. Plus.... I know what it feels like to see yourself as... Well.... Anything but a girl"
"What are you talking about?"
Arianna smirked, "I'm the Queen of Corona, I rule by King Frederic's side, but when I was younger, my sister, Willow, got majority of the looks from the opposite gender. She was the pretty one, the fun one, the one that everyone wanted to talk to. And you know that odd thing is, I wanted to talk to her too! She was my best friend growing up, yet I felt so jealous of her because of the way people *adored* her... It was so frustrating because I was usually seen as the plain one, unattractive, the quiet one that would do *anything* her sister wanted just to get the *slightest* bit of attention, which is why 'Dare-ianna' was all I was ever known by.... But one day, I decided enough was enough, and I wanted to be the one in the spotlight and show them there was more to me than just being 'Dare-ianna'!" She smiled as the memory flashed in her mind, "my sister *hated* dresses and shoes, and would *never* wear them, not even when our father told her to, and he never really focused much on me, but one day I made him. I chose the nicest gown I could find, it was *gorgeous*, golden like the Sun with a sparkling cape and golden gloves and boots to match. It was for a dance we were attending, which normally, I usually hid in a corner while Willow got all the attention. But not this time, the moment my name was announced the entire room was silent, every *eye* was on me and I smile gracefully as I walked down the steps and stood next to my sister, who was also staring at me. I was danced with so much that night as Willow was the one sitting on the sidelines, I eventually talked to her, not wanting to leave her along like I'd been, she was still my best friend after all. We even ended up dancing together and had a great time, but that was the first time I met Frederic, was when I allowed myself to be seen in a different way than I'd been told I was supposed to be seen".
Adira had to admit, she was impressed, "I take it your father thought twice about playing favorites?"
"Yes he did, in fact, he apologized for his behavior and promised to do better. And he did, he made sure we both felt comfortable doing what we liked to do, and truth be told, I think Willow felt a lot better about having a touch more freedom. I suppose what I'm trying to say, is that when it comes right down to it, everyone is their own person in some way shape or form, but that doesn't mean you have to always be labeled as what they tell you to be". The Queen grinned at Adira, "you are a powerful women, and strong too, very strong, but that doesn't have to be the only thing you have to be, 'plus est en vous', there is more in you. I think you should show that tonight, if you want to of course"
The face painted warrior looked at the dress, then down at the floor, remembering the dignitaries comments as well as Nigel's frightened stare before she looked at the dress again.
****
"Is this really necessary?" Varian asked, wiggling a little as his father tied his tie gently, "I mean, I know we're the prince's of the Dark Kingdom, but this suit and tie is so itchy!"
Quirin chuckled as he tightened the tie a bit and stepped back, smiling approvingly as he looked his son up and down. Varian was wearing a matching suit to him, which was a black suit, with a purple shirt underneath, they all had long petticoats on with cape like tails that went to their ankles, and they were wearing purple and black boots with the Dark Kingdom symbol on them. The only difference in their outfits were the slight variations in colors here and there and their crowns, both were black, but Varian's was a little smaller than Quirin's, with three, purple, diamond shaped jewels in it, where as Quirin had a bigger crown with 7 purple, diamond shaped jewels in his, "I know you don't like it, but this is a formal occasion, we're greeting other rulers from other kingdoms today. The dignitaries from majority of the kingdoms have already arrived, but the rulers like to make a 'grand entrance', and we've gotta look-!"
"Like we care about some hoity toity snobs and their stupid opinions?" Hector interrupted, getting Varian to snort
"Yes", the retired knight replied, raising an unamused brow when he saw his brother, "Hector, you need to have your jacket on, and your tie needs to be straight"
The wild tamer rolled his eyes, "you're so nit picky"
"It's a good thing I am! With how you're wearing your outfit, they'd be offended and think that you weren't taking this seriously!"
"The tie looks better on my head!"
"He's kinda right!" Varian agreed, "you look like a ninja!"
"Damn straight! Fight like one too!"
"Hector!" Quirin scolded
The wild tamer snickered, "alright alright, don't get your pumpkins in a twist", the yellow eyed man replied before taking his tie off his head and placing it around his neck, "still can't believe you're not wearing the kimono"
"Dad says to save that until the ball", Varian replied with a slight pout, "even though it's super cool"
"You'll get to wear it soon, but that's a special outfit and usually these first day ceremonies get a little messy", his father explained, "if it makes you feel any better, Rapunzel isn't wearing hers either"
"Meh...." The little alchemist continued to pout, getting his father to chuckle
"Are you upset because you don't get to show *Hugo* your new kimono?"
The teen's face instantly turned red, "DAD!"
Quirin laughed as Hector smirked, a tad impressed by his brother's cunning before the door behind him opened, "your majesties, we're here to escort you to the thrown room", Stan and Pete said
"That would be our que, you two ready?" Quirin asked
"Ready as I'll ever be", Varian replied as Hector nodded before they walked out of the dressing room. They followed the guards into the thrown room and stood by king Edmund and Prince Eugene as Nigel called their names
"Entering from the Dark Kingdom is King Edmund!" The Dark King walked out, a proud smile on his face as he made his way to his spot in the room, "and the prince....Prince's, Prince, and heir to the thrown, Eugene Fitzherbert! Prince Hector Jaecar! P..... Prince Quirin Vanguard! And his son Prince... Varian Vanguard!" They walked out one at a time, each of them passing the royal advisor as they did.
Varian smirked at the royal advisor, raising a secret brow to him as the man made no eye contact with the teen. Feeling a little spiteful, the alchemist made sure to walk *slow* as he could while he made his way towards his father, whispering, "like my new rank?" And taking immense amounts of glee in the man's wince as he finally made it to his father before the royal advisor cleared his throat, "a-and the only princess of the Dark Kingdom, Princess Adira Blythe!"
The room was silent for a moment before they heard someone enter the room as every eye widened. Adira walked inside, her hair was down her back, all the way to her waist, it had been styled in a way that made it shimmer brightly as she walked. She was no longer wearing her face paint, but she smiled all the same, her beautiful brown eyes looking up, happily, to the Queen of Corona, who was smiling back at her happily. She passed the royal advisor, his cheeks burning brightly as she did so before she joined her brother's, father, and nephew, who looked up at her and grinned, "you're so beautiful!"
"Thank you Speckles", Adira replied
"You're welcome Wise Eyes"
The rest of the royals entered the room as the introduction ceremony began. Adira smirked as she watched Varian and Hugo dancing together, the two blushing the entire time as they complimented each other. She chuckled at the pair before she noticed the dignitaries from before staring at her in shock the entire time as did Nigel, "how are you feeling?" Arianna asked, walking over to the warrior
"I... Never knew this is what this felt like...." She looked at the Queen, "thank you"
"You're welcome, and did you notice, there wasn't a single eye that wasn't on you"
Adira blushed, "it'll change when the dress is off"
"No it won't", the Queen replied, "trust me, stuff like this never fades away"
"How do you know that?"
"Because the stuff on the outside only extenuates the person you are on the inside", Arianna replied, "dressed up or not, they're seeing you, and only you, and who you are, is beautiful"
Adira's smiled widened, "thank you, so much"
"H-hey", the two women stopped and looked to see Lance standing in front of them, he was blushing profusely and rubbing the back of his neck
"Hi Earring", Adira replied
Lance smirked, "ya know, I know I said I'll respect you wantin to be just friends, and I still do, but, you look really beautiful tonight, a-and I wanted to let you know that"
"Thank you, you look very handsome yourself by the way"
He blushed even more, "pfft, what this old thing?" He joked, getting her to chuckle, "eheh, a-anyway, I'm gonna go, but if ya want to escape all this later on, let me know, we can talk, just talk, I swear"
"I believe you, and thank you, that's very kind", she looked around and saw everyone still staring at her, "....and honestly, I might need it"
Lance smiled sympathetically, "let me know, I'm willin to be a scape goat", he began to walk away before Adira got an idea
"Hey wait"
Lance turned around, "yeah?"
"I.... Have never done this before but... You know tonight's all about first tried with things so.... Wanna dance?" She asked, "as friends?"
The man was redder than a tomato before he nodded, "y-yeah, if you're okay with that I mean"
"I trust you"
Lance grinned and offered his hand, "well then milady, shall we?" She snorted and raised a brow, "too far?"
"A little, but it was funny"
"I'll accept that", he stated before she took his hand and they made their way to the dance floor. The music began to slow down and everyone watched as they began to waltz around the room. They would trip here or there, but laughed the nerves away and eventually got the hang of it. They spun, they soared, they glided and slid, everyone was staring in awe before Varian and Hugo joined in, dancing in time to Adira and Lance as Eugene and Rapunzel joined not long after, Arianna and Frederic also joining the dance. Soon enough, everyone had joined as the waltz began to hit it's climax.
Lance spun as Adira caught him, helping him jump into the air as she spun her, she led, he followed, perfectly in sync with each other as they laughed and joked the entire time and began blushing like fiends. The notes of the song began to die, one at a time before finally, the song ended and the pair spun on last time before Adira dipped Lance and they posed, everyone clapping happily as Lance spun back around and landed back on his feet, "thanks for that, it was a lot of fun!" He exclaimed happily as she grinned
"It really was, thank you as well Lance, you made me feel a lot better about all of this"
"Happy to help, hey, they've got some cake at the snack table, want some?"
"I'd be delighted", they walked towards the refreshments area, smiling as Varian and Hugo waved at them before they joined in their conversation, all four of them smiling wide as the ceremony continued through the night.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Adira chapter! Woot!!!!!!
You know, Adira and Arianna together is something I've never thought about before, but honestly, it's nice! Arianna would be a really great girl mentor to Adira, and Adira would be a really great friend to Arianna! They have polar opposite personalities, but this pairing works really well together! :D
Hugo and Varian are being adorable in the background XD These two, I cannot escape the Varigo, it's too cute!!!!!
Also Quirin, Varian, and Hector moment! :D I love the idea of Quirin being the voice of reason while Varian grumbles and Hector goofs around, it's very cute and really funny XD
Ruddy buddy was with Olivia, Pascal, Itty Bitty, Max, and Cuddles in this chapter, they were having an animal's night! <3
The Ball is growing closer, and now all the royals are here, woot! :D So much can happen in a few days though :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 180: What's in a Drink?
Summary:
Varian wants to try his very first drink, but he has to ask a few very important people first.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian smiled wide as he stared over the balcony, the cool evening air gently touching his hot skin as he took another sip from his cup, relishing the taste of strawberries as he looked up at the Moon, "enjoying the view?" A voice said, getting the alchemist to turn and see Hugo standing behind him with a large smile on his face.
"Yup, and getting away from the crowd", the blue eyed alchemist responded, "and you?"
"Same, it's getting a little too stuffy in there", the blond replied as he joined his boyfriend at the rails of the balcony, "and I'm not *just* talking about the dignitaries either"
Varian giggled, "did you see their faces when Adira walked in the room?"
"Yeah, to be fair, she looks amazing tonight"
"She really does!" Varian agreed happily, "I mean, she looked amazing before, it's just nice to see her in a dress you know?"
"Yep", Hugo replied, "and it's nice to see *you* in a suit, look at you, all fancy and shit"
"Pfft!" Varian snorted, "fancy and shit huh?"
"Yup"
The freckled teen noticed Hugo was a little more relaxed than normal, "um... You okay?"
"Hm? Yeah, 'm fine, why?"
"You uh... You look a little...."
"A little.... What?" The blond asked, raising a brow before he looked at the teen's cup, "oooh, let me guess, you don't drink, do you?"
"What?! Nu, I... I've never had an alcoholic drink before... Have you?"
"Yeah, I'm the legal drinking age, it's 15 Freckles, I'm surprised you haven't had one yet though, they have a whole bowl dedicated to it in there you know"
Varian looked at his drink shyly, "I.... A-are you.... okay?"
"Like I said, I'm fine, I can hold my drinks, plus I don't allow myself to get stupidly drunk, just enough to relax a bit"
"Huh...."
"You're interested now, aren't you?"
"W-wha-I-I didn't say tha-I.... I-is it good?"
Hugo snickered, "'s not bad actually, they've got a real fancy wine inside, wanna try?"
"Well.... M-maybe one glass... B-but I need to ask dad first!"
The blond smirked, "course, come on, lets go ask", he offered his hand to his boyfriend, who took it timidly before they made their way inside.
They weaved their way through the crowd until they found Quirin, who was talking with Rapunzel, Eugene, Queen Arianna, and King Edmund, all of whom seemed to be enjoying themselves before the retired knight felt a small tug on his sleeve, looking down he smiled, "hey you two, having fun?"
"Yeah", Varian replied with a smile, "how about you?"
"I'd say so, though I can't wait for this to be over, I'd like to be in my own clothes soon"
"I know how you feel", Varian replied, noticing Hugo tugging at the tie around his neck
"Anyone else feel like a dog on a leash?" The blond asked jokingly, getting the Village Leader to chuckle
"Little bit, anyway, did you two need something?" Quirin asked, looking between the pair
Varian bit his lower lip and looked at Hugo, who nodded encouragingly before he looked back at his father, "I um.... I... W-wanted to... Try something..."
"Try something? What did you wanna try?"
"Uh... W-well I um... I'm 15 n-now and.... I was wondering i-if I could try... T-the wine?" He shyly gestured to the bowl at the refreshments table, getting the man to look for a moment before he looked back at his son
"You... Wanna try the wine?"
"I-if that's okay"
His father blinked for a few minutes before he smiled wide, "I... keep forgetting you're 15 now, huh, yeah, you can try it, just be careful, that stuff's kinda strong"
"Woah woah woah *woah*", a voice stated, getting the group to look at Eugene, "what are you three talking about exactly?"
Hugo raised a brow, "Varian trying his first drink?"
"His fir-QUIRIN! You're letting your baby boy *DRINK*?!" The man asked, outraged
"Eugene, he's 15 years old"
"And that matters how?"
"The drinking age is 15!"
"And?! He's still tiny child, he does not drink until he's at *least* 30 years old!"
"30?!" Varian exclaimed, a little shocked at his big brother, getting Hugo to laugh, "why 30?"
"Because"
Rapunzel and Arianna giggled as did Edmund, "I think you might be over reacting a little there son", the Dark King stated
"I most certainly am *not*! He is still tiny brother! He should not be-you know what? Imma grab Lance for this"
"No, don't get Lance!"
"I'm getting Lance, you stay here!" The Dark Prince walked away as Hugo continued to cackle while Varian blushed, "and here I though my *father* would be the most against me trying wine for the first time..."
"I guess not", Queen Arianna replied, chuckling a little, "don't worry Varian, we'll convince them"
"I mean... I-if it's really a big deal-!"
"Oh Eugene's just being silly is all", Rapunzel replied, "your dad said yes, so you're fine"
"They're right Freckles", Hugo agreed, "he's just being an over protective big brother, 's not like you're gonna get drunk after one sip"
"Provided you take the right steps", Quirin added, "like eating some food, have you two had anything to eat yet?"
"Not yet", the blue eyed teen replied, "I kinda got danced with the moment I was free from standing and looking royal", he smirked at Hugo
The bespeckled teen blushed, "could you blame me? *Prince* Varian, by the way, zipped lips sink ships Freckles"
"I didn't know when I'd met you before, I only knew my dad was a knight at the time!"
"It's true", Rapunzel agreed, "none of us really knew Varian was a prince"
"Even Quirin?" The blond asked, raising a brow at the man
"I... Didn't really think about it at the time, I knew I was an adopted prince but I never really considered myself one"
"Which is a shame, because I could've, and would've, made you wear something different than armor you know", Edmund chimed in, getting his knight to chuckle
"WHAT?!" A loud voice interrupted before they all saw someone speed over to Varian, pick him up, and hug him close before they looked at Quirin, "you were gonna let your baby boy have *alcohol*?!" Lance exclaimed,
"Lance.... Can't *breathe*!" Varian struggled to say as the man hugged him tighter while Hugo tried to free him
"Lance he's 15", Arianna defended, looking at the teen worriedly as he turned a shade of blue
"How does that matter?!"
"Thank you!" Eugene exclaimed as he joined the group, "he is tiny boy, he does not need the bad decision juice right now!"
"Yeah! He should have it when he's no less that *30*! That's the rule when it comes to Varian!"
"Well ya may not need to worry about that much longer considering you're going to *suffocate* him!" Hugo snapped, finally getting the two men to look down and see the, now purple teen in the man's arms
"Whoops!" Lance let Varian go, Hugo catching as the alchemist sucked in a *huge* breath of air and panted heavily before coughing, "eheh, sorry"
The freckled teen continued to cough and sputter as his boyfriend rubbed his back before he looked at the pair, "why are you two so over protective of him? Seriously, he's not a little kid anymore you know"
"We know, but he's our little brother!" Eugene stated
"Yeah!" Lance agreed, "if Varian's old enough to drink then..." He looked at the Dark Prince, "that means we're *old*"
"Yeah nope, na da, not happening! Varian is still way too young to drink and Lance and I are in the prime of our lives!"
"Agreed!"
"Is that *really* why you two are acting like this?" Varian snapped, "you nearly *killed* me because you think me having *one* drink is gonna make you old?!"
The two looked at each other before Eugene sighed, "well... It's not really that... Well... Not *just* that.... It's just, kid, I know I've only known you for a year, but you've been through so much lately and, well I guess it's kinda the same reason me and Lance started the Guy's Night. We realized you really haven't gotten to enjoy too much recently, in fact, you had a whole *year* taken away from you and Quirin... And... I guess we just wanted you to feel like you didn't miss anything... But if you're 15, and you get to drink, then it kinda just.... Feels like you got a year stolen from you... And it just isn't fair...."
The teen's anger subsided as he looked at the pair, "wait, really? You guys really think me drinking is going to remind me that I lost a year of my life in jail?"
"Sorta", Lance admitted sadly, "you were 14 years old Varian, *14*, and when we realized that after your dad got freed, it made us feel horrible about the way we acted towards you when we saw you again.... We started the Guy's Nights because we wanna make sure you never feel like you've missed anything, you get to spend time with people who care about you, no worries, no regrets, just pure fun and good times with your pals, and hell, we were overjoyed when Quirin got to join us, Hugo too! Because things are still kinda messy right now and we wanted you to feel like you were safe and that the bad times wouldn't last as long as they have. I guess we freaked out about you drinkin because it's just another reminder that you didn't really get to celebrate turnin 15, you just kinda... were..... And for a long time, that's how it was for us, and our birthdays really sucked because of it...."
"They really did", Eugene replied
Varian smiled at the pair, "you two are the weirdest yet sweetest big brothers anyone could ever have, you know that?"
"We know", the Dark Prince replied with a smirk before he rubbed the back of his head, "to be honest, I don't think we're very good at this"
"Nope", Lance agreed with a chuckle, "but we try"
"You guys are fine", the freckled teen stated, "and it's really nice of you two to be worried, but, I've accepted the fact that I'm 15 years old now, and that I didn't really get to live that last year and a half. It took a while for me to do that, but I did, and I use the reasoning to try and live every single day to the fullest, because I never know when that day is gonna be my last. In a way, jail kinda made me realize how much I should appreciate what I have... Although I would never go back there, t-too dark... *Way* too dark... B-but anyway, I'll admit, I had a really hard time accepting it, and with everything that's been happening, that acceptance has dwindled from time to time, but there are things that help me keep it there that I didn't have before. For example, I've got a boyfriend now, one that I love and care about and am happy to see even when he's teasing me"
Hugo smirked, "once again, can you blame me?"
"Yes, yes I can", the blond snorted, nudging his Varian playfully and getting the blue eyed alchemist to giggle, "plus, I have a better relationship with you and Rapunzel Eugene, and I got to meet and talk to Lance too! The Guy's Nights weren't a thing either when I was 14, that only happened this year and they're a *blast*! I finally got to tell the king off for what he did to me, I've gotten more confident in my alchemy, I have a super secret project I'm working on for the princess... That I'm almost done with by the way, and I even got new clothes this year!" He gestured to his suit, "plus", he looked at his father, "I got to learn more about my dad, and our relationship has never been stronger", he then looked at Edmund, "and found out I have more family memebers, an aunt, and uncle, and a grandpa!" The Dark king and retired knight smiled wide at the teen, "I mean *technically* I have two uncles, because Eugene, but you're also my big brother.... Which is both very odd yet kinda cool"
Eugene chuckled, "I'm a bruncle"
"Or an Udder", Quirin added, getting Hugo, Rapunzel, and Arianna to snicker as Eugene gave him the stink eye
"Either way", Varian continued, "all that stuff happened to me *this* year, when I turned 15, and yeah, there's some bad things too, like C-Cassandra and the Seporians attacking, A-Andrew's death and certain people who's names we will not say at this point in time", he looked at Hugo, who nodded, "plus some things that I'm still not sure about, like the Moon, and the Moonstone, but I'm willing to keep going because I have people that remind me how much they care about me everyday, and I'm so happy for that. If I try a drink, that'll just be something new too add, and who knows, maybe I'll hate it, but maybe I'll like it, either way I'm willing to try, and that's something I didn't think I'd be able to do a year ago!" He looked at his big brothers, who were smiling now, "so, I know what your guys mean, and I appreciate it, but, I really am okay, and I know that when I'm not, I've got people I can turn to for help, with that being said... Are you still opposed to me trying it?"
Lance and Eugene looked at each other and nodded before they looked at Varian, "go ahead and try it", the Dark Prince said, "just, be careful"
"Yeah, if you haven't yet, maybe eat some food, it helps keep you sober longer", Lance said, "trust me, a hangover is the *last* thing you wanna experience"
Hugo snorted, "what would a drunk Varian even act like?"
The teen blinked a few times before he shivered, "I feel like I would be very sad and much more curious than I am now"
"Pfft! Ooooh what's thiiiiis?" Hugo mocked as he looked at a cup, "what kind of alchemical make does thiiiiiiiis have?"
Varian laughed, nudging his boyfriend playfully, "you jerk"
"Am I wrong though?"
"No", Quirin answered, getting everyone to laugh harder as the man smirked at his blushing son
"Who's side are you *on*?" The freckled teen asked
"I tend to switch"
"I see that"
"Come on Freckles", Hugo stated, grabbing his lover's hand, "how about we get you a plate of snacks and a drink yeah?"
"Oki", the teen replied before he allowed himself to follow the blond to the refreshments table. He got a plate of food while Hugo got him a small cup of wine, along with some food for himself. They walked back to the group and began to eat, chatting with each other before everyone stopped and watched Varian take his first sip, the flavor of watermelon and fizz flooded the teen's senses as he drank, stopping for a moment and smiling, "that's really good!" He exclaimed before taking another sip and eating some food. Before too long, the teen had finished his meal, and had a few more drink, and was laughing and dancing with Hugo once more his mind feeling bubbly and full of joy as he spun around with the blond. He laughed and giggled and twirled as he gave in to the happy mood for the rest of the night.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the later upload, didn't get too much time to post this one either.
Varian is a light weight, it's adorable and I cannot unsee drunk Varian now, he'll be in the next chapter, not for very long, but he's so cute when he's drunk! XD
Hugo is not a light weight and can hold his drinks, but he drinks responsibly because he's a smart boy :D
Eugene and Lance are the best big brothers ever and I wanted to give them more screen time, so here we are! :D
Quirin is a very chill father, so if his son wants to try a drink, he doesn't mind, plus he's got his entire family here watching out for his boy, so that might contribute a bit to his decision :3
Honestly, this chapter was a family chapter and more of the calm before the storm, so be prepared :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a great day/night! <3
(Tomorrow will be a late upload, but I'll have something up, wanted to warn you all ahead of time <3)
Chapter 181: A Big Mistake!
Summary:
Something happens to Eugene.....
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The party had ended a few hours later, everyone retiring to their rooms for the night, Varian, Quirin, and Hugo all deciding to go into the same room, mostly because Varian couldn't stop giggling. As the three entered the father and son's room, the blond helped Quirin undress the blue eyed alchemist, getting his pajamas on him and laying him in bed, "Huuuuugo", Varian called as the bespeckled teen got ready for bed himself while Quirin was in the hallway saying goodnight to Eugene and Lance to give the two boys some privacy, "I want Huuuuuuugo".
"Give me a few seconds there Freckles", the green eyed alchemist replied with a grin as he folded the trench coat he'd worn to the ceremony before replacing it and the rest of his suit with a white shirt and green pants. Once the blond was completely ready, he hopped into the bed next to his lover, who wrapped his arms around him happily and hummed in delight as the retired knight reentered the room and smiled at the sight.
The two remained quiet as they listened to Varian ramble about anything from alchemy to the smell of the bespeckled teen's hair and how got it to smell so good, "you used coconuts didn't you?"
"I don't think Corona even has coconuts Freckles"
"You grew them with alchemy, I knooow you did"
Hugo snorted, "you're veeery drunk, huh Love?"
"I'm not *druuunk* just *relaaaaxed*"
"Oh I see"
"Yup", Varian giggled again, getting his father to snicker when he made his lips pop as he said the word, "just relaxed", the teen then looked over and saw Ruddigar, who was sitting on his chest, "hi Ruuuuudy, I had my very first drink today!"
The raccoon chittered worriedly as he looked at Hugo and Quirin
"Don't worry, he's fine, just.... Tipsy", the retired knight assured
"I'm not tipsy, I'm relaaaaaxed"
"Riiiiight, sorry, I forgot"
The blue eyed alchemist giggled again as his raccoon sniffed him before huffing at the alcoholic smell, he then gave his boy an amused smile and nuzzled him gently before curling up on his chest
Varian hummed happily, "warm fuzzy Ruddy Buddy"
Hugo and Quirin snickered before growing quiet as Varian and Hugo lay in bed together, snuggled in each other's arms, the blue eyed alchemist continued to ramble for a little bit before he yawned, pulling the blond a little closer before he finally fell asleep. The two watched him for a bit, not wanting to wake him up before the blue eyed alchemist let out a small hiccup in his sleep, startling the blond a bit as Quirin chuckled, he noticed his son's flushed face and wide smile before the teen hiccupped once more.
Hugo watched his boyfriend lovingly, stroking his hair before he looked up at the retired knight, "he's a lightweight huh?"
"Yeah", the Village Leader replied softly as he sat down next to the bed the two teens were on, "just like his mother"
Hugo smiled, "is it odd to be excited to see someone's first hangover because you think it's gonna be adorable?"
The old farmer laughed, "no, I was the same way, Ulla never drank until I introduced her to a strawberry whisky I received from an old friend of mine, she loved it and drank too much, she was so cute in the morning too. Curling under the blankets, hiding her face, and be careful before Varian tends to cling to the closest person to him when he doesn't feel the best"
"I'm prepared for that", the blond replied with a smirk, "....I've never felt this way about anyone before Quirin"
The man smiled, "that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"I think it's good, I just hope I don't mess it up", he looked up at the man, "at the risk of incurring the wrath of a protective father, I really love him, and I don't want anything to ever happen to him again"
"I'm certain he feels the same about you"
Hugo smiled before Varian hiccupped once more, getting to two to chuckle when the teen snuggled deeper into the blond's chest, "....I'll protect him, you know that right?"
"I know", the retired knight replied, "I trust you Hugo"
The blond grinned, "thanks, that means a lot"
"You're welcome", they grew silent once more, watching Varian happily sleep before Quirin looked at the bespeckled teen, "hey"
"Hm?"
"You know, even if you and Varian don't work out, you'll always have a place with us"
"W-what? But, if we didn't work out, w-why would you wanna keep me around?"
"Because you're a good boy Hugo, and I've been in a situation like yours before, no home, no family, no one cared or trusted me, I've been there, and it's so hard to think you're any different than... Well..."
"A street rat?"
"....Yeah... though you're not, you're a kind, caring, smart, quick witted, sassy, and fun person whom I have faith in", he smiled at the blond, "you've been through a lot, yet you've grown into someone that my son cherishes and honestly, I've grown fond of you as well, you're a good boy, as I said, and just like King Edmund gave me a chance, I'm more than willing to do the same for you, I really am"
The blond was startled by this, but smiled, "thank you Quirin"
"You're welcome", the retired knight replied
"Coconuts are made of blueberries", Varian muttered in his sleep before he hiccupped again, getting the two to snort
"He's gonna hate himself in the morning", Hugo joked
"Yes he will, but it was a good night, so I suppose it's a fair trade", Quirin replied, stroking his son's cheek before he looked at Hugo, "are you going to be okay during the Ball?"
"What do you mean?"
The retired knight hesitated for a moment, "well... There's going to be a lot going on during it, I mean with King Edmund socializing to Hector being with his siblings to..." He looked at the blond, "you know what... I just... I know that it's going to be a lot so...."
"I... Y-yeah I'll be alright, I'm just.... Well I'm nervous, but honestly who wouldn't be when you're going to confront the women that's caused you and your boyfriend's family a lot of pain in the past am I right? I mean, it's not like I'm asking Don about her day, I'm..." The blond sighed, "....I'm asking her about me.... A-and I just.... Don't know what she's gonna say I guess....." He chuckled bitterly, "hell she'll probably be upset that I'm spending another night with you two instead of her, I'm definitely gonna be hearing about this sooner or later...." He looked at Quirin, "do you.... think she'll change her ways?"
"I-!"
"Be honest", Hugo interrupted, "please.... I... Don't do well with getting my hopes up on a lie...."
The Village Leader sighed, "....Honestly? I don't know... Donella has always been stubborn and set in her ways... I'm not going to lie to you, if we do what we're planning, she's going to get angry, *very* angry, but she won't be able to lash out right away, so that'll be good.... But we'll need to be very careful after, she'll still be around, and she's still your guardian, you're of the age though, so it'll be your choice on what you wanna do, and try as she might, she won't be able to stop you. But that could cause problems as well, that women is petty, she'll want revenge".
"So it's kind of a 50/50 ratio"
"Kinda.... I hate to tell you that, because I don't want to cause you anymore stress.... But it's very 50/50 right now, but know that Varian and I will make every attempt to help in any way shape or form"
Hugo smiled, "thanks, that means a lot, it really does"
"You're welcome", Quirin replied, giving the teen a smile
Suddenly, there was a rapid knock at the door, getting both men to raise a suspicious brow, "you don't think...." The blond didn't finish that sentence, dreading what the answer would be
"I don't know, but I'll take care of it if it is", the retired knight stated, getting up from his seat and walking over to the door.
Taking a breath and letting it out, he opened the door slowly, "QUIRIN!" Rapunzel yelled, startling both him and the blond teen, "I need yours, Varian's, and Hugo's help RIGHT NOW! It's Eugene!"
"Eugene? What about Eugene is he okay????"
"No, he's SICK!"
"....Sick?" The man raised a brow, "forgive me for saying this princess, but getting sick really isn't a cause for alarm"
The princess blinked for a moment before she shook her head, "I don't mean *regular* sick! I mean he's.... Oh Quirin he's foaming at the mouth! He was shaking a lot, and-and-and h-he was.... T-the noises, he w-was making horrible noises, I-I think he might be p-poisoned!"
"WHAT?!" The man yelled as Hugo shifted Varian gently, got up, and walked over to the pair
"H-he was fine before, p-perfectly fine! Eating, laughing, having a grand old time, b-but then something swtiched, h-he was in my room talking to Lance and I about the Ball when he got really quiet, a-and when I turned around he was on the f-floor.... H-he was shaking so badly and-and-and *gurgling!* L-Lance told me to come get y-you, Varian, Hugo, Adira, Hector, and Edmund, I-I got you f-first, he took Eugene to the medical w-wing b-but..." She sniffled as tears poured down her face, "I-I don't know w-what to d-do! H-he's so... Quirin h-his eyes were.... H-he couldn't s-speak I... I"
"Hey, hey it's okay", the retired knight wrapped his arms around the princess, rubbing her back comfortingly, "it's gonna be alright, look, you and I will go back to the infirmary together, I'll do what I can"
"W-what about Adira and-and Hector a-and-!"
"I'll get them", Hugo stated, "I'll go as fast as I can and grab them, then meet you back at the medical wing and help as much as possible"
"I... O-ok...." Rapunzel said, before she noticed Quirin looking at her funny, "w-what?"
"Your.... Hair... It's glowing", the Village Leader pointed out
Rapunzel looked up and yelped, "w-why is it doing that?! I-I'm not using the power of the Sundrop r-right now, w-what's happening?!"
"Me...." A voice stated, stopping all conversation and getting the group to turn around to see Varian standing by the bed, his eyes, freckles, and hair were glowing brightly, his hair waving as if he were underwater once again, he had his normal boots and was *glaring* at them all.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I know some of you saw this coming, Eugene was on someone's sh*t list, and guess who, though it may be obvious X3 And now Varian's angry, hoo boy this is bad
Drunk Varian is the cutest little bean in the world! I love him so much and I just wanna snuggle him and protect him for all time! At the same time, angry Varian is *terrifying*! Like my gosh he can switch from one extreme to another in the blink of an eye! :D
Hugo and Quirin talking is a lot of fun to write, I honestly think Hugo needs a fatherly figure like Quirin in his life, so Imma give him one! :D
Ruddy buddy is still the best, even when he's sniffing his drunk boy! :D
Poor Rapunzel... Poor Lance.... POOR EUEGENE!!!! He knew he'd be in the line of fire too, my gosh, this poor man
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 182: Way Too Close a Call!
Summary:
Varian steps into action, as does Hugo, Rapunzel, Quirin, and Ruddigar to save Eugene!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group stared at the angry teen for a few seconds, their minds not really comprehending what they were seeing before Quirin spoke up, "V-Varian? Son, are you alright?"
"No..." The glowing alchemist replied, "my who body hurts, my mind is swimming, my heart is beating so fast that I will be passing out after this, and the Moon just told me Eugene was in danger and woke me up.... A-and I'm glowing.... Which is still odd"
The Village Leader let out a sad sigh, "I'm sorry"
"It's not *your* fault, in fact, I know *exactly* who did this because I *saw* her planning it!" His glow brightened a bit with his anger before Ruddigar chittered at him worriedly, calming the teen down, "...it's fine though... We need to get to Eugene as soon as possible. But it's not a good idea for Hugo to get Adira, Hector, and Grandpa, he'll be alone in the halls with.... *Someone* and that could cause trouble. Dad, I think it'd be better if you got them instead, Hugo and I can go to the medical wing and help postpone the poison for as long as we can".
"How?" Rapunzel asked, "Quirin has more experience in poison Varian, what if Eugene gets worse?"
"If we make him throw up whatever poison he's got inside his body we can slow down the effects and buy my family some time to come up with a solution, it's better all around, we would have everyone we need there when we need them, and Eugene would have a higher chance of surviving with minimal damage to his body. Actually, it would a good idea if you, Rapunzel, were to find out what poisoned him, a dart, a piece of food he ate, anything that can give us any clue as to what kind of poison it is. It sounded like, from your description, he had a seizure, which could mean the poison had some sort of chemical in it that would trigger his mind to go into a hyperactive state, we *need* to get that out of him as soon as possible. Also, we need to find out if it's a slow or fast acting poison considering how long it took to activate, but we'd need that food or whatever object poisoned him to make that assumption and we need to act fast".
Quirin gave his son a secret smile as pride bloomed inside his chest, "you're right, plus you and Hugo would be able to whip something up to help Eugene"
"Agreed", Hugo replied, giving his own smile to his boyfriend, "Rapunzel, does that plan sound okay?"
"I... Y-yeah, it's good... S-sorry just.... He was.... S-shaking.... So b-badly...." The princess replied, wringing her, still glowing, hair in her hands nervously
Varian walked over to the princess and placed a hand on her shoulder, "he'll be okay, we'll make sure of it"
Rapunzel blinked for a moment before she smiled, "thanks, I'll try to see if I can find something that might've caused it, luckily he didn't eat or drink that much"
"That's good, makes it easier to narrow things down", the glowing alchemist agreed, "we should hurry though, there's no time to lose"
The princess nodded, before she and Quirin ran out of the room before Hugo looked at his boyfriend, "you gonna be alright?"
"I.... Don't know.... I-is that a good answer?"
The blond nodded, "yeah, just let me know if you need a shoulder or anything, I'm here"
Varian smiled lovingly at the bespeckled teen, "thanks Hugo, you always know exactly what to say"
"I try my best"
The glowing teen giggled before Ruddigar chittered at him questioningly, "yeah bud, you can still ride on my shoulder. The glow won't hurt you, but we need to get the medical wing okay?"
The raccoon smiled and nodded before he happily hopped onto his boy's shoulder, purring and nuzzling the teen as the two alchemists walked out of the room and began to run down the hall, closing the door behind them
"Hey, why *are* you still glowing anyway?"
Varian looked at Hugo and smiled, a slight blush coming onto his features, "because I'm still inebriated, so the Moon is giving me enough energy to be in the right mind, she doesn't want Eugene to die and knows you and I are necessary to save him"
"Wait so, she can see what's going to happen?"
"Yeah, and before you ask, she won't tell me the future, just guide me to a better ending, the decisions I make are what'll shape it, that's what she told me just before I woke up"
"....Huh.... She say anything about me?"
Varian blushed even more, "um.... W-we should hurry", before he ran faster down the hall
"Hey!" Hugo shouted, running faster as well to catch up, "we're not done talking about this Freckles!"
****
The two teens made it to the medical wing in no time flat and quietly knocked on the door. They waited for a few seconds before the entrance opened and Lance's tear stained face was in their view, "V-Varian! Hugo, hi! I-I'm glad you two are here!"
"Lance, how is he?" The glowing teen asked gently, not wanting to upset the man any further
"He... He um... C-could be better uh... Eheh the doctor, she's workin w-with him.... Uh... V-Varian you're... Glowin.... A-are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm alright, just...."
"Angry?"
"............Yeah."
"Me too.... B-but um, w-where's your dad?"
"I told him to go find Adira, Hector, and Grandpa, I told Rapunzel to find whatever object Eugene ingested that poisoned him, while me and Hugo are gonna make a concoction that'll get Eugene to throw up whatever poison is inside him"
Lance nodded, "o-ok, then you'd better come it"
With a silent nod in agreement, both alchemist walked inside, Hugo spotted the Dark Prince first, he was on a medical bed, blankets up to his chin as he sputtered and coughed while he slept, accompanied by his shallow breathing and constant twitching and the man looked like he was in a very sorry state. The blond felt a tsunami of guilt crashing through him at the sight of the man, he would've cried had he not heard sniffles coming from right now to him. Looking, he saw Varian staring, wide eyed, at his big brother, his eyes were glowing even brighter as angry tears slid down his face, he was shaking and it looked like he was doing everything he could in his power not to scream, "hey, hey it's alright, he'll be okay, we'll heal him, don't worry", the bespeckled teen assured, cupping Varian's cheek to get the glowing teen to look at him, "it's gonna be okay, alright?"
After a few moments of silence, Varian finally nodded, "thanks"
"You're welcome"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled at his boyfriend before he looked at Ruddigar, "you may wanna hop over to Lance, confort him for a bit, this is gonna get a little messy bud"
Ruddigar didn't protest, simply giving a nod to his boy, nuzzling him, and climbing down before he waddled over to Lance, who was sitting right next to Eugene, allowing the man to pet him softly
Varian nodded before he looked back at Hugo, "shall we get to work?"
"We shall, where's the chemicals?"
"The doctor always has some in the office, come on", he led Hugo over to a nearby door that the blond hadn't noticed before and opened it, getting the women inside to look at the two and smile
"Hello there Varian, I take it you're helping out?"
"Hello Dr. Solace, yup, we need to make Eugene puke up the poison, i-if that's okay"
"That's fine, I was thinking the same thing actually, you mind mixing it up? I'll get a cup and some supplies"
"Oki", the glowing teen got to work, leaving a bemused Hugo to watch the doctor walk out of the room to grab the items
"....Well then... That went better than expected", the bespeckled teen stated as he walked over to his boyfriend
Varian nodded, "both Mr. and Mrs. Solace used to let me play with their medical equipment all the time when I was younger. They thought I was being a normal kid and playing with the stethoscope, which I do, but that's beside the point", Hugo snorted at that, "one time, when I was playing around, a person came in with a relative of theirs who'd gotten really sick. It was a really bad case of food poisoning, and was really affecting the guy. But I, remembering my dad telling me about food poisoning back when I got it", the blond raised a curious brow, "we went to a restaurant in a nearby village, it was bad, and I got curious as to why my stomach was acting up. So dad explained, anyway, when he told me it was because the bacteria on the food mixed badly with my stomach because I was from a place that wasn't used to that kind of bacteria, I made a small medicine that would help the man.... pass.... The food along, so to speak. When I gave it to them, they weren't sure about it at first, but after a few days, the man felt a lot better and even thanked me! So the doctor's always let me back here whenever I wanted, just so long as I didn't interfere with the patients.... and didn't cause any explosions".
"Huh... I am both surprised and not at the same time"
"Thanks, um, do you mind helping me make this?"
"Hm? Oh! Yeah sorry, I like to watch you work"
"Well thanks, don't see why though"
Hugo smirked as he walked over and began to help make the potion, "I thought that'd be obvious", he looked at the blue eyed teen, "I like your ass"
Varian nearly dropped a vial, catching it before it hit the ground as his face blushed to an unnatural degree, "I....." He huffed, "get back to work"
Hugo laughed, "am I wrong?"
"Pervert", Varian stated, getting the blond to snicker. There was a moment of silence between the pair before Varian gave a quiet, "same to you", getting the bespeckled teen to blush but smile as they continued to work in the light of Varian's glow
****
They finished the potion and walked out just as Dr. Solace walked back in with a bucket, towels, clean rags, and some water, "hey, good timing, you two ready?"
"Yeah, we're ready", Varian replied before he looked at Lance, "do you not like puke?"
"Actually I can handle that, came with the territory when me and Eugene helped take care of the kids in the orphanage. Need me to help him sit up?"
"If you don't mind"
"I can do that, oh and thanks, for letting me borrow him", he pointed to Ruddigar, who smiled, "he helped a lot"
Varian nodded, "you're welcome"
"Shall we do this then?" Dr. Solace asked, with a nod from Varian, Lance turned to his best friend
The former thief cringed a bit at the sight of him, but took a breath, let it out, and helped Eugene sit up, "come on buddy, you're gonna hate this, but it's what you need"
The Dark Prince moaned a bit, but didn't protest as he was sat up, Varian walked over and, with Hugo holding Eugene's hair back and his mouth open, the glowing alchemist put the potion in the man's mouth. At first, Eugene sputtered, a bit of it getting spat out, but after a minute, he began to drink the potion until it was gone, "how'd you get him to do that?" The doctor asked
"I disguised the taste with some apple juice you had stored in there", the teen explained, "that was Hugo's idea"
The blond smirked before Eugene's eyes shot open, a hand clapped over his mouth as he flinched violently, "oh, he we go", the doctor said, giving Lance the puke bucket as Hugo and Varian backed up. They turned their heads as they heard Eugene puke, waiting for a few moments as Lance and Dr. Solace helped him get in all out. Once the sound had subsided, the teens looked back and saw the Dark Prince laying on his back, tears slid down his face but he was breathing a lot better and wasn't shaking as much.
Lance was wiping his best friend's face as Ruddigar curled up on the man's chest, purring comfortingly, "it's out", the doctor stated, "all he needs now is some medicine to help him feel better and bed rest, he'll be as good as new after that, should only take a few days"
Varian sighed with relief as Hugo smiled, "thanks doc"
"Me? You two are the one's who did all the work, I just held the bucket. I should be thanking *you*, so thank you"
The blond snorted, "you're welcome", he looked at Eugene, the man looked like he felt a lot better, which was good
"EUGENE!" A voice yelled before the entire room heard the sound of feet padding over to the unconscious man, "Eugene!" Rapunzel appeared out of nowhere, wrapping her arms around the man and hold him close to her, "Eugene...."
Lance and Hugo smiled at the princess, "he's still resting, but the poison's out of him", the former thief explained
"Thank *goodness*!" She replied, "will he be okay?"
"Doctor said he needs bed rest and some medicine to help him kick the sickness he got from the poison", the bespeckled teen explained
"That's where we come in", another voice said, getting the group to look and see Quirin, Adira, Hector, and a very *angry* looking Edmund standing in the door, "sorry we're late, but when I heard the symptoms that Fish Skin had I already knew what kind of medicine he would need, and it took a little digging to find it", Adira explained, producing a small bag from he pocket, "put a little of this in some tea and he'll feel better in no time"
Dr. Solace smiled and, after cleaning herself off, she accepted the bag, "thanks, I'll make some of this right away, how much does it take?"
"Just a pinch, very little is needed to heal this, but if you give him too much, it could harm him even more"
"A pinch?"
"About this much", the face painted warrior showed the doctor, using a spoon as a measurement
Dr. Solace nodded, "got it, thank you!"
"You're welcome"
With that, the doctor excused herself and walked out of the room, leaving the Dark Kingdom family, Hugo, Lance, Rapunzel, and Ruddigar in the same room together. The group was silent, listening to the sounds of Eugene's breathing before Edmund looked at the princess, "you mind if I sit next to my son?" He asked, his usually cheerful tone completely gone as he stared at the man on the bed. The princess nodded, understanding the severity in his voice and stepping aside as he sat down, taking Eugene's hand in his and giving a quiet, "thank you", as a response before becoming silent.
"So.... The prince was poisoned.... Any guesses as to who did it?" Hector asked
"Well there's one...." Hugo replied, "but I *really* hope it's wrong...."
"I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say Donella is who you're hoping it's not", Lance stated, getting a nod in confirmation from the teen
"We can't really assume it was her, though it wouldn't surprise me", Rapunzel stated, "but we need to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, even her...."
"...Rapunzel, d-did you find the um.... T-the poisoned o-object?" Varian asked, his glow wavering a bit
The princess looked at him worriedly, "I did but.... Varian are you... Alright?"
"Y-yeah just... T-the Moon she... S-she's g-going to r-rest... S-sun's coming up... S-she can't k-keep my m-mind... Um... S-sh...." The alchemist fell over, landing on the ground with a thud
"VARIAN!" Quirin yelled, running over to his son and scooping him up as Hugo ran over as well, checking his vitals
After a worried moment, the blond sighed with relief, "he fell asleep"
The group sighed gratefully, "these two are gonna fucking kill me...." Hector stated, "I swear to the Moon Eugene and Varian need to be locked in a fucking bubble with a chemistry set and some Flynn Rider toys...."
The retired knight snorted, "you know, that's really not a bad idea", he walked Varian over to Eugene's bed, and set him down next to the Dark Prince. The alchemist instantly turning and snuggling against the man's side protectively as Ruddigar waddled his way over and smooshed himself in-between the two, purring happily.
Quirin watched his son for a little bit, smiling happily, before he looked at Rapunzel, "what was the poisoned item?"
The princess took the object out of her purse and handed it to the retired knight, "it.... It's this...."
The Village Leader looked at the small item as his eyes widened worriedly, his mind racing and his blood ran cold as he held the disgusting thing in his hand. It was a half eaten, red, shiny apple, one he recognized from his own farm, ".....No....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, yay! Eugene's okay, like I would really kill him off when we haven't even gotten to the end of season 3 :D Plus, we all love our favorite Flynn Rider! He's too adorkable! <3
Varian is so tired! Poor Moon bean just cannot get a break, although, I'm certain Hugo flirting with him definitely helps XD Little sassy blond boy needs to keep his peepers a little higher thank you XD Also, Team Awesome snuggles! :D
Rapunzel and Lance were so freaking scared in this chapter, I absolutely felt bad for them here! But it happened and thank goodness Eugene is alright, poor man will be freaking sick for a few days, but he'll live! <3
The brotherhood members didn't really have too big a role to play here, but poor Quirin's got a lot on his mind right now and this definitely did not help! I agree with Hector though, lock the boys up in a bubble please, give them some toys to play with, they'll be set XD
Edmund is very angry, he's going to have more of a presence soon, just for now, he's *angry*
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon, as per usual :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Disclaimer: no apples were actually poisoned in the making of this chapter!
Chapter 183: Falling Apart!
Summary:
The group discusses what they should do next, and end up hurting someone in the process....
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene groaned, his throat felt scratchy and *everywhere* hurt as the morning sunlight hit his eyelids. Trying to escape, he tried to turn away from the light, only to be stopped by something clinging to his waist, opening his eyes, the Dark Prince looked down and smiled. He saw a messy mop of back and blue hair, a little raccoon laying in-between them as they slept, "aw kid", he whispered, not being able to talk at full volume yet. He wrapped his arms around the sleeping alchemist, hearing the teen hum happily in his sleep and snuggle closer to the man.
"Awww", he heard, looking up, the Dark Prince saw Rapunzel watching the two of them, "you two are so cute!" She exclaimed in quiet excitement
Eugene smirked, "has he been here the entire night?" He strained to ask
"Yup", another voice replied, "so have we", Quirin stepped into the man's vision, along with his father, Adira, Hector, Lance, and Hugo, getting the Dark Prince to smile, "also, you may wanna try not to talk so much, your throat still needs to rest"
With a nod, Eugene sighed before looking down at Varian once again, the teen was sleeping peacefully in his arms. The Dark Prince noticed he was being held in the tightest grip he'd ever felt, and it made his heart warm, "how are you feeling?" Edmund asked
"Ok", Eugene replied, "just.... Tired... And everything hurts...."
"Makes sense.... You... Gave us quite a scare there...."
The Dark Prince looked at his father, the man was staring at him, his eyes never leaving his son as his bags seemed much bigger than before, "dad...."
"S-sorry, you uh... Probably don't need me blubbering about you, heh", the Dark King continued to watch his son, but tried to hide it, getting Eugene to smile before a small yawn stopped him from saying anything more as he looked at the previously sleeping teen around his waist.
Varian stretched a bit before hugging the man, his yawn squeaking a bit as he let out a long sigh after and opened his eyes, "ugh... W-where am I?"
Hugo snorted, "in the medical wing, clinging to Eugene like you're his fanny pack"
The alchemist looked at the blond for a moment before he looked up at the Dark Prince, he blinked for a few moments, his mind registering what he was seeing before he blushed, "h-hi"
"Hi", Eugene replied with a comforting smile
Varian blinked again before he hugged the man, burying his face into Eugene's chest, "I-I was really worried about you...." He said before sniffling a little
The Dark Prince felt his own tears sting in his eyes, "k-kid don't you start crying, because if you cry, *I* cry, and I have a *really* ugly crying face!" Hearing the teen giggle calmed the man down as he gently rubbed the alchemist's back lovingly, "I'm okay kiddo, just... Achy"
Varian looked up at him again and smile, "me too... A-apparently I drank wrong...."
"Pfft!" Hugo clapped a hand over his mouth, laughing a little before shaking his head, "you didn't 'drink wrong', you're just a lightweight is all Freckles"
"Lightweight?"
"It means you can't handle your booze", Hector explained, "you get drunk really easily, which is honestly surprising considering your dad can pack em down better than Adira and I can put together"
"I-I haven't done that in a long time Hector!" Quirin argued, blushing wildly as he glared at the man
The wild tamer smirked, "when you did you were a fucking drinking machine! You could drink 12 beers without getting even the littlest bit tipsy, I was impressed"
"As was I", Adira agreed
"I don't do that anymore though, Varian don't listen to them, drinking in bulk is bad, don't do it", he then looked at you, "that goes for all you too! Don't drink a lot, it's bad for your liver and could cause serious damage when you're older!"
"Who are you talking to?" Hector asked, looking at you as well with a confused brow
"No one", he then looked back at his son, "just don't drink like that please"
Varian giggled again, "I won't, I think this was enough for me... The aftermath isn't worth it..." He rubbed his head sadly with a small groan of pain
Eugene shifted a bit and gently pulled Varian up to where they were face to face before he hugged the teen, resting his chin on the alchemist's head, "hangovers suck.... They feel like the after effects of poison oddly enough"
Varian hummed happily as he listened to his big brother's heartbeat while Ruddigar, who was awake now, waddled onto his boy's chest and curled into a donut on top of it, purring happily. The room was quiet for a moment, the peace settling in the air before Edmund sighed, "we... Should talk about what happened.... Shouldn't we...."
"Yeah...." Rapunzel agreed, "we really should...."
Eugene and Varian looked at the group, "what's wrong?" The Dark Prince asked as he looked at his father
"We found out what poisoned you...." The princess replied before she looked at the Village Leader, "and it... May cause some trouble...."
Quirin was glaring at the ground, "dad?" Varian said, getting the man to look at him, "are you okay?"
The retired knight let out a sigh, "....I.... I'm worried... Very worried.... The object that was poisoned.... Was one of the apples from my orchard", he pulled it out and showed them, getting the alchemist to gasp when he saw the half eaten apple in the man's hand
"It was... H-how do you know it's yours?" Eugene asked
Quirin turned the apple over to show a small sticker on it, "this was Varian's idea when he was 10 actually. There were so many complaints that the apples in Corona were too hard and not juicy enough, but I knew mine were. So, when he was a tiny bean, Varian came up with the idea to mark the apples that came from my orchard, he wanted to make sure no one would get hurt though if they ate the marks, so he make a biodegradable sticker that isn't harmful to anyone, not the environment, the animals, the humans, anyone, and it worked! Soon my apples became the most popular and that's how we ended up delivering apples to people, giving apples to the guard horses, that sort of thing. It helped business boom, but...." He looked at the apple sadly, "it... was also poisoned and ended up nearly killing you...."
Eugene's eyes widened, "Quirin that wasn't *your* fault!"
"That doesn't matter", the old farmer stated, "it's still a bad look for an apple from *my* orchard to be poisoned, and to have a *prince* be poisoned is even worse! I've been away from the farm because of this Ball, I've been taking time off because I was allowed, and look what's happened! You got *poisoned*! You nearly *died*! This could not only have *killed* you and destroyed King Edmund's line, but that poison could've affected the other apples as well! Maybe not to the same degree, but people could get really sick off of them! I've already had them recalled, every apple, from the castle to the farm, has been recalled because I can't take any chances, but people are already asking what happened.... I could smooth things over for now, but their trust in me would falter and if that happens, they'll buy less from the farms, sales could drop, people could lose their jobs, and before you know it, all of Old Corona's economy could go in the trash! The Old Coronan's live off of the money we make at that farm, and one bad apple could cost the village everything..... Varian and I... We would have to move away if that happened...."
The Dark Prince sat up a bit, "it was just one bad apple, can it really cause that much chaos?"
"Yes", Quirin replied, "first it's an apple, what will it be next? The pumpkins? The Corn? Maybe even the watermelons, suddenly people think the horses aren't that great, hell this could even affect the way people see the guard! Max is the best guard on the team, I trained him myself, but if people think I have a lapse in judgement with one apple, how do you think they'll react when my top horse is running the guards while the captain's away? Corona is a very fragile kingdom, they are warm and kind, but they don't trust very easily, oddly enough they're the polar opposite of what was the Dark Kingdom, people trusted each other whole heartedly, but they were cold and icy to each other.... This entire kingdom has a chain of commands you must follow, stray from that, show them you're not fit to be in the position you're in, and mod mentality will break out.... Not to put too finer point on it, but the people of Corona are like sheep, they follow whoever has the loudest voice, if that voice happens to be negative, they'll think the same way, that's why this worries me. It almost killed you, you're the *Prince* of the Dark Kingdom, unless we have proof that this was an act done outside of my fields, from a person not in Corona, things are going to get messy...."
"....Shit...." Eugene replied, astonished at how frightened the man seemed
"....B-but I *know* Miss. Donella did it", Varian stated, I know she did, the Moon showed me she was planning it"
"Unfortunately son, I don't think Coronan's believe in dreams the same way we do", his father replied
Eugene took a breath, letting it out slowly before he looked at Quirin, "the people don't know I was poisoned, do they?"
"Yes...."
"What?! How?!"
"Someone spread the word...." Edmund answered, "while we were taking care of you, someone spread a rumor that you'd been poisoned by a bad apple.... That's why we're all in here, we've been keeping people out of this room all night...."
"Who-!" The Dark Prince stated
"Who do you think?" Hector asked, "I'll give you three fucking guesses, the first two don't count, they weren't even fucking subtle about it either! Fucking talked about it as loud as they fucking could in the hallway, making sure we fucking heard.... Damn it I *hate* my so called "parents"!"
"....So they're working with her...." Varian said
"Son, we don't know if Donella did this or not, I know your dream made it seem that way, but we need proof first before we jump to conclusions", Quirin stated gently
"B-but what other explanation do you *have*?!" The blue eyed alchemist asked, "the apples aren't bad, we *know* that, for a *fact*! If they were, then we would've heard about this a *long* time ago! Not only that, but she's got a motive, you! She hates you! What better way to get her revenge than to attack you with something you love, just like she thinks you did to her?! Plus...." He stopped when he caught a glance at Hugo, who was looking at the floor, his fists shaking, "....I... I'm sorry.... I'll stop...."
The blond looked at his boyfriend and shook his head, "no, y-you don't have to, I'm fine I just-!"
"You're really bad at lying kid", Hector interrupted, stopping the bespeckled teen in his tracks, "seriously, this is fucking hard for me to be even *associated* with the people who are causing my brother and his spawn trouble. So it's probably really fucking devastating for you, not only because of Donella, but because this could affect *him*", he gestured to Varian, who winced, "but keeping that a fucking secret isn't gonna help you you know.... Trust me"
The blond was quiet for a moment before he sighed, "ok.... Fine... I fucking hate this too... Listening to all the ways she could even be a *little* involved in this really fucking kills me.... Makes me think that because of her actions, I look even worse by comparison considering I was raised by her... B-but.... It also hurts that she would even do this... Or her name would even be brought up during this fucking fiasco! I don't *want* her to be the cause of this! If she is then... Then...." He looked away, "...I.... I will *never* associate myself with someone who would cause someone so much pain... It's fucking fine if she does it to me! Even *better* if she harms someone who deserves it! It's fine but... Not to...." He looked at Varian, "not to you.... Not to you or Eugene or your families.... It isn't fair.... And it really fucking sucks that she might have something to do with it... But... What if she does.... A-and she did it for a really bullshit reason.... I... D-don't know how I'll r-react to that..." His voice broke a little as he wrapped his arms around himself and shivered. No one spoke, he felt them staring though, their eyes burned into his body like a hot iron on his skin. He felt himself sinking lower and lower to the ground before he felt arms wrap around him.
Looking up, he was met with sky blue eyes staring back, they were worried and scared, but a welcome change from what he was feeling before, "it's okay", Varian said, instantly calming the blond, "none of what she does has us placing any blame on you. You're good Hugo, you're a good boy, and I trust you with every fiber of my being, even when I'm drunk", he gave the bespeckled teen a crooked smile, prompting Hugo to return it, "you are *not* Miss. Donella, whatever we find out about her is not a reflection of *you*, only her, her actions speak for her and her alone, and I'll make sure to keep telling you that until you never have a single doubt in that pretty head of yours, okay?"
The blond nodded, hugging the blue eyed alchemist, they stayed that way for a long time before Hugo realized something and broke the hug, "wait at minute..."
"What?"
"....You think I'm pretty?"
"....HUGO! For fuck's sake I though you were gonna-! Just! Damn it, you're such a brat!" Varian exclaimed, blushing deeply as the blond snickered
"Sorry, I tend to joke when I get emotional", he explained, "force of habit", he smiled at his flustered boyfriend before he kissed him on the lips, "love you"
"....Love you too.... Brat"
The blond snickered before he got up, helping Varian to his feet before the blue eyed teen leaned against him, holding his head in his hand, "you've got a really bed hangover, huh Freckles?"
"Why does that drink cause this? My head's *killing* me! And I feel like I barely got any sleep...."
Hugo smiled lovingly, "well, there are a number of factors, Alcohol suppresses the release of vasopressin, a hormone produced by the brain that sends signals to the kidneys causing them to retain fluid. As a result, alcohol increases urination and excess loss of fluids. The mild dehydration that results likely contributes to hangover symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, and a headache. You feel sleepy because even though people may fall asleep faster after drinking alcohol, their sleep is fragmented, and they tend to wake up earlier. This contributes to fatigue, as well as lost productivity. Alcohol also directly irritates the lining of the stomach and increases acid release. This can lead to nausea and stomach discomfort.
Inflammation: Alcohol increases inflammation in the body. Inflammation contributes to the malaise that people feel when they are sick, so it may play a role in hangover symptoms as well. Alcohol metabolism, primarily by the liver, creates the compound acetaldehyde, a toxic, short-lived byproduct, which contributes to inflammation in the liver, pancreas, brain, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs, causing you pain. And while drinking, individuals may feel calmer, more relaxed, and even euphoric, but the brain quickly adjusts to those positive effects as it tries to maintain balance. As a result, when the buzz wears off, people can feel more restless and anxious than before they drank". He helped Varian climb back into bed with Eugene, who wrapped an arm around the teen, pulling a blanket over him as Ruddigar hopped into his boy's lap, "basically, alcohol really sucks the day after you drink it, so don't do it a lot and you'll be fine!"
Lance snorted, "is that all?" Getting Hugo to laugh
"It's scary how much you know about the stuff", the blue eyed alchemist stated
"Oh come on, don't tell me you're not a little bit interested in learning more now Freckles", Hugo teased
Varian hesitated for a moment before he blushed and nodded, "oki, yeah, it's interesting... But it's still scary you know that much about it". The bespeckled teen grinned, "also, you can add, 'listing random trivia', to your 'what do I do when I'm feeling emotional' list"
The blond chuckled, "yeah, guess I can, along with 'kiss my adorable boyfriend just to see him blush'", Varian blushed even more, lightly punching the blond playfully, "heh... Thanks... For making me feel better"
"You're welcome"
"As adorable as this moment is, and trust me, I'll be drawing this later, we should really get back to what we should do about the poisoned apple", Rapunzel said, getting everyone to look at her, "we have the people we're suspicious about, but we need proof that they're the one's that did this in the first place. If we go out there and accuse them of poisoning Eugene, we'll need to back it up with something"
"Right", Adira agreed, "can't fight a war without an army, we should start keeping a close eye on her, and I think it would be best to keep an eye on the Duke and Duchess as well as the royal advisor, just in case. Is there anyone else we should worry about?"
They all thought for a moment before Hector huffed, "honestly, and this is gonna piss the princess off, but the King of Corona hasn't exactly been kind to my brother or my nephew.... Maybe somebody should be watching him too"
"What?!" Rapunzel exclaimed, glaring at the wild tamer, "look my dad made a *bunch* of mistakes, but he would *never* poison Eugene! Ever!"
"In order to get back at the boy he hated so much and the man who's rejected his apologies? Yeah, he fucking would"
"Hey, I will *accept* my father did a lot of bad things to Quirin and Varian, but he would *never* poison Eugene and put his *kingdom* in jeopardy!"
"Seems pretty *on par* for him considering"
"Hector-!"
"ENOUGH!" Quirin snapped, getting both of them to look at him, "Frederic isn't on my good list either, but I agree, he wouldn't poison Eugene", he explained to Hector
"Ha!" Rapunzel bragged, smirking at Hector
"*But*, it would still be a good idea to have someone watch over him, simply because the Duke, Duchess, Donella, and Nigel all tend to stay close to him and the Queen", the retired knight added
"Hmph!" Hector replied, glaring at Rapunzel
"Quirin my *father* had nothing to do with this!", the princess argued
"I'm not saying he did Rapunzel", Quirin stated gently, "I'm saying someone should keep an eye on him just in case we *hear* anything from any of the other suspects. It could come in handy if we do, that's *all* I'm saying"
"....You really don't trust me do you?" She stated, getting the old farmer to look at her, a little surprised, "after everything I've tried to do to get you to trust me again, everything, you still don't trust me or my family...." She narrowed her eyes at the retired knight, "my boyfriend was just *poisoned* and nearly *died* in front of me, and you wanna have someone watching my parents because you think they'd *know* something about it?"
"That's not what I-!"
"Then what?! You think they're a part of it?! That they want to hurt you too?! They put that all aside, everything that happened between you, Varian, and them! They're trying to get better-!"
"I *know* that Rapunzel, if you would just calm do-!"
"They would never put anyone *innocent* in danger! So why on *Earth* would you think that they woul-!"
"Rapunzel-!" Quirin tried
"That they would *ever* after everything that-!"
"Rapunzel-!" Quirin tried again, feeling his blood boil
"After what *you* and the *Moonstone* put them through!"
"RAPUNZEL! ENOUGH!" He yelled, stopping the girl in her tracks as he glared *daggers* at her, "I'm *trying* okay?! I'm fucking *TRYING*! My farm, my home, my fucking *FAMILY* could be in danger here! This doesn't just affect *ME*! It affects Varian, it affects Hugo, it affects King Edmund, Adira, and Hector, hell, it even affects *Eugene*! He's the fucking Dark Kingdom *Prince* Rapunzel! And he was just poisoned because someone decided to get back at *ME*!" He snapped, "if this is Donella, she's doing this because of me, and because of Hugo, she wants me to back of or be ruined, and she wants Hugo under her control! Do you not *understand* that?! Your parents are not the *issue* here! They may *HEAR* something! They're the King and Queen of *Corona*! The hosting kingdom for this year's 7 Kingdom *BALL*! They talk to *everyone* Rapunzel! I suggested we have someone watch them only to see if we could *hear* anything! That's all..... And for the record, the Moonstone had nothing to do with what happened to your kingdom and family, neither did I..... But thanks... Good to know how you actually fucking *feel* about me..." The retired knight let out a sigh, "I just... Want my family to be safe... I don't wanna lose m-my home again... That's all..... Okay? So can you please stop bringing up things I'd rather forget and just focus on what we're doing here? I just... Want this to stop...." He closed his eyes as he felt tears slide down his face. Shaking his head he opened them and looked at her again, "I.... Need to go.... I can't... Talk to you right now.... Not like this.... Won't solve anything...." He looked at Hugo and Eugene, "watch over him... please?"
"Yeah", Eugene replied
"Of course", Hugo agreed
"D-dad", Varian began
"I'm okay, just... Need to be alone for a minute, okay?" He said, smiling as he walked over to Varian and kissed his forehead, "I'll be back, it's just for a minute, you rest here, okay?"
".....O-ok...." The alchemist replied, hugging his father tightly, "talk later?"
"Talk later, I promise", Varian let go of the man and nodded before his father smiled at him again before he left the room.
Everyone was silent as the door closed shut, no one spoke as they heard Quirin's footsteps fading away. Rapunzel had her hands over her mouth, her guilt festering inside of her, growing so bad that she felt like she would puke, "I-!" she tried
"Don't...." Varian interrupted, his voice deep and quiet, "just.... Don't...."
"B-but-!"
"Do you know how many times I've seen that man shed a tear? Twice.... We we hugged after he was released from the amber.... And when my mother died.... I never wanted to see that again unless he was happy.... And Princess", he looked at her, his eyes were less than pinpricks as his eyes and hair began to glow bright, "he wasn't happy....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah... This happened, the group's kinda on edge right now and the wrong things were said at the worst times..... So... Yeah, no Punzie hate, but she kinda messed up again.
Varian and Eugene snuggling is so cute, I need to draw them together snuggling like that, it's adorable! :D TEAM AWESOME! Also, Varian is *P*ssed* right, the bean went full Moon at her, he's freaking *angry*!
Hugo having both a soft moment and a flirt is so like him yet so sad at the same time, he's such a fun character to write!
Hector didn't mean to, he was just making a suggestion, trust me, he feels very bad....
Adira, Lance, and Edmund weren't very prominent in this chapter, but they'll get more time later :3
I do not hate Rapunzel, but Quirin and her do not get along on some things and this was just... a lot... Too much for her and she ended up exploding on the wrong person. I've been there, on both ends, I've exploded on someone innocent, and I've been exploded on when I was innocent, neither side it fun... I feel bad for Punzie, she's getting better with Varian, but she's still got a long way to go
Poor Quirin... I think the guy really needs a break, he's had so much happen to him in such a short amount of time, and while he's had little moments of reprieve, he still hasn't really gotten to talk about anything that he's felt. He's still sad about a lot, still feels guilty about a lot, and still really needs to talk to Lance and Varian about a lot. He'll get there, but he's just... He's human, he can't take much more, hence, Quirin character arc! But it's hard, poor protective farmer dad....
Alcohol facts came from: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers#:~:text=A%20number%20of%20factors%20can,and%20excess%20loss%20of%20fluids. They are not mind, but they are real! Look it up, it's very interesting! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 184: Bottled Up! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Quirin doesn't know how to express how he feels!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Fuck....* Quirin thought to himself as he walked quickly down the hall, his tears dripping onto the floor, *fuck fuck FUCK! I let it out! My anger I.... I didn't want to.... This wasn't supposed to happen but.... Damn if that princess doesn't make me so upset! ....Varian....* His son's worried expression flashed through his mind, *he was so concerned.... Damn it....*
He continued to walk, not really sure where his feet were taking him until he bumped into someone, "ah! Who jus-! Quirin?" A gentle voice said, "h-hey are you okay?"
The retired knight looked up and saw Trinity looking at him worriedly, *shit, of all the people to run into!* He thought, "n-no! I mean yes, I-I'm fine, just... Walking.... And thinking"
"And crying", another voice added, getting Quirin to look and see Dexter walking over to them, "and from what Hector told us, you don't tend to cry"
"I..... I'm fine, really I'm perfectly fine"
"....You're... Positive? Because we're here if you need to talk", Trinity offered, placing a hand on the man's shoulder
He tensed a little at the touch, not used to it before he relaxed a little, smiling at his brother's sister, "thank you, but I really am alright, I just.... Need to be alone for a moment..."
"Ok, just.... Let us know if you need anything, ok?"
"Alright, thank you", he replied politely before he walked away, he waited until he rounded the corner before he let out a breath and his tears began to slide down his cheeks again, *what am I doing? Acting like a child? Throwing a fit because the princess hurt my feelings? ....Ugh.... Why can't I stop crying? Why am I so emotional? You worried your son and just ran away! What exactly does that tell him? That he can just run away from his problems? That he can act like a child for the rest of his life? What is WRONG with you?!* He scolded himself, but the tears wouldn't stop, *...I need to get out of this castle... Maybe some fresh air will do me some good.... Come on, let's go* He wiped his face with his arm before sighing and walking towards the side door of the castle.
****
The retired knight smiled when he felt the cool air hit his cheeks, taking a breath as he felt his sorrows lessen just a bit, *better... Much better* He thought to himself as he walked towards the flowers. He smiled at the budding roses, closing his eyes and taking in their smells as he rounded the corner, *just need a little walk outside is all, then I'll be back by Varian's side, telling him not to worry, it's okay, just breathe*.
He sighed contently as he felt the anger inside of him began to calm itself down, he opened his eyes.... Only to stop dead in his tracks as he saw the large wooden pole looming in his vision. He frowned, remembering Varian telling him about the cruel punishment he'd endured, he noticed some dried blood on the pole, forever stained in his son's shame. He wanted to puke, clapping a hand over his mouth he turned his back to the pole, *don't look don't look don't look don't look don't fucking look.....* He felt his anger begin to boil again as new tears began to form, *damn it! Need to escape!* He looked around before spotting a large rock nearby, his eyes widened when he remembered his son's quiet place.
Desperately, Quirin ran to the rock, moving it to the side as fast as he could before slipping in and moving the rock back, hiding his son's secret from the world as he walked down the path, he felt his stomach calm down as the silence hit his ears, *ok, now it's getting better again, phew....* He removed his hand from his mouth and took a few uneasy breaths, he didn't realize just how out of breath he'd been until now, *I should really start training again... I used to have a lot more stamina than this.... What kind of knight am I?....*
He sighed, feeling guilty as he looked at his stomach, he hadn't thought much about his figure, but he noticed it was slightly bigger than he remembered. Feeling worse, he finally reached the end of the path, only to see it's shattered remains. He raised a brow, "W-what happened he-!"
*"HUGO!"* His son's scream echoed in his mind as rocks erupted from the ground, pushing him and Eugene back while his son ran towards his panicking boyfriend, trying to catch the blond as he fainted
"Right.... That was the night Hugo told Eugene and I about Donella....." He said to himself, feeling his blood boil again, *I hate the women....* He thought, *I just to-!* He gasped, clapping his hands to him mouth as the horrible images of his fantasy filled his mind, one's where Donella was on the grown, choking on her own blood while he stood over her, an insane smile on his face as he watched her suffer, "STOP!" He yelled, placing a hand over his eyes, "just stop.... I can't take them... The images... No more... I-I don't want to be like that anymore...."
His tears began to pour once again as he realized this spot was not a good pick for him to calm down.... Sighing, he walked out, moving the rock and replacing it once he was free before he walked back inside the castle, *today is not my day....* He thought to himself, *maybe the family room is the best place for me right now.... I don't think I have any bad memories there right?*
*"You.... Could hear me?"* Frederic's voice said, *"I said that because I was angry and I want you to know I didn't mean it, I realize that's not going to solve the worry you had over it, but I felt horrible after, and had I known you could hear me I would've taken that back..."*
*Shut up!* Quirin screamed in his mind, *Shut up! You don't mean *ANY* of that!* The retired knight stopped, "b-but... I was... Willing to listen... I just wanted him to know how much he'd hurt me and my son... I wasn't willing to be friends again right at that moment... But... Ugh! Why am I still so upset about that?! What's WRONG with me?!" He huffed, before looking around and seeing no one, "I... Don't think the family room is a good idea either... M-maybe I'll just... Head to mine and Varian's room, that'll be better... M-much better...." With a nod of confirmation, the retired knight made his way to his and his son's room.
****
*Why?* He asked himself as he stared into the green eyes of the very LAST person he wanted to see, *why?* He asked again, as he saw her crooked smile, *why?* He continued to ask, as she walked over to him, her smirk infinitely growing more irritating as he held his tongue when he saw her, *why.... Does this have to happen now?*
"Hello there Quirin", Donella said, he eyes never leaving his as she blocked his path to his and Varian's room, "what's wrong, it looks like you've had a bad day"
His eyes narrowed at her as he tried not to reply, "he looks like he's having more than a bad day", Cyrus replied as he walked next to the women, "pretty depressing sight to see in all honesty, what? Your little group have a fall out because dear dark princey got sick?"
"Now now Cyrus, we don't want to upset the man further", the grey haired women stated, her eyes still locked on Quirin as the man silently fumed, "after all it's not everyday your long lost prince gets poisoned", her smirk grew wider, "sorry, that might be a touchy subject, but everyone's talking about it. And maybe I should warn you, but it's not looking good for your son"
The retired knight's eyes widened, "w-what?"
"Oh come now! Surely you've heard that your son is sort of a... How shall I say it... Hot topic right now. I mean he kidnapped the Queen of Corona, sent an army of automatons after everyone, even injured the captain of the royal guard. If that isn't enough he also helped terrorist's overtake the kingdom, it's no wonder you have guards standing outside the medical room he's in. I'm surprised your king even let him near the prince"
"Shut up...." Quirin stated, his fists clenching as he grit his teeth, fighting the urge not to punch the women as more violent images flashed in his mind
"I was only warning you, old *friend*, you see, Hugo's become attached to your boy, and I wouldn't want to find out the teen had something to do with your poor prince's poisoning, why it would break my Hugo's heart, especially if the boy were to end up in the dungeons... Again", hearing the man growl she placed a hand over her mouth in mock surprise, "oops did I say something wrong? I apologize, I just thought you should know, clearly I shouldn't have said a word though about your jailbird son"
The Village Leader felt his temper flare, he opened his mouth to speak when, "no, you shouldn't have you fucking bitch", a voice stopped him, getting the two to turn and see Adira and Hector standing behind the retired knight, the wild tamer glaring daggers at the grey haired women, "you should really keep your fucking mouth shut before someone comes and cuts out your tongue while watching you choke on your own blood you piece of Ingvarrian shit".
Donella was a little shocked by his words, "such vulgar language, coming from a prince"
"Oh fuck that bullshit, you really thing you fancy fucks haven't said shit or piss at one point in your lives? Fuck you, the manners go out the window when you start talking shit about my fucking family you bitch", Hector snapped right back, stepping in front of his big brother and continuing to glare at the women
"Oh I see, Quirin can't fight his own battles now, she he has his younger siblings to do it for him? How the mighty have fallen"
"For the record", Adira said, walking right up to Donella and glaring at her directly in the eye, "we are only doing this because our brother does not need to associate with you, *any* of you. He's a far better person than you will ever be, you know that, *I* know that, Hector knows it, hell the whole kingdom knows it as well. So save your threats and insults for someone else because at the moment all you're doing is pissing *us* off. And trust me", he best down so she was eye level with the women, "while Quirin may hold his temper back until he can't any longer, *we* don't hesitate to attack those who harm our loved ones first. Believe me, I could care less about a title when it comes to such things"
Donella narrowed her eyes at the women, "and you think you can *take* me?"
"Easily", was the only response she got from the face painted warrior, as her eyes darkened while she continued to watch Donella intensely
The greyed haired women continued to glare at the two, wanting to continue her conversation, but sighed, "we'll end this for now, but only because I have a prior engagement and this little meeting wasn't planned"
"So you're saying something else was?" Hector asked, raising a brow
"Excuse me?"
"This 'little meeting' wasn't planned, so then what was? Trip to Corona maybe? A few trips with my parents? Maybe one to Old Corona?"
"Are you insinuating that *I* poisoned your prince? If you are, I'll have no choice but to go to the royals about such a threat?"
"So blaming my nephew, a prince of the Dark Kingdom, is okay, but insinuating that you, a commoner invited by the Duke and Duchess, is worse?" The wild tamer asked, getting the women to wince a bit, "that's pretty backwards thinking you know, how would your Queen, who happens to like my nephew by the fucking way, feel about that? What if she had a nephew too and you just blamed them and made their father feel horrible about it? Hm? Don't you think that would cause a little bit more trouble than you'd rather have right now? Shouldn't you be smart? I thought manipulative piles of shit like you were". He looked bored as he watched the women huff at him, "right... So we're gonna go, you can head over to your 'prior engagement', have a fucking blast". With that, he grabbed Quirin's arm and pulled the man towards to room, not that the retired knight was fighting against his brother's grip as he unlocked the door and happily walked in, Adira and Hector following behind him as the face painted warrior gave Donella one last glare before she closed the door shut.
****
They waited for a few moments, no one spoke as Adira listened by the door, she heard silence, a few voices talking, then a pair of footsteps walk away before , "Thanks", Quirin said, his heart beating rapidly as he looked at his two siblings
"Don't thank us yet", Hector said
"Quirin... Are you really okay?" Adira asked
"I-I'm fine, just... Needed a place to go without interruption", Quirin lied
The face painted warrior raised a brow before sighing, "look Stickler, you've always followed the rules, been a good kid, done what you were told without question, and always stood up for what was right even when it got hard... But you never let your feelings slip, ever. You'd let Wild Child, Fuz face, and me cry our hearts out when we needed, but you always kept it together, but what we just saw, that was not together"
"I-!"
"Look, we get it", Hector stated, "you've been the strong one, always have been, always will be, and with Varian being extra anxious lately, it isn't hard to see how much you're pushing yourself. But... You're gonna get hurt..."
Adira nodded, "you've been so focused on keeping Speckles and Glasses happy that you're hurting yourself, it's not good for you..."
"I..." Quirin felt his guilt begin to build up, "you don't have to worry about me, I'm really okay, it was just... Too much for me in there"
"No it wasn't!" Hector snapped, "you even know why we're out here? We were gonna leave you be until fucking Trinity and Dex came to find us! They told me *you* looked really upset and hurt, and that they were concerned about you because you said you were fine! Varian would've come himself if Eugene and Hugo hadn't convinced him to stay because you would worry *more* if he were out of bed! So stop lying to yourself and us! You're *not* okay Quirin! You need to stop trying to be so strong for once and just.... Let yourself be upset, for fucking once"
"Please Quirin", Adira said, "this isn't good for you... It isn't... Think about what would happen if Varian did this, would that be okay?"
"N-no!"
"Then why is it okay for you?"
"B-because I... I need to be there for him, I n-need to be his foundation, his stable parent, I *have* to! Because if I don't...." Varian's tears stung in his mind and heart, his back filled with scars burning into the mans vision, "i-if I don't.... He'll...." He heard the teen shouting, crying, begging for help, so afraid, so alone, "I.... H-he'll fall apart...."
"....How can you be his foundation if you're about to fall?" Hector asked gently, "how can you be stable when you're tripping over your own two feet?"
"He's right", Adira said, "and so are you in a way, you need to be there for your son, no one can deny that. But you don't do that by burying your feelings and sadness, no one can control that much emotion in themselves Quirin, not even you"
The retired knight shook his head, "but if I get upset now, he'll want to comfort me, he's already got so much on his plate, I don't n-need to add to that!"
"You just fucking stuttered!" Hector snapped, "you don't stutter Quirin"
"At least... You haven't ever since-!" Adira started
"Don't!" Quirin snapped, "don't... I... Don't want to talk about that.... I'm fine.... *it's* fine, it's all perfectly fi-!"
*"NO IT'S NOT!"*
"Huh?" He stopped when his son's angry voice ripped through his mind as he remembered the night they were playing Monopoly
*"It's NOT fine! It's never BEEN fine! And you CONTINUALLY saying it's fine and PRETENDING like you aren't UPSET is only making it WORSE!"
Rapunzel blinked a couple times at the young alchemist before shaking her head and smiling weakly, "it's fine Varian, look I r-really am o-!"
"NO YOU'RE NOT! And neither am I! Yet you continue to slap a fake smile on your face and reassure yourself that y-you aren't upset a-and making everything s-seem like one big FUCKING picnic and it's NOT, I'm NOT, you're NOT, nobody is FINE! I-is this what you did?! W-when I was locked in the fucking DUNGEONS?! J-just forget about me, everything's fine? I-is it?! D-did you jus forget about ME, my RACCOON, my DAD, my HOME, d-did you?! L-like a fucking burden? B-because if that's all I and my struggles are to you then WHY DO YOU KEEP TALKING TO ME?! If y-you don't wanna face w-what happened so badly then why don't you just avoid me, LIKE YOU DID BACK THEN?!"*
His heart broke as he remembered how upset Varian had been, how quickly the teen had ran out of the room despite having a hurt ankle... Then how he'd talked to his son no too long after, the words he'd said:
*"You want to talk to her, don't you?"
"Yeah...."
"But you're scared to?"
"Yeah...."
"That's quite a conundrum"
"Yeah...."
"Itty Bitty is a far better animal companion than Ruddigar"
"Ye- Hey!"
His father chuckled, "just making sure you were still with me"
"You really are an evil jerkface"
"I know"
"Ruddigar is better in every way"
"Agree to disagree because we're getting off topic"
The alchemist pouted before sighing defeatedly, placing his arms back onto the balcony railing and placing his chin on top of them, "I... I should apologize to her... S-she didn't mean to.... This time anyway.... S-she didn't deserve that...."
"In a way you're right, she didn't deserve to be yelled at tonight, especially for feelings you haven't really coped with yourself", the teen suck further into his arms, "but, you also managed to tell her how you felt, sure it was the wrong way to do it, but she clearly got the message. You may have been harsh but honestly, this group could use a little brute strength mixed in"
"Brute strength?"
"Yup, some blunt truths, someone to tell it like it is without holding anything back, getting the message across in a clear and rational way"
"I think my brute strength might be broken"
Quirin chuckled again, "it's not broken, I think your brute strength has been hiding for so long that it ended up coming out at a random time. You and I both have a bad habit of not really talking about what we feel, but you chatting with Lance is starting to help, I can tell. You're much more up front with how you feel now than you've ever been, and it's a little easier for me to tell when it's the time to come and help you, and when it's the time to leave you be". He smiled lovingly at his son, "you're making a lot of progress with Lance you know, even if there are times like this where everything comes out in one big yell, it came out!"
"B-but wouldn't the progress be halted if I just e-end up saying everything I feel with no r-regards to anyone else's feeling?" Varian replied worriedly as Ruddigar nuzzled him, "I mean, you t-talk about how me yelling a-and cussing out the princess is a good thing b-but I fail to see how w-what I just did will make a-any difference aside from bad!"
"Because she heard you"
"W-What?"
"VARIAN!"*
Quirin placed a hand to his mouth as his own words repeated in his mind, ricocheting from one part of his mind to the other, *"Because she heard you"*. "I...." The retired knight started, wanting to debate, wanting to argue, but when he remembered the happy look on Varian's face when the two had come back from their talk, seemingly a lot better than they were before, and how relieved Varian had felt after. Remembering this brought more tears to Quirin's eyes as he chuckled bitterly, "I.... am such an idiot...."
Hector and Adira exchanged glances with each other before the face painted warrior looked at her brother, "about what exactly?"
"Everything! I-I-I told *Varian* that we *both* have a bad habit of not talking about how we feel! H-how that's a bad thing! Yet here I am! Doing it myself! I mean, how hypocritical! I... I'm such an *idiot*!" He chuckled again, tears falling freely, "I.... I just don't... Know how to handle this anymore.... M-my anger, my sadness... It keeps g-getting worse, and then Rapunzel... W-what I and the Moonstone did to her parents? Is s-she kidding?! H-her FATHER threw my SON in *JAIL*! B-but no, i-it's my fault and...." He sighed, "I hate feeling like this... It makes me feel stupid... Why should I even be upset when there are more pressing matters? Why should I feel sad if I've got a home, a family, food, clothes, w-what gives me the *right* to feel anything negative at all?! A-and yet, it just gets worse... A-and worse... The talk with Frederic helped.... B-but I'm still so angry... I just.... It's like all I feel is angry and sad and so scared about losing everything and I don't know how to *handle* it! M-my coping strategy was t-to think about all I have, b-but all I have is disappearing! Hector, you're talking to your siblings again, Adira, you became friends with Lance and Queen Arianna, King Edmund and Eugene are getting closer, and Varian.... H-he has Hugo and Ruddigar... M-my home was left, that was it, I was okay if I had m-my home but now with this whole poison apple bullshit I just.... Lost it.... E-everything's crumbling around me, everyone's moving on and I don't know how to handle it because I'm *terrified*!" He wrapped his arms around himself, his body shivering as he stared at the ground, "....my home... m-my friends.... my life.... my son.... It's all going away and I can't s-stop it... I'm losing them again... O-or at least it feels like it.... I d-don't want to lose my home again... I d-don't....." He sat on the bed as his sobs took over his words.
He felt the ground sinking lower as his guilt rose higher, he heard voices in his head screaming at him, *how DARE you say how you feel! You need to let them move on! You're not the star here! You didn't even care about your son before, what's different now?! You should lose everything! EVERYONE!*
He felt two hands on his shoulders, one on each, opening his eyes he looked and saw Adira and Hector smiling at him, "I.... I'm sorry...."
"Nothing to be sorry for Quirin", Adira said, "you're right, we're moving on, we're getting better, but that's because of you"
"What?"
"Um, you kinda saved our lives when we were kids and practically *raised* us", Hector stated, "not to mention you were the king's only true friend while he was growing up"
Adira nodded, "you've also been there for Varian when no one else was, and yes, he's got Hugo and Ruddigar, I've got Lance and a new friendship with the Queen, and Hector has his siblings, even King Edmund has Eugene now, but *none* of us will *ever* leave your side! Ever"
"You got us through so much", Hector said
"Helped us with our fears, our worries, our home", Adira added
"We won't leave you Quirin, no matter what relationships we have. And I know they're not here, but Varian and King Edmund won't either"
The retired knight sniffled, "h-how do you two-!"
"Because we love you", the face painted warrior admitted, "we love and care about you, you're our big brother, and we care about you, that'll never change, ever"
The retired knight's body stopped shivering, his heart slowed to a normal rate as his tears lessened, "you... M-mean that?"
"Yup", Hector stated, "no matter how fucking gushy it sounds"
Quirin snorted, "it does kinda sound gushy"
"It really does"
"Boys", Adira exclaimed, rolling her eyes, "can't stand the least bit of sentiment"
"Um... I cried and just had a very gushy moment", Quirin argued
"....You're the exception"
"Hey!" Hector exclaimed, getting the other two to laugh, "fucking assholes"
The Village Leader smiled at his little brother before he sighed, "....Rapunzel... Really hurt me.... I've been feeling guilty about my part to play with the Moonstone, my son's jail time, and the after effects on the citizens of Corona and Old Corona... I... Didn't need her telling me all my thoughts were right...."
"She's wrong, she felt horrible for it the moment you left too, though we had to calm Varian down quiet a bit"
Quirin raised a brow as he looked at the wild tamer, "what? Why?"
"Because he got so upset that a few black rocks sprouted from around the bed and nearly attacked her", Adira replied with a snicker, "it would've been funny had it not been so dangerous, Glasses, Earring, and Fish Skin helped calm him down though, he's pouting on your behalf as we speak"
Quirin smiled as he pictured his son's pout, the alchemist's bottom lip sticking out just enough to show he was annoyed without being dramatic, "I love him so much"
Hector snorted, "spoken like a true doting parent"
The retired knight smirked before he let out a sigh, "thanks, for coming to help me... I needed it"
"You're welcome", Adira replied with a warm smiled, "when you're ready, we'll walk back to the room together, okay? But only when you're *actually* ready"
Quirin smiled and nodded, "alright, when I'm actually ready then, he spotted Itty Bitty swimming in his bowl nearby and smiled before he got up and picked up the bowl, "hey little one", the fish nuzzled the bowl when Quirin's finger was, making the old farmer chuckle as he continued to play with his fishy friend as his brother and sister watched with smiles on their faces.
****
"I can't believe he can actually hop out of the water like that", Hector exclaimed as he, Adira, Quirin, and Itty Bitty, bowl held in the retired knight's arms happily, walked towards the medical wing
"I told you he was a very smart little fish", the Village Leader replied proudly, "he's learned a lot since we brought him home that fishing night! You remember that, don't you Adira?"
The face painted warrior nodded, "I remember, it was when Speckles and I debated about the sea monster in the river"
"Sea monster? Seriously?" Hector asked
"I made a valid argument and got Speckles excited, it helped their bonding trip"
"I guess"
Quirin smiled at the memory as they reached the door, "we should go again sometime, that was a lot of fun, Lance got a fish friend too, his name is Cuddles"
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me", the wild tamer joked, getting the other two to laugh before they heard a loud crash followed by some yelling, "what the hell?"
"That... Doesn't sound go-!" Adira started
"VARIAN CALM DOWN! VARIAN!" Hugo shouted worriedly before the three saw a bright flash of blue and yellow through the door
Quirin didn't hesitate, bursting through the door only to see his son floating above the bed, his eyes and hair glowing *dangerously* bright as he glared at Rapunzel, who had her hands up in a placating gesture, her own hair and eyes glowing, "please! I didn't mean it-!"
"SHUT UP!" He screamed, his voice echoing off the walls as rocks burst from the ground, "JUST SHUT *UP*!"
Quirin watched his son, as did Adira and Hector while Ruddigar, Hugo, Lance, and Eugene tried to calm him down as Edmund stood in front of Rapunzel, sadly looking up at his grandson while protecting the princess. The teen's anger was radiating off of him like the light from the Moon, he was growling and glaring, not even *looking* at his father as the black rocks forming around him caused the room to crack and break. But Quirin didn't notice any of that, he didn't care about the room, about the rocks, about the mess, or about the glow. He was focused on one thing, and one thing alone.... His son's tears dripping from the teen's chin and onto the floor below, "Varian...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So we've got a Quirin chapter! With a cliff hanger, woot! :D
So, I do this, try to find a place to escape before I end up saying something wrong, Quirin is a bit of a self insert for this chapter. But when I can't find a safe place, I panic, and get angry, then lash out to try and make a safe place. I've gotten better about this of course, but it took a long time and some really good friends to help me out. Quirin got that in Adira and Hector for this chapter. To anyone who deals with this sort of thing, or anything close to it, you're not alone, and you've got people you can talk to! You're not alone, and I'll continue saying that until I'm blue in the face! <3
Adira and Hector are the support here, honestly, I love their relationship with each other, but their relationship with Quirin is even better to me! I'll explore it more with more chapters to come, but they truly love and respect Quirin, and seeing them comfort him makes me really happy :D
Kudos to Trinity and Dexter for getting the help they knew Quirin needed without pushing him into it! :D
Varian and Punzie's side of the story shall be revealed in the next chapter, but it's... Messy.... Very messy....
Itty Bitty is the animal star today! :D Of course, Ruddy Buddy is still the best! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a great night! <3
Chapter 185: Bottled Up! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Rapunzel ticks Varian off even more, by accident
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Talk later, I promise", Varian let go of Quirin and nodded before his father smiled at him and left the room.
Everyone was silent as the door closed shut, no one spoke as they heard the Village Leader's footsteps fading away. Rapunzel had her hands over her mouth, her guilt festering inside of her, growing so bad that she felt like she would puke, "I-!" she tried
"Don't...." Varian interrupted, his voice deep and quiet, "just.... Don't...."
"B-but-!"
"Do you know how many times I've seen that man shed a tear? Twice.... We we hugged after he was released from the amber.... And when my mother died.... I never wanted to see that again unless he was happy.... And Princess", he looked at her, his eyes were less than pinpricks as they, and his hair, began to glow bright, "he wasn't happy....."
"Varian I just... I d-don't know what came over me, I n-never meant the things I said I-!"
"WELL THEN YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID ANYTHING THEN SHOULD YOU HAVE?!" The alchemist screamed, glowing brighter as he glared at the princess as rocks shot out of the ground and pointed towards Rapunzel
"Varian, hey", Eugene wrapped his arms around the teen, pulling his little brother towards himself, "it's gonna be alright, Quirin will come back and you two can talk to each other. You can calm him down and help him out, then he'll give you his Quirin smile and everything will be okay, alright?"
"B-BUT SHE-!"
"I know kiddo, I know.... But she didn't mean to, I know you're upset, but you're making black rocks appear Hair Stripe", he gestured to the rocks, getting the teen to wince a little, "you need to calm down kid, take a few deep breaths, it's gonna be okay"
"Yeah", Hugo agreed, "we're here now, your dad's taking a minute, it's gonna be alright, just calm down Freckles, okay?"
Varian's glow dimmed a little as he took a few breaths, "y-yeah... Ok.... Y-you're right just... Need to calm down..." As he did, the rocks began to sink into the floor
"That's it, you're doing great kiddo", Eugene smiled proudly
Rapunzel watched Varian struggled to control his anger, the teen seemingly getting it under control once Ruddigar walked over to his boy and nuzzled him. The black rocks fully sinking into the floor as the alchemist's glow dimmed completely, along with her own, as the teen looked at Eugene and Hugo and began to talk.
****
She felt guilty, but also felt a little angry herself. She thought about what the farmer had said, about wanting to watch her family so they could hear something, but her mind wouldn't allow herself to justify that. She kept remembering everything the retired knight had said about her parents and it made her angrier and angrier as she also remembered how hard her mother and father worked to make up for their transgressions. It didn't seem fair to her, *why do they get to be angry and upset.... My parents are trying to change, yet both of them don't get that... It just... It hurts me to think that maybe they haven't really forgiven them.... Or me... For that matter..... Is that it? Have they not forgiven me? Have they lied? Did Varian lie....?*
She looked at the tiny alchemist, he was calming down enough to where his glow had finally gone away, but he wasn't looking at her, in fact he seemed to be avoiding eye contact with the blond princess at all, which just made her stomach twist even more. She let out a sigh, "Rapunzel?" A voice said, getting her to look and see Lance standing next to her, "you okay? That was quite an outburst earlier"
"I...." The princess sighed, "no.... I'm really not okay... But if I said what I was thinking it would only make things worse...."
The former thief looked at her worriedly, "I.... I'm a little afraid of that.... Look, why don't we just talk, calmly, maybe we could go outside and take a moment? Let you and Varian calm down for a sec?"
"I.... No, I don't want to do that..."
"Come on Princess, you know holding what you feel in is gonna make things worse, not just for you", Lance prodded gently, "look I won't force ya, but if you're really that angry, then you need to let it out, but in a better way than how it came out earlier... That's not gonna heal you or Varian and Quirin"
The Coronan huffed, "I'm just tired of always having to *tiptoe* around them Lance", she stated quietly, "why do I have to watch what I say and do, but *they* get to say what they want and how they feel about my family and me all them time?!"
Lance gave the princess a sad smile, "I know it may feel that way Rapunzel but.... how do I put this.... You and your family.... *Wanted* them to tell you how they feel, in fact you all asked them to share their feelings with you all because you wanted to help them overcome it. Though I understand there are times where that can feel overwhelming, it's just... Hard for them... And to be fair, you sayin "After what *you* and the *Moonstone* put them through!" ....Maybe it's what you feel, but after everything they've been through, it wasn't really the best time to say anything about it...."
Rapunzel glared at the ground, "when *is* it a good time then?" She asked before looking up at the man, "I feel like I can't go two steps forwards with either of them before we end up falling two steps back.... Plus, if I show even the slightest *ounce* that I'm upset, they throw the past in my face!"
"It may seem that way, but that's only because you... Haven't really showed them that you were upset too, I know you and Varian have talked, but you haven't really said that you're upset about the past to the degree that he is. And they've made every attempt to try and be cordial about their feelings with the King and Queen, in fact, Quirin and Varian have nothin against your mom, it's just Frederic they have a problem with is all"
"And me...."
"What? When did you-!"
"Come on Lance, Quirin's been arguing with me for the past couple of days, and it's only been getting worse and worse with each passing day! And Varian...." She looked at the alchemist, he seemed a lot calmer, if a little angry still, as he spoke to Hugo, Adira, and Hector while Eugene held him close, "every time we talk, say something to each other, or even become the least bit close, he's just.... So timid around me.... He wasn't like that before.... He used to be so comfortable.... And I guess I just can't help feeling like he hasn't truly forgiven all that happened between us... I know things will never change and he can never forget.... But he just... It just seems like...."
"He lied?" Lance finished, "about forgivin you and movin forward?"
"Yes...."
"Well, I can tell you for certain that he hasn't, he wants to move forward, it's just hard is all, same for Quirin. And yeah, it really can suck sometimes because you just want them to forget about all of it already, but somethin like that.... what they went through... It's hard for them to cope with it, I mean they lost a whole year Rapunzel, Varian in the dungeons and Quirin frozen in amber... That's not easy, it's like you with your tower"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you spent the fist 18 years of your life with someone who was emotionally and mentally abusive to you, you also mentioned she was manipulative and could even get a little physical with you when she got really mad, but you kept on lovin her because you had no one else you could love.... So when you found out she wasn't really your mom, and that she'd kidnapped you as a baby to use your hair, it.... Really affected you...."
"But that's the thing! I found a way, every *day* to smile in that tower!"
"That's because that's who you are Rapunzel", Lance argued gently, "you like to smile and be sunshiny and happy, but Varian and Quirin aren't like that. Varian needs to talk to people, slowly digest things so he can fully understand them, and once he has, he can finally talk about, and move on from, them. Quirin on the other hand, is quiet, reserved, I haven't talked to him much, but from what it seems, he was raised to keep everything in for the people he cares about. He was told it was a burden to let other people know how he felt, so he didn't, spent all his time and energy into trainin instead. They both need to work on it, on themselves, but that'll take time, and you do something similar to Quirin actually"
The princess tilted her head, "what do you mean?"
"Well, Eugene said it best, you tend to hide how you feel behind a warm smile and a sarcastic remark, like when Cass took the Moonstone, you said, "yeah! That was *bad*!" when Eugene brought it up, then distracted yourself", Lance smiled, "you and Quirin have a similar way of handlin your grief, Quirin hides it behind a mask just as much as you do, but when yours comes out, it's sad, when it comes out for Quirin, it's anger".
The princess looked down, thinking about the former thieves' words for a moment before she sighed, "you think... If I talked to Varian... About how Quirin makes me feel.... Because to be honest, it's not really Varian I'm angry at, it's Quirin and the way he acts about my family.... You think he'd be able to talk to his dad? Maybe we could work something out?"
Lance looked at the teen, who was smiling now as he and Hugo joked with each other before he looked back at the princess, "I'm certain he wouldn't mind listening to what you have to say, especially if you honestly feel like you and Quirin need a mediator. Though I would wa-!"
****
"Hey!" A voice interrupted, getting the group to look and see Trinity and Dexter entering the room, "I'm so sorry to barge in, but.... Quirin.... He.... Doesn't look well...." Trinity informed the room
"W-what do you mean?" Varian asked worriedly, "i-is he sick-Did he fall-Did he r-run into someone-w-what's wrong????"
"No, none of that young one", Dexter replied calmly, "he just looked really upset.... More so than I would've thought possible, I realize I barely know him, but.... We grew concerned and thought maybe someone with more experience helping him would have better luck getting him to talk.... He.... Seemed sad.... And angry...."
"I'll go, I've gotta go, I shouldn't have l-let him leave in the first place, I-!" Varian began
"No", Hugo stated gently, "your dad wants you to rest"
"A hangover isn't going to keep me from helping my *father*"
"It *will* keep you from making good decisions though!" The blond argued, "look, it'd be best if you stayed here, trust me, you'll work yourself up and end up getting hurt in the process"
"Hugo's right Hair stripe, you need to stay here, you told your dad you would", Eugene replied, keeping his hold on the little alchemist as he wriggled a bit
"We'll go", Adira volunteered, gesturing to herself and Hector with a smile towards her nephew, "we've helped our brother before through many things, we can help him through this too"
Varian stopped wriggling and looked at his aunt and uncle, "a-are you sure?" He asked
"Yep", Hector replied, "we'll talk to him, get him to calm down and tell us what's on his mind, then we'll get him to come back to you so he can snuggle you and call you a bratty stinkbomb or whatever"
The blue eyed alchemist stared at the two for a moment before Ruddigar chittered at his boy, getting the teen to look at him as he continued to chitter, seemingly trying to convince his boy that the plan would be for the best and that he needed to relax
After a few moments of quiet chitters, with the occasional argumentative or accepting noise from Varian, the alchemist let out a sigh of defeat, "o-ok.... B-but you'll come and get me if he needs my help right?"
"Of course", Adira replied
"....P-promise?"
The two looked at each other and smile before they looked at their nephew and nodded, "promise", Hector replied
"...O-oki.... Thank you"
"You're welcome Speckles", Adira said before she looked at Dexter and Trinity, "thank you for coming to get us, do you know where he went?"
"It looked like he was heading towards the gardens", Trinity replied as Dexter nodded, "do you need us to come with?"
Hector shook his head, "nah, we'll handle this, for now you two can relax, we've got it from here", he smirked at them, "thanks for looking out for him though"
His siblings smiled, nodding before they left the room, Adira and Hector following behind them out the door. Edmund, who was still sitting by Eugene's side, spoke up, "do you... Want me to go with you?"
"You stay with Eugene", the wild tamer stated, "someone should stay in here to help him, Hugo, Ruddigar, and Lance keep the peace"
"B-but-!"
"You stay with the prince, you're worried about him too and to be honest, he needs someone to watch out for him as well, he was just poisoned after all", the wild tamer smirked, "don't worry, we'll take care of Quirin, he'll be okay with us. You just stick with your son, kay?"
The Dark King watched them for a moment before he nodded, "ok, thank you, both of you, very much"
The two smiled before they walked out of the door, closing it behind them and leaving the group silent for a few moments before Varian huffed, "...I should've gone with him...."
Eugene and Hugo looked at the little alchemist sadly, "kid he didn't want to make you worry"
"B-but I still could've gone with him! H-he doesn't cry like that, nor does he really get that angry, he's never yelled like that before except when I was being attacked, a-and it was only because he was worried.... I... I should've gone with him... I should have.... N-now he's even more upset... And there's nothing I can do to fix it...."
"That's not true", Hugo chimed him, cupping his boyfriend's chin in his hand, "you can help him when he comes back, he'll still be upset, but he'll be calmer"
"B-but I could've helped him when he *wasn't* calm, c-couldn't I?"
"Freckles, you've got a hangover, and I don't care what you're gonna tell me, it's there. You probably have a major headache, you probably feel fucking nauseous, and you won't tell anybody, but your dad knew, and I can definitely tell too". At the surprised look his lover gave him, the blond smirked, "you don't feel well Varian, and it's okay, your dad knew that and didn't want to put anymore on you. So he left to make sure he wouldn't put anymore pressure on you, he's looking out for you"
Eugene nodded in agreement, "plus he knows that once he's calmer, he'll be able to talk to you, and you'll be the first person he says something to when he comes back, so don't worry so much kiddo, okay?"
The teen looked at his big brother, then at his boyfriend, before he sighed and nodded, "...o-oki...."
"Don't worry little peanut", Edmund stated, gently stroking his grandson's hair gently, "Quirin will be happy to see you when he gets back. You'll be the first person he talks to, trust me"
Varian smiled, "thanks grandpa"
Edmund smiled back, "you're welcome", he stopped stroking the teen's head before he looked at Eugene, "did you want head pets too?"
"I'm ok thank you", the Dark Prince replied with a chuckle, getting his father to chuckle while Varian and Hugo snorted before they began talking once again
****
Rapunzel and Lance watched the events unfold before they watched the two Dark Kingdom fighter walk out as the small group began talking. They looked at each other for a moment before Lance sighed, "anyway, what I was gonna says was-!"
"It's okay Lance, I think I understand, I'll go talk to him, maybe if I talk to Varian about how I feel, he and I can talk to his dad and work things out", she interrupted with a smile, "thanks for the advice"
"But wait, Rapunzel I-!"
Before he could finish, she'd already turned and was halfway towards the group, "hey Varian", she said
"....Shit...."
****
Varian was smiling as he looked at Hugo, he felt a lot calmer about the situation now than he had before, that was until he heard, "hey Varian"
Looking, he tensed up when he saw Rapunzel walking towards him, Lance looking *very* worried as she approached. The teen felt his blood begin to boil, but took a breath, "hi.... I... Look Rapunzel I'm sorry about earlier, I was just mad and-"
"It's okay, I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have said what I did", she interrupted, unconsciously making Varian a little annoyed
"It's.... Fine, um.... S-so are we okay?"
"Yeah, we're okay"
"Ok"
They stayed quiet for a moment before Eugene noticed Lance signaling to him, he raised a brow before he noticed the worried look on the man's face. He looked at Rapunzel, who seemed like she wanted to say something, before he glanced at Lance again. The man was pointing to Rapunzel, then placing his hands over his mouth. It took a few moments for the Dark Prince to realize what he meant, "u-um so, blondie! Now that you and Varian have apologized and made up, how about we talk about the Ball!" He stated, getting a thumbs up from Lance, "you know, what decorations we could add and such", he held Varian a little tighter to his chest, getting the alchemist to look up at him for a moment as Hugo and Ruddigar took the hint and began to distract the teen, "maybe even discuss a change in the menu, because lets face it, oysters are just not an everybody type of food"
Rapunzel giggled, "while I'd love to go over all of that with you Eugene, I really wanted to talk to Varian about-!"
"About the fireworks for the Ball! I think there should be some, you know, you're very good at reading my mind sunshine!" Eugene interrupted, trying to get her to catch the hint as Lance walked over quickly
"Fireworks?" Varian asked, his attention turning to their conversation as Hugo and Ruddigar freaked out a little, "you wanted fireworks for the Ball?" He looked up at Eugene with interest
The Dark Prince chuckled nervously as Lance managed to join in, "yep!" The former thief replied, "fire works would be a great addition to the Ball!"
The little alchemist thought about it, "well... M-maybe they wouldn't be a bad idea, I mean... they'd definitely make a statement... I'm certain I could whip some up pretty quickly, but it's such short notice...."
"I could help!" Hugo hopped in, "we could make them together, maybe even come up with some patterns for the fireworks and such!" He suggested, much to Eugene and Lance's relief as Edmund looked at the two confused while Rapunzel tilted her head, getting a little annoyed at the interruptions.
"That would be a lot of fun!" Varian replied with a smile at his boyfriend, "we could come up with some pretty patterns that represent each kingdom too! Maybe use their colors and such to...." He continued to converse with Hugo excitedly, unaware of Eugene, Lance, or Rapunzel anymore as he proceeded to grow more and more invested with his own conversation.
Lance and Eugene let out a breath as Rapunzel eyed them both, "what's going on with you two?" She asked
"Rapunzel, I was tryin to tell you, this isn't a good time to talk to him about this", Lance exclaimed
"Why?"
"Because even though you two have made up, it would be better if you didn't talk to him about what's been botherin you about...." He glanced in Varian's direction for a moment and, seeing that the teen was still distracted he looked back at the blond, "...certain people", he noticed Eugene and Edmund's looks, showing they knew who he meant and nodded in agreement, "he may not be mad at you anymore, but the person in question is still very upset and Varian's still gonna be a little *touchy* about you talkin about that *particular* subject and how you and *that person* can settle your differences at the moment"
The princess looked at Varian again, he was still distracted before she looked at Lance and sighed, "this is kinda what I was talking about before you know"
"I understand, and trust me, you'll get a chance to talk to him about it, but for right now princess, now's not a good time..."
"When will it be a good time then?" The princess asked, a little frustrated, not noticing how quiet the room had gotten as she continued, "when will it be a good time for me to talk about how I've been feeling about Quirin? How even though I have the upmost respect for him, he still upsets me to a point that I can't describe? How I have to be so careful around him because of what happened in the past? How he talks about my *parents* like they're horrible people when they're not, they just made mistakes? When will it be a good time? Because if me and Quirin keep going on like this, I might end up saying something worse, and I don't want to do that even if I think he should hear what I have to say". She didn't notice her hair beginning to glow, "I just want to stop getting so upset at Quirin, but I can't seem to do that, I feel like I remind him of my parents and that's why the sight of me *alone* seems to bother him! I want to fix this, I want to get better, I want to *be* better, but I'm losing my patience with him! He gets to talk all he wants to about my parents and what they did to him and Varian, but he doesn't accept how he could've done more to stop certain things from happening? I'm just so *frustrated* by it, yet it's not a good time to discuss how things can get better? How we can fix it and how Varian can help?"
"No", a voice stated, startling all of them before the princess finally noticed her hair and looked at Varian, his eyes were glowing again, as was his hair as he glared at her, "now is *not* a good time for us to discuss that!"
The princess was startled by the teen's anger, backing up a bit, "Varian I-!"
"No!" The teen interrupted, "you know what? I get it, I really do, me and my father have issues that honestly? We should've been able to move on from a long time ago, but you see, here's the thing, we can't. We're trying, we really are, but we can't, at least, not with a wave of some magic wand that makes everyone's issues suddenly disappear. Dad and I have to work, and work *hard* to keep our minds from fucking us over during the day! We have to keep our thoughts from straying too far into really bad territory, you know why? Because of everything we went through, and I'm not *just* talking about this year or the last, I'm talking about throughout our entire *lives*! We've struggled, we've gotten hurt, bullied, beaten, crushed, made to feel like we were alone and abandoned, like no one cared about us, yet we picked ourselves up *everyday* to get where we are now! And what happened when my father has a panic attack because all he worked for might be in danger?" His glow brightened as he continued to glare at the princess, "you come in and blame *him* for all that happened in the worst year of our lives! You blame *him* for the Moonstone and the black rocks, *you* blamed my *father*!" He felt his body weight become next to nothing as he began to float, "my *father* has been fighting to try and keep the lives we have, my *father* *warned* *your* father about the Sundrop and how to not use it because of the devastation it would cause. My father is the fucking *victim* in this story, and you have the *gall* to blame *him* for what's been going on?! I understand that you're upset, I get that you and him don't get along, but there's a *huge* difference between that and *victim blaming an innocent fucking MAN*!" The black rocks sprouted once again as Rapunzel back up even more
"Varian I wasn-!"
"SAVE YOUR FUCKING BREATH!" The teen shouted as the rocks pointed at his target, "you sit there and say you wanna talk about getting along better with my dad, yet you *blame* him for what *your father* decided! Your father was the one that used the Sundrop despite being given a warning! *Your* father chose to ignore it and *lie* to you about what was going on! *YOUR* father made sure you were locked away inside *another* tower to the point where you had to *break out* just to save your mother! I did wrong, my father did wrong, YOUR FUCKING FATHER DID WRONG TOO!" He yelled, the rocks growing a little bigger, "So why is it that you can't seem to get that through your *FUCKING SKULL*?! We're *TRYING* to forgive him! We're *TRYING* to move on! How can you not see that?! Do you know how hard it is just *BEING* in this castle for us? For *ME*?!" Tears streamed down the alchemist's face as he sniffled, "I was *WHIPPED* Rapunzel! Your father had me *LASHED*! I can't get rid of those scars on my *FUCKING BACK*! I can't make them go away! I can't find a formula to erase them and the memory from my mind! I can't, I can't-I can't-I FUCKING *CAN'T*!" He screamed as the rocks glowed, "I WANT TO! I want to move on! I know my father does too! And I'm *sorry* we can't forgive King Frederic right now! I really am! But it's a little hard to do when you've got FUCKING LASH SCARS ON YOUR *BACK*!!!!!!!"
The rocks pounced forwards towards Rapunzel before stopping centimeters in front of her, a few of them crashing *loudly* into the wall behind her, she tried to shield herself, holding her hands up in a placating gesture, her own hair and eyes glowing even brighter in response to the power of the Moon, "please! I didn't mean it-!"
"SHUT UP!" He screamed, his voice echoing off the walls as more rocks burst from the ground, "JUST SHUT *UP*!"
Edmund *ran* as fast as he could, jumping in front of the princess and watching his grandson sadly, "Varian please!" Eugene tried, "please calm down! Please!"
"This isn't gonna solve anything, she didn't mean what she said Varian!" Lance exclaimed, "she was just upset, and while you have every right to be upset, hurting her isn't going to help your anger!"
"Please Freckles!" Hugo called, "you need to calm down! This won't help you, please!"
Ruddigar chittered worriedly, trying to practically climb the *wall* to get to his boy, his angry, sad, lonely boy who was floating above the bed
None of them noticed the door open, none of them noticed the three adults watching the scene before them, none of them heard the sad, old, farmer as he quietly said his angry son's name, "Varian...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the late post, but this took a while to write! So yeah, again, no Punzie hate, but she's not very good with timing, and Lance tried to warn her, but she.... Really needs to get the toxic trait of, "I need to talk to this person now", out of her head, it's very rough
Varian is so freaking upset right now and it absolutely breaks my heart in two. He's gone through so much in his life, and to have someone remind him of what happened while also blaming the one person that's been going through something similar is just so hard to handle... Poor bean....
Hugo, Lance, and Eugene are freaking KINGS in this chapter!!!!! For talking to Rapunzel, distracting Varian, and trying to calm him down, they are freaking kings!
Kudos to Edmund who, while not fully understanding the situation, jumped into action because he's a bad a*s! <3 We all love our grandpa Edmund! :D
Ruddy Buddy was *desperate* to climb that wall up to Varian, good gosh, he's the best raccoon in the world, but I feel so bad for him here!
Adira and Hector are bosses here too! Going and comforting their brother before going and doing what they're about to do for their nephew, it's very sweet! :D
Poor Quirin, he just can't catch a break, his poor son is just so angry, and he's so sad and angry himself, it's heartbreaking
Again, no Punzie hate! She just doesn't know how to people yet! She's getting better, but she really needs to learn a little faster is all!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 186: Peace! For Now....
Summary:
Quirin and Rapunzel reconcile for the moment so they can think of a way to help Varian
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Varian...." His name, said in such a familiar way, it healed and soothed as much as it ached and hurt the little alchemist's heart to hear, but he could just barely make it out over the sounds of his own rage.
The angry teen felt a pull, something was directing his gaze away from the princess and over to the door, oddly enough, the glowing golden hair seemed to be doing the same thing as the alchemist followed the trail and found his father looking up at him, his expression a mix of worry and sadness. The teen, who'd been so full of anger and hatred to the point where he couldn't even hear his *best friend's* cry, stopped when he saw his father, "d-dad...." Came the broken reply, the black rocks dimming a bit, but not moving from their spot as they continued to point threateningly at Rapunzel and Edmund.
The retired knight felt his heart break at the timid reply as he stepped forwards, "Varian, hey it's okay", he comforted gently, doing his best to hold back any and all tears threatening to fall, "I'm here now, you don't have to be upset anymore"
"D-dad.... D-dad I... I'm s-sorry...." Varian replied, the rocks straightening up as the teen's full attention was on his father now, "I'm sorry.... I-I'm so sorry...." The teen gripped his stomach and curled in on himself, bringing his knees to his chest as his sobs filled the room, the black rocks sunk a little into the floor, their glow completely gone.
"It's alright Bubby, you don't need to apologize", the Village Leader replied, practically choking on the large lump in his throat as he saw his son's tears
"I'm sorry...." The princess stated quietly, Quirin looked at the princess, his eyes narrowing a bit, "I didn't mean to make you feel this way Varian I.... I just.... Got frustrated.... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...."
Quirin looked back at his son, who was still curled into himself like a scared raccoon, "Varian, what she said... We can handle it later, but right now you're upset, and.... I'm more worried about that than anything else"
The alchemist didn't move a muscle, he was so shrouded in his grief that he didn't notice light beginning to gather around him as the black rocks fully shrunk into the floor. He didn't know how the light shimmered, very much like the Moon did when she held him in her light protectively, "Varian?" Hugo asked, his voice dripping with worry as he watched the light surrounding his boyfriend shine brighter and brighter, "shit.... I've seen this before, GET DOWN!"
"Wait what? What are yo-!" Hector began, but stopped when the teen's light grew bigger and brighter, "oh fuck!"
They all ducked down, taking cover before the light burst like an energy pulse, sending the beds, desks, drawers, and anything not nailed to the floor flying. Varian let out a startled yelp as the magical energy came out of him before he covered his face with his hands, too scared to see the damage he'd just caused. The room was silent for a moment or two before everyone came out of their hiding places, "everyone okay?" Eugene asked, as he and Lance, who had pulled the Dark Prince underneath the, now upturned, bed, stood up, Eugene leaning against the former thief as they looked around.
"Yeah", Edmund replied as he and Rapunzel stood up as well, dusting themselves off, "we're okay"
"We're good here too", Adira called as she watched Hugo shake his head to clear it while Hector helped Quirin to his feet, the retired knight having been hit by some debris, but didn't look injured.
"Good", Eugene said, sighing with relief before he looked up at the boy above him as Ruddigar climbed onto Lance's shoulder, chittering worriedly
Everyone looked at Varian, his soft sobs escaping the small shield his hands provided, "Freckles...." Hugo said sadly
Quirin watched his son for a moment more before he looked at the princess, "what did you say to him?"
"I.... I-I'm sorry-!" She began
"I know, but that doesn't matter now, what did you say to him? Maybe... If we work through it, it'll calm him down"
The blond's eyes widened, "Quirin I.... W-what I said... I... It... W-was about you...." She admitted
"Me?"
"Yes...." She nodded before she told him everything, what she'd said, how Varian had reacted, and what Lance, Eugene, and Hugo had tried to stop her from doing. As she did, she noticed the retired knight glance at his son a few times, his expression shifting from angry at her, to sad and scared for his son. Once she was finished, the Village Leader sighed, "I'm sorry...." The princess repeated, "I never wanted to upset him so much, I just.... Got frustrated... At you... I realize that what I did was wrong, but it's... Hard... To feel what I felt and keep it quiet... It's hard for me... Really hard.... So.... I'm sorry... about what I said and how I made you and Varian feel.... I'm just.... So...."
"Sensitive? About your parents?" Quirin offered, "and that particular topic is a little hard for you to talk about, especially when someone talks badly about them and how they acted in the past?" When the princess gave the man a shocked expression he smirked and looked at his son, "I have someone in my life that understands exactly how you feel".
Rapunzel looked up at Varian as the realization hit her, and she face palmed, "I'm an idiot...."
"No... You're just upset, and nobody thinks clearly when they're upset, I know I don't", the retired knight replied. He then sighed, "look I.... I'm not gonna lie.... What you said is not pleasant to hear, especially when I think about how you blamed me for the Moonstone and Black rocks.... But I'm willing to look past it for now.... For Varian.... I won't lie, I'm still very upset with you, and I'm certain you're very upset with me, but if you're really not okay with us talking about how we feel about your parents anymore, then I won't say anything else about them to you. I will respect that, though maybe tell me before you grow to be so angry, okay?"
Rapunzel nodded, "yeah, and I'll try to"
With a curt nod from the retired knight, Quirin faced his son, who he noticed was still curled into a ball, "we need to calm him down....."
Rapunzel thought for a moment before she noticed her hair was still glowing, "my hair... It's reacting to Varian...."
"It's because of the power from the Moon", Edmund stated, getting the both of them to look at him, "the Sundrop and the Moonstone recognize each other's power, so it stands to reason that their wielders would recognize each other when they're using it"
Quirin raised a brow, "how did-!"
"He doesn't need the Moonstone to wield it's power, it was pretty obvious Quirin"
"Right.... We were going to talk to you about that"
Edmund smiled, "I know, there was just never a good time, don't worry, I understand, but for now-!", there was a large crash, along with a yelp from Hugo as the bed he'd been sitting on previously turned right side up, "...this may not be the best for such pleasantries"
"H-he saw it...." A small voice echoed through the room, getting everyone in the room to look at Varian, "he saw it.... H-he saw it...." The teen still had his hands over his face, but his voice was bouncing off the rooms, "he s-saw how b-bad I can get, h-he saw m-me nearly attack p-people I c-care about, I n-nearly hurt them, b-blinded by my own rage *a-again*! H-he saw it, t-they saw it, t-they all saw it!"
Quirin's eyes widened at the realization of what his son meant, "we saw what?" Adira asked
"His negative emotions...." Lance answered sadly, apparently he'd understood too, "we saw him so engulfed with rage that his anger took control over his thoughts and emotions.... Basically, we saw him revert back to the Varian we fought against a long time ago.... Something he's ashamed of...."
Hugo felt a sting in his chest when he heard that as he looked up at his boyfriend, seeing the teen still curled in on himself as the light began to form around him once more. The blond watched his boyfriend cry, tears streaking down the blue eyed alchemist's hidden face.... and he suddenly felt a rush of something come from inside him. He couldn't place the term, care? Love? Affection? He didn't care, all he knew was that he needed to get up there, to console Varian, that's all he wanted to do right now. Looking around, the green clad alchemist spotted a few overturned tables and a desk nearby and ran to them. He picked up the chair and set it next to Varian before grabbing the other chair and doing the same thing. He then moved to the bed, pushing it with as much strength as he could muster before he got it to move in place. Then, spotting the desk, be ran over to it, pushing against it as well, it felt much lighter than he'd expected. Opening his eyes, he saw Eugene and Lance helping him, both were smiling at the teen, who returned the gesture before all three pushed the desk in place.
When they backed up, they had, what looked like, a make shift stair case leading up to Varian, wiping his brow, Hugo looked up at his lover sadly, "well, what are you waiting for?" Lance asked, getting the teen to look at him, "you're gonna go up and talk to him yeah?"
"I want to, but I'm not tall enough, by my measurements, it would take someone who's at least 6 foot 4 to reach his foot, I'm 5 foot 8, definitely not tall enough. But I wasn't really making this for *me* to go up there"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, as much as I *want* to, I'm not the one that *should*, I'm not the one he *needs* right now"
Eugene raised a brow, "then who is?"
The blond smirked before he turned to look at Quirin, who was smiling lovingly at him, "I'll give you one guess"
The retired knight chuckled before he looked up at his son, his heart breaking a little more at the quiet sobs coming from the teen, "I s-should be locked up...." He heard Varian's small voice say, "I shouldn't h-have been let out... I s-shouldn't b-be here.... I.... I'll j-just do what I did a-again... I c-can't control it.... I c-can't....." The retired knight watched his son for one more moment, thinking about what he was going to say, before Ruddigar chittered at him, getting the retired knight to look at the small mammal and smile. He nodded, and the raccoon climbed onto his shoulder before they began to climb together. He easily scaled the two chairs, bed, and desk, and ended up standing right next to his son, he was so close that he could touch him. Though, it ended up causing his heart to break more as he heard his son's quiet whispers to himself, "I.... I h-hate this.... I h-hate me.... M-my emotions... My m-mind.... they w-won't stop.... I-I'm so useless.... I'll n-never make him proud..... N-never...."
"Son...." Quirin said quietly, making the teen flinch, "Varian hey, it's okay"
"N-no it's not...." The teen replied, "n-nothing's okay right now... M-my head.... My head h-hurts so much.... It's so loud... E-everything's so *loud*...."
"I can help you Varian, we can help you feel better, help your head stop hurting for a little bit, you just need to calm down is all"
"T-this isn't right.... I-I can't calm d-down...."
"Why?"
Varian's eyes opened a little behind his eyes, Quirin could see them glowing in-between his son's fingers, "I c-can't stop hearing them.... T-the voices... T-they're in my head.... T-telling me do b-bad things.... R-really bad things...."
Ruddigar gave a small, worried chitter as the Village Leader was a little startled by that. He hadn't known much about mental health, only what Lance told him, but he definitely didn't know about little voices in your head. He thought for a moment, trying to think of what to do, what he should say, he looked at Lance, trying to figure out what advice the man might give him, that's when he heard, *be yourself*, whisper in his mind, and he smiled as an image of red hair and blue eyes flashed in his mind, giving him confidence in his next words, "son, I.... I get those voices too"
Varian peeked out from behind his hands to look at his father, "w-what?"
"Yeah..." The man said, "I get them too, the small whispers that tell you to do such horrible things to people, the one's that say you should let your anger out on the people it thinks deserve it. It's what kept me attacking Catalina in her wolf form instead of running over to you.... It's what made me scream at Frederic in the town square when I saw him scaring you... It's what made me have to walk out of the room earlier when Rapunzel said what she did, and...." He cupped his son's cheek, "it's what made me yell at you when the Black Rocks were hurting Corona.... I was afraid, and scared, and so *angry* at the time.... That little voice kept giving me orders... And I kept following them...."
The little alchemist's hands dropped a little more, as did his knees, they were up to his chest now, and Quirin could see his son's nose, "b-but.... Y-you were able to walk out... Y-you didn't hurt anyone... Y-you... You could control it...."
"Barely", Quirin said, "I could only control it because I had practice, when I was a knight, I trained to keep that little voice quiet, but even for me, it sometimes got too loud, and I ended up hurting you and many other people because of it...." He looked at the teen directly in the eyes, "son I... I cried when I left the room.... I was angry, and sad, and I pushed everyone who tried to help me away because I was so afraid of what I would say to them.... Adira and Hector had to *push* me to tell them what was wrong, why I was upset, and it took a lot to get me to admit anything... To be honest, I'm still not fully over what happened here.... I'm not happy with the princess and I sincerely doubt she's 100% okay with me. But that's okay, it's okay to still be angry, it's okay to still be upset, it's okay that you're feeling negative emotions, but bottling them up, like I did, like Rapunzel did, it's not gonna help you. It'll only feel that little voice more, until they're so loud, they make you do something you'll regret"
"L-like taking o-over Corona...." Varian replied
"Or yelling at your only son when all he wants to do is help", the retired knight replied with a loving smile, getting his son to lower his hands just a little more, showing a tiny smile of his own, "look, we're not perfect, not you, not me, not Rapunzel, not Eugene, not anyone"
"Well.... H-Hugo's pretty close...."
"Damn straight!" The blond's voice replied, getting the two to chuckle
"Hugo's close, very close, but even *he's* not perfect", Quirin replied, "we all have something inside ourselves that makes it hard for us to be perfect, but that's what makes us human. Blocking those things out, your anger, your sadness, your fear, all because you're afraid will only make you feel worse. But I know that sometimes, that's the only thing that feels right, and... Well... I'm sorry for that..."
Varian tilted his head, "w-why are *you* apologizing?"
"Well, I may not have been the cause of this little outburst, but.... I don't think I was the best role model when you were growing up, and I'm sorry for that. I have a lot to learn about being a good father, but I'm trying my best, just like I know you're trying you're hardest to be the best *you* can be. But it's hard when you've got a not so great example"
"B-but you weren't a *terrible* father!" Varian replied, lowering his hands completely as he looked at his dad, "you t-tried your best, and I t-thought you were pretty good!"
Quirin chuckled, "well thanks, but I had a little genius to help me figure things out, having you as a kid was a blessing in more way than one", he nuzzled his son, getting him to giggle, "either way, I wasn't the best, but I'm better now, and I know you wanna be better too. Neither of us are pretty good at the whole, telling people how we feel thing, so how about we do something to fix that", he smirked when he saw his son nod a little, "how about we start small, and tell each other when we feel angry, even if it's a small angry. We could squeeze each other's hands, or we could poke each other's shoulders, or heck", he looked at Ruddigar, "we could ask him to give each other a sign"
The raccoon waved his paws and tail in the air, getting Varian to laugh
The retired knight smirked, "little things like that, then when we do, we can find a small place to be alone in, and talk about it together. I trust you with my feelings, I hope you trust me with yours"
"I do"
Quirin smiled at that, "why don't we work together to help each other work through them, no more bottling things up, even when we're mad at each other, yeah?"
The teen was hesitant at first, his mind forming so many reasons as to how this idea could go wrong, how he never wanted to show that bad part of him, but he looked into his father's warm, welcoming, brown eyes, and felt all those worried drift away. He remembered how his father had been there for him through so much, even before this year, how the man had sacrificed so much for him, that thought alone convince the teen, and he nodded, "oki... B-but I... T-there might be times w-where my emotions will be for stupid reasons"
"Son, the way you feel is *never* stupid", his father stated gently, "even if you and I don't understand it, you feel it, that's all that matters"
The teen felt a rush of emotions as he uncurled and wrapped his arms around his father, hugging the man tightly as Ruddigar nuzzled the side of his face happily. Quirin smiled and returned the hug, catching his son as his weight returned and the glow dimmed. Everyone in the room smiled up at the two as they continued to hold each other, happy to be there for each other, no matter what.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, this turned out to be really hard to write, so I hope it came out well! :D
Punzie is still learning, and so is Quirin, but they're getting better! They'll have another talk later on, but for now, they reconciled for Varian.
Eugene and Lance heling Hugo with the stairs, and Lance understanding what Varian meant is so sad yet so caring of them, I like showing that aspect of them, also, there will be more therapy sessions in later chapters! Quirin needs to let out some steam, so does Hugo, Varian, and Punzie!
Adira and Hector really didn't say much, but they were here for support! :D
Edmund will have a chat with Quirin about the Moon later, he'd more focused on his grandson at the moment, but that chapter will be coming! :D
Varian, poor freaking Varian, I feel like this story has been nothing *but* poor Varian! The Moon bean cannot catch any slack! He's trying so hard, but he just cannot catch a break. Luckily protective farmer dad is here to help him, but still! He's going to be getting better about his anger by the way, that's something he's gonna be working on :D And so will Quirin, they both need someone to lean on when they're feeling down, so how about each other! :D
As always, Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon in the universe! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 187: Understanding!
Summary:
Varian, Eugene, Lance, Hugo, and Quirin talk about the events that happened the previous day, helping Varian understand Rapunzel a little better!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene had managed to recover from the poison in no time flat and was happily walking around again. He would greet the dignitaries that he saw, answering any questions they had, which usually ranged from the usual, "how are you?" to "do you know who did it?" To which he would always give a smile and a witty remark, usually getting the dignitaries to chuckle and walk on without another though towards the issue.
He felt good about that, it made him feel like he was contributing a little bit, calming people down and helping them lessen their worries. Of course that wasn't his main goal as he strolled through the castle halls towards the room he wanted. Hi grin widened when he heard the sounds of giggles and snorts coming from the other side of the door as he grasped the handle and pulled it open, "BREAK CHECK!" He yelled, startling the two teens inside, "Lance made sandwiches, cupcakes, and apple slices for your mandetory break, come get em while they're good!"
"Eugene why must you startle us *every* time you come in here?" Varian asked, huffing at his big brother as his hand rested protectively over his heart
"A good scare is good for the soul Hair Stripe, sides, I don't wanna walk in and see you two smooching, you can keep that to yourselves"
The teen blushed before he elbowed the Dark Prince, getting the man to laugh as Hugo sighed, "damn, there go my afternoon plans"
"Oi!" Eugene exclaimed, raising a brow at the blond, "you better watch yourself over there"
The bespeckled teen snorted, "yes *mom*"
Varian giggled at the Dark Prince's narrowed eyes before he grabbed his boyfriend's hand, "come on, before he gets grumpy, we're almost done anyway and I could go for some apple slices right now"
"Glad to see you're not fighting me on this anymore kiddo", Eugene stated, closing the door behind him as he walked with the two teens, "finally realizing it's good to take a break once in a while?"
"Mmmm.... Not really, I still think we could get more done if we just work through lunch"
"Then why aren't you arguing?"
"Because you picking me up and carrying me to the kitchen is not something I'd like to experience today"
Eugene snorted as Hugo raised a curious brow, "he'd do that to you?"
"Yes.... It's awful, he tortures me Hugo"
"I do not!" Eugene argued
"Do too! Name me *one* person that would manhandle another to get them to eat their lunch on time!"
"Quirin"
".....Touché, but I don't have to like it!"
Hugo snickered as they reached the kitchen, "you two, I swear"
They opened the door and entered the kitchen, only to find cooks running frantically everywhere! Oven opening at break neck speeds then closed a second after with a loud slam! Someone chopping vegetables so fast the group worried they'd chop their fingers off and mix it into the meal! Chefs calling out order after order of what to do, when to do it, and how so loudly the blue eyed alchemist placed his hands over his ears to drown out the noise as Ruddigar hid in his boy's back pack! "Holy shit", Hugo said, "do your cooks always run around like a chicken with their heads cut off?"
"No", Eugene replied, "this is new", he noticed Varian struggling, "come on, I don't see Lance so I'm betting he's in the dining room"
The blond, noticing his boyfriend's anxiety ridden face, nodded, "right, let's go", he gently nudged Varan's shoulder, directing the teen out the door and into the, much quieter, hallway, "you good?"
"Y-yeah, just a lot of noise in there", Varian replied as he uncovered his ears and Ruddigar hopped on his shoulder once again, nuzzling him lovingly, "s-sorry"
"That's alright, didn't know noises affected you so badly"
"Yeah... I... Don't really talk about it, so it's not like you wouldn't have known, Eugene didn't know either", Varian replied, blushing a bit as he stroked Ruddigar's fur timidly
Hugo looked at the man, "you didn't?"
"No", the Dark Prince replied, "this is the first I'm hearing of it"
Varian gave a nervous chuckle, "s-sorry...."
Eugene smiled, "it's alright kiddo, here, why don't we head to the dining room, find Lance, then, if you want to, you can tell us about it"
Varian nodded, "oki"
With that, the group headed to the dining area, opening the doors and finding it to be way less crowded, but not as empty as they thought, "Quirin?" Hugo stated, spotting the retired knight sitting next to Lance and chatting, "that's a coincidence"
"Very much so", Eugene agreed, "but I won't argue with it, come on"
The three walked over to the pair, smiling when Lance looked up at them and waved, "hey! There you guys are! I was worried the cooks would kinda steer you away from here"
Eugene smiled, "nah, though they did give us a bit of a scare", he then looked at the Village Leader, "didn't expect the company though"
Quirin chuckled as his son walked over to him and gave him a hug, returning it happily as he looked at the Dark Prince, "hi, sorry for intruding, but I was making my own lunch when Lance walked in the kitchen and, well, we sort've got into a bit of a conversation before all the cooks decided to take over"
"Ah"
The former thief grinned at the blue eyed alchemist, who broke the hug and was smiling at his father, "seems like things are goin well today, I don't see any annoyance on the little man's face either so I take it you didn't have to carry him out this time?"
Varian blushed before he huffed at the former thief, "I *still* think it's better to just work through lunch! I just didn't wanna deal with that today.... Plus apple slices sounded good"
"And he didn't wanna be embarrassed in front of Hugo", Eugene teased
"Hey!"
The blond in question snickered, "honestly, I'm with Freckles, I like to work through lunch too, gets things done faster"
"SEE?!" Varian exclaimed, gesturing to the bespeckled teen, who giggled, "*he* gets it!"
"I think he's being forced to agree with you here kiddo", Eugene replied
"How so, exactly?"
"Quirin can be a scary man"
The retired knight laughed, as did Lance and Hugo as Varian glared at his big brother, "you're a jerk"
"I'll take that as a compliment", the Dark Prince replied
"Of course you will"
The group sat down and, as Lance began to serve the food, Hugo looked at his boyfriend, "so... About the noise thing, are we gonna talk about that or...?"
"Hm?" Varian looked at the blond before realization hit him, "oh! Yeah sorry! I got distracted by dads and evil, manhandling, big brothers, sorry", Eugene snorted as the alchemist continued, "so whenever I hear a loud noise, like a *really* loud noise, it causes my heart to skip a few beats for some reason, and because my heart beating super fast can cause me to pass out, I tend to try and avoid loud places, or cover my ears when the sounds get to be too much for me".
"Huh.... That's gotta be annoying at times"
"It can be, especially when I'm working on a project and I end up making something like a metal pan fall, the crash it makes really bothers my ears and makes me stop what I'm doing to cover my ears preemptively so I don't end up freaking out over it"
Quirin raised a brow in concern, "what brought this conversation on?"
"The kitchen", his son replied as he bit into a ham sandwich Lance had made, "the cooks running around, shouting orders, slamming things, and causing pans to clank together really bothered my ears, Eugene and Hugo noticed, so I'm explaining"
The Village Leader nodded in understanding as Eugene looked at him, "so you know about this?" He asked the retired knight
"Yeah, Varian's had it since he was about... I wanna say... 9 years old was when it started?" He replied, "I came home to find Varian on the floor with his hands over his ears and crying. When I asked him what was wrong, he just cried more, so I ended up picking him up and snuggling him for a little bit until he'd calmed down. Once he did, I asked him again, and he pointed to some pans that had crashed to the floor and said the noise scared him".
Varian blushed as Hugo smiled wide, "that's both adorable and sad at the same time"
Quirin chuckled, "it was, I took him to Dr. Solace, both of them, and they checked his ears before asking him a bunch of questions like what kind of sounds bothered him the most, and what did he do when those sounds happened. They even asked if he felt any certain emotions when he heard those sounds, and he answered all of them honestly. After they were done, the doctors told me it was a form of Misophonia, which is sensitivity to sounds. They told me that Varian has a mild case, but it could turn into major Misophonia if we don't take the proper precautions, like making a little quiet space for Varian when he needs to get away from the sounds, getting him something to block sounds or even a comforting sound to play continuously around him so he doesn't get triggered as easily, that sort of thing. We ended up making a few places where Varian could be himself, like his lab for one, he's got a small corner in my room, just in case he wants or needs company, and there's a place for him in the back yard, we have our own little garden there, and he used to like to sit there and listen to the birds for a while, they calmed him down".
Eugene smiled, "that sounds nice", he then noticed Lance looking a little nervous, "something wrong?"
"I just thought of somethin.... What about here in the castle, I've heard of Misophonia before, and you're right, it can turn pretty major if the proper precautions aren't taken.... You've got all the quiet places in the world at home, but what about here? What places do you escape to when there's too much noise for you to handle here?"
Varian smiled at the man, "I've got one space I can escape, it's my quiet space, I showed dad, Hugo, and Eugene before, I need to fix it up a little bit because of... Certain things... But that spot helps me a lot when I'm here. And dad knows the signs when I'm starting to get antsy due to a noise, so he ends up being quiet in the room we share together while I watch the stars from the skylight in the ceiling. the library is a pretty quiet place too, but it's a bit of a gamble, most of the time it's safe though.... I... I um... Have one more.... But it's not.... It's not exactly a place you'd probably like me going to...."
At the confused looks from Hugo and Eugene, the blue eyed teen blushed before his father asked, "it's your cell isn't it?" When his son nodded, the retired knight smiled understandingly, "I figured, it's very quiet down there, but that's also a gamble, considering your PTSD"
"Yeah...."
Lance looked in-between the pair, "so, you have one definite quiet spot, but the other three are gambles? That's.... We gotta fix that"
"Oh, n-no you don't have to worry, the castle doesn't get super loud all the time, so it's not like I'm in a constant state of panic or anything!" He exclaimed as he gave Ruddigar a few apple slices
"Varian, Misophonia is somethin you need to be careful with, it may be mild now, but it can end up getting worse, and that's not something you wanna risk"
"I-I know...."
The former thief sighed, "sorry, I get worried about stuff like that, look, I won't push the idea, but if you want me to, I can help you find a few new quiet places here in the castle for ya to escape to. I'm certain Rapunzel would wanna help too, she'd probably love to help after everything that happened the other day between you three", he stated, getting Quirin to rub the back of his head nervously as Varian twiddled his fingers a bit, "sorry"
"It's okay, you're right. I should probably try to get a few more hiding spaces just in case I need to escape, might help with the overall anxiety I have even being *in* this castle, but I wouldn't wanna bother Rapunzel about it I mean... S-she seemed pretty upset anyway a-and I wouldn't wanna cause her to be upset even more...."
Lance chuckled, "little man, she *loves* you! Yeah she and Quirin got into a bit of a dispute, and yeah you and her didn't exactly leave on a great note, but that was yesterday, and I'm certain she would wanna talk to you anyways! She's probably worried you're mad at *her*, and if you're not, then it would be a good idea to tell her so"
The blue eyed alchemist looked at the man worriedly before he sighed, "again, you're right... Sorry, just... I'm nervous I guess... I mean she's already got so much on her plate, I wouldn't wanna add more"
Lance tilted his head at the teen, "are you... Varian do you *want* to talk to her? It's okay if you don't you know"
"I.... I mean I *want* to, I just..."
"Son", his father said quietly, getting the alchemist to look up at him before he sighed
"Ok... I.... I'm still angry with her.... I mean what she said about my dad.... About you", he glanced at his father, who chuckled, "I just... I can't really let it go.... I know she was frustrated and I know she was angry, but to go and blame someone who was trying to stop the situation before it even happened just.... And to blame the man who got stuck in...." The teen shook his thoughts away, "it's just not right.... And I guess I didn't really come to terms with it.... Is that bad? I mean it's how she feels, and I should respect that but-!"
"Kiddo, it's not bad to be upset about what someone said", Eugene interrupted gently, "you have every right to be angry with her, just like she has every right to feel what she's feeling. The only reason I'd ever have any concerns about you being mad at her is if you were going to hurt her, which I know you're not"
"I.... Almost did...." The teen said quietly, "I didn't even hesitate... The rocks came out, my mind screamed 'do it', and had dad not come in when he did I... I would have.... I would've hurt her, and grandpa too...." He sighed, "....I thought I was past it, I thought I was past the past.... But for some reason, whenever I think about what she said it just...." He huffed angrily before feeling someone grab his hand, looking he smiled at Hugo, who smiled back, "thanks"
"You're welcome Freckles", the blond replied comfortingly as Ruddigar purred while he leaned against his boy's arm
Eugene smiled at the pair before his attention went solely to Varian, "kid, you don't need to forgive what she said right away, I mean, yeah you almost hurt her, but you also were suffering from a hangover and had just watched your very stoic father leave the room in tears because of what came out of my girlfriend's mouth", he chuckled, "and as much as I love Rapunzel, she's really gotta learn that there's a time and a place to talk about certain things, but she got the message yesterday". At his little brother's sad look, the Dark Prince added, "I didn't mean that against you kiddo, I just mean she's going to work on her timing is all"
"Ok..." Varian replied sadly
Eugene felt a swarm of guilt churn in his stomach, Lance placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder before he stepped in, "what Eugene *means*, is that what happened yesterday is a blessin in disguise"
"What do you mean?" Varian asked
"Rapunzel got the message, she understood that sayin somethin at the wrong time can cause severe consequences that she didn't think about before, and now she knows better. That's a good thing little man, it really is, it means she's learning, and because she is, she's gonna be a better person for it, and not because you scared her or almost hurt her, but because she ended up hurtin you and your dad, and she realized that wasn't okay. She understood, and she learned, because of you and Quirin. Would I say repeat the way you handled it, well no, but would I say it should've never happened, no", he smiled, "it was somethin that needed to happen, because it helped her understand, and it helped you and your dad too, don't you remember?"
*"why don't we work together to help each other work through them, no more bottling things up, even when we're mad at each other, yeah?"* His father's words echoed in the teen's mind, and he smiled and nodded
"Well there ya go! See? Yeah, somethin bad happened, but somethin good came out of it, so while you shouldn't repeat what happened, you can remember what it taught you, that's what Eugene means"
Varian hummed, "I guess I can understand that, but, does Rapunzel really think I'm mad at her?"
"Well, she's worried you are anyway, she doesn't actually know", Eugene replied, silently thanking Lance for clearing his mistake up
"Are you?" Hugo asked
Varian thought about it for a moment before he shook his head, "no, I don't like what she said", he looked at his father, "at all...." The man chuckled, "but I'm not mad at her, at least, not anymore, I mean... she has every right to be upset for us talking about her parents that way, it kinda isn't fair, and I can see why she got so upset. I won't bring up anything having to do with her parents in front of her now, out of respect, but she did always tell us that she was fine whenever we brought them up.... And it's not like we would talk about the Queen, it was just.... The K-king.... And we never really said anything nasty about him, just said that he hurt me.... A lot...."
"I'll admit that I was a *little* nasty", Quirin stated
Varian giggled, "either way though, if she didn't like it, why wouldn't she tell us?"
"The same reason you didn't tell us about your time in the dungeons or how protective you get about your dad", Eugene replied gently, "you're sensitive about that particular subject, and it can be hard to admit that. Mind you, you two have different reasons for your sensitivity, but it's still there"
"I... Never thought about that... huh... I guess.... I didn't really give Rapunzel a chance did I?"
"You did kiddo, but, like you, she doesn't really like to talk about when she's upset about something, or at least, it takes her a long time to really say anything about it", the Dark Prince said, "and that's okay, it's understandable, you're learning and getting better, but now she has to too"
"Right", Varian agreed, "I guess I'll just have to be patient, just like she is with me"
Eugene and Lance smiled at the teen, "I'm not your dad, but, I'm really proud of you Varian", Lance stated
"I am too", Eugene agreed
"Me three", Quirin stated, "but I actually *am* your father"
Hugo snorted, "I was gonna say 'me four', but Quirin kinda stole it", he snickered, "either way, I am too Freckles"
Varian blushed profusely, "I... Um.... T-thank you...." He squeaked, getting the small group to chuckle as they hugged the teen happily, ruffling his hair and joking with him before they all finished their snack and decided to look for the princess with smiled on their faces as they walked.
None of them noticed a person standing near the corner of the room, a smile creeping onto their face as they thought about what they'd just heard, "so he doesn't like loud noises.... That could come in handy...." They said, before they walked out, grey hair flipping behind them as they walked in the opposite direction as the group, humming to themselves as they thought more about the knowledge they'd just gained.
Notes:
Hello!
So, for those of you who don't know, Misophonia is a real thing, I have friends who deal with it on a daily basis and have told me their horror stories with it. I thought I'd bring awareness to it, and if you have any questions, I'll be more than willing to answer. Here's a link to a page about it as well:
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-misophonia#:~:text=Misophonia%20is%20a%20disorder%20in,and%20the%20need%20to%20flee.
I am in *no means* an expert, I only know of this from second hand experience, so take what I said in this chapter with a gigantic grain of salt! But if you're curious, I'm more than willing to answer any questions on the subject and what I've learned about it! :D
So this is kind of a fun, chill, calm, character building chapter, since the last couple were a little crazy. But now Varian understands Rapunzel a bit more, and he can relate to her more too, which is always a plus with characters! :D
Hugo, Eugene, Lance, Quirin, and Ruddigar all take the same role here, in that they both comfort, teach, and tease Varian in some way shape or form, and I like to play with the different ways they do that, Quirin being the best one to balance when to tease and when to teach, Eugene being a little more teasing while Lance balances him with the more teachable side, Hugo acting as Varian's main support during this and sharing that spotlight with Ruddigar. I think their roles suit them well and they can actually switch fairly easily, which makes it even more fun to write! :D
Also, a little bit of story at the end, if you know who that is, then you know :3 (But you're all really smart, so I'm guessing you can probably guess X3)
Either way, thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 188: Her Little Light! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Someone takes a trip down memory lane, but ends up doing something she'll regret....
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*She ran.... She kept running.... From what? She'd rather not say, all she needed to do was run... *Just keep running, just keep running, just *keep* running! If you don't, he'll find you, if he does you'll go back there again! Not again, no.... Not again....* She thought to herself as the rain pelted her, already shivering, form. The darkness of that night hid her in shadow, to which she was grateful, but as she stopped in an alley way, looking at her surroundings, she realized just how lost she'd become, "damn it!" Falling to the floor from fatigue, the girl huffed and wheezed, holding a hand to her chest. She tried to catch her breath before her heart skipped a beat when she heard him.
"WHICH WAY DID SHE GO?!" He screamed
"I don't know sir, she just slipped away!" Another said, one of his lackeys
"WELL FIND HER!" He yelled, "she can't get away! Not after that little stunt she fuckin pulled! I'LL KILL HER FOR THIS!"
She held a hand over her mouth to mask her heavy breathing, her heart pounding in her ears as she saw the man step into her field of view. She prayed to whomever was up there that he wouldn't see her as she watched him look through trash cans and around corners. He slammed a few of his lackeys out of his way during his search, growling and cursing like a sailor until he finally gave up and moved on. She waited for a few more agonizing minutes, not wanting to be tricked again, before she peeked around the corner. She didn't see him or his lackeys anywhere and sighed with relief as she looked up to the cloudy sky. She let the rain wash over her for a moment before she stood up and dipped into the alley behind her, *need to find a place to hide for the night*, she thought to herself as she walked on.
She checked every nook and cranny before she left any shadowy place concealing her to find a new one. She eventually found a small house with a leaky shed in the backyard, it looked to be abandoned, nothing but old, rusted tools were inside. She walked it and felt her body giving into the sleep it so desperately craved. She quickly made a small sleeping nook from a stack of old hay and fell asleep right as she laid down. Her body ached and she shivered with a mixture of fear and cold, but she smiled to herself, happy that she finally managed to escape him....
The Sun's morning light came too soon for her liking, dripping into the broken down shed she occupied. Groaning a little, the girl opened her eyes, her vision blurred and nonsensical before she heard a door open and shut before a tiny gasp met her ears. Eyes shooting open as she looked at the door and saw a red headed girl with freckles decorating her face and large, blue eyes staring at her in shock, "I.... Um... I-I'm sorry I... I didn't know someone was... In here....." The girl said quietly
Anxiety sparked into her body as she got up from the hay before instantly regretting it and falling back down, "s-shit...."
"Woah hey!" The red head exclaimed, quickly walking over to the girl, "i-it's okay, it's alright, I... I won't hurt you...."
She glared at the teen, "stay away from me!" She snapped, backing up against the wall like a caged animal, "I won't let you m-make me go back there! I won't! I won't!"
"Go back?" The red head replied, "sweetie I don't know what you're talking abou-!" She stopped when she noticed the multitude of bruises, scratches, scars, blood, and gashes on the women's body. She noticed how her wrists had scarring around them, as well as her ankles, it made the red head feel nauseous, but she kept it down as he blue eyes met scared green ones, "I... I won't send you back... I won't.... You don't have to worry, just-!"
"Ulla!" The red head heard her mother call, "did you get the watering can like I asked?"
"I.... Coming mother!" She responded before she looked at the women, "look, I have to go, but please... Stay here... I won't tell anyone you're here, and I've got some food you can eat, just, don't leave this shed, okay?" With that, she quickly grabbed the rusty watering can and ran out the door, closing it gently.
The teen left in the shed alone let out a breath as she stared at the door for a moment, wondering what she should do, *I need to g-get out of here.... B-but....* She thought about what the red head, Ulla? Had said, *what if she's really going to help me?*
*Don't be dumb!* Another voice scolded, *you really think a complete stranger is going to help you out of this mess? After what you've done? She'll probably turn you into the authorities, why are you being so stupid?! You need to get out of here! Leave town, find a place to live *far* away from here! Stick with the plan, you won't get anywhere if you start to trust people now! So move!*
With a nod of determination, the girl slowly stood up, her body begged her not to, all the aches and pains coming back to haunt her with a vengeance for her escape last night, but she didn't care, she needed to move, needed to run, needed to-"she's got silver hair", a voice said, making her freeze, "and green eyes", it was *him*!
*Oh no.... Oh no-oh no-oh no! No! This can't be happening! I was so *careful*!* Her thoughts screamed, *ok calm down, you weren't seen by anyone.... Shit... Except that red head, damn it.....*
As if she could read her mind, Ulla's voice was the one she heard next, "silver hair and green eyes? How odd, I've never seen a person like that before"
*Wait... S-she.... She's not... Telling him about me?*
"Are you certain little one?" His voice said, deepening a bit as he addressed her, "I mean, she's quite the trouble maker, with a tongue as sharp as they come. She's very good at manipulating sensitive hearts"
"I appreciate your concern sir Baron", Ulla replied politely, "but I'm more than just a sensitive heart and I'm not easily fooled, I would definitely tell you if someone like that were to come around"
There was a moment of silence before she heard the Baron sigh, "alright then, just be careful, she's a... Special breed.... Her family.... They weren't good people.... I don't know if you've heard the legend of their tribe"
"I have"
"Good, I have her and one other with me, and I've taken it upon myself to make sure they don't cause any trouble"
"Oh don't worry sir Baron", what sounded like the red head's mother intervened, "we've heard all about those.... Ugh.... *People* before.... Trust me, we know you're doing the world a service, and if we were ever to come upon such a girl, we'll be sure to inform you straight away"
The girl grew angry at that, *it's not like it was *me* who did all those bad things in the past! Or that other girl... What was her name anyway? I don't know, she's more related to that family than I am though! I'm just a distant relative anyway, so why should *I* be punished for this?! *I've* never even *lived* in the old country!* She thought bitterly to herself before remembering the 4 year old she'd left behind, *....I wonder if she's okay... Probably not.... But it's her loss anyway.... I told not to get caught.... I told her....*
"I appreciate your understanding and cooperation, me and my crew will be here until we find her... she cannot escape, ever.... Or else she'll cause devastation to this land"
"Understood sir Baron, and thank you for the warning", the red head's mother replied as Ulla herself remained silent. In fact the Baron remained silent as well, all the teen in the shed heard was his massive footfalls walking farther away. The place was silent for a few minutes before the mother began to speak, "Ulla... You really don't know anything about this missing girl do you?"
"I don't mother, I swear", the red head replied
"Are you *absolutely* sure? Because if you do, then we need to knw *now*"
"I understand the severity of the situation mom, but I really don't know, I really don't!"
There was another brief silence before the mother sighed, "alright, just.... Keep an eye out and be careful, I don't think I have to remind you of what your father would do if he were to find out you have something to do with such a person.... The Baron is someone to be respected remember, and we don't lie to people we're supposed to respect, do you understand"
"...Yes mother...."
"Good, now go tend to the garden, I have some things I need to do in town today, can I trust you won't make a mess?"
"Yes mother"
"Good girl, I love you very much Ulla"
"I love you too mother"
The teen in the shed felt like she was gonna puke as she heard the red head's mother leave, *seems like this girl has some problems of her own.... Don't really wanna add to them either.... But if I leave now, *he's* gonna find me.... Quite the shitty situation.... Great job, you've royally screwed up again...."
As she sat there berating herself, she felt her body becoming more and more drained with each passing second, the Sun's warmth on her body made the little shed seem nice, nicer than anything she's used to anyway. She sighed as her eyes dropped, *this.... I... Just wanna stop.... I just wanna sleep....* She thought to herself, before the sleep she requested took over as her eyes fully closed.
****
"Hey...." A gentle voice called, "are you awake?"
"Mmmph...." The teen replied, groaning as she felt her body begin to wake up, reminding her of her injuries once again as her green eyes opened
"There you are!"
The silver haired teen looked up to see bright blue eyes flooding her vision, "AH!" She yelped before backing up against the wall once again
"Oh, sorry about that, I keep forgetting you're a bit skittish", the red head, Ulla, said, "I apologize, but I thought that maybe you could use something to eat?" She presented a small tray with fruits, veggies, and a ham sandwich on it, "it's not much, but it should hold you over until dinner, oh!" She grabbed two water sacs, "I also have water in one and apple juice in the other! That way you don't get thirsty while you're in here, plus", she pointed to a small bucket, "you can um... Use it, should the need arise", she added with a blush, "I know it's not much, but I can clean it out and claim it's from the cows, you're on my families small ranch you see, and we have a few cows, a small garden, and some chickens! It's not much, but nobody but me uses this shed, so if you stay in here, I'll be able to take care of you, at least until you wanna leave"
The green eyed teen was a little startled, but she tensed when she saw the girl coming towards her, ""just get it over with!"
"What?" Ulla said, tilting her head to the side and stopping in her tracks
"Get it over with! Hit me, beat me into submission! Do what you want to do for trespassing on your land and property so I can fucking hate myself all over again like you want me to!" She exclaimed, "just.... Just do it.... It's cruel to make me wait...."
The red head was silent for a moment, "I... I'm not gonna hurt you"
"What?" The silver haired girl said, looking at Ulla
"I'm not going to hurt you"
The teen looked at the red head, suspiciously, "w-why are you helping me?"
"Because I don't believe one's family past should affect their future, plus your people may have done some bad back then, but they've done a lot of good too! And I don't think it's fair that people judge their children based of the actions of another"
"R-really?"
"Yes", Ulla replied with a warm smile, "plus I can't let someone who's as hurt as you just be taken away. I know my mother and father respect sir Baron, but I get the feeling he's not very trust worthy... Plus he keeps giving me strange looks, they worry me.... If my parents weren't around I'd fear he'd do something to me...."
"He would...." The red head blinked in surprise, waiting for the girl to continue, "he's not a nice man, and what he told you is fucking bull shit! He's not doing this to wipe out my family heritage, he's doing this to get his rocks off!"
Ulla gasped, "you mean he's-!"
"Yeah, me and another girl, 4 years old.... Fucking perv.... He likes the way we look, it's why he captured me, I guess I was a little luckier than the 4 year old though... I don't have any parents, the ditched me when they saw my hair color and eyes.... But the little girl.... Her parents were killed in front of her.... By him...."
"W-where is she now?"
"She got caught trying to escape.... I had to keep running... Couldn't look back, the sick fuck would've captured me too...." The girl looked at the red head, "I'm not a nice person, I care only for myself, that's how I have to be, I'm warning you now so you don't get hurt later on.... I'm not someone you should take time trying to help, you've got a family, a home, you shouldn't waste your time with someone like me.... Could get you killed or worse..."
Ulla was shocked at this, but her eyes shined with determination once again, "I am *not* going to stand idly by while someone in my care needs help", she exclaimed
"Aren't you afraid I'll *manipulate* you?"
"You just told me that you're not someone I should trust, and you're making every effort to try and get rid of me so I don't get hurt"
"I...." The green eyed girl was speechless
Ulla giggled, "as I said during that conversation that I now *know* you heard, I'm not easily fooled, I may have a sensitive heart, but I'm a lot more observant that people give me credit for", she smirked, "I may not know you, but I know you need help, and who knows, maybe we can find a way to help that little 4 year old as well! But for now my main concern is you, I want to help you if you'll let me, I promise I won't tell anyone you're here just.... Please", she said, "let me help you, I'm here, and I wanna help"
The green eyed girl stared into those big blue ones, trying her best to say no, practically *begging* her mouth to say the word, but instead, she nodded, "ok...."
Ulla smiled wide, "thank you! Here, eat up! After you're done just leave the tray outside the door! I can bring you some blankets and a med kit too okay?"
"Ok"
"Great! Oh! What's you're name, you probably already know this, but mine's Ulla!"
The silver haired women blinked a little in surprise at how open Ulla was being with her, but something told her she could trust this girl, and for the first time since she'd escaped, a smile creped on her face as she gave a quiet reply, "Donella, my name is Donella"
"Donella, that's such a pretty name! Do you mind if I call you Donnie?"
Donella chuckled, "no, don't mind at all"
Ulla gave an excited squeak before she hugged Donella, startling her for a second before the red head let go, "welcome to my family's ranch Donnie! I know we're going to be the greatest friends in the world!"
The green eyed teen smiled at the red head's excitement, a small, red light beginning to glow in her chest as she watched the girl continue to talk about all the things she could do to make Donella's stay more comfortable*
****
"Donella"
The grey haired women's eyes snapped open as she looked at the person who said her name, "what Cyrus?" She asked grouchily
"The brat's back, he's in his room"
Donella stopped herself from huffing at the man, remembering it was *he* who told him to inform her of when Hugo had returned, "thank you", she said, "I'll talk with him". Getting up, the women made her way out of her room and walked down the halls towards the blond's, knocking on his door and waiting for the inevitable reply
"Coming", there was a few moments of silence before the door opened and the bespeckled teen was standing before her, "hi Don, did you need something?"
"Just wanted to see that you were *actually* here", she replied, "you haven't been back in a while"
"Yeah, kinda got side tracked", Hugo responded
"I could tell, you mind if I step inside?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"No"
"Then no", he stood aside as the women entered the room before he noticed Cyrus at the end of the hall, smirking at him. He rolled his eyes, "you really don't have anything better to do?"
"Meh, it's fun to watch", the man replied, getting the blond to wrinkle his nose
"You're disgusting"
"No, I'm bored, so entertain me"
Hugo's eyes narrowed dangerously at the man before he slammed the door shut, "asshole..."
"He's not the most subtle is he?" Donella asked
"No, and if I'm in trouble can we skip the small talk and get the punishment over with please? I realize that's not exactly what you wanna hear, but I'm really tired and would like to go to bed"
The grey haired women was a little startled by his blunt attitude, "I see that boy's rubbing off on you"
"No, just don't really wanna wait for what I know is coming", he replied, "honestly if you hate me so much, why keep me around?" He asked, "I'm genuinely curious"
"I don't hate you Hugo, I just know you could do better, which is why I'm so hard on you"
"Is that really it? Or is it because you hate the fact that I'm not him?" Hugo replied, looking directly into Donella's eyes, "I know that you wanted Varian.... I know you wanted him and that day you changed, it was because you went to Corona and tried to take him. I know you got that scar because Quirin was defending his kid from you, I know you hated the fact that I wasn't him.... So why keep me around if I'm nothing than a reminder of what you can't have? Why should I come back if all you wanna do is hurt me for being someone I'm not? Eugene was poisoned, Varian was upset, so I stayed to help, but when I come back the first thing you say is "you haven't been back in a while", no I really haven't, and I have good reasons for not coming back too! My boyfriend's big brother was fucking *dying*, but that doesn't matter to you does it? Nothing I say, do, think, feel, or even care about matters to you! So why don't you hit my like you normally would, beat me into submission, then leave because that's obviously all I'm good for! Is taking out your anger for me not being *him*!" The teen snapped, glaring at the women before he sighed, "just.... Get it over with.... So I can fucking hate myself all over again like you want me to...."
Donella's eyes flashed with recognition as she heard her own voice speak, *"Get it over with! Hit me, beat me into submission! Do what you want to do for trespassing on your land and property so I can fucking hate myself all over again like you want me to!" She'd exclaimed, "just.... Just do it.... It's cruel to make me wait...."*
The grey haired women looked at the blond, too shocked to really say anything before she felt her fists clench, "don't...."
Hugo blinked and raised a brow, "w-what?"
"Don't! Don't compare me to *him*!" She snapped sharply, making the boy wince, "don't you EVER compare me to that man that-that *MONSTER*!" She yelled
"Who are you talking abou-I didn't *compare* you to ANYONE!" Hugo snapped back angrily, "now you're gonna blame me something I didn't even do?! What's *WRONG* with you?!" He fell to the floor when the women punched his jaw, knocking him into the wall nearby as his glassed fell onto the floor
"SHUT UP!" She screamed, her eyes wide, her breathing frantic, her mind filled with *his* voice, *his* words, *his* threats, "JUST SHUT *UP*! YOU WON'T MAKE ME CRACK! YOU WON'T *MAKE* ME!"
Hugo looked up at her, his head bleeding as his jaw began to bruise, "D-don-AH!" He yelped, as he felt her kick his stomach harshly, knocking the wind out of him, she continued to kick him until all she could hear was him coughing
"I WON'T GOT BACK!" She screamed before she grabbed him by the shirt and threw him into the desk, watching him crash into it, toppling the furniture over as he fell helplessly to the floor
"H-help...." He called weakly, "h-help.... V-Varian.... Eugene.... C-Cyrus... H-help...." He reached out, his eyes blurred, both from not having his glasses and the tears as the women began to sulk towards him
Suddenly the door slammed open, both Eugene and Cyrus entering the room, "hey", the Dark Prince said, "we heard a commotion and-!" He gasped, shocked at what he saw, "YOU WON'T HURT ME! I WON'T LET YOU, DO YOU HEAR ME?!" The grey haired women screamed at the blond, who reached out towards him
"E-Eugene... Cyrus... Help....."
"Shit!" Cyrus cursed, running over to the women and grabbing her from underneath her arms, "shit-shit-shit! What the fuck did you say to her HUGO?!"
"Why are you blaming him?!" Eugene snapped, running over to the cowering alchemist and kneeling next to him, "shit this looks bad...."
"E-Eugene...." Hugo tried
"It's okay kid, I'm here, I won't let her hurt you, I won't"
"I'LL *KILL* YOU!" Donella screamed
"Shit Don CALM DOWN!"
"W-what's going on in-HUGO!" A voice said, getting everyone to stop and see Varian and Quirin rush into the room, "HUGO!" The blue eyed alchemist slid to his boyfriend's side, cupping his lover's cheeks in his hands, "H-Hugo, are you alright?"
The green eyed alchemist winced at the touch before he looked up into those bright blue eyes, "F-Freckles"
"I'm here Hugo, I'm here"
*"I'm here, and I wanna help"* Donella's eyes widened as she remembered the kind voice that said those words to her, she stopped fighting, panting as she felt her heart stop beating, "I.... W-what...."
"You lost it Don...." Cyrus said, "you lost it and pounded the kid into shit...."
The grey haired women's eyes widened before she looked and saw Hugo on the ground, Eugene and Varian by his side, she then looked around the room and saw the toppled over dressed and the hole in the wall, "....No.... No-no-no I didn't lose it, I-I didn't I-!"
"Yes you did", Quirin interrupted, making the women freeze and look at him with wide eyes, "you nearly killed him Donella....."
"I.... I no... I-I didn't.... I didn't *mean* to I... H-Hugo.... Hugo!" She walked over to him but was nearly pierced by a black rock shooting up from the ground, "w-wha-!"
"Don't come *any* closer....." Varian warned as his eyes and hair began to glow, "or I'll make you *regret it*....."
Donella stopped in her tracks and stared at the boy, her eyes stinging with tears as she saw Hugo lying on the floor, blood pooling around his head, "I.... D-don't let him die.... D-don't.... Please...."
This startled everyone in the room, including Cyrus, as Varian looked at the women. He stared at her for a long time before the rock sunk back into the ground and his glow went away, "we won't." Was all he said, before he helped Eugene pick Hugo up and carry him out of the room silently.
Donella stood there for a few moments, her eyes still wide as her unshed tears finally poured down her face, "...What happened to you?" Quirin asked
"Wouldn't you like to know...." She snapped aggressively, "you were probably waiting for this weren't you...."
"I.... Yes", the retired knight answered, "we had a plan in place to make people see how you actually treated him.... But.... You.... I recognize that look.... I.... I've had it on my face too, and Varian's.... It's PTSD..... What.... Donella what *happened* to you?"
Cyrus glared at the man, "why the fuck do *you* wanna know?!"
"Because I thought she was only doing this to control Hugo! To keep him in her sights and under her thumb, but this.... this is different.... Forget the fucking differences, forget the past, what...." Quirin looked at the women sympathetically, "what happened to you?"
The grey haired women sighed, arms wrapping around her protectively before she turned to face the man she thought she hated the most, ".....A lot.... Quirin.... A lot...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I know this is not the direction people thought this story would go, but honestly, I have an idea for this, trust me! :D I'm not going to redeem Donella, she's not a good person, even if she went through a lot, but villains are made, not born, and I wanted to explore that idea a little bit. Also, if you know the 4 year old little girl referred to in this chapter, then you might have an idea on what I'm planning :3 For now, I'll leave it ambiguous :D
So yeah, Donella and Ulla backstory! :D I like exploring it, I like exploring what makes a person tick! :D Also yeah, Donella has PTSD, very bad PTSD.... PTSD so bad that a phrase that was said in her *past* can send her into a frenzy! It's rough.... PTSD really sucks....
GIGANTIC KUDOS to Varian and Eugene, Eugene who was standing out in the hall, and Varian for protecting his boyfriend! <3 Love these boys so much!!!!! <3
Cyrus, your face is so punchable it's not even funny! But you had a good moment in this chapter, so you get one pass, for now....
Poor freaking Hugo, the boy finally stands up for himself but gets beat so hard that he ends up hurt! Just.... Good gosh this poor blond bean! He needs all the hugs and snugs in the world! Varian's going to be doing that, but still!!!!!
Quirin, of all the people to understand Donella in that moment it was him, honestly, he would be the only one to do so. He ended up hurting someone he cared about too based on his past, and it nearly cost him everything for it. He doesn't forgive Donella here, but he recognizes what just happened, you'll see what he does next :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 189: Her Little Light! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Donella tells Quirin everything!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I met Ulla when I was a teen.... I was 16 years old at the time, she was 14.... I was running away from someone... He wanted to hurt me.... To use me... He did.... A lot.... I didn't trust her at first... But she surprised me... She took care of me, even though the man I was hiding from was still looking for me and causing havoc in her town... Even though her family knew my ancestors were evil, and didn't want anything to do with me.... She risked *everything* to protect me, to take care of me.... Because she was alone... She wanted a friend, and I wanted someone kind... We both received what we wanted, what we *needed* when we met, but... It wasn't meant to last.... Her father... He found me...."
*She was eating an apple happily, it'd been about 6 months since she first showed up inside that shed, Ulla had really spruced the place up for her, getting her blankets and food, helping her rebuild it so it was much more stable. In return, Donella taught her about different things she knew, the places she'd been to, the people she'd met. Ulla had always been interested in that sort of thing, why? Donella never understood, but she shared either way, smirking whenever Ulla's eye lit up whenever the subject was discussed, then Ulla had brought in an interesting book, "what is this?" She'd asked
"Alchemy!" Ulla replied excitedly, "you've told me all about your adventures, and it seems like there've been times when an alchemical solution would've been able to get you out of it! So I thought, if you wanted to, you could learn about alchemy with me! I could show you how to make potions with just a few herbs that can get you out of some tight situations! Like a smoke bomb for example! Or maybe a way to clean faster, or a way to get out stains from your shirt, carpet, table cloth, you name it!"
The silver haired teen raised a skeptical brow, "you really think a few *herbs* can do something like that?"
"Yeah! Why? Don't have faith in the process?" The red head teased
"Not really, I've never seen potions do more than make a mess of things, so why would I want to bring that sort of thing into my life?"
Ulla grinned, "oh you haven't seen alchemy the way I've seen it, trust me, you know what? Imma make you a believer"
"Excuse me?"
"That's right!" Ulla exclaimed excitedly, "you're my new student! Imma make you love alchemy and all that it can offer, starting today!"
Donella scoffed, "good luck"
"Don't need luck when I've got *science*", Ulla stated, giving the silver haired girl some jazz hands to emphasize her point. Donella just raised her brow again, "alright, don't believe me, but trust me when I say, you'll *definitely* fall in love with alchemy!"
"You sure about that? I mean I guess it's kinda cool you're a sort of magic expert but-!"
"Magic?!" The red head exclaimed, a little offended, "I do not *work* with *magic*!" She then giggled, "I mean technically it's not *magic* it's *alchemy*, but uh don't sweat it, everybody gets it wrong when they first hear about it"
Donella chuckled, "alright alright, you win, I'll try it out"
Ulla let out an excited squeak before she hugged her best friend, "oh I'm so excited! You're gonna *love* it! I know you will! Plus there's this old legend of an Eternal Library that you can find with alchemy! Apparently the great Lord Demanitus found it and left a map of his travels and knowledge of the place! I've wanted to go looking for it my entire LIFE! What I wouldn't *give* to find that place someday!"
The silver haired teen smiled and returned the hug, "I take it it's a dream of yours?" "YES! And you'd *love* it Donnie! You really would!" The silver haired teen shrugged, "if you say so", she replied gently before Ulla broke the hug, smiling even wider at the green eyed girl
"I'll be back later with some supplies for an alchemical solution! A small one, once I make it, you'll see just how amazing they can be! Trust me!" She stated before getting up, "I've gotta go, but look forward to it, okay?"
"Alright", Donella replied, "you want me to do anything while you're out? Could water the plants"
The red head smiled lovingly at her, "if you want to that would be great, and I'd really appreciate it, thank you very much!"
"You're welcome", with that, Ulla skipped out of the shed happily, getting Donella to chuckle jovially as she waited for the back door the the red heads house to shut, once it did, she waited a few more seconds before grabbing the watering can and walking outside. She watered the plants quickly before noticed white lilies growing nearby and chuckled, "how perfect.... Innocent flowers for an innocent girl", she smiled at the lilies, watering them a bit too before she refilled the watering can and walked back inside the shed, setting it down and noticing the alchemy book still on the floor, "huh.... Must've left it in here", she smirked, "wouldn't hurt to take a peek". She sat down and began to read, growing more and more interested in the subject with every page turned.
Before she knew it, hours passed in the blink of an eye, and the shed door opened once again, "Donnie!~" Ulla sang, "I'm here! And I brought your favorite, strawberry tarts! Come and get i-!" She stopped when she saw the silver haired girl still reading the alchemy book and grinned. She snuck over to the unsuspecting teen and, setting the tray of food down, poked her shoulder while saying, "BOO!"
"AH!" Donella jumped up, the book held over her head and ready to strike before she stopped when she saw Ulla giggling, "U-Ulla! Oh for fuck sake.... Damn it you startled me!"
"I'm sorrhehehehehey, but you were just sohoho cute sitting there and reheheading", the red head replied in-between her giggles before she managed to control them and smile, innocently, at the silver haired teen, "so, you like the book I take it?"
"What? No! I-I don't I mean I guess but I-!"
"Hmmmm?"
".....Yes"
"Ha!" Ulla exclaimed, "I knew you would! Alchemy has that affect on people!"
Donella sighed before she smirked, "you're a real character you know that?"
"Only in fanfictions!"
"What?"
"Hee hee, nevermind, anyway", the red head managed to swipe the book from Donella's hands, "what did you think? Pretty amazing right? All those interesting solutions and what they can make? Making something out of things people would normally brush off as useless, doesn't that sound amazing?"
"It does", Donella agreed, "that book has some interesting ideas too"
"I know right?!" Ulla fangirled, "oh someday I'm gonna write my own alchemy book, then I'm gonna pass it down to my child, and he'll be so happy!"
"He?" The silver haired girl raised a brow, "how do you know your kid will be a boy?"
"I don't know", Ulla responded, "I just have this feeling he will be, and when he comes, he'll be the sweetest, kindest little boy in the world! And he'll be my little alchemy baby"
Donella chuckled, "you're in la la land again"
"I don't see a problem with that", she giggled, "you should probably eat your lunch, but hey, if you want to, would you like to discuss alchemy a little more? Maybe hear some theories I have?"
The silver haired teen wanted to refuse and say it could be risky considering her parents were waiting for her for lunch, but Ulla's puppy dog eyes were full power, and she was not able to refuse, she chuckled, "alright"
"Yay!" Both girls began to discuss more about alchemy while Donella ate, talking about different things they could use, different theories Ulla had, and different ways someone could use mundane solutions for, joking about making a bath bomb that could trap people in gigantic bubbles that didn't pop for a long time, or a super slippery floor polish. They laughed and joke and giggled all afternoon, neither of them were watching the time, before too long, the Sun had set and the Moon began to come out. They still didn't notice, not until the door to the shed slammed open, startling them both as they looked to see a large, angry looking man standing in the door way, "Ulla what are yo-!" He stopped when he noticed the silver haired girl sitting next to the red head, "....Who is this?"
"D-daddy...." Ulla said, her voice wavering as Donella's eyes widened, "um... H-hi daddy I um... I'm sorry for b-being... L-late um.... I-I'll go in r-right now I-!"
"WHO! IS! *THIS*?!" Her father repeated loudly, Ulla wincing at every word he said
"I um... T-this? Oh s-she's um... A f-friend of mine! F-from school, s-she wanted to t-talk about g-gardening s-so I-!"
"Don't *lie* to me", he snapped, his voice growing low, almost like a growl, "do you really think me and your mother haven't noticed you've been a little preoccupied lately? And with sir Baron around too, and you're spending time wi-! Wait a minute.... A friend from school? She... She's got.... H-her hair.... And her eyes-!"
"S-she's not what you think daddy!"
"You're... *Protecting* that thing?!" He snapped, "you.... The Baron has been in this town for 6 MONTHS looking for that *THING* and you've been *PROTECTING* IT?!"
"She's not a *thing* daddy!" Ulla defended, "s-she's just a teenager, like me!"
"I don't care how old it is! You've been keeping it here! IN *MY* OLD SHED!"
"I... S-she.... She was hurt I-!"
"I DON'T CARE! IT's DANGEROUS! IT'S WITH *THAT* FAMILY! AND YOU WOULD BRING *IT* INTO *MY* HOME?! WHAT'S *WRONG* WITH YOU ULLA?! CAN'T YOU SEE YOU'RE CAUSING YOUR FAMILY ENOUGH *PAIN* WITH THAT *DISGUSTING* MAGIC YOU DO?! AND NOW YOU HAVE TO BRING *IT* INTO THIS AS WELL?!"
"DADDY SHE'S NOT AN 'IT'! SHE'S A LIVING *BEING*! AND SHE WAS HURT! That man, sir Baron.... He hurt her... And n-not just her either! He's got another girl in there too, just 4 years old! How can you s-sit there and-and-and just *let* him get away with that? What if it were *me* daddy?! What if *I* was the one he wanted?!"
"I'd *gladly* give you to him...." Her father stated, glaring at the girl, "gladly....."
Ulla was shocked by this, her eyes wide as tears came to her face, "y-you... Y-you don't m-mean that... Y-you *couldn't* mean t-that-you.... D-daddy you-!"
"Just shut up! For once in your *disgusting* life, just shut the *fuck* up!" He snapped
Donella had heard enough, "HEY! For the record bub, she's the kindest, sweetest, most understanding person you will ever meet! I don't care what you say about me, but you leave Ulla ALONE!"
"Oh you think *you* have any say in this matter? You disgusting freak?!" He snapped, "you're nothing more than a worthless sack of shit! The only thing your shitty family is good for is popping out soldiers to fight! That's all! No wonder sir Baron wants you and that other disgusting piece of *shit*! You can have your disgusting war and shit but I'll have none of that here!" He grabbed Donella by the hair, dragging the teen out as she kicked and screamed to be released
She bit, she kicked, she punched, she spat, she did everything she could to get out of that man's grasp, it was only until she heard a puff and saw a flash of light as she fell to the floor that she felt her hair be released and looked up. She gasped, "U.... Ulla...."
The red head was standing in front of the grey haired girl, her tears streaking down her face as she glared towards the man that was supposed to be her father, "no more...." She stated, "no more... N-no more hate, no more fear... I don't want to anymore...."
The man was laying on the floor, he was rubbing his head as the light faded before he shook the daze out of his mind and looked at his daughter, "you... Y-you're a witch! I knew it too! I knew! I t-told your mother too, but would she listen? No!"
Ulla sighed before she turned to Donella and offered her a hand up, "are you okay?"
"I...." the silver haired teen hesitated before accepting Ulla's hand, "yeah, I'm okay, what about you?"
"Yeah... I'm fine...." The red head replied before she noticed the door to the house opening, spotting her mother coming out and gasping, "you need to leave here, and never come back... I'm so sorry Donnie... But I don't want you to get captured again. I'll distract them okay? Just run, please"
"What? But what abou-!"
"GET THE BARON!" Ulla's father yelled, "GET HIM NOW AND GET YOUR *FREAK* OF A DAUGHTER LOCKED UP!"
"Please Donnie", Ulla begged, "please hurry, please, I don't want you to see this...."
The green eyed teen hesitated, seeing her mother helping the man up before he pushed her away and began yelling at a neighbor, who began to alert another neighbor, soon the whole village was awake and screaming about the freak of a child that had escaped sir Baron! Donella's heart began to race as she looked at her first and only friend, who was smiling at her understandingly before she huffed and grabbed the red head's hand, "I am *not* leaving you behind!" She stated, "you can beg me to al you want, but you're not wanted here, and I'm not leaving you like that, we go together or not at all"
Ulla's eyes widened at that, she stared at the silver haired girl before she smiled, "o-ok!"
They began to run, as fast as they could, while people chased them, pitchforks and fire in their hands. They ran out of the town, through the fields and into a forest like area, managing to duck, dodge, and slide out of sight from the angry village behind them. They stopped when they no longer heard the angry shouts coming from behind them, panting heavily as they looked around, the Sun was nearly completely down, a sliver of it being left as the Moon began to rise which was, at this point, giving them the cover of the early evening darkness. They were just about to head through the forest when Ulla stopped, "w-wait", she whispered, "y-you.... Do you see her?"
Donella looked to where the red head was gesturing to and her eyes widened when she saw the 4 year old girl she'd been trapped with before! She was still handcuffed, but looked to be.... Doing her business... With a guard nearby, his back turned to her, "that's her...." She whispered, "the little 4 year old I was trapped with.... She... Got punished really badly for trying to escape it seems..."
"How can you tell?"
"She didn't used to have blood on the back of her shirt...."
Ulla gasped a little before she covered her mouth with her hand. There was a moment of silence between the two before the red head spoke, "there's a boy...."
"What?"
"There's a boy... Looks like he's our age.... H-he's hiding in the bushes behind the little girl... I just saw him notice her and cover his eyes...."
"A boy?" The silver haired girl looked around until she saw the boy, he looked to be about 15 years old, although she couldn't see his face, she noticed he had a belt with a weird symbol on its buckle, "he.... It seems like he's from another kingdom all together... Look at the symbol on his belt...."
"You're right... Maybe... Maybe he could save her?" Ulla suggested
"What?!"
"Look all we'd have to do is get the little girl to notice him.... I don't know why, but I have a feeling he'll help her...."
"How can you tell?"
"He.... Looks like a knight.... I know that sounds strange, but he's young and is averting his eyes from a girl he's never met! Since when do strangers do that? Plus he's not attacking her, just hiding, like us.... I... I don't want to leave that little girl in the hands of that man.... Please Donnie.... Please?"
Donella sighed, "alright, but I'm not going near there, I recognize that guard, he's one of the Baron's.... We'll need to get her to notice the boy without causing a ruckus and drawing attention to ourselves"
Ulla thought about it for a moment before she smiled, "I've got an idea", she pulled out something from her pocket, and with the final remains of the Sun's light, she used the object to reflect light from the Sun onto the boy's belt buckle.
"Clever", Donella replied, watching as the 4 year old noticed it, she looked before she spotted the teenage boy. They watched as the girl looked at the guard then back at the boy before she picked up, what looked like, a pebble and threw it at him. The teen uncovered his eyes and saw her, she waved at him.
He blushed and, misunderstanding the situation, began to walk away, "nonono! Please!" Ulla begged, that's when she watched the little 4 year old run to him and cling to his arm, silencing him when he was about to question her and pointing to the guard, "yes!" The red head cheered quietly as she watched the teen catch the hint and immediately pull the little girl out of sight safely, "thank you young knight!" She stated quietly, "you've saved a little girl from a horrible man, you really have"
Donella smirked, "thank goodness, now come on, we need to get out of here before the guards see us"
"Right"
They ran through the woods, away from the guard and the Baron, who was now searching for *two* lost girls, it made Donella snicker at the thought of how angry he must've gotten before they found a hiding place a few miles away from the village. It was a small hole in an old hollowed out tree, they were both able to fit inside and panted heavily as the night grew darker and darker. They huddled close together to keep each other warm before Donella looked at Ulla, "are you okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"You... Ulla you just left your home, your parents, your entire *life*!"
"Oh.... Yeah I'm okay"
The silver haired girl looked at the red head, "w-wha...."
Ulla chuckled, "I guess I never told you did I? My mother? She cheated on my father with another man a long time ago, a traveling alchemist actually... I came from that lapse in judgement.... My father has never loved me, in fact, he hates me, but I was useful and he loved my mother, who was ashamed of her actions and begged for forgiveness. As long as I didn't step out of line I was permitted to stay with them", she explained, "so I did numerous chores in exchange for my schooling, I worked and earned money for the clothes on my back and food in my stomach, and when I began to grow an interest in alchemy well...." She sighed, "that's when my mother decided to start to hate me too, because I reminded her of her mistake.... But she would feign kindness and worry so I didn't make things hard for her.... I made sure she thought I was fooled so she wouldn't check on me, that way I could study alchemy by myself without worries". She smiled, "it's not nearly as bad as yours but, there ya go, my sad backstory, eheh"
Donella stared at the red head for a long time before she huffed, "well, *I'm* not gonna do that to you, ever!" She stated, "I won't hate you, I won't abandon you, I won't blame you for something you didn't have control of, I won't, I never will, you and me, we're sticking together, forever!"
Ulla smiled and leaned against Donella happily, "promise?"
"Promise"
****
She walked around Old Corona by herself, watching everyone turn their lights out in their homes as she felt the first drops of the rain begin to pour, looking up to the sky she huffed when it began to sprinkle, then pour, "damn weather..." She thought before she noticed a small shed nearby, she ran to it and enter, turning around and seeing farming tools surrounding her, "tch, how familiar...." She scoffed, "though this stuff's a lot better than the other shed I spent the night in...." She sighed, sitting down in some hay and leaning her back against the wall of the shed, her own words screaming in her head, *"let me put it a different way... Ulla is *mine*. *We* worked hard together and fought to where we are not, *us* without*you*!"* She shut her eyes as more words came to mind, *"WHO *CARES* WHAT *YOU* THINK ULLA! YOU HAVEN'T MADE *ANY* GOOD DECISIONS FOR US AT *ALL*! IT'S BEEN *ME*! *I* KEEP US SAFE! *I* KEEP US PROTECTED! SO *YOU* NEED TO LISTEN TO *ME*! WE ARE *NOT* STAYING HERE WITH *HIM*! WE ARE *LEAVING NOW*!"*
Her shoulders tensed as she remembered the look on Ulla's face at her own words, "...I can't believe I said that to her.... And in front of the *hick* too.... What's *wrong* with me?! Why am I acting this way? Would it really be so bad to just stay with him for a while? Seriously? He's not a bad so why am I so angry at him?!"
A flash, as fast as lightning, showed an image of Ulla's father in Donella's mind, his shed with the rusted tools and small garden piercing her memories as she shivered.... She then thought about the Baron, both men having something in common with the Village Leader, "that's why...." She sighed, "but he's not them.... He's nice... But.... Ulla...." Donella closed her eyes when she thought of her best friend, how she would smile that same warm smile Ulla would give her be given to that man, and it made her blood boil..... She sighed, "I just wanna go back to how things used to be.... That too much to ask?"
*But is it what she wants?* Her mind asked her
"She doesn't know any better! She doesn't know that man is bad for her"
*Is he though, Quirin's been giving her and you a home, food on the table, and has asked for nothing in return save for a few chores to be done*
"B-but he's just like *them*! And he has secrets!"
*Doesn't everybody? You do, Ulla does, he didn't ask for your secrets, just your names*
"I.... H-he just wants to take her from me*
*"W-wait, *that's* why you're upset? Because you think if Ulla and I get together, she won't care about you anymore?"
"I-it's more than that! She's *my* Ulla Quirin! So back OFF!"
"Ulla doesn't *belong* to anyone Donella"*
"Ugh! Shut up brain! I don't want to do this tonight!"
*I'm not the one powering the thoughts here, you're doing that yourself. You know if you don't go back, you'll lose her, you know that, so tell me, why aren't you heading back there? Why are you letting this get to you? Why? *Why?* *WHY?**
"BECAUSE I LOVE HER!" She shouted before her eyes shot open at the realization, "I.... I-I love her... I love Ulla..."
*Then go after her!*
"But that farmer-!"
*"If you have feelings for her then fine, I'll back off, do you? I need to know now, I won't judge if you do"*
Quirin's words repeated in her mind before she got up and slammed open the shed door. She ran through the rain back to the old farmer's home, panting as she did so. She ran through the field up to the door, inside the living room, and went to dart upstairs when she froze, the sight before her sending chills down her back as she saw Quirin holding Ulla, who was crying her eyes out. The man held her close, rubbing her back and whispering words of comfort to her while she continued to cry. Donella felt her heart shatter in that moment as her mind became completely silent, tears stung in her eyes before she made up her mind, *s-she'll follow.... She'll follow me... She'll follow if I leave! S-she will, she WILL!* She walked inside the room and grabbed her stuff, packing it away before walking out, she looked at them one last time and noticed Quirin watching her, his eyes pleading her not to go. They were wide and worried as he glanced down at Ulla then back at her. She said nothing, merely glaring at the man, she knew Ulla wouldn't dare choose *him* over *her*! She knew she would follow, so with tears in her eyes, she walked away, away from Quirin, away from that home, away from that farm, away from that town, and, unbeknownst to her at that time, away from Ulla too....
****
Her life has been hard since she left Old Corona, she's had to fend for herself, living off the land, fighting off any jerks that thought she was easy pickings, and she'd made her way to Ingvarr. The Queen, gaining full interest in the women's alchemy prowess, appointed her as the royal scientist! She worked hard every day, training, fighting, doing what she needed to do to get her job done, that's when she'd heard about a library, "an eternal place with knowledge from history!" The Queen of Ingvarr explained excitedly, "legend says it holds the keys to many things, treasure, lost history, even old scrolls! Donella, I wish for you to find this library, should you choose to accept it Donella, this task could go down in Ingavrrian history, with your name at the forefront"
"It would be an honor to accept this task your majesty", the grey haired women replied with a bow before her eyes opened, "if it's all the same to you, do you mind if I invite one more on this journey?"
"Who?"
"A women from Old Corona your majesty, she's a dear friend of mine and knows alchemy, she's the one who taught me and would be imperative so make this mission succeed!"
The Queen smiled, "a friend of yours? Of course! Bring her along as well! The more the merrier!"
"Thank you your majesty, I sincerely appreciate it", Donella replied with another bow before she left the throne room, a wide smile on her face as she thought about Ulla all those years ago, *Plus there's this old legend of an Eternal Library that you can find with alchemy! Apparently the great Lord Demanitus found it and left a map of his travels and knowledge of the place! I've wanted to go looking for it my entire LIFE! What I wouldn't *give* to find that place someday!"
The silver haired teen smiled and returned the hug, "I take it it's a dream of yours?"
"YES! And you'd *love* it Donnie! You really would!"
The silver haired teen shrugged, "if you say so"*
She smiled at the memory before she left for Old Corona in the morning, her heart beating so fast as she thought about seeing her best friend once more!
****
"You.... You have a child", Donella stated, staring at the small 3 year old boy in Ulla's arms as the women in question stared at her with wide eyes
"You came for a visit!" The red head retorted excitedly, "you came for a visit after all these years and you're surprised I have a *child*?!"
"I.... Y-yeah sorry, I guess it just... shocked me.... He... He looks so much like you", she smiled at him, "hello"
"Hewwo", the boy replied shyly
Ulla giggled, "this is Varian, he's my little baby boy, aren't you? Aren't you?" She cooed, getting the 3 year old to giggle adorably
"He's got your eyes", Donella noticed, smiling at the child, "you were right, you had a boy"
"I did! And he really is my little alchemy baby!" Ulla responded with a loving smile, "we made a food volcano yesterday didn't we? Didn't we? And then we made daddy mad because somebody put too much chocolate syrup lava in the mixture did you? Didn't you?" Varian giggled again, squeaking with joy when his mother peppered him with kisses before she looked at Donella, "he was a little chocolate baby after that, covered head to foot! Quirin was not super happy about the mess, but one look from this little guy and he melted like butter!"
Donella's shoulders tensed at the mention of that farmer, "so you're still together huh?"
"Yup! Varian's his son after all! And we've been having a really great time together, especially with this tiny one! My little beautiful dreamer!" She hugged Varian close to her heart, the 3 year old cooing happily
"I wuv my mommy!" He exclaimed happily
Ulla giggled, "I love you too my little cutie!"
Donella smiled at the pair before she remembered her reason for coming, "oh! I.... Ulla I wanted to invite you somewhere"
"Really?" Ulla said, looking at her best friend, "where?"
"To find the eternal library!"
****
"Isn't he just the cutest little thing?" Ulla said, holding up a drawing of Varian
"Very cute Ulla", Donella replied, "why do you keep drawing him?"
"Because I wanna show him how much mommy missed him and daddy when we get home", she replied as she worked on a drawing of Quirin in her favorite journal, "plus you said the Queen of Ingvarr asked you to do this for history right? Well I want my babies to be in the history books too! And someday, this journal is going to be looked at as a history journal, so I want Quirin and Varian a part of it too!"
Donella felt her heart ache for a moment, her thoughts twisting and becoming dark as she thought more and more about Quirin, "w-we should talk about something else...."
*She should've been mine*
"Maybe we can discuss theories we have about the trials?"
*He stole her from me!*
"Or experiments we've got planned"
*Why should I have to leave when she goes back to them?*
"How about we look at that map of yours to find out where the next town is hm?"
*She *will* be mine!*
Ulla giggled, "I guess I have been talking about them a lot, sorry about that, let's see, if we're here, then...."
*Forever....*
****
"Donnie... W-why?" Ulla asked, tears sliding down her face as she looked at her former friend sadly, her hand placed gently on the shield now separating them, "why? Y-you were going to be with me, we w-were going to be together.... W-why did you do this to me?"
"Because!" Donella yelled, "you betrayed me! You had a child with that man! You left me alone! You.... Y-you.... You need to be kept where I can find you... Forever... I'll know where you are in here.... I'll know, and you'll never leave me again...."
"B-but why would you.... Y-you... Why would you leave me then? Back during the storm? Why'd you leave if you wanted me to stay with you?"
"I THOUGHT YOU WOULD FOLLOW ME ULLA!" Donella screamed, "I-I thought you would choose *me* over *him*! We'd been through so much! Fought through so much! Done so much together! B-but you chose him! Over *ME*!" Her own tears began to slide down her cheeks as she said, "I love you Ulla... I always h-have, a-and I thought you knew.... I... I thought.... T-that you knew...."
Ulla watched the grey haired women glared at her, "D-Donnie.... I... I n-never knew... W-why didn't you tell me?"
"I thought it was obvious! I stayed with you! You're the first person to ever show me an once of kindness! You were the FIRST Ulla! B-but you didn't love me like that... You loved *him*..."
"I.... D-Donnie I-!"
"You betrayed me! For *him*! You *left* me for *HIM*!"
"I LOVE YOU TOO DONELLA!" Ulla yelled startling the women, "I love you too! I loved you back then too! I have *always* loved you! Ever since we ran away from my home! Ever since we helped that little 4 year old girl! Ever since we huddle under that *TREE* Donnie! I have loved you! I had a HUGE crush on you! Huge! I love you! I loved you! B-but.... Then you left me, you left Donnie, YOU LEFT ME! B-because you were angry, because you were hurt, because you didn't ask! YOU LEFT *ME*! It took me years to get over your, t-that night, the one you left, I was *broken hearted*! And now, years later, you come to me and tell me you can help me find my dream, you want to make me happy! B-but you do this to me?! Y-you trapped me in here Donnie, I HAVE A *CHILD*! I HAVE A *HUSBAND*! Despite what you may think Quirin is the BEST THING THAT'S EVER HAPPENED TO ME!!!!! TO *US*!!!!!! And n-now... I... I can't see him anymore... I-I will never get to see *Varian*! M-my beautiful dreamer, my alchemy baby, my pride and joy-you took it away from me! Y-you.... A-and you did it b-because you..." She fell to the floor, her head lowered as her hair shielded her face, "I'm going to die.... I-I'm going to *die*!"
"N-no!" Donella said, "I-I can fix this! I-I can get you out! T-the library won't consume you! I-It won't i-it-!"
"I hate you Donella....."
"I... B-but..."
"I hate you...." Ulla repeated, "you left me, you abandoned me, you tricked me, you trapped me, you wanted me, you *loved* me, and now you've sentenced me to death.... I.... I hate you...." Ulla looked at her and glared, "you hear me? I hate you, I *hate* you Donella, I *HATE* you, I *HATE* YOU!!!!!!" Her screamed became mangled and mixed with her sobs as she banged against the unbreakable shield surrounding the Library as it began to close in on itself
"W-what's happening?!" Donella asked worriedly as there Library tore in the middle and began to swirl and crack right in front of her
"T-The Library sucks everything up is someone w-without pure intentions s-steps inside! I-it's a defense mechanism.... T-the person trying to gain a-access to the Library i-is trapped inside and k-killed... B-but their spirit lingers f-forever trapped inside the Library halls u-until someone with pure intentions come to free them....." Ulla said, "y-you read my journal.... I-it was in there... You.... You've sentenced me to d-death.... D-do you hate yourself still Donnie? D-do you?" Ulla looked up at Donella one final time as her eyes began to glow the same sickening color of the magic swirling in the Library, "because I'll *never* forgive you...."
"U-Ulla...." Donella said, but her best friend was lifted into the air, the magic surrounding her making her scream out in pain, "ULLA!" Donella screamed, reaching out and banging on the shield, trying everything she could to bust inside, trying.... and failing.... As the Library got sucked up and disappeared before her, Ulla's screams forever echoing inside Donella's mind as she sunk to the floor, her cries ripped into the sky as the only thing left of her best friend.... Was her old journal....
****
"She... S-she can't be.... N-no... S-she can't be...." Quirin stated as he stared in disbelief at his wife's old friend, "no....."
"She's gone.... There was... A-an accident...." Donella replied softly
*It was my fault*, she thought to herself
"H-how? How did it happen?" Quirin asked
"It... W-was the Library... T-there was.... S-so much screaming.... A-and then she.... Just...." Donella stopped speaking as she remembered Ulla's final words to her
*It was all my fault!*
"Oh Demanitus....." Quirin said, his eyes wide as he placed a hand over his mouth, "I.... U-Ulla.... N-no.... S-she... She was... S-she...." Tears streaked down his face as he kneeled to the floor, unable to stand anymore, "U-Ulla...."
*It was all my FAULT!*
"Daddy?" A small voice said, making both adult's blood turn to ice as they looked at saw a small figure standing at the foot of the stairs, "daddy? Why you crying?"
"V-Varian?" Quirin looked at his 3 year old, "s-son what are you doing out of bed?"
"I heard you say mommy's name"
"Oh...."
"Daddy where's mommy?" Varian asked, shuffling over to his father
*It's all my fault.....*
Quirin's tears slid down his cheeks faster as he picked up his son and held him close, unable to speak, "d-daddy?" The little boy repeated, his voice a little nervous as he looked at Donella, those big blue eyes breaking her heart all over again as she couldn't help but stare into them, "d-daddy?" The child looked back at his father, who couldn't stop crying
"S-she...." Quirin tried, but a sob escaped him, he cleared his throat, swallowing it down before he looked at his son, "Varian, b-bubby mommy.... S-she's not coming b-back...."
"What?" Varian said, "w-why?"
*It's all my fault.... It's all my fault.... IT'S ALL MY FAULT!*
"T-there was... A-an accident.... M-mommy.... S-she didn't m-make it.... S-she won't be c-coming back...." Quirin choked out, "d-do you understand?"
"I...." Varian stopped and stared at the two adults before tears welled up in his eyes. He wanted to cry, to scream, to wail, but one look at his father made him choke it down, and he nodded, "u-uh huh...."
*It's my fault.....*
"A-are you okay son?" Quirin asked, "it's okay if you wanna cry right now, daddy's got you, he can hold you while you d-do"
*It's my fault*
"B-but.... W-who's gonna howd daddy?" Varian asked, "w-who's gonna howd daddy when he cwies?"
The retired knight bit his lip as he looked at his son, more tears slid down his face as he looked at Donella, she froze, unsure of what to do before he sighed and looked back at his son, smiling, "I'll b-be okay"
"N-no you not.... You not okay... I howd you daddy.... I c-can howd you", Varian said, his tears betraying him as they dripped of his chin, "I-I..." He hiccupped, "I-I can h-howd you...."
Quirin gave a small, sad chuckle, "h-how about we hold each other then? Yeah?"
"Otay...." Varian hugged his father as Quirin hugged him back, the two cried together as Donella watched, she watched them break, she watched them suffer, she watched them grieve, all while her thoughts reminded her.... That all of this was her fault....*
****
Donella stared at the floor outside of the medical room, her hands were cuffed as she stared at the floor, Quirin sat next to her, he didn't speak, only listened, nodding a few times when she looked at him to make sure he was still listening. At the end of her tale, she was silent, unable to look the man in the eye, "that's what happened to me.... That's why I attacked Hugo... That's why I'm not the same as I was before.... That's why...."
"....You killed her...." Quirin replied
"Yes... I killed her..." She responded, "I killed her and got away with it.... I didn't know... I didn't know that would happen and was so blinded by my anger that I killed her.... I killed her and I.... I wanted to make up for it... So I tried to take Varian.... But...." She sighed, "it.... Wouldn't have done a thing.... I hated Hugo after that.... I blamed him for not being Varian, I blamed him for not being the person I wanted, I saw him as a younger version of me.... And I hated me.... I still hate me... I thought if I hurt him, got him to act right, then I could control him, control me.... But when I saw him bleeding on the floor.... I finally saw the tiny blond kid I saved again.... And...." She became silent again as she looked at the door Hugo had been taken behind, "....I.... I don't deserve him....."
The retired knight closed his eyes, his mind reeled from this information, he wanted to deny it, wanted to claim it wasn't true, but it was.... He knew it was.... His wife was murdered by her best friend, he suffered without the love of his life because of her best friend, his son had grown up without a mother before of her best friend..... He felt his blood begin to boil, his fists clench, the blades on his back *lusting* for her blood, but he didn't move..... "....You're right.... You don't deserve him...."
Donella nodded, "you're angry"
"Yes.... Did you expect anything else?"
"No...."
"....What do you want me to say to you Donella?" Quirin asked, genuinely curious
"What I deserve to hear....." She responded
The retired knight scoffed a bit, his mind agreeing with her and wanting his mouth to go to work, but he didn't let it. He remained quiet for a long time, letting the information and emotions pass before he finally spoke once more, "you saved someone I love...."
"What?" The women looked at him, "what are yo-!"
"The 4 year old.... The one the Baron had... You saved her.... White hair, bruised and beaten, handcuffs on her feet and wrists"
"Yes but what does she have to do wi-! ....I never said she had handcuffs on her.... How'd you-!"
"I was the knight.... I was 15 at the time..... Something shimmering caught her attention and she saw me.... She clung to me and I knocked out the guard watching her.... We, me and King Edmund, took her to the Dark Kingdom, she survived the plague and was trained by my king. She became one of the strongest warriors in the entire kingdom...."
Donella's eyes widened, "that boy was *you*?! Y-you knew her? S-she became a-! ....Then wait, w-wouldn't that make her-!"
"Quirin!" A voice shouted as a group of people ran over to the pair, getting the women to look up and see Rapunzel, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Hector, Edmund, and Adira standing there, "Quirin we heard about Hugo, is he okay?!" Lance asked worriedly
"I don't know.... Doctor's haven't said anything yet", the retired knight replied quietly
"Shit you're angry...." Hector stated, "angrier than I thought you'd be actually"
"How'd you three find out?" Quirin asked, looking at his brother
"I told them", Rapunzel admitted, "I had to, they were there when Eugene came and go me and Lance, in the family room, they asked and I couldn't say nothing, I'm sorry"
"It's okay, they needed to know sometime"
"So the doctor's haven't said anything yet?" Edmund asked, "where's Varian and Eugene?"
"With Hugo, they're only allowing them inside because Varian insisted and Eugene wanted to keep him calm, Ruddigar's in there too, they won't be out for a while", Quirin explained before he looked at his sister, "while we're waiting however, do you recognize her?"
Adira raised a brow at her brother with confusion, "what recognize wh-!" She stopped when she saw the women sitting next to him. She hadn't really ever gotten a good look at her before. Only seeing her a few times, and the women hadn't really been there long enough for the warrior to recognize her. But now that she wasn't moving, Adira could take in every detail of her, from her grey hair to her green eyes to the look on her face as she looked back at the face painted warrior, "....Yes.... I do....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
Won't say much about this chapter, I'd rather hear your thoughts, but here it is! Quirin knows now, and Donella's the one who told him! Sorry if the pacing is a little off, I was running out of time X3
All I'll say is, poor Quirin and Varian.... And poor Hugo as well..... My gosh.....
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 190: Q and A!
Summary:
Read the chapter to find out what this is about! :D (Please :3)
Notes:
Everything will be explained in the chapter! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hello Readers!
Harmony Song here! I wanted to do a Q and A for the characters because I think they're a lot of fun! So here's what I plan to do!
Post your questions with the name of the character that it's directed to in the comments below, and I'll write a chapter having the characters answer your questions! :D There is no limit to how many questions you can ask, I'm more than willing to write as many answers as possible! :D
Rules/Ideas if you don't know what to say or ask:
-If your question is plot related, I may have a character react to it, but they may not give a straight answer. At the same time however, depending on how you word it, I may just have something happen in this chapter or give a hint to a future chapter as well! :D
-You can ask ANY character your question, even those who are passed away or may not even be human :3 Like a celestial being or an animal! :D (Hugo is available to talk, this is a partially cannon chapter that is for fun and for you guys to have fun with! The only one you can't ask is the Moonstone or the Sundrop, they come in later :3)
-This is partially cannon to the story, so the characters may not remember speaking directly to all of you, but the thoughts or questions you ask could have an affect on what they do in the future, in fact I may draw a reference to the question in the later chapters just so you guys can know who had what affect on whom! :D
-They are all in the Coronan castle right now, so you can ask about the castle, the flowers/gardens, all that jazz!
-Please do not ask about future episodes unless I've made reference to them in other chapters, like Be Very Afraid, you can ask what Varian thinks the Moon meant about the reference to that episode (phrase it differently please XD) and even how he would feel about different colored rocks popping up, but you cannot tell him you know the future and will know how certain things will turn out, please don't do that
-Please no bashing characters, yeah certain ones are not peoples favorites right now (Donella, Frederic, Andrew, Nigel, Duke and Duchess, etc), but don't bash them, if you have questions for them though, they'll answer! :D
-You can ask my OC's questions! They're available to talk, likewise I am too! :D You can ask me questions too if you want! :3
-It'd make it easier on me, if you have multiple questions, to put bullet points or '-'s to separate the questions, I'd be able to organize them better and answer them faster that way! :D
-I'm planning on posting the answer chapter tomorrow, but please feel free to keep asking questions until it's actually posted, I'll be looking at the chapter to see if there are any new questions while making the chapter! :D
-Have fun with this! You can ask characters to do something or say something to someone if you want! As long as the character agree that is XD (They can say no :3) But in this, you can ask them if they'll talk about certain things, what they think about things, how they feel, what they wanna do, say hi to them, talk to them, and just have a nice conversation with them if you want! :D They'll be more than happy to do that, and I'll be more than happy to write their responses! :D
-You can say hi to them and just have a conversation with them too! Tell them how you feel and/or how you relate to them and see how they react, they'd probably really love that! <3
-No bashing or insulting another person's question please, this is fun! If I see that happening your comment will be deleted and your question will not be answered
Thank you all for reading this! I'm so excited to be doing something like this! Please ask as many questions as you want! :D I'm doing this because of all the support you've all given me, I wanted to give something back, even if it's just characters reacting to certain things you'd like to tell them or ask! :D You've all been such a big help to me in my life that I wouldn't nearly as happy as I am today! So thank you all sincerely for that! I really needed you guys, and you all really helped me through a lot, commenting, kudos, even just reading and nothing else, you've all made me so incredibly happy during a really tough time and I couldn't be more appreciative of that! Thank you so much for all your support! I can't wait to write this chapter! <3<3<3<3<3
I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Thank you so much for reading! <3
Sincerely,
HarmonySong 🎶
Notes:
Thank you all for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 191: Crystal!
Summary:
Here's the answers to your questions! Thank you all so much for writing them!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian sighed as he sat next to Hugo in the family room before he looked at you, "hello all, so things have been kinda crazy lately, for all of us! So, we all decided now would be a good time for us to take a small break from the story and answer any questions you may have for us!"
"Thaaaaat's right Varian!" Lance exclaimed excitedly
Eugene face palmed, "oh no...."
"Lance no", Varian stated
"LANCE YES!" The former thief replied, "WELCOME ONE AND ALL TO THE TANGLED CHARACTERS Q AND *A*!" He announced
"Why must you do these things?" Eugene asked
"You ain't a commenter, so I'm ignorin that question"
"Of course you are..."
"*Aaaaanyway*! We've got a whole bunch of questions for you *lovely* Lance fans! A-!"
"Hold on!" Hugo interrupted, "from what I see here-excuse me, let me check again... um... Majority of these people are *Varian* fans!"
The blue eyed alchemist snorted as Lance raised a brow, "you hush", he then turned back to face all of you, "so! Without further delay-!"
"From you", Cassandra sassed
"*WE* will now be answerin *your* questions!" Lance stated before he looked at his friends, "guys, I'm *announcer Lance*, this is my *schtick*!"
"That doesn't mean we can't pick on you a little for it", Eugene replied with a smirk
"Plus the 'Lance fans' comment wasn't scientifically accurate", Hugo added
The former thief huffed, "they still like me!"
"They do", Hugo replied, "but Freckles deserves all the love"
"Wha-!"
"He's my boyfriend, I'm biased"
"Ah... Good boyfriend"
"He sure is!" Varian agreed, hugging Hugo happily as the two blushed
"As adorable as you two are", Quirin interrupted, "I think people have been waiting for this chapter, sooo"
"Right", Varian replied with a smile before he looked at you, "sorry about the delay! Here are your questions, made by you, answered by us!"
*****
Crystal smiles wide as they look directly at Varian, "Hey Varian, I Crystal. HAVE some questions for you"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled timidly back, "oki, I'll do my best to answer"
The excited commenter's smile widened even more before they asked their first question, "Have you ever met a raccoon dog from Japan?"
The teen tilted his head to the side, as did Ruddigar, "there are raccoon dogs in Japan?"
"Pfft!" Eugene chuckled, "well that answers that"
Varian blushed, "eheh, sorry, I guess I haven't, but I find that extremely interesting! What do they look like?"
Harmony, who is overseeing this entire questionnaire, walks over to Varian and shows a picture of a raccoon dogs, "they're called Tanuki's", from her magical picture portal that's the size of her pocket, "it's an iPhone, but we're gonna refer to it as that because medieval times"
"Who's mid-evil?" Lance asked
"I think she actually said mi Deval", Edmund corrected, "which.... Doesn't explain any better...."
Rapunzel giggled as Varian looked at the magical picture portal as his eyes widened, "oh my gosh they're so *CUTE*!" Ruddigar chittered in agreement, "I want one! Daaaaad!"
"No, you've already got a raccoon", Quirin stated with a chuckle
"But look at them!"
Harmony showed Quirin her magical picture portal, "ok that's adorable, but you still can't have one, besides, I don't actually know what Japan is?" He looks at Harmony and Crystal, "that another kingdom?"
"Sort of?" Harmony replied, "I mean, it's waaaaay more technically advanced, so you could say it would be a dream to any inventor"
"Now we *have* to go!" Varian exclaimed, "with Hugo!"
"What have you two done?" Quirin asked, looking at Harmony and Crystal, both of whom giggled
"Oh! I have a few more questions!" Crystal exclaimed excitedly, "Have you heard of a place called Pleasure Island?"
"Pleasure Island?" Varian asked, "no, never been there either"
"It sounds..... A little dirty actually", Hugo replied
"Dirty?" Varian said, "how so?"
"Oh you sweet summer child", the blond replied with a smirk
"Hugo", Quirin warned
"Right, right, won't say anything"
Varian looked up at his father, "you'll.... Find out when you're older"
"Oki.... But what exactly *is* Pleasure Island?"
Harmony smirked at Crystal, "I see what you did there", they teased before looking at Varian, "it's from a movie called Pinocchio", they replied, explaining the movie in its entirety
The blue eyed alchemist blinked for a moment, "huh... Bad boys turning into donkeys.... Wait! Are you saying I'm a bad boy?!"
"No nonono, Crystal wasn't saying you're a bad boy, they were just curious because your show is.... Sort of in the same universe", Harmony explained as Crystal nodded
"Oh... Oki, well, nu, I've never been there", Varian replied
"But he *might* pay it a visit in another story, one that I'm still working on, I swear, just... It's taking me a while", Harmony replied with a blush, "sorry about the wait, but did you have other questions?"
With a nod Crystal looked at Varian again, "Will Nigel ever get punishment for hurting you in prison?"
The teen's shoulders tensed just a little before he took a deep breath and let it out, "I.... Nigel will.... Um...."
"This would be a question I could answer", Harmony replied, "so Nigel didn't really do much to Varian in the dungeons, he read his sentencing, may have called him a few nasty things or made him feel bad, but he didn't do anything more than that. But rest assure he'll be punished for his actions against Varian and the rest of the group, trust me, but I can't say much more than that"
Crystal looked at Varian worried as the teen was hugged by Hugo while he calmed down, "he'll be alright", Quirin said gently, "questions like that are going to make him have a small freak out, but he prepared himself for it, you didn't do anything wrong, he jsut didn't expect one so soon, but that's okay, did you have another question for him?"
Crystal nodded before she looked at Varian again, who had calmed down, "Have you ever gotten turned into a raccoon and had fun with Ruddigar?"
The teen's eyes instantly shined with excitement, "no but I plan to!" He exclaimed as Ruddigar chittered happily, "I've still gotta work on that potion that let's me talk to animals, but I plan on working on one that turns me into a raccoon, I wanna try being one for a day, Hugo's gonna help me too!"
"Tis true", the blond replied with a smirk
Crystal smiled before they asked, "Do you like sushi? If so try my favorite flavor food I invented I call I sushi ice cream! Put a piece of sushi in a bowl then place ice cream on top and eat it together!? IT'S MY FAVORITE THING TO MAKE AT CHINESE BUFFET!!" They exclaimed excitedly
"Sushi flavored ice cream? That's definitely new, I like fish, but I'll be honest, I haven't ever had suhsi an-!" Varian stopped when he heard Lance gasp loudly
"YOU'VE *NEVER* HAD *SUSHI*?!" The former thief exclaimed
"Um... N-nu.... I've had fish but not sushi"
"QUIRIN!" Lance yelled, "you have *DEPRIVED* this child!"
The old farmer raised a brow, "Lance, we live on a farm, not very close to water either, and neither of us have really had time to go to a sushi place"
"Then *I'll* take him! This poor deprived teen is *SUFFERIN* without that magic that is sushi!" The former thief exclaimed
"Hey", Eugene stated, getting an idea, "that could be the next Guy's Night, going to a new restaurant and having Hair Stripe try some new food"
"That'd be cool!" Varian replied, "can Hugo and dad come too?"
"Definitely! The more the merrier!" The Dark Prince replied with a wide smile
Lance smiled at Crystal, "one of these days we're gonna get Caviar Lance, but havin Varian try Carviar is a good first step, so thank you for that! Also, that ice cream sushi, I'm tryin that! Did you have anymore questions?"
"Yup!" Crystal replied with a grin before Harmony stepped in
"So, your next question, it's *extremely* important, I'm gonna have them answer this one last out of your questions because I want it to be taken seriously, because what you wrote is no laughing matter and I wanna make sure you get a good answer, so what question did you have after this one. Varian will answer that, they we'll come back to this particular question, okay?"
With a nod, Crystal asked the question after the one they were going to ask, Harmony's promise to come back to it remaining in their mind, "I have a family of raccoons, the male I named Ruddigar and his new mate is named Rayna and they have triples!"
Varian smiled, "that's amazing! Ruddy's got a brother of sorts"
Ruddigar chittered with joy as he smiled at Crystal happily
"You're gonna have to show us a picture of that family some time", Quirin said, "I'd like to see them too, they sound adorable"
"I have a question for you", Harmony said to Crystal, "I have a chapter in mind for Ruddigar where he meets another raccoon, a female, would I be able to use Rayna as a name for her? Because that's adorable and I think it would be a nice call back! If not, that's completely fine, but that's up to you, take your time to respond if you'd like to think about it. That chapter will not be out for a *WHILE* so, you've definitely got time!"
With a nod Crystal moved on to their next question, "I am an animal whisperer too. I not afraid of animals but dogs scare me bad! Got bit on my head at 6 or 7 bled"
"Ouch!" Varian replied, wincing at the thought of blood, "dogs don't really scare me either, but they make me nervous with those sharp teeth. It's cool you've got a connection to animals too though! The animals in my life are super amazing!"
As he said that, Max whinnied, Ruddigar chittered, Pascal squeaked, Itty Bitty blubbed, Cuddles blew a bubble, and Hamuel cawed happily, getting the teen to giggle
"Animal party!" Lance stated happily
"They seem to be pretty chipper", Rapunzel agreed with a giggle
Varian smiled at them before looking at Crystal again, "animals are amazing, and I'm glad they get to have someone else to talk to, it's fun! Welcome to the animal whisperers club!"
Crystal grinned happily at the teen's wide smiled, "I LOOOVVVVEEEE how cute you are!!" They exclaimed excitedly
Varian blushed, "um.... Thank you"
"Daaawwwww", Hugo replied, hugging his Varian, "we agree, he's extremely adorable"
"Why do you think I keep scooping him up?" Quirin replied with a chuckle, "I also keep having to fight King Edmund for the chance to hold him"
"I can't help it!" Edmund exclaimed, "he's so tiny it's adorable!"
"Oki oki can we *please* change the subject?" Varian replied, hiding his face behind his hands and blushing profusely
"You just can't help but be cute", Eugene teased
"Meep", Varian replied, still hiding his face as Crystal asked their next question
"Do you like tea and coffee!? When I drink ether I can't stop talking!"
"I like tea, dad won't let me drink coffee", Varian replied, peeking out from behind his hands as his blush began to disappear
"Son, if you drank coffee you wouldn't stop doing alchemy until you physically passed out", Quirin stated, getting Lance and Cassandra to snort, "plus you are still a child, even if you're legally allowed to drink, you are still way too small and way too energetic to need coffee"
"I would not! And I'm not that small or hyper!"
"You would so! And yes you are!"
"Nu-uh!"
"Uh-huh!"
"Nu-uh!"
"Uh-huh!"
"Nu-U-! ....We're not getting anywhere"
Quirin chuckled, "you proved my point"
Varian pouted, "can we move on from evil jerkfaces please?"
"Yes we can, bratty stinkbomb", Quirin replied with a chuckle
Crystal smiled before they asked their next question, "Have you ever accidentally get dark gray donkey ears and tail by alchemy?"
"Nope", Varian replied, "though I think something like that may have happened in a past life or something...."
Harmony winks at Crystal, "I'll get back to that story, I'm sorry it's taking me so long"
Crystal nods before moving on to their next question, "Has the bubonic plague known as the black death hit you guys yet?"
Varian blinked in surprise before shaking his head, "n-no.... I hope something like that doesn't...."
Quirin shuddered, "we had a plague happen a long time ago, it took my parents from me when I was young.... It wasn't called the Bubonic plague though.... I... Hope we never run into another plague.... It wasn't fun..."
The blue eyed teen watched his father shiver before he looked at Crystal, "we, thankfully, haven't had anything like that happen, hopefully it never will"
Crystal nodded before they mentioned, "I have goggles just like yours!"
Varian smiled, "cool! My mom gave me these before she left, but I know there's more like them so it's neat that you have some too!" He exclaimed happily
Crystal smiled before they asked, "Why are you afraid of snakes? I LOVE HOLDING THEM!!"
"Oh, I uh, eheh, I'm not *that* afraid of snakes.... Eheh"
Eugene snorted, "he's definitely not afraid of them, can't you tell by the way he's shivering?"
"Eheheheh.... O-oki maybe I'm a *little* freaked out by them, b-but it's only because 10% to 15% of them are poisonous and also.... T-they just... The hissing noise freaks me out! T-they make that noise and I get scared, I don't know why, Ruddigar makes that noise when he doesn't like something or someone, yet I don't get freaked out by *him*! But for some reason, snakes doing that same noise scares me! It's creepy..... B-but I like to look at them from a distance, t-they're pretty, just.... Creepy...."
"It didn't help that he ended up stepping on a garden snake when he was 4 and it hissed at him and bit his ankle before slithering away, he's been nervous around snakes ever since"
"Daaad!"
"It's true"
The teen pouted before Hugo hugged him, "don't worry Freckles, I get freaked out by them too"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled and hugged his boyfriend back, "thanks Hugo"
Quirin looked at Crystal, then at Harmony, "did Crystal have a question before hand that you wanted them to say last?"
"Yeah, you can ask it now", Harmony responded, "trust me, he'll want to know, "are you ready?"
"Yup!" Crystal replied with a grin before their face grew to be a bit serious, "How do you get through depression. I'm dealing with physical and emotional depression cause last year my birth mom Tina died from liver disease caused by drugs at 53. I can't look at her photo without tearing up. Please give me advice. I never got to see her before her death cause of a bad pandemic rage our timeline"
Varian froze for a moment before he got up, walked over, and hugged Crystal, "I'm so sorry.... That's so hard to go through, it really is, and I'm so sorry you have to deal with something so hard...." He broke the hug and looked at them, "going through depression of any kind is hard for everyone, and I'm definitely not an expert, in fact, I've gotten a lot of help from everyone in this room to get through mine. But still..." He smiled at Crystal, "some days are going to be harder than others, and there are gonna be times where you just don't wanna get up, or you wanna cry, on days like those, reach out to someone, tell someone how you feel so they can help you get through it too. And if you really feel alone, you've always got people here you can talk to, like me"
"Or me", Harmony added, "I'm always checking my comments and my page, if you wanna leave a note for me to chat you because you're having a rough time, you can talk to me, if you want to", they said with a smile
Varian nodded before he looked at Crystal, "as for your mom... I'm so sorry she's passed on.... That's very hard to go through... I would know...." He looked at his father, who smiled lovingly at him before he looked back at Crystal, "just know that wherever she is, she's proud of you, she is, she still loves you, even though there are days where you'll question that. She will always love you and care about you, and she's always there, watching you, with you, you're never alone. She may not be here physically, but she's with you in spirit and in your heart, the people we lose still live on in our memories after all, as long as we remember them, they're never really gone, ever". He smiled at Crystal, "times will get tough, things will be hard, but that fact will never go away, with time, it'll get easier to handle, and it's gonna hurt for a long time, but know that you're not alone, and you never will be, okay?" Crystal nodded happily before Varian gave them one last hug, smiling happily before the teen broke it, "was there anything else you needed to say?"
Crystal thought for a moment before nodding and saying, "I wish you can be here in our timeline where justice is better against child abuse and young people, also I LOOOVVVVEEEE YOU!!"
Varian blinked before he smiled, "thanks, that means a lot! I really appreciate that and I really enjoyed answering your questions! They made me really happy! So thank you for that! It was really nice talking to you Crystal, I hope we can talk again soon!"
Crystal smiled happily before waving goodbye, "thanks for your questions Crystal", Harmony said with a smile, "we'll be back with more questions coming soon! Thank you for asking so many questions! Read the notes below to find out why I'm writing this the way I am! But for now, see you all in the next chapter where we answer mha_kny's questions! Buh-bye!"
Notes:
Hello Crystal!
Thank you for the wonderful questions! Varian had a lot of fun answering them! :D I'm sorry to hear about your mother and I sincerely hope you know, what Varian said it true, she's really proud of you, believe me, I don't need to know her to understand that she's smiling at you right now, I would if I were your parent! <3 Hang in there okay? We care about you, we really do! <3
Also, (to everyone), if you're wondering, I decided that since all of you had so many questions, I'm going to be posting the answers into one chapter for each of you! This is Crystal's chapter! The next chapter will be mha_kny's, so be prepared! I'm gonna try and get them all out as soon as possible! So I hope you all enjoy! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 192: Mha_kny!
Summary:
Here we go Mha_kny! Here's all of your questions answered!
Notes:
I sincerely hope you enjoy, and sorry about the delay! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Next on our list of questions iiiiiiiiis", Lance started, drumming on the table nearby, "MHA_KNY!!!!!!! Come on DOOOOOOOOOOWN!!!!!!!"
Mha_kny walked inside the family room, smiling excitedly and carrying a large bag with them as they looked at all the people in the room, "hiya Mha_kny!" Harmony said, smiling happily at them with excitement, "so, while the previous chapter had a bit of the characters being dorks together"
"Mostly Lance", Eugene stated
"Ey!" The former thief exclaimed
Harmony snorted, "anyway, I thought we'd just jump straight into the questions as we went along, one because I know you really wanna see your questions get answered, and two, because Lance already announced the Q and A, and the other characters would actually kill me if I let him do it again"
"Yes", Donella stated, "yes we would"
"So, eheh, we're gonna just jump right into it! Ask away! Also, I've done that before (I'm responding to this: " . . I ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED THE BACK ARROW BUTTON AND NOW MY 10+ QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS ARE GONE WTFFFF-! GODDAMN IT IT'S GUNNA TAKE ME ANOTHER 30 MINUTES TO TYPE THEM ALL AGAIN THE HELLLLL-"), hitting post before I meant to, I, luckily, didn't have much more to add, but it was annoying as heck, so I understand your aggravation completely!" Harmony exclaimed before noticing Donella's glare and saying, "okay, so let's get to the questions!" Before they walked over to Quirin and hid behind him while glancing at Donella a few times nervously, the retired knight raising a brow at the grey haired women
Mha_kny smiled and nodded before asking their first question, "Donella, why? Just WHY? WHY DID U HAVE TO MAKE A CHAIN OF TRAUMA AND PTSD LIKE- *red glaring eye stare*"
The grey hair women raised a brow before sighing, "I didn't know it would...." She looked at Varian, who raised a brow as well, "I... Didn't know it would do what it did to her.... I didn't know what I was doing at the time either... I was just so angry and frustrated that I wasn't thinking clearly, and it ended up causing more than just me pain.... I'm aware that my actions were not great...." She looked at Quirin, "I'll be dealt with, I already know that, trust me I'm prepared to be dealt with, so you don't have to glare at me, I know what I did, why do you think I told him", she gestured to Quirin, "I'm prepared to face what I did", she looked at Hugo, who was looking back at her sympathetically, "to everyone I ended up hurting...."
With food for thought, Mha_kny looked at Hector next, "Hector, let me just say that I'm on the same page with u about Donella and Frederic"
The wild tamer smirked, "fuck yeah, somebody finally fucking gets it!"
"You two are not going on a killing spree", Quirin stated
"Why the fuck not?" Hector asked as Mha_kny began to sharpen a knife, "it would be a lot of fin and would take care of majority of the problems we have in this fucking story!"
"Even though I don't condone this", Adira started, "he's not wrong"
"Adira!" Quirin exclaimed
"What? He's really not!"
"Um, please don't kill my father", Rapunzel stated, "I realize he's not on everyone's good list, but I still care about him"
"Plus I wouldn't want either of them to be killed", Varian replied, "just for them to face justice, like I did, so it's fair"
"You're both killjoys, but fine", Hector huffed before looking at Mha_kny, "we can't kill them, but I'm with you at least, fucking rage party man"
Mha_kny nodded with a wide smile before hiding the sharpened knife..... For now.... They then looked over at Adira, "Adira, how do u feel about Ulla and Donella being a part of your past?"
The face painted warrior thought about it for a moment before she smirked, "can't tell you how I fully feel.... Yet", Harmony winked at that, "but, it's definitely interesting to find out, I mean, I've been wondering about that teenage girl for years, come to find out she knew my brother years later and knew my brother's wife.... It's.... I'm still figuring it out, but I'll get back to you with a reply"
With a nod Mha_kny looked at Quirin, "Quirin, you good? A bunch of shit just went down in a short amount of time so I can imagine you and everyone else having mixed emotions right now"
The retired knight chuckled, "oh I'm..... S-still coping honestly", he looked at his son, who smiled at him, "it's.... Definitely a lot to take in at once, finding out what happened to Ulla, which Varian still doesn't know about yet"
"Imma find out soon, because everyone keeps saying my mom's name, and that's peaking my interest by like 1000!" The tiny alchemist stated
His father chuckled before he looked back at Mha_kny, "you're right when you say emotions are running very high right now.... I'm still not sure how to handle everything I just found out.... It's a lot, and to think my sister was involved in some way as well is just...." He took a breath, letting it out slowly, "it's a lot... And it will be for a while, but I'll.... Figure it out is the best way I can put it. I really appreciate the worry though, makes me grateful to know someone is concerned about me, so thank you very much", he smiled warmly at Mha_kny, "also, your name is very interesting and nice, if you don't mind sharing, I'd love to know the origins sometime, but if you don't, that's okay, I understand".
With a nod, Mha_kny turned to Edmund and tilted their head to the side, "Edmund, what do you think about this whole situation? Eugene getting poisoned, Varian suddenly releasing a shit ton of power, Rapunzel trying to talk, Quirin getting upset etc?"
The Dark King chuckled, "oh I uh, well it's been a lot, I suppose I'm handling it the best I can, which is just taking things one at a time. Though it's getting a little harder to do that with every new revelation, I mean, the little peanut has Moon powers! The lats time I saw a blast like that was.... When it destroyed my home and kingdom.... Then my own son got poisoned and I was helpless to do anything about it.... Then Quirin began to cry due to Rapunzel having so many pent up feeling that they sort of exploded.... Finding out about poor Hugo's situation.... It's.... It's a lot.... What I think about it? I wish none of that had happened and everyone could go on being happy and living the lives they wish to live, but will it come true? No.... so I suppose I just have to deal with it, though, I'll have to figure out how, but Hamuel's helping me with that, a lot", the old crow CAW'd happily, flapping his wings before nuzzling his Edmund's cheek
"Are you gonna be okay Grandpa?" Varian asked worriedly
"I will be, it's just been a lot, so.... I suppose if I blow up you'll see it, probably around the time we find out who tried to kill Eugene", Harmony smirked at Mha_kny when Edmund said that, "but until then, I'll be here, trying to keep calm about everything!" The Dark King stated, "though I hope it happens sooner rather than later", he muttered to himself, "it would be very bad if it were to happen a long time from now"
"Dad, you're doing it again", Eugene stated gently, "and if you need to talk, you can always talk to me"
"I know", Edmund replied with a smile, "I just don't want to put too much on your plate either, but if I need to, I'll come to you, honest!"
Eugene smiled before he looked at Mha_kny, "do you have anymore questions?"
Mha_kny nodded with a smile, "Eugene, you doing ok now that the poison is out of you? That whole part was like a jumpscare"
The Dark Prince chuckled, "yeah I'm doing better, and you're right, it was definitely jump scare worthy because holy cow it came out of nowhere!"
"I don't know if you're implying something by that or not Mr. Fitzherbert", Harmony stated, squinting at the Dark Prince
Eugene snickered, "maaaybe, but either way", he looked back at Mha_kny, "I'm doing a lot better than before, thanks for your concern, it's really nice of you"
With a smile, Mha_kny beamed for a moment at Eugene before their face grew angry and they quickly turned toward Cyrus, "Cyrus.... ARE YOU GUNNA DO SOMETHING GOOD OR WHAT?!"
Cyrus tensed up, "why?! You wanna fuckin fight me?! I guarantee I could take you down you little-!" Black rocks erupted from the ground around Cyrus, backing the man into a corner as he glared at the tiny glowing alchemist that was now standing in front of Mha_kny
"I *really* wouldn't test your luck here asshole!" The teen stated, glaring at the man, "you take one *swing* at *any* of our guests, and I'll turn you into a life sized *SHISHKABOB!*" He exclaimed as Hugo walked over to Mha_kny
"Heh, as much as I *love* seeing my lover going glowy and threatening asshat over there, I really wouldn't test or tease him right now, as much as he deserves it, he's kinda the only support Don's got at the moment, though you can fight him later if you wish, kick his ass when he's not relevant anymore, but for now, we should probably move on to the next question yeah?"
Mha_kny nods before looking at the Duke and Duchess, merely smiling in their direction (Duke and Dutchess - :)). The two stared at Mha_kny, unsettled, "can we *help* you?" The Duchess asked
Hector snorted before he stood next to Mha_kny and smiled threateningly at them too, "ok we get it, you two don't like us, can you stop now please?" The Duke exclaimed, getting the wild tamer and Mha_kny to snicker
"Kay, I like you, you're fucking funny", Hector stated, smirking at the happy looking commenter, "you got any other questions, quotes, comments, or really fucking funny faces?"
Mha_kny nodded before they turned to Lance, "Lance", they pulled out a bunch of medals and money, out of the bag they'd brought with them, and handed it to the man, "here's some money and medals for you being able to keep pretty damn calm through all the shit that's happening!"
Lance stared at the medals and gold before he let out a happy squeak and hugged Mha_kny happily, "you just made my day!!!!!" He exclaimed, "that's super sweet of you and I *sincerely* appreciate it!"
Varian, who had lowered the black rock and gave Cyrus one last glare before his hair and eyes stopped glowing, turned around and smiled at the former thief with a smirk, "now you can make more bets to lose against my dad with!"
"Aw no! I'm not fallin for that again!" Lance exclaimed as he accepted the money and medals with another hug to Mha_kny before putting the money away and looking at, and holding, each medal carefully before he looked at the teen, "you and your dad ain't gettin *any* of these! These are special, in fact, I'll only use that money for somethin really special because it was given to me by a Lance fan! And these medals, I'll wear em when I have armor on, because they deserve to be on some really cool lookin armor!"
"Lance, where are you gonna find armor to wear?" Eugene asked
"I'll find a way!"
"You'll need to earn your armor", Quirin pointed out gently, "if you want to wear the gear, you've got to show you're worthy enough to wear it"
"Really?" Lance asked, "how do I do that?"
"Lots of training, years of practice, or simply showing you have honor and will be brave and think of others in a dire situation", the retired knight replied, "at least, that's how I earned mine in the Dark Kingdom"
"Hmmmm.... Varian, be in danger!"
"Um.... Ah I'm scared?" The blue eyed teen replied
Lance scooped the teen up before he walked over to Quirin and handed him to the man, "that work?"
"Hi son", the Village Leader said with a chuckle
"Hi!" Varian replied with a grin
Quirin smiled at his son before he looked at the former thief, "as much as I appreciate the attempt, no, that won't work, you've gotta show true bravery and honor in a battle"
"Huh, well okay, I'll have to work on that then, but either way", he looked at Mha_kny, "thank you so much for that! It actually made my day today, and now, I have more money than Eugene, ha!"
The Dark Prince rolled his eyes but smiled all the same before looking at Mha_kny, "why don't move on to your next question while he decides to brag about his newly found riches"
With a chuckle, Mha_kny turned to face Cassandra and tilted their head, "Cassandra, bro where the fuck are you? You hiding in the woods while making murder plans or something? Also do you feel when Varian's upset or something?"
The blue haired women snickered, "sorry, the way you phrased that was funny, heh, I'm at the Great Tree at the moment, I've got an idea of what I wanna do, I just need to do it, so I'm heading back to Corona", she turned away from Rapunzel's hopeful face, focusing solely on Mha_kny, "as for if I can feel Varian using the powers of not, that...." She looked over at Harmony, who was smiling, "...will be answered soon apparently"
Taking note of that, Mha_kny moved on to their next question, which they turned to face Hugo, who blinked at them when they smiled wide, (Hugo - :)). This time however, the smile seemed genuine and kind, he smiled back as they asked, "Hugo, thoughts on Varian? Also you ok mentally? Obviously not physically given you were literally beat up like a damn punching bag"
The blond let out a loud snort before clapped a hand over his mouth, "s-sorryhyhyhyhy, but Varian's fahahace when you asked that!"
Mha_kny looked at Varian, who was still in his father's arms, and smiled when they noticed he was hiding his face behind his hands, blushing profusely, "whyyyyy?" He asked
"Because you're fucking adorable!" Hugo replied in-between his snickers, "what I think about Varian?" He asked, getting Mha_kny to look back at him, "I think he's adorable, sweet, sexy", he chuckled when the alchemist in question let out a shy squeak when he said that, "*super* sexy and, even though Quirin's going to kill me when I say this, he's got a good ass"
"HUGO!" Varian yelled
"You do!"
"You don't need to say that *OUT LOUD* though!!!!!"
"Why not? You do! Why not compliment what you've got you know?"
"A-*hem*", Quirin raised a warning brow at the blond
Hugo put his hands up, "alright alright, I'll move on!" He chuckled as the blue eyed alchemist hid behind his hands once more, still blushing, "love his freckles, cute raccoon", Ruddigar chittered happily at that, "the fashion style is fucking sharp, but I guess my favorite thing about him...." He smiled as he blushed slightly and looked at the floor, "is how kind he is". Varian peeked out from behind his hands, watching his boyfriend interestedly, "....He didn't judge me for my past, and doesn't allow me to judge myself, he's constantly making sure I know how much he cares about me, and he's done so much to protect me and care for me... I... I've never had that before... and I met him what? About a month ago? Two months maybe? He makes me feel so happy whenever I'm around him, he's really fucking funny, and yeah, adorable to an undeniable degree, he also looks out for me and will help me feel better when I'm not at my best, but he's just so unbelievably kind, and to someone who.... Who's never had that before... It means the world to me.... So much so that I can't accurately put it into words.... So...." He then noticed Varian smiling at him and blushed even more, "uh, eheh, b-but uh, yeah so um... W-what else did you ask me again?"
Mha_kny giggled before repeating the second part of their question, "you ok mentally? Obviously not physically given you were literally beat up like a damn punching bag"
"Oh, eheh yeah um..." Hugo shook his head, clearing his thoughts for a moment to try to get rid of his embarrassment before he took a breath, letting it out slowly before he nodded, "I... I'm okay... I think? I guess I really don't know how to feel right now, I mean, Don just attacked me and beat the ever loving shit out of me for standing up for myself so.... But honestly? I... Should kinda be used to that, considering it happened a lot when I was a kid and didn't know any better.... It just.... No.... I'm not okay mentally.... In fact I think I'm still technically knocked out in the story so.... I don't really know how I feel yet, but I know I'm not okay, just.... Sad.... Really sad.... Really *really* fucking sa-Ok I'm *really* not okay.... Like to that point where I didn't actually know how bad I was feeling until just now so...." He sniffled a little before he felt someone's arms wrap around him gently, "heh.... Living up to the kindness I was just talking about huh Freckles?"
"Always", Varian replied with a smile as he continued to hug his boyfriend, "it's gonna be okay"
"I know.... Ugh... I'm ruining the QA"
Varian broke the hug, "you're not ruining anything, you answered a question, that's the whole point. If you need a minute, we can stop"
"No, nonono I don't.... I don't wanna do that, I'm just...." He sighed, "just a little messed up right now, I'll be okay though, honest"
Varian watched the teen before he kissed his nose, "did that help?"
"A little"
The blue eyed teen chuckled before he hugged Hugo again, "it's gonna be okay"
"Thanks Freckles", the blond replied softly, they stayed that way for a little while, a few moments passing before Hugo had calmed down fully and broke the hug, "ok, ok I think I'm good now"
The freckled teen smirked, "you sure?"
"Yeah", the bespeckled alchemist replied, rubbing his eyes, "I'm alright now, just needed a moment", he then looked at Mha_kny, "sorry about that, you didn't make me cry at all, I just didn't realize what was happening in my mind for a minute, you.... Actually kinda helped me realize that I wasn't okay, so thanks for that", he smiled, "but you can go on with your next question, I'm all good now"
With a nod Mha_kny looked at Varian before they grew excited, "Varian...." They couldn't control themselves, letting out a loud, "VARIANNNNNN AAAAAAAAAAAAA", as their excitement exploded for a second before they calmed down enough to say, "damn you be pushing through this trauma like it's almost normal which, in this story it's very normal, I would've probably already killed myself at some point if I had to go through all of that! You're strong both physically and mentally, keep pushing through and know that everyone, except *SOME* people", they glared at Donella, Cyrus, Cassandra, the ghost girl, Andrew, the mean guards, and Nigel before turning back to face Varian, "will be with you in those bad moments"
The blue eyed teen blinked for a moment before he smiled happily, "thank you very much, that means a lot to me to hear you say that! Truth be told, it's a little hard for me to remember that I have people there for me, even harder when I'm going through so much, so thank you for telling me that. BUT...." He added, "you ARE strong! You say that if you were going through the same thing as me, you'd be dead by now, but you shouldn't measure your own strength by comparing yourself to someone else and what they're going through and can handle". He smiled, "you're not me, and I'm not you, some things that I go through will be easier for you to handle, and somethings that you go through, will be easier for me to handle. No person is stronger than the other mentally, we all can handle certain things to a point, and just because I've handled all that I have so far doesn't make me any stronger than you! You're very strong, Harmony's told me a little of what you've written in the comments and honestly? Some of the things you've mentioned would be hard for *me* to go through! You're strong too, in your own way, just like I'm strong in my own way!" He grinned, "don't ever sell yourself short, you're a good person, you really are, and plus, I've had a lot of help to get where I am now, if I didn't have them, I wouldn't be here either, I wouldn't.... I almost wasn't actually, had Ruddigar not been there with me in the dungeons...." His eyes widened for a moment before he shook his head, clearing his thoughts, "either way, you're just as strong as me, and you're very kind too, don't ever forget that okay? But still, thank you so much for saying what you did, it means a lot", he got up and hugged Mha_kny before he broke the hug and looked at them, still grinning, "you're strong, you're smart, and you're important, don't ever forget that, okay?"
Mha_kny smiled, nodding happily as they hugged the teen back. After a minute, they broke the hug and, with another nod from Varian, they turned to face Harmony and grinned sheepishly, "Sorry Harmony I feel like you're Hunter and I'm all of Hexside in that one scene in Labyrinth Runners lmao!"
Harmony giggled, "you're perfectly fine! I'm really glad you're enjoying talking to these crazy people", they gestured to everyone in the room, "and me, it really makes me happy! Also, I just finished watching The Owl House and oh my gosh Hunter is so CUUUUUUUTE!" Harmony smirked at Varian, "he goes through an angry phase and comes out of it better, like you actually"
Varian giggled, "cool! Though I would rather not have other characters following in my footsteps"
"Meh, you do it better", Harmony stated, getting the blue eyed alchemist to blush
"Oh! Also", Mha_kny exclaimed, getting Harmony's attention once more, "just something extra, I literally keep listening to all these songs and stuff and I've connected some with characters"
"Oh really?" Harmony asked, "that's so funny! I do that all the time! Which ones do you connect to whom?"
Mha_kny smiled, "well, like-
'Just Gold', for Varian, in the past"
"Just gold?" Varian asked
"It's a fan made song from a horror game called 'Five Nights at Freddy's', it's about these two characters that used to be used for good but were turned into something dark. I see the symbolism in it, I love the connection, I actually make the same for you Varian, but don't worry, we know that's not who you are anymore, I just like the symbolism, you know?"
"I think I understand, though I'm glad you two know I'm not like that anymore", the teen replied with a small smile
"Absolutely!" Harmony replied
"'It's Been so Long', for Ulla", Mha_kny continued
"Oooh! That's a good one! Another Five Night's at Freddy's fan song that's about a regretful mother", Harmony explained, getting the people in the room to nod in understanding
"'The Dumb Song', for Donella"
"Pfft!" Quirin slapped a hand over his mouth as Donella glared at him while he chuckled
"'Blame it On the Kids', for Hugo"
"Kinda true to be honest, but that's going into spoiler territory", Harmony stated as Hugo raised a brow in interest while he looked at Donella worriedly
"Tanjiro no Uta', for Varian in past, and present, kinda"
"So... I've never listened to that song, and now I need to go listen to it! I'll have an opinion that I'll tell you about when I do, sorry about that", Harmony stated, blushing a bit
"'Genius, for Varian and Hugo, or even Quirin and Ulla to be honest"
Harmony smiled, "that's honestly a really adorable idea, to see both of those pairings just singing that song together!"
"What's it about?" Quirin asked
"If I'm thinking of the right song, it's by a band called Labrinth, and it's about these two people singing together about how they're genius's in love, or at least that's my interpretation of it. Some of the lyrics include, 'You'll be my Einstein, my Newton, my Galileo, and my Hawking, Boy, put that pep in my step, Put your arm on my neck while I'm walking, Please understand, I have fallen for you, you'. it's actually a pretty fun and sassy song that I can definitely see all of you singing to each other!"
Hugo smirked at the blue eyed alchemist, "will you be my Newton Freckles?"
"Only if you'll be my Einstein Speckles!" Varian joked right back, getting the two to cackle as Eugene face palmed
"Nerds in love, so nerdy in fact that I can't even understand their flirting!" The Dark Prince stated, getting them to laugh even more
"'I'm Good', for Varian"
Harmony snickered, "little bean just singing that song is too precious to me!"
Varian blushed, "why am I a little bean? What does that even mean?"
"I've made it an acronym actually!" Harmony exclaimed, "the work 'Bean', stands for 'Beings of Extremely Adorable Nature!', Or 'Bean', for short!" Harmony looked at Mha_kny while Varian blushed for the millionth time that day, "I actually did make that up myself and I'm very proud of it! But yeah, good song choice!"
"'Tower of Mistakes', for Donella"
"Yup", Hugo agreed as he comforted Varian and ignored Donella's glare, "no more words, just yup, I agreed"
"No Matter What, for the whole gang!"
"That song is perfect for this group!" Harmony agreed with a grin, "I've gotta listen to that song again actually, it makes me smile"
"Do It For Her, for Donella"
"Oh we're going Steven Universe on me now? I honestly agree, with slight variations to the lyrics because, well... You already know", Harmony replied with a cat face
"With slight Varians?" Quirin joked
Harmony snorted, "yes, with slight Varians!"
"Nu", Varian stated
"Yes", Quirin replied with a grin
"That's a new saying for the group now", Lance stated
"Nuuuu!" The blue eyed alchemist exclaimed
"With slight Varians, has a nice ring to it doesn't it blondy?" Eugene asked, looking at Rapunzel
The princess grinned, "yup! With slight Varians is the newest phrase!"
Varian sighed and placed his head into Hugo's chest, "why do I even try?" He muttered, slightly muffled by his boyfriend's clothing as the bespeckled teen chuckled
"'Here Comes a Thought', for Varian"
"Oh I freaking LOVE that song!!!!" Harmony exclaimed excitedly, "'Here Comes a Thought' makes me so happy and calms me down when I'm feeling really anxious! I can definitely see Varian singing that! Quirin would be Garnet"
Quirin tilted his head, "Garnet?"
"Oh sorry, Garnet is a character in... A different universe called Steven Universe, the song Mha_kny was talking about is sung to two children, Steven and Connie, who are dealing with very bad feelings like PTSD for Steven and guilt and regret for Connie. Garnet is sort of a mother figure who sings this song to them, eventually getting them to sing as well, telling them to basically calm down, relax, it's going to be okay because they weren't alone. I can definitely see you or Lance singing that to Hugo and Varian, or Catalina and Angry, it's a very sweet song and I love it a lot!"
Quirin and Lance smiled at each other before looking at their kids lovingly, then looking back at Harmony and Mha_kny and nodding in agreement, getting Harmony to giggle
"'It's Over Isn't It?', for Donella"
"I can see that, though I can seed Ulla singing it too to be honest, oooh! Now I wanna make reverse lyrics! Like a response!" Harmony stated excitedly, "sorry, I love writing songs and parodies to songs!"
Mha_kny smiled before they continued, "'Dumb Dumb', for Donella, she would sing this when she's alone I SWEAR!"
Again, Quirin snorted, as did Hugo before clapping hands over their mouths at the name of the song before Harmony blushed, "I uh... Haven't heard that one either, but I'm gonna listen to it and give you my opinion once I do! Promise!"
"'Soap', for Hugo"
Harmony nodded, "that, I can definitely see Hugo singing, that's actually a perfect song for him!"
"Is it because I'm dirty?" Hugo asked, getting Harmony to snort
"No, it's, kind of a sad/angry song about how someone wishes the words they'd just said hadn't come out of their mouth, because now it's overflowed they've got soap in their mouth. And given the circumstances of what just happened to you with Donella...."
"Ah..." The blond replied, "yeah, I can see the connection"
With a smile, Mha_kny continued, "'100 Bad Days', for Varian and Hugo"
"Fuck yes", Hugo stated, Varian nodding as he giggled, "don't need to know what it's about, fuck yes"
With a giggle, Mha_kny said, "'Follow You', for Lance"
"Oh that's a perfect song for Lance!" Harmony agreed happily, "for context Lance, it's someone saying they'll follow someone else to their lowest point! Kinda signifying how you're helping everyone here with your therapy sessions!"
Lance smiled, "I'm glad those are helpin! Thanks for the song!" He then looked at Varian, Quirin, and Hugo, "you three need to have a session soon"
"We will, very soon actually", Varian replied
Harmony nodded, "I'll definitely be writing that soon!"
With a smile, Mha_kny added, "'Nurse's Office', for Hugo"
Harmony nodded, "yup, that song definitely makes sense for him"
"'Candle Queen', for Donella, and possibly past Varian"
"I can see that for Donella, not for past Varian though, but I suppose that's a matter of opinion, and I definitely do not judge you for yours", Harmony replied with a smile, "Donella would definitely sing that though, I can see that song for her"
"'Love Like You', for Hugo"
"Baaawwwwww!!!!!!" Harmony stated, smiling wide, "I can see that! Hugo, you would sing that to Varian!"
The blond tilted his head to the side, "I would?"
"Yeah, it's about someone who admires the person, but they worry that their love is a bit misplaced, so they sing about how much they love them but how they wonder how such an amazing person could love them and wishes they could see what that person sees in them"
Hugo blinked for a moment before he smiled sadly, "yeah.... That does sound like me"
Varian hugged his lover, "I'll never stop telling you how amazing you are, and how you prove it to me everyday you know"
The blond chuckled, "thanks Freckles", hugging the blue eyed alchemist back happily
Mha_kny smiled wide before they said, "'Overwhelmed', for Varian"
Varian nodded, "that *definitely* sounds like a song fit for me"
"It very much is", Harmony agreed with a grin
"'Epoch', for Varian"
Harmony nodded, "it's not a song I listen to very often, but Varian would definitely be a candidate for it! I can also see Quirin being one as well"
"'Heaven 2 Hell', for Rapunzel and Cassandra to be honest"
Harmony laughed, "oh that's amazing! And also extremely true! I have a question for you though if you don't mind answering, who's your favorite Hazbin character? Mine's Angel, he's my floofy spider bean and I love him so much!!!!! Take your time to think about it and please let me know your answer, because I'm genuinely curious!"
With a nod and food for thought, Mha_kny continued their list of songs, "'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing', for past Varian"
Harmony's eyes lit up with excitement at the mention of their angry song, "DUUUUUUUDE! I give that song to Varian too!!!!!!"
"Um...." Varian tilted his head to the side, a little concerned
"It's an angry song about feeling betrayed and how the person who betrayed you will pay, it's kind of a vengence/karma song"
"Um...." Rapunzel said, a little anxious
"Uh, eheheh, not that that would happen again, trust me, Varian wouldn't, and you two are getting better, it's just a really good angry song", Harmony explained, getting the two to sigh with relief a bit, "honestly, I can see you still singing that Varian, Hugo too to be honest"
Hugo smirked, "I like being angry!"
"Pffft! Hugo!" Varian giggled as he leaned against his boyfriend happily
Harmony gave a quiet, "phew", before turning to look at Mha_kny, "anymore?"
"'It's Alright', for EVERYONE"
Harmony laughed, "yup! Definitely agree with you there!"
With a smile Mha_kny said, "'Way Less Sad', for Varian"
Harmony nodded, "I can see Quirin and Eugene singing this one as well as Varian too, Rapunzel and Lance too for that matter"
"'World's Smallest Violin', for basically everyone! But mostly Varian!"
"I LOVE THAT SONG!" Harmony exclaimed excitedly, startling everyone, "I love it so much! I actually have it to where Varian sings it to everyone to make them feel better", Harmony then looked at the confused teen, "it's basically saying, 'they're so many people that have it worse than me and I understand that, but I'm so sad that I really need to let my feelings out, and if I don't, I'm going to explode!' I can see you singing it saying, 'it's okay to feel what you feel and let it out, because no matter if someone has it worse than you, what you're going through is important too!', kinda like how you said that earlier to Mha_kny when you told them to not sell themselves short!"
Varian blinked before he smiled and blushed, "I.... Y-yeah, I would want to do something like that...."
Harmony grinned as everyone smiled at the blue eyed teen before they all froze, Harmony holding a remote control before they looked at Mha_kny and smirked, this is me reacting to your, "(If u read through all of that I'd genuinely be surprised)" comment, you made me laugh with it and I just wanted to say, you actually do what I do with every character I love, you give them songs that represent them because they're so relatable! I really enjoyed having them reply to those song ideas and now I've got a few new songs to listen to that's making me super excited! So thank you for that! If you have anymore song suggestions, let me know and I'll listen to them, I don't know if my name gives it away, but I sincerely love music, it's my life! It actually saved my life, but that's a story for a different day, either way, thanks for the music suggestions, that was a lot of fun!"
Harmony unpaused the group before they smiled at Mha_kny, "do you have anymore questions?" When Mha_kny shook their head no, Harmony nodded, "then thank you so much for coming and asking your questions! I really enjoyed going through them, as, I'm sure, everyone else did too, right guy's and gals.... And Cyrus?"
"HEY!" The man yelled, getting Hugo, Quirin, and Eugene to snicker
Harmony giggled before they looked at Mha_kny, "sincerely, thank you for all the questions, it was a lot of fun to answer them! I hope you enjoyed reading this and I hope you have a wonderful day/night my friend! See you all tomorrow! Next up iiiiiis.... Moonlight!"
Notes:
Hello! :D
Seriously, I'm having a blast answering these questions! They're so much fun and I really enjoy having the characters react to them! Mha_kny, you like a lot of the same shows I like, I haven't found very many Tangled the series, Steven Universe, Owl House, AND Hazbin Hotel fans! That was so cool to find out! :D Sincerely, thank you so much for your questions, they were really fun, and super funny! Also, Lance is going to polish those medals off everyday, he wanted me to tell you that! He also says an extra thank you! :D
To everyone, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, you can still add questions if you'd like! Moonlight, your chapter is next! I'm really excited about these chapters, and I'm really glad you guys are enjoying them so much!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 193: Moonlight!
Summary:
Here we go Moonlight! Here's all of your questions answered!
Notes:
I sincerely hope you enjoy, and sorry about the delay! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lance smiled wide as he watched Harmony look at a list of names, "who we got next?" He asked
Harmony chuckled, "the next guest we have is a commenter by the name of, MOONLIGHT!"
Moonlight walked in and smiled happily at everyone as Harmony walked over to them, "Moonlight huh?" Eugene asked, "that's a really cool name, and oddly topical"
Varian giggled, "yeah it really is! Welcome to the Q and A Moonlight!"
"Varian ya gotta give the greetin more UMPH!" Lance stated before he sucked in a breath and yelled, "WELCOME TO THE Q AAAAAAAAND AYYYYYYYYYYYY! WOOOOOOOOOOOT!" The former thief then looked at the teen, "somethin like that!"
"Um.... Woo?" Varian replied shyly
"....We'll work on it"
Harmony chuckled be they looked at Moonlight with a smile, "welcome to the Q and A, we can start whenever you're ready!"
Moonlight smiled wide at the musical host as they continued to look around in amazement, "oh woah this is an amazing idea! thank you Harmony, I'll take great pleasure in asking questions and talking to the characters!"
The musical host smiled back happily, "thank you! I'm really glad you're excited! It really makes me happy that you're all so interested in this idea and these find, and crazy, people behind me! So thank you for being interested and making me happy just by being here!" They replied with a grin before the added, "you can start whenever you'd like to, the characters are excited themselves, I've never seen them so energetic!" They stated before they remembered something and added, "oh by the way", they pulled out a remote and paused the chapter, "I'm responding to this (I'm very tired so I probably forgot a lot of questions I would've wanted to ask and I couldn't do everyone, but it's not a big deal, I'm too exhausted to add anything anyway, my grammar and spelling are probably hell and I think I wrote enough as it is X3 have a great day/night and thank you again, Harmony!) Really quick, your grammar and spelling are actually really good, honestly, I'm surprised no one's commented on my spelling yet!" Harmony giggled, "I've already spoken to the characters, and all of them understand how tired you are and will allow you to take a nap in this chapter! ....Also I kinda just broke the 4th wall, but I think the poor thing is so broken by these chapters at this point that it'll never be the same", they stated, looking at the 4th wall, "I'll need to send them on vacation for the next few chapters after this, but either way, you'll be able to rest and they'll answer the rest of your questions after you have, so don't worry!" Harmony smiled before they unpaused the chapter and quickly put the remote away, "alrighty, ask away my friend! Whenever you're ready!"
With a nod, Moonlight looked at Varian and said, "here we go!" Before they walked over to the teen and smiled, "hey Varian! I'm sorry I wish I could talk to you more but sadly I'm exhausted at the moment so I'll just say this, in many ways, you're someone I relate to, deeply. This is why you were one of my first imaginary friends in the beginning of my teenage years. Both in my own imagination and in this story, I know you're a person with a pure heart. you have much more value than you think. My brain is a little foggy but I don't think I have any questions to ask you. Take care of you and your loved ones. Believe me, you have one unique family! Last thing, I know you will make it. Despite the depression, the anxiety, the PTSD and intrusive thoughts, you will be okay. You are strong enough to overcome this, with the help and support of your family. Thank you for everything!"
The alchemist smiled wide, "that's okay if you're super tired, what you said was so nice and I really appreciate it sincerely! Thank you so much for that! I'm glad my story can help you, at the end of the day, that's all I'd really want, is to help, so you saying that sincerely does mean the world to me, though I'm sorry you had to go through so much trauma yourself, it's not fun, but I'm glad you're here and getting through it! You're a person with a pure heart too, I can definitely tell, and you have more value too, you're strong and very kind, and I really hope you know that. I'll take care of everyone as best as I can-!"
"And you'll let your loved ones take care of you too", Quirin interrupted gently
Varian giggled, "that too", he smiled at Moonlight, "I'm very grateful to my unique family and wouldn't trade them for the world, I'm glad you like them too!" He grinned, "and", he gave Moonlight a sincere smile, "thank you for saying that I'll make it and that I'm strong, I.... It's hard to remember that, and hearing it be said from someone else really helps, so sincerely, thank you! And you're strong too, you're strong, and kind, and smart, and funny, and you're an amazing person too! I'm glad I get to talk to you!" Varian then blushed, "a-also, I can't believe I was your imaginary friend, that makes me really happy! Fun fact, I actually had an imaginary friend too growing up! Um.... T-they were Flynn Rider...."
"Oh really?" Eugene stated with a grin as Quirin chuckled
Varian blushed even more, "y-yeah, but he went off on a super adventure a long time ago, so you shush!"
"What adventure did he go on?"
"Um...." Varian glanced at Rapunzel shyly before he looked back at Eugene, "he um.... W-went with Lance Strongbow to rescue a princess.... Then he sent me a post card telling me that he was happy and Lance, him, and the princess were living on a nice island with all the money they needed and thanked me for being there for him...."
The Dark Prince's eyes widened before he began to snicker as Rapunzel smiled lovingly at her little brother, "wow! You got some sort of 6th sense going on there Hari Stripe?" Eugene asked
Varian shrugged before Lance smirked, "you even knew I was gonna be there! Which is kinda crazy now that I think about it, how'd you know that?"
The blue eyed teen tilted his head to the side, "Lance Strongbow is Flynn Rider's best friend in the books", he explained, "they met when they were kids, separated when they were teens, then came back together in the second book, which is my favorite, 'Flynn Rider and the Earl of Camembert!' He and Lance Strongbow meet in the dungeons, at first Lance is pretty annoyed with Flynn because he'd ditched him when they were young, but when they escaped together, Lance saw that Flynn wasn't that same person anymore and actually saved Flynn when the Earl was going to kill him! Flynn apologized to Lance and promised to be a better friend to him, to which Lance accepted before they went on more adventures together! Lance eventually left to do his own thing, which eventually ended up becoming a spin off series to the Flynn Rider books that I *also* love called, 'Lance Strongbow and his Misadventures!' But he'd come back a few times in the Flynn Rider series to help Flynn out when he really needed it! He was a fun, goofy, animal loving character that grew to become a favorite in the hearts of those who read the books! You didn't know about that Lance?"
The former thief just stared at Varian for a while before he looked at Eugene with a raised brow, "'cool name' huh?" He said, "'even cooler than Flynn Rider' right?"
Eugene smiled sheepishly, "I... Still think it's pretty cool! Plus it made sense and you agreed with me!"
"Yeah but that was *before* I found out that was a name of a character in your favorite book!"
"Are you really upset?"
"....No, but ya could've told me"
"Wait", Varian said, getting the pair to look at him and Moonlight, "you helped Lance choose his name?"
"Yeah", Eugene replied, "when I changed my name to Flynn Rider, he wanted to change his name too because he wanted to stick with me, in fact, he said that he wanted to stay by my side because we were brothers, and brothers stick together. It's why I said Lance Strongbow, because not only is it a cool name, but Lance is the closest person to Flynn and he", he gestured to Lance, "is the closest person to me! Well, him and Rapunzel now.... and you kiddo", Varian smiled, "hence why I chose the name! Because Lance is super important to Flynn, and my Lance is super important to me!"
Lance sniffled, "I love you too Eugene!" He exclaimed, hugging the man happily and getting Rapunzel to smiled warmly at them
Varian giggled before he looked at Moonlight, "that's something I never knew! You helped me find out more about my big brothers! Thanks for that!" He said with a smile, "while they're uh", he looked at the pair as Lance continued to hug Eugene happily, who was smiling and comforting the man, "...doing that, do you wanna asked anyone else a question?"
Moonlight smiled and nodded before they looked at Quirin, who looked back at them and smiled, "hi"
"Hi Quirin!" Moonlight exclaimed happily, "now look at me I'm super very serious!" They made a super serious face, startling the retired knight for a moment, "you. Are. An amazing. DAD! Have faith in yourself! Your son loves you so, so much and I do too! I love seeing you two being happy! It makes me happy too, for at least a few hours! You deserve him, he deserves you, you deserve each other and no one will ever take this love away from you! Cherish it, it's invaluable, and don't forget to pace yourself, it's important, you're not a machine! You have every right to feel emotions, they're all valid, and you need to accept them and talk about it. Don't keep it all to yourself! Oh and... Please, give a hug to your brother for me, along with his favorite snack. Could you do that? He's done so much for me, that's the least I can do. Make sure he's okay, also, if the occasion present itself, I'd be glad to see you punch one (or both) of his sorry excuses for parents"
Quirin blinked before he smiled wide, chuckling a little at the request as he eyed the Duke and Duchess with a smirk, both of them wincing worriedly as the retired knight looked back at Moonlight, "thank you, for saying that I mean, it means a lot", he smiled at his son, who was beaming happily, "I know he loves me, he knows I love him, it's just... Hard sometimes, to remember that, and yeah, i cherish him everyday I can, even when our schedules don't always line up", he then looked back at Moonlight, "also, you're right, I *really* need to work on sharing how I feel, but I'll get there, and I certainly appreciate your support! That means a lot to hear, so thank you very much", he then looked at Hector, "as for your request...." The wild tamer narrowed his eyes at his brother, getting the man to snicker, "I think he might kill me if I hug him.... Buuuuut". Quirin got up, "excuse me", he said before he disappeared out of the room for a moment.
"Where's he goin?" Lance asked, finally letting go of Eugene, who was trying to dry the wet spot of tears Lance had left on his shirt while Rapunzel helped
"I have no idea", Hugo said, "something about a snack for Hector?"
Varian giggled as he watched Moonlight, "that was really nice, what you said to my dad I mean", he stated happily, "I could tell he really appreciated it, and.... Although the 4th wall is invisible to me, I think Harmony has something planned for him in later chapters"
"I do", Harmony replied with a wide smile, "and I'm so excited about it!"
Varian giggled, "either way, thank you for that, he definitely appreciated it! And you're right, he's the best dad in the world!"
"Uh they didn't say tha-!" Eugene started
"He's the best dad in the world!" The teen repeated, "this is a known *fact* and if anyone denies it they will lose Hugo privileges!"
The blond snickered as Lance and Eugene looked at each other before looking back at Varian, "you're turning into your father you know that?" Lance stated with a grin
"Thank you!" The alchemist replied before the door to the family room opened and Quirin walked back inside, holding something behind his back as he got back to his seat and looked at Hector with a smirk
The wild tamer raised a brow before the retired knight pulled out a small bag of roasted pumpkin seeds, making Hector's eyes widen for a moment before he turned away and scrunched his nose. Unfortunately, Pixie and Basil, who were sitting right beside the wild tamer, eyed the bag interestedly as the retired knight pulled out a few and popped them into his mouth. Hector huffed when he heard the man crunching them, but Pixie and Basil both got up and scampered over to the man, watching him with wide eyes as he chuckled at the pair's antics, "seriously?" The wild tamer stated, "traitors"
"Would it really kill you to admit you want the bag of pumpkin seeds?" Adira asked, "Stickler would be willing to give them to you, for the right price"
Hector huffed, "I'm not hugging that fucking goober"
Quirin ate another pumpkin seed, getting the wild tamer to scowl at him, "he's gonna keep doing that until you do what Moonlight wants", Adira replied with a smirk, "you can't resist you know"
Hector was silent for a few moments, "....Are they fresh?" He asked quietly
"Yup", Quirin replied, "made them this morning"
"......Fuck it...." The wild tamer got up, walked over to the retired knight, who stood up, quickly hugged him before he snatched the seeds and practically teleported back to his seat. Hiding his face as he munched happily on his seeds while Pixie and Basil walked over to their Hector and watched him
Quirin chuckled before he sat down, "it was a fast one, but I hope that suffices, and he's got his favorite snack too", he smiled at Moonlight, "that was fun, thank you for that"
Moonlight beamed as Varian and Hugo giggled, "uncle Hector is surprisingly adorable", the blue eyed teen said before he looked at his father, "are you gonna punch the Duke and Duchess?"
"He wouldn't *dare*!" The Duchess exclaimed angrily, "he wouldn't *dare* come over to *us* and *touch* us!"
Quirin rolled his eyes, "I wouldn't, only because-!"
"Because he knows that doing so would make him go to *jail*", the Duke stated, "not like he would be the first in his family to go there"
The old farmer's shoulders tensed up as Varian froze, "I....." The teen tried but felt his heart leap into his throat before he looked down, growing quiet
Quirin watched his son curl in on himself as the Duke continued, "besides, he's supposed to be a *knight*, and knight's will be discharged if they so much as breath the wrong *way* in a dignitaries *direction*", he jeered, not noticing the retired knight stand up while he gloated.
"My husband is right", the Duchess agreed, "I'm surprised they even let such an *animal* be with the dignitaries in the first place, let alone out of *it's* cage!"
The Duke laughed, "such a creature should be locked up fo-AAAH!" He stopped talking when he felt pain shoot through him as he fell to the floor. Looking up as he held his face, his eyes widened when he saw Quirin glaring down at him, "y-you just.... I'LL HAVE YOU *HANGED* FOR THIS!"
"Actually, mother *fucker*, he's a *prince*", Hector stated, standing next to his angry brother, "he became a knight because Eugene came into the picture, but he, my sister, and I are all princes, which means we have higher authority than you and your prissy little wife"
"Did you forget the welcoming ceremony?" Adira asked as she smiled while Harmony, Moonlight, and Hugo all comforted Varian, "I hope your face stings and you get a bruise on your cheek for that disgusting comment which, by the way, you made against another prince of the Dark Kingdom"
the Duke, who was being helped up by his wife, froze before they looked up at Quirin, who was still glaring at them, "o-oh... Right...." They said in unison
"Quirin, it's not worth it", Edmund stated gently as he placed a hand on his knight's shoulder, "they're not worth it"
"No they really aren't", Eugene agreed
"Dad, I'm okay", Varian said, getting his father to look at him, the teen had a single tear streak down his face, but he looked calmer, "I'm okay, it just took me by surprise is all"
The retired knight watched his son for a few moments before he sighed, giving one last *withering* glared to the Duke and Duchess before he walked over to his son, scooped him up, and hugged him, "sorry", he said
"It's okay, you did what Moonlight wanted at least, and it was kinda funny"
The retired knight chuckled before he looked at Moonlight, "how about we move on to the next question while the Duke picks his pride off the ground"
Moonlight snickered before nodding and closing their eyes, calling out to someone. For a moment there was silence, then a women with long red hair, blue eyes, freckles, and a blue dress with an apron appeared, "Ulla, I'm sorry about what happened to you. It's horrible and it shouldn't have happened, ever. I cried when I read what Donella had done to you. You would be proud of your son, I know it. And you'd be proud of Quirin too"
The women smiled warmly at the commenter, "thank you for saying such kind words to me, it means a lot...." She looked at her son and her husband longingly, "I miss them, everyday, but you're right, I'm very proud of the both of them, they've come so far in what they've done and been through", she then looked at Hugo, "and he's definitely someone I can appreciate, I'm glad Varian decided to fall in love with him, he's a good choice". She looked back at Moonlight, "you're a very kind and sweet person, I appreciate that, thank you for you empathy, Donnie...." She sighed, "I.... Will never understand why she did what she did.... I don't think I can ever forgive her for it.... But... There's a part of me that will always love her too.... But there's a part of me that will always hate her.... I guess we'll see, with time, which side wins, for now however", she smiled at Moonlight, "I take immense amounts of comfort knowing you and many like you are there, rooting for and caring about my family, thank you, so much for that, sincerely, thank you".
Moonlight smiled, feeling warm and love surround them before it disappeared and they opened their eyes, "you okay?" Lance asked, watching them worriedly, "you closed your eyes and began to smile really wide when you did"
Moonlight nodded before Harmony smile wide at them, "they were just talking to Ulla for a moment"
Quirin, Varian, and Donella all looked at Harmony, "U-Ulla?" The retired knight said
"She's alright, Moonlight was sharing their sympathies with her, it was very kind of them"
"Oh", Quirin smiled at Moonlight, as did Varian, "thank you"
Moonlight nodded before they looked at Lance and Eugene, "thank you! You two are the best big brothers and I know Varian loves you so much! I wish I had brothers like you too, you're both so kind, funny and understanding, and, well... Varian is so very lucky to have you. Just as you are lucky to have him!"
The two former thieves smiled wide at that, "aw shucks", Lance said, blushing, "we try our best"
"You mean *I* try my best", Eugene corrected, "you blow his stuff up!"
"Hey! I give him *therapy*!"
"Yeah but *I* save him from *your* antics!"
"I provide the funny moments!"
"I provide the *wholesome* moment!"
They stopped when they heard Varian laughing, looking at him with confused faces, "you *both* help me in different ways! Lance helps me get through a lot of my mental hurtles while also making me laugh so hard I cry! And Eugene is always there when I need him as a physical support, comforting me and carrying me through a lot of my darkest times! You *both* help me, in very different ways, but you're *both* amazing big brothers, and Moonlight's right, I am the luckiest little brother in the *world* to have such amazing big brothers like you!"
They bother stared at the teen for a moment before wide grins spread on their faces as they both ran over and hugged Varian happily, also hugging Quirin in the process since he was still holding his son, not that he minded, he just chuckled, "we're lucky to have you too kiddo!" Eugene stated
"Couldn't agree with you more!" Lance replied as they continued to hug, Ruddigar was watching them, huffing as the swished his tail at the four of them before Moonlight poked his head gently, getting the small mammal to look up at them, "RuddyBuddy! You're such a fantastic racoon, and a precious friend, I'm happy that Varian can always count on you, can I pet you? It's okay if you don't want me to, of course! Just know that I think you're sooo cute, and even more clever!"
The raccoon was a little startled before he chittered excitedly, hopping onto the commenter's shoulders and allowing them to pet him as he purred. His chittering sounding something along the lines of, "thanks so much for saying that! I try my best to help my boy, and sometimes it's really hard to do, especially when he goes into his scary form with his smelly science stuff! But you saying that really made me happy, and I'm always accepting any kind of pets and/or apples, if you've got any!" He purred even more as the commenter continued to pet him, "also, *finally* one of you humans understands that I can think just as well as all of you! The others my boy surrounds himself with, outside of his big guardian, all think I'm just a simple animal... So does the horse for that matter, but I'm glad to meet someone that thinks like my boy does and knows I'm clever, so thanks!"
Moonlight giggled before they noticed Hugo watching them, he was smirking, they smiled back and, while still petting Ruddigar, walked over to him, "Hugo, I'm so happy that you're here for Varian and that he's here for you. You two are so cute together! Also, you're so cool! I totally agree with Varian, how do you do that? You cool people must've had an instruction book we awkward people didn't get, this is the only explanation. By the way, Olivia is adorable! Get well soon! I'm worried about you"
The blond gave a warm smile to the commenter, "thanks, I'm happy I'm here with Varian too, and that he's here with me, I don't know where I would be without him.... Well, actually I kinda do...." He looked at Donella, who raised a brow at him before he looked at Moonlight once more, "either way, I'm glad I'm not where I thought I was gonna be, it's nice, to actually feel like you belong somewhere you know?" He then chuckled, "Varian's the cute one, I'll agree with you about the cool comment though, thank you! I didn't get instructions, but I do know if you act like you don't care about a lot of things then people think you're cool. Dunno if that'll help in anyway shape or form but hey, there's my tip for you! But no matter what, you're cool to me!" He smirked, "I think it's cool that you can express yourself in anyway you want to, I've never been very good at that, I wouldn't call it awkward, just, training, for how to express yourself in a specific way in a specific setting, that's all".
Suddenly, there was a squeaking sound as a small, robotic mouse hopped out of Hugo's pocket, squeaking at Moonlight happily, it seemed to be something along the lines of, "thank you for calling me cute human! I think you're cute too! You also seem to like my boy and treat him kindly, so thank you very much for that!"
The blond chuckled, "Liv really seems to like you", he said before he looked back at Moonlight, "I'll be okay soon, just gotta get through some things first, won't be easy, but when have things ever been am I right?" He joked, "you don't have to worry about me, I'll be alright, I've got a Freckles for support, Liv and Ruddigar too", the raccoon in question hopped off Moonlight and into Hugo's arms, getting him to chuckle, "I really will be okay, but thank you for worrying, makes me happy to be in your thoughts"
Moonlight nodded before they noticed Rapunzel watching them and turned to face her, "Rapunzel, I know that you're trying your best. You're a good person, Rapunzel, you only have to learn to detach yourself from your own perspective sometimes. I won't say about what exactly, but I modestly think this would be a necessary and great quality for a future leader. I wanted to ask you this, though, do you *want* to be a queen? Maybe you do, but since you never really had a choice, I thought I would ask. You can do it, your loved ones believe in you, and even if it doesn't mean much, I do too!"
The princess was a little startled but smiled, getting up, walking over, and hugging Moonlight happily, "that means a lot to me! Thank you so much!" She broke the hug to look at the commenter happily, "I really am trying, and yeah, maybe detaching myself from certain things would help me in the future, like me getting so angry about something someone says and all that, but it's hard, though I'm certain you know that considering you've read this story so far", she giggled, "either way, I'll definitely try it, as for your question.... I.... Don't know how I feel about it exactly", she replied with a sad smile, "you're right when you say I didn't really get a choice, I mean, I found out I was a princess after being kidnapped from my parents for 18 long years, that's kind of a shock, but...." She smiled, "I get a little overwhelmed by the idea that one day, yeah I will be Queen of Corona, but I've gotten used to the idea I suppose. It mean, it's better than not knowing what you're gonna be at all right? And plus, I'll be able to change things when I'm Queen, make things better for my people and help them solve their problems! In all honesty I've been excited to take the thrown one day, though I'm glad it isn't happening for a *while*! But I'll be able to make changes, to better my kingdom, for my subjects...." She looked over at Varian, who was giggling as he and his father spoke to Eugene and Lance, "and my friends...." She sighed, "I won't lie, being Queen one day is going to be scary, I'm very nervous about it too, but I'm willing to do it, to accept my role and help! I know I'll have my friends beside me to get me through it, but.... you know maybe it would be a good idea to change the royal advisor, I mean, times are changing after all, and it's clear that the one we have now.... Doesn't have the best judge in character.... Food for thought, and maybe a later chapter, but for now, an answer to your question, yes, I wanna be Queen one day, not right now, but someday! To help my people, and make Corona better for everyone!" She giggled, "and thank you for believing in me, it means a lot more to me than you think, so thank you!"
Moonlight grinned before they heard a small sound of humming, looking over they saw Sage sitting nearby, talking with Adira before the women noticed the commenter and smiled, "hi Sage, I thought about you for a while, and wondered what I'd sound like to you. Could you tell me, if you can? If not, just know that your gift is beautiful and that I love your personality!"
Sage smiled at them as Rapunzel grinned, "that would be interesting to know! what *do* you hear when you see Moonlight?"
"Well, I hear a soft, soothing sound when I see you, like a harmonic flute and xylophone playing together, with possibly an oboe and clarinet adding a few notes here and there. And when you get excited or happy, the flutes play a wonderful trill that fills the entire room!" She replied, "thank you kindly for your words, you've an older women's day, I'm glad you like my gift, maybe I'll come back one day, possibly to hear my friend's music once again", she smiled at Adira, who smiled back, "I enjoy your personality as well, I think you are a kind person, young and very sweet, so thank you for that, oh, but it looks like you've caught the attention of a worrisome violin", she turned and saw Donella watching them, "she seems a little lonely"
Moonlight looked at Donella, noticing her demeanor was a little tense, they looked at Sage, who nodded with understanding before they smiled at her and walked over to Donella as Rapunzel joined Adira's conversation with her old friend. Moonlight approached Donella, a bit nervous as they thought of what to say before they were suddenly face to face with her. She was watching them for a bit, "what?" she asked, raising a brow
"Donella..... Why? I don't even know how to phrase what I want to say. Why would you become the very thing you loathed more than anything else? And don't act as if you were not comparable. Your actions and his aren't the same, it's true, but the pattern is similar, don't you think? Why did you do this to Ulla, to Quirin and Varian, and now, to Hugo? Do you feel guilty, or not at all?"
The women stiffened at that before she looked away, "you don't understand.... I wasn't doing what *he* did to her", she looked at the commenter, "*he* kept her in a cage that *she* decided to stay in! *he* made her feel worthless when I didn't! I gave her everything I could! Love, care, someone that thought about her every minute and yet she turned that away and gave it to that....." She sighed, "Yes..... I feel guilty.... I didn't want her to die.... I didn't want to lose her.... Yes *I* lost her too.... I feel horrible that her son grew up without her.... But I don't feel guilty that I took her away from *him*", she glared at Quirin, "*he* doesn't deserve her! He never will.... Ever...." Her eyes caught a glimpse of Hugo, and she sighed, "I didn't want to treat him the way I did though.... Hugo I mean.... He didn't do anything to deserve what I gave him.... I suppose it took me a while to realize that.... But.... I have my reasons for doing what I did.... Reasons no one will ever understand no matter how hard they try", she looked at Moonlight, "you.... You don't like me, none of the other commenters do either and that's fine.... I don't need your sympathy, I don't need your care, I just need you to leave me alone.... Please.... So I can think...."
Moonlight sighed, unsure of how to feel about what they'd just been told before they thought of someone else who had a similar story. Closing their eyes, they thought more and more until a Seporian man came into view, "Andrew, what is your greatest regret? Have you felt any sympathy towards Varian at one point during your time in prison and after the takeover, or was it really all a lie? What made you into this person, why did you choose violence every time, when you could've had peace? And a more "plot-related" question, even if this isn't really a part of the plot, why were you the separatists' leader in the first place? Did you gain this place, or was it passed down through your family?"
Andrew chuckled, "curious aren't we?" He smiled, "it's fine, I understand, to start off, my greatest regret is Varian.... How I treated him I mean.... I never meant to get that cruel and nasty, what I did to him.... It wasn't right, I deserved my fate, I've accepted it, I just watch him and the rest of my group now, they're doing alright without me, it makes me happy to know that at least. Kid's keeping his promise too, I deserve a lot less than that. I definitely felt sympathy towards Varian in the beginning, it's why I approached him in the first place, we both shared an opinion, Corona was a horrible place that only hurt those inside of it.... I really was, in the beginning, trying to help him through it, but then he showed me his alchemy and how he could make anything out of practically nothing, and I guess that coupled with my anger towards Corona just.... Mixed poorly.... So I ended up torturing him.... I'm glad his aunt kept him safe from me, otherwise I would've done much worse to him.... He really is my biggest regret, what I did to him.... How I groomed him... And how I treated my fellow Seporians.... they didn't deserve that either...." He sighed, "I was chosen to be the leader through my skills, in Seporia, you're trained to be a leader like you're trained to be a guard or knight, except you're trained in a much different way. You start at a young age, work through the courses, like school, and you get voted to be the new leader by the old one, I was lucky, the old leader chose me because he saw potential, he saw me as the one to bring my people's culture back to life... In a way he was right, but.... I wish it had been in a different way...." He looked at Moonlight, "even if you don't like me, I still appreciate you asking me questions, it means you're interested, which is more than I deserve after all I did, but thank you, I appreciate your time with me. You should probably get back to them though, they're waiting for you, until we meet again Moonlight".
Moonlight opened their eyes and looked around before noticing Cassandra watching them, her brow raised in concern for a moment before she turned away. Moonlight walked over to her, "what. Is. Your. Destiny? Go on. I'll wait. When you've answered this first question, tell me: at what lengths would you go to get what you want? and last: do you think this is right?"
Cassandra sighed, "you wouldn't understand", at Moonlight's raised brow, the blue haired women glared at them, "I want to be treated like an *equal*, my destiny is to be that, Rapunzel's *equal* like I should've been the entire time! But I can't have that, I can't have the same treatment, my mother raised her, and yet I became her *lady in waiting*! It's disgusting and *pathetic*!" She snapped, "I want to be her equal, because I'm nobody's second choice! I'm nobody's servant or lady in waiting! I can do just as much as her and *more* if I wanted to!" The Moonstone sparked with her emotion, "I can and I *will*!"
"C-Cassandra", a timid voice called, getting Moonlight and Cassandra's attention as Varian, his eyes glowing brightly, watched then, "um.... I-is everything okay?"
Moonlight nodded, "everything's fine Varian...." Cassandra replied, "just... Answering a question...."
The blue eyed alchemist tilted his head to the side in worry, "o-oki.... Just being sure...."
The blue haired women huffed before she looked at Moonlight again, "as for your other questions, I'll got to *any* lengths to get what I deserve, and if I think this is right-!" She looked at Varian again, who was still watching them, "some things.... No.... But", she glared at Rapunzel, who was still talking with Adira and Sage, "other things are...."
Moonlight sighed defeatedly, sure there was nothing more they could do to change Cassandra's mind at the moment, they walked away, hearing Adira's laughter and walking over to the face painted warrior, "hi Adira! First and foremost, I think you're an interesting, intelligent, beautiful, strong and loving woman, and an amazing sister and aunt! People can talk behind your back all they want, you're extraordinary, that's why they do that. They're disturbed by different, so they don't see how wonderful different can be. I relate to you a lot, actually! I'm not nearly as cool, but I know most people find me very... Bizarre. You are a great model to me, you help me accept that I can be different without being unlovable or a "failed human". You show me that I should be myself, no matter what people say or do, and even if it's still hard, I'm starting to accept it, so thank you so much! I hope I'll be like you when I grow up. And I *love* your facial paint, it's so, so cool!"
Adira smiled at that, "thank you! You're very kind, hmm.... I'll call you.... Lumi, because you seem to light up the room when you enter it, a trait I think we both share in different ways", she grinned
"You share that trait by setting fire to our bedsheets at night because you think it's fun sister", Hector stated
"And wouldn't your night have been boring without that memory?"
"Yes, but I might still have had my pillow in the barracks had you not done that", Quirin muttered
The face painted warrior smirked, "you were the one who told me to practice"
"Not in the barracks!" The retired knight argued
"Huh.... So that's what happened...." Edmund said, "I always wondered about that"
Adira chuckled before she looked back at Moonlight, "don't listen to them, I'm glad I helped you when you were growing up to be yourself, I really am, because you're a very sweet and kind person. I've read over Harmony's shoulder and seen some of the comments you've posted, you're very funny too, I like that! I'm glad you can be yourself, because yourself seems like a wonderful person to be and I wouldn't want you to change that for all the gold in the world!" She smiled at the commenter, "people also find me bizarre, or odd.... Or they call me a weirdo", she smirked at Cassandra, who glared back at her before turning away, "but what they call strange, I call eccentric"
"And destructive", Hector added
"That too!" Adira agreed, "but that only counts for me", she snickered, "and only when it comes to you and Stickler"
"Oh thank you *soooo* much", the wild tamer replied sarcastically
"Yes my windows will forever thank you for climbing inside of them instead of using the door", Quirin replied with a small smile on his face
"You're both welcome!" The face painted warrior replied with a grin before she looked at Moonlight again, "either way, I think it's more fun to be yourself than anybody else, fitting a mold never really suited anyone personally, and I like the fact that you allow yourself to be who you want to be, it shows you've got courage. And you may think I'm the cool one, but I think you're pretty cool yourself, you may want to grow up to be like me one day, and that's definitely a good goal to have", Varian giggled at that as Quirin and Hector rolled their eyes, "*but*, you should grow up to be you, who you are, and be the best you *you* can be.... It's a lot of 'you's but I think you get my point"
"Five 'you's to be exact!" Varian said
"Thank you Speckles", Adira replied with a smile, "either way, I like you, and I think you're going to be great as long as you're you! Also thanks, about my face paint I mean, if you ever come around for another visit, I'll paint your face for you! I'm certain Harmony wouldn't mind drawing that"
"I wouldn't mind!" Harmony replied, "though I'd need a description of what you look like Moonlight, and it may take me a while considering I'm still working on Varian and Rapunzel's kimono drawings, as well as Adira's purple dress drawing and Quirin, Edmund, and Eugene's Dark Kingdom attire drawings!"
"You're drawing us?" Quirin asked
"Yup! And you all look so dapper!"
The retired knight blushed as the face painted warrior smiled at Moonlight, either way, I'm glad we got to talk, it's nice to talk to all of you commenters! You're very fun to engage with!" She smirked, "did you have any other questions for anyone else?"
Moonlight nodded nervously before they looked at the wild tamer, who raised a brow at them, "Hector... Can I hug you? I don't want to force anything on you, it's okay if you're not comfortable with it. I just wanted you to know that you're one of my dearest imaginary friends and you helped me make it through really bad anxiety attacks so... Thank you. I wish I could hug you, for real. Sometimes, I realize you're not really here, and... Well, it's hard....." They wiped a few tears away, laughing bitterly to themselves as they thought, *great, now I'm crying, heh*. They looked at Hector again, "this would sound stupid to most people I know but you're real to me and you matter, a lot". They smiled at the man, who was a little startled by their words, "you're a wonderful person, with beautiful values and a strength that I can only admire. I think this is why I love you so much, you're always so strong, stronger than I will ever be, and ready to protect me from my dangerous, intrusive thoughts. You always find the words to snap me out of it and comfort me, you're a little like a dad, in a weird, imaginary way. I don't know.... I also wanted to ask you, how are *you* doing? Have you had any other anxiety attacks since the last? I know those are awful... I wish you didn't have them at all. Please remember to take care of yourself too. You're strong, but you're still human and you deserve to be cared for. Thank you again, for existing, for giving me hope, and helping me escape reality by living adventures together in a world of my own making - and others, like this one created by Harmony! I wouldn't be here without someone like you, alive in my heart"
The wild tamer stared at Moonlight for a long time before he got up, walked over, and hugged them tightly. Everyone was startled by this, but he continued to hug them, a small smile on his face, "I understand Moonlight, I really understand. Being alone, being forgotten, being overshadowed and suffering in silence, it sucks.... It really fucking sucks..... I wish I could pop out of the screen and give you real hug too, I wish I could physically be there to help you through all of that, I really wish I could because I've been there and I never want to go back...." He broke the hug and looked at Moonlight, "but.... You're not alone, you've still got me, even if I'm not there physically. You talked about how I'm from Harmony's universe, but you know, even though I am, I feel like you could be friends, we really could, and look I...." He sighed, "I'm not very good at this, the whole comforting people thing, I'm fucking suck at it, I mean", he chuckled, "I'm better at *making* people cry, not stopping them from it, find it funnier too. But I'll try for you, you shouldn't feel like that, like you're alone, you didn't say that's how you feel but that's the impression I get, that you're lonely, and it fucking sucks to feel that way. In fact that feeling can piss off before I fucking kill it! But... I don't think that's physically possible, see? I'm bad at this", he smirked, "but, I'll try, I'll try to keep being there for you, I'll try to keep helping you when you need me too, I'll try, but you gotta try too, try to help yourself and do what you need to do for you. You're an amazing person, everyone in this room can't deny that, and even though I may not know you in your world, I know what I see, and I see someone who's struggling, someone who is pushing themselves so hard but doesn't give themselves enough time or rest. I see you, I see the wonderful person you are, and I see the fucking huge ass pressure you put on yourself too.... It's hard to balance it, really hard, but you can do it, I know you can! And if you need me to remind you, tell me where to point my fucking blades-er-well-*blade*, hold the 's' because *someone* broke one of them with her fucking rocks!" He glared at Cassandra for a moment, who glared right back at him, getting the man to huff before he looked back at Moonlight, "either way, I know you can do it, be yourself like Adira said, and do what you need to do for you, I know you can, and even when life gets you down, imagine me kicking whatever is causing you pain's ass, I'll fucking do it too!"
He smirked, "as for the anxiety attacks, I've had small ones here and there, but they weren't really something to write home about, I was able to handle them, I'm doing better than I was. I think talking to my blood siblings helped with that", he smiled at Trinity and Dexter, both of whom smiled back at him, "anyway, thanks, for what you said, means a lot to me, it really does. No one's ever.... Thanked me for being here.... That's new, very new, so thanks, a lot, for that", he smiled at Moonlight, I'm glad you're here too, thanks for existing, and.... Ok fuck it", he hugged them again, pulling them close and resting his chin on their head, "you're gonna be okay, ok? I may not be there in your world, but I'll be with you in spirit, always, okay?"
Moonlight nodded, hugging Hector back. They stayed that way for a while before the wild tamer felt the commenter's body grow a little heavier, looking down at them he noticed they'd fallen asleep and chuckled, "um.... Huh... Well they really fucking meant it when they said they were tired didn't they?" He joked
"Yeah they did", Varian replied with a gentle smile as he watched the commenter smile in their sleep, "here, Harmony mentioned this might happen earlier, there's a couch already prepared with a blanket and some pillows"
Hector gently carried Moonlight over to the couch and placed them on it as Quirin pulled the blankets up to their chin while Harmony sat on the edge of it to keep a watch over them as they slept peacefully.
****
A few hours later, the group heard a yawn, Harmony looked at Moonlight, who was stretching and rubbing their eyes before they looked around and realized they'd fallen asleep. They blushed as the musical author smiled at them understandingly, "hey don't worry about it, you mentioned earlier you were sleepy, so it's alright. Everyone left you alone while you were asleep, but we're almost out of time for today, if you have any last minute questions, the characters wouldn't mind answering them".
Moonlight thought for a moment, shaking the sleep from their head before they nodded, "I do"
"Alrighty then, I'll give you a minute to wake up and let the characters know you've got a few more, and hey, don't worry about falling asleep, believe me I understand how that feels, when you're ready, go ahead and come on over to where we are okay?"
With a nod from the commenter, Harmony walked away, giving Moonlight a chance to stretch once more before they got up, making the couch back up and straightening themselves out before they nodded and walked over to the group, "hey, you're awake!" Lance exclaimed, smiling at Moonlight, who blushed again, "hey, don't worry about fallin asleep on us, Varian's done it a few times already, it's kinda cute actually"
"Much you bring me up?" The little alchemist asked, raising a brow and blushing as well while Hugo chuckled
"Yes, now Moonlight doesn't have to feel embarrassed alone", the former thief stated
Varian sighed, "I guess", he then smiled at Moonlight, "Harmony told us you had a few more questions before we wrapped up for the day, did you wanna asked them?" Moonlight nodded, "oki, whenever you're ready, we can start answering!"
The commenter smiled at the looked at Varian, "maybe you know it already, but I could have a tip for you Misophonia! I have something very similar and, when overwhelmed, I cover my ears and hum a song. My humming is louder than the noise around me and it soothes me very efficiently!"
The alchemist's eyes widened at the thought of that, "I didn't even think about that! That would help a lot with certain things, and I've got a few comforting songs in mind too!" He grinned at Moonlight, "thanks for the tip! That'll be very helpful for when things get a little too much for me!"
Moonlight smiled even wider before they faced Quirin and gave a nervous chuckle, "I can't believe I forgot something so important, but how are you doing concerning all this mess with Donella? How do you feel about her...?"
The retired knight chuckled good naturedly, "it's alright, you were tired, plus I don't expect you to want to know, though it makes me happy that you do. How I feel about all of this? Well.... I'm angry... Very angry, but I.... don't really feel it if that makes sense, it's sort of a cold feeling in the pit of my stomach, honestly, I'd be more worried about it if my mind wasn't distracting itself with Hugo and Adira. That's the best way I can put it, as far as I feel about Donella....." His voice lowered to a near growl, "I feel nothing for her....." He stated, before he perked up, "but I suppose that's normal when you find out what I just did. I'm guessing we'll get to that in the actual story though, won't we Harmony?"
"Yup", the musical author replied, "we shall get to that very soon!"
Moonlight nodded nervously before they decided to move on to the next question, realization hitting them as they closed their eyes and thought of someone they'd forgotten, her form coming to them and smiling warmly, " EDEN! OH MY GOSH I FORGOT YOU I'M SORRY MY QUEEN! If you could see and talk to your son, what would you tell him? What about your husband? I also wanted to tell you that you're beautiful and your son looks a lot like you!"
The Dark Queen smiled even wider, "it's alright, I understand, it's been a while since my name was brought up, so it's understandable that you didn't recall me at first", she thought for a moment, "what I would tell my son if I could see him and he could hear me now? I'd tell him that I'm proud of him, for who he's become and how he's stayed strong throughout his entire life. I'd also tell him how adorable he is and how much I love and miss him!" She smiled happily, "for my husband.... I would tell him I'm sorry I couldn't be there when he needed me the most, I would tell him that I still love him, and that I always will, and I'm so glad he managed to fight back against his anger and that he's a good dad and an amazing grandpa! As a bonus, I'd give Quirin, Adira, and Hector bear hugs, I'd tell Hector he is loved and that I will always love him no matter what, so he's never alone, I'd tell Adira she's incredibly beautiful in every single way, and that she's stronger than anyone will ever know, and Quirin...." She smiled sadly at the thought of the oldest of the three, "I'd tell him I'm sorry.... I'd tell him how much I miss him and how much I want to hold him and never let him go.... He and Edmund were best friends growing up.... And what happened between them never should've happened.... It'd be like Horace-I mean Eugene", she giggled, "and Varian being separated for years, they'd be miserable.... Ho-Eugene is my baby boy, that'll never change, but Quirin was always my first child, adopted or not, I don't think I could ever replace him, *any* of them really, in my heart...." She smiled at Moonlight, "thank you for the compliment, you're beautiful too, inside and out!" She smiled sadly again, "I've been watching my son, and he does, I wish I could tell him that, take him in my arms and just hold him as well, I really wish I could.... He's been through so much and that.... *women* trying to *poison* him just..... Sorry, I suppose I'm protective a bit", she chuckled, "anyway, thank you for coming to see me and asking me questions, you've made me very happy, I appreciate it!"
Moonlight smiled and nodded before saying goodbye and opening their eyes before they noticed Eugene staring at them. The commenter tilted their head in confusion, "sorry sorry just.... Had an odd feeling, who were you talking to?"
Moonlight smiled, "Eden", they said
Eugene blinked before he chuckled, "how is she?"
"Good, she misses you"
He smiled, "thanks for that, I... Miss her too"
Moonlight smiled at the Dark Prince before Harmony smirked, "there might be a chapter about his mother coming up soon", they whispered, "stay tuned!"
The commenter looked at Harmony and smiled, nodding before they faced their next questionee, "Hugo, what do you like about Varian's family? And what do you like about the members of his family, individually? Also, concerning Donella, how do you feel after what she did..?"
The blond smirked, "Varian's family? I think they're the good kind of crazy mixed with responsible, mostly on Quirin and Eugene's side"
"Ey!" Varian exclaimed
"You blew up half the village", Eugene pointed out, "on the very first day we met"
"......I'm more responsible than Lance!"
"Um.... Even *I* know that's not much of an accomplishment little man", Lance said, "and that's *me* sayin that!"
The teen huffed before his boyfriend pulled him into a hug, "I mean it with love you know"
"I know.... Big meanie"
"Oh I get my own 'Evil Jerkface' name?"
"Yes! It's Big meanie!"
Hugo grinned, "ok, then I'll have to come up with one for you and Quirin!"
The retired knight snickered, "take your time"
"I will!" The blond stated before he looked at Moonlight, "sorry, how I feel about them individually? Um.... Well, here I'll do it this way, Varian, cute, kind, sweet, smart, sexy, and mwh!" He kissed his boyfriend on the head, making the blue eyed alchemist blush. "For Adira, unique and fun with extra spices because she's just cool like that!" the face painted warrior smirked, nodding in approval, "Hector, all spicy with a hint of sweet that he locks away in a shell and if you ever tell him that he'll be waiting for you with a sword at your door"
"You've got 4 hours to live", the wild tamer stated
"Noted", the bespeckled teen replied before he looked at Edmund, "Edmund, super sweet, literally cavity inducing, super snuggly, loves everything Eugene, and has a belly laugh that can literally cure disease", the Dark King chuckled, before he snickered, before he laughed, and then he made himself laugh even harder, getting everyone in the room to join him before they couldn't laugh anymore, "shihihit!" Hugo exclaimed, still giggling, "I shohohohohould have known thahahahat would hahahappen!"
"Sohohohohorry!" The Dark King said
"It's okay", the blond replied, "got me to smile at the very least", he stated before he looked at Eugene, "Eugene, fun to mess with, really easy to get under his skin but he's good natured about it, super fucking funny, so sarcastic he could give *me* a run for my money, awesome big brother, good man" Eugene smiled at that, "Lance, holy fuck!"
Varian and Eugene laughed, "what's that supposed to mean?" Lance asked with a smile
"Where to fucking begin! That's what it means, I mean shit, funny, sweet, adorable, sassy, child like, crazy, teasing, awesome big brother, too touchy around alchemincal solutions, is banned from Varian's lab for reasons I already mentioned, great friend, amazing secret keeper, holy shit he's a therapist too like, for fuck's sake man!"
Lance laughed as well, "yeah? Keep it comin?"
"Nah, I think Imma hold it there, don't have enough words in the dictionary for you", Hugo stated, "I will say this though, probably the best friend any guy, girl, or configuration of being will ever hope for"
"I can agree with that!" Eugene stated with a smile as he smiled at his best friend
"Me too!" Varian agreed
Lance sniffled, "aw!"
Hugo smirked before he looked at Quirin, "and last but not least, Quirin", he then looked at Rapunzel, "I'm going actual family here, but words for you would be sunshine, sun, smile, warm, and rainbows", she smiled before the blond looked at Quirin again, "now then, Quirin.... He fucking scares me"
The retired knight laughed, "I scahahare you?"
"If I do one thing to harm your son, I don't care how old or how young you are or I am, you will actually *kill* me! I don't plan on harming him at all, but Moon above I will actually die a slow and painful death if I make this adorable Moon thing hurt in any way shape or form!"
The Village Leader snickered, "true"
The blond snorted, "aside from that, calm, kinda, quiet, super comforting, surprisingly adorable, shy, and", he smiled at the man, "the best father you are ever gonna meet"
Quirin blinked a few times before he smiled, "thanks Hugo"
Varian leaned against his boyfriend, "you just earned good boyfriend points"
"Do I get to cash them in for something if I get enough?" The blond asked
Varian thought about it for a moment before he smirked and whispered something in the bespeckled teen's ear, making the blond blush, "worth it?"
"Very!"
"Varian!" Eugene exclaimed
"What? I'm 15 and he's hot, can you blame me?" The blue eyed teen stated
"Nope, too young", Quirin replied
"Dad-!"
"Nope"
"But-!"
"I say no"
"I-!"
"Nada"
".....Evil Jerkfaces say no"
"No"
"HA!"
"W-!" The retired knight stopped before he smiled, "you're a stinker, a grounded one if you don't stop with the dirty whispers"
"Fine", Varian said before he looked at the fourth wall, "kids, if you're reading this, you'll find out when you're older"
Moonlight and Harmony giggled, "oh, to answer the rest of your question", Hugo said, "I don't actually know what Don did yet", he said, "in the story, I'm in the medical wing, still being healed by a doctor, I didn't hear anything, so I don't actually know what Don did or said to Quirin after she beat the fuck out of me", he sighed, "but, how I feel about her right now? Confused, and angry, and hurt.... We'll get to it in the story", he winked at Harmony, who winked back, "but that's how I feel about her right now"
Moonlight nodded before they turned their attention to Adira, "Adira, do you have any advice on how to not give a damn about judging people? Or people in general, most of them scare me! Also, could you tell us, now or in another chapter, what happened with the Captain of the Dark Kingdom and how you proved wrong everyone there who didn't believe in you? I'm sure this is a fantastic story!"
Adira grinned, "you're right about me having to wait on your second question, but it's a very good story, trust me, it'll be explored", she said, smirking at Harmony, "as for your first question, I still give a damn about what they say, but I say something witty to throw them off, like how Short Hair called me a weirdo, I said I was strange maybe, eccentric at best, but question her reasoning for calling me a weirdo while dodging her and the Princess's attacks easily".
"Yeah, you're still a weirdo", Cassandra stated
"And I still question your reasoning, I'll give you kookie and unique, but 'weirdo' is not how I define myself", she looked at Moonlight, "I suppose another way to throw them off is to admit you understand your faults, but turn them into something good, being kookie and unique is not a bad thing, in fact, most people find someone like that a better fit over someone who's 'normal'. Accept your faults, find a better word for them, and use wit, that's a way to get them off your back", she smiled, "though I don't see many things wrong with you, you're quiet, that might be the only thing, and it's not even that bad, you just need confidence is all, and you can get it, you just need to work on it is all", she smiled at the commenter, "but I know you can, you're good, don't let them tell you otherwise"
Moonlight smiled back before the looked at Edmund, "Edmund, you're an amazing grandpa! Actually you remind me of my own grandpa in many ways, even if I don't see him a lot! I also think you're a good dad, I'm persuaded that Eugene loves you and cares deeply about you!"
The Dark King smiled wide, "well thank you very much for saying that! I try my best to be a good grandpa, and a good father too, and I hope to, one day, prove myself to my son!" He exclaimed before muttering to himself, "the uh... The sash scavenger hunt didn't really do the job very well.... I need to work on it a little", he then looked back at Moonlight and smiled, "but I intend to do that best that I can! As for me being a grandpa-!" He stopped when he saw Varian get up, walk over to him, climb into his lap, and hug the man happily. The Dark King froze for a moment before he giggled and, gently, hugged the teen back, "I think I still have a lot to learn, but I'm getting there, he makes it easy because he's such a good grandson!" Varian looked up at the man and smiled wide, "hello little peanut"
"Hi grandpa!" The freckled teen replied, getting Quirin and Hugo to chuckle lovingly
"A-anyway, thank you for your kind words, I'll work hard to earn them, I pr-swear", he looked at his grandson, "I swear"
"You don't have to earn them dad", Eugene replied, "I do care about you, it's just gonna take us time to really get that Quirin and Varian bond you know? But that's okay"
Edmund smiled at his son, "I know, though", he chuckled, "I don't think *anyone* can get to Quirin and Varian status when it comes to father and son relationships"
The father and son in question looked at each other and smiled, "nope!" Varian stated, "we're one of a kind! But you can be your own status, the Eugene and Grandpa status!"
"Yup", Quirin agreed, "King Edmund and Eugene status is a pretty incredible bench mark either way"
Edmund and Eugene smiled at the two, "thanks guys", the Dark Prince said, his father nodding in agreement
"You're welcome!" Varian stated
Edmund looked at Moonlight again, "your grandpa sounds like a nice man by the way, and even if you don't see him that much, I'm sure he knows you love him, I know I would, if you were my grandchild!" He smiled happily
Moonlight smiled right back before they looked up, concentrating on someone in particular. Suddenly the room seemed to shift, gravity disappeared and in its place was a comforting blue light, "hello Moonlight", the Moon said, "you wished to speak with me?"
Moonlight beamed with joy before they spoke, "Moon, you're a wonder of this world! I love looking at you late at night, no matter what phase you are in, you are always gorgeous! A lot of people forget the beauty hidden in what they see regularly and become used to things, but I'll never stop looking at you in awe!"
Moonlight felt the light around them wrap around comfortingly, "thank you for saying such kind words to me, it is true that people rarely look at me with interest anymore, but there are those of you that do, and they make coming out everyday worth it, like you! So thank you Moonlight, I am grateful for your kindness, but something tells me you have something else on your mind, what is it?"
Moonlight looked a little nervous, but took a breath, let it out, then replied, "I have a question for you, do you know how Cassandra was able to steal the Moonstone? Edmund lost his arm when he tried to destroy them and the explosion nearly hurt Quirin and Adira badly"
The Moon was quiet for a moment, lost in thought before the world seemed to go back to 25 years ago, they were in the Dark Kingdom and Edmund was grabbing at the Moonstone, "25 years ago the Dark King tried to take the Moonstone with the intent to destroy that piece of me. As such, the Moonstone, who is no longer a part of me, but a being all their own, acted in self defense", they watched the Moonstone cause the burst of power and send Edmund flying, as well as causing Quirin and Adira to stumble backwards, Quirin pushing Adira out of the way and getting hit with debris, "the Moonstone", the Moon continued, "didn't mean to let that much power out, I do not know if you heard them speak when my little one was here before you, but they said, "I'm sorry", that was not to the king, that was to the innocent people behind the king who got hurt in the crossfire". She made the scene disappear, they were once again in the realm with her light, "during that time, the Moonstone was very young, hundreds of years may seem like a lot for mankind, but to me and my brother, eons have passed and we have stayed in our place. Hundreds of years for us seem like a blur, the Moonstone is still a child, well, I suppose they would be a teenager now, like my little one, but I'm getting ahead of myself. You'll find out more about that another time, for now, let's discuss the human that managed to take my piece"
Moonlight nodded before the scene changed again, showing Rapunzel walking up to the Moonstone, her hair glowing brightly, "you see, the Moonstone recognized their sibling, the Sundrop, inside of the princess. They put their defenses away as she approached, permitting her to reunite them once again, but", they saw Cassandra run over, coming just behind Rapunzel and snatching the stone for herself, "when that human grabbed the Moonstone, they did not have time to react before she took their power for her own. As you can see, the Moonstone tried to fight back", they watched a large blast of magic pop out of the Moonstone, they heard frantic screaming and felt fear fill their entire bodies, "the Moonstone tired to get away from the human, but once she placed them against her heart, the Moonstone realized she did not want to destroy them and, seeing no way out of it, merged their power with hers". Moonlight watched Cassandra place the Moonstone to her chest, the magic fluctuating for a moment before Cassandra's clothes began to change, "the Moonstone had no other choice, in their mind, they were to obey their captor, or be destroyed, they are still a teenager after all, they didn't see any other option. But another option did show itself"
Moonlight felt the light of the Moon lighten as images of Varian flashed around them, "my little one, my kind, smart, gentle, little one, he is their escape! He is their refuge! He will be able to save the Moonstone from their fate, they've already began to choose him after all, you've seen that multiple times", the Moon grew warm with affection when a memory of Varian speaking to her flooded the space they were in, "my little one, my sweet, kind, caring, little one, he will make things right and protect that piece of me, I know he will, he is good, and will do amazing things, I want to be a part of him, the Moonstone feels the same, just as the Sundrop finds comfort with their wielder, the Princess", the Moon's memories faded away as Moonlight looked at them, "that is why the Moonstone acted the way they did, two different intentions gave them a lapse in judgement, both times made them make a mistake that ended up causing destruction, the Moonstone wants it all to stop, so they are seeking out my little one, and he has agreed to help. I have faith in him, and his friends as well, after all, he's already changed the angry king for the better!"
Moonlight smiled, "thank you for talking with me Moonlight", the Moon said softly, but the musical one, Harmony, she is calling for you, it is time for you to go, until we meet again, have pleasant dreams!"
The scene faded away, and Moonlight noticed Harmony standing next to them, "you okay?" the musical author asked
Moonlight nodded before their final question came to mind, "last but not least, how are *you* doing Harmony?"
Harmony smiled wide, "I'm good, a little tired from my job and such, plus I had to stop Lance and Eugene from arguing too loud while you were asleep, they were trying to find a dice to a board game and thought the other had it, Adira took it", Harmony giggled, "she's a dork, I love her so much!" They smiled, "Quirin helped me calm them down though so they wouldn't wake you up, but it was a bit of a mess, either way, thank you for asking, that's very nice of you! You said 'last but not least', but I wanna be sure, did you have any other questions?"
Moonlight smiled and shook their head, "thank you so much again for this story though! I already told you how it made me feel, and I'm super grateful for it!"
Harmony grinned, "I'm very happy you like it! Thank you so much for reading and taking an interest, you guys have no idea how much your comments have helped me! Even when you don't comment, when you read it it helps me feel better too, because you're taking an interest in it! I couldn't be more grateful to you and the rest of the readers on Archive, thank you all so much!"
"Hey!" Hector stated, "you leaving?" Moonlight nodded, "here", he walked over and hugged the commenter, getting a hug back in return before he broke it, "going away present, see you next time Moonlight", he smirked
Harmony giggled before they face all of you, "thank you all for reading this! Sorry it took me a little longer to post, but it's here now, so I hope that helps! Moonlight you had a lot of nice things to say and I sincerely appreciate it, plus you gave me a lot of good ideas for future chapters, so thank you! Next commenter up iiiiiiiis..... Ash:>!" Harmony smiled, "I shall work on your chapter next, until then, see you all in the next chapter! Buh-bye!"
Notes:
Hello! <3
I said it in the story, but I'll say it again, thank you so much for your questions Moonlight! They were super sweet and fun to have everyone react to! I hope what Hector said helps in anyway, if you need to talk, let me know, but for now I shall see you in the comments section (if you want to, you don't have to if you don't 😅) <3
Ash:> you're up next! I shall write your chapter and post it as soon as I can!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 194: Ash:> (Part 1!)
Summary:
Here we go Ash:>! Here's all of your questions answered!
Notes:
I sincerely hope you enjoy, and sorry about the delay! <3
Holy fudge this week has been busy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hugo, what are you doing?" Eugene asked as he watched the blond pace back and forth
"Hm? Oh, just thinking", the bespeckled teen responded
"Bout what?" Varian asked
"About how I can walk right now? Shouldn't I be in the infirmary?"
Harmony snickered, "chalk that up to my magic"
"You have magic?"
"Yup! And once the Q and A is done, you'll be back in the hospital, but for now, I really didn't want you to be in pain for these, so I use my magic to temporarily heal you!"
"....Huh.... Why only temporary?"
"Because once I go back out to write the chapters again, my magic comes with me"
"Wait", Lance said, "but, aren't you writin this chapter right now, shouldn't your magic not be here then?"
"Nope, cause I'm talking to all of you guys right now"
"But... You're writin the chapt-!"
"Aaaaand we've got another guest! Welcome to the Q and A Ash:>!"
Ash:> walked inside the family room, a huge smile on their face, "be careful", Lance whispered to them, "the author has some flawed logic!"
Harmony raised a brow at Lance, "don't scare the commenters, my world and your world work differently, so what could be considered flawed in your world could be completely normal in mine"
"I..... They have a point", Varian said, a little surprised
Harmony smirked before looking at Ash:> and smiling, "sorry about that, welcome to you chapter! Whenever you're ready, go ahead and ask your questions!"
Ash:> smiled wide, "Before I begin with my questions let me just say this fic is wonderful, also I wanted to ask how are you doing Harmony? Also I hope the Sun and Moon team are doing well"
Harmony grinned, "I'm doing well, been a little crazy busy lately, and haven't been feeling the best, so I haven't been able to do a lot as far as writing goes, sorry about that. But other than that, I'm doing alright! Thanks you very much for asking!" Harmony then looked at the people behind them, "as for the Sun and Moon team, they're chilling, and questioning my magical abilities, but that's normal", they looked back at Ash:>, "either way, they're doing good too!"
Ash:> smiled before nodding and turning to face Varian, "Varian, how are you holding up sweetie? I know everything's been really hard so far but I just wanted to let you know that we're all rooting for you and you're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for so don't forget it. Also it's all right to still be upset with Rapunzel as long as you two talk it out eventually"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled warmly at them, "thank you very much for saying that! I'm okay for now, I'm really angry at certain people, but I'll cross that feelings bridge when I get to it I suppose. For now, I'm more worried about Hugo, so my mind is a little focused on that, and him, at the moment"
"Not a bad thing!" Hugo exclaimed with a smirk
Varian giggled, "definitely not a bad thing", he agreed, "also, thanks for validating me, a-about the princess I mean, I... We'll figure it out, we've got a lot to discuss together, especially after what happened with my dad and her, but we'll get there. Thank you for your kind words though, they mean a lot and I really appreciate them!"
Ash:> Smiled back, nodding understandingly before they looked at Quirin, who was watching Hector and Adira play rock, paper, scissors, chuckling quietly as he watched Adira use anything *but* rock, paper, or scissors. The commenter walked over to the retired knight, "Quirin"
"Hm?" The Village Leader looked at them and smiled, "oh hello, sorry, got a little distracted. Did you wanna say something to me?"
Ash:> nodded, "might I just say you're doing a wonderful job raising that son of yours and I couldn't be prouder of all the progress you've made mending your relationship with him. Just remember that you're making up for your past mistakes and that's what really matters at the end of the day. I wanted to ask however how you're reacting to the information Donella has given you along with everything else that's been going on?"
Quirin smiled, "well thank you for saying that", he looked at Varian, who was grinning at him, "to be honest, he more or less wasn't hard to raise, he just.... Exploded.... A lot.... But that's okay, it's an easy mess to clean up, he was a pretty quiet kid though. Didn't really raise a fuss, rarely disobeyed, I think the only problem he ever had.... Was me, but that's my fault, and you're right, the most important thing", he looked back at Ash:>, "is to mend our relationship with each other. I was rough on Varian growing up, something I'll always be ashamed of, but I'm glad you're proud of our progress, makes me have hope that we'll get to the place we need to be", he smiled, "I really love him..."
Suddenly, Quirin felt a small something wrap around his waist, looking down he smiled when he saw his son grinning up at him, "I really love you too dad!"
The retired knight hugged his son happily before he scooped the teen up and snuggled him, getting the alchemist to giggle as the man smiled at the commenter, "as for your question, unfortunately I'm still not sure of how I feel yet... I'm still numb to her, I know I'm supposed to be angry, and there's a huge part of me that is, but it's so dulled at this point that I don't really feel anything at all, well", he looked at Varian, "*almost* anything, I still feel happy or glad, I still feel love for my son, just..." He looked at Ash:> again, "I don't feel anything towards Donella, nothing, it's like all of my emotions got so crazy that they locked themselves away so they don't cause any damage, if that makes sense"
"Um Quirin...." Lance said, "that's actually a really big mental warning sign, it's called 'numbing', and it's where you can only feel no, or very small amounts of, emotion. It basically means that you felt so much that it got to the point where your body could not handle it anymore, so you locked everything you were feelin away and your mind's tryin to focus on the one emotion that keeps you from goin ballistic.... Makes sense that your emotion is love".
The retired knight thought about it for a moment before he chuckled, "so that's why I barely feel a thing right now.... Would explain why I was willing to punch the Duke even though I'd normally never do something like that"
"Yeeeeah.... Um.... Are you gonna be okay?" Lance asked worriedly
"I.... Don't know.... I'm certain I will be, I need to be", he looked at Varian again, who was watching him, "I want to be"
The tiny alchemist nuzzled his father lovingly before he looked at Ash:> and smiled, "thank you for showing concern for my dad, it makes me happy that you all care for him so much! But I think it may be a good idea to move on to your next question, oki?"
Ash:> nodded before they looked at Adira and Hector, both of whom had been stopped from playing rock, paper, scissors by Edmund, who was making sure they would fight, "to the Brotherhood, what are your feelings about Varian possessing the power of the moonstone/moon? Will you be training Varian on how to use his new powers? And do you plan on taking Varian to the Dark kingdom once the threat of Cassandra is over?"
All three looked at Ash:> for a moment before Adira replied, "Speckles having the Moonstone powers is.... Surprising.... And a little worrisome to us...."
"Worrisome?" Eugene said, "why?"
"Because he doesn't have the Moonstone itself", this made the Dark Prince's eyes widen a little, "for all well know, Speckles has never even been *close* to the Moonstone! So him having these powers does not make any sense...."
"I mean", Quirin stated, "could be because of my connection to it"
"Yes, but why?" Adira asked
"Um..... H-Harmony...." Varian started
Harmony stepped in, "so this discussion shall happen at a later date", the musical author paused the characters for a moment before looking at Ash:>, "Varian hasn't told Quirin about how the man connected him to the Moonstone or the Moon, he's a little afraid to, which is why he asked me to intervene", Harmony explained, "sorry, but I have a chapter dedicated to this conversation, I'm excited about it, but there's gonna be a lot of questions answered during that chapter, including questions about Cassandra, Zhan Tiri, the Moon, the Moonstone, Varian, and Quirin, plus the little Moon mark Quirin's sporting on his heart. We'll get to all of that soon, sorry about that", they unpaused the characters
"What just happened?" Eugene asked
"Hm? Oh! Adira and Hector were going to say how they might, or might not, train Varian on how to use his Moon powers", Harmony replied
Varian smiled at the musical author, who winked at him, before Hector chuckled, "train him huh? I mean, I guess we could"
"It would be interesting to find out the many different ways Speckles could use his power", Adira agreed, "but we don't even know how deep his powers run"
"What do you mean?" Edmund asked
"Well", the face painted warrior began, "we'd need to know if he has full control over the rocks or not, we know he has a light burst, can float, glows, and his emotions seem to be connected to them, but we don't know if he has full control, weather he can fly or not, if that light burst can be used in small doses, or if his emotions can be used to fuel the power or not. There's a lot of testing we'd need to do to figure out *how* to train him"
"That.... Actually sounds like a lot of fun!" Varian exclaimed, "imagine if I could shoot moon lasers! Pew pew!"
Quirin chuckled at his sons antics, "we'd need to do those tests outside if we are to do them at all", he said gently, setting down his son as the teen continued to 'pew pew', excitedly around the room. Hugo, Lance, and Eugene joining him as Rapunzel giggled and watched. "Though, now that I think about it, training Varian on how to control his powers would make it easier for him to handle his emotions too, since it's clear they're connected to them somehow"
"That's a good point!" Edmund agreed with a smile, "I'd be more than happy to train him too! Adira, you could teach him how to meditate"
The face painted warrior smiled at that, "I wouldn't mind doing that"
"I've already started teaching him how to sword fight a little", Quirin said
"Is he any good?" Hector asked
"He uh.... He's still using the wooden sword, but he'll get there"
Edmund chuckled before he looked at Ash:>, "oh uh, I'm so sorry, we may have gotten side tracked there, eheh", he blushed, "we do plan on getting Varian to the Dark Kingdom, before or after Cassandra is no longer a threat, the little peanut needs to know where he comes from after all"
Quirin nodded, "I wouldn't mind showing Varian where we all came from, he'd probably want to know-in fact, he bubby!"
Varian slid to a halt, his hands were in the air in the shape of finger guns before he looked at his father, blushed, and put his hands behind his back, "y-yeah?"
The retired knight chuckled, "do you wanna see the Dark Kingdom someday?"
The teen's eyes widened and he practically *vibrated* with excitement, "yesyesyesyesyes!"
Quirin laughed, "oki dokie then", he looked at the commenter, once more, "I suppose that answers that, I plan on taking him one day, before or after Cassandra"
Edmund smiled before he added, "do you have any other questions you'd like to ask?"
Ash:> nodded then smiled wide as they looked at Lance, "KING you are by far the best therapist to ever exist and we love you so much for that, thank you for your hard work on making sure everyone feels like they're being heard, don't forget to take mental health days though, after all a king such as yourself deserves nothing but the best"
Lance smiled wide and puffed out his chest, he walked, *gracefully*, over to Ash:>, stopped.... Then hugged them happily, "thank you! That was super sweet of you to saw!" He then looked at Eugene, "you hear that? I'm a *king* baby!"
Eugene snorted, "a king of dorks maybe", he teased
"Nah nah nah, you just don't understand the true power that is being a king!" The former thief replied before he looked at Ash:> again, letting go of them and smiling, "in all seriousness, thanks for that, sometimes I forget about me needing to take some mental health days", he admitted, "I'll work on it, but it's really nice of you to say somethin like that, really makes my day!" He then looked at everyone in the room, "beside, *someone's* gotta take care of these *poor sad souls!*"
Varian walked over to Lance, pointed his finger gun at him, and said, "pew!"
"Ack!" The former thief pretended to fall to the floor, landing in a chair instead and pretend dying
"So.... I just 'killed' a king, does that mean I'm the ruler now?" The alchemist asked
Eugene snickered before he walked over and said, "all hail Varian! The king of the science nerds! ....With Queen Hugo!"
"....I'm okay with that", the blond stated, smirking as he walked over to Varian and planted a kiss on his cheek, getting the teen to blush
Ash:> walked over to Lance and poked him gently, getting the man to look at them and smile, "don't worry, I'm okay", he giggled, "if ya got anymore question for anyone else, go ahead and ask em, and seriously, thanks for the kind words, they meant a lot"
Ash:> smiled back at the man before they turned to see two, very chipper, doctors watching the scene around them with smiles on their faces. Ash:> walked over to them and grinned, "Mr. And Mrs. Solace, what was your initial reaction to seeing Varian glow while he was asleep, and do you have any stories of Varian helping with your patients? My sincerest condolences for your medical room, when everything calms down I would gladly help with the repairs"
Harmony grinned and looked at the fourth wall, "noted on the clean up crew, anyone else who wants to volunteer, let me know!"
Ash:> smirked at the musical author before looking at Mr. and Mrs. Solace, who were grinning, "our initial reaction, well I wasn't actually in the room when it happened", Mr. Solace admitted, "but I did hear about it later on, I'll admit, I was worried until Rose told me Quirin said Varian was okay", Mr. Solace smiled, "I did check on the little rugrat later on though, he seemed alright, and he had his daddy with him, which was sweet"
Mrs. Solace smiled at her husband before she looked at Ash:>, "I was terrified when I saw him glowing blue, I actually freaked out a little and was listening to his heart, checking his pulse, looking in his ears and eyes, I even checked his nose! Everything was normal except that he was glowing. By the time I was getting ready to check his breathing, that's when Quirin came in and stopped me, saying he was alright and that it was something to do with the Moon. Then he showed me a glowing tattoo on his hand and explained Varian's powers to me, just a little, he said he couldn't tell me everything, which I understood. But it calmed me down a lot to know that Varian was okay. I really love that tiny teen, he's so fragile and bitty"
Her husband chuckled before he looked at Ash:> again, "as for the stories of when he's helped with other patients, well I think Harmony's going to have a chapter about that sometime in the future, but I can tell you one of them, like when we had a small boy in our care, he had a bad case of the chicken pox and had to stay overnight. He was so afraid, poor little guy, Varian decided to stay and play games with him while his parents were away. Poor tiny one got the chicken pox too, but Quirin was more than willing to stay for both boys, it was very sweet!"
Mrs. Solace giggled, "I remember that! It's one of my favorites! They slept in the same bed together while Quirin read Flynn Rider books to them!"
"Yup!"
"It was so sweet!" She giggled, she then looked at Ash:> once more, "thank you for your condolences, and we could certainly use the help, Varian's already apologized profusely for the mess and has rebuilt majority of it already. Poor baby felt so guilty about the whole thing too"
"Yeah", Mr. Solace agreed, "shorty came into the room and bowed to us like we were the King and Queen of Corona, even offered to stay away from the room, we gave him a hug though and told him it was okay as long as he helped clean up, he smiled and agreed, even made some improvements", he chuckled, "anyway, it's alright, that room was a little too stuffy sometimes anyway", he joked
Ash:> nodded with a wide grin before they felt a presence watching them. Looking through the corner of their eye, towards Cassandra, they saw a blue girl floating nearby. Raising a brow, they noticed the girl crooking their finger at them to come over and felt an overwhelming power to do as they were told. They excused themselves from Mr. and Mrs. Solace, who nodded in understanding before the made their way towards the girl. For a split second, they managed to tear their eyes away and look at Harmony, who was watching them in shock before the room changed! They weren't in the family room anymore, suddenly they were surrounded by colors they'd never seen, floating eyeballs, pink cloud on the ground, but what their eyes focused on, was the blue girl watching them with a wide smile on her face, "I know you know who I am", she said, "I know you know what's going to happen to this world, I know this world is a show in your universe, and it's already ended, yet you have questions for me, interesting". She circled the commenter, "you certainly are different from the others, not from this world obviously, I wonder, what would happen if I were to.... Oh but never mind.... I suppose that music loving *thing* would try and stop me, so you may want to hurry with your question"
Ash:> swallowed a lump in their throat, their body shook, but they stood their ground as they addressed the creature before them, "Zhan tiri, I'll be honest I'm not exactly fond of you, however, I want to know what was the Demanitus really like and was he as great as everyone says he was? And also why is it that you take the form of a child instead of an adult?"
The demon smiled wickedly, "you'll take *my* opinion over those sun loving Coronans? How odd a choice to make, though I'll tell you. He was a blithering *idiot*!" She snapped coldly, "he thought riddles and puzzles would make good hiding places, he thought locking me away would keep me from escaping, but you already know it's not going to last. Humanity has a way of being so *stupid* yet so intelligent at the same time. Though, you'll probably think me a liar, or better yet, you'll ignore my opinion completely, it's fine, I don't need your sense of pity. But I digress, Demanitus was a worthless worm as far down as any of them could go and them some! He wanted to make 'peace', he wanted to find a 'better solution', which of course you don't know about yet because that stupid author hasn't written it yet! Aw well, you'll find out soon enough"
Ash:> glared at the demon, but they didn't say anything, their body wouldn't let them as they waited for Zhan Tiri to continue
The blue girl laughed, "I'm surprised you don't know the answer to your second question, if you've already seen what will happen, you should know, but I suppose I can explain it further". She held up her hands, "look around you, this place, this world.... Is limbo", she said, "everything in here changes if you stay here long enough, after all, the rules of this world must be maintained after all, even in this dreaded chaotic place! It's why Demanitus locked me away in here, he knew my powers would be zapped from me because they don't make sense in a world that never make sense. I suppose the best way to explain it is that me having my power here makes too much sense because I'm a demon, and it's normal for demons to have power. But in this world, where chaos reigns, 'normal' is 'chaos', and 'chaos' is 'normal'. My form didn't change because I chose to change it, I've just been in here so long that this world changed me to fit it! Why do you think I want to get out? I want my original form back, my original powers, not *this*!" She gestured to herself, "even so, when I *do* get out, since I've been in here for so long my normal form may not ever come back. But I know one form that'll never disappear, and you'll see it once I have what I want!" She smiled at the commenter, "you're shaking, are you *afraid*? Scared of little old me? You certainly seem like a good candidate, hmm.... I've answered your questions, so I suppose you now have to answer mine, and I only have one", She got closer and closer to the commenter, until she was right in from of them, "what happens to someone like *you* if you're taken over by someone like *me*?" He eyes began to glow red as she reached out to touch the commenter, Ash:> was unable to move, they felt their body begin to darken, it felt like it was being tainted by something, they closed their eyes, unable to fight back!
"ASH:>!!!!!" A voice screamed, suddenly a large blast of light came out of nowhere, white wings flapped, shielding the commenter from harm as they opened their eyes to see
"Harmony?" Ash:> exclaimed, blinking as they saw the musical author turn to look at them
"Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah"
"Good! Stay behind me!"
"I knew you'd come", Zhan Tiri said angrily, "you always come when I get close, Moonlight was just out of reach, and of course Mha_kny wasn't too far behind, and Crystal", the demon huffed, "they were *dangerously* close, so why must you *always* interfere you damn annoyance!"
"Because it ticks you off!" Harmony replied, "now, I've said it once and I'll say it again, stay *away* from my commenters Zhan Tiri! I'm writing this story, you're not *touching* them, EVER! They're under MY protection so back off!"
Zhan Tiri rolled her eyes, "of course the god like OC must make a grand entrance", she said, "how painfully boring, do you not have any creativity?"
Harmony raised a brow, "says the literal demon child"
"Whatever", she huffed, "go on then, take your precious commenter out if you must"
"Such a sore loser", Harmony replied, rolling their eyes before they looked at Ash:>, "come on, I'll explain when we get out of here, for now, take my hand ok?"
With a nod Ash:> took Harmony's hand and gasped as their white angel like wings flapped, lifting them both off the ground as they glided out of Limbo, Ash:> closing their eyes as a light grew brighter and brighter as they flew closer to it.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is half of Ash:>'s questions, and the reason I made it a two parter is, 1 because of Zhan Tiri, and 2, I didn't have time to finish and I didn't wanna give nothing today. I'm really sorry for it only being half done, I will get the second part out tomorrow, I promise!
I honestly am making a small story arc with theses Q and A chapters, I thought it would be fun that way! I hope you all like it! :D
You guys can add more questions if you want to, I'll have the characters answer them too! Sorry it's taking me a while to make these, but I hope I'm at least keeping them interesting! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a great day/night! <3
Chapter 195: Ash:> (Part 2!)
Summary:
Here we go Ash:>! Here's all of your questions answered
Notes:
Here's part 2! :D (Also, Ash:> your name keeps getting changed whenever I post a chapter and I'm not sure why, I use Ash, the colon, and symbol, gt, and semicolon, and it keeps changing to Ash:>, it's very odd and I'm not sure how to fix it, I'm really sorry, I hope you still enjoy the chapter though!)
I sincerely hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Ash:> opened their eyes and looked around, the entire room was frozen save for two characters, both of whom looked more than terrified, "Ash:>! A-are you okay?!" Varian asked worriedly, rushing over to the commenter and checking them for injuries
"They're alright", Harmony replied, Ash:> looked at them and got a better look at their form, they had large white wings, almost angel like, their hair was much longer than it had been before and they had a music staff, in the shape of a halo, floating above their head. For a moment, them commenter stared before the new additions to the musical author's person faded from their sight, "sorry, you're not supposed to see that", Harmony replied shyly
"I can't find any injuries", Varian said
"That's good", Quirin, who had been watching his son frantically search the commenter, replied with a warm smile, "we wouldn't want Ash:> hurt at all"
The commenter looked at all three of them before they looked directly at Harmony, "what's going on?"
"Eheh, soo.... Funny story, Zhan Tiri has been trying to possess every one of you that came in here because she thinks that if she can get to our world, she can change this world's ending", the musical author explained, "but I've been able to keep her at bay for now by making Zhan Tiri invisible to all of you, the only one I couldn't do that with was you since you directly asked her a question. Which is not your fault, you're allowed to ask her questions, but she is a demon, soo.... Yeah...."
Ash:> was a little startled before they looked at Varian and Quirin, "why aren't they paused like the others?"
"Because of our connection to Harmony", Quirin replied
At the confused look on Ash:> face, Harmony smiled, "so, you've read all these chapters, you know my favorite people in this universe is Quirin and Varian. I think I can actually describe using Moonlight a bit here. When Moonlight was here, they had a deep connection to Hector, hugging him and telling him how much he helped them through a lot growing up, which was amazing to know by the way! I absolutely love that! I have a similar connection to Varian and Quirin, they've become more than just characters on a tv show, they're real to me, so whenever I pause the group, they never pause because they're not just characters anymore"
"But.... They always seemed paused in the other chapters", Ash:> said
"That's because we didn't wanna be rude", Varian replied shyly, "everyone else was paused and it usually means Harmony wants to talk to one of you about something pertaining to your world, or the story they're making that we are currently in. So me and dad stop moving so we don't distract anyone away from Harmony so they can explain what they wish, when they unpause, we start to move again"
"I'm sorry I didn't warn any of you before beginning this Q and A, but I didn't know what Zhan Tiri was going to do until I saw her reaching out to Crystal", Harmony shuddered, "that was *way* too close"
Quirin nodded, "Varian and I have been helping Harmony keep an eye on all of you, we've been acting sort of like their guards, whenever we see Zhan Tiri, we inform them and they stop her"
"We don't know what will happen in the future for our world", Varian added, "but we do know this is a story and there are many people reading it, in fact, we even know that Harmony is writing all of this out right now using something called a keyboard and a computer! It's really interesting, I wanna know more, but our memories won't be fully with us during the story. They will at the end of it though, and if Harmony ever wants to do a Q and A again!"
"Plus we'll have shadows of memories", Quirin said, "we might remember conversations we've had about certain topics during the story, but not who we were talking to, though", he smiled at Hector, "I know he'll remember Moonlight, always"
"Yeah", Harmony said, rubbing the back of their head and smiling, "I don't want him to forget Moonlight, I don't want any of you to forget anyone but, Moonlight really made Hector happy, so Imma let him keep his memories of them. I may even have them and the rest of the commenters, like you Ash:>, show up in certain chapters as cameos, it would be really nice! I just have to be careful of Zhan Tiri, she does *not* need to be in our world, no thanks"
Ash:> nodded in agreement, "we're sorry this whole thing happened, if you'd like, you can still ask your questions", Quirin offered. When the commenter nodded, the retired knight grinned, "great! I'm glad!" He looked at Harmony, "shall we return to them Q and A?"
"One sec", the musical author said before they walked over to Varian and gave him a gentle hug, doing the same to Quirin happily before letting go and giggling, "everyone else gets to hug their favorites, so I'm hugging mine", they stated, getting the father son duo to smile, "oki doki, now we can start!" They unpaused the group, letting everyone begin talking amongst themselves again, "you can ask your next question whenever you're ready, and don't worry, Zhan Tiri only has one shot per chapter to get you, and Varian and Quirin are watching everything like a hawk, we won't let her touch you", Harmony stated confidently.
Ash:> nodded with a smiled before they looked up, concentrating as they'd once seen before as the room shifted. Gravity disappeared as Ash:> smiled at the surrounding blue light, "hello there Ash:>", the Moon said cheerfully, "it's nice to meet a new face once more, you wished to ask me something?"
The commenter grinned at the Moon, waving at her and bowing politely before they began to speak, " hello my lady I hope you're having a wonderful evening. I wanted to know what your initial reaction was when Varian was born, were you excited to meet him? Also correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't you also be Varian's mother, I know you didn't carry him but he was still born with your essence. With that being said if you had the choice of naming Varian what would you name him?" They asked, before adding, " your a real MVP though, and I think your nights look lovely!"
The Moon giggled, "why thank you for the compliment, and yes my evening is quite wonderful! I appreciate you asking me, it's very considerate", she said, "as for your questions, well let's see. The first time I met my little one was the night he was born, he was born at night of course, and I shined as bright as I could for him, just as my brother did for his Sun daughter. I was excited, to an eccentric degree in fact! I loved him the very moment my light was able to shine on him! I wanted to whisk him away and tell him of everything he would come to know about! But you can't speak to new humans when they are just born, I've tried, it was an odd conversation. So instead I watched his dreams, I gave him simple images of pleasant things in his dreams and watched his reaction. Even though new humans do not understand much, they are capable of feeling, when he saw something he did not like, he would grow upset and his little lip would quiver. However, if he saw something he liked, he would get the happiest little smile on his face and his arms would reach out to touch it", she giggled, "because of this I was the first to know of his likes and dislikes, such as how much he hates carrots, even mashed ones. Or how much he loved his building blocks, the ones with the letters on them were his favorite because he would always spell out words he'd learned from his father or mother". She sighed lovingly, her light growing warm, "I loved our little dreams together, but when humans grow older, they seldom remember their dreams, on the last day of his 5th year of life, I showed him an image of me, and he made me so happy when he reached out his hands to hold me! I'll admit, I did hold him that night, my light swirled around him faster than I could stop it, but he didn't seem to mind as he giggled and tried to touch my light! It was a joyous night that one!"
Ash:> smiled up at the Moon as she continued, " as for your question of if I am technically his mother or not, while in the human world I would not be considered as one since I did not contribute into the making of such an amazing little being. There is a part of me inside of him, so I would consider myself a part of his being, which I guess could make me a partial mother. Though I don't know if my little one feels that way about me, he does not need to, he shouldn't, he lost a mother he loved so dearly and I would never want to sully his connection to her, she was a very kind women after all, and she deserves the love he has for her"
Ash:> nodded in understanding, "and you final question", the Moon giggled, "I would name him Starlight, my little Starlight", she replied happily, "because his light, even in the dark, never goes away. Even if I may never get the change to name him, I will always think of him as my little one, or my Starlight, and his human with him as his star", at the confused expression on Ash:>'s face, the Moon showed an image of Hugo laughing at something Varian had just said, "his little star, the one he keeps by his side as much as he can. His father, I see him as the galaxy protecting my little one, he may not always be seen, but he will always shine bright, and will always protect those under his care, particularly my little one"
The commenter grinned as they saw an image of Quirin hugging his son happily as they talked with Harmony and Hugo together, "I apologize, but it looks as though it is time for you to go Ash:>, it was a pleasure to meet you, thank you for talking with me! Have pleasant dreams!"
The scene faded around Ash:>, they were back in the family room and looked around. They noticed Harmony looking at them and smile, they smiled back before they turned their attention to the next person they wanted to speak with. Walking over, they waited as King Edmund tried to get Adira and Hector to stop arguing about their rock, paper, and scissors game before the three noticed the commenter, "oh!" The Dark King said, "hello there, sorry about that! How can we help you?"
Ash:> smiled at the Dark King before saying, "Edmund, are you excited about Varian being the new generation of Dark Kingdom royalty? Are you planning on teaching Varian about Dark Kingdom rules/customs, and do you think Varian would make a good ruler even if it's not likely he'll be one? Also, out of genuine curiosity, what made you choose the name Horace?"
Edmund smiled wide, "questions for me! Yay! Well", he began, "I am extremely excited about the little peanut becoming Dark Kingdom royalty! Even if he never gets to rule the thrown, he would still be a representative of the Dark Kingdom, as would Quirin, Adira, and Hector", he exclaimed before he added, "as long as they stop fighting over children games"
"She cheated!" Hector stated
"It's not cheating if you use the same components to *make* something out of them", Adira replied
"Yes it fucking *is*!"
"No it's not"
"Children, please", the Dark King said before he looked at Ash:> again, "eheh, sorry, I definitely plan on teaching Varian all *kinds* of rules and customs about our kingdom! I've already began to tell him the holidays, but I'd like to share our history, our traditions, our relations to other kingdoms", Edmund smiled wide, "I want to teach him *everything*!" He stated, "I definitely believe he would make a fantastic ruler someday! Even if it may never come to pass, he would make very smart decisions and I'm certain he would make sure the kingdom is thriving, he would be a king that would be traditional!" He chuckled, "he'd want to make sure to celebrate everything traditionally, so there may be a few books and scrolls I'll need to write over, just so he doesn't do what we used to do in the older days", at the commenter's interested look, the Dark King blushed, "um, we'll just say it involved a lot of alcohol and leave it at that"
Hector snorted, "shit it still kinda *does*"
"True", Adira agreed, "but not to the same extent as it did back then, and we don't do *anything* that followed after the drinks"
"We really shouldn't have in the first place", Edmund replied
"I agree", the face painted warrior said
"Same", the wild tamer replied
The Dark King nodded before he looked at Ash:> once more, "as for your final question, why did I name Eugene Horace? Well it's meaning of course! Horace means 'time' or 'season'! And back in those Dark times, the Dark Kingdom was very.... Dark.... Best way to put it. We were still thriving as a kingdom, but the plague has put us in a very bad place financially, and since our gardens weren't very bountiful, I was hoping we might have a little hope in change. Hence, Horace! He was my hope that things would get better, that my wife would grow healthy again, that my kingdom would become better and jump back up from this tragedy. I had plans to make things better, Quirin was going to help garden, Hector would bring more animals in so they could help the ecosystem around us, Adira would rally the citizens and have them help work to fill in spots that were left vacant from the people we'd lost, and I was to keep hope alive by keeping my subjects happy as well as try and ask for help from other kingdoms. We had plans, we had hopes, we had aspirations! And Horace was the symbol of that, my baby boy would show the entire kingdom how you should never give up in the face of adversity! And his name represented that hope as well, hope for change, like the seasons and the passing of bad times.... But when my wife...." The Dark King looked down, "when she passed.... I saw no hope anymore..... I still didn't want Horace to grow up in a place left grey and horrid, that's why I sent him away, along with my soldiers.... To keep them safe and to make sure no one came to a place that would suck their dreams away like it had mine..... Quirin.... He fought me tooth and nail about my decision.... I heard him arguing with Adira, he was defending me, but he didn't want to leave my side.... It was hard to tell him to go.... So very hard....." He sighed, "but now things are better, Eugene may not like Horace, but he'll always be my hope, my change, my Horace, even if I can't call him that by name"
Ash:> smiled wide at the explanation as Hector and Adira smiled at their king, "I think he knows", Hector said, "the prince I mean, I think he knows his name is special"
"You think so?" Edmund asked
"Yeah", the wild tamer said
"I agree", Adira replied, "after all, he's still your hope, and I think he realizes that, which is why he's so open to having a relationship with you still"
The Dark King smiled, "thanks you two", he then looked at Ash:>, "sorry, I believe that's everything you asked me, if you have other people you'd like to speak to, you certainly don't have to wait for me to tell you!" He chuckled, "you go and have fun, and thank you, for getting me to remember the reason for my son's name", he smiled sincerely, "you've made an old man happy"
Ash:> grinned at the Dark King as he turned his attention back to Adira and Hector while the commenter walked away. They closed their eyes and concentrated on a particular person, "another one?" A voice asked excitedly, "hello there!" Ash:> watched as Eden appeared before them, smiling happily at them, "Ash:>, that's a very fun name! It's nice to meet you, how can I help you today?"
"Hello! I was wondering what you think about Varian, and also if you were still alive today what are some things you'd do with your family?" Ash:> asked with a smile on their face
Eden nodded, "what do think of Varian? He's Quirin's boy is he not?" She thought for a moment before an image of Varian formed in front of the two as the Dark Queen smiled lovingly at it, "I think he's a very good boy, and he's so much like his father when he was younger it's uncanny! I love him very much and I wish I could squish those cute little freckled cheeks of his!" She giggled, "oh and he's so smart! I mean, he can make potions from mundane ingredients, I think that's absolutely *wonderful*!" She exclaimed, "I love watching Quirin and his baby interact! He's so gentle with his son and it's amazing, he's taken the best approach with his child and I couldn't be more proud of him for it! Oh, sorry, talking about Varian, not Quirin", she giggled with a blush, "a-anyway, I love him, I think he's a wonderful little boy and I hope he finds all the happiness in the world!"
Ash:> smiled, nodding in agreement, "me too"
Eden smiled, "as for your second question, I would talk walks with my family in gardens of flowers! I would join them in any of their favorite activities just to get to know them, then teach them about mine! I like to knit, I'd be happy to teach them all how to do it too! I also love puzzles and would spend *hours* figuring out puzzles and such!" She smiled, "I would also read Flynn Rider books to Horace and Varian, I would go on picnics with my husband, I would meditate with Adira, I would garden with Quirin, and I would take care of animals with Hector! I would do everything I could with my family, I wouldn't care what we'd do, I'd just want to do it! I... I miss them, so much, and watching them grow and learn is so hard to see because I can't share in their joy or pain.... But I'm happy they're getting better, even if I'm not there, I want them to live their best life, and I'm glad that they're trying to, I really am", she smiled at the commenter happily, "thank you for your questions, they made me very happy, thank you for coming to see me! I hope to see you and Moonlight soon, Crystal too, if they ever come around! And anyone else who would like to join, maybe we could have a picnic together, it would be fun! But for now, so long"
Ash:> nodded, waving goodbye as Eden's image faded away before they turned and walked over to the corner of the room where an older gentleman was standing, "Adam! How are things going in Old Corona? Have you seen any suspicious people passing by recently?"
The older farmer looked at the young commenter and smirked, "howdy", he said, tipping his hat politely, "things are goin great in Old Corona now that the rocks've stopped, thanks for askin", he replied with a smile, "Quirin helped us repair the damaged fields, Varian too actually, kid's becoming pretty good at farm work. Which is good, still think he's a pyromaniac though, a good pyromaniac", he snickered, "anyway, crops have been good, buildin repairs are all done, and the villagers are back in their old homes. Some of em have stopped by to get a gander at Varian, but I shoo em away before the teen gets a look", he sighed, "poor kid's got enough on his plate without adding assholes into the mix"
Ash:> nodding in agreement as the man continued, "as for suspicious people, been seein some crazy things here and there, but nothin Quirin wasn't able to handle. Though I though I caught a glimpse of the Seporians walkin around, didn't see their leader though. I already told Quirin, he said they're fine, he already knows about them and they won't cause any trouble. But he did ask that I keep an eye on them, just in case, can't say I blame his worry though. He told me what that fucker Seporian leader did to his kid, fuckin asshole would've gotten quite a few right hooks from me had I had a chance to go toe to toe with him!" He stated angrily, "Quirin chuckled at that, made me happy to see a smile on his face. Other than them I really haven't seen much, a few dignitaries came by though, I think one of them looked like that grey haired women over there", he pointed to Donella, "looked pretty happy to be there, they disappeared when I turned my back though. I'll be happy to tell Quirin of that too when he comes around next, I got a bad feelin from them"
Ash:> nodded once more, memories of Eugene's poisoning coming to mind, "you okay?" Adam asked, his brow raised, "you seem angry"
The commenter explained what happened to Eugene, getting Adam's eyes to widen, "holy shit.... You think it's got somethin to do with her...." He looked at Donella again, "hmm.... I'm startin to agree with ya.... Thanks for tellin me, I'll make sure to let Quirin know when I saw them, where, and which direction they seemed to be headin.... Somethin like that ain't gonna ruin us, I won't let it". He looked at Ash:> and smirked, "you're a good kid, thanks for talkin to me, I'll keep my eye on old grey hair over there, doncha worry. Go on and chat with someone else, don't know how much time ya got, but it's wasted here", he smiled warmly at the commenter, "hope to see you around the farms youngster, would be nice to chat again"
Ash:> nodded and smiled when the older farmer tipped his hat once more as they waved goodbye. They walked over to Hugo and Varian, smirking as they saw the two blush at each other before Varian looked up at his father and continued to speak to him. Hugo seemed to be thinking about something the blue eyed teen had said, it made him blush even more as Ash:> walked over, "Hugo", they said
"AH!" The blond yelled, jumping a bit before placing a hand over his heart and blushing even more, "damn it! Why does that have to have when he says dirty things to me?!" He then stopped and looked at the commenter, "uh... Eheh, pretend you didn't just hear that um, hi, what's up?"
Ash:> giggled before they said, "how you holding up? I sincerely hope you're feeling better. Try not to stress out, focus on getting better, kay?"
The blond chuckled, "easy for you to say, you didn't shit a fucking brick just now", he joked, "heh, sorry, I'm doing alright, still dealing with.... A lot, but I'm okay for now, but I appreciate the advice, I'll do my best to get better for you guys, and for Varian"
"And for yourself", Varian said
"AH-FUCKING DAMN IT STOP THAT!" The blond yelled, "why must *everyone* fucking jump scare me today?"
The freckled teen giggled, "well I couldn't *possibly* resist considering that *adorably* girlish scream you gave just then"
The bespeckled teen huffed, "so what do you call your screams then? A really high whistle?"
"S-shut up!" Varian exclaimed, blushing profusely
Hugo grinned before he looked at Ash:>, "hee hee, ain't he cute when he's blushing?"
Ash:> nodded, getting Varian to blush even more, "you're both grounded!"
"Pfft! From what?"
"I don't know, but you're still grounded!"
"Ok then", the blond replied before he looked at the commenter, "apparently we're grounded, congrats", Ash:> smiled, "anyway, thanks for thinking of me, I appreciate it, it's nice to know you all care so much!"
"Hey Hugo", Varian said
"Hm?"
"I know something you can be grounded from", the blue eyed teen whispered something in his boyfriend's ear
Hugo's eyes widened before he pulled away, "hey! We haven't even DONE anything like that yet! How can I be grounded from it if we haven't done it?!"
"Because once you earn enough boyfriend points, you'll have to wait at least a day before you can cash them in for being a big meanie"
Hugo blushed before he huffed, "fine, I will wait an *excruciatingly* long day for that.... But it'd better be good when it happens", he teased
"Maybe", Varian replied, "never done it before"
Hugo blinked before he smiled, "me either"
Varian blushed, "I guess it'll be our first time, kinda makes it special!"
"Kinda does", Hugo agreed, "wait, how many points do I have to get in order to obtain such a prize?"
"Guess"
"....Give me a second", the blond said as he began to think, trying to guess the best number while Ash:> looked at Varian
The blue eyed teen noticed the commenter and smiled, "hiya! Did you wanna say something?"
Ash:> nodded, "hello Varian! ....Again-are you excited to wear your kimono to the seven kingdoms ball, and do you plan on doing anything to your hair? Also are you excited to dance with your boyfriend~?" They asked with a wink
Varian blushed a little and chuckled, "I'm definitely excited to wear my kimono to the ball, and yeah, I plan on doing something with my hair. Er... Actually *Adira* plans on doing something with my hair", he corrected, "she says there's a hair style that was popular in the Dark Kingdom and thinks I'd look good with it! So she's gonna do my hair the night of the ball, my dad asked her about the style and seemed to approve of it, so it should be something really good! I haven't seen it myself, but I trust my aunt Wise Eyes!" He then blushed, "as for dancing with Hugo, yeah, I'm excited to dance with him! He doesn't know about the kimono yet though, so we can't tell him anything, but I can't wait to see how he'll react to me wearing it, and I' m *super* excited to see what he wears!" He exclaimed happily, "he looked so cute in his Ingvarr suit! I think Harmony may draw a picture of it soon, but he says there's a whole other outfit he'll be wearing for the ball! I'm so excited to see it!"
"Finished!" Hugo stated with a triumph, "is the number 15?"
"15?" Varian asked, "where'd you get that?"
"It's the number that means soul mate"
Varian grinned, "no it's not that one, but that is a really good guess!"
"What's the number then?"
"222"
"What? How?!"
"222 is the number that represents true love"
Hugo blinked before he smiled, "I see, good train of thought, wrong number"
"Yup!" Varian replied, "but I did like the number you came up with, it's nice"
Hugo smirked, "well thanks Freckles", he then looked at Ash:>, "oh sorry, did I interrupt?"
"Nu" Varian replied, "I finished answering, unless you have any more questions for me?"
Ash:> shook their head, "ah, ok then, thanks for talking to us!" Hugo replied happily
"If you have anymore questions, let us know, but I think it's almost time for you to go soon", Varian added, "let us know if you need anything though, oki?"
Ash:> nodded before they waved and walked away from the two lovers. They looked around the room once more and noticed Queen Arianna standing next to Adira, they were talking and laughing with each other while Edmund and Hector played rock, paper, scissors, Edmund was losing. Ash:> smiled and walked over to the group, looking up at the Queen, who looked back at them and waved, "hello there, is there something I can do for you?"
"Hello, Arianna, how is everything going with the other nobles and royalty? I hope there not causing to much drama. Also love you Ari, and I really would like to hear more stories about you and your sister's adventures if you don't mind sharing", the commenter said
The Queen smiled happily, "oh well thank you! I really appreciate that! The nobles and royalty are having a great time, Frederic and I just spoke to a few of them earlier, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves and are excited about the 7 Kingdom Ball! Seems like everything is running smoothly with them, which makes me happy!" She replied with a gently smiled, "as for me and Willowmina, well, I could tell you one of them. When Willow and I were younger, she wanted to make a board that skidded across the water's surface. She ended up making on out of plastic and glue, it looked like a mess if I'm being honest, but she begged me to try it out. I didn't want to, I didn't think it was safe and my past experience with her 'flying device' served as a reminder to never trued her schemes, so I said no. She pouted, but eventually stopped asking and tried it herself. She ended up with a cold for a week and was grounded for splashing several people in the process", she chuckled, "I took care of her of course, and she told me I was smart for saying no, but I felt bad for her, so I stayed by her side and read books to her, made her bowls of soup with her favorite drinks, and just hung out with her until she felt better! It was nice to take care of her, and we ended up growing closer together as sisters", she smiled at the memory and sighed, "sometimes I do miss the old days, but other times I'm glad they're over and we're older now, as much as I love my sister, she could be a little much sometimes", she chuckled before looking at Ash:> and grinned, "I'm certain I'll have more stories to share soon, for now, that's the one that's in my mind at the moment"
"Not a bad memory if you ask me", Adira said
"Definitely not", Arianna agreed, "it was a nice moment for us"
Ash:> nodded in agreement, "thanks for your question, it was a nice memory to look back on", the Queen of Corona said, "did you have anymore questions?"
The commenter nodded, "one more, for Adira and Hector"
Arianna smiled and nodded before she waved her hand, "Hector", the wild tamer looked at her, "Ash:> has one final question for you and Adira"
"Ok hold on", he turned back and played one last round with Edmund, who play rock while Hector played paper, "I win, honestly why did you keep choosing rock?"
"I like to stay on brand I suppose", Edmund replied with a smile
The wild tamer snickered, "well, it was still fun, and at least you didn't cheat"
"It's not cheating", Adira said
"It really fucking is, but we're not getting into it again", he looked at Ash:>, "what's up?"
The commenter grinned, thanking the Queen before they looked at the warrior and tamer, "you two are such great siblings and I think your super cool, hope you doing well!"
They both blinked for a moment before smiling, "thank you", Adira said, "that's nice of you to say, I'm doing well, I don't know how he's holding up though"
"I'm fine", Hector said, "better than before anyway, and thanks", he smirked at the commenter, "I think you're super cool too"
"As do I", Adira agreed
Ash:> smiled before they felt someone poke their shoulder. Turning, they saw Harmony smiling at them, "it's that time, did you have anything else you wanted to say before you go?"
The commenter though for a moment before they smiled at the musical author, "I'm genuinely curious what would it have been like had Donella actually manage to take Varian?"
Harmony grinned, "that's actually going to be a short story I write on the side, I've been thinking about it a lot and plan to do a side story on it!"
Ash:> nodded before saying, "thanks for taking the time to write this incredible story, I honestly love it so much!"
Harmony beamed happily, "thanks for taking the time to read it! I'm really glad you enjoy my story, it's fun to write and really nice to read all of your reactions! I'm really glad you love it so much! I hope I can keep making good content for you all, I really mean that!"
Ash:> smiled wide before they waved at everyone as they left, the group waving back at them happily, "thank you for your questions Ash:>!" Harmony said, "it was a joy to write reactions to them and I can't wait to write even more for you and everyone else as well!" They then looked at all of you, "the next chapter with beeeeeee..... Aisheyru_fox! Your chapter will be coming out very soon! Until then, see you all next time, buh-bye!"
Notes:
Hello! <3
Ash:> Here's you second part to your chapter! I sincerely hope you enjoy it, I had a lot of fun making it and I'm really excited to know what you think! Thank you for your wonderful questions! <3
Aisheryu_Fox, howdy! Your chapter will be coming out soon! I sincerely hope you enjoy your chapter! <3
Thank you all so much for your wonderful questions and comments! They've been amazing and I've loved writing these chapters so much!!!!! Aisheyru_Fox is the final chapter for the Q and A, so if any of you have any other questions you wanna ask, feel free to post them so I can have my characters react to them before I post the final chapter!
With all that being said, thank you all so much for reading this! <3 I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 196: Aisheyru_Fox!
Summary:
Here we go Aisheyru_Fox! Here's all of your questions answered!
Notes:
More notes at the end! <3
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Harmony smiled at all of you as they took out a remote and paused the group of characters, "sorry, really quick gotta say this! So! I've gotten a few extra questions from you that I shall be making an extra Q and A chapter for tomorrow! So after this chapter is posted, this is your last chance to ask any and all final questions in the Q and A chapter before I close the Q and A for a while! So if you have anymore lingering questions at all, please leave them in the Q and A chapter and I'll answer them all in the finale! And if you haven't asked any questions yet, I'll make you your own chapter if you want to ask some! Then I'll make the finale with the added questions!" They smiled at all of you, "this has honestly been a blast to make, so I'm very grateful to all of you for making this a reality! Sincerely, thank you so much for all of your support, and without further ado, here's one of the final Q and A chapters!!!!!" Harmony unpaused the group
"What just happened?" Eugene asked, "I feel like I just stopped for a few seconds yet no time passed at all"
"That's probably in your head Eugene", Varian stated nervously, looking at Harmony, who looked back at him and smiled, "sometimes I do that too"
"Really?"
"Yeah, it's kinda like your brain is pausing but your mouth is not"
"Also known as a brain fart", Hugo stated, getting Varian to raised a brow at him while he tried not to snicker, "it is"
Eugene smirked, "noted", he then looked at Harmony, "who's next on our list?"
"Actually, this is someone I happen to know personally!" The musical author said excitedly
"No way, you know them in your world?" Rapunzel asked excitedly
"Yeah!" Harmony replied, "they're really cool too, you'll like them a lot, everyone, prepare to meet... Lance, drumroll please"
The former thief nodded and began to drum his hands on a nearby table, "this good?"
"Yes, thank you!" Harmony replied with a giggle before they looked at the paper once more, "our next commenter iiiiiiiiiiiiis..... AISHEYRU_FOX!!!!!!"
Aisheyru walked inside the family room as Harmony ran over and gave them a hug, smiling happily before they broke it, "welcome to my story! And welcome to your chapter and Q and A!" The musical author looked at the fourth wall worriedly, "man I'm breaking it like crazy today, good gosh!"
"I think it's beyond broken at this point", Edmund said, "also, what is a fourth wall?"
The author giggled, "it's.... A little hard to explain, anyway, Aisheyru, did you wanna say anything before we got started with your questions?"
Aisheryu smiled wide as they looked at all the characters, "Good afternoon to all of you awesome people!!!!"
"Good afternoon!" The group replied, getting Aisheyru to smile
Harmony snorted, "alright you crazy fox person you, you may ask your questions whenever you wish!"
The fox-tailed commenter smiled wide before they walked over to Lance, "LANCE! My bro! My Dude! My boss-bro-diggity-you-rock-socks-guy. Tell me you awesome sauce. Have you had another thought lately? Cause I tell you what, I would love to see another thought! You have some great ideas, buddy!!!!"
The former thief blushed, "aww shucks! You're too kind!" He giggled, "as for your question, I've had *LOTS* other thoughts!"
"I still wonder if they hurt", Varian sassed, getting Hugo and Eugene to snicker
Lance ignored that as he continued, "like how I can get Varian to help me find *more* animals! Or if he can come up with a solution for my fear of spiders! Ooh ooh! Or maybe if he can find out how to make a super sweet and delicious drink that I'd have the amazing pleasure of tasting first! And also there's *Caviar Lance*! I'm gonna need him to make me that too!"
"What even *is* Caviar Lance?" The alchemist asked
"It's Lance but made out of Caviar", Eugene explained
"Ew"
"Hey, caviar's good!" Lance defended, "either way, I've got several thoughts on how I can get Varian to do what I want, more scrolls, ancient alchemy techniques, more super rare materials that he doesn't know how I find and that I'll never tell!"
"Rare materials?" Hugo asked
"He found a raw titanium ore with gold flecs inside", Varian explained, "and a Demanitus scroll!"
"WHAT?! HOW-!"
"I DON'T KNOW!"
Lance giggled, "and I'll never tell", he then looked back at Aisheyru, "anyway, I've got ideas and many other thoughts in mind for my favorite little alche-friend over there!"
"And I'll have the pleasure of writing them!" Harmony added with a grin
"Yes you will!" The former thief agreed happily, "anyway, what that the only question you had for me?"
Aisheryu shook their head excitedly, "also, how the heck did you find that scroll that you gave Varian? Tell me your secrety secrets, dude!"
The former thief smiled, "I'm sorry, that 'sercrety secret' shall have to remain a 'secrety secret'"
"Betcha you stole it", Eugene guess with a smirk on his face
"For you information, I did not", Lance said," and honestly, the absolute *nerve* of some people! Eugene, are you insinuating that I would gift this *precious* baby boy with a *stolen* present?!"
"Really don't like that you referred to me like that", Varian replied
"Yes", Eugene answered, "yes I am", he then looked at Varian, "and don't deny it kiddo, it'll only make things worse"
"Fair"
Lance huffed, "how *dare* you sir! I will have you know, I *bought*, and or *found*, those precious items that I gave to our very special friend! I thought, out off *all* people *you* would know that! And to think, we used to be *friends*!"
Eugene raised a brow, "you serious?"
"Nah not really, we're still friends, but I really didn't steal those items", Lance replied with a grin, "also, I'm usin dramatics for our friend over here!" He gestured to Aisheyru, who was giggling, "gotta make this entertainin ya know?"
Eugene smirked, "yeah, I know", he looked at Aisheryu, "he's been practicing for this I hope you know"
The commenter smiled before they looked at Lance, "Finally Lance, can I have a hug? Cause you are really stinkin' awesome!"
The former thief smiled wide, opened his arms, and wrapped them around the commenter happily, "yes you can!" Aisheyru returned the hug happily, smiling wider than ever as they felt the man hum with delight at the embrace before they broke the hug, "thank you! You're an awesome sauce too! And ya just made my day, thanks a lot Aisheyru!"
The commenter smiled, their fox tail swishing happily as Harmony asked, "did you have any other questions for Lance or anyone else in this room?"
With a nod, Aisheryu looked at Eugene, who smirked, "sup?" The Dark Prince said
"Eugene!" Aisheyru exclained happily, "a couple questions to you! So...do you think that you and Rapuznel will ever have kiddos? You guys would make wonderful parents !"
Eugene smiled, "I mean, I hope we have kids, haven't really talked about it though, what do you think blondie?"
Rapunzel hummed in thought for a moment, "I think so! I'd love to have children someday!"
"Does that mean I'd be a double grandpa?" Edmund asked
"Yeah it would", Eugene replied, snickering as his father gave an excited squeak, "although we would *probably* need to practice with *actual* kids first, you know, maybe take up baby sitting some time and see how that goes"
"That's true", the sunshine princess replied, "we did have a little practice when Cass, Lance, and Shorty turned into children though, I'd say we did pretty good with them!"
"Wait what happened?" Varian asked
"Oh uh, we went into a house and Cassandra found a magical top that, when spun, made Lance and her turn into children while Shorty turned into a baby. And we, meaning me and Eugene, only had an hour to change them all back before they stayed like that forever", Rapunzel explained
Varian blinked as his father chuckled, "so you got trapped in 'the house of yesterday's tomorrow' huh?"
"Yeah we di-! Hey, how do *you* know about it?!" Eugene asked, looking directly at Quirin as the man continued to chuckle
"Well, it's not that far from the Dark Kingdom nor the Great Tree where *someone* liked to spend most of his time", the retired knight explained as he, Adira, and Edmund all looked at Hector, who huffed, "mix one Hector with hours of boredom and interest in adventuring outside of the kingdom and you get a very messy situation where Adira, King Edmund, and Hector turned into children and me and Eden had to take care of them while looking for the top which we found behind Adira's back because she was being a little prankster"
Edmund giggled, "that was a particularly embarrassing day"
"For you three maybe, it was cute how you kept snuggling with your wife though, she found it hilarious"
"She was fun to snuggle", the Dark King defended
"Can we not talk about that day anymore?" Hector asked, a light blush on his face, getting Quirin and Adira to snort
Eugene smiled, "ok you've gotta tell me about that later, but for now, the kids question, yeah, I think we'll have some, but when we're better equipped for them. Like when we're not currently facing a crisis of epic proportion by means of a good friend gone crazy", he stopped and chuckled, "no offense to both Varian and Cassandra"
"Eh", the little alchemist replied with a smile while Cassandra rolled her eyes
The Dark Prince chuckled before he looked at Aisheyru once more, "did you have any other questions for me?"
The commenter nodded and said, "If you guys do decide to have kids, what do you think you would name them?"
"Ooh! Ooh! I have a good name idea!" Edmund tried
"Absolutely not!" Eugene exclaimed
"What? Why not?"
"Horace!"
".....ok so not the best sounding name, but the meaning is sweet! It means seasons and time, you can't deny that's a good meaning for a baby boy!"
"Aw come on Eugene, we should at least give him a chance", Rapunzel said
The Dark Prince sighed, "alright, what name did you have in mind?"
"Clyde!" Edmund stated excitedly, "it means warm and friendly, which is basically the both of you!"
Eugene face palmed as Rapunzel smiled, "it uh, definitely does have a good meaning"
"Not good?" The Dark King asked
Eugene sighed once more before he said, "how about we think of that as a middle name, fair?"
"Ok!" Edmund agreed happily
The Dark Prince smiled at his father lovingly before he looked at Aisheyru, "as for name ideas we've got? Hmmm..... We need something cool, like Brock or Flynn!"
"How about Jack?" Rapunzel asked
"Ooh! I like that one blondie! Jack is definitely a contender!"
The Sun princess smiled, "I'd also like to name my son Fred too"
"Fred's a good one as well, actually, so is Edmund", Eugene replied, getting his father to make a *wide* grin
"Oooh!" The Dark King said, "how about Arnold?"
"Arnold?" Eugene asked, "huh, that's actually a pretty good name idea dad, nice!"
"A little close to home though", Lance said
"Yeah but your name isn't bad either you know"
Varian tilted his head to the side, "what's Lance's real name?"
"Arnoldo Schnitz"
The teen smiled, "that's adorable!"
"You hush!" The former thief stated as the alchemist giggled
Rapunzel smiled before she said, "what about girls? I mean, Arianna and Eden are both amazing names!"
"Definitely, I like Rapunzel too, of course, but that's already taken", he smirked at his princess, getting her to blush, "but there's also other names, like....."
"Eugene?"
".....Huh.... Odd, I don't have any girl name ideas...."
"Mary", Varian said, getting the two to look at him, "Rose, Hope, Mae, Ada, Coraline, Stella, Eva, Sally, Luna.... Any of those sound really pretty and seem the best fit for a daughter made between you two... Save for Luna, but that one is kind of one of my favorites"
The couple stared at him for a moment before Hugo piped up, "been thinking of baby names there Freckles?"
"I....." Varian blushed, "yeah... B-but I mean, I don't plan on having any anytime soon I just.... R-really like those names.... A-and it would be really nice to have a baby girl.... R-right?"
The bespeckled teen smiled lovingly at his boyfriend before he hugged him, "I love you"
The blue eyed alchemist giggled, "I love you too"
Quirin smiled at the pair before he looked at Eugene and Rapunzel, "well, I suppose there's a plethora of names for you to choose from now huh?"
"Yeah, guess so", Eugene agreed, "any of those you liked Sunshine?" He asked, looking at Rapunzel
"Rose, Mary, and Stella, all three of them sounded really pretty"
"I agree, oh! Hope and Mae do too, and now that I'm thinking about it, Holly and Grace would also make really pretty names!"
"They would! They really would!"
The Dark Prince grinned before he looked at Aisheyru, "so there ya go, baby names!" He smirked, "did you have anything else you wanted to ask?"
The fox tailed commenter smirked, "let me see your best smolder!"
The Dark Prince was taken aback, but practically sparkled with excitement, "ya sure? Because not many people have seen my best smolder and survived". Aisheyru nodded excitedly, "alrighty then, you asked for it"
"Smolder?" Hugo asked
"It's Eugene 'secret weapon' when it comes to... Um...." Varian blushed
"Pickin up chicks", Lance finished
"Oh this I *gotta* see", Hugo responded
Eugene took a few deep breaths before he puckered his lips, closed his eyes halfway, and gave the most powerful smolder he ever could to Aisheyru. Suave music played in the background as he practically sparkled with charm while staring at the commenter. He then stopped and smiled, "ta daaa!"
Rapunzel giggled as Lance clapped, "that definitely was on of your best!" He complimented
"Thank you budd-!" He stopped when he looked at Varian, the teen was looking down, "kid, you okay?"
"Y-yeah...." He said shyly
"What's wrong? Was my smolder too powerful?"
"Um....."
The teen grew quiet at the room watched him before Hugo looked at him face and grinned, "are you.... Blushing?"
"N-no!"
Eugene blinked before he remembered the shrine to him in the alchemist's lab before it'd been blown up the first day they'd met. He smiled, "kid, did you like my smolder?"
The blue eyed alchemist placed his face in his hands and groaned, "why? *Why* is it affecting me so much?!" He asked through his hands, getting Hugo, Quirin, Lance, and Eugene to smile lovingly at him
The Dark Prince looked at Aisheyru, "scuse me for one moment, I've got a little brother that needs comforting". With a nod from the commenter, he smiled then walked over to his little brother and sat next to him, pulling him into a half hug, "it's okay kiddo"
"N-no it's not!" Varian exclaimed, "I'm not supposed to feel this way about you! *Why* am I feeling this way about you?!"
Hugo snickered, "didn't you happen to have a childhood crush on Eugene?"
".....O-on Flynn Rider... B-but it turned into Eugene cause he's my Flynn Rider now....." Varian admitted
"Well then it's understandable that you still have a crush on him!" The blond said, "I mean, I had a massive crush on Demanitus himself when I was a kid!"
"You did?" His boyfriend asked, peeking out from behind his hands a little
"Yeah, I mean could you *blame* me?!" He asked, "super hot smart dude defeats giant demon with alchemy and engineering! The man is a fucking brainy badass and hottie all in one!" He exclaimed, "and even though I'm in love with you and always will be, I won't deny myself a blush or two if I see Demanitus's face in a book every so often, it's normal"
"Couldn't have said it better myself", Eugene agreed, "kid, it's okay to have a crush, that's normal, even when you're in a relationship"
Varian lowered his hands, "even when the crush is on *you*?"
"Yup!" Eugene said, "I've had crushes on me before, not by the same sex and I've gotta say, personally, I'm flattered! Not to mention how adorable it is!" Varian blushed even more as Eugene chuckled before he hugged him, "but it really is okay kiddo. All joking aside, you love Hugo, and you respect that I love Rapunzel, so even if you have a tiny crush, as long as you respect that, we have no problems, okay?"
"Oki"
"Ok", The Dark Prince repeated, "but I'm definitely going to pick on you about it, just a little"
The blue eyed alchemist giggled, "I know"
"You know?"
"I know"
"That's good", Eugene replied, hugging his little brother happily and making the teen smile before he looked at Quirin, who was standing nearby, "I'm surprised you didn't jump in here"
"I figuring this wasn't a place for dads", the retired knight said
"Nu", Varian agreed, "nu it is not", he added, blushing again and getting Hugo to snicker as Eugene walked over to Aisheyru again
"Heh, sorry about that, was there anything else you wanted to ask me?" When the commenter shook their head he added, "how about anyone else?" When Aisheyru nodded he smiled, "ok, well thanks for chatting with me, it was fun, plus you helped me find out I have a secret admirer"
"S-shut up!" Varian snapped, blushing even more now as Hugo laughed, "you just wait until the Day of Hearts when I give you an exploding cupcake!"
"Noted"
"Humph!"
Eugene chuckled, "alrighty then, who did you have questions for next?"
Aisheyru smiled before they looked over at Quirin and walked over, grinning as the old farmer took a seat next to his son as the teen leaned against him, still blushing. The retired knight wrapped an arm around him before he smiled at the commenter, "hello"
Aisheyru smiled, "Quirin! You wonderful papa you! Did you know that your name sounds similar to a mythical creature that inspired the unicorn?"
The Village Leader blinked then smiled and shook his head, "I actually did not, that's interesting", he then looked at his son, "did you know about that?"
Varian nodded as he looked at his father, "their name is 'Kirin', K-I-R-I-N, they're said to be beasts of purity. When they walk they don't trample a single blade of grass, when they eat, they never eat the flesh of another, not even bugs. They're said to only show themselves when the world is at peace, or when the lands of the people are ruled or governed by those who are enlightened and pure. Kirin never harm anyone good or pure, but they will be quick to attack when they feel threatened, breathing holy fire at their target when they do".
"Wow", the retired knight said, "they sound amazing!"
"They are!" Varian replied with a smile, "I think they're really beautiful creatures, and I'd love to meet one one day, but I don't think that'll ever happen"
"Why's that?"
"They only appear to those with pure hearts"
"Son you're heart is much more pure than you think, just because you did some things in the past does not make you any less pure now"
Varian smiled, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome", Quirin replied before he looked at Aisheyru, "and thank *you*! What you said was very kind, and I really appreciate it, plus, I learned something new, that's always a plus"
Aisheryu smiled wide before they asked, "how long did it take for you to get so good at using your duel blades?"
"Oh that took me years, but they were some of the best years of my life-er well, second best", he smiled at Varian, who giggled, before he looked at Aisheyru again, "I think it took me about.... I want to say 3 years to master fighting with a sword, they 2 more to learn how to fight with a sword and shield before I got to choose my weapon of choice, that's when I chose the duel blades and was trained by King Edmund to use them!"
"Wait you chose your weapons?" Varian asked
"Yup, that's how it works in the Dark King, but I'll talk about that more at a later date", he smirked at Harmony, "or in a later chapter. Either way, it took me 2 years to learn King Edmund's way of using the duel blades, then I developed my own style and became the knight, er retired knight, you see today"
"The super cool and awesome one?" Varian asked
Quirin chuckled and ruffled his son's hair, "yes, the super cool and awesome one"
Aisheryu grinned at the father son duo before they said, "Did you know that you are a great dad? I am going to say it a million times, YOU ARE A GREAT DAD! ALWAYS!"
The retired knight blinked for a moment before he smiled, "thank you, that means a lot to hear", he replied, "you and the rest of the commenters have been saying that a lot to me and it's been really nice. I'm not a perfect father, but I really appreciate how much you all seem to think I've improved, thank you very much, I'll keep trying to do my best for him"
"You already do", Varian said
"Now don't you start, you're gonna make me tear up, then Eugene is gonna have an ugly crying face and it'll all be a mess"
"A *big* mess", Eugene stated with a grin, getting Rapunzel and Varian to giggle
"Either way", Quirin looked at Aisheyru, "thank you very much, that means a lot to me. You're a very good friend to Harmony, I hope you know that, and you've been working really hard lately without many people telling you that you've been doing a good job. So I will, you've been doing an amazing job and I'm proud of you Aisheyru".
Aisheyru grinned happily before the group paused and they noticed Harmony standing next to them, "sorry to interrupt, but Imma just take a minute and say, I agree with Quirin. You've been doing a really great job with everything! Without going into too much detail, let me just say, I've never been more prouder of you than I have been right now. It may not seem like much, and I may not be the right person to say it, but trust me when I say you're loved, you're cared about, and you're appreciated by me and everyone in my group! I appreciate the things you've been doing, I really have, and I hope you know that and keep that in your mind when things start to get a bit rocky, because no matter what, you've got at least one cheerleader rooting for ya, and that's never gonna change, okay?" Harmony smiled, "anyway, sorry about that, just needed to say it. Back to your chapter!" They unpaused the group and smiled at Aisheyru before their eyes widened and they glared at something past the commenter, "scuse me, just one moment, keep talking to the beans, I'll be right back...." They glared at the spot before walking past Aisheyru and disappearing from sight.
The commenter looked at little confused, "don't worry", Quirin said, "they'll be able to handle that, did you need to say anything else to me?"
Aisheyru shook their head, but their eyes were fixed on the spot Harmony had disappeared from before they felt a small tug on their scarf. Looking down, they smiled when they saw Varian staring up at them, "are you okay?"
The commenter nodded before they remembered they had a few questions they wanted to ask the tiny alchemist, "Varian, how are you so adorable?" Their memory then flashed an image of them reading someone asking him that very same question, "er, Imma ask this way, how are you such a bean?"
Varian blushed, "I.... W-why?"
"Because you're cute", Quirin replied
"B-but why?" The teen repeated, placing his face in his hands again and making embarrassed alchemist sounds
Hugo snickered, "Aisheyru, I think you might've broken him, maybe ask him something else to clear his mind?"
Aisheyru giggled before they asked, "can you explain Alchemy in detail to me? I'm a bit fuzzy on how it works. Including any scary parts, because I'm sure there's some freaky stuff that can happen"
This perked Varian *right* up as he smiled, glowing happily as he began to reply, "weeeeeeeeeell, Alchemy is basically the transformation of matter, the basic principle is taking mundane things, like different chemicals, rocks, herbs, or even old and rotted food, and making them into something different! So let's say you have an apple that's old and rotted, normally you'd throw it away because there's nothing you can do right? Well if you were an alchemist, you could change the apple's aging process, reversing it using chemicals that are safe to eat and make it unrot! I've actually helped dad with that, he enjoyed it"
"Yes I did", Quirin confirmed
"It's so cool!" Varian continued, "you can remove stains, make flowers bounce back from the brink of dying, make hair dye out of practically nothing! Alchemy is just AWESOME!" He exclaimed excitedly, "of course there are scary moments, like when something explodes, but by far the scariest thing is Homunculus...." The teen shuddered
"Homunculus?" Eugene asked
"So, it's ancient history and super dark", Varian said, "many people even called it magic! But stories say that the Homunculus were humanoid creatures made by alchemists in darker times for war.... See.... You take the flesh of a willing human, doesn't matter who, but they have to be willing, you can't steal it. The blood of a creature, doesn't matter which, it's preferred you kill them..... And the clay from a graveyard, due to the soil being hallowed ground, rich with the bacteria from human bodies.... You would form a body with the clay and place the flesh and blood on it. Old alchemists say that combination was enough to make the creature alive.... The skin would grow around their body until they were engulphed in it like a human, the blood would seep into the clay and become the creature's life, and the clay would act as their body. If you mixed it right, you could have a super strong Homunculus by your side! Depending on the type of creature you gained the blood from would determine the abilities your Homunculus would receive. If you got wolf's blood, they would have sharp teeth and a good sense of smell, if you got rabbit's blood, they'd be super fast and have really great eye sight! It's actually stated that you would need to perform this task at night for the best results..... The creature would be loyal to only it's creator and whomever they deemed a friend of their master.... If you were a foe however, you would be killed *brutally* by the creature! Your blood would seep into the monster and make them more powerful, they can only die if, after three days, they don't get someone's blood, they only need a drop. Their body falls apart, their flesh rots, their blood dries, and the only thing you have left is bloody mud on the floor.... Now see, I would say that's the scariest part, but...."
"THERE'S *MORE*?!" Lance yelled, shaking a bit as he, Rapunzel, and Eugene watched the alchemist with wide eyes
Varian smiled, "yup, for you see, the flesh you use to make the Homunculus will actually affect the person you take it from, same with the animal...."
"B-but you s-said it didn't matter", Lance argued
"It doesn't matter in making the creature come to life, but it does matter once they're gone", Varian corrected, "because once that creature stops living, the person who gave their skin for it will never be the same.... First, the skin they gave will not grow back, it stands as a constant reminder of their 'gift', they'll also share the memories of the creature's deeds, and it's actions become their own.... Most of the time this wouldn't be a problem, if you're willing to give some of your skin to someone then you know the risks involved. But in the dark ages, people liked to trick others, saying they wouldn't use the creature to harm, and they only needed them for help around the fields. Often this trickery was used against an enemy that wouldn't believe in it.... I heard this one story of an alchemist who was shunned from a church by the priest, his own father, condemning him for witchcraft.... This was a foolish mistake, for you see, the priest was tricked by the alchemist.... He'd ended up retrieving the priest's flesh and the alchemist combined it with the blood of a werewolf...." Catalina shuddered at that, "the Homunculus was *huge*, bigger than majority of the houses in the little village they lived in. The alchemist made the creature do horrid things, destroy property and homes, steal from the farmer's fields, and even spill the blood of children in the village.... The alchemist had been captured and was sentenced to execution three days later, his creature locked up, unable to be destroyed unless its master says so or three days pass.... On the day of the alchemist's execution however, he didn't fight, he allowed a rope to be tied around his next as the priest, his own father, began to read him his rights. Once the man was finished however, he asked the alchemist, "do you have anything left to say?"
The alchemist leered at the man, smile widening as the rope tightened. His last words chilling the priest's blood, "....I'll see you in *Hell*!"
The alchemist's neck was snapped, his body hung lifeless as the sun set on the third day. The priest, who had never done a sin worthy of such a comment, watched the lifeless corpse of the alchemist before he heard the creatures roar! The Homunculus rotted and was destroyed, but as people cleaned it up, the priest looked at his hand, the place where he'd given his flesh was unhealed and black, almost mocking him as he felt his sins crawling on his back..... He went insane after that, and ended up dying from a heart attack the very next day..... Some say his screams can still be heard along with the maniacal laughter of the alchemist that tricked him!"
Everyone in the room was silent, staring at the teen in shock as he smiled at them. A few minutes passed and Quirin snickered, "I believe you've broken them Varian, happy your revenge plan worked?"
"Yup!" The teen replied with a cheeky grin, "I appreciate the question Aisheyru, that was a lot of fun!"
The commenter smiled, their fox tail swishing with happiness as Eugene sighed, "so that story was to get us back for making you blush earlier"
"Yup!"
".....You're a brat"
"Thank you!"
"S-so it wasn't real.... Right?" Lance asked
"Oh no, it's real", Varian replied, "right Hugo?"
"That's right", the blond confirmed
"It's actually a really popular story from an actual legend, and a warning to anybody who thinks alchemy is witchcraft", Varian explained, "it's not, and if you anger an alchemist or try to hurt them, they might trick you into you giving them your flesh to make a killer creature and place you in a fate worse than death"
"Oi vey...." Eugene said, "remind me not to cross you two"
"Noted!" The two alchemists replied before Varian looked at Aisheyru
"Did you have anything else you wanted to ask me?"
The commenter grinned, "what is one of your favorite books to read? I love to read myself!"
Varian smiled, "'Flynn Rider and the Earl of Camenbert'! That's my favorite Flynn Rider book! My favorite alchemy book is called 'Cooking with Alchemy' volumes 1 through 20! It explains *a lot* of different ways you can mix and match with alchemy! I also love to read History books, I find them interesting and I like learning about different places, like Corona, for example, used to celebrate Nature Day, a day the people of Corona would go out and enjoy walks in the forests, the farmer's fields, and would basically give thanks to the Sun for their gifts! They stopped doing that however when children would get lost in the woods and food would be stolen from the farms.... But it was still a really interesting fact!"
"You're such a nerd", Eugene stated
"Glad to be one!" Varian replied before looking up at Aisheyru once more, "did you have anything else you wanted to ask me?" When the commenter shook their head he nodded, "oki, well I hope you enjoy your time here, it's almost time for you to go, so I hope you get all your questions answered!"
The commenter smiling appreciatively at the teen before they turned and walked over to Rapunzel, who was chatting with Adira for a moment before she noticed Aisheyru, "oh hello!"
Aisheyru grinned, "Rapunzel. You. Me. We need to do some drawings together. You wonderful artist you! I know that's not really a question, but...yeah"
The princess giggled, "I'll accept that! So you're an artist I take it?" The commenter nodded, tail swishing happily, "that's wonderful! I love to paint and sketch, it's so relaxing!" She exclaimed excitedly, "I would absolutely love to draw with you someday, that would be so much fun! I'd love to see you style of drawing and how you shade and such!" She rambled before blushed, "sorry, I'm pretty sure you'd got other questions, eheh"
Aisheyru shook their head, signaling that the princess was fine before moving to the next question, " your hair is really gorgeous, but be honest with me. How freakin' annoying is it to have super long, glowy hair? What do you do on bad hair days?"
The princess laughed, "oh geez, well it's *extremely* annoying when I'm trying to get to a meeting and be *on time*!" She joked, "honestly I have to have three maids help me *brush* it, and it usually takes them about an hour, that's on a good day. On a bad day I end up squeezing Eugene's hand so hard that it almost breaks because my hair will get so tangled (:D) that the pain is *unimaginable*! I'll put it this way, my hair was the one causing trouble, yet *Eugene* was the one saying 'ow'" She giggled, "I gave him lots of love afterwards though, so he doesn't mind", she added, "the bad hair days are really rough, somedays, I give up, call of the meetings, and take a nice, long, hot bath, the conditioner I use helps detangle my hair, and I spend a *long* time in there, it's very nice actually!" She smiled, "Varian's actually working on a solution to help me on bad hair days, I'm excited about it!"
Aisheryru grinned before they said, "Also, just want you to know... You are really amazing. And very loved. Just felt like throwing that out there"
The blond stopped, placed her hands over her mouth, and smiled as her eyes teared up a bit, "thank you!" She said before she wrapped her arms around the commenter and hugged them tightly, "that means so much to me! I really appreciate it!" She let go and backed up, "sorry, I just.... I've been going through a lot and trying to figure out how to handle certain things, it's been hard, *really* hard, so I really appreciate you telling me that, it really does mean a lot!"
The commenter gave the princess a wide smile before they heard a loud *CRASH* behind them
Turning, Aisheyru gasped when they saw Harmony, with white, angel like, wings, much longer hair than before, and a music staff shaped like a halo floating about their head sprawled out on the floor. The musical author coughed before they stood up, shaking the dust off themselves, "Harmony!" Varian cried, running over to them, "a-are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good, just... Uh...." The author looked around and noticed no one was paused, "well frick...." Their wings disappeared, along with their halo and their hair growing shorter, "heh, sorry about that folks! I'm alright, I'm fine, just had a bit of a sticky situation for a moment there, but all's good, I mean it"
Varian and Quirin, who had walked over as well, stared at the author, "Harmony...." The retired knight said
"I really am okay, it was just.... A little harder to get out is all, but I'm fine, don't worry", the Village Leader raised a brow, "I mean it, really", Harmony added, smiling genuinely at the retired knight and the blue eyed alchemist
"Oki...." Varian said, "if you need us though-!"
"I'll know exactly where to find you", Harmony said with a loving smile, "thank you, both of you". They nodded before walking away as the musical author dusted themselves off. Aisheyru, nodding at the princess, who nodded back in understanding, walked over to their friend, "hm? Oh hey! Having fun?" The commenter stared at the author, "....I'm alright, don't worry! Just hit a little snag is all, but I'm back, energetic, and ready to go!" The commenter sighed, "did you have anything you wanted to ask me? It's almost time for you to go and I wanna make sure you get all your questions answered
Aisheyru nodded, smiling warmly at the author, "Where do you come up with the inspiration for all this great stuff? You have some awesome ideas in your head!"
Harmony giggled, "thanks! I honestly get inspiration from my life! Friends, family members, there's actually a few chapters *you* inspired funnily enough, they're good ones though, don't worry", they said, "you actually might recognize some of them, I hope you enjoyed them!"
Aisheyru smirked before they asked, "Which chapter is your favorite so far?"
"Oh that's a good question.... Um.... Gonna have to go with the 'Q and A' chapters, all of them, 'Guy's Night', all of them, and the 'This is Why We Can't Havre Nice Things', those are the funniest to me and I'm really proud of them!" They giggled, "the one's I love the most in terms of seriousness are probably the therapy sessions, the PTSD and mental health chapters, and the one's exploring character's pasts! I love it when stories do that, so I guess it makes sense that I would put them into my own fic!" The added, "oh! And the one's where Varian meets the Brotherhood members! Those are so cute to me! Plus we get big brother, but oh so miserable, Quirin. Poor protective farmer dad, we knew thee well!"
"I'm still alive you know", Quirin called
"I know, but you were still miserable in those chapters!"
"Yes, yes I was"
The musical author giggled, "I also love the one's where Quirin and Varian are bonding, and Hugo and Varian first meeting, those were really fun to write!" Harmony then blushed, "I really hope the doesn't make me sound egotistical, I'm not a perfect writer, I need to improve on a lot, but there are chapters I'm really proud of, those would be the ones!"
Aisheyru smiled, "What chapter are you dreading the most to write?"
Harmony groaned, "the ending!!!!!" The commenter laughed at that, "I'm serious! Not only does it mark the ending of this story, but the ending in the show was so messy that I don't even know where to freaking start! Like my gosh! I'm gonna change it, but there in lies the anxiety of if people will like the changes I make or not, or if I can change it without ruining the ending I have for my rewrite of the entire series! Plus I have no idea where Hugo's gonna be able to fit into the ending, I mean he could be right by Varian's side, but that doesn't really make any sense considering-ugh, it's a lot of kinks I need to work out and it's kinda making me nervous to write, and I'm not even halfway through season 3 yet", they chuckled, "I'm such a spazz, but yeah, the ending is my enemy right now"
Aisheyru patted Harmony's shoulder and said, "If you haven't already written it, have a hug!"
Harmony grinned, "I'll accept every hug in the world thank you!" They wrapped their arms around Aisheyru and hugged them happily, humming with delight before they broke the hug, "thanks, I needed that!" Harmony stated, "did you have anything else you wanted to say?"
Aisheyru nodded before they looked at everyone in the room and said, "Thank you for answering my questions! You all rock socks!"
Harmony giggled, "thank you for asking them! You rock socks as well!!!!" The musical author then looked at all of you, "the next chapter, unless someone new posts any questions, will be the final chapter to the Q and A chapters, and it'll be full of extra questions you didn't ask before by thought of just after reading this! You can post them in the Q and A chapter, or in the comments of this chapter, feel free, I've got some already so more is not an issue! And seriously, thank you all so much for this! You've all made this so much fun to both write and react to! I love reading your comments, and I love interacting with all of you! You all mean so much to me and I couldn't ask for a better community than all of you! Thank you all so much, and I'll see you all, in the next chapter, buh-bye!"
Notes:
Hello! :3
So, yeah, Aisheyru knows me in real life, we're really close! So hello Aisheyru! Here's your questions answered and thanks for asking! I sincerely enjoyed answering your questions and it led to some really funny scenes in this chapter, so thank you! <3
And thank you to all of you who participated in this Q and A, like I said before, if you have any other questions, comment them below, if you haven't asked any before, this is your chance to get your own chapter, if you have, your questions will be added to the extra questions chapter and the final Q and A goodbye! :D I'm planning on doing another Q and A later on in the story, but this is going to be it for a while. However, I've had non stop fun with these chapters, they've been silly, fun, wholesome, have made me cry, and have made me laugh so incredibly hard! Thank you all so much for the incredible joy you've all brought me, and I'll see you next time!
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 197: Extra Questions!
Summary:
Some of you had some more questions you wanted to add, so here are all of those extra questions answered!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Harmony sighed as they wrapped some gauze around their arm, wincing a little before they noticed a few commenters walking in. Rolling down their sleeve they smiled, "howdy! Everyone's so excited to see you! Come on in!"
The musical author walked the commenters inside of the family room, getting everyone inside to stop talking and look, "hey", Lance said, "you brought them all back?"
"Yup!" Harmony replied with a grin, "some of them had some extra questions, and I wanted to make sure they got answered, plus, I think of them really hit it off with some of you, so they're here to just chill out and chat, I hope that's okay"
Eugene smiled, waving to Crystal, who waved back happily, "I'm okay with this, it'll be nice to just talk to them all while the people with extra questions got them answered!"
Hector looked at all of the commenters before his eyes landed on one in a particular. He got up and walked over them before he grabbed their hand and pulled them with him, "me and Moonlight claim the couch", he stated before he smirked at the commenter, who smiled back as they made their way to the couch and began to talk
Varian giggled before he walked over to Aisheyru, "my gosh it's been *sooo* long", he joked, "it's almost as if you were here last chapter!" He added before giggling, "you wanna hang out with me and dad?"
Aisheyru grinned and nodded before they walked with Varian towards his father and Hugo while Crystal tagged along, smiling at the tiny alchemist, who noticed them and smiled back, more than willing to accept them into their talk! Harmony smirked as Ash:> walked over to Lance, the former thief hugging them happily before they began to talk about his kingliness! The musical author saw Mha_kny standing by, looking around, unsure of where to start, to Harmony walked over to them and smiled, "hey, glad to have you back! I saw you had some extra questions, I take it you're done with school for a bit?" They offered, hoping a start to the conversation would help the commenter feel a little more comfortable
It seemed to work at Mha_kny smiled at the musical author and nod, "Since I'm in the break between end of school and exams my brain is actually working again", they said with a laugh, "so I have a little more to add!"
Harmony smiled, "your brain was always working, it was just overworked from school, boy I do not miss those days", the musical author giggled, "anyway, if it'll help you any, you could always start with someone who isn't in the room at the moment, say, a celestial being?"
Mha_kny grinned with excitement before they nodded, looking up and concentrating on someone in particular. The room around them shifted as they were face to face with the Moon, "hello again little commenter, I believe your name is Mha_kny is it not? It's very good to see you again! Did you have more questions for me?" The commenter nodded happily, making the Moon's light brighten happily, "I'm happy to hear that, I'll be sure to answer to the best of my ability"
Mha_kny grinned before they asked, "Can you adopt me, that is in fact not a question that is a statement. DO IT PLS YOU'RE SO NICE AND JAGSNSKSHSNSJ! And yes, I would be standing and looking up bc I'm short as fuck", they stated, "whenever you appear I just get this warm feeling and I just feel like all my worries r just wiped out from existence! Honestly that's also something that helped me get through tech week and any school stress. ALSO, you kinda remind me of Luna in that one "Children of the Night" animation", they said, feeling a bit of musical glee as a flash of Harmony's excited expression filled their mind"
"You seem to have made someone very happy with that statement", the Moon replied with a small chuckle in her voice
The commenter giggled before they continued, "there's even a little kid that has the same black hair and blue hair stipe as Varian in it which I found kinda funny!" The exclaimed with a grin, "anyways I'll let you go now, just wanted to let you know that you're like the 7th mom that I've always wanted but never got"
The Moon's light wrapped around the commenter comfortingly, "that's very kind of you, I cannot adopt you unfortunately, though I definitely would if I could. I am only permitted to have one child per generation, and that child is my little one", an image of Varian giggling as he, Aisheyru and Crystal talked with each other happily, "but I can accept you as an honorary child of mine, I did not have a part to play with you, but I will be glad to accept you as one of my stars, you and the other commenters should they choose to", the Moon stated happily, "it'll make my little one less lonely too, he loves his stars, he's even got two of his own!" Two images showed Ruddigar and Hugo sitting next to Varian, Hugo and Aisheyru having an arm wrestle as Crystal stroked Ruddigar's fur happily, "they are the stars my little one made, but I can make him more, that way you'll always be connected to him and me, and in a way, will be my children too!" The Moon's light faded inside of Mha_kny, a bright blue glow surrounding them for a moment before they saw a star next to the Moon, "that's you, never alone, always with me and my little one, always", the Moon's light felt warm, as if the celestial being were hugging Mha_kny lovingly, "I believe you'll need to go now, but thank you for chatting with me, and as for this.... Animation? I'm certain the musical author will show me soon, I'll be glad to see it! Thank you for telling me about it! My you have pleasant dreams!"
The scene faded and Mha_kny was back inside the family room, they smiled as Harmony walked over to them, "sooo, 'Children of the Moon' ey?" The commenter giggled and nodded, "I love that animation! And the Moon's right, I'll show her in just a little bit, also, there's a question you asked a certain person, but we're gonna have you ask it at the end, there's a bit of a thing that's going to happen during that time that you'll have plenty of chances to ask them during that time. For now however, did you have another person you wanted to ask a question from?"
Mha_kny thought about it, then grinned and nodded before saying, "Harmony, this is a genuine question because your story goes in a different direction than canon. Is Ulla technically trapped in the Eternal Library, can she kinda travel as a ghost, or is she dead? Like her soul would be trapped but still see what's going on in Corona. I don't know if I'm making sense, "they chuckled, "if she CAN see what's happening in Corona/is dead and can spy I have a question. If she can't see then I'll make up another question"
Harmony grinned, "good question! I didn't really think about that until you asked, but in this story, Ulla can see what's happening in Corona, but her soul is still trapped in the Library. It's how she was able to communicate with Varian during the Bird Brain fiasco actually! She's been watching her baby boy and her husband for a long time, and when they go to bed she goes back to the library", the musical author smiled, "I read both of your questions for Ulla, you can actually ask them both since she goes to the Library still, though I can tweak it a little so you can have them both answered in a good way if you want! I suppose the best way to describe it is, her body is trapped there, so she can't really leave the library and will go back to it when she has no where else to go, but she can see all of what's happening in Corona and will watch over her family whenever she wants too because she's got an attachment to them that I'll get into in another chapter", the author gave the commenter a cat face
Mha_kny grinned and nodded at the answer excitedly
"If you'd like to ask Ulla some questions, be my guest! She'd love the company actually, Imma go check on some of the other commenters while you do, have fun!" The musical author grinned before they walked away
Mha_kny closed their eyes and concentrated before a person appeared before them, "hiya", Ulla said with a smile, "heard you say my name, it's nice to meet you!"
Mha_kny smiled and nodded at the spirit before they said, "What do you think of Varian and how he's grown up? What's your thoughts about Varian's relationship with Hugo? THOUGHTS ABOUT DONELLA?!??! And last one, not including the family, you know, Quirin, Varian, Hector, Adira", they thought to themselves, *bruh it autocorrected to "adorable" help!*
Harmony, who had somehow heard their thoughts, auto corrected the autocorrect, *hope that helps! Although Adira is pretty adorable!*
Mha_kny smiled wide before they continued, "Edmund, and Eugene technically, who's the favorite? MOON DOESN'T COUNT EITHER!!!"
The motherly alchemist smiled wide, "well, let's see, I think my baby boy has grown up to be someone so amazing and wonderful! I would hold him in my arms all day and never let go of him if I'm being honest! I don't know how Quirin can stand not picking our boy up every second of the day and snuggling him! And his relationship with Hugo is so *adorable*! They're so sassy and I love it so much! Although the dirty jokes would not be tolerated around me, my baby stays innocent until he's in his 50's and I'm too old and grey to stop him!" She huffed before she chuckled, "I suppose that makes me a little controlling, but he is my little alchemist after all, and I knew he would be! I really did! I'm really proud of Varian, so proud!"
"What's wrong son?" Quirin asked as he noticed Varian's cheek had a single tear slide down it while Crystal and Aisheyru talked to each other
"Huh?" The tiny alchemist felt his father cup his chin and wipe the tear away with his thumb, "o-oh, I don't know, I just felt my heart grow really warm for a moment and a tear slipped out? ....T-that doesn't make any sense..." Another one fell from his eye, followed by another, "I-I don't know what's happening!" He sniffled
Quirin stopped and looked over, seeing Mha_kny standing with their eyes closed as he felt a warmth hit his chest as well and smiled, "your mother is talking to Mha_kny, seems like she's happy"
Varian sniffled again, a small sobbing sound coming from him as he leaned against his father
Quirin wrapped an arm around the teen, "I know bubby, I know, I miss her too"
Mha_kny smiled wide at Ulla as she continued, "my thoughts on Donnie? .....I still will never forgive her.... I can't... My mind is so frazzled and I have to watch my son and husband from the sidelines, never having a say in their lives or living with them and being happy.... And it's all because of her jealousy.... I hope she feels bad, I want her too! She took away my life and affected my son and husband, I.... I....." Ulla sighed, "I can't hate her.... But I can't forgive her.... I never will.... I know it's not okay to hold a grudge, but she did end up killing me and forcing me to be trapped in the Eternal Library for eons, so I think it's justified here", she stated huffily. She then blushed, "sorry, I suppose there's a part of me that still gets very angry with what Donnie did.... As for your question as to whom, outside of my family, is my favorite? ....Hmmm..... I'd have to say Lance, he's been helping my son and he's going to be helping my husband with these feelings they can't seem to understand, so I'm very grateful for him being there for my boys!" The red head replied with a grin
Mha_kny Smiled back before they asked, "How boring is it in the library? Pretty boring I imagine since you've been there for like a decade.... Do you still hate Donella? What would you do if you got out of the library?"
Ulla thought for a moment, "the Library itself isn't bad, I can still read all the books I want to and there's more added every single day, since my body was absorbed inside the Library by it's protection charms that Demanitus set up, I'm able to, as a ghost, float around and look at, pick up, or touch anything I wish, so I suppose it's not terrible.... The only thing that bothers me is when I travel out of it I can't interact with anything.... I wish I could, I'd kiss Quirin's lips, I'd hug my son and never let him go, I'd be a ghost mom and take care of my baby boy and husband even if they couldn't see me! I would.... If I could...." She sighed, "I don't hate Donnie.... I can't.... Some part of me still loves her, still feels sorry for her.... But like I said, I'll never forgive her.... Never.... If I were out of the Library? I'd eat all the food I can't, I'd try all of my son's inventions and do alchemy with him all day! I'd fish and garden with Quirin, I'd clean, cook, do the laundry, I'd do everything I can't right now! I'd even clean the privy if I were given the option", she chuckled, "of course I'd wear a *very* large mask because, I'm sorry, but my boys might be extremely stinky, even when they're clean", she giggled, "of course, I can't really smell them right now, but if I could I'll bet they'd be stinky, I know Ruddigar is, based off of how often he gets a bath", she smiled at the thought, "I'd give him baths too, and play with him, hold him, pet him.... What I wouldn't give.... Uh sorry eheh, that's kinda sad isn't it?" She smiled, "I'm happy watching them, at least I can see what they're doing", she looked at her two boys and stopped, seeing her son sniffling as Quirin was watching to commenter, "can.... Can they sense me?"
Mha_kny looked at the two and smiled when they saw the retired knight watching them
"Quirin.... He can sense me, and it seems like Varian.... B-but how?" Ulla asked before she looked up and saw some blue light above her, she smiled, "I see, thank you, so much!" She looked back at her husband and grinned, "I love you Quirin"
The Village Leader heard a small voice in his head whisper, *I love you Quirin*, and he smiled as tears stung in his eyes, "I love you too, Ulla". He heard Varian sniffle once more and looked down at him, seeing his son was curled against him. He chuckled and lifted the teen up into his arms, "look at Mha_kny"
The blue eyed alchemist blinked before he looked at the commenter, and felt his hair begin to glow, just the stripe, as a voice whispered, *I love you Varian*. He gasped as one more tear slid down his face before sighed, "I love you too, mom"
Ulla's smile widened before she looked at Mha_kny, "you, thank you for helping me say that to them! Had you not talked to me just now I wouldn't have...." She sniffled happily, "I need to go now, but thank you so much, thank you"
With that, the red head disappeared from sight, leaving Mha_kny to open their eyes and look around before they spotted Varian and Quirin. They smiled at the pair, who smiled back, and for a moment, they felt a little warmth in their heart as a voice in their head whispered, *thank you*.
****
Moonlight giggled as they were sat next to Hector and they began to converse, they talked about so many things before a small voice said caught their attention, "howdy"
Hector stopped talking and looked up to see Harmony standing beside him, "oh hey, what's up?"
"Sorry to interrupt you two, but Moonlight has some questions they wanted to ask as well, and Mha_kny just finished with theirs for now, so I thought Moonlight would like to have a moment to ask", at the wild tamer's disgruntled face the musical author giggled, "don't worry Hector, they've got a question for you too, so they'll be back"
The man sighed, "kay, you go and ask your questions, then we can continue our conversation, yeah?"
Moonlight smiled wide and nodded excitedly before they got up and walked with Harmony, "thank you very much good sir, sorry to interrupt", the musical author said before they allowed Moonlight to pass them as the commenter waved to Hector, who waved back as Adira took Moonlight's seat
"You know you're gonna have to move when they come back right?" The wild tamer stated
"Maybe", Adira replied with a smirk, getting Harmony and Moonlight to snicker as they heard the argument begin
"Sorry I had to pull you away like that, I just wanted to make sure you got your questions answered as well you know?" Harmony said, when Moonlight nodded the musical author smiled, "I'm glad you understa-!" The author stopped and stared, when Moonlight turned to look, they saw Cassandra looking around, a confused expression on her face, "ugh...." The commenter heard the musical author say, "sorry, I'll be right back, please feel free to ask all the questions you wish!" They passed Moonlight, muttering something about how that 'stupid blueberry couldn't just take a break for 5 freaking minutes', before they walked off.
The commenter watched Harmony for a moment, concerned about the musical author before they sighed and turned, not really sure if there was much they could do to help, *besides, I'm a little taller than 5'0', sleepy all the time, and out of breath after climbing the stairs, what could I possibly do?* They thought to themselves, before they suddenly got an idea! They closed their eyes and thought of a specific person, someone who might know more about Zhan Tiri than anyone else, his image started to appear before his voice stopped the commenter, "not yet", he said, "you'll get a chance to speak with me, but not yet.... I fear there is trouble, I must get ready for it, for now, ask your other questions, but be prepared, the next part is not going to be fun"
Moonlight felt the man fade away as they opened their eye, his warning sending a wave or worrying into them.... They shook it off and looked around before they saw Hector, still arguing with Adira, *I might want to tell him at the very least.... But I should probably do what Harmony says first, I have a question for Hector anyway, I'll just bring that warning up when I ask it!* Nodding in agreement with themselves they looked around and noticed Varian was snuggling with Hugo while his father chatted with Aisheyru and Crystal happily. they grinned and walked over to the two cuddling teens.
Hugo looked up and smirked, "hiya, have some questions you wanna ask", when Moonlight nodded, the blond looked at Varian, "I think they may wanna talk to you, are you okay to?"
The freckled alchemist nodded, "y-yeah, I'm okay, just... Emotional is all...." He wiped his eyes a bit before he looked up at Moonlight and smiled, "hello again! What did you wanna say?"
Moonlight smiled, "hey again, Varian! I just wanted to say, you don't have to worry about having a lil crush on Mr. Smolder right there", they gestured to Eugene, who was laughing with Lance, Ash:>, and Mha_kny happily, "I actually had a crush on him too when I was younger", they chuckled, "I mean, he *is* pretty handsome. It didn't last long, but it did happen so yeah, you're not alone!"
Varian blushed, "oh... You uh, ya saw that huh? Eheh, well I'm glad I wasn't the only one at least, that makes me feel a little better about it!"
Moonlight smiled as Hugo snorted, "it's really fucking cute that you *both* had a crush on him"
Varian and Moonlight both blushed now, "H-Hugo!" The teen exclaimed
"What? It's adorable! I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I mean the guy is fucking hot, but it's cute"
The blue eyed alchemist raised a brow, "you have no room to talk Mr. Demanitus lover!"
"As I said, it's cute, not bad", the blond smirked, "I'm allowed to tease you"
"You lose three good boyfriend points"
"Now that's just rude"
Moonlight giggled as the two continued to squabble before the commenter's eyes landed on a certain blacksmith. They smiled and walked over to him, "Xavier, hello sir! I wanted to tell you that I love your character and your legends, they're very interesting! I know not everyone likes to listen to old tales but I appreciate them immensely, and your knowledge on the subject is impressive!" They smiled at him, "that's all, I just like you!"
Xavier chuckled, "thank you very much, I really appreciate the fact that you like my legends, even if not everyone wants to hear them all them time", he chuckled again, "if you'd ever like to stop by my shop and listen to my tales, I would love nothing more than to tell them! It would bring me great pleasure to do so!" He replied with a grin, "I'm glad you take in interest in them, me and Varian have tea and talk about them as well, for as upset as he got, he really does enjoy our time together, as do I", he chuckled, "ah but I'm rambling, thank you, your compliment is very much appreciated"
Moonlight smiled wide at the man before they heard Lance laughing loudly again. The commenter looked at the former thief as he seemed to be busting a gut over something Ash:> had said. With a grin, the commenter looked at Xavier and waved goodbye, to which the blacksmith did the same with an understanding grin on his face, before Moonlight walked over to Lance, "aw man!" The former thief said, "I can't get enough of that story, hoo Varian looked so mad!"
Eugene sighed, "yeah well, I would be too if some big oaf just demolished *my* lab"
"Yeah yeah, I know, it's why I'm banned from it, but I got Cuddles out of it and Quirin got Itty Bitty, so I'd say that's a pretty good story!" Lance defended, Ash:> and Mha_kny nodding in agreement before they saw Moonlight walked over and grinned at them
Moonlight returned the smiles before they looked at Lance, "hiya Lance! Aisheyru actually gave me the idea to ask this question when they talked with Rapunzel: I'd love to sing with you one day! Music is a huge part of my life and I've been singing since I was able to speak! You have a beautiful voice and I'd be honored to sing with you one day!"
The former thief grinned, "thanks! I really appreciat-! Wait, when did you hear me sing?"
Eugene face palmed, "oh for frick's sake, 🎶Buuuuudy, you're my best buuuuuudy🎶", he sang
"Oooooh! Right I forgot about that, eheh, but yeah! That would be fun! Though... Not in front of a crowd, it would be a lot of fun with just you, me, and Eugene, I'm perfectly fine with that, but...." He shuddered, "a crowd is too much"
Moonlight nodded understandingly
Lance then smiled, his bravado taking over once more as he looked at Eugene, Mha_kny, and Ash:> happily, "see that? They think I'm a good singer!" He exclaimed
Ash:> and Mha_kny smiled happily for the former thief, seemingly agreeing with his as Eugene sighed, "don't encourage him please"
"You be quiet, *Fish Skin*"
"Ha ha-that's a compliment"
"Oh for the love of-ADIRA!" Lance called, getting the face painted warrior's attention.... Along with the entire room, "is 'fish skin' a compliment for this one?!"
Adira smirked at Eugene expression, "sure", she said with a shrug, "he's the fish skin that holds the group together"
"Wh-!"
"Fish skin is one of the best chemical compounds to make shoe glue!" Varian explained happily, Hugo nodding in agreement as Aisheyru, Quirin, and Crystal smiled at the pair
"That's correct", the face painted warrior agreed, "I used it to fix the soles of my shoes when I was out in the woods, I haven't needed to fix them for years after that"
"Yup!" Eugene stated, "I'm the fish skin that holds the group together, therefore, compliment!"
Lance raised a brow, "wouldn't call it a *huge* compliment, I mean she likes my earrings, which is why she calls me earrings!"
"Oh yeah right! She only called you that because you're wearing them all the time!"
Lance gasped, squeaking as he did so, "you take that back!"
"I will not!"
"You will so!"
The two began to sissy fight, slapping each others hands at a fast pace while the rest of the room watched, Moonlight, Mha_kny, and Ash:> laughing as they did before they heard Varian's small voice ask, "is Speckles a compliment?"
They turned to see the alchemist had walked over to his aunt and was asking her sincerely, something that made the women smile with all the warmth in the world as she replied, "yup, because your speckles are cute, and I've seen many speckles in my day the were not"
He smiled, "thanks Wise Eyes!"
"You're welcome Speckles"
Moonlight, Mha_kny, and Ash:> smiled at the two's interaction before they heard Cyrus scoff. The commenter raised a brow before they smirked and walked over to the man, staying a foot away from him before they said, "how did you meet Donella and Hugo? And uh, why are you so nasty to him, like, are you just a jerk or did he kill your cat? Not that I would trust you with one honestly", they asked, seeing the angry face on the man the commenter thought it would be a great time to, Naruto run, away because they don't wanna die! They laughed as the man chased them before they felt someone pull their arm. Screeching to a halt, they looked up to see Quirin glaring at Cyrus as the man ran right into the retired knight, who was standing to his full height and didn't move when the man crashed into him at full speed. He glared at the man, "you are at a Q and A session, it means Questions and Answers, where, as the name *implies*, they ask the questions, you answer them. So take you damn temper and shove it somewhere *deep* inside of you before I do it *for* you, got it?"
"I..... Y-yes"
"Good", he continued to glare at the cowering man, Moonlight getting distinct Edmund vibes as an image flashed where Quirin was replaced by the Dark King, and Cyrus was replaced by a panicked looking Lance. The only difference being Lance was a lovable, brave soul, whereas Cyrus was a cowardly, unlikable jerk. Quirin huffed then looked at Moonlight, his face softening, "sorry about him, I keep forgetting he doesn't have a *leash*. Anyway, he'll answer your questions, but you can stand by me while he answers them, I don't trust that he'll take my words and stick with them...."
Moonlight nodded before they looked at the man, who was being spoken to softly by both Hugo and Donella. He seemed calmer as he turned to face the commenter, Hugo looking particularly perturbed before he walked around and stood next to Moonlight, his arms crossed in front of his chest as he raised a brow at the man. Cyrus sighed, "well for starters, I can't answer the Donella thing, apparently that Ba-!" Quirin and Hugo's eyes narrowed as a few black rocks formed at Cyrus's feet, the warning not lost on the man, "that.... *Author*, told me not to say anything about it.... So I won't, for now, but as for Hugo...." He looked at the blond, who, again, raised a brow, "kid came in out of fuckin nowhere and stole all of Don's time! It was just me and her for a while, a *long* while, and then suddenly this *special boy* came into our lives and she starts getting all motherly with him until she started to.... Well 'beat the shit out of him' would probably not sit well with these pansies, so I'll just say 'mistreating him' and move on"
"Both would've been fine because both are bad and are the truth", Varian said as he walked over to the group, his eyes glowing as a warning, "the only issue we have with you is insulting anyone here and/or telling lies"
"Beating on the commenters is also a big nono", Hugo stated with a smirk, "and really? You hate me because you're jealous?"
"I'M NOT FUCKING JEALOUS!" Cyrus shouted, calming down immediately when the pointiest part of the black rock nearly pierced his nose, "....I'm not jealous of *you*, I got angry because you were taking up Don's time and she had better things to do than to look after you all day! It drove me crazy, much easier to do our own thing without *you* hanging around"
The bespeckled teen rolled his eyes, noticing Quirin about to object he said, "don't bother, this is normal Ingvarrian behavior"
Quirin raised a concerned brow at the teen, "seriously?"
"Yep", Hector agreed, walking over to the man and glaring daggers at him before he walked in front of Moonlight, pulling them behind him quickly, "children are seen as objects, not people. They're used to make families look good, that's all, honestly the Dark Kingdom has the same rules but for women, at least, until Adira made them all shit bricks when she-", he stopped himself, "heh, spoilers, anyway, same rules bigger group of people"
"That's.... So messed up...." Eugene stated, Ash:>, Mha_kny, and Lance nodding in agreement
"No one cared...." The wild tamer stated sadly, "they never cared...." He looked down when he felt a small hand on his arm, smirking at Moonlight as they comforted him, "at least until now"
Quirin smiled at the commenter, "were those all the questions you had for Cyrus?" When Moonlight nodded Quirin glared at the man, "good, then he can go", he stated, Aisheyru and Crystal also glaring at the man angrily as he walked away
Hector huffed as the black rocks lowered and Varian stopped glowing before he walked over to his boyfriend, "you okay?"
"Yeah, kinda knew a question like that was coming", the bespeckled teen replied, "he's a large child, I swear...."
"Yeah he really is", Varian agreed, "and he doesn't know a good boyfriend when he see's it"
Hugo smirked, "could say the same about you Freckles"
"Thank you, you just earned two boyfriend points"
"So flattery *does* get me somewhere?"
"Not the place you want to be, but close to it, yes"
"OH MY GOSH VARIAN GO TO HORNY JAILLL!" Ash:> screamed before laughing, as did Mha_kny
Aisheyru and Moonlight blushed as Crystal joined in the laughter. Varian giggled, "apparently you're too innocent Love", Hugo said
"Yes he is", Quirin stated, "and I've got a *gigantic* bar of soap for the *both* of you if you don't cut it out"
This made the two alchemists laugh as Moonlight looked at Hector worriedly. The man was staring at Cyrus, he was glaring at the man, but it wasn't as sharp as they'd expected. The commenter thought for a moment before they got an idea and said, "hi!" Getting the man's attention
"Hi?" He replied with a smirk
"I didn't think I would talk to you again so soon, but I'm so happy to do so! I wanted to ask you how your retractable blade works. Did you design it yourself or did someone gave it to you as a gift? I find it so cool!"
The wild tamer's smirk widened to a warm smile as he said, "Varian could explain it better, but there's a magnetic pulley system that goes off whenever I make a certain gesture, like when I pump my arms even slightly, like this", he jerked his arm a bit and out popped the blade, "see these little grooves on it?" He pointed to the indents on the blade, "the blade is actually bigger on the bottom, the reason is because it closes in on itself when I put the blade away", he jerked his hand up and the blade slide back inside the gauntlet, the commenter noticing how the blade fell into itself as it did so, "don't worry it's as strong and as sharp as any other blade, but I still have to be careful because it can break super easy. I guess the best thing I could compare it to is Quirin's duel blades but with less durability, like he can swing at a boulder, not that he would, and even if he didn't cut it his blades would still be in one piece, my blades would shatter if I even *tried* something like that, but that's why I've gotta use more accuracy in my attacks". He explained happily, "I helped make them, one of the knights in the Dark Kingdom helped me. He'd come up with this idea a long time ago and I was the first one to test it out! I helped him make it and trained with it, even went against Quirin a few times", he looked at the man, who was chatting with Aisheyru, Crystal, Varian, and Hugo again, "he beat me every time, but I got better", he smirked at the commenter, "thanks for the distraction, wanna chat for a minute? Dunno where Harmony went, but I'm certain they'll turn up sooner or later"
Moonlight nodded when they remembered the Demanitus's warning still on their minds, they still intended to bring it up to the wild tamer, maybe now was a good time to do that? They sat on the couch with the man and were about to ask when suddenly-!
*BOOM*
The entire room shook as Everyone turned to see a horrible sight! Harmony was on the floor, white wings stained with red, long hair matted and messy, musical halo bent just a bit, and various cuts and bruises on their body. They struggled to get up, but ended up falling to the floor in a heap as a voice jeered at them, "aw is that all you've got little author?"
Moonlight's blood ran cold as they looked and saw Zhan Tiri floating in front of the musical author, her eyes glistening with delight, no longer a ghostly blue but instead a very corporeal purple and pale skin, she grinned wickedly at the author, "no more tricks up your sleeve? No more quips, none of that?"
"HARMONY!" Aisheyru yelled before they bolted over to the musical author, Mha_kny, Ash:>, Moonlight, and Crystal all doing the same as Cassandra stood up, her eyes wide with fear
"What are you doing?!" She asked
"Getting what *I* deserve", Zhan Tiri replied before a large, black claw with a green glow ripped from her sleeve, heading straight towards the commenters
"NO!" Harmony yelled, "NO YOU'RE *NOT* TOUCHING THEM!" They screamed, "I'm sorry guys, this is the only way I can stop her for now!" The author looked at the fourth wall and screamed, "THE END!"
Notes:
You're safe in the comments, I can't let Zhan Tiri get ahold of *any* of you, I'm sorry for the abrupt ending but I just couldn't.... Zhan Tiri will be able to.... Look just, please, I need your help to stop her! Tell me what powers you want to have, what forms you would take, like mine, wings, tails, scarves, whatever! And any questions you have for Zhan Tiri (and Demanitus), it may help distract her! I *NEED* your help to defeat her before she gets to you! Whatever happens, she cannot get ahold of any of us! If she does th-!
*ThEn EvErYtHiNg WiLl *B-B-BE* PeRfEcTlY fInE! dOn'T wOrRy ABoUt *M-M-M-ME* i'M fInE!*
*I hOpE yOu EnJoYeD tHiS cHaPtEr, HaVe A-A-AN aBsOlUtElY wOnDeRfUl DaY/nIgHt!*
hee hee hee hee hee~
Chapter 198: Yes or No? (Part 1!)
Summary:
I need all the help I can get to face Zhan Tiri! She cannot get into our world! She can't! If she does, then-!
*ThEn EvErYtHiNg WiLl *B-B-BE* PeRfEcTlY fInE! dOn'T wOrRy ABoUt *M-M-M-ME* i'M fInE!*
Notes:
*i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE*
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Aisheyru, Ash:>, Moonlight, Crystal, and Mha_kny all stared in shocked silence as the characters surrounding them ran over. Harmony was standing there, their back turned to them and head twitching violently. No one spoke, their words dying in the throat as the author turned around and grinned! Their eyes were two different colors, one a bright, hopeful blue, the other an angry violent purple, tears were streaming from the blue eye as cracks formed from the purple. One wing was still white and angel like, while the other was an inky black color with green on the inside, it was in the form of a bat wing and looked tattered. The long hair as a light blond at the top then gradually faded into the same inky black as the bat wing. The left arm of the author was a normal human arm, but the right was inky black, larger than the other, and had large, green claws on it. The musical halo was gone, now there were bloodied black horns protruding from the author's head, and while the blue eye still shed its tears, the author's mouth was twisted into a deranged looking smile, one that wouldn't be possible for any normal human to make! Harmony's teeth were sharp, their clothing was ripped, their body was bloodied, and the one blue eye wore a heavy bag underneath it..... The thing laughed, it's laughter a combination of Harmony's cry and Zhan Tiri's joy before it looked at the group
"Well well w-w-w-well", it said, "a-a-aren't we angry? C-c-come now, surely y-you all saw this coming?" Their voice sounded disturbing, Zhan Tiri's voice being louder than Harmony's, but the author's saddened tone could be heard underneath, a quiet whisper echoing their words as they spoke. Their voices sounding almost metallic as well, glitching like a skipping CD would.
Aisheyru growled as Mha_kny yelled, "BAD ZHAN TIRI BAD! I WILL NOT LET YOU HURT HARMONY!!!!"
It laughed, "y-y-you think *you're* in c-control?! D-did you *forget* w-who I just t-t-took over?!" The thing raised Harmony's left arm, the blue eye closing as a pen appeared in their hand, "t-t-the Tangled characters w-w-will attack their fans!" It wrote in the air, the ink sparkled then disappeared as all the characters in the room turned to face the commenters, "t-try getting p-p-past *them*!" It jeered, as all of the characters rans towards the commenters
"Shit!" Aisheyru said, jumping back as Lance tried to slash them with his sword, just barely missing the fox tailed commenter as they landed, "Lance! It's Aisheyru! Can't you hear me? Don't you recogni-!" They gasped when they saw the mans eyes, they were white, no iris, no shine, just white, blank, and empty.... "Lance...." They felt their tail poof a bit when they heard that thing's laugh, glaring at them as they watched Zhan Tiri and Harmony disappear into a portal filled with inky black as another portal appeared after the black one disappeared, swirling with colors, "*double* shit...."
"HECTOR!" Moonlight screamed, "HECTOR PLEASE!" They ran away from the wild tamer as he slashed at them with his one blade, his eyes the same empty white as Lance's, "PLEASE! REMEMBER ME!"
The tamer managed to corner them, raising his blade in the air as he did, "can't you see who you're attacking?!" Ash:> yelled, grabbing Hector's arms and trying to stop him as they all heard that thing laughing above them with glee and despair! "They were best friends with you! You're their imaginary friend! Come ON Hector, SNAP *OUT* OF IT!"
The wild tamer growled, swinging Ash:> around, trying to get them off of him before he stopped when he heard Moonlight say, "Hector.... Please.... *Remember* me...."
Hector looked at the commenter, no longer trying to get Ash:> off of him as his eyes focused on Moonlight. They stared at each other for a moment before the wild tamer's blade retreated back into its gauntlet. He kept staring at them before the commenter reached out and hugged the man, "*please*...."
Hector froze for a moment before memories began to flash in his mind. Both Ash:> and Moonlight heard something akin to chains crashing to the floor before Hector sucked in a huge breath of air as his eyes faded back to normal, his yellow irises landing on Moonlight, who had stopped hugging him, as he smiled, "h-hey", he said, "you did it, you got me out of it"
Moonlight grinned from ear to ear Hector hugged them happily while Ash:> watched the two embrace, "thank goodness", the commenter then realized something and turned to the rest of the commenters, "the favorites!"
"What?" Crystal said before ducking as Adira kicked at them
"The favorites!" Ash:> repeated, "the favorites have a connection! Not only to us but to Harmony! If we can get them to remember that connection, maybe we can break them out of it!"
Crystal managed to dodge away from Adira before they asked, "ok, but who's Harmony's favorites?"
Aisheyru grinned, "Quirin and Varian!"
Mha_kny smirked, "the only two characters that didn't pause!"
"Right!" Ash:> exclaimed happily, "come on! We've gotta bust them out of their.... Whatever this is!"
"RIGHT!" Everyone stated
Moonlight, then tugged on Hector's arm. The wild tamer looked at them, "come on! We're gonna need your help!"
"Right", he nodded before he scooped the commenter up and placed them on his shoulder, "you're sticking with me"
"Will do!" Moonlight agreed before the wild tamer sprinted towards Quirin, who had both of his duel blades out and was preparing to fight.
****
Aisheyru made a beeline for Varian, the little alchemist's eyes and hair were glowing as he glared at the fox tailed commenter, "what do you WANT?!" He yelled, Ruddigar, who was on his shoulder, chittering angrily at Aisheyru, his tail poofed to twice it's size
The fox tailed commenter slid to a halt, "Varian, you need to snap out of this!"
"SHUT UP!" The teen screamed as black rocks tore the ground around Aisheyru apart. The commenter jumping on top of one and looking at the teen worriedly, "JUST SHUT *UP*!"
"He's never been able to control these rocks like that before...." Mha_kny said, running over and jumping on a black rock next to Aisheyru, "this isn't right, what's going on with him?"
The fox tailed commenter watched Varian before they noticed the teen was shaking, shaking uncontrollably, "....I think.... He's fighting back...."
Mha_kny looked at the teen as well and nodded, "I think you're right, but he can't get out of it.... "
"....Then we need to break Quirin out first, otherwise Varian will keep trying to hit us with those rocks, at least Quirin has a smaller range", Aisheyru said
"Right", Mha_kny agreed, "Quirin first, Varian next". With that, the two commenters hopped away from Varian and ran towards Quirin, Mha_kny getting Crystal and Ash:> to do the same while Aisheyru stopped and looked back at Varian
The teen was crying, tears sliding down his face as he continued to glow, "I'm sorry.... We'll be back for you, don't worry...."
****
"FOR FUCK'S SAKE QUIRIN! CALM DOWN!" Hector yelled, trying to block his brother's attacks as the man continued to slash at him repeatedly
"You can do it Hector!" Moonlight cheered, as they threw rocks at the man's back, having jumped down from Hector's shoulders to try and help the man get his brother to stagger back, "don't give up!"
"I won't!" The wild tamer exclaimed, blocking another attack, "but it's hard to fucking talk to him when he's like this!"
"HECTOR MOONLIGHT!" A voice called, the both of them looking over to see Mha_kny, Aisheyru, Ash:>, and Crystal watching them, "any progress?" Ash:> asked
"No", Moonlight replied, throwing another rock, "he's attacking Hector like crazy!"
"Shit...." Aisheyru stated
"We need to get him to stop for something", Mha_kny said, "we can't get close to him if he doesn't stop for a second"
"Wait, how are we gonna break Quirin out of this anyway?" Crystal asked, "does anyone have a plan?"
They commenters were silent
"....That answers that I guess", Crystal stated
"Wait!" Ash:> stated, "Hector began to remember because Moonlight hugged him!"
"They're right!" Moonlight exclaimed happily before Hector jumped in front of them, blocking Quirin's blades from hurting the commenter as they threw another rock at the retired knight, "sorry...."
"You're good", the wild tamer replied, "he's holding back, surprisingly"
"Wait he is?"
"Yeah", Hector pushed Quirin away, "trust me, Quirin's the strongest out of us three, if he wanted to kill me or defeat me, he would've done it by now", he blocked the retired knight's onslaught of attacks before pushing him away again, "he switches, one moment he's just sparing, the next, he's trying to kill me...."
"He's fighting..." Aisheyru observed, "just like Varian"
"This time without the crazy Moon powers, but with blades of fury!" Mha_kny joked
Ash:> watched the old farmer before they got an idea, "Aisheyru!"
"Huh?" The fox tailed commenter said, tilting their head to the side
"You know Harmony in real life! What would Harmony do in this situation?"
Crystal raised a brow, "why are you asking Aisheyru?"
"I don't know Harmony as well as Aisheyru does! They know what Harmony would do if they were afraid or scared and needed comfort, and I'm guessing Quirin and Varian would recognize that behavior!" Ash:> explained
Crystal smiled, "so they would slow down enough for us to..."
"I think we need to touch them, but we can't get close enough because of Varian's Moon powers and Quirin's swords, they're fighting, but they need help! Like Hector did!"
Mha_kny smiled, "not a bad idea", they then looked at Aisheyru, "what would Harmony do if they were scared or frightened?"
"Well, they would sing a song they love! Something that would comfort them!" Aisheyru replied, "but I can't sing, I've never been able to"
"Plus we don't know any of Harmony's go to songs...." Crystal said
"Yes we do!" Mha_kny stated, "me and Moonlight both do! We talked to Harmony about some of them and Harmony gave me some suggestions to listen to!"
"Plus Harmony and I talk about our favorite songs all the time!" Aisheyru replied, "their favorite is 'Cause You Had a Bad Day', makes them cry"
"Do you know that one Mha_kny?" Ash:> asked
"Yes! I did an edit that reminds me of it!" Mha_kny stated excitedly, "I think we'd need more than just me to sing it though"
"I'll sing!" Moonlight volunteered, as they dodged another of Quirin's attacks, "I wanted to sing with Lance, but I'll sing if it means slowing Quirin down and helping Harmony and Hector!"
"Ok, do you know the lyrics?"
"I don't think you'll need them", Aisheyru stated before they pointed up. From the portal left in that thing's wake, was musical staffs, pouring out and spilling into the room, swirling around the commenters, "I think Harmony's still helping us, now we just need it to show us the lyrics"
Everyone smiled for a moment before Ash:> said, "maybe it's like a youtube search bar", before yelling, "CAUSE YOU HAD A BAD DAY WITH LYRICS!" Up to the staff, suddenly, the music shifted, playing an instrumental familiar to Aisheyru and Mha_kny
"Nice", Crystal complimented, getting Ash:> to grin as the music started to play
As the music began to play, Mha_kny and Moonlight began to sing with the lyrics as they surrounded the room:
"Where is the moment we needed the most?
You kick up the leaves, and the magic is lost,
They tell me your blue sky's faded to gray,
They tell me your passion's gone away,
And I don't need no carrying on,
(Quirin stopped in his tracks and looked at the two commenters, his hands shaking as he held his blades up)
You stand in the line just to hit a new low,
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go,
You tell me your life's been way off line,
You're falling to pieces every time,
And I don't need no carrying on,
(The retired knight's face seemed to soften)
'Cause you had a bad day,
You're taking one down,
You sing a sad song,
just to turn it around,
(The Village Leader lowered his blade and listened to the song as all of the commenters came closer to him while Hector kneeled on the floor, panting)
You say you don't know,
You tell me, "don't lie",
You work at a smile,
and you go for a ride,
You had a bad day,
The camera don't lie,
You're coming back down,
and you really don't mind,
You had a bad day,
You had a bad day,
(Quirin had a single tear slide down his face as he watched the commenters)
Well you need a blue sky holiday,
The point is they laugh at what you say,
And I don't need no carrying on,
You had a bad day,
You're taking one down,
You sing a sad song,
just to turn it around,
(He dropped his right blade)
You say you don't know,
You tell me, "don't lie",
You work at a smile,
and you go for a ride,
You had a bad day,
The camera don't lie,
You're coming back down,
and you really don't mind,
You had a bad day,
(Quirin's hand was shaking as he raised his left blade to Aisheyru, fighting the urge to swing down)
Sometimes the system goes on the blink,
And the whole thing, it turns out wrong!
(The retired knight's mouth opened, "I-I.... I....")
You might not make it back and you know,
That you could be well, oh, that strong!
("I.... I'm sorry....)
And I'm not wrong (yeah, yeah, yeah),
So where is the passion when you need it the most?
Oh, you and I,
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost,
(Quirin lowered his blade)
'Cause you had a bad day,
You're taking one down,
You sing a sad song,
just to turn it around!
You say you don't know,
You tell me don't lie,
You work at a smile,
and you go for a ride!
(The old farmer's hand stopped shaking)
You had a bad day,
You see what you like,
And how does it feel?
Oh one more time!
You had a bad day
(Quirin's final blade dropped to the floor)
You had a bad day!"
Aisheyru saw the man looking down, tears were pouring from his eyes as he stood still. The commenter sighed before they wrapped their arms around the retired knight, "it's okay Quirin", they said, "we forgive you"
It took a few moments, but the fox tailed commenter felt the old farmer wrap his arms around them, "....Thank you...." Quirin said, getting Aisheyru to smile
The room was silent, too silent actually, Mha_kny and Ash:> looked around them and froze, "woah!" They said
"What?" Crystal asked as Moonlight went to check on Hector
"Everyone stopped", Ash:> replied, "even Varian"
Aisheyru looked at the pair, "wait, they all stopped?"
The fox tailed commenter felt the retired knight break the hug and did the same, looking at him before they sighed. His warm brown eyes were back, "that song", Quirin said, "that song in particular didn't just stop me"
"What do you mean?" Moonlight asked as they helped Hector stand up
"That song, the portal, Harmony left it open on purpose, so they could hear you", the Village Leader smiled up at the music spilling portal, "Harmony guessed something like this would happen, but they weren't sure. That being Zhan Tiri causing trouble I mean. That's why they kept watch over all of you and had me and Varian on guard at all times. But when Harmony proposed this idea, Varian suggested a failsafe, something that would make it easier on all of you, that's what the portal is", he looked at it again, "and that's why Harmony's favorite song got all of us to slow down, instead of just one! Varian's going to snap out of this trance, he and I are supposed to get you all out of here, Harmony still has a little bit of power, but it's dipping lower and lower the longer they're attached to Zhan Tiri, so you need to go, now!"
Aisheyru was startled, "b-but Quirin-!" They were cut off when the entire castle began to shake, only stopping when black spread all over the floor, though there was something familiar about it
"GO!" A voice screamed, getting all the commenters to turn and see Varian with both of his hands on the floor, sweat dripping off his face as he struggled to keep the floor stable, "GO THROUGH THE PORTAL!" He yelled, "i-if you all s-stay, I won't b-be able to hold the world together l-long enough and you'll all fall into Limbo!"
"Varian!" Crystal exclaimed
"Wait, why do you know about Limbo, that's later in the story!" Ash:> said
"And why can you control the black rocks so well right now?" Mha_kny added
"Harmony", Varian replied, "t-they told us about Zhan Tiri, a-about the ending of our story, a-and they gave me more control o-over the black rocks using t-their magic!"
"But how can they do that?" Moonlight asked, "they didn't write the show"
"But they wrote this story", Quirin said, getting everyone's attention directed at him, "they can change it if they want to, make a better ending for us, we're not the characters from Tangled the animated series anymore, we're Harmony's version of them! They control everything in this world, which is why they were able to break the rules a bit and give Varian his powers, it's why I have duel blades instead of just my bare hands, they filled in what the original writers didn't. But if you keep asking questions you're going to be trapped in this world! Harmony doesn't want that, it's not fair for you"
"But Harmony's apart of our world too!" Aisheyru stated
"I know, but they have a character in this world, they'd lose them here.... HarmonySong would be gone, but the person in your world would still be around...." Quirin sighed, "Zhan Tiri having control over Harmony means she can make any ending she wants, she can control Harmony's world, their characters, but only them. If Zhan Tiri gets ahold of any of you, then she'd be able to control a lot more than that!"
"What do you mean?" Crystal asked
"Think about it!" Varian stated, still holding the world in place, "y-you all have your own minds, i-imaginations! You can c-create all the worlds you want! B-but Zhan Tiri's vessel only h-has control over one, *this* one! Harmony, b-by letting their character be taken by Zhan Tiri, l-loses HarmonySong, which is a character t-that they made become t-the author of this story! I-it's why they could interact with us while still w-writing the story, w-why they could answer c-comments while still laughing and hugging all of you! HarmonySong i-is an Original Character! B-but *you're* not! Y-you're real! T-that's why you need to get out, because if Zhan T-Tiri takes over one of you, then s-she can make even more worlds be hers! S-she could become so powerful a-and have you all writing stories a-about her that more people w-will do it! She'll grow and g-grow until she'll b-be more than a character! She'll b-be real, l-like how my dad and I are r-real to Harmony, l-like how Uncle Hector is real to Moonlight!" Hector and Moonlight exchanged looks
"Harmony knows Zhan Tiri will cause nothing but harm to your world! S-so this is their failsafe", Quirin stated, "trap Zhan Tiri with their character, they'll lose us, this story, and their account, but their world, *your* world, will be safe!" Quirin stated, "the story may not continue for us, but all of you will be safe, Harmony, the *real* Harmony, will be safe too.... It's a sacrifice we're willing to make...." The retired knight stated, "me, HarmonySong, and Varian, we all agreed, so did everyone else too, it's for the best....." The old farmer sighed, "now you need to go! You need to leave NOW! Otherwise you'll be pulled into Limbo and we can't open the portal for you from there!"
"Wait!" Aisheyru said, "would there be a possibility to save HarmonySong and this world if we go into Limbo?"
"I-Aisheyru you can't-!" Quirin started
"Yes", Hector stated, getting everyone to look at him, he and Moonlight were holding hands, "it's dangerous, near im-fucking-possible, and could end up in the destruction of your world. But yes, you could save this world and HarmonySong, the story could continue, but you might be harmed in the process"
"Hector!" Quirin snapped
"They're in this story too damn it!" Hector stated, "and yeah, I agree to the terms but.... I'm gonna forget.... We all will...."
"Forget?" Moonlight asked
"When a new author takes over the story, even if they keep what's been written already, the characters turn into what they want, which means we forget everything and everyone we meet....."
"You mean me...."
"You, all of Harmony's Original Characters, hell I could even forget meeting *Varian*! Anything the new author wants, we would turn into that.... They could make us harm each other, torture each other, taunt, mutilate, they could throw Varian back in fucking prison..... The 'real' Varian and the 'real' Hector wouldn't be affected, so it may not matter, but we would.... This story wouldn't be like it was going to be.... You'd be reading something else.... Someone else's work, and as the commenters, I think they should be able to choose if they want that or not!"
Quirin raised a brow, "they'd be safe"
"But they would still be affected! So would the 'real' HarmonySong! They wouldn't be able to *BE* HarmonySong anymore! They'd have to change that, because HarmonySong would be gone, and using HarmonySong as an alias would release Zhan Tiri.... This is as much their decision as it is ours! They should get to choose!"
"Well c-choose fast please!" Varian exclaimed, "I c-can't hold this world together m-much longer!"
Quirin looked at his struggling son, then at Hector, before he sighed and looked at the commenters, "fine, choose, you can leave now, and be unscathed but lose this world, Harmonysong, and us, or stay here and try to save this world, but your world might be affected, and there's not a 100% guaruntee you could save HarmonySong, I won't force you...."
Yes or No?
Notes:
Yes or No?
Chapter 199: Yes or No? (Part 2: Yes!)
Summary:
*i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE
Notes:
*i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInEi'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE i'M fInE*
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Yes or No?
Mha_kny glared at the portal before they looked at Quirin, determination set in their eyes, "I'LL SAVE YOU HARMONY WHO'S ALL IN?!?!?" They raised their hand and waited, looking at the other commenters
Ahs:> smiled and raised their hand, "I said it once and I'll say it again! We ride at dawn! Don't worry Harmony we got you! We wont let the demonic blueberry toddler get you or this world, as a matter of fact, I've got the Ghost Buster's on the line right now! So hang tight!"
Moonlight tightened their grip on Hector's hand before they raised their free one, "THERE'S ONLY ONE ANSWER FOR ME! I'M IN!!"
Quirin looked at them all, "it's going to be dangerous! You could get hurt! Your world could actually be affected!"
"I don't care", Aisheyru stated, raising their hand as well, "we save Harmony, 100%"
Crystal nodded excitedly and raised their hand, "LETS GO!!!!"
"I CAN'T HOLD IT!!!!!" Varian screamed
Quirin watched his son worriedly before he sighed, "ok", he then ran to the teen kneeling beside him before he looked at the group and nodded. He then scooped his son up, breaking the teen's concentration and letting the world below them shatter! The last thing the commenters saw was the portal to their world closing, the last thing they heard, was Harmony's sorrowful cries as they were drenched in darkness.....
****
"...hhhhhhhhHhHhHhHhHHHHHHHH?!" Aisheyru gasped, pushing themselves up as their vision came back to them. They looked around and saw their fellow commenters sprawled out around them before they noticed the world they were in....
There were purple, pink, and turquoise clouds surrounding them, they couldn't tell which was was up and which way was down, they saw, what looked like, Saturn with a bunch of crumbled cheese substituting as it's ring. There were bubbles everywhere and a blue giraffe neck with the head of a man with a unicorn horn sticking out of one of the purple clouds. Swirls of random colors would swim past them, literally swim, one of them was doing a back stroke. There was a tiny knight, covered head to foot in armor, riding a bumble bee about as big as Quirin's hand, a donkey was floating in a canoe with wings as a few snails passed it by was rowing away with snakes acting as oars.
The fox tailed commenter's mind grew interested before they noticed musical staffs floating around them, the song they heard coming from it they recognized as one that Harmony would sing when they were sad and trying to calm themselves down. Standing up, they bumped their head on something, looking up they yelped when they saw a big eye staring right back at them before it exploded into bubbles, "that's.... Both disturbing and yet kinda cool"
"Speak for yourself", a familiar voice replied, turning they saw Lance staring at a gigantic spider with an eye for a body, "why does it *always* have to be *Sp-Sp-Sp-Sp-SPIDERS*?!" He squeaked as he watched the spider eye blink at him, letting out another terrified squeak
"It's gonna be okay Lance", Ash:> said, standing up as well, "we actually know this place, trust me, it's not as creepy as it seems"
"I... I uh... don't know weather to be fascinated or terrified", Varian stated, looking around before he saw another gigantic eye looking at him before it popped into bubbles, "and we have a winner", the teen stated, his shoulders tensing as did his voice before he shuffled behind his father's back
"Well, we can't stay here and sight see", Mha_kny stated, "we've gotta go find Harmony"
"Right!" Crystal agreed before they looked around, "um... How exactly do we do that?"
"The musical staff", Aisheyru pointed out, "it's a song from Frozen 2, 'Do the Next Right Thing', Harmony sings it when they're anxious, scared, and sad, it's kind of a motivational song for them"
Moonlight smiled, "noted", they looked at Hector, who was looking around, "you okay?"
"My binturongs...." He stated, pointing up. The commenters looked and saw Pixie and Basil floating in the air with tiny wings on their backs, "they're uh.... Having some difficulties"
"Cool!" Crystal exclaimed as they watched the binturongs for a moment
Aisheyru smirked before they noticed Ash:> and Mha_kny looking at the staff worriedly, "we'll get Harmony back, we will", the fox tailed commenter stated, "I'll make sure of it"
"We know, we will too", Ash:> replied, "just, thinking about how this world affects people"
"What do you mean?" Aisheyru asked
"Well", Mha_kny began, "in the show, when everyone gets trapped in this world for a long time, their bodies change.... It's a little creepy, Lance grew a bunch of eyes on his body, Catalina's body turned into a purple cats while her head stayed the same, Angry's head became a balloon and she tended to float away, Varian's hair stripe was a snake instead of hair, it.... This place, it changed everyone, so.... We only just got here but, what's it doing to Harmony right now.... Especially since Zhan Tiri's got them trapped with her....."
The fox tailed commenter's blood went cold as they all became silent for a moment. No one really knew what to say until Varian stepped forwards, "Harmony may be affected by this, but they're strong! They've been battling Zhan Tiri this entire time, surely they're giving her all that they've got to fight back! I wouldn't worry so much, even if Harmony does change, this is still their world, they still have *some* control over it as long as they don't give up, and since we're still here, they haven't given up just yet!" He smiled, "so neither should we"
Aisheyru smiled, "he's right, we chose to save them, so let's go kick that Yzma knock off's *ass* and get HarmonySong back!"
Everyone cheered before they all jumped in the air and began to float! "This is not scientifically possible!" Varian exclaimed
"Roll with it Freckles, this *world* is not scientifically possible!" Hugo stated
"Come on everyone!" Ash:> stated, "this way!" They gestured towards the musical staff, which formed a path that led to a swirling storm, lightning shot out of it as a mixture of dark, grey clouds, and rippling musical staffs swirled around in an angry and violent fashion. The group swam/flew their way over to the storm before they stopped with they heard a loud roar, that was a mix between Harmony's cries and Zhan Tiri's laughter, rip through the air! Tt shook the entire world and pierced everyone's ears. The shaking eventually stopped, "I think it knows we're here", Moonlight pointed out, landing on another cloud, this one slick with water of some sort that was about ankle deep.
"Good!" Crystal stated, landing next to Moonlight, "I hope it knows, it's gonna need to prepare for the *worst* when we get done with it!"
"We should still be careful", Mha_kny replied, landing, and nearly slipping, on the slippery surface before Crystal helped them regain their balance, "we're not exactly equipped to handle a situation like this, actually, does anyone have a plan?"
The group was silent as the rest of the commenters, and characters, landed around them
"Well shit...."
"It's not exactly like we really had a lot of time before choosing to be fair", Ash:> pointed out, getting Quirin to wince a little with guilt before Hector patted his shoulder
"True, but we're still in deep shit if we don't figure something out", Aisheyru replied, "there's gotta be a way we can power up, something that would give us a little bit of a boost in this world...." They thought for a moment, no one really getting any ideas, "ugh...." Aisheyru gripped their head, "it's like something's blocking my thoughts!"
"T-t-that would be *ME*", a terrifying voice stated, getting the group to look up and gasp at what they saw
The *thing* before them was HUGE! Nearly all of it was completely black now, it's legs, waist, and torso was completely doused in the inky black from before, the legs had turned into tentacles, the wings had been enlarged, but now the bat like wings looked completely fine where as the angel like wing looked tattered and hurt. The horns were no longer bloodied, but they'd curled around the back, they *Thing's* long hair was now completely black and messy, it was still smiling wider than it should be able to, there was still one purple eye and one blue, but half the thing's face was covered in that same inky black, the other half still was Harmony's. That seemed to be all that was left of Harmony, their one blue eye that was the cause of the water on the floor as it leaked out gallons of tears onto it, and their left arm, which was still free as well, but it was shaking and bruised. The *Thing's* head was still twitching badly, almost like a glitch as it stared at the group below it.
"Y-y-you should've gone h-home!" It stated with a mix of glee and sorrow, "b-b-b-but I guess you t-t-think you can still save t-t-this miserable c-c-c-creature, HA!" He jeered, "they're m-m-m-mine now, and n-n-n-nothing you can say o-o-or do will change that!"
"SHUT UP ZHAN TIRI!" Mha_kny yelled, "WE'RE NOT AFRAID OF YOU! LET HARMONY GO *NOW*!"
"O-o-or what? Y-you'll yell at me? Hee hee h-h-hee, you're all just m-m-meek little humans! W-what can you d-d-do against me?"
Black rocks sprouted from the ground and hit the thing *hard*, "well for starters, *we* could certainly add a few new bruises to your body", Varian stated
"Maybe a dash of some gashes here or there?" Hector added as he released his blade, hopped up, and managed to land a few hits on the thing's body before landing! "You forget they're not alone! And *we* have plenty of power in this world!"
"Y-y-yes, but for h-h-h-how long exactly?" It asked before the bruises and gash marks began to disappear, "y-y-you forget whom I've taken over, y-y-your attacks don't affect me, i-i-in fact, you're nothing more t-t-than my *TOYS*!" It snapped before it swept Varian and Hector away with one sweep of it's claw before laughing when they crashed to the floor
"VARIAN!" Quirin yelled
"HECTOR!" Adira added as they both ran over to check on the pair
"We're fine", the wild tamer stated, hopping back up, "surprisingly"
"Yeah", Varian agreed, getting up as well, "I.... I'm not hurt"
*Mine....* A sad voice said
"What was that?" The blue eyed alchemist asked, looking around
*My babies.... Mine... My friends.... She won't hurt you... Never....*
"Harmony!" Aisheyru exclaimed, "that's Harmony!"
"Y-y-yes it seems like *they* w-w-w-want to keep you protected, s-s-so no matter what I d-d-do to their characters, they don't get hurt", It explained, "b-b-but no matter what *your* characters d-d-do to *us* *WE* won't g-g-get hurt either!" It jeered before it's grin widened even more, "w-w-which makes you all toys! U-u-unbreakable, and *fun* to bat around!"
Suddenly, Hector began to float in the air, he got his blade back out to try and stop whatever was coming, but the sword broke, "w-wha-AH!" The wild tamer screamed at he was thrown to the floor with a swipe from the *thing's* hand, landing harshly on his back. He coughed a bit before he felt his body begin to heal and he sat up, his blade refixing itself, "what the fuck?"
"Hee hee h-hee hee hee!" It giggled, "I w-w-wonder, how much c-can I hurt you b-before you heal?" Hector began to float again, he tried to attack this time, but his blade shattered once more before the *thing* grabbed his arm and snapped it like a twig!
"HECTOR!" Moonlight yelled as the wild tamer screamed before his bones began to heal again
Black rocks shot out of the ground again, slapping the *thing's* hand away as Hector began to fall, being caught in the knick of time by Quirin, "are you okay?" The retired knight asked as Moonlight ran over to him
"I-I'm fine, it's healing already", Hector stated, "that fucking hurt!" He added as his blade repaired itself once more
Varian glared at the *thing* his eyes and hair glowing as he did, "LEAVE MY UNCLE *ALONE*!"
"S-s-should I play with *you* next?" The *thing* said, raising it's hand as Varian began to float up
"NO!" Aisheyru yelled before they grabbed Varian's ankle, "PUT HIM *DOWN*!"
"Awww! T-t-trying to preserve H-H-Harmony's favorite baby b-b-boy? Well y-y-you can't save them *both* n-n-now can you?" It asked, releasing Varian from it's grip and getting the teen to fall on Aisheyru before Quirin began to float up.
"QUIRIN!" Mha_kny yelled as the retired knight let go of his brother, who tried to reach for him, but was unsuccessful, and braced himself.
He glared indignantly at the *thing*, "I'm not afraid of you", he growled
"O-o-of course you aren't, s-s-so *brave*, so h-h-heroic when it comes to y-y-your family, too bad you c-c-couldn't be the same for you *son*!" It exclaimed
"You're not going to make me upset either!" The retired knight stated, "I don't care what you say, I won't back down to *you*!"
For a moment, the Zhan Tiri side of the monster was a little surprised, before it scoffed, "o-o-f course, you represent Harmony's b-b-bravery and spirit, s-s-something I'm still fighting with", it glared at the Village Leader, "guess that m-means we're going to have a lot m-m-more *fun* with you!" The retired knight's blades popped out of their sheaths and began to swarm around Quirin! Cuts and gashes appeared on his body as the swords dug deeper and deeper into him
"NO!" Varian yelled, staring at his father as Aisheyru and he untangled themselves, "DAD!"
"Oh l-listen to the sounds of your poor boy, h-h-he's so worried about you!" It stated as the swords stopped their attack and slammed into the retired knight's chest at the same time, coming out the back of him
"DAAAAAAD!"
Quirin gritted his teeth as he continued to glare at the *thing*, "I'm.... Not.... Afraid of *you*!"
"Your spirit i-is going to get you *killed*", the *thing* stated before it threw Quirin to floor. He landed on his back as well while everyone ran over to him
Varian was the first to get to him, "dad! Dad! A-are you okay?" When he saw his father begin to float, the teen glared at the *thing*, "LEAVE HIM *ALONE*!" He yelled, before a shield of black rocks formed around them, making an unbreakable dome
"That.... Works I guess", Eugene stated, "nice job kid"
Varian nodded before he looked at his father again, "are you alright?" He repeated
"I'm okay, I'm alright", Quirin replied before he felt his chest begin to heal, "um... H-Hector can you... The swords... They're gonna...."
The wild tamer caught the hint, "Aisheyru, hug Varian"
"Got it", the fox tailed commenter replied
"Wait, wha-!" Aisheyru grabbed Varian and hugged him, making sure to keep his eyes away from his father as Hector and Adira grabbed a blade and pulled it out of him quickly
Quirin winced for a moment before he looked down and saw the wound had healed, he sighed, "thanks"
*I'm so sorry....* The sad voice said again, *I'm so so sorry....*
"Harmony...." Moonlight said softly
"There's gotta be a way we can help them..." Mha_kny replied, "does anyone have any ideas?"
Aisheyru let Varian go, the little alchemist making a beeline for his father as the fox tailed commenter thought for a moment, "we can hear Harmony... Can they hear us?"
"They might.... But how would we know?" Mha_kny asked, "I mean we could scream to the heavens, but depending on when Harmony's got enough control to say anything back, I think they're only objective is to apologize to us right now...."
"Mha_kny is right", Ash:> stated, "we wouldn't be able to tell if they could or not... There's gotta be a way we can know for sure"
Everyone thought for a moment before Varian snapped his fingers, "you talked to my mom", he stated, getting everyone to look at him, "I saw Mha_kny doing so before, I... Cried when you did.... M-maybe you could do the same thing here?"
Crystal grinned, "didn't someone talk to the Moon and Eugene's mom too?"
"Is *that* what happened?" Eugene asked, "heh, I had a dream about my mother after that, it was nice, we went on a picnic"
Moonlight smiled, "that's a good idea! Varian, do you think you can keep the black rocks up for a while?"
The teen nodded, "I'll do my be-AH!" He winced as something large pounded on the dome, he put his hands up and began to glow brighter, "best! I'll do my best!" He stated, his voice a touch strained
"We'll stick with Speckles, all of you need to talk with Harmony", Adira stated
"All of us?" Crystal asked
"Yes", the face painted warrior replied, "it's important that they know you're all here for them"
Ash:> nodded with a smile, "noted", they then looked at the other commenters, "how do we do that?"
"Hold hands?" Moonlight said, "then we concentrate on Harmony"
"Good a place to start as any", Aisheyru stated, "let's do it!"
They all grabbed each other's hands and closed their eyes, their thoughts went to the memories they've shared with Harmony, how the musical author spoke with them, how they smiled, how they laughed, the commenters concentrated on everything they could remember of the musical author, suddenly, the scene began to change. They felt weightless as their environment turned pitch black, they kept concentrating until they heard whispers. The voice sounded like Zhan Tiri, but they also sounded like the commenters themselves:
*You're a horrible writer*
*Who even cares about you?*
*You're *useless!**
*Your chapters suck!*
*You're insulting everyone!*
*You don't know what you're talking about*
*You're so stupid!"
*You're worthless!*
"SHUT UP!" Crystal yelled, glaring all around them as the voices quieted down
"Y-you're here?" Opening their eyes, they looked and saw Harmony, they were stuck in a black cage, their halo was broken, their wings, both angel like, were tattered, their clothing ripped, cuts and bruises were scattered on their body, and their long hair was a mess! Half their body was covered in that same inky black as before, save for their left arm and half their face and neck, "h-how did you get here?! W-what are you *doing* here?! Q-Quirin and Varian, t-they were gonna get you out! You shouldn't *be* here!"
"Harmony-!" Aisheyru started
"No! Y-you should've gone back, s-should've gone home! You're safe there! W-why are you here?!"
"Because we're not leaving you behind!" Ash:> stated
"You're our *friend* Harmony, we don't leave friends behind", Moonlight added
You are literally one of my closest friends", Aisheyru stated with a grin, "why would you think I would ever leave your ass behind?"
Harmony smirked tiredly, "the pros outweighed the cons, I was hoping the threat of our world would be enough..... Heh, you're as stubborn as ever"
Aisheyru gave a cheeky grin, "doncha know it!"
The musical author giggled a little before sighing, "I'm so sorry...."
"You don't have to be sorry right now!" Mha_kny stated, "look, you need help, we're here to help you! But we can't do that since you and Zhan Tiri keep pounding your characters into the ground... It's getting pretty brutal...."
"I know...." Harmony said, a single tear running down their face, "I keep trying to heal them but.... Quirin.... Hector...." The author went silent
"Hey, it's okay", Aisheyru said, kneeling down next to Harmony, "you're still in control, you can still do something!"
"Not much.... Zhan Tiri managed to get majority of my body.... And while I still have some power, I've locked majority of it away so she couldn't get to it.... I can't do anything right now... Just heal, and maybe change a few things on characters like Varian's Moon powers being heightened, that's it...."
"Hmmm.... WAIT!" Crystal exclaimed, "what if you used it to give us super cool powers?!"
"What do you mean?" Harmony asked
"Well, like me for instance, make me into a werewolf!" They exclaimed, "I have a wolf spirit that takes over my body whenever males try taking advantage of me, or when I get very angry my canines sharpen! I growl and snarl like a wolf and my nails can slice through skin quickly! My sense of smell, taste, hearing and sight are VERY HYPER SENSITIVE. Use my wolf spirit guide and senses! I could do a lot of damage in that form!"
"Hey that's a good idea!" Ahs:> stated, "we could all get forms, super charged up forms that we could describe to you! You said you still have control over the characters, well, make us characters in your story!"
Ausheyru grinned, "oh that would be fun! Crystal and I would tear the Yzma knock off's throat out together!"
"Hell yeah!" Crystal exclaimed, high fiving Aisheyru
"What would that do though? Zhan Tiri can heal", Mha_kny pointed out
"They can heal with the Tangled characters attack them.... But you're not Tangled characters!" Harmony exclaimed, "you're real! Well, my characters are real too but... You know what I mean! You're from my world! If I gave you powers, you'd turn into OC's!"
"OC's can hurt Zhan Tiri?" Aisheyru asked
"It's a little complicated, but the basic gist is the original characters I made were never in the original show, obviously! Because of that, they remain unaffected by Zhan Tiri since they're *my* characters! If she gained complete control over me, she would be able to erase them completely, but that's it. She wouldn't be able to control them since they were never meant to be in this world in the first place! And since they were never made for Tangled the series, they could hurt her since their powers wouldn't be from the show, they would be from my mind! It's like a loophole in this universe's rules! How did I not *think* about that?!"
"Because you're stuck inside your own head mixed with a demon that is actively hurting your favorite characters and making you listen to lying creepy voices", Aisheyru answered
"....True, oki, tell me what powers you want, and I'll try my best to make them yours-!" The entire room shook as Harmony said that, "a-and hurry!"
****
"HANG ON EVERYONE!" Rapunzel yelled and she pushes against the black rocks to hold them steady, they began to crack and break, a few pieces falling around them as the *thing* continued to pound it's fists against the dome!
"Ow!" Eugene glared at the ceiling as a rock hit his head, "EASIER SAID THAN DONE BLONDIE!"
"Do you think they're okay in there?" Lance asked as he looked at the circle of commenters, their eyes were glowing white and they were smiling
"Let-ah! stupid rock! Ugh! Let's hope so Lance", the Dark Prince replied before he heard Varian yelp, "kid! You okay?!"
The teen had his back to everyone, he was kneeling on the ground and had both hands up as if he were trying to hold the entire world on his shoulders! He had tears coming out of his eyes and blood coming from his nose, his hair and eyes were flickering on and off light a dying flame as he grunted and sniffled, "I-I'm f-fine....."
Quirin, who was staying by his son's side and batting the falling rocks away from the teen along with Hugo, looked at the blue eyed alchemist, "son-!"
"I'm alright, I'm f-fine just.... N-need to c.... Con.... C-c-concen...tr...." Varian fainted
"VARIAN!" Hugo yelled as he and Quirin stopped swiping at the rocks and and knelt to look at him, "Freckles, come on! Wake up", Hugo tried, "WAKE UP!" The done began to crumble, making creaking and cracking sound as that *thing* kept pounding on it's top, "shit!"
"H-h-h-h-ha!" It stated with an even wider grin, "I k-knew we c-WHAT?!" A bright flash of light came pouring out from the dome as the roof caved in, "w-w-what's happening?!"
Everyone stared at the glowing light, no one was sure what it was until a light dashed out of it, followed by another, then another! Soon there were six large lights dashing everywhere! The light in the dome fading, "what the hell?" Eugene said, before he realized something, "hey! The commenters! Where'd they go?!"
"Right here *BITCH*!" A voice, sounding vaguely like Aisheyru's, snapped as one of the light dashed across the *thing's* face, causing a massive gash to form as black blood spilled out from it
It let out a *HUGE* roar! "WHO DI-I-ID THAT?!"
"ME!" The light stopped on the floor in the middle of the dome, finally fading as a glowing white kitsune appeared from it, their eyes were dancing between acid yellow and silver as their long, white tails ended in an lnky black color, as though they'd been dipped in ink! Wrapped around their neck was a scarf that seemed to be, alive?! It was fuzzy, green, red, and brown, and on their head was an aviator helmet with goggles attached to it! Lightning sparked from their body as puffs of smoke escaped the kitsune's nostrils, they growled deeply at the *thing*, "you hurt my friend! So I'm going to KILL YOU!" They grinned wickedly before they hopped up and, nearly flying with how fast they ran before they roared and sunk their teeth into the *Thing's* neck, tearing at it happily before taking a chunk with them as they fell to the floor, spitting it out like it was nothing and grinning like a demon!
"H-H-HOW?! I DIDN'T M-M-MAKE YOU!" It screamed, clutching at it's neck desperately as it's attempt to heal did nothing
"We know you didn't!" Another voice, that sounded like Mha_kny, "*Harmony* gave us an upgrade!" Another light landed next to the kitsune and faded, showing a Mha_kny standing there, but they had foot high platform shoes on, black leggings, a long black t-shirt with a white belt, and a green and black checkered cap-like shirt that hung loosely around them. Their wavy hair was in a ponytail, and faded from black at the top to a rich purple at the bottom, they had dark brown eyes, but their pupils were white slits that were shaped like a crescent Moon! Their back had large, greyish purple, a little tattered looking dragon wings on them. They smirked and pulled out a deck of cards, "and you", they drew one, it happened to be an UR card of an angry looking Quirin on it, "are in a lot of trouble....."
They placed the card on their forehead and grinned as the card disappeared and their eyes began to glow bright before they held out their arms and duel blades, identical to Quirin's, plopped into their hands, a small wisp of multicolored magic swirled around them as they pointed one of their blades to the creature then they ran forwards at blazing speeds that made the retired knight proud! Zhan Tiri tried to smash them with it's hand, but Mha_kny was way too fast for them and dodged! They began to wall climb up the *thing's* body before they hopped, a portal opening underneath them and they fall in before another portal opened near Zhan Tiri's side of the *Thing's* face and Mha_kny let out a flurry of slashes rip through it's skin! The *Thing* roared in agony as Mha_kny opened another portal, jumped inside, then ended up next to the kitsune once more, grinning from ear to ear!
"HO-O-O-O-O-OW!!!!!!" The *thing* screamed
They heard a howl come from another ball of light, making Catalina straighten up as she looked and saw the form of a werewolf burst from the light, their fur was white with red markings on it! They had large black claw-like nails that shined menacingly as they sliced through the *Thing's* chest, causing more black blood to ooze out of it! The werewolf's large ears propped up as they heard the sound of it's hands coming near them, they quickly jumped out of the way, a wisp of following after them, sparkling as Catalina recognized it as spiritual wisp, "a wolf spirit?" She stated, her eyes growing wide
"That's RIGHT!" The werewolf stated, sounding a lot like Crystal as their red eyes glared up at the *Thing*, "and I'm about to TEAR OUT THIS THING'S THROAT!!!" They howled, before they let out a flurry of slashes and cuts, jumping away from the *Thing* and landing safely next to Mha_kny, smirking, "nice kitsune form Aisheyru!"
"Thanks!" Aisheyru stated, "love the wolf spirit Crystal!"
"Thanks!"
"SHU-U-UT UP!" It yelled, "*I'M* IN CONTROL! THI-I-IS IS *MY* STORY NOW!"
"No it ISN'T!" Moonlight snapped, the light around them fading as the sound of a flute began to play. Wind swept through the entire area, knocking the *thing* off it's tentacles! Moonlight hopped on the wind and rode it over to the rest of the group, they had short, curly, brown hair, vivid green eyes that shimmered with excitement through the black stripes that went from their eye lids to their cheeks! They wielded two scythes, which they used to cut a LARGE gash in the *Thing's* back, making it *howl* in pain! They were wearing a black, Hector like, cape with a fluffy green collar, black leggings and under armor, brown gloves and boots, and a green tunic, they had, what looked to be, a shark tooth earing, nearly identical to Hector's, they also had white wolf ears and a tail, which also had black stripes on it, they smirked at Hector, "hiya!"
"Hey", he replied, "nice earring and cape"
"Thanks, same to you!"
A hand slammed down in front of the group, "ENO-O-O-O-O-OUGH! I'M T-T-TIRED OF PLAYING YOUR GAMES! I-I-I'VE HAD *ENOUGH*!" It raised it's hand above it's head, only to scream in agony as something bright shot through it!
"And *WE'RE* tired of playing *YOUR* games!" Ash:> exclaimed as star began to rain down on the *Thing*, making it back up! "INCOMING!" Ash:> yelled before they came flying into the battle on top of a gigantic star! They hopped off of it and landed on the floor as the star crashed behind them! Their hair was in a tight braid, the ends faded into an opaque white color. They had brown eyes with clear glasses on, freckles sprinkled on their face that reminded everyone of Varian and Rapunzel, pointy ears, and when they smirked there was a small dimple on their right cheek! They looked small, but seemed to pack quite a punch, they had a black pointy hat on that had a ribbon tied under their chin in a bow, they wore a small black dress that flowed with the wind, it reached to their calves, they had a small black jacket on as well that acted as a cape, and had ankle high black boots! On their back they had a long rapier sheathed at the moment, they were also carrying a small black purse around their shoulder, "hiya, sorry about the crash landing, took a minute for me to come because of the inside joke"
"Inside joke?" Mha_kny asked
"Yeah, Harmony had to make sure they had the rights to use the inside joke, but then they realized it's a fanfic, people know this is a Mary Poppins joke", they gestured to their purse, "and that they didn't make Mary Poppins, so they-ah you had to be there, don't worry about it"
"....ooookay then", Aisheyru said, "come on guys! Let's kick this *Thing's* ass and get Harmony back!"
"RIGHT!" The group exclaimed before they ran towards the *Thing*, right as it got up and let out an ear piercing ROAR as the commenters approached with what would be the biggest fight of their lives!
Notes:
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................*thank you!* (❁´◡`❁)
Chapter 200: Yes or No? (Part 3: Yes!)
Summary:
(*You can do it!*)
Chapter Text
The *Thing* swiped at them all with it's hand, but Mha_kny manifested a portal big enough that everyone was able to dodge out of the way! Aisheyru was the first to jump out, they jumped high into the air and landed on the hand. The *Thing* lifted it's hand and began to shake, but Aisheyru hopped off and sunk their teeth into the *Thing's* head, causing more black blood to seep out! The kitsune soon let go and slammed their paws into the *Thing's* head, sending a wave of electricity down it's body!
Crystal was next out of the portal, howling loudly as they sprinted for the *Thing's* chest! They used their claws to begin climbing as they The *Thing*, when Crystal reached it's heart, they bite down *hard* into it, tearing at it's flesh and growling as their claws pierced the *Thing's* skin!
It shuttered and shook before it growled and, using Harmony's arm, crashed it against the ground, sending a huge wave of sound at the two feral commenters, they were sent flying, both were able to balance themselves in the air before they heard Mha_kny shout, "hey!" Looking down they saw two portals underneath them and dove inside! They came out, landing on the ground before Crystal ran back into the fray, Aisheyru, deciding to climb on, what was left of, the dome, ran to the front center of it, closest to the *Thing* and let out an ear piercing "RAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWR!!!!!!!" Flames shot from their mouth, engulfing the *thing* in them!
Mha_kny and Moonlight were riding on the wind together, Ash:> nearby on a large star, Moonlight played a few notes on their flute and the wind took them behind the *thing*. Ash:> grinned and followed on their star before the flew up! The reached the top of the *Thing's* head and raised their hand up, as they did, another star shined in their palm, they gripped it and threw it at the *Thing*, it made a direct hit and sent the *Thing* sprawling to the floor, "take that!" Ash:> exclaimed with a grin
"Y-y-you think tha-a-a-at hurt?" It asked, it's smile growing wider, "yo-o-ou *wish*!" It used one of it's tentacles to grab Ash:>'s leg, swinging them around as their star disappeared
"SHIT!" Mha_kny exclaimed before they opened a portal right as Ahs:> was thrown by the *Thing*! Ash:> fell into the portal, landing safely on the floor before Mha_kny glared at the *thing* as it go up, "you wanna play? fucking *FINE*!" Unsheathing the two duel blades they'd summoned and hopping up before they slashed the *Thing's* back and released a flurry of attacks while they fell, causing it to yell in anguish before it turned around and smacked Mha_kny, who was caught by the wind, "thanks Moonlight!" they said
"You're welcome!" Moonlight replied before they asked the wind to set Ash:> down, when it did, the commenter sprinting towards the *thing* again as Moonlight stood up and played a few more notes on their flute, the wind sweeping Moonlight up and bring them closer to the *Thing as they began to spout a million questions per second, "how old are you exactly? I know you're a sour-tempered, very, very old lady trapped in a creepy baby corpse, but I don't have a precise number and I'd like to know? Is Zhan Tiri your real name? I bet you're called Gertrude, or Margaret, something like that. Oh, I have plenty of names that would fit you better! Is there a story behind the blue and purple shades? Cause I'm gonna tell you the truth, you're not much less ghosty than before, just more... Purple. Like you literally went from blue to purple miss, what's the matter with you? I totally respect one's preferences and all but-" They continued to insult the Zhan Tiri side of the *Thing*, causing it to roar in frustration,
"SHU-U-U-UT UP!!!!!!!"
"Oh noooo! Miss Tiri I hadn't realized the *crime* you're committing with your sole presence! Seriously, are you *trying* to ruin your own reputation?! You *have* to change this excuse of an outfit! It's sooooo unfashionable! You can't just waltz in and attack people when you're so badly dressed, Moon above!" The *thing* glared at the commenters, particularly Moonlight, before shaking them all off and batting Moonlight away from it!
Mha_kny summoned portals that caught everyone and got them to land safely nearby, smirking at Moonlight, "nice questions!"
"Thanks!"
"Y-y-you're all *PESTS*! I-I-I'm tired of these ga-a-ames, time to make some of my-y-y own!" It raised Harmony's left arm in the air and slammed it on the floor, lifting it up slowly as the commenters saw more tangled characters, but they were made out of black ink from head to foot and their eyes were glowing white..... They glared at the commenters before they ran forwards to attack, "de-e-e-eal with *THEM*!"
The commenters stood their ground, Mha_kny and Moonlight using their wind and portal magic to help the other dodge various attacks, Crystal and Aisheyru using their teeth and claws to slice through the inky enemies while Ash:> threw stars like they were shrunken, they exploded on impact, sending a plethora of inky appendages crashing to the ground. At one point, Aisheyru hopped into the air and used their fire breath again, melting the look a likes into their primary state. But they grew back, like a hydra, every appendage separated became a new inky imposter of that character. Even the tiniest droplet wasn't safe and the commenters began to grow tired, "this *huff* t-this is getting *pant huff* getting us nowhere...." Ahs:> stated before Mha_kny blocked a ink-poster of Quirin with their swords, slicing through him before he could hurt Ash:>
"I think you're *phew* you're right...." they stated, "but *huff* we can't really g-get past them can we?"
More ink-posters shambled over to the group, they were about to fight when they saw black rocks sprout around them, a bright flash of blue light spouted from the ground as they saw Varian float off the ground, "*we'll* deal with them! *You* save Harmony!"
"But *huff* you'll get hurt!" Aisheyru stated
"We'll get healed", Quirin replied, stopping an inky Edmund clone from hopping over the black rocks, "you won't! Hurry! Fight! NOW!"
The commenters nodded as they watched the Tangled crew fight their counterparts, "this would be super cool if it were animated", Crystal said
"Yeah it would", Ash:> replied, "but come on! We've got our chance, let's take it!"
"YEAH!" They all agreed before they focused their attention back on Zhan Tiri, who glared at them
"Yo-o-o-ou think that ju-u-u-ust because they've taken the clones that you c-a-a-an take me? You wi-i-ish!" It gloated, "after all, i-i-it's not just *my* power I've got in here!" the *thing* clapped it's hands together, sending large thunder-like sound waves towards the group and laughing! Moonlight played a few notes on their flute and got the wind to pick them up, they managed to dodge the sound waves before Crystal growled, running forwards, they pounced on the *Thing's* arm and began to sink their teeth into it's right arm before Zhan Tiri shook them off easily, "HA! Yo-o-ou really thing *teeth* are going to affect me?"
"Guys wait!" Aisheyru stated, stopping anyone from moving as Mha_kny summoned a portal and caught Crystal before they hit the ground, getting the wolf spirit creature to land next to them, "it's right, our powers alone won't affect them! We're doing damage, but it's very small, at this rate, we'll be out of stamina and Harmony won't have enough magic to keep these forms going, as it is right now, they barely have enough energy to keep writing an action scene to begin with!"
Ash:> blinked, "wow, that fourth wall is not having a good day today, it is?"
"Nope", Mha_kny replied
"Aisheyru's right though", Moonlight stated, "we can't keep using small attacks, we need to go for something big, something that'll weaken Zhan Tiri and allow Harmony to break free!"
"Ok but what attack can do that?" Crystal asked
They all thought for a moment before Aisheyru smirked, "sound"
"Huh?"
"Harmony is a musical person, their form would be associated with sound! What if we hit them with sound attacks and power Harmony's side up instead of trying to weaken Zhan Tiri!"
"That would be a great idea, if there was more sound attacks in our party", Ash:> stated, "as it is, the only person that uses any kind of sound is Moonlight"
".....What about Mha_kny, do you have a Harmony card?" Aisheyru asked
The card user's eyes widened, "I think I do, hang on!" They looked through their cards until they found one, "yes! And it's a UR card too! But I would lose my Quirin buffs"
The kitsune nodded, "can you read the description, what does that card allow you to do exactly?"
Mha_kny looked at the card, "allows the user to have some control over the power of sound, but can also allow user to.... Amplify the sound of others!"
"Yes!" Ash:> exclaimed, "that's great! You could amplify your own sounds and others too! The means Moonlight will have a bigger noise!"
"That's not all it means", Aisheyru stated, when everyone looked at the kitsune they grinned wickedly, "I've got a plan guys"
****
The *thing* smiled as it watched the Tangled characters struggle, inside it's mind, Zhan Tiri paced back and fourth in front of Harmony's cage, "you're wasting your time you know", the demon girl stated, "healing all of those injured characters and powering your little friends, you've spread yourself too thin you know"
"I... I won't listen to you Zhan Tiri!" Harmony spat, "you won't win.... I won't let you"
"Of course you don't *want* me to, but isn't there a part of you that would love nothing more than to have everything stop for a moment?"
The musical author froze, pupils shrinking, "s-shut up....."
"Oooh, touched a nerve, didn't I?" The ghostly demon asked with a grin, "suppose that's normal, you know, of all the people who could possibly be lying to anyone, it's you who's lying the most to yourself, isn't it?"
"I said shut UP!"
"You keep telling yourself you're fine, you're okay, that you like writing this story, that you love talking to people! You keep saying how much better you are than you were before, but in the end, you haven't really changed much... You're still the same stupid person that continues to second guess themselves"
Whispers began to voice their toxic ring, *nobody loves you*
*No body cares about you*
*Do you really think they want to see you?*
*They don't care what you think!*
*What would happen if you just disap-!*
"SHUT *UP*!!!!!" Harmony screamed as tears streamed down their face, "I don't.... I don't want to hear this from you! You won't make me give up, you WON'T!"
"Then why are you crying my dear?" Zhan Tiri asked, "why do you get up everyday and pray someone's noticed you've made a new chapter? Why do you eagerly look forward to seeing the comments and waste so much time replying to every single one? It certainly isn't because you *care* about the people you're talking to, but it's better than being alone now isn't it?"
"I...." Harmony sniffled, "I *do* care about them.... I just..... I......"
*You're worthless*
*You're disgusting!*
"I.... I....."
*You don't mean what you say*
*Why should they give a damn about you?*
"I...."
"You say you started this story because you wanted to give a story for Quirin and Varian, but most of these topics aren't even thought about by the writers and the creators of the show", Zhan Tiri continued, "you made them up in your head, and you write them out so fast. Varian doesn't even seem like the same character from the show, he's much more.... Damaged, could there be a reason for that?"
*You're lying*
"I...." Harmony tried
*Fake*
"He's you isn't he? All his thoughts, all his hopes, his dreams, everything he's done and been through, that's why you can write so quickly, because you have first hand experience? There are chapters you don't seem to have quite a grasp of yet, but the ones you do I've taken notice, like the one's about his anxiety and fears, you seem to have a pretty great grasp on that"
*Horrible*
*Disgusting*
"The one's where he's been lashed and shamed, that seems pretty personal, don't you think?"
*Horrid*
*Shame on you!*
"Or how about the one where he debated dy-!"
"SHUT UP!!!!!!" Harmony screamed, making the entire room shake, "please....." They said as tears slid down their face, "stop... I.... I can't.... I don't want to hear this from you....."
"....It's not that you don't want to hear this from me, it's that you don't want to face it", Zhan Tiri stated, "you don't want to face how broken you really are, how stupid you've really been", the demon chuckled, "you gave and gave so much of yourself that you're beginning to fall apart, I've been having trouble fighting you for so long, yet you've been growing more and more tired with each passing day, your thoughts are getting darker and darker, they're so delicious to me! Yet you keep this facade going, this act that you're okay and that they can come to you when they need, I would feel bad for you if I cared enough to", she jeered, "why don't you just give in to your thoughts? Give in to the fear, the anger, give in to the dark...."
*You should just-*
"N-no...." Harmony tried as the dark began to swarm around them
*Why am I even he-!*
"Stop....."
"Just give up Harmony", Zhan Tiri said, "just give up, let me take control, let all your emotions out, give up, let go, stop pretending to be good", Zhan Tiri stated, "it's much easier if you just didn't care"
*It's much easier to give up*
*It's so relaxing to shut my mouth*
*I should stop trying to fight*
*i should just die....*
*I should just die*
*I SHOULD JUST DIE*
*I SHOULD JUST DIE!!!!*
Suddenly the room filled with light as a sound filled the air, drowning out the voices, "what was *that*?!" Zhan Tiri asked, glaring as she looked around
The room lit up again, as more sound drowned the dark away, Harmony looked up and saw something shimmering around them, "w-what are they-!"
The room lit up one more time, killing the voices completely and scaring the dark back to where it came as the sound of a flute could be heard, the sound surrounding Harmony in it's lulling glow
****
"CHAAAAAAAAAAAARGE!!!!!!" The commenters screamed as Mha_kny opened a large portal and transported them right in front of the *Thing*! It opened both of it's eyes and glared at the group, "wha-a-a-at are you doi-!" It stopped midsentence when Ash:> Threw a few vacuums in it's face, they disappeared when they hit the floor, "what? Va-a-a-acumms?"
"MARY POPPINS PURSE BITCH!!!!!!" Ash:> yelled with a grin as they dug into their bag while atop their gigantic star and began to throw various items, *including* the kitchen sink! Their braid had fallen completely out at this point, their eyes were glowing a bright white as their hair sawn around them like they were under water!
"UGH!" Zhan Tiri growled, "I-I-I'll take care of you myse-e-elf you littl-AH!" It screeched as Aisheyru latched on it's right horn with their teeth, "GE-E-ET OFF MY HORN!"
"With pleasure!" Aisheyru exclaimed, letting go of the nasty thing, spitting its taste out of their mouth before they jumped off the *Thing's* head and spun around just in time to burst a long flow of flames into it's large purple eyes
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!! DA-A-AMN YOU!!!!!!!!" Zhan Tiri screamed, trying to grab Aisheyru, but it was unsuccessful as a portal opened and pulled Aisheyru in, getting the kitsune to land on Ash:>'s star and grinning as they both began to attack the dark side of the *Thing*
Moonlight played another loud song on their flute, sending it straight towards Harmony's ear, the blue eye began to glow even brighter, "guys I think Aisheyru's plan is working!!!!"
"Keep going then!" Mha_kny replied before they looked at Crystal, "ready?"
"Ready", the wolf spirit agreed before they both hopped into a portal and landed on the *Thing's* left shoulder. Mha_kny placed the Harmony card on their forehead, it shined before disappearing, the Quirin card popping up and ripping in half as the commenter's eyes glowed white and they summoned a microphone, handing it to crystal as they also summoned a Baritone, "I still can't believe this is Harmony's favorite instrument!"
"I know, that and singing, my gosh!" Crystal agreed
"Guys, focus!" Moonlight stated with a smile on their face
"Right!" The duo replied before they played/howled into the *Thing's* ear, the blue eye glowing bright once more!
****
Harmony looked around and felt the magic of the sound calling to them, but the voices continued their gloat
*They're only fighting for your story*
*They've wasted enough time reading it, they just want it to end*
*You're nothing*
*You're a FAILURE*
*You're disgusting*
*FAKE*
*Die*
*DIE!*
"No...." The musical Author replied, "I-I'm not, I mean every word I say in my stories, in my comments to them, I mean it! They.... They're not fighting just to reach the conclusion, they're fighting because they care about me!"
*How do you know?*
*They're lying to you*
"No they aren't", Harmony stated, "their comments alone showed that much", they said, remembering all their words
"How are *you* doing Harmony? ❤️ thank you so much again for this story, I already told you how it made me feel, and I'm super grateful for it! 🌈✨🤗" Moonlight
"Where do you come up with the inspiration for all this great stuff? You have some awesome ideas in your head!" Aisheyru
"Omg Harmony your my favorite. Also take all the time you need, life can get busy and it's ok to not post a chapter on time so don't worry" Ash:>
"EEEEEEEEKKKKKK!!😁😆THANKS SO MUCH!! 🥰😍👍👍👍" Crystal
"Emotional roller-coaster. EMOTIONAL R O L L E R C O A S T E R. Man I should've like recorded my reactions or something bc they were too damn funny XD u had me dying and crying at somepoints 💀 like I was wheezing so hard that my lungs could barely get air 😭 I was actually DYING" Mha_kny
Harmony smiled as tears slid down their cheeks, "they like my stories, they like my ideas, they like *me*, and I like them, a lot! I care about them, they make me truly happy and I really couldn't ask for a better community like them!" Their smile grew wider as they began to float in the air, the light around them shimmering, "they're fighting to save me, I didn't force them to make that decision, they chose that themselves"
"I'LL SAVE U HARMONYYYYYYY WHO'S ALL IN?!?!? *raises sword*" Mha_kny
"I said it once and I'll say it again we ride at dawn, don't worry Harmony we got you! We wont let the demonic blueberry toddler get you or this world, as a matter a fact I got ghost buster's on the line right now so hang tight. ♡♡♡♡" Ash:>
"THERE'S ONLY ONE ANSWER FOR ME! 😠🌟💚I'M IN!! *unsheathes scythes, on guard position*" Moonlight
"IF ANY MALE TRIES ANYTHING TOWARDS MY SHE WON'T HESITATE TO ATTACK AND THREATEN TO TEAR OUT THEIR THROAT. (Ex got that threat!!😡) My sense of smell, taste, hearing and sight are VERY HYPER SENSITIVE. Use my wolf spirit guide and senses in the next chapter please!?" Crystal
"I don't care. Do it. We Save Harmony. 100 Percent." Aisheyru
Harmony smiled even wider, "they care about me, about my characters, about my story, they care! They make me happy, so very happy, everyday! I love writing new chapters for them, even when I'm tired! They make me smile everyday and there's no way they could ever fake that! They aren't lying, they aren't fake, they're real, they're really here, they're really fighting to help me", the musical author closed their eyes then opened them once more, they were glowing brighter than ever before, "*so I won't give up on them*!"
****
Zhan Tiri managed to swipe everyone away, the commenters were getting tired as Mha_kny made a portal and caught each of their friends, getting them to land safely in front of the *thing* as they glared at it, "HA HAHA-A-A-A-AHAHAAAA!!" It laughed, "you re-e-eally thought you could save them?! You really tho-o-o-ought you could win?! Well you're *WRONG*!" It smirked, "and I thi-i-i-ink it's time I finally finish you!"
The *Thing* was about to clap their hands together one last time, they opened their arms out wide and brought them close together, the commenters closed their eyes, too tired to attack anymore, but they didn't hear a clap. They waited, but nothing came, that's when they felt something warm surround them. They opened their eyes once more and smiled wide at what they saw, Harmony, their eye was open wide and glowing, their tears had stopped flowing, and they seemed to be in control, "ENOUGH!" Their voice shook the world, sending vibrations across limbo's landscape and destroying the ink-posters of the Tangled characters
"Wha-a-a-at are you DOING?!" Zhan Tirir screeched as the blackend part of the *thing* began to writhe in pain
"Taking back my *STORY*!" Harmony shouted before a burst of light flooded the world along with Zhan Tiri's scream! The light was warm and welcoming before it began to fade, it it's place was Harmony, their wings were restored, as were both their eyes, their body, and halo! There were differenced however, they had two bracelets now, the right one was black, the left one was gold. One of their angel-like wings was black now too, and their hair had darken just a bit, they also had a scar over their right eye, but they smiled all the same, "thank you", they said, "all of you! You saved me, I don't know what I would've done without you!"
The commenters grinned happily, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" Zhan Tiri yelled, "YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO FIGHT BACK!!!!!" She yelled
"And you're not supposed to be able to possess people, but I suppose I gave you too much power there, didn't I?" Harmony stated with a nasty glare at the demon
"So what are you going to do?! You can't destroy me, can't hurt me! I'm still a part of this story, so no matter what, I'll *always* be here!"
"True", Harmony said, "I can't get rid of you... Yet, but I know someone who can trap you", they smirked, "and I'm planning on having him in the story sometime too", they looked at the commenters, "oops, spoilers, sorry". They lifted their left hand and a pen came in their hand, they wrote a name in the air and smiled wide, "say hello to an old friend"
Zhan Tiri's eyes widened when she read the word, "NO! DON'T YOU *DARE* BRING HIM HE-!"
"Hello Zhan Tiri", a voice stated, getting the women to freeze, "causing trouble again I see...."
The women growled then turned to face the man, "Demanitus!"
The old alchemist glared at the women disappointedly, "you can't stop causing trouble can you?"
"You're one to talk! You disgusting old *FOOL*!"
Moonlight grinned before they walked over to Demanitus, "hi sir! I didn't see anyone ask you a question, so I guess I'll do it. What do you think of Zhan Tiri? Someone asked her the same question about you and I'm curious to hear your side of the story. Also do you think she could be considered as a serious threat to our world? Would she actually manage to take over someone here if Harmony wasn't here to protect us? Also, I think you're pretty badass!"
Demanitus smiled, "hello! let's see, she's a bit.... Well trouble some, but her reasoning, while flawed, is understandable to a degree, you'll find out why later. They did did they? I suppose she called me an old foor who doesn't know what's he's talking about, that seems to be her go to when it comes to me", he chuckled, "she could be a very dangerous threat, if she took over on of you and got into your world, she could spread her wicked ways all over the place! The power of thought is a very potent one after all, even if you think you're not that powerful, your mind is the most powerful took known to mankind, not ones brute strength, though you'll need that too in certain cases", he smiled, "thank you, I think you and your friends are pretty powerful yourself! you imaginations are what brought these powers about, and from what I can see you all seem to have strong wills, bodies, and sound minds! I'm proud of you all, thank you for helping to save this world!" He then looked at Zhan Tiri and frowned, "we'll talk later...." The man stated, "for now", he looked at Harmony, who smirked before they drew the man's portal and lever, making the object appear, the level in his grasp, "I think you should go back to where you came from"
"We're already *in* Limbo!"
"Nope", Harmony stated, "it looks like limbo, but it's not"
"Wha-! But I made us go to-!"
"Did you forget who's story this is?" The musical author snapped their fingers and they all appeared in the family room
Demanitus smirked and opened the portal, Zhan Tiri was beginning to be pulled inside, "no! NO! I WON'T GO BACK THERE AGAIN!!!!!!" She looked around and noticed the commenters were no longer in their super forms, Aisheyru was standing the closest to her, she smiled wickedly and grabbed their leg
"HEY!" Aisheyru exclaimed
"IF I'M GOING IN THERE, I'M TAKING AT LEAST *ONE* OF YOU WITH ME!" Zhan Tiri yelled as Aisheyru and her began to be pulled in
Harmony glared *daggers* as the women before stepping forward, "Varian, bean, plug your ears and hide behind Quirin, Moonlight you may want to as well since sounds affect you too". Varian did as he was told, as did Moonlight as the musical author faced Zhan Tiri, "see I thought we already went through this.... I've said it once and I'll say it again, stay *away* from MY.... *COMMENTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-!" Harmony's mouth opened wider than possible as a loud, long, and painful sonic scream escaped their lips, the sound visible to everyone as it crashed against Zhan Tiri, it made the entire UNIVERSE shake as the demon girl let go instantly and fell into the portal, "AAAAAAAAAAAaaers!*" Harmony stopped screamed, the universe stopped shaking, and Demanitus closed the portal once and for all as the author cleared their throat, "everyone okay?" They all stared at Harmony for a moment before nodding, "good, sorry about that, now then, lets get this cleaned up yeah?"
Harmony snapped their fingers once more and the entire room became shit shape, even the portal was gone as Hector raised a brow, "so.... Any reason why you couldn't do that before?" He asked
"Uh.... Well Zhan Tiri may have mentioned this, but I locked a lot of my powers away, I didn't want her to get her greedy mits on the full power of this word, that includes my sonic scream, so I locked it away too, sorry... I didn't think I'd be able to get out of that situation.... So I wanted to give her as little power as possible....." Harmony looked at the commenters, "I'm really sorry for the mess I caused, but I'm so grateful to all of you! You saved me! You saved my babies! You saved my story and... You saved HarmonySong!" They grinned as tears began to form, "I'm so grateful to have all of you in my life, caring about me, my characters, my story, everything! You all make it easier to get up everyday, and yeah, not everyone of you is here, there's people like Cardcaptorkatara, Fedelis, WhatamIdoingewithmylife, and so many more that have helped me through this story! All of you, you've all helped me grow, not only in my writing but in my confidence as well! I was so scared to post this story up at all! So freaking scared, because my mind kept telling me that no one would like it, no one would care, that I was just a nobody trying to share my crappy writing with the world! But you've all been there, supporting me, making me laugh, guiding me, even making me cry at certain points, they were good tears! I really needed you all, and you came, and I can't thank you enough for that! This story, you probably already know this, but it's basically me, what I've been through, what others in my life have done to me or have gone through themselves, just.... My life's been hard, and I'm not the only one, I know that, but to have so many people comment and support me through such a hard time is just amazing and I don't think I can ever stop thanking each and every one of you for that! Even if you don't comment, just, thank you, for everything!!!!!!! I would give you all the world if I could, but I'll keep making as many chapters as I can, I'll keep responding to you, because you're all so important to me, and I sincerely couldn't ask for any better than all of you, thank you so much!!!!!!!" The grinned happily, "thank you!"
Mha_kny, Crystal, Moonlight, Ash:>, and Aisheyru all smiled at the musical author as they walked over to the group and wrapped their arms around them, "thank you all, so freaking much....."
And that puts an end to the Q and A, thank you all again for all your support and love, I sincerely appreciate it! I will never forget it and I hope I return it in every way I can, thank you! And with that being said, I will see you all in the next chapter, buh-bye! 🎶
Notes:
Hello!
So, I said everything in the chapter, even made myself cry doing it because I'm a big baby, but I'll say a short something here... Everything I said is true, you've all done so much for me and I will never forget your kindness, support, and love! I hope I can return it to you in some way, I hope my stories help with that, but sincerely, thank you! I can't thank you enough for what you've all done for me! Thank you all so much!!!!!! <3<3<3<3<3<3
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 201: I'm Here, I'm Right Here!
Summary:
The group finds out how Hugo's doing and Quirin needs a moment.
Notes:
(Back to the actual story! XD)
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector tilted his head to the side, "why wouldn't she recognize her?" He asked before he faced his sister, who looked completely shocked, "what's wrong?"
"I....." Adira started, but stopped, closing her mouth as things began to click into place, her eyes narrowed, "been a while...."
"Yes it.... Has...." Donella replied, staring directly at Adira, they remained completely silent until the grey haired women spoke up again, "I see things went well for you"
"I see things *shouldn't* have gone so well for *you*", the face painted warrior stated, her voice completely calm, but the underlying tone sharper than glass, so much so that it made even Hector wince
"Perhaps not", Donella admitted, "suppose there's not much that can be done now...." She added, looking guiltily at the door to the infirmary room, "maybe if they hadn't, this wouldn't have happened, things would've been different"
Hector rolled his eyes, "ya know, feeling like a piece of shit after the fact doesn't really make you sympathetic bitch"
"I realize", Donella replied, "I'm not looking for sympathy, I just.... Want him to be okay...."
"Riiiight, and I'm the fucking ice cream queen"
"Hey, what if she really means it?" Rapunzel replied gently, "I realize this isn't exactly the best circumstances right now, considering, but she already feels bad, can't we just focus on Hugo at the moment?" She then noticed the retired knight's glare as he stared a hole into the floor, "....a-and Quirin for that matter....."
"I'm fine, just thinking", the Village Leader replied, "I just found out a lot about.... Certain things, and I'm trying my best to keep my emotions in check.... It's taking a lot more of my strength than I'd care to admit, but I'm fine at the moment"
Edmund watched his knight worriedly, "Quirin...." He said, not really sure what to say to that
The Village Leader looked at his king, and for a moment they exchange looks before he sighed, "I.... It's just a lot right now that I'd rather not focus on, but I'll tell you later, I.... Need to tell Varian too.... I might need your help with that..." He looked at Lance, "yours too.... It's not.... Good news...."
The former thief nodded understandingly, as did the Dark King before the door to the infirmary opened, revealing a very shaken up and tears stained Varian with an extremely exhausted Eugene and Ruddigar walking out with him. Mr. Solace being the last to exit the room and closing the door behind them as Quirin and Donella stood up. Mr. Solace sighed, "it was very close, but he'll be alright, he's got a major concussion, three cracked ribs, a broken arm, a sprained ankle, and multiple bruises and gashes all over his body.... no internal bleeding or contusions however, which is good, seems as though majority of his injuries were on the outside, which is unbelievably lucky! He's asleep right now, but it's a miracle he's still alive..... You all got him here just in time", the doctor smiled, "thank goodness for that! He's going to need a lot of rest now....", he grew quiet, then looked at Varian sadly, "unfortunately, due to his condition, he'll need to be under me and my wife's constant supervision, a while we'd love nothing more than to have Hugo have a support team nearby, we'll need to be watching him constantly, so...." He became quiet when the blue eyed alchemist sniffled, Eugene pulling the teen towards him and giving him a hug as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy comfortingly
"So no one can stay in the room with him tonight", Eugene finished, "but we'll be able to see him tomorrow, right?"
"Of course, even if he's not awake, you'll be able to come by and visit him tomorrow", Mr. Solace replied gently
As much relief Quirin felt knowing Hugo would be alright, one look at his son broke his heart into pieces. He noticed the pleading look Eugene was giving him, showing that his son must've put up quite a fight inside that room to make the man look nearly as exhausted as his father. Quirin gave the Dark Prince a sympathetic smile before he took a breath, let it go, then walked over to his son, picking him up and cradling him in his arms. The teen immediately began to sob into his vest, unable to hold it back any longer as the tears soaked his father's shirt, "it's okay son, I know.... I know", he said quietly, comforting his son as the sobs continued. It made the retired knight feel even worse when he heard his son cough and squeak, his sobs breaking occasionally as they quieted down to a watery whimper, showing this wasn't the first time he's cried today and his poor throat just couldn't take anymore.
"Varian....." Rapunzel said quietly, she was watching the poor teen, but wasn't sure what to do as Lance stepped forwards
"Hey", the former thief said, "hey look, it's gonna be okay", he tried, but Varian continued to cry
"I don't think we should stop him right now", Quirin said, "he's gotta let it out, it's what happened before with.... W-with his mother.... He cried so much that he couldn't talk, but he needed to let it out.... It's heartbreaking, but the best we can do is let him...." The father explained, "from the sounds of it, he's close to stopping, we'll let him sleep it off, then comfort him when he wakes up, okay?"
"Ok", Lance replied, "I'm sorry...."
"It's not your fault", Quirin replied, rubbing Varian's back as he could feel the teen already beginning to give in to sleep, "sometimes things like this.... Happen.... I just wish they would stop happening to my son...."
".....I know..... Poor kid can't seem to catch a break...." Lance replied, "neither can you....."
Quirin gave a small chuckle at that before Varian's weight shifted a bit, he looked at the teen and noticed one blue eye was visible from underneath his dark bangs, it was half open and still filled with tears, but looked calmer, "hey", the retired knight said softly, getting the eye to look at him, he smiled, "I'm gonna be here for you, okay? It's gonna be alright now". For a moment, the eye just stared at his father, occasionally blinking, he seemed to be debating something in his mind before there was a small sigh and the old farmer felt his son's hands wrap around his neck, the eye fully closing as the teen snuggled deeper into his father's chest.
"Looks like he's given up the ghost", Edmund observed
"Given up the ghost?" Rapunzel asked
"He's finally fallen asleep, giving up on fighting it and allowing himself to relax, if only for a minute", Mr. Solace explained, "very old expression, but a good one", he smiled at the sleeping alchemist, "I'm glad he's finally fallen asleep, gave us quite a fight earlier, though I suppose that's to be expected, poor kid...." He looked at Quirin, "you gonna be okay?"
"I'll be fine, at least for the moment, I have enough strength in me for Varian", the retired knight replied
"Well.... Just don't push yourself, that's the last thing you need, and you look about ready to keel over...."
The retired knight gave a breathy chuckle, "it's been a very trying year.... For both of us...."
"I imagine", Mr. Solace said, "I've got some pain killers that are very good for stress relieving sleep, if you ever need them, come on by"
"Thank you, I may take you up on that", Quirin replied with a tired smile
"You're welcome", Mr. Solace replied before he looked at the door behind him, "I should get back, Rose is going to need me in a moment, we need to change his bandages", he then noticed Donella standing beside Quirin, his expression immediately darkening, "he'll need to be away from anything that could cause him stress at the moment, so should any of you know what may cause Hugo any amount of stress, please, keep it as far *away* from this room as possible", he stated, glaring at her pointedly
"Noted", the grey haired women replied, getting the doctor to nod before he turned and walked inside the room before she looked at the princess, "I suppose I'm to be placed in a holding cell?"
The princess nodded, "yes, unfortunately we cannot have you walking around after several people witnessed what you did, and since the injuries are so severe, you may be liable to a trial and possible jail time, I've already informed the Queen of Ingvarr and the Duke and Duchess, they understand the situation and are talking over what to do with you with my parents right now. Until Hugo wakes up and is able to give his opinion, we won't be able to proceed any further, so it was agreed you go into a holding cell until such a time"
The grey haired women nodded, "I understand, and I'm willing to go peacefully, thank you for letting me stay here until the results came"
"You're welcome", the princess replied professionally before she turned towards the two guards who were standing by, "Stan, Pete, do you two mind taking her to the holding cell?"
"Not at all your highness", Pete replied before they walked over and began to walk Donella away, she stopped before they'd gone too far, turning her head to look at Quirin, "I'm sorry.... If that makes any difference...."
The retired knight didn't look up or speak, no one did. No one spoke when the women sighed and continued to walk away with the guards, no one spoke when she disappeared from sigh, no one spoke when Quirin walked away as well with a sleeping Varian in his arms, they all just watched in silence as the broken father continued to walk away, eventually disappearing as well without a word.
****
Varian's head hurt, it was the biggest understatement he'd ever thought, but it was the most accurate. He groaned when his eyes eventually fluttered open and he looked around, he recognized the room as the one he and his father shared in the castle. He sat up and rubbed his sore eyes before he looked around again, Ruddigar was on his lap, he stroked the raccoon's fur, getting the small mammal to purr. The teen smiled a bit before an image of Hugo's broken body flashed in his mind, he shuddered and shook the thought away before he felt something fluffy against his back. Turning, he saw his father's vest, he placed a hand on it before he felt something warm underneath. It took him about three minutes for his tired brain to figure out his father was still wearing it.
He looked up and saw the man, he was smiling wide before he noticed something that made his heart skip a beat with worry, his father's cheeks had tear stains, not only that, but he had active tears falling down his face while he slept. The teen brushed his hand, gently, against his father's face, wiping the tears away, but they were quickly replaced with new ones, "dad....." The teen whispered, his voice hoarse from his crying earlier, "what happened to you?"
"Donella", a voice replied, startling the teen and making him jump a bit, "sorry Speckles, didn't mean to frighten you"
"....Adira?" Varian said, looking up and seeing his aunt sitting on the bed adjacent to the one he was currently in, Edmund and Hector were standing on both sides of her, "grandpa, Hector, hi, w0what happened while I was asleep and...." He looked up at his father once more, "....why is he crying?"
"We.... Don't know yet...." Hector replied
"What do you mean?" Varian asked, turning to look at them once more, "weren't you there?"
"Well, we were there only a little bit before you and Eugene came out of the infirmary room, all we know is that Quirin was speaking to Donella and that, apparently, Donella and Adira know each other from a long time ago", Edmund explained, "but we don't know what Donella said to Quirin, though he seemed to be pretty upset by it. He said he'd tell us later then walked away with you. We came in after Rapunzel decided to speak with the King and Queen about plans for Donella and Lance decided to get Eugene to bed for a nap. But by the time we'd finished with my son and his friends and came in here, Quirin was already asleep.... And we didn't have to heart to wake him....."
"Oh....." The alchemist said, looking down, "sorry"
"It's alright, we want answers too, I'm getting worried", Edmund stated, "about you, your father.... And Adira...."
The teen blinked then looked at his aunt, he noticed her eyes seemed duller than usual, as if something was on her mind though he face showed no signs of worry, "....Are you okay?" Varian asked
"I will be", the face painted warrior replied, "I just think I need to speak with Quirin first before I determine how 'okay' I really am"
Varian nodded, "understandable"
"Are *you* okay?" Hector asked, "I mean, you kinda cried yourself to sleep, and your voice sounds like sandpaper, not to be blunt"
The teen chuckled, "I'm alright now.... I guess I just needed to cry it out.... I'm scared for Hugo.... H-he's all alone in that room, hurt, in pain, and probably scared out of his life.... He.... Cried....."
"He cried?" The wild tamer stated, a little flabergasted
"Yeah.... I-it was subtle, a-and silent, b-but he cried.... T-the doctors walked into another room to grab some supplies w-while Hugo was still awake.... A-and he cried...." The alchemist felt some tears sting in the corner of his eyes before he shook them away, "....he looked at me, looked at Eugene, t-then looked at me again, and when Eugene was asked a question by the doctor Hugo's eyes.... T-they darkened and he.... Cried.... I was able to hug him that time.... I held him close w-when he did, until he stopped. He was grateful for it b-but.... What if he cries a-and I'm not there..... W-what if he's alone in the dark a-and wakes up all alone..... W-what if he thinks he's b-been abandoned?! W-what if-!"
"Varian!" Edmund said, reaching out and touching the teen's hand with his own, startling the alchemist for a moment before he looked at his grandpa, "it's going to be okay, none of that will happen, and if it does, the doctors will be right there to help Hugo through it, you know Mr. and Mrs. Solace would never let that boy think he's alone, and you'll be able to visit him in the morning, so there's nothing to worry about, okay?"
"O-oki..... B-but-!"
"No, no buts, he'll be okay", the Dark King interrupted gently, "he really will be okay, I assure you, if you want, I can make my over there tonight and check on him and the doctors, would that make you feel a little better?"
"Y-yeah"
"Ok, I can do that, then I'll come back here and let you know how he's doing"
"Why not take a letter from Varian with you?" Hector suggested, "the kid could write something down, something that would make Hugo feel better when he saw it, that way, even if Hugo wakes up in the middle of the night, he'll have the note and know you're gonna see him"
Edmund blinked for a moment before he grinned, "that's a good idea!" He exclaimed excitedly, and quietly, so as not to wake Quirin, before he looked at his grandson, "you could write a note and I could take it to the doctors and have them hold on to it just in care you're not there when he wakes up, would that make you feel better?"
Varian gave a small smile and nodded, "Uh huh", he then got an idea, "w-what about a gift basket? I could write a note, b-but I could also fill a little basket with things for him to do, l-like books to read, a sketch book in case he wants to try drawing, maybe even small chemicals that he could play with-!" He noticed the raised brows he was getting from his extended family and gave a soft giggle, "oki, I don't have to add the chemicals.... Killjoys, but would something like that be okay?"
Edmund ruffled his grandson's hair with a smirk, "that would be fine, brat peanut, I'd be more than happy to bring him a little 'get well soon' basket, maybe we could add some snacks in there too"
"Yeah, like some candy", Adira stated, "wait, does he like candy?"
"He's had a few of the throne room lobby chocolates that Lance likes to take during our therapy sessions, he liked those", Varian said
"I can grab him some then"
"Maybe you should get him a plush, maybe a mouse?" Hector added, "since he's got that robotic mouse"
"Yeah that'd be-how'd you know about Olivia?" Varian asked, "he only showed her to me"
Hector snorted, "please, I saw that mouse scoping us out a while ago, she's pretty sneaky, but not as good as Pixie and Basil", the wild tamer replied with a smirk, "I gave her some cheese and she warmed up pretty quick, good mouse, a lot like Ruddigar actually".
Varian smiled before he looked at his best friend and scratched behind the raccoon's left ear before he looked at his extended family once more, "thanks, for calming me down I mean"
"You're welcome Speckles", Adira replied with a smile
"Anytime little peanut", Edmund added
"Sure thing spawn", Hector replied
"Oki, Imma come up with a nickname for all three of you now, seriously, so many nicknames!" The teen stated before he giggled, getting the other to chuckle before he felt someone wrapping their arms around him, something resting on top of his head, "huh? w-wha-!"
"I think bratty stinkbomb's a pretty good nickname, although Bubby is still my favorite", Quirin said tiredly
Varian grinned, "hi dad"
"Hi"
Ruddigar chittered happily before he got up, stretched, and climbed up his boy, licking Quirin's cheek and getting the man to chuckle
"Thank you Ruddigar, I'm alright now"
The raccoon chittered once more before he sniffed his boy
Varian giggled, "I'm okay too, you're good, we're good, you can sleep to your fuzzy heart's content"
The small mammal smile happily, nuzzling his boy before he hopped onto his lap once more, walked in a circle for a moment before he yawned and curled into a raccoon donut
The little alchemist sighed contentedly before he looked up at his father, "you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah", Quirin replied, lifting his chin off Varian's head so he could look at his son, "I'm better now, sorry if I worried you, how are you feeling?"
"MY throat is killing me and I have a really bad headache.... Plus I might end up doing some very nasty things to Donella later.... But Grandpa, Adira, and Hector calmed me down about Hugo at least, we're gonna make him a little 'get well soon' basket"
The retired knight smiled, "that's a good idea, no chemical though"
"Yeah yeah, all three of them gave me the stink eye when I even joked about it", the teen replied with a pout
"As they should", Quirin stated with a grin, "no chemicals in the infirmary unless you have a license and the 'Doctor' title in front of your name"
"You're all killjoys"
"We know", the Village Leader replied, "you wanna hop up and get some water for the throat of yours?"
"Yeah, and maybe something for my head"
"Good idea"
"You want some too?"
"A little, if you don't mind"
Varian smiled, "I don't mind, I'll be right back though, it'll take me a minute to grab"
"It's in your lab isn't it?"
".....Um..... I plead not guilty"
"Uh huh, we'll look past it for now", his father stated with a smirk as he kissed his son's head while he got up, "go on brat nugget, just make sure to come straight back, okay?"
"I will, I.... Don't really wanna talk to anyone at the moment....."
Quirin looked at the nervous teen, "you sure you're alright?"
"Are you?"
".....I plead not guilty"
Varian grinned before he hugged his father, "I love you dad"
"I love you too", he replied, hugging the teen back before the alchemist broke the hug and smirked
"We're messy"
"Yeah, but it's a good messy", Quirin replied
"True, talk about it later?"
"Yup, later"
"Oki.....Dad?"
"Hm?"
"What Donella said to you..... D-did it have something to do with mom?"
"I-! ......" Quirin sighed, then nodded silently
"....She did something to her.... Didn't she....." When his father didn't speak the teen sighed, "Hugo mentioned that Donella had an assistant.... It was when we were in the library together.... Donella told the Queen of Ingvarr that assistant had been lost, which is why Donella found an interest in Hugo.... That was when he was 4.... He's one year older than me.... It kinda figured it out when you told me you knew Donella.... And that she knew mom.... I have a feeling there's more to that story.... And I have a feeling that story is what Donella was telling you when me and Eugene were in the infirmary with Hugo.... I-if that's the case... If you plan on talking to them about it, c-can you please wait until I'm back? I..... I need to know.... I wanna know what happened to my mom..... Please?"
The retired knight was a little startled by this, but nodded, "I.... We'll need to find Lance too, I..... I think he might be needed here...."
Varian nodded, "I'll go see if I can get Rapunzel to watch Eugene for a while so Lance can come talk with us"
"I can do that actually", Adira stated, "it'll be faster that way and it'll save you a walk, and give me one I think I might need right now"
Varian nodded, "thanks", he said with a smile, "Rapunzel will be in the family room with her parents, Lance is gonna be in Eugene's room, d-do you know where Eugene's room is?"
"Yup, I climbed through his window one time and freaked him out, it was funny"
The teen giggled, "I wanna hear that story very soon, for now, thank you, that helps a lot", he then looked at his father, "you gonna be okay?"
"I'm fine, just sleepy, and feeling my age a bit", he chuckled, getting Edmund to snicker, "but I'll be alright"
"Oki, meet back here in.... 15 minutes?"
Adira nodded, "that should be plenty of time"
"Oki, then um.... Eheh, yay for team?"
Hector snorted, "get out of here already, you're drunk"
Varian giggled again, "oki, I'm gonna go now", with that he walked out of the room, Ruddigar, who had hopped been watching this entire time, hopped off the bed and followed his boy, leaving the four Dark Kingdom inhabitants alone for a moment. Adira sighed, "this is gonna be an emotional day, isn't it?"
"Yeah.... Very...." Quirin replied, letting out a very shaky breath
Edmund got up and walked over to the bed, sitting on it's edge and placing a hand on Quirin's shoulder, "Hector, why don't you go with Adira for a moment, do you mind?"
"Kay", the wild tamer replied before he walked over to the face painted warrior and smirked, "make it a little less emotional, we could stop by the kitchen"
Adira smiled, "that sounds nice, thanks", her brother nodded before they left the room
Edmund watched them go before he looked at Quirin sadly and sighed, "you don't have to fake it around me"
The retired knight looked at his king for a moment before he placed a hand over his mouth and more tears slid down his face, he couldn't keep it in anymore and closed his eyes, leaning against the Dark King and finally allowing himself to cry for himself, for his wife, and for his son.....
Notes:
Hello! :D Back to the story, woot!
Poor Quirin.... Honestly, I've been handling how Varian feels, but this.... This is about Quirin, the poor man is finally gonna get some emotional chapters because my gosh! It's just too much for him, way too much! And it's becoming very overwhelming, so he gets a moment with his father figure, he deserves that much, he really does <3
Varian is going to go through so many things in the next chapter, my goodness, the poor bean is gonna need so much support!
Hugo will be okay, thank goodness, and the basket idea will be a really fun thing to write! :D Just.... Good gosh, so many sad beans!!!!!!
Adira's got her Hector support, and she's about to have some Lance Lovins too! :D She's going through a lot as well, poor thing doesn't know what to expect, I have an idea for her I'm excited to explore, just, good gosh this chapter is so emotional! XD
Eugene and Lance for the best big brother award, anyone with me? Raise your hands if you are! :D
Ruddy buddy and Olivia are the best animals ever! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 202: Lean On Me!
Summary:
Varian tells someone how he feels
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian sighed as he walked down the hall, he felt his worries began to creep up his back once more, even as his extended family's words echoed in his mind, the voices kept bouncing around....
*He'll be alone*
*He'll think he's abandoned*
*No one wants him, not even you*
*'Why would anyone ever want me?' That's what he'll say*
*You're just like Donella, what right do you have to judge her?*
*You're just as evil*
*Didn't you force Ruddigar to take that chemical that makes him turn into a beast?*
*Weren't you responsible for breaking the Captain of the Royal Guard's arm?*
*And you claim to be better than Donella?*
*What is *wrong* with you?*
*How dare you!*
*You're nothing but a spineless, sniveling, disgusting, dirty, cowa-!*
"SHUT UP!" Varian screamed, closing his eyes and crouching to the ground, "JUST SHUT *UP*!"
"...Varian?" A voice said, getting the teen to open his eyes and look up, only to see Rapunzel watching him worriedly
"R-Rapunzel I.... S-sorry I-I just um I.... I...." He sniffled a little as his face began to turn red
*Great job moron, she probably thinks you're a fucking nut*, his mind scolded
*She wouldn't be wrong*, a remaining voice whispered gleefully
*Shut up*, his mind told it
"Varian", the princess said again, her voice softer this time
"I... I'm sorry, m-my mind just doesn't really w-wanna work right...." He finally said, "I-I'm just trying to get some water..... A-and something from my l-lab...."
"Want me to come with you?" Rapunzel offered, "I just finished speaking with my parents and I don't have anything to do right now"
The alchemist looked at her, "y-you don't have to", he said, "I-I mean... You probably shouldn't anyway, I.... I'm not really the best company a-at the moment...."
"That's... Kinda why I want to", the princess said gently, "as embarrassed as you look right now, I.... Don't think you want to be alone either"
The teen gave a mixture of a sigh and chuckle at the same time, "is it that easy to tell?"
"Well Ruddigar isn't really helping you hide it", Rapunzel replied with a chuckle as the raccoon chittered and pawed at his boy's cheek worriedly
Varian smiled lovingly at his best friend, stroking his fur, "I'm alright now bud, thanks though"
The small purred and nuzzled his boy happily
The princess smiled, "so, do you want some company?"
The alchemist looked at her and nodded, "oki, thank you"
"You're welcome"
They began to walk down the hall, neither one really speaking much, they stayed in that comfortable silence until they reached the kitchen, deciding to go to the teen's lab on the way back. Varian grabbed a glass from a nearby cupboard and began to fill it with water before he noticed Rapunzel standing by, he thought for a moment before he asked, "s-so, how did the talk with your parents go?"
"It was good!" The princess replied, "I managed to convince them to postpone the 7 Kingdom Ball for a little while"
The teen looked at her, a little surprised, "you postponed it? Why?"
"Well with everything that's happened, I figured we should probably get Donella's trial finished first, that way it can be done and over with and the Queen of Ingvarr won't have to worry so much during the Ball, plus", she smirked, "I'd like to see you and Hugo dancing together again, I thought it was sweet before, and he can't really do that if he's stuck in the infirmary"
The alchemist blushed a little, "um I-u-uh.... Eheh um.... T-thank you"
Rapunzel giggled, "you're welcome"
Varian filled his glass fully and drank from it, feeling the cool water soothe his throat a little before he realized something, "wait, but, won't that throw everything off? The kingdom's rulers didn't expect to stay longer than a few weeks, won't their kingdoms be unprepared?"
The princess shook her head, "actually, my parents told me the Kings and Queens always prepare ahead of time when they're going to be away from their homes. Apparently they have to, just in case something like this happens, or in case they never return to their kingdom. They have people back home watching their kingdoms who are prepared to do so for as long as they need, there was even this story my mother told me about how a King and Queen abandoned their kingdom during one of their trips, and left their children to take over at a very young age"
"Why would they do something like that?"
"No one knows, but they were able to take care of their kingdom and help it flourish, I don't remember which kingdom she told me that happened to though"
"Huh.... I'd be interested to find out", Varian replied
"So would I', Rapunzel agreed before they grew silent once more
Neither one really knew what else to say until Varian noticed some mugs nearby and got an idea, "hey Rapunzel"
"Hm?"
"Do you know if the castle has some hot chocolate?"
"Yeah, there's some in that cabinet", she pointed to a cabinet behind Varian
"Do you mind if I make some for my family? It uh... It might help with what we're about to talk about"
"What you're about to talk about?"
The alchemist let out a small sigh, "my.... My dad he... Donella told him something.... A-about my mom.... A-and it apparently isn't good...." He looked at the princess, "she had something to do with her death.... I knew she did, b-but whatever happened between them really upset my father and.... W-well we're about to discuss it.... M-maybe a sweet drink with help? B-but thinking about it now kinda sounds stupid, huh?"
"No, Varian that's not stupid at all! Of course you can use the hot chocolate", Rapunzel exclaimed, "are.... Are you gonna be okay though? With everything that's been happening I... I'm worried about you"
"I'm okay", the teen replied, "at least, I will be I suppose", he sighed again, "thanks, for the hot chocolate I mean"
"You're welcome"
Varian smiled at her before he walked over to the cabinet and began to make the sweet drink. He added a few secret ingredients to the mixture, little things he'd managed to find around the castle's kitchen, once he was done, he filled fives mugs and placed them on a serving tray before he finished the rest of his water and brought the tray with him out of the kitchen, Rapunzel helping when needed, but staying silent all the while. They walked down the hall towards his lab, still silent before Rapunzel looked at Varian, "....I'm sorry...."
"Hm?" The alchemist looked at her, a little confused, "what'd you say?"
"I... I'm sorry Varian", the princess repeated, "about... Well about a lot of things, about getting upset with your father, about making him upset, about what's happening with Hugo, about your mother, about what my father did to you, what I did to you… I'm just... I'm really sorry..."
The teen was a little startled, but he stopped walking and looked at her, "Rapunzel, while I appreciate the apology, majority of what you're apologizing for isn't your fault"
"I know I just.... You've been going through so much lately, and.... Oh I know this is stupid, but for some reason I feel like it's my fault and that I should apologize for it! I wanna just keep apologizing to you for every new thing you've been dealing with! I know that some of it isn't because of me, but I just.... I don't know...."
"Feel bad?" Varian offered
"Yes, and I feel like someone should apologize, I don't know *who*, but maybe hearing it at all might help? Ugh... See? Stupid", she chuckled, "I'm not very good at this am I?...."
The teen smiled, "you're actually a lot better at it than you think"
The princess looked at him, "really?"
"Yeah, you noticed I was upset and didn't wanna be alone, so you walked with me. You know I'm going through a lot and felt bad, so you apologized. You've been helping me get through things and trying your best, in my mind, actions speak louder than words, and your actions have spoken volumes to me, they mean a lot. So when you say you're not very good, it's not true", he smirked, "you're just new, like me"
Rapunzel smiled before she realized something, "hey, wait a minute, *I'm* supposed to be comforting *you*!"
The alchemist giggled, "you did, I'm returning the favor"
"That's not how that works!"
Varian laughed, nearly dropping the hot chocolate on the floor, "I can't with you Rapunzel!" He giggled, "thanks, you did make me feel better, even if you think you didn't", he said
The princess huffed before she smiled, "well I'm glad I helped a little, I wish I could do more"
"I don't really think there's much anyone can do right now to be honest...." Varian replied, "right now, things are really messy, and I don't think they're gonna be clean for a while, but I know I have people who will be there to help me through the mess, it's just gonna take some time. So I suppose I'm just gonna have to wait and see how my mind handles it you know?"
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you can't talk about how you feel, I'm here if you want to", Rapunzel offered
The little alchemist thought about it for a moment, *she wouldn't want to listen to *you**
*Yeah are you nuts?!*
*She's got her own problems, you don't need to add your own!*
*Did you forget what she did to you before?*
*She'll just tell Eugene, and then her parents*
*Why would you ever want to trust her?*
*What's the point in letting her know?*
*She'll just make fun of you*
*Hurt you!*
*She'll make your life a living Hell!*
*Don't trust her*
*DON'T TRUST HER!*
"....I....." Varian sighed, "I feel sick", he admitted quietly
*WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!*
*You're an idiot*
*She'll hate you!*
*You're going to ruin your friendship!*
*Everyone's gonna know, she'll tell them all!*
*She's going to yell at you, she's going to-!*
"Sick?" Rapunzel asked, "like physically or...."
"Both, I'm just... Sick...." He replied nervously
*She.... S-she's asking about it?*
Rapunzel smiled understandingly, "you can continue if you want, I'm all ears"
All the voices in the teen's mind were in stunned silence, the alchemist himself was a little startled by this reaction, but he smiled back and began to talk, "m-my stomach is bubbling with anxiety and butterflies whereas my head is screaming non stop.... Everything is just... too much I guess.... I feel like I'm trying to swim in this massive pile of quicksand, and the more I struggle, the worse it gets, but if I stop struggling, I-I'll sink...." He admitted
He looked at her for a moment, and she nodded, prompting him to continue, "I-I want to rest, to take a minute to recover, but when I do, something grabs me and starts to pull me down again...." Varian sighed, "I'm so tired all the time, exhausted to the point where even going to sleep isn't enough.... I have things that keep me going, my friends like you and Lance, family like my dad and Grandpa, my closest companions like Hugo, Ruddy, and Eugene, but even when I get time to spend with all of you there's always this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that tells me not to allow myself to be fully comfortable...."
*STOP!*
*She'll hurt you again!*
*She's going to tell her parents!*
*She'lll abandon you!*
*She doesn't really wanna know how you feel!*
*She only asked to be polite!*
*SHUT UP YOU DAMN IDIOT!*
*You wanna go back in the dungeons?!*
"E-even now.... I'm telling you all of this and the voices in my head keep screaming and begging me to stop.... Like I don't have the right to say any of this and that what I'm gonna say can and will be used against me.... I-it's like being in a perpetual fight or flight mode and I don't know how to turn it off... It's exhausting and I just want them to leave me alone, I want things to stop, just freeze for a few days, so I can have some time to recover and finally get the moment I need to take it all in.... But.... I don't get that... Little moments will come by, like when dad was holding me while I cried until my throat was sore.... Him telling me I was safe and he was here for me, it was enough for my brain to finally shut down and allow me to relax.... Maybe that's why I'm not as bad as I think I should be right now.... Maybe that's why I can handle the conversation that's about to happen.... I dunno, it's stupid.... But it's just something that's been happening more and more lately.... Heh, sorry, I think that might've been too much.... But it's what I feel right now.... So...."
He didn't look at the princess for a long time, remaining silent, waiting to see what she would do or say. All the while, the voice continued to plague him, scolding him for being so stupid and telling him should be ashamed, that was, until they all shut down when the teen felt Rapunzel's arms wrap around him, "oh Varian...." She said, "I'm sorry, I know that it won't help, but I'm so sorry you're going through all of that, I... I understand", she broke the hug and looked at the teen, "I know exactly how that feels, the voices in your head, the drowning, feeling overwhelmed, I've felt it before, and it's okay to feel that way. You've been through so much stuff that I'm not surprised you feel so heavy and sick...." she sighed, "maybe I can't take all the weight away, but... I can at least help you carry it, the things you feel, the struggle, I can help you, I want to help you! Maybe I won't be the best person to do that all the time, but I'm here whenever you need to lean on me, and it's perfectly okay to ask when you do! I can do little things to help lessen it, maybe do some alchemy with you, get you out of a sticky situation, or even just keeping people away so you can have a nap from time to time, I'd be willing to do that, more than willing!"
"R-really?"
"Of course!" Rapunzel replied with a grin, "you know, the Guy's Night don't have to be the only times you hang out with Eugene and Lance too, you can ask them to spend time with you one on one if that'll make it easier, they'd understand. Plus I'd be more than willing to find time to do something you enjoy just to get you out of the castle, I... I know how hard it is being here for you now", she chuckled, "your dad helped me figure that out. Point is, I understand, I've felt that overwhelming feeling before and it's not fun at all, but I was able to get a few breaks, and if you need me to help you get a few I'm more than willing to. I no longer have to be the Queen, so I have much more time on my hands now", she grinned, "we can just hang out and have fun! Maybe try something new or even just sit and draw or do alchemy, we can do whatever you want to do but please", she smiled warmly, "let me know when you want to. I may not be able to guess all the time, but if you tell me, I'll be willing to help, or at least give you a time when I can if I can't be there right at that moment, eheh, I guess what I'm trying to say is", she pulled him into a hug once more, "you've got me, you can lean on me, and I'll be there to help you. Don't be afraid to ask for some help, because I'm more than will to do so", she chuckled, "and I won't tell Eugene or anyone about what you just said"
"W-wait, how did you-!"
"I may not be great with timing, but I can understand when something's hard to talk about, and that was hard for you to tell me", she broke the hug once more and looked at the teen, "something that hard to say is not something you'd probably want other people to know about, so don't worry, unless you tell anyone yourself, I won't say a word, ok? Just, know that I'm here, and you can always ask for my help if you're feeling too much at the moment"
Varian blinked before he felt a small weight lift off his back, an image of himself splashing in the quicksand filled his mind, but as he began to sink, he saw someone offer him a stick to grab onto, looking up it was Rapunzel and she smiled wide as he grabbed on and she didn't let go, "thank you, so much Rapunzel", he said as small tears dripped from his chin, "I didn't realize how much I needed to hear that"
The princess smiled, "anytime Varian, anytime", she then grinned, "so, do you wanna get whatever you needed from your lab?"
"Oki"
"Great, let's go!" They began to walk once more when the princess noticed Varian was struggling a bit with the tray of hot chocolate, she smiled and grabbed the tray, holding in with two hands and smirking
Varian giggled and leaned against her shoulder as they continued to walk down the hall, "thanks"
"You're welcome"
Notes:
Hello! :D Very early upload, woot woot!!!!!!
PUNZIE AND VARIAN CHAPER!!!! LET'S FREAKING GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Punzie finally gets a good moment!!!!! I feel bad for giving her bad moments, so here's a good one, and a nice lead up to the impending conversation Varian's gonna have with his dad very soon!
Varian finally says how he's feeling, holy cow it's a miracle!!!!! XD
Ruddy buddy is still the best! :D I love the adorable raccoon bean <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 203: When You're Not Strong!
Summary:
Hector gets Adira to let out what she's feeling
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Edmund got up and walked over to the bed, sitting on it's edge and placing a hand on Quirin's shoulder, "Hector, why don't you go with Adira for a moment, do you mind?"
"Kay", the wild tamer replied before he walked over to the face painted warrior and smirked, "make it a little less emotional, we could stop by the kitchen"
Adira smiled, "that sounds nice, thanks", her brother nodded before they left the room.
Hector closed the door behind them to give their brother and their King some privacy for, what he was sure would be, a very tear filled moment, something he and Adira had seen very few times and never wanted to see again. The wild tamer sighed before he looked at his sister, who looked very worried, "he'll be alright, he's got our fearless leader in there with him, come on, we should get a snack, get what's-his-face"
"Lance"
"Yeah him, and get back", he noticed his sibling's shaking hands and raised a brow, "or we could take a walk"
"I'm fine, let's go", Adira stated before she began to walk away
The wild tamer shrugged before he walked with her. The two were silent as they went along, Hector looking around at his surroundings, he noticed a few commenters walking by and waved at Moonlight, Ash:>, Mha_kny, Aisheyru, and Crystal, who smiled and waved back as they continued to walk past the pair. He smirked as Moonlight showed him a picnic basket, he nodded before he saw Adira walking faster. Raising a brow he began to walk faster to catch up with her, but she continued to increase her speed, turning in and out of halls as if she were trying to lose him. Hugging in frustration, Hector stopped in the middle of the hall. Allowing Adira to disappear from sight before he dashed down a different hall, knowing exactly where she was heading as he turned a few more corners and managed to cut her off, startling her to the point where she let out a yelp of surprise, "miss me?" He asked teasingly, smirking as she glared at him, "so why are we playing tag in a castle full of people, and why do you think you're going to lose me in a fucking hallway?"
"Hector just.... Ugh, look, I just need a minute, okay?" The face painted warrior stated
The wild tamer raised a brow, "you seemed fine going to the kitchen earlier, what changed?"
"I was only okay with it because I didn't want to argue in front of Quirin, I just.... Really need to be alone right now...."
Her brother frowned, "you know I'm not gonna do that"
"Why?"
"Because when you're like this and you're alone, people end up with broken limbs, and really, we don't need that right now"
The face painted warrior looked like she was about to punch the man, "you really think I can't handle my own emotions? Seriously? I'm not a child!"
"Yeah I know, but there's a reason you meditate all the time", Hector stated, "and right now, you can't"
"How do you kno-!"
"Because I'm Hector"
Adira looked like she wanted to argue, but she stopped, ending the words before they even came out with a frustrated breath, "look, I don't really want to talk, I just want to be quiet, ok?"
"I can do that, was doing so before you tried to lose me"
"I mean quiet without someone following me"
"So alone, which is not happening"
"Hector"
"Look I get it", the wild tamer stated, "you're upset and angry and you don't wanna talk to me about it at all. Ya just wanna be alone so you can get control over your anger before you hurt someone, but unfortunately for you, that's not how things go. You start off that way, but you end up causing something bad to happen to someone else in the process", he stated bluntly, "good mindset, bad execution, you know I'm right, so why are you trying to fight me on it?"
The face painted warrior turned her head away, biting her tongue so she didn't say what was bubbling to the surface. She closed her eyes and tried to count to ten, but her mind began to frizz, she felt a tingle of static shoot through her head all the way down to her finger tips, and as she looked at her brother once again, she could see red. She balled her fists and tried to walk away, but he kept blocking her, her eyes narrowed as her arms shook, she really needed to leave, she needed to find a place to go, where no one was around, "I.... Can't...." She tried, but the words were blocked by something dark and foreboding that she never wanted to release.
Hector noticed the signs and sighed before he took his siblings arm and ran, pulling her with him. She didn't know where they were going, but she didn't complain as her mind seemed distracted for the moment. They ran out of the castle and into a gathering of trees nearby. The face painted warrior didn't have much time to look around before they'd stopped running. She didn't know where they were, she didn't know how they'd gotten there, and she really didn't care. The moment she saw a tree she let out a loud yell that ripped through the air and kicked the strong oak so hard it cracked underneath her foot. She huffed, glaring at the offending bark before she heard clapping nearby, turning she noticed Hector standing behind her, "not bad", he stated, getting her to raise a brow
"I.... What? I just-Ugh! Where are we?! What game are you trying to *PULL* Hector?!" She snapped
"No game, just letting you do what you need to", the wild tamer stated simply
"What are you talking about?"
Hector sighed, "you think you're the only one of us that has an angry side you hate? If you do, then you really haven't been paying attention to any of us sister", he stated, when the face painted warrior glared at him he rolled his eyes, "look around you and see what I mean before you say anything else"
She did, she looked at her surroundings and was a little surprised at what she saw. There were broken branches everywhere, large ones, small ones, some were smashed into sawdust, others were simply snapped in half and stabbed unceremoniously inside something else. Rocks were broken, trees had cracks in them, there was even a little bit of dried blood where someone had punched a hole into a tree, "w-wha-?" Adira was at a loss for words as she continued to look around
"Three words, Corona fucking sucks", Hector stated, "I hate it here, the people, the sounds, the sights, it's too much! I hate it so much that I get angry enough to murder someone! So I disappear, find a place no one can see or hear me, and let my anger out", he explained, "King Edmund taught me that a long time ago. He knew I have problems handling my anger, he knew you did too, Quirin is probably the best at controlling his and even then he sometimes needs a thing to punch", he stated, "see that boulder over there?" He pointed to an extremely large boulder, it was about as big at Quirin himself, and it was in half, one part laying on the floor while the other had many cracks and dried blood on its surface, "that's the time Varian was taken inside the jail cell by those two guards and left to rot there", the wild tamer stated, "Quirin was so angry after that'd happened that when Varian fell asleep, he couldn't control his anger, so I took him here and he did that with one fucking punch. Then he kept punching that one half until his hands were bruised and bloody".
Adira's eyes widened in shock as she continued to stare at the rock in question, "I.... He did that?"
"Yeah, was cussing up a blue streak while he did, the Corona King, jester fucker-!"
"Frederic"
"Whatever, Quirin cursed him, his ancestors, his egg collection, basically anything associated with the king that wasn't the Princess or the Queen, out, it would've really fucking funny if it wasn't terrifying to watch", the wild tamer stated with a smirk, "so yeah, all of us have issues with out anger, you may be able to hide yours well enough for a while, but I know what there are times you can't hold it back anymore, and anything having to do with your past seems to be the biggest red flag that something or someone is about to be fucked up. Hence why I took you here, go ahead and let your anger out, punch a tree, kick a rock, pound the ground, no one can hear, see, or find you here, and once you're done, I've got a medkit for your hands and whatever else you end up injuring, I'll be sitting over there, I won't watch if you don't want me to, just don't expect me to leave either"
"I-!"
"I won't judge either, trust me, I've done my fair share of damage here too", he stated, pointing to a stick that was stabbed into a rock, "that used to be a giant branch", he smirked at her startled expression before he turned and walked away, "have a blast"
Adira stared after her brother for a long time before she saw him disappear behind a few trees, leaving her alone for a moment. Her thoughts were going crazy, trying to figure out what she should do, but when she remembered Donella's face, the tears sliding down Quirin's, and hearing the wails coming from Varian, she saw red again and growled before looking at the tree she'd kicked, seeing the cracks in it's bark satisfied something in her, and with no regard for anything or anyone, she began her rampage on the small patch of nature.
****
Ten minutes, and 25.03 seconds, that was how long Hector had been sitting there before he finally saw his sister again. Her hands were bloodied and already bruising, she was panting and looked extremely tired, but her body was no longer shaking, her fists no longer balled, and her eyes looked a lot calmer as she sat down next to Hector, huffing a bit as he smirked, "done?" When she nodded he grabbed the medkit, "let me see".
She allowed him to heal her hands, they were both silent as she winced a few times at the sting of the ointment he'd placed on her wounds. After a few seconds however, she finally looked at him and asked, "how'd you know this is what I needed?"
Hector chuckled, "because of your eyes", at her questioning silence he continued, "when you get that angry, your eyes narrow and the go from brown to black, almost like an animal about ready to attack. It's kinda neat actually, I noticed everyone's eyes change when they get angry, the King's eyes turn from brown to dark brown and his pupils get larger, your eyes turn black, and Quirin.... Heh, his eyes turn from a warm brown to a really threatening gold color, sometimes red if he gets angry enough, and his pupils shrink. Mine brighten too, they go from regular yellow to acid yellow and my pupils shrink as well, it's kinda neat actually".
Adira stayed quiet for a minute before she said, "I'm sorry.... I was snapping at you earlier and-!"
"Don't worry about it", Hector interrupted, finishing his wrappings before he looked at his sister, "I get it, whatever's bothering you is really fucking up your brain, so it's fine. I don't tend to take anything you say in that moment seriously, you're just mad".
The face painted warrior smiled at her brother, "thanks, you're a lot wiser than most people give you credit for"
Hector shrugged, "meh"
Adira smirked before she sighed and looked up, watching the clouds roll by, "looks like it's going to rain soon"
"Smells like it too", Hector agreed, "wanna head in? We still need to grab what-his-face and grab some snacks as well"
"His name is Lance, and I suppose"
The wild tamer raised a brow, "you don't want to, do you?"
"Not really.... I know what we'll be facing when we do and.... I'm not sure if I'm ready to face it...."
Hector titled his head, looking at his sister from head to foot worriedly before he asked, "you wanna talk about it?"
Adira looked at her brother and, for a moment, she wanted to say no, put her shield up and hide what she felt, but looking at his face, she saw genuine worry laced throughout his eyes, and she sighed, "sure.... Not sure where to begin though..."
"Hmm.... Well the beginning seems like a good start"
The face painted warrior chuckled, "you know what I mean"
Hector smirked, "yeah, just, start wherever you feel comfortable, I don't need to whole tale if you don't wanna tell it"
His sister looked at him again and smiled before she sighed, "well I suppose you already know the beginning, you know about the Baron, you know what he did to me when I was a child, and you know I never really got over it.... But.... There was another girl that was with me.... I didn't talk about her before because she wasn't a very kind person.... She barely spoke to me... In fact, I think she hated me, and I wasn't sure why...."
"You mind if I ask why the Baron took you in the first place?"
The face painted warrior frowned, "he.... Wanted a good looking daughter....."
"What?!"
"Yeah.... My people were known for their white hair and green eyes, it was a trade mark that many people found attractive, even if we were looked upon by other people as dirty or disgusting.... The Baron said he needed an heir to his disgusting fortune, so he chose my clan to get it, me and that girl, we were the ones that looked the best I suppose.... He also knew my family's blood was valuable.... So he wanted to make a profit off of us as well, which is why he was so upset his lackey's had killed my parents...." she sighed, "that girl though.... She'd hatched an escape plan to get away from the Baron while we were in an unknown town, she was going to take me, but because I was so young, I got caught.... She abandoned me and ran off, escaped without me and never looked back.... That girl was Donella.... And even though Quirin found me six months later, I never forgot about how she'd left me to die.... Now I come to find out, that not only did she betray me, she also knew our brother's wife, who is now dead, and from the way he seemed to look, it was Donella's fault! Varian all but verified that when he said, she did something to his mother and Quirin remained silent...."
"You know that's not your fault though right?" Hector asked, when his sister remained silent, his eyes widened, "Adira, that really isn't your fault!"
"How can I be so sure?" The face painted warrior stated, "I mean maybe I could've stopped her, prevented her from ever meeting Ulla! Maybe even gotten her to be kinder!" She exclaimed, "and it's not just that.... She.... She's related to me... Yeah it's distant, but she's a part of my family, my pack.... And someone like that hurt someone else I care about, Quirin, and Varian.... Even if it's not my fault, I'm still related to this person, I still have *her* blood running through my veins, and finding out what she did to Ulla.... How she hurt Quirin.... I don't know if I can take it but my mind won't let the thought go, like I need to do something about it even though there's nothing I can do! It's frustrating! I just...." She sighed, "I want to fix it, but I don't think I can.... I want to comfort Quirin and Varian, but I'm afraid them knowing that I'm related to Donella will make them think I'm going to do the same thing, it's irrational, it's stupid, but it's what I'm feeling and I hate it so much that I....." She huffed, "I just want to punch a rock into sand, and I very nearly did..... I.... I don't know if I can face Quirin right now.... I don't want to see him cry because of something one of my relatives did.... But I don't want to avoid it either... I just... I don't know.... I'm tired..."
Hector listened, nodding whenever his sister looked up so she knew he was paying attention, all the while his thoughts continued to try and find some way to help her through this, something he could say that would make her feel better, and then he got an idea, "I have a question for you"
Adira raised a brow, "a question?"
"Yeah, it's relevant, trust me. What do you think about the Queen of Ingvarr?"
"I.... The Queen? She's.... Nice I guess? She could really learn how to rule a kingdom a bit better so children aren't treated like products, but she seems kind"
"Ok, what do you think of the Duke and Duchess?"
"I hate them", she said no more than that, just gave a very nasty glare
"....Noted, so then, what do you think about me?"
"What do I think ab-Hector I care about you! You're my brother and my friend, why would you even ask me tha-!" It was then she realized what Hector was getting at as the wild tamer smirked
"What do you think Quirin thinks about me?"
"....He loves you, so does Varian and King Edmund"
"Without question?"
"Yes"
"Now take my name and put yours there, same question, same answer, different relative"
Adira chuckled as she smiled at her little brother, "you really think so?"
"Yeah, I mean, you're connected to the family by blood, that doesn't make you like them, I hate my parents! I would fuck them up if I could, in fact I still might, but I love my siblings, Dexter and Trinity. I fucking *hate* that *joke* of a king for Corona, but the Princess is.... *Okay*, and the Queen is on good terms with me.... For now. Guess my point is, yeah, someone from your family is messed up, really fucking messed up, but that doesn't make you the same. I know you're not like her, Quirin, his spawn, and King Edmund do too, so don't worry about that", he stated, "also, you don't have to make up for what she did, that's not your responsibility", he added, "maybe there's a way fuck face-!"
"I'm guessing that's Donella"
"Yup, fuck face could probably make up for what she did, maybe she could be a better person to Hugo, maybe she could apologize to Quirin and his spawn, better than whatever the fuck that weak ass apology was she gave him when she was walking away in the hallway with the guards. Or maybe she could find a way to bring them to where Quirin's wife was buried, I don't know, either way, she's the one that needs to make up for it, not you, you've got nothing to apologize for, in fact, you might even be a comfort to them"
"What do you mean?"
Hector chuckled, "what I mean is, out of all the people the Baron could've taken in your clan and brought in a place where Quirin and the King just happened to be training, it was you! Of all the people we got to spend time with and get to know, it was you! I'm not saying you're like Donella, I'm saying we were lucky", he smiled at his sister, "because we got you, and I know there wouldn't have been a better option than you, that's a fact!" His expression softened when he saw Adira's surprised look turn into a genuine smile, "so stop worrying about how Quirin and his spawn are gonna think, because no matter what, they'll be glad it was *you* we ended up with and not fuck face McShit head, full name"
"Pft! McShi-!" The face painted warrior suddenly burst into laughter, fits of giggles and snickers escaped her mouth as she tried to cover them up with her hand, all the while Hector grinned, watching her laugh her feelings out as small tears slid down her cheeks, she laughed and laughed, more tears rolling down her chin as her laughter continued, Hector placed a hand on hers and held it the entire time, smiling even wider when he felt her hand grip his as she continued to laugh.
****
"We're fucking late", Hector stated as he and Adira took another turn down the hall away from the kitchen while they held a could dishes full of snacks, running towards Eugene's room as they took a short cut past the hall wit Quirin and Varian's bedroom, "how did it get so fucking late?!"
"Because I laughed and beat up nature and basically wasted all of our time", Adira stated apologetically
"Don't do that, you were fucking upset, it's understandable, I'm sure Quirin and King Edmund wouldn't mind the extra time anyway, we just need to get what-his-face before he leaves Eugene's room"
"Lance", Adira corrected
"Yeah?" Lance said, getting the two Dark Kingdom inhabitants to skid to a halt when they saw the man in question leaning against a wall nearby, he was grinning, "what's up?"
Hector blinked for a moment before he looked at the door the man was leaning next to, it was Quirin and Varian's room, "how.... What... The fuck?"
The former thief snickered, "Varian and Rapunzel, they were passin by when they saw me and asked if either of you had gone to talk to me, when I said no, they explained the situation, Rapunzel's with Eugene right now, he's sleepin like a baby, and I went with Varian. But he didn't want you two to get in trouble, so he asked me to wait for you here"
The two of them blinked before Adira shook her head, a small smile on her face, "Speckles, I swear..." She stated, breathing a sigh of relief
Hector smirked, "good thing I grabbed a few of those chocolate candies, he's getting all of them", he stated before he raised a brow at the former thief, "so you know what's about to happen?"
"Big talk about Donella and why Quirin was super upset? Yeah, I know, I'm here as support for Varian, but I can be there for either of you two if you need it", he offered before he looked directly at Adira, his face turning serious, "I'm guessin Varian ain't the only one with some emotional connection to the people in this story"
The face painted warrior chuckled, "good guess, is it that obvious?"
Lance gave her an understanding smile, "not really, ", he replied, "look you don't have to accept it if you don't want, but I'm here for you too, and Hector and Edmund if either of you two need it"
The wild tamer raised a brow, "I'm good, but thanks, I think I'm playing the same role as you during this talk", he nudged Adira, "so is King Edmund actually, but for Quirin"
"Gotcha", Lance said with a smile, "just let me know if either of you need anything, yeah?"
"Why?" Adira asked, "I can see why you'd want to help Speckles and Stickler but.... Why me, Wild Child, and the King?"
The former thief smirked, "because we're friends, and I care about all of you! There any reason why I shouldn't?"
"...Being related to the person who caused the trouble?" The face painted warrior asked timidly, getting Hector to raise a brow
"That's not you, you didn't cause the trouble, I was a thief, but my siblins wouldn't get the blame for my misdeeds if I had any, it wouldn't be fair, I know that, and so does everyone in that room"
The wild tamer nudged Adira once more, giving her an 'I told you so' look that make her smirk, "ok", she said
"You good?" Lance asked, a little concerned
The face painted warrior took a breath and let it out slowly before she nodded, "I'm good, thanks, to the both of you"
Hector and Lance nodded before the former thief turned to face the door, "here we go", he said, before he opened the door and they all walked inside
Notes:
Hello!
Another, slightly early upload! Woot! This time it's Adira who's getting comfort, and Hector's the one to help!!!!! I love these two being together, they're really fun to write and I love their relationship, so here's a whole chapter for it! :D
Adira has anger issues, so does Hector, but Adira hides them because she doesn't know how to let them out in a good way, I'm not sure if that came across as well as I was hoping for, but that's what I was going for here. I'll have some back story chapters for Adira 's anger later on in this story, but for now, there's a sneak peak! :D
Hector is probably the best support to Adira at this point. He's the only one that jumps straight to the point, the bluntly honest family member that can give a good bap on the head when needed. Adira didn't need a bap to the head, but she needed a push in the right direction, and Hector was more than willing to help her out. I honestly love giving Hector soft moments because he's that kind of character that you don't expect to be soft, but he is naturally and just doesn't like to show it. So it's kinda fun to do stuff like that with him! :D
(If you caught it, you know why I'm putting this here, the 4th wall is still taking a break, but Hector didn't forget, nor did Quirin or Varian, they never will :3)
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 204: I'll Be Your Friend!
Summary:
Edmund talks to Quirin and finds out more about what he's been through
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Oki, then um.... Eheh, yay for team?" Varian stated timidly
Hector snorted, "get out of here already, you're drunk"
The alchemist giggled again, "oki, I'm gonna go now", with that he walked out of the room, Ruddigar, who had been watching this entire time, hopped off the bed and followed his boy out, leaving the four Dark Kingdom inhabitants alone for a moment. Adira sighed, "this is gonna be an emotional day, isn't it?"
"Yeah.... Very...." Quirin replied, letting out a very shaky breath
Edmund got up and walked over to the bed, sitting on it's edge and placing a hand on Quirin's shoulder, it was shaking.... Badly..... "Hector, why don't you go with Adira for a moment, do you mind?"
"Kay", the wild tamer replied before he walked over to the face painted warrior and smirked, "make it a little less emotional, we could stop by the kitchen"
Adira smiled, "that sounds nice, thanks", her brother nodded before they left the room
Edmund watched them go before he looked at Quirin sadly and sighed, "you don't have to fake it around me"
The retired knight looked at his king for a moment before he placed a hand over his mouth and more tears slid down his face. He couldn't keep it in anymore and closed his eyes, leaning against the Dark King and finally allowing himself to cry for himself, for his wife, and for his son.....
"Oh Quirin...." Edmund said sadly as he wrapped his arm around the man, holding him tight with his knight cried even more. He was startled by his knight's tears, but was shocked when he felt Quirin's arms hug him back, *he hasn't done that since he was a child!* He thought to himself, biting his lip closed to make sure that thought stayed inside his mind. He watched the man sob in his chest, rubbing his knight's back, he didn't know how much time passed before Quirin's sobs finally began to subside, *a few minutes at most*, he thought once again as the man sniffled a little. The Dark King looked around him and noticed a box of tissues, he looked at Quirin, who was still leaning against him, but was rubbing his eyes, and smiled, grabbing a few pieces of tissue and offering it to his oldest friend.
The retired knight opened one eye and blushed before he accepted the offering and wiped his face clean, managing to stifle his lingering emotions down to a few sniffles before he was back to normal, he didn't look at his king, too embarrassed to do so as his fingers gently fussed with the wet tissue in his hand. The room was completely silent until the old farmer gave a soft, "thank you...." to his king before becoming quiet once again
"You're welcome", Edmund replied before he noticed how worried his knight looked, he chuckled, "you know you're allowed to cry like that right?"
"Mm-hm...."
The Dark King sighed before he scooched a little closer and leaned in front of Quirin's face, getting the man to look at him, "it really *is* okay you know, you can still cry like that when you're as old as you are, even older if needed, really"
"I.... I...." Quirin blushed even more and looked away, "I-I'm sorry....."
Edmund watched his knight sadly, "Quirin, if Varian were older, would you tell him he couldn't lean against you and cry?"
"N-no...."
"So why is it not okay for you to do?"
"I..... Don't know...."
Edmund raised a brow, "you don't know?"
"No...."
"You just assumed it wasn't okay?"
"I.... Yes?"
The Dark King chuckled, "Quirin what am I gonna do with you?" When the retired knight didn't respond, Edmund smiled lovingly at him, getting an idea. He scooted a little more on the bed before he wrapped his arm around Quirin once more, hugging tightly and startling the shy knight
"W-what are you-!"
"I'm hugging you", Edmund stated, "and I will continue to hug you until you smile, laugh, chuckle, or even give me an ounce of knowledge that you're feeling better and are willing to talk"
"I-B-but-!"
"Not budging until you do!"
Quirin was so surprised he wasn't sure what to think, but then his heart began to race, "y-you shouldn't be doing this with me"
"And why not?"
"Because-!"
"Because why? You don't want me to?"
"N-no..."
"You don't like hugs?"
"No I-!"
"You're too embarrassed?"
"NO! I'm a knight! I-I shouldn't be given your affection b-because I'm not.... I.... I-I don't deserve it...."
This startled Edmund, enough to make him let go of his knight, he was speechless for a while before he finally said, "who told you that?"
"T-the captain.... When I was training all those years ago...." Quirin replied, still not looking at his King, "he said I wasn't supposed to be taking your attention away from your kingdom and your family, t-that once I was made into a knight and had chosen to be trained in the royal guards, and later on, the Brotherhood, that I wasn't suppose to gain your affection. T-that's not what a knight does... Even if you did adopt me.... I-it's wrong...."
The Dark King was quiet before he sighed, "Quirin, that isn't real, that rule, what he said... Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"I thought you already knew.... The other guards agreed with him, they scolded me, shamed me for my foolishness.... They would train me hard whenever you showed signs of care for me.... You being you, they did it a lot.... I don't blame you though, b-but that's how I got so good as certain things quickly.... S-so it was beneficial I suppose...."
Edmund was shocked by this, "Quirin...."
"It was better that way you know.... I was able to be by your side when I became a Brotherhood member.... A-and when I promised celibacy, though I hated doing so, I knew I was doing the right thing, b-because then you could focus on your life and family without worrying about me.... Y-you wouldn't have to worry about me g-getting into trouble or causing a ruckus.... B-but then... T-then I failed you and.... A-and you threw me out....." Quirin said, "so.... M-maybe it wasn't so beneficial after all...."
"Quirin do you hear yourself?!" Edmund exclaimed, "you're saying that you putting your feelings aside is wrong! You're claiming me even showing you the tiniest amount of affection is wicked! Quirin, you wanted a child more than anyone in the world, and I *never* made you promise celibacy, ever! How, why.... You thought I already knew, but I told you several times that you should never put your feelings away, Eden did too Quirin, why.... Why didn't you say anything? Why didn't you tell me what the other guards did to you? What did they *do* to you?!"
"They.... Punished me.... Through humiliation...."
"WHAT?!"
".....Bamboo sticks against my bared back while everyone jeered and laughed.... Being tripped, spat on, and shamed with names and words thrown my way.... My items taken away from me.... E-even my garden set that you gave me... A-and the picture of my parents.... T-they made me do extra laps around the castle, clean up after every training day or night, prepare the items that were to be used in said training day or night, spar with the biggest guard who would constantly slam me into the ground while they watched and laughed.... T-they even ignored me for several weeks, no one spoke to me, looked at me, or even acknowledged I was there.... All because I was close to you and the Queen.... I admired you and her, I loved you both and respected you.... B-but I wasn't allowed to be close to you.... T-that's not what a knight is supposed to do.... They told me to say yes to the celibacy, I wasn't a real knight if I didn't promise...."
"....How old were you when they told you that?"
".....13....."
"Not old enough to know...."
"No.... and when you kicked me, Adira, and Hector out.... I couldn't help but think of all the things I could've done differently...." Quirin sniffled once more, still not looking at his king, "....I came to Corona and tried to become a guard... But it didn't work out... I was good at it, but it didn't feel right, it... Felt like I was betraying you... s-so I retired.... A-and the King and Queen of Corona gave me the role of a Village Leader, I met Ulla and Donella, had Varian and.... Well now you're here.... B-but I... What they taught me... You're still the king.... I'm still your knight.... even if I'm adopted, I can't.... I'm not allowed to....." He sighed, "I was... Afraid about what you would think or do when you saw Varian... I thought you might even take him from me because of my celibacy promise.... You surprised me when you didn't.... But that doesn't mean that I'm allowed to be a distraction to you... I'm not.... No matter how much I want you to.... Never mind....."
Edmund was too shocked to speak, all the gears in his head finally clicking as he thought back to all the times Quirin had been so distant with him, all the times he'd reached out to touch his best friend, his oldest child, and the man had turned another direction or even shied away from his touch. All the times Eden had mentioned how different Quirin was acting, and how he'd agreed and tried to close the gap, only for it to open wide whenever the Dark King got too close.... The only time he and Quirin acted like their normal selves towards each other was when they'd rescued Adira and Hector, that was when Quirin had put his guard down enough to where the Dark King could see the tiny boy he'd bonded with before. Beyond that their relationship, while friendly, had turned way too professional for Edmund's liking, but there seemed to be nothing he could do, until now. He huffed, "Quirin", he stated, his voice low and quiet, enough to make the retired knight look at him with concern, getting the Dark King to lock eyes with the Village Leader, "you are, and will always be, my *son*!" He stated, "you're my oldest son, yes, you're also my knight, you're a part of the Brotherhood, and you have fought long and hard to protect it, me, and it's secrets as I've told you to, but you with always be, first and foremost, my *son*! That has never changed, not when you were training, not when I made the mistake and forced you to leave, and certainly not now. You have *always* been my son, and I have always cared for and loved you like one too, you're not my servant, you're not just a knight, you're Quirin, you're the same child I defended from getting his hand chopped off, the same one that helped me propose to my wife that extremely special night. For fuck's sake, you *saved my life* Quirin!"
"You.... Remember that?"
"Of course I do!" Edmund stated, "how could I forget?"
"B-but what I did...."
"Quirin, you did what you had to do, and I'm so glad you did", Edmund stated, "in the moment, yes, it was very hard for me to understand, but you did what you needed to do and it saved me and everyone else in the castle, including Eden! You saved everyone, I will never forget that, and I'll never forget everything we've gone through and done together, you're my *son*! My very first son, and I don't care if I'm the king or not, that fact will never change no matter what anyone says. So if I want to hug you, I'm gonna hug you, if I want to talk to you, I'm going to talk to you, and if I wanna show you affection, then I'm gonna show you affection, and if anyone has a problem with that, then you tell them to come to me!" Edmund stated, "I love you Quirin, you're more than just a knight or a citizen or the Dark Kingdom, you're my *son*, and I care about you, always will".
The retired knight froze, unsure of what to do, his mind screaming at him to say something but it was fighting on what he should say. On one hand, he wanted to feel relief for the king's kind words of affection, but on the other, he still fought the urge to argue against them, he still didn't feel like he deserved to hear them, he couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't the one that should be hearing them, and it left the man completely silent as the king continued to stare.
"Quirin?" Edmund asked, getting a little worried
*Say something you idiot!* He mind scolded, *the king's waiting for a response!*
"I.... Um...." He tried
*Oh very nice, noises, great job!*
Edmund chuckled, "don't know how to respond?"
"....Nu", Quirin replied
The Dark King laughed, "that sounded like a Varian response!" He exclaimed, "that was cute!"
The retired knight blushed, but a small smile formed on his face, "heh... Yeah that would be something he'd say". He sighed, "I.... I'm sorry... For not telling you what I went through, I mean.... I didn't know what they were doing was wrong, so I thought if I'd told you, then I'd just be bothering you more...." He looked at the Dark King, who'd stopped laughing and was watching his knight, "being in the royal guard was something I genuinely wanted for the longest time, then when I was allowed to try for the Brotherhood, it was a dream come true! But I never knew how to react to certain things because of what those guards had done to me, and I thought it was normal to feel that way. I thought everyone had those thoughts in their head that they shouldn't be allowed to do certain things or say certain things because it'll only get them in trouble. It.... Was normal for me.... So when I came to Corona and found out everyone wasn't like that.... Moon above I felt so out of place it wasn't funny...."
"Really?"
"Yeah... The first person I became friends with here was Xavier actually, but it was only because of his legends, he would tell me a new one everyday while I was walking around town. I could listen to him talk for hours because he gave me a chance to be quiet without thinking that I wasn't interested. I'd nod my head and actually listen, and after, we'd talk about what I thought and interesting ideas we had, it was a lot of fun. He was actually the one to help me overcome a lot of my shyer qualities that I didn't even know I had", Quirin said with a bitter chuckle, "I really didn't think there was a problem with me, I thought everyone was quiet and reserved, that everyone stuck to themselves because that's what I was told to do.... It was hard, very hard... But then Xavier introduced me to Mr. Monty, and Mr. Monty introduced me to Feldspar, soon enough, everyone in the capital knew who I was and they all wanted to talk to me. Apparently I had interesting things to say if you can believe that"
"I do", Edmund replied with a smile on his face, getting Quirin to smile back
The retired knight hummed a bit, "I never thought what I would say could be considered interesting, Hector and Adira practically fell asleep whenever I would talk about it".
"What would you talk about?"
"It was usually about gardening and such"
"Ah"
"Yeah", Quirin chuckle, "don't tell Varian, but there's a science about plants that I don't think he knows I study"
The Dark King's brows raised in surprise, "really? The little peanut doesn't know?"
"Nope, he has no idea, it's called 'Botany', it's the study of plants, I actually have a whole series of journals about it"
"So you're a secret scientist?!"
"Sort of", Quirin replied with a blush, "it's actually the real reason why we have a separate garden in the backyard of our home. I've actually mixed plants before to see if I could make a new one, I've made a few, heh, Varian would kill me if he found out right now"
"Would he?"
"Kill me with questions"
"Ah"
Quirin smirked, "it was what the people of Corona found interesting, they liked it when I spoke about plants, they loved it even more when I would show them what I'd make. I guess they never saw anyone do what I do with plants before, I suppose that's why I became the Village Leader in the first place but, I never really got confirmation on that"
Edmund chuckled, "I'm not surprised", he stated before he smiled lovingly at his knight, "you know, I love you very much Quirin, that's never going to change, you know that right?"
"I know", the Village Leader replied, "and, thanks, I'm sorry I didn't tell you...."
"It's alright, you did now, and now we can work on it together, maybe you can teach me about Botany! That would be fun right?"
Quirin smirked, "as long as you stay *far* away from the pigs"
"Yeah there's no need to worry about that those things are evil", the Dark King shuddered
Quirin laughed this time, remembering how his king and Varian had come out of that scenario muddied and a little grumpled, "Varian was not a happy camper when you did thahahahat!"
"I know! It was one of our first meetings too!" Edmund whined sadly, getting Quirin to laugh even more, the Dark King smiled and wrapped his arm around his knight, pulling him into a hug, "I love you Quirin"
The Village Leader was able to calm his laughter as he returned the hug happily, "I love you too, King Edmund"
"With the 'king' thing-!"
"I'm not gonna stop calling you that"
"Fine", Edmund pouted
The retired knight grinned, "thank you.... For making me feel better I mean, I had no idea I needed that"
"You're welcome", the Dark King replied, "just remember, I'm always here when you need me, you're my son, so it Eugene and Hector, and Adira is my daughter, no matter how old you get, that fact will never change, as will the fact that I care about all of you, okay?"
"Okay"
"Good!" Edmund stated before there was a small silence, the two men weren't really sure what to say at the moment, that was, until the Dark King remembered why Quirin had been upset in the first place, "hey, about this talk, are you going to be alright during it?"
"Yeah... It'll be hard.... Very hard... But I'll be okay.... I'm honestly more worried about Varian and Adira.... This isn't going to be easy for them.... At all...."
"That bad?"
"Do you remember when Adira was 4 or 5 years old, she would talk about the 'other girl' that was with her?"
"Yes?"
"That 'other girl' was real, she was Donella, and she's the reason my wife, Varian's mother, is dead"
Edmund's eyes widened in shock, "oh...."
"Yeah.... Adira and Varian both know something about it, considering Varian asked me if Donella had something to do with Ulla's death and I confirmed it in front of Adira, who recognized Donella when she was in the hall before.... This conversation.... It's not going to be okay.... What Donella did, what could've happened instead, everything that I knew about my wife and her relationship to this women.... Just...." Quirin's eyes began to water once more before he wiped them away and sighed, "they don't know what she did.... But I do.... And it.... It's so horrible... Ulla.... My Ulla... S-she.... I can't get her back because of this women and.... I don't know how my son and my sister will react to this..... Broken hearted, hurt, angry, depressed.... Varian's already dealing with enough but he wants to know, and he has every right to, and Adira.... I don't ever want to bring that disgusting man back into her life once again.... But...." He looked at his king, "I don't know how to handle this... and what if I can't? What if I break down when Varian needs me? What if I get too upset and can't talk about it anymore, I... I don't know how to do this, there's nothing I can look at to help me through it! Nothing! No book, no rules, no line in the sand, nothing! I... I...."
"You're scared?" Edmund asked
".....Yes.... I'm really.... *Really* scared.... For my sister, for my son, for Hugo, because this will affect his and Varian's relationship, you know it will, and for me.... I'm just... So... Fucking.... Scared...."
Edmund sighed, "would it make you feel better to know your feeling scared is normal?"
Quirin chuckled, "actually it kinda does"
The Dark King smiled before he placed a hand on his oldest son's shoulder, "look, you have every right to be worried, what you're about to tell them, to tell me, it's not going to be easy. But you need to remember something, and it's something important Quirin", the retired knight looked at his king, "you, just you, are not the reason any of this happened, you're not the reason they're going to react in whatever way they'll react, you're not the reason your wife, Varian's mother, is gone, you're *not* the reason. In fact you *just* found out about everything that's been going on, and you're telling them *immediately*, and that is an extremely brave thing to do, you're showing them that you care about them so much that they should know the truth, that's *important*! You're being who they need you to be, you're not holding this to yourself to the point where it'll hurt them, you're telling them *now*. They'll understand that, they will, Varian will have trouble understanding the reasoning behind his mother's passing, and Adira.... She'll probably blame herself.... Hugo might even feel the same anxiety you feel for him right now. But none of that, none of *them*, will ever think for a second that this was your fault, and you being there to tell them, and helping them through, what is sure to be, a very *hard* and very *emotional* conversation, is going to make a *world* of difference, remember, you faced this alone, they won't, because they'll have you", the Dark King stated, "and *you* have *me*, okay?"
The retired knight smiled warmly at his father figure before he nodded, "okay, thank you"
"You're welcome Quirin, oh and by the way"
"Hm?"
"I'm proud of you, you know that?"
The retired knight froze for a moment or two before his eyes began to water and he chuckled, "oh, eheh, so *that's* what that feels like"
"What?"
"Oh nothing, just something Varian did", he chuckled before he looked at the man, "thank you for that, it means a lot"
Edmund smiled before the door to the room opened and the sweet smell of hot chocolate wafted through the air, "hello?" A timid alchemist's voice called in, "everybody okay in here?"
Quirin smiled wide at his son's voice, noting how calm he sounded, "that depends"
"On?" Varian asked
"On if you have enough hot chocolate to share?"
He heard his son giggle, a sound that filled his heart with warmth before seeing the teen in question walk inside and close the door behind him with a tray of hot chocolate filled mugs and a small bag of, what Quirin hoped, was the pain killers for their heads, "I'm three steps ahead of you this time, I've got one for you, grandpa, Adira, Hector, me, and Lance!"
"Ooooohoohoo! Hot chocolate! Now that's something I haven't had in *years*!" Edmund exclaimed excitedly
"You just wait, Varian makes the best hot chocolate", Quirin stated, bragging a little
The teen smiled, "I wouldn't say mine's the *best*, just.... Better than average"
Quirin raised a brow, "'better than average'? Really? I've had many a hot chocolate in my day, 'better than average' is not nearly a good enough compliment when it comes to your hot chocolate"
"That good huh?" Edmund asked
"Insanely, to the point where I'm nearly out of character for it", Quirin joked before he looked directly at you for a moment
"What?"
"What?"
Varian grinned sassily, "only if you take your medicine first", he stated before giving the man the bag
Quirin smirked and raised a brow, "using my own words used against me?"
"Something like that", the teen replied
"Does that mean I get to throw a fit and pout too?"
"Nu"
"Ya sure?"
"Yes"
"Oki", Quirin opened the bag and looked inside to see the medication, he grabbed it and drank a little of the potion before giving the rest to his son, who in turn, handed him a mug of hot chocolate, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome, now make sure you don't stay up too late doing those crazy, yet I secretly admire them, alchemical experiments, and drink plenty of water, then eat your, disgusting, carrots, and-!"
"Alright, we get it bratty stinkbomb", Quirin interrupted, ruffling his son's hair and making the teen giggle as he handed his grandpa some hot chocolate
"Evil jerkface", the tiny alchemist replied with a smile
"Thank you, oh, where's Adira and Hector?" The Dark King asked
"I'm not sure, I didn't see them on my way here", Varian replied, "but I'm certain they'll be here soon, right?"
"I'm sure", Quirin replied, "until then however", he removed the tray of hot chocolate from his son's hand and placed on a nearby shelf before he picked the teen up and placed him in his lap, wrapping and arm around him as he sipped from his mug, "hi"
"Hee hee, hi", Varian replied with a wide smile on his face
The two began to talk as Edmund watched, he grinned at the two as he watched Quirin specifically. The man seemed more at ease now, but the fact that he'd gone through so much without even a whimper of a complaint worried the Dark King, *I should really talk to someone about that... Maybe get him a friend to speak with.....* That's when the door opened once more and three more people entered the room
"Sorry we're late", Lance stated, as Adira and Hector walked in after him, "we kind got a lot of snacks on the way over here"
"...PERFECT!" Edmund exclaimed loudly as he grinned at Lance
The former thief looked at him with a raised brow, "uh.... Perfect?"
The Dark King looked around and blushed, "uh... Eheh, don't mind me, just admiring Varian's hot chocolate"
"It's *that* good?" Hector asked
"Yup", Quirin replied
The wild tamer looked a little skeptical before he shrugged, "alright, fuck it, gimme"
The little group began to talk happily about the hot chocolate as Edmund watched Quirin and Lance interact, he smiled as a plan formed in his head, nodding every so often whenever he felt he needed to, as he made sure to bite his lips every time a new thought appeared in his mind, *he's the perfect one to help Quirin out! And for my family, I'll do anything to make them happy, always*.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Last chapter before the one where Quirin spills the tea, and it's about Quirin and Edmund being father and son! :D
I love King Edmund, I think he's adorable, sweet, kind, funny, loving, and super supportive! For as much time as we got with him in the show, we never really saw him interact with anyone outside of Eugene and Rapunzel occasionally. That made me sad, so here's a whole chapter of him interacting with Quirin and being his biggest support! :D
More Quirin backstory! Yeah, the guards were not kind to this man! Also, he's a secret nerd! :D Quirin is that one character that you see and notice how strong and calm he is, but you'd never know how much he'd been through unless you caught him on a really bad day, Edmund just so happened to do that, and he was exactly what Quirin needed! :D
Also, there will be a chapter where I discuss how Quirin saved Edmund's life, that's a chapter in and of itself! :D
Varian, Hector, Adira, and Lance finally made it back to the room with snacks, hot chocolate, and funny moments! :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 205: I'll Help You Carry On!
Summary:
Quirin finally tells everyone what he found out from Donella about his wife!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"So, we gonna talk about this thing or what?" Hector asked after everyone got settled. He and Adira were sitting on the bed opposite to Quirin and Varian, Ruddigar was on the teen's lap and Lance was sitting on a chair next to Varian, while Edmund was sitting on the chair in-between both beds. The group had been chatting for the past 30 minutes about practically nothing, "postponing it isn't gonna make things any better", he added, looking directly at his brother.
The retired knight's shoulders tensed for a moment as Varian looked up at him. The alchemist frowned, feeling very concerned for his father's state of mind. The man had more tears on his face when the teen had walked in, and even though he seemed to be feeling better, the alchemist was worried this talk would bring him back to his former stated, "w-well, maybe we could wait a little longer", he suggested, "I mean, we don't have to talk about it right away right?"
"No", Quirin said gently, "Hector's right, we should talk about it now", he took a deep breath and let it out slowly
"Dad, you're shaking"
"It's.... Not a pleasant story...."
The wild tamer felt a pang of guilt as he watched his usually brave brother shaking like there was a chill in the air, "sorry...."
"It's alright Hector", Quirin replied
"Dad are you *sure* you wanna talk about this now?" Varian asked
"Yes, I have to, while it's fresh in my mind and I can remember it. I.... I need to talk about it, it's just hard....."
"Take all the time ya need", Lance stated, "we can talk for a little longer"
"No Hector was right, if I keep postponing, it won't get better.... None of it will...."
"Well.... We can take it in chunks", Edmund suggested, "you could tell us one part, then we can react, then you can tell us the next, and the next. Pausing in-between so we can ask any questions we need to, would that make it easier?"
"....Yes", Quirin replied with a small smile at his King, "it actually would"
"Ok, do we all agree to that?"
Adira nodded, "it would be easier on all of us to react to certain bits and pieces"
"Yeah", Hector replied, "we could even pause for emotion breaks too if needed"
"You'll need them...." Quirin said
Varian looked up at his father again, "you will too I'm guessing?"
"Yes.... I will...."
"Then chunks it is!"
Lance smiled, "ok then, what's the first chunk?"
The retired knight thought for a moment, "I think I can break it down into 4 chunks.... How Donella and Ulla met, how they bonded and ended up together along with me meeting Adira and them, Donella leaving Corona.... and Ulla, and then Ulla's.... Passing...."
A small chill shot through Varian's spine when his father said the last part, but he nodded, "oki, so.... Should we start then?"
"....Yeah, we should start", his father replied before he took a deep breath, and began to share Ulla and Donella's story....
****
"....And that's how they met", Quirin finished
"So wait... She ran into Ulla's father's shed, his in there the entire night, and Ulla found her in the morning and kept her a secret from her family.... And Donella did nothing about the Baron, just hid.... In that stupid shed.... For months...." Adira stated, getting angrier with every word she said
"Yes...." The retired knight replied
"I'm sorry Adira...." Varian stated quietly
"It's fine.... She just left me while escaping, so I shouldn't be surprised...." The face painted warrior stated as she clenched her wrapped up fist angrily
Hector placed his hand on hers, getting her to look at him and sigh before her anger subsided a bit, "you're here now, and you're safe", the wild tamer said
"I know.... Just.... Would've been nice to escape the easy way too.... Those six months before my escape were the worst.... He cracked down *hard* on me.... Made the blindfold tighter, kept more guards around, punished me for things that weren't a big deal before..... He got worse, and to hear that she didn't even care...." She closed her eyes, a single tear sliding down her face
"Adira....." Varian said sadly as he watched his aunt worriedly
"She's going to fucking pay", Hector stated, "she's in a holding cell right now, but she's gonna fucking *pay* for that, she will, we'll make sure she does sister"
The face painted warrior shook her head, "it's not worth it.... She's not worth the trouble.... I'm getting worked up over something I already knew.... I knew she didn't care, so why am I getting so angry?"
"Because it hurts", Edmund answered softly, getting everyone to look at him, "knowing someone doesn't care and dealing with those feelings then, that's hard enough. But you were only 4 years old, you barely knew how to handle the feelings you had at all, and all you had was a thought or feeling that she didn't care, you could still pretend she did to make yourself feel better. But now that you've grown, you're being faced with a past you'd rather forget and told that what you thought might've been true, is, and that kind of thing hits hard.... It's alright to feel upset about that"
"I know...." Adira replied quietly, "I just wish I didn't care.... It would make things easier"
"Doesn't work that way I'm afraid.... Not caring doesn't always happen, forgetting only makes it worse, and isolating that feeling and pretending it isn't that bad.... That's the worst.... I should know.... I'm sorry she didn't care for you Adira, but we do, and we always will, you know that right?"
"I know", the face painted warrior replied with a small smile at her king, "that is a silver lining, she didn't care, but I got a family who does"
"Yeah, to think we could've been stuck with fuck face instead of *you*!" Hector stated, getting Varian to giggle and Quirin and Lance smirked, "I mean, don't get me wrong sister, you're annoying as *fuck* but, Moon *above*, can you *imagine* how bad having that *shit licker* would've been?!"
Adira smiled, even chuckling a bit, "you would've sliced her head off on the first day"
"Or thrown her into the castle moat with a few piranha friends of yours", Quirin added
"There was a castle moat?!" Varian asked excitedly
"You had piranha friends?!" Lance added nervously
"There are two types of people", Hector stated with a snort as he gestured to the pair
Adira laughed at that, getting the wild tamer to smile happily as Varian and Lance looked at each other, "how are you excited about a moat?" The former thief asked
"How are you surprised he had piranha friends?" Varian replied
Quirin snorted, "sorry Lance, but Varian's not wrong"
"With a Rhino and two Binturongs, and with how he acts around Ruddigar, I thought he specialized in animals *above* the water only!" Lance defended
"How presumptuous of you", Hector stated with a smile
Quirin rolled his eyes, "yeah, how dare Lance think you wouldn't want *every* animal in the animal kingdom"
"You're just upset Pixie and Basil kept getting into your room at night"
"I was upset *you* didn't stop them"
"Why stop their curiosity, it's like telling your spawn to stop doing alchemy"
"Son!"
"Spawn!"
"*Son*!"
"*Spawn*!"
"Varian!" Varian exclaimed before he looked at the both of them, "did I win?"
Quirin chuckled, "yes, you won"
"Yay! Did that make you feel better Adira?"
The face painted warrior smiled, "yes it did Speckles"
"Double yay!"
Lance snickered before he looked at Quirin, "you think you can continue?"
"Yeah", the retired knight replied, "I can keep going, is everyone okay to do so?" When everyone in the room nodded, the man sighed and before the second part of the story, "how Ulla and Donella ended up together, and how I met Adira and they met me...."
****
"After that, they stayed with my in my home while they searched for jobs and houses up for sale", Quirin finished
Adira looked at her oldest brother with a sincere grin, "I should thank Ulla, she helped save me from him.... I wouldn't have noticed you has she not done what she did...."
Quirin smiled, "she was amazing in that way...."
"I still say we got fucking lucky, seriously, I wouldn't have been able to *stand* that shit stain of a girl Ulla had for a friend for 20 fucking minutes!" Hector exclaimed
The face painted warrior smirked, "right, you prefer the quiet yet eccentric types"
"Over the bossy, annoying, and stupid? Any day"
Adira giggled before she noticed Varian's crest fallen look, "Speckles, you okay?"
The alchemist looked at his aunt for a moment before he sighed, sorry, I agree that we got the better choice, it's just.... Mom.... Her father.... I don't understand..... Why would someone be so horrible to their child?! I have a hard time understanding Uncle Hector's parents, and now mom had bad parents too?! It's just.... It's so horrible.... She must've thought no one would ever care about her....."
Ruddigar chittered at his boy sadly, nuzzling his hand as the alchemist stroked his fur
"Your mother was strong, very strong, she knew she would be giving up everything she had, but she did it anyway", his father replied, "it's one of the many reasons why I loved her, even when I didn't know about her past, I knew she was strong, very strong"
Varian looked up at the man, "she never told you any of this?"
"She.... Never really liked to talk about her past, and when she did, it was always with Donella.... She never spoke of her parents or her life before Donella to me, and I never told her I was a knight of the Dark Kingdom, or about the Moonstone.... It was nice, like a new start for the both of us, I feel like it's what we both needed"
"Yeah.... It's just.... Poor mom....."
"I know son.... I know...." Quirin hugged his little alchemist, the teen returning it sadly, "are you okay?"
"Yeah.... Just sad for her..... I'm glad she got to have a better life after though, that's good at least"
"It is"
"Plus Adira had a better life too! And, even if we may dislike her now and later, Donella also had a better life", Lance stated, "so even though the journey to get there was hard, they found a better place after"
"Yeah!" Edmund agreed, "they got a chance to be happy, everyone did, that counts for something"
Varian smiled, "it does", he looked at Adira, "I got the best aunt in the world because of what happened!" The face painted warrior smiled before the alchemist looked up at his father, "and the best mom and dad too!" Quirin grinned lovingly at his son, "so, it worked out for the best"
"Yeah it did", Lance agreed, until he noticed Quirin's face, "you okay?"
Varian looked up at his father as the man sighed, "I think I should start telling you the next part...."
The alchemist's eyes widened with worry, as did the former thief's before they saw Edmund place a hand on his knight's shoulder, "you sure?" The Dark King asked
"I'm sure.... Before I change my mind, I need to tell you why Donella left Corona and Ulla behind...."
****
The Village Leader sighed as he finished the final sentence to the third part of the story, "We didn't see Donella at all after that.... And Ulla stayed with me, she eventually moved on, never forgetting Donella, but she learned to live again, with me. We got married, and then had Varian after. That's it for that section...." Quirin finished, "I.... Don't want to say much more yet...."
Varian growled, "she left my mom *ALONE*?!" The alchemist snapped, "*SERIOUSLY*?! She... S-she got *jealous* of you and mom's relationship, and she left her *ALONE*?! After everything they'd been through, after all my mom gave up for her?! And she had the *GALL* to leave her *ALONE*?!"
"Yes..."
"That's fucked up", Hector stated
"Understatement of the *year*", Varian exclaimed
"At least things got better", Lance tried
"That doesn't matter! Knowing what's coming next, my mom *dies*!" Varian snapped, "s-she dies a-and Donella just *left* her! Mom probably loved her too! She was the first person to show her kindness! T-that's not someone you can easily forget! I should know, *RAPUNZEL* was the first one to show *ME* kindness outside of my immediate family! How... H-how could Donella *do* something like that?!"
Quirin looked at the Dark King worriedly, his heart began to race as he knew what was coming next. Edmund took the hint, "hey, little peanut, I know you're upset, but it's going to be okay"
"I-B-but mom, D-Donella she-!" He stopped when he looked up at his father. Although he'd tried to hide it, the Village Leader's anxious expression told his son enough to know that wasn't even the worst part. Varian closed his eyes and looked away, counting to 50 in his head and taking a breath before letting it out slowly. He opened his eyes once more, "I'm okay.... I'm fine.... J-just.... Sorry..."
"You can feel angry Varian", Quirin said
"I know, b-but that's not helping.... You're already worried about the next part and I'm not making it any better.... It just sickens me is all...."
"It... Was disgusting to me too...." The retired knight agreed, "it saddened me how much Donella leaving broke Ulla's heart.... She didn't deserve that, you're right, she didn't...." The man grew quiet, not sure of what to say next
"But what she's gonna go through next is ten times worse, isn't it?" Adira asked worriedly. When her brother nodded, she sighed, "are you sure you're going to be able to tell that part?"
"I.... I have to...." Quirin said
"Why?" Hector asked, "what, in your mind, is telling you you need to tell us any of this?"
"Because Adira and Varian deserve to know, Varian for his mother and Adira because Donella is a part of her family. They deserve to know, it's their right to know and I'd be just as bad as Donella if I kept it all to myself.... I just.... It's hard.... The next part is the worst and I... I d-don't know how I'm gonna tell it....." The retired knight replied softly, his eyes filling with water once more, "I... S-still haven't figured out how I feel about it yet.... It's a lot... What h-happened to her... I wouldn't.... I...."
"Dad", Varian said, wriggling out of his father's grasp, turning to face him fully, and hugging him tight. He felt the retired knight's arms wrap around him as well, returning the hug, "look whatever happened in that final part of the story, even if it makes me and Adira upset, we're glad you told us, really glad. Because you're right, we should know, so you even coming this far is amazing! You shouldn't be so hard on yourself"
"I.... I'm sorry...." Quirin said sadly
"It's okay dad...."
"He's right Quirin", Adira replied, getting up and sitting next to her brother, placing a hand on his shoulder, "whatever you tell us next, even if it affects us negatively, we'll want to know, and we'll be glad you told us", she stated with a smile, "our reactions may be sad or even angry, but we'll still be glad you told us"
Varian broke the hug to look at his father, the man sniffled a little, getting his son to chuckle, "emotional day huh?"
Quirin gave a watery chuckle, "emotional day", he sighed, "sorry, for blubbering I mean"
"You're talking about your wife's passing, I think you have a fucking right to blubber", Hector stated as he walked over as well, handing his brother a tissue
The Village Leader smiled at the man, accepting the tissue before he wiped his eyes and sighed, "ok, I'm ok, I need to say it before I start doing this again"
"Oki", Varian replied as he sat down, still facing his father as Ruddigar climbed onto his shoulders. They all waited for Quirin to take a few breaths before the man began, "....S-so.... Um.... U-Ulla... Got a visitor one day....."
****
Quirin was silent, as was the entire room. The sound of quiet sniffles could be heard, coming from both him and his son, who had covered his mouth with his hands and hadn't removed them yet. Adira was staring at the floor in shock as Hector looked like he was trying his best not to say every curse word in the human, and animal, language. Lance had a hand over his mouth and was watching Varian and Quirin worriedly, as was King Edmund, although the amount of anger he felt could be seen by how dark and cloudy his eyes had become.
No one spoke, no one moved, and it was killing the Village Leader. He wanted to say something, to comfort them, but he didn't know how he was supposed to after the story he'd just told, *they know all of it now.... You told them.... Do they still think it was the right thing to do? Or did you only end up hurting them more?* He asked himself as he looked at his son, *I can't see his face, but I know he's crying, I want to hold him, but will he just back away? Should I just have kept it to myself?* He raised his hand, wanting to comfort his son, but he froze, unsure of where to put it. For a moment, he just watched the teen, but he saw his son look at his outstretched hand, *he noticed... I... W-what do I do?*
Varian stared at it for a moment before his own hand grabbed it and placed it on his cheek, he leaned into the touch as the old farmer used his thumb to wipe a few tears away, *He... Wanted me to do that? That was okay?* The alchemist looked up at him, and even though his big blue eyes were filled with tears and heartbreak, they looked grateful, he even had a small smile on his face as he stared at his father, *Varian....*
Quirin gave the teen a small smile back before he used his other arm to scoop the tiny alchemist, and his raccoon, into his arms. The teen, once again, leaning into his touch as he was brought to his father's chest. He buried his face into the retired knight's vest, and for a while, he stayed completely still. His father waited, he knew what was coming next, he noticed Adira had placed a hand over her mouth too, but Hector was immediately at her side, an arm wrapped around her shoulders and a few tissues in his hand.
The room was still silent, no one spoke, a minute passed by, maybe two, before the heartbreaking sound of Varian's quiet sobs began to fill the room.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the late post, but I wanted to make sure I got this one right. It was important to Quirin and Varian's story arch's, and will be important to Hugo's later on.
I won't go into detail with every character like I normally do, but I will say, there's going to be more for the reactions coming soon. This was not a happy chapter, everyone is sad and heartbroken right now, but I wanna make one thing clear. Quirin, in the show, and in this story, has been shown to shy away from any kind of emotional anything, or hide what he's feeling, at the very least. I wanted to show him still struggling with that, but that he's learning and getting better at expressing his emotions and worries, and I hope that came across well. If it didn't, please let me know because I want to improve as a writer, sincerely.
There's going to be more to the reactions in the next chapter, but if I placed all the things they felt in the final section of Ulla's tale in this chapter, it would be way took long. Sorry if the ending seemed abrupt, but I hope it was still good! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 206: It Won't Be Long, Til I'm Gonna Need!
Summary:
Adira and Varian face what they feel about Ulla's passing and Hugo wakes up and asks a scary question!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lance and Edmund visibly winced when Varian started to cry, the sound breaking every heart in the room as the teen's muffled sobs soaked into his father's vest. Quirin held his son close, despite his own heart cracking with each new cry he heard come from the boy. Ruddigar nuzzled his best friend, trying to comfort him as Hector and Adira watched the alchemist sadly. Varian continued to cry for a while, unable to stop until his tears became a mess of small whimpers, hiccups, and sniffles. Quirin looked at his son, rubbing his cheek gently with his thumb before he saw the teen peek out from the vest and look up at him sadly, "hi", the retired knight said, "you alright?"
Varian was silent before his whole face revealed itself to his father and nodded, "'m okay now.... Just.... W-what happened to her.... A-and Donella really didn't s-say anything to you u-until *now*?" His voice was hoarse once again
Quirin nodded, "I'm afraid so...."
The alchemist was silent before he wriggled out of his father's arms, sitting on the old farmer's lap instead and leaning against his stomach while Ruddigar hopped into his boy's lap and chittered worriedly
"She...." The teen began, but stopped as he looked down, "I.... L-Lance I don't f-feel anything....."
"What?" The former thief asked, "what do you mean?"
"I felt sad and angry while crying, b-but as I began to calm down, the f-feelings just.... D-disappeared... I-I can't feel them anymore.... E-even now, I'm not even that worried about this, I'm j-just... Mildly concerned.... W-what's happening to me?"
The former thief sighed, "you're numbing.... I was worried this would happen..."
"Numbing?" Quirin asked
"It's a sort of copin mechanism for the body.... I think you told me this happened to you once before, right Varian?"
"Yeah... a w-while ago..." The alchemist replied
"Basically, what's happening is your mind felt so much emotion at once that it wasn't capable of handling, so your brain numbed itself to keep you from gettin hurt while the emotion calmed down.... You feel distant to your emotions, that right? Like you can feel them, but not in quite the same way you would before?"
"Right"
Lance nodded, "and you can't really feel them the normal way you would, like there's a wall blocking you from allowing yourself to react the way you want to yeah?"
"Yeah"
"That's numbing.... It means you're feeling so much emotion all at once that your mind and body cannot physically, or mentally, cope with it, so they make it to where you don't feel anything at all", the former thief explained
"...Varian... Are you sure you're alright?" Quirin asked
"I.... D-don't know...." Varian replied honestly, "I don't feel sad anymore... Or angry, just... sort of.... Distant.... Like I'm floating.... And I feel tired too...."
"You did cry a lot just now", Edmund said, "that could be the reason"
"Yeah... Maybe"
"Lance, how do you make the numbing go away?" Quirin asked worriedly
The former thief gave the man a sad look, "the only way I know how is to just talk to the person who's numb.... Ya can't really make it go away, all you can do is just wait it out...."
"There's really nothing we can do?"
"No... I'm sorry..."
"I-it's okay dad, I won't be like this forever, j-just until my emotions calm down I suppose", Varian stated
"I... I know, it just worries me...." The retired knight replied before he looked at his sister, "are you numbing too?"
Adira shook her head, "believe me, I'm feeling *plenty* of emotions right now...." She replied quietly
"I think numbing would be preferred for her actually", Hector added, giving a concerned look to the face painted warrior when she nodded in agreement
Edmund let out a breath, "this is.... Messy... Where should we start?"
"Well... How about you both say what you think right now?" Lance suggested, "I mean Adira and Varian, but anyone who wants to join in can do so as well"
"I think we should focus on these two first", Hector stated, Quirin nodding in agreement
"Right, Varian, do you wanna go first?" Lance asked
"I... Don't feel anything... Just minor anger and sadness.... But I can't react to it...." The teen replied, "it's concerning... But my mind is thinking logically, saying things like, 'if the Library is magic, maybe she could be in there waiting', but then it back tracks and says, 'she's been in there for about 12 years now, maybe a little under that, if she were in there alive, she'd be gone by now....' Then it just gets quiet...."
The room was silent
"Like that, yeah"
Lance frowned, "is your mind sayin anything about the other parts of the story, like when your mom was talkin about you?"
"....Yeah, I feel a small sense of love, but it's still very distant.... This would be more concerning if I could feel that emotion right now"
Ruddigar chittered worriedly, pawing at his boy's chest
"I'm okay, just.... I don't feel anything in the traditional sense... It's so odd, and I really would be more concerned about it if I could feel something. It's kinda peaceful in a way, like all my thought have finally grown quiet, all my anxieties aren't shouting at me or telling me I should stop talking. There's a very muffled sound of an echo that seems like it's trying to tell me that, but I can't really hear it... It's so odd, and I honestly want to study this a bit more, but I don't think that's a good idea"
"Why not?"
"Because I'm scaring dad", Varian replied, as if it were the more normal thing in the world, "I'm can tell because his heart's racing like a rabbit running away from its predator.... I also don't seem to have a filter right now... Huh...."
Lance looked at Quirin, but the retired knight was staring at his son, his eyes wide with worry and fear as he continued to hold the teen close to him, "he's gonna be okay Quirin", he former thief tried, "if this really is the first, or even second, time he's feeling this way, then we can work with that, it'd be bad if this happened everyday, but since he said the last time he felt this way was a while ago, it can be worked on"
That seemed to calm the Village Leader down, his shoulders lessened in tension, but he didn't take his eyes off his son.
Edmund decided now would be a good time to move on to someone else, "Adira, what are *you* feeling?"
The face painted warrior was staring at the floor, her hands were shaking as they balled into fists. Her eyes were filled with tears but she kept her mouth closed, Hector watched her for a moment or two before he looked at the Dark King, "unbridled rage, sadness, guilt, and fear", he replied, "so much so that she can't actually talk"
"Guilt and fear?" Quirin asked, looking at his siblings, "why?"
Hector remained quiet as he looked at Adira. She continued to stare at the floor, unsure of what to say or do, "Adira?" The Dark King said softly, getting her to look at him before she looked at her big brother
The moment her eyes landing on him, however, she felt shame course through her veins and and she closed her eyes and looked away. Quirin blinked a little before he thought about the story a bit more, the realization hitting him like a truck, "Adira.... You know Donella isn't you right? And her being related to you in any way, shape or form, is not a reflection on who you are to me, right?"
The face painted warrior's shoulders tensed even more, she still didn't look at her big brother, but a small tear slid down her face as her hands began to shake more.
Seeing this, Quirin placed one hands on hers, startling the women a bit, "'Dira, you're not Donella, you're my sister, I know you would never do something like that, ever. Even if the person who did came from a part of your family, that doesn't make you like them. It just makes you better by comparison, because I know you would never do something like that, ever", he squeezed her hand, "I mean that sincerely, you're my sister, I care about you"
"Why?!" The face painted warrior finally snapped, turning to look at him as her eyes were filled with tears, "why would you *ever* think I wasn't like her?! Or that my relatives wouldn't do the same?! S-she betrayed her, your wife, she trapped and killed her! Varian's without a mother, you're without your lover, and it's all because of one of *MY* relatives!!!! I... You... Y-you can't tell me you see no connection between the two of us! You can't, you'd be lying if you did!"
"I know there's a connection", Quirin stated calmly, "I know she's a part of you family, but that doesn't make you like her"
"Maybe I'm not like her but she's still a part of my heritage.... S-she's still... I... I still have her blood in me.... I'm still related to her"
"Right, but that doesn't mean you're the same as her", the retired knight stated, "Adira you've saved me multiple times, you were there for Varian when he needed someone the most, you... 'Dira you didn't even *know* Donella was that girl until you got a good look at her"
"And?"
"*And* you're not *her*!" Quirin stated, "sister you are *not* Donella, you never will be, your family, though I may not know much about them, did not tell her to do that! Your parents were killed and you were abused in horrible ways when you were just 4 years old! You trained by mine and Hector's side, you've saved multiple lives, you went against the *King's orders* because you wanted to save your home! You are *nothing* like Donella, you will never *be* Donella! In fact, the only think you two share in common is the blood and the hair color, and even then, hers is grey, yours is white! Trust me sister", the retired knight stated, giving the face painted warrior a loving smile, "I hold nothing but love and care for you, you're nothing like her, and I know you never would be. I trust you, I love you, that's not going to change, I don't think of you any differently that I did before. I acknowledge you have a connection with her by blood and blood alone, but you're nothing like her, and she's nothing like you, please don't place the blame on yourself, it's not fair to you".
Adira was quiet, she was staring at Quirin in shock for a little while before she placed a hand over her eyes and chuckled to herself, "are.... You alright?" Hector asked, a little concerned
"I, heh heh, I'm fine, heh, Juhust...." She sniffled a bit before removing her hand from her face and placing it on top of Quirin's, "....way too emotional...." She smiled at her big brother, "thanks... I'm sorry"
"It's alright, it's a lot to take in", the retired knight replied with a smile of his own, "are you really okay?"
"Well... I'm really angry still, and I don't think I should see that *thing* again anytime soon, otherwise I might end up harming her in the worst way possible.... But... I think I'm alright... Just.... Tired... And very sad, for you, your wife, and Speckles...." She said, "even if my fear of what you thought of me came up first, I really am upset about what happened to her.... I'm really sorry...."
"It's not your fault"
"I know, but it wasn't right.... Not at all.... It should've never happened and I'm so sorry it did.... I wish I could take it back...."
"I know... I wish we all could've done things differently that day.... But we can't now", Quirin said sadly
Adira felt her brother's pain shoot through her heart, "Oh... Quirin I-!"
"It's alright Adira", the retired knight replied with a sad smile, "you don't have to keep apologizing, I know you don't mean anything by it. It's just... Hard to think that that day I could've stopped her... But I've thought a lot about that day, and how I could've handled it all so differently... This isn't the first time"
"I think anyone who's lost a loved one thinks about all the things they could've done differently the day of their passing", Edmund spoke up, getting everyone to look at him, "it's a normal reaction, to blame yourself and to think of how things could've changed.... But what's important, is that you know you did what you could, even if you feel like you could've done something better. You can't change what's happened now though, so you must look to the future. Our loved ones may be gone now, but you can make the future better with the memories your loved ones left you. That's... How I handle it anyway"
Quirin, Adira, and Hector smiled at their king, as did Lance and Varian. The room was quiet for a little bit before Adira looked at the teen, "how are you holding up?"
"Still don't feel much, I did feel a little more concern when you got upset though, is that good?" Varian asked
Lance nodded, "feeling a little more of anything is good, do you still feel that distant anger?"
The teen thought for a moment before shaking his head, "it's kinda like a dull pain now, I feel more of that distant sadness then I do anger.... Though if I were to see Donella again I might just end up reverting back to a darker side for a little bit..."
"So we're not visiting Donella in her holding cell", Edmund said, "that has been made *abundantly* clear"
"Yeah that would be a *very* bad idea, not for us of course, but for her, yes", Adira stated
"It would be bad for you too", Hector stated, "I don't think Coronans are big on murder, even if the person killed is a criminal and murderer themselves"
"You're right", the retired knight replied
"Yeah.... Either way, I think I'm starting to feel again, just little by little.... I'm alright for now I suppose", the teen said
"For now?" His father asked, when his son nodded the Village Leader gave him a concerned look, "Varian you know you can talk ab-!"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, Lance blinked for a moment before he looked at the group, "you guys expectin someone?"
Quirin and Varian shook their heads, "we didn't tell anyone about this meeting", the old farmer stated before he looked at his son again, "we're not done with this conversation though you know"
"Save for Rapunzel", the alchemist said, when the group looked at him, he added, "I ran into her on my way here", he explained before he looked up at his father, "also I know, I would just rather talk about it when I can feel a little more than I do now"
Quirin nodded, "you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure"
"....Ok", someone knocked on the door once again
"Maybe that's Rapunzel or Eugene?" Edmund suggested, "since the little peanut ran into her and told her what we were doing"
"Maybe", the former thief replied before the person at the door knocked for a third time, this one more frantic than the rest, "I'll answer it"
Lance stood up and walked over to the door, opening it and looking through before he smiled, "we were right, it's.... A very out of breath Eugene and Rapunzel, what's up guys?"
"Sorry we *huff huff* we came as fast as *pant* as we could!" Eugene started, "h-hold on", he and Rapunzel took a few deep breaths, stopping their panting before the Dark Prince looked directly at Varian, "Hugo's awake"
The teen's eyes widened, and suddenly something broke inside of him. He felt tears pouring down his face as an overwhelming sense of sadness mixed with joy and relief filled his entire body. He sniffled before he asked, "i-is he okay?"
Quirin, noticing the change in his son's voice, looked at him and smiled, feeling relief wash over him as he watched his son finally begin to feel again as Rapunzel replied, "for now he's stable, but he freaked out"
"What?!"
"He got scared when he woke up and saw the doctors around him. He got up and tried to get away but fell to the floor before he was hurt. The doctors are trying to help him calm down, but he keeps backing away and asking for you"
Eugene nodded, "Mrs. Solace has been running around trying to find you so you could help calm Hugo down"
The teen's eyes glowed bright as he immediately hopped out of his father's lap, catching Ruddigar, who was sent flying by the action, and running over to the pair, "let's go, now"
"Hold on, you're not leaving without us", Quirin stated, getting up and following his son
"Indeed", Adira replied, wiping off the remains of her tears as she smiled and stood up, "we're coming too"
"That's right!" Edmund exclaimed
"Yup", Hector agreed
Lance nodded, "same here"
Varian smiled at all of them, happy to be feeling anything again, and relieved that it was a good emotion before he felt his anxiety shoot up as Hugo's face flashed in his mind. He turned to look at his big siblings, "let's go"
They nodded before they led the way over to the infirmary room where Hugo was in. Varian, his family, and Lance were running behind him as they reached the door and slammed it open. The teen looked around before Rapunzel pointed and said, "over there"
The blue eyed alchemist spotted his boyfriend, who looked absolutely terrified as he'd backed himself into a corner. He was standing up, but there was blood dripping from his recently reopened wounds. He was breathing heavily as Mr. and Mrs. Solace were watching him from the other side of the room. The blond had tears streaking down his face as he tried to become one with the wall, his glasses laying cracked on the hard tiled floor. Varian's eyes stopped glowing the moment he saw Hugo as a feeling of love and concern took over him. He stepped forwards and smiled at his lover, "Hugo"
The blond winced a bit before he looked at Varian, suddenly his body shifted, his shoulder becoming less tense, his breathing slowing a bit, and his face calmed down the moment he laid eyes on his boyfriend. He blinked and all was quiet for a moment before he rubbed his eyes and shook his head, trying to clear whatever thoughts were inside of him before he squinted at Varian, "F.... F-F-Freckles?"
The freckled teen smiled, "hiya Huuugo"
The blond's face shifted a little more, almost to a smile as he looked around before spotting his glasses. He picked them up, dusted them off, and placed them back on his face before he opened his eyes once more and sighed, "Freckles, i-it... It really *is* you" He then looked around, "where.... A-am I?"
"You're in the infirmary", Varian replied, taking a step closer, "do you... Remember what happened to you?"
The blond thought for a moment before the images of Donella's angry face and fist flashed in his mind. He shuddered and nodded, "y-yeah.... D-Don...."
"Right", Varian said softly, taking another step towards his lover, "are you okay?"
"Y-yeah I-! ....Are you... Trying to come close to me?"
"I.... Maybe?"
The blond smirked, "why are you sneaking over?"
"Because you... Kinda made a mess"
The bespeckled teen titled his head before he looked around once more, the blankets of the bed he'd been laying in were on the floor, there was broken equipment nearby, fresh bloodstains lined the tiles, leading directly to him, "....I... Did this?"
"Yes you did", Mrs. Solace replied gently, "though you didn't seem.... Fully aware when you were doing so...."
Varian's eyes widened, "Hugo, were... You having a nightmare?"
The blond thought for a moment before he nodded, "y-yeah.... D-Don was t-trying to kill me... C-Cyrus was helping her and.... A-and they had knives...."
The room was silent before Varian gave his lover a sad look, "are you alright?"
"Y-yeah... Just startled... I... Guess I ended up freaking out while a-asleep... I've... never done that before...." He blushed a little
The blue eyed alchemist smiled before he walked over to his boyfriend and placed a hand on his cheek, kissing his nose, "it's okay, I've done it before too"
Hugo blinked but smiled before a wave of pain crashed into him and he clutched his stomach, "ugh... I uh... N-need to sit down...."
Varian giggled before he placed Hugo's arm around his shoulder, getting the blond to lean against him, "how about we get you into bed huh?"
"O-okay...."
The pair walked towards the bed, Quirin walking over and helping while the rest of the group moved some things out of the way. The father son duo got Hugo back in the bed and had him lay down with little trouble. The injured alchemist let out a quiet sigh as Varian's thoughts wandered, his anxiety rising as he thought about the story he'd just been told and how it would affect the blond before he noticed Hugo looking at him with a worried expression, "hm? I-I'm sorry did you say something?"
"I... Said you looked tired and asked if you were okay.... And I asked if y-you knew w-where Don and Cyrus were?"
The room fell silent once again before Hector said the one thing everyone was thinking but wouldn't say, "....well shit"
Notes:
Very early upload! Woot woot!!!!!
This was a sort of part 2 to the reaction and also a set up for the next few chapters with Hugo and Varian, so here ya go! :D
Poor Quirin... Having to hold his bean while he cries and then seeing Hugo in such a bad state while also comforting his sister and trying to stay strong himself, it's very hard for him right now.
So, the numbing thing Varian went through, I've only experienced it twice, my sibling has experienced it more than me, but that, to me, is what it feels like. I'm going off of personal experience, so take what I said in this chapter with a gigantic grain of salt. But this does happen when someone feels too much emotion, or their overwhelmed. Their mind and body can't handle it and shut the emotions down so your you can recover and calm down. Those emotions are then brought back to a lesser degree because you've calmed down at that point. You can come back by waiting it out or if something makes you feel a strong enough emotion to bring them back, like Hugo does for Varian. The Moon bean is gonna be okay, he's just got a lot on his mind right now, Hugo happens to be a good distraction :3
Adira.... I feel so bad for this women, she felt so freaking guilty!!!! Writing this chapter made me actually want to cry for her, and it's my chapter that I wrote XD I just wanna hug her sincerely, I really do. I really love Adira, Hector, Quirin, and Edmund too! <3
Hector, Edmund, and Lance played similar roles in this chapter, they were the support team, and they're really good at it!!!!!! I love my three support beans! <3
Hugo, this poor kid, like good gosh. I've actually done that, fell asleep, had a nightmare, and acted out trying to get away in the nightmare because it felt so real. My sibling had to actually corner me wait until I'd calmed down enough to try and wake me up. Never wake a sleep walker, I know this fact, but Hugo was more awake than asleep at that point, which is why he wasn't screaming or fighting back, he was just scared, extremely scared... This teen really needs more hugs and Varian lovins, he's going to get it, but good gosh, and the news that he's gonna hear... Hoo boy....
As always, Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon, Itty Bitty and Hamuel were there, and are amazing, but I didn't really know how to write them into this particular chapter. So Imma just say they're having a play date with Cuddles right now in Lance's room with Catalina and angry! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 207: Somebody! To Lean On!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo talk about Donella, among other things!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I... Said you looked tired and asked if you were okay.... And I asked if y-you knew w-where Don and Cyrus were?" Hugo asked nervously
"....well shit", Hector stated, getting the blond to look at him with a confused brow raised
Varian's heart skipped a few beats before he sighed defeatedly, "um... D-Donella is... I-in a holding cell right now... Cyrus is a frequent visitor, so I'm betting he's down there with her at the moment..."
The bespeckled teen's eyes widened as he sat up, "SHE'S IN A HOLDING CELL?!" He exclaimed before feeling the aftermath of his quick sit up and groaning a bit as Varian helped him lay back down, "w-why is she in a holding cell?"
"Because of what she did to *you* Hugo", the blue eyed teen replied, a little surprised his boyfriend needed to ask, "she beat you, hurt you, Hugo, you had a nightmare about her and Cyrus coming at you with a knife!"
"Y-yeah but... that's normal"
The room was completely still as everyone who was in the room had their hearts shatter at the same time. The freckled teen just stared at his lover before he asked, "Hugo... D-did.... Did you ever tell someone about what she was doing to you?"
"Yeah"
"W-what did they do?"
"They just told me to brush it off, told me I had to tough it out because I should be lucky Don and Cyrus were taking the time to even keep me around.... They told Don what I'd said, and she... W-wasn't very happy with me after that... Me going and telling someone, t-trying to get her in trouble.... It only makes things worse.... A-and she'll get out of it, still have legal documents that I'm under her care, and be able to d-do what she wants with me. Unless I want to end up on the streets or in an orphanage, I have to play by her rules, t-that means I can't tell *anyone* about this! S-so.... H-her being in a h-holding cell... M-means the King and Queen know.... B-but the Queen of Ingvarr w-won't do anything about it... S-she won't...."
"Hold on", Eugene stated, walking over, "how do you know she won't do anything about this? We told her too, and she seemed horrified at the idea that you were beaten so badly"
"That's surprising, it was her guards that told me I should be lucky...."
Varian sighed, "in my experience, majority of the guards are corrupt and horrible.... There's not a lot of them you can trust... Especially their Captain....." Eugene wrapped an arm around his little brother comfortingly, the teen smiling at him in return before he looked at Hugo, "look the guards may have told you to behave to keep quiet, but the Queen of Ingvarr really didn't seem to like the idea of you being hurt like that. In fact, she was the one that suggested a trial for Donella and that she be kept in the holding cell *away* from you. The Coronan King and Queen agreed and the guards took her away after she found out you were alive. The Queen of Ingvarr actually seemed really worried about you"
"Yeah... That could be a ploy though...."
The blue eyed alchemist felt a pang of familiarity in his lover's voice as Edmund asked, "would a ruler of such a prestigious kingdom really lie about their concern for one of their subjects?"
"Yes...." Varian replied sadly, "yes they would...."
The Dark King felt guilt wash through him, "sorry..."
"It's alright, I know *you* wouldn't do something like that", the freckled teen said, "but unfortunately not every ruler is like you.... King Fredrich isn't horrible though", he added, looking at Rapunzel, "he's... Getting there... I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive and forget what he did, but I don't hate him, he's not evil, just.... Made really big mistakes, like I did"
"Like we *all* did", Quirin added, getting everyone to nod as his son smiled at him
Varian looked at Hugo once again, "I understand your worry, but believe me when I say, I won't leave your side during this. You're not gonna be alone, not when Donella has her trial, not when we hear her sentencing, and not after. I'll be there with you every step of the way, and I'll make sure nothing corrupt happens at all, trust me."
Hugo gave a small smile to the blue eyed alchemist, "thanks Freckles, I trust you i-it's just... I don't know what I'm gonna do without her.... I don't have a place to go, I don't have a family to stay with.... I don't have money to find a home"
"Didn't I say you could stay with us if you ever need it?" Quirin asked with a smirk, "I meant that you know"
"I.... Y-yeah you did but... B-but I-!"
"Thought I'd forget?" The retired knight finished, "conveniently? So that you would be left alone again?"
Hugo looked down, he felt embarrassed and ashamed, but there was a gentle hand on his chin that guided him back and he saw Varian smiling at him again, "we won't leave you, ever, I promise Hugo"
The blond's eyes widened at those words, "wait you... B-but I thought you didn't-!"
"I make promises I know I can keep. And I intend to keep this one even if it kills me", the blue eyed alchemist stated with a smile, "I love you Hugo, I won't let you be alone during this"
The green eyed alchemist stared at his boyfriend for a moment before he gave a breathy chuckle as he felt tears sting in the corners of his eyes, "you're too kind to me Freckles...."
"Mm nah, you make me kinder"
Hugo gave a watery laugh as he pulled Varian into a hug. The freckled alchemist returning the gesture with a grin on his face while his boyfriend sobbed softly on his shoulder.
****
They left the infirmary, Hugo had fallen asleep on the blue eyed alchemist, which made him happy for all of five seconds until the doctors told him the blond needed to rest for a while. The teen wanted to argue, but the doctors told him he'd be allowed to visit once the blond was awake, swearing he'd be the first to know. That seemed to get Varian to agree, but he wasn't happy about it as he walked down the halls silently with his family by his side.
No one was really sure what to say, so they remained quiet, each of them digesting what'd just happened before Eugene sighed, "so, I'll go ahead and address the elephant in the hall, Goggles, you okay? What happened back there was... A lot, and it seems like something's really bothering you aside from not being able to stay connected to Hugo's hip. What's up?"
The alchemist's shoulders slumped and he stopped walking, prompting the others to do the same as he looked at the ground, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy's cheek, "he thought it was normal to not get the help he needed.... He thought it was normal to worry about the person who hurt him... He thought it was normal to have never ending nightmares that cause you to lash out while you're asleep.... Then when he found out it wasn't, he just.... He was so scared.... Lost.... Alone.... Like I was.... Not only does that bring all the bad memories back... But it makes me worry what's gonna happen when he gets out...." The teen then looked at Eugene, "what if he goes back to her? What if he tries to defend her? What if he goes and tries to free her? Eugene What if we can't help him because he thinks our help will only cause him more pain?"
The Dark Prince stared at the alchemist for a while, thinking about his next words carefully before he decided on a few, "well... When I was in this situation... I thought I didn't know who I was or what I wanted. So when the person I loved told me what to do, it made me feel complete.... But I ended up having a friend snap me back to reality and help me get out of that situation by showing me what a true friend is like".
"Who?"
"Lance", Eugene replied with a grin as he gestured to the man standing next to him, "it's... Sort of a long story though"
"I... D-do you mind telling me? B-because I really don't know what to do right now.... A-and I'm scared...."
His big brother smiled and nodded, "how about we head back to yours and Quirin's room, I can tell you what happened to me in there, yeah?"
"O-Oki", they all walked into the room in question after a few minutes, Varian noticing Eugene had taken Rapunzel's hand and held it the entire way to the room. He felt a wave of guilt shoot through him when he saw that, but it was calmed when Lance shot him an understanding smile. Once the door was closed and everyone was situated, the Dark Prince sighed, "y-you don't have to-!" Varian started
"No no, it's alright, might do some good to talk about it. 'Sides, I'm in a better place now, and it could help Hugo too, so I'm willing to share, it just... Might take a minute to get through everything"
"Oh, o-oki..."
The Dark Prince chuckled and ruffled his little brother's hair, "it really *is* okay kiddo, I *want* to talk about it, in fact I've been wanting to for a while, seeing as how it may help in this situation, I just never really knew how to bring it up"
The alchemist giggled a bit before Eugene stopped mussing up his hair, he smoothed it down once more before he looked at the man, "take as much time as you need, I'm willing to wait"
The Dark Prince nodded with a grin before he took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and with Rapunzel on his left, and Lance on his right, he began to tell his story:
"This is the story of how I survived...."
Lance chuckled, "you start every story out that way?"
"Yes I do", Eugene huffed, "it's a good way to start"
Varian grinned, "It worked in every Flynn Rider book!"
The Dark Prince nodded, "exactly! Thank you kiddo! Anyway, *ahem*, this is the story, of how I survived:
'It was a long time ago, about-mmm-I wanna say maybe 6 years before now? (Lance: "about that, yeah"), thank you, I was in my late teen years, 17 to be exact! (Edmund *raises his brow*: "Wait, you were how old?") 17? (Edmund *counts on his finger*: but that....") Everything okay there? (Edmund *recounting and mumbling to himself before he shakes his head*: "never mind, I'll worry about it later, continue, sorry"), ...okay then, anyway. We, me and Lance, ended up meeting this girl, her name was Stallion, (Quirin: "Stallion? Who names their child after a horse?") The same people who name their child after a variable, (Quirin *raises a brow*: "that was his *mother's* idea") right, moving on then. (Varian: "I think my name is cool") i-it's very cool kiddo, I'm just making a poi-we are getting off topic here, (Quirin *chuckling*: "Sorry"), it's fine. Anyway, this girl, Stallion, she was a very rough around the edges, energetic, sassy, and fun loving girl! She was extremely pretty, not as pretty as Sunshine, but still very pretty, and she was a criminal just like me! Her dad, the Baron, (Adira's shoulders stiffened, to the point where Hector flinched a bit before he nudged her just a tab, getting her to look at him as he gave her a smirk. She smiled back), sorry Adira, (the face painted warrior nodded and gestured for him to continue, he smiled and nodded before continuing), had given me and Lance jobs. We would steal for him with his goons, and in return, he gave us room and board. It was a sweet gig, we stole a bunch, and got pocket money as a reward along with somewhere to sleep. We actually were pretty comfortable since we were the best thieves he had on the job. But see.... His daughter ended up getting a crush on me.... I thought she was pretty, but I didn't like her in the same way.
That's exactly what I'd told her the day she'd confessed to me. But she.... Didn't take it so well.... I let her down easy, and ended up even getting praised from Lance, (Lance: "he really was tryin to spare her feelin, she just didn't spare his....") No she did not.... As it turns out, she'd let her father know that I had crushed her dreams and was effectively breaking her heart. Now the Baron was.... Not a very reasonable guy, (Adira: "who would've thought....") Yeah.... So he ended up cornering me and Lance, he sort of... Intimidated me into giving his daughter a chance, which, I agreed to because it was better to have a place to stay with a person you hated, then have nowhere to stay at all... At least, that was how I always thought it should be.... So I spent time with Stallion and she really did seem to think she loved me... (Varian: "seemed to *think* she loved you?") ....It uh... This is where things get a little rough kiddo.... (Varian: "oh....") Yeah.... So I obviously did things she didn't like, what can I say, I was a rogue thief with a love of children's books, I kept my copy of 'Flynn Rider and the Lost Treasure of Scotia' with me everywhere I went.... Until one day Stallion decided I didn't need it and tried to take it away which ended up in my trying to get it back only for it to fall off the side of the cliff.... (Edmund: "which Hamuel found and brought back to me, and I gave it to you!") Heh, yeah, but I was devastated when it'd happened! I got mad and yelled at her, she... Slapped me across the face and said I should never do that again... And... I felt guilty....
I ended up apologizing to her later on and she used my apology to get me to go on another date with her.... She, during the entire date, would tell me everything that was wrong with me, how I act, how I dress, what I said and did, she would insult my taste in friends and tell me my dream was stupid and that I didn't know what I really wanted in life.... She made me feel so small during that time... Like I was only about as big as her pinky.... She did that every night, she isolated me away from Lance any chance she could get too since he would cause me to act more like what I used to.... She even tried to break up our friendship which.... thinking back, she ended up doing just that, because we fought over her when we split off... Didn't we.... (Lance: "yeah... It was... Both of our faults....") It was.... I'm still sorry for that.... (Lance: "So am I... But we're better now, right?"), right! But even still... Stallion made me feel like I wasn't complete, or even worth being around, without her there to tell me what to do.... I ended up in such a funk that I didn't do or say anything without asking her if it was okay to do so first... I.... Was silenced from being me, because *I* wasn't someone worth being anymore....
(Varian's eyes widened, "I-I'm so sorry....") It's not your fault kiddo, but... That's why I understood what Hugo was going through... I hid my emotions just like he did, I would devoid myself of emotion whenever Stallion would come around, I wouldn't even stand up for myself if she was being especially cruel to me in front of everyone.... Even worse... I didn't stand up for Lance when she would make fun on him.... He would sing songs all the time with me, he didn't care who watched him either! He has the best voice in my opinion, but... Stallion... She'd make fun of him for it.... Cause him to shy away from the stage, even making him worse because she would throw him off his cues, and I wasn't.... I didn't stand up for him because I was afraid of what she would do to me if I did.... It was... Not a good time..... (Edmund growled) Easy, I'm alright now, (Rapunzel: "plus Stallion learned her lesson and is gonna leave Eugene alone now") that's right, so it's oka-! (Edmund: "it is *not* okay! She abused you! Even if she regret her actions, she at least needs to give you a *proper* apology!") Heh, thanks dad, (Edmund stopped and looked at his son before he felt a warmth in his heart grow and wrapped his arm protectively around the man, pulling him into a hug) heh heh! Ok I guess I'm here now!
Anyway, after things only seemed to get worse, I ended up proposing to Stallion, I actually stole her a really valuable ring, but even that wasn't good enough for her, even though she accepted and took the ring.... When I did that, Lance, that night, began to pack his bags. When I asked him what he was doing, that's when he started to talk, he told she'd been doing to me and how it was changing and hurting me, but no matter what he said, I never listened..... e told me how she hurt him too, how hard she would be on him and how her father would scold him worse than the other thieves working for him because he was my friend and was supposed to be the best man at our wedding. Lance told me all the horrible things she Stallion was doing and, even when I tried to defend her, he told me to shut up, literally, and said he didn't want to hear it anymore! I was so mad at first until he said something I'll never forget....
*"I'm gonna marry her Lance! She's going to be my *wife*!" A young Flynn Rider stated angrily, "and I've always had your back when you've needed it! *Always*! Yet now that things are starting to get tough *you* wanna leave *me* behind?!"
"Flynn, it's not like that", an even younger Lance Strongbow replied, "I just, she's just so-!"
"Stallion is *not* the *problem* here! She makes me better, makes me whole! I care about her! I *love* her! I-!"
"No, you don't"
"What?"
"You *don't* love her Flynn, you don't. You *think* you do, but you don't", Lance stated
Flynn grew angry and glared at his so called best friend, "you don't understa-!"
"SHUT *UP* EUGENE!" Lance yelled angrily, "just shut *UP* already! You've done nothing but talk and talk and talk, and I've listened, but now you're gonna listen to *me*! I'm DONE!" He stated, "I'm done playing second fiddle to a stupid bitch, I'm done being the only person you lean on, only for you to snap at me when she comes around, I'm done gettin scolded by her daddy about all the things I'm doin wrong when I shouldn't be, I'm *done* watchin her change you and control you like some small little puppet. Eugene I'm *DONE*! You stole a diamond ring for her, and she *still* hated it! You've been changin everything about yourself all for *her* and she's changed nothin! She's gonna get us *killed* one day, you know that?! But will you listen? No. Will you hear what *I* have to say? No! Will you even try and find out why your best friend in the entire world hasn't been talkin to you at *all* when he's probably the most talkative guy to you? *NO*! And it's all because you're bein controlled by the she demon of a fiancé you've got! But you won't even stop to open your eyes enough to fuckin see that! So yeah, I'm *done*! I'm tired of this Eugene, I'm tired of bein pushed around! You have a choice here because I ain't standin this any longer, I'm willin to go and be by your side, but this is too much, for me and for you! So choose, either *me* or *her*?!"
The story book thief stared at his partner in crime, a look of shock on his face, "b-but... Arnuald-!"
"No! Make your decision *now*! Because I've tried to help you, I've *tried*, but I can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. If you're really okay bein stuck like this, bein controlled like a puppet, then I'm out. But I *know* you Eugene, you're my best friend, the closest thing I have to a family, and I don't wanna lose that. But... I know that if we stay here, we're gonna be killed, either by her, or her daddy.... So I'm sorry to have to do this to you... But this is my last chance to knock some sense into you before it's too late, I-!"
Suddenly, the door to their room slammed open, Stallion sashaying inside and looking around, scoffing at the place and trying her best not let a single object *near* her as she walked right over to Flynn and smiled seductively, "hey there baby, listen, I've got a new job for us to do together", she noticed Lance standing there, bag in hand, "good, you've got something else to do! I'm glad you're making yourself *useful*"
Lance's glare deepened, but he remained quiet, as did Flynn while his fiancé kissed his lips
She pulled away with a smirk, "so this job of ours, we're going to be stealing the jewel of a Sultan Flynn, just you and me, I found this little ragtag town called Pincosta, and it holds the rarest and best jewel of them all. *You're* going to help me with this, we'll bring it back here and place it in a ring just for *me*! You know, so we can... Fix, the other ring you gave me, you know?" She giggled, "we can even make a profit off it! You know how many people would pay to just *look* at that jewel?! It'll be *perfect* for our wedding, don't you think babe?"
Suddenly things began to click in place as Flynn remembered how hard he'd worked to get that ring for her, how guilty he felt when he watched the couple who'd previously owned it break down into tears. He felt his eyes shift from his fiancé, to Lance, the man was staring right at him, his eyes begging for Flynn to do the right thing, for once in his criminal life! Flynn closed his eyes, and sighed before he backed away from the women, startling her, "what are you-!"
"I'm done Stallion", Flynn stated as Lance let out a happy squeak, "we're through"
"What?!" She asked before she grew angry, "you're not done, Flynn Rider, until I *say* you're done! And you're not even at the half way point!"
"Yes, I am. I'm done, you're too much, too controlling, too manipulative, too.... Bad.... You made me a horrible person, I steal, but only things I needed or thought would be better in my hands! I stole from the bad and the nasty, but you made me steal from people who are good and kind and didn't deserve that king to treatment! I am not like that! I'm not your puppet, I am Eugene Fitzherbert! And I'm not gonna let you control me *anymore*!" He stated, "we're through, me and Lance are *leaving*, that's it! No more. Come on Lance, let's get out of here!"
"Right behind ya Flynn, and welcome back", Lance stated
"Glad to be back"*
And we left! (Varian: "just like that?") Well no.... Her dad wasn't exactly happy that I was breaking up with her daughter. In fact, he tried to lock me up to keep 'my end of the deal', but Lance and I know how to pick more locks than anyone we've ever met, so we escaped and managed to escape in the middle of the night after taking down a bunch of the guards. And the Baron hasn't stopped chasing us since that day. But we've been able to handle him and his goons anytime they've come around. But yeah... I wasn't physically abused, like Hugo, but mentally and emotionally, she was horrible to me.... It's... Sometimes why I have a hard time stopping myself from talking about myself, it's.... Not easy, getting out of a situation like that. And when you're someone who didn't have anything in their life, and you finally find a place that's comfortable... Or as comfortable as you can get.... You tend to just wanna stay, no matter how back it seems.... Even when you know it's not the place you wanna be... It beats being alone...'
Eugene let out a breath and looked at the teen, "so yeah, that's it, that's my story"
Varian was quiet, thinking for a moment before he looked at the Dark Prince, "you really felt like you had no where else to turn to?"
"Exactly.... I felt like, because she kept pointing out all the horrible things I was, I really was what she said, so.... I didn't think anyone would want me.... I mean... No one ever even looked my direction when I was in the orphanage.... So...."
"I would have", Quirin said, "I know that sounds odd now, but I would have, for both you and Lance"
Eugene chuckled, "well thanks, that actually does mean a lot"
"Um.... I'm technically not adopted yet", Lance chimed in, "Eugene found his family, but I really am not adopted yet"
"I mean, we could make it official", the alchemist suggested, "and then you really would be my big brother!"
"Do you have paperwork?" The retired knight asked his son
Varian looked up at him, "I could make some"
The Village Leader chuckled, "if you make adoption papers for Lance, I'll be more than willing to sign them and make it official"
Lance blinked, "really?!"
"Yeah"
The man let out a few happy squeaks as Eugene grinned at him before he looked at the small teen in Quirin's lap, "so, did that help at all? What I told you, I mean"
The alchemist looked at his big brother and nodded, "yeah, it actually did. I think I have a few ideas on what I wanna do now, I'm... Still really sorry you went through all of that though...."
"It's okay, it's not your fault, and I got out of it with my best friend, a new home, and the best girlfriend I could ever ask for", he looked at Rapunzel, who kissed his knuckles lovingly, getting the man to hug her
Varian smiled at the pair before his thought wondered to Hugo, the blond's injured and fear filled face filling his mind as his thoughts swirled around it. He had a few ideas on what he wanted to do, but he wasn't sure how to execute them, "hey Eugene, do you mind helping me get something together for Hugo? I... Think I know what I can do to, at the very least, help him feel better"
The Dark Prince saw the confidence shining off the little alchemist and smiled wide, "not a problem kiddo, I'll be more than willing to help"
"Thanks! Oh! And one more thing!"
"Hm?"
The teen hopped out of his father's lap and walked over to the man before he wrapped his arms around him, "thank you, for helping me, and for helping him.... I... I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you. I really appreciate it Eugene"
The man was startled at first before he felt his heart swell as he returned his little brother's hug and grinned, "happy to help, Varian"
Notes:
Hello! (Sorry about the late post)
TEAM AWESOME! And VARIGO! ALL IN ONE CHAPTER! WOOT!!!!!!!
So, Quirin, Lance, Rapunzel, Adira, Hector, and Edmund all took a back seat in this chapter, but they were playing support, so they did a good job of it I think!
Poor Hugo.... Kid really can't seem to catch a break and he's been through way too much.... Varian and Eugene will be able to help him, definitely, but he just needs sleep for right now, so that's what he's getting, some well deserved rest for our favorite blond boy! <3
Eugene, I've not seen a fic that goes over Eugene's past with Stallion, and even though the girl had a redemption arc.... Sort of... She always came across as very mentally abusive and controlling to me. Always saying that Eugene wasn't right without her and such, like he was her property instead of her equal. It rubbed me the wrong way, so I wanted to talk about it. Plus, it brought about some Team Awesome love that everyone needs in their lives!!!!!
(Yes, there will be a chapter with Baron and Adira by the way, it's gonna happen and Quirin, Hector, and Edmund are going to have a field day with that man!)
Varian's entire family has dealt with some sort of abuse in their lives, so has he, but I'd like to think that Eugene telling his story is a little closer to what Varian needed to hear since Eugene went through some similar to Hugo, not physically, mentally. Little Moon Bean is gonna help everyone because he's just that good! :D There's not much to say about him right now, but I'm excited to write more chapters with Eugene and Varian working together! I really am! <3
(Lance Vanguard, it has a nice ring to it!)
As always, Ruddy Buddy is the best raccoon in the world! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 208: A Celestial Meeting!
Summary:
Varian is gathering a few things together to make for Hugo's 'get well soon' box when he bumps into someone who shares a passion in a different type of science!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I'll be right back!" The teen exclaimed excitedly as he began to walk out of the door
"Alright, me and blondie can get the decorating done in a flash, but it'll take some time, so you can definitely stop and smell the flowers if you'd like until it's done", Eugene replied
Varian titled his head to the side, "you don't want me to help?"
"I wanna decorate it first, then you can fill it with whatever you think Hugo would like!" Rapunzel stated happily, "but I don't want you to see it until it's done, so please, take your time"
The alchemist giggled at his sister's excitement, "oki, I'll be back in a little while"
"Ok, have fun and-oh! Are you guys leaving too?" The princess asked as Quirin, Hector, Adira, and Edmund began to walk out of the room
"I have to go to a meeting with your parents actually", the Dark King explained, "they want to discuss how I can introduce my kingdom back into the 7 kingdoms once more"
"I'm helping with the discussion since I'm in charge of Corona's agriculture", Quirin added with a smile, "we may be a while"
"Adira and I are gonna find Dexter and Trinity, see how they're doing with the news about Donella, I'm pretty sure they know about it by now", Hector explained
"Plus we're grabbing some more snacks", the face painted warrior added
Lance smiled before he sat down next to Eugene, "I can help paint"
The Dark Prince smiled at his best friend, "thanks buddy"
"I hope everything goes well for all of you", Rapunzel stated, "are we meeting back here so we can give Hugo his gift later tonight?"
"Yup", the Village Leader responded, "once the meetings are over with, and everything's in order, we'll be back in the room to help", he then looked at his son, "if you need anything, I'll be in the meeting room adjacent to the throne room, okay?"
"Oki dad", Varian replied with a smile, "I'll make sure to be careful though"
"Ok"
Everyone said their goodbyes before they split up and went their separate ways, Varian and Ruddigar walking down the hall towards his lab with a skip in his step, "what do you think Ruddy, a few alchemy books, maybe one sneaky chemical, that sounds like a good idea, right?"
Ruddigar chittered happily as his tail swished back and forth
"I knew you'd get it! He'll *love* the 'get well soon' box! I just know it!" They continued to walk and talk, debating back and fourth about what kind of books the blond would like better, "I'm telling you, he'd want 'Alchemical Romance volumes 1 to 4'! They're the perfect page turner for anyone claiming to be an alchemist, they teach you how to blend chemicals really well together! It's perfect for an in bed read!"
Ruddigar chittered out an argument as he huffed a bit at his boy's stubbornness
"Yeah yeah, 'Alchemy and Inventions for the soul volumes 1 and 2' are great and all, but they talk about how to apply alchemy with inventions and judging by the fact that he's more an inventor than an alchemist, he's probably already read those books!"
Ruddigar chittered once more, trying to reason with his teen
"Well I see your point, I know I've read books multiple times, but those books in particular would probably be memorized by Hugo at this point if he's anything like me! I wanna give him something he hasn't read yet"
The raccoon growled before huffing
"Pout all you want, but you know I'm ri-AH!" Varian yelped as he crashed into someone, falling to the floor as that person landed on top of him as he heard things fall around them both. He shook his head, clearing it of all dizziness before he opened his eyes to see a girl with black hair and a purple/blue dress, leggings, and boots getting up as well and shaking her head. Their eyes met and he gasped, her eyes were bright yelled, they were just a touch darker than Hector's but they sparkled all the same and reminded the alchemist of the stars in the night sky. He stared at them for a few moments before he realized they were still on the floor, "o-oh my gosh! I-I'm so sorry! I d-didn't mean to bump into you at all! A-are you okay?" He asked, a little flustered by her sudden appearance
The girl blinked before she chuckled, "oh it's alright, I'm sorry too, should've seen where I was going but, you know, I kinda get a little distracted with how many books you Coronans have", she replied, her voice reminding him a lot of his mothers, were calm and soothing with having an underlying tone of warmth attached to it that made the teen feel calmer somehow.
Varian smiled, "oh, okay, a-are you okay though? We fell pretty hard"
"Yeah, I'm alright, though, I should probably get off of you huh?"
"Hm?" The teen looked at their position and realized she was still on top of him, "o-oh um yeah, p-please"
The girl smiled, her golden eyes sparkling even more as she did, "right, here we go", she got up and held out a hand to him, which Varian accepted as she pulled him up on his feet, "wow, you're pretty light!"
The alchemist blushed, "uh, eheh yeah I um, have a bad habit of not eating all the time", he then stopped and blinked before blushing even more, "and I have no idea why I just told you that, you didn't really need to know about that, heh, sorry"
"It's alright, I kinda have that affect on people, I mean, majority of the time people call me pretty motherly, though for the life of me, I'm not sure why. Oh I'm Nuru by the way, and you?"
"Hm? Oh! Varian, nice to meet you Miss. Nuru"
"Nice to meet you Mr. Varian!"
The teen tensed a bit, "oh uh, y-you don't need to call me 'Mr.'"
"Then you don't need to call me 'Miss.'" Nuru replied, "deal?"
The alchemist giggled, "deal", they shook hands before Varian looked around and noticed the objects that had fallen around them were books, "oh! Here, let me help you pick those up"
"Oh, you sure? I can handle it you know", Nuru said as she saw the teen grab a few while she did the same
"It's no trouble, I did bump into you after all", he replied with a grin before he noticed one of the books titles, "'Stars and Skies forever', hm, never heard of that one"
Nuru chuckled, "oh it's just something I like to read from time to time, it's about astronomy"
"The study of stars huh? I've always wanted to try my hand at that form of science, but I never really got the chance", he said, handing the books back to the girl
She smirked, "let me guess, not your cup of tea?"
"That's not it, I just happen to get distracted by my own personal science"
She raised a brow, "which one?"
"Alchemy"
Nuru smiled, "huh, not a bad choice to study alchemy, study of mixing chemicals and minerals to make something new"
Varian nodded, "that's right! I love Alchemy, it's my favorite form of science! But I also love inventing and I've dabbled in Astronomy, as well as Astrology!"
"Study of planets, huh, never took you for a book worm"
Varian blinked, "d-do I look like a guard kid?"
"No, just, a lot of Coronans didn't seem interested in science of any kind. They seem to like all things sun shiny, which isn't bad but I prefer the night, Moon, and stars myself! I find them far more interesting, I mean, did you know you could predict your future with Astronomy? It's true! Scholars used to do it all the time back in the day! And the stars can help you when you get lost, they can help guide you back home if you know how to chart them! Plus the Moon controls the tides of the oceans and the stars provide like during the night and-! Heh heh, I'm sorry I seem to be rambling, I do that a lot"
The freckled teen grinned, "you're good, I do it too, and if you feel bad, you could sit through an alchemical ramble for a few minutes if you've got the time, that way it's even"
Nuru laughed, "you know what, I might take you up on that! You're pretty funny, I don't think I've met a nicer Coronan"
"Have people been nasty to you?"
"Well, I wouldn't say nasty, just... Huffy?"
The alchemist smirked, "nice way of saying 'stuck up'"
Nuru snorted, "sort of, not that I blame them, they've got a million and one things to do right now since the ball was postponed. I'm glad it was though, otherwise me and my family wouldn't have been able to make it"
"Really?"
"Yeah, we live father away than the other kingdoms, we're not exactly apart of the 7 kingdoms right now, but we and a few other smaller kingdoms got invited, I guess it's to spread good cheer so I'm not complaining!"
Varian chuckled, "you're allowed to if you wish, I won't say a word, these things can get pretty stuffy to be honest"
Nuru grinned, "glad I'm not the only one that thinks that, heh, oh, I um... Don't wanna alarm you but... You've got a raccoon climbing up your shoulder"
"Hm?" Varian looked and saw Ruddigar reaching up to his face, he smiled and helped his back friend back on his usual perch, "yeah that's Ruddigar, he's my service raccoon, don't worry, he's friendly"
"Oh, well pleased to meet you Ruddigar!"
Ruddigar gave a happy chitter as a greeting before he noticed a cut on his boy's cheek and licked it
"Huh, I didn't even notice that"
The girl's eyes widened when she saw the cut, "oh stars, hold on, I've got some cream and bandages that'll heal you right up!" She dug through her pockets, setting the books down on the floor for a moment before she grabbed the items she was looking for and opened them up before dabbing a little cream on Varian's cheek and placing a bandage over it quickly
The alchemist was a little startled by this, but chuckled, "so people call you motherly huh?"
"Hm? Oh I just... S-shut up!" She snickered, lightly punching the teen on the shoulder and getting him to giggle, "does that feel any better?"
Varian nodded, "it does, thanks a lot!"
"You're welcome Varian", she replied with a warm smile
"So, you're staying in the castle I take it?"
Nuru nodded, "yup, me and my family are staying on the second floor, the main 7 kingdoms are on the bottom, though I'm certain you already know that, which kingdom do you hail from, or are you representing Corona?"
"I... Actually I'm representing two kingdoms"
"Wait really?"
"Yeah, I'm from Corona, but my dad was adopted by the King of the Dark Kingdom, and that kingdom is trying to come back into the 7 kingdoms and become 8 once again. So I'm representing them both"
the girl's eyes widened, "holy asteroids! That must be a lot of pressure"
"It's not that much really, I'm not a prince in Corona, though I am friends with their princess. So I only have to be a prince for one kingdom, and all I have to do is show that the kingdom is peaceful, so it's a bit easier, the King, my dad, my aunt, and my uncle are supposed to handle the harder stuff"
"Ah, a 'sit there and look pretty' kinda deal?"
"Yeah, what about you if you don't mind me asking"
"Me? Oh I'm the princess of the Estrella Kingdom"
"Estrella, that's 'star' in Spanish, right?"
"Right!" Nuru replied with a grin, "you speak Spanish?"
"No, but my older brother, Eugene, he speaks Italian and he's been teaching me, some of their words coincide a little", the teen explained, "'Estrella' sounds a lot like 'Stella', which is the Italian word for 'Star'"
"So you guessed?"
"Kinda"
"Wow, nice deductive skills"
"Thanks!"
"You're welcome, oh wait, I'm sorry am I keeping you from anything?"
"Hm?"
"Well you were heading somewhere when we bonked into each other so-!"
"Oh! Hugo's books! Right um... W-well I mean, they said I could take my time, so I'm not really in a rush, I've got time to spend, unless you've gotta go somewhere"
Nuru smiled, "actually I don't have anywh-!"
"THERE you are!" A voice Varian was annoyed he recognized stated, getting the two teens to turn and see Nigel rushing towards them, he stopped in front of the two and addressed Nuru directly, "your highness, your parents have been looking *everywhere* for you! Where have you been?"
"I... Was just in the Library when I bumped into Varian, we were just talking", Nuru explained, "why are they worried? I told them where I was going"
"Yes, but they've just been informed of why the Ball was postponed and wish for you to find them at once, you must come with me", the royal advisor insisted before he noticed Varian, "oh... Hello", he stated in a bored tone
"Hi", the alchemist replied, in an equally annoyed one
"I... Take it you two know each other?" Nuru asked
"Unfortunately", Varian stated, making Nigel wrinkle his nose at the teen
The star princess looked at the alchemist, giving him a worried look, "you okay?"
"Hm?" Varian looked at her and smiled, "oh, yeah I'm fine, just... We have a past with each other, but don't worry about it, it won't get in the way of anything"
"Of course not", the royal advisor stated, "because we both know where each of us *stand* in this kingdom"
Varian bristled at that before he glared at the royal advisor, "yes we do, and I'm certain *Rapunzel* will love to know that you said that *Nigel*!"
The royal advisor froze before he huffed and turned fully towards Nuru, completely blocking Varian from her view as the freckled teen seethed, "come along now your highness, you wouldn't want to associate with anyone that could get you into trouble"
The star princess felt her own blood begin to boil, "I appreciate the offer, but I know my way around the castle, and I have no trouble getting to my parents room myself, *with* Varian, if you don't mind, as I prefer a *friend's* company over anyone else's", she stated with a sternness only a mother could match before she walked over to the teen, grabbed his arm, and pulled him with her, "come on Varian, I think I'll take you up on that offer for an alchemy ramble"
The royal advisor was stunned as he watched the pair walk away from him, he glared at the back of Varian's head before he saw his raccoon turn back to look at him and stick his tongue out, letting out a chitter of laughter at the royal advisor's shocked face while the new friends disappeared from sight.
Notes:
Hello!!!!! :D
NURU!!!!!! Baby girl is in the fic!!!!!!! I love Nuru so much! She's such a mom I swear, and she does not take any sort of bull!!!!! I don't know much about her, but I get the feeling she's the type that is a great judge of character and can spot someone being fake or nasty a mile away! She's super amazing, incredibly strong, and I just love her to bits and pieces! So of course she needed to be added to this fic! Now we just need Yong, and we'll have a complete set! XD
Varian is a bean that would definitely dabble in more than one science! Meeting Nuru would definitely give him a reason to dabble even more into a new science! Plus, he made a new friend! :D All the science friends for Varian!!!!! And eventually Hugo when he comes out of the infirmary! :D
Ruddy buddy is sassy and I love him so freaking much!!!!! He will stick his tongue out at anyone who crosses his boy's path!!!!! Especially pompous a*sholes like freaking Nigel! XD
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 209: A New Friend!
Summary:
Varian and Nuru talk a bit more before and Hugo makes a new friend!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a tiny 'meep' of surprise as he was pulled with the angry girl, by the wrist, out of sight from the snobby advisor who was practically burning a hole in his back with the glare the teen *knew* he was giving as Ruddigar spat at the man. The alchemist ignored that for the moment though as he looked at the girl, who was mumbling under her breath, something about a fake, snobby jerk who probably couldn't tell the difference between a meteor and a comet? The blue eyed teen smiled, "thanks, for standing up for me back there Miss-I-I mean Nuru, t-that was very kind of you"
The star princess stopped walking before she turned to look at Varian, her eyes serious, "how many times has he done that to you?"
"Um.... I-I don't know uh... A f-few times?" Varian replied, a little startled by how angry the girl looked
"He's done that a few times to a *prince*?! Seriously?! He's lucky your king and father don't have his *head* for how he treats you! Unless.... You don't tell them, do you?"
"I... N-not all the time... P-plus there's not much they can do.... See, t-the kingdom I'm a prince of is a... W-well a dying one... It's been through a lot and is only, just now, getting back on it's feet. I... I've actually never been there, b-but my father was adopted by the King, a-and we're trying to get the kingdom recognized at the 7 Kingdom Ball, s-so.... We don't hold a lot of power here"
Nuru raised a brow, "is that really what you think?" She asked, "Varian, my kingdom is small and dying as well"
"What?!"
"It's true, cosmic disasters rain from our skies, causing life to be hard and treacherous for my kingdom and people. Because of this, we lack food, durable shelters, and have lost many lives.... What's worse is that something bigger is coming, a meteor is going to crash into my home in the future, I've charted it's croute and it's going to demolish my home. I came here, with my parents, to try and find help to our problem. Since all of the kingdoms here may be affected by the blast, especially Galcrest since they're the closest to us.... Varian I'm just as much part of a dying kingdom as you, yet that man still recognized me for my status and treated me with respect. It doesn't matter if your kingdom is dying, dead, or barely alive at all, *you're* still here! Still living and thriving, trying to help your father's home come back from the brink of death! You are a *prince*, and a damn good one at that! Don't let him tell you otherwise! He should recognize what you're doing, no matter if he likes you or not!"
Varian was a little startled at this, he felt a small smile form on his face, but as images of himself kidnapping the Queen of Corona and overthrowing the Sun Kingdom twice flashed in his mind, he felt a surge of guilt and his smile faded as he looked at the floor. "T-that.... Thank you, b-but... If you knew what I'd done... Y-you would, no doubt, agree with his dislike of me...." The alchemist replied in a quiet voice as Ruddigar nuzzled his cheek softly.
The star princess tilted her head at the shy teen, "come again? What exactly did you do to earn *that* kind of treatment?"
Varian gave a sad chuckle before he looked at the girl, knowing this would be the last time she gave him any sort of kindness as he explained what he'd done to Corona, the Queen, Rapunzel, his friends, and his family. He explained his time in jail, explained his reasoning, along with the reasons it was wrong, how he'd been trying to make up for it all, before finishing with".... A-and while my family, and even the princess, says my mistakes are forgiven, a-and that I've worked hard to try and make up for them... I.... Don't blame Nigel for his dislike of me.... E-even if I get mad...." He said with a sad sigh, "so.... I-I wouldn't blame you if you disliked me too after finding out about my past... I-it's not a good one.... I did bad things... I don't deny them...."
Nuru was quiet, she'd let go of the alchemist's wrist as he'd told his story, her eyes darkened more and more as he'd continued, she didn't speak, hadn't asked any questions or interrupted, she just listened and watched the teen before her admit his crimes as if he deserved to be punished for them all over again. She waited until he'd finished before she took a breath, letting it out slowly before she finally spoke after a few long minutes, "so you're the fabled 'rogue alchemist' that me and my parents were warned about before coming here....."
The alchemist felt a wave of anxiety crash into him, his hands began to shake and he felt his shoulders tense, he heard his raccoon giving small warning chitters, "I-I'm sorry I d-didn't tell you before.... Y-your parents w-would probably b-be upset if they knew who I w-was.... I-I should j-just leave you alo-!"
He felt his arm being grabbed once more before she pulled him in close and wrapped her arms around his back, hugging him tight, "don't", she stated, her voice soft, "don't go, you don't have to leave Varian, you don't"
"B-but I-!" He tried
"*You* got *abused*!" She stated, hugging him tighter, "you tried to blame yourself, but even through your story and actions I could tell you had limited knowledge on the situation! You couldn't have known anything about the black rocks or what to do, you were only 14! Yeah, it's one year younger than you are now, but *still*! I'd do *anything* to keep my parents around, *anything*! They mean the *world* to me! Stars above, that's *all* you were trying to do to! And you were *abandoned* for it and punished!" She pulled away, her golden eyes shining as she stared into his sky blue one's, "*you* were a *victim*! And if anyone says otherwise then they obviously didn't listen to your story fully! We were warned about you in the invitations, they should *not* be warning us about you when you're the *victim*! That's such a horrible thing to do! I.... Do you know who sent the invitations?"
"Um.... H-he did.... N-nigel I mean"
Nuru's eyes narrowed, "of *course* he did..... Because we have to add 'horrible giant *dung beetle*' to the *long* list of names I'm already making for him..... Ugh...." She sighed, "sorry, I'm not usually that angry, but it just feels... Wrong, the way he treated you... Like you were nothing short of *scum*...... It irritates me when someone does that to another person who *clearly* doesn't deserve it!" She looked at the alchemist and smiled softly, "listen, you're a *good* person, I can tell. You have kind eyes and an amazing heart, don't let anyone, especially flea bitten *dirt bags* like *him*, tell you otherwise. You're kind and sweet and gentle, and I may not know you very well, but I can tell there's something special about you, you bring people together and make them feel better without even trying, I mean, you kinda just did that to me!" She giggled, "you're good, very good! Don't ever forget that, okay?"
Varian was shocked before he felt his eyes being to tear up, sniffling he smiled and nodded, "t-thanks", he said, Ruddigar giving her a happy chitter of gratitude
"You're welcome", Nuru replied with a warm smile of her own before she looked around, "so uh, where do you wanna go?"
"Huh? D-don't you have to go back to your parents?" The alchemist asked
The star princess smirked, "he was lying, I could tell the moment he walked over to us. He just didn't want me to talk to you, first, my parents *trust* me, they know I can not only handle myself in a fight, but they trust that I can walk around the castle without causing a disturbance. Plus, we were already told the reason the ball got postponed by the guards out front, and we decided to come in anyway"
Varian raised a brow as his racoon tilted his head with a confused look on his face, "s-so you know someone was injured?"
"And poisoned, yes", Nuru stated, "he just wanted me to stop talking to you, which makes me even angrier, but I won't dwell on it. Plus, my parents wouldn't send some sniveling 'royal advisor' to come get me, they'd come and get me themselves, so no, I don't have to see my parents right now, in fact, I'm perfectly happy continuing to walk and talk with you", she added with a grin, "if you're not busy yourself that is"
Varian chuckled, "well I was grabbing a few things for a friend of mine, he's... Sort of in a bad spot right now...."
Nuru tilted her head, "why? Is he okay?"
"W-well.... You know how the Ball was postponed because someone got injured and someone else got poisoned?"
"Yeah?"
"He's the one that got injured.... Badly...."
The star princess's eyes widened, "stars above...."
"Yeah.... I'm making him a 'get well soon' box with some of my friends and family, but he's been having a rough time.... I'm really worried about him right now actually...."
Nuru tilted her head to the side, "is he a special friend?" Varian blushed as Ruddigar sniffed his face curiously, getting the girl to giggle, "well that answers that"
"I-I um I-!"
"Don't worry shy guy, I don't judge, actually, it's kinda welcomed in my Kingdom"
"R-really?"
"Yeah! I mean, how can you get mad at someone for falling in love? They're not harming anybody or themselves, hopefully, so don't see a problem with it", she replied with a smile
Varian smiled back, "you are.... The *nicest* person I've ever met, and I'm friends with the Sun princess, that says a lot"
The star princess giggled before she noticed someone running over to the pair, the person looked like they were a doctor of some sort, "hey, do you know them?" She pointed in the person's direction, getting the freckled teen to turn and see the person running over
"Dr. Solace!" He exclaimed worriedly before running over to greet the man, Ruddigar holding on for dear life as he did, "i-is something wrong? Is it Hugo? D-did he have another nightmare? Is he-!"
"Hugo's fine, he's just woken up, I wanted to come find you because he's asking for you and seems a little frightened. I'm certain it's only a minor nightmare or he's just seeking comfort, but after what happened before, I'd rather not take any chances", Dr. Solace replied
The teen nodded as Nuru ran up behind him, "right, I understand", he then looked at the star princess and gave her an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, but I... Kinda need to go"
The girl smiled, "it's okay, I understand, although, do you think he'd mind meeting someone new?"
Varian was startled by this, but he thought about how nice she'd been to him and smiled, "I don't think he'd mind, would he?" He looked at Dr. Solace
The man grinned, "no, he's alert enough to know when someone would hurt him or not, as long as neither of you get too loud he should be perfectly fine"
Both teen's smiles widened before they looked at each other and nodded as Varian said, "then lets go see Hugo!" Ruddigar chittering in excitement as they rushed off to the infirmary!
****
"Take a deep breath in", Mrs. Solace said, smiling as the blond did so, "good, now let it out slowly", when the teen did her smile widened, "very good! Your heart is sounding stronger every day Hugo! You're making *great* progress"
The bespeckled teen sighed as he lowered his shirt, thankful to have himself covered once again as he looked around. He felt nervous, it felt like he was doing something wrong, being in the infirmary without permission. When he'd been attacked by Catalina as the werewolf, Donella had seen him knocked out and allowed him to go to the infirmary, but now.... Even though she waited to hear how he was doing, he should've left after, that was what he was supposed to do. She had no more business with the infirmary, he should be with her, talking with her, and doing what he's told. But because he wasn't allowed to leave, and Donella wasn't allowed to come and see him, he felt.... On edge.... He really needed to see someone he recognized, and the first person that popped into his head might be on his way right now, so all he had to do was wait
*That's right, just wait, he'll be here, any minute now*, He thought to himself, *just breathe.... He'll be here.... He will*
*And what if he doesn't?* A female voice asked coldly, *what if he's abandoned you like all the others? What will you do then I wonder?*
*I'll be fine because Varian will be here*, he argued, *so shut up and stop trying to mess with me!*
*Am I really the one to blame here? After all, aren't I just one of *your* thoughts?*
*Not one I want...*
*To bad so sad, you can't stop me, because you know it's a possibility that he'll just leave you like everyone else always does*
*I said shut up!*
*Why should I? You know it's true, he's going to leave you and let you rot with your guilt as everyone wastes their materials on you and your damn helth!*
"Shut *UP*!" The teen snapped
"Hugo?" A familiar voice said, with a few worried chitters echoing it's tone and snapping the blond out of his confusion as he turned and saw his boyfriend, and his raccoon, with someone he didn't recognize standing behind him, "are you alright?"
"I..." Hugo blushed and covered his mouth with his hand, looking at his bedsheets as he heard the blue eyed alchemist giggle
A hand touched his and he saw Varian's face come into his view, "those are some nasty voices, trust me, I've been there, you don't have to be embarrassed"
The blond immediately felt warmth wash over him as he continued to stare at the freckled teen, his heart beating a little quicker as he put his hand down and smiled, "thanks Freckles"
"You're welcome Glasses!"
"Glasses?" The green eyed alchemist asked as Ruddigar looked at his boy with a scrunched up nose
"Freckles", Varian clarified, ruffling his best friend's fur and getting the raccoon to chitter a bit with annoyance
"I can take my glasses off though"
"Right hmmm.... Um.... tall boy?"
"Nope"
"Smirky?"
"Hell no"
"Sir snarks a lot!"
"Rude"
"Hee hee, sorry, um...."
"Freckles"
"Hm?"
"You can just stick with Hugo you know"
Varian pouted, "but I wanna give you a cute pet name since you gave one to me"
The blond snickered, "you're so cute when you pout"
The blue eyed alchemist blushed, getting his raccoon to sniff his face again, "n-not fair!"
Hugo laughed, feeling a lot better than before, at least, until he noticed the girl standing behind his lover, "um, hello, who are you?"
"Oh!" Varian exclaimed, startling the blond before he turned to the girl, "I'm so sorry!" He stepped aside a little bit and smiled as Ruddigar gestured to the girl with his paw, "Hugo, this is Nuru, she's a really nice person I met today! She knows about us and didn't judge, stood up for me when Nigel was giving me grief, and when she heard about my past, she understood! She... She's really nice and I thought, maybe you'd like to meet someone who's nice? You know, since you've been meeting people who haven't been that nice?"
He smirked as the blue eyed alchemist twiddled his fingers a bit, "you're way too damn cute for your own good, you know that?"
"....Nu...."
"Yes"
Nuru giggled, "I kinda have to agree with him Varian, you really are adorable, and I've only met you *today*"
The freckled teen blushed even more, "oki, you know, I didn't bring you so the both of you could team up against me", he joked
The star princess snickered, getting Hugo to relax a bit more, "I think it may be a little too late for that Freckles", the blond stated with a grin
Varian huffed as Ruddigar chittered with laughter, "you're all mean"
"We accept that", Nuru replied with a smirk before she looked at Hugo and held out her hand, "it's nice to meet you, my name's Nuru, I'm a princess from the Estrella kingdom"
The bespeckled teen blinked before he returned the smirk and nodded, accepting the hand shake, "Hugo, adopted son of the royal scientist of Ingvarr, nice to meet you too"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, we're kinda getting into some lighthearted bits of the story, I missed them to be honest. But we'll go back to edgy soon enough XD Also, sorry for the late post, today was extremely busy, but I hope this chapter makes up for it! :D
Nuru is super motherly and kind, she would see right through Varian's self blame game and see what was truly going on during his past actions! She's a good friend and I really do love to her death!!!!! <3
Hugo makes a friend! Poor blond bean hasn't really gotten any good new experiences yet, save for the ones with Varian, so here's one he can enjoy with Varian and someone else! Plus, he kinda needs a mom right now :3
Varian is a bean and only wants the best for his boyfriend, plus, I think he'd be a little shy meeting new people now a days, but he'll get better at it :D
Ruddy buddy is still the best! Always! :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 210: Ash (Part 1!)
Summary:
Trigger: this chapter talks about racism, do not read if that is not a topic you wish to read about!
Varian finds out about a word that the Dark Kingdom people are called
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The three teens, and one raccoon, continued to talk to each other, giggling and joking around as they did, "so you're both alchemists and inventors, but one of you studies alchemy more while the other studies inventing more?" Nuru asked, trying to clarify
"Yup!" The two alchemists replied with grins
"Hmm... Hugo studies inventing more and Varian studies alchemy more, did I get it right?" She guessed, smiling at the surprised looks she was given, "I got it right"
"H-how did you *know*?!" Varian asked as Hugo closed his mouth and tried to hide his shock the instant she smirked
The star princess giggled, "Hugo's got a steampunk deal going on with his outfit, with the silver buttons looking a little like screws and his goggles being smaller but with a thinner lens and a dimmed coloring just in case of bright sparks blocking his view from his machines. Where as you, Varian, look ready to handle chemicals with your large, thicker lensed, goggles, gloves, apron, and layered outfit, making sure the more acidic chemicals have to fight to get to your skin", she explained, "it also helps that Demanitus, a man well-known for his alchemy, came from Corona, and Ingvarr is a place of moving forward with mechanics and engineering".
The blue eyed alchemist blinked before he chuckled, "you're way too good at this, you know that?"
"Thank you!" She looked at Hugo, "can you guess what I study?"
The blond looked the girl up and down before he smirked, "Astronomy and Astrology"
The star princess grinned, "how'd you know?"
"You have a few constellation designs on your outfit, a star clip in your hair, and Estrella is Spanish for 'Star', that kingdom is known for its cosmic disasters, it's no surprise someone would take in interest in the subject"
Varian smiled lovingly at his boyfriend before he turned to Nuru, "you know, if you want, I could ask the princess of Corona to come talk to you. she'd be more than willing to help your home, trust me, she loves doing that sort of thing"
The star princess's eyes widened and sparkled, "you *really* think she'd help?"
"Definitely", the freckled teen replied
The yellow eyed girl nodded, "I'd like that very much! O-only if she has the time to, of course", her eyes then widened, "I hope you know that's not why I came here and was nice to the two of you!"
Varian giggled, "don't worry, we know!" He replied, "you told me from the very beginning you plan on trying to get some help for your home though, and wanted to talk to the royal family about it. I want to help you, and I happen to have a connection to Rapunzel, so I offered", she smirked, "you defended me from Nigel way before you even told me that"
"Woah wait, full stop, back up, *Nigel*?!" Hugo stated, eyes widening as he looked at his lover, "you mentioned it earlier, but it just hot me. what the fuck did that big nosed, pompous, *asshole* say to you now?!"
"Don't worry Hugo", the blue eyed alchemist said, "it's over with now, Nuru told him off, so it's fine"
"It is *not* fine", the blond stated, "that guys needs to piss off and leave you alone! Seriously, everyone affected by what happened between you and the kingdom has gotten over it *except* him!"
Varian gave his boyfriend a sad smile, "I know..." Was all he said before looking at the ground
Nuru tilted her head to the side as she watched Ruddigar nuzzle his boy's cheek lovingly, "you okay?"
"I.... W-well I'm..." The blue eyed alchemist sighed, "n-not really... Hugo's right... Everyone who was directly affected by my actions is over it.... But there are townsfolk and people who know what I did that still give me grief.... People in the capital still glare and whisper about me... Guards still hurt me or try to... Nigel never lets me forget what I've done.... And to be perfectly honest? S-seeing Rapunzel or the Queen of Corona at all still makes me remember what I did.... I still get nightmares from my dad being frozen in amber, I still hear him screaming my name whenever I got outside.... I still feel all the guilt and anger boiling inside me and sometimes, it comes out in ways I'd... Rather it didn't...."
"Freckles.... Love, I thought you said it was getting easier", Hugo said
"It is.... It's getting easier but.... I still feel bad about it, I can't ever forget it and when I try to stop thinking about it Nigel kinda.... Shoves it back in my face.... So do the guards and the villagers too... Not that I *blame* them...."
the blond huffed, "bullshit"
"Huh?"
"Bullshit! *I* blame them! They could've fucking *been* there for you! Their fucking *leader* got stuck in amber and they didn't think to come and check when he didn't show up? That's bullshit! Even worse is that their king *lied*, to *everyone*! He made *you* the scapegoat and ended up causing everyone to blame you! You are a fucking *victim*! Anyone with *eyes* could see that!"
Nuru nodded, "it's true, I mean, you *just now* told me about what you did, the automatons, the Queen, going to jail, breaking out with Seporians, all of it! And even *I* can see how screwed up that whole situation is, mind you, you pinned a lot of the blame on yourself when you were telling me even though, given your boyfriend's response, you don't deserve to do that. Varian you're a good guy! You proved that to me by your actions alone"
"What do you mean?" The freckled teen asked
The star princess smiled, "you and I bonked into each other and I ended up dropping my books. Both of us were at fault yet you apologized first, and helped me pick up the books I had. Not only that, but you took an interest in what I studied, not because you had to or you had an obligation, but because you're nice and kind. You allowed me to talk with your boyfriend and meet him after you found out how worried I was about him"
"You were worried about me?" Hugo asked
Nuru nodded, "I heard someone had gotten gravely injured, and another got poisoned, which is why the ball was postponed-!"
"The ball was postponed?!" The bespeckled teen repeated before looking at Varian
The blue eyed alchemist nodded, "yeah, Rapunzel felt it would be better to postpone the ball until you were fully recovered.... A-and for Donella's trial...."
The blond froze for a moment before he let out a sigh, "that... Makes sense... I didn't think they'd go through all of that trouble though...."
Nuru looked at the two teens, her heart breaking as she saw how sad they looked as they held each other's hand, it made her angry.... "This kingdom.... It's not nearly as kind as the rumors say is it.... Neither of them are.... Ingvarr and Corona?"
The two boys shook their heads silently as Ruddigar chittered at them both worriedly
"....Has anyone tried to change that?"
"Rapunzel", Varian replied, "she's trying to fix everything actually, but change takes time... We can try to speed up the process, and we have, but it's still going to take a while.... Until then, Hugo and I just have to... Well, wait...."
The star princess huffed aggravatedly, "I suppose changing a corrupt society would take a lot of time... But there's more that I can do that maybe you two didn't have the option to"
The two looked at her, a little confused, with a hint of worry on Varian's part, "w-what are you planning on doing?" The freckled teen asked
"I'm a princess of a small kingdom, so I have very little sway, but me and my parents are still rulers of a kingdom! We have land that we own, people we have connections to, I can talk to them about this, about your side of the story, and you know what? I will! I'll tell them what happened to see if they can help"
"N-Nuru-!"
"No, this has gone on for far too long! My kingdom may be full of competition and dying, but it is *not* corrupt! And I'm proud of that! We're strong and fierce, and we know right from wrong, this, what they're doing to the two of you, is *wrong*! Any kingdom worth their *salt* would realize that and treat you differently! Actually, know what, Hugo", she turned to look at the blond, who was a little startled, "what lies did the Coronan King say? Varian didn't tell me about them"
Before Varian could say a word, Hugo told her everything, watching the princess get angrier and angrier with each lie King Frederic had made, "that's about it.... Save for lying about helping Varian in the first place, but I'm guessing you already knew about that"
"Yes I did.... What he did was unacceptable..." She looked at Varian, who seemed to be extremely worried, her expression soften, "it's okay, I won't cause any trouble for either of you, but something *needs* to be done about this Varian"
"B-but w-what if the K-king d-doesn't listen t-to your p-parents and he-!"
"It's alright", Nuru interrupted gently, her voice soft and soothing, somehow calming Varian's frightened stutters as she placed a hand on his, "it really is alright, if I feel like what I'm doing is going to cause harm to either of you or your kingdoms, I'm going to stop, or my parents will stop and tell me they wouldn't be able to help without causing harm, but something needs to be done. You were both *wronged* by both of your kingdoms! It's not right and this needs to be fixed, and if I can help in any way, I want to do that! I know I've only just met you both, but you're the only two people here that I consider my friends, and I will make sure you're taken care of and treated better than you have been, I will, because you deserve it, *both* of you!"
The two teens felt instantly relaxed as Nuru smiled at them both, her golden eyes shimmering with care and affection at the both of them as they reflected the same back to her, "....how *exactly* do you plan on changing anything *little girl*?" A nasty voice chided behind the three, Hugo instantly recognizing it and glaring at the person
"Cyrus...." The blond said, his voice low and his eyes turning serious, "what are *you* doing in here? I *know* it's not to check on me...."
"Actually it is, Don's worried about you and asked me to check to see if you were awake, so I did my job, unlike *you*", the man stated, glaring at the bespeckled teen
Varian *instatly* shot up, standing in front of Hugo and glaring *daggers* at Cyrus, his eyes giving a faint warning glow
The Ingvarrian man laughed, "oh what are *you* gonna do short stuff? Use your scary chemicals on me in a hospital room? Tch, you already did enough damage here, you may wanna calm yourself down"
Varian grit his teeth, growling at the man, "stay *away*...." He stated as Ruddigar hissed and his hackles stood up, he'd hopped off of his boy's shoulder and was standing in front of the blue eyed alchemist, also growling
"Wow, you act more like your father everyday.... *Savage*"
"*SAVAGE*?!" Varian snapped, his eyes glowing brighter, "my *father* is *NOT* a *SAVAGE*!"
Cyrus chuckled, "you've got a temper", he stated, "you *do* realize that his *people* used to worship the Moon in a *Tribe* right? They didn't even have houses before the Coronans came along and gave them some land they weren't using. It was the really dry land too, no way plants and animals could survive save for the nasty woods nearby. Your father and his people had to learn to *fight* to survive over social graces, they *killed* instead of making allies, they *maimed* those they deemed a threat. Why do you think your *father* has issues? They're *savages* by definition, and if you can't accept that then you're one of the worst *savages* the *ash* people have!"
Nuru gasped, "*CYRUS*!" Hugo yelled
"It's true", the Ingvarrian man replied
"Get *OUT*!" The blond exclaimed angrily as he got out of bed before anyone could stop him, he walked forwards and stood in front of Varian and Ruddigar, both of whom were still glaring at the man, "*NOW*!"
"I need to-!"
"Tell Don I'm fine and *GET OUT*!" He yelled, "*NOW* before I call the guard you racist piece of *SHIT*!"
Cyrus chuckled, "so you *do* know what that means"
"*OUT*! GET OUT! YOU'RE *NOT* GOING TO CALL HIS FAMILY THA-!"
Cyrus felt a hand grip his shoulder as a deep and threatening voice growled in his ear, "he said leave, you *leave*, *now*....."
The Ingavrrian turned around to see King Edmund standing there, the Dark King was glaring at the man, "HA! Of *course* one of you shows up! It's not like you have anywhere else to be is it? What with being a sava-!" He stopped when an axe's sharp edge was *centimeters* away from his throat
"I said *leave*.... Now...." Edmund repeated, his glare never leaving his face and darkening as seconds pass by, "before I do something *you'll* regret...."
"And what? Effectively wash away any chance you *people* have at getting your kingdom back?" Cyrus asked with a smirk on his face, "would that really be a good option considering how damn close you are to even being *recognized* as a living kingdom again?"
"Cyrus", Hugo said, walking up behind the man and unsheathing a dagger he had in his pocket, pointing it at the man's back and ignoring the cries of pain his body was giving him, "*leave*...."
The man looked back at the blond before he rolled his eyes, "fine, I'll go", he turned back to King Edmund and grinned, "it was getting *dusty* in here anyway"
Everyone could see the Dark King's struggle of putting his axe away and watching Cyrus leave the room before his gaze softened and he looked at the blond, "thank you"
"You're welcome, I'm really sorry about him...." Hugo replied, before he placed an arm over his stomach, feeling his ribs punish him for his movements.
The Dark King immediately scooped the bespeckled teen up and rushed him back to his bed, pulling the covers over him and smiling once the teen's pain had gone away, "it's alright, it's not your fault.... You defended my grandson and my people, I'm grateful for that"
"Grandpa", Varian's tiny voice said, catching everyone's attention as the Dark King turned to look at him. The blue eyed alchemist holding Ruddigar in his arms as his eyes continued to glow faintly, this time with concern, "w-what... Does calling us 'ash' m-mean?"
"Don't say that", Edmund replied softly, startling his grandson before he sighed, "sorry just.... It.... It's not a nice term for us... And you shouldn't say it, even in a question... You'll feel guilty after...."
The freckled teen titled his head before he felt himself being picked up, "ah! W-who-!"
"It's me Bubby", Quirin's calm voice replied as the teen saw his father's face come into view, the man was smiling at him lovingly, "sorry, didn't mean to startle you"
"It... I-it's okay, hi dad, um.... S-something just happened....."
The retired knight raised a brow before he looked at the small group in front of him, seeing their distressed faces, especially on his king, immediately alerted the man, "what happened?"
"It was Cyrus...." Hugo replied sadly, "I-I'm so sorry....."
"It isn't you fault Hugo", Edmund replied gently
"He's right, you can't control that *thing's* actions, what he says is not your fault", Nuru added comfortingly
"What happened?" Quirin repeated worriedly
The room fell silent before the Dark King sighed and looked at his knight sadly, "your child just heard our.... Slur....."
The Village Leader's eyes widened in shock, "who?"
"Cyrus...."
Quirin's mouth clamped shut, stopping himself from saying everything that came to his mind, his shoulders tensed and his eyes narrowed before he let out a breath and looked at Varian, "and I take it you have no idea why that word in particular is bad do you?"
"N-no...." Varian replied nervously, "C-Cyrus c-called you a s-savage a-and I got mad and yelled a-at him, b-but then he said... T-that word and G-Grandpa...." He fell silent as he looked at the Dark King nervously
"I didn't hurt him", Edmund said, "I almost did, I threatened him, but I didn't hurt him...."
The retired knight looked at his king sadly, "are you okay?"
"I'm fine.... Just... Angry, and worried for Hugo who definitely feels horrible for what just happened...."
"Sorry..." The blond said softly
"It's really alright Hugo, we know you'd never say that to us", the Village Leader replied with a soft smile on his face before he walked over and sat Varian down next to the bespeckled teen, "but, we'll need to tell Varian"
"And Eugene...." Edmund added, "we should start here though...."
"Right", Quirin looked at his son, who was still glowing worriedly as Ruddigar gave him his first alert on his hand, "it's okay son, it's alright", his father stated softly, placing his hand gently on his child's cheek as Varian placed his hand on his fathers, "but you should know what that word means and where it came from...."
"Please...."
Quirin gave his son a small smile and nodded before he finally said, "it's.... That name is a racist term against the people of the Dark Kingdom.... And it came from a long time ago...."
Notes:
Hello!
So.... I want to start this off by saying, I feel like everyone is *equal*, boy, girl, they, them, Black, White, Asian, etc. We are all humans, there is no one on this planet that should be judged based on their culture, gender, sexuality, etc, no one..... This chapter, and the others after this that even mention this topic at all, are to bring awareness to this topic, because racism is *wrong* and *horrid* and should not be happening in this, or any other, world! You are welcomed here, no matter who or what you are, you're welcome! That's a fact and it will remain that way long after this story is gone.
That being said, the terms and stories used in this chapter is fictional, none of it is real and if there is a culture that is called that term as a racial slur, it is coincidence and I apologize immensely for using it, please bring this to my attention if this is the case and I will blur the word our and/or change it if you wish. I mean no offense by anything I write and want to make that absolutely clear! This is a place of acceptance and love, nothing less.
The term will be explained in the next chapter
Varian would be the only one who wouldn't know about this term since he never grew up in the Dark Kingdom at all. Eugene wouldn't know either, so I'm planning on having him be told off screen after these chapters. I honestly thought the show could've done something with this considering the Dark Kingdom was very mysterious and scary to anyone on the outside. I actually thought they might have an episode about it, but when they didn't, I wanted to try my hand, again, to bring awareness to this topic.
Hugo and Nuru know, and they will explain how they found out in the next chapters. But they know for good reasons and are amazing people for defending their Varian! They would do something like that for him too considering they're good people and aren't racist at all!
Edmund getting angry is terrifying to me.... He's so fun loving and adorable that seeing him mad is just so out of, yet in, character for him. Especially if it were something having to do with his people. He loves his people and will protect them till the end because he's a good man! <3
Quirin lagged behind a little bit from the meeting he and Edmund attended because he was still talking to the Queen after Edmund left. I didn't include this in the story because I couldn't find a good place to fit it, but that's why he was late to that little showdown. Either way, Quirin being the one to explain what that word means to his son makes so much sense, him being hesitant to tell his son in the first place would also make sense considering he didn't want Varian to know about the Dark Kingdom in the first place. He didn't think about that word ever coming up at all in Corona, so he didn't think to mention it to his son. A fact he's now regretting, poor guy....
Ruddy buddy is still the best, seriously, this raccoon deserves all the awards! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 211: Ash (Part 2!)
Summary:
Trigger: this chapter talks about racism, do not read if that is not a topic you wish to read about!
Varian learns the origins of the racial slur against his, his father's, and his grandfather's people.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Decades Ago, when the Dark Kingdom was still the Kingdom known as: Artem*
'Back then, the people of Artem were a lot like their sister kingdom, Corona. They would celebrate many things through out the years, and they stuck with tradition, just as Corona did. However, the people of Artem used what they had around them to celebrate since all of their traditions normally celebrated the Moon in some way. The Moon gave us life, protection, homes, and shelter. We were blessed to find enough food in the woods nearby, which were grown by the Moon's light. Those woods never seemed to run short of trees, we'd often send people out to grab wood and turn it into charcoal we could use for our fires. They would make the wood into charcoal and sell it to the people, they'd sell the ash from their kindling to the 'ash tinkers', who would also burn wood, but to make more ash. The left over ash was then used, by these tinkers, for many things, we could shine our silverware with it, we used it on the snow to stop people from falling, we used it to repel snails and slugs away from out crops. We even used ash to make soap, it was a great product to make lye, which makes soap!
But the biggest thing we used ash for, was for our fields. Wood ash was the best soil amendment since our fields weren't blessed by the Sun, so they lacked a lot of calcium among other things. Something ash was good for, we'd have the farmers spread ash throughout their soil, tomatoes really prospered in our lands because of this, they tend to benefit the most from the use inside the ash. Suffice it to say, we were an ash loving people, we would even add just a touch to the compost for the farms because it would help, very little though, only about 5%. But because we used so much ash, it came with it's own set of problems, the air in the kingdom on Artem was a bit harder to breath, fires would be going everyday and night due to the 'charcoal makers', even during the hotter months, so people would get heat stroke easier, and because of the lack of Sun, our skin became a bit more ashen in color and we always had a scent of smoke on us. No one minded of course, we found it comforting in fact, but other kingdoms did not....
It was hard for us to visit other kingdoms because of how much sunlight they got, compared to us. We lived in a rough environment, it was darker during the day and light during the night. Our kingdom was colder because the Sun never really reached our lands, so we'd wear warmer clothing. We were the complete opposite of Corona, and while there were benefits to this, such as: we had excellent night vision, could stand colder conditions, and never really suffered from lack of breath and could survive in a low oxygen climate, such as the mountains. There were downsides to our conditions, majority of the people in the kingdom of Artem suffered from heat strokes or sensitivity to the light even on a cloudy day.... We would have to wear something over our eyes to keep the light at bay, we'd need to wear lighter clothing because we weren't used to the heat, and oxygen filled lands would over exert our lungs and cause us to take quicker breaths, which would make our hearts beat faster.
We ended up having to change a few things so we could get used to other kingdoms, such as sending majority of the guard out towards sunnier fields to train in so they would be used to a warmer environment and wouldn't suffer as much. We'd require people to spend some time outside in the sun fields, what you now know as the road to the Great Tree, used to be covered in sunlight and grass. It used to be a large field surrounded by the woods and trees, there were wild flowers growing in it and I would even let Quirin, Adira, and Hector play in it while Eden and I watched them. Quirin, of course, stuck close by but he would read a book about gardening while Adira and Hector would practice fighting with each other, or they'd bother Quirin, whichever they decided to do that day. If we had pregnant mothers, we'd have them spend more time in the Sun, so they could get the nutrients and air their children needed. We'd even made a way for the 'charcoal makers' able to burn the wood without causing as much smoke to run freely through the kingdom. We couldn't cut back on the ash however, it was the only thing keeping our crops alive at the time and our kingdom thriving, we relied on it, we needed it! But... Since our kingdom was already rumored to be 'too dirty for even a quick visit', we were already up for discrimination.... And boy did they not hold back....
There would be lords and lady's that would enter the kingdom of Artem and cough insistently , they would say they couldn't breath and would make a scene about how inhospitable our kingdom seemed to be. I don't remember who began to use that word in such a way.... I believe it was a different kingdom that started it, but it doesn't matter... People first heard the word and thought it was fun to use against us since it was a term for one of the main labors in our kingdom, the 'ash tinkers', and the most prosperous simply because of how much the kingdom needed the ash.... They'd call use other things, such as 'dirty breathers', or 'grey skins'.... They'd say 'no wonder the children only want to fight, their mother's didn't get enough air to make them any smarter', which is why we implemented the sun field rule in the first place.... They would be cruel and harsh with us, even when we'd visit their kingdoms, they could always tell us apart from the rest because our skin was much paler then the sun kissed cheeks of the other kingdoms.... Even the palest Coronan wouldn't match with our complexion....
Anytime we went anywhere, we'd hear people ask us is we were sick, or if we would fall to pieces should they blow on us.... They would make comments about how dusty the air around us was, and they'd even call us savages because of our rougher lifestyle.... The kingdom was nicknamed 'the Dark Kingdom', because many people outside of it thought the lack of light is what made us so disgusting to them.... They never tried to understand our ways, and when the kingdom of Artem fell.... The 'Dark Kingdom' became it's permanent name... For the shame it brought to the eight kingdoms.... People thought we should die out in the darkness, so they made sure we'd suffocate in it... There are people, to this day, that think the Dark Kingdom is full of nothing but disgusting savages, 'ash' is what they call us.... Because it's what we used to survive, and it's what was left of use after we were destroyed.... It's a reminder that we are nothing to them, nothing but annoying pieces of a burnt object, one so weak and insignificant that we shrivel at the lightest touch but can only cause damage.... That's the origins of the name.... That's why it's a slur.... Because that's all we are to them.... We're just ash....'
Edmund finished speaking as he stared at the ground, his usually light and excited eyes were dark and sad as he glared at the floor.
No one spoke, they didn't know what to say as the information they'd just been told sunk in. Varian stared at his grandpa for a long time before he wriggled out of his father's grip and hugged the Dark King tightly, "I'm sorry...." He said
Edmund smiled and returned the hug, "it's alright, it's not your fault this happened, actually, it's... Kinda mine...."
"It is *not* your fault!" Quirin stated sternly, "they were calling us those names *before* what happened did, you were the reason they decided to discriminate"
"But I certainly didn't help the situation.... I'm the King of the kingdom... I was the symbol and representation seen by the other kings and Queens. If not for my actions, the kingdom would still be here, and we wouldn't need to worry about being called that *nasty* word ever again"
The retired knight huffed, "the seven kingdoms didn't have a full understanding of our culture, and they never chose to try and learn. they judged us simply by appearance, nothing more. We were a strong people who could live in a rough environment majority of them wouldn't last a *day* in. The thought of that *alone* scared them half to death. There were rulers in Corona who feared our power, simply because they'd stopped celebrating the power of the Sun, while we still celebrated our Moon. We prospered in the dark they feared, we celebrated in the night while they celebrated during the day, we loved the colder weather where they shied away from it. They hated the fact that we were different, it scared them, and fear brings out the worst in people. That's what cause discrimination, and yeah, bad examples don't help, but you did the right thing by making us leave. You protected everyone from the danger you inflicted and stayed behind to keep others away, you are a *good* king! You are *not* the reason they used that word to hurt us, *fear* is, don't let them tell you otherwise".
"Dad's right", Varian agreed, looking up at his grandpa, "you made it to where dad was able to move on and have a family! Without you doing what you did, I wouldn't be here right now and neither would Hugo for that matter! In fact, *so* many lives would be worse had you not done what you did!"
"What do you mean?" The Dark King asked
"Well.... My mom and Donella found each other and ended up helping Adira when she was 4, which ended up getting Adira to be with you. So Adira would've still been with you guys, no doubt, so would Hector since you were still apart of the 8 kingdoms and participated in the 'Contest of the Crowns'. But if you hadn't told dad, Adira, and Hector to leave the Dark Kingdom, then my mom and Donella would've moved on to a different place, out of Corona, and probably would've gotten together"
"Wait what?" Hugo asked
"Uh, n-nothing, either way I would've never been born, a-and Hugo wouldn't be alive right now because.... Well, I ....I don't think the Duke and Duchess would've kept him around for too long...
"No.... They wouldn't have.... I would've died...." The blond responded before he looked at his lover, "and we're coming back to that comment about Don and your mother, I get the feeling I'm missing something there"
"Uh eheh, r-right, um... Oh! N-Not only that, but then Rapunzel wouldn't have been found either! Eugene was the one to rescue her, but if you hadn't sent him away, she would've remained with Gothel in that horrible place! Eugene would've grown up in the Dark Kingdom with all of you! A lot of good things came out of one giant mistake. Yeah, that mistake ended up causing Adira and Hector to lose the ability to talk with people, but they've got a much bigger family now, and places to stay where they're safe and happy! Rapunzel is with her family and loved ones! Eugene is happy, healthy, and has a lover and a best friend, heck, *Lance* wouldn't have ever met *Eugene* and might still be in that orphanage, quite possibly working there because he never got adopted..... Grandpa you helped a lot of people because of your big mistake, you caused a lot of good to happen! You shouldn't blame yourself because someone says something nasty about your kingdom. Yeah, it's gone, but you're still here, so is dad, Adira, Hector, Eugene, and me! And we're gonna fight to bring it back and prove *everyone* they're wrong about it! Then they'll stop calling you all that horrible name, right?"
Quirin gave his son a sad smile as he scooped the teen up, "unfortunately, that's not how that works"
"Why not?"
"You never taught him this?" Nuru asked, a little confused
"He's never been discriminated against, and I didn't think he'd ever find out about my past", the retired knight replied gently, "I didn't think he'd *need* to find out until he was a little older than now"
"Protect them as much as you can..." Edmund said
"Right, and Corona never discriminated, they bullied and could be cruel, but they never said those words, I thought he'd be safe.... But I was wrong...." The Village Leader sighed, "anyway, when you're discriminated against, you can't just 'prove them wrong', with a quick punch to the face or show them that you're stronger than what they say...."
The teen tilted his head to the side, "you can't? But why?"
"Because you'd be proving their fucking point...." Hugo mumbled, getting the two to look at him. He sighed, "if someone calls you a nasty name like 'stupid' or 'weak', you can prove them wrong by showing them an equation, or simply kicking them in their stomach. It doesn't matter for those names, because they're easily proven to be false. But a name like that.... A racial slur... It's not just talking about you, it's talking about your people, your home, your culture.... The word itself is insulting your entire ancestry, and you can get angry and hurt the people who call you that, but you'd only be proving their point...."
"Wha-How?!" Varian asked
"That word.... Against the Dark Kingdom I mean... It's them saying you're less than nothing, that you're dirty savages that lived in harsh conditions that no 'normal human' could live in.... It means you're disgusting and lower than even the most vile scum of the earth.... When they call you that it's them calling you worthless and horrid, not fit for society, and if you try to scream and yell and fight back, you'd only be showing them they're right, that you *are* a savage and deserve nothing less then to be treated like one.... It's stupid and horrible, and I hate the fuck out of it.... But it's true.... And you can prove them wrong any time, any day, but there are still going to be people who say those words and mean them in the worst ways possible.... There's no way to change their minds, no way to tell them off without proving their point.... It's the worst feeling in the world... It really is...."
The blue eyed alchemist felt his heart break as he listened to Hugo's broken and tired voice explain the concept to him. He felt tears sting in the corners of his eyes as he watched the blond sink lower and lower, "a-are you okay?"
"Yeah.... Just... Been through some shit...."
Varian wriggled out of his father's arms once more and walked over to the bespeckled teen, hugging him gently, "I'm sorry...."
Hugo chuckled and returned the hug, "it's okay Freckles, but... You understand now, yeah?"
"I do.... A-and it's horrible.... Why would anyone say something like that?"
"Because they don't understand", Nuru replied softly, "they don't understand what makes people unique, instead they fear it. And that fear turns to disgust and anger, so they lash out.... My parents though.... They said something that helps"
"What is it?"
The star princess smiled, "the people who don't know you may call you all sorts of things, but the people who do, will see the *real* you, and love you for who you are", she blushed, "they liked to tell me poems like that when I was a kid. E-either way, it just means that, no matter what your culture, your skin color, name, whatever. No matter what, even though there's going to be people who don't understand you, there will always be people who do, and who will care about and accept you for who you are. So when someone says something, or calls you a name like that, don't take it to heart, because they don't know you, and they'll be missing out on the wonderful person you are"
Varian smiled, "I like that"
"Me too", Hugo agreed, "it does help, though there are still gonna be times where the words cut a little too deep"
"That's what you have hugs for", Quirin stated, hugging the two teens happily before he reached his hand out to both Nuru and Edmund, "there's plenty of room for everyone in here"
The star princess smiled wide and joined the hug, as did the Dark King, all of them smiling wide as they embraced. After a few minutes however, Hugo was getting anxious, "alright, I can only take so much love and affection before I start biting people"
Varian giggled as they all let go, "me too, but I guess I can last longer than you"
"When you've got Snuggles, the big, red, hugger as your dad, I'd be surprised if you didn't", the blond joked
"Snuggles the big, red-hee hee! I can't with you!" The blue eyed alchemist laughed as Quirin raised a brow and smirked
"Just for that, you get an extra hug", the old farmer stated, coming closer to Hugo
"Nonononono! I'm good, thank you for the offer!" The bespeckled teen replied, a little too quickly as he backed away from the evil farmer before wincing a little in pain
"Oh.... Are you okay?" Varian asked worriedly
"Yeah, just irritated something I shouldn't have", the bespeckled teen replied with a chuckle as Ruddigar chittered at him, "I realize that Ruddigar, I'm just not good with affection"
The blue eyed alchemist grinned, "you can understand Ruddigar!"
"Well yeah, he talks a lot like.... OLIVIA!" He exclaimed before he dug around in his pockets, "please don't be broken-please don't be broken-please don't be-oh thank fuck....." The blond stated as he pulled out his best friend and saw she didn't have a single scratch on her metallic body, "I'm so sorry, are you alright? I haven't checked on you, or held you, or-!" The cybernetic mouse chittered his apologies away before she nuzzled his face lovingly, getting him to smile, "I know, I know, I shouldn't worry so much.... Can't help it Liv...."
Varian climbed on the bed and sat next to Hugo, watching the two lovingly as he stroked Ruddigar's fur, getting the racoon to purr happily, "you know what.... Whatever Cyrus says about you, me, or my family, I know it's not true"
Hugo looked at his boyfriend, "what do you mean?"
"Well, I see Grandpa working hard, everyday, to make up for what he did, to Eugene, to my aunt, uncle, and dad, and even to me! I see Hector trying to help his siblings get away from their abusive parents so they don't have to suffer the same fate he did. He could've held it against them too, they gave up searching for him after one day! But he didn't, and he's actively trying to help them. Adira, she went through, sorry dad, actual hell and back, and ended up becoming super strong, fierce, wise, and the best aunt *ever*! My dad, who is probably preparing soap for me right now, lost his family, and kept fighting, lost his home, and kept fighting, lost his *wife*, and kept fighting, and lost a year and a half of his *life, and is *still* fighting! *You*!" He pointed at Hugo, "weren't worried about yourself when you got hurt, you worried about me, Olivia, and Donella, I don't think Cyrus is in that category anymore"
"Fuck him"
"Right! But you worried about everybody else in the world, Eugene, me, dad, Donella, Rapunzel, Lance, Olivia, Ruddigar, and yet there's no thought to you and how you're feeling at all! You could make the argument that that's a bad thing, and in some cases it really can be, but it shows that you care, so much, about the friends and family you've made, and that speaks volumes to me! Even Nuru! Her kingdom is *dying*, she came here to try and get *help*, yet she was worried about two strangers she didn't even know! I don't care where you're from or what you look like, if you can go through *all* of that and still come out as the person you are, then you're not who they say you are"", he looked at his grandpa and father, "we're not..." He hesitated, "um... t-that word that you don't like...." He finished, getting the two to chuckle as he looked at Nuru, "you're not just some small princess from a dying kingdom", he looked at Hugo and Olivia, "you're *not* some orphan who isn't worth anything!" He finally looked at Ruddigar, "and *you're* not some dumb pest trying to eat in garbage cans!" The raccoon smiled wide, "we're all different then the stupid definitions they give us, and we know it for a fact! If they can't see past how we look or where we're from, then they're blind, blind to the amazing places and people around them, because they can't look past their own perception of reality. That kind of thinking will harm them one day, when it does, I hope they can learn to be better, like we had to do"
Quirin beamed with pride as he ruffled his son's hair, "well said", he stated, "and it was just a good enough speech for you to escape from your soapy fate"
"Yay!"
"But don't say that again"
"...Oki"
Edmund chuckled as Nuru hugged Varian happily, Hugo shuffling over and joining in, as the two Dark Kingdom men smiled at the teens, "the next generation is always better aren't they?" The Dark King asked
"Always", Quirin replied, smiling wide as he felt the little flame in his heart grow brighter and brighter with each second.
Notes:
Hello!
For context:
Artem: is the name of that was derived from the Greek Goddess of the Moon
When a women is pregnant, the amount of air she breathes can directly affect the child she's carrying. If they get less air, their brain and thoughts will suffer from it.
So here's the two parter! I hope I did this well, I'm sorry if I didn't. There's going to be more chapters that address this, because it's not a light topic at all, but wanted to kinda give a more simple approach to it, it's not a simple topic, but I wanted to do it justice, and I hope I have. Like I said, racism is not okay, everyone is welcomed here! If you can't accept that, then you can leave, because we don't want you here! I suppose that's being racist towards racists, but I guess you know how it feels now yeah? Maybe you won't do it anymore? Maybe you'll ignore this completely, either way, everyone is welcome! Because everyone is amazing in their own ways, that's a fact that will never change, and I hope, one day, everyone can see that! <3
Varian wouldn't really know much about discrimination, he may have read about it in a few books, but he's lived a very sheltered life, his father has kept him protected from everything, which is why what happened in the first season harmed Varian beyond repair, it was the biggest, and worst, thing that's ever happened in his life! But the Moon bean has never experienced poverty, or disease, he's never witnessed someone losing their home, he lost his mother, but he didn't see what happened to her, thankfully. Quirin's been protecting him from everything because the man wanted his son to have a better life than he did, so Varian really wouldn't know about discrimination, which is why I had him ask a lot of questions about it. Corona isn't a racist kingdom, and Varian looks a lot like his mother, who looks very Coronan, despite being from somewhere else. So he would've never experienced it either, I hope that's a good enough explanation as to why he didn't really know, because I know that seemed a little out of the blue, sorry X3
Quirin, Nuru, Hugo, and Edmund share a very similar role in this chapter, being the one's to inform Varian about what it is and how it could pertain to him and what it does to people. Hugo being the one to have it happen to more times than most, Quirin and Edmun knowing it and being victims themselves but not as much as Hugo, and Nuru knowing about it, but experiencing very little since she's a princess, stays in her own kingdom to try and fix it, but, given the comics we were shown for VAT7K, she's probably had a few nasty people give her a comment here and there, so she knows. All of them have different perspectives on this that I wanted to explore, and I hope I did that well.
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 212: Out of Nowhere!
Summary:
Hector gets snappy while looking for Dexter and Trinity, Adira needs to find a way to help him feel better, she gets some sage advice from a friend!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector sighed, he and Adira had been walking around the entire castle complex for what seemed like the better half of an *hour*, and there was *still* no sign of his brother and sister.... He continued to stare at the gardens, wondering why they weren't there and secretly hoping the flowers would wilt because they didn't have the people he'd been looking for. But he knew it wasn't the flower's fault, looking behind him, he saw Adira watching the clouds move in the sky, a calm expression on her face.
*Wonder what she's thinking about*, he thought to himself, trying to ignore the weird feeling in his gut that made him want to puke
"I'm thinking about how nice it'll be for this whole ball to be over so we can go back to searching for the Moonstone", Adira answered
The wild tamer jumped, the surprise not helping his stomach, "how the *fuck*-!"
"Didn't you *know* I could read your thoughts?" The face painted warrior asked as she continued to watch the sky. Hector was silent, not entirely sure if she was joking or not, she chuckled, "I'm kidding, you're just not very good at hiding what you're thinking very well"
"...Ah.... Well shit"
Adira chuckled as she turned to look at her brother, "worried?"
"...A bit, they're usually here", the wild tamer replied, his heart pounding louder than he'd like in his ears as he continued looking at the field of flowers
Adira walked over to him, "they don't come here everyday you know"
"I *know*", the wild tamer replied, a little annoyed at his sister's knowing tone, "but they like this spot", he explained
The face painted warrior paused for a moment before she said, "I'm not trying to irritate you, sorry"
Hector felt a pang of guilt shoot through him as he realized his sister seemed off, "I didn't really care", he lied, "what's up?"
"What do you-!"
"You're off, what's up?"
"....Nothing really, just thinking, do you feel.... Crowded?"
"Yes", her brother replied as he huffed a bit, "a fuck ton of yes"
Adira chuckled, "glad I'm not the only one", she looked up at the sky again, "I wouldn't want to go back to what it was before, but I miss traveling around and discovering new things. It was... Freeing in a way, I could fight when needed, could take care of myself, and would be able to visit any of you, any time I wanted"
"Not to mention you had a good excuse for not learning proper social manners", Hector added with a smirk
"True", his sister agreed, "it was nice, I slept in my hammock, could meditate when I wanted without interruption, eat what I wanted, train when I wanted, it truly was a very free life.... I feel like we can't have that anymore"
"Because of the King coming back?"
"No, just because... We have people we care about here", she replied as she finally tore her eyes away from the sky and looked at Hector, "and I don't want to leave them"
The wild tamer snorted, his racing heart slowing just a bit as the distraction worked it's magic, "it's funny, I feel the same, like we need to stay and protect them because they can't do it themselves"
"Right!" Adira replied, "I know fully well Stickler can handle himself and his child, he's done it for so long, I think he'd take it as an insult if we were to tell him why we're staying here. Fuzz face is more than happy to love on his son, and he definitely doesn't need taking care of, and Fish skin didn't need us before, so we shouldn't worry now"
"And Varian?" The wild tamer asked
Adira stopped and looked down, "Speckles....." She didn't say anymore
"Me too sister", the wild tamer stated with a smile, "I'm worried about him too", he looked at the field once more before he nudged her shoulder, "let's go, I think the pollen starting to mess with our emotions, 's making us fucking sappy"
Adira snorted, "alright"
They walked back inside the castle, neither one really spoke as they continued to walk, not really sure what to say until they heard a little girl talking, "you *really* shouldn't go in there, V said he didn't want you in there anyway"
"I know, but I need to talk to him about us addin the mouse into Hugo's 'get well soon' box, and he said he'd be in here", a very familiar voice replied
"Earring?" Adira stated as they rounded the corner, the two Brotherhood members stopped when they saw Lance, Angry, and Catalina standing outside of Varian's lab door
"Um... I don't think Varian would be okay with us going in there...." Catalina stated worriedly, "I mean, didn't he say you were banned from his lab?"
"That, and there's a big sign that says 'do NOT enter, that means YOU Lance!' *right* there", Angry stated, pointing to the sign
The former thief looked at it before he smiled, "he really does think about me", he joked, getting the girls to raise their brows at him, "right right, don't worry, I'm just gonna pop my head in and ask him real quick, I won't even *touch* his lab equipment"
"Earring", Adira said again, getting the man's attention, "what are you doing?"
Lance turned around and smiled when he saw Hector and Adira standing there, "oh hey Adira! Hiya Hector", the wild tamer scrunched his nose a bit, the feeling in his stomach coming back as the man walked over to them, "don't worry, I'm only gonna pop in to see what Varian thinks of a mouse inside Hugo's 'get well soon' box!"
Hector raised a brow, his annoyance rising for some reason he couldn't really understand, "as much as *I* wouldn't mind that, doesn't he have a mechanical mouse? Not a live one? And isn't she still with him?"
"Well, yeah, but imagine how happy he'd be to have an *actual* mouse in his box!" Lance exclaimed excitedly, "the girls agree, but they don't think I should go inside Varian's lab"
"You *really* shouldn't", Adira stated, glancing at her brother, worry sweeping over her features as she watched the man seemingly struggle
"He'd be in there though, he said he was gonna stop by and-!"
"If he were in there now, don't you think he'd know you're at the door and open it to tell you yes or no?" Hector interrupted, "plus Olivia is just as alive as any other mouse. Just because she isn't flesh and blood doesn't make her less alive"
"I..... Ya got a point, for both of those, but I still wanna ask, because maybe Olivia could be a friend for this mouse! Do you two know where Varian would be?"
"Not sure, good luck finding out though", the wild tamer stated as he started to walk away, a little frustrated with the former thief
"Hang on!" Lance exclaimed, stopping the man in his tracks, "what's up?" He asked, looking pointedly at Adira, "you both seem a little... Off"
"And?" Hector asked, his irritation rising a bit, as well as his heart rate
"*And* I'm worried", Lance replied, raising his own brow at the tamer, "what's got your cape in a twist?"
Hector huffed and turned to face the former thief, Adira wincing a bit at his glare, "my fucking *siblings* are *gone* and I can't *fucking* find them, and *you're* over here trying to get inside a place that you don't need to stick your fucking nose in", he snapped, "*that's* what's 'got my cape in a twist'! Plus you think you know my sister but you *don't*, you weren't there for her when she was growing up so you don't know *shit*! So back the *fuck* off, because she ain't for fucking *sale*!"
Lance put his hands up, "easy, I'm not interested in Adira that way"
"Really?" Hector asked, his tone sarcastic and untrusting
"Yeah, really", the former thief replied gently, looking straight into the wild tamer's yellow eyes, "besides that, I'm pretty sure Adira can take care of herself. At the very least, she knows how to beat the shit outta me, so you don't have to worry, I was genuinely concerned for her.... and you for that matter, you're not usually this snappy...."
The wild tamer's eyes narrowed and he began to give a low growl before he huffed and turned away from Lance, "none of your fucking business", he looked at Adira, "talk to him all you want, I'm gonna be around the corner waiting". With that, the man walked away, turning the corner and disappearing from sight
The face painted warrior watched her brother leave before she looked at Lance, "sorry about him, he's...."
"Anxious?" The former thief finished, "I can definitely see that"
The face painted warrior looked at the corner her brother had disappeared behind and sighed, "you know what he was just told, can you really blame him?"
"No... I can't, though, seriously, how are *you* feeling?"
"I'm... Better, actually. Quirin helped a lot with what he said, I really am better, but I think this is affecting Hector way more than he's letting on...."
Lance nodded, "yeah I can tell..."
"He's.... Really crabby", Angry stated
"Well maybe he just needs someone to talk to him about it", Catalina suggested, "where are Pixie and Basil?"
"With Xena out in the stables. Hector leaves those two with her because she's not allowed to be in the castle, so he doesn't want her to get lonely and has Pixie and Basil stay with her", Adira explained
The wolf girl thought for a moment before she got an idea, "do you have something of Quirin's?" She asked, "something he's touched or used?"
Adira raised a brow before Lance smiled, "Varian would have somethin in his lab"
"What's with you and that lab?" Angry asked
"It's cool and it's one of Varian's safe spaces, I like to keep them clean for him", the former thief explained, "but, ya know, I tend to.... Knock into chemicals by accident, aaaaaand they may or may not lead to mass destruction of his and his father's property"
Angry snorted, "you're a dork"
"I know, but it's true, he'd have somethin in there that his dad gave him or used"
Catalina looked at Adira, "would you help me go in there and look?"
The face painted warrior nodded, "we have to be quick though, why do you need it anyway?"
"I can get Quirin's scent and find out where he is, then I can bring him back to Hector for help"
Adira's eyes widened for a moment before she gave a small smile, "that's a good idea, Quirin would be the perfect person to help Hector through this, he's always been the best one to calm all of us down when we needed it"
Catalina smiled before she and the face painted warrior walked inside Varian's lab. There were chemicals strewn about here and there, beakers on burners that were, thankfully, switched off. Unlabeled jars of ingredients ranging from plants and bug shells, to rocks and herbs. There was raccoon fur *everywhere*, and there was writing on that walls in, what both females hoped, was erasable ink. "Wow, he's messy", Catalina noted
"He is a tiny genius, I don't really think he has time to clean", Adira replied
"My point is *made*!" Lance exclaimed from the other side of the door, followed by Angry's laughter
Catalina giggled, "he's a clumsy dork, but he means well", she said as she smiled at the door they'd came in from
The two continued to search around when Adira spotted a dew writings on the wall she recognized as incantations for the Sundrop and Moonstone, *so the princess gave Speckles the scroll then, good choice. Seems like he's making progress*, she thought to herself before she noticed something she hadn't seen in a long time. Her brother's guitar leaned, safely, in the corner, away from all the alchemy and damage. She walked over to it and smiled, picking it up, carefully, and strumming the clean strings. It was in tune! She smiled as she looked around at the chaos before her, Catalina watching her with curiosity as the face painted warrior chuckled, "everything in the room is filled with dust, ash, alchemy, chemicals, and so much dirt, yet the cleanest thing in here is my brother's old guitar", she explained, "the songs he used to play on this old thing too...." She hummed a tune she remembered, trying to find the right notes, wincing a little at the pluck of the B flat that should've been a B sharp, "I... Was never very good at playing this thing. I still don't know how he figured it out"
Catalina's eyes widened, "that's Quirin's guitar?"
"Yeah, he'd play me and Hector songs on this, he'd sing them too. I remember he'd play the songs for the King and Queen as well, and the Queen of the Dark Kingdom, Eden, she had the most beautiful voice, it harmonized with King Edmund's so well.... I miss those days..." She looked the guitar over and smirked, "still has the engraving too"
"Engraving?"
"When Quirin was younger, before Hector came around, he had a hard time admitting when he was feeling upset or scared. The guards did that to him... I hated them for that.... But because he was having such a hard time, he would have moments where he'd need to take a minute to be away from everyone. Those days were very hard for a growing boy, even I knew that.... Men tend to get treated like they're supposed to be tough and unfeeling, but Quirin was never like that, he took after our king in that way. Both were very soft and gentle, some might even say shy if you can believe that", she chuckled, thinking about her exuberant King.
The wolf girl smiled, "Quirin being shy makes a little sense, though how he became the Village Leader is something I'll never understand"
Adira chuckled, "he was always a good leader, he just lacked confidence is all... Something him and Speckles share... It's funny how alike they are, it's like seeing Quirin grow up all over again.... Maybe that's why...."
"Why what?"
"Hm? Oh, sorry, nothing, anyway, when Queen Eden saw this, she figured the best way for Quirin to let out any pent up emotion he had would be to tech him about music. So she bought him this guitar, it's funny, Queen Eden was actually a very close friend of Quirin's, even before she met our King. I suppose that's why she doted on him so much, but she taught him how to play the guitar, and he took to it like a moth to a flame. Soon enough he was making songs and singing his heart out, he was very talented actually, which none of us expected", she smiled at the old guitar, "I wonder if he still plays"
"We could find out", Catalina said with a smile as she closed her eyes and sniffed the guitar. He grin widened as her eyes shot open, "got it! Come on! Bring that guitar and follow me!"
The face painted warrior nodded before they ran out, she turned to Lance quickly and said, "I know he's being snappy, but please, watch over him until we get back?"
"Of course", the former thief agreed with a warm smile
"I don't think he's gonna be goin anywhere anytime soon", Angry stated, "I'll stick with Lance, just in case he needs any back up"
Her sister nodded, "thanks Angry", she then looked at Adira, "come on, we've gotta go before I lose the scent!"
"Right, Hector, I'll be right back, okay?" The face painted warrior called, she saw a hand wave to her from around the corner and noticed how close it was to the ground, "damn it.... That attack hit way too fast...."
"We'll keep an eye on him", Lance promised
"Thanks, we'll be quick", with that, the two ran off through the castle.
They passed by maids, Nigel, and Harmony, who waved at all of you with a smile, before they skidded to a halt in front of the infirmary doors, where they heard laughter coming from inside. "He's in there", Catalina stated, panting a little, "his scent is unmistakable.... and really nice too! Apples and smoked wood, very nice smell!"
Adira snorted, "oh I'll be picking on him about that later, for now", she walked forward and opened the door, "Stickler!"
The group inside jumped, looking at her as the face painted warrior saw Hugo wide awake, his glasses askew as he stared at her with wide eyes, Varian was sitting next to him on the bed, his hair was a mess from too much ruffling and his goggles were askew as well. Ruddigar and Olivia were playing in-between the two alchemists as a girl Adira didn't know seemed to be trying to keep them from hurting each other, the playing had stopped when the face painted warrior had walked into the room. King Edmund was watching her, blinking, clearly surprised at her sudden appearance, as was Quirin, who was standing next to him. The retired knight shook his head, being the first to snap out of his shock as he smiled at her, "hi Adira", he then frowned at the look on her face, "everything okay?"
"Hector..." She stated, "really bad anxiety attack...."
Her big brother's eyes widened before they narrowed, "show me"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, anxiety and panic attacks happen out of nowhere, you can feel the signs, but you can never really tell when they're gonna hit hard until they actually do. That's what happened with Hector here, he got so worried about his siblings missing, the story of what happened to his brother's wife didn't help with that, that he ended up getting a massive attack, which makes your stomach hurt, heart beats, snap at everyone, run away to be alone, and finally, you fall on the floor and have trouble breathing (that's my personal experience with it, this is not the same for everyone). So I wanted to write a chapter about it and have the three Dark siblings have a moment together, which will happen in the next chapter! :D
Poor Hector, the man's been able to help his sister and brother and king, even helped his nephew, but he hasn't been helping himself. He's got the same bad habit that Quirin, Varian, Lance, and Edmund have, It's rough and I feel really bad for him, he'll get some sibling lovins though <3
Adira is such a good big sister! She knows something's wrong and is quick to defend her sibling's behavior because she understands, but she doesn't know *exactly* how to help him through this sort of thing. She's still learning, but her memories of listening to Quirin play and sing is going to help immensely, as well as her being there by Hector's side <3
Quirin, he didn't have a huge role to play in this particular chapter, but he's just the best older brother ever! :D I want to draw a picture of him playing guitar and singing with Varian while Hector, Adira, and Edmund all sit around them and listen to him play! <3 Such a cute image! Also, more Queen Eden! Woot! :D
Lance is the KING! I love this man so much, and out of all the people they could've ran into, he was the best one! Adira can trust him, he's the only one she *can* trust, outside of her own family I mean. Him being there, not taking what Hector says seriously, and understanding Varian's boundaries while also wanting to make sure he keeps his safe spaces clean is something I can see him doing! :D I love Lance, his character just makes me happy! :D Plus we got more of him, Catalina, and Angry together! YAY!!!!!!
Varian and Hugo being in the bed together is too adorable for me not to include, I'm just saying XD
Edmund is too precious for this world! That is all! XD
Ruddy buddy and Olivia are playing while Nuru is trying to keep them from hurting each other, it's such a mood! XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 213: Dear Hector Jaecar!
Summary:
Quirin, Varian, Adira, and Catalina go to help Hector while the wild tamer is growing more and more anxious!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Do you think we should go over there? He looks pale?" A maid asked
"No, we should leave him alone", another replied, "he's one of the Dark Kingdom representatives, we definitely do not want to mess with them"
"But isn't Quirin from the Dark Kingdom? Surely someone as gentle as him would have equally gentle comrades, wouldn't he?"
"Not that one... He's crazy! I heard he attacked a two guards a couple months ago"
"Wasn't that because they attacked his nephew and threw him in jail?"
"Yes, but that guy attacked those guards so brutally that once they were fired from their posts, they haven't been able to function as normal"
"Really?"
"Yeah, it's said he messed them up so badly that they've been forever scarred from that guy, trust me, it's better if you leave him be"
"Wow, what a freak"
"Seriously"
"I can *hear* you ya know", the wild tamer stated, giving the two maids a low growl as he glared daggers at them
"Ugh! What's with that crazy look you *creep*!" The one spreading the rumor snapped
"Y-yeah, it's scary", the one who called him a freak replied
"If I'm so terrifying, then take your fucking gossip somewhere else!" Hector snapped
The maids yelped before the rumor spreader screamed, "YOU FREAK!" Before she took her sheep's hand and ran away
"Tch....." The wild tamer leaned his back against the wall behind him pulling his knees up to his chin and staring at the ground. His heart was practically playing a full percussion in his ears as he tried to drown out any noise. The maid's cruel words seeping into his mind, replaying over and over again.
*Creep!
Freak!
Creep!
Freak!
CREEP!
FREAK!
*CREEP!*
*FREAK!**
"SHUT UP!" He yelled, "I'm not a fucking *FREAK*!"
"Of course you're not", a voice replied, startling the man and getting him to look over and see Lance and Angry standing nearby, "why would you think you were?" The former thief asked
"...H-how long have you been standing there?"
"We just walked over when we heard you saying something", Angry explained, "that's when we saw a couple of maids running away, you alright?"
"I'm fine", the tamer stated, not adding anything more to that as he looked away
The was a few moments of silence before either of them spoke again, "Hector.... have you been havin these attacks a lot?" Lance asked softly, "cause if you have, I can-!"
"I don't want your *help*! I'm fucking *FINE*!" The wild tamer snapped, "I'm not some sick kid that needs *your* fucking attention, just leave me the *hell* alone...."
"....Geez.... We're just trying to help", Angry stated
"No it's fine Angry", the former thief replied gently, "trust me he's.... Goin through a lot right now, we should give him some space"
"Why? It's not like we're harming him or anythi-!"
"UGH!" Hector got up and stomped away, trying to find a place to go where the two wouldn't bother him. That's when he noticed an opened door, he looked at it and remembered hearing the two girls say Lance wasn't allowed in there. He huffed and walked inside, finding a nice, quiet corner and sitting down, bringing his knees to his chin once more and wrapping his arms around them. He appreciated the darkness of the room, understanding why his nephew loved this place so much as he let out a breath and hid his face in his knees.
****
"Show me"
Adira nodded at her older brother's answer before she looked at Hugo, "sorry for the rush, but it's good to see you're alright. I need to borrow my brother though, if that's okay"
The blond nodded, "y-yeah go right ahead, oh and, thanks"
The face painted warrior smiled at the teen before she began to walk out, "wait!" Varian called, stopping her, "h-how bad is it?"
"....He's on the floor and hiding out of sight.... He also snapped really badly at Lance...." She replied
"....That's bad.... Really bad...." The blue eyed alchemist replied, biting his lower lip nervously
Hugo watched his lover for a moment, a little confused, before the realization hit him and he smiled, "Freckles, go with them"
"W-what! B-but you're-!"
"I'm alright, I'm in bed, and I'll stay in bed even after you're done with your uncle. You should go check on him, he'd probably appreciate the company", the blond smirked, "I know I would"
Varian blushed before he smiled and nodded, "oki, b-but, what about you? I came in here because you were having...."
"I'll stick with Hugo", Nuru offered, "I can stay with him until you've helped your uncle"
"I will too", Edmund stated
"G-grandpa-!", Varian started
"Hector has always been closest to Adira and Quirin, and now you. Me being there would only crowd him, so I can stay with Hugo too, just..." He looked at Quirin, "update me?"
"Definitely", the retired knight replied with a smile
"See? I won't be alone, I'll be fine Freckles, go and help your uncle, the way only *you* can, okay?" Hugo said
The freckled teen looked at his boyfriend and smiled, giving him a quick peck on the lips and making the blond blush, "you just earned yourself 20 good boyfriend points", Varian teased before he hopped off the bed and ran over to his aunt, Quirin right behind him, chuckling at Hugo's frozen look
The bespeckled teen gave a breathy laugh before he grinned at his Varian, "you better be keeping track of those"
"I am!" the blue eyed alchemist replied, "we wouldn't reach a climax if I didn't"
"Varian!" Quirin exclaimed as Hugo laughed, "you know what, I might grab that soap after all"
"Hey! *That's* technically mine", Varian exclaimed, pointing at Hugo, "we're *supposed* to make those jokes!"
"Not in front of me you're not!"
"Noted, we'll be more careful then"
"Varian"
"Right, Hector first, secret dirty jokes after"
"Varian!"
"At least you're warned now!"
"Let's go", Adira stated, trying to hide her smile as she led the father and son, and raccoon, out of the infirmary while Hugo continued to laugh, Nuru and Edmund were blushing profusely, and Catalina giggled as she followed behind.
****
"Do you know why he's anxious Adira?" Quirin asked, after the group had been silent for a few minutes
"We were looking for Dexter and Trinity, neither of them were around in the places they normally are, I think that, along with what we talked about with Donella yesterday, may have contributed to this attack", the face painted warrior replied
"They're not in the castle?" Varian asked as he stroked Ruddigar's fur
"No, we couldn't find them anywhere"
"What about the Duke and Duchess...."
"....We couldn't find them either...."
"....Oh boy...."
The group didn't say anymore for a little while before Quirin noticed what his sister was holding, "isn't that my old guitar?" He asked, pointing at the beloved object
"Hm? Yeah, we found it in Speckle's lab", Adira replied
"You went in my lab?" Varian asked, looking at Catalina
"I needed Quirin's scent so we could find him and bring him to Hector", the wolf girl explained
"Um... W-were you with Lance during that time?"
"Lance didn't go in, it was just me and Adira, and we only touched the guitar, I swear"
"O-oki, thanks", Varian replied, continuing to stroke Ruddigar's fur as the raccoon nuzzled his boy's cheek
"....Adira?" Quirin said, noticing his sister's worried expression
"We... May have left the lab door open....." She replied
Varian felt his heart drop into his stomach as he instantly rushed forwards, "Varian, wait!" His father called, but the teen couldn't, his mind was frantic as he thought about the very important, super secret, task that the princess had asked him to do that was now just *sitting* in his lab in the top drawer! He hoped it was fine, that Lance hadn't walked in and hadn't blown anything up as he continued to sprint down the hall, dodging Moonlight and Ash:> as they watched the teen whizz by, Aisheyru, Harmony, Crystal, and Mha_kny staring in disbelief as the alchemist screeched to a halt in front of his lab's open door, the commenters wanting to help, but a smile from Quirin told them he had it under control, and they left him to it.
"L-Lance? LANCE?!" Varian called
"I'm right here little man", the former thief said, getting the teen to turn and see him and Angry waiting outside of the lab with a smile, "I didn't go in, don't worry. Hector's in there though, and he's not doin too hot...."
A massive wave of relief crashed into Varian as he smiled at the man and Angry before he looked at the door, "H-hector's in there?"
"Yeah, I guess we ended up talking a little too much", Angry stated, "plus he said something about being.... A freak.... It seemed to really upset him...."
"A freak?" The alchemist repeated before he looked at his father and aunt
Quirin's shoulders instantly tensed at the word as he looked at Adira, "you don't think...." He started
"....I'm guessing someone must've called him that...." She sighed, "why won't they just leave him alone?"
"Because that's not how people work I'm afraid...."
"Dad?" Varian said
Quirin looked at his son sadly, "Hector has been.... Well he's different, and unfortunately different scares people...."
"Like the slur...."
"Right..."
"Slur?" Adira asked
"Someone called Varian's 'people' the A word"
"WHAT?!"
"It's fine, I'll tell you about it later, either way", the retired knight looked at his son, "you already know this, but people can be very cruel when they're faced with different. Instead of seeing someone in pain, people will bully them and...."
"Call them weird.... Or freaks.... Or Traitors...." Varian finished, "....noted.... So how are we gonna help him?"
Quirin thought for a moment before he looked at his guitar again and smiled, "I think I've got an idea"
****
Hector let out a shaky sigh as he closed his eyes, trying hard not to let his mind think about what he'd just heard or how he felt. All he wanted was the quiet to let him sulk inside of it for a while, but he couldn't even get that as the pounding of his heart increased. He could hear the silence, he could hear it's teasing voice calling out to him, saying how stupid he was to seek shelter inside of it. *I always hated silence.... Why did I think it was better than being out there? At least I could hear people walking around.... Even that stupid ex-thief's *voice* was better than this.....*
He remembered the two maids before, their words echoing in his mind again as he winced.....
*That's why.....*
He kept his eyes closed, wanting nothing more than to escape, but the more he sat there, the more his heart pounded in his ears
*ba bump*
*Ba bump*
*Ba bump*
*Ba bump*
*I hate this.... I hate this so fucking much....*
*Ba bump-ba bump*
*Ba bump-ba bump*
*Why won't the pumping stop? It's giving me a fucking headache.....*
*Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump*
*Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump*
*Just go away! Leave me alone! I'm fine, I'm fucking FINE!*
*Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump*
*Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump*
He could feel his chest growing tighter, *Please... Don't prove them right....*
*Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump*
His breathing was becoming rapid, *don't make me sick.... I don't want to go back to that again....*
*Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump*
His thoughts began to fizz as the darkness in his own mind began to swarm, *...D-don't.... Don't make me weak again....*
*Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump*
He felt dizzy, *d-don't.....*
*Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-Ba bump-ba bump-ba-!*
A guitar began to play, he could faintly hear the strums of the instrument, he was aware that someone was sitting next to him, no, more than one person. His mind focused on the sound as he heard someone familiar begin to sing:
'End of May or early June,
This picture-perfect afternoon we share,
Ride the winding country road,
Listening as the old birds crowed,
And then we're there,
*Hector's eyes remain closed, but he feels his heart beat slower as his brother continues to sing*
An open field that's framed with trees,
We pick a spot and shoot the breeze,
Like buddies do,
*The wild tamer snorts at that*
Quoting songs with our feelings heard,
Telling jokes no one else deserved,
Except us two,
And we talk and take in the view,
*Hector opens his eyes and looks, he sees Quirin sitting next to him, he's smiling*
All we see is sky for forever,
We let the world pass by for forever,
Feels like we could go on for forever this way,
Two brothers, on a perfect day,
*Hector returns the smile and looks forward, seeing Adira and Varian sitting next to him*
We walk a while and talk about,
The things we'll do when we get out of here,
"Fucking fight..." Hector says
"Or find an animal", Adira jokes
"Maybe some alchemy and farming?" Varian suggests, getting the wild tamer to chuckle
Hike the Appalachian trail or,
Write a book or learn to sail,
Wouldn't that be cool?
"...Yeah it would...." The wild tamer responds as Quirin smiles wider
There's nothing that we can't discuss,
Like girls we wish would notice us but never do,
"Fucking bitch", Hector jokes, getting Varian to laugh
You look around and say to me,
"There's nowhere else I'd rather be",
And I say, "Me too",
*Hector smiles and sniffles, a few tears sliding down his face*
And we talk and take in the view,
We just talk and take in the view,
All we see is sky for forever,
We let the world pass by for forever
Feels like we could go on for forever this way,
this way,
All we see is light for forever,
'Cause the Moon shines bright for forever,
Like we'll be alright for forever this way,
Two brothers on a perfect day,
*The wild tamer leans against his big brother's shoulder as Quirin continued to sing*
And there you go,
Racing toward the tallest tree,
From far across the yellow field I hear you calling, "Follow me",
There we go, Wondering how the world might look from up so high,
One foot after the other,
One branch then to another,
We climb higher and higher,
We climb 'til the entire,
World shines on our face!
And you suddenly feel the branch give way,
You're on the ground,
Your arm goes numb,
You look around,
And you see me come to get you,
I'm coming to get you,
And everything's okay,
*Hector let out a breath at that as the tears continued to stream down his face*
All we see is sky for forever,
We let the world pass by for forever,
Buddy, you and I for forever this way, this way,
*The wild tamer can't keep his sobs in as he hides his face in his big brother's shoulder, letting his sobs out as Quirin gently sings that last verse*
All we see is light,
'Cause the Moon shines bright,
We will be alright for forever this way,
Two brothers,
*True* brothers,
On a perfect day'
The retired knight finished the song and placed his guitar next to him before he turned and hugged his little brother, as does Varian and Adira. All three of them let the wild tamer cry into their shoulders until his sobs begin to quiet down. They smile and wait for him to finish, once her does, they still don't let go, they wait until Hector wants them to. The wild tamer takes a few calming breaths, his heart finally beating normally as he lets out a final breath before he gives a quiet, "thank you"
Notes:
Hello! :D
The song is called, "For Forever", by Ben Platt from 'Dear Evan Hansen', my favorite musical! I changed some of the lyrics to fit the time, like instead of 'Drive the winding country road
Grab a scoop at À La Mode', it's now, 'ride the winding country road, Listening as the old birds crowed', that sort of thing! :DHector really needed his siblings and nephew at that moment, honestly, I think he also just really needed to cry, poor bean has been through way too much. So here's a moment for Hector! <3
Quirin is the best big brother! He's the one everyone leans on, loves, he's gentle and caring, I freaking love Quirin! And yes, he has a good singing voice to me, it's that mix of rough and sweet that is so nice to hear! <3 He's also a very genuine singer, he sings from the heart and I can definitely see him and Ulla singing to Varian while he's playing piano! Little family band! <3 I need to draw that XD Anyway, Quirin is the best, and I love him very much! <3
Varian and Hugo are being dirty again XD Well, more Varian than Hugo, but the blond boy's in bed with broken ribs, he gets a pass X3 Quick shout out to Nuru and Edmund for sticking by our hurt bean's side by the way! <3 Also, Varian's lab is safe.... For now :3
Lance and Angry are bros, so is Catalina! They got help, watched over Hector, and were kind and understanding even when he snapped, they're bros and I love the adopted family! :D
Adira is a good big sister, she may not have all the answers, but she knows who to get to find them, I still love Adira! <3
Ruddy buddy is still the best! <3
This chapter is for everyone dealing with anxiety, I'm here for you, you're gonna be okay, just take things one step at a time <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 214: Father Appreciation Day!
Summary:
Varian and Eugene decide to work together to show how much they love their dads!
(This is before the events of the Ball, so Hugo isn't here, happy Father's Day!)
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene walked through the halls of the castle, his eyes set on one door and one door alone, he quietly knocked on it and waited before he saw it creak open just a bit as one blue eye looked up at him, "oh, hi Eugene, what's up?" Varian asked, opening the door a little wider and smiling up at the man
"Hey kiddo, you got a minute, I need to ask for your opinion on something", the Dark Prince replied, "you got a minute or two?"
"Yeah, I just finished working on the biochemical structure of one of the plants me and my dad are growing. It's chemical DNA allows it to give a soothing element that might be good to use for lotions that can cause back aches and such, so I'm taking samples and running them through some alchemical equations and biographical components to see if their composition can add more to the soothing so I can find some way to isolate it and-!"
"Kid, English please?" Eugene interrupted gently
"....I'm trying to make a soothing lotion using an cool plant from mine and dad's garden"
"That sounds cool"
"Thanks!" The alchemist replied with a grin, "what'd you wanna talk about?"
"Well, you know how 'Father Appreciation Day' is coming up?"
"Yeah"
"Do you know what you're planning on doing for Quirin? I've got no ideas and I want to... Well I wanna celebrate with Edmund, I don't think he's been able to celebrate at all but I wanna make this first celebration the best, you know?"
Varian gave a small frown, "I know what you mean.... Dad was stuck in the amber for a full year and a half! Me and him missed 'Father Appreciation Day' last year, so I need to make up for it *big time* this year! I just.... Unfortunately, I'm having trouble coming up with any ideas as well...."
Eugene sighed, "that's what I was afraid of"
"Yeah... I'm sorry Eugene... It's just... My dad's gotten a lot better with how much time he spends with me and such, but.... He's still kinda hard to impress.... I've baked him his favorite foods, drew him pictures, made tools he could use in the gardens, and he always gives me his normal dad smile and says, 'thanks, I'll find a good use for this'. I mean, I got him a few swords and he seemed to really like those, but I don't wanna get him 'just another sword', that makes it seem like that's all I know about him!"
"Right?! That's the same problem I'm having!" Eugene exclaimed, "Edmund is... Well... I don't actually *know*! I know he liked putting Figgie pudding in his pocket-!"
"Figgie puddi-!"
"Long story, I also know he's a horrible fisher, and he knows nothing about animal pellets"
"How do you kno-!"
"He mistook rabbit poo for weird rocks..."
"Oh..."
"Yeah... He also likes to camp but already has the materials to do so and getting him another tent would just be pointless. He loves his axe, but getting him another would be like getting him another tent. I could make him a cape that's *not* shedding on the castle carpet, but it's like the tent and the axe.... Just...." The Dark Prince sighed, "I finally have a father... Finally have a reason to celebrate something today... And I don't actually know how to celebrate....." He looked at the floor, "makes me feel like a garbage son you know?"
"Yeah.... I understand.... I've known my dad for... Well.... My entire *life*, and I know next to *nothing* about the man!" Varian sighed, "I love my dad.... I wanna make him so happy that tears fall down his face!" Eugene raised a brow, "I mean that in the not weird way! I wanna make him so happy that he tears up, you know? Happy tears, i-it's not weird!"
The Dark Prince chuckled, "I understand kiddo, you're good", he smirked at the teen before sighing, "just... How are we gonna do that? Both our parents tend to be a little on the emotionally constipated side of things"
Varian clapped a hand over his mouth as he let out a loud, "PFFFFFFFFFFFT!" While giggling, "e-em-emotionally *CONSTIPATED*?!"
"Am I *wrong*?!"
"N-no but, hee hee, t-that's really funny!"
Eugene smiled at the little alchemist before he looked at the ground, "we need to come up with something...."
Varian thought for a moment before he smiled wide, "why don't we spy on them!"
"Spy? On the two strongest Brotherhood members?"
"Yeah! If we're sneaky enough we can spy on them, maybe if we do, they'll let something slip that we can use to get for them!" Varian explain excitedly as Ruddigar climbed onto his shoulder, having just woken up from a nap
The Dark Prince raised his brow once more, "they'd definitely catch up hairstripe"
"....Close your eyes and count to 5"
"What?"
"Do it, trust me"
Eugene complied, he closed his eyes and counted to five before opening them and seeing the alchemist was gone, "wha-! Kid?" He looked around, no sign of the teen, "kid?" He turned around and checked a few hiding spaces before he rolled his eyes, "okay, you made your point!"
He heard Varian giggle before a cabinet door opened and Varian wiggled out, "hi"
"Hi, how'd you do that?"
"My dad and I played hide and seek all the time when I was younger! He could always find me, I don't know how. But after a while, I got really good at hiding and sneaking. I know how to be super quiet and sneak around so he couldn't get a beat on my location using his ears. And I learned how to hide in plain sight while also tricking people into thinking I couldn't possibly fit into small spaces like that!" The teen replied, "plus I can move fast"
"...Didn't your dad find you when you were playing hide and seek with Catalina and Angry?"
"Yeah, but that's because he knew I was hiding, he knows my tricks, and it was in the same room as him, and I was a little sloppy with my movements. I'm honestly surprised *you* didn't hear me"
"The feeling's mutual", Eugene stated, getting Varian to giggle as Ruddigar chittered happily, "come on then sneaky, let's got and spy on our dads!" He stopped, "....That sounds so odd!"
"Yes it does!" Varian agreed as they walked out of his lab, closing the door behind them as they searched for the retired knight and Dark King!
****
Edmund smiled gleefully, looking at the object in front of him with a twinkle in his eye before he grabbed some wrapping paper and tape. He placed his elbow on one side of the paper, his hand on the other as he tried to fold the paper over the object, it ended up ripping, "oh darn it!" He sighed, "that's the fifth time that's happened!"
Hamuel *CAWED* loudly
"I know I can't give up Hamuel, but this is supposed to be perfect! I can't wrap it however I want to and be done with it! This needs care, time, affection..... Another hand....." He sighed
Hamuel *CAWED* once more, getting the Dark King to look at him
"Hamuel.... I'm still in the best shape of my life right? Even if I don't have both of my hands?" He asked
The old crow let out another excitable *CAW*
The Dark King looked at the object, "it's just... I want this to be special.... It's not special if I keep ripping the paper over it...."
The old crow *CAWED* once more before he flapped his wings and flew up in the air before he soared straight into a wall.... Right where Varian and Eugene were hiding. The two looked at the crow and shrunk back behind the wall they were using as cover while the Dark King got up with a sigh and walked over to the old crow.
"You know Hamuel, I normally love your games, but right now it's serious", he stated, gently setting the bird on his shoulder, "I need to get this wrapped up! I... I'm not very good at this sort of thing anymore...." He sighed defeatedly, "I suppose we'll just have to go with messy.... He might still like it right?"
Hamuel *CAWED* once more before he looked in the direction of the two boys, both of whom winced as Varian placed a finger to his lips, trying to quiet the crow. Unfortunately, he *CAAWED* once more, this time getting Edmund to look in that direction
"What are you cawing at Hamuel? You're never usually this excited about anything outside of a treat or two...." The Dark King began to walk over to the wall
The two boys looked around before Eugene saw a small pebble on the ground, he picked it up and threw it at the wall opposite to them
"Hm?" Edmund looked in the direction of the small noise while Eugene scooped Varian up and ran out of the room, leaving the Dark King alone in the room as he scratched his head, confused.
****
Xavier smiled wide when he saw the retired knight walking towards his shop, knowing fully well what he was looking for, "come to pick it up have you?" The old blacksmith asked when the Village Leader was within ear shot
Quirin's smile widened, "yup, I've got the money needed for it too"
Xavier chuckled, "even if you didn't, I'd be more than wiling to give this to you for free, considering the day"
"No no, I wouldn't feel right if you did"
"I know", the blacksmith replied with a grin as he accepted the retired knight's coins, "I have it in the back, give me a few moments to grab it, alright?"
"Ok, thank you Xavier, I'm sorry it's on such short notice"
"It's no trouble, you really didn't give me too much of a short notice you know"
The Village Leader rubbed the back of his head, "well, I suppose I really don't know how long it takes to make these things"
"True, but then again, you've had a lot on your mind, so it's alright", the blacksmith replied cheerfully as he rummaged around the back for a moment before he found what he was looking for, "ah HA!" He exclaimed excitedly, "here it is!" He walked back out with a little bundle in his hands and set it in a box, wrapping it up happily before he noticed how badly the Village Leader was rubbing his neck, "Quirin, is your neck bothering you again?"
"Hm?" The retired knight looked at the man and blushed, "oh, yeah, but it's fine, nothing to worry about"
Xavier raised a brow, "Quirin, you've been having those troubles for a long time. A few years in fact, why don't you go to the doctor for them? I'm certain they'd have some sort of medicine for it"
"It's not that urgent", the Village Leader replied shyly, "I mean, my back's worse, and yet I can still work just as well as a young mustang. So it's nothing to worry about"
".....If Varian had this sort of ache, wouldn't you want *him* to get it checked?"
"That's different, Varian's much younger than me, he doesn't need to be getting aches and pains like that. But these are just simple aging aches, they come and go, never too consistent unless I overdo it on the farm and even so, a nice day off heals them quick enough".
The blacksmith let out a breath through his nose, "such stubborn pride when you've got the best healer in Corona living under your roof"
Quirin blinked before blushing, "...I.... Wouldn't want to trouble him... He'd worry... You know he would"
"You deserve to be fussed over, if only a little, just as he does"
The retired knight chuckled, "you might be right, either way, I'd rather handle this on my own for now", Xavier huffed, "if it gets to a point where I can't take it anymore, then I'll ask him for help, fair?"
"Until you can't take it anymore?"
"....If it gets worse?"
Xavier sighed and shook his head, "you're such a stubborn man, you can be loved without having to harm yourself. It's better to take care of your pain before it gets worse you know"
"I know, I, heh, I tell Varian that...."
"Practice what you preach"
Quirin chuckled, "yes Xavier"
The old blacksmith grinned, "you know, Varian has your sass right?"
"I know", the retired knight chuckled, "I can't get mad at him for it either, because he beats me to the punch when he's sassy"
The legend lover smiled before he noticed Quirin's eyes open a little wider as he looked towards the back to the blacksmith's shop, "what's wrong?"
"I heard a noise... Do you have anyone back there?"
"Not at the moment, why?"
"Hmmm...."
Eugene felt his heart begin to race as the retired knight began to walk towards them, he saw another pebble and went to pick it up before Varian stopped him. The Dark Prince looked at the teen, the alchemist shook his head then pointed to himself. Eugene raised a brow before Varian placed a finger to his lips, mouthing to words, 'trust me' and 'stay here', Ruddigar nodding in approval, before he pretended to trip over something, revealing himself to his father and, unknowingly, making Eugene's heart drop into his stomach
"Varian?" Quirin said, a little surprised, "where'd you come from?"
"Hm? Oh hiya dad, s-sorry I was um.... W-well I was just taking a walk through t-town is all"
Quirin raised a brow, "just a random walk through town?"
".....Yeah that was a bad lie wasn't it?"
"Afraid so"
"Eheh, I was actually trying to figure out gift ideas for you"
Quirin was a little startled, but he grinned lovingly, "you're such a sweet boy, you know that?" He asked, picking his son up and hugging him happily, walking back over to Xavier, getting Eugene to understand what the teen had done and smile at him.
Varian giggled before he looked over at his partner in crime and gave him a secret thumbs up, something Xavier smirked at and copied, looking directly at Eugene, who felt relieved when the blacksmith seemed to agree with keeping their secret as the Dark Prince ran off.
****
Eugene was waiting in Varian's lab when the door opened, he looked at it, a little worried before he heard the alchemist's voice whisper, "Eugene? Are you here?"
"Yeah kid, I'm here"
The door opened a little wider as Ruddigar waddled inside, Varian was right behind him, closing the door and running over to the Dark Prince, hugging happily, "that was so much *FUN*!"
"Fun?! You mean giving me half a heart attack was *FUN*?!" Eugene replied, still returning the hug
Varian giggled, "yeah! Dad was really happy, and now we know what they want! I may have gotten caught, but dad would've caught both of us if I didn't come out"
"Yeah I know", the Dark prince replied, breaking the hug and looking at his little brother, "I was grateful for that, how'd you get away anyway?"
"I told him I had plans with you, which I technically do"
"Ah"
"Yeah, he was pretty happy! Though he doesn't know I heard about his back and neck issues, which, I already knew about"
"How'd you-!"
"He's not very subtle, as much as he wants to be", the alchemist giggled, "he'll say he's fine one minute, then rub his neck the next. He'll give me a thumbs up one moment, then try to secretly stretch the ache out of his shoulder when my back is turned. He's a great fighter, an amazing dad, but when it comes to aches and pains, he's about as subtle as Ruddigar's apple addiction"
Eugene snorted as the raccoon in question chittered out a little laugh, "you're not wrong", the Dark Prince agreed, "there's only one problem"
"Hm?"
"My dad wants a new arm...... I.... don't think I can make that....."
Varian winced, "right.... I was worried about that.... Um... W-what do you wanna do?"
"I don't know.... I've honestly wondered if it ever bothered him... I guess it does to a degree...." That's when Eugene got an idea, "hey kid, I know you like to build things, if I pay for it and help you, you think you could build something for me? I'll help you with your dad's pain ointment too"
Varian smiled and nodded, "oki, what do you wanna build?"
Eugene grinned as he and Varian got to work
****
"HAPPY 'FATHER'S APPRECIATION DAY'!!!!" Rapunzel exclaimed to all of her friends and family, "I'm so glad you could all make this celebration! I know some of our dad's don't *exactly* get along"
"*cough cough* understatement *cough*", Hector coughed into his fist, getting Edmund to nudge him a bit as Adira snorted
"*But*", the princess said, raising a brow at Hector, who raised one right back at her, "today is a *special* day, so there's peace treaty, *right*?"
The wild tamer wanted to say something, but Quirin stopped him, "yes, there's a peace treaty", he replied, "between father to father, son to daughter, son to son, brother to son, brother to father, brother to *daughter*-!"
"We *get* it!" Hector exclaimed as Adira snickered
".... and *father to son*", he looked directly at Fredric when he said that, "no fighting, arguing, glares, name calling, any of that, yeah?"
"Yeah", the Coronan king agreed
"Fine", the wild tamer replied
"Right!" Edmund stated
"Good!" Rapunzel exclaimed with a smile, "then let's get this celebration *STARTED*!"
Lance, Catalina, and Angry were the first to run over to the food, all of them grabbing the spiciest things they could and seeing how long they could last without water, Angry won. Arianna, Fredric, and Rapunzel were talking with each other, Adira joining them, standing close to the Queen as she joined their conversation while Hector walked over to Lance, laughing when he saw the man guzzling a large glass of milk while the tamer ate a ghost pepper with no issue.
Quirin, Varian, Eugene, and Edmund stood in a group, all of them chatting and smiling, joking with each other and laughing before Eugene and Varian gave each other a look, "so, father's", the Dark Prince began, "*we* have presents for you two"
"Oh really?" Edmund said, "you do?"
"Yup!" Varian replied excitedly, "we worked really hard on them too! Together!"
"Together?" Quirin asked
"Uh-huh! We decided both gifts were from both of us!"
"Why's that?" The Dark King asked
"Well, I can't really see Quirin as anything but a dad, even if he's not mine, he's.... Helped me when I needed him to, like when he found out I was a prince, or when he helped me train Varian", Eugene smiled at the retired knight, "he's.... Also one of the first people who held me... That's special"
Quirin smiled lovingly at Eugene before Varian spoke up, "and grandpa is the best grandpa in the *universe*! He liked me from the very beginning, even though I was sick during his first visit. He took care of me, made me feel better.... D-didn't mind cleaning up my mess...." The teen blushed, "a-and he's supported me and helped me when times got really tough! Plus.... I was really happy to find out I had more family, it felt like a little part of me was finally filled in, a part I didn't even know was missing"
Edmund sniffled, "oh.... You're gonna make me cry, and if I cry, Eugene will cry, and he says he has an ugly crying face!"
Eugene laughed, "I do! And yes I will, so stop it!"
The alchemist giggled, "we just wanted to show how much we loved you both! So we both made you guys stuff that'll help you, hopefully more than you know"
"You wanna do Quirin, or Edmund first?"
"Ummm..... I..... Do not know...." Eugene snorted, "it's a big decision!"
The Dark Prince chuckled and said, "why don't we go at the same time?"
"Oki"
They held out their gifts, Varian's was a small, rectangular box wrapped in red and gold paper, while Eugene's was a big, square box, wrapped in black and purple paper. the two Dark Kingdom inhabitants accepted the gifts before they looked at each other and smirked before they showed two gifts of their own, Edmund's was crudely wrapped and had an excessive amount of tape on it, so much so that Eugene couldn't tell what shape the box inside it was. But the paper was blue and purple, and there was a smiley face drawn in the center, "I uh.... Can't wrap very well", the Dark King stated
Hamuel *CAWED* loudly
"Not now Hamuel, he doesn't need to worry about the state of the rest of the paper", Edmund then stopped and blushed, "um...."
"I'll pretend like I didn't hear that", Eugene replied with a grin, "trust me, before Rapunzel, I couldn't wrap either, you're fine. The smiley face is a nice touch though"
"Oh ho! You *do* like it!" The Dark King giggled
The Dark Prince chuckled, "yes I do, also, you got us gifts?"
Varian shyly accepted his gift from his father, which was a rectangular box as well, about the much bigger than his was, it was neatly wrapped in a blue and grey paper, but his had a raccoon drawn on it. The teen giggled, "Ruddy, it's you!"
The raccoon chittered happily, purring as he smiled at Quirin
The retired knight smiled back, scratching the raccoon's head happily before he replied, "well, we missed last year because of.... Events", Varian winced, "it wasn't your fault, and everything's okay now, okay?" The teen smiled at his father lovingly
"And *we* never celebrated before due to... Events...." Edmund added with a wince of his own
"it wasn't like you knew, you were angry, and everything's okay now, okay?" Eugene stated with a smile, getting the Dark King to smile lovingly at his son
They took turns, Oldest to youngest, Edmund opened his first and titled his head to the side, "so this may take a bit of explaining", Eugene said, "me and Varian.... Sort of.... Saw you struggling a bit yesterday"
"You saw that?" The Dark King asked
"Yeah, and believe me, we understand, we've got our own struggles we've gotta overcome. But see, we got help with those struggles, but yours is... Well it's permeant.... So... Varian and I... We thought about all the things you could do with both of your hands and made you tools to help you with them!"
Varian smiled, "for example", he walked over and picked up a silver, odd looking, bottle opener, "this is a one handed bottle opener!" When he said that, the Dark King's eyes widened, "you slip it over your thumb like this", he slipped it on his own thumb, "then you turn the screw towards the top of the bottle you want to open and press down! You don't even have to put the bottle down! Once you press down, the screw goes into the bottle's top, and when you release, it pops the bottle open!"
The Dark King looked at the tiny invention, shocked, before he looked at another one, "what's this?"
"Those are one handed nail clippers", Eugene replied with a smile, "they've got a nail file on them too, so you can keep your nails nice and don't end up scratching yourself"
"A-and this?"
"That's a one handed shoe lace tier, now you can wear shoes with laces if you want!" Varian replied, "and that's a one handed nut cracker, and a one handed grater for cheese, there's a one handed fruit slicer, and a one handed trimmer! You've also got a book in there that'll help you learn how to do more thing one handed too! There's practical things, like cleaning and cooking and such, but there's also fun things in there, like juggling!"
"We... Wanted to show you that no matter what you have, may it be PTSD, an oversized ego, or one arm, that we believe in you, and we know you can do anything you put your mind to", Eugene said with a smile
Edmund looked at the items for a few moments before he set the box down and wrapped his arm around the two boys, "thank you so much!" He stated, "I've b-been feeling a little sensitive about.... I.... T-thank you... Thank you both so much!"
Eugene and Varian returned the hug happily, "you're welcome dad", the Dark Prince replied as Varian and Quirin smiled wide
After a minute or two, the three broke the hug, the Dark King sniffling a little before he looked at the retired knight and chuckled, "your turn"
"I'm *very* concerned", the Village Leader joked, getting his king to laugh
The alchemist giggled before he nudged the box shyly, "open it?"
His father smiled warmly, "oki". He opened the box and found a large jug full of a purple mixture, he looked at it for a moment before he saw a note.
"So, Varian wouldn't let me read that note, he said it was for your eyes only, so.... I'll go get tissues", Eugene stated
Quirin chuckled before he gently picked up the note, opening it and reading it's contents:
'Dear Dad,
So, you probably already know this, but I heard your conversation with Xavier. Sorry, but I completely understand why you've been avoiding telling me about how much pain you're actually in. You don't want me to worry and honestly, I feel the same about you!
I don't want you to worry that I'll be upset to the point of no return, and there are times when I don't tell you the full truth of how I feel.... I'm ashamed to admit that, and I'm really sorry, but I just don't want you to worry about me. When I heard your conversation with Xavier, it made me realize something though.
I'm.... Scared.... Of how I feel, and what I feel... I'm scared that I will go to that dark place again and end up hurting someone I care about.... Namely you.... Dad I never got over the amber, and I don't think I ever will.... Seeing you like that.... Frozen.... It scared me.... A-and I ended up reacting to that fear in a bad way.... B-but I'm getting better.
I'm talking to Lance, me and Rapunzel are fixing our relationship, I'm allowing myself to live my life again and be happy! And I want the same thing for you, but I know that's the reason, or one of them, that you don't want to share how you're really feeling. You can tell, you always could, and I will never know how, but... I'm glad. I'm glad you can tell when I'm upset or hurt, I'm glad you know when I need a hug or someone to hold me for a while.
You don't judge me, you don't laugh at me, you don't yell or tell me I'm weak. You're the best dad, anyone could ever ask for, and I wouldn't trade you for all the alchemy and raccoons in the world! So.... I guess that's what I wanna do for you.
You grew up in the Dark Kingdom, you were abused, hurt, screamed at, told to behave a certain way, forced to fight, you never got the chance to feel or play or have a childhood. You had moments, but that's all they were, precious moments..... You want to protect me from that, and I can't tell you how much that means to me, but... I want to protect you too. I want you to lean on me for support, like I lean against you!
When mom died.... You became all I had, and I became all you had.... It was hard on both of us and took it's toll, you became more distant, and I become more chaotic.... Neither of us were at fault for that, but you blame yourself... I know you do.... Just like I blame me.... So dad....
I forgive you.
I forgive you for being distant, I forgive you for not understanding, I forgive you for the fights we had. I forgive you! And I love you so much! I realize it's going to take a lot more than a letter for you to really accept that, but I really do forgive you. And now, I wanna help you, support you, we're a team at the end of the day!
We're Daditude! We give sass and class, with a side of Raccoon smell. We work together to change things, me with my alchemy, and you with your Leadership! You're my role model and my hero, I have nothing but respect and love for you, that will *never* change! So please, let me help you, like you've helped me.
Maybe, if we can help each other, we can start to get better together, grow and learn from our past and move forwards. You're my dad, you've taken care of me for years, I'm your son, so now it's my turn.
In the box is some lotion for your back and neck, when you feel that pain, you can rub it on and it'll sooth your muscles. It's from you working with that rusty garden hoe, which I'm gonna fix.
I may not be the strongest, fastest, heck I may not even be the smartest. But I will always love you dad, no matter what, so lean on me, you don't have to face anything alone anymore!
I love you so much dad, and I always will!
I promise!
Love,
Varian
P.S: *a couple of raccoon shaped ink blots dotted the bottom of the page with a tiny note saying* (Ruddigar loves you too!)'
The retired knight read the note once, twice, and over and over until he felt the tears sliding down his cheeks. He smiled wide before he set the box down and scooped up his son. He held Varian close, the alchemist smiling and returning the hug, "thank you Varian", his father said, "that.... Was exactly what I needed"
The teen smiled happily, "I meant every word"
Quirin's arms tightened around his son, his smile growing even wider as his tears flowed even more. He felt all of the anger and regret he'd felt before finally starting to drift away as the light in his heart shined brighter than ever before! They stayed that way for a long time before Quirin, eventually, broke the hug, continuing to hold Varian throughout the entire night.
The alchemist didn't mind, especially when he and Eugene got their gifts! Eugene got a one of a kind, Eugene Fitzherbert toy kit! Complete with Flynn Rider gear, a limited edition 'Flynn Rider and the Lost Treasure of Scotia' Book, signed by the author themselves, and the thing that made him nearly cry, a one of a kind, signed by the author of the Flynn Rider book author, Eugene Fitzherbert wanted poster. They finally got his nose right and it made him jump for joy as he proceeded to show everyone in the room before he hugged his father happily!
Varian squealed in excitement as he found a brand new, titanium wrench with the Dark Kingdom symbol on it. It came with a small Dark Kingdom sash, the symbol acting as the buckle, along with a brand new took box, painted red with a wooden handle, engraved in the handle were the words, 'I'll always be proud of you Varian, Love: Dad'. The teen ranted and raved about how amazing the gift was, hugging it close to his chest, particularly the wrench as he told his father all the plans he had for it and what he wanted to do.
The party lasted all night, no one stopping until they all, eventually, fell asleep in the family room, happily spending the last few moments of 'Father's Appreciation Day', together.
Notes:
Hello! :D
I don't have a lot to say, this was a Father's Day chapter and I enjoyed writing it! :D I hope you all did as well and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!
If you're celebrating this day alone, know that you've got me and everyone in the Tangled series celebrating with you! We love and care about you, you're one of the family, always remember that! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 215: It Would be Better if They Weren't!
Summary:
The group discusses where Trinity and Dexter could be and come to some worrisome conclusions!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin watched his little brother sleep inside the infirmary bed, he'd carried him there when the wild tamer had fallen asleep. The group had followed him, Varian, Catalina, Angry, and Adira were now sitting with Hugo, Nuru, and Edmund on the other side of the room, watching the sleeping tamer quietly. Lance, Angry, and Catalina had gone to hang out with Eugene and Rapunzel while they made the 'get well soon' box, and Ruddigar was sleeping in-between Hugo and Varian in the bed. Hugo, Nuru, and Edmund had been caught up on everything that'd happened with Hector, no one spoke a word, unsure of what to say until Varian let out a quiet sigh, "he's.... Gonna be okay, he just needs to rest it off... It was a pretty bad attack".
"I know", his father replied, "it's just.... He hasn't fallen asleep on my like that ever since he was little....."
"That's true, but Speckles is right, you sitting over there and worrying about him will only make yourself feel worse", Adira added, "it's best to let him rest for now, just as you did with Speckles"
Quirin hesitated not wanting to leave his little brother's side until he felt a small hand on his, looking over, he saw his son looking at him worriedly, he smiled, "alright, alright, I'll leave him be for now"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled, "I'm a little worried you do this when I have an attack like this"
"No, I don't"
"....Oh"
"Yeah"
"..Oki"
"I end up carrying you everywhere until you wake up. And no matter what, no one tears me away from your side. I just happen to know Hector has three people watching him right now, counting you it's four, so I know if I miss something, one of us will catch it".
The blue eyed alchemist's smile widened as he nudged his father's arm playfully, "you're mean"
"I know", the Village Leader replied with a chuckle
They walked over to Hugo's side and smiled at the blond, who smirked back, "hi, welcome to this side of the room"
"Good to be here, love what you've done with the place"
"Oh, you like it? I call it 'lazy boy chic', it's all the rage nowadays, from the wrinkled blankets to the messy hair"
"Absolutely beautiful, oh, is that a *new* crumb?"
"It *is*! Really ties the whole thing together you know?"
"Absolutely! Really brings out the bed sheets"
"It really does"
"Can you two stop it?!" Varian exclaimed, trying his hardest not to laugh as loud as his body was trying to make him, "you're gonna make me explode!"
Hugo snickered, "just having some idle conversation Freckles"
"Yeah, like how Hugo's new hairdo is *so* in fashion these days!" The retired knight replied
"Oh you like it? It's my own little bed headed style. Really compliments the 'Lazy Boy' look"
"Very nice"
"Stahahap!" The blue eyed teen giggled, "or you're both grounded!"
Quirin and Hugo snorted, "ok we'll stop", the Village Leader replied
"Eugene might actually kill me if he saw how I looked right now", the blond stated
"Oh definitely", Quirin agreed, "he'd say you'd need a shower first, then some hair maintenance, and that's only just to start"
Edmund chuckled at the mention of his son, "he's a good boy"
"He is, he's just a little.... Preppy", Hugo stated, "which is okay, he's not snobby in the slightest, just preppy"
"Fish skin is a little snobby", Adira stated, "he got upset because I knew how to get through the 'forest of no return'"
Hugo and Nuru jumped a little as a bunch of groans sounded in the background, "what the heck was that?" The star princess asked
"It comes with the name, we've gotten used to it", Varian explained, giggling quietly at their confused expressions
Edmund raised a brow, "he's not *that* snobby"
"It's not in a bad way, he's just got a little bit of pride to him, like Stickler", Adira explained
"Rude", Quirin stated
"Am I wrong?"
".....Nu"
The face painted warrior snorted at her big brother's answer before she heard Hector's sheets rustling a bit. She looked over to see her little brother had turned over in his sleep, she watched his breathing for a bit, making sure it was steady before looking back at the group after she'd verified he was okay.
"So, what was Hector so worried about anyway?" Hugo asked
"He couldn't find Trinity or Dexter", Quirin replied
The blond's brows raised in surprise and worry, "they weren't in the courtyard?"
"No", Adira replied, "trust me, we looked there for an extended period of time"
The bespeckled teen looked down, "that's odd.... They wouldn't just leave the castle, unless the Queen herself left with the Duke and Duchess, or Don. But the Queen never struck me as the exploring type and Don is.... Yeah...."
The face painted warrior raised a brow, "I forgot you actually know them personally, are you sure they wouldn't go on their own?"
"Not without a reason, the Duke and Duchess are supposed to stick close to the Queen, at least, that's the rules in Ingvarr. Does Corona even *have* a Duke or Duchess?"
"Wouldn't *you* fit that category Quirin?" Edmund asked
The retired knight nodded, "technically yes, me being the Village Leader gives me ample amounts of land for personal use along with being in charge of the mainland's farms"
"Plus you go to kingdom meetings whenever they need you to dad, and you're they one they call to court for an update about Old Corona", Varian stated
"I suppose you're right about that, you know that technically makes you a son of the Duke", Quirin stated, ruffling his son's hair and getting him to giggle
Hugo smiled at his boyfriend before he looked at the retired knight, "so, you may have different rules, like I'm guessing you're allowed to go wherever you want without an escort?"
"Yup"
"And you're allowed to interact with whomever you want without a guard?"
"Yeah"
"I'm also guessing you can carry weapons?"
"And use them, should the need arise, but I think that's because I was a knight, and was the captain of the royal guards before retiring from both"
The blond nodded, "in Ingvarr, the Duke and Duchess are supposed to stay by the Queen's side unless they have a reason to leave, which Don usually gave them"
"Why her?" Varian asked
"Who *is* Don?" Nuru added
"Because she's a capable fighter", Hugo responded to Varian before he looked at Nuru, "she's my.... Sort of adopted mother. She taught me about alchemy from a very young age, but ended up changing.... For the worst... She caused me a lot of pain. That guy that was in here before? His name's Cyrus, he's her right hand man, never leaves her side, I don't know where she dug him up from to be honest. Anyway, she ended up.... hurting me... A lot.... She's why I'm in here in face, but she ended up doing this", he gestured to himself, "to me in front of Varian and Eugene, they saved me, and Quirin, that's Varian's pop, right there", he pointed to the man, who waved, "had her arrested while I was unconscious. Apparently she's gonna have a trial, so that's great...."
"Oh...."
"Yeah... Bit of a messy situation, but that's the basic gist, fun stuff"
"Very...."
The bespeckled teen looked at Varian once more, "either way, Don gave the Duke and Duchess excuses to walk around and such, but the Duke and Duchess wouldn't be able to leave alone, they'd have to get special permission by the Queen, and she'd want them protected at all times. They don't know how to fight, their children don't either, save for...." Hugo looked at Hector worriedly, "but... I don't think he'd give them any chance of leaving, so it's odd that nobody could find Trinity or Dexter. IF I were Hector, I'd be worried too, it's out of the ordinary and *extremely* strange"
"Maybe the Queen went sight seeing?" Varian suggested, "I know you said it's not like her, but the events that transpired might've changed her mind"
"We didn't see the Queen of Ingvarr either", Adira added
"She was in the meeting", Quirin stated, Edmund nodding in agreement, "she left with the King and Queen of Corona after that, I think they went to chat in the family room"
"Huh.... I didn't see them walking down any of the hallways when Hector and I were searching either. We surely would've passed by them had they left for the entrance soon after your meeting"
"Right.... So that means the Duke and Duchess are either in the family room with Trinity and Dexter, or they're out in the town with Trinity and Dexter without the Queen's permission.... Or...." Hugo paused, unsure if he should continue or not
"Or what?" Varian asked, a little concerned about his boyfriend's hesitation
The blond remained silent, his eyes watching something behind the blue eyed teen. When the freckled alchemist opened his mouth to say something, someone spoke first, "or they were forced to do something with my fucking parents.... Something they didn't want to do... And the reason we couldn't find them is because my parents would go to a place they know I wouldn't look.... Which is only one place in this fucking kingdom and I sincerely hope they didn't bring my siblings there...."
Everyone turned and saw Hector sitting on the edge of the bed, looking extremely ticked off as he glared at no one in particular, "Hector!" Quirin exclaimed, walking over to his little brother and examining him quickly, "are you-!"
"I'm alright, just tired, and I have a massive fucking headache", the wild tamer replied gently, "thanks by the way"
Quirin smiled, "you're welcome", the retired knight then titled his head to the side, curiosity taking over, "what place are you talking about by the way?"
"The one place your spawn would never want to set foot in again....."
Varian's eyes widened as his heart skipped a beat, ".....oh...."
"Sorry kid", Hector said
"It's o-okay.... Um.... W-why would they b-be in there though....."
Hugo sighed, "because the Duke and Duchess would want to see Don.... And because they might've been a part of whatever plan they had that's now in shambles, they'd want to take their kids with them.... Possibly as a bargaining chip against us...." He explained
Varian shivered before he looked at Nuru, "long s-story short... You know my past and w-what I did, I w-went to jail for it, a-and met the Seporians. I t-told you all of that.... B-but um.... W-well after dad got out of the a-amber and we made up, I f-found out about more of my family, that's them", he gestured to Adira, Edmund, and Hector, who all nodded, "w-we bonded, all is good. B-but then I found out my uncle Hector is the long lost son of the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr, who are n-not very nice.... He got away from them, but he has two siblings, Trinity and Dexter, b-both of whom are super nice and care a lot about Hector. B-but their parents do not... T-they are actually friends with Donella, Hugo's adopted mother.... The Duke, Duchess, Donella, and Cyrus a-all had a plan of some sort, we don't know what it was, but they had a p-plan to do something to me and my family, t-they might've been the one's to poison Eugene, b-but we're not sure.... B-but because Donella hurt Hugo in front of witnesses, she got s-sent to a holding cell.... I-inside the dungeons.... W-where I stayed... The ball is postponed, you arrived, b-but Trinity and Dexter are missing.... S-so right now, the fact t-that they're missing a-along with the Duke and Duchess, and that the Queen is still in the castle, m-means that they'd probably be with their parents.... W-who might be in the family room with the Queen.... O-or in...."
"The dungeons.... Stars above..." Nuru stated when Varian nodded and unconsciously stroked Ruddigar's fur while the raccoon stayed asleep
"It's pretty normal to think they'd want to keep their kids close.... Considering Donella might've been the brains behind the operation. But does this also mean that she still plans on going through with her plan after all? Whatever it may be", Edmund asked, "if she is, that could cause even more trouble...."
"....S-she could also be telling them to lay off", Hugo suggested, "I.... Know that's a long shot... But...."
Varian smiled at his lover, "it's a good thought, one we'll take into consideration, innocent until proven guilty after all! I just.... Really hope they're in the family room...."
"Agreed"
"We could check", Hector stated, getting up
"Oh no, you're staying here", Quirin insisted, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder and gently pushing him to sit on the bed once more, "I've seen my fair share of anxiety attacks to know that standing up right after recovering from one is only going to make things worse"
"I'll go then, Adira, do you mind coming with me?" Edmund asked, "that way we could check and come back, and the King and 2 Queens won't think it odd to see me and you in there. Since we've just finished a meeting, I could say I had a few extra questions I thought of and happened to run into you"
Adira smirked, "you have questions, don't you?"
"....Yes, but Hector's siblings are still top priority!"
Quirin chuckled, "I can stay here, keep an eye on a certain person.... A lot of certain people, actually", he raised his brow at the blond
Hugo blushed, "I don't plan on leaving anytime soon"
"I know, but just in case"
Edmund nodded, as did Adira before she looked at Hector, "we'll tell you everything we find, and if it turns out they're in the dungeons with your parents, or out somewhere in Corona, we'll look for them when you get better, alright?"
The wild tamer hesitated before he sighed and nodded, "kay"
With that, the face painted warrior and Dark King walked out, leaving Quirin, Hector, Varian, Hugo, and Nuru staring after them. The room was silent before Hugo let out a long sigh and huffed, "....I really hope they're in the family room.... For everybody's sake...."
No one spoke, but he knew they silently agreed, knowing fully well what the Duke and Duchess being in the dungeon would mean....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this chapter was a little lighter, today's been kinda rough, and I haven't really had much flowing inside my brain at the moment. Sorry, but I tried to make this interesting! Basic gist, Family room: not so bad, Old Corona/Corona: okay but not the best, Dungeons: worst case scenario.....
Poor Hugo seems to be the common saying in my end notes, but it's true! This poor kid just *cannot* catch a freaking break! He's so worried about what everyone's gonna do that I'm surprised he can sleep! No wonder he has nightmares, good gosh! I'm writing him a very happy ending, but still!
Varian is gonna need some comforting now, poor bean, he'll be okay, but he's a little nervous right now X3 Which is understandable given the circumstances!
Quirin, Hector, Adria, and Edmund are all immediately stepping into action! Everybody gonna help! :D:D:D:D:D
Nuru is the odd one out, but she's gonna play her part, I love Nuru! <3
Ruddy buddy is still the best! :D
Please tell me if this arch is getting to be too long, I plan on ending it, I'm just nervous I'm dragging it out a bit, sorry if I am
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 216: Where Are They Now?!
Summary:
Edmund and Adira try to find Dexter and Trinity!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Edmund let out a breath after the door to the infirmary had been closed, Adira looking at him and raising a brow, "everything alright?" She asked
"I just.... Maybe we should step away from the door before I say anything", the Dark King replied
Hamuel *CAWED* in what seemed like agreement as they all stepped away from the door and began to walk down the corridors, a little relieved the family room was on the other side of the castle from the infirmary while also frustrated for having to make the people inside wait.
They turned the corner and the Edmund stopped, looking at Adira seriously, "I.... I'm worried.... This is a mess, the secrets, the lies, the injuries, all of it. It's a gigantic mess full of misunderstanding, heartbreak, and abuse.... And the one caught in the middle of it is a 16 year old boy who's so afraid to lose the abusive home he has because he truly does not have any self confidence in himself....."
The face painted warrior sighed and nodded in agreement, "that's my worry too.... That, and the fact the Quirin, Hector, and Varian are stuck in this too.... This is terrible...."
"You are as well", the Dark King stated, getting his warrior to look at him, "I didn't forget how you knew, and are related to, Donella"
"I'm not as worried about me"
"You never are when you should be Adira", Edmund replied, walking next to her as they continued their trek to the family room, "that's a problem you share with Quirin and Hector.... Varian and Hugo too actually"
"Where do you think we go it from?" The face painted warrior asked with a smirk, "it didn't come out of thin air you know"
"Yes... I know"
They grew silent for the moment, neither one really knowing what to say to the other before Adira sighed, "I wonder something"
"Hm?"
"If we go to the family room and see they're not in there... Do we go back to the infirmary, or do we check the dungeons ourselves?"
The Dark King thought about it for a moment before he nodded to himself, "we check the dungeons"
"You sure?"
"It would be better to know exactly what's going on before we go back and tell them the bad news. If we know something, anything at all, that may make things easier.... We'd just have to be careful.... We'd also have to make an excuse to Fredrich and Arianna"
"Along with the Queen of Ingvarr"
"Right...."
The face painted warrior looked at her king interestedly, "what do you think of that Queen?"
Edmund glared, hard enough to make Adira stop in her tracks as he continued to walk, only stopping a few steps in front of her. The Dark King didn't speak for a few minutes before he replied, "I don't like the way she runs her kingdom. But I can't tell if it's due to her incompetence or her values.... You don't treat children as objects, you don't make them your tools, you don't use your influence to show your people that the only way to be noticed is if you have a strong will and talents unmatched by others.... I saw that kind of kingdom fall into disarray and madness when I was just a kid, I saw my own *father* using his power to scare others into being perfect. I hated it... It's why he was....." The Dark King stopped himself and sighed once again, looking at Adira, "I raised you, Hector, and Quirin to be different than that, and I admit I made mistakes and didn't pay as close attention as I should have.... I admit my wrongdoings and tried to make it stop, I tried to fix it.... She.... Seems so oblivious to them, and seems content to keep them going.... That makes me angry.... But I don't know if it's because she truly feels that way, or she's just...."
"Stupid?"
"Yes"
"I was wondering the same. She seemed fine speaking with anyone in the castle, she doesn't seem like the type to bolster such a claim in her kingdom. But if that's the case, then she's fairly distant from the upset of her people, leaving majority of the kingdom in the hands of the Duke and Duchess, making her just a figure head.... That's not a good situation if it turns out to be the case.... The Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr could potentially have maximum power in their kingdom, and if that's the case, jailing them or placing them in holding could start a war with Corona and damage the already fractured Dark Kingdom name...."
"That's why I suggested you come with me and not Quirin or Hector"
Adira tilted her head, "what do you mean?"
"While you lack a bit of social graces, you have control over your emotions for the most part. You think things through and aren't rash, assessing the situation to find the best outcome, and you think fast. Hector is completely open about his opinions, something I'm proud of, but in the wrong setting, could cause a serious uproar no one needs at the moment, plus he's related to Trinity and Dexter, which means he could also become a victim if he's not careful"
"Hector is understandable, but Quirin?"
"Quirin...." The Dark King's mind filled with images of his knight's face, sobbing in his chest as the man held him close. He heard the cries emanating from the Village Leader's throat and winced, shaking the images away, ".....He's been through enough.... What happened to his wife, how his son is being affected, how his son's *boyfriend* has been affected, and his connection to Donella.... It's too much for him right now.... I fear that he wouldn't make the right decision and...." He let out a breath, "I also fear he might get hurt.... Even worse than he is now.... As strong as he is Adira, I don't think Quirin's heart can take anymore...."
The face painted warrior nodded in agreement, "I never thought I'd see him so hurt like this.... At least... Not after...."
"Eden?"
"Sorry..."
"It's alright... I know that hurt him more than I will ever understand... He knew her first after all.... Her passing hurt you and Hector as well, don't think I didn't notice that"
"It did.... I won't deny it..." Adira sighed, "thing have gotten pretty bad... Do you have any plans?"
"One"
"What is it?"
"Get rid of the garbage that's stinking up the ball"
The face painted warrior smirked, "I like the sound of that, how do you plan on doing so?"
The Dark King froze before he chuckled, "um...."
"You have no idea do you?"
"No.... But I'm working on one!"
Adira chuckled, "same old King Edmund"
"I've gotten better! I can tell who's the best person to take on certain missions now, and who's not, that's progress"
"True", Adira replied, "remember when you tried to take Hector to that ballet?"
"Oh he *hated* that", Edmund chuckled, "even though we were there to make sure everyone stayed safe, he kept kicking seats, groaning, asking me what the story was about and if we were allowed to kick anyone's butt yet, he *hated* it! Should've brought Quirin, he loves the ballet and he was so mad I hadn't brought him instead!" The Dark King chuckled
"Yes he was", Adira replied with a grin, "just like how I was mad you didn't take me to the 'Forest of No Return' again", groans echoed behind them, neither the King or the warrior paid them any mind as they continued their walk, the face painted warrior taking delight in the confused and worried looks the maids and royal advisor were giving, "you took Quirin instead"
"I know, I'll never hear the end of that little mix up. You love that forest a lot"
"Yes I do, got through it with bronchitis, *twice*", she bragged
"You really shouldn't be taking risks like that"
"Oh you know me, I'm able to handle rough conditions like that, my people were known for it actually"
"Yes well, you shouldn't push yourself"
"Like you?" The Dark King was silent, "uh huh"
"I'm getting better about it"
Adira chuckled as they continued to walk down the hall, "King Edmund"
"Hm?"
"Never change"
The Dark King chuckled, "I'll try"
They finally made it to the Family Room, stopping in front of the door to listen to the voices inside. They could make out Fredrich and the Ingvarrian Queen's, but that was all. Taking a breath in tandem, the warrior and king exchanged a look before they opened the door and walked inside, "hello, sorry to interrupt you all!" Edmund stated cheerfully, "just wanted to come by and ask a few more questions that popped into my head"
The group inside looked at him and smiled, the face painted warrior noting no sign of the Duke or his Duchess, nor their kids..... As the Dark King distracted the group, Adira let out a sigh, her heart filling with worry as she continued to look around the room. She confirmed the area was clear of the abusive pair or their victims, and she gave her king a dark look, looks like they were going to the Dungeons after all.....
****
The two managed to slip in and out of the Family Room without any suspicions, they sighed with relief before they walked a little ways away from prying eyes and ears before Edmund began to speak, "you're sure they weren't in there at all?"
"Positive, I checked every nook and cranny of that room, no sign of the Duke, Duchess, Trinity, or Dexter...." Adira affirmed
"That's.... Not good...."
"No it's not...." The face painted warrior agreed, "our next course of action should be the dungeons"
"Yes it should...."
Adira tilted her head, "are you okay?"
The Dark King chuckled bitterly, "no, my family is in danger again and it's from a person who's already caused them harm.... I'm tired of it, of my family being hurt, this may not even be what we think it is, but the possibility remains and it's making me angry...."
"I understand.... Hector, Quirin, Varian, and Hugo should not have to deal with this.... Eugene got caught in the crossfire, lives could be lost here, innocent lives.... I don't like it either, that's why we're going to stop it"
"Right, we need intel first though, stealth first", Edmund stated
"Right, to the dungeons then?"
"Yes.... To the dungeons...."
They began to make their way over to the area, nether really knowing what to say until they reached the dreaded wooden door. They stopped and stared at it, thoughts running through their minds as to what they'll find when they walk in, "the holding cells aren't very far inside, they're around the corner, farthest from the regular cells since they haven't been committed yet, but they're close enough to the entrance that we'd need to be quiet while entering"
"Understood", Edmund replied before he chuckled, "you think they might just be having a small picnic in there and we're just blowing things out of proportion? Or maybe the Duke and Duchess are trying to start their plan back up again and Donella is telling them to stop like Hugo said? Would make things a lot easier if that were the case"
Adira gave her King a gentle smile, "one can hope, there's only one way to find out for sure though"
The axe wielder sighed and nodded, "right.... In we go"
They opened the door quietly and entered the dungeons, descending the stairs after shutting the door behind them. They looked around, "there should be a guard on patrol...." The face painted warrior stated, "usually one walks around every 5 minutes"
"You think they're on a lunch break?" Edmund suggested
"Not unless they got someone to take over their patrol, they're pretty meticulous about those sort of things"
"Right.... Could be in another part of the dungeon, I wouldn't rule it out if they were"
Adira nodded, "I'll keep an eye out"
"I've got your back"
The face painted warrior smiled as she reached the bottom of the stairs, looking around and taking notes, the inmates seemed undisturbed. Majority of them were asleep on the small cots they had in their cells, the ones who were awake paid no mind to the Dark King and warrior as they passed. There showed no signs of struggle, but as they made their way to the holding cells, they never once had to hide from the patrol's watchful eye. The face painted warrior's mind flashed with visions of a lone cell in the bottom of the dungeons. She remembered watching a small boy curl up on the cot, too scared to fall asleep, but too tired to stand. She remembered the Seporian leader he'd been placed with seemed to make a habit out of disturbing that poor teen whenever they got a chance to talk without the guards around. He would tell stories to that boy, telling him all about Seporia and how much better it was. She remembered the alchemist trying to ignore the man, trying to stop him from causing anymore damage than he'd already done before.....
*"Where is he?"
"Some guards took the kid with them", the prisoner opposite to the Seporian's cell said as the face painted warrior listened in, her eyes wide with shock at the teen's disappearance as her heart pounded with worry
"You know where they took him?"
Another prisoner chuckled, "I hear there's gonna be a public punishment, kid's in for a pretty big surprise"
Adira and the Seporian gasped, "they're *lashing* that kid?! In *public*?!"
"Yeah, turns out he's a traitor, the King ordered it and the captain's the one to do it", the previous prisoner replied, "seems like a lot, but Corona was never one to hold back on their prejudice"
"They're taking him to the pole right now", the chuckling prisoner stated with a smile on their face, "wonder how bad the kid's back is gonna be after this one"
The face painted warrior's stomach flopped and she immediately ran towards the pole, not caring if the prisoner's heard her or not. She ran as fast as she could, trying to push past anyone she could see, not caring if they liked it or not. She punched, kicked, scratched, and clawed her way through that crowd until her heart dropped when she heard the screams of the child she'd left alone..... He cried and cried, screaming for mercy, apologizing for his crimes as he cried out his father's name. The crowd was silent as the torment continued, no one made a move to stop it, the face painted warrior wondered if they were just as frozen as she while she stared at the poor alchemist's pain..... Her heart broke, her fists balled, she'd tear that royal guard apart and the king right along with him if she could only move her body. But as she tried, she felt her feet become rooted in their spot. She couldn't move, she couldn't breathe, all she could do was stand there and watch as the boy cried out for help, his sobs falling on deaf ears as the torment continued while the crowd all but stared as she felt shame and guilt bubble inside her broken heart......*
"Adira"
Adira let out a gasp before she looked up to see Edmund staring at her worriedly, "I.... W-what?"
"I... Asked if you were alright.... You stopped walking and just stood there before tears started to slide down your face. Then you fell..... You had your hand over your mouth like you couldn't speak and you looked so.... Scared....."
The face painted warrior stood up, her legs shaking much more than she'd like, but she managed before she wiped away the leftover lapse of her otherwise collected exterior, "I'm fine, just.... H-had a bad memory is all...."
The Dark King gave her a worried look, "what memory?"
"It's nothing"
"It's not nothing, you just fell over and began to cry, whatever memory you just had caused you to break your stony shell for a few minutes during a *mission*. That is *not* *nothing* Adira, what memory was it?"
"......I......" Adira looked away, "we n-need to continue our-!"
"That can wait until you tell me what memory you were just focusing on, you and I both know you won't be able to function if you don't get it off your chest. Plus it's not good for you, what was it, I promise I won't judge you, I never would"
The face painted warrior felt her heart beating faster before she finally gave up the ghost and face her king, "it was me watching Varian's lashing.... And not being able to move.... I heard him crying, I saw the blood, and I did nothing to stop it.... I failed him... I failed him over and over, every time that wretched *whip* hit his back.... I failed him, and I can never take it back.... I can try to make amends, but nothing will erase those scars.... He won't be able to go to a lake to swim without a shirt or someone asking him about those marks and it's all because I did *nothing* to stop it..... I failed him.... When he needed me most.... I... I'm worried I'll do it again, despite me wanting to prove that I won't.... It's stupid and we should not be discussing it right now"
"Yes, Adira, we should", Edmund stated, "we're on an important mission yes, but we're right next to the entry way, we'll know if they leave. Besides that, that isn't something you shove to the far reaches of your mind...."
"I don't want to talk about it"
"You never do, but you're going to keep having those flashes if you don't. I know what that is Adira, it's guilt and shame and fear. I know you felt the same way when you found out Donella is related to you too. Those feelings don't just go away, they can harm you from the inside out, convince you that you really are that cowardly person that should feel shame and guilt. They'll make you do things you never thought you would"
"And how would *you* know?!"
"Because they made me lock myself away from the world for 25 fucking years while abandoning you, Quirin, Hector, and Eugene when you all needed me most", he snapped, "they made me think I should pay for my crimes when I could've been fixing them! They made me hurt people that loved and cared about me Adira, *including* you! They'll make you do the same", he stated, staring directly in his warrior's eyes, "trust me, no matter how collected you act, they won't leave you alone, ever".
The face painted warrior was startled by her, normally gentle, King's words, but as they sunk in, she realized he was right. She needed to talk about how she felt, she needed to apologize again. She shuddered at the thought before she looked at the Dark King, "you're right, I need to talk about it, I need to get it off my chest and settle the matter, once and for all. And I will, but right now, we need to focus on this first"
"You need to promise me you'll confront those feelings Adira, because if you don't-!"
"I understand and I promise you I will, I promise as a member of the Brotherhood, that's something I'd never break"
Edmund watched her for a moment, still worried, but he nodded, "I'll accept that, will you be okay though?"
"I will, I can push past them for now, this is more important at them moment"
"Alright, bigger fish I suppose, but you *will* keep your promise"
"I will"
"Ok"
They began to walk towards the holding cells once more, taking care to watch their backs just in case the patrol came around before they heard voices coming from around the corner. The Dark King and face painted warrior nodded to each other, they'd reached their destination. Finding a place to hide, the two maneuvered over to it before peeking into the room and gasping at the sight. There were two guards tied up and gagged laying unconscious on the floor, both looked like they'd received hard blows to the head. Cyrus was standing next to them with a club in his hand, he kept scanning the area, making the pair need to duck every once in a while when his eyes landed near them. They then saw Trinity and Dexter, both were tied up as well and sitting next to each other, looking as if they'd been roughed up a bit as they glared up at the man, who would smirk back at them before he rubbed his club threateningly, getting them both to look away in fear.... The Duke and Duchess were standing in front of a holding cell, talking to the person inside, when they focused, they saw Donella standing there, she looked unhappy to see her two 'friends'.
Adira sighed and looked at Edmund, he had the same angry expression on his face that she did as they continued to watch the scene before them, listening to the conversation as the Duchess said, "you want your boy back, we want ours. Why should we stop when we've got them right where we need them to be, weak, messy, and uncoordinated. This is the perfect time to strike, we both gain something from this, even if the actions are a bit too much. It's not like Corona can really take a war at the moment anyway, so we'd be able to get away with it too, why are you so against this?"
"Why do you even want your son back? You abandoned him remember? You didn't want him before, so why change your mind now?" Donella asked, clearly not amused by whatever proposition the two had just given her
"Because he's become what we wanted him to be. I'll bet he could even take down that ape of a knight in the state you left him in. Leaving that little alchemy boy all alone when you take his precious boyfriend away with you and Cyrus, just like you'd planned, so it's not like anything's changed, we just have a different goal"
"So you just want him because he can fight? Really?" Donella asked, "if that's all you're after then why do you need me?"
"Because we want those stupid Ash people to pay for taking him in the first place!" The Duke exclaimed angrily
"Right, and you're the only one that knows anything about them, considering you were in love with one of their wives and lived with him for a while", the duchess added
"Still can't understand how you didn't suffer any breathing troubles from that", the Duke stated as he wrinkled his nose
"I know!" The Duchess replied with a laugh, "ugh, those people are so *disgusting*! Look, it'll be doing the world a favor if we just got rid of them anyway, I know Ingvarr would certainly be happy about it considering they were number one when it came to their rocks and minerals, something Ingvarr has supplied since their disappearance. Would you really want your kingdom to go down just because you feel pity for a people who, honestly, hurt you just as much as you've hurt them?"
The grey haired women raised a brow, "you're not very convincing"
"Do we need to be? Look, you're the one that comes up with the plans, you're the one we've listened to thus far, yet you're stuck in here and we're not. We're offering you a good deal, help us take out the Dark Kingdom and get our son back, and your get you blond pawn while having the satisfaction of getting rid of the man that took away your one true love, and his son, while also getting off, scott free, from your charges, no trial needed. If you ask me, this is a good deal"
"Revenge, a pardon, and Hugo for you, revenge, Hector, and the Dark Kingdom's final fall for us. Seems like a fair deal to me", the Duke added, "what do you say, we got a deal?"
Adira and Edmund were shocked at this proposal, their mind's running a million miles per minute as they thought of all the ways this could end. But as they ran away, not even waiting to hear the grey haired women's response, there was only one thing the both of them agreed to as they retreated back to the infirmary as quick as they could, *protect our family!*
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, a lot of things happened in this chapter! :D Adira with her feelings, Edmund and Adira bonding, The Duke and Duchess being jerks, and Donella! Fun times are ahead, here we go!
Adira and Edmund bonding is something I don't really see a lot of in Tangled fics. To be honest, I don't see a lot of Edmund bonding with *anyone* from the Brotherhood! So I wanted to try my hand at it, I think they'd make an adorable duo together. Talking about times long past while making cracks at one another. I can still see Edmund being a father to Adira though, but he would be a little tough on her if she's being stubborn about something important. He's normally gentle with her though, hence the adorable bonds! :D I'd imagine he's the gentlest with Quirin, and the sternest with Hector. He's the cutest with Varian though, and Eugene, because they're beans and I say so XD
Adira's feeling things again! This time it's the guilt and shame she felt about her failure to protect Varian once again. Yeah, I plan on doing something with that, just haven't really found a place to put it yet. Here it is though! :D
Poor Trinity and Dexter, poor guards as well, they aren't Stan nor Pete, just rando guards, but they didn't do anything wrong in this chapter, so they didn't deserve the nasty treatment. Nor did Trinity and Dexter, the Duke and Duchess are being really shady right now. They're definitely not going to get anything for mother and father's day, that's for darned sure!
Donella, I won't say much about her right now, but her behavior in this chapter speaks for itself :3
Hugo, Varian, Quirin, and Hector..... Hoo boy.... Can they get a break? Nope
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 217: What We Could Lose!
Summary:
The group reunites and learn about the Duke and Duchess's talk with Donella and Cyrus!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The door to the infirmary crashed open as Adira and Edmund ran inside, the Dark King closing it behind them and locking it tight before they looked at the startled crowd, "hey", Adira stated
"Hi", they replied
Quirin walked over to the pair, "are you two okay?" He asked, noticing Adira's face had tear stains
"We.... We found them...." Edmund stated, immediately getting everyone's attention, especially Hector's, "but.... They weren't in the family room..." They explained everything that they'd seen, leaving out Adira's momentary lapse in emotion, after they were done, the group before them looked horrified, their faces pales and eyes wide as the words sunk in.
"T-they want to....." Varian started, but couldn't finish his sentence
"We need to tell someone about this!" Nuru exclaimed
"We can't", Hugo said, "they'd never believe it.... Never.... The Ingvarrian Queen would make excuses for the Duke and Duchess...."
"We have witnesses though"
"The Dark King of the Dark Kingdom and a warrior from the same place would not make good witnesses, they'd be biased towards their kingdom and would be seen as liars"
That statement hit Nuru hard, "right..... We'd need proof.... But how are we gonna get that?"
"I don't know...."
Varian thought for a moment before he looked at Adira and Edmund, "did you hear what Donella said?"
"No...." The face painted warrior replied, "we ran off too quickly to hear her reply"
"She didn't sound interested in their plan though", the Dark King pointed out, "maybe we could ask her to be a witness? Testify against them?"
"She's in a holding cell for abusing Hugo, they'd never believe her", Quirin pointed out sadly
The room was silent before they heard Hector growl before seeing the wild tamer punch the wall next to him, breaking a hole in it, "WE CAN'T JUST FUCKING *SIT* ON OUR *ASSES* AND DO *NOTHING*!" He yelled, "the Dark Kingdom's just been threatened, so have I, my siblings, Quirin, Varian, and Hugo! The fuck are we gonna do about it?!"
"Well for one thing, not break the wall", the retired knight stated, pointing to the hole, "and for another, we get some proof, we just need to know how to do that"
The wild tamer huffed, "fucking wall had it coming...." He mumbled
Quirin sighed, "alright, we know there were guards on the scene, although we can't expect them to have heard the entire conversation, since they're unconscious. They'd probably know who knocked them out, potentially"
"There's a way you can knock someone out without getting them to see you", Adira stated
"Hence why I said 'potentially', the fact that they were knocked out in the first place should raise suspicion", the Village Leader stated, "which is good, it means everyone will be on guard"
"Unless they kill them..." Hector added, "kill the guards, leave no trail, it's pretty standard work"
Nuru winced, "you don't really think they'd do that, do you?"
"Wouldn't surprise me if they did"
"Get rid of the bodies in a way no one could find them, and you practically leave no trace, save for the people who knew they were down there.... But that's easily a missing person's case, which the Duke and Duchess could use against us...." Varian stated darkly, getting everyone to look at him with shock
"Son?" Quirin said a little nervously
The blue eyed alchemist sighed, "I was a criminal once, had to think like one.... Unfortunately that ability never went away...." He explained, "I'm right though, if they make it a missing person's act, they could turn the situation on us.... Make it out like we had something to do with it.... We'd have a motive... Me"
"You?!" Hugo exclaimed
"I do *not* like the guards in this castle save for Stan and Pete..... I never will.... Not ever.... They definitely don't like me either.... They've shown that several times, throwing me back in my old cell, beating me while I was in it..... L-lashing m....." The teen shook his head, trying to clear the unwanted images from his mind as Adira winced, not noticing Quirin watching her, "e-either way, it's clear that the castle staff would immediately point their fingers to us if we're not careful about how we go about this.... If the Duke and Duchess, and possibly Donella and Cyrus, find out you two", he gestured at Adira and Edmund, "were witnesses to all they said, they'd end up trying to pin a crime on us, or even try to take us out like they were trying to do before. If that's the case, we need to be *very* careful with our next move here. Trinity and Dexter should be considered as hostages at this point as well"
"Right...." Hector agreed, "they'd use them to keep me at bay...."
"They'd use them to keep everyone at bay if they had to", the blue eyed alchemist corrected, "none of us want to see them hurt because they're important to you. They should be top priority should things go from bad to worse. We need to get them away from the Duke and Duchess, but they probably already know that and are going to keep them as far away from us as possible".
Everyone nodded before the room became silent, no one else knew what to say, ".....I.... Should we consider Don a hostage too?" Hugo asked meekly
"Why would she be a hostage?" The wild tamer asked, raising a brow
"It's stupid, but.... If she said no.... They'd use her to...." The blond stopped talking, unsure if he should continue with his thoughts
"...To get to you?" Varian finished, "I was just thinking about that too... I'm certain she'd be safe in the guards care for now, but we should keep an eye on her too", Hugo smiled at his boyfriend, relief filling his emerald green eyes as Varian returned the grateful grin
Quirin sighed, "this is a mess...."
"It really is", Adira agreed, "but we should et as many people on our side as possible"
The Dark King nodded, "I can tell Eugene, he'd probably tell Rapunzel and Lance"
"We need to be careful about how we tell them", Varian pointed out, "the Duke and Duchess are playing a *very* dangerous game, we need to find out a way to tell them that won't end up causing any suspicion. They'd be put into the line of fire too, and Rapunzel...." He sighed, "I love my big sister, but she gets a little too invested in this sort of thing. I have full confidence in her capabilities, but she's also the princess of Corona, this could have major affects on them too.... Ingvarr's a *powerful* state...."
"True, but she'd be more than upset if we *don't* tell her", Quirin pointed out, "and like you said, she's a princess, she'd be in danger and it could definitely cost a lot if she were to get involved. But if she were to witness their misdeeds first hand, she'd be a reliable witness to this. That could help a lot, plus, she has more power and access to the castle than any of us do"
Varian thought for a moment, "tough call..... Maybe we should ask Eugene first...."
"Why Eugene?" Hector asked
"Who's Eugene?" Nuru added
"Sorry, Eugene is Princess Rapunzel's boyfriend and also heir to the Dark Kingdom throne", the freckled teen replied to Nuru before he looked at his uncle, "Eugene knows Rapunzel the best. Honestly I think his judgement on weather we include her in this or not should be up to him. He has her best interests at heart, and he knows her strengths and weaknesses, more so than she does. Plus...." He looked down, "I... This isn't gong to be an easy fight, we could lose people in this, get sent to jail, or even worse...." He shuddered, "Hugo could be taken away, Hector too, the Dark Kingdom could be fully destroyed and have no hope of ever getting back on it's feet. My dad.... H-he...." Varian looked at his father, tears filling his eyes, "dad y-you could be *killed*! They want to use Hector to hurt you, t-they want to take everything away so Ingvarr stands at the top, b-but if they succeed then...."
His father felt a pang of instinct rush through him as he immediately went to his son's side, scooped him off the bed, startling a sleeping Ruddigar, and hugged him. The teen a little startled at first before he accepted the hug, wrapping his arms around his father and smooshing his face in the Village Leader's vest, "I'm not going anywhere", Quirin stated softly, rubbing his son's back, "not without you. I won't leave you alone again, ever, I promise Varian, I promise"
The blue eyed alchemist sniffled and nodded, gripping onto Quirin's vest even tighter, "I believe you"
The group was silent, none of them really sure what to say as the weight of what they were about to endure hit them like a bag of rocks. Varian was right, they could lose their homes, their lives, and their loved ones if they weren't careful. They felt chills run up their spines as their situation finally seemed to sink it's teeth into their minds as they watched the father and son hold onto each other tightly as they realized there was no turning back now.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is a bit of a dark chapter, everyone realizing how horrible the situation could actually get. Yeah, this kind of stuff isn't just life or death, people have said there are worse things in this world, I believe that.... I really do.... And the Duke and Duchess can definitely make their lives a living H*ll.....
Won't go through the character summaries like I normally do, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this though :D This is definitely a very bleak situation for our hero's, it really is.
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 218: Will They, Won't They?!
Summary:
The group talks to Eugene and Lance about the situation and they decide weather or not they should tell Rapunzel!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"And then we put nice mice over heeeeeere and-!"
"Lance, that's way too many mice"
"You can *never* have too many mice when it comes to Hugo Eugene!"
"Yes you can"
"No you can't!"
"Yes you-You know what? We already argued about the live mouse being in the box, and you've already named it and everything which you really shouldn't do if you're still planning on giving it to Hugo"
"Hey! Hugo might like the name fluffy pants!"
"Seriously doubt that, either way, you didn't put the mouse in the box, but there's nothing *but* mice *on* the box! Rapunzel had another design in mind you know!"
"Yeah, but she started addin mice too after a while!"
"That is beside the point!"
"Um guys?" The two men looked at the blond princess, who was holding a paintbrush with dripping grey paint on it, "there's multiple boxes we've decorated, we're gonna have Varian pick one out remember?"
"But blondie-!" Eugene started
"If Lance wants to make a mouse box that's fine, he just has to remember that Varian may not pick that one, and if he doesn't, then no complaints, yeah?"
Lance smiled and nodded, "yeah! In fact, if he doesn't pick my mouse box, then it'll be perfect for Fluffy Pants to sleep in!"
"I thought Fluffy Pants was for Hugo", Eugene stated, raising a brow
The former thief chuckled, "well uh, like you said, he may not want him, so.... Um...."
The Dark Prince sighed and smiled as he shook his head, "you and your animal obsession"
"They're so cute!"
"I know buddy, I know"
There was a knock at the door that got all three to look up from their projects, "you think that's Catalina and Angry?" The princess asked
"Nah, they left to go 'get more paint' hours ago, they're long gone by now, probably heading back to their treehouse", Eugene stated as he got up, "let me see who it is". He walked over to the door and opened it, only to see Varian standing there, the teen was wringing his hands nervously as he looked up at Eugene, "oh hey kiddo! Long time no see, the boxes aren't exactly done yet"
The alchemist blinked, "box-es?"
"Yeah", Eugene said with a sigh, "*someone* got a little carried away with the paint"
"DON'T YOU JUDGE ME!" Lance called, getting the Dark Prince to roll his eyes with a smirk
Eugene then looked at Varian and noticed the tiny alchemist looked extremely worried, "you okay kid? You're as pale as a ghost"
"Um.... E-Eugene I...." The teen looked inside the room for a moment before he looked back up at Eugene with pleading eyes
Catching his hint, the Dark Prince nodded, "hey, I'll be right back guys"
Rapunzel looked up from what she was doing worriedly, "everything okay?"
"Yeah, no worried blondie, me and the kid just need to talk for a second is all!"
Lance looked at the pair as well and noted how scared the alchemist seemed to be, "you sure you just need to speak with Eugene?" Varian scuffed his shoe on the hallway floor and looked at Lance, his eyes pleading as well. The former their also caught the hint and nodded before he looked at Rapunzel, "you mind finishin up you box by yourself?"
The princess looked at Varian extremely worriedly, "i-it's.... I..." Varian tried, but the words wouldn't come out.
"Is it somethin you need an opinion on before tellin anyone else?" Lance asked, trying to help, when Varian nodded he looked at Rapunzel, "do you mind waitin for us?"
"No, I don't mind, but if there's any way I can help, please let me know, okay?" The blond stated with a smile at her little brother, "I understand, so don't worry, ok?"
Varian let out a breath of relief before he gave Rapunzel a small smile and nodded, "i-if there's anything you can do to help, you'll be the first to know, I mean it"
"I believe you", the sun princess replied before she noticed someone standing behind Varian, "Catalina? Angry?"
"I saw them wondering through the halls, I didn't want you to be alone, so I asked if they could hang out with you"
"We were gonna come back", Angry stated as she held a few paint cans and brushes, "but it took us a while to find your room"
"Plus the guards kept telling us that we weren't allowed inside without your permission", Catalina added with a huff, "it took Varian telling them to shove off because his dad had anything to say about it to get rid of them!"
"That's.... Slightly concerning", Eugene said, looking at Varian
"Eheh, m-my dad would say the same thing to be fair, but I was getting irritated, sorry", the teen replied, a small blush forming on his cheeks
Lance chuckled before he hugged the girls happily, "thanks for comin back", he said, "you two are getting all the strawberry tarts when we head back to the tree house!"
The girls hugged the man back before they ran into the room, chatting with Rapunzel about the promise of sweet treats as the princess smiled wide and waved to the three, who waved back before they shut the door and began to follow Varian, "so... What's all this about Goggles?" Eugene asked worriedly
"Yeah, does it have somethin to do with Hugo? Is he okay? Is *Quirin* okay?" Lance added
The alchemist sighed, "i-it's a long story...."
****
The infirmary room door opened as Varian, Eugene, and Lance walked in, the Dark Prince immediately seeing his father and walking over to him, hey, you okay?" He asked worriedly, "Varian.... He told us everything....."
Edmund nodded with a warm smile, "I'm alright, just.... Shocked is all..... I'm glad you're both here, thank you for showing up"
"No problem", Lance replied, looking directly at Adira with a raised brow, she smiled and nodded, answering his silent question, "is it really true though? The Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr are really tryin to pull this scheme off?"
"Yes...." The face painted warrior replied sadly, "they really are.... And unfortunately, if we do one wrong move, things could go very badly for us...."
"That why you didn't want to involve Rapunzel?" Eugene asked, looking directly at Varian, who lowered his head
"Yes...." He replied, "she's a princess, the *only* princess, of Corona.... This kingdom, as big and powerful as it is, cannot take a war right now.... Ingvarr is just as powerful, and I don't want to cause her and her family any grief and possible death if I can avoid it.... But.... That's.... Also a reason we *should* have her be a part of this....."
"Because she's got permissions none of us have, including you, and since she's from Corona, the place holding the 'peaceful Ball', no one would think her biased at all in this matter, same for the King and Queen of Corona", Eugene stated
"Right.... B-but none of us could really come to an agreement. Adding her into this fight would put her, and all of Corona, at risk, plus none of us know how she'll react to this kind of situation.... And.... I... I don't wanna put my big sister in danger...."
The Dark Prince sighed, but smiled at the teen, walking over to him and wrapping his arms around the blue eyed alchemist lovingly, "you're a good kid, you know that?"
Varian returned the hug, smiling shyly, "thanks"
Lance smiled before he looked at Hugo, who seemed more interested in the bed sheets covering him then anything else, "how are *you* handlin this?" He asked gently
The blond shrugged, "I don't know if Don agreed to it or not, they didn't hear her reply.... So I'm not sure how to feel at the moment.... Save for anxious and worried, but that's kinda normal at this point"
Nuru placed a hand on the green eyed alchemist's, he looked at her and smirked appreciatively, getting the former thief to notice her and tilt his head, "hiya, who are you?"
"I'm Nuru, nice to meet you, I'm the princess from the Estrella kingdom"
"Oh, hi! I'm Lance Strongbow! Best, and most handsome, friend of Eugene Fitzherbet! The prince of the Dark Kingdom!" Eugene and Edmund both raised their brows at this, "what? It's true!"
"If I may interject", Hugo stated, "you've missed a vital best friend of the Dark Prince, Varian"
The blue eyed alchemist blushed, "Hugooo"
Lance smirked, "no I didn't, Varian's the *cutest* best friend to the prince of the Dark Kingdom, *I'm* the *handsomest*!"
"Have you *seen* that boy in a tux?" The blond stated
"Hugo!" Varian exclaimed as his father chuckled
"That's very fair, we need to have a handsome off!" Lance exclaimed
"Nuuuuu!"
Hugo snickered as Eugene shook his head once more, "guys, we're getting off topic here"
"Hm? Oh right, heh, sorry", Lance stated before he smiled at Nuru, "nice to meetcha!"
"Likewise!" The star princess replied with a grin
The Dark Prince sighed before he looked at Quirin, "so, the reason you guys couldn't come to an agreement for not including Rapunzel, please don't get mad at me asking, but.... Does it have anything to do with you two.... Well..."
"Not getting along? No", the retired knight replied, "I may not be on the best terms with her right now, but I honestly agree with Varian, her being involved in this case would be both a good and a bad thing. I genuinely would not want her to be in any danger, even if I think her opinions on certain things are much different than mine, and I didn't appreciate what she said about me before. But I'm more than willing to let bygones be bygones while we work together to fix this, only thing is.... Will she be able to help in your opinion, or do you think this will be too much for her?"
The Dark Prince thought for a moment, remembering everything they've been through so far, Demanitus's maze sticking out the most in his mind, and how much Rapunzel's grown and changed made him smile and nod, "I think she'd be more than able to help with this. And she'd definitely want to, you're all her family, weather you get along with her or not. She loves and cares about all of you, and this is a serious matter. But she'd be a huge help and she's going to be a leader someday, she'll need to know how to handle situations such as these"
Quirin nodded, "if you think she can handle it, then I'll trust your judgement"
"Thanks Quirin"
The retired knight smiled tiredly and nodded before Eugene noticed Varian's forlorn look, "what's wrong son?"
The blue eyed alchemist sighed, "just.... The last time Rapunzel was in charge and needed to make a decision...." He shuddered as the cold grip of the guards hands on his arms dragging him out into a blizzard while he screamed for the princesses help flashed inside his mind like a phantom. He closed his eyes, "I.... Trust her.... Just.... Hard...."
Lance walked over and placed a hand on the teen's shoulder, getting the blue eyed alchemist to look up at him, "we understand, but this time is different. You've got us all here to back you up, and as long as we're careful, nothin's gonna happen to anyone you love, especially you know who", they both looked at Quirin, who smiled and nodded in agreement
Varian let out a breath and nodded, "y-you're right... Sorry, I don't know why I can't just get over it....."
"Because it was traumatic, trauma doesn't just go away, even when you accept and face it. It takes time is all, but you willin to talk about it, or even you bein willin to let Rapunzel help at all, is a huge step, you should be proud of that Varian, you really should"
"I know I am", Quirin said, making his son smile wide
"Thanks, both of you", the alchemist replied before he sighed and looked at Eugene, "should I go grab Rapunzel then so we can make a plan?"
"If you don't mind, though don't tell her anything until she gets here. It may be better if she heard the whole story from everybody"
"I don't mind at all, and I won't tell her. You're right, she'd be more receptive to hearing it when she has someone to comfort her", Eugene smiled, happy his little brother understood, Varian returned the smile, "I'll be right back", with that, the freckled teen walked out of the infirmary
The room was silent for a little bit before Lance looked at Hector, "how are you holdin up?"
"I'm fucking angry, but I'm trying to keep calm", the wild tamer stated before he remembered what he'd said to the former thief before during his anxiety attack, "hey, I.... I'm sorry about.... That.... What I said to you I mean...."
Lance smiled, "it's all good, you were havin a moment, I get that, I have em too"
"Yeah, but I still shouldn't have said what I did. The thing about you and Adira....." He went quiet and looked away, embarrassed by his words
Eugene raised a brow but Lance shook his head, "honestly, you stickin up for her and watchin her back was somethin I was glad to see, makes me happy to know she's got someone watchin out for her! Even if she can bench press a rhino if she needed"
Adira snickered, "I could if I tried, we've got a rhino I could use"
"Touch her and I punch you", Hector stated with a smirk
The face painted warrior laughed, Quirin sighing a little, "you two, I swear"
"Don't you 'you two' us, you're just as bad Mr. 'GetsSoAngryHePunchesARockInHalfWithHisBareHands'", Adira teased
The retired knight raised a brow and looked at Hector, "you showed her that place?"
"She got really angry", the wild tamer replied
"Ah"
"How bruised were your hands after that?" Adira asked
".....I'd rather not say", the Village Leader replied, blushing a bit and getting his siblings to chuckle.
They began to tease each other for a little while longer before the door opened and Varian walked back inside, followed by a confused, and worried, looking Rapunzel, "hello", she said
"Hi", Eugene replied, smiling sympathetically at her
She returned the smile before Varian softly shut the door behind her and sighed, "um... Sorry for all the mystery, we just.... Had to make a decision first"
"Decision?" The princess repeated
"Blondie", Eugene started, "we... Need to tell you something.... It's really important.... We'll need your thoughts on the matter, but.... It's not pleasant at all...."
The sun princess looked around the room and saw everyone watching her worriedly, even Ruddigar, who was laying on the bed next to Hugo and Olivia, was giving her an anxious look. She took a breath and let it out slowly before she nodded, "ok, I'm ready"
Notes:
Hello! Early post, yay!!!!!
So yeah, things are decided in this chapter, twas meant to be a little more relaxed with a tenser ending before I decided to make the decision here. Couldn't wait any longer, next chapter will be interesting to write! :D
Edmund, Adira, Hector, Hugo, Nuru, Catalina, and Angry all had similar roles, varying just slightly here and there. They were meant to be there to bounce reactions and such, the main focus was on Eugene, Varian, Lance, Quirin, and Rapunzel, sorry that they didn't get too much screen time here.
Quirin still doesn't have the highest opinion of Rapunzel, and Rapunzel is still a little shifty around Quirin. But this mission is too important for them to squabble over anything else, hence the bygones be bygones line. Quirin is, after all, an honorable man and knight, even if he's retired, he wouldn't want to jeopardize anything if it meant something could happen to his family, same for Punzie, who showed some growth today, I'm very proud of them both here! :D
Even if he didn't play a huge role, Hector apologizing to Lance was a moment that I think we needed. He's still angry, but it wasn't meant to be at Lance, poor guy was just anxious, Lance is awesome enough to understand that! <3
Lance is still a king! And now he's got a new friend in the form of Fluffy Pants the mouse! :D Cuddles has a new playmate and I love it! :D Honestly, I wanted to write more serious Lance in here too, the guy doesn't get enough of it! So here's our king being the best and funniest! :D
Eugene would know Rapunzel the best, but what he learned in Season 2 is to have faith in her, so it was a small call back to that! :D But he also knows that Rapunzel would need someone by her side to tell her what's going on, someone she can rely on for comfort. I noticed that she responds better when she has someone's support beside her during the show, small detail, but Eugene would notice it! Also, him and Lance bickering about the mouse box is hilarious to me XD
Varian.... This poor bean's got a lot he needs to work through, he's getting better and taking the right steps, but that fear isn't going to go away. He needs to learn how to trust Rapunzel fully first, this may be the arch to teach him that :3 Also, him trying to say, 'I need to talk to Lance and Eugene alone', but in a kind way is him trying to show he understand how Rapunzel is and wanted to spare her feelings. Character growth! Yay!!!!!! :D
Also Ruddy and Liv staring at Rapunzel is funny to me for some reason XD
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 219: The Promise!
Summary:
The group tells Rapunzel what's going on and she and Varian talk!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
To say the Sun Princess of Corona was shocked would've been the most underrated statement she'd ever heard. Her eyes were wide, mouth dry as it hung agape while she stared at Eugene. The Dark prince was telling her everything Edmund and Adira had heard during their trip to the dungeons. Rapunzel couldn't believe her ears, she kept looking at the Dark Kingdom inhabitants, then at Hugo and Varian, along with the new girl she'd just met, Nuru? Yeah that was it, Nuru! Before she'd look back at Eugene, Lance standing beside him, just in case she needed any support while her lover told her this horrible thing!
"....And that's when we got you", Eugene finished, looking at her worriedly, "you okay Sunshine?"
Rapunzel was silent for a few minutes before she shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts as she realized everyone was waiting for her to say something, "I-I-I...." She couldn't speak, so many words were screaming in her head, but none of them were coming out, "I-I-!"
"Take a deep breath princess", Lance stated calmly, helping her do so, "now let it out slow", she did as she was told, and suddenly, her mouth worked
"T-thanks Lance", she said
"You're welcome!"
The Sun Princess smiled before she looked at Eugene worriedly, "I.... Can't believe that's what they said...."
"It is...." Edmund replied sadly, "unfortunately everything we heard is straight from the horses mouth", he added before he muttered to himself, "or the human's mouth? Possibly the dignitaries mouth? Horses don't really tell people's secrets though I've never met a dishonest horse.... That phrase always confused me... Perhaps we should-!"
"Dad", Eugene stated flatly while hearing Quirin, Varian, Hugo, Nuru, Adira, and Hector chuckle, "you're doing it again"
"Right, sorry", the Dark King replied with a blush, "either way, that's what we heard.... We confirmed it with each other before we came into the room, just in case one of us misheard.... We didn't....."
Rapunzel let out a breath as she felt her shoulders tense, "this is.... Bad.... Very bad.... Like Zhan Tiri blizzard levels of *bad*!" Varian winced, "s-sorry..."
"'s fine...." The alchemist replied, he was sitting on the bed with Hugo, the bespeckled teen had his chin resting atop of Varian's head, hands on the blue eyed alchemist's shoulders, the freckled teen placing his hands over his boyfriend's as a thank you.
The princess looked at the pair worriedly, "are you two.... That's... A stupid question, isn't it?..."
Hugo smirked, "it's an understandable question at the very least", he then sighed, "I'm fine, worried about Don being involved or not, but without confirmation I'm trying not to freak myself out. Varian though....." He looked at his boyfriend, who was completely silent and still staring at the floor, ".....He's processing...."
Quirin gave his son a sympathetic look, as did Rapunzel, "Varian?" The princess said
The freckled teen sighed softly, "just.... Scared.... Very scared...." Was all he said as he continued to stare at the floor, Ruddigar chittering worriedly as he lay on his boy's lap, trying to comfort him
Rapunzel sighed, "....this.... Really is.... Just like that day.... Isn't it...." She saw the alchemist nod before she looked at Quirin, who was still staring at his son, "do you feel the same?"
The retired knight looked at her briefly before he looked at his son once more and nodded, "almost exactly, save for.... Well.... I suppose that best way to put it is the results aren't the same even if the stakes are nearly identical"
"Right...." She agreed, her mind thinking what they both wouldn't say, *no amber, but his family could still be killed or trapped....*
Lance walked over to the teen and sat beside him, making sure not to touch or squish Hugo in the process, "you wanna tell us what's goin on inside that mind of yours?" He asked softly, prompting a little smile out of the teen as he continued, "I know you really don't wanna start anything, and that's understandable. But it'll be better to get whatever you're thinkin off your mind, so we can help you through it"
Varian's eyes lowered a little, he hesitated as his shoulders tensed up a bit, "I....." He tried, but it seemed like his mouth was just as broken as Rapunzel's
Lance gave the teen an encouraging smile, "it's okay, take your time and think about the words you wanna say"
They saw the blue eyed alchemist process for a moment, his eyes searching the ground for a bit before he finally sighed, "just.... T-the situation is really.... I-it's too similar t-to the one before it.... I-in that situation, m-my family was in danger from something I couldn't handle alone. I had to fight to get help but there was something causing Corona to be in danger too.... T-the princess was the one that had to make the b-big decisions a-and ended up prioritizing the kingdom, w-which I understand. I w-was thrown out.... N-no one else helped me despite m-me begging someone to..... W-when I got back, d-dad he w-wa....." The teen closed his eyes shut tight as the images of his father's frozen body being trapped inside the golden tomb that was Varian's chemical flashed into his mind. He felt tears stinging in the corners of his eyes as he sighed once more, shaking the images away before he continued, his eyes still closed, "i-it's the s-same thing.... M-my family is in danger f-from something I can't h-handle alone, I h-had to fight to get h-help again, t-this s-situation could h-have Corona b-be in danger.... T-the princess has t-to make big d-decisions....." He fell silent, unable to speak anymore
"Varian...." Hugo whispered, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend and hugging him tight as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy's dripping chin softly
The blue eyed alchemist sniffled, his eyes still closed, "I-I t-trust you, I-I w-wanna trust you... I-I'm just.... I'm r-really scared.... A-and my mind w-won't s-stop showing d-dad s-stuck in the amb-ber...." He sniffled again, "b-but now it's s-showing him o-on the floor w-with a sword in his h-heart a-and I c-can't.... I..... I...." He suddenly felt himself being scooped up into someone's strong arms, Ruddigar hopping off quickly and landing safely in Hugo's hands. When Varian finally opened his eyes, he saw warm brown ones meet his gaze. They were filled with sadness and fear as well, but an overwhelming wave of love filled the alchemist's mind as those strong arms kept him safe and a calming smell of apples and wood filled his nose, "d-dad....." Varian sobbed softly before he buried his face inside his father's vest and grabbed handfuls of the soft fur
Quirin sat down where Varian used to be, Hugo scooching a little before he felt an arm wrap around him too, pulling him in as the retired knight smile lovingly at him, the blond returning the grin before they both looked at Varian, who was sobbing softly in his father's vest. The group waited until the blue eyed alchemist had calmed down a little, his father whispering words of comfort, such as, "it's going to be okay", and "I'm not going anywhere, not again" before the teen was finally breathing calmly, peeking his eyes out from the retired knight's vest, getting Hugo to snicker a little before he was sitting upright on his father's lap, leaning his head against Quirin's chest tiredly.
Rapunzel, seeing all of this, let out a small sigh of her own, "I understand...." She said softly, getting the teen's attention, "I felt that same kind of fear and anxiety.... The blizzard.... It was... A really bad situation.... *Really* bad.... The kingdom... My people... You and Quirin.... All of it was one giant mess and we didn't have the full story of what was going on with the black rocks, the Dark Kingdom, the Sundrop.... Or my father's decisions...." She felt a wave of guilt wash through her before a hand touched her shoulder. She smiled, looking at Eugene lovingly before she let out a calming breath and continued, "but this isn't going to end the same", she stated, "I'll make sure of that. Your family will be safe, so will Corona, no one's going to war or harming or taking away anyone. This time, *everyone's* getting out of this safe, save for the people who caused this", she stated firmly
"I... W-want to believe you...." Varian replied, "b-but...." He hesitated once more before Lance placed a hand on his shoulder, encouraging him to continued. The freckled teen stroked Ruddigar's fur as his continued, "w-when.... W-when the blizzard h-happened... I... Y-yeah I was angry a-about you n-not helping right away... B-but I understood... T-the kingdom c-comes first, s-save the many o-over the one and all that.... B-but the guards threw me in that blizzard.... I w-wasn't allowed back inside a-and Old Corona was still suffering, f-far worse than the capital.... A-and even after the storm was clear you... Y-you didn't come back.... You stayed away w-while guards came to my home.... T-they yelled at me, beat me, harmed me... I w-was alone until I snuck out t-to send a message to you t-that I didn't know would g-get there or not.... Y-you came and left w-with the graphite, but didn't come back.... N-no one did... A-and this whole thing just...."
He closed his eyes again, trying to keep calm before he opened them and looked directly at Rapunzel, "I w-want to trust you. And I'm willing t-to give you the chance t-to do that.... B-but...."
"....It's... Gonna be hard not to feel scared?" Rapunzel offered, Varian nodding in response. She smiled, "you know, that's awfully brave of you"
"W-what?"
The princess smiled, "you're afraid, so afraid in fact, that you just cried into your father's vest and clung to him for comfort. But you were still brave enough to tell me what was going on and to give me a second chance to try and fix what I did wrong before. That's incredibly brave of you, and I can't say how much I appreciate the chance to make things right". She walked over and placed a hand on Varian's, "I know this is scary, I know what I did before was wrong, even if the kingdom was in danger, I should've still come to you when you needed help after everything was settled. And to be fair, I was afraid too...."
"You were?"
Rapunzel nodded, "I was afraid to make decisions again, I was afraid to make the tough calls because someone ended up getting hurt in the process.... Someone I cared about, you..... And because of my fear, I avoided going to your home, I avoided checking on you, Quirin, and Ruddigar because I didn't want to face what I'd done and how long I'd waited.... Your letter gave me enough resolve to go and help, but by the time I came around...." She sighed, trying to calm her nerves, "I'm truly sorry for that... for being afraid and for not helping you sooner.... But you giving me another chance means the world to me, and I will *not* let it go to waste. Your family will be safe, I'll make sure of it, I'll help protect everyone, I will. I won't avoid what I need to do this time, I won't be afraid again, I'll face it head on and help do as much as I can! And if I start to falter, I give you *full* permission to snap me out of it! Okay?"
The blue eyed alchemist was stunned for a moment, "y-you.... You're n-not... A-angry?"
"....I'm worried that you feel you can't trust me, I'm sad that you're scared, but I'm not mad at how you feel or what you said. In fact, I'm happy! You told me the truth and are giving me a chance Varian! That's more than I deserved or earned, yet you still gave me that, thank you for telling me! I want to make things right, if this is a way I can do that, then I'll be more than willing to! I...." She stopped, nearly making a huge mistake as she tried to comfort Varian
The teen noticed and smiled, returning her hold on his hand , "you promise?"
Her eyes widened, "I... S-sorry I wasn't going to-!"
"No no, i-it's okay, I...." He let out a shaky breath and smiled back at her, "you made me feel a lot better, thank you... I'm sorry I made you sad, a-and worried, but thank you for understanding me. You have no idea how much that means to me Rapunzel, you really don't. I.... I never knew how much I needed to hear that from you"
The Sun Princess smiled even wider, "you don't have to be sorry"
"Could say the same for you"
Rapunzel giggled, "okay then, how about neither of us say sorry"
"O-oki, but what do we say then?"
They thought for a moment before Quirin chimed in, "how about you both say you'll move forwards?" The two looked at him and he smiled, "say you'll move forwards together, make up for the things you both did in the past together, so you don't have any regrets about them later"
They smiled at him, "I'd like that", the freckled teen stated as he looked at Rapunzel again, "a lot"
The princess nodded, "me too"
"So we move forward then?"
"Yup, we move forward, together!"
The alchemist grinned before his smile became more sincere, "Rapunzel"
"Hm?"
".....P..... Promise me?"
The room was silent, all eyes were on the pair as Rapunzel was shocked for the second time that day, "w-what?"
Varian giggled, "promise me", he repeated, "promise me you'll do what you said and make it up to me. Promise you'll make the best decisions you can and help as much as you're able. P-promise me my family will b-be okay, H-Hugo included, t-that *everything* will b-be okay. P-please", he felt tears roll down his cheeks once more as he stared at Rapunzel, desperately trying not to panic as he searched for a response, "p-please promise me.... Please.... S-so I know you mean it.... A-and I'll promise to snap y-you out of your fears when you falter, just... Please.... P-promise me... I... I need it..... I need you to...."
The Sun Princess felt tears well up in her eyes as she watched the teen struggle, she remembered how desperate she'd been before to make him feel better, quickly making the promise to stop his fears before realizing she couldn't keep it. But this time was different, this time they needed her to be there to help, this time she wouldn't run away, she wouldn't be afraid, she wouldn't lie to him, not again. So she looked her little brother straight in the eyes, and will all the love, care, and sincerity she could find, she agreed, "Varian, *everything* will be okay, I promise".
Suddenly, the teen lurched forwards and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her with all the strength he had. His sobs filled the room and broke every heart that heard it, but Rapunzel returned the hug, allowing him to cry into her dress as she repeated the words he wanted, no, *needed*, to hear, "I promise Varian, I promise.... I promise"
"I promise"
Notes:
Hello! Early upload, because yay! :D
So yeah, this a freckle siblings chapter, one where they're finally starting to let the past go and move forwards! The past between them is finally starting to be repaired, now we just need Punzie to stick to that promise, as well as Varian :D Will they? We shall see! :D
Edmund, Hector, Adira, and Nuru didn't have too big a part to play in this one again, sorry, they'll get their time in the spotlight <3
Eugene and Lance served the same purpose for different people, Lance being Varian's support, Eugene being Rapunzel's! They're good boys, I love my emotional support boys XD
Hugo and Quirin served the same purpose in this chapter too! Being the main supports for Varian! :D Hugo might've earned some more good boyfriend points for that hug, but Varian was a little too emotional to tell him that! I'm thinking about implementing a good dad reward system too, please let me know what you all think about that XD (Different rewards, same point system though)!
Rapunzel and Varian moments! Honestly, I love these two, I think they're adorable when they work together, and their checkered past makes them fun to write in both angsty and fun ways! Them promising each other this, it's a step in the right direction for them, the biggest step they'll probably have to take, and it's the hardest one too! But it's a step they *need* to take in order to stay as friends, and siblings! <3 That being said, hoo boy, even *more* pressure for them to not step one toe out of line!
Ruddy buddy is still the best raccoon, I'll keep saying that in every end note if he's in the chapter! :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 220: What To Do!
Summary:
The group talks about their situation and comes up with a plan while Hugo finds out what Donella did to Varian's mother!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian calmed down after a few minutes, Rapunzel helping him to sit back on his father's lap as Quirin wrapped an around, protectively, around his son and smile gratefully at the princess. She smiled back before she turned and walked to Eugene, who held her hand and smiled as she watched Varian regain his composure with help from Ruddigar and Hugo before she began the conversation once again, "ok, so.... This situation....." She stated
Edmund nodded, "right.... There's threats made against the Dark Kingdom, my children, and my grandson and his boyfriend. That's definitely not good and would warrant immediate investigation if I had enough power to do so", he stated, "as it is now... I do not...."
"Yet", Rapunzel added, getting the sad king to smile a bit
"Either way, that option is off the table", Eugene stated, "even if we were to tell the King and Queen of Corona what's going on, it would cause trouble with Ingvarr and might end up causing a war. Plus we'd need proof, and we don't have that..."
"Yet", Rapunzel repeated, "you guys seem to think these things won't ever come at all, but there's always a chance to find the right way to do something, we just need to find it"
Hector raised a brow, "not to rain on your optimistic parade, but, we don't have a way to show your parents what mine said without them repeating themselves again"
"That may be true, but that doesn't mean we can't find evidence", the Sun Princess said, "I have access to their rooms and such, I could do a search. Plus Trinity and Dexter are definitely not on board, even if they'll be kept as far away from us as possible, we can still find a way to get them alone. All we'd need is for them to say something to my parents and the Queen of Ingvarr, then we'd have more than enough evidence to show what we're saying is true, or, at the very least, start an investigation to find out".
"You being caught could result in some major setbacks though", Quirin stated calmly, "not that I don't have confidence in your sneakiness princess-!"
"I do", Hector stated
Quirin raised a brow at him as Adira let out a snort of laughter before she covered her mouth. The retired knight sighed as he looked back at the princess, "*I* don't have any qualms about your sneakiness, but you're the only one of us with access we don't have. We may need someone else to do a full investigation in their rooms, plus we'd need a reason that wouldn't raise suspicion. Which would mean we'd need a few guards on our side on standby and that would mean we'd have to get a lot more people involved in this plan, which is not a good idea".
The princess nodded, "right.... Though, just so we're clear, my life is not more important than everyone else's here you know"
"I never said that"
"'you're the only one of us with access we don't have. We may need someone else to do a full investigation in their rooms'", the princess repeated
"I meant that because you're the Princess of Corona", Quirin explained, "look, as much as you may hate this, your status is above everyone else in this room, King Edmund included. If you were to get caught in some sort of scandal or trouble, the consequences you would face would have a much higher impact that what any of us would go through on the innocent people who have no involvement in this", he stated, "Nuru is the same, she's the princess of the Estrella kingdom, she wouldn't be able to do an investigation like that either, she'd have to stay in the shadows and act like she doesn't know a thing to protect her people and herself"
"He's right Sunshine", Eugene agreed softly, "I know it's hard to hear, but you and Nuru have the biggest advantages and disadvantages in this plan. While your status could help us in the long run, the consequences, should either of you get caught, it could end up hurting you and your people, that's not what we want"
The blond princess lowered her head, she wanted to be angry, but she knew they were right, "I.... Really wish I wasn't a princess sometimes...." She stated
"Same", Nuru agreed, "would make things easier, that's for sure. But then again, if we weren't, we wouldn't be able to do anything for the kingdoms we're meant to rule", she added, "so it's a pro and a con"
The Sun princess chuckled a bit and smiled at Nuru, "thanks"
"You're welcome!"
"I... Have a thought, though I'm not sure if anyone will agree with it", Hugo chimed in
Varian looked at him and tilted his head, "what is it?" He asked interestedly
The bespeckled teen felt uneasy as the next few words left his mouth, "well... We don't know, for *sure*, if she said yes or no... So... We... Could ask Don"
The room was silent for a moment before Adira replied, "I was honestly debating that", she said, "but there are so many risks that could come from it"
"Like what if she did say yes and tells the Duke and Duchess we know about their plan, thereby losing the only advantage we have, the fact that they don't know *we* know about their plan?" Hector asked
"Yes, that, but also, she could lie and say she didn't, therefore getting us to tell her our plans and spreading them to her partners in crime", Adira added, "or possibly trying to use you to her advantage glasses"
"True, but it would be an even bigger advantage to know she was against them and would want to help!" The blond alchemist argued, "I mean, maybe it's just me, a-and maybe I'm only saying this because she's my adopted and abusive parent... B-but maybe she wants to change? Maybe she doesn't want to get involved in this anymore, Don.... She isn't like that... She...." He looked away, "she isn't.... She wouldn't want to do something... Like that...."
The room was silent once more as they watched the bespeckled teen before Varian scooted off his father's lap and onto the bed, snuggling up to Hugo and hugging him, "I believe you"
His boyfriend was a little startled, but returned the gesture, "thanks Freckles"
"....Well.... I... I don't know..." Eugene said, "I mean we could try, but it may not be the best idea considering Donella has, literally, nothing to lose and *everything* to gain from that deal"
"Yeah, but... Quirin... What she told you... Would she have said anything if she didn't really care?" Lance asked, looking at the retired knight
"No, she would've kept it to herself", the Village Leader replied
"She told you something?" Hugo asked
The man froze, as did Varian, as they looked at Hugo worriedly, "we...." Quirin started before he looked at his son, "you never told him?!"
"When would there have been a good time for me too?!" The blue eyed alchemist replied anxiously, "he's been in the *Infirmary* this entire time dealing with *nightmares* about *her*! There was no time to tell him *anything*! I... I didn't want him to be even more upset...."
"Son he... That longer we wait though..."
"I know I know...."
"Um.... Hi?" Hugo said, stopping the two mid argument, "remember me? The guy you're talking about who's still, currently, in this room?"
They both blushed, looking extremely similar to each other for a moment before they cleared their throats and sighed, "Hugo...." Varian stated, hesitating before he let out a sigh, "...you.... Remember how we found out Donella had something to do with my mom?"
"Yeah?"
"Well... Turns out... She... Had more to do with her than we thought....."
****
Hugo was frozen, his mind reeling as he listened to Varian tell him what Donella had done to Ulla, Nuru, Rapunzel and Eugene were also shocked, having not heard about this before, the royal couple seeking comfort in each other as they took a seat next to Lance, who who helping both of them cope with the new information while Nuru had began to pet Ruddigar over and over, the raccoon not hesitating to give the sad girl a bit of support and nuzzling her comfortingly. Once the blue eye alchemist was finished, the room was quiet. No one spoke or moved, they all waited to see what Hugo would do, "I.... Varian I..." The bespeckled teen had tears fill his eyes before he turned away, looking at the bed, "I... I'm so sorry...."
"Don't be, i-it wasn't your fault", Varian stated
"B-but... But had I known.... Fuck.... Don what the hell?!..."
Quirin sighed, "Hugo, you didn't tell her to do what she did, you didn't even *know* about it"
"Does that matter?!" He asked, looking up at the man, "here I am fucking *DEFENDING* her when she *KILLED* your *WIFE*!" He exclaimed
"You didn't *know* Hugo", Varian tried
"Knowing what she did or not, that's.... It.... It's doesn't *matter*!" He snapped, more at himself than anyone else as he backed away from Varian, back against the wall and his legs rising up to his chin as he did, "s-she might've been apart of poisoning Eugene! She might've been apart of trying to hurt you! That's what I told myself to keep my fucking conscious clear but *NOW*?!"
"Woah, hang on now, I don't blame you for that", Eugene stated, "you didn't poison me!"
"But I *DEFENDED* her!" He stated, "I defended her and kept thinking 'she wouldn't do that', or 'she's not like that, she'd never be that cruel, only to me, and only when I deserve it', what a fucking load of bullshit! She.... She killed someone.... She almost killed you.... I still...." His eyes were wide in sudden realization, "would I have kept defending her?! What that actual FUCK was I *THINKING*?!"
"HUGO!" Varian yelled, grabbing the blond by his shoulders and getting him to look directly into his eyes, "you didn't *KNOW*!"
"B-but-!"
"NO!" Varian stated, "you didn't *know*! You didn't know she'd poisoned him, it was a guess at *best*! No evidence proved it was true! You didn't *know* she killed my mom! Only that she knew her and was her friend! Besides all of that, You were *ABUSED* by her!" He exclaimed, "Hugo I've been groomed! I was groomed by A-Andrew in that *FUCKING DUNGEON* for a year and a HALF! I would've defended that man till the ends of the *EARTH* had he ever gotten in trouble! Fucking, I *DID*! I took punishments for him! I did *horrible* things when he ordered me to! Hugo.... Donella *abused* you! Since you were *4*! Of *course* you would stick by her side, you were fucking *abused*! you felt like you had nowhere else to go because she made you feel like you didn't! You felt like you couldn't trust anyone because she told you so it was true! It's *exactly* how I felt with A-Andrew in those dungeons! Do you blame *me* for my actions?"
"N.... N-no....."
"Then why does the same reasoning and logic not count for you?! You had it way worse than me in fact! I at least had my father, you had *Cyrus*! That's a fate worse than *death*!" The blond snorted, getting Varian to smirk a little, his grip loosening a bit, "you didn't *know*.... You weren't able to find out.... You share *no* blame in what Donella did to you or me..... You didn't poison Eugene, you didn't upset my dad, you didn't abuse a child.... You didn't kill my mom Hugo", the blue eyed alchemist stated, "you didn't do that.... It's not your fault, so please, stop blaming yourself for it and for her.... Donella is the one stuck in the cell for what she did, not you, okay?"
Hugo shifted a little before he nodded, "o-ok...."
Varian let go of his shoulders before he scooched next to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, "I'm here", he said, "I'm right here"
That seemed to break Hugo's final resolve as his eyes filled with tears and he began to cry, leaning into Varian's shoulder and letting out the sobs he'd been holding in for who knows how long. Everyone watched him, feeling their hearts breaking as well when the blond clung to Varian's vest as the blue eyed alchemist had done, not even, 20 minutes prior to his father. The freckled teen held strong however, hugging his boyfriend fully and rubbing soothing circles into Hugo's back. Quirin couldn't help the secret smile that formed on his face as he watched his son, his heart filling with a melancholy mixture of sadness and pride before the blond's sobs began to quiet down.
Varian rested his chin on Hugo's head, the blond having curled into a ball and laying his head on the freckled teen's stomach, his back on his lap as he removed his glasses to wipe away his tears. He sniffled a few times before looking into his boyfriend's blue eyes, "heh.... S-Sapphires", he said, "like the bracelet"
Varian smiled, "emeralds too", he replied, "always emeralds with you"
They sighed together, the room silent for the fourth time that day before Hector spoke up, ".....We.... Can *try* talking to Donella". Everyone looked at him, shocked, "what?!"
"Change of heart?" Lance teased
"Did you just see the same thing I did?" The wild tamer asked, "kid needs to talk to her, no matter fucking what", he stated, "I may not be phytologically in tune here but even *Hamuel* could tell you the kid needs to fucking *see* her at least!"
The crow in question *CAWED* in agreement, getting the room to snicker as Hector raised a brow at the bird
"We... Don't have to right away", Hugo responded, "we can save that part of the plan for later.... Should we hit a snag in any leads.... Would be the best way to utilize it" Varian kissed the blond's forehead, getting him to look up and blush a little, which made the freckled teen giggle
"Well.... If we aren't suggesting talking with Donella first, might I say finding out how much the Queen of Ingvarr knows about her Duke and Duchess?" Quirin asked, "we could ask simple questions, how'd you meet them, where are they from, just to throw suspicion off. That would be a good place for you to step in princess"
Rapunzel nodded, "I wouldn't mind doing that, I can have Eugene with me too, he can give me nudges should I go too far", she said before she quickly looked at Eugene, a fact not unnoticed by the retired knight as Eugene playfully nudged her side
"Adira and I could go looking for those two guards we saw knocked out", Edmund suggested, "maybe try to get someone down there with us?"
"How would you be able to do that?" Hector asked
"Pixie and Basil", Adira stated, "they can smell blood, right?"
"Yeah?"
"The place they were standing was next to one of the dungeon windows, near the gardens where your siblings would normally be"
The wild tamer's eyes widened, "we could say we were looking for them when Pixie and Basil smelled the blood!"
"Right!"
"Then we could inform Arianna and Fredrich as well!" Edmund added, "we could say we're worried about the safety of everyone at the ball and could suggest acting as extra security. It would give us more access to certain areas in the castle, like the Duke and Duchess's hallway"
Adira smiled and nodded, "Stickler would have to stay out of that though"
"I would want to stay around Hugo and Varian, maybe guarding the infirmary?" The retired knight stated, "since the guards would be in here, I may be able to ask them some questions while they're in here, since the captain of the guards is away at the moment, and I used to be the captain of the guards in Corona before retiring"
Eugene smiled, "you'd be the only one qualified for it!"
"I... Think me and Hugo can go down to the dungeons then if that's the case", Varian said
"What do you mean?" Quirin asked
"W-well, the guards are nearby Donella's cell right?" The teen asked, when Adira and Edmund nodded he continued, "Donella would've been the only one to see who would've done whatever happened to those guards. And if they decided to hide them, they'd still need to ask her questions since the blood Pixie and Basil would have to sniff out would still be near her cell. I'm... Guessing Donella wouldn't want to talk to anyone else except Hugo, which we could tell the guards. If we both went down we could see if she said yes or no and find out if there's anything else the Duke and Duchess are planning"
"What about Cyrus?" Eugene asked
"I can handle him", Lance stated, "I can go down there too, and take Cyrus aside to ask him a few questions"
"How would you be able to do that?" Eugene asked
"Because I don't want to speak with a fucking racist", Hugo stated, "I'm being fully serious, but it works with the plan, I wouldn't want Cyrus near me, so if Lance were to take him to the side, Don would understand"
"Racist?" Eugene asked as Lance and Rapunzel gave the teen confused looks
".....Cyrus said a slur about dad and Grandpa to me, Hugo, and Nuru", Varian explained, "he said it maliciously and didn't even apologize before he walked out. Hugo was furious.... So was I"
"A slur?" The Dark Prince asked
"I'll uh... Tell you about it later....", Edmund stated, his son nodding before gesturing an approving sign at Lance, getting the former thief to nod
Rapunzel grinned, "alrighty then! Looks like we've got a plan! Time to execute it right no-!" Varian let out a very large and very long yawn, squeaking a little as it finished before his eyes closed halfway
Quirin chuckled, "it's 8pm and we missed dinner"
The sun princess giggled, walking over to her little brother and gently ruffling his hair, "okay, we eat, rest, then tomorrow, we execute!"
"YEAH!" The room cheered, startling Varian awake and getting Hugo to snicker as his boyfriend blinked a few times
"You're sleeping in here tonight I take it?" The blond asked, when the freckled teen simply rested his chin on Hugo's head once more, eyes closing halfway once again, he smiled, "that's a yes"
Notes:
Hello!
So, a lot to unpack here, the start of the plan, Hugo finds out about Donella's misdeeds, and emotional moments are the bomb!
I want an emotional support Lance, I think we all need one at this point XD Seriously, all hail the glorious king!
Eugene and Rapunzel being each other's support while also trying to help the others is amazing to me and I want to write more! :D
Nuru, Edmund, Adira and Hector a vibing this chapter. Honestly, they both deserve a rest here, but kudos to Hector for being nice to Hugo! :D
Quirin is a the best protective papa ever! I love the man with all my heart and I'll continue to say this until I can't anymore! He's a good bean! I love Quirin! Him being there for both Varian and Hugo warms my heart and makes me want to draw! XD I'm gonna draw them hugging together, it's adorable, plus him being proud of his son for being Hugo's support is amazing to me! :D
Varian was a rock star in this chapter! Varian for the absolute win, the boy is growing! I know I wrote the chapter, but I'm proud of Moon bean for being the one to calm Hugo down and be there for him when he needed support! :D Varian was MVP for this chapter, by far! :D
Poor Hugo.... I feel like I say that in every chapter he's in, but seriously, POOR HUGO!!!!!! 3 He'll get a happy ending, I swear, and a cup of hot chocolate! He's just gonna need some time is all, and some closure with Donella.
Ruddy buddy will support everybody who needs it because he is the best coon!!!!!! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 221: Warnings and Fears!
Summary:
The Moon needs to talk to Varian again!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian's eyes fluttered open as he looked around, they opened wider when he realized he wasn't in the Infirmary anymore. The space around him was a mixture of inky black and blues and purples. He saw stars shimmering in the distance as a familiar light his his body gently, "M-Moon?" He called, his voice echoing, "are you there?"
"I'm here little one", the Moon replied, appearing out of the clouds nearby, her light warm and comforting
Varian smiled at her, "hi, it's been a long time hasn't it!"
"It has, I'm sorry for that"
"No i-it's not your fault", he exclaimed, "though... Usually you call me here because something's wrong, d-did something happen?"
The light surrounding him swirled and held him close, almost like a frightened mother would her baby, "....Yes.... The one who stole a piece of me... She's made it to the Great Tree and she's found something"
The teen tilted his head to the side, "she found something? What did she find?"
The clouds around the Moon shifted, allowing Varian to see through them, he watched Cassandra sitting near a campfire, she was reading, what looked like, an old scroll, "so.... This thing is supposed to help me gain the full power of the Moonstone?" She asked the air
There was a brief moment of silence, as if she were waiting for an answer, but nothing by the wind replied, making the alchemist extremely confused
She spoke again, "if it's supposed to do that, then why isn't it guarded?"
The teen's eyes widened a bit, "who is she talking to?"
"There's an ominous presence near her...." The Moon replied, "I fear it is the one pulling her strings, telling her what to do, but I have not found out why it's helping her or what it is.... Only that it wants to cause harm....."
Varian winced a little at that before he looked back at Cassandra, "what are you getting yourself into Cassie...."
"The rhino riding lunatic didn't come back here?" Cassandra asked
Again, the alchemist did not hear a reply, merely the wind blowing by, threatening to douse Cassandra's campfire as the flames licked at the fish she was cooking atop them
"Huh.... I guess they're really underestimating what I'm planning on doing, aren't they?"
The teen's eyes narrowed, "Uncle Hector isn't a lunatic.... And no they're not...."
"She can't hear you little one", the Moon said sadly
"I know", he replied, "I wish she could though...."
"So this is supposed to get the powers Varian has away from him?"
The alchemist's eyes shot open as he stared, unbelieving, at the women, "w-wh-!"
"I don't want him to feel any pain, I just need to get him out of the way. If me performing this will get the powers back to the Moonstone, then so be it", Cassandra continued, "he'll just have to understand, this is my destiny, not his"
Varian felt a wave of fear flow through him, his heart filling with pain as he turned away from the scene, the clouds around him and the Moon covering it up as the celestial being's light continued to wrap around him protectively, "I'm sorry little one.... I didn't know...." The Moon said, waiting for the alchemist to say something
His heart was beating fast as Cassandra's words echoed in his mind, his anger bubbled inside of him, as did his anguish when he turned to face the Moon, "s-she.... She's going d-down a horrible path... S-she's gonna end up ruining everything s-she still has.... A-and she's doing it for some fake destiny?!" He asked, "why? What does she want?! Power? Is power really so important to her that she'd throw everything and every*ONE* she has away?!" He sniffled, "I thought.... I though w-what I did was wrong... I though w-what I did made her feel betrayed.... T-that's why she fought against m-me yet she's doing the *same* thing!"
"I know...." The Moon replied sadly
Varian felt a disgusting taste in his mouth, he wanted to spit it out, but didn't want to be rude. So he swallowed it, forcing it down his throat and gritting his teeth as he felt it clang to the bottom of his stomach. He hated that taste.... It reminded him of the dungeons, how everything reeked of sweat and blood, how hopelessness and despair choked him anytime he tried to breathe, "she's going to get locked up... She's going to suffer just like I did if she keeps this up.... I.... I don't want her too.... I don't want that for her...." He looked at the Moon, "I.... I need to warn her!" He exclaimed, "I... I n-need to tell her not to do this, that what she's about to do will cause her more harm than good!"
"Calm down little one, you're going to work yourself into a frenzy", the Moon replied, wrapping her light around him once more like a blanket, "if it will make you fell any better, I can send her a dream, a few of them if you wish. Maybe they can prevent her from making such rash decisions"
"Y-you can do that?" Varian asked, gaining a little comfort in her light blanket around him
The Moon shined brighter, "yes, do you remember when you were younger, and you used to dream of me?"
"Yeah"
"I sent those dreams to you, it was my way of introducing myself. I wanted to get to know you because I could sense you had a connection with me", the celestial being chuckled, "I remember your father was startled whenever you'd talk about your dreams"
The alchemist smiled, "I remember that too, those dreams were fun, you made me fly in them.... I never knew why dad was so afraid to talk about those dreams, I guess I do now"
"Indeed, though I'm certain he'd find the enjoyable to listen to now"
Varian chuckled before nodding, "yeah, he would", he looked up at the Moon, "do you mind sending her those dreams?"
"Not at all little one, though I can't say for certain if they'll have an effect on her or not. But I will send them if it'll make you feel better"
The teen smiled, "thank you.... S-sorry.... For freaking out I mean...."
The Moon's light hugged Varian happily, "you do not need to apologize, you're human, and you're going through a very dangerous situation. I almost didn't want to bring this to your attention, but I fear it could harm you, and your family, if you were not made aware"
"I appreciate you telling me, thank you", the alchemist replied. He reached out to the Moon, wanting to return her hug, but he couldn't move towards her and blushed, "....so um.... Hugging you is not allowed?"
The celestial being chuckled, "I can feel your light hugging me"
"My light?"
"Yes, you didn't know?" She asked, "every creature, may they be an animal or a human, has a light and a dark surrounding them. Children, when they're first born, only have light, their innocence and curiosity about the world makes the world brighter when they are born, and depending on their life choices will determine how big their darkness grows", she explained. Varian looked at her, a little confused, she chuckled again, "let me put it this way"
Two forms of Varian stood before him, one made completely of light, the other made of darkness, "woah!" The alchemist exclaimed, he looked down and realized his shadow was gone before he saw the dark part of him wave, he waved back
"This is your light and your darkness", the Moon said, "you are the most balanced human I've ever met, so both of your parts are equal, even if your decisions now steer more towards the lighter side. Everyone has these forms, you start out with your light form", the light Varian waved before he jumped around happily, dancing and playing around the dark Varian, "this light form is your good traits, your kindness and love, your innocence and curiosity, everything good about you".
The Light Varian stopped playing as the Dark Varian began to walk around, he halted at certain places, looking around suspiciously before he continued to walk, he was wringing his hands together nervously as he continued to shift and move throughout the space, "this dark form is your.... Lesser liked traits.... The one's you'd rather keep to yourself, your anxiety and fear, your anger and grief, every bad part of you", the Dark Varian stopped walking around before both forms looked at each other and grabbed the other's hands, the spun in a circle together so fast that they began to blur together until they were nothing more than a light blue ball that floated over to Varian and disappeared as it touched his chest, "they both make up you, you are both good and bad, balanced by your experiences".
The teen looked at his chest for a moment before he looked up at the Moon, "so that's what you meant by my light hugging you"
"Yes, you do that every time you're here too", she said with a giggle, "your light always runs out to hug me, it makes me happy when you do that"
Varian blushed, "eheh...." He realized something, "hey, are you able to show me dad's dark and light forms?"
The Moon chuckled before two forms shaped like Quirin stood before them, the darker side was much smaller than the lighter side, about as big as Varian actually, while the lighter version of his father stood proudly and looked to be about as big as a house, "that's him", the Moon said cheerfully
"Woah! Big dad!"
The celestial being laughed a little, "he's definitely got a much bigger light side than most, it's filled with his kindness and care, but majority of it is filled with love"
"Love?"
"Yes", the Moon replied before the light version of Quirin began to walk over to Varian, placing a hand on his son's head and ruffling his hair, "his love for you in fact"
The alchemist blinked a few times before he smiled wide, placing a hand on his light's father's and seeing the being shine a little brighter, "I love you too dad"
The two beings faded away as Varian wiped away the small wet he felt on his cheeks before he looked up at the Moon once more, "thank you, for the warning and for cheering me up. I'm sorry I got so angry...."
"There's no need to apologize for your emotions little one, you're more than able to feel what you must. Truth be told, when I heard her say that, I grew worried myself"
"....Is.... There any way she can do that to me?" He asked, "and if she did.... W-would I lose my connection with you?"
The Moon's light surrounded the alchemist protectively, "she.... If she has the right ritual.... Then yes.... She can take your powers away.... And you would lose this connection with me...." The celestial being admitted, "but I will never abandon you little one. Even if you cannot feel or hear me, I will give you dreams to show that I am still here. You will never be alone, not ever, not from me"
Varian smiled up at the Moon, he felt something familiar in his heart, something he hadn't felt since he was 3 years old, "thank you", he said, "I wouldn't want to lose you either...."
*Not again*, he thought to himself
The celestial being twinkled with joy before she felt the warmth of something on her, "my brother is calling to me, I have to depart for now little one"
"Oki, b-but I'll see you again right?"
"Of course, look to the sky if you're ever lonely, we will speak again, I can assure you of that"
Varian smiled and nodded, "oki, goodnight Moon"
"Have pleasant dreams my little one"
****
Varian's eyes opened again, but this time he heard the familiar whistle of a sleeping blond next to him. He turned and smiled as he watched Hugo peacefully sleeping right next to him, all seemed quiet in the castle, the Sun just barely poking out from behind the horizon and pouring light into the small room, "Varian", a voice said, startling the teen a bit and getting him to turn away from his boyfriend to see Quirin watching him from the bed adjacent to them, "oops, sorry, didn't mean to startle you"
"N-no it.... It's okay, just... W-what are you doing up so early?" The alchemist asked
"I heard the Moon in my dreams and it woke me up, my mark was glowing, so I stayed awake to see what was going on", he explained quietly, "is everything alright?"
Varian let out a small sigh and shook his head before he got up, making sure Hugo wasn't disturbed as he got out of bed and walked over to his father, sitting next to him and explaining everything he'd just been warned about. He told his father about Cassandra and the being she'd been talking to and how she planned on trying to take Varian's powers away with some sort of ritual. He mentioned the light and dark versions of himself and how the Moon told him how everyone has one, he also mentioned his and Quirin's before he finally finished, "....that's about it.... That's everything we talked about before she had to go, she did mention she'd send Cassandra some dreams to try to steer her in the right direction, b-but she doesn't know if they'll make a difference...."
The retired knight was shocked, "what could she be thinking trying to pull a stunt like that?" He asked
"I don't know.... B-but it.... It felt bad dad.... L-like she was going down the same path I did.... S.... She's gonna get herself into trouble a-and she'll end up in prison, like I was.... I... I'm scared for her dad.... I'm really *really* scared t-that she's gonna ruin everything for herself and end up the same way I did....."
The Village Leader wrapped an arm around him son, "it's going to be okay, she.... Just needs some guidance is all..... Maybe those dreams will be enough to scare her back to our side.... And if now, I know Rapunzel will certainly try to get her back on a better path again", his father consoled, "everything is going to be okay, but.... I'm... Worried about you son"
"What do you mean?"
"She... Right now anyway, she wants your power, and you've barely used any of it. You don't know how to control it or protect yourself. And yeah, you've been doing better with your defense training with me and Eugene, but...." He looked up and sighed, closing his eyes as if he were debating weather this would be a good idea or not before his eyes opened once more, determination filling them as he nodded, "I think it's time me and the other brotherhood members trained you on how to control those powers of yours"
Varian's eyes widened, "really?"
"Yes, we'll need to wait until everything with Donella has calmed down first, but once it has, I'll have a talk with the rest of the brotherhood members, we'll decide how to proceed with your training and see if we can't get those powers to be used to your advantage"
The teen nodded, "m-maybe they can help protect you too, you, Ruddigar, Hugo, Eugene, Lance, Grandpa, Adira, Hector, and Rapunzel"
Quirin smiled, "maybe, for now we must focus on Donella, Hector and Adira are already walking around the side of the castle, near the dungeon window, with Pixie and Basil, it won't be long before they pick up the scent and we can put out plan into action. You'll have to put Cassandra in the back of your mind for now, do you think you can do that?"
Varian took a breath and let it out slowly before nodding, "I can do it, for now"
"Good, we'll get this sorted first, make sure everyone's safe and happy, then we can talk to the other's about the Moon's warning. IF you have another dream like that, let me know"
"Oki"
Quirin smiled, "you're being so brave right now, you know that?"
The teen sighed, "I don't feel very brave...."
"You may not feel it, but you are. The fact that you're scare right now yet you're willing to try and help someone in need proves how brave you are son", the retired knight stated, "in fact, you're probably the bravest teenager I've ever met! I'm really proud of you Varian, really"
The alchemist looked up at his father and smiled wide, "thanks dad, that means a lot"
"You're welcome, I only say it because it's true"
The teen hugged the Village Leader happily, Quirin returning the gesture happily as the Sun continued to rise, the light making the blond in the other bed stir as he opened his eyes, yawning and sitting up before he saw the father son duo holding each other happily. He raised a brow, "something I miss?" He asked, getting the two to look at him and blush as they let go
"Nope, just a nice conversation", Varian replied
The bespeckled teen smirked, "that's good, because this room is no place for mushy family stuff"
It was Quirin's turn to raise a brow, "what exactly is this room for then?"
"Oh you know, good boyfriends getting what they deserve", the blond joked
Varian snorted as Quirin huffed, "soap to the mouth and maybe a good long sit in the corner?" He stated
The blue eyed alchemist giggled, "how about we start with breakfast"
"I'll settle for that", Hugo agreed
"I'm on the fence", Quirin added
"There's gonna be burnt bacon", Varian offered
The retired knight sighed, "it's not burnt, it's *crispy*"
"It's burnt", Varian argued, the two continued this conversation as they helped Hugo out of bed and through the halls, all three of them debating the perfect temperature for the pig based food as the worries and fears from Varian's dream began to drift away for the time being.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter is a small break from the 7 Kingdom Ball arch to talk about Season 3 for a moment. I wanted to make a small mention of Cassandra here because the next time we see her in the story, she's back in Corona and is worried about destroying Rapunzel when she had no qualms about it before. So I wanted to give her a reason as to why she was so afraid! :D
Varian and the Moon's relationship is so adorable to me, I think Moon bean needs a mother figure in his life, and right now, the Moon is the best one to fill that role. Arianna will be adding more to that later on, but for now the Moon is the only one. I love the two talking with each other, they're fun to write! :D
Quirin is being a good father once again! Plus here's the answer to the question asked during the QA on weather or not Varian will get training for his Moon powers or not, short answer, yes, long answer, this chapter! XD
Hugo is here for comedy, and we love comedy! :D Also, he's healed up enough to be able to leave the infirmary as long as he has someone there to help him! :D
Everyone else went back to their own rooms, Varian and Quirin sticking with Hugo :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 222: Preparation!
Summary:
The guards have been discovered and a meeting is called, Varian gets an accusation thrown at him!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian, Quirin, and Hugo had just finished their breakfast, the father and son still debating the best way to have their bacon while Hugo watched with amusement when they suddenly saw several guards running through the halls, weapons out and armor polished as they made their way to the thrown room. Stan was the last to follow his fellow guards, stopping when he noticed the three standing in the doorway of the dining area, "Quirin! Glad I spotted you! Something bad's happened to two of our guards, we may need your help with this", he then noticed Hugo and Varian, "oh, you two may wanna come too.... It.... Donella might be involved Hugo...."
The blond pretended to be startled by this news, feigning a look of worry, "Don? The guards? What happened?"
"Two guards were hurt in the dungeon where she's being held..... Right in front of her holding cell...."
Hugo made a shocked looked, as did Quirin and Varian, "she.... Wouldn't do that", the bespeckled teen stated
Stan nodded, "I understand, your knowledge about her personally may come in handy, do you mind coming with me? Quirin, Varian, you two can come as well, it would be best to have the Village Leader and his son there too"
With a nod, the two teens and Quirin followed the guard into the throne room, where they saw the Queen of Ingvarr, the Duke, the Duchess, Trinity, Dexter, Rapunzel, Eugene, Edmund, Adira, Hector, and the King and Queen of Corona waiting, "everyone please remain calm", Fredrich said, gaining all the guard's attention with Nigel shut the door to the throne room to keep the dignitaries away, "we don't know what happened yet, and we won't know until we've gotten a few answers"
"But your majesty, they were injured and laying in front of Donella's cell, she was the only one seen during the time of their reveal, she has to be the only one who would do this!" One of the guards exclaimed
"Plus the only way we found them was by the Dark Kingdom tamer's pets, which there's no way he would draw attention to this if they were the one's who did it, so it can't be them!" Another pointed out
"I realize how the situation looks, but remember that Donella is inside her cell at the moment, having shown no signs of breaking out, plus the blood found has been dried up, which means it must've happened hours ago", the Coronan King stated, "that being said, I won't rule Donella out completely, seeing as there were no other witnesses and the guards have yet to wake up. We will wait for their answers to find out who knocked them out, until then I want a mass search of the area, leave no corner unchecked and no stone unturned! I want to know who's responsible for this!"
"Yes your majesty!" The guards stated in unison
"Does anyone have any ideas on how this could've happened?" One of the guards asked
"Well I suppose it would come down to motive", Nigel stated, walking up to the royals and standing beside them, gaining everyone's attention
"Are you saying Ingvarr has motives against Corona?" The Queen of Ingvarr asked, "because if you are, then you're *sorely* mistaken"
"Not at all your highness, I'm simply saying the person who did this would need to have a motive for taking out a couple of guards during the night when everyone else was in their rooms or asleep. I don't believe Ms. Donella would do something like this considering she'd already in a holding cell and knows that doing so would only cause her more trouble. Plus, she has no motive or reasoning, why would she attack a few patrol guards outside of her cell, then proceed to go back *in* her cell when she was done, not even bothering to clean up the mess first? It makes no sense and we all know she's a lot smarter than that", the man stated
The guards nodded, as did the Queen of Ingvarr before Queen Arianna raised a brow suspiciously, "so", she said, "who do *you* think would have a clear motive against the guards then Nigel?"
The royal advisor was visibly shifting at the Queen's tone, knowing fully well what he was about to say she wouldn't agree with, "well, you see your highness, there's only one person in this entire castle that would want to cause the guards in the dungeon specifically any harm at all", Eugene and Lance suddenly got a very bad feeling in their stomachs as they looked over to the two teens and one retired knight that were standing in the back of the thrown room, "one person that has had every reason given to them that has shown violent tendencies before against the guards and even the royal family"
Hugo felt his hackles begin to rise as he gripped onto his boyfriend's hand, knowing fully well what was coming next
"Varian Vanguard", Nigel stated, making the guards gasp before they turned to look at the blue eyed alchemist
Varian was standing there in complete shock, his eyes wide, his mouth agape, his heart beating fast as he felt his rage begin to bubble up before he felt Hugo's hand on his as well as Ruddigar's alert. He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly before he closed his mouth and glared at Nigel, "ok, so you're saying I'm the only one with an active motive against the guards, is that correct?"
"Yes", the royal advisor stated, noting how calm the freckled teen's voice was as the entire room was so silent you could hear a pin drop on the carpeted floor
"Well let's play around with that idea, bear with me please", he stated walking over to the royal advisor and looking directly at him, "my motive would be, what, in your opinion, genuine question"
"Well you'd want to teach the guards that hurt you a lesson, everyone knows a few of them were rough with you, and everyone also knows you don't like the guards of this kingdom"
"I see.... But you fail to realize that I have qualms with the new guards, or Stan and Pete", the alchemist stated, "Stan and Pete are kind to me and haven't caused me any harm since my failed uprising. In fact, ever since I've tried to fix my past mistakes, they've been the first to help me out when I've needed them, even going so far as to find someone to come and help me out of a cell I was locked in by a few guards that were fired because of their cruel prank. It was Stan who found me locked up in there remember, he was the one who found Eugene and got him to help me calm down. Pete checked in on me after, giving me a clean blanket and apologizing for the guard's behavior after. Mind you, they're just two of the guards I have no qualms with".
"Yes, and the guards that were attacked were not Stan and Pete", Nigel pointed out
"True, who were they?"
"How do you not-!"
"Because it wasn't me who did it, now who were they? Were they new?"
".....Yes"
"I have no reason to hate any new recruits added after my imprisonment considering they did nothing wrong to me", Varian stated bluntly, "and even if I did, I don't attack the guards that I dislike, I'm *afraid* of them", he stated, "I hide and find ways to actively avoid any guard I happen to see. It's true I have a distaste for many of the older guards here, but, as I'm sure they'll testify to, I do not attack them, I hide or put my head down to avoid eye contact, don't I?" He looked at the guards behind them, majority agreed, the only ones who didn't were the new recruits as Varian looked back at Nigel, "there you have it, oh, and I have two more points to make"
He backed up a bit, placing his hands behind his back, "when did the attack take place?"
"Yesterday evening it seems", Queen Arianna replied with a smile, "the blood is dry enough to show hours have passed, but vibrant enough to show it's been only about a night"
Varian nodded, "thank you your majesty", he said before he gestured to Hugo, "see that handsome man over there? He was in the Infirmary last night, a place I stayed the night in with my father and him. I was in that room from mid morning until this morning around the time the guards began to make their way down the halls to the thrown room, me, my dad, and Hugo were having breakfast together in the dining area when we were told to call here, they can vouch for me"
"He was", Hugo stated as Quirin nodded
"Plus Stan was the one to tell us to follow him to this meeting right as he was about to enter the thrown room doors, Stan?"
"It's true your majesty", the guard in question replied, "I asked him, his father, and Hugo to follow me because something happened, they were, in fact, in the dining area when I spotted them"
Varian looked at Nigel once again, "that's my first point"
The royal advisor felt his blood begin to boil but he asked, "and you're second"
"I wouldn't step foot in that fucking dungeon unless I *had* to", the teen stated as he glared daggers at the advisor, sounding very much like his father as his voice growled out a silent challenge, "that place is nothing but a shell of torture, crime, my own past mistakes, and my little sister Catalina's tears as well as my own. I was beaten, lashed, tortured, deprived of privacy, deprived of basic rights and needs, deprived of my father and my raccoon, and groomed by a man who had succumbed to his own anger and decided to use and abuse me. Why, for even one second, would I *ever* go into a place that holds nothing but horror for me unless I had a necessary reason for doing so? Short answer, I wouldn't".
Everyone was shifting uncomfortably, "must you go into detail about what went on down there in front of royalty?" The royal advisor stated with disgust
"It was royalty that ordered those harsh conditions for me and the other scum of this kingdom to live in. No dignitary, save for the Queen of Ingvarr, the Duke, the Duchess, Miss. Trinity, and Mr. Dexter, are here to listen to any of this. And I apologize for my bluntness on this matter, but I needed to make my point clear", he stated looking at the Queen of Ingvarr
"You have no need to apologize", the Queen replied with a smile, "Ingvarr is full of many harsh conditions, your tragic state of being from inside the dungeons does not harm me, but, and please don't think me rude for saying so, I do worry for your wellbeing mentally little scientist"
The alchemist gave the Ingvarrian Queen a warm smile, "I'm alright now, better than I was, and I appreciate your concern and will have you know I'm taking the necessary steps to get better" The Queen nodded understandingly as Trinity and Dexter gave the teen sad looks, he gave them a genuine smile, calming them before he looked at Nigel once more, "do you have questions or objections to my points, possibly any other reasoning you could see that I may have played a small part in this at all?"
The royal advisor was staring at the teen, he could feel his anger rising before he pushed it back for a calmer approach, "did anyone aside from your boyfriend and your father, both of whom would be biased towards you, in that Infirmary room at the time of the crime?"
"Excuse me?!" Quirin exclaimed as shocked gasps were heard throughout the room, "are you suggesting I would try to cover up a crime my son may have committed because I'm *biased* towards him?!"
"Well, I mean with how you've treated him thus far, it wouldn't be surprising", Nigel stated, "no offense intended, but have you punished your child for the crimes he's committed? The atrocities he's done to this kingdom? Do you even know the *extent* of which he's harmed and injured the innocent?"
The Village Leader growled, "yes, I'm well aware of what Varian did, I'm well aware of the people that were injured in the process, but I am *also* well aware of the *atrocities* the my son endured in that dungeon he should've never been thrown into in the first place *Nigel*", he stated as calmly as he could, "Varian is also trying his hardest *every day* to fix what he's done, rebuilding the damage he caused, taking the blame for the mess that was made and his actions. He does not deny his actions nor does he blame anyone but himself, I am well aware of that too and as his father and *sole* guardian as well as a knight from the Dark Kingdom who has seen and punished many a criminal in my own past, understand that punishing someone who's already learned their lesson and is actively trying to fix it will cause nothing but harm and confusion"
"Oh really? You think that because he apologizes that makes what he's done okay?"
Quirin had to take a *very* deep breath while Varian silently *begged* him to keep his temper before the retired knight let it out and looked at Nigel, "do you have children?"
"What?"
"Do you have children?" He repeated, "I'm serious"
"No of course I don't, but if I-!"
"I didn't ask anything more than that", Quirin interrupted, silencing the advisor, "you don't have children, you don't understand how to be a father or care taker of anyone other than yourself. So I'd like to point something out to you", he walked over to his son and scooped him up protectively, "I raised him since he was a newborn, I watched him crawl, then walk, then run. I've seen his best days and his worst, I've seen his fears and triumphs, his accomplishments and his anxieties. I've been there when he was alone and I've been there when he's made a mistake, punishing him when needed, teaching him when necessary, I have been there for *everything* Varian Asher Vanguard has been through and done. In that time, I've seen the person he is and the person he's grown into, and I've had to make sacrifices for his growth, I've had to set aside many things to make sure he was taken care of since his mother isn't around. I've made mistakes with him I can never take back no matter how I beg to the Moon above that I could. Yet in that time, all 15 years of his life, he's never shown an amount of cowardice at all".
Nigel raised a brow, "what does that have to do with anything?!"
"Because *Nigel*, you hide behind your title to make accusations that would normally land many others in heaps of trouble. You manipulate situations to cause massive panic to spread to make a point crystal clear and show how everyone's dumb except for you. You constantly take the lead when it comes to spreading gossip, I am a *witness* to these actions, you, Nigel, royal advisor to the King and Queen of Corona, are nothing but a coward". Quirin looked the man right in the eyes as he said this, "my son admitted his mistakes, you constantly remind him of them, my son will face the King and Queen when he needs to, you hide behind then and sneer in the shadows, my son stands up in front of a literal room *filled* with guards and makes various points about how he's not guilty in this particular crime, you insult me and Hugo and say our accounts of Varian being with us are unjustified because we're biased based on the fact that we care about him. You are a fully fledged, lily livered, whining, sniveling, *coward*. My son has shown far more respect, restraint, understanding, and kindness in this one instance than you have the entire time you've stayed in this castle, now you tell me again how I'm wrong, how I'm biased, when you've done nothing by try to pin the blame of some unfortunate accident on a 15 year old child who has *supposedly* taken down two fully armed guards in a place he dreads with his entire being, alone".
The royal advisor was shocked, as was everyone else in the room as they waited for Nigel's response. But the man had none, he stared at Quirin, watching as Varian wriggled a bit in his grasp to face him, the teen titling his head to the side, "you okay?" He asked, "you look pale"
Nigel shook his shock away before he huffed, "I am not a coward, I am pointing out a potential lead. But if he didn't do it, and you say that you're not being biased, then I suppose the truth will come to light when we investigate the area"
Quirin's glare deepened as he stared at the man with disgust, wanting nothing more than to spit on the ground before him to show his distaste. But he knew it wouldn't make anything better, so he huffed, "yes it will, and once you're proven wrong, I want you to apologize to me, Hugo, and Varian, in front of everyone in this room", he stated, "and I want you to stop being nasty to him, because you're only throwing the investigation off with pointless pursuits that are not needed".
"And if I'm right?"
"Then I'll accept my punishment", Varian stated, "but I didn't do it"
"....Fine"
Rapunzel stepped forwards, in-between the advisor and the Village Leader, "alright, so we have a job to do then", she looked over at Hugo, "I know you probably don't want me to ask this of you, and I'm sorry, but you know Donella the best, she may be more willing to talk with you if you were the one to ask her questions. Would you be willing to ask her if she knows anything Hugo?"
The blond pretended to wrestle with the decision, which prompted Varian for his cue, "I... Could go with you", he offered
"You'd go down there with me?" The bespeckled teen replied in mock surprise
"Yes, if it'll make you feel more comfortable", Varian replied, "plus, maybe I could take a look around and see if there were any left over clues using my alchemy"
"I thought you needed a *reason* for going into those dungeons", Nigel stated
Varian looked at him with a raised brow, "yes I do, my boyfriend needing comfort as well as me clearing my own name is reason enough wouldn't you think? I still don't *want* to go down there, but it's better than doing nothing and missing something vital"
The advisor went to say something more when Arianna stepped in, "I think it's more than enough of a reason, and *I* permit you access to go down there with Hugo", she stated, looking pointedly at Nigel before she smiled at Varian, "just be careful down there, both of you"
Varian smiled back and nodded, "we will, right Hugo?"
The bespeckled teen was a little startled, but nodded all the same, "yeah, we will, thanks"
"You're welcome"
"Your majesty", one of the guards said, gaining the royal's attention, "what if the two guards wake up, the captain of the royal guards is not here"
"He's right!" Another guard stated, "none of us are qualified to interrogate the guards"
The Queen thought for a moment before Fredrich looked at Quirin, "you were once the captain of our royal guards if memory serves"
"Yes I was", Quirin replied, looking at the man seriously
"Wait, you're thinking of allowing one of the suspect's *family members* to interrogate the victims?!" Nigel exclaimed
"I will say it is a rather odd idea", The Duchess stated, "what if he were to twist their stories?"
"Someone could be in the room with me", Quirin suggested, "Nigel, you could, or an impartial person could watch me, stop me if I'm being too biased"
The royal advisor was a little startled by the man's calm stated, "you... How are you so-!"
"I have full faith in my son, I know he wouldn't do something like this, plus I was in the room with him when this event occurred", the man stated, "he didn't do this so I have nothing to fear"
The royal advisor sighed but nodded, "I'll volunteer to be in the room with him"
"I'd like to be in there as well", Stan stated, raising his hand, "I'm unbiased for both parties"
Fredrich nodded, "very well, if Quirin doesn't mind questioning the two guards, then I'll allow Nigel and Stan in the room to make sure everything said is unbiased"
The Village Leader nodded, "I accept"
Rapunzel smiled and nodded, "then with that, everyone else, head out! Search the dungeons and report any clues you have back to us, Varian and Hugo, you'll be with Pete and Lance, both of whom volunteered to go into the dungeons before you got in here, does that sound good?"
Varian and Hugo nodded, "sounds good princess", the blond said, "thank you, for trusting me"
The sun princess gave him a warm smile, "always"
Hugo returned the kind gesture before he felt a hand on his shoulder, looking up he saw Lance grinning at him, "hiya"
"Hi"
"Ready for some odd dungeon crawlin?"
"I suppose...."
Varian looked at his boyfriend worriedly, "you gonna be alright"
The blond sucked in a breath and let it out slowly before he nodded, whispering, "I know this is part of the plan, but I really am nervous about seeing her again.... After.... After everything....."
Varian hugged his lover tight, "I'm here with you, I won't let you do this alone, okay? It's gonna be alright"
Hugo returned the hug, feeling the blue eyed alchemist's warmth and care soothing his worries, he let out a small sigh and smiled, "thanks Freckles"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, here's the plot, finally XD The investigation is next, and so far, the plan is working, yay!!!!!
Nigel finally got snapped at, showing his true colors in front of an entire crowd. And he finally got his bull called out! He'll get more coming, this was only a minor moment, trust me, he's getting what's coming to him, but for now, this was fun to write! :D
Quirin is being a good dad again!!!!! I freaking love writing Quirin standing up for Varian, it's nice to write and he does so in a way that won't get him or his son in trouble, which makes me happy! Hooray for protective farmer dad!!!!!
Varian isn't backing down from Nigel, the bean's getting braver and braver with each chapter!!!!! He makes some very valid points as well! :D I'll admit, the way the plan sort of worked out was a bit ex machina, but Rapunzel may have influenced a few people off screen with this, so Imma roll with it XD Either way, I'm very proud of my boy! <3
Hugo's starting to get brave too, he's scared and nervous, but he's still gonna do it! Look at the brave blond bean! Yay!!!!
Ruddy buddy is still the best animal ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 223: Who Done it?!
Summary:
Quirin, Nigel, and Stan talk to the two guards in the Infirmary!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin felt his blood still simmering as the snobby advisor followed him and Stan to the Infirmary, the man chatting non stop about his reasoning for questioning Varian and why he still has his suspicions. The retired knight had to hold back every kind of insult he thought of every time the man opened his mouth, thankfully Stan seemed to understand Quirin's frustration as he'd constantly interrupt the advisor in order to point something out to distract him for a few moment before the annoying advisor continued his ceaseless torture on Quirin's poor nerves.
"And furthermore, I merely pointed out that he was the only one who had motive because the guards were particularly harsh with him, especially when they'd force him to go to his home and see how he killed yo-!"
"Don't", the retired knight stated, stopping in his tracks and glaring at the advisor, who turned paler than the Moon at the man's stare
"....R-right..... Apologies, I uh.... Misspoke"
The Village Leader sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before he turned to look at the man, "can I ask you something? Why do you hate my son so much?" He stated sincerely, "I realize his actions towards the royal family and Corona itself were not the best, I understand people were frightened and upset, I get that you may not trust him all the way. But you've gone so far as to embarrass him, harass him, remind him of his misdeeds every single day, and I just don't understand why. Did he do something personal to you, hurt you or your family in some way, because if he has then he'd be more than willing to apologize for it"
"I.... Well no, he's never done anything personally to me"
"Then why do you hate him so much? Varian's been fixing every single mistake he's made yet you seem to want nothing but harm for my child. Maybe that does make me bias, he is my child after all, but I've been seeing him fight to fix everything, apologizing to people, fixing broken buildings and ruined homes, as far as I'm concerned he wasn't the reason the black rocks spread, that was Rapunzel, so you can't really blame him for that. So why do you hate him so much, I don't understand and maybe if I did, I could try to be a little more understanding to you and maybe get Varian to help make amends for whatever he did".
Nigel was startled by this, but he thought about it before he shook his head, "he didn't harm me or my family personally, I just.... Don't trust him, at all. He harmed the royal family, Quirin you should've seen the way he grabbed the princess's shoulders"
"When?"
"When what?"
"When did he grab Rapunzel's shoulders?"
"Well, when he was asking for help during that blizzard, he grabbed her so hard that he left bruises! Plus he was screaming at her, yelling for her to drop everything and help him, I had to get the guards to force him out! For the life of me I will never know what got into him that day, the kingdom was in trouble, whatever he'd done could wait, but then.... That's when everything began to go downhill, he became evil, attacking people using that pet of his and that awful magic he uses! I will never trust him, unless he gives me a valid reason for his behavior!"
Quirin felt a pang on guilt shoot through him as well as anger as he listened to the man before him. He then sighed, "Nigel.... Varian.... He was upset because I was getting swallowed up by the amber at that point"
The advisor's eyes grew wide as he looked up at the man, "he was.... It was because of you?"
"Yes, he didn't trap me in there on purpose, it was an accident, and.... Do you even know the story?" When Nigel shook his head the retired knight raised a brow, "so you've been acting like this towards my son without understanding the full-! ....Ok look, I'm going to tell you what *really* happened, maybe then you'll understand why Varian did what he did, but you can't interrupt me, alright?"
".....Fine"
"Good, now come on", they began to walk towards the Infirmary again as Quirin told Nigel about the full story of his son's decent into the darkness, Stan wincing as he remembered his part to play in Varian's torture....
****
"....That's when I became free from the amber and felt Varian run into my arms screaming that I was alive", Quirin finished, "after that, Varian told me everything he'd done, Rapunzel adding things here and there from her own experience. I came to find out about the torture the guards and king did to my son through other people or Varian's slip ups. He didn't tell me anything that'd happened to him in that cell unless I ended up catching him saying something about it, he's been mentally and physically damaged from his time being in that cell, and his time being on a darker path, but he's finally getting better, and I couldn't be prouder of him. I suppose that's why I'm so protective, I should've done more to help, but I didn't, so I share the blame too, but we're working through it, together", Quirin finished. He let out a break and looked at Nigel, "that's everything"
The royal advisor was silent as they turned the corner, the Infirmary in their sights. He wasn't sure how to react, "I.... I've never heard the story of your son like that before"
"I can verify all of it is true", Stan stated, "I was there for majority of it.... I saw Varian's harsh conditions but was told to stay in line.... I... Still feel horrible about throwing a young child in the blizzard.... I should've never done that, I know Pete regrets it too...."
"...I.... I still don't like what he's done to the kingdom, but.... That was.... Certainly not the best way to go about that....." Nigel said
"I agree, hence why I'm not exactly on great terms with Fredrich at the moment, but we can debate that later, for now", he stopped in front of the Infirmary door and sighed, "shall we?"
Both Stan and Nigel nodded, "we shall", the guard replied before the Village Leader knocked on the door.
"One moment", someone called before the door slid open and Mrs. Solace stood behind it, "oh hello Quirin! Hi Stan, hi Nigel, I... Take it you're here to interrogate the patients?"
The retired knight smiled and nodded, "hello Mrs. Solace, sorry to have to do this, but I was, apparently, the only one qualified since the captain of the guards isn't here"
The doctor nodded, "to be honest, I'm glad it's you, the captain was.... A little rough when it came to questioning"
"He'd have to be in some cases", Stan pointed out gently
"Yes, but not to my patients, they're the victims.... Majority of the time"
Quirin chuckled, "may we come in?"
"You may, oh! How's Varian and Hugo doing?"
"They're alright, they're doing their own investigation, but I think Hugo'll be back in here tonight"
"He'd better be, he's not fully healed yet"
The retired knight smirked, "I'll make sure he gets back here before the night is over, otherwise we'll *both* suffer your wrath"
"Yes you will", she replied with a grin before making room for the three men to pass by her, "they're still a little dizzy, they've only just woken up, so give them a little bit of time to become fully alert, okay?"
"Will do, thank you very much", the Village Leader replied, getting a nod from the doctor before she closed the door behind her and walked over to her desk
The royal advisor watched her for a moment before he looked at the two guards in bed, one of them had bandages all over his frame, as if he's scuffled with the person who'd knocked him out. He looked extremely tired, bags under his eyes and head covered in gauze, he was still laying down, the other seemed to have a bit more energy, sitting up and seemingly alert as he watched the three men. He also had bandages on him, but not many, most of them were on his head as well. He looked a lot less tired and seemed almost excited to see the Village Leader walking in, "Mr. Vanguard", he stated, "that you?"
"Charlie?" Quirin replied, a little surprised as he sat down in-between the pair, "well then, you finally got the position of your dreams haven't you?"
"Yeah I did, too bad my first assignment ended up with me in the hospital, hopefully this doesn't become a thing though. What good's a guard brat if he can't even show how hard he's trained to be here, right?"
"You're plenty good, this was a... Strange set of circumstances, they happen"
Nigel cocked his head to the side, "you know this guard? He's a new recruit, they both are, *I* don't even know them"
The retired knight chuckled, "this is Charlie Dae, he's the son of Evan Dea, one of my most trusted farm hands. I've known this kid since he was.... Well.... A kid!"
"Evan Dea, I remember him", Stan stated, "he retired from the guards after getting injured, didn't he?"
"Yeah", Charlie replied, "put up quite a fuss too because of it, but he likes being a farm hand, says it gives him pleasure to help you Mr. Vanguard"
"You really don't have to call me that Charlie, it's just Quirin", Quirin said
"I know, 's just good manners"
"Your mother raised you well"
"Thanks!" Charlie then looked over at the other guard, "his name's Ethan, he's a real nice guy, though he's kinda.... Well he just doesn't have as much energy as I do I guess. Took a lot of the blows though"
"Blows?" Quirin asked
"Yeah, there was this crazy dude that came outta nowhere and ambushed us! I didn't get a lot of time to look at him unfortunately, but I know he seemed pretty big, almost as big as you Mr. Vanguard", the energetic guard replied, "he did have a faint odor of sweaty socks though, and metal, it was nasty, if you're gonna attack someone, ya may wanna bathe first"
The retired knight snorted, "what am I going to do with you?"
"Beats me"
Quirin smiled, "is your father coming to see you?"
"Think so, but he's probably not too happy that I'm in the Infirmary on my first day. He's been trainin me up for this ya know? Feel like I've kinda disappointed him a bit"
"I'm certain Evan would understand, he's a nice man"
"Oh he's nice, but he doesn't tolerate nonsense, and.... I *might've* been doin somethin instead of keepin *total* watch"
The retired knight sighed, "were you flirting again?"
"Yeah, with this super hot chick too!" Quirin raised a brow, "what? Can you blame me for likin that hot ones? She was sexy!"
"You call me Mr. Vanguard yet you're just about the biggest flirt Old Corona has ever seen"
"I have good manners and good taste!"
The retired knight chuckled again before he noticed Charlie shake his head a bit, clearing it, "you okay?"
"Yeah, just a little dizzy, I did just wake up after all"
"Fair point, I'll let you collect your thoughts, you mind if I talk with your friend?" Quirin asked
"Go ahead, though he's pretty quiet, just met him today, seems shy"
"Noted, rest up Charlie"
"Will do Mr. Vanguard!"
"So", Nigel began, "a larger person who smells bad"
"Not a whole lot to go on", Stan added
"True, though the metal part is interesting", Quirin stated quietly as he looked over at the other guard, "Ethan's his name I suppose"
"Yeah", Stan stated
"You know him?" Nigel asked
The guard nodded, "he may be one of the new recruits, but I was the one that helped train him. He's very quiet, but he's good at his job, he's been on two posts before this and has stopped a few robbers, mind you, this is his second week"
"Wow", the retired knight replied, "what shift does he usually work? He looks tired"
"Same as any new recruit, night shift in the dungeons, he got partnered there with Charlie yesterday, Pete and I were supposed to be the shift change"
"Which is why Pete was assigned to go down into the dungeons with Varian and Hugo", Nigel stated, "but why did Lance go?"
"Dunno, said something about wanting to keep the kids safe, possibly talk to anyone that might've been there with Donella"
Quirin's mind knew exactly who Lance wanted to talk to, but he kept it to himself as he turned to look at the stoic guard on the bed, "do you know anything else about him Stan?"
Stan glanced at Ethan before shaking his head, "I know he showed promising results, so to take a guard recruit out so quickly would take a pretty strong person, or a few of them"
"Noted", the retired knight stated before he walked over to Ethan, the new recruit noticing him immediately and sitting up, looking as if he were at attention and waiting for orders. Quirin was certain the recruit would salute him if the cast on his arm wasn't there, he chuckled, "at ease solider"
He'd meant it as a joke, but Ethan did relax a bit at that, his shoulders drooping a bit as he nodded, "sorry, force of habit"
"It's alright, you're name's Ethan right? It's a nice name"
The new recruit nodded again, "yes sir, Ethan Nite"
"Nice to meet you"
"You as well, it's nice to finally meet you Mr. Vanguard, I've heard stories about you"
The Village Leader raised a brow, "stories?"
"Yes, but I suppose that'll have to wait won't it, you probably want to know about what happened in the dungeons yes?"
The retired knight was a little startled, but nodded, "if you don't mind"
"Not at all, I'm more than willing to give my report on the incident, it was a very odd turn of events"
"Do you mind if I sit down?"
Ethan shook his head, "I don't mind, thank you for asking though"
"You're welcome, and thank you", the Village Leader sat in the chair between Charlie and Ethan once more, pulling is closer to Ethan so he didn't disturb Charlie, "do you remember what happened to you that night?"
"Yes sir, it's not as clear as I'd like though"
"That's alright, give me what you can remember"
Ethan nodded, a small smile forming on his lips as he began to tell the story, "me and Charlie were making our rounds, checking all the cells and making sure they're all secure when Charlie started to flirt with one of the prisoners"
"She was hot!" Charlie exclaimed
Ethan sighed before he continued, "I tried to get him to stop, but then I heard an odd noise, almost like someone was walking towards us. I thought it was odd since no one was supposed to switch shifts with us for a few hours at best. I looked around but no one was there, I was about to ready my sword when someone grabbed my shoulders and threw me into some cell bars. I didn't have much time to react when I felt them punch my stomach. I began to wrestle with them, punching and clawing my way away from them, I did manage to break free just long enough to see the attacker, he was large with light brown, nearly yellow, eyes. He worse gauntlets made of silver and shoulder pads made of silver as well and has a scar over his left eye. He was also very large and muscular, but that's all I got before he began to pummel me again. He had a small dagger with him and managed to get some cuts in before he broke my arm to stop my attacks and knocked me out with the blunt end of the blade", Ethan explained, "I think he'd managed to get Ethan after he'd thrown me in the cell bars, it took me a minute to recover, I'm sorry I don't have much more to go off of"
Quirin nodded and gave the man a smile, "no no, you've given me a very clear picture of who might've jumped both you and Charlie and you both just helped clear a little boy's name, thank you for that"
"I'm glad I could help, makes me happy to know I can help people just as you have Mr. Vanguard"
The retired knight cocked his head to the side, "what do you mean?"
Ethan's smile grew a little bigger at this, "I've been wanting to talk with you for quite a long time, my family, more importantly, my grandfather. He came from the Dark Kingdom"
Quirin's eyes widened at that, "wait, your grandfather, was his name Christopher Nite?"
"Yes, that was him, he told me many stories about you and your siblings, said you saved his life when he was younger"
"He's right, I saved him from a rock slide and he saved me by fixing my wounds, he became one of the most well known doctors in our kingdom because of that, I used to visit him frequently"
The recruit hummed happily at that, "my grandfather told me many stories like that, he'd watch you and your siblings take care of the Dark Kingdom and its king, and he wanted to thank you for it. Sadly he's.... No longer with us, but I wanted to make sure you knew how grateful he was to you. My family lives in Nezerdnia, and he told me his home was destroyed. He mentioned you also saved my grandmother too when he was a little older, a rock came out of the ground and nearly pieced her heart before you came and pushed her out of the way, taking the blow for yourself and landing in the hospital for a few weeks"
"I.... I remember that!" Quirin exclaimed, "they were walking down the path towards the castle and there were cracks on the ground below her"
Ethan nodded, "he never got a chance to say thank you, because when you did that, you saved the baby she was carrying in her stomach, my mother". Ethan grinned at him happily, his eyes filled with respect and admiration for the man sitting in front of him, "I really love my mother, she was very kind and dear to me and I would've never gotten to know her, or have been born at all, had it not been for you. I wanted to thank you on my grandfather's behalf for that, he said you were brave and kind, always making sure everyone was safe. I wish we'd met in a much better setting, I wanted to show how I decided to try and be a knight because of you, I'm still striving for that, I want to be a knight, I want to help people, like you, I even understand the darker aspect of being a knight and still want to be one. Thank you Mr. Vanguard, for saving my grandparents life, for saving my mother's life, and for helping save mine, you have my upmost respect Mr. Vanguard, you really do"
The retired knight felt tears sting in the corners of his eyes as he smiled at the man before him. He'd always thought of his time as a knight as something he'd had to do, and something he'd have to hide due to it's dark nature and the dangers that could be received from anyone knowing anything about the Dark Kingdom or him and his siblings. But here someone was, happy to be here and alive because of him, he felt warmth swell in his heart, and smiled wide, "thank you for that", he said, "you have no idea how much that means to me"
Ethan smiled wider, "I want to be like you one day, and retire with the highest honor I could ever achieve while still helping people. I even heard you have a son of your own, I'm certain he's extremely proud of you as well"
Quirin smiled even wider as Varian's letter flashed in his mind, the words singing in his head, 'I may not be the strongest, fastest, heck I may not even be the smartest. But I will always love you dad, no matter what'. He ginned, "thank you, sincerely, thank you for that, I was happy to get to know your grandfather, he was kind and a good man, a very good man. He raised a fine young women as your mother, and he would definitely be proud of you if he were here today, I know I am"
Ethan's eyes widened and he placed a hand on his mouth before he smiled wide and nodded, "t-thank you sir"
"You can call me Quirin if you want"
"....Thank you Quirin"
"You're welcome Ethan, and thank you, for both your help in identifying the person who ambushed you, and for your kind words, they really mean a lot to me, I'll remember them, always"
With that, he decided to let the guard have a moment, excusing himself as he walked towards Nigel and Stan, both of whom were smiling at the night guard, who was trying to hide his emotional state, "we should give them a bit of space", Stan said, Quirin agreed and they walked out the door
"So, we have a suspect then", Nigel stated as the guard closed the entrance to the Infirmary room behind him, "and it looks like I owe you and Varian an apology"
"Yes we do, and yes you do", Stan replied, "and it's pretty obvious too. He would've been the only one down there with her during the time of the attack, we just don't know his motive"
"We won't know until Varian, Hugo, and Lance come back", Quirin stated, "but we can definitely tell who they were describing.... Cyrus"
Notes:
Hello!
So, we now know who jumped the guards, though I'm fairly certain the reveal is a little obvious considering, next chapter is gonna be the bean's perspective! YAY! :D (that one may take me a bit to write, only because it's also part of the Hugo arch!)
Nigel finally learns about the FULL story of why Varian did what he did. I get the feeling he didn't know the actual reason Varian was so freaked out, Fred-jerk-rich didn't want anyone to know about the black rocks, which is why he silenced Quirin and hid them from his wife. I'm certain he kept it from Nigel too, hence the nasty behavior towards Varian when he called the guards to throw him out (still makes him a jerk though....) I'm not redeeming him, he's getting his just comeuppance no matter what, he's a jerk, that's final.
Stan is a good boy, I like Stan more than I like Pete, no offense to the strong guard's boyfriend, but Stan can do waaaay better, though I still like Pete :3 As you'll soon see in the next chapter! :D
Quirin!!!!! BIG PAPA GOT SOME LOVINS!!!!!! Sorry X'D I wanted to give Quirin some happy moments because he's kinda been through a lot and I have a feeling he's very shy about his past, simply because everyone made such a huge deal about keeping it a secret. So I made him have a moment with another guard, someone who aspires to be like him, kinda like Varian! :D So yay!
Charlie Dae (did that on purpose), and Ethan Nite, I love these two OC's of mine and am very happy they're made! :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 224: Donella! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Hugo, Varian, Lance, and Pete all head down into the dungeons to talk with Donella!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
'I w-will stand m-my ground.... N-no I w-won't... B-back down.... Y-you can s-stand me up a-at the gates of H-Hell b-but I... W-won't.... Back d-down.... I-I will stand my gr-!'
"Freckles?"
"AH!" Varian jumped back a few feet, slamming into the wall behind him before blinking a few times and seeing emerald green eyes in his vision, "H-Hugo?"
"Love, are you gonna be okay down here?" The blond asked, instantly calming his nervous boyfriend's nerves and helping him away from the wall, "you've been down here for maybe a minute and already you're jumping into walls and.... Singing?"
The blue eyed alchemist sighed, "s-sorry.... I was singing b-because it kinda helps calm my nerves a little, I-I'll be alright, it's just.... Hard"
Hugo nodded, "I understand, look if this is too much, we can go back up and wait for your dad"
"N-no it's okay, I want to.... I *need* to get past this! I'll never be able to come down here in case of emergencies if I don't"
"You came and saved me, you handled that just fine"
"Yeah but... T-that was because you were in danger.... A-and you're special....."
The bespeckled teen blushed, "heh, thanks, you are too, but seriously", he stated, seeing his lover shiver, "are you going to be okay? You don't have to come down here if you can't"
"I-I'll be alright, once we're down I'll be fine, i-it's not like we're going into the deepest parts of the d-dungeon anyway, s-so I'm fine.... J-just need to get over the initial fear is all"
"What song were you singin?" Lance, who was behind the pair of alchemists with Pete, asked, "I remember it, but I don't know where I heard it from"
"My dad", Varian replied with a shy smile, "h-he sings that to me whenever I'm scared, it's his way of telling me he'll protect me no matter what. It... Always made me feel better"
The former thief smiled, "Quirin's a really amazin dad isn't he?"
"He really is", the freckled teen agreed, "a-anyway, I'm sorry if that was annoying a-at all"
"No no, it wasn't", Hugo stated, "actually you sang that song really well"
"You think so?"
"Yeah! Ignore the fact that I've never heard it before, you still did great!"
Varian giggled, "thanks Hugo"
"You're welcome love"
The blue eyed alchemist blushed, "you just earned three more good boyfriend points"
"Sweetness, how many do I have now?"
"Hmmm.... About 33 now"
"33?"
"You earned a few when I heard you whistling in your sleep after a nightmare, it made me smile"
The blond smirked, "getting close to a prize yet?"
"Mmmmmmmaybe"
"Prize?" Pete asked, raising a brow in confusion
"Trust me, you do not want to know, unless you like alche-flirtin", Lance stated
Hugo snorted, "alche-flirting?"
"You like that? Came up with it myself!"
"It's clever, I'll give you that"
Varian smirked before he heard whispers coming from below them, he stopped and looked to see the opening of the dungeons onto the cell floor, "w-we're here", he stated, feeling a cold chill run up his spine
The rest of the group stopped and looked at the opening before they looked back at the alchemist, "you sure you're gonna be okay?" Lance asked worriedly, "seriously you do not have to do this, there's a time and a place for you to take your next steps, and if this ain't the time, then there's no shame in saying you're not ready and walkin back up those stairs"
The blue eyed alchemist was quiet for a moment, he'd been so sure before, he'd felt a lot braver upstairs, but now?.... He stared at the opening and all the memories came flooding his mind, he hated this place, he hated every second of it, but.... He looked at Hugo, the blond was shivering too, very slightly, a blink and you'll miss it kind of shake, but Varian could tell. Hugo needed him down there, scared or not, he needed him, so the freckled teen took in a breath, calmed his nerves, gave Ruddigar a scratch behind the ear, and nodded, "I'll be alright, I'm scared, definitely, b-but I won't back down now, I'll be fine, besides, we're only going to the holding cells, that's no where *near* the place I was in!"
"Varian-!" Hugo began
"I'm fine", Varian interrupted gently, smiling as he looked into his boyfriend's eyes, "no guard is gonna throw me in a cell, no Seporian is gonna hurt or abuse me, the only person I think I might see is that raccoon eater"
"You mean Dwayne? He's down here again?" Lance asked
"Yeah him, he tried to steal a few slices of bread from Monty's shop, Eugene and dad caught him and I happened to see him being brought down here a few days ago. But I'm not afraid of him, everything's gonna be okay, besides", he added, "I have to protect my Hugo".
The blond blushed before he chuckled, "you protect me huh? Alright, I'll be the damsel in distress this time, you're fun to roleplay with after all"
"Oi!" Lance exclaimed, "no dirty talk!"
Varian giggled, "yeah Hugo, we have a Pete present"
"Huh?" Pete said, a little confused by that statement as Lance tried to hold in a snicker
"T-thahat w-wahahas not fuhuhunny", the former thief stated before he cleared his throat, "anyway, you two stop that, or I'm tellin Quirin"
Hugo chuckled as Varian giggled, "oki, we're done.... For now"
Lance sighed, "I don't know what I'm gonna do with you two, come on, we've got a job to do yeah?"
"Right", the three of them replied before they descended down the stairs together
****
Hugo was nauseous, he'd been feeling that way the entire time they'd been down there, but all conversations ceased when they'd set foot on the dungeon floor. His stomach began doing flips as they made their way over to the holding cells. Hugo sucked in a big breath of air before letting it out slowly, he felt someone's hand on his shoulder, and looked to see Varian giving him an understanding smile. He returned it by placing his hand on his boyfriend's and smiling back before he heard a voice that made his blood begin to boil, "well isn't this a surprise, a little blond birdy decided to leave his precious cage to come mingle with the prisoners, ain't that sweet?"
Hugo glared at the man, "Cyrus...."
"Who else?" Cyrus replied with a smirk, "what do you want? Come here to yell at her? Don't really think she needs that right now comin from you"
"I'm not here to yell at her, I'm here to talk, *without* you if you don't *mind*"
The man chuckled, "oohoohoo, looks like the birdy has claws now"
"Shut the fuck up you racist piece of shit!" The blond snapped, "I don't have *time* for you! Look, just stand aside, I don't want to fight or argue, I just need to talk to Don"
"The fuck makes you think you're allowed to talk to me that way *runt*", the man asked, glaring at the teen hungrily, "you think you could take me? Is that it? Because I thinking you're on the *wrong* side of the fight ya damned *street rat*!"
Rocks sprouts from the ground and pointed directly at Cyrus, one of them nearly piercing his nose as a glow shined bright in the dark dungeons, everyone looked to see Varian growling dangerously at Cyrus, "move. *Now*".
The Ingvarrian warrior scoffed, "wow, have to get your sparkly boyfriend to do your dirty work-!" He stopped talking when one of the rocks nearly pierced his heart, it stopped *centimeters* away from it, Varian's glowing shining even brighter than before
"Move. *NOW*!" His voice echoed off the walls, the authoritative tone sounding so different compared to the teen's much more quiet one, "you have ten seconds to do as I ask, or you'll end up as a shish kabob we serve at dinner, the choice is yours!"
Cyrus waited for a second, two, then three before he rolled his eyes and walked out of the way, "happy?"
The glow went away, as did the rocks before Varian closed his eyes while the light faded, he opened them once the darkness had returned and continued to glare at Cyrus, "Lance is going to be asking you a few questions over there. You wait until we're *done* before returning to this spot, if you *don't* follow what I say you will *severely* regret it. Am I understood?"
The group was silent, shocked at the teen's anger before Cyrus sighed and nodded, "fine, but if she so much as *whispers* my name, I'm here in two seconds flat no matter what you fucking say"
"Fine"
"Good"
"Leave."
"Whatever", Cyrus walked away from the holding cells, Pete following behind him as Lance gave Varian a very concerned look
"Varian-!" The former thief began
"I'm fine, just...." The freckled teen sighed, "he.... Called my dad savage and said some really racist things about my family and.... And with how he was treating Hugo I just...."
"It's alright, I understand little man", Lance replied softly, "we'll take care of him, you two just be careful okay?"
Varian nodded as Hugo wrapped an arm around the blue eyed alchemist before he looked back at the former thief, "we will, I can assure you we'll both be watching each other's sexy ass's"
The freckled teen blushed turned to face Lance, his back away from both the former thief and Hugo, "you-you're such a *perv*!"
The green eyed alchemist grinned, "got you to feel better though, didn't it?"
The blue eyed alchemist sighed but nodded, "a little.... Though you just lost three good boyfriend points"
"Wha-hey hold on, I can *lose* them?!"
"Yup, and you just lost three for your pervy actions"
"That's a little harsh don't you think?"
"Nu"
Lance chuckled, "you two", he said with a smile, "just be careful, alright? I'll be right around the corner"
The two alchemists nodded, "thanks Lance", Hugo said
"No problem", with that, the former thief walked away, heading towards Pete and Cyrus, leaving the two teens alone.
They looked at each other, "you ready?" Varian asked, "no turning back now"
The blond sighed, "I'm ready, you?"
"Yup"
"Ok.... Here we go"
They walked over to the holding cells, looking inside each one, seeing several people inside, including Ash:> and Mha_kny, who were thankfully just helping to clean the holding cells, until they saw the person they were looking for. she was sitting in the very back of the cell, atop the cot they provided all the prisoners, she was looking out the window nearby and was quiet. The two stared at her for a moment, neither one really sure what to say until she spoke first, "I was wondering when you'd come visit"
Hugo felt his body begin to shiver as he felt nauseous once more, but Varian took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, it was exactly what he needed, "um... Y-yeah, hi Don... Been a while" he replied softly
"It has.... How are you feeling?"
"I um...." he sighed, "I'm okay.... S-still hurt, and confused but.... okay..... You?"
"Same"
"I see...." They were silent once more before the blond sighed again, "Don we.... We need to talk to you about something.... A lot of somethings.... Actually....."
"I figured", she replied, "you must have questions, and I'm certain Quirin's already told you of my misdeeds, if not then Varian has"
"....Yeah.... Yeah they-they did...."
The room was silent, the three of them didn't speak, none of them really knew what to say for few seconds before Varian spoke up, "we.... Need to ask a few questions about something else but... B-but we.... I think we need to discuss what happened between you and my mom too.... Don't we"
They saw Donella nod, "we do.... But first", she looked at the both of them, the alchemist's noting the bags underneath her eyes and how withered she looked, "how about you two tell me what you really want to discuss first"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So we finally get to see Donella and speak with her now, this is definitely going to be something :3
Hugo and Varian are each other's support and it's adorable to me! :D Plus, pervy Hugo is fun to write!!!!!! <3
Lance is the big brother/parent in this chapter, he's fits that role really well here! :D
Pete is just happy to be there XD
Cyrus can go stub his toe because he is a wet sock, and Donella's looking a bit tired at the moment but seems willing to talk, I wonder why :3
Ruddy buddy is still the best! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 225: Donella! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Hugo and Varian talk to Donella about many things!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The room was silent, the three of them didn't speak, none of them really knew what to say for few seconds before Varian spoke up, "we.... Need to ask a few questions about something else but... B-but we.... I think we need to discuss what happened between you and my mom too.... Don't we"
They saw Donella nod, "we do.... But first", she looked at the both of them, the alchemist's noting the bags underneath her eyes and how withered she looked, "how about you two tell me what you *really* want to discuss first"
Varian and Hugo looked at each other anxiously, not really sure where to start before the blond sighed, "Don we.... You...." He hesitated, not entirely sure how to start this conversation
The grey haired women chuckled, "you want to know if I'm involved in the Duke and Duchess's plan, don't you"
Both alchemist stopped and stared at her, eyes wide and mouths open from shock, "I... W-we...." Hugo began
"Pfft! What are you *talking* about?" Varian tried, waving his hand dismissively, "we don't know anything about uh a-about that, eheh. We just... Um... We were gonna a-ask about the weather! Yeah! J-just the weather, a-and my mother and....." He sighed, "you don't believe a word I'm saying, do you?"
"Nope", Donella replied with a smirk and a raised brow, "and for the record, Ulla wasn't a very good liar either. She did the same thing you just did, it's kinda funny how much you're like her... Makes me miss her more actually...."
The blue eyed teen felt a confusing wave of warmth and anger at the same time as he watched the women in the holding cell smile at him, "um...."
"Right, sorry, that was disrespectful", Donella stated, "to answer your unasked question, no, I didn't want anything to do with the Duke and Duchess's plan. I think it's incredibly stupid and it'll get them caught easily. Plus...." She looked at Hugo, "I... Didn't want to cause you any more trouble than I already have"
Varian raised a brow, "why should we believe that? What brought the sudden change of heart?" He asked, a little too defensively
The grey haired women sighed, "I realize my actions were not the best, in fact they were extremely unjustified and horrid. I kept trying to justify everything I was doing by saying the it was for the best, that I knew what I was doing since everything was stable. But when I snapped and hurt Hugo to the degree that I had, I realized I was wrong.... I turned a little boy into a fighting machine because of my own selfish reasons. I made a profit by extorting and using people's stupidity against them, that's not how I was before, that's not how Ulla was either.... She taught me to always be kind, even to the people who are not, she taught me to be better, to be someone who did good in this world.... Yet when she passed away, I.... Lost sight of what she wanted.... I did things that ended up being good, but the way I went about doing them was not.... Ends justify the means... That wasn't the right way to live.... I realized that when I saw Hugo on the floor.... I felt ashamed...."
"Poisoning Eugene was supposed to lead to something good?" Varian asked, shooting a glare at the women, "keeping Hugo away from me was gonna end like a fairytale would?"
"I was doing what I thought would be good for Ingvarr, my home, and Hugo himself", Donella replied, "Eugene threatened me, he has somehow found out about what I was doing to you Hugo, and threatened to tell someone should I step on toe out of line while he was around, he'd constantly survey the area too, watching everything I did whenever I was near you"
"Eugene...." Varian said under his breath with a loving smile, "oh I owe you so much Flynn Rider memorabilia after this"
"That man....." Hugo stated, "he found me in the bathroom covered in bruises and crying, I didn't tell him everything, but he knew.... And I made him promise not to tell"
"He was extremely slick about it, making sure I knew he knew what I was doing to you without telling me how he'd found out. Because of my clouded state, I thought getting him out of the picture would make it easier for me to get to you and keep you away from Varian....." Donella admitted
"So you admit to poisoning Eugene?" The freckled teen asked
"Yes, the Duke and Duchess did not have a hand in that, that was me and Cyrus alone"
"Cyrus too....." The blond stated, "fuck me.... Why? Why did you try and keep me under your thumb, what was the point?!"
"I was trying to teach you", she looked at Hugo, "how to survive without needing to worry about relying on anyone else. To do that, I thought you needed to be cold, calculating, always watching your surroundings and never trusting anyone you don't know. So when you told me about Varian", she gestured to the blue eyed alchemist, "I thought he was only a distraction..... Then I found out who his father is and.... Well that changed everything...."
"Why?" Hugo asked, "why does Varian being Quirin's son change things? Is it because of his mother?"
"Yes and no, it's because of her and Quirin himself.... When I saw him again, that farmer I.... He brought things back, the betrayal, the anger, the hatred.... He brought them all back just by standing in front of me... I knew he wasn't the cause of everything, I knew, on some level, he hadn't told me to make the choices that I'd made... But that didn't matter, because he was here, he was still alive, and he has his son with him.... Varian seeing you.... Hurt.... But you're not at fault for my actions, that was me and I accept that.... It just hurt.... It was like seeing Ulla again, yet she wasn't here, and she never will be and it was my fault.... That thought alone plagued my mind and made my judgement sway away from indifference...."
"Don you.... You hurt me before I ever met Varian", Hugo stated, "you said so yourself, every little mistake I made ended up causing me to get a blow or yelled at, you.... You hurt me almost my entire life..... Why?"
".....Because you aren't Varian....." Donella admitted, "I'm sorry..... But that's the real reason.... Because you aren't her son...."
Varian's eyes began to glow bright, his anger boiling a hole inside his stomach as he grabbed Hugo's hand protectively, "that's.... That's such a horrible reason....."
"I know.... But after I tried to....." The grey haired women stopped, hesitating
"After you tried to kidnap me?" Varian finished for her, "yeah, dad told us about that, still have the scar you gave me too"
"I'm sorry... But yes, after I tried to take you, take the very last piece of Ulla left in this world..... And I failed to do so.... I..... I couldn't face Hugo anymore.... I couldn't look at him the same way I'd done before, he wasn't you.... He wasn't Ulla's child.... It was wrong.... It was very wrong, and I'm sorry.... So very sorry.... But it hurt knowing you weren't her child.... To the point where I only felt anger whenever I saw you.... But that wasn't fair.... It wasn't.... And you have every right to hate me for it....." She said, "it's why I decided not to join in the Duke and Duchess's plan, I don't know how much you know, but they told me I could get Hugo back under my control and that Quirin would be out of the way, so would Varian.... But I hurt your family enough, I didn't want to hurt you anymore.... And I have no right to Hugo.... Not after all I did to him.... I may be late, very late, but I finally broke out of whatever anger clouded my mind, maybe being in this cell helped.... I hope to make up for what I did... In any way I can, I mean that....." She looked directly at Hugo, who was staring at the floor, "I do.... Hugo I... I'm sorry for what I did to you... I am, and I'm sorry for what I did to you Varian, and Quirin and.... And Ulla.... I'm sorry.... I'm so sorry.... I didn't mean for things to go this far, and when they did, I couldn't take them back.... But I'm willing to help, I want to.... I want you to be happy Hugo, I really do"
".....So you said no to the Duke and Duchess's plan?...." The bespeckled teen asked, surprising Varian and Donella
"I... Yes, I said no", the grey haired women replied
Hugo looked her in her eyes, making her wince. His glare was piercing her soul, eyes filled with unshed tears as they looked tired, so incredibly tired..... He spoke again, his tone sharp but calm, unwavering, "we know they want to take out the Dark Kingdom, we have a feeling it's because the Dark Kingdom's resources will overtake the market that brought Ingvarr to it's current status. We know they asked you to help them out, but we don't know what they plan on doing, did they tell you?"
".....Yes, they plan on spreading rumors, lies about the Dark Kingdom and it's leaders, trying to scare them into thinking the kingdom was full of warriors who only want to fight and hurt. They planned on using Quirin's hatred of me to do that"
"They were going to use my dad?" Varian asked, his eyes glowing brighter
"Yes, they wanted to use Trinity and Dexter to lure Hector out, and hurt him out of defense, then they'd take responsibility over him since he's still their child, even if he's a grown man. They'd keep all of you away from Hector, which would bring out Adira next, they.... Have connections to the Baron's men.... They planned to have me bring him up, threaten Adira with him if she didn't back off. If that didn't stop her, they would've brought the Baron's men here, they have the materials to do so and I know Weasel is still around and loyal to the Baron, he's got quite a few men around too.... She would be outnumbered and hurt and/or killed.... They'd spread rumors about her demise, Hector's attack, and Quirin's past that would cause Edmund to panic and worry since he's a sensitive king with a checkered past himself, possibly use his past mistakes to place him in a holding cell with me.... Then they'd hurt you by having me take Hugo away, it would make you upset and cause your father to lash out with a little intimidation and threats towards you. They'd make Quirin attack Cyrus, who would use the slur against you, not a lot of people know about that slur, but it would cause Quirin to defend you, they'd end up 'accidentally' getting injured by his attack and it would cause him to be thrown in the dungeons as well. Your family would be broken, the Dark Kingdom's hope of rebuilding would be destroyed, and you would be a wreck, having to be sent to an orphanage because you parents wouldn't be around. Hugo would break after that and I'd be the only one he could turn to.... That was their plan..... And they still plan on trying it without me involved..... They're first target is Hector...."
Varian was shocked at this, he felt his mind try to reason with him, saying she could be lying and trying to trick them, but before he could ask, Hugo spoke up, "they plan on doing this while you're still in a holding cell and can easily tell everyone what they're going to do?"
"They think that since I was caught abusing you, no one would believe me. Plus, I won't be around when they enact their plan, and I'm not trustworthy since I'm in a holding cell. They won't help me during my trial, which is fine, and they intend for me to rot with this information in mind. I can do nothing to stop what's coming, the fact that you two came to talk with me was not something they expected", Hugo raised a suspicious brow, "they're not very smart, they know how to spread gossip and scare monger people. They know that getting Quirin to attack them is the best way of getting rid of him and the only way that'll happen is by getting rid of his support.... That information... They... Got it from me before I was in here.... But that's all they have and, to an extent, they're right. Even if you get the Queen of Ingvarr herself to come down and speak with me, they won't believe what I have to say. They're hoping the guards being hurt will be enough to condemn me until this is all over".
The blond sighed, "we'll need to wait for what the guards say to be sure of what's going to happen...."
"Do you know who attacked the guards?" Varian asked
"No, it happened away from my cell, the only reason I knew they were attacked at all is because I saw them unconscious", Donella replied, "but if it was Cyrus, which I'm betting it was, that'll only condemn me more, he'll say I told him to"
"Why would Cyrus do that?" Hugo asked, "isn't he your loyal lap dog?"
"No, he's loyal to the Duke and Duchess", Donella replied
"Wait what?" Varian asked, "how?"
"He's a hired hand, they hired him a long time ago when I went out on my own after.... After Ulla..... They didn't know what I'd done, only that she'd been killed.... Because of this, they wanted to make sure I was protected because I'm useful to them, so they hired Cyrus to be my right hand man and bodyguard. He became loyal to me out of necessity, they're the one's paying him, quite a lot too, so even if he *wanted* to help, which he wouldn't, he'd have to listen to them".
"....So you've really lost everything...." Hugo stated, getting both Donella and Varian to look at him, "you lost your status, your friends, your family, your loved one, your bodyguard, and your freedom.... You've lost everything...."
"Yes"
"....Varian we need to go."
The blue eyed alchemist's eyes stopped glowing as he watching his boyfriend, "Hugo-!"
"We got what we needed, we should go before we get caught.... Lance and Pete are done talking to Cyrus by now"
With that, the bespeckled teen turned away from Donella and began to walk away, "I'm sorry...." The grey haired women said, getting the teen to stop in his tracks, "I'm sorry for what I did to you, I never wanted you to get hurt, and you have every right to hate me for what I've done. But... Don't let this break you... You have a good thing going, you don't want to lose it.... Don't-!"
"Don't what? Be like you?" Hugo interrupted, "I wasn't planning on it, I was *never* going to turn into you, never.... You didn't think I would turn out better though, in fact, you though I'd turn out worse. So you beat me, abused me, made me feel so small compared to you...." He turned to face her again, this time, his tears slid down his face and he bared his teeth at the women he'd called his adopted mother, "you hurt me, you beat me, you insulted me, you embarrassed me, you did everything in your power to control and manipulate me, yet you sit her with puppy dog eyes saying sorry and think that's gonna do the fucking trick! I'm not you, I'm not Varian, and I never will be, but because I'm not you abused me, it's the stupidest thing I've ever heard and yet I had a feeling that was the reason and it just.... I.... You.... AGH! I ALREADY FELT FUCKING USELESS!!!!!!" He screamed, making more tears erupt from his eyes, "t-then you just come along and make me feel worse! A-and I've b-been *defending* you and.... And.... Damn I'm a fucking idiot... What a fucking laugh right? I... I thought you.... B-but I was w-wrong.... Again.... After all m-my own *father* didn't want me, WHY WOULD YOU?!" His body sent a wave of pain through him, prompting the teen to fall to the ground
"Hugo!" Varian rushed to his side and kneeled beside him, "Hugo i-it's okay, it-!"
"No... n-no it's not.... V-Varian it's not okay...." Hugo sniffled, "I'm b-broken.... I'm worthless.... N-nobody wants me I.... I c-can't do this.... I can't...."
"I want you", Varian stated, "I want you, I'll always want you, I *love* you Hugo"
"I...." The blond coughed, "I... V...." He couldn't talk, his emotions kept making nothing but garble come out of his mouth, his sobs kept interrupting what he wanted to say, but he leaned against Varian, seeking comfort, and the blue eyed alchemist was more than willing to give it to him. He held his sobbing boyfriend in his arms, allowing the blond to cry his eyes out until his throat hurt and he couldn't cry anymore....
By that point, Lance and Pete had come to see what was going on, they stopped when they saw the two teens on the floor, "the fuck did you say to them?!" Lance asked angrily as he glared at Donella
"I...." The grey haired women was stunned, she felt guilt and shame swirling in her chest as she watched Hugo break, "I.... Didn't mean to...." She was too stunned to say anymore than that
The former thief huffed before he looked at Varian, "what can I do to help?"
The blue eyed alchemist looked up at the man, his eyes showing fear, panic, and concern as he continued to hold his boyfriend, he said nothing
Lance understood and sat next to him, "I'm right here if you need me, take you time"
Varian seemed to calm down when he said that, noticing Pete standing nearby as well, just in case. The teen nodded and continued to hold Hugo, who was shaking now. The room fell silent, save for the blond's quiet sniffles and whimpers before a voice spoke up, "wow, never thought I'd get a show down here". Everyone looked over to see Cyrus leaning against a wall and smirking, "this is entertaining, but really not needed right now, could you maybe do this somewhere else? Don't need the air clogged with the fucking Ash king's grandson"
Varian growled, but before he could say a word Hugo, in a flash, stood up, screamed, and tackled Cyrus to the floor! The man was taken by surprise but as the teen began to scratch and punch him, he grew angry and hurled Hugo off, slamming him into the wall he'd been leaning on, "HUGO!" Varian yelled
The bespeckled teen didn't even hesitate to stand up and throw a rock at the bodyguard's face, hitting his cheek and causing a scratch, stunning the man, "FUCK YOU!" He snapped, "FUCK! *YOU!* You don't understand ANYTHING! You racist pile of poorly packaged horse SHIT! I hate you! I hate I had anything to *DO* with you! You've gotten a good fucking laugh out of my misery for LONG E-FUCKING-NOUGH and it's DIGUSTING! *You're* disgusting! You're *vile* and I want nothing more to do with you! So stuff your shitty comments down the shit hole they came form and LEAVE US THE *FUCK* ALONE!" He screamed
Cyrus was staring at the teen, he wanted nothing more than to rip him into shreds, but as he began to approach he head, "CYRUS DON'T!" Come from the holding cell, he looked at Donella
"The fuck? Why not?!" Cyrus asked angrily
"Because it's my fault he's acting like this! You also just made a racial slur and that *alone* could get you in trouble and relieve Hugo of any fault! Don't, just let it go and walk away, he's in no shape for you to do anything to him anyway!"
The man clenched his fists and glared *daggers* at Hugo, but he did as he was told and stepped back, right as Hugo collapsed to the ground, coughing. Varian ran over to him, "Hugo...." He rubbed his boyfriend's back and waited until he was done before speaking again, "I know you're upset, and it's okay, you're allowed to be upset. Just please...." He cupped the blond's face in his hands and got the blond to look up at him, "you need to breathe... You're hurting yourself by putting your body through so much"
"I... B-but I-!" Hugo started
"I understand love, I really do, w-when dad.... When he was in the a-amber... I didn't sleep, I didn't eat, I tortured myself with my thoughts and worked through every panic attack testing out different ways to try and break him out. It got so bad that I ended up passing out sick.... Hugo you're doing the same thing.... It's gonna hurt you if you keep it up.... I know you're scared and sad... I know you feel alone right now, but you're not, you have me, a-and I don't wanna see you h-hurt yourself anymore", the freckled teen replied, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes as well, "so p-please.... Please stop... Please?"
Hugo was startled by this, but he felt all the anger inside of him fade away as he stared into Varian's eyes. He sniffled and hiccupped a little before he nodded, "o... O-ok... I'm sorry...."
"It's okay", Varian replied, pulling his boyfriend in for a hug and holding him tight, "it's alright... I still love you Hugo, I always will, always"
Hugo returned the hug and, feeling all of his emotions piling up inside him, he cried into Varian's shoulder, letting everything out until he felt nothing left and eventually drifted off to a painful sleep....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter was extremely heart breaking to make, I apologize for that, but they finally found out what the plan was, which is good, but holy moly....
Poor Hugo can't even begin to describe this poor kid's suffering! Trust me, this needed to happen, but he really needs lovins after this, and he'll get them, lots of lovins from everyone, once he wakes up. Yeah, abandonment issues, anxiety, and depression do not mix well.... This poor freaking kid....
Varian is, once again, MVP here! The Moon bean immediately went to Hugo's aid! He's really growing, I'm proud of the little cinnamon roll! <3
Lance and Pete don't have a huge role here, but they're important all the same! Lance more so than Pete, but both were being supportive, which I love to write! <3
Cyrus can go step on *many* legos and a thousand puddles with socks on! He's a broken umbrella *and* the hair in my eye, I do not, and will not, EVER, like Cyrus!
Donella.... She's not redeemed, but she feels terrible for what she did.... She's.... I don't like her, I never will, but for her to be forgiven will be Hugo's decision, his, Varian's, and Quirin's. Adira too, but we'll get to her :3
Ruddy buddy is there, but he's not the main focus of this chapter, but he's on Varian's shoulder like always, he's the best raccoon! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 226: Too Much!
Summary:
Hugo has to make a decision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Where.... Am I?*
"You are in a place that I did not expect you to be, tiny star"
*W.... Who are you?*
"I am a friend of someone you care about"
*Someone I care about? ....I.... I want to leave here.... I want to be with them.... W.... Why does my head hurt?*
"Because you strained yourself, your loved one is very concerned for you little star, you shouldn't be hurting yourself like that, it's not healthy"
*.....I.... I lost my home again..... I liked my home.... A-and I lost it....*
"You may have lost your old home, but you've found a new one, one that will be better for you, isn't that what you wish?"
*I.... Who am I?*
"You are a very lost little star who has shot away from his moon.... I can bring you back, but only if you want to little star"
*....Why do you want to help me? I'm worthless.... Even she though so.....*
"You're not worthless, you've made many changes that you cannot see, but you will soon. You have helped your loved one grow in ways they have not before. You are their star, they need you just as you need them tiny star"
*.....Why can't I see?*
"You have not opened your eyes"
*Will I see you if I do?*
"Yes"
The blond opened his eyes slowly, light filtered into his irises, blinding him for a few seconds before the light cleared, and he saw the Moon, *woah!*
"Hello little star", the celestial being said, "you're very lost"
The bespeckled teen looked around and saw he was in a space he didn't recognize, not that his memories were really there at the moment, but still. He was floating, all around him were clouds and light, stars shined brightly behind the Moon as the night sky shimmered with their twinkles, *why am I here?* He thought to himself
"Because you are lost", the Moon replied
*Y-you can read my thoughts?!"
"I can read your dreams tiny star, you are dreaming right now, and you're very afraid. I thought I'd come to speak with you myself because your mind was diving into some very dark places.... Tell me, what troubles you?"
*I.....* The teen stopped, not sure what to think, *I.... D-don't know.... I don't r-remember....*
"I see...."
*W-why don't I remember?*
"Because you do not wish to remember...." The Moon explained, "you wish you could forget everything that has happened, and so, you did"
The blond was startled by this, *w-why would I want to forget?!*
"I'm not sure, I was not able to see what events transpired that made you so upset, all I know is that my little one was in extreme distress, so I came, but he asked me to speak with you, so I did"
*Your little one?*
"Yes, he's very special to me, he holds a bit of my power inside him, and he's a very good boy, very good", the celestial being replied, her light shimmering with love as she spoke of her little one, "he's very special to you too, and you are very special to him, which is why he was so concerned"
The bespeckled teen tilted his head to the side, *w-why would he be concerned about me? I'm not worth his time....*
"Oh but you are, you really are", the celestial being replied gently, "you've made him so happy, so full of joy and love, I've never seen such a big smile on his face given to him by anyone other than his own father, but you've made that happen! You are very special, you are his star, he loves you"
The blond felt something inside him snap back, saying he didn't, that no one did, it felt sloppy and hot. It boiled his blood and he felt a surge of pain shoot through his stomach, he curled into a ball, gripping it, trying to keep it from coming out, *w0what's happening to m-me?!*
"....I see.... You've been very hurt tiny star.... So much so that your anger and fear have become overwhelming.... It's causing you pain, I suppose that's why you wanted to forget, because the pain was too much"
The teen cried out, the feeling inside him ripping through his mind and causing him to yelp, *h-help me! P-please it.... It hurts so much!!!!!* He begged, he could feel the thing squirming inside of him, trying to claw its way out and tearing at his heart and mind like a trapped animal trying to escape from their death, *PLEASE!*
The Moon's light began to shine bright as the thing settled down, the light pacifying it for now and allowing the teen a moment of reprieve, "that won't hold for long"
The teen looked up at her, *how long do I have until whatever that is does that again?*
"I suppose that would depend on you, tiny star", the celestial being replied, "my magic can help calm you, but only temporarily"
*W-why is it o-only temporary? I-I don't wanna f-feel that again! It... I-it hurt... It hurt s-so much....*
The Moon's light wrapped around the blond gently, "because you are human, your emotions and feelings have power over you. And even though they can hurt, you shouldn't be running away from them and trying to forget, your mind may not remember the damage it underwent, but your heart always will, no matter how lost you are"
*C-can't you take it away? Stop it? M-make it fully disappear? ....P-please?*
"I'm afraid I can't.... You'll have to face your emotions head on for them to go away"
*B-but.... But they... I... I don't even remember why I feel t-that way*
"That's because you chose to forget, you didn't want to feel those emotions anymore, so you forgot the reason because it hurt too much to remember them. In order to accept what happened how, you need to remember"
*W-what if I don't w-want too.... W-what if I'm too afraid too.... What if I-I'm too weak.... I... I am too weak.... I c-couldn't do anything.... I c-can't help anyone... I can't... I can't.....* The light began to fade around him, the stars began to go out, and he began to descend.... Floating further and further away from the Moon, ignoring her words to come back, to keep fighting, he was tired.... So very tired.... He felt his eyes closing, he felt his body numb, he wanted it to happen, he didn't want to keep fighting anymore, *if I get hurt feeling everything.... M-maybe it's better not to feel anything at all.....* He thought as his eyes began closing more and more, only a sliver of light was left.... He was being consumed by the darkness.....
"H***!"
*Huh?* His eyes opened a little wider, he'd heard something, a voice? A cry? He couldn't tell, but he waited, he wanted to hear it again, he *begged* to hear it again, he needed it, he longed for it, *please... Please I need to hear-!*
"H***!"
It shouted again, was that his name? The word was blocked out by something but it sounded familiar, and who was shouting it? Why? He needed to know, he *wanted* to know. He opened his eyes fully as the darkness began to seep away, a blue flame engulfing the darkness and spreading it's warm light on the teen, *w-who?*
"Tiny star!" The Moon exclaimed, "you came back, you came back for him! You came back!"
*Who was that? *What* was that?*
"That was my little one, your loved one, he called out to you, he could sense your distress and called out, he didn't want you to dive into the darkness, he wants you, he loves you tiny star"
The blond's eyes widened at the thought of that, suddenly, the blue flame shined in front of him. It flickered and shined bright! It warmed him heart and made him feel comfortable, *I.... I want this... I want this, I really want this, what are you? *Who* are you?*
The flame showed an image of someone, a teen with bright blue eyes and freckles on his cheeks, he was smiling, his eyes twinkling like stars, the blond felt his heart pumping as he stared at this person, "little one", the Moon said, "that is my little one"
*Your little one.... He.... He's.... I... I want him.... I want him to hold me... And I want to hold him... I want to be there for him, I want... I want him.... How can I see him?*
"You must remember", the celestial being replied, "you must remember and face the emotion that causes you pain, otherwise you won't be able to go back, not in the same way..... The choice is yours tiny star, you must choose"
The blond watched the image of the boy in the blue flame, he saw him flickering as he wrestled with the decision, *I... It's going to hurt.... A lot.... Isn't it....*
"Yes.... I will not lie, the journey and the fight will hurt, but you'll regain your memories and go back to your loved one, my little one"
The bespeckled teen thought for another moment, he didn't want to feel the pain, he knew there was a reason he'd forgotten.... His mind didn't want him to hurt anymore, and he didn't want to either, but.... As he floated there, staring at the boy in the flame, he wondered something, *if I choose to forget, what will happen to him?*
The celestial being's light showed an image of the boy crying, sobbing his eyes out into a large man's shoulder, the fluffy vest the stranger wore was covered in tears no doubt shed by the boy as the blond saw himself standing behind them, he looked confused.... Like he didn't understand why the boy felt the way he did, and when he watched himself reach out, his hand only met the door as he closed it shut, leaving the blond in a dark room, no lights, no furniture, as he just sat down in the dark, alone....
The image faded, "that is what will happen... To the both of you...." The Moon stated sadly, "you play a much bigger role than you know of tiny star, you just can't see it now. But you play a huge role in my little one's story, and in the world as a whole"
*What do you mean?*
"Depending on how things play out, my little one will be reshaping many things, along with his friends. But because of this, he's got a lot of pressure on his shoulders", an image of him and the boy laughing in, what looked like, a library played in front of the blond, "pressure that you, and you alone, seem to be able to quell. Because of how much you help my little one, he's able to grow and become better, he's able to help others in the way they need because you helped him stay strong enough to get there. You are such an important aspect of my little one's story, and he is an important part of yours. You save each other, help each other, make each other better in ways you cannot comprehend. But if you are not around, that growth will stop, and he won't be ready for what comes next, neither will you.... The world's destiny will change in a way that I do not know of yet, but I can't say it'll be better.... You must choose, I leave that choice up to you"
*Y.... You can't give me more than that? L-like what I was trying to forget?*
"I cannot.... I must stay neutral in your affairs, I can help, but if I tip the balance, the world will be thrown into chaos, we all have our parts to play, even if we do not enjoy doing them"
The bespeckled teen was startled by that, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. He felt the worry and anxiety creeping up his back, but he took a deep breath and shook them off, He looked up at the Moon and nodded, *I... I want to be there for him.... I want to.... B-but... I have a question first*
"What is it?"
*....I... I'm scared... I really scared... A-and I don't want to f-face my.... Whatever memory I tried to forget alone... C.... Can you stay with me? Please?*
The Moon's light shined on the teen, almost as if she were smiling at him warmly, "of course tiny star"
The blond nodded, *t-thank you*
"You're welcome, are you ready?"
*Y-yes... How do I remember?*
"The blue flame will show you, look into it, and brace yourself"
The teen nodded before he looked at the flame, the images of the himself and the boy faded away as new images began to play, showing a jail cell, a women with grey hair and green eyes. A man, he was large, with golden brown eyes and a smirk that irritated the bespeckled teen to ne end. As he watched the events play out, he felt the burning sensation he'd experienced before! He remembered everything, what he'd been told, how he felt, how he'd attacked Cyrus, everything, and it hurt.... It hurt so bad! He wanted to scream and cry, he wanted it to stop, he *begged* for it to leave him alone, but it kept clawing at him, making his stomach churn and placing so much pressure in his head he felt like it would explode! He couldn't handle this, he couldn't!
"H***!"
The voice called again, he looked up as tears streamed down his face, he saw the boy from the flame, he was holding his hand out to him with a smile on his face. The blond hesitated, he didn't want to harm the boy, he didn't want to burden him with this! But as he looked into the boy's bright blue eyes, he realized that he knew exactly what the blond taking his hand would do, and he was still willing to help. The blond felt more sharp pain, he was so close to giving up, he wanted to, he really wanted to, but he found himself reaching out for the boy's hand. His fingers wrapped around the familiar hold and he was pulled, arms wrapped around his back and heard someone say some very familiar words to him:
"I'm here, I'm right here"
The pain suddenly stopped, silenced by those words as blue and green light danced around them. The bespeckled teen returned the hug, seeing the Moon had kept her word and was watching them as her stars shimmered behind her. The environment had changed into a peaceful night sky, no clouds in sight, no flames, no dark, just the stars shining bright with the glow of the full Moon. The blond let out a sigh of relief as he broke the hug, smiling at the boy, who was smiling back, "I... I remember now", he said, "I remember everything, and... I... I'm not okay... But I will be, because I have you, and you have me"
The boy's smile widened and he nodded before he looked at the Moon, "thank you", he said
"You're welcome, but it was your tiny star that got through this, not me, I merely pointed him in the right direction", the celestial being said
The boy giggled, "thank you either way", before he turned to look at the blond, "I'm not him, not fully, he won't know this even happened"
The blond was startled by this, "then... who are you?"
"I'm what he is to you, your interpretation of him"
"Oh, so... Wait, do that mean-!"
"It does, you summoned me here, you got yourself through this, and you should be proud! He did ask the Moon for help, but that was his only interference", the manifestation giggled again, "you're a lot stronger than you think you are you know. I know it doesn't feel that way sometimes, I know it seems like the entire world is against you and you have nothing left to give, and how it would be so much easier to not feel anything at all, but that isn't who you are. You are a very kind and wonderful person whom the world cannot function without. The world is a good place, a very good place, but it's much better with *you* in it", he stated, "you must remember that, there are a lot of people who would be sad if you were gone, if you weren't you, the world needs you. You're more than just some speck on the world, you can shape the people around you, you have a much bigger impact than you will ever know, you always will, and you're not alone, you're not".
"W-what if things get too hard? What if I can't keep up? What if I fail?"
"Then you need to get back up, you can do it, you've made it this far!"
"Things are different now, things are harder"
"They seem that way, things seem much harder the more time goes on, but you've faced things like this before, things that, you thought, would be impossible to get past, yet you did, you got past them! This is no different, it may be a different situation, but it's the same amount of pressure. You've faced this kind of pressure before and you've gotten through it, you can do it again, I believe in you, and so does the real version of me! You're not alone, you never will be, even if you feel like you are! You just need to keep going, keep fighting, because if you give up now, you'll never seen an end to the darkness".
"....I'm scared...."
"That's okay, it's alright to be scared, just don't give up, if you do, things will only turn out worse"
"B-being scared isn't something I want to be though! It makes me stop and hide, or run away! I don't want to feel that way, I don't! I just.... Don't...."
"Hey", the manifestation cupped the bespeckled teen's chin, "it's going to be okay, you're going to be scared, it's actually good that you are"
"How?"
"Because it means you can still feel, it means you're still alive, that you can still do something. In fact, being scared and facing what you need to is the bravest thing you can do, even if you don't feel like it is. You're not giving up, you're still fighting, you're just scared. Fear is a rational response to something bad going on, but you can either run from it, or do something about it, which would you rather do?"
"I... I want to stop it"
"Then stop, tell it to back off, fight it, fight the fear, I know you can do it, and if you ever need a reminder, find him", the manifestation placed a hand on his own chest, "he'll help you overcome it, always"
The blond smiled and nodded, "thank you, both of you, for everything"
"You're welcome tiny star", the Moon replied as the manifestation nodded with a smile, "are you ready to go back? It won't be easy, just so you know"
The bespeckled teen sucked in a large breath before he let it out slowly, his eyes closed for a moment before he opened them again and nodded, "I'm ready"
****
His eyes fluttered open, his head pounded like a drum as he looked around. He was in a bed, the infirmary bed he'd been in before, and his entire body was sore, from head to foot, "ugh...." He groaned, sitting up and placing a hand on his head, "shit...."
"You're awake!" A voice exclaimed, he looked over and saw Nuru sitting next to him, "I'm so glad you're awake, we were really worried about you!"
"N-nuru? W... What's going on? Where is everyone?"
"Quirin, Varian, and Lance are telling everyone what they found out, apparently Quirin figured out that Cyrus was the one who attacked the guards, Lance said Cyrus gave him nothing but attitude and avoided all his questions until whatever happened to you two happened, and Varian said you.... Had a really rough time, I volunteered to watch over you until they were done", a chitter caught the two teen's attention, "oh, Ruddigar did too, sorry about that"
The raccoon in question chittered once more, smiling at the star princess before he waddled over to the bespeckled teen and nuzzled his arm
"Hey", the blond said, stroking the small mammal's fur, "thanks for the nuzzles"
Ruddigar chittered out what sounded like a 'you're welcome'
"You okay?" Nuru asked
"I.... I'm-!" before he could reply, the door to the infirmary opened
"Hey! You're all back!" The star princess exclaimed happily
"Yeah, took us a minute but-!" Hector stopped when he saw the blond, "you're awake"
The group behind him stopped as well, everyone was staring at the blond before someone pushed past everyone to get a look at him, his blue eyes were wide with worry and fear before they filled with tears, "y-you... You really are awake!" He exclaimed before he ran over and hopped onto the bed, wrapping his arms around the blond lovingly and holding him tight, "I was so w-worried about you! Y-you fell a-asleep and Lance h-had to carry you back! Y-you didn't wake up and the d-doctors said your injuries were back and... And...." He sighed and broke the hug, "a-are you okay?" The bespeckled teen felt a rush of emotions come at him at once as he stared into those wide, baby blue eyes, he didn't know which one to feel first, the relief, the sadness, the guilt, the worry, the anger, the fear? All of it was too confusing and he began to feel overwhelmed once more, his heart beginning to pump faster and faster until, "Hugo?"
The green eyed alchemist looked at Varian, "....W.... What?"
Varian blinked, "I... I said.... I said Hugo"
He blinked, the emotions froze inside of him, all except for one, and he blushed as he wrapped his arms around the freckled teen and pulled him into another hug, "n-no... No I'm not okay... I'm not.... B-but... But I... I don't want t-to be okay right now... I d-don't want to... I just... I j-just want you... I just want you to be here with me, p-please... I d-don't wanna be alone... N-not anymore.... Please...."
The freckled teen let out a breath before he returned the hug, "oki, I won't leave you alone, I won't.... Not ever...."
The blond began to cry, his emotions flowing out of him as he let his sobs go, he cried for everything he'd lost, everything he'd almost lost, and everyone that he'd never seen the same way again. He cried, and continued to cry until he had no more tears, but still he clung to Varian, keeping him as close as he could, he won't let him go, he won't leave him, he won't. Even if his heart hurt, even if he was afraid, he won't leave him, he won't, just like he knew Varian would never leave. With that in mind, he said the only words he could think of, "I love you so much Varian"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled and hugged his boyfriend a little tighter, "I love you so much too, Hugo"
Notes:
Hello! Early upload! :D
I meant every word I typed in this chapter, I hope anyone who's going through the same or something similar knows that, everything in this chapter is true, the world is a much better place with every single one of you in it! <3
Hugo got to talk to the Moon! The Moon has another child now, she's adopted Hugo! <3
There's not much for me to talk about character wise here, Hugo nearly fell into depression and became numb because of everything that he just went through, and honestly? I don't blame him, that's a really rough thing to go through.....
Varian asking the Moon for help is akin to someone praying for someone else, he asked the Moon to guide his boyfriend, and the Moon did! <3 I'm not saying anything against religion, or against anyone who doesn't believe in religion, that's just the comparison I made to it is all :D
All of these characters are going to be getting some serious lovins once this is all over! Seriously, they've been through so much already and I'm not even halfway through Season 3! Good gosh!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 227: Things Happened!
Summary:
Rapunzel and Eugene find out about the Duke and Duchess's plans and Rapunzel reveals something important!
Notes:
More notes at the end! <3
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
A few hours passed as everyone relaxed for a moment, taking a break from everything that they've been dealing with up until this point. Hugo had fallen asleep once again, this time with a smile on his face as his head rested in Varian's lap while Ruddigar slept on his chest for comfort. The blue eyed alchemist watching over the blond, stroking his boyfriend's hair gently while he slept, giggling at his musical whistle. Adira, Hector, Lance, and Edmund were sitting on the bed opposite to the teens, chatting quietly amongst themselves about whatever they could think of, Quirin was sitting in-between the beds, listening to the conversation while keeping an eye on his son. Nuru was sitting next to the retired knight, she was quiet, unsure of what to say or do at the moment as she stared out the window and into the evening sky.
Everyone was calm, the room felt normal as the Sun drifted down and the Moon continued her rise. That's when there was a knock on the door, it was frantic and loud, startling Hugo, and Ruddigar, awake and the room's atmosphere to change into one of anxiety and fear, "I'm coming", Quirin stated, getting up from his seat and approaching the door, he opened only slightly to peak out and see who it was, "oh, hi", he said, opening it the rest of the way and revealing Rapunzel standing behind it
"Hi Quirin, listen are... Are Varian and Hugo back from the dungeons yet?" The Sun Princess asked
"Yes? Though Hugo's a little worse for wear at them moment, come on in", the retired knight answered, stepping aside to let Rapunzel in. Eugene followed behind, his face a mix of concern and confusion as he looked the Village Leader
"What's wrong?" Quirin asked
Rapunzel didn't reply, she froze when she saw Varian, the teen comforting a dazed Hugo, and Ruddigar, before he finally noticed her, "oh, hi Rapunz-! W-what's wrong?"
"Varian!" The Sun Princess exclaimed as she ran over and hugged the two alchemist's while the raccoon hopped out of the way, landing next to his boy on the bed, "Hugo! I'm so glad you two are okay!"
The bespeckled teen blinked a few times before he looked at his boyfriend, "do you know what's going on?"
"No idea", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "but whatever happened scared Rapunzel"
"It did!" His big sister replied, letting go of the two alchemists, "I.... I-it's a lot to explain, but basically, I got warned that something bad happened to the both of you! Something that nearly changed everything! A-and I got so worried that I *had* to come check! Is everything okay? Are you two alright? What happened? What did Donella say? Is she with the Duke and Duchess? Did she end up hurting you two? Was sh-!"
"Rapunzel", Varian stated gently, stopping her rambling before he let out a breath and spoke again, "i-it's okay, we're alright, yeah something bad happened b-but we're alright now, it's okay"
The Sun Princess let out a sigh of relief, "that's good, I'm glad you two are alright, though.... W-what happened? Are you two really okay?"
Varian looked at Hugo, the bespeckled teen staring at the bed below him sadly before the blue eyed alchemist let out a breath and looked at his big sister again, "okay, maybe we're not *completely* okay... Not at all actually, b-but we're okay for the time being.... Donella... She said a lot of things that.... Well we knew about but weren't sure of, she kinda confirmed a few things and answered a lot of questions, but it... Came at a cost.... Hugo.... He's... Gonna need time to process what he was told....."
Rapunzel looked at Hugo sadly, "I'm sorry...."
"Not your fault princess....." The green eyed alchemist replied softly, "just... Having a really rough time I guess... Oh, I might get in trouble for attacking Cyrus"
"You *attacked* Cyrus?!" Eugene asked, shocked, "in your *condition*?!"
"He was being a fucking *racist* piece of shit! He deserved nothing *less* than to be pummeled into a big fucking bloody *PULP*!" The blond snapped, "I still stand by that"
Hector snorted, "I'm with him"
"Shush you", Edmund replied with a smirk
"Hugo, kid you're freaking *hurt*, the hell were you thinking? You're gonna make your injuries worse!" Eugene argued, his voice full of concern
"I'd do it again if I had the chance", the blond stated, "he's a piece of shit that deserve every fucking punch I gave him. Even if it means I spend more time in this room, I don't care, I'll gladly do it again, gladly!"
"Easy tiger, there's smart fighting and understandable rage, then there's throwing yourself into harm's way, you're the latter right now, you've gotta be more careful"
"Eugene", Lance started, "as much as I'd like to agree with you, the kid was provoked"
"What do you mean?"
"He was making fun of my momentary lapse of emotions", Hugo stated, "making it out to be a spectacle one should fucking watch, then said we needed to stop and leave because, and I fucking *quote*, he didn't want 'the ash king's grandson clogging up the air'..... You tell me if that's o-fucking-kay to say!"
"THAT FUCKI-..... Where is he now?" Hector asked through gritted teeth
"Easy Hector, no need to start a fight right now", Edmund replied, "he's not worth it"
"Does that stop him from being a racist dick?! No, it fucking doesn't!"
"But it *does* prevent *us* from getting into trouble like the Duke and Duchess want", Adira stated, "as much as I'd love to see you punch his lights out brother it will *not* help the situation right now"
"....Fine....."
"Ash?" Eugene asked, making Edmund wince a little
"I-it's a slur against our people Eugene", Varian explained, "very short summary, ash is a tool the Dark Kingdom used to revere for its many uses for their lands, people who made the ash for the lands were called 'ash tinkers'. Though it made other kingdoms question their ways because ash is also harmful, they didn't quite understand it's uses, so they made fun of the Dark Kingdom people for it. After the kingdom was destroyed, people used that word as a way of saying there's nothing left but the ash we cared so much about, that we're nothing but ash, which is useless and disgusting to them.... It's a slur against us...."
"....What the actual fuck....." The Dark Prince stated
"Yeah... Cyrus uses it liberally.... It's.... It's bad.... and when he used it then proceeded to mock Hugo's emotional state it... Sent him into a bit of a frenzy...."
"I see...." Eugene said, he then looked at Lance, "wait how did you find out about this?"
"I was there when he called Edmund that, I asked while we were walkin down the halls", Lance then looked at Rapunzel, "Pete went with Stan and Nigel, they all have a lunch break comin up and wanted to give us time to recollect ourselves. Apparently it was Cyrus who attacked the guards, I didn't get a straight answer from him, but Quirin said the guards he questioned described him down to a T".
Rapunzel nodded before she looked at Quirin, "how are they?"
"They're alright, a little dazed and slightly injured, but alright. I actually know one of them, Varian, you remember Charlie Dae?"
"Yeah, Evan's kid? He's made it to the royal guard?" Varian asked
"Yup, he's a new recruit, the dungeon patrol was his first mission"
"Wow, good for him! ....Does he still flirt with every girl he see's though?"
"Yes, unfortunately he still does. He was apparently flirting with a prisoner girl when he and Ethan Nite, the other guard, were attacked"
The teen shivered, "that's a little creepy of him, not gonna lie, if some guard randomly starting flirting with *me* in jail I'd be a little wigged out"
"I know, I didn't find it amusing either, and if it were anyone other than Charlie, I'd be a bit more concerned"
"...You're not?" Eugene asked
"Charlie wouldn't harm a fly, he's a good boy, very sun shiny and kind, just a little.... Um...." Quirin thought for a moment
"Naïve?" Varian suggested
"Yes! Naïve is the best word for him, that and.... Well he doesn't have a lot of common sense, but he's a bright kid with a very good heart. I did tell him not to do that anymore though before I left, he understood"
The Dark Prince nodded before he looked at his father, "I'm sorry Cyrus is using that slur...."
"It's not your fault, why are you apologizing?" His father asked
"Because someone should, and even if I'm not the one causing him to say it, it's still a horrible thing for him to say", he looked at Varian, "to the both of you"
The blue eyed alchemist shrugged, "what are you gonna do", he said dismissively, "either way, things got out of hand and now.... We're just... Processing, but we know the Duke and Duchess's plan, and we know who's side Donella is on"
"You do?" Rapunzel asked
"Yeah, here, I'll tell you everything"
****
"....That's when Lance carried Hugo up here, me and Pete following behind, we went into the Infirmary, Stan, Pete, and Nigel all left for their lunch break, and we waited for Hugo to wake up. That's pretty much everything", Varian finished, letting go of a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding
"Holy shit...." Eugene stated
"Yeah.... It's pretty bad...."
"Hugo...." Rapunzel said quietly, "I.... I'm so sorry.... I.... I-if there's anything I can do I-!"
"There isn't...." Hugo stated, instantly regretting it, "sorry.... I'm not mad at you I'm just... Upset.... Right now there's nothing anyone can really do right now, I... I need to get past this on my own"
"Not *completely* on your own", Varian stated, scooching a little closer to his boyfriend, who chuckled
"Ok, not completely, but still... I... I don't want to put anymore pressure on anyone else, it's my problem, my past.... My Donella...." Quirin winced at that, an image of Ulla flashing in him mind, "I need to get past it, I *choose* to move past it, because I want to, because I *need* to, so I will.... It's gonna be hard, but given some time, I'll move on... I am sorry that I snapped though.... That was rude"
"It's alright", Rapunzel replied with a soft smile, "I understand, believe me", she grinned at Varian, who giggled, "if I can't handle a little snap like that at *this* point, not only would I be a hypocrite, but I'd be a bad big sister too"
"Which you're not", the blue eyed alchemist stated, making the Sun Princess chuckle and ruffle his hair lovingly
"This is very troubling though", Edmund stated, "to have such a horrible plan being made is bad enough, but they've got targets, my children.... My family isn't safe anymore...."
"Dad, it'll be okay", Eugene replied, placing a hand on his father's shoulder gently, "we won't let anything happen to your kingdom, Adira, Hector, Varian, or Quirin, or you for that matter"
"And *you*?" The Dark King asked, "I don't care what happens to me, I could care less if it means my kingdom never comes back, but you, Adira, Hector, Quirin, and Varian are apart of this as well! You're all targets, so is Hugo, and I've come to really *like* Hugo! He's a good butternut!"
"A good butternut?" Hugo asked
"I'm his little peanut, I guess that makes you a butternut?" Varian suggested with a grin
"Dad, they're targeting you just as much as they are me and everyone else!" Eugene argued
"Yes, but they only want me sent away, but they want to *kill* Adira and Quirin, they want to *trap* and *torment* Hector, Hugo, and Varian, they want you *out of the way* son! I.... I can't lose my family again, this is bad! Very very bad!"
"Take it easy dad, we've handled worse", Eugene said with a comforting smile, "remember the Stabbingtons attacking us? Or what about when you and I first met and our family's ghosts came out to greet us with their swords?"
"Wait what?" Quirin, Varian, and Hector asked at the same time
"*Really* funny story, you're gonna love this-!" Eugene started
"That was different, it was just you and me that needed protecting, I could handle that, it was a physical fight, nothing complicated about it, but this... This... I-I can't just hit my enemy to get them to stop, I can't knock them out, can't kill them, not that I would, can't confront them outright and tell them to back off, this... This is endangering you, Adira, Quirin, Hector, Varian, and Hugo! I would care if it were just me, I wouldn't care what would happen if that were the case! But it's not... It's all of you... Every single one of the last people I've got left in this world I... I can't lose you again.... I don't want to.... I can't.... Not again...."
The room was quiet before Eugene walked over to his father and hugged him, "it's gonna be okay dad... It's gonna be okay...." He felt Edmund return the gesture, they stayed that way for a moment before the Dark King broke the hug to look at his son
"I'm sorry..."
"It's alright, I understand why you're scared, and it's okay", the Dark Prince replied with a smile, "we'll figure out a way out of this, don't worry, we're in this together, okay?"
Edmund nodded, "ok"
Eugene smirked and everyone seemed calm before Hugo looked at the Sun Princess, "hey, how'd you know something went wrong for me and Varian?" He asked
"Hm?" Rapunzel looked at him, "what do you mean?"
"You knew something bad happened when me and Varian were in the dungeon, how'd you know?" He asked again
The Sun Princess shifted a little, nervous about her answer, "Rapunzel?" Varian said, a little concerned
"I um... I got a warning... F... From the Sun"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, yeah, Sun reveal! :D It was gonna happen sooner or later, it happened after Hugo had woken up from his talk with the Moon, more shall be explained in the next chapter! :D
Rapunzel is being a very good big sister, just as Eugene is being a very good son/big brother! Honestly, Hugo having a big bro might help him, so I'm excited to write some Eugene and Hugo chapters :D
Hugo is still dealing with his emotions, poor bean is going through a lot and will need some time <3 Also, he's a butternut now! <3
Lance is a good friend, I love king Lance! <3
Quirin, Adira and Hector are kinda in the background with this chapter, but they're being nice, Hector agreeing with Hugo is a mood, by far!
Poor Edmund, he's so worried about his family, I love this man so much, I really do, I want to write more chapters about him, I will very soon! :D
Varian is still MVP here, even if he didn't have too big a role in this one either, they all kinda shared the spotlight today XD
Ruddy buddy is still the best, Olivia was asleep in Hugo's pocket, Pascal was on Rapunzel's shoulder the entire time, and Itty Bitty and Cuddles are being fish friends in a different part of the castle :D Don't worry, I didn't forget about them :3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 228: Walking On Sunshine!
Summary:
Rapunzel talks about her conversation with a certain celestial being!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"It was.... Warm.... Very warm... But not too hot, like just right kind of warm.... I'd just finished speaking with the Queen of Ingvarr, trying to see what she knows and, spoiler alert, she knew nothing.... So Eugene and I were headed back to the Infirmary when it happened...."
*Rapunzel sighed, "I can't believe we got no where with the Queen!" She exclaimed, "she knows everything about them, their interests, hobbies, she even knows their favorite *color*! Yet she doesn't know about their evil scheming and why they want to be the best? We really didn't get any information from her, did we?"
"I wouldn't say that, she does run the kingdom so we know she's not just a figure head", Eugene stated, "plus you were the one who asked her all those questions about the Duke and Duchess, she's the Queen and also their friend, so she's probably known them a while. From what I got, it seems like they keep their evil schemes a secret from her, I mean, they don't seem like very social people save for when they wanna show their kids off"
"I guess..."
The Dark Prince frowned, filling with worry as he saw how sad his princess looked, "it's gonna be okay Sunshine, look, at least we know the Queen isn't a part of this. So there's a good chance when they're revealed to be the people they are, she'll be on our side!"
Rapunzel smiled at that, "you're right, plus maybe once all of this is over, we can talk to her about the rules of Ingvarr, maybe even suggest different one's be put into place so her people are happier there! It seems like the Duke and Duchess make sure she can't see how happy her kingdom is I mean, did you see how many times we were interrupted during that conversation by her staff?! They kept asking her question after question!"
"Right, it seems like she's got a really huge kingdom with no one to help her"
"She doesn't seem to have a king helping her...."
"Or a Village Leader, lets not forget that", Eugene added, "Quirin helps run the farms, the old village, and takes care of majority of the problems the people have so the King and Queen of Corona can handle the bigger issues"
"Well, not *everything* we handle is a 'bigger issue'", Rapunzel stated, "I mean, kitties being in the town square? Someone getting upset that someone else is practicing the violin while they work? Which sheep is whos?! I mean.... They're important, but not... You know... Huge"
"That was the people in the capital though, which has a much smaller population than Old Corona", Eugene pointed out
"True, maybe if we could get Quirin to speak with the Queen of Ingvarr and show her all that he does, maybe she'll appointment a Village Leader for her subjects too! That would help her a lot!"
The Dark Prince nodded and smiled, "feel better?"
"A little yeah, thanks Eugen-!" Rapunzel stopped, her eyes were wide and she was staring straight ahead
"Blondie? You okay?"
"D.... D-do you see that?" She asked
"She what?"
"That!" She pointed, getting Eugene to look and see a window at the end of the hallway
He raised a brow, seeing nothing out of the ordinary, "um.... That's a lovely window, although the curtain could be a shade darker, I mean I'm no interior decorator buhut that purple is a little too rich for the yellow vase sitting next to it"
"No not the curtains! T-the Sunlight!"
"Sunlight? What are you-!"
"It's leaving! Come on we've gotta follow it!" Rapunzel exclaimed before she ran down the hall
"WAIT! RAPUNZEL!" Eugene yelled before he sighed, "the things I do for love... WAIT BLONDIE! WAIT FOR ME!" He ran after her as fast as he could!
****
Rapunzel burst through the side doors of the castle, she looked around before spotting the light she'd seen before, it was shimmering with specks of glitter, the yellow ray shining brightly, beckoning her to come closer. She ran to it and it ran away, "WAIT!" She called, before she picked up her pace
"RAPUNZEL!" Eugene yelled, he continued to run after her, panting as he did so. The lovers ran across the fields of flowers, the princess passing by, and accidentally tripping, one of the dignitaries walking by, Eugene catching them before they fell, "sorry, you know how it is with a princess on a mission, heh", he joked before he dusted the person off and running after Rapunzel
The princess's heart was beating faster and faster as she kept the light in her sights, she was close to it, she knew it wanted her to follow, something in her chest told her to keep going, something close to her heart. The light disappeared behind a few trees and she dove after it before finding herself in a small opening. There were trees surrounding the area, a cliff nearby that fell into more trees below, the grass was sparkling in the sunshine and as the princess looked up, she could get a clear view of the descending Sun as he began his slow journey behind the horizon, the Moon peaking the tip of her shape out just a little behind some nearby bushes. Rapunzel felt a strong connection to the Moon, as if she were saying hello, she smiled at her and waved before someone else said her name... She began to walk towards them when-!
"RAPUNZEL!" Eugene called, "WHERE ARE YOU?!"
"I'm over here Eugene!" She called back, "behind the trees!"
She heard a little rustling before the Dark Prince fell in front of her, "hoo! Blondie I gotta tell ya, you wanna go running in the woods that's fine, but maybe don't trip the dignitaries when I'm trying to chase you? Makes for very awkward obstacles"
She blushed, "sorry Eugene"
"It alright, what's going on though? You said you saw some kind of light, then you just took off"
"Yeah.... I still see it... Eugene... You know how Varian's been having conversations with the Moon?"
"Yeah, still think that's kinda crazy by the way"
The princess smirked, "well, I think the Sun might be trying to tell me something too"
"What do you mean?"
"Well... Remember when Andrew was.... Yeah w-when that happened, you said something... Or someone... Spoke through me. I wasn't alert when that happened, but we assumed the Sundrop was reacting to Varian's Moon powers, but what if that wasn't *just* the Sundrop, what if the Sun himself was trying to talk through me, in fact, what if he's been trying to talk to me this entire time and I haven't been able to hear him?!"
"Him?"
"I feel like he's a male, I don't know why, but Quirin said he was"
"Quirin? When did-!"
"When he had that dream about him killing the Seporians before Varian was kidnapped by them. He said the Moon was female and the Sun was male, and his dream came true, both for poor Varian getting kidnapped and Quirin flying into a rage, and for the Moon being a female"
Eugene blinked, "ugh... Too much"
"Sorry", the Sun Princess replied with another blush on her cheeks, "either way, I think something may be wrong and that the Sun is trying to contact me, but maybe he doesn't have a way of doing that the same way the Moon connects with Varian"
"How do you know it's the *Sun* who wants to contact you?"
"I.... Feel it? If that makes any sense, plus that light is unmistakable, he must need to tell me something!"
".....I've heard worse, so how do you think you need to talk with him?"
"Well.... Varian talks to the Moon through dreams.... But you don't dream during the day, well... You can but it's more a Moon thing...."
"What about day dreaming?" Eugene asked, "people do that all the time"
Rapunzel smiled wide, "you're a GENIUS Eugene!" She kissed him happily before she ran over to the clearing
Eugene blushed happily, grinning with a dreamy look on his face before he shook it off and followed her, "wait up!"
They reached the center of the clearing and laid down, both of them were staring up into the sky, "ok, so I just need to start day dreaming!"
"Right!" They waited for a moment, staring up at the moving clouds and waiting, "anything yet Sunshine?"
"Nope...." Rapunzel replied before sighing, "I've never had a problem doing this before!"
"Maybe it's because you're thinking too much? Why not just close you eyes and think about nothing?"
"I could try", the princess closed her eyes and tried to imagine a black void of some sort, but the more she thought about it, the more her mind wandered. She started thinking about Eugene as a bee and giggled when she saw the image
"Blondie, focus", Beegene stated
"R-right sorry", she tried to reach the furthest parts of her mind, but the deeper she went, the more there was, she sighed an opened her eyes again, "Eugene, it's not working... I don't know what I'm doing wrong! I'm trying my best, but it's just..." She let out a breath, "maybe I need to fall asleep?" She waited for his response, but heard nothing, "Eugene?" Still nothing, she sat up and looked around, she was alone, "EUGENE!"
Her voice echoed throughout the clearing, which looked much different than before, it was foggy and the trees seemed much darker in appearance, in fact, the entire *forest* looked as though it had been bathed in shadow. She felt a chill run up her spine, "w-what's going on?"
'Come'
"What?"
'COME!'
There was a bright flash of light as Rapunzel stumbled backwards, she got up and glared, "who are you? What did you do to Eugene?! Where am I?"
'You must find me, as he found her'
"What are you talking about? Why would I want to search for you?"
'Because I have something important to tell you, I called you here after all'
The realization hit Rapunzel like a caravan, "you're the Sun!"
'Yes, now come, find me, follow my light, it will guide you'
There was a ray of sunlight shining nearby the princess and she followed it. She ran, faster and faster, trying to keep up with it's fading golden glow, she ran through the forest, leaving the clearing and rushing through the trees until she spotted two silhouettes of two familiar shaped people. She looked at them, "who.... Is that?"
'Want me to show you?'
"Um... Yes? Please?"
'Very well'
The ray of light shined on the silhouettes, "A-Adira? Varian? What are they doing here?"
'The boy is speaking with my sister, he's unreachable in this state, best not to bother him. The women is meditating, she comes does that often, but she never does anything wrong, I leave her be unless I feel as if she's in danger'
"You... Leave her?"
'Sorry, when she, or any being for that matter, meditates in their world, they come to this plane. It happens a lot more often than you think, and there are even those who can talk and move around in this plane, you and the boy speaking with my sister are two such beings, just in different ways!'
The princess smiled at Adira, "can I talk to or touch her in here when she's doing this?"
'Yes, but it may startled her a bit, so she may not stay in that same state for very long if you did', the Sun replied with a chuckle
Rapunzel giggled, "ok, I'll leave her be", she then noticed Varian open his eyes, "um... Varian?"
'He's back in your world, when you see people with eyes closed here, they're meditating, asleep, or brought her by me or my sister. When they're eyes are open, they're in your world and awake and moving. I see these two more and more in here with eyes closed now, in fact, I see a lot of people in here more and more these days, but I leave them alone unless they're in danger', the ray of light brightened the environment around the princess, and she saw many silhouettes of people she recognized, and even some she didn't, she even saw Eugene, laying right next to where she used to be before, his eyes were closed
"He must be sleeping", she said with a smile before the light faded back into the small sliver of light it had been before, "you can really see everyone?"
'Everyone my light touches, yes, and even those it doesn't'
Rapunzel looked at the light and smiled, "you're amazing you know that?"
She heard a chuckle that reminded her of Edmund, 'well thank you, for now however, you must come, hurry'
The light began to move away, Rapunzel chased after it again before she came to the edge of a cliff, the light was in front of her, but off the edge, "um...."
'You'll have to trust me here, it's the only way to see me'
"...Like a leap of faith?"
'Something like that, yes, you won't be hurt, I'll make sure of it'
The princess looked down, she saw nothing but an empty void, she heard a couple voices inside, one she though sounded familiar, "Varian?"
'As I stated, he's speaking with my sister'
"...The Moon...." She noted the teen sounded frantic, "i-is he okay?"
'All will be answered if you-oh I can't do the cryptic deal, that's my sister's schtick, look, I'll tell you what you need to know, but we won't be able to if you don't jump'
"Why?"
'Because this forest is not a safe place'
"What do you mean?"
'I... Can't explain, not yet, please, jump, hurry, me and my sister will keep you safe'
Rapunzel felt a rush of fear overtake her, she looked back and saw nothing but darkness, though it seemed to be moving towards her, she felt an underlying whisper of panic as she stepped back a bit, "w-what"
'Hurry! You must jump! Otherwise I'll have to place you back in your body!'
"I...." Her feet were frozen
'JUMP!'
"RAPUNZEL!" She heard Varian yell, suddenly she was lifted off her feet and tossed towards the ray of sunlight, she looked and saw the Moon shining brightly at her
'It'll be okay', she said, her voice calm and collected, 'you'll be okay', that's when the sunlight touched her, and she as blinded by the light
****
'Are you alright?'
The Sun princess's eyes were still closed when she heard the Sun's question, "I..." She felt her body, it didn't hurt and that feeling of fear and panic was gone, "I'm alright", she opened her eyes and was surprised at what she saw
The scene before her was *beautiful*! There were fluffy, white clouds that floated nearby, the surrounding area was all kinds of shades of blue, and seemed to last forever! The view alone made her heart weep with joy as she smiled wide, "this is amazing!"
'Thank you, it is my home'
She turned and gasped, the Sun was floating before her, his light shining around him, the warmth welcoming and calm, like a comfortable bed on a cold winter's night, or a nice spot by the fire, "you're.... So beautiful-er handsome-or.... Sorry"
The Sun chuckled, 'thank you, you're very beautiful yourself teeny one'
Rapunzel smirked, "teeny one?"
'My sister calls your friend little one, I wanted to come up with something for you I suppose'
The princess giggled, "little one suits Varian, he's pretty tiny, in an adorable way", she smiled at the thought of her little brother before she remembered hearing him before, "i-is he okay? I heard him earlier in the forest!"
'He... Well no, he's not alright mentally, but that wasn't actually him that called you in that forest'
"I KNEW I-Wait what?"
The Sun's light shimmered, as if he were giggling a little at that, 'he was speaking with my sister, but he wouldn't be able to be here unless I allowed him to be, and my sister would be needed for that'
"I saw the Moon as I fell, she said I'd be okay"
'That was actually her, she was getting you out of that place. The place you were in is my way of seeing you and the beings that roam the Earth, the same can be said for my sister as she takes over when it's time for me to move on to another part of your world. Your friend, the young boy you call Varian, he'd just finished speaking with my sister when you were at the cliff. The echo you heard was just that, an echo'
"An echo?"
'Yes, they are the shadows of your past, that forest, that dark field in general, is where me and my sister watch you all. We take care of you, nurture you when you need us to, and are able to speak to some of you through dreams, may they be during the day like me, or during the night, like my sister. That forest is known to be a very dark place, it causes people to have different reactions depending on how they feel in the moment. Your thoughts were on the boy at that moment, so you heard him screaming for you from the past', the Sun explained
Rapunzel shivered, "oh... That's why that sounded so familiar..." A flash of Varian being dragged out of the castle by the guards while he screamed her name still shook her mind and shattered her heart everytime she thought about it. She shook her head, clearing those thoughts as she looked up at the Sun, "it's nice to finally meet you, Varian's told me a lot about you sister! She seems really nice"
'She is, and I'm glad to meet you too, you seem like a very bright young women'
Rapunzel bowed politely, "thank you"
The Sun chuckled, "the boy is very bright too, so much potential'
"Potential?"
'He hasn't gotten the Moonstone yet, so I cannot see how powerful he will become, but that's not why I called you here, I'm worried about the boy'
"You're worried? Why's that?"
'He and his star went down to the dungeons, a place that causes him great pain.... Something... Happened down there... His star attacked someone else and they grew dark... It was concerning, and I thought I should warn you, because that boy, Varian... He's not letting on how much things are bothering him as he should....'
"What do you mean?"
The Sun showed an image of Varian, the teen was sitting in the infirmary, a sleeping Hugo on his lap, 'he's very disturbed and upset, but he's not telling anyone.... His star is traumatized and just underwent a very scary choice, he made a good decision, but these events are harming the both of them more than either will say.... This is going to affect them in a very bad way if they continue not talking.... I'm stepping in because I feel it is important, you are his partner, his Sundrop, I believe you will be the only person to help him through this'
"Not that I mind, but why only me? Quirin is Varian's father, he's much closer to him"
'There are things you can't tell a father, but you *can* tell a friend, and you and he have a few things in common that the others do not'
"For example?"
'You share a similar hurt', an image of Gothel appeared before her before it shifted to Andrew, 'you've both been taken advantage of by people you thought you could trust, if you were to show him how much you understood, he would tell you how he feels. You are his big sister after all'
Rapunzel thought for a moment, then nodded, "okay, I'll help"
The Sun shimmered happily before the surrounding area began to grow dark, 'it is time I take my leave, you need to return, but remember what I said, he's going to need you, now more than ever'
"I'll remember, will I see you again?"
'Always, I'm never too far away, just do what you did before should you need to talk. Oh, and you don't have to worry about the darker world anymore, now that you've made it here, you can come to and fro without worry, so that's a bonus'
Rapunzel giggled, "thank you Mr. Sun"
'You can just call me Sun if you wish, and you're welcome Rapunzel'
The light began to shine brightly, forcing the Sun Princess to close her eyes. Once the light faded and she opened them again, she heard snoring, looking over she smiled when she saw Eugene laying next to her. She sat up and looked towards the sky, smiling at the descending Sun before the celestial being's words rang in her ears, "Eugene", she shook the man awake, "Eugene we need to find Varian!"
The Dark Prince grunted and mumbled before his eyes fluttered open, "huh? W-what's going on blondie?" He asked, stifling a yawn as he did
"We need to find Varian Eugene! He's upset and needs our help!"*
"That's when we ran to find you and Hugo, we came to the infirmary and well, you know the rest", Rapunzel finished
The room was silent before Hugo looked at his boyfriend, "I spoke with the Moon, she said you asked for her help with me, but then... Were you talking to her after?"
Varian sighed but nodded, "I was thanking her for the help when you fell asleep, she was happy I thanked her and we were talking before she said I needed to rest"
"Ah"
"Varian", Rapunzel said
The teen's shoulders tensed, "I...." He started, but hesitated before letting out a breath, "I.... Just.... I d-don't know how to handle everything r-right now, and putting it into words is a lot harder t-than I'm willing to admit. B-but I won't let it g-get too far... I just.... N-need time to process it...."
"Varian, the Sun itself told Rapunzel to talk to you about this", Eugene stated gently, "I think you may not have much time"
The blue eyed alchemist looked away from him, "I-I'm...." He closed his eyes, letting a breath go through his nose, "no... I'm not, stop saying that you are...."
"Um...."
"Sorry, scolding myself, it's a bad habit", Varian replied, "look I... I'm not okay, b-but I'm not gonna be until this whole mess is resolved, and yeah, I should probably talk to someone about this, a-and I plan to, just... When things... Calm down? Ugh, I don't know..." He sighed, "t-the Sun's worried?"
"Yes", Rapunzel replied, "and so am I, but I understand that this isn't easy to talk about, especially since...." She looked at Hugo, then Ruddigar, then Quirin, then Varian, "since there's so many people involved that you care about... Look we don't have to talk now, I didn't come here to immediately force you to spill your heart out to me, especially since I understand the kind of position you're in right now"
"You mean having people replying on you to stay strong?" He asked quietly
"Yes, especially that, but when you get a minute, I'm here if you ever need to talk. Because believe me I know how hard things can be when the next decision you have to make is.... Well..."
"A decision that could make or break the situation?" Varian finished, "like say, deciding between helping one friend or a dying kingdom during a massive blizzard that could end up destroying that kingdom?" He added with a small smile
She returned it and nodded, "yeah"
He chuckled, "I was thinking about talking to you either way, but.... When I get a minute to, thank you, f-for understanding that"
"You're welcome, and by the way", she walked over and hugged the teen, "you're doing great"
Varian was a little startled by this, but he smiled wide and hugged her back, his anxiety extinguishing a little as he felt a little more at ease, "thanks Rapunzel, that means a lot"
"You're welcome Varian, glad I could help", Rapunzel replied, smiling happily as she heard the teen let out a breath of relief.
Notes:
Hello! :D
The Sun is finally here! I didn't get to explore too much of his personality yet, but I'm hoping to do so very soon! :D I love the Sun, just as I love the Moon, they're different but so much fun!!!!! Also, Varian lovins! Because he needs more of those
The Sun himself, to me, is a very jovial, laid back, kind, and caring celestial being. He's got a funny side and a laugh that sounds like Edmund's and warms the heart of all who listen. He's like a dad, just like Moon is like a mom! So it works :D
Speaking of, Moon appeared! She helped save Rapunzel! Yay for Moon!!!!!
Eugene is a good boyfriend, I love good boyfriend Eugene! <3
Punzie is getting miles better! She and Varian are going to talk later too, and I'm excited for that because it shows more Rapunzel growth, so yay! :D One of the best big sisters ever!
Poor Varian, bean's been so strong that he's been keeping his feelings to himself, well, majority of them, he's trying. But he'll be okay, he will! :D
Ruddy slips into the dreaming world too, I can see him being an astral projecter, I have an idea for him later, it'll be funny and really wholesome too! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 229: Hector Leans In!
Summary:
Hector and the Queen of Ingvarr have a conversation!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector was walking through the halls of the Coronan castle, it'd been two days since they'd found out about the Duke and Duchess's plan, and he was getting irritated as he thought about his sister and brother being stuck with the *monsters* they called parents. He huffed, his mind was fuzzy, he supposed the lack of sleep the past couple of days wasn't helping with that, plus he really hadn't eaten a good meal in a while either. He sighed, *this fucking sucks, I hate sitting here and waiting like a fucking coward....* He thought to himself as he turned the corner, only to bump into someone, who yelped, "oof.. Sorry, didn't see you th-!" He began before he looked at the person and saw a startled looking Trinity staring, wide eyed, at him, "T-Trinity?"
The women stared at her brother for a while, looking as if she were debating something when a hand was placed on her shoulder, "hello Hector", the Duke stated, pulling Trinity closer to him possessively, "long time, no see"
The wild tamer glared at the man, "hi. What are you doing?"
"Taking my daughter for a walk"
Hector felt his blood boil at that, "she's not a fucking *dog* you know"
The Duke smirked, "temper temper, you wouldn't want to lose control of yourself in front of the Queen of Ingvarr would you?"
The wild tamer stopped when he noticed the Queen standing just a few feet away, the Duchess and Dexter standing next to her, watching him with a concerned expression. He sighed, but glared at his ex-father, "wouldn't be so tough if your precious title wasn't protecting you...."
"Could say the same for you, *Prince* Hector"
Hector growled, but one look at Trinity's face made him stop and sigh, "where were all of you?"
"Why, what ever do you mean?"
"There were guards attacked in the dungeons, my two binturongs found them, where were you all when it happened? I searched around and didn't find any of you. You were in the meeting, but you disappeared after", he looked at his siblings, "it worried me"
Trinity looked down, as did Dexter, neither of them spoke, "we went to our room after the meeting", the Duchess replied with a smirk
Hector raised a brow, "did you have a guard with you?"
"Yes, we did"
"Do you remember their name?"
"Not off the top of my head", the Wild tamer cocked his head to the side suspiciously, "what?"
"Everyone was assigned a guard to take them back to their rooms after the meeting was over, surely you would've been told the name of the guard escorting you"
"Why would we remember such a detail?" The Duke snapped, "we had more pressing matters to attend to"
"More pressing matters than someone taking down two guards who were looking after several prisoners?"
The Duchess glared at her husband, "I... Yes, we were getting our children to safety", he replied
Hector looked at Trinity and Dexter, they remained quiet, he sighed, "fine, but I still wanna know the guard's name"
"Why?" The Duchess asked, "why is it so important to you that you know the name of the guard who escorted us?"
"Because I'm helping the investigation, trying to find out who harmed those two guards, and we suspect that one of the other guards may have done it", the wild tamer stated
The Ingvarrian Queen raised a brow, "pretty bold of you to be telling us this"
The Duchess raised a brow, "indeed, why say anything to us? Shouldn't you be keeping that a secret?"
The wild tamer sighed, "the only people who have access to those dungeons are guards, the princess of corona herself told me this. So either someone took down another guard, stole their armor, than attacked the two in the dungeons before leaving, which is completely unlikely considering the only guards that were missing during that time was the two who got attacked. Or it was another guard"
"Or someone with a higher authority", the Queen pointed out
The Duke nodded, "right, someone could've ordered the guards to let them in, taken them out, and done what they needed to do"
Hector was quiet for about one second, trying to hold what he was thinking back before he spoke again, his tone completely calm, "true, but that's why we have other defining factors, like motives, time and place, witnesses, all stuff I can't get into, only the bare minimum".
"All of that evidence led up to you all suspecting another guard?" The Duchess asked
"Yes", Hector replied, "that's why I need the guard who escorted you all's name. We can count them out of the attack that way"
The Duchess and Duke looked at each other before the Duchess thought for a moment, "I think I do remember, yes, it was Stan"
"Right, Stan", the Duke agreed with a nod, "he was the one that escorted us, of course, he was already found innocent, was he not?"
The Queen of Ingvarr, Hector, Trinity, and Dexter were completely silent as they looked at the pair before the wild tamer nodded, "Stan it is, and yes he was. Good to know, thanks". With that, he turned to walk away
"Wait", he heard the Queen of Ingvarr stated, stopping him in his tracks and getting him to look at her
"Yes?"
She was quiet for a moment before she sighed, "I need to speak with you alone, is that alright?"
"Sure"
The Duke and Duchess looked at their Queen, "your majesty?" The Duchess said
"I just have a few questions about the investigation is all, don't worry, I'll be back with you after", she reassured with a smile
The two nodded before they took Dexter and Trinity and began to walk away, the two siblings looking worriedly at Hector. The wild tamer gave them a smirk before they were pushed around a corner, out of sight. The two waited for a moment, listening to the sound of disappearing footsteps until they were completely gone. The wild tamer then looked at the Queen, "something I can do for you your majesty?" He asked respectfully
"You suspect them, don't you?" The Ingvarrian Queen asked
"Jumping straight to the point?"
"Yes"
"Yes"
The Queen was startled, "you don't want to even *try* lying?"
"No"
"Why's that?"
"Because you wouldn't be asking me this if you didn't suspect them yourself", Hector replied calmly
The Queen chuckled, "not a bad observation, you're very perceptive"
The wild tamer looked directly at the Queen, "your majesty, you know a lot about my ex-parents, and you're the type of person that would like to see the good in everyone, which is why you push so hard for everyone to try your best. But have you ever wondered why I never made the attempt to go back to them? Did you ever wonder why my siblings were always so quiet, or why my parents would force their belief that my siblings were the most creative and the most intelligent in all the land?"
"Yes, I've often questioned it"
"Did you ever find an answer?"
"I have a few guesses, some are not as kind as others I will admit"
"The ones that aren't kind, have you given them much thought?"
The Queen sighed, "yes, but I do not want to think of my friends in such a way, I'd like to think they're good people who help me when they can", she looked at the wild tamer, "I never understood why you left, I didn't question it before because they'd never given me a reason to. But seeing you now after all these years has been a bit... Eye opening... I remember that day, how small you looked compared to the other fighters. I remember how hard you and your sister fought.... I remember how hard you lost.... When I'd come to congratulate you for getting as far as you did at such a young age, you looked so.... Afraid.... Your face looked like one of the guards in a final battle... Then I never saw you after that... Your family told me you'd left of your own accord, but I suspect that isn't the full story...."
"It's not...."
She sighed, "I've been wanting to ask you about it ever since I first saw you, but never had the chance.... Now? ....I feel as though I don't need to... It seems pretty clear what really happened"
"And that would be?"
The two were silent for a moment, the wild tamer waiting for the Queen's reply, she hesitated, but then chuckled bitterly, "I pride myself on being strong and brave, I try to encourage that throughout my kingdom, yet.... I can't even admit the wrong doings a close friend of mine has made.... How cowardly...."
Hector looked up at her, she was smiling, but it was a very sad, mournful smile as she looked off into the distance. He felt a pang of guilt shoot through him as he fully faced her, "it's not cowardly to be upset when you find out something disturbing... It's not weak to be sad", he watched her, "you are not a worse person for admitting you don't want to admit something, in fact, it makes you stronger for saying something at all"
She smirked, "thank you for your kind words, but.... I don't feel any less shame from the idea of what they did to you.... You were suffering, right under my nose, and I did not notice. That is something I will always regret..."
"....It seems like you don't need me to confirm it"
"They've already proven they're capable... I've noticed the way they've been acting when they first arrived. How different they are to anyone but me and Donella.... And Donella herself.... I suppose she's the one that made me realize there was something wrong"
"What do you mean?"
"I thought I knew her well enough too..... Then I come to find out she's abused the young Hugo....." She sighed, "it was what made me realize that my Duke and Duchess are not the same as they were before, but I've been too busy to do anything about it.... And now.... You suspecting them of the attack on the guards... I cannot completely deny the idea like I could before".
Hector watched the Queen of Ingvarr for a moment or two before he sighed, "they didn't attack them... They had Cyrus do it so they could talk to Donella"
"What?" She said, "how do you-!"
"King Edmund and Adira were in the dungeons, they didn't see the attack, but the guards who were attacked confirmed that it was Cyrus, Nigel is going to tell the Queen and King of Corona, you might as well know too. They went down there to tell Donella of their plans, and to ask for her help...."
"Plans?"
".....You want to know how you can fix things? How to get rid of the shame?"
The Queen nodded, "yes"
"....When I was a child, after I went to live in the Dark Kingdom, I was training to become a strong fighter, and I accidentally hurt Quirin.... He wasn't horribly injured, but it was bad enough that he needed to be taken to the infirmary, and I felt immense amount of shame.... I didn't eat, didn't sleep, didn't think, hell I didn't even pick up a sword again because I didn't want to hurt anyone else... I didn't even apologize, I felt sick with guilt the entire time.... But then...." He smiled, Queen Eden found me, she knew every hiding spot I had, and had been looking for me. She stayed and talked with me a while, allowing me to decide if I wanted to come back to the castle or not.... When I didn't, she didn't press, but she brought me food and kept me company until one day, I finally told her how I felt. She listened to me, nodding and not interrupting until I was done, then, she said, 'the shame that you feel can only heal if you try to make up for what you did'. She said that I did something wrong, and that I needed to accept it, it was an accident after all. But she said that even though I hadn't meant to, it was still gonna leave a mark on me, and on Quirin... But.... Hiding away and avoiding what I did would never fix the issue, it would only make my guilt feel worse. She told me that if I really wanted to get rid of the shame, that I could accept when I did, apologize for it, and try to make up for it in any way I could. If I tried my best, then I could eventually forgive myself, and maybe Quirin would too..."
"She really said that?" The Queen asked
Hector smiled and nodded, "she meant it too, she was a very wise and gracious Queen, even if she never touched a weapon, she was one of the strongest people I knew. So I did what she said, I built up my courage and, with her by my side, went to the Infirmary and apologized to Quirin. He immediately forgave me, I don't know why, probably because he's a big dope", the wild tamer stated with a loving smirk, "he hugged me and said he'd never been angry. But I still felt ashamed, when I told him this, he seemed to understand, and asked me what I'd like to do. I said I wanted to make up for it, and he suggested that I help him around. I'd damaged his dominant arm, so he needed someone to help him until it healed. I did it and felt a lot better. Then, once he was fully healed, we sparred again, and I didn't hurt him, not ever". Hector sighed, remembering that memory vividly and smiling lovingly at the thought, "Quirin forgave me without a second thought, he'd been worried then entire time and never pushed me too far when I was helping, even though he could have without question", he looked at the Queen, "you feel ashamed and upset, you don't want to admit what you did or what your friends are doing, but the thought is making you feel worse.... Am I correct?"
"Yes"
"Well, then you could help us make a difference", Hector said, "you could help us expose them and stop their plan, because your majesty, it's a horrible plan, really fucking horrible, and it could put a lot of people's lives in danger, my family's especially.... You don't have to of course, you really don't. I won't judge you for not wanting any part of this, because it puts your friends, the people you've thought were good for *years*, into a *very* dark light.... That's not something easily accepted.... I won't blame you for saying no... But.... I'm giving you the option, I can tell you what they're going to do, I could tell you what we plan on doing to stop them, you'd be a big help, but I won't force you to join, this choice is up to you".
The Queen was startled by this, "why even give me such an option? I could tell them what you just said, allowing them to get the advantage"
"I know, and I wouldn't judge you for that either if you did. But this isn't a game to me, people could get hurt, killed even, there could even be a.... I won't get into that, either way, this is important, and I won't lie and say your support wouldn't be a big help, because that's not true. If we had you on our side, we'd have an easier time exposing their plans. But the *real* reason I told you is because you deserve to know the truth. You're the Queen, and if your people are suffering, you should be the first one to find out, and it seems like your Duke and Duchess are keeping that from you.... I was one of your people, I still have loyalties to you, so I'm sorry to even bring up any sort of news against your friends.... But you don't strike me as a power hungry person, just someone who wants to run a strong kingdom, but they aren't what's best. Though I suppose that judgement is up to you".
The Ingvarrian Queen looked at the floor for a moment, contemplating what she should do, before she looked the man in the eyes and gave her answer
****
Varian sighed happily as he leaned against Hugo, his boyfriend had just been given the all clear to be out of the infirmary, so they were enjoying some time together in his and his father's shared room. Quirin was in the bathroom, he'd filled the tub to it's brim and was currently playing with Itty Bitty, splashing the water so the little fish would have waves to swim in and chuckling when his friend would blow bubbles his way. Hugo was leaning against the wall, smiling happily as well as he stroked Varian's hair lovingly, "you know, this was all I was wanting out of this visit", the blond stated, "you and me hanging out, your dad playing with his fish, and Ruddigar and Liv snuggling together in a ball of fluff and robo parts, this must me love"
The blue eyed teen snorted, "oh yes, very much so, love at first cybernetic mouse leg"
Hugo snickered, "you know what I mean"
"Hee hee, I know, you sure you're feeling okay? I know you got a free pass to leave, but still"
"I'm fine Freckles, you worry too much"
"About you? Yes"
Hugo smirked, remaining silent as he continued to mess with his boyfriend's hair, "what should we do?"
"We could do some alchemy"
"Mmm, I don't wanna get up"
"Oki, how about we talk about alchemy"
The blond chuckled, "so romantic"
"It's on my mind right now, the rooster is coming along really well! I'm really excited to get it built and ready for the very first test run!"
"It does look pretty cool, particularly with the Flynnolium"
"Yeah, that was a good idea, I wouldn't have thought about it had you not pointed it out"
"Happy to help"
Varian giggled, "....We could talk about us"
"What about us? Is us in trouble?"
The freckled teen snorted, "no, us is not in trouble Huuugo, I just thought we could talk about our first date, or stuff we like other than alchemy, raccoons, mice, and inventing, or maybe even-!"
"Pick up lines?"
"What? Hugo, we're already dating, why would we need pick up lines?"
"To spice things up! I'll need *some* way to ask you out on a date"
Varian looked up at him, "why not just ask me?"
"No it's gotta be fancy, or even romantic! Like.... Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?"
"PFFFT!" Varian slapped a hand over his mouth and began to laugh as a blush appeared on his cheeks, "H-H-Hugohohohoho!"
"See? Pick up lines are awesome!" The blond exclaimed, "I've got another, *ahem* ....4+4=8, you+me=*fate*!"
Varian cackled with laughter, holding his stomach as did so, "everything okay in here?" Quirin asked, peeking out from the bathroom to see what was going on, Itty Bitty swimming happily in his fish bowl
"Yup!" Hugo replied, a wide grin on his face as he hugged Varian happily, "I'm just being hilarious"
"Y-Yohou + Mehehee = Fahahahahate! I can't!" Varian exclaimed, "thahahat was so cohohorny!"
"That's why they're so good!" The blond exclaimed
Quirin smirked, "pick up lines?"
"Pick up lines!"
As Varian began to calm down, they all heard a knock at the door. Quirin raised a brow at Hugo, who gave him an innocent look, before he walked over to the door and opened it, seeing Hector standing behind it, "oh! Hi Hector, what are yo-!"
"She's in", the wild tamer stated
"What?"
His younger brother looked at the retired knight, "the plan worked, the Queen of Ingvarr decided to hear the Duke and Duchess's plan, she's going to help us".
Notes:
Hello! :D
Hector talking to the Queen of Ingvarr is something I've been planning for a while, so here it is! :D
Hector is just such an amazing character, from his mysterious past to his loyalty to the love he has for his family, this man is everything and more and I love him entirely too much!!!!! I think he was the perfect person to talk to the Queen, they share a lot alike, both are truthful to almost a fault, both are strong willed and loyal to the people they care about, and both have a hard time accepting certain things about themselves and the ones around them! :D Where Hector differs is how much he's willing to grow and change, where as the Queen needs a little more help with that. But he's there to guide her, like he was guided by Quirin, Eden, Edmund, and Adira! :D
The Queen of Ingvarr is a very interesting character to write, she's not a bad person, she's actually a very good person, but she's rough and tough. She is meant to be sort of a foil for Hector, someone he can help mold and that can help mold him a little too. I hope that came across well in this chapter. Either way, she's someone I've been wanting to explore character wise for a while! I'm glad I was able to do that a little bit here! :D
Screw the Duke and Duchess, but at least we know Trinity and Dexter are alive! :D
Hugo's pick up lines are going to become a thing now, I love them so much and I found tons more that he would say!!!!!! I'm so excited for that! :D Also, Hugo is adorable and he's getting lovins, yay! Finally!
Varian is having fun! Him being pampered a little by Hugo before laughing his butt off is so much fun to write! XD Little Moon bean can't handle his boyfriend's pick up lines! XDXDXDXD
Quirin and Itty Bitty are reunited! Best Fish! Best dad! <3<3<3<3<3<3 Plus him immediately checking on the two alchemists when he heard some sort of commotion is such a soft and wholesome moment to me <3 We stan protective farmer dad in this fanfic! <3
Ruddy Buddy is snuggling with Olivia, they're the best raccoon and mouse! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 230: Regrets!
Summary:
Quirin and Hector talk!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
His younger brother looked at the retired knight, "the plan worked, the Queen of Ingvarr decided to hear the Duke and Duchess's plan, she's going to help us"
Quirin, Varian, and Hugo were staring at the wild tamer, eyes wide and mouths agape with shock before the Village Leader spoke up, "s-she knows now? A-and she wants to help?"
"Yes", Hector replied
"How?"
"I told her the truth, turns out she actually suspected something was up herself"
"Really?"
"Yeah", the wild tamer replied, "she seemed sad, but accepted what I told her and promised to keep an eye out until further instructions. She does wanna talk to you though", he pointed to Hugo, "said she'd like to discuss Donella with you"
"Right now?" Hugo asked
"If you've got the time, she's free at the moment, or at least she wants to be and wouldn't mind a good excuse to stay *away* from the Duke and Duchess"
The blond hesitated, "I-I don't know.... I've spoken with the Queen, but only for a few brief seconds...."
"I could go with you", Varian offered
The bespeckled teen was a little startled by that, "you sure?"
"Yeah, you wanted to do something anyway"
"I also did not want to get up, but.... I guess this is more important, isn't it?"
The blue eyed alchemist placed a hand on his boyfriend's shoulder, "hey, if you don't want to right now, you don't have to"
Hugo sighed and shook his head, "no, I need to, she probably wants to know everything that happened between me and Don, and.... Maybe.... Maybe she can help? I-I don't know... I-it would be nice to make a few suggestions for the kingdom, l-like we were discussing before.... It... It might...."
"Hugo", Varian said, taking the blond's hand in his, "it's going to be alright, I'll be right by your side every step of the way, ok?"
The bespeckled teen smiled and nodded, "ok, thanks Varian"
"You're welcome Huuugo"
"Heh, Vaaaaarian"
"Huuuuuuuuugo"
"Vaaaaaaaaaaaaarian"
"Huuuuuuuuu-!"
"Boys", Quirin interrupted with a smirk
The two alchemists blushed, "sorry dad, come on, let's find the Queen"
With a nod, the two teens grabbed Ruddigar and Olivia and walked out, waving to the retired knight and wild tamer as they did so before closing the door behind them. Quirin and Hector were left alone in the room together, the silence between them a little awkward for a moment or two before the Village Leader spoke up, "so... Um... Hi"
"Hi", Hector replied
"Been a while since we've been alone together huh?"
"Yup"
"Yeah...." Quirin looked at the floor, unsure or what to say or do before he looked at Itty Bitty and smiled, "I taught him a new trick, you wanna see?"
The wild tamer looked at the tiny fish and raised a brow, "you taught him a trick?"
"Yup!"
Hector shrugged, "kay"
Quirin smiled before he set the bowl down and brought out a tiny plastic ring, "Varian made this for me just for this occasion, ready Itty Bitty?"
The fish blew a few bubbles at the retired knight, getting the man to smile as he lowered the plastic ring to where it was barely touching the top of the water. The fish swam a couple of circles around the bowl before he swam up as fast as he could, jumping out of the water and through the ring before splashing back inside the bowl!
"Great job! You did that so well! I'm so happy with you! You get all the treats for that, yes you do!" Quirin exclaimed before he set the ring down and grabbed a small bag, getting a couple treats out of it and placing them in the water for Itty Bitty to happily eat. The fish swam up to them and began to nibble gratefully on the bottom of one while the retired knight looked at his brother, "ta da!"
Hector chuckled, "that was pretty impressive I gotta say, you're a natural fish tamer"
"Thanks!" Quirin replied with a grin, "I'm thinking about getting Itty Bitty a bowl with a lid, that way I can take him on trips with me so he won't be so lonely"
"That would definitely be interesting to see"
The Village Leader chuckled, "I know it seems silly to care for a fish the way I do, but Itty Bitty is one of a kind"
"He looks a lot like Varian too"
"I.... Well yeah he does, and in the beginning that was part of the reason I kept him, but now? He's just Itty Bitty, the best fish in the world", the fish in question smiled at his Quirin, happily swishing his tail back and fourth as he continued to nibble on the treat
Hector watched the fish, a small smile on his face before he looked at his big brother. Quirin was watching Itty Bitty happily, smiling through the bowl to look at him, the wild tamer continued to watch him before he couldn't stop himself from saying the next few words that came out of his mouth, "are you happy here?"
Quirin looked at the man with a raised brow, "what?"
"Are you happy here?" The wild tamer repeated, a little quieter this time
The retired knight was confused but he nodded, "yeah, I'm very happy here, I've got a good home, a family, a fish friend, and a stable job that pays well, it's nice"
"More nice than the Dark Kingdom?...."
This startled Quirin, getting him to break his stare away from Itty Bitty to look at his little brother, "I.... What?"
Hector froze and blushed before he huffed, "never mind it's stupid an-!"
"It's the same"
The wild tamer stopped and looked over his shoulder at Quirin, "huh?"
"It's the same.... As the Dark Kingdom I mean", the Village Leader replied, "me being here and living in Old Corona has the same homey feel that the Dark Kingdom did. Different people and different job, but very similar feel, why do you ask?"
".....What... What if the Dark Kingdom was rebuilt?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean what I asked, what if the Dark Kingdom was rebuilt? What if you were given the option to stay or leave? What would you choose?"
"I.... Don't know...."
The wild tamer raised a brow, "you don't know?"
"No", Quirin replied, "I don't.... If I were given the option, it would be a very hard decision to make...."
Hector fell silent for a moment or two before he finally spoke up, "you hid your past from everyone.... You didn't mention me, Adira, or King Edmund to Varian at all.... When we met him, he had an idea, but you never told him much... Quirin do you... Hate your past?"
"No!" The retired knight replied almost instantly, "no no I could *never* hate my past! I'm afraid of certain parts, yes, but I could *never* hate my past, never.... The memories I have of you, Adira, King Edmund, and Queen Eden are precious to me, I keep them with me everywhere I go , everywhere! W.... What made you think I hated my past?"
"I don't know... Just... A stupid thought in my head...."
"A stupid thought in your head? What kind of thought?"
Hector sighed, "when I was talking with the Queen, I remembered something I did to you a long time ago, when I injured your arm when fighting and how I helped take care of you to make up for it.... I used it to help convince the Queen to help us out.... But... When I thought about it... It reminded me of other things I'd done to you when I was a kid... Snapping at you for no reason, hitting you whenever I was scared... Biting you, scratching you, even screaming at you when Adira spoke of the Sundrop and you didn't stop her.... Then I remembered how hard I'd fought against Adira, even going so far as to slam her into a wall and knock her out in front of the princess and her goons at the Great Tree... And how I failed to stop them from entering the Dark Kingdom like the king had asked me to.... I... I just... I dunno I started remembering all these bad things I did to all of you, even the Queen and.... I feel... Guilty... Me and Adira were talking about how we felt crowded and wanted to go back to adventuring shit, but how we felt like we needed to stay because of you and the king and Varian being here.... But then I... I thought about how I hadn't even mentioned going back to the Dark Kingdom and... Well... That... Had a bit to do with the anxiety attack I had... When you sang to me, it felt like we were back in the Dark Kingdom again and... I miss it... But we can't go back.... But what if we could? Would you even want to? That's when those memories came in my head and.... I felt... Guilty.... Really fucking guilty...."
Quirin was silent for a moment before he tried to walk towards his little brother, "Hector-!"
"I don't-!" The wild tamer started to snap before he stopped and sighed, "ugh... I don't want... To be touched right now... Please...."
The retired knight stopped walking, ".....I'm sorry.... What you said about the Dark kingdom and going back... you meant in the past did you....." Hector was silent, "....and when you asked if I hated my past.... You think I hate you...."
The wild tamer chuckled bitterly as he looked away, "that obvious?"
Quirin was quiet for a moment or two, "I don't hate you Hector"
"You sure? After what I've done? After..." He sighed
"....I'm sorry...."
"No it's not your fault... Stupid fucking thoughts in my head came out of fucking no where...."
"Hector that's normal for someone with anxiety"
"How do you know?" He snapped, looking at his big brother
"Varian"
".....Fuck...."
The Village Leader snorted, "you and your cursing I swear"
"You're not putting soap in my mouth old man"
"Wouldn't dream of it... Also, old man, really?"
"You're like... What... 13 years older than me? Old man is accurate"
"Yet I can still beat you in a race and a fight"
"Fuck you"
Quirin snickered at that before he looked at his little brother seriously, "look... What happened during the Dark Kingdom's destruction and anything before it... I don't blame you or Adira or King Edmund for it, if anything I blame myself. I wasn't able to stop it, but I know you and Adira feel the same... We've all got some form of guilt we feel about the past, but if we keep moving forwards, we can make up for it. I've already began to, so has King Edmund and Adira, and you may not realize it, but you are as well"
"What are you talking about?"
"You've protected Adira several times, and got angry on her behalf when, before, you would've argued with her and gotten mad. You joke with King Edmund and make him smile with your sassy attitude when, before, you would've walked away or rolled your eyes. And you comfort me and talk to me when I need it when, before, you would've told me it wasn't such a big deal and to get over it because I was a Brotherhood member. You're also very kind to my son! The first time you met him, in fact, you let him ride on Xena and cracked jokes with him, you didn't judge him for *his* past, and you even comfort him and make him smile. You've been making up for a lot of things you did in the past already!"
The wild tamer was quiet, "I.... Then why do I feel like I still owe you an apology? Why do I still feel guilty all the time?"
Quirin gave his brother a sympathetic smile, "because even though we've forgiven you, forgiving yourself is a lot harder to do.... I haven't forgotten how I treated Varian when he was younger, distancing myself from him because of how much he reminded me of his mother.... Married to my work while my son did everything he could for my attention... I still don't forgive myself, even if Varian has.... It's so hard to do that, it's hard to forgive yourself for you past actions, but that doesn't mean you need to suffer for them forever".
"W-well how do I get them to stop?! How do I get the feeling to go away from me and stop cramming my brain with those damn memories?!"
"This is going to make you angry, but it's time", Quirin stated
"What?"
"Time, as more and more time passes, your memories of what you did are going to fade with new ones you make with the people you feel you hurt. If you keep making new memories and working towards fixing the things you did, eventually that hurt will go away, it just takes time".
"I don't *want* it to take time though! Why can't it leave now? Why can't I just accept that you've forgiven me and move on?!"
"Because that's not how that works Hector", Quirin replied gently, "unfortunately, that's not how trauma and anxiety works..."
"I wish it did...." The wild tamer stated sadly, "I really wish it fucking did... I wish I could forget..."
"....Varian wanted to forget too...."
"What are you talking about?"
"When Varian was in jail, Andrew groomed him into doing very bad things, one of those things was taking the magic from the Seporian wand of oblivion and making it into a gas that makes everyone forget everything. He wanted to make everyone forget what he'd done.... He even named it after me, Quirinian...."
"Why'd he name it after you?"
"He didn't want the people of Corona to forget how they'd turned their backs on me and him"
"But they'd forget they did that when he splashes them with that stuff"
"It's very flawed logic I know, but he was angry and not thinking clearly, so it made sense to him... In fact... That anger blinded him to a lot of things, including the red flags Andrew would give him.... He avoided logic and reasoning because he just wanted things to go back to normal, he wanted to forget himself... But he knew it wasn't possible, he knew it wouldn't work, he even told me that he thinks that was the main reason he couldn't make the Quirinian right, it kept exploding in his face because he was at odds with himself on the inside...."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because Varian was in the same place you are now, he wanted to forget everything, what he'd done, what he was *doing*, eveything. He wanted all the bad to go away so whatever normalcy he had left in his life would come back..... But he realized that that wasn't how things worked, Rapunzel helped him with that. He also realized that's not what the Seporians wanted, they wanted to make things different, to take over the kingdom and harm people, and Varian never wanted that. He stood against them and got thrown back in jail, him and Rapunzel talked, made up, escaped with the help of Eugene and Lance, then saved the day! Because he changed sides and fixed his mistakes before they got out of hand, Rapunzel trusted him and helped free me from the amber. Now I'm here, with him, and we're getting better, together!" Quirin stated with a proud smile, "Varian did so much damage, and he still hasn't forgiven himself for it, but he's trying his hardest, every single day, to make up for it! Hector you've *seen* him, everything he's doing and everything he's done, do you feel like he's made up for it?"
"Yeah, fucking ten times over"
"Well he still feels that guilt over what he did, he still feels like he deserves any comment of hate against him.... It's why he'll have a hard time going to bed on time or even eating, because he's working so hard to make up for what he's done. But he's getting better, he tells me anytime he needs a reminder that he's truly been forgiven, he talks to Rapunzel and Eugene as well. He gets therapy sessions with Lance, who gives him a safe space to feel how he wants to with complete secrecy. He's helping others like him, like Hugo for example, trying to give them advice when they need it. Varian is getting better, and there are things he's finally forgiving himself for, but it's still taking him time". Quirin looked directly at Hector, "look I'm not saying the same thing will work for you, everyone's different after all, there's no one size fits all sort of deal, but if you ever need me to tell you that I've forgiven you for what happened in the past, I can do that, I'm more than willing to. I know Adira and King Edmund would as well, and Lance would probably not mind having some sessions with you too if you want them".
"I.... What if they don't work?"
"Then we'll work with you until we find something that does", Quirin replied, "I'm more than willing to do that with you, even if it takes a while"
"Why?"
The retired knight chuckled, "do I really need a reason?"
"...I need one..."
Quirin was silent for a moment before he smiled, "it's because I care about you Hector, I love you, you're my little brother, and I don't want to see you hurting anymore. Plus.... I have some things I need to make up for with you too, after all... You were alone for 25 years in that tree.... And I knew.... And didn't do anything about it...."
"Quirin I... I made that choice, t-that wasn't you!"
"I still feel guilty about it"
Hector was about to argue when he remembered this entire conversation and sighed, "....I forgive you... And Adira too... I'll remind both of you of that too"
The retired knight nodded, "thank you"
"....You did that on purpose"
"Yes, but I meant it too, I really do feel bad for that, it must've been hard"
"I had my animals with me.... But I guess that's not gonna help huh?"
"Not really...."
".....We're really fucked up, aren't we?"
"Yes we are.... But we don't have to be, not forever"
Hector smiled, "thanks Quirin"
"You're welcome"
Suddenly, the door opened and Varian and Hugo walked inside, "phew!" The blue eyed alchemist exclaimed, "finally done!"
"Yeah", Hugo agreed, walking in after him and closing the door, "that is one regretful Queen, my gosh!"
"Yeah, but that fact that she listened to your suggestions and is willing to make a change is amazing!" Varian stated happily, "Ingvarr might get a little better for the people now!"
"Yeah, oh Quirin!" The blond looked at the man, "the Queen of Ingvarr may ask you a few questions, we suggested Rapunzel's suggestion about her getting a Village Leader to help her run her kingdom and she liked the idea a lot"
"Noted", Quirin replied
"Be careful though, she's very sad about the state of things, she didn't realize how bad they'd gotten mentally, so you may have to watch what you say", Varian added
"Double noted", his father stated before he walked over and scooped his son up, "hi"
"Hi", the freckled teen replied with a grin
Hugo raised a brow and looked at Hector, "you guys talk about something serious when we were gone? He seems particularly snuggly right now, and that usually happens right after a serious conversation"
Hector snorted and shook his head, "nothing too serious, just some things we regret"
The blond smirked, "I could go on a tirade about all the things I regret, but ya gotta move forwards am I right?"
The wild tamer chuckled as he watched his big brother hugging his son, noting how Quirin's arms were wrapped around Varian as if he were holding something fragile and precious, it made him smile, "right"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So have you ever had a moment when you've regretted something from a long time ago that you're pretty sure everyone else has forgotten? And do you feel so horrible about it that it makes you so sad and ashamed that you try to make up for it in any way you can? That's a part of anxiety and depression, I'm not an expert, so take my opinions with a gigantic mountain of salt please, if you have questions please speak to a professional about this! But that's a part of what depression and anxiety do to you... And it's extremely hard to let those feelings go... So I wrote a chapter about it to show that you're not alone if you have these feelings. I get them too, and they suck, a lot, but you're not that same person anymore! You're better and you've changed, and I hope you all know that and can, one day, learn to forgive yourself for your past transgressions <3
Hector is the character that, I think, would regret his actions the most, him and Quirin, which makes him a good foil for Quirin! :D Either way, Hector is learning to forgive himself too, as he should because he was only doing what he thought was best for the kingdom and his king! He's a very loyal person, I really love Hector, writing him more and more makes me enjoy his character more and more! :D
Quirin is the best big brother and father ever! I love this man with every fiber of my being and writing him in that big brother role makes me so happy!!!!! He's such a good big brother for Hector, very calm and quiet but knowing exactly what to say to calm the man down! Having Varian help him understand more about anxiety and mental issues in general also helps! I really love writing Quirin this way, and I plan to write more soon! :D
Varian and Hugo are being adorable together again! XD Varigo for the win! :D
Itty Bitty moment! YAY!!!! I missed writing about this little fish!!!!! Also Ruddy and Olivia being with their boys is adorable too! Best animal friends! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 231: Rumors and Prejudice! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Trigger warning, this chapter talks about homophobia, please be warned, of this is something that triggers you, I would stay away from this chapter as I do not intend to sugar coat this topic.
Hugo and Varian must face something they were worried would happen, homophobia....
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Cyrus huffed aggravatedly, he'd been waiting in the Duke and Duchess's quarters for hours and *still* no one had come around. He looked out of one of the windows and raised a brow, "sunny day, pretty fucking normal here", he stated before he saw Hugo and Varian walking around, they were holding hands and laughing, "ugh.... The seriously shouldn't be allowed...."
"I agree", a voice said, getting the man to turn around and see the Duke and Duchess standing behind him, "it's atrocious to witness is it not?" The Duchess added
"Makes me sick", the Duke replied, "that's why we called you here"
The bodyguard raised his brow once more, "what took you two so long? Don wanted to know why I was leaving her side and I had to come up with a dumb excuse"
"Oh don't worry about Donella, and we were handling a bit of our own agendas, so you'll have to forgive the tradiness, either way, we want you to make your opinions the alchemist's relatiosnship known"
"What? You want me to put an end to their it or something?"
"Not put an end to it, just... Make it to where they wouldn't be able to", the Duchess stated, "I mean after all, Corona was founded by two lovers, a male king and a female general. Not a lot of people are open to anything different", she smirked, "and those two are weaker when they're apart, which would make the plans we have become even easier to manage"
"Plus it would give you plenty of ammo to ruffle that blond's feathers with for a bit would it not?" The Duke added
Cyrus smirked, "I don't need an excuse to do that, but if you need me to spread the word about their 'unholy' relationship, then I'm game"
The Duchess smiled, "good, you should start with Galcrest, they are the most verbal about being opposed to anything, especially something like this.... partnership the two of them have together. Say anything you'd like, how you're uncomfortable and how they should stop, that oughta get the rumors moving"
"And while you do that, we'll be chatting with other dignitaries, we'll get them to be opposed to it as well, which shouldn't be hard, after all, they're easy to ,manipulate", the Duke added with a sinister smile
Cyrus grinned, "yes sir"
"Good, see to it that you do not fail, otherwise we could have a problem on our hands that we do *not* need", the Duchess stated
"Why are we taking such drastic measures?" Cyrus asked
"Because they're getting smarter, the Queen of Ingvarr stayed behind to speak with the filthy child we had, and has been avoiding us ever since, I fear he may have said something to her and I'm growing worried. If we want our plan to succeed we need to start taking these measures. It's time to start dividing and conquering, and it starts with Hugo and Varian", the Duchess stated, "do this for us, and you'll be rewarded, fail to do so, and you know what will happen"
"I don't intend to fail", Cyrus stated with a dark tone
****
"Ok ok, I've got another one that I think you might enjoy, ready?" Hugo asked with a grin on his face as he and Varian walked down the side path of the castle
"Oki, I'm ready", the freckled teen replied, his eyes bright and full of joy as he watched his boyfriend happily
"Ok, *ahem* if you were a vegetable, you'd be a *cute*-cumber!"
"PFFFFT!" Varian slapped a hand over his mouth and began to giggle, "that was sohoho bad!"
"You're laughing though"
"I a-am and I hahahate it!" The blue eyed alchemist replied, "you're soho evil!"
"Hee hee, guilty as charged!"
Varian let out a snort, "I need to come up with a pick up line"
"Give me your best shot"
"Hmmmm....." The blue eyed alchemist thought for a moment before he smirked and blushed, "I've got one"
"Oh?"
They stopped walking as Varian turned to face Hugo, blushing even deeper, "they say kissing is the language of love, would you care to have a conversation with me?"
The blond's face changed from pale to red in two seconds before he smiled wide, "oh I'd *love* to"
The two began to kiss, their lips touching each other as they placed a hand on each other's face, they stayed that way for a moment before the eventually pulled apart, "good line?" Varian asked, blushing even more so than he had before
"Best line", Hugo replied, also blushing, "damn it Freckles, ya got me smiling like an idiot!"
Varian giggled, "that's pretty normal for you"
"Ey!"
"I'm just kidding", the blue eyed teen said with a snicker
"You better watch it, or else I might have to punish you"
"You that be so terrible?"
"A-*HEM*!" A voice stated, getting the teens to yelp and look, blushing immensely when they saw Quirin standing nearby
"O-oh! Hi d-dad, eheh", Varian exclaimed, hiding a little behind Hugo
"Hi", the retired knight replied with a raised brow, "you two wanna join us for a picnic, or are you still busy?"
"N.... N-nu we're not b-busy anymore", Varian replied, "wanna have a picnic Hugo?"
"Sure", the blond replied, he was frozen and blushing harder than he ever had, "a p-picnic sounds good"
Quirin chuckled, "relax, I'm not going to harp on your for that kiss, it's fine", the Village Leader stated with a grin, "but you may want to stow the dirty talk to a place where I can't hear you, also, Varian, you're not old enough"
"I'm 15!"
"Yes, but you must be this tall", Quirin raised his hand above his head, "to go on *that* ride", he pointed to Hugo, "vice versa Hugo"
"Wha-! But dad!"
His father chuckled, "not changing my mind"
"DAD!" Varian ran after the man, Hugo watching with amusement as the blue eyed alchemist tackle hugged his father lovingly, getting the man to laugh. The blond joined them, walking over to the little picnic that was set up, Eugene and Rapunzel were chatting with each other as Angry, Catalina, and Lance were playing a game of hopscotch. Adira and Hector were watching the hopscotch game and seemed to have made a bet for the winner while Edmund was smiling and waving at the three joining the picnic
"Hi Quirin! Hi little peanut! Hi tiny butternut!" The Dark King called
Hugo tilted his head, "why am I a butternut again?"
"Possibly because of your hair", Quirin replied, "it's blond, which is a yellow-ish color, same as butter"
The blond tugged a piece of his hair to look at it, "I'm glad he picked my *hair* as the defining feature"
"Yeah, he could've chosen something else, and we would've had a *much* different nickname for you", Varian replied with a smirk
"Oh yeah? What kind of name are *you* thinking about?"
"I-!" He stopped talking and glanced at his father, who gave him the stink eye as a warning, "....will tell you when there are fewer dad ears around"
"Good call", the retired knight stated as the finally made it to the picnic and sat down
Hugo chuckled, "you know, he's a great guy and clearly a gentle giant, but your dad seriously scares me sometimes"
"I know", Varian replied, "he does that on purpose because he's a brat"
"Look who's talking", Quirin stated
His son giggled before he noticed something, "ham sandwiches!"
The blond alchemist raised a brow, "they are indeed"
"Shush, my dad makes really great ham sandwiches okay?"
"What's so different about them?"
"They're farm fresh!" Varian exclaimed, picking up one of the beloved sandwiches
"Wait, you guys kill your own pigs"
"Well, no", Quirin said, "we allow them to live out their lives in the farm, fat and happy, winning us contests and even keeping things clean whilst also taking care of them and keeping them safe. But when they grow old and pass away, we use their bodies for the meat, we give them each a proper funeral first, saying our farewells and blessing the animal's soul to everlasting peace, then we thank them and use the bodies they left behind as food, since they're no longer using it. We do that with every animal we own, save for certain ones, like the farm cats and dogs, some of the horses, oh, and we also wouldn't do that with any pets, like Ruddigar"
The raccoon chittered happily at that
"Huh", Hugo said, "never knew a farm could do that"
"It's more humane that way, when or if we need to use an animal for meat, we try to do so respectfully, to the animal and the planet"
"Have you ever had food shortages because of the way you wait for them to pass?"
"Nope", Varian replied, taking a bite out of the ham sandwich, "there are many farms around the kingdom, ours is the biggest, but there are plenty of meat and cattle farms too. They do the same thing we do, should there ever be a meat shortage, well... Hopefully there won't be because I know some people will have to make some tough decisions, but for the most part, we're thriving pretty well with the way things are running now. Mind you, we all feed the same kingdom"
"True", the blond agreed, "if you were feeding more than one, do you think your strategy would work out so well?"
The blue eyed alchemist thought about it for a moment, "I'll admit that it certainly wouldn't be the best strategy, we'd probably have to do things a bit differently to get the required results, but I'd rather think about how we don't have to worry about that now. Because thinking there may be a problem further down the line makes me anxious, though I'll probably bring it up with Rapunzel at some point, we'll need a plan in place, just in case something like that happens"
Hugo smirked, "always thinking ahead, huh Freckles"
"That's me, Mr. Thinking ahead guy"
"I prefer, adorably freckled fellow"
Varian blushed, "what does that make you, handsome bespeckled man?"
The blond laughed, "I'll agree with that"
The blue eyed alchemist leaned closer to his boyfriend, "will you now?"
Hugo leaned in as well, "yes I will"
They grew closer, and closer and were about to make contact when, "ugh! How disgraceful", a voice interrupted their moment
The two alchemists turned to see who'd said that and noticed a Galcrest dignitary watching them, her face scrunched up like she'd just swallowed a lemon. Eugene, who'd heard the women, raised a brow, "everything okay over there ma'am?" He asked politely
The lady just kept staring at the two teens, "hi?" Hugo said, getting a little uncomfortable with the dignitary's glare, "something we can help you with?"
"Yes, you can stop doing *that*", she exclaimed, "this is not the time and place to do &that* in *public*!"
The blond raised a brow, "that?"
"You two, kissing!"
Varian blushed and his head sunk a little, immediately setting off red flags for everyone around him, "what's the big deal?" Angry snapped, "so they were gonna kiss, so what? It's not like they're doing anything *more* than that!"
"Do they really need to be?" Another dignitary snapped back, this one a male, and looking as if he'd come from Ingvarr, "I mean, I thought this would be a *peaceful* ball, but it seems as though Corona wants to stir up trouble"
Rapunzel stood up, "Corona is not trying to start any kind of trouble at all, how is them kissing inappropriate? I've seen many other couples do the same in these gardens with many people around"
"Because *they* are two *males*!" The women stated, "the other couples you saw were with their gender counterpart, not the *same*!"
Adira raised a brow, "since when did this bother you? I've seen you in the same vicinity of these two teens, and you never said anything about it before, in fact you didn't even seem to be disturbed by it"
"That was then, this is now, and new ideals have been spread", the Ingvarrian dignitary stated, "it is a well known fact that Corona was started with a male and a female! Majority of the kingdoms have a Queen and a King! There is no *place* for anything different, if the rulers of the lands must abide by the governed rules, why should their citizens not?"
"Aside from that it's just simply against human nature!" The Galcrestian dignitary exclaimed, "a man and a women get together to have a child, but two males together cannot produce that! Same for two women getting together, it's not right, and frankly should be outlawed!"
"She's right", another dignitary from Koto exclaimed
"They're both right!" A few more dignitaries from Neserdnia agreed, "it should be outlawed!"
"Stop infecting our young with your disgusting ideals!" One yelled
"It's horrible that people would even allow that behavior in public!", Another shouted
More and more dignitaries began to chastise the two teens, spouting insults and claiming their disgust, even going so far as to scold Rapunzel and Edmund for allowing such behavior in their presence.... It was too much, Varian felt his heart begin to race as tears stung in the corners of his eyes. He hated yelling.... He really hated yelling, and the more people joined in, the louder it go, he finally couldn't take it anymore, "STOP!" He yelled, "JUST LEAVE US ALONE!"
The dignitaries went silent, seeing the upset teen surprised them as he curled into a ball, "Varian..." Hugo said, Quirin immediately trying to hold his son in his arms to calm him down
"N-no!" He exclaimed, shying away from his father's touch, "I... I...." He felt too much at once, his mind going into fight or flight mode, he needed to get out, he needed to hide
*Run*, his mind stated
His body didn't move, *RUN BEFORE YOU HURT SOMEONE!*
He reacted, getting up instantly and running off, away from everyone, he ignored everyone's shouts, trying to block out the magic that was trying to surge through him. He didn't want to see the glowing hair stripe or the glow his eye produced, he just needed to run, so run he did. Hugo had stood up, his mouth hung open in shock before he turned and glared at the dignitaries, "it THAT what you wanted?! Is THAT what you call PEACE?! Just because we do something you don't believe in! Is it hurting you?! Is it causing you pain to see us happy?! What the fuck is WRONG with you people?! You have no IDEA what we've been through! NONE! Yet you're more than willing to scream at someone just because you don't agree! It's fucked up! Why don't you take your nasty beliefs and SHOVE EM UP YOUR ASS!" He screamed before he ran off after Varian. The dignitaries were shocked as the rest of the group followed Hugo, Quirin right on the blond's tail.
None of them noticed Cyrus watching through a window, a wide grin on his face as he let the memory of his little chat with the Galcrest Dignitary replayed in his mind, "shoud've stayed out of our way you fucking piece of blond shit, now you're gonna pay for it, big time...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I am Biromantic, Asexual, and I've been judged and shamed because of it. Because of this, it's very hard for me to admit that I'm part of the LGBTQ+ group.... I'm not the only one, I know I'm not, I have friends who have felt that way, family members too.... Being different is something not many, out side of the people who are different themselves, understand.... It's hard to be accepted in this world, because of status, the way you grew up, religion, or any number of other things. It's so hard... But I'm not going to stand by and be silent about it.
I will stand up for anyone who is part of the spectrum, I'll stand up for allies too, I'll stand up and say I am one of you, I am part of the LGBTQ+ community and that you're not alone! You're not, and I won't sugar coat how we're treated by others either, especially not in this story! Because of this however, I realize this may be a bit of a triggering topic for some of you, and I'm sorry for that... I'm sorry you went through anything like it, and I'm sorry this is triggering and bad... But I want you to know, that I'm proud of you, that you being you, being alive and staying that way, that makes you strong, that makes you wonderful, and that will never change!
This is a bit of a rant, but it's something I feel strongly about, everyone deserves to be who they want to be, if you're gay, straight, bi, ace, poly, mono, trans, a star, a plant, non binary, etc, it doesn't matter to me, you're all welcome here! I'm sorry you've been judged, I'm sorry you've been made to feel horrible for your sexuality, in the end it's all love, it shouldn't matter who you spread it too, just as long as you spread it. But I know not everyone feels that way, and again, I'm sorry for that, but I hope you can seek solace and comfort here, we accept you and care about you, and that will never change, ever <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 232: Rumors and Prejudice! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Trigger warning: this chapter talks about homophobia, please be warned, of this is something that triggers you, I would stay away from this chapter as I do not intend to sugar coat this topic.
The dignitary's remarks take their toll on Varian's already fractured mind....
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian hiccupped, his sniffles making his nose hurt as he continued to run at speeds he didn't think he could. His tears were blurring his vision as he tried to look for a place to hide, he needed a safe space, his safe space. Looking around, he couldn't seem to find any, that is until he spotted the pole. He felt a shiver shoot through his back, his heart quickening at the sight, but hearing his friends and family shouting for him prompted his movement. He ran towards the area before spotting the quiet place he'd used before, but a memory of his own anger making black rocks sprout from the ground made him shake the idea out of his head as he continued to walk towards the pole....
He reached to his shoulder, hoping he could get some comfort out of Ruddigar, but he only felt the fabric of his clothing. Looking, he couldn't find the raccoon anywhere, *I must've ran off without him... He must be worried sick.... I... I need to calm down first... I need it to be quiet.... Otherwise I'll.... I'll hurt them again....* He thought to himself as he kept wandering around
He arrived in the pole's area, avoiding looking at it for fear of what memories would come up should he look at it. His tears flowed freely down his cheeks at the thought of that day, phantom pain stinging his back as he passed the area and arrived in a wooded place. He looked around and noticed a boulder that was broken in half, one side of it was laying on the floor, the other had cracks in it and was covered in specks of dry blood, the teen shivered, *that boulder is as big as my dad!* he thought, before an image of Quirin flashed in his mind
"Dad...." He said to himself, remembering how he'd shied away from the man's touch, "you probably blame yourself don't you.... You probably think I actively shied away from you because of something you did... I didn't.... It was just... Just too much.... I w-was gonna hurt people.... I.... I can't c-control these powers... I d-didn't wanna hurt you.... N-not again...."
He sniffled again, wrinkling his nose at the sting before he noticed the rest of his surroundings. There were broken branches everywhere, large ones, small ones, some were smashed into sawdust, others were simply snapped in half and stabbed unceremoniously inside something else. Rocks were broken, trees had cracks in them, there was even a little bit of dried blood where someone had punched a hole into a tree, "w-where am I?"
He continued to look around before he saw a carving in one of the trees, walking over to it, his eyes widened when he saw what was written, 'my angry space' -HJ
"HJ? ....Hector Jaecer..... This... I-is my uncle's angry space?" Varian looked around again and noticed the stabbed trees, he let out a small chuckle, "yup, definitely Hector's work"
He noticed differences between things however, the stabbed trees were definitely his uncles, but there were slashes taken out of the trees as well, like someone had hit them with an axe, "Grandpa?" The alchemist walked over to them and placed a hand on the trunk, "grandpa.... You were here too? ....I wonder...." He looked around some more before he found a fallen tree that had multiple punches and cracks in it, "Adira.... Wow.... A whole tree...." The teen shuddered at that amount of anger inside his aunt being released on a person, "they'd be in the infirmary for months....."
He looked around once more and his attention was drawn to the huge, dad sized, boulder. He walked over to it and looked at the cracks, only to see a fist shaped dent in the stone carcass. Varian placed his own fist in it and realized it was twice that size of his, "dad...."
"Yeah..." A voice said, startling the teen and getting him to jump up with a yelp. The alchemist turned around to find his father and Hugo standing a few feet away, "that was me", Quirin admitted as Ruddigar chittered anxiously before running down Quirin's body and running to his boy, who picking him up and set him on his shoulders, stroking his fur lovingly as the raccoon nuzzled him
His son was a little shocked for a moment before he looked at the boulder again, "when... W-when did you-!"
"It was when those two guards thought it would be funny to lock you up in your cell....."
"...Oh...."
"Yeah...."
"So that's why you disappeared for so long?"
"That's why, I needed to get out of my own head, otherwise I'd hurt someone, and Hector took me here to let it out. It felt nice, but I felt ashamed after... Still do... Actually...."
"Don't see why you should", another voice stated, Varian turned to see Hector staring at the carving the teen had just been staring at, "this *is* my angry place after all"
"Your angry place", Rapunzel stated, walking up, and standing beside, Quirin
"Yeah, it's a place I go when I get too angry to keep all of my emotions in check.... I took King Edmund, Adira, and Quirin here at least once, and they took their anger out too, it helped them calm down and address the situation at hand"
The princess was a little startled by that, "surely there are better ways to get your anger out, right?"
"You don't have issues with your anger, you don't get to judge anyone for how they cope with it", the wild tamer stated
"You... All have issues with your anger too?" Varian asked, looking at his father
"Yes", the retired knight replied, "it's a little hard to admit sometimes, but yes, we all have issues with controlling our anger"
Varian tilted his head to the side, "why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want you to think you couldn't rely on any of us to handle a situation"
"What do you mean?"
Quirin sighed, "you rely on us to help you through a lot of the situations you have to deal with, but sometimes those situations affect us in very bad ways.... When you were trapped in that cell again and Stan showed us where you were... Varian I saw nothing but red.... I held you close, took you to the infirmary, stuck by your side until you fell asleep, but when you were, I couldn't hold back my anger anymore.... I was more than willing to run into their room and beat the living.... pulp.... Out of them"
"Shit", Hector corrected, getting Varian to giggle
The retired knight raised a brow before he continued, "when that happened, I was pacing, my heart was racing, anytime someone *spoke* I growled, it was bad... Then Hector told me to follow him, showed me this place, hid so I'd be alone, and.... Well you can see the boulder for yourself...."
Varian looked at the aforementioned object and cringed a bit, "I... I'm sorry...." He looked back at his father, "I'm sorry I made you feel like you had to hide your anger, that's not what you should do at all"
"You never made me feel that way, I did that to myself Varian"
"I certainly didn't help, look... What happened to me, last year and just now.... It happened.... I accept that it did and that I need to move on from it.... It's just...."
"Hard?" Hugo stated, "fuck that, it's down right impossible"
"Hugo I-!"
"No! You've been the fucking punching bag for far too long Varian! We were *fine*, we did *nothing* wrong when those people started to go on a rampage and scream at us! How is it okay for them to do that, yet you getting upset and running off so you don't hurt someone, I saw you glow, don't try to tell me that wasn't why you ran, isn't?"
"I... Two wrongs don't make a right-!"
"You didn't do anything *wrong* Varian!" The blond exclaimed, "neither of us did! They started to say all those things because we fucking *kissed*! How is that wrong? We were showing affection for each other, that's all!" He huffed, "you can try and tell me that you getting upset and running off like that is going to make everyone worry and make your family feel worse all you want, but the thing you don't understand, is that they're feeling worse because of how *others* are making *you* feel!"
"Me running off to who knows where after showing that I'm upset is only going to cause problems that no one in my family needs right now!" The blue eyed alchemist argued, "my dad reached out to comfort me and I shied *away* from him! I already know he's been feeling like he's a bad father, I know he doesn't always believe me when I tell him he's not, so for me to sit there and shy away from him when he's trying to help me *is* causing a problem!"
"That's the thing though! You keep blaming *yourself* for your *family's* issues! I did that my *entire* life, blamed myself for any time Donella got angry, even if it wasn't directed at me! And you know what I got for my trouble?! A punch to the face and being told that I wasn't doing anything right! I was made to be the butt of her anger and aggression, only to find out it's because she *didn't even want me!*" He snapped, a few tears stinging in his eyes as well. He sighed, wiping them away and continuing, "....She didn't want me... She wanted you.... And because of that... She hurt and abused me for years.... And I stood there and took it because that's what I thought I needed to do.... You're doing the same damn thing.... And all it's gonna do is make you hurt.... It's just gonna hurt.... That's all.... And Varian I.... I don't want you to hurt....." He stated, "pitting the blame on you is only gonna make you feel worse..."
"He's right Varian", Quirin stated, "just because we're worried about you, doesn't mean you can't feel what you feel or tell us how you feel. Just because I get upset at a situation that happens to you doesn't mean you aren't affected by that situation, and you certainly shouldn't hide how it affected you"
"The Sun warned me about this", Rapunzel chimed in, "he said you weren't saying how much this was all affecting you and that it would hurt you if you didn't say something.... I guess this is what he meant...."
Varian felt his shoulders tense, "I-I-I.... Alright fine! S-so I haven't been saying I've been upset! So I haven't been as honest with how I feel! But that's better than what I was doing before!"
"What are you-!"
"I *HURT* PEOPLE!" The freckled teen yelled, "I built automatons that rampaged through the kingdom! I kidnapped your mother, the Queen of Corona! I threatened *you* Rapunzel! I joined the Seporians and helped them erase the King and Queen's memories! I made an exploding chemical that they were gonna use as a *BOMB*! H-How can you all say it's completely *fine* for me to feel *ANYTHING* after all the stuff I've done?! And to top it all off, I come to find out my father thinks he's horrible, he and the rest of my family have anger issues, which is probably where I *got* it from, Hugo's been damaged because he *ISN'T ME* and now the entire peaceful ball could be destroyed because I just *HAD* to be bi! ....I... I just don't.... W-wanna cause any more problems.... M-my emotions are attached to these Moon powers that I don't even know how to control! Ruddigar was turned into a *monster* because of my decisions! I.... I'm tried of being the problem.... I just.... I want to stop being the reason people are angry.... Even if they're angry on my behalf.... I.... I just....."
"Wanna be alone", Lance finished, "you wanna lock yourself away in a bubble and be alone, that way no one can touch you.... And you can't touch them...."
Varian sniffled and nodded, "....Yes...."
Lance smiled, "I get it little man, believe me I do, but you know as well as I do that runnin away or avoidin how you feel is only gonna make those things worse"
"I know.... I j-just didn't wanna.... Break.... Again...."
Rapunzel winced a little, "is that why you've been so.... tense, lately?"
"Yeah...."
"When did this start?" Edmund asked
"....When Eugene got poisoned...." Varian replied, "it all started to crumble.... he got poisoned, Hugo was abused, Trinity and Dexter are *being* abused right now, falling in love with Hugo while Nigel reminds me how that sort of relationship isn't accepted here, more Hugo abuse, dreams from the Moon warning me about Cassandra, dad's feelings of being a bad father, Catalina's heartbreak, Hugo's capture, Donella's abuse again before she injured Hugo so badly that he ended up in the infirmary, Donella telling dad about mom, m-mom's death.... Dad and Rapunzel arguing, seeing dad cry, me losing control over my powers over and over again, meeting Nuru and getting her involved in all of this, Hector's fear for Trinity and Dexter, Grandpa and Adira finding out about the Duke and Duchess's plans, the Duke and Duchess's plan itself, the thought of my family being killed or tortured or destroyed beyond repair, What Donella said to Hugo in the dungeons, seeing Hugo cry, going back to the infirmary, coming up with a plan to stop them where one false move could destroy everything, and now.... When we *finally* get a moment to breathe, n-now everyone's harping on me and Hugo being together and I backed a-away from dad-I just.... J-just...." He felt his breaths getting faster and faster, "t-the powers of the Moon k-keep.... T-they keep...." He closed his eyes, his hair glowing brightly in the dimly lit sky as his hands began to spark like lightning with unused power, "t-they're g-getting worse... A-and I... I don't.... W-wanna hurt a-anybody... B-but everything k-keeps happening and... A-and...."
"Son...." Quirin said in shock as he watched his child begin to float in the air, his freckles lighting up like stars as his hair moved like it was underwater
"Varian!" Rapunzel exclaimed, her own hair glowing, reacting to the Moon's power, "Varian it's gonna be okay!"
"N-no it's not! N-NOTHING has been okay! N-nothing! H-Hugo is d-dealing with enough! Dad's dealing with enough! *You're* dealing with enough! N-now I'm adding more to this AGAIN! W-why can't this just STOP! W-why can't I j-just handle it!? I w-want to stop! I want the f-feelings to STOP! STOP! STOOOOOOOOOP!" He screamed as black rocks sprouted from the ground, his eyes were glowing bright as his hands crackled with power! "P-please!" HE begged, "p-please just stop! I d-don't wanna feel this anymore! I d-don't! I don't-I don't-I don't-I don't-I do-AAH!" A black rock shot up next to him, nearly scratching him in the process, "STOP!" He cried, "I D-DON'T WANNA HURT ANYONE A-ANYMORE!"
The group below him was shocked for two seconds before they jumped into action, Eugene and Lance found objects that differed in size and used them to form stairs, Rapunzel used her hair to grab Varian's ankle so he wouldn't float away, Hector and Adira used themselves to keep the rocks from popping up near Varian, Hugo grabbed Ruddigar, who had dropped from Varian's shoulder when the teen had floated into the air, and was now comforting him and keeping him safe, Edmund was protecting Catalina and Angry, keeping them out of harm's way, and Quirin climbed the make shift stairs up to his son.
He fought the pressure the sheer amount of power Varian was producing gave, and managed to climb his way up to his son. He managed to grab Varian's hand and pull him close to him before he wrapped his arms around the teen, "it's okay", he said quietly
"N-no it's not!" Varian argued, "I c-can't control it! D-dad I.... I... I'm s-sorry...."
Quirin felt his heartbreak at the pain in his son's voice, "I know.... I know Varian... I know..."
"I'm s-sorry.... I'm s-so sorry...."
Quirin felt his son's tears drip onto his arm and remembered something from a long time ago. The memory played in his head, and he smiled:
'Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me,
Varian's eyes opened when he heard the beginning notes of the song
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Varian clung to his father's vest as more tears slid down his face
Lull'd by the moonlight have all passed away!
Beautiful dreamer, king of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Varian sobbed
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
The pressure began to lift as Quirin continued to sing softly to his crying son
Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea,
Mermaids are chanting the wild Lorelei;
The black rocks began to sink back into the ground, Quirin and Varian sinking with them until the reached the grass
Over the stream let vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.
Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E'en as the morn on the stream let and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,
Varian sniffled
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!'
Everything went back to normal as Quirin's voice sung the final note. The group walked a little closer, stopping a few feet away with only Hugo walking closer. The blond allowing Ruddigar to climb onto Quirin's shoulders and nuzzle his boy's cheek affectionately. The group was silent as they waited for Varian to do or say something, ".....I-I'm sorry...." The teen said through a sob, "I'm s-so sorry...."
"It's okay", his father replied, "listen, we *all* have something we need to work on, all of us. And may they be because of what happened in Corona, or in the Dark Kingdom, that doesn't matter now. Son, Hugo's right, you blaming yourself for how all of us are affected is going to do nothing but hurt you, and you alone.... I did that too, blamed myself, kept my feelings and thoughts hidden because I didn't want to burden anyone else with them. I thought, that by doing such a thing, I'd be doing everyone else a favor, but the thing is, I was wrong. I ended up having a hard time letting people know how I felt because I'd hidden my feelings for so long... And when I *did* let people know, they didn't know how to help me because I'd never showed them I felt that way before"
"B-but your f-feelings don't make r-rocks come out of the ground", Varian argued
"True, but my feelings ended up causing me to distance myself from you", Quirin stated, "they caused me to dive into my work because I had no idea how to handle how I felt when your mother passed away.... Because of that, you suffered, and things that we should've been able to work through ended up being more than they should have"
"D-dad-!"
"I know you've forgiven me for that son, I know, and I appreciate you for it, I really do, but that doesn't change the fact that it happened. Just like how those people shouting those horrible things at you and Hugo being together broke the camel's back and caused this outburst from you. an outburst that, by the way, we knew exactly how to handle because we saw you do it before, and look, no one's hurt"
The blue eyed alchemist looked around and, to his surprise, no one was injured by the rocks he'd made, "b-but... How?"
"Because we figured out how to calm you down before", his father replied, "Varian we know that you having Moon powers is going to make your emotions a little more.... Chaotic, than normal, but that's okay!"
"H-how is it okay?!"
"Because you're still *feeling* something!" Hugo stated, getting the pair's attention, "you're still feeling anger and hurt, you're feeling sadness and depression, even anxiety is better than nothing Freckles! You're still *feeling*, and because you are, we could help you calm down and sort things out, now that you've had this, don't you feel any better?"
"I...." Varian thought for a moment before he realized his heart was beating normally, a little fast, but much better than before. His mind was quiet from the voices in his head, his tears stopped, even his anger and frustration had subsided a little bit, "....I... I'm still sad but... Y-yeah... I do"
"That's a good thing Freckles"
"I.... I guess.... B-but I shouldn't *only* feel better a-after an outburst!"
"Well that's kinda what trauma does Varian", Lance said, walking a little closer to the three of them, "trauma takes your emotions and makes them ten times worse, losing your dad, bein abandoned by everyone, blamed for a crime you didn't commit, bein locked in a cell with an adult man when you're just a kid, punished like an adult criminal when you're underage, then bein groomed and abused to do what your adult cell mate wants is gonna cause trauma.... And because of that, your emotions come out... Louder.... Than they did before.... It's hard to cope with, but it's the truth, and unfortunately, some days and feelins are gonna be harder to handle than others, but that's what you have us for"
"And yeah", Eugene added, "maybe we won't be able to handle your feelings everytime, but you've got options, from me to Quirin, you've got someone you can *always* talk to about how you feel"
"Even if it's the person who contributed to some of those feelings", Rapunzel added with a smile, "because I understand and won't judge if you do"
"That's what family does Varian", Quirin stated, "friends too, we help each other, even if we aren't at our best, even if things are affecting us too, we look out for each other, every single one of us"
The freckled teen looked away for a moment before he looked up at his father again, "w-what if I end up h-hurting any of you?"
"We know you wouldn't do it on purpose", Lance stated, "just like if we hurt you, it would never be on purpose, we'd work it out and move past it"
"We love you Varian, that's not gonna change, even if you're having a bad day, okay?" His father stated, "so please, don't hide what you're feeling anymore, tell us, we'll help you, and if we can't, someone else will, always, be there for you, always"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled wide and nodded before he wrapped his arms around his father, he let out a small 'meep' when he felt more arms on them, but quickly calmed down when he saw everyone was hugging them, he smiled, his heart feeling a lot lighter than before, "I love you guys"
"We love you too", Edmund replied
"And we always will", Adira added
"No matter what", Hector finished, making the teen smile even wider as he hugged them all back
After a few moments, the group hug ended and everyone cleaned up the surrounding area a bit before Hugo let out a sigh, "alright, now that we're all here", he turned to face everyone, "we should really talk about what we're gonna do about those dignitaries...."
"Right", Rapunzel replied, "I have a feeling this isn't a coincidence that they've started doing this randomly, someone's pulling the strings"
"Yeah and I have a pretty good idea what racist asshole might be behind this", Hugo stated
"And I happen to know the pricks that gave him the idea for this too...." Hector added, "so what's the plan?"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, this is a family fluff moment, but also extremely important to Varian's arch, because he's finally learning to rely on other people, this was the final straw though :3
Eugene, Edmund, Adira, Hector, Rapunzel, Catalina, and Angry do not have a huge role here, but they're supporting the Moon bean, so it's enough to mention! Also, Punzie is being a good big sis, just like Eugene is being a good big bro, Adira is being a good aunt, Hector is being a good uncle, Catalina and Angry are being good little sisters, and Edmund is being a good grandpa! :D
Hugo being there for Varian and helping him cope with everything while also coping with the emotions he's dealing with is a power move! In all seriousness, Hugo is being the strong one now, Varian's helped him, and now he's returning the favor, he's a good boyfriend! <3
Lance is being a king again! I love writing this man being a king! He's too good at his job! XD
Quirin, best dad, always! Being the first to reach out for his son, being the one to sing the lullaby that immediately calms Varian down, comforting him even when his own feelings are bothering him as well, putting his son first, I seriously love this man and writing him more and more makes me care for him more and more! <3 He's a good father, he just made mistakes, but he acknowledges that and is moving forwards for his son! I'm gonna write more for Quirin soon, this was just a really great moment <3
Varian, this poor bean! Like my gosh, I didn't actually realize how much I was putting him through until I wrote out everything he'd been through since Eugene's poisoning, and it's kinda crazy to think about! I'm certain I missed a few things here and there too, I'm sorry if I did, but seriously, like my gosh, this poor bean! Way too much for a kid his age! I feel really bad putting him through so much, I assure you all he will get the break and lovins he deserves!
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon! :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 233: Rumors and Prejudice! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Trigger warning: this chapter talks about homophobia, please be warned, of this is something that triggers you, I would stay away from this chapter as I do not intend to sugar coat this topic.
Hugo and Varian break up.....
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian walked through the gardens, alone, the dignitaries from before were staring at him, their eyes narrowed as the teen disappeared into the castle before they saw a heartbroken looking Hugo coming out from where Varian had just left. The higher ranked citizens stared at the teen before the Galcrestian walked over to him, "what happened to you?"
Hugo glared at him, his teeth bared, "you did!" He snapped, "you and all the rest of your fucking kind! You embarrassed him to the point where we *broke up*!"
The group were shocked, "he broke up with you?" The Galcrestian exclaimed
"Yes! And it's because of all of you!" He snapped, "he didn't want to be associated with me because he was tired of being judged by everyone else! So he broke up with me! I lost the love of my fucking *life* because *you* people couldn't fucking keep your mouths SHUT!" With that, the tear stricken blond began to sob and ran off, pushing past Eugene, Lance, Quirin, Edmund, Rapunzel, Adira, and Hector in the process, and leaving startled and confused dignitaries in his wake
"...W-well... They shouldn't have been t-together in the first place", the Ingvarrian dignitary stated
"Yeah... They... Shouldn't have been together at all", another agreed
The Galcrestian stared after the blond, "....weren't they dancing at the welcoming ceremony?"
"Yeah", Eugene answered
"They seemed pretty happy together during that time"
"Yeah, they did... But Varian's gone through enough in his life.... Being mocked and judged by everyone was just too much for him.... It wasn't a very pretty break up either...."
The dignitaries present all stared at the grounds in front of them, "what are all of you so ashamed for?" Quirin asked with a raised brow, "isn't this what you wanted? Weren't you the ones that said it was against the natural order of everything? Well you've certainly gotten your wish, congrats, you 'saved' my son, I hope you're happy", the retired knight walked away, heading into the castle his son had ran into, making the higher ranking citizens wince at his words
Lance and Eugene went to find Hugo while Edmund, Adira, and Hector followed Quirin, Rapunzel stayed put, staring at the dignitaries sadly, "you know... Even if it isn't the natural order of things.... They both seemed really happy when they were together..."
"Would they really be considered 'in love' if one broke up with the other over a little teasing?" The Ingvarrian dignitary asked
"Would you really call it 'a little teasing' if an entire group of high ranking dignitaries overwhelmed, yelled at, and insulted you?" The princess replied, "Varian has anxiety and PTSD, he also has depression and has been having a very rough time as of late.... Seeing everyone turn against him simply for kissing someone else pushed him over the edge, and now....." Rapunzel went silent
The dignitaries were silent before one spoke up, "they were still two boys kissing", they exclaimed, "that's still wrong!"
"I suppose you can think what you wish, but the *fact* is, Varian and Hugo were a lot happier together, and now.... Well... Now I don't know what's going to happen to them... I really don't...." With that, the Sun Princess walked away, leaving the dignitaries alone with their thoughts and beliefs as they remained silent, long past her leaving.
****
Varian walked through the castle, his eyes staring at the floor as he made his way through the halls, until he bonked into someone, "s-sorry..." He said, not looking up
"Varian?" A familiar voice replied, his eyes rose a bit and he saw Dexter standing in front of him
"Hello Mr. Dexter", he replied
The man before him kneeled down, "you don't need to call me 'Mr.', just 'Dexter' is fine, also, are you alright?" He asked
The teen shook his head, noticing Trinity, the Duke, and Duchess standing behind his uncle's brother, "m-me and Hugo b-broke up....."
"What?!"
"Y-yeah... S-some dignitaries y-yelled at us a-and crowded around us... T-they kept screaming i-insults and I just... I.... I couldn't take i-it anymore...."
The Duke and Duchess looked at each other for a moment, a knowing smirk showing between the two of them before the Duchess walked over to the fallen teen, "I'm *so* sorry to hear about that, it must be incredibly hard for you, isn't it?"
"Y-yeah...." Varian replied, not looking the Duchess in the eye
"I can only *imagine* the pain you must feel, come with me, I can get you a cup of tea if you'd like, and you can tell us all about it"
The alchemist hesitated for a moment, feeling a sharp chill up his spine before he nodded, "o-okay...."
The Duchess extended her hand, offering it to Varian, the teen took it and accepted the help up, he noticed Trinity and Dexter's worried looks, but ignored them as the Duchess wrapped her arm around him as led him towards their room while the Duke made the two follow behind.
****
Hugo ran through the halls of the castle, his tears flying from his face as the south door he'd entered through slammed shut behind him. He has his eyes closed and his thoughts were frazzled before he felt someone grab his arm, "woah there, the fuck you think you're going?"
Hugo opened his eyes, bared his teeth, and glared at the man who'd grabbed him, "LET GO OF ME YOU RACIST PIECE OF SHIT! I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR YOU!" He screamed, glaring daggers at the Ingvarrian man
Cyrus laughed, "what's wrong? Sad because people are spreading rumors about you and your pesky little boyfriend?"
The blond ripped his arm away and turned to face the man, "how the FUCK do YOU know what's going on?!"
"Because I heard some of them, thought it was funny, and came to find you"
Hugo growled, "whatever, just leave me alone...."
"What? No snappy one liner or nasty come back? Not even gonna cuss me out? That's not like you Hugo, also, where's your little boyfriend anyway? Not like the ash prince to not be in your ass every second I see you two"
Hugo's shoulders tensed before he made them relax as his head lowered, "Varian... B-broke up with me.... The rumors were too much.... He ended up saying it would b-be better for both of us i-if we w-weren't together...." The blond admitted, not looking at the man as he said this
"Oh really?"
"Yes...."
Cyrus stared at the teen, trying to decide if he was lying or not before he asked, "where're you going?"
"I don't know and I don't care...." Hugo replied
The Ingvarrian man smirked, "huh.... Well then..." He grabbed Hugo's arm once more, harshly, making the bespeckled teen wince, "guess you're coming with me"
"W-what?! What are you doing?!" Cyrus didn't answer are he dragged Hugo down the hall, "Let go of me Cyrus, LET GO OF ME!" The blond tried to kick and claw at the man, "LET *GO*!" He screamed
Cyrus sighed before he rearranged his grip on Hugo's arm, getting the teen to yelp in pain before the Ingvarrian glared, "you've been a thorn in mine and the Duke and Duchess's side for far too long you little shit stain! Time for you to take a nap", he grabbed a sword from his belt and used the blunt end of it to knock Hugo against the head, knocking him out immediately. Cyrus smiled, "plan's goin perfectly", he stated before he picked Hugo's body up, flopped him over his shoulder, and took him away.
****
Varian sniffled a little as the Duchess opened her door, leading him to sit at the dining table in their room. He didn't look up, but he felt someone sit next to him and heard someone else making the tea. He continued to sniffle, hating the pain in his nose until he saw a small cup set in front of him, he could smell the cinnamon wafting from the cup, and picked it up. He brought it to his lips and allowed the scent to flow freely through his nose, soothing it as the Duchess spoke, "I hope you like cinnamon tea, it's from the finest merchant in the Neserdnian market, they sell the best tea there, for a hefty price of course, but only the finest for our guests, right dear?"
"Indeed", the Duke replied, making Varian realize he was the one sitting next to him, "now then, about you and Hugo, I apologize for being so blunt about it, but I feel as though it would be better to discuss the topic now, we may be able to help, if you wish"
Varian looked at him, "what do you mean?" He asked quietly, his voice a little shaky
"Well you see, I've had my fair share of break ups before, these things are always sad to deal with, but you must understand that the feeling won't last forever"
"....You think so?"
"I know so, I had to break up with my very first girlfriend, she only cared for me because of my status, so I had to rip off the bandage, so to speak"
"Rip off the bandage?"
"Yes dear", the Duchess replied, "oh do try the tea, it's good"
"I'm letting it cool for a moment, sorry, it's a little hot"
"Oh right, I... Apologize for that", the Duchess stated hesitantly, "I suppose I got a little too excited about sharing the tea. Either way, my husband is right, when you have a cut, you place a bandage on it to prevent infection and dirt from getting in the wound. Unfortunately, the stickiness of a bandage is a bit rough to get off, but it's better to rip it off at once instead of slowly peeling it away, otherwise you'll be in pain for the duration of the removal. It's very much like a relationship, if you're in one that doesn't benefit you, it's best to tell that person right away, rip that bandage off, that way you suffer less"
The alchemist's eyes narrowed just an inch before he looked down at his tea and sniffled once more, "sorry... It's just... Hard...."
"We understand little alchemist", the Duke stated, placing a hand on the teen's shoulder
Dexter and Trinity, who were standing beside their mother, winced at their father's affection, a movement that did not go unnoticed by the alchemist himself. The teen let out a small breath before he blew on his tea, the Duke taking the hint and removing his hand, "....So you two got together after that?"
"Not right after", the Duchess replied, "he still had a few other girls to get through before he found me, but we've been together ever since then"
"And how'd the first girl know about your status? Were you always friends with the Queen?" Varian asked the Duke
"That's right! I was friends with her when she was a princess! She and I became close, and we grew even closer when Delores came into my life and became good friends with the Queen as well", the man replied
"How'd you become a Duke?"
"Simple, my family was the riches in Ingvarr, and when the Queen needed someone to help out with money shortages, my father offered to buy a fair bit of land. She agreed as long as that land was used to help the citizens of Ingvarr, when my father agreed, they built an orphanage on that plot of land, using the rest are farm lands for the people. We've kept it that way ever since, and thus kept the name Duke and Duchess, it also helps that the princess was our friend at the time as well"
"Huh.... That sounds... Nice", Varian replied, remembering a conversation he had with Hugo in the library a while ago:
*"I grew up in the slums of Ingvarr", at Varian's confused expression Hugo explained, "in Ingvarr, there are three classes, high class, middle class, and low class, the higher ups are the Queen herself, Duke and Duchess, noble men and women, war heros and veterans, and rich people. Middle was guards, hand maidens, royal advisors, royal scientists, and anyone with a decent job, and then there was the lower class. They were the burglars, thieves, murderers, thugs, homeless, abused, poor, and broken... My family was lower class... It was just me, my mom, and my father... When I was about 4 years old, my mom... she got really sick one day and... Well she wasn't with us after that.... And my father couldn't make enough to really keep me and him afloat alone, so he went to the Queen to beg for help... The Queen had sent us to the Duke and Duchess, who already had two kids and didn't want a third... Apparently something happened with their third child, I'm guessing that's your uncle"
"Yeah", Varian replied quietly
Hugo chuckled, "makes sense... The Duke wanted nothing to do with me, but the Duchess thought I could useful for chores and such, so they asked if they could buy me from my father... In return they would give him a good amount of money, a job, and a decent home.... He said yes and that was that...."*
"....So your family owns and operates an orphanage in Ingvarr... What happens if someone comes to you with a child they can't keep?"
"We offer to have them taken to that orphanage of course!" The Duke replied with a grin on his face, a grin that made Varian's blood boil just a bit, but he kept his thoughts to himself
"I see...."
"Your tea seems to be cooler", the Duchess pointed out, "you really should try some, it's great for the nerves"
The alchemist looked at the tea and saw the steam that was wafting from it before had now dissipated. He nodded, "you're right, thanks", before he lifted the cup to his lips and drank a tiny bit. The cinnamon taste lingered on his lips, the tea tasting sweet and a little spicy before the teen tasted something else... Something he didn't quite make out, until it was too late! He felt the burning sensation start from his stomach and reach his throat, he heard Trinity scream as Dexter tried to help him, tried to save him, but his father held him back! The alchemist fell back from his chair, falling onto the floor as his eyes were wide with fear, tears slid down his face as the last thing he saw before he blacked out, was the Duchess's cruel smile, "finally", she said, "everything's coming together... Take him and throw him in the closet!" Everything faded to black after that, and Varian couldn't hear anything anymore.....
****
"...go..... ugo.... Hugo! Wake up!" A voice exclaimed
The blond groaned before his eyes slowly opened, his blurry vision fading as he saw a small amount of light coming from a window above him, "D.... Don?"
"Hugo, do you know where you are?" She asked
"....N-no.... Cyrus... He-!"
"I know Hugo, I know their plan, you're in a cell! You're in the one next to the cell they moved *me* to!" She exclaimed, "you've gotta clear your head, you're in danger!"
The blond, sensing the women's alarm in her voice, shot up from his place on the floor, instantly regretting it as he felt his head throb with pain, as well as his arm. He groaned again but stood up, looking around and seeing that he was, in fact, in a cell, "....wow.... He really did throw me in a cell...."
"This is not the time to make a sarcastic remark! He told me what he plans to do to you and Varian, he's going to go after the Dark Kingdom people next, you need to get out of here!" Donella exclaimed
"He won't be goin anywhere", a voice stated, getting the pair to look and see Cyrus walk in and smirk at them both, "neither of you will"
The blond glared at the Ingvarrian, "what do you plan on doing to me?"
"Get rid of you, like I'm supposed to", Cyrus stated, "and I'm gonna enjoy every moment of it"
"Well you won't get away with it!" Hugo snapped, "we knew your plan all along, we knew you were planning something with the Duke and Duchess, and we're going to stop you!"
Cyrus cackled, "we knew you found out the entire time!"
Hugo's eyes widened, "you knew?"
"Yeah! For as much as the Dark Kingdom gives itself credit, they aren't very good at sneaking away in a hurry. We just kept our mouths shut after we left Donella's sights! You all played right into our hands because you thought you had the 'element of surprise', but ya didn't! And now", he pointed his sword mere inches from Hugo's throat, "you're all alone, no boyfriend, no friends, nothing, just you, alone, in an empty cell with you damn *squealer* of an adopted mother!"
"Cyrus you *know* this is only going to cause problems for the Coronan and Ingvarrian kingdoms! Your plan is going to destroy *both* economies!"
"Not entirely, it'll destroy the Coronan name, but Ingvarr will survive"
"How do you figure? Considering you, a high ranking Ingvarrian, is doing all the killing, same for the Duke and Duchess!"
Cyrus grinned, "all I have to do is kill Hugo here and now, then silence *you* and guess who gets the blame?" Donella's eyes widened, "hard to make a case for yourself when you can't exactly talk, isn't it? After your precious baby boy is killed, and Varian's already being taken care of as we speak, all we have to do is follow through with the Dark Kingdom's downfall, blame the entire thing on you, the Duke and Duchess being the one's to apprehend you with *my* help, and we'll have the power they need to make sure Ingvarr becomes the biggest capital to the 7 kingdoms, replacing Corona for the top spot! And there's nothing *you* or anyone *else* can do to stop us!"
"....You're an idiot", Hugo stated
Cyrus raised a brow, "what?"
"I said you're an *idiot*!" The blond repeated, "need me to *spell* it for you?! I-D-I-O-!"
Cyrus slammed the bars of Hugo's cell with his fists, stopping the teen, "you're the one trapped in a cell and insulting your captor, who's already made up 20 plus more ways he can kill you while you *beg* for your fucking life, how am *I* the idiot here?"
"Ya may wanna look behind you", Eugene stated
Cyrus's eyes grew ten times their size as he turned around and saw a sight that chilled his blood to ice. There, standing a few feet behind him, was Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, and the Queen and King of Corona, all of whom did *not* look happy to see him, "w-wha-!"
"Cyrus of Ingvarr, you are under arrest for trying to over throw not just one, not two, but *three* kingdoms!" Arianna stated sternly
"Not only that, but you also helped poison a prince, were aware of the abuse of Hugo and played a part in it, beat up and injured two guards standing on duty, racial slurs towards royalty, racial slurs in *general*, disturbing the peace, attempted murder, physically assaulted a man, Hugo, wrongful imprisonment of an innocent man, Hugo again, and threatening to kill someone! Oh! And intimidation against *two* people!" Rapunzel stated
Cyrus was speechless, "what? No snappy one liner or nasty come back? Not even gonna cuss me out? That's not like you Cyrus", Hugo stated with a grin on his face
"You-!" The Ingarrian turned and threw open the cell gate, running towards Hugo before he was tackled by Lance
"I don't think so", the former thief stated
Eugene pointed his sword right at Cyrus's nose, "you're not going *anywhere* ya piece of shit", he stated
"Take him away!" Fredrich ordered, the guards beside him running over to man and handcuffing him, "and make sure they don't need help upstairs"
Hugo ran out of the cell, watching, highly satisfied as the man that'd caused him nothing but grief was hauled away. He noticed Donella was staring in disbelief, "you telling us their plan ahead of time gave us a lot of options", he said, "once we knew what their goal was, all we needed to do was make sure we got the Queen of Ingvarr on our side and find a good moment to strike. We planned this out when we got more information. Hector managed to sway the Queen on our side, she sent men to spy on the Duke and Duchess, and Cyrus as well. When they came back saying the three of them knew we knew what they were planning, and told us their new plan, separating me and Varian first, using poison on him while Cyrus killed and tortured me and then pin the blame on you, we came up with one of our own"
"Which was?" The grey haired women asked
"Turn their plan against them, make an antidote that would work on nearly any poison, only one it wouldn't work on is one the Seporian's used in Neserdnia, but Hugo's got a separate antidote for that", Eugene replied, putting away his sword and noticing the women's confused look, "you weren't there and it's a long story, short version, Varian was poisoned by the Seporians, Hugo and him made an antidote for that poison and now have a small vial of it just in case they ever need it. Anyway, when the dignitaries started to talk about Varian and Hugo being together randomly, when they had no qualms about it before, we knew something was up, so we made a new plan".
"....You pretended you two broke up, didn't you?" Donella asked
"Yup, and it was genuinely hard to do, but I think seeing Cyrus being chained up is more than worth it", Hugo replied with a smirk as he continued to watch the man struggle
"Not only pretend they'd broken up, but have someone go and grab the Queen of Ingvarr, and these two", Lance said, pointing to Fredrich and Arianna, who were watching the guards, "while somebody else stayed with Hugo and Varian, just in case they got into danger. Right now we're just waitin for Quirin, Adira, Hector, Edmund, the Queen of Ingvarr, who we still don't know her name at this point sadly-we should really get that, and Varian to come down those stairs and tell us everything is gonna be a-okay!"
They waited for a few moments, nothing happened. They waited for a few more, nothing happened, "um...." Donella started, "where is he?"
Cyrus laughed, "probably dead by now, even with your damn plan, no one can save that fucking alchemist! Not with the poison he was given!"
Hugo's eyes widened with worry before he looked at Eugene, "m-maybe we should go see him...."
The Dark Prince nodded, "yeah, we should, now". He looked at the Queen and King of Corona, "you two go him?"
"Yes, we can handle him, we've got multiple guards, we'll make sure he stays put", Arianna replied, "go help Varian!"
With a nod, Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, and Hugo ran up the dungeon stairs, making their way, as fast as they could, towards the Duke and Duchess's room, the door was already opened when they got there, there were guards everywhere, the Queen of Ingvarr, Adira, and Edmund were watching the Duke and Duchess, who were in chains, whole Hector was checking Trinity and Dexter for injuries. But the sight that horrified the four of them the most, was Quirin kneeling on the ground, his eyes filled with tears as he tried to pour something inside Varian's mouth, the teen wasn't breathing, he wasn't shaking, his eyes were wide open, tear stains were drying on his face as the blue eyed alchemist looked like the final thing he'd been doing.... Was screaming
"VARIAN!" Hugo screamed, he ran over and skidded in front of his lover, "Varian!" He gently grabbed his boyfriend's face and faced it towards him and Quirin as frightened tears filled his eyes, "please, p-please *please* no!"
"H-he won't t-take it...." Quirin stuttered, "h-he won't... E-everytime the a-antidote goes i-in his mouth.... H-he chokes a-and s-spits it o-out... I-I c-can't.... I...."
"It's okay Quirin", Lance said, quickly moving to the distressed father's side and placing a hand on his shoulder, "we're here, we're gonna help him"
"L-Lance he... H-he... H-he called o-out for his m-mom....."
The former thief's eyes widened before Eugene stepped up, his own eyes filled with determination, "Lance", he looked at his best friend, "I need you to help hold Varian's mouth open, Rapunzel, comfort Quirin, the man's gonna need it, Hugo, do you have more of the antidote?"
"Y-yeah", the bespeckled teen replied
The Dark Prince smiled as Rapunzel sat next to Quirin, "good, we're gonna slowly pour it down Varian's throat in bits and pieces until he coughs or pukes the poison out, okay? We'll do it slow so it gives his body time to swallow"
"R-right"
Eugene knelt by the teen, "it's gonna be okay, Varian'll survive, we just need to take it slow, I know you can do this kiddo, I believe in you"
Hugo felt warmth from the man's words and smiled, nodding as he pulled out his portion of the antidote and, while Lance held Varian's mouth open, he and Eugene poured the mixture in, rubbing the blue eyed alchemist's throat so he would swallow it before pouring more in until Varian sputtered and began to cough. They stepped back a bit as the freckled teen sat up quickly and continued to cough, Adira quickly grabbed a waste bucket and gave it to Eugene, who held it up to Varian's mouth right as he puked. The freckled teen puked three times, letting everything out as Ruddigar, who had stayed with Quirin when the teen had first found the Duke and Duchess, waddled over to his boy and rubbed against his back for comfort while Hugo helped hold him up.
After Varian had finally gotten everything out, he nearly fell backwards, Hugo catching him, "woah there!" The blond exclaimed, "Varian, a-are you alright?"
The blue eyed alchemist looked up at him and gave his boyfriend a weak smile as a single tear slid down his face, "Huuuugo...."
The blond let out a sigh of relief and smiled as his own tears dripped onto Varian's cheeks, "Vaaaaarian", he replied, "thank the Moon above you're okay"
Eugene smiled wide at the pair before Lance shot him a look, his eyes darting from him to Quirin and back, "hey goggles, can ya sit up?"
Varian nodded, "with s-some help...."
Hugo and Lance helped him as Eugene got up and poked Quirin's shoulder, the man looking away from Rapunzel for a moment and following Eugene's pointed finger before he spotted his son, "VARIAN!" He ran over to him and, gently, wrapped his arms around the teen
Varian giggled weakly and returned the hug, "hi dad", he said, relishing in the familiar scent of wood and apples
Everyone in the room was smiling, save for the Duke and Duchess, who were being led out in handcuffs. The family grouped up, Trinity and Dexter joining them as did the Queen of Ingvarr, around the father and son while they hugged. All of them taking a minute to let the thought they'd been waiting for finally sink in.
It was all over!
Notes:
Hello! :D
IT'S FINALLY OVER!!!!! The Duke and Duchess and Cyrus are all behind bars! Donella is going to face justice, everyone survived, barely, and they can finally rest easy for a little bit! WOOOOOOOT!!!!!! The battle is won, they finally got caught! YAY!!!!!!
Things will be cleared up in the next chapter! :D I won't go into details about all the characters here, I'll let you guys celebrate the bad guy's, and gal's, capture in the comments! :D It's finally done though, finally! :D After well over 100 chapters, this arch can finally come to an end! Good gosh! :D There's still Donella's trial and what's going to happen to Cyrus, the Duke, and the Duchess, but we'll get there, for now, YAY!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 234: While I Was Asleep!
Summary:
Varian wakes up after a peaceful dream and finds out what's been going on since he passed out!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everything was fuzzy, not Ruddigar fuzzy either, the little alchemist made sure to check. His mind wasn't completely alert, he knew he'd seen Hugo, he knew his father had hugged him, and he was *painfully* aware that someone was holding him and carrying him somewhere. He closed his eyes after that, the light and sounds being too much for his tired mind as he fell into a very peaceful slumber. He saw a bright light, one he recognized, but he couldn't reach out and touch it as he had before, he wanted to though, he wanted so badly to make sure she knew he was alright, so he summoned everything he could to do so, to reach out to her, and he felt her smile.
"Thank you little one, rest, have pleasant dreams as you sleep"
He smiled back at her and the light disappeared, he was surrounded by a familiar orchard instead, one he'd grown up near. He grinned as the smell of apples filled the air with their sweet scent, "son? Varian where are yo-! Oh, heh you fell asleep in the orchard again", he felt someone pick him up, the smell of apples mixing with wood, "silly boy, come on, you've worked too hard again"
"....Apples"
"Hm?"
"Apples, gotta.... Gotta pick apples"
He heard the warm chuckle of his father, his heart filling with love for the man that raised him, "you can pick more apples when you've rested, for now, you need some sleep"
"But.... But you won't let me help him after I fall asleep... You'll pick them all yourself and be tired too..."
His father hummed with thought before he smirked, "how about I pick the apples and you cook dinner tonight when I come home, deal?"
The alchemist thought about it for a moment, "pumpkin soup with grilled cheese?"
"That sounds like a great dinner to me"
"Oki", the freckled boy replied before he let out a squeaky yawn, "...just don't work yourself to the bone..."
"I won't as long as you don't put the soup in your beakers again"
"Hey, that only happened one time"
His father chuckled, "and I'll never forget it"
Varian let out a tired giggle as he snuggled closer to his father's chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat, "my dad"
"My son"
The alchemist smiled, "can we stay like this forever?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you hold me tight and never leave me, and I never leave you, ever, and I'll keep making pumpkin soup for you because it's your favorite"
His father chuckled, "I'd love nothing more"
Varian smiled, "let's do that then, okay? You and me, and Ruddigar, a-and Hugo, he needs to be here too"
"Alright, just so long as Hugo doesn't make those dirty jokes again"
"And if *I* do it?"
"Then you're grounded"
The alchemist giggled again, "evil jerkface"
"Bratty stinkbomb"
Despite his father's nag, the boy let out a comfortable sigh as he continued to listen to his father's heartbeat. It was slow and constant, much like an old reliable clock, the beats playing a gentle song in the alchemist's mind as he counted them. He felt his thoughts becoming lighter, and his father's arms felt soft and comforting, almost like a warm bed. Then, the beating stopped, and he opened his eyes, "mmph.... W-what? W-where am I?" He asked, his vision was still a little foggy, but as he rubbed the sleep out of them, his surroundings made themselves known, "i.... Infirmary...."
"Varian!" A voice called, before he had any time to react someone had wrapped their arms around him, a startled chitter told him Ruddigar had been asleep as well, they were holding him tight, as if letting him go meant he'd never come back
Varian blinked a little before he noticed a blond ponytail was in his face, "H.... Hugo?"
"Freckles!" The green eyed alchemist pulled away and passionately kissed Varian's lips before he hugged him again, "I'm so glad you're okay! You worried the *shit* outta me!" The blond pulled away and looked at his boyfriend, "you... *Are* okay aren't you?"
The freckled teen was a little shaken but he didn't feel too much pain, so he nodded, "I... I'm a little out of it still though...." He noticed Ruddigar huffing a little, he stroked his fur a bit, getting the raccoon to purr before he settled down next to his boy and fell asleep, his tail wrapped, protectively, around Varian's middle.
Hugo blinked a few times before he realized what Varian meant, "sorry!" He let go and backed up a bit, "sorry sorry, I just... I was really worried, y-you were poisoned a-and I know we *planned* for that since t-they poisoned Eugene a-and didn't have time to t-think of another method to get rid of you, b-but then the poison was stronger t-than we expected a-and your dad was crying a-and you weren't waking up then Eugene took charge and we managed to resuscitate you but you puked three times and fell back onto the floor a-and your dad hugged you but t-then you didn't really respond to anyone and Lance said you needed to go to the infirmary s-so your dad carried you here and then you started talking in your sleep about apples and me staying with you and your dad and-and-and...." He blond had tears sliding down his face, I... I-I was... R-really worried about you.... Y-you've been asleep for h-hours a-and..."
Varian's thoughts finally came back to him and he smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, "oh Hugo", he hugged the blond tightly, "I'm okay, I survived, *we* survived, together, so everything's alright now, no need to worry, okay?"
He felt his lover return the hug and felt him snuggle into his touch, "o-okay...." He said
They stayed that way for a while before Hugo, eventually, broke the hug and they stared at each other for a moment, neither of them really knowing what to say, "a-*hem*", a voice said, getting the both of them to turn and look, seeing Eugene smirking at them, "if you two are done canoodling with each other, we'd like to say hi to our resident poison victim too"
The blond teen blushed, "oh, r-right, sorry"
Varian giggled as Hugo hopped un onto his bed and held the blue eyed alchemist's hand, squeezing it lovingly as Varian leaned his head against his boyfriend's, "hi Eugene", the freckled teen stated with a grin
"Hi goggles", the Dark Prince replied with a smirk
Rapunzel, who was standing next to Lance, Catalina, and Angry who were all sitting on the other bed opposite to the teens, smiled warmly at the pair, "it's good to see you awake Varian, your dad's gonna be really happy about that"
"Dad.... Isn't in here?" Varian asked, looking around for the first time and noting his grandpa, aunt, and uncle weren't in the room either
"No, I'm afraid he was forced to speak with my parents about the situation that just happened"
"He put up a pretty good fight though, stating he did *not* want to leave your side, but they eventually talked him into it, with the promise that he'd get to come back right after and they'd make it as quick as possible", Eugene added, "that was a few minutes before you woke up"
Lance smiled, "he heard you say you wanted to stay with him forever though", he said, "you, him, Ruddigar, and Hugo"
Varian blushed, "he did?"
"Yeah", Eugene replied, "it was cute, he teared up a little, he chuckled when you mentioned pumpkin soup, it was an adorable conversation"
"Yeah, you're a sleep talker", Hugo teased a little
"And *you* play such symphonies in your sleep with your lovely whistle", Varian shot back
The blond blushed, "o-okay, so we *both* have nap time quirks", he said before he muttered, "I still can't believe I haven't stopped doing that damn whistling...."
The blue eyed alchemist giggled before the door to the infirmary opened. Everyone looked to see Quirin, Adira, Hector, and King Edmund walk inside, "that meeting was so fucking boring", the wild tamer stated, "talk about old geezers, my fucking gosh!"
Adira chuckled, "well, at least it's out of the way, and it was necessary you know"
"Whatever, glad it's done because *damn* was it long...."
Edmund giggled, "you've sat through meetings before and had no problems Hector"
"*Those* were *strategy* meetings, plans of attack, we weren't retelling a story everyone *else* already knew! And there weren't so many pompous fucking geezers in those meetings either.... Unless you count Quirin, but he's not nearly as pompous as the dignitaries in that room! Old yes, pompous no"
Quirin rolled his eyes, "I'll take that as a half compliment", he stated before he noticed Varian sitting up and watching him, "SON!"
He ran over to his boy and gently hugged him, the teen returning the hug happily, listening to his father's heart beat once again and feeling soothed by it's musical beat, "hi dad"
"Hi Varian", the retired knight replied, his voice was watery but made the teen's heart fill with warmth when he said his name. He let go of his son and cupped his cheek with his hand gently, looking into Varian's eyes, "are you alright? Do you feel sick at all?"
"I'm a little dizzy, and my stomach hurts a pinch, but I'm okay... Oh! And my throat hurts, b-but not too much"
His father chuckled, "I'm glad that's all that poison did", he let out a small sigh as he checked Varian's face, swiping his son's bangs with his thumb and going over every freckle
"Dad I'm okay", the blue eyed alchemist replied with a weak giggle, "really"
Quirin was hesitant at first, but he smiled and placed his nose against his son's, "ok, if you say so"
The freckled teen giggled, "I love you dad"
"I love you too", the Village Leader replied, "and I'm looking forward to that pumpkin soup"
"Daaad!"
His father chuckled, "I'm just saying, that sounds pretty good right now"
"Then *you* can make it"
"I might"
Varian's eyes widened with longing as he stared up at his father, "um....."
Quirin laughed, "puppy dog eyes to the max for that pumpkin soup, alright alright, I'll make you some tonight, but you've gotta get some more rest, okay?"
"Oki"
"You sure?"
"I'm sure"
"Ok", he then looked at Hugo, who was imitating Varian's face, he chuckled, "would you like some pumpkin soup too?"
"Maybe", the blond replied shyly
Quirin chuckled, "I think I can make a big enough pot for everyone in the room"
"Pumpkin soup?" Adira asked
"It's a Coronan thing, it's really good too"
"Really?"
Rapunzel smiled, "I'm partial to hazlenut soup myself, but pumpkin soup can be good if made right, though I've never tried Quirin's"
"His is the best", Varian stated
"That a fact?" Eugene asked
"A scientific fact", the Dark Prince raised a brow, "hey, I did an actual experiment with other villager's pumpkin soup and compared it with dad's. All the other kids said his was and is the best, so it's scientific fact!"
"When did you do that?" Quirin asked
"Um.... Uh.... I dunno what we're talking about... Um... cough cough, my throat hurts?" the blue eyed alchemist stated
Quirin stared at him for a moment before he sighed, "fine, I'll let it go for now, but I'll be finding out more about this little experiment later", he stated, poking his son's nose, the teen wrinkling it in response before he giggled.
"So, what happened with the Duke, Duchess, and Cyrus?" Angry asked, "did they get thrown in jail the royals throws away the key?"
"Or are they gonna get eaten by wild bears?" Catalina asked with a wide grin on her face, "I can call some wolf friends over if needed"
Hector snorted, "they'd be getting off too easy in my opinion, but the wolves are a nice touch"
Catalina smiled at the wild tamer, before Quirin stepped in, "please no wolves, the Duke, Duchess, and Cyrus will be facing justice from all three kingdoms. They'll be kept inside their cells with guards watching them round the clock. Once everything is over, they'll be taken to Ingvarr and placed in cells there, then, dignitaries from Corona, Ingvarr, and the Dark Kingdom, as well as their victims, will travel to Ingvarr and there will be a trial held for them where they'll face justice decided from the leaders of said kingdoms, the Queen of Ingvarr being the main one while King Edmund, King Fredrich and Queen Arianna represent the two kingdoms they were going to try and overthrow. Every rule from each kingdom will be gone through and they will receive three different punishments, one from each kingdom, that fits what they just tried to do".
"Three different punishments, one from a sunshine kingdom that locks children up for life due to a misunderstanding on the kingdom's side and tries to hang people for thievery, one from an industrial kingdom who seems to see titles more than the person themselves but does not take treachery well, and one from a dying kingdom who's rules are archaic yet effective at punishing those who truly deserve it, from slicing hands off for stealing to nailing someone's ear to a wooden pole to humiliate them.... Oh yeah, I think their punishment will definitely be more than plenty to make up for what they've done", Adira stated with a smirk
"To be fair to Corona, I *did* steal the *lost* princess's tiara.... *While* she was *still* lost.... The day *before* her 18th *birthday*", Eugene stated
"And I overthrew and entire kingdom and Queenapped the Queen of Corona", Varian added
"And you should be killed for your crime of stealing something from someone who wasn't using it and still currently isn't by dying", Rapunzel replied as she looked at Eugene before she turned her focus to Varian, "and you should be punished for merely wanting your only family member back in your life by losing your freedom until the day you die", she stated
"Yes, how dare *both* of you have circumstances that forbid you from living a normal life, circumstances that were also not *either* of your faults in the slightest since you would've died had you not done the things you'd done", Hugo added, "stealing a crown and selling it would've been used for food money and a place to live, so that counts Eugene"
The Dark Prince froze mid breath, closing his mouth and huffing, "you could've allowed me to barter a *little*"
Both blonds snickered before Varian looked up at his father, "so... We're gonna have to travel to Ingvarr?"
Quirin nodded, "yeah, but that won't be for a long while, the Queen needs to appointment a new Duke and Duchess, she plans on having Trinity and Dexter do the job, but she wants to make sure they *want* to first after this whole ordeal, plus she'd like to get her kingdom in order first. So we won't have to worry about that trial for a very long time"
Varian nodded, "okay, I.... I'll be honest, I'd like to take a break from all of this for a bit you know?"
"Understandable kiddo, considering you're sitting in a bed after being poisoned and nearly dying", Eugene stated
"Yeah, how are you... Mentally feeling about that? You okay?" Lance asked
The freckled teen thought about it for a moment before he shrugged, "honestly, I'm not really sure *how* I feel about nearly dying, this wouldn't be the first time, and I highly doubt it's gonna be the last.... Is it odd to feel numb about something like that?"
Eugene shook his head, "it's how I felt too when I was poisoned, numb, like I was used to it but it hadn't really hit me. Then again, I still kinda feel numb to it"
"You do?"
"Yeah, it's so odd, you see your life flash before your eyes and you know, you could make a really good joke about how boring it was but.... I liked my life, not that I'd wanna leave it, but if I had at that moment, I was glad I was doing so while protecting someone, that thought alone kinda helped me handle what I'd just been through"
Varian blinked, "you know... I think I can understand, after all, I was poisoned trying to save my family, boyfriend, and home. I didn't get my life flashing before my eyes, but feeling the poison slowly taking my life away, I... Wasn't as afraid of it as I was when I was turning into a bird.... In fact, I felt comforted knowing that I was dying for something bigger than me... I don't *want* to die I mean, I've got so many things I still wanna do, and so many people to live for! But... It felt... Oddly poetic?"
"Yeah, like how you think about all the bad things you've done in your life, and yet you're dying to save someone else, it's the same way I felt when I was stabbed by Gothel. I cut Rapunzel's hair and was dying, but I was doing so to save her, so I felt better about it. When I was brought back via magical tear-!"
"Ex machina tear", Varian stated with a grin
"Don't make me come over there kid", his big brother warned, getting the alchemist to giggle, "anyway, when I came back to life, I got pardoned, Rapunzel was reunited with her parents, and I was allowed to stay in the castle. It felt like I'd paid for everything I'd done with my life and was rewarded for getting better, that's why I stopped, that and Rapunzel", he smiled at the blond princess, who smiled back
Lance smirked, "well I'm glad you two are doin alright in that department, though you and I", gestured to Varian and himself, "need to talk about everything else you know"
"Yeah, I know, and I'll definitely set up a session for that, but um...." He used his puppy dog eyes again, "you think we can take a break from everything now?"
The former thief tried to hold strong, but he sighed before looking at Quirin, "how do you ignore that look?!"
The retired knight chuckled, "very diligently"
"You know, I'd like a break as well, I wanna just enjoy the ball and dance and watch Varian get drunk off of one drink again-!"
"Ey!"
The bespeckled teen snickered, "it's true, either way, I just want things to go back to normal, at least for a little bit. But... I do have one more question"
"What's that?" Edmund asked, tilting his head to the side
"....What did they decide to do with Don?"
The room was silent for a moment, the blond looking at everyone worriedly, "Donella.... She's still going to get a trial, but she'll be getting one here, and she won't be facing as big a punishment as the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr", Quirin replied, before Hugo could ask, he added, "telling you two of the Duke, Duchess, and Cyrus's plans and also warning you and trying to help you get out of the cell you'd been pushed into warranted a much lesser punishment. Plus, as far as we know, she was aware of the Duke and Duchess's plan *after* she did her crimes, and when she *did* find out, she said no. She still has a trial coming, but everything she did to *help* will be taken into consideration. That being said however.... She killed my wife.... She abused a child his entire life.... And did knowingly help in the poisoning of Eugene.... Her victims will need to be present too, to give their testimony.... I'm sorry Hugo"
"It's alright...." The teen replied, "I knew she was going to be punished.... But after everything she did I was.... Hoping it wouldn't be.... As bad... Is that a bad thing?"
"Why would hoping someone doesn't get punished be a bad thing?" Rapunzel asked
"Because that person didn't just affect me", the blond alchemist stated gently, "she... She killed Varian's mother, Quirin's wife, she hurt her.... She also permanently scarred Varian, physically, then abused me for *years*, she even helped poison Eugene I... I just.... Don't want anyone to think I value what she's done to me over everyone else's it's just.... Hard...."
Varian leaned against his boyfriend, "Hugo, she's you adopted mother, even if what she did to you was *extremely* wrong, she still showed signs that she cared for you, so it's understandable that you wouldn't want her punished unfairly. For all the things she's done, she was one of the main reasons we ended up defeating the Duke, Duchess, and Cyrus, without her, we never would've been able to come up with a counter plan at all. She helped save my life, my family's life, your life, and three kingdoms from total destruction. She should be punished, but you're not saying she shouldn't, you're saying you want her punished fairly, there's nothing wrong with that".
Hugo smiled at his boyfriend, "thanks Freckles", before he smirked, "truth or date?"
Varian stopped for a moment or two before he nudged the green eyed alchemist a bit, blushing profusely, "you're such a brat nugget!"
The bespeckled teen laughed, "can you blame me? You wanted a break right?"
"Right"
"Well here I am, Mr. Right, Eugene said you were looking for me"
"Stop it!"
"Only when you stop falling from the heavens"
"Hugo!"
"What? Can't help it if I keep getting lost in your eyes"
"HUGO!"
"Got a map?"
"Staaahp!" The two bickered back and forth, making the rest of the room burst into laughter. Quirin eventually made the pumpkin soup for the room to share, they all decided to spend the night in the infirmary while Varian healed. After the blond had stopped embarrassing his boyfriend, they planned for a date underneath the stars and spent the entire night talking about it while Eugene, Catalina, Angry, and Lance played Uno. Rapunzel and Adira were watching, Adira betting Lance would win while Rapunzel bet on Eugene and humbly gave the face painted warrior the coins she earned when Lance came out victorious. Quirin and Edmund talked with each other while all this was going on, the two of them finding peace and comfort in their little family as the night continued to be filled with laughter, shouts, and giggles after a hard fought battle.
Notes:
Hello! :D
This is the update chapter! :D Varian and all of you get updated about what's been decided for the Duke, Duchess, and Cyrus, and even Donella! :D With some fun moments with our favorite group! :D
I will confirm, that was Moon he was reaching out to in the beginning of the story, she was worried about her little one <3
Varian is okay! :D He's doing alright, a little woozy, but the poison didn't do too much damage, he's okay <3 The only thing he's in danger of right now, is dying from embarrassment because of Hugo XD
Hugo is back to his bratty self again! At least for the moment, it's a nice moment, they needed a break, so here's a small one for them :) I think they've all earned it since their battle was so crazy, and him being worried about Donella is part of his arch, there's going to be a thing between them, for now however, it's just a chill chapter! :D
Eugene and Lance are the support team today! :D they're really great at being support team too! Also, momentary team Awesome because Varian and Eugene have the same experience! Woot! :D
Rapunzel, Catalina, Angry, Adira, Hector, and Edmund were in the background again, but honestly, they still had some time to shine a little, they'll have chapters about them coming soon! :D
Ruddy buddy be protecting his boy! :D He's the best racoon, he really is! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 235: Putting Them in Their Place!
Summary:
Catalina and Angry end up ticking off some dignitaries by accident!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Ugh, *why* must they have *children* running around the castle?" A snotty dignitary asked as she nearly tripped over Catalina, who, thankfully, didn't seem hurt, "honestly, this is *supposed* to be a *formal* affair! Children should be no where *near* the festivities"
"I agree", another replied, "it's *bad* enough they allow the maids to be so young, but children with no real royal lineage should be kept out of the *way*!"
Angry glared at the two dignitaries, "thankfully that's not how it *works* in Corona, so get *over* it!" She snapped while she stepped in front of her sibling, who seemed a little too startled to say anything
Both dignitaries looked shocked, "how *dare* you! You know, I have half a mind to find your *parent* young lady!"
"Good luck, *I'm* still trying to find them", Angry muttered
"What seems to be the problem here?" A voice asked, getting the four of them to look and see Nigel standing behind them all
"The Royal Advisor, thank goodness!" The snobby dignitary exclaimed, "these two *children* have just tripped me on *purpose*, then they were *extremely rude! Not even apologizing after!"
Nigel raised a brow at the two girls, "is this true?"
"What?! No! You tripped over Catalina by *accident*! And the only reason I was snappy was because you were being *rude*!" Angry argued, "just because we're kids, doesn't mean we're *wrong*! It was *your* fault you didn't see where you were going! Not Catalina's or mine!"
"You see what I mean? They're so *disrespectful*!" The Dignitary exclaimed, the second dignitary shaking his head in disappointment as he glared at the two girls
The royal advisor sighed, "I apologize for their unruly behavior, and I will see to it that they are talked to"
"Please do!" The first dignitary stated before he let out a small, "humph!" and walked away
Nigel watched them walk away before he sighed and looked at the girls once more, "you've gotta believe us! We didn't do anything wrong!" Angry exclaimed
"I know, I know, but to the dignitaries here, you must understand they are.... A little difficult to please, so you'll have to watch your step around them, even more so than you think you should"
"Why?" Catalina asked, "seems really unfair"
"It is, but that's how things work in the higher ranked world. You either abide by *their* rules, or they make you life a lot harder than it should be. Look I'm not going to punish you two, I believe you're right and both of you are well behaved enough. But if something like this happens again I'll have to speak with Lance about it, so please, try to stay out of the dignitary's ways for now, just until the ball is over, after that, there's no reason to impress them as much since they'll be leaving soon anyway and won't really care"
"....Fine", Angry stated grumpily
"Hey, why are you being nice to us?" Catalina asked, "no offense, I mean, I really appreciate it, but.... You've been kinda mean to Varian.... So...."
"I.... Had my misgivings about Varian himself, though I've found out some new things that I did not know, so I'm not entirely sure what to feel about him right now. But even if I have mixed feelings for him, that doesn't mean I'm going to treat *everyone* like that. My feelings are for him and him alone, you two may be his friends, but you're well behaved for the most part, so I have no qualms with you, just please heed my warnings alright?"
The girls nodded, "alright"
Nigel smiled, "thank you, now if you'll excuse me, I have something that needs fixing. Pardon me", he walked away, giving the girls a small bow before he departed
They looked at each other for a moment before sighing and walking away, "can you believe that women?!" Angry asked
"No I can't... She was really nasty, plus that other guy, shaking his head like we're some disruptive criminals, he really made my blood boil a bit", Catalina stated, "but I'm more confused about Nigel. He said he had mixed feelings about Varian, but before that he used to say he hated him, I wonder what changed"
Angry shrugged, "maybe V finally convinced him he wasn't a bad guy and Nigel's finally warming up?"
"He mentioned something about how he 'found out some new things' or something like that. Do you think he spoke to someone?"
"Maybe, I know everyone in our group would defend V to the end, you and I included"
Catalina smiled and nodded, "that's true, either way, it seems like Varian's going to have a little bit of an easier time, which is good"
"You really can't get him off your mind, can you?"
The werewolf girl blushed, "not really, I know he's with Hugo, and I completely accept that now. But... you know.... Can't really make those feelings disappear...." She blushed a little harder
Angry smirked, "why don't you talk to him about them, say you still feel that way?"
"Because I don't wanna make it weird with him! He's our best friend and our big brother, I wouldn't want to mess that up. Besides, I'm not jealous anymore, a little sad sometimes, sure, but not jealous. I only want him to be happy though, and if he's happy with Hugo, then I'm happy for him"
The black haired girl smiled, "I'm really proud of you Cat, you know that? And I'm certain Lance would be too"
"Thanks"
They continued to walk the halls of the castle, chatting and giggling with each other for a while before they turned the corner and crashed into someone. The looked up to see another dignitary staring at them before his glare slowly formed on his face, they noticed Nigel standing behind the man, and he sighed. The dignitary screeched at him, chewing him out for allowing two children to roam the castle unsupervised, he explained that he would take care of it before he looked at the girls again after the dignitary left, "sorry Nigel...." Angry said
"I'm sorry too, come with me, lets go find Lance", the royal advisor replied sadly
"Ok...."
The girls followed behind the man until he found who he was looking for, Lance was in the family room with Varian and Quirin, Lance and Varian were playing chess as Quirin and Ruddigar, who was sitting on the retired knight's lap, watched when the three of them came in, "sorry to interrupt, but could I speak with you for a moment?" Nigel asked, looking directly at Lance
The man nodded and followed the royal advisor out the door of the family room as the girls waited, "what's going on?" Quirin asked, getting up and placing Ruddigar on Varian's shoulders, the teen stroking his fur happily when he did
"We ran into some mean dignitaries", Catalina stated
"Literally ran into them... Twice.... They chewed Nigel out and now he's talking to Lance about it", Angry added
"Well that seems unfair", Varian replied, Ruddigar nodded in agreement
"He actually let us off with a warning the first time, but the second time he wasn't allowed to ignore it"
"Still... The dignitaries here are so...."
"Entitled?" His father offered
"Yes", the alchemist stated, "extremely entitled! And it's getting to a point where we shouldn't be rewarding bad behavior", he looked at Catalina and Angry, "were you two running through the halls?"
"No"
"Were you screaming or talking loudly?"
"Nu uh"
"Were you calling people names or mocking them?"
"Nope"
"Then why are *you* getting punished for it?"
"Nigel said something like..... 'You either abide by *their* rules, or they make you life a lot harder than it should be'", Catalina stated
Varian raised a brow, "he was genuinely trying to be nice to us", Angry stated
"I see..... Well, he's right, but it's still wrong, someone ought to do something about it...." Varian noticed Hugo walk by the opened door, and he smirked, "and I think I have an idea", he said as Ruddigar let out a small chitter of excitement at seeing the blond
****
Hugo walked down the halls of the castle, heading towards the throne room when he felt someone bump into him. Looking over, he noticed a dignitary look at him and glare, he raised a brow, "you got something you wanna say there friend?"
The Dignitary turned around and scoffed, "what would I want to say to a lowly peasant like you?" She asked
"Lowly peasant? You mean you don't know who I am?"
"No I know who *you* are, you're the disgraced friend of the disgraced Duke and Duchess's adoptive pet. Too bad all of your friends are in jail right now sweetie, so sad, looks like you're all alone"
The blond rolled his eyes, "wow, you're a piece of work, aren'tcha?" He stated, "look lady, you may know who I'm associated with when I *came* here, but you have no idea who I've become close to at all"
"Oh really?" She laughed, "who would want to associate themselves with *you*?"
"Hugo?" A voice said, Varian walking around from behind the corner, Ruddigar sitting, politely, on his shoulder and looking very professional, "oh *there* you are! I was waiting for you! who are you talking to?"
"Oh some really rude lady who things I'm a lowly citizen with a disgraceful family", the blond replied, "sorry for the wait love, got a little caught up in this"
The dignitary instantly recognized Varian and was shocked, "y-you *know* him?!" She asked
Varian walked over and interlocked arms with his boyfriend, Ruddigar purring as he nuzzled both boys, "I do more than *know* him, he's my boyfriend, and who might you be and why are you talking to him like that exactly?"
She sputtered and stammered over her words before she said, "y-you... Y-you're a *prince* though"
"Yeah, and I have a name, it's Varian, hi!"
"H-hi...."
"Mind if I have yours?"
"I... I-I don't see why y-you'd want *my* name", she stuttered
"Well I'd like to know the person who's saying my boyfriend is a nobody, just a lowly citizen"
"I-I didn't say that!"
"Did you not? Isn't that what the word 'lowly' means?" Varian asked with mock confusion as Ruddigar chittered in the same questioning tone
"Actually, lowly means ugly or dirty", Hugo corrected
"Oh so you're calling him *ugly* then, you know, that's even worse"
"I-I'm sorry! I r-really didn't know *that's* what that word meant, h-honest! I j-just-!"
"Just what", Varian interrupted as Ruddigar huffed at the dignitary, "wanted to use your power over others to scare and bully them? You know, we don't really take too kindly to people who do that, no matter what their status, not even *I* would do something like that. But fine, if you wanna play it that way, how about I just speak with your kingdom's ruler and tell *them* what you've been saying!"
"NO! N-no! Please don't do that!" The dignitary begged
Varian stared at the women, his glare unflinching before he sighed, "fine, I won't, but I'd better see you treating everyone with *respect* from now on! Use your power and influence to do *good* in the world, don't flaunt it in other people's faces, okay? Can you do that?"
The dignitary nodded, "y-yes, yes I can!"
"Then you're free to go"
"T-thank you, thank you!" She ran off and didn't look back, Varian kept his face straight until he was sure the women was out of sight and ear shot before he burst with laughter
"That was *too* much fun! Thanks for the help Huuuugo", the blue eyed alchemist stated
The blond grinned, "no problem Vaaarian! I like takin these prissy *dick*-nitaries down a peg or two"
"Pffft!" Varian giggled
"Like the name?"
"Yes!"
Hugo snickered before he looked behind him, "you four can come out now", he called
Quirin, Lance, Catalina, and Angry all came out from their hiding places. Lance raising a brow as he, Catalina, and Angry came out from behind the corner whereas the retired knight merely stepped forward, placing the potted plant he'd been using to to cover his face while he stood close to the wall, back down where it belonged, "how were you not seen just now?"
"I'm a master of disguise", Quirin replied
"How is that a disguise?"
"You have to get in character Lance, as long as you're in character, you can be anything, I was being a potted plant, merely sitting there while the sun touched my leaves. It's very relaxing actually"
Catalina and Angry giggled at the Village Leader's antics as Lance smirked, "you're a dork"
"Actually, I was a fern"
"Quirin!"
Varian giggled even more as he turned to look at the group behind him and Hugo, "was that the women you two ran into?"
"Yeah, that was her, I don't know where the other dignitary went though", Catalina replied
"Probably off to steal candy from a baby", Angry stated, "either way, that was still really cool, you didn't have to do that you know"
"I know", Varian stated with a smile, "but no one messes with my two little sisters, ever. And if there's some way I can help them become better, not just towards you, but to everyone, then I'm more than willing to do it!"
"Thanks V", Angry said
"You're welcome", the freckled teen replied, scratching Ruddigar's chin happily and getting the raccoon to chitter in delight, "hey! How about we go back to the family room and play more games! Hugo could join us and we could play Uno again! Or we could watch dad disguise himself as more plants", he looked at his father, "there's a *very* fancy looking potted cactus sitting in the window that has a red flower on top, it'd be perfect for you!"
"Oh joy, needles!" His father replied with a chuckle, "honestly, I kinda wanna play Uno with all of you"
"Dad Uno, that sounds even better, Hugo, you game?"
"Do we bet on this game?" The blond asked
"Varian, you playin?" Lance asked
"Yes"
"Then no"
"Will I get a kiss if I win?" Hugo asked
Varian giggled, "yes"
"I'm in", with that, the group walked back to the family room, Catalina and Angry smiling the entire way as they watched their found family smile and laugh with each other, their hearts filling up with joy as they joined in on the conversation, laughing and teasing each other for the rest of the day!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this is a very light, fun, happy go lucky chapter, I wanted to write one because Catalina and Angry needed the spotlight for a minute, plus this was a cute idea I had that may come into play later, I'm not sure yet though. Plus, Varian using his title for good is fun to write, because he would do something like that.
Catalina and Angry share a very similar role here, but I hope I kept their personalities different enough so that people could tell the difference. In the show, they were kinda replaceable for each other in Season 3, save for the werewolf episode, so I hope I made them a little more dynamic than that. Plus I love these two girls, I think they're adorable! :D
Varian and Hugo are being adorable again, and I love making Varian the protective older brother while Hugo is just along for the ride. Boy be chillin because he wanna help his boyfriend! :D I love these two so much together, this is a break chapter for them, just a nice day for the science beans! <3
Quirin and Lance share a role here too, and I love their roles! I honestly think Quirin would be more comfortable with people he's grown attached to more, hence the potted plant silliness. He's shy around people he's not entirely sure about, Rapunzel is one of those people, but Lance, Varian, Catalina, Angry, and Hugo have all shared quality time with Quirin, so he's more comfortable being his goofy self around them, Eugene, Edmund, Adira, and Hector too! :D Plus, Lane and Quirin banter is funny to me XD
Ruddy buddy is still being the best raccoon in the universe! :D I love this raccoon so much! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 236: A Mother by Any Other Name!
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, and Quirin are all called to the throne room and they aren't sure why!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian walked down the halls of the castle with butterflies kicking up a storm in his chest. His mind was filled with dread as he approached the throne room doors and stood outside them, Ruddigar having been asked to stay behind by the guard that summoned the tiny alchemist and his father there in the first place, "it's going to be okay bubby", Quirin said softly, "they're probably going to ask us a few questions about what happened between us and everyone who tried to conspire against the kingdom is all, we answer those questions, and then we'll be back inside our room with no time to spare, okay?"
Varian nodded, "o-oki....."
The Village Leader watched his son shake for a moment or two before he wrapped his arm around the teen, "I'll be with you every step of the way, it's going to be alright son"
The freckled teen smiled up at his father, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome"
Suddenly, the throne room doors were opened and Nigel stepped out, seeing the pair and nodding, "the Queen and King of Corona, and the Queen of Ingvarr, will see you two now", he stated before he looked directly at the alchemist, "also, I owe you an apology for my behavior during the meeting the other day concerning the two guards who were attacked. Please forgive my sudden blame of you, I.... Did not quite have the full story of you.... Past... I'm sorry, I hope to rectify that as we come to know each other".
The teen was too stunned to speak for a second or two before he blinked and nodded, "s-sure, that's... I-it's okay"
Nigel nodded once more, looking at Quirin, who gave the man a small smile before he allowed the pair to pass. Quirin looked at his son, "how do you feel?"
"Strange, I... Never expected him to do that", the teen then looked at his father, "you wouldn't have anything to do with that, would you?"
"I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about"
Varian smiled at the man before he heard a small, "a-hem", in front of him
Stopping, he turned to see Hugo smirking at him happily, "HUGO!" He ran over and hugged the blond happily, humming with delight when the bespeckled teen hugged him back
"Hey Freckles", the green eyed alchemist stated before the two of them broke the hug, "so you were called to this as well?"
"Yup, do you know why we're here?"
"Nope, but they were about to tell us", he gestured to the royals sitting, or standing, on, or next to, their thrones, Rapunzel was one of them, sitting in-between her parents, Eugene was the other, standing next to Queen Arianna and giving the pair a knowing smirk
Varian blushed, "oh, yeah um... s-should probably have noticed them first, eheh"
Quirin walked over to his son and Hugo, nodding at the blond as a hello before he looked up at the royals, "hello, we came as you asked, is there something you needed?"
The Queen of Ingvarr smiled at the man, "I recognize you, you fought in one of my contests a long time ago"
The retired knight nodded, "yes I did, me and my sister Adira both did actually, it's nice to see you again your majesty"
"Nice to see you too, if I remember right, you two won!"
"We did indeed, I still have the medal you gave me, I believe Adira does as well, and of course that's how we met Hector"
She nodded, "I see, so that's when he met you, huh. I'll have to remember that, thank you for taking care of him for as long as you all did, but that isn't why you're here"
Quirin smiled and nodded before King Fredrich stood up, "I called you three here because I had a few more questions about what transpired between all of you and Donella specifically"
Hugo tensed up a bit, Varian placing a comforting hand on his lover's shoulder before he looked at the King, "was there something you needed cleared up before the trial?"
"Yes", he replied gently, not wanting to scare the teen at all, "I remember Quirin telling us that Donella had told you two the plans the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr, and Cyrus, had. But they didn't know everything that had happened, they did mention that Hugo attacked Cyrus. I... Was wondering why that happened and if Donella had something to do with it?"
Hugo blinked, "I.... W-why do you need that information if you don't mind me asking?"
"Because when her trial comes, we'll need to know everything she's said or done to give her a proper judgement. And if she ended up saying something that harmed you or made you attack him, we'd like to know"
"S-she didn't... It wasn't her fault I attacked Cyrus, it was his.... What she said to me is... Kinda private"
Varian nodded, "it's true, she.... She didn't say anything that made Hugo angry at Cyrus, Cyrus provoked Hugo and got him angry enough to attack, nothing Donella said to him that day added to his attack. The man was saying racial slurs to me while Hugo was.... Already upset.... *Which* was because facing the women that attacked you can be *extremely* jarring! So it's understandable why his behavior may seem a little irrational!"
The King wanted to say something, but he was unsure of himself, Queen Arianna stood and took over, "we understand seeing Donella at that point and time was something extremely hard to do, and we're all very grateful you did it and returned with the information you had.... But we... We need to know exactly what it is she said because Pete mentioned Hugo seemed to grow extremely upset before Cyrus said anything to him... When Pete said that, it made us very concerned, not only for you Hugo, but for Varian as well, to whom Pete mentioned was also upset, not to the point where Hugo was, but.... Your... Powers, they.... You...."
"The black rocks coming out of the floor scared Pete.... Didn't they?" Varian asked sadly, prompting his father to walk over and stand next to his son protectively
"They.... Concerned him, yes", Arianna replied gently, "I'm so sorry to bring this up Varian, and I'm sorry to have to ask you Hugo, but you were both pushed to extremes during that conversation and I'm certain Cyrus alone couldn't have done that.... We... Need to know why, not only because of the trial for Donella, but also.... Because should something like that happen again, and Varian get as upset as he did, we...."
"Would wanna be prepared to stop me?" Varian finished
"No! No no no not *stop* you, only help calm you down enough to where those black rocks don't pop out again", she exclaimed gently, "we trust you honey, we really do, it's just... those rocks... With the dignitaries... We don't want them to harm you or for anyone to get hurt, *including* you, do you understand?"
"I understand", Varian replied, looking up at the Queen and smiling, "you're just doing your job, and I get that... But... It's... Hard to talk about what she said and why we got so upset.... Cyrus really was the main reason but.... You're right... Donella's words did.... Strike a nerve.... With both of us....." He took Hugo's hand in his and gave it a gently squeezed it, "and..... It's not for the reasons you might think...."
Varian looked over at his father, who raised a brow, "what are you-!"
"It has something to do with mom's passing.... the reason why she.... Treated Hugo the way she did...."
Quirin's eyes widened, "oh...." He looked at Hugo sympathetically, "oh Hugo...."
"It's fine...." The blond said, "i-.... I-it's fine.... Just...." He sighed, "we were right about the reason...."
Eugene's eyes also widened, "we were right?"
"Yeah.... We were right... It's exactly as we thought and.... Well I guess that's how complexes are started right? You compare yourself to the person she wanted you to be then start to hate that person?" He chuckled bitterly, "though I can't really hate that person because I love em too damn much...."
Arianna looked at the boy and felt her heart break, "I'm so sorry to have to ask this of you... But if we can prevent something from happening.... And give her a proper trial...."
"I understand", the blond replied before he looked at Quirin, "did you tell them what happened to her?"
The retired knight shook his head, "I really couldn't.... But.... I think I might have to...."
Fredrich looked at his Village Leader, "if it's too hard we could-!"
"No. It's for the safety of others", the retired knight stated, "my discomfort and emotions are not as important as the safety of other people, particularly from other kingdoms. Though I appreciate the gesture", he added, "but the kingdom comes first"
The king wanted to argue, but one look at Varian made him remember his mistake of silencing Quirin and keeping Rapunzel locked up, and he shut his mouth. The Queen of Ingvarr smiled, "you truly are a very honorable knight, you have my respect for that, as do you two, Hugo and Varian"
The two teens and the retired knight gave the Queen of Ingvarr small and sad smiles, but they were smiling all the same, "it's... Going to be hard to get it all out, so... Please forgive us if we tend to need a minute to continue", Hugo stated
"That's understandable", Arianna replied, "take as much time as you need, in fact, we could go somewhere more comfortable in order to discuss this matter if you wish"
When the three nodded, the group headed into the family room, they noted Edmund, Adira, and Hector's presence, but they stayed to support their family as they realized what they were discussing. Varian, Quirin, and Hugo, having sat down and readied themselves, began to talk about Ulla's death and Donella's involvement, including what she'd told them in the dungeons and everything else they'd found out.
****
".....That's all we know...." Quirin finished, he looked at everyone in the room, noting the shock and/or appalled faces from the royals, "I...." Fredrich started, "I had no idea.... I'm... I'm so sorry.... Ulla...."
Arianna had her hand over her mouth, visible tears were streaming down her face as she stared at the ground. The Queen of Ingvarr was merely staring, both in shock and anger. Rapunzel got up and walked over to Varian and Hugo, hugging them tight as she could. They hugged her back, appreciating the kind gesture before she broke the hug and sat down next to them, allowing both teens to lean against her as a sign of comfort. Eugene huffed, "how could she....."
"We've been asking ourselves that for a long time son", Edmund replied sadly, "we still don't know the answer...."
"Hugo... I'm so sorry", the Queen of Ingvarr said gently, "I really am... Had I known.... Had I only known...."
"You couldn't have", the blond replied, "she was able to hide it very well.... And I... I didn't wanna stop her.... I... D-didn't know how.... But that's not your fault.... It's not"
"Still.... How could... How could she...." The Queen of Ingvarr closed her eyes and let out a small breath before she opened them again, "Hugo I.... When the ball is over, weather you choose to stay here or go back to Ingvarr, you'll always have a place to stay in my castle, please know that, I won't let you be tormented like that ever again, not ever...."
The bespeckled teen smiled, "thank you, your majesty, that means a lot", he then noticed Varian pouting a little, "what's wrong with you?"
"Trying to steal my Hugo", the blue eyed alchemist stated, half jokingly
The blond snickered, "don't worry Freckles, you're stuck with me, no matter if you want my ass or not"
"Oh, I want it, believe me", the teen replied with a smirk
"Boys", Quirin stated, "my goodness, in front of royalty too, Varian I *know* I taught you better than that"
"Hee hee, sorry dad"
Eugene snickered a little as the Queen of Ingvarr gave a hearty laugh, "oh they're fine! I remember being like that in my youth, it's good that they're able to make jokes like that, means they're still going strong, and I appreciate a good dirty joke now and again, as long as it has good taste"
Hugo smirked, "never knew you were into those kinds of jokes your majesty"
"You kidding? I may be a Queen, but I'm human too", she smirked, "you should've seen how red I could make a man turn with some of the things that popped out of my mouth HA!"
Varian and Hugo giggled as Quirin face palmed, "please don't encourage them...."
"Sorry, sorry, my bad", the Queen stated understandingly
The room felt a little lighter after that, though the thought of Donella's actions still hung in the air like a thick fog. Queen Arianna was still sniffling a bit while the rest of the room grew quiet. Rapunzel noticed this and looked at her mother worriedly, "mom?"
Arianna turned away, "s-sorry... I'm sorry just......" She sniffled again
"....Queen Arianna and Ulla were close friends when we were together", Quirin explained sadly, "she knew Ulla had passed but.... I'm sorry... I should've told you...."
"It's alright, I understand why you didn't.... Just.... Ulla...." The Coronan Queen said, she tried to collect herself, and managed to do so a little bit, but her ever flowing tears showed she was not okay, and it made the entire room feel heavy.
"Mom...." Rapunzel said, Hugo and Varian moving to allow her to get up and comfort her mother, "it's okay, it's gonna be okay...."
"I know... I know... Thank you.... I'm sorry...." Arianna said, accepting her daughter's comfort, as well as Fredrich's as the king walked over and sat next to his wife, holding her hand and wrapping an arm around her
Quirin looked down, unable to handle the sight of the Queen's tears, as Edmund, Adira, and Hector stayed near him, just in case. Eugene sat next to Hugo, placing a hand on his shoulder as the blond smiled at him appreciatively. The Queen of Ingvarr sat quietly, watching this all unfold, but Varian watched Arianna. He felt guilt and sadness well up inside him, but not for himself. He wanted to reach out, to help her, but he didn't know how.... That's when he got an idea.
"You know.... I.... I don't know if this'll help at all", he said, getting the attention of everyone in the room, "b-but... You stood up for me... against even your own husband", he stated, looking at Arianna, "you told Nigel off when he was being a jerk to me. You comforted me when things were getting out of hand, and you've always been one of the kindest people in this castle to me, second only to your daughter". Rapunzel smiled at that, "I.... I don't know what it's like to have a mom.... I remember bits and pieces, her voice when she would sing to me, her face and hair, how it fell over me when she would hold me in her arms, I even remember one time when she and dad kissed and danced in front of me while I played badly on the piano"
"I remember that", Quirin stated with a chuckled, "you played 'twinkle twinkle little star'"
"That's right, a really bad 'twinkle twinkle little star', in fact, it sounded like 'twinkle twinkle went to the bar'"
"Pfft!" Quirin smacked a hand over his mouth and being to snicker, making his son smile proudly at his joke before he turned back to the Queen of Corona
"Anyway, I remember very little about her, and.... Well, it's... Hard sometimes, especially when people celebrate 'Mother Appreciation Day', but... Lately... I... I've been having this weird image pop up in my head when I think about my mom. I'll see her face... But then it morphs into yours", Arianna's eyes widened as he continued, "it's odd because... I love my mom, I'll *always* love her and keep the few memories I have left of her close to my heart.... But..." He smiled at the Queen of Corona, "I feel like she's not the only mother I have. You really have been there for me when I've needed you most. You and dad of course, I see Rapunzel as a big sister, and you help me remember that because of how much you treat me like your own child... I... I'm not royalty from Corona, I realize that, and... If I'm over stepping here, please tell me, but...." He gave Arianna a loving smile as he looked directly at her, "I... think of you as my mom too, a-and I... I really appreciate everything you've done for me, everything.... You've treated me like I'm your kid and done things for me and to me that only a mother would do. So... I-I don't know if this'll help but.. You've kinda become like a mother to me, so thank you, for doing what you've done, it means a lot"
The Queen was silent for a few seconds before she got up, wiped the tears from her face, walked over to Varian, sat down next to him, and hugged him gently. The teen was a little startled by this, but he accepted the hug, returning it when he felt Arianna hold him tighter. He could feel her tears drip onto him, he could hear her quiet sobs as she wept in his shoulder, but he smiled all the same when she whispered something that made his heart fill with love, "...you're my child, and you always will be. Thank you Varian".
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here's an Arianna is best mom chapter, because we all love Ari and Varian being friends/mother and son! <3
Adira, Hector, and Edmund got a lesser part again, but they were there for support, because they are the best family! <3
Eugene and Rapunzel were not there when they discussed Ulla's passing, so they had no idea, they were also on the support team, but had a little bit of a higher role here :D Also Punzie's a good daughter! <3
Queen of Ingvarr is hilarious and I think she would be a little more on the chiller side of rulers! :D Her and Hugo being friends is going to become a thing, I think it's nice <3
Nigel apologized, holy frick he kept his promise! That's all for him, I just wanted to note it
Fredrich isn't being a jerk in this chapter, but he's still making similar mistakes, which is accurate because he wouldn't be over that character hump right away. I still don't like him though
Quirin is the best father, no one can tell me otherwise, and right now, he's feeling all kinds of pride for his son! <3
Hugo is brave in this one, he really is, I'm very proud of blond bean <3
Varian and Arianna bonding!!!!!! I honestly wanted these two to have a mother, son relationship for a while, and we never got that in the show, so I wrote it here! I really love Ari, I think she's a kick butt Queen and one of the best characters in the Tangled universe! <3 And Varian actually *is* the best character in the Tangled universe, (to me, you're allowed to have a different opinion <3). So putting them together seemed like a good fit, they're gonna have more interactions as time goes on! :D
Also, this is technically a plot chapter, so yay! :D
Ruddy isn't in this chapter, but he's mentioned, so I'll mention he's still the best raccoon ever!!!!!
Thank you for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 237: Donella's Trial! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Donella's trial is here, and she must face what she's done!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo sighed as he sat outside of the throne room, twiddling his thumbs while he waited for someone to come around. He had a expensive looking suit on, it was dyed in Ingvarrian colors, emerald green with golden accessories, buttons, cuffs, and such, and a golden undershirt. He tugged at his color, feeling extremely trapped in the suit and wanting nothing more than to be ripped free of it's confining, rule abiding, symbolism so he could wear his green jumper instead. He groaned as he looked around, the only people he saw were stuffy dignitaries, all staring at him and whispering in each other's ears. He hated it, he hated *this*, he just wanted to get out of there, and had he been left alone for about two more seconds, he might've booked it out the door. But a breath of fresh air came when he saw a pair of beautiful blue eyes enter his vision, "hey, how are you?" Varian asked gently before he sat down next to the blond.
Hugo shook his head, "no.... Everyone's staring and whispering, and this fucking suit is so itchy"
"I know how you feel", the freckled teen replied with a chuckle as he tugged at his collar, "I know we're supposed to be formal, but this is a little much"
The blond looked at his boyfriend's suit, it was a black one, with a light blue undershirt and a dark blue tie. He snickered, "you look adorable"
"Thanks, same to you, even if you are itchy", Varian replied with a smirk, getting Hugo to chuckle for the first time that day. The blue eyed alchemist's smile faded however as he looked at his boyfriend worriedly, "are you going to be okay?"
"I'm gonna have to be won't I", Hugo replied sadly, "I take it Ruddigar isn't allowed inside the court room?"
Varian shook his head and pouted, "nope, I was demanded to keep him inside the room dad and I share. I wanted to raise a fuss, since this is something I'd need him for, but the guards said that since dad and you would be here, I didn't need my emotional support animal who can tell me if I'm about to faint or not...."
"....So.... You're *clearly* happy with this decision", the blond replied sarcastically
"Isn't it obvious?" Varian replied with a smirk
"Hey kiddos", a familiar voice exclaimed, getting both teens to look over and see Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, and Quirin walking over to them, "how are you two doing?" The Dark Prince asked, a sympathetic look on his face
"Oh we're skipping through daisies and throwin a parade!" Hugo replied, "76 trombones are playing Varian's lullaby with a poppy twist"
".....Not good then?"
"No", Varian replied as he placed a hand on Hugo's shoulder, "we're both extremely nervous and, being honest, a little grumpy about certain things"
The blond sighed, "sorry Eugene"
"It's alright", Eugene replied with an understanding smile, "I'd be upset too if I were in your shoes kiddo"
Quirin raised a brow, "I'm guessing there's a certain raccoon based decision that's making you all pouty hm?" He asked his son
Varian huffed, "he's been in there before and has been on his best behavior"
"I know, I know", his father replied gently, sitting down next to his teen and wrapping an arm around him, "but this is different. There's going to be more than just me and your friends inside there today. Ruddigar is a very good raccoon, but he gets excitable when he's around new people, you know that"
"B-but if he were there to do his job, then he would be paying attention to me and me *alone*!" Varian argued, "that's the whole point of his training dad!"
"I believe you, heck I've *seen* it myself. But just as we must be made to feel more comfortable in this setting, we have to make the other people in that room more comfortable as well. And not a lot of them understand that you have a well behaved raccoon as an emotional support animal". His son huffed again, getting Hugo to smile and place a hand on his lover's, "plus, I'll be there, so will Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, King Edmund, Hector, and Adira. You've got plenty of people there for you and Hugo as a way of comfort just in case things get to be a little too much for you two. So Ruddigar would probably be better taking the day off anyway. In fact, that many people in one room might actually be too much for him"
"....I guess that's true... And I wouldn't want him to feel stressed..." The blue eyed teen sighed before he looked at Hugo, "do you have Olivia with you?"
"No, I was asked to keep her in my room too. But she's pretty sleepy anyway, so I guess it worked out", the blond replied with a smile
Varian smiled back before he felt a wave of guilt hit him, "sorry.... I came to comfort you....."
"It's alright Freckles, knowing you're as nervous as I am and don't like what we have to wear actually helps, so you're good. Plus you stopped me from running out of here quicker than Olivia during her weekly bath, so ya helped plenty"
The freckled teen giggled before he noticed Nigel step to the front of the room, "here we go...."
The royal advisor cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention, "thank you all for coming! If you could please enter the throne room and take your seats, the trial Of Miss. Donella Kit will be brought to order in just a few moments!" He then looked at the group, "those of you who will be testifying must enter last and take your seats in the assigned rows please".
They nodded, getting a nod back before the man moved and allowed the dignitaries to walk inside. Hugo sucked in a breath as he watched all the people walking inside before he let it out slowly, "t-that's.... A-a lot of p-people...." He stammered, shaking a little bit
Varian felt the same sense of unease his lover did, but he placed a hand on the blonds and smiled all the same, "it's going to be alright, you're here with me, and I'm here with you. We'll be together in there, all we need to do is say what we know and answer the questions we're given, that's all, okay?"
The bespeckled teen nodded, feeling a little better before he looked up at Quirin, a thought suddenly striking him, "hey Quirin?"
"Hm?" The man in question looked at the teen
"....W-what if.... They want you t-to testify about your wife?....."
The retired knight froze for a moment, eyes wide, apparently he hadn't thought of that.... Quirin's eyes searched the room for a moment, nervously, as his shoulders tensed up a bit before a hand found its way on his shoulder. He looked up to see Edmund standing there, watching his knight with a look that spoke a thousand words and seemed to calm his knight as the man placed his own hand on his king's and smiled appreciatively before he looked at Hugo, "i-if..." He took a breath and let it out before trying again, "if they ask, t-then I'll tell them what I know. If they want me to give them my experience, I... D-don't have a lot, but I know what Donella told me, and if they want that, I suppose I'll have to tell them that too...."
"Dad...." Varian said softly
"It's alright, I'll be alright, just... It'll be hard, but I'll have to do it, it's my duty"
"Right...."
The group was silent for a while until they saw the final dignitary walk inside, Nigel giving them the signal that they were allowed to walk inside now as well, "please don't forget the rules, no talking to anyone else out side of the King and Queen, stay in your seats unless told to approach, and.... Well.... Good luck"
With that the advisor walked inside and stood in front of the King and Queen of Corona. The group looked inside while he did so, people were seated very much like a wedding, half on the left, half on the right, a aisle down the middle. The only difference was the King and Queen of Corona, Rapunzel, and the Queen of Ingvarr were sitting in their thrones at the front, a lone figure sitting before them that they all recognized as Donella, Stan and Pete standing on either side of her with her hands cuffed. The seats they were to sit in were in the very front, a little ways away from the crowd but still behind Donella herself, and they were on her left side. The group all took a huge breath together and began to walk forwards, preparing to face the trial they've been dreading for a while now.
****
Catalina and Angry were at the very end, Angry on the farthest end with her sister beside her. Lance was seated next to Catalina, Adira seated next to him. Eugene was next, sitting next to his father, Hector was next to his king and Quirin next to his brother. Varian was seated next to his father, much to the teen's relief, and Hugo was on the blue eyed alchemist's right, and was also the final person in the row of witnesses/victims. He was trying to stick as close to Varian as possible, not daring to even look Donella's way as the King of Corona stood, Stan stepping forward and facing the crowd before he stated, "all rise!"
The crowd rose out of respect for the King before Fredrich nodded, "thank you, the trial of Miss. Kit will begin, you all may be seated". The crowd sat before the King of Corona looked at the women before him and nodding to Nigel
The Royal Advisor nodded back before he stepped forwards and faced the crowd, "Miss. Kit has been found of the following transgressions: domestic abuse of a minor, prolonged exposure of abuse of a minor, theft, attempted kidnapping, injury of a minor, attempted murder, 1st degree murder, poisoning of a royal family member, assault, and destruction of peace".
"Miss. Kit, I understand you've already decided how you wish to plea, is that correct?" King Fredrich asked
"Yes, your majesty", Donella replied
"How do you plea?"
"Guilty"
The room filled with murmurs and gasps as the dignitaries began to whisper to one another before Fredrich cleared his throat, "I'll have order in this court room". The whispering died down and he looked at the women before him, "you plea guilty of which crimes?"
"All of them", Donella replied
"Would you like to share why you've decided not to fight any of these claims?"
"Because they're all true, I did everything you Royal Advisor listed, and... I wish to face punishment for it, even if it means my death, it's only fair to those I've harmed"
The Coronan King nodded before he looked at the group of people sitting in the front row, Rapunzel did as well, though she was looking at the two alchemists in particular before her father spoke, "at this time, I'd like to ask if and of the witnesses and/or victims have anything they'd like to ask or say before we determine sentencing? This will be your one and only time to say anything that could change the defendant's fate, raise your hand if you do, keep it down if you don't".
The room was silent for a moment, Hugo felt his heart beating like crazy as a million and one things ran through his head before he felt a hand on his. Looking over, he saw Varian watching him, his eyes telling him everything would be okay, no matter what he did next. He stared at them for a long time before he sucked in a breath, let it go, and raised his hand before he noticed Eugene and Varian were doing the same. He looked at his boyfriend and noticed he was looking at him, they smiled at each other and kept their hands up. Quirin, Adira, Edmund, Hector, Lance, Catalina, and Angry kept their hands down, none of them seeming to have anything they want to say to the women sitting before them. The retired knight staring a hole into the ground with his fists clenched in his lap.
Fredrich nodded, "we have three who'd like to say or ask something, because of this, we will take a short break, and will reconvene after a few moments so the victims and/or witnesses could gather themselves and find the words to say what they wish. We shall be back in.... How about 1 hour, does that sound fair to all of you?" When he received nods from them, he smiled and looked at the women before him, "you will be placed in a room separate from everyone, there will be guards at your door at all times should you need anything. You will remain there until we reconvene, alright?"
"Yes your mejesty", Donella replied
"Good, with that being said, I order an hour long recess, starting now"
The Coronan King rose from his seat, prompting Stan to step forward once more and turn to the crowd, "all rise!" He exclaimed, getting everyone to raised until the King, his Queen and Princess, and the Queen of Ingvarr had departed before the guards took Donella away as well and Nigel stepped forward, taking Stan's place as he turned to the crowd.
"Please file out in an orderly fashion, no pushing or shoving! Refreshments will be out in the halls, the privies are just up the stairs or down the hall, please do not discuss the trial with anyone unless you are a witness/victim talk with each other! Ask the guards if you have any questions, thank you for your cooperation!" Nigel exclaimed, the dignitaries following his orders and filing out while Varian and the others waited, being told to remain in their seats until the room is empty before Nigel turned to them, "you all will be guided to another separate room. There are private privies, an outside balcony, and personal refreshments there. Catch your breath, gather yourselves, I fear the next part of this trial will be very hard for some of you, so please don't hesitate to take any tissues with you as you reenter the courtroom just in case, with that being said, the guards will show you to the room".
The group nodded and followed the guards out, none of them spoke as they walked past the gazes of the dignitaries, trying to ignore them until they reached the room in question. Once the door closed behind them, everything stopped for a moment or two before Quirin let out a puff of air, walking over to the window that had the balcony on it and opening it wide, "anyone mind if I leave this open?" He asked
"Nope", Eugene replied
"Not at all", Adira added
"Fuck that was intense! The fuck kind of system is that?!" Hector asked
"One where everyone, including the innocent, feel the sins crawling on your back...." Angry stated, giving a shudder as she thought about having to go back
Hugo was quiet, unable to say a word until he felt someone wrap their arms around his shoulder. He smirked when he felt a light kiss on his cheek, "hi Freckles"
"Hello love", Varian replied, "you alright?"
"Yeah.... Just...." He was silent again
"....Feel like you're going to upchuck the breakfast you had this morning?"
"Well... It would actually be air and water"
"....Same"
The blond snickered before he looked at his lover, "how are you doing?"
"I'm fine, just a little hot.... and anxious.... and I really wanna pet Ruddigar right now, I think I touched my shoulder maybe 10 times when we were in that room trying to pet him.... I may also be the reason why dad is so hot right now...."
Everyone looked at the man, who was standing by the window with a cup of water in his hand. He face was flushed and he looked tired as he allowed the mercifully cool air hit his face. Varian blushed a little, "kid, I don't think your dad's like that because he's hot", Eugene stated, "or, well that's probably not the *main* reason".
Quirin let out a sigh, "she.... Said she was guilty.... She accepted the blame for everything...."
"Yeeeet?" Lance said, offering for the man to continue
"Yet.... I don't feel sorry for her... I don't feel bad, I don't feel remorse, I don't feel as though she's being honorable I just.... I'm.... It made me *mad*", he stated, "and I don't know *why* it made me mad! It just... Did.... Yet I didn't hold my hand up to say anything to her.... I couldn't even look at her.... I.... I don't want to feel like that.... I don't want to be angry my whole like but.... I don't know why I'm so angry.... Also yes, Varian leaning against me is one of the reasons I'm currently hot right now, but my emotions are driving me *crazy* and I don't know *why*. To be perfectly honest, it's getting increasingly hard to stay in that room with her.... And I... I really don't want to feel that way.... I really don't...."
Lance gave the man a sympathetic looked, "it's okay to feel upset Quirin, I mean... She did a lot, and I mean *a LOT* of bad things, to you, to your *family*, and to your home, it's hard to stay silent when a person in the room is responsible for all of that"
"It's... Not just her...."
"What?"
"Lance it's... It's not just her.... It's like the main people who caused me and Varian so much harm are sitting in that room"
"What do you-!"
"The *King*!" The retired knight exclaimed, turning to look at the former thief as the realization hit him like a caravan, "it's *Fredrich*!"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here's the first part to Donella's trial! :D This is going to be more focused on Hugo, Quirin, and Varian! This is something all three of their arcs need
I won't go over everyone here, I'll let you all discuss amongst yourselves, but for now, I will say, Quirin being upset with Donella and Fredrich, Hugo being anxious about this trial at all, Varian's part hasn't come to light yet, but he's going to be doing more than just support, although he is a *very* good support bean! :D He's Hugo's Ruddigar! :D (er... Olivia XD)
Ruddy Buddy is hanging out with Itty Bitty right now, and Pascal, animal fun times! :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 238: Donella's Trial! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Quirin, Varian, and Hugo try to figure out how they can get closure
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"The *King*!" The retired knight exclaimed, turning to look at the former thief as the realization hit him like a caravan, "it's *Fredrich*!"
"Fredrich?" Eugene asked, "but, didn't you two, and Varian, have a talk about everything that happened?"
"Yes but I.... I-I-I'm getting so upset at Donella, yet my mind's also focusing on the fact that *he's* there too!" He noticed the confused Dark Prince's face and sighed, "I know we had a talk about this, but him being there, *guiding* this entire trial while remembering all that he's done to my child and me it's just.... I don't know-it's sending my mind into overdrive...." The retired knight looked out the balcony window, "you know the odd thing, I feel.... Justified in my anger... Like I have every right to feel the way I do.... Even with the horrible things I'm thinking of doing...."
Lance raised a brow, "horrible things?"
"Things like how he should be sitting *next* to Donella in this trial, like he shouldn't be the one making *decisions* about *her* fate when *he* has no room to *judge*, like how I want to walk over and.... Well.... Do some very bad things to him.... I'm not a violent man, I'm not, I swear, but every time he speaks, every time he opens his mouth, every time he *blinks* it just sends me into a frenzy and I-I don't know why....."
"...It's because he hurt you Quirin..." Lance replied gently, "he betrayed you and hurt you, didn't even *try* to set you free, then locked your kid away while saying he'd do everything in his power to keep you away from him. Even in you had that talk, even if you felt better after, that's not gonna make everything Fredrich did go away. In fact, I'm not surprised this is happenin at all"
"Y-you're not?"
"No, I figured a trial like this with Fredrich leadin it would cause somethin to happen", Lance looked at Varian, "those extra nerves you were feelin, they were because of the king weren't they?"
The blue eyed alchemist nodded, "I.... Kept seeing myself where Donella was sitting.... I never got a trial but.... Being in there... Scares me...." He admitted
The former thief smiled lovingly at the pair, "it's okay to feel like that, weather you're scared or angry. You're feelin those emotions because, at one point, this was what was supposed to happen to Varian. And seein someone who did far worse than him get a trial and a fair punishment is hard....."
"Very hard...." Quirin agreed, "he.... Just threw my 14 year old baby in a *cell* and sentenced him to life in prison! I... M-maybe that's why I feel a little justified.... Varian received no trial, no judge, no witnesses, no chance to defend himself or say his full story.... Nothing.... He was thrown in the dungeons and sentenced to life after being accused of a murder he never even *attempted* to commit....."
"It would make sense", Lance replied, "and it's understandable"
"Very", Varian agreed, "I mean.... I wasn't really thinking about it before, but now that I am, I'm getting a little angry myself.... I guess he's fixed that problem and is trying to be better, but.... That still doesn't make what he did to me right...."
"Not it doesn't...." Quirin stated
The room was silent for a moment or two before Edmund spoke up, "well, even if what he did is unfair, which I completely agree with, would it help to maybe try and focus on something else?"
The retired knight looked at his king, "how? It's hard not to focus on what's standing in front of me"
"Well.... Maybe you could focus on Donella"
"What do you mean?" Varian asked
The Dark King closed his eyes and gathered his thoughts before he opened them and explained, "Donella is currently sitting where you would've been sitting a while ago, and she's done worse things than you, but she also did help us stop something horrible from happening. I'm not saying that makes what she's done at *all* better", he looked directly at Hugo, "not at all....." He then looked at Quirin and Varian once more, "but Donella *did* help, she didn't *have* to tell you", he nodded to Quirin, "what happened to your wife, but she did. Again, that doesn't make what she's done better, but.... What if, instead of focusing on how horrible King Fredrich's decisions are, you two help him come to a better one, for Donella, and for Hugo", He smiled at the blond, "Varian raised his hand in the air when asked if there was anything he wanted to say, so did Eugene, and Hugo himself. Maybe, if you three collaborated and figured out a way for a proper punishment best suited for her and one that would help this little butternut over here, you'd feel more at peace with being in the trial in the first place, and maybe it may help you find a little closure with the knowledge that someone else was given an actually fair trial"
The freckled teen and Village Leader thought about it for a moment before they nodded to each other, "I think that would help a little", Varian stated
"It wouldn't solve everything, but it would certainly make things a bit better", Quirin added before he looked at Hugo, "do you know what you'd want her punishment to be?"
The blond blinked a few times before his shoulders tensed up, "I.... I-I don't know...."
Varian wrapped an arm around his boyfriend comfortingly, "are you alright?"
".....No..... Seeing her with handcuffs on is hard.... Seeing her so freaked out is even worse... But then she.... Pleaded guilty... To everything..... I know she admitted her guilt to us, I know she gave us every reason in the book for why she did what she did.... But.... I.... I'm...."
"Confused?" Adira offered
Hugo looked at her, "yeah, how'd you-!"
"I am too", the face painted warrior replied, "she pleaded guilty for everything and that's not like her. Usually she'd fight or say something, I don't have very many memories with her, but that was a fact she and I shared. We fought, long and hard for our freedom, and to see her give it up as if she were trying to be noble both infuriates me as much as it confuses me. It almost feels as though she's just...."
"Given up?" Hugo offered
"Yes, like she's thrown in the towel and wants to just wash her hands of the whole thing, but you can't erase the past, only try to make it better"
"Which she couldn't do if she were in jail...." Hugo stated
Varian's eyes widened and he looked at his boyfriend, "I... Think I have an idea... But it would require two of us to give up our chances to speak in order to allow a speaker that time"
Eugene raised a brow, "what's your plan exactly?"
****
"Court is back in session! All rise for the King and judge of this trial!" Stan exclaimed as King Fredrich walked inside.
The courtroom rose to their feet and watched the man take a seat, "you may be seated", he stated, getting everyone in the room to sit, "now then, Donella Kit had already pleaded guilty to all of her crimes, and she has chosen not to fight whatever punishment she's given. But there are a few witnesses/victims who raised their hands to speak, do you wish to keep your chance to speak with the defendant?"
Eugene and Varian stood, "we wish to give our time to speak to the defendant to Hugo you your majesty", Eugene stated, "he has a few things he'd like to say that may interest the court and the defendant"
This caused the entire courtroom to erupt into a mess of whispers and gossip, all of them were staring at the pair, making Varian feel anxious before he felt someone grab his hand. He looked to see his father smiling up at him, he smiled back as the court was called back into order, "I'll have complete silence in this courtroom please", King Fredrich stated, silencing everyone before he looked at the pair, "are you two sure? Neither of you will be able to say anything to the defendant during this trial if you sacrifice your time for Hugo"
"Yes your majesty", Eugene replied, "we're sure"
The king looked at Varian, who felt a rush of emotion when he looked into that man's face. They stared at each other for a while, neither one saying a word before he let out a sigh, "I'm sure too. Hugo deserves this time to say what he needs to say to the defendant. We have full confidence in him and that everything he says we whole heartedly agree with".
There was a moment of silence, even Rapunzel was shifting in her seat with how uncomfortable things had gotten before the king nodded, "alright, I'll allow it", he looked at Hugo, "if you wish, you can stand before the court and say what you need to. What you say can and will help determine the fate of the defendant"
The blond, seeing Varian and Eugene sit down, nodded and stood up, he hesitated for only a moment or two, unsure of himself, "it's okay", he heard Varian whisper, "you've got this"
He looked at the blue eyed alchemist worriedly, "y-you sure?" He asked
"I'm sure, I believe in you Hugo, and I always will"
The bespeckled teen smiled at his boyfriend before he nodded and began to walk. He made his way to the front of the room and stood in-between the royals and Donella, the former being in front of him, the latter being behind. The entire room was silent, to the point that they could hear a pin drop on carpet before the alchemist took a breath, gathered his strength, and began to speak, "hi, I-I'm Hugo, and I am one of the defendant's victims.... "
"Hi Hugo", Rapunzel replied with a friendly smile
The blond gave her a grateful grin and nodded as he felt his nerves die down just a bit, "I...." He took a breath, "sorry, I'll be perfectly honest with the court, it's very hard to talk about this right here, right now...." He looked at Donella, "she.... Was.... My mother, adopted, sure, but she was still my mother for the majority of my life. She taught me everything I know now, helped me grow up the way I am, and she's done a lot for me.... B-but she's also done a lot to me... Hit me, yelled at me, screamed when I've made the simplest mistakes.... I.... I can't ever forget what I've been through and it's left me scarred and broken in areas that I don't think will ever be able to heal...."
Donella lowered her head in shame, whispering a quiet, "I'm so sorry...." To Hugo, something that did not go unnoticed by him
The blond looked back at the royal family, "but.... As much as she's done, the poisoning, the murder, the planning, all that abuse.... It should go on record that she also said no to the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr when they asked for her help, as was verified by two witnesses seated behind me. When Cyrus captured me, Donella was the one to wake me up and tried to warn me to get out of there before he came back. There's no doubt in my mind that more people would've been dead or injured without her help.... Even if it doesn't erase what she's done in the past, it should be noted here".
The king nodded, "we'll make a note of that, did you have a suggestion for her punishment?"
"Yes, we all do", Hugo replied, "all of us witnesses have done our fair share of mistakes, but all of us have had a chance to make up for them. I.... I want to give Donella the same chance, I may not be able to forgive her right now, I doubt I'll ever be able to if she's locked away or killed. So instead of doing that, allow her to make up for what she's done, find, and bring back, something the women she murdered left behind. Give her a chance to revaluate her actions and do right by them. I think it's too dangerous to allow her back inside Ingvarr or Corona, but maybe if she were given a new purpose, she could see the error of her ways and get better".
"You wish for mercy? After all she's done?"
"I wish for her to accept her to handle her punishment with humility and understanding. She showed that she was sorry for what she's done, but what she's done cannot be erased, a boy without a mother, a man without his wife, my childhood cannot be given back to me, and the trauma given to the prince of the Dark Kingdom via poison cannot be undone. But she shouldn't rot away, she's made contributions to this world that have helped people, she did not *have* to admit what she did to Mrs. Vanguard but she did to benefit the people it affected. She apologized and it seems as though she wishes to get better. Had she done something different, had she agreed to the Duke and Duchess's plan, had she been completely fine with giving up the morals she'd set in place for her own gain, then that would be different. But as it stands, she didn't agree to taking over and destroying the 7 kingdom's economy, she didn't agree to killing, manipulating, controlling, or abusing anyone else to gain power, and she actively tried to stop it even though stopping something like that wouldn't stand to gain her anything. In fact, she could've gained much more from agreeing to the plan and helping them win. But without her, they failed, and that should be taken into account"
He looked at Donella once more, this time unafraid, "I will never be able to forget about what was done to me, never.... I had, and still have, nightmares about that pain I went through. Varian and Quirin will never have Mrs. Vanguard in their lives, and that hole cannot be filled, and Eugene will always remember how he'd nearly died at your hands, he won't forget that trauma, not ever. But you also saved many lives, people that didn't even know they were in danger because you stepped up and helped. I can't forgive you now, and I don't know if I ever will.... But I want to move on, I want to be better, for me and for the people I love. You.... Did horrible things.... You should be punished for them, but seeing you standing there and accepting everything without a fight, hearing you plea for guilt and accepting whatever fate you're given.... I find it admirable.... You're not the person I used to know, you changed, and I can't look at you the same because of it.... What you did was horrible and wrong and you should remember that for your entire life. But you don't deserve death, or to be locked away. You want your freedom so badly, so that's what I think you should get. Freedom from temptation, freedom from your past, I think you should be given one chance to make up for what you did. Only one".
He turned to look at the Coronan King once more, "that's why I'm suggesting this punishment, she can help people, she can make contributions, she's already started to do so. All she needs is to be away from temptation, so make her, banish her from Ingvarr and Corona so she has no connection, allow her to come back with something Mrs. Vanguard left behind for the family that needs closure before she leaves again. If she gets in trouble and it seems as though she's learned nothing, then she can be brought back here and locked in jail. But she deserves one chance, and only one, that is my suggestion, that is all of our suggestion", he gestured to the witnesses and/or victims, and they all nodded their heads in agreement, "we offer this suggestion to the court, at least to be taken into account for what she's done, both bad and good. With that being said, thank you for letting me speak my, and my fellow victim's, mind, I've finished your majesty". With that, Hugo gave the royals before him a bow before he walked away, stealing a glance at Donella, who was staring at him in disbelief, before he got back into his seat and sat next to Varian before he leaned against him
"I'm so proud of you", his lover said quietly, Hugo didn't reply, his heart was beating faster than it ever had before, but he relished in Varian's warmth as he waited for King Fredrich to reply
The courtroom was still, no one spoke, no one moved, hardly anyone was breathing before the King let out a small breath, "if that is all everyone has to say, the court will need a few moments to decide Miss. Kit's fate". He rose, everyone rising as he did, while the royal family and the Queen of Ingvarr filed out of the courtroom before the court sat back down
Nigel stepped up to address the court, "you may talk amongst yourselves, quietly, but remain in your seats until told otherwise. The guards will bring drinks and food, do be polite and don't push or grab, wait for them to come to you, I assure you everyone will be fed". He then looked at the Victims and/or witnesses, "you will remain here too, please do not speak with the defendant or anyone outside of the witness/victim's stand", then he looked at Donella, "the guards will remain around you, you must remain quiet until your sentence has been given". Donella nodded, prompting Nigel to walk away as the guards walked in to hand out drinks and food.
Varian look at his father, "hopefully this works, you think it will, right?"
"I'm not sure, but I know it made the royals think", Quirin replied, "which is good", he looked at Hugo, "are you alright?"
The blond nodded, "I felt like my heart dropped out of my stomach.... It hasn't come back yet"
Varian smiled, "I really am proud of you, you did so well and you should be proud of yourself too!" He stated, "whatever happens now, just remember, you said what you needed to, and did an amazing job, you really did"
The blond smiled, "thanks Varian"
****
It only took a few minutes before the royal family came back in, the court standing and sitting as instructed, quieting down as they waited Donella's sentencing. Fredrich stood up, looking directly at Donella, "after hearing your plea of guilt, the crimes you've committed, and your victim's words, the court has decided your fate".
"Stand to face justice", Stan stated, getting Donella to stand up and face the royals
Fredrich stared at the women for a long time before he spoke, "Donella Kit of Ingvarr, you are, hereby....."
Hugo and Varian held hands as they waited for the man to continue
"...Banished, from Corona and Ingvarr, you will find something Mrs. Vanguard left behind, and will come back to give it to her family. After which you will leave and never come back, should you step one hair out of line, the Coronan guards will find you and bring you back to the dungeons where you will serve out a life sentence".
Relief filled the teen's hearts as the king spoke
"I want to make this very clear, had Hugo not said what he had, you would've been sentenced to life with no chance of parole, you would've been left to rot in that cell for the crimes you've committed, but since they sought for you to make amends, then you have been granted that freedom. You best thank your lucky stars for what they've done for you. After you leave this court room, the guards will help you pack your things and you will leave this kingdom, understood"
"Y-yes your majesty", Donella replied
"Good, with that being said, I bring an end to the trail of Donella Kit, everyone is dismissed!"
****
Hugo stood next to Varian, Ruddigar, who was on his boy's shoulder once more, Quirin, and Adira as they watched the guards place every last bag inside the caravan. Hector, Eugene, Edmund, Catalina, Angry, and Lance were watching as well, but from further away to give the five of them space. Donella was no longer handcuffed, she was waiting for the guards to finish when she noticed the group watching. She looked directly at Hugo, he returned the look, they didn't say a word, but they didn't seem to need to. The grey haired women smiled sadly, tears rolling down her cheeks as she looked at the rest of the group before the guards informed her the bags were in the caravan. With a nod she walked over to it, taking one last longing look at Hugo before she got inside and the cart drove off.
Varian sighed before he heard Hugo sniffle, he looked at his boyfriend, "are you okay?"
The blond sighed, "no.... I-I'm not... And.... She isn't either...."
"I'm sorry...."
"No I.... I think your plan was the best, for the best too.... I'm sad, and I'm going to be for a while, but... B-but I'm not alone anymore, I-I'm not alone.... I-I'm not...."
Varian hugged the bespeckled teen, Quirin did as well, so did Ruddigar, as he sobbed, "that's right", the freckled teen replied softly, "you're not alone anymore, you never will be, not ever"
Adira smiled at the group before she turned to watch the caravan ride away, all of them holding hope in their heart that Donella would find her way without causing anymore harm.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Here's Donella's sentencing and the end of her trial! Again, I won't go into details about each character like normal, but I did want to draw attention to one thing. I am not saying that all abusers should be forgiven, same with murderers or anyone who causes pain or trauma. In fact, the characters did not forgive Donella, Hugo crying at the end is because it's all finally over. No more abuse, no more hurt, no more anxiety, but also, no more Donella. Being someone who suffered from abuse myself, I found that sometimes we miss the people who abused us, this is not all the time and I am not a professional anything, so take what I say with a gigantic mountain of salt. But some people in abusive relationships miss their abusers, as do the abusers miss their victims. That doesn't make what they did right, and they definitely deserve punishment, so this was Donella's.
I feel like the group in this story would rather have closure over revenge. So allowing Donella to make up for what she did while also stopping Fredrich from making an angry or rash decision helps both parties here, this won't be the last we'll see of Donella, but this is a new chance for her to be better, and the group hopes she'll take it.
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 239: The 5 Coronan Mysteries!
Summary:
Varian and Eugene have a debate about fairy tales, they decide to investigate some town legends to find out who's right, Hugo tags along!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a squeaky yawn, stretching his limbs and wincing at the small crack he heard coming from his back before he sat up. Looking around, he smiled at his and his father's room, it was starting to feel much more homey than before, and he let out a content sigh before he felt someone shift beside him. Looking over, he saw a blond ponytail sticking out from underneath the covers and giggled, playfully tugging it and smirking at the groan the action got, "morning sleeping beauty"
"Mmph.... We've already got one fairy tale princess in out world, we don't need another", the blond hair pile of bed sheets replied sleepily
Varian snorted, "she's not a fairy tale princess"
"Really? She was saved from a tower by a prince charming, Eugene, who got killed trying to save her from her evil kidnapping mother. She also has long, beautiful, magical hair that holds the power of the Sun, and she has an animal friend and wears only dresses"
".....She's real"
"So are you"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Magical boy with an animal friend and glowing blue hair"
"I am *not* a fairy tale princess!"
The bed sheets giggled, "could've fooled me"
The alchemist huffed, "you lost 5 good boyfriend points"
The sheets were lifted and slowly crawled down the bed, revealing a sleepy looking Hugo underneath, "unfair"
"Very fair, you're being a brat"
"I called you a fairy tale princess, if anything, you should take that as a compliment"
"How?"
"Because it means you're so beautiful and magical that you're good enough to be in a fairy tale"
Varian raised a brow, "Nice try"
"Got a thing against fairy tales?"
"They aren't scientifically possible!"
"Freckles, you're a magical boy with *Moon powers*! Rapunzel is a princess with 80 feet of *magical Sun hair*"
"And fairy tales are still not scientifically possible"
"Uh oh", a familiar voice stated from behind the door to their room, "trouble in Heaven you two?"
Varian huffed, getting out of bed and walking over to the door, opening it to see Eugene smirking at him, "I am not a fairy tale princess!" He exclaimed
The Dark Prince stopped and blinked for a moment before he snickered, "ok then, good morning to you too kiddo"
Hugo laughed, getting out of the bed as well and walking over to the duo, "we were kinda having a debate over fairy tales"
"Oh boy, so you've finally found out about Varian's secret hatred?"
"I guess so"
"I don't *hate* them, they're just... Not possible", Varian stated as a sleepy Ruddigar lazily climbed up his boy's shoulder and let out a yawn when he'd reached the top
Eugene sighed, "buddo, you're friends with the wrong princess if you truly believe fairy tales don't exist"
"Rapunzel isn't a fairy tale though! She's real"
"And to anyone who didn't know she existed, they'd probably call her story a fairy tale", Hugo pointed out
"I-....Ok you make a good point, but just because someone doesn't *believe* that she's real doesn't make her any *less* real, and that can easily be proven if we just *show* her to someone, something a fairy tale cannot do!"
"Hmmmm.... That gives me an idea", Eugene stated, "Xavier was talking about the 'legend of the 5
mysteries of Corona'"
"5 Mysteries?" Hugo asked
"Yeah, he mentioned there was some sort of strange happenings all around the town that no one could explain. And no one could prove they were real, but he's seen one himself!" Eugene explained
The blue eyed alchemist tilted his head to the side, "what does that have to do with fairy tales?"
"Legends are kinda like fairy tales, are they not? They aren't real until you prove that they are, and people tell stories about them all the time. Plus legends never die, nor do fairy tales! They just change over time, so finding out more about these 'mysteries' and proving they're real might also prove that fairy tales can be real too yeah?"
Varian thought about it for a moment or two before he sighed, "I guess that holds *some* merit, but how do you plan on proving these mysteries are real?"
"Simple, we go to the spots they were seen at, and wait for it to happen! Then we can see what they are, how they work, and if they're real and can't be proven by science or facts, then you have to admit that fairy tales hold *some* truth to them too!"
"And if they can?"
"If they *can*, which I highly doubt, I'll admit that your have a valid point and that fairy tales are not *always* real"
"Some and not always being the key words here", the blue eyed alchemist pointed out
Eugene smirked, "I'm not gonna give up on what I believe in entirely, just that you have a point, and I don't want to force you to give up on what you believe entirely, just want you to open your mind up a little is all"
The freckled teen smiled, "alright, I guess I wouldn't mind a little adventure, especially after all the stuff we've been through, oh but, we have to ask dad"
"Where *is* Quirin anyway?" Hugo asked
"With my dad and Lance at breakfast, chatting each other's ears off", the Dark Prince replied, "why do you think I'm not there right now?"
Varian giggled, "do you mind waiting for Hugo and I to get dressed before we join you?"
"Don't mind at all, make sure to grab something to eat too, this is gonna take a while"
"Noted, come on Hugo!"
The two teens re-entered the bedroom, gently closing the door behind them and grabbing their clothes before Hugo stopped, "um.... One in the privy, one out here?"
Varian blushed, "yeah"
"Gotcha", he stated before he walked inside the privy, closing the door behind him as he snickered to himself, a light blush showing on his cheeks as well
****
After they'd gotten ready for the day, Varian, Ruddigar, Hugo, and Olivia joined Eugene as they made their way to the dining room. the two teens grabbed some apples, giving one to Ruddigar and another to Olivia as they ate their own before they found the retired knight at the table, chatting happily with his king.
"Then Hector bet Adira that he could do anything better than her!" Edmund stated
"Oh boy... So that's where they are right now?" Quirin asked, "trying to see who's better at doing whatever they can think of?"
"Yup! It's also why they will not be appearing in this chapter!" the Dark King stated with a grin
"What?"
"Nothing!"
The Village Leader raised a brow, "hey dad", Varian said, getting the man's attention
"Hi son, hello Hugo", the retired knight replied with a smile as he turned to face the pair, "oh, and Eugene too, hello, decided to join us after all?"
"Nope", the Dark Prince replied, "you two can carry on with your Dark Kingdom gossip, me and the boys do need to ask you something though"
Quirin looked at his son, "what's going on? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine, just, Eugene wants to try and convince me fairy tales have *some* truth to them, so he, Hugo, and me, wanna go to see Xavier and find out the '5 Mysteries of Corona' to see if we can prove if they're true or not since Legends and fairy tales are similar. We wanna ask permission first before we go though since we may be out all day, and possibly most of the night depending on what these mysteries are".
The Village Leader's eyes widened as a spark of excitement lit up, "the 5 mysteries? You're investigating them?"
"Y... Y-yeah?"
"Tell me what you find, I've actually been interested in looking into those myself!"
Varian blinked a couple of times, a little startled by his father's excitement as Hugo stepped forwards, "you know about them?"
"Of course I do! I've known about them even before Varian was born!" Quirin exclaimed happily, "Ulla.... She and I did our own investigation of them back when we first met"
The freckled teen was startled by this, "you and mom... Investigated the 5 mysteries?"
"Yes, a long time ago actually!" Quirin replied with a loving grin, "I had to investigate them, I was the new Village Leader, and was asked by the villagers to check them out and see if they were dangerous. Ulla found out what was doing and wanted to help, it wasn't too long after... What happened with Donella happened, sorry Hugo"
"It's alright", the blond replied
Quirin nodded, "either way, I let her join me, and we searched the entire town, we saw a few but we couldn't prove why they were happening or what they were. But we deemed them harmless and I explained that to the villagers. They were calmed by the idea and excited the kingdom had something no one could explain, gave the place a fun atmosphere and, for a while, many people were investigating them, though, no one ever proved any of them were fake. Ulla and I enjoyed our time together that day though, it... It's actually what began our relationship, we told each other we had feelings for one another that night and began to date. Ever since then I've never forgotten those 5 mysteries, brings back so fond memories of Ulla"
Varian smiled, "that sounds amazing dad"
"It was, I loved investigating them with her, it was like a treasure hunt, and it was a lot of fun too"
The blue eyed alchemist felt a warmth growing in his heart before a realization hit him, "wait, if we find out these mysteries aren't real, won't that ruin things for you?"
Quirin shook his head, "even if you found out the 5 mysteries weren't actual mysteries, it wouldn't bother me in the least, in fact, you'd be finishing up your mother's work"
"Really?"
"Yeah, she thought they were fake too, and wanted to prove that with science and alchemy. She never could, but she kept hoping she could find a way to do it"
"What about you?" Eugene asked
"Me? I'm more of a fairy tale believer myself", the retired knight replied with a chuckle
"Huh.... So you got your skepticism from your mom googles!" Eugene stated with a chuckle, "how about that"
Varian smirked, "because mom was a scientist"
"I'm also a scientist", Hugo pointed out, "and I'm in the middle of the debate here"
Eugene and Varian looked at him, "in the middle?" The Dark Prince asked
"Yeah, while I've never seen a fairy tale in real life, but I know miracles can happen, and many people write miracles in fiction like fairy tales, so it's not too hard to believe that there's some truth to them. I just don't know how much"
"Huh, so we've got the complete convinced, the middle man, and the skeptic", Edmund stated, pointing to Eugene, Hugo, and Varian respectively, "sounds like a pretty good investigation team to me!"
Quirin nodded, "I agree, and I give you permission to go out and investigate, just make sure to check in with me every once in a while okay? I'll be around the castle if you need me"
"Around the castle?" Varian asked
"Queen Arianna wants my opinions on a few things pertaining to the castle gardens, since I'm the gardening expert"
"Ah", Varian hugged his dad happily, "we'll make sure to check in with you and tell you what we find, thanks dad"
"You're welcome bubby", his father replied, hugging him back with a smile
****
"So", Eugene stated as he, Hugo, Varian, Ruddigar, and Olivia walked towards Xavier's blacksmith shop, "you think you're gonna solve the mysteries in no time flat kiddo?"
"Yup!" Varian stated with a smile, "I have plenty of equipment to do so as well!"
"Equipment?" Hugo asked
"Yeah, goo bombs to catch anyone being sneaky, a finger printing kit just in case, magnifying glass, binoculars, extra pairs of goggles, and much much more are all stored in my bag! Along with food and medical equipment, just in case"
Ruddigar chittered questioningly
The freckled teen giggled, "I've got extra apples in there for you too bud, don't worry"
The raccoon purred happily at that, getting Hugo to snort, "he's such a happy-coon", the blond pointed out, "give him a few apples and he's set for life"
"That pretty much sums it up", his boyfriend agreed with a grin, "Ruddy's pretty comfortable as long as he's with me, is Olivia the same?"
"Pretty much", Hugo replied, "though she's kind of a mother hen should I ever get hurt or end up in danger"
The cybernetic mouse squeaked in response, huffing in response and getting the blond to chuckle
"Am I wrong Liv?"
Before she could respond, Eugene stopped and pointed, "we're here", he said, looking over his shoulder at the pair, "you two ready for some mysteries?"
"I'm ready to prove you wrong", Varian replied with a smirk, "and in numerical order too!"
"It's on kiddo"
"Um guys? Not that I don't love what's happening here but, you're making a scene", Hugo pointed out
Both princes stopped and looked around, noticing a few people watching them, Varian blushed, "eheheh sorry"
Eugene chuckled, "come on"
They walked over to the old blacksmith's shop and waved when the older gent noticed them, "hiya Xaves", Varian said happily
"Hello Varian, Eugene, oh hello, I don't believe we've met yet", Xavier stated as he noticed Hugo
"No we haven't, hi, I'm Hugo", the blond replied, "nice to meetcha"
"Nice to meet you too Hugo, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" The old blacksmith asked as he looked at the three
"Well, Varian and I", Eugene began, "were having a bit of debate and decided to try and settle it by seeing if we could solve the '5 Mysteries of Corona', but to do that, we need to know about each one, where they are, when they show up, that kind of thing, you mind helping us out?"
Xavier smiled, "the Legend of the '5 Mysteries of Corona' could not be solved by even the most determined person, but I'd certainly like to see you three try. I'll tell you what I know, give me one moment". He walked back behind his shop and grabbed something before he walked back over to the three and set it down, it was a book of legends, "this book is how I found out about the mysteries in the first place"
"They have a book on it?" Varian asked
"Yes, these unexplained phenomena have been around for decades, it's no surprise that someone should write about them". The blacksmith opened the book and flipped through a few pages before he began to read:
'The Legend of the '5 Mysteries of Corona': a long time ago, civilians from Old Corona, before it was known as such, noticed strange things happening around them. These things could not be explained, anytime someone tried, they'd ultimately find a dead end in one way or another. Because of this, these odd happenings were later dubbed the '5 Mysteries of Corona' and are as follows:
1.) 'The Ghost Wolf': there once was a traveler who was returning home from a particularly long trip in the dead of night. He was alone, nothing but his horse with him and his cart filled with his mementos from his journey. As the Moon rose high into the air, the young traveler had grown very tired and decided to stop for the night in the woods nearby the wall of Old Corona. He had set up a campfire and was just finishing cooking his dinner when he heard a strange sound, almost like a howl. Looking around, the young traveler didn't see anything nearby, he noticed his horse seemed frightened by the noise, so he knew he wasn't the only one who'd heard it, but still he saw nothing. shrugging it off, the traveler ate his dinner, put out his fire and decided to rest for the night, that was.... Until he heard the strange noise once more, this time *much* closer than before. His eyes shot open and he looked around, but still he saw nothing, although this time, the noise continued to sound, drawing closer and closer to him. His heart was beating very fast, his horse looking around nervously as the noise grew louder and louder. Finally, he'd had enough and decided to keep moving. Saddling up his horse, they continued their journey back home, faster than they had before, but the sound continued to follow. The man grew more and more afraid as he heard the wind whistling through the leaves, but didn't feel a single breeze hit him. His horse suddenly let out an ear curdling whinny, almost as if there was something in front of them! The traveler called out, 'w-who's there?' But received no reply, 'c-come out! Come out right now!' He ordered. But he wished he hadn't, the wind picked up, nearly blowing the traveler off his feet when before him stood a lone wolf, eyes white, no irises to be seen. The wolf was completely see through and seemed to be glowing in the Moon's light! The creature let out another ear piercing howl, scaring the traveler to the point where he ran as fast as he could! His horse, loyal as ever, following right behind him! The howling continued, growing louder and louder until the traveler found himself out of the forest! He ran the rest of the way to his home, slamming open the door and running inside after quickly getting his horse into the barn and locking it. He slammed the door shut and locked it, not daring to open it until the morning Sun rose once more. The young traveler finally wandered outside of his home and noticed the wolf was gone, but his cart, filled with his mementos was torn to shreds. Ever since then. that wolf has been known as 'the ghost wolf'.'
"Woah", Hugo said
"Right?!" Eugene exclaimed
"Huh, neat, it's definitely a cool story", Varian replied
"But you don't believe it", the Dark Prince asked
"Nu"
"What do you think it could be?"
"Trick of the light, possibly the Moon reflecting off an actual wolf, the traveler seemed pretty tired, and had just gone on a long journey, lack of sleep does weird things to a person"
"Only you would know kiddo"
"I accept that"
Hugo snickered, "what's the next one?"
Xavier smiled at the blond's interest and began to read the second mystery:
'2.) 'The Tower Behind a False Wall': in the woods near old Corona, it is said that there's a strange tower hidden behind a wall. No one knows where it came from nor how it came to be, but many speculate that a fairy lives there, she's trapped and will grant 1 wish to the person who rescues her, but you must be weary, for there is an old witch that lives there and keeps the fairy trapped, she'll make sure to keep everyone away from that tower for as long as she can, no matter what it takes to do so!'
"That's.... Not entirely untrue, but it's not entirely real either", Varian said
Xavier looked at him, "what do you mean?"
Eugene smiled, "the tower behind a false wall is the tower Gothel locked Rapunzel in. I found that false wall in the woods near old Corona, it turned out to be long leaves that Gothel hung up to keep the tower a secret".
"....Huh.... Well do you know if Gothel found it or made it?"
"I-....No.... No I do not, but it's.... Kinda destroyed now"
"Wait, when did it get destroyed?" Hugo asked
"When me and Rapunzel went to check on Varian when-! ....Sorry kid"
Varian smiled, "it's okay, I'm moving past it", at the look of confusion on his boyfriend's face, Varian explained, "I sent a letter to Rapunzel asking her to come find the graphite the guards were looking for in my labs well over a year ago. I-it was when dad was in the a-amber.... She came, but the guards chased her and Eugene, I was there but couldn't reveal myself, otherwise I'd get beaten. So I hid, but I followed them and watched Rapunzel and Eugene enter the tower, and Rapunzel used her hair to summon black rocks to knock the guards back and it.... Kinda destroyed the tower in the process though..."
"Oh...." Hugo said, fixing his glasses nervously
"Yeah.... It was a good move but.... Well..... Let's just say that tower is kinda out of commission right now.... Though I've thought about rebuilding it for Rapunzel! As a surprise since she seemed so upset that it was gone in the first place"
"Huh", Xavier said, "I supposed that mystery has been solved then, save for how it was made, but I suppose that doesn't matter now. 6 Mysteries of Corona, I should notify someone about that"
Eugene smirked, "what was the third one again?"
The blacksmith smiled, "this one I'm certain you haven't solved yet:"
'3.) 'The Whispers of the Silver Eyed ghost': A group of kids were playing inside the tunnels underneath Old Corona when they heard odd whispers coming from it. They looked at each other and noticed no one was talking, they followed the whispers to the end of the tunnel with nothing but a lantern and found two silver eyes glaring at them. They panicked and ran out of the tunnels, when suddenly floors opened up underneath them, the hole filled with spikes! They screamed and ran all the way to their parents, telling them of the horrific event. Maybe people have gone into those tunnels, and all of them have seen the same thing, that tunnel is now closed off, no one is allowed to go in or around it, some say they still hear the whispers of the ghost even now, especially when it's a particularly windy day'.
Hugo shuddered, "that one's kinda creepy, not gonna lie"
"Wait, I've heard of that one!" Varian exclaimed, "dad told me about that tunnel a long time ago"
"Why'd he tell you?" Eugene asked, "I'd think he'd try and keep you away from it"
"He was, I found that tunnel when I was a little kid and asked him about it, he told me to stay away because he thought it was dangerous. When I kept asking him why, he told me the story, it scared me so much that I stayed away from it, but it kinda backfired on him when I got nightmares and slept in his bed for a week"
The Dark Prince snickered, "poor Quirin"
"Hey!"
"'The Legend of the Tiny Blanket Hog'", Hugo said, "has a nice ring to it Freckles"
"You're both jerks"
Eugene and Hugo giggled before Xavier cleared his throat, "should I continue?"
"Yes please", the Dark Prince replied
"Sorry", the blond added
"It's alright, now where was I? Oh right!"
'4.) 'Shadow Dance:' this happens always at the same time, around 5 in the evening, when the sun is about halfway past the horizon, the villagers have claimed they can see the shadows of, what seems to be, and army marching through the town. No one knows why they're there or how they came to be, but some claim them to be the spirits of the Coronan soldiers during the war between Seporia and Corona. Many people have dimmed every light they have, but it makes no difference, the shadow people always come around 5PM, and always disappear once the clock hit 5:15PM. The coincidence is that is the the *exact* time the army marched their last before they battled the Seporians for the final time, right before the King of Corona and the Seporian general became husband and wife'
"Huh.... There are a lot of things that could be, but I've never seen these shadows in Old Corona before", Varian said
"Have you been in town at around 5PM every night?" Eugene asked
"Not *every* night, but I've been there several times before, and I've never seen them..... Wait, Xavier, when was this mystery discovered?"
"About.... 20 years ago", Xavier replied
"Then the center of Old Corona would've been moved!" Eugene exclaimed, "Old Corona was rebuilt several times! We just need to find out where the original center of town was"
"So the mystery is still possible!" Varian added with a grin on his face
"Wow Freckles, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were excited to see these mysteries", Hugo pointed out with a smirk
"I.... Ok yes, a little, I just really like solving new problems, and.... the stories are kinda cool"
The old Blacksmith chuckled, "shall I read the 5th and final one?"
When he saw all three nodding with excitement, he laughed before reading the final mystery:
'5.) 'The Village Leader's Curse'-!'
"The Village Lead-Dad's the Village Leader though", Varian exclaimed
"Yes he is, but this curse seems to have followed him too", Xavier said before he raised a brow, "though you won't know that until I read it"
Varian blushed, "eheh, sorry...."
The Blacksmith chuckled, ruffling the freckled teen's hair before he continued:
'5.) 'The Village Leader's Curse:' Old Corona has had a leader of the Village since the reign of King Solar, who appointed his best friend for the job. However, every single Village Leader has always had to constantly struggle against something. For the very first leader, it was the dam always breaking, for the second, the villagers were always fighting. So on and so fourth, every time a new Village Leader would be appointed, they always had to struggle throughout their entire job. Some took it in stride, saying with the job for decades, other couldn't take it, and left the job empty. No matter what however, the villagers always took note that whatever was bothering the previous Village Leader would suddenly vanish! The dam stopped breaking after King Solar's Village Leader retired, the villagers got along when the second left. This is why the Village Leader job has been harder and harder to fill, no one wants the curse, because no matter what, it'll follow you, forever, and it plays off of what the Leader fears the most'
Varian blinked a few times, he was silent for a while, "Freckles?" Hugo said
"I.... I-it can't be the black rocks.... They didn't appear when dad first came to the job", the blue eyed alchemist said
"It doesn't always appear right away", Xavier said, "the curse takes many forms for the Village Leaders, because of this it could take *years* to manifest, but when it does, it never goes away. I've seen it myself, the last Village Leader was named Richard, and his curse didn't appear until a year and a half after his job began, right after he'd built the stables for the horses. Every horse he'd put inside it became sick or diseased, and he never knew why. He left maybe a year after it began, and when Quirin came in his place, no horses became sick, *none* of the animals were suffering actually. I know what Quirin's curse is, well, it's more of a guess, but I'll let you three figure it out"
Varian nodded, "thanks Xaves, we really appreciate it", he then looked at Hugo and Eugene, "come on, we should start investigating"
"Eager kiddo?" Eugene asked
"No, worried.... If that last one is real, my dad's in danger, I'm hoping I'm right, not because I want to win the bet, but I wanna make sure dad's safe"
Hugo smiled, "right, we'll investigate all of them, including the Village Leader's curse, and we'll make sure to check every nook and cranny, for Quirin"
"For Quirin", Eugene agreed
"For dad", Varian stated, before he blushed, "saying his name is weird to me...."
Eugene and Hugo snickered as all three walked through Corona, teasing and joking around as they made their way through the town.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the late post, but this took way longer to write than I thought. Either way, here's a new chapter! This one's full of mysteries!!!!! I love old town mysteries, I think the idea is fun to think about, so I'm playing with it :D
TEAM AWESOME MOMENTS!!!!!!! Eugene and Varian are so much fun together! Big brother vs Little brother is also really fun to write! :D These two bicker sometimes, but they love each other at the end of the day, and that's what counts, plus it's all in goof fun :D
Hugo is the middle man this time, he's not starting the fights, he's the peacemaker, which is something I haven't seen him do, so I'm playing with it :D Plus, he's so much fun to write, and nerdy flirting will ensure during the next few chapters :D
Quirin and Edmund were hanging out! Little Dark Kingdom father and son time! It's a rare sight to be seen, but it's cute none the less, also, yes, Adira and Hector are currently trying to see who's better at what, I can see them doing that and it's hilarious to me XD So much sibling vibes XD
Ruddy buddy and Olivia be chilling with their boys this time! They're gonna be happily helping their boys investigate while also being the best animal companions ever! :D
I came up with the legends myself, I think they're interesting and I'd love to know what you all think of them :D
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 240: Father Nags Best!
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, and Eugene check in with Quirin and Edmund before setting out on their mystery quest!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"So I'm holding the watering can as Varian tries to pour the water on the seedlings, when he trips and the water pours on his poor little head", Quirin exclaimed with a sympathetic smile
"Oh no!" Edmund replied, laughing a bit as he did
"Yeah! And he just looks at me, with those *big ol'* blue eyes of his and says, 'sowwy', in the tiniest voice I've *ever* heard"
"Awwwww!"
"I couldn't resist at that point! I picked him up and hugged him, I couldn't stop laughing!" The retired knight chuckled at the memory, "he was so tiny back then, about up to my knee right now! And he's trying to lift a heavy, metal, watering can cause he wants to help his 'daddy'!"
"Oohohohoho! Little peanut!!!!" Edmund said with a giggle, "I wish I could've been there, though, I don't think I would've put him down, like ever"
"I barely didn't", Quirin admitted, "there were days where he would just be in my arms all day, he'd be perfectly content too! Just spending the day we me and talking, that changed when he got more into alchemy, but still!"
"A-*HEM*!" The two men stopped and looked at the person who'd just made the noise, seeing a blushing Varian standing behind them, Hugo and Eugene giggling behind him, "*why* dad"
His father snickered, "because you were cute back then, actually, you still are"
"Daaaad!" Varian whined, making his boyfriend giggle
"He's not wrong!"
"HUGO!"
"Hee hee, are you three checking in then?" The Dark King asked with a smile
"Yeah", Eugene replied, smirking at the blushing alchemist as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy lovingly, "we just came back from Xavier's and learned about the '5 Mysteries of Corona', though we only need to investigate 4 of them since one is Rapunzel's tower"
"One of them is what now?"
Quirin smiled, "'The Tower Behind the False Wall', it's an old legend about a tower with a trapped fairy who would grant you a wish if you set her free, but there was an evil witch who kept her locked in there that you'd need to defeat, if you could even find the tower"
"Oooh!"
"It would be 'oooh' if Eugene wasn't right, the tower is, in fact, Rapunzel's old tower. So that mystery is sort of.... Well busted"
"Aww..."
"I mean", Hugo began, "you *could* say it's *technically* true since the tower *was* behind a false wall of leaves, and there *was* a magical girl behind it. Plus there *was* a witch guarding the girl trapped inside, Gothel was considered to be a very powerful witch, and maybe I'm speaking on *behalf* of Eugene here, but I think after he saved Rapunzel, all of his wishes *did* come true"
"He's got a point", the Dark Prince replied with a smirk
"Yay!" Edmund exclaimed, before he chuckled, "so many emotions, that was quite a roller-coaster"
Quirin chuckled, "indeed, which one are you three going to investigate next?"
Eugene and Hugo looked at Varian, who was no longer blushing and was, instead, giving Ruddigar some appreciative pets, "....Well, 'the Shadow Dance' and 'The Ghost Wolf' will have to be investigated at night, since that's when they occurred.... So our best bet would be to start with 'The Whispers of the Silver Eyed ghost' I guess, which means we need to head to my home and-HEY! I could grab some of my alchemy stuff from there!!!!! I've been meaning to grab a few more tools I haven't used in a while", he looked at his father, "we really need to get back there soon"
"We will once the Ball is over, but the house is fine"
"How do you know?" Edmund asked
"I'm still the Village Leader, I've been going back and fourth to keep an eye on the crops, help with farm work, and take care of the citizens of Old Corona, part of that is helping with the '7 Kingdom Ball', which is why I spend a lot of time here too. Today's my day off"
"Oh"
"Dad keeps himself busy", Varian stated with a smirk, "oh, but um... I wanted to ask you something about your job actually. Dad, have you.... Been cursed?"
Quirin stopped for a moment and looked at his son before his eyes widened with realization, "'The Village Leader Curse', right?"
"Y-yeah...."
His father looked away for a moment, unsure of how to reply before sighing, "it's.... Well I wouldn't call what I have a 'curse', per say", he replied, using air quotations every time he used the word 'curse, "but yes, in a manner of speaking, I have been".
His son's eyes widened with worry, he rushed forwards and poked and prodded as his father anxiously as he asked questions a million miles per second, "a-are you okay?! W-what's causing it? Is there a way to lift it? A-are you sure it's a curse? Are you-!"
"Bubby, slow down, it's okay", the retired knight interrupted, gently taking his son's hands off his face and chuckling, "I'm alright, like I said, what I have isn't really a 'curse' to me"
"What do you mean?"
"Well.... How about this, I'll explain what I mean *after* you investigate the other mysteries, then you can come back here, tell me your findings after a good night's rest, and then I'll talk to all three of you about my... 'Curse'", he said
"B-but-but-but-!"
"I've been handling this 'curse' for years son, one more day isn't going to harm me", his father assured with a smile
Varian wiggled nervously for a moment before he sighed, "o-oki.... But you're *definitely* gonna tell me, right?"
"Definitely, you, Hugo, and Eugene.... And King Edmund too, if you want to find out more"
The Dark King nodded, "consider my interest piqued"
Quirin chucked, "glad to hear it", he then looked back at his son, "you three gather the items you need to do a full investigation on the 3 Mysteries you're going to be looking into, once you're done with those, you can determine if what I have is a part of it or not", he stated with a smirk, "okay? Just make sure to bring everything you need, or may need, medical supplies, lanterns, Ruddigar food", the racoon chittered with joy at that, "food for all three of you, blankets in case you get cold, towels in case Varian falls into the river-!"
"That was *one time*!" The blue eyed alchemist exclaimed
"It still happened, and you ended up with a very bad cold because of it", the retired knight stated, "plus I'm your father, I get to nag you about that", Varian raised a brow, "it's true, it's an unwritten rule"
"For me too?" Edmund asked, when his knight nodded he looked at Eugene, "um... Uh.... Don't.... Uh.... Use too much conditioner?"
The Dark Prince smiled lovingly at his father, "I'll make sure dad"
Edmund smiled before he looked at Quirin, "did I do it right?"
The retired knight chuckled, "yes you did, you nagged him real good"
"Yes!"
Eugene, Hugo, and Varian laughed at Edmund's antics before Quirin looked at Hugo, "you'd better be safe out there too, all my fatherly nagging is doubled for you"
The blond blinked, "wha-! Why is it double for me?"
"Because I know Varian will listen to what I say, but you're a rebel, so I have to nag you harder", he smirked, "it's what fathers are supposed to do to their kids"
Hugo froze for a moment before he smiled, "thanks"
"You're welcome, but I mean what I said"
"No promises"
Varian giggled, "would he be in his rebellious teenage stage?"
"Yes", Quirin replied with a grin, "he's a rebellious teen"
The blond snickered before he pretended to glare at the man, "you're not the *boss* of me!"
"I am if you don't wanna end up grounded"
"Hurrumph!" Hugo said with a pout before he laughed, "oh I can't do that with a straight face!"
Varian and Eugene snickered, "you're a little *too* good at that love", his boyfriend teased
"Shush you!"
"So, we're investigating the Silver eyes one first then?" Eugene asked
"Yup!" the two alchemists replied, Ruddigar and Olivia chittering and squeaking in agreement
"Right, then we're gonna need some gear"
"As well as some extra clothing", Varian added, at the looks of confusion he received the teen sighed, "there's like.... *3,000* traps down there! Trust me, we're gonna need new clothing"
"Did you run into any traps when you were building your water heater thingy?" Eugene asked
"Nu, but that's because dad cleared them out beforehand when I accidentally stumbled upon that tunnel once when I was 5"
Quirin shuddered, "I remember that....."
"Which one, the traps in the tunnel or the water heater?" The Dark Prince asked
"Both"
Varian pouted as Hugo giggled, "you got into a lot more trouble *without* me huh Freckles"
"Yes, yes he did", the Village Leader replied with a smile
The group laughed, Varian rolling his eyes but smiling all the same as Ruddigar chittered at him encouragingly. After a while, he, Eugene, and Hugo packed up for the trip and finally headed out, ready to start investigating the '5 Mysteries of Old Corona' together!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is more a fun fluff chapter, I wanted to put this in to take a break from the angst, at least for a little bit :D So here's some fluffy dad moments before the mystery hunt! :D
Quirin and Edmund are being such dads right now and I love writing them like that!!!!! They love their babies so much and it makes me happy! :D Plus, a little moment with Quirin and Hugo, the boy needs a dad in his life, he really does, and Quirin's the best man for the job! :D Also I put hints in this chapter as to what Quirin's curse is, wanted to point that out :3
Varian is getting grumpled, but also worried. Little Moon bean just wants his dad to be okay while also proving he's right XD This is gonna be such a fun chapter to write, my gosh XD
Eugene and Edmund moment! Also Eugene and Varian moment! So many moments with this man, he's a good person to write with other characters! He works so well with ALL OF THEM!!!!!! :D
Hugo had a soft moment! :D After everything he went through, he deserves a soft moment , in fact, he deserves several soft moments! I'm gonna have more for him in this story, he's becoming a main character XD
Ruddigar and Olivia are the best support animals! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 241: MysteryBusters! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, Eugene, Ruddigar, and Olivia go investigate the 5 Mysteries of Corona! Starting with 'The Silver Eyed Ghost'!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I spy with my incredibly handsome eye-!" Eugene started
"Humble", Hugo interrupted
"Shut up. I spy.... Somethiiiiiing red!"
"Is it that pole?" Varian asked
"Nope"
"Is it that guy's shirt?" Hugo asked
"Not quite, you're on the right track though"
".....Dad's shirt!" Varian exclaimed
"Yup!"
The blue eyed alchemist giggled as he waved at his father, who was waving goodbye as they rode in a caravan back to Old Corona, "YOU HELPED ME WIN A GAME OF EYE SPY DAD!!!!!! THAAAANKS!"
"HAPPY TO HELP!!!!!!!" Quirin called with a smile
The freckled teen giggled before he noticed Hugo's pout, "aw come on, don't be a poor sport, here, I'll make the next one easy. I spy-!"
"With your sexy eye?" The blond asked with a smirk
"Oi! No nerdy flirting on this trip", Eugene stated
"Says the guy who will randomly kiss the princess when everyone is watching"
"That's different, I can't resist that"
"I can't resist flirting", Hugo retorted
"I-!" The Dark Prince stopped, unable to come up with an argument for that
"Princess got your tongue?" The bespeckled teen asked
"So Eye Spy is now over", Varian stated with a sigh, stroking Ruddigar's fur happily
Eugene huffed, "I have half a mind to put you in time out mister"
"Oh no, not time out!" Hugo exclaimed sarcastically, "how will I ever survive sitting in a corner?"
"Guys-!", Varian tried
"Well isn't somebody feeling sassy today, I take it you're feeling a little embarrassed about you and Quirin's little moment together earlier?" Eugene retorted
"Guys!-!" Varian tried again
"Beats telling myself I'm handsome every 20 seconds because I constantly need to remind myself of that", Hugo stated
"*GUYS*!!!!!" Varian yelled, "you're *both* pretty, can we move on now please?"
The two looked at the blue eyed alchemist and blushed, "uh, yeah, sure we can kid", Eugene replied
"I was just... Waiting for you to continue Eye Spy Freckles", Hugo added
Varian giggled, "you two I swear"
****
"So this is the tunnel Quirin told you to stay away from huh?" Eugene asked
"Yeah, this is also where the silver eyed ghost is supposed to be", Varian replied, "you think it's real?"
"Yup"
"Well, I'm about to prove you wrong", the freckled teen stated with a smirk
"Alrighty then, how about you go first?"
"With pleasure", the teen walked inside the tunnel, Hugo and Eugene following after and closing the entrance behind them
"Fuck, it's pitch black down here!" The Dark Prince stated
"Hey! Hugo don't touch me there!" Varian exclaimed
"Sorry, it's too dark for me to see where I'm touching", the blond replied
"I can *hear* the smile on your face you know...."
"Noted"
"So.... Torch? Light? Something in that bag of yours kiddo?"
"Yeah, hold on one...... GOT IT!" There was a smashing sound before the two former thieves saw a torch in Varian's hand, "woah! That came from your bag? How?" Hugo asked
"I used one of my alchemy balls to keep the fluids inside and placed it on a stick, when I need to use one, I just hit the ball against the wall and the friction combined with the chemicals mixing together causes a chemical reaction and makes fire! The stick draws it's flames because it's wood! So a safer way to light a torch and make it mobile!"
"Clever"
"Thanks! Now lets go find our 'ghost'"
As Varian began to walk, Eugene walked to the front of their group, "hang on there kiddo, you're very capable and I have no doubt in my mind that you and Hugo can take care of yourselves, but I'll take the lead. *Only* because I can spot a trap a bit easier since I have experience"
Both alchemists raised their brows, "seriously?" Hugo said
"I'm not saying that to chastise either of you, I'm only saying it because I wanna keep you both safe. You're both extremely strong, but you're both also teenagers that are in my care. I'm responsible and I told Quirin I'd watch over the two of you"
"When?" Varian asked
"While you two were packing your alchemy equipment together"
The two sighed, but the blue eyed alchemist nodded, "alright, but if you get into danger, we're helping no matter what"
"Understood", Eugene replied with a smile, "couldn't trust anyone better to watch my back even if I tried"
This made Varian smile as he handed over his torch to Eugene and he and Hugo followed the Dark Prince throughout the tunnel, "so what do you think we'll hear when the whispering starts?" Hugo asked
"If it's even whispering", his boyfriend added
"Maybe it'll tell us life's secrets", Eugene said, "or how Varian's outfit could use a dash of blue to match his hairstripe"
"Hey!"
"Just saying"
Hugo snickered, "Vaaaaariaaaaan~" He began in a spooky voice, "your color pallet is veeeeery~ duuuuuuuull~"
"Thanks Mr. Ghost friend to whom I don't believe exists, say, would you mind telling me what I had for dinner last night?" The blue eyed alchemist asked sarcastically
"Gross fooooooood~" Hugo replied, "you had ham and beeeeeeeeeeans~"
Varian giggled, "I liked the ham to be fair"
"To many BEEEEEEEEEEANS~"
"HUHUHUHUGO!"
The blond giggled, "sohohorry"
Eugene shook his head at the pair before he stopped, "sh!" He said, instantly getting the two teen's attention. All was quiet for a moment or two before they heard something coming from the back of the tunnel, "what is that?"
"It sounds like..... Whispering", Hugo replied, "Varian?"
"I..... Yeah it does", his lover replied
"So we've found the spot, whatcha wanna do Mr. IDon'tBelieveinThings?" Eugene asked, looking directly at Varian
The teen raised a brow before he heard the whispers again, he hummed with thought before he saw something glinting in the distance and got an idea, "Eugene, can I have to torch?"
"Why?"
"We need to get closer"
"Wait-wait-wait, you wanna go *towards* the creepy whispering in a spooky trap filled cave with nothing but a torch?" The Dark Prince asked
"Yes"
".....Alright, you've officially lost it"
"Trust me, this isn't real, and I can prove it", Varian stated, holding his hand out for the torch, "trust me"
Eugene hesitated before he sighed, "alright, just be careful, I've got your back, okay?"
"Understood", taking the torch in hand, Varian made his way towards the whispering, Hugo and Eugene following behind him. They grew closer and closer, the whispering becoming louder and louder until Hugo froze, "what's wrong?"
"Eyes...."
"What?"
"Eyes.... Silver eyes.... Right there", the blond pointed in front of him and go the other two to look, sure enough, there was a pair of silver eyes staring straight at the three
Ruddigar chittered nervously but stayed atop his boy's head, Olivia did the same with Hugo
Varian smirked, "that's not a ghost"
"What?" Eugene stated, "how is that not a ghost?!"
"Watch what happens when I move my torch", Varian stated, he moved the item from side to side, getting the other two to notice the eyes following the light, "a ghost wouldn't stand there and follow the light like that, they would come after us!"
"I..... Well not all the time", Eugene argued
"Ok, but light wouldn't reflect off of them either would it? Not like a normal human, they'd make their own light but it'd take a much strong source to reflect it off of them", Varian explained, "plus there isn't much of an anything over there, just the eyes"
"Well the rest of them don't really need to be there do they?" Hugo asked
"While that's true, I happen to know there's a wall back there", Varian stated, "and if we walk closer to it", he walked a little closer and close before he suddenly jumped back as the floor below him opened, "yup, trap, I told you there were like 3,000 traps down here! And look, the 'ghost' hasn't moved"
Eugene and Hugo stared at the ghost for a moment, "huh... You're right", the Dark Prince stated, "but we can't really get past this hole in the ground to investigate more can we?"
"Yes we can", the freckled teen said, "Ruddy, do your thing!"
The racoon chittered, saluting his boy before he hopped off the teen's shoulders and sniffed around. Finally finding something, Ruddigar began to climb using a vine he'd found before he waddled across the wall, landing on the floor opposite to them. He then sniffed around some more before he chittered excitedly and waddled out of sight
"Uh.... Varian...." Eugene began
"Three.... Two.... One...." Varian pointed to the floor, which closed right as he pointed before Ruddigar hopped into view with a proud grin on his face, "you're such a god boy Ruddy!!!!!" Varian cooed, walking over and scooping his best friend up in his arms, "you're such a good boy! That was so good, thank you!" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small nut and gave it to Ruddigar, who happily took it and nibbled, chittering happily, "you deserve every bite bud!"
The racoon climbed back on his boy's shoulders and continued to munch on the nut
Eugene and Hugo smiled, "good raccoon", the Dark Prince stated
"Best raccoon", Hugo added
"Couldn't agree more, though you may wanna look at you 'ghost'", Varian stated before he pointed to the silver eyes they'd seen before
The two looked and saw an air vent, the screws reflecting the light of Varian's torch. The duo blinked before they looked at Varian, "b-but, the whispering, what about the whispering?" The Dark Prince asked
"The wind flowing through the vent and echoing down the tunnel", the blue eyed alchemist explained, "the fake floor is a trap laid out in the tunnels, and the eyes were the screws on the vent reflecting whatever light source came down here. Mystery busted!"
Hugo walked over to the vent and searched it for a moment before he chuckled, "guess it is, alright, so the 'Silver Eyed Ghost' was just a light reflecting air vent with wind and a trapdoor in the floor"
Varian smirked, "Eugene?"
The Dark Prince sighed, "alright so this one's a bust, but we've still got three others to investigate! One of them we already know is true, and two that you couldn't explain away!"
"There are many things the dark can do to your mind and make you see things that aren't there", the freckled teen argued
"We'll see, the Shadows and the Ghost wolf aren't in a tunnel though kid"
Varian smiled, "your 'spirit' is embracing"
"Won't give up the 'ghost' will you Eugene?" Hugo added with a grin
"Ugh.... Let's just get to the other mysteries...." Eugene said
"Whatever puts the 'wind' in your sails Eugene", the blond stated, getting Varian to giggle
"Stop it"
"Come on Eugene, you can 'vent' to us", Varian teased
"You're both as bad as Lance!" The Dark Prince exclaimed, getting the two teens to giggle as they left the tunnels and headed to the next mystery!
Notes:
Hello! :D
The first mystery is solved! :D Sorry if it seems a little all over the place, my mind's a bit tired, but I tried my best so I hope it turned out alright <3
Eugene is being picked on and it's adorable, but he also picks on other people which is even more adorable, then he takes the lead because he's a good big brother, I just really love Eugene man! XD He's a good boy, and I honestly love writing him! :D
Hugo bantering with Eugene is funny, teaming up with him is even funnier, and teaming up against him is hilarious! I really enjoyed writing Hugo with the Team Awesome duo, he fits so well with these two! :D
Varian is the peace keeper, logical thinker, and teaser! This bean can switch between all three things and I love that about him! He works so well in many writing scenarios and that makes him so much fun to write! He's also being a brat, and I love it XD Sassy Varian is fun XD
Ruddy Buddy did his part in the story and he was such a good raccoon!!!! He's the best and deserves all the treats! So does Olivia! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 242: MysteryBusters! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, and Eugene investigate the 'Shadow Dance' Mystery next!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
''Shadow Dance:' this happens always at the same time, around 5 in the evening, when the sun is about halfway past the horizon, the villagers have claimed they can see the shadows of, what seems to be, and army marching through the town. No one knows why they're there or how they came to be, but some claim them to be the spirits of the Coronan soldiers during the war between Seporia and Corona. Many people have dimmed every light they have, but it makes no difference, the shadow people always come around 5PM, and always disappear once the clock hit 5:15PM. The coincidence is that is the the *exact* time the army marched their last before they battled the Seporians for the final time, right before the King of Corona and the Seporian general became husband and wife'.
"I *still* can't believe you wrote all of that down", Eugene stated
"As my aunt Adira always says, ya gotta take good notes to make a good investigation!" Varian replied with a smirk as he, Hugo, and Eugene rode into Old Corona, the Sun was already starting to dip below the horizon as they entered the small village
"Adira says that too?"
"Too?"
"'Never leave home without good cheese', or 'if you can't go around something, go over it'", the Dark Prince stated before he sighed, "that women has the oddest sayings"
The blue eyed alchemist giggled, "She's wise, fun, and a little bit kooky!"
"Not to mention crazy, weird, and eccentric", Eugene added
"Hey, she's not weird! Eccentric maybe, but weird, no"
The Dark Prince smiled at the teen, "oi, you two, we're here", Hugo stated, pointing to to town's center
Varian smiled, "thanks love!" He stated before he got up and looked around
The blond smiled at his boyfriend before he looked at the Dark Prince, "so, Eugene, you mentioned something about this center not being the right one, that it may have moved, do you have any ideas as to where it used to be?"
"Well I have a few theories", the man replied, "Varian, didn't you mention your dad asked for more land back when the black rocks were in your village?"
"Yeah, and we rebuilt a lot of the buildings on that land, but it by the time that was added the center would've already been moved", the freckled teen replied
"How much land did you guys get?"
".....About..... 300 acres if I remember right, and we used it to build more houses and added more farmland to the village", he smiled, "dad and I even built a new barn together! Oh! And a storm cellar"
"Storm cellar?"
"Yeah, we never had one before, and dad thought it would be a good idea to build one near our house and fill it with any items we may need in case something bad happens and we'll need to go underground for a few days or longer". At the confused looks from his peers, Varian blushed, "dad is afraid of storms, and he's always wanted a storm cellar just in case something like the twister 5 years ago comes around again"
"5 years ago?" Hugo asked
"Yeah, see, there was this really bit storm, and my dad was really nervous, he kept pacing and looking up at the sky, he was sniffing the air a lot too. I went to bed around 8 at night, he woke me up at 12 in the morning and took me into the tunnels underneath my lab. We stayed there for *hours* and when we came back out, barns were destroyed, homes were upside-down, crops and glass was *everywhere*! It was a mess, and the entire time me and dad were down there, he was pacing, jumpy, sweating, looking up at the ceiling every once in a while, and he'd wince if there was a thunder clap or a bolt of lightning shot across the sky. I remember being scared myself, but I was more worried about dad. He also watched Ruddy like a hawk", Varian stated, scratching the raccoon in question's chin happily, "since animals have a really keen sense for the weather, dad was making sure he wasn't freaking out or scared, because if he was, it was a bad sign".
"Wow, your dad's really that afraid of storms?" Eugene asked
"Yeah, he mentioned something about him being stuck in one when he was my age, and he never really.... Moved on from that...."
"Oh... Poor Quirin.... E-either way, there was more land added, 300 acres is still quite a bit, which way did you build?"
Vairan pointed towards his house, "near the farmlands already made, there was a forest area there before, but some of the trees were cut to make way for the new plots of farm land and the barn. There's a line of trees after that we didn't touch so the animals inside would have a place to live, but past those trees there are more houses that villagers are currently staying in. We connected it all back to the main road so the villagers had easy access to shops and such".
"Hmmmm.... So more land was added that way, and this wasn't the center before..... I think I may know where the old center way, follow me"
The two alchemists looked at each other and nodded before following the Dark Prince away from the new center of town.
****
"Um, Eugene", Hugo said as he walked behind Varian in an overgrown part of Old Corona
"Yes?" The Dark Prince asked
"I don't wanna tell ya how to do your job, and I certainly don't mind the view back here-!"
"Ey!" Varian interrupted as he threw a few leaves at the bespeckled teen, who snickered as he wiped them away
"but...." He looked around and saw nothing but very tall, unkempt grass, trees, and a few squirrels and rabbits, "are we lost?"
"No we're not lost", Eugene replied, "I just... Took a short cut is all"
The blond raised a brow, "we're lost"
"No we're not"
"He lied"
"Stop it"
Varian giggled, "I'll admit, I haven't seen this part of my village before"
"See?" Eugene stated
"Which means we're lost", Varian added
"See?" Hugo replied sarcastically
"Would you two just *trust* me? I happen to be the king of the wild you know"
"King of the wild?" The bespeckled teen asked
"Yes! I was named that because I'm very good at not getting lost in the wilderness and I can take care of an entire group in the wild!" He heard Varian snicker, "there something you'd like to share with the class kiddo?"
The blue eyed alchemist blushed, "sorry it's just, Adira told me about your trip in the 'Forest of No Return' Eugene"
"What the fuck?!" Hugo exclaimed, jumping at the sudden groans he heard all around him, "why does that keep happening when you mention that forest?!"
"I think it's a curse, either way, Adira told me all about your adventures with her in that forest, and how you got swallowed by a pupshroom-!"
"That is a creature disguised as a mushroom so I didn't realize it was there", Eugene interrupted
"You got the others trapped in vines-!"
"I managed to slice Rapunzel out of them!"
"And the others relaxed out of their hold before you even got *close* to cutting Rapunzel out thanks to Adira's directions"
".....I still cut her free, it counts!"
"How you led the entire group in one huge circle-!"
"That is *still* not my fault! And Blondie said it was a really good circle, her words not mine!"
"You wouldn't take the map from Adira that led to the way out-!"
"It's a *kids* toy! And I took it *eventually*!"
"How you got separated from the group after separating everyone away from Adira, who was the only one who knew how to get through the forest by herself, by falling in a land pit while complaining-!"
"She wanted us to go through steaming pillars of super hot *gas*, we could've *died* from burns if we didn't get *poisoned* from them first! And that land pit came out of nowhere!"
"How Adira kept everyone dry in the rain except for you since you decided against staying under the leaf umbrella she made-!"
"She was showing off-is there a *point* to this? I learned my lesson with that particular episode thank you!"
"Episode?" Hugo asked
"Don't... Ask"
Varian giggled, "my point is that we're in the middle of the Coronan forest, surrounded by nothing but nature, and it's almost 5, I think we're gonna need a little more help than the king of the wild right now"
Eugene stopped and sighed before he looked at his younger brother, "alright fine, what do you have in mind?"
Varian smirked and looked at Ruddigar, "ready for round 2 bud?"
The raccoon chittered and climbed down from his boy's shoulder. He waddled over to a nearby tree and climbed up through it's overgrown branches. The small mammal disappeared from sight for a moment or two before they heard an excited chitter and saw the raccoon scramble back down and climb up his boy again, he then chittered something to Varian who nodded and smiled.
"Thanks Ruddy, you're the best", the blue eyed alchemist replied, reaching into his pocket and pulling out another nut, handing it to Ruddigar, who happily munched on the delicious treat. "Ruddigar just found a path out of here and towards a part of town he's never seen or smelled before, so odds are I haven't been there either and it'll be the place we're looking for! Follow me!"
The Dark Prince and Ingvarrian inventor followed behind Varian, "king of the wild vs tamed raccoon.... Raccoon wins", Hugo stated with a smirk
"Shut up", Eugene replied, nudging the blond playfully and getting him to snicker
****
"I give you...." Varian started as he placed his hand on a curtain of leaves blocking their view, "Old Corona's original center!" He moved the leaves out of the way and revealed a small town square, a few abandoned houses lined the one street, in the very center of it stood an extremely old fountain filled with mud and a few old Coronan gold pieces.
"Hey, you can see the wall from here!" Hugo pointed out, "and the road to the capital!"
"Huh, I didn't notice that", Eugene replied, "noted"
Varian smiled excitedly as he ran over to the fountain, "look at the stone for this! It's sedimentary rock! They must've carved this out of an old boulder that stood here! How inventive!" He then picked up an old coin and inspected it, "wow! Who knew money from 20 years ago would look so different now! I'll need to bring dad back here someday and do a full sweep of this place! Who knows what we'll find here!"
"Alrighty kiddo, calm down", the Dark Prince replied with a loving smile, "we're here to investigate a mystery remember?"
"Right right, sorry", the freckled teen stated, pocketing the old coin before he looked at one of his gauntlet clocks, "it's nearly 5! If we're going to wait for the shadow dance, we may wanna do so a little ways away from the center of town"
"How about we wait on the benches over there?" Hugo suggested, pointing to a few benches nearby
"Good eye!" Eugene complimented, "while we're waiting, we can eat our food and Varian can send a signal which.... Are you sure they'll be able to see your firework from all the way in the capital?"
Varian nodded, "I tested it with dad the other day when I was in the castle lab! He went all the way to Old Corona and lit one up after he was done with work. I could see it from the gardens of the castle, so could Adira, Hector, and Grandpa, who wants to see more of those by the way"
"Of course he does"
The blue eyed alchemist chuckled, "either way, they were able to see it, but we couldn't hear it. So I told dad that I'd send one around 5 and around 12, so he knows to be outside during that time", the teen looked around, "though, this is a little further from the capital than Old Corona is.... But it should be fine since we can still see the main road.... Right?" He looked at Hugo worriedly
"I think so, if not, me and Eugene are here as witnesses to show that you did, in fact, set it off should your dad come by", the blond replied, "don't worry Freckles, we've got your back, plus, he's supposed to send out a green signal if he see's yours, and a red signal if he's coming to look for you, we should see either one since the daylight is dimming"
This seemed to calm Varian as he let out a small breath before he smiled at his lover, "thanks, you just earned 5 good boyfriend points"
"Yes!" The blond cheered before he smirked and kissed Varian's cheek, "thanks love"
The freckled teen blushed, "you're welcome"
"You two, with the nerdy flirting again! Stop that!" Eugene scolded
"Oh I'm sorry, should we wait until you and Rapunzel make out?" The blond replied with a raised brow
"No, I still think Varian's too young to have a boyfriend at all actually"
"I'm 15", the blue eyed alchemist stated
"That's too young"
"When did you have your first girlfriend?"
".....That's not important"
"Eugene!"
"Set off you dad alert firework and come eat your food"
Varian huffed, "who put you in charge?"
"I'm the oldest and your big brother"
"Yet you still got us lost in the forest", Hugo responded
"Okay I'm *definitely* going to put you in time out!"
Varian shook his head with a sigh before he set off the fire work, which was a nice, sky blue color and waited. He looked towards the capital, his anxiety making him worry for and more. Ruddigar nuzzled his boy comfortingly, getting a chin scratch in return as Varian stared at the road before, much to his relief, he saw a green firework shoot through the sky from the capital. He smiled happily, "thanks dad", he whispered, before he walked over to the bench, "he saw it thankfully, so we're all set"
"Great! See I told you everything would be alright", Hugo replied with a warm smile
"You did, thanks for that", the freckled teen replied as he sat down and leaned against his boyfriend
Eugene sighed, getting Varian to look at him, but the man was smiling, "this is okay?" He asked
"Yeah, that's okay, I'm not actually upset that you have a boyfriend you know, I just like to tease you", the Dark Prince replied
"Appreciate the love oh grand king of the wild", Hugo stated with a smirk
"Man that corner is going to *love* you when we get back to the castle"
"Try it, I dare you"
"Oh I will"
Varian giggled as he listened to his boyfriend and big brother bicker while he ate the ham sandwich his father made for him.
****
"....And that's why Lance is afraid of spiders", Eugene finished as he, Hugo, Varian, Ruddigar, and Olivia ate the final pieces of their dinner while waiting for the shadow dance to begin, "he's still afraid of them, calls it 'acute arachnophobia'".
"Wow, I feel bad for the guy, I mean, that's kinda rough not gonna lie", Hugo stated as Varian nodded in agreement
"Yeah, it was pretty bad for him, though his fear can be a little.... Poorly timed"
Hugo smirked, "aren't all fears like that?"
"True"
"Guys, it's 5!" Varian exclaimed, "the Shadow dance"
"Right, lets see if this thing actually happens!" The Dark Prince stated as they all looked at the original center of Old Corona and waited
All three were silent as the Sun dipped lower and lower behind the horizon, the Moon peaking out. Varian smiled and waved at her, giggling as he felt light wrap around him before going silent again. They kept waiting and waiting, nothing happened for a few more minutes until, "WOAH!" Hugo exclaimed, his eyes widening
"What? What do you see?" Eugene asked
"Look! Behind the fountain!"
Varian and Eugene looked and gasped as the saw the shadow of what looked like a soldier marching through the center of the town, "holy shit!" The Dark Prince exclaimed
"A shadow?" Varian questioned, studying it closely
The man moved fowards in a march like fashion, his sword was held out in front of him as he continued his journey, suddenly two more men appeared behind him, swords out and marching through the town's center, "HA! Explain *this* logical thinker! Explain literal shadows of men long dead!" Eugene exclaimed as he looked at Varian smugly
The teen watched the shadows continue to march, "there's.... Something familiar about them...." He stated thoughfully
"You might've seen a portrait of them in an old book or something", Hugo suggested, "that could be why they're familiar"
"It's not that.... They're like.... *Really* familiar... Plus shouldn't there be more of them? The final march through Old Corona had the most amount of men in one army than any other in our history!"
"....Well maybe they're coming back home", Eugene stated, "there were a lot of casualties in that battle before the king and general decided to get together. Plus they're marching back towards the capital, not to the front gates where they were positioned"
"......Coming home.... WAIT A MINUTE! THAT'S IT!" Varian yelled, startling the two, "they aren't ghosts at all! Come on! Follow me!"
He got up and ran towards the road to the capital, Hugo and Eugene following behind him before they screeched to a halt at what they saw, "Stan? Pete?!" Eugene exclaimed, "and.... Some other guy that I do not know the name of"
"Sup, I'm Greg, I'm a new recruit", the third guard said with a smile
"Hi Greg", Hugo replied, waving to the man
"Yo"
"Varian? Hugo? Eugene?" Stan stated, visibly confused at the sigh of them
"What are you three doing out here?" Pete asked
"We're here investigating the '5 Mysteries of Corona'", Varian explained, "and I need to ask, do you three *always* march at this time of night towards the capital with your swords out?"
"Well... Yeah, it's protocol", Stan answered, "we were showing Greg the post he's been assigned to, he'll be watching the Corona wall and asking for papers before allowing people to enter Corona. It's been like this for a little over 20 years, our shift just ended so we're heading back".
"Does it always end around 5?"
"Yup, though we're a little late since we had to wait for the shift change and we were training a new recruit", Pete replied with a smile, "why?"
Varian smiled, "this happens everyday and has been happening for the past 20 years?"
"Yeah?"
"And you always take this route, no matter what?"
"Yeah?"
The freckled teen smirked, then pointed to the old Coronan square, "Eugene, look at the shadows, are there more of them now?"
The Dark Prince walked over to the square and sighed, "yeah...."
"Ah ha!" The teen exclaimed, "the Sun at 5 is close to the horizon, so it would make the shadows look long enough to reach the center of Old Corona. The guards always march down this street in proper fashion as they're trained to do because that's protocol so the shadows reflect that and make them look like they're ready for battle, and it also explains why they were coming from the wall instead of walking *to* it since they're just finishing up a shift! Mystery busted!"
Eugene huffed but he smiled all the same, "alright alright, this mystery *is* busted, but you still can't explain the ghost wolf, which is the final one before we head back to Quirin and my dad. I've still got one more chance to prove that these mysteries, and fairy tales in general have *some* truth to them, so don't count me out just yet kiddo!"
Varian grinned, "oh I won't, but I've won two out of three times, so I'm feeling pretty confident! Oh, thanks for the help guys", he stated, smiling at Stan, Pete, and Greg
"Yeah, thanks", Hugo stated, "and welcome to the guards Greg, is it everything you thought it'd be?"
The new recruit nodded, "it's pretty cool so far, thanks for asking"
"No problem"
"Stan, Pete? Why are you two staring at us like that?" Eugene asked
Varian and Hugo looked at the two guards, both of them looked pale and were shivering, "guys?" The freckled teen said
"S-sorry, it's just... We know about the mysteries of Corona", Stan stated
"Yeah... A-and that Ghost Wolf one.... I-it's terrifying! Stan saw it once", Pete added
"Wha-you did?!" Eugene asked as Hugo and Varian's eyes widened with curiosity at this new revelation!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the later post, but this chapter tool longer than I thought XD The boys are being funny again, so it was really fun to write! :D
Eugene being the best big brother once again, I just love writing this man being both full of himself, yet so incredibly loving that it's endearing! He's the definition of an awesome big brother! :D
Hugo is being a perve, yet he's also the best boyfriend ever! :D Plus he and Eugene picking on each other is still funny to me XD
Varian being the voice of reason while also being the skeptic is kinda hard to write, so I hope I did it well, but him being adorably anxious while enjoying two of the closest men in his life's company is wholesome and I love writing it! :D
Stan and Pete appearance, because they're the best guards, even if they bicker XD
Greg is new, welcome Greg! :D
Quirin being afraid of storms is adorable to me and I'm definitely going to be making a chapter about it very soon! :D
Ruddy buddy had another awesome moment! :D He's the best raccoon in the world! :D All hail the Ruddigar! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 243: MysteryBusters! (Part 3.5! Beginning!)
Summary:
Varian, Eugene, and Hugo investigate the 'Ghost Wolf', but Eugene starts to question some things and gives Varian a choice!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Yeah... A-and that Ghost Wolf one.... I-it's terrifying! Stan saw it once", Pete added
"Wha-you did?!" Eugene asked as Hugo and Varian's eyes widened with curiosity at this new revelation!
Stan nodded, "I did.... It was the end of my shift watching the wall of Corona's entrance. I was heading back and took a short cut through the forest because it'd ran a little later than I wanted. I was walking through the forest, it was around 6 at night, the sun had already gone down, when I heard this.... Howling noise.... I thought it was the wind at first, and ignored it, but then it happened again! Mind you, this was months ago!"
"MONTHS?!" Varian, Eugene, and Hugo asked at the same time
"Yeah, months", Stan confirmed, "anyway, it was during the time when people were freaking out over something big being in the forest. I'd been told Quirin was going to handle it, and I'd thought he'd already done so, so I didn't think I had anything to fear. Then I heard yelling, and growling, then a HUGE roar *ripped* through the air and I was frozen..... I thought I'd heard Quirin's voice for some reason, I heard him yelling at something, and I ran to go and help.... But that's when I saw it.... There was a ghost wolf in front of me.... I could see through it and it had white eyes, just like the legend! It growled at me and I ran away from it! It chased me until I ended up leaving the forest, back through the way I'd came in! It didn't follow me after that, but it stood guard near the entrance of the forest and kept growling at me! I didn't go near it after that, I went around the forest on the normal path.... I remember seeing Quirin the next day with you Eugene, and the princess. I remember you asking about a captain?"
"Captain Creighton", the Dark Prince stated
Varian huffed, "raccoon killing, cowardly, attacks innocent people because she's got a freaking screw loose bitch....."
Hugo chuckled, "what did this women do exactly?"
"All the things I just said and more...."
"Ah.... Remind me to stay away from her"
"You don't need to worry, she's been detained", Eugene stated, "thankfully", he then looked at Varian, "you know, I'm not one to get on the whole 'no cussing' train, but um...."
"Yeah yeah, soap in mouth material, I'll watch what I say, she just.... She almost got Ruddigar killed Eugene..... She almost killed Catalina, and she hurt Lance! That women is a menace and I.... I-I-I have nothing but anger towards her! I *still* have a scar from when I first met Catalina and Angry because of that women!"
"Um.... Share with the audience that wasn't there please?" The blond stated
Varian sighed, "dad heard about a monster inside the woods a few months ago, he and I went to check it out and found a werewolf. She, the werewolf, was Catalina who was scared and angry and chasing that stupid captain Creighton because she'd tried to kill Catalina. They ended up running into us, me, Ruddigar, and dad, and while dad tried to fend Catalina off, unaware that she was just a little girl, Captain Creighton grabbed Ruddigar and held him up as a sacrifice so she could be allowed to leave in peace. Catalina, too blinded by her rage, lashed out at Ruddigar and I stepped in and saved him but ended up getting wounded pretty badly and fainted..... That was when we'd first met.... Eugene and Lance took me out for a Guy's Night a while after that happened, we went to an island and had a party there, Eugene was having a rough time and had gone off to get some air when me and Lance were attacked by Captain Creighton again.... Lance distracted her and told me to run, when I did, Eugene found me and together we ended up saving Lance at the last minute and capturing Captain Creighton..... She's just a really bad person who made horrible decisions and is a horrible human being no matter how you slice it! I will *never* forgive her for what she did!"
Hugo's eyes were wide with shock, "damn"
"Yeah.... Not a nice lady...."
"But she's in custody now", Eugene added, "and Ruddigar is safe and full of apples and nutty treats, so everything's good now right?"
The raccoon in question nuzzled his boy affectionately, getting Varian to calm down
"Yeah", the blue eyed alchemist replied, scratching Ruddigar's ear lovingly, "everything's good now, she just makes me mad is all...."
"Understandable", Hugo said, "I mean, if anyone were to hurt Liv I'd kill them"
The cybernetic mouse squeaked, peaking out from the blond's pocket and getting a head scratch in return
Varian smiled at his lover before he looked up at Stan, "so that ghost wolf kept you out of the forest?"
"Yeah it did, I guess I understand why now, considering what happened to all of you, but still.... It was freaky, be careful investigating that forest, even though I managed to get away, it doesn't mean whatever that ghost wolf was will be as nice to all of you"
"Your warning has been noted and gratefully accepted Stan", Eugene replied with a smile, "thanks"
"You're welcome", the larger guard stated with a nod before he, Pete, and the new guard, Greg, walked away, staying away from the forest as much as they could as they marched down the darkened street.
Varian sighed and looked at Eugene, "sorry"
"It's alright goggles, I get it, that women ticks me off too, but hey, someone we happen to know doesn't lie just said they've seen the ghost wolf! So that's huge!"
"Meh, it's medium at best, you still gotta prove it's real"
The Dark Prince huffed, "I take it back, it is *not* okay, you're going in time out with your boyfriend"
"Oh shit, that's perfect", Hugo stated, "we can practice kissing then"
Varian blushed, "NOPE! NOT ON MY TINY BROTHER!" Eugene exclaimed as he scooped Varian into his arms and began to walk quickly towards the forest.
"Wha-! Eugene put me down! He was just kidding!" Varian argued as the blond laughed and followed behind the pair with a wide smile on his face.
****
"Hmph"
"I said I was sorry kiddo", Eugene stated regretfully
"Hmph!" Varian huffed, pouting as he sat on the floor with Hugo behind him
"I really did not see that tree there, and I would've never ran into it had I seen it, I mean that"
"HMPH!!!!"
"Would it help if I got you a Flynn Rider something when we got back?"
"......Mph...."
"I'll throw in an alchemy book"
"..........."
"Varian?"
"..........Fine..... But no more picking me up and running with me into a forest! That really hurt!" Varian stated, wincing as Hugo wrapped some gauze around the cut he'd received on his head
"Deal"
"Good-Ow!"
"Sorry", the blond stated, "there was a stick in your hair"
"It's alright, thanks for healing it"
"No problem Freckles"
The two alchemists got up after a second, Ruddigar, who'd been tossed into a bush by Varian right before they ran into a tree, climbed up his boy and licked his cheek
Varian smiled, "you're welcome bud, I'd never let you get hurt, ever"
The raccoon chittered happily, his tail swishing from side to side before he nuzzled the teen's cheek
"I'm alright, and now I get some new Flynn Rider gear and a new Alchemy book! Right Eugene?"
"Right", the Dark Prince replied, "I'll make sure it's of good quality too"
The freckled teen smiled before he realized where they were standing, "I... Forgot we were in the forest.... I should probably let my dad know we're here now"
"It would be a good idea", Hugo agreed
The blue eyed alchemist went to work setting up the firework before letting it fly, watching the blue flames disappear in the sky before he saw a green one shoot up in response, he grinned, "thanks dad"
"Alright, with that out of the way, how do you wanna go about this search?" Eugene asked
The freckled teen looked around, "I suppose we should just... Head down the path? I think I have an idea as to what this 'ghost wolf' might actually be, and I happen to know of two little girls that may be willing to help us search"
"Two little gi-! Are they here? Wouldn't they be at the castle?" Hugo asked
"They've been making trips back and fourth, but what exactly do you think involving them will do?" Eugene asked
Varian smiled, "give me an answer to the ghost wolf"
****
"Everyone watches in awe as Catalina holds her breath for as long as she can! Can she do it? Can she break Angry's record of 4 minutes straight?! She's close folks! Only 30 more seconds to go and she'll be the new breath holding champion!" Angry stated with a grin as she watched her sister struggle to keep from breathing, "20 more second folks, she's almost there! Can she do it? *Will* she do it? The suspense is crazy! It's almost too much for anybody to handle! And AAAAAND-!"
Someone knocked on the door, making Catalina lose focus and let out a very long breath of air, "d-darn it! I w-was so close!" The red head exclaimed
"You were, you really were!" Her sister stated encouragingly, "keep at it and you'll get there"
The knock came again, getting the two girls to look at the door before Angry looked towards the kitchen, "HEY LANCE, SOMEONE'S AT THE DOOR!"
"COOOOOOMIN~", came the sing song reply before the former thief appeared from the kitchen, "dinner's almost ready"
"Noted!" The black haired girl replied with a grin as she and Catalina watched the man open the door
"Huh? Oh hey little man, Eugene, Hugo, what's up?"
"Lance?" Eugene stated, "hi, what are you doing here?"
"I'm cookin a meal for the girls and helpin em out a little. What are you three-!" Ruddigar and Olivia chittered and squeaked, "sorry, *five* of you doin out here? You can come on in by the way"
The five of them came inside, Varian looking around and smiling at his creation happily as Eugene explained what they were doing to Lance, "wow! It's really holding up super well isn't it?"
"Yeah it is!" Angry replied, getting the freckled teen and Hugo to look at her, "the elevator is awesome, Ulf is super nice, the tree house itself is as strong as Hector's rhino! It's amazing!"
Hugo smirked, "why do I get the feeling you built this for them?"
"Because I did", Varian stated happily
"We love it!" Catalina exclaimed, "though there's a weird draft coming from one of the windows in my room"
The blue eyed alchemist raised a brow, "a draft? Want me to take a look at it while I'm here?"
"If you don't mind"
"Not at all! Why didn't you tell me about it sooner?"
"We... Didn't really know how to ask to be honest"
The freckled teen smiled lovingly at the pair, "you don't have to worry about asking, I'm more than willing to come take a look if you ever need any help, odds are I've got some sort of tool with me"
"Noted! The draft's in here V", Angry stated, getting up and having Varian and Hugo follow the two siblings to Catalina's room
"Woah!" Hugo exclaimed as he looked around and saw drawings of werewolves, ghosts, and other spooky things, "who drew these?"
"Um.... M-me", Catalina replied shyly
"*You* drew them?! Oh they're *awesome*!" The blond exclaimed, "you rival the princess in the drawing department, my gosh!"
The red head blushed, "you think so? I don't think I'm nearly as good as Rapunzel is"
"Oh for sure you are! She's got a very bright and sunny style, yours is darker with more shading and you use pencil instead of paint! Even though your styles are different you put the same amount of effort into each drawing! It's amazing!"
"Told ya you were good!" Angry stated, nudging her sibling just a bit
Varian smiled before he noticed one that looked very familiar to him, "is this.... Me?"
"Ah!" Catalina ran over and grabbed the drawing from the wall, hiding it behind her back and blushing profusely, "u-um no i-it was just u-um-!"
"Cat it's okay, I drew one of you too actually", the freckled teen replied with a warm smile
"Y-you did?"
"Uh huh, Rapunzel gave me a bunch of sketch books, I don't use them very often, I'm an alchemist after all, but the ones I do use I tend to do as much with as possible. And", he pulled out a sketch book from his bag and opened it, revealing a drawing of Catalina playing with Ruddigar, "I like drawing real life, this was after our Hide and Seek game, remember?"
The girl blushed and smiled, "I remember, it looks amazing!" She then slowly showed her drawing, it was Varian standing in the middle with his alchemy staff held high in the air, Ruddigar was sitting on top of it and lightning was crashing down behind him, "I.... W-wanted to draw you in a cool way, and I remember the time you found us during that huge storm and you had that alchemy staff with you"
Varian beamed, "it looks amazing! What do you think bud?" He asked Ruddigar, the raccoon chittered with delight and smiled at the picture happily, "he loves it! We both do!"
The red head blushed even harder, "thanks, I'm really glad you do!" She then hung the picture back up, feeling proud of it even more than she had before
"The draft is over here V", Angry stated, getting the two alchemists to walk over and take a look at it, "also, what are you guys doing here so late?"
"Long version, or short version?" Hugo asked with a smirk
"Um..... How long will it take you to fix that?"
Varian looked at the area, "no time flat"
"Short"
****
"Huh... So you're investigating the ghost wolf legend and Varian thinks the girls will be able to help him do that?" Lance asked, "do you know why?"
"No, but the way things have been turning out Lance, all of the legends aren't real, and I'm kinda sad about that", Eugene admitted
"Why?"
"Well, when I was growing up, fantasy and legends were something you and I *both* enjoyed thinking about! We'd theorize about the tooth fairy and try to set traps for her. We'd learn lessons from the stories we were read because that's what stories back then were for, it was nice, and I enjoyed every second of it. But now, this kid's just.... He doesn't enjoy things like that, and it'd be fine if maybe he just didn't like them at all, but Varian.... I dunno it seems like he just hasn't really had enough time to enjoy being a kid! And when I think about all the time we wasted stealing from others and running from the law instead of being kids, it makes me sad to think he may regret that later.... So now that almost all of them are debunked it's just...."
"Disheartening?" Lance asked, "ya feel like he's losin more and more of his childhood with every legend that's debunked?"
"Yeah...."
The former thief chuckled, "you know, Varian may not be into fantasy or anything we liked when we were kids, but that doesn't mean he's missin out on his childhood"
"What do you mean? The kid spends majority of his time in a lab Lance!"
"Yeah, but what if he likes to?"
"I-! ....Well yeah of course he *likes* to, that doesn't make it *good* for him!"
Lance smiled, "Eugene, when we were growin up, fantasy and stealin, they were all we had, sure we could play outside, but you and I only got along with each other back then. Also let's be honest, fantasy and stealin aren't exactly the greatest things for a kid to like all the time, but we still did it, and we have regrets, but we had a lot of fun right?"
"What's your point?"
"My point is that kids nowadays are growin up, they're changin and learnin in ways we didn't expect to change and learn back then. When we were kids, the only things we worried about, or what normal kids worried about, was if you could beat the other kid a hopscotch, for us, we worried about our next meals and gettin caught, and life was gruffer and harsh, but now? Kids are worried about how they can make friends at all, they're anxious or nervous, scared or frightened because things happened to them made them feel like they needed to worry about fittin in or stayin cool when they shouldn't be. Kids are made to feel seen but not heard, that hasn't changed still, it's one of the reasons why mental health is the way it is now. Back then, yeah you got beat for mouthin off to your parents, and that's still the same for a lot of kids now, Hugo..... Being the primary example of that..... But then there's Varian, he's socially awkward and timid when it comes to new people, he loved what he loves because he feels safe lovin them, and he'll try new things, but he's also nervous about doin that, and he has a hard time talkin about it. Look fantasy and outside playtime was great when *we* were younger, but now? Kids today need a little more help steppin out of their comfort zones because they've been made to feel afraid of ever comin out...."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, and this ain't against him, but lets take Quirin as an example, he loves his baby, *no one* can deny that, but he's *very* overprotective of him. He's worried about his alchemy, worried about him fainting from blood, worried that Varian will need him and he won't be there. He constantly wonders if he's doin a good job and needs *Varian* to remind him that he is. I love the guy Eugene, he's one of the best father's I've ever met, but that kind of worry rubs off on a kid. He has his reasons, his parents died when he was young, he ended up nearly losin his hand and had to grow up learnin how to be a knight while bein told that men weren't allowed to feel and be who they wanted. Quirin's allowin Varian to be an alchemist, he's not stoppin him, but he worries and worries and worries and worries and it's rubbed off on Varian. It came back to haunt him too when he and Varian had that huge fight and... Well you know..."
The Dark Prince shuddered as he remembered seeing the Village Leader frozen in the amber, "yeah...."
"After he was free, he's allowin Varian to have a little more freedom, considerin he's not here right now with you guys, while still having that normal amount of worry and getting you to check in via Varian's rockets. He's gotten better Eugene, but it's still gonna be hard on Varian. So his alchemy or the small things he does to keep himself safe, while some of them aren't exactly healthy, they help him be himself. We, you, me, Quirin, and Rapunzel, can help him get better about bein outside or bein interested in different things, but forcin him to believe fantasy is real in any capacity isn't gonna solve anything".
Eugene thought about that before he sighed, "yeah... I guess you're right, I just.... Really want him to have an amazing childhood that he won't forget, but.... Me doing all of this probably won't do much.... will it?"
"Well it'll give him a really cool adventure, but.... I don't think it'll change much no"
"....You think I should call it off?"
"I wouldn't call it off, how about you give him the choice instead? Let him decide if he wants to participate or not, and if he does, then great! Let him continue, but if he doesn't that's okay too, you don't need to finish this. I have a feelin that him discoverin the mysteries aren't real isn't just affectin him...."
The Dark Prince chuckled, "that obvious?"
"A little yeah"
Eugene smiled at his best friend, "thanks Lance, I'll give him the choice once he's finished with Catalina and Angry"
"Choice about what?"
"AH!" Eugene jumped about 3 feet in the air before turning and seeing Varian, Hugo, Catalina, and Angry standing there snickering at him, "oh... Kid don't do that!"
"Hee hee, sorry Eugene, I just finished fixing a draft in Catalina's room, we explained why we were here and the girls are on board, have you asked Lance if it's okay? He can come too if he wants"
The Dark Prince looked at Lance for a moment before he sighed, "yeah I told him, but I uh... I wanna run something by you first kiddo"
"What's that? Find something we can use to investigate the ghost wolf further?"
"Well.... Not exactly.... Kid... I.... I wanted to give you a choice, and this isn't because I'm losing the bet or anything like that, I just... Wanna make sure that if we do this, it's for the right reasons", he smiled at Lance, who nodded
Varian, sensing the seriousness in the man's tone, calmed down, "oki, what's the choice?"
".....Do you want to keep doing this investigation, or would you like to go home right now and stop? The choice is up to you, and I won't be mad either way"
Varian's eyes widened, as did Hugo's, as they looked at the man, "huh?!"
Notes:
Hello! :D I didn't mean to make this part so long, so this is going to be Part 3.5 because the next Part 3.5 will be the ending of this part XD Sorry about that X3
Big brother Eugene is having some anxious thoughts, the poor guy just wants his little brother to live to the fullest, something he really didn't get to do when he and Lance we kids, so yeah. This is apart of his character arc, so yay! Also, more team awesome stuff! :D
Hugo is just vibing in this chapter honestly, I feel bad for that, but he did just have a huge story arc and such, sooo.... But he's support bean in this one :D Good for him <3
Varian is enjoying the ride honestly! :D I love this teen so much, seriously he goes from sassy, to bratty, to huffy, to excited, to supportive, to happy so easily, I really love writing Varian he's such a good boy! :D
Lance is being a king again! This man never stops being a king and I love it! :D
Catalina and Angry being siblings together is wholesome! :D Also, Catalina has an interest in drawing now :D I can see her being the arty one out of the two of them :3
Stan, Pete, and Greg were here for a very short amount of time, but they did a good job :D
Ruddy buddy and Liv are still the best animal companions ever in this show! <3
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 244: MysteryBusters! (Part 3.5! Ending)
Summary:
Varian has a choice to make, solve the mystery or go back home!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
".....Do you want to keep doing this investigation, or would you like to go home right now and stop? The choice is up to you, and I won't be mad either way"
Varian's eyes widened, as did Hugo's, as they looked at the man, "huh?!"
"That was.... Unexpected", Angry stated
Varian blinked, "d-did I do something wrong?"
"No kiddo you didn't, but... I feel like I did", Eugene admitted, "I wanted you to believe so badly in fantasy that we went on this whole escapade and I feel like I wasted your day... Not only that, but", he looked at Lance before he returned his gaze back at the freckled teen and sighed, "I.... Guess I wasn't really doing this for the right reasons. Kid... You... How to say it...."
Varian tilted his head to the side, "are you alright?"
"I.... I'll be honest, I'm having a bit of trouble trying to get the words right"
The blue eyed alchemist giggled, "I've had that happen, take a breath and try again, it helps"
Eugene chuckled before he did so, feeling a little better as he collected his thoughts, ".....You're 15, it's probably one of the biggest times in your life to be 15 years old. You're able to drink now, you can get a job, there's a lot more things you can do with your life while having much more freedom than an adult does. When I was your age... I stole, I lived on the streets and didn't know when my next meal would come around. I stole, I lied, I cheated, I did a lot of bad things. Lance was with me the entire time and we were running from the law and becoming wanted criminals. Because of that we didn't really get to enjoy our childhoods, and I've regretted that ever since I was your age....." He took in another breath before he began to speak again, "time's have changed now, Lance helped me realize that, my generation's problems are different than your generation's problems, both are bad but in different ways. I didn't realize that before we started this, so you not being interested in fantasy and spending all that time in your lab and away from people.... I thought...."
"It was hurting me? That being in such a dark place will end up causing me to miss out on things?" The freckled teen offered
"Yes, but in.... A nicer way"
Varian smirked, "a safe space?"
"That, yeah, that you spending time in your safe space without too many people around was hurting you.... Mentally and emotionally.... But I was wrong to think that, doing alchemy, hanging out with a small group of friends, it helps you, it's better for you. Trying to get you to do different things is a good thing too, but I feel like I'm forcing you and Hugo on this mystery hunt just so you can believe in fantasy and be outside all day, and I don't want to do that... Not at all.... So I wanna give you a choice, that way, no matter what, you're still happy and I don't force you into anything, because that's not what I wanna do to you kid"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled lovingly at his big brother, "Eugene, you didn't force me to come on this trip, you and I made a bet and I came willingly, so did Hugo"
The blond nodded, "tis true"
"Besides that, I'm having a lot of fun! I like discovering how these mysteries aren't wrong, but they aren't right either! I like finding out the little ways the world makes things appear different or even scary! I've been having a blast this entire time Eugene! I don't want to stop either, I think I know what the ghost wolf is, and even though it's technically still a mystery as to how they came here and if there's only one or more, I still think it's really neat that people saw these and thought to make them into a legend!"
"Really?"
"Yeah! I'm having the time of my life!" The teen replied with a grin on his face, he then chuckled, "I understand what you mean though, you're worried because back then, kids not playing outside or being social was.... Well odd in that time.... Mental health wasn't really.... Thought of.... As much as it is now, and it's good that we're learning more about it! It's great that people are getting the help they need! Though I can see why you felt worried about me, you're more open to mental health, Lance is too, but I know there's going to be times where you don't....."
"Fully understand how other people need to handle things?" Eugene offered with a smile
"Yeah, my dad has a hard time understanding certain things too, it's what led to a lot of our fights before everything that happened. He thought me being an alchemist was okay, but him worrying about if I would hurt myself or cause damage to other people did make it a bit hard for me to really keep calm about a lot of things. I wouldn't blame him for my anxiety, but his worries really didn't help, don't.... Tell him that though, he's gotten so much better, by a huge margin!" The teen stated, "and you know, it's okay that he doesn't fully understand, there's going to be times where he doesn't. The fact that he tries, and that he's getting better is something not a lot of people have, and I'm extremely lucky to have someone like him in my life to try, just for me. Just like it's okay for you to not know how alchemy and staying in my lab *is* something that makes me happy. Making chemicals and potions is what I *live* for! And seeing my creations come to life in different or unexpected ways makes it a much better day! It may not be in the traditional sense, but I am enjoying myself, a lot! Though, you're right, I should spend more time outside or meeting new people, but it's harder for me, which you already know, but I didn't know you were worried about it. I'm sorry that I made you worry"
"No kid, you don't have to apologize!" Eugene stated anxiously, "I just...."
"Wanna make sure I'm happy by doing something you think I'd enjoy just in a different setting?"
"Well, yeah, but I don't wanna make you feel bad"
"You're not, I'll admit, I'm sad I made you worry, but I know you're only doing so because you care about me. I also know that I have certain habits that aren't healthy for me, and you're just trying to help. Plus I'm really glad you told me the truth and gave me the option to stop now or continue, though you may want to work on your timing, considering the day is nearly done"
"....Good point, sorry"
Varian giggled, "it's alright, I really am having fun with this mystery solving though, and I'm really glad we're doing it! I don't want to stop either, we're so close to the end and I wanna keep going! That is... If you still want to"
Eugene smirked, "of course I do, because there's no way you're gonna prove to me that this ghost wolf isn't real!"
"Hee hee, I think I have an idea as to how real this ghost wolf is!" He looked at Angry and Catalina, "you girls ready?"
"Yup!" They exclaimed excitedly
Hugo chuckled before he looked at Lance, "you wanna join us?"
The former thief smirked and nodded, "sure, I wanna see what Varian thinks this legend is"
The freckled teen grinned, "I hope you enjoy the show then"
****
The group had walked outside and made their way through the forest, "are we there yet?" Lance asked
"Nu", Varian replied
".....Are we there now?"
"No"
"..........Now?"
"Nope"
"............Varian"
"What?"
"Now?"
"Lance!"
The former thief snickered, "I'm just playin"
The blue eyed alchemist sighed, giving Ruddigar a chin scratch before he found what he was looking for, "we're here!"
Lance gasped and looked, spotting a small clearing, the trees were dense enough to allow them to see the stars in the sky, the Moon shining brightly above them, making the dew on the grass below sparkle, "wow! This place is beautiful! How'd you know this was here little man?"
"Dad and I came here to camp once, it was nice!"
"It's.... Really amazing here", Hugo commented
Varian looked a him and smiled, "maybe we could go on a picnic here, together?"
The bespeckled teen looked at his boyfriend and nodded, "I'd like that"
"Nerdy flirting? Again? Really?" Eugene asked
"Ey, we're not flirting, we're.... Making a date", Varian defended
"You two are making goo goo eyes at each other, that's flirting!"
"Wha-!"
"Don't mind him Freckles", Hugo stated, walking over to his boyfriend and wrapping an arm around him as he smirked at the man, "he's just sad he can't kiss his pretty princess right now and gross everyone out"
Varian snickered as Eugene huffed, "you're getting an extra *long* time out sir"
"Uh huh, you keep thinking that"
"Uh hello, what's the plan guys?" Angry asked, interrupting the bickering, "also have you two been doing this the entire time?"
"Yes, yes they have", Varian replied with a raised brow and a smirk
"You poor thing"
The freckled teen laughed, getting Hugo and Eugene to roll their eyes before grinning at each other, "so, what's the plan Varian?" Catalina asked
The blue eyed alchemist stopped laughing and, wriggling out of Hugo's arm, kissing him on the cheek as an apology for doing so, he looked up at the Moon and smiled before he looked at Catalina, "well, Stan told us the when dad was fighting you, he saw the ghost wolf, it chased him out of the forest and blocked him from going inside. You told me you'd found a wolf spirit that gave you your powers and that's how you became the werewolf right?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, when I first met you, I did a little more research about the wolf spirit, and realized they feed off anger, which I remember you mentioning. Mind you, the type of anger they feed off of is deep seeded and extremely rare to find. But when you were fighting my dad, it was when I was hurt, and he got *really* angry when that happened, so it's more than possible that his anger may have drawn another creature to the forest. And that the very first one spotted happened to be drawn by that traveler's anger"
"What do you mean?" Eugene asked
"Well think about it, the guy didn't get back to his home until extremely late at night, he was so close but he was too tired to continue so he had to set up camp in the woods, and to top it all off, he's just gotten back from a 'particularly long journey', the way it's worded makes it seem like he hadn't planned for it to take so long at all and he probably had someone waiting for him! All of that happening at once would've made me *extremely* upset, it's no wonder he heard howling coming from the woods, I'm betting that wolf spirit probably sensed his anger and wanted to feed off of it! Of course this is all speculation, but this is exactly where the story takes place, so we can test it out here!"
"Woah, V that spirit could technically hurt, injure, or kill all of us", Angry pointed out
"Yeah, I know you wanna prove Eugene wrong little man, but that's a bit extreme", Lance agreed
"I know, but see, that's where something's different", Varian stated
"What do you mean Freckles?" Hugo asked
"Well.... That wolf, if it was a wolf spirit, could've very easily caught up with that tired traveler and his horse and killed them both. But it didn't, it only chased them out of the forest, and maybe I need to catch up on my ghost knowledge, but they can usually fade through wooden doors yes?"
"Yeah", Eugene replied
"So if that ghost wolf was really chasing to kill that traveler, he would've fazed through the door and done away with him and the 'tasty' horse in the barn, also the fact that the traveler had enough time to lock the horse in the barn without the supplies or nick nacs he'd received from his trip tells me that wolf spirit gave him time to get inside. The destroys items in the morning would indicate the wolf telling him to stay away from the woods at night, which I'm guessing he never did again. As another example, Stan said the wolf chased him out of the forest, but didn't follow him when he was out, and instead guarded the entrance to the forest, forcing Stan to walk the rest of the way on the road to the castle. I think the wolf spirits are just being territorial, and they're only being that way because they can sense anger, because me, Ruddigar, Hector, Adira, and my dad stayed in this forest for a mission the princess sent us on, and, to the best of my knowledge, we saw no wolf spirits.
"Didn't you say Dwayne stole Ruddigar and sent you into a blind fury that scared even your own father?" Eugene asked
Varian blushed a little, "yeah, that did happen, but I was calmed down by dad and my focus was only on Ruddigar, I'm guessing Hector, Adira, and dad's focus was only on me, so that would be why we didn't see any spirits, there could've definitely been some that night though! Which is why it's to the best of my knowledge, I didn't really look"
"Ah"
"So you think the spirits are just gonna show up?" Lance asked
"Nu, I think they're gonna show up because they may sense one of their own", Varian replied, gesturing to Catalina
The wolf girl's eyes widened, "you think they'll come to meet me?"
"Well, wolves tend to travel in packs, if one of their friends got a new host, no offense, they'd probably wanna come meet you, it's my theory, and if that doesn't work, then they'll come for anger regardless"
"What do you mean?" Hugo asked
"Well...."
"....Kid are you.... Angry?" Eugene asked
"Not really *angry* per say just.... Frustrated, about certain things that happened, I mean.... W-with the trial we just went through and everything we had to do *just* to make sure everyone was *safe*, w-which shouldn't have even been an *issue* in the *first* place had there not been anyone around that were complete and utter *jerks*, and when dad pointed out who was in *charge* of the trial I just.... Heh, would you look at that, I guess I *am* angry about all of that...." When he noticed everyone's worried expressions he sighed, "....I-It's been hitting me a little more as time goes on, and I'm okay, just... Angry"
"Freckles.... I...." Hugo looked down
"Hugo it's not you, I'm not mad at you at all! J-just the situation that we were put in-w-which was *not* your fault! I-it was the Duke and Duchess's a-and Cyrus, not you, please don't be mad"
The blond looked at him, "I... I'm not mad at you, though I do kinda wish you would've said something, but it's completely understandable that you'd be upset, but.... This is still kinda dangerous, we shouldn't be out here if you're actually angry, they could try and take you or turn you into a werewolf love, and I don't think you want that!"
Varian smiled, "I think I'm okay though"
"What do you mean?"
The freckled teen looked up to the Moon again and smiled, "she said we'd be safe, even if I was angry"
Eugene raised a brow, "is that why you looked up at her earlier and smiled?"
"Yeah, I don't know how she did it, but I heard her in my head saying that we'd be safe"
"Huh, well that's a relief, but.... Kid...."
"I know... I'm sorry I didn't say anything beforehand, but so much happened and... To be honest, I really wanted to think about something else, so when we made this bet I thought it was a perfect distraction but.... Yeah I really gotta work on that...."
Hugo sighed, walking over and cupping his boyfriend's cheek, "make that two of us"
Varian blinked for a moment before he realized what he meant and smiled sympathetically, "we... Really need help don't we?"
"Yeah, yeah we really do"
The two kissed, getting Eugene and Lance to look away as the former thief covered Catalina and Angry's eyes. When the two alchemist's parted and smiled at each other, they all heard a distant howl come from nearby. Getting everyone to look in that direction, all was silent, even the trees barely shook before they heard another howl. Catalina's eyes glowed red for a second, "t-there's one here", she said
Lance looked at her worriedly, "are you alright?"
The wolf girl nodded, "it's coming over, but it doesn't seem upset, just interested"
"Interested? In what?" Angry asked
Catalina gulped, then pointed at Varian, "him"
Right as she did, Ruddigar let out a screech before he scrambled inside Varian's bag, the teen looked over his shoulder, only to be met with the face of an iridescent wolf staring back at him. He let out a yelp and jumped back a bit, seeing the wolf spirit float to the floor and look up at the teen, curiosity and interest shining deeply in the spirit's white eyes as the teen watched the creature.
"U-um.... Hi?" He said
The spirit nodded, almost as if it were responding to him
"Can you... U-understand me?"
Another nod
".....Are you... Interested in using me as a host?"
The wolf spirit shook it's head
This surprised Varian, "wait, you're not interested in him as a host, yet you came here because of him", Eugene stated, "what are you interested in him for then?"
The wolf growled at the Dark Prince
"Eugene, I *really* wouldn't test your luck", Catalina warned
"Noted...."
Varian continued to watch the wolf spirit, "....s-so that traveler that was scared off by a ghost wolf a long time ago, was that you?"
The spirit nodded
"And the guard that was walking through your woods months ago, was that you too?" Hugo asked
The wolf nodded again
The blue eyed alchemist kept staring at the wolf before he felt something.... Off, "I.... W-what....." He looked up again, and saw the Moon shining directly on him, *or.... is that... Coming from me?* He thought to himself
"V, you're glowing!" Angry stated
*Yup, it's coming from me*
The blue eyed alchemist pulled his bang down a bit so he could see, and noticed his hair was completely blue, his hair stripe white, "w-what..... Is this because you're here?" He asked, looking at the wolf
The spirit nodded before he walked closer to the teen, stopping right in front of him before the creature bowed
"He.... Bowed?" Hugo said, "that.... Why?"
"It's not surprising", Catalina said, "I.... Didn't wanna say anything, but ever since you found out about your Moon powers Varian, I've.... Had this weird inclination that you're someone extremely important.... Even when we first met, when I was in my werewolf form, I didn't want to attack you, so when you got hurt by my paw, I.... Was shocked"
"You were?"
"Yeah, it shook me so much that you'd gotten hurt that I ended up losing all of my rage, which made it easy for Angry, Lance, and Rapunzel to talk me down. It's why I didn't attack Quirin anymore after it happened, when I attacked you and you alone, I felt.... Like I'd done something wrong, really wrong, and I had, but not just from me being a human attacking you, another human, my wolf self felt horrible for it!"
Varian was puzzled by this before he looked at the wolf again then looked up at the Moon, sudden realization hitting him like a caravan, "the Moon!" He exclaimed before he looked at the spirit, "you can rise, you don't need to bow in front of me"
The wolf looked at him and nodded, straightening up and sitting on his haunches, watching the teen with attention only a soldier could give
"I've got a question, is your interest in me.... Does it have anything to do with the Moon herself?"
The spirit nodded, getting Eugene and Lance to look at each other worriedly
"Did the Moon make you spirits?"
The wolf nodded again
"So.... You look up to the Moon, and by extension me because I have her powers?"
Another nod
"Woah....." Hugo stated, "are there other creatures that share the same respect for the Moon?"
The wolf looked at him, then at Varian, before looking at Hugo once more
"I... Wanna know too, if that helps any", the blue eyed alchemist said
The wolf nodded
Hugo was stunned, as was Angry, Eugene, and Lance, Catalina seemed to understand and smiled, "you're a really nice spirit", she said to the wolf
He looked at her and smiled as if to say, 'you too', which made her grin
Varian sucked in a breath and let it go before he said, "um.... Are you planning on attacking anyone in here? Or is this your home and you're protecting it?"
The wolf spirit looked at him again, 'my home', he said, though his mouth didn't more, and his words formed in the group's mind like a thought and echoed, it made Eugene shiver a bit
"I see, I'm sorry humans come inside it, but I'm grateful you haven't hurt any of them", the alchemist replied with a smile, "it's actually very nice to talk with you, would I be allowed to come by and say hello again sometime?"
'I would like that', the spirit replied with a smile
Varian returned the smile and nodded, "I may not be alone though, do you remember my dad? He was the man protecting me from her all those months ago"
The spirit seemed to contemplate who the teen was talking about for a moment before he nodded, 'he had a fake fur vest on and was protecting you'
"Yes, that's him, he may be with me when I come to see you again, is that okay?"
The wolf spirit nodded, 'any child of the Moon is welcome to bring whomever they wish'
"Child of the Moon?"
'That is what my kind call you, your kind say bearers of the Moonstone I believe'
Varian smiled, "I think I like yours better"
This made the spirit smile, 'I'm glad you do, it was very nice talking with you'
"It was nice talking with you too, thank you for showing yourself to us, and for not harming me or my friends"
'You're welcome, call me if you are in danger, I will help'
"Thank you"
'You're welcome', the wolf spirit bowed once more before he got up and turned to leave, smiling at Catalina before disappearing into the darkness of the forest
The group was silent for a long time, they walked back to the girl's treehouse and stepped inside, Varian waving goodbye to the Moon with a smile before he closed the door behind him. It was around 12 in the morning by the time they'd gotten back, he looked around, "I guess that means the mystery is busted?", he asked, trying to lighten the mood, the group remained silent, "yeah I uh... Figured that wouldn't work...."
"Sorry kid, it's just.... Woah", Eugene stated
"Yeah.... It's um... It's pretty crazy... Heh... Eheh...."
Lance noted the small nervous chuckle Varian gave, getting up and walking over to the teen, picking him up and holding him for a second, "it's okay, we don't think any differently of you, just give us a sec to process, okay?" He stated gently as he held the blue eyed alchemist close
Varian looked up at the man before he gave him a grateful smile and nodded, "thanks Lance"
"You're welcome little man, how about we get some snacks yeah?"
"Y-yeah"
With that, the two went inside the kitchen and began to make some snacks while Catalina, Angry, and Eugene stayed in the main room, Catalina trying to comfort a shocked Angry and Eugene after what they'd all just seen.
Notes:
Hello! :D
World building and more about the wolf spirits and the Moon herself! Woot!!!!!! :D
Poor Varian, the bean's been doing his best, but he's got so much on his mind right now, everything will be addressed in future chapters, for now, there's a lot to take in X3
Hugo is still one of the best supporters for Varian, so is Lance, they're both playing support this time around and it makes me really happy to write them in such roles! :D
Catalina finding out more about her werewolf form is something I've been wanting to explore for a while! I hope to do more of that soon! :D
Angry is way too shocked for words right now, she's got a lot of questions X3
Ruddy buddy was scared, but he still stuck by his boy, he's definitely the best Raccoon ever!!!! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 245: MysteryBusters! (Part 4!)
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, Lance, Eugene, Catalina, and Angry discuss what just happened with the wolf spirit before they go back to the Corona castle!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It'd been an hour since they'd returned, Varian and Lance had made a few snacks for the group and were now sitting in the living room with Eugene, Hugo, Catalina, and Angry as they nibbled on the food, Ruddigar was sleeping on Varian's shoulder as Olivia was asleep in Hugo's pocket. None of them were really sure what to say or do at that moment, the room was silent for a while before the blond let out a puff of air, "ok, this silence is killing me", he stated
"Yeah, are we gonna talk about what just happened or what?" Angry asked with a raised brow
"What's there to say?" Catalina asked, "Varian's connection to the Moonstone makes the wolf spirits calm around him, the Moon herself seems to be the reason they exist, and because of that, Varian is now revered with respect from them"
Eugene sighed, "I just... Wow"
"....I'm sorry", Varian replied quietly
"Kid it's not you, it's just... A lot", the Dark Prince replied
The blue eyed alchemist looked at the floor sadly, "not helping", Hugo stated flatly as he raised his brow at Eugene
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that, I just.... Varian you being connected to the Moonstone is not a bad thing, actually, I think it's good on many different levels"
"Y-you do?" Varian asked, looking at his big brother
"Yeah! You've got interesting powers and you can talk with the Moon herself! You've been warned about a bad situation and it just, it's good! There's just gonna be times where I really won't know how to react to seeing the extent of your powers reach you know?"
The freckled teen was silent for a moment before he asked, "do you have the same problem with Rapunzel?"
Eugene chuckled and nodded, "yeah I do, especially when we first met Adira, she only came around to guide Rapunzel to the Dark Kingdom and touch the Moonstone. Hell, we wouldn't have been on that journey at *all* had it not been for her connection to the Sundrop or the Moonstone! I love Rapunzel, and I love you as well kid, there are just times where the magical girl and boy is just.... Too big at times, this, would be one of those times".
"You're completely fine with angry children flying around with unbreakable magic rocks shooting from the ground, it's rational to see a girl with 80 feet of tripping material walking around the town square as she literally lights up the town with her hair, but ghost dogs in a forest bowing to a kid is where you draw the line?" Hugo asked, getting Angry, Catalina, and Lance to snort
"Hugo the line was drawn when said tripping material wielding girl brought me back to life after her kidnapper of a mother stabbed me with a dagger with her tears in my wound, trust me, many lines have been crossed in this adventure, but there's always a new one made, I just need time to process"
The bespeckled teen blinked a few times, "you.... What?"
"It's a long story"
"How long exactly?"
"Well about 80 feet"
"Very funny, tell me another time?"
"Definitely, but for now, that's my perspective at the moment, it's just something that's going to take me time to process. But that doesn't mean I dislike you Varian", Eugene stated, getting the freckled teens attention, "I don't hate you or think of you any different, it's just the powers are getting so big that.... I guess I feel more worried than anything else"
"W-what do you mean?" The blue eyed alchemist asked
"Well think about it, before you were just dealing with controlling your emotions, then it turned into you falling asleep and talking to the Moon, then you needing training to control your powers in general, and now we've got wolf respect from creatures that can turn normal humans into werewolves, it's a very powerful tool to have for sure, and I'm happy that power's in *your* hands and not anyone else.... But.... Then there's the whole, 'what if someone tries to take that power from you', or 'what will CassAndra do when she finds out about this', and even, 'is Varian going to become a wild child and live in the woods now with his new found wolf friends'"
Varian giggled, "wolf friends?"
"It could happen kid"
The teen snickered a little more before he let out a small sigh, "I see your point, and trust me, I've been worried about the same thing, so has dad, but I-wait.... Oh crud, DAD!"
Eugene raised a brow, "what about your dad?"
"H-he thinks we're gonna come back to t-the castle tonight! B-but by now he'd be w-worried sick! I-I need to send him a firework to l-let him know we're okay!" The teen got up, startling the sleeping raccoon on his shoulder awake and threw his bag off, digging inside of it while trying to search for the firework.
Hugo got up as well and walked over to his boyfriend, gently taking the backpack from the teen's hands and planting a kiss on Varian's nose before he could protest, "take it easy love, let me help"
"I-I b-b-bu...." The teen stuttered, but Hugo had already pulled out the firework he'd been looking for
The blond smiled, "you're shaking, it's okay, Quirin will understand once we send the firework, yeah?"
"O-oki"
Hugo chuckled, "oki, come on", he grabbed Varian's hand and gently guided him to the front door, opening it and stepping outside before he helped his boyfriend set the firework up and let it fly
The sky was filled with a sky blue color, the fire slowing fading into the sky as Varian's heart began to pound in his ear, he felt Ruddigar tap his cheek, an alert, but he didn't tear his eyes away from the sky. He waited for a minute.... then two.... Then three... At that point his stomach was beginning to churn, "we could always make our way to the castle right now, me, Cat, and Angry wouldn't mind spendin the night there", Lance stated as he and Eugene joined the two teens outside
"We may need to", Hugo said
"There any possibility that Quirin's asleep?" Angry asked
"Nope", Eugene replied, "that man would stay awake for *years* for his kid, there's no way he'd be-!" Right as he said that, a green firework lit up the night sky
"Dad!" Varian exclaimed, his voice was full of relief as he smiled at the fading light. That is, until he looked from where the firework had come from, "....Middle of town... Oh.... He was on his way here.... I must've really freaked him out...." The teen stated, his guilt rising and making his stomach churn even more
"Kid it's okay, he knows you're safe now", Eugene replied softly, "it's alright
"N-no it's n-not alright! My poor father w-was just anxiously making h-his way through the town t-to find his lazy son who didn't spare a s-single *thought* his way e-enough to send him a m-message that he w-was safe...."
The Dark Prince noticed small tears sliding down Varian's cheeks, "aw Varian...." He hugged the teen, "it's okay, it's alright...." He heard the small whimpers coming from the sad alchemist, it made him sniffle a bit himself as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy lovingly
Lance chuckled a little, "we're tired"
Eugene looked at him, "how are you chuckling at a time like this?"
"Eugene, think about it, it's 1 in the morning, this kid just had a wolf spirit bow to him, you just said you're still processing but still care about him, which was probably a *huge* weight off his back, only for it to instantly be replaced with the worry that his dad may be makin his way through the woods as well speak to try and find him because he forgot to set off a firework. The fact that Quirin seemed to be heading this way kinda shows he wasn't wrong about that. He's tired, nervous, anxious, scared, relieved, and feels horrible. That's too many emotions for one tiny alchemist, he's overwhelmed and tired, he needs to sleep so his mind can cope with everything that just happened, it's as sad as it is cute, I'd be more worried if were by himself, but he's got us and we've got comfy beds with his name on them".
The Dark Prince let out a sigh before he looked at Varian and smiled, "I guess I can see that", he then knelt down to be at eye level with the teen, "hey kid, look, your dad knows that you're safe now, so how about we all go and rest up for the night, we'll get some sleep, then in the morning we'll eat breakfast and head back to the castle, okay?"
Varian sniffled a few times, rubbing his eyes tiredly as he looked at his big brother, "I.... I w-wanna go to d-dad...." He admitted sadly, but yawned right after, getting Hugo, Catalina, and Angry to giggle
Eugene felt his heart fill with warmth as he watched his little brother, "I know kiddo, but you're yawning and rubbing your eye like it's trying to close. You're gonna fall asleep on the way there and I think Quirin would want you to be fully awake when he see's you next, don't you?"
The blue eyed alchemist let out another yawn, this one squeaky and small before he sighed, "yeah...."
"Yeah, so how about you get some shut eye before we go back tomorrow"
".....We'll leave as soon as possible?"
"Absolutely, after some sleep and a nice breakfast, we'll be heading back first think tomorrow"
Varian thought about it for a moment before he nodded, "oki"
"Ok, come on kiddo", Eugene guided Varian back inside, Lance showing them to a guest room Varian had built. Eugene and Hugo helped Varian into bed, the blond climbing in after him so the teen would feel more comfortable. It didn't take long for Varian to shut his eyes, Hugo smiled at his boyfriend and nuzzled him lovingly as Ruddigar let out a happy purr as he laid on his boy's chest.
Eugene smirked and thanked the bespeckled teen before he walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. He made his way to the living room, only to find Lance sitting there alone, "where'd the girls go?" He asked his best friend
"I told them it would be best if they went to bed too, they agreed because they wanna go to the castle with all of you tomorrow", the former thief explained, "plus they were really tired too, I'm guessin Hugo decided to stay with Varian?"
Eugene nodded, "he's tired too", the Dark Prince sat down next to the former thief, letting out a long sigh, "Lance I'm really scared for Varian...."
"Yeah... Me too.... I mean, it's great the wolf spirits won't attack him, but I get this bad feelin that somethin's comin.... Somethin big..."
"Me too.... You don't think what I said was too much, do you?"
"I can't really say, I'm not Varian, I don't think you hurt or upset him, but I think a small part of him is worried about how big his Moon powers are gettin too, this just means we should really stress how much he's gonna need to be trained to keep them in check with Quirin is all, somethin he already knows and is gonna work on anyway"
Eugene looked down, "I really hope you're right, I just.... Is it bad that I think it'd getting to be too much?"
"No, you're overwhelmed with somethin out of your control, you've got it comin from Rapunzel and now from Varian, it's understandable that you're overwhelmed and need time to process"
The Dark Prince smiled, "thanks, and I mean, I don't *hate* them! I love both Varian and Rapunzel, I just.... Don't know what I'm gonna do or how I'm gonna keep up with all of these new powers. Rapunzel can practically take care of herself physically, but she can't mentally.... And Varian can't control is powers at all and is having a lot of trouble just in general and...." Eugene sighed, "I want to be by their side and help them, but I sometimes feel so... Useless.... Like I'm just getting in the way of things you know?"
"You know you're not though, right?" Lance asked, Eugene remained silent, "Eugene?"
"Lance I.... I don't know if I'm even doing the right thing right now.... Quirin was in the middle of town, he was searching for Varian, honestly, I kinda wanna find him and tell him it's okay because I don't know if he knows or not.... I wanna talk to Varian some more and help him feel better about his father, I wanna talk to Rapunzel and help her feel better about CassAndra, but I can't.... Varian's too tired, Quirin's probably back at the castle at this point and blondie's probably already asleep.... I want to be a *lot* more helpful than I am right now, because if I'm being honest, I don't feel like I'm helping anybody at all...."
"What do you think you need to help someone?" The former thief asked
"Well... Knowledge, and compassion, and maybe another person to help me investigate things more. I'd like to have resources available so Corona and my friends can help prepare for any kind of attack or battle, I want to help them through that attack or battle.... I just want to help Lance.... And I don't have any power of doing that.... Adira said I'm the 'fish skin' that holds the group together, but in all honesty? I really don't feel like that anymore...."
"*That's* what she means by 'fish skin', huh, that actually *is* a compliment"
Eugene chuckled, "finally someone see's that"
Lance smirked, "look Eugene, as long as I've known you, you've always wanted to be the one to help solve every problem that comes along. May it be somethin small like a missin marble, or somethin big, like comforting me about my mom.... You've always been that reliable source of someone everyone can lay back on. You're a good, helpful, and kind person, and you're also very strong too, it takes a *lot* of strength to say that you're not alright, even more to help someone when you're like that. You're a *leader* Eugene, and there's not a doubt in my mind that you're gonna be someone important someday with way you act. But there's gonna be times when you're not gonna be the person they need help from. Right now, you're comfort is enough for Varian, he's sleepin and calm because *you* calmed him down and got him to bed. But when he gets up, he's gonna wanna go to his dad, he's gonna need Quirin, and that's okay. It's also okay that you're overwhelmed, ya just found out your kid brother has a connection to ghost wolves in a forest and it's because of the Moon powers he's got in him. But you're not givin up on him now, are you?"
"No"
"You're not gonna leave him behind and focus on Rapunzel?"
"Never"
"You wouldn't use him to do what you want him to do because of his connection to the Moon or the wolves"
"Not in a trillion years"
"Then it's okay, it's okay to be overwhelmed and needin time to process, you're still helpin him by doin what you can, that's all that matters you know"
"But I don't have any answers, I can't tell him things are going to be okay when I don't know if they will be or not!"
"Then don't say that"
Eugene raised a brow, "you make it sound so simple"
Lance chuckled, "it's not, I get that, but you don't always have to say 'it's gonna be alright' to someone to make them feel better. To be honest, that's probably the *last* thing you wanna say to Varian of all people. You can say, 'I don't know' or that you're scared if that's how you truly feel, you can tell someone that and still comfort them and be there when they need you".
"How would that comfort them?"
"Well, Varian prefers someone tellin him the truth, you can tell him you're scared and you're unsure, and he'd appreciate you tellin him while still bein there when he needs you. Saying that you understand the situation is bad but that you'll help them no matter what is, in itself, extremely comfortin!"
Eugene thought about that, "I guess so.... I just... I wanna do so much more... For him, for Rapunzel, for you, for everyone.... I just... Don't know if I can...."
Lance placed a hand on his best friend's shoulder, "you can, you've already started"
"What do you mean?"
"Eugene?" A quiet voice said, getting the pair's attention as they saw a very tired looking Varian standing in the doorway, Hugo standing next to him with a very disgruntled looking raccoon sitting on his boy's shoulders
"Varian? What are you doing up?" The Dark Prince asked gently as he immediately got up and walked over to the teen
"I.... Wanted to make sure you were okay", Varian replied sleepily
"If *I* was okay? Kid you just spoke to a wolf spirit and had a panic attack, and you're wondering if *I'm* okay?"
"I... Y-yeah.... You were worried e-earlier and t-then I had the panic a-attack and.... I... I'm sorry...."
"Varian, kid, you don't have to be sorry", Eugene replied, wrapping his arms around the teen, "you were just worried, and that's alright, you're al-!" He stopped and realized what he was doing. He chuckled and smiled at Lance, who smirked at him before he looked back at Varian, "it's okay kiddo, you don't have to worry"
"B-but I was so freaked out t-that you didn't even f-finish talking about the wolf thing and-!"
"I know, but I'm alright"
"Y-you.... Are?" Varian looked up at the man, his eyes were half open and he had bags underneath them, but they shined with worry and fear so deep that Eugene felt a small pit in his stomach open up, but he knew what he had to do
The Dark Prince let out a small sigh and spoke, "ok, maybe I'm not *perfectly* okay, it's still a little overwhelming, what's going on with you and Rapunzel. But that doesn't mean I'll be overwhelmed forever kiddo"
"B-but you're overwhelmed right now?"
"Just a little, but I'm actually getting better"
"You mean that?"
"Yeah, I mean it! Look, things like what's happening with you and blondie, they're gonna be a little confusing for me at times, but that's okay, that's kinda how it's supposed to go. I just need a little time to process is all, and I've gotten a little bit of that already. I don't hate you, I'm not scared of you, I was just a little overwhelmed is all, but I'm better now, so it's okay".
"....Oki"
".....I'm sorry I worried you though Varian... I didn't mean to make you upset"
The teen pulled away from the man a bit, realizing he was leaning against him like a child and blushing just a bit, "um.... S-sorry, um.... I-it's okay, I just... You...." Hugo stepped forwards and took Varian's hand in his, smiling at his boyfriend encouragingly before the blue eyed alchemist let out a small sigh, "you're really okay? You're not scared anymore, o-or... Or angry?"
"Angry? Why would I be-!" He stopped and remembered what he'd said earlier about being worried when Varian had interrupted with his fear for his father, "oh, kid is that what this is all about? You're worried I'm upset you and I didn't finish that conversation?"
"....That's.... A part of it...." Varian admitted
Eugene smiled lovingly at his tiny brother, "goggles, you were worried about letting your dad know you were safe before getting extremely tired. I was the one who suggested you go to bed remember? I'm not mad we didn't get to finish our conversation, actually, I'm glad you went to bed at all and are getting some sleep, it's good for you, especially after that panic attack"
"W-well.... I just... W-wanted to-!" Varian let out another yawn, "s-sorry, um.... I wanted to say you don't need to worry, I'm gonna tell dad everything when I see him next, a-and he's gonna help me control these powers. He'll know what to do, and I won't go looking for trouble in the forest or anything like that. I just.... Don't want you to have to worry about me...."
The Dark Prince was startled by this but he nodded, "I appreciate that kiddo, and I trust you, 100%! Just know that I'm still gonna look out for you though, you are my little brother after, I care about you, and I'll keep looking out for you, no matter what, okay?"
Varian smiled, "oki", he then let out another yawn
Eugene chuckled, "how about you and Hugo head on back to bed yeah? We'll head back to Corona in the morning and you'll be able to see your dad and do all that cute dad and son stuff you two do, okay?"
The blue eyed alchemist giggled and nodded, "ok, thanks Eugene"
"You're welcome kiddo, thanks for checking on me"
The freckled teen smiled back as he turned to walk away, he was nearly out of Eugene's view when he stopped and giggled, "what's up?" Lance asked
"I was right about the ghost wolf", Varian replied with a grin on his face
Eugene pouted as Lance and Hugo laughed, "I know, I'm well aware that you were right about the ghost wolf ya brat nugget! But we've still got one more mystery to solve, and even Quirin believes this mystery is true, so you can bet that I'll win in the very end!"
"We'll see"
"Seriously, you and Hugo are going in time out for a *very* long time when we get back!"
"Can't wait", Hugo replied, "I've been meaning to test out my newest creation, lotion for your lips, I'm thinking about calling it 'chapstick', since your lips get so very chapped when you kiss someone a lot, what do you think?"
Varian giggled as Eugene huffed, "go to Lance's guest bedroom!"
"And we get sent to the same room, oh this'll be fun"
"Hugo!"
"Also isn't it Angry and Catalina's guest room, since Lance is a guest here too?"
"HUGO!"
"Hee hee, stop it, you're gonna give him a migraine", Varian replied with a chuckle as Ruddigar rested on his boy's shoulders, content
"Alright alright, I'll stop", the blond replied as the Dark Prince let out a frustrated breath, "for now"
The man grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it at Hugo, who dodged before he grabbed Varian and ran into the bedroom, closing the door behind him as the freckled teen let out a wave of giggles. The Dark Prince sighed, "he's a brat"
"Yeah he is", Lance agreed with a chuckle before he looked at his best friend, "you feel better?"
Eugene's frustration melted away as he went over what he and Varian had just said and nodded, "a lot better, thanks Lance"
Notes:
Hello! :D
Early upload! Yay! This chapter ends the 4 parter, so yay! Next chapter is back in the castle with Quirin for the Village Leader curse and discussion on the wolf spirits. Just wanna say, the wolf spirits are not the power the Moon gave Varian, that's coming though :D
TEAM AWESOME!!!!! This chapter is purely Team Awesome fluff and I enjoyed writing every second of it! From Varian's panic attack to Eugene's worries to their eventual mutual understanding! I love these boys so much and I can't help enjoying writing them together! :D They make me happy! Plus, this is a character moment for Eugene and his eventual promotion to the Leader of the Royal guards! :D
Hugo is being a brat again and I love it, I like him and Eugene kinda picking on each other, it's funny to me, he's also being supportive because he's amazing!
Lance is being awesome! I love Lance so much, and writing him in a therapist role just makes sense to me! :D
Catalina and Angry were just kinda vibing in this chapter, but it's good to have them here! :D
Ruddy Buddy is the best raccoon! :D Olivia is the best mouse! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 246: A Blessing!
Summary:
Varian, Eugene, and Hugo head back to the castle with Catalina, Angry, and Lance to discuss the final curse and what just happened the night prior!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The smell of bacon is what hit Varian first, his nose sniffing the air interestedly as he began to rise out of bed. His eyes were still closed, but his stomach growled ferociously, "pfft!" He heard someone start to giggle, "we try a bell, a horn, yelling, calling your name, shaking you, kissing you like a princess, hell we even tried to take Ruddigar, you didn't even stir. But Lance makes some slightly crispy bacon the way you like it, and you're rising out of bed like a zombie from a grave, nice bed head by the way".
The freckled teen recognized this voice as Hugo's, and he hummed in response, "bacon", he said tiredly as his stomach growled again
Ruddigar chittered, "guess you're right Rud, come on Freckles, you'll get bacon once you're dressed and ready"
He felt Hugo help him out of bed, he didn't fight it, his eyes remained closed as he was taken to the privy nearby the guest bedroom, clothes were placed in his hands, "....Bacon...." He said again, his stomach growling once more
"Clothes first, teeth brushed, hair combed, then bacon", Hugo stated, Ruddigar chittering in agreement, "Ruddigar will be in there with you to make sure you're doing it right, okay love?"
Varian felt a small weight on his shoulders, he smiled when he felt the fur brush against his neck, "Ruddy"
The raccoon chittered lovingly, letting out a happy purr as his boy scratched his chin
The tired teen heard Hugo chuckle, "you two have fun in there, I'll be in here waiting"
With that, the blond closed the door, leaving Varian and Ruddigar alone in the bathroom. The raccoon hopped onto the nearby sink and chittered at his boy. Soon enough, Varian was dressed, hair combed, teeth brushed, and ready for the day, though his eyes were still closed. The raccoon shrugged, this happened from time to time, before he hopped onto his boy's shoulders and chittered again, prompting the alchemist to open the door.
A small sound was coming from the room as they stepped inside, it was coming from Hugo, it was.... Humming. Varian's eyes fluttered open a little as he listened to his boyfriend's tune, he recognized it, but he wasn't sure from where. He felt like it was important though. The blue eyed alchemist watched his boyfriend, smiling at bit at the quiet tune before the blond turned to see him staring, "oh!" He stopped and blushed, "um... H-how long have you been standing there?"
"Not long", Varian replied sleepily, "I've heard that song before, where have I heard it?"
"Huh? Oh! Uh.... N-nowhere! Just... Something I came up with, b-but it's um I-I still h-haven't-I-uh-HEY! You're eyes are open and you're dressed! I take it Ruddigar got you into ship shape then?" He asked, blushing even harder and he got up and walked over to the pair, scratching Ruddigar behind the ear, "good coon"
The freckled teen giggled, "yeah he did", he sniffed the air again, letting the humming go momentarily, "bacon"
"Yup, you're ready for the day, so you get good boy bacon"
"Good boy bacon?"
"Yup! Like good boyfriend points, you get good boy bacon!"
"....Oki, I'm fine with that considering it doesn't smell burnt", Varian replied with a smirk before his stomach growled *loudly*, "a-and we need to go e-eat it now", he stated, wrapping his arms around his stomach shyly
Hugo snickered, "come on sleepy head, lets get that stomach nice and filled yeah?"
"Oki"
The two alchemists made their way into the kitchen of the treehouse, they saw Eugene, Catalina, and Angry already sitting at the table, eggs and bacon on their plates with chocolate milk in their cups, coffee in Eugene's. Lance was at the stove, cooking up a storm and whistling as he did so, "what's that song?" Hugo asked as the two entered the kitchen
The former thief grinned at them, "hey you two, finally got grumpy up huh?"
"Yup", the blond replied, nudging Varian gently and getting him to blush again, "seriously though, what's that song, I've heard it before"
"Oh it's just a tune I picked up at the Snuggly Duckling, 'Listen up, all you goons, Listen up and hear my tunes, Every line, boys, is mine, So listen uuuuup~', it's a really catchy song, and they kept singin it the other day, so it's stuck in my head"
"Oh yeah! I think I remember that baker singing it at one point, Attila was his name, right?" Hugo asked, looking at Varian
"Yup, Attila", Varian replied with a smile, "he's got the best lemon tarts!"
"I'll have to try them, for now however-!" The bespeckled teen was interrupted by another loud growl
"What the fuck?!" Eugene exclaimed
"What *was* that?" Angry asked
Varian blushed even more as Hugo snickered again, Lance smiled, "I think our resident genius needs to fuel his body up"
"Oooh", all three people at the table stated, getting the teen to blush even more
Eugene smirked, "it's okay kiddo, we all have those days"
"Doesn't help that he helps his dad on the farm, works in a lab with heavy machinery, and has a giant genius brain he also needs to keep active", Angry pointed out
"Very true", the Dark Prince agreed, "come on over and have some breakfast kiddo", he pulled out a chain next to him and patted it
Varian smiled at the three of them, accepting the plate of eggs and bacon Lance handed him, thanking the man, and joining the group at the table. He then noticed the coffee and smiled, "you like that stuff too huh?"
"What stuff? The coffee? Yeah, it helps me wake up", Eugene replied, "also, too?"
"Dad, he drinks that stuff, but he says I'm too young to have any of it"
"Pfft! He's right, you'd be bouncing all over the walls and doing the cha cha with Hugo a hundred times over"
"I wouldn't mind that", the blond in question stated, having a plate of his own and sitting next to his boyfriend, Olivia hoping out and grabbing a piece of egg, nibbling on it happily while Ruddigar gratefully accepted some fruit and nuts Lance gave him as the man sat down
"Of course you wouldn't"
Varian smiled, "I wanna try it someday though, it looks interesting, and I don't know how it wakes you up in the morning, but I could certainly use some of it"
"Yeah, about that, do you often have trouble getting up in the morning Varian?" Catalina asked, "because we tried *everything* to wake you up earlier, but you didn't budge at *all*"
"Ehaha-heh~", the teen chuckled nervously, "yeah um.... I uh... I have a little problem with mornings, particularly that I am not a morning person. More of a night owl actually, in fact, mornings and me just do not agree and it's worse when it's in a place that isn't my home. Takes me longer to get up sometimes, doesn't help with everything in my head messing things up, but uh... Yeah, mornings are rough"
"I mean I'm with ya there", Hugo stated, "if the early bird gets the *worm*, then I'm staying in bed until there are *pancakes*!"
Eugene snorted, slapping a hand over his mouth to prevent any coffee from escaping. He sputtered a bit before he swallowed the hot drink and coughed a bit, "I was drinking my coffee when you said that you *ass*", he chuckled
Hugo snickered, "can't help how funny I am, just comes naturally"
"Yeah naturally like a fist to your face"
"Try me"
"Boys", Varian stated, "no fighting at the table please"
The two looked at the teen and sighed, "yes dad", they stated
Varian stopped before he blushed and giggled, "speaking of, we're seeing my dad today, right?"
"Yup", Lance replied, "we're headin back to the castle today to see Quirin and talk to him about the wolf spirits"
"And about the Village Leader curse", Eugene added, "which is real"
"I hope not", Varian replied, "not just for the bet, but for dad's sake, I get the feeling that if it is real, it's got something to do with me...."
Angry scoffed, "even if it was real, and it had something to do with you, I don't think the man minds"
"What do you mean?"
"Well think about it", Catalina said, "he's never been seen unhappy about his situation, you, his farm, his life, his home, Quirin's always seemed really happy, no matter what the circumstance"
"That's true, I think the only time I've ever seen that man upset or angry was when it pertained to something with you, but it was you hurt or in trouble", Eugene stated, "so even if the curse was real, and it had something to do with you, then I agree with with Angry, I don't think Quirin minds"
"Still..." Varian said, "I already cause him enough trouble with my alchemy and Moon powers, I don't want to do anything worse... I really don't..."
Hugo wrapped an arm around his boyfriend, "you don't cause trouble, things happen to everyone, not just you, and certainly not *because* of you. You did some bad things before, but who hasn't in their lifetime? You need to stop worrying so much, even if the curse happens to be true, then I highly doubt it has anything to do with you"
Varian smiled, "thanks, to all of you, that actually makes me feel a little better"
"No problem kiddo", Eugene replied with a smile, "now then, eat your food so you can stop scaring us with that loud tummy rumble"
The teen blushed, "oki, thank you to everyone *except* Eugene"
The Dark Prince chuckled, "your passive aggression has been noted goggles"
Varian shook his head but smiled all the same as he began to happily eat his breakfast
****
"Are we there yet?"
"Lance, I'm not playing this game"
"But are we there yet Varian?"
"Lance"
"Now?"
"LANCE!"
Angry and Catalina giggled as they rode beside their Lance, all of them having piled up in the small caravan, "that donkey is really strong huh?" The wolf girl pointed out as she watched Prometheus continue to pull the caravan
"Yup", Varian replied, "he's a good boy, isn't he Rud?"
The raccoon chittered happily, he was on the donkey's head, letting the wind shift through his fur as he purred, Olivia was seated on his head, squeaking with joy
The teens, girls and boys, giggled at the three animals, "castle's in sight!" Eugene stated
The group looked and saw the castle drawing closer, as the caravan slid to a halt, Varian noticed someone standing outside, waiting for him, "DAD!" He yelled, hopping out of the caravan and running over to his father, tackling him with a hug to the stomach
"Hi bubby!" Quirin replied, delighted by his son's excitement and returning the hug, "we saw the caravan from the window and wanted to come meet you all"
The blue eyed alchemist hummed happily before he remembered something and pulled away just a bit, "I-I'm sorry about last night... W-we were in the forest a-and got side tracked, y-you were in the middle of town a-and-!"
"It's alright", the retired knight replied gently, "I know how it can be sometimes, plus when you set the firework off, I could tell you were near Catalina and Angry's home, so I knew you were safe"
"I-I still sorry...."
"It's okay, it's okay", Varian buried his face in his father's vest as the man rubbed his son's back soothingly
Eugene smiled at the pair before he noticed his own father standing not too far away from the retired knight, Adira and Hector behind him, Hector looked *extremely* annoyed where as Adira seemed completely calm, "what's with you two?" He asked
"Oh Wild Child's just upset that I won majority of our bet yesterday", Adira stated
"You did fucking not!" Hector snapped, "you *cheated* and King Edmund had to call it off because I was getting *rightfully* up-fucking-set!"
"If you say so"
The wild tamer huffed, his nose wrinkling, Varian, sensing his uncle's anger, let go of his father and walked over to the man. He hesitated for a moment before he gently hugged Hector. The man froze for a moment or two, unsure of what to do before he sighed and returned the hug, "thanks"
"You're welcome!" Varian replied with a grin, they stayed that way for a moment until the blue eyed alchemist broke the hug. He looked up at his uncle but then let out a 'meep' of surprise as Hector picked him up by the scruff of his vest and showed him to Quirin
"Your spawn needs more hugs", the man stated, "your it's dad, fix it"
Quirin chuckled and took Varian in his arms, Ruddigar hopping onto the man's shoulder happily as Adira said, "translation, 'it made me feel better and I don't know how to react to that, so please take it away before I get emotional'"
"Shut the fuck up"
"I'm still right"
The freckled teen giggled, "I'm happy to see you all again! I missed you!"
"We missed you too little peanut, you, your butternut, and Hora-I mean Eugene", Edmund stated, blushing a bit, "sorry"
The Dark Prince smirked at the man, "you're fine, and we missed you as well", his father beamed with joy before he wrapped his arm around his son happily
"How was the mystery hunt?" Quirin asked
"Depends on who you're asking", Hugo replied with a smirk
The retired knight snorted, "well I don't see any lips puckered out in a pout, so I'm guessing science won the day"
"First, I do not stick my lip out when I pout", Varian stated
"Yes you do"
"Nu I don't"
"Yes you do"
"Anyway", Varian huffed, getting his father to snicker, "science won the day, like always, save for one more mystery we need to solve, and then.... Well... We um... found out something... Interesting about my Moon powers"
The Dark Kingdom inhabitant's eyes widened, "you.... Did?" Hector asked
"Yeah, i-it's nothing to worry about, no one got hurt or anything, just.... Something new"
"Are you alright?" The retired knight asked
"Yeah I'm okay, just startled, b-but okay, first though, we need to talk about the last mystery, you said you'd tell us once we got back"
"If I remember *correctly*, I said you tell me about your findings *first* after a good night's rest, then I talk about my 'curse', and I believe I see little tufts of sloppily combed hair in my son's mop of a head"
"Ey! I did my best this morning!"
"I can tell"
"Daaad!"
His father chuckled, "ok ok, how about this instead, you get a bath and freshen up, rest for a *small* amount of time, *then* we can talk, okay?"
"But but but-!"
"It's only for a little bit, and the sooner you clean up and rest, the sooner we can talk, besides", he looked at Eugene and Hugo, "it seems like you *all* need to freshen up, just a bit"
Eugene chuckled as Lance walked up beside him, Catalina and Angry following, "yeah, as much as I love Lance and the girls, we didn't expect to stay the night"
"It was comfortable though, right?" Catalina asked
"It was comfortable", Varian replied with a smile
"Yeah, the bed was really cozy, I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud", Hugo added with a grin, making the red head smile
The former thief chuckled, "I think 'fish skin' is just upset we didn't have his 30,000 lotions and vapor rubs for his 'morning routine'"
Adira snickered as Eugene raised a brow at him, "hey, skin hydration is important for a wrinkle-less face!"
"Either way, how about it, freshen up, rest, then talk?" Quirin asked
Varian looked like he wanted to argue, but Hugo walked over and took his hand in his, the two of them stared at each other for a moment before Varian sighed, "alright"
The retired knight nodded, thankful to the blond as he led the two of them in, "I'll make some hot chocolate if you get out of the privy fast enough"
That perked Varian right up as he nodded excitedly, "oki, I'll get the fastest bath in the kingdom!" He then ran off, leaving the group chuckling behind him as they saw Ruddigar hop off Quirin's shoulders and chase after his boy
****
The blue eyed alchemist hummed in delight as he saw in the dining area of the castle, his hot chocolate was sitting comfortably in his hands, his hair brushed and clean as Ruddigar happily munched on an apple from Quirin's orchard. The farmer himself was sitting next to his teen, Hugo sitting on his boyfriend's other side, Eugene was sitting across from the pair, Edmund sitting next to him, Adira sitting next to her king, and Hector sitting on Eugene's opposite side. Lance and the girls went to find Rapunzel, who Eugene had said was busy with meetings at the moment. All of them were quiet as they relaxed for a little bit, before Varian looked up at his father, "oki, so I'm clean, we've rested, hot chocolate is made, talk?"
Quirin chuckled, "talk"
Varian waited for him to say more, but his father just smiled at him, "dad"
The retired knight snickered, "alright, sorry, the 'curse', right?"
"Yeah, do you think it's real?"
"On some levels, yes"
"You do?!"
The retired knight nodded, "I didn't know very much about the man who ran the village before me, but I remember the state he'd left the farm in. The animals were sick and dying, the crops were horribly overgrown, and the farmhands and stable men and women didn't know what they were doing. It was a complete mess, and when I came in, it seemed to alert everyone involved. They were scared and acting strange, like they didn't trust me, I suppose having someone who's new in town come and take charge the way I was supposed to may have caused some alarm. But it was almost as if they were scared to hear me even *speak*"
"Really?"
"Yeah, they jumped when I'd open my mouth, were surprised at how soft I spoke, they were so frightened before, but by the end of the second month, everyone had calmed down and the crops were doing far better. There were more animals in the barns, the horses were safe and clean, everything was completely fine. The villagers didn't know what to make out of me either, I was shy, quiet, but I looked terrifying I suppose"
"You're a gentle giant", Eugene stated
"Well thanks... I think, either way, they eventually warmed up to me as well, I heard about the curse soon after that, but I hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary, the crops were still good, the animals in good conditions, everything was fine. But then, well.... Something came along"
Varian's eyes widened, "what do you mean?"
"Well, there was nothing wrong before this came around, then after, there was a few problems I constantly had to fix around the village. The villagers would get antsy about them too, always coming to me with an issue when this tiny 'curse' came along"
"This curse.... Why do you keep using air quotes around that word? If something's bothering people, shouldn't you stop it?" Varian asked, "and if it's a huge problem that constantly happens, then wouldn't that be the curse? And wouldn't you want to be rid of it?"
Quirin sighed, "I wouldn't say the problems this 'curse' would cause were huge by any means, in fact, this 'curse' has actually helped this village much more than anything else had, even me. It's why I use air quotes, I don't find what I have to be a 'curse', I actually think it's a blessing"
"A blessing?"
"Yes, my 'curse' is not a curse, it's just trying to help, and it's actually done *a lot* for the village in general! Many people even like my 'curse', because it's doing it's best to make up for what it's done, and I care about it too, a lot"
Varian was silent, his heart was beating, he knew what his father was talking about, he just didn't want to ask, but he took a huge breath and asked anyway, he needed to know, "dad.... Is it me?"
"Will you let me explain after I give you my answer?"
"......Yeah, because I think I already know it, and I wanna see your point of view"
"Are you going to be okay to?"
Varian thought about it, Ruddigar nuzzled his boy as Hugo placed a hand on his, they knew, he didn't know when they'd figured it out, but they knew, that thought seemed to comfort him a bit as he nodded, "yeah, I think I will"
The father nodded and, with a deep breath he answered, "yes, my 'curse', be *definition*, is you", he waited, Varian didn't say anything, only nodded, prompting him to continue, "it wasn't you when you were born, but it was when you began to get into alchemy. Your experiments and such did cause damage, and, at first, the villagers weren't sure what to make out of you. They kept coming to me about what I should do and how to stop you from your alchemy. There were times where I got frustrated and wanted you to stop myself, I'm ashamed to say that, but it's true, and I'm sorry for that...."
"It's okay"
"It's really not, but I'm fixing it, see.... Something changed in me one day. It was the day you and I had that fight and I went and hid in the gardens, you remember?"
The teen thought about it, he remembered his father's frustration and watching him storm off to work. He remembered feeling horrible and going to draw in his room, then he remembered his father coming in to talk with him, he nodded, "I remember, you seemed calmer after that"
"I was, because I hadn't realized *why* you were doing alchemy, you were doing it for me, but... Varian you reminded me so much of myself in that moment"
The blue eyed alchemist looked up at his father, "I did?"
"Yeah, back in the Dark Kingdom, I wanted to be a gardener! I didn't want to be a knight, or a soldier, I wanted to live on a farm, take care of plants, I wanted to study them and make new ones, son I wanted to be a gardener, and I never got the chance to be because I had to be a knight", he noticed Edmund's saddened look, "with no fault to you, it was your father, not you, so stop feeling bad".
"It's hard not to sometimes", Edmund stated
"You gave me an area to be myself in while doing something for my community, was it the best situation? No, but I would do it all over again if I had the chance, so it's okay", he stated, smiling at his king, Edmund smiling back before Quirin looked at his son again, "I realized in that moment, that you were exactly like me, you wanted to be something that not a lot of people understood, not even me, and I was turning into something that I never wanted to be, something I told myself I'd never become. That's the difference between you and all the curses this kingdom and it's Village Leader's have, every single Village Leader left, abandoned the village, and it's people, with the exception of the very first one. The village was left to rot, the farms were gone, everything was destroyed and no one ever heard from the older leaders again. But *you*, my tiny, innocent, bubby, you sat there and, with one sentence alone, stopped me from becoming something I never wanted to be, you stopped me from becoming a man that I've had to deal with for my entire life, you stopped me from being someone worse. Varian you *saved* me that day, from becoming someone horrible and close minded. Because of *you*, I'm a better person, because of *you*, I can be the father I want to be, because of *you*, I'm happy, I love my home, I love my family, I love my gardens, and I love my job, all because *you* were in my life and *you* changed me to be better than I was. I still made mistakes, lots of horrible mistakes, but I learned from them instead of hiding, I grew and got better instead of running away, and it's all because of *you* Varian"
"I....." The teen was so startled by his father's words, "I.... Y-you were already a great dad though"
"No I wasn't... I wasn't the person I wanted to be, and you know what, I honestly think that's what the 'curse' actually is. I think it's a trial, something the Village Leader has to face during their time as the Village Leader. I don't think of it as a curse, I see a test, something to put a strain on the leaders, find out if they can handle the task or if they're doomed from the start. My test was to see if I was willing to be open minded, to take risks and accept new possibilities even though I knew the road after the decision would be hard, and that test was formed when I was at my breaking point with alchemy, I passed, and because I did, I got the best son in the universe, I got the best home I could ask for, the best family I've ever wanted or needed, son I got my home back, I got my family back, new and old, everyone's back, even the long lost *prince* returned with his *father*, a man I didn't think I'd *ever* see again! Hector and Adira are back, Hector's mad at Adira but they're still here, they're alive, I've got the son I've *always* wanted, I got to be a father, a husband, I get the chance to make up for everything I did, I couldn't be happier with you. I don't consider you a curse, you're my *blessing*, you're the universe giving me my life back, you're my symbol that everything's going to be okay, Varian, you're my *son*, and I would never consider you anything less than that, I'm glad you're here, I'm glad you were my 'curse', but I was starting to change into someone horrible, I needed you in that moment, and there are times when I need you to *remind* me of that moment, you're my blessing, and that's never going to change, ever"
Varian felt tears slid down his cheeks as he smiled wide at his father, he felt his heart fill with warmth and comfort as he got up and ran to the man, hugging him tightly and holding on to him tightly. He never wanted to let go of his father, never, he relished in the smell of wood and apples, listening to the sound of the man's heart beat as he felt himself being picked up and held. He kept his eyes closed, not wanting to open them for fear of this being a dream as he held onto the man he cherished most in this world, "you're a blessing too dad, y-you're my blessing too, and you always w-will be, forever"
He heard Quirin hum with delight, his father's grip tightening around him lovingly, in that moment, they both felt the flames in their hearts grow bigger and brighter than they ever had before, and for that small moment in their chaotic lives, it was perfect!
Notes:
Hello! :D
This chapter is all about loving the Moon bean! I promised this a long time ago, but Varian needed some hot chocolate, some snuggles, good food, and lovins, so he got them, and Quirin was the one to give them to him! :D
Eugene, Lance, Catalina, and Angry were kinda chilling in this chapter, they were there for the first part, but the second half was Quirin and Varian, so they were chilling after that, but they still had some moments because I love them, and I'll be giving them more time to shine too! :D
Hugo is being the best boyfriend again! I love this bean so much, he's such a wholesome boy and I can't get enough of writing him as such!!!!!! I love it when he's there for his Varian, and it's nice to have him in that situation, also the song he was humming will be coming up soon :D
Adira and Hector are being siblings again XD I love these two so much! The sibling vibe is strong with these two! <3
Edmund is adorable and I'm gonna be writing him into the story more frequently, or trying to, he's a good King! <3
Quirin is the absolute best dad in the universe and Varian is the absolute best son in the universe, no one can tell me otherwise! I honestly feel like he would say something like that to Varian, how he's changed for the better because of him! Varian's changed Quirin as much as Quirin's changed Varian, they need each other and I love writing chapters where they show how much they care for one another! <3 IT makes me happy and I hope it does to you all as well <3
Ruddy and Liv are the best animal companions ever! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 247: Father Knows Best!
Summary:
When Varian gets swept into a meeting that he's not allowed to join, Hugo is unsure of what to do with himself and gets help from the one person closer to Varian than himself, Quirin!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It had been a couple of days since they'd gotten back from the mystery trip, and everyone was busy getting ready for the 7 Kingdom Ball. Hugo walked the halls of the castle, he felt a little lost in the pandemonium of the maids running to and from rooms. Letting out a small sigh, he kept walking, staring at the floor as he did so, he rounded the corner before bumping into someone, "oof! Oh! Sorry! I kinda got lost and I-!"
"Hugo?"
The blond looked up to see Quirin staring at him, "o-oh! Hi Quirin, sorry I uh... Didn't see you there", the teen blushed a little, getting the Village Leader to chuckle
"It's alright, the castle's in a state of chaos right now, what are you doing?" The retired knight asked, "I thought you'd be with Varian right now"
The alchemist chuckled bitterly, "he got pulled into a surprise meeting. The princess thought it would be a good idea to ask him to take control of the fireworks for the ball, and when Varian said yes, he thought he'd be left alone to make the fireworks, well apparently not...."
"I knew about the fireworks show, but why are you in there?" Quirin asked
"They um.... They see me as a guest so.... I can't really be apart of a Coronan planning committee for the ball when I'm a guest...."
The Village Leader smiled at the alchemist sympathetically, "I'm sorry"
"Not your fault, just... Don't really know what to do right now, no one's letting me help them because I'm a guest so....."
"What would you normally do right now?"
"I'd.... Um...." The teen sighed, "be talking with Don...."
"Oh...."
"Yeah...." The alchemist sighed, "I know what she did was wrong, *very* wrong, but.... I... don't really know what to do with myself w-when she and Varian aren't around...."
Quirin thought for a moment, "well, what do you like to do?"
"....Um..... Aside from inventing and alchemy, which, since I don't have all of my equipment for nor the key to Varian's lab at the moment, I can't do.... Nothing.... I took orders and did them.... Or I hung out with Varian... I.... Don't know *what* I like to do.... Isn't that stupid....."
"That's not stupid Hugo, that's.... Well it's understandable", the retired knight said gently, "you were told what to do and say, the only time you weren't was when you were with Varian or in a lab, so it's understandable that you really don't know what to do with yourself while he's gone"
"I'm glad you understand, seems like all the maids think I'm odd, save for Faith, she's cool, but she's busy so....."
Quirin thought again before he got an idea, "why not try out new things with me today?"
"What do you mean? Don't you have something to do?"
The retired knight shook his head, "I'm free today, it's one of my days off, and I was actually looking to see if Varian was available to spend a day together, but since he's busy, how about we try new things?"
Hugo raised a brow, "what about your siblings, or you king, wouldn't you rather spend time with them?"
"Hugo, I *like* you, plus you're my son's boyfriend, we should get to know each other better. Plus I don't think I can take a full day of my sibling's bickering...."
The green eyed teen snickered, "fair point, ok if you really want to, I wouldn't mind, but... What do we start with?"
"Hmmm.... Well, you like inventing and alchemy, why don't we branch off from there?"
"Ok.... How?"
Quirin chuckled, "well Varian says baking is kinda like alchemy, so how about we start there?"
Hugo chuckled, "I was with Varian when he baked something for a picnic a little while ago, that was fun, though we ended up pretty messy after"
"Did you try to bake?"
"Not.... Really, I was kind of his assistant"
Quirin smirked, "well today, that's going to change, come on"
The pair walked towards the kitchen, Hugo's heart pumping a million miles per minute as he saw the location draw closer and closer to him
****
"So.... What should we make?" The blond asked as the retired knight grabbed a few bowls out of the cupboards
"Well.... what do you want to make? This is us trying to find out what you like right? Is there something you've always wanted to try creating?" Quirin asked
"Hm... W-well.... Um...." The bespeckled teen blushed, "n-no?....."
Seeing the inventor's distress, the retired knight came to his aid, "it's alright, how about we start out small, cookies are fairly simple, and I happen to know the castle chef's have all the ingredients for them"
"O-ok"
"Do you know what kind of cookies you like?"
"Um.... Chocolate chip"
"Then we'll make chocolate chip, we can even make some for Varian since he liked them too, here", Quirin grabbed the ingredients and began to show Hugo what to do, "I like to mix dry ingredients in one bowl, then the wet ingredients an another, then mix them together at the end before adding the chocolate chips. It's much less messy and makes things a bit easier to clean after"
"Ok, so where do we start?"
"Well, first we mix the dry together, flour, sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt". The blond nodded and began to measure the ingredients, with Quirin's guidance, they'd mixed the dry, the wet, put them together, and mixed the chocolate chips in as well. By the time they were done, the kitchen was a mess and Hugo was covered head to foot in cookie batter, but they scooped and rolled the dough onto a pan and waited for the cookies to bake while they cleaned up, Quirin chuckled, "you're a messy baker"
"I guess so, heh, sorry"
"It's alright, Varian was too, his first baking creation was cupcakes, though... I'd call them more soufflés considering he didn't let them bake all the way".
"He didn't?"
"No, he took them out too early and they ended up doughy and raw, he tried to bite one too, I stopped him and put them back in the oven, but it was too late and they got burnt after. IT was a bit of a disaster, and he was covered in flour and kept sneezing!"
The bespeckled teen laughed, "he's got a really cute sneeze!"
"Yes he does!" Quirin agreed with a chuckle, "I taught him how to bake better after that, he was just so excited, oh, here", the man handed Hugo a cookie dough covered spoon, "try it"
The inventor raised a brow, "isn't there raw egg in this?"
The Village Leader chuckled, "you and Varian both, yes, but a little bit won't cause any harm, case in point, after Varian and I had a full on debate about the safeties of eating raw batter, he licked the spoon and enjoyed it so much that he threw logic out the window, he's never gotten sick from licking the spoon, and he still licks it to this day".
Hugo snorted, "Freckles is something else, huh?"
"Yes he is, you should try it though, it's good"
The blond looked at the spoon before he shrugged and licked it, his eyes widened at the sugary taste going down his throat, he hummed with delight and licked it again and again, enjoying the flavor before the spoon was completely clean of cookie dough, he looked at it and blushed, "um.... Heh sorry"
Quirin laughed, "I'm glad you enjoyed it", the old farmer checked the cookies a few moments later, taking them out and setting them on the oven nearby, "we'll let them cool for a moment, how about you go and get yourself clean, then we can try them, yeah?"
"Ok", the bespeckled teen replied before he left the kitchen and cleaned himself off, he cringed a little at how messy he was. Shrugging off his embarrassment, he managed to clean himself enough to where he was satisfied before he wandered back into the kitchen, he saw Quirin fanning the cookies a bit, smiling at them, "you're fanning them?"
"Hm? Oh!" The man stopped, blushing a bit, "sorry, it's an old habit, when I baked with Varian, he'd get so excited about trying whatever we'd made that he'd run in, after getting cleaned up, and would grab one of what we'd just made and eat it without hesitation. Burned his little tongue a few times when he did that, so I tried to fan them whenever he'd get cleaned to prevent it"
"Didn't you ever tell him not to?"
"I tried, but when he gets excited, nothing stands in his way"
"Oh geez", the teen snickered, "he's accident prone isn't he?"
"Very much so, though he's gotten better"
Hugo smiled, "are they cool enough though?"
"Not quite, you won't burn your mouth, but they need to set for a little longer"
"Ok, so what should we do until then?"
"Well, we could plan what else we're going to try, do you have anything in mind?"
The blond thought for a moment, "well.... I.... S-still don't know.... I'm sorry"
"You don't have to apologize, it's alright, did you enjoy baking?" Quirin asked with a smile
The blond nodded, "not as much as alchemy or inventing, but it was fun, though I can only see myself doing it with Varian or you now"
"You can also try and plan a surprise, and there's lots of things you can bake aside from cookies too", Quirin said
The bespeckled teen nodded, "true, if I were to do this again by myself as a surprise or something, I think I could do it, though maybe not all the time"
"That's fair, so baking isn't a hobby, but you enjoy it, right?"
"Yup"
"Ok, well there's something you like then! But we still need a hobby for you, baking wasn't the right one, but there's plenty of other things we could try, like drawing and painting, gardening, reading, dancing, walking, shopping, fishing, swimming, crafts, sparring, knitting-!"
"You knit?"
"Sometimes, I don't know if you've ever seen it, but on one of Varian's blue shirts, there's a little patch on his sleeve from when he burnt a hole through it, I had to learn how to knit and sew to fix it, I think I did pretty well, though I'll be honest, I haven't really kept up with it"
Hugo smirked, "you did a lot of new things because of Varian didn't you?"
"Yup", Quirin replied with a grin, "he had me learn a lot of new things to help him grow up"
"What do *you* like to do?"
"Well, I like gardening and cooking, I like to read, and I love playing my guitar. Sparring is fun too, though that's probably because of my siblings, not Varian, oh! I also like fishing and seeing what's new in the market, and Botany"
"Wait, you're a botanist?"
"Yes but, don't tell Varian, he doesn't know yet and I'm a little worried telling him *now* would upset him since I've never told him before"
The bespeckled teen giggled, "I don't think he'd mind, but I'll keep it a secret for you, though I've been interested in Botany, making and discovering new plants sounds pretty cool, I've also thought about mixing herbs together and finding out what they could do, maybe even make some medicine and such".
Quirin chuckled, "I certainly wouldn't mind showing you my journal sometime, though.... I have an idea you may like"
"Really? What?"
"Well, you like to work with your hands right?"
"Right"
"Well, there's a few things we could try with that, but you like creating new things from old ones, correct?"
"Mm-hmm"
"How about origami?"
"Origami?"
"Yeah, taking a piece of paper and folding it into a new shape, you can make hats, animals, anything your imagination grants should you fold it right"
The blond thought about it and smiled, "that *does* sound intriguing, b-but, um.... You're gonna be with me, right?"
The retired knight nodded, "I'll be with you to try it out, Adira has a lot of books on the subject actually", at the teen's raised brow, the Village Leader chuckled, "she finds it relaxing and liked to make hats for me and Hector when we were younger, I still have the ones she made me"
"Why does that not surprise me with her?"
"Because she's Adira"
"True"
Quirin smirked, "how about we try these cookies, then, if they're good, we can bribe her into showing us a few origami shapes"
"Ok!" The pair tried them, "not bad! A little heavy on the salt though, that was my bad"
The retired knight grinned, "definitely not bad for a first attempt, though you're right, a little too much salt"
"Should we make a new batch for Adira?"
The Village Leader shook his head, "she'll like them either way, come on, let's go find her"
Hugo smiled and nodded, taking the cookies and scooping them on a plate before he and Quirin began to walk out, the teen stopped in the doorway and looked up at the man, "Quirin"
"Hm?"
"Thanks, for spending some time with me, you didn't have to, but I'm really glad you did"
The man beamed, "what are father's for?"
The blond blinked, blushing for a moment, "b-but I uh, I-I uh mean, m-me and Varian a-aren't-n-not that I don't *want* to b-but I-I-!"
Quirin chuckled, "see? I can fluster people too"
The bespeckled teen stopped and laughed, "ok, you got me, that was good"
"Hee hee, thanks, and Hugo"
"Hm?"
"Same to you, thanks"
The inventor smirked, realizing how lonely that man must've felt without his child, "you're welcome", he replied before they walked out of the kitchen to look for Adira
****
Varian stretched, letting out a squeaky yawn as he, Rapunzel, and Eugene walked out of the meeting room, "wow that was a lot of politics", the alchemist stated, "I thought we were only supposed to discuss the fireworks"
"Yeah sorry about that", the princess replied, "I didn't expect them to discuss the state of things in this meeting, it really *was* just to discuss the fireworks and the ball in general"
"The windbags in there tend to get a little off track", the Dark Prince stated
"So I noticed...." Varian said before he sighed, "at least it's done, and I've got some ideas for the fireworks show, though.... How do you two sit through that and *not* have panic attacks about how horrible the world seems to be?"
"Because they tend to dramatize everything", the princess responded, "for example, that 'pest problem' in Galecrest? Dad went out to find out what it was, it's just stray kitties, and not a lot of them either, wandering the streets at night, he said it wasn't that bad and the kitties weren't attacking anyone"
"And the oh so scary 'noises in the middle of the night' in Nedzerdnia are just crickets and raccoons and other nocturnal animals hiding in the woods, they don't ever come out, the things they complain about are usually just everyday stuff that 'commoners' ignore", Eugene stated
"Oh, s-so the log loader in Old Corona breaking is nothing but drama?" Varian asked, perking up a bit
"Um no.... That one's actually true and it's kinda our fault it happened and is taking a while to fix due to the lack of guards and resources because of the villagers needing them to fix up their homes", Rapunzel replied shyly
"Oh.... I um.... I think that may be my fault too...."
"Kid, you're good, you've fixed *a lot*, trust me, so don't feel bad. Plus the slow rebuild is also because that thing was *ancient* and no one really needs it anymore, so there's a lack of volunteers, it's not because of you"
"R-right..." The alchemist said, looking down, his head was low and his eyes looked tired and sad, Ruddigar chittered worriedly and nuzzled his boy, getting a chin scratch in return
The prince and princess looked at each other worriedly before Rapunzel said, "hey, what do you think Quirin's doing right now? Should we go find him?"
The blue eyed teen chuckled, "yeah, Hugo too, I wanna see what he ended up doing after I got pulled into that meeting"
"Were you two planning on hanging out?" Eugene asked
Varian nodded, "we were going to, but he wasn't allowed in, I hope he found something to do, I've been a little worried about him"
"Why's that?"
"Well, he's been hanging out with me and only me ever since Donella left, I think he doesn't really know what to do with himself right now, and that concerns me, I wanna help him find different things to do so he can feel better when left alone, but since I haven't really gotten time to look into it, I don't really have too many ideas"
"Why not just take him around and try some new things?" Rapunzel suggested
"That... Was kinda the plan for today actually"
".....Ah"
"Yeah.... I don't blame you two, just wanna know if he's alright"
Eugene smirked, "you really care about him, don't you?"
"I really do", Varian replied with a smile on his face, "he makes me happy, and I wanna do the same for him, in any way I can"
"Well then, we'll help you look!" Rapunzel exclaimed, "we'll leave no stone unturned!"
"No lab un-searched!" Eugene chimed in
"No book un-read!" The princess stated
"No remark un-sassed!" The Dark Prince added, when he got raised brows from the two, he blushed, "am I wrong? The kid's sassy!"
"In a good way I hope", Varian said, giving Eugene the stink eye
"In a good way kid, no need to give me the brow, I'm not insulting your Hugo"
Rapunzel giggled at the two before she stopped in front of the family room, hearing something inside, "hey guys, wait, listen"
Team Awesome stopped and looked at the princess before they walked over and listened, they heard laughing from three people inside, one of them sounded like Adira, but the other two were a little deeper and sounded like, "Hugo?" Varian stated, "dad?" He opened the door a little more and walked in before he stopped and stared at the scene before him. Hugo and Quirin had papers in their hands and were folding them in various different shapes, they had different colored hats on their heads, one pink, the other blue, both made out of paper in the shape of pirate hats. Adira was sitting across from them, she had a green hat on and was folding, what looked to be a butterfly. The alchemist blinked a few times before he grinned, "what are you three doing?"
"Varian!" Hugo exclaimed, getting up and running over to his boyfriend, hugging him happily before he pulled away and smiled, "hi! How'd the meeting go?"
"It was.... Informative"
"Boring as fuck, got it, me and Quirin made cookies and then got Adira to show us how to make origami! Look!" He pulled out a blue hat with yellow stars drawn on it, "I made you a hat!" He placed it on the freckled teen's head, "I made one for Ruddigar too!" He placed a green hat, with apples drawn on it, on Ruddigar, the raccoon chittered happily, "I also made a *really* bad butterfly, but Adira says if I keep practicing I'll get better! I plan on making a *huge* paper boat, I think it'd be pretty cool! Oh!" He gestured to the table, "want some cookies? They're a little salty, but they came out alright for my first try"
The blue eyed alchemist blinked a few times before he looked at Hugo, "you.... Baked? And made origami?"
"Yeah! I found out I actually like it! Adira's gonna let me borrow some books and work on a few shapes on my own, I'm gonna show them to her once I'm done, I can make you some too if you want"
The freckled teen saw how happy his boyfriend was, and he smiled wide, "oki! Wait, how'd you make this?" He pointed to the hat
"You want me to show you? It's actually really neat!"
"Sure!" Varian replied with a giggle, "once I try a cookie, I'm actually really hungry"
"Ok, Quirin brought some snacks too, we've got crackers and cheese and-oh! Sorry, hi Eugene, hi Rapunzel, didn't see you there", the bespeckled teen said, "and hi Pascal"
The chameleon waved back at the boy with a grin, getting Rapunzel and Eugene to smile
"You two wanna join? You can try some cookies"
"We'd love to!" The princess exclaimed, "I wanna learn how to make a hat too, oh! And maybe some flowers!"
"Adira's showing us that next, come on!" Hugo exclaimed before he grabbed Varian's hand and pulled him towards the table
The blue eyed alchemist laughed as he watched Hugo excitedly give him a cookie and a piece of paper, his father smirked, "hi son"
"Hi dad, nice hat"
"Thanks, we ran out of red paper"
"The pink brings out your eyes"
"Thank you!"
Varian grinned before he tried the cookie, for a moment, the salt was a little overwhelming, but the sweetness fought it off instantly, making the experience interesting to say the least, "they aren't bad actually, too salty, but still edible!"
"Thanks!" Hugo replied, sitting next to him, "we're about to make this flower", he pointed to a page in, what Varian assumed was, Adira's book
"A lotus flower!" Rapunzel exclaimed as she and Eugene sat down and grabbed some paper, "those are really pretty!"
Eugene took a cookie and tried it, he nodded approvingly, "you're right, these aren't bad!"
Hugo beamed with excitement, blushing as well, "thanks!"
"You're welcome"
Adira smiled, "ready?"
"Yeah!" the bespeckled teen replied and they all began to fold their papers, Eugene's wrinkled and tore, Rapunzel's came out crooked, Quirin's was a little better, but had a few more folds than needed, Varian's kept unfolding but looked close to the picture, Hugo's and Adira's were the only two that came out perfect, the blond held it up with pride, his joy increasing as everyone complimented his work, and for once in his life, he finally felt like he was home.
Notes:
Hello! :D
This is a fun chapter where Hugo and Quirin bond! I don't see a lot of those so I wanted to make one! I hope you all like it! :D
Quirin is the best dad in the world, and him being there for not only one, but *two* anxious alchemists makes me happy, plus Hugo needs a father figure in his life, who better than Quirin am I right? :D
Hugo himself being lost and unsure of himself as he's alone in the castle makes sense considering he spent all his time being told what to do and say by Donella. He never really made a choice on his own, save for alchemy and inventing, which is why he's so attached to it. So him finding new things to do, stuff that he enjoys just for fun is nice to see :D
Varian is being a worry wart over his boyfriend and his dad and it's adorable to write! :D This bean is too adorable for words in all honesty! :D
Rapunzel and Eugene are good big siblings, I love them very much! <3
Adira is just vibing, she's only here for the cookies XD
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 248: Quirin vs His Son's First Crush!
Summary:
Cassandra needs answers about the Moonstone, so she seeks out the only person she knows she can get to answer them, Quirin!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"You can't ignore me forever you know"
There was no reply
"I'm only doing what you wish, helping you to get the destiny you desire, so why are you angry with me?"
Still no response
"Are you really this upset? You need to get the Moonstone to listen to you, this is the only way to do so unless we have the scroll! Plus I've already warned you of the Moonstone's power choosing the boy over you, you've noticed it yourself! Is it any wonder we were attacked by those wolf spirits, they are loyal to that *boy*, which is *why* you need to do as I say since you do not have the scroll at the moment! This is our *only* option Cassandra, why are you frustrated with *me* about this?"
Cassandra huffed, she turned to face the little ghost girl, her blue eyes flashing dangerously, "I told you I don't want to *hurt* anyone *innocent*!" She snapped, "what you want me to do to *Varian* is crossing a line!"
The girl chuckled, "dear didn't you *already* cross a line when you betrayed that princess friend of yours?"
"That was different, Rapunzel wasn't innocent! Varian though-!"
"Didn't you tell me that boy went and kidnapped a queen? Didn't he try to harm you and your friends with giant automatons? Tell me again how he's innocent after doing such things to *you* of all people?"
"He..... Had his reasons-Look, I don't care what you say, I'm *not* doing *that* to him! He's just a *kid*!"
"He also terrorized an entire kingdom.... Twice, if I'm not mistaken"
There was no response
"Nothing to say? Really?"
"He....." Cassandra stopped and sighed, "he's not *innocent*, but there are lines I'm *not* willing to cross... That... What you're suggesting.... I can't.... I just can't...."
The ghost girl sighed, "Cassandra, I understand why you feel you can't do what I'm suggesting, but it's the *only* way to take back what is *rightfully* yours! Your *destiny* remember? We don't have the scroll, nor can we translate it if we ever got it! The next best option is the one I'm showing you!"
"There's gotta be a better way-!"
"There isn't! There's no 'better way' no 'workaround, *NOTHING*! That's the *only* way for you to get the power that resides in that boy without having the scroll, and you *must* have that power, if not, then you'd be going to battle with someone that can stop you from using your powers easily! You've said the Moonstone isn't giving you as much power as it was before yourself, well it's *because* it recognizes there's a person out there with it's powers and is attaching to him!"
"Why does he even have them?" Cassandra asked, "you know, it seems like you're hiding a lot from me! You keep saying this is the only way aside from using the scroll itself, and the reason we can't do that is because Rapunzel has it and even if we did have it, you can't translate the words on it, but why should I even trust you? Why are you even helping me at all? And why can't you translate the scroll? You were there when it was *made*!"
The girl sighed, "because I understand what it's like for Coronans to betray you and I only want them to get what they deserve, the same as you in fact. As for the translation of the scroll itself, Demanitus wrote it in a language only he could understand, it was a secret language that you'd have to study other ancient languages to decipher, it drove people *insane* trying, and they only managed to translate the healing and decay incantation, which you saw before in the Great Tree. Since I want the same thing as you I'm more than willing to help, but I can't do so if I've lost my sanity"
".....You're not telling me everything.... You say you used to be a Brotherhood member, but Adira was one too, and she *wanted* the Sundrop to have the Moonstone, she was working *with* Coronans and believed they were the only ones that could help!"
"Yes she did, then another Brotherhood member tried to warn you not to listen to her, Hector was his name I believe, he said not to trust her, isn't that right?"
Cassandra blinked and thought for a moment, "he.... Did... But why?"
"Because he knows Coronans can't be trusted either"
"But he fought with them! He was with Varian and Adira, and Quirin, Varian's dad, too!" Cassandra argued, "he fought against me, why would he do that if he doesn't trust Coronans?"
"Because they *weren't* Coronans", the ghost girl stated, "they were his Brotherhood mates, and one of their sons. Plus you stole the Moonstone, even if he doesn't agree with this, Adira women, he would follow the old saying, 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend', he didn't want you to touch the Moonstone at *all*, which is why he fought to stop you and get it back".
Cassandra looked down for a moment, "ok, but what about Quirin? And Varian himself? They *live* in Corona!"
"The boy was *born* there, he doesn't have any other home, yet he fought against Corona and tried to take it over twice before he was on their side once again. He doesn't trust them *fully*, but he knows nothing of his real lineage so he's got no other choice. His father is a different story, I know nothing of the man though.... So his reasons for living in Corona are unknown to me, though I highly doubt he fully trusts Coronans either"
"....Maybe I should ask him...."
The girl looked at her, "what are you thinking?"
".....We're close to Corona.... I know he'd do anything for his kid...."
The ghost girl raised a brow, "you really want to risk getting captured for something as small as getting answers from this man about why he chose to live in Corona?"
"It wouldn't be just for his answers about his choice of living there...." Cassandra stated
"What do you mean?"
The women glared at the ghost girl, "you're not telling me everything, I don't fully trust you, but I believe you when you say Coronans can't be trusted, but you're not telling the whole story. Plus you don't even seem to know *everything* about the Moonstone yourself!"
The ghost girl huffed, "well it's not like I had an infinite amount of time to study it, I am giving you the information that I know though"
"Yes but it's not enough, maybe there's a solution to this problem that not even *you* know, plus I just.... Need a different perspective, and I need it from someone who knows the Dark Kingdom and it's secrets, he's my best bet...
"What makes you so sure he'll even listen to you above all the other members?"
"Because I don't trust Adira as far as I can throw her, and that other Brotherhood member would attack me.... The one with the rhino"
"Hector"
"Him, yes, he'd attack me before I could even start to say a work, I'd go for the king, but he's Eugene's father, and I know next to nothing about him so I can't really get any answers from him, plus he's not a member of the Brotherhood so-!"
"Actually he is"
"What?!"
"The king of the Dark Kingdom has always stood next to the Moonstone to protect it, he's just as much a member as the rest of them are, mark and all"
"....Well that'll information that would've been helpful before"
"That I honestly thought you knew"
Cassandra rolled her eyes, "either way he wouldn't want to help either, and Eugene would know to look out for me, he can defend himself and would be around Lance and Rapunzel, so there's no use in trying to threaten him either.... But Quirin.... I *know* he would do *anything* for his kid, I've already seen that for myself... If I threaten Varian in any way, he'll stop and listen to what I have to ask, and I need more answers about the Moonstone in general.... Among other things...."
"Other things?" The ghost girl asked as she tilted her head to the side, "what are you planning Cassandra?"
The women's eyes glowed an electric blue as the Moonstone sparked in reaction to her emotions as she turned and smiled at the ghost, "you'll see..."
****
Quirin wiped his brow of the sweat it'd acquired, he looked up and smiled at the bright, blue sky above him, it was a gorgeous day out, perfect for gardening! He continued to plow the fields below him, enjoying the back breaking labor as he thought about the newest crops peaking out from the dirt, he'd seen the first sign of this year's pumpkins coming in, he couldn't wait for that! He began to hum happily, continuing his work, that is, until he felt an itch on his left hand. He stopped plowing for a moment to scratch it, but the sensation didn't go away, in fact, it got worse. He raised a brow and took off his glove before he gasped, the back of his hand was *glowing*!
He watched the branded mark's color swirl around on his hand, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand and turned to face whatever it was that was making his mark react, "hello", Cassandra said as she sat on the fence nearby, "miss me?"
The retired knight glared at the women, instantly reaching for his sword, "you just made a huge mistake-!"
"I wouldn't do that if I were you", the blue haired women stated, "not unless you want me to have a little chat with an old friend of mine, you know who I'm talking about, he happened to have a not-so-secret crush on me?"
The Village Leader stopped as his mind flashed with images of Varian before he shook them away, "he doesn't feel the same way as before you know"
"But do you really think he'd attack me?" The old farmer was quiet, getting Cassandra to smirk, "and do you really trust me not to attack him if I wanted-!"
"*What* do you *want*?" He growled, his eyes narrowing at her angrily
"To talk, I have a few questions and *you're* going to answer them"
"And if I don't?"
"I'll pay him a visit"
"I'll be there to stop you"
"You really think you *can*, against the power of the Moonstone? Did you *forget* the last time you saw me?" She snapped her fingers, making a rock appear from the ground and point directly at Quirin's neck before the man could dodge it, stopping mere centimeters away from him, "I really don't think you wanna take that risk"
".....Fine, what do you want to ask?"
"Not here"
"What?"
"Not here", the women repeated, "follow me", Quirin glared at her, "you don't trust me, I don't trust you, but I'm a women of my word. If you follow me and answer my questions, then I'll leave you once I'm satisfied".
"Let me get this straight, you came here, to my farm, threatened my *son*, all because you want me to follow you to an undisclosed location where no one knows where I've gone, all to ask me some questions, and then you'll leave with no issue? ....Like I trust that"
"Well, either you trust me, or I say hi to Varian and quite possible the rest of your family as well, so, do you really have a choice?"
The retired knight glared *daggers* at the women, "you're sick"
"No, I'm just getting what I deserve", she hopped off the fence and opened the gate for the man, "shall we?"
Quirin was about to walk towards it before he stopped, his eyes widening as he looked back at his farm, "I.... Can't leave my farm unsupervised", he lied
"I've seen you do it before-!"
"That was because it was for a villager issue or something having to do with Varian, and there was always someone, on hand, who knew something may happen. But as it stands, Varian's not home and the village doesn't have any problems, so no one's out to take over should I need to leave. We're right in the middle of getting the harvest ready, it's important that I keep the farm supervised, plus, it'd look a little strange for me to leave without a word don't you think?"
Cassandra was silent for a moment or two but sighed, "fine, but don't try anything funny"
"You can stay and watch if you want", the women didn't answer, she merely glared at the man and watched him walk around, finding an older gent who seemed pretty ordinary to her, in fact, she believed she's seen him before, "hi Adam, can you watch the farm for me for a moment?"
"Hey Quirin, um, sure? Where ya goin though? Your pyro maniac in the capital for the day is he not?" The older farmer asked
The Villager Leader raised a brow, "yes he is, but stop calling him that"
"Maybe, anyway, what're doin? It's the middle of the day, heat gettin to ya or somethin?"
"Not really, I just... Need to take care of a few things", the man stated, he looked Adam directly in his eyes, *pleading* for the man to understand what he meant
The older farmer was about to say something smug but stopped when he realized something was off. He looked at Quirin, the retired knight was staring at him, desperately, seeing this, Adam knew exactly what to do, "oh I see, kid's causin *trouble* in the *capital* now, well ya may wanna go find him before *I* do, cause I won't hold anything *back* if I do"
Quirin smiled gratefully at the man, he nearly cried but kept himself calm, "thank you for letting me know, I'll have to be *extra careful* when I talk with Varian, he's a bit on the sensitive side today, *Eugene, Hugo, Lance, and Rapunzel* may be around him though, so I may have to enlist *them* into this conversation as well"
Adam smirked, "probably a good idea, your kid'll *get the message* if there's several of ya talkin to him"
The retired knight nodded, "thanks for you help Adam, sincerely, it mean *a lot*"
"Anytime Quirin, you're a good man, remember that", with that, the older farmer patted the retired knight's shoulder before he took the plow and walked away
With a sigh of relief, the Village Leader walked back to where Cassandra was and looked at her, "so where are we going exactly?"
"You'll find out, now come on", she began to walk away, "and don't even think about getting anyone's attention, unless you want anyone else involved in this, but that's up to you"
Quirin glared at the women before he silently followed her, dread filling up his stomach as his mind wandered to what she was planning on doing with him. He wanted to yell when he saw a few villagers nearby, none of them noticing the pair walking through the shadows of the village. The retired knight dragged his feet through the dirt, smirking at the small markings he made in the road. He felt a little relief from them, but his heart still pounded as his mark continued to glow underneath the glove he'd placed back over his hand. It took him following Cassandra to a tunnel near the outskirts of the village to realize how afraid he truly was.....
****
"Hey!" A guard called as he ran after a man, "hey GET BACK HERE!"
Stan and Pete, hearing the sounds of their comrades, ran over to see what was going on, "hey! STOP!" Pete yelled, standing in front of the man running down the halls, to his, and Stan's, surprise, he did, he slid to a halt and huffed and puffed, trying to catch his breath, "um... W-who are you and what are you doing here?" Pete stated, shaking the surprise out of his voice
The man looked up at him, desperation clear in his eyes, "I *huff*, I h-have to talk to Varian *huff puff* i-it's URGENT!"
"Varian?" Stan asked, "why do you need to speak with-!"
"Mr. Adam?" A voice said, getting everyone in the room to turn and see Varian standing behind them, Hugo, Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel were standing alongside him, they all looked puzzled at the situation, "what are *you* doing here?" The teen asked
"You know him?" A guard snapped, walking over to the man and placing a hand, harshly, on the older farmer's shoulder, "cause he just ran past us and into the castle looking for you"
"Y-yeah he's my dad's right hand man on the farm, he's a good guy, wouldn't hurt a soul, even when they make him angry, b-but...." The alchemist looked the man up and down, noting his worried expression and huffing and puffing, "s-something's wrong, what's going on, w-where's dad? Is he okay?"
"No", Adam replied, snatching his shoulder away from the guard and glaring at him before he looked at Varian sympathetically, "your dad's in trouble Varian, I don't know what kind, but he seemed pretty desperate for me to come and tell you and your friends. I think he needs help, and he needs it *fast*"
Varian's eyes widened with horror, "m-my dad's in t-trouble?" He asked, when the man nodded the teen's eyes began to glow with worry, "w-where is he? Is her hurt? Did something happen? W-what did you see? What there someone else with him? Is h-!"
"Kid", Eugene interrupted, stepping in front of Varian, "it's okay, slow down, one question at a time okay?"
"B-bu-bu-!"
"It's alright Varian", Lance said gently, wrapping an arm around the teen, "we're here, we're gonna help Quirin, don't worry"
"He's right Freckles", Hugo said, "it's gonna be okay, for now, take a breath yeah?"
Varian looked at all three of them for a moment, he was unsure of what to do, but he felt Ruddigar nuzzle him, he looked at his best friend, who chittered out an agreement with what the other three had said, and he closed his eyes and took a breath, letting it out slowly before he opened his eyes again and nodded.
Rapunzel stepped forwards, looking at the guard with his hand on Adam's shoulder, "it's okay, he's not causing any harm, in fact, I need you to inform Adira, Hector, and King Edmund that Quirin's been reported as in trouble, tell them to meet us in the family room and don't let anyone out of this castle, spread guards everywhere, as far as you can, from Old Corona and back, make sure everyone remains safe without causing a panic, if something changes or anyone sees anything, tell me immediately, understood?"
"Yes your majesty", the guard stated before he ran off, letting go of the older farmer's shoulder in the process
Rapunzel smiled at him, "sorry about that, are you okay?"
"I'm fine now, thanks princess, name's Adam"
"Rapunzel, and you can call me that, no need for formalities. Come with me, I have a few questions for you, okay?"
"Alright", Adam replied as he walked with the princess before he looked at Varian, "he wasn't hurt", he stated, getting the teen to look up at him, "your dad I mean, he wasn't hurt, he just looked alert, and he used.... Certain words, to let me know to inform you"
"Certain words?" The blue eyed alchemist asked
"Yeah, like when he told me to make sure your friends knew about this, he said, 'I'll have to be *extra careful* when I talk with Varian, he's a bit on the sensitive side today, *Eugene, Hugo, Lance, and Rapunzel* may be around him though, so I may have to enlist *them* into this conversation as well'. It's how I knew it was okay to say somethin around your friends here".
"......That means.... Shit...."
"Pfft!" Adam slapped a hand over his mouth, "sorry, didn't expect *you* to be a potty mouth"
Varian blushed, "Uh y-yeah uh.... Please don't tell my dad I said that..."
"Secret's safe with me kido", the older farmer stated, ruffling the teen's hair gently, "'sides I uh.... I think I know where you *nay* have heard that from and I really don't need your dad wringin my neck for teachin you that"
The teen giggled, "noted, anyway, I think I know why he used 'certain words' to tell you to come get me"
"Why?"
"Because someone was watching him talk to you.... He's with somebody he doesn't want to see.... There's only one option....."
Eugene and Rapunzel looked at each other worriedly as Lance and Hugo both came to the conclusion at the same time, "Cassandra....."
****
Quirin looked around the tunnel, he wrinkled his nose at the sewage smell, coughing a little as dust caught in his throat. He sighed, missing the warmth of the Sun outside, but he watching the women in front of him, she was waiting for something, what? He didn't know, but she looked irritated, "what's wrong? You've got me here, why not ask your questions and be on your way?"
"Because I know you", Cassandra replied, "well enough to know that you wouldn't just ask that man to watch the farm without telling him to get reinforcements"
The retired knight raised a brow, "if you're so smart, why do you need me to answer your questions?"
"Zip it", the women snapped, the Moonstone sparking a little as rocks grew from the ground and surrounding the retired knight. One of them grew a little faster than anticipated and scratched Quirin's lower arm, "shit...." The women cursed quietly
Quirin's eyes widened as he realized something, he looked at the rocks, they weren't as big as the one in his farm had been, and seeing the one that'd scratched him made him realize Cassandra's mistake, and he smirked.
This ended up catching the women's attention however, she glared at him, "what are you smiling about?"
"Nothing, just realized something, and I think it might be the reason you need to talk with me"
"Oh really? You wanna share that information with the class?" She stated, raising her hand and making the rocks around him grow bigger, though, the extra effort and energy it took for her to do that was not lost on the retired knight, making his smirk grow bigger, "what?!"
"Oh nothing, it's just funny is all"
"What is?"
"Oh just the fact that you're questioning me because you can't control the black rocks, not only that but", he glared gleefully at her, "Varian's power seems to be growing, while yours only shrinks. It's a little poetic to me, considering how much you and the rest of these people took from him", he snickered, "how does it feel Cassandra, to have all the power in the world and yet.... You're *still* the second best".
The blue haired women growled at the man the rocks, sensing her anger, grew at an alarming rate, hitting the man multiple times and causing deep scratched on his body. He fell back a bit, wincing at the pain before he saw Cassandra walk over to him, her eyes glowing brightly in the dark and the Moonstone sparking dangerously as she smiled at the man, "I may not be able to control them, and the extra effort isn't the best, but I still have more power in this room, so I would watch what I say if I were *you*, Quirin".
Notes:
Hello! :D Early upload! Woot! :D
Cassandra chapter, because she needs answers to her questions and Zhan Tiri doesn't have all the answers, or she's not willing to give them to her :3 Who better to give her those answers but the one person who knew the dangers the Moonstone could hold, Quirin! :D
Cassandra is still not my favorite character, but she's not a horrible character either, I wanna explore her arc more and see what I can do with it, but since this is more of a rewrite/filling in the blanks story, I really can't change too much, but I do plan on making her villain phase different, I hope I do her justice though, please let me know if you have any suggestions for her :D
Quirin, this man is in trouble!!!!!! Cassandra has the Moonstone still, even if she can't control the power and it's significantly weakened, she still has magic that Quirin does not, and it's going to cause him trouble if he's not too careful! I also don't see a lot of fanfics showing Quirin being the one in trouble, he's usually the cause of it, is no where nearby, or saves Varian from it, so I wanted to write a part where he needs rescued, because farmer papa is best papa! :D
Varian is so worried about his dad! The little Moon bean was glowing so brightly, poor Varian, but he's got a Ruddigar, Hugo, Adira, Hector, Edmund, Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel at his side, they'll help him and Quirin out! :D He's not alone anymore, and he never will be, not again <3
Quick shout out to Adam for being a bro and getting to the castle asap! :D
Ruddy buddy is still the best raccoon ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 249: Monster!
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, Lance, Eugene, Rapunzel, Adira, Hector, and Edmund all go and try to rescue Quirin from Cassandra!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian paced back and forth in the family room, his thoughts going a million and one miles per minute as everyone watched him worriedly. Hugo sighed, getting up and standing in the freckled teen's path, getting Varian to bump into him and look up, "oh s-sorry Hugo I-!"
"Sit", the blond stated
"What?"
"Sit, in a chair, on the floor, in my lap, I don't care, just sit", he stated, "you're anxious and I understand, but if we're gonna save your pops you're gonna need to have all the energy you can muster, pacing and worrying is wasting that energy. So sit with me, take a few deep breaths, Quirin's strong and can tank any hit she throws at him, he'll be alright, plus she wouldn't kill him because she's aware of the power *you* have, so you don't have to think about that, he'll be alright while we wait for Adira, Hector, and Edmund to get here, for now, sit".
The blue eyed alchemist huffed, "I-I can't just sit down and do nothing while he's in *her* grasp! He's alone with her, and yeah, I have Moon powers, but they don't mean *shit* if I'm *here* and dad's *there*, wherever *there* is, which we still don't know, she could've taken him far away from here and we're all just sitting and doing *NOTHING*!"
"No, we're making a *plan* Freckles", Hugo stated calmly, "we're trying to go about this in a way that doesn't end up hurting Quirin more, gathering our troops and making a plan is doing *something*, this is Cassandra we're talking about, crazy Moonstone stealing fucker that has one of two most powerful objects in our realm.... Well three"
"Three?"
"You"
Varian blushed, "t-this isn't the time for *flirting* Hugo"
"I'm not, believe it or not, I mean that! You're powerful, you don't know how to control them yet, but you're powers bend all logical feats and act on your emotions, exhibit A", he gestured to the teen's glowing hair
"O-oh...."
"Though I will say, dat ass does not lie"
"HUGO!"
"Am I wrong?"
"Stop it!"
"Then sit", the bespeckled teen stated, "sit and take a few deep breaths, once the rest of your family gets here, we'll make a plan, go after you pops, save him, and then you can get him to give me the protective daddy powers and make me fear for my life for even looking at your perfectly sculpted behind"
Varian blushed redder than the apples his father farmed, but one look at his boyfriend's smirk made his anxiety slip back down and he sighed, "o-oki, I'll sit.... But no touching, pervert!"
"I won't.... For now"
"Hugo!"
The blond snickered, "I won't I won't, come on", he and Varian walked over and sat on a couch nearby before he noticed Eugene and Lance's raised brows, "I got him to sit didn't I? And look, now he's calm because he's more worried about me being a perv, which you know I'm not going to do right now, than his dad, so you're welcome"
Eugene huffed, "if Quirin weren't in danger right now, you'd be in a corner with soap in your mouth for an entire day"
Hugo shrugged, "meh"
Lance sighed, "the qualms of our little man growin up"
"He gets pervy boyfriends", Eugene stated
Rapunzel giggled, "he's just joking guys, I think you may be taking this a little too seriously, besides, Varian can handle himself"
"It's true", the blue eyed alchemist stated
"Still gonna raise a brow, it's what big brothers do", the Dark Prince stated
"Agreed", Lance replied before the door opened and Adira, Hector, and Edmund all walked inside, "hey you three"
"Hi", Edmund replied, "we just found out, Quirin's been kidnapped by Cassandra?!"
"Would it really be called kidnapping if he's an adult?" Hugo asked
"Priorities love", Varian stated
"Right, sorry"
"Also yes it would", the Dark King replied, "he's my kid so it's kidnapping!"
"Either way, what the fuck happened and where's my brother?" Hector snapped, "anyone have a clue?"
"No", Rapunzel answered, "all we know is what Adam told us"
All three Dark Kingdom inhabitants looked at the older farmer, "all I know is what Quirin said, and he said it in a way that made it seem like someone was watchin him", Adam said, "he had to say it in code words and then walked away from me, I didn't stick around to find out which way he went because I needed to get here as soon as possible"
"Shit...." Hector cursed
"Well let's think for a moment", Adira said, "what *exactly* was the conversation you had with our brother?"
*"Hi Adam, can you watch the farm for me for a moment?"
"Hey Quirin, um, sure? Where ya goin though? Your pyro maniac is in the capital for the day is he not?" The older farmer asked
The Villager Leader raised a brow, "yes he is, but stop calling him that"
"Maybe, anyway, what're doin? It's the middle of the day, heat gettin to ya or somethin?"
"Not really, I just... Need to take care of a few things", the man stated, he looked Adam directly in his eyes, *pleading* for the man to understand what he meant
The older farmer was about to say something smug but stopped when he realized something was off. He looked at Quirin, the retired knight was staring at him, desperately, seeing this, Adam knew exactly what to do, "oh I see, kid's causin *trouble* in the *capital* now, well ya may wanna go find him before *I* do, cause I won't hold anything *back* if I do"
Quirin smiled gratefully at the man, he nearly cried but kept himself calm, "thank you for letting me know, I'll have to be *extra careful* when I talk with Varian, he's a bit on the sensitive side today, *Eugene, Hugo, Lance, and Rapunzel* may be around him though, so I may have to enlist *them* into this conversation as well"
Adam smirked, "probably a good idea, your kid'll *get the message* if there's several of ya talkin to him"
The retired knight nodded, "thanks for you help Adam, sincerely, it means *a lot*"
"Anytime Quirin, you're a good man, remember that", with that, the older farmer patted the retired knight's shoulder before he took the plow and walked away*
"That's it, that's all he said to me", Adam stated, "then I took the plow, put it away, got Evan to watch over the farm, and ran here fast as I could"
Adira thought for a moment, "this is definitely about short h-! ....Cassandra.... He mentioned Speckles being 'sensitive' and needing to be 'extra careful', must mean she was on edge and very easily shakable, which can be good and bad"
"He definitely wanted everyone in on this as well", Hector stated, "saying Eugene, Hugo, Lance, and Rapunzel would 'be around' is his way of saying 'bring as many as you can find'".
"The 'a lot' he said in that thank you even.... He's scared...." Edmund added, "Cassandra must be threatening him with something, so he went willingly to protect it...."
"Varian", Eugene said, "she must've been threatening Varian...."
Varian himself clenched his fists angrily, his eyes beginning to glow bright, "she.... Threatened me.... U-used me against my dad.... To get him to do what s-she wanted....." He felt tears stinging in his eyes as he thought of his father's worried expression, at the threats Cassandra must've made towards him, and it made his blood *boil*.
"Varian? Varian hey!" Hugo wrapped his arms around the teen, "breathe, breathe love, it's okay, it's okay"
The blue eyed alchemist stopped and leaned into his boyfriend's touch, his tears falling freely as he took a few breaths and calmed himself, his glow dimming a bit, "s-sorry..."
"It's alright Varian", Rapunzel replied, "we understand"
"Yeah, it's okay", Lance agreed softly, "it's gonna be hard for you, but it'll be alright, Hugo's right about that, Quirin's strong, he'll be okay"
Varian nodded, appreciating the small kiss he received on his cheek and snuggling into Hugo's chest, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy comfortingly as well. The blond smiled before he realized something, "wait, if she threatened Varian and it worked, that means Quirin came willingly, which means she needs him to do something for her!" He exclaimed
"That's pretty obvious", Hector said, "we just don't know what she wants"
"Answers!"
"What?"
"Answers, about the Moonstone and Varian himself! Possibly about how to control her powers and how they work.... Maybe even questioning why she's doing what she's doing"
Rapunzel's eyes widened, "wait, why do you say that? A-and do you really think she is?"
The blond nodded, "possibly, I mean it's been fucking *months* since she's been back in Corona, we don't know how long she's been around, from what you all told me, it took you about a year to get from here to the Dark Kingdom, yeah?"
"Yeah", Eugene replied
"Well that's because you had a full team, animals, a caravan, and would've needed to stock up and make pitstops for who the hell *knows* why! Yet she's alone, no animals, no caravan, alone. she doesn't need to make too many stops and I've been on the road long enough to know there's plenty of food you can find on your own without needing to stop in a town or village. If we're to assume she didn't get sick or anything like that, which I don't know how the Moonstone works nor do I know much about loopy lady but she seemed like the type of person that wouldn't stop because of the common cold if you ask me, then she should've been back here a long time ago, so where the hell has she been?"
"Scouting", Hector stated, "me and Adira faced her as she was heading towards the Great Tree and tried to get the Moonstone back way long ago! We failed...."
"It's okay", Edmund stated to the both of them, "you came back alive, that's all that matters to me", this made Adira and Hector smile just a bit
"He's Right!" Hugo stated, "plus that confirms she was looking for answers, something she could use, so she must've found something that she didn't understand, or she's questioning what she's doing and wanted to ask Quirin, or both, which I'm leaning more towards"
"Why Quirin though?" Rapunzel asked, "why not me, or Eugene, or Lance, or Varian?"
"Because it could be both, she wants answers and also is questioning herself. Hector and Adira would attack her on site, so that's a big no, Rapunzel you only want to help her get on the right track, but you know about as much as she does when it comes to the Moonstone, same with Lance and Eugene, Edmund.... I don't think she knows you well enough to know what you would do, so you're a gamble at best, and those of us who've been fugitives on the road know never to take a gamble when there's a better solution. Varian is high risk, she can't ask him because he doesn't know about his own power plus he could overpower her easily if angry enough and she knows that. But Quirin, he's a strong Brotherhood knight that has something to lose, Varian, and while he can be dangerous, he's proven time and time again to everyone around that he's willing to do anything for his kid, plus he knows Varian cares about Cassandra, so he wouldn't be as quick to attack because that's not what Varian would want. You want to talk her down, don't you?"
Varian sighed and nodded, "I was on a path similar to hers.... I want to see if maybe I can get her to understand.... But with how she's been acting... I-I don't know anymore...."
"It's okay love, it's okay", the blond wrapped an arm around Varian's shoulders, "it's alright"
Varian leaned into the touch once more, Ruddigar still nuzzling his boy and chittering consoling noises to him
Hugo continued, "because of Varian's feelings towards her, and Quirin's willingness to listen given the circumstances, Cassandra would think he's the best option to ask more about the Moonstone and more about her own path. She won't kill him, but he won't be on her side completely either, so he may get hurt. Which means we need to find him fast, make sense?"
The princess nodded, "okay so.... Where would she go then?"
"There's plenty of places to hide in Old Corona, my lab, there's an old cottage with an old lady's ghost in it that kids dare each other to get into, the tunnels underneath the town, there's caves near there, the forest itself....." Varian said, with every new hiding spot he listed, his voice got quieter and quieter
"We can rule out anything outside Corona", Adam stated, "Quirin specifically mentioned Corona or the capital when talkin to me, that's his way of sayin he ain't goin far"
"So Varian's lab or the tunnels underneath", Eugene stated
"We can have some of us go the the lab, and the rest go underneath, into the tunnels", Rapunzel said
"You can get to the tunnels from my lab, it might be better if I go to my lab to show where the tunnels are", Varian replied
"That's a good idea, Varian can go to his lab, who wants to be with him?"
"Me", Hugo said
"Me as well", Adira replied
"I'll go with him", Lance added
"So that leaves me, Hector, Eugene, and Rapunzel for the tunnels themselves", Edmund stated
"Right", Eugene responded
"Correct", Rapunzel said
Hector nodded, "what about him?" He gestured to Adam
"I think.... um... Adam it may be better if you were to stay here", Varian said softly, "only because Cassandra would recognize you and.... Y-you don't.... You're not.... You wouldn't be...."
"Safe?" The older farmer said with a smirk, "it's all good kid, I'm fine with stayin here until you bring ol fussy britches back safe and sound. Tell em he's got the rest of the week off, hell tell him he can have a month off if he wants, when he gets back, he needs it for the fancy ball, and to get over whatever he's goin through after this whole ordeal, okay?"
Varian smiled and nodded, "thank you Adam, I really appreciate you telling me, you may have helped saved my father's life, I'll never forget that"
"No problem kid, and by the way", he walked over and ruffled Varian's hair, "you're growin into quite a man, ya got my respect"
The blue eyed teen blushed, "t-thank you", he smiled up at the older man, Adam returned the grin as they shared a moment together before the group headed out.
****
Quirin's breathing was raspy at best, he was knelt on the floor, several more scratches were weeping his life blood as he panted. He hadn't realized how cold the tunnels were until he saw his breath with every new huff. His head hurt as he watched another black rock shift towards him, he glared at it, then at the women who'd shifted it, "you know.... For someone so desperate to get answers, you're sure taking your sweet ass time to ask them", the retired knight stated
"And for someone who was trained as one of the most powerful knights in the Dark Kingdom, your self preservation sure sucks", the blue haired women replied as the black rock she was shifting added another scratch to the man's body, making him wince, "here's how this works Quirin, I ask a question, you answer, simple"
"And if I don't comply?"
The black rocks surrounded him, sure they were small, but they moved fast, circling him like sharks to a fish, their sharp ends pointed at him as one grazed his side, making him wince again, "got it?" Cassandra asked
"I-is this what you're relying on? Pain? You do realize there's a more effective way of getting someone to talk right?"
"Oh? And what would that be?"
Quirin smirked, "not being such a bitc-ah!" The man yelped as one of the rocks slammed into his shoulder, piercing it and causing him to slide on the floor. He got up and gripped his shoulder where the rock had connected, he chuckled, "sensitive, aren't we?"
"You piece of shit! I'm giving you the option to walk out of here alive, and yet you're giving me attitude and lip. I could still go and pay Varian a visit you know! Even if he overpowers me, I could still cause him *pain*! Do you want that? To cause your son more pain than you already have before?"
Quirin glared at the women, "you're going to no matter what I do Cassandra...." He stated, "I know that for sure, you don't care if I give you answers or not, you don't care if Varian's sad or not, you only care about power and winning, you don't care about the people you hurt to get there.... You showed as much when you attacked him before..."
"He was attacking *me*!" She snapped, "did he not tell you how he grabbed me in his automatons hands and began to squeeze?"
"Yes he did, he told me everything and he's making up for it, even so, what exactly makes you think what *you're* doing is any better?!" The man snapped back
"*I* didn't hurt anyone innocent!"
"Oh really, so Adira and Hector are guilty of what then?"
"I-!" She stopped, frozen, she wasn't sure what to say
"Or how about my king? How about Rapunzel-!"
"She took my mother from-!"
"YOU'RE MOTHER *ABANDONED* YOU CASSANDRA!" Quirin yelled, his voice echoing throughout the tunnels, "she left! She *stole* Rapunzel as a *baby* and left you alone! And I'm sorry she did it! I'm sorry she didn't care about you as she should, but that doesn't make it *Rapunzel's* fault!" He stated, standing up and glaring at her, ignoring the pain in his body and shoulder as he continued to speak, "hurting her won't make your mother come back! Gothel didn't care, she *never* cared, she only cared about herself and her *own* self preservation! You say mine sucks, but I'd do *anything* to keep my son safe! She didn't! She didn't care about you *OR* Rapunzel! So stop acting like the princess has any blame to shoulder when you *should* be mad at the person who *abandoned* you, *GOTHEL*!"
Cassandra stepped back a bit, the rocks circling the retired knight stopping in their tracks and shrinking as if they'd been struck. Quirin was panting still but he kept his glare fixed to the women before him, he was cold and hurt, he could feel his body groaning with pain as he stood his ground. After a few moments, Cassandra huffed, "Gothel.... She didn't have a choice...."
Quirin sighed, "and Rapunzel did?" Cassandra looked at him, "she was a newborn when she was stolen, I was there Cassandra, I was the first person the king and queen called after she was taken. I helped the guards search for her, but they found you instead. You know, I understand your anger, your mother left you for her, you were raised as a guard's child which is no easy feat for a kid, I should know, you never had any answers about your mother, you never had a mother at all and come to find out the women you're serving under was stolen by you mother.... It must be hard, I get it, I understand, but this, what you're doing, it's not going to make that change. You know, the captain was so happy to find you, he was so happy to adopt you too, he loved you, he *still* loves you! He wanted a child so badly and there you were! He loved you, he raised you, he cared for you and took you in, was that not enough, was *he* not enough?"
"No he-! .....He was...." Cassandra stated
"Then why are you so angry?"
"Because!" Cassandra snapped before she felt her face blush after she realized what she'd just said
Quirin chuckled, "because?" He asked, "you know, Varian would say that when he younger because he didn't have a good answer but wanted to win the argument"
"S-shut up!"
The retired knight sighed, "you.... You're lost.... You're lost and alone and you're scared, am I right so far?" The women didn't say anything, "....Right.... I've been there you know, I used to be a thief, living on the streets when I was very young because my parents died from a plague.... I thought the whole world was against me, that everyone hated me and wanted me dead. I had trust issues and still do sometimes if I'm being honest", he chuckled, "but I got help, King Edmund helped me, he saved me and taught me how to protect myself and be a knight. I learned a lot from him, and when I was forced to leave the Dark Kingdom, I passed as much as I could off to Varian. I wasn't the best dad, but I tried, and I'm getting better.... Look, you feel like everyone hates you, but they don't, you want to blame everyone around you when you can't, it's not a fun feeling and it's only making you angry, but if you just stop for one moment, just look at what you're doing, you would see that you're not being who you want to be".
Cassandra glared at him, "you think you know me better than I know myself?!" She snapped, the rocks glowing once more
"No, I don't Cassandra", Quirin replied calmly, instantly soothing the girl's anger, "I'm saying you're lost, and you're angry, and that I was like you once before. I'm saying the person you think you're being, isn't you and if you looked at what you were really doing, you'd hate it".
"What am I doing then? Tell me!" He anger rising as the rocks surrounding the man grew bigger
"....You're hurting yourself, and you're hurting people I *know* you care about", the man stated, trying his best to keep calm, "you want things to be better, I understand that, but there's always a better way, this.... What you're doing now? Isn't right".
"How do you know?!" She snapped, getting even more angry, "you don't understand! Even your own SON went against you, and you know what, he's BETTER now! He's got more friends, more family, better things are happening for him!"
"That's not the reason he's better, it's because he-!"
"He *disobeyed* you! Because of that, suddenly you were no longer in his life!" She interrupted, the Moonstone sparking and crackling as her rage began to grow, neither of them noticing the small blue glow coming from nearby, "you got stuck in the amber and he lost control, and now? He's paling around with the princess and her *FRIENDS* while everyone forgives him for his misdeeds! He didn't get better because of himself, he got better because YOU! WEREN'T! *THERE*!"
The black rocks suddenly shot forwards, all of them aiming for the retired knight, he couldn't move, couldn't escape, he felt rips and tears in his skin and let out a yelps of pain before a bright light interrupted everything! Quirin closed his eyes until the world grew dark again, he opened his eyes and noticed blue light filling the tunnel, but when he looked at Cassandra, she was staring in shock at something in front of him. He looked down and there, eyes, hair, and freckles glowing nearly *white* in color, was Varian, glaring *dangerously* at the women in front of him, "enough....." The teen stated, his voice was a low growl as the Moonstone kept sparking, the light it emitted was shooting towards Varian, as if the stone itself was *begging* to go to him.
Cassandra's eyes narrowed, "so you found out where he was then huh?" She said, "guess I was right to be cautious"
"Not cautious enough", Hector stated as he, Adira, and Edmund ran out next to Varian, blocking Quirin from the women, "hiya you fucking narcissistic bitch, remember us?"
Cassandra just glared at the three of them, "Cassandra!" A voice yelled, getting her to wince as she saw Rapunzel run in front of the Brotherhood members, Eugene joining her while Lance and Hugo ran to Quirin, "Cassandra *please*, I get that you're angry, but we can help you Cass!" The princess begged, "this isn't the right way, *please*!"
"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT WAY I SHOULD GO RAPUNZEL!" Cassandra shrieked, the Moonstone crackling even more, Varian looked at it, his eyes widened in surprise as the women continued to yell, "YOU DON'T KNOW *ANYTHING* ABOUT ME! YOU DON'T! SO DON'T PRETEND LIKE YOU *DO*!"
"I know that you're hurt!" Rapunzel stated, "I know that you're hurt*ing*, I know that you're sad and upset and angry, I understand that, and I understand that it's partially my fault! But I just want to make up for it! I want to move on and be friends again! Don't you? Aren't you tired of this?" Her hair began to glow as the magic of the Moonstone swarmed around her, "don't you wanna go back to the way things used to be Cass, where we were friends and you were-!"
"AND I WAS YOUR *SERVANT*!"
"NO! No y-you don't have to go back to your original job! You could just be my friend! You can do what you want, just stop doing *this*!" She gestured to the hurt retired knight and the angry alchemist in front of him, "this isn't *you* Cassandra, you don't hurt people! You don't! You're not like this, you're kind and considerate, you're my best friend, Cass you're my *sister*! I want to keep it that way, I want to be friends again, please! *Please* just let me help you!"
"NO!" Cassandra yelled, "I'm DONE being your pity project! I'm DONE waiting in the wings! I want to be center stage now, it's MY turn, and you're not gonna STAND IN MY WAY!" The Moonstone sparked and glowed brighter and brighter as Casandra rose her arms up
"CASS NO!" Rapunzel yelled, but she was too late, the women released the magic she was holding, allowing it to burst from her chest
"GET DOWN!" Edmund yelled, everyone ducked down and waited for the explosion, they waited
And waited
.....And waited
"Um.... Lance?" Eugene said
"Yeah?" Lance replied
"Feeling any pain yet?"
"No"
"Me either"
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Cassandra screamed, getting everyone to look and see Varian standing in front of her, with his hand on the Moonstone. He didn't respond, his eyes were glowing white, his hair was as well, his mouth was open almost like he was screaming but no sound came out. Cassandra stared at him before she felt the Moonstone begin to slip away, "NO!" She yelled, she grabbed his wrist, trying to rip it off of the Moonstone, but the teen's hand was stuck
"You....." Varian said, in a voice that was not his own, is echoed and bounced off the walls as Cassandra looked at him, "you..... Are.... A.... Thief...."
The women felt shivers run up her spine as she stared into the empty white sockets that were Varian's blue eyes, "I.... W-what?"
"You.... Stole.... Me...."
"I....."
"You... Are.... Not... My... Wielder...."
"V-Varian-!"
"GIVE.... ME.... *BACK*!" Varian screamed as he tried to pull the Moonstone away, but Cassandra, getting over her fear, grew angry, and fought back! She punched and kicked at the teen, causing him to bleed and yelp, she then noticed Quirin watching them and smiled wide, she raised her hand and pointed it towards him, a black rock rising from the ground before it headed straight towards the man
"QUIRIN LOOK OUT!" Edmund screamed, but his knight couldn't move, he just stared in stunned silence as the rock rushed towards him, "QUIRIN!"
"NO!" Everyone was stunned as the rock hit a target, blood spurting out as Varian turned to look at what'd just happened, and gasped as he saw Hugo standing in front of his father, the rock having hit him full force and he stood tall against it. The rock kept trying to move towards the man, but the bespeckled teen kept it still, using his body as Quirin's shield.
"HUGO!" Varian shrieked, the white light fading as he let go of the Moonstone
Cassandra grinned as she watched the freckled teen stop the rock and slide to a halt next to his boyfriend, the bespeckled teen falling to the floor and coughing a bit as he did, "thanks Hugo", she said, "you saved me some trouble"
Varian turned and glared daggers at her, his eyes glowing bright again, "SHUT UP CASSANDRA!" He screamed
"What? Don't like me anymore kid? Thought you had a thing going for m-!"
"NO! I DON'T! I FUCKING *HATE* YOU!!!!!" He screamed, shocking everyone, "y-you hurt my dad! T-tricked him into coming here! Y-you hurt him and u-used ME TO DO IT!!!!!!! Y-you threatened me! You hurt my friends and family, YOU ALMOST *KILLED* MY HUGO!!!!!!!! Y-you..... You're a monster Cassandra....."
The women felt her heart break a little, "w-what? No I'm not! I wasn't the one who attacked people because of my daddy issues Varian! You're the monster, not me! I'm not! I-!"
"LOOK AROUND YOU CASSANDRA!!!!!" Varian screamed, "LOOK AT WHAT YOU JUST DID! Look!"
And she did, for once, Cassandra looked at what she did, she saw how scared and shocked everyone was, she saw the fear in Quirin's tear filled eyes as he stared at her, she saw the teen she'd nearly killed, and she saw Rapunzel.... Her face was wet with her still falling tears as she stared at her former best friend, her blond hair still glowing as the magic of the Moonstone still shimmered in the, now demolished, tunnels surrounding them. "....I.... N-no I.... I didn't.... I-I didn't.... I..... I j-just wanted.... T-to be....."
"What?" Rapunzel asked, her voice breaking as Eugene got up, walked over, and held his princesses hand comfortingly, "what do you want Cass? W-what could you want t-that could possibly be worth *all* of this?...."
"I..... I-I.... I don't.... Know....." The women replied, her own tears falling down her face as she began to back away, "I-I don't know.... I d-don't know anymore.... I.... I-I don't k-know.... I... I.... I....."
"You're lost", Quirin said quietly, getting the girl to look at him, "you're so.... Lost.... And I j-just wanted... I-I was t-trying.... T-to help you...."
"No.... Nononononono I-I don't want this! I-I don't! I don't I t-take it back! I j-just I-I-I-!"
"You can't take it back", Varian replied, "you can't take your actions back, you can't.... Hugo's hurt, my dad is hurt, and it's all because of *you*! Cassandra, you are a *MONSTER*!"
"NO!" The women screamed, the Moonstone glowing bright before a flash of light made Cassandra disappear
Everyone looked around but they couldn't find her, "how's she just do that?" Eugene asked
"Doesn't matter...." Varian replied, "E-Eugene, Hugo... Dad"
"Right right, it's gonna be okay kid, we'll heal them", the Dark Prince replied before he looked at Rapunzel, "blondie...."
Rapunzel stared at the place Cassandra had been standing before he shook her head sadly and nodded, "let's g-go heal them"
"Rapunzel....."
"Eugene.... I.... S-she's...." The princess felt her tears come back but tried to wipe them away, Eugene instantly understanding
"Hey, how about we go help Quirin and Hugo yeah? We can talk about this later", he said, planting a kiss on her cheek and smiling at her lovingly
She smiled back, sniffling a little before nodding, "y-yeah, ok", they walked over the the two
Lance helped Quirin to his feet, the man winced at the pain, "you okay?" Lance asked
The retired knight didn't say anything, his unshed tears glistened in the light as he shook his head, his mouth quivering a bit as he reached for Hugo
"You let us take care of Hugo", the former thief stated, "it's gonna be okay, he'll be okay, you're hurt too though, you've gotta take care of yourself too, for Varian, remember?"
The Village Leader looked at the man for a moment or two before he nodded, he was shivering, the tunnels were much colder than they'd been before as he felt his knees grow weak, he was struggling to stay up when he felt someone else help steady him, looking over he saw Edmund smiling at him lovingly, "hello", the Dark King said
"We've got you now", another voice said, when Quirin looked, Lance had switched out with Adira, and she and Hector were smiling at him as well
Quirin let out a small breath, thankful to see his family next to him, but he looked at Hugo again. His stomach filled with guilt as he remembered Cassandra's harsh words screaming through his head
*You got stuck in the amber and he lost control, and now? He's paling around with the princess and her *FRIENDS* while everyone forgives him for his misdeeds! He didn't get better because of himself, he got better because YOU! WEREN'T! *THERE*!*
The retired knight let out a small whimper, so quiet that it didn't even echo, "that bitch is gonna pay...." He heard Hector say before he felt his brother's finger wipe something away from his face, looking at him, Quirin noticed that a single tear has slid down his face, the wild tamer was angry, but his face quickly shifted to one of concern as he looked at his big brother, "she's wrong, what she said about you.... We heard it, and she's wrong, she's fucking wrong. You're a good father, everyone knows it, this wasn't *your* fault, don't you *dare* blame yourself, you got it?" Quirin didn't respond, "you got it?" Hector repeated
"It's true Quirin", Edmund said, "this isn't your fault"
"Cassandra's judgement is being clouded by her emotions, she knows that now, Spe-Varian made sure of that, this isn't your doing, it's not your fault, it's not, and we'll keep reminding you of that, no matter what", Adira stated before she smiled at the retired knight, "it's not your fault"
Quirin looked at all three of them, he wanted to argue, wanted to disagree, but as he saw them smile at him, he felt their warmth chase the cold away, and he smiled back as three little lights began to glow in his heart and he used his strength to say the only thing he could, "....T-thank you"
****
Cassandra appeared in the forest, the light blinding her for a moment before she looked around, "w-what? W-what just-!"
"Congratulations Cassandra", the little ghost girl said as she appeared in front of the blue haired women, "you've received more of the Moonstone's power from the boy, though it looks like he's still got half"
"I.... N-no, I didn't mean to do that! I-I d-didn't-!"
"Well what did you expect? They were just going to *allow* you to talk with one of their friends?"
"I.... I t-threatened.... I.... I-I'm a monster...."
"Yes, but you're getting what you want, you're getting what you deserve! You've got half the Moonstone's power back, we just need the other half, and I think I know a way we can get the scroll now too"
"No! I-I don't want to! I don't want that! I-I d-don't want to be a monster!" Cassandra snapped, "n-no more! I don't want to do this anymore!"
"Too bad! You've already burned your bridges Cassandra, you really think they're going to listen to you *now*?! After what you just did?!"
"Y-you, t-this is all *your* fault I-I never would've thought to d-do this if it h-hadn't been for-!"
"For me? I didn't tell you to go after Quirin did I? That was you, I didn't make you angry or upset did I? That was them, and you acted accordingly, no matter how much you wish to blame me Cassandra, this, none of this was *my* fault. Though it did have some good results if I must say so myself"
"W-what do you mean?"
"Well, now you don't have any other option do you? You've burnt your bridge with your 'friends', and now they see you as a monster, the only option you have left is to become what they think you are"
"N-no it's not! I d-don't want to do that again! I d-don't want to be a monster! I don't! You can't make me!"
"Oh I can Cassandra, and I will, if I have to", the ghost girl's eyes turned green as she smiled wickedly at the women. Cassandra yelped as she felt a tug on a place she couldn't quite name
"S-stop! STOP! I'LL DO IT! J-JUST STOP!" She begged, and felt the tugging disappear
The ghost girl giggled, "good, now then, you need convincing, you need to be shown what they really think of you, so we're going to convince you, I'll make sure you know *exactly* what these 'friends' of yours *really* think of you!"
The girl laughed maniacally as Cassandra watched her with fear growing inside her mind, she felt something crack inside her mind, something, she didn't realize, would be the beginning of her demise.....
Notes:
Hello! :D
Very long chapter here, took me a full day to complete, I was going to make this a two parter, but kept writing XD Sorry about that, but hey, technically two chapters in one here XD Yeah, Cass isn't doing so well, Quirin is very badly hurt, both mentally and physically, and Hugo's a freaking hero! :D Fun times!
Poor Hugo, he's a hero, but he's suffered so much in this fic, good gosh! Though him flirting is fun to write, my gosh XD
Eugene, Lance, Adira, Hector, and Edmund all serve the same purpose in this one, that being the awesome support, they're all just so good at it, so quick shout out to them!
Varian..... Oh geez, I don't know where to even start, this poor teen.... He's been through way too much and this was not needed, but it happened and it gave ZT exactly what she wanted, well half of it anyway. There's going to be some major snuggles and affection needed for all of them, because this was way too much on them! This poor Moon bean!!!!!
Quirin..... Just..... Poor Quirin..... Honestly writing him like that made me wanna cry.... He tried so hard, he really did, and he feels like it's still his fault..... Just.... I can't with this man! I really can't! I love writing him, but sometimes his story arcs make me cry, and I'm the one making them so I hope that doesn't sound too egotistical!!!!! I just really love exploring his character, but he honestly is a very emotional character for me, him and his son, just.... Poor Quirin....
So.... Cassandra.... Yeah she's a little.... Yeah..... If you caught what I mean by 'something broke that she couldn't quite explain', then you'll know what I'm going for here, and I hope you like it! :D
ZT is a horrible person and I really don't like her right now!!!!!! She's freaking horrible!!!!!!
Adam is a bro :D I love Adam :D
Ruddy buddy is the best coon ever! I know I kinda dropped him about half way through the chapter, but it's hard to write him in sometimes, so please note that he was in his boy's backpack during that fight and is still the best coon ever! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 250: Useless!
Summary:
After returning to the castle, the group talks and Quirin says how he feels!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group made it back to Corona castle in one piece, Quirin was forced to lean against his siblings for support, not that the wild tamer or face painted warrior minded, but he felt embarrassed and ashamed as he walked along. Hugo was conscious but badly wounded, he was being carried by Lance while Varian stayed right by his side, using Eugene as support while the Dark Prince held Rapunzel's hand. Edmund was leading the group back to the castle, everyone was silent, even when they walked back inside and headed to the infirmary. No one spoke when Mr. and Mrs. Solace came over and began to heal them all, getting Quirin, Varian, and Hugo to share a room together and taking care of their wounds. Once they were finished, the two physicians left the room, wanting to give the family some privacy for a moment.
The room remained silent for a long time after they'd gone before Eugene finally spoke up, "so that was..... Something...." He said, getting a nod from everyone in the room, "are we gonna talk about what just happened, or...."
The room was silent once more before Varian sighed, "I..... T-think something..... H-happened....."
"What do you mean kiddo?"
"I-I mean.... M-my powers.... They.... T-they're different...."
"Different?"
"Y-yeah.... They feel distant.... A-and weaker.... I t-think.... C-..... *She* t-took some of them.... S-she didn't take a lot b-but what she did take.... Hurt....."
"She took some?!" Hector asked, when his nephew nodded his eyes widened with shock, "but how?! That shouldn't be possible! It shouldn't!"
"It was... W-when I was fighting her with the Moonstone.... W-when she touched my hand, I-I felt this... Pull.... L-like she was trying to t-take the powers away completely.... B-but I fought back, w-we kept that up and i-it hurt... I-it felt like she was r-ripping out a part of m-me that shouldn't b-be touched.... A-and she.... S-she didn't care.... I m-managed to save half of it, b-but when I was trying to g-get the rest, she s-sent that rock towards dad and.... A-and Hugo....." The teen sniffled a little as the blond he was sitting next to placed a hand on his gently.
"I'm okay Freckles", Hugo said weakly, "just a scratch, nothing to worry about"
"The doctor's said you had a few broken ribs Hugo.... T-that's not 'just a scratch' that's bad! A-and I couldn't stop it in t-time! I couldn't-!"
"Varian *I* jumped in front of the rock and took the hit, *you* didn't tell me to do that, and you just said that crazy *bitch* stole some of your powers and that it hurt! She cheated, she got a cheap shot and ended up stealing from you! That's not your fault, it's not, and I swear to the Moon and back if you and your pops blame yourselves them I'm gonna fucking nag your ears off", he stated, raising a brow at his boyfriend
"Nag our ears off?"
"I can't really.... Do much else...." The blond replied with a blush
Varian giggled, "I love you"
"I love you too, so stop it"
"O-oki..."
"....You're not going to are you?"
"I-I can't help it! D-dad almost died, *you* almost died! I-I lost some of my Moon powers! I-I don't even k-know if I can talk to the Moon a-anymore! I.... I f-failed.... I w-wanted to try and t-talk her down, b-but I just called her a m-monster instead.... I f-failed... I was just.... S-so angry..... L-like before....." He shivered, stroking Ruddigar's fur repeatedly, though, it didn't seem to be working, "I-I don't wanna g-go back to before.... I-I don't wanna g-go back to being that w-way... I.... I-I-I-I-!"
Rapunzel ran over and wrapped her arms around the panicking alchemist, holding him close and rubbing his head soothingly, "you're not like that anymore Varian, you're not..... It's okay, you're not like that, you won't go back to before, we won't let that happen again, we won't.... We won't....."
Varian's shivering continued, but he returned the hug moments later, clinging to his big sister as Eugene and Lance walked over and hugged the teen as well. The group stayed that way for a moment, Ruddigar climbing out of the hold and plopping onto Hugo's chest for some air, getting the bespeckled teen to chuckle and pet him softly. The group separated and Varian sniffled again, "t-thanks"
"You're welcome"
Eugene smiled at the teen as Lance looked over at Quirin, the man was silently watching them, his eyes were half open and he seemed to have bags underneath his eyes. He looked so.... Hopeless.... The former thief gave him a worried look, but the Village Leader didn't seem to even notice as he watched his son, "Quirin?" Lance said softly, the man didn't respond
Varian looked at his father and his eyes widened for a moment before his shoulders slumped, ".....Dad...."
"What's wrong?" Eugene asked, but still Quirin didn't respond
".....It isn't true", Varian stated, getting everyone to look at him, "I didn't get better w-when you were gone.... I got worse.... I got better when you came back.... A-and what she said to you... I-it isn't true"
"....I.... Couldn't help...." His father replied softly, his voice was rough and raspy, almost like he had a sore throat, "I couldn't help.... I thought I was keeping you safe... I thought I could go with her and stop her from doing anything to you... I thought she would be gone by the time you got there... I thought.... I could protect you.... But I ended up needing to be saved.... I needed to be protected and was useless to stop her attack.... You lost powers because she aimed at me.... I couldn't even help Hugo....." The blond in question winced at the break in the, normally stoic, man's voice, "I couldn't do anything.... I was useless.... A-and if I were in the Dark Kingdom now I would.... My swords would be taken and I'd be kicked out for how weak I was in there.... I fell for her tricks.... I was.... So... Fucking.... Useless....."
"Oh Quirin...." Lance said, his heart breaking at the man's words
"Dad you're not useless, C-.... *She* cheated.... Hugo's right, she got a cheap shot in because she'd already weakened you, you couldn't move and she knew that, she cheated"
"And that makes it better?" He asked, "I could've jumped out of the way, I could've rolled, blocked, tanked it, *something*! But I didn't, instead I sat there like a fucking lump and *watched* the damned thing come *towards* me! I..." He sighed and looked away in shame, "I was useless.... I was trained better than that... I should've... I could've.... Done so many things different....."
This made Varian realize something, "you're not.... Just talking about this fight... Are you...."
Quirin sighed, "....I kept that secret from you, about my past, I pushed you away when your mother died, I didn't give you as much care as you needed growing up.... The amber.... I.... Could've pulled you away from it instead of pushing you.... Then you would've have.... Been alone.... I thought I was helping you get better.... I thought being there would make things easier for you... But now, because I fell for her trap, you lost your powers and I'm practically useless in getting them back.... What's worse is that I don't even know what to *do*!" He chuckled bitterly, "I thought I had this huge responsibility to keep the Moonstone and Dark Kingdom a secret, but really, I ran away and let my *siblings* do all the work!" Hector and Adira looked at each other before they looked at their big brother sadly, and slightly surprised at what he'd just said, "I really am just.... Useless..... Ca-.... She was right about that... You really did get better without me...."
"No she isn't", the teen stated, "you know what I was without you? A *mess*!" Varian exclaimed angrily, getting everyone to look at him, "I got so angry with myself that I shut down! I got upset and sad and *pissed off* because *I* made the amber in the first place! Then when you got caught and Rapunzel couldn't help, I blamed *HER*!" He pointed at the princess, "I didn't think clearly, I didn't have a clue what I was doing, what C-*she* said about me getting better, is being manipulated by an obviously psychotic man better? Is taking over the entire kingdom and erasing the King and Queen's memories of their *own daughter* growing up?! No, it's fucking not! I *LOST IT* when you were gone! Rapunzel brought me back a little bit when she trusted me again, but you coming back.... Dad do you even know how fucking happy I was to see you again? To have you hold me once more?! I even fall asleep in your *arms* because I felt the safest there! I don't even feel safe in my own *ROOM*! If you weren't sharing one with me in this castle, I would be a fucking *WRECK*! You're NOT useless! You're my dad! I didn't get better when you were gone, I got better when you came *back*! I got better when you didn't have to hold on to a secret anymore, I got better when I had my family again! I got better *because* of you!" He sighed, taking a breath before he looked at his father again, "you were the one who got me to go out and get new clothing, you were the one who pushed me go back in town and try to get better, you were the one who calmed me down everytime I had a panic attack.... Dad you... You helped me so much, throughout *everything*. Adira wasn't the one who climbed up an unstable amalgamation of objects just to hug me and calm me down when my Moonpowers caused rocks to sprout in the room. Hector didn't stop me from going on a rampage and hurting Dwayne when he stole Ruddigar and tried to eat him. Grandpa wasn't the one who defended me from Nigel when we were investigating the Duke, Duchess, and Cyrus's plans, and Hugo didn't sit in one of the castle rooms and talk to me about how he regretted the past just as much as I did, all of that was *you* was it not?"
"I.... Yes"
"Weren't *you* the one who took care of me while I was sick? Or how about when you held me close when I was scared when you were telling your scary ghost story, whenever I needed to share a bed with someone before I net Hugo I certainly didn't find Eugene and snuggle with *him*. I don't recall *Lance* being the one to scream at King Fredrich about how he treated me while you were in the amber in front of all those townspeople, and Rapunzel didn't take me on the fishing trip and hang out with me for some one on one time when she had the time for it. Those were all you as well, and while the people I just named would volunteer to do all of those things, no one was as fast as you when it came to anything I needed. You weren't able to defeat someone today.... and yes this is a big loss.... For all of us... But you're *not* useless, you've *never* been useless, ever, not to me, and certainly not to anyone else in this room..... I... I failed too.... She stole half of my powers.... She stole them and I couldn't stop her.... I failed... Does that make me useless too?"
"No!" Quirin exclaimed without hesitation, "no you're not, you're not useless!"
"Then why are you?"
"I.... I'm supposed to...."
"To what? Be the dad? Protect me? Help me? You have already, you've protected me a lot, from a lot, and you've helped everyone in this room!"
"He's right", Eugene stated, "you helped me when you found out I was the Dark Prince, hearing you regret not helping me before helped me feel better about my role and my life"
"You helped me when we talked about a certain somethin I'm still plannin on doin with Catalina and Angry down the line when I was questioning if I should or not", Lance added with a smile
"You helped me figure out how I felt when it came to my father", Rapunzel replied, "even if we had a fight, you still helped me realize how sensitive a subject it was for me"
"You helped me escape from a man that was only going to use me when I was 4", Adira stated
"You saved me from my abusive home and a life on the streets", Hector answered
"...You saved my life", Edmund admitted with a loving smile, "more than once"
"You gave me hope", Hugo replied, "and you helped me find a family when mine fell apart"
Ruddigar chittered excitedly, purring and nuzzling his boy before he gestured to an apple sitting on a tray nearby Quirin
"You helped everyone in this room dad, and you help work the main fields in Old Corona and produce the best farm food for everyone. You help the villagers with their problems no matter how small, and you're there when I need you *now*!" Varian emphasized, "you.... You made mistakes in the past, I did too, and this, what happened.... It was a mess.... A big mess.... We'll get past it though.... W-we just.... N-need to.... Um...." The teen felt himself shiver again as his anxiety began to rise. He kept thinking back to what'd happened during Cassandra's visit and his heart began to race faster and faster
"Varian?" Eugene asked, the teen didn't respond
"Freckles?" Hugo asked, still no response, he just kept shaking, his mind and body freaking out as his thoughts began to run wild, he felt the world closing in on him as he shook harder and harder and harder until-!
"It's okay", a soothing voice said as someone held the teen safely in their arms, "it's alright", they said, "just breathe, you're right, we'll get past it, we'll get past it"
Varian felt his mind and body calm down as his eyes drooped a bit, he yawned and looked up at the person, seeing warm brown eyes looking back at him. He smiled and sighed, "and you call yourself useless...."
Quirin sighed, but smiled as he sat next to Hugo on the bed, his body aching at his sudden dash to his son, "I guess you're right... I'm sorry"
"It's okay.... If I'm allowed to talk about how I feel, you are too, just..." Varian let out a squeaky yawn that made everyone in the room smile, "....don't call yourself useless anymore... You're not useless, you're not, oki?"
The retired knight chuckled and nodded, "oki", he watched the teen drift off to sleep in his arms, feeling small tears prink in the corners of his eyes as his son breathed softly in his sleep. The man tucked him into bed, kissing his son's forehead, before he sat back down on the side of the bed, watching the teen lovingly before he looked at everyone else and blushed, "sorry...."
Lance smiled, "it's really okay Quirin"
"I shouldn't be doing that in front of him though... I'm his father, that's... Not what father's do... They don't fall apart in front of their kids like that...."
"You're human", Eugene stated, "you're not just a father, you're a human, and humans have emotions. You grew up in a place where those emotions were seen as bad for men to have right?"
"Right"
"Well, it's not like that here, you can be sad or ashamed and talk about it if you want. Just because you're feeling a negative emotion doesn't make you a horrible person for feeling that way. And you're allowed to talk about it, whenever you need to"
"Yeah", Hugo agreed before he smiled wide when Varian slid over to him and nuzzled his neck, prompting the bespeckled teen to hug him as he continued speaking softer, "in fact, I think you telling him how you feel is a good thing, it'd be bad if you did it all the time, but, you don't. The fact that you said all of that and Varian was able to help you, I think that made him feel better too", he stopped when he heard Varian snort a bit in his sleep before mumbling about the Moon being made of cheese and lulling back to sleep again, getting his boyfriend to snicker, "at least, ya got him to be a lot more relaxed after everything that happened".
Quirin smiled happily at Varian before he noticed the bespeckled teen's bandages, "are you really okay?"
"Yeah, I'm alright, a little sore but, not nearly as bad as I was before"
"....I know you said it was alright, and that no one forced you but... I'm sorry you had to jump in front of me... I.... Need to say that... I feel horrible for not being able to defend myself.... I wish you didn't have to...."
"Hey it's alright, look I would've done it weather you could've defended yourself or not", Hugo admitted
"....Why?"
"Because I care about you", the blond said, "you scare the shit out of me sometimes I'll admit, that faces you make when someone hurts your kid freak the hell outta me, makes me worry if me and Varian ever get into a fight, that's not gonna be a good day.... But.... Even so, you.... You helped me, I wasn't kidding when you said you gave me hope earlier, and you being there for me when my family fell apart.... I know Don and Cyrus weren't really the best but... They were all I knew.... So when you said I'd have a place to go.... And then you helped me during the trial and were nagging me about being safe like an actual father would.... Then you helped me bake my first cookies and then you helped me figure out how much I liked doing origami! I... I've never had someone like you in my life before, and.... You're everything I've always wanted in a dad...." The blond blushed when he said this, looking at Varian instead of the man he was speaking with while scratching Ruddigar's ear, "I never thought I'd be loved or cared about, I never though I'd find love at all, didn't think I was someone who deserved it.... I.... Never thought a parent would find me worth anything.... Then you and Freckles came and... Eugene being his big brothery self, naggin at me for being a pervert and flirty", the Dark Prince chuckled, "I just.... Never thought this would happen, so when it did, I didn't wanna lose it. And when I saw you sitting there, felt how cold you were and saw the blood from your wounds I.... I felt angry.... I got so mad I nearly ran at CassAndra myself, and yes I'm adopting that name for her now, she doesn't deserve to have it pronounced correctly, fuck her", again, Eugene snickered, Lance accompanying him with a few giggles of his own, "then she attacked you and... I saw you fall, I saw you bleeding, I saw you die.... I was scared.... So I ran forwards to stop it before it happened...." He looked at the retired knight, "I didn't want you to die Quirin.... I can't.... I don't wanna lose another family member... Not again.... I don't... I can't... I just can't...."
"It's okay Hugo", Quirin said, "it's okay"
The bespeckled teen let out a watery breath, not realizing how emotional he'd gotten until now and wiped the tears away, "I just.... Don't wanna lose you.... A-and Varian already lost his mom.... He s-shouldn't lose you either.... You're good people"
"I'm good people?" The Village Leader asked with a chuckle
"You're good people", Hugo replied, blushing, "sorry"
"It's alright, thank you for saving me Hugo"
The teen smirked and nodded tiredly, "fuck.... Varian's sleep is rubbing off on me"
"Then you should sleep"
"....Don't want to...." He yawned, "....Sleep yet...."
The retired knight snickered and pulled the blankets up around the blond, "goodnight Hugo"
The bespeckled teen gave small pout before he gave up the fight and snuggled deeper into Varian's arms, letting out a sleepy breath before saying, "night dad...."
Quirin was startled at first, but then smile, gently moving some of Hugo's bangs out of his face and kissed his forehead too, "goodnight, son"
Notes:
Hello! :D Early upload! Yay! :D
So this was a chill chapter after everything that happened in the last one, they all needed a break of sorts you know? So here's a break for them! Sort of, Quirin still has feelings he needs to talk about, so it's a little angsty X3
Poor Quirin, the man feels like I do when someone helps me do anything, it's so hard not to feel useless when you're in a situation you can think of a million and one ways you could've gotten out of had you been a little faster or smarter. But that's not always how it works, and feeling ashamed that you couldn't fix something and needed help, it's normal, but you shouldn't feel that way. After all, you can spread the help, if you got help from a friend, then you can help someone else! :D Spread the joy and be an ally, that's the best way, in my opinion, to honor someone for helping you first <3
Varian and Hugo being the heart breaking crew over here, my gosh these boys! Varian just telling his dad how amazing he is and Hugo being a prime example of hw much Quirin's influence can help someone just makes me happy and I enjoy writing stuff like that! I hope you all enjoyed it too, if not, then I'll be sure to make the next chapter better :D
Lance and Eugene be over here giggling at CassAndra's name being mispronounced, these men, I swear XD She kinda deserves it though, not gonna lie X3
Adira, Hector, and Edmund being the best siblings and grandpa ever! If you all wanna know how Quirin saved Edmund's life, let me know and I'll make a flash back chapter about it :D
Ruddy buddy is being the best coon again!!!!! Love this raccoon so much! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 251: Dreaming and Understanding!
Summary:
Varian has a very sad dream!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"W-where.... Am I?" Varian asked to no one in particular as he looked around at the empty space he was in. The entire place was pitch black, save for himself, as he looked around, he noticed something, a small like glowing in the distance. He reached for it, feeling as though something, or someone, was calling for him. He stretched as far as he could before he eventually reached it. He touched the light and it started to grow, bigger and brighter, until there was a bright flash.
The teen yelped with fear and covered his eyes until he felt something familiar surrounding him, *hello little one*
Uncovering his eyes, the alchemist looked up and smiled, "Moon! You're here!"
*Of course I am, I will never leave you, not ever*, her light shimmered happily, *though I must ask you little one, what happened? I felt as though there was a part of me shifted around*
Varian looked down, ashamed to say anything, "C-Cassandra happened.... Y-you told me to be c-careful about her.... B-but she came and... She kidn-well.... Dadnapped my dad.... I-I went to go and help him when.... She did something.... I... Went to block her from attack my friends by grabbing onto the Moonstone to block an attack she unleashed.... The Moonstone.... Took over.... They tried to come to me, I-I even heard them! They kept saying things to me! I t-tried to get them back, tried to get them away from C-Cassandra... B-but she tried attacking my dad and hurt Hugo because h-he stepped in to protect my d-dad and... I-I got distracted.... She took some of my power away.... I-I was afraid I w-wouldn't be able to talk to you because of what she did... I'm glad I still can, but... She escaped and.... I.... I-I'm really sorry that I... F-failed.... I failed Moon... I failed...."
*Oh little one*, the Moon's light swaddled the teen, almost like a mother hugging their child, *it's alright*
"N-no it's not... I failed to get the M-Moonstone back and l-lost some of my powers in the process! N-now C-Cassandra has more power to use against a-all of us and.... A-and it's all my fault.... I wouldn't be surprised if you were m-mad at me...."
*I'm not angry with you little one*
"Y-you're not?"
*No, how could I be? I can see how much you regret what happened, why would I add onto that? Besides, it's not as if what you told me would be easy to overcome*
"W-what do you-!"
*Your father was taken away, your friends were threatened and hurt, your little star was brutally injured, that is not an easy thing to overcome! I am not angry with you, I'm sorry you had to go through something so harsh... This Cassandra is.... Much more than I first considered.... I am sorry I could not warn you of her mental state*
"Her mental state?" Varian asked
The Moon's light shifted and formed a light version of Cassandra, *while she still holds a piece of me inside her, I can sense her emotions and mental state, it also gives me access to her dreams as well, which is why I can give her nightmares. I've been doing so, as I said I would, not horrible ones, but enough to scare her.... I was hoping they'd make her choose the right path, but I see they, along with an external force, are plaguing her mind instead*
"Plaguing her mind?"
*Yes.... The women you knew before is different now... She's become much darker, of course you could say it's because of the choices she's made, but that isn't the only thing.* The light version of Cassandra began to fill with darkness, starting from her feet going up towards her head, it stopped around her heart, *her mental state is debilitating and becoming cracking everyday, in doing what she's doing and persisting on listening to whatever external force is with her, she's losing herself in the process*
The alchemist's eyes widened, "so.... She's.... Destroying herself?"
*Yes.... And if she doesn't stop soon, I fear she may very well be lost to this world, in more ways than one.... I'm sorry I did not tell you this before, I was worried the knowledge would cause you pain.... though, I see I was right in a way....*
The teen sniffled, "i-it's alright... I just.... Understand.... A little too well u-unfortunately.... You're reasons for not telling me were to keep me safe, and I appreciate that.... I just.... Don't think I'm going to ever be safe again now...."
*I understand little one... Believe me, if there was a way to make you feel safer, I'd do it, do you have any questions for me? Things you'd like to know, my warning from before still stands, I don't mind answering anything you might be worried about*
Varian looked up at the Moon, "your warning still stands? It wasn't about what just happened?"
*No... She's going to do something that will cause you fear... Your home will be affected by it too... I also fear that after she does this, weather you succeed or fail to stop it, she may try something more drastic, things are going to be very hard.... You'll need to face a few things that you haven't quite come to terms with yet... I'm... Worried about you little one... Very worried.....*
Varian felt a shiver run up his spine, his anxiety growing just a hair, but he took a few breaths, just as Eugene showed him, and sighed, "I.... Do you know what she's going to do?"
*Not entirely, it depends on her actions next, I can tell she's certainly experiencing fear of her own, and it may be a contributing factor*
"What do you mean?"
*The Moonstone focuses on emotion little one, that is something I believe you've already figured out*, Varian nodded, *well, as you know, your powers are affected by your emotion as well, so are hers. Because of this, whatever she's feeling at the moment will make something happen, and the emotion that will cause it is fear*
"Oh no...." The alchemist sighed, "just what we need... More fear...." He wrapped his arms around himself, "Moon... I.... I'm really scared... I'm worried I'm going to fail again... I-if I do... Would the world be doomed?"
The Moon's light tightened it's protective hold on the teen, gently shielding him from harm, Varian felt, for a moment, like his father was holding him, it calmed him a little, *well, in that impossible scenario, if you were to lose to Cassandra, then your world would change, though I don't believe it'd be destroyed. I can't say it would be good, it certainly wouldn't, people would suffer greatly, but your world would not die, just.... Be in bad shape I suppose is the best way to put it....*
The teen nodded, "so I can't fail...."
*I don't think you will little one*
"How do you know? I already failed once.... Twice if you count what I did to my father.... Which I do...."
*....Your father is alive, is he not?*
"I-!"
*Is he not?*
"....Yes"
*And who was the one to help bring him back?*
"Rapunzel"
*And?*
"....Me"
*That's right, you, you helped the Sundrop princess bring your father back from the brink of death. You did so by trusting her and having her trust in you, just as I do. You will not fail this, I am certain of it little one*
"B-but what happened with C-Cassandra just now-!"
*Was not your fault! You are not to blame for the actions of a women who's losing herself in her own darkness and despair! As you stated before, when you and her were fighting over the Moonstone, she attacked your father, someone she *knew* was important to you, to gain an advantage over you. She hurt your brave little star because of that and you ended up losing your grip to try and protect the people you love! I would rather have someone connected to me who cares about his family over someone who cares only about their power*
"B-but it... I did exactly w-what King Fredrich did...."
*What do you mean?*
Varian sniffled, "t-the king.... H-he stole t-the Sundrop f-flower because h-his wife was sick.... S-she was pregnant with Rapunzel a-at the time a-and he didn't wanna lose her.... B-but dad warned h-him that touching t-the flower w-would awaken the Moonstone, a-and the king didn't listen... H-he put his own family b-before his kingdom... A-and it caused s-so much harm.... Rapunzel g-getting kidnapped... H-her coming back and t-touching a memorial o-of where the Sundrop used to be.... H-her getting her hair b-back and the black r-rocks destroying m-my home... Me and dad f-fighting, d-dad getting trapped in t-the amber b-because I w-was so desperate t-to et rid of t-the black rocks.... A-and then the king t-trapping Rapunzel and all the t-things Rapunzel had to go through.... I.... I d-did the same thing.... T-the world is at stake b-because C-Cassandra has the M-Moonstone and when I could've prevented it b-by taking them awake from her... I p-put my family first and g-got distracted.... A-and now our world is i-in danger and... A-and it's all my fault!"
*Oh little one, no no, it's not... You're not like him... You're not...* The Moon's light swirled around the teen and gingerly removed the tears from Varian's cheeks, *your situation was different, where as the king stole my sibling's piece for his own gain and caused the trouble that came after, you were trying to take my piece *away* from the person using them to cause trouble, and Cassandra distracted you by... How did your little star put in? 'Cheating'?*
The alchemist, remembering Hugo's words, giggled a little, "y-yeah... He said cheating"
*I don't understand the word fully, but it sounds appropriate for what just happened*
"Cheating means the other person used unfair tactics to win in a situation, usually it's meant for games and such, but can be used for fights"
*I see, then it fits perfectly, I agree with your little star, she cheated. She used your family against you in a fight she knew she would've lost*
"What do you mean?"
*Well, I'll put it this way*, her light shimmered and sparkled around the teen, getting him to smile a little, *if she were to go up against you again, even if she has half your power, you'd still triumph over her*
"I.... Would?"
*Yes little one, remember, the Moonstone is supposed to be wielded by *you* not her. The Moonstone may have harmed your father, your little star, and you just a bit, but they would still prefer you over her. And they'd make sure to prove it too, they're very loyal, just as I am*
Varian nodded and smiled, "I'm grateful to you, you know that? I really was worried I wouldn't be able to talk with you anymore"
The Moon's light sparkled again, *I'm grateful to you too, my little one*
Varian grinned before he remembered something, "hey um.... T-the Moonstone... Spoke to me"
*You mentioned, do you know what they said?*
The alchemist shook his head, "I.... heard them.... B-but then something odd happened.... It was like... They spoke.... *For* me"
*I see, they must've been trying to tell Cassandra something, I could show you if you'd like*
The teen nodded, "I felt like it was important"
*Understood, let's see*, the space around them glowed brightly until there was a scene playing out in front of them, *we may have to watch the entire scene, will you be okay?*
"Yeah, I'll be alright, thank you for asking though"
*You're welcome little one, I'll make sure to only show the times the Moonstone spoke, to try and avoid any.... Feelings, you may have*
"Oki"
The light around him shimmered a bit more before they watched the scenes play out:
Scene 1: *The black rocks suddenly shot forwards, all of them aiming for the retired knight, he couldn't move, couldn't escape, he felt rips and tears in his skin and let out a yelps of pain before a bright light interrupted everything! Quirin closed his eyes until the world grew dark again, he opened his eyes and noticed blue light filling the tunnel, but when he looked at Cassandra, she was staring in shock at something in front of him. He looked down and there, eyes, hair, and freckles glowing nearly *white* in color, was Varian, glaring *dangerously* at the women in front of him, "enough....." The teen stated, his voice was a low growl as the Moonstone kept sparking, the light it emitted was shooting towards Varian, as if the stone itself was *begging* to go to him.
*He's here! He's here! You're here! You're here!* They shouted, their light shining on the teen, who continued to glare at the women, *get me! Get me! Save me! Please! I want to be back! I want to see my Sundrop!**
Varian was silent as the Moon skipped a few seconds ahead before stopping again:
Scene 2: *"I know that you're hurt!" Rapunzel stated, "I know that you're hurt*ing*, I know that you're sad and upset and angry, I understand that, and I understand that it's partially my fault! But I just want to make up for it! I want to move on and be friends again! Don't you? Aren't you tired of this?" Her hair began to glow as the magic of the Moonstone swarmed around her, "don't you wanna go back to the way things used to be Cass, where we were friends and you were-!"
"AND I WAS YOUR *SERVANT*!"
Varian heard the Moonstone speak once more, *I don't want to! I DON'T WANT TO! I don't want to attack my Sundrop! I want my Sundrop! I want my sibling! Please don't make me hurt her! Or my wielder! Please! PLEASE**
The teen sniffled a little, he felt his eyes well up with tears as the painful cries of, what sounded like, a teenager, no older than himself, begged for the fighting to stop. The Moon's light surrounded him protectively as she skipped to the next scene:
Scene 3: *"NO!" Cassandra yelled, "I'm DONE being your pity project! I'm DONE waiting in the wings! I want to be center stage now, it's MY turn, and you're not gonna STAND IN MY WAY!" The Moonstone sparked and glowed brighter and brighter as Casandra rose her arms up
"CASS NO!" Rapunzel yelled, but she was too late, the women released the magic she was holding, allowing it to burst from her chest
"GET DOWN!" Edmund yelled, everyone ducked down and waited for the explosion, they waited
The Moonstone said nothing, merely crying and screaming, trying to resist the command to attack their Sundrop, Varian shielded his ears as he recognized his own screams intermixed with the Moonstone's*
*I'm sorry for that....* The Moon stated, pausing the scene, *do you want me to stop?*
"N-no...." Varian replied, "I... I n-need to know... I need t-to know so I c-can help them.... T-they... They sound like me...."
*That's because you are their wielder, the Sundrop would sound like Rapunzel if she were to speak*
"The Sundrop is a she?"
*Yes, she prefers to be a she, just as the Moonstone prefers they*
Varian nodded, "I'll make sure to remember that"
*Shall I continue?*
"Please?"
*As you wish, little one*, the Moon searched through the memories once again, stopping at another scene:
Scene 4: *"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Cassandra screamed, getting everyone to look and see Varian standing in front of her, with his hand on the Moonstone. He didn't respond, his eyes were glowing white, his hair was as well, his mouth was open almost like he was screaming but no sound came out. Cassandra stared at him before she felt the Moonstone begin to slip away, "NO!" She yelled, she grabbed his wrist, trying to rip it off of the Moonstone, but the teen's hand was stuck
"You....." Varian said, in a voice that was not his own, is echoed and bounced off the walls as Cassandra looked at him, "you..... Are.... A.... Thief...."
The women felt shivers run up her spine as she stared into the empty white sockets that were Varian's blue eyes, "I.... W-what?"
"You.... Stole.... Me...."
"I....."
"You... Are.... Not... My... Wielder...."
"V-Varian-!"
"GIVE.... ME.... *BACK*!" Varian screamed as he tried to pull the Moonstone away, but Cassandra, getting over her fear, grew angry, and fought back! She punched and kicked at the teen, causing him to bleed and yelp, she then noticed Quirin watching them and smiled wide, she raised her hand and pointed it towards him, a black rock rising from the ground before it headed straight towards the man
"QUIRIN LOOK OUT!" Edmund screamed, but his knight couldn't move, he just stared in stunned silence as the rock rushed towards him, "QUIRIN!"
"NO!" Everyone was stunned as the rock hit a target, blood spurting out as Varian turned to look at what'd just happened, and gasped as he saw Hugo standing in front of his father, the rock having hit him full force and he stood tall against it. The rock kept trying to move towards the man, but the bespeckled teen kept it still, using his body as Quirin's shield.
"HUGO!" Varian shrieked, the white light fading as he let go of the Moonstone
Cassandra grinned as she watched the freckled teen stop the rock and slide to a halt next to his boyfriend, the bespeckled teen falling to the floor and coughing a bit as he did, "thanks Hugo", she said, "you saved me some trouble"
The Moonstone's voice was small and meek, they sounded as if they'd been hurt as they spoke, *he almost had me.... B-but... I didn't mean too... I-I didn't *want* to... I-I'm sorry... I'm so sorry....**
Varian sniffled, "they.... T-they didn't want to..... T-they... They.... No....." The alchemist curled in on himself, wrapping his arms around his knees and cried. He felt an overwhelming sense of longing and understanding for the Moonstone, all he wanted to do what reach out to them and keep them safe. He didn't know what part of him wanted to do that, but he felt an immense urge, almost like he *had* to, and it was causing him pain....
The Moon's light surrounded him once more and held him safe and secure, but it wasn't enough to console the saddened teen. The Moon, seeing no other option, decided to do something she hadn't done in a long time. She reached out her light to the one person nearest to the alchemist, he understood her call. Soon enough, there was a light showing someone joining them in the Moon's space. The celestial being shimmered at the man who'd appeared before she showed him the broken teen, *he needs you, more than he needs me at this moment*
Varian continued to cry, for the Moonstone, for their pain, for their sadness and forced servitude to Cassandra, for everything. He couldn't stop himself, that is, until he felt something familiar. He felt himself being wrapped in someone's embrace. He smelled a aroma of apples and wood, recognizing it's scent, his hand touched something soft and furry, he clung to it like he always had. When he felt his tears end, he opened his eyes and looked up, "hello son", Quirin said gently with a small smile
The teen blinked, sniffling a bit before he realized who was holding him, "d-dad?!"
Notes:
Hello! Early upload! Also, sorry for the absence, things have gotten super busy in my life, so I had to take a few days to handle it, but I'm back with a new chapter! :D
I haven't seen anyone address the Brotherhood's connection with the Moon, the Moonstone, yes, the Moon herself, not really, so I wanna put in a theory, of course, you'll have to find out what that would be in the next chapter, sorry for the tease :3
Poor Varian.... This little Moon bean is going through so much right now! He funds out more about the Moonstone and the Moon herself, but at what cost man!!!!!! Honestly, I've been meaning to explore more about his connection with the Moon and the Moonstone, so I hope this is a good way to do that :3
Moon is back! She's a-okay! Woo!!!!!! Though it seems she's gained a bit more understanding about human emotions, which is always good to see, and her willingness to learn more about human wording is a fun concept that I'm excited to explore! :D She's a good Moon, I love writing her, so of course I would never break her ties with Varian, at least, for now :3
Hi protective farmer dad, how'd you get in here? XD Your son's dreams are supposed to be private Quirin! XD No peepin dads!!!! Honestly though, I've really been wanting to explore more of the Brotherhood's connections to the Moon herself, not just the Moonstone! So him being here shows that he's definitely able to be called, but how much is he really able to do, and has he been there before? I'm hoping my theories about their connections to the Moon suffice! :D I'm excited to finally write them down! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 252: We Need To!
Summary:
Varian and Quirin speak to the Moon a little more before deciding what they need to do next!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The teen blinked, sniffling a bit before he realized who was holding him, "d-dad?!"
The retired knight nodded, "yeah, it's actually me"
Varian looked the man up and down, "h-how? This place, where we are, h-how did you get here?!"
*I called him little one*, the Moon responded, *you were in pain and needed comfort that I could not provide. So I called your father here*
"I.... Didn't know he could come here", the alchemist stated
*He can't come the same way as you, he needs to be called here by either me or yourself*, the Moon explained
"Oh, well I guess that makes sense but... Wait", he looked up at his father, "can you hear her?"
Quirin nodded, "I can hear the Moon, it's nice to finally speak with you", he said, turning to look at the celestial being, "thank you, for watching over my son and my kingdom for so long, I owe you my life for that"
*You owe me nothing brave knight, you've served your kingdom, and me along with it, well, your service is appreciated and I'm sorry you must continue it long after you've retired*
The Village Leader looked at his son, "some things are worth fighting for"
The Moon's light shimmered around the pair as Varian smiled at his father, hugging him happily, "I love you too dad"
Quirin returned the hug with a chuckle, they stayed that way for a moment before the retired knight broke the hug to look at his son, "are you alright? The Moon said you were extremely upset, is everything alright?"
The teen let out a small sigh, "n-no.... The Moon she... Showed me what the Moonstone was saying during the battle w-with C-Cassandra.... Dad.... T-they didn't wanna hurt me o-or you or Hugo.... T-they just wanted to come to me.... They.... T-they sounded so young... A-and so sad.... They apologized and.... I could feel them breaking..... I.... It hurt....."
The Village Leader was startled by that before he looked at his son sympathetically, "I'm sorry Varian.... That must've been hard...."
"I-it was.... They sounded.... So lost... A-and sad and... Scared...." Varian teared up a bit, remembering the desperation in the Moonstone's voice, "I.... F-felt.... Like I w-was back... In the d-dungeons again.... Dad they.... T-they're trapped with C-Cassandra..... A-and-!"
"It's alright", Quirin said, gently scooping his son in his arms, "it's alright, you're not there anymore, you're not. And we'll free the Moonstone, we will, it's just going to take some time, okay?"
Varian sniffled a few times before he nodded, "o-oki...." He wiped his tears away and snuggled deeper into his father's vest until he felt himself calming down
*Are you alright now little one?* The Moon asked
The alchemist nodded, "y-yeah, just... Needed dad I guess, sorry"
*It's alright, I'm glad him being here helped you feel better*
Varian smiled up at his father, "me too", he said before he looked at the Moon, "thank you for bringing him here"
*You're welcome* The celestial being replied
Quirin smiled before he looked around at the space surrounding them, "wow, I feel like we're in the sky", he said
*We are, in a way*, the Moon replied, *your son astral projects here, his spirit flies high above the clouds to speak with me, as my spirit travels down to meet with him. You are a special case, as you do not astral project, I had to use a bit of energy to bring you*
"That's a nice way of saying I tend to stay grounded and stubborn while my son has his head in the clouds", Quirin teased, getting Varian to giggle
*That isn't always a bad thing to be honest*, the Moon replied, her voice sounding warm and sending waves of care towards the father son duo, *you also ground him when he needs it, I've watched you both do so for each other. Polar opposites may seem like a bad mix, but they can help in many different ways*
"Is it like you and the Sun?" Varian asked, "you're cool and bring like with your night, they're hot and bring light with their day"
*To a degree, yes, me and my sibling are opposite but balance each other well. He brings energy while I bring sleep, he starts that day while I end it, we are opposite, but we balance the world*
"I guess that explains when the Sundrop and Moonstone are so important too. They bring balance in the right hands, but in the wrong hands they bring destruction, right?"
*That is true*
Varian nodded while Quirin titled his head a bit, "so, can you tell me why the Moonstone was causing destruction before Cassandra got ahold of... Them?" He looked at Varian who nodded, "them", he repeated, looking up at the Moon
*The Moonstone could sense the Sundrop was wounded*
"Wounded?" Varian asked
*Yes, the Sundrop, when the princess came back home, was wounded, I believe it was because her lover cut her hair off, which is why the Moonstone made it indestructible now*
Varian's eyes widened as Quirin gasped a little, "w-wait, so when Rapunzel came back from Gothel, Eugene cutting her hair off to save her *wounded* the Sundrop?! A-and her touching the black rocks where the Sundrop *used* to be, caused the Moonstone to sense that, so they made her hair grow back but be unbreakable? But.... Why?"
*To protect the Sundrop, at least until the Moonstone could protect her again*
"Protect her.... Again?" Quirin said
*The Sundrop and the Moonstone are like me and my sibling, we balance each other, but that also means we must protect each other. For example, have you ever seen a solar eclipse?*
"When you block the Sun?" Varian asked, "I've never *seen* it, but I've heard of them"
*I do that when my brother needs a break, he does the same for me during a lunar eclipse. It's the same when it rains during the day and night, that happens when we need to..... Gather our energy back, so to speak. Though we can't do it too often, or else it creates worse things to happen to your home.... I believe you call them, 'natural disasters'*
"You mean, t-tornados?" The retired knight asked, a bit nervously as Varian looked up at his father and hugged him, calming the man a bit
*Yes, tornados, hurricanes, even the heavier thunderstorms are influenced by us, they need to happen in your world, though there are times where we don't mean for them to come around*
Varian smiled, "it's okay, you're not perfect, though", he looked up at his father, who was nervous, "maybe some of those tornados would be nice if we got a warning for them"
The Moon chuckled, *understandable, either way, that's why the Sundrop's hair is indestructible, it's because the Moonstone was trying to protect her until they could get to her themselves*
"Huh.... It makes sense but.... What if I get the Moonstone?" Varian asked, "they wouldn't be able to protect the Sundrop with me, I wouldn't be around Rapunzel all the time"
*You have some of my power, the Moonstone would be able to restore the Sundrop's power when you and they are united, then she can protect herself while they are with you*
"I see.... But if I lose that power...." Varian shivered
Quirin hugged his son close, "you won't lose it"
"B-but-!"
"You won't, you fought her and she pulled a cheap trick to get even a *sliver* of what you have. And guess what, the Moon is still talking with you, not her. Cassandra won't win, you're stronger than her, I believe in you *far* more than I fear her Varian. No matter what she does, she'll always be second best to you"
The teen smiled at his father, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome"
*I believe in you too little one, the women you're worried about lacks something very special that you possess, courage, and strength. She used to have it before, but gave it, and everything else, up to gain power she had no business claiming as her own. You are strong and brave, you've fought your own battles and won, you've seen the darkest parts of yourself and tell them to back away, and you've helped others in the process. She believes she has nothing left to lose, but she's losing everything, you had nothing left to lose before you did what you did, and when you had a choice, you went back on the right path. I've said this before, but the Moonstone chooses balance over anything else, which is why you're the best option, because you're completely balanced, and you're still on a lighter path, you can do this, you can win, you just need to stick to being yourself, as you always should*.
Varian smiled wide and nodded, "oki, I'll try my best"
*I know you will*, the Moon replied, her lights shimmering once more, *it is time I leave you both now, please heed the warning I gave you little one, and do not fret, you'll be okay, just be yourself, okay?*
"Oki, thank you Moon", the alchemist said with a smile
*Anytime little one, nice to meet you, Quirin, Knight of the Dark Kingdom*
"Nice to meet you too", Quirin replied, nodding his head in a bowing gesture, "thank you for what you've done to help my family"
*You're welcome, may you both have pleasant dreams*
With that, the space around the pair shifted and disappeared, Varian felt his father's hold around him disappear, only to be replaced by someone else's. He opened his eyes, yawning a bit before he heard a whistle near by, he looked at smirked, "Hugo", he said, "Huuuuugo", he said again, trying to shake the teen awake. The blond didn't open his eyes, but his whistling stopped, Varian giggled, "I know you're awaaaake"
"No I'm nooooot, I'm still asleeeeep", the bespeckled teen replied before letting out a yawn
Varian snorted, "you were whistling again"
"Was it a good song?"
"Oh lovely, in fact, I think I see birds in the window"
"Great, now then", the blond snored loudly, getting the blue eyed alchemist to laugh
"Get up you dork"
"Look *snore* who's *snort* talking *snurf*"
Varian giggled before he hugged his boyfriend tight, smiling wider when he felt the blond's arms tighten around him, "I love you"
"I love you too Freckles", Hugo replied sleepily before he let out a yawn and finally opened his eyes, "what time is it?"
"Time for you to get a pocket watch"
"Very funny, super original too"
"I'm proud of it"
"I can tell, seriously, what time is it?"
"12PM", another voice said, getting the pair to look and see a bedheaded Quirin smirking at them, "and we slept in very late today"
Varian blushed, "I uh.... Guess we did.... Wow"
"Yeah, Moon above, the fuck is wrong with the internal clocks?" Hugo asked
"I think they let us sleep in when we're hurt the way we are..... Also, language", the retired knight stated
".....Fudge?"
"Better"
"Since when do you correct Hugo's language?" Varian asked
"Since he called me dad last night right before he fell asleep", Quirin responded, getting the blond to instantly blush
The freckled teen grinned at the green eyed alchemist, "you called him *dad*?!"
"I..... M-maybe?" Hugo said
"Awwwwwwwwwwww!"
"Oh shush!"
"I know he's the best dad ever, but he was mine first oki?"
"Stop it!"
"You called him daaaaaaaaaaad!"
"Varian!"
"Well aren't we just having so much fun in here?" Another voice said, getting all three of them, and a sleepy Ruddigar who got woken up from all the noise, to look over and see Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel smiling at them through the door way of the infirmary, "finally woke up I see", the Dark Prince continued, "some of us with better hairdos than others", he raised a brow at Quirin, who looked up at his hair and fixed it, blushing a little and getting the man to snicker, "how are you three feeling?"
"Better now that *certain people* have stopped with their relentless teasing", Hugo stated, pouting at Varian, who smirked
"It's cute", the freckled teen replied
"Shush"
Eugene shook his head as Rapunzel and Lance giggled, "you two I swear", he looked at the retired knight once more, "your hand mark thingy was glowing last night, and so was Varian's hair, we didn't wake you up because my dad said not to but, everything okay?"
He nodded, "I was.... Called by the Moon, to help Varian, but everything's alright now, though", he looked at his son, "she said something about a warning, what did that mean?"
Varian sighed, "apparently, C-Cassandra is gonna do something else.... Something that pertains to fear.... And I need to be there to stop her.... She's also gonna do something else and I... Don't know what she's planning on doing..... I really don't.... Just something very bad.... er.... Drastic, as the Moon put it...."
"Well shit", a voice stated, "that's gonna fucking suck", they saw Hector, Adira, and Edmund standing behind Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel
"Wha-! Ok, where the hell do you all keep coming from?" Hugo asked, "what, is this a poorly written fanfic or something where people just come out of the either when the plot demands?!"
Varian and Quirin looked at each other for a moment before they snickered and looked at Hector, "why don't you all come in and we can talk about this in here", Quirin suggested
With a nod, everyone walked in and sat down, they listened to what Quirin and Varian told them about their talk with the Moon, before and after the retired knight was called. Once they'd finished, everyone was silent for a moment or two before Rapunzel spoke up, "so... The Moon can call Quirin to be with Varian, Varian can still talk with the Moon, and Cass is going to do something that induces fear and possibly something even more drastic after? Oh boy...."
"Well, Varian being able to speak with the Moon is a good thing, but...." Edmund started before he grew silent, shuddering a little
The freckled teen sighed, "I think.... It may be time we talk about training me on how to use the Moon powers I possess.... Er.... W-what's left of them...."
"Varian it wasn't your fault", Rapunzel stated
"I-I know I just.... Can't really help the self blame.... Comes with the depression and anxiety I guess...."
The princess looked at him sadly, "I wish I could take that away from you.... It isn't healthy...."
"I know.... But... There's nothing I can really do except try and face it.... And go to therapy with Lance", the man in question gave the teen fingers guns, Varian smiled and did them right back at the man before he sighed, "either way, I need to know how to control my powers, I don't know what I can do anymore, talking with the Moon is good, and it seems like astral projection is still something I can do, but.... I don't know what C..... *She* took away and what she left behind...."
"Do you think you could try using your powers at all right now?" Eugene asked
"I.... Could try", Varian replied before he closed his eyes, focusing on his emotions and trying to summon anything at all, he felt something shift inside of him, he could tell his hair and eyes were glowing, but right as his power reached his finger tips, something zapped, "AH!" He yelped
"Varian!" Quirin exclaimed, "are you okay?" He asked, getting up instantly and walking over to his son
"I-I'm fine, just.... A l-little dizzy....." He looked at his hand and noticed it was smoking, he blew on it until the smoke went away, "I.... W-was trying to summon a rock.... I-it... Didn't work.... Something blocked me...."
"Something 'blocked' you?"
"Yeah... L-like there was something telling me I couldn't.... Dad I... I don't think I can summon the rocks anymore....."
Quirin's eyes widened with fear, as did everyone's when they heard this, before Adira stood up, a look of determination on her face, "then we need to find out what you *can* do..... And fast, he's right, we need to train him, and we need to train him *now*"
Hector and Edmund nodded, Quirin watching them before he sighed, "are you able to stand son?"
The blue eyed alchemist wriggled out of bed and plopped from the sheets, wobbling a little before Hugo hopped out next to him and helped balance his boyfriend on his feet before nodding, "yup"
"Good, then I guess we have no choice", he looked at Adira, "let's train him now, before anything else gets worse"
Notes:
Hello! :D Sorry for the lack of uploads, again, life has been really busy, but I'm trying to upload as much as I can, I hope this chapter suffices
This chapter is meant to be a sort of, 'what now', situation, before a decision is made, next chapter will be able Varian's training, woot!!!! :D
Varian really needs to work on his self blaming issues, as well as his confidence, but he'll get there, he will, just needs a bit of a push!
Quirin is still the best dad, I like him comforting his son while also having little moments like his bedhead XD I need to draw that now XD
Hugo is the best supportive boyfriend! :D Plus him being picked on by Varian and Quirin is fun to write! :D
The Moon is a very sweet and kind being, I love writing her, and the Sun will be coming soon! I'm excited to write them both in later chapters! :D
Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Adira, Hector, and Edmund were sort of just in this chapter, but quick shout out to them, they'll be getting their own chapters soon :D
Ruddy buddy is the best sleepy coon!!!!! :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 253: Moon Training! (Part: 1!)
Summary:
Varian trains with his Dark Kingdom family to find out what powers he possesses, but they use unconventional ways to find out!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Ok", Adira stated as she, Hector, Edmund, and Quirin stood in front of a very small and nervous looking Varian with a Ruddigar on his shoulder, "first things first, we need to find out what exactly you can do"
"O-oki", Varian said, getting Hector to raise his brow
"you okay?" The wild tamer asked, "I know these training grounds are for the guards and I'd expect you to be nervous about that, but you're shaking a lot more than I thought"
"Extremely nervous that I'm gonna end up hurting one of you to the point where you end up staying in the Infirmary with me, my dad, and Hugo"
"....Ah"
Edmund smiled, "don't worry little peanut, we've trained with the Moonstone, dodging any and all attacks it threw at us and making it a point to meditate, spend time with, and/or just be in the presence of, the Moonstone. We may not be sure how your powers works *entirely* yet, but we know how to dodge any attack you may throw at us, okay?" The freckled teen nodded, "you.... Don't sound convinced"
"No no, I trust you all I'm just.... Glad *they're* standing *way* over there", he gestured to Rapunzel, Lance, Eugene, Ruddigar, who was on Eugene's shoulders, and Hugo, who were all standing outside of the guard's training grounds behind a fence nearby, the princess waving cheerfully, Varian waved back, "I'm also worried because one of you happens to be hurt right now", he raised his brow at his father
"You can raise that brow to the Moon if you wish, but I'm not standing behind that fence while you train with your Moon powers when I can help", Quirin stated, "besides, I need to exercise my wounds, the doctor even said they'd get better if I keep active"
"Active, not death defying Moon powers training"
"If you're so worried", Adira stated, "you could always aim your attacks at Hector"
"Oh fuck *right* off Adira!" The wild tamer stated
"Children, no fighting on the training grounds", Edmund stated
Varian giggled at the huff Hector gave before he looked at his aunt, "so.... Where should we start?"
"Well.... Seeing as how your Moon powers are activated by your emotions no matter what the situation, I thought it would be best to try and get you.... Emotional? I suppose that would be the best term for it"
"E-Emotional? Are you sure that's safe?"
"Safe or not, it's the best way to find out what you can do"
"Unfortunately...." Quirin added
"I know you don't like the idea, but you know it's true", his sister stated
"How do you plan on getting him emotional exactly?"
"Well.... That's sort of the problem, we could go for the obvious but.... I don't want to do that"
"What if we focused on good emotions?" Edmund asked, "like joy or excitement, see if that gets a reaction"
Hector nodded, "it's a start, if that doesn't work though...."
Varian let out a small breath, "I understand what will need to be done to get me in an emotionally distressed state, but if it means I learn more about my powers, then I'm willing to go through with it"
The retired knight smiled proudly at his son, a little light in his heart shining brighter with each passing day. Adira, Hector, and Edmund smiled proudly too before the face painted warrior stepped forwards, "while I appreciate the gusto, I think starting with positive emotions first is a good idea, so lets start there.... What makes Speckles happy?"
"Oooh! Oooh! I know!" Edmund exclaimed before he walked over and scooped Varian up before he placed the teen in Quirin's arms, "dad snuggles!"
The retired knight chuckled, "that's true, and I'm very happy to snuggle my bubby", he said as he hugged his son happily, "but I don't think that'll cause much of a reaction", Varian hummed happily, "well, heh, except for that"
The Dark King giggled, "okay, but to be fair, that was adorable"
"Very true"
"Alright so that didn't work, what else makes Speckles happy", Adira said before she smirked, "hold on", she walked over to the group standing by and picked up Hugo, who let out an audible yelp before she returned and set him down, "Quirin, you're going to have to set him down for this"
"One second", the retired knight gave his son one last snuggle before he set the teen down, "ok"
"Hugo, kiss", Adira ordered, pointing to Varian, who blushed
The blond snorted, "um, not very romantic, but alright", he walked over and kissed Varian's nose
The blue eyed alchemist smiled and blushed a little, but nothing more than that, "huh, well that didn't work", Hector said, "ya got any other 'moves' you can do?"
"Well yes, but they're not entirely appropriate for Quirins to see, and by that I mean I'll get my ass kicked if I so much as try them"
The Village Leader raised a brow, "yeah no"
"Ok, what about kisses, you got any other ways to kiss him?" Hector asked
"U-um.... This conversation took a very odd turn and I'd like us to back track please!" Varian exclaimed, blushing even harder than before
Hugo smirked, "I've got a few, but one in particular that I've been dying to try", he walked over to the teen and spun, grabbing Varian in his hold and bending him back, almost as if they were dancing before he kissed the shy teen on his lips. Varian let out a squeak before he gave in and kissed Hugo back before the blond stopped and brought the blue eyed alchemist back on his feet.
Almost instantly however, Varian's eyes glowed bright as he let out a tiny, 'meep!' and disappeared from sight, only to reappear in his father's arms, who barely caught him in time before he buried his face into the man's chest.
Everyone was quiet for a moment before Hector laughed, "Hehehehehe can tehehehehehelaport! Ha ha HAA! Oh that was fucking *gold* oh Moon above!"
Quirin chuckled as he rubbed his son's back comfortingly, "well that was certainly a kiss", he looked at Hugo, "where'd you learn to do that?"
The blond shrugged, a big dopey grin on his face, "I can't seem to think straight right now", he replied, getting the retired knight to laugh
Adira smiled, "alright, so he can teleport, we're just going to need to help him teleport on his own is all, which should be fun, considering what just happened", she looked at the blond, "you may need some water, you're going to be doing a lot of kissing"
Hugo smirked, "I'm okay with that"
"Stop it!" Varian exclaimed, though his voice was muffled by his father's vest, "nu"
Quirin chuckled, "how about we just focus on figuring out what powers he can use first, then we find out how to help him control them"
"Alright, it's less fun, but alright", the face painted warrior agreed, "though, he'll have to come out of hiding first"
"Right, Varian, come on out, Hugo won't do that again.... I think"
"No promises", Hugo said
Varian peaked out of his father's vest, his face was still red, but he seemed a little calmer as he looked up at his father, "I, just had a thought, didn't.... C-Cassandra teleport out of the tunnels?"
They were all silent for a moment, "she.... she did", Edmund stated, "but you can do that now too...."
"H-how?"
"Well", the retired knight started as he set Varian down, "your powers are half and half with her now, she's got as much power as you. So maybe you have some shared powers, like teleportation, though", he raised a brow at the green eyed teen, "we're finding a better way to trigger that"
Hugo grinned nervously at the man before Hector sighed, "kay so, teleportation is one power he can do, what's another?"
"Right, moving on", Adira stated, "what else should we try?"
"Hmmm.... Oh!" Edmund walked over and poked the freckled teen's sides, Varian began to giggle before the Dark King continued to poke him more and more until the teen was laughing and trying to bat the man's hand away. He kept poking him until Varian teleported away once more, landing into his father's arms and hiding in his vest, "....Well we found a new way to trigger his teleportation!"
Quirin snorted, "never change, please"
Hugo laughed before he looked at his boyfriend, "I'm remembering that"
"Nu", the blushing teen squeaked
"Wait a minute", Hector stated before he got up close to Varian, "BAH!" He yelled
"AH!" Varian yelped before he shot into the air, everyone looked up to see him floating above them. the teen shook his head to clear out the scare before he huffed, "not funny!"
Ruddigar chittered nervously as he watched his boy
"I'm worried too Ruddigar", Lance replied, "but if he does end up falling, everyone's here to catch him", Eugene and Rapunzel looked at the man, "what? Varian takes Ruddigar with him during our therapy sessions, I've gotten to know him better because of it"
"HELP!" Varian yelled
"Don't worry Varian! You're floating down, it's okay!" Quirin called
"So teleportation, and floating, possibly flight", Edmund listed, "neat!"
"I'm surprised at the powers he possesses, how does teleportation and flight come from the Moon?" Adira asked
Hugo adjusted his glasses, "well, floating and flying could count as gravity magic, and the teleportation could count as the same, this is just a hunch, but I have something we could try for another power test"
"Does it involve your lips again pretty boy?" Hector asked
The blond blushed, "no! It involves small objects, I don't use my lips for *everything*"
"Could've fooled me"
"Wait, you think I'm pretty?"
"I-! I didn't say that!"
"You definitely did!"
"I agree", Adira replied
"You stay out of this!"
"CHILDREN!" Edmund yelled, looking at them with an almost glower like intensity as Quirin sighed and shook his head
"Um, dad", Varian said
The retired knight looked up and smiled, "hi son", he said, before he gently grabbed the floating teen from the air
"Hi", the blue eyed alchemist replied, happily hugging his father before he was set back down on the ground, he then huffed at Hector, "that was rude"
"Got you to fly didn't it?" His uncle replied with a smirk, "besides, we wouldn't have let you fall, not ever"
Varian blinked for a moment before he pouted, "hey! Being wholesome doesn't make scaring me okay you know!"
"Are you still angry?"
".....Nu"
"Good, your boyfriend has another idea"
The alchemist sighed before he smiled at the wild tamer, "you're a brat"
"Speak for yourself kid"
The teen giggled before he looked at Hugo, "what's your idea?"
"Well, it's gonna sound a little odd, but, can you try to levitate this?" The blond held out an alchemy ball, "don't touch it of course, but just, try"
"Hugo I have Moon powers, not psychic powers"
"I know, but I have a theory"
"Hm.... Oki, I can try", Varian focused on the alchemy ball, staring only at it and drowning everything else out, he took a few deep breaths as he did so and tried to imagine it floating. He felt... Something, inside of him, he wasn't sure what, but he tried to power it, using as much energy as he could, he felt it move to his hands. Without thinking he raised his hand up, level to the object and saw a blue glow encase the alchemy ball
"That's it, keep going love", Hugo encouraged
Varian smiled lovingly at Hugo and continued, he felt the pull of the object, he commanded it to lift, commanded the gravity around it to lessen just for a moment. He closed his eyes and concentrated before he heard a few gasps, opening his eyes, he saw he'd not only lifted the alchemy ball, but Hugo as well, "oh! U-um, s-sorry!" He said
"No no, it's okay! This is so cool!" Hugo exclaimed as he moved around a bit, "wow! It feels like I'm lighter than air! This confirms it them! You're using gravity magic with your Moon powers! The flying is you changing your gravity to make yourself lighter than air and float, the teleporting is you speeding up your gravity and allowing you to move faster than the human eye can see! And the levitation is you changing an object, or person's, gravity to make them float! This is pure science in action and it AMAZING!!!!!!!"
Varian blushed, "y-you think so?"
"I'm FLOATING! Because of YOU Varian! I *KNOW* SO!!!!!!!"
The teen grinned from ear to ear, his power's energy rising and making Hugo and the alchemy ball float higher and higher, suddenly he began to float as well, rising as high as Hugo and the alchemy ball, "uh... Heh heh, um, h-hi"
"Hellu", Hugo replied with a smirk before he pushed himself towards his boyfriend, looking very much like he was swimming in the air before he managed to latch onto the teen, "you're wonderful Varian, you really are", he said before he kissed his nose
The blue eyed teen giggled, hugging his lover happily as they all began to float down, the two of them landing safely on the ground while Edmund caught the alchemy ball. Varian broke the hug to smile happily at the blond, "thank you"
"You're welcome Freckles", the bespeckled teen replied
The freckled teen chuckled, "you just won 20 good boyfriend points"
"Sweetness!"
Quirin sighed, "if you two are done, I think someone earned a bit of a break before we continue, yeah?"
Varian looked up at his father and nodded as Hugo retrieved the alchemy ball from the Dark King, who smiled, "oki, we're gonna continue training though, right?"
"Yup, we'll continue once you've got food in your stomach, I made ham sandwiches"
Varian's eyes lit up and he smiled wide, "ooh! When did you make those?"
"Father powers"
Varian giggled, "what else do these father powers do?"
"You can find out while you're eating"
"Oki-! That's one of them isn't it? The ability to make me eat?"
"Possibly"
The teen smiled, "I am compelled by the father powers, I must eat a hearty meal, I must have good manners, I must say gardening is better than alche-hey!"
Quirin snickered, "worth a try"
"Evil jerkface"
"Bratty stinkbomb"
"We eating or what?" Hector interrupted
"Yeah, as much as I love the adorable dad and son back and forth, I'm actually pretty hungry", Hugo agreed as he put the alchemy ball away
Quirin chuckled, "alright alright, come on, let's go eat", they all walked towards Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, and Ruddigar, who was on Lance's shoulder now, waving to them as the princess brought out a picnic blanket with a grin, the retired knight laughing as they made their way over and began to set up the picnic happily, taking a small break from the training to unwind for a just a moment.
Notes:
Hello! Very early upload! Woot!!!!!
This was a fun chapter to write, I love making the more light hearted chapters, they're fun and leave a lot open for me to do while playing with these characters! :D
Varian loves training with his family, even if they tickle him or startled him to make him float of teleport! XD He's having fun either way and I can't wait to write more of that! :D
Quirin is being a fun dad and I love writing him in such a way! He's so chill! Him and Varian's back and forth is fun to write as well, they're both so sassy with each other it's hilarious! XD
Hugo is being the best supportive boyfriend right now! I love writing him that way! :D Him and Varian sharing that moment was something I've been wanting to write for a long time! <3
Adira and Hector arguing with each other is hilarious to me! XD And Edmund having to tell them to stop twice is even more funny, he's such a good Parent <3
Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel took a back seat, but I wanted the Dark Kingdom to shine for a moment, them and Hugo XD <3
Ruddy buddy is still the best coon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 254: Moon Training! (Part: 2!)
Summary:
Varian wants to find out what the Moon's gift is!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Concentrate Freckles", Hugo stated, watching Varian intensely as the teen focused with all his might, "concentrate"
"I'm trying", Varian replied, "it's a lot harder to do without a trigger Hugo"
"You can do it, I've seen you do it before"
"Yeah, when I was forced too! Not by free will!"
"Look the sooner you do it, the sooner you can get back to the important stuff, now concentrate!"
Varian glared at the object in front of him, he focused on it and tried to summon all the strength that he could, but nothing worked, he sighed and let it go, "it's no use...."
"No nonono you were so close!"
"It isn't working, I guess I need a trigger for now....."
"I suppose so", Quirin stated, "now eat your carrots"
The blue eyed alchemist pouted, "I almost made them disappear, doesn't that count for anything?"
The retired knight thought about it for a moment before he smirked, "if you make those disappear inside your mouth, I won't make you eat anymore during this lunch"
"Well that's a booby prize if ever I've heard of one", Hugo stated
"I could take it back and get you another plate"
"No no no, I'll take the booby prize", Varian stated before he scrunched his nose in disgust at the insulting vegetable, "beats eating more"
His father smiled, "good, now eat"
The freckled teen sighed, "you're enjoying this"
"A little"
"Evil jerkface"
"Bratty stinkbomb who won't eat his carrots"
"They're *gross*! Roots from the ground do *not* make a wholesome meal!"
"So beats, onions, rutabagas"
"Those are different"
"How so?"
"They *don't* taste like death and bad feelings"
Quirin sighed, "the longer you wait to eat your carrots, the longer it'll take you to eat them at all"
Varian huffed before he looked at the vegetable again and quickly shoved it into his mouth, chewing and swallowing it before doing the same with the rest on his plate. Hugo handed him some apple juice, which he took and drank it greedily until he gasped for air and panted, making Eugene and Lance snicker as his father rolled his eyes, "thank you palette cleansing apple juice!" The blue eyed alchemist stated
"Don't you think you're overdoing it a little?" Quirin asked
"Father, if anything I'm *under*doing it"
The Village Leader chuckled, "Varian, most power alchemist with Moon powers, strongest trait, his mind, strongest weakness, carrots, asparagus, and snakes"
"You're afraid of snakes?" Rapunzel asked
"Wha-No! I-I'm not *afraid* of them per say just.... A-a little creeped out by t-the way they move is all...." He looked at his father, "and *someone* has no room to talk with his fear of *storms*"
"Hey, my fear of storms doesn't make me climb *your* shoulder and squeak like a mouse until it's gone away.... And only happens during really big storms, *not* tiny rain storms"
"You're point?"
"You react to *every* snake that comes your way, harmful or not, see a green garden snake, climb up to my shoulder and stay there"
"Seeking higher ground is how I personally would put it", Varian stated, a light blush showing on his cheeks, getting Quirin to smirk
"It's cute, if that helps any"
"It does not"
"Helps me", Hugo stated
"Shush you"
Eugene laughed, "you three, I swear to Demanitus, are gonna make me keel over from laughter!"
"I think it's cute", Rapunzel stated, "I wasn't a huge fan of mushrooms either, still not, so when I'd get mushroom stew, I'd scrunch up my nose too"
"Carrots make me wanna vomit", Varian stated
"Says the teen that'll drink everything from his beakers", Quirin said with a raised brow
"Hey! I clean them!"
"Still a bad habit"
"To be fair, I.... Kinda do that too", Hugo admitted, "not a lot, but when I get so invested in my work and have a drink nearby, I.... Tend to drink from a beaker by accident"
"Exactly! I'm very glad to have *someone* understand me!" Varian exclaimed
"Speaking of, are you done with your lunch? We need to get back to your training kid", Hector asked
"Oh, right right, sorry, I'm done...." He looked up at his dad, "I'm done right? No more carrots?"
Quirin chuckled, "no more carrots, for now"
"Ignoring the ominous statement, I'm done!"
"Kay, come on then, lets start your training back up again"
With a nod, Varian, Quirin, Hugo, Adira, and Edmund stood up and began to walk towards the training grounds, Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, and Ruddigar staying behind to watch
****
"Alright", Adira said, looking at her nephew, "we should start with something big now since you're full of food and energy from the rest, did you have anything in mind?"
"....Well.... The Moon.... She said she gave me a gift.... I.... Never found out what that was.... I wanna find out, but I'm not sure how to trigger it", Varian replied
"Hmm.... Well, did the Moon ever hint at what it might be?" Hector asked
"No, she just said to use it in emergencies, she also said it would protect my family and push back my enemies, she mentioned that it would also come about if my mind and body felt they were in danger, so...."
"....You sure you wanna trigger it?"
"I.... Why?"
"Because I have an idea.... Your dad won't like it at fucking all, but if it'll help you trigger your 'gift' then I'm willing to do it, just.... Wanna make sure you're okay with it.... It's.... Well... Got something to do with your back"
"M-my.... Oh.... You think that my.... PTSD... Will trigger it? Why?"
"Well, your body and mind go into fight or flight mode when PTSD kicks in, you feel as though you're in danger and need to get out. But.... It's risky and I don't wanna try that if we can find another way to get the gift to trigger".
"I don't think that should be an option at all", Quirin stated worriedly, "I mean, I understand why, it's not a bad plan, but it could actually hurt him, mentally and physically"
"Hence why I said you wouldn't like it"
"I don't, again, I understand why you think that'll trigger it, but there's gotta be a better way"
"Dad, we need to know what this gift is", Varian stated
"But Freckles, I'm with your dad on this one, triggering your PTSD isn't a sure fire way of triggering that gift, and what if he does? We don't know what the gift will do once it's triggered, it's a huge risk", Hugo replied gently
The freckled teen sighed, "guys, C-Cassandra attacked both of you, she nearly *killed* both of you, I wasn't able to stop her and you're hurt because of that. If there's a way to control the gift the Moon gave me, then I want to control it and use it to stop her before she actually succeeds in killing anyone! The Moon said I need to stop her, the world could be in danger if I don't, there's no options here!"
"There's always a better option than hurting yourself Varian", Quirin stated, "always"
The wild tamer grimaced, "I.... didn't mean-!"
"I know Hector", the retired knight interrupted gently, "I know", he smiled at his little brother, who smiled back before he looked at Varian again, "son, this isn't the only way to trigger the gift, we can find a different way, we just need to think"
"Great, while we think, *she's* probably out there thinking of ways to *hurt* all of you again with all of the power she gained from *ME*!" Varian snapped before he slapped his hand over his mouth, "I.... D-don't know where that came from....."
The retired knight was a little startled but calmed down when he saw his son's surprise, "you're scared"
"I.... I know but....." The teen looked down, "I'm sorry...."
"It's alright, look I think we're all a little freaked out right now, what happened.... It was bad and scary and yes, people could've died", he cupped Varian's cheek and got the teen to look at him, "but that doesn't mean we need to use drastic measures to ensure our safety. We'll need to hurry, that's true, but we also need to take our time, your powers are delicate and new, better to be safe than sorry, right?"
The freckled teen placed his own hand on his father's and sighed, "y-you're right... I just.... D-dad I can't shake my guilt away.... T-the Moon said it wasn't my fault, y-you did too.... But you and Hugo almost got k-killed because of me.... A-and", he hiccupped as tears slide down his cheeks, "a-and I don't know how to stop her.... I don't know how to get the Moonstone at all and that f-fact that I have no plan at all and that she could attack a-any minute is *killing* me! What if she hurts you again? W-what if she goes after Rapunzel next to t-try and get the Sundrop, the Moonstone protects the Sundrop from h-harm but C-Cassandra is in control of the Moonstone.... T-they were scared too.... They were s-so scared and.... I couldn't help them..... I c-couldn't do anything... I felt so.... So-!"
"Useless?" His father said, when the alchemist looked up at him, the man was smiling lovingly, "I think I know how you feel"
The teen remembered his father's words, understanding them a lot better now: '....I kept that secret from you, about my past, I pushed you away when your mother died, I didn't give you as much care as you needed growing up.... The amber.... I.... Could've pulled you away from it instead of pushing you.... Then you would've have.... Been alone.... I thought I was helping you get better.... I thought being there would make things easier for you... But now, because I fell for her trap, you lost your powers and I'm practically useless in getting them back.... What's worse is that I don't even know what to *do*!" He chuckled bitterly, "I thought I had this huge responsibility to keep the Moonstone and Dark Kingdom a secret, but really, I ran away and let my *siblings* do all the work!" Hector and Adira looked at each other before they looked at their big brother sadly, and slightly surprised at what he'd just said, "I really am just.... Useless..... Ca-.... She was right about that... You really did get better without me....'
"Dad....."
"Look, that guilt that you're feeling, it's hard to swallow, but what it's saying isn't true. You're not useless, I could go on the *long* list of the ways you've helped people, myself included, and I will if you want, but the point is, you're not. What happened was hard on all of us, I think he'd be lying if Hugo himself said he wasn't affected in a bad way from that fight"
"It's true", the blond stated, "I was, I almost died, that's a little daunting, but I don't blame you for that", he looked at Quirin, "*either* of you"
The retired knight smiled before he looked at Varian, "we all have to work harder and get stronger before we can face her again, and we will, but we shouldn't hurt ourselves to get there. You feel guilty, and you're allowed to feel that way, but don't belittle what you tried to do, saying 'if I'd been faster or stronger' won't help you feel better, it'll make you feel worse. I think you put it best though, 'You made mistakes in the past, I did too, and this, what happened, it was a mess, a big mess'", he nuzzled his son when he said this, getting the teen to giggle before he continued, "'We'll get past it though, we just need to'", he chuckled, "that's where you stopped, but I know what you meant, we need to keep going, keep pushing, so that when she does come again, we'll be ready for her, together. We're not useless if we stick together, we're not, so lets find a way to trigger your gift without your PTSD okay?"
Varian nodded, "oki", he hugged his father after that, he felt something growing inside of him and smiled even wider as he let the feeling consume his being, suddenly, it came out
A light burst from his eyes, hair, and freckles, the teen's eyes opened, showing white light shining through them as he began to float up in there air. As his eyes glowed, he hear the Moon's voice speak, *it'll appear when your body and mind feel they are in danger. It will push back, and even knock over your enemies, but it will drain you of your energy and could cause damage, I do not want you to be afraid of it though, it really is a gift, so you can be protected. I suppose I hadn't accounted for the love you feel being just as strong as your fear, something I'm glad for, but I will caution you to be careful of, either way, embrace my gift little one, may it serve you well*
As she finished speaking, the teen felt a surge of energy burst through his body, light shined in every direction as he raised his hands to the sky, something shined in his palms and he smiled before he threw it down as he spoke, "shooting star" before the light exploded once it hit the floor with a very loud
*BOOOOOOOOOM!*
The light surrounding the teen shimmered and sparkled before he began to float downwards. He felt his body drained of all it's energy before he landed in someone's arms, he recognized his father's hold immediately and snuggled into the man's chest, humming softly before he opened his eyes, his vision was blurred at first until it cleared and he saw his father's startled expression, "it.... didn't hurt us?" He said, before he looked down at his son, "are you alright?"
The teen nodded, "I'm okay, t-the Moon, she said it would protect my family a-and friends"
"Which means that attack won't hurt us in the slightest!" Edmund exclaimed as he stared at the crater the attack had left behind, "though.... I'd hate to be on the receiving end of that attack, holy moly"
"Yeah, holy shit", Hector stated, "I mean, it's fucking awesome, but still"
"Shooting star", Adira noted, "that's what he said when he threw the attack down...."
"Makes sense", Hugo said, "I mean it was a ball of light that exploded into the ground, that's kinda what I'd expect a shooting star to do if it were to actually hit Earth.... I feel like I should tell Nuru about this, she may want to know"
"What was that?!" Eugene yelled as he, Rapunzel, Lance, and Ruddigar ran over to the teen and Quirin, "all we saw was Varian floating into the air and then that huge explosion!"
"That was.... The Moon's gift", Quirin replied
Rapunzel's eyes sparkled, "*that* was the gift?! It was so pretty! I really wish I had my sketchbook with me, Varian was so sparkly up there!"
Lance looked at the teen, "you alright?" He asked as Ruddigar hopped off his shoulder and into Varian's arms
"Yeah, I'm alright", the teen replied, snuggling Ruddigar happily, "though, I think it's safe to say that I shouldn't do that again unless there's no other choice... It really drained me...."
"We can see that Goggles", Eugene stated with a chuckle as he brushed a few strands of Varian's bangs aside, "you look like you just rolled out of bed", he looked at the retired knight, "I take it training's over for the day?"
"Yeah, for today, he needs some rest and the Ball is just around the corner, I think we'll take a break from the Moon powers for now"
The Dark Prince nodded before he looked at Rapunzel, "didn't you say the ball's decorations still needed to be put up and things cooked and such?"
The princess nodded, "since it's not too far away, we're getting everything prepared, so I guess it's a good thing that we're taking a break from the Moon stuff for a little bit"
"Yeah, on the plus side, I'm the official taste tester!"
"Can I help?" Varian asked, using his puppy dog eyes, "and Hugo too?"
Hugo copied his boyfriend's puppy dog eyes and looked at the prince and princess, who giggled, "alright, you two can help", Rapunzel stated
"Sweet!" The two alchemists exclaimed
"But-!"
"There's always a but", Hugo interrupted with a smirk, "and I don't just mean Varian's"
"Ok, but, no flirting, ya dirty", Eugene stated, getting the blond to snicker
"And", Rapunzel continued, "you have to rest and eat actual food too"
Varian nodded, "we will, I'm sure dad'll make sure of that, torturing me with carrots"
"Well if you're eating a bunch of sweets, then you'll need more carrots"
"Can't you at least let me *choose* the veggie? I actually happen to like some, like cauliflower"
His father thought for a moment before he smirked, "we'll see", as he carried his son inside
"That's dad for no"
"It will be if you say it is"
The teen huffed, "you really are an evil jerkface"
"I know", Quirin smiled, "but I love you anyway"
Varian giggled, "I love you too"
The group followed them inside, Rapunzel delegating a few guards to watch the crater and make sure no one falls in until they fix it before joining the rest of the group and smiling as she listened to the father and son bicker with each other playfully, enjoying their peaceful moment.
Notes:
Hello! :D
We finally found out what the Moon's gift is! :D Only several chapters later, yeah, sorry about the wait on this one, it's been a long time coming. I'll get everything back on track soon, just need a few more chapters to sort it all out, sorry about that, but I made this chapter as promised, I hope you like that gift :D
Varian and Quirin bickering is freaking funny to me, and having them bond over a shared feeling was nice! :D
The training isn't going to stop with this two parter, Hector and Adira need to tech Varian how to control his powers and possibly how to defend himself, with some tips from his grandpa and father as well! :D Edmund, Adira, and Hector didn't have a huge presence in this chapter, I apologize for that, but they'll get some more chapters about them soon! :D
Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel were being supportive again and I love it! :D
Hugo is adorable as per usual! :D I love this little blond, he's so much fun to write! :D
Ruddy buddy is still the best coon ever! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 255: Convincing!
Summary:
She needs to be convinced they didn't care, that's what she was told, but Cassandra didn't expect the ghost girl to be right!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
She was tired and weak, he stomach growled as she drudged through the thick trees of the forest in Corona. Her breaths were shallow and fast, she hated the pain slamming against her temple, but she couldn't stop, she was supposed to keep going, that's what she was told anyway..... She shuddered as she remembered that odd pull she'd felt before.... What was that?
"You know what it was", a voice stated, "and if you don't want me to do it again, you'll follow my orders"
She stopped and stared at the scene in front of her, "I am, why are you following me?"
The little ghost girl appeared and smirked, "to make *sure* you're doing as your told, can't have you running off now can I, Cassandra?"
The blue haired women glared at the ghost girl, "I wasn't planning on it...."
"You don't trust me, you've made that clear as day, how do you expect me to trust you?"
Cassandra huffed, she didn't have an answer to that, and she hated it, "where exactly am I going?"
"You're headed to the castle"
"The Ca-why?! There are guards everywhere, the hell you expect me to do there?!"
The girl grinned wickedly, "I expect you to keep out of sight until I say to move, watch and listen to what your so called 'friends' are up to, see how much they care for you at the moment"
"What are you talking about?"
"At this very moment Cassandra, they're planning a ball, this.... '7 Kingdoms Ball', they aren't giving you an inch of a thought, and if they are, it isn't good"
"Well, I *did* attack them", she looked at the ground sadly, "several times....."
"Yes, but aren't you a little upset that they aren't thinking about that?"
"What do you mean?"
The ghost girl sighed, "you've just attacked them and stolen some of the Moonstone's power back from that little imp of an alchemist. You'd think they'd be preparing for you at the very least, but they're not, they're decorating for a ball"
"And?"
"When you fought that bratty alchemist, you didn't stop thinking about him, did you?"
"Well no bu-!"
"And Rapunzel never stopped thinking about him either, did she?"
"What's your point?"
"My *point*", the ghost girl's eyes flashed green for a moment, getting Cassandra to wince before the girl calmed down, "is that they put more thought and commitment into him then they're doing for you. Putting you second to their party and games, as they did before, isn't that the entire reason you were angry in the first place?"
"I.... I don't believe you"
"Which is why we're going to see it for ourselves, now come along", the girl disappeared from view, but Cassandra got the feeling she was being watched from afar and decided to continue forwards, not wanting to prompt the girl into do anything drastic. Her stomach filling with dread at the thought of what she might see.
****
"Ok, how about this?" Varian asked as he place his hair in a ponytail and showed Eugene, who was sitting on his bed
The Dark Prince hummed for a moment before he said, "nah, too.... Hugo"
"Hey! I resemble that!" The blond in question stated
Eugene snickered, "and your point is?"
"Guys, no fighting, this is serious, Rapunzel wants me to come down for a fitting but I need to have a hairdo for the crown, she said I'll need to stick with the one I choose for the fitting and I don't have much time left!" Varian exclaimed
"Right, right, sorry kiddo, the ponytail wouldn't really work though", Eugene replied, "maybe try putting it in a bun of some sort?"
"My hair isn't long enough for that"
"Actually is kinda is, you may wanna get another hair cut soon"
The freckled teen blushed, "ugh! Great, I need a haircut and I *still* can't figure out what to do with my hair!" He huffed, blushing harder, "and now I'm embarrassed that this is even a problem", he sighed
Eugene raised a brow, "what do you usually do with your hair?"
"Leave it as is"
The Dark Prince gasped, "the horror!"
Varian rolled his eyes, "well I'm more focused on my alchemy than my hair Eugene, plus I've never been invited to something like this, so doing my hair was never necessary"
"Still, you should at least *brush* it!"
"I do!"
"....Oh..... It uh.... It looks great"
Varian huffed, making a noise akin to one Max would make if he were annoyed as Ruddigar raised a brow at the Dark Prince while he sat on his boy's bed. There was a knock at the door that stopped any further comments however as the freckled teen called out, "who is it?"
"It's me", Quirin's voice said through the door, "may I come in?"
"Dad it's your room too, you don't need to ask"
The door opened a bit and the retired knight walked inside, "sorry, I just wanted to make sure everyone was dressed before walking in"
"We're dressed, Freckles is just worried about his hair for the final fitting", Hugo explained
"Oh, is that today?" He looked at his son and his messy head, "I uh, I see the problem"
Varian blushed, "i-it's not like I *wanted* messy hair!"
Quirin chuckled, "it's alright, coming from our family means you get the perks of fast growing hair", he then looked at his own hair and blushed a little, "though you do get an early receding hairline if you don't take care of it"
"Your hair is nice dad, but mine's a *mess* and Rapunzel expects me down there in a few minutes! What am I gonna do?!"
The Village Leader thought for a moment before he smiled, "here, let me see", he walked over, not noticing the figure standing close to the window as he fixed his son's hair, brushing it out and even trimming it just a little before her braided it, placing a small, purple bow at the end to match his outfit and leaving his son's bangs the same, "there, what do you think?"
Varian looked in the mirror and smiled, "that looks a lot better! Eugene? Hugo?" He turned to face the pair
Hugo let out a cat call whistle as Eugene grinned, "the braid looks perfect! The bow's a nice touch too! How'd you do that?" He asked Quirin
"The same way I used to help Hector with his braids when he was a little younger than Varian, it became muscle memory after that, can't believe I can still do it", the retired knight said with a chuckle
"You used to braid uncle Hector's hair?" Varian asked
"Yup, he had unruly hair back then, couldn't do a thing with it, he asked me if I'd help him braid it since it was a part of Ingvarrian culture to braid your hair as a warrior"
"That's true", Hugo stated, "the strong braid their hair to show their respect for their kingdom during battle, and to keep it out of their face, creators usually keep their hair long and down, and the smart people usually keep theirs tied back in either a bun or a long braid, like.... Donella"
The blue eyed alchemist looked at his lover, "you okay?"
"Hm? Yeah! Yeah I'm good, just.... Kinda miss her is all, I mean, she was supposed to be here for this, but.... She's not"
Varian walked over and hugged the blond, "I'm sorry"
The bespeckled teen hugged him back, "i-it's alright, not your fault, but, thank you, I needed this"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled before he pulled away and kissed Hugo's cheek, "I love you"
The blond grinned, "I love you too, and I can't wait to see you in your outfit"
Varian blushed, "thanks, can't wait to see you in yours either"
The bespeckled teen blushed as well and his grin widened, they stared at each other for a moment before Eugene looked at his watch, "oh shit! Goggles, it's 1:02!"
"WHAT?!" Varian looked at the watch, "oh no! I-I'm late! I gotta go!"
"Then go, we'll handle the mess, run to blondie!"
"I-I are you sure I mean I-!"
"GO!"
"O-oki! Thank you!" The freckled teen ran out and through the halls, Quirin, Eugene, and Hugo watching him go and smiling before they looked around at the mess
"Welp, shit"
Hugo snickered, "alright boys, roll up your sleeves, time to clean up after my anxious love interest"
"Love interest huh?" Quirin stated as he picked up a pink bow, smirking and placing it on his head for a moment before he grabbed a pair of Varian's socks off the floor, Ruddigar sniffing them curiously before gagging and waddling away, "what does that make us?"
"You are the supportive and protective dad of the main character, Varian, and Eugene?" The blond looked at the Dark Prince, who raised a brow, "secondary character"
"Ey! I'm main character material over here!" Eugene argued
"You would be if you like your mains to be the dashing, princess saving, high pitched squealing, old thief"
"Okay, two of those are true, the others are not"
"Ah, so you admit you're old and have a high pitched scream?"
"Alright you asked for it!" The Dark Prince threw a pillow at the blond, who got hit by it immediately
Hugo spat out a few feathers before he placed the items he was holding down, grabbed two pillows, and smirked, "it, is, *on*!" He threw them at Eugene, who managed to dodge one but not the other
"HAVE AT YOU!" The Dark Prince yelled, and the fight commenced, the two throwing pillows left and right, spreading feathers everywhere as Ruddigar dodged, ducked, dipped, dove and dodged through the pillows, eventually landing in Quirin's safe arms as the man found a safe place to sit and watch the fight continue. He sighed and scratched the raccoon's ear comfortingly until Hugo and Eugene were panting and out of breath
The retired knight smirked as they dropped the pillows they were holding, "are you two done now?" They nodded, "good, because you're cleaning the feathers you boys have flying through the air, and getting us new pillows for this room"
"B-but he-!" Both men began
"I don't care who started it, all I care about is the mess afterwards, there was no winners and you two are old enough not to have pillow fights like this, now go get brooms and clean this up please"
The two sighed and began to walk out, muttering to themselves before leaving the room, Ruddigar shook his head and looked up at the retired knight, chittering aggravatedly
"I know, I know, you're agitated, but they'll get this cleaned up and once Varian comes back we'll all go and get you a nice big apple, okay?"
The raccoon smiled wide and chittered excitedly, his tail swishing with joy
Quirin chuckled before he stood up, allowing Ruddigar to climb onto his shoulders before he walked over to a fish bowl nearby, "how're you doing in there?"
Itty Bitty smiled at his Quirin and swam around happily, showing he was doing alright before blowing a few bubbles towards the man
The retired knight chuckled, "glad to see you're alright, here, let me get those feathers out of there", he gingerly reached inside and removed the few feathers that had landed in the fish's bowl before he smiled again, "that's better, it's about time I took you on another swim in the tub huh?"
The fish blew a few more bubbles before swimming in circles excitedly
The Village Leader chuckled, "sorry about the lack of attention, things have been a little crazy, but I'm glad to see you're doing well. How about we swim tonight after dinner, yeah?"
The fish waved his fins happily, signifying a yes
Quirin grinned happily as Ruddigar chittered and smiled at the fish, the three of them enjoying each other's presence in the, very rarely, quiet room.
****
"See? What did I say? They care nothing for you, no thoughts, no worries, no fears, it's as if everything you did barely phased them, and you went through so much during that battle, didn't you?"
Cassandra stared at the retired knight, unbelieving of what she'd just seen before she sighed, "they may just be distracted by the ball is all"
"You really believe that? After what that blond boy just said of this... Donella person? It seems as though she holds a special place in his heart, whatever events he's talking about seem to have impacted him more than you, and you injured him pretty badly during that fight did you not? Yet here he is, about two days later and not even a *mention* of that event? Seems as though they don't care about you at *all* do they?"
"I.... We know nothing about him, or who he was talking about, she could be someone in his family, and besides, I don't really care about him or his opinion"
"Well then, what about the alchemist? He was only concerned with his hair of all things, not you, nor what you did to him or his father, he doesn't seem upset about you having more power with the Moonstone than you did before either"
"He.... Might just be avoiding it"
"Oh come now, you're just making excuses, and what of his father, who has shown he cares for his child, doesn't seem to be acting very worried either does he? Not even when he's alone, no mention of you at all, like they don't care what happens to you next"
Cassandra was quiet, she wasn't sure what to say, she opened her mouth to speak but stopped when she saw the door to the room open and Eugene and the blond boy walk back inside
****
"We're back Quirin, and we brought the rooms", Hugo stated before he noticed Itty Bitty and the wet feathers the Village Leader was holding, "oh... Did we get some in his bowl? Is he alright?"
Quirin smiled, "he's play, me and him are going to have a swim session later, but thank you for asking, I'm glad you got the brooms, I'll handle Varian's clothing, you two handle the feathers okay?"
"Got it", Eugene replied before he and Hugo got to work, the two of them quietly cleaning the feathers, and trying not to sneeze as some of them tickled their noses, before placing them inside a bag they'd brought with them and continuing. The room was silent for a while before the Dark Prince looked at Quirin and looked away quickly.
The Village Leader noticed this and raised a brow, "something wrong?"
Hugo stopped and looked at the pair before Eugene sighed, "I just.... Had a thought but.... I think you'll hate it"
"Try me, what's wrong?"
"Well", the Dark Prince stood straight up and faced the man, "I was thinking.... About the black rocks.... And the amber.... And I was also thinking about the fight.... With Cassandra.... I...." He took another breath and let it go, "I thought.... That maybe if she were to... Do that again.... That we could.... Use the amber to.... Possibly stop her from attacking.... Maybe even trap her.... But.... I don't know if you'd be okay with that, hell I wouldn't even know if *Varian* would, but.... It was a thought that popped into my head and... I wanted to ask but... Wasn't sure how to bring it up".
Quirin was shocked for a moment before he closed his eyes to think, trying to ignore all the images of the amber slowly, but painfully, creeping up his arms and legs, his body shutting down and freezing as he was left in nothing but darkness for a year and a half, with the final image of his son being that of his child's back while he ran out into a blizzard to try and get help as he tried to find a response to what the man before him had just said. He wanted to decline it entirely, not wishing that pain on anyone, not even his worst enemies until he thought of how close he'd been to seeing his son, Hugo, and himself die. He sighed and opened his eyes again, the images still plaguing him, but he bit back at the urge to snap at them as he looked at the Dark Prince, "that's a.... Very interesting idea but.... I.... D-don't know how Varian w-would.... Feel about it", he tried to ignore the vision of his chest being devoured by the amber right in front of his son's raccoon, his prince, his fish, and his son's boyfriend, *none of them are freaking out, so it's not real, it's a hallucination, just like the rest, calm down and stop beating so fast heart*.
"Quirin, are you alright?" Hugo asked
"I'm fine, why? I-is there something on m-me?" the question came out far quieter than the retired knight would've liked, but he tried to ignore it
"No, there's nothing on you", the blond replied, unknowingly calming the retired knight's nerves by a *huge* margin, "but you're stuttering, and.... Tearing up"
Quirin's eyes widened before he swiped his hand over his eyes and pulled away to see tears on his gloves, "oh, eheh, sorry, I guess I'm not quite... Over, what happened.... Yet... Look the idea is a g-good one just.... Maybe don't tell Varian yet, I.... um...."
Eugene placed his hand on the man's shoulder, giving him an apologetic look, "I'm sorry, you're right, I'll keep it to myself for now, okay?"
The retired knight sniffled a little, but nodded, "thanks, and um... S-sorry about-!"
"It's alright, I'm glad to know now, I won't mention it again, not until you tell me, okay?"
"O-okay"
The Dark Prince smiled and nodded, "how about we keep cleaning these feathers yeah? They aren't gonna clean themselves up, are they?"
"Nope", Hugo replied, "you keep handling your son's stinky socks"
Quirin chuckled, "noted, stinky socks and a pair of pants, that are very stained around the knees... I need to teach my boy about the magic of washing soon"
Ruddigar chittered in agreement as he sniffed his boy's boots nearby and hissed and the smell, getting the group to laugh! None of them noticed the figure in the window run away, they didn't hear her gasp at the mere mention of the amber being used against her, they didn't see the look of betrayal on her face, nor her tears as they fell from her face while she ran away as fast as she could.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Another Cassandra chapter, she's still the main villain after all :3
Varian worrying about his hair and needing another hair cut may result in another hair cut chapter with Rapunzel, but that's adorable to me :D
Hugo and Eugene having a pillow fight and being extra with each other is so wholesome! Also Eugene being the one to come up with the idea that will eventually become 'Project Obsidian' makes sense to me, he was the main person rearing to go and fight against Cassandra, which was a good contrast against Rapunzel's constant excuses for her best friend's behavior! I'll give season 3 that, they kept Eugene in character, which I'm very happy about! :D Plus Varian would stay far,*FAR* away from the amber subject unless someone else brought it up or he was feeling guilty, so, this makes more sense to me :3
Quirin, poor Quirin.... The man has PTSD, and he keeps trying to ignore it, if you're suffering from the same, please do not ignore that! PTSD is harmful and shouldn't go unchecked, sorry for the PSA but it's true. Either way, this man is having a very rough time and I feel really back for him, he's gonna need to talk about it soon, maybe with Lance :3
Cassandra, I want to write her as the main threat for as long as the show does, but it's honestly hard to, I guess because she's a character I don't see doing this, so I apologize if her chapters seem a little out of place, I thought it would be a better idea for her to be afraid of ZT instead of just blindly following her despite the freaking red flags and all the doubt she seemed to possibly have. I'm hoping that helps a little bit, please let me know what you think of this, I'm genuinely curious and open to suggestions! :D
Zhan Tiri herself is being more freaky now, threatening, manipulating, possessing, I'm actually having fun writing her this way! :D
THE RETURN OF ITTY BITTY! He's back and more glorious than ever! All hail the mighty Itty Bitty! We missed you so! :D
Ruddigar is still the best animal though, love our emotional support coon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 256: Father vs Daughter!
Summary:
Cassandra is talking with the mysterious ghost girl when she comes across someone she hasn't spoken to in months, her adopted father!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Cassandra sighed, glaring at the road in front of her as she walked, she'd left Corona entirely and was wondering around the mountains nearby. She thought back to what Eugene had suggested to Quirin, the amber, it made her shudder. *Can I really be upset about that though? I mean, I attacked them, hurt them, nearly killed them..... No wonder he wants to put me in amber but.... It's... Permanent.... Rapunzel wouldn't do that to me.... Would she? After all they went through with the stuff? ...After all.... *we* went through.....* She sighed, feeling lower than dirt, *I guess.... I really messed things up.... What am I even doing this for anymore? What was my reason again? What's the point?!*
"AAAGH!" She screamed, frustratedly, her yell bouncing off the rock and mountains walls nearby, before she leaned against a large rock and sighed again, "what's the point.... I had more when I was just her lady in waiting.... Why am I even doing all of this?"
"Because of what they did to you and your family Cassandra", a voice stated before the little ghost girl appeared before the women, "don't you remember? Gothel was your mother and she picked Rapunzel over you, then that princess killed her, pushed her out the window without a second thought"
Cassandra looked away, "there was more to that story", she stated, "Rapunzel told me how Gothel treated her.... I saw how she treated me too.... Quirin was right, Gothel left on her own, that wasn't Rapunzel's fault, so what am I doing....."
The ghost girl sighed, "are you really having those silly second thoughts once again? This is ridiculous, you just heard them say they wanted to put you in *amber*!"
"I don't blame them!" The blue haired female snapped, "I nearly killed them! What do you expect them to do! ....What did *I* expect them to do...." She asked softly, remembering Varian's final words to her
*"You can't take it back! You can't take your actions back, you can't.... Hugo's hurt, my dad is hurt, and it's all because of *you*! Cassandra, you are a *MONSTER*!"*
She shuddered, "he's right, I'm turning into a monster.... What right do I have for getting a bit upset at them? I don't have any.... This is wrong and I.... I want to stop.... I want to go back... I don't want to hurt them anymore....."
The ghost girl sighed, "you do realize you're making a bad choice, I've been standing by and letting you do what you've wished, trying to help you, comfort you, encourage you on this path, but you having second thoughts isn't going to work here you know"
Cassandra looked at the girl, "you want revenge on Corona, I get that, but why do you need me? Why didn't you just grab the stone yourself?" The girl was silent, "no reply? Really? Can you not touch it? Is that why?"
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes, I really do"
".....It's because I'm.... Cursed"
Cassandra raised her brow, "cursed? That's the best you could come up with?"
The girl glared, "do you really think this form is the one I *chose*?! Do you think I *want* to float around like it's nothing? No, I don't, I was *cursed*! Unfortunately I am stuck and can't do anything, not even die, and it's because that Corona I told you of before put me in here! His king wanted to Moonstone and I tried to protect it, but in doing so, the man threw me into another dimension, where I've been forced to live out my days, my body changing into *this* and cursing me to never die! You think I *want* to be like this? That I *want* to watch you suffer the same way I did? I *don't*! I want them to suffer as I did before! As you are now! I want to *help* you Cassandra! But you're making it very difficult to do!"
"Help me?" Cassandra glared at the girl, the Moonstone sparking a bit in her chest, "you *threatened* me! You *possessed* me! And now you tell me this *sob story* like I'm just going to relate to you and do as you say! You've shown you clearly don't care about me or how I feel! So what exactly are you doing to *help* me?!"
"I helped you find out about your mother, I helped you see how your friends truly are, I wasn't the one who told you to go after that knight, that was *you*! I helped you find out more about the Moonstone, and, even though it wasn't your intention, you got more powers for the Moonstone from that boy, I take partial credit for telling you how you could. I've been helping you this entire time, and even though I *could* possess you again and take the power for myself, I don't, I'm letting you keep your sanity, little threats here and there are to keep you from straying away from your path, something I'm certain you would've wanted before. So tell me again how I'm not being helpful, tell me how my being here hasn't gotten you more power than before".
The blue haired female huffed, "it's costing me my friends...."
"The friends that lied to you? Betrayed you? Caused you to do this in the first place?"
"They were my friends before you knew me! They were there when I needed them"
"When? When that princess of yours burned your arm? When she didn't listen to you before? When she constantly reminded you that she didn't need you around?"
"How do you-!"
"You're mind is an interesting place, and you've opened it up to me, sorry for taking a peak, but I saw how they treated you before. Even how you became friends with that princess, she guilted you into feeling bad for pursuing your dreams of becoming a warrior for Ingvarr, made you feel bad to the point where you gave up that dream and the contest to stay with her, and what does she do? She burns you, over and over, constantly telling you how useless you are and how she didn't need you to come along. Not only that, but her boyfriend constantly jabbing you with insults, and that alchemist attacked you! The only one I'd say might've been a good friend was that daydreamer of theirs"
"....Lance?"
"I suppose that would be his name, but he didn't defend you when you were hurt, he didn't stay behind to help you, he fawned over that warrior and saved his 'best friend', the boyfriend of the princess, over you"
"Eugene was knocked out, and he and I bantered together"
"Yet he said some cruel things you must admit, and even if he was knocked out, you were still stuck in those vines were you not? He could've saved you from them, but he didn't, none of them did, and when the princess scolded you, all he did was cover his mouth in shock, even though you were only showing your concern about a person you didn't trust, which was your *job*", Cassandra was silent again, "so let me ask you again, you're sad about losing the friends that betrayed you? Causing you to do this in the first place? You didn't get medical attention for that hand, it may have been healed by the Moonstone, but had you not gotten the stone at all, it would've been far worse than now, you may have possibly lost it. And now, they're in the castle, planning a ball and talking about placing you in amber. A fate the knight *clearly* showed he was afraid of, so why do thee get an excuse for such behavior yet *you're* the bad guy?"
"I-...." The blue haired female couldn't think of an argument for that, she tried, but something seemed to be blocking her, "w-what are you doing?"
"Simply making an argument on your behalf"
"No, y-you're doing something, t-to my mind.... W-what are you doing? W-why can't I think?!"
"I'm not doing anything, maybe you're just too overwhelmed to think", the girl suggested, keeping her hands behind her back as they glowed a dim green behind her, "why don't you take a walk? That may help clear your head for a while"
"Maybe...." The women began to walk, she wasn't sure where she was going, but it was away from Corona, and that made her feel slightly better. She kept walking, and walking, she walked until she found herself in a new place. One she'd never seen before, it looked like a maze, "where am I?"
"I believe this is an abandoned temple of some sort, they'd used rocks to make a maze to the center, I believe Demanitus thought of this, there used to be an artifact here before they moved it, I believe it was the mind trap", the ghost girl said
"Mind trap?"
"It was something the Dark Kingdom used for the Brotherhood way long ago, though they don't use it anymore. It's not important for now, we may need it later though, could come in handy. Either way, they moved it to a safer location, just keep it secure and so no one could use it, as you can see", she gestured to the black rocks pointing towards the sky on top of the maze's rock walls, "there was a bit of a fight over it"
Cassandra squinted at the rocks before she took a few steps back and hopped from wall to wall, making her way to the top. "W-woah!" She stated once she'd made it, "unstable, gotta watch that". She looked around, seeing the various twists and turns the maze made, she noticed the center of it not too far from her, and made her way there. Hopping from wall to wall until she froze, hearing someone's voice, it was familiar to her, and she ducked down, "who-!"
"I can't believe my own daughter would do this...." The voice stated
Cassandra's brow raised, "father?"
The ghost girl appeared behind her, "well look at that, your adopted father, how interesting that he should appear here, and it seems as though he's talking about you"
The blue haired women watched him, listening to what the man she'd held so dear in her life had to say about her. She watched him walk around, he looked angry, but that was normal, it was what he was saying that wasn't, "I can't she betrayed her this way...." The man spoke, "stealing the Moonstone, hurting the princess, running after daydreams, I taught my girl better than that! I thought she was smarter, but I guess she wasn't...."
She heard him sigh frustratedly, "he.... He's angry with me? I mean, I suppose he would be, considering I didn't do what I was supposed to but.... I thought he'd be...."
"Concerned?" The girl asked, "he's the captain of the royal guard, swearing his oath to the princess and royal family. What did you expect?"
"She shouldn't have done this", the captain continued, Cassandra following him throughout his walk, "she knows better! I trained her myself, she knows the rules, why would she do this? Just, *why*?! This isn't like her, that little brat of an alchemist took over Corona, did she not fight against him? And now she's doing the same thing? He got lashed and punished for his crimes, she'll get worse for this! I.... She's.... Acting like her mother.... I was afraid of that...."
Cassandra gasped, "he.... He knew.... I knew he knew but.... What he's saying....."
"Sounds to me like he was more concerned about how you'd act than the reason why", the ghost girl stated, her hands glowing brighter behind her back as Cassandra placed a hand on her head
"I'm still... Foggy..."
"You're taking in a lot of information Cassandra"
"I.... Guess so... But.... He-!"
"I should've never let her go with the princess, now Rapunzel's in danger and this is all my own daughter's fault!" The captain snapped angrily, "that girl needs to know her place!"
Cassandra glared at the man, "know my place?!"
"She should've done what the princess said! If she plans on being part of the royal guard one day, then she should've stuck by the princess! Not galivant off with this Moonstone! We are meant to serve the royal family, that's what we're supposed to do, it's our job! She's betrayed everyone.... She's acting like her mother.... Gothel didn't think of anyone but herself, this... Is wrong, Cassandra is *wrong*!"
The Moonstone blazed with Cassandra's anger before she hopped down to a lower wall, getting the man to turn around, she hopped to the floor and ran across, trying to get behind him, she saw him draw his sword, *he'd draw his sword on *ME*?!!* She thought to herself, *Fine*, she was back to back with him, drawing her own stolen blade, courtesy of Adira, and catching his attention. He attacked her but she blocked his move, breaking his sword with two swings of her own, he dropped the sword and looked at her, right as she kicked him, knocking him down and glaring daggers at her adopted father, "CASSANDRA! WHY HAVE YOU TURNED YOUR BACK ON THE PRINCESS?!" He yelled
"How DARE you ask me that!" She snapped, pointing her sword at you, her voice breaking just the slightest, "you knew all along how much was taken from me! You KNEW who my mother was and you *kept* it from me!"
His eyes widened with shock as he backed away, slowly entering the temple of the maze unknowing as she guided him in with her sword in his face, "Cassandra I only did what I-!"
"You only did what was best for *yourself*!" She interrupted, glaring even deeper, "that's all *anyone* in my life has ever done! *NOW*?! That's what *I'm* doing! This", she touched the Moonstone, "is *mine*, THIS is *my* destiny!"
She saw her father glare at her as he shouted, "I *command* you to SURRENDER!"
Her heart broke at the tone of his voice, unfeeling and emotionless as her continued to glare back at her. She realized he would never change, he was still loyal to the princess, over her, that moment caused her mind to break even more as she turned, "*NEVER*!" She screamed before she used her stolen sword to cut the walls around them, weakening their already fragile hold and falling apart, she gave her father, the man she'd grown up with her entire life, one last longing look before she turned and walked away, hearing the walls crumble behind her, ignoring her father's call as he screamed her name
"CASSANDRA!" He yelled, but as he peered out from a hole behind the rocks, he couldn't see her anymore.....
****
The blue haired women wiped the tears away from her eyes, the Moonstone flickering with magic as she made her way away from the maze, her mind running a million miles per minute. She couldn't grasp on to any one thought, she wasn't sure why, "I.... He c-chose her.... O-over me.... He c-chose Rapunzel...."
The ghost girl appeared before the broken women and frowned, "I'm sorry Cassandra.... But it is as I told you... Once a royal guard, always a royal guard, he'll never choose you as long as that princess is around, and you cannot get rid of her without the rest of the Moonstone's power. You must do this, for yourself, and for your destiny, nothing's ever going to change unless you do...."
Cassandra fell to her knees, her tears flowing more freely as she wept, she felt a small hand on her back, her mind was still fuzzy, but there were a few thoughts that made it through the haze, thoughts of his betrayal, thoughts of Rapunzel mistreatment of her, and how Varian had nearly killed her. She sniffled and hiccupped as she relived all the times her friends and family had neglected her, and she began to fill with anger and hate..... All the while, she didn't see the ghost girl smiling wickedly, her hands still glowing an eerie green as she 'comforted' Cassandra while she cried.
****
Rapunzel giggled as she and Varian walked around in their kimonos, smiling wide at the gorgeous and expensive fabrics hanging from their bodies, "these are AMAZING! You all did such a great job! Thank you *so* much!" the princess exclaimed as she smiled at her tailoring staff, who smiled back
"Anything for you princess", Harmut stated, "it's been a sincere pleasure to work with you and the little prince, and of course Prince Eugene as well"
Rapunzel smiled, "Eugene's been saying a lot of amazing things about you Harmut! I'll make sure my parents are aware of how hard you've worked, you and all of your staff too, thank you all so much!" They all smiled and bowed to the princess
Varian grinned and looked at the blacksmith standing nearby, "and I can't believe you made me this crown Xaves! Thank you so much! It means the world to me!"
"Happy to help young one", Xavier replied with a smiled, "though, I did get a lot of tips from the Dark King, he was a big help, Quirin too, I'm happy you like it"
The freckled teen grinned, "I'm glad they asked you, are you making crowns for my dad, my aunt, and my uncle too? I know Eugene already has a prince crown, and grandpa's got his king's crown"
The blacksmith nodded, "yes I am, though I'm not sure if the colors will really work well with the others. Purple and blue work with you very well, but your father is more.... Red"
"Yeah, he knows it too, he said he's gonna clash, but he jokes about it, he looks good in black though"
Xavier chuckled, "that is true, very true"
Varian giggled before his eyes began to glow bright, he opened them with a gasp and stared towards the direction where the opening of Corona's gate was. He stared for a moment before a feeling of pain, fear, sadness, and betrayal shot through him all at once. He felt it overwhelming him, but he also felt something else, a presence, it was dark and twisted. He felt it's darkness swirling around him, overpowering his mind and blocking his thoughts, he wanted to scream, to reach out and ask for help, but he couldn't find the courage to, it was too strong!
He fought against the rising darkness, he heard the sound of a girl laughing maniacally as he felt his senses disappear, being shoved out of place, he felt *himself* being shoved out of place! There were clawed hands wrapping around him, it hurt, it hurt so much!
*VARIAN!* A women's voice yelled, *VARIAN! Baby it's okay! I'll protect you from her!* He suddenly saw a light shine through the darkness and felt warmth on his face, one he'd felt before. His memories went back to when he was a bird, and he smiled as his vision was engulfed with beautiful red hair and the smell of honey and hot chocolate surrounded him, *I'll save you, I'll keep you safe, go back to him baby, go back to him*
"Varian!" He heard his father shout, and the teen's eyes shot open, his vision clearing to see his father's worried expression hovering over him, "Va-! Son? Varian a-are you okay? Can you hear me?"
The teen groaned before he sat up, his head felt heavy and throbbed with pain that wasn't there before. He then looked up and smiled, "d-dad"
"Oh Varian!" Quirin wrapped his arms around the teen, Rapunzel and Xavier standing nearby with Ruddigar in their arms, chittering and the princess having tears in her eyes, "thank goodness"
The freckled teen returned the hug, feeling the darkness limp away, "dad...." He said, happy to have someone there to ground him
After a few moments, the pair pulled away, "what happened? The princess came running in the bedroom and grabbed me saying you'd screamed and fell to the floor after your eyes glowed"
"I.... F-felt something.... I-it was.... Bad.... R-really bad.... Dad I think.... I think C-Cassandra's in trouble"
"Cassandra? She's in *trouble*?! Did she call out to you?"
"N-no it was more like... An accident... L-like she was just... So sad... A-and angry and hurt.... It felt like... L-like me when I... Y-you know...."
"Oh...."
"Yeah... B-but there was something else with her... A-an evil presence of some sort... They tried to hurt m-me dad, t-tried to take me... B-but... Something stopped them"
"A presence?" His father repeated as Ruddigar managed to clamber out of the princess's hold and run to his boy, who scooped him up and hugged him
"A really bad presence, almost like a demon... Or akin to the one's I've read about.... Dad that thing that stopped it though... It was the same person that stopped me from becoming a bird, I think... I think I know who that is now!"
The retired knight blinked as Ruddigar looked up at his boy worriedly, "who?"
"I think.... That was mom"
Quirin and Ruddigar's eyes widened, "y-your mother?"
"Yeah, she called me 'baby', and told me to go back to... 'Him', that's when I heard your voice and was able to open my eyes. I think she was talking about you dad, and b-before I heard you, I saw long, red hair, and smelled honey and hot chocolate, which.... That was her smell, dad I... I think mom just saved me"
The retired knight was frozen for a moment before he smiled, a few tears coming to his eyes, the raccoon sniffing them curiously, "she always did want to protect you from anything, no matter what. I'm not surprised she'd do that now", he hugged his son, holding him close and making Ruddigar yelp a little before he nestled in-between the two, "are you alright?"
"I'm okay", Varian replied, returning the hug happily, "I'm alright"
Quirin kissed his son's head before letting him go again, the raccoon hopping on his boy's shoulders and resting there, "I'm glad", he cupped his son's cheek and smiled, "I don't know what I'd do without you"
The freckled teen grinned lovingly at his father, "agreed", he replied, placing his hand on the Village Leader's before he frowned, "that presence though... It overshadowed C-Cassandra.... Dad I-... I'm worried about her.... Something's not right...." He said, scratching Ruddigar's chin anxiously
Quirin sighed, "we'll have to take it one step at a time, for now, how about we get you off the ground yeah?"
The alchemist nodded before he accepted his father's help to get up, Ruddigar chittering encouragingly and getting more chin scratches. Varian wobbled a little, his mind still feeling rather heavy, before he kept his balance and sighed, looking over at Rapunzel, "I'm sorry for the commotion, I didn't mean t-!"
The princess had ran over and hugged him tightly, startling Ruddigar enough to get him to hop onto Quirin, who chuckled, "I'm so glad you're okay!" She exclaimed, "I was so worried when you fell and then your screamed, your eyes glowing I.... I was scared, but, y-you're okay, right?" She pulled away just a little to look at her little brother
Varian smiled, ignoring the glare the princess was getting from an agitated raccoon, "yeah, I'm okay, just a headache"
"Ok", Rapunzel said, "we'll get you something for that, and we'll get your clothing cleaned too, don't worry"
Varian looked down and saw his kimono all dirty, "o-oh... Oh no, I-I'm so sorry"
"It's alright little prince", Harmut stated with a gentle smile, "it was an accident, we can get it cleaned no problem, come, lets get you back in your normal clothes so you can rest now, yes?"
The teen nodded, "oki, thank you"
"You're welcome"
Varian followed the tailor, Rapunzel, Quirin, and Ruddigar watching him go before the princess looked at the retired knight, "do you think.... Cassandra.... Will come back to us?"
The Village Leader frowned a little, "I... Don't know Rapunzel, Varian said he felt her pain, but that doesn't mean she'll be willing to come back, especially not after what she did"
The princess looked down, "I want her back..."
"I know.... And there's no guarantee she won't, it just... May be better if we were cautious about her.... She isn't in her right mind princess, no offense"
"Non taken, you're right... She isn't... That dark presence though...."
"Yeah that worries me too.... I'll let my siblings and king know, they'll help me research it"
Rapunzel nodded, "thank you, I'll inform Eugene and Lance, should we tell Hugo?"
"It would be a good idea, he's already in this mess just as deep as we are, and Varian'll want someone to confide in"
"Right.... Things aren't going to get better... Are they?"
".....I think we're in for a bumpy right princess"
The two sighed as Ruddigar let out a small, worried chitter, nuzzling the retired knight, who stroked his fur, their minds filling with worry about the events to come.....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I wanted to have this fight somewhere in this story, wasn't sure where to put it, but this fit so well here! Set up for the island chapter I suppose :3
Cassandra's mind is being tampered with by ZT, it's something I believe she can do with her demonic powers. She's a demon after all, their whole schtick is mind games, why not have the power to mess with people's minds as well, get them to think what you want them to? Cass has certain thoughts blocked, making her even angrier and her moment with her father, well.... That didn't help things, so yeah, she's angry
ZT is being a brat, she isn't playing fair, using her mind controlling powers, mind you, I'll explore more of this later, but there's a reason she's doing this to Cassandra and Cassandra alone and not anyone else, and is isn't to do with the Moonstone, though we'll get to that in a moment :3
Captain.... (Rant warning!) I'll be honest, I don't like this man, he's shown to be biased and nasty, even to Cassandra, I get she's your daughter man, but she's clearly not happy! How do you not see that?! He puts his duty before his daughter, him sending her to a convent in order to teach her a lesson really rubbed me the wrong way, and again, all their issues went out the window when Varian was used as the scapegoat! This captain sincerely makes me mad, plus in this story, he doesn't even question the king on the punishments given to Varian, a child, and after this fight with Cassandra, he runs off to an *island* and *gives up on his daughter*! Saying she was too far gone and that he wanted to start over with a *new* Cassandra! To the point where Eugene and Rapunzel had to CONVINCE HIM of going back to *HIS DAUGHTER*! This man just.... And he wasn't the only one that had a child go through this, he wasn't the only single father that had to hear of their child doing bad things, you know who else? QUIRIN! The man spent a year and a half in amber and came out to find out what Varian had done, only *he* didn't *abandon* his son after! He forgave him and tried to mend their relationship, this is cannon, you can see it in the interactions he has with Varian in season 3! So no, Captain pulling that crap is not okay with me, he's not a good father and I am completely disgusted by him! ....Sorry, rant over, either way, we'll see him more later
Also the place they were at, yeah it's Demanitus's maze in the show, but I changed it, a bit of world building, I have an idea for the Mind Trap, so I thought this may be a good place to put the maze, it's not close to Corona, but it's not too far, just hidden and confusing, I hope that's okay
Varian and Quirin are being the best father and son duo again! :D I love these two so much! They make me happy! <3 Though poor Varian, the bean just cannot catch a break, he really can't, but now he's aware of ZT's presence :3 So that makes things interesting :D
Rapunzel being a good big sis, but also a sad bean, and I love Punzie, so sad Punzie makes me sad too....
Ruddy buddy is still the best raccoon though <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 257: An Explosive Greeting!
Summary:
Varian is in charge of the fireworks show and wants to make them bigger and better! But he needs someone to help him out, so he meets a new friend!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"So yes?"
"No"
"....Yeeees?"
"No"
"Double yes"
"Triple no"
"But yes though"
"Varian"
The alchemist sighed, "why not? I'm supposed to make the fireworks show *fantastic*! I think having a gigantic firework to end it off would be a *great* idea!"
His father sighed, "and I say we've gone over this several times, and the answer is still no"
"Why?"
"Because that kind of firework is dangerous, and with all of these dignitaries around, it would be a bad idea to go and test it out without having someone professional check on it"
"....So if I got a professional to check on it, you'd say yes?"
The retired knight raised a brow, "you're really pushing this huh?"
"It's my very first 'royal assignment'", the teen stated, getting his dad to chuckle when he rolled the 'r' on 'royal, "aside from the you know what, but I'm not allowed to tell anyone about that! This could be my big chance to make an impression on people and show them I'm actually better at alchemy and inventions in general! I wanna make it even *better* than perfect!"
"I understand, but I'd rather you be safe than sorry"
"I know, which is why I'm willing to compromise with you and get a fireworks professional, eh? Eh?" He nudged his father with his elbow gently before the man sighed again
Quirin chuckled, "alright how about this, if you can get a fireworks professional, that I approve of, to help you with the show, you can test out that big firework, but *only* if I approve"
"Oki!" The teen began to run towards their room excitedly
"Hugo doesn't count!"
Varian slid to a halt and sighed, "fiiine! But I'm getting him anyway!" He stated before he continued down the hall, getting the Village Leader to smile lovingly after him
****
"So you need a fireworks expert, that your pops approves of, and isn't me?" Hugo asked with a raised brow as he stroked a sleeping Ruddigar's fur
"Yup"
"Tall order there Freckles"
"I know, but if we put our heads together, I'm certain we can think of *someone*!"
"Right! Let's see...." They thought for a moment, both of them running through the lists of people in their heads before the blond said, "um.... Is it bad that the only person I can think of is Lance? And that's only because he knows how to make things explode worse than you?"
"Ignoring that slight jab, it's not.... Because that's all I can think of too...."
They sighed, Hugo flopping his back on the freckled teen's bed, startling Ruddigar a little before the raccoon fell asleep again. The blond huffed before he noticed the stars on the ceiling and gasped, sitting up straight and startling Ruddigar again, "sorry", he said to the aggravated small mammal, who chittered at him, "I just got an idea! Nuru!"
"Nuru?" Varian said, "but she's into astronomy, not fireworks"
"True, but her kingdom is near the fire kingdom! She would *definitely* know someone who would be great with fireworks! Or, in theory she would know more than we do, we should ask her!"
Varian's eyes lit up with excitement, "Hugo that's a GREAT idea! We'll go to Nuru and ask her! Besides that, I haven't spoken to her in a minute, I.... Feel bad about that...."
"Well, no time to fix that now like the present, she's been busy with dignitary stuff anyway, so it's not like she could really join us anyway"
"True, I did see her at the meeting with Rapunzel before, we said hi"
"Perfect, come on, let's go see her!" The blond scooped Ruddigar up and placed him on Varian's shoulders before he grabbed his boyfriend's hand and smiled
The freckled teen grinned, "you're excited about this fireworks show, aren't you?"
"Maybe"
The blue eyed alchemist giggled, kissing the blond's cheek before he looked determinedly at the door, "let's go!" He stated before he pulled Hugo with him out the door and through the halls of the castle, making the bespeckled teen laugh the entire way!
****
Nuru was startled by the knocking on her door, she sighed, "the rehearsal dinner doesn't start for 5 hours, I'm not doing a rehearsal to the rehearsal dinner mother!"
"Um.... Not that I don't think practice makes perfect, but, that might be a bit much", a friendly voice replied, chuckling a little
The star princess gasped, "Varian?"
"And his absolutely *gorgeous* boyfriend!" Hugo stated before she heard a chitter and a squeak, "with their adorable robotic mouse and fluffy raccoon friends to boot"
The golden eyed girl smirked before she walked over to the door and opened it, "I agree with the adorable animals part, but the 'gorgeous boyfriend' is a bit of a tougher pill to swallow"
"Hey!"
Varian giggled, "it's good to see you again Nuru"
"You too Varian, and Ruddigar, and Olivia", she smirked at Hugo
"Wow, and to think it was *my* idea to come see you", the blond stated with a grin
Nuru laughed, "it's good to see you as well Hugo"
"Nope, it's too late, my feelings are hurt now!"
The star princess snickered, as did the bespeckled teen before she looked at Varian, "so what's up?"
"Nothing much, just wanted to see you, and to get your opinion on something, i-if you don't mind"
"Not at all, come on in and I'll get you two-!" There was a squeak and a chitter, "sorry, *four* of you something to drink"
"Thanks!"
"You're welcome!" She allowed them inside, closed the door behind them before she walked over to a tiny bag and opened it, "I've got a small cooking pot, I can make tea, do you two want any? It's from my kingdom"
"Sure", Hugo responded before noting the shine in his boyfriend's eyes and snickering, "you also may want to show him that cooking pot, he's interested"
The star princess looked at Varian and chuckled, "don't have a cooking pot in your kingdom?"
"No, but now I really wanna make one!" The teen exclaimed, getting the group to laugh
"You are such a nerd and I love it!" Nuru stated, "I'll let you look at it once I'm done using it, fair?"
"Oki!"
The princess smiled before she began to make the tea.
****
"So, you guys need a professional fireworks person to help with the show, and you need Varian's dad to accept them?"
"That's pretty much it", Hugo replied, giggling as Varian turned the cooking pot over in his hands, his mind calculating it carefully
The star princess smiled, "I see, well I know a bunch of fire experts, but there's only three fire*work* experts from that kingdom that'd be able to help you two out, they're the Duke, the Duchess, and their son of the fire kingdom!"
"The Duke, Duchess, and their son huh? Deja vu", Hugo stated
The blue eyed alchemist set the cooking pot down and smiled at it before he scratched Ruddigar's chin and looked at Nuru, "do you know if they're nice or not?"
"Oh definitely! Their son is super sweet and kind! I talk with him a lot, and his parents, while a little.... Stuffy, at times, can be very friendly as well!" Nuru replied
"Great! That's perfect, thank you so much Nuru! I sincerely appreciate it!"
"No problem! Hey, you mind if I come with? My parents have been doing surprise quizzes on Corona history and I'm getting *extremely* tired of them. They want to be the only dignitaries that know *everything* about this kingdom, I get the competitiveness, but ugh"
Varian giggled, "you're more than able to join us! I'd love having you along!"
The star princess smiled, "thanks, I can show you where they are, they like to stand around in the lobby, greeting other dignitaries"
Hugo sighed, "more snobs, great"
"Well, if they give us trouble we can always kiss in front of them", Varian suggested
The blond laughed, "I like the way you think Freckles"
With that, the group made their way to the lobby to meet the fire kingdom dignitaries
****
The group found themselves in the castle lobby, they saw and heard a bunch of people talking, Varian wincing a little when the noise got to be a little too loud, Hugo held the teen close to him so he was comforted as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy's head and Olivia patted his cheek. Nuru led them through the dignitaries in the room before her eyes landed on three individuals and she smiled, "they're over there", she stated gently, so as not to make Varian wince anymore as he gestured to the family. The two adult figures were chatting with a dignitary from Galecrest, wearing floor length red kimono looking garments with a yellow, firework symbol on their chests. Their son however, was standing beside them silently, he was looking at the floor, he was wearing a red kimono like shirt, similar to his parents, he was a bit on the chubbier side with darker red pants and black boots. His black hair looked messy and unkempt, his red eyes staring at the floor.
"That poor kid looks completely, and utterly, bored", Hugo pointed out
"He would", Nuru stated, "he's never liked social functions like this, in fact, he feels a little out of place in them, so he sticks with his parents until they go to their rooms for the night. I'm certain he wouldn't mind someone interrupting"
"Then interrupt we sha-! You okay Freckles?" Hugo asked, as he and Nuru both noticed him staring at the tiny child, his eyes wide, "what's wrong?"
The teen continued to stare at the child, noticing the way the boy hunched his shoulders whenever someone passed him by, the way he scuffed his foot on the floor when he tried to say something but no one listened. The blue eyed alchemist got an image of a younger version of himself, waiting for his father to be finished speaking with the King and Queen of Corona, awkwardly standing there and feeling worse as he felt eyes burn into him. The sensation had made him feel cold and sad and so very lonely all at once, he just wanted someone to come over and talk with *him*, not his dad, but no one ever di-! "Uh.... Hi, who are you?"
Varian blinked before he noticed he was standing right in front of the boy, he looked back to see Hugo and Nuru watching him, their eyes wide with surprise. He blushed, realizing what'd happened before he looked at the child before him, he sounded so young and shy, the teen felt his heart ache a little at that, "s-sorry, I'm Varian, I saw you over here and t-thought I should say hi"
"Oh", the boy said, "hi"
"Hi!"
The two of them then looked away, both a little awkward at conversation, before Varian sighed, "sorry, what's your name if y-you don't m-mind me asking"
The boy looked up at him and, for a moment, the alchemist noticed his eyes light up, before he paused, took a breath, and seemed to calm himself down, "Yong, my name is Yong, it's nice to meet you Mr. Varian"
The alchemist blinked, blushing a little, "heh, you can just call my Varian if you want, u-unless you feel more comfortable calling me Mr. Varian t-that is", he gave a shy smile, *damnit what is wrong with you? Just stop being awkward, this is an introduction, not a fucking trial! He's just a kid, just like you! Be nice and drop the worry!*
Yong smiled back, "ok then, M-! Heh, Varian"
*My gosh, this child is more like me than I realized*, Varian thought as he remembered his very first encounter with a certain sunshiny princess
*"So Prince-! Rapunzel! I *Varian* shall unlock the mysteries of your hair with the *POWER OF SC-OW!* Y-yeah no, don't sweat it, i-it's just a little blo-mehehehheheheheh" *Thud**
He winced, *definitely don't wanna repeat that*, he thought before he noticed the boy watching him, "uh, sorry, I'm... Not very comfortable at these social events"
Yong looked at him for a long time before he began to laugh, startling the timid alchemist, "me either actually!" He stated with a big grin on his face, "I only come here because my parents tell me I should, but I've never met you before! Wish I had! I think I've heard of you though, you're last name, is it Vanguard?"
"Y-yeah, how'd you know?"
"You're a prince"
Varian blushed, "uh... Right", he chuckled, "sorry"
Yong giggled, "you're good, again, I'm not very good at these things either, it's really nice to meet you though! I've heard all about your alchemy and adventures, I've really wanted to meet you! I'm one of your biggest fans!"
"F-Fans?"
"Yeah!" He pulled out an old wanted poster of Varian, "see?"
"O-oh, um, I didn't know I w-was so well known"
Yong looked at the poster before his eyes widened, "oh smoke, you uh, probably don't wanna be reminded", he put the poster away, "sorry, I just really love your story, 'the adventure of the rogue alchemist who took a stand against an oppressive kingdom!' It's really cool! And I... Kinda got inspired by you"
"Y-you did?"
"Yeah! I'm like you! I love fireworks and experimenting with them! But my parents and the rest of the kingdom don't really... Get it... So when I heard people talking about you, I realized that you and I were alike! They spoke about your alchemy and how dangerous it was and... I felt... Really bad.... Because I know how that is, you feel so lonely and sad, no one understand your love or passion and... It makes you so angry! I may not have the full story, but I still understand, and I'm sorry you went through all that. I guess, I just wanted you to know that... You weren't alone, that maybe if you knew, then you might... Feel better about it? Ugh that sounds so stupid, sorry, like I said, I'm not good at this either, but... I don't know, I just wanted to... Let you know, you know?"
The blue eyed alchemist was shocked, normally people would run away from him, tell him he's horrible, or they don't have the full story and very rarely will side with him about it, but.... "You... Wanted to help me feel less alone? You weren't, scared or angry or upset at what I was doing? You thought I was... Lonely?"
"Yeah, I mean, that's how I felt, so.... But you took it in stride and fought back, which yeah, maybe wasn't the best thing to do, but you showed people how powerful science and alchemy was! There are people out there who are grateful for that, and they have *you* to thank for it! They're gonna be so surprised when they find out I finally met you! You're my hero Varian!"
The boy's eyes were sparkling with excitement, the teen was shocked by this, but he, once again, remembered something from what seemed like a long time ago
*"HEY! You're Flyyn Rider!"
"No, I've never met you before in my life, YOU CAN'T PROVE ANYTHING!"
"I-hi and your biggest *FAAAAAN*!" The 14 year old pulled a cord and unveiled his wall of wanted posters, hair clipping, and many other artifacts he'd collected from the man standing before him, "see?"
Eugene paused before he smiled, "hey now! Flynn Rider, nice to be met!"*
Varian smiled at the memory, thinking of how much closer he and his big brother had become now before he looked at this boy, "thank you, you don't know how much that means to me", he said, "I was coming over here to ask for some help with some fireworks, if you wouldn't mind helping me, I'd love to have you along"
The boy gasped, his eyes widening to the size of dinner plates before he nodded, "yes, of course, would love to, when do we-how do we-where do we-I should probably ask my parents huh?"
Varian giggled, "uh huh"
"Oki!"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled lovingly at the younger boy as he gently got his parent's attention and asked permission to go with the teen, who waved, they seemed to recognize him and nodded. Though, instead of being glared at or given a raised brow, the two adults seemed to act kind towards Varian, which was new. When Yong smiled and thanked his parents, he followed Varian over to Hugo and Nuru, hugging the star princess as the blond smirked and wrapped an arm around his boyfriend. the freckled teen felt something warm inside his heart, a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time as he walked with his group towards his lab, where he'd been making the fireworks
Acceptance!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here's Yong! Had to bring him in at some point, though, unlike the other three, the only things I know of Yong are that he's childlike, sweet and kind, and reminds Varian of a younger version of himself. So I hope I played around with that well enough! :D
Yong is adorable and he's gonna be Varian's little brother, Varian'll get to experience big brotherhood, aside from being Catalina and Angry's big brother of course X3 Either way, Yong is that adorable tiny child that gets excited by everything and is an innocent bean, but he's also extremely protective of his friends and a super wise little character! Definitely one of the overlooked characters, even by me unfortunately, I hope I do him justice though
Varian, this sweet bean is getting a little friend! He's been accepted and understood! He needed that, and I wanted to introduce a character that accepted him full story and all! Of course, Yong doesn't have the *entire* story, but he has most of it, and he still looks up to Varian! :D He's gonna be a big help to our Moon bean! <3
Quirin is being an amazing dad again! Well, more sassy and funny than amazing, but it's fun to see! :D
Hugo and Nuru are starting to get the Eugene and Cassandra relationship, and I'm excited to write more of that! :D
Ruddy and Olivia being the best coon and mouse ever! :D Ruddy is the favorite though! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have an amazing day/night! <3
Chapter 258: Understanding!
Summary:
Yong goes to help Varian with his fireworks, but he's worried that his reputation will proceed him!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"So you're in charge of the fireworks show for the 7 Kingdom's Ball, and your dad won't let you make a big firework to end it unless you have a professional with you?" Yong asked, trying to get the story straight
"That's correct, and Nuru said your family in particular is really good with fireworks, so I'm hoping you can help me convince dad to let me make the gigantic firework to end the show, if you don't mind", Varian replied as they walked down the hall towards his lab while he scratched Ruddigar's chin lovingly, "and Hugo's just here to look pretty"
"I'm a professional 'sit here and look pretty' guy", the blond stated, flamboyantly flipping his ponytail and getting the freckled teen to laugh
Nuru smiled at Yong encouragingly, "you think you can help us out?"
"Uh... S-sure, I think I can anyway"
Hugo lifted a brow as Varian grinned at the fire teen, "great! Thank you for the help! I'll show you what I've been working on and I'd love to hear some tips! Dad should be checking in on me around lunch time, so I can introduce you to him then!"
Yong nodded, trying to swallow the lump in his throat as his mind raced a little bit. But when he felt Nuru place a hand on his shoulder, he felt a little braver and took a breath, letting it out slowly before he bumped into Hugo, "oops! S-sorry"
"No worries, I didn't give a warning so, sorry about that Sparkler", the blond replied with a smirk
"Sparkler?"
"Oh, sorry, do you not do nicknames? I tend to give them out"
"No no, I like it! Sparkler! It's a small, hand held firework that you can spin around with and not burn yourself, as long as you're careful! I've actually been working on a way to make them environmentally friendly, since fireworks tend to get a bad wrap for being too smoky an-!" He stopped and blushed, "uh, sorry, I'm rambling, I uh, I tend to do that a lot"
Hugo laughed, "deja *you* Freckles!" He exclaimed as he looked at Varian, "my gosh it's like looking into a tiny fire mirror!"
Varian chuckled as Yong smiled at him, "sorry", the fire kingdom child stated
"It's alright, I do it too, so you're all good", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "although sleep whistler here isn't one to talk considering how many times he and a certain big brother of mine said nearly the same things to me at different times, *ahem*!"
Hugo snorted, "alright, point taken"
Varian smirked and opened the door to his lab, "welcome to my home away from home!"
Yong's eyes widened and sparkled as he saw the chemicals lining the walls, the beakers and jars filled to the brim with chemical solutions, and the inventions sat around the various tables and desks that were spaced throughout the room, "woah!" He said, his eyes growing as wide as dinner plates before they landed on something he recognized, "hey, I think I know that chemical, is that.... Amber?"
Varian froze before his eyes set on the chemical the boy had pointed out, "y-yeah I uh.... W-was gonna put that away.... L-let me just...." He walked over to the solution and picked it up, for a moment he froze, hearing his father's screams of help as the villagers told him how he should be thrown back in jail for his crimes! Andrew even popped in and placed a hand on his shoulder, making the teen jump with a yelp!
"Easy Freckles! It's just me!" Hugo stated, grabbing the amber solution before it hit the floor, "you froze so I came over and tried to get you to come back to us, you alright?"
"I-h-huh? H-Hugo?"
"Yeah, it's me, your dad's safe, it's alright"
Varian let out a shaky breath before he hugged his boyfriend, "I hate this...."
"I know... It's alright love, it's alright"
Yong had his hand over his mouth, "s-sorry.... I-I didn't mean to-!"
"It's alright", Nuru interrupted gently, "you didn't know how much that chemical affected him, neither did I, I got lucky because he told me before I said anything about it. Tt's just best not to bring up his past, especially not that chemical in particular, he's working on it though"
Yong nodded, "right, noted, is he gonna be okay?"
"He'll be alright, see that little raccoon on his shoulder?"
The fire boy noticed the small mammal nuzzling Varian comfortingly, "yeah"
"His name's Ruddigar, and he's Varian's emotional support raccoon, if Varian was going into an episode, then Ruddigar would inform us and we'd get help accordingly. As it stands though, Hugo's here, he helps Varian *a lot*, so we're okay for now"
"Ok"
The star princess looked at him worriedly, "are you alright? You seem, a little shaken up"
"W-well you know, just sent my hero into a PTSD trip and am basically lying to him about.... You know what...."
Nuru smiled, "take it easy, you're great with your fireworks, and even if you can't exactly get everything right all the time, Varian out of all people would understand. He'd still want your help either way". She notice the boy shiver, "if you want, you could always tell him-!"
"No! I-if I did that, h-he'd never forgive me! A-and I already caused him some memory p-pain! I don't wanna cause him anything else! H-he's hoping I can help him with this project, I just... I wanna help him, as much as I can you know?"
"I know, but seriously, he'd understand if you just spoke with him"
"I... I believe you, I just... Please don't tell him... Please?"
Nuru sighed, "alright, just, don't overthink this, you and Varian are a lot more alike than you think, in brains and many other things too Yong, trust me"
The child smiled at the princess before he saw Varian pulling away from Hugo, looking a lot calmer than he had before, "a-are you okay?"
The blue eyed alchemist looked at the pair and blushed, "y-yeah, I'm alright, sorry, I just.... Have some issues with certain things from my past is all"
"I understand, been there, done that, either way, if you'd like, I could take a look at the fireworks you've been working on, and maybe move away from...." He looked at the amber solution in Hugo's hands, "that"
Varian nodded, "good idea, Hugo, do you mind um...." His looked at the chemical before looking at his boyfriend again
"No worries, I'll hide it", the blond replied with a smirk, "it'll cost you a kiss though". The freckled teen smiled and kissed the bespeckled alchemist on the nose, "I'm satisfied", with that, Hugo walked away to hide the chemical as Varian blushed a little
He then turned to Nuru and Yong, "m-my *ahem*, sorry, my fireworks are over here", He gestured to a table full of fireworks, ranging from small, medium, large, and one gigantic firework in the middle, "I've got the smaller ones pretty much perfect... I think, but the big one I want to use is a little iffy, hence why dad wants me to be cautious about it"
Yong looked at the various fireworks and began to walk over before his nervousness accidentally made him bump into a table and knock down a goo bomb. The pink ball broke upon impact and trapped the young boy, "uh... O-oops"
Hugo, having hidden the amber, snorted, "well that's a problem"
Varian blushed, "uh, sorry, I uh, didn't really have time to clean up, here", he ran over and pulled out a small vial from his vest, dripping a little of the liquid inside onto Yong's shoe and making the goo dissipate away
Yong's eyes lit up with amazement, "woah! That's so cool!"
The freckled teen smiled, "thanks! It was meant to stop raccoons from getting inside our crops in Old Corona, but it comes in handy with other things too, such as stopping a certain raccoon from sneaking into dad's apple pantry". He gave Ruddigar the stink eye, the raccoon chittering an excuse, "yeah yeah, I've heard it all before", he then looked at Yong, "are you alright?"
The fire kingdom child inspected his clothing, no stains, he smiled and nodded, "I'm all good, thanks! That's so cool! Sorry for knocking it over"
"It's alright, I tend to do the same thing on occasion, my lab's a bit of a mess anyway"
"Yeah you should really clean this place", Hugo said, wiping a finger over a table and looking at the ash left on it
"You work in here to you know"
"True, but I keep my part clean, see?" He gestured to his side where all of his chemicals were in their proper place, his inventions and tools shined and polished, and his books neatly placed in a few shelves
Varian huffed, "mine's organized, it's just organized chaos"
"More chaos than organized Freckles"
"Shush! You lost 3 good boyfriend points"
"Alright alright, I'm just playing", the blond replied with a snicker
Nuru shook her head, "it's surprising you two are together with how much you bicker sometimes"
"Wait, you're together? Like as a couple?" Yong asked
"Y-yeah", Varian replied, "t-that's not a bad thing is it?"
"What? No not at all! Actually, I think it's really cool! Congrats!"
Hugo smiled as Varian beamed with joy, "thanks, sorry for the worry but we've uh... Been dealing with a lot"
"I understand, sorry you've had to deal with any of that, but I'm open to it, so you're safe with me.... F-for the most part"
"For the most par-!" Hugo began
"OK! So, you wanted me to inspect those fireworks right? Where are they again?" Varian blinked before he smiled understandingly and gestured to the table once more, getting Yong to walk over and start inspecting the smaller ones, as he did, he smiled, "you're right about these, you did a really great job on them! The powder's patted down enough to give it time to explode and keep citizens safe while having an array of colors that works really well! I like them!"
"Thanks! What do you think of the larger ones, I'm a little unsure about them"
"Hmmm.... The string needs to be longer, you've got the perfect size for the smalls and mediums, but the bigger ones have smaller strings, it'll make the firework go off way too quickly and could even hurt someone, but that's the only flaw, otherwise, they're really good!"
Varian wrote that down and smiled, "noted, a-and this guy?" He shifted the gigantic firework over to the young boy, who shifted nervously, he took a breath before he checked, eyeing every nook and cranny before he noticed something, "you... Um... Kinda built this more like a rocket than a firework"
"I... Did?"
"Yeah, see there's the firework fuel and such, but you gave it too much to do, it's got so much inside that I can see, shapes you want it to make and colors you want to display that you made the entirety of it act more like a rocket on an explosion route. If you take out some of the effects, you'd have to size it down a bit, but if you did, then you could place all these effects into two larger fireworks and would get the result you want without the possible casualties".
Varian smiled, impressed, "wow, you really *are* an expert!"
"It would seem that way", a voice stated from behind them, they turned to see Quirin smirking at the group, Hugo standing next to him, "hi, so you found a friend huh?"
"Hi dad!" Varian exclaimed, running over, while Ruddigar hopped off his shoulders and onto the table, and giving the Village Leader a hug, the man returning it as Yong gawked
"Did we forget to mention Varian's dad happens to be six times bigger than him, and was a knight?" Hugo asked sarcastically after seeing the boy's surprised look, "guess we did"
"Hilarious Hugo", Nuru stated, raising a brow at the bespeckled teen, who stuck his tongue out at her as he winked sassily as the star princess smiled and rolled her eyes at the teen
Varian giggled as he let go and looked at Yong, "this is my dad, his name's Quirin, dad, this is Yong, he's from the Fire kingdom and said he'd help me with my fireworks! So far he's given me some really great advice!"
"Oh really? Like what?" Quirin asked interestedly
"Well, he said my smallest ones were perfect, same with my medium fireworks, but my larger ones need more string, otherwise they'll go off too early, and we don't want that"
"Agreed"
"That's the only flaw with them though, then he looked at my gigantic firework and said I should size it down and even make it into two larger fireworks instead of one gigantic one to get the results I want without the possible casualties, which I'm more than willing to do to make this show spectacular! Right Yong?"
"R-right", the boy replied as he nervously glanced up at Quirin, who tilted his head to the side curiously
"Are you alright?" The retired knight asked
"Y-yeah I'm fine, j-just um.... I uh.... Um...." The child looked down, "s-sorry sir.... I-I'm not trying to cause t-trouble, just w-wanted to help is a-all..."
Both Varian and Quirin's eyes widened as they recognized the tone in Yong's voice, the blue eyed alchemist walking over, "Yong, are you o-!"
"YONG!" Another voice yelled, getting everyone, including Quirin and Ruddigar, to jump and turn to see the boy's father standing in the lab's doorway, "what are you doing?"
"I-I-I um... I w-was just h-helping a f-friend mother", Yong replied, still looking at the ground
"Helping a-!" He noticed Varian, then the fireworks before his father sighed, "you were making fireworks...."
"N-no! I d-didn't-I-I mean I w-was just g-giving a few p-pointers a-and-!"
His father sighed tiredly, making his boy stop talking and look down in shame, "Yong, son I know you want to help, but we agreed, no fireworks during this trip"
"I-I know...." Cam the wilted replied, "b-but I t-thought-!"
"That you could 'give advice'? You know how your inventions go son, we don't want anything like that to happen during this visit", his father stated gently, walking over to his son
"B-but-!"
"I get you want to help, but you need to stay away from the fireworks for now, just until we can get home and finish cleaning up your last.... Invention"
Yong blushed profusely, not even daring to look anyone in the eye as he sighed, "yes sir....."
The Duke of the Fire kingdom looked at the blue eyed alchemist, "sorry for the trouble, but he's.... Had issues in the past with his inventions, it'd be best to get someone with a little more.... experience. Yong's got a bright mind and I have no doubt he'll become great one day, but for now he's-!"
"Learning", Varian interrupted softly
"....Yes, he's learning, and we-!"
"You don't want him to be the cause of something bad to happen?" Varian added, his father frowning a bit at the use of his own words from the past
"Yes... Have you... Heard this all before?"
"Yeah... From..." He looked at his own father, who gave him an apologetic look, he smiled at the man lovingly before he looked back at Yong's parent, "I used to be just like him. I would make mistakes with my alchemy and cause massive damage and, on the very rare occasion, hurt someone, most of the time myself. And it scared my dad so much that he kept me sheltered and was afraid to let me try new things with my alchemy. But that just made me want to do *more*! I wanted to *prove* I could do something he'd be proud of, and because of that, I ended up causing more problems in the process because I would get over ambitious and make mistakes I'd normally never make. I understood why my father was afraid of what I could do, but...." He looked at his dad sadly
The man smiled and continued what his son was saying, "I caused him to be afraid of being himself by pushing him to be safer". This caused the two parents to stop for a moment, looking between Varian and their own son, who was still looking at the floor sadly before Quirin spoke up again, "I would get angry or even snap at Varian when he was doing even the smallest of projects, because I thought it would end up causing harm.... It's been one of my biggest mistakes in my life, not only because I hurt my son, but I pushed him away because of it. He ended up thinking he needed to *earn* my love because of that, instead of knowing that I loved him and that was the *reason* I was so harsh. I made that mistake, and it cost me.... So much more than I was willing to lose, I nearly lost my child because of that. You.... Both of you, I understand what you're doing, you're scared, and you want your son to be safe, but... Bare with me a moment and spare a glance at your child, just one. See how he reacts to what you've just said to him".
The two looked at Yong, seeing him flinch under their gaze and continue to look at the floor, his shoulders tense and his eyes dark and fearful, "I.... Oh...." His father said, feeling his own bit of shame sweep through his body, "I... Didn't realize...."
"It's a tough pill to swallow", Quirin said with a chuckle, "believe me, I should know"
"What... Should I do?" The Duke asked
"Why not tell him how you really feel", Varian suggested, "when dad finally told me how proud he was of me, and that he'd always been proud, it made a world of difference, and maybe it wasn't the end all of my anxieties, but it helped. Plus, if this helps you, your son actually gave me some really great advice on my fireworks, he wasn't lying, *I* made them and asked him for his advice, I should've asked you if that was okay, and I'm sorry for that, but he genuinely seemed to know what he was saying".
The Duke looked at Yong, "is that true?"
"Um... Y-yes", the boy replied
His father was a little startled by that, but smiled, "I see, I... I'm sorry Yong", he stated, getting his son to look at him, "I'm sorry I snapped, I suppose I let my fears get the better of me when I saw you and those fireworks"
"W-well it's... Not like you don't have a good reason to be... W-worried...."
"Oh Yong.... Look son, I know you were only trying to help.... I really did make you afraid though, didn't I?" When the child didn't respond, his father sighed, "I'll work on it... I'm sorry for scaring you, it wasn't my intention to, I just wanted you to be careful but..." He looked at Quirin, who smiled, "I see that isn't the right way to go about doing that..." He nodded to the retired knight, who nodded back before the Duke looked at his child once more, "I'm truly sorry, I trust you Yong, and I am so proud of you, I just... Get worried, that you'll get hurt, but I'm more than willing to look past that and allow you to try, let's just, maybe start small, okay?"
The fire kingdom child looked up at his father, his eyes shining bright with hope, "r-really?"
"Yes son, really", his father smiled at him
Yong smiled wide and hugged his father happily, "thanks dad! I'll do my best! I promise!"
His father returned the hug, and grinned, looking very much like his child, "I know you will, I love you Yong"
"I love you too dad!" They stayed that way for a moment before Yong's eyes opened and he looked up at his dad once more, "oh! Do you wanna come see the gigantic firework Varian made? It's so cool! He'll need to downsize it, but what he's planning is sure to be amazing! Plus, I um.... I wanna make sure I gave the right advice"
His father nodded, "I could take a look if you'd like", he gave the freckled teen a gentle look, "it's the least I can do"
Varian beamed happily before he walked over to his firework and showed the Duke, they began to chat about what could be different and what was correct, Varian taking the criticism in stride as he modified his gigantic firework to become two large fireworks that he planned to have go off at the same time. After a few test runs, both worked perfectly and, with some help from Yong, he'd managed to make a few surprises for the show! After they were done, the Duke and Yong said their goodbyes, with the promise of Varian catching up with the young fireworks fanatic during the ball itself. Nuru doing the same as she and Hugo picked on each other for a little longer before calling it a night.
Varian let out a happy sigh of relief when he fell into his bed that night. A wide smile covered his face as he listened to Hugo whistling in the privy while he got ready for bed. Quirin quietly entered the room and, chuckling, he walked over and booped his son's nose, getting him to giggle, "hi you nose booping dad"
"Hello you happy sighing son, I take it you're pretty pleased?"
"Yup! My fireworks show is saved, Yong is happy, I got to see Nuru again, and Hugo's whistling is nice! I'd say this was a successful day!"
"Well I'm glad", the retired knight replied as he gave Itty Bitty a few fishy treats, the little fish blowing a few bubbles Quirin's way and making the man chuckle
Varian sat up and looked over at his father, "hey dad"
"Hm?"
"....You know I don't blame you for what happened before right? Between us?"
The man froze for a moment before he sighed, "I was obvious wasn't I?"
"Not too much, but your shoulders have been a little tenser than usual"
The Village Leader smirked, "alright detective child", Varian giggled at that as his father sat down next to him and pulled him into a hug before he let out another sigh, "you're right to be fair, and I know you don't blame me for what happened, but... It's a little hard to let go of what I did to you. I guess it's still bothering me a little, but it's because I'm ashamed of what I did, it wasn't fair..."
"Yeah but you're so much better now! You help me, compliment me, push me when I need to be pushed, and slow me down when I'm going too far! You're doing a lot better"
Quirin smiled lovingly at his son, "well thanks for that, I appreciate it, I do, it's just going to take me some time to fully put it behind me"
"I understand, it's like me with the automatons, and the Seporians...." He moaned, "why do we have to feel bad for the stuff we did even though we're trying to move past it?!"
Quirin laughed, "because we're gluttons for punishment"
"That doesn't make me feel better, oddly enough"
"I'm surprised, usually a logical answer about doom and destruction would help"
"You'd think"
"I suppose logic is flawed"
"Let's not go too far now"
His father snickered before he nuzzled his son lovingly, Ruddigar doing the same as he purred on Varian's lap, "I love you so much son, and I'm so proud of you, you helped another child like you today"
"You helped him too, and you helped his father realize what he was doing was wrong, it may not be much but, I'm proud of you too dad"
His father kissed the top of his head, "that means the world to me"
Varian smiled and hugged his father happily, they stayed that way for a long time, listening to Hugo's whistling as they relaxed into the start of a peaceful night.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this isn't quite the accident prone duo that I was originally gonna have, but I wanted to make a chapter where Yong and Varian have a moment and Varian helps Yong using his own experiences :D They'll have plenty of time to get into their accidents and explosions in this story, for sure, but for now, this kept popping into my mind, I hope you all like it! <3
Yong's father is not a bad guy, I actually see him as sort of a foil for Quirin, he's got the worry and fear of his son's destructive nature, while still caring and loving his son, he just needs a push in the right direction, which is why Quirin and Varian are there! :D
Hugo and Nuru were in the background, but I'll have more chapters with them soon! :D I'm excited to write more for them, I've got an idea for these two, and it involves the challenge of the Brave! :D
Varian and Quirin being the two to give the moral and stop someone from making a huge mistake is something I wanted to see in the show for a while! We got a little of that with Varian himself, when he tried to talk Cassandra down, but she didn't listen and we didn't get anything else from him after that. I hope I did this right, and we definitely have not seen the last of Yong, but I wanted to see them work together to help a father and a son who are in a similar situation they were in before. Kind of like a small nod to show how much they've grown, again, I hope I did that right, sorry if I didn't, I'll try better next time.
Side note, Varian's a slight slob in his lab and room while Hugo is a tiny bit of a neat freak, it's funny and makes me laugh at the bickering I can see from these two XD
Yong himself is such an interesting character to write for, I can see him becoming the adorable baby brother, but also a really great foil for Varian, both help make the Moon bean grow and I love him for that! this tiny pyro is gonna be in a more future chapters, so will Nuru, I can't wait to write them, if you've got any ideas for misadventures Yong could go on, let me know, I'll try to intergrade them into this story! :D
Ruddy buddy and Itty Bitty made more appearances, both being adorable, and Ruddy being the best emotional coon! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 259: Spirit!
Summary:
TRIGGER WARNING: Child abuse!
Hector fulfills a challenge Adira made with him *years* ago!
Notes:
TRIGGER WARNING: Child abuse!
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
**Another lash landed on his back as he felt pain shoot through his body. He didn't utter a word, didn't flinch, didn't move, he just waited until it was over. Another lash came, the bamboo stick opening a fresh wound on his back, still he didn't shout, only allowing a small, quiet whimper escape his lips, knowing that showing he was in pain, it would only prolong his punishment. So he waited, not daring to move, breathe, or even sweat until the beating was done. After a few more lashes with the dreaded hardened plant, the man told him he was done. The 6 year old falling to his knees, feeling them buckle underneath his weight and pain, he wanted to throw up.... But doing so would only allow for more punishment, and he couldn't take much more....
He waited, he knew he would be in for a lecture for his failure. They always lectured him, it was the one constant in his life, he'd fail due to his weakened body, get punished, then the lecture of how horrible a child he was would ensue, and sure enough, it did. He was reminded of his purpose of being the family's warrior, and how he'd failed them once again with his 'issues'. He didn't speak, except only to admit how horrible he was, it was humiliating, especially when his siblings were forced to watch his beatings. They weren't allowed to stop them, if they tried, they'd get beat too, he didn't want that.... He never wanted that....
He agreed that he was a failure for the 7th time during the lectured, he'd apologized around 12 times, just to make sure they knew he was *very* sorry, he'd even shown a few tears to get them to realize the lesson was getting through, rinse, lather, repeat, every single, *day*. His bones hurt, his back was bloodied and bruised, and as he lay upon the uncarpeted floor on his room, a raggedy blanket as his only shield against the cold weather, he dreamed of the days he would be free. Fantasies would dance in his head of the joyous time he'd be released from his prison and allowed to mingle with people outside of his window. Better yet, animals, dogs, cats, birds, even a skunk would be better than this!
He sighed, smiling in his sleep, his dreams taking his colorful imagination and showing him what could be, then he'd wake up.... He never wanted to, never wanted the dream to end, but it would, so he'd drag his body back to the training grounds for another day of back breaking fighting, he fought, sword to dummy, faltering due to his limitations, and getting screamed at, before being forced to do it again until it was perfect, which it never was. The child would be beaten once again, and the cycle would repeat.
He'd relish those dreams, hoping they'd come true one day, that whatever celestial being was watching him would bring him out of this misery and just let him find peace.....*
"Wake up", a voice called gently, "you're gonna be late, wake up"
The pre-teen groaned, not wanting the dream to end, he was riding a rhino, his hair blowing behind him as he laughed and cheered the animal on to go faster, and faster she ran! They both were enjoying their freedom, no more walls, no more prison, no more fighting-!
"Hector", the voice said again, this time a little sterner, just a little though, "come on, wake up, or else we'll be late to our training"
The pre-teen groaned again before his eyes opened, staring up into warm brown ones looking down at him. The 11 year old growled before he sat up slowly, "didn't wanna wake up...." He mumbled
"I know", the man before him chuckled, "but you got to, it's part of your training as a Brotherhood member"
The pre-teen pouted, "you don't have to train us *every* morning, do you Quirin? Can't we take a break?"
The knight smiled lovingly, "we can take a break if you wish, but first, we'll do some training"
"That's not funny"
"I thought it was"
"You made the joke"
"Exactly"
"Ugh...."
The man snickered, "go ahead and get dressed, then meet me and Adira out in the training grounds, she's already waiting"
"Of course she is, that girl gets up at the ass crack of dawn!"
"Hector"
"My language does not prevent me from being a good fighter!"
Quirin sighed, "alright, but you being late for training means that Adira's getting a head start and will practice more moves without you"
This made the pre-teen's eyes widen and he shot out of bed, "where's my uniform?! A-and my sword! Ugh, why didn't you tell me that *sooner*! She's gonna brag about it now!"
The knight chuckled again, "we'll be in the main training grounds today"
"Yeah yeah, I'll be there in two seconds, where the fuck is my sword!"
The Brotherhood member smiled and walked out of the room, he smirked when he saw Adira sitting in the nearby, "having fun?"
"Yup", she replied
"Gonna come down? Hector's awake and getting ready as we speak"
"Noted", she was watching the clouds, her eyes distant and calm, the calmest the knight had seen in a while in fact, before the door to the barracks slammed open and the on coming storm booked it into the training grounds. Adira smirked and hopped down, landing, gracefully, on the floor and placing her hands behind her back as she looked at Quirin, the knight raising a brow before Hector slid to a halt next to her, huffing and puffing, "you're late", the girl stated with a glance to the pre-teen
"Shut up", Hector snapped
"Alright", the knight stated, stopping the on coming fight, "today we're going to learn about self defense, specifically, a monk self defense"
"Monk self defense?" Hector stated, raising a brow as Adira remained still, her eyes shimmering with something the tamer didn't understand
"Yup, it's actually something Adira's people are known for, fighting without touching an opponent, dodging their attacks and using your speed to keep you going"
So that's what that was, interest, the pre-teen looked at the girl once more, she was smiling. He knew she didn't have much from her culture, *must be excited*, he thought to himself before he realized something, "wait, you don't *touch* your opponent?"
"Nope, no touching, no punching, kicking, sword fighting, nothing, just dodging, it looks, kind of, like a dance", Quirin explained, making the boy wrinkle his nose in disgust, "I know it sounds odd to you, but it's actually a very high level skill that you two should know, it'll help you retain your energy during battle while your enemy losses theirs. Are you two ready to learn it?"
Adira gave a silent nod, while Hector stated, "yes", the knight smiled
"I'll need a volunteer to help me show this", he stated, "do either of you two wanna try and hit me? No swords, only hands for now"
The two were silent, when the knight raised a brow, both of them shuffled a little in place, "um.... Do we have to try and hit *you* specifically?" Adira asked
Quirin blinked before he grinned, "it would be for training only"
"We... Don't wanna do that", Hector admitted
The Brotherhood member gave them a loving look before he got an idea, "how about, instead of hitting, you try to tag me, simply try and touch me anyway you can, and I'll dodge using the method I'm about to teach you, okay?"
The two lit up and nodded, Hector volunteering as the first to try and tag the knight. They stood a few feet away from each other and, once Quirin told him to start, the pre-teen ran at full speed, hand out and trying to tag the man. The knight stood and waited until the tamer was a few inches from him before he spun out of the way, Hector turned around, shocked at the movement before he slid to a halt and continued his rampage, determined to tag the man as Adira watched. Quirin kept dodging his attacks, spinning, twirling, pivoting, and occasionally jumping until the tamer was out of breath. He tried one last attempt, but ended up failing once again before he collapsed onto the floor.
Quirin stopped and immediately rushed to his side, "are you alright?" He asked, concern lacing his voice
"I *huff* I-I'm o- *puff huff* okay!" Hector stated
The Brotherhood member smirked, "you did really well you know, there were a few times where you got very close to me. Great job Hector"
The pre-teen looked up at the man, surprise lacing his tired features, "b-but *huff huff* I f-*puff* failed"
"You may not have tagged me, but you still gave it your all, even when you pushed past your limits, you should be proud of that", his warm, brown eyes glimmered, "I know I am, I'm proud of you for trying Hector"
Adira walked over to look at the teen, she was smiling, but it wasn't malicious or snarky, she seemed to be genuine, "you did good", she stated before she offered the teen a hand
Hector blinked before he accepted her help, standing up, his legs were shaking a bit and his vision was fuzzy, "are you really alright?" The knight asked
The tamer shook his head to clear his vision, but it was still a little blurry, "um...." He looked down
Quirin seemed to catch the hint and nodded, looking at Adira, "do you mind if we take a short break?"
"No", the girl replied, "I can wait"
"N-no I... You don't have to wait on m-me", Hector exclaimed, trying not to let his tears slip out of his eyes, "I c-can still fight, I c-can-!"
"Easy", the knight stated, "it's alright, we all have our limits, you being out here and doing what you just did showed immense amount of progress!"
"B-but I-!"
"You don't have to prove yourself anymore", Adira stated, startling the teen, "no more fighting, no more worries.... No more beatings"
"I.... I... D-don't wanna give up...."
Adira smiled, "you're not, you're taking a break, there's no shame in admitting you need one. Once you've rested, we can continue, and I can try and tag Stickler", she stated, "it's about improving your stamina by taking care of yourself, once you've reached your limit and know when to stop, you can train yourself to push past it, this was good, you learned your limit, now rest so you don't worsen it", she then smirked before she tagged Quirin, startling him a little, "then maybe you can do better than me, but that's a big maybe"
Hector huffed, sitting on the floor, "fine, I'll rest better than you, then train better than you, then I'll fight better than you and have so much stamina that you won't be able to keep up with *me*!" He exclaimed
Adira smiled and nodded, "I accept your challenge, Wild Child"
The pre-teen raised a brow, "Wild Child?"
"You were running like a wild animal chasing after their pray, hence the name"
"I don't like it"
"Then prove that you're stronger than me, or that you can, at least, break my defenses, and I'll change it", Adira stated, "but rest first"
"I will!"
The girl smirked before she jumped in the air and landed, gracefully, in a tree nearby, making Quirin and Hector look up for a moment before she sat down on the highest branch, letting her legs dangle. The knight smiled up at her for a moment before he sat down next to Hector, taking out three apples, "want one?" He offered
The tamer looked at the fruit, then nodded, accepting the apple before he saw the Brotherhood member stand up and throw one in the air, Adira catching it and biting, smiling appreciatively at the knight, who nodded back before he sat down again and ate the last one, "you really did a great job you know"
Hector looked up at the man and smiled, "thanks"
Quirin smiled, "you're welcome"*
"You're going to have to do better than that Wild Child!" Adira mocked, as she smirked at the man before her.
Hector growled, huffing literal smoke out of his nostrils as he race towards her, sword out and ready to attack before she spun away, he slid to a halt, a little startled by her fast movement, but it was nothing new, and he brushed it off. Determination filled his mind as he continued to run towards her, slicing the air to block her usual exits, but she kept dodging his attacks, spinning, twirling, pivoting, and occasionally jumping until he was, seemingly out of breath. "Stop dancing around me and FIGHT!" He roared as she landed on the ground in front of him
"Oh yes, very motivating", the face painted warrior teased
Quirin sighed as he, Varian, and Hugo watched from the sidelines, "tell me again how this fight started?" He asked tiredly
"Uncle Hector was trying to teach me how to dodge attacks, when Aunt Adira added a few extra notes that Uncle Hector forgot. It made him mad and he snapped at her to stay out of his business, when she said they were both helping me train. He started to get mad and it sort of escalated from there, that's when I got you", his son explained as Hugo ate a cupcake he'd managed to snag from the castle's kitchen, "what do we do?"
His father sighed, "they'll fight it out until Hector's tired, he'll stop his attacks and Adira will probably smirk or gloat before she walks over and asks me if I enjoyed the fight"
Varian looked up at his father, "but.... Why would she do that?"
"Because she likes to push him, believe it or not, she does this to help Hector"
"Really?" Hugo said, "she seems to be doing the opposite"
Quirin sighed, but smiled, "it seems that way, until you realize that she's holding back, then again, so is Hector. He's angry, and needs to let out his aggression, she's allowing him to do that on her, but they're not trying to blood, hence them holding back. It's sort of an old challenge they made to each other a long time ago".
"A challenge?" Varian said as the two alchemist's watched the brother and sister spar. The warriors didn't seem to slow down, Hector kept rushing forwards and slashing his unbroken blade at Adira, who kept dodging. He growled before he suddenly got an idea, jumping back, he rushed forwards again, Adira waiting until he was a few inches away before she spun to the right, but this time, the wild tamer turned on a dime, using his momentum to push himself forwards and managed to nudge the face painted warrior off balance!
He then turned to face her, smiling wide as he brought his sword close to her neck, but stopped when he heard the ringing of his and someone's sword collide, he stopped when he saw Adira's sword that Lance had given her unsheathed. She regained her balance and, with a fervent passion and drive, unleashed a barrage of attacks on the wild tamer. He tried to block, some got past his blade, slicing him a little, growling he sliced back, matching her intensity, their blades clashed against each other, both of them unable to stop, or unwilling to, until they both felt someone push in-between them. Two blades separated the siblings, the retired knight standing in the middle, Hector slid back, as did Adira, both of them staring at their older brother in shock before their minds received the pain signals from the scratches they'd gotten. "Shit", Hector cursed, "well that went a little overboard"
"Yes, it did", Adira admitted
"Glad you two realized that *after* I stopped you", Quirin stated aggravatedly before he put his swords away, "Moon above, you nearly *hurt* each other!"
The two blushed a little, "guess it got a little out of hand", Hector stated
"Agreed, sorry", Adira said
"Yeah, sorry"
Quirin huffed, "it's fine", he then looked at the wild tamer, "you.... Did it though"
"Huh?"
"You broke her defenses and got her to attack"
The tamer blinked for a moment before his eyes widened, "I did! Y-You attacked back! I threw you off balance and got you to attack! I did it! I DID IT!"
Adira was startled for a moment before she smiled, "yes you did, and you're not out of breath"
"That's true! I'm not!" Quirin chuckled as he watched his little brother's smile grow even larger, "I did it! I fucking did it! I-!" He stopped and blushed again, "g-good fight"
His sister snickered, "good fight, guess this means I'll have to call you something different now"
"Huh?"
"That was the deal, you show me you're stronger, or you break my defenses, and I change your nickname, remember?" She stated, "unless you like the name 'Wild Child'"
"I-!" Hector stopped, his mind and heart were racing, but he thought back to all the times he'd answered to that name, and sighed, "....It's not.... Terrible"
Now it was Adira's turn to blink and widen her own eyes, "wait, it's *grown* on you now, hasn't it?"
"I-shut up!"
The face painted warrior smirked, "so you worked so hard to change a name you didn't want to change, funny how that works"
"Adira!"
"Alright I'll stop, though, I do have a solution", her two brothers raised a brow as Varian and Hugo walked over and stood next to Quirin, who hugged them both, "Stickler has two nicknames, Stickler, and Courage, I could just give you a second one, if you'd like"
The wild tamer tilted his head to the side, "what name would that be? Rat's nest? Acid eyes?"
Adira smiled, "Spirit", at her younger brother's confusion, she grinned, "because you never gave up and kept fighting, even when mine and Stickler's spirits were down, you keep fighting. You fought against every odd, against everyone telling you that you're a failure, and... You won! You have a fighting spirit, so Spirit".
Hector was shocked at first, before he felt something stinging at the corners of his eyes, wiping them away he nodded, "ok, Spirit then, I can accept that"
Quirin smiled lovingly at his siblings, "so, Spirit, Courage, and...." He looked at Adira, "we need one for you"
"I don't need one, I'm fi-!"
"How about Hope?" Varian suggested, "think about it, dad you mentioned Adira pushed Hector to do better right?"
"That's right", his father replied
"And when Grandpa um.... Got angry, and you guys had to... Leave... Um, Adira was the one endlessly searching for the Sundrop so the Moonstone could be connected to her and she could bring back that home, yeah?"
"True", Hector stated
"So Adira never gave up, helped push Uncle Hector to his limits and beyond, and she kept an eye on me when she barely knew me, giving me food, keeping the guards away, and trying her best to make up for.... Well that... Punishment I got.... She's been the one to keep fighting and help all those she cares about, and once Grandpa, her, you dad, and Hector were reunited, she kept looking for C-Cassandra to try and stop her so the Moonstone could be safe. She's still fighting even to this day, she never lost hope, so how about Hope?"
Hugo grinned, "I like that, makes sense with the other names too, Courage for this big lug", he smirked up at Quirin, who raised a brow at him, "Spirit for the most spirited wild man anyone's ever seen", Hector huffed, but smirked, "and Hope, for the lady who never gives up", he looked at Adira, "and pushed people, even to the point of anger", the face painted warrior laughed at that, even more when Hector rolled his eyes and nodded in agreement.
The retired knight chuckled, "I definitely agree, Hector?"
"Yeah, Hope sounds good for her", the wild tamer replied, "to an annoying degree", he added with a teasing look to his sibling
Adira grinned, "ok, Hope it is, we'd need to come up with one for King Edmund too you know, he'll feel left out if we don't"
"That's true!" Varian exclaimed, thinking for a moment before his eyes lit up with excitement, "Heart!" He exclaimed, "because Grandpa is full of love!"
"That's a little cheesy Freckles", Hugo stated
"The man is made, *entirely*, of sprinkles, glitter, Eugene shaped clouds, and *so* many rainbows you'd be blinded by the sight!" The freckled teen stated, "all of them are love powered, so the line fits"
The blond snorted as Quirin, Adira, and Hector smirked, "true", they all stated together
Varian giggled, "so, dad is Courage, Hector is Spirit, Adira is Hope, and Grandpa is Heart!"
"That sounds so fucking weird for a bunch of Dark Kingdom warriors", Hector stated
"Believe it or not, that kind of defines our group", Quirin stated, "dark, strong, scary, intimidating, and.... Full of love?"
"Ugh!"
Adira laughed, "and rainbows"
"You're making it worse!"
The group laughed, all of them adding on to the barrage of cheesy lines, making the wild tamer groan and huff, all the while, a tiny smile showed on his face as he tried to stop his family from making him physically sick from all the things they were adding. In the back of his mind, he thought about that little boy he used to be, hiding and longing for the days where he would be free, and, as he finally let down his shield when his nephew embraced him happily, he smiled wide, laughing at their stupid lines and enjoying his freedom to it's fullest!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Hector chapter!!!!! I wanted to have a Hector chapter because this man needs lovins! :D I'll have a chapter for each Brotherhood member soon! :D This was his :D
Poor Hector, he was really abused when he was younger.... He's got a much better life now and is fully enjoying every moment he can get, but it's still hard to think about what he had to go through to get there. I love writing characters like that, but it's even hard to write their backstories, either way, he's finally beaten Adira, well sort of, he broke her defenses, which definitely a step up! :D
Adira is the sister we all want in our lives, someone who's kind and caring while also pushing you to your limits and even teasing you at times! XD I love Adira so much, and I can't think of a better name for her than hope, I explained why in the chapter X3
Quirin is being the best older brother ever! I love this man so much! He legitimately makes me so freaking happy anytime I write about him! <3 Him and Varian both! <3 Quirin's just such a fun character to write, from the way he gets annoyed by his sibling's antics to how supportive he can be, and how protective he is over them, I just love that in a big brother, plus he's a dad and does the same for his tiny son, so that makes him better! <3 I could go on a love rant about Quirin, but I'm stopping here XD
Varian and Hugo didn't get too much time in this chapter, but the time they did have was fun to write! :D These two being the audience is adorable and I love their interactions! They're so much fun to write and I can't wait to write more! :D
Edmund doesn't even need to be in this chapter, and he makes you love him more! This man is a cinnamon roll and no one is changing my mind! XD
Ruddy buddy is hanging out with Itty Bitty and Pascal right now, even so, he's the best coon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 260: Baby Mine!
Summary:
Edmund is sad as memories of the past haunt him like ghosts on a very particular day in his, and Eugene's, life!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"He's so handsome!" The Dark King exclaimed as he lifted his new born into the air and smiled as the baby gurgled a little
"Y-your majesty, he's just been born a day ago", the nursemaid stated nervously, "you won't be able to lift him like that for a while, you'll have to be a little more careful"
The king looked at her before he nodded, "right right, I'm sorry, I just got so excited!" He carefully rearranged his son in his arms, swaddling him before he smiled lovingly at the tiny child in his arms, "he's so small"
"Yes he is", the nursemaid agreed with a smile, "but he'll grow"
"Was I that small when I was born?"
The nursemaid giggled before nodding, "yes your majesty"
"Oh", Edmund said, looking at his boy with sparkles in his eyes, "you hear that, I was just as small as you! But then I grew, so I guess you'll grow too!"
The baby prince didn't respond, instead he lay dormant in his father's arms, his eyes closed as he gave little mumbles to the man
Edmund chuckled lovingly, "he's trying to speak, but you can't speak yet, no no, you've gotta wait until that tongue does some stretches first tiny son"
The nursemaid chuckled before she walked over to the Queen, Eden was watching her husband, smiling tiredly at her boys as they snuggled, "how are you your majesty?"
"I'm alright now", Eden replied softly, "just a little weak, but I'll get better"
"I'm certain you will!" Edmund stated, "then we'll be able to hold our baby boy together!" He walked over to his sick wife, sitting in the chair next to her bed and showing her their baby, "he's ours"
"I know hon"
"We made him"
"We did indeed"
"I'm a daddy"
"Yes you are"
"And your a mommy"
"Yes I am"
The Dark King giggled happily, "our little family grew today, and we're gonna change him, feed him, show him how to sword fight-!"
"When he's older", his Queen interrupted
"Right, right, 3 is a good age for sword fighting right?"
Eden shook her head with a smile on her face before there was a knock on the door. The new parents looked over to see the nursemaid open the door. Quirin, Adira, and Hector were standing behind it, all of them were peeking inside, Quirin being the bravest as his siblings hid behind him a bit. It made the king and queen smile, "do you three want to see him?" Eden asked gently
"If that's okay", Quirin replied, Hector and Adira nodding silently behind him
"Of course it's alright", she replied, "just be careful, he's fragile"
They nodded, but Quirin was the only one who walked inside, Adira and Hector were frozen by the door as the knight looked back at them, "um..." He started, "you two coming?"
"Yes", Hector replied, but he didn't move
The knight smirked, "alright, I guess I'll be the first one to see the new prince-!" He was interrupted when he saw the two walk in immediately and stand beside the king, who chuckled. The knight sighed but he nodded to the nursemaid as she closed the door. Silently thanking her before he walked over to their rulers as well, placing a hand on the Queen's, "how are you feeling?"
"I'm alright, just a little sick, but it should go away soon", Eden responded
"I bet you'll kick the sicknesses ass", Hector stated, ignoring the nursemaid's raised brow, "just like everything else"
The Queen giggled, "thanks for the bode of confidence"
"So that's a baby?" Adira asked, looking at the little prince, "he's so.... Squishy"
"Adira!" Quirin scolded
"I'm not wrong"
Edmund smiled, "he is a little squishy, but he's my squishy"
The baby in his arms mumbled a little more, his hands opening and closing repeatedly as if he was trying to grab onto something
"Does he wanna hold something?" Hector asked
"I.... Don't know", Edmund admitted
Quirin smiled, "am I allowed to touch him?"
"Of course!"
The knight reached out and gently brushed his fingers against the newborn's cheek, the baby, sensing this, reached out and grabbed Quirin's finger, startling everyone until the knight's heart melted, "awww"
Eden smiled, "our little baby recognizes our family"
"Yes he does, he's going to change everything about our lives now! The kingdom will be lighter, the people will be happier, our livelihoods are all going to be different now, he's such a big change to this world", Edmund stated, his eyes shining as he watched his youngest child before looking at his three older children and his wife, who was smiling, "that's why I think the name 'Horace' fits him perfectly, it means 'change', and there's no doubt in my mind that he's going to change everything"
****
The Dark King walked the silent halls of his castle, it'd been a year since everyone left, *a year since.... She....* He stopped thinking, instead wondering about the crows he'd sent to watch over his children, they'd left him alone and tired for a while now after he'd sent them. He continued his walk, turning a corner and expecting to bump into a nursemaid or guard. When he didn't he felt an odd emptiness inside him. He looked out the window towards the training grounds, hoping to see his children training, or bickering, as they normally would do, but he didn't. The grounds were empty, devoid of life and covered in black rocks.
He sighed, walking past the window and trying to get rid of the sob stuck in his throat. He continued his walk, humming a song to himself as he passed the, now closed, door to the Moonstone, glaring forwards as he past before he found himself next to a place he hadn't visited in a while. He opened the door and walked inside silently, looking around as he touched the small items he'd bought or made.
He picked up a tiny rattle, shaking it as he remembered the time he'd visited his wife in the infirmary, she'd held their baby close as he shook the rattle, getting the newborn to giggle and try to grab the object, his brown eyes shimmering with excitement at the new toy.
The Dark King set the toy down, wincing as the memories plagued his mind. He walked forwards, stopping when he kicked a set of building blocks down. He smiled as he'd watched Quirin set up a small castle for his boy, only for the baby to knock the whole thing down. The knight had laughed so hard at that as he rebuilt the castle again, getting the baby to knock it down as he laughed.
The echoes of that laughter haunted the Dark King as he moved around the blocks, rebuilding the castle just the way it was before before he walked away. He sniffled a little as he brushed his hand against a wooden sword, remembering how he'd spoken to Adira and Hector about the baby being too young to hold it, they'd insisted he try, and when the king carefully allowed his son to touch the wooden blade, he tried to chew on it. When Hector swiped it away, the baby chewed on his cape instead, making everyone laugh.
"Please.... No more...." The Dark King begged as the memories were growing to be too painful. He walked away from the sword until he froze, he saw the rocking crib, he heard his wife singing their baby a song as she rocked him to sleep before being taken back to the infirmary. He unsteadily walked over to the crib and rocked it a little before his tears were freed from their confines. He hummed the lullaby to himself as he remembered his late wife smiling when she caught him watching her, the thought finally breaking Edmunds heart as his sobs echoed throughout the empty castle....*
****
"Dad?" Eugene said, startling Edmund out of his daze
"Wha-Oh hi son! What brings you to my room?" The Dark King asked as he smiled at his boy happily
The Dark Prince raised a brow as Rapunzel, Varian, and Ruddigar sat behind him on the bed, "uh, actually father, you came to *my* room"
"I.... Did?"
"Yeah, you knocked and opened the door before you just stood there watching us"
"And you're... Crying", Varian added softly, stroking Ruddigar's fur
"I... Am?" Edmund raised his hand to his cheek and touched it before he looked at his hand and saw his tears on his glove, "oh, I-I uh, sorry, I didn't realize I was doing that"
Eugene tilted his head to the side, "you okay?"
"Me? Yeah! I'm alright! Just... A little lost", he chuckled, * *lot* lost actually*, he thought, *but if he found out why, I know he'd only be angry with me for reminding him*
"Reminding me of what?" Eugene asked
"I.... *Really* need to work on that flaw...."
Varian, Ruddigar, and Rapunzel giggled as Eugene shook his head with a smile on his face, "what's going on dad, you seem.... Distant..."
"I'm not distant, I'm fine, perfectly good! In fact I'm more than good, I'm.... What do the kids say these days? 'Cool'? 'Icey chill'? Something about being on fire?"
"Pfft!" Varian slapped a hand over his mouth, Ruddigar, Rapunzel, and Eugene looking at him as the princess hugged the teen lovingly while he laughed
Eugene sighed as he looked at his father before he noted something, the man was hunching, his shoulders were tensed up and he looked about ready to run should anyone give him a reason. The Dark Prince felt a pang of worry shoot through him, "dad.... Are you really okay?"
"Perfectly fin-!"
"I'm serious", Eugene interrupted, "I may not have the best way to read you, but.... Something's wrong.... Do you.... Need to talk to me about something?"
"I-I don't know what you're talking about, I'm just um... T-trying to find the privy is all!"
"You have a private privy"
"Er.... Looking for Quirin?"
"He's with Hector and Adira grabbing flowers for something"
"....I-it's.... Opposite room day?"
"Dad!"
"That's *actually* a holiday in the Dark Kingdom, to be fair"
"Is it today?"
".....Nu"
Eugene sighed before he took a breath and let it out, "father, you're upset, I can see that you're upset and you want company, but I can't help if you don't tell me what's wrong", he stated gently, "something's bothering you, people don't just randomly come to their kid's rooms and stare at them while crying for no reason". Edmund was quiet, "would it help if you sat down? I have some water in here".
"Oh I...." Memories flashed inside his head and he shuddered, "I-I don't know.... I-!"
"Does it have to do with the Moonstone?" Varian asked
Edmund's eyes widened as he looked at his tiny grandson, "I-I-h-how did you-!"
"Dad.... Told me what day it was...." The alchemist explained, continuing to stroke Ruddigar's fur gently, "it's why I'm with Eugene and Rapunzel right now and not Hugo.... He uh.... Would've come but, he doesn't do well with these sort of things, so he decided to practice his origami and catch up with me later". The teen smirked, "to be honest, I think he knew I wanted to spend today alone with family, he can read me so well, honestly".
Eugene raised a brow, "what day is it?"
Rapunzel looked at the teen, Varian looking back at the both of them, "you... Don't know?"
"No?"
"Oh... Um.... M-maybe it would be better c-coming from him", he nodded to the Dark King as his raccoon nuzzled his cheek comfortingly while Edmund sighed sadly
Eugene blinked before he realized something, "Quirin, Adira, and Hector getting flowers, Varian and Ruddigar coming in here, without Hugo, to spend the day with family, and then you in tears and lost...." His shoulders slumped as his mind connected the dots, "today's.... About mom... Isn't it"
The Dark King nodded as more tears escaped his eyes, "this is the 25th anniversary of her p-passing.... I.... Got so consumed by memories that I... Guess my feet just... T-took me to you...."
"Oh dad...."
"S-sorry I... Um... I d-didn't mean to.... I should've told y-you before but... I didn't k-know when t-to-!"
"Hey, hey it's alright", Eugene said, walking over and hugging the man, "it's okay, it's okay", he felt his father wrap his arm around him, returning the hug. They stayed that way for a moment before the Dark Prince broke the hug, "how about you come inside and sit down, yeah?"
"I... I'm sorry...." His father sobbed
"You're okay, come on", he guided the broken hearted man to a chair in his room, grabbing him some tissues and water, which Edmund accepted. He blew his nose and drank some water before he managed to pull himself together a little bit better than before. Varian shuffled off the bed and walked over to his grandfather, who scooped him up and held him as Ruddigar hopped on his shoulder. Eugene chuckled, "Varian gives good cuddles"
"He does", the Dark King replied, nuzzling the teen, who smiled, "he really does". He looked up at his son, "I should've told you before.... I really am sorry about that"
"It's alright, that's.... Hard to bring up...." Eugene replied, sitting next to Rapunzel, who placed a hand on his, getting him to smile at her before he looked at his father, "do you wanna.... Talk about her?"
"I-if you'd like me to"
"You can if you want"
"I.... Um.... Don't know w-where to start...."
The Dark Prince let out another sigh, this one calmer as he wished Lance weren't with the girls at the moment. Varian, seeing this, thought for a moment before he got an idea, "did you.... Have any questions about her Eugene?" He suggested, "maybe if you asked about her, he'd have a place to start?"
Eugene blinked before he thought about it, "questions about her.... I... Well I have a lot, but... I guess.... W-what was she like?"
Edmund smiled, "she was strong, and kind, she actually knew Quirin first, I think I told you that already. But I met her through Quirin, we became friends and", he chuckled, "she was always so strong willed and a little stubborn. She was a very good fighter and protected those she cared about with all the passion and drive a Queen should have! I remember this one time she threw the captain of my guards to the floor because he'd made Quirin cry. She was bold and smart, with a tongue as sharp as a knife", he bragged, "knowing exactly what to say to bring a man to his knees without even having to *touch* him. It's uh, easy to guess who was the more outgoing of the two of us", he stated with a grin on his face.
Eugene smirked, "so I get my wit from her I take it?"
"Yes you do, she's also the one that gave you your sarcasm too", he stated, "let it be known that fastest way to a man's heart is sassiness"
"Noted", Varian stated, "that explains a lot"
Rapunzel giggled, "you have to ask Hugo now"
"Yes I do"
The two giggled before Eugene asked, "did she like Flynn Rider or was that you?"
"It was her that introduced me to it, she read it to Quirin", Edmund answered before he looked at Varian, "she gave Quirin a copy of a limited addition Flynn Rider book too"
"I've seen it! Dad has it in his study where he keeps his more cherished treasures", the alchemist stated, "dad read it to me too, it was nice"
"Oh Quirin"
"Yeah, he really loves that book"
"Which on is it?" Eugene asked
"'Flynn Ride: and the Warlocks Rock'"
"Ah, a classic"
"Indeed!"
Edmund chuckled, "yeah your mother loved those books, I fell in love with them when she introduced me to Flynn Rider. We read them with Quirin a lot, and even acted out a few scenes"
"That's why you were so good at acting them out with me before!"
"Indeed! I had plenty of practice with my wife and your dad", Edmund replied with a chuckle before he got a lovingly look in his eyes, "she was meant to be a mother, you know that?" Eugene tilted his head, "she was kind and caring, she loved every new child, or 'stray' as she called them, in our castle. She helped me raise Adira, Hector, and especially Quirin, so when she had you, even when she was sick, she cared and loved on you every chance she got". He gave a watery laugh, "she e-even... H-had a um", he sniffled, "a-a lullaby for you"
Eugene's eyes widened, "she had... A lullaby?"
"Yes um... I... I d-don't know if I c-could do it justice b-but um, i-it went:
'Baby mine,
Don't you cry,
Baby mine,
Dry your eyes'
His tears began to flow more as he continued to sing, unaware that the door had opened and three people walked inside
'R-Rest your head,
Close to my heart,
Never to part,
Baby of mine'
Two of them froze when they heard the song, one continued to walk forwards, placing a hand on his king's shoulder, and joining in on the song
'If they knew,
All about you,
They'd end up,
Loving you too,
All those same,
People who scold you,
What they'd give,
Just for the right,
To hold you'
Edmund recognized his knight's voice, and placed his hand on his, Varian did as well before he, and the warrior and tamer, joined the lullaby and bringing tears to Eugene's eyes
'From your head,
Down to your toes,
You're so sweet,
Goodness knows'
Eugene sniffled as he listened to the harmonies sung by his family as Rapunzel joined as well,
'You are so,
Precious to me,
Cute as can be,
Baby of Mine'
The final notes of the song quietly drifted away as the prince sniffled, trying to wipe his tears as more came. Rapunzel hugged him close, Varian scooching off his grandpa and doing the same with Ruddigar joining him. Edmund wiped his own tears, accepting the tissue his knight offered and smiled, he felt a little lighter than before, getting up and walking over to his son. The princess and Varian moved aside, Ruddigar hopping off the Dark King's shoulder to land in his boy's arms and nuzzle him, licking his tears off his cheeks.
Edmund sat next to Eugene and wrapped his arm around him, the man allowed it, leaning into his father's touch for the first time since they'd reunited, crying his heart out as he thought about his mother, "she loved you so much Eugene, and I love you too, always"
The Dark Prince sniffled before he managed to calm down and returned he hug, letting himself be in his father's arms, allowing the man to protect him from the world as they both shed tears for the mother he'd lost and the life she'd lived.
Notes:
Hello! :D
I won't say much here, I'm letting the chapter speak for itself, but this was a very hard chapter to write, I'd love to read your thoughts on it though <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 261: You're Safe Now!
Summary:
Adira remembers something from long ago, and to her surprise, Quirin does too!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*She was scared.... So very scared, she heard someone enter the cave the boy had brought her to. He'd gotten up to see who it was, but seemed to calm down once they'd enter, "how is she?" The voice asked, he was the man the boy had spoken to before, she didn't know him, she didn't know *either* of them!
"She's sick and hurt", the teen stated a the girl lay there on the cold cave floor. He'd wrapped a blanket around her, and her wounds were covered for the most part, but her head was throbbing and she felt *exhausted*. "she's in no state to walk".
"Then we'll have to carry her back to the kingdom, we'll need to cut the training day short", an older man replied gently, he'd come in a few hours later, after the boy had led her to the cave and healed her. She was still awake, unable to sleep due to her wounds and rising illness, she kept her eyes closed, the blindfold making it hard for her to keep them open, even in a dimly lit place. She could hear them though, apparently the man had lost the Baron a little while ago. She wasn't sure what he would do with her, all she knew was that she couldn't do anything, her muscles wouldn't move, not even when she begged. She was at their mercy, and that thought, alone, was terrifying the girl.
"Your majesty", the 15 year old spoke, so the older man must be of noble blood, "what if she's got.... Y-you know"
"I know.... I'm willing to take the chance though.... And you don't need to call me 'your majesty', you're my son remember?"
"I.... Can't really help it...."
"I understand, but really, it's okay Quirin, you can just call me Edmund, we're friends, remember?"
"How could I forget?" Quirin replied, his tone was a bit sassy, she heard the man, Edmund, chuckle, for some reason the sound warmed her heart a little, though she didn't know why.
"You're so sassy!"
"I try", there was a few seconds of silence before Quirin spoke again, "your maje-E-Edmund.... I'll carry her back"
"Quirin, you don't have t-!"
"I rescued her, took her to our cave, I'm responsible, I want to bring her back, besides", she felt a hand gently touch her bruised face, she stiffened a little, but didn't fight his touch, she wasn't allowed to.... "I think I know where she's from.... And the captain will want to know too"
****
She didn't remember much of the trek, she remember being lifted, still unable to fight it, but she'd fallen asleep during the majority. When she'd finally woken up, she was in a new place. Her eyes were open and there was something soft underneath her, her tiny hand rubbing the soft texture to find out more about it. It was almost as if she were sleeping on a cloud, much softer than the wooden seat she'd been given before. She looked at her hand and found it was touching the top of a blanket, underneath hid a bed, her head rest on a pillow, clean and fluffed. She was able to lift her hands to her face and noticed they were bandaged much better than before. She was sore, hurt, sick, and confused, but she felt.... Better?
She sat up, struggling a little to do so before she noticed the odd clothing she was wearing, it was a purple nightgown, star printed, with the full Moon on her chest. She touched the fabric, it was soft as well! She looked around, not understanding where she was, the room was dark, the curtains were pulled closed, all she could see was a small end table with a glass of water on it. The room smelled clean, as if someone had just planted flowers in it, that's when she heard snoring, she flinched and looked around until she spotted the boy she'd ran into before, Quirin.
His eyes were closed, head bent on the bed as he snored away, not seeming to notice that she was awake. He had a uniform on, a purple shirt, black trousers and gloves, he also seemed much more muscular than she remembered, though she *had* been in a frenzy when she saw him. She brought her knees to her chin, hiding her face behind them until only her eyes could be seen, she watched him quietly, unsure of what to do, that is, until he woke up. He must've sensed her movement, as he shifted a bit in his chair, stretching and yawning before he rubbed his eyes. The teen then looked around and noticed her awake immediately, "oh, hi", he said softly
The girl didn't speak, she was too frightened to, she was against the wall, curled up to an almost impossible degree. She blinked at him a few times, watching him carefully as he continued to stare at her.
"It's alright, I won't hurt you", he stated, "are you alright?"
The girl didn't move, she continued to keep an eye on him, watching every breath he took, every move he made, checking for signs of attack or anger.
The teen was silent for a moment before he smiled, "not much of a talker huh? That's okay, my name's Quirin, you're in the Dark Kingdom. We found with with a man named the Baron and-!" He froze when she flinched at that name, "oh, I'm sorry, he's not here if that helps. We chased him away, he won't bother you anymore, you're safe now".
The girl narrowed her eyes at him
He chuckled, "I understand, he must've done some horrible things to you, I don't blame your mistrust. But I am telling the truth, I assure you of that..... I um.... Heard about a village being attack by him.... He harmed many people, and some say he kidnapped two little girls, one escaped, but the other hasn't been seen, I'm guessing she would be you?"
She hesitated before she allowed herself to nod at the question
"I thought so, I'm so sorry for what happened to you and your family...."
She looked down at the blanket, remembering her mother's final words to her before her life drained from her eyes.... She sniffled
"If it helps, my family's gone too....."
She looked at the teen
"My mother and father passed away from a plague, they died when I was very young too, I had to live on the streets for a while, stealing food to survive until the prince saved me. I was gonna get my hand cut off had he not stopped it"
Her eyes widened
"It's what I got for stealing from the castle, pretty bold move, but the prince stopped it. He then allowed me to stay here and taught me how to fight for myself, I earned my keep and, eventually, he adopted me. I'm currently training to be a knight now, I wanna pay him back for all he's done for me, and someday, I'll save him too! I'll make him proud, and finally show how useful I can be! Oh but, you probably don't want to hear about all of this, sorry, I got a little carried away".
The girl shook her head and prompted the man to continue
Quirin smiled, "you don't wanna hear all about me, I'm an old man"
She giggled and shook her head
"I am, I'm, what, 11 years older than you? Give or take? I'm old and grey, probably gonna start complaining about my back soon"
She giggled a little more, relaxing a bit
"Then my teeth are gonna fall out, and I'll get dentures and have to talk like this", he wrapped his lips around his teeth and made a funny face at the girl
She laughed this time, it was tiny and weak, but it was the very first laugh she'd had in a very long time, and it brightened the room like a lantern
Quirin smiled, "you have a nice laugh, you know that?"
She smiled at him, resting her chin on her knees now
"You really are safe here, and you're welcome to stay as well, in fact, the prince already made you a room, fair warning, it's pink and purple, with rainbows everywhere, he painted it himself and it's... Just a little messy, but he tried"
She giggled again, before coughing a little
The teen winced, "do you want some water?"
She nodded and he pointed to the stand, she looked at it and reached out, but her cuts stung and she flinched back
"Oh... Sorry, um... I'd be willing to grab it for you, do you mind me coming over?"
The girl looked at him for a moment, she hesitated, she still didn't really know him, but her mouth had become very dry. So she nodded, scooting a little away from the stand
He smiled and nodded, "I understand, I won't invade your space"
With a nod of approval, he got up and walked over to the stand, picking up the cup before he leaned a little and outstretched his arm so he didn't get close to her. She smiled and accepted the drink before he slowly walked back to his chair and sat down. She sipped the water before her body craved her to drink more. Guzzling it down and coughing just a little more once the drink was empty.
Quirin blinked in surprise, "you must've been thirsty", she blushed, "oh I don't mean that in a mean way, I'm sorry"
She nodded and smiled at him
He smiled back, looking a little relieved, "eheh, can you tell I'm new to this?" She snickered, "do you want some more?"
The girl nodded, scooting to the night stand and setting the cup down before scooting away, he chuckled and got up, grabbing the cup and bringing it over to a sink nearby before refilling it and repeating his movements of handing the drink to her before. She accepted, nodding a silent 'thank you' to him as he sat down before she sipped it once more, this time taking her time with the drink.
He grinned, "you seem a little more comfortable, do you mind if I ask you a few things?"
She tilted her head, questioningly
"How about we do yes and no, that way you don't have to speak if you don't want to, okay?"
She nodded
He chuckled, "ok, so, your age, is that okay to ask about?"
Another nod
"I was thinking you looked about 4, am I right?"
She smiled and nodded
"4 years old, wow, you're very tall for you age"
She smirked
Quirin snickered, "ok, so, do you feel sick?"
She tilted her head
"Hmm.... Better way to asked.... I've got it, 1 is bad, 10 is good, how sick do you feel?"
She thought about it, her throat itched, and she had a slight cough, not to mention her headache, but aside from that, not much, she held up 6 fingers
"Ok, not bad, but not fully healed, noted. Do you know how many days you've been asleep?"
She shook her head
"It's... Been about 3"
Her eyes widened at that
"Yeah... The nurses changed your clothing and bandages, your wounds are healing, but they wanted to wait until you were awake before deciding on any sort of medication"
She took a breath, her shoulders tensing
Quirin tilted his head, "are you alright?"
She shook her head
"....It is the 3 day thing?"
Another shake of the head
The teen was silent, thinking before something struck him, "you don't like being touched, do you?"
She hesitantly shook her head, whimpering a little
"I should've known that, I'm so sorry"
She shook her head, trying to convey she didn't blame him, Quirin seemed to understand
"I'll make sure the nurses are made aware, I want you to feel comfortable"
She nodded, giving him a small smile of appreciation
He smiled back before there was a knock on the door, she tensed up, scooching to the farthest point on the bed, keeping her water close to her chest. Quirin watched her for a moment, "it's alright, I think that might be the prince, he helped save you before, remember?"
She hesitated, thinking for a moment before she remembered the other man's voice and nodded
Quirin smiled, "can I let him in?"
She hesitated again, but nodded
He nodded back, "I'll make sure he knows not to touch or come near you until you're ready, okay?" When she smiled at that, he smiled back and got up, walking over to the door and opening it to reveal the prince, "hello your maje-E-Edmund, she's awake"
The man's eyes widened and sparkled, "she's awake?! H-how is she? Is she okay?" He asked quickly
"I think she may need some time to relax a bit hon, after all, what she went through I wouldn't wish on my worst enemies", another voice stated gently, this one was female
"Eden!" Quirin exclaimed before he hugged the girl, "what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to meet our new guest, also, hi Quirin!" She replied, hugging him back lovingly
The teen smiled before he stopped and let go, "sorry, but I told her I would warn you, she doesn't like touch, and you need to let her have room, enough to where she feels safe"
They both nodded, "understood, are we allowed to come in?" Prince Edmund asked
Quirin looked at the girl, who'd been listening the entire time, his eyes held the question in them, she thought for a moment before nodding, he smiled and turned back to the duo
"She says yes, just remember the rule, okay?"
"Oki", the prince replied before Quirin stepped aside and allowed the pair to come in, the teen closing the door behind them
The girl immediately felt uneasy at the sight of the prince, he was much bigger than she thought, and he looked a little intimidating
The prince seemed to understand and took a step back, "sorry, I know I'm big, but I won't hurt you, I promise"
She felt a little relief before she eyed the women for a moment, she didn't seem so bad, in fact, she seemed very warm. Eden smiled at the little girl, "hello", she said softly
The 4 year old nodded in response
"Does she not speak?" Edmund asked
"Nope, we've been playing yes and no", Quirin replied, "do you mind if I tell them what I told you?"
She smiled and shook her head, allowing him to tell the duo what they'd been discussing, "only 4? Oh you poor thing", Edmund stated quietly
The girl shrugged sadly
Quirin returned to his chair, "she's very brave, especially after everything she seemingly went through", at the girl's confused expression the teen added, "we don't know what that man did to you, and I don't want to assume anything", she nodded understandingly
Eden stood next to Quirin, as did the prince, "you are very brave, much braver than me", he stated
The girl tilted her head
"Well, I mean I would be a little more... Frightened, if I'd gone through what you did, but you seem to be holding up well, that shows great courage, you're a very brave girl, and you should be proud of that"
She blinked a few times before she felt something warm her heart a bit
Eden seemed to notice, "do you mind if I ask what your name is?"
The girl hesitated
"It's ok if you don't wish to tell me, take your time", when the women received a curious look from the 4 year old, she smiled, "you're our guest and, if you'd want to be, our comrade. You can stay as long as you like, leave whenever you want, do whatever you feel, the choice is yours. We want you to be comfortable, you're no longer a prisoner, you're free, so you get to choose, and whatever you decide we'll be completely okay with. But as long as you're here, if you're comfortable saying, I'd like to get to know you better, spend some time with you, and maybe Quirin will teach you how to fight", the teen nodded happily, getting Eden to hug him lovingly, "we want you to feel like this could be an option for you, even if you choose to leave, so you know that wherever you go, you'll have a place to return".
The 4 year old was shocked as she looked at Quirin for confirmation
"It's true, this could be your place to visit, or your home if you wish, it's all up to you! O-once you heal, of course"
She smiled and nodded, her eyes shining with appreciation as she stared at the three before her. They began to say something amongst themselves, but she didn't pay attention as she thought about all she'd been through. She'd lost her family, her home, been abandoned by someone she thought would help her, but didn't. She was abused and hurt, then saved, she'd been taken in and was given a choice of weather to stay or not, but she didn't have anywhere else to go. She felt the choice overwhelming her, and she could feel her breaths catching in her throat
"It's okay", Quirin said, startling her a bit, he'd moved a little closer, probably noticing her rising panic, "you've got all the time in the world to choose, even if it takes you years. You'll always be safe here, always, I'll protect you, I promise, okay?"
She felt his sincerity, it was unlike anything she'd ever felt before, and when she looked into his warm brown eyes, she only saw concern and care in them. She smiled and nodded, silently thanking him again before her mind finally made it's decision.
"....Adira"
The room became silent as all three pairs of eyes were on her, she smiled as Quirin spoke, "what was that?"
"Adira", she repeated, "m-my name.... Is Adira, and.... I w-wanna stay here please"
The teen was so startled, but he smiled all the same, a couple of tears forming in his eyes before he wiped them away and nodded, "Adira, nice to meet you, and, welcome home"*
****
"Adira? Adira!" A voice stated, waking the women up, she yawned a bit before looking around, what was she.... Oh right, she was taking a nap in a tree, looking down, she smiled when she saw her nephew and brother standing at the bottom, looking up at her. She smirked at the blond boy standing next to them, eating an apple, "Adira, are you okay?" Varian asked
"I'm alright, one moment", she replied before she got up, stretched, then hopped down, "hello Speckles, glasses, and Stickler", she received an irritated chittered, "sorry Stripes, I didn't see you"
The raccoon huffed but nodding understandingly as Varian giggled, "what were you doing up there?"
"Taking a moment to myself, away from the chaos that is my second brother"
Quirin chuckled, "I take it he wants a rematch to prove you didn't *allow* him to knock you off your game?"
"Yup"
"Did you?"
"Nope"
"I see"
"Indeed"
Hugo snickered as the blue eyed alchemist looked at his aunt, "Adira, I just finished working on the final schematics for the Rooster, thought you'd like to see how it came out!"
The face painted warrior smiled, "I'd love to-woah", she caught herself as she began to lose her balance a bit
"You okay?" Hugo asked
"Yeah I'm alright, just... A little dizzy I suppose"
Quirin raised a brow and held up three fingers, "how many am I holding up?"
"I fi-!"
"How many"
"....T-two?"
He sighed, "three"
"I was close"
"You're sick"
"I'm fi-!"
"You're *sick*"
"I can take care of mys-!"
"You're *sick*!"
Adira sighed, "and what if I am?"
"You need to rest"
"I just was"
"In a *bed*"
She let out a breath through her nose, "just because I'm a little dizzy-!"
"Adira"
"I don't need anyone to-!"
"Please", she stopped, seeing the worried look on his face, "you're sick, and you're dizzy, it may not be much but please, at least rest for a little bit".
"....I shouldn't *be* sick.... I should be fine"
"But you're not"
"I'm not overdoing it"
"Being sick isn't a punishment, it's your body telling you that it needs rest, if you don't give it time to recover, it'll get worse", Quirin explained gently, "please, just rest for an hour or two, and once you do, you may feel better. Who knows, you've been spending a lot of time in the Sun, that could be the cause of it. It's better to be safe than sorry, please?"
Adira was about to argue, but when she saw the worry in her older brother's eyes, she stopped herself. She didn't like being treated like a child, but she knew that's not what he was doing, so she nodded, "ok, I'll rest for an hour or two"
Quirin smiled, "thank you"
She shook her head, "how do you do that?"
"Do what?" He asked as they began to walk towards the castle
"I can't argue against you"
"No one can", Varian stated, "dad's got a super power of making people go to bed when they don't want to"
"It's called, 'concern', you should really look it up sometime", his father stated with a smirk
"I think it's more than that you evil jerkface, because even when I'm *not* sick, and just tired, you always get me to go to bed with very little argument"
"You could say it's because your brain knows it needs rest, so it's not working at 100% which makes you argue less", Hugo pointed out
"True, but I think it's something deeper"
"Which would be?"
"His worry", Adira stated, getting the group to look at her, she was smiling, "normally when you're sick, you'll have people tell you to go to bed or get some rest, but you can tell they're only doing so because it's the 'correct thing to do', but Stickler isn't like them". Memories of their first conversation rolled into her mind, she remembered how kind and respectful that man had been, and how patient he was, it warmed her heart as she continued to speak, "when he sees you're sick, he's genuinely worried about you, thinking you may get worse and wants to help you recover. When you refuse, he gets worried, and you can tell, so he argues to get you to rest for, 'at least a little bit', because anything's better than nothing. That sort of worry.... It comes from a place of great pain, but also great love, you don't see it very often so when you do", she smirked at her brother, "it makes it very hard to argue"
Quirin blinked a few times before he smiled, "love you too sis", he then chuckled, "you're still resting though"
"Well damn", she stated sarcastically
"You're starting to sound like Hector"
"That's rude"
"It's true"
"I must be sicker than I thought"
"Then rest"
"I will"
"Good"
"Indeed"
"....I won you know"
"I'm aware"
"You're letting me"
"I'm tired"
Quirin chuckled, "do you wanna lean against me, just this once?"
The warrior hesitated for a moment or two but sighed and leaned against her big brother as her head throbbed a bit. He smiled and allowed her to do so, not wrapping his arm around her until she permitted him to, which she did. They entered the castle together and walked to her room. She layed down and began to feel tired, but she fought sleeping, wanting nothing more than to be in a tree somewhere safe, where no one could touch her. But as she felt her worry begin to overtake her mind, she saw Quirin grab a chair and set it nearby, sitting in it and smile at her, "you're staying?"
"Keeping watch, I won't let anyone touch you"
"You'll be here a while"
"Doesn't matter to me"
"Or me", Varian stated, sitting next to his father, Hugo joining him with a smile as Ruddigar chittered
Adira was surprised, and she was about to argue but Quirin stopped her, "I promised", he said, "and I'll keep that promise, no matter what".
She was startled by that, she'd thought he'd forgotten, but one look at his face told her he hadn't, and she smiled, "thank you"
"You're welcome"
She felt relief wash over her as her tired mind finally drifted off to sleep.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Adira chapter!!!!!! <3 I wanted to continue the story of how Adira and Quirin first met, adding Edmund and Eden into the mix because we love them very much! <3 So here's the continuation of her story, along with some moments from the present! :D
I sincerely love Adira, I think she's an interesting and super fun character, and I love exploring her backstory! <3 I think she's so cool and I loved the connections you could make between her and Cassandra. Adira is a fully realized Cassandra, master sword fighter, confident, well respected, tough, can take care of herself, she's everything Cassandra wishes she could be! You can even see it in what they wear, Cass only wears muted colors of Adira's outfit! :D I think it's clever, for all the things the show did wrong, they definitely did Adira right! Though, I wish there was more of her, but that's my only complaint with her :D
Quirin is sincerely the best big brother, I love this man and how he interacts with his siblings! <3 He melts my heart and it adorable to boot! <3 Best papabear ever <3
Edmund is good people! <3 Such a good man and a wonderful prince and king! I love him and writing him more makes me love him more, best grandpa! :D
Eden being a sweetheart to Adira is so nice! <3 She's tough, but she's sweet and caring too, she's the best of both worlds! No wonder Eugene turned out so good! <3
Varian and Hugo being adorable together! Supportive beans make the world go round! <3
Ruddy buddy is still the best coon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 262: Should I Stay or Should I Go?!
Summary:
Quirin and Edmund talk about the possibility of the retired knight moving back to the Dark Kingdom!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"EVERYONE MUST *LEAVE* NOW!" The king shouted, sadness, anger, and fear dripping from his words like water in a cavern. He turned away from his kingdom, ignoring their cries of despair as they, and their families, left everything behind at his command. He knew it was for their own safety, as much as he hated it....
He walked through his castle, making sure to catch any stragglers and send them on their way, but his heart broke when he heard the desperate voice of the one man that may change his mind, "your majesty...."
He froze, trying to choke back his tears as he didn't even look at his knight, "I said... Everyone...." He stated, walking away once more, ignoring his own son's cries as he noticed the nursemaid fetch the young prince from his room and bring him out. He walked towards the room that held the reason for all his grief, glaring angrily at the stone that lost him his arm, home, and family, "may this place, and the cursed power that lies within it, be *forever* wiped from *existence*!" He stated, slamming the door to the Moonstone shut.
"Please"
"Quirin, I'm not arguing this with you", he stated, again not looking at his knight as he noticed the nursemaid swaddling his child, "there's no choice"
"But there *is*!" Quirin argued, "there's *always* a choice your majesty! You were the one who taught me that!"
"WELL I WAS WRONG!" He yelled, startling his knight, "I-I thought this would be fine! I thought that horrible power was helpful and kind! But I was wrong, so incredibly wrong, and because of that MY WIFE PAID THE PRICE!" He felt the tears he'd choked back began to slide down his cheeks
"Your maje-", Quirin sighed, "Edmund... I know you're sad by her loss.... I.... I miss her too.... B-but there's a better way. I... L-let me stay with you, please, I want to be here, and... I don't want to leave you alone...."
He heard his best friend's sadness and pain, he heard it, and so badly wanted to reach out and hug him, he wanted to show he didn't want to be alone either, but.... "No.... I must bear this weight alone"
"You don't have to", his knight argued gently, "we could face it together, keep each other company and stop people from coming to the Moonstone. We could, together, just like before!"
"I'm sorry, we can't do this together Quirin...."
"B-but-!"
"WE CAN'T!" He yelled, finally turning to face his knight, "WE CAN'T DO THIS TOGETHER BECAUSE MY ACTIONS WILL GET YOU HURT OR *KILLED*! AND I WILL *NOT* LOSE SOMEONE ELSE I CARE ABOUT!" He snapped, startling the man before him, who'd backed up a bit
"But... We... W-we promised...."
The King stopped, his eyes staring at the man standing before him, the knight that showed very little emotion unless necessary, was now staring at him with wide eyes as tears dripped from his face. He looked exactly like he did the day the king had first met him, and Edmund felt *horrible*, "I.... I'm sorry Quirin.... I was a fool to think that I could destroy it, and now... Because of me... I have to break my promise to you.... But you can't stay here"
"B-but Adira mentioned the Sundrop, w-what if we found it? What if we could bring it back?"
"Disturbing the Sundrop from where it stand will only cause something worse! You make sure to tell Adira that as well, we removed the Sundrop, and the Moonstone will react, we're playing a dangerous game here Quirin, we cannot upset the balance, as I did.... It's for the best...."
The knight looked at the floor, he hadn't wanted to bring the Sundrop up, knowing fully well what the King's wishes were, but.... "I don't want to leave...."
"Quirin... I-!"
"No! I don't want to leave! This is my home! My family! My *life*! I don't care if it's just you and me! I don't care if there's nothing left! I don't want to *leave*! Let me stay, I'll fight by your side, I won't abandon you! I can help, I can! *Please*! P-Please don't.... Don't make me leave... Not again.... I don't want to lose my home... A-again...."
The King's heart broke as he looked into his adopted son's eyes, they were so afraid, that urge to hold the man was coming back, but he fought it, he had to.... "Quirin... You can't...."
"Please, d-don't leave me alone...."
"Oh Quirin...." He stopped resisting, hugging his knight, he didn't care who saw as he felt the man return the hold, gripping onto him desperately. He knew what his knight needed, and it was not a king, "I know you're afraid, if I were you, I would be too. But you can't stay with me, not anymore.... I know you want to, I know you feel as if you have nowhere else to go, but now you have options!" He pulled away from his knight and smiled at him lovingly, "you can go wherever you want! Do whatever you want to do! You can finally live your dreams and be a gardener or a farmer! You finally get to have a child of your own, you finally have a choice in what you want to do! You're finally *free* Quirin!"
"B-but, what about you? You'll b-be alone"
He held his breath, trying not to let his real emotions out as he spoke, "I'll be alright, I have my crows with me, and they'll keep an eye on all of you. You can send me letters and tell me your adventures, that'll be enough for me"
"No it won't, you're hiding it, but it won't!"
"Quirin-!"
"You can't take this on your shoulders alone! You can't!"
"Quirin!" He stated, "listen, you're worried, and scared, and you'd love nothing more than to be with me, I understand that, and believe me, that means more than you will ever know. But I can't let you, I can't permit you to stay"
"W-why?"
"Because you're so much more than this kingdom Quirin, you're strong and happy, chipper and calm, you're more suited for a kingdom you can help lead, somewhere light, where the Sun blesses you and you can grow and be whatever you want!"
"...W-what if I go back to s-stealing?"
"You won't"
"How do yo-!"
"Because I know you, you're an honorable knight of the Dark Kingdom, and the most honorable member I've ever met, including your siblings", his knight looked at the floor, worry and fear still writhing in his eyes, "how about this, you make me another promise", his knight looked at him, "if you promise to, once you leave this kingdom, go out and grow, and be the best person you can be, I promise that I'll come back to you one day. We can chat, visit, you can show me all you've done while keeping true to who you are and what you've learned here, and I'll bring you back with me. It will take years for me to come back, when I feel as though the Moonstone and this kingdom will never disturb another living soul while I'm gone, but I'll visit you, and if you do as I ask, then you can come back to me again, should you want to that is, okay?" Quirin looked at his king, who continued to smile at him, he knew the man didn't want to be alone, he knew he was trying to set the knight free, and it was killing him inside, he wanted to continue to argue, "please Quirin", his King said
The knight hesitated before he sighed and nodded, "ok.... B-but you have to keep your word! Or else I'm coming to you!"
The King chuckled, "ok, I'll keep my word and come find you again, who knows though, maybe you won't want to come back"
"I highly doubt anything will keep me away from you and my home"
"You never know, and you have to try, you have to, I won't live with myself if you don't"
"....I'll try... For you"
Edmund nodded, "consider it my final order to you as your king"
"Ok...." Quirin sighed, "I'll miss you...."
"I'll miss you too..." He hugged his knight again, feeling him return the embrace. They stood there for a while, both of them knowing that this will be the last they see of each other for years, and it broke their hearts as a few tears dripped from their eyes.
The two had broken their hug, the king saying he needed to pack, allowing his knight to gather his items for his travels. He'd said one last goodbye to his child, Horace, telling the nursemaid which orphanage he'd picked out and giving her food and money for her troubles and service. That'd been hard, but he knew it needed to be done, for the safety of his baby boy. But as he stood and watched his tamer, warrior, and knight look to him one last time as they were about to mount their horses, and rhino, he couldn't help the small glance towards his knight, one they shared for a moment or two before he turned away and walked back inside his dead kingdom, closing the doors for, what he thought would be, the very last time.*
****
"Then you put the Flynnolium inside this tube here, just a drop is needed, otherwise the whole thing will blow sky high that we'll end up warning another kingdom. After that, the rooster will send a large firework into the sky, it's big, loud, and sparkly, so it should get everyone's attention, and once it does, the citizens will follow the instructions given by the royal family depending on the emergency, red is invaders or an attack on the kingdom, blue means natural disaster, yellow means a wanted criminal is in town, and green is the all clear! What do you think?" the alchemist asked as he looked up at his grandpa with an excited smile on his face
"I think it's very smart! A good warning system will keep the people on their toes, you could even run drills too with this thing, just so the people know where to head and what to do! Very smart!" Edmund stated excitedly
"Thanks! Aunt Adira helped me come up with the name, since roosters tend to wake the farmers up to do their daily chores!" Varian added, "though *some* farmers like to wake up earlier than the rooster and they wake up their tired sons who didn't get a lot of sleep the night before because they're a morning person"
"In my defense, you were snoring very loudly", Quirin stated, getting Edmund to chuckle
"I was not!"
"You were too!"
"Evil jerkface"
"Bratty stinkbomb"
"Edmund!" Edmund declared, Hamuel letting out a loud 'CAW!' for good measure
The father and son looked at the man before they chuckled, "grandpa won", Varian stated
"Yes he did", Quirin agreed, "also, now that he's approved of it, you think your pitch to Rapunzel will go well now?"
"I'm feeling more confident, Grandpa, did what I said make sense to you?"
The Dark King nodded, "made sense to me, the Flynnolium was a little confusing, but since you said the princess already knows about it, she should know what you mean, and even without context, I got the gist"
Varian smiled, "great! Then I'll go talk to her right now, before I lose my nerve!"
"Good luck little peanut!" Edmund stated
"Thanks!" Varian replied, scooping Ruddigar up off his bed and placing him on his shoulders, "bye, dad, see you in a few hours!"
"Have fun", Quirin replied, waving to his teen as he walked out of the room excitedly
Edmund chuckled, "he's such a bright young man"
"He really is, I'm very proud of him", Quirin replied
"I can tell, I've never seen you smile this much before"
"Well, it's been a while"
"True", the two grew silent, the air growing a little awkward between them before Edmund smiled, "I'm proud of you"
"Hm?"
"I'm proud of you Quirin"
"I.... You're... Proud of me?"
"Of course I am! You did it! You kept your promise and lived the best life *you* wanted! You're a farmer now, more than that, you're a Village Leader! You have a home you love, a child you adore, and who adores you, a life outside of the Dark Kingdom, and you look so happy! ....I... When I was chatting with Eugene about his mother... I remembered the promise I had you make to me... I felt terrible for doing that to you, but it was the only way to get you to go, you wouldn't have left otherwise and... I wanted more for you. I wanted more for Adira and Hector too, and Eugene as well, but you... The way you looked, how you sounded... It broke every inch of me to let you go...."
"I know...." Quirin replied sadly, "I kept asking why when I left, I even grew angry at one point.... But it took me a few years to realize why you did what you did, which is why it made it easier to forgive you when you finally came back. You wanted me to grow, to become the person I *wanted* to be, instead of what I was forced to become. Because you did that, I met my wife, had a son, got the job of my dreams, and was able to move on! I can't ever repay you for that, it meant, and still means the world to me, even if I never get my original home back. You kept your promise as well, you came back to me, and I really did miss you".
Edmund smiled wide, "I really missed you too Quirin"
The retired knight smiled at his king before he sighed, "I've got a question for you though"
"Hm?"
"Are you.... Do you... Want me to come back?"
The Dark King blinked before he sighed, "I'll admit, I do, I really do, especially with that little peanut and his butternut, I want you all to come back, but.... That's not what you want, is it?"
Quirin looked at the ground, "I... Don't know, honestly"
"What do you mean?"
"Well", he looked at his king, "Varian has a life here, and so do I, but.... Everything that happened to us, all the lying, backstabbing, silencing, horrible decision making, and rotten royals.... There've been times where.... I've debated taking Varian and leaving Corona...."
"Really?"
"Yes, he was *lashed*, my baby boy was *lashed*, and *publicly* no less, he was beaten, shamed, abused, physically and mentally, neglected, and lied to, and about, on several occasions, he also was a scapegoat and is still being treated as one as well.... He's got many friends here but none of them , save for Lance, Eugene, Hugo, Catalina, and Angry, really care about how *he* personally feels. The princess has made her feelings towards me quite clear as well, and I... Can't look at Fredrich the same way.... I've often wondered if bringing Varian to the Dark Kingdom would be what's best for him, there's plenty of space for him to practice his alchemy safely and his invention would, no doubt, make the Dark Kingdom prosper! He'd be with his family, and I know Hugo would go with him, Lance, Catalina, and Angry could come visit, so could Eugene, he is the prince after all. I'd be able to garden and help regrow our population and agriculture, not to mention I have more experience leading now.... I Just.... I stop thinking that when I see how much Varian thrives here... This is the only home he's ever known, and to take him from it without warning would be horrible of me to do...."
Edmund frowned, "are you really that unhappy here though?"
"....I'm getting there... The Villagers have Rapunzel, who seems to be a much better leader than her father ever could hope to be, so they come to her instead of me, so it's not like I'm really needed. Adam is training a new man to help lead the farm should I ever be gone for a while, which seems to be working out given how I got a month off with no complaints. My farm is growing and prospering, and still enjoy doing the work, but it honestly doesn't feel like work anymore, which wouldn't be a problem but I like feeling accomplished after a hard day, but I don't anymore, it's becoming.... A little mundane.... And I hate saying that, because I still *love* farming! I love to garden, the fruits of my labor literally come out of the ground to greet me and that feeling alone is amazing! But.... I don't feel like I really did anything.... Calming people, keeping them safe, that's what I'm supposed to do, but with Rapunzel...."
"She's stepping on your toes a bit, isn't she", Edmund asked
"More than a little, yeah.... She takes over every project, every complaint, everything, it's a wonder I need to do anything at all, I even had a few villagers ask why I was still being *paid*! Plus they're cruel to Varian.... I... Miss my home... I still miss the Dark Kingdom and all of our odd traditions, I miss the castle, I miss doing a job well and feeling that happy exhaustion after, I miss everything so much... But I can't do that to Varian, I really can't... Nor do I want too...."
"...Did you ever think of letting him stay here?" Edmund asked, "not abandoning him, but maybe allowing him to stay and work on his alchemy and such, while you visit him or he visits you?"
"I would, but there's only one person in Corona that still needs me everyday, and that would be Varian", Quirin replied, "as much as he's grown, he still gets nightmares at night, still has PTSD episodes, heck, he still seeks my approval for everything and will cling to me anytime he needs comfort. Plus.... You remember when it snowed here right? When he ran out because he thought he needed to get back home to try and save me and ended up falling in the ice and getting sick for a bit?"
Edmund thought about it before an image of a sick and wet Varian sitting in his father's lap, wrapped in his father's vest, with Dr. Solace looking over him popped into his mind, "oh... Right, I'd forgotten about that.... Though I didn't forget that I was RIGHT, and that you should've told him about your momentary PTSD too"
The retired knight chuckled, "I know I know"
"I know you know, and I'm still right!" The Dark King replied with a grin, getting his knight to smirk before Edmund let out a sigh, "but you're right.... He needs you too.... I can see your conundrum, but... Have you asked him if he'd want to go to the Dark Kingdom with you?"
"I know he's interested in finding out more about it, and he wants to visit, but I'm not sure if he wants to live there"
"I see...."
"Yeah...."
They were quiet for a moment or two more before his King smiled, "well, weather you stay here or not, you'll always have a place in my kingdom, so will your son, always"
"Thank you King Edmund.... I'm sorry"
"Why are you apologizing?"
"I... Feel like I let you down... You wanted me to grow and live the life I've always wanted, and I tired but... I'm still not happy"
Edmund let out a gentle sigh, "Quirin, you being unhappy does not mean you let me down. You lived the life you wanted, you gardened, you had a son, you were happy, just because you miss your old home and have thoughts of going back does not make me any less proud of the man you've become", he grinned, "and you've become one of the greatest men I've ever had the pleasure of getting to know Quirin, that's a fact, I really am, so proud of you"
The retired knight was startled by that, but he smiled wide, "thank you for that"
"Anytime"
Suddenly the door opened, and in stepped a very excited looking Varian, pulling a laughing Hugo inside with him as Ruddigar chittered on his shoulder, "dad dad! Guess what! That princess approved it!"
"She approved it?" Quirin asked
"Yeah! She said she'll allow me to test it out here at the castle! And that she'll help me get any ingredients I need to make it work! Hugo's gonna help me with the actual invention part, that way it'll be stable enough to handle the explosion! Yong and Nuru are even gonna help me test the fireworks themselves! Dad I made something and it's gonna help people! I did it!"
Quirin got up and scooped his son up, spinning around with him happily, "I'm so happy for you Varian!"
The alchemist giggled as he and his father spun around the room, Edmund and Hugo watching their boys happily while Ruddigar, who'd hopped off his boy's shoulder and was sitting next to Itty Bitty, chittered excitedly, explaining everything to the fish, who swam around in his bowl once he'd heard the good news! The room was filled with laughter and cheer as everyone in the room shared in the teen's excitement, all the while, Edmund watched his knight dance around with his son, enjoying himself the entire time, and he smiled secretly as he thought, *she would be proud of you too*.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Quirin chapter! :D Because we needed one of this man! He and Edmund talk about the possibility of moving back to the Dark Kingdom! I've been debating this for a while, and I'm still not sure which would be better for the Moon bean! Guess we'll have to find out in later chapters! :D Tell me what you'd think they should do, I'm genuinely curious! :D
Quirin is still the best dad in the world! Even if he's unhappy with his life, he's still thinking about Varian and how he would be if they moved! This is something I've seen come up a few times and honestly, I can see it both ways, on one hand, they'd both be in a place that, while rebuilding itself, is on shaky terms with other kingdoms, and they'd have their hands full trying to fix everything, but on the other hand.... Corona is full of corrupt royals, bad memories, and practically nothing for Quirin to do anymore! Seriously, when we saw him in the third season, he was farming, but that was it, no handling the villagers at all, in fact, in 'Be Very Afraid', Feldspar even says that *Rapunzel* told them how much Varian had saved the day, something I'd think Quirin would be a part of. I think our sunshine princess may be taking over a little too well, which is fine, that's what she's supposed to do, but it makes him being there kinda pointless. So him wondering if it would be a good idea to go back where he's needed would be a fair question, it's just a matter of if Varian would want to or not. Again, I'd love to hear opinions on if you think it would be better for them to live in the Dark Kingdom or not :D
Edmund is the best grandpa! I love him very much, and him being one of the best dads to Quirin of all people just makes me love him even more! He's so wholesome and wants to best for everyone! I truly mean it when I say, writing him more and more makes me love him more and more! :D
Varian got permission to do the Rooster at the castle! :D He's such an excited bean! <3 Also, Hugo being pulled with him in his excitement is funny to me XD
Ruddy and Itty Bitty are the best coon and fish!!!!! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 263: The Next Step!
Summary:
Varian hates feeling scared, he hates hiding whenever he causes something to happen, especially when it affects his dad.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"I'm glad you could meet with me, this is an important matter that I feel we need to discuss right away! Your son is causing scenes and is being destructive, you *need* to put an end to this!" The angry man yelled
The 9 year old was hiding, he always hid when the angry man came, he was always so loud and mad, it made the tiny child nervous. He saw his father from his hiding spot, the old farmer looked exhausted, he'd just gotten home when the angry man came to visit. He watched his daddy sigh before he calmly replied, "I understand you're upset but, how about you take a seat and we can talk ab-!"
"I DON'T WANT TO TALK! I want this to end *NOW*!"
"Herald, I understand you're upset bu-!"
"Understand nothin! Your boy is a menace! Explosions goin off, workin with that strange magic, why it's almost like he's some sort of *witch*!"
"...Sir-!"
"You've known me fer *years* Quirin! Don't you 'sir' me!"
"You're not acting like the man I've known for years", his daddy stated, his voice low and calm, with an undertone the child knew very well not to argue with, "I understand you're upset and frustrated, and I'm *working* on it"
"*Workin* on it ain't gonna stop him, ya need to punish that boy, good and swift! Back in my day, we'd pick out the stick that was used on our backends, maybe you should do the same-!"
"Enough!" The child winced at his father's snap, feeling horrible for not coming out of his hiding spot and letting this man insult and yell at his daddy this way, "you do *not* get to come in here and tell me how to punish or handle my child! Your wife loves him as a matter of fact, he makes lotions for her and helps her whenever he can! He helps farm and he contributes as best he can! You may not enjoy the explosions, and as I've stated, I'm *working* on that, but you do not get to come in here, scare my child, yell, and make a fuss in *my* house because you don't want to listen to reason and understand that he's just a *boy* and that he's *trying*! He's 9 for Moon's sake, show some patience and trust that I know what I'm doing!"
"His explosions are scarin people Quirin!"
"Really? Because as far as I know, the only one who's constantly come in here and told me that they were upset about my son's experiments is *you*. Majority of the time, the most damage done is in *my* home, and I deal with it accordingly, you're not gonna come in here and tell me to punish *my* son in the way you see fit! In fact, I've been meanin to talk with you about your goats eatin the crops in my fields, people have been complaining"
"You're the Village Leader, when are you gonna start takin that role seriously?!"
"I *do* Harold, I really do, and as far as I can tell, my boy cleans up more than his fair share of the things he's destroyed, does that make it right? No, but does it mean I'm goin to sit here and listen to you say nasty things about my child? *No*! I'm working with him, and his explosions are becoming less frequent and damaging, yet your goats are eatin more and more of the crops made for *everyone*. So how about you handle your goats, and you continue to let me handle my child in the way I see fit".
"Fathers are supposed to make their kids fear them"
"That's not how I was taught"
"Then you need to relearn"
His daddy growled before he took a breath and got up, "you need to leave".
The angry man stood, "you're really kickin me out? I'm givin you a formal complaint!"
"Your formal complaint has become far less formal than necessary Harold, you do not get to come in here and tell me how to parent, you leave that to me, so you can take your complaint and leave my home. If you must speak with anyone higher, go to the King and Queen".
"The royals don't do shit!"
"That's something you'll have to talk to them about, now please leave my home".
The 9 year old watched his daddy walk the man over to the front door and open it for him, he wanted to run out and support him, but his heart continued to beat loudly in his chest, he hated feeling this way.... He felt useless as the angry man let out a breath before he stepped out and turned to the old farmer, "I don't know what it was like back where you came from, but if you loved it so much, why don't ya move back? We need someone who thinks about their people, nothin more than that."
"Believe me Harold, I would if I could.... But I can't, and I am thinking of my people, everyday, but bein a leader doesn't mean you punish those who do wrong harshly, it means you listen and find out why they did it, then find a solution. Beating a child for trying to help and causin a mess isn't goin to solve the problem, if that's your solution, then you clearly don't understand what it means to be a leader and a father. Good day Harold". With that, he closed the door, the angry man stomping away and cursing up a blue streak while he did.
The 9 year old stayed in his hiding spot for a long time, his heart was racing as he went through all he'd heard, he felt ashamed and horrified, he knew he'd done something wrong, he'd fixed it he'd thought.... Closing his eyes, the child felt tears prick in the corners of his eyes, that's when he was lifted by two big arms. He let out a startled, "meep!" Placing his hands over his eyes, he didn't wanna see his daddy's angry face, he hated seeing his daddy's angry face....
"Are you alright?"
The child's eyes opened and he looked up at his father, the man had cradle him in his arms and was looking down at the small alchemist. His eyes were warm but filled with concern, "I-I-I-I'm s-sorry...."
"Why are you sorry?" His daddy asked
"B-because the a-angry man y-yelled at you a-and made you s-sad and-and-and it's a-all because o-of me and-!" He hiccupped, "a-and he said mean things t-to you and-and-and-!"
"Varian, it's okay, it's alright", Quirin stated calmly, "calm down, take a few deep breaths, okay?"
"O-oki...." The 9 year old took a few deep breaths but ended up causing himself to cough, making him even more upset, "I-I can't e-even *BREATHE* right!"
His father chuckled sympathetically, "bubby it's okay, it's okay, easy, it's alright", he hugged his son, rubbing his back soothingly and humming his lullaby. This seemed to calm the child down enough to where all that could be heard were tiny hiccups. The Village Leader kissed his son's head gently before the child spoke up.
"Daddy"
"Hm?"
"A-am I.... A b-bad boy?"
His daddy stopped and broke the hug, looking at his son, "you think you're a bad boy?"
"W-well... That a-angry man.... He doesn't l-like me.... A-and I... I know I c-cause a lot of messes.... P-plus I d-didn't come o-out to help you a-and I j-just hid while h-he yelled a-an-!"
"Oh son, you're not a bad boy, not at all", Quirin stated, "you just.... Have a hard time controlling those experiments. Plus you were scared he was yelling, if I were your age, I'd be scared too"
"S-so.... My experiments are bad boys?"
"No, nonono, your experiments are not bad boys either", his father replied, "look, it's.... Tough, being an alchemist in this town. You've got so many things you wanna try and the people here... They're not good with change... They're afraid of it and... Well it scares them a little"
"Oh...."
"B-but you're not a bad boy, nor are you experiments, you're just trying to help is all"
"So... A-am I gonna have to p-pick out a stick?"
"No, you're not gonna pick out a stick, I would *never* do that to you"
"B-but what if I... D-deserve it"
He noticed his daddy close his eyes for a moment, his jaw squared and tightened as his grasp on his child grew a little tighter. The 9 year old was startled by this, even more so when he saw his father's eyes open with small tears inside them before the man spoke, his voice soft and soothing, "you do not deserve that sort of punishment, not now, not ever. You are a *good* boy, loving and kind, always trying to help other people, you are the best boy this world has ever seen! People just... Don't understand, but I do, and I'll never stop loving you or anything you do, okay?"
Varian sniffled a little, "e-even if I mess up and g-get scared?"
"Even if you mess up and get scared"
The young alchemist smiled wide, he still felt bad for not defending his father, but hugged the man happily, felling a little better about his experiments knowing he had his dad's support, "thanky daddy!"
Quirin chuckled, "you're welcomey son"
The two held each other for a long time, both smiling happily as they kept the other close*
****
Varian panted heavily, his heart was beating faster than he'd like, Ruddigar chittered at him worriedly, nuzzling his boy's cheek, "t-thanks", he stated quietly as the events replayed in his mind. He was in the main hallway of the castle, he'd just finished working on the fireworks show, and was testing them when one of the rockets went off course. It'd crashed into a window, breaking it, before exploding in the room. No one was injured, thankfully, and the room had been vacant, but as the teen has ran over to try and fix the damage, he saw the King standing there, his mouth open wide as he, and a few guards, stared at the mess.
The alchemist froze at the sight of them, and as they began to turn to face him, he'd ran, hiding in a nearby flower pot. The royal looking around before he sighed, "I found the cause", he stated, bending down to pick up, what was left of, the small rocket that'd crashed.
"Are you-Ugh! Someone find that alchemist!" One of the guards ordered
"What's going on?" A voice said, stopping the guards from moving and, unknowingly, freezes Varian's blood as he saw his father walk over to the scene with Eugene in tow. He looked at the mess and his eyes widened, "oh no..."
"Oh yes", the guard before stated, "your boy caused this! And he's gonna clean it up, I'll make *sure* of it!"
"Easy now, how do you know Varian was the one that caused this?" Eugene asked. King Fredrich held up the broken rocket silently, "oh..."
"Yeah 'oh'", the guard stated, "that boy is a menace! He's been causing trouble in Old Corona and now he's gonna cause trouble here too?! I won't have it!"
"Hey, just calm down and wait for a moment", Quirin stated, "look, I understand you're upset, but this was an accident, no one got hurt right?"
"Well no-!"
"Then let me talk to him, I'll get him to come fix this right up, actually, I'm fairly certain he's already on his way to come see the damage and fix it right now", his father stated, the teen noticing the, very quick, glance towards the flower pot he was hiding in.
"*You* talk to him? Really?" The guard snapped, "that boy won't listen to anything but force!"
"Yeah", another guard agreed, "when he was lashed he didn't cause us any trouble, even his raccoon was scared off by that!" The men laughed, their scorn burning tears into Varian's eyes as he didn't hear a hint of remorse
"Enough", he heard the King say, "there's no need for such force now", he looked at the retired knight, who'd balled his hands into fists, as did Eugene, "I'm sorry for their comments, if you think you could get him over and take care of this mess, then that's fine with me"
"But your majesty", the original guard exclaimed, "this was clearly out of maliciousness!"
"How do you figure?"
"The boy's built giant metal monsters that have stayed on course, yet we're to believe he can't make a simple rocket do as it's meant to? I find that *very* hard to believe!"
"Not to mention you just *happened* to be walking towards this area, he must've been trying to harm you!" Another guard added, "this is a clear act of treason! He should be punished!"
"Once a traitor, always a traitor!"
"YEAH!"
Varian winced, their words physically harming him as he curled in tighter in the flower pot. His tears streaming down his face as his heart began to beat faster and faster, he didn't feel the small tap on his cheek, all he could think was what his father and Eugene must be thinking, and it was killing him. His anxiety began to well up, he was drifting farther and farther from the angry group, until, "ENOUGH!" His father yelled, getting the crowd to stop and look at him, "you all think that Varian got better because you *lashed* him?! You really think *that's* what changed his mind?! Because you're *wrong*! *Dead* wrong! He changed his mind because he was never evil to begin with, bad choices were made and he ended up getting punished for *other* people's mistakes that drove him into a frenzy! You all think you know what you're talking about, but you *don't*! My son does not learn from force, he learns from care, and kindness, this action was not meant as a traitorous act, he's in charge of the *fireworks show*!"
The guards were startled by the man's retort, but they were undeterred, "oh yeah? Where's the little traitor at then? You said he'd come by to fix the damage, so where is he exactly?"
His father did speak, Varian knew the man knew where he was, but he wanted to allow the teen to choose. The alchemist felt his breath hitch as his father remained silent, a moment passed as he debated, *they're gonna throw you in jail!*
"*B-but dad's standing up for me*
*He'll be punished too if you go out there!*
*B-but he'll be punished if I don't*
*So you're gonna let them have you?*
*I-I.... I n-need to be strong.... I can't hide forever... N-not again....* The memory of his father speaking with Harold and defending him while the man berated his father flashing in his mind, *I w-won't let him take the i-insults again!*
****
"Well? Where is he?" A guard asked, his snide smile not the least bit subtle as Quirin waited, putting his faith in his son
"I-I'm here", a small voice said, getting everyone to turn and see Varian dusting himself off a bit before he looked at the group, "I... I-I'm here...."
The guard's were shocked for a moment, Quirin smiled, as did Eugene, before the king stepped forwards, stopping when he saw the alchemist wince a little. He spoke in a very calm tone as he addressed the teen, "Varian, did you do this?"
The teen looked at the mess and nodded, "y-yes...."
"What happened?"
"I-I was.... W-was...." He felt the pressure closing in on him, his heart beating faster and faster, he heard a distant chitter, but couldn't really grasp onto it
"Kid!" A hand cupped his chin and he saw wide, worried, brown eyes, "hey, easy, breath with me, like I taught you remember? In for three, out for three", he did as he was told, and felt his mind clearing from the fuzz. His vision got brighter and he saw more of the person's face, "you're doing great Hair stripe", Eugene complimented, "keep it up for a little bit longer"
Varian did so, breathing in and out for a few moments before he fully came back, "E-Eugene?"
"Hey Starlight"
"S-Starlight?"
"New nickname, sorry, you're sparkling a bit"
"Oh..."
"Just take a few more breaths"
The teen blinked a little before he sighed, "i-it... Happened again...."
"It's okay, look take your time, just, like I said, take a few more deep breaths, then tell us what happened when you can, okay? There's no rush here, it's gonna be okay"
Varian nodded, though he felt embarrassed, he took a few more deep breaths before he finally regained his composure and looked at the group, nodding to Eugene so the Dark Prince could step back a bit, "a-hem, s-sorry about that.... I um...." He took another breath before Ruddigar nuzzled his cheek, scratching the mammal's chin for some extra courage before he finally spoke, "I-I was testing out a firework, i-it was one of the larger ones for the show during the 7 Kingdom Ball. I lit it outside and let it fly into the air, it was only meant to go straight up, then explode, b-but it ended up veering and crashing through the window.... I-I didn't mean for it t-to happen and that w-wasn't what it was supposed to do.... I... I've never really w-worked with larger fireworks before, s-so I've been trying to test t-them away from everyone.... I-I'm sorry this happened, it wasn't on purpose, a-and I'll be m-more than willing to clean everything up just.... P-please stop yelling at my dad..... T-this wasn't his fault...."
This took everyone by surprise, and for a moment, the guards were silent, until the original spoke up, "you're really going to believe that your majesty? Seriously? After everything he's done?"
"Yes", the King stated, "I am"
"B-bu-!"
"No one was harmed, he'll fix the damage, and my daughter is the one that asked him to work on this project in the first place. Besides, if he really was betraying everyone he would've done far better than an accidental firework", the King stated as he looked at the guards, "he did not do this on purpose, and the fact that he stood there and told me everything, even though he was clearly intimidated, shows that he is telling the truth. But..." His gaze darkened at his guards, "I will not have you saying such things to him as he's working hard to help with this celebration. If I hear you say that again, you will be punished, now clear away and allow him to work in peace, the lot of you".
The guards were about to argue, but seeing their king was serious, they walked away with their tails between their legs. Quirin watched them go, making sure to give them all a good scared as he glared at each and every one of them before he looked at his son. The teen was standing beside Eugene, looking much smaller than usual, the retired knight smiled and walked over to his boy, scooping him up and hugging him, "I'm so proud of you Varian!"
"I-I r-really? But I w-was still scared", the teen stated
"Yet you still came out and faced them", his father replied, smiling at his boy, "you faced them and told them what happened, apologized, and said you'd fix it. You faced something that most adults *twice* your age would hide away from, and you did it with humility and grace, I couldn't be more proud of you! The fact that you were scared makes what you did even more brave"
"He's right hairstripe", Eugene agreed, "you even glowed a little bit, but you calmed down and faced those nasty guards! You did a good job, a very good job!"
Varian smiled at the both of them, enjoying their praise before he saw the king watching. He felt his heart beat a little before he sighed, wriggling out of his father's grasp as the man let him down before he looked at the royal, "I... Really am sorry f-for... This....."
Fredrich looked at the mess, looked at the teen, and smiled, "it's alright, this room was in need of a good cleaning anyway. I'm.... Sorry for my guards... They weren't supposed to say that"
"It...." He stopped, he felt his breath hitch a bit once more, debating again, but he shook his head, deciding that, for once, he wasn't gonna hide anymore, "it's not okay.... B-but I know you didn't tell them to say that.... T-though I won't lie.... W-what they said... hurt....." He felt tears sting in his eyes, "a-a lot.... Um.... I-is there a way you c-could.... Stop them... F-from saying that? I... I know what I did... I'm t-trying to fix it.... I... It's h-hard when I'm b-being reminded t-though...."
"I understand", Fredrich replied softly, "and for what it's worth, I will be having a conversation with them about that. You're right, it was wrong, very wrong. I will make sure they don't repeat their words"
"T-thank you"
"You're welcome, and, Varian?"
"Huh?"
"....Thank you, for telling me", the Coronan King said, "I will fix it, I will"
The alchemist was startled by that, but nodded, "oki, thank you, a-and I'll f-fix this"
The king chuckled and nodded, "ok, I'll leave you to it", with that, and a nod to Quirin, who, hesitantly, nodded back, he walked away
Varian waited until the king was completely out of sight before he let out a *huge* gasp of air and his butt hit the floor, Ruddigar chittering as he sniffed the teen, "I-I'm okay, I'm okay, j-just d-didn't expect t-to do that, s-so it took me b-by surprise is all, eheh...."
Ruddigar chittered and nuzzled his boy lovingly
"You're proud of me too?"
The raccoon chittered again, making his boy smile
"Thanks bud, I really appreciate that"
"You.... Spoke up for yourself", Eugene stated, getting Varian to look up at him, "you actually spoke up for yourself, and to the *king* of all people! Starlight you SPOKE UP FOR YOURSELF!"
The alchemist giggled, "I um... I guess I did, I-I mean I-EEP!" He yelped as his father picked him up and spun around, twirling happily as he cheered
"You did it!" Quirin exclaimed, "my son did it! He did it! You did it! You did it!" He cheered, getting Varian to laugh
"Daaaaad!"
"You did it!"
Eugene smiled wide as he watched the pair, the teen laughing happily as his father spun around with him in his arms, "well good for you kiddo", he stated, "good for you". The Dark Prince looked at the mess and got an idea, he slipped away for a moment, allowing the father and son to have their celebration before he came back, broom in hand, and smiling, "hey kid", Varian, who was now back on his feet, hugging his dad happily, looked over and gasped as he saw Rapunzel, Lance, Hugo, Catalina, and Angry, smiling at him with a bunch of cleaning supplies, "need a hand?"
"I... A-are you sure?"
"You took a big step today, you deserve to celebrate, so, a cleaning party, with a celebration dinner after, sounds pretty perfect to me"
The alchemist smiled wide, his eyes brimming with joy as he nodded, "oki!" They all began to clean up the mess, Hugo helping fix the broken window, and sneaking in a kiss to his lover's cheek, as they all finished up and began to celebrate Varian's newest step on his way to healing!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Healing chapter, little Moon bean is healing more! It's gonna take him a while, but he's taking his first steps! <3
Varian is definitely someone I relate to on a personal level, hiding when scared or anxious, feeling horrible for feeling like you're being useless and cowardly, being called things and thought about as a horrible person even though you're not like that at all, there's more. So this chapter is sort of a mix between my own experiences and Varian's arc. Little bean is taking the right steps to get better, and I couldn't be more proud of him! <3
Quirin being the best dad in the actual world!!!! The man stands up for his baby, no matter what, and has complete faith in him! I love this man a lot, he makes me smile! <3
Eugene is the best big brother, he really is, and his new nickname for Varian is sticking, Starlight, because he's a Moon bean <3 Love supportive big brothers, Eugene is a brother shaped man! <3 (Lance is too <3)
Fredrich in a good light? Him being a fair person instead of a tyrant? Holy cow, are things finally sinking in?! Honestly, he is learning, still doesn't make what he did right, at all, but he's learning. I still don't like him though, I don't think I ever will
Ruddy buddy is STILL the best animal companion ever! <3
Thank you all so much for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 264: This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things (Part 3!)
Summary:
It's the day of the 7 Kingdom Ball, and before it gets started, the group needs to prepare, but when Lance walks in, shenanigans ensue!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Now?"
"No"
".....How bout now?"
"No"
"Noooooow?"
"Nope"
".........Now!"
Rapunzel giggled, "excited, aren't we?"
"Well I mean, it's my first time wearing the full outfit and I wanna see how it looks put together", Varian explained, "plus Hugo's waiting for me"
The Sun princess smiled lovingly as he fixed his little brother's tiara, "don't worry, you're gonna knock his socks off, trust me! I still can't believe he's taking Donella's place next to the Queen of Ingvarr during this ball"
"Yeah same, it's a little crazy, not gonna lie", Varian replied, fussing with his belt a little before Rapunzel gently bapped his hands away from it, "it's tight", he pouted
"It's gonna loosen during the festivities, better to have it tight now, and relaxed later, rather than relaxed now, and falling off later", she stated, tightening the belt a little, "trust me on that one, little princess to prince tip"
"Still can't believe I'm a prince"
"I know, and you look so handsome as a prince too!" She stated, stepping back and smiling lovingly at her handiwork, "just look at you!"
The teen hopped up, "can I?"
"Yup! You're all finished!"
Varian let out a tiny squeak of excitement as he walked over to the mirror and took a look at his reflection:
(To see my drawing of Varian in his outfit: will be added soon)
"It looks AMAZING!!!!!!!" The alchemist exclaimed, "wow, you really know how to braid hai-Oh right.... 80 feet of magic, got it"
Rapunzel giggled, "you really do look amazing Varian, that color suits you really well!"
"You think so?"
"I really do"
"Thank you! You were the one who designed it, so... Y-you look amazing too by the way"
"I do?"
"Uh huh, you should see yourself!"
The tiny alchemist backed up and allowed the princess to look at her own reflection:
(To see my drawing of Rapunzel in her outfit: will be added soon)
The Sun princess grinned from ear to ear, "you really designed a beautiful outfit Varian!"
The alchemist blushed, "thanks, though you look really beautiful in it"
Rapunzel grinned and hugged her little brother lovingly, "thanks!"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, "hellooo, you two done in there? The Ball is about to start and we need to get into position", Eugene called
The two giggled, "yeah, we're ready, you can come on in Eugene", his lover called
The Dark Prince opened the door before he gasped, "wow!" Blondie you look *amazing!*"
Rapunzel blushed, "aww, you really think so?"
"I really do! That outfit is just perfect on you!" He replied, running over and kissing her lips before he noticed Varian standing behind her, "awwww! You look so nice Starlight!"
Varian blushed too, "t-thank you"
"You're welcome kiddo, I know a certain blond pain in my ass is gonna be impressed"
The alchemist giggled, "he's not *that* bad", Eugene raised a brow, "....Oki, he's not *that* bad with me", the alchemist rephrased, "by the way, you're not looking too bad yourself", he commented
The man looked down at his outfit, which was a black suit, with silver cufflinks and a black crown on his own head, it looked more like Edmund's crown, just smaller and with the same purple jewel on it. Underneath his overcoat was a rich purple, button up shirt, his boots were black and hidden underneath his pants, and he had the symbol of the Dark Kingdom pinned on his chest. He also wore a long, purple on the inside, black on the outside, cape that went down to his ankles. He added a silver necklace around his neck as well, it looked a little like a choker, and it also had a purple jewel on it.
The Dark Prince smiled, "you really like it?"
"I do!" Varian replied, "you look like how I'd imagine Flynn Rider to look in, 'Flynn Rider vs Agent double 006: Stirred Not Shaken', super suave and very cool! Though that one was an odd entry into the franchise"
"It really was, he went from roughish thief to secret agent trying to unmask this other agent who happened to be a clone of himself made by this ancient factory.... An odd entry to be sure, but definitely something new, plus Lance Strongbow really pulled through in the end"
"He really did!" Varian agreed
"Wait... Lance?" Rapunzel asked
"Yeah didn't you know? Lance Strongbow is a character in Flynn Rider, he's Flynn's best friend, it's where Lance got his name, or at least, I'm assuming that's where he got his name"
"Wait!" A voice exclaimed from behind the group, "you got my name from FLYNN RIDER?!"
They turned to see Lance standing in the doorway, his eyes wide with shock, "Uh.... D-did he not know that?" Varian asked
"Nope", Eugene replied, "he did not"
Rapunzel thought for a moment, "anyone else getting an odd sense of deja vu?"
Varian smirked as he looked at something no one else could see while he remembered something:
*Varian giggled, "that too", he smiled at Moonlight, "I'm very grateful to my unique family and wouldn't trade them for the world, I'm glad you like them too!" He grinned, "and", he gave Moonlight a sincere smile, "thank you for saying that I'll make it and that I'm strong, I.... It's hard to remember that, and hearing it be said from someone else really helps, so sincerely, thank you! And you're strong too, you're strong, and kind, and smart, and funny, and you're an amazing person too! I'm glad I get to talk to you!" Varian then blushed, "a-also, I can't believe I was your imaginary friend, that makes me really happy! Fun fact, I actually had an imaginary friend too growing up! Um.... T-they were Flynn Rider...."
"Oh really?" Eugene stated with a grin as Quirin chuckled
Varian blushed even more, "y-yeah, but he went off on a super adventure a long time ago, so you shush!"
"What adventure did he go on?"
"Um...." Varian glanced at Rapunzel shyly before he looked back at Eugene, "he um.... W-went with Lance Strongbow to rescue a princess.... Then he sent me a post card telling me that he was happy and Lance, him, and the princess were living on a nice island with all the money they needed and thanked me for being there for him...."
The Dark Prince's eyes widened before he began to snicker as Rapunzel smiled lovingly at her little brother, "wow! You got some sort of 6th sense going on there Hari Stripe?" Eugene asked
Varian shrugged before Lance smirked, "you even knew I was gonna be there! Which is kinda crazy now that I think about it, how'd you know that?"
The blue eyed teen tilted his head to the side, "Lance Strongbow is Flynn Rider's best friend in the books", he explained, "they met when they were kids, separated when they were teens, then came back together in the second book, which is my favorite, 'Flynn Rider and the Earl of Camembert!' He and Lance Strongbow meet in the dungeons, at first Lance is pretty annoyed with Flynn because he'd ditched him when they were young, but when they escaped together, Lance saw that Flynn wasn't that same person anymore and actually saved Flynn when the Earl was going to kill him! Flynn apologized to Lance and promised to be a better friend to him, to which Lance accepted before they went on more adventures together! Lance eventually left to do his own thing, which eventually ended up becoming a spin off series to the Flynn Rider books that I *also* love called, 'Lance Strongbow and his Misadventures!' But he'd come back a few times in the Flynn Rider series to help Flynn out when he really needed it! He was a fun, goofy, animal loving character that grew to become a favorite in the hearts of those who read the books! You didn't know about that Lance?"
The former thief just stared at Varian for a while before he looked at Eugene with a raised brow, "'cool name' huh?" He said, "'even cooler than Flynn Rider' right?"
Eugene smiled sheepishly, "I... Still think it's pretty cool! Plus it made sense and you agreed with me!"
"Yeah but that was *before* I found out that was a name of a character in your favorite book!"
"Are you really upset?"
"....No, but ya could've told me"
"Wait", Varian said, getting the pair to look at him and Moonlight, "you helped Lance choose his name?"
"Yeah", Eugene replied, "when I changed my name to Flynn Rider, he wanted to change his name too because he wanted to stick with me, in fact, he said that he wanted to stay by my side because we were brothers, and brothers stick together. It's why I said Lance Strongbow, because not only is it a cool name, but Lance is the closest person to Flynn and he", he gestured to Lance, "is the closest person to me! Well, him and Rapunzel now.... and you kiddo", Varian smiled, "hence why I chose the name! Because Lance is super important to Flynn, and my Lance is super important to me!"
Lance sniffled, "I love you too Eugene!" He exclaimed, hugging the man happily and getting Rapunzel to smiled warmly at them*
The teen giggled, "I am, but it's not cannon"
"What?" Rapunzel asked
"Nothing!"
Lance huffed, "'cool name' huh? 'even cooler than Flynn Rider' right?"
"Eheh, to be fair, Lance *is* a really cool name, and he's Flynn's best friend!" Eugene explained
"So? Still just a name in a book...."
"*So* you're *my* best friend! Hell you're my family, just like blondie, and Varian", the alchemist grinned, "you're important to me! Just like Lance is important to Flynn, that's why I chose that name"
Lance blinked a few times before he smiled, "awww, I love you too!" He ran over and hugged Eugene happily, getting the man to sigh before hugging him back
"Awwwwww!" Varian and Rapunzel said
"Oh!" Lance broke the hug and looked at the two, "you guys are wearin your outfits! Let me see let me see!"
Eugene chuckled as he looked at the pair while they showed the former thief their kimonos, "do you like them?" Rapunzel asked
"I LOVE THEM!" The former thief exclaimed, "they're so pretty and flowy!" He picked Varian up, "and look at you! You look so adorable in that kimono!"
"Lance! Put me down you're gonna wrinkle it!" Varian exclaimed
"But you *do*!"
The teen blushed, "stahp it"
The former thief giggled before he put the teen down, "sorry it's just.... You were really worried about your outfit and... It looks so nice on you!" He sniffled
The alchemist sighed, smirking at the man, "you're a piece of work you know that?"
Lance sniffled, "I know"
Varian giggled, hugging the former thief happily, "I love you Lance"
The former thief returned the hug, trying not to cry on the teen's head as he smiled happily at his little man!
****
Quirin let out a sigh as he stepped out of the room he and Varian shared, he'd just freshened up after helping train some of the new recruits for the guards, and he'd checked on Ruddigar and Itty Bitty, who were spending the day together while their boys got ready for the events in the evening, and was just about to make his way over to the kitchen to help them cook, when he bumped into someone. He backed up and rubbed his head a little, "sorry about that, didn't see you the-Lance?"
"Hi!" The former thief stated, he was smiling wide as he looked at the retired knight
"Um.... Hi?" He replied before noticing the man was covered, head to foot, in flour, "do I want to know?"
"Yes"
"And why's that?"
"I need your help"
"With what exactly?"
"Your son's getting dressed"
"That's correct"
"He's all finished and pretty!"
"Oh good! I've been wanting to see him!"
"But you can't"
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Because I need your help"
"Um.... Lance I-!"
"He's mad at me"
"....What did you do?"
"Well I hugged him in his kimono"
"As anyone would"
"And set him down when he told me to"
"That seems reasonable-!"
"When he hugged me again"
"He hugged you?"
"Yup, he was on the ground though"
"Ok then"
"I hugged him back!"
"Again, reasonable"
"But I didn't stop"
"What do you-!"
"He was just so cute!"
"Lance what did yo-!"
"I wrinkled his outfit"
"Oh no..."
"And messed up his hair"
"You didn't..."
"So now he's mad"
"I would be too"
"So I had a thought"
"I'm worried about this"
"He would want something to eat!"
"Why would he-!"
"He hasn't eaten yet"
"Oh Varian...."
"So I made him pumpkin soup"
"Ok"
"But I messed it up"
"Oh no..."
"I messed up the kitchen too"
"Lance...."
"So I had another thought"
"Please stop having those..."
"Quirin's good at cookin!"
"I double that oh no"
"But I had a third thought"
"Lance no, they're dangerous"
"If Quirin knew his baby was mad"
"Uh huh...."
"And that the kitchen was a mess"
"Yeah...."
"Then he'd wanna help fix it!"
The retired knight raised his brow
"I had a *fourth* thought"
"Even more dangerous"
"He'd *also* be upset!"
"You're correct"
"So I figured somethin out"
"Preparing for the worst"
"Adira's my friend"
"Wha-Adira?!"
"And she's close to Quirin"
"I feel a headache coming...."
"So she'd help convince him to help me out!"
"The pain's getting worse...."
"So here she is!"
Adira walked out from behind Lance, she was smirking as she looked at her older brother
"So here's Adira"
"Yes, I see her, hi"
"She's gonna convince you"
"Moon have mercy..."
"So here she goes!"
The two siblings just looked at each other for a very long time, neither one said a word as the face painted warrior just stared at her big brother, almost *daring* him to say no to Lance's request.
*A few moments later*
"Dad why is your eye twitching like that?" Varian asked as he ate a spoonful of pumpkin soup while the tailor ironed out his kimono and Rapunzel fixed his hair
****
"A little to the left", Lance directed
"Here?" Faith asked
"Yeah-oh! Uh, a haaaair to the right"
"Here?!"
"Almost, just a scooch to the l-!"
"JUST NAIL IT DOWN ALREADY!" Ms. Crowley shouted, startling Lance and the timid handmaiden enough to where she dropped the streamers and they fluttered to the floor. "Great, *now* look what you ninnies did!" The older women snapped
Faith sighed as Lance looked at the dirtied decorations sadly laying on the floor, he looked at the older women and raised a brow, "what's wrong?"
"I don't need to explain myself to you!" She exclaimed, "just get that girl to do it right!"
The former thief looked over at Faith, who seemed upset before he looked at Ms. Crowley again, "you seem upset"
"I said I don't have to explain myself to you!"
"I heard ya the first time"
The lady stopped and glared at the man, "you gettin an attitude with me?"
"No, and even if I was, I don't work for you, I'm just helpin out because there's a lot to do, and you're over here screamin your head off at a girl who's doin her best to get things ready. We had it under control until you snapped at her, so why? Are you stressed out, angry about somethin, are ya just havin a bad day? Or are y-!"
"I SAID DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN MYSELF TO *YOU*!!!!!!" She shouted before stomping away
The former thief winced a little at the snap before he sighed and looked up at Faith, "you okay?"
"I-I'm alright, she's a-always like this around b-big events...."
"Hmm.... Do you know if there's someone she gets along with really well?"
"W-well Mr. Vanguard and Varian, she likes t-them a lot"
"Quirin and Varian huh? That makes sense but they're busy right now.... Anyone else?"
".....W-well... There is one....
*A few moments later*
"Hector", Lance said, as he walked over to the wild tamer, he was sitting outside, chatting with Trinity and Dexter, "can I talk to you for a minute?"
The tamer looked over at the man and raised a brow, "sure, what's up?"
Lance smiled, "thanks I-oh", he looked at Trinity and Dexter, "sorry for interruptin"
"It's alright, we were finishing up anyway", Trinity replied with a good natured smile
"Yeah, we have to get back soon, taking over our parents duties while they sit in jail has been a little taxing, but we're trying our best", Dexter added
"Pfft, doing much fucking better than they did", Hector stated
"Thanks", his brother replied as his sister giggled, "we'll let you two chat, see you at the ball"
The former thief smiled, watching the wild tamer wave as his siblings left, before Lance spoke again, "sorry about the interruption, but I gotta ask you about Ms. Crowley"
"You mean the old lady that's in charge of the maids?"
"Yeah her, Faith says you and her get along?"
"We do"
"But you just called her old"
"Yeah, and?" The man was silent, the wild tamer rolled his eyes, "she appreciates honesty, I called her old the very first time I saw her and she laughed. Ever since she likes talking to me because I give it to her straight"
"Oh... You know that actually makes a lot of sense now that I think about it"
"Is that what you needed?"
"N-no, I uh... Heh, she um, Faith and I, we were-!"
"Stop"
"H-huh?"
"Take a breath and start again, you're nervous and it's making you fumble your words, you hate it when you do that"
Lance blinked, a little shocked at that before he smiled and nodded, taking a few deep breaths before starting again, "thanks, I guess she made me more nervous than I thought. Anyway, Faith and I were settin up decorations when she came and... Well..." He explained what'd happened
"Holy shit"
"Yeah... Do you know what's goin on with her? She's old and crabby, but she's not usually like that, Faith says this happens during every big event but.... I dunno it felt off"
"You're right, it's odd for her to snap that badly at someone who isn't her staff...." Hector agreed, "....I think I know what the issue is, it's kinda similar to Quirin's spawn"
"Spaw-You mean Varian?"
"That's what I said"
"But you sa-!"
"Quirin's spawn has a thing with his ears, he doesn't like loud noises or crowds, they make him nervous and flustered. Ms. Crowley is kinda the same, though it's more having to do with big events that take a lot of prep and such. She especially hates it when they get pushed back because they have to redecorate everything and it adds extra cleaning to her, and her staff's, schedule. She likes things planned out ahead of time so she can prepare herself, so when things get pushed back, someone's taking their time on something, or there's too many people or unforeseen things around, she tends to get riled up. She's older, so it makes sense, she's gotta take it slow, but since there's no one stepping up to take over her position, she can't really retire either, which fucking sucks, but you know....."
"Oh...." Lance said, "that really does suck.... Poor her...."
"Easy now, she doesn't like being pitied either"
"I figured that, but it's kinda hard not to feel a little bad for her"
"True"
"Hmmm....."
The wild tamer raised his brow, "Lance, what are you thinking?"
"I'm gonna help her! I just need to know how...."
Hector sighed, "look, I know you like to help people, but don't you think you may wanna just leave her be? She hates it when people butt into her business too"
"I know, I won't push her, I just.... I wanna make her feel more comfortable you know? Do you have a way of doin that to the point where it can help her?"
"Me?" The wild tamer asked, "you're asking me for tips on how to help someone?"
"Well yeah", Lance replied with a smile, "you know more about her, so I trust your judgement, even if that means I can't help her at all, I wanna try *somethin*, just to be nice"
"Even after she yelled at you and basically told you to fuck off?"
"Yup!"
"....Huh", Hector stated, "didn't expect that, though I shouldn't be surprised. If you really wanna help, I've got an idea, but you've gotta be subtle about it, kay?"
"Ok!" The former thief replied, smiling happily
The wild tamer snorted, "you know your eyes sparkle when you do that right?"
"I know!"
"...What did I just get myself into?"
*An hour later*
Ms. Crowley sighed, her feet were *killing* her as she walked down the hallway with a mop in her hand. She sighed, grumbling to herself about all the extra hours she was pulling before something caught her eye. Raising a brow, she walked over to a door at the end of the hall, there was a sign on it that read, 'Ms. Crowley's Space', raising a brow, she opened the door and walked inside, recognizing the room the princess had made that painting for her in on the back of the blinds with the headphones. She looked around and noticed something different however, there was a table with tiny sandwiches on it, a cup of tea too, the painting on the back of the blind had been redone, including more scenery for her to look at, her headphones had a stand they sat on now, and as she got closer, she noticed there was a key on top of another note. Picking up the key, she read the note to herself:
'Dear Ms. Crowley,
Sorry about earlier, wasn't meanin to make you upset, and I know how hard you've been workin. So, to show my appreciation, I asked the princess and Hector to help me make this room your little safe space. You can come in here while you're workin or even when you're not, it's a place where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the castle for a few minutes, it's got a lock on it now, courtesy of a friendly alchemist, and that key you're holdin is the only one of it's kind, save for an extra Varian has, just in case you need anyone. I asked that no one go in this room, even got Quirin to make a few extra sandwiches that he said you loved. I'll try to help decorate and clean as much as I can for tonight, you just try and relax as much as you can, and even if you don't, that's okay too.
I hope you enjoy your little space, again, sorry about before, but you're doin a great job, keep up the amazin work!
Sincerely,
Lance Strongbow and Hector'
The older women re-read the note over and over, surprised by its words before she looked at the kay in her hand. She stared at it for a long time before she smiled a little, "I guess he isn't so bad", she said, before she stuck the key in her pocket, grabbing a sandwich and eating it before walking out and locking the door behind her, "wherever you are right now, thanks Lance", she said to herself as she walked away, not noticing the man in question standing just a few feet away, out of sight with a wild tamer next to him. Both were smiling as they watched the older women walk away, looking much calmer than before as she hummed a small song to herself.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the late upload, this took a while to write, but I love Lance, so it was worth it! This man is a king, but he's prone to having shenanigans, and I love writing these chapters so much!!!!!!
Lance is KING!!!!!! And while he's the best emotional support Lance in the universe, he's also a goober and full of accidental moments X3 I still love him, but there's a reason he's banned from Varian's lab XD
Varian is such an adorable bean in his kimono!!!! I swear I'll get that picture up soon, or I'll at least have a link to it! :D
Poor Quirin, no other words just poor Quirin, please type F in chat for this man, because poor Quirin XD
Adira is a troll and I LOVE it!!!!!!
Eugene and Rapunzel are being the best siblings an alchemist could ever ask for! :D
Hector has a moment with Lance that isn't him snapping! :D Plus he's helping a friend and his siblings are here for a cameo! Woot!!!!! His Dexter and Trinity! <3 They'll be back soon :3
Ruddy buddy and Itty Bitty for the win!!!!! <3 I'm not sure if Ruddy will be with Varian during the ball, still working on that, let me know if he should be or not, I'm debating and I'd love to hear your thoughts :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 265: The 7 Kingdom Ball! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The 7 Kingdom Ball is finally underway, and while Varian and Hugo deal with their rising anxiety, a much darker force is beginning to rise from below, and they're not prepared for him....
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian shuffled his feet a little as he stood outside the doors of the Ball room, he so badly wanted to reach up to his shoulder and pet his best friend's chin to feel better, but the phantom pain of Ruddigar's absence was weighing heavily on the alchemist's shoulders
*"I'm sorry Varian but it wouldn't be a good idea to bring him along", Stan explained gently, "the ball room will be overcrowded and full of dignitaries who aren't used to a little raccoon as other Coronans are, plus it may be a little too much for him and we wouldn't want him to get overwhelmed"
"B-but what if I need him? H-he's my support animal", Varian asked as he held Ruddigar close to his chest protectively
Quirin looked at the guard, "isn't there a way he could keep Ruddigar close? Like make a rule to where he'd have to stay on Varian's shoulder?"
The guard sighed and shook his head, "as much as I would love that, Nigel insisted there be no animals in the throne room. He mentioned he doesn't mean any harm, but since this event is so important he doesn't want to take any chances that someone may be allergic or freak out when they see him.... He hates this too, believe me, he didn't want to do this, but... He's got a job to do.... Ruddigar will have to stay...."
"B-but but-!"
"I don't like it either kid, I really don't, and I'm so sorry, but I don't have a choice on the matter.... I really wish I did, I tried, but I couldn't change anyone's minds...."
The tiny alchemist sniffled, prompting Ruddigar to nuzzle him, chittering worriedly
Quirin sighed, "there's really nothing you can do?" He asked Stan gently
The guard sadly shook his head, "I'm sorry...."
"It's alright", the retired knight replied, placing a hand on the man's shoulder, "I know this isn't up to you, thank you for trying to help"
Stan nodded before he looked at the sad teen, "are you okay?"
"No! I h-have to go inside a h-huge room f-full of people I d-don't know a-and I have to l-leave Ruddigar behind a-and-and-and-!"
"I'll be with you Bubby", his father said, "so will Hugo, Eugene, and Lance, we'll all be there and can help you in case you need someone"
"B-but but h-he'll get lonely"
Quirin smiled, "would it make you feel better to know Pascal, Itty Bitty, Hamuel, and Max will be with him?"
"Um..." The tiny alchemist went quiet, sniffling again as he nuzzled his raccoon, getting a purr from the small mammal
The Village leader chuckled, "will it help if I said they could have their own animal party? We could set out a few snacks so they have something to eat, plenty of apples they could share, maybe even a little music"
Varian looked at his best friend, the raccoon seemed interested in the idea, he looked up at his boy and chittered at him, "y-yeah you say that b-but-!" The small mammal chittered again, "b-but what if you and Max start to argue", the raccoon replied as his tail waved happily, "I know y-you're getting along now, b-but what if you and Pascal have a fight, o-or Itty Bitty and Max don't like each other?" Ruddigar responded then nuzzled his boy lovingly, "....B-but but but.... B-but I.... I...." Ruddigar patted his boy's face and chittered once more, whatever he was saying seemed to be putting courage into the small teen, as his face went from a frightened frown to a calmer small smile, "y-you really think so?" Ruddigar nodded and licked his boy's chin, making him giggle, "o-oki.... Just come and get me i-if you need me, oki?" The raccoon nodded, "promise?" Ruddigar chittered before nuzzling his boy once more and purring lovingly. Varian hugged him back, humming contentedly as Quirin and Stan smiled at the pair*
They'd made snacks, brought games, made sure Max and Itty Bitty got along, which they did without a hitch, and made sure the animals had places to sleep in case the Ball went on for too long. Varian recounted all the preparations he and his father had made in his head, nodding at each one as his fear and anxieties slowly quieted down, though the butterflies in his stomach were still making him nauseous, it was at a maintainable rate. Finally, the tiny alchemist took a deep breath and let it out slowly, just as Eugene had taught him. He felt a little better and, as he waited for the doors to the throne room to open, he straightened his back and tried to act confident, at least, until, "hey kiddo!" Had started him so much that he jumped three feet in the air and made him yelp, "oops, sorry about that Starlight"
Varian looked up to see Eugene standing beside him, "oh i-it.... H-hi, it's fine, j-just... Jumpy...." Varian replied
Eugene smiled, "same here actually", he replied understandingly, "should've seen me when Rapunzel came me, I was a bit of a wreck"
"You were?"
"Yup, it's my very first showing as the official Prince to the Dark Kingdom, and I'm gonna have to represent our kingdom well, so believe me, I get it"
"Oh.... right... S-same here actually, though I guess y-you have more pressure, huh?"
"I wouldn't compare the two, I'd say we both have important roles tonight, and this'll definitely be a big step for you, I mean, you're coming to a ball, that's a big deal kiddo! I was gonna come over here and say that I was proud of you for doing this, even more so without Ruddigar on your shoulder"
"Y-yeah.... Um.... S-still getting used to that"
"Oh, sorry I didn't mean-!"
"No no, you're helping, really you are, I just... Miss him..." He chuckled to himself, "pathetic right? I mean he's just down the hall and I miss him"
"That's not pathetic", Eugene stated, "you're used to having him with you, he helps calm your nerves and makes jokes to lighten the mood for you. Having you step away from him and do something out of your comfort zone, without him, is a *huge* step, believe me, you missing him isn't pathetic at all"
Varian smiled, "thanks Eugene.... Though, do you have any way to deal with the butterflies in my stomach? They're buzzing around so much that it's kinda making me feel sick...."
The Dark Prince thought for a moment before he got an idea, "ok, so I know this probably isn't the best solution, but it helps me in a pinch if I need a temporary relief so I can handle the bad stuff in private later. Though, I don't recommend doing this unless you're in a situation you can't get out of for a while, ok? Seek actual help if you have that option, this is a bandage solution"
"O-oki"
"Ok, so, when I was younger and still in the orphanage, there would be times where people would come in, adopt other kids, and leave me and Lance by ourselves for a day or two because no one would pick us. Both of us would get massive anxiety because... Well you can understand why.... And then we'd mess up on chores and other things, it would suck and fill us with more anxiety, but, I always managed to calm myself down by saying, 'no problem, I've got this', whenever those butterflies would play hopscotch in my belly. If I repeated enough, I'd start to believe it, then I'd do better and even help Lance. Again, this is a bandage solution, if you're feeling like you're about to panic and you can get somewhere safe and have help, do that instead, but if you can't and have no options, or if what you're feeling isn't too bad and it's only a couple butterflies, that saying would help me calm down enough to get the job done and make the butterflies leave".
"N-no problem, I've got this...." Varian said timidly, he felt a small sense of relief in the saying, "no problem.... I've got this", he repeated, the butterflies calmed down a little bit, he let out a sigh of relief, "that actually works, it's like magic"
Eugene smirked, "it kinda is, you gotta believe it though, the words work, but only take you so far, for the best outcome, believe in what you're saying, like I believe in you kiddo", he stated, "you're gonna be great at this, just take a few deep breaths, remember the saying, hold your head up high, and have fun"
"Have fun?"
"It's a ball right? It's basically a party but... Fancier... And with rich people", Varian snorted, getting the Dark Prince to snicker, "I'm not wrong"
"You're not, you're really not", Varian agreed, "thanks Eugene, I feel a little bit better now"
"Anytime kid", suddenly the doors to the ball room opened and Nigel gestured for them to walk inside, "it's time, you ready?"
Varian took another deep breath, letting it out slowly before he nodded, "ready as I'll ever be"
****
Hugo wrung his hands together, the butterflies in his stomach making a mess of his insides and causing him to sweat. Sensing this, he slid a hand in his pocket to pet the tiny robotic mouse he'd hidden in there. Olivia let out a quiet squeak and nuzzled her boy's finger, making him smile before he saw the doors open. Taking a breath before he walked inside the ball room. He looked around, eyes widened as he stared at the decoration before him, the fancy food sitting on tables nearby, the King, Queen, and Princess of Corona greeting guests with a smile and a bow, he stood in line to greet the royals, trying very hard not to sweat through his green, coat tailed, suit and green slacks. He wondered if his yellow undershirt already had wet spots as he moved up in line, wishing his pinchy, black dress shoes would give his feet a break. Finally, he was next and, plastering on a huge, fake as hell, smile, he walked over to the royals, alone. "Good evening your majesty's, thank you for inviting me", he stated, wanting to puke as the words left his throat.
"Thank you for accepting our invitation", Rapunzel replied, bowing as well with a smile, "we hope you enjoy your time here"
"Thank you very much", Hugo replied, his stomach twisting in knots as he looked at the King of Corona and remembered all of what the man had done to his boyfriend. He felt extremely discomfort and anger bowing to the scum that'd brought his Varian pain, but he kept it hidden under lock and key as he began to walk away.
Just as he was feeling relief from not having messed up the greeting, he heard, "may you and Varian enjoy your evening", from the man himself
The blond wanted to smack the King in his stupid face for even *mentioning* *his* alchemist's name, but even as his shoulders visibly tensed, he kept his cool, turning and nodding with that same smile plastered on his face
"I'm certain we will, thank you", he replied, it sounded robotic and dull, like he'd rehearsed it a hundred times. He didn't like how true that was though as he turned to walk away for the second time, thankfully with no one saying anything else. He knew the man had meant well, in fact, Varian'd told him the Coronan King seemed to be trying, but Hugo couldn't swallow that bull. In his mind, once an abuser, always an abuser, he unfortunately knew from experience what forgiving a person like *Fredrich* was like.... He wouldn't let his Varian make the same mistake.
Olivia let out a quiet squeak, sensing her boy's nerves and anger getting the best of him. Hugo placed his hand in his pocket once more and rubbed her head, feeling a little better when she grabbed his finger in her tiny paws and licked it.
The blond looked around, not seeing anyone he recognized yet, *maybe they haven't come in or finished greeting the asses of Corona yet*, he thought to himself, *what should I do then?" He thought, looking around, he saw people dancing together, but he didn't feel like it without Varian, he saw others chatting at the refreshments table, but his stomach prevented him from wanting anything to eat.... He sighed
*You know, for someone who hates any abusive person you can find, you're really missing her aren't you?* A voice in his mind asked
*Shut up....* He replied before he walked over to the refreshments area, even if one look at the food would make his stomach flip, it was better than standing around looking lost. He stood next to the table, trying hard not to puke when he saw all the fancy tuna and clams, *fish.... Why fish of all things?* He noticed a small plate of bread, *oh good, for the non fish lover at this shit show, not that there's anything wrong with them, we get bread, such an ar*ray* of options! ....Ugh.... Where's the alcohol? I need a drink....* He looked around and found some champagne, *better than nothing*, he thought as he walked over and grabbed a cup, pouring himself a glass before he took a sip. He felt the liquid burn in his throat as it made it's way down, but for some reason he enjoyed that *far* better than whatever else he was feeling.
"It's a little too early to be getting drunk don't you think?" Someone asked
Hugo turned to see a women standing there, holding a plate with one piece of fancy tuna and a couple clams, she looked to be from Koto, "I'm not getting drunk, I had *a* drink, I wasn't planning on having anymore for a bit", Hugo replied as politely as he could, which was a lot to ask given the circumstances, but he was trying
The dignitary rolled her eyes, "right, and *a* drink, as you so eloquently put it, leads to more drinks, soon enough, another Ingvarrian will be swaying around on the dance floor, puking on someone's shoes because no one calls you people out on your addictions"
Hugo glared at the women, "look I really don't need this right now, I'm not doing any harm by having a drink, and I don't plan on getting drunk, so if you could leave me alone I *greatly* appreciate it", he stated
"Oh what? Did I hurt your feelings? Serves you right for taking down the Ingvarrian government", this made the blond raise a brow, "of course you wouldn't know would you? Thanks to your little outburst with the Duke and Duchess, they've been removed from their royal duties"
"So?"
"*So* my *family* did *business* with them!"
"I see, so corrupt dignitaries are okay to have as long as you get money from their profits, is that what you're telling me?"
The women glared at Hugo, if he didn't know any better, she looked like she was about to hit him, "listen you little twerp, I know what your game is, don't think you can try and fool me with the whole 'poetic justice' shit. Just because your gay mom didn't get her hands on the Duchess's ass doesn't mean you get to ruin other people's lives"
"What?!"
"Oh, you wanna tell me that *wasn't* the reason she got off *scott free* and gets to roam the world after all she did to you and that little speech you made, yeah, I was there at the trial, I heard what you said, that whole 'wanting her to accept and handle her punishment with humility and understanding' is bullshit and you know it!" She snapped, "you just wanted your gay mom to be let off the hook so you could visit her whenever you wanted with a clear conscious. I know that game, I *invented* that game, but here's the difference, mine doesn't hurt anyone else, yours does. So why don't you stop playing dumb, stop drinking because you don't need it, and actually take responsibility for what you and your gay mom did instead of bringing my family down with you asshole!"
Hugo was stunned into silence, his mind screaming more profanities than he thought Varian, or even Eugene, knew. He wanted nothing more than to slam his fist into this women's face and laugh as she cried out in pain, but as his fist clenched, an image of Varian popped into his mind, making him bite his tongue. The girl waited, a knowing smirk on her face as she watched him physically struggle not to fight back, "hey, can you perhaps fuck off?" A voice behind the girl asked, getting both to turn towards it in surprise
Hector stood there, wearing his normal clothing, cape and all, his yellow eyes firmly locked onto the female dignitary before him, a look of boredom with a slight edge of anger lingered on his face, "who the *hell* do you think *you're* talking too?!" She retorted, "and what the *hell* are you wearing?! You know this is a *formal* event right?"
"Yup", he gestured to a small purple bowtie around his neck that Hugo hadn't noticed before, "ta da", he said unenthusiastically, "I'll repeat my question though, you mind fucking off to whatever bottomless pit you crawled out of? I wanna talk to my nephew's lover for a sec"
The dignitary looked like she was about to blow a gasket, she raised her hand and swung it towards his face, "how *DARE* yo-!"
Her hand was grabbed, inches away from Hector's face, by the wild tamer himself, only his eyes were wide and angry now as he glared at the girl before him. The Koto dignitary froze in place, as if she were covered in ice, as she stared back at the man, "yeah... I'd suggest you take your hand away from my face and walk away, because you just made a *huge* mistake, one you'll regret if you don't take that thing and place it up your ass where it belongs".
Hugo covered his mouth so he could hide his snort, the dignitary continued to stare at the wild tamer for a while before she glared, "you think I'll get in trouble for harming a commoner?"
"No, you'll get in trouble for harming a prince though", the blond stated, getting the women to look at him for a moment before the realization struck her like a smack to the face. She looked back at Hector, who smirked
"Hi", the wild tamer said
The women snatched her hand away and ran off, making the two men she left behind snicker as she ran before the bespeckled teen looked up at the man before him, "thanks for that"
"No problem, you okay? That bitch was saying some pretty fucked up shit"
"I'm.... Well no... I'm not okay, but I don't know if it's because of what she said, or because of the ball itself.... What about you?"
"Same, I hate these fucking events, everyone wearing shitting clothing, talking fake as fuck to each other, then bowing to one hell of a joke for a ruler makes me cringe in every sense of the fucking term.... I've always hated these gatherings, but I can't find my siblings in the crowd, nor can I find my king, so I kinda drifted to the only other person I know"
Hugo smiled, "happy to be your company"
"Likewise", Hector replied with a smirk before spotting the teen's drink, "you got more? I could use a drink"
The blond smiled and showed the tamer where to find the champagne, right as he did so however, he heard a familiar voice behind him, "how'd I guess you were gonna be at the snack table?"
Hugo smiled, not even having to turn around to know who that was, "because you read my horoscope and saw I would be an awkward little shit today"
The person laughed, "isn't that true everyday?"
"True, but today is more so than usual, wait, shouldn't I bow to you considering your rank, *princess* Nuru?"
The Star princess snorted, "rank aside, you'd be in the dungeon for not turning to speak with me if my parents had anything to say about it"
"True", the blond replied before he turned to look at his friend, "sup Nuru"
"Hiya Hugo, hey Hector", she replied, waving to the wild tamer, who nodded in her direction as he poured himself a drink, "so what are you two up to?"
"Scaring people", Hector replied
"So the usual"
"Pretty much"
Nuru giggled, "have you seen Varian or Yong?"
"No, wish I had", Hugo replied, "would be a lot easier to handle this crowd if they were around"
"Wouldn't it just..."
The blond raised a brow, "shouldn't you be with your parents right now?"
The star princess sighed, "yeah I should, but if you'd like me to *not* make a scene about how I don't want to talk to the royals from our neighboring kingdom while their nasty son gives me pervy eyes from my face to my shoes, I think I'm taking the most peaceful approach and walking away"
"I could punch him for ya if you want", Hector offered
"Aren't you a prince?"
"Yeah, and?"
Nuru smirked, "I like him"
"Same", Hugo agreed, getting the wild tamer to smirk before someone shot by and hid behind his leg. Looking down, the blond saw Yong peeking from around him knee, "um... Hiya Sparkles, what are yo-!"
"Shhhh!" Yong interrupted, "don't let them know I'm here!" He exclaimed before he ducked behind Hugo once more, right as he did, the blond noticed two men walking by, both around his and Varian's ages. They looked angry, chatting about something he couldn't hear before they walked away, disappearing from sight, "are they gone?" Yong asked
"You're all clear", Hector replied with a raised brow as the tiny pyro emerged from behind Hugo's leg
"Are they *still* picking on you?" Nuru asked
"Still?" Hugo repeated
Yong sighed and nodded before he looked up at the green eyed alchemist, "those two guys are dignitaries from my kingdom.... They don't like me much because my family is ranked higher than theirs.... It's not my fault, but the only way they can take out their aggression is by going after me, so....." The small pyro explained
"Shit, there's a lot of people I need to fucking scare", Hector stated
"No! No m-my parents want me to just ignore them, it's hard to do, but it keeps the peace between our families...."
"Your parents know about this and they're telling you to just *ignore* them?!" Hugo asked
"They've tried talking to the other family, tried settling the dispute, but nothing worked..... They were planning on going to the King and Queen about it, but I don't want them to make things bad between us and the royal family... They're really close friends after all.... I wouldn't wanna cause trouble...."
"Damn it Yong, why are you so much like Varian?!" Hugo asked before slapping a hand over his mouth and blushing
Yong blinked for a moment or two before he giggled, "I *wish* I was like Varian! He's the coolest and he's kind and brave and stands up for what he believes is right, I *want* to be like that"
Nuru smiled, "we all want to be, and you can, you just have to find a way to do that while being yourself is all", she stated while smirking at the blond, who huffed at her
"Yeah you say that princess, but you don't know what I know", Yong replied
"No, but I've been through my own harships and have had to fight my way out, just takes confidence is all, something you and Varian both need to work on actually"
"He needs to work on it too?"
"Yeah I do", a voice replied, getting them all to turn and see Varian standing there with a shy smile on his face, accompanied by a blush on his face as he looked directly at Hugo
"Well there you are!" Nuru exclaimed as Hector smirked at his nephew, "wow, gotta say, that outfit is amazing! It matches the princess's!"
"That's kinda that point, and thank you!" Varian replied, "it's supposed to represent the Sun and the Moon"
"Very nice!"
"Wow!" Yong exclaimed as he walked over to the teen, "you look like royalty!"
"Thank you", Varian said with a giggle, "and yeah, I need to work on my confidence too, I mean, I was freaking out in the hallway because I didn't have my raccoon with me. E-even though he's just down the hall, so it's sort of a work in progress"
"To be fair, Ruddigar's a support animal", Hector stated, "by the way, you look good"
His nephew smiled, "thanks uncle Hector, the bowtie's a nice touch"
"You like it? I call it 'bow brother', based off of you know who"
Varian giggled, "he who likes bows in his hair is talking with Adira and Grandpa right now"
"Where are they?"
"Lost to the world in the crowd"
"Got it, so staying here"
"Same, Adira said she'd come by after they were done, she's wearing a really pretty dress!"
"Noted, planning insults now"
The alchemist snickered before he looked at his lover, "hello"
"H.... Hee.... Howd-! ..........Fuck it", Hugo walked over and planted a kiss on Varian's lips, startling the teen before he broke it and blushed
Varian blinked before he smiled, "happy to see you too". The duo hugged, both of them sighing with relief as they felt both of their stomachs butterflies finally disappear
****
The dungeons dripped with condensation, the noise bouncing off the walls as one man stood near the front of his cell. He growled, squeezing the bars of his prison tightly, willing them to bend at his command. When they didn't, he huffed and walked away. He rolled his eyes when he saw the two ex-dignitaries in the other cell across from his. They were huddled together, frightened of the person before them, to be honest, he took a little glee in their fear, smirking as he turned to face what used to be his cell mate.
He glared at the offending pile, the smell alone causing his headache to grow steadily worse. He sighed, hopefully this would be enough, it had to be, otherwise Coronans were worse than he thought. But he was proven wrong when a guard, alerted by the smell, came running in, only to find the horror that awaited him.
He screamed, but it didn't last long as the man's hand clamped down around his neck, cutting off any noise that annoying pest was making. Slamming the guard's head into the bars over and over had been tedious, his neck just wouldn't snap. Finally, when he heard the crack, he grinned from ear to ear as the guard slumped in his hold, the cold dungeons being the final thing that guard would ever see, but it was no worse a fate they'd sealed him to!
The man reached his other hand around the guard's waist, unhooking the key ring on his belt and dropping the shell, that once was a Coronan, on the floor. He flipped through and found what he was looking for, opening the cell door as he finally walked free.
It'd been weeks since he'd seen the Sun or Moon, and he wouldn't deny himself any longer, "MONSTER!" Or maybe he would. He looked at the two ex-dignitaries, their eyes were wide with fear as they stared at the corpse beneath him
They'd assigned him to a job hadn't they? Weren't they the reason he was behind bars in the first place? His anger grew as his blood boiled, that should be rectified should it not? He walked over to their cell, ignoring their screams as he opened the door with his blood soaked key.
He started with the male first, knocking his wife out so she'd stop her wailing, he'd get to her in a second. Stalking over to the cowering form in the corner, his yellow eyes glowed brightly in the dark as he bared his teeth, "p-p-please, you can take my wife, my money, my *home*, have anything you want, just DON'T KILL M-!" He'd ended his sentence before he did with the same neck hold he'd done to the guard. The coward had begged for his life, oh how he hated beggars, so needlessly dramatic, take your fate like a man for fuck's sake!
Though they'd been on the same team before, he wanted to make it apparent this was not what he'd signed up for. Of course, these two were merely the first victims of his revenge, but he'd get to his prime target soon enough, for now, they need an example do they not? He'd make sure they wouldn't forget him, that *he* wouldn't forget him.
Those emerald eyes, that golden hair, that freckled face and stupid fucking smirk! Oh how he hated him, he hated him with every FIBER IN HIS BEING! But that prize would be last, he's got a few to deal with first, starting with these two. He looked at his handiwork, they looked nice, the women would wake soon enough, her shrieks of pain would only be matched by her cries of fear once she saw, what was, her husband, but he'd be long gone by then.
The man found a way out, he always did, his next target was roaming the world, but he knew the places she tended to go. As he stepped out into the cool night, he breathed in the cool evening air and sighed, no longer a hand for hire as he stepped into the shadows, disappearing from sight. He wasn't a servant, he would be the one served, no longer the lackey, now he's the boss, and his name would be remembered by the sound of his victim's screams, in fact, she was waking up now, he could hear her now as she called out his name.....
"CYRUUUUUUUS!"
Notes:
Hello! :D
The 7 Kingdom Ball is here! And my gosh, are dignitaries crazy, some a racist, some are snobs, and others are psychotic murderers! Who knew!
Varian and Eugene having a team awesome moment is always so much fun to write! I love these two together, and honestly, Varian without Ruddigar is just anxiety in an adorable Moon bean, his big bro's got him though <3
Hugo feeling his nerves because a certain someone isn't with him is something I can relate to on many levels. I used to have people who would tell me what to do because they controlled me to the point where, when put in a situation without them, I wouldn't know what to do, so I'd hide. It took a long time to get past that *especially* with bullies and jerks and perves looking my way, but luckily, Hugo's got a support team, and they just happen to share a Moon bean in common! <3
Hector is being the best right now and I'm loving it, supportive uncle Hector for the win! :D
Nuru and Yong have the older sister younger brother vibe that I love! So I hope I did them justice here
So.... Yeah.... That ending with Cyrus.... Yeah that happened.... We'll see more soon :3
RIP Duke and Duchess.... You were nasty and cruel, but you didn't deserve that..... RIP
Ruddy, Itty Bitty, Pascal, Hamuel, and Max animal party! Ruddy is still the best though! :D Also, yes, Olivia was snuck in XD She needs to be snuck in :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 266: The 7 Kingdom Ball! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The group all enjoys their time at the Ball
or
The calm before the storm
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hey"
"No"
"Hey Stickler"
"No"
"But Stickler look"
"No"
"It's apple pie though Stickler"
"No"
"I didn't steal it Stickler"
"Adira"
The face painted warrior was smirking at her brother as he continued to looked away from her attempts to show him an apple pie, "isn't this made with fresh ingredients Stickler?"
"No"
"It is, I asked the cooks, they said it was from your farms Stickler"
"Must you remind me of how you always manage to get your hands on my apples Adira?"
"Why yes I must Stickler"
"Can't you two get along for one night?" Edmund asked as he watched the two with a raised brow
Quirin huffed, "no, she used her evils to manipulate me the other day and I'm still mad"
The face painted warrior snickered, "are you really still upset that you helped out Earring and Speckles?"
"I didn't mind helping them, it's that fact that *you* popped in and *forced* me to"
"I only smirked at you"
"You knew what you were doing"
The Dark King sighed, "will I ever live in a world where my children don't fight each other"
"Considering your tamer nearly killed me and my friends twice, no, no you won't", another voice stated, getting Edmund to instantly light up as he turned to face the person
"Eugene!"
"Hey dad", the Dark Prince replied with a smirk, Rapunzel and Lance joining the group happily, "how're you holding up?"
"Oh so far so.... Normal? It's a little odd to attend a ball after so many years of not. I feel.... Surprisingly ordinary!"
"And that's.... Good?"
"I think so"
"Ok then, good"
Quirin snorted, "his ways are foreign to us too Eugene, you're not alone"
The Dark Prince snickered, "good to know"
Rapunzel smiled at Adira, "wow! That dress is even prettier than the one you wore to the welcoming party!"
The face painted warrior looked down at her mostly rich purple dress that faded into a black at the bottom, tiny sparkles dotting the dress to represent stars as her cape like, purple shawl, moved with her when she looked. Her black flats pinching her feet a little but with the same sparkles the dress and shawl did, and her silver pendant that had the Dark Kingdom's symbol on it matching her silver tiara in her silver hair with matching purple jewels. She smiled before looking at the princess, "thanks, your mother helped me, similar to how you helped my nephew"
Rapunzel smiled wide, "she did?!"
"Yep, I helped her too, she's wearing an outfit I chose"
"I thought the Queen's outift looked more warrior-esk", Lance stated, "nice choice!"
"Thank you"
"Not to take anything away here, but dad and Quirin are looking pretty spiffy too", Eugene pointed out as he gestured to his father, who was wearing a rich purple version of his long, furry cape. Underneath was a black suit, with a black onyx pin of the Dark King's symbol on the cape, keeping it in place on his outfit. He was wearing his usual crown as well, but his hair was tired back in a tidy bun, a few braids mixing into the bun.
Edmund smiled, "you really think so? It's a bit much for me, but you really like it?"
"Yeah! Where'd you get the purple cape anyway?"
"I had it made!" The Dark King replied, "back in the Dark Kingdom, we have, what's known as, a hunting of age ceremony! The child must go out and do their very first hunt, and whatever animal they bring back, we skin, thank, and eat, then make an article of clothing out of their fur as a sign of respect. It's actually something every prince, princess, guard, and Brotherhood member has to go through! We never part with that fur either, we wear it to remember the animal life we took and to pay respects to that mighty beast. My very first hunt, I got a bear, my cape is made out of that poor fellow's fur, and I had a faux fur made and dyed purple to represent my original cape for formal affairs such as these!"
"Huh, wow, that's actually really neat", Eugene replied
"You think so?! I'd love to take you on your first hunt one day!"
"Um.... I uh.... I'm not sure I'd be able to do that, fish are one thing, but uh.... Killing a live animal.... Um I uh-!"
"It's alright Eugene", Quirin interrupted gently, "I didn't do it either"
"Wait what?" Lance exclaimed, looking at the man, "but your furry vest, you wear that all the time!"
"It's fake fur", the retired knight replied, "made from an extremely expensive merchant"
"I wanted to get it for you, and you will not change my mind about the purchase considering it makes you and your little peanut happy", Edmund stated
"You got him that vest?" Eugene asked
"I got him two actually, both the same, though I made sure to get him a small and a large, so he could grow into it"
"So you've got two?"
"Yup", Quirin replied, "the smaller one is in my trunk back home, it's wrapped so the fake fur doesn't get tarnished".
"How come you got a fake fur vest instead of a real one?" Rapunzel asked, tilting her head to the side with curiosity
The retired knight blushed a little, "well... I'm not a hunter, I can fish, but that's a bit different. They feel very little pain the way I fish and cook them, I make sure they pass quickly because I don't want them to suffer, and I pray to the Moon their souls find peace. For all of my years of training I could never.... Kill an animal.... When it came to human enemies, I had no choice, it was them or my family. But when it came to animals.... I just couldn't.... It was heartbreaking and horrible, I... Ended up crying... During my hunting of age ceremony.... I saw a rabbit, was told to shoot an arrow, and I cried.... That's when King Edmund stepped in and said I didn't have to. People were upset and I got scolded pretty badly for my cowardice, but King Edmund always stood up for me, up until... Well, that's a story for another day..... After that, I'd earned my place in the guard and, eventually, in the Brotherhood. When I was a guard though, King Edmund took me to the merchant for my birthday and got me those vests. I've had them ever since".
"Awww!"
"Eheh, yeah.... I'm not a big hunter.... Even the animals at my farm get a much nicer passing and prayer than most other farmers do. I wait until it's their time, then use every part of the animal, praying for their souls, thanking them for allowing me to survive, and even taught Varian to do the same".
"Oh! Will the little peanut ever get a hunting of age ceremony?" Edmund asked excitedly
"Um.... Maybe he'll just have a party, he's turning 16 this year, so it's coming"
"Right, right, little bean doesn't seem like the type to hunt"
"He's really not, the other day he cried when he saw a snake"
"Is he afraid of them?" Lance asked
"Yes, but he cried because he realized snakes don't have legs, and they slide on their bellies all the time, he thought it was sad and cried"
"Awwwwwwwwwwwwww!" The group stated, save for Adira and Quirin, one of whom was amused by her nephew's antics, the other being used to them and smiling
Rapunzel giggled before she realized something, "hey, you're not wearing your vest now though? Nor are you wearing anything resembling it"
Quirin looked down at his own outfit, which was a long, rich purple overcoat with a swirling design around the shoulders, it was unbottoned, showing the black dress shirt underneath. He has a long black on the outside, purple on the inside, cape on his back, pinned by a silver Dark Kingdom symbol pin like his king. His black dress pants were nice and smooth, and he worse black boots underneath them. He had a silver tiara like crown, it was very similar to his son's, though it was bigger and with only purple jewels instead of purple and blue. The man smiled at his outfit, "I didn't wanna get my vest dirty, so I asked Ruddigar to keep watch over it while I was here. It also gave Varian a little comfort knowing his raccoon has something of ours to lay in while we're not there".
"Vari-That boy is going to be the cause of every cavity in this kingdim, I swear to Demanitus!" Eugene exclaimed, getting the group to chuckle at that
"MAY I HAVE EVERYONE'S ATTENTION PLEASE!" A voice called from the front of the room, prompting everyone to turn to look and see the king of Corona standing before them as they quieted down, "thank you! I just wanted to say, thank you all for coming to this event! I'd also like to thank you for your patience and I apologize for the wait. Many things happened during your visits and I assure you, they've been taken care or and handled properly. I will also compensate for the longer stay by sending a few representatives to your kingdoms to help explain, and I sincerely appreciate you time in this matter! I would just like to raise a toast to new and old friends, one's we've known for a long time, and other's we've met along the way! I'd also like to raise a toast to those friends who have been away for a long time and are rejoining the 7 kingdoms! We are excited to announce that this year, we've been joined by our sister kingdom, the Dark Kingdom! They've been working with us to try and rejoin the alliance between our lands and we hope everyone shares our faith that it will be a smooth reconnection! We hope to make these great 7 kingdoms an even 8 with our friends from the North, and we hope that everyone may prosper and thrive knowing there is one more joining our ranks!
I'm glad you could all be here today and am thrilled that our alliance is still growing ever stronger, I hope that it may continue to grow as we shape new friendships in this steadily rising economy! Thank you all so much, cheers to all of you and what you've done for us and our kingdom!" He held up his glass, getting everyone in the room to do the same as they all let out a very loud cheer! They all drank from their cups and smiled at one another happily, until the Corona king added, "I have a small fireworks show planned this evening by our local alchemist, until then, please enjoy the food and have a wonderful time!"
The room cheered once more before the music kicked back up and the room began to fill with chatter. Edmund smiled as the air in the room felt calm and happy, he sighed, "although it's been a while, I'm really glad we're here now, it's nice to finally be back"
"It really is", Adira agreed with a serene smile
Quirin looked at her and smirked, "I take it you're glad you did what you did to bring us back?"
"I located the Sundrop, helped bring her to the Dark Kingdom, reunited with Wild Child, you, and my King, and now we're here dressed in our ballroom best and celebrating our kingdom being reunited with the 7 others, I think I'm owed a little moment of satisfaction for my part to play here"
"That's true, you did play a major role in bringing us all back together, and I don't think anyone will ever forget that", he replied, "oh, I did forget to give you something when we first reconnected"
"Oh? What's that, a snarky remark, a warning, possibly a speech?"
"No", Quirin stated with a chuckle before he held his hand out to his sister, "a 'thank you', and a 'you were right'"
"I was-!"
"About the Sundrop and the Moonstone, I was so afraid that I didn't listen, I'm sorry for that, but you were right, even if things didn't go according the plan, you are one of the biggest reason's we're back together again, so thank you, and I'm sorry for not trusting you before, I really am".
The face painted warrior was startled by this, but smiled all the same and nodded, accepting her brother's hand, "thanks for that, I needed it"
****
The ball continued, the music catching a few couples and prompting them to dance. More and more people joining in and chatting with each other, laughing, singing, dancing, joking, everyone was having a wonderful time! Edmund was smiling and laughing as he watched Eugene and Lance dance together while Rapunzel sat out, her feet getting a little too sore from being stepped on by other people's shoes. The Sun princess still enjoyed herself however, cheering her boyfriend on and laughing whenever either one dipped the other, making them blush and it becoming a competition against the two.
"Are you two gonna join the dance?" Nuru asked, watching the two men competing with each other
Varian and Hugo, who'd been standing close together and holding hands the entire time, blushed a little bit, "we um... We did before, at the welcoming party, but um...." Varian started, but stopped as his face got redder
"Heh, someone was a little drunker than he'd liked and had more liquid courage in him to even step *near* the dance floor", Hugo finished, smirking at his timid boyfriend
"You were drunk?" Yong asked as Hector snickered at the memory of that night
"I um.... Y-yeah...."
"Cool! What was it like?"
"I... I-it felt nice in the beginning, you feel everything kinda go away and you're just.... Free from all of that. But then I fell asleep drunk and... Ugh... The hangover isn't worth it.... Nor is the morning sickness..."
"...Maybe you could make something that'll help lessen the effects?"
"....Why didn't I think of that?"
"Because you were drunk", Hugo replied, getting Varian to nudge him a bit with a smirk on his face as Yong snickered
Nuru giggled, "well, I think I wanna see you two dance, I think it'd be adorable", the blue eyed alchemist's blushed deepened a little, "would it help if we joined?"
"Oooh! Yeah would it?" Yong asked excitedly
"Umm...." The freckled teen looked at Hugo, who shrugged
"It's up to you Freckles", the blond replied, "I'm with you either way"
Varian thought about it for a moment before he smiled and nodded, "oki"
"Yay!" The group cheered before they walked over to the dance floor. Nuru and Yong began to dance happily, spinning together and enjoying their time, as did Hugo and Varian who, slowly, got into the music and began to groove with his friends! Hector decided now would be a good time to find his siblings and went to stand next to them.
For a moment everyone was bouncing and jumping, all of them were having a really great time. That's when the music shifted, the lights were dimmed, and people slowed down their dancing. Couples began to join together, Rapunzel taking Lance's place as she danced with Eugene happily. Varian blushed as he looked at Hugo, "U-um, wanna have this dance?" He asked
"Thought you'd never ask", Hugo replied
****
They bowed to each other before they took each other in their arms and began to dance as the music swayed and moved around them. They felt the world fall away as they continued their trek, all of the fighting they'd endured, all of the moments they'd been stuck or afraid, crying in each others arms as more and more bad news came their way, all of it was reflected in the song they danced to together, as well as how they'd supported each other through it all, they smiled as their memories began to join the song:
"What would I do without your smart mouth?
Varian snickered at that, getting Hugo to raise his brow with a smirk
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out,
You've got my head spinning, no kidding,
I can't pin you down,
"I really can't", Varian stated
"You're no better you know", Hugo replied, getting them both to grin
What's going on in that beautiful mind?
I'm on your magical mystery ride,
"Is it fun?" Hugo asked
"Shut up", Varian giggled
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me,
but I'll be alright,
"No we won't", Varian stated, getting Hugo to laugh
My head's under water,
But I'm breathing fine,
You're crazy,
and I'm out of my mind,
"Ain't that the truth?" The blond asked
"Very much so", the freckled teen agreed
'Cause all of me,
Loves all of you,
Love your curves and all your edges,
All your perfect imperfections,
"I do", Hugo said, getting Varian to blush
Give your all to me,
I'll give my all to you,
"Fair trade", the bespeckled teen said
"Again, shush", the blue eyed alchemist replied with a blush
You're my end and my beginning,
Even when I lose, I'm winning,
Both smiled at each other lovingly at this as they spun
'Cause I give you all of me,
And you give me all of you, oh-oh,
How many times do I have to tell you?
Even when you're crying, you're beautiful too,
"It's true", Hugo said
"I love you", Varian replied, getting the blond's smile to widen
The world is beating you down,
I'm around through every mood,
You're my downfall, you're my muse,
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues,
"They got the blue part right", the bespeckled teen stated
"You are my worst distraction too", the freckled teen added
I can't stop singing,
it's ringing in my head for you,
My head's under water,
But I'm breathing fine,
"Are we though?" Hugo asked
"I think so", Varian replied
You're crazy, and I'm out of my mind,
"Still true", they both said before laughing
'Cause all of me,
Loves all of you,
Love your curves and all your edges,
All your perfect imperfections,
"Always", Varian added softly, getting his boyfriend to grin
Give your all to me,
I'll give my all to you,
"Eh?" The blond teased
"Stop it you", Varian stated
You're my end and my beginning,
Even when I lose, I'm winning,
They spun again, Varian's eyes beginning to glow as he continued to stare into Hugo's
'Cause I give you all of me,
And you give me all of you, oh-oh,
Give me all of you, oh,
Cards on the table,
we're both showing hearts,
The two giggled at this as they pulled each other closer
Risking it all, though it's hard,
"Very hard...", Hugo said
"I'm still proud of you", Varian replied
The blond smiled lovingly, "I'm proud of you too"
'Cause all of me,
Loves all of you,
Love your curves and all your edges,
All your perfect imperfections,
They began to sing the next parts as they glided across the floor together
Give your all to me,
I'll give my all to you,
Hugo smirked and kissed Varian's nose quickly, getting the alchemist to blush a little as they continued to sing and dance
You're my end and my beginning,
Even when I lose, I'm winning,
'Cause I give you all of me,
And you give me all of you,
Varian returned the favor, but he dipped Hugo down, making the blond blush and stop singing as Varian finished the final verse
I give you all of me,
And you give me all of you, oh-oh"
The blue eyed alchemist then kissed his lover's lips. Hugo returning it and wrapping his arms around the teen before they broke the kiss and blushed. Varian spun with Hugo once more, getting him back on his feet before they stared at each other once more, that was when the room exploded with applause!
****
The two alchemists looked around and saw everyone staring at them, every dignitary was smiling and cheering, even the royals. The two blushed even more, Varian scooching a little behind Hugo before the blond sighed and looked at him, never moving from his spot in front of his timid boyfriend, "guess we sort of took over, huh?" He asked
"Y-yeah we um... U-um...." Varian tried to respond, but ended up looking down shyly
Hugo chuckled and fully turned to face him, he gently grabbed his lover's hands and got the teen to look at him, "it's okay, we're still together, don't worry"
Varian stopped and smiled, "thanks"
"You're welcome", the blond replied, "shall we bow?"
"D-do we need to?"
"I don't know, but that's the only thing I can thing of doing right now"
Varian giggled, "oki"
They stood together and bowed, the crowd cheering even more before they dignitaries finally dispersed. Leaving the pair of alchemists alone on the dance floor as another song began to fill the air, "guess that worked", Hugo said
"You two were AMAZING!!!!!!" Rapunzel exclaimed excitedly as she ran over and hugged the duo, "I've never seen anyone dance like that before! The way you supported each other, complimented each other's moves, the way you were still laughing and having fun throughout it!" She sighed happily, "you two are my favorite couple!"
"Blondie, you may wanna give them some room to breathe", Eugene said as he joined the three, Quirin, Edmund, Adira, Hector, and Lance all doing the same
"Oh!" She let the two go, getting them to fall on the floor and gasp for air, "right... Sorry", she said with a blush
"You're *huff* good", Hugo replied as Varian leaned against his back
The princess gave them a sheepish smiled before Quirin walked past her and scooped the two teens up with a smile, "that really was amazing", he said as he gently held the two in his arms
Varian hummed happily in his father's arms as Hugo blushed, "Um... T-thanks, I uh... I'm not used to this"
"You will", his boyfriend said
"That's not ominous at all"
"Hey, the king just said the fireworks show is gonna start soon", Lance stated
"Oh crap! I need to go!" Varian exclaimed before he wriggled out of his father's grip and ran. Hugo smiled before he hoped out of Quirin's grip as well and smiled as he watched his boyfriend leave
"Should we find a good seat?" The blond asked
"We should", Quirin agreed before they all walked out to find a good place to watch the show. All the while, none of them saw the man standing in the field far away, his yellow eyes fixated on the bespeckled teen as he glared at the group....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter may seem innocent and calm, but believe me, it's definitely the calm before the storm, the 7 Kingdom Ball is 3 parts, the next one will be out soon :3
Hugo and Varian dance! I love that song, and I can see these two singing it together, plus Varian grew so happy that he glowed! Happy bean! <3
Quirin is the best big brother, he really is, I need to write more Adira and him moments, same with him and Edmund, and Eugene and Edmund, all of them need more time together! <3
Rapunzel, Lance, and Eugene are being amazing again! And so are Nuru and Yong! :D I love them, they didn't play a huge role in this chapter, but they will soon
The man isn't being ominous at all :3 He just wants to see the fireworks, truuuuuuuust me X
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 267: The 7 Kingdom Ball! (Part 3!)
Summary:
The fireworks show goes off without a hitch! But when Quirin notices a guard acting strange, he decides to investigate and finds a horrible discovery!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian ran to his lab, trying hard not to trip on his kimono as he did so. Unlocking the door, the teen grabbed his fireworks and headed towards the appointed launch area. He began to set things up, excitedly placing each rocket perfectly so he could walk over and light them as he saw fit. Once that was done, he waited, watching as the crowd left the ball room and found a spot to watch the fireworks. He smiled and waved when he saw his father and boyfriend, who waved back at him, they looked happy, he was grateful for that! As the Sun began to dip and the Moon rose into the sky, the King looked at the teen and nodded his head, signaling the show to start.
Varian returned the nod and shot off the very first firework! It was small and blue, sparkling as it fizzled from sight. the alchemist smiled when he heard the crowd's impressed 'ooh's'. He smirked, knowing fully well what was coming, after he'd lit a few more fire works, some pink, some purple, a couple more blue, he picked up the pace. Setting fireworks off at the same time to allow for an almost ethereal glow in the sky as the colors danced through the clouds! The crowd was getting more excited, so the freckled teen began to amp it up, using the medium fireworks next, they had two colors in them, some fading into different ones! He smiled when he saw a red firework fade into blue, looking at his father, who was smiling brightly, seeming to catch the symbolism.
A couple more changing fireworks were next, including a purple into pink, red and Orange fireworks the were shot together, fading into blue and green respectively, Hugo cheered at that. More and more colors were shot into the sky, everyone enjoying their time as Varian thought more about the finale! He smiled wide as he shot the final medium rocket into the air! It made a swirl of colors pop out, and thus began the finale!
The alchemist shot the first large rocket, which flew higher than the rest of the fireworks, when it exploded, it was *loud* and bright, some people even having to turn away for a moment, before they turned back to watch the spectacle! Colors shot *everywhere*, fireworks from big to small began to shoot off at once and kept going! Each of the 7 kingdom's flags were painted into the sky, and as Varian lit the final firework, he stepped back and enjoyed the show.
The final firework exploded and out popped an array of purple and black, a yellow firework making the shape of the Moon and lingering while the flag of the Dark Kingdom joined the ranks, right next to Corona! Everyone cheered, his family being the loudest, as they celebrated the uniting of the kingdoms! The fireworks shot one final firework, it took the shape of a familiar racoon before Varian stepped up and waved. Everyone cheered louder, clapping for him and cheering his name! The tiny alchemist blushed and, remembering what'd happened before, he stood up straight, and bowed, getting a few more cheers before the Coronan king announced the conclusion of the 7 kingdoms ball!
****
Varian let out a relieved sigh as he reentered the ballroom, "there's our resident mad scientist!" Lance exclaimed as he ran over and scooped the teen up, placing him on his shoulders, "THREE CHEERS FOR THE PYRO!!!!!!"
"Lance!" The teen exclaimed, giggling a bit as the room cheered for him once more, "t-thank you, but can I get down now?"
"Nope, you get to be tall for once in your life, enjoy it!"
"That was rude"
"Am I wrong?"
"I'm not dignifying that with a response"
"Ain't *that* a response?"
"I-Nu!"
"You've got some flawed logic up there little man"
"Laaance"
"Lance put him down", Eugene stated as he walked over with a smirk on his face, "he did good tonight, so we can't pick on him.... Too much"
Varian huffed, "and to think I was almost grateful to you"
Eugene snickered as Lance finally put the teen down, "the show was great kiddo"
"Great? It was AMAZING!!!!!!" Rapunzel exclaimed as she ran over and hugged the teen happily, "all those fireworks and the colors! Then the flags at the end! Oh my Sun! I've gotta DRAW that!!!!! No, you know what, I'm gonna paint it! It was so pretty and wonderful and the sky lit up like it was still daytime and WOW!"
Varian giggled, "I'm really glad you liked it", he said with a blush
"I LOVED it! I want one at our wedding! Eugene wouldn't that be so cool?"
"I think so, just so long as there's no fires happening near the suit or cake", the Dark Prince stated
"Ye of little faith", Varian stated
"Ye of explosive track record", Eugene retorted
"Ye of fish skin!"
"Ye of speckles!"
"Ye of being a carrot muncher!"
"Ye of being an apple cruncher!"
"Anyone got popcorn? This is gettin good!" Lance asked, getting the two to look at him before laughing
"Ye of Lance bringers", Varian stated
"Ye of Hector lovers", Eugene retorted
"YE OF COWLICKS!" The teen exclaimed, making the Dark Prince gasp
"You take that back!"
"Never!"
"Blondie, this bean has become far too sassy, I suggest we give him a trial with a punishment of 5 minutes in timeout!"
Rapunzel giggled, "you two I swear"
"Did you hear what he just said?!"
"I heard, and he's wrong, you have lovely, non cowlicked, hair"
"Humph!"
"Also, I think you may be overstepping your bounds with the timeout", a voice stated, getting the group to look and see an amused Quirin watching them with a raised brow
"He called me a ye of cowlicks! The deserves a timeout!"
The retired knight sighed and, walking over to the teen, he scooped him up, held him for two seconds, then set him down, "there, better?"
"....It's a start"
Varian giggled before hugging his dad, "did you like the fireworks?" He asked
"Yes I did, I think we all did", Quirin replied, gesturing to his siblings, Edmund, Nuru, and Yong, who had all joined the group, "especially the red to blue ones, I liked those a lot"
"Hee hee, I thought you might", the teen then looked around, "where is everyone?"
"Majority of the dignitaries went to bed for the night, some are night owls, but since the ball is officially over-!"
"Thank fuck", Hector interrupted, getting Adira, Edmund, Nuru, and Yong to snicker as Quirin raised his brow
"Everyone is tired and looking to start packing and go home"
"Oh, oki, wait, what about Hugo?" Varian suddenly felt someone kiss his cheek gently, "never mind"
"Love you too Freckles", the green eyed alchemist stated, "loved the fireworks show too by the way, it was a lot of fun!"
"You really enjoyed it?"
"I really did! I kinda wanna do one now"
Varian beamed with joy, "we could do one together! We could make different fireworks, maybe even some that have sparkles in them, or-or-or-!"
The alchemist rambled on excitedly, getting Nuru, Yong, Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel to smile happily as Hugo replied with his own ideas, that eventually led to the two grabbing a notebook and writing things down. All the while, Quirin watched his son enjoying himself as his heart filled with relief at the end of the 7 Kingdom Ball, that is, until he saw a very pale and shaky guard walking in. The retired knight didn't know why, but he got a very bad feeling about that poor guard, but he didn't want to alarm his son, that's when he got an idea, "hey Varian"
"Yeah?" The teen looked over at him happily, a pencil in his mouth as he did
His father chuckled, "um, first, that taste good?"
The teen huffed, then spat the pencil out into his hand, "nu, and also, humph"
"Noted, I was going to suggest that we maybe take all this talk into our room, that way no one tries to steal ideas"
The teen looked around and noticed a few other dignitaries watching them, "....good point"
Quirin smirked, "I'll meet you there, I'll grab some snacks real quick"
"Snacks?"
"You did not eat anything tonight and you danced and had a fireworks show, you get snacks"
"But I'm no-!" The teen was interrupted when his stomach growled loudly, making him blush, "um.... Oki m-maybe a little hungry"
"Thought so, Hugo, you're the same"
The blond's eyes widened, getting him to blush as well before he sighed, "I don't like to eat fish...."
"I'll grab a non fishy food then"
"Ok...."
Varian giggled, "don't feel bad, he's just being a dad"
The blond sighed before nodding as he, Rapunzel, Lance, Varian, Nuru, and Yong, and Eugene began to leave the ballroom, "hey, we'll get to see Ruddigar", Hugo pointed out
Varian gasped, "we gotta hurry! I need to tell him about the fireworks show!" With that, the younger group disappeared
Quirin sighed before he looked at his siblings and king, "you noticed the guard too, didn't you three"
"Yup", Hector replied
"White as a ghost", Adira added
"A chilled to the bone", Edmund pointed out
"Right.... And the way he was coming from.... I have a very bad feeling...." Quirin stated, looking at the guard, "I think we should get the Queen involved"
"Agreed", Edmund replied, "though it looks like she's already involved"
"So is that fool of a king", Adira said, nodding towards the guard and getting them all to look and see the two rulers speaking with him
"Damn, well... No use in avoiding it, come on, they may need our help", the retired knight replied before he began to walk towards the frightened guard, his Dark Kingdom family by his side
****
The four Dark Kingdom inhabitants stared at the gruesome sight, trying to ignore the smell of decay and blood coming from the two cells. They couldn't speak, too lost for words as they looked at the carnage. What once was the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr, was now two strung up bodies. The Duke was torn to shreds, the tool used for such destruction was the bloodied key that was stuck inside the Duchess's shoulder, it was bent at an angle that spoke volumes of the misdeeds it'd been forced to commit. His eyes were gouged out, mouth open and tongue hanging out in a never ending scream.
The Duchess faired no better, she'd endured less physical harm, but the way it looked, she'd been forced to see her husband the way he is now before passing of fright and, what Quirin hoped, was just a heart attack. Hector shuddered and turned away, unable to look at his parents that way anymore, "I'm sorry", Fredrich said softly
"Don't", Hector stated, "just.... Don't...."
Adira looked at her brother sadly, nodding to Quirin and Edmund before she guided him away from the scene. "That.... We need to find Cyrus...." Edmund stated, "I know that's obvious, but I'm stating it anyway"
"You're right", Quirin replied, "this doesn't look like a defense either, he was trying to send a message...."
"Not to be gruesome but... How can you tell?" Arianna asked
"They're... For lack of a better term, strung up, sliced with purpose by the very key that kept him from his freedom. The guard and cellmate he'd.... Killed.... While also gruesome, only served to scare us.... This was a message, he wanted us to find them and he wanted us to be afraid, because he'll be coming back.... And I think I know who his targets are next...."
The Queen looked at the man worriedly, "should we tell them?"
"I don't know...." Quirin admitted, "this.... Isn't normal...."
"Quirin, out of everyone here, you know how they'd react best", Edmund pointed out gently, "would they want the truth, or a lie?"
".....Truth...." The retired knight admitted, "much as I hate to say it, they'd want the truth...."
"Then we'll need to tell them... They need to be prepared", the Dark King said, "I'm sorry... I know you don't want him to worry more... I don't either... But...."
"I know... It' for the best that he know.... That both of them know... This isn't going to be easy though...."
"I'll be right by your side when you tell them"
"Thanks"
The Dark King nodded before he looked over at Hector and Adira, "are you two okay?"
"I'm fine, Hector though...." Adira replied before stopping and looking at her younger brother
Fredrich watched the man sadly, "I can only imagine.... These are his parents after all.... I wouldn't be surprised if-!"
"SHUT *UP*!" The wild tamer snapped, glaring at the King and snarling a little
Fredrich tensed for a moment before Arianna placed a hand on his shoulder, he sighed and nodded before she stepped forwards, "what do you need?" She asked Adira, who smiled at her
"He needs space for now, emotions are running a little high", she looked at the Coronan King, "can't believe I'm saying this to you, but that snap wasn't meant in a cruel way, he's angry, you'll need to give him a minute to process"
The King nodded, "thank you, for saying so, I understand"
The face painted warrior nodded before she looked at her older brother, "how are you holding up?"
"Oh you know, worried, nervous, and, what do you know, having to tell Varian something that I really don't want to say. Life has a funny way of making you relive things from the most traumatic times in your life doesn't it?" Quirin responded before sighing, "sorry...."
"It's alright, I get it", his sister replied softly, "but you've got us this time, and Speckles and Ponytail have each other and their many other friends to help them, trust me, it'll be alright"
"Plus, you're not talking about something we're unable to handle. Your little peanut and his tiny butternut may be scared at first, but we'll be there to protect them, no matter what", Edmund added
Quirin smiled at the pair, a small bit of relief igniting at their words, "thank you, sincerely, for that", he then looked at Hector, the man was turned away from the group and had his arms wrapped around him. The retired knight thought for a moment before he smiled and walked over, Adira backing up as he approached. The Village Leader made sure to keep his distance, but was in the wild tamer's line of sight, making sure he was aware he was about to speak before doing so, "how about we get them down huh?" He asked quietly, "even if they weren't the best, they deserved better than that, so let's give them better, together, okay?"
Hector was silent for a long time before he nodded, "Kay...."
"Do you want me to get them down first?"
"I...." The tamer growled, "why do I fucking care? They were horrible to me! T-they abused and manipulated me! Hell they were gonna kill all of you and leave Varian to suffer! T-they... W-why do I care? Tell me that, why is this fucking effecting me so fucking much?!"
Quirin gave his brother an understanding smiled, "because they're your biological parents", he replied softly, "even if they weren't there for you and treated you horribly, them being gone.... It still affects you"
"B-but I shouldn't care...."
"That's not true"
"W-what do you mean? They wouldn't fucking care if I'd been u-up.... There...." He shook his head and sniffled a bit
"Well, think about it this way, you care because you're a caring person. They gave birth to you and your siblings, and because of that, you've got a connection to them. No matter if they were horrible or not, and because of that, and because you are a caring person, you show it more than they would".
"I don't fucking *want* to!"
"I know.... And I'm sorry for that, but you're safe with us, no one's judging you, no one, I mean that"
Hector looked at his big brother for a moment before he sighed, wiping away his tears and nodding, "thanks"
"You're welcome, do you need a minute?"
"N-no, I... I think I'm good now, and... I... Wanna help...."
"You sure?"
"....Yeah, I am", Hector replied, "I mean that"
Quirin smirked, "my own words"
"Fair is fair"
"True", the retired knight replied before he turned to look at the Duke and Duchess once more before looking at Hector, the man was hesitating, "I'll be with you".
The wild tamer nodded, took a deep breath, then let it go before he said, "same to you for your spawn and his leech"
"Leech what do you me-Oh! Hugo"
"Yeah, your spawn's leech"
"He's a good boy"
"Leeches aren't bad creatures"
Quirin sighed, "I'm glad you're okay, but we're not done with this conversation", Hector smirked before he took another breath and stepped forwards
****
"Dad!" Varian exclaimed, running over and hugging the man as he entered the room with Adira, Hector, and Edmund close behind him, "what took you guys so long? I nearly came to look for you, I was worried"
His father smiled, "sorry about that, we had.... Something we needed to tend to... Um... Varian, Hugo, there's.... Something you two need to know"
The blond in question, who was sitting on Varian's bed with Ruddigar on his lap, looked startled, "it is because we grabbed a few apples before you got here, because in our defense, we were hungry and you knew that"
Quirin chuckled, "no it's not that, though I'm glad you did", he added, "I got more snacks, but the kitchen was running a little low"
"Do you need us to leave for this conversation?" Lance asked as he, Rapunzel, Eugene, Nuru, and Yong looked at the four adults worriedly
"No", Edmund responded as Adira closed the door behind them, "this is something you all should hear, just in case you see something, Rapunzel your parents have already been made aware of this too"
"My parents? Did something happen?" The Sun princess asked
The Dark King and his knight exchanged a look with each other before Quirin sighed, "yes, and it's.... Bad.... Near Cassandra levels bad... Sorry for the reminder"
"It's okay"
"What happened?" Varian asked, "and.... N-not to be rude but... What's that smell?"
"Oooh! It just hit me!" Eugene exclaimed, smacking a hand over his mouth and nose, "what is that?"
"It.... It's blood...." Adira replied, getting everyone's eyes to widen in shock
"B-blood?" Varian asked as he stared up at his father
"....Varian... Hugo.... Cyrus has escaped and has killed the Duke and Duchess, along with his cellmate and a guard..... And we fear he may be targeting those who did him wrong, which.... Means you two.... And Donella....." Quirin finally said
The room was silent as everyone stared at the man, for a moment, there was nothing, until Hugo broke that silence with a small, quiet, and quivering, "w-what?"
Notes:
Hello! :D EARLY UPLOAD! Woot!!!!!!
So yeah, bodies were found, people felt emotions, and now comes the darker side of things. At least the Ball went well right? :D
Varian and his fireworks, and more Team Awesome moments!!!!!! I love writing them together so much, and also, the most horrible insult to Eugene is calling him 'ye of Cowlicks' XD This is a thing now, and I'm excited to play with it! XD
Lance is a king! That is all, he's just the best because Lance is life! <3
Rapunzel, Nuru, and Yong didn't have too big a role to play in this one, sorry, but they'll get more roles soon enough, trust me :3
Poor Hector and Quirin, both of them having different anxieties is hard.... But the big brother little brother moments with them are really fun to write! <3
Adira and Edmund are the Lance for the chapter!!!!!! I like them in that role! Quirin got a moment of that too! <3 I like to think the group takes turns helping each other, because they're all wise in their own ways, so I hope I portrayed that well enough <3
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon ever!!!! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 268: The Suggestion!
Summary:
The group discusses what they should do about Cyrus when Hugo comes up with an idea he's not sure about, mostly because of who it involves... Donella!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"....Varian... Hugo.... Cyrus has escaped and has killed the Duke and Duchess, along with his cellmate and a guard..... And we fear he may be targeting those who did him wrong, which.... Means you two.... And Donella....." Quirin finally said
The room was silent as everyone stared at the man, for a moment, there was nothing, until Hugo broke that silence with a small, quiet, and quivering, "w-what?"
Quirin looked at the blond sadly, "I'm sorry....."
"B-but... No he... H-he wouldn't he.... H-he's not like that...."
"He did, and I suppose.... He is...."
Hugo stared at the man with wide eyes before he felt an *immeasurable* amount of fear hit him all at once! His body began to shake, his arms wrapping around himself protectively, he suddenly felt al the pain Donella had inflicted upon him come back as years and years of memories with the man that watched him squirm in pain with a smile and comment began to change, "he..... h-he-he...." Hugo couldn't finish his sentences, he couldn't think, couldn't breath, all he felt was an unbridled amount of fear....
Until someone held him close, filling him with instant relief as he leaned into the touch. They hugged him, getting his head to lay on their chest, he heard their heartbeat and closed his eyes. He could tell this person wasn't his boyfriend, their heartbeat was different and their arms were a touch bigger, he didn't care however, he felt comfort in them, and once his own heart had finally stopped racing, he opened his eyes and looked up, "you okay kid?"
"I... E-Eugene?"
The Dark Prince smiled, "yeah sorry, I was closer and Varian needed a hug of his own"
The blond looked over to see Quirin holding his son close, the blue eyed alchemist's head leaning against his father chest as well, he looked tired.... "Oh no...."
"He's alright, it's just a lot, as I'm sure you can imagine", Eugene stated, "you okay?"
"Better now, thanks", Hugo replied, noticing Varian giving him an apologetic look, which he returned with a reassuring smile before he looked up at Eugene again, "so.... You smell like shampoo and bimberries, did you know that?"
Eugene raised a brow, "I do?"
"Yeah, it's oddly comforting"
"Good to know?"
Quirin chuckled, "I smell like wood and apples apparently"
"Says who?"
"This tiny thing in currently sitting in my arms", he looked down at his son, who nodded
Eugene chuckled, "well I'm happy my... Smell... Is comforting at the very least"
Hugo snorted, "it's not meant in a weird way it's just... I never noticed, and right now my brain's overwhelmed, so it clung to whatever it could"
"Ah"
"Yeah...." The blond took a breath and let it out slowly before he looked over at Hector, who was watching the pair, "sorry... About your parents I mean... I know you weren't close but...."
The wild tamer nodded, "thanks", he responded before adding, "and this isn't your fault, so don't blame yourself"
The blond chuckled despite himself, "noted"
"You better not blame yourself either", the wild tamer stated as he looked at Varian
The tiny alchemist smiled at his uncle, "I'm trying not to, I'm honestly more concerned about you and Hugo to be honest though, are you okay?"
"I'll.... Be fine, just needed a minute, already had it"
"You had it?"
"Yeah, your dad helped"
Varian smiled at his father, "I should give you good dad points, but then you'd probably earn them super fast"
Quirin chuckled, "you sure? I make you eat carrots and 'spergus are you call it"
"True, so you'd lose a lot of points, so it's balanced!"
"You're a bratty stinkbomb"
"And you're an evil jerkface"
The two snickered before Quirin frowned, "in all seriousness though... This is bad, Cyrus is out there, he could hurt you and Hugo. Hell I'm even worried about Donella of all people, I... You and Hugo are in danger Varian.... Again...."
"I know.... And you're right, this isn't something we should take lightly", he looked at Hugo, "I hate to say it, but.... We may need to prepare ourselves for... Taking down Cyrus.... If he ends up coming after me or you, we'll need to be prepared"
Hugo sighed and nodded his head, "yeah we do... He's strong, very strong, he learned sword fighting from masters, and before he stuck with Don and me, he was a mercenary for hire...."
"Wait really?" Lance asked, "why'd he stick with you two then?"
"Well... It's sort of a long story.... He was there before I met Don, and when I asked her how she got him, she told me a story, it was when she wasn't.... Doing what she did to me....":
*Donella grumbled as the bumbling idiot of a mercenary she'd been assigned followed her. She huffed, giving the man the side eye as she walked along, she'd had to deal with guards and servants the Queen had tried to assign to her before. But she was normally able to get rid of them with one glare. But as she continued walking, the mercenary kept following her, she just wanted to go to her lab, not hard, but this moron was *persistent*! Having enough when she heard him bump into something, she turned and glared, "listen you, I want you nowhere *near* my lab, got it! The Queen may have assigned you to be with me for some fucking reason, but I don't need some moron bumbling baboon inside my lab knocking shit over! You stay outside of it, or I swear to all things science you will *regret* it!"
The mercenary raised a brow before he laughed, "wow, never been assigned to anyone so feisty before, though ya may wanna ease up a bit Old Lady, I'm not exactly keen on this partnership either"
The royal scientist felt something snap as she narrowed her eyes at him, "old lady?"
"The grey hair"
"It's fucking natural"
"Ah, so you're a *young* old lady, got it"
She growled, "shut the fuck up"
He snickered, "ok, I kinda like you, look, I won't get into your precious lab or whatever, but I'm assigned to you by the Queen, and believe it or not lady, I'm don't have a choice, because trust me, you'd be my last". He smirked as she growled at him, "but how about we make this work in our favor, I don't like you, you clearly don't like me, so you go do whatever the fuck you want, and I'll do whatever the fuck I want while looking like I'm doing my job. And should you be in danger, well, I won't be far, fair?"
Donella huffed, "fine, just stay out of my fucking way"
"Fine by me, name's Cyrus by the way"
"Whatever, name's Donella, and do what you want"
"Got it"
With that, they both walked over to her lab, she entered it, seeing him standing nearby, though he seemed disinterested in entering, whatever, it was a start. Walking inside, the women finally felt like she could breathe as she began to work. She took her time getting everything set up and measuring each ingredient perfectly, so much so that she didn't the window opening behind her, not did she see the shadow slithering inside. She held up the beaker that held the potion she was currently working on, when she felt something hit her head *hard*! She fell, dropping the beaker and watching it shatter to the floor. She growled, looking around before spotting something move in the corner of her eye. Getting up she turned as something ran past her, just in time to dodge a punch coming her way and kick whomever was trying to hit her.
She heard a satisfying, "oof!" Before the person fell to the floor, she was about to go after them for destroying her project when someone grabbed her long hair. Yelping she tried to turn and hit them, but to no avail as she felt something sharp press against her back.
"If you wanna live, you'll be quiet or else I'll cut that pretty little tongue out of your throat", her captor stated, his voice was low and quiet
"If *you* wanna live, you'll let her go before I break your buddy's neck", another voice replied, getting both the captor and victim to look and see Cyrus standing there with the person Donella'd just punched
"Let me *GO*!" The man in the mercenary's grip exclaimed
"Fat fucking chance, you've been the first person I've captured since joining this fucking kingdom, I would be shitting myself if I were you cause, I have an urge to kill really bad right now"
The man shut his mouth, the captor holding Donella loosening their grip, giving the women ample time to elbow their stomach, kick them away, then grab an alchemy bomb and throw it at them. The room filled with light as the flash bomb went off before Cyrus laughed, slamming his catch on the floor, knocking him out, before he ran over, grabbed the other captor, tied them up, and knocked them out in one foul swoop. Once the light had cleared, both intruders were tired together and out for a long time. The mercenary looked at the royal scientist, "you're a fighter"
"Yup"
"Impressive"
"Thanks"
"Wanna kill em?"
"No"
"I'll get the Queen then"
"Sounds good"
The mercenary walked out, leaving Donella to watch over the pair of intruders. The Queen had sent her guards to, "take out the garbage", as Cyrus so eloquently stated, before coming to check on the scientist. She didn't have any major wounds, just a bump on the head, after she was cleared by the doctors, she walked back to her lab to clean up the mess, only to stop when she saw the mercenary doing just that
"What are you doing?" She asked
"Cleaning up, what's it look like"
"Why? Did the Queen tell you to?"
"Nope, just a motto I go by"
"Which would be?"
"Respect a fighter when you see one"
"I see"
"Not many girl warriors where I'm from, but I'm not shocked you happen to be one. You and the Queen could practically be siblings, and she's a fighter too".
"Your point?"
"My point is that I have non, you're a fighter, I respect fighters, end of story"
Donella raised a brow, Cyrus raised one right back, this, along with what he'd said made the women snort, "you're different from the other assholes I've had to deal with"
"I'm taking that as a compliment, you're better than the bitches I've met", he replied
The scientist smirked, "guess this won't be so bad then"
"Guess it won't, Queen wants me to be your permanent guard, so we're stuck together anyway, might as well make it worth something yeah?"
"I suppose"
"On a side note, you may wanna braid your hair or something, attacks like that don't come often, but when they do, they go straight for the long hair, easy to pull"
"Noted, and you may want to invest in learning how to close your eyes when I throw a flash bomb, trust me, it'll blind you if you're not careful"
"Noted"
They smiled at each other before the royal scientist looked at the mess, "here, let me help, I know the chemical and it'll cause you harm if you're not careful"
Cyrus looked at the liquid, "what is this stuff anyway?"
"It's a potion, I make them, why?"
"It's neat, never seen it, so I'm curious"
"Huh, don't think I'm a witch?"
"Why would I? You're the royal *scientist*, if the Queen says it's science, I tend to trust that"
"Trust royalty often?"
"Nope, but Ingvarr happens to have a Queen I like"
Donella nodded, "same"*
"They became friends after that", Hugo explained, "each of them bonded over their dry humor and shared opinions, they just got each other.... She found out later on that he'd been a suggestion from the Duke and Duchess, so... It's no wonder he joined their side.... But.... To want to kill her.... He hates me, that's normal, and I'd expected Varian may be on his hit list since he was one of the main factors in his capture, but.... Don.... To think that he would.... Kill her I... I just..." Hugo sighed, "s-she killed Ulla, she a-abused me, she poisoned Eugene, why do I still fucking care about her?!"
"Because you've got a connection to her", Hector replied as he looked at Quirin with a smirk before looking at the blond, "you care about her and she was your mother for majority of your life.... That kind of thing... Makes a connection no matter if she was abusive or not...."
Hugo looked at the man, realizing how he knew this, "sorry...."
"It's fine, I'm better now, but I get it, if that helps any"
"It does, thanks", the bespeckled teen replied with a small smile before he looked at Quirin, "what do you think we should do? I know we need to prepare, and I'm guessing alchemy is definitely gonna be a part of that, but.... He knows where Varian's lab is... He knows how the castle works and the ins and outs of the capital, guards, and people..... Plus... He knows my weaknesses...."
The retired knight nodded, "I think it would be good for you two to work together on some alchemy tricks just in case, I also think it'd be a good idea to get that alarm system of yours up and running as soon as possible Varian", he stated, looking at his boy
Varian nodded, "I'm almost done working out all the bugs, just need approval to test it, but.... Rapunzel said yes, but since it's defined as a 'military grade object', it needs to be looked over and approved by the captain of the guard himself... And the man is nowhere to be found....."
"Can't one of the royals approve of it?" Adira asked, "surely they're able to say it's fine if it's to help warn people of oncoming danger right?"
"No...." Rapunzel replied, "unfortunately, there's a law that says all military based items, weather they be weapons, defenses, or warning systems of any kind, need to be approved, tested, and built under the watch of the royal guard or someone he, or she, approves of. Stan is the captain's right hand man, so Varian got approval to, at the very least, build the parts to assemble it, but he was told he'd need to wait to test and use it until the captain of the royal guards came back since Stan wasn't approved to oversee anything. That's as far as we could go to getting the Rooster built at all, and even that was pushing it"
"Why is that a rule?"
"It's to give the people a sense of peace knowing the royal family does not have control over the military and instead have someone voted by the people to do the job", Quirin explained, "I used to be the original captain, but when I retired to become the Village Leader, the current captain was voted in my stead"
"Well shit", Hector stated, "so we either wait for him to come back from wherever the fuck he's at, or we make illegal shit to protect people we care about"
"Right...." Rapunzel said sadly
"Can't Quirin, as a former Captain of the Royal Guard, act as a substitute in any way?" Edmund asked
"No", Nuru replied, "it's the same in my kingdom too, only the captain, or a man or women he chose, can act on any military terms, it's the rules and normally people are chosen right when the captain is elected"
"Our Captain thought it would be best to wait and see who came along", Rapunzel explained, "unfortunately, the person I think he eventually to choose was.... Is.... Cassandra... But...."
The room went silent for a while before Hector sighed, "so we're fucking stuck on that front, what else can be done?"
"Well, we could find a new place for these two to work", Quirin stated as he set Varian down so the tiny alchemist could walk over to his boyfriend and hug him, the two beginning to talk quietly to each other as the blond seemed nervous about something, "a secret lab for these boys to work in may actually be a good idea just until the threat is gone"
"That would be a good idea", Eugene agreed, "Lance and I could start scouting for secret spots, maybe something close by?"
"Maybe", the retired knight replied, "it would be good to have guards around, just in case. Also, these boys have some alchemy to do", he smirked at his son and Hugo, who nodded, "so there's that, and we should make a system in case someone spots Cyrus, just for the time being since we can't have the Rooster built yet".
"Maybe we could have patrols too", Adira suggested, "I wouldn't mind going on the lookout if it's to keep Speckles safe"
"Same", Hector agreed
"I... Have an idea, but.... It um... Has something to do with Don...." Hugo said quietly
The room looked at him, waiting for him to continue, but the blond seemed nervous, "it's okay", Varian encouraged, "we won't think any less of you, it's a great idea, don't worry"
Hugo smiled at his boyfriend, stroking Ruddigar's fur as the raccoon chittered encouragingly, never having left the blond's lap before Hugo looked back at Quirin specifically, "I thought... .T-that we may w-want to... Um... S-send a letter to Don.... M-maybe warning her of w-what's happening and... Uh..."
"It's okay, keep going", Varian encouraged
The bespeckled teen sighed and nodded, "uh... M-maybe ask her i-if she happens to s-see him and w-where? S-she could b-be our pin pointer a-and if she see's h-he's close to Corona, s-she could... C-come back? J-just so she's s-safe and w-we could be p-prepared?"
The room was silent, no one knew how to respond at first, Hugo waited, holding his breath as he prepared for their answer, his heart was racing, his nerves were shot, and he leaned in close to Varian as he watched the retired knight think over his suggestion.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter leaves off on a cliff hanger! Fun times! In all honesty, it was getting too long, and I have more I wanna add, but I'd love to hear how you guys will think everyone will react to Hugo's suggestion, it's definitely and interesting one :3
Poor Hugo and Varian, neither of them can catch a break at all... Their both supporting each other though, which is good, I love Varian being an encouraging bean <3 It suits him amazingly well! <3
Quirin using his knight and guard days to come up with ideas is something I wanted to see in the show, and him fighting would've been awesome as well! :D So I wrote it, Adira and Edmund helping makes me happy
Eugene is being a big brother again! I love writing him in that role because he genuinely is a really amazing big bro!!!! <3
Lance and Yong really didn't get any lines here, I'll have more chapters for them soon, but again, there were a lot of characters, sorry X3
Hector having a moment with Hugo is becoming more frequent, I may make them friends, which is exciting! Also, little moment of little brother learning from big brother with him and Quirin <3
Ruddy buddy is still the best pet ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 269: The Decision!
Summary:
The group discusses Hugo's suggestion and some unknown feelings come out!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I... Have an idea, but.... It um... Has something to do with Don...." Hugo said quietly
The room looked at him, waiting for him to continue, but the blond seemed nervous, "it's okay", Varian encouraged, "we won't think any less of you, it's a great idea, don't worry"
Hugo smiled at his boyfriend, stroking Ruddigar's fur as the raccoon chittered encouragingly, never having left the blond's lap before Hugo looked back at Quirin specifically, "I thought... .T-that we may w-want to... Um... S-send a letter to Don.... M-maybe warning her of w-what's happening and... Uh..."
"It's okay, keep going", Varian encouraged
The bespeckled teen sighed and nodded, "uh... M-maybe ask her i-if she happens to s-see him and w-where? S-she could b-be our pin pointer a-and if she see's that h-he's close to Corona, s-she could... C-come back? J-just so she's s-safe and w-we could be p-prepared?"
The room was silent, no one knew how to respond at first, Hugo waited, holding his breath as he prepared for their answer, his heart was racing, his nerves were shot, and he leaned in close to Varian as he watched the retired knight think over his suggestion. The man looked conflicted, going from a softer expression to one full of anger at the mere thought of this women coming back before he sighed, "as much as I hate Donella for what she did.... You're right, she doesn't deserve to die... But I... Don't trust her...." Quirin finally admitted, "but she should be warned at the very least, and it would be good to have an eye out there when he gets close.... I'm conflicted I suppose"
"I understand...." Hugo said sadly
"Hey, he said he was conflicted, that doesn't mean no", Varian replied with a smile, "he just.... Needs another opinion"
"He's right", the Village Leader said, "sadly, I'm afraid I'm a little too biased, and not in her favor"
"To be fair, you did say writing her and warning her was a good idea, and that you didn't want her to die", Eugene mentioned
"I don't like people being killed, that doesn't make what I said noble, though I appreciate the sentiment", Quirin responded gently, "she's not someone I wish to see again, especially after what I found out from her about my wife.... I don't want her anywhere *near* my family again, but I don't want her to die, I'm... Not sure *how* I feel about her, I just know I'm not a good judge for that suggestion. Though I'm not mad that you said it", he added, looking at Hugo, "you still have a connection to her, I understand and respect that, and I'm glad you want to help her. And if her being here means we'll get answers, then I'm okay with it. I just, need some time sorting out how exactly I feel, it takes me a bit, but I'll figure it out".
The blond smiled at the man, "thank you", he then looked at Varian, "what about you?"
"Me?" The freckled teen asked
"Yeah you, and Adira, you too", he added, looking at the face painted warrior for a moment, "both of you were victims of Don's too... I'd understand if you wouldn't want her around either"
"Well... I won't lie to you, finding out what she did with my mother.... Then after, what she did to you.... I'm kinda with dad", Varian explained, "I don't want her to die, but I don't trust her nor can I say I have any strong feelings towards her, even hate isn't really something that comes up when I think of her, I just feel.... Nothing.... Lance, why is that?" He asked, looking at the former thief
"It could be for a number of reasons", Lance replied, "you've either dethatched yourself from her so much that you feel nothing and simply just don't care. Or you hated her so much that your body shuts down all emotions when her name pops up", he explained, "or.... Guilt"
"Guilt?"
"Well I mean, she was Hugo's adopted parent, for a long time, and now she's gone because of what she did to your family. Nobody here blames either you, Quirin, or Adira for what she did, or what her punishment was, but you see Hugo everyday and how her leaving affects him. On some level, you could be blaming yourself, and that feeling is so off putting because it clashes with your anger over her and what she did that you feel.... Nothing"
"Huh.... So it's like a mix of emotions that explodes into nothing like a bad experiment?"
"Basically, it's not healthy though"
"No, probably not, but when have I ever been healthy emotionally?" He joked, when the room didn't laugh he blushed, "sorry"
"It's alright, you finding the humor in it is a copin mechanism", Lance replied with a smile, "so we get it"
"Does me being affected really upset you Varian?" Hugo asked
"Huh? N-no! At least, n-not in the way you're thinking", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "I just... Feel bad whenever she's brought up sometimes because I know she can't really... Come back... Unless we agree to this or she finds something of mom's to give to me and dad... I guess..." He sighed, "look I was kept away from my father for over a year and a half.... When that happened, all I felt was angry, and lost, and sad, and scared, and all I wanted to do was run into his arms and hold him. I just wanted him back so badly, I ended up doing horrible things just for the chance to see him out of that-! ....I-I still regret what I did, I don't think I'll ever truly get over that, but what hurt the most was being away from him.... He, outside of Ruddigar, is my *only* family member, the only one, I've only ever been close to him! I've got friends now, sure, but back then, it was just me, Ruddigar, and dad.... So when he was taken away... By my own experiments.... I shattered.... And now, I see you trying so hard everyday to move on and be better and yet... I can tell it hurts you that she's not here.... A part of me wants to try and have her back just so you could be happy again but.... After what she did to you... And what she did to dad, what she did to Adira, Eugene, Hector, Grandpa....." He sighed again, "I don't want her back, but I do for you.... It's strange and stupid and I wish I could just make up my dang mind! But I can't.... I just want you to be happy... But I'm afraid of what that happiness will cost.... And I feel guilty because that's so selfish of me...."
"Varian.... Love that's not selfish", Hugo stated, cupping his lover's cheek in his hand and smiling, "you have every right to feel worried about what she might do if she's here, hell she almost killed fucking Eugene, *EUGENE*! For as much as the guy is a pain in my ass, he's a lovable pain in my ass!"
"Um, hey! And also the feeling's mutual" Eugene exclaimed, getting the two alchemists to giggle
"You don't have to feel guilty because I feel sad she's not here. You're with me, and you've made me happier more than she ever did! I love you Varian, and I know you love me too. Heh, that's the difference I suppose, I *know* you love me too, with her... I never did...."
"I... Wasn't the greatest father before the...." Quirin sighed, "before what happened to me... Happened.... I pushed Varian away, would scold him for the dumbest things, got so worried I think I singlehandedly gave him his anxiety, and lied.... I lied to him about so much.... But after I was free, I changed, or, I'm chang*ing* rather.... I'm doing better, trying to be better, for him. Because this little boy went through a *blizzard* to get me help, he jumped through *hoops* to try and save me, and blamed *himself* just because of one tiny mistake he made.... I heard everything, it made me feel ashamed for what I'd done to him, because he still loved me, and what had I shown him in return? Nothing but a cold shoulder.... So I understand why you're affected. On some levels.... You could say I abused Varian too.... Yet he still loved me.... I guess I feel guilty about her being away from you too, I'm sorry..."
"I don't blame you Quirin", Hugo stated, "actually, I should be thanking you"
"What do you mean?"
"You gave me something I've never had before! Something I've been wanting for such a long fucking time that I almost gave up hope in getting it!" He exclaimed, "you... Gave me a dad, and not just any dad, you gave me a dad that's made mistakes, one that knows what he did was wrong and is trying to make up for them. One that doesn't wanna sell me so he could have a cushy life, you... Care about me, and I didn't think anyone ever could, you even said, in the absolutely unreal possibility that me and Freckles break up, that I'd have a place to stay... You.... You don't think it, but you're a really amazing dad, and I'm so grateful to you and everyone else in this room for all you've done for me... That's why suggesting what I did was hard... She didn't just affect me, she affected everyone and nearly cost the Dark Kingdom to be wiped from existence! I just.... Hope I don't mess it up"
"You won't", Quirin replied
"B-but I-!" He stopped when he was scooped up and hugged, he was a little startled by this
"You won't", the retired knight repeated, "you never could"
Varian smiled at his father and boyfriend, getting up and joining the hug, they stayed that way for a moment before they broke the hug, Quirin setting Hugo down and chuckling as he got an earful from a startled raccoon who happened to be sleeping on the blond's lap. The blue eyed alchemist giggled before he looked at Adira, "what about you?" He asked, "how do you feel about her coming back?"
"....I hate the idea but I'll go with it if it's needed", the face painted warrior replied quietly, getting everyone to look at her. Her arms were around her protectively as she stared of to the side, not wanting to look anyone in the eye
"Adira-!", Hugo began
"She ruined my brother's and nephew's life by murdering an innocent women, abandoned me, tried to steal my nephew and left him with a scar, then abused and manipulated you your entire life before trying to *kill* our *prince*. I *hate* that women, I will *never* stop hating her, in fact, I don't care if she's killed or not! But you care about her, and she does serve a purpose in keeping everyone here safe from that egomaniac that *she* befriended by informing us of his whereabouts and possibly giving us more information we could use against him, so I'll agree to it if it's needed".
There was a faint chill in the air that no one had noticed before as the women continued to glare away from the group. Even *Hector* looked surprised at his sister's bloodlust as he walked over and got her to notice him before he set a hand on her shoulder, she tensed for just a second, but let it slide as a breath left her lips. Ruddigar chittered anxiously, getting Varian to pick him up and stroke his fur before he spoke, "Adira.... A-Are you gonna be okay?"
The face painted warrior sighed again, "sorry, I will be, just.... A lot of negative emotions associated with that women...."
"She sounds like a really nasty person", Yong stated softly
"She is", Nuru replied, "when I first joined this group, Donella was still around, I saw what she did to Hugo, it wasn't pretty. Honestly, I'm nervous about her being around as well, but then again, it would really help to know she was safe and since she's his next target, if she were here, it'd throw him off her trail and buy all of you us more time"
Yong thought for a moment, "do you think she'd agree to stay away from you Miss. Adira? It might make it easier on you if she does, and if she were to come here, then there could be guards on her at all times, right?" He looked at Rapunzel, who nodded, "then she would be watched 24/7, so we wouldn't have to worry about her trying to pull anything"
The face painted warrior looked at him for a moment or two before he nodded, "yeah, that's true, again, she can come if needed, I just hate her and will be actively avoiding her every change I get".
The room was quiet again before Lance spoke up, "do you... Need to talk Adira?" He asked, "you're in a safe place, you can say what you need to"
"I already did, I hate her, I don't care if she dies, she did a lot of horrible things that I can't forgive, but I know she's important to Ponytail so I will keep myself as far away from her as possible should she need to come here"
"You uh.... You don't really...."
"What? Get angry? I can and I am, but I'm not upset at anyone in this room", Lance looked at her, concern lacing his eyes, "....I just can't trust her, I care for Ponytail immensely, and her actions bear no weight on his shoulders, he had nothing to do with that, but that women she just... Just...."
"Pisses you off?" Hector suggested
The women hesitated before she sighed and nodded, "yes, she pisses me off.... Immensely, she ruins lives, abandons and abuses people for her own gain, she admitted to multiple crimes, and watching her walk away while giving sad eyes like she actually gives a shit for the people she hurt left a bad mouth in my taste and disgusted me to no end! I hate her! I hate what she's done, what she's doing, I hate the fact that her absence is *still* affecting Ponytail, and I think it would be better if she just stayed locked up somewhere so she can't hurt anyone else!" she huffed, "but that's not how it works... She's human, I get that, she's made mistakes, who hasn't, I should set what I feel aside and allow her to be safe here, but I can't. So if she does come, I have no qualms, but she stays away from me, I don't trust myself to be near that women ever again. I may do something I'll regret...." She looked at Lance, "I have a lot of things I don't want to talk about, her abandoning me and murdering my brother's wife and nephew's mother is one of them.... It's led to a lot of things I'm doing now and I can't face her knowing she's the cause of so many bad decisions I've made.... So many...."
The former thief was startled by that, "I... You... Oh Adira...." He said, "you don't have to talk about it, you don't, but... And I know you're askin for my advice, but it may help, maybe you should at least talk to someone who was also affected by her?"
"Ponytail?"
"Well I mean you could, but I think he and Varian are each other's anchor when it comes to Donella, I mean... Well.... Quirin"
The retired knight's eyes widened a bit at that, as did Adira's, "Stickler?" She asked, "why him?"
Lance smiled, "have you two ever heard of 'the enemy or my enemy is my friend'?"
"Yes", they replied together
The former thief chuckled, "well, Quirin seems to be strugglin to find a name for what he's feelin, but he knows how he's gonna handle it, and Adira, you know what you feel, but you don't know how to handle it", he stated, "just like how Varian and Hugo have a similar situation with different outcomes, and help each other throughout it, I think you two might be able to help each other with how you feel about Donella"
The warrior and knight looked at each other before Quirin smiled, "I wouldn't mind talking about it, if you want"
Adira hesitated, "I have... Some really dark feelings Stickler"
"Adira, I've been to war with you, I've seen your methods and know when you're being funny and when you're being serious. I've actually watched you drive men and women insane with your sharp tongue alone. I think I can understand dark feelings, plus, you're not alone in having them...."
The face painted warrior was startled by that, but she smiled all the same, "alright, if you really want to, we could give it a try", she stated before looking at Lance, "I guess we'll try"
Quirin nodded in agreement, making Lance grin happily, "I'm so proud of you two!"
They both blushed at that, getting the room to snicker before Eugene looked at Hugo and Varian, "I think it's safe to say you sending Donella a letter and telling her about what's happening, while also inviting her to the castle is fine with everyone else, right?" The rest of the group nodded in agreement
"I'll talk with my parents to let them know about the decision, that way we can be ready when she comes", Rapunzel stated with an encouraging smile
Hugo nodded as he stroked Ruddigar's fur, the raccoon had crawled back on his lap when he'd sat back down and had fallen asleep, "thank you, all of you, I'll make sure to tell her everything and what she can expect if she comes back. She'll know the rules and everything, this time, I'm in charge, and... I'm not gonna mess it up"
He felt a hand on his, when he looked over he saw Varian smiling at him, "we trust you Hugo, always", he stated, getting the blond to smile at him lovingly
"Thanks Freckles", he replied, they kissed for a moment before separating, both blushing a little before the bespeckled teen let out a sigh, "this night was odd, fun, anxiety inducing, mortifying, therapeutic, and loving.... I'm tired"
Lance laughed, "I think we all are, it's been a long day and with the ball finally bein over, I think we all deserve some rest. Maybe even read a few things", he winked at no one in particular, "I know some people may have questions waitin for us"
"Probably, those can be answered next time though", Varian said with a squeaky yawn, "for now, I'm sleepy"
Quirin chuckled, "how about we all get some rest, yeah?"
"Sounds good", Eugene replied
"Yong and Nuru are already ahead of us", Rapunzel stated, getting them all to look and see the sleeping princess and child sleeping on the floor. The group smiled and, after getting situated, decided to join them, everyone staying in the room for a sleepover since they didn't really feel like going back to their own rooms. Saying goodnight to Itty Bitty, Quirin was just about to blow out the candles when he noticed Varian, Hugo, and Ruddigar were all sleeping in the same bed, the two hugging each other as they snored and whistled peacefully in their sleep. He chuckled, placing a blanket over them before he sighed happily, blowing out the candle and finally laying down to rest.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this was sort of a way to get the characters to discuss how Donella made them feel a little more while exploring characters and allowing Quirin and Adira share a moment with each other! :D
Adira and Quirin have a very similar dynamic, they compliment each other well and if they'd spoken in the actual show, I think they may have been foils for each other. Adira's out going, confident, and opinionated, Quirin is quiet, defensive, and shy. Adira has no social graces, Quirin has amazing social graces, they'd compliment each other so well but we never really got to see them talk or grow very much. I'm gonna write them together more! :D
Varian and Hugo are being sweethearts again! I love them so much, and I enjoy the way they support each other! <3
Lance is a freaking KING!!!!!! I love this man and his moments of being an emotional support Lance just make him so much better! He really was that type of character in the show until season 3! I still loved his interactions with Varian and crew, but I missed smart Lance <3
Hector being a supportive little bro! <3
Edmund, Hector, and Rapunzel didn't get any lines in this one, but they were supporting this round, they'll have more lines soon <3
Eugene is beginning to show a bit of leadership here, saying what everyone's thinking and making sure they agree before cementing it as fact! <3
Yong and Nuru have lines! Yong trying to go and comfort Adira and Nuru being the explanation! Yay!!!!! <3
Ruddy buddy is still the best raccoon ever! <3
Not me dropping secret next chapter spoilers so people can ask the questions they want to be ready for the characters in the next chapter that I'm posting tomorrow X3 Don't worry about me, Imma just put this here XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 270: Thank You! (Part 2!)
Summary:
There's no summary, read the chapter and see what I mean :D
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everyone woke up and saw Harmony standing in the room, they had a smile on their face as they waited for everyone to be fully aware of what was happening. Varian looked around and saw many commenters smiling at them, he smiled back, his memories fully coming to him of what this all meant, "oh hi", he yawned adorably, "is it that time already?"
"Yup!" Harmony replied, "not a Q and A per say, but you're all gonna be reading their comments and reacting to them!" The author explained, "this time, at the castle!"
Rapunzel stretched and smiled, "ok, where should we begin?"
"How about we start with breakfast", Lance stated, "we did just wake up after all"
"Oh here", Harmony snapped their fingers with a smile, suddenly everyone was dressed and ready for the day, and there was a huge buffet in front of them! "Sorry about that, go ahead and eat, the commenters have already submitted what they wanna say, so take your time and enjoy yourselves. This is a chapter celebrating everyone, the commenters, and the characters!" The musician exclaimed happily, "so eat to your heart's content, and enjoy some fun times with your fans!"
Varian looked around, then grinned, "they made the bacon both burnt and perfect"
"I think you meant perfect and raw", Quirin corrected as he looked at the bacon himself
"I do not"
"Well then you're wrong"
"Tis my opinion sir"
"Your opinion is wrong son"
The alchemist huffed with a smile, "you're an evil jerkface"
"And you're a bratty stinkbomb"
The two snickered before they began to grab a plate and fill it, the rest following suit as Harmony watched with a smile on their face. After they'd all gathered their food, they sat down, "do we wanna read the comments while we're eatin?" Lance asked
"That would be a little rude, wouldn't it?" Rapunzel asked
"Probably", Eugene replied, "why don't we eat first, then wash up and answer after, you commenters can join us if you wish"
The commenters smiled and joined in, a few sitting next to their favorite characters, like Moonlight sitting next to Hector immediately, the wild tamer seeing them and smiling as he ate a tofu bacon and chatting with them. Mha_Kny snuck over to Varina and sat down next to the tiny alchemist, Hugo was on his other side, the teen smiled and passed some food their way, making Mha_kny smile wide and begin to eat. Crystal bounded over and sat next to Hugo, grabbing a plate of their own and chatting with the blond, who smiled and enjoyed the company. Aisheyru found a nice spot in-between Quirin and Lance, laughing and joking with the pair as they had a plate of food of their own. Ash:> sat on the other side of Lance, next to Eugene as well, they began to chat, talking to their KING about many things as well as saying hi and chatting with Eugene as well. Cardcaptorkatara joined Crystal in sitting next to Hugo, chatting with the blond as well and having a blast! Lionroar74 sat next to Edmund, chatting with him and petting Hamuel happily as Dangara2610 sat in-between Angry and Catalina, drawing out their comments and showing the girls how to do it!
Everyone was having a great time as Harmony watched from above! Once the meal was over, the food disappeared, being replaced with a snack table just in case anyone got hungry again and brought out a bunch of chairs and such, "there we go! Alrighty, time to read all of your comments! Not everyone's comments can be read, and I'm so sorry about that, but we'll get to as many as we can, right everyone?" The characters nodded excitedly, "alright! With that all being said, ENJOY THIS THANK YOU CHAPTER!" They waved their hand and bowed before disappearing and comments on paper falling from the sky.
"Woah!" Eugene exclaimed as a few got caught in his hair
"EEP! So many!" Varian giggled, as he helped unbury his boyfriend, who spat out a few before blushing
Rapunzel laughed, "oh this is gonna be fun! Who wants to go first?" A comment covered her eyes and she giggled, "I guess this one", she took the comment off of her eyes and smiled, "it's from Moonlight on the 'Dear Hector Jaecer' chapter, it says: '🥺🥺🥺😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️
this scene was so emotional and I just- I can't with them they're all just too precious and kind and awesome 😭❤️ I'm so happy they were here for him! he probably feels awful now tho, after a cry like this. I don't really like the aftermath of a long cry because emotionally I feel better but physically I'm a mess 😂
Hector I hope you're feeling better now 🥺 I'm sorry this happened..
seriously my heart broke this was too relatable! the heart pumping, faster and louder because you can't help but focus on it and start panicking and.. well, again, good job at the representation Harmony.
these maids got me in full angry modeTM, scowl and clenched teeth and bloodlust. gossiping people make me so mad, this is a person you're talking about, a freaking human being! how can you be so... UGH I don't even have the words! bad. that's bad, that's all. I'm very mad at them. I will steal one sock of each of their pairs and make a hole in the ones I leave so they end up with only holed odd socks. I will add gallons of vinegar in their detergent and watch them being scolded by lady crowley because everyone's clothes stink and it'll be their fault. and I will write on the walls of their respective rooms with red ink 'YOU HAVE AWAKENED THE DARK KINGDOM'S RUTHLESS SPIRIT BY INSULTING ONE OF ITS MOST HONORABLE WARRIORS. YOU SHALL PAY FOR THAT CRIME! YOU ARE NOW CURSED FOREVER' and watch them run away screaming in terror <3'" Rapunzel made each emoji with her own face, the hearts she made with her figures while she read before she finished and looked at Moonlight, who was blushing, "wow, you really love Hector a lot, I can understand why, he's a great guy, and that day... It was rough on him".
Hector himself laughed at the commenter's comment, "I wanna see those pranks, with the one holey sock of doom and such, those are fucking *genius*! Oh fuck, yeah no, that day sucked, and those maids really didn't fucking help, but, you're right, I'm glad Quirin was there for me, as well as my sister, Lance, Angry, and Catalina, it was nice, and the song..." He looked at Quirin and smiled softly, "it was nice to hear it again"
Quirin smiled back, "happy to help"
The wild tamer smirked before he looked at Moonlight again, "we *need* to pull off those pranks! They're fucking hilarious! I know where those maids are, we could go and find them right now!"
Moonlight grinned evilly and nodded, they began to walk out when, "hold on now", Edmund blocked the door, "first, no pranking, second, we are reading comments, and third..... I wanna join you later"
Hector and Moonlight looked at each other, then smiled and nodded, "fine, we'll wait... For now", the wild tamer stated, before going back to the pile of questions with Moonlight in tow, giggling excitedly
The Dark King joined and sat down, "right then, who's next?" He looked trough the piled until he finally found one that caught his eye, "AHA! This one is from Cardcaptorkatara from the 'Return of the King's Friend (Part 1!)' chapter, oho! That was mine! It says: 'Aww this is precious. The way he talks about Varian is so cute. You can really tell how much Quirin loves his son', to which I whole heartedly agree!" The Dark King exclaimed, "the little peanut is very loved by his dad"
Quirin and Varian both blushed, "I love you too", the blue eyed alchemist said, getting his father to hug him
"Thank you for saying that Cardcaptorkatara, that means a lot to me, to us actually", the retired knight said, looking at his son for a moment before he chuckled, "by the way, there's going to be many more tiny Varian stories coming from me soon, like the one where he nearly got planted in the garden?" He smirked at his son
"Hey, in my defense, I was trying to *help*!" Varian defended
"How do you almost get planted in a garden?" Hugo asked
"I.... Was a very tiny child...."
"Super tiny", Quirin agreed
"Hey I'll grow!" The alchemist argued, "you evil jerkface!"
"You bratty stinkbomb"
Varian pouted a little, getting his father to chuckle before the man looked at Cardcaptorkatar once more, "sincerely, thank you for that, I'm glad my little stories make you happy and show how much I love my son", he grinned mischievously, "my tiny, adorable, pouty son"
Varian huffed as the room snickered at him, "I'm gonna be bigger than all of you, then we'll see who gets the last laugh"
Hugo smiled, "I believe it if that helps Freckles"
"It does, thank you", Varian replied as he smiled at his boyfriend, "you get 3 more good boyfriend points!"
"Woot!"
Lance chuckled before he happened to see one by his foot, smiling, he picked it up and read it, "this one's from Mha_kny and it's from the 'This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things! (Part 2!)' chapter-oh no", he laughed, "this is gonna be funny, *ahem*, 'LMAO THAT WHOLE CONVERSATION BETWEEN LANCE AND VARIAN IS LITERALLY ME JUST TRYING TO GET HOMEWORK ANSWERS FROM MY FRIENDS OR MY FRIENDS GETTING ANSWERS FROM ME
Also Lance what's with u and your shenanigans 😭 like a couple ended up well but the race 💀Last time I saw someone doing shenanigans (Luz from The Owl House) it didn't end well ;n;'". The entire room laughed as Lance blushed, "my shinanigans do tend to get me in trouble, but it's because... Um... Uh..."
"Yes?" Eugene said, "you wanna tell us why you do the things you do?"
"Um.... I uh... I don't know"
The Dark Prince snickered, "Lance you're a dork"
"I know"
Varian smiled, "to be fair, he's our dork, and we wouldn't be happy without him, though him not touching my alchemy would be nice"
Lance smirked, "oh now I'm gonna touch it more, just to mess with ya"
"Don't you dare!"
The former thief giggled before he looked at Mha_kny, "thanks for the comment, and yeah, I need to work on my shenanigans, but hey, at least they're fun to read, and you even said so yourself, they ended up well!"
"They said *a couple* ended up well", Varian corrected, "they mentioned the race you and Eugene had, and I remember it too, I got a whole pie out of the deal!"
Quirin sighed, "and a tummy ache right after"
"It was worth it"
His father chuckled as Lance smirked, "either way, thanks, it was funny and nice, I liked it, plus it's good to know my shenanigan's at least make you remember a memory of some sort, even if it is gettin answers from your friends with homework. I did that too, Eugene was mean though"
"You were cheating!" Eugene exclaimed
"Yup, and you're my partner in crime, you should've let me cheat, I almost didn't pass those three days in school because of you!"
The Dark Prince sighed, "ok, where's another comment? Not to be rude to you Mha_kny, but Lance is being a brat, it's a good comment though" He stated, smiling at the commented before he looked around until he spotted one and picked it up, "this one's from Cardcaptorkatara again, this time from 'Family Ties (Part 1!)', good chapter! They say: 'I like the idea of Eugene just being a general 'big brother' to everyone younger than him. It's really cute. This makes so much sense for Hugo's character and I'm honestly very curious to see where you take him with this'". The Dark Prince smiled at the commenter, who blushed a little, "thank you for that, I like being the big brother too, and I'm glad I'm considered that by you commenters. Although I don't know how Hugo feels about that"
"I agree with Cardcaptorkatara", Hugo replied with a smile, "what you said to me that day, it really helped, it was exactly what I needed to hear, so when you said it, you really calmed me down, by a lot"
Varian grinned happily, "and you've helped all of us out in someway shape or form, you're *definitely* the big brother of the group! You and dad could even have a competition of big brothers in all honesty, though I like my dad being dad more, but I'm biased"
Quirin and Eugene chuckled at that before Lance stepped forwards, "they're right you know, you really are like a big brother to everyone you come across, especially to me, so yeah!"
Eugene sniffled, "thank you everyone, and thank you Cardcaptorkatara", he added, sniffling again
Rapunzel handed him a tissue as Edmund one arm hugged him happily before the princess noticed another comment, "oh! Here's another one", she exclaimed before picking it up with a smile, "it's from Ash:> on the... *ahem* '(insert Dark Kingdom Slur here) (Part 1!)'"
"Nice save blondie", Eugene said
"Thanks, the comment reads as follows: 'Damn this chapter was intense, also when I first saw the chapter name I was so confused, I was like "are we having another Q and A chapter or is it just a coincidence."
But in all seriousness I hate people who discriminate against others so much, so right now Cyrus is at the top of my list of "I would and will stab you when given the chance"
I feel so bad for Vari, seriously that's probably one of the worst ways to find out about a racial slur. I can relate to Varian in that moment so much, I'm hispanic and I remember when I came back to the US the first thing I learned about was racism by my classmates and it honestly sucked. I hope Varian dosen't take anything Cyrus said seriously because he's wrong.
Gotta give props to the Varian protection squad tho, everyday it grows more and more. Great chapter loved how you handled the topic, can't wait to read more.♡♡♡♡'"
The room was quiet as Varian growled, "people really did that to you?" He asked, looking at Ash:>, who nodded silently, "I'm so sorry.... No one should ever have to go through any of that, that's horrible and whoever did that is on *MY* 'I would and will stab you when given the chance' list! How dare they do that to you! Being Hispanic is so cool! And learning about other cultures is something I'm very interested in! I don't understand why people have to be so cruel, I really am sorry you went through that"
"We all are", Quirin replied, "that's not something you should ever have to go through, and I agree with my son, I'm sorry you did. I'm glad you can seek comfort in our experiences as well, because at least you're not alone, but it's still hard and I sincerely hope you never have to go through that ever again, ever, and if you do", he pulled one of his duel blades out, "send them over to me", he stated with a smirk
"Me too", Hector stated, "I really wanna cut someone to ribbons, oh and Cyrus is on my fucking shit list too"
"Cyrus is on everyone's list to be honest", Adira replied
"True"
"I like the Varian Protection Squad", Hugo pointed out with a smirk, "with Nuru and Yong in the mix, it grew a lot more"
Varian blushed at that, "hee hee, thanks, but you don't have to protect me, I wanna protect all of you too", he looked at Ash:>, "including you", he then looked at the rest of the commenters, "and all of you as well! You're all my friends now, so I wanna protect all of you too!"
Everyone smiled, but then noticed the characters weren't moving, that's when they saw Harmony, "sorry to interrupt, but I also wanna say something real quick", they turned to look at Ash:>, "first, I'm still really sorry you went through all of that, I know we already talked about it, but I really hope things have gotten better now, I'm still sorry you went through that in the first place", they said, "on another note, you gave me some amazing ideas for the 7 Kingdom Ball, and I didn't end up using them even though I said I had plans for them, like the fluffy Brotherhood helping Varian get dressed for the ball and having Rapunzel and Varian dance with each other I had so many plans for the ball and it was going to be much bigger than it turned out to be. But then the chapters leading up to the ball got too long, the episode chapter 'Be Very Afraid' was getting further and further away, and I felt horrible for having everyone wait for so long, and well...." The author sighed, "I feel bad that I didn't use your ideas when I said I had plans to do so, and I'm really sorry I didn't. I'm still working on other people's ideas and I thought yours for the ball were so adorable! I just didn't get a chance because I got so anxious about 'Be Very Afraid' being so late, that and Cyrus was always going to be a major villain, so I had to make him stand in the spotlight, but I'm still sorry I didn't get to use your ideas. I still think they're fantastic and I have a way I can remedy not using them before"
Harmony smiled, "would it be okay if maybe there was another event the cast had to go to and Varian has to rewear the kimono again? That way, his family could help him get dressed since Rapunzel would be handling something at the time, possibly the captain or something with the Seporians, which I'm still planning on using, and also we could have Rapunzel and Varian dancing with each other at this ball instead? I know you can't answer right now, but I really wanna make it up to you for not using your ideas before, if you don't want that, I understand, I just wanted to offer. And to all those who have given me great ideas, like Crystal", they gestured to Crystal, "I'm still working on implementing them into the story, I still wanna have mermaid Varian, I think that would be adorable, and there's going to be a lot more of Cyrus and Donella and Brotherhood and such, I just haven't found a way to implement them yet and I'm so sorry about that. If I've forgotten any ideas that I said I'll do, please let me know and I'll try to work them into the story. Once again, I'm so sorry, to all of you, I'll do better next time, I promise".
With that, the author smiled at the commenters before they snapped their fingers and the characters unpaused, "What just happened?" Eugene asked as he looked around
"Oh nothing", Quirin replied with a smile, "just someone giving an apology"
"A what?"
"Nothing, oh hey, I found another comment", the retired knight picked it up and looked at it with a smile, "it's from Crystal on the 'Day of the Animals (Part 1!)' chapter, they said 'LOOOVVVVEEEE MOON VARIAN!!! Cute and adorable chapter!!! Can't wait to read more!? 👍😍'". The retired knight smiled at the commenter, "you're always so happy, I love it! I'm sincerely glad you enjoy our little misadventures, and yes", he looked at his son, "Moon Varian for the win"
The teen blushed again, "you guys keep making me blush! Stop it!!!!"
His father chuckled, "either way", he looked at Crystal, "I'm really glad you're enjoying the chapters, more are to come soon, and more Moon Varian too"
Varian smiled, "yup, because my powers have a mind of their own, seriously they do"
Hugo snickered, "I like em"
Catalina nodded, "I do too, they make you sparkle"
Varian smiled, "thanks, and do they really?"
"They do", Angry replied, "it's kinda funny when you get upset enough to use them, your hair gets sparkly too", she teased
"Oooh! I wanna see that!" Yong exclaimed
"As much as I would too, maybe we don't tick him off enough to use them? At least until he's got control over them", Nuru stated
"Right", Varian agreed, "I'm gonna have more training sessions with everyone soon, that should be interesting, for now however", he smiled at the commenters, "thank you all so much for your wonderful comments! They make us happy whenever we got back to them and we're so happy that you all enjoy this odd story of ours! We hope we can keep entertaining you for a very long time! For now...."
Everyone stepped forwards and said at once, "SEE YOU ALL IN THE NEXT CHAPTER! WE HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY/NIGHT! AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING!"
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sincerely, thank you all so much for reading my strange story and commenting on it! You all make me really happy with how much you tell me you enjoy this story! I've made friends with this story, I've connected with more characters than I thought I ever would with this story! This means the world to me and it's all because of you! All of you, even those who don't comment, just thank you all so very much!
Ash and any others I got ideas from but didn't use, I really am sorry I didn't get a chance to put your ideas in yet, but I'll try very hard to find a place for them in this story. They're all wonderful ideas and I'm honored you would share them with me at all, so I'll do my best to respect them and hopefully make you entertained at the same time, for now however
Thank you all so much for reading, sincerely, you've made me happy with all that you've done for me, thank you so much! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 271: Guy's Night: Here We Go Again! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Lance and Eugene have another Guy's Night idea, everyone's on board, even Quirin! But Hugo's worry about his letter starts to get in the way of his good time!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group had woken up the next morning, eaten breakfast, and began their days as normal. The dignitaries were finally starting to clear out of the castle, so there weren't as many people roaming around, Nuru and Yong were staying a bit longer with their families to sort a few things out, but they'd be busy majority of the time. Which is why when his father said it would be a good quiet day, Varian agreed with no hesitation. He let out a small sigh of contentment as he and Hugo lay on their bed together, both were reading from a Flynn Rider book, the very first one in fact. Hugo was holding one half, Varian the other, and they would turn the pages together. Quirin was in the privy, allowing Itty Bitty some much needed tub time and was playing with him until he heard a knock on the door.
The retired knight raised a brow before he looked at his tiny fish, he smiled as his friend seemed to be getting tired anyway, so he scooped him inside the fish bowl, placed the lid on and carried him out of the privy before setting him down on a desk and opening the door, "GOOOOOOOOOD MOOOOOOOOOOOOOORNIN QUIRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" A loud, booming voice exclaimed excitedly. Startling the two alchemist into dropping the book right on Ruddigar's face, who was sitting on his boy's chest
"Whoops!" Varian quickly removed the book and stroked the raccoon's fur, "sorry bud"
The small mammal shook it off and chittered with a smile on his face before nuzzling his boy's chin
The blue eyed alchemist smiled, "thanks", he said, kissing the raccoon's head before he and Hugo got up, Ruddigar climbing on his shoulders, closed the book, and walked over to the door to see a very excited looking Lance with a face palming Eugene behind him, "oh this oughta be good"
"It sure will little man! And little man's boyfriend!" Lance replied with a grin
Hugo snorted, "little man?"
"Tis me", Varian said
"Cute"
"Shush"
"So what are you selling us today?" Quirin asked with a knowing smirk
"Another once in a lifetime opportunity for your tiny one to have the night of him life with the dynamic duo! The cat's pajamas! The peanut butter and jelly! ME AND EUGENE!!!!" He gestured towards the Dark Prince, who looked over just to face pam again
"I feel your pain Eugene"
"Don't you mean Jelly?" Varian asked with a grin as Ruddigar chittered with laughter
"No no, I'm fairly certain Eugene's the Peanut Butter", Hugo corrected
"You have a point"
"A-*hem*", the two looked at Lance and saw him with a raised brow, they giggled
"So sorry Announcer Lance, please go on", Varian stated with a smile, his raccoon bowing his head a little
The man nodded and began again, "anyway, *we* have prepared a *MONUMENTOUS* occasion for your tiny tike, your titular tiger, your baby bundle of joy that you just can't stop huggin because he's just *that* adorable!"
Varian blushed, getting Hugo to snicker, "what did you have in mind for my tiny tike and baby bundle of joy?" Quirin asked with a smirk, getting his son to blush even more
"I'm glad you asked! He's gonna be goin on quite an adventure today, filled to the brim with games, fun, laughter, and non stop debauchery!"
"Debauchery?"
"DEEEBAUCHERY!"
"Really?"
"Yes, a whole lot, I'm doin a thing here"
"Right right sorry go on"
"Thank you-DEEEEEEEBAUCHERY!" Lance exclaimed, "my *lovely* assistant, that you can see with his face in his hand, will explain what we'll be doin! TAKE IT AWAY EUGENE!"
The Dark Prince sighed, "we were gonna go camping in the meadow nearby, there's trees so we can pretend it's in the forest, there's a tiny pond with fish, so we can fish, and we packed ingredients to make smores"
Quirin smiled, "I remember doing that as a kid, it was always so much fun!"
This made the two former thieves eyes widen, "you used to do this?" Eugene asked
"Yeah, King Edmund would take me, Adira, and Hector out on tiny camping trips too, of course, that tradition started when I was around Varian's age, maybe one or two years younger"
Eugene smirked, "did he try to give you the whole, 'revel in each other's company' schtick?"
"Yes he did", Quirin replied with a chuckle, "he meant well, even if the man can't catch a fish to save his life"
"He can't catch a-Seriously?"
"Yup, he's not very good at fishing, always managing to catch items, and the rare small fish, instead, though it's really funny to guess what he may get next", the retired knight sighed, "I miss those nights, they were fun and I truly enjoyed them"
Eugene grinned, "I experienced that with him myself, big old doof caught everything but a fish, save for the last second when he caught a small one and Hamuel made it jump back into the lake", he said, "that's not gonna happen tonight, but it's neat that he did that with you"
"It wasn't just him"
"Huh?"
Quirin's smiled widened happily, "it was Eden too"
Eugene was a little startled by that, but returned the grin, "she did?"
"Yup, she loved camping, even if it was just outside the castle. She always had the scariest ghost stories too, would definitely freak the king out"
The Dark Prince felt a small warmth in his heart, as if something he hadn't known he had was waking up, "I didn't know that.... Heh, was she really like that?"
The retired knight blinked a few times before he gave a sincere smile, "she was, she really was. She's make the best smores too, and made me one every time we went camping"
"Here's an idea", Lance said, "how about you join us!"
The retired knight looked at him, "oh I didn't mean-!"
"No no, you didn't infer anything, don't worry. It's just", he looked at Eugene, who was wiping his eyes a bit before coughing and turning away with a blush on his face, "I think we may need some different kind of stories", he looked back at the Village Leader, who was smiling, "plus, if you're there, then we don't have to worry about a time limit or possible Varian injuries since you're gonna be protectin him", he added, "bonus!"
"What about Hugo?" Varian asked as Ruddigar looked at the bespeckled teen and chittered
"I've yet to be injured on a Guy's Night trip", the blond stated, "plus, you're fragile"
"I am not!"
"You are too"
"I've built machines bigger than my dad!"
"Were you injured when you did that?" His boyfriend was silent, "hee hee"
"Shush you!"
Quirin chuckled at his two boy's antics, as Ruddigar patted his boy's cheek reassuringly, before he looked at Lance again and nodded, "alright, I suppose I could join in the fun, is this going to be over night?"
"We were hopin it would be"
"Alright, it'll give us a nice break from everything I suppose", Quirin stated with a smile before he looked at Varian and Hugo, "do you wanna grab your tent and sleeping bags?"
"Oki", Varian replied
"You don't have to worry about the tent", Lance stated, "me and Eugene got a HUGE tent! We set it up already and it holds up to 10 people!"
"10?!" Quirin exclaimed, "where'd you get a tent like that?!"
"When Lance kept asking Queen Arianna to borrow her tent that he gave her as a birthday gift last year, and she ended up buying him a large tent for *his* birthday, one because she's nice, and two because she wanted him to stop asking", Eugene explained
"You got the Queen a tent?"
"I thought she'd like it", Lance replied
"No, you just forgot her birthday and gave her *your* tent that she didn't want when you didn't have a spare", Eugene argued with a raised brow
Quirin snorted as Lance turned to his best friend and huffed, "at least I *got* her somethin! Give me a break it was my first time meetin the woman!"
"Yes, and we'd previously had a conversation about you and royal discussions and how you're supposed to *behave*!" Eugene argued
"I didn't *insult* her! I just didn't know her very well, you can't blame *me* for not knowin her, you barely know her yourself!"
"I'll have you know me and the Queen have gotten very close!"
"Oh yeah? What's her favorite color?"
"Yellow"
"No it ain't!"
"How do *you* know? You don't know it!"
"Well I know she doesn't like yellow! You're only sayin it's yellow because of Rapunzel's hair!"
"I am not!"
"You are too!"
"Are *not*!"
"Are *too*!"
"Alright wise guy, what do *you* think her favorite color is?!"
"It's purple", Varian interrupted, getting them both to look at him, "Queen Arianna's favorite color is purple because it reminds her of her home and her daughter and husband. She finds the color comfortable and fun, which is why she dresses in it almost everyday"
"H-how do you-!" Lance began to ask
"Dad's really good friends with her", Varian interrupted, Ruddigar nodding as if to confirm what his boy was saying, "she and the um.... *A-hem* R-Rapunzel's dad, u-used to come over all the time when I was a kid. They'd discuss a lot of things together and at one point, she asked me my favorite color"
"Let me guess, it's blue right?" Eugene joked
"Ha ha very funny, yes it is, but I've been actually leaning more towards red recently actually, so you're technically wrong"
"Red?"
"Dad"
Quirin smiled as he looked at his red shirt as Ruddigar sniffed it with a smile, getting Lance to grin, "I see", he said
"Yeah, but when she asked me, I said blue because of the sky and m-mom's eyes were blue. That's when she told me about purple"
"Huh, good to know", Lance stated, "so I guess you were wrong Eugene"
"WHAT?! You didn't know her favorite color either!" The Dark Prince argued
"I was *just about* to say purple before the little man interrupted me!"
"No you were not!"
"Yes I was so!"
"No you were no-!"
"How about you two go and get ready for the camping trip, I have a feeling these two aren't gonna stop for a while", Quirin whispered to Hugo and Varian
The two alchemists, and one raccoon, giggled and nodded, sneaking away before the freckled teen stopped, "you want me to get your stuff ready too?"
"Yes please"
"Oki", with that, the three snuck inside the room and began to grab their things for the camping trip
"Well that was exciting", Hugo stated with a smirk as he walked over and grabbed a set of clothing he'd stashed in Varian and Quirin's room
"It really was, expect more of that", Varian replied, scratching Ruddigar's ear before grabbing a bag and stuffing some clothing inside as well as a few alchemy bombs and raccoon treats
The blond snickered before he looked at his boyfriend seriously, "hey, are you alright?"
"Hm? Yeah why?"
"Well... You mentioned your mom and the King of Corona back there and stuttered"
"Oh that, yeah sorry I um... I guess I'm a little sensitive about them still...." Varian looked up at the ceiling, "very sensitive...." Ruddigar nuzzled his boy, receiving a pet in return
The bespeckled teen looked at his boyfriend sympathetically, "I'm sorry"
"It's not your fault"
"No but... It's Don's.... And she never really apologized to you for what she did to you mom.... A-and now she might be coming back and...." He sighed, staying quiet
Varian looked at him worriedly, "have you finished your letter to her yet?"
"No... I don't know what's wrong with me, normally I'd be able to write her a letter no problem but... Now I just.... Can't find the words...."
"Well, maybe this'll help you", Varian said, "the cool night air, the open field, the smell of smores and a campfire, heh, it actually reminds me of how we met", he stated with a blush, "maybe it'll help you get your brain to focus a little?"
"Maybe...."
The blue eyed alchemist set his bag down and walked over to the blond, wrapping his arms around him and kissing his cheek lovingly as Ruddigar covered hopped off his boy's shoulders and onto the dresser Itty Bitty was on, covering his eyes and using his tail to cover the fish's, "you'll think of the right words to say, don't worry. When you do, you'll feel much better, trust me, I have faith in you"
Hugo smiled, "thanks Varian"
"You're welcome, and hey, Ruddigar believes in you too! Right bud?"
The raccoon unconverted his eyes and chittered happily, giving the blond two paws up before uncovering Itty Bitty's bowl and getting the fish to do the same!
The bespeckled teen snickered, "thanks Rud, and you too Itty Bitty"
The fish blew a few bubbles at him as a response
Varian grinned, "see? We believe in you! With a support system like that, there's no way you can fail!"
Hugo snorted, "yes, a raccoon, a fish, and an adorable and hot piece of ass make up for a great support system"
"Well then here's more motivation, my ass is off the market until you finish that letter", Varian responded with a smirk
Hugo huffed, "well that's just not fair"
"It is if you finish that letter", Varian teased
The blond giggled, "you're such a brat"
"I know"
They returned to packing, Varian, having already finished, began packing his father's bag as well as Hugo continued to pack his. The blond found the letter he'd started writing and sighed, the words, 'Dear Don", being the only one's written with nothing but scribbles underneath them from his previous attempts. He felt a huge lump form in his throat and it was about to burst when he felt something move from his pocket and onto his shoulder. He smiled when he felt tiny paws on his face, petting the small head that nuzzled it, "thanks Liv", he said quietly, "this is... So much harder than I thought though...."
The cybernetic mouse gave him a sad squeak
"I won't give up, don't worry, she needs to be warned"
The mouse squeaked again, this time encouragingly
"Heh, guess you're a part of the support system too huh?"
She nodded and gave him a paws up
Hugo smiled, "thanks"
"It's really gonna be okay"
Hugo turned to see Varian looking at him, an understanding smile on his face, "I-I'm sorry I know you said y-you're rooting for me and all and I'm still u-upset and-!"
"It's alright", the freckled teen interrupted gently, "I get it, anxiety is hard, a few words won't fix it. But it really will be okay, you'll find the right words to tell her, and once that letter is sent she'll be warned and have a place to stay that's safe"
"....W-why are you comforting me about someone w-who caused you and your d-dad so much pain?...." Hugo asked quietly
"Because I love you", came the simple reply
He looked at Varian, the teen was still smiling, it wasn't wavering, his eyes didn't show anything but love for the one looking at them, Hugo paused for a moment or two before he sniffled and walked over, hugging his boyfriend tight. Varian returned the hug with no hesitation, they stayed that way for a while, neither one letting go as Hugo allowed a few tears to fall and whispered, "thank you Varian".
The blue eyed alchemist didn't reply, simply staying quiet and calm as he held his anxious boyfriend in his arms, his smile never leaving his face as he remembered a time he been in the same situation. An image of him running and crying in his, recently freed, father's arms flashed in his mind as so many questions swirled in his mind of what to say or do to help his father understand what he's done. He remember his father's accepting embraced and smiled even wider when he felt Hugo calm down in his arms. He kissed his head gently, just as his father had done before he spoke the words his father told him the night he told him everything, "I'm here now, and I am never going away again, on that, you have my word".
Hugo just hugged him tighter, making Varian smile even more as he continued to hold him long after he'd said what he did.
Notes:
Hello! Late upload, sorry
GUY'S NIGHT AND ANNOUNCER LANCE IS BACK!!!!!!! This time, this Guy's Night has a bit of story in it! Woot! :D
Poor Hugo.... This poor bean has so much on his mind, his anxiety is off the charts, I swear, but he's got the best support team, with one raccoon, one tiny fish, on cybernetic mouse, and one very adorable alchemist, he'll get through it! <3
Varian is being a support bean again! He's taking notes from his dad too! (Fun fact: the "I'm here now, and I am never going away again, on that, you have my word" sentence is pulled from the first chapter of this story :D Small call back :3)
Quirin being the peacemaker! I love this man so much! <3 He didn't have too big a role here, but him being a brat, a peacemaker, and someone to tell Eugene about his mom is nice! <3
Eugene and Lance are so much fun to write together! They're big ol goobers and I love them so much!!!!! I love writing them bickering, it's funny and Announcer Lance making Eugene pre-face palm is hilarious to me XD
Ruddy buddy, Itty Bitty, and Olivia are on support! Ruddy is still the best raccoon ever, but the others are great too! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 272: Guy's Night: Here We Go Again! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The Guy's Night finally begins while Adira gets into a fight with someone dangerous!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"And there's where me, Catalina, and Angry used Varian's food throwin invention and broke a window"
"Lance-!"
"And *that's* where you can see Hector talking with his sister and brother, Trinity and Dexter, hi!""
"Lance Bud-!"
"And over there is Varian's safe space behind the rock"
"LANCE!" Eugene shouted, stopping the man, "they have seen these things before, what are you doing?"
"Just givin a grand tour before we have our Guy's Night", the former thief replied
"Yes but, why?"
"Because Guy's Nights are chaotic-ain't you payin attention!"
The Dark Prince sighed, getting Quirin to chuckle, "you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"
Lance smirked, "maybe"
"I really don't like you sometimes...." Eugene stated
"The feelin's mutual!" The Dark Prince sighed, "anyway, over there is where-!"
"No more tour!"
"Where we can unpack our things and start this Guy's Night", Lance finished, Eugene raised a brow, "what? I was done with the tour"
Varian and Hugo giggled as they walked over and placed their bags down before looking around, the entire place had a *huge* purple tent set up around them, there was a small fire pit nearby the woods with logs sitting around it, there were lanterns on strings around the camp, waiting to be lit later on in the night, the two alchemists, and one raccoon, smiled wide, "this looks amazing guys!" Varian exclaimed, "how'd you set this all up so fast?"
"Easy", Lance replied, "Eugene set up the tent, and I handled the fire and lanterns!"
"Ah"
Hugo snorted before he opened his luggage and grabbed his sleeping bag, "where should I set this?"
"Take a pick of anywhere in the tent!" Lance replied with a grin
"Or you could sleep under the stars", a voice said, "that's what I like to do"
Quirin smirked, "I was wondering when you were going to pop up"
Suddenly, something dropped down in front of them, startling Ruddigar enough to get his to yelp. Varian scratched his chin, "don't worry bud, it's Adira"
The raccoon looked and saw the women stand up and smirk. His tail swished a little, looking at her with an annoyed expression
"Sorry Stripes, but I *was* in the tree *before* you all got here", Adira said
The raccoon sighed and nuzzled his boy, getting the alchemist to giggle
"Adira!" Lance exclaimed, "are you joinin us?"
"Hm? Oh on your Guy's Night?"
"Yeah!"
"Mm, maybe later, I'm patrolling right now"
"Patrolling?" Quirin asked, "did the King ask you to?"
"No, in fact, he said he'd rather I stay safe, but you know me"
The retired knight raised a brow and smiled, "worried about your family so you go on patrol even though it's dangerous but you try to hide it by saying you just wanna disobey the king because you're a rebel? Yep, I know you very well"
The face painted warrior smirked, "sassy today, aren't we?"
"Eugene and Lance are rubbing off on me"
"I see"
"Indeed"
"Proud of yourself then?"
"Very much so"
"Happy for you"
"Thanks"
"Welcome"
"Did you see Hector over there?"
"Talking to his, not us, siblings? I did, said hi"
"They're nice people"
"They are"
"'Not us' siblings?"
"They're not us"
"Jealous?"
"You wish"
"I'm right"
"You're not"
"This is fun"
Varian laughed, "dad being on the sassier side of his and aunt Adira's argument? This is new!"
"I know, want some popcorn?" Hugo asked, offering a bag of popcorn he'd gotten somehow
"Sure!" The freckled teen replied, grabbing handful and eating a few before giving on to Ruddigar, who happily chowed down on it
Eugene shook his head before stepping in-between the two Dark Kingdom inhabitants, "would it be bold of me to ask you two hold off on this for a minute?"
"It would", Adira replied
Quirin snickered, "don't be mean to him, he's having a rough day"
"Alright, I'll leave him be for now", the face painted warrior stated, "but we'll continue this soon Stickler"
"I'm fine with that", the retired knight replied with a smile, "we may even have some fish for you to eat"
"That'd be nice", she responded, "see you then"
Varian walked over and, after wiping off his hands, hugged the face painted warrior, "we'll miss you Aunt Adira!"
The warrior was startled for a moment before she smiled and hugged him back, "I'll miss you too Speckles", she said
The tiny teen let go and smiled up at her, getting Adira to smile back before she nodded to her older brother and hopped back into the trees, "and there she goes", Lance said, "you really think she'll be back tonight?"
Quirin nodded, "she's hungry, she'll be back"
"Do you think she'll be okay dad?" Varian asked worriedly
"She'll be alright, she's tough, not much can knock her down"
"O-oki"
His father watched his son for a moment, "you're worried"
"W-well, I have faith in her, b-but... Cyrus.... He did kill f-four people...."
Hugo nodded, "he's never gone that far, he's always held himself back from killing anyone because Don never wanted him to do that... So I get Varian's worry, he's not holding back anymore, and while I think you could go toe to toe with him.... Adira... She's not weak, but he knows she hates being touched.... He'll use that to his advantage"
Quirin froze for a moment, something sharp and angry flashing inside him before he shook it away and let out a small, calming breath, "it'll be alright, she's strong enough to get away from anyone trying to hurt her in that way. She's got a fail safe if anything were to happen, and she's capable of dodging anything he may throw at her, even when she's badly injured", he said, "she'll come find me or Hector after and we'll take care of her, and since both of us are nearby, she won't have far to go. She'll be alright you two, don't worry".
The two alchemists nodded, Hugo smiling a bit, "it's nice that you have so much faith in her, I don't see that very often"
The Village Leader returned the smile, "it's not just her I have faith in, it's Hector, King Edmund, Varian, Eugene, Lance.... And you too"
"H-huh?"
"I have faith in you too Hugo, you're a good boy, and you saved my life. You've shown a great amount of courage and cunning, you're strong too, I have faith in you as well"
The blond was startled by that before he smiled, his mind drifting to the note in his bag, "t-thank you"
"You're welcome"
Varian grinned happily at the two before Lance chimed in, "so! Guy's Night!"
"Right! Right, sorry", Quirin said, turning and looking at the man, "where should we start?"
"How about fishing?" Eugene said with a smile, "we can fish for a while to catch our dinner, and maybe even get Itty Bitty and sibling", Quirin grinned excitedly at that, "then we can tell some spooky stories, then we could-!" He was interrupted by a large growl, "what the fffffffffrank was that?" He said, blushing a little as Quirin gave him the side eye at that nearly stated curse word
"Um", Varian blushed, "tis me... Light breakfast"
Lance chuckled, "I'm a little hungry too little man, how about we eat some lunch first, then we can fish"
"Oki"
With that, the campers unpacked their bags, ate a little food while chatting with each other happily, the Guy's Night starting out right with some fun and jokes as they all enjoyed each other's company!
****
"Fishing poles?" Quirin said
"Check!" Varian replied with a smile
"Life jackets just in case?"
"Check!"
"Raccoon and fish bait?"
"Ch-ugh, hold on", the teen fought with something inside his bag, a few chitters escaping from it before he pulled out a very annoyed looking Ruddigar, "check". The raccoon chittered at him, "this is for you to eat while we're *fishing* not right now", the small mammal chittered again, his tail swishing as his boy placed him on his shoulders, "we are not 'technically fishing now', we are getting *ready* to fish". Ruddigar huffed and chittered once more, "trust me, you'll get that food, it's just for you and nobody else".
The Village Leader snickered before looking at nothing in particular and saying, "anyone else getting deja vu?"
"What?" Varian asked
His father looked at him again, "nothing, where was I?"
"Raccoon and Fish bait, to which I say, check"
"Got it, med kit?"
"Check"
"Big med kit?"
"uh check?"
"Varian med kit?"
"Daaad!"
"I know I packed it"
The alchemist blushed before checking his father back, he then sighed, "check... Still can't believe you packed that after I finished packing for you", he mumbled
The retired knight snickered, "towels?"
"Check"
"Change of clothes for you and me?"
"Check and check"
"Brat-coon?"
"Check", a few chitters followed that one, accompanied by some giggles
"Tiny, adorable, accident prone alchemist?"
"Check and I take mild offense"
"Noted, and parent that's checking the check list?"
He felt a few small pokes on his side, looking down he saw his son smiling up at him, "check"
"Then I think we're ready for fishing!"
"Wow, you two have a whole system doncha", a voice stated, getting the father son duo to look over and see Hector, Dexter, and Trinity smiling at them
"Yes we do", Varian responded, "are you three joining us?"
"Nope", Hector stated, "I don't fish"
"Right, vegetarian", the alchemist stated with a grin, "hey I have some ideas for some veggie steak if you'd wanna try it, Lance taught me how to make it!"
The wild tamer smiled and nodded, "I'll have to check it out sometime"
Quirin smiled, "how are you two holding up?" He asked Trinity and Dexter
"We're... As okay as we can be right now", Trinity replied
"I'm sorry for you loss..." Varian said
"Thank you", Dexter replied, "honestly, there's so many conflicting emotions going on right now"
"I'll bet.... Do you need anything?"
"For now, no, but thank you for the offer", Trinity replied with a small smile, "spending time with Hector is enough for now"
The wild tamer smiled at his sister lovingly before he looked at his Dark Kingdom brother, "saw Adira earlier, she's patrolling"
"I know, she told me", Quirin replied, "you worried?"
"A bit, that egomaniac is still fucking breathing though, so I'm gonna be"
"Same, but she knows to come to us if she needs help"
"Right, she's strong"
Varian looked in-between his father and uncle, before he sighed, "you know, you both can say you're worried while still having confidence in her, right?" He stated, getting the two to look at him, "it's okay to be worried about someone strong. Dad nearby died when C-Cassandra trapped him, I worried non stop, even though he can kick anyone's butt! You care about her, it's normal to be worried, so you can admit it with no judgement you know", he said with a smile
The two blushed before smiling at him, "you're right spawn", Hector stated, "guess I'm more worried than I care to admit"
"Well, if it helps, she's coming back for fish later", Quirin replied, "you can come over as well, I know you don't like fish, but there's dinner in the castle you could bring out to join us with", he looked at his brother's siblings with a smile, "you two are welcome to join as well"
Trinity and Dexter nodded gratefully while Hector smirked, "I think I will, thanks", he looked at Varian, "to the both of you"
The alchemist grinned, "you're welcome!"
With that, the three siblings walked away, Varian and Quirin watching them go as Pixie, Basil, and Xena followed behind before Quirin scooped his son up, hugging him lovingly, "I'm so proud of you!"
Varian yelped before he giggled, "thanks dad!" He replied, "I'm proud of you too"
Quirin's smile widened before he felt something tickle his nose. He looked over and saw a disgruntled Ruddigar on his shoulder, "whoops, sorry, nearly made you fall, didn't I?"
The raccoon chittered
"Would it help you if I said there are apples in that bait bag for you?"
The raccoon froze before smiling and nodding
The old farmer and his son chuckled before they heard, "hey!" Turning, they saw Hugo, Lance, and Eugene watching them, "you two gonna stop snuggling for two seconds and join us?" The blond asked
The duo snickered before the retired knight set his son down, "we're coming, sorry", he called before he and Varian grabbed their fishing equipment and ran over to the rest of the group.
****
The man watched them from the shadows, his glare focused on the blond laughing as his little boyfriend nearly fell into the pond. He growled, "soon...." He said to himself, "once she's gone, soon...."
He backed up and disappeared from sight, walking deeper into the forest and way out of ear shot to look at the weapons he'd acquired. He smirked, the guards won't miss them, not where they were anyway. He smiled wickedly as he reached for a particular weapon, one he'd seen the little brat's boyfriend wince at from time to time, he snapped it on a log, the cut it made was deep and angry, he smirked, good... This'll do nicely for what he had planned.
"I hope you don't intend to use that the way I think you will", a voice stated
He growled, did these guards really not take a hint? Turning, he slashed the weapon at his opponent, who caught it mid air with a glare, "wha-!"
"Nice try, but I'm not your average guard", she stated, "and believe me when I say, I'm not letting you *anywhere* near my nephew and his boyfriend"
So that's who this was, "so you're from the ashy kingdom then", he remarked before getting a blindingly *painful* kick to the jaw that sent him flying into a nearby tree
"You wanna repeat that?" The face painted warrior growled
He chuckled, "did I hurt you whore feelings bitch?" He asked, getting the women to glare, "what? Don't like what I have to say? Beat the shit out of me and we'll see if I change my vocabulary, though... I should warn you", he jumped up and slammed onto the ground in front of her, managing to land an equally painful punch to her cheek and sending her scraping onto the ground, "I'm just as pissed lady". She huffed, hopping up as if she'd barely felt that, fine, he liked a good challenge, at least she was hot. Clenching his fists, he waited, she seemed to be doing the same as she glared daggers at him, the bruise on her face already starting to form, "so you bruise easy, good, I like to see em struggle"
She winced uncomfortably, leaving herself open enough to where he landed another blow, knocking her down once again, she hopped back up, glaring even deeper, "bastard", she spat
"You hate me so much, then come knock some sense into me", he mocked
She let out a slow breath, concentrating as she ran over, dodging his punches before she winded up and landed a kick to his stomach and knocking the wind out of him, "you think you can beat me with cheap tricks? You're wrong, and you're a piece of shit for trying! I'll make sure you eat every last *fucking* thing you say", she stated
He laughed, startling her before he shot up and grabbed her face in one hand, "really? You wanna play with the big boys little girl? Then show me how you bitches like being put in your place!" He pushed her away and kicked her in the stomach as well, knocking her down before grabbing her again and lifting her up by her neck with a smirk that shook her to her core as an image of a blond man giving her that same wicked smirk before he did something she could never forget flashed in her mind. She kicked him away from her, her heart beat faster and faster as he looked up at the man she was fighting.
*That isn't him, he's not here! Focus on the fight, remember your training and you won't get hurt!* She thought to herself, she unsheathed her sword as he picked up an axe, they ran at each other, both fighting as if their life depended on it!
Notes:
Hello! Early upload! Woot! :D
So this is both a fun and worrying chapter, for reasons I won't point out here, but I'm certain you know why :3
Lance and Eugene picking on each other is adorable and I love seeing them interact like the two brothers they are! It's hilarious to me! XD
Adira and Hector appearances! The two siblings coming back for dinner will be nice to see, especially since it'll be a nice break for them all.... As long as one of them comes back safe and sound, we'll have to see :3
Quirin being on the sassier end of his and Adira's arguments is a rare occurrence! The man is getting better at handling his sibling's more snarkier side XD Plus him and Varian are being wholesome again and it's adorable! <3
Not much Hugo in this chapter, sorry about that, but he comes into play more in the next chapter <3 He and Quirin had a moment though, tiny moment, but a moment none the less <3
Small call back to a previous chapter again, and the poor fourth wall needs another vacation XD
Ruddy buddy is being a brat-coon but he's still the best animal buddy in the world! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 273: Guy's Night: Here We Go Again! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Quirin tells Eugene about Eden before they get interrupted!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"23..... 24....... 25..... 26..... 27..... 28.... 29-!"
"Alright alright! We know we lost!"
".....29 .....30-!"
"Varian!"
"Hee hee", the tiny alchemist placed the gold pieces he'd been counting in his money bag, smirking when he saw his father do the same before he stroked a sleeping Ruddigar's fur happily as the small mammal slept on his shoulder, "you two *really* need to stop betting against me"
"We know...." Eugene and Lance stated at the same time, both of them were placing their, now empty, money bags in their own pockets and sighing.
Hugo snickered as he took a bite of his newly cooked fish before looking over at a couple of buckets nearby, "so, what are you naming your new friends?"
Varian looked at his father, "you're the one that caught her"
Quirin smiled wide as he walked over and grabbed the two buckets, setting one next to Lance, who stopped pouting in order to look, adoringly, at the fish swimming inside, before sitting back down himself with his own, red, bucket and looking at the tiny fish inside. The small female fish was swimming around as well, but when she spotted Quirin watching her, she turned her back to him and waved her fin a little. He chuckled, "Sassy".
"Sassy huh?" Eugene responded, "Itty Bitty and Sassy, that's definitely gonna cause some trouble"
The retired knight smiled at the female fish, she blew a few bubbles at him before kept her distance, "she's just a bit out of place. Once she's in the bowl with Itty Bitty, I'm certain they'll get along, besides, she's beautiful"
The fish in question looked at the man, seemingly surprised by the compliment, before she turned her back again, not wanting to show him she'd liked that.
Quirin merely smiled lovingly at her before he set her bucket down and looked around, "are we ready for smores?"
Hugo, finishing his final bite of fish, smiled and nodded, "how do you make them?" They all looked at him, a little startled by the question, "what?"
"You've.... Never made smores before?" Quirin asked softly
"N-no..... We found whatever we could find and ate it, Don had a steady job, so did Cyrus, but because we were also thieves, we had to lay low in a lot of areas", he explained, "so whatever food we managed to get was what we ate, and we had to be a bit choosy".
They were silent for a moment before Varian sighed, "then I can show you how to make some", he replied with a smile
"I-is it bad I've never made one before?"
"No no no, it's not bad, it's just uncommon, but then again, you're a one in a million kind of person, so uncommon is expected", the freckled teen replied
"Smooth kid", Eugene complimented with a smirk
"Shush"
Hugo snickered, "that was a really good answer, I barely caught the 'I'm being a good boy by not talking about my borfriend's really sad backstory and making him feel better about himself by complimenting him' cover up"
Varian raised a brow, "you're a brat"
"I learned from the best, but seriously though, how do I make a smore?"
The freckled teen giggled and taught his boyfriend how to make it, pretty soon everyone had a smore of their own and were chatting happily with each other when Eugene looked over at the retired knight, "so, you said this is how my mom used to make these?"
Quirin nodded with a fond smile, "yup, she'd take two graham crackers and would heat them up a little near the fire, then she'd have two marshmallows on one stick and would roast them until they're completely black on the outside. She'd then place two pieces of chocolate in the graham cracker, one on top, the other on the bottom, making sure to hold the chocolate on the heated cracker so it would melt just enough to stick. Then she would put the marshmallows in the middle before she'd *lightly* squish them in the smore. She always said 'if you can't taste the chocolate, then you're doing it wrong', it made for the best smores ever, I taught Varian how to do it that way too!"
"Yup!" Varian replied with a smile as he ate his smore happily and got marshmallow on his face, "mmmmm, squishy"
Eugene chuckled, "living your best lift over there kiddo?"
"Mmmmmmm"
The Dark Prince and Lance laughed as Hugo hugged his boyfriend lovingly while Quirin watched with amusement before he looked back at Eugene, "your mother would come up with the most creative ways to be different, you know that?"
"She did?" The Dark Prince asked
"Yup, when I was still a thief, she taught me how to cook a melon I'd stolen from the market place in three different ways, she showed King Edmund how to fish, though he didn't really..... Develop the talent for it quite like she did", he stated with a chuckle, "she was the one who taught Hector how to braid his hair and helped Adira pick out a style for hers. That half braid up do she does, your mother *invented* that"
"Really?"
"Yup! She was very good at hygiene and self care as well, she helped create a few lotions to keep her skin moist, and she always smelled really good, a lot like flowers"
"Did she have a routine?"
"She did, and it took her a while to come out of the privy in the morning because of it", Quirin replied with a smirk, "we'd always wait for her though, never eating breakfast until everyone was at the table, including her. She helped Adira with her face paint as well, and she was always researching new ways to garden", he chuckled, "she loved to help me garden", he said with a distant look on his face as he stared up into the evening sky happily, "she told me to continue following my dreams, and when I became a successful farmer, she'd want flowers from my garden, specifically violets, those were her favorites".
Eugene smiled at the man, "I noticed a lot of violets in you and Varian's private garden"
"Those are hers, only hers, no one picks them, tramples them, or hurts them. It's my little tribute to her...."
"....You miss her.... Don't you...."
"I do.... I really do...." He looked at Eugene once again, "she was my best friend growing up. She helped me when no one else would, being so kind and understanding, she was like a big sister to me.... When my parents passed away... I was alone.... No one took care of me, no one cared for me... I had an uncle.... But he was... A drunk.... He didn't live in the Dark Kingdom either and I didn't want to leave.... I ran away from him a lot and she hid me when he came to try and find me, he wasn't a nice man.... I.... Hope I never see him again actually...."
Varian looked concerned, "are you okay dad?"
"Hm?" He looked at his son and shook his head to clear it, "y-yeah, sorry, either way, Eden.... She took care of me, and when I went to the castle and met King, er.... Well *Prince* Edmund at the time, she was the first to worry. She looked for me for a few days until she finally found me. She'd been worried sick, I feel horrible for that actually...."
"Can I say 'I forgive you' on her behalf?" Eugene asked, "because it was understandable why you didn't tell her right away, you were probably watched day and night, like a hawk"
Quirin smiled, "thank you for that, I appreciate it"
The Dark Prince nodded before he snickered, "can I ask.... What the hell did she see in Edmund?"
The retired knight laughed, "shehe-Moon above that was rude of you, King Edmund's a very good man"
"I know that, but he's a goober!"
"That's why she liked him so much"
"Really?"
"Yeah", Quirin replied, "he was soft and gentle, kind and courteous, and so extremely silly and clumsy it would make her split her sides with laughter!" He explained, "your mother loved him because, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't be anything less than himself! He was the kind of guy that would make her laugh at how adorable he is, he would buy her gifts everytime he thought she'd like something, he would treat her with respect while also protecting her any chance her got. And because of him, she got to be a mother, something she'd always wanted and...." He sighed, "Eugene you... Were a miracle baby"
"I.... Was?"
"Yes, Eden was told by a nurse that she would be unable to have children, because of this, I was to be the next prince of the Dark Kingdom since I was the oldest and they'd already adopted me", Quirin explained, "and while your mother was so happy to have us, she was sad that she couldn't give birth, not only because she wanted a child of her own, made by her and King Edmund, but because she felt she was taking my dream away. I always told her it was fine, but she knew it wasn't the truth, though I never blamed her. Her, King Edmund, Hector, Adira, and even I prayed to the Moon for you, for Eden to be able to give birth. One night, she felt sick and went to be checked, and low and behold, she was pregnant with you!" He exclaimed, "you were her miracle baby, her tiny mark on this world, you were *everything* to her, and you remained that way, up until the very end.... She loved you so much Eugene, she loved you more than life itself, and would constantly hold you, care for you, even when she grew ill after your birth. She loved you, and we were all so happy to welcome you to the world and kingdom.... But-!" Violent images of Eden being pierced by the black rocks, Edmund attacking the Moonstone, and the kingdom in ruins flashed into the retired knight's mind, making him freeze
"Dad!" Varian called, snapping his father out of it and getting him to look at his boy.
The Village Leader cupped his son's cheek in his hand before taking a breath and letting it out, "sorry.... After what happened.... With the black rocks and Eden... The world felt so.... Empty.... I still had Hector, Adira, and King Edmund, sure, and I'd met Ulla after that, they filled it back up a little, but it wasn't until Varian was born that the world was filled once again for me. Part of that was because of Eden too, I told her I wanted to be a father, and she wanted me to so badly she tried to have me date friends of hers to do it", he said with a chuckle, "none of them worked, and I'd promised celibacy to your father unknowingly, so I wasn't allowed to be a father. Not until what'd happened... Did.... Then I got Varian", he smiled at his son, who smiled back.
"Wow.... I'm so sorry for everything that happened to you Quirin...." Eugene stated
"Not your fault, you were only a baby"
"I know... But someone should apologize"
The retired knight smiled at the man, "you know, you act so much like her it's uncanny. Your sassy attitude, your wit, your morning routine-!"
"Proper skin care is important people!"
The group snorted before Quirin continued, "you're so much like your mother, and honestly, that makes me happy", he looked at Varian, "in a strange way, you're like her too, Eden I mean"
"I am?" Varian asked
"Yeah, you have her curiosity, as well as Ulla's, and you have her love of books. Plus you're sassy too, and have a witty attitude"
"I thought I got that from you"
"I got it from her"
"Ah"
Eugene chuckled, "it really seems like we're blood family, doesn't it?"
Quirin nodded, "it really does, and you two are included in that", he exclaimed, pointing to Hugo and Lance, who smiled at him
"Aw shucks", the former thief replied, getting Eugene and Quirin to snicker
"We try", Hugo added, getting Varian to smirk
The Dark Prince looked up to the sky, happily eating a smore and smiling before he looked at Quirin, "thanks for that, I.... Didn't know how much I needed to hear it"
"You're welcome", the retired knight replied, "ask me anything about her anytime"
He nodded, and the group fell silent, all of them content to just listen to the sounds of nature around them. They heard the winds shifting through the trees, the sounds of animals nearby in the wooded areas, the screaming coming towards them at an alarming rate, the birds in the sk-! "What the fuck is tha-!" Lance stated to say when something crashed into their campsite, the smell of iron filling the air as it slid on the floor so hard it tore up grass and dirt!
Ruddigar chittered anxiously, having been woken up by the screams and crash landing. He looked around, Varian scratching his ear to calm his best friend down before looking at what'd just landed in their Guy's Night before gasping
"Adira?!" The alchemist exclaimed, seeing his aunt on the floor, covered in gashes, lash marks, bruises, and blood....
"ADIRA!" Quirin yelled, getting up instantly and running to her before stopping halfway and turning around. Grabbing blades as he did so to block whatever had just come out to attack his sister! The thing *slammed* into him, but he didn't budge, his anger boiling at the thought of whatever this was causing his sibling harm before he noticed the empty yellow eyes glaring back at him
"CYRUS?!" Hugo exclaimed
The ex mercenary jumped back, away from the retired knight's blades and looked around, seeing Eugene and Lance on their feet with swords out, ready to attack before he noticed Hugo and Varian, the blue eyed alchemist stepping in front of the blond, and glaring daggers at him, "well hello", he said to the blond, his uncaring voice sending *chills* down the bespeckled teen's back, "long time, no see"
"Shut the *fuck* up you ass!" Eugene snapped
"The fuck did you do to her?!" Lance added, pointing his sword to Adira
Cyrus laughed, "I defended myself!" He exclaimed, "that *bitch* attacked me fucking first! I only did what I needed t-!" He felt something hit his stomach *hard*! Knocking the wind out of him and making him stumble back, looking up he froze when he saw the cold, empty glare of the Dark Kingdom's knight staring down at him
"Dad...." Varian whispered
"Help Adira Varian", Quirin stated, his tone level and cold, leaving no room for to refuse
The alchemist was a little startled by that, but nodded before he took Hugo's arm and ran over to his aunt, "Quirin...." Lance said
"You did that to her?" The knight asked, watching Cyrus carefully
The escaped convict merely smiled at him, "yeah, I did, and I'd do it again too, she was real fun to play with. I loved making her squirm like the *whore* she i-!" He didn't finish his sentence when he felt another kick knock him into a tree nearby
"Quirin!" Eugene exclaimed worriedly, running over to the man and sheathing his sword, "Quirin stop!"
Cyrus just laughed, "awwww did I hurt her? Did I make her cry? Is she bleeding? FUCK YOU!" He screamed, "she got what was coming to her!"
Quirin growled dangerously, his eyes narrowing at the man in front of him, "Quirin, don't", Eugene said softly, "please"
The knight still glared at the man, his blades held tightly in his hands as he watched the murderer, "S-Stickler...." Quirin stopped when he heard that, turning to see Adira sitting up and looking at him. She was panting, bloody, and hurt, Varian and Hugo were next to her, trying to keep her from standing as she watched her brother, "S-Stickler don't.... D-don't.... It's n-not who y-you are anymore...."
"Adria...." Varian said softly as his aunt continued to watch Quirin. The knight stared at her for a long time before he lowered his swords and ran to her, sliding to a halt by her side and hugging her close. She was startled by this, but hugged him back
"I'm sorry...." He said, "you're hurt... I didn't go with you... I'm sorry...."
"It's okay", Adira responded, "it's okay"
"Oh, so the bitch lives", Cyrus stated, getting everyone to look at him angrily, "heh, perfect, gives me the pleasure of taking you both out", he said with a grin on his face as he stood up, a long, leather whip in his hand making Varian wince at the sight of it, "stupid ass, shit fucking, ash kingdom people need to learn their pla-!"
"SHUT THE FUCK *UP* CYRUS!" Hugo yelled, startling him, "YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT SO SHUT THE FUCK *UP*!"
The group was silent, everyone was shocked at the blond's outburst as he stood his ground next to Adira and glared at the man, no one noticing the other set of yellow eyes watching from the dark, nor did they hear the huff f air coming from the rhino next to them.
Notes:
Hello! :D
This is an odd way to end this chapter, and I'm so sorry for that, my mind isn't really focusing right now and I wanna do the next part perfectly! But this is the end to the Guy's Night 3 parter! :D
Eden is going to have more chapters later on about her, she's an amazing mother that played a huge part in the brotherhood's lives, so she's definitely going to show up more soon :D
Eugene and Quirin having a moment is wholesome to me, and I really wanted to see more of it in the show! I feel like since Eugene is so close to Varian, he and Quirin should've been seen talking or something at some point in the show. We didn't get that, but we did get a small tidbit that they might be close since Eugene called Quirin by name and had the man turn around in time to catch a pitchfork in the finale. The man seemed grateful for it too, and he seems to trust Eugene with Varian, so there's that too. I wish we saw more of them together, but I'm hoping this will help with that! :D
Side note, big brother getting seriously angry over his sister getting hurt makes me so happy to see! Those yellow eyes in the dark are unmistakable, someone else will be joining this party soon :3
Side Side note, Eugene being the one to stop Quirin is something I can actually see the man doing, seriously, he would stop him just to make sure Quirin doesn't kill someone, the fact that he had to in the first place shows how freaking angry Quirin got!
Lance and Varian being bros and just chilling this chapter, they're good beans, and I love them supporting their loved one :D
Hugo.... This poor blond boy! My gosh, he took one step in this story and got hit with freaking angst! Next chapter is gonna be about him and Cyrus :D
Cyrus is a horrible piece of human garbage in this story and I love writing him that way, but it doesn't make him any less bad!
Poor Adira.... She's just so freaking hurt.... I don't like writing her hurt, but since Cyrus used her past against her, I can't see her winning that fight.... She's alive, just very hurt.... Trust me, she'll get revenge
Ruddy is the best animal friend, also, welcome Sassy the fish! Itty Bitty's sister! :D
Thank you all for reading, sorry for the delay in this, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 274: The Feral Tamer!
Summary:
TRIGGER WARNING!
This chapter talks about abuse, physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually, please be warned, it's not talked about too much, but it IS in this chapter, do NOT read if you understandably uncomfortable with this topic!
Cyrus vs everyone!
Notes:
TRIGGER WARNING!
This chapter talks about abuse, physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually, please be warned, it's not talked about too much, but it IS in this chapter, do NOT read if you understandably uncomfortable with this topic!
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The knight still glared at the man, his blades held tightly in his hands as he watched the murderer, "S-Stickler...." Quirin stopped when he heard that, turning to see Adira sitting up and looking at him. She was panting, bloody, and hurt, Varian and Hugo were next to her, trying to keep her from standing as she watched her brother, "S-Stickler don't.... D-don't.... It's n-not who y-you are anymore...."
"Adria...." Varian said softly as his aunt continued to watch Quirin. The knight stared at her for a long time before he lowered his swords and ran to her, sliding to a halt by her side and hugging her close. She was startled by this, but hugged him back
"I'm sorry...." He said, "you're hurt... I didn't go with you... I'm sorry...."
"It's okay", Adira responded, "it's okay"
"Oh, so the bitch lives", Cyrus stated, getting everyone to look at him angrily, "heh, perfect, gives me the pleasure of taking you both out", he said with a grin on his face as he stood up, a long, leather whip in his hand making Varian wince at the sight of it, "stupid ass, shit fucking, ash kingdom people need to learn their pla-!"
"SHUT THE FUCK *UP* CYRUS!" Hugo yelled, startling him, "YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT SO SHUT THE FUCK *UP*!"
The murderer glared at the blond, "I don't take orders from you you fucking piece of *SHIT*!"
"You don't take orders from ANYONE anymore you fucking idiot!" The blond snapped, "Don's gone, you *killed* the Duke and Duchess, you fucked every *chance* you had at getting out of the *shit hole* you dug yourself into, it's OVER!" He exclaimed angrily as everyone watched, "you're done! You're caught! Sunk! Finished! Show's over and you did not get asked for an encore! So I have no idea what the *HELL* you're trying to pull here!" Hugo screamed
"The hell gives *YOU* the fucking *RIGHT* to speak to me that way?!" Cryus yelled, growling at the blond, "YOU'RE THE REASON EVERYTHING'S FUCKED UP!"
"NO I'M NOT! *You* hurt my boyfriend's family, *you've* fucked up every bridge you've ever built, even when you were in *jail* you had a chance to at least *explain* why you did what you did, but you just ruined that too! Don't you get it? EVERYTHING YOU'VE TOUCHED YOU'VE *FUCKED*! So fucking STOP! Stop doing this! Stop blaming me and take FUCKING RESPONSIBILITY! What the hell's WRONG with you?!" He panted, glaring at the man as frustration tears stung the corners of his eyes, "you had every chance in the FUCKING BOOK to fix what you and Don did! EVERY CHANCE! But you decided to go on a massive KILLING SPREE INSTEAD! Guards are DEAD by YOUR HANDS! And now you're fucking blaming ME for this shit?! SERISOULY?!"
"IF YOU WEREN'T AROUND DON WOULDN'T HAVE BECOME A FUCKING PUSH OVER!"
"DON MADE HER OWN FUCKING CHOICES CYRUS!" Hugo took a step forwards, "but unlike YOU she took FUCKING RESPONSIBILITY! She didn't try to hide or blame someone else! She APOLOGIZED AND TRIED TO FUCKING FIX IT! She owned up to it! She-!" He stopped when he realized what he was saying, "s-she.... She cared.... She cared about w-what she did and accepted her punishment.... That's why.... T-that's why I care about her still...." The memory of Donella's final look to Hugo flashed in his mind, he realized why she'd given him that look.... "S-she was sorry...." He felt something fill up an empty space in his heart, one he hadn't realized had been there before before he glared at the murderer in front of him, "she was sorry, she took responsibility, and accepted her fate. You're the fucking coward who didn't, instead you decided to try and be a badass and kill everyone you think 'did you wrong', well guess FUCKING WHAT! You're the ONLY one who fucked yourself over! YOU Cyrus! Not me, not Don, not Varian, you! And you just can't fucking standing that can you? She you're hurting everyone in your path, but what happens when you've got no one left to blame? What are you gonna fucking do then huh?"
"I'LL-!" Cyrus stopped, he thought about what he'd do once he was done with his revenge, but nothing came to mind. But as he thought about Hugo's word, they began to make more and more sense, he hated that.... But that's when he looked at Adira, she was still on the floor, lying there with her big brother next to her, both were glaring at him angrily. That's when he knew what he planned to do, and smiled, "I'll destroy them next"
"W-wha-!"
"I'll fucking kill that bitch next, already took her down, pretty fuckin easy. I know her type, she's the same race as Don, they're warriors, pretty rare too", his grin widened, "I'm already gonna take out your pretty little boy toy, the knight will be right after you", he smirked at the blond, who went pale, "then I'll make that bitch on the floor mine, just like her people were meant to fucking *be*!"
Adira shivered, she felt a familiar fear creep up her back when she looked into Cyrus's eyes. He had the same look, the same lust, the same care, which was none.... No... She couldn't go through that again... She *wouldn't* go through that again... Not again
*Darkness filled her vision as she felt his hands on her body*
Not *again*
*The bruises he gave her stung when he touched them again*
Not *AGAIN*
*She was crying, he liked it, licking her tears as she whimpered*
NOT *AGAIN*
"RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"What the fuck?!" Eugene exclaimed as he and Lance looked around, searching for the inhumane noise before they saw two thins *SLAM* into Cyrus
"AH! WHAT THE FU-AAAAAAH!" Cyrus screamed as whatever was on him scratched and bit him mercilessly! He tried to fight them off, but they were trained he could tell. Reaching for a dagger nearby he'd dropped, he managed to grab it and swipe at the beasts, kicking the other off and slashing one of their eyes badly, "FUCK *OFF*!" He yelled, managing to jump up, only to be *RAMMED* into by a large, angry, and *heavy* rhino! He screamed again before he managed to, just *BARELY* dodge out of the large animal's path, only to be grabbed by the throat and thrown *several feet* away, making him slide on the floor when he landed before he looked up and was met with two bright yellow eyes glaring *daggers* at him!
"The *FUCK* did you just say about my *SISTER*?!"
"Hector!" Quirin exclaimed
"ANSWER ME YOU FUCKING ASS KISSING *BASTARD*!" The tamer screamed
"Fuck you!" Cyrus stated angrily, trying to kick the man, but was *immediately* stopped when Pixie slammed into his foot, chomping on it *hard* for the slash he gave her eye!
"Wanna play that game? Wanna act fucking tough? Okay, fucking FINE!" He roared before he slammed his foot into the man's stomach, knocking the wind out of him before he picked him up by his neck again and *growled*, "you wanted to push your luck, you wanted to play with the big boys, you wanted to *FUCK* *WITH* *MY* *SISTER*! And guess what it FUCKING GOT YOU!!!!!" He threw the man down, slamming him into the ground so hard that the entire *meadow* vibrated!
"HECTOR!" Adira yelled, but couldn't get up, she tried to stop him but fell forwards, Quirin catching her
"GET OFF OF ME YOU PIECE OF WORTHLESS SHIT!" Cyrus screamed, kicked Hector in the chest and making the man stumble back, but only for a second before Hector's blade came out and he *launched* into the murderer! Cyrus used an axe he'd brought to fight against the feral tamer, both of them fighting as if their lives depended on it! But ultimately, as Hector swirled around Cyrus's blade, he won, knocking the man down again and standing over him, his eyes practically *glowing* with anger
"Got something else you wanna fucking say?" The tamer asked, his voice calm but *steeped* with anger and *dripping* with a dark intent as his blade shined with his enemy's blood
Everyone was shocked before Adira yelled, "HECTOR STOP!" Her voice was broken, wavering with unheard sobs as she fought to try and get out of Quirin's grip, he held onto her though, not wanting her to get injured any worse, "PLEASE! PLEASE JUSt... Just stop....."
Hector's ears perked up at that, and he blinked, he saw the man on the floor and, grabbing the discarded dagger, slammed it into his leg, piecing it all the way to the hilt and into the ground, making the murderer *scream* as he leaned in real close and whispered, "stay awhile, I'm not done with you yet....."
Enjoying the fear in the man's eyes, he smirked before he turned towards his siblings. Adira was being held *tightly* in Quirin's arms, her wounds were bloody and bad, her bruises covered every inch of her body, but what caught the tamer's attention the most.... Was her tears.... She was silent, no one could hear her unless they were the knight holding her so close, but as she clung to his vest, she cried, her shoulders shook with every sob she let out as Quirin hugged her close. He was watching their brother, his eyes filled with the same anger Hector felt, but also a sadness he understood, it was bitter and grating, but filled with more guilt than the man should've ever known. Hector sighed and walked over, he knelt down, his blade slipped back into his gauntlet before he, gently, touched her head, her hair was down, the ponytail holder hung like a sting in her hair, slashed in half as she wept.
"A-Adira...." He said, "hey, I didn't.... I didn't do it.... I-I didn't....."
Varian's heart broke as he watched, he felt his own blood begin to boil, he felt his rage come to him, his heart began to beat as he looked at the murderer on the floor, asking Ruddigar to watch over his family before he made his way towards him, "you see what you've done?" He stated, "you hurt my aunt, you corrupted my uncle and father, you've brought shame to the kingdom of Ingvarr, do you still feel like this is your revenge?" He asked, "is *THIS* what you wanted?!"
"I don't need to explain myself to an ashy little bastard like yo-!" He was cut off when the teen punched him square in the jaw!
"Varian!" Eugene exclaimed, surprised by the teen's physical outburst
"Shut up for once Cyrus!" Varian scolded, "Hugo's right! You've ruined everything you touched! You ruined your title, you ruined you relationships, you ruined your plans, you ruined EVERYTHING! Yet you just keep going!" He snapped, "you didn't stop and you hurt those you seemed to give a shit about! Ya just couldn't stop could you?! And you know what's worse?! ....I understand...."
"What?!" The murderer exclaimed, "how could *YOU* fucking understa-!"
"BECAUSE I WAS IN YOUR SHOES YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!" Varian yelled, "I lost my dad, the one family member I had left aside from my raccoon! I lost him due to my own incompetence, but instead of taking the blame, I shifted it! I stole the Sundrop flower, I kidnapped the Queen of Corona, I harmed DOZENS of innocent people! I told myself it was my revenge, I told myself they DESERVED every single nasty thing I threw at them! But I was wrong.... I was the reason my father was trapped, I was the one who stole the Sundrop flower, I caused a lot of the problems I claimed the others did to me... Was I in the right with some things? Yes, but I didn't need to do what I did, I didn't need revenge, I needed a friend.... I needed help.... But here's where our differences end.... Unlike you, I didn't get that help, I got guards at my house, beating me every day and night, I got wanted posters of me all over town, I got abandoned by everyone I knew and loved, I got thrown in jail for my crimes and lashed and beaten without a trial.... I *WISH* I had the kind of help you received! I *WISH* I was granted a trial! I *WISH* I got to be trapped in my own holding cell, but I didn't.... I got thrown into one with a maniac inside! One who abused, manipulated, and hurt me for his own gain! You had everything you could've wanted! Hell you had MORE given the crimes you did! You were given a CHANCE Cyrus! Hugo still wanted to give you help, the rulers wanted to be fair and just with you, to not repeat their mistakes! They gave you EVERYTHING! You threw it away! And now look at you, you still think what you're doing is right?! You think harming innocent people will help you? It won't! The sooner you figure that out, the better...."
The murderer growled, "you missed another difference fuck face", the alchemist raised a brow, "I'm not WEAK!" He shouted, "I don't cry, I don't pout, I don't play kids games and scream how life is unfair! I do what I need to do, and I do it well! It's my JOB to do what the Duke and Duchess asked me to do! It's my JOB to do what Donella said! It's my JOB to deal with *that* little shit's crap all the time!" He gestured towards Hugo, who glared, "it's my JOB! You're just a kid, you lost your daddy, boo hoo, go cry me a river! I lost my parents YEARS ago! I didn't throw a fit, I moved on! I'm not WEAK! I'm strong! You're nothing compared to m-!" He got another fist to the jaw, this time much harder!
Varian was startled by this, wiping his tears away he looked over to see Lance glaring at the man, his fist covered in Cyrus's blood, "shut the fuck up you dick"
"L-Lance-!"
"Don't listen to him kid, you *are* strong, *much* stronger than him. He's nothing but a coward, someone who doesn't deserve the mercy he's been given...." Eugene stated as he looked at the alchemist, his eyes widening when he saw the teen wiping his face, "hey, it's alright"
"I-I know...." Varian sniffled, "I.... I-I....."
Eugene and Lance *glared* at the murderer, their normally gentle eyes showing only hatred for the one they watched before the Dark Prince walked over and hugged Varian, "it's okay, it's alright.... It's alright..."
Hugo watched his boyfriend begin to cry into his big brother's shirt, he felt his heart rip in two when he heard his sobs before he looked at Adira, Hector, and Quirin. The face painted warrior was asleep, slumped against the retired knight's chest as her face shined with the tears she'd shed. Hector was watching her sadly, guilt was filling every inch of his body, Hugo felt a sting of his own as he looked at the ground..... The group was silent, save for Varian's quiet sobs and Lance, who'd joined Eugene in helping to comfort the teen, and Eugene's quiet voices as they gave the alchemist words of comfort. He sighed, not really sure what to do, until he heard something. He was about to turn and face it when something slammed into him! Knocking him down to the floor, he looked up and saw Cyrus smiling wickedly at him, "hello shit stain!"
"HUGO!" Varian yelled
"GET OFF!" The blond screamed, beating his fists into the man
"Oh don't worry, this'll only take a second of my time!" He raised a dagger in the air
Suddenly a blue glow engulfed the field, Cyrus was lifted into the air, he struggled before grabbing Hugo and bringing him with. Both of them fought before they looked over and saw Varian eyes and hair glowing brightly, "PUT HIM *DOWN*!"
"NOT UNTIL YOU LET ME GO!" Cyrus yelled back
"PUT HIM DOWN *NOW*!"
"YOU LET ME LEAVE AND I'LL LET HIM GO!"
"Cyrus!" Hugo struggled against the man's grip, only to be punched in the gut, knocking the wind out of him before the dagger was brought to his neck
"LET ME *GO*!" Cyrus demanded, "OR ELSE I'LL KILL HIM RIGHT HERE AND NOW!"
Hugo yelped when the dagger sliced his skin a bit, getting Varian to wince a little before sighing, "y-you'll let him go?"
"Varian NO!" Hugo screamed before Cyrus's slapped his hand over the blond's mouth
"Yes.... I'll let him go if you let me leave", Cyrus stated. Varian's fists clenched, he didn't want to, he wanted nothing more than to throw this guy into the atmosphere, but seeing Hugo's panic stricken face..... The alchemist sighed and lowered the pair, dropping them both. Cyrus smiled, "wise choice".
He threw Hugo at the teen, Varian, Eugene, and Lance all being knocked down by the teen's body before the murderer sprinted away! "Are you alright?" Lance asked, looking at Hugo
"I-I'm fine I-I need to catch him I-! ....H-he.... Got away...." The blond said weakly as he looked around, not seeing the murderer anywhere
Varian stood up, "I.... C-couldn't let h-him hurt you! I-I'm so sorry! H-he was gonna kill y-you and-and-and-!"
"It's alright", Hugo stated, turning and facing his boyfriend, he froze when he saw tears streaking down the freckled teen's face, his blue eyes wide with fear and guilt.
"I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry..... I'm s-sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I-!"
Hugo hugged his boyfriend instantly, "it's alright, it's okay", he whispered, "it's okay.... It's okay"
"I'm s-sorry....."
"I know"
"H-he was gonna kill you"
"I know"
"I-I-!"
"Varian, it's alright, I'm not mad, I'm not", the bespeckled teen stated gently, "you saved my life, it's alright, it's alright"
Varian continued to sob into Hugo's chest, Eugene and Lance trying to help comfort the teen while Hector and Quirin stood, Ruddigar hopping onto the retired knight's shoulder as Adira slept in her older brother's arms, they joined the group. The campsite was ruined, the meadow was a mess, and Cyrus was gone.... Everyone felt an overwhelming weight on their shoulders as they listened to the sounds of Varian's muffled cries.....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter was freaking nuts.... Our heroes lost too..... Hoo boy....
Hector went NUTS! Cyrus deserved every second of it, but my gosh!!!!!! The man went feral so freaking fast I actually hurt my fingers typing that out XD I love Hector, and seeing him stop when his sister begs him to, seeing that softer side of him is just nice to write! :D
Adira.... Poor freaking Adira..... My gosh.... There's nothing more to say to this women just... My freaking gosh.....
Quirin is the best big brother and father ever! Him, Eugene, and Lance, all three of them are amazing and I love them so much! Lance punching Cyrus too, that surprised me! And I'm the one writing it! Good on them for being there for their family <3
Hugo and Varian.... Oh lanta these boys.... They break my heart and fill me with joy every time I write them! I love them so much but they go through so much pain, like, my freaking gosh! They need hot chocolate and snuggles, SO BAD!
Cyrus is going to get what's coming to him, he's going to get it so bad, he really is.... This man is nasty, cruel, disgusting, and horrid! Karma's gonna hit him like a caravan.....
Ruddy buddy is still the best coon ever! Looking over his boy's family and sticking with them! Wholesome raccoon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 275: Precautions and Discussion!
Summary:
Adira wakes up and, with her family, discusses what they should do next!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"What if he comes back?" The little girl asked, "what if you're not there to stop him?"
"I'll always be there, no matter what happens", he replied
"B-but.... You're so busy all the time.... You train, are on patrol, then you garden...."
He chuckled, "I may train and patrol, but that's to make sure I'm strong enough to protect you. If you called for help, I'll always come running, no matter what"
She looked up at him, his beautiful brown eyes making her feel warm inside, "why do you want to protect me?"
"Because I care about you Adira"
"But why? You don't know me", Adira argued
"Does that matter?"
"Well...."
He chuckled again, "look, I understand this is new to you, and that's okay. But I will protect you, no matter what, even if we argue or get into fights, you'll always be my top priority"
"It is cause I'm a warrior?"
"No, it's because I care about you"
"....Promise?"
"Promise"
Adira smiled, "thanks big brother!" She exclaimed, the 7 year old hugging her 18 year old brother happily before she coughed a little
"You're welcome, but you may want to take it easy. You're getting better, but you're not fully recovered yet you know"
"I know.... Sorry"
"No need to apologize, that bug's been going around for a while, it isn't anything new"
"....I didn't really *have* to make it worse by jumping in puddles though"
"True, but did you have fun?"
"....Yes"
"Then it was worth it"
The girl giggled, "you're so nice"
"I try, not very nice when I have you doing extra training though am I?"
"No, you're a stickler then"
Her big brother snickered, "you're getting sassier everyday you know"
"I'm glad!"
The man looked at her and grinned, his brown eyes shining with affection as he looked at his little sister, "so am I Adira"
"Quirin-!"*
The warrior groaned a little, the memories of her dream washing away, only one word sticking out in her fizzy mind as she began to wake, "....Quirin....."
"Adira?" A voice replied, it was laced with concern and worry as she opened her eyes and was met with yellow ones
She blinked, "W.... Wild Child?"
He snorted, "surprised you didn't say 'Spirit', but yes, are you alright?" He paused, "which is a dumb fucking question I didn't think I'd *ever* ask...."
She smirked, "it really was"
"I fucking know.... Answer anyway"
"I'm..... Sore.... But okay for the most part"
"....Kay"
She smiled, "aw, you were worried about me"
"Shut the fuck up"
"But it's sweet"
"No it isn't!"
"It is"
The tamer huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring at the floor, getting the face painted warrior to chuckle, ".....You're hurt...." He stated quietly, "and.... You cried...."
Her eyes widened at that, "I.... Did?"
"Yeah", he replied, "in Quirin's arms no less.... You cried......" He looked at her, "*he* made you cry....."
The face painted warrior stopped, *he?* She thought, *he who? I can't remember who I-!* He mind instantly flashed memories of her fight with Cyrus in her mind, making her shudder, *oh.... Him....*
"What'd he do to you?"
"Hm?" She looked at her younger brother and saw him watching her worriedly. His yellow eyes filled with anger and hatred, but also fear and concern, she wasn't sure why, but she smiled when she saw that, "he.... Made comments...."
"Did he..... Touch you?" She winced at that, "shit sorry.... F-forget I asked I didn't mean to-!"
"Yes...." She replied softly, "he.... A-a little.... Not t-to...." She took a breath and let it out slowly, "n-not too far.... But he touched parts of me that were.... B-bad.... My hip and legs mostly.... A-and my neck...." She reached towards her neck, touching it softly and feeling the bandage wrapped around it.
"...Bastard...." Hector growled
"....Where's Quirin?" She asked softly
"He's speaking with the King and Queen of Corona, and the Queen of Ingvarr..... He didn't want to leave, but he was the only one that really had most of the story, Lance and Eugene went with him to help.... He fought fucking hard to stay, but our King said I'd be here to watch you until they got back, that was kinda the final straw...."
"Speckles and Goldilocks.... Where are they?"
"Asleep...." He gestured to the bed behind him, when Adira looked, she smiled, the two alchemists, and one raccoon and mouse, were cuddling with each other. Holding themselves close to the other and sleeping heavily, "Hugo nearly got killed, Varian had to let Cyrus go to make sure Hugo wouldn't be killed.... He feels fucking horrible about it...."
Adira was startled by that, but sighed, "he shouldn't...."
"We keep telling him that...."
The face painted warrior sighed before the door to the infirmary opened, both fighters looked over and saw, "Adira!" Quirin noticed her instantly and ran over, leaving Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel to close the door behind him as the retired knight gently hugging her close. She smiled and returned the embrace, seeing her Dark King walk over to Hector and smile at the two, "I was so worried about you!"
She smiled, "I'm okay, I'm alright"
He pulled away to look at her, "are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm alright, just... Sore"
"I'll bet... I'm so sorry... I should've gone with you and-!"
"No no, I didn't want you too.... I shouldn't have taken him on my own anyway.... That man's lost everything... I should've been more careful"
Quirin sighed, sitting down in a chair he'd pulled to his side, "I'm just glad you're awake, that's all I care about right now"
"So the lengthy lecture on waiting for you two to come with me when dealing with a man on the brink of insanity is coming soon then?"
"Very much so"
"Noted"
"King Edmund's joining"
"I'll prepare myself"
"Good"
"Indeed"
"It's gonna be long"
"I see"
The two watched each other for a moment before they smiled, "I really am glad you're okay", Quirin stated
"Thank you, I'm glad you are too.... You didn't....."
"No.... Hector didn't either-!"
"Though I was fucking close!" The wild tamer exclaimed, "asshole deserved it"
Adira smiled at her little brother, "thank you, both of you, for saving me"
The two looked at her before nodding, the room was quiet until they all heard a squeaky yawn come from the other bed. Looking over, they smiled when Varian sleepily raised his head and looked around, rubbing his eyes until one of them trained on the face painted warrior, "....W.... W-Wise Eyes?"
"Hello Speckles"
"Adira!" The teen shuffled out of bed, not wanting to wake his boyfriend or raccoon, to which he turned and tucked Hugo back in, before he ran over and hugged his aunt happily, "you're okay!"
She smiled and returned the hug, "yup, I'm okay now, I'm okay"
He held her for a little bit before he realized what he was doing and stopped, "oops! Uh, s-sorry"
"It's alright, right now, I'm looking past it"
He smiled up at her before noticing her wrapped up wounds, "are you.... D-do that.... Hurt?"
"A little, but I'll be alright, been through worse after all", he winced at that, "sorry"
"I-it's alright, I'm just glad you're awake". She smiled at him, it growing bigger when Quirin scooped his son up and held him close, making the teen let out a startled, "meep!"
"So what's the plan now?" Eugene asked, "Cyrus is still out there, now more crazy than ever, and he was able to take on Adira one on one, which means this guy is freaking powerful!"
"We'll need to gather more guards to watch around Corona and Old Corona, since there's a maniac at large", Rapunzel stated, "we'll also need to take precautions, for example, Hugo's letter to Donella and quite possibly more training and secret places for all of us to go, just in case"
"Secret places?" Lance asked
"Yes", the princess replied seriously, "now that we know Cyrus can go toe to toe with Adira, one of the strongest people I've ever met, we can't rely on brute strength or strategy here. We need to come up with a plan should he feel the need to pay us a visit again.... Having a secret place to go would make sure everyone is safe and having a small, trusted group of friends and family know where that is would make it easier to hide".
"I actually agree with you on that", Edmund stated, "this man has made threats against my kingdom, and my family, we must take every precaution we can to ensure everyone's safety"
"We can't just hide though", Hector stated, "he's gonna think we're fucking cowards if all we do is hide. I'd say send the one's he's after in the safety rooms and fight him off ourselves"
"And who do you suppose would be able to take him on?" Edmund asked, "Adira, no offense, got beaten bloody by him.... He used her weaknesses to his advantage and caused her to cry"
"Quirin and I", the tamer stated, "if he uses my weakness it pisses me off, I'm wild when I'm angry, and Quirin knows how to dodge me in that state. And Quirin barely has any weaknesses. One of them will be safely away from the fight and hidden", he gestured to the teen in his brother's arms, "so it's one less weakness to worry about".
"You forget another, one that'd be fighting with him", Edmund stated before he gestured to the wild tamer himself
"I'd be fine in that fucking fight"
"No you wouldn't", Quirin stated, "you'd be angry and out of control, in that state of mind, you'd be more than likely to kill Cyrus, in fact, I would be too.... Something that neither of us want to, or *should*, do"
"The fuck?! He just bashed our sister bloody! Used her fucking *past* against her to make her lose the battle, *touched* her! You don't think he deserves to die after that?!"
"I do, but we're not the one's to give out that judgement Hector"
"Well then who fucking is?! Because whoever they are, I'd like to speak to them about their fucking taste in people!"
"I am....." A soft voice stated, getting the group to turn and see Hugo sitting up in bed, petting Ruddigar and Olivia, the mouse on his shoulder while the raccoon is in his lap, "I know Cyrus personally and have the closest relationship to him out of everyone here..... So his fate, or at least the deciding vote for his fate would rest with me...." The blond stated
"Hugo", Varian said, wriggling out of his father's arms and walking over to his lover, "I thought you were asleep"
"I was.... But hearing the arguing woke me up"
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm okay, just tired, and.... Well.... Nervous", he looked directly at Hector, who seemed regretful of what he'd just said
"Sorry...." The tamer stated
"It's alright, you're angry, I understand", he looked at Adira sorrowfully, "I would be too...."
The face painted warrior smiled at the blond before Varian hopped on the bed with his boyfriend and leaned against him. The blond smirked, "hi"
"Hi", the freckled teen replied, scratching Ruddigar's chin lovingly
Lance smiled at the pair before Eugene spoke up, "so.... What do you think we should do with Cyrus then?"
The green eyes alchemist sighed, "I.... Don't know.... On one hand, he's fucking crazy and should be put down before he harms anyone else, on the other...." He sighed, "he's Don's closest friend.... They've been together for far longer than I remember.... Him getting killed.... Feels like an end to that, but.... I don't see him regretting what he's done either...."
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel asked, "we haven't really given him a chance to think about it have we?"
"Yes we did", Varian replied, "me and Hugo both tried to talk some sense into Cyrus when he fought my aunt, uncle, and father.... He practically spat in our faces and...." The teen looked down, "w-well what he said wasn't great....."
"What.... Varian what did he say?"
The teen looked at her and chuckled bitterly, "he um...." Tears stung in his eyes at the man's cruel words, "he... C-called me weak.... Said that my entire reason f-for doing w-what I did to you was a joke.... T-that I should've moved on and let it... L-Let *him*", he gestured towards Quirin, "go...." He closed his eyes as a few drops fell from his chin and onto his lap
"Oh Varian....."
"He was wrong", Hugo stated, holding Varian close, "he was fucking wrong"
"Yeah, he really was...." Lance agreed softly
"I know.... J-just.... Hit a n-nerve is all...." Varian responded
The Village Leader himself walked over and sat next to his son, gently getting him to lean against the man as he rubbed his back softly. Hugo watched them for a moment before he looked at Hector, "honestly, I'm more than willing to agree and say he should be taken down.... What he did to Varian, Adira, you, and Quirin, then what he threatened to do to three other kingdoms is fucking horrible.... That being said, I can't just decide that right away, even if it's a rotten, I'm talking about someone's life, someone that has been in mine for years.... I don't take life lightly, not that you do, but for me to decide, I think I need to think on it.... If you don't mind"
The tamer huffed, but nodded, "I don't like it, but I respect that you take his life so seriously, even if he doesn't. I can wait until you decide, in that time, hiding spots, safety measures, patrols, more guards, and that letter to.... *Her*", he stated with disgust
"Donella", Hugo corrected with a smirk
"Yeah that.... Would be a damn good place to start"
Rapunzel nodded before she looked at Hugo, "I'm glad you take his life seriously too, I agree with you on needing to wait"
The bespeckled teen nodded, "thanks princess"
She nodded, "we'll make sure to take precautions and figure everything out", she stated with a smile before she turned to Varian, "are you going to be alright?"
The teen nodded, "I will be.... That was just... Hard to hear...."
"I understand, for what it's worth, it isn't true"
"Thank you"
She nodded before she looked at Adira, "I really am glad you're awake, we were worried"
"Thank you", the face painted warrior responded, "sorry for the scare"
"Don't be, you tried to help, at least we know he's powerful now, and will use anything to his advantage, that's good information to have on hand"
King Edmund smiled, "you made it back, that's all that matters Adira, just rest for now, you've earned it"
She smiled at her king, then to the rest of her family, she realized that this was the first time she'd been this hurt since she'd been saved from.... Him.... And as she looked around, she saw the faces of everyone who cared for her, and for the first time, in a long time, she finally felt safe. With that in mind, she continued to smile and allowed herself to relax as everyone helped take care of her. Sure there were still issues that needed to be sorted, but they would get to them soon, together.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Not too much to say on this chapter, it was a 'what's next' kind of chapter, Adira will be resting in the infirmary for a while, we have some set up for other chapters, Hugo and Varian are cuddling, as are Varian and Quirin, and the Brotherhood are being a family! :D I won't go into character info like usual, I'll let the chapter do that, this was sort of a character driven chapter, let them take the lead you know?
Either way, I hope you all enjoyed, thank you all for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 276: Reveal and Weep!
Summary:
Cassandra has a chat with the ghost girl while Quirin has an idea of who the ghost girl might be!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Cassandra sighed, she was trying to summon the power of the black rocks, but for some reason, it wouldn't come to her, "why won't it work?"
"Because you're trying to force it", the ghost girl stated as she watched, "you must *feel* that emotion, feel the rage and anger deep in the smallest recesses of your mind, body, heart, and soul. Only then can you summon the rocks that are as dark as those emotions".
"I'm trying, but it's not working for some reason"
"Are you thinking about all the anger you feel?"
"Yes"
"Do you remember what the princess did to you? What your father said about you?"
"How could I forget...."
"Then it should be working if what you're saying is true", the ghost girl stated, "the only other thing I could think of is you not having full power of the Moonstone"
Cassandra sighed, "that must be it then...."
"You're giving up?"
"What other choice do I have?! They know about me over there! They know I have more power, I can't just waltz in and get some more from Varian!"
"Why not?"
Cassandra stopped and raised a brow, "what do you mean?"
"Why don't you just waltz in and take the power from that boy? Better yet, why not just go get the scroll?"
The blue haired women huffed, "why do I need that scroll anyway? You said I could get the power without it!"
"No, I said we'd need it to be translated and to get it out of the princess's hands first before we could use it, which I previously thought wasn't possible. But I've come across some interesting information about it that may prove useful to you"
"Like what?"
"The princess has asked the boy to translate it"
Cassandra's eyes widened, "wait 'the boy'? You mean Varian?"
"Yes! She's asked him to translate the scroll, he's made good progress, but he hasn't gotten too far", she received a raised brow from the women, "it's more progress than anyone's made in a long time, it could prove useful to us"
"Wait wait wait, how do you even *know* that he has the scroll?"
The ghost girl smiled wickedly, "remember when you found, and spoke with, your father? Remember when I was comforting you? I'd placed my hand on your back and.... Accidentally made a connection to the boy's mind through you", she explained, "I wasn't in there long, something pushed me out you see, but while I was in there, I noticed a few fragments of his memories. Such as how he met his little blond toy, how he speaks with the Moon herself, and how he's been translating the scroll after the princess asked him. He's taking great pride in his work, and it's taking him a while, but he's doing it, which means once he's done, we can get that scroll and use it ourselves to give you the proper power you need!"
"W-wait... He speaks.... To the Moon?"
The girl blinked before she smiled, getting an idea, "of course he does, the Moon speaks to anyone she finds worthy of her presence, though few have gotten that chance simply because they don't have the power of the Moonstone, I'm certain she's spoken with you before, has she not?" Cassandra was silent, wrapping her arms around herself sadly, "she hasn't has she..... Dear me, it seems even the Moon is choosing that boy over you.... Odd, given how much that princess seems to favor him too"
"R-Rapunzel favors him?"
"Of course she does, even made matching outfits with him to wear to that silly ball they attended!"
"Matching outfits?"
"To represent the Sun and the Moon, although it's odd how they did that when he doesn't have the Moonstone, I'd figure she'd be trying everything to get you back to her, but she's putting so much effort into that boy I-! Oh my... You don't think she's *replaced* you with him do you?"
Cassandra felt a chill run up her spine as her mind flickered with images of Rapunzel and Varian together, the alchemist taking her place next to the princess's side as they laughed together, laughed at her, her misfortune and stupidity at ever thinking she was good enough for Rapunzel! It made the women's stomach twist into knots she felt so sick with anger! She didn't notice the ghost girl's smirk or her glowing green hands behind her back once more, all Cassandra could feel was an underlying hatred growing bigger and bigger the more she thought about Varian replacing her. She growled, the Moonstone sparking to life until she let out an ear piercing *scream*! The black rocks shooting from the ground around her and heading straight towards the teen's home in Old Corona. She didn't care, let it serve as a message, let them make the place crash to the ground! She smiled when she heard the satisfying crunch of part of the building being rendered to mere pebbles, not even realizing her worry being taken out of her, her guilt following behind as her anger took their place. She just didn't care anymore, the alchemist and the princess were done taking from her, she was done feeling any remorse, she just wanted them to pay.....
The ghost girl continued to watch, holding on tight to the delicious emotions she'd consumed, it was only a matter of time until she'd made this girl the perfect tool for her plans, all she needed to do was wait.... That was fine, she could be patient, she smiled as she felt something, something she'd neglected to tell Cassandra, the small piece of the boy she'd momentarily connected with and collected. She played with that tiny connection, keeping it in the back of her mind in case she could use him for something later while she watched Cassandra's emotions begin to darken more and more with a delighted smile on her face....
****
*Images of something rising from the darkness intruded into the boy's mind, he twisted and turned, whimpering a little as the images began to take hold of him, the darkness bringing forth tendrils and wrapping themselves around him.
He struggled, trying to get out of their grip before he saw a women standing beside him, she had a stone shining in her chest as he eyes glowed a vivid green color, "C-CASSAND-!" His mouth was shut when darkness poured into it!
He spat it out, trying to call her name, to reach out to her, but everytime he got close, more darkness would swarm around him, filling the room he was in like a pool, only it was inky dark instead of water.... He couldn't get out, it was thicker than syrup, the tendrils kept trying to pull him down, but he kept fighting.
He wanted to save her, wanted to help her! He saw her slowly slipping away as she began to fade, he tried calling out for her again, but the darkness forbade him from speaking....
Suddenly, she was gone.... No longer standing over him, the darkness having swallowed her whole.... He felt tears sting in the corners of his eyes as he trying to reach out again, trying to call her back, but no one came.....
He clutched his stomach, unable to breath anymore as more and more darkness consumed him, he closed his eyes, thinking this would be his final breath....*
*GASP!* Varian gulped large amounts of air into his lungs, breathing heavily as he opened his eyes and was surrounded by light! "Varian!" He turned and saw Hugo looking at him worriedly, his green eyes watching the teen, "a-are you alright?"
"Y-*huff puff* y-yeah I'm fine", the alchemist replied before he breathed a little more and finally regained control over his breathing before sitting up and looking around. He winced when he saw everyone staring at him worriedly, "s-sorry, did I make you all worry?"
"No-I mean, yes we did worry, but it's not your fault", Rapunzel stated, "you were just.... Twisting and turning in your sleep before...." She went silent, looking down
"B-before? Before what?"
"Freckles you um...." Hugo stated before taking a breath and letting it out, "you screamed Cassandra's name before stopping as if something interrupted you, a-and then acted like.... L-like you were drowning...."
Varian's eyes widened, "d-did my face turn red?"
"Yeah it did.... You were clinging to your neck to be fair, and holding your breath, but.... That freaked us all out.... Me and your dad had to hold you down to get you to stop....."
The freckled teen felt his heart thump a little faster as he looked around before seeing his father sitting right next to him, his face full of worry and fear as he watched his son quietly, "....Dad...." He couldn't find the right words to comfort his father, but as his guilt began to rise, he felt the man shuffle a bit before scooping him into his arms and holding him close
"It's alright", Quirin said, "you didn't mean to do that, so don't blame yourself, alright?"
"...O-oki..... I'm s-still sorry...."
"No need to apologize, just.... What happened in that nightmare?"
Varian explained what he'd seen, getting everyone to gasp as he explained seeing Cassandra before she faded and he began to drown, "....T-that's when I woke up and heard Hugo...." He finished before he looked up at his dad
The retired knight didn't seem afraid, more thoughtful than anything else, "Varian, did you see the Moon anywhere in that dream?"
"Nu, she wasn't there, why?"
"Have you spoken to her lately?"
"....Nu....."
"Hmm...." He looked at his king, "you think something's blocking him from seeing her?"
Edmund's eyes widened before he glared, "great googly moogly I sincerely hope not, but.... It seems like a possibility.... Seems like the being we researched before...."
"R-researched?" Varian asked
"Being?" Hugo added
"Being blocked?" Eugene repeated
"Great googly moogly?!" Lance exclaimed, getting everyone to look at him before he blushed, "eheh, sorry, tryin to lighten the mood"
Varian giggled, "well *he* liked it", Eugene pointed out, getting the man to smile
Quirin sighed, "when Varian had that fainting spell while he and Rapunzel were trying on their kimonos together, I said I'd do research with King Edmund, Adira, and Hector, and also inform Hugo. I did, we did, together, and we found a creature that fits everything we've been told, and more so.... But.... I'm very worried about them being the actual thing we should worry about... Because if it's them, then it's going to take more than the few of us to take them down....."
"Who? Who do you think it is Quirin?" Rapunzel asked anxiously
"You sure you wanna know?"
The princess nodded seriously, "if there's something out there that's making Cassandra do all of this, or even influencing her to make the decisions she had, then I wanna know so we can get her away from it as soon as possible", she looked at Varian, "he said it himself, he thinks Cass may be in trouble.... If she is, and this thing is what's causing it, then I wanna fight it, as much as I can, I'll do anything to get my best friend back"
Varian felt a pang of betrayal by her words, but decided to keep it hidden, though he felt Quirin hold him a little closer as Hugo placed his hand on his. The retired knight sighed before he looked directly at Rapunzel, his eyes never leaving hers as he spoke "....The being that may be causing all of these problems princess..... Is most likely the demon king himself.... Zhan Tiri....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So the group finds out it's Zhan Tiri LONG before they do in the actual show! :D I was surprised it took them so long to figure out, so here's me making it shorter, also, Cassandra moment :D
Cassandra is losing herself chatting with ZT, the more time she spends with her, the more of herself gets sucked away, hence why she acts the way she does in the show! :D And why her apologizing and feeling remorse in the finale comes across as out of the left field, what if ZT was taking Cass's emotions away from her, until there was nothing left but anger and hatred, makes it a little more understanding why she'd be acting the way she was with no remorse before she suddenly has some, right? XD I love the show, I promise I do, just don't like Cassandra in Season 3, so here's my fix for it X3
Poor Varian, this bean keeps having more nightmares, not fun for him, he'll get better, but just... Poor bean <3
Quirin and Hugo are being their supportive selves again! Way to go beans! <3
Lance and Eugene are being funny, small part, but still fun to write, and Rapunzel is being Rapunzel, I love Punzie, but she still needs to learn about how what she says affects people, but she will soon :3
Edmund has a part to play in this chapter! :D More of him coming soon! :D
Hector and Adira are there in the room, so is Ruddigar, they're just quiet, Adira is healing and Hector is watching her like a hawk
They'll find out about their home soon, not completely destroyed, but it's damaged
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon ever! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 277: The Wizard Zhan Tiri!
Summary:
The group hears a story about Zhan Tiri and Varian and Rapunzel have a heart to heart!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"....The being that may be causing all of these problems princess..... Is most likely the demon king himself.... Zhan Tiri....."
The room fell silent, the air running a chill up everyone's spine as the retired knight spoke those words, "Zhan T-Tiri?" Lance repeated, "you mean that one demon who's lackey tried to steal my very *soul*?"
"Wait what?" Quirin said, looking at the man worriedly, "when did that happen?"
"When me and Rapunzel did.... Um.... A certain.... Art class....."
"Art cl-!" The village leader stopped when his mind flashed a memory:
*"Rapunzel was having a really bad bout of "painter's block" after that huge, gigantic blizzard came and she was upset because she made the hard decision to-.....", Eugene started before he stopped and looked at the teen, who had a very hurt look on his face as his raccoon glared daggers at the man, "Uh you know, never mind, either way, she couldn't paint because of that and decided to take an art class. But it turned out she couldn't really take that art class anymore because a witch, who was apparently studying under Zhan Tiri, was trying to use the painters to paint a picture of a tree to release Zhan Tiri, who is an ancient demon that we are constantly hearing about and is anyone starting to worry about that, because I sure am!" He redirected, sweating bullets as he felt the death glare emanating off of Quirin and into his back*
".....Right.... That one...."
Rapunzel looked at Varian, guilt filling her eyes as the teen looked dejected, "I know going to that class before checking on you is a *huge* mistake on my part.... I know it is, and I'm really sorry Varian.... I really am...."
The freckled teen sighed, "it.... I-it's not okay, but.... You're making up for it..... Just...." He looked at her, "Rapunzel, c-can I.... No... I-I'll ask later...."
The princess tilted her head, "Varian what did you-!"
"I don't w-wanna ask now because this is m-more important.... But I... N-need to ask something later.... Zhan Tiri is more important"
"He's not 'more important'", Lance stated gently, "he's a threat, but one we can face once we have more detail, what you're feelin is just as important little man, but if you wanna wait, that's fine"
Varian blinked before smiling at the man and nodding, "o-oki"
The former thief grinned before looking at the princess, she understood and stepped back, allowing Eugene to step forwards and take over, "so, I think I mentioned before that I was starting to get very worried about this demon, and Hector, you and Adira said you were going to look more into it?"
The wild tamer nodded, watching his nephew for a moment, getting a nod affirming he was okay for now, before bringing his full attention to the Dark Prince, "we did, me and Adira both, Quirin and King Edmund-!"
"You can just call me Edmund", the Dark King interrupted with a light blush
"-*King* Edmund, joined us in our search not too long ago"
"When Varian fell over during his and Rapunzel's fitting session", Quirin explained, getting Eugene and Lance to nod in understanding
Adira shifted a little in her bed, carefully trying to sit up without aggravating her wounds. She managed to do so and continued the conversation, "we found a story from a folk tale about Lord Demanitus himself, apparently those two were rivals or something"
The princess looked interested, as did Varian, "how did it go?" She asked, the tiny alchemist leaning forwards a bit to listen, getting Hugo and Quirin to chuckle
Adira smiled before looking at her younger brother, "you want to tell it, or should I?"
"Fuck it, you tell it", Hector replied
She smirked before she looked at the pair and began to tell the story:
*Once upon a time, there was a people known for worshipping the Earth, they thanked the planet for giving them their food and homes, celebrating the wonderous creatures that roamed its lands, they were a peaceful people. One day, the people discovered earthly magic, using things like auras and chakras to tell someone's fortune, tarot cards to give them predictions, some even becoming elders and experimenting with this magic to help their people. Out of all of them, stood a wizard, his name, Zhan Tiri.
This wizard was powerful, he moved the earth and sky, could control nature itself and made sure everyone knew of his power. He began to grow stronger with each passing day, until suddenly, he started to take nature into his own hands. He used the wind to move the clouds, used the water to turn the tides, made fire dance within his fingers, even was able to make the earth *itself* bend to his will, he then began to try different things, mixing elements to control other things, like snow and ice to make blizzards*
Varian shuddered at that, a movement that did not go unnoticed by Hugo or Quirin, who held him tighter.
*The people who worshipped the Earth, they grew angry with Zhan Tiri, telling him to stop controlling the elements, for it was changing him on the inside and out, and was a crime against nature and the Earth itself. The wizard did not stop, and because of this, he was banished from his home land, forever meant to wander alone, he left vowing his revenge, and traveled to a land made purely of darkness. They said it was a treacherous land, with people who favored the Moon-!*
"Wait wait wait wait", Hugo interrupted, "a dark place with people who favored the Moon? That sounds like the Dark Kingdom!"
Adira nodded, "it is"
The blond's eyes widened, as did Rapunzel's, Eugene's, Lance's, and Varian's as they all stared at the women, "b-but", Varian began, "i-if Zhan Tiri went to the Dark Kingdom... T-then.... How'd he meet Lord Demanitus? He was in Corona"
Edmund smiled sadly at the teen, "you remember the 'Lunar Love Festival'?"
Something clicked inside Varian's head as he gasped, "d-did Demanitus continue to go back and forth from the Dark Kingdom and Corona?!"
"Yup, at least that's what the story says"
The teen smiled wide, "that's so *COOOOOOL*!!!!" He fanboyed, "he was checking on our people, and-and-and also being the wise man of the Coronan kingdom, and-and-and he made inventions, and-and-!"
"Ok ok, we get it, Demanitus was a super cool guy", Eugene interrupted as Lance and Rapunzel giggled
Varian blushed, "sorry"
"It's okay Speckles, you're just excited", Adira replied before continuing with the story:
*Anyway, the wizard Zhan Tiri made it to this kingdom, which welcomed him and his magic with open arms. The wizard was humbled by the many warriors in the kingdom, all of them stronger and none of them very interested in his brand of magic. That is... Until Demanitus came to town, he met the wizard, and asked him questions about his magic, seemingly interested in it's tendencies and such. When the wizard showed him what he could do, Demanitus decided to introduce him to the king of the Dark Kingdom, which, at that time was, called The Artem Kingdom, their king's name being Ethan Artem.
When Zhan Tiri met the king and showed him his abilities, he was taken to the Moonstone, which had been causing a bit of a stir. See, the Moonstone was causing black rocks to spread everywhere, and they would shift and move, they did that even when we were born. But back then, the people of Artem didn't know how to handle this magical feat, Demanitus, being one who wished to protect those people, asked the wizard if he could help calm the rocks down with his own magic, possibly hold onto the stone to cease the rock from moving so the people could rebuild their homes and allow the Moonstone to make it's magic dance once again-!*
"They", Varian corrected softly
"Hm?" Adira looked at her nephew curiously
"S-sorry, but the Moonstone... T-they're a they, n-not an it"
Her eyes widened, "did they tell you that?"
"Y-yeah, a while ago", he blushed, "I-I'm sorry, I d-didn't mean to interrupt, I-I just-!"
"It's alright Speckles, I'm glad you told me, now I know, the Moonstone is a they, I'll remember that"
Varian felt relief wash over him as he smiled and nodded, getting a hug from Quirin before the face painted warrior continued the story:
*However, the wizard saw his opportunity to get more powerful, he agreed to help, and did manage to calm the rocks enough for people to be used to their movement by taking hold of the Moonstone, he held them for years, becoming a Brotherhood member because of his act, the Brotherhood was made to serve the king of the Artem Kingdom and to protect the Moonstone, it was a reward for his selfless deed to the king and his kingdom, but.... When he was asked, he didn't return the Moonstone.... Instead stealing the stone and heading back to his original home. Where he caused mayhem and destruction to befall it's citizens, people were separated, homes were destroyed, lives were lost, all because one man believed he should've been respected more than he deserved..... Demanitus tried to put a stop to it, but was fought against.... At this time, the kingdom of Corona had heard of the destruction of this Earthly kingdom, see, they were rivals with this kingdom, and decided now would be a good time to try and gain an advantage over them.
Their king, King Flare, was a ruthless warrior, and decided to start a war with the Earthly kingdom because he'd believe the Sun was far better suited as a worshipped figure. Zhan Tiri didn't help matters when his weapon of choice happened to be one powered by the Moon herself.... Demanitus was trying to stop both sides, he managed to get the Coronan kingdom to step back, and was able to defeat Zhan Tiri in battle using a powerful tool that the wise man had to tinker with.... It *was* called the Summoning Stone, that eventually changed to the Mind Trap.....*
"M-mind trap?" Rapunzel asked
Varian's eyes glowed for a split second, as if something in him was triggered by that word before he blinked and it disappeared. Quirin watched his boy for a moment, "you okay?"
The teen looked up, "yeah, why?"
Making a mental note about that, Quirin shook his head, "never mind, I'll tell you later, as for the Mind Trap....." He shuddered, "it's.... Best not to dwell on something like that...." At Rapunzel's expression he added, "the less you know, the better"
The princess was about to say something but felt Eugene's hand on hers, she looked at her boyfriend, who shook his head, before she sighed, "alright"
Adira smiled apologetically at the princess before continuing:
*Once.... That tool.... Was used against Zhan Tiri, he was rendered unable to fight and thus was defeated. However, that did come at a cost, the Summoning Stone's original use was to summon the Brotherhood members to the King's side should he need assistance. But because of Zhan Tiri doing what he did, and Demanitus needing to tinker with it, making it into the Mind Trap, it was the sacrifice needed to stop the mad Wizard.... Because of this however, it was also extremely dangerous for what it could do.... And was put away in a maze not too far from here.... It was eventually moved because people tried to use it, including Zhan Tiri himself, but that's besides the point. Zhan Tiri was now cursed to stay in the Artem kingdom, to serve as a Brotherhood member for the rest of his days, watched over constantly by the other members for years to come.... That is.... Until Corona decided to start another war with the weakened Earthly kingdom which lasted for decades until their king, Herz Der Sonne, fell in love with the general of the rival kingdom and got married, but during that war, there was another king of Corona who wanted to use the power of the Moonstone, once again, to take over the other kingdom.
Demanitus said no, that using such an item would throw the world into chaos, but Zhan Tiri saw his opportunity, and managed to pledge his allegiance to the Coronan king, thereby rendering his curse to the Artem Kingdom useless and allowing him to try and steal the Moonstone.... He did so, but the Moonstone's magic changed him, he added his magic to that of the Moonstone's, mixing them together and causing him to become a demon! He used the Great Tree as his home for a long time, corrupting it's heart and forcing all who lived there out! He practiced his evil feats of magic, he was the one who created the Decay incantation and did so by using human's negative feelings to destroy things from the inside out! Demanitus managed to stop and trap him and stop his magic, but his mark still stands, that blizzard was his final blow, he wanted to destroy the Coronan kingdom for trying to steal what, he thought, was rightfully his, the Earth kingdom, which was very weak at this time because of the war.....
The wise man managed won in the end, returning the Moonstone to the Artem Kingdom, but the world was very out of balance. The Earth kingdom.... Was all but destroyed at this point, becoming a shell of its former self.... They were a strong people, so they didn't die out, still fighting until Herz Der Sonne came around, but their culture has since been wiped from existence.... Zhan Tiri's influence still stands in his three servents, one of them being that witch you spoke of who tried to steal your very soul during that art class Earring. The other is the owner of a house called 'the house of Yesterday's Tomorrow', and the third.... Was Mother Gothel.....*
Rapunzel gasped at that before covering her mouth
*All three of them are gone, but their spirits live on, influencing people in horrid ways and causing destruction and mayhem wherever they go.... Trying to revive their master so he may, once again, spread his destruction and chaos across this land....*
She finished the story and let out a breath before looking at the people in the room, "we figured Zhan Tiri's magic sounds exactly like the magic that Speckles was speaking of when he felt that force. And when you told us about your nightmare....."
Varian looked down, clinging to his father's vest as his anxiety built up, "t-that nightmare... C-Cassandra... Zhan Tiri's influence.... T-that Earth Kingdom.... A-all of it...." He looked at the face painted warrior, "it's happening again... H-his influence.... The Moon is connected with dreams, t-the fact that I'm having n-nightmares about this is a sign the Moon is trying to warn me... B-but something's blocking her.... And if Zhan Tiri can control emotions o-or even use negative one's to his advantage.... W-when I saw C-Cassandra fading.... A-and then being drowned by all of that darkness....." His heart began to beat faster and faster, "t-then that Earth kingdom... T-that was the Seporians! T-their general married King Herz Der Sonne! T-they were the one's wiped out by Zhan Tiri, w-which makes him Seporian too! A-and with how the Corona King a-acted, it's no w-wonder Andrew did what he did! A-and the other Seporians in the castle, h-how they must feel about c-coming here and seeing everything t-they owned before i-in Coronan hands.... A-and Demanitus, a-and the Dark Kingdom, t-the Summoning Stone I-I-I-I-!"
"Hey, hey, it's okay, take a breath, it's alright, it's alright", Quirin stated, holding his son close as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy's cheek
"D-d-d-dad....."
"It's alright, it's alright"
"D-dad t-they...." Varian took a slow breath and let it out before continuing, "i-if C-Cassandra knew.... I-if she knew who s-she was dealing with.... W-would she be d-doing what she's doing?"
The retired knight thought about it for a moment before he sighed and nodded, "maybe she wouldn't be doing everything she's done, but her stealing the Moonstone was still her decision, I don't think Zhan Tiri, if that even *is* who we're dealing with because it's not confirmed yet, had any part to play in that, that was Cassandra's choice alone"
"Maybe it wasn't *fully* her choice", Rapunzel stated
"What do you mean blondie?" Eugene asked
"Think about it! Cassandra said she was shown that Mot-.... That *Gothel* was her mother in the house of Yesterday's Tomorrow, what if whoever showed her... What if that was Zhan Tiri!"
"How would Zhan Tiri have shown Cassandra that?" Edmund asked, "it's not like he knows you personally"
"Well we did go through the Great Tree, Hector pulled the spear from the heart of Zhan Tiri which awoke some sort of dark power", the wild tamer winced at that, Adira placing her hand on his shoulder for comfort which the princess continued, "maybe that's when Zhan Tiri connected with us! I used the Decay incantation *twice* in that tree, once when we first found it, the next when Hector was possessed by the tree! Cassandra was wrapped in vines when I used it, she touched me and I burnt her hand by accident when I was using it, and my hair was wrapped around Hector at that time! Maybe Zhan Tiri made a connection with Cassandra and influenced her by showing her who he mother is!" The princess exclaimed, "and if that's the case, then Cassandra's actions were never hers to begin with, they were Zhan Tiri's! Which means if we tell Cassandra who she's talking to, er connecting with, then maybe she'll stop-!"
"Rapunzel-!", Quirin warned
"Then maybe we could get Cassandra back and save her from whatever dark magic Zhan Tiri is using on her-!"
"Rapunzel-!" The retired knight said again, but was ignored for the second time
"I mean, lets face it, Cassandra would never do this on her own, she wouldn't betray me, she wouldn't! She's my best friend and she cares about me and she-!"
"RAPUNZEL!"
The princess looked at Quirin, "what's wron-!" She froze when she looked at the alchemist in his hands, the teen was watching her, his eyes filled with unshed tears as he stared at her, unblinking, in a stated of shock, "oh....." Hugo face palmed as Quirin shook his head angrily, "V-Varian I didn't mea-!"
"Princess d-did you t-try everything you could w-when I was in that d-dark place?...." Varian asked, sniffling slightly, "d-did me doing what I-I did ever make you w-wonder *why*? W-were you worried about m-me like you are h-her?" He hiccupped, "b-because.... Y-you're so adamant t-that C-Cassandra is d-doing what she's doing b-because of a demon's i-influence... Y-you're so convinced t-that maybe she's b-being controlled, a-and maybe she is but...." He sighed, a single tear falling from his face, "d-did you think that about me? D-did you even-! ...." He shook his head, "n-no... I s-shouldn't ask that.... I-it's not fair...."
The princess was shocked before she felt a pang of guilt shoot through her body like a rocket. She felt her heart break as she watched one of her closest friends hurt because of her, she knew what she had to do, but she didn't want to..... She sighed and, finally, shook her head, "....No..... I didn't try everything with you Varian....." He looked at her, "I know this will hurt.... And I'm so sorry about that... But you deserve to know the truth.... And the truth is... I didn't...." She stated, "I felt horrible for what I had to do to you.... I felt so horrible that the image of you in my mind made me freeze.... Was I worried about you? Yes, I couldn't *stop* worrying about you, every night I had nightmares about you, every day I couldn't stop thinking of you.... It got so bad that I couldn't draw, paint, sketch, or do anything at all.... I took the art class because it was my excuse for staying away from you.... I planned a party with another kingdom because I couldn't help you, but I knew I could help them.... I avoided the guards because they only reminded me of how I'd had them throw you out into the blizzard.... And when you sent me that letter, I knew I'd made a mistake.... I went to try and find you, but by the time I actually went to help... It was too late... Varian I was angry with you for what you did.... Because I'd worried and freaked out so much over you that your betra-no.... Your cry for help.... It made me become selfish and think that me fretting and worrying over you was wasted because of what you did.... When in reality, it's *because* of my choices and my lack of action that caused you to.... Do what you did....."
She sighed, "I'm so sorry for what I did to you Varian.... I'm so sorry I keep making mistakes with you too.... I keep hurting you and that's the *last* thing I wanna do.... The reason I'm so persistent with Cassandra though.... Is actually because of you.... I didn't do anything to help you.... So now I'm trying to do everything to help her... I don't want to make the same mistake again, I don't... But I.... I'm hurting you more and more... Truth is.... I don't know what to do around you sometimes..... I'll say the wrong thing, do the wrong action, act the wrong way, and we're taken back to what happened in the past.... I want to move forward, but Lance and Edmund told me I need to fix what's in the present first.... That starts with you and Cassandra.... I'm just... Not sure how to help you.... I'm not sure how to fix what I did to you and I'm... I'm lost...."
"Maybe take his feelings into consideration *first* would be a good place to start", Quirin snapped, "as well as listening to *me* when I try to give you a hint".
She winced at that, "yeah I.... I'm sorry for that too.... Frankly, I'm sorry for a lot of things I did, I really am.... And you know... I'm probably going to make more mistakes... I don't want to admit it, I don't *like* to admit it... But I have to.... I need to.... I'm going to make mistakes and I know they're going to hurt you.... For that, and everything else I've done, I'm really sorry.... I want to get better.... I just don't know how to start.... I really don't.... I'm... Acting like Gothel to you..... I'm sorry....."
Varian was surprised by that, he wasn't really sure what to say, his emotions were mixed. Looking at Lance for help, the man smiled, "say how you feel, even if it's confusin", he suggested, "it may hurt, but if it's what you feel, then you need to let her know"
The alchemist felt a bit of worry before he looked at the princess and sighed, "....Honestly...." He hesitated before he felt Hugo hold his hand, squeezing is comfortingly, he squeezed it back and took a breath before he continued, ready this time, ".....Rapunzel I.... T-there's.... A part of me that... T-that I don't think can... Ever forgive what happened...." He admitted, "it's not just you, it's your dad too, he.... W-well you know what he did.... B-but you abandoning me.... You having guards throw me out into that blizzard, i-it was freezing cold, I just *ran* from my h-home with my *father* being slowly eaten by the *a-amber* and you threw me *out*!" He exclaimed, "I-I tried to get help from anyone else b-but they all turned away, I was left alone, w-with my frozen dad in my empty lab w-with my *raccoon* as my only friend left! You know.... I really wanted to.... T-there was so much I wanted to tell you... S-so much I needed to say to you.... B-but I.... I can't say it...."
"Y-you can if you-!" Rapunzel started
"I-it's not because I'm holding myself back, it's not.... I'm done holding back", He interrupted, wriggling out of his father's arms and standing in front of the princess, "I'm done being n-nice and peaceful about what happened. It was horrible what you and your father did to me and my dad, and to be perfectly honest, I can't ever really let it go I can't! I tried, I want to, but I can't..... I have nightmares about that blizzard, I used to love playing in the snow but now the very sight of it makes my body shiver with fear and my shoulders and arms ache with phantom pain from Stan and that other guard hauling me out.... Y-you ruined a lot of things for me, s-snow, my home lab, p-parts of the castle, e-even building certain objects I c-can't do because it reminds me too much of the automotons that I t-tried to use against you, and it was b-because I had no other choice. Rapunzel, I'm honestly so fucking angry with you that I sometimes n-need you to stay as far away from me as possible s-so I don't end up causing you any sort of *PAIN*!" He shouted, voice cracking a bit at the last word as his eyes flashed with blue for a split second before he let out a breath, "....B-but.... Then I look at you...." He looked up at her sadly, "I s-see your big green eyes and h-how hard you're actually trying to fix what you did that I... I-I lose a lot of how I feel...." He admitted, his tears coming back
"Y-you're a gently person, a kind one at that... You want w-what's best for everyone and you genuinely care w-when you make a mistake.... I can tell, I could always tell, a-and seeing that... Seeing how hard you've been trying.... W-what you just said as well.... I-it... Makes the anger go away for a while.... Truth is princess... There are times when you've hurt me to the point where I don't wanna talk to you anymore, where I wanna cut ties completely and make sure you know exactly why I'm leaving you alone.... But... I can't.... I can't do that to you... I love you.... You're my big sister, one of my closest friends, and even though you've made mistakes, and keep making them, you make up for them by helping me when I need it. Sometimes.... That confuses me.... Sometimes... you confuse me.... Because how can someone be so cruel and loving at the same time.... You're not doing it on purpose, it's always an accident.... Or you just don't watch what you say and end up saying just the wrong thing that makes me wanna scream....."
He heard his father, his boyfriend, and his wild uncle snort at this, "either way, you don't mean to do it... I know you don't, and I'm sorry it's so hard to.... Say or do or act around me... I know it's hard, I definitely don't make it easy.... I know what I did was wrong as well, sure, I had good reasons, but they don't make my actions innocent... I hurt people with those machines, I trapped my father myself, I took over Corona with the Seporians of my own free will, even if I was influenced by A-Andrew... What I did was wrong, what you did is wrong..... But I can keep forgiving you if you keep trying. I want to be your friend, and I'm glad you told me to truth instead of a well intended lie, to me, that shows you respect me enough to tell me how you feel, so.... I should start doing the same", he looked at Lance, who nodded with approval before he looked at Rapunzel, "I'm sorry for the angry feelings I have against you... I hope you know I'd *never* act on them, never.... But they are there, I'm working on them, but.... Maybe.... T-there's a way you could w-work on... S-something.... Too?"
The princess smiled, "yeah, I'll work on what I say from now on, especially around you", she stated, "I won't lie, what you just told me... Hurt, a little bit, but I'm glad you said something, I'm certain what I said wasn't great either"
"No, it wasn't", Varian replied, "but you told me the truth, thank you for doing that"
"Thank you for allowing me to, and for telling me the truth to, I will work on what I say and do from now on, if I do say something, please tell me, okay?"
"From now on, I'll try"
The princess smiled, "c-can... I give you a hug?"
Varian giggled and nodded, "I want one"
She smiled and walked over, hugging her little brother closely, him doing the same. They stayed that way for a while, the only person seemingly unhappy about it was the protective father watching his son like a hawk, but he let them hug it out before seeing the door to the infirmary slam wide open as a guard came screeching inside, "QUIRIN! VARIAN! YOU HOUSE! IT'S-!" He stopped, sliding to a halt when he saw the two hugging, having broken that hug to look at him, "I am so sorry, did I interrupt something?"
Rapunzel looked at Varian, who smiled at her, she smiled back and they let go before the princess faced the guard, "no, we were finished, what's wrong?"
"Oh, well I um.... Came by because...." He looked at Quirin worriedly, "your home... I-it's.... A part of it was destroyed!"
"WHAT?!" Quirin and Varian exclaimed in unison
Notes:
Hello!
I am so sorry for the delay in this chapter, but I had to re-read a few of my part chapters to make sure this one was completely correct and in line with the world building I'd added as well as what the show put into place! It took me an extra day, so I added the heart to heart, which was meant for the next chapter, as well, hopefully that makes up for it, sorry again!
Adira being the story teller is something I can definitely see, she's got the best voice for it honestly, plus she would want to do something aside from laying in bed all day while her injuries heal!
Hector and Edmund being the support for Adira! <3
Rapunzel and Varian FINALLY be honest with each other! This has been a long time coming and honestly, some of this is how I feel, what they both said. I've been in both of their shoes, or lack there of for Rapunzel, where I don't know how to act around a certain person, and another keeps unintentionally hurting me that I've debated calling the relationship off time and time again, but kept going because I genuinely cared for that person and I knew they cared about me and were actively trying to get better. This talk, what they said to each other, it's how I've felt personally, and how I can see them feeling in the actual show if we got to see this part. It's a huge step in the right direction for them, and I'm so proud of what they're doing! <3
Eugene being a bro for his Punzie! <3
Lance is a the emotional support KING! Him and Ruddigar man! Best emotional support team ever!!!!!!!!
Quirin is not a happy camper with the princess right now.... The man is overprotective, that is true, but he's got every right to be in my opinion and to be honest, that's gonna come into play very soon actually :3 For now, he's letting his son do what he needs to do like a good papa <3
Hugo, never change, seriously man, NEVER CHANGE!!!!!!! I love writing Hugo in this story, thank you to all who convinced me to do so, seriously, thank you! <3
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon in the world! <3
Thank you all for reading, I'm so sorry for the delay, but I still hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 278: No Matter What!
Summary:
Quirin and Varian find out their home has been destroyed, they investigate the damage!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian and Ruddigar stared, wide eyed, mouth agape, silent, and in shock, at the destruction.... Quirin was standing next to them, just as shocked, all three of them couldn't believe what they were seeing. Their house was still standing for the most part, but black rocks spread from the Corona wall over to their home. All of them pointed skywards and leaning towards the building, a very large one had erupted from the ground, lancing itself inside their home, Varian's small shack containing his lab was completely demolished, as was half of the largest part of their home. Their objects, chemicals, books, papers, seeds, gardening tools, paintings, and even furniture, littered the yard, broken and destroyed without a second thought.
Citizens of Old Corona were looking on, some of them looked please by the destruction, particularly for the lab, some even whispering how the 'rouge alchemist' wouldn't be able to 'terrorize them' anymore, before they were silenced with one, *scalding*, glare from Hugo, Lance, and Eugene. Most however, looked forlorn, even sad for the small family as they remained silent out of respect for their Village Leader, his son, and Raccoon.
"Varian... Quirin I..... I'm so sorry....." Rapunzel said softly, "I.... I'm so so sorry....."
The father son duo didn't say anything, not even responding to the Sun Princess's apology as they continued to stare at their mostly demolished home. Varian, after a few moments, stepped forwards, walking over to the black rocks, as if something was calling him over. His hair and eyes began to glow as he grew closer to them before he reached a hand out and touched the largest one.
*Cassandra had tears in her eyes as she let out an ear piercing *scream* of anguish and anger! Her hand lifting into the air as she summoned the rocks and forced them forwards! The stone were powerless at her command as she told them what to do and where their target lay.
He felt her anger, he felt her rage, he felt her fear and guilt slipping away as her jealously took hold. But most of all.... He felt her hatred of him.... It burned, nestling ever so sweetly on his skin before eating away at it as painfully as possible!*
He yelped, taking his hand away and backing up a bit, he looked down and saw part of his glove had been burnt away, and some of his skin had been charred, "son!" Quirin made a beeline to his child, "what happen-! H-how?"
"C-Cassandra.... She.... G-got really... Angry with me...." He replied, wincing a little as the burn stung, "d-dad... If Zhan Tiri really *is* pulling her strings... H-he's making it to where C-Cassandra hates me... A-and I don't know why... B-but...." He didn't finish that sentence, hoping his father would understand his point
The retired knight got it instantly, "I won't let her hurt you", he looked at the burn, ".....Again..... I won't, you're safe"
"B-but what about y-you?" Varian squeaked, "a-and Hugo and Ruddigar? S-she knows how attached I am t-to you guys now.... She n-nearly killed you once before dad...."
"I know, but I wasn't on my guard that time, I will be now, don't worry, we'll get through this, together", he cupped his son's cheek in his hand, Varian placing his own hand on his father's and smiling
"Thanks dad"
"Anytime", Quirin replied, "now... How about we take care of that burn huh?"
"O-oki"
Quirin looked at the rock, sighing a bit before he nudged Varian away from it, walking behind him just in case and shooting a glare right back at the offending monstrosity. He then turned and looked at the entrance to their home, the door was knocked out, broken pieces of wood scattered everywhere. He chuckled, "how many times has this door been knocked off its hinges now?"
Varian, despite his overwhelming fear and anxiety, smiled at his father's attempt to lighten the mood, "oh about... I wanna say three times now? Once was because of my w-water tanks, the other before of uncle Hector, and now this!"
Ruddigar chittered with laughter as the retired knight smiled
"Yeah, I think that's one too many.... Actually it's *three* too many but I can't be too picky"
Varian giggled, "nope, you can't, I'll fix it though, um...." He looked up at the house, "I... I-I can fix this too...."
The Village Leader looked up and sighed, "how about we scope out the damage first yeah?"
"O-oki...."
They walked inside, Hugo, Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Edmund, Hector, and Adira, who was leaning against Edmund and had insisted she be taken with, followed them. They gasped when they got inside, the entire interior of the family's living room was destroyed, their fire place was broken, their wall was demolished, but that wasn't what caught the blue eyes alchemist's eye.... He was staring at a large red chair, one he'd spent many times on his father's lap in. He ran over to it, looking it over and trying to see what piece goes where, but when a spring bounced out of it, he sighed, a couple of tears sliding down his cheeks, "i-it's destroyed...."
Quirin looked at his son sadly, "it's okay, here", he gently grabbed his son's hand and cleaned it up, placing bandages on the burnt skin after rubbing soothing lotion on it before he gave Varian a replacement glove he had, "there, we can fix the chair, it's okay"
Varian looked up at him and nodded, "y-yeah, i-it's fixable, j-just.... Gotta fix it"
"Right", the retired knight looked at his son, he felt an overwhelming sense of sadness creep over him, but he tried not to let it show as he added, "h-hey the kitchen is in good shape, so we can still cook"
Varian nodded, "that's good"
"It is, we could look in your room too, that side didn't seem to take a lot of damage, there may be a few things out of place, but it should be fine for the most part, right?"
The teen looked up and nodded, "y-yeah, it should be, um... C-can I go check?"
"Of course, I'll look around here, scope out the damage you know?"
"O-oki"
"Hey Freckles", Hugo stated, "can I come with?"
Varian looked at his boyfriend and smiled, nodding, "yeah, I'd like that"
The blond smiled and joined Varian up the stairs, they looked around and, "Quirin's right! This place doesn't look like it took a lot of damage!" The bespeckled teen stated
"Yeah, it doesn't", the blue eyed alchemist replied, "wanna see my room?"
"Sure!"
They walked over and Varian opened the door, he felt a wave of nostalgia hit him as he walked inside the familiar area, smiling as Ruddigar chittered excitedly and hopped on a cat tower, "I build that for him", Varian said proudly, "dad helped, it's meant for cats, but Ruddy loved it so much that we got it for him, plus Raccoons need somewhere to climb"
"Noted", Hugo replied before snorting, "your room's a mess, did the rocks do that, or are you a secret slob?"
"Ignoring the offensive wording in that statement sir, I am... Kind of a bit of a slob", the freckled teen admitted, blushing a bit, "i-it's not like I do it on purpose though! I know where everything is and can get to it easily, it's just... Sometimes I'll wake up and have so many ideas in my head that I don't... Really... Think about the mess until dad tells me to clean it... Plus there are times where the mess just seems like too much to do and my mind would rather do anything *but* that. The thought of it makes me so tired too.... I... I'm not sure what that is actually"
"Maybe ask Lance about it? Sounds like his cup of tea", Hugo suggested
"Maybe... E-either way I *try* to keep up with it, it's just.... Hard sometimes, you know?"
"I get it Freckles, don't worry", the blond responded, "it's honestly not a big deal, I mean, sure I can't actually see your floor right now, and that broken beaker is *really* not something you should keep on the ground, but I get it, and I don't judge"
Varian smiled, "thanks"
"You're welcome, though for the record, if I do come and live with you guys, you are cleaning this"
Varian giggled, "when did you become so naggy?"
"Well while *you're* a slob, *I* happen to be a bit of a neat freak. Dunno why, but stuff out of place like this is kinda throwing me off.... Seriously, is that ham sandwich from three *years* ago or did it always have that much mold"
"Actually that was a project I was working on and I *needed* that mold, Mr. Neat Freak"
"Oh so the bite taken out of it showing it was *supposed* to be your lunch is just for show?"
".....Um..... Yes?" Hugo raised a brow, "I had to convince dad I would eat it okay? I was desperate cause he wouldn't let me do the project!"
"If I were him, I wouldn't either, what was it for anyway?"
"I was trying to stop the aging of food so it wouldn't mold like that, I managed to do it! But it took a few.... Um.... Months....."
"Ah"
"You said you wouldn't judge!"
"I'm not judging the mess, I'm judging the moldy sandwich, it's a health hazard"
"Well I can't throw it *away*"
"Why not?"
"B-because I sort of.... Used the last of the remaining potion for the food aging chemical on that sandwich and I need to study it to try and recreate it". Hugo snorted, "I'll throw it away after!"
"You're such a dork"
Varian blew a raspberry at him, getting the blond to snicker, "once the chemical is recreated, I'll throw it away"
"Ok", the bespeckled teen replied, "want my help?"
"Huh?"
"Well that food aging potion sounds really interesting, and if it really works, then we could actually help a lot of people with their food, hell ya may have even found a way to help the homeless since food could never go bad, they wouldn't need to preserve it and could eat as much as they need"
Varian smiled, "that's what I was thinking! The only thing is, I don't know how it would really affect the human digestive system"
"Right... We'd need someone to volunteer and I'm pretty sure no one would want to"
"Probably not"
"Well, we could figure it out"
"Hey lovebirds", they stopped and turned around when they heard a voice behind them, only to see Eugene smirking at the pair, "if you two are done nerdy flirting in here, maybe come downstairs? Your dad finished checking the damage and honestly kid.... He's uh... Not looking so hot...."
Varian was about to comment on the flirting remark before an image of his father flashed in his mind, "r-right, let's go"
Hugo nodded, following his lover out of the room and heading downstairs before he looked at Eugene, "by 'not looking so hot', what exactly do you me-!"
"So three empty bedrooms are completely demolished and filled w-with black rocks, the living room's a m-mess, upstairs didn't look l-like it took too much damage but I'm certain things are broken, m-my shack is destroyed, m-me and Varian's p-private garden is g-gone-!" Quirin listed, pacing back and forth as he counted on his hand all the things Cassandra's rage had affected
"Oh...." Hugo said
"Yeah...." Eugene added
Varian stared at his father's panicked stated, unsure of what to do for a moment before he took a breath, let it out, and walked over, "dad-!"
"VARIAN! Hi, sorry for the yell, just been counting, turns out, our home is very much on the verge of collapsing on itself! B-but we still have the kitchen, h-how was upstairs, was it okay, do you need a new room? W-we can make one if you need i-!"
"Dad!" Varian interrupted, "it's okay, calm down, it's alright", he said, feeling a pang on anger shoot through him when he noticed tear stains on his father's cheeks
"Y-yeah, it's fine, I mean, w-we're safe, thankfully w-we weren't in here o-or else who knows what *else* m-might've been lost a-and-!"
"Is that what's got you so upset?" Varian asked gently, "the fact that, had we been in here, we may have gotten injured?"
"....I...." The retired knight sighed, "a-a little... I-it's not the full.... I l-left the D-Dark Kingdom a-and came here.... I m-made friends with the King and Queen and g-got this place. I m-met Ulla here, y-you were born here, I m-made a life here, f-for you.... A-and.... And now it's...." He looked around at all the rubble and debris
The freckled teen gave his father a sympathetic look, "hey, it's okay, look, everything that's broken, we can fix, i-it's not like we lost something that we couldn't replace right?"
Quirin nodded, "y-yeah I suppose.... I mean it's not lik-!" His eyes suddenly widened with realization and horror as something popped into his mind, "oh shi-MY STUDY!" He yelled before running into his room and past a doorway, Varian followed, as did the rest of the group. They saw the retired knight searching for something, the room was a mess, many things were broken on the floor, but as the retired knight threw a few objects more around, he finally stopped dead in his tracks.
"D-dad?" Varian said worriedly
"U-Ulla...." Quirin responded, before he bent down and grabbed something gently, picking it up and holding it as Varian gasped, "U-Ulla....."
"I-is that? .....Oh no...." Eugene said as he saw what the old farmer was holding
It was the remains of a very old painting, one that once had a younger Quirin looking down and smiling at a small bundle that was a tiny baby Varian happily smiling and showing his two from teeth. The other person in the painting had her long red hair tied into a bun and was also smiling at the tiny bundle of joy, but her portion of the painting had taken the most damage, the entire thing was in two pieces, Quirin and half of baby Varian was, for the most part, unharmed save for a few holes and tears here and there. But the one with Ulla had been shredded.... Her peaceful face torn in tiny portions that now littered the retired knight's floor.
Quirin fell to his knees, his tears running down his cheeks as he stared at the painting, the cracks in his heart were so loud everyone could hear them as he continued to stare. He wasn't blinking, wasn't moving, just holding the pieces in his hands and watching it, wishing with all his might that it would go back together, even helplessly trying to stick them together like that would work and it would be fine.... But it wasn't..... "....H..... H-her face.... I-it was h-here...." He said softly, his voice wavering, "s-she closed h-her eyes b-because s-she wanted to l-listen to V-Varian's voice..... H-her smile... W-was here.... A-and h-her hair h-had a few s-strands...." He couldn't finish, still staring at the painting, "S-sh.... I.... H-held him... H-here a-a-and..." His voice cracked a little
Varian walked over and knelt beside his father, hugging him close. The entire room was silent as they watched the pair, Rapunzel reaching out, but was stopped by Lance, who shook his head, it wouldn't help right now. She lowered her hand and remained still, waiting for them to move.
"....Dad.... L-look I know... T-that things are bad right now", Varian started, his own voice wavering, "I know... T-that the painting i-is torn, a-and we can never get that b-back...." He wiped his own tears away and kept going, "I-I know.... But", he looked up at the man, "m-mom... She's still with us, s-she's still watching over u-us even without the painting of her b-being there...." He hated his voice breaking, but still continued, "l-look the.... T-the house is destroyed, a-and so many things inside of it are as well, b-but we can fix that, w-we can get through this, together, right?"
Quirin looked at him, he was silent for a moment or two, his mind empty for a while, but as he looked into his son's bright blue eyes, a little light filled him. It grew brighter and brighter as he continued to stare at his son before he nodded. Tears were still sliding down his face, his heart was still cracked, but he knew his son was right, and the cracks would heal, just like they always did, they'd just be scars, but he could bear that, for his son, he could bear it, "w-we.... We can f-fix it.... S-she's still h-here... I.... I'm sorry...."
"It's okay, you're sad, this...." Varian looked around at their destroyed home and sniffled, "t-this is hard.... But w-we're still here, we can fix it, w-we c-can...."
Quirin watched his son finally break down, his quiet sobs echoing so loudly in the broken home. But he smiled all the same, "we can fix it", he finished before he hugged his son close, "we can fix it Varian, we can fix it", he repeated as his son clung to his vest. The painting was placed on the floor as the father held his son while he sobbed, his tears mixing with the teens, but he continued to hold him. They would get through this, just like they got through everything else, it hurt, yes, it was hard, definitely, but they would get through it, together, just like always. Quirin kissed his son's forehead, still holding him close, his little light, his only reason for living, his son, his Varian, he would protect him, even when it hurt, "no matter what".
Notes:
Hello! :D Early post to make up for the one delayed one yesterday :D
So... This was a sad chapter, honestly we never saw the painting of Quirin, Ulla, and baby Varian in the third season, I think this may be the reason, that it got destroyed..... Which is a huge hurt that would break Varian and Quirin's hearts, but they would get through it, just like they always did, together, it would just be hard....
Quirin's heart cracking like that... It honestly breaks mine and I sincerely hope that doesn't sound egotistical when I say that. He's such a strong figure that to see him breaking down just... It does something to me man....
Poor freaking Varian! Like my gosh this bean has been through way too much! The moment with him and Hugo was a much needed break, but STILL!!!!!! Him comforting his dad shows him growing, and I'm really proud of him for that, but seriously! We need another Guy's Night because MY GOSH!
Hugo being the best boyfriend ever is my new breakfast and does it ever taste amazing! (That sounds so freaking weird, sorry XD) The blond bean just makes everything better and I really love writing him with Varian <3 Also, he's a neat freak while Varian's a slob! :D That's just funny to me XD
Eugene being a good boy! I love Eugene, he needs more love <3
Lance and Rapunzel moment! It's very small, but it's my way of showing she's getting better, she's trying to anyway, and Lance is gonna help her :D
Adira being insistent on joining the group when they go to Quirin and Varian's home is funny, I can see her arguing with the group and she would do something like that, she really would! :D
Cassandra.... Really has to do a HUGE apology to fix this.... Honestly? I don't think it's gonna be enough....
Hector and Edmund didn't get a lot of moments here, but they'll get their time to shine :D
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon! <3 (Itty Bitty is still at the castle, Quirin didn't wanna get debris in his tank, also, he's acquainting himself with Sassy, his new sibling)
Thank you all for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 279: The Bedtime Monster!
Summary:
Varian gets a visit from a childhood creature!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"D-daddy...." A small voice sniffled, getting the retired knight to look up from his book and see the tiny figure of his 7 year old walking towards him with tears in his eyes, a young Ruddigar sitting on his shoulders
"Hey", Quirin responded in a quiet voice, "what's wrong?" He asked, gently scooping up his hiccupping son
"I.... I had a nightmare....." His tiny boy admitted, still sniffling
"A nightmare?" His father repeated
"Yeah...."
"Oh no, what was it about?"
"Y-you were missing.... I was *sniffle sniffle* looking all around f-for you a-*hiccup*-and you w-weren't there.... W-where did you go daddy? W-why did you leave?"
"Oh Bubby I'm sorry", the Village Leader replied, hugging his son closely, "I guess dream daddy had some work to do"
"B-but it s-scared me *sniffle*"
"I know and I'm sorry, but I'm here now, and I won't leave again"
"Y-you won't?"
"No, I won't"
"....Oki"
Quirin watched his son sniffle and hiccup a little more before the child finally snuggled into his father's vest, his head on the Village Leader's chest as he listened to his heartbeat, "you wanna go lay back down?"
"Nu"
The retired knight chuckled, "why not?"
"Cause dream daddy's still working.... A-and I like dream daddy...."
Quirin had to hold his chuckling in as he watched his baby snuggle deeper into his vest, "you like dream daddy?"
"I like dream daddy", the 7 year old repeated, sniffling once more
"Ok, you can like dream daddy", his father said, "but you still gotta go to bed Bubby"
"But I don't waaaaannaaaaa", his son whined adorably, looking up at his father with those big blue eyes pleadingly, "I wanna stay here and stay up, where I can see real daddy"
Quirin smiled, "I know you don't waaaaannaaaaa, but you goooottaaaaa, also, real daddy?"
"Yeah", Varian replied, "dream daddy is a meanie"
This time his father couldn't hold back the chuckles, "he's a meanie?"
"Yeah", the boy sniffled, "he left me alone.... And h-he didn't tell me where he went, so he's a meanie... You at least tell me when you go to work... Even if I don't want you to...."
The Village Leader smiled sympathetically, "I'm sorry"
"Is okay..... But I still don't wanna go to bed..... Dream daddy is a meanie.... I'm mad at him right now, so we aren't friends anymore"
"Oh, you know, dream daddy might wanna make it up to you though"
"How so?"
"Well, maybe he had to rush out but knew it upset you, so he went to Monty's and got you a big lollipop for waiting, and wouldn't you be sad if dream Varian didn't get that lollipop?"
"...Well... Y-yeah... But I don't wanna be alone again.... I hate being alone....."
His father thought for a moment before he got an idea, "well, you may wanna get to bed soon, or else"
"Or else what daddy?"
"Or else *he's* gonna come"
"He?" The 7 year old asked as his young raccoon yawned tiredly, "he who?"
Quirin smirked, "the bedtime monster!"
Varian giggled, "the what?"
"The bedtime monster! He's a scary, blanket covered dream monster who comes after tiny Bubbies and tickles them if they're out of bed past their bedtime!"
"EEEEE-Wait... Does the bedtime monster know when Bubbies are awake *all* the time?"
"Yes he does"
"But I've been awake for a while now, why didn't he come out before"
"The bedtime monster knew you had a nightmare and needed comfort, so he waited until you were comforted, he's a polite monster after all"
"Oh"
"Yeah, but he's on his way now! I can hear his footsteps, he's gonna come tickle you if he finds you out of bed!"
"EEEEE!" The 7 year old squeaked before he giggled and ran off upstairs. He raced up to his room and crawled under his blankets, panting as he did so. He peaked out from beneath the covers, looking around his dark room, his tiny heart racing before he raised a brow, "....Ruddigar, if the bedtime monster really will come when I'm out of bed, then do you think he would come if I were in my room?"
The baby raccoon chittered
"Don't know either huh? Well, guess there's only one way to find out", the sassy 7 year old climbed out of bed and stood in his room. He was completely silent, waiting to see what would happened before
*STOMP STOMP STOMP STOMP BOOOOOM!*
"RAAAWR!" The bedtime monster yelled as he slammed open his-er *Quirin's* son's door
"AH!" Varian tried to jump into bed but got caught, "NUUU! I WAS GONNA GO TO BED! I PROMISE!"
The bedtime monster didn't seem to care as he tickled the tiny child's stomach and feet gently, getting the 7 year old to giggle and laugh. He didn't stop until the small child was tuckered out, the monster smiling at the tired child as he panted, "are you gonna stay in bed now?" The bedtime monster asked
"Uh-huh", Varian replied, still giggling a bit
"Ok, otherwise I send daddy up here, okay?"
"Hee hee oki, sorry bedtime monster"
"Is okay", the bedtime monster hugged the tiny child before he tucked him into bed. The little alchemist smiling as he felt a familiar kiss on his cheek before he heard the monster quietly stomp out of the room, that night he dreamed his daddy brought him a lollipop for waiting, and he smiled even wider!
The bedtime monster chuckled to himself before he walked downstairs....
The next morning, Quirin was making breakfast when he heard someone running down the stairs, looking over, he saw his 7 year old bounce into the kitchen, smiling wide, "hey daddy, daddy guess what!"
"What?" The Village Leader asked as he cooked the bacon
"I met the bedtime monster!"
"You did? Wait, does that mean you were out of bed after I told you not to be?"
"Uh.... W-well yeah, but I just wanted to test if he would really come or not"
"And he did huh?"
"Uh huh, I got tickled, but then he gave me a hug and tucked me into bed! He's a nice monster"
Quirin smiled, "well I'm glad, though I wouldn't make a habit out of testing him, then he comes and gets me"
"Does he tickle you too?"
His father chuckled, "no he doesn't, but he does tell me when naughty children need to take a break from alchemy"
Varian blushed, "oki, I'll be a good boy and not do that again"
"You're always a good boy Varian, but yes, best not to test that theory anymore, okay?"
"Oki", the child replied before he smiled, "by the way, I'm not mad at dream daddy anymore"
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Because he gave me a lollipop!!!!!!"
Quirin smiled as he listened to his son's dream, happy his son was feeling better that morning*
****
Quirin waited, he couldn't hear his son's sobs anymore, but he waited all the same. Ruddigar chittered at his boy, nudging his cheek with his nose gently as if to ask if he was alright
The freckled teen was quiet for a while, but after a few moments, he moved his hand up to Ruddigar's chin, scratching it as if to say he was alright now. His father smiled, "do you need a minute?"
His son shook his head
"Ok, want me to let go?"
Varian nodded
Quirin, gently, released his son from his protective hold, the teen sat back and let out a small breath. His face was flushed, his cheeks were stained with tears, and he looked so tired that one small breeze could knock him down. The retired knight felt a pang of guilt shoot through him at that, "oh son... I'm sorry"
"Not your fault", Varian replied, "this... I-is hard on both of us...." He added, hiccupping a little as he looked around
"Still...." Quirin said quietly before he sighed, "how about we clean up a little, are you able to do that?"
"I can help"
"You sure? Or would you like to lay down for a bit, it's okay either way"
"N-no I.... I wanna help clean.... I w-wanna fix this...."
Quirin looked around, "well, how about we clean for a while, then both of us take a minute to collect ourselves, okay?"
"Oki"
With a nod, the retired knight helped his son to his feet, they began to clean, Eugene, Lance, Hector, Rapunzel, and Hugo all pitching in to help. Adira and Edmund staying back due to the warrior's injuries, to which she was not happy about. The group managed to get everything in the house cleaned, they kept the ruined painting and the dismantled comfort chair, throwing out everything else that was damaged, and even patching the walls and door temporarily so that the blue eyed alchemist could fix them when he was feeling better. Once all was said and done, it was evening, Quirin inviting everyone to stay the night, to which they agreed. Once all the rooms were set up, Quirin made dinner with Lance's help, the house was quiet after that, no one really speaking much as they sat in the, slightly fixed, Livingroom, Quirin noticed his son was nodding his head, only for it to bob right back up as he shook his head to stay away.
"Varian, are you sleepy?" He asked
"N-no I... I'm okay", he replied softly
His father watched his head nod once more before he popped back up, the retired knight sighed before he got an idea and smirked. He managed to get up and leave the room without detection, Hugo scooting closer to his boyfriend so he could lean on him for a moment. The room was quiet once again before, ""RAAAWR!"
"Whoa! What the fuck?!" Eugene exclaimed, looking around worriedly
Varian froze for a moment before he heard familiar stomps, "oh no...."
"Oh no?" Hugo repeated, "oh no what? Do you know what that was?"
"Yeah, it's-!"
"THE BEDTIME MONSTER!" Someone yelled
Edmund stopped and smiled, Adira and Hector doing the same as Rapunzel, Hugo, Eugene, and Lance looked at the teen confused, "the what?" The Sun princess asked
"RAAAWR!" Someone yelled before a large figure wearing a blanket hopped out of nowhere and faced Varian
"EEEE!" Rapunzel yelped, hopping up as Hugo, Lance, and Eugene stopped and grinned at the monster
Varian looked at the creature and grinned tiredly, "is you gonna force me to bed?"
"Yes I is!" The bedtime monster exclaimed
"And if I don't you're gonna tickle me?"
"That's right!"
The freckled teen snorted, "you're really that worried about me huh?"
"I not, but your father is, and he says you need bedtime, so RAAAWR! I appear!"
Varian, despite everything he's been through today, all the depression, all the anxiety, all the fear and guilt, felt a small ping of his childhood joy as he looked at the monster he hadn't seen since he was much younger. The memories of the Bedtime monster flashed in his mind as a red flame begin to light in his heart. He snorted, he snickered, until finally, he burst out laughing, startling everyone in the room, including the bedtime monster himself! They watched him for a moment, no one really sure of what to do until the bedtime monster chuckled lovingly and walked over to the teen.
They picked him up and hugged him, the teen continuing to laugh as he hugged the creature back, he had tears in his eyes but he welcomed them happily, "y-you *hee hee* y-you d-did this f-for *Hee hee hee* f-for me?" He asked between giggled
"Bedtime monster knows when you need comfort, I is polite monster after all", the Bedtime monster replied
Varian finally calmed down and sniffled a little, smiling happily at the bedtime monster, "I missed you", he said
"Me missed you too"
The teen giggled, "we need to get you some english books sir"
"Bedtime monster not take offence because tiny tatter tot need bed, so manners are overlooked this once *sir*"
Varian giggled again, "oki oki, I'll head to bed, but before I do, can you maybe get my dad back in here? I'd like to give him something before I go"
The bedtime monster nodded, giving the teen one more hug before he set him down and ran out. After a few moments of Varian explaining and Rapunzel smiling wide and sitting back down, Quirin walked out, "hi, everything okay? I heard a rawr?"
Varian smirked, "yeah, got a visit from the Bedtime Monster"
"Oh really? Long time no see huh?"
"Long time no see, he was nice though, he didn't tickle me this time"
"Oh really?"
"Yup"
"Huh, must've realized you wouldn't want that right now, he is a polite monster after all"
The blue eyed alchemist grinned at his father, "did he give you my message?"
"I heard someone says, 'son needs you, want to give something', before I heard something stomp away, hence why I came in here", Quirin replied
Varian snorted, "I see"
"Yeah, so what did you need me for?"
Varian got up, walked over his dad, and hugged him, "this", he said, "thank you, I really needed that"
Quirin was startled, but he smiled lovingly at his child and hugged him back, "happy to help"
The two stayed that way for a moment before Varian yawned squeakily, "oki, I really do think I need sleep now...."
His father chuckled, "want some help?"
Varian looked up at the man before he smiled, "yes please". With a nod, Quirin lifted his child up and carried him to his room, Ruddigar, who'd been a little too startled by bedtime monster and had run under the couch, followed behind once his boy was lifted and climbed into the bed with the teen while his father tucked him in, "dad", Varian said
"Hm?"
"When I'm-*yawn*-asleep, do you mind bringing me a lollipop in my dream?"
Quirin chuckled and nodded, "I'll find you the biggest one there is"
The alchemist hummed happily before he finally slipped off to sleep, Quirin watched him for a few moments before he softly shut the door and walked downstairs, "so", Adira started, "bedtime monster huh?"
"He's a very good friend of mine and Varian's", the retired knight replied
"I see, it's so odd because I seem to recall another monster we had as a child.... What was his name again?"
Quirin felt someone hug him from behind with one arm, "The Night Knight!" Someone exclaimed, "getting little warriors off to bed before the King finds out and gets them there himself!"
The retired knight chuckled as he looked over his shoulder to see the Night Knight with a blanket over his head, he smirked and flicked the blanket off, revealing Edmund underneath, "hi"
"Hee hee, hi", the Dark King replied with a smile
Hector snorted, "well that's one way to defeat him I guess"
"What's the other?" Rapunzel asked with a smile
"Get him to laugh", Quirin replied before poking his king's stomach, getting the man to giggle as he let go of his knight, the entire room laughed as the Dark King continued to giggle, joy filling the evening air as the group chatted with each other peacefully!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I wanted to make a fluffy chapter, one that would make things a little easier on our Moon bean as well <3 So this idea happened, and honestly, I wanna write more about this! XD Let me know if you'd all like some more tiny Varian and fun loving Quirin moments, I'm more than willing to write them! <3
Quirin making a bedtime monster for tiny Varian is adorable to me! Him just throwing a blanket over his head and tickling his son so he's too tired to stay up is funny! I can see him busting Bedtime Monster out every now and again to make his bubby happy!
Varian as a 7 year old would question the logic of everything! So him questioning bedtime monster got him some tickles! But as a.... Slightly taller.... Teenager, I think he would just accept it at this point, but smile all the same! Little Moon bean loves his dad's bedtime monster! <3
Of COURSE the idea came from Edmund! Of COURSE it did because he's the most adorable king ever! XD The Night Knight was made for his little warriors, the Bedtime Monster is for alchemists, so Hugo may get a taste of them later down the line XD
Adira and Hector saying something about Quirin copying their father figure is hilarious to me, because I can see them picking on Quirin for that XD Also, Adira is grumpled that she didn't get to help clean up, so that's double the reason why they're picking on him XD
Rapunzel getting, actually scared, by Bedtime Monster is adorable to me! She wouldn't actually know what Quirin was doing because I don't think Gothel did anything like that, so her being freaked out would be so freaking cute, as well as a little sad! XD
Eugene and Lance have accepted this part of Quirin, and they are not complaining! XD
Hugo is being the best supportive boyfriend ever! <3
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 280: Varian's Mistake!
Summary:
Varian makes a small mistake and Quirin isn't sure how to handle his feelings about it!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*A shiver ran up his spine as he looked around, he was in the woods again, barefooted and lost. He didn't know what to do or where to go, but something was different, the woods had a eerily disturbing red hue to it. He saw a blue light shining in the distance, *please*, he heard the light say, *please save me....*
He felt something well up inside him, it was.... A longing.... He longed to reach out and comfort the small blue light, but he wasn't sure why. He walked through the woods, he could hear his mind saying a word over and over again, but he couldn't make it out, this was sounding very familiar to him though.....
He walked towards the light and ended up in a cave again, his feet feeling the wet cold floor underneath them as he shivered, *please.... Please....* The blue light begged
He wanted to run towards it, but knew what was there. He waited, knowing it would come as soon as he stepped forwards, he wanted to be prepared, sure enough, he saw it.
The creature was large and wild, he couldn't make anything out on it due to the lack of light in the cave save for the tiny speck he was after. The creature was blocking it as the word in his mind grew louder and louder.....
*Please... I don't want this anymore....*
The light was still begging, they sounded so afraid..... He felt anger twist inside of him, he felt a need to protect the one he longed for.... He looked at the creature, it's blood red eye pierced the very fiber of his being, but he didn't care.
He wouldn't back down, not again, not after what they did to his little light, *his* reason for living!
He felt himself begin to change, he wasn't himself anymore, his muscle grew twice their size, as did his height, his hair shortened, his teeth straightened, even his clothes were different, changing from the pajamas he's been wearing, into black slacks, farming boots, a red shirt, and a very familiar fluffy vest. He growled, his strength backing him up as he stared the creature down, he felt his heart hesitating, he knew this monster?
He tried to see through the dark, begging the light to grow just a little bit brighter until the beast finally revealed themselves, and it was.... A Werewolf?
*pain....*
He felt himself cringe, his mind felt like a bunch of needles just stabbing into his head as the creature howled! The sound chilled his bones as he looked at them again, trying to ignore the pain
*P-please....*
He heard the light begging again, and when he looked, there was.... Himself? A tiny boy floating in the air, curled in on himself as he clutched his stomach tightly, he looked hurt, he looked afraid, he looked like he was in-!
*PAIN!*
The man was knocked to the floor, cuts were opening on him, had they been there before? Was the man he'd changed into hurt already? He had so many questions and no answers available! He felt panic begin to fill his heart as the man looked at the boy again, his heart breaking at the sight, he reached for him, but the werewolf swiped his hand away, cutting it deeply.
*She's n-not in control*
The man looked at the boy again, his eyes were glowing blue, his freckled features were tear stained and full of fear, his hair was glowing and swirling around as if he were under water. The man felt a pang of worry shoot through him, he knew she wasn't in control, but he didn't know what else he could do.....
He looked towards the cave entrance, it was still that eerie red hue, he hated seeing it.... It caused his little light pain.... And caused the werewolf to do what they're doing now.... He needed to stop this, one way, or another, and there was only one way he could do so....
*PAIN*
*PLEASE.... P-please don't.... D-don't hurt her.... Please....*
His heart broke again, he wanted to listen to his little light, he wanted to back off and give the creature sometime, but if he did, then he feared what would happen to the boy.... He had no choice.... He was sorry... He didn't want to.... But he has to.....
So, with a heavy heart, the man took his two blades in his hands, glared at the creature, and ran towards it with an ear piercing scream!*
*GASP!*
Varian jumped, feeling his lungs *desperately* gulping in air! He sat up, tears sliding down his cheeks as he looked around, he wasn't in the woods anymore, but he'd recognized them this time, they were, "t-the Corona woods...." He said to himself worriedly
"What about the Corona woods?" A voice asked
"EEP!" He jumped again, this time flying in the air and levitating for a few moments before he realized what he was doing and freaked out, making him crash back down into his bed with a bounce
The person snorted, "well that was adorable"
He blushed and went to shoot a snarky comment back at the person before he saw warm brown eyes looking at him, "d-dad!"
"Hi", Quirin replied with a smile, "I'm not the only one though", he gestured behind him, where the teen saw A very worried looking Rapunzel clutching her hair, Edmund, Adira, who was eating an apple, Hector, Eugene, Lance, and Hugo. Hearing a small chittered, Varian looked at his lap and saw Ruddigar looking up at him as well
"Uh... H-hi?"
The raccoon nuzzled his boy lovingly
"Hiya Freckles", Hugo replied with a smirk, "you okay? That fall was pretty far"
"I-!" The teen blushed again as he stroked his best friend's fur, "I-I'm fine...."
Quirin snickered before he caught a glimpse of Rapunzel and stopped, looking at his son worriedly, "hey, are you really alright?"
"Y-yeah, just.... Extremely embarrassed...."
"No, I mean.... You were having a nightmare...."
His eyes shot open before he looked at his father, "um... W-what was happening to me from your p-perspective?"
"Y.... Your hair was glowing... A-and you kept saying the word 'pain'...." Rapunzel answered quietly, "m-my hair glowed too.... As did the marks of your family.... We... All came in to check on you and... You wouldn't... Wake up...." She added, running her fingers through her braid and looking down worriedly
Varian was silent before he sighed, "I can't... Really hide it this time... Can I?" He asked her, she looked at him pleadingly, and he smiled, "oki, oki, I'll tell them"
"Tell us what?" Lance asked as he looked in-between Varian and Rapunzel then back
The blue eyed alchemist looked at his father, "please don't be mad at her when I tell you what my nightmare is about, I made her promise me she wouldn't tell anyone.... Especially not you...."
The retired knight was startled by that before he remembered something from a while ago:
*Quirin stared at the couple for a few moments, his mind reeling at the new information before he took a breath and let it out slowly, knowing what he had to do.... And dreading it. He walked over to the group, "hey".
Rapunzel and Eugene jumped a bit at his voice before they turned to him, "oh! H-hey Quirin!" Rapunzel stated, "random question but how long were you standing there?"
The retired knight had to bite his tongue *hard* before he spoke, "...not long, just finished packing up, thought I'd take Varian off Eugene's hands"
"Right, right, because of the uh... Tears", Eugene stated uncertainly as the father raised a brow, "eheh sorry, just worried about him is all, but I'm certain he'll be alright, yeah?"
"I hope so", the Village Leader replied as he walked around and took his son, cradling him close to his chest, "thank you for watching him"
"You're welcome", Quirin turned to walk away when, "uh, Quirin?"
"Hm?" The retired knight looked at the Dark Prince
Eugene hesitated, "I.... I-if we knew something about Varian that would be... *potentially* worrisome, would you.... Want us to tell you? Even if Varian asked us not to?"
"Yes I would", the Village Leader stated, "in fact it would be better if you did because Varian doesn't always know what's good for him. He's a smart boy but only when it comes to others, when it comes to himself however...." He looked down at his son sadly, "...He's clueless...." He then looked at the couple, a small bit of hope igniting, "did you.... Have something you wanted to tell me?"
The couple hesitated, looking at each other for a moment before Rapunzel stood up, "what if we promised not to say anything?"
"I would still want to know, I'd take the blame if you broke a promise with him. But if something's bothering my son, who's already been through a lot, and you two don't tell me when you know something... I...." The old farmer looked down, "I wouldn't be able to trust you then.... I'd think you'd hold his health and wellbeing over a promise, that's what you told me", he looked at them again, "so do you have something to tell me?"
Rapunzel bit her lip as Eugene looked at her, his eyes *begging* her to say something, anything, "....I...." She started, but her mouth wouldn't work, "Q-Quirin I.... I... I....."
The retired knight sighed, "you made him a promise Rapunzel, to keep something a secret... I heard that..."
"I... I-I *want* to tell you...."
"...I know..." He looked at the sleeping teen and sighed, "...I understand why you don't want to break that promise... It's just hard to accept it... But I understand.... But something's bothering him Rapunzel", he looked at her, "and if you know something, and you think it'll hurt him-!"
"That's just it, I don't *know*! I-I don't know if it'll hurt him or not! I didn't see what he saw! And when he made me promise, I.... I felt like we were finally getting past the past.... I don't want to break it... I already did that once...."
The retired knight closed his eyes, he felt his anger boil a little, but he understood why she felt this way. *Eugene doesn't seem to know*, he thought to himself, *about what the princess promised to Varian, so I he's innocent, but....* He looked at the pair one more time before nodding, "I understand... Just... Remember that it wasn't the *promise* that made what happened bad... I believe he told you that...." With that, the man turned and walked upstairs
"I'm sorry", he heard Rapunzel say, and felt guilt twist in his stomach as he entered his son's room and closed the door*
He blinked as the last whispers of the princess's apology drained from his mind, he sighed and looked at his son, "this was when you said the nightmare was about Hugo... It wasn't.... Was it"
"W-well the nightmare I had before we had that conversation, yes, that one was actually about me missing Hugo"
"Awwww, you missed me?" The blond teased, getting Varian to blush even more
"You're a brat, but yes, I did"
"And now?"
"Oh now I can't stand you"
"I figured"
"You should have"
They giggled before Varian noticed his father's raised brow, "eheh, sorry.... L-look it *really was* about Hugo when you asked me about it that night, it was. But... I.... I um... Had a nightmare before we came back to Corona.... It was when Eugene said he'd grab you and all three of us could talk about how I felt about Hugo and.... Well.... I begged her not to tell, I thought... That I could handle it on my own, that it was fine and w-whatever that dream meant I c-could solve.... I... Told you the reason for why I did this... Do you remember?"
The retired knight nodded, "You thought I worried too much, and you didn't want to give me another reason to do so", he added, “but you told me about that dream, with the blue light”
"Right I did... A-After I asked Rapunzel not to tell you, a-and got her to promise….”
“….Oh”
“Y-yeah, and t-this dream it... Made my hair glow and I fell off the top bunk of the bed.... I kept repeating the word 'pain' too.... Rapunzel saved me from falling, but....." He sighed, "I just wanted to handle this on my own.... W-when the 7 Kingdom Ball came around, the dream disappeared.... But now...." He looked down
"It came back", Quirin said
"Yeah... And I got more details.... I... Don't think I *can* handle this...."
"What changed?"
"....You...." Varian replied, "I was you in the dream.... You were trying to save me... F-from a werewolf that went feral.... T-that werewolf.... She was Catalina...."
Lance's eyes widened, "wait what?! Catalina went feral, did she attack you?"
"N-no, y-yes? I... I don't know if she did or not.... She attacked dad though....." He sighed, "here, I'll... I'll start from the beginning"
****
"....That's when I woke up and jumped when I heard your voice...." Varian said before he let out a small breath
The room was quiet as everyone thought for a moment before Adira chimed in, "you said the sky was red, yes?"
"Uh huh"
"Blood Moon...."
"What?"
"Fuck….. If it is then.... Shit...." Hector cursed, "we'll be in a lot of fucking trouble...."
"B-blood Moon?" Hugo asked, "I've heard of them, but only ever thought they were just a really cool celestial thing"
"They're more than that", Edmund replied in a surprisingly serious tone, "they're as deadly as they are beautiful, at least to the people of the Dark Kingdom.... When the Moon turns that blood red color, the Moonstone's powers are enhanced tenfold.... Anyone with a small connection to the Moonstone would get a buzz from it, like the Brotherhood, certain citizens from the Dark Kingdom who got the see the stone first hand, and possibly the Sundrop holder.... But if you have the Moonstone in your grasp, or have the powers of the Moonstone.... The power ends up becoming too much and.... It hurts...."
"What do you mean?" Eugene asked
"Well", Adira continued, "nocturnal animals begin to grow more aggravated and attack whatever they see without hesitation because the blood Moon makes them a little more energetic than normal, they can't handle the extra energy and lash out, mythical creatures attached to the Moon, like werewolves, lose their humanity that day due to the same reasons, and they become feral and dangerous..... And anyone holding the power of the Moon, may it be from having the Moonstone themselves, or having some of the Moonstone's power.... They end up in a state of pain if not taken care of properly...."
"Taken care of properly?" Rapunzel asked
The face painted warrior walked over to her nephew and picked him up, holding him close to her heart, "the Brotherhood members, king included, must stay with the Moon powered being", she showed her mark to the teen, who touched it, making it glow slightly, "because we have a connection to the Moonstone in a similar way that he does", she nodded to her nephew, "we use that to help contain a bit of the Moon's powers so the being isn't harmed as much, otherwise the magic inside them would be unimaginably painful..... We actually stayed with the Moonstone whenever the Blood Moon appeared, because without a holder, the stone would cause unimaginable amounts of destruction... I was worried this would happen sooner or later though...."
"Wait, but you said the being wouldn't be harmed, 'as much'", Hugo pointed out
"That is correct, Speckles would feel woozy, sick even, but he wouldn't be in pain and would be surrounded by those that care about him. If we weren't around him however..." Her face grew dark
"Shit...." Hugo stated quietly
"S-so... The Moon was warning me?" Varian asked
"Yes, I think she may have sensed that something would happen to you on the night of the Blood Moon", Adira replied, "which is why she sent you those dreams"
The blue eyed alchemist felt a huge wave of guilt crash into him as he looked over at his father, who'd been silent this entire time. The man was scratching Ruddigar's head, the raccoon having jumped off his boy when he'd been scooped up. His face showed no signs of emotion at all as he continued to pamper the small mammal with affection, "d-dad...." The retired knight stopped, "...Y.... You're mad.... Aren't you....."
His father sighed, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them and looking at him son, "not.... Mad per say just.... I guess the best word for this would be frustrated.... But I'm trying to calm down a little...."
Varian tensed a little at that before he wriggled out of his aunt's arms and sat on the bed, pulling his knees up to his chin, "I'm sorry...."
His father looked at him again, "I know you are, I.... I don't blame you for wanting to handle that on your own before but...." He stopped, unsure of how to proceed, he looked over at Lance for help
"Had you not known...." Lance said sadly
His words struck a cord, and Quirin nodded, "had I not known...." He looked back at his son, "had you not said anything or told me about the dream at all, or had Rapunzel had to have kept her promise for far longer.... You would've been in pain... You could've gotten hurt.... We.... We may not have even been together at that time, so you...." He let out another breath, trying to keep calm
"Dad I... I messed up...." Varian said softly, "i-it's okay to be m-mad at me for it.... E-even if I don't want you to be"
"I know", Quirin replied, "I know it is... But I don't want to be upset... I don't want to be mad, I know now, that should be all that matters, plus... How could you have known about the Blood Moon? None of us told you...."
"Dad.... You can be angry with me, it's okay"
"I-!"
"No, y-you're angry, and upset, I just scared you, you don't have to keep your emotions in check j-just because-!"
"Because the last time I got angry with you, I ended up losing a year of my life and you ended up in jail", his father interrupted gently, startling the teen, "I yelled at you, scolded you when you didn't know any better and just wanted to help, this is the *same* situation, you could've gotten hurt because you didn't do something I told you to do, back then it was messing with the rocks, now it's telling me about dreams you're worried about, but you only did so because you didn't have all the details and wanted to help, weather it be by getting rid of the rocks or not telling me about a strange nightmare you had about the Blood Moon where you were in danger and I was trying to save you and-!" Quirin sucked in a breath of air as he felt his heart beating in his chest, "I... Don't want to be angry at you for something like that again.... N-not again...."
Varian was startled by that, Ruddigar chittering sadly at the man and nuzzling his hand before his boy got off his bed and walked over to the man, "....Hey, d-dad.... Look at me". The retired knight did, he saw his tiny son standing in front of him with his star pajamas on, perfectly fine, not hurt, not scared, "are you mad at me? Truthfully".
"....I..... A-a little...."
"Oki, while that aspect does upset me a small bit because I don't wanna make you mad, you admitting that, did it make anything happen?"
The retired knight looked around, he didn't see any amber coming his way, no one was coming to take his son, the boy just stood there, watching him, "no..."
"Then it's okay", the alchemist said, "you can *be* mad at me dad, you can be upset at something I did and am doing. You're still my father after all, I'm going to do things that are gonna make you mad, that's the point of growing up. But I won't get any better if you don't tell me what I did made you upset, you won't feel better unless we address it and I fix the issue. I mean dad I ju-!" He sighed, "I t-tried to keep something f-from you that could've c-caused a lot of bad to happen.... C-Catalina going feral, the B-Blood Moon coming, me being hurt, I..... I had dreams about it and didn't tell you until after, a-and I made Rapunzel not say a word which probably means she's felt r-really guilty during that time and even right now...." He looked at the princess, "sorry about that...."
"It's okay", Rapunzel replied with a smile
Varian smiled back at her before looking up at his father once more, "I messed up, a-and while I don't want you to be mad, you're gonna be, and that's okay, just like it's okay for me to get mad at you. It's gonna happen, but you need to tell me so we can fix it and you don't stay mad, because speaking from experience", he looked at Lance, who smirked, "that's never the best option". He looked back at his father again, "and to go and address what I did, I'm sorry... I didn't know about the Blood Moon, you're right about that, but I should've told you about the dream before.... I didn't because I wanted to handle it on my own, but that only ended up making things worse.... I'm sorry for doing that.... If you want, I can keep away from alchemy for a bit because of that, I just... Really wanted to handle it on my own..... I thought I could...." Quirin was startled by that before he sighed, he then scooped his son up and hugged him, "d-dad y-you can be an-!"
"I know", his father interrupted, "and I still am, a little, but.... Thank you.... For helping me", he said before pulling away, "I won't take away your alchemy, as I stated, and you repeated, you didn't know, and you had good intentions. I won't be like I was before, I'm not going to yell and scold you for something you didn't know.... So take this as a warning, tell me next time please, okay?"
Varian nodded, "oki"
Quirin smiled and hugged his son again, who hugged him back, he was blushing a little, embarrassed that he'd just been lightly told off in front of his friends and boyfriend, but he felt his father's shoulders loosen, the hug he was given being one of love and affection. He could handle the small embarrassment, it made his father feel better, for him, that, alone, was more than enough.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I wondered if Quirin would feel anxious about getting upset with Varian after their big fight landed him in the amber and Varian in jail. So here's what I think may have happened if it were addressed, also, this dream was a thing I was going to use before the 7 Kingdom Ball, but it ended up being longer than I thought, so here it is again! You can find the actual dream itself in the "Parting Ways (Part 1!)' Chapter :D
Quirin is such a soft hearted papa! I love him so freaking much, and I know he'd have trouble being mad at his son, especially with what happened last time he was upset at his son. So him and Varian talking about it with Quirin giving his son a warning this time, I can definitely see that :3
Varian is growing up so fast! :D Though that nightmare is getting worse and worse everytime he has it, don't worry, it'll definitely be addressed and Catalina will get the help she needs, for now, it's fluffy daditude time :D
Hugo being a flirt is fun to write! XD
Rapunzel kept her promise! She feels extremely guilty about it, but she kept her promise, it's a start :D
Eugene and Lance being the best support ever over here! :D
Edmund, Hector, and Adira being worried about their nephew with the Blood Moon and being the one's to explain, Adira being the story teller again XD, is actually something I would've liked to see in the show. After all, the Moon has so many changes she goes through, I wouldn't be surprised if at least *one* of them were something that affected the Sundrop/Moonstone in a negative way (Eclipse thing aside here, I mean like a new Moon, strawberry Moon, full Moon, no Moon, etc)
Ruddy Buddy going and taking care of both his boys like the best raccoon that he is! :D
Edit: I re-read and found out Varian did tell his dad about the dream? But I didn’t say he told Quirin he’d made Rapunzel promise not to tell him, so I changed the chapter a bit so that was the reason Quirin got upset, I hope it makes a little more sense now, sorry about that
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 281: The Healing Incantation!
Summary:
Rapunzel's hair begins to glow after she read Varian's notes on the Demanitus scroll, so she asks him for help, only for something unexpected to happen!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Front door?" Hugo asked
"Check!" Varian replied
"Livingroom comfort chair?"
"Check!"
"Kitchen windows"
"Check! Adira was very happy about that by the way"
"I know, saw her climbing in and out of one right after we fixed it, glad she's feeling better at least", the blond replied, smiling at his boyfriend's giggle before going back to the list, "dirty boyfriend's lab?"
"Check and how dare"
The bespeckled teen smirked, "biiiiiig hole in the roof?"
"Check"
"Scary dad's study?"
"Check and he's not *that* scary"
"If you say so, Ruddigar's favorite spot?"
"Check", the blue eyed alchemist giggled when happy chitters were heard from the other room
"And last but not least, guest rooms?"
"Check! Looks like we fixed everything!" Varian exclaimed as he smiled at the blond, "seriously, thanks for the help, you made fixing our home so much easier"
"No problem Freckles, it's the least I can do since your pops is letting me crash here"
The freckled teen grinned, "I still can't believe you're gonna be staying in our house! This'll be so much fun, working on projects, testing out theories, making even *better* alchemical solutions *and* inventions to help the village-EE! It's gonna be so much fun!"
Hugo snickered, "you're so cute"
Varian blushed, "w-well I u-um I j-jus-UGH! Stop doing that!"
The blond laughed before the door behind them opened, "hey Adira, done with the window?"
The face painted warrior smirked, "for now, Stickler stopped me after the 20th time, it was funny"
"I'll bet"
"How are your wounds?" Varian asked as he made his way over to his aunt, who sat on the couch
She smiled, "they're alright, I heal quickly", she responded, "how are you? Any new dreams?"
"Nope, unless you count the alchemy filled one's I've been having for the past few days, but those are pretty standard"
"And preferred"
"Definitely"
Adira smiled lovingly at her nephew, "speaking of, how's the Rooster?"
"So far, so.... Slow actually, haven't really had time to work on it since everyone's been here"
"I see, that's a shame, though I'm certain you'll get the time to perfect it soon enough"
The freckled teen smiled determinedly as Hugo walked over and smirked, "I will!" Varian replied, "and it'll be the *best* alarm system *ever*!"
"Can't wait to see it Speckles"
The blue eyed alchemist's smile widened, "Varian!" He heard someone call
"What the-!" Hugo began before Rapunzel rushed inside the livingroom and made a beeline for the alchemist, her hair glowing vividly
"Rapunzel!" Varian exclaimed before noticing her hair, "woah! What's going on?"
"I-I was upstairs w-when I saw your door was open, s-so I walked in and saw the Demanitus scroll and your notes, I p-picked it up and read some of your notes out of curiosity, sorry, when *this* started to happen!"
Varian blinked a little before he giggled, "well I mean, you shouldn't have been snooping"
"I know I know, I guess I was just curious"
The teen smiled, "I understand, I was gonna show you my notes soon anyway, but as for this", he pointed to the glowing hair, "that's a problem, though it's not affecting my hair, which is odd because you think it would"
"Hmmm...." Hugo managed to grab the floating braid and inspect it, "could it be because of her reading an incantation by accident?" He asked
"Well that's just it", Rapunzel stated, "I read the healing incantation, something that both of us discovered I couldn't do anymore", she gestured to herself and Varian
"Wait, when did you-!"
"She came over to my house about a year and a half ago to find out why her hair came back, it was how we first met", Varian explained, "I ended up bumping my head and she tried to heal it using that incantation, it didn't work"
"Oh yeah, you told me about that", the blond teen replied, "so it *shouldn't* be reacting like this when you read that incantation, but it is", he looked at the princess, "did you read it out loud?"
"No, I just read it in my mind", Rapunzel replied, "I mean, I could hear myself singing it, but that's pretty normal considering how much I did it before"
"Right...."
the blue eyed alchemist hummed with interest as he watched the glowing braid, "seems like the Sundrop wants to use that incantation.... Or at least try, that could be why your hair is glowing, because the Sundrop is trying to heal someone and didn't get the chance to"
"Yeah but, it's never done that before", Rapunzel stated
"But have you ever sung that incantation and not healed someone?"
"....No, I always had someone to heal"
Varian smiled, "honestly, if you get the healing incantation back, that would be a *huge* discovery, and would help in the long run", he then looked around before he saw his aunt still watching them, "um... Adira, could we maybe try to heal one of your wounds?"
The face painted warrior seemed startled by this, but she nodded, "since it's important, you can try with a wound on my arm"
The blue eyed alchemist nodded, "thank you very much, we sincerely appreciate it", he then turned to the princess, do you mind placing a small piece of your hair on her arm and maybe singing the incantation again?"
Rapunzel smiled, "not at all", she undid her braid, letting her hair float up and touch the ceiling
Hugo snorted, "lets hope there are not spiders up there"
"Oh geez, I really hope not", the princess agreed, "that would be adorable but also kinda scary to find in the middle of the night"
"You are such a brat", Varian stated as he smirked at his boyfriend
"I know", the blond teen replied before he managed to snag a piece of Rapunzel's hair, "wanna do the honors?" He asked, looked at Rapunzel
She smiled and nodded, taking the piece and walking over to Adira before gently placing it on a wound the warrior gestured to, when it was wrapped, she began to sing:
'Flower, gleam and glow,
Let your powers shine,
Make the clock reverse,
Bring back what once was mine,
Heal what has been hurt,
Change the fates' design,
Save what has been lost,
Bring back what once was mine,
What once was mine'
Varian smiled as he closed his eyes, getting lost in the princess's voice as she sang, he felt something inside his flutter with affection and longing. "Uh... Freckles", he heard Hugo say
"Huh?" Varian opened his eyes and looked at the blond, "what?"
"Your uh.... Now *your* hair is glowing"
The freckled teen blinked before he looked up and, sure enough, saw a blue glow, "w-wha-!"
"Darn, it didn't work, and my hair is *still* glowing! Why is this happeni-!" He heard Rapunzel stop, "....V-Varian...."
The blue eyed alchemist felt his heart beat begin to rise, it got to the point where he could hear Ruddigar chittering, sensing his boy's anxiety from another room, that is.... Until he heard something.... Something very quiet.....
*Join her*
"I-I-!"
*Join her, it'll work if we're together*
The alchemist froze, thinking about that for a moment before he noticed Adira's arm wrapped in the, still glowing, Sundrop hair. He felt an overwhelming sense of longing take over as his body moved before his mind could stop him.
"Freckles?" Hugo asked, very concerned as he watched his boyfriend walk over to the princess
*Join her, join her! It'll only work if-*
"-We're together", Varian interrupted, "it'll only work... I-if we're together...."
Rapunzel's eyes widened, "....A-are you.... Still Varian?"
The alchemist looked at her, and smiled, "my Sundrop"
The Princess's eyes widened even more at her little brother's robotic voice, but before she could stop him, he placed a hand on her hair, and began to sing:
'Moon light, shine and gleam,
Let your blessings rise,
Push the darkness back,
Silence the mournful cries,
Take the carnage back,
Strengthen these Earthly ties,
Keep what is so dear,
Silence the mournful cries,
The Mournful cries'
Suddenly, the room filled with blue and yellow light, making Hugo, Adira, and Rapunzel shield their eyes. Then it started to dim, everyone looked at the teen before he let out a small breath and collapsed onto the floor, "VARIAN!" Both Rapunzel and Hugo yelled before running over to the unconscious teen.
Adira was silent, staring at her arm, her eyes wide as she noticed the princess's hair was unwrapped. She stared at the spot for a long time, even when her two brothers and king ran inside, Ruddigar, Eugene, and Lance following them as they checked on the boy. She stared in quiet contemplation for a long time until she finally processed what'd just happened and looked over at the group, "hey", she said, getting everyone to look at her as Quirin held his son in his arms. She showed the wound, making everyone's eyes widen when they saw her arm, "he healed it".
Notes:
Hello! :D Early upload, because woot! :D
So, I have a theory, Rapunzel couldn't do the Healing Incantation until *SPOILERS* the finale, where she and Cassandra combined the Sundrop and Moonstone together and she grabbed it and ended up healing everyone before shooting the stones back into space *END OF SPOILERS*. So my theory is, if she could always do the incantation, but just needed the Moonstone as well to do it. And if she did, would having a little Moon powered boy help her do that? So here's my answer!
Varian and Hugo flirting and working together to fix the house is fun to write! :D The house is fixed, and Hugo is now crashing at their place, which the Moon bean is very excited about! :D Our blond bespeckled boy is gonna have a proper family to live with now, yay! :D
Varian's Moon powers are getting stronger, which means someone else is gonna notice :3
Rapunzel, Adira, Hugo, Eugene, Lance, Edmund, Hector, Ruddigar, and ESPECIALLY Quirin are so freaked out right now! But at least they know now, right? XD
Also, I came up with the Moon healing incantation lyrics, I hope you all like them :D
Ruddy buddy is still the best raccoon ever, even when he's in a different room he's checking on his boy <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 282: Live to Serve, Serve to Protect!
Summary:
Varian and Rapunzel make a huge discovery about the Sundrop and the Moonstone while the others fear it may alert Cassandra, so Adira and Hector make a decision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"He healed it"
The room was silent, no one was sure what to think until the heard the little alchemist groan a bit, "ugh.... W-what happened?" Varian asked, his eyes fluttering open as his vision cleared, only to see his father looking at him worriedly, "d-dad? Hi, I thought you were busy"
Quirin looked at him for a moment before his heart stopped beating and he sighed, "I.... Yeah I was busy, but then I heard a commotion and Ruddigar came and said your powers were acting up and then....." He grew silent
"A-and then.... I fainted?" Varian asked
"Well... Yes and no", Hugo replied, "you uh.... Kinda helped heal Adira's arm"
"I *WHAT*?!" The teen looked over at his aunt and saw the, no longer wounded, arm, "h-how? W-when did I-what did I-HOW?!"
"My hair was still wrapped around the wound", Rapunzel stated, "and then you came over, your hair beginning to glow, and said.... 'it'll only work if we're together', before you touched my hair then sang an incantation I'd never heard before. That's when yours and my hair glowed together, faded, then you fainted and Adira was... Healed..."
The blue eyed alchemist blinked before his mind reeled, "I.... D-don't remember any of that happening.... I d-don't remember my hair glowing, or speaking, I-I remember fainting but that's it! T-that's all I-!" He stopped when his mind flashed back, hearing a small voice in his head:
**Join her, it'll work if we're together*
He blinked again, "w-wait... There was... A voice.... I-it said the healing incantation would only w-work if we were together.... T-then I... I guess I just... D-did what it said....."
The room was silent again before Hector sighed, "so I guess one of three things are happening, one: that was the Moon and she was trying to help you. Two: your powers are growing stronger which means you need more training to help keep them in check. Or three, and I hate to say this, that fucking bitch Cassandra is back in town and the Moonstone connected with you because they're nearby and can do that".
Rapunzel's eyes lit up at that last one while Hugo's narrowed, "I really hope it's the fucking other two, we *really* don't need that women around here, we really don't"
"I agree with you Hugo, also, are you okay?" Quirin asked as he looked at Varian, "how do you feel, dizzy? Hurt? Tired?"
"No, I'm ok, just a little startled", the freckled teen replied, "I mean, we just did the healing incantation.... W-which was something that me and Rapunzel discovered she couldn't do before.... B-but we just did it...."
The retired knight sat down on the couch, with his son in his hands, and sighed, "yes you both did, together. It seems as though that connection between you and Rapunzel may be getting stronger by the day.... I wonder if you two could possibly do some more incantations together, but I honestly worry about finding out...."
Rapunzel looked at the teen, "I mean, I can do the decay incantation by myself, but isn't that technically a Moonstone incantation?"
"It is", Edmund replied, "so you shouldn't be able to do it at all, yet you can...."
"That I think I have an answer to already", Varian said, "Rapunzel you said you touched a black rock where the Sundrop used to be, right?"
"Yes", the princess replied
"And when you did, your hair grew back?"
"That's right"
"And Eugene, when you were trying to save Rapunzel from Gothel, you cut off her hair to do so and sacrificed yourself because you're just selfless like that, yes?"
The Dark Prince chuckled, "yes I did, and thank you"
Varian smiled at the man before he looked at Rapunzel again, "you and Cassandra discovered your hair was unbreakable after you touched those black rocks, I have a theory that the Moonstone didn't like that your hair, the only representation of the Sundrop being inside you, was cut. I even think it may have wounded the Sundrop in a way, and because of that, the Moonstone reached out to protect it and you. So when you touched the black rocks, in order to reignite the Sundrop, the Moonstone gave some of their power to you, which is why your hair glowed when you were near the black rocks, and why you could use them a-against me i-in... *T-that* fight..... Uh *ahem* e-either way, that's my theory. So it would make sense as to why you would have some of the Moonstone's powers, because they're protecting their Sundrop"
Suddenly, Rapunzel remembered something, "WAIT!" She yelled, startling everyone before blushing, "eheh, sorry, anyway, you just reminded me! When you were in that... Trance? I wanna say trance, you weren't you anymore, in fact, I think... I think that might've been the Moonstone themselves! And if that was, then what you just said makes sense, because when I asked if you were still... Well *you* Varian, you looked at me, smiled, and said, 'my Sundrop', before you touched Adira's arm and sang your version of the healing incantation"
"W-wait *my* version?" The alchemist repeated, "I mean, y-you said it was an incantation you'd never heard, but that's what you're calling it?"
"From the words you sang Freckles, that's what it sounded like", Hugo replied, "your exact words were:
'Moon light, shine and gleam,
Let your blessings rise,
Push the darkness back,
Silence the mournful cries,
Take the carnage back,
Strengthen these Earthly ties,
Keep what is so dear,
Silence the mournful cries,
The Mournful cries'
Then you fainted". The room stared at the blond teen for a moment or two, making him blush, "what? I have a good memory and he sand really well, fucking lynch me if you don't like it!"
Varian smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, "thank you for remembering Hugo, that helps a lot, actually, it might be a good idea for me to write those down, just in case. But honestly, you're right, it does sound like another healing incantation. Which begs the question.... Does the Sundrop have her own decay incantation?"
Rapunzel blinked, "w-well.... Now that you bring it up, I was kinda wondering the same thing.... But then again, if what you just said was right Varian, then I'm not using the Sundrop's Decay incantation, I'm using the Moonstone's"
"So wait, back up a sec", Eugene intervened, "so the Moonstone is trying to protect the Sundrop by giving Blondie their powers and making her hair unbreakable, correct?"
"Yup", Rapunzel replied
"But also Varian has powers because is daddy went and protected the Moonstone when *my* dad tried to destroy it, granting Quirin a gift that passed into Varian and *gave* him those powers, yes?"
"Really don't like that you called me 'daddy' but yes", Quirin agreed
"But *then* CassANdra has the Moonstone, because she's got mommy issues, and *also* has some of the Moonstone's powers but because Varian is supposed to be the *rightful* bearer of the Moonstone, her powers aren't as strong unless she takes them from the kid, right?"
"Yup, that's right", Varian stated
"But *now* Varian can fuse his power with Rapunzel and have a weird power baby that makes the healing incantation, and whatever else you two could do together, è giusto?"
"Uh...." Lance started
"è giusto is Italian for 'is that right', and yes it is", Varian translated with a smirk as he shuffled a little in his father's arm to get more comfortable. Getting into a sitting position on his father's lap before Ruddigar hopped up and he scratched his best friend's ears happily, getting the raccoon to purr.
"Oi Vey", Eugene commented as he fell back in one of the comfy chairs that Hugo and Varian had fixed, "that's a lot to keep track of!"
"You're telling me", Hector replied with a snort before he looked at his nephew
Adira sighed before looking at her king, "I have a bad feeling Short Hair is going to be able to feel what just happened, and I think she may try to pull something"
Edmund nodded, "I think you may be right, and if that's the case, I think it's time we return to our search of her and trying to keep her away"
Hector smirked, "I'm fine with that, I'm more than willing to kick her ass ten times over!" He noticed Rapunzel's look and rolled his eyes, "you want her to come over and cause a problem, or do you want me to knock her out, bring her back here safely so she can be secured and we can take the Moonstone away so you and she can talk?" She went to say something, but stopped and sighed, "thought so"
"W-wait, if you guys are going after Cassandra, w-what if you get hurt again?" Varian asked worriedly
"Then they can come back here and we'll heal them up", Quirin responded calmly, getting his son to look up at him, "trust me, they're trained fighters who have lived in the Dark Kingdom, with the Moonstone, for majority of their lives, myself included. They can handle it, and if not, they've always got a place to go back to and know when to leave a fight if they must. Myself included, while I'd rather not see them get hurt, I think it would be a good idea to keep up the search for her, it's safer".
"S-safer? For who?"
"For you Bubby", his father replied calmly, "you just had a huge outburst of power, had a nasty reoccurring nightmare a few days ago, have had nightmares about Cassandra before this and what she could do, it's safer for you if someone were to keep an eye one her, better it be those who we can trust and we know can protect themselves then those we know can't be trusted and are too weak to protect anyone".
Varian was silent before he looked at his grandpa, uncle, and aunt, "b-but Adira's still hurt, a-and Grandpa is too n-nice to knock Cassandra out, p-plus Hector was gonna hang out with me in my lab today with Hugo, and then... and then you-!"
"Quirin's not going on the patrol", Edmund stated, startling everyone
"What? But I-!" Quirin began
"You have a son, you have a home, you need to stay and protect them both. Plus, if you're on the battlefield, then we won't have a place to come back to should we get hurt", he replied with a gentle smile, "also, you need to protect your little peanut"
"I agree with that", Hector stated, "besides, it'd be better if it were just me and Adira anyway"
"Wha-hey!" The Dark King exclaimed
"Don't argue", the face painted warrior said, getting up and unwrapping her arm, "I'm practically almost healed, and Hector is rearing to go for a fight. You however, have been out of practice for 25 long *years*, not only that, but you're our King, if you're needed on the battlefield and quite possibly injured or killed, it means we have no chance of getting our kingdom back, no offence to you Fish Skin, but I don't think getting the Dark Kingdom back on it's feet is on the top of your to do list"
"I.... Can't argue with that, I would want to, but I wouldn't know how", Eugene admitted
The Dark King wanted to argue as well, but sighed when he saw the stubborn looks on his fighter's faces, "oh alright, but you're to come and get me if things get out of hand, okay?"
"Same for me", Quirin stated, "no arguments, I may be a Village Leader and a father, but I'll do anything to protect my son and home, that includes fighting", he stated seriously, leaving no room for his siblings to combat
They sighed, "fine", Hector stated, "but it's not gonna happen, right sister?"
"Right", Adira replied before she caught sight of her nephew, "Speckles, we'll be okay, we just want to make sure she isn't going to harm you is all"
"I know..." Varian replied quietly, but still looked extremely worried
The face painted warrior thought for a moment before she got an idea and, taking off her belt buckle, she handed it to Varian, "here"
"I-W-wha-!"
"I'm gonna want that back, it was given to me by my King", she stated with a smile as she looked at Edmund, who grinned, before she looked back at Varian, "he gave it to me when I first joined the Brotherhood, all three of us have one, it's our mark to show we're apart of an elite group of fighters, I was the first female to receive it, so it's special. This is to show you that I'll be coming back, no matter what, this won't be the last time you see me, so take good care of it, okay?"
The teen's eyes were wide with wonder before he smiled and accepted the buckle, realizing it was actually a pin she'd placed on her belt. He grinned and held it carefully before he heard, "heads up", looking up, his uncle had thrown something to him, he caught it and saw it was a shark tooth earring, "that was from my only shark companion, she was a good girl but passed away a long time ago, that tooth's the only thing I've got left of her, keep it safe so I can come back and get it too, kay?"
Varian grinned and nodded, "t-thank you, both of you"
His aunt and uncle smiled at him before looking at their king, "gonna try and stop us?" Adira asked
Edmund was quiet before he sighed and shook his head, "no, you've already made up your minds, just.... Just be careful, okay?"
"We will", they replied before they looked at Quirin
He still had Varian and Ruddigar on his lap, both of them were looking at him as well. The retired knight was silent for a while before he sighed, getting up and setting Varian on the couch before he walked over and grabbed them both, giving them a hug. They were startled by this, but smiled and hugged him back, "please be safe", he said softly, "I know you two can fight, but please...."
They pulled away, "we will", Hector stated, "gotta come back and annoy the shit outta you right?"
"Plus I have more apples to borrow from your orchard", Adira added with a smirk
Quirin chuckled, hoping the wetness on his cheek would go unnoticed by the two, "and windows to climb through, pets to bring home", he smirked, "trouble makers"
"Learned from the best Stickler", the face painted warrior replied before she let out a small sigh, "be there for him, but also for yourself, okay?"
"Yeah, tell King Fuck-drich to piss off should he come knocking, same for anyone else", Hector stated
Quirin nodded, "I will"
The siblings grinned before they looked at the group, "guy this is goodbye for now huh?" Lance asked
"It is, but we'll be sure to come back", Adira replied, "and I'll be using my new sword to do it", she added, smiling at the man's face
"We'll see you both again soon, I know we will", Rapunzel stated, "thank you, for doing this though, we'll try to figure out a way to help if we can, maybe even send you food or such"
"That'd be nice, thanks", Hector said, "appreciate it"
The princess smiled, Eugene giving the two a salute that surprised both fighters, "dad said this was a salute of respect in our culture, I can think of no one else who deserves it more than you two", he stated, placing a fist on his chest over his heard, the other behind his back before saving, "may your journey be safe and victorious"
Both of them were startled before they smiled, "thank you Fish Sk-!" Adira stopped herself and grinned, "thank you... Prince Eugene"
The Dark Prince blinked before he blushed and smiled, "a-anytime", he said shyly
"Kick her ass for me, will ya?" Hugo said
The wild tamer smirked, "I'll make it a special present from you kid"
He grinned, "thanks"
When they were done with the goodbyes, the two siblings looked at each other, understanding passing between them both, and as they made their way outside, heading for the castle to grab their things, they smirked at each other, "first one to catch her wins?" Adira asked
"You're on", Hector replied, before they both ran to the castle, their hearts filled with determination and fear, knowing what would happen if they failed, promising they wouldn't as their minds drifted to the family they had to leave behind, promising to keep them safe, not knowing what awaited them as they made their first steps on their chosen journey ahead!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I won't have the character summaries like I normally do, I'll let the chapter speak for itself. But this is setup for the next episode chapter and also a heart breaking moment between everyone before things get freaking nuts! You all know what I mean by that, it's sad to see them go, but we have to say goodbye to Hector and Adira for now, they'll be back, just.... Well you'll see, either way, this had to happen, and I'm excited to write the next part <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 283: A Good Cry!
Summary:
Quirin is worried because Varian hasn't come out of his room since Adira and Hector left, so Lance gets an idea!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"These eggs are really good Quirin!" Rapunzel exclaimed happily
"Thank you", the retired knight replied with a small smile
"You're welcome, and the bacon is very nice too!"
"Again, thank you"
The Sun princess smiled as she continued to enjoy the breakfast she'd been given, Eugene and Lance nodding in agreement as Edmund smiled, "so", the Dark King started, "gonna work in the fields again today?"
"I was planning to", Quirin replied
"Want any help?" Lance asked
"Um.... Buddy, I think we should stay *far* away from those fields, remember what happened last time?" Eugene asked
A flash of, what they now deemed as 'the stable incident', came to the former thief's mind before he shuddered, "point taken"
"It was kind of you to offer though Lance", Quirin added, his smile still small, but grateful all the same
The room became quiet, all of them trying not to look at the two empty chairs beside the Village Leader, along with the two bowls, on filled of fruit and nuts, the other filled with cheese and oil, sitting next to them. They instead listened to the birds singing in the sky, or gave idle conversation to distract themselves, but no matter how hard they tried, all of them could tell the old farmer was being affected by four very important people and animal's absence. Quirin sighed before he looked towards the stairs, his expression one of sadness and worry, "hey, i-it'll be alright", Rapunzel said softly
"Yeah, he just needs time is all", Eugene added
The retired knight made a small noise sounding close to a whimper, "it's been three days since they left.... He hasn't spoken, barely eats, forget doing alchemy, hell even *Ruddigar* isn't his usual sassy self.... I'm worried...."
"I know Quirin", Edmund stated, placing a gentle hand on his knight's shoulder, "but give the little peanut time, he misses them"
"I know.... I just wish there was something I could do to help.... But everytime I go in there he just.... Shrugs.... 'Want some food?' Shrug, 'Need to talk?' Shrug, 'Wanna make a stinkbomb and throw it at Eugene and Lance?' Shrug"
"Uh-!" Eugene started
"It was only for motivation, I wasn't going to actually have him do it, I swear", the retired knight replied, "sorry I just.... I'm worried.... He's hungry, I know he is, he's tired too but he barely sleeps.... I know he misses them and he's worried.... I am too...." The man admitted, "but..."
He fell silent, making the rest of the group look at him worriedly before Lance smiled, "want me to try talkin to him?" Quirin looked at him, "I know you're the dad, but maybe he doesn't need that right now, maybe he just wants to be sad, it's okay if you'd rather I didn't, but maybe I could try?"
"Ooh! I could make him a happy basket! Maybe to perk up his spirits!" Rapunzel volunteered excitedly
"Or maybe we could take him somewhere? Maybe getting him out and about could help him?" Eugene offered
"I think Varian just needs an ear right now you two", Edmund said gently, "not that going out or a happy basket wouldn't be great, but that should probably come after"
"Right... I'll still make it though! It could be a good motivator", Rapunzel said, "but I'll only give it to him *after* he's ready"
"Same here", Eugene stated
"Lance", Quirin said quietly, getting them to look at the old farmer, "you really think you could help him? I mean he's got Hugo, Ruddigar, and Olivia in there right now"
"Yeah he does, but I have an idea that might help", Lance said before he began to explain his idea to the group
****
Varian held the pin and earring in his hands, staring at them sadly, his mind was fuzzy, his eyes red and wet, his cheeks stained with tears that wouldn't stop flowing. He remained quiet as he sat on his bed, ignoring his bubbling stomach as he looked over at last night's dinner that'd been set out for him. He felt something climb up to his throat, forcing him to choke it back down. Food did not sound good right now....
He was laying on his bed, staring at the objects as the faces of his aunt and uncle flashed in his mind, he whimpered as more tears streaked down his cheeks, "hey, stomach hurting again?" A voice called, he didn't look up as he saw green eyes fill his vision. He felt a distant longing to look at them, but his sorrow overtook that feeling as he continued to stare at the items in his hands, "....Still not talking huh Freckles....." No response, the blond let out a quiet sigh, "well, that's okay-!"
A few worried chitters interrupted him
"I know it's not *really* okay, but we can't *force* him"
A couple squeaks suggested something
"No no, he doesn't want alchemy, he wants *them*.... And... I can't get them right now...."
More chitters and squeaks could be heard before Varian sighed, stopping the conversation
"....I'm sorry Varian...." Hugo said sadly, "I'm really sorry...."
The blue eyed alchemist felt someone climb into the bed with him as arms gently wrapped around his frame. He felt a small amount of love, with just the tiniest hint of guilt, but both emotions quickly died before they even made it *close* to his mind.... Sorrow took over once more, leaving only the silence as his only comfort.....
Three gentle knocks could be heard from the door, "who is it?" Hugo called softly
"It's Lance, can I come in?"
There was a momentary pause before Varian felt Hugo unwrap his arms, leaving him for a second only for the teen to feel his boyfriend help him sit upright, his back leaning against some pillows, his gaze never leaving the mementos before the blond called, "yeah, come on in".
Varian heard the door open, then gently close before he heard quiet footsteps approach his bed. He heard Ruddigar chitter gratefully, along with some happy squeaks as the man seemed to give the animals some pets before he walked all the way over, "hey Hugo", he said
"Hey", Hugo replied tiredly
"Thanks for takin care of him, but you mind if I take over for a sec?"
"Be my guest"
Varian felt the bed shift a little, signaling that Lance had sat down on it's edge before he felt the man's hand on his head, "hey little man". Varian didn't respond or move, not even when the hand rubbed his head softly before leaving him be.
"....He's been like this ever since they left", Hugo said sadly
"I see.... That's some next level sadness right there...."
"Yeah... Not even Ruddigar can make him smile... Or eat.... Or move....."
Lance was silent for a moment before he asked, "can you hear me Varian?"
The freckled teen nodded, his eyes never leaving the pin and tooth
"Well there's somethin at least", the former thief stated, his voice seemingly filled with a little bit of relief, "listen, you don't have to respond, but I wanna talk to you for a second, okay, is that alright?"
Varian nodded again, his mind was too fuzzy to really do much else
Lance waited for a moment or two, possibly collecting his thoughts, possibly not, the alchemist didn't really care. The man finally spoke, his voice soft and quiet, "you miss Adira and Hector"
This immediately made Varian's eyes fill with tears at the mention of their names
"I know.... I know you miss them, and you're worried about them too.... And I'm so sorry for that... I'm sorry they had to leave you like that, I really am...." Lance said, before he sighed and continued, "but they're gone, and they won't be back for a while"
"How is this helping exactly?" Hugo asked protectively as he watched his boyfriend grow even more upset
Ruddigar chittered at the blond, getting him to back up a bit, the animal seemingly sensing what the man was trying to do, Hugo listened, but gave a worried sigh as Olivia squeaked comfortingly at him
Lance continued after a moment or two, "Varian, look, I know you're upset, and you're possibly angry that they left you too, aren't you?"
The teen still didn't speak, but for some reason, he nodded his head
"I thought so, and you feel guilty that you're angry too, right?"
Another silent nod
"You know, it's okay to be angry, and it's okay to be sad. They left surprisingly quick, and after what you went through.... That's horrible for them to do...."
The teen didn't speak, but his lips quivered a little
".....It's horrible that they left, after they knew what you'd gone through, how abandoning you would be the last thing they should do-!"
"T-they didn't....."
Hugo gasped, but remained quiet, startled at his boyfriend's voice, it was so small, so weak, but it was his!
Lance smiled before continuing, "but they did though, they left you, abandoned you-!"
"T-they had no choice...." Varian interrupted
"Could've warned you though"
"T-they didn't know t-they would leave"
"That isn't any excuse", Lance argued, "they left, they gave you items to remember them by, which means they'll be gone for a while. They left you, and they didn't even ask if it was alright!"
"B-but they *h-had* to!" The teen exclaimed, looking at Lance for the first time since he'd come in, "t-they *h-had* to leave! T-they wanted to keep m-me safe!"
"Yet it hurt you"
"T-they didn't m-mean to...."
"But they did, and they said they wouldn't"
"B-but it's their duty"
"So?"
".....T-they.... Had to...."
The blue eyed alchemist closed his eyes and sniffled, his tears coming out like waterfalls as he hiccupped, trying to think of an excuse, *any* excuse, he could give his aunt and uncle. But his mind came up blank, and he felt that guilt, it was small but it was stronger than before. "It's okay", he heard Lance say, before a hand touched his shoulder gently, "it's okay to be angry, it's okay to feel resentment towards them because they left. Even if it was for a good reason..... They still left, and you're still hurtin..... You're not the only one you know"
Suddenly, the door to his bedroom opened, and someone walked in, they seemed to hesitate for a moment, before they walked forwards and sat down on the bed too. The smell of wood and apples filled the room as Varian realized who'd just entered his room, "....I'm angry at them too...."
His eye opened and he looked at the person, "....D-dad...."
"I'm angry they left too Varian", Quirin said softly, "I'm angry because they left me behind.... I could've helped, I could've done something.... But they said I'd need to stay behind.... I'm angry too... I'm angry and sad.... I hate being angry with them.... I shouldn't be, because they're right. Me staying behind will be better in the long run, I can help them from behind the lines and they have a place to fall back on should they need it but...." He sighed as a single tear slid down his face too, "but I'm still angry.... They're my siblings, we've been fighting together for as long as I can remember... And they just left.... They just left...."
Lance smiled at the man before he looked at Varian, "it's okay to feel that way, it's okay to be angry and sad, even if it isn't justified. They still left you alone, and you have every right to be mad... But", he cupped Varian's chin gently, getting the teen to look at him, "you don't have to be angry or sad alone. We're here, all of us", he gestured to the door again, where Varian saw Rapunzel, holding a brightly painted box with a happy face on it, Eugene, holding a couple Flynn Rider books and his wallet, and Edmund, who was smiling at his grandson as lovingly as he could before the freckled teen saw Hugo, Ruddigar, and Olivia join the group, "we're here for you. You can lean against us and cry and scream, you can even yell and vent about why you're upset, just....." Varian looked at Lance and saw the man was also teary eyed, "don't shut down on us okay? You can be sad, you can be angry, but we're here, and we always will be. And once Adira and Hector come back, they'll be here for you too, always".
Varian was so startled by this, his emotions had been so distant before, but as he continued to look at every single person in the room, they came back one by one. His worry was first as he looked at Eugene, his fear came next when Rapunzel was in his view; longing and concern was after that when he saw Hugo and his Grandpa standing beside them, care after that when Lance smiled at him. But as his father stared at him, Ruddigar right next to the man, he finally felt his sadness and love for the two that'd left, and in and instant, he burst into tears, gripping the pin and tooth in his hands so tightly that it hurt.
His sobs were loud and violent, his tears never seemed to end, he could hear his cries echoing throughout the house but he didn't care! He cried, he cried until his throat hurt, he cried until his father picked him up, he cried into his father's vest even when Ruddigar nuzzled his cheek, he just cried. He kept crying until he had no more tears left, his voice was shot, his head and heart hurt so much, his exhaustion countered anything else he felt as he drifted off into a sorrow filled sleep.....
*He was crouched down, his knees were up to his chin, his tears continued to flow, his arms wrapped around him protectively. It was dark, that's all it'd ever been in that room.... But suddenly he saw two lights come before him. One was a brilliantly soothing orange, the other a shining safe silver. They danced before him until they took two shapes
The orange became a warrior, her large coat and silver hair filling him with confidence and joy
The silver became a tamer, his yellow eyes and wild mane surrounding him with care and security
He looked at the two lights as they stayed in front of the teen, he reached out, wanting to touch them, wanting to hold them and never let them leave. But they said they needed to go, they said they needed to fight.... He felt his heart begin to break until two objects formed in his hands, one a pin, they other an earring.
The lights said they'd be back, they promised they wouldn't leave him, they said they loved him so much, and he could tell it was true. He could see their lights dim when they walked away, he knew they'd miss him too.
He called out to them, promising he'd wait, promising he'd fight for them too. They smiled, their lights becoming brighter once again, he meant every word, and as they left, the room became brighter as it filled with a blue flame*
Varian woke up, he looked around and realized he was in the livingroom, looking up, he saw his father, asleep underneath him. He smiled and nestled deeper into the old farmer's vest, stroking a sleeping Ruddigar's fur as he let out a small sigh. He ignored the glow of his eyes as he fell back asleep, not realizing that as he drifted off, two others drifted with him, each of them far away from the other.
As all three began to rest, they smiled remembering the promise they made, knowing they would see each other again, one day.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, people leaving is sad, people leaving quickly is even sadder, people leaving right away for a good cause is heart breaking. So here's Varian's heartbreak as well as his family and boyfriend being there to help him recover from it! <3
Hugo is being the best boyfriend in the universe, my GOSH this blond!!!!! <3 Sorry, I'm loving Hugo more and more whenever I write him X3 I hope that doesn't sound egotistical, he's just being a good boy <3
Quirin is the best father in the universe!!!!!!! The man worries about his child, but knows pushing him won't help, he's just a good bean! <3 I love exploring his and Varian's relationship this way, it makes me happy <3
Edmund, Eugene, and Rapunzel are being good support in this chapter! The may not have gotten too many lines, but what they did with their few shows just how amazing they are! <3 They'll get more screen time soon :D
Lance is the KING man!!!!! Emperor as well!!!!!! He knows exactly what to say and when to say it! He's the best emotional support Lance out there and I love writing him that way!!!!! <3
Ruddy and Olivia being the best animals in universe as well!!!! <3 Go mouse and raccoon team!!!!! <3<3<3<3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 284: Interactions, A Study By Varian!
Summary:
Varian does a character study!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Subject: Sunny Day
Name: Rapunzel
Occupation: Princess of Corona, Big Sister
Age: 20 years old
Gender: Female
Personality: Sunny Day seems to be incredibly cheerful nearly anytime I see her! Always smiling or humming a very joyful song to herself, even cheering others up with her happy go lucky attitude. The downside? She tends to use the emotion to block out her own problems.... And she gets a little two focused on the emotional over what's happening in front of her. Still, this Subject is very kind and generous, making the observer smile on way more than one occasion!
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Observations:
-Skillet Fighting: She can swing a skillet around with surprising accuracy! The pan itself is just a normal, everyday item, upon further investigation, the object was shown that have a picture of the Coronan Sun symbol painted in the middle, how the paint manages to stay on the pan without being chipped is unclear. Will have to ask Subject Sunny Day about its properties later, for now, that seems to be the only notable difference between a regular skillet, and Subject Sunny Day's. I swung it a few times to test it out, the weight was actually surprisingly hefty for a kitchen item. Will have to try to figure out Subject Sunny Day's overall strength at some point, though it'll have to wait. I accidentally dropped it one the floor while swinging the skillet around, having to scatter when Subject Sunny Day came to investigate. Will try to sneak in later to see if I can't get another try, for now, the Skillet remains untouched.
-Flipping and Dancing: Subject can be pretty agile in her movements, making her a hard target to hit. She'll dance and twirl around her opponent, confusing them until she can land a strike... Er.... Well.... She would if she would *wanted* to. Subject seems pretty against the idea, even during discussion, quote:
Sunny Day: "I don't really think that's needed, I don't really aim to hurt the other opponent when I fight them, I just want them to stop attacking, so I'll use more defensive moves until I wear them down. Then I try and talk with them"
Observer: "But don't you think it would be a better strategy? Confusing them first before taking them down with a knock out blow from your skillet?"
Sunny Day: "I suppose, but I'd rather talk it out if I can"
Observer: "What if they don't wanna talk?"
Sunny Day with a smirk: "That would be when I let down my hair, they're *pretty* willing to talk after that"
As has been established, Sunny Day would prefer to engage in, a more *defensive* strategy, which I suppose can't be helped. Though with further discussion, there is hope of possibly changing Subject Sunny Day's mind. At the very least, I can rightfully say with 100% guarantee that she would be a fierce tag opponent.... Too fierce.... Quote:
Sunny Day: "Varian! Are you alright?"
Observer: "Y-yes I-*huff huff* I'm fine, j-just.... *Phew* You *really* know how to dance!"
Sunny Day giggles: "Why thank you good sir, I really-Oh! O-oh no, EUGENE! VARIAN COLLAPSED ONTO THE FLOOR!"
Flynn Rider: "Wait WHAT?!"
I would like to note that the aforementioned game was unfair due to the Subject's high agility, no one told *me* she could do that!
.....Note to Self: Practice tag for further study of Sunny Day's agility skill, just in case....
****
Subject: Teddy Bear
Name: Lance
Occupation: Chef at the Snuggly Duckling, Therapist, Big Brother
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Personality: Teddy Bear is exactly when his subject name implies, a gigantic teddy bear! He's very sensitive to feelings and will calm or comfort anyone who's in need of it, offering hugs, stolen chocolates (which is funny to watch Subject: Flynn Rider get angry about. more on him later), snuggles, and the occasional comfort blanket and heart to heart. He wants to make sure everyone is okay, downside? He ignores his own feelings and behaviors, often going for the joke over the serious matter at hand. Subject is also prone to touching the observer's items when not allowed to, a very curious subject indeed, much to the Observer's chagrin.
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral (He still steals and gets itchy around guards, but he mostly leans towards good, to be fair to the other subjects, and to my alchemical solutions.... I've dubbed him chaotic neutral)
Observations:
Emotional Understanding: Subject Teddy Bear seems to have a keen sense of other people's emotions. I've even been in a place where this subject has given *me* quite a *few* therapy sessions. One such session happened just a few days ago when I.... W-well I really missed a few people very close to me.... They had to leave for a bit-Anyway! Teddy Bear was the only one able to console me during my more darker times, and he does so with other subjects as well, such as Subject Flynn Rider, to whom he shares an *extremely* strong bond with! Subject is also very curious as to how everyone's feeling, checking in with everyone to make sure they're okay and such-Surprise Quote because he's just interrupted my observation:
Teddy Bear: "Hey little man, how ya feelin today?"
Observer: "Oh! I-I'm better now, why do you ask?"
Teddy Bear: "Well I saw you watchin me, not so secretly, from behind to couch and just wondered so-!"
Observer: "Ah uh-eheh heh, y-yeah don't uh... D-don't mind that, j-just writing some things down, d-don't mind me! I'm okay"
Teddy Bear: "Alrighty then, have fun with your diary"
Observer, *without* the unnecessary squeak or blush: "I-it's not a diary i-it's um.... S-something else, something.... Scientific"
Teddy Bear with a smile: "Ok then, you have fun with your Scientific Diary"
Observer huffs while Teddy Bear walks away with a small teasing chuckle
Pain in the neck: I've discovered that Teddy Bear can also be a teasing pain in my neck when he wants to be! Making it *extremely* hard to get any kind of real work done at times.... However, he brings up a good point....
Note to Self: Find a better observation spot.....
****
Subject: Grandpa
Name: Edmund
Occupation: King of the Dark Kingdom, the Observer's Grandpa, Subject Flynn Rider's Father, Official Snuggler
Age: Unknown (i-it's rude to ask about Grandpa ages!)
Gender: Male
Personality: Grandpa is the best grandpa ever! He's very kind and considerate of others, always checking them to make sure they're alright and giving them much needed snuggles, which are warm and nose tickling due to his long mustache! Subject is very jolly too, having the uncanny ability to make others laugh simply by laughing himself, plus he helps Subject Evil Jerkface when he needs it! But more on that later, downfalls? The Subject can't seem to keep his thoughts to himself, often saying some embarrassing things out loud and will have to be reminded to not share those particular thoughts out loud, though he doesn't do it on purpose.
Alignment: Lawful and Chaotic Good (Because of his thoughts sprinkling out from time to time, he often switches from lawful to chaotic, but he's always a good grandpa!)
Observations:
Jolly Laugh: Grandpa's laugh makes everyone in the room smile and fill with warm fuzzies no matter what mood they're in! I myself have fallen victim to this laugh, getting the giggles whenever the Subject begins! His laugh begins in his belly, then trickles out in a glorious cascade of uproarious joy that fills the entire room with light! ....I realize there may have been a bit of bias in this observation and not much science, but every word I've written is true, so I will *not* erase it!
Stories of Old: Subject enjoys telling tales of long ago from Subject Evil Jerkface's childhood, and even his own! He also loves to spin a good yarn about his cultures traditions, one such holiday is the 'Lunar Love Festival', which coincides with Corona's 'Day of Hearts'! These stories range from anywhere between interesting to extremely eye opening! I plan to sit down tonight and hear another one of his stories, they're just so captivating, that is scientific *fact*!
Grandpa Magic: Subject Grandpa seems to have a sort of.... Grandpa magic.... I-it's a bit hard to explain, especially in writing, but I'll try.... See.... When Grandpa tells a Story of Old, or uses his Jolly Laugh, everyone is affected! No matter what the mood, time place, doesn't matter. *EVERYONE* is affected! They could be on the opposite end of the house and yet he STILL makes them smile! I don't know how he does it! It doesn't take much, just one giggle from him and they're rolling on the floor! This even happens when Subject Flynn Rider is grumpy! Quote:
Flynn Rider: "Varian, why am I standing in your lab?"
Observer: "Just wait for two seconds, I wanna see something"
Flynn Rider with an annoyed huff: "Alright kid"
*After a few seconds, Subject Evil Jerkface gives Subject Grandpa the cue via telling, what's known as, a 'Dad Joke', which shall be touched upon later. Subject Grandpa takes a few minutes to process before he gets it and begins to laugh, it filling the air with joy!*
Flynn Rider: "What is th-! I-is that-PBBBBT!"
*Subject Flynn Rider begins to burst into laughter, unfortunately, so does the Observer, and while he recorded this event, he ended up needing to stop the study of this subject due to his sides hurting a little too much, and Evil Jerkface needing to get him water as he coughed from being exposed to a bit too much of Subject Grandpa's Jolly Laugh*
Note to Self: When testing the Jolly Laugh again, wear ear plugs*
****
Subject: Flynn Rider
Name: Eugene Fitzherbert
Occupation: Formerly a swash buckling lady's man who was also a thief, currently? ....Um..... The Princess's boyfriend? Big Brother
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Personality: Subject Flynn Rider is very supportive and understanding, he's also very protective and kind. He looks out for those he cares for and will do anything for them and their safety! He's also an avid reader of the Flynnigan Rider Series that I love, which makes for very pleasant banter and conversation! Downside? He's.... A bit of a sore loser, especially when he loses to me, he does *NOT* like to lose. Also he can be kinda overprotective (though not as much as Subject Evil Jerkface, but we'll get to that).
Alignment: Lawful, Nuetral, Chaotic Good (Subject is prone to switching depending on who he's with and what kind of mood he's in, another downside, he's a bit mood swingish, but in a good way!)
Observations:
Fabulousness: Flynn Rider is the most fabulous person I've ever observed (save for Subject Emerald Eyes, but more on him later). He keeps a daily routine to primp and prepare himself for the day ahead, making sure every side of him is a *good* side! He's got the shiniest teeth, the softest hair, the smirkiest of smirks, he's got it all and more, and will boast about it should he feel the need. Normally that would be a downside, but in this case, he's never cruel about it, just confident, which is respectable.
Picker Upper: Subject has shown on *many* occasions that he will do what is needed to helps those in need, even more if he cares about you! Flynn Rider will help you when you're feeling down, not in the same way as Subject Teddy Bear however, no, this subject does so in a big brother sort of way. He's more motivational rather than the sit down type, sort of a pick me up if you will. When comparing the two, Subject Teddy Bear will more than likely sit you down and get to the root of your feel bads, which can be lengthy and emotional, not a bad thing. Whereas Subject Flynn Rider will crack a joke, make you smile, then motivate you to keep going. A faster approach with faster results, he builds confidence until in you and makes you believe in yourself until you can get to Subject Teddy Bear for extensive counseling. This can lead to subjects or even myself to become stronger and more confident when speaking with Teddy Bear as well!
Supporter: Out of all the subjects, Flynn Rider will be your loudest cheerleader! He's very boisterous when it comes to showing he believes in what you're doing! He congratulates you on your successes and keeps you from feeling bad about your failures. He's had to learn how to do this the hard way, as he wasn't the best at it before, but through his travels, has become quite the supporter! He makes me happy even when I fail, giving me a 'you'll do better next time, at least you know now right?' Which always helps me when my alchemy go awry. If you need someone's undying support and care, lean on subject Flynn Rider for help, he'll always be there!
Big Brother: I know this is not *technically* scientific, but I feel the need to add this. Teddy Bear is a good big brother, a very good big brother, I would never want to replace him for anyone else in the world. But.... Subject Flynn Rider has been there for me through so many things, and although when we met after his, and Subject Sunny Day's, return to Corona where he was mistrustful of me just a bit (which I do not blame him for), he was very quick to be by my side when I showed I'd truly changed. He's never held anything against me, never made me feel like it's all my fault, and has been there for me and instilled confidence in me that I can't put into *words* about how grateful I am for it! He's taught me breathing techniques that have helped me throughout my own personal journey as a person, and has protected me from so much. Here's an example of what he did just the other day after my.... Albeit *justified*.... Response to my aunt and uncle leaving after I woke up after crying, quote:
Flynn Rider: "Hey kid, how ya feeling?"
Observer: "B-better..."
Flynn Rider: "What's wrong?"
Observer: "....I-I'm sorry.... F-for all that..."
Flynn Rider: "Hey, no no, it's okay"
Observer: "N-no it's not, I stayed i-in my room for *three days straight!* I w-worried everyone, didn't eat, didn't sleep, d-didn't s-speak-!"
*Flynn Rider quickly moves to embrace me, his arms are warm and my head is against his chest so I can hear his heart beat, it instantly calms me down*
Flynn Rider: "It's okay, really Varian, it's really okay.... Look, I get it, missing someone like that... Is hard.... Did you worry us? Yeah, I'm not gonna lie, but was it for a good reason? I'd say so, you were sad, so sad in fact that you couldn't eat, sleep, speak, or do *anything* except look at the earring and pin they gave you. Hairstripe that's *okay*"
Observer: "B-but I worried a-all of you"
Flynn Rider with a loving smile on his face: "I know, but you were just so sad and upset that frankly, we understood. None of us are angry about it you know, we were worried, but now you're okay, you had some food, got your crying done, and you're currently talking to me about all of this without looking away or hiding. You made progress, you got better, that's all we want for you, is to get better, to feel better. You do, don't you?"
Observer: "I.... Yeah, I do, I-I still miss them, b-but I feel better"
Flynn Rider: "Then that's all that counts. Think of it this way, you feeling better and coming out here is your way of making it up to us, if you want"
Observer: "How so?"
Flynn Rider: "Well, while I still don't think you *need* to make up for it, you being out here and chatting, eating, and that long nap you just took, that's you showing us not to worry. And in doing so, you're making *us* feel better, because *you* feel better, see what I mean?"
Observer: "I... Hadn't thought about it that way before"
Flynn Rider: "Probably because you're stuck feeling guilty, but there's no need for that. Mind you, I get that you can't *help* it, but, just know, you don't have to feel bad. We're happy you're out here, we're glad that you could get what you needed, out. And none of us are mad or upset about what you did because, well, you're better now, and we're just happy you are, we're happy because we have you. So try not to feel bad anymore, okay?"
Observer smiling up at Flynn Rider: "Oki!"
*Flynn Rider and the Observer hug each other before they begin to talk about their theories for Flynnigin Rider's newest adventure coming out!*
Note to self: When remembering old conversations with Subject Flynn Rider, bring a tissue
****
Subject: Emerald Eyes
Name: Hugo
Occupation: Observer's Boyfriend, Sassy one liner guy, Pervy Boyfriend
Age: 16
Gender: Male
Personality: Subject Emerald Eyes is a bit hard to explain, his sassy remarks are both hilarious and rude, and he's very flirty. But he makes me laugh a *lot* and is very intelligent! He's also extremely handsome and kind and caring, often taking care of those who don't expect it and barely know him. Downsides? He.... Tends to tick people off a bit too much with his remarks, pranks, and pervy ways (particularly Subjects Flynn Rider and Evil Jerkface), plus he's still not sure what's he's going to do with himself, though I think he'll figure it out in time, but it does lead to him being a bit lost. That's okay though, he's got people to help him out, like me! Also, he puts other's needs before his own, and that gets really tricky, especially after all he went through....
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral (he's a good boy, but his pranks can be a little much at times, and he thinks it's funny when Subject Flynn Rider gets angry, so a little naughty)
Observations:
Playful nature: Subject Emerald Eyes likes to pull pranks, be sassy, sometimes even purposefully getting certain people angry for a good laugh. He even makes me blush when he wants to because, and I really hate quoting this, 'you're so *cute* when you're flustered!' He's a brat, a naughty brat, but one look from Subjects Evil Jerkface, Grandpa, or even myself, and he stops. And his pranks are never mean spirited or harmful, just a little aggravating, (like dying all of Subject Flynn Rider's clothing mud colors yesterday, it was funny, but helping him fix it sure wasn't). Though he *never* goes too far with a prank, always leaving certain objects or people be, like how he never pranks me, he's just flirty. Or how he never takes or touches *anything* belonging to Subject Evil Jerkface, which I can't fault him for, but he did grow a palm tree in the backyard two days ago, which Subject Evil Jerkface got a laugh out of! He's playful, fun loving, and knows when to stop, a good and bad trait at the same time I suppose.
Heart of Gold: While his playful nature can sometimes mask this quality, Subject has *proven* time and time again that he's got a heart made out of solid *gold*! He helps take care of the people he loves, and even those he doesn't know. He makes people laugh so hard when they're feeling down, even if he's having a bad day. He's always kind and, *if* he pushes someone too far, he's quick to apologize and make up for what he did in the best way he can! He's pure and kind and loving, and I really wouldn't know where I'd *be* right now without him. He saved mine and Subject Evil Jerkface's lives and I couldn't be more grateful to him for all he's done!
Funny: He makes me laugh, there's not much to this particular observation, I just felt it necessary to put in because he does it a *lot*!
Alchemy: Again, not much to this particular observation, but he's an ALCHEMIST! The only *other* alchemist outside of *myself*! Plus he's an inventor as well! That's amazing!
Handsome: Um.... Uh.... Eheheh.... Um.... Yes.
Inspiration: I don't know why I keep adding these smaller entries, they don't have much content to them to be honest, but I feel as though they're inclusion is important, so... Here it it! ....H-He um.... Inspired me to even do this in the first place.... Also he inspires a lot of my newer ideas, so..... Y-yeah um... To make my face *less* like a tomato fresh from Subject Evil Jerkface's farm, Imma move on....
A Good Boy(friend): Subject Emerald eyes is a very good boy(friend)! He's very supportive and fun loving, often making the room light up with joy with even the smallest remark! He has a knack for calming everyone down with as little words as possible, very efficient too, might I add. He's just so many things I could write about him that make him more and more amazing the more I observe him! He has a smile that lights up the world, a smirk that never *ceases* to both amuse and concern me, his hair is *gorgeous* and pretty, his eyes shine like Emeralds, he's just.... Everything anyone could ever want in a good boy(friend), even when he's being playful, and I have proof of this, quote:
Emerald Eyes: "Heya Freckles, I've got a question for ya"
Observer: "Hm? What is it?"
Emerald Eyes: "Have you ever wondered what your friends are like, in the wild, so to speak?"
Observer, snorting rather embarrassingly: "In the wild? What's that supposed to mean?"
Emerald Eyes: "Think about it, your friends and family have their own plans and objectives everyday right?"
Observer: "Right"
Emerald Eyes: "Well, how do they act when you're not around? Have you ever wondered that?"
Observer: "Huh.... Know what, I haven't.... Maybe I should try that sometime, maybe even write a study log about them all!"
Emerald Eyes: "I'd be interested in that, be sure to make me sound fucking sexy though"
Observer, blushing for unknown and totally unimportant reasons: "R-right, I'll be sure t-to um... D-do that... U-um-STOP DOING THAT!"
*Emerald Eyes proceeds to laugh as he hugs me happily while I hide my face in my hands for an hour*
Note to self: Gain more confidence in myself so Emerald Eyes can STOP DOING THAT!
****
Last but not least:
Subject: Evil Jerkface
Name: Quirin Vanguard
Occupation: Village Leader, Retired Knight, Coronan Farm Leader, and (most importantly) the Observer's Dad
Age: It's a secret (It's rude to ask about Dad ages! Just like it's rude to ask about Grandpa ages!)
Gender: Male
Personality: Subject Evil Jerkface is the best dad in the world! He's protective, kind, caring, funny, sassy, firm when needed, sometimes an evil nugget, but all in all, one of the biggest supporters in my, or in anyone else's, life! Downside? He can be overprotective, puts my needs above his own, puts *other's* needs above his own, can be mean with those 'Dad Rules', and... Well he can punish me, he doesn't do so very often, but I still don't like it, so I'm counting it as a downside, because this is my Observation, so there!
Alignment: Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic, Good, Neutral, and Evil (Evil Jerkface is all of them depending on the circumstances. When everything's fine and he's in a good place, he's the goodest good that ever good! But when something's wrong and gets him so upset that he pulls his duel blades out.... *RUN*! Still the best dad in the world, but scary when he gets mad)
Observations:
Strong: Subject Evil Jerkface is the strongest man alive! Even stronger than Subject Grandpa and-!
Evil Jerkface: "Varian, what are you doing over there?"
Observer: "Um, n-nothing, just, writing stuff down!"
Evil Jerkface: "Son... You're in a flower pot"
Observer: "I uh.... SMOKE BOMB!"
*Observer throws a smoke bomb on the floor, causing smoke to conceal him as he runs off, finding another hiding space where he can continue to observe Subject Evil Jerkface in secret*
**An Hour, and one new hiding spot hunt, later**
Observer: "Phew, I don't think he saw us run in here Ruddigar"
*Trusty Raccoon companion who's been with me the whole time chitters out a warning about Evil Jerkface*
Observer: "I know he comes in here to feed the chickens, but that won't be for a little bit, so it'll be fine, and I *need* to finish my study, I'm so close!"
*Trusty Raccoon companion agrees and says he'll keep a look out*
Observer smiles: "Thanks buddy"
Strong (continued): *ahem*, as I was writing, subject Evil Jerkface is the strongest man alive! Even stronger than Subjects Grandpa, Teddy Bear, Sunny Day, Emerald Eyes, and even Flynn Rider! He's got muscles to prove it! He's not just strong physically though, as he's shown time and time again how strong his willpower can be! He's very opinionated too, and will use all of his strength to take care of those he loves! May that be physically, mentally, emotionally, or all three!
Observer Sniffer: The subject seems to be able to know exactly where I am at all times, even when I'm hiding in places no one would expect! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Da-oh er-*Subject Evil Jerkface* can smell me. He can always find me, can tell when I need help, seems to have a good sense of understanding when it comes to my emotions, and knows my limits even better than I do sometimes! He's used this skill over the years to help me grow and become the person I am today, and for that, I will be forever grateful to him, and I respect him more than *anyone* else in this universe!
Leader: Subject Evil Jerkface has shown that he's a very great leader! Having led an entire *village* of people with very little experience, I've watched him quell lifetime arguments with one simple talk, stop fights before they even cross the people's minds, calm even the most *angriest* of people, and lead with a fair but firm hand when needed! He's the best man for any job you could ever possibly need, may it be physical labor, or a gentle hand.
Greatest Friend and Loyalist Subject: While Subject Evil Jerkface is a very great leader, he als-!
*Trusty Raccoon Companion hops back into the hiding place and warns me that Subject Evil Jerkface has just entered the building we're currently hiding in*
Observer while whispering: "Thanks, we'll need to keep super quiet, so try not to move or make any noise until he leaves, oki?"
*Trusty Raccoon Companion nods in agreement and both he and I stay perfectly still and silent, even placing a hand over my mouth to keep my breathing from being too loud. We hear the Subject just outside, he's chatting with one of his many farmhands and it getting closer to the hiding spot. Wait.... I-is he talking ab-!*
Evil Jerkface: "Varian? W-What are you doing in the Chicken Feed you noodle?"
Observer: "I-Uh um I uh... Fell?"
*Evil Jerkface raises a brow at me, I begin to sweat, clutching my notebook to my chest tightly*
Evil Jerkface: "Wanna try again, or...."
Observer: "Um.... It smells good?"
Evil Jerkface, now amused and chuckling: "it smells go-Varian get out of ther-!"
Observer: "SCATTER!"
*Me and my Trusty Raccoon Companion hop out of the Chicken Feed, accidentally causing dust to make Subject Evil Jerkface sneeze before we quickly make out escape! Finding yet *ANOTHER* hiding spot to stay in while observing Subject Evil Jerkface, I'm completing this mission if it's the last thing I do!*
**Another hour, and ANOTHER new hiding spot, later**
Observer, panting from having to run so fast while also shaking Chicken Feed out of his hair: "*Huff* Y-you think we escaped?"
*Trusty Raccoon Companion checks and nods, volunteering to look out once more*
Observer with a smile: "Oki, thank you again, we'll just have to escape even faster nest time if this spot doesn't work, I'm almost done"
Greatest Friend and Loyalist Subject (Continued): While Subject Evil Jerkface is a very great leader, he also takes orders very well, and is willing to follow someone he deems deserves the leader rank! That being said, he's also one of the greatest friends you can ever get! He's very kind and compassionate, always wanting to help and make sure his friends and family are safe and taken care of first before anything else. Sometimes this can be to his detriment however, as he tends to put his needs at the bottom of the list, even if they're much more pressing. However, he will stop being so loyal and kind to you if you betray him.... This has only ever happened once in his life, and to this day, Subject Evil Jerkface hasn't recovered from that awful ordeal.... Soemtimes he has nightmares about it, sometimes he clings to me tightly for comfort, sometimes he just whimpers as his thoughts force him back to a dark place.... I worry when he does this, as he doesn't really talk about how he feels, but I understand why he doesn't, he was trained not to.... He's slowly learning how to break that training, and it's taking time, but he's getting better, one thing's for sure, *never* break his trust, that'll be the worst thing you could do, for him, and for you.
Evil Jeckerface: I'm putting this here due to what just happened with the Chicken feed and flower pot! He's an Evil Jerkface who keeps finding me and it's rude! I'm in the middle of something, you stop that right now sir! Also, no I won't eat the carrots or asparagus, they're gross, ew.
Comforter: Subject Evil Jerkface has the best way of comforting people, no matter how distraught they are, he seems to know exactly what they need and when they need it! There've been many occasions where Subject Evil Jerkface has comforted someone just by being there for them, others where he's hugged them and given them an ear and shoulder. His greatest accomplishments with this are what he's done for me in particular, how he holds me close, how steady his heart beats, how calming his vest feels, and his smell of apples and wood make me happy in a way I can't describe! I love my da-ah! S-Subject Evil Jerkface, and anyone who's comforted by him is sure to love him too!
Best Dad: This.... Is the only entry I will say is completely biased on my part. But I don't care, I based this entire thing off of my experiences with the others and what I've observed today, everything I say is still true, it's just true in a different way, because it's *my* truth! Subject Evil Jerkface is the best and greatest dad in this *universe*! He's kind, caring, compassionate, loyal, fair, firm when needed, sassy, sometimes an Evil Jerkface, comforting, loving, adorable, fun, funny, loving, and above all else has the biggest heart and the brightest soul I have, and will *ever*, meet! He's made me feel so important in this world, he's put everything on hold just to help me, and I cannot and will not *ever* be ever to tell him how much his kindness and love has meant to me over the years, especially this past year..... I've been called a traitor, a freak, been told to die and have nearly been killed on more than one occasion because of my actions.... Everyone I tell, *EVERY SINGLE PERSON* has been surprised that it's been *me* who did what the rumors say, all except for him.... Majority of the people think I'm horrible for what I've done, and I don't blame them, but he's not one.
See, when I say he wasn't surprised, I don't mean he thought this would happen, because I thought that myself but I was wrong. He knew that me being by myself with so much pressure on me would make me break or hurt in a way I've never felt before, he didn't know *what* I would do, he just knew *something* would happen.... He wasn't surprised at what I did because... He said he'd probably do it too.... He told me he didn't judge me for my mistakes, that I'd paid for them and made up for everything I did when I helped save Corona and said I'd rebuild. He told me that he was proud because I hadn't run away from what needed to be done, he said he loved me and told me I was strong, that I was worth everything to him! I didn't believe him at first, not because he lies, no no, I didn't think anyone *could* feel that way about me, I mean... I'm *me*..... I'm not special, not great, I'm smart but that's it. I may have powers now but I can barely control them, and my alchemy is just a nuisance to everyone in the kingdom, all except for Evi..... All except for dad.
He's built me up like Subject Flynn Rider, made me smile like Subject Sunny Day, helped me emotionally like Subject Teddy Bear, has dad magic like Subject Grandpa, and means the world to me, like Subject Emerald Eyes! I cherish my dad, I love every moment I get to spend with him, and I would *never* trade anything away, even the bad, I love him, and I always will, I'm so proud to be his son, so proud to be a Vanguard, and I'm so proud to give him the title of the Best Dad!
*Trusty Raccoon Companion came back in the hiding place, chittering that Subject Evil Jerkface was just outside out hiding spot, and possibly might've seen him*
Observer, smiling: "Let him see, I finished either way, and honestly, I wanna hug him right now"
*My Trusty Raccooon Companion seemed surprised by that before he smiled and nodded. He was about to hop out of the hiding spot when two large hands came inside, grabbing up both, gently, and lifting us out of the spot*
Subject Evil Jerkface: "*There* you are! Not escaping me this time you two"
I just smiled: "Don't want to this time"
Subject Evil Jerkface raises a brow: "You don't?"
*Subject then rearranges me and my Trusty Raccoon Companion in his arms, holding up bridal style, my head next to his heart, I smile at his steady beat while my Trusty Raccoon Companion watches me happily from his shoulder*
Subject Evil Jerkface smiles lovingly at me and chuckles: "Well don't we look comfortable? What have you been doing all day anyway? I haven't seen hide nor hair of you, and when I do, you're in a flower pot, the Chicken Feed, then under the couch in the livingroom. And, aside from just now, you've been running from me, and others as well".
I smiled up at him, not realizing how tired I was since starting this project, he was just so *warm*! I let out a yawn before I show him my Observations: "this, I'm a little too tired to explain but-*Yawwwwwn*-if you let me rest for a minute, I can explain, and I wanna explain first"
*Subject Evil Jerkface was startled by my observations, but instead of taking it, he understood, gently pushing it back towards me and walking over to the newly fixed red chair. He sits down with me in his arms, and hums my lullaby, I love it when he does that. I feel myself drifting further and further into sleep before I can hear his hums no more. I may be asleep, but I remember I was still smiling as he held me tight*
****
"And that's everything!" Varian explained as he smiled at the group before him
"Wow Freckles, you really went all out with that Observation idea, huh", Hugo stated, impressed by his boyfriend's reasearch
"Yup! If you wanna read it, be my guest! These are just my observations and I had a lot of fun doing them", he then looked up at his father, "although *some* people kept interrupting me!"
"Now don't give me that, you were in the flower pot, Chicken Feed, and under the couch, and you expect me *not* to grow curious?" Quirin stated, raising a brow with a smirk
"Yes"
"You're a bratty stinkbomb"
"And you're an Evil Jerkface!"
"Hey, you said you gave us all 'Subject Names' right?" Rapunzel said, when the teen nodded she squeed, "what's mine?"
"Sunny Day"
"Why am I not surprised?" Eugene asked as Rapunzel beamed with joy
Varian giggled, "you wouldn't be surprised by yours either"
The Dark Prince raised a brow before he snorted, "I'm Flynn Rider aren't I?"
"Mmmmmmmaybe!"
"Damn it Haristripe", Eugene stated with a chuckle as Varian giggled before he looked at Lance, "you're Subject Teddy Bear"
Lance froze before he grinned, "I'm okay with that!"
Varian looked at Edmund, "you're Subject Grandpa"
The Dark King chuckled, getting Varian to smile wider, "happy to be so!"
The blue eyed alchemist looked at Hugo, "you're Subject Emerald Eyes"
The blond smirked, "oh so you noticed"
"S-stop it!" The freckled teen exclaimed, blushing and getting Hugo to laugh, "brat!" He then looked up at Quirin, "and you're Subject Evil Jerkface"
His father snickered, "well that just makes perfect sense"
"Yes it does"
The retired knight chuckled before hugging his son, "I love you Bubby"
"I love you too dad!" He replied, not noticing the Village Leader sneakily snag the observation journal and begin to read it
Ruddigar chittered happily, getting the princess to look at him, "did you do one on Ruddigar?"
"Nope", Varian said, "wouldn't be able to since he's always with me anyway, but his subject name would be Trusty Raccoon Companion if I did"
The raccoon purred and nuzzled his boy lovingly as the retired knight's smile grew wider and wider
"So, do you plan on doing one with Adira and Hector when they come back?" Edmund asked curiously
"I'm thinking about it, I want to but I'm not sure, I guess it depends", Varian replied, not noticing his father's lip quiver a bit, Ruddigar sniffing him worriedly
Eugene laughed, "oh that'd be a challenge, getting those two to not notice you while you're hiding right beside them"
"It would, but it'd be worth it if I could get away with it", Varian replied with a glint in his eyes before he felt his father's chin on top of his head, he felt small drops drip onto his nose as he looked up, only able to do so with his eyes as Quirin's arms wrapped around him tighter
"Are you alright Quirin?" Edmund asked worried
The retired knight gave a watery chuckle, "y-yeah, I'm alright just.... Reading my Observation"
Varian blinked before he smiled, remembering every word he'd written before he wiggled a little, able to face his father with a loving smile and he propped himself up using his knees and kissed his father's cheek, "I meant every word"
Quirin hugged him, holding him tight as he could and kissing his head lovingly as he did so, his sniffles escaping his mouth as his son giggled happily in his grasp. Ruddigar, Eugene, Edmund, Rapunzel, and Lance all smiled at the pair happily as their warmth seemed to fill the room, and them, with a happy and peaceful feeling that night.
Notes:
Hello! :D SO sorry for the late submission, but this one was super long, sorry about that XD This story idea was inspired by Reannie35! Thank you very much for the inspiration for this idea! :D I truly appreciate it! <3
So, Varian does a case study on all of the people in his home at the moment, so so I can't really do a character summary of each character here, since I think it's pretty self explanatory in the chapter what each character did XD But there is one thing I can touch on here.
Varian and Quirin are the best imperfect father and son duo I've ever seen on TV, save for Goofy and Max from Disney! I love these two so much and them being together and showing how much they care for each other, I wanted more of this in the show. I wanted to see them grow and flourish, I know it's about Rapunzel, but surely there can be episodes dedicated to another character for once, I mean Avatar did that, in 'Zuko Alone', you never even *see* Aang, you only see Zuko and what *he's* going through! I love it when a show will have their other characters grow, I saw Eugene's growth, but only because he was always with Rapunzel, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Varian, Quirin, Adira, Hector, Edmund, and even ZT and *Cassandra* were unable to grow because they weren't with Rapunzel all the time!
It's odd, because you'd think that would detract me from these two, but because we got *snippets* of Quirin and Varian together in Season 3, it showed the man truly loved his son, him placing a hand on Varian's shoulder in 'Be Very Afraid' showed he'd forgiven Varian, at the beginning of the episode, he said 'Morning son!' when Varian was standing outside of their home! Showing he was acknowledging him at the very least! Showing him listening to Varian's story in 'Be Very Afraid', and walking with him through town shows he goes out with Varian when his son needs to, I'm guessing they went to check if Ruddigar was alright, otherwise why would they be there?
Idk, guess that's just me, and sorry for the rant, I just really think there was so much potential that got dropped in Season 3, I sincerely hope they change their minds about VAT7K, I want that show SO badly! There would be a HUGE following for that show, there really would!
It's also okay if you don't like Varian or Quirin, I'm not here to spread hate at all, you can chose weather to like them or not, I happen to love them, but I'm only one person. If you enjoy Varian, but don't like Quirin, that's okay, if you like Quirin but don't like Varian, that's also okay. This is just my take on them after all, you're allowed to have your own opinions on this matter <3
Either way, I'm *so* sorry for the small rant and the late post, I *sincerely* hope you all enjoyed this chapter, thank you again to Reannie35 for this inspiration, this chapter was made because of you, so thank you!
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 285: Training with Celestial Magic!
Summary:
Angry and Catalina make Varian's powers got awry, so Quirin wants to have his son train a little more with them!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin was a simple man, he liked things nice and peaceful, some homemade breakfast in the morning, some nice farming throughout the day, maybe a few villager's squabbles to sort out, then a lunch and dinner with his tiny son before getting to bed at night. What he got however...... "LANCE STOP TOUCHING THAT!" Varian yelled aggravatedly
"But it's so bubbly!" The former thief whined, "besides, you've been watchin it for hours, it isn't doin anything!"
"I am *studying* it! This is a *very* sensitive chemical, so it's best to wait for the results and write down what it does *first* so I don't accidentally set it off later"
"It hasn't made a single move since you've been sittin there though, it's been over an *hour*"
"Trust me when I say, chemicals can surprise you-!" Varian looks at the vial as it shifts from different colors, "like that! See? It takes a long time to study a chemical, especially one *this* sensitive, so you've gotta be *patient* and watch what it does"
"Until when?"
"Well for this particular chemical, wait until every single bubble has popped, that's when I'll know it's finished and won't be doing anything else"
Lance groaned, "that could actually take *years* though"
"Then I will sit here for years and watch it-!"
"You have until lunch time", Quirin interrupted
"I will sit here until lunch time and watch it!" Varian corrected before he wrote down the change in the chemical's hue
For a while, all was silent, no one spoke or moved as Varian continued to watch the chemical, Quirin, Rapunzel, Eugene, Edmund, and Hugo were all smirking as Lance, with Catalina and Angry, who happened to be visiting that day, sulked. That was, until the two girls started to whisper to each other, then snuck over to the blue eyed alchemist. They waited until the teen seemed to have his full attention on the chemical before they yelled, "BOO!"
"EEP!" The teen teleported away, reappearing in his father's arms, right as the man quickly caught him! He huffed at the girls, "really you two, come on I was j-uh oh", his eyes widened as he watched the vial he'd been studying. It shook and shivered, "oh nononononono NO!" He tried to get up and run over to the vial before the whole thing burst!
"LOOK OUT!" Hugo yelled before grabbing his boyfriend's hand and pulling him over!
*BOOOOOOOM!*
The house shook a little bit as smoke filled the room, but as it began to clear, Eugene called out, "everyone okay?"
After a series of yesses, Quirin got up and opened a window, "that should air out the room for a moment", he stated. After the smoke was clear enough for everyone to see, they gasped.
The place where the vial was sitting was now completely charred, cracks were in the table Varian had set it on, and the chemical itself had been completely destroyed. "Well, at least the house is in tact?" Hugo tried, giving a toothy smile to try and cheer his boyfriend up, but the look of shock and utter disbelief on the freckled teen's face shot that smile down instantly as Varian walked over to the charred remains.
He stared at it for a long time, his gaze never leaving that spot, "I spent.... T-three *days* on that chemical...." He said softly, his voice completely devoid of anything other than sadness, with a hint of rage underneath
"Oh geez V, we're so sorry, we were only joking around", Angry stated
"Yeah, we didn't think it was *that* sensitive", Catalina added, "we're so sorry... We can clean up the mess"
Quirin felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as a sudden warning jolt shot through his arm. Looking at his gloved left hand, he noticed a faint blue glow coming from underneath it, "uh guys", Rapunzel stated, getting the retired knight's attention and making his eyes widen when he saw her hair glowing
"Oh shit...." Eugene said
"V-Varian?" Lance asked
"T-three..... Long.... Hard... Sleep deprived..... *DAYS!*" Varian screamed as blue light emanated off of him, he *glared* at the two girls as his teeth were bared, Ruddigar chittered anxiously as he and his boy began to float in the air! His hair began to glow bright blue, his stripe a shocking white, his eyes matching the blue that his hair was showing as he *roared* with anger!
"VARIAN!" Quirin yelled, he immediately jumped into action while Edmund grabbed the two girls and, with Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel, blocked them from harm. Hugo began to help Quirin out, stacking items on furniture so the Village Leader could make his way up to his son. Once the man had reached the teen, he wrapped his arms around him and hushed him softly, "it's okay, it's alright, calm down, calm down".
The freckled teen felt his anger begin to dwindle before his eyes met with his father's, instantly feeling guilt as he looked around and saw himself, and Ruddigar, floating. His eyes stopped glowing as he hugged his dad, both of them floating downwards while his father held him close, "....I-I'm sorry...." Varian finally said once he and the retired knight were on the ground
"It's alright"
"Yeah, had a small temper tantrum for a second, but that's okay", the Dark King replied with a chuckle, "I think I'd have one too if something I'd worked on for a while was destroyed"
Varian blushed, "i-is that what we're calling those now?"
His father chuckled, "we might"
The freckled teen groaned as he hid his face in his father's vest, his cheeks blushing a little bit as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy lovingly, "haven't had one of those happen in a while", Hugo stated with a loving smirk as he placed a comforting hand on Varian's shoulder
"No we haven't", Quirin agreed, "it was a tiny one, but I think it might be a good idea to go and see if maybe we can control those little outbursts"
Varian peeked out from his fluffy hiding spot to look up at his father, "train? L-like what we did at the castle?"
His father nodded, "yup, we would train for see if maybe we could figure out how to gain control over your anger spurts"
"Seems to me that it was much small than before though", Edmund pointed out
"Could CassAndra taking some of Hairstripe's power done that?" Eugene asked
"We won't know until we found out, but it's a possibility at the very least", the retired knight stated
The blue eyed teen looked away for a moment, Ruddigar chittering at him sadly
"You okay?" Hugo asked
"Yeah just.... I-I'm glad it's a little weaker, so I can't hurt anyone... B-but C-Cassandra having some of that power.... I w-wonder if maybe her destroying t-the house could've been a r-result of a.... Ugh... 'Temper tantrum', and i-if it is.... Then me losing that power to her...."
"Hey hey no, we're not doing that again", Quirin stated, cupping his son's chin gently to get the teen to look up at him, "what happened was *not* your fault. You had no choice at that moment and ended up getting hurt in the process as well. Don't do that again, don't blame yourself, it wasn't your fault, she pulled a cheap move"
"She really did", Hugo stated, "don't be so hard on yourself Freckles, let's go and train, control the powers you *do* have, that way, you'll be more prepared the next time you face her, yeah?"
Varian in-between the two before smiling, "oki"
Ruddigar chittered happily, rubbing against his boy happily and getting the teen to giggle
"Great, glad that's settled, but first", Edmund pointed to the charred table, "we should uh... Probably get that fixed first huh?"
"Leave that to us", Lance stated, as he, Angry, and Catalina had grabbed cleaning supplies and were holding them proudly, "we'll have that table fixed and the area cleaned by the time you all get back", he said, the girls nodding determindly
Quirin smiled, "thanks you three"
****
Eugene, Rapunzel, Edmund, and Ruddigar, were standing nearby, watching as Varian, Quirin, and Hugo stood a few feet away, "alright", the retired knight said, "first things first, how about we work on what we already know you can do, like teleporting, levitation, and flying. You've been practicing a little everyday, haven't you?"
Varian nodded, "yup"
"Good, then lets see how far you've come", his father set a hand sized rock on the grass, "levitate it"
Varian concentrated, his eyes unblinking as he stared at the rock with both hands out, "perfect form", Hugo commented, "back straight, knees bents slightly, eyes wide open, damn Freckles"
The blue eyed alchemist blushed a bit, grateful for the praise as he continued to concentrate on the rock. His eyes began to glow, as did his hand as he imagined his glow surrounding the rock. He noticed the image in his mind was taking shape in real time, as the blue light engulphed the rock entirely. He felt the weight of the rock in his hand and head, commanding it to move up slightly. His eyes glowed brighter, and his hair began to glow before the rock finally lifted from the grass, floating just a few feet in the air.
"Remember your breathing bubby", Quirin stated
Varian took in a small breath of air, then let it out slowly, continuing to do so as an image of Adira filled his mind. He felt a small tug of joy at her memory before concentrating on the rock once more. He willed it to go a little higher, and up it went, he smiled, "nice work Hairstripe!" Eugene called
"Yeah! Amazing job!" Rapunzel cheered happily as Ruddigar and Edmund hooped and hollered excitedly for their boy!
The freckled teen blushed even more and smiled shyly as he moved his hand around, the rock following his command, he made it swirl in the air, go up, down, up, and back down again, then shoot through the sky at top speed before stopping immediately. He was panting at this point, "alright that's good", Quirin called, "great job Bubby, how are you feeling?"
"I'm *huff huff* I-I'm okay, just out of breath", he managed to gain control over his breathing, still holding the rock in the air before he looked at his father, "I'm ready for the next task"
Quirin smiled lovingly at his child, an image of a young Hector looking at his in the very same way Varian was, those words repeating in his mind as the young tamer trained with his first sword. He chuckled before shaking the image out of his mind and concentrating on his son, "ok, next, I want you to teleport the rock from where you have it, into Hugo's hands, okay?"
Varian nodded, "got it!" He then looked at his boyfriend, "you ready?"
The blond nodded, holding out his hands, "good to go"
The blue eyed alchemist smiled before he looked at the rock again, he imagined it disappearing and reappearing in his lover's grasp safe and sound. Pushing the image over to the object before the glow surrounding it began to shimmer at the command. His hair began to float at this point, waving like the teen was under water. He didn't stop as he applied just a little more energy into the rock, hoping it would help the command, once he did, the large pebble disappeared and, within seconds, reappeared in Hugo's hands, the bespeckled teen catching it with ease!
"You did it!" Edmund exclaimed happily, Ruddigar chittering out a cheer of congrats to his boy's accomplishment
Rapunzel and Eugene clapped, Lance, Angry, and Catalina joining in as they'd just finished cleaning up the mess. Varian grinned, blushing once more as he looked at his father, who was smiling, "great job son"
The teen's eyes twinkled happily before he disappeared, "whoop-welp", Eugene snorted, "there he goes"
Varian reappeared seconds later in his father's arms, Quirin chuckling as his son's blush deepened, "you daddy's boy"
"You saw nothing", the teen stated shyly
His father snickered before he set the boy down, "alright, last item is flying, you got enough energy in you to do it?"
Varian nodded, "I do"
"Alright, go ahead and teleport over to your Hugo and do your best", he stated, planting a kiss on his boy's head
The blue eyed alchemist giggled before he looked at Hugo and disappeared, reappearing in front of the blond before stumbling and being caught by him, "we really must stop meeting like this", Hugo teased
"Eheheh, y-yeah we do", Varian replied before the bespeckled teen helped him steady his stance, "thanks, and uh, sorry"
"You're good, I'll always catch you when you fall"
"Pffft! That was so cheesy!"
"You're blushing though"
"I am and I hate it!"
Hugo laughed, getting Varian to smile and shake of his nerves before he looked at his father, who was smirking, "i-it's not what it l-looks like!"
"Uh-huh", Quirin said
"H-he's just a cheesy brat nugget!"
"Uh-huh"
"A-and distracting"
"Uh-huh"
"And-And..... Um...."
"Cute?"
"Ye-HEY!"
The retired knight snickered as Hugo gave his son finger guns, getting the teen to blush even more before huffing, "either way, go ahead and try flying ya noodle", his father called
"Hmph", Varian pouted before sighing, he then closed his eyes and concentrated on himself. His hair and freckles beginning to glow as his magic engulphed himself. He imagined himself with blue wings, flapping them to propel him into the air. As he pushed that image out to himself, giving the command more energy to produce the airy feat, he felt his weight begin to dissipate away. He pictured himself being lifted from the ground, he felt it too as his eyes remained closed.
"You're doing it Varian!" Rapunzel exclaimed as Ruddigar, Edmund, and Eugene cheered
"Keep it up little man!" Lance yelled, Angry and Catalina jumped up and down in anticipation
"That's it Freckles, keep going", Hugo said
"You've got this Varian", Quirin added
The freckled teen felt his heart fill with warmth and he smiled before he lifted fully off the ground. He remained in the air, eyes still closed before he opened one, then the other, "w-woah!" He spun in the air a bit before gaining control, "t-this is so COOL!" He exclaimed
The retired knight chuckled as Hugo beamed with pride, "it looks amazing! Can you move around at all?"
Varian tried, moving his arms and legs like he was swimming, it worked! He propelled himself forwards, instinctually spreading his arms out to help him steer. He titled to the left and flew left, titled to the right and flew right. He giggled before he looked up and used his arms and legs again to propel him higher.
"Be careful son, don't go too high!" His father called
He wouldn't, he just wanted to see as he made a loop in the air. His body wasn't in pain, his hair and eyes were still glowing, but he smiled, he felt so free and the wind touched his cheeks. He let out a happy sigh as he continued to move around in the air, loving the weightless feeling in his bones as he soared.
"VARIAN LOOK OUT!" Quirin yelled
"Huh?" He looked at his father before noticing he was about to fly right into a-!
*THUD!*
....Tree..... His magic stopped flowing as he felt his weigh come back, he fell through the air, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!" He screamed
"VARIAN!" Everyone screamed as the teen closed his eyes and placed his hands over them. He curled into a ball, too afraid to find out how high he'd gone before he felt someone's arm wrap around him, catching the teen in the nick of time, "it's okay now little Peanut, I've got you", a familiar voice said
He peaked out from behind his hands and saw Edmund smiling back at him, "G-Grandpa", he hugged the man happily, thanking him profusely for catching him
"Thank you King Edmund!" Quirin exclaimed
"Nice catch dad!" Eugene complimented
"Thank you, and it wasn't a big deal", the Dark King replied before he rubbed his cheek against his grandson's, getting the boy to look at him, "are you okay?"
Varian sniffled, wiping away a few fear filled tears before nodding shakily, "u-uh-huh"
"That's good, though you have a pretty nasty scratch on your cheek, not to mention a few splinters"
"S-Splinters?" The teen shuddered
"It's okay son, we can get them out", his father said gently, taking his child out of his king's hand with another grateful thank you
"Wait, why don't we try the Healing Incantation?" Rapunzel suggested, getting everyone to look at her, "look, we want to make sure we understand Varian's powers right? Well, using the incantation again would help with that, if it works, then that's great! If it doesn't, then he doesn't have too bad of injuries, and at least we'll know for next time"
"I.... Normally would be against that idea, but she's right, it would be a good time to use it", Lance said
Eugene looked at Quirin, "what do you think?"
The retired knight thought about it for a moment before he looked at his son, "do you want to try?"
Varian nodded, i-it would be a good idea t-to check, plus I... W-wanna get the splinters out...."
His father smiled, "still don't like them in particular, huh?"
"N-nu...."
"What's his beef with splinters?" Hugo asked
"When he was younger, he got a pretty deep splinter in his finger, I had to get it out with a needle and the process freaked him out so much that he's vowed never to get another splinter as long as he lives.... Or at least try not to"
"Ah, yeah that would get me too in all honesty", the blond stated with a smile, getting his boyfriend to smile back before he looked at Rapunzel
"W-we could try it, j-just um, give me o-one moment"
"Huh? Why?" The princess asked
"I uh.... F-fell and... I think my stomach needs to catch up....."
"Oh! Eheh, right, go ahead and take a minute, we can do it once you're ready"
****
".....so he can use the Healing Incantation.... How interesting.... Like a little Demanitus..... Hmmmm...." The ghost girl watched the family as the two celestial siblings used the healing incantation to heal the tiny alchemist. When it worked, they cheered and the boy looked relieved as he searched himself for any remaining splinters, none were found much to his relief. She sighed, she'd watched the two warriors leave in search of the women she's keeping under her watchful eye. She watched the boy shut down due to this news, which was entertaining to say the least, she'd watched his friends and family rally around him as they helped him feel better, she continued to watch, as the boy was training with his father, the retired knight helping the teen to control the powers he still had. She smiled at him as she saw the boy float into the air with ease, he was getting better at that, the teleporting as well in fact, and then there's that healing incantation..... Hmmm..... "Perhaps it's time I pay him a visit, could be interesting to see what will happen when I speak to him again".
"What are you doing?" Cassandra asked, walking over to the ghost girl
"Nothing in particular, though I'll be gone for a few days"
"What? Why?"
"I have certain matters I need to tend to, surely you can get along by yourself for a few measly days can you not?"
"Yeah, I can, just be back soon"
"Oh don't worry Cassandra, I will, and I just may have news to tell you once I'm back too". The blue haired women nodded before she walked away, leaving the ghost girl alone as she turned to look at the small family once again. Her eyes glowed an eerie green color as she grinned wickedly at the boy she deemed worthy of her presence, "we shall see what kind of person you are.... Little Demanitus....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here's another Moon power training chapter! This time, we get to see how the little Moon bean is progressing with his powers! :D
Angry and Catalina are trouble makers, though they don't mean any harm, they just like pulling pranks, but sometimes those get a little out of hand. So hence, the Varian tantrum, which is now what I'll be calling those little magical outbursts because it's adorable! XD I love Catalina and Angry, I just like their impish behaviors in the show, it's refreshing :D
Quirin and Hugo are being the main Moon bean support and it's nice to write! :D They would be the ones to help Varian the most throughout this training, he would also be distracted by Hugo if he wasn't, so there's that too XD Plus, Quirin picking on his son and Hugo flirting with Varian is just so much fun to include! XD
Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance didn't get too many things to say in this chapter, but they helped a lot either way :D also, More Healing Incantation! Woot! :D
Shout out to Grandpa Edmund for catching the falling bean! <3 Thank you for that :D
Ruddy Buddy is still the best racoon ever, and the best animal companion in the series! That's a scientific fact! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 286: Ziri!
Summary:
Varian gets a visit from someone who claims she's a friend, or at least, she'd like to be.....!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Varian looked around, he remembered falling asleep in his father's arms after dinner, he remembered having a dream where he and Hugo were redesigning his water tanks, but then something..... Woke him up? He continued to look around the unfamiliar terrain, where was he? Everything was different shades of purple and pink, he looked down at his feet and saw he was standing on a flat surface, he wasn't entirely sure what it was made out of though. It *looked* like rock, but wasn't being held up by anything and was much too flat to be the Earth or a walking path.... He looked around once more, things were floating around him, the biggest thing he noticed was a gigantic tree, it's poor roots looked like they'd been pulled directly from the ground and were forced to perpetually be in a state of decay. He noticed other floating objects that seemed to be parts of an ancient temple.....
Squinting, he noticed the marking on the floating formations were the same, or at least eerily similar, to the one's he'd found on the Demanitus scroll he was currently translating. He felt a shiver run up his spine suddenly.... Something had changed.....
Looking around once more, he tried to spot anything different, that's when he let out a small yelp of surprise, there was a face smiling at him! A face of a girl.... He grin spreading, unnaturally, from ear to ear as her complexion was nonexistent, instead it was a transparent whiteish color.....
"W-wha-wha-where am I-who are *you*?!" He stuttered, backing up a bit as the face grew closer to him, with that same insane smile on her face
"A friend! Or at least I *could* be", the face exclaimed before disappearing
Varian looked around once more, his anxiety pricking in the back of his mind, "w-where did yo-AH!" He jumped several feet in the air when he saw a tiny girl standing right next to him! Her entire body was the same transparent whiteish color he couldn't describe.
"I'm right here", she replied, looking at him
"U-uh...." He shuddered at her grin
She lessened it a bit, almost as if she could hear his thoughts before she spoke once more, "sorry, it's been such a *long* time since I've seen or talked to anyone", she stated before giving a polite curtsy, "my name is Ziri, and I wish to help guide you in your path to knowledge young alchemist"
"G-guide me?"
"Why yes!" She looked up at him, straightening her posture, "I wish to help you young alchemist"
He raised a brow at her, "why? And with what?"
She grinned, "why, with your Moon powers of course!"
His eyes widened and he glared at the women, backing up a bit, "I don't know what you're talking about"
"Oh come come now, I already know all about your Moon powers", her grin widened, "Varian Asher Vanguard"
He growled, "what do you want with me?!"
"Easy young alchemist, like I said, I'm a friend, or at least I'd like to be", his glared deepened, and she sighed, "do you really wish to know the truth of who I am?"
"If you don't lie about it.... Which is a fucking long shot at best...."
She smirked, feeling a small bit of irritation at the curse, if he only knew who she was..... "well aren't you polite"
"Fuck manners, you dragged me out of a good dream and brought me here, and for what exactly? To help with powers you shouldn't know I have while simultaneously saying my full name without me having to introduce myself? Fat fucking chance, I'm not stupid!"
She smiled, she was going to like this kid, even if his manners needed work, "I apologize for scaring you, but I truly intend only the best for you"
"Prove it", the alchemist stated, his eyes narrowing at the women
She thought for a moment before she sensed something familiar with the teen, "give me one moment", she closed her eyes and held out a hand to him, it sparkled with purple magic that Varian got a *very* bad feeling about. She smiled when she looked into his past, seeing his struggle with the Villagers in Old Corona, seeing his father sheathed in unbreakable amber, seeing his public lashing as well as the kingdom's scorn, he'd shut the door before she could see anymore though. So she explored other parts of his mind, trying to find anything and everything she could use on him, his dreams, his knowledge, his wishes, they were locked tight behind layered doors, she could respect that. That's when she saw his lineage wide open and unexplored, she smiled and looked inside, it was better than nothing she supposed, she could find *something* useful in here. As she looked, she saw the boy's father, and felt their deep bond together, she could use it for later she was sure, but she needed something more.... She continued to look into the deepest parts of his ancestry before she gasped and opened her eyes! Pulling herself out of his mind as she stared at the boy for a moment or two, shock was prominent on her face before her eyes changed. Something about them grew dark and lustful, if Varian didn't know any better, he'd say what she showed was... Hatred.... Yet longing.... He got more chills up his spine before her eyes changed back to the kindly 'innocence' she'd been giving him before, "you must be very proud"
He raised a brow for the third time in that.... Wherever he was, "proud?"
"Of you ancestry, it's not everyday you meet someone with *his* bloodline"
"'His'? Who's 'he'?"
Her eyes widened, "you really don't know?"
"Know what?"
She smirked, "well that would make sense wouldn't it", she chuckled, "my dear young alchemist, you've got a very *rich* lineage in your family!"
He huffed, frustrated at her lack of an answer, "you're trying to distract me, it won't work. Why do you want to help me, what proof do you have that will make me even *consider* allowing you to do so?"
She sighed, "such mistrust, honestly, I'm really not here to hurt you"
"Then *prove* it"
She wanted to growl, but kept her temper, she would need to if her plan was going to succeed, *especially* after what she'd just found out, "absolutely, but I need to ask you a question. What have you always wanted to know about yourself?"
"What?"
She smiled, "what do you wish to know, about you, your family, your powers, I can tell you anything you wish, I have the ability to find out"
"How?"
"Well, see I have a bit of magic, it's what's kept me around all these years, watching over the world and helping when I can. I've practiced this magic for a long time, helping my people and giving them what they needed for eons!"
"So why are you here, helping me? And why are you.... Transparent?"
She gave a sad sigh, "you see, the people of my village, while grateful for the gifts I bestowed upon them, found my magic to be more chaotic and unnatural.... They called me a witch, and kicked me out of my home". He felt a pang of guilt and sorrow for her, but he tried to brush it aside, trying to keep his guard up, "after that, I wondered around and found myself in a kingdom filled with darkness. They had the Moonstone and asked me to watch over it for a time-!"
"Wait.... I've heard this story before...." He then glared at her, "this is the story of Zhan Tiri!"
Her eyes were startled for a moment, before she quickly hid it, replacing it with a look of sadness, "it is.... But you see, that's where your history books are wrong"
He glared, "how do you figure?"
"Because our stories got mixed up into one", Ziri stated, "my story is not the same as Zhan Tiri's, you see, I was asked to watch over the Moonstone, which I did, but Zhan Tiri, a wicked sorcerer, stole it from me! His power *far* stronger than my own! I did *try* to fight him for it, but he managed to get away, and used it's mighty power to harm my village! My people were harmed, my home demolished, I had no choice but to try and fight back, so I did, and with the help of an old friend of mine, we defeated that sorcerer! I stayed behind to watch over the Moonstone, becoming a Brotherhood member in the process, but Zhan Tiri came back. I'd managed to stay alive for such a long time due to my magic, as did my old friend, both of us were connected to the Sundrop and Moonstone respectively. Zhan Tiri tried to take the stone once again, but this time, caused a massive blizzard to harm Corona! In the end, I had to make a sacrifice, giving up my freedom in order to help my old friend trap Zhan Tiri, once and for all, in limbo..... That's why I'm here.... The only people to tell my tale are the villagers from my old home, and my old friend.... But even then.... He didn't have the full story either.... Over the years, our stories merged, and I became the Zhan Tiri that people feared... But I'd never associate with the demon, never...."
"I.... You.... W-were a victim of a misunderstanding...." Varian stated softly
"That's right", Ziri said, "an to think, all I wanted to do was help, but instead, I was shunned.... I understand why they did it, my magic is very different after all... but still... It hurts to think no one will truly know my story...."
"Yeah.... That uh... T-that's pretty terrible...."
The girl looked at the teen, secretly smiling to herself while he wasn't looking, before she shook it off and gave an optimistic smile, "but see *that's* why I've called you here! I want to help you, I want to help you with your powers so I can finally rest knowing the Moonstone and Sundrop are finally safe! My spirit is still connected to the Moonstone you see, I was awoken when I felt someone take the Moonstone, the girl, Cassandra her name is.... She's taken it and is planning on using it for her own nefarious deeds. I want to stop her from doing so, so when I felt you, I saved my strength in order to come find you!" She exclaimed, "it took me a while, but I really want to help, I sincerely do!"
Varian hesitated, he wanted to help her, he felt a connection to her story, but..... "I... I'm not sure...."
She grinned, she was so close now, "would it help to know the person you're related to was my old friend?"
He looked at her, "he was?"
"Yes, the very same person who helped defeat Zhan Tiri all those eons ago! I think you may have heard of him too", she smirked, "have you heard of Lord Demanitus?"
Varian's eyes widened to an unimaginable rate, she was a little startled by that before he nodded his head vigorously, "I-I *love* Lord Demanitus! H-he was the best alchemist in the WORLD! I've studied all his writings, at least, any I could find, practiced his methods, I even drink the same things *he* drinks!"
She hummed happily, "that's good! He's your ancestor!"
"W-what?"
"I won't lie to you, I had a look inside your mind, it's something I can't really help you see. But when I did, I stumbled upon your lineage, and he was in there! You're a descendant of his, not many people can say that!"
"I-I r-really am?"
"Yes, you really are"
The freckled teen couldn't *believe* it! It was like a dream come true! But he stopped himself, he didn't know if she was right or not, for all he knew, she could be lying to him, "d-do you have proof? I know you said you.... Ugh.... Looked in my mind.... B-but that doesn't really help...."
She thought for a moment before she smiled, "is there any way you could find access to the royal archives?"
"R-royal archives? In Corona?"
Ziri nodded, "yes, there are archives in the castle if I'm not mistaken, that would talk of each of Corona's citizen's heritage. I'm certain if you look deep enough, you could certainly find more facts about you family, and even the history of Corona itself!"
"B-but... I've been to that library so many times, I've *never* seen anything like that", Varian replied
"Hmmm.... Perhaps the royal family has it hidden somewhere?"
"W-why would they do that?"
"I'm not sure, but let me ask you this", she smiled, "would you say the King of Corona has been... A *reliable* source of information?"
Varian shuddered at that, a flash of him, Ruddigar, and Rapunzel in a boat over a year ago as he told her they needed to steal the Sundrop flower. He looked at the girl, who seemed genuine enough, but he still had his doubts, "until I can confirm what you're saying is true, I.... D-don't want to make any deals, agreements, promises, nothing with you...."
"I understand, take as much time as you need, but please look into the archives, there may be more in them than you realize"
Ziri grinned wickedly once more, Varian watching her before winds started to pick up around him, he felt them pushing him off the small platform he was on until he lost his footing, "AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"*
****
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-!"
"Varian!" A voice called before the familiar scent to wood and apples hit the teen's nose. He opened his eyes and was met with concerned brown looking back at him
"D-dad?"
"Son, are you alright?" Quirin asked, placing a hand on his son's cheek, "you screamed"
"I.... D-did?"
"Yeah"
"Oh... Y-yeah, I'm okay, oddly enough it wasn't a nightmare just.... I fell... I-in my dream...."
His father's eyes widened, "oh son, I'm sorry, we shouldn't have tried flying out today, I should've waited-!"
"Nonono dad it's fine, it's not because of the training, I just, I.... Was talking with someone"
"Talking with someone?" Eugene asked, getting the two to look at him, "who were you talking to? The Moon?"
"N-no, though I wish I was, maybe she would have an answer for me about this... No the person I was speaking to.... She said she was a spirit connected to the Moonstone...." He explained everything that Ziri had said, including his connection to Demanitus and the royal archives
"....I've never seen an archives like the one Ziri was telling you about Varian", Rapunzel stated
"I didn't figure you did, but.... I don't know... I get the feeling she may not be lying about them existing though...."
"Fredrich would want to keep all of that knowledge to himself if needed..." Quirin stated, Rapunzel have him a look, to which he raised a brow to, "I'm not trying to speak poorly of your father, but the man has made mistakes. It wouldn't be completely out of the question to think he'd hidden an entire archive away from everyone just like he hid the Sundrop flower".
She sighed, "he's getting better though, surely this would've crossed his mind at some point and he would've told me". Varian didn't say a word as his father let out a gentle huff, "you two really don't think so?"
"Rapunzel, I realize your father is changing, so is mine", the teen said, smiling at his dad, who smiled back, "but if there really *is* an archive filled with books about mine and dad's, and even Demanitus's lineage, and the only person who knows about it is King Fredrich.... After what happened and what we all went through with him, I wouldn't be surprised if he hid it from you so you wouldn't be even angrier with him"
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it, if there's an archive chalk *full* of Demanitus's teaching, lineage, scrolls, and what not, it would also have information about the Sundrop, Moonstone, Corona, and possibly the Dark Kingdom. Corona's been around for *centuries*, and when me and Hugo were in the library, I was actually surprised they didn't have more books about it's history, people, ancestry, or anything about the Sundrop at the very least".
"We did search everywhere in that library, and couldn't find much", Hugo agreed, "just some dusty old cook books about old Coronan cuisine"
"Ooooh!" Lance's eyes sparkled, getting Hugo to smirk
"I'll show you where they are later", the blond offered, getting the man to nod excitedly
Varian snickered at the two before he looked back at Rapunzel, who was holding Eugene's hand and looking very sullen, "I'm sorry, I mean no harm or disrespect for your father, none. The man is on my *dad's* chopping block at the moment, not mine, frankly, I just want to leave him alone and him to leave *me* alone. But..... If there's even a *chance* Rapunzel, shouldn't we take it?"
The princess let out a small sigh and nodded, "we should, I just.... Don't want her to be right..... It's selfish of me, but-!"
"No, I.... I understand", Varian replied gently, "if she is right, it means your father was still hiding things from you.... If she's wrong though, then who the heck is inside my head....."
The princess looked at him worriedly, "do you think.... That maybe she's...."
Varian nodded, "she might be.... But I don't know, all I know is what she told me.... And honestly, if she's right about Demanitus, then that's more than I know, and it could help us either way... I just.... Need to be cautious"
"Very cautious", Quirin added, "I'm not entirely sure I like the idea of this....."
"I don't either", Hugo added, Ruddigar chittering in agreement
The blue eyed alchemist smiled at all three of them, "I know, but what other choice do we have? This could be a chance to find out more about the Moonstone, the Sundrop, Demanitus, my *family*, I mean.... T-there are risks, but... I w-wanna try.... Maybe then we'd be better equipped for whatever comes next?"
The group was silent for a moment before they sighed, "alright", Eugene stated, "you're right, the pros outweigh the cons at this point, plus there's no harm in checking"
Rapunzel nodded, "right, and if my dad is hiding something from me... It's better to find out now"
"Plus we could find out more for the Seporians too", Lance pointed out, "since if there *are* history books in there, they might be mentioned"
"And more about my kingdom", Edmund exclaimed, "there are many things that not even *I* know of fully, it would be a good chance to see if there's something we've overlooked"
"Plus maybe there's an answer in there for Freckle's powers?" Hugo asked, "possibly a way to control them?"
"True, and if there's more about our family, it would make sense as to why you came out the way you did Varian", Quirin stated, kissing his son's head
Varian smiled at everyone, "thank you all so much, sincerely, I'll never forget this", they smiled at him before they began to make plans for their visit to the castle, none of them realizing Ziri was sitting outside their window, her smile wide, with every single tooth showing as she giggled to herself gleefully....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So spooky ZT moments, call backs to season 1, Varian having a connection to Demanitus, and so many other things happened in this chapter! :D So I'm not gonna do a character summary here like normal, I'm just gonna let the chapter speak for itself, though I'd love to hear your theories about Varian and Demanitus! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 287: Possibilities and Rage!
Summary:
Varian was told of the secret Archives in Corona Castle, so he, Quirin, Hugo, Edmund, Rapunzel, Lance, and Eugene go and investigate to see if what Ziri says is true!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a small breath of anxiety before he peeked out through the window, watching the people got by in the streets as the caravan took the closer and closer to the castle of Corona to meet with the king. "No problem... W-we got this..." The alchemist said quietly
"Hey, it's gonna be okay", Eugene stated, gently wrapping an arm around his little brother, "it's just a quick pop over to the castle, then back, that's all"
"I know... J-just..... Nervous...."
"Tell those butterflies in your stomach to beat it Freckles, you're with us, we won't let anything happen to you", Hugo stated, giving the teen a reassuring smirk
Varian let out another small breath before he smiled at his boyfriend, "thanks"
"We're heeeeeere~" Edmund sang out, unknowingly making Varian tense right back up again
"Aaaaaaand we're anxious again", Eugene sighed as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy's cheeks softly
"Eheh.... Sorry", the Dark King said as he looked inside the window of the Caravan
"It's alright, I think we're gonna be anxious the entire time no matter what", Lance stated, smiling at Varian understandingly, "which is fine as long as you remember that Hugo's right, you're not alone, and we'll be right by your side no matter what"
The teen smiled at the man gratefully as Hugo took his hand, interlocking their fingers together before the caravan opened to show Quirin standing there, "hello"
Varian giggled, "hi"
The Village Leader smiled, "would you like help getting out or..."
"No no, I'm good"
The two alchemists exited the caravan, followed by Eugene, Rapunzel, and Lance before the retired knight closed the door and looked over at a stable boy, who had the reigns to his horse, Chisel, Varian's horse, Willow, and Edmund's horse, Domino. Max and Fidella had been walking beside the caravan and were already heading towards the stables, "take good care of them please", the old farmer said gently
"We will sir", the stable boy replied with a smile before he took the horses and the caravan and walked away. Leaving the group to look at the castle, all of them taking a collective breath, before letting it out slowly before Rapunzel spoke up, "alright, let's do this".
****
The group walked through the castle, none of them really knew what to say as they headed straight for the thrown room. The air was thick with tension, too thick for Hugo's liking to be perfectly honest. He looked around, trying to find something, *anything*, that would lighten the load, that's when he spotted the library and got an idea, "so.... If you two are *really* related to Demanitus, and we find this out, doesn't that mean you kinda own a lot of the inventions he made throughout the years to help the other kingdoms? And if that's the case, wouldn't you get the money from them?"
Varian looked at his boyfriend, "I hadn't really thought of that, what happens when an inventor passes away yet their inventions are still being used anyway?"
"The profit would go to their heir", Rapunzel replied, "like a royal family, anything the inventor was making, while they were alive, off of their inventions, would go their living heir. If an heir was not found right away, that money would be stored away in order to fix that invention and the money be used to pay for the services for repair. Since you two might be heirs, any money saved up from Demanitus's work would go directly to you two, Quirin would be the prominent heir since he's the oldest".
"Huh, and since Demanitus was Coronan, do your parents have access to that stored money?" The blond alchemist asked
"They do, but they've never used it unless the inventions need fixing", Rapunzel replied, "which, so far, none have"
"Well when Demanitus builds something, it's made to last", Varian replied with pride, "the man's a genius after all!"
"He's not the only genius", Quirin stated with a smile as he ruffled his son's hair, getting the teen to giggle
Hugo smirked at the two, "so, if this turns out to be true, you two could actually become rich in one day", he stated
Eugene raised a brow, "that's something that interests you?"
"I'm honestly making conversation, and I'd like to point out that I feel in love with Varian *before* any of this, so no, it doesn't interest me in the way you're implying, but it's something to think about, I mean", he looked at Varian, who was now trying to fix his messy head courtesy of his father, "you could use some of that money for your projects!"
"what do you mean?"
"I mean you could invest in your projects, get workers for them, have a whole facility built! Demanitus did *a lot* for Corona, his inventions are *everywhere* in the 7 Kingdom, Varian you and your dad would be the most powerful family in the kingdoms because of your ancestry! You would be nobles!"
"But, technically we already are, we're princes"
"True, but I mean you would have more power, again, I loved you before this, so it proves I'm not interested in you because of that fact only. I'm just pointing it out because the only people with that much power in their family names are royals, you two would actually be *equal* to royalty simply because of all that Demanitus did!"
"I don't think we'd be *that* powerful"
"Oh really? Let me just list everything Demanitus has done then. He stopped an evil Demon from destroying multiple kingdoms, made a weapon to stop an entire blizzard with just a push of a button, helped create the Dark Kingdom, helped multiple kings and queen throughout Coronan history, found out some very important things about the Sundrop and the Moonstone that ended up being written down in a fancy schmancy world saving scroll, created a spear to launch into the Great Tree to stop Zhan Tiri's magic from leaving it and infecting millions in the process. Invented a huge maze that hid a piece of his scroll because he knew how world ending its contents were and how dangerous they were if they fell into the wrong hands, found a way to cheat *death* for a bit to help Rapunzel and Eugene *through* said maze and warned them of Cassandra's betrayal, and invented *several* inventions that are still being used by society today, everyday, that help shape everyday life and make it easier for everyone to live." The blond inhaled a long, deep, breath before looking at his lover, "and I do believe I'm forgetting things too, yet even if I am, he's already become such a huge figure in the 7 kingdom's history that I'm surprised he's not been knighted or crowned".
Varian thought about it before he looked at Rapunzel, "what do you think?"
"Well, he's got a good point, several actually", the princess replied, "I mean, Demanitus was such a powerful figure and an integral part to the kingdom's growth, if he wasn't knighted, that would be a shock, and if you and Quirin are actually related to him in some way, then yes, I think you two would be powerful enough to be considered mine and my family's equals"
Eugene let out an impressed whistle as Lance stared at the teen with wide eyes, "wow", he said
Varian blushed, "w-well we don't even know if dad and I are even *related* to him, i-it's just a possibility for now"
"Bit more than that actually Bubby", Quirin stated, getting his son to look up at him
"What do you mean?"
"Well, there was someone who claimed to be a friend of Demanitus's talking to you in your dream, saying she saw your ancestry and knew you were his relative", Edmund pointed out, "mind you, before that, your dreams consisted of warnings from the Moon that have given us time to prepare for many struggles we've face thus far. So it's safe to say this theory may have some footing at the very least"
"Plus, your mother was the alchemist, yet you've, admittedly, accomplished more than she has, and in all the books you've read and told me about, you do a lot of the things that Demanitus is said to have done", Quirin added, "we could chalk it up to you being a bean who loves his hero so much that you're willing to emulate some of his habits, good and bad, but you've even developed habits that I neither your mother, I, or the books on Demanitus have talked about".
"Like what?"
"Well, like your messy workspace and room for example, I and your mother had clean rooms and workspaces, yet yours is dirty, which I read, is a sign of a little genius hard at work", Quirin stated with a grin as his son blushed, "also, you work mainly with chemicals, your mother used plants and herbs, Hugo likes inventions more than alchemy, and will make alchemy for said inventions, but you work with anything you can get your science loving hands on, even dirt"
"That was to help plants grow!"
"You still worked with it, dirty boy"
"I took a bath after"
Quirin snorted, "which was a fight"
"I still did!"
His father chuckled before stopping, "we're here"
They all looked at the large doors to the thrown room, Nigel was standing beside them, looking at the group with confusion. Rapunzel stepped forwards, "Nigel, we need to speak with my father, it's important"
"Yes your majesty, will they be accompanying you?" He gestured to the rest of the group
"Yes they will"
"Very good then, I'll inform the king of your arrival"
She nodded as the royal advisor entered the thrown room, closing the door behind him, "you going to be okay?" She asked as she looked at Varian, who let out another calming breath as Ruddigar nuzzled him
"Y-yeah, I'll be okay, just..." He took another breath and let it out, "I guess this is making me more anxious than I thought"
"Well I mean, you could find out that you and your dad are Lord Demanitus's heirs, that's a pretty big deal", Eugene pointed out
"And a very understanding reason to be a little anxious", Edmund added
Varian smiled at the two before the doors to the thrown room opened and Nigel walked over to the princess, "your father is ready to see you now", he stated with a bow
Rapunzel smiled at him, "thank you Nigel", she then looked at Varian, "ready?"
The teen hesitated, but when Hugo interlocked their fingers together and gave him a reassuring smile, he felt the butterflies disappear in an instant and looked at Rapunzel, "ready as I'll ever be"
****
"Rapunzel", Fredrich exclaimed, getting up and walking over to his daughter, hugging her lovingly before letting go, "is everything alright, Nigel said it was urgent"
The princess returned the hug before her father let go and nodded, "everything's fine, it's just... I need to ask you something serious... and... I need to to be honest with me", she stated
The king of Corona looked a little startled before he noticed the people behind his daughter, realizing they all had the same serious look that she did before he nodded, "I will, what's your question?"
Rapunzel took a breath and let it out slowly, something that didn't go unnoticed by Varian, who smiled at her understandingly before she spoke, "is there a secret archive in the castle?"
The king was taken aback for a moment, blinking a little before he sighed, "yes"
Rapunzel's eyes widened, "t-there is?"
"Yes", the king repeated
"W... Why didn't you tell me about it?"
"I...." He sighed, "I was afraid Rapunzel...."
"Afraid?"
"Yes, I was afraid that if you found out about the archives, and what they hold, you would hate me more for not telling you about them sooner.... I realize that is a selfish thing to do, considering what those archives hold-!"
"What exactly *do* they hold?" Varian interrupted, getting the king to look at him
The Coronan ruler was hesitant, "I.... They hold.... A lot.... About the Dark Kingdom, the Moonstone, the Sundrop, Demanitus.... A lot...."
"So you had these archives during the black rock situation and you *still* did what yo-!" The alchemist stopped and sighed, closing his eyes, which were twitching a bit as his hair glowed ever so slightly, "....I have *feelings* about this...." He stated
"Feelings we will talk about at a later date, for now, breath a little bit okay?" Lance suggested, walking over to the teen and placing a hand on his shoulder, "take a few deep breaths little man", he helped Varian through a few breaths before the teen's hair stopped glowing and he was able to open his eyes without them twitching, making Lance smile proudly, "good job"
"Thanks"
"I'm so sorry for my lapse in judgement...." Fredrich said sadly, "I realize those would've been helpful during that time, I hate to admit that I was a coward and did not wish to give them a look.... I didn't want to be apart of the black rock situation... I wanted it to resolve itself, possibly even move a bit so Corona could be out of reach, I realize my actions were not good, at all.... Which is why I hesitated to say anything about them after... I was afraid.... But if you need them now, I'm more than willing to help you.... I can show you to them, I can give you full access if needed, I just need to know... How did you find out about them?"
"Varian", Rapunzel replied, "he had a dream about them and told us, we wanted to ask because in the dream, he found he may have a connection to Demanitus, we wanted to confirm if he did or not"
Fredrich was startled by that before looking at the teen, "you... Had a dream about them?"
"Yes...." Varian replied coldly, "it's what happens when you have connections to the Moonstone, prophetic dreams.... So if there's anything *else* you happen to be hiding, you may wanna say so...."
"T-there's not...." The alchemist raised a brow, "there really isn't, I realize keeping them a secret was bad, but I would tell you of anything else, I pro-!" He stopped himself when Varian's eyes glowed, "right, sorry, I mean what I'm saying though".
The freckled teen sighed and his eyes stopped glowing, Ruddigar nuzzling him again as he scratched his best friend behind the ears. Edmund stepped forwards, "would you really not mind us looking inside?"
"No, I wouldn't", Fredrich replied, "I want to fix what I've done, I truly do, if that means you look in those archives, then by all means, look. I'm just sorry that I didn't tell you about them sooner.... I truly am...."
Rapunzel was startled by her father's apology, and she wanted to forgive him, but.... As she looked at Varian, she felt an overwhelming sense of sadness and anger hit her on his behalf... She looked back at her father and nodded, "your apology is appreciated, thank you for that, and for your assistance in helping us, that means a lot too. Just please.... Don't hide something like this again from me, okay?"
"I won't", Fredrich replied, "come with me and I'll show you whe-!" The king stopped, frozen in his tracks as his skin went pale. He was.... Afraid of someone behind Rapunzel. The princess blinked, a little confused by her father before she felt an unrivaled *RAGE* hit her back. Someone was so angry it nearly threw her down, and as she turned, her eyes widened at the person her father stared at, the king's soft whisper saying their name just as her thoughts did, "Quirin....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, Quirin's a very angry farmer at the moment, hoo boy.... Yeah, Fredrich is making up for what he did, but he's still making really dumb mistakes, so yeah.... This is a thing now XD
Varian being Demanitus's relative is still up in the air, same for Quirin, but the bean is more anxious and irritated more than anything else. I mean, archives that had books about the Moonstone, Sundrop, Dark Kingdom, and Demanitus would've been extremely helpful! I'm certain there must've been *something* like them in the story as well, otherwise how would've Fredrich known about it in the first place? You could argue Quirin told him, but Quirin thought the Sundrop was a legend, not real, before. So him warning Fredrich about the Sundrop at all shows that Fredrich somehow found out about it, and found out it was real and told Quirin, which made him warn the king. I'm guessing he found out through the archives, saw Demanitus write about it and find out where it was, then told his best friend Quirin, who then warned him and got thrown out. Hence the anger from both the bean and Quirin himself, speaking of....
Quirin! Oh boy! Rage papa is coming out now! He's not gonna be happy, and I'll bet you can guess why! Quirin knew about the Dark Kingdom as well, but he was silenced, so he wasn't able to speak and for all he knew, Fredrich had found out about the Sundrop by *accident*! So him suddenly having these archives that could've been used to, somehow, make the rocks go away and not cause any of this.... Yeah.... That's not gonna end well
Rapunzel being a good big sissy! :D GO PUNZIE!!!! <3
Eugene, Lance, Hugo, and Edmund are all kings in this one, being the best supporters ever!
Of course, no one compares to Ruddigar, who's the best supporter in the universe! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 288: The High Road!
Summary:
Quirin's anger flares and he gives Fredrich an tongue lashing he'll never forget. After, they go inside the Archives to find out if what Ziri said was true, and King Fredrich makes a decision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*He had them the whole TIME?!*
*He was afraid, his daughter may have been lost*
*He could've stopped this whole thing from HAPPENING!"
*You can't blame a man for wanting his family to be safe, don't you want the same thing*
*My family WASN'T safe! And it was because of HIS CHOICES!*
*Must you be so angry? He said he was sorry*
*HE'S THE REASON VARIAN DID WHAT HE DID!!!! THEN USED HIM AS A SCAPE GOAT WHEN HE HAD MORE INFORMATION THAT *ME* ON THE BLACK ROCKS AND THE MOONSTONE!*
*He was afrai-!*
*So was Varian.... So was I.... And he threw Varian in jail when he could've stopped everything from happening BEFORE it did....*
"Quirin....." The Coronan King whispered, his voice was soft and fearful as he stared at the retired knight
*Damn right he should be *fucking* scared of me.....*
"Quirin", Rapunzel said, she stepped in front of her father
The Village Leader looked at her for a *long* time, his eyes never leaving hers. Both of them having a silent debate before Quirin growled, "do you expect me to be calm?" He asked her
"No, I just expect you to keep your temper, there's a time and a place-!"
"Time and a place?! This man could've solved the Black Rocks issue *YEARS* before it happened! He could've spoken to you about the Sundrop *before* it became a problem! What does he do instead? Becomes a fucking *coward* and uses *MY SON* as a *SCAPEGOAT*!" The man snapped, "you have every right to want to protect your father, but I have every right to be upset. Fuck a 'time and a place' this man just sat here and said he *knew* about the archives and *hid* them from *everyone* here *despite* them possibly showing a way to *help*! And yet he blames a 14 year old *child* and throws him *jail* over something *HE COULD'VE SOLVED RAPUNZEL!*"
"I know Quirin, I know", the princess stated sadly, "but you getting upset and yelling is not gonna help!"
"On some level I know you're right, but....." The retired knight clenched his fists and glared at the cowardly king he once called his best friend, "I trusted him.... He promised he'd take care of Varian should something happen to me.... He promised to do what he could, I ignored *everything* he did! His harsh punishments for petty thieves and crooks, his lack of care towards his kingdom and people, I ignored it because I fucking *understood* what it was like to lose something or someone special! I was the *only* one who understood him and he *KNEW IT*! Now I come to find out that after my son and I lost *everything* to those damned *rocks*, including a *year and a half* of our *lives*, that he had the solution just sitting in his damn *CLOSET*?!" He growled, baring his teeth at the king, "how fucking *DARE YOU*!"
"Quirin I'm s-sorry I j-!" Fredrich started
"Just what? Thought making my boy out to be the villain would make what you just admitted to any fucking better? Thought your kingdom would be good as long as their king sat on his *ass* and did nothing?! People's home were *destroyed*! Old Corona was *demolished*! The farms, the families, *EVERYTHING* was destroyed by those rocks, and you *silenced* me, you *kicked me out* when I warned you, you use the Sundrop *despite* my warning, and when it all comes to a head and bites you in your pampered fucking *ass* you *hide* the possible solution, blame my *SON*, and threaten to keep us *separated* when I was *TRAPPED*!" He exclaimed, "this goes *beyond* a simple misunderstanding, beyond what you apologized to before, you...." He huffed, realizing he'd leaning in too close to the man and backed up so Rapunzel would have some room, "so much could've been fixed.... Had someone outside of *you* known about those fucking archives.... So much could've been saved.... So much could've been avoided..." He looked at Varian, who was staring at him sadly, his eyes telling him he agreed 100%. "So much...." He then glared at the king, "all of it could've been fixed had you just fucking said something.... I would've helped you... I would've done so much more to fix it.... Damn it Fredrich...."
The Coronan king watched his best friend sadly, "I... I'm sorry..."
"Yeah your 'apology' means nothing but *shit* right now, so save it"
The King shut his mouth, Rapunzel watching the retired knight sadly, "look... I understand what my father did was wrong, and you're right, you have *every* right to be angry, but for the time being, please, can you hold off for a little bit?" She received a glare for that, "I'm not justifying what he did, but we *need* to get into those archives, it's important".
Quirin was silent, he had so many nasty things he wanted to say at that moment, until he felt a hand in his, looking over, he saw Varian looking up at him. His son's blue eyes, that once had shared the same sentiment, now reflected Rapunzel's request. He knew it was the right thing to do, he knew, so, with a heavy heart, he swallowed his anger for the time being, "fine.... Just...." He glared at Fredrich, "after this, stay the hell away from me and my kid, and I *mean* it this time".
The Coronan King nodded, "I will... I'm s-", he stopped when he saw the man's eyes narrow, "right... Follow me...." They did, Edmund watching his knight worriedly as Hugo walked over and walked with the father son duo.
Despite his own anger, Quirin, as Fredrich went into his bedroom, grabbing a key from the drawer as they waited, looked at the princess, "I'm sorry", he said, "you were right, I just...." He sighed, unable to really grasp his thoughts at the moment
"It's alright", Rapunzel replied with a small smile, "I'm angry too... On both of your behalves", she looked at Varian too, who was watching the both of them as he scratched Ruddigar's chin and held Hugo's hand, before she looked back at Quirin, "I just know what we're doing right now needs to be done first. After that, you can be as angry as you wish. I'm sorry I had to step in"
"No, I'm glad you did, I lost my temper and that was wrong, I'm just so angry.... Sometimes I just can't control it...."
"Maybe Lance could help you with that", Varian suggested, getting the two to look at him again, "he helped me with mine"
Quirin looked at Lance, who smiled, he smiled back, "maybe", he said, before he saw Fredrich as he walked out of the room, "we'll discuss it later though"
"Right", Rapunzel agreed before she nodded to her father, who nodded back and had the group follow him once more.
They ended up in the library, walking down a few flights of stairs until they reached a door, "this is where I found them".
"How'd you find them?" Rapunzel asked
"My father was showing me around the castle when I was about your age, I wondered off into the library and found this flight of stairs blocked off. I managed to climb over and continued to investigate, that's when I found the archives. My father wasn't happy about me finding them, saying they only spoke of magic and things that.... Shouldn't be tampered with... I realize I should've headed his warning too but.... Well.... I suppose I have a lot to make up for...." He stated, trying not to allow the cold fingers of Quirin's anger continue to send chills down his spine as he used the key to unlock, and open, the archive doors.
"Woah", Hugo exclaimed as his eyes widened, "this place is *huge*!" As if to prove his point, his voice echoed off the walls where *thousands* of books, scrolls, parchment, and posters were held
"So.... Much... Reading...." Lance stated
Varian looked around, "do you know how they're organized?" He asked the King
"Not entirely, I never really figured it out, I was in such a rush to find out about the Sundrop that I didn't think of the organization...."
The alchemist sighed before he walked forwards, he went to go search for a book on Demanitus before he stopped, his eyes, freckles, and hair beginning to glow, "w-wha-!" Suddenly books came to him, shooting from their shelves and landing on the floor in front of the teen. When Varian looked at them, he noticed they were all about the Moonstone, Sundrop, and Dark Kingdom. He stopped glowing as he stared at the large pile before looking over at his dad, "um...."
"I'm coming", Quirin stated as he began to walk over to his child, reaching him and picking him up so he was out of the book pile before they looked up at it, "that's a *lot* of reading"
"Yup"
"That'll take a while to go through"
"Yup"
"Ruddigar needs to go on a diet"
"Yu-hey!"
His father smirked, "so close"
"Brat", Varian stated as Ruddigar chittered a little before sneezing
"Bless you brat-coon", the retired knight said
The raccoon huffed, but nodded as a thank you
Hugo looked at the pair worriedly, "why'd that happen? With the glowing and such I mean"
Varian shrugged, "I don't know, it wasn't me, I had a hard enough time trying to move the small rock"
Quirin snorted before he looked at the title of one of the books, "huh... Maybe the Moonstone wants you to know more about them?" He suggested, pointing to the book
Varian and Hugo looked at it, 'The Darkside of the Moon, by General Shang'. The blue eyed alchemist felt a small shudder as he read the title, "maybe... Though I wanna find out about Demanitus first", he wriggled out of his father's grasp before looking up, "can you do that too? Help me find a book that would tell me weather or not me and dad are related to Demanitus?" He called out
"Uh.... Kid.... I don't think that's how it works", Eugene said
"You never know until you try", Varian replied, before his eyes and hair glowed again as one small book floated over to him. Eugene and Lance were startled by this until the teen caught the book in his hands, the title reading, 'The Legacy of Lord Demanitus, By King Solar'. The teen blinked a few times as his glow went away before he looked up again, "c... Can you.... Hear me?" His hair and eyes glowed once before stopping, as if to say they could, "I...." He looked over at his dad, "how?"
"Maybe it's the Moon herself? She would often answer the prayers of those of the Dark Kingdom, and would show us in many different ways", Quirin replied, "maybe since she has a connection with you, she can use a bit of your power to help?"
"Maybe.... I haven't spoken to her in a while... I'm worried about that, but if this really *is* her, then", he looked up, "thank you", he said with a smile, his hair glowed for a moment before stopping, getting him to giggle
"Hey Freckles, here's a table", Hugo pointed out, "it even has a lantern on it!" He turned the knob on the lantern and got it to spark to life
"Nice find Hugo, let's see", the blue eyed alchemist walked over and sat down, opening the book and scanning it for anything he could find about Demanitus's lineage. He scrolled through the pages as the others joined him, grabbing a few of their own books to help him search before the teen let out a loud, "ah HA!" Getting everyone to look at him, "here it is! Demanitu's lineage!"
"Anything about you and Quirin in there?" Eugene asked curiously
"Um well... dadadada, born on July 13th-dada da blah blah-oh!" Varian's eyes widened, "Adam Vanguard married Esmerelda Demanitus, they lived a happy life together before Esmerelda and Adam's untimely passing due to a plague that struck the Dark Kingdom, they only had one heir, a son who lived in the Dark Kingdom, which was Esmeralda's home", Quirin's eyes widened at the names, "their son's name was.... Quirin Vanguard!" The teen looked up at his father, "w.... We *are* related"
The retired knight blinked a few times, "wow.... That.... Would explain a lot.... Just... Wow.... Wait, how'd that book get updated while it was in here?"
"May I see it?" Fredrich asked gently, "I'll hand it right back, but I recognize the book". The alchemist hesitated before he looked at Rapunzel, who smiled and nodded. He sighed and handed the book to the king, who inspected it, "right, I remember finding this book when a fortune teller came to Corona"
"A fortune teller?" Eugene asked, getting Lance to grin cheekily as he nudged the man a little
"Yes, Madame Canardist I believe her name was, and her monkey.... Um...."
"Vigor?" Eugene and Rapunzel said together
"Yes them! Do you know them?" The King asked
The lovers looked at each other before Rapunzel nodded, "we ran into them on our way to the Dark Kingdom a few times, Angry and Catalina know them too!"
Fredrich nodded, "I see, well Madame Canardist seemed pretty interested in having me and Arianna have our fortunes told a while ago, about a year before Quirin arrived to the kingdom in fact"
"That's convenient", Hugo stated, getting Varian to snicker
The King raised a brow at the blond, getting Varian to step in front of his boyfriend and making the king sigh before he continued, "we had our palms read, nothing too interesting really happened there. But as we left, the monkey, Vigor, he came out holding this book. Madame Canardist followed and said he'd wanted to give it to us. Arianna took the book, she was charmed by the tiny rascal I suppose, she paid for it as well and brought it home. But when we looked inside it's pages, we found out what it held, and decided that information would be best kept somewhere safe. Arianna doesn't know about the archives, she never knew where I hid this book, she didn't even read all the way through. She only read the first few chapters before the mention of the Sundrop was written in, she handed it to me after that, saying I should take a look, that's when I hid it".
"So... Vigor gave this book to you for safe keeping.... Did Madame Canardist tell you why?" Lance asked
"No, she just said Vigor wanted us to have, said it may help us someday", Fredrich replied before looking at Varian and Quirin, "to be honest, I never looked through the whole thing myself, all I saw was Demanitus and the Sundrop, that's why it's down here.... Had I known though...." He looked at them sadly, "I... I'm sorry...."
Quirin huffed as Varian sighed, "saying you're sorry isn't really gonna fix everything that happened, we understand you're sorry, but at the moment", his father huffed again, "....I don't think either of us can really accept it...."
"....I understand... I wish I could fix this...."
"At the moment.... There's not..." The teen then narrowed his eyes, but kept his voice calm, "you had this information and knew what this room held, but you still kept it to yourself. I understand being afraid, trust me, but this wasn't right.... I'd be much more angry about it if I thought it would do anything, but at the moment, getting angry won't.... I agree with dad though, that was bad... *Very* bad.... This could've helped *hundreds*, if not *thousands*, of people, it could've prevented Rapunzel from getting her hair back, it could've stopped me from doing what I did, it could've stopped dad from being trapped in the amber, it... It could've stopped C-Cassandra...." The king and Rapunzel winced at that, "....I-it could've stopped a lot of bad things from happening.... Honestly... The only reason I'm *not* more upset.... Is because I met Rapunzel through all of this..."
"Wait, what?" The princess looked at Varian, who smiled
"Yeah, I met you because you wanted answers about your hair, then I met C-Cassandra, then Eugene, my Flynn Rider!" The man in question smiled at that, "after that, I met Lance and got to know him more, dad opened up to me about his past, I got to meet Grandpa, Aunt Wise Eyes, and Uncle Hector", he looked at Hugo and grinned, "I got to meet Hugo and we because boyfriends", they held each other's hands before Varian looked up at Rapunzel again, "and now I know I'm related to one of my heros! Lord Demanitus! Technically two, because Eugene"
"I'm still your hero?" The Dark Prince asked
"Of course, like I said, you're *my* Flynn Rider!" Eugene smiled lovingly at that, "I got more friends, more family, found out more about myself, got to help someone I love, hell, I got to meet Catalina and Angry because of this! I don't think I would have had Rapunzel not gotten her hair back at all, so I guess in a way, good things came out of a *really* bad decision.... But I still... W-went to jail... Got that p-punishment... Have trauma and PTSD, and got manipulated by A-Andrew... My father still lost a full *year and a half* of his life, and so did I.... And now, with everything that's happened and/or happening.... I mean there's no question what you did and your actions are wrong, *very* wrong, some good came out of them, but a lot of bad did too...." He glared at the King of Corona, "a *lot* of bad stuff.... Stuff that is not easily forgiven..... I suppose what happens now all depends on how you improve, are you going to run from what you did and say you didn't know, or are you going to take responsibility.... You'll have to decide, like I did, and like dad and Grandpa did".
"How.... Do I take responsibility, what would be the first step?"
Varian thought about that for a moment before he looked over at his father, the man was still glaring daggers at the King, he could feel his anger radiating off of him, before he looked back at the king again. He sighed, "do you honestly want my advice?"
Fredrich nodded, "I need to make up for what I've done, take responsibility and fix it"
"....Then you already know what you need to do, the real question is, are you brave enough to do it?"
The Coronan King thought about it before he caught Quirin's eye, his stare ripped through every fiber of his being, he wanted to hide from it, shield himself from it's burning gaze as he felt his sins begin to crawl on his back. But when he looked away, he saw Rapunzel watching him, remembering how hard she'd worked to get the alchemist's approval once again. He noticed her pleading eyes, he remembered hearing her say how much Varian's words hurt, but she'd taken them, and she grew.... Perhaps it was time for him to do the same. Taking a shaky breath, he looked at Quirin again, staring him straight in the eyes and nodding, "I am". The retired knight continued to glare, his eyes narrowing, but the king did not back down, his own eyes were filled with determination and fear. He knew this would be hard, he knew he would be hurt, but he was willing to fix it.
Seeing this, the Village Leader huffed, he wouldn't make it easy, not a chance, the man deserved every hardship he'd get on this road, he'd make sure every inch of what he's done would come back to haunt him, he wanted the man to suffer for his crimes, just as he and his son did. He would never make it easy, but there was a small part of him, so small he could barely register it, that found a little comfort knowing the King truly wanted to try. He would see however, he wouldn't trust him yet, not again, he wouldn't be hurt by him again.... Never again....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So Quirin gave Fred a what for via words (there'll be more later), Varian and Quirin are related to an alchemist who did a lot of good in the world, and Fred makes a very interesting decision!
Quirin is a very angry bean right now, and he has every right to be! The man has gone through far too much, I think it's time he does a little taking of his own! This is also an important part to his arch, his anger has kinda been a huge source of worry throughout this series, so his revenge.... Hoo boy, that's gonna hit hard :3
Varian is growing up so much!!!! The bean just keeps growing, even giving advice to the man he once feared! I'm really proud of him and can't wait to write more! :D Also, little Moon boy moment, Moon is helping, or is she? Could it be the Moonstone, we shall not know until later :D
Rapunzel is being a good princess here, she knows now is not the time and place, even standing up to Quirin and saying so, he knows she right too, he's just so angry, poor man. But Punzie's growing, yay!!!! :D
Eugene, Hugo, Lance, and Edmund were sort of in the background here, sorry for that, was focused more on Varian, Quirin, Rapunzel, and Fredrich in this chapter, they're always good support though! :D
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon, woot! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 289: Soon!
Summary:
Varian and Ziri talk, and Ziri has some... Interesting feelings towards the tiny alchemist!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*....He was here again.... How did she know he'd found out? He looked around, still the same oddly purple and pink plain, floating rocks, gigantic tree in the middle, him standing on a very flat piece of stone.... He sighed, "hello?" He called, "HELLOOOO!"
His voice echoed, going for what seemed like miles before he heard her giggle behind him, "hello there, *friend*"
"EEP! Oh uh, h-hi", the teen jumped before he looked and saw the ghost girl standing very closely behind him
She giggled, "sorry, did I scare you?"
"Uh.... N-no just... startled me is all"
"I see, did you happen to look into what I'd told you about? The archives?"
He nodded, "I did, what you said... I-it was true...."
She smiled, "you see? Didn't I say you could trust me? I only wish to help"
"I know... Just... H-hard to accept I guess..."
She hummed with thought, "poor Varian, always having to mistrust those who seek only to help him. I understand why, but it's sad to say the least"
Varian felt a small twang of irritation at that, but let it go, "s-so.... Now what? You were right, a-about the archives, and my heritage.... W-what do we do now?"
She titled her head, "well that depends, how would you like me to help you?"
"W-what do you mean?"
"Well, I can offer my services since I've already proven to be on your side.... But I'm not entirely sure where you are in your abilities, and where you'd like me to help"
"....S-so you can look inside my past and see my ancestry, but you can't look in my mind to see what I need help with?" He asked, "not to sound rude but... That seems a little odd"
She chuckled, "I understand that it would, but I suppose that's just me trying to keep your privacy"
"Huh?"
"Well, like you said, I could look in your past, find answers not even you knew of, but I didn't wish to pry too far, so I stopped there", she explained, hiding her crossed fingers behind her back as she remembered the door that kept her out of his thoughts, "I could look if you'd be willing to allow me, but I'd like your permission first, I'd rather not just stumble into a place I don't have any business being in".
"Hmm.... W-well... What could you do in there?"
"Lots of things, help quell some anxieties and fears, possibly get the root of a particular block, maybe even.... Help protect that which is dear?"
"Protect? How?"
"Well, I have the ability to help build walls you see, walls that, should you permit me to, would prevent you from feeling certain things. Any sadness or fear, resentment or regret, any emotion you wish to get rid of, I can take away, temporarily of course, and give it back when you wish".
He shuddered, "I-I don't think I want that kind of help.... S-sorry"
"It's quite alright, there are many other things I could do too"
He raised a brow, "such as?"
"Hmmm... Maybe make suggestions, is there anything you're having trouble doing at the moment?"
The teen thought for a little bit before the Demanitus scroll popped into his mind, "w-well.... I want to go and translate this really old scroll.... But honestly, I'm having a lot of trouble doing so since I can't seem to catch a long period of alone time to focus...."
She smiled, "well that's easy, you just need a place to go where you'll be less interrupted, perhaps even tell everyone you'd like some time away, no interruptions"
"Time away?" He asked, "but won't they be worried?"
"Not if you send them letters saying you're alright. Plus it wouldn't be forever, and in fact, you could even select a place only they know of, sort of like a... Secret study, Demanitus had many of those in his time!"
"Hmm.... That might work, of course dad would wanna check on me and make sure I was eating and sleeping, so it would have to be somewhere easy for him to get to..... I guess I could discuss that with him and Rapunzel though... Thanks for the suggestion, we were actually thinking me having a secret spot to go to translate the scroll would be a good idea!"
Ziri smiled, "happy to help, is there anything else you needed?"
Varian thought for a moment, "well... Not to be rude but... w-what else can you help me with?"
"Well, I could help you with your magic, possibly help you control it, I'm very good with my own magic, and the Moonstone's magic is not that different from my own, the most notable difference being it coming from the Moon, whereas mine came from the Earth".
"....D.... D-did you have any connections to the Seporians?" She felt her eye twitch and her temper flare up for a moment, making the landscape they were in turn into a blood red as everything began to shake, "W-woah!" Varian stumbled forwards and back before he nearly fell off the ledge they were standing on.
She finally calmed down when she saw him fall to the floor with a thump, giving a quiet, 'A-hem', before she looked at the boy, the purple and pink coming back, "sorry about that, yes, I do have a connection to the Seporians... Though the thought of what the-... *Zhan Tiri* did to *them* fills me with an anger I can't quite describe... Sorry for that".
"I-it's okay, sorry I asked Miss. Ziri", the alchemist replied, getting up and dusting himself off
She sighed and smiled, "it's not your fault, you didn't know". Ziri then stood in front of the boy, studying him for a moment, "the Seporians... They've been beaten back due to the actions of the Coro-! .....Zhan Tiri have they not?"
Varian nodded sadly, "they have.... I'm trying to help them out, reintroducing their culture into Corona and even making a small part of the land for them so they can begin to regrow as a people"
She was silent for a moment, thinking to herself, ".....That would be nice.... To have their land back...."
Varian tilted his head to the side, "Ziri?"
She snapped out of her thoughts and looked at him once more, "sorry, it's been a while since I've thought about the Seporians... About... My old home.... It's a bit embarrassing to say this but... I miss them... Being able to see them from a place where you can't interact... Is hard"
The alchemist looked at her sadly, "I.... Understand what you mean.... It's not nearly as much as you went through, but seeing the Coronans celebrate the Day of Hearts and other such holidays without me when I was in jail for that year and a half.... I admit what I did was wrong but.... It hurt.... So much....." He felt tears sting in the corners of his eyes at the thought of him and his father letting lanterns fly away one the Lost Princess's birthday, or how they visited his mother's grave on the Day of Hearts together......
"I'm sorry to remind you of hard times...." Ziri said, and for once, it seemed as though she meant it, "being away from your home, your loved ones, is a very harsh punishment indeed.... Having think of you as a monster is even worse..."
"Yeah.... B-but that's why you work to fix it", Varian stated, getting Ziri to look at him, "that's why you try to make up for lost time! K-keep moving forwards, and trying you best to make up for anything that went wrong all those years you missed! I-I'm fixing all of my mistakes, a-and you're trying to help me with my powers, m-maybe.... I know it's not the same but.... M-maybe if I can show you that I can help the Seporians, that would help you feel better?"
She was startled, "why would you want to make *me* feel better?"
"Because you're helping me, why *wouldn't* I try to help you? Plus.... I think... We understand each other... More than anybody else does...." He smiled at her, "that's important, a-and if there's any way I *can* help you feel better while you help me with my powers, then I will!"
"But.... Why? You barely know me"
Varian gave her a wide smile, "because you're my friend! You said so yourself remember? When you startled me?" She was shocked at his answer, so much so that her concentration waned. She felt her spirit being pulled out, as if something was tugging on her to leave. "Ziri?" Varian said, "a-are you alri-ZIRI!"
A bright flash of light appeared before her, and she fell backwards! Looking around, she found herself outside of the teen's mind, her thoughts were fizzing as she felt her senses come back to her. "....Have I really just been thrown out due to my *own* feelings?" She asked herself, she looked and saw the castle like mansion she'd been staring at for the past few days, the one where the teen and his father lived, she growled, "what game is he playing at?!"
Getting up and dusting herself off out of habit, she looked down, "oh... Right... Not able to get dirty...."
She sighed before turning to looked through the window once more. The alchemist had been woken up, he was in his father's arms and looked a little startled, explaining to the Village Leader what had just taken place. The man seemed suspicious at first before the alchemist explained further, he looked very distraught, almost as if he was... Worried about her....
"NO!" she snapped at herself, "snap out of it! He's not him! He's not the person you cared for! He's his descendant, but that doesn't mean a thing! Not even if he acts like him or talks like him.... Or even if he's kind... Like him or... Or.... GAH! Stop this!" She shook her head and glared at the teen, "I will *not* be tricked again! I will *not* be taken by any sort of kindness he could *ever* display towards me!"
She noticed Varian looking concerned, he seemed to be seeking comfort, almost as if he were worried she'd been upset at him.
A small part of her wished to reach out, to touch him, she even felt her hand moving towards the boy, "stop!" She yanked her hand back, glaring at it, "I will *not* be swayed by him! Not again! He's the *enemy*, and I must remember that!"
She glared at the teen again, but felt her mind conflict whenever she looked at him.... She sighed, "he.... Looks a lot like he did before.... He truly is a little Demanitus...." She huffed, "I can't think of him in such a way though, he's the enemy, he doesn't truly wish to help.... But it's no lie that these emotions *will* be a downfall if I'm not careful.... There must be something I can do to change that... Something I can use...."
She watched the family comfort the teen, watching as the princess and her boyfriends seemed to keep their distance but still showed signs of comfort. She saw how the earring'd one and his two children were closer, and offering words of, what seemed like encouragement. She saw the boy's grandfather, that *failure* of a Dark Kingdom King, rubbing his back soothingly. She saw Varian's boyfriend and raccoon sitting on the arm of the chair, smirking and loving on their boy disgustingly to make him feel better. But what she noticed the most was how closely the teen clung to his father.
The Village Leader held him close, kissing his head and nuzzling him lovingly, she noticed the boy listening to the man's heart beat, she smiled when she realized the man had no speck of Demanitus's features anywhere on him, "hmmmmm.... The boy is very close to his father indeed.... Even going so far as to be extremely reckless with how close his father got to his own demise". She grinned, her eyes solely focused on Quirin, "he *is* a Brotherhood member.... He did promote himself as useful before.... And I know the boy is close with him, I could see that much in his mind.... He may be more useful than I thought.... I'll need the girl though... I suppose it's time I returned to her either way...."
With a wicked grin, she backed away from the window, her eyes narrowing at Quirin before she turned and began to float away, "soon little Demanitus.... Soon...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
Here's another chapter for plot's sake! And holy moly, ZT is getting creepy, things are starting to heat up! :D
Varian is being such a good bean! He's so helpful and genuinely very kind that I don't think *anyone* could truly ever hate a face like that! (If you do, that's completely okay, this is just my personal opinion and you have every right to yours! :D) So him being able to, sort of, win over ZT just a bit... Yeah, I could see it :D
Got a little more ZT backstory, yeah she's finally got one, hopefully there's some sympathy there. I mean, it still doesn't make what she's doing right, but it certainly makes for some interesting plot! :D
Poor farmer dad... He's a target on everybody's list.... This poor freaking man X'D
Everyone else is comforting the bean! :D Ruddy buddy is still the best raccoon though! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 290: Red Rocks!
Summary:
Cassandra discovers a new power!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Cassandra walked through the forest, her black hood keeping her hair from glowing and giving away her position as she made her way out of the outskirts of Old Corona's trees. It'd been three days since that ghost girl had left, and she was growing impatient once more. She needed to *do* something, something that would help with her destiny, but she wasn't sure what. Her thoughts were juggling through her head as she debated what she needed to do and how she needed to do it.....
*I need to send them another message, it's been a while since I attacked the kid's home, they would've rebuilt by now that knowing him.....* She thought, "I also need to get the scroll, and I need to make sure Quirin and the others won't get in my way... But how can I do that? It'll cause too much attention if I just outwardly attack*
She sighed, growing frustrated as images of Rapunzel and Varian together replayed in her mind. She wasn't sure why they did, for the past 3 days she'd been trying to tune them out! Seeing them again over and over was only making her angrier, but she couldn't stop for some reason! She growled, wishing she could kick her own mind's ass for a moment of reprieve when, "having trouble?" A voice asked as she finally made it back to beyond the walls of Corona.
Cassandra jumped, her hood falling and revealing her bright blue hair as she saw the ghost girl watching her with a smile on her face, "where have you been? It's been three days!"
"I did tell you I needed to take care of something, did I not?"
She narrowed her eyes at the girl, the Moonstone flickering dangerously, "three.... Days...."
The ghost girl sighed, "I suppose it was longer than I expected, I apologize for that. But these things do tend to take time, and I happen to be trying to help you get what you *deserve*, isn't that what you want?"
Cassandra huffed, the Moonstone no longer flickering as she continued to speak, neither of them noticing the two pairs of eyes staring at them from a bush and a tree, "whatever, just.... Something's wrong, my thoughts are off and I'm getting angry when I shouldn't be. I think the Moonstone may be affecting me and it's making it hard for me to think, what do I do?"
The girl smiled politely, "that's normal, it's as I said before, the Moonstone feeds off emotions, it's not wonder it's feeding off of yours, you have been feeling rather betrayed lately"
"I *KNOW* what I've been feeling!" Cassandra snapped, stomping her foot on the ground and unintentionally making a few black rocks sprout from the ground. She sighed, "I just need it to stop, it... It hurts, and I don't know if I can take much more of it!"
"Hmm... Perhaps we should try out a couple new things, exercises to help you find out more about your powers"
"Why? How would that help?"
"The Moonstone needs you to *use* its power, like your emotions, it cannot simply sit there and block them for too long. After a while it builds and can cause the holder to become.... Deranged in a sense.... You must try out your powers, figure them out and train with them, that way your emotions, and your powers themselves will not become over energized"
Cassandra's eyes narrowed, "if I use my powers right here, people from Corona will see, hell even if I use them somewhere *else*! Varian and Rapunzel will no doubt feel it!"
"Well I suppose that's a risk we must take, though I highly doubt they'll come after you"
"What do you mean?"
"After what happened before with the boy's father, and how you destroyed his and his father's home, leaving them to rebuild, I believe, at the moment, they may have their hands full".
"That house should be fixed by now"
"Yes, but even so, they'll still be recovering from you relentless attack, now's honestly the *perfect* time for you to practice your abilities", the ghost girl explained
Cassandra thought about it before looking around, "I could practice around the wall.... Not many guards come by and if they do, I could knock them out.... If what you're saying about Varian and Rapunzel being busy is true, then they wouldn't come find me, and even if they did, they wouldn't be able to see me from there...." She sighed, "alright, I'm willing to try it..." She didn't notice the ghost girl's wicked smirk as they made their way over to their destination.
They managed to make it there without being spotted, Cassandra finding a few boulders nearby to use as targets. She began to train, first doing a few kicks and punches to warm herself up before she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and summoned the power of the Moonstone. It sparked and crackled, coming to life as she order it to launch rocks towards the targets. But when she didn't hear a smash, she opened one to see the rocks had stopped halfway through their attack, "what? W-why isn't it working?!"
The ghost girl, who was sitting on a rock nearby, hummed interestedly, "walk me through what you're doing"
"I took a deep breath, concentrated on the Moonstone's power and ordered it to shoot the rocks. I powered it using my emotions like you taught me, then...." She gestured to the frozen black rocks
"I think you need to put a little more emotion into it"
Cassandra sighed, "alright, lets try this again...." She closed her eyes once more, took another deep breath, gave the order, and this time envisioned someone's face, it was Rapunzel's. Feeling her anger grow, she growled and let the power go, she waited for the smash, still nothing. Opening her eyes once more she groaned, "halfway.... Again...."
The ghost girl looked puzzled, "that's the only thing I can think of that's causing your blockage. You're not giving strong enough emotions yet, and it's making this process harder and harder to do. You must put the full *brunt* of your emotion into the order, *command* the rocks like you *command* your destiny! *Feel* it"
"I am, but it's still not working!"
"You must try again"
Cassandra huffed frustratedly and tried again.... And again.... And again... Each time she tried, the rocks always stopped halfway, she continued to summon them and order the boulder to be smashed, envisioning someone's face inside her mind, it was Rapunzel again, then Eugene, then Adira, finally Quirin, Rapunzel again, Rapunzel once more, Eugene again, Adira, Adira, Quirin, Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Adira, Eugene, Rapunzel, Eugene, Adira, Adira, Quirin, Rapunzel, Hugo, Eugene, Adira, Rapunzel-"AAAAH! WHY WON'T THIS WORK?!" She yelled before she grabbed her head and knelt to the floor.... Her body was tired, her mind was still foggy, and as she panted, she stared at the stone on her chest, ".....Why won't you listen to me....."
"Could it possibly be because you know this isn't the right path for you?" A voice asked
Cassandra stood immediately, glaring at the person who stood in front of her, the Moonstone crackling angrily as she felt her shoulders tense up, "Adira..... What the fuck do you want?"
"Simply to talk if I'm being honest", the face painted warrior replied, "because it seems as though you're having trouble... And I think I know why"
"Oh because you know *everything* right?!"
"No.... Because I think your heart does", Cassandra froze, "have you ever thought about the real reason the Moonstone may not be listening to you could be because you don't fully feel like you should be doing this?"
The women pondered about that, but stopped and glared at the women again, "you're just trying to trick me!"
"I'm not", Adira said, "I'm really not. Look we didn't get along before, at all, I understand that. Maybe it had something to do with me, maybe it had something to do with you. Either way, that's not what I'm focused on at the moment"
"Then what *are* you focused on...."
"You, and your troubles with the Moonstone", she replied, "look what you went through was hard, I was told what happened by the princess-!"
"Of course you were"
"She was just concerned, and spoke to me about it to let me know what I might be getting into here.... She's very worried about you you know", Cassandra looked away, making Adira sigh, "either way, what happened to you was hard.... Your mother choosing someone else over you is very heartbreaking, I honestly do feel bad for you, I do.... But this... What you're doing, it's not right, and I think your mind and body may be telling you that, which is why you're having such trouble with the Moonstone".
"You don't know *anything* about me Adira!"
"You're right, I don't", the face painted warrior agreed with a sigh, "and that's my fault, I apologize for that... When I first met you, I didn't really treat you with respect, and that was wrong of me to do. But just as you are doing now, I thought that keeping what I knew as close to my chest as possible would be better, because I thought my cause outweighed making anyone else feel comfortable around me. I'd say it's safe to say that approach didn't work", she nodded to Cassandra herself, who seemed to calm down a little at that. "I admit my actions came across as nasty to you, but just like you I had a very good reason for doing what I did. I felt betrayed by my brothers, who wished to do as our king said and forget about the Moonstone, Dark Kingdom, and him.... I felt alone because they'd chosen a different path than mine and it felt like a betrayal. What I didn't consider was how that was their way of handling what happened. Quirin moved on, got a life, has a family, all to respect the final wishes given to him by his only fatherly figure in his life. Hector protected the Great Tree and kept anyone from going anywhere *near* the kingdom and stone by whatever means necessary because he'd seen, first hand, how dangerous that Moonstone could be as it destroyed his only home...."
She sighed, "I tried to fight back against my king to get my home and family back... I tried to reclaim what was once taken from me out of anger, spite, betrayal, and above all else, fear.... Believe me, I understand what you're going through and how you must feel.... But doing this, stealing the Moonstone, hurting people, this isn't what you want to do, you know it isn't", Adira stated, "just like how I had to realize my way of keeping my distance and being short and aloof from people was not the correct approach... I realize I'm the last person you want to see or take any advice from, but this... The Moonstone can sense what you're really feeling, no matter how much you hide it. So the fact that the Moonstone isn't listening to you means you don't fully believe in what you're doing, it means you know it isn't right, so please, listen to them, this isn't what you want and you know it"
Cassandra took a few steps back, almost as if she'd been struck by the warrior before she felt tears sting in her eyes, "I... I-I y-you have *NO* idea what you're talking about!"
"I think I do, because I'm not the only one who went through this.... You know who I'm referring to as well...."
Cassandra's eyes grew wider as an image of Varian's face flashed through her mind, "h-he doesn't know.... He doesn't...."
"But he does, and he's trying hard to fix his mistakes.... He tries everyday and makes me, Hector, my King, and his father proud every single day. You can do the same, you can be better and this can all end. All you have to do is stop, just stop and come back with me. The princess wants you back, she's willing to help you fix what you've done, you just need to return the Moonstone and come back with me, please".
Cassandra saw Adira take a step forwards, she could feel her resolve breaking, her destiny was slipping out of her hand as she allowed the face painted warrior's words to sink into her mind and heart. Suddenly her mind was struck with images of what Varian had gone through and her taking his place. Locked in a cage for years, being whipped and lashed and tortured, reminded of all the things she'd done as she was labeled a monster and mocked, even though she'd regretted them, she could never escape..... She felt tears slide down her cheeks as her mind continued showing her these dark thoughts.
She begged it to stop, she screamed for a release, but nothing came, that was when she heard a scream. Her eyes shot open just in time for the Moonstone's light to fade. She noticed the area around her was glowing bright red, the shine coming from.... Red rocks? She looked around before she caught sight of Adira, the women had been cut by one of the red rocks, her leg had a deep gash on it that would definitely turn into a scar. But that's not what Cassandra was focused on, it was the terrified expression Adira was showing, her skin was pale, her eyes wide as she stared at the rocks before her. She looked.... Like she was going to die.... "N-no.... I.... H-how did... H-how did you find me?!" She asked, her own tears running down her face, "no! N-no I don't want to go back! I DON'T WANT TO GO *BACK*!"
"ADIRA!" Another voice screamed before Cassandra was knocked away, she slide to a halt on the ground before she looked and saw the wild tamer running over to the face painted warrior, "Adira! Hey snap out of it!" He yelled, "Adira! ADIRA!" He tried to shake her, but it seemed to only make things worse as the warrior slapped his hands away
"D-DON'T TOUCH M-ME!" She yelled, hopping up and backing away, wrapping her arms around herself and clutching her sleeves as if she were afraid they'd fall off before she closed her eyes, "p-please... Please go away...."
Hector was startled by this before he glared at Cassandra, "what the *fuck* did you do to her?!"
"I-I don't know! We were t-talking and she just.... I... I-I didn't mean to....."
The tamer stared at her for a moment before he seemed to calm down, "you didn't.... Mean to.... Fuck...." He looked at the red rocks again before looking at Adira, "this happened... B-Because they showed up.... which means...." He huffed and walked over to Adira, "hey", he said, in a voice Cassandra had never heard him use before, it was soft and quiet, he made sure not to touch her, "Adira, sister, it's me, open your eyes"
The face painted warrior seemed to immediately calm down when he spoke, "H-Hector...."
"He's not here sister, something's making you see him, you need to snap out of it". Adira hesitated before she finally opened her eyes, looking at the tamer, "hi"
She gave a watery chuckle, "h-hi...."
"You okay?"
She let go of her sleeves, Cassandra noticing she'd grabbed them so harshly that she'd ended up making her fingers bleed, "y-yeah... Yeah I'm... I-I'm okay now...."
"Kay, here", Hector handed her a handkerchief, "it's okay, I'll handle things from here"
"B-be careful"
"I will", he went to walk away
"I-I'm sorry...."
He looked at his sister again and smiled, "not your fault, don't be sorry". He then turned to look at Cassandra, who'd gotten up and was watching him, "....Guess you didn't heed my warning before"
She sighed, "I tried...."
"You failed"
"I know.... What... Happened"
"How the fuck should I know?"
"Fair enough..... What are you going to do now?"
"Guess that's up to you", he stated, "you can either take what my sister said to heart, or you can continue with what you're doing. I'm letting you make that choice, so choose".
The women was startled by that, "not going to attack?"
"I've seen what attacking someone who's on the fence does, never works out well. She gave you things to think about, so think", he then moved a little as another small red rock grew next to him, "and stop making these fucking things grow"
She backed up, hoping the distance would keep the red rocks from continuing to spread while she thought about what she'd been told. She wanted to believe Adira, wanted to think the women really did understand, but..... Images of Rapunzel flashed in her mind again, "what if I can't let it go?"
"Hm?" Hector raised a brow at her
"What if what she did to me still affects me? And what if I'm punished? What.... Why would going back even help at this point?" She felt her eyes fill with tears, "I've already done so much.... Already hurt so many.... I don't.... I don't want things to return to how they were before.... I want to be different, but.... I don't know how...."
"How can you figure that out?" Hector asked, getting her to look at him, "answer the question, if I asked you that, what you just said, what would you tell me? How can you figure it out?"
Cassandra thought for a moment, "I.... W-would.... Say you'd need to try.... I... Would tell you that if you really f-feel like going back, you'll n-never know how people will react until you try...."
"Right", the wild tamer stated, "so one question remains, are you willing to try?"
"I.... Don't know...." She said
Hector sighed, "want me to be blunt?" Cassandra nodded, "you fucked up", he stated, "you stole the Moonstone, hurt my family, hurt your friends, and fucked up.... Big time.... I'm not gonna tell you that you'll get off scott free, because honestly, I don't think you fucking should. I'm angry at you, and I'm not even one of your fucking victims". He glared at her for a moment or two before he continued, "but.... You were angry and upset, you made a really fucking piss poor choice and it ended up hurting you and many other people in the process. But you were angry because people did you wrong.... I fucking get that.... I hate the royal asshole of a king in Corona for doing what he did to my brother and his nephew, I dislike and mistrust the princess because she betrayed my nephew and abandoned him, I have no fucking concerns for the people in that kingdom, they can fuck off for all I care, save for very few who showed they can be kind. I don't have the full story, I don't fucking *want* to have the full story, but I understand that the princess did you wrong, just as she did to my nephew. Maybe her being kidnapped wasn't her fault, but I remember you trying to help her in the Great Tree, I remember watching you beg for her to listen and she ended up ignoring your cries. I remember hearing your scream as your hand got burnt by the decay incantation.... I remember.... And that.... That was fucking shit...."
Cassandra let out a small breath, "she thought.... She was helping...."
"She thought fucking wrong.... And you got hurt because of her, that fucking sucks and I am in full agreement of you being fucking pissed at her.... But I watch her now and she actually regrets treating you the way she did, she wants to help you, get you back so you and she can talk. I may not like her, but even to me, that's fucking bold and respectable. She wants to make amends, and while I can't tell you that you'll be forgiven by everyone, I can say having a princess by your side would definitely help your odds. You'll have to watch out for my brother, because you trying to hurt his kid, my nephew, is definitely putting you at the top of his shit list, to which there's only one fucking way to get off and that's to face his fucking wrath. But I know Varian is at least willing to try and help you, I know he's definitely concerned, so that might help you with his dad".
"Seems like a lot of 'I thinks' and 'I'm not sures'", Cassandra replied softly
"Because I'm *not* sure, and I'm not gonna lie. What you did was wrong, and you'll have to face the consequences, but if you're truly upset, if you truly regret what you did, then come with us and I can tell you that they would be less than what you'd get if you continued", Hector stated. "Right now, you made some piss poor decisions, but you've got an argument and people who are sympathetic to you. But if you do anything else, like whatever you're planning on doing now, it's not gonna fucking end well.... It's up to you, this is your one fucking chance".
The women felt herself being torn, she really did regret doing what she'd done, but she felt her anger and sadness reminding her of her reasons. She couldn't make up her mind, that is.... Until she was toppled to the floor, looking up she saw Hector glaring at her, "w-what are you doing?!" She asked, her eyes wide with fear, "I-I didn't say anything! I-I didn't-!"
"Shut the fuck up!" He snapped, "you think I care?! You think I give a shit about you?! I WANT YOU TO FUCKING *DIE*!" He raised his sword in the air, she tried to struggle, tried to run, but she couldn't move.
"Please! I-I don't want to die! I d-don't! I-I-!"
"You're a fucking disgrace", she heard her father say, looking over, she saw him walk over to her, "you betrayed the princess, hurt a family that did nothing to you, and for what? A destiny you thought you deserved? I should've listened to my gut when I saw you..... I should've killed you when I had the chance...."
"NO!" Cassandra managed to push Hector off her, she tried to get up but was stopped once more when a sword lashed her back, she fell forwards, the pain searing through her skin before she looked and saw Quirin standing behind her, his glare freezing every inch of her body, "you hurt my boy", he stated, lashing her again, "you hurt my baby!" He lashed her once more, "I hate you", another lash, "I HATE YOU!"
"PLEASE STOP!" She begged
"Why should he stop?" A voice asked. Her eyes widened and she looked and saw Varian and Rapunzel watching her, the alchemist was in front of the princess, his eyes were glowing a bright blue, "you hurt me, betrayed me, left me all alone and when I came back and tried to help you? What do you do? You tried to kill my *DAD*!" Another lash on her back from his father's sword, "you nearly killed my boyfriend, and it's all because you decided you were more important, you were worth more than me! Well, who's the one alone now?"
Another lash brought her more pain before Rapunzel spoke up, "I... Can't help you anymore Cass.... You're too far gone"
"RAPUNZEL NO!"
"...I.... I give up on you.... Cassandra...."
"NO!!!!!!!"
"HEY!" Cassandra felt hands on her shoulders as she was faced with the wild tamer once more, "are you alright?" He asked
"GET OFF OF ME!" She pushed him away and backed up, standing and clutching the Moonstone close to her
"Easy easy, I.... Don't know what happened"
"YES YOU DO! YOU'RE LYING! ALL OF YOU ARE LYING! ALL OF YOU!" She screamed
"Wait, hold on just stop for one sec-!"
"I WON'T WAIT ANY LONGER! I CAN'T WAIT! I WON'T!" She glared at him as her tears burned her eyes, "....You won't make me go back there again.... I w-won't go through that again.... I won't.... I... I won't"
Hector's eyes widened when he saw more red rocks burst from the ground! He hopped back, landing in front of Adira, who'd been watching the entire time. "Shit.... What the f-!"
"Hector", a voice said, he looked over and saw his father holding the bamboo stick. The wild tamer's eyes widened as he noticed all the blood and decay the man had on him, his corpse coming closer to him as he smacked the bamboo stick in his hand, "you failed again"
"Shit!" He closed his eyes, "you're not there", he stated, "you're not fucking there, you're dead, gone, you're not there!" He opened them once more, but the man didn't leave, "GO THE FUCK AWAY! YOU'RE FUCKING DEAD! I WILL NOT BE HAUNTED BY YOU ANYMORE!" He screamed before noticing a red rock right in front of him. He glared at it before he ran forwards and, using all of his strength, slashed it with his blade. His sword shattered on impact, but the vision of his father faded, he let out a sigh of relief before he noticed more red rocks forming around him and Adira
"H-Hector... H-he's back...." His sister said, he looked at her and saw she was staring at something he couldn't see, her eyes were wide
"He's not real"
"I-I know, but m-my body won't m-move...."
"....Damn it...." He looked at Cassandra, she was still glaring at him, he gave her a sad look, one that made her hesitate for a second or two before she shook her head and glared once more, "....Okay.... I guess you chose...." He saw his father's corpse once more and sighed, "....I failed.... Again.... But I won't die here...." He growled at the man, who stepped back a bit, before he turned to Adira, grabbed her hand, and ran.
"H-Hector-!" Adira began
"Don't apologize, it's not your fault, what I saw.... Fucking scared me too.... We need to get back to Quirin, need to tell him what happened here so he and Varian can be prepared"
"B-but.... Cassandra.... She was hesitating...."
"....I know... But she made her choice.... There's nothing more we can do right now...." He stopped and looked at his sister sadly, "I failed again.... I couldn't help.... You got hurt... I fucking failed.... I failed...." He felt tears sting in the corners of his eyes before a hand was gently placed on his cheek. He looked and saw Adira smiling at him
"You're alive, you saved me, and you gave her a chance. You didn't fail, you did all you could, thank you.... Thank you for saving me brother".
The wild tamer was startled for a moment before he nodded, smiling at his sister before he remember her leg, "you're hurt"
"I'm okay, your handkerchief made the bleeding stop"
"We need to get back to Quirin, we have to report this, we have to"
"We will, lets go, we'll face this together"
Hector nodded before he let out a whistle, Xena, Pixie, and Basil all running over to the pair as he helped Adira climb on his rhino's back. He hopped on in front of her and, with a look back towards Cassandra, he sighed before they moved on, running towards the Village Leader's home to deliver the bad news as they both tried to ignore the agonized cries from Cassandra as she crumpled to the floor, her voice filled with sadness and fear as the red rocks took their toll.....
All the while, the ghost girl grinned as her hands glowed an eerie green color, she watched the green glow disappear from the Moonstone. Cassandra was knocked out, exhausted by her emotions and tuckered out from the energy she'd been forced to use. "Poor poor Cassandra, such a useful tool and yet, you have no idea what I have planned. Red rocks that cause fear, how interesting... I wonder how you'll fix this, little Demanitus....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, set up for the next episode chapter, things are going freaking crazy now! :D
Cassandra being in a more sympathetic light, or at least I *hope* it's a more sympathetic light. I can understand her being controlled I suppose, but that's just me, I'd love to hear what you all think about this situation! :D
Poor Adira... The women cannot seem to catch a break, mind you, she's still a little injured from her encounter with Cyrus, so she's not at 100%, and her past keeps popping up! I have a plan for it, but for right now, poor Adira....
Hector! This was much more of a Hector chapter than I thought it would be and I'm okay with that XD I love exploring Hector more, he's a good bean with an interesting personality! :D I feel bad for him here though... This event may haunt him for a while.....
ZT is getting worse, I'm excited to wright more about her though :D
Pixie, Basil, and Xena to the rescue! :D Good babies, not as good as Ruddy buddy, but still good babies! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 291: Failure!
Summary:
Hector and Adira talk to Quirin about what happened to them and Cassandra!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"....Is he asleep?" Adira asked
"Seems to be", Hector replied
"We need to wake him"
"He's gonna be pissed"
"He'll be angry with what we have to tell him too...."
"Shit..."
"We don't have a choice, he needs to know, it'd be better to tell him now than to alert everyone else in the house"
"You're right just.... He looks peaceful for once"
"I know... I hate to do this, but he needs to know..."
"....Fuck.... Hey, wake up"
"I'm awake", Quirin grumbled
"Wha-But ho-!"
"You two are not sneaky"
"Then why are your eyes still closed?"
"In the vain hope that I may fall back asleep despite the interruption...."
He heard Adira sigh, "Quirin.... W.... We failed...."
His eyes shot open and he sat up, immediately looking at his two siblings, Hector was sitting on the edge of his bed, having been the one about to shake him awake, Adira was a little further back, she was also sitting on his bed, he immediately noticed her bloodied cut with the handkerchief wrapped around it and the tear stains on her cheeks. He looked at the pair of them, "what happened?"
They told him the story as he dressed Adira's wound, he stayed quiet throughout the entire thing, wincing at the visions they'd seen before he'd finished wrapping his sister's wound, it wasn't too bad. After that he had them continue telling him the story as he got ready for the day, making sure to close the privy door as he did so. Once he was done and came out, he sat on his bed and continued to listen until they were finished. He let out a sigh, "are you two alright?" They nodded, he raised a brow, "are you two *really* alright?" They stopped and sighed before shaking their heads
"Seeing my father like that.... Was fucking disturbing....." Hector stated as he shivered, "and Adira....." He stopped and looked at their sister, who had wrapped her arms around herself and was clutching her sleeves
Quirin scooched a little closer to Adira, "it's okay", he said calmly, "he's not here, he doesn't know where you are, and he never will"
"...I-I know...." She sighed, "damn it, why am I still afraid of that.... That...."
"Shitlord?" Hector offered
"Yes, that"
Quirin chuckled, "shitlord is a new one"
"It's appropriate.... Though Speckles is not allowed to say that"
"Nope", the father agreed
"Fucking never", Hector stated
They were silent for a moment before Adira looked at Quirin, "I'm sorry... We couldn't stop her..."
"Don't blame yourselves, neither of you knew what she had up her sleeves, and from the sounds of it, neither did she.... How can you be prepared if she's not?" The retired knight replied, "besides, at least we know now, and as Varian and King Edmund would both say, 'you're both alive, that's not a failure'".
"I was basically useless though", the face painted warrior exclaimed, "I did nothing but become afraid at the sight of him... My past haunted me again...."
"You weren't useless", Hector stated
"What do you mean?"
"*I* needed you", he exclaimed, "you grew afraid of what you saw before I came out, you were my warning that something was up. When you looked afraid, you gave me strength to fight against my fucking fears so I could help you. I wouldn't have been able to do that had you not been affected first, plus...." He looked at her, "I would've allowed the fear to take me.... Seeing him like that.... It hurt me worse that I'm letting on....I nearly froze due to what it did to me, and.... A-and you snapped me out of it", he huffed, "so no, you weren't fucking useless, don't say that.... No one's useless... No one...."
She froze, before she smiled, "I'm sorry... Thank you Hector"
He nodded quietly before sighing, "so what should we do? We can't go after her again, we gave her a chance, two actually, and she didn't take either one...."
Quirin looked down, humming for a moment in thought, "we need to tell the princess, King Edmund, and Varian...."
"Speckles?" Adira asked
"He needs to know, if Cassandra is finding out new powers, and she comes to attack with those red rocks, which seem to show your deepest darkest fears...." He shuddered at that, "then we'll need to prepare Varian for it, hell we'll need to prepare everyone.... They need to know...." He looked at his siblings, "Varian, King Edmund, and Rapunzel in particular, because they have the most trauma.... If King Edmund saw those visions, he'd see himself being alone, Rapunzel, she may see her kingdom fall or Cassandra, Eugene, Lance, Varian, her parents, everyone dying or leaving her.... A-and Varian..... No.... H-he needs to be prepared...."
The two thought about what the alchemist may see before an image of their brother in the amber flashed in their minds, along with a cracking whip and the king of Corona, they shuddered, "you're right...." Hector agreed, "but how do we break it to them...."
Quirin looked at the man, "you're worried about how they'll take it?"
"I..... Not entirely...." He looked down, defeat and fear prominent on his face as his shoulders tensed up
"...Hector, they won't hate you for what happened, they won't be disappointed either, they'll be happy you're still around to tell them", Quirin said
"You sure about that?.... We volunteered for this mission.... We left with the promise that we'd make a difference, and the only thing we fucking did was make everything worse....."
"I'm sure"
"How can you be? We *failed*, we fucking failed and Cassandra is a fucking mess, and we couldn't get her back, we didn't even get *close* to the Moonstone, Adira got hurt, and I jus-!" He froze when Quirin wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close as the wild tamer's tears slide down his cheeks. He felt so stupid, so damn stupid and ashamed for taking even a *little* comfort in his brother's hold, ".....I-I... Failed...."
"You didn't fail", Quirin stated, "you talked to Cassandra instead of attacking her and found out more about what her mental state is like. You managed to inform me about a power we previously didn't know she had, and you and Adira *both* made it back here like you said you would. You came *back*, you didn't run away, you didn't act like a coward, you came *back*". He broke the hug to look at his little brother, "you and Adira *both* tried to help someone I *know* you dislike, you tried Hector, you both fucking *tried*. Yeah you didn't get the Moonstone, but it seemed like you were close, you didn't know about the red rocks, you do *now*. See, you two think failing is not doing what you set out to do. What you two don't realize, is that there's multiple ways to succeed. You didn't get the Moonstone, but you got information, on Cassandra, on her power, and on her mental state, that's not a failure, it's more than we had before".
"Not enough though....", Adira stated
"Actually, it's plenty", Quirin said, "you did something, you both did something with your whole hearts and put everything you had into it. You may not have gotten what you wanted, but you got what we need". He smiled at his sister, "now we're better equipped to handle Cassandra, so not a failure, a chance, that's all we need for now"
They smiled at him before the retired knight's door opened just a bit, "d-dad?"
"Varian?" Quirin replied, "what are you doing up?"
"I... H-had a bad dream, t-then I got this weird feeling a-", he stopped when she saw Adira and Hector, his blue eyes were wide with surprise for a moment as they noticed a tired looking Hugo behind him with a disgruntled raccoon in his hands, before the freckled teen smiled and teared up, "Adira! Hector!" He ran over and hugged them both happily, "you're home! I'm so glad you're okay!" Hugo trudged inside, looking at Quirin pleadingly before the man chuckled and patted his bed. The blond smiled and sat down, Ruddigar sat in his lap and yawned. Varian pulled away from the pair and looked at Adira, "a-are you okay?"
"Me?" She asked
"Yeah, m-my dream... It showed you seeing t-the.... The bad person that caused you a lot of harm in your childhood", he then looked at Hector, "a-and it showed you seeing y-your father with the b-bamboo stick in his hand.... He looked d-decayed...." He then looked t his dad, "then it s-showed C-Cassandra seeing.... All of us giving up on her.... Y-you were lashing her w-with your sword dad, a-and everyone, including Rapunzel, said they gave up on her and l-left her alone..... Everything was in r-red too, it was.... Really disturbing...."
Quirin was a little startled by that before he looked at Adira and Hector, "he needs to know"
"Needs to know?" Varian asked, smiling as Hugo leaned against Quirin, his eyes dropping just a bit, before he looked at his father once more, "needs to know what?"
Adira and Hector looked at each other for a moment before they sighed an looked at their nephew, "Speckles we.... Need to tell you what happened to us...." The face painted warrior stated sadly
Varian blinked for a moment or two before his eyes widened, then he looked at her sympathetically, "my dream.... Really happened... Didn't it....."
They nodded, "it did... We didn't know what Cassandra saw, but, what you said we saw.... Was true"
"How? H-how did you two see all those images?" Varian asked, "it should be impossible for that to happen!"
They looked at each other worriedly before they looked at the teen once more, "....Cassandra.... Has a new power....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the short chapter, it's more of a set up than anything else, plus I didn't have a lot of time to write today, but I hope it gets people excited for what's coming up! :D
Adira and Hector really need therapy as well.... They're so focused on what they need to do, that when they don't do it, they fall apart.... Adira feeling useless, and Hector feeling ashamed.... Both of them need Dr. Strongbow, I'm gonna have a chapter for that
Quirin is the best big brother! :D He's also the best father! :D He's just the best! Protective farmer dad for the win! :D
Varian is such a good boy, getting up and going to his dad immediately after having a dream that worried him. Also, he a happy bean for his aunt and uncle's return, but hoo boy what he's about to hear..... Poor bean.....
Poor Hugo XD He's so freaking sleepy XDXDXDXDXD He would never let Varian go alone to his father's room, but the blond needs his beauty sleep! XD
Ruddy buddy, while sleepy, is still the best coon! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 292: All You Need is Faith, T&%st, and Alchemy Dust! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian calls for a group meeting to discuss the red rocks, but ends up finding out something about himself that he's not sure how to accept!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene yawned loudly before he looked at, a very sleep deprived, Rapunzel, "so.... You have any idea as to why we were all woken up this early?" He asked her
She shook her hear, "all I know, is that Varian said it was important and that it couldn't wait another second. I'm wondering if it has something to do with Cassandra"
"Why would she have anything to do with this?" Lance, who was sitting on the other side of Eugene, asked
"Because I had an odd dream about her, Hector, and Adira.... And I think it may mean something, I'm certain Varian had the same, or a similar, dream as me".
"What happened in it?" Eugene asked, stifling another yawn
"She was facing Adira and Hector, who were trying to talk her down before she got overwhelmed and ended up making these odd, red rocks, come out of the ground that showed your worst fears...."
Lance blinked, "*red* rocks?" He asked, getting the princess to nod, he sighed, "as if we didn't have enough of the black rocks...."
Rapunzel smirked at the man before she looked at Eugene again, "Cassandra looked like she was seeing something, something that terrified her to her core, so did Adira and Hector before they retreated"
The Dark Prince shuddered, "that's ominous....."
"It really is"
"Do you think it actually happened?" Another voice asked, getting them to look and see King Edmund sitting in a nearby arm chair
"Don't *you* know?" Eugene asked, "you're kinda the Dark Kingdom expert here"
"While I appreciate that comment, I don't know *everything*, I know very little about the Moonstone especially, hence why I've permanently into a turned left handed individual", he waved his one hand, getting his son to make an apologetic face, to which he smiled before looking at Rapunzel, "that dream concerns me though, since the bearer of the Sundrop herself, you, had it.... Adira and Hector were on patrol to stop, or try to stop, Cassandra, they could've tried talking with her first. Thus the red rocks could've come by.... I'm very worried if that's the case though, as both of them have very.... Dark.... Experiences that could be used against them...."
The room was silent when he said that, only breaking when the door to Quirin's room opened, "oh", they looked and saw Varian looking at them, a little startled, "I uh.... Didn't think you'd all get up and be here immediately"
Eugene snorted, "you underestimate our timeliness there kiddo", he then yawned, "though.... Maybe pick a better time in the day? The Sun's not out yet"
"That and you look like you just woke up too little man", Lance pointed out
Varian titled his head in confusion until he looked down at himself and saw his chemistry pajamas, "eheheh, um.... Yeah I *may* have just gotten out of bed too, but I assure you, this is extremely important!" He then looked at Rapunzel, "um.... I need to ask though, did you... Have a dream about Cassandra, Adira, and Hector?"
The princess's eyes widened, "yes I... I did.... W-with-!"
"Red rocks that showed them their fears?" Varian interrupted
She nodded again, "Varian.... W-was that.... Real?"
The alchemist sighed and nodded, "yes.... It was real...."
He then backed up a bit to allow a few people pass him, when they did, everyone woke up instantly, "Adira!" Edmund exclaimed, getting up and walking over to the pair, "Hector! A-Are you two alright? What happened? What did you see?"
The face painted warrior sighed, "yeah we're alright.... Mostly...." She looked at her brother, who looked away, before looking back at her king, "I don't know if the Princess told you what her dream was about...."
"She did", Edmund replied, "red rocks, Cassandra, you and Hector afraid and retreating...."
"....It's true...." Hector stated, "we failed.... Adira's injured just a bit.... And Cassandra has a new power...."
The room was silent, no one was sure what to say before the Dark King immediately wrapped his arm around his two warriors, "I'm so so *so* sorry you had to go through that....." He said softly, surprising them both, "I'm glad you're both safe but...." He let go and looked at the pair, "a.... Are you two really okay?"
They were about to say they were when they heard a small, "a-hem", behind them, looking, they saw Quirin watching from behind them, his brow raised and a small smirk on his face. They sighed before looking back at their king, who watched them worriedly, silent and waiting for their reply.
"....No", Hector stated, "....We're not.... But we shouldn't talk about it now... We've got more important things to discuss first"
"You're feelings and how something's affected you, are *just as* important as any briefing, mission failure, new power, or strategy", the Dark King stated, "that will *never* change, not while I'm alive. However, if you *don't want* to talk about it right now, then you both don't have to, but we should discuss it at a later date", he then looked at Quirin, who was trying to support a dozing Hugo and Ruddigar in his arms, "and I think all of us should be present for it, as it affects more than just these two".
The retired knight looked at him before nodding, "I plan on being there, in fact, I think it may be important to discuss certain things with everyone, but we'll get into that. First, Varian", his son looked at him, "can you uh.... Help me out here? He's very sleepy"
The alchemist blinked before he noticed Hugo and giggled, "yeah, here", he walked over and cupped his boyfriend's chin in his hand before kissing his nose
"Mph... Hm?" The blond teen's eyes opened a little, "Freckles?" He asked tiredly before yawning
The freckled teen smiled, "sorry for interrupting, but we've got a meeting we need to go to"
Hugo yawned again, "just tell Eugene to put the peanut butter in the pillow case and take it out every three days...."
The Dark Prince blinked, "um..... N..... No?"
Varian snickered, "no love, you've gotta wake up for this meeting.... Also putting peanut butter in a pillow case would only make a mess, what exactly are you experimenting with in your dreams?"
"Squirrel antidote...." Hugo responded
"Squirrel anti-Pfft! Hugo wake up", Varian gently shook the blond a little, getting him to shake his head
"Huh? Wha.... Where am I?"
"You're currently leaning against my father, in his room, with my sleeping raccoon on your shoulders, and talking about making a squirrel antidote by using a pillow case"
".......So it's the middle of the night, you had a bad dream, we went to your pop's room to talk, and now we're having a very early morning meeting about it.... Gotcha"
"Wha-H-how-?!" Eugene started
"The less you ask, the more sanity you keep Eugene", Varian interrupted as Hugo rubbed his eyes and straightened his hair a little while Ruddigar, who'd woken up from his boy's shaking, hopped off of the blond's shoulders and onto Quirin's
".....Fair point"
The freckled teen giggled before he looked at his boyfriend, "awake now?"
"Yup, I'm good", Hugo replied
"Great, now.... Stop leaning on my dad?"
"Huh-OH!" He jumped back, out of Quirin's arms, and blushed, "s-sorry"
"It's alright, you're not the first sleepy alchemist to do that", the retired knight replied
"Daaad", Varian exclaimed, blushing himself and getting his father to chuckle
"It's true"
"As adorable as the three of you are being right now, we need to talk about the matter at hand", Edmund gently pointed out, "lest we forget what we were just told"
"Right right, sorry", Varian replied before they all entered the living room fully. Varian, Ruddigar, and Quirin sitting in their armchair, with Hector and Adira standing behind it and Hugo sitting on the footstool. Once everyone was situated, Varian began, "well, I suppose the best way to start this off would be.... I had the same dream Rapunzel, though... It's a little different"
"What happened in yours?" The princess asked
"Well.... The same that happened in yours, the only difference being, I.... Saw what they saw during the red rocks vision....."
Everyone's eyes widened, save for Quirin, Adira, and Hector's, "you... Did?" Edmund asked, "w.... I shouldn't ask that....."
They looked at the Dark King, who was looking at the ground worriedly, "I saw the Baron....." Adira stated, "he found me and came to take me away again, the same blind fold, the same guards.... And those damned handcuffs with the heavy chains were there too...."
"I saw my father.... He was decaying and holding a long bamboo stick, he kept rapping it against his hand to show what he would do to me and said I was a failure....." Hector added
Edmund looked at them both, "I.... I'm so sorry...."
"It's not your fault", the face painted warrior replied, "you didn't traumatize us, in fact, you were the one that saved us from those fates.... You and Quirin"
"It was mostly Quirin, I gave you a home, he made you feel safe *in* that home"
"No", the retired knight stated, "I may have brought them to you, but you could've easily kicked them out or sent them on their way when they were safe and healed. The Dark Kingdom was harsh back then, you didn't have to take them in. You were just as important as I was to them, don't sell yourself short".
The Dark King smiled at his knight as Adira and Hector nodded in agreement with their older brother, "thank you"
"Damn....." Lance stated, "what you saw..... I'm so sorry you both had to see that....."
"We weren't the only ones though", Adira replied, before nodding to Varian
"C-Cassandra..... What she saw.... W-was really bad.... Eugene you.... May need to hold Rapunzel's hand for this...." The teen said, getting the Dark Prince to immediately do as he was told before the alchemist began.
****
The Sun Princess sniffled a bit, she'd been crying for a few moments, and was trying to control herself, but couldn't seem to stop her tears from flowing as Eugene handed her another tissue. Everyone was silent, shocked beyond belief at what they'd been told the women saw.... None of them could speak or think, they just focused on Rapunzel, "s-s-she..... Oh Cass....." Varian leaned his head against his father's chest, feeling a small comfort when his father placed his hand on Varian's. No one spoke for a moment or two before Rapunzel let out a small sigh, "sorry...." She said
"It's alright, it hurt me too when I saw it...." The blue eyed alchemist said softly, "her being afraid of being alone.... People giving up on her.... My father lashing her with his sword as punishment for all she's done.... Even her father yelling at her.... That's hard to hear... It's hard to see... Honestly... I saw something similar in my own nightmares when I was in jail.... It was terrifying....."
"Y-you saw something similar?" Rapunzel asked
Varian nodded, "you kept saying it was my fault, Eugene, Lance, and the Queen did too..... You would all fade away and I'd see dad in the.... T-the.... Um.... A-amber.... H-he was always crying, I could hear him saying how d-disappointed he w-was in m-me before I watched him shatter to the floor.... Then I was on that pole, a thousand eyes were staring at me and my back was sore and bloody.... Lash after lash would strike me as I heard the King say, 'you deserve this, it's all your fault', over and over again..... T-That dream.... Was more frequent than the others....."
"Holy shit.... Freckles.... Are you alright?" Hugo asked
"Yeah, I'm alright now, I know it's not real", Varian looked up at his father, "dad has proven that to me time and time again, plus he can't shatter now, he's out of the.... T-that stuff, a-and is back with me, and i-it'll never happen again, *never*!" He stopped when he'd spoken that last word a little too loudly and blushed before sighing, "I.... S-still have feelings to work out on that situation but... I don't get that dream much anymore.... It's very rare, and a quick trip to dad's room quells it for a while".
Lance looked at the teen worriedly, "um.... Varian...."
"I know Lance, I'm definitely gonna make a session with you about that soon, I just need a little time", the man smiled and nodded, "thanks". He then looked at Hugo, "honestly, it's not *me* I'm worried about, see.... I've had those nightmares for a while, though they scare me and make me freeze, I can usually get rid of them pretty quickly.... M-most of the time.... I'm honestly more worried about the rest of you", he looked at each person in the room, "every one of you has something he, or she, or they if you prefer, don't like to talk about or have been through and still fear..... Those rocks... They didn't hold back with C-Cassandra, Adira, and Hector, they showed everything in gory detail..... It's why I thought this meeting would be a good idea... I think.... I think we need to figure some things out.... Talk about fears and trauma so we can be prepared for this..... Because those red rocks... I have a feeling they won't go away any time soon... We need to know how to deal with them, we need.... A plan...."
Eugene nodded, "I'm with you Goggles, but we don't really have much to go off of", he said, "we know they cause people to see their fears, we don't know if it's always their greatest fears or if they change depending on how much you're exposed to them...."
Varian gave a small, nervous, chuckle, "I.... I already had that thought.... W-we would need to.... B-but the last time I...." He sighed
Everyone was watching him before Lance realized what he meant, "......Quirin won't be trapped again Varian", he said, getting everyone to look at him, including the alchemist himself, who looked shocked, "your dad is gonna be okay. Not only does he know about the red rocks, but you both have all of us to help you with experimenting, and Rapunzel could always use the Decay incantation should things get out of hand", he stated, "you don't need to worry, he won't get trapped again....."
Quirin blinked a few times before looking at his son, "is that really what you're afraid of?"
"....Yes...." Varian admitted, "w-we need to know m-more about these red rocks... T-the only way I know h-how to do that would be to e-experiment with them.... But.... T-the last time I did.... I-it was with the black rocks and.... A-and you...." He fell silent, sniffling a little as Ruddigar chittered before hopping onto his boy's shoulders and nuzzling his cheek
"Oh son", the retired knight hugged his alchemist close, "it won't happen again, I know it won't, and... E-even if it did the princess could get me out", he looked at Rapunzel, secretly worried, "you can, right?"
Rapunzel nodded, "the decay incantation worked once, it should work again, and I'd be more than willing to use it to set you free"
He nodded before looking back at his son, "see? It's gonna be okay"
"I.... I-I wish I could believe that completely.... I-it's not because I distrust you Rapunzel I just.... I.... J-just....." He looked at Lance for help
The man thought for a moment before he asked, "is it you?"
"Me?"
"Do you trust yourself?"
Varian thought about it for a long time, everyone was silent as they watched him contemplate, debating with himself if that was the reason or not before he seemed to finally have an answer,"......N-no..... I-I don't..... I don't because I m-messed up before, and it c-cost me everything, my home, my life.... M-my dad...." He looked up at his father sadly as the man held him close again, "I-I turned into a monster b-because of what I did.... I hurt innocent people.... T-that fear... Knowing what I could become if I go too far again.... Lance.... I.... I don't trust myself anymore.... And... I don't think I ever can again......"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So... This has happened to, I'm sure, way more people than me, but it's happened to me as well.... Where you make a huge mistake and end up not trusting yourself after.... I've done it, and so have many people I've spoken to about this subject. I figured out how to cope with this feeling, just as they did, but sometimes it still crops back up.... So I wrote a chapter on it!
If you feel this way, I'm so sorry that you do.... Whatever you did, whomever you hurt, please know, that you're not like that anymore, you're not that same person, you've grown and became better because of that mistake. So please don't be hard on yourself, you learned from it, and you're better now. If you still feel that anxiety, I'd recommend going and speaking with someone professional about it, because I'm not an expert, but I hope this chapter, and the next, help you a little with this feeling..... I sincerely do <3
With that being said, I won't do the character summaries here, though I would love to see thoughts on this <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 293: All You Need is Faith, T&%st, and Alchemy Dust! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian realizes he doesn't trust himself, and he talks about it!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Do you trust yourself?" Lance asked
Varian thought about it for a long time, everyone was silent as they watched him contemplate, debating with himself if that was the reason or not before he seemed to finally have an answer,"......N-no..... I-I don't..... I don't because I m-messed up before, and it c-cost me everything, my home, my life.... M-my dad...." He looked up at his father sadly as the man held him close again, "I-I turned into a monster b-because of what I did.... I hurt innocent people.... T-that fear... Knowing what I could become if I go too far again.... Lance.... I.... I don't trust myself anymore.... And... I don't think I ever can again......"
His answer lingered in the air as everyone watched the teen sadly, the former thief smiled at him, "I'm glad you told me, told us, thank you", Varian nodded, "do you want to talk about it? You don't have to if you don't want to".
The alchemist was contemplating once again before he sighed and nodded, "I feel like.... I *need* to.... I just... Don't know where to start"
"That's understandable, need me to take the reigns?"
"F-for a moment, please"
Lance nodded, "well, we could start with, why", he said, "why don't you trust yourself? It may seem obvious, but putting it into words helps"
Varian let out a small, calming, breath before nodding, "I-I guess.... The main reason is... B-because of what I did before", he sighed, "I got angry and it overwhelmed me.... I blamed everyone but myself for what happened, saying it wasn't me to make myself feel better about what I was doing.... I said it so much:
*I-it's not my fault, it's not, it's.... It's *her fault!*
"....A-and I.... Pinned the blame on Rapunzel and her parents because I saw them.... Happy, and hugging, and so relieved to be together.... w-while my dad was frozen in amber and my raccoon was too afraid to look at me..... I felt bitter and angry and upset, and I just wanted everything to feel that same pain! I....." He brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them as he felt the sting of tears in the corners of his eyes, "I... Sometimes s-still get those feelings..... I know we've talked about that before Lance.... I feel horrible for having them.... I mean, dad's back, Rapunzel fixed it, I'm out of the dungeons, and I'm helping people out as much as possible to make up for what I did. I-I should feel better, but I don't.... A-and...." He looked at Rapunzel, "s-sometimes that anger comes back.... I.... I f-fear it..... Because.... I end up thinking.... Terrible t-things.... About you...."
The princess nodded understandingly, "I get it, I really do, I.... I've thought the same thing...."
"Y-you have?"
"Yes...." She sighed, "I love you so much Varian, you're my little brother, and no one could *ever* replace you. But..... Sometimes.... I.... Wish you were....." She stopped, unsure of if she should say it or not
"Cassandra?" Varian offered, getting the princess to look at him worriedly, he smiled, "I know, I figured", he said, "it's okay, sometimes I wish she was too.... It's odd, I.... I wanna.... M-maybe I shouldn't.... Say that...."
Lance tilted his head, "say what?"
"I.... F.... F-feelings of violence...."
"Intrusive thoughts?"
"Y-yeah...." Varian let out another sigh, "s-should I... Talk about them?"
"Only if you want to, no one would judge you if you say somethin, but if you don't feel comfortable, that's also perfectly fine"
"...Oki I.... I'll try", Varian said, before he took another deep breath and let it go before looking at Rapunzel again, "have you.... E-ever wanted to.... F-fight someone? J-just because you.... Have thoughts of.... H-hurting them?"
The princess thought for a moment, "do you mean how I'll sometimes think of fights with Cassandra and I end up being *way* more brutal that I want to be?"
"S-sort of", the alchemist replied, "I.... Have those thoughts about you and C-Cassandra.... I have them about the king too.... O-of Corona.... W-where I'll get this.... Longing to want to face you in battle, but I... Envision me doing things that are.... B-bad.... I'd never act on them, never! But... T-they sometimes get.... Really hard to ignore.... I-it's why I sometimes need to be a-away from you, a-and why I need to be away from o-other people too...." He looked up at his father, "I even have them w-with you"
"You do?" Quirin asked
"Yeah.... They're a lot tamer with you, but I imagine.... W-ways I could hurt you.... I get rid of those immediately, but..."
His father smiled and nodded, "it's okay, after everything you went through, I'd imagine you'd have some violent thoughts like that every now and again. Even if they get to the point where you have to avoid that person.... I'll let you in on a secret, I had them too"
"You did?"
"When I was in the Dark Kingdom, yes, I hated it when they came, but they'd play out in my head. I'd have to let them so they could finally leave me be, it happened a lot after a fight or a mission I'd just come back from", he explained, "they would normally have the captain of the royal guards in them, the one from the Dark Kingdom, not here.... Though he's on my list..... Anyway, sorry, I'd have thoughts of using my sword to slice his head off, poking out his eyes so he couldn't see, then sticking it on a pole for everyone to know who won in that fight"
"Wow"
"Yeah it was.... Very gory..... That wasn't even the worst one.... It's a knee jerk reaction when you've been through a lot, even when you haven't. People get them from time to time"
"I know, Lance told me that.... But", he looked at the former thief, "s-sometimes they get out of control.... Sometimes I feel like I did back then, alone and scared, like no one loves me and that I need to fight every single day just to survive in a place I once called home.... I can feel people's eyes on me, burning through my back and seeing my scars..... I.... I-I sometimes have to... Punch a pillow or something just to get a little bit out.... My past... W-what I did... It makes me so angry, with myself, with certain people, just in general I'm just *angry*..... A-and I don't have any control over that anger..... I-If there was something to compare it to, I'd say it's like Catalina turning into her werewolf form, she gets so angry that her violent thoughts manifest into a monstrous form that she can barely control! I love Catalina, but when she attacked Hugo..... There was a part of me that.... Wanted to do very bad things.... Not to her, just to the wolf form.... Never to her...." He sighed, "that's why I don't trust myself, or... At least that's the *main* reason.... Because when I get angry, I see images of myself attacking people, innocent or otherwise, and.... I'm afraid I won't be able to control them every time...."
"Is that that only reason?" Lance asked gently
"Well, that and... I'm afraid.... I'm scared of the red rocks, what they might show me, I mean.... They could show me Hugo being tortured and killed by my hand, Rapunzel giving up on me, me being led to t-that p-p-pole again, Eugene dying by my hand, you Lance, they could s-show my you hurt as you hold Catalina and Angry's bodies while they suffer from something *I* did..... T-they.... They could show me dad.... I-in the a-amber.... T-they could show him.... S-screaming for my help..... A-and there's n-nothing I could do...." He closed his eyes as the painful memory came forwards, Ruddigar chittered worriedly at his boy, the images continued, he heard his father's screams before he opened his eyes, tears streaking down his face. "....I-I.... I don't wanna see t-that again.... Never again.... N-never....."
The room was silent once more, no one knew what to say to that as they watched Varian burry his face in his knees, "....I'm free"
Varian looked up from his knees, "h-huh?"
The teen felt himself being shifted to where he was facing his father, the man smiled, "I'm free", he said, "I'm not in the amber anymore"
"...B-but y-you-!"
"I was in there before, that much is true", his father interrupted gently, "but I'm not anymore, and if I was, Rapunzel would get me out", he said
"W-what if she couldn't make it? What if the incantation doesn't work? What if you *die* dad!" Varian exclaimed, "w-what of I trap y-you in there again a-and.... A-and you die..... You were lucky b-before..... T-the amber kept you in a stasis, b-but... What if you... Y-you.... W.... I...."
"Varian, it's alright", Quirin said, pulling his son towards him and wrapping his arms around the teen gently, "it's alright", he repeated as he felt the teen sniffle a bit, Ruddigar chittering again.
"I... a-almost... K-killed you...."
"But you didn't", the retired knight said, "you didn't kill me, I'm still here", Varian looked up at his father, still leaning against the man's stomach as he did, "you know.... I... Have a hard time admitting when I feel bad.... But...." He sighed, looking at his king, who nodded with a smile, before he looked back at his son, "....The amber scares me...."
"W-what?"
"The amber scares me.... I was frozen in time, forced to hear you in pain everyday before I was met with nothing but silence.... On rare occasions you would be forced to come see me, and I'd hear you weep.... It was heartbreaking, it tortured me, I never want to be in there again, the amber.... Scares me...." His father admitted, "but.... Even though it does, there's only one other thing that scares me more, something more terrifying to me than that hellish prison itself"
"More scary t-than that? Than w-what I put you through?"
"Yes, much more, it's enough to make me sit up at night and come into *your* room for comfort"
"W.... w-what is it?"
"....Losing you", Varian was startled by that, "I listened to you weep and cry, I listened to you beg and plead for a miracle, I even heard you pray.... Something you haven't done since you were a child, I heard everything. And although that broke my heart everyday, I took comfort knowing you were *alive*, you were still around and trying to help me", he said. "The days.... Where you wouldn't come.... Where it would be quiet.... My mind was cruel to me.... Showing me you... H-hanging in the gallows.... Showing Fredrich standing over your body with a whip.... S-showing you.... On the ground... W-with a bloody knife in your hands b-because you couldn't take it anymore...."
"....Dad...."
The man cleared his throat, shaking his thoughts away, "my mind... W-was so cruel to me.... I would never wish that prison on my worst enemies... Not even Cassandra...." He looked at Eugene, who nodded understandingly, before looking back at Varian, "but I would gladly accept an eternity in that damn golden shit if it meant you were alive and well", he stated, "you are one of the only reasons I live Varian, you were my *only* reason when it was just me and you. Your happy go lucky attitude before, how you would look at me with your big, blue eyes, how you said my name, er, I guess title, 'dad', how you were so keen on letting me know what you were working on and how it worked, everything. You made me get up in the morning, you helped me look forward to the next day, and even when you made a mistake with your alchemy, I wouldn't stay mad, because you were just being you. The amber.... It scares me.... But losing you scares me more.... So much more.... So let me ask you this, if your biggest mistake in your life isn't my greatest fear, and me being directly involved in it, was it really as bad as you think?"
"....I.... I-it was still bad"
"It was, but see, that's where you're missing a vital ingredient in your mind experiment", his son smirked at him, "...I'm not an alchemist, so kindly refrain from your alchemy corrections and let me make my point", Varian giggled, but didn't say anything, allowing his father to continue. "Anyway, ya brat, that thing that you're missing, is that you made the mistake, are you planning on doing it again?"
"I... I-it could happen-!"
"That's not what I asked though, do you *plan* on doing it again?"
"....No"
"And why is that?"
"....B-because it was bad and hurt people, m-mostly you...."
"It hurt you just ask badly, don't tell me it didn't", his father stated, "but you're mostly right, so what does that mean?"
".....Um...."
Quirin smiled lovingly at his son, "it means you learned from it", Varian raised his brow, "now don't give me sass, just hear me out, okay?"
"...Ok"
The retired knight chuckled before he hugged his son, getting the teen to let out a small yelp of surprise, "you really are a brat", Varian giggled as his father kissed the top of his head, before the Village Leader pulled back and grinned, "you learned from your mistake, you're using the tools you acquired to fix what you did. You're not the same person you were before Varian", this made the teen's eyes widen a little, "you're not that angry lost teen anymore, you're not the small lonely child who had that same hatred in his heart. The things you still feel, the anger, those intrusive thoughts, all of that, it's all remnants from what happened, but it isn't who you are", he said. "You grew from your experience, you learned, and you won't plan on doing it again. And should it happen, which I highly doubt, you'll have the tools and people needed to help you through it. Plus you won't do what you did before, because you know how that turned out. You *learned*, you accepted your mistake and *grew*! Just as I did with you".
"W-wait, what do you me-!"
"I was distant, dove into my job, and was hard on you, a lot", Quirin said, "I admit that was a *gigantic* mistake, but would you want *me* to beat myself up over it all the time?"
"No! You're better now! You're kinder and more open to me, you help me a lot more than you used to an-!" He froze when he saw his father smirking, ".....you're mean"
Quirin laughed and hugged his, now blushing, son, "I'm mean, but what you just said is exactly what you needed to hear"
"You're still mean", Varian pouted
"I'll accept my mean role, as long as it makes you feel better, do you?"
Varian hesitated, but thinking about his father's, Lance's, and even Rapunzel's words, he felt his heart feel warm and nodded, "yeah, I do, I'm still worried, and I still don't trust myself all the way... But you're right, all of you are, I learned, and I won't let it happen again, never again"
Quirin nodded, "I trust you Varian"
The teen was surprised at that, but smiled and hugged his father lovingly, making everyone in the room smile with joy! After a moment or two, the father son duo parted and the alchemist looked at everyone, "I.... Guess with that out of the way, s-should we come up with a plan? D-does anyone else need to talk?"
No one seemed like they had anything else on their minds, so Lance smiled, "I think it's safe to come up with a plan for the red rocks now".
Varian nodded and began to discuss ideas, him and Hugo coming up with theories to stop the rocks, Rapunzel and Eugene talking about what the Sundrop could do, if anything, Edmund, Adira, Hector, and Quirin suggesting there be a safe place for everyone to go should things get out of hand. All the while, Lance watched them all, he was smiling proudly at the blue eyed alchemist, "you've come such a long way little man", he said to himself, "I'm so proud of you".
Notes:
Hello! :D
Tis the end of the two parter! :D And Varian's feeling better thanks to his family! <3
Hugo, Eugene, Edmund, Adira, and Hector weren't big contributors to this chapter, but they were there for emotional support, so shout out to them! :D
Punzie is learning! She's getting better with Varian, she's still gonna make mistakes, so pretty bad ones too... But she's learning! <3
Lance is being a king again! Also, SURPRISE THERAPY! Woot!
Quirin finally talks about himself a little! It's to help his son, but he finally says how he feels! Tis a start and I am proud of protective farmer dad! <3 Also the poor thing still has a lot to handle with the amber... We'll get into it more soon, but for now, poor Quirin....
Varian! Bean is learning how to talk about how he feels and he can trust in the people around him to not judge! He's growing, and even though I'm writing the story and I really hope this doesn't sound egotistical, I'm so proud of him!!!!!! He's gaining confidence in himself and learning to have faith again, little Moon bean for the win! <3
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 294: 3AM Anxities!
Summary:
Varian relives a bad memory and Hugo helps him through it!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"Come on 'buddy'", the man said, getting the teen to flinch a little at how sharp his words were, "time to put what you said to the test"
"O-ok...." Varian walked through the halls of the castle, the King and Queen of Corona were being watched over by the rest of the group of Seporians. They took a couple turns through the place before they reached their destination, which was a crudely made lab in one of the work rooms. The Seporian leader nudged the teen inside before he closed the door behind him, "w-where should I....." Varian didn't finish that sentence as he looked up and saw the man with a raised brow, "s-sorry Mr. Andrew...."
The Seporian sighed, "it's just *Andrew*, no 'Mr.' needed, ok?"
"Y-yes sir", Varian squeaked
Andrew let out another sigh that filled the teen up with dread before the man placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed a little too harshly, "start from the beginning"
He let go of the alchemist's shoulder, allowing Varian to move forwards, not too quickly, just enough to not cause a problem. The alchemist walked over to the beginning of the experiment and, with the wand of oblivion in his hand, cracked the gem on it. He dripped a little of it inside and went to work. He tried to dull the pain of his shoulder and back out of his mind as he let his alchemy take over, focusing on the project like he'd never focused before. He finally allowed the mixture to drip onto a fly trap plant before Andrew pushed him out of the way so he could look.
The plant absorbed the liquid within their dirt, before the Seporian pulled out a jar of flies, opening it just enough to allow it to escape. It took a few moments for the fly to reach the plant, but it finally landed on it while both Andrew and Varian watched. The two stared at the fly for a while, they watched the plant intensely, neither moved for a long time before the fly flew out of the trap, unharmed. Andrew clapped Varian's back, "nice work buddy", his tone was completely changed, to that of someone war and happy as he smiled at the teen, "you did it, I knew you could, you just needed a small.... Push, is all", he stated
"Y-you're really impressed?" Varian asked shyly
"Of course I am!" Andrew replied, "I've been impressed with you since day one buddy! I mean, it's why, out of all the other prisoners there, I picked *you* for the job! You were the best candidate, you'd also been hurt by Corona and their cruel ways, and now? Look at you! You made a potion that can make everyone forget everything! With this, you can finally go back to living the life you wanted, just you, the people, and us, in New Seporia, together in a glorious utopia of peace! Isn't that what you want, to be accepted as part of the village, part of your home?"
"Y-yes", Varian replied softly, "m-me and my dad together, n-no one would hate me a-after that..."
"That's right, and all you needed to do, was just follow what I told you!"
"R-right.... I... I-I'm sorry I g-got upset before.... I... Y-you just.... S-startled me....."
"That's alright, you getting upset over a few bruises is not a big deal, not if those bruises can get *these* kinds of results!" He gestured to the plant, "see? I told you I was helping you when I did that, you needed to learn, so you hard to learn the hard way is all"
"R-right... The uh... H-hard way"
"It worked, didn't it 'buddy'", his voice was sharp again, making the hairs on the back of Varian's neck stand
"Y-yeah! It worked, i-it worked perfectly!"
"That's right", Andrew replied with a grin, "now all you need to do, is turn this chemical, into a gas. But that shouldn't be too hard, should it?"
"N-no Andrew"
"Good, you're doing such a good job, and you know what Varian?"
"Hm?"
"I'm proud of you"
The teen felt his heart skip a beat, he felt his legs grow weak at those words. It was a strange mixture of happy and sad, he smiled either way, "t-thank you, Andrew, I... I'm glad I can m-make you proud"
He saw Andrew smile, "come on, lets go share our work with the others! I'm certain they'll be proud of you too!"
Varian nodded, and went to follow the man out of the room, but stopped when he caught sight of the fly trap, a memory sparking through his mind:
"What's that daddy?"
"It's a Venus fly trap, they eat flies son"
"V.... Vee-noos?"
"Venus, Veee"
"Vee"
"Nus"
"Nus"
"Venus"
"Venus!"
"That's right, venus fly trap"
"Venus fry tap! .....Daddy, why are you laughin?"
"N-nothing, here, see the plant?"
"Ooooh! Can I touch it?"
"I wouldn't, see those little prongs on it's mouth?"
"Uh huh"
"Those prongs tell it when to close its mouth and trap the fly, see these plants are very much alive bubby"
"They're alive?"
"Yup, and they need to eat the flies to survive"
"What if they don't?"
"Well, then they'd get hungry, and that's not good for them"
"Like how I need to eat your apple pie?"
"Hee hee, yes, like how you need to eat my apple pie, the Venus Fly Trap has to eat flies, otherwise, it'll starve and pass away"
"Oh no! Daddy, this one's outside! We can't feed him if he's outside!"
"Don't worry bubby, this little guy will be around for a while, since he's outside, he'll get plenty of bugs to eat"
"Oki, but if he doesn't, can we bring him some?"
"Yeah, we can bring him some to eat, now come on, we gotta get to the market before it's too late"
"Oki daddy, bye bye Venus fry tap!"
The teen smiled at the memory before he looked at the plant, ".....Needs to eat in order to survive...." He watched the poor plant, his heart breaking a little, "m-maybe it'll eat something else?"
"Hey, what's keeping you?" Andrew asked
"S-sorry, I just.... Um... A-Andrew that plant... Will it b-be okay?"
"What?" He looked at the Venus fly trap, "it's just a plant"
"B-but it's alive, at least.... T-that's what my dad said...."
Andrew sighed, "look if you're really that worried, then just work on a cure, should be easy for you right?"
"I.... Um...."
"Those things can live up to a month or two, so I guess you'd better start working, now come on", he pulled the teen out the door. Varian made a mental note to work on the cure once this was done. He even made sure to set some time aside from his duties to the kingdom to find a cure, but Andrew kept forcing him to make the gas, and he kept failing.....
**A Few Months Later**
Varian stared, wide eyed, at the desk in the lab, he didn't blink, he didn't move.... All he could think about what the small plant sitting on the desk.... It was yellow and drooped, he walked over to it and tried to set it back up, but it only dropped even more. He felt tears sting in the corners of his eyes as he tried to set it up once more, it just kept drooping, he kept trying, over and over and over and *over*, but when a few of its leaves fell from it's body, he backed away..... "I... I-I.... I..... I killed it...." He said to himself, "I... Killed it..... I killed it.... I... I...." He dropped to the floor, his body was so sore, he wanted to sit there forever, mourning the death of the small potted plant, but....
"Hey 'buddy', what are you doing?"
Varian looked up and saw Andrew's cold eyes watching him, "t-the plant... I.... I...."
"Earth below, you're *still* upset about that thing?" He asked, "look, you've got a much *bigger* project than some silly plant, something that'll bring an entire *culture* back from the *brink* of collapsing, and you're sobbing, over a plant". The teen sniffled, but didn't say anything, he knew arguing wouldn't help, it always made things worse, "come on, get up and work on the actual important stuff, we need you Varian.... *I* need you, buddy"
The teen looked at the man and nodded, "c-can... We at l-least bury it?" He asked, "I-I know it's stupid, but..... I.... I couldn't....."
"Fine, I'll bury it, just keep working, okay?"
"O-ok", Varian replied as he watched the man pick up the plant and move towards the door before he stopped and looked at the teen, "for the record though, you should've worked harder on that cure, maybe then this little guy would be alive and well, just a thought".
The man walked out of the lab as the teen felt his heart begin to break, he knew it was true, he knew Andrew was right, but the thought that he'd killed a living creature.... Made him feel like.... Suddenly he was in his original lab, where his father was frozen in the amber as he stared at him sadly.....*
"A monster...."
"Varian?"
"I-I'm a monster...." the teen whimpered
"Freckles, hey-!"
"I-I'm.... I....."
"Varian!"
"EEP!" Varian's eyes shot open and he felt himself lift into the air
"W-WOAH! AH-O-ok uh, t-this was a lot more f-fun when you were with me!"
Varian looked around and saw Hugo floating in the air, a blue glow surrounding him, "shoot!" Varian exclaimed before he looked at himself, he was also in the air. Sighing, he tried to calm him, using the breathing techniques Eugene taught him, but he felt his tears drip from his chin as the image of the dead fly trap flooded his vision, making him and Hugo shoot up more!
"Woooo hoo hoo, uh, hey Freckles, I'm all for a picnic on your ceiling, but maybe when it's not the middle of the night", the blond stated before he stopped, noticing his boyfriend's tears. He instantly regretted saying anything, "hey, are you alright?"
"I.... I'm t-trying I... I'm sorry Hugo I... I...." Varian sniffled, "w-why am I c-crying? W-why can't I stop?"
"Hey easy, easy Freckles", the blond replied before he took a breath, let it out, then used his arms and legs to kick him towards the teen. He managed to latch onto him and held him close, "it's alright, you're okay, you're okay"
"....I-I should b-be, I just... I-I... I'm c-crying over s-something s-stupid and.... A-and you're in the a-air with me a-and-!"
"Shhhh, it's alright, really, it's alright", Hugo repeated as Varian continued to cry. The blond watched him for a moment or two, still holding him close until he got an idea and smiled. He took a deep breath, let it out, then, as he nuzzled his boyfriend, he began to sing:
'You're okay,
You're alright,
Varian sunk in a little closer to his boyfriend as he sang
I'll never, ever leave your side,
The teen sniffled
I will stay,
And I will fight,
With you,
Hugo began to hum softly, instantly getting Varian to relax a bit more as his melodic lullaby continued and they began to slowly descend back to the bed
You're okay,
You're alright,
They were back on the bed now, the glow disappearing as Varian hiccupped,
I'll stay here through the darkest night,
All the way,
I will fight,
Varian looked up at Hugo as he sang the final line
With you'
The blond smiled and kissed Varian's nose, getting the freckled teen to blush before he smiled, "t-thank you"
"You're welcome", Hugo replied, "do you wanna talk about what happened there?"
"W-well.... I.... I-it's.... Kinda.... Really stupid....."
The bespeckled teen shook his head, "anything that's causing you nightmares and for your powers to act up the way they just did, is *not* stupid". Seeing Varian's smile he added, "and I'm not just saying that for good boyfriend points, wanna make that clear"
The freckled teen giggled, "I know, you're still a good boyfriend though", he sighed as Ruddigar, who'd been knocked off the bed when his boy floated up, jumped into his lap and nuzzled him lovingly, "I guess, the best place to start is with this.... Particularly small event...." He explained what happened to Hugo in the dream, and what he'd done to the plant. Once he was done, he was looking at the floor as his legs dangled off the ledge of his bed, "I... Know I shouldn't be so upset about t-this.... But.... It's j-just been something on my mind ever since it happened I mean.... They were only a plant but... B-but they didn't deserve to die! A-and I could've.... *Would've*... Done anything to prevent their death but.... B-but I didn't and.... a-and...."
"Hey it's okay, it's okay", Hugo said, instantly hugging his boyfriend, "that's not stupid love, it's not.... I'm so sorry he made you do that...."
"I... I-it wasn't like I was f-forced to k-kill them...."
"No, you were", the blond stated, "I know that kind of talk Varian, that man may not have *made* you put the potion on the plant, but he certainly didn't stop you. And when you wanted to make a cure, he did *everything* in his power to stop you from doing so because he wanted complete control over you. He manipulated and abused you, and that's fucking horrible.... Had I known he'd done that, I would've...." He let out a breath as he thought about Quirin's blade lancing into the deranged man's heart before shaking the image away, "but maybe it's a good thing I didn't.... Either way, no, you're not a monster, and I'm sorry he did that to you.... I really am...."
"Thanks, I just.... W-wish I could've saved the plant.... T-the poor thing was just.... Gone... A-and I.... C-couldn't save them....."
"Hey, no no, look, don't do that to yourself", Hugo said, "beating yourself up over something like this... It's not gonna help, I should know...." His boyfriend sniffled and hiccupped a little before he got an idea, "hey, you know how we were just talking about how you've grown, and how you're fixing your past mistakes?"
"Y-yeah"
"Well, why not make a cure now?"
"Huh?"
"Yeah! I'll help you, with two of us it should get done faster than ever! That way, should anyone ever come into contact with the wand of oblivion again, we can fix them right away! It couldn't save the plant, but... We'll have the cure for anyone else who needs help, we could even name it after that plant, the Venus cure! That way we'll never forget, and that little plant can have a thought spared their way should someone ask"
Varian thought about it, before he smiled and nodded, "oki, y-you... Really don't think it's stupid I'm upset about this?"
"No, I get it, believe me, I.... Was treated like that my whole life.... In face I did similar things that... I'm not proud of because of it.... They pop up from time to time with me too, but I'm working to fix them, just like you. It's not stupid, it's not, you just need help moving on, and I'm more than willing to do that, always"
The freckled teen blushed as Ruddigar chittered happily at the pair, "thanks Hugo"
"You're welcome, now we may need to get back to sleep, considering it's nearly 4AM and.... I did *not* get enough sleep yesterday"
Varian giggled and nodded before they both layed in the bed together and fell asleep. The next morning, Varian woke up and found he was alone, he sat up and looked around, Ruddigar yawning and doing the same, but didn't see Hugo anywhere. He sighed and got up, getting ready for the day before he came downstairs to the smell of bacon and pancakes. He smiled and walked into the kitchen, "hey dad"
"Hi son", Quirin replied, "you hungry?"
"Uh huh, hey dad, do you have a book about plants? Specifically Venus Fly Traps?"
"You mean Venus fry taps?"
The teen huffed, "I was 5"
"It was cute"
"You're mean"
His father chuckled before he nodded, "I do, it's already set out for you"
"Huh? Why'd you set it out already?"
Quirin looked at him, "Hugo said you'd want it, oh, and he left your delivery in the livingroom, he's grabbing supplies"
"My... Delivery?"
"Yeah, go and see, breakfast isn't finished yet, so you have time"
The alchemist walked out of the room and looked around before he and Ruddigar, who was sitting on his shoulders, saw something that made them both smile. There, sitting on the end table as Rapunzel, Lance, Eugene, Adira, Hector, and Edmund watched it, was a Venus fly trap. The teen walked over and noticed a card attached to the red bow tied around the pot, it had his name on it. He looked at Rapunzel, "how long have you been watching this?"
"Ever since Hugo brought them in this morning, he seemed really excited, I honestly can't blame him!" Rapunzel replied
"Yeah, they ate a fly earlier, it was cool!" Lance exclaimed
Varian smiled at the two before he looked at the note:
'Everyone gets a second chance, no matter what they did. I'm grabbing some things to test out for the Venus Cure, while you wait, how about you find a good name for this little guy?
-Hugo
P.S. Nice ideas, could definitely sneak out of your room way easier while you talked about magma cups in your sleep
P.P.S. I'm grabbing supplies for that too :P'
The teen blushed and giggled before he pocketed the note and looked at the Venus Fly Trap. Their mouth was closed, the fly inside seemingly unmoving, he picked up the plant and looked at them before he smirked, "guess you're living with us now, welcome to the family", he then looked at everyone, "I need help coming up with a name, anyone wanna lend a hand?" He laughed when everyone's arms immediately shot up into the air, sitting down and listening to their ideas, and debates, as they all fought over a name. From the kitchen doorway, Quirin grinned at the group, watching his son happily as his heart filled with pride, and two lights, one blue, and one green.
Notes:
"You're Okay, You're Alright", from Centaurworld, the song is written by Megan Nicole Dong <3
Have you ever had those 3AM thoughts? Where you think of something you did in your past, and it fills you with dread and regret even though the person you did it too probably doesn't even care anymore? I have, so here's a chapter on it
Poor Varian, this technically happened in the past, so he's safe from Andrew now, but it's still rough that he has to go through what the man put him through in his dreams..... He's got so much he needs to work on, it's hard for him, this is just one of those things that takes time, he'll work through it, but it still takes time.
Hugo being a bro for the second time in a row man! This blond bean is making me love him more and more whenever there's a chapter focused on these two! He's just got this charm about him! Seriously this kid is worming his way into my heart like he did with Quirin! It's uncanny!
He wasn't in here much, but protective farmer dad is a proud papa right now, and I felt the need to say it XD
Everyone is really excited about the Venus Fly Trap XD They're all big kids in adult bodies and I love writing them that way XD
Ruddy buddy is still the best coon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 295: Freckle Siblings!
Summary:
Rapunzel gets angry and her and Varian talk!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Play dead grandpa! PLAY DEAD!" Varian shouted as he tried to grab the final bucket full of pig feed
"WHY DO THEY KEEP DOING THIS TO MEEEEEE?!" Edmund shouted as he ran around with a bucket of his own filled with pig feed above his head
Varian hopped the fence and got the food in the pig's troughs, he rang the bell he'd hung above it, telling the pigs their food was ready, but they kept chasing the Dark King around the pig pen. The alchemist sighed, "grandpa you need to play DEAD!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Suddenly a high pitched whistle rang through the air, halting the pigs in their tracks as Edmund tripped and fell in the mud, splattering himself and Varian. The pigs looked and saw Hector standing by the fence, his brow raised, "where are you manners?" He scolded, the pigs looked down, seemingly ashamed of their actions before one snorted out a soft response, "it's fine, go eat, your food's in the trough", he pointed to Varian, who rang the bell again.
The pigs oinked happily before they walked over and began to eat while the tiny alchemist grabbed the Dark King's bucket, which miraculously hadn't spilled, and poured it into the trough as well with a sigh before he looked at Edmund, "you okay?"
The mud bubbled a little at Edmund tried to speak, he stopped and just gave his grandson a thumbs up, making the teen giggle. Varian helped the Dark King up, getting more mud on himself as Edmund spat some mud out, "patooey! Ugh, I've really gotta stop trying to feed these tiny creatures, it's beginning to get a little too muddy for my tastes", he said before he added to himself, "and I'm starting to fear theses pink creatures may have a taste for me..... But I can't let my grandson know I'm afraid of them"
Varian giggled again, deciding to pretend he hadn't heard that last part, "it would be a good idea to maybe let you have a break from the pigs, oh!" He looked over at his uncle, "thanks for the help!"
"No problem", Hector replied, "the chickens are good to go"
"You fed them already?"
"Yup, they peeped"
The teen smiled, "probably thanking you"
"They were, it was cute"
"Maybe I should feed the chickens instead", Edmund stated
"Uh.... M-maybe wait on that, chickens will chase you if you don't know how to feed them properly", the alchemist stated, "how about you try to feed the horses? Uh.... O-once you're clean that is"
Edmund blinked and looked down at himself before chuckling, "good idea", they began to make their way back to the castle-like home but stopped when they saw Lance, Rapunzel, Adira, and Eugene staring at a letting in the princess's hands, "everything alright over here?"
Rapunzel looked at the three, "oh hey, I just got a letter from my parents, they said they'd like me, Lance, and Eugene to come back to the castle"
"What? Why?" Hector asked
"Well, I told them about Cassandra, about what she did and her new powers, and dad was concerned, not just for me, but for everyone here, he wanted us to go back so we could update him on what was happening, he offered for Adira and you Hector, to come too, but didn't wanna force you both"
"So this guy is summoning me, my sister, you, the prince, and Lance away from my brother, king, nephew, and his boy toy, to tell him what's going on with the red rocks, where they'll be unprotected and right in her war path"
Rapunzel winced, "he said you didn't *have* to go-!"
"Which is the nice way of saying that the responsibility of the kingdom is in our hands if we don't since we're the only ones with experience with the red rocks", Hector interrupted, "not only that, but Adira would have to relive what she fuckin saw, so would I"
"Hey, my dad *never* said you two had to stay, he also put that you *didn't* have to come at *all*, I know you don't like him, but not *everything* he does is something bad!" Rapunzel snapped before sighing, "look, my dad just wants to help the kingdom, in any way he can. He's trying to fix his mistakes too, if you don't want to come, then there's no responsibility on you or Adira. I get you're mad at him right now, I'm not happy with him either, but don't blame him for assuming he's doing something wrong when he's not, he just sent me a letter, that's all"
Hector huffed, "fine, I won't assume, but can you really blame me?"
The princess and tamer glared at each other for a moment before Varian stepped in, "okay, so, a-are you heading out today?" He asked, "me and dad could pack you all something"
Eugene took the bait, also wanting to calm everything down, "we were thinking about it, but wanted to figure things out with you and your dad first. Hector brings up a good point, if he and Adira come with, then you two, Hugo, and my dad, would be sitting ducks"
"We'd ask you to come to the castle with us, but we all understand yours and Quirin's feelings towards it and certain people there", Lance added, "plus your home just got destroyed and repairs are still bein made, so there's that too"
"Right", Varian said, nodding, "well let me go find dad, um.... Rapunzel, you uh, wanna come with?"
The princess stopped her glaring contest with the wild tamer, right as Adira walked over to her little brother and placed a hand on his shoulder, "....that would probably be a good idea", she replied before walking over to Varian
The alchemist nodded, "we'll be right back"
They began to walk away, Varian giggling when he heard Eugene ask, "dad, why are you covered in mud?"
"Um.... Pigs can smell fear", Edmund replied, getting his son to sigh
****
The celestial twins walked around the farm for a bit, neither one really said the word, the silence was awkward. Varian tried to distract his anxious mind as he watched the workers in the fields, waving at a few that recognized him, before he just stuck to constantly petting Ruddigar's fur. The raccoon enjoyed it and it was calming, so the alchemist continued until Rapunzel spoke up, "sorry about that...." She said, "I know everyone is upset at my dad, and you all have every right to be, I just.... Really can't stand him being blamed for everything all the time.... Though I know that's the wrong way to handle that"
The teen looked at her, "it's alright, I understand, it's kinda like how my dad reacts when people give me the stink eye in the village. I did them wrong, so their glares are understandable, but my dad feels like I'm paying for it enough, and that I don't need more piled on my back"
"I.... It's not just that I guess, I'm just.... Tired of hearing everyone tell me how horrible he is...." Rapunzel admitted, "I was more than willing to help you and Quirin through that talk you had with him, because I knew it would make things easier on you both. I'm more than willing to listen to you if you really need to get things off your chest, I just.... I keep hearing about how horrible he is and... And..."
"He's still your dad Rapunzel", Varian said softly
The princess looked at the teen, "I.... Still feel bad about defending him though.... Especially after all he did to you and Quirin...."
"He's your dad, I'd be more upset if you *didn't* defend him from time to time", Varian stated before he sighed, "I won't lie, he makes me mad, and what he did to me and my dad hurts a lot, but..... I guess there's a line I'm not willing to cross, and it's that line that's borderline insulting him for the sake of insulting. I won't do that, if I ever need to talk about your father, it'll be away from you, or if I need you to help me with something for him, then I'll talk to you in a respectful way. He's your dad, he's also the *king* but that's not why I'm saying this at all. He's the man who helped make you, I'm not gonna make you feel bad simply because you're related to him".
Rapunzel stared at the teen before she smiled, "thank you Varian..... You know.... I never would've thought I'd get to have someone be like this to me before"
"Like what?"
"Understanding, and kind.... Someone who listens to me even though they don't agree with me fully"
"You... Never thought you'd have someone like that?"
"No... The only person in my life was.... Gothel.... And she was anything *but* understanding to me...."
"I see.... Do you wanna talk about it?"
The princess looked at him, "I-I didn't mean t-!"
"No no, don't worry, honestly I've been wondering if maybe your past with Gothel effected you in any way. I don't know a lot about it, but I know you were kidnapped and trapped in a tower for 18 long years..... I never knew how to ask if you wanted to talk though, I mean... How do you bring something like that up you know?"
Rapunzel nodded, "Right, I.... I don't know where I'd even start about her...."
Varian thought for a moment, "well, what about what you were saying before about how you didn't think you'd have someone who understood you?" He suggested, "you could start there i-if you want. Demanitus knows I've been there"
The princess giggled, "ok, I guess that would be a good start. I.... Guess.... So... She did this... Thing.... Where I would have something I *thought* was important enough to tell her, but every time I tried, she'd distract me, interrupt, insult me passively, or if I *finally* got what I needed out, she'd make it out to be something so horrible that I should feel ashamed for even thinking about it", she said, "I remember trying to ask her about the lights for the very first time. The lanterns on my birthday, I was so excited to find out what they were, but.... When I asked.... She brushed it aside and told me they were lights, that I was stupid for thinking of even asking and wasting her time by bringing her to the window....."
"She did?"
"Yeah.... I never asked about them again, at least, not until my 18th when I asked if I could go out and *see* them in *person*! She uh.... Yelled at me for that...."
Varian looked at the princess, "I'm sorry she did that.... She seemed like a very manipulative person"
"She was.... You know, she pulled me to the mirror and told me to look into it and said she saw a strong, confident girl..... Then told me 'oh look! You're there too!' and laughed.... Then she said she was just teasing me.... She did that a lot too.... She also had a whole song where she told me how unprepared I was for the outside world, saying I was sloppy, underdressed, immature, clumsy, and that I'd be eaten alive..... She called me chubby then said she only told me because she loved me...."
"....Rapunzel did she.... Ever threaten you before?"
"....A few times.... During the end of that song, she said, 'don't forget it, you'll regret it', which.... Yeah thinking about it now, that was definitely a threat..... It was when I asked to go outside and see the lanterns....."
"....I'm so sorry....."
"It's not your fault, I mean, I'm not there anymore, I'm out here, in the sunlight, enjoying life, making mistakes, meeting new people! I.... I should be happy...." She said, "I should be ecstatic, I should be spending each and everyday trying to find something to make me smile, and I do, mostly I just.... I...." She felt small tears sting her eyes, "Varian.... Why am I not happy? I'm not poor, I have a loving family, the love of my life is with me all the time, I have friends like you and Lance..... Why am I not happy? Why do I even *feel* anything about Gothel anymore? Why can't I just.... Move on?"
The alchemist gave her a sympathetic look, "have you ever talked about how you felt before? Like how you really felt"
"No...."
"That's.... Probably the main reason, maybe not the only one, but...." He sighed, "when I spoke with Lance, he taught me that, in order to move on, you need to face what you're feeling, even if you hate it..... It took me a while to fully grasp that concept, but.... Even though I still fear my anger, and I still don't fully trust myself not to do what I did before.... I'm getting better but that besides the point. W-when Lance and I discussed that, I had to figure out, and face, some pretty ugly emotions I didn't know I had. I found out that I was much angrier about what happened to me than I thought, in fact, I'm still angry. But I learned to talk about them, eventually letting them go, and you know what?"
"What?"
"It helped, I felt lighter and lighter the more I talked about them. I was able to accept what'd been done and move on from it. I'm not fully there yet, I mean, y-you could probably tell, but, I'm better. I think you've been pushing so much of your more negative emotions back for so long, that.... You have a hard time facing them, and it's affecting you in a really bad way...." Varian stated, "I won't tell anyone what you just told me, that would be unfair and a horrible thing for me to do, but if you ever wanna talk abot what you went through, or what happened, I can be your shoulder if you need me to be. Maybe then, even if we start out small, you can get through your own hidden feelings and start to get to that happy place you set for yourself?"
Rapunzel thought about it for a moment before she said, "wouldn't that be burdening you?"
"I offered Rapunzel", Varian replied with a smile, "if I can't handle it, then I'll let you know, but I understand what you feel, so I wanna help. I-if you're comfortable that is"
The princess thought a little more before she nodded, "ok, but only if you'll let me do the same for you-if you're comfortable. We can be venting buddies!"
Varian giggled, "team Venting?"
"Oh my gosh, team Venting!" Rapunzel cheered, "that's.... A very odd team name though"
"True.... We need something better.... Something that only pertains to you and me"
"Hmm.... The Sassy siblings?"
"Nah, I already have that with dad, Team Daditude, I like the sibling part though"
"Ah ok, well lets see.... Snuggle Siblings", Varian made a face, getting Rapunzel to laugh, "ok so no, hmm...."
"The... Hair Sib-nope...." Rapunzel snorted, "I say nay to that, um...." He looked at the princess before noticing something that he only noticed on himself and her, "how about... The Freckled Siblings?"
"The Freckled Siblings?"
"Yeah!" Varian replied, "you and I seem to be the only people in Corona with freckles, I mean, Hugo does too, but he calls me Freckles, and he's my pervy boyfriend, so he doesn't count", the princess laughed again, "either way, it makes sense, describes both of us, and is exclusive to those of us who have a light, or fair complexion and your melanocytes make more melanin when your skin is exposed to the sun!"
"Um...."
"....Pale, or fair, skin, plus sun, equals freckles"
"Ah"
Varian blushed, "sorry"
"You're fine, I didn't know there were scientific words to describe freckles"
"There are scientific words to describe *everything*!"
"Now *that's* a conversation I'd like to have", Rapunzel stated, "especially since I feel better, thank you Varian, you really helped me, a lot"
The teen smiled happily, "anytime Rapunzel", they hugged for a moment before pulling apart and continuing their walk, "so, which scientific words were you interested in finding out?"
"Oh well, let's see there's...." They continued their conversation until they found, and unfortunately ran into, Quirin. When they explained the situation to him, he, and Hugo, who'd been helping him feed the cows, followed them back to the group. Hector was much calmer now, Edmund was clean, and Rapunzel hugged Eugene happily, showing her much brighter mood! Everyone felt more at ease as Adira and Hector decided to travel to the castle to warn the king, staying the night, and only *one* night, before coming straight back. Edmund went with, saying he could help settle things should they get out of hand, to which everyone agreed. After the group made food for the travel, Adira, Hector, Edmund, Rapunzel, Lance, and Eugene headed towards the castle, the princess waving and smiling happily at the alchemist as he, Quirin, and Hugo waved goodbye, both siblings feeling a little lighter than before, neither of them knew what the day would bring as nightfall came, no one heard or felt the blue haired women's fear, or the tiny ghost girl's intrigue as something red began to make it's way towards Corona.....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I've been wanting to discuss Rapunzel's feelings towards Gothel for a while, but never really had a chance to do it outside of small mentions. So here's that chance, though, it'll have to wait before we've got 'Be Very Afraid' coming up :D
Punzie is learning how to handle her feelings, it's gonna be hard for her, but it's what she needs to do in order to get better.
Hector is a very angry bean, him being the one to bring up Fredrich's downfalls makes the most sense, since he's more blunt than the others. But sometimes that's a good and bad thing, hence why Adira is there, good big sis <3
Edmund cannot feed the pigs! The man keeps trying but he cannot do it XD Poor adorable Dark King! <3
Eugene and Lance taking the hint like the good big brothers they are! :D
Quirin and Hugo are feeding cows together! They're bonding! Small moment, but I wanted to point it out, sorry XD
Varian is growing! Him talking to Rapunzel and using what he learned from Lance to help her is something I wanted to see so much in the show! So I wrote it here, it's also a small nod to what's coming up, because 'Be Very Afraid' was an episode that dove a little deeper into Rapunzel and Varian's characters! (Can you tell I love that episode XD) Either way, bean is getting better! <3
Ruddy is being the best buddy <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 296: At What Cost?!
Summary:
Cassandra wakes up after her encounter with Adira and Hector!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Why did I do that?*
*They were going to abandon you*
*But they were giving me a chance!*
*Do you really think they would've kept it?*
*I thought... That maybe... I could fix this....*
*You can't... You've made far too many mistakes for them to take you back now*
*But... Rapunzel-!*
*What? You believe the person who put her *own* feelings over yours?*
*She.... She was sorry....*
*And you were sad, your point?*
*...I just.... Want to go home....*
*You don't have a home anymore.....*
"NO!" Cassandra yelled as her eyes snapped open and she jumped up, before tripping and falling on her back with a thud. She groaned, her head was throbbing, as was her body, she felt like she'd just been run over by a caravan.....
"Are you alright?" A voice asked
She felt something inside of her spark for just a moment at that voice, but it disappeared the moment she felt it as he looked over, not sitting up, at the ghost girl staring at her, "w-what happened?"
"You fainted after making red rocks appear. It seems as though these rocks have the ability to show you, and your enemies, yours, and their, greatest fears. It was quite an interesting spectacle if I'm being honest"
Cassandra huffed and, slowly, sat up, "so you just watched? You didn't try to help at all?"
"And what would be the use in me doing that? I'm incorporeal Cassandra, I can't touch them, and they can't touch me. Plus, showing them my existence would raise questions, like who I am and why I'm here. Questions that, should I answer, would only cast more doubt and anger onto you. so believe me when I say, I'm helping by staying away"
The blue hair women narrowed her eyes for a moment before she felt her body become overwhelmingly tired, zapping her of any ill will towards the ghost girl, she sighed, "I suppose that's fine for now...." She noticed the girl was mixing a few things together, "what are you doing?"
"It's taking a lot of effort to do this, but did you know you can regain your energy from herbs nearby?" She asked, "I hadn't realized it until now, but there are a lot of herbs around here that used to grow back in the Dark Kingdom", she stated, "and while there wasn't many of us, some did mix them together to give the warriors their strength back after a brutal fight or training"
"Why are you making it now? ....*How* are you making it now?"
"I'm making it for you, to give you your strength back, you'll need to train with those red rocks if you plan to use them at all, which I think you should given how effective they were against those two warriors", she replied, "oh, and I *can* pick things up and use them, it just takes a lot of my energy to do so, but I don't mind since it'll help you in the end"
"I see...." She watched the ghost girl for a moment before sighing as she looked into the sky, "....Were those really my greatest fears?"
"Depends on how you feel about them, were they?"
".....I don't know.... It felt like they were, but.... I don't know if that's just my mind playing tricks on me, or if it's true....."
"Your mind playing tricks on you, now where did you get an idea like that?"
"Ever since we saw my father...." Cassandra admitted, not really sure why she did, "when I saw him.... I-it was like my mind couldn't really... Think... Like my thoughts were being blocked somehow.... It's been foggy ever since then... I'm not sure what to do about it...."
"Hmmm...." The ghost girl hummed, "quite possibly you aren't moving fast enough?"
"Moving fast enough?"
"You want to take your revenge out on those who've hurt you, do you not?"
Cassandra thought about it, "I... Think so.... Again, foggy mind, can't really use it right now"
"I understand, but try not to use your mind for a moment. Focus on how you *feel* about the others, what emotions to their images bring?"
Cassandra was silent before she sighed, closing her eyes and focusing, she saw an image of Rapunzel first, laughing, smiling, then saw her back, ".....Rapunzel makes me feel betrayed....."
"Good, who's next?"
She thought of Eugene, his goatee, his ever present smirk, she could even hear his stupid voice, "Eugene is making me annoyed.... Not unusual"
"I see, after that?"
She saw Lance next, his confident laughter and his singsongy voice, she saw him playing with a string and trying to make a gem out of it, "Lance.... Makes me feel like I'm not alone..... And annoyed, but less so than Fitzherbert"
The ghost girl chuckled, "interesting, is there anyone else that pops into your mind?"
The image of Adira popped in her mind, and she growled as the women spoke to her, giving her that condescending look that she always gave, and how she would walk, talk, do *anything* really. But then her image changed, into a women who cried, someone who was afraid, with wide eyes and plump tears falling down her cheeks as she saw something so frightening that she couldn't move, "Adira.... Makes me feel angry but.... Also sorry for her.... I hate her, but not as much as I used to"
"Huh, I suppose seeing her cry did that, what of her brother?"
She saw the image of Hector filling her vision, his glare, his bright yellow eyes piercing her as he warned her of what's to come in the Great Tree, and how he was the only one who seemed to show sympathy for her, both during their first fight, and during their recent meeting, "Hector makes me feel confused, I don't know weather to attack or talk to him"
"Hm.... I would be watchful of that, anyone else? Say... The Dark King?"
Edmund's image flashed for a second before he disappeared, Cassandra looked at the ghost girl, "I don't feel anything for him. Didn't really talk much, all I know is he saw me take the Moonstone, just an obstacle I guess"
"That makes sense, now close your eyes and concentrate on someone else, like.... The blond boy who's been included into their group.... What's his name?"
"Hugo...." Cassandra seethed as she closed her eyes and saw the blond standing next to someone she didn't look at. His green eyes were all she needed to focus on to make the Moonstone crackle, "angry..... My replacement...."
The ghost girl grinned at that before she gave another name, "how about Quirin?"
The retired knight's image came into Cassandra's head, she watched him hold someone she didn't look at. He was smiling, his laughter filled the air with warmth, but his glare only made her feel cold.... "Scared.... I guess I'm afraid of him...."
"I see, I suppose that really can't be helped.... I have one last person for you to look at... And I think you know who I'm speaking of...."
Her shoulders tensed as big blue eyes blinked at her, the shadows of her mind moved, and she saw a freckled face watching her curiously, it was smiling, *he* was smiling. The shadows dissipated around him as his black and blue hair come into focus next, she saw his clothing after that, the clothing he'd worn to the science expo, his small body fully forming as he waved timidly at her, "hi", she heard him say, "g-guess what Cassie! I made an element for you!" He showed her the necklace he'd given her, "it's called 'Cassandrium', isn't that neat?"
*No....* She thought
"Hey Cassie, wanna see my new invention? Rumor is it is a *shoe in* for first place!" He exclaimed before adding with a whisper, "I started the rumor", then winked
*NO!*
"I-it's fine, I can find someone else to fill that spot in... The next.... Five... Minutes...."
*STOP!*
"You chose *me*!"
*STOP IT!*
"Hello Cassandra, I always knew I could SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET!"
*STOOOOOP!*
"C-Cassandra..... Why?"
*I DIDN'T WANT TO!*
"Y-you're a monster...."
*I DIDN'T *MEAN* TO!*
"YOU'RE A MONSTER!"
"AH!" Cassandra opened her eyes, she felt tears down her face as the boy faded from her mind
"Cassandra?"
"I.... I betrayed him...." She sniffled, "I-I betrayed him and t-tried to kill his father!" She exclaimed, "I.... I'm a m-monster...." She bent her head down in shame as the image of the boy she once knew was replaced by the teen she'd seen, "h.... He kept holding his hand out to me... K-kept trying to help... And I hurt him...."
".....Didn't he hurt you first?"
"I.... I-I mean... Yes but-!"
"But what? He hurt you, you hurt him back, isn't that how this works?"
"I tried to do so much more to him than he did to me", she stated, "I tried to kill people he loved, I tried to harm him in general when he offered to help, I almost killed his father.... I.... I may be upset at Rapunzel for what she did to me.... But Varian... I can't excuse what I did to him... I can't...."
"Didn't he replace you?" The girl asked, "didn't he replace you at Rapunzel's side?"
"I.... He still.... Didn't deserve any of what I did to him...."
"Why the sudden change?"
"I.... Saw him, in my vision....."
"You mean the red rocks showed you him?"
"Yes...."
"What did he do?"
She shuddered as she remember his father's sword on her back while the alchemist watched with the darkest expression she'd ever seen on his face, "he told me.... W-what I'd done against him.... Then Rapunzel s-said I was 'too far gone' to help.... He hated me... She gave up on me.... I.... Realized I didn't want that...." She looked at the ghost girl, "I don't want their hatred, I don't want them to leave, I want them back, I want to show them I'm not second but...."
"At what cost?"
"Huh?"
"At what cost?" The girl repeated as she handed Cassandra a cup filled with the herbal medicine she'd made. The blue haired women drank it, feeling her energy come back immediately, "you say you want them to believe in you, that you wish for them to not hate you. But how far are you willing to go to achieve that?"
"I.... A-as far as I have to"
"I see, well then I don't see a problem here"
"What do you mean?"
"Well", the girl smiled, "if you *really* want them to go and respect you, do what the boy did", she stated, "he did a few things that cost him the princess and her friends for a while, but after, he made up for it and they trusted him again. They even treat him better than before, in order to get what you desire Cassandra, you're going to need to make a little noise"
"But.... That 'little noise' you're referring to, is hurting them"
"Did he not hurt *you* when he went on his temper tantrum?"
"I-!" She felt her mind become foggy again, "....He... Did...."
"And he's now, what? Going to fancy balls, has a far better relationship with his father, laughs more, does more, he even has a boyfriend now", she stated with a smirk, her glowing green hands hiding behind her back as Casandra felt her head start to ache, "he did all of that damage, and ended up getting what he wanted in the end. They may not like what you're about to do, but you need to do it, you need to wield the power you earned, and *get* your destiny", she added, "you needn't even concern yourself with that boy, all you need to worry about is the princess anyway. You can make up to him later, so perhaps it would be a good idea to focus on her and what *she* did to you, don't you think?" Her hands glowed brighter as Cassandra thought about it, before she nodded
"I... I think you're right.... But... Where do I start?"
"How about you practice? Get as much magic practice in as you can, especially with the power you've obtained from the boy"
The blue haired women sighed before she stood up. She looked around and saw a pink flower nearby, she sighed before she tried to summon a rock from the Earth. The rock was summoned, but it was very small and barely disturbed the flower from its resting place. Cassandra raised her arms to try and make it larger, and it worked for a moment before she felt her knees give out from underneath her, "I can't control it!"
"You will Cassandra", the ghost girl stated, floating around her, "in *time*"
Cassandra stood and clasped the Moonstone in her hands protectively, "I thought that by taking the Moonstone my destiny would become clear.... But.... What if I don't even *have* a destiny?"
"Of *course* you do! It is to *destroy* *Rapunzel*!"
Cassandra looked at the girl, surprised by the answer, "*destroy* Rapunzel?.... But... I.... I couldn't-!" She was cut off when red rocks suddenly sprouted from the ground! Looking behind her, she saw them travel towards Old Corona, her heart beginning to beat fast, "what's happening?!" She asked
"You're connected to the rocks, they respond to your feelings, even.... *Fear*", she replied
Cassandra watched the rocks, they continued their travel towards Old Corona, she bit her lip nervously, not sure what to do.....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is a set up for 'Be Very Afraid', which is the next episode chapters! :D The ending is actually the beginning of the episode in fact, but this is what I think they were talking about before, which is why Cassandra sounded so desperate when she was trying to control the rocks!
ZT is being very manipulative here, and using her powers to make Cassandra do what she wants. She's also got an agenda for Varian too, but we'll get to that, either way, she just keeps getting worse and worse
Cassandra is definitely at a crossroads here, but she doesn't really have much of an opinion at the moment, considering who's keeping her company :3
I know he *technically* wasn't in this chapter, but small shout out to adorable Moon bean moments from the Science Expo! :D I loved that episode, so I wanted to make a little call back to it! :D Baby bean <3 14 year old Varian is so different compared to his 15 year old self, sincerely he is! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 297: Be Very Afraid (Part 1!)
Summary:
The red rocks come to Corona, and Varian isn't sure what to do!
Trigger warning: Animal abuse, Child Abuse, PTSD, and Trauma depictions! Please be advised, do not read if you are affected by these in any way!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"What does it meeeean.... Demanitus.... What does it mean? .....Ugh....." Varian mumbled as he continued to stare, grumpily, at the scroll in from of him. He tapped his quill over the paper, trying to figure out what one word meant, he'd made significant progress, but.... Sighing he felt his eyes begin to droop.... He continued to stare at the scroll before
"VARIAAAAAN!"
His eyes popped open and he looked around frantically, he knew that voice, his heart pounded as he *instant* got up and ran! Leaving his room and going to the basement, he slammed open the door and looked inside, only to see the worst thing he could've ever seen in his life, "DAD!" Quirin was staring at him, eyes wide as amber crawled up his body, it seemed he'd been trapped by his legs this time, "no....." He saw the amber growing faster, "NO NOT AGAIN!"
He ran over to his father and was reaching out to him when he heard someone behind him, "serves you right, *traitor*!"
He turned and saw all the Citizens of Corona, old and new, coming towards him, all of them were angry and glaring at him, fists in the air as they surrounding him, "traitor!" Another one said
"This is what you deserve!"
"Traitor! TRAITOR!"
He was pushed back against the amber, turning, he looked at his father, "d-dad?"
Quirin screamed, "VARIAAAAN!" Again, he was reaching out to his son, he looked so afraid, so desperate, the alchemist remembered what his father had told him about his time in the amber. The citizen's shrieks grew louder, Quirin's cries echoed in his broken mind as the amber continued to grow more and more and MORE!*
"AH-HUH? Wha?" Varian jumped up *instantly, he looked around, he was back in his room. He saw Hugo, asleep in his bed, he'd been helping the freckled teen try and decipher the scroll the night before. Ruddigar, who was on the bed next to the blond, instantly woke up and chittered at his boy. Varian let out a small sigh and walked over to the raccoon, petting him, "I-I'm okay Rud.... J-just a bad dream.... Thankfully...."
Ruddigar chittered once more and pointed to his boys face
Varian touched his cheek and felt a tear soak through his glove, "oh heh heh.... I uh... G-guess it was a worse d-dream than I thought...."
Ruddigar chittered once more, hopping onto Varian's shoulders before pointing to the door of the bedroom
"C-check on dad? Yeah that... T-that would be a good idea", the alchemist agreed before he looked at Hugo, the blond was still asleep, whistling contentedly, Varian snorted, "m-maybe we should leave him be for a m-moment"
Ruddigar nodded in agreement as his boy got shoes on and began to walk out of his room, leaving the door open just a crack before he walked downstairs. He didn't see his father in the kitchen, his room, his study, or in the basement, that last place bringing him chills when he looked inside. Ruddigar chittered at Varian, the teen smiled
"Don't worry, h-he's probably out in the farm today, it is the apple harvest after all"
The raccoon nodded as the two walked outside
Varian looked around before he heard, "morning son!" He looked and saw his father wheeling a wheel barrow full of apples towards an apple shack they had nearby.
The teen smiled, relief filling him as he saw the village leader cheerfully making his way over to the shed, *looks like he's happy, a-and safe thankfully*, the alchemist thought to himself
That's when Ruddigar let out a worried noise, getting the teen to look at him and see his expression
"What is it buddy?"
Ruddigar made the noise once more, hopping off his boy's shoulders and running towards something. Varian froze when he saw what the raccoon was trying to show him, large, sharp, red rocks filled his front yard, making his shoulders tense up, oh no...." He walked over to them, watching as Ruddigar sniffed at them.
He made another chitter, this one sounding afraid as he flattened his ears and hid behind his boy
Varian knelt down and stared at the rocks, "well.... This is new....." He said to himself
Ruddigar growled at the rocks, his hackles standing up
"Hey easy, easy buddy", Varian gently stroked his best friend's fur, getting Ruddigar to jump a little before he looked up at his boy, "it's gonna be okay, we knew about these already remember? They just.... Came a little earlier than we thought...." He let out a sigh, "dad must not have seen them, come on, we need to let him know"
The raccoon nodded before he growled at the rocks again and hopped onto his boy's shoulders
Varian giggled, "gonna protect me?"
The small mammal nodded, though he looked terrified
The alchemist noticed this and scratched his best friend's ears, "it's really gonna be okay, don't worry. Come on, let's go find dad". The teen walked over to the apple shack, he opened the door and saw his father putting the final apple in a barrel, "hey dad"
Quirin stopped and looked over, but this action made Varian's eyes widen, as the man had amber growing out of his head, "Varian.... Why?" His father said, his voice quiet and sad
"D.... D-dad I d-didn't mean to I-I-I h-how did this, I-!"
"Hey", the alchemist felt himself being picked up and held, startling him before he looked and saw his father holding him close, the very full apple wheel barrow by his side, "are you alright? You walked right past me then.... Froze"
Varian looked up at his father, then back at the place he'd been standing before, only to see an empty spot. The teen rubbed his eyes and sighed, "s-sorry, I uh.... D-dad the um... R-red rocks, they're h-here"
Quirin's eyes widened before he set the teen down, "where did you see them?"
"I-in the front yard, t-they.... G-gave me a nightmare a-and... Made me see.... A very b-bad vision of you....."
His father hugged him, "it's okay, it's gonna be alright"
Varian hugged the man back, relief filling him for the second time that day as he smelled his father's apple and wood scent before he broke the hug, "t-thanks, I needed that, um. I can show you to them.... Ruddigar's acting weird though"
"Those rocks must be pretty powerful if they're affecting Ruddigar, come on, we'll go together, okay?"
Varian nodded before he led Quirin over to the red rocks, the retired knight stopped when he saw them, his eyes were wide for a moment before he sighed, closed them, shook his head, and walked over to them. "Dad?" Varian said
"I'm okay", his father reassured, "believe me, I've spent more than enough time in my own personal nightmares to be able to fend them off"
"Um...."
"I don't mean the amber, I mean other things"
"Oh, a-are you alright?"
"Yup, I'm alright", Quirin then looked at the rocks, "they're identical to the black rocks.... Save for the color.... and the affects...." He looked at his son and Ruddigar, the raccoon looked so afraid, his eyes were wide and his hackles were standing on end, "is he alright?"
Varian looked at Ruddigar and pet his fur, calming the small mammal for a moment, "I don't know... I think these rocks are affecting him more than normal...."
Quirin felt a twang of worry at his son's voice as he continued to watch the raccoon, that is... Until they heard Hugo's ear piercing scream
"HUGO!" Varian yelled, he ran into the house, his father right behind him before he bonked into the blond and was caught by the retired knight. Shaking out the daze, he looked over and saw his boyfriend on the floor, tears streaking down his face as he looked up at the father son duo, "Hugo...."
"V-Varian?" The bespeckled teen said
Varian rebalanced himself and knelt next to his boyfriend, "hey, are you alright?" He asked, using his thumb to wipe his boyfriend's tears away as Quirin looked around, seemingly searching for something
"Y-yeah I... I-I'm fine, just.... r-really bad vision...."
"What happened?"
"W-well I woke up and... s-saw you standing i-in the door. I c-called out to you, and you didn't r-respond.... I called out again, b-but this time you fell onto the f-floor.... T-there was... I large knife i-in your chest, a-and in your doorway w-was.... C-Cyrus..... H-he was laughing at me, h-he looked so fucking bat shit *crazy*! T-then he ran into the room and j-jumped on me! T-that's when I screamed and ran out....."
"Oh Hugo...." Varian hugged his boyfriend, "I'm alright, Cyrus isn't here, it was just a vision, don't worry", he felt the blond's arms return the hug, they stayed that way for a moment before Hugo let out a soft sigh, showing he'd calmed down. Varian broke the hug and smiled at his boyfriend, getting a crooked smile in return.
"Um.... Where's Ruddigar?" His father asked
Varian's eyes widened as he immediately touched the spot the raccoon had been on his shoulder, not feeling him there. The alchemist took off his backpack and looked through it, no sign of the raccoon. The freckled teen then got up and ran outside, "Ruddigar?" He called, "RUDDIGAR?" He repeated, this time much louder. No response chitter, no blur of black, white, and grey running to greet him, there was nothing as Varian's heart began to pound
"Did he run off?" Hugo asked
"I'm guessing he might've.... Hugo, the red rocks are here", Quirin stated, getting the blond to gasp, "Ruddigar seemed affected by them pretty badly, so do you actually, and Vari-Varian?"
The teen flinched at his named, he wasn't listening as he watched Andrew holding a cut up and bloodied Ruddigar by his tail, the Seporian was smiling wickedly at the deed he'd just done as the small mammal looked like he was barely alive and in so much pain
"Freckles!" Hugo slid in front of the teen, grabbing his face gently, "it's not real, whatever you see is not *real*"
The freckled teen blinked for a moment before he took his face away and shook his head, looking over Hugo's shoulder and seeing nothing before letting out a sigh and smiling at the blond, "t-thanks"
"No problem, look, I'll help you find Ruddigar okay, I can look in the northern part of Old Corona, you can take the south since it's near the woods"
"I'll check around the farm", Quirin stated, "with all three of us looking, I'm certain he couldn't have gotten far son"
"Y-you're right, both of you, I.... I-I'm sorry"
"It's alright love", Hugo stated softly, "look we were prepared for this, we knew this was coming, we just need to figure out a way to fix it is all. We have a plan in place, we just need to find Ruddigar first is all"
"Right, I'll go to the south, are you two gonna be okay?"
Quirin and Hugo looked at each other and smiled before they looked at Varian and nodded, "we'll be alright, but if you get too scared, come back", his father stated, "that goes for the *both* of you", he added, looking at the blond, "and if I get scared, I'll come find one of you, alright?"
"O-oki"
"Gotcha", Hugo agreed before he looked at Varian and kissed his cheek, "it's gonna be alright love, you'll see"
The freckled teen nodded, "t-thanks Hugo"
"Anytime Freckles"
****
"Ruddigar!" Varian called, "R-Ruddigar", he let out a groan as he walked around town, sighing as he continued to search, getting closer and closer to the busier parts of the small village. No matter how much he'd fixed, he still got the whispers and stares from the people, "w-wha-Ruddigar where are you?!" He looked around once more before he spotted an animal with a fluffy striped tail running through the allies! He perked up as he chased after them, "hey, buddy where ya headed?" He asked, continuing to follow the animal through the streets, he fast so fast that when the creature made a sharp turn into an alley way, Varian tried to slide but ended up bonking into a wall. He shook it off and continued to follow the creature as quick as he could! He looked up to the sky, trying to see if he could find the creature again before he saw someone in front of him and slid to a stop, thankfully not bonking into them as well, "sorry", he said, panting a little, "hi", he greeted, filling with dread as he saw Feldspar and a women he recognized from his nightmare holding her baby.
Feldspar blinked before he glared, "don't you have a kingdom to *overthrow* or something?" He snarked as the women glared at the teen
Varian let out a nervous chuckle, trying not to show them how much that comment hurt as he focused on Ruddigar, "y-yeah um.... You haven't seen a *raccoon* around here have you?"
The women turned away from him with a resounding, "humph!" Before he baby, sensing their mother's distress, began to cry at the sigh of the teen
Varian felt the corners of his eyes burn a little as he watched the baby before he shook it off, Ruddigar was more important, "ooook.... N-N-Nevermind...." He said as he began to walk away
He felt an overwhelming sense of regret and guilt fill him up, his hand made it's way to his shoulder, but remembered why he was in town in the first place and felt even worse..... He was still walking when the stripe tailed creature knocked a piece of plywood down in another alleyway, getting the teen to stop for a split second before he ran over, following the creature, "Ruddigar! Hey-hey come *back* here! What a-", he froze when the creature he'd been chasing turned out to be an old alley cat. The poor thing was licking themselves bald before spotting the boy and running off.
He sighed, he felt bad for the kitty, but even worse as he thought about how he'd have to go back, possibly past Feldspar again before something caught his eye and he gasped, he finally found him, "HEY Buddy I was lookin for ya-hey...." He waved his hand in front of his best friend's face, "wh-wh-what's wrong?" He asked before picking Ruddigar up. He stared at the raccoon for a second, noting the way the small mammal seemed to be completely frozen before he heard cries coming from the town. He looked towards it, squinting a little before looking back at Ruddigar, "...C-come, we need to help", he said, taking his frozen raccoon and running towards the cries of terror.
****
Hugo felt his heart beating faster and faster as he ran through the streets. He kept stopping and calling out, "RUDDIGAR!" But he never heard a response, it was typical for him, no one ever responded....
"Hugo!" A voice snapped from behind him
"Fuck! No nononononono", he ran again, he felt tears in his eyes as he tried to look out for the raccoon, but the fear of the person behind him kept him running. He needed to fun, he needed to get away, he needed to *survive*! He kept running, he remembered Quirin saying if he'd become too scared he could return. He ran towards the farm, trying to run as fast as he could before he stopped, frozen in place as the person he thought had been behind him stood tall, glaring at him angrily
"What do you think you're doing Hugo?"
"I-I-I-!"
"You're being stupid again"
"I-I n-no I-I wasn't I-I-!"
"You're just don't listen, do you.... You useless piece of *shit*!"
"Don p-please.... Please..." He couldn't move, couldn't breath as she approached him, slowly, her hand raised higher and higher as he felt his heart beating louder and louder with every step she took....
****
Quirin sighed, "Ruddigaaaar", he called, he'd looked everywhere, in the barns, the house, the shacks, animal pens, hay, horse stables, even in the apple orchard, the raccoon was no where to be seen!
"Still haven't found him yet?" A voice asked
Quirin turned and saw Adam watching him, "no, I haven't.... Oh, did you tell everyone to-!"
"Stay away from the glowing red monstrosities infectin the farm and all who inhabit it? Yup, all finished"
"That's good, thank you Adam"
"Welcome, Quirin are you alright? You look pale"
"I do?" The retired knight said, "I feel fine"
"You don't look it my friend, you looked sick, if I didn't know any better, I'd say those rocks are affectin you somthin fierce"
"....I.... I'm fine"
Adam raised a brow, "you're a bad liar"
The Village Leader sighed, "I know.... Well, at least I know to *you* I am"
"Heh, what's goin on?"
"....It's the rocks.... This may be hard to believe, but they make you see your worst fears Adam.... And they're don't let up...."
"I know"
"Wait yo-!"
"They showed me you and your kid bein killed and the farm lit up and burnin to the ground", the old farmer stated, "made me more relieved than a cow on milkin day when I saw you walkin down your steps"
"Oh Adam...."
"Meh I'm fine, I know you're too stubborn to go like that, and your pyromaniac would figure a way out of whatever trouble he's in. The kid's too smart for his own good, but that's a good thing in most cases", he stated with a smirk before he looked at the retired knight, "though I know you ain't a super human, what are you seein right now Quirin?"
"I-!"
"Don't lie to me with that 'I'm fine' bullshit, you're shakin and pale, what are you seein?"
".....Varian....." Quirin replied as he looked towards the forest, "I see Varian.... He's shirtless and tied to a tree.... Lash marks are fresh on his back, he's starved and sick.... He keeps calling out to me... His tiny voice so weak and afraid.... There's.... T-there's amber at his feet.... A-and it's growing..... H-Hugo is beaten and bloody o-on the floor next to my son.... H-he's already d-dead.... H-his final expression is one of pure sadness.... A-and fear.... My brother is hung in another tree..... Beaten and a-abused... My sister is lying dead on the floor.... T-the way s-she was w-when I first met her too.... M-my king is.... H-he has completely lost his mind as he turns to me a-and.... R-raises his axe....."
"Shit...." Adam said, "fucking holy shit....." He put down the plow he had and walked over to his best friend, "hey", he steps in front of the man, getting the retired knight to look at him, "you're kid's pardoned and safe, your sister and brother are stronger than anyone I've ever met in my life, save for you, and your king loves you like you were his own kin", he stated, "everything you just said is not, and will not, happen, they're safe, they love you, and if I'm the one tellin you that, then you know it's fucking true, okay?"
Quirin sniffled a little and sighed before he nodded, "sorry...."
"It's alright, you're a giant, but you're a gentle giant", he stated, "big muscles, even bigger heart, so I get it. Nothin's gonna happen to your family, not again, not ever, you know I'd protect em just as much as you would, right?"
The Village Leader smiled, "I know, thank you Adam"
"Anytime"
"QUIRIN!" A voice called, getting both men's attention as Evan ran over to them, "Quirin! Adam! There's a boy! A blond boy with glasses! Something's happened to him! You two gotta come quick!"
Adam was startled before he looked at Quirin, who was wide eyed and even paler than before, "d-did he have a green jumper on? A-and were his glasses completely rounded with thick rims?"
"Yes they were!" Evan replied, "he's the one your son had been with Quirin...."
"....Hugo....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
Here's part 1! :D I'm not gonna do the character analysis here, I'll let the chapter do that for me! But this is part 1 of 'Be Very Afraid', my favorite episode of season 3! :D
Sidenote: I don't like Feldspar, he's shallow and rude and how dare he say what he did to little Moon bean! >:( Rant over, sorry XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all enjoy! <3
Chapter 298: Be Very Afraid (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian and co find out about the side effects of the red rocks!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
He sighed, he felt bad for the kitty, but even worse as he thought about how he'd have to go back, possibly past Feldspar again before something caught his eye and he gasped, he finally found him, "HEY Buddy I was lookin for ya-hey...." He waved his hand in front of his best friend's face, "wh-wh-what's wrong?" He asked before picking Ruddigar up. He stared at the raccoon for a second, noting the way the small mammal seemed to be completely frozen before he heard cries coming from the town. He looked towards it, squinting a little before looking back at Ruddigar, "...C-come, we need to help", he said, taking his frozen raccoon and running towards the cries of terror.
As the teen sprinted closer and closer to the cries, he heard a familiar voice and slid to a stop, "SOMEONE WAKE ME UP FROM THIS FRESH.... *MISERYYY*!"
"IT'S OKAY Eugene!" Rapunzel stated before turning to face another rocks, "these rocks are just... Messing with out heads a-WOAH!" She jumped back at what she almost ran into
"Sorry-sorry, just me", Varian said with a small chuckle as Rapunzel calmed down and stared at the frozen raccoon, "a-and Ruddigar.... Kinda...." He added setting his frozen best friend down on a nearby barrel
"Varian!" The princess exclaimed as she let out a sigh of relief, as did Eugene before she bent down to look at Ruddigar, "i-is he *okay*?" She asked as Pascal hopped onto the frozen mammal's head and knocked on it with his claw, "what happened?"
"Uhh.... I'm not quite sure... But I think it has something to do with these new rocks", Varian replied, gesturing to the red rocks nearby, "I mean I've only been able to study them for a few hours but... their effects.... Appear to be.... Extremely dangerous...."
"Oh yeah?!" Eugene state anxiously, "more dangerous than bringing people's greatest *fears* to *life*?!"
"Yes well... If people remain under that fear spell for too long... It looks like they'll... Become frozen...." The alchemist said sadly, picking up his best friend as Pascal hopped onto Rapunzel's shoulder, "with terror.... *Permanently*"
"Well gang", the princess stated with a determined smile, "it looks like we need to find a way to turned these fearful frowns, *UPSIDE DOWN!*" She exclaimed, using her fingers to changed Ruddigar's frozen expression before she and Eugene cringed as Pascal made a nervous noise, "ooookay yup sorry", she said as she hid her eyes behind her face, "that just... Wound up making him look creepier...."
Varian huffed a little, a touch aggravated by Rapunzel's actions, but he kept that thought to himself as he set Ruddigar down and fixed him. He then looked at the princess, "maybe don't do that... Please"
"Sorry"
"I-it's fine...." He looked at his raccoon sadly before he heard whispers, looking over he saw a crowd staring at him, they stopped and glared when he glanced over. He felt his shoulders tense up as he backed away a little
"Kid?" Eugene said before he let out a small 'oof!'
Varian froze before looking up and seeing he'd run into the man, "oops", he immediately spun his back away from the man's chest, backing up a few steps, "s-sorry, I uh... Didn't see you there"
"I see", the Dark Prince replied, "you okay? You seem more jumpy than usual, and that's saying something, no offense"
"N-none taken, I just.... I-I guess people are j-just more afraid of me today...." He replied
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel asked
"Y-you don't see the large group of people whispering and staring at me over the-!" He stopped when he pointed towards the crowd that should've been there, but were now gone, "t-they were just.... There...."
The princess and prince looked at each other worriedly before Rapunzel walked forwards, "it was the rocks Varian"
"I-I...." He saw a couple new red rocks had sprouted right next to him and sighed, "I... G-guess so...."
Rapunzel felt a twang of guilt go through her when she saw the teen reach over to his shoulder and try to pet the raccoon that wasn't there.... "Are you alright?"
"Honestly? N-no.... But I can't focus o-on that right now, l-look I'm just.... I think I have an idea, b-but I need to study the rocks more for a moment, d-do you two mind letting me take a look?" He asked softly
"Varia-!" The princess began
"We don't mind kiddo", Eugene interrupted, stepping in front of Rapunzel, "take whatever time you need, me and blondie will be over here", he pointed towards a cluster of red rocks, "say something if you need us, okay?"
Varian gave Eugene a grateful smile and nodded, "t-thanks"
"Anytime", the Dark Prince then gently took his lover's hand and led her away from the teen
"Why did you do that?" She asked softly
"I know you wanna comfort him right now, but the kid needs a minute, and he's telling you he needs one. He's being subtle so as not to hurt your feelings, but I guarantee you he's saying things neither of us could *ever think* to imagine"
"...Like what?"
"Like his dad Rapunzel.... Like villagers scorning and hurting him, like Ruddigar dying or getting hurt. He's actually currently *living* that last one right now. He needs a minute to come up with a solution, and to collect his thoughts. Lance told me Varian tends to try and distract himself when he's feeling overwhelmed, and sometimes, we're gonna need to let him do that. Especially since he may be the only key to stopping these red rocks. So we need to give him a little space right now, alright?"
"Ok, but, can you.... Answer one more thing?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"....Is... Is it something I did?"
Eugene smiled at the princess's genuine worry for the teen, "no it's not, he's just anxious and upset and needs some space is all, it's not you"
She nodded, "ok.... W-well... What should we do for right now?"
The Dark Prince looked around before spotting the window he'd seen before and seeing his cowlick. He cringed and immediately looked away before spotting the cluster they were standing next to, "the people should be warned about these red rocks. We could make a sign and post it here to let them know they're dangerous"
Rapunzel smiled, "that's a *great* idea! I've got some paint and paper in my bag! Can you find a stick?"
Eugene nodded before kidding the blond's cheek, "anything for you"
She smiled lovingly at her boyfriend, "thank you Eugene, be careful"
"I will", with that, he began to walk away before he spotted Varian holding Ruddigar close to him, the teen's eyes were slightly wet, he sighed, "kid...." He wanted to comfort him, but held himself back, instead walking away to find a stick and letting the alchemist have some privacy.
****
Quirin's eyes were wide with shock and worry as he stared at the sight before him, "when did you find him like this?" Adam asked
"Just a few seconds ago", Evan replied, "I heard him scream and came running, but when I got to him.... The red was already spreading up his body.... He turned and reached out to me for help... But... It was too late, and he ended up... Like this...."
"H-Hugo...." The retired knight said softly as he stared at the teen. The blond had fallen on the floor, he'd taken a defensive position, as if he'd been trying to scoot away from something or someone towering over him. His head was facing the three men and he had one hand outstretch, as if he was reaching out for help. His face was a mess of terror as tears were frozen halfway down his face. The Village Leader walked over and knelt down next to the bespeckled boy, he placed his hand on the teens, "Hugo...." He repeated, his own eyes filling with tears before he shook them off and stood, looking at his two farmers, "has there been any other reports of this happening to anyone else?"
"No sir", Evan replied, "the people of Old Corona have been avoiding the red rocks"
"I'm guessin the black rocks helped with that", Adam stated, "one good thing came out of that disaster I suppose...."
"You're right, that is a good thing, but it means the people in the capital are in harm's way", Quirin replied, "the black rocks didn't make it too far into the capital, we need to find a way to warn people"
"What do we do sir?" Evan asked, "should we just leave the teen where he is?"
Quirin looked at Hugo and shook his head, "no, I'll take him into my home. He can stay there until we find a way to cure his ailments. Evan, you warn the other farmers, stable workers, and anyone else who came to work today, and tell them they have the day off, I want no one working during this catastrophe. Tell them I sent you and that they need to grab their family and stay within their homes"
"Yes sir!" Evan ran off immediately
"Adam, do you mind gathering the animals and getting them in the barns and pens for the day"
"Not at all, where are you goin?"
"I'll take Hugo to my home and set him somewhere comfortable. Then...." The man huffed, "I'm finding my son, and going to the castle, I need to have a chat with *my* king"
****
"Think *this'll* keep people away from these rocks?" Rapunzel asked as she backed up and stood next to Eugene
The man squinted his eyes, "couldn't you have made us look a little more, I don't know..... Brave?" He asked, gesturing to the picture of him in Varian's arms while both of them have terrified expressions on their faces as the red rocks were pointed straight at them, the words, 'Stay Away!' were written in white, bold letters above the pair's heads.
"I *reeeally* wanted to get the point across, beside you're so *cute* when you're screaming in terror", Rapunzel replied, pinching Eugene's cheeks lovingly before hugging him
He wrapped his arms around her and chuckled, "wehehehell, well that is true", they broke the hug as Eugene's expression tuned serious for a moment, "hey uh... Sunshine.... How come *you're* not affected by these rocks? I mean, why aren't screaming your head off at some *vision* of your worst fear?"
Rapunzel looked a little startled by that question as she felt her heart skip a beat, images of Gothel flashed in her mind of how she was afraid of the very first thunder storm she'd witness and was subsequently shoved away from the women with a *scalding* glare for even *daring* to come to her over something so trivial. She swallowed her fear and replied instantly, plastering a smile on her face, "becaaaaause.... As long as I have Pascal with me", she said, rubbed her finger on her chameleon's head, "I'm not afraid of anything"
Pascal made a happy chirrup as he puffed out his chest and flexed his muscles
Eugene looked like he was about to argue when he stopped, "guys?" Varian called, getting the couple to turn to him, "I think I might have an idea...." He said, looking at them as he lowered his magnifying glass
The princess grinned, thankful for the change of subject, "you do? Oh that's *wonderful* Varian, what is it?" She asked
"W-well it's um-!"
"VARIAN!"
The teen stopped, his eyes widening as he stood up, grabbing Ruddigar and looking around before he looked at the pair, "y-you two heard him call me, r-right?"
They nodded as the voice called again, "VARIAN WHERE ARE YOU?!"
"DAD!" The alchemist yelled, "DAD I'M OVER HERE!"
There was a few seconds of silence before the retired knight *burst* out of an alleyway and *immediately* ran over to his son, picking him up and hugging him, "oh thank the Moon you're alright!" He exclaimed
"Dad", Varian said, leaning into his father's touch, "I'm glad y-you're okay too, what's wrong though? Y-you seem.... Afraid"
Quirin stopped hugging his son and set him down, "w-well I-Ruddigar?"
Varian froze for a moment before he sighed, "y-yeah... It's uh... A-a side effect... From the red rocks...."
"....I know...."
Eugene, Rapunzel, and Varian looked up at the man with widened eyes, "w-wait you *know* already?!" His son asked, "w-when did yo-!"
"I didn't know right away, I found out.... Thanks to Hugo...."
The alchemist felt his world shatter at his father's words, "H-Hugo.... W-was frozen?"
His father nodded, "Evan found him.... I got him back to the house, he's on your bed right now.... I told Evan to send all the workers at the farm home, Old Corona seems to be avoiding the red rocks due to the black rock incident, so Hugo.... Was the only one effected...."
"N-no...." Varian started to shake, "h-he can't b-be... I... H-he...."
"Varian, hey, it's alright", Eugene said, walking forwards and kneeling next to the teen, "Hugo will be alright-!"
"B-but he w-went out to s-search for *RUDDIGAR*!" Varian exclaimed, "h-he w-was searching b-because Ruddigar r-ran away a-and I was sad... A-and now he's.... H-he's...."
"Oh kid...." The Dark Prince wrapped his arms around his little brother, "it's alright, Hugo wouldn't blame you, he wouldn't"
"B-but-!"
"He wouldn't, it wasn't your fault this happened kiddo. It just did, you said so yourself, if they stay under that fear spell, they freeze with terror. It isn't your fault that Hugo got frozen, you didn't know it would happen, you didn't.... Don't blame yourself"
The man rubbed Varian's back comfortingly as Varian cried into his shoulder softly. They stayed that way for a moment or two, Quirin and Rapunzel allowing Eugene to handle this one as the teen finally calmed down. They broke the hug, Varian sniffling and hiccupping a bit, but aside from that, his sobs had stopped. Eugene handed him a tissue from his pocket as the alchemist blew his nose, "better?" Quirin asked softly
"Y-yeah", Varian replied before looking at Eugene, "t-thanks, I needed that"
"Anytime kiddo", the Dark Prince replied with a smile, "now, are you okay to talk about your idea, or nah?"
The teen giggled a little before he nodded, "I s-should be, I'm um... Actually glad you're here dad, I.... N-need to ask you for your opinion on my idea, y-you specifically"
"Me? Why?" The retired knight asked
"W-well.... I um.... I studied the red rocks", he said, backing up a bit so Eugene could stand up, "a-and I think the b-best way to deal with them w-would be to s-stop them in their tracks.... A-and there's only one chemical t-that can do that...."
Quirin thought for a moment before his eyes widened at what his son meant. His heart began to beat as he got images of yellow encasing his body before he shook them away, "....I....."
"I-it's... The only thing I can think of to stop them dad...." His son replied, "I'll never use it again, I swear, b-but it stopped the rocks before, they d-didn't spread w-when.... W-what happened.... Happened...."
Rapunzel looked a little confused as the retired knight continued to think about it before he heard someone else scream, he saw Feldspar running down the street, screaming something about foot fungus and no shoes as he did so. The Village Leader knew what had to be done, and so... With a heavy heart, and his hands shaking, he nodded, "i-if that's what you think will be the solution... T-then use it.... B-but... Please be careful.... P-please...."
Varian hugged his father tightly, the old farmer returning it, "I will", he replied, getting Rapunzel and Eugene's eyes to widen at the words he said next, "....I promise...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, a lot of things happened in this chapter, Varian has a solution for the red rocks, Hugo and Ruddigar are frozen in terror, Rapunzel and Eugene are being helpful, and Quirin is trying to protect the ones he loves!
Poor Varian.... He's going through so much right now.... The bean really needs a break after this, seriously... I'm thinking a family vacation is in order!
Poor Quirin too... This man just cannot escape that amber.... But he's gonna do what he needs to do, protect Old Corona, protect his son, protect EVERYONE! Cause he's the best farmer dad! <3
Hugo.... Ruddy buddy.... You'll be out soon, don't worry
Rapunzel hiding her fears wasn't touched upon in the show, save for this episode, but we didn't get why she did, only that she did. I think it's because Gothel suppressed her for so long that she ended up becoming the toxic happy go lucky person. The words 'you're supposed to be happy, not sad, smile!' come to mind when I think to that.... I had that said to me so many times when I was a kid and it led to a lot of bad things after.... Seriously, I hate that.... So I added it to the story! :D
Eugene being a bro here man! :D Best big brother ever! <3 Him and Lance both, but we'll get to Lance later, for right now, Eugene takes top spot as king for the day <3 Him and Quirin both! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 299: Be Very Afraid (Part 3!)
Summary:
Varian has a plan for getting rid of the red rocks, but he's not sure if he'll be able to pull it off before the fear gets to him!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group made their way back to the castle, Ruddigar being held in Varian's arms protectively as they entered the large building and gasped! The castle had red rocks sprouting throughout it's halls! Quirin scooped his son up, keeping him close just in case the hallucinations continued as they made their way through. Rapunzel focused on the ground in front of her, Eugene doing the same before he bumped into something, "ah-what the hell? What wa-AH!" The man jumped back at what we saw, it was Faith, the poor maid was completely frozen, just like Ruddigar. Her face was contorted into a violent scream as her arms were wrapped around her protectively, almost as if she were afraid of being hurt.
"Faith...." Varian said softly, "they.... They g-got her too.... W-wait, where's-!" He stopped when someone entered the hallway, he blinked for a moment before jumping out of his father's arms, handing Ruddigar over to the retired knight before hugging them, "Friedborg!" He exclaimed, "oh I'm so glad you're okay!" He said as they wrapped their arms around him, returning the hug before the teen broke it to look up at them, "how are you?"
They remained silent, but gave the teen a small, worried face for a moment
"I-I'm sorry... I know you're worried... I am too... Ruddigar and Hugo are frozen as well. B-but I've got an idea to stop these red rocks, a-and I'm gonna free everyone from them! Including Faith, i-it's gonna be okay, alright?"
Friedborg nodded before using sign language to speak, they told Varian to be safe, and to not let his fears get the best of him. Friedborg also said they had faith in him, which made the alchemist smile
"Thank you, I really appreciate that, we'll fix this, we will", he replied, getting Friedborg to nod with a small smile before they walked over to Faith, staying by her side until she was free. Varian nodded respectfully before he walked over to his father, who handed him Ruddigar and scooped him back up. The alchemist waved to Friedborg, who waved back before the group turned the corner.
"I keep forgetting you're friends with Friedborg and Faith", Eugene stated, "when did that happened again?"
"Faith used to babysit me, and Friedborg came over once in a while to help. We weren't very distant when it came to our ages, so we became really good friends! It's actually how they got the job they have now! Dad, at my request, put in a good word for both of them since they did such a great job taking care of me! The king had them start to work in the castle to make great money since I was too old to be babysat after a while, I visited them whenever dad would go to the castle to talk to the king, it was fun!"
"Awww", Rapunzel stated, "that's actually really adorable!"
Varian blushed and gave a small chuckle when the group froze when they heard, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"W-what the hell?!" Eugene asked, looking around before he noticed Quirin's widened eyes, "a... Are you o-!"
"That was King Edmund....." The retired knight stated
"Wait that was-!"
"King Edmund, yes, I-we have to go find him!"
"Right! Let's go!"
They ran off towards the source of the screams, which ended up being in Eugene's room, they opened the door and gasped at the sight. There stood Edmund, his back to the wall as he stared at what was in front of him. Hector was there too, closer to the middle of the room and reaching out to touch what they were looking at. "A-Adira...." Quirin stated quietly
"No...." Varian added
Adira was frozen.... Red rocks were surrounding her, her eyes were closed as tears were streaking down her face. Her arms were wrapped around her, just as Faith's had been and she looked as though she were in pain.... She was standing, but was hunched into herself. Quirin set Varian down and walked over to his sister, "Adira...." He reached out and touched her shoulder gently, she didn't move, "she... F-feels so cold....."
"Dad", Eugene was immediately by his father's side, "dad hey! Hey look at me, she's gonna be okay, calm down, please!"
The Dark King broke eye contact with Adira and looked at Eugene, his own tears were sliding down his face, "s-s-s-son...."
"Yes dad it's me, it's Horace", the Dark Prince replied gently, inwardly cringing at the name, but hiding it well
"....Y.... You don't like being c-called that", Edmund said, "Eugene.... Y-your name is E-Eugene"
Eugene smiled, "back with me?"
".....Yes.... Thank you, how'd you know?"
"....Your feet were red dad...."
"M-my feet were..... Oh....." He looked at his boots, they were normal, apparently the freezing had stopped when he'd calmed down, thankfully
"Well that's good to know at least", Rapunzel said, "though.... I'm... So sorry about Adira...."
Hector continued to stare at his sister, Quirin noticed this and walked over to him, fighting his own, rising, anxiety as he blocked his little brother's view, "it's okay"
"I.... S-she.... W-was just talking t-to me...." He stuttered, making the Village Leader's heart break, "s-she was talking a-about o-our mission b-before she jumped up.... S-she looked terrified a-and when I saw the red rocks, I-I tried to block her view.... M-more rose b-behind her a-and she.... H-her face went pale... S-she screamed.... A-and King Edmund came in r-right as she finished f-freezing.... I c-couldn't... I....."
"Hector look at me", Quirin stated, getting the wild tamer to look at him, "she's not dead", he stated, "she's alive, she's just frozen. But we have a plan to get her, and everyone else out. She *will* come back, and when she does, all of us need to be there for her. I know it's a lot, but, please, you need to be strong right now. Swallow your fear, bury it, smash it over the head, I know you can, be there for her. For our king and our Kingdom, I'm giving you a new mission, don't freeze, don't be afraid, be strong and wait for her to come back. Okay?"
Hector watched his big brother for a moment before he closed his eyes, took a breath, and let it out slowly before opening them again. He looked more confident and nodded, "I will. Once she's out, I'll be right here waiting for her, and I'll fuck up anyone who gets in my fucking way"
Quirin smiled and nodded, "I know you will, I can always count on you Hector, always"
The wild tamer smiled and nodded, "thanks"
Quirin nodded before he turned to look at Adira again, he was quiet as he continued to stare at his little sister, his scared, afraid, lonely little sister.... He sighed before he looked over at his king, "I take it you don't have a clue on what to do about these red rocks?"
"Sadly no...." Edmund replied, "they've never come to the Dark Kingdom.... But I'll do whatever I can to help those in need, so", he looked at Rapunzel, "give me a task, I want to help"
The blond was startled by this, "a-are you sure?"
"Yes, Hector is watching over Adira, I want to do my part, I will research if needed but it seems as though you already have a plan"
"Well Varian does", the princess stated, smiling at the alchemist, who nodded before she looked back at the king, "honestly, if you could be on the lookout for anyone potentially freezing up, then stopping them from doing so, that would be a huge help. We want as little casualties as possible"
Edmund nodded, "I will do my best! Where should I start? In Old Corona perhaps?"
"The people in Old Corona are safe", Quirin stated, "I told them to go back to their homes, no one, save for Hugo, has been affected by these red rocks, I'm assuming it's because they know not to go near them due to the black rock incident. Either way, I've got farmers handling them. The capital is the only place we should be worried about"
"Noted, I'll stay in the capital then! In fact, I'll go and tell Fredrich and Arianna too! They would want to hear about this"
Rapunzel smiled and nodded, "thank you very much for your help"
"Anything for my future daughter in law", he replied before he looked at Varian, "....I'm so sorry about Hugo little peanut.... I'm certain he'll be back up and running soon though! So will Ruddigar"
The teen blinked at his grandpa before nodding, "thanks, I'm sure they will be too.... Just hard...."
"I understand.... But you're incredibly smart! I know whatever plan you have worked out in that brilliant mind of yours will work out perfectly!"
The alchemist beamed, "thanks grandpa!"
"Of course!" Edmund replied
Rapunzel looked at Quirin next, "are you coming with us?" She asked
"I-!" The retired knight started
"No", Varian interrupted, "dad you should go with Grandpa"
His father looked at him, "what?"
"You're the Village Leader, you're the only one in this entire *kingdom* who has the experience and ability to calm the people down. They need you here"
"But what about you?"
"I need to get rid of the black rocks using something that.... T-that hurt you...."
His father's eyes widened, "bubby, is that why you want me up here?" Varian didn't say anything, "oh son, I won't be hurt again, I trust you"
"I know... B-but I don't want you to be n-near it.... Y-you could slip, an accident could happen, y-you could.... I... I m-might drop it and...." He shook his head, "there's too many things that could happen to where you could get stuck in there again.... I don't w-want you to be in that kind of danger again. I know this sounds odd coming from me, I'm your *son* after all, but.... I-if there's a chance you could g-get stuck a-again I... I don't wanna risk it...."
Quirin wanted to argue, but noticed his son was avoiding eye contact, he was sweating and blushing and shook violently, *this must be so hard for him to say to me.... He trusts me but.... He's so afraid....* The man continued to watch his son, he was silent before he walked over and placed a hand on his son's head, "if that's how you really feel, than ok, I'll stay here"
Varian looked up at his father, the man was clearly unhappy, but he was smiling, "I.... Y-you...."
"I trust you Varian", Quirin stated softly, "no matter what happens, I know you can do anything you set your mind to. So if you really think it would be better for me to stay here, then ok, I'll do as you say"
"....Y-you're not happy about it...."
"Well no, I'm worried for you, but I'm your dad", he picked up his son again and held him close, "I'll always worry for your safety, but you're smart and brave and know what you're doing. I *trust* you, I *love* you, so I won't argue. I'll stay here and help with the capital, you just go do what you do best, save this kingdom and it's people, then when you come back here with a big ole' smile on your face, you come tell me *all* about it, okay?" He kissed his son's cheek and smiled, "I'll be waiting right here when you get back, I trust you, and I love you, so much"
Varian smiled and hugged his father tight, "thank you dad.... I'm sorry"
"It's alright, nothing to apologize for, just be safe"
The alchemist felt his heart fill with warmth as he held his dad close, "I love you too, and I'll come back with so much to tell you, I'll be safe too, I promise"
****
Quirin and Edmund had gone to find King Fredrich and tell them their mission while Eugene, who was holding a frozen Ruddigar, Rapunzel, and Varian went to the planning room. The princess had brought out a map of the tunnels under Corona, Varian marking where the red rocks were growing, once he finished he began to speak, "now, *theoretically*, if we seveeeer *this*", he circled part of the rocks on the map with a red marker, "chain of rocks, using one of my *alchemical* solutions", he stated, a little proudly before remembering which solution he was referring to and losing his bravado, "we can cut of the red rocks fear power", he explained, pounding his fist into his hand to emphasize his point
Rapunzel grinned confidently, "oho we can *so* cut off their power", she stated, smirking at the alchemist
The teen felt a pang of annoyance at that, but quickly silenced it when he remembered his momentary bravado earlier as he continued, "we just need a cavern, that runs deep enough", he stated
"Deep.... Cavern...." Rapunzel said as she and the alchemist stood up, getting Eugene to look at her before she gasped, "I know *just* the *place*!"
The Dark Prince was about to ask what she meant but was stopped when he heard screaming coming from the hall. All three ran out to find a red haired maid running down the hall! She stopped and stared at something they couldn't see before she panicked, "nononon-!" Right in front of their eyes, she fell back, her back touching a red rock as she froze, her body completely covered in red as she reached out a hand to block whatever was scaring her.
The princess gasped as they went to her, "oh no.... It's getting *worse*...." She then grew angry, "we *can't* let this happen to *anyone* else", she looked at Varian determinedly, "your plan, starts *now*"
The alchemist felt his heart beat quickly as she said that, but didn't argue. Simply nodding, "I need to get back to my home and grab my supplies"
"That's good", Rapunzel stated, "We'll need to head to Old Corona anyway, it's where we'll be able to get to the cavern"
"Blondie, what cavern are you talking about?" Eugene asked, handing Varian Ruddigar, seeing as how the kid clearly needed the frozen mammal's support
"I'm talking about the cavern that I found when trying to stop the blizzard", she replied, seeing the alchemist wince a little at the mention of that particular day. She felt a pang of guilt, and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a smile, he smiled back and nodded. She removed her hand as he hugged Ruddigar close to his chest while she continued, "it's the only cavern that would run deep enough for Varian to do what he needs to to get rid of these red monstrosities"
"I see, then I'll go with you!"
"No, Eugene as much as I love and care about you, and I know you'd be a *huge* help. I need you for a different task.... You and Lance both, do you know where he went?"
"Probably to check on the girls", Varian replied, "so near old Corona, he ran in that direction when we were in town"
"That's perfect, come on, let's all go to Old Corona so Varian can get his supplies and we can grab Lance!"
They headed out, Varian saying one final goodbye to his dad and grandpa, and hugging his uncle Hector before hand. They made it to the teen's home, Rapunzel decided she would grab Lance, wanting to check on the girls too as Eugene stuck with Varian. They walked through the home until the teen went inside his room. He froze when he saw Hugo on his bed, "Hugo...."
"Holy.... Oh kid....." Eugene said sadly, as Varian walked over to his blond
The alchemist sat down next to the frozen teen, placing a gently hand on Hugo's cheek. Varian sighed, "I.... I'm so sorry.... I should've never allowed you to go alone...."
"Hey, Varian it's alright", Eugene said, sitting down next to Varian, "look, your boyfriend is more stubborn than *me*, and that's saying something. Even if you didn't want him to, I'm *certain* he would've gone out to try and help you find Ruddigar. He would've said something sassy and/or pervy about it too, like, 'well you may not want me to go out looking for him, but if I don't I'm gonna get lost in your eyes. Might as well be doing something while I'm at it am I right?' Er something else cheesy like that", Varian giggled, making Eugene smile, "look kid, Hugo's gonna be okay. You and blondie will stop these rocks, and you'll fix this, he'll come back and be his cheesy self again, then you two can do all the nerdy flirting you want"
"....Yeah... Y-you're right... I need to get him out of this... I shouldn't be wasting time being sad, I need to save him and Ruddigar and Adira and Faith"
"There ya go! Show those red assholes who's boss!"
"Right!" The teen exclaimed before he looked at Hugo again, "....I'll fix this... I will..." He kissed the blond's nose before he got up and, taking Ruddigar in his hands once more, walked out of the room and towards the basement. Eugene followed him down the steps, accepting Ruddigar as the teen rifled through a bunch of paperwork and chemicals
"So.... How are you planning on fixing this anyway?" The Dark Prince asked
"Well", Varian said, "while I was studying the red rocks, I realized that me touching them made my hair and eyes glow. It was still the same blue color as well, so it got me thinking. When.... W-when the black rocks were formed, a-and dad and I had that.... F-fight.... The chemical I used t-that cost me so much.... I-it froze the rocks growing in our home. I remember staying in here for *months*, and the rocks, while continuing to spread outside, stayed put after.... T-that chemical was spilt.... I think if I use that same c-chemical at the roots of red rocks, I can make them freeze, and possibly even wilt back into the ground again"
"You sound pretty confident kiddo"
"I am... I know it'll work"
"How do you know that?"
"Because when bad things happen to me, the problem usually ends up becoming the solution...."
Eugene winced, "are you alright?"
"Honestly? No", Varian replied, "my boyfriend is frozen, my best friend, aunt, and former babysitter are also frozen in a perpetual state of fear, I'm seeing visions of everything I regret in my life that won't go away, my father may freeze, same with my uncle and grandpa, and so might you, Lance, Catalina, Angry, and Rapunzel and anyone *else* I care about. C-Cassandra is probably out there and is the fucking *cause* of this gigantic mess, and now I'm gonna have to travel with Rapunzel *alone*, no Ruddigar, no you, no Lance or dad, into caverns that she had to use during the blizzard that ruined my life while using a *solution* that ruined my life to stop the problem!" He huffed, trying to ignore the vision he was getting of the Captain of the royal guards behind his with a whip, "....I'm not okay Eugene... B-but I have to be... B-because this is what I'm supposed to do... I'm supposed to be strong and fix my mistakes.... Saving a bunch of people who hate me and think I'm a traitor.... Again...."
The Dark Prince set Ruddigar down and walked over to the teen, wrapping his arms around him, "I'm sorry...."
That was all he said, that was all Varian needed as well. The teen felt tears come to his eyes as he cried, his anxiety and emotions overwhelming him. He wanted everything to stop, just wanted a break, but the universe never gives him that.... So he cried, he cried all of his frustrations, anger, fear, worries, and pain out for only him and Eugene to hear.... The Dark Prince merely sat there and took it, no judgement, no hatred, no anger or regrets, he took every single sob, wretch, grip, and tear that fell on him.
It took a few moments for Varian to be done, his emotions finally quieting down to mere sniffles as Eugene continued to hold him close. He let out a soft sigh after another few minutes, signaling for the Dark Prince to let go. He did so as the teen turned to look at him with a watery smile, "t-thanks, I needed that"
"You're welcome", Eugene replied, "and I know things are hard right now, and I really am sorry. But once this is over, and CassAndra is caught, it'll get easier. Until then, feel free to lean on me anytime, okay? I'll always be here for you, Team Awesome, remember?"
Varian blushed and giggled, "right, Team Awesome forever"
"Fivever", Eugene corrected, at the alchemist's confused look he chuckled, "it's even longer than *for*ever"
The teen laughed and hugged his big brother, his heart feeling a little lighter as Eugene returned the hug. They broke the embrace and Varian turned to look for the equipment once more, "ah! There it is!"
"What are you gonna use to stop the rocks anyway?"
"....The amber...." He replied, holding up the sickeningly golden potion in front of Eugene and making the man's eyes grow wide
****
They met Rapunzel and Lance outside of the teen's home, the latter seemingly much calmer than before, "seein that Catalina and Angry were alright helped a lot. Rapunzel already told me the plan, the girls are waitin for us in the capital", the former thief stated when asked by Eugene
"What exactly *is* the plan?" The Dark Prince asked as he handed Lance Ruddigar before he heard a small *tink* noise. All three looked and saw Varian on the floor, he was rifling through his backpack, checking his supplies. The Dark Prince looked at him worriedly, Lance did as well, the teen looked so sad, but he didn't make any move to stop now. Rapunzel turned to the two men and began to speak, "it's up to *you two* to keep the people's spirits *up*! Remember you *can't* let fear take hold of anyone for too long or....." She didn't continue that sentence as she looked directly at Ruddigar sadly
"Don't worry Sunshine", Eugene exclaimed confidently, "we'll think of something!"
"Yeah, with us two putting our heads together we-AH!" Lance screamed, staring wide eyed at Rapunzel. The princess, Eugene, and Varian looked startled by this before he started to ramble, "getawayfrommeclown-AH SPIDER!" He threw his hands in there air and ran away, accidentally throwing Ruddigar up as well
Varian gasped but let out a relived sigh as Eugene caught him, "....Or *I'll* be thinking of something.... At the very least...." The Dark Prince stated, a little annoyed at his best friend for a moment
Rapunzel sighed, "thank you Eugene, me and Varian will be back as soon as we can"
Her lover turned to face her as Varian closed his backpack and stood, placing it on his back and walking over to the group, "of course blondie", he said, walking over and kissing her forehead, "I know you two can do this", he stated, smiling at Varian, "just be sure to watch out for each other down there, okay?"
"We will", the princess replied before she smiled at the alchemist, "ready to go?"
"I... Yeah, I'm ready", Varian replied, he was looking at Ruddigar worriedly
Eugene noticed this and smiled, "hey kid, don't worry about him, he's in good hands", he then added, "so is your dad, uncle, and grandpa"
Varian blinked and looked at Eugene, "h-how did yo-!"
"For as quiet as you can be, your worries are pretty obvious", Eugene replied with a good natured wink, "it's gonna be alright, you and blondie will go down there, show those rocks whos boss, then come back up and eat your dad's delicious apple pie as a victory snack!"
The alchemist smiled at that, "thank you Eugene, so much"
"Anytime kid"
"Sorry", a voice said sadly, they turned and saw Lance looking ashamed of himself, "I got so freaked out that I dropped Ruddigar and ran.... Sorry...."
The alchemist blinked before he smiled at the man, "it's alright, you were scared, these thing's aren't really being kind to anyone...." He felt chills when he saw the crowd of villagers behind the two men glaring at him with pitchforks and torches. Ignoring it, he looked back up at Lance, "just be safe, please"
"We will, you two be safe too", the former thief stated, "if you need help, come back"
Rapunzel nodded, "we will", she then looked at Varian, "ready to go?"
The alchemist nodded, "yeah, I'm ready"
They said their final goodbyes to Lance and Eugene before walking away. Rapunzel poked Pascal's nose lovingly as he chirruped, she then hummed, "we're gonna save the day, stop these rocks, and fix everything!"
The teen felt another pang of annoyance, but spotted a small look of worry in the blond's face. He swallowed his feeling and remembered what she'd said about Gothel:
*I.... Guess.... So... She did this... Thing.... Where I would have something I *thought* was important enough to tell her, but every time I tried, she'd distract me, interrupt, insult me passively, or if I *finally* got what I needed out, she'd make it out to be something so horrible that I should feel ashamed for even thinking about it", she said, "I remember trying to ask her about the lights for the very first time. The lanterns on my birthday, I was so excited to find out what they were, but.... When I asked.... She brushed it aside and told me they were lights, that I was stupid for thinking of even asking and wasting her time by bringing her to the window....."
"She did?"
"Yeah.... I never asked about them again, at least, not until my 18th when I asked if I could go out and *see* them in *person*! She uh.... Yelled at me for that...."
Varian looked at the princess, "I'm sorry she did that.... She seemed like a very manipulative person"
"She was.... You know, she pulled me to the mirror and told me to look into it and said she saw a strong, confident girl..... Then told me 'oh look! You're there too!' and laughed.... Then she said she was just teasing me.... She did that a lot too.... She also had a whole song where she told me how unprepared I was for the outside world, saying I was sloppy, underdressed, immature, clumsy, and that I'd be eaten alive..... She called me chubby then said she only told me because she loved me...."
"....Rapunzel did she.... Ever threaten you before?"
"....A few times.... During the end of that song, she said, 'don't forget it, you'll regret it', which.... Yeah thinking about it now, that was definitely a threat..... It was when I asked to go outside and see the lanterns....."
"....I'm so sorry....."
"It's not your fault, I mean, I'm not there anymore, I'm out here, in the sunlight, enjoying life, making mistakes, meeting new people! I.... I should be happy...." She said, "I should be ecstatic, I should be spending each and everyday trying to find something to make me smile, and I do, mostly I just.... I...." She felt small tears sting her eyes, "Varian.... Why am I not happy? I'm not poor, I have a loving family, the love of my life is with me all the time, I have friends like you and Lance..... Why am I not happy? Why do I even *feel* anything about Gothel anymore? Why can't I just.... Move on?"*
He felt his guilt begin to rise before he heard her say his name, "hm?"
"Are you alright?" Rapunzel asked
"Y-yeah sorry, I was... Just thinking, what were you saying?"
She nodded and smiled, "I was saying how we were gonna save the kingdom together, right?"
He gave her a small smile, he didn't believe they would, he didn't like to give in to optimism, it'd cost him so much before. But seeing her smile twitch and her eyes hiding her silenced sadness, he could pretend.... For her, he could, "right"
Notes:
Hello! :D
Moon Bean and Rapunzel are finally going to stop the red rocks! Wanted to make that a chapter in and of itself! So here's part 3, part 4 shall be coming soon! :D
Varian's growing, little Moon bean finally said something about how he was feeling, and he's able to help someone and read them well enough to know how they really feel. He's growing, and I couldn't be more proud of him! :D
Poor Adira, Hector, and Edmund.... All three of them are trying their best, but Adira has the most trauma, Hector is right after her, and Edmund and Quirin are tied.... But Hector, Edmund, and Hector can handle it easier since they were trained to do so.... Adira.... She'll get help with it later....
Quirin being such a good papa here! <3<3<3<3<3 Protective bean is gonna let his son do what he needs to and I love him for it! <3
Eugene and Lance being bros, more so Eugene in this chapter, but Lance gets a break because he's king! <3
Rapunzel is trying, she's really trying, I love Punzie <3
Ruddy will be back soon, he will, so will Hugo, Adira, Faith, and everyone else who's been frozen, they'll be back <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 300: Be Very Afraid (Part 4!)
Summary:
Varian and Rapunzel head into the underground tunnels to try and stop the red rocks!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel led Varian to a secret passageway in his town, opening it up and smiling, "ta daa! Secret passage!"
"H-How'd you know this was here?" The alchemist asked
"When you become acting queen for a bit, you get to learn all the secrets of Corona!"
"Oh...."
The princess winced, "sorry, I meant that as a good thing you know"
"Y-yeah I know, sorry"
"It's alright, look, how about we head down and fix this mess, yeah?"
The alchemist nodded, "yeah", they headed down, Rapunzel closing the entrance behind them as Varian shuddered, "dark"
"I know, isn't it cool?"
"Yeah sure, if you like spooky atmosphere"
"Mwahahahahahahahahaaaa!"
"Rapunzeeeeeeel!"
"Hee hee, sorry"
The teen sighed before he dug into his backpack and grabbed a few vials, shaking them and making them light up before he stuck one in the front pocket of his vest and handed one to Rapunzel. She smiled and took it, "sorry", he said
"Why?"
"I kinda snapped at you a little"
"Oh pfft it's alright, I didn't take it as snapping, it's stressful with all these rocks. You're fine, don't worry"
"Thanks"
"Anytime", the princess said with a cheerful smile, "anyway, let's head out!"
"Where are we going exactly?"
"Well, I happen to know of a place that's deep, probably has red rocks surrounding it, and would be perfect for getting rid of them!"
"Does it have a name?" Varian asked, as he and Rapunzel started to walk
"Yup, it's called, and you'll love this, 'The Demanitus Chamber'!"
The teen's eyes widened and sparkled with curiosity, "t-the-!"
"'Demanitus Chamber'! Yup!" Rapunzel replied with a grin, "we just found out you're related to him, and that reminded me of that chamber!"
"Wow, good timing"
"Indeed!" She grinned before she saw a few red rocks grow nearby them, "we should probably hurry though...."
"R-right...."
"Hey, it's gonna be okay, we just need to get to the chamber is all", she said, placing a hand on Varian's shoulder
"y-yeah, you're right we... W-we just need to... G-get to the chamber...." He felt himself begin to panic, and just as it was about to reach his throat, he heard Eugene's voice in his mind:
*'No problem, we got this'*
The alchemist lets out a small breath before he says, "no p-problem, we g-got this...." He feels slightly better, so he repeats himself, "noo problem, w-we got this". The butterflies in his stomach begin to disappear as he continues to repeat those words, following Rapunzel as they make their way through the tunnels together, not noticing the princess pull out her notebook and quill.
****
"Nooo Problem... We got this-no problem we got thiis...." Varian repeats looking around nervously and chuckling to himself.
Rapunzel is walking in front of the teen, watching him worriedly as Pascal lets out a squeak as he watches a fly buzz around him, "you okay Varian?" She asked, "because you've said, 'no problem, we've got this', *23* times now. Look", she shows him her notebook, which shows a drawing of him with a freaked out expression on his face as black, thorny, vines rise up behind him, the next page has the tallies she's been keeping for everything he's said that phrase
"Ohohoho well that's uh..." Varian lets out a small huff of annoyance at the drawing as he begins to walk, "I'm fine, really, uh you know. Just trying not to set of the *three THOUSAND TRAPS* down here..."
"Relaaaax", the princess replied, walking over to join him, neither one noticing the chameleon unleashing his tongue and catching the fly, eating it while accidentally pushing a torch into the wall, "we've been through these tunnels *too* many times for that to-!" She looked at Pascal, hearing a noise before her before stopping as the walls began to move as the floor underneath them opened up, "LOOK OUT!"
The princess managed to hop to safety right as the floor opened, but Varian wasn't so lucky as the alchemist tripped over his own two feet. The backpack on his back opened and several, yellow chemical filled, beakers and a book fell out! "MY SUPPLIES!" He yelled, watching them smash into the ground, making something explode and causing the floor to open wide as he made a worried noise, trying to scramble back to safety, but it was too late! He was falling, letting out a yellow before his hairstipe lit and he saw a glowing strand of blond hair come to him. He grabbed it quickly, stopping his decent as Rapunzel pulled him back up, the floor, thankfully, staying open as she did so.
He smiled at her as she continued to pull him up, noticing she'd used a rafter on the ceiling to help her do so. He was back on his feet, safely, "oh thank you!" He stated with relief
"Are you okay?!" She asked
"I'm fine", he replied, checking his back, "oh but we've only got one vial of my solution left....." He stated as he pulled it out and looked at it sadly, showing Rapunzel
"Well then, I guess we'll just have to make it count!" She replied cheerfully. Varian didn't respond, staring at the chemical as he walked away. She felt a little annoyed, but didn't say anything, understanding he was anxious, before spotting a fly bussing around her again, noticing Pascal watching it excitedly, she crossed her arms, raised a brow, and gave him a quiet "a-hem".
The chameleon looked at her, frowned, and bowed his head, a little ashamed, she sighed and poked his head lovingly before she began to walk again, joining Varian, who was still holding the vial.
It was a few moments of silence between the two before Rapunzel started to recognize where they were, "not much further Varian-we're almost there", she pointed out happily, "have that solution ready". She didn't hear him beside her anymore and turned around, noticing the teen was staring at the chemical in his hand, his expression a mix of fear and extreme sadness, "Varian", she said gently, walking over to him, "what*ever* those red rocks are showing you, they're *just* visions, they're *not* real"
"....But they are...." The alchemist stated, his face now angrily glaring at the chemical before he held it up to her, "do you know what this is?"
"It's... What's gonna help us sever the red rocks power", she replied
"Yes but this is also the *same* compound... T-that encased my *father*....." He stated, making her eyes widen with worry, "you know, the red rocks show everyone *else*....See hallucinations-but what *I* see..... Really happened..." He said sadly, "this stuff *ruined* my *life*, because of *this*, I did... I did *terrible*-!" His were shaking so badly that, as he turned, the chemical dropped out of his hand, he tried to catch it but missed.
Right as the beaker was about to smash on the floor, Pascal's tongue grabbed it, wrapping around the vial and bringing it to his mouth, "*great* snag buddy!" Rapunzel complimented, unknowingly reminding Varian of how alone he felt without Ruddigar on his shoulder....
"If that had *smashed*", Varian began as he gently took the chemical out of the chameleon's mouth, "then Corona would've been done for, and then *everyone*", he stated, clamping his hands tightly around the bottle as his eyes widened with fear when he saw the crowd of angry citizen staring at him near some red rocks, "would hate me even *more*-not that I *blame* them I ju-...." He let out a defeated sigh, *she doesn't wanna hear this.... I should just stop, I've been nothing but negative during this whole thing.... What's wrong with me....*
Rapunzel watched the teen worriedly, feeling his anxiety and sadness radiating off of him, she hadn't realized he'd felt *this* bad..... "Varian", she said gently, placing a hand on his back, "you *can't* be so hard on yourself", she said, giving him a small, encouraging smile
"That's east for *you* to say-you know, you're the *embodiment* of the Sundrop*, the wonderous, *magical*, Sundrop", Varian exclaimed
"Ah ya hear that Pascal? He called me wonderful and magical", the princess joked, trying to lighten the mood as Pascal made a 'daawww' face at the teen
"No what I'm *saying*", the alchemist stated, getting a little more annoyed at her joke, *how could she be making a joke about this when I was pouring his heart out to her?! Maybe I need to paint her a picture?* He thought, but kept that feeling to himself as he continued, "is that.... F-for *ordinary* people-like *me*", he emphasized, getting her to wince just a little, "*fear* is... Just... A little more debilitating...." Varian felt guilty about the slightly hurt looked he received from Rapunzel, but he needed her to know how badly this was hurting him.... This isn't a joke, this isn't some fun adventure, they could *die*, and Corona would be destroyed!
"Varian...." He waited for her to scold him for his slight snap, but froze when she took his hand, looking up at her, "there is *nothing* ordinary about you", she said with a warm smile
She'd missed the point a little bit, but he, for some reason, felt a little better when she'd said that. Allowing her to pull him with her as they continued down the chamber, he remembered Lance saying something about this feeling once:
*'Validation'*
So that was it.... She just validated him... He smiled, he appreciated it, but his anxiety continued to grow, "Rapunzel?"
"Hm?" The princess replied
"Do you think.... T-that they'll hate me forever?"
She stopped and looked at him, "is that what you're worried about?"
"S-sort of.... That and..." He sighed, "I told you I didn't trust myself.... I still don't.... Rapunzel I keep seeing the people of Corona with pitchforks and torches, glaring at me.... I see Andrew hurting everyone I love and care about.... A-and.... Then...." He felt tears in his eyes as he noticed a yellow glow behind him
"VARIAAAAN!" His father screamed
"Hey", Rapunzel hugged him, "hey it's okay, it's not real, it's not real"
"I k-know but.... H-he needs my help...."
"Huh? Who?"
"Dad!" He exclaimed, pulling away from her just a bit, "h-he keeps showing u-up and... A-and.... T-the amber...."
Rapunzel's eyes widened, "oh, nonono Varian, you're dad's safe, he's safe"
"B-but-!"
"He's safe, he's with Eugene, Lance, and King Edmund, he's *safe*. He's not down here, not at all, he kept his word and stayed with them", she hugged him again, "he's safe Varian.... He's safe...."
He sniffled, "I... I w-wish I could turn back time Rapunzel...." He admitted, "I w-wish I hadn't done anything.... I wish.... I w-wish I could rewrite everything...." The princess felt the teen pull away, his eyes were closed and he was shaking. The room was quiet, "I'm sorry...." He said
"I-it's *okay* Varian, you... I understand.... More than you know actually...." The princess said, "sometimes... I wish I could rewrite things too... You know... My mom said when you feel scared... To whistle, or sing... It helps her"
The teen chuckled sadly, "sing huh?"
"She said it works"
".....Maybe...." He sighed, he didn't think it would, but.... He still saw the golden glow, turning away from it, he took a breath, and began:
'There's a block on the edge of this town no one talks about,
Where the carts never stop and the kids know they're *not* getting out,
You live in the loop, you then start to droop,
Counting the coins you got,
You work on a farm, where all that you are, is everything you're *not*,
He felt tears come to his eyes again as he thought about his father's wish to have a son who would be just like him.... Rapunzel noticed the teen's sadness and gave him a sad expression as he continued
Someone tell me when,
I can start again,
And *rewrite* this story,
He sang loudly, feeling his anger go into the song as he continued
How long can I stay,
Lost without a way to *rewrite*,
I wish I could *rewrite* this story....,
He fell silent, his feeling mixing together as he waited for Rapunzel to respond, he wasn't sure what she'd say, or even if she understood, and he was afraid to find out... Until she began to sing
Pretty face, pretty voice; pretty much someone they forget,
He looked at her with surprise
Hard to tell me apart from the ten other girls they just met,
"We can't see the hook, we can't sell the look",
I hear it every day,
He felt a pang of anger on her behalf, he definitely understood that....
"You won't be a star if you're who you are",
So I just fade *away*,
Make me someone new,
Tell me what I do to *rewrite* this story,
He watched her face, it was full of hurt and frustration, he wondered something as she continued to sing, him joining in to show his support
How long can I stay,
Lost without a way to *rewrite*,
I wish I could rewrite this story,
They smiled at each other as they took a dancing pose and began to spin around the room together, their hair and eyes lighting up
Change every *word* of every line,
Write any story but *mine*,
Rapunzel spun around and they struck a pose together as their magic swirled around them. They let go of each other as she continued to sing
Someone tell me when,
Varian joined her
Can I start again,
And rewrite this story,
They smiled again
Yeah, *YEAH*,
They began to dance again, their magic intermingling together once more as they did!
How long can I stay,
Lost without a way to *rewrite*,
*REWRITE*,
We wish we could *rewrite* this story....'
They finished and panted a little bit before looking at each other, the princess looked at him, "feel better?"
Varian nodded, "I do, t-thank you for that-but.... Princess I.... D-do you... *Not* want to be a princess anymore?"
Rapunzel froze before she chuckled nervously, "ahaha, I'm glad you're feeling better, now let's go!"
She began to walk away, Varian felt his heart break a little before said, "no"
"Huh?" Rapunzel looked at him
"No, you need to talk about what you're feeling too", he stated firmly, "maybe you don't want to, maybe you think it's best to keep it in, but these rocks aren't just affecting *me* Rapunzel", he stated, "I noticed you pull out your notebook earlier, it wasn't *just* to keep track of the 23 times I said 'no problem, we've got this', you were doing it because they were affecting you"
"Varian I-!"
"I get it, you don't wanna talk, but it's gonna hurt you Rapunzel. Just like your feelings with Gothel, they're gonna fester and boil and hurt you, and it's not healthy", he stated before he let out a small breath, "you don't have to say anything right now... But please", he walked over and took her hand in his, "please don't let yourself do what I did. Talk to me when you can, I won't judge you or tell a soul, just.... Please, when you're ready.... Please"
She was frozen, she didn't want to acknowledge what she was seeing or feeling, she just wanted it to leave her be, but as she saw the images behind the alchemist, she realized he was right, and sighed.... "I... Can't right now... But give me a little bit and... I'll try.... Is that fair?"
Varian smiled and nodded, "that's fair"
She grinned, "thank you Varian"
"F-for what, for snapping at you?"
"No", she said with a giggle, "for being there for me, and telling me what I need to hear, instead of what I want.... You, Quirin, and Eugene seem to be the only one's who can. King Edmund and Lance can too, but only when they're angry", she giggled
"When were they-!"
"After Eugene and I let slip about how I acted after you came to the castle during the blizzard.... They... Got pretty mad on your behald"
"O-oh I-I'm so sorry I-!"
"No it's alright, they were right, I should've done a lot more to help you", she interrupted gently, "that's why I'm so adamant that you don't blame yourself anymore, because you really weren't the only one in the wrong. But it takes time to heal, I understand that, but I'll help you along, anytime you need me to"
Varian smiled, "same to you, Team Freckle Siblings!"
Rapunzel beamed happily, "Team Freckle Siblings!" They laughed together before another red rock grew nearby, "come on", the princess said, "we should hurry"
"Right", Varian replied, he noticed the yellow glow again and felt his heart skip a beat. Guess he still feels anxious.... Taking a breath, he remembered Rapunzel's words, and followed behind her, trying not to let his anxiety get any worse.
****
His anxiety was getting worse, they'd been walking for a while now, he didn't see an exit, and the angry villagers, Andrew, and the amber were all getting closer. He felt his breath hitching in his throat as he followed the princess, who also seemed anxious, "uh Rapunzel...." He said as he noticed the growing red rocks were making the caverns begin to crumble, "weee really gotta hurry", he let out a nervous chuckle, "how much further-!"
"Uhhh-we're here!" The princess responded, stopping and looking up at a large mechanism that seemed to have been built hundreds of years ago, "you wanted a big underground cavern, I give you.... 'The *Demanitus* Chamber'!"
He stared at the large machine as well, wide eyed, with wonder as he felt his heart bumping quickly with excitement, "woaaah.... It-it's-uh-it's *amazing*!"
"Yoooou Should've seen it *before* all of these red rocks"
"W-wait you've actually... B-Been here before?" The teen asked, remembering her saying she'd found this place during the blizzard
"You could say that", Rapunzel said, petting Pascal lovingly as he made a small happy squeak
Varian ignored that, he also ignored the guilt rising in his gut as he looked at the machine again, "*man* I would've *loved* to have met Demanitus!" He stated, letting out an impressed chuckled
"I did", Rapunzel said, getting his eyes to widen, "nice guy", He looked at her, "hee was a monkey", he fully turned to her at this point, confusion, excitement, and interest mixing together in a very odd pot, "daa.... Long story", she turned away, gesturing for him to follow as they walked around the machine, which seemed to be crumpling due to the red rocks
They walked down some stairs nearby, Varian noting this chamber in his mind, *this would definitely be a nice place to set up a secret lab*, he thought to himself, *....As long as it doesn't get destroyed.... A-and I'd have to make repairs on Demanitus's machine and-focus Varian!* He scolded himself as they got to the base of the stairs, and the machine, "oh!" He noticed a few red rock roots nearby, "okay, there's the base! Encasing it in amber", he began as he and Rapunzel jogged over to it, "*should stop the fear from s-oh AAH!" He and the princess froze when the entire chamber began to shake violently!
They looked up and saw more red rocks growing on the roof, Rapunzel nudged Varian forwards a bit, "ok, *less* explaining and *more* pouring", she stated, letting down her hair and wrapping it around his waist, just in case.
The teen walked over to the base slowly, raising the chemical in the air, getting ready to pour when, "VARIAAAN!" He froze and looked down, he saw his father, who was nearly completely encased in the amber. His warm brown eyes were filled to the *brim* with fear and regret, "*PLEASE* HELP ME!" He begged
The teen felt a shiver go up his spine, he wanted nothing more than to go down there and rescue his dad, his heart was beating, his head and heart hurt, but he did not come this far to stop now. So with a *heavy* sigh, he looked at the chemical again, ignored his father's please, which broke his heart, and poured the chemical onto the red rocks. He felt Rapunzel *instantly* pull him back and nudge him behind her, shielding them both with her hair as they waited for it to begin encasing the chamber. But as they did, nothing happened.
"What? DAH-I don't understand! This Solution *should've* encased the red rocks I-oh... Uh-of COURSE! So dumb Varian!" He scolded, making Rapunzel wince a little as she looked around the chamber, "whatever encased these rocks must've changed their internal chemistry!"
"Sooo that solution *only* works on black rocks?" Rapunzel asked, still looking around before smiling at something
"Yes", Varian growled frustratedly, "well... What's *left* of it", he said, poking the beaker with his finger twice as he stared at a small droplet of the chemical that was left before looking around, "but.... I don't even see any black *rocks*"
"I do", Rapunzel stated, pointing up towards the ceiling
Varian looked up and squinted, trying to see what she was pointing at before the tiniest black rock came into his view, "....Ok.... This just got a lot harder...." He replied worriedly as he stared at the rock before he chuckled nervously, "you're telling me I've gotta climb all the way up *there*?" He asked, chuckling again, trying not to freak out, "no one in their right *minds* would climb-!"
"RACE YOU TO THE TOP!" Rapunzel interrupted as she jumped on a red rock in front of them and began to climb
Varian watched her go before he huffed, "oh come on....." She hadn't stopped climbing, in fact, she looked back at him and gestured for him to follow
"It's easy Varian! Come on!"
"This girl's trying to kill me...."
"You coming?"
He didn't want to follow her, his legs were stuck in place but as he heard the yells of the villagers behind him, he began to climb, "better *she* kill me than them, she'll make it fast...."
"What was that?" Rapunzel called
"Nothing, nothing, just saying I'm coming!" Varian replied, before muttering, "while writing my will as we speak.... All my stuff goes to Ruddigar.... Save for my farming notes, equipment, and any daggers and memories I have in my room, those go to dad". He nodded to himself before remembering Edmund, Adira, Hector, Eugene, Lance, and Hugo, "ok ok, Hugo gets all my alchemy, save for the plant stuff, he also gets my lab Eugene can have my Flynn Rider collection as well as any toys I may have the pertain to Flynn Rider, Lance can have my stuffed animals, which I definitely do *not* have any.... Nope... None...." He blushed, "A-Adira can have my recipes for all my sweeter experiments as well as any books I have about different cultures, she likes that stuff, Hector can have my daggers and weapons, including any notes on them, Grandpa gets-!" He slipped a little, sliding down one of the red rocks before regaining his grip and continuing to climb, "G-Grandpa gets my joke books and games as well as my blankets since he gets cold easily, and my notes for his surprise right arm replacement I'm working on, Ruddigar gets my clothing since he likes to snuggle in it, my bed, my room, my desks and chairs, everything I've built for him like the tiny window seat he loves, anything apple related and all the raccoon treats I've made. Then dad gets my plant notes, chemicals, tools, etc, my box of memories, my stuffed raccoon doll he made me when I was 4 that's definitely still not in my room under my pillow safe and sound", he jumped to another red rock and continued, "my pillows and all the lotion I've made for his shoulder, notes for better tools for farming, all my art supplies, my goggles, and Ruddigar, because he'll need a friend". The alchemist thought about anything else he might be forgetting before shaking his head, "nope, not forgetting anything, that's my will and I'll make sure to write that down or send it to the Moon so she can pass it to my father when I eventually die from this absolutely unsafe and crazy experience this princess continues to put me through", he huffed, ".....Rapunzel gets my art supplies actually, she may have gotten me killed, but I shouldn't stay mad at her, she'll feel guilty"
"You alright down there?" Rapunzel called
"Y-yeah, just thinking"
"About what?"
".....Um..... Art supplies?"
"Oooh! Once we're done here, we should go buy some!"
"Ha ha, oki", the alchemist replied before muttering, "note to self, bring helmet during that trip...." He continued to climb up before hopping on the device Demanitus had made, "y-you know this would b-be an amazing moment for me if I w-weren't ten seconds away from dying....." He stated, looking down and seeing amber filling the floor below him, "a-and wasn't seeing my f-father being encased right before m-my eyes while not being a-able to do anything about it....."
"VARIAAAAN!"
"I can't hear you down there!"
"PLEASE SON!"
He ignored his father's plea's with tears stinging the corners of his eyes as he grunted and panted with every new grab he made before he ended up grabbing a loose stone, "WOAH-WHA-AH!" He held on tightly to the other grab he had, managing to hang in there
"WOAH! WATCH OUT!" Rapunzel yelled, dodging more debris as they fell around her. Varian wasn't so lucky however, as a few rocks hit him hard, making him let go and begin to fall! He let out a scream, "VARIAN!" Rapunzel screamed as she dove after him, throwing her hair down to him and having him grab it as she turned around and latched her hair securely around a piece of the machinery. She then used herself as a weight and made a small seat in her hair as she and Varian became level with each other, "phew", she said when she saw the frightened alchemist clinging to her hair using his entire body, legs included
"It's no use Rapunzel, I-I CAN'T DO THIS!" He exclaimed defeatedly
"Varian, you *cannot* let *fear* run your life, look.... I'm afraid *too*!"
"Yeah you said that princess-but you don't *see* what *I* see!" He stated, looking down at his father, who was staring up at him pleadingly, breaking the alchemist's heart once again
"That *true*, I don't.... But that doesn't mean I'm not seeing.... Other things...." Rapunzel said, getting Varian to look at her worriedly, "I see Corona.... It's *covered* in black rocks.... And I see... *Cassadra*.... she's *conquered the kingdom-*destroyed* it forever.... And you know what the weird part is?" She asked, looking at Varian as tears filled her eyes as well, "what I'm *most* afraid of... Is *losing* Cassandra.... Forever...." She admitted, looking down sadly
"I had no idea....." Varian replied softly, using Rapunzel's hair to swing over to the princess and place a hand on her shoulder
"I guess.. We *both* have trouble talking about what scares us", she said, smiling at the teen sadly
He returned the sad smile, feeling like he was finally understanding the princess before the entire cavern began to shake once more, getting the two to look up and see the black rock
Varian debated.... He was afraid, so very afraid, and he might also get killed in the process.... But.... Rapunzel's words repeated in his head:
*'"Varian, you *cannot* let *fear* run your life, look.... I'm afraid *too*!'*
She was just as afraid as he was, yet she's willing to risk *everything* to save people.... It stopped the debating just as fast as it'd started when he smiled, "I'll do it", he stated, getting the princess to look at him, "just uh.... G-give me a lift"
Rapunzel smirked and nodded, "one lift, coming up!" She then climbed up her hair a little before hopping down, making the teen skyrocket up to the platform above them, she landed on the platform below and looked up, "*HURRY* VARIAN!" She called
The teen immediately began to climb up, jumping on a nearby red rock and continuing his climb with newfound vigor! He still thought he would die, but he had hope, and that's all he needed for now, "she gets-oof, more stuff of mine in my-ah w-will!" He said to himself
Rapunzel, on the other hand, was being surrounded by the red rocks, they were nearly pushing her off the platform, she used her forearms as a brace, trying to keep them away from her before her eyes opened and her hair glowed just a bit. she felt.... "Cass?" She said, the blue haired women was touching the rock, and Rapunzel could feel her fear as well, she saw what Cassandra saw, and.... It was the same..... This made Rapunzel's heart beat rapidly, she couldn't feel her legs and arms anymore as she continued to push the red rocks back, realizing she was being frozen in fear and she couldn't stop it..... "UH VARIAN!"
Rapunzel's called made Varian's anxiety explode, and he suddenly couldn't feel his hands, looking at them, he noticed the same red encasing that froze his raccoon, aunt, boyfriend, and friend..... "I-it's not real, you can *do* this!" He told himself, encouraging himself for the very first time. He felt the encasing weaken just a bit, and he let out a small sigh of relief as he continued to climb, "ok...." Reaching the top, he finally found the black rock! He couldn't climb anymore, his legs were stuck to the red rocks below him. Trying to block that, and the burning pain that he felt as it climbed up him, down, he reached into his back and pulled out the beaker!
He reached over to the black rock but accidentally dropped the chemical, "ah! THE VIAL!" He yelled, watching as it hit a few things before he caught it on his shoe, but it began to tip, "NO!" He managed to, despite the odds, force his foot to move, but it nearly cost him the rest of the chemical
"VARIAAAAAN!" He heard his father's painful call
The alchemist closed his eyes, trying to focus when he felt the beaker tip more. His eye *shot* open as he looked down at it, "nonono NO! DON'T! *DON'T*!" He demanded before he shook off his fear and kicked the vial up, catching it in his hand! "AAAH! GOT IT!" He exclaimed, accepting the adrenaline rush he felt at the small victory, as it allowed him to move more. That's when he noticed the black rock beginning to turn red. He felt his body begin to freeze again, "FIGHT THE FEAR!" He yelled to himself, "*FIGHT IT*!" He reached as far to the tip of the black rock that he could, " ok.... Come on! AAAH I've g-gotta!" It was so painful, his body was *burning* as the red encased him more and more, creeping up to his neck, he wanted to *cry* it was so bad, but he fought, and continued to fight until *finally*, the drop fell out and landed at the tip of the black rock!
"GO!" He yelled, at the chemical, right as he did, the amber began to grow! "AH!" He felt his body unfreeze and he laughed like a maniac, "AH IT'S WORKING! *IT'S WORKING*-OH!" He realized the amber was still the *amber* and jumped away from it, landing safely out of the chemical's way as he watched it spread throughout the chamber. The red rocks depleted, as he watched Rapunzel, who had become unfrozen as well, jump down to safety, thankfully the amber followed the roots of the red rocks, only encasing them and them alone.
The alchemist found his footing and jumped from platform to platform until he landed on the ground next to Rapunzel, "AH!" She screamed, pulling him into a *tight* bear hug! "YOU TACKLED YOUR *FEARS* VARIAN!" She exclaimed, letting him go and looking directly into his eyes, "I *knew* you have it in you!"
He blinked for a moment before he smiled lovingly at the princess, finally feeling all of his fear and worries drift away as he hugged her back, "thank you, Rapunzel...."
She was startled by this, but smiled and hugged him back, both were so happy the entire thing was finally over! They heard a noise and broke the hug to look before seeing the red rock shrink to the ground. Varian's hair began to glow and he felt something inside of him, "w-wha?" suddenly a red rock appeared in front of him and Rapunzel
"No! No this cannot be happening again!" The princess exclaimed
"N-no, I... I think... I-it's for me", Varian replied as he walked over to the rock. He hesitated for a moment or two before he placed his hand on it, suddenly there was a flash of blue and the rock sunk into the ground again, but this time, Varian's hand glowed red. He watched it for a moment before smiling, "mine", he said softly
"Huh?"
"T-the power of the red rocks, the Moonstone just said it was mine now", Varian replied, "I guess I earned them"
Rapunzel blinked before she smiled, "you did", she said, "you really did", the teen smiled at her before he let out a long, squeaky, yawn, making the princess giggle, "I think it's time we head back to Corona"
"Yeah, this may sound childish.... But I really want my dad right now"
The blond grinned, "I understand, I really want my Eugene"
Varian giggled as they both began to walk out of the cavern, "oh! By the way, I was thinking about this earlier, how about I use *this* place as my new base of operations for anything Demanitus scroll based!"
The princess's eyes widened and she grinned, "that's a *perfect* idea! Oh we could get you a tiny desk and chair! There's plenty of room for you to test your invention out at!"
"Woah woah w-wait a minute, *tiny* desk and chair?"
Rapunzel smirked, "well I mean", she straightened her back, "who's the taller one here exactly?"
"Oh that's it! You get no new paint brushes now missy!"
"Wait you were gonna get me paint brushes?!"
"I *was*!" the alchemist stated as he ran out of the cavern laughing
"Wait wait I take it back, I take it back!" Rapunzel exclaimed as she chased Varian out, joining in his laughter as they both filled with relief at the thought of *finally* being done!
Notes:
Small shout out to Ash:> for the Freckle Siblings dancing with magic involved! I finally got to use your idea, so thank you for allowing me to! <3
'Rewrite this Story' was written by smash song writers, but Jeremey Jordan, Varian's VA, sang the boy's part, and the girl who sang with him, Katharine McPhee, sounds a lot like Mandy Moore when voicing Rapunzel! :D I feel like it's a perfect song for these two, though I did switch a few lyrics around because of the era their in. PLEASE listen to the actual song though, it's so AMAZING!!!!! <3
I know the line from Rapunzel is 'losing Cassandra *as a friend* forever', when talking to Varian about what she fears, but I think that was Disney's way of trying to get around how Rapunzel fears losing Cassandra in general, like her dying, so I changed it.
OH MY *GOSH* this was so much fun to write!!!!! :D Here's part 4, the finale to this amazing episode!!!!! :D
This is only Rapunzel and Varian because I wanted to explore them together more! This pair is underrated to me because I think they could've been really funny and wholesome together! Annoying each other but loving each other at the end of the day! Both of them growing and learning to respect the other's ways, I love both of these characters, Rapunzel was amazing in the movie, and Varian's always gonna be my favorite in the show <3 So them together as siblings, and having their relationship grow makes it even better!
But what do you all think? I'd love to hear your thoughts, genuinely, I love this episode and I hope I did it justice :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 301: Reunited! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian and Rapunzel return from beneath the kingdom and begin to reunite with their friends and family!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The large entrance made a loud *creeeeaaaaaak*ing sound as the Sun princess opened it up, "what could that be do you suppose?" The alchemist asked, getting Rapunzel to snort as he gingerly poked at the sunlight seeping through
"Varian"
"AH! It BURNS!"
"Varian!"
"It must be some sort of darkness burning light! Rapunzel! Stay away!"
"Alright alright, so we've been down here all night"
"What is life?!"
The princess giggled again as she grabbed her little brother's hand, "come on you stinker, lets go"
Varian smiled, snickering to himself as he allowed the princess to guide him out of the tunnel and onto the soft grass, "hmmm.... I should study these green things too, could come in handy in case we need to make a new world order"
"Varian!" The blond laughed as she shut the entrance closed and locked it tight before she turned to the teen, "are you gonna be like this all day?"
".....Maybe"
She shook her head before looking around, "hey, the red rocks all went away up here"
Varian looked around as well and let out a small sigh of relief, "thank goodness...."
The princess smiled at him, "it's all thanks to you you know"
"W-well I mean, I wouldn't have been able to gather what courage I had *left* without *you*"
Rapunzel hummed, "honestly, I don't think that's true. *you* conquered your fears, *you* had the solution that stopped the red rocks, *you* were the one that climbed up and poured it onto the final black rock we could see in time, I merely gave encouragement"
"And found the black rock.... And also saved me twice"
She chuckled, ruffling the teen's hair a bit, "you're a real hero now Varian, and I'm gonna make sure *everyone* knows it"
He blushed and gently bapped her hand away before straightening out his hair, "thank you Rapunzel, and you are too"
She nodded, the both of them just standing there for a moment, enjoying the Sun's welcoming light before they heard, "heeeeeeey!"
"What was that?" Rapunzel asked
"I... I think that wa-!"
"VAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARIAN!!!!!!!!"
The alchemist's eyes widened as he *immediately* started to look around before spotting someone running towards and *instantly* recognizing who they were, "HUUUUUUUUUGO!!!!!!!!!!!!" He yelled, waving and grinning so brightly as he began to run over to his boyfriend, Rapunzel right behind him!
The two alchemist's collided into a tight hug, the princess halting nearby as she watched the two happily. They continued to hug each other before Varian pulled away, just a little, and kissed Hugo happily, the blond returning it before they parted and hugged once more, "I'm *so* glad you're okay", the freckled teen said softly as tear slid down his cheeks
"I'm glad *you're* okay! I was so fucking worried about you!" Hugo replied, his own tears joining Varian's as the two pulled away from each other, "I could hear you"
"W-wait you could-!"
"Yeah! I heard your pops find me and take me inside his home, I heard you and Eugene walking inside and talk to me, I could *hear*! I.... Could also see what I was so afraid of replaying in my mind like some sort of time loop, which was fucking creepy...."
The freckle siblings looked at each other worriedly before looking back at Hugo, "are you alright?" Rapunzel asked, stepping forwards a bit
"Y-yeah, I'm fine, just got scared it all, thankfully I was able to ignore it, but... I'm guessing by the looks on your two's faces that you know someone who wouldn't be so lucky...."
Varian looked down, "yeah.... Adira...."
Hugo's eyes widened, "shit-she got caught?!"
"Yeah, we may want to go check on her right now"
"Definitely", the princess agreed, "in fact, I'll send some people out to check on the one's who were frozen, do some damage control, Varian, I think we may need to split up a bit"
The alchemist nodded, "that's a good idea, I'll meet you back at the castle?"
"Definitely", Rapunzel replied before she ran off towards the capital, leaving the two alchemists alone for a moment
Varian looked at Hugo, "you sure you're alright? I have a sneaking suspicion I know what you were seeing..."
"Don...."
"Yeah...."
"I-I'm alright, just.... Sad.... It was jarring, but.... It wasn't real, she's not here... The red rocks made it to where I couldn't remember that..."
"I'm so sorry Hugo... I never should've asked you to go alone...."
"Hey, I *chose* to go alone, you didn't *ask* me, don't do that to yourself love", the blond stated
"S-still-!"
"No no 'still', you stop that", he booped Varian's nose gently, getting the teen to giggle and blush, "no blaming yourself, none of this was your fault, *none*, ok?"
"....Oki"
"Well aren't you just so convincing", the bespeckled teen stated sarcastically with a raised brow
Varian laughed, "alright alright, it's not my fault"
"Ya mean it?"
"I mean it"
"Ya suuuuure?" Hugo asked, poking the freckled teen's sides and getting him to smile
"I'm suuuuuuure"
"Good"
"You're a brat"
"I accept that as a compliment"
"Sassy"
"That too"
They joked with each other as they began to walk towards the capital. It took them an hour to get there, however, due to Varian's lack of sleep and small injuries from his and Rapunzel's journey, "I *huff* don't know *pant pant* how in the *WORLD* *huff pant* Rapunzel *RAN*!" The teen exclaimed
Hugo smiled, "she's the Sun princess and it's morning"
"*Huff huff* good point"
"Need a lift?"
"I w-would *pant* love one, but there's *huff huff* no caravans around"
"Don't need one", Hugo stated with a grin as he approached the teen
"W-what do you-MEEP!" Varian flailed his arms a little as Hugo backed into him while crouched, getting the freckled teen to fall forwards onto his boyfriend's back before Hugo stood, his arms around Varian's legs as the blue eyed alchemist wrapped his hands around the blond's shoulders, "H-H-Hugo!"
"What? You need to rest, so here's your resting spot"
Varian blushed before letting out a sigh, "i-is this really okay? You were frozen all night"
"Yeah, which means I got plenty of rest, in fact, I really want to run right now, so I think I will"
"W-wait no-AAH!"
The blond took off running, Varian latching onto him for dear life as the pair went through the forest and across the bridge into the capital's square before the bespeckled teen stopped, "good sir, your ride ends here"
Varian shakily got off the blond's back, he was still blushing profusely before he looked at Hugo, "t-thank you, and you're an e-even *BIGGER* brat now!" He exclaimed, punching the teen's arm softly
Hugo laughed, "you're rested now though, right?"
"Hmph!"
"Riiiiight?"
"....Yes"
"Hee hee"
"Shaddup"
The blond snickered before spotting something behind the freckled teen that made him smirk, "hey Freckles"
"What?"
"You know that old ghost story about the creepy old man who lives under the bridge we just crossed?"
"What? W-what creepy old man?!"
"You haven't heard? Well, there's an old legend that Xavier told me about, it says that long ago, a creepy old man lived near the bridge, he wasn't nice to anybody, telling people to stay 'offa his lawn!' and such, and no one was nice to him because he was so nasty. One day, it was a rare cold day in Corona, so cold in fact that *ice* started to form on near the bridge. That creepy old man was crossing it and ended up slipping!"
Varian looked startled, "w-what happened?"
"Well, he fell into the water below, but it was ice cold! He ended up drowning in it's depths, his house was left abandoned and no one came to his funeral. One day, a couple of thieves began to squat in his home, but it was the worst mistake they made"
"W-why?" The teen was shaking now
"Well, when they got inside, they said the front door shut immediately and the fire lit in the fireplace with no one touching it! The thieves were frozen, literally, they couldn't move! They said it felt like their limbs were covered in ice and snow. Suddenly, they saw an old man standing in front of the fire, he turned to them and said, "it's so cold.... And I can't get warm". The thieves weren't able to move, they couldn't leave, that's when the old man faced them fully and screamed at the top of his lungs!"
"GET OFFA MY PROPERTY!" A very loud voice yelled right behind the freckled teen
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Varian turned and threw a goo bomb at the person before jumping back and grabbing a stick, raising it into the air and waiting for the smoke to clear. That is... Until he heard someone giggling, "w-wha?"
"That was funny!" A familiar voice stated, "could've done without the goo though little man"
"I-wha-LANCE!"
The smoke cleared, revealing a snickering Lance behind it, his feet trapped inside the goo bomb, "hee hee, hiya"
"WHY!" Varian exclaimed, "TO THE *BOTH* OF YOU *WHY*?!" He added, poking Hugo with the stick grumpily
The blond was laughing, "behehehehecause it wahahas funny!"
"I DON'T AGREE HERE!"
"We're sorry we're sorry", Lance replied, giggling a little bit, "we actually planned to do this before all of the scary red rocks came outta no where, but when he saw me behind you, and gave me that smirk, I just couldn't stop myself!"
"I see, and now you can just *stay* in that gooey mess!"
The former thief giggled, "alright alright, for real this time, I'm sorry", he stated, "that was mean"
"Yes it was", Varian pouted
"We're sorry Freckles", Hugo stated, "can you please let him out of the goo?"
"You two won't do it again?"
"Not today", Varian gave his boyfriend a look the nearly *matched* his father, sending chills down the blond's back, "alright alright, we won't", Varian raised a brow at Lance, who nodded
"Good", the teen pulled out the vial that held the dissolvent for the goo bomb and dripped a little onto Lance's shoes. The former thief was freed and smiled
"Thanks little man"
"Hmph...."
"....How about I make it up to ya by tellin you where you can find your dad"
Varian's eyes widened and he looked up at the man, "where? Is he okay? Did he get frozen? Is he safe? If he with Grandpa? Is h-!"
"Calm down, calm down, he didn't get frozen, in fact, he was a huge help in gatherin people during the talent show!"
Both alchemist's tilted their heads, "talent show?" Hugo asked
"It's a long story, short version is, Eugene and I threw a talent show to lift the people's spirits like Rapunzel wanted, I sang and conquered my fear, everyone was happy, then you made the rocks disappear little man"
"Wait, how did you-!"
"Rapunzel's been singing your praises, everyone's calmin down and cleanin up the mess from the talent show while listenin to her speak, you're the talk of the *town* Varian! In a good way"
"I... Am?"
"Yeah! Your dad's been lookin for ya too, he wants to hear the whole story from you", Lance replied with a grin, "he's really proud", Varian beamed happily at that, "he's in the main square, helpin clean up the mess, follow me and I'll show you". Varian and Hugo nodded, the blond grabbing Varian's hand, interlocking their fingers, which made the blue eyed alchemist blush, before they walked towards the square with Lance. He continued to tell them what had occurred while he and the princess were saving the day, by the time they reached the square, he'd nearly finished his story, "and then old lady Crowley said, 'so did you Lance', as everyone cheered! I tell ya, it made me feel *so* proud of myself!" The former thief exclaimed before he blushed, "uh, eheh, that's sounds egotistical"
"No no, you conquered your fears, it's amazing and you *should* be proud", Varian stated with a grin, "I'm proud of you too Lance"
The man sniffled a little at the teen and hugged him happily, "thanks little man!"
Varian giggled and hugged him back as Hugo smirked before someone spoke up, "are you giving all of my hugs away?"
Varian's eyes opened as Lance laughed and broke the hug, "you'll get your turn, hug hog!"
The teen looked over at the person who'd spoken, who was now snickering, and felt tears sting in his eyes, "DAD!" He ran over and nearly *tackled* his father to the ground as he zipped into the man's chest with a bone crushing hug!
"Oof! Hi son", his father replied with a chuckle, hugging him back lovingly, "I missed you"
"I missed you too", Varian replied as he smiled even wider while Lance and Hugo grinned at the happy pair
Notes:
Hello! :D
Tis a fluff chapter, but honestly, I think we needed one after the last four XD so here it is! :D It's only a two parter, I swear XD
Rapunzel giggling at Varian's antics was something not seen very much in the show, so I emphasized it here. Plus she's a good big sissy for allowing Varian and Hugo some time alone while she checks on her kingdom, plus, her spreading the word that *Varian* saved them was so kind! Shout out to Punzie! <3
Hugo's a brat and I love him so much for it! I missed writing him to be perfectly honest, the boy is just too much fun to write! XD So here's more Varigo <3
Lance is also a brat, but he's also the king so he can be a brat too! :D Honestly, he can bounce back and fourth without it being an issue, and I love that in a character, Lance is just awesome! Underrated and awesome! <3
Varian is being a bean again! XD He was a brat in the beginning and got two brats by the end XDXDXDXDXD Fair trade, but he also got his dad too, so yay! :D
There shall be more papa and tiny son soon! <3 The next chapter will mainly focus on them! :D Need more Quirin XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all enjoy! <3
Chapter 302: Reunited! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian is reunited with his family!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian and Quirin continued to hug for a little bit longer before letting go, smiling happily at each other as they did so, "I'm so glad you made it out", the retired knight stated, "also, Rapunzel's been spreading word that *someone's* a big hero"
The alchemist blushed, "w-well, I'm not the *only* hero, I mean.. Rapunzel was a huge factor too, and I'm just doin my part after all"
"I'm proud of you either way, and I believe you owe me a story"
The teen giggled before he looked at Hugo and Lance, "do you two wanna join?"
"Actually, I've gotta check on Catalina and Angry, they were in the talent show and I told them I'd watch Catalina's soft paw tap routine since she didn't get to perform it", Lance said
"Soft pawed-!"
"I'll explain that later, either way, you guys have fun!"
As the former thief walked away, Hugo looked at the father son duo and smirked, "I think I'm gonna go help with clean up"
"You sure?" Varian asked
"Positive, 'sides, I had my fun with you", he replied, getting the freckled teen to blush, "hee hee, you're so easy to fluster"
"Y-you-! Just get out of here you pervert!"
The bespeckled teen laughed before he walked over and kissed Varian's nose gently, "see you later Freckles", he then looked at Quirin, "I didn't *actually* do anything by the way"
"I know, I would've found out had you done something", the retired knight stated
"Wait how would you ha-!"
"I have my ways, Huuuugo", the Village Leader replied with a grin that was a mix of playful teasing, and protective parent *rage*
The blond felt shivers up his spine, "uh, eheh, right um.... See ya!"
Varian watched Hugo jog away before snickering, "*must* you scare him?"
"I must, tis my duty as a parent to scare your mates"
"Pffft! *Mates*?!"
"Yes, mates, until he puts a ring on your finger"
"What'll he be then?"
".....Dead"
"DAD!"
Quirin chuckled, "I'm just teasing son, don't worry", Varian raised his brow, "....Mostly"
"That is *my* decision *sir*", the teen stated, poking his father's side gently and getting him to snicker
"I know I know, why do you think my swords *didn't* come out when he kissed your tiny nose", the man replied, booping Varian nose gently, "Hugo's a good boy, I know he is, he just needs a reminder sometimes"
"Well ok.... Not like he didn't deserve a *small* reminder after the prank he and Lance pulled on my just now...."
"Prank?"
"Long story, did you want me to tell you what happened with me and Rapunzel first?"
"Definitely, but why don't we head to the castle while you do, need to check on Adira seeing as how Hugo seems to be free, I'm guessing she is too-oh! And Ruddigar"
"You're right, let's go!"
They began to walk and talk as Varian regaled his father with all the details of his and Rapunzel's crazy adventures down in the tunnels
****
"....And if it weren't for *Rapunzel* I'd be-!" Varian freezes, his father does too as they both hear excited chittering, turning he see's the one raccoon he'd been missing more than anything else, save for his dad and Hugo, "RUDDIGAR!"
The small mammal *launched* into his boy's arms, chittering happily and ruffling the teen's hair lovingly
"HEY! Good to see ya buddy!" Varian exclaimed, giggling as the raccoon mess with his head
"OOHOOHOO!" Someone exclaimed, startling both Quirin and Varian, who turned to see Feldspar looking at him with a smile and walking over. The teen's shoulders tensed, immediately getting Ruddigar to place his paws on his boy's head as a form of protection while Quirin raised a brow at the man warningly, "nice job with those *rocks* Varian!" The cobbler stated, getting to teen to blink before smiling a little, "Rapunzel's says you're a real hero so uh... Y-yes", with that, the man began to walk away
"Just... Doin my part", Varian replied as Ruddigar and Quirin both grinned at their boy, the retired knight placing a proud hand on his son's shoulder and smiling at him happily as he did. The teen blushed and rubbed the back of his head, unsure of how to accept this new form of praise
"Hey!" The three of them turned to see Monty and Attilla making their way over, "good ta see ya you little gumdrop!" The candy store owner exclaimed, "the princess made quite a big fuss about you two goin down there and you stoppin the rocks", he clapped Varian's back gently, "good on ya son"
"We knew you had it in you Varian", Attilla added, "in fact, the whole *kingdom* is singin your praises"
"Really?" The Village Leader asked
"Yup, just had a few people stop by the shop to order a few of Varian's favorite lemon lollipops among other candies he likes", the shy thug replied, "looks like someone's gettin a lot of candy in the future"
The teen blushed even more, "p-people don't have to do that! I-I was just d-doing what anyone else w-would've done"
"That's not the way *they* see it gumdrop", Monty replied with a grin, "they were all scared and runnin around, I was almost frozen myself! None of us would've been able to stop those red rocks from doin what they were doin, no one except you"
"A-and Rapunzel", the alchemist added
Attilla let out a small chuckle, "was it *Rapunzel* who had the solution to stop them?"
"W-well nu...."
"Was it *Rapunzel* who fought her fears to put the solution *on* the rock's roots?"
"W-well she *did* fight her fears to get me there, b-but... Nu"
"Was it even Rapunzel's *plan*?"
"....Nu"
"Then it wasn't Rapunzel who saved da day, it was *you*", the helmet wearing man stated, "*you* stopped the rocks, *you* fought your fears, *you* came up with da plan, it was all *you*. So yes, *you're* da hero, and because of that, *I'm* gonna make a special Varian hero treat to celebrate"
"W-wha-A-Attilla-!"
"Too late! I'm already making da name, I've got two already", he stated, holding up three fingers. Quirin gently put one of them down, getting Attilla to chuckle, "*now* I have two ideas, thanks"
"Anytime", the Village Leader replied
Monty chuckled, "eitha way gumdrop, you're the big wig in dees parts, and we're gonna make sure you know it! Cause you deserve every bit of praise ya get!"
The Sweet's Shop man hugged the teen happily, making him giggle before he let go, Attilla patting Varian's head gently before they walked away while discussing new, Varian titled, candies with each other. The alchemist watched them go before Ruddigar chittered and nuzzled the teen's cheek lovingly
"T-thanks buddy", Varian replied
"Looks like you're mister popularity", Quirin teased
His son blushed, "I really *was* just doin my part"
"I know son, but your 'part' saved an entire kingdom from being destroyed, you did what you've always wanted to do, help people using alchemy. They want to show you how much that means to them, you should embrace that"
"I know... I just... Feel bad, they shouldn't celebrate *just* me, Rapunzel was a *huge* help"
"I know bubby, and they know it too, but Rapunzel is also the princess, it's... Sort of her *job* to try and save her kingdom. They expect that out of her, what they don't expect is the cutest alchemist in the *universe* to go and defeat the evil red rocks of doom with his alchemy that they once jeered"
Varian blushed even more, "daaaad"
"It's true!" The teen snickered as his father smirked, "you *are* the cutest, and hey *did* once hate your alchemy, but low and behold, you saved the day, and their lives, with alchemy. I'll bet they feel pretty ashamed of how they acted, that's probably why they're trying to make it up to you with gifts and kind words. Though, Monty and Attilla are doing so because they're kind men who liked you from the beginning, but Feldspar certainly looked pretty sheepish"
"Yeah h-he did"
"See? They understand that they were wrong, and that you were the hero. That alchemy saved their *lives*, Varian, I think you may have just won over the entire kingdom with what you've accomplished today"
"I haven't even finished telling you the whole story"
"you got to the part where you and Rapunzel spoke of their other's fears and how she saved you from falling again, but I'll bet I can guess the rest from here"
"Alright, guess"
"You two had a talk, she encouraged you by saying she was scared too and told you what she saw, you understood and felt a little better, managed to climb up and fight past your fears, while you were freezing, possibly dropped the vial a few times because you're a clumsy bubby and that's okay, because you managed to grab it at the last second, pour it onto the final black rock, jump out of the way because the amber started to grow, then the red rocks disappeared and the day was saved" the alchemist stared at his father with disbelief, "I know you a lot better than you think I do"
".....Evil Jerkface"
"Bratty Stinkbomb", his son giggled, "either way, knowing what you just went through, and all you did, believe me when I say, you did so much more than anyone would've thought possible, and you did it without hesitation, a gripe, or even a drop of anger. Plus you keep saying you were just 'doin your part', which I believe you got from Adam, who says that religiously to me", he chuckled. "These people did not accept you because of your alchemy, yet, without even a moment to spare, you went to a dangerous place, and used your alchemy to save them, they're grateful and should be embarrassed by how they treated you before. So they're making sure to show you how they feel, how grateful they are, because what you did was nothing short of amazing, and you should know, that today, you didn't just make *me* the proudest father in the world", Quirin grinned, "because you did", Varian smiled, "but you made the entire *kingdom* proud as well, and that's no easy feat"
The teen sniffled a little before hugging his dad, "thank you"
"You're welcome son", Quirin replied, hugging Varian back. They stayed that way for a moment before the alchemist broke the hug and looked up at his dad
"S-should we uh", he hiccupped slightly, "g-go to the castle now?"
His father grinned and used his thumb to gently wipe the tears off his son's face, getting the freckled boy to smile, "yeah, let's go"
They continued to walk, both of them in a happy silence before Varian remembered something he'd forgotten to mention, "oh dad!"
"Hm?"
"I uh... F-found out I have another power"
"Another power?" Quirin looked at the teen, "what is it?"
"....I.... Can control the red rocks now"
Notes:
Hello! :D
More fluffy stuff! This time with father and son!
Quirin is the best papa in the world, and I love this man immensly! I wanted to show different aspects of what makes him great, his teasing nature when it comes to Hugo and his son, his protective instincts when it comes to the people who nearly killed his child when Feldspar came around, his loving side when he and Varian are alone together, his goofy side as he teases his teen happily, then his supportive side when he's encouraging his boy! I hope that all came through in this chapter, because the next one's are gonna be a doosey, but I'm excited to write them.... After Halloween XD
Varian being the shyest shy that ever shied away from shyville, he wouldn't know what to do with all the praising he's received! So here's him being a good modest bean and accepting the praise while also showing that he cares for Rapunzel by praising her just as much! <3
RUDDY!!!!! Raccoon bean is back!!!! <3 Missed this little guy!
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3 Also, if you celebrate, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!! <3
Chapter 303: Fatherly Advice!
Summary:
Eugene and Rapunzel have an argument, so Eugene seeks out some advice from a friend!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
".....So Cass is attacking *Corona* now?! ....Well that's delightful....." Eugene stated as he and Rapunzel stood on the princess's balcony
"She wasn't....." Rapunzel replied before sighing, "I don't know how to explain it but... When I touched the rocks-and.... Stay with me on this", she asked gently as Eugene nodded, "I *sensed* her.... And she wasn't attacking us.... She was *just as afraid as we are... As *I* am....."
"So that mean...." The Dark Prince began
"There's still a chance to save her....."
The man was quiet for a moment before he sighed, "Sunshine, as much as I love how much you wanna save Cass.... Don't you think she should face what she's done?"
"What do you mean?" The princess asked, looking at her boyfriend
"Well.... She attacked Varian multiple times, injured his family, particularly Quirin, nearly killed him and Hugo, and.... Well let's face it she stole an ancient artifact from a kingdom that tried to keep it hidden for this *exact* reason and betrayed you..... It's gonna be hard to try to save her, and convince her to come back to us, when she's already done so much to the people of Corona and several other people outside of the kingdom"
"I know Eugene, but.... I have to try.... She was afraid, scared, alone.... I..... I can't give up on her now.... Especially not after what Varian said she saw.... Me giving up on her is what she fears the most"
"Well yeah, but.... Blondie this isn't just up to us here", Eugene replied gently as he placed a hand on Rapunzel's cheek, "if she'd only attacked us then we would've had majority of the say on what happens to her. But as it stands.... We're not her only victims here...."
The princess sighed, "well I know Varian wants to *try* to help"
"Yes, because he doesn't want anyone else to get hurt. But blondie you remember what he called her before"
Rapunzel tried to remember Varian screaming at Cassandra in the caverns after she'd attacked his father and Hugo:
*"QUIRIN LOOK OUT!" Edmund screamed, but his knight couldn't move, he just stared in stunned silence as the rock rushed towards him, "QUIRIN!"
"NO!" Everyone was stunned as the rock hit a target, blood spurting out as Varian turned to look at what'd just happened, and gasped as he saw Hugo standing in front of his father, the rock having hit him full force and he stood tall against it. The rock kept trying to move towards the man, but the bespeckled teen kept it still, using his body as Quirin's shield.
"HUGO!" Varian shrieked, the white light fading as he let go of the Moonstone
Cassandra grinned as she watched the freckled teen stop the rock and slide to a halt next to his boyfriend, the bespeckled teen falling to the floor and coughing a bit as he did, "thanks Hugo", she said, "you saved me some trouble"
Varian turned and glared daggers at her, his eyes glowing bright again, "SHUT UP CASSANDRA!" He screamed
"What? Don't like me anymore kid? Thought you had a thing going for m-!"
"NO! I DON'T! I FUCKING *HATE* YOU!!!!!" He screamed, shocking everyone, "y-you hurt my dad! T-tricked him into coming here! Y-you hurt him and u-used ME TO DO IT!!!!!!! Y-you threatened me! You hurt my friends and family, YOU ALMOST *KILLED* MY HUGO!!!!!!!! Y-you..... You're a monster Cassandra....."
The women felt her heart break a little, "w-what? No I'm not! I wasn't the one who attacked people because of my daddy issues Varian! You're the monster, not me! I'm not! I-!"
"LOOK AROUND YOU CASSANDRA!!!!!" Varian screamed, "LOOK AT WHAT YOU JUST DID! Look!"
And she did, for once, Cassandra looked at what she did, she saw how scared and shocked everyone was, she saw the fear in Quirin's tear filled eyes as he stared at her, she saw the teen she'd nearly killed, and she saw Rapunzel.... Her face was wet with her still falling tears as she stared at her former best friend, her blond hair still glowing as the magic of the Moonstone still shimmered in the, now demolished, tunnels surrounding them. "....I.... N-no I.... I didn't.... I-I didn't.... I..... I j-just wanted.... T-to be....."
"What?" Rapunzel asked, her voice breaking as Eugene got up, walked over, and held his princesses hand comfortingly, "what do you want Cass? W-what could you want t-that could possibly be worth *all* of this?...."
"I..... I-I.... I don't.... Know....." The women replied, her own tears falling down her face as she began to back away, "I-I don't know.... I d-don't know anymore.... I.... I-I don't k-know.... I... I.... I....."
"You're lost", Quirin said quietly, getting the girl to look at him, "you're so.... Lost.... And I j-just wanted... I-I was t-trying.... T-to help you...."
"No.... Nononononono I-I don't want this! I-I don't! I don't I t-take it back! I j-just I-I-I-!"
"You can't take it back", Varian replied, "you can't take your actions back, you can't.... Hugo's hurt, my dad is hurt, and it's all because of *you*! Cassandra, you are a *MONSTER*!"*
The princess winced, "I remember....."
"Yeah.... Even though he's a lot calmer now, and more concerned for her, I don't think he's gotten over what she tried to do to his father and his boyfriend. We have to take that into consideration, Varian, Quirin, Hugo, Adira, Hector, my dad, me, Lance, and you are *all* her victims", he stated, "and even though you want her to change and become your friend again.... Blondie that's not gonna be how it ends for her....."
Rapunzel sighed, "I know.... But.... Maybe if I can get her to change, she'll make up for what she did, like Varian"
"Rapunzel, Varian spent a year and a half in the *dungeons* with a lunatic who groomed and abused him into making a potion that would erase people's memories that ended up becoming a bomb. He changed his ways, yes, but he still had to *work* to get *anyone* on his team again. The villagers are starting to, the capital hated him up until *this* point, and it's only because you put in a good word for him and he actually *saved* people from something he didn't cause..... He had to work *hard* Rapunzel. It's why Lance and I have the Guy's Nights with him, they were to give him support since he had no one on his side...."
The princess thought for a moment, "....You said.... I put in a good word for him... Maybe I can do that same for her?"
"Hang on, your good word only worked because Varian's been working so hard. It's not the only reason he got back into people's good graces"
"I could still try", Rapunzel stated, Eugene raised a brow, "Eugene she's *scared*, she probably doesn't know what she's even doing right now! When I asked her during that fight you brought up, what she wanted, she couldn't answer. I think she's just angry, and scared, like Varian"
"There's a *difference* though Rapunzel"
"What difference? The fact that it's *Cassandra* and not *Varian*?!"
The Dark Prince's eyes widened, "Rapunzel!"
She slapped her hands over her mouth, "I.... I'm so sorry.... I didn't mean that....."
"Yeah.... You did.... and I get it.... But...." Eugene shook his head, "look give me a few minutes"
"Eugene-!"
"I don't hate you, I just.... Need a second because if I say anything right now... It's won't help.... Just five minutes"
".....Ok....."
With a nod, Eugene walked away, he felt his blood boil as he did, he felt his yell get stuck in his throat as he gritted his teeth. He needed to calm down, just for a few moments.....
****
"Adira!"
That voice caught the Dark Prince's attention as he looked and saw Varian, and Quirin all run into a room. He felt a small smile on his face and walked over, only to see the teen hugging his aunt tightly, the face painted warrior having finally been unfrozen from the red rocks, "hello Speckles", she said happily as she returned the hug
"Hey sis", Quirin stated, getting Adira to smile wider at him, "how are you feeling?"
"Better, and we heard a few maids talking about Speckles being a hero"
"Yeah", Hector, who was standing next to a smiling King Edmund, stated, "what happened exactly?"
"Oh the whole experience was *crazy*! Me and Rapunzel had to go down into a cave system to get to, get this, the DAMANITUS Chamber! Can you believe it?! She showed me where it is, I think I may ask her if I can set up a secret lab there so I can.... Um.... Do a project for Rapunzel that's top secret, oh! Then we moved forwards to go and put the solution on the red rocks, but it didn't work because the red rocks aren't black rocks so their chemical structures are different. So the chemical would only work on black rocks, then Rapunzel said she found one WAAAAAAAAAY at the top of the cavern, which was *HUGE* by the way! We made our way up there I almost died twice by falling, Rapunzel got me to the top after we had a talk about our fears, and then I almost dropped the chemical when trying to pour it, but I caught it at the last second and managed the pour the final bits onto the rocks, then the a-amber grew and encased everything, making the red rocks disappear and we saved the day!"
Edmund let out an impressed whistle, "ain't that a hootenanny of a story"
"You could say that again", Eugene stated with a smirk, getting everyone to turn and look at him before Varian's eyes immediately grew wide
"EUGENE!" He ran over and hugged the man, getting the Dark Prince to laugh and hug him back
"Heya hero"
Varian giggled and pulled away, "when did you get here?"
"Right as you reunited with your aunt and gave her the most adorable hug I've ever seen"
Adira blushed, "shush Fish skin"
"It was cute silver hair", Eugene retorted, "see? I can do nicknames too"
"Yeah but silver hair is such a boring nickname for me"
"I agree", Hector stated, "heart attack might be a fucking better one"
The face painted warrior sighed, "I didn't mean to get frozen"
"You still did"
"Would *you* like to battle my fears for me?"
"I'd fuck em up and you know it"
"Aw, you care"
"Shut the fuck up!"
The group laughed as Hector huffed before giving a secret smile to his sister, who smiled back before looking at the Dark Prince, "what did *you* do while I was out?"
"Well I started a talent show to keep people's spirits up, encouraged Lance to overcome his fear and sing to those people, watched my dad and Quirin struggle to keep people from running away-!"
"Corona's are wiggle worms", Edmund stated
"When panicked, yes they are...." Quirin agreed with a sigh, "even worse when inconvenienced"
"Okay, people can either take rats or kitties in the streets, they can't have both gone!" Varian exclaimed with a huff, "honestly, choose the kitties, they're good animals. Not that rats aren't, but they carry more diseases than cats do, that's scientifically proven"
The Dark Prince snickered before he picked the teen up and held him close, "then I convinced Lance to conquer his fear and sing, he did, and the entire kingdom was calm and happy long enough for Varian and Rapunzel to get rid of the rocks without anyone else getting frozen by fear"
Edmund grinned proudly, "great job son!"
"Thanks dad"
"Would it be bold of me to state this would be a good time for a celebratory snack?" Adira asked, "I want something sweet, and I want to celebrate Speckle's success, and Fish Skin's too if you want"
"How about you guys go on without me", Eugene stated, setting Varian down and ruffling his hair, getting the teen to giggle, "I'm gonna head over and chat with Rapunzel for a bit"
"If you're sure son", Edmund stated before he got an idea and added, "oh! I'll save him a cupcake! That'll be a surprise for when he returns to my side! He'll never see it coming!"
Quirin snorted as Eugene sighed, "I'd like it if you saved me a cupcake"
Edmund blinked for a moment before blushing and face palming, "I *really* need to work on this flaw...." Hamuel CAWed in agreement
"You're fine dad", the Dark Prince replied, getting Quirin to raise his brow a little at the man, "anyway, I'll see you all later, oh, chocolate cupcake?"
"Chocolate it shall be!" Edmund exclaimed before he walked over, scooped his grandson up, and walked out of the room, Adira and Hector following them as the teen laughed happily
The Dark prince watched them go before he sighed, ".....What's wrong?"
"AH!" Eugene turned and saw Quirin watching him, "my gosh my dude WEAR A BELL!"
The Village Leader chuckled, "I think I'll pass, but seriously, what's wrong?"
"Why would you thin-!"
"Because you're sighing, you just declined snack time with family, which you don't normally do, and you picked up and held my son, which I've come to associate with a sign of needing comfort considering he's the best person to hug during a stressful time"
".....Wow, you're good"
"Thank you, now what's wrong? Did something happen between you and Rapunzel?"
"....I..... I don't really want to talk about it...."
"There a reason?" Quirin asked, when Eugene remained quiet, the retired knight sighed, "it is because of Varian?"
"I-H-how do you keep doing that?!"
"You're.... A little obvious Eugene"
".....I'm not dignifying that with a response", Eugene pouted, getting Quirin to snicker
"Do you want to talk about it?" The Village Leader asked, "I won't push you if you don't, I just.... You seem very upset...."
The Dark Prince wanted to stay quiet, but he eventually let out a sigh and nodded, "honestly.... The only reason I'm hesitating is because I'm worried about what you might think about Rapunzel...."
Quirin nodded, "whatever's upset you, the conversation is between you and Rapunzel, that's all, so whatever my feelings about it are, I won't let them cloud my judgement should you ask for advice"
Eugene smiled, "thanks, I just...." He sighed again, "we were talking.... About Cassandra....." He explained what'd happened between him and Rapunzel, Quirin listening the entire time until the Dark Prince finally finished, "....I don't know Quirin... She just... I get she wants to help Cass... I wanna help her too but.... She's not thinking about how other people are affected by Cassandra's actions and.... Maybe she's right about me being biased towards Varian, but.... I don't know.... I just... got hurt by the fact that she would think I'd let that cloud my judgement for Cass.... You know? Is that stupid?"
"No it's not", the retired knight replied
Eugene looked at him, "are you angry?"
"I am, a little, but then again, I'm Varian's father, I'm gonna be. But that's not really the point", he looked at Eugene with a smile, "I know you love Rapunzel, and you've been by her side 100% throughout everything she's gone through, but there's gonna be times where you two don't see eye to eye. It happens, it's actually pretty healthy for a couple to go through something like that, though... This is a bit of a different matter...."
"...What should I do? Should I just... Get over it?"
"Well I suppose that depends, are you still angry?"
".....Yeah"
"Why?"
"Well.... Because she thinks I'd let my affection for Varian cloud my judgement pertaining to Cass..... I mean all I did was suggest she look through others point of view and.... Well she kinda just blew me off..... But I really can't stay made at her.... I think she's bias towards Cassandra....."
The retired knight chuckled, "you and me both", Eugene snorted, "sorry"
"No no, it's fine, I'd be a hypocrite if I got mad at you for thinking the same thing I am"
"Well still, that's rude of me", Quirin replied, "honestly, the best thing I'd suggest is telling her how you feel. Let her know that what she said was wrong to you and why, I can't guarantee she'll understand, but it's worth a shot"
"Do you think I'm biased?"
".....Possibly a little, but, you have good points, and I didn't think you were using that to go and cloud your judgement on Cassandra. Personally, I'm very biased towards my son, I don't try to ignore the fact that I am either, in all honesty, Rapunzel's words ticked me off. But.... I'm not going to cloud my judgement either, you're right, she *should* be thinking about the other people Cassandra's affected, not just herself, but me, Varian, Hugo, Hector, Adira, King Edmund, and even though it was an accident, all the victims of her red rocks just now". The retired knight stated, "when you're trained as a knight in the Dark Kingdom, you are to understand where you stand in the community, you pledge your allegiance to the king, but you also pledge your allegiance to the people you protect. You swear to take care of your home and family, putting aside any bias in favor of doing the right thing..... I.... Would've had to stop Varian had I gotten out of the amber and he continued his attack on Corona....."
Eugene's eyes widened, "Quirin-!"
"It is my duty to protect the people of the Kingdom I pledge my loyalty to, if Varian was causing true harm to innocent people, I would've had to fight him.... It breaks my heart to think that, and I thank the Moon every*day* for not making me have to.... But I am a knight, we must do what we have to.... But.... Even if I would've had to stop my son.... I still would've tried to protect him once he'd been stopped, *that's* my bias", he looked at Eugene, "you fought with Varian, you did your job. When you came back however, you saw a child trying his hardest to fix his mistakes, even if it was the wrong way to do it. You, once he'd changed and proven himself, gave him a chance, you gave him friends and events to look forward to with those Guy's Nights. Something I will be forever grateful for", he smiled at Eugene, "you helped him, so are you biased? Possibly a little, you're close to Varian, it's to be expected. But are you wrong in saying Rapunzel should look at everyone's point of view when it comes to Cassandra? No, that's not bias, that's you being neutral, honestly, and I know I'm not your father so this may come across as odd but", he placed a hand on Eugene's shoulder, "I'm proud of you, for doing and saying what you felt was right, even if it made Rapunzel upset. That's hard, but you did it, so I'm proud, thank you Eugene, for looking out for my family, especially my son"
The Dark Prince didn't know why, but he felt his heart grow warm when the retired knight said that. He placed his hand on Quirin's and nodded, "thank you Quirin", they were silent for a moment before Eugene sighed, "welp, I have to go back to Rapunzel. You helped calm me down enough to talk to her, I'm gonna try what you said. Thank you for the advice Quirin, I really needed it"
"Anytime Eugene", the retired knight stated, "hey, if you have any time, come to the kitchen, there's definitely going to be a chocolate cupcake with your name on it"
The Dark Prince chuckled, "count on it"
****
Eugene walked back to Rapunzel's room in silence, thinking about what he was going to say before he paused at the door. He took in a breath, then let it out slow, "no problem, you've got this", he said to himself before he knocked on the door
It opened *instantly*, Rapunzel standing in the doorframe, his face filled with worry and fear before she spotted the man, "Eugene!" She hugged him, "I'm so sorry! I know you I upset you, and I didn't mean to, i-it slipped out and I-!"
"It's alright, it's alright sunshine, a little argument isn't gonna make me hate you", he hugged her back, kissing the top of her head lovingly, "how about we go inside yeah? So we can talk"
"Ok"
They walked in and shut the door, Eugene noticed the princess had painted over 12 new things on her wall, all of them were of her looking anxious, he smiled, "you were really worried huh?"
The princess looked at the paintings and blushed, "uh eheheh"
"It's alright, I took longer than five minutes, that was my bad, sorry"
"It's okay....." They didn't speak for a moment or two, neither of them really knowing how to start before Rapunzel sighed, "Eugene... I.... Want to understand your point of view"
"What do you mean?"
"Well.... When you said that, about Varian I mean.... You said there was a difference and I've thought about it but... I still don't understand fully.... It... Feels like it's because you're closer to him than Cassandra.... I know that's not the case, so I want to understand...."
Eugene was a little hurt by that, but he took a breath, and let it out slowly before speaking, " Ok, I..... I get it, Varian is not Cassandra..... But that's why I'm saying something in the first place. Rapunzel Varian.... He made bad mistakes.... He's not lied and said he hasn't though, he hasn't shifted the blame or tried to hide what he did. That's the difference, plus his reasons for doing what he did were a little more.... Justified"
".....What do you mean?"
"Well.... His home was being over run by black rocks, his father was scared and that scared Varian, the kid then tried to help by trying to figure out more about the rocks but his dad wouldn't let him. Quirin was afraid of them because of his past and told Varian to stay away, but his whole *life* was being destroyed by those rocks. So what does he try to do? Get rid of them using the only thing he knows, alchemy. That alchemy, his most sacred trade and treasure, goes and traps his father in amber..... He tries to get help from you and several other people, but bad timing mixed with their disdain for the kid left him alone to find Quirin completely devoured by the amber.... None of us checked on him, looked for him, even thought about him save the for couple of times you felt bad about making that choice, for months..... Then he was a wanted criminal for nothing he did wrong, he didn't attack you at all, he asked you for help. He was placed on house arrest and treated poorly by the guards until he finally got a chance to reach out to us and get us to see his dad. But by the time we came to help *at all* it was too late and.... Varian had given up.... Rapunzel he was *14*, and he was alone, called a criminal, hurt and beaten, and was basically an orphan at that point.... I've been that low before blondie.... And I turned to crime..... So did Lance......" Rapunzel looked down, deep in thought as Eugene continued, "Cass.... While she has *every* right to be angry about Gothel.... Is victim blaming you Rapunzel, you were a *baby*, Gothel *took* you, and Cass had a good life, with the captain of the royal guards, me, you, Lance, and even Varian! She had a job she loved, a goal she cared about, a life she wanted to live, and even though you two got into tiffs, she still didn't have any chance of being convicted a felon and hauled off to jail...... Varian was..... So if I seem a little biased in his favor, it's because the kid had so many bad things happen to him at once that, when push came to shove.... I honestly don't blame him for what he did....."
The princess sighed, "I..... I understand his point of view too... But...."
"But?" She looked at him worriedly, ".... What you said may have made me mad Rapunzel, but I'm not gonna hate you for disagreeing with me", the Dark Prince stated with a smirk, "go on, I want to hear what you have to say"
She felt a small amount of warmth from that before she spoke, "....I love Varian, I will always love him.... But Cass.... She was scared.... She was afraid.... And I could feel every inch of that fear.... Something's with her right now Eugene, something or someone is corrupting and hurting her.... Maybe this is wishful thinking, but I think it's making her do all the things she's been doing, and if that's the case..... Then.... Can she really be blamed for any of the things she's done?"
Eugene thought about that, "you bring up a good point, especially since Varian felt that dark entity with her.... But we were with her during that *entire* journey to the Dark Kingdom, save for when she saw the vision of Gothel being her mother. That's the *only* time this entity could've convinced her to take the Moonstone, and you're telling me, in that small window of time, which was only, maybe, 30 minutes, *tops*, that Cass was convinced to take the Moonstone and attack all of us, ruining the *entire* reason we were there in the first place?"
Rapunzel was quiet for a moment, "maybe *that* part was her fault.... But we don't know what's happened to her since then...."
"You're right, but we know what happened to Varian Rapunzel", Eugene said softly, "we know mostly what happened anyway, how he got groomed, abused, lashed, beaten, and what he felt and how he is now. I guess maybe I'm a little bias in his favor, but believe me when I say, I would *never* let that cloud my judgement when it comes to Cass.... That's honestly why I got mad in the first place"
Rapunzel looked up at him, "it is?"
"Yeah, I get that you care about Cassandra Blondie, I care about her too! And even though I have a bias towards Varian, that doesn't mean I'm gonna let that bias stop me from doing what's right. I'm not like that, I admit when I'm wrong, or.... At least I do *now*, and try to look at both points of view because, how I lived, there were always two sides to the same coin. I just.... Kinda thought you already knew that, so when you said what you did...."
"Oh...." The princess said sadly, "oh Eugene I.... I'm so sorry.... I know you would *never*.... I...." She sighed, "I'm so sorry.... You're not like that, I know you're not, I.... Guess I'm just overprotective of Cassandra.... Maybe I'm the one that's biased.... I'm so sorry for hurting you, that wasn't my intention, is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"You don't have to Rapunzel, look it was a mistake, and you apologized. I know you didn't mean to, it just hurt for a moment, hence why I needed to walk away. I just...." He sighed again, "just please, if we do discuss this again, please don't think I'm like that anymore, I'm not. I want to make sure what happened before won't happen again, and that starts with how we handle Cassandra's situation. She may not be fully at fault, you may be right about that, but she did a *lot* of bad things that not everybody is going to be okay with forgiving right off the bat"
"I understand.... I'm so sorry"
"It's okay, it's alright", Eugene replied, hugging his girlfriend lovingly, "I know you're sorry, I forgive you, don't worry"
Rapunzel hugged him back and sighed, relief filling her as she closed her eyes. She saw images of her and Eugene and Cassandra, then her and Varian. "Eugene.... You know I care about him too right?"
"Varian?"
"Yeah"
"I know blondie"
"I would never want anything to happen to him again, I really mean that"
"I know"
"Ok"
They were silent again, holding each other for a while before they broke the hug and smiled, "thank you, for listening to me", Eugene stated
"Thank you for giving me the chance to", the princess replied before the two kissed, pulling apart after a moment before sighing
They looked out the window and watched the Moon rise before Eugene remembered what Quirin had said, "hey, Hector, Adira, my dad, Varian, and Quirin are all celebrating a small hero snack in the kitchen, wanna go join them?"
"Sure!"
They began to walk towards the kitchen when Eugene turned to look at Rapunzel, "so how should we tell them?"
"Tell them what?" Rapunzel asked
"About how you felt Cass when you touched the red rock"
"Oh I uh.... W-wasn't.... F-for now"
"What?" The Dark Prince stopped and stared at his girlfriend, "blondie, I don't wanna tell you how to do your job but... That information is kinda important"
"I know, and I plan on telling them.... Eventually, I just.... Wanna wait until things calm down and Cass leaves Corona alone for a little bit is all"
Eugene raised a brow, "Rapunzel...."
"Please? Just trust me on this, the last thing I want them to think is that I'm making excuses for her, I just... Wanna wait until they feel more comfortable with the idea that Cass can be saved is all, please?"
"....I don't like it... But I'll wait if that's what you really want.... Just don't wait too long, okay?"
"I won't", Rapunzel kissed Eugene's cheek, "thank you, now come on! Let's go join the party!"
The two walked into the kitchen, where they were greeted to Varian and Hugo, who'd joined the group after Eugene had left, having a baking contest with Lance, Catalina, Angry, and Adira being judges! Quirin, Edmund, and Hector playing the part of refs for bias reasons. The two joined in as refs as they judges got to try the treats, Eugene being handed a chocolate cupcake by his dad as majority of the votes went to Varian, making everyone laugh while Hugo admitted defeated and Varian kissed him on the cheek. None of them were aware of the edge of Corona and the ever growing danger that lurked there.....
****
Cassandra felt something slip away from her, her eyes widened as she tried to make the red rocks in front of her move, but they didn't listen. Instead they sunk into the ground, leaving the blue haired women to crouch on the floor, weaker than she had been before, "do you see now?" The ghost girl asked, "Rapunzel can strip you of your power Cassandra... If you do *not* destroy her.... She *will* destroy you...."
Cassandra thought about that for a moment, thinking about how she'd felt Rapunzel's presence, the blond had sensed her fear just as Cassandra had sensed the blond's, yet that didn't stop her from stopping the red rocks and taking her power..... She felt her mind begin to grown foggy again as her anger begin to well up inside of her.... Getting up, she faced the kingdom that had betrayed her and glared..... She was done feeling bad now.... She wouldn't be tricked again....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here's the final bits to 'Be Very Afraid', with some added things that I thought could've been addressed! :D Like Varian reuniting with more people, Eugene and Rapunzel talking about how Cassandra could be saved, and possibly a little more development on their relationship outside of being that perfect Disney couple, and a snippet of Cassandra!
Varian is being a bean and no one can deny he's the perfect comforter! :D That's all I have to say about him at the moment, I have more, but we'd be here all night XD
Rapunzel and Eugene, so, I like them being at odds with each other from time to time, I didn't like how Rapunzel got to, essentially, change Eugene from his past when they got into a fight, that left a really bad taste in my mouth. So here's them actually arguing over something and figuring it out together instead of the aged 'hero changes past to prevent stupid fight in future', schtick. Rapunzel got snippy, it hurt Eugene, he took a few minutes and got some advice, and then they talked and fixed it. I think that's a much more interesting episode than, 'back to the future, the redux' XD (love those movies though XD)
Adira, Hector, and Edmund were just there in this chapter, same with Lance, Catalina and Angry, but them having the small family moments is fun to me XD Especially Adira and Hector :3
Cassandra and ZT..... ZT keeps doing the mind fricking thing to Cassandra, hence the irrationality of this women, still doesn't excuse her for what she does later though.... I'm gumpled about 'Cassandra's Revenge', but we'll get there.....
And yes, that little secret between Rapunzel and Eugene... It's gonna cause trouble later on :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 304: Rapunzel's Secret!
Summary:
Varian calls a meeting to discuss something important, and finds out about Rapunzel's secret!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group was silent as they all sat in the family room in the castle. Varian had called for a small meeting with Hugo, Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Quirin, Hector, Adira, and Edmund. Ruddigar was still sleeping in the teen's castle room, the poor mammal was still too tired from the day's events to get up in time. After he and everyone had gotten some rest after staying up all night, they'd all sat down and listened to what the teen had to say, but they weren't prepared to find out he could control the red rocks now.....
Quirin and Rapunzel, having already been made aware of this, were waiting for everyone else to respond, no one did, it was making the alchemist extremely nervous as he clung to his father's fluffy vest in anticipation, "....You.... Can control them?" Lance asked, being the first to speak out of the group
"Y-yeah....." Varian replied, "I... H-haven't really messed around with them.... B-but I know I can...."
"How?"
"Well, when Rapunzel and I g-got rid of them, one grew in front of us that made my hair and eyes glow. So I touched it and... C-could feel it sort of... Be absorbed into me.... So to speak", the teen explained, "once it did, the red rock sunk back into the ground and I could feel my Moon powers get slightly stronger, like I'd just acquired something new"
".....Huh....."
The freckled teen felt his stomach twist a little, "i-is.... That a bad thing?"
"No no, it's not, just.... A little shockin is all"
"Oh"
"Yeah"
The room went silent again before Quirin let out a huff, "you're making him nervous", he stated
"Sorry, it's just...." Eugene began, "those rocks caused our worst fears to come to life. It's a little crazy to think that Varian has control over them now, not that I don't *trust* you kiddo just.... Wow"
"I-I would never use them on you if that helps any", Varian replied
"I know, like I said, I trust you", the Dark Prince replied with a comforting smile that made Varian relax a little, "it's just a little startling"
"I see"
Once more, the room became silent, making Quirin sigh, "is it really that shocking?" He asked with a raised brow, "he's got Moon powers, we saw Cassandra take some of them away from *him*, is it really any *wonder* that after Varian got rid of the red rocks that they would attach to him?" He asked, "they probably recognized him as the Moonstone wielder and decided to stick around, just as the Moon herself has"
"Speaking of", Edmund said, "have you spoken to her lately little peanut?"
"No.... The Moon's been quiet lately.... I think it's harder for her to contact me now due to C-Cassandra taking some of my powers. That warning she gave me however, about something coming after the 7 kingdom ball, I think she knew the red rocks would come"
"Wait, she knew and she didn't do anything to stop it?" Eugene asked
"She can't"
"Why?"
"Because if she interferes, then it'll change what needs to happen in the future" Varian replied, "that's what she told me. She cannot interfere with human affairs, she can warn us and can try to help by warning the person causing problems with nightmares. But she can't interfere, I think the same can be said for the Sun too", he looked at Rapunzel, who nodded understandingly
"Huh... Well I guess that makes sense.... But still.... I mean, Quirin's right, the red rocks recognizing you and sticking with you because you've got Moon powers makes a lot of sense. It's like the wolf spirits in the forest"
Varian nodded, "um.... So y-you're not afraid of me a-at all?"
"What? No, why would I be-oh.... Oh kid I'm sorry, I didn't.... *We* didn't mean to make you think that *that's* why we were quiet"
"Oh! No no no", Edmund exclaimed, "we're not quiet because we fear you little peanut! We trust you unconditionally, it was just a shock is all. Plus, we don't know how you'd control the fear or the rocks themselves, so, while I can't speak for everyone, I know that's what me, and possibly Adira and Hector are thinking about"
"He's right", Adira stated, "those rocks can freeze people, and without your alchemical solution, they'll stay that way in a perpetual state of fear. And I don't think you'll want to keep making that *particular* solution over and over again"
This time, Varian was the quiet one, "spawn?" Hector said, raising a brow as he looked at his nephew
"Son", Quirin corrected
"Same thing"
"It's not"
"Is too"
"Is not"
"Is too"
"A-*hem*", Edmund stated as he looked at both of his boys
Both huffed before Quirin looked at his child, "Varian, despite your uncle calling you a spawn, are you alright?"
"He *is*!" Hector exclaimed
"Later Wild Child", Adira said, "we'll get him later"
Hector mumbled as Edmund sighed and looked at Eugene, "why are you the youngest, yet you're the most well behaved out of my children?"
"Beats me, but it's definitely a new feeling", Eugene replied with a snort
"Guys, not the time", Hugo said as he watched his boyfriend worriedly, "love, what are you thinking about?"
Varian remained quiet as everyone watched him for a moment before he looked up at his father. The man blinked a little before he gave his son a reassuring smile, "whatever you need to say, I'll listen", he said, "even if it's something I'm uncomfortable with or scared of"
"....You.... Know what I'm thinking about... Don't you...." Varian said
His father's smile faded a little, "I think I have an idea...."
"What?" Rapunzel asked
"W-well.... I uh... D-don't really know h-how you'd take it either to be honest....."
"Me?"
"Y-yeah it um.... Kinda.... Concerns C-Cassandra....."
"What do you mean?"
"W-well...." He let out a small sigh before he got up and looked at the pair, "I um.... W-was thinking about what happened.... A-and I think.... W-with everything that she's been doing... I-it may be time to create.... A-an emergency weapon...."
"Emergency weapon?" Rapunzel asked
"Y-yes..... Something that we can use to stop her.... Something t-that'll give us time to.... Figure something out should she attack out of the blue...." He looked at Rapunzel, "I think.... W-we need to find a way t-to.... Use the amber....."
"WHAT?!" The princess exclaimed as Quirin winced a little, he remained quiet however, "Varian!"
"I-I understand your fear and worry with this solution Rapunzel, b-but if you'd give me a second to explain-!"
"No!" The princess stated, "no we are NOT using that on her!"
"Rapunze-!"
"NO! That stuff was useful for getting rid of the red rocks, but we are NOT imprisoning CASSANDRA in it! Even for a second!" She stated with a glare
The alchemist stepped back a bit, shuddering under her gaze before he took a breath, let it out, then stepped forwards, matching her gaze, "she attacked me", he stated, "she attacked my *family*", she added, "she attacked innocent people and betrayed all of you Rapunzel. The kingdom was in *danger* because of what she did! Innocent people's lives were at stake because she decided her destiny needed to be the same as yours"
"Varian-!"
"No, I've listened to you speak about Cassandra and I've understood your point of view, so now I'm going to say mine", he stated seriously, "Cassandra is a *threat* to Corona, she's a *threat* to you and the rest of the royal family, and she is a *threat* to me and my family, and she is a *threat* to herself. She has shown, on *more* than one occasion, that she's no longer thinking like she used to. Sure she showed she was afraid during my dream, and those images I saw may have been her fears. *But* she's not some damsel in distress, she's not lost everything and has had to fight to survive Rapunzel. She *CHOSE* this! When I did what I did, I paid for my crimes, I don't hide them, I don't blame someone else, I took my punishment and earned *back* my place! She is still on that dark path, and we need to find a way to *stop* her! Just like you did to *me* lest you not *forget*".
The princess was taken aback by the teen's words, everyone was, "I.... Never said we'd treat her better than you"
Varian sighed, "then why won't you do anything about her?" He asked gently, "you saw her Rapunzel, you saw what she's done to me, Eugene, Lance, Hector, Adira, Grandpa, *yourself*! And let's not forget how she beat and abused my *father* before trying to *kill* him as a distraction, then how she *almost* killed *HUGO*!" He exclaimed, "I loved Cassandra Rapunzel! She was my friend too! I.... I had a crush on her, I named an entire *element* after her! She was the only person that actually *related* to me during that time! I know I betrayed you and her, I know what I did wrong! I don't deny *anything* I've done! But she is *still* denying it! She's still causing havoc, she's still doing bad things! I didn't even *DO* anything and yet I had guards at my house *EVERYDAY* because I begged you *FOR HELP*!" He snapped, his eyes glowing faintly before he closed them and looked away.
He didn't notice Eugene glance at the princess, or the look she gave him back, one full of regret and embarrassment as she looked back at the teen. Varian opened his eyes and sniffled before he looked at her again, "I realize that wasn't your fault.... But... Dammit, I didn't get a fucking *chance* to do the right thing until it was too late.... I understand why dad may have a reason to be hesitant, he spent a full *year and a half* in that amber.... B-but.... Rapunzel your father threw me in jail the first opportunity he got because he knew I was a threat. And I'm not suggesting that we keep Cassandra in the amber, I'm not even considering that we hunt her down to try to trap her. I'm saying, *IF* she attacks again, *THEN* we could have something ready, that something being the amber solution. I don't *WANT* to use it! I don't.... That stuff ruined my life, I already told you it did! But when you told me to face my fears, I did, and it worked, now the red rocks are gone.... sort of since I have them now, but I don't plan on using them anytime soon. People are *safe* because of that solution, and if I could use it to maybe stop Cassandra *TEMPORARILY*, because we *know* the decay incantation works on that solution, then we can find a way to *actually* help her without anyone getting hurt! It's actually the best solution we have at the moment, unless you have something else that may stop her". He finally noticed her guilt expression as well as Eugene's worried glance, and paused, "....D-do you?"
The princess sighed, lowering her head a little before she spoke, "....I.... Felt Cassandra...."
"Huh?"
"When you and I were trying to fix the red rocks, I was cornered by them while you climbed up to the black rock..... I used my arms to brace myself against them, trying to slow them down. When I did.... Cassandra.... She was touching them too.... I could feel her..... I.... Could feel what she was feeling.... She was scared.... I told you what I feared.... She fears the same.... As well as what you saw in your dream.... She fears more too, what she's turning into, what she may have to do..... Or what she feels she has to do.... I.... I felt that.... A-and I.... Thought talking to her.... Saying something.... Maybe even just.... Listening.... I wanted to try.... Maybe it would help...."
"W-wait you.... Y-you felt this when.... W-when *we* were in the caverns.... W-when *WE* were alone together a-and you were personal with me.... W-when I was personal with you.... Y-you.... Had every opportunity to tell me this.... E-every.... A-and you didn't?"
"I... Thought it would upset you if I did..... That maybe you'd think I was favoring her.... Especially since you'd just become the hero of Corona I.... Didn't want to.... Upset you I-!"
"Bullshit....." Varian stated, startling everyone
"V-Varian-!" Hugo said
"Bull... Shit..... You were in there with me, you *knew* what I feared! I practically gift wrapped all of my fears and worries to you! My raccoon was *gone*, my dad was in *danger*, my *boyfriend* and *aunt* were *frozen in fear*! I was working with a chemical that *ruined* my life and kept seeing my *father* being eaten by that *fucking* amber and you didn't tell me when you felt Cassandra because, and I fucking quote, 'you thought it would upset me', that's bullshit! I was at my most vulnerable with you during that time! I told you EVERYTHING that I felt! I apologized for being snappy, I felt guilty for being negative, I nearly *died* during that trip! I thought you'd at least been honest with me too, completely, I thought, for *once*, you'd trust me enough to tell me everything you'd felt! We had *hours* together, walking back to the surface, making jokes, playing around, laughing and having fun, I thought everything was fine. But then you just.... You knew this the *entire* time, and you didn't tell me..... Is there anything *else* you'd like to say? Any other secrets you may be hiding? Because now would be a great time to tell me since we're sharing those now!"
Rapunzel winced at that, "I... N-no that was the only one, Varian I-!"
"Are you sure? Because I-no.... No no I'm not.... I...." He huffed, his eyes were glowing again as small tears shined in them, "I'm too angry.... I'm too hurt.... I'm too upset..... It took *everything* in me to go and even work up the courage to say this idea..... Because I knew dad would be against it and so would you, and I was afraid of that, I was *afraid*. I got angry because you yelled and didn't even listen to what I had to say in the beginning. Now I come to find out you had another way that you could've told me about and you just...." He shook his head, ".....I.... I can't.... I can't talk to you right now...." He turned to leave
"Varian wait! Please I didn't mean to keep it a secret, I just-!"
"Princess, as much as I would really love to hear what you have to say to explain yourself at this moment....." the teen looked at her, his eyes were completely blue, no pupils or irises could be seen as he *glared* at the princess and sent shivers down *everyone's* backs, "....I will not be able to hold my temper if I stay in this room any longer. So permit me to leave so I don't hurt anyone in this room, because I won't be able to control whatever power comes out of me right now"
Rapunzel froze before she stopped, stepped back, and nodded, "I'm sorry...."
Varian looked away, "I know.... Dad.... Don't get angry at her after I leave.... I have enough for the both of us right now...." He then walked out, slamming the door behind him and causing the entire room to shake as he did.
Quirin was startled by his son's words before he sighed, "I.... Think we should leave him alone...."
"That bad?" Lance asked
"Yeah...."
"Has he.... Ever gotten that bad before?" Edmund asked worriedly
"Once.... When he was little...."
"What happened?" Hugo asked
".....Half the village blew up...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, that secret made things 1000 times worse! :D Poor Varian now has immense amounts of rage and I honestly cannot blame him! Not gonna do a character analysis here, only because it's Varian and Rapunzel I'd be talking about here XD
I will say this though, I do not hate Rapunzel! I love her a lot in fact! I just think she makes really poor choices, and this one happened to cause a really bad reaction inside Varian. Her next one will cause a bad reaction in Quirin...... Hoo boy.....
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 305: A Moment With a Queen!
Summary:
Varian takes a walk around the meadows of the castle to cool his head, but ends up running into a familiar face!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian walked through the castle halls, his eyes were still glowing brightly as he stomped through the palace. guys stood aside as he passed, even the ones that disliked him. He was mumbling to himself, saying things like, "how could she do that?!" and "does trust mean nothing to her?!" Before he slammed open a door and walked inside, stopping when he heard a startled chitter.
"Oh, Ruddigar", the teen said as he noticed his best friend's extremely poofy tail and raised hackles before the small mammal instantly calmed down at the sight of his boy
The raccoon chitter at him, something along the lines of, "are you alright? Why are you so angry?"
"Because of fucking Rapunzel", the alchemist snapped, "she kept a secret from me that I should've known about and she thought she should because, and I quote, 'I thought it would upset you'", he mocked in a higher pitched voice before he growled angrily, "can you believe that?!"
Ruddigar gave his boy a sad look before tilting his head, asking what the secret was
"She felt Cassandra!" Varian stated, "she felt her fear when the red rocks were around. She felt her fear and felt her wanting to change and do something different, but instead of *telling* me this, she kept it to herself until I brought up an idea to freeze Cassandra using the amber-!"
Ruddigar chittered out a fear and worry about that
"I know I know, but we have a solution to getting her out so it would be temporary, trust me I was nervous about it too. But even so, she waited until I brought this up, *yelled* at me about what a bad idea it was, then after I went on a tangent about *why* we should even do it, drops that bomb on me and just.... What, expects me to change my mind?!"
Ruddigar let out a small whimper before he waddled over and nuzzled his boy's hand
Varian pet the small mammal as he let out a sigh, "I'm sorry.... I-I know I shouldn't be this upset.... But.... I t-thought that we were finally getting somewhere with each other.... And she just...." He shook his head as tears slid down his face, "that hurt Ruddigar.... It hurts that she did that.... I feel like she doesn't trust me.... And I thought she did....."
The raccoon growled towards the hallway, getting Varian to smile
"Thanks for being angry on my behalf, I'm sorry for telling you all of this.... A-and for startling you awake, that wasn't nice"
The mammal chittered before he climbed up to his boy's shoulders and chittered, pointing towards the window and the sunny sky
"A walk? I guess that would be the best option at this point.... I really don't wanna talk to anyone in that room right now.... If I'm being honest... I'm a little embarrassed about how angry I got.... I surprised Hugo...." The teen blushed
Ruddigar pet his cheek and licked it
"Thanks, I think a walk outside would be a good idea right now...." The teen made his way outside, walking through the fields nearby and letting the Sun embrace him with warmth. He didn't speak, just took in the Sunlight and the nice breeze as he continued to walk, not really having much of a destination. He felt his anger still boiling in the pit of his stomach, it made him ache a little as he kept walking before he bumped into someone, "oof, oops, sorry I uh, d-didn't see you the-!"
"Varian?"
The teen froze when he looked and saw who he'd collided with, "Q-Queen Arianna! Hi I u-uh, d-didn't see you and I-!"
"Easy honey, I'm not upset", the Queen replied gently with a small smile, "it's alright"
The alchemist blushed even more and looked away, "s-sorry...."
He heard the Queen of Corona chuckle a little, making him blush harder before she said, "are you alright?"
"Huh?" He looked up at her as Ruddigar chittered curiously
"Well, I don't mean to pry, but you seem.... Really upset.... You've got tearstains down your face, you're walking alone, and I'm not meaning this in a bad way, but you're glowing and that storm cloud above your head is bigger than the castle"
The alchemist looked up before raising a brow, "t-there's no-!"
She giggled, "it's an expression darling, it just means you look very upset"
"Oh.... I-I knew that....."
Arianna smiled before she looked serious, "are you alright though? Something seems to be bothering you an awful lot"
"I.... I-I.... D-don't really know how to... T-tell you about it...." Varian admitted, blushing more
"Well that's okay, you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. But, if you'd like, you could sit with me for a moment, I'm doing a little gardening and wouldn't mind the company"
The teen blinked, "you garden?"
"On very rare occasions, yes", she replied, showing her small garden, which was filled with different flowers and a few fruits, "your dad helped me set it up a long time ago actually. Ulla helped me plant some of these flowers too"
"Y-you gardened with my mom?"
"Yeah, she and I were very close, though I think I told you that once before"
"Y-you did, I guess... I forgot.... Sorry"
She smiled, "it's really alright, I don't talk about it much because I know Quirin gets sad when I do. I wasn't really sure if I should bring it up with you so....."
"Right, I understand, it's smart and kind. but if you wanna talk about her, that's okay, I.... Actually would love to know more, i-if that's alright"
Arianna grinned happily, "of course it's alright", she stated, gently ruffling Varian's hair and getting him to smile a little, "hey, there's a small grin"
"N-nu there's not...." The alchemist stated, trying to hide his smile and getting the Queen to giggle
"Alrighty then, maybe I just saw a shadow of a smile, either way it was nice". The alchemist did give her a smile before he blushed, yet again, and covered his mouth with his face, she laughed, "you're so cute"
"Nu I'm not"
"You are, and that I will not deny", she stated before she looked at the garden she'd been working on and sighed happily, "your mother's favorite flowers were buttercups, the yellow ones there", she pointed to some yellow flowers
"Why did she like those the best?"
"Well, she said they reminded her of Quirin's eyes"
"Really?" Varian asked as he sat down in the grass, Arianna doing the same
"Yup, she said yellow brings out Quirin's eyes, and they smell good, just like him", the Queen said as she used a trowel to scoop a little dirt up and place it near one of the buttercups
"Yellow and brown go well together", Varian said
"Indeed, your mother liked to plant the buttercups right next to the orange poppies over here", the Queen pointed to the poppies, "she said they were her, and when you were born, she and I planted these", she pointed to some blue flowers that matched Varian's eyes, "these are Blue Clematis, they mean loyalty, courage and intellect, she knew would be a smart boy with a lot of courage and as loyal as your father. She helped me plants sunflowers for Rapunzel too, over there", she pointed to the large sunflowers nearby, making the teen feel a little sick, "are you alright?"
"Huh? Y-yeah, I'm fine, why?"
The Queen was silent for a moment before she sighed, "what did Rapunzel do to you?"
"W-what?! I n-never said sh-!"
"You glowed brightly when I mentioned the sunflowers and what they represented"
".....Oh....."
Arianna gave him a sad look as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy again, chittering worriedly, "honey, it's okay", she said gently, "I won't be upset if you're angry with my daughter". The teen remained quiet, "....Again, if you don't wish to tell me, that's okay, but.... I'm worried.... You seem so angry, and that kind of anger.... It's not healthy to keep it bottled up like that, and I'm not saying this because of anything that happened in the past. I'm saying it because it's genuinely affecting you, and that's not a good thing. Whatever happened between you and her, I won't be upset or angry with you for feeling the way you do, it just... Might be better for you to let it out somehow is all"
Varian looked at her, she smiled gently, encouraging him to try, he felt like he wanted to, but was scared. He thought about it for a moment, Ruddigar continuing to nuzzle his boy lovingly as the alchemist stroked his best friend's fur before he sighed, "....Oki.... I'll tell you... Just.... C-can you.... P-promise you won't be upset with me?"
Arianna was startled at the request, but smiled and nodded, "I promise", she then held out a pinkie, "I can pinkie swear if that's any better"
"Pinkie swear?"
"It's sort of like a promise, but a bit more personal, and also for children, but I still do it. I know how uncomfortable you get with promises, I pinkie swore with my sister, Willow, all the time when we were kids, it meant a lot to us"
Varian blinked before he smiled and shook pinkies with the Queen of Corona before he finally told her everything that'd happened between him and Rapunzel.
****
Arianna was quiet as Varian finished his tale, she was deep in thought as the alchemist waited for her reply, petting Ruddigar more and more while she thought. She wasn't meaning to take a while, but what she'd just been told was.... Hard to swallow at the very least.... She looked at the teen sadly, "I'm so sorry she did that...."
"Y-you're not gonna punish her, are you?"
"Huh?"
"W-well I mean... S-she's your daughter and..... Um...." Varian blushed again
Arianna smiled lovingly at the child, "I can if you want, but I don't think you do given your reaction just now-!"
NOPE! Nononon! I uh-eheheh I w-wasn't trying to tattle on her, j-just angry..... That's um...." He cleared his throat before looking at the ground sadly, "I just.... Feel like she does that a lot.... I mean... I-I've been honest with her, told her things a-and been open with her about most of how I feel.... S-some things I'd rather not tell her because i-it would come out the wrong way.... I-I haven't really figured them out myself so..... B-but this... I-if I thought I had important information, I-I'd tell her in a heartbeat, but she.... S-she doesn't do that.... It makes me feel like.... L-like she doesn't trust me...."
Arianna felt a pang on guilt shoot through her when he said that, "I'm so sorry Varian.... I know she definitely *does* trust you, but I understand how you come to that conclusion...." The teen sighed, he didn't respond, "....You know.... Having someone act as a sibling can be a wonderful thing, but it can also be hard and aggravating.... I should know, I have a sister that.... Well she still has a crush on your father actually....."
"Wait what?"
"Yeah, Willow has a crush on Quirin, she thinks he's very handsome, and she flirts with him whenever he was around. Ulla used to get so mad at her for it, and there was a time that they stopped coming over because Willow, my sister, would make him so uncomfortable.... Quirin is honestly very shy, he may not act like it around you though, since you're his child"
"Oh no, he does, just when he's around new people, I'm usually the conversation starter, though that's been a little harder to do nowadays...." Varian replied
Arianna placed a hand on the teen's shoulder comfortingly, getting the alchemist to give her a sad smile before she continued, "well, when Willow would do that, I would get so mad at her. When she started to drive Quirin and Ulla away, I yelled at her, I told her she'd lost my trust because she'd told me she would stop, and I walked away angrily and didn't talk to her for a week. I kept avoiding her because I was so upset, and she tried so hard to speak with me, but I wouldn't let her. Once day, Quirin and Ulla came back to talk to me"
"They did?"
"Yeah, they said Willow had ran to their house and practically begged them to try and come back. She'd apologized and promised never to flirt again, that she'd been joking the entire time, even though she hadn't. Quirin said Ulla had given her quiet the earful when she said all those things, and Willow just sat and took it, because she knew it was important. Quirin actually had to step in when Ulla grew a little too angry, but Willow kept quiet. After all was said and done, she truly apologized and it made the two realize she'd meant it. Apparently I'd scared her with my silence, and she'd done all she could to make up for it. Of course, she wouldn't push me to forgive her, and it took a while for me and her to be back to the way we used to be, but we did eventually". She smiled at the memory before she looked at the teen, "I know what Rapunzel did broke your trust, I know you're angry and upset, and you have every right to be, but I also know that she truly does care about you. It doesn't make what she did right, in fact, what she did was very wrong, but please know, she only meant it with good intentions. It's not because she doesn't trust or love you, she just.... Has a very interesting way of showing she cares.... I won't force you to be happy with her, I wont' force you to go and speak with her right now. If you need time, then by all means, stay as long as you'd like. But just know that she cares, and that when you're ready to, she'll be willing to fix what she did".
Varian felt a small part of him lighten a little before he looked up at the Queen, "thank you", she nodded, "t-though.... Um.... T-the way I stormed out... I'm a little embarrassed by it...."
Ruddigar chittered sadly at his boy as Varian scratched his chin
"I um.... Kinda threw a temper tantrum if 'm being honest..... Startled Hugo....."
Arianna chuckled and ruffled the teen's head, "you have nothing to be embarrassed about, believe me, if anyone could understand you 'throwing a temper tantrum', as you say you did, it would be everyone in that room, especially your father"
"Did dad ever throw a tantrum?"
The Queen giggled, "while not a full blown, pounding his fists on the ground tantrum, Quirin did get very angry when a certain Coronan King stepped on some flowers of his that he'd been growing for a while. It was an accident, but he'd had a very bad day and that was sort of the final straw"
Varian's eyes widened, "really?"
"Yup, he balled his fists, and glared *daggers* at Frederic so much so that we were afraid his face may stay that way. He then got up abruptly, remained silent, and walked away, he did slam his fist into a very big boulder though, and broke it", Varian giggled, "he was extremely embarrassed afterwards, and apologized, explaining why he'd gotten so upset. We understood of course, but we did tease him a little, though I'm certain they won't do that to you. Trust me, you getting angry and slamming a door shut is not a temper tantrum, it's you making your point. We it a bit abrupt, yeah, but did it make you feel better?"
"....Yeah, it was satisfying"
Arianna smiled, "then I'd say it was worth it. Though try not to break the door"
The alchemist laughed, "noted"
The Queen and teen continued to chat, keeping each other company for hours on end until the Sun began to set. They decided it would be better to head in and, while checking into Varian's room, ran into Quirin, who hugged his son happily, relieved to see he was alright. The six of them, Ruddigar, Itty Bitty, and Sassy included, all had dinner together and talked the rest of the night, enjoying each other's company as the tiny alchemist felt his anger subside for the time being as he laughed and joked with his father and the Queen!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here's a Varian and Queen Arianna chapter! :D Moon bean needs comforting, so guess who decided to step up and help :D
Honestly, I wish we got more Arianna in the show, she was such an amazing character with a lot of potential that really never got explored. I loved how she vouched for Eugene when he admitted to stealing her ring years ago, I loved the episode with Willow and how she got so frustrated with her sister because she wanted to bond with Rapunzel, I love Arianna! I think she would've been such a great mom character had the show included her more often! Hopefully this chapter helps a little bit with that motherly nature :D
Varian going a worrying about his 'temper tantrum', and worrying over weather or not he's tattling to Queen Arianna about Rapunzel are just some of the cute things that I think he'd worry about XD He's still a teen after all, a mature teen, but a teen none the less. I'm fairly certain he'd still worry about small stuff, especially with his anxiety <3
More Ulla stuff! :D We get to know more about her, and some things about Quirin too, hims got a temper XD Ulla would be that feisty type that would protect her husband from any flirts. I can see her snapping at Willow for her flirting with Quirin and making him uncomfortable, I plan on having Willow return by the way, I think that would be an interesting chapter XD
Ruddy buddy for the win here! Him being such a good support animal! <3<3<3<3 Also, small Itty Bitty and new sister Sassy moment! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 306: The Past Can Help the Future!
Summary:
Hugo, after reuniting with Varian and Quirin, tells Varian about an odd ball that Pascal found while helping Rapunzel. Quirin recognizes the description and looks through an old journal of memories to find out if his worries are correct!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The rest of the evening had been significantly uneventful, save for Varian reuniting with Hugo, who was *extremely* relieved to see him! He'd hugged his boyfriend so tight that Varian thought he may explode, Quirin did too, but when Ruddigar chittered that his boy was being squished, the blond instantly let go, apologizing profusely and making the retired knight laugh!
They were lying in their beds, Quirin was reading a book as the two alchemists snuggled with each other with Olivia and Ruddigar in the middle, chatting quietly to themselves as they did, "did you see Pascal's new ball?" The blond asked
"His new ball? What do you mean?" Varian replied
"When you left, Adira, Hector, and Edmund went out for a bit, they felt a little awkward about how you'd left and knew not to come find you because you seemed like you wanted space. Rapunzel and Eugene were asked to go help with a shipment down by the docks, otherwise the princess would've been looking for you. Lance went to check on Catalina and Angry, and Quirin and I went for a walk, we talked for a bit before a guard, Stan, wanted to ask me a few questions about origami, hence why I wasn't with Quirin when you two met up later that day"
"Ah I see, so what's so special about this ball?"
"Well the princess mentioned Pascal had found it during their trip with the shipment, she'd allowed him to keep it because he seemed to really be taken with it. The person with the shipment said they'd found two in Nedzerdnia and allowed her to keep it. But I get the feeling there's something odd with that ball"
"What do you mean?"
"Well.... It's shiny and hard to the touch, not like a regular ball or a cannon ball, but it felt.... Kinda like an egg of some sort, not only that, but it was hot"
"Hot?"
"Yeah! Like, warm, almost as if there was something inside keeping it like that"
".....Does Rapunzel know about this?"
"Well, she did touch it, and didn't seem too bothered.... I just have an odd feeling", Hugo yawned, "maybe it's nothing, but it just seemed weird to me"
Varian thought about it for a moment before he felt himself growing tired as well, "maybe...." He felt a small pang on something shoot through him though and turned to Hugo, "hey.... This may sound selfish but.... Did Rapunzel...."
"...Did Rapunzel what?" Hugo asked
"...No never mind, i-it's fine", Varian dismissed, blushing a little as he looked away
Hugo was quiet before he smiled and kissed Varian's cheek, "she felt bad about how she'd made you upset"
"I-!"
"It's not a selfish thing to ask and see if someone cares that they upset you, it'd be selfish to revel in that fact, but I don't see you doing that", the blond interrupted gently, getting Quirin to smile at the teen from his bed as he watched the two, "she did, and probably still does, feel bad however. In fact, she was pretty quiet after you left, I think you startled her by how angry you got"
"I'm sorry...."
"For what, getting angry? You have every right to be you know"
"But I... Didn't mean to startled anyone.... I think I shocked you too...."
"Well.... I won't lie and say it didn't surprise me a little, but that's only because the news she was keeping to herself startled me too. There was a lot that happened during that conversation, you finally standing up to her and getting her to listen to you, the look Eugene seemed to be giving her that was a blatant 'I told you so' look-!"
"Wait what?"
"Yeah, you had you back to him at that point, but I think Rapunzel told Eugene, because he gave her a look that was definitely an 'I told you so' look. I think she made him keep it a secret though...."
"Oh Eugene...."
"Yeah.... Poor guy seems to always be in the middle of things doesn't he?"
"Yeah.... Wish he wasn't"
"Same, but at least you know now right?"
"I suppose", Varian replied before he looked at Hugo, "are you.... Scared of me?"
"Scared? Why would I be?"
"W-well.... My anger was one of the main reasons I did what I did.... Before...."
Hugo's eyes widened in realization, "oh Freckles, *no*! I'd never be afraid of you!"
"You wouldn't?"
"No!" Hugo sat up, getting Varian to do the same, "Varian I *love* you! I'd never be afraid of you, even at your most angry"
"Are you sure?"
"Definitely! Look what happened in the past is not what's happening now. You've changed and grown and got better, hell I wasn't even *apart* of what happened in the past! I got here near the end, you getting angry and storming off is not gonna scare me away. Especially since... I was angry too"
"Y-you were?"
"We both were", Quirin stated, getting the two to look at him, "she kept important information away from all of us, save for Eugene who was sworn to secrecy, which reminds me of a certain king I know now that I think about it.... Either way, we were angry on your behalf because of what she did. Hector, Adira, and King Edmund were also angry on your behalf, it's another reason why they left, aside from being uncomfortable", Hugo smirked at that
"S-so... None of you thought I was throwing a temper tantrum or were worried about what I might do?" Varian asked
"Not at all", his father replied, "we know you're not like that anymore, you practically showed us you weren't when you left to calm down", the Village Leader pointed out, "which I was very proud of you for, by the way"
The freckled teen smiled at that, "he's right though Freckles, nobody in that room blamed you for being upset about what the princess did. Honestly, it was a pretty shitty thing for her to do to you, especially after all you've been through with Cassandra. And she knew she'd made a huge mistake, it's why she felt so bad, she was shocked into *silence* love, have you *ever* known that girl to be*quiet*?"
Varian laughed, "that's so mean"
"It's true!"
"She's not *that* bad", Hugo raised a brow, "Hugo!"
The blond snickered, "agree to disagree", Varian huffed as Quirin and Ruddigar chuckled, "either way, she feels bad, really bad, so much so that she needed a distraction. Trust me, that girl is going to have a *huge* apology for you soon enough"
"She'd better", Quirin muttered, getting the two alchemists to giggle before Varian let out a very squeaky yawn, getting his father to smile when the yawn passed over to Hugo, "alright, I think it's time for you two to get some sleep"
"But dad we're not even- *yawwwwwwwwwn* tired yet....." The freckled teen argued sleepily as Hugo flopped onto the pillows with a *puff*, getting Varian to giggle, "well he might be". The retired knight got up and walked over to their bed, gently placing his hand on his son's shoulder and guiding him to lay down, "no fair- *yawwwwwn* using your dad magic on me...."
Quirin chuckled as he pulled the covers over the two and kissed both of them on the forehead before stroking Ruddigar's fur and getting him to purr happily, "how about we debate the use of dad magic once you get a good night's sleep, yeah?"
"You..... Can't get me with you.... Your negotiating.... I won't f-fall for it.... *Yawwwwwwn*", the teen argued, trying to stop the yawn but failing sadly
Hugo grunted tiredly and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, snuggling close to him and sighing sleepily, "sleep", he stated softly
Varian, unsurprisingly, couldn't fight it any longer, and sighed, "fine...." He then yawned one more time before he returned the snuggle and finally fell asleep
Quirin smiled at the two happily, "get some rest you two", he said quietly, getting them both to smile before he got up and walked over to his bed again before pausing. "That ball...." He said to himself, "could it.... Hmm...." He looked at the alchemists again, they were still sleeping happily, he smiled at them before he heard a soft noise coming from the hallway. Walking over to the door, he opened it slightly and peaked out before seeing a small shadow. He squinted his eyes at it before realizing the shape was.... Pascal? *What is he doing out here so late and without Rapunzel?* He thought to himself before another shadow joined the chameleon, they were slightly bigger, and seemed to be sizing up the reptile before they both began to play together.
The retired knight's instincts knew *immediately* what that creature was and quickly closed the door to the bedroom, locking it up tight. He looked at the alchemists again, they hadn't moved, though Ruddigar seemed to have been alerted to the man's noise. He placed his finger to his lips and gave the mammal a pleading look. The raccoon blinked before he nodded, "thank you", the Village Leader whispered to the creature before he, silently, made his way over to the drawer next to his bed. Opening it, he pulled out a small book he'd brought to the castle from his home, it was a black journal, he'd drawn the Dark Kingdom symbol on it a long time ago.
He smiled at the book before opening it and scrolling through the pages, reading a few passages that made him chuckle to himself:
'This castle is GIGANTIC! It's got rooms within rooms with SECRET rooms! I want to explore them all but the prince says some of them are off limits to me, which I guess I understand.... I may try to sneak into one of them later though, he won't mind if I just take a peek right? No one has to know! I'll be kicked out eventually anyway, it's what everyone does to me. No one ever wanted me around before, I just need to make sure I escape before they cut off my hand....'
"....Don't look inside those secret rooms..... The Prince may not know, but the *king* *WILL* find out, how was I supposed to know they held some ancient stone thingy?! I wasn't trying to steal it, I just wanted to see what it was! He yelled a lot.... It scared me... The prince defended me though, even though I went against his orders..... He didn't kick me out either.... Does.... Does he really care? Or am I just falling into a trap..... I guess I get to stay a little longer and find out.....'
'The prince and I trained today, he taught me a couple of sword techniques, he found out that I'm no rookie too! I think I surprised him! His laugh made me smile for some reason, I'm not really sure why, either way he seemed pretty happy with me. He even said I might be skilled enough to choose a weapon I'd get to fight with for my entire life! I'll have to go up against the captain of the royal guards for that, guess we'll wait and see what happens, would be nice taken that old bag of bones down.... Wow, I'm starting to *write* like the prince.... Huh.... Guess he's not such a bad guy. I saw a tiny baby crow in the market place the other day, he seemed to really like it.... Maybe I'll get it for him, I've got a little money saved.... Maybe...'
'He loved the bird, named him Hamuel and cried when I gave it to him! Moon above what have I done?! He won't stop *talking* to the creature, and the thing was going at such a low price, I should've realized why, I think there may be something wrong with them. But.... They look so happy together, the bird never stops smiling, but he also has this.... Far away look about him.... I don't know, if the prince likes him, then I'm glad, at least it's my thank you for him letting me stay here longer. I... Don't think I want to leave just yet, I'm so close to finishing my training and getting a chance to beat the captain! I wanna show him I'm more than just a street rat! I'll-!' The page was filled with a bunch of, what looked like, inky bird tracks, making the retired knight grin from ear to ear when he saw 'Hamuel's Input' written at the top of the page in his own hand writing before he turned the page and continued reading
'Sorry about that, apparently Hamuel decided he wanted to write in my journal using his feet, oh well, I won't get rid of the page because the prince thought it was cute. So I guess I'll just call that part, 'Hamuel's Input', either way, I'm gonna beat the captain and earn my place here, then when I've become the most powerful swordsman in the kingdom, I'll-..... Um.... Do something..... I dunno, I don't really wanna hurt the prince, he's nice, maybe scare the king a little? He's a jerk and a bully, if I ever become a knight of some kind, I'm hoping it'll be Prince Edmund that makes me swear my loyalty, I don't wanna be that old crow-ah er *guy's* knight. Gotta watch what I write in these pages, 'old crow' seems to upset Hamuel.... Somehow..... Either way, I'd secretly swear to Prince Edmund either way, so I guess it doesn't really matter. After that? Well, I guess we'll see, I wanna garden some, I like gardening, it's fun! Maybe I can be a garden knight, I'll have to ask the prince about that, but first, training!'
'I DID IT! I PASSED THE TRAINING AND BEAT THE CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARDS TODAY! WOOOOOOO! I got to choose my weapon, it'll be the weapon I use for the rest of my life! When I looked at the options, which were an axe like the prince, a great sword, some gloves for your fists, a tamer's blade, a staff for a mage, and then duel blades, I chose the duel blades! I dunno why, they just called out to me for some reason, plus the prince says I have a bad habit of twitching my right arm while practicing with my training sword. So maybe having something to hold and use in battle will come in handy to stop that? Either way, I GET MY NEW WEAPONS TOMORROW! I can't WAIT to start training in the ways of a knight! I'M SO EXCITED!'
'I finally got my new weapons, but guess what! Prince Edmund ADOPTED ME! He WANTS me! He NEEDS me! He even said so himself! He ADOPTED ME!!!!!! I.... I have a new dad now! I have a dad!!!!!! HE ADOPTED ME! *HE ADOPTED ME*!'
Quirin chuckled happily at these pages before skipping ahead a little, trying to hurry up and get to the part he was looking for:
'The prince took me out on a training trip, secretly I think he wanted to go camping with me and needed an excuse that was sufficient enough for his dad, because the only training we've done is learning to fish. Apparently I'm much better than the prince in that aspect, he keeps catching stuff that shouldn't be in the water, like boots, boxes, he even found a treasure chest with coins inside! The man is lucky when it comes to finding stuff, but not fish, I guess I'm gonna be providing the food for us during this trip, thankfully it's just the two of us'
'I found a little girl.... She's hurt really badly and she's sick, she looks no more than 5 years old and is covered in bruises and scars from years of abuse..... What the hell did that Baron guy do to her to get her this bad?! Oh! She's waking up!'
'Her name's Adira, she's so small, and so afraid.... I've been there before, I understand how she feels..... She feel back asleep right as I asked her that, she's way too sick.... I think she may have the plague.... Prince Edmund said we would take her home, maybe the nurses and doctors can help her there... I hope so.....'
'She's being healed as we speak, Eden says she'll be alright and has been keeping me company for a while, she knows I'm afraid.... I mean, this plague killed my parents.... How can I not be?! ....I'm.... Gonna hold off on training for now... I wanna make sure Adira's okay....'
'She woke up!'
'Sorry for not writing in a while, Adira's been taking up a lot of my time, not that I mind. She seems to trust me, which makes me happy! She's recovering very well, and soon the doctors said she'll be able to walk around and explore! The prince gave her the option to leave, I hope she doesn't take it, I know that's selfish, but I like Adira, I want her to stay with us! But if she chooses to leave, I'll understand and let her go..... I don't want to, but it's the right thing to do..... I hope she stays though'
'SHE STAYED! She chose to stay and now I have a little sister! Prince Edmund adopted her today, just like he adopted me! Now we have more people in our family! I can't wait to start training her! She's gonna love it here! I won't let anything happen to her! She's my little sister now, which means I have to be a good big brother, and I will! For Adira, I will!!!!!!!'
He skipped ahead once more, smiling and wiping his eyes a little bit before he turned and looked at the alchemists, Hugo was whistling in his sleep, it sounded like Varian must be getting into his head, because he was whistling a small lullaby that Quirin had heard he'd sung for his son before, it was sweet. He then chuckled when Varian started to mumble about a raccoon potion that helped Ruddigar talk, that would definitely be an interesting idea he'd need to remind his son of later on. He then turned back to the book, having skipped a few more sections before finding the person he'd been looking for's name:
'Hector.... That's the name of the boy we just found. He'd fought with me and Adira during a celebration of the 8 kingdoms, I thought he was pretty good, knows his way around a sword pretty well... To think his parents caused him to be in such a horrible condition though.... He just.... Found us.... He was weak and frail and hurt, then fainted in my arms..... We talked to his parents with His Majesty Edmund, and found out the parents didn't want him, so he's coming with us. I can't believe they'd just throw their child *away* like that! How horrible can you be?! Those stupid parents will *regret* what they did to this poor little-!' He noticed the words cut off there and snickered at the memory of what happened before turning the page
'Adira just said I was making a freaky face, guess I'm more emotional about this than I thought. But I need to be careful, this kid is not very big, he doesn't look that old either, I don't wanna scare him.... I should stop writing for now, he may wake up soon and I wanna be there for him when he does'
'He woke up in the caravan, but not for very long, he got my and Adira's, names before falling back asleep again.... We finally got him to the kingdom and the doctors said his injuries were very severe. Plus, he apparently was born with a weakness.... This poor kid shouldn't be fighting at all! He's skinny and sickly and weak, he shouldn't have been forced to fight, he shouldn't have been put in any situation that would make him exert so much energy at once until he was much older and had the proper treatment! Those people are horrible..... I'll make sure he's taken care of so he can get his revenge, I can tell he's a fighter, not just in a normal sense. He's a strong willed kid, he never gave up and is still fighting. He wants to live, I'll make sure he does, no matter what'.
'Hector is walking around today, he got a tour of the castle, having to take breaks a few times. He hated doing that, I could tell, he wanted to keep going, but all of us told him we could wait. He felt so bad.... Don't worry, he'll be strong one day, I'll help him, even if it takes a little extra time, I'll help, I won't give up on him like people gave up on me!'
'Hector's got a love of animals, he showed Adira and me a little squirrel friend he'd just met, I've seen anyone be able to go right up to a tiny squirrel and pet them before! We got to pet them too, they were so soft! If this kid ever wants to become a warrior, he'd definitely be a tamer for sure! Just as Adira would be a great sword wielder or a monk, she would have two because she's proficient at both! These kids are so amazing! Though I sometimes worry that them being so amazing will made Edmund and Eden realize how mediocre I am.... I guess I'll have to train harder, I need to show them I'm still good too'
'Hector just befriended a SHARK! I don't know how the heck he did it! We were just walking along the bay area during a camping trip, His Majesty still can't catch a fish and we found out Hector is a vegetarian, when a shark came out of the water! They were very little, so they must've been young! But they're still a shark! Even ADIRA was freaked out by the animal! But Hector? Nope, this tiny kid just walked right up to the shark and plopped them back into the water. Apparently they were asking for help getting back to the deeper part of the ocean, it was pretty shallow where we were.... How did a shark even get here?! And then, while we ate dinner, THE SHARK CAME BACK! And Hector just walked up to them and gave them food! Like it was just another day of the week! What in the absolute HELL?! I guess he has a shark friend now, we're supposed to visit her a week from now, Hector promised we would, let it be known that I never used puppy dog eyes on His Majesty when it was just me and him, and still got to go camping whenever we wanted! But I suppose to each their own. So I guess we're visiting a shark next week..... Moon above, what have we gotten ourselves into?'
'Adira scared Hector again today, she keeps doing that while he's training by himself. He'll be swinging his sword and she'll jump out of the trees and scare him. It's a little funny to see him chase her with his wooden sword, but I should really have a talk with her about how that could affect him. He's only 10 after all, and it's not like he's been here for very long. Though I may hold off for a while, I just noticed the tiniest smile on his face while he chased her, seems like he's finally starting to make a friend, and outside of me, so is she, that's a first!'
'Welp, now I have a little brother! Hector has officially been adopted into our family, him and every single one of his animal friends, which includes a shark..... I still can't get over that, A SHARK! Oh well, typical Hector I guess, either way, he's getting much stronger, he's definitely a lot happier too, so is Adira, both of them have been smiling a lot more lately! I'm excited to see these two grow, they can be brats, but they're fun to be around, they really are!'
Quirin shook his head with a sigh, remembering those days with the two younger fighters. He remembered them fighting with each other, arguing over who's better than whom, even dragging the retired knight himself into it before he remembered the happy moments. Dinners together with himself, the two fighters, Eden, and his king, er well, prince at the time, he remembered all of the training they'd done together and smiled up at the Moon, thanking her for those memories as he turned the page and his eyes grew wide with fear:
'.....Prince Edmund is now the king..... And it's all my fault......'
He slammed the book shut before he could read anymore of it! He realized why he hadn't checked this book in a long time now..... But he needed to make sure he was right about this.... It was important.... So he opened the book again and skipped past the tear stained pages.... He didn't want to remember that right now.....
'Hector found an egg!' Ah here we go, 'he said it hit him in the head while he was sitting under a tree. He's nursing it right now, it's purple and hot to the touch, it's very smooth too! I wonder what kind of creature will come out of it, I really hope it's not an alligator, he does not need an alligator with his shark friend, though I wouldn't put it past him to try and get one.... Either way, this little egg is interesting, Adira's trying to search in every book in the library to find out what kind of creature this is, I'll see if I can find out myself, if I do, then I'll place a copy of the page in this journal, who knows, could be useful for another time!'
He turned the page and, once again, his eyes widened as the memories came flooding back, he looked through the notes he'd taken from the book he' copied down and let out a sigh before looking towards the door he'd seen Pascal and that odd creature at before, worry filled his chest as he realized what this meant before he looked back to one single line in his notes, one that he'd taken immense amount of care to make bolded and big for him to see.....
'Hector found a dragon's egg!'
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, you may have guessed this by now, but this is a chapter to set up 'Pascal's Dragon', Varian wasn't in this episode, neither was his father, Adira, Hector, or Edmund, so I have an idea as to *why* they weren't in it, and it has everything to do with a certain alchemist and an interesting find :D
Varian and Hugo are having the Variago! XD Honestly wanted to have a moment with these two being adorable together because I think them supporting each other is important <3 Plus Hugo being the one to calm Varian down after a momentary temper tantrum is sweet to me! <3
Poor Quirin had a very hard time in his past, so he kept a journal, I think it may have been Eden's idea, but I'm not sure XD Either way, I plan to have this journal make more appearances soon, it's gonna be a part of the retired knight's arc, so look out for that! :D
Also, I wasn't a hater of this episode, but I wasn't a huge fan either, I think it's cool that dragons are actually a thing in this world, but..... Well the episode was just kinda.... Meh for me, but I didn't hate it. It was sweet and I liked that Pascal had a buddy for a little bit, definitely gonna use a rule from the episode though for Varian, and I'm wondering if any of you can guess what it is :D Tis my challenge to you, good luck, anyone who guesses right will get a shout out in the notes from me :D I know it's not much, but I'm curious XD
Ruddy buddy being the best secret keeper over there <3 What a good racoon <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 307: Quirin's Mission!
Summary:
Quirin tells Hector, Adira, and King Edmund what he thinks Pascal may have, and gets a mission!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The morning Sun rose over the horizon, but was quickly hidden when the retired knight drew the shutters so the light didn't hit the two alchemists. He looked over and saw them both asleep, good. Grabbing the journal he'd been reading all night, he made himself look presentable and quietly walked out the door, hoping the two would sleep in before he got back, if not, he'd left a note. As he hurried down the hallway, he looked everywhere to see if he could find who he was looking for, sure enough, there he was, up early with an apple in his hand and bantering with Adira and King Edmund, "Hector!" Quirin called, jogging over to the man
The tamer looked over and raised a brow, "hey, what's wrong?"
"Hi I-wha-how'd you know something's wrong?"
"You're jogging over to me, look a little sleepy, and holding your old journal which means you found a memory about me that you think will help with a situation that you found out about late last night"
Quirin blinked before he sighed and shook his head with a smirk, "forgot you're too good at your job, anyway, yes I did. Have any of you seen Pascal today?"
"Pascal?" Edmund asked
"You mean the princess's chameleon?" Adira added, getting the King to make a 'oooooh' face
"Yes him", Quirin replied
"Not today, why?" Hector asked
"I think he may have found a dragon's egg....."
All three Dark Kingdom inhabitants stared at the retired knight, wide eyed and slack jawed before they stepped closer, "how do you know?" They asked, getting the Village Leader to chuckle
"Hugo, he was chatting with Varian last night-!"
"How *is* the little peanut?" Edmund asked
"He's alright, still angry, but calmer, thank you for asking. But anyway, Hugo said the chameleon found an odd ball while with Rapunzel the other day. He said it was round and hard to the touch, he described that it felt like an egg, and then said it was hot too, like something was alive inside of it", the old farmer relayed, "he said the princess let Pascal *keep* said ball because he was very taken with it, but then said he felt it was a little odd.... Like he got a strange sense from it. When I looked through my journal, because I've heard that prescription before, it's *exactly* like the notes I took when Hector found the dragon egg all those years ago"
"Shit....." The wild tamer stated, "you're right, that sounds exactly like how I described that egg.... I mean, the dragon was a good girl, but I don't think Coronans are very open to them at all...."
"No I don't think so either.... Plus with all the things you got from the dragon....."
"Right.... Though, did you *see* this ball? Personally?"
"No, I only heard about it from Hugo, but he's sharp, he could tell the different between a ball and an egg"
"That's true", Adira agreed, "he's proven that more often than not"
"So what should we do?" The wild tamer asked, "it's not like Pascal is our animal, we can't just take away the egg, technically they belong to the princess"
"While that's true, we should at least warn her about it", Edmund stated, "it'd be better to let her know that the ball may actually be a dragon's egg instead of letting her find out and possibly put lives in danger"
"True", Adira agreed, "so we search for the princess, warn her, then what?"
"Maybe find out if it *is* a Dragon's egg or not?" Hector suggested, "while I trust Hugo and your judgement brother, he's never seen a dragon's egg, and you didn't see the ball"
Quirin nodded, "that's fair, I think that would be a good plan. I'll have to warn Varian and Hugo too, it'd be best for them to be out of harm's way. We'd also need to find out where Pascal found the ball if it *does* turn out to be a dragon's egg. Just to make sure there aren't anymore"
"Right", Edmund replied with a nod and a smile
"Alright, so we all have our missions, let's go", Adira stated, they all nodded and set out!
****
Quirin walked back to his and Varian's room, feeling much more relieved than before as he closed the door behind him, that is, until he saw the empty bed that *used* to hold the two alchemists. He walked over and saw another note attached to his, getting a very bad feeling, he picked up the note and read it:
'Dear dad,
Me and Hugo saw your note, we must've gotten up right after you left. We decided to go for an early morning walk since it was getting a little cramped. We'll be by the docks while walking, if you need us, come find us and we can have breakfast, my treat!
I love you dad, see you soon!
Love,
Varian and Hugo'
"Shit!" Quirin quickly fed Itty Bitty and Sassy, giving both fish a few pets before he grabbed his gloves and ran out the door and towards the docks. He tried to look as calm as he could, but with a few glances his way, he realized he wasn't doing a very good job.... Sighing, he gave up the ghost and ran to the boats. He needed to find his sons before it was too late, he needed to warn them! His heart filled with relief when he noticed the alchemists chatting with Xavier and one of the travelers that had brought Corona some Nedzerdnian goods, but sank when he saw his son holding something smooth, round, and judging from his boy's slight juggling of the object, hot to the touch.
He walked over, immediately getting the groups attention, "hey dad!" Varian exclaimed happily with a wave, "lookit what Mr. River gave me!" He held up the object proudly as the traveler looked proud
"It's a small momento from you savin us from those rocks lad", Mr. River said happily
"I see", Quirin replied, looking at the object, trying to act normal, "that was very kind of you"
"I told him he didn't have to, but he insisted, I'm very grateful to him though, this is a really pretty.... Ball? Stone?" Varian looked at the sailor
"I'd call 'er a pearl if I'm bein honest, but that's just me", the replied with a grin, which Varian returned happily, "gave one to the princess the other day too, she seemed pretty happy about it"
"Are you alright Quirin?" Xavier asked as he looked at the retired knight, "you look a little tired"
"Oh, yeah sorry, just didn't get a lot of sleep last night"
"You didn't?" Hugo asked, "you seemed pretty peaceful yesterday"
"I was, I just... Got caught up in a book", it wasn't a *lie* per say, it just wasn't the *full* truth, Quirin could live with that for now, so the guilt he felt could leave him be for a moment because he really didn't need that right now
The old blacksmith chuckled, "I, too, get caught up in a good book every now and again that I lose sleep, it happens"
Quirin smiled warmly at his friend, grateful to have someone give him an excuse, "thank you", he said, getting the black smith to nod before they heard a work whistle go off
"Whoops, looks like I've gotta go, you be careful with the pearl yeah?" Mr. River stated
"I will, thank you Mr. River", Varian replied
"Anytime lad, thanks fer savin us", he replied with a delighted wave before he set out on the road once more
"So how do you know him?" Hugo asked
"Mr. River comes by the farm every so often whenever he finds cool gardening supplies or apothecary stuff from the shops in Nedzerdnia, he's brought me a lot of the chemicals I use today! And dad still has a few good tools from him too! Right dad?"
"Right", Quirin replied
"Huh, is it an old farming secret to befriend a traveler like him?" Hugo asked
"Well, that's not really why we befriended him, my dad gave him shelter during a severe storm, ever since then we've all been pretty good friends!"
"Huh"
As the two alchemists were chatting, Xavier looked the retired knight up and down worriedly, Quirin gave him an anxious look and eyed the 'pearl' in Varian's hand before looking at the blacksmith once more. When Xavier seemed confused as his eyes flicked to the object then back to the farmer, Quirin opened his journal and showed him the section that said Hector'd found a dragon's egg. This made Xaviar's eyes grow wide as he eyed the object before looking at Quirin, the retired knight sighed before he looked at his son, who was clutching the item lovingly. He didn't have the heart to take it away, but he knew he needed to do *something*.
"Dad?"
He was snapped out of his thoughts when he looked at his son and noticed both alchemists were looking at him, "hm?"
"Yes or no?"
"I uh...." He sighed, "I'm so sorry, I didn't hear the question"
Varian gave the man a sympathetic smile, "*really* good book, huh?"
"Very"
The teen giggled, "my question was where you wanted to go for breakfast, I'm assuming you got here because of the note we left. Did you wanna go to a diner?"
His boy was so sweet, the retired knight felt his heart fill with warmth as he smiled at his son, "I'm happy to go wherever you two would prefer"
"Hmmm..... Well.... How about we go to the diner in Old Corona!" Varian suggested, "I know you like that one dad, and Hugo, you've never been, but they've got the *best* omelets there! And no burnt bacon!"
"You mean they only have *raw* bacon?" His father corrected
"It's not raw! It's a *little* crunchy!"
"Tis raw"
"Tis not!"
"Tis too!"
Hugo laughed, "how about *I* be the judge of that? An old Coronan diner sounds pretty good"
"Oki, then to the diner we go!" Varian replied before he looked at the blacksmith, "are you coming too Xaves? I've got enough money"
"No no, I have a few things to do at the shop", Xavier replied, "but thank you though"
"Why'd you come here anyway?" Hugo asked, "not to be blunt, just curious"
The old blacksmith chuckled, "I came to get my wares I'd ordered from Nedzerdnia, I always order a few rarer metals that I can't find in Corona, they're fun to work with"
"I'll agree with that", Varian replied with a grin, "good luck with your metals!"
"Yes, thank you, good luck with your breakfast, and be good on your father today"
"Always", the teen replied with a smile as he gently leaned his head against Quirin, who smiled
The blacksmith was about to leave, but while the two teens began to chat again, he gave Quirin a worried look, the Village Leader gave him a confident one back, he knew he could handle this, even if he was tired. Xavier nodded, he trusted him, that made Quirin smile, even when Varian pulled on his arm, gently, to make him start heading to the diner, he felt a little reassured knowing Xavier trusted him, it wasn't much, but it helped.
Notes:
Hello! :D EARLY UPLOAD!
So, this was just a small story for Quirin with his anxieties and thoughts. I thought it'd be cute to have a moment with him where we see how he handles worries and such. Turns out, he handles them about as well as his son does, very anxiously XD
Quirin is such a wholesome dad, and I really love writing him in these different scenarios! Thank you all for allowing me to be able to write him in these scenarios! IT's been a lot of fun to do so :D
Varian and Hugo walking around is adorable to me, and now they get to have breakfast, I can see Varian being one of those kids who offers to pay simply because he's just a sweet heart like that! <3
Xavier is still one of the best side characters, he shall be in more <3
The traveler, Mr. River, hims good people, he just does his job and makes sure those he's grateful too know how much he appreciates them :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 308: Varian's Dragon! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian finds out his 'pearl' is more than it seems to be!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin, Varian, Hugo, and Ruddigar all went to the diner, the blue eyed alchemist keeping the 'pearl' close to his chest with a smile on his face as they did. While they ate, the teen would discuss possible ideas for the 'pearl', "maybe we could place it somewhere", Varian suggested, "maybe even build a small pedestal for it!"
"I like the sound of that!" Hugo agreed, equally as excited, "we could place little candles nearby, and make it to where it wouldn't shake or be knocked down even during the most brutal of earthquakes!"
"We could measure how much wood we'd need, oh! Maybe even get some *glass*!" The blue eyed alchemist added as he gave Ruddigar a complimentary biscuit from the table
"Oooooh! Yeah, maybe we could make the glass stronger too, you know, like sword proof!"
"Yeah yeah! Oh and then we could-!"
The two alchemists kept chatting, both of them so excited about what to build for the 'pearl'. Neither of them noticed the retired knight watching it, looking it up and down to make sure any cracks or divots didn't appear on it at all. His eyes widened when noticed it shake a few times, but nothing else happened to it. They ate their fill, Quirin taking some with as leftovers, he wasn't that hungry.... As they walked home, he continued to watch the 'pearl', it was only when he bumped into someone that the object left his gaze as he turned to apologize to the person, "oof! Oh I'm so sorry, I didn't see yo-!"
"It's just me, I'm fine", a familiar voice stated rather bluntly
Quirin blinked, "oh, Hector, hi, sorry"
"It's fine, you okay? You look pale brother"
"Oh I'm fine, just...." He looked around before spotting Varian and Hugo beside him, his sons looking at him worriedly, "eheh.... Sorry"
"It's okay dad, but he's right, you look pale, and you didn't eat much", Varian pointed out, Ruddigar chittering in agreement
"I'm fine, really, just trying not to bump into the 2 *dozen* people in the street", he joked, gesturing to the busy square
"It is kinda crowded today", Hugo noticed as Varian had a momentary crisis, remembering him saying *nearly* the same thing to Rapunzel in the underground caverns
Hector raised a brow when he noticed the 'pearl' in Varian's hands, "did you, perhaps, find that in the princess's hands?"
"Hm? This? Nope, a nice traveler gave it to me as a thank you gift for helping save the kingdom from the red rocks! Though I'm guessing this one's similar to the one Rapunzel has, since he did mention he gave one to her yesterday", the freckled teen replied
"Huh..... I uh, I see"
"Something wrong?"
Hector looked at his brother, who gave him a worried look, before the wild tamer looked back at the 'pearl' and sighed, "I think your dad would be better at explaining what I'm worried about. And seeing it now.... I see why you're worried", he added as he glanced at his brother, who sighed
"Dad?" Varian said, getting the man to look at him sadly qas the raccoon tilted his head at the man curiously
Quirin felt himself tense up but took another breath before he began, "son.... That 'pearl'.... Might be something more.... And while I'd love to tell you what it might be.... There's 2 dozen people in the street that may freak out if I do"
The teen looked around and nodded, "we can go to a private location, there's one not too far away, would you feel a little better then?"
"Yeah, I would", his father replied
Varian gave his dad a gentle smile, "then let's go", he led the group through the streets, waving hi to those who greeted him before he found a quiet spot in an alleyway, "here we go!" He smiled and let out a breath, "I actually found this spot when I was an outlaw, if you walk a little more, it's a short cut to the apple orchard dad!"
Quirin smiled, "you came here when you were an outlaw?"
"Well yeah, sometimes I needed a minute, and I love the apple orchard, it's like the little secret spot at the castle, nice and cozy and secretive, not many people know about it"
"Noted", Hugo said with a smirk before he looked at the two Brotherhood members, "so what's with the pearl that has you two so worked up? I mean, not to be rude Quirin but...." He looked the man up and down, "you look like a ghost"
The retired knight blushed, "sorry, I guess seeing that.... 'pearl' makes me anxious, the memories come flooding back and it's.... They were nice but.... Destructive"
"Destructive?" Varian asked as Ruddigar gave a confused look, "what do you mean?"
"Well.... See.... That's not actually a pearl", his father said, "it..... *looks* like an egg...."
"An egg?" Varian looked at the object while the raccoon sniffed it, "I mean, I *guess*, but it's a little too hard to be an egg"
"Right but see.... It's the egg of a creature.... That not many people believe in", Quirin said, "it.... It *might* be a dragon's egg"
"It *is* a dragon's egg", Hector stated
"A D-Dra-.....Excuse me?!"
The retired knight chuckled a little at that, "see, when me, Adira, and Hector were younger, Hector found an egg very much like your.... 'Pearl'.... And he realized it was an egg the first moment he set eyes on it. None of us knew how he knew, to us it looked like a ball, the only odd thing being that it was warm to the touch, like yours is"
"It.... I mean it's a *little* warm, but wouldn't a dragon's egg be much hotter?"
"If it were about to hatch? Yeah it would", Hector said
"I saw you juggling it earlier Varian", Quirin pointed out
"I... It was hot then.... B-but not anymore", the alchemist stated as he looked at the egg worriedly, Ruddigar placing a paw on it gently
"That's not good, mind if I take a look?" Hector asked, when his nephew shook his head and handed it to the wild tamer as Ruddigar took his paw away and watched the man as his eyes grew wide, "fuck this thing's near *freezing* for a dragon's egg!"
"How can you tell it's a dragon's egg?" Hugo asked
"The moment I looked, dunno how, but we've gotta find a way to warm them up, and fast"
"Wait, wouldn't that help *hatch* them?!"
"Yeah"
"So we're hatching a dragon?"
"There a problem with that?" The tamer asked the blond with a raised brow
"No, just wanted to be sure of what we were doing exactly, that and, oh I don't know, how the *hell* are we supposed to take care of a *dragon*?!"
"We'll have to figure it out, uncle Hector did it before", Varian reasoned as Ruddigar chittered encouragingly
"That's right", the tamer said, "they don't need much, just basic skills before they fly off and join their pack"
"Who will come searching for them because they lost their baby...." Quirin added, shivering a little
The freckled teen, and raccoon, noticed this and raised a brow at his father worriedly, "dad?"
"I'm alright, let's just... See if we can help the egg", his father replied before he looked towards the back of the alleyway, "you said this leads to the apple orchard yeah?"
"Uh huh"
"Well Adira should be around there, let's see if we can find her, she'll want to help with this"
"You do that, mind if I head in and start your fire place up?" Hector asked, when his brother nodded the two went off, the tamer holding the egg carefully as the alchemists watched
"....Am I the only one a little freaked out by all of this?" Hugo asked
"I don't think so...." His boyfriend replied, getting the blond to look at him
"You okay?"
"I'm fine, the fact that dragons are real and I have an egg is cool to me, but.... Dad seems.... Scared.... Like something happened to him when Hector had this dragon.... I get the feeling there's something more to this story"
"Why don't we ask your uncle?"
"Well, I want to but.... I'm a little more worried about dad being alone right now...."
Hugo thought for a moment before he smiled, "hey, how about I go with your dad to find Adira, you go with Hector and ask him about the story. Plus it's *your* egg, so it makes sense that'd *you'd* wanna help hatch it!" He suggested, getting Ruddigar to smile, "that way Quirin's got comfort, and you can find out more, we can trade notes later and help where we can"
Varian smiled as well, "that's a great idea! Thanks Hugo!" He kissed his boyfriend lovingly, getting his raccoon to shield his eyes momentarily, before a thought struck him, "hey, are you gonna be okay with helping a dragon? You said you were freaked out"
"I.... Ok, you're right, I'm *really* nervous about a fire breather in your home-!"
"*OUR* home", Varian corrected while Ruddigar gave a small huff to emphasize his boy's point, "you live *with* us, it's *our* home"
The bespeckled teen blushed and smiled, "thanks Freckles, either way, I'm nervous, but I don't want the creature to *die*, I just.... Am freaked out that dragons are real and how used to hit your uncle seems to be"
The timid alchemist giggled, "Hector's got a rhino, two binturongs, and has been friends with a shark, plus you've seen magical hair, floating and teleporting people, light attacks, magical fights, werewolves, and the *dragon* surprises you?"
"Those all had a semi logical explanations whereas a dragon does not, so yes"
Varian smiled as Ruddigar grinned at his boy, "ever heard of evolution?"
"Yes, and if Pascal suddenly grows wings and breaths fire I'm fucking out"
The freckled teen laughed, "I wouldn't blame you, though, you may not need to run. I mean, maybe we could raise a dragon to not attack people"
"Maybe, always worth a shot, but I feel like fire protection armor is in order"
"Noted", the blue eyed alchemist replied with a giggle, "I'll see you back home with dad?"
"Yeah, see you then"
They kissed once more, making Ruddigar shield his eyes again, before Varian went to leave before he stopped, turned and blushed, "I love you"
Hugo froze before he grinned, blushing himself, "love you too Freckles"
****
Varian, and Ruddigar, walked inside the large home, smelling burning wood as he closed the door and walked into the living room, "hey uncle Hector"
"Hi Spawn", the wild tamer replied, "not with your dad?"
"No, Hugo's with him right now, I thought I'd come see if you need any help", he found the man in front of the fire place, the egg was placed on top of the wood that was currently burning, "does that help?"
"Yup, dragon's like things hot, even baby dragons need a lot of heat to help hatch them"
"Huh, you know a lot about them huh?"
"Yup"
The alchemist. with his raccoon, walked over and sat by his uncle, watching the small flames for a moment before they looked at the man, "are you okay?"
"Your boyfriend made me a little mad, but I don't think he meant it the way I'm taking it...."
Varian and Ruddigar blinked for a moment before realizing what his uncle meant, "oh! No no, Hugo doesn't want anything to happen to the little dragon, he's just nervous, but he still wants to help"
"Kay, then I am taking it the wrong way, sorry"
"You're alright, I do the same thing", he replied with an understanding smile
"Been doing it a lot more lately...." Hector stated with a sigh, "me I mean, I've been doing that a lot more"
"I understand what you meant, and honestly, I think it may be because you're in Corona. You're used to the Dark Kingdom and the Great Tree. Not a sunshiny kingdom like this, so it may be making you a little on edge. You're getting better if that helps"
The tamer nodded, "thanks, it does"
Varian smiled as Ruddigar found a comfy place in his boy's lap and purred, "I love you uncle Hector"
Hector looked at the teen and smiled, "love you too kid"
All three were silent for a moment before the alchemist noticed the flames going out, "should I grab more wood? I know where to get some"
"That'd be great, thanks", Varian nodded and got up, getting Ruddigar to quickly climb up to his shoulder as he walked over to a small, wooden, chest they had nearby the fire place and opened it, grabbing a few more pieces of wood and, gently, setting them in the fire before closing the chest and walking back and sitting down, the raccoon returning to his place in his boy's lap, "thought that was your dad's memory chest"
"Nope, that's in his study, safe and sound"
"Ah"
"speaking of my dad... Um.... Why is he so scared?"
"He's afraid of dragons", Hector replied nonchalantly
"He.... Is?"
Hector looked at the teen, "he never told you?"
"Nu, mind you, we've never had a conversation where that topic would come up naturally"
"Fair point", Hector said with a chuckle, "but yeah, Quirin's afraid of dragons. I mean, he's afraid of storms and losing you way fucking more, but dragons are near the top of his freak out list.... It's not very long"
"Do you... Mind telling me why?"
"Well... I guess it's kinda my fault...." The wild tamer admitted, "see, when I'd first found the dragon egg.... I knew it was an egg, but didn't realize what type. When I did... I wasn't in the room....."
*"HECTOR HURRY!" Adira yelled, "WHATEVER CREATURE YOU JUST HATCHED IS HURTING HIM!"
"I'M COMING I'M COMING!" Hector yelled as he raced down the hall with a med kit in his arms!*
"Back then, I was 12 years old, I thought leaving the egg in my room while I grabbed a few items would be okay. When the egg grew hot while wrapped in my blanket, I asked Quirin to stand guard while I grabbed stuff to help cool it down.... That was a mistake....."
*The 12 year old slide around the corner, Adira, and Prince Edmund, hot on his heels as they grew closer and closer to the tiny child's room, the screams coming from it making all of their hearts race before they finally reached the room! What they saw made their hearts stop as a small dragon was backed into a corner, the entire room was on fire and cover in smoke. The beasts claws were bloodied, as was their teeth, they hissed threateningly at the person before them until they saw Hector. Their eyes grew big and they instantly ran to him, climbing up his body and nuzzling him before hissing at the person they'd just attacked.
On the floor laid a large, 24 year old man, his body was scorched, cuts and bite marks shined with blood on every inch of his body, he looked so afraid as he felt his skin bubble from the burns he'd received, "QUIRIN!" The Prince screamed before he and Adira ran over to him, Hector stood in the door, shocked at what he was seeing. He hadn't meant this to happen, hadn't wanted anyone to get hurt, but.... But...*
"It was my fault...." The wild tamer said, "I left him alone with a hatching dragon's egg, one that had only my scent and my scent alone.... The poor thing was afraid because I wasn't there, so she'd attacked Quirin, thinking he was trying to kill her.... He spent weeks in the infirmary, he nearly *died* from that incident.... I was able to raise the dragon and got her back to her family. It took a few weeks, plus we had to stop the adult dragons from harming anyone since they were angry their baby was gone.... Quirin helped stop them, but.... He was never really the same after that.... Trained harder, was much more stoic.... I.... He used to be a lot more.... A lot *less*.... Unemotional is the best way to put it.... He used to joke and play around, goof off and have fun... But after my dragon attacked him.... He changed.... I think it's because he felt weak.... And I'd put him in that position, though he never blamed me....."
"Oh Hector...." Varian said sadly as Ruddigar patted the man's hand with his paw, "it wasn't your fault, you didn't know!"
"I still caused him pain.... Not knowing isn't an excuse for that.... Either way, it's why he's acting like that.... He's afraid and scared that what happened to him will happen to you if we're not careful. It's why he came and got us when he heard about the 'ball' Pascal has..... He's scared...."
Varian hugged the tamer as the raccoon nuzzled Hector's cheek, "I don't blame you Hector, and neither does dad. I'm certain if you asked him, he'd tell you that"
"He would.... I know he would.... But I don't think I'm ready to ask yet...."
The alchemist, and raccoon, looked up at his uncle and noticed the man looked incredibly upset, "I understand, I won't bring it up either if it helps. But when you do feel like talking about it with him, I can be right by your side, i-if you want"
Hector smiled, "thanks kid, and coon", Ruddigar chittered happily at that
"Anytime", Varian replied
The front door opened as a few people walked inside, "Varian?"
"Huuuuugo", Varian replied, hearing his boyfriend snicker
"Vaaaaarian"
"Huuuuuuuugo!"
The two giggled as the group walked inside, Quirin, who was behind Hugo and Adira, closed the door behind them, "how's the egg?" The face painted warrior asked
"Better now, definitely a dragon's egg", Hector replied, eyeing the retire knight, who stood back a bit
"Has it started hatching?" The blond asked as he sat next to his boyfriend and scratching Ruddigar's chin happily
"Nope, almost there though"
"How much longer do you think?"
"I'd say right about-!" Suddenly the group heard a few cracks, they all turned and looked at the fireplace as Quirin stepped back even more. The egg moved, cracking once again, "now"
More cracks could be heard as tiny noises came out of the egg, the shell began to break and out popped a small, blue leg, followed by another, then two more before the entire shell burst open and something fell out of the fire place. It stood up to reveal a tiny blue dragon, the creature looked around before spotting the blue eyed alchemist and, without a second thought, ran to the teen, hopping into his arms and sighing contentedly as Quirin made a small noise that was akin to a whimper and Ruddigar hopped onto his boy's shoulders and huffed at the creature. Varian was a little startled by this as the creature curled into a ball in his arms before they looked up and smiled at him, "um, hello", the teen said, making the dragon let out a small 'Brr' of joy!
Notes:
Hello! EARLY UPLOAD! <3
So yeah, here's the start to a multiple part episode chapter! :D This time with more emphasis on the Dark Kingdom, because Eugene and Rapunzel have a dragon of their own :3
Poor Quirin and Hector, the two are going to have a moment, because big brother and little brother moments are fun! <3 But these two have so much trauma, thought I'd dwell on it for this episode! <3
Varian being such a peacemaker over here, and Hugo being the cautious one. they compliment each other so well, and it's nice to write that! <3 Also, Hugo and Quirin bonding, because why not? :D
Tiny dragon baby! <3 No Varian's a father! :D Ruddy getting jealous is going to be a running theme with this tiny dragon, he's still the best raccoon though! <3
Adira appearance, she'll be helpful here too, so with Edmund when he comes around, just for now, it's a small appearance! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 309: Varian's Dragon! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian's egg hatches into a small dragon, and now he must find out how to help this little creature grow big enough to get them home while dealing with some.... Interesting changes to himself!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
More cracks could be heard as tiny noises came out of the egg, the shell began to break and out popped a small, blue leg, followed by another, then two more before the entire shell burst open and something fell out of the fire place. It stood up to reveal a tiny blue dragon, the creature looked around before spotting the blue eyed alchemist and, without a second thought, ran to the teen, hopping into his arms and sighing contentedly as Quirin made a small noise that was akin to a whimper and Ruddigar hopped onto his boy's shoulders and huffed at the creature. Varian was a little startled by this as the creature curled into a ball in his arms before they looked up and smiled at him, "um, hello", the teen said, making the dragon let out a small 'Brr' of joy!
Varian blinked curiously at the dragon, unsure of what to do before he looked at his uncle, "your scent was implanted onto the egg, a dragon's first smell is what they assume to be their parent", the wild tamer explained, "so, since you touched the egg a lot, the dragon figured you were their mother and went to you"
"Oh, I see", the alchemist looked down at the dragon once again, getting the creature to chirrup happily, Ruddigar wrinkled his muzzle at that, his tail swishing back and fourth irritatedly
"Don't worry Ruddy, you're still my best friend, I guess I just.... Made another one"
The raccoon didn't seem happy about that, but he let it go for now with a huff
Hector smirked at the pair, "it's not hard to take care of them, honestly Ruddigar, you don't have to worry"
The raccoon looked at him curiously
"Because baby dragons have to be with other dragons, it doesn't take long to train them with basic skills then let them fly with their pack. A few days, a week at most"
The raccoon chittered about how that *was* a long time for *him*
"It may not even be a week, this dragon seems pretty healthy, weaker dragons take a week, this one should take, no more than, 3 or four days"
The small mammal still didn't like that, but he sighed, admitting defeat as he couldn't control what his boy did and did not do with the glorified lizard
Suddenly the baby dragon sneezed, making a few sparks of fire come from his nose and startle Varian and Hugo, who'd gotten a bit on his leg, "gah!" He quickly put it out and wiped a bit of ash off his pants, "and to think I actually liked this pair....."
"Sorry Hugo", Varian said
"It's fine, I've got a few things that can fix this, though that'll be a problem since you live in a mostly *wooden* house"
"Right...." The freckled teen thought for a moment, "I mean.... The basement and attic aren't made out of wood, but I really don't wanna keep this little guy there...."
"So I'm assuming you'll definitely help them then", Adira stated
"Do I really have a choice? I mean, they're just a baby, it'd be cruel to throw them out simply because they're a dragon. I don't wanna do that.... But at the same time...." Varian looked at his dad, the retired knight had backed into a small corner at the opposite end of the room, he was watching, not shaking or whimpering, just watching, from a very far away distance, "...I think there may need to be some boundaries put in place"
"You okay over there?" The blond teen asked, raising his brow at the man
"Yup", Quirin replied, offering nothing more to the conversation
"Dad is this going to be a problem?" Varian asked gently, "I don't want you to be afraid in your own home"
"No, it's fine", his father replied, "just.... Gonna take a minute for me to get used to.... That....." He nodded at the baby dragon
The freckled teen gave his father a worried look, "dad...."
Quirin sighed, "I'm sorry... I just...."
"It's okay", Varian replied, "I'm not mad, I understand, I just... Feel bad... If there anything I can do to make you a little more comfortable?"
His father felt horrible for putting his son in such a bad situation, he tried moving closer, but one look at that dragon made him want to run the opposite direction.... He felt his heart beating so quickly that he thought it might explode, he wanted to help his son, but.... "I-I don't know...." He admitted, "I don't mind you having them here, I won't tell you to leave because you've got a dragon...." He felt a chill run up his spine when he said that, phantom aches and pains came back from the day he was burned, "I just.... I want to help but...."
The blue eyed alchemist felt his heart break a little at seeing his father so afraid, he understood what that was like, and remembered the man holding him close when he was scared. But as he looked at the, now sleeping, baby dragon in his lap, he didn't know if he'd be able to or not.... That's when something struck him, "you *are* helping"
"How? By hiding in a corner?"
"No, by letting me help the dragon", his son replied with a smile, "you're afraid, so much so that you're in a corner and watching the baby like a hawk which I *know* means you don't want to even turn your back to them. But you're still allowing me to raise and help them until they can go back to their own pack. That's helpful, you're allowing me to help a creature in your home even though you're afraid"
"It's your home too"
"Not everyone thinks that way, so yes, in a way, you *are* helping", Varian stated with a smile, "and I'm very grateful for that. Plus, you could've run out of the room, but instead, you got aunt Wise Eyes, and have stuck around even when the baby hatched. That's brave and helpful, no wonder she calls you 'Courage'", the teen stated, gesturing to his aunt, who smirked
Quirin felt a little better, and gave his son a small smile, "thanks, I want to help more.... Give me some time and I might be able to, just gonna take me a moment...."
"Take as much time as you need, just don't push yourself, if you need to take a moment, go ahead. The fact that you're giving me support at all means a lot to me, thanks dad"
The retired knight felt his heart fill with warmth as he smiled back at his son, "thank you Varian"
The teen felt happy at that, noticing his father's anxiety seemed to have gone down by a lot, it made him feel good. As he turned to look at the small, sleeping, dragon in his lap, he tilted his head to the side, "wonder what gender they are"
"This one's a girl", Hector stated
"How do you-!"
"Her species actually live in packs, the females are the stronger ones, they have bigger wings and longer tails, plus their snout is narrower, to help them hunt. My dragon was a male of the same species"
"Oh wow", the alchemist's eyes lit up at that as Ruddigar looked unimpressed, "so what do you think I should name her?"
"Dunno, it's up to you, she's your dragon after all", his uncle responded
"Hmmm.... Varian looked at the baby dragon for a moment before he got an idea, "hey dad, can you help me come up with a name?"
Quirin blinked before he smiled a little, "I could try", he looked at the baby dragon again before feeling a shudder, he flinched a little before letting out a small breath, "um.... What do you think about her? Thoughts, feelings, what does she seem like to you?"
The blue eyed alchemist looked at the sleeping dragon and smiled, "she seems so serene at the moment"
"....Serenity", Quirin offered
Varian's eyes lit up with excitement, "that's *perfect*!" He exclaimed, "Serenity!" The dragon in question, hearing her 'mother's' voice, woke up and tiredly looked up at her parent curiously. Varian smiled, "your name is Serenity, how do you like it?"
The dragon seemed to be thinking about it before she smiled tiredly and nodded before she laid her head back down and went back to sleep, Ruddigar rolled his eyes
"Seems like she likes it", Adira noted, "good name choice Stickler"
"Really good name choice", Hector replied with an impressed smile
Quirin blushed, feeling a little proud of himself, "thank you"
****
Varian and Hugo had built a little bed for Serenity in the attic, both thinking that putting a baby dragon inside a basement full of chemicals would be a very *bad* idea. Quirin had moved a few keepsake boxes down as Adira and Hector walked inside the kitchen, both to raid the food, and to see what kind of meals they could make for the dragon. As the two alchemists were coming down, they noticed the retired knight going through the boxes he'd brought down, "what are you doing?" Hugo asked
"Being sentimental", the retired knight replied with a chuckle, "hey son, remember this?" He showed Varian a small, burnt, pacifier, making the teen blush
"Nu", Varian replied
"Yes you do, it was your very first experiment"
"Wait what?" Hugo walked over and took the pacifier, carefully, "*this* was your very first experiment?"
The freckled teen huffed, "I.... Wanted to see if I could make the rubber melt.... So I used my pacifier to see if it would work.... And ended up nearly setting the house on fire...."
"Pffft!" The blond slapped a hand over his mouth and snickered
"S-shut up!"
"Thahahat's so cuhuhuhute!"
"It is not!"
"Oh! And this!" Quirin pulled out a small outfit, one that looked to be the size of a doll. It was a tiny tuxedo, complete with tiny shoes and a small, clip on, bowtie
"Daaad!"
"Oh that's so fucking adorable!" Hugo exclaimed as he took the suit and shoes, "look at this! You were so tiny!"
"Hugo!"
"But you were!"
"I've got some of his old drawings too, oh! And a baby tooth!" The retired knight pulled out a tiny jar with a small tooth inside, "I forgot I had this, so tiny!"
"Very tiny!" Hugo agreed as he smiled wide at the tooth, "that a canine?"
"Yup, little baby fang, or at least that's what I called it", the retired knight replied
"You are all just awful, *awful*, people!" Varian exclaimed and he blushed profusely
"We know", his boyfriend replied with a smirk
"Oh hey, how'd this guy get in here?" Quirin pulled out a tiny, stuffed raccoon with red patches lining it's body
Varian's eyes widened as Ruddigar seemed a little confused by the stuffed animal's appearance, "I... H-have been *looking* for him!" The teen ran over and grabbed the stuffed animal, "I searched this *entire* house and you end up in the *attic*?! I'm glad I found you, but you are *definitely* grounded!" He stated before hugging the stuffed doll before realizing what he'd just done and looking at the pair, blushing profusely
"He's grounded?" Hugo asked with a raised brow as Quirin snickered
"S-shut up! He wandered off and I couldn't find him! I was worried sick! I thought I'd lost him and was sad for *weeks*!"
"He was", the retired knight replied, "he was so sad that not even Monty's lollipops could fix his mood, thankfully he found Ruddigar not too long after, sort of like it was meant to be. Perked him right up"
"That's so cute", Hugo replied
"Again, shut up", Varian stated with a huff as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy lovingly
"What's with the red patches?"
"Varian was a little rough on his stuffed animals, and I didn't have much yarn at the time, so I had to make due with a few of my old shirts for patches. When my son was 4, he said that made the doll even better because he smelled like me", Quirin replied with a loving smile as Varian groaned and hid his face in his hands
Suddenly, a loud *ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAR* ripped through the house, sending the retired knight flash backs of the day he got burned and making him freeze up
"What the FUCK was that?!" Hugo exclaimed
"That", Hector stated as he and Adira walked in the living room from the kitchen, "would be your dragon calling for you", he pointed to Varian
The freckled teen blinked before letting out a shaky breath to calm his nerves, "nooo problem, I've got this", he stated to himself, getting a couple of confused glances his way before he nodded, "Hugo, can you hold him?" He handed his boyfriend the raccoon doll, "without the snarky remarks please"
The blond nodded and took the doll gently, "I'll keep him safe"
Varian smiled before he looked at his father, "you okay?"
"Yup, just.... Startled me", Quirin replied before he shook his head, "I'm alright, just be careful up there"
"I will be", his son replied before he made his way to the stairs of their home and walked up. He made it to the attic and opened the door, only to be tackled by the dragon, Serenity, "eep! Oh hi", Varian stated, getting a lick on the cheek as Ruddigar shook the daze out of himself from his boy getting tackled before huffing at the dragon
Serenity noticed Ruddigar and hopped off her 'mother', she made her way to the raccoon and began to sniff him, Ruddigar chittered at her, saying to leave him alone. She titled her head and continued to sniff him, he growled at her
"Ruddigar, be nice please", Varian stated gently
The raccoon huffed out a defeated, fine, but eyed the dragon agitatedly
Serenity didn't seem to mind as she bounced happily and flapped her tiny wings at her 'mother', she then hopped into his arms and gave a happy 'brr!'
Varian smiled at her, "did you just want me up here so you could snuggle?"
The dragon nodded and nuzzled her 'mother's' chest happily, getting Varian to giggle
"I do the same with my dad, you're definitely a me kind of dragon", he then pet her back, getting her to purr happily, he smiled, "you purr, well that's definitely new"
Ruddigar then let out a startled chitter, getting his boy's attention
"Ruddigar what's wro-!" Varian froze at what he saw, two large wings were behind him, he felt something odd protruding out of the back of his waist, and when he looked down, he saw a long tail that looked a lot like Serenity's, the wings and tail were both blue, just like her, he looked down at the tiny dragon and she was smiling at him, "I.... I.... H-have wings and a *TAIL*?!" He exclaimed to no one in particular as the wings flapped nervously behind him and his tail swished anxiously.
Seeing the two new appendages react to his emotions tipped Varian's nerves over the edge as he let out a very loud *SCREAM*!
Notes:
Credit goes to Crystal for inspiring this idea <3 Thank you Crystal!
I will say, he's not turning into a full dragon, but it's explained in the show that when a dragon makes a friend, they share some traits with that friend, Pascal got feathers on his tail and head, and grew wings like his dragon friend, so why can't Varian do the same? :D
Varian needs an anxiety pillow to scream in, my gosh this poor bean keeps getting his nerves shot over and over again XD
Poor Quirin is just so freaked out, he'll get better, especially since he's looking through memories of the past from his son's younger years. More on those boxes in a future chapter because I think it's a cute idea <3
Adira and Hector being siblings for life, raiding the kitchen for food for them and the dragon while also making sure their brother feels better <3
Hugo being a snarky brat but also a supportive boyfriend! <3 Varigo for the win! (In my opinion, it's okay if you disagree :D)
Ruddy buddy may be jealous, but he's still a very good raccoon! <3 The best coon in the world actually! <3
Serenity means calm and peaceful <3 Thought it would be nice for this tiny dragon <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 310: Varian's Dragon! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Varian discovers more about his dragon!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Ruddigar what's wro-!" Varian froze at what he saw, two large wings were behind him, he felt something odd protruding out of the back of his waist, and when he looked down, he saw a long tail that looked a lot like Serenity's, the wings and tail were both blue, just like her, he looked down at the tiny dragon and she was smiling at him, "I.... I.... H-have wings and a *TAIL*?!" He exclaimed to no one in particular as the wings flapped nervously behind him and his tail swished anxiously.
Seeing the two new appendages react to his emotions tipped Varian's nerves over the edge as he let out a very loud *SCREAM*!
****
Quirin, Hugo, Hector, and Adira were all looking through the memorabilia of the retired knight's and his son's adventures through the years when the ear piercing scream met their ears! Without a second of hesitation, the group shot up and ran to the attic, slamming the door open only to freeze when they saw Varian! "WOAH!" Hugo exclaimed when he saw the wings and tail, "what the fuck?!"
"Varian, son hey!" Quirin walked over to his teen and, gently, placed his hands on the boy's cheeks, pressing his forehead onto the alchemist's and getting the teen to instantly stop screaming, "it's okay, it's alright"
"B-b-but I h-have w-w-wings a-and a t-t-*TAIL*!" Varian replied as he began to hyperventilate
"I know bubby, and we have an explanation, just calm down, breath slowly with, okay?" His father said before he took a deep breath, getting Varian to do the same, held it for a few seconds, before he and his son let it out. They did that a few more times as Hector snuck over and managed to, gently, get the dragon from Varian's grasp, the creature immediately hissed, but when Hector allowed her to sniff his hand, she recognized his scent from when he'd held her egg before, and calmed down while watching her 'mother'.
When the alchemist finally calmed himself down, he looked around, noticing his uncle with the dragon and letting out a breath of relief, before he looked at his dad, "w-why do I h-have a tail and wings?"
Quirin smiled, "it's because Serenity loves you", when his son raised his brow, accompanied by Hugo, the retired knight explained further, "when a dragon of any kind finds a person or creature they care for deeply, they end up creating a bond and share some of their abilities with them. May it be their fire breath, flight, tail, claws, yo-you get the picture. When Hector had his dragon, he ended up getting some feathers, wings, and claws, he taught himself to fly and was zipping all over the place!"
"It was fucking fun!" Hector defended, "you know how *fast* dragons are able to fly?! It was cool!"
Adira smirked at that, "it was definitely entertaining to watch King Fuzz Face run after you to try and grab you so you wouldn't get hurt", she snickered at the memory or her king chasing after a flying, dragon winged, Hector
"S-so I got the wings and tail b-because she genuinely loves me?" Varian asked
"Yup", Quirin replied, "it's odd, but it's true, and believe it or not, she can copy you too"
"What?!"
"Yeah, dragons can copy their best friend's mannerisms, abilities, everything"
"Wild Child's dragon could sword fight", Adira pointed out, getting Hector to smirk proudly
"That's definitely interesting", Hugo replied, "but do the wings and tail go away?"
"They do", Quirin replied
"Unfortunately", Hector added, getting his brother to chuckle
"They disappear once the dragon returns to their pack", Adira explained, "so once Serenity has returned to her pack, those wings and tail will leave too, after a few hours"
"Oh, o-oki", Varian said, feeling much more relieved than before until he noticed Ruddigar wasn't on his shoulder, "R-Rud? ....Ruddigar?!"
Hearing a couple chitters, Varian stood up and looked around, only to be stopped by his father, who stood up right after him and said, "wings son"
"Huh?"
A few more chitters came from behind the teen, getting him to freeze and turn his head, seeing his best friend clinging to his new wings with a woozy look on his face
"Oh!" The alchemist looked at Hugo pleadingly and, catching the hint, the blond walked over and gently removed the raccoon from the wings. Handing him over to the freckled teen, who gave him a kiss before he looked at the mammal, "how'd you get there?"
The raccoon chittered about how he'd been trying to climb up his boy's back to calm him down like he normally did, but the wings were an added complication
"Oh I uh, I see.... Sorry"
Ruddigar gave his boy a loving chitter before nuzzling his cheek
"Thanks bud", Varian kissed his furry companion's head before he placed him on his shoulders and looked at Serenity, who was reaching out her claws towards the boy, like a baby trying to grab at their parent. Varian felt a small twang of warmth fill his heart as he smiled at the dragon and walked over, taking her out of Hector's hands and holding her close, "so these are gifts from you huh?"
Serenity chirruped happily before nuzzling the teen, getting him to giggle
"Thanks, they're beautiful"
Serenity let out a small, 'Brr!' of joy and nuzzled the teen even more, wagging her tail excitedly
Ruddigar huffed, chittering about how that kind of display was not needed since she'd scared *his* boy with her 'gifts', but Serenity didn't hear him and just kept clinging to her 'mother'.
Varian smiled and scratched her head a little before he let out a sigh and looked at the wings, "so.... How am I supposed to sleep with these?"
Hector snorted, "I can teach you, tired?"
"A little, it's been an exhausting day"
"I can see that, here, I can hold her if you wanna get ready for bed, she's pretty calm around me, since she got my scent on her egg"
Varian looked at his dragon, "would that be okay with you?"
Serenity chirruped a hesitant reply, agreeing, but only if Varian came back quickly
The alchemist nodded, "I'll come back soon", with that, he nuzzled her before gently giving her back to Hector and running off to his room
Quirin took a few steps back at the sight of the dragon, "you had no problems going to Speckles, with Serenity in his hands, when he was upset"
"That was because my son was screaming, I will bear anything to help him feel better, but.... He's not screaming anymore and is currently away from his dragon in another room", the retired knight replied
Hugo looked at the man sympathetically, "you sure you're gonna be okay?"
"I'll be fine, just.... Taking me a bit longer to get used to this"
Hector remained silent as he watched his older brother, guilt rising in his chest as he watched the tiny dragon stare at the retired knight. Trying to be kind, he took a few steps away from Quirin as well, keeping Serenity close to him as the Village Leader noted his little brother's movement, and felt a pang of guilt of his own.
****
They'd moved to the livingroom by the time Varian returned, he seemed slightly embarrassed though as he walked over and reclaimed Serenity from his uncle, "what's up Freckles?" Hugo asked
"W-well.... When I tried t-to put on my pajama shirt.... M-my wings wouldn't f-fit... S-so.... I may need m-more pajamas b-because I h-had to work with a few garments before I could finally get one and c-cut holed in the back..... A-also the holes a-are too big... S-so now I'm cold...." Varian admitted with a blush on his face
"Shit, should've warned you about that", Hector replied
"It's alright, we can get you some new pajamas soon, and when you go to sleep tonight, we'll give you some extra blankets so you don't feel so cold", Quirin replied with a soft smile towards his teen
Varian smiled back but still seemed rather down, "is there something else Speckles?" Adira asked
"W-well.... I sort of.... H-had a momentary PTSD episode...."
"Are you alright?" His father asked, walking towards his son worriedly
"Y-yeah, I'm okay! I'm all good it's just.... Dad do you think the thing about breaking mirrors causing 7 years of bad luck i-is true?"
"7 years of-breaking mirrors?! Varian what happe-!" The retired knight froze when he realized what may have caused his son's episode, "....Varian"
"Y-yeah?"
"When the shirts ripped.... It was.... The back the ripped first.... Wasn't it"
"....Yeah...."
"And you happened to be facing a mirror?"
"Y-yeah....."
His father felt his anger begin to *boil* when a certain Coronan King and Captain of the Royal Guard's faces appeared in his mind's eye, but stopped and took a deep breath before looking at his son, "its alright"
"I-I'm sorry"
"It's alright Varian, it's really alright"
"B-but you got a-angry"
"Not *at* you.... *For* you...." His father corrected gently
"Oh...."
"Yeah...." The room was silent as everyone came to the same conclusion and felt their own blood began to boil, "Varian it's really alright, but are you okay? You broke a mirror, did you do so with your hand?"
"N-no! I um.... M-my shoe... Actually..... S-sorry...."
"It's alright", Quirin walked over and asked, "do you want a hug?"
"Um... Yes please...."
The retired knight smiled and hugged his baby boy, careful not to touch his back or Serenity, who seemed a little confused but nuzzled her 'mother' with a 'brr!' of joy
The room was still silent before Hector looked at Adira, "so.... How fast?"
"About 20 minutes, give or take", his sister replied
"When and how?"
"Midnight should be fine, and beating will make it slow"
"How do we enter?"
"Window of course"
"Got it, I'll go bedroom, you go kitchen"
"Why do you get the bedroom window?"
"I want the first fucking punch"
"Hold on you two", Hugo intervened. The two looked at him, waiting for the alchemist to say something that would stop their plan before he stated, "*I* get first punch, I know a good weak spot that'll leave him on the ground in a pool of his own tears"
Hector and Adira smiled wide at that, "kay, we not only *like* you, but you've now been accepted into the Dark Kingdom as an honorary member", the wild tamer stated
"Welcome aboard, now let's fuck up a royal bastard!" The face painted warrior added
"No", Quirin stated, stopping all three of them, "as much as I would *love* to see that, no"
"Why not?" Adira asked
"Because we don't want you three in jail", Varian replied, "but thank you, that made me feel better", he added
Hector raised a brow and smirked, "so the only reason you don't want us to fuck up the royal jester is because you don't want us to go to jail? Not because he could actually die?"
Varian and Quirin looked at each other before smirking and nodding, "yup", Quirin replied, "if he weren't king, have at it, but since he is, please don't, you'd be sent to prison, and that's really inconvenient"
"Pfft!"
Hugo snickered, "noted, once Rapunzel takes the thrown though?"
"Oh well then it's fine", the retired knight stated, getting the entire room to laugh, including Varian, who felt all of his unease disappear in an instant! They went to bed happy that night, Varian being taught, by his uncle, how to lay down without being uncomfortable due to the wings and tail. Serenity and Ruddigar fought over the right to sleep next to their boy's head before Varian had them sleep on either side of him. Hugo decided he'd sleep in a different bed, but in the same room, so Quirin brought in a bed from the guest room and had Hugo sleep on that. The blond felt bad, but Quirin insisted it would be better than a pallet on the floor, to which the bespeckled teen was grateful. Adira, Hector, and Quirin all slept in their own rooms, and once it'd gotten later, everyone had finally fallen into a peaceful sleep. None of them heard the rampage going on outside a little ways away from Old Corona, nor did they hear the princess and Eugene trying to help Pascal and a friend of theirs called 'Little Big Guy'.
****
The next morning's Sun shined through Varian's windows brightly, he grumbled and tried to turn over before he yelped as he fell out of bed! He tiredly sat up, his tail curling around him as he pulled his legs up to his chin before looking around. His eyes widened at the sight he saw on his bed, "S-Serenity....."
The dragon, hearing her 'mother' say her name, opened her eyes and stretched, accidentally knocking Ruddigar off the bed as well, making the raccoon hop up and chitter before he froze as well
Serenity blinked and looked at her parent and raccoon, tilting her head a little as she looked at their shocked expressions
Another yawn could be heard from behind Varian, "morning Freckles, did you fall out of bed or somethi-!" The voice, which turned out to be Hugo, stopped, "holy shit, Serenity.... *Grew*!"
"Uh huh", Varian replied a little shakily as he watched his dragon, who stood on all fours, "s-she's almost as big as my bed...."
"Yeah that'll happen", another voice stated, getting everyone to look and see Hector standing in the doorway, "so, funny thing about dragons, they're fast growers. Especially when you treat them correctly, which you've been doing, they grow super big. Since Serenity is a girl, she's a lot bigger than my male dragon used to be, so yeah....." When he saw the shocked looks of the two tired alchemists and the grumpy raccoon, he blushed, "I should *really* start telling you more about dragons"
"That would be nice", the freckled teen replied before he looked.... *Up*.... At Serenity, "so um.... Y-you still like me, right?"
The dragon let out a happy 'Brr!' of joy and licked her 'mother' happily, wagging her tail
Varian giggled, his wings flapping a little as his own tail swished with joy, "that's good, I still like you too!" He grinned before he scratched her chin, doing the same to Ruddigar so he didn't feel left out, before he looked at Hugo, "so um.... Hungry?"
"Pfft! Smooth Freckles", his boyfriend replied
"I just woke up"
"And you hide it incredibly badly"
"You're a brat"
"I know", the blond smirked before his stomach growled
Varian sighed, "you know, *yes* would've gotten you food faster"
"True, but it's more *fun* to tease you"
The blue eyed alchemist sighed, "damn, he's a *lot* like Adira", Hector stated with a smirk before he added, "there's people who stopped by to see you by the way, your princess, King Edmund, and our prince.... Oh and Lance"
Varian giggled, "you love Eugene but call him prince, you don't like Rapunzel so you call her princess, yet with Lance, you say his name"
"He's nice to Adira and helps you mentally, he earned his name being remembered by me. So has our prince, but I keep wanting to call him Horace, which he doesn't like. It's confusing, but it's his choice, so I call him 'prince' so I don't end up causing any issues"
"Ah, that's actually really nice of you!"
"Thanks, come on down when you two are ready, oh, and Quirin cut some holes in your shirt ahead of time, it's over there", he pointed to a shirt laying on Varian's dresser, making the teen grin happily as his uncle walked out
Hugo looked at Varian then smirked while looking Varian up and down, "soooooo....."
The freckled teen blushed, "I swear to Demanitus you are so *pervy*!"
"Can I help it if I wanna see your ass?"
"Yes! Yes you can!" Varian replied, his wings fluttering in response and making his boyfriend snort, "s-shush, I'm gonna change, no peeping"
"Alright alright, I'll watch your cat and dog", Hugo replied as he gestured to Ruddigar and Serenity
"Raccoon, dragon"
"Same thing"
"......You're a brat"
"I'm also awake much earlier than I should be"
"Noted, be right back", with that, Varian disappeared inside the privy with his newly tailored clothing
****
The two alchemists, Serenity, who was walking behind them, and Ruddigar, who was on his boy's shoulder, curled protectively around his boy's neck, all made their way downstairs, "so, you have no qualms about showing Eugene, Lance, King Edmund, and Rapunzel the gigantic dragon?" Hugo asked
"You said Pascal had a ball that she got from the same traveler I got mine, and that 'ball' turned out to be Serenity, so I'm guessing Rapunzel's did too. I don't think she'll mind seeing another dragon around", Varian replied
"Fair point, but I'm a little worried about how Eugene, King Edmund, and Lance may react"
"Well, I'm guessing Eugene is probably helping her with the dragon she got, Lance, I'm not entirely sure, but he's an animal lover, I'm certain he'd *love* to meet Serenity! And Grandpa.... Well he helped Uncle Hector, so maybe he came because he was informed about Serenity?"
"If you say so Freckles", his boyfriend replied, "but um.... Tell me why you're hiding your tail and wings again?"
"Because I kinda wanna ease into the whole, 'I have a dragon friend' thing, and showing them the wings and tail will kinda be a dead giveaway"
"What do you mean?"
"Well.... If Pascal really did have a dragon friend, I'm guessing he probably got wings and a tail too, or something similar, and again, I wanna *ease* into this, so it won't be such a shock"
"Gotcha"
The two walked inside the kitchen, "hey kid!" A familiar voice called out, getting Varian to grin happily
"Eugene!" He exclaimed as he jogged over and hugged the man happily
The Dark Prince snickered, "miss me did ya?"
"A little", Varian admitted
Eugene grinned and hugged his little brother back, "missed you too"
The teen smiled before he let go and noticed Lance, Edmund, and Rapunzel. The princess seemed a little unsure, which confused the alchemist at first before he remembered the talk they had before. He wasn't sure how he'd forgotten, he'd been so angry about it before, but he shrugged it off as him being overwhelmed with other things that it slipped his mind. He was still upset though, but remained polite as Lance walked over, "hey little man, how ya feelin?"
"I'm good, actually, I uh, have something that I think you all may need to see"
Edmund tilted his head to the side, "what is it?"
"Y-you mean no one told you?"
"I.... Am not sure...."
The freckled teen blinked before Hugo snickered, "if it was told to you in *secret*, and you were told to *keep* said secret for fear of causing *panic*, then you can say that instead"
Catching the hint, Varian's eyes widened before he face palmed, "my gosh, my mind is too tired...."
"It is, but it's okay", Hugo stated as Ruddigar patted his boy's back comfortingly
Edmund giggled before he nodded, "I *may* have been told a secret, and it *may* have something to do with a *certain* creature you *may* or may *not* need to talk about"
Rapunzel, Lance, and Eugene all looked at him, "mmkay, so I know the bar is set pretty high here, but you're acting a little odd dad", Eugene stated
"He kinda needs to act that way", Varian replied before he added, "and Grandpa acts like Grandpa because he's Grandpa, you stop that"
The Dark Prince smirked, "protective bean"
"Over dad and Grandpa, yes.... And Hugo"
"Aw, you care", the blond stated
"Just a little", the freckled teen replied, getting the blond to snicker before he looked at the group, "we sort of.... Got a ball that is very similar to Pascal's...."
This made the entire group, save for Edmund, stare at the teen in shock, "wait... *How* similar?" Lance asked
That's when the door to the kitchen opened and Serenity stepped inside, walking over to Varian and nuzzling him lovingly, "um.... Depends on how you'd define the term", he replied as his wings and tail slid out of their hiding places
Notes:
Hello! :D
Fun fact, I rewatched the Tangled episode, it only lasts for two days, since Varian's egg hatched a day after Pascal's did, Little Big Guy (which was such a weird name for a dragon). Little Big Guy has already returned to his pack, so now there's only one dragon baby left! And that would be Serenity :3
Varian is starting to grow attached, which is good for baby dragon growth, but bad for when they need to go their separate ways.... Poor bean's gonna have to deal with heartbreak along with all the other stuff he's got going on! Plus the anger he feels towards Rapunzel, which, I've done that, forget that I'm angry with someone until I see them again, then I'm just polite. It happens when you're overwhelmed or just have a lot on your mind, so hence Varian forgetting because of a dragon friend :D
Hugo is being pervy and funny XD Him, Adira, and Hector working together with a plan against Fredrich, I can actually see them doing that XDXDXDXDXD Sadly they'll just have to wait on that plan for a bit :3
Quirin is being a good dad in this chapter, doesn't even care if he's scared, his baby's upset, he's gonna go to him! I will have more moments between him and Hector though, especially about this, it's a pretty sensitive subject at the moment for the pair of brothers though
Adira is being Adira XD She didn't have a lot of screen time this chapter, sorry about that, but she's still being Adira, I hope you all enjoy that :)
Hector having more moments in these chapters because this is going to be part of his story arch too! :D You'll see what I mean later, for now, I hope he's enjoyable here :D
Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance are just shocked XD It's funny, also, momentary protectiveness and teasing for grandpa from Eugene and Varian :3
Edmund is adorable, that is all XD
Serenity and Ruddigar are getting a little more competitive XD Both are good animal/creatures, Ruddy Buddy will still always be the best though <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 311: Dragon Training! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance find out about Varian's dragon and Varian learns how to train her!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The freckled teen looked at the group, "we sort of.... Got a ball that is very similar to Pascal's...."
This made the entire group, save for Edmund, stare at the teen in shock, "wait... *How* similar?" Lance asked
That's when the door to the kitchen opened and Serenity stepped inside, walking over to Varian and nuzzling him lovingly, "um.... Depends on how you'd define the term", he replied as his wings and tail slid out of their hiding places
The group stared at the alchemist and his dragon for a long time before Pascal let out a surprise squeak, Ruddigar raised a brow at him, chittering what was wrong
Pascal explained how he'd just let his dragon friend return to their pack, and now there was *another* dragon?!
The raccoon huffed, saying he'd *love* for this dragon to join the chameleon's since all she did was take his boy's attention
Pascal gave the raccoon an understanding smile before he looked Serenity up and down, squeaking about how this one looked at lot like his
Ruddigar looked at Serenity, the blue dragon was still nuzzling the freckled teen, who was watching the raccoon and chameleon talk, before he looked at Pascal again and chittered out if he would like to meet her
Pascal hesitated before looking up at his girl, Rapunzel looked back at her best friend, "are you alright?" She asked
The reptile shrugged, he wasn't really sure how to feel, on one claw, this wasn't *his* dragon, on the other, this was *a* dragon
"Kid, how in the hell did *you* get a dragon?!" Eugene asked
"From the same traveler you did", the alchemist replied
"Right.... You said that but.... Just... *How*?!"
Varian giggled, "she's not a bad dragon"
"*SHE*?!"
The blue dragon looked at the man and titled her head a little, "it's best not to raise your voice like that, she may get huffy", Hugo joked
"Yes, 'she'", the blue eyed alchemist replied, nudging his boyfriend a little bit, "and her name is Serenity"
"That's a really pretty name!" Edmund exclaimed
"Thanks! My dad came up with it!"
"Oh he did? Does this mean he's no longer scared of dragons?"
"No, he's still scared, but he wanted to help, so I asked him for a name"
"Oh that's so sweet"
"Um excuse me", Eugene intervened, "way too many questions have just popped up and I for one would like a few answers"
Varian and his grandpa giggled before the alchemist heard Hugo's stomach growl once more, "how about we make some breakfast, then get your questions answered, yeah?" When the Dark Prince nodded, Varian began to walk to the kitchen before he looked around and asked, "by the way, where *is* dad, Adira, and Hector?"
"Quirin is farming at the moment, Adira and Hector went to help, seems as though he was a little shaky", his Grandpa answered
"Ah, I wonder if maybe Serenity being here may be making him sick.... I'm a little worried about that...." The alchemist stated before sighing, "dad...."
"Hey, he'll be alright, after all, even if he *does* get sick, he'll have *us* to take care of him, so it'll be alright, don't worry", Hugo stated with a smile
"Thanks"
"You're welcome", the blond's stomach growled again, "how am I *this* hungry? I mean I fucking lived off of pieces of *bread* for the *entirety* of my *life*, how in the *hell* does a stomach get so spoiled so fast!"
Varian laughed, "before we find out, how about we get some food in you first"
"I guess", his stomach growled again, "alright alright, shut up!" The group snickered at the blond's antics as Varian prepared the leftovers his father had placed in the kitchen for them before explaining how Serenity came to be in their home
****
"....And that's pretty much it, save for me sleeping last night and her getting a massive growth spurt", the blue eyed alchemist stated as he, Ruddigar, Serenity, and Hugo finished up their breakfast, "any questions?"
The group stared at the teen for a moment before Lance shook his head, "no, I think ya pretty much covered it"
"Wow", Eugene said, "so we've got another dragon, alright, but *you* have wings and a tail now, have you tried flying?"
"Well no, but Uncle Hector says he did when he got wings, and said it was really fun, so I may try it soon", Varian replied
"Flying alchemist, delivering potions from high above!" The Dark Prince joked
Varian giggled, "I certainly wouldn't mind", he then looked at Serenity, "I know I need to teach her basic skills, I'm just not sure where to start or even *how* to tech her"
"You could start with survival", Edmund suggested, "Hector did, and believe me, his dragon was *strong*"
"Yeah, it's a good idea, but I think if I taught her survival, she'd think I was abandoning her, and I don't wanna do that..."
The Dark King chuckled, "already getting attached are we?" His grandson blushed, getting the man to laugh
"Well, you could start out with flight", Lance added, "you and her would both need to learn, so how about that?"
"That'd be a good start, but I wouldn't know where to teach her that without causing a ruckus", Varian said
"How about near the wooded area?" Hugo asked, "your dad, Catalina, Angry, and sometimes Lance are usually the only people around there. So maybe you could teach her there?"
"Hmmm.... Maybe, we'd have to wait for the farmhands and stable people to leave though"
"Good idea"
"How about you teach her what is food and what is not?" Eugene stated, "may put people more at ease that way"
"Oki, we can start there-um.... What do dragons eat?" Varian asked
"Dragon fruit", a voice replied, getting everyone to look at the window and see Adira sitting inside it, "that and meat, chicken, lambs, pigs, steak, cows, you get the drill"
Varian giggled, "hiya open window maniac"
"Hiya bed head"
The teen looked up at his hair and noticed a few strands out of place, blushing he tried to fix it, getting Hugo had to help him , "told you to brush it earlier, but noooo", the blond said
"I thought it was fine before", his boyfriend argued, getting Hugo to snort
Adira smirked, "it's not terrible, just a little messy, almost as if you fell out of bed", Ruddigar chittered at her before pointing, accusingly at Serenity, "I see, so you did", the raccoon huffed, "and so did you, sorry to hear that"
"Hi Adira, were you joking about the dragon fruit thing?" Eugene asked
"Nope, dragons actually have a particular fruit they like, oddly enough, it's called dragon fruit, and I saw a few patches of it not too far from here", the face painted warrior responded, "humans can eat them too, though it's a little plain, suppose that's why it's meant for dragons, better taste buds"
"Actually, humans have to most complicated taste buds in the animal kingdom, scientific fact", Varian stated before he blushed, "eheh, sorry"
Hugo smiled and kissed his cheek, "you're so cute"
"It's also an interesting fact", Adira added, "so you shouldn't feel sorry for sharing it"
"Thanks", the timid alchemist replied before he looked at his aunt, "so where is the dragon fruit, it may be a better match than any animals we have around here"
"Not far, I can grab some if you wish"
"Oh no y-you don't have to, I can grab some"
"Then who'll watch her?" She gestured to Serenity, who sniffed Hugo before huffing and nuzzling her 'mother', making the blond sniff his shirt just to check. Ruddigar sniffed him too before he nuzzled the teen, getting Hugo to scratch his chin as a thank you
Eugene and Lance snorted as Rapunzel and Edmund gave the dragon a small smile. Varian sighed, "I-I guess... I-if it's not too much trouble"
"It's not, besides, Wild Child and Stickler pretty much have the farming under control", Adira stated, "hence why I'm over here"
"Is dad okay?"
"Seems a little shaky, but nothing more, I think he's just nervous"
"Oh...."
The face painted warrior placed a hand on her nephew's shoulder, "he loves you, with a dragon or not, and he's not passing out from worry or fear, so please don't feel guilty"
"It's a little hard when you see your father in a corner"
"I know, but it'll be alright, he still wants to help, and with Hector and I here, and now our King", Edmund smiled at that, "and you of course, he has people that will help him, makes him feel more at ease, plus, he's farming right now, something he enjoys. He'll be alright, just trust him, he would tell you if it was a problem, you know that"
"I know..." He sighed, "thanks Adira, I'm sorry, I get a little.... Antsy, when it comes to him"
"You have every right to, it's alright, makes me happy he's got someone else who cares about him so much", she replied with a gentle smile, "I'll go get those dragon fruit so you can start her training. With how big she's getting, she'll definitely need to be trained fast"
"Noted, again, thank you"
"Anytime Speckles", with that, the face painted warrior darted off, leaving the freckled teen giggled as the air from the open window allowed a butterfly to flutter in and land on the table
****
Adira had come back with the fruit in no time flat, and Varian had gathered a few other items that, while edible enough to where they wouldn't cause damage to the dragon's insides, were not food. He set down a dragon fruit and a folded blanket, "ok Serenity, now watch closely", he said, getting the dragon to watch, "food", he pointed to the dragon fruit, "not food", he pointed to the blanket, "good to eat", he pointed to the fruit again, "good to sleep", he gestured to the blanket, "okay?"
The dragon nodded with a smile
"Oki, now eat the *food*"
The dragon sniffed the two items before her, she looked at her 'mother' again, who gave her an encouraging smile, before she looked at the two items once more. She sniffed at them again before chomping on the blanket
"Whoops", Eugene said as Varian sighed
"No no", the alchemist replied gently as he took the blanket out of Serenity's mouth, "try again, food", he pointed to the fruit, "not food", he pointed to the slobbery blanket"
The dragon looked a little nervous and nuzzled her 'mother'
He smiled, "maybe this is a little too hard, here", he grabbed the fruit and broke it in half, "smell this", he brought the half fruit up to her nose and she sniffed, humming interestedly, "that's food, it's good, see?" He took a small bite and chewed, the flavor was as bland as Adira had mentioned, but he swallowed all the same and smiled, "good!"
Serenity sniffed the fruit again before licking it, she smiled and opened her mouth
"Good girl!" Varian exclaimed before dropping the fruit into her mouth and watching her chew and eat it happily, licking her chops, "wanna try with this again?" He asked, pointing to the other half of the fruit and the slobbery blanket
Serenity nodded before she sniffed the two, ultimately going for the fruit this time and enjoying the nice flavor
"You did it!" Varian squeaked with joy, "great job! I'm so proud of you!"
Serenity let out a happy chirrup and accepted her 'mother's' pets before Varian places another dragon fruit on the table, this one was whole, he took the blanket away and placed a plant next to it, "okay, once again, fruit", he said, pointing to the dragon fruit, "not fruit", he added, pointing to the plant
Serenity sniffed the two, loving the smell of the flower before she looked at the fruit, she ultimately went for the fruit once again
"Yay! You did it!" Varian celebrated, hugging her happily
Serenity chirruped and accepted her 'mother's' love once more, purring happily
"You're such a smart dragon! Yes you are, yes you *are*!" Varian cooed happily, getting Serenity to wag her tail excitedly
Ruddigar, who was sitting with Hugo, huffed, his ears lacing back as he pouted
"Don't worry little guy", Edmund said, "you're still number one in Varian's book"
The raccoon felt a little better, and nodded but as he watched the dragon and his boy, he was starting to get nervous
Varian grinned, "oki, how about we try with another item, yeah?"
Serenity nodded and waited patiently as her 'mother' set up another fruit and a notebook
"Oki, once more, food", he pointed to the fruit, "not food", he pointed to the notebook
Serenity sniffed the two before immediately going to the fruit
"You did it again! You're such a smart girl!" Varian exclaimed, hugging his dragon once more, getting Serenity to purr and hug him back
Ruddigar let out a small chitter towards his boy
Varian looked over and smiled before he broke the hug with Serenity and walk over to his best friend, "don't worry, I'd never forget about you", he scratched his raccoon's ear lovingly, "I just need to train her a little more, you understand don't you?"
Ruddigar chittered that he was a little worried about how much time Varian was spending with the dragon
"I know I've been making a lot of time for her, but she's a baby, they take a lot of time, but you'll always be my best buddy, always", the alchemist reassured, "in fact, do you maybe wanna help with the training? She's doing really well so far"
The raccoon seemed a little unsure, but accepted, it was better than being away from his boy
Varian smiled, "thanks bud", he allowed the raccoon to hop on his shoulder before he smiled at Hugo and kissed his nose, getting the bespeckled teen to blush before the duo walked back to Serenity.
The dragon noticed the raccoon and titled her head to the side
"Ruddigar's gonna help train you, is that okay?" Serenity nodded, getting Varian to smile, "thanks, now I'm gonna give you a bit of a challenge, you ready?"
Serenity nodded and wagged her tail excitedly
"Oki, so, we have, an apple", he pulled out the red fruit, getting Ruddigar's eyes to widen, "Ruddigar *loves* apples, and they're really good for you, see?" He broke the apple in half and handed it to his raccoon, who gobbled it happily
Serenity nodded and sniffed the other half
"Good girl, now, we also have", he pulled out a bowl and a vial, "a chemical"
"Uh... Kid", Eugene started
"Don't worry, it's harmless, trust me", the alchemist replied, "the most it can do is give her purple polka dots, nothing more, and the effects will wear off soon, it has a sweet scent though, so this will be more of a challenge"
"Ah"
Varian smiled before he poured the mixture in a bowl, "now *this*", he pointed to the chemical, "it an alchemical solution of my own design, it's not harmful, but it's *not* food", he stated, "this apple *is* food", he pointed to the apple, "both have a very sweet scent, so be careful", no one heard the front door open and close as the testing continued
Serenity nodded before she stepped forwards and sniffed the two. She loved the sweet scent from both, she wanted to eat both. But as she remembered her 'mother's' words, she needed to choose carefully. She sniffed them again, trying to figure out which one was safe to eat before she looked at the teen
"You can do it", Varian encouraged, "I believe in you"
The dragon sniffed the two once more before she looked at Ruddigar, the raccoon pointed to his nose, as if he was telling her to rely on it and it alone
Serenity took note of that and closed her eyes, sniffing the items one more time before she smiled and ate on of them
"YOU DID IT!!!!!" Varian exclaimed, "you chose the apple! Oh I'm so *proud* of you!!!!!" He hugged her happily and scratched her head, "you're such a smart girl! SUCH a smart baby girl!!!!"
Serenity purred happily, her wings fluttered, as did Varian's as both of their tails wagged excitedly
"Well isn't this an adorable picture", a voice stated, getting the group to look behind them and see Hector and Quirin watching the alcehmist, raccoon, and dragon, the wild tamer smirked, "training is going well I see"
Varian grinned, "extremely well! This chemical has a super sweet smell to it, but she chose the apple! Which also has a wonderfully sweet taste! She's also chosen the dragon fruit multiple times too! I'm so proud of her! She's so smart!"
"Just like her dad", Quirin said with a tired smile
Varian stopped and stared at his dad before he grinned at him lovingly, "thanks dad", he then noticed how tired the man seemed, "are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm good, just a little sleepy"
"You sure? You look much more than a little sleepy"
"Yeah, this morning was just a little hectic is all"
Hector got a guilty look on his face, as did Varian, "is it because of Serenity?"
His father's eyes widened, "no bubby, no no, I'm alright with Serenity being here, even if I'm a little nervous around her, it's got nothing to do with her, I'm really okay, you don't have to worry"
The alchemist felt a pang of guilt strike through him before remembering Adira's words:
*The face painted warrior placed a hand on her nephew's shoulder, "he loves you, with a dragon or not, and he's not passing out from worry or fear, so please don't feel guilty"
"It's a little hard when you see your father in a corner"
"I know, but it'll be alright, he still wants to help, and with Hector and I here, and now our King", Edmund smiled at that, "and you of course, he has people that will help him, makes him feel more at ease, plus, he's farming right now, something he enjoys. He'll be alright, just trust him, he would tell you if it was a problem, you know that"*
He sighed as he looked at his aunt before he said, "dad you'd... Tell me, if there was a problem, right?"
Quirin was a little startled, but nodded, "I'd tell you, believe me, I learned my lesson about keeping secrets, especially from you, I won't do that again. If it makes you feel any better, Hector and I are both tired because one of the horses gave birth and he was helping me out. Plus there was a lot we needed to prepare for the new baby, that's all, I had to get up early, get ready quickly, and have been up since before the Sun rose. I'm tired, that's all, it's got nothing to do with Serenity"
"Promise?"
Quirin smiled, "promise, I would tell you if she was the cause. I'm sorry for making you worry though, did you and Hugo get breakfast?"
The teen nodded, "we did, it was good, burnt bacon and all"
"It's crunchy"
"Yeah, like charcoal"
"You're a brat"
"Learned from the best"
Quirin snickered as he and his son hugged, Ruddigar and Serenity watched the pair before the dragon flapped her wings happily. She wanted in on the hug and flapped harder and harder, blowing everything and everyone in the room around
"Woah WOAH!" Rapunzel exclaimed as she was nearly lifted out of her seat as Ruddigar clung to the table he was sitting on, chittering worriedly
"Wooooohoooo!" Hector cheered, as he began to float from the wind surrounding him
"Serenity!" Varian called, "c-calm down, calm down!" He was floating as well, as he did he got an idea, concentrating, his eyes and hair began to glow as he engulphed himself in his magic, including his wings and tail, before he felt his weight leaving him. He did a swimming motion over to Serenity and hugged her, "it's okay Serenity, it's okay, calm down, calm down"
The dragon felt her 'mother's' embrace and was satisfied as she stopped flapping, allowing everyone in the room to land safely on the ground, couch, chair, and whatever else they were sitting or standing on. Varian was the only one floating still, "son", his father called, getting his attention, "you're good, we're safe"
Varian smiled and nodded before he let go of Serenity, however, he began to float up until he hit the ceiling, "eep! Um.... Help?"
Hugo smiled, "all the power in the world from the Moon, *itty bitty* space to use it"
Quirin chuckled before he looked around, spotting his kitchen table where Ruddigar was still sitting as he smirked, "son, can you make your way to the kitchen?"
"Yeah", Varian did a sort of crawling maneuver and ended up floating right above the table
His father, seeing this, walked over to the table and climbed up, getting Ruddigar to hop onto his shoulders as he did before reaching his hands out and grabbing his son before pulling him down, "hello"
Varian giggled, "hi"
"How was the weather up there?"
"Kinda dry"
"Noted, I shall spray water up there next time you have a ceiling adventure"
"Oki"
The retired knight hopped down while still holding his son, as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy, before he cradled the teen, bridal style, "any chance of you no longer glowing?"
"I don't know how to stop it"
"Hmm.... Oh here", he walked over to Hugo, "kiss"
The blond snorted and kissed Varian's lips, making the teen blush before he glowed brightly and disappeared, reappearing behind Quirin this time and getting Ruddigar to follow his follow and hop onto his shoulders. Varian was no longer glowing, "it worked!" Hugo exclaimed
"Yes it did, thank you"
"You are both just awful, *awful* people", Varian stated as his raccoon nuzzled him lovingly
"We'll accept that", Hugo replied with a smirk before Serenity came over and nuzzled Varian, "looks like she's apologizing"
The blue eyed alchemist turned around and saw the sad look his dragon was making, "oh it's alright, you were just excited is all", Varian replied, hugging the dragon lovingly, "we just gotta curve your excitement a little bit is all, and that shouldn't be hard"
The dragon smiled up and her 'mother', happy to have been forgiven before she looked at her wings worriedly
"You may need to learn how to fly a little sooner than I thought", Varian looked at his father, "Hugo had the idea of going to the wooded area of the forest so we could tech serenity how to fly, but I wanted to do it during the night so no one saw her and got scared. Are you okay with that?"
His father nodded, "yeah, though I'll be with you when you start to teach her"
"We could teach him how to fly too", Hector added, when everyone looked at him, he huffed, "it's fucking fun, he'd love it"
Varian smiled, "I certainly wouldn't mind, I mean I flew once before as a bird and absolutely loved that!"
"With dragon wings, you go way faster", his uncle stated
"Noted and now I'm excited"
"How about we pick up the living room first before we start the flying talk yeah?" Quirin stated as he looked around the messy room
"Yeah, eheh, sorry"
"It's alright", the group began to clean, Serenity, Pascal, and Ruddigar helping out as much as they could while the group chatted with each other. Rapunzel remained quiet, but stuck close to Eugene, who understood why, while Hector and Adira stuck close to Quirin. Everyone was watching out for each other closely as night began to draw near, Varian packing a bag for him and Serenity as they got ready to head out to learn how to fly!
Notes:
Hello! :D EARLY UPLOAD!
So, this is Serenity's dragon training, more fun times ahead with the group trying to train the baby dragon! :D
Varian would be the best dad to be perfectly honest. He's shown he can be patient and kind, but firm and stern when he needs to, we see him do that with Ruddigar a lot, and the raccoon always seems to take the hint when his boy is aggravated by his antics, it's adorable! :D
Hugo being a sassy boy when hungry, and even after that, then being used as a tool to calm Varian down is funny to me XD He's just perfect for those kinds of moments and I love writing him that way :3
Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel didn't get a lot of lines, but I hope the ones they did get were good. Also, small note, there's a reason they came to visit Varian and Quirin, and it's got everything to do with Rapunzel, you'll see what I mean soon :3
Edmund, Hector, and Adira didn't get a lot of lines either, but them being there for their brother and nephew/grandson is adorable, I plan to write more for them soon :D
Quirin is a good papa, he's just tired, and he's telling the truth! He had a lot happen in the wee hours of the morning that left him in a state of tired, he didn't break his promise. But he's also not being truthful with how he feels about Serenity, we'll get to that soon though :D
Ruddy buddy getting jealous! But he's a good coon, so he gets lovins from his boy because of that <3
Serenity is just an excitable baby, I'm really starting to love her! :D She may make other appearances after she leaves later on :3 I'm still not sure though, please let me know if she should or not, along with Little Big Guy :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 312: Dragon Training! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian and his family try to tech Serenity and the tiny alchemist how to fly!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian and Serenity were walking in front of the group, both of their wings and tails were fluttering and swinging in nervous anticipation as they found themselves in a denser part of the woods. Once there, the freckled teen set down his bookbag and began to unpack, his father keeping a list of their stock
"Water?" Quirin asked
"Check!" Varian replied
"Tweezers in case of splinters?"
"Check!"
"Med bag"
"Check!"
"Varian's med bag"
"Daaad!"
"I know it's in there"
".....Check, and hurumph!"
"Grumpy noise noted, snacks?"
"Check!"
"Ruddigar snacks?"
"Check!" Ruddigar chittered happily at that
"Dragon snacks?"
"Surprisingly check!"
"Brat-coon?"
"Check!" A few chitters followed that, getting the retired knight to chuckle
"Grumpy raccoon noises noted, Dragon?"
"Dargon is a check!" Varian replied, giggling as Serenity nuzzled him happily
"Dargon?"
"Yep, dargon, she's a dargon now"
"Noted, tiny, winged alchemist with a tail?"
"Check and stop that"
His father snickered, "and father figure who's currently checking the list?"
He felt a few pokes, looking down he smiled what he saw his son looking back at him, "check!"
"Then we're ready to go"
"Wait! You forgot one!"
"Hm?" Quirin looked at the list and smirked, "handsome boyfriend?"
Varian walked over to Hugo and kissed his nose, making the blond smile and kiss him back happily, "check!"
"Ok, *now* we're done with the list"
"That was cute", Edmund stated with a grin as he watched the two alchemists blush, "so, how do we go about teaching the little peanut and his dragon how to fly?"
"She's a dargon now dad", Eugene pointed out with a smirk
"Oh right, dargon, my apologies"
Quirin chuckled before he looked at Hector, "this would be your expertise"
"Kay", the wild tamer stated as walked over to the teen and, gently, touched the two tips of his wings, "these have to be even with each other", he explained, "you start with a slow flap until you can feel the wing rushing around you, after that, your wings will catch the wind inside them and you'll take off. Just be careful because, you'll take off fast"
"Got it", Varian replied, "but shouldn't we teach Serenity first?"
"Teach you first so you can teach her next"
"Ah", Varian smiled, "that's smart!"
Hector blinked before he smirked, "thanks", when his nephew nodded he felt a small warmth grow inside his heart before he shook his head to clear it, "alright, I'm gonna step back, you try flapping to your hearts content, then we'll see how you do, yeah?"
"Oki", as his uncle, and the rest of the group, stepped back, taking Ruddigar with him, Varian began to flap his wings, slowly at first, until he found a rhythm. As he continued to flap, he noticed the wing began to feel more and more like it was trying to support him. He smiled, he *loved* the feeling, it felt like he was on a gigantic pillow! He'd felt the same when he was a bird, and longed to reach up and touch the sky once more
"VARIAAAAAAAAAAN!" The alchemist stopped flapping and opened his eyes he hadn't realized he'd closed. Looking around, he noticed his wings had caused such a strong blast of wind that they'd knocked everyone down, he blushed when he saw Eugene looking at him, "phew! That took a while, I called your name a *few* times kiddo"
"Eheh, sorry"
The group got up and brushed themselves off before Hector approached his nephew, "kay so, you've got the rhythm perfectly, but you lack control. Which is honestly natural since dragon wings are fucking powerful"
"What can I do to *gain* control?" Varian asked
"Hm.... Maybe you need to be in the air already", his uncle suggested
"Oh!" Hugo ran over to his boyfriend and hoisted the teen up on his shoulders
"Eep! H-Hugo! What are yo-!"
"Think of this like when you were a bird!" The blond exclaimed with a grin, "you're just bigger now"
Varian was confused for a moment before he remembered something from when he was a bird:
*Rapunzel felt a small smile tug at her mouth as she watched the two teens talking before she shook her head, frowning again, she didn't trust him, and she wouldn't show how cute the two acted with each other. "So... How do you plan on showing him how to fly if you've never been a bird?" Catalina asked, apparently she was doing the same, her voice a little gruff as she watched the blond holding Varian.
"Wait and see", he stated simply before looking at Varian again, "now try flapping, slow at first to get the right rhythm... also, you may need to stand"
The teen looked down and realized he'd sat down, "uh.... Oops, heh", he stood up, and spread his wings out, feeling the wind sweep through them as he did so, it felt nice. He then closed his eyes and began to flap a little, slowly at first before finding a beat and continuing to flap, enjoying the feeling the wind gave him
"Look down", Hugo stated softly
Varian opened his eyes before seeing Hugo smiling, lifting both his hands and showing the alche-bird. Varian looked down and saw nothing beneath him, his heart began to pump fast but it wasn't out of panic, for once all he could feel was pure *joy*! He continued to flap, he leaned a little to the left, low and behold, his body followed! He giggled and leaned to the right, his body going a bit to the right! He beamed before he let out an excited, "WOOHOO!!!!" Before letting out one big flap that sent him soaring up!*
Varian smiled, "I love that memory"
"Same", his boyfriend replied, "now flap until you get the rhythm"
"A-are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be alright, just think of me as your support"
"Like always?" Varian asked with a smile and a blush
Hugo blushed as well, "yeah", he replied with a grin
Varian giggled before he took a breath and began to flap again, he got into the same rhythm he'd had before, this time a little slower though. He closed his eyes, it felt so *good*! He continued to flap, getting comfortable with the feeling as his smile widened bigger and bigger
"Freckles"
"Hmm?"
"Look down"
Varian's eyes opened and he looked down, he and Hugo were *both* off the ground, the blond having switched places to where he was now hanging off of his boyfriend's leg, "woah!"
"Cool right?" Hugo asked
Varian smiled at him before he offered his hand, "how about we get you a better seat"
The bespeckled teen grinned and accepted the hand, getting pulled up to Varian's eye level before they both looked down, "this is amazing!"
"Isn't it? Wanna see what it feels like to fly?"
"Um... Do you know *how*?"
"Kinda", he leaned to the left and his body following, same when he leaned to the right, "it's just like when I was a bird, though with much more power. Once I realized all I needed to do was flap my wings a little slower, the rest comes easy"
Hugo beamed, "you're so amazing"
Varian blushed, "so are you", the two stared at each other for a moment before the freckled teen smirked, "let's go!"
"Wait wha-AAAAH!" Hugo screamed as his boyfriend took off, he closed his eyes, his entire body feeling tense as he clung to Varian
"Hugo, open your eyes, it's okay", Varian exclaimed, "I won't let you fall, promise"
The blond felt the words touch his heart as he slowly opened his eyes, he saw them soaring past the trees below before they were above the river, they followed the water, Varian flying towards it and touching it with his hand as they soared above it all. Hugo reached out to do the same, and felt instinctual joy coming from him, "WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!" He yelled
Varian giggled, "having fun?"
Hugo smiled at him and kissed his cheek, "with you? Always"
They both blushed as they continued to fly through the air together, happy as can be before they heard a whistle, looking over they saw Hector waving to them with a smirk. "I think we're supposed to go back", the freckled teen stated
"Yeah, but this was definitely fun!"
"Yeah! We've gotta make wings sometime! I wanna fly like this again"
"Same! And next time, maybe I'll carry you"
"Hee hee, that would be a lot of fun!" They heart his uncle whistle again, "we really need to go back"
"Right, we should go"
Varian nodded before he flew towards the wild tamer, "w-woah! I-I don't know how to land!"
He and Hugo went straight for Hector, but the man dodged at the last minute and they ended up bumping into someone else who caught them both. Looking up, they saw a pair of gentle brown eyes staring back at them, "hello sons"
Varian smiled wide, "hi dad!"
"Sons?" Hugo asked as the retired knight placed them both on the ground
"Yup, you're my son too"
The blond blinked before he smiled, "thanks"
The blue eyed alchemist grinned excitedly, hugging his boyfriend, before he looked at his father, "did you see us? Did you?"
"Yes I did, you two looked like you were having a lot of fun", his father replied with a chuckle
"We were!" The teen exclaimed, "we were flying together and above the river, I got to touch it, Hugo got to touch it, we were above trees and plants and-and-and IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!"
"I know I saw, I'm glad you two had a blast", the man replied, "are you gonna teach your dargon now?"
"Hm? Oh! Yeah! Serenity, let me show you how to fly!" Varian ran over to his dragon and spoke animatedly about his and Hugo's experience before showing her how to use her wings in the same way. She copied his rhythm, though she needed to go faster since she's much bigger than her 'mother'. Once she got a good handle on how to do it, Varian and she began to fly together, him showing the dragon how to turn and lean before they began to work on tricks together! The entire flying experience was a success, and by the end, the tiny alchemist and blue dragon were soaring through the skies at speeds no one could believe! All the while, the group watched the two happily, Hugo especially, smiling as he watched the person he loved the most have the time of their lives in the sky!
Notes:
EARLY UPLOAD!!!!! :D Hello! :D Small shout out to both Crystal and CardCaptorKatara for inspiring this idea, both of you helped make this chapter possible, so thank you so much! :D
So, I did not mean for this to become a Varigo chapter, but the more I wrote, the more the teens got to enjoy themselves together and it eventually turned out to be about them XD So now we've got a Varigo chapter and a flying lesson all in one foul swoop! :D
Hector being the one to coach Varian here makes a lot of sense, and honestly, I now have a head cannon that Hector wants to fly again. I may make that happen in this story because I think he would be like Varian and absolutely love every second of it! <3 The man needs himself a day to be a kid!
Varian and Hugo being together in this chapter was a complete accident, but I'm honestly happy with how it worked out! These two have been through the ringer, literally, these past few chapters, so here's them having a nice experience with each other, one that's very similar to how they first met :D
Quirin being the best dad in the world with this chapter. I love making him and Varian pick on each other, they fit that role so well with their banter! :D
Adira, Rapunzel, Lance, Eugene, and Edmund did not get any, or many in Eugene and Edmund's case, lines here, but they'll get more soon, they were here for support during this chapter though
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon! <3
Serenity is getting a lot easier to train now, probably because she's getting bigger, and Varian's getting closer to her :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 313: What Has to be Done!
Summary:
Serenity and Varian have to face some hard truths!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian and the group walked back to the retired knight's home after a full 7 hours of training and flying, the freckled teen nearly falling the moment he stepped inside the home, his wings limp by his sides and his tail dragging along the floor. Serenity felt the same way, flopping onto the floor with a huff before she placed her heard onto the couch with the teen and fell asleep happily. Both of them were asleep in an instant, getting the group to smile, "poor little peanut", Edmund stated, "he's so tired"
"He really is, but he's been training Serenity really well!" Lance exclaimed, "though, I'm gettin worried... He's gettin really close to her... Is he gonna be able to let her go when the time comes?"
"He's going to have to", Hector stated, when he noticed the looked he was given, the wild tamer sighed, "it sounds harsh, but dragons cannot stay with humans. They can visit, they can even be friends, but they *need* to grow up with their own kind", he looked at his nephew sympathetically, "the bond between a dragon and a human is nearly unmatched, but Serenity has to go back.... It's for her own good and safety, she'll be weak or could even grow sick and die if she doesn't"
"She's not roaring a lot", Rapunzel pointed out quietly, "Little Big Guy roared for his dragon family a lot when we were with him"
"Serenity's egg was cold, she may be a bit weaker than other dragons, hence the lack of her roaring for her mates", Hector explained, "but she'll start to roar when she gets stronger. When she does, we'll know she'll be ready to go, even if she doesn't want to". He stared at Varian, who had snuggled closer to Serenity in his sleep, smiling as Ruddigar was sleeping on top of his boy and the dragon next to the both of them
Adira gave her younger brother a sympathetic look, "are you going to be alright?"
"I'm fine, just gonna fucking suck when Serenity leaves.... He's gonna be heartbroken"
"He will...." Quirin, who'd grabbed a blanket and pillow and had carefully tucked his son in, replied, "but it's the right thing to do... Even if it means it'll break his heart..."
Hector looked at his brother, "you may need to remind him of that...."
"What do you mean?"
"Quirin, you know as well as I do that that little boy isn't gonna want to let his dargon go. He loves her, just like he loves his racoon. It may be hard, but I think you'll need to talk to him about it...."
The retired knight looked at his son, he didn't want to, but something told him his brother was right, and he sighed, "Varian will know it's the right thing to do, but I'll talk to him about it.... You're right, he'll need to be reminded that she can't stay forever... It's going to be hard for him.... When it does come to that point in time though, we'll have to be there for him. All of us, he'll need the support". He looked at everyone in the group, "are you all willing to help me with that?"
"Yes", Rapunzel agreed as Lance and Eugene nodded
"Of course", Edmund stated
"Yup", Hector said, "in fact, I can talk with Serenity too, she needs to understand too... May make it easier for Varian too, when the time does come"
"Yeah", Adira replied, as she watched her nephew and placed a hand on her little brother's shoulder
The only one who remained quiet was Hugo, his focus was on his boyfriend and the dragon that slept by his side. His worries began to grow as he felt his heart break a little, when he felt someone's hand on his shoulder, he looked up, "he'll be alright Hugo", Quirin reassured, "you and I will be with him through it all, and I'll talk to him beforehand, so it's easier"
The blond stared up at the man for a moment before he said, "he's gonna be broken hearted no matter if you talk to him or not"
"I know.... But he'll be prepared at the very least"
"....Sure...."
The old farmer felt a pang of guilt hit him, "I don't want to do this Hugo", he admitted, getting the blond to look at him again, "I really don't... He's been through enough, in all honesty, I'd rather live with him having a dragon in the house and be afraid but happy he's happy, over telling him she needs to go at some point and warning him that it'd be better for her than not.... But this kind of lifestyle is not good for a dragon. Even if we took every precaution we could, got her everything she needed, she would not be healthy and grow. She'd be sick and weak, and if another dragon were to come by, they'd kill her...."
"What? Why?"
"Dragons need to be with other dragons, if one is away from their pack and are found, they're seen as deserters and killed", Hector explained, "and trust me, more will come to find her"
Hugo felt shivers go up his back before he looked at Serenity, "fuck...."
"It's why talking with Varian would be better than leaving this situation be...." Quirin stated, "I don't want to, I never want to hurt my son.... But as his father, I need to tell him this can't last, I need to prepare him.... Even if he gets upset...."
Hugo looked at the man, seeing the father's sad brown eyes watching his son worriedly. It made the alchemist's heart twist as guilt swam through him, "I'm sorry...."
"It's alright, you're looking out for Varian", Quirin replied with a smile, "believe me, I'm glad you are"
The blond smiled back before he got an idea, "maybe.... I can help? W-with the conversation I mean"
"Hugo, you don't have t-!"
"You shouldn't be the only one he gets angry at. You're his pops, that's fair and understandable that you need to be the one that tells him anything. But you can't be the only one to bear that fucking burden. Don't tell me him getting upset with you wouldn't break your fucking heart to pieces after all the shit you two have been through"
The man was startled by this, but heard a chuckle, "he's got a point", Edmund stated, smiling at Hugo affectionately, "determined little butter nut"
"Potty mouthed little butter nut", Eugene stated
"Like you have any room to talk", Hugo replied with a raised brow and smirk
"True"
Quirin sighed, "you really don't have to Hugo", he stated gently, "it may be better that he's angry with just me so he can go to someone who can comfort him"
"Or, how about both of us team up to explain so that he can have a better understanding of the situation", the blond stated.
"Hugo-!"
"Quirin, you've done a lot for me, a *lot*. There's never a day that goes by that I'm not grateful for all you and Varian have done.... If there's any way I can help, then I will, this, talking to Freckles with you about his dargon, that would be something I could do. I can give him the logical side, you can give him the emotional side, as a team, we'd be able to comfort him and be there when he needs us both, and if he gets angry, then we take it together", he placed his own hand on Quirin's shoulder and stared at the man determinedly, "you're not alone anymore, let me help you, please"
The retired knight was startled by this, but as he looked in-between Hugo and Varian then back, he smiled and nodded, "ok"
Hugo's eyes widened, "r-really?"
"Yeah, it makes sense, and it would help.... I'm worried, but it needs to be done"
"I know, that's why I wanna help"
Quirin smiled, "thank you Hugo, that would be a big help"
The blond smiled, "anytime", he then got an idea, "oh! We could make breakfast tomorrow, start off on the right foot you know?"
Quirin chuckled, "good idea, how about we discuss that in another room though"
Varian made a small noise akin to a whine before stretching and rolling over in his sleep, making the blond freeze, blush, then snicker, "right, let's go"
****
The next day started with the smell of pancakes hitting Varian's nose, he sniffed the air and felt himself begin to drool as his eyes opened. Sitting up, he gave Ruddigar a few pets as his best friend stretched before the teen rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He looked around and yawned, "good morning Rud, good morning Sereni-! WOW!" He jumped a little when he saw his dragon, she was *twice* the size she'd been yesterday, now she was about as big as his father was even on all fours, "y-you grew again!" The alchemist exclaimed
"Yeah they do that", a voice replied, getting Varian to look over and see his uncle standing nearby, "morning spawn"
"Hiya Hector, dargons do that?" He asked
"Yes they do, they're pretty fast growers, don't stay tiny for long. Means you're taking good care of her, so good job"
Varian smiled, "thanks! She's gonna be the best dargon anyone's ever seen!" He exclaimed, hugging the sleepy dragon and and getting a wider smile on his face as he felt one of her wings wrap around him lovingly
"Yes she will", his uncle replied with a chuckle, "want breakfast, your dad's going to town in the kitchen"
"So I can smell! Pancakes make the best morning smells list, right Ruddigar?"
The raccoon chittered excitedly in agreement before he sniffed the air and wagged his tail as he added apples to the best morning smells list as well
Varian giggled, "apples too", he stated with a grin before he looked at Serenity, "and you'd probably choose dragon fruit as your favorite smells list choice huh?"
The dragon nodded happily as she sniffed the air and grinned, her tail wagging excitedly as her 'mother' got up and stretched once more. She nuzzled him lovingly, getting Varian to giggle
"I love you too Serenity", the alchemist stated, hugging the blue reptile lovingly as his wings also enclosed onto her
Hector watched the teen for a moment, feeling his heart sink a little before he shook off the feeling, "you gonna go get dressed, or is today stinky feet and pajama day"
Varian blushed, "uh eheh, Imma go get dressed, excuse me", he ran up the stairs, a little embarrassed about his appearance and closed his bedroom door to change.
Hector and Serenity looked up the stairs after him before the wild tamer looked at the dragon, "you know you'll have to go back soon right?"
The dragon looked at him, she seemed startled by his question, and huffed
Hector raised his brow, "you're a dragon Serenity, you know you need to be with other dragons"
The blue dragon raised her brow right back at him and glared
"You may not like it, but you know it's true, you'll get sick here, you need to be with other dragons, it's healthier for you, and will help you grow into the strong dragon you need to become"
Serenity wanted to argue, but she didn't have any comebacks. He was right, she knew she would need to go back, but she didn't want to leave her 'mother'
"I know it's gonna be hard to leave, believe me, the last thing I wanna do, is see my tiny nephew cry or be upset by your absence. But you're twice your size, have been trained, and, at this point, are capable of leaving. I won't kick you out, he loves you, and that'll be between you and him.... But some time soon, you need to go so you can grow", he stated, "it won't be just good for you, it'll be good for him too"
The dragon gave a worried chirrup, signifying her concern with her 'mother's' wellbeing
Hector smiled, "he won't be alone, he's got me, and a whole pack of humans, and one racoon, to help him out. He'll never forget you, and he'll be sad when you go, but he'll be alright, and you can come visit"
The dragon gave the wild tamer a very sad look, her eyes glistening with tears
"I'm sorry.... I know you don't wanna hear this or even think about it... But you have to know.... His father is going to talk to him about the same thing. It has to happen soon, you'll be healthier and safer with other dragons. I don't want to tell you this, if it were up to me, you'd stay with him forever and a day! But you can't.... Corona is not the best place for you to grow.... I'm sorry...."
Serenity understood, she knew she'd have to leave soon, but as she chirruped and brr'd to the tamer, she would make sure her 'mother's' final days with her would be the best the teen would've ever had!
Hector nodded with a smile, "you've got a wonderful heart Serenity"
The dragon smiled at the tamer and nuzzled him as a thank you, knowing how hard that must've been for him to say
"A-hem", a voice stated, they both looked up to see Varian looking at them from the stairs, "are you cheating on me Serenity?"
The dragon and tamer snickered, "yup, she's my dargon now", his uncle stated
"I thought what we had was SPECIAAAAAAL!" Varian yelled before he laughed good naturedly, "I'm glad you two are getting along, that makes me happy", he stated as he walked down and hugged the dragon and tamer.
Ruddigar chittered excitedly as he pointed towards the kitchen
"Yeah yeah, you want apples"
The raccoon nodded as he rubbed his paws together excitedly and licked his lips
Varian giggled, "ready for some breakfast Serenity?"
The dragon let out an excited roar before stopping, startled at her own noise
"Wow! That was AMAZING! You're definitely getting stronger, right Hector?" Varian asked excitedly
"Yup", the tamer replied as he looked at the dragon, she blinked and smiled at him understandingly, he nodded
"Everything okay?" Varian asked as he looked in-between the pair
"Yeah, we were just talking", Hector replied, "she may not be able to fit through the door, so you may need to bring her some food", he pointed out
Varian looked Serenity up and down and nodded, "yeah, sorry girl, you're a bit bigger than before, but that's okay! I'll bring you food and get you right as rain!"
The blue dragon nuzzled the teen lovingly, getting him to giggle and hug her
"I'll be right back with some food for you, oki?"
Serenity nodded and waited for her 'mother' as he entered the kitchen
****
"Lance is cheating", Eugene stated
"Am not! I just happen to be very good at catchin grapes in my mouth!" The former thief argued
"You're using your tongue like the frog on my girlfriend's shoulder, so therefore you are cheating"
"We never stated that as a rule!"
"What did I just walk into?" A voice asked, making the group in the kitchen look over
"Hello little peanut! Good morning, good to see you up!" Edmund stated happily before he stopped, looked at his son and friend, and shrugged, "also I'm not sure"
"Hiya grandpa", Varian replied
"Lance is cheating Varian", Eugene stated
"I am merely catchin grapes in my mouth with my tongue because it's one of the tools I have available! That ain't cheatin!" Lance argued
"As you can see, you've walking into nonesense", Adira pointed out
The alchemist giggled, "I see", he then noticed his father and Hugo cooking together, "well that's a surprise, how'd you end up cooking with dad?"
The blond looked over from his eggs and smiled, "I'm learning new cooking techniques.... Plus I wanted sunny side up eggs and he taught me how to make em! ....Though they keep coming out crunchy...."
Varian smiled, "do there happen to be shells in those crunchy eggs?"
"....Maybe"
"Hee hee, I love you"
"Love you too, the next batch will be perfect, they will!"
The freckled teen grinned before he looked over at his father, the man seemed to be working up a sweat as he flipped another pancake on top of a huge *pile* that nearly touched the ceiling. Feeling his father's heightened anxiety, the teen looked at the group, all of them shrugged. He sighed before he walked over to the man, "hey dad"
"Hi son, want a pancake?" Quirin asked, as he quickly made another and flipped it onto the stack
"Are we feeding the entire village?"
"Hm? No, just the house, why?"
"Dad", Varian pointed to the stack, which was now wobbling as Ruddigar, who'd hopped off his boy to sniff the pile, tried to keep it steady
"Oh.... Oops uh.... Little too much huh"
"Just a little"
"Right... I think that'll do.... You think bar thugs like pancakes?"
Varian snickered, "we could ask, but dad, what's wrong? I thought you were getting used to Serenity"
I am, that's... Not the problem"
"Then what is? Are you alright?"
His father looked at his teen worriedly, noticing the entire group had gone silent before he sighed, "I uh.... Hugo and I need to discuss something with you"
Varian blinked and tilted his head to the side as Ruddigar tried to keep the tower of pancakes from tumbling, Eugene and Lance raced to help, bracing the tower against themselves, "d-did I do something wrong?"
"No, you didn't Freckles", Hugo replied, "it's just... Sort of an important matter and... Well you may not like it very much"
Varian looked at his boyfriend worriedly, "I may not like it very much? Do you mind telling me what it's about?" He asked as the pancake tower ended up falling, majority of the pancakes being caught by Rapunzel, Adira, and Edmund, who rushed around to catch the falling food on plates while Lance, Eugene, and Ruddigar were buried under the rest
Quirin and Hugo looked at each other before they sighed, placing their cooking utensils down before they faced the teen. Quirin being the one to speak next, "it's about Serenity and.... How she'll need to return to the other dragons soon...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this was gonna come around sooner or later, Moon bean can't keep a fully grown dargon forever. But he should be prepared for her leaving at the very least, who better to prepare him than his closest family members! Same for Serenity, who better to prepare her than the wild tamer himself!
Next chapter, Heart break ensues.... Poor Varian, Quirin, and Hugo
Hugo and Quirin's relationship is growing much more than I thought it would, and it's surprising to me. I didn't think it would at first, since Varian and Quirin are the main focus, but I love writing Quirin and Hugo together as father and son! <3 Plus both of them working together to tell Varian what needs to happen is kinda nice, his support group is growing :D
Hector and Serenity chatting about what she needs to do is a small moment, but I felt it was important because Hector is the tamer of the group and would know what to do with a dragon over anyone else. It's also to show a snippet of what Varian will need to discuss with his father and boyfriend later :3
Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, Adira, and Edmund did not get super huge roles here, but they're still important, plus they saved the pancakes, I'd say that's pretty important X3
Ruddy buddy is still the best raccoon ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 314: Hard to Hear!
Summary:
Quirin and Hugo sit down with Varian and talk to him about Serenity!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin and Hugo looked at each other before they sighed, placing their cooking utensils down and facing the teen. Quirin being the one to speak next, "it's about Serenity and.... How she'll need to return to the other dragons soon...."
Varian stared at his father and boyfriend for a long time, he was silent, shocked, unable to reply as he felt his heart beat quickly. The alchemist then took a breath, let it out slowly, then looked at his two loved ones, "I need to ask something first, and it'll come out as rude, but I don't mean it that way at all", he stated before looking at his father, "is it because you're afraid of her?"
"No", Quirin replied, "and I understand why you'd ask that, but this, us, talking to you about this, it isn't because I'm afraid of her at all. It's because she needs to go back for her own good"
"He's right Freckles", Hugo chimed in, "this isn't because he's afraid of Serenity, it's just better for her, but we know it'll be hard on you, so we wanted to talk to you about it beforehand, that's all"
The freckled teen seemed to be processing this as Ruddigar hopped off the countertop and onto his boy's shoulder, "....S-she isn't causing any harm, a-and it's not like she's doing anything wrong. I-I mean, y-you.... No, s-she doesn't have to leave, s-she doesn't, she d-doesn't", he denied, "why?"
"Why what?"
"Why is it better for her to leave?" He asked, "why can't she just stay here?"
Hugo stepped forwards, "because she's a dragon Varian, dragons can't live in Corona, old or new. She'd get sick and grow weak, she may even die if she stays here-!"
"No she wouldn't! Y-you two don't understand! She wouldn't n-need to leave, she wouldn't!" He snapped, growing angry as his eyes filled with tears "y-you can't take her from me!"
"Varian easy, we don't want to take her away-!" Quirin tried
"YES YOU DO!" Varian screamed as he stomped his foot, inadvertently making small black rocks rise from the ground as his eyes and hair glowed just a bit, "YOU WANT TO TAKE HER AWAY FROM ME! YOU WANT TO! BOTH OF YOU DO! FOR NO GOOD REASON!" He calmed down a bit, the black rocks sliding back into the ground before he huffed, "I'm taking care of her, s-she's fine"
Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, Adira, and Edmund had all cleared out at this point, none of them wanting to get in the way of the three people, and one raccoon, in the kitchen. But the face painted warrior stuck by the door, just in case her brother needed help or her nephew needed comfort. Hugo felt his own pain slash through his body as his boyfriend wept and yelled, but he knew he needed to be strong, so he kept going, "Varian, Serenity is taken care of, that much is true. But we discussed this last night, even *I* was on the fence about making her leave you. But when Hector and you pops explained it to me, it made a lot of sense. Freckles she'd be *killed* if she stayed here"
Varian stopped for a moment, not wanting to believe it before he thought for a second and got an idea, "s-she could be taken care of! I-I'd take good care of her! S-she would get her proper diet, I-I could train her! She'd get exercise and-and-and she'd grow stronger than ever before! I-I'd care for her better than a-any dragon could! I could!"
"Son we know, we know you would, but she'd still be unable to live here", Quirin replied, also stepping forwards, his voice low and soft, trying to be soothing, "she really would get sick and weak, she needs to be with other dragons"
"But why?! Why can't she stay? She's b-been fine so far! I-it's not wrong to care about her!" Varian argued as he hiccupped a little bit, one tear sliding down his cheek, "....I care about h-her...."
"I know...." His father replied, feeling his heart break as he watched his son begin to cry, "but she would be killed son"
"By who? People?"
"No, dragons", this made Varian freeze, his eyes growing wide, "she's a baby for now, so it's fine, but when she grows up, her roar will attract other dragons. When it does, they'll investigate her and attack, at that point she won't have the strength to defend herself from them, she'll be killed"
"B-but if we feed her right and t-train her-!"
"Even if we did, she wouldn't be able to train with another dragon Freckles", Hugo interrupted softly, "she'd be outmatched and would lose, and be subsequently killed"
"W-why would t-they do that to h-her?"
"Because dragons that are found without their packs are seen as deserters son", Quirin replied gently, "if she's found with humans, she'll be battled and killed"
Varian suddenly got a dark look on his face as he mumbled, "traitors to Seporia pay with their lives....."
Both the retired knight and the blond alchemist felt shivers run down their spines at that. His father replied, "it does sound like that.... Doesn't it...."
"....Yes....." Varian replied quietly
"Varian, it wouldn't be the same for her", the Village Leader said, "she'd be loved and cared for, she'd be trained like a dragon and grow up big and strong. And there's no doubt she'd be able to visit, Hector's dragon was able to, he came back every few years to visit Hector! She would definitely do the same for you"
The blue eyed alchemist looked up at his father, his lip was quivering a little when he did, "I.... D-don't want her to l-leave...."
"I know.... I'm so sorry.... But she'll need to.... It's better if she does"
"b-bu.... B-bu-but I... W-wanna take c-care of h-her...."
"I know, and I want you to as well", the man replied gently, "but it wouldn't be good for her"
"I k-know but..... I-I...." Varian sniffled and wiped his eyes a little, he blushed, not wanting to cry at all, but he felt his heart breaking more and more as he couldn't find anymore excuses as to how or why he could keep Serenity here.....
The teen felt himself being picked up and held close, he smelled the scent of apples and wood, and hugged the furry vested man that'd brought that aroma to him. He hid his face in the fur, wanting to escape the conversation in whatever way he could. His anxiety felt exponentially big, his heart continuing to break before he heard his father's voice, "she's still here you know. You can still be with her, still make her happy while she's here. That way she'll never forget you, she just.... Needs to be with other dragons.... I'm sorry son... I'm so sorry.... But it's for the best.... For her"
Varian felt his anger subside, replaced by an overwhelming sense of sadness as he allowed his unshed tears to finally fall, one after the other. He cried into his father's chest, wept loudly as he gripped onto the man's vest. He felt Hugo hug him as well, Ruddigar doing the same while he continued to cry. He didn't want her to leave, he loved Serenity, he trained her and helped her grow, but the more he thought about it, the less excuses he could find. He wanted her to live, wanted her to become strong, but it broke his heart to know she'd have to do that without him..... He cried and cried until he couldn't anymore, his tears drying up as his sobs reduced to mere hiccups now.... He still cling to his father's vest, not wanting to go away from it yet.
For a fleeting moment, he thought if he stayed there, time would stop, he hoped and wished with all his might that it would, but he knew that was wrong. Guilt and shame swarmed within him as he remembered his actions, how angry he'd gotten, and how he dared to cling to his father for comfort after scolding and yelling at him and his boyfriend. He didn't want to look the man in the face, he knew what he'd find there, and felt fear mix into the dark emotions he felt, "I'm s-so sorry...." He said, his voice muffled as he was still face planted in his father's vest
"It's alright", Quirin replied softly, "we understand"
"Yeah Freckles, we're not mad at you for being upset", Hugo added
"I'm s-still sorry...."
He felt his father's lips on his head, he loved that feeling, it was soothing to him, "we forgive you Varian", the retired knight said, "we knew you'd get upset, it's why we wanted to talk to you beforehand. I'm sorry this conversation even needed to happen, but...."
His father's silence was all the teen needed to hear as he peeked out from the vest, he saw the man, he looked sad.... Varian scooted himself upright in his father's arms and wrapped his own arms around Quirin's neck softly, hugging him, "thank you", he said, "both of you, for telling me"
The Village Leader hugged him back, "you're welcome", he said, they stayed that way for a moment before the teen broke the hug, "are you alright now?" Quirin asked
"Better... I still.... D-don't want her to leave... But I understand why she must.... I-it... Hurts though...." He admitted
"It's going to Freckles", Hugo stated, "but at least you're more prepared, and plus, now you can make every moment count with her, so you have no regrets"
"Right", his father agreed, "you and she can run, jump, play, train, fly, and blow stuff up together until she needs to leave"
Varian blushed, "I don't blow stuff up *all* the time"
"Oh really? So then what was that thing you and Hugo did just a few weeks ago?"
"I-it was an accident!"
"Right, one that broke several beakers"
"Daaaad!"
Quirin snickered before kissing his child lovingly, "I love you son, no matter if you get angry with me or not. That fact will never change, ever"
Varian smiled, "thanks dad, I love you too", he then looked at Hugo, "and I guess I kinda love you"
The blond laughed, "the feeling's mutual Freckles, by the way, wanna talk about mold?"
"Wha-mold?" Quirin asked with a raised brow as his teen's eyes widened
"Nu! We do not want to talk about mold! How dare you sir!" Varian exclaimed as he pouted at his boyfriend
"What's this about mold?" His father asked with a smirk
"....I plead not guilty?"
"Very funny"
"Oh come on, I just underwent emotional sadness and haven't even had breakfast yet, don't I get a little bit of a break?"
His father sighed as his son used his puppy dog eyes, Ruddigar following suit to help his boy, "you know that doesn't work on me"
"Mmm", his son whimpered a little like a dog
Quirin chuckled, "you're a brat, I'll let it go for *now*, but we're talking about mold later on tiny one", he stated before he brought his child over to the pancakes and blushed, "and maybe how to control overcooking while anxious"
Hugo walked over and snickered, "I'll help clean this up if I get extra pancakes"
"You're a dirty dealer, but I'm inclined to agree since this is a huge mess"
"Sweet", the three of them cleaned up the pancake mess as Ruddigar cheered them on before they set the table and called everyone in. Varian gave Serenity some dragon fruit and a long hug, the two seemingly understanding why the other seemed keen on keeping each other close, before they broke the hug and the teen went to eat. After breakfast, Varian spent the entire day with his dragon, mixing potions with her, training her, and teaching her new things! He'd found out that she could help him mix potions with him, and she'd found out he'd gained her fire breathing, something that startled both of them when the teen nearly burned Eugene's arm when the man have Varian a surprise hug! Everyone was laughing and joking around, even going so far as to have a picnic together during the night in the retired knight's back yard. None of them noticed the ponytailed, skinny man staring at them, his eyes locked onto the blue dragon.
He felt a mix of emotions as he remembered a time when he'd had his own blue dragon, but he didn't trust the alchemist she was with. "First the princess, now the boy... That dragon should not be here, and I'll make sure they don't forget that...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
Varian goes through the five stages of grief while talking to his father and boyfriend, poor baby... And now there's a cliff hanger, hoo boy this is gonna be a doozy
Poor Varian.... The bean needed to accept his dargon wouldn't be here forever, but it's hard to do that, especially when you love someone that much.... But now that he understands, it'll be easier for him and Serenity as well, it's just hard.... And it's about to get much harder....
Hugo and Quirin for the win here! They stayed calm and helped their Varian understand, but then joked and had fun with him at the end! :D They're growing into such a good pair for this Moon bean <3
1000 point to Gryphindor if any of you can guess who the mystery man is at the end of the chapter :3 (sorry if I misspelled the name of the Harry Potter house XD)
Ruddy buddy is still the best raccoon and support animal! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 315: Q and A! (Part 2!)
Summary:
You'll see :D
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hello Readers!
Harmony Song here! I wanted to do another Q and A for the characters because I think they're a lot of fun! So here's what I plan to do!
Post your questions with the name of the character that it's directed to in the comments below, and I'll write a chapter having the characters answer your questions! :D There is no limit to how many questions you can ask, I'm more than willing to write as many answers as possible! :D
Rules/Ideas if you don't know what to say or ask:
-If your question is plot related, I may have a character react to it, but they may not give a straight answer. At the same time however, depending on how you word it, I may just have something happen in this chapter or give a hint to a future chapter as well! :D
-You can ask ANY character your question, even those who are passed away or may not even be human :3 Like a celestial being or an animal! :D
-This is partially cannon to the story, so the characters may not remember speaking directly to all of you, but the thoughts or questions you ask could have an affect on what they do in the future, in fact I may draw a reference to the question in the later chapters just so you guys can know who had what affect on whom! :D
-They're all in Quirin's house at the moment, but you can still ask the King and Queen of Corona anything as well as any guards and characters who would be out of the way. They'll be there :D
-Please do not ask about future episodes unless I've made reference to them in other chapters, like Cassandra's Revenge, you cannot tell him you know the future and will know how certain things will turn out, please don't do that
-Please no bashing characters, yeah certain ones are not peoples favorites right now (Donella, Frederic, Andrew, Nigel, Cyrus, etc), but don't bash them, if you have questions for them though, they'll answer! :D
-You can ask my OC's questions! They're available to talk, likewise I am too! :D You can ask me questions too if you want! :3
-It'd make it easier on me, if you have multiple questions, to put bullet points or '-'s to separate the questions, I'd be able to organize them better and answer them faster that way! :D
-I'm planning on posting the answer chapter tomorrow, but please feel free to keep asking questions until it's actually posted, I'll be looking at the chapter to see if there are any new questions while making the chapter! :D
-Have fun with this! You can ask characters to do something or say something to someone if you want! As long as the character agrees that is XD (They can say no :3) But in this, you can ask them if they'll talk about certain things, what they think about things, how they feel, what they wanna do, say hi to them, talk to them, and just have a nice conversation with them if you want! :D They'll be more than happy to do that, and I'll be more than happy to write their responses! :D
-You can interact with the characters, hug them, high five them (though it may confuse them XD), even show them futuristic technology because I think it's be funny XD Have fun with this! (Side note: I have limits to what I'll write, like anything sexual, sorry I won't, but if you wish to give a character a small kiss on the cheek, depending on who they are, I'll write it. Adira may have different ideas X3)
-You can say hi to them and just have a conversation with them too! Tell them how you feel and/or how you relate to them and see how they react, they'd probably really love that! <3
-No bashing or insulting another person's question please, this is fun! If I see that happening your comment will be deleted and your question will not be answered
-I'm going to be making a chapter per person, so post as many questions as you want, make an entire list with bullets points, or '-'s and the character you want to ask's name next to those questions! I don't mind writing large chapters for each on of you, so send as many questions as you wish! :D
Thank you all for reading this! I'm so excited to be doing something like this! Please ask as many questions as you want! :D I'm doing this because of all the support you've all given me, I wanted to give something back, even if it's just characters reacting to certain things you'd like to tell them or ask! :D You've all been such a big help to me in my life that I wouldn't nearly as happy as I am today! So thank you all sincerely for that! I really needed you guys, and you all really helped me through a lot, commenting, kudos, even just reading and nothing else, you've all made me so incredibly happy during a really tough time and I couldn't be more appreciative of that! Thank you so much for all your support! I can't wait to write this chapter! <3<3<3<3<3
Sincerely, thank you! I look forward to answering questions with these characters, and I hope you all enjoy them! :D And even if you don't celebrate this, this is for Thanksgiving, please enjoy and ask questions either way. Because it's also my way of thanking all of you for you wonderful support, as stated before, I cannot thank you all enough, sincerely, thank you <3
With that being said, thank you all so much for reading, and for all your support, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!
See you tomorrow when the Q and A begins!!!!! <3
Sincerely,
HarmonySong
Notes:
Chapter explains itself, see you all tomorrow, and thank you all once again <3
Leave your questions below, and I'll have the characters react and interact with you and them! :D
Have fun! Thank you all so much for reading, and for all your support, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 316: Reannie35!
Summary:
This is the chapter for Reannie35, thank you for asking questions, I'm excited to write this chapter for you!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Harmony smiled at all the characters as they got comfortable in Quirin's home. Everyone was chatting excitedly about the day's festivities as the author floated around them, happily humming to themselves before they noticed a commenter coming their way. "Oh hey! Everyone, looks like we've got a few questions for all of you!"
The entire group stopped and looked towards the commenter, who turned out to be Reannie35! "Hiya", Lance exclaimed, "welcome to our Thanksgivin/If you don't celebrate grateful Q and A!"
"That's a mouthful", Eugene stated
"It's a workin title"
Varian snorted, "you two, I swear"
Rapunzel giggled before she looked at the commenter, "either way, welcome to the Q and A, we're really happy to have you here! And we're willing to answer any and all questions you may have!"
Reannie35 smiled excitedly as Harmony floated down to greet them, "howdy! First off, I wanna say, thank you so much for being here! It means a lot to us that you'd take time out of your day to ask us questions and to hang out at the same time! Thank you very much!" The author gave a delighted grin at that, their eyes shining with excitement, "second, I hope the answers your receive today are to your liking, if not, sorry about that. We want to make sure you have the best time possible, so take your time, have fun, and enjoy your stay!"
The musical writer giggled a bit before floating up into the air and allowing the commenter to begin asking any questions they may have. Reannie35 grinned with glee as they addressed the room, "Hey everyone!! It's great to be here!"
"Great to have you!" Edmund replied with a wide smile
"Agreed!" Rapunzel replied, "thanks for coming!"
Reannie35 smiled at the two before making their way over to the freckled alchemist himself, who smiled shyly at them, "Hey V how's it? Hope things are going good"
The alchemist nodded, "they're going alright, I mean", he looked over at Serenity, who yawned as he pat her head gently, "aside from the worry about her and a.... Certain other person.... E-everything seems to be okay so far. T-thank you for asking", the teen smiled happily at the commenter before he noticed someone staring at Reannie35, "what's wrong?"
"Didn't know my nickname for you was accepted by the commenters", the person stated, getting Varian to smirk
"It may just be the first letter of my name, but it's one of the only nicknames I was given Angry"
The girl rolled her eyes, "you kidding? You have a thousand nicknames!"
"Yeah, like Goggles, Hairstripe, Starlight, kid, kiddo, all names *I* personally came up with", Eugene replied
"Or Little man", Lance added
"Little peanut is my personal favorite", Edmund stated cheerfully
"Spawn", Hector said, "it's got a nice ring to it"
"I think Speckles suits him best", Adira chimed, "it describes him"
"Freckles does too", Hugo added, "one of the cutest parts about him, that and love, but only I get to call him that"
Varian blushed, "Huuuugo"
"Vaaaaarian"
"I have several nicknames for my son too", Quirin pointed out, "like Brat, Bubby, Bratty Stinkbomb, son, though I think every parent calls their child that, Bean, Stinky-!"
"You barely call me stinky!" Varian exclaimed, blushing profusely as Eugene and Lance snickered
"I still do, that and Smelly when you end up stinking like chemicals"
"Evil jerkface"
"Bratty Stinkbomb"
"Either way", Angry stated, "just surprised people are using the nickname I gave you, it's nice", she said with a small smile towards Reannie35
The commenter smiled back at Angry before Rapunzel said, "we got a little off track, sorry, do you have more questions for Varian?"
Reannie35 nodded before looking back at the teen, "Do you like cooking, or baking? If so what's your favorite thing to cook or bake?"
The alchemist thought about that for a moment, "I like to do both, cook and bake, it's basically like alchemy, just with more mundane ingredients and tastier results", he replied before smirking at all of you, including Reannie35, "1,000 points to anyone who catches that reference", he and Eugene smirked at that before the teen continued with his answer, "I know the preferred answer would be cookies here, considering, but honestly.... I kinda wanna stay away from those for a while. I feel bad everytime I see them.... I think my favorite thing to bake would be pie for dad and cake with Eugene. Again, if you catch the reference, 1,000 points to you". The Dark Prince snickered, "as for cooking? .....I like to make seasonal foods, like for fall, I love cooking ham and mashed potatoes, for winter, chicken and pumpkin soup, spring, omelets and breakfast food, and summer, hot things, like a nice pasta, or even a cool summer salad with chicken inside". Varian's stomach growled, "....Now I'm hungry"
Quirin chuckled, "not surprising since all of what you just stated sounded really good"
"I wanna cook now"
"Maybe later, but all of those are good answers"
"It was a really good question", the freckled teen replied as he smiled at Reannie35, "thank you for asking it! Do you have anymore questions for me?"
The commenter nodded with a grin, "will Lance ever be unbanned from your lab?"
"Nope"
"Aw now that's just mean", Lance stated, "I've gotten better you know!"
"Still nope", Varian stated, "you still touch my chemicals and end up blowing up my lab on occasion. Until you can prove to me that you won't, no unbanning for you"
"Hmph!" Lance pouted, "your lab's stinky anyway"
Quirin snorted as Eugene patted Lance's shoulder comfortingly, "he's a good Lance, but sometimes a time out is needed", Hugo responded
Varian giggled, "he's a very good Lance, no one can tell me differently, he's helped me on many occasions and has made me, and several people I care about, get better while facing what we're feeling. I truly care about Lance, he just gets too curious with my lab equipment, and for alchemy, that's a big no no. He could get hurt, so it's for your own good sir, who is currently pouting over there"
"I get to pout, it's like you have parties in there that I'm not invited to", the former thief stated
"It's honestly more just me and Hugo getting excited over the latest discovery"
"Still a party"
"....Lance if I throw a small party and invite you, would you feel better?"
"Maybe"
"Oki, dad we need to throw a party"
"How about we finish questions first", Quirin said
"Right, sorry", Varian said, smiling apologetically at Reannie35, "t-that's my answer to your Lance question, did you have anymore?"
The commenter giggled before they asked their next question, "what's your favorite thing to do with Hugo?"
"Oh", Varian's eyes lit up as his cheeks blushed, "w-well there's a lot of things I like to do with Hugo, lik-"
"Liiiiike?" Hugo interrupted with a wide grin on his face
"....Get your mind out of the gutter sir"
"I live in the gutter"
"You live in my home!"
"Right, in the gutter of your home, right next to the rats"
"You're a brat"
"Tis true, but I'm your favorite brat"
"Actually my dad's my favorite brat, you come to a close second"
"Right, Quirin's come first"
"I'm honored", the retired knight said
Varian giggled before he thought for a moment, "honestly", he blushed, "I can't really choose my favorite thing to do with Hugo. I love doing everything with him.... A-a lot... S-so.... Everything i-is my answer I suppose"
"Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!" Everyone in the room exclaimed
"Oh s-stop it!" Varian replied as he hid his face in his father's vest, "you're all mean!"
Hugo laughed as he hugged his boyfriend lovingly, "the feeling's mutual Freckles"
The blue eyed alchemist hugged him and and smiled a little. Reannie35 grinned before they moved on to their next question, "do you like bird watching?"
Varian giggled, "yup, especially after the whole, me turning into a bird thing, kinda gave me a new perspective. Though the bird I watch the most is Hamuel"
The old crow in question CAW'd happily as he flapped his wings with excitement at that, getting the teen and the Dark King to giggle as Reannie35 asked their final question to the tiny alchemist
"Do you have advice to help with Anxiety? Somethings I do are deep breaths, and I have stress balls"
Varian thought about that one for a moment, "deep breaths are usually my go to for a quick fix.... I-I'm not sure what stress balls are unfortunately, sorry"
"They haven't been made yet", Harmony added, getting the group to look up at them, "those weren't made until 1988 I believe, don't quote me on that"
Reannie35 nodded as Varian smiled and continued, "well either way, deep breaths are good for a quick anxiety fix, but if I'm being honest, finding a nice place to be alone and regain your energy is probably my favorite way to destressing. I always have Ruddigar with me when I do, so we snuggle. That or talking to my dad or Hugo or Lance or Eugene about whatever I'm feeling, Adira, Hector, and Grandpa too! I'll also take a walk alone or with friends to calm myself down, try to hum to myself or move around a little to get rid of the access energy, and Harmony... Um... L-listens to music? Though I'm not sure how"
"We have magical boxes with pictures on them that allow us to hear sounds as well. It's called a phone", Harmony explained
"Ah, I really need to find one of those, they seem very handy"
"They are until you realize how expensive they are", the author replied with a sarcastic tone and a smirk
"That bad huh?"
"Well.... Ok, so using Quirin's funds as a Village Leader as sort of an estimate, in our time Quirin, you'd be known as that mayor of a town or village. Kinda a mix between what you do now with a little of what the King and Queen do for Corona"
"Oh, huh", the retired knight said, "that's interesting"
"Yeah, so if we take into account that you would be a mayor in our time, your income would be pretty big. I'll be nice, and give you a bigger sum of around $66,696 a year. It's a lot of coins and I'm judging this with the stance that Old Corona is a small farming village, so you wouldn't be pulling in as much as a big city mayor, but a small town mayor. You'd be making, around $2,492 every two weeks, I believe that's with taxes but don't quote me, math is not my strong suit. Even with that much, which is a fair amount for a mayor of a small town, the best phone, let's say iphone 15 pro (not sponsored), their initial cost is $1,200 if you know where to look, that's not including the plan you have to have with it for it to even work and possible repairs you'd need to make after. That plan, by the way, you'd need to pay every month, it's not that expensive if you don't mind having a little less of a reach, but since you're the mayor, you kinda need a bigger reach than most. So already that's half of one paycheck if you choose to pay it off all at once".
Quirin blinked, "wow"
"Yeah.... Phones are expensive in our world. Again, do not quote me, I am not an expert by any means and all of my research and math is based on a very limited amount of time. But yeah, You'd be able to afford it easily, it'd just cost a lot more than I feel like it's worth"
"I see, if it's all the same to you, I'd like to stay inside my medieval bubble thank you"
"I see no problems with that", Harmony replied before they looked at Reannie35, "sorry, kinda took over, but yeah, listening to music also helps!"
Varian smiled, "other than that, the best thing I can say is try to find out what kind of boundaries you'd need to set up for yourself. Everyone is different, some of my techniques may not work for you, if any at all. But that's okay, you'd just need to find out what would work best for you, that way, you can get what you need to stop the attack and anxiety during, or even before, it happens", he smiled, "did you have any other questions for me?" Reannie35 thought for a moment before shaking their head and pointing to Rapunzel, then Adira, both of whom seemed a little surprised, "oki, well thank you for chatting with me! I hope your questions get answered in the best way possible!"
Reannie35 grinned happily at the teen before they thanked him and made their way to the sunny princess, "hiya!" Rapunzel replied, "you have questions for me?"
Reannie35 nodded before asking, "what's your favorite thing to paint?"
"Hmmm... Oh that's a tough one uh.... I like to paint everything honestly"
"Sunshine, you've gotta pick something", Eugene said gently
"I know, but I love to paint so much! Nature, the castle, ideas in my head-OH! I guess my favorite thing to paint would be my friends and family! I love painting them, happy, sad, sometimes adorably scared while being held in Varian's arms", she grinned at Eugene
Varian blushed, "I saw that painting, and I'm very glad you took it down"
"It was adorable!"
"It was embarrassing!"
"I thought it showed how unnaturally strong you are Freckles", Hugo pointed out, getting his boyfriend to blush
"Either way, that's my answer, I love to paint my friends and family the most!" Rapunzel stated happily
Reannie35 grinned, not surprised by that answer before asking their second one, "do you have a favorite song?"
"....Hm.... I like the kingdom dance!" Rapunzel replied, "it was the very first song I heard when coming to Corona, I mean, there's 'I Have a Dream', but I was the one who sang it. Back then, the only song I'd ever heard was the healing incantation Mo..... Gothel would have me sing to her. Nothing else save for the songs I made up for myself.... But when I came to Corona for the first time, it was during my birthday where everyone was celebrating! I got to have my very first dance with Eugene to the Kingdom Dance! It's one of my most cherished memories that I really wouldn't ever replace, it marks my freedom from Gothel, and my first dance with Eugene", she smiled at her lover, "and I wouldn't replace that memory for the world"
Eugene smiled lovingly at his girlfriend, kissing her cheek, "same here Sunshine"
"Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!" The entire group said
"HA! It's not just me gosh dangit!" Varian exclaimed, getting Eugene and Rapunzel to laugh
Reannie35 laughed as well before they quickly regained control and asked another question, "is it true your favorite colors all of them?"
"Yup!" The princess replied, "I can't decide, I know it seems like a cop out, but I just think every color can be beautiful in it's own way! Like green! It seems to have the worst time getting people to like it, most associate it with.... Not so nice things, but it's so much more than that! Green is the color of nature, snakes, Pascal, who is the cutest animal in the world!"
"I disagree, Ruddigar", Varian stated as his raccoon chittered happily
"I'm more of an Itty Bitty and Sassy fishy cuteness fan myself", Quirin said as he smiled at the two fish in the bowl next to him
"Either way", Rapunzel continued with a giggle, "green is not very well liked by many people, but it can be so beautiful in it's own way! Same with Orange, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Grey, Silver, Purple, Red, any color! It's why all of them are my favorite, because they're all unique and special!"
Reannie35 grinned at the princess, happy with that answer before asking their final one, "do you like tree climbing?"
"Yup! I think the view from trees can be very uplifting and kinda freeing in a way", Rapunzel stated, "I think the only thing that bothers me is getting branches in my hair. 80 feet of branch catching yellow strings on my head do not make for a fun time in a tree, but you learn to live with it. I like tree climbing a lot more than I dislike getting branches out of my hair". Reannie35 nodded understandingly at that before they motioned that was the all the questions they have for Rapunzel before pointing to Adira. The princess giggled, "oki dokie, thank you very much for chatting with me, it was fun! Hope to see you again soon!"
With that, Reannie35 smiled at Rapunzel before walking over to Adira, who raised an amused brow at them, "hello there, you had questions for me?"
Reannie35 nodded before stating, "first I wanna say really look up to you. You're a very strong and wise person!"
The face painted warrior was startled by that before smiling, "thank you, I appreciate that, sincerely. Not many people say that to me, so to hear it from someone else is very eye opening, it makes me happy"
Reannie35 smiled happily at the warrior, making sure Adira knew what they'd said was the truth before moving on to their first question, "will you ever pay Quirin back for the apples?"
"PFFFFFFFFFFT!" Hector slapped his hand over his mouth to keep his laughter in, but it didn't really work as Quirin gave him an very annoyed look
Adira, however, remained calm, despite to hilarious question, and simply answered, "we'll see"
"Yeah when fucking pigs fly!" Her little brother exclaimed before bursting into laughter
Quirin sighed, "my struggles, I have many...."
"I'm certain Adira will pay Quirin back for the apples.... Someday", Edmund stated optimistically, though he didn't seem very convinced himself
"I think she will", Varian said, "I have faith"
"You'd be the first", the wild tamer joked
"Well I mean, Adira is wise right?" Eugene asked, "wouldn't it be *wise* to pay Quirin back?"
"If it were anyone *but* Adira, yes", Hector replied, "but since this *is* Adira we're talking about here, our brother wouldn't fight her over the matter. She knows this already, so weather or not she pays him is completely up to her"
"Why wouldn't you go after Adira?" Rapunzel asked
"I just.... Well to be honest, if it's not something that's hurting other people, particularly Varian, Hugo, Adira, Hector, and King Edmund, I don't really put as much energy into the problem. If it directly affects me, then it's fine, the only reason I have a problem at all is because those are the *village's* apples. She's only taken a few, but it's still not my apples for her to take!"
"You grow and nurture them", Adira stated, Hector nodding in agreement
"If Hector nurtured a baby lion then returned the cub to their family, would they still be his?"
"That's different, that's a baby animal, what you grow is fruit", Hector stated
"Fruit made on someone else's land for the people who live there, not just myself and my friends and family"
Adira chuckled, "I suppose the best answer is still, we'll see"
"Why do you even take the apples in the first place?" Eugene asked, "you know it upsets him"
"It *annoys* him, it doesn't *upset* him, if it upset him, I wouldn't do it, but since it's merely an annoyance, that makes it funny", Adira explained
"In other words, she's being a fucking pain in the ass", Hector stated with a chuckle, "because she must and for no other reason", Quirin huffed at that while Varian snuggled his father lovingly
Reannie35 laughed at that before asking their final question to the face painted warrior, "Do you have a favorite time for meditating? I love the early mornings and before sunset"
Adira thought about that for a moment before replying, "I like dusk and dawn as well, though the sunrise would have to be my favorite. If I had to choose something different, I'd say in the middle of the night, when the Moon is at her peak", she said, "it's very peaceful during that time, which makes it much easier to meditate"
"You meditate in the middle of the night?" Edmund asked
"Yes, not everyday, but when I feel antsy or need sometime alone, midnight is when I usually seek out that much needed escape"
"Huh, here's a question, would you ever want anyone to join you?"
Adira smiled, "I wouldn't mind, though there are times when I wish to be alone"
"That's fair, it would be nice to meditate at night, I never thought about doing so before"
Quirin and Hector smiled at the two before Varian looked at Reannie35, "did you have anymore questions for anyone?" When the commenter shook their head, the alchemist smiled, "I see, well thank you very much for stopping by! It was really nice to talk with you! It was a lot of fun too, despite certain people embarrassing me", he looked pointedly at Hugo, who snickered
Harmony floated down towards the commenter and smiled, "sincerely, thank you again for chatting with everyone! It was really fun to write this and have you come out at all! Thanks so much for joining in on the fun and for supporting me and this story so much! I have a question for you, who's your favorite Tangled character? I think it may be Adira, but I'm not sure and I'd love to hear your thoughts!"
"No pressure", Eugene joked, getting Lance to laugh
"Either way", Harmony stated with a side eye and smirk towards the duo, "brat nuggets", the author than looked at Reannie35, "thank you again for all your questions and for joining us today! Have a wonderful day and/or night depending on what time you read this and where you're at in the world, and I hope to see you again soon!"
Notes:
Hello Reannie35! :D
These questions were so much fund to answer! I had a genuine blast writing everyone's reactions to them and I'm so glad you got to ask the questions you wanted to ask! You gave me a few ideas for some chapters later on in the story that I'm excited to explore, so thank you for that as well! I sincerely hope you enjoyed your questions being answered, as I said in the chapter, thank you so much for joining us and for being here for me and my story! I look forward to seeing your reaction, if you decide to post it below, if not, I hope you enjoy either way! :D
Thank you all for reading and being here as well, remember, you can still post questions in the comments below, I'll write you a chapter too! Even if it's just one question! :D
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 317: DianaIsMyName31415
Summary:
DianaIsMyName31415, this chapter is for you! I hope you enjoy! <3
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
HarmonySong grinned happily as they watched the characters talking to each other, it seemed like everyone was in a really great mood today! Suddenly, the musical author noticed someone walking inside and floated down, "hiya!" They greeted with a grin before turning to look at the room, "hey everyone! We've got another visitor!"
The group turned to look and smiled happily, "well hi!" Lance stated with a wave
"Hello there!" Rapunzel added with a warm welcome
"Howdy", Quirin replied, getting Hector and Adira to snort, "what?" He asked them with a raised brow
"Howdy there partner!" The wild tamer stated with a snicker
"Where's your boots and hat there Quirin?" Adira added
"Ha ha", the retired knight said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes
Harmony shook their head at the pair of Brotherhood members before they looked at the group again, "this is DianaIsMyName31415"
The entire group gave a friendly, "HELLO!" Making the commenter giggle
Harmony looked at DianaIsMyName31415 and smiled, "I know you said you didn't have very many questions, which is completely fine! But I still wanted to give you your very own chapter. So the responses you get to your questions may be longer. I hope that's okay, I'll try to make it as fun for you as possible! For now, enjoy your time with the characters!" With that, the author flew up towards the rafters in Quirin's home and sat on one, gesturing that DianaIsMyName31415 could start asking questions anytime they wish!
The commenter smiled and walked around excitedly, though they were a little nervous, they felt a small glee fill them as they saw the characters interacting with each other, hearing some of their conversations as the commenter passed them by, "...And that's why ya need to eat plenty of kabobs!"
"Lance that's not a thing", Eugene stated
"It is so!"
"No it's not! Since when to kabobs give you a longer life?"
"Since anytime I eat them after a nasty meal, I feel ten times better!"
The Dark Prince faced palmed as Rapunzel giggled, "have you ever though that maybe it's because you just replaced the bad taste in your mouth with something that you love?" Eugene stated
"Possibly, but I still think they have healing abilities too, we can ask Varian to test it!"
"Oh my-yeah, sure, lets get the kid in on this, I'm certain we'll have a lot of fun testing meat on sticks"
The commenter snickered as they walked past the two men and one princess, and began approaching the Brotherhood members, sans Quirin, who were talking with Harmony and looking at their phone "....So this tiny device allows you to talk to anyone anywhere in the world?" Edmund asked
"Yup-well.... Maybe not *everywhere* in the world, depending on how good or bad the service is, if I have that person's number or not, and if I even like or trust them", the author explained
"It's so.... Breakable", Hector stated, picking up the device, "fragile"
"Ah-ba-eh", the author gently grabbed the phone back, "please... Don't.... Break my phone... They cost a lot"
"I wasn't *actually* gonna break it, it's just.... Fragile"
"He's right, why wouldn't they make a 'phone', as you call it, that's indestructible and/or could at least stand to be in the water if they plan on charging you a lot of money for it?" Adira asked
The author thought for a moment, "....You know how, sometimes, you'll see fortune tellers that can't actually tell your fortune but make you pay a lot for a fake fortune?"
"Yeah", Edmund replied
"It's that, but with the fragility of my, and various other people's, phones"
"Well that fucking sucks", Hector stated, "shouldn't you do something?"
"Well.... I guess I'll put it this way, it'd be more expensive to go to court and complain about it, then to just take the phone given and be very careful with it"
"Ah"
"Yeah"
"Still fucking sucks", Hector stated
"Yeah...." The author noticed the commenter listening and blushed, smiling happily at them as DianaIsMyName31415 smiled back and walked away.
The commenter continued to walk until they saw Varian, Ruddigar, Quirin, Itty Bitty, Sassy, and Hugo sitting together and chatting. All of them seemed to be a having a wonderful conversation, something about Varian making a potion that allows him to speak with animals, DianaIsMyName31415 remembered Harmony mentioning that in one of the earlier chapters before this before they remembered a question they have for Varian and Hugo specifically. Walking over, the alchemists noticed them, "oh hello!" Varian stated happily, "came over here to engage in alchemical conversation with us?"
"Alchemical conversation huh?" Quirin repeated, "that's a new one"
"To be fair, we were discussing alchemy just now", Hugo defended
"True"
DianaIsMyName31415 giggled before nodding, getting the freckled teen to grin even wider, "oki, what did you have on your mind?"
"Who is your favorite Greek God/Goddess and why?" The commenter asked interestedly
"My favorite Greek God/Goddess? Hmmm... That's kind of a hard one", the teen replied, accidentally getting a certain former thief's attention
"Greek what and what?" Lance asked
Varian looked at him and smiled, "Greek God/Goddess, have you ever heard of them before?" When the man shook his head the alchemist nodded, "that's understandable, the only reason I happen to know is because of dad"
"Because of Quirin?"
"Uh huh, see, 'commoners', like me and you, we don't get taught stuff like that in school, in fact, I only stayed in school for a little while until people started to be nasty to me and I ended up getting taken out and homeschooled by dad. He taught me about Greek Gods/Goddesses when I accidentally found a book on the subject. That knowledge is usually only taught to those of a higher rank in life. Queens, Kings, Princesses, Princes, noble families and the like. 'Commoners' were not meant to learn about that sort of thing because they didn't have the funds to teach them that. The only teachers that were given at public schools like the school in Old Corona are volunteer teachers, and even then, they're 'commoners' themselves"
"Huh, so that's why the orphanage only had three days of school", Eugene stated
"Yup, probably because the only things you all needed to know was how to behave around nobles, how to get basic skills, like cooking and cleaning, and how to count and use numbers to help with purchasing items, am I right?"
"Yup"
Varian grinned before he looked at the commenter, "I'm glad you asked me that question though, it's a very interesting idea. I think my favorite Greek God/Goddess, if I had to choose, would be.... A tie between Athena and Apollo, both of them are smart in different ways, and I love the strategy of Athena, and the foresight of Apollo and his oracles! ....I do feel bad for Hades though, and feel worse for Persephone.... And her mother Demeter...." At everyone's, who isn't Rapunzel, Quirin, Hector, Adira, Edmund, and Hugo, confused looks, the teen sighed, "Athena was the Goddess of battle strategy, wisdom, and handicraft, she's always perceived as this kind and understanding Goddess as well, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed, as shown in the Odyssey and and The Twelve Labours of Heracles". Everyone still stared at him, confused, he sighed and looked up at his father, "a little help here?"
Quirin chuckled, "The Twelve Labours of Heracles is a story, so it the Odyssey but we'll go with The Twelve Labours of Heracles first. Hercules is the son of Zeus, the leader of the God's and Goddesses, on Mount Olympia"
"Mount Olympia?" Lance asked
"Gigantic mountain that only God's and Goddesses were allowed to stay on to watch over the humans"
"Ah"
"Anyway, Hercules was born as son of Zeus, but it was due to an affair that Zeus had with a mortal women that Hercules was born. Hera, Zeus's actual Goddess wife, grew angry and jealous towards the half mortal boy, she sent snakes after him as he slept in his mortal families cot, but was found the next morning, playing with the two snakes. He'd been given super strength by accident when Hera tried to nurse him without realizing who he was before he was returned to the mortal world. He grew up and, though different versions say the events that transpired happen during different times, the one I choose to believe is the one where Hercules, as a grown man, married a women name Megara, had children, then, during a fit of madness and rage induced by Hera, killed them all"
"He WHAT?!" Eugene exclaimed
"Yeah... It was because of Hera's hate for the boy that he did so... But he still felt horrible for what he's done. So he went to repent and he was purified by King Thespius, king of Athens. He still wanted to atone for his sins, in order to do so, he traveled to Delphi, where he met Oracle Pythia. They told him to do whatever labours Eurystheus, the King of Tiryns, sent him off to do in order to gain immortality. Hercules did not like this idea, he thought Eurystheus was beneath him, but fearing the anger of his own father, he found himself at the man's mercy. He was sent on 12, very hard, nearly impossible, labours, as a mortal. That's basically the entire story, if you want to know if he passed or not, read the book, it's very good!"
"Huh, what about the Odyssey?" Eugene asked
"The Odyssey is Varian's favorite one", Quirin stated, getting his son to wiggle excitedly, which made his father, Hugo, and Ruddigar to snicker as the retired knight told the story, "see, The Odyssey is about a well respected man called Odysseus. Odysseus was kind and well respected, but also very full of himself. He has a wife, Penelope, and a son, Telemachus, both of whom, don't where Odysseus has gone off to after the Trojan war. The story tells of Odysseus's story over the last 10 years, though we come in during the final 6 weeks of his trek to get back home, stop suitors from trying to get with his wife, and reestablish him as the well respected man in his kingdom"
"Wow, you summed that up way faster than you did for Hercules", Eugene stated
"Well... There's so much to Odysseus's story that it would take me the better part of an hour to actually get into it", the Village Leader stated
"Odysseus is a mix between you dad, and Eugene", Varian stated, "because his biggest flaw is how cocky he is, but he's got the skills to back up everything he says, and he also isn't cruel or mean, he's just cocky. He's actually a very loving husband, a kind and resilient fighter, a really smart strategist, and super cunning and brave! He's definitely a warrior through and through! I guess that's why I like him so much! Plus he's a lady's man, but he's never unfaithful to his wife and son! Oh! Also he ticked off Poseidon, the God of the Earth's Oceans and seas, and this guy, Odysseus I mean, has to travel by sea a *LOT*!"
"Very cunning!" Eugene stated, a little amazed
"Now I wanna read that story", Lance said
"I'd love to read it again! Oh but um, we should probably get back to the questions, sorry DianaIsMyName31415, did you have any other questions?" Varian asked the commenter
DianaIsMyName31415 smiled before looking at Hugo, "do you have a particular nickname you use the most for Varian?"
The blond giggled, "it's usually just Freckles, I like that one the best, though I think another one I like is Love", Varian blushed at that, "because he does that"
"Stop it", the freckled teen exclaimed as he hid his face in his father's vest
Hugo snickered, "I should come up with other nicknames for him, I have quite a few ideas. Stuff having to do with the night sky"
The blue eyed alchemist peaked out from his father's vest, "like what?"
Hugo smiled, "well.... Like Moonbeam, or Twinkle", he said, "those names in particular are pretty adorable, and they match you to a T"
Varian giggled, "Twinkle"
"I may keep that one", the blond said, "you got any nicknames for me?"
Varian thought for a moment before he smiled, "star child"
"Star child?"
"Yup, or Star.... Or my Star.... Cause you are...."
"Why?" Hugo asked with a chuckle
"W-well, you shine brightest when I'm in the dark, you make me feel like I'm never alone, you're always right by my side, even if no one else can see you, you light up my day every time I see you, and you make me happy with how bright you can glow", Varian replied, blushing a little more and making Hugo do the same, "you're my star, my guiding star, my best friend, and I wouldn't want you to leave me even if we didn't work out"
The blond felt his heart fill with warmth as he looked at the teen, "I love you Freckles"
"I love you too.... Star"
The room was quiet for a moment, everyone enjoying the adorable atmosphere before Varian felt even more embarrassed, "o-oki, can we m-move on and have another q-question please?"
DianaIsMyName31415 laughed before they looked at everyone around the room, "are there other languages you know or/and can speak?"
Rapunzel grew excited by this, "I can speak Saporion now!" She stated, "I started to learn after the whole, lost treasure of Herz Der Sonne, deal!"
"Really?" Eugene asked, "where'd you learn from?"
"From Feldspar actually, he said every good shoe cobbler knew how to speak it, so he said he'd teach me!"
"Huh, neat, I can speak fluent Italian", Eugene said, "I stole a lot of good stuff in Italy, I also know how to speak French and German too! Lance knows how to speak in Spanish"
"Yes I do!" Lance agreed, "when we were together, there was no language we couldn't handle! Though, we don't do that anymore, it's still a really cool skill to have!"
Varian blushed, "I know how to speak and write in ancient languages, Seporian, super old Coronan, Latin and Greek. I also know how to speak Spanish and French, and I'm starting to learn all the different languages Demanitus spoke, all of them have been extrodinary! Oh! I also know how to speak in Miunosian as well, and early Seporian! Dad is also teching me some of the old Dark Kingdom language too"
"We have a different language?" Eugene asked
"Yup!" Edmund replied, "our ancestors used to use it all the time, and the Bortherhood use it now a days when they're on a mission and need to share secrets with each other while in the same room as an enemy"
"Huh, so Quirin, Adira, and Hector all know this language?"
"Yup, as do I!"
"Neat, I wanna learn too"
"Ooooh! I'd be happy to teach you!" Edmund exclaimed excitedly as he wiggled his hand happily, "we could have small sessions and enjoy each other's company and spend time together and oh oh! I could give you homework and help you with it too!"
Eugene chuckled, "sound great dad"
Varian and Quirin giggled before the teen looked at Hugo, "which languages do you know?"
"Well", the blond began, "let's see, Italian, German, Spanish, Korean, Dutch, Arabic, Japanese, Seporian, Old Coronan until the language was revamped, Coronan, and a smidge of French", when everyone was staring at him in shock, he blushed, "I um... Traveled a lot from one place to the other, so I was taught how to speak every language we came across save for French"
"Did you ever stay in one place for more than a week?" Nigel asked
"....No"
Varian gave his boyfriend a sad look before shooting Nigel an annoyed one, the man flinched, "sorry...."
The freckled teen sighed before he hugged Hugo lovingly, "you've got a home now, you're safe, with me and dad and Ruddigar and Itty Bitty and Sassy", he stated, "so does Olivia"
Hugo smiled and hugged his lover back, "thanks"
"Anytime"
Everyone seemed content until Harmony floated down and smiled at DianaIsMyName31415 happily, "did you have any other questions?" The commenter shook their head, making the author nod, "alright, well thank you, very much, for coming and chatting with the group! It was a lot of fun and I hope you had a blast here with all of us!" The musician smiled, "join us back again anytime, and if you have any other questions or anything you wanna do after this, feel free to post it in the comments! I have a question for you as well, who's your favorite Greek God/Goddess? I'm genuinely curious and would love to discuss it with you! Once again, thank you so much for joining and we hope to see you again soon!!!!"
Notes:
Hello DianaIsMyName31415!
You may have had only a few questions, but all of them were really fun to reply to and write! :D I especially love the Greek Gods and Goddesses one! I love leaning about Green and Roman Mythology, so to see that question got me excited! I'm sort of a Greek geek when it comes to their mythology, though I think I got a few things wrong with the stories of Odysseus and Hercules, either way, I love them! I'm really glad I'm not the only one! Thank you for joining us during this Q and A, it's still a lot of fun!
Thank you all for reading, and if any of you have any, or anymore, questions you'd like to ask, simply place them in the comments and I'll write you a chapter of your own! Once again, thank you all so much for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 318: Moonlight! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Moonlight's chapter is here! Woot!!!!! :D
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The author smiled happily as they watched the group of characters talking and spending time together before they saw someone they recognized and smiled wide! Suddenly, a flute noise was played as wind began to blow gently through the home. Hector froze for a moment before he grinned, "I know that flute playing"
Everyone turned and saw a commenter being lowered to the floor via the winds as they stopped playing their flute. They opened their vividly green eyes and smirked, "Moonlight!" Harmony exclaimed, before they floated down in front of the commenter and hugged them happily, "so good to see you! OH!" They let go and smiled, "and you're in your anime-esk outfit as well because you asked to be! Hope you like it!" The author then turned to face the characters, smirking specifically to Hector, who waved at the commenter, getting them to wave back excitedly, "you all remember Moonlight right?"
"Of course we do!" Varian replied, "they were one of the people who helped save you during the last Q and A"
"Which, Zhan Tiri will not be making another appearance again", Quirin stated, "she was put in a limbo like time out by a certain well known scientist my sons happen to love and cherish"
"Gotta love Demanitus", Hugo stated, getting Varian to giggle
"Either way", Harmony stated, "you can pop in and out of this form whenever you choose, I will write you in this form until you ask me not to anytime during this story", they stated with a grin, "until you tell me not to however, feel free to ask any questions or do whatever you wish! I may have to make your chapter a bit of a two parter since you asked a lot of questions, but I had that last time, so it's definitely not a problem now!" The author stated happily, "for now, enjoy yourself and have a blast and a half!" With that, they floated to the rafters of the large, castle-like, mansion and sat, watching happily.
Moonlight grinned excitedly before heading towards their first character, "hello Varian! I'm so happy to see you again! How are you doing?"
The alchemist smiled, "hiya! I'm doing okay, you know, aside from the PTSD, trauma, sadness, fear, anger, Moon powers, having to give up my dargon eventually, and my boyfriend freezing with fear until I had to use the very potion that ruined my life to save him, my dad, and everyone else I care about and hold dear to me", the teen's eye twitched, "b-but yeah um.... I'm getting there". Hugo placed a hand on his lover's shoulder as Quirin kissed his son's forehead, Ruddigar nuzzled his boy's cheek, and Serenity placed her head on her 'mother's' hand gently
Moonlight looked at the teen sadly, "well, know that we readers are supporting you! You're doing your best and that's great! I believe in you!"
Varian felt a small smile form on his lips at this, and nodded, "thank you for that"
"Thanks for answering!" Moonlight replied with a grin, "can we hug before I go and talk to the others?"
"Of course!" Varian replied before giving Moonlight a hug, the commenter hugging the teen back. They stayed that way for a bit before letting go, the freckled alchemist blushed a bit, "s-sorry for venting a bit when you asked that. Guess I'm not as good as I'd like to be, but thank you for listening. Did you have anything else you wanted to say before you went to someone else?"
Moonlight thought for a moment before they got an idea and grinned, "oh, I almost forgot! I've got something for you..." They fumble in their pocket for a moment before going, "There!" They bring out their hand and show it to Varian, their thumb and index finger are touching, the index finger in the front, their thumb behind it, forming a small heart. It took the teen a second to realize what they were doing before he smiled appreciatively
"A heart, that's very sweet, thank you!" He replied, "now I'm gonna have to use it on dad"
"Don't you dare", Quirin stated
"And why not?"
"Because I'd die of the cute"
"You'd die of the cute?"
"I'd die of the cute"
"....Imma do it anyway"
"Varian!"
Moonlight snickered with laughter before turning to Hugo, who was watching with an amused raised brow. The commenter smiled and raised their hand in the air, "high five!"
The blond seemed a little confused until they noticed Harmony raising their hand like Moonlight had. He copied the movement before the commenter smacked their hands together, it didn't hurt, and Harmony was giving the blond a thumbs up, he guessed he'd done it right, "well that's new", he said
"Hey Hugo! How are you?" Moonlight asked delightedly
"I'm good", the bespeckled teen replied, "better than the last time you saw me, that's for sure. Though... Now I'm a little more concerned about worry wart over there", he gestured to Varian, who was still talking to his dad
Moonlight nodded understandingly, "well, I've got something for you! It's a little gift, would you be okay with closing your eyes, so that I can make it a surprise?"
"Sure?" The blond replied, closing his eyes as asked
He heard the commenter pull something out of their pocket that made Varian and Quirin stop talking. He waited for a moment before he heard the commenter shyly ask, "could you please crouch down a bit? You're too tall for me"
He snorted, "sorry, is this okay?" He lowered himself a small bit, keeping his eyes closed
Moonlight didn't say anything until Hugo felt something being put into his hair, he also heard Varian gasp before the teen made a sound akin to a "daaaaaawwwwww!"
This made the bespeckled teen curious, so once he'd felt Moonlight had finished whatever they were doing, he opened his eyes and stood up, "what did you-!" He stopped when the commenter winked at Varian before they showed the blond a mirror, and he saw sparkly star hair clips had been placed in his hair. He blinked before he smiled, "So, Hugo, do you like it?" Moonlight asked
The blond smiled happily, "they're cute, I didn't think about hair clips before, but seeing as how I like to keep my hair out of my face, these work really well, and they match! Thank you!"
The commenter smiled and nodded before they looked at the freckled teen, "What about you Varian? What do you think? Does it look good on him?"
Varian blushed deeply as he stared at his boyfriend, he blinked a few times before shyly coming over, touching his boyfriend's hair for a bit before he smiled happily, "they're so cute!!!!" He exclaimed, "and they match his nickname the Moon gave him! They're absolutely perfect and he looks so cute and I just can't stop staring and eeeeeeeeeeee!" He squeaked before hugging his boyfriend happily, making them both spin
Moonlight smiled lovingly, "Heehee, that's all, I'm leaving you two! Bye!" The turned and walked away, leaving the two alchemists spinning and laughing happily as the clips in Hugo's hair sparkled. Quirin walking over to them and watching with amusement as he raised a brow at the commenter, who blushed a bit.
They continued to walk away, but was stopped when they saw Ruddigar on the couch watching them, the tiny mammal smiled and chittered at them happily
"Hey Ruddy! I'm back! With mooore APPLES!!!!" The commenter stated before they played their flute once more, making wind come out of nowhere and grab Harmony's attention. The author tilted their head before smirking and snapping their fingers, allowing Moonlight to call on whatever they wanted. This ended up making an abundance of apples fall from the sky, not too many strayed away from the raccoon and reader. But one did end up hitting Fredrich in the head, getting the author to smirk.
Ruddigar began to chitter excitedly, thanking the commenter, before he ran around the room and grabbed as many apples as he could, shoving them down his gob as fast as possible and relishing in his apple bath! Varian, Quirin, and Hugo all freaked out, stopping their laughter to stop Ruddigar's rampage through the apples, hoping the animal wouldn't over stuff himself and get sick as they all tried to get him to stop eating the apples while simultaneously picking them up before he could get to them.
Moonlight snuck away, feeling that they should move on to someone else and allow the family to take care of the chaos as Harmony giggled. They noticed Eugene watching before they smiled and ran over happily, "EUGENE!" They yelled, startling the man before he saw them and smiled
"Oh hiya Moonli-!"
"POSITIVE SELF TALK!" Moonlight stated, accidentally interrupting the man, but getting him to smile, "REPEAT AFTER ME YOU HAVE NO CHOICE!"
The Dark Prince blinked, "uh I uh-!"
"You're amazing! You're handsome! You're a great son! A great friend! A great big brother! A great boyfriend!" Moonlight chanted, before raising their fist in the air happily and yelling, "woohoo!"
Eugene chuckled, "well I can't remember all of that, so sorry for being unable to repeat it, but thank you all the same", he stated, "that was sweet, and it helped, thanks. Did you need anything else from me?"
Moonlight shook their head, "that's all, I'm so glad to see you!" They stated excitedly before they ran away, flapping their hand ecstatically as they did and getting the Dark Prince to laugh lovingly as he watched the commenter run away happily
The commenter ran over to Lance next as the man watched them interact with Eugene with a smile, "Hiya Lance!"
"Hi!" Lance replied, "what's up"
The commenter smiled, "I thought a lonnng time about what I should do to show you kindness, and I decided to give you the titles of my favorite songs! Maybe you'll like a few of them and want to try singing them, just to enjoy yourself? That's the best I could think of, hehe. Here I go!"
They began to list a few songs for the man, most of which Harmony heard and reacted to differently:
- Storm Chaser, Jim Yosef
Harmony grinned at this one, though they pointed to Adira, seems as though they've given that song to her, but they seemed to like it a lot either way! A good choice for the former thief!
- Battlecry, Jim Yosef
The author seemed excited by this one, humming the tune happily as they remembered the, rather short, song's rhythm and beat!
- Different Kind Of Beautiful, Alec Benjamin
Harmony placed a hand on their heart, seemingly emotionally attached to this one as they pointed to Adira, Hector, Edmund, Quirin, Lance, Eugene, Hugo, and finally Varian. They definitely agree with Moonlight's choice of song here, giving a thumbs up and an emotional smile
- Revolution, Neoni
Harmony nodded happily, they then pointed to Quirin, seems like they gave that song to him. They also pointed to Lance and Eugene, them as well, great song choice!
- Unstoppable, The Score
The author seems to have not heard this one before, but they smile either way, showing a small list of songs they'll listen to later and adding Unstoppable to it happily
- Born For This, The Score
Harmony nodded excitedly and pointed to Lance with two hands, this song seems to fit the man perfectly to the author! They definitely agree with the song choice and smile widely at the thought of the song!
- Runaway, Halcyon
Harmony grins, motioning towards Lance to Varian, seemingly showing that they envision the former thief singing this song to the teen and nod in approval! They seemed to have enjoyed the songs Moonlight picked for Lance, and the man himself seemed eager about them as well!
"Thanks for sharin your song ideas for me, it makes me happy that you'd share those! Harmony themselves, they've shown that they're life depends on music, I've seen how much it affects them, so the fact that you're telling me songs you think suit me makes me extremely happy, I can't tell ya enough how much I appreciate that, thank you", Lance stated happily
Moonlight grinned excitedly, "an we hug? You seem like a comfortable person to hug and I LOVE HUGS!"
Lance laughed, "we sure can!" The two hugged each other, for a while, both of them happy before they broke the hug, Lance looking over at Eugene with a smirk, "you see that? I got a hug, HA!"
"Yeah yeah, I see you two", the Dark Prince replied with a smirk, "I got positive self talk, so HA!"
Moonlight giggled as the two bickered, flapping their hands happily once more before spotting Quirin, who seems to be worn out from the raccoon chase and is watching his boys happily chatting as Varian continued to blush and touch the star clips given to Hugo by the commenter. They walked over to him and smiled, "hello Quirin! First of all, I'm sorry, I may have flustered your son a bit, with means of a handsome blond teen and a few... hair clips. Heh"
The man chuckled, "so I can see", he replied as he smirked at his blue eyed bean's blushed face, "it's adorable, so it's alright, just, be weary about the apple-coon over there. He's a little grumpy because me, Varian, and Hugo took the apples you gave him and said he'd get them later on for his health. Fun fact, too many apples can cause raccoons to be particularly excitable", he said with a smirk
The commenter blushed before nodding and adding, "still don't have any questions to ask, can we just hug?"
Quirin nodded, "I wouldn't mind one"
They hugged happily, both smiling joyfully before they broke the hug and Moonlight added, "I know I said it many times already but you're the best dad! The best Protective Farmer Dad!"
Quirin blinked for a moment before he smiled, "thank you, that means the world to me. I don't mind you saying it a few times, every time you do, it makes me happy, so thank you for that"
Moonlight nodded before noticing Adira watching them both, they smile and waved goodbye to the Village Leader, he nodded and waved back, sitting down once more to watch his sons interact before Moonlight walked over to the face painted warrior, "hello Adira!"
Adira smiled, "hello, have you got questions for me?"
"I've got no questions, actually, I wanted to thank you! What you said to me last time we met, it really helped me open my eyes. Today, it's much easier for me to be myself and, you know, to accept my own madness! Sane people are kinda boring anyway"
"I agree with you there"
The commenter giggled as they continued, "of course, everything's not perfect and I still struggle sometimes, but step by step, I'm making progress"
The face painted warrior smiled happily, "I'm really glad to hear that, thank you for telling me. It makes me happy to know I was able to help in some way, even if it was small. Thank you for letting me know, I'll never forget that"
Moonlight grinned before they said, "also I have this for you", they pulled out a bunny plushie and handed it to the women, "Bunny plushies are great! You can hug them without feeling the discomfort that can... Sometimes occur when you hug people. Plus their ears are so soothing to stroke, because they're all fluffy and soft! It's really a win-win! Plushies are amazing, bunny plushies are extra-amazing! Hehe! Hope you like it!"
Adira held the stuffed animal close and stroked the ears, she felt a sense of comfort from the doll, and smile gratefully at the commenter, "thank you, I've never had anything like this before. I'll remember to cherish it, for now and always". She continued to stroke the plushie before she looked at Moonlight and, quickly, gave them a small hug, "that's my gift to you. Keep going, be strong, I know you can, I believe in you and have faith in what you can do, hang in there Moonlight"
The commenter was startled by this, but smiled and nodded before allowing the face painted warrior to be alone with her new plushie. She continued to pet it's ears, showing that this was a particularly loved gift, that is, before Moonlight sees Hector watching them. They get a gigantic smile on their face before they run over to the man, "Hector!" They yell, seeing him open his arms to them, Moonlight hugs him happily, smiling wider as he wraps his arms around them, returning the embrace
"Hey, good to see you again Moonlight", the wild tamer states, smiling happily at the commenter as they look up to see him
Notes:
Hi Moonlight, first of all TO BE CONTINUED! I am planning on doing all of your questions, I just had to make sure I took the time to get each interaction right, just the way you wrote it, also Thanksgiving kinda kept me away from my computer X3 Sorry, either way, your part 2 is tomorrow, I shall get it done so you can see the rest of your questions and interactions! :D
Your comments and interactions were so fun to write and react to, the songs, you and I share song ideas so much! I love most of the songs you gave to Lance, the one I didn't love is the one I didn't know, which was 'Unstoppable by The Score', I haven't heard it, but I plan on listening to it soon, and I'm excited to hear it too! So thank you for the new song addition! :D
Again, sorry for not being able to post all of your questions right away, I just ran out of time today is all, but they will all be answered, this is a promise! Even if that's a bad word to Varian, I do promise to get all of your questions and interactions answered in the next chapter! Sorry for the wait though, I know that's rude X3 Here's my question for you, what's your upmost favorite song in the world? Genuinely curious :D
Either way, thank you for sharing your interactions! <3
In fact, thank you all so much for reading, and for all your support, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
If you still wish to post questions, you can, the polls are still open and I'm more than willing to answer them all! :D For now, have a wonderful day/night, and I hope all of your Thanksgivings/11/23rds were amazing and full of love! <3
Chapter 319: Moonlight! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Here's your part 2 Moonlight, and the rest of you questions! :D
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Adira continued to pet it's ears, showing that this was a particularly loved gift, that is, before Moonlight sees Hector watching them. They get a gigantic smile on their face before they run over to the man, "Hector!" They yell, seeing him open his arms to them, Moonlight hugs him happily, smiling wider as he wraps his arms around them, returning the embrace
"Hey, good to see you again Moonlight", the wild tamer states, smiling happily at the commenter as they look up to see him
The commenter lets out a squeak of joy before breaking the hug and looking up at the wild tamer, "how are you?" They ask
"Meh, fine for now, save for the impending doom and my sister being frozen for a moment, but that's a regular Tuesday", he joked, "what about you? Things getting better?"
The commenter nodded with a smile before they said, "I have two questions for you", before they thought to themselves, *Sorry I couldn't read all the last updates, I'm stuck around chapter 309, I think? Something like that. So, sorry if some things have been said already, just ignore the first question, if so!*
Harmony smiled and shared their thoughts back, *that's completely fine, if you haven't caught up, you're good. I know your two questions and they haven't been answered yet, and even so, I would never make you feel bad about not being caught up. Life happens, I've been busy too, so don't worry about it! Take your time and enjoy when you can*, they replied before giving the commenter a very warm smile
Moonlight smiled back before asking, "first, what was the name of your shark friend? I can't believe you actually made friends with a shark that's so cool!"
Hector smirked, "her name was Shiva, and thanks, she was a very good girl! A great white to be exact, she was tricky to train, but we both had a mutual respect for each other and, with the constant visits, she grew attached and even got excited to see us again! It was nice", he got a distant look on his face at the memory of his shark friend before he shook it away, "sorry, you had another question?"
Moonlight smiled, patting the man's shoulder understandingly before asking, "and what about the name of your dragon friend?"
"Her? Oh, Skylar", he replied, "she loved flying, thought it fit really well"
"Those are really pretty names!" Rapunzel stated, smiling at the tamer
"Thanks", Hector replied with a nod before he noticed Moonlight acting a little nervous, "what's up?"
The comment looked up at him shyly and said, "could I hug Pixie and Basil if they're okay with it? Also, could we have a ride with Xena together one day, if she likes me and... you know, if she 's okay with it?"
Hector snorted before he snapped his fingers, calling Pixie, Basil, and Xena over. The two binturongs let out chirrups of joy when they saw Moonlight, walking over and pawing at them. The commenter smiled excitedly and pet them gently, the two creatures purring and licking the commenter's finger happily before Moonlight saw Hector step over to them. Looking up, they saw him smirking as he reached out his hand. Moonlight took it, a little confused at first before they were lifted and placed onto Xena's back. Hector got on behind them and off they went!
The rhino ran around the room, much to Quirin's chagrin as he tried to save his furniture, huffing at his brother with a raised bro as Hugo and Varian giggled. The wind swept through Moonlight's light brown hair, they played their flute, allowing Xena to be swept up in the wind and fly through the air a bit. Hector let out a surprise, yet delighted, sound as they were lifted. Xena, true to her training, continued to run, expertly adjusting to the wind before landing back on the ground and continuing to run before Hector gave her the sign to slow down.
The rhino finally came to a halt as the wild tamer leapt off of her, helping Moonlight down, the commenter giving the man another hug. Hector accepted it before breaking the hug a moment later and smirking, "you asked, so it's fine. Don't worry about asking, my animals like you, just like they like the Spawn over there"
"Son!" Quirin corrected
"Me!" Varian replied with a smile, getting Eugene, Lance, and Hugo to laugh
"Either way, don't worry about asking, I'm always willing to give you a ride, it's fun", Hector stated
Moonlight smiled wide, "I'm so happy to see you again!"
"Happy to see you too, oh and by the way, fuck school, fuck people, and fuck anyone who gives you a hard time. You're you, and honestly, I'm glad you are. You're a lot more fun than the shitty people I've run into, my sister is right, keep being you, kay?"
Moonlight nodded before sharing one last hug with the wild tamer! They stayed that way for a while before breaking it and waving at each other, Moonlight walking over to the sunshine princess as Hector complimented and pet Xena, Pixie, and Basil on what a good job they did, all of them getting treats and lovins from the man that trained them, it made Harmony smile, sending a small burst of music towards Hector and the commenter, showing their enjoyment of the events, before they used their magic to fix Quirin's home. Giving the man a smile and hug with a small apology, the retired knight didn't seem to mind since everything was fixed by the author.
"HEY PUNZIE!" Moonlight yelled as they ran in the princess's direction, "HIGH FIVE!!!!" They held their hand up in the air, the princess was unsure of what to do at first, until she noticed Hugo lift his hand. She did what he did as her and Moonlight's hands smacked together happily
"Woah!" The princess said with a giggle, "that was cool! Thank you! Also, hi!"
Moonlight giggled before they said, "That's all, you're doing great girl! Yeah, you make mistakes, but you're growing up and that's wonderful. Believe in yourself, you can do it!"
Rapunzel was startled by that, but she smiled, "thank you very much, that means a lot to me", she stated before she looked at Varian worriedly, "I.... Have a lot to make up for, but... I'll figure it out.... Somehow"
The teen himself seemed to notice her stare, he looked at her for a moment or two before he sighed and looked away sadly. Rapunzel felt a pang of guilt shoot through her, "Moonlight's right blondie", Eugene said as he walked over and hugged the princess, "you've gotta believe in yourself, you can do it, have faith in you, like I do"
The princess smiled, "thanks, both of you"
Moonlight nodded, "that was my boost of energy for ya! Also, take this cupcake, I know you love those", they pulled out a strawberry cupcake with chocolate frosting and handed it to the princess
Rapunzel's eyes lit up immediately as she took the sweet treat, "oh! Thank you! How'd you know?!"
The commenter blushed as they looked at Harmony, who giggled, "how? Er... lucky guess?"
"Lucky guess? What do you me-!"
"Anyway, byyye!" The commenter interrupted before running off, getting Harmony to laugh as Rapunzel and Eugene looked on in confusion
The Dark Prince shrugged, "Moonlight's good people, we don't question Moonlight"
Rapunzel smiled and nodded, "I'll agree with you there", she then took a bite from the cupcake, "mmmm! So good!"
Moonlight giggled when they saw Rapunzel eat the cupcake before they noticed the King and Queen of Corona standing nearby. They smiled at the Queen and walked over, "Hello, Your Majesty!"
"Hello Moonlight", Arianna replied, "nice to see you, it's been a while!" She offered the commenter a wide smile, "did you need something?"
Moonlight shook their head, "I have some real respect for you, you're an amazing Queen, an amazing mother, an amazing woman and I'm rooting for you! Also, you like reading so, automatically you're great"
"Oh, thank you so much! You're a wonderful person too, and hearing what you've been through, I have a lot of respect for you as well. We're all rooting for you too"
Moonlight smiled wide at that before they dug into their satchel, "I don't have any questions, just something for you!"
"Oh really?"
The commenter nodded before they pulled out a book and handed it to Arianna, "It's called "Ellana" by Pierre Bottero, a French writer, and it's probably my favorite book of all times! Very poetic, and super epic. Hope you'll love it as much as I do!"
Harmony's eyes sparkles at the sight of the book, memories of the fierce women with a lost and tragic backstory while she battles the shadow walkers in the empire of Gwendalavir filled their heart with joyful memories! They smiled at the book, the room filling with adventurous music as they watched the two interact!
Arianna looked at the book and smiled excitedly, "thank you very much! I'm certain I'll love this book immensely, definitely something I'll add to my collection! Thank you so much for it! Next time we get together, maybe you and I can sit down and I can tell you what I think of it!" The Queen suggested, getting Moonlight to smile, "while I'm at it, there's this book that I know Harmony and I both like, it's 'Jane Eyre', by Charlotte Bronte! I think you'd really like that book!"
Harmony snapped their fingers excitedly and the book Arianna was referencing appeared in front of Moonlight, making the commenter smirk up at the author, who smiled back as they took the book
"It's about a girl's life, how she went from an abused girl, to orphan, and on and on, she's been through a lot, but she never gives up! She goes through depression and such, but never gives up living, even when she has thoughts to do so. I think you'd enjoy the book, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it as well!" The Queen stated, smiling as Moonlight shared the same look before they put the beloved book in their satchel for safe keeping.
They bowed to Arianna, who nodded in return before they looked at the King of Corona, "Yo dude."
Frederic chuckled, "yo"
Moonlight smirked, "just here to give you some kindness, because everyone deserves kindness.... HERE!" They brandish a gigantic party bazooka that makes both Varian and Hugo's eye sparkle with curiosity, "EAT ALL THE KINDNESS FREDDY!!!" They yell before setting the bazzooka off and spraying the king with confetti, cotton candy, and glitter! Varian BURSTS into laughter, so much so that he falls to the floor holding his stomach as the king blinks a few times, startled by the abundance of party he'd just been covered in
"H-he hahahahas (hee hee) S-sohoho much cohohohotton canhahahahahandy on hihihihis beard HA HA *HA*!!!!!" Varian exclaimed in-between giggles and laughs! Tears coming to his eyes as his face turns red from how hard he's laughing! Quirin placing a hand on his mouth as he tries, and fails, not to snicker, while Hugo is barely holding it together! Hector, Adira, and Edmund are all laughing, they can't help themselves as they stare at the colorful king, confetti sliding off of him and touching Quirin's floor. Harmony themselves, has officially passed away from how hilarious that prank/kindness was! Laughing so hard, they've effectively left their body and have died of laughter! They came back though, just in time to prevent Varian from doing the same thing, getting the teen to calm down a bit while sharing in his giggle fit!
Rapunzel walks over and brushes her father off, secretly eating some of the cotton candy before brushing off the rest, Eugene and Lance helping while trying not to laugh themselves. The king looks at the commenter, "um..."
"Okie, task done. I'm out. It was a pleasure bro!" Moonlight states, before using their flute to help them flutter away
The Coronan king just blinks, "I-I'm not sure if this is kindness or a prank.... Or both"
"....How bout we call it both and say we're even", Eugene suggested, getting Lance to snort and turn away, trying to hide his snickers
"Right.... Um, thank you?"
Moonlight smirked before fluttering down in front of Nigel, the royal advisor looked at them before putting up their hands like a shield. The commenter was confused at first, until Harmony pointed to Fredrich, Moonlight understood before shaking their head at Nigel, "Hello! I like your hair, I also like the fact that you ended up being a nice guy. I especially like the latter thing, but I like the former too"
"Oh, uh, well thank you, I am uh-*ahem* I'm trying", the man replied, clearing his throat to move, guiltily, past his initial distrust of the commenter
Moonlight smiled, "so I got this for you", they dug into their satchel and pulled out a purple ribbon, "Purple goes well with brown hair! Well, that's my opinion, but I think I'm right", Harmony nodded in agreement, making the commenter smile, "you'll be able to change ribbons from time to time, now. Unless you don't like purple, if that's the case, you should give it to Quirin and I'll think of another gift for you. Okay?"
The royal advisor looked at the gift, "oh, well thank you, I do like purple actually but... Why would Quirin want it?"
"Bow Quirin!" Harmony yelled happily before giggling as the retired knight raised an amused brow at them before chuckling and bringing out a red bow, placing it on his head and pointing to it for Nigel to see, "ah"
"I still think it looks good on you", Eugene stated
"Dad pulls it off", Varian agreed, "though now I wanna see you wear a yellow bow, purple too-ooh ooh! And brown!"
Nigel chuckled, "well that's certainly refreshing, thank you Moonlight, I'll keep, and wear, it happily"
Moonlight nodded with a smile, "amazing bye!" They stated, before fluttering off once more
"Goodbye", the man replied before he let down his ponytail, and replaced his red ribbon with the purple one he was given, smiling
The commenter fluttered down next to Donella, looking at her up and down before sighing, "hey"
"Hi", the grey haired women replied stiffly
"Our last encounter didn't exactly go well, but... I won't judge you this time, or ask uncomfortable questions. Just know that you can try to make up for what you did. As human beings, I think the best thing we can do in our lives is to try"
Donella's shoulders relaxed a bit as she nodded, "thanks"
Moonlight nodded, "but hey, that's just my opinion, and I'm only a weird kid you don't know", they added, getting Donella to snort as Harmony fluttered down and hugged Moonlight, sticking by the commenter's side, having already known who was up next and wanting to be there just in case something happened. "Here", Moonlight gives Donella Chrysanthemum in a pot that conveniently appears out of nowhere, "I love flowers, especially these ones. They bloom during fall and symbolize hope, despite the upcoming winter. Making up for what you did wouldn't be easy, but I think we only truly blossom when we are at peace with ourselves. Perhaps it's not too late for her. And even if it is... at least, you would finally feel some kind of peace, knowing you truly tried everything in your power to bring her back, don't you think? This wouldn't be easy, in fact this would be hard, very hard. But... Even while knowing that winter approaches, chrysanthemums bloom, every year..."
"I....." Donella was startled by this as she took the potted plant, she stared at the flower and smiled before looking at Moonlight, "thank you, I-!"
The commenter then bursts into laughter, "Or maybe I'm just saying nonsense, as always! Hope you like the flower, they're beautiful, aren't they?"
Donella smirks, "they are, thank you"
"You're right about them symbolizing something special, they mean rebirth", Harmony stated, "so that's actually a really sweet gesture, and not nonsense"
Moonlight smiled at the author before looking up at Donella, who was smiling at them, "they don't have a name yet, I'm letting you choose it. Keep them somewhere you can see them, and take good care of them. Maybe it'll give you food for thought? Anyway, good luck!"
"Thank you, and, I'll try to take your words to heart, weather you meant them or not, I think you did...." She looked over at Hugo, who wasn't paying any attention as he laughed and hugged Varian happily, the star clips he'd been given sparkling brighter than before as he and his boyfriend spin and dance together with joy, "I.... Did so many things wrong.... I want to fix them, if that means bringing her back, or giving them something of hers.... I was to fix things... To fix me and maybe... Fix him as well...." She sighed, "thank you for the thoughtful gift, I'll keep them safe, I think I'll name them.... Hope, I believe you understand why", she smiled, "thank you again, I appreciate it"
Moonlight nodded and walked away, Harmony following before they stopped at the person the author raised a brow at as Moonlight sighed, "okay grumpy one", they said as the person they were speaking with looked at them and glared, "would you please be civil for a minute?"
The man got up and walked over to the commenter, Harmony standing in front of them with a disapproving glare, "don't", the author stated, "you'll greatly regret it Cyrus"
The mercenary huffed, "what do you two want?"
Moonlight rolled their eyes, "I said kindness for everyone and that includes *you*", they stated before they whispered to Harmony, "Maybe it'll make him realize just the slightest bit how wrong the things he did were?"
"Potentially, but be careful all the same", the musical author replied, "even if this is my story, I'm still tense around this guy"
"I can fuckin hear you two you know", Cyrus stated
Harmony raised a brow, "we were only whispering to be polite to be perfectly honest". Moonlight snorted, getting Cyrus to glare once again. Harmony huffed before they snapped their fingers, with a small flash, a green clad plumber appeared and blinked before he noticed Cyrus and glared, lightning sparking from his hands before he sent a small zap at the floor in front of Cyrus. The man glared at the plumber, "I have many more people on my side here Cyrus, you're outnumbered and your power is severely lacking compared to theirs", Harmony stated, gesturing to the one they just summoned, "he may just be a shy plumber who's always overshadowed by his bro in his world, but in mine, he's my best friend and allows his powers to come out full force without a worry. Trust me, he's much more powerful than anyone would think"
The plumber huffed at the man before standing next to the commenter, who seemed surprised by the video game character's appearance, "uh...."
Harmony smiled at Moonlight, "he's Luigi, he's my favorite and most cherished childhood hero and one I've kept with me every since I was a toddler. I allow him into some of my stories I write, even if they're not in his world. It's odd, but he's on our side, trust me, I'm working on a crossover for him actually, I may write it later on, Varian's in it too, the two know each other"
"Hi Luigi!" Varian called, waving
"Hi!" Luigi replied, waving back with a smile before he continued to glare at Cyrus
"He's a lot more confident because of the story I've got written for him, in my universe, that I've started to create on this site and have much more of in private word documents I've yet to post, all of my stories are connected in one way or another. Different universes, but certain characters can jump between them, Luigi is one, Varian and Quirin are two, there are more, maybe I'll introduce them in here too sometime? Either way, for now, he's here to help with Cyrus, just so he doesn't pull anything"
The man rolled his eyes, "what do you two, er, three now, want?"
Luigi raised a brow, but said nothing as Moonlight stepped up, using their flute to hover above the man, "here, take this", floating above the mercenary, the commenter placed a paper flower crown on Cyrus's head before the man can react. They floated down, landing next to Luigi and Harmony, "Maybe this'll make your cold heart warm up a little. You can destroy it, smash it to the ground, I don't care! I did my part. *Huffs* Truce over"
"There never was a truce", Cyrus stated, huffing himself, but he didn't touch the flower crown
Moonlight smiled evilly, "then be prepared for some terrible pranks", Cyrus glared, "nah, joking", his glare lessened before Moonlight smirked, "you can't be prepared for that, you won't see it coming. And then you'll think twice about perpetrating any wrongdoings ever again!"
"Why you fucking-!" Cyrus had stepped towards the commenter, but froze when Luigi sent a lightning strike right into his stomach, causing the man to be thrown back and slam into a wall with a very loud *THUD*
"Harmony told you you'd regret it", the plumber stated, his emerald green eyes locked onto the man
"In case you're curious, he's got emerald green eyes because those are the eyes he had in the super show I used to watch", Harmony explained to Moonlight, "I loved the fact that his eyes are green, so I kept them in my world, he wear colored contacts for the games to make his eyes blue, er at least, that's my theory..... Sorry if this seems confusing, feel free to ask me any questions if you want, and if you'd like to know more about that universe and Luigi himself, I'll be happy to tell you more, maybe even post it!"
Moonlight smiled and nodded before they looked at Cyrus and grinned, "buh-bye!" They then teleport away from the man, landing in front of Cassandra when they did
Harmony smirked before looking at Cyrus and healing him, "be nice please, they're protected"
"Yeah yeah", he said before he walked back to where he was before, still not moving the flower crown from it's spot
The author shook their head before looking at Luigi, "thanks for the help"
"Anytime", the green clad plumber replied, giving Harmony a hug before tipping his hat, "bye bye!" He disappeared in a flash, getting Harmony to smile
"Bye for now"
Moonlight watched the author float up to the rafters again, watching over the commenter before they smiled at each other and Moonlight turned to Cassandra, they then got an idea and grinned, " ....It's a beautiful day, outside. Birds are singing, flowers are blooming. On days like these, lost SOULS like you... Should be wary of unwanted presences in their mind. Sometimes people show us their LOVE... And we realize too late that we shouldn't have trusted them"
Cassandra looked at the commenter, confused by their statement before they heard Harmony giggling, "I caught the reference!" The author stated, giggling again before they looked at Cassandra, "heed the warning though, it'll help you later on"
The blue haired women shook her head before thinking about what the commenter said, "thanks for that I.... I'm trying to anyway", she felt a certain presence for a moment, before something took it away, "they're.... Not here right now...."
"They're in time out with a certain famous alchemist that Varian and Hugo love", Harmony stated, getting the two alchemists to smile wide as they began to talk about Demanitus
Moonlight smiled before nodding, "by the way, how are you doing?"
"I've been.... Better.... I'm confused, and angry, and lost, and frustrated.... Just.... Mostly confused.... My head hurts...."
"....I guess things are hard for you lately", the commenter said, "that's why I brought you this!" They pulled out a cup of hot chocolate, Harmony snapping their fingers and making a few more appear in Varian, Hugo, and Quirin's hands, much to their delight. "So lonely, in the woods... You mustn't have had lots of these. So here, take it", Moonlight stated
Cassandra smiled at the cup, "thanks", she said, accepting it and drinking a little bit, relishing in the comforting flavor, "why are you being nice to me?"
"A good cup of hot chocolate always comforts me a little and... Helps me clear my mind", Moonlight explained with a kind smile, "...wishing you the best"
Cassandra gave a sincere look of shock, surprise, then gratefulness, "thank you, I.... Don't deserve it... But thank you"
Moonlight nodded, "bye Cassandra!"
"See you, and thank you again"
The commenter smiled and nodded before walking away, allowing the lost girl to enjoy the hot drink. They went to the center of the room, their questions were done, they couldn't think of anything more to do. They noticed Edmund and waved, smiling at the grandpa happily and getting him to smile back before Harmony floated down in front of them, "I believe that was all you had, am I right?" Moonlight nodded, "well then, thank you, again, for stopping by! We all had a lot of fun with your questions and interactions! They were all really great!"
Moonlight then realized something, "oh my gosh Harmony, I hope you know Undertale because what I just said to Cassandra is a big reference to it lmao! If you don't know that game, it's not a big deal, maybe one of the readers does and will smile reading this!"
The author grinned, "oh I do, I LOVE Undertale, and Deltarune! Papyrus is my favorite from Undertale, Spamton and Lancer are my favorites from Deltarune! I caught your reference and loved every second of it, thank you for that, it definitely brought a smile to my face!" The musical author stated, getting Moonlight to grin, "also, if you really do have questions about my universe regarding Luigi, I'll be happy to answer them, I've been working on that story for actual years, so. I haven't posted it because it's pretty dark, but I still really love it and would love to answer questions about it, should you have any, if you don't, that's fine, just know that some of the characters in that story may make appearances when I'm being meta", Harmony stated with a giggle. "Either way, thank you so much for commenting, we all had a blast, and if you have anymore questions for me or any of the other characters, feel free to leave them in the comments below, for now, have a wonderful day/night, and we'll all see you next time! Oh! And", the author stepped aside, showing Hector, "you can give him one last hug"
Moonlight grinned and ran over to the wild tamer, hugging him, he hugged them back, "see you next time kid", Hector stated as Adira smiled, holding the bunny plushie she'd been given as Hugo flipped his hair, showing off the sparkly star clips in it! Everyone was smiling as the room faded to black, the final sound being that of King Fredrich, spitting out a little bit of confetti from his mouth and getting Harmony and Varian to snicker!
Notes:
End of part 2 for you Moonlight! :D
This was absolute chaos and I loved writing every single second of it! From the confetti bazooka to the Xena ride! Oh my gosh is was a fun ride!!!!! I sincerely appreciate how you were spreading kindness to everyone in the room, it made me really happy, and despite his grumpiness, Cyrus will keep the flower crown, even if I have to super glue it on his head! Hugo will help me with that XD Either way, thank you so much for the questions and interactions! All of this was a lot of fun and I hope you enjoyed yourself too!
To everyone, I have more questions to answer, so this Q and A is definitely not done yet! If you wanna add anything else, go ahead and do so and I'll add your questions in the finale of the Q and A! :D For now however, and from the bottom of my heart <3
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 320: Crystal!
Summary:
Here's Crystal's chapter! :D
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Harmony was humming to themselves, the room was peaceful, everyone was having quiet conversations with one another, that is until they heard a wolf howl that made Catalina look around before she spotted a wolf spirit. The author stopped and looked in the same direction before smiling and hopping down, "hello Crystal!"
This made everyone else look as well, getting the wolf commenter to come forward and smile at them all, particularly at Varian, who smiled back shyly, "hi", he said
Crystal grinned and waved excitedly, "you've got a bunch of questions for Varian yeah?" Harmony asked, the commenter nodded, "oki dokie, ask away, though he may not do everything you ask, you're willing to answer them, right?"
Varian nodded, "to the best of my ability"
Harmony smiled before looking at Crystal, "I hope you enjoy yourself!"
The commenter grinned excitedly before stating, "my most important question is last!"
"That's understandable, ask away, oh and, nice wolf form, I remember it from the last Q and A, she's neat!" The author replied, "and very pretty"
Crystal grinned before nodding and approaching the tiny alchemist as Harmony floated overhead and watched from the rafters, "hi Crystal", Varian greeted happily, getting the commenter to nod as a greeting, "you have questions for me?"
The wolf spirit grinned and asked, "have you ever been full body inflated?"
The teen looked a little startled but shook his head, "no I don't think so, I think the closest I've ever gotten to fully inflated was when I tried to make a balloon suit. I wanted to see if you could fly using it, it didn't work..... And I fell....."
"And sprained you ankle", Quirin added
Varian blushed, "either way, it *did* give me ideas for my bubble bomb! The one I captured the Seporians in, remember?" Varian asked excitedly, "they're not easily breakable and can last for a few days! They have tiny holes so the people inside can get oxygen, but I'm extremely proud of them!" He then realized he'd gotten off track and cleared his throat, blushing even more as Hugo snickered, "uh-*ahem* e-either way, I've never been inflated myself, that'd definitely be interesting though"
Crystal giggled before they asked, "have you met Madame Moth and King Donk?"
Varian titled his head, a little confused by the answer, he looked over at Harmony, who shrugged, unsure of who they were either, before the teen looked back at Crystal, "unfortunately I don't believe I have? I-I'm sorry, m-maybe I will in the future? T-they have interesting names though"
"The only Madame Moth I know of is kinda brief... She posts scary pictures form what I've seen, but it's only been brief", Harmony added, "though if you wanna tell me or any of the characters about either of them, you can definitely say more in the comments!" They said with a smile to Crystal, "do you have any warnings if Varian, or anyone here, ever meet either one?"
The commenter nodded before looking at Varian, "BEWARE THE DONKEY WINE!!"
Varian blinked and nodded, "oki, I will beware"
"Donkey wine?" Quirin asked, "that a wine that turns you into a donkey?"
"I've never heard of it, but I'm curious", Varian replied
"I.... I've heard of a potion that can do that", Hugo stated, "but never a wine... It can be mixed *into* wine", the blond added
"Noted", the retired knight replied before he noticed his son looking into the distance for a moment, "everything okay?"
"Yeah just... I have a weird feeling", the freckled teen replied
Harmony smirked, "I haven't forgotten, just been busy, super busy, and wasn't able to post anything more to that particular story. I haven't abandoned it yet though. It's just going to take me far longer than I thought is all"
Crystal nodded as Varian blinked before shaking his head, trying to clear his thoughts, "o-oki then, um... Did you have any other questions?"
"Have you met The Coachman yet from Pleasure Island?" Crystal asked
"I can answer that one, no he hasn't", Harmony chimed in, smiling understandingly, "I'm not adding that particular storyline into this one, that's an alternate reality. But he hasn't met the Coachman yet in that one, I'm not really sure how to bring that one in". Spying the confused look the author was getting from everyone, the author chuckled, "I'm writing another story for them and I haven't been updating it often because life has been getting busier and busier over time. In it, Varian gets turned into a donkey, I intend to go back to it soon, it's just taking a while.. Much longer than expected... Sorry"
Getting the normal, "ooooh's" from the rest of the characters in the room, Crystal nodded and moved on to their next question excitedly
"Can you bray HEEE HAW HEE HAW HEEE HAAAW! proudly for me?"
The teen blushed profusely, his eyes widening to dinner plate size, "u-um.... I uh.... I d-don't... Know?"
"Hew haw?" Eugene asked, "like a donkey, well that's an interesting one. I do know a guy that can make the sound really well though"
"Really?" Rapunzel asked
"Yeah, he was *really* good at it! Like, scary good, enough to make me think there was an *actual* donkey in the room!"
"Wow! That's impressive!"
"I-it is, but I don't think I can do it very well", Varian replied, "...Though... I-I am working on a potion that'll help me talk to animals.... When I was talking with Ruddigar and Hamuel, Rapunzel what did I sound like to you?"
"Well, with Hamuel, you were tweeting, with Ruddigar, you sounded like you were trying to make raccoon noises, but since you were a bird, they sounded like a tweet", the princess replied
"Huh.... M-maybe it was because I was a bird? That's interesting, how about this, I'll make that potion soon and test it, maybe on all kinds of animals! One of them being a donkey, m-maybe I can give you a good donkey noise then?" Varian asked, still blushing, "though that'll definitely sound odd coming from me.... B-but since, when I was a bird, I sounded like a bird speaking raccoon, when I'm a human, I may sound more like a donkey that way! I-is that okay? I just... I'm not very good at trying to imitate animals, and I... Feel a little self conscious about trying right now"
Crystal nodded and moved on to their next question, "what did you see when you examined the red rocks with your magnifying glass?"
The teen smiled, his blush going away as his eyes lit up with excitement, "oh now *that's* interesting! See, I saw a pattern on them! I-it actually is really similar to Rapunzel's hair and the black rocks! B-but different at the same time! Um... How to explain.... Uh... OH! Y-you all know what a black rock will look like when it lights up right?" He hopped off the arm chair he and Quirin were sitting in together and raised his hand, making a black rock appear from the ground before touching it and getting it to glow, showing a pattern, "see that? They have markings on them! You could simply say they're scratches or even just groves on the rock, but that's the thing, they're not!"
"What do you mean kiddo?" Eugene asked as Crystal inspected the rock interestedly
"Well, you just saw me summon those rocks, just now, they're brand new", Varian replied, "a-and I haven't used them to hurt anyone or smash something, just rise from the ground! But when I do this", he stepped to the side and summoned another rock, except this one jutted out quickly, it's point was directly at Eugene, inches from his nose, "take a look at the markings!" The teen touched the rock, making it glow
"Holy shit! The markings are different!" Hugo exclaimed
"Right?!" His boyfriend replied, "though, not by much", Varian added, "they changed slightly because I gave the rock a command! That's the *only* difference besides a few steps away from the first one, which I don't think would affect it that much, and if it did, not to the degree we see here. Now, I looked at Rapunzel's hair as well, with a magnifying glass and more, and I noticed very *similar* patterns to her hair! I made the joke that is was long, but the real discovery was that the strands had on them. They have similar markings to the rocks, which, now that I think about it, makes sense because your hair is unbreakable, and so are the red and black rocks".
Rapunzel nodded, "that *is* interesting, why didn't you say something before"
The teen looked at the princess, "because I'd never seen the black rocks before, only your hair, and while it's useful information *now*, I didn't know about the black rocks back then, so I didn't think it was different given your hair's story and history with healing and such. I don't keep important things like that a secret if I feel they're important", he stated, a little colder than he'd meant judging from the princess's wince
"Varian-!"
"I.... Apologize, that was rude, just... Don't wanna talk about that right now", the teen stated, turning away from her, "anyway!" He stated, not looking at Rapunzel, who looked down sadly as Eugene went to comfort her while giving a sympathetic look to the teen, "the black rocks and Rapunzel's hair have similar markings, so when I saw the markings on the red rocks, and realized they, too, have similar markings, it's what ultimately led me to believe that using the.... *ahem* amber... W-would make them stop spreading and would cut their fear power off. I was wrong unfortunately, but thankfully we found a solution to that issue quickly. Either way, I think the markings have something to do with the power used to summon them. I think the reason they change color is because they were summoned with fear as the main drive, the black rocks seem to be the main color for the Moon's power. I actually have ideas for possibly what green rocks, or even yellow rocks will do!"
Harmony smirked, "that, will definitely be explored in the story, but uh, you're uh, going off track", they pointed to Crystal, who waved
"Oh uh sorry", Varian replied with a blush, "basically, I saw similar markings on the red rocks, it's what led me to my decision about how to stop them". Crystal nodded, "sorry, did you have another question?"
"Have you tested have strong cedarwood branch is?" The commenter asked
"Well... Not to a lengthy degree, I've done a few experiments here and there, so my knowledge on the topic is sort of small. But from what I got from those tests, I found out Cedar branches are pretty flexible, and they have an aroma that actually wards off bugs, so if you light them on fire, you'll be able to use the smell as a sort of bug repellent, which is handy. I also found the wood to be pretty soft, flexible, but soft, good for decoration if you wanted to make something from it", the teen thought for a moment more before shrugging, "that's all I've got so far, it's interesting for sure, I may do more with that knowledge later though, could come in handy!"
Crystal smiled and moved on to their next question, "what did you feel as the red rock fear was spreading on your body?"
"Oh... Um.... Fear...." The teen replied softly, ".....Lots of fear.... A-and sadness too.... My head and ears were filled with my father's screams for help.... My heart was pumping so fast, my entire body just couldn't take the fear anymore and went to shut down... It.... H-honestly felt like I was getting an ice burn.... Like being consumed by that fear was so cold that it burned every fiber of my being...." He shuddered, "anger makes you burn like fire, but you can still move.... Fear.... Makes you cold, freezes you into thinking there's nothing you can do.... My legs went numb first.... The rest followed quickly after..... The only reason I fought it was because I've learned to fight back, and I trust my dad, he didn't come down there, so I knew it was a lie.... That's the only thing that kept me from freezing completely, my dad.... I trusted my dad", he smiled at his father, "and I always will"
Quirin smiled lovingly at his son, "I trust you too son"
The freckled teen grinned, "I trust myself!" Hugo chimed in with a snicker, "oh, Ruddigar and Olivia too!"
"Way to kill the moment Hugo", Varian replied with a grin and a chuckle
"Happy to oblige!"
The group snickered before Varian looked at Crystal again, "did you have another question?"
Crystal nodded, "do you want me to give you a mega hug to a dumpy to test my hug's strength?"
Varian blinked, a little confused, "dumpy?"
"It means a weak hug", Harmony replied, "they want to give you multiple hugs, each going from super strong, to weak, to show you how strong their hugs can be"
"Ah", Varian said, "w-well, I don't mind hugs, but i-if you could give me just one, I'd prefer that, i-if that's okay, i-it can be strong, just.... Don't break my ribs please"
Crystal giggled before nodding, walking over to the teen and giving him a very strong hug, the teen hugging back. They stayed that way for a while before the wolf spirit commenter let the teen go and smiled, "that *huff* was a g-good *huff puff* hug", Varian said, "it was *pant* also very strong, Imma *pant huff* sit down now". He walked over to the arm chair his father was still in, and sat on it, Quirin wrapping his arms around his son and placing his chin on his boy's head lovingly as the teen caught his breath
"Hi", Quirin said, getting Crystal to wave, "did you have any more questions for him? He may be panting, but he's still listening"
Crystal nodded before looking at Varian, "how did you avoid those bastard iron masked men for so long?"
Varian froze for a moment, his shoulder's tensing, "I uh um, i-it wasn't for... t-that long"
"3 MONTHS!!" Crystal exclaimed
Varian winced a little before sighing, "I uh... Hid a lot... T-though they'd caught me a few times.... They would beat me and ask me questions I-I didn't h-have the answers to.... A-and I.... Would be l-let go because the king w-wanted me alive.... I w-was only able to escape them b-because of Rapunzel coming a-and making t-them leave.... I saw her, Eugene, a-and Cassandra.... I didn't go over t-to them, but the guards l-left after that and... I w-went to find Rapunzel....." He sighed, "I'm n-not proud of what I did after that.... B-but that's how I managed t-to avoid them.... H-hiding...."
Crystal nodded as Quirin looked at his boy worriedly, "are you alright?"
"Yeah just.... H-hard to talk about..... I-I'm pretty sure y-you're going through your own s-stuff though Crystal so.... I h-hope that answer suffices.... D-did you have another question?"
The commenter felt uneasy for the final one, but felt it was important, so they gathered their courage, and asked, "can you PLEASE help me out with dealing with a problem recently? I had 3 containers ready for my birth mom's remains in person, had to scoop out of the remains bag. It was hardest thing I had to do I was trying to not feel sick or break into sobs. I finally finished, there's 2 and half cups of her left! I really want to be able to handle seeing her on her memory alter and it hurts need a hug!!"
Varian felt his heart break at that, and gave the commenter a hug immediately, "I'm so sorry you went through that.... Losing someone like that, even if you're not close, or if you are.... It's hard..... I n-never had to do that with my mom because... W-we didn't get her.... Remains.... B-but I'd be broken hearted as well, a-and I'm so sorry you went through that....." He felt the commenter hug him back, gently this time, "I may not be able to make your mother come back.... I wish I could but I can't.... But I know she would be happy that you're here, and proud that you're still living". He pulled away and smiled at the commenter, "I know I am", he said with a smile, "you're a good person Crystal, and I'm so sorry you had to do that, but.... Know that we're here if you need us, and you're not alone. We understand and will continue to understand and be here for you. We believe in you, and we know you're strong. It just takes time to heal something like that, even if it doesn't feel like time will.... I'm sorry you're going through that, but believe me, you're strong, and you're loved and cared for, by all of us!"
Harmony nodded, "he's right", they floated down and hugged Crystal too before letting go and smiling, "it's hard but, we believe in you, and we always will... I'm sorry you had to do that too... I had to see the body of my best friend after their passing.... IT was... Incredibly hard.... But you're strong and brave and were able to do what you needed to. That's something your birth mother would be proud of, we're proud of you too, and we always will be"
Crystal smiled and nodded before the author, Varian, and the commenter hugged once more, they stayed that way for a while before letting go, "thank you", Varian said, "for trusting us and telling us this information, that can't be easy, but you did it, and you asked for help, that's strong too, thank you"
Crystal nodded as Harmony handed them a tissue, "I believe that was all your questions, feel free to stick around for some comfort if you need it, I'm here, and all of the characters are too! For now however, thank you for joining us, and thank you for your questions. If you have anymore, please feel free to comment more, for now, have a wonderful day/night!"
Notes:
Hello Crystal, here are you questions!
I'm really sorry about your birth mother, that's very hard, and I am honored you'd tell me and the characters that. I hope things work out for you, I won't ask you a question since I'm sure you're probably grieving at this point, again, I'm so sorry you're going through something like that. I'm sending love your way, I hope it helps, even in a small way <3
Thank you all for reading, commenting, and supporting me and my story! <3 I hope you all have a wonderful day/night as well! <3
Chapter 321: LionRoar34!
Summary:
Hello LionRoar34! Here's your chapter! :D
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group was sitting in a big circle, enjoying their time together before Eugene, Varian, and Lance all began to sing together:
"Oh, oh, oh,
For the longest time,
Lance added some flair to the word 'time', making the other two smile as they continued to sing
Oh, oh, oh,
For the longest,
Eugene and Varian stayed as the background vocals while Lance began to sing the first verse. All of them snapping to keep time with eachother
If you said goodbye to me tonight,
There would still be music left to write,
What else could I do,
I'm so inspired by you,
The former thief smiled at Adira as he sang that, she smiled back
That hasn't happened for the longest time,
Once I thought my innocence was gone,
Now I know that happiness goes on,
That's where you found me,
When you put your arms around me,
I haven't been there for the longest time,
Lance joined Varian and Eugene as they sang the chorus, all of them smiling and enjoying themselves as everyone listen and bobbed their heads to the music
Oh, oh, oh,
For the longest time,
Oh, oh, oh,
For the longest,
This time it was Eugene who sang the verse, Varian and Lance staying in the background
I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall,
And the greatest miracle of all,
The Dark Prince looked at Rapunzel as he sang this, getting her to blush and giggle
Is how I *need* you,
And how you needed me too,
He smirked
That hasn't happened for the longest time,
Maybe this won't last very long,
Eugene fake sniffled, getting the princess to laugh
But you feel so right,
And I could be wrong,
Rapunzel shook her head and smiled lovingly at the man
Maybe I've been hoping too hard,
But I've gone this far,
And it's more than I hoped for,
Varian took over the main melody at this point, smiling and blushing at Hugo as he did, getting the blond to do the same while Eugene and Lance became the background
Who knows how much further we'll go on,
Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone,
Varian shrugged sassily, Hugo stuck his tongue out at that, getting Varian to giggle while he sang
I'll take my chances,
I forgot how nice romance is,
I haven't been there for the longest time,
Hugo made a heart with his hands, getting his boyfriend to smile wider as he continued singing
I had second thoughts at the start,
I said to myself,
Hold on to your heart,
Now I know the woman/man that you are,
Hugo laughed at that
You're wonderful so far,
And it's more than I hoped for,
The blond mouthed, "you are too" to Varian, getting the teen to grin
I don't care what consequence it brings,
I have been a fool for lesser things,
Quirin nodded jokingly, getting the freckled teen to throw a pillow at him and getting his father to laugh
I want you so bad,
I think you ought to know that,
I intend to hold you for the longest time
Hugo walked over and sat next to Varian, hugging him happily as the teen, Eugene, and Lance all joined together for the final chorus to the song, Lance adding his flair to the word 'time' once more and getting everyone to laugh as they ended the song
(Eugene and Varian): Oh, oh, oh,
For the longest time,
(Lance): TIME~
(Eugene and Varian): Oh, oh, oh,
For the longest,
(Lance): Tieime~
(Eugene and Varian): P-p-pffft!
(Lance): For the longest TIIIIIIME~ For the longest TIEEIIIME~
"LANCE!!!!!" Eugene exclaimed, with a smile, as he and Varian laughed, the freckled teen leaning again Hugo to keep him upright while he held his sides
The former thief giggled, "ok ok I'll stop, hee hee"
The group applauded the three while snickering at Lance's antics as well. That is, until Harmony noticed someone standing nearby, "Oh!" They floated over and smiled, "I'm so sorry! We got a little caught up in our professional boyband over there", they pointed to the three, who gave the commenter finger guns, all except for Varian, who was still giggling. Harmony grinned at the commenter, "good to see you LionRoar74! Welcome to the group! Come join the fun!"
"Want us to sing another song?" Lance asked, "I've still got some vocals left in me"
"No", Eugene stated, "you'd already gotten the kid to laugh to the point where he might actually pee himself, how about we wait for a moment"
Lance snickered, "alright"
"I'm good", Varian panted, finally controlling his laughter, "I'm good, I'm fine I'm cool I'm great I'm good", he added, getting Hugo to snort
"Any other adjectives you got in there?" The blond asked sarcastically
"Oh yeah, dandy, grand, practically perfect in every way-take your pick", his boyfriend replied, getting the bespeckled teen to laugh
Harmony shook their head before looking at the commenter, "sorry, everyone's in a good mood right now, so we're being goofy apparently.... And musical, that one I don't mind as much though", they added with a giggle, "either way, if you have questions, feel free to ask, if you don't, hang out and join the fun! Oh! I like your username by the way, it rhymes, and I think it's clever!" With that, the author floated up to the rafters and sat on them, smiling happily
LionRoar74 smiled back before looking around, the group had gone back to talking with each other, LionRoar74 noticed Rapunzel giggling as she spoke with Edmund. Smiling, the commenter walked over to them, catching the tail end of what the Dark King was saying, "...And I was like, *oatmeal*, are you *craz*-Oh hello!"
The commenter smiled and waved, "oh!" Rapunzel had noticed them as well, "well hi there, nice to meet you! Did you have some questions for us?"
LionRoar74 nodded and asked the princess, "What do you think of Eugene's birth/given name Horace? Any other characters can state their opinion too"
Rapunzel grinned, "I love it! I think it's a wonderful name, though it's a little hard to really think about", the princess admitted, "I mean, when I first met him, Eugene was Flynn Rider-!"
"STILL IS", Varian interrupted, getting Eugene to snicker and ruffle his little brother's hair lovingly, getting the teen to giggle
The princess chuckled, "he's right, sometimes I'll falter and call him Flynn Rider by accident, though it's very rare now. After that, he was Eugene Fitzherbert, and that was a little hard to get used to as well. So when I found out that he actually had a third name, and it's Horace, well.... I still like the name, it's just a little hard to get them all straight sometimes. Makes it easier knowing he would rather be called Eugene", Edmund made a sound akin to a puppy whimper at that, "b-but it's still a really great name!" This perked the Dark King up a little
"I personally prefer Horace", Hector stated, "in the Dark Kingdom, the *meaning* of the name is more important than how it sounds. My name means 'steadfast', Adira means 'strong, noble, and powerful', Edmund means 'wealthy protector', and Quirin means a couple of things, one is 'spear', which makes sense since he's a fucking knight, another is about the Quirin stone, which, when you place it next to a sleeping person's head, they tell you their secrets. Kinda ironic if you ask me, but I think it was meant more the for the spear thing"
"Noted", Quirin replied with a smirk, "Varian is also derived from the word 'Variable', which means not 'consistent or not having a fixed pattern'. Which makes sense considering my son isn't like anyone else. But his name could also come from a German name, which means 'army' or 'protection'. Which is what everyone should do for him because he's my son and that's the rule"
"Daaaaad", Varian exclaimed
"Sooooon", Quirin replied with a smirk before catching the second pillow thrown at him and tossing it back, "gotcha"
"Hee hee, you're a brat"
His father chuckled lovingly as Edmund added, "I love Horace, it's a good name, and I truly meant it when I said he was meant to change things, like the seasons change as well. But I like Eugene too, and if that's what he prefers, than that's okay, as long as he's alive, it doesn't matter to me"
Eugene was startled by that before he smiled, "thanks dad"
"Anytime son"
There was a small moment between the two before Adira chimed in, "Eugene means 'well-born, noble', so"
The Dark Prince blinked, "how did I not know that?"
"Because it didn't cross your mind", Adira replied, "might've been helpful though"
"Probably!"
Varian giggled before looking at Lionroar74, "did you have another question?"
The commenter smiled and nodded before looking at Edmund, "what were your thoughts when you reunited with your son after all those years?"
"What do I say? What do I do? Will he think I'm a fool? Will he hate me forever? Does he like the décor? I hope he likes Hamuel! I hope he gets along with his adopted siblings! I wonder if he's ever wondered about me.... I feel awful for what I did to him... Oh! He's looking at me, um uh, say something funny! ....That didn't work.... Oh he likes the décor, yes! Er.... Maybe not? He's my son! HE'S MY SON! My son's back! I've found him! Er he found me! Now I can tell him about the Dark Kingdom! Will he enjoy it? Will he want to stay? I should apologize, but what do I even say to him? He's got his mother's eyes....." Edmund replied
"...Wow", Eugene said, "you.... Thought about all of that when you first saw me?"
"Yeah, that and if you would catch any of the Flynn Rider references I threw at you, like 'I can tell a lot by looking into a man's eye', I mean, I actually *can*, but it *was* a reference"
"From *my favorite Flynn Rider tale! Flynn Rider vs the Earl Of Camanbert!" Varian exclaimed, "a classic!"
"Nah, Flynn Rider and the Lost Treasure of Scotia is *much* better", Eugene argued
"Nu, reading about his fight with the Earl while balancing his mental road blocks, like how he wondered weather Lance was alive or dead, weather or not he would get out of there alive in time to save his best friend, battling a life long enemy who gave the story so much plot! Yeah nu, his battle with the Earl was, is, and will always be, the best!"
"I have to disagree kiddo, Flynn finding the treasure he'd been searching for, for his *entire life*, because he wanted to connect more to his long lost family since that treasure was supposed to be for them from his father, who was *also* a roguishly handsome, devil may care, rouge, is a *much* better plot line! Plus Lance was in that one too, so ha!"
"I disagree", Varian stated
"Well I disagree with your disagreement", Eugene replied
"Well I disagree with your disagreeing to my disagreement"
"Well I disagree with your disagreement to my disagreeing to your disagreement"
"Well I disagree with your two disagreements to my disagreement of your initial disagreement"
"Well I-what?"
"I win"
Eugene huffed before tickling the teen and getting him to laugh, "you're a brat"
Varian got away from his big brother and hid behind Hugo, who snickered, "I still win"
The Dark Prince sighed before looking back at his father, "anyway, I still can't believe you though about all of that when you first met me"
"It uh... It was hard to really... Figure out what to say to you with all those thoughts in my head", Edmund admitted, "I.... Loved you, I still love you, it was just... I made a mistake sending you away, but it was the only way I knew to protect you and my other children", he gestured to Quirin, Hector, and Adira, "but even then.... I missed all of you every single day.... It hurt.... I could never really.... Describe the feeling except that it broke my heart whenever I walked the castle grounds alone.... I'm glad you're back in my life now, weather you choose to be Eugene, Horace, or someone else entirely, I'm just so glad to have you back"
Eugene smiled, "I'm glad to have you back too dad", they hugged, staying like that for a moment before breaking the hug and blushing, "ah *ahem*, sorry", The Dark King stated to LionRoar74, "did you have any other questions?"
LionRoar74 nodded with a smiled before asking, "Have you ever thought about getting a prosthetic arm? I'm sure Varian, Hugo, and Xavier could make one for you"
"A prosthetic arm? You mean for the one I lost? I uh.... I've thought about it, but... I don't know...."
"What's the matter?" Eugene asked, "wouldn't you want to get that fixed, can't be easy"
"Well, I would like to have two arms again but.... I.... Feel like I would be.... Cheating...."
"Cheating?"
"Yeah, I've thought about the prosthetic arm, but it's cheating"
"Dad-!" Suddenly Eugene, and everyone else in the room save for Varian, Quirin, and LionRoar74, froze. That is, until the commenter heard humming, turning, they saw Harmony smiling at them before floating down, "so sorry for the interruption, but I actually am planning on writing a chapter solely based off of your question. I already had one in mind, and I don't wanna give spoilers, but I gave you a small hint to what it'll be about", the author grinned, "it's sort of gonna be a sad chapter, but one that's important, if you wanna know, here's another hint: a man who attacks something that destroys his kingdom gets something special taken away, why do you think that something special was taken? Your reason may be different than his, hence his hesitation for the prosthetic hand".
Lionroar74 was thinking about the answer as Varian and Quirin watched, the teen chiming in, "another hint would be how I felt in jail, you all know what I said to Rapunzel when we spoke before. How I told her I'd wanted to erased everyone's memories, including hers. But Eugene pointed out that people will forget about my father, which you know I was already thinking about.... Why would I still go through with that plan if it meant him possibly not getting out right away?"
Quirin shuddered, "that's a terrifying thought"
"Sorry dad..... I-I would try everything I could, b-but it would have to be *me*", Varian stated, "since I'd p-put you in there in the first place.... That's another hint, I'd never leave you in there, never, but I thought it had to be me.... And there's a reason why...."
"I understand, and I believe there was an earlier chapter about something similar with me and King Edmund", his father replied as he walked over and picked his son up, "still, that's a scary thought"
"Yeah... I'm really glad it didn't work out that way, *really* glad", Varian replied, hugging his father and keeping him as close as possible to him, Quirin doing the same
Harmony smiled at the pair before looking at LionRoar74, "if you can guess what we mean, then you are a very smart cookie! 500 points to you if you do! I'm curious if you can, but for now, once I unfreeze them, they won't remember that question. Again, sorry, but I have a chapter about it later on, I hope that's okay. I'm definitely going to place you in the notes for that chapter though, as credit, because you gave me more time to think on this chapter, so thank you!"
With that, the author unfroze everyone, the group looking around as the author floated up to the rafters again, "what happened?" Eugene asked
"LionRoar74 has another question", Harmony replied with a wink
"Oh, ok, what's up?"
The commenter smiled before asking, "Do you guys, Lance and Eugene, remember any of the "Buddy" sequence from the Great Tree Incident?"
Hector raised a brow, "Great Tree Incident? You mean with me?"
"No", Eugene replied as he facepalmed while Lance blushed, "they me with us... And yes, unfortunately we remember that plant who made us hallucinate then sing that damn song"
"Buuuddy!" Lance began, "you're my best *buuuddy*~"
"Don't you dare"
"So.... What happened?" Varian asked
"Well, me and Lance got separated from the group in the Great Tree, and got attacked by a giant plant that shoots you with hallucination gas and then eats you"
"You mean Trixie?" Hector asked
"That *THING* has a name?!"
The wild tamer rolled his eye, "first of all, fuck you, second, she was my friend, third, fuck you, and fourth, what, the hell, were you two doing near her anyway? ...Fifth, Fuck you"
Quirin and Adira snorted as Edmund sighed while Eugene raised a brow, "really?"
"Yes"
"Anyway, we got lost, we were talking, we took a wrong turn, and ran into.... Her, I guess", Eugene stated, "she attacked us first to be fair"
"She's supposed to, you weren't supposed to be there"
"Right.... Short answer, yes, we definitely remember that song and sequence and will hopefully never live that out again, long answer, well...."
"Repeat reading from when the question was first asked", Harmony joked
"Right", Eugene replied with a smirk before he looked at the commenter, "did you have another question?"
"How does it feel to have a dad after thinking you were an orphan for so long?", LionRoar74 asked
"Oof, hitting the hard questions today", Eugene teased, "I'm just kidding, it's honestly... Surprising to say the least", he looked at his father, who smiled happily, "I always pictured my parents as thieves like me since I was so good at it. Only to find out that I'm the lost prince of a kingdom! It was a lot to take in, but meeting dad", he smiled back at the man, "I'm glad I did, it feels like I'm finally figuring out who I actually am now. Before, I thought I was just some thief with no place to call my own, then I met Rapunzel and I felt whole. Though I always had that hole that made me wonder who I came from and where, I never worried about it when Rapunzel was with me. Then I actually met my dad, had a midlife crisis in my 20's and now? I'm happy, starting to finally figure myself out and do what I can to be better than I was before. And it's because I've got the old man in my life, helps me figure out what I'm supposed to do you know? Even when he's being a goofball"
"That's a dad's job Eugene", Quirin stated as he dropped Varian on the couch, getting the teen to laugh happily as he bounced on the soft furniture, "be goofballs while also giving good advice", he looked at his son, who was still giggling, "it's honestly one of my favorite parts about being a dad"
Eugene smiled, "so I see"
"Everything I ever thought I knew~" Harmony sung, "Every hope, every feeling~"
"Yeah yeah, I remember", Eugene stated with a raised brow at the author
"Hey, that song made me love you *more* good sir", Harmony stated
"It did?"
"Well yeah, it was such a powerful moment for you! I was proud to say the least, I mean, Varian and Quirin may be my favorite people here in this universe, no offence"
"None taken", Lance replied, "we understand, besides, you still love us too, right?"
"Absolutely! As I'm about to say, I'll *always* have a soft spot for the Flynn Rider, Eugene Fitzherbert, Horace of the Dark Kingdom man myself! Always! Same for everyone, because you're all special to me, that moment just helped Eugene the most because it was such a big moment for him! Sort of a, turning the tables, moment. It made me sad and happy at the same time, and I'm really glad you had it and that you were able to work through it!"
Eugene smiled, "thanks"
"Anytime"
The Dark Prince then looked at LionRoar74, "well then, that kinda got out of hand, sorry, did you have any other questions?"
The commenter nodded before looking at Lance, "how did you and Eugene meet each other in the orphanage?"
"Ah, a classic", the man replied, wiping a pretend tear from his eye, "heh, I came to the orphanage when I was 3 years old, Eugene had been there for a bit. He was the leader of the kids in there, he'd help take care of them, play with em, help them feel better when they felt sad or would end up cryin. When I came along, I was quiet and timid, not unlike a certain alchemist I know", he smirk at Varian, who blushed, "back then, because I was so timid, a lot of the bigger kids would pick on me, you know, take my things and call me names and such. Well Eugene would stand up for me a lot of the time, and I'd appreciate it, but didn't really *meet* him until.... The incident...." He shuddered
"The... Incident?" Rapunzel asked
"Well.... See, there's a *reason* I'm so freaked out by spiders..... It's because this one time, a bigger kid came over to me and had the orphanage's pet tarantula with him.... He had his buddies hold me still and placed the thing right on me! It was just as freaked out as I was, so it ran up and down my body, and I could feel it's little legs all over me and touchin me and...." He shuddered again, "thankfully, Eugene saw them, because the orphanage staff didn't watch us very well. He got them off me and safely got the tarantula off and back in it's cage. I was pretty shaken up, so after he told the orphanage staff, he took me to the nurse who helped me out. I became real good friends with him after that! That's how we met!"
"Wow, those bullies were nasty!"
"Yeah they were, and that orphanage was pretty keen on corporal punishment too, so you had to stay in line or else get the branch.... Not fun.... We left when we were around 11 and 12 years old, and started to be thieves together. It was more fun havin someone you trusted around! But it was still hard", he smiled at Eugene, "but I wouldn't trade any day with him away, true to the song he really is my buuuddy~" He sang, "he is my buuuudy~"
"No", Eugene stated, "just no Lance"
"When life gets cruuuudy~" Lance continued
"Would you stop you dork", the Dark Prince replied as he laughed, getting Lance to snicker right along with him before the two gain control over their giggles, "sorry", Eugene stated, "did you have any other questions?"
LionRoar74 smiled before hearing a squeaky yawn from behind them, looking, they smiled when they saw Varian laying his head on his father's lap, blinking sleepily at the commenter with a tired smile as Hugo sat near his legs and the retired knight smiled down at his son lovingly. The commenter then got an idea and grinned, walking over to Quirin and getting the man's attention, the commenter asked, "who has the worse track record when it comes to alchemy incidents, Varian or Ulla or Hugo?"
Quirin chuckled, "well, it honestly depends"
"On what exactly?" Hector asked as Adira tilted her heard curiously
"Well, each of them has their own good and bad track record when it comes to alchemy, Ulla was messy as hell, but she didn't cause a lot of damage, Hugo causes a lot of explosions, but he's the cleanest one out of all three of them, and Varian..... I'm sorry bubby, but blowing up the village twice does not help your chances"
The teen blushed, "I know"
"But out of all of them you can't figure out who's got the worst track record?" Adira asked
"Well, the track record depends, I have three categories, Cleanliness, most explosions, and most damage done", Quirin replied before he thought for a moment, "this is them individually I'm guessing, because together, these two are fine"
LionRoar74 nodded and smiled as Ruddigar, who was sitting on his boy's stomach, chittered curiously
"Well, here I'll do this, Best and worst for those three categories. First, Ulla:
Best: She caused the least amount of damage, her projects didn't really boil over to the point where they would infect the house or anything outside of it, which was a miracle
Worst: She was *extremely* messy, a trait she passed onto a certain sleepy bean, but she was a little worse than him, meaning he will clean up every once in a great while.... She never did", he chuckled
Hugo snickered, "that's adorable, I guess cute just runs in the family huh?"
"Well, on Ulla's side at least", Quirin replied, raising a sassy brow at Adira, Hector, and Edmund, "save for King Edmund, he's cute"
The Dark King grinned, making Eugene snort, "ok, who's next?" The Dark Prince asked
"Hugo", Quirin replied, getting the blond to smirk, "Hugo:
Best: He's the cleanest out of all three of them, he actually cleans while he works, and it's sort of chaotic, but organized and impressive
Worst: He.... Causes the most explosions, they aren't super huge and don't cause a lot of damage, but he does cause more of them than the other two"
"I'll agree to that", the blond replied, getting his boyfriend to smile sleepily
"And last but not least", Quirin looked down at his son
"Hi", Varian said
"Hi", his father replied, "Varian:
Best: He has the least amount of explosions, he had a lot more control over his alchemy, which is impressive considering his worst
Worst: He causes the most damage, I really don't think I need to explain what I mean by that, and I've forgiven you for the past, and you're getting better, don't worry"
The teen smiled up at his father, "I love you dad"
"I love you too son"
"Nawwww", Eugene said, getting the pair to blush
Lance chuckled, "well aside from the adorable wholesomeness that we just experienced, any other questions?"
LionRoar74 looked around spotted Adira, smiling at the commenter. They smiled back and walked over, "did you know or have a hunch that Eugene was Horace before Rapunzel and crew reached the Dark Kingdom?"
The face painted warrior smirked, "sort of"
"Wait-woah-full stop-*sort of*?!" Eugene exclaimed
Adira chuckled before nodding, "you have the same eyes, hair, cheek bones, chin, and expressions, mostly your smile. Also you two tend to be on the more lighthearted and leadership side of things. I had a feeling you'd be related, hence why I said what I did to you in the 'Forest of No-!"
"Please don't say that place's name", Eugene interrupted
"Return", Hector finished with a smirk, getting the groans to come from nowhere
"Again, what the hell?" Hugo stated
"You get used to them", Varian replied
"I really don't like you..." Eugene stated as he huffed at Hector
"The feeling's mutual", the wild tamer replied with a shrug
"Either way", Adira continued, "I said you were a friend, not only because that is genuinely the role I saw you play in your group of friends, but because you reminded me so much of, well him", she pointed to the Dark King, "I had a hunch that you and he may be related in some way"
"Why didn't you ever say anything?" Eugene asked
"Level with me, would you have really believed you were a lost prince from a Kingdom you know nothing about?"
"....Probably not"
"Definitely not, and plus, if you had, what if I was wrong?" The face painted warrior added, "I truly mean that last part, what if I'd been wrong? I would've gotten your hopes for finding your father up for nothing. I had a hunch, but it was nothing more than that, I kept my mouth shut so I didn't cause any pain. Though I wasn't surprised to find I was right, it was still shocking to find out I'd been talking with the prince the entire time", she added, "better to be safe than sorry, I don't normally go by that saying very often, but with stuff like that, I treat carefully"
Eugene smiled at the women, his respect for her growing just a little bit bigger, "thank you, Adira"
She nodded with a smile before looking at LionRoar74, "that was a good question, did you have anymore?"
The commenter thought for a moment before wanting to speak with someone. They looked around the room and didn't see them, that's when Harmony floated down, "you want to speak with people, or beings, from beyond this plain, you're gonna need a little help". With a smile, the author offered their hand to LionRoar74, when the commenter took it, suddenly the plain shifted, "before, you guys could do this on your own. Buuuut I found out that's how Zhan Tiri managed to infect the story during that Q and A, sooooo we're gonna do it the safe way"
LionRar74 titled their head to the side curiously
"It's a long story, if you'd like to read about it, it's chapters: 190 to 200!" Harmony replied with a giggle, "I didn't find out that she'd been able to do that until *after* the original Q and A, but yeah.... Heh, apparently she was able to attach herself to the other commenters, and pieces of her followed them back to the original plain, hence why we're doing this last as well", the author added, "either way, I'm done blabbing, oh, and I should probably let go of your hand now", they let go, "go ahead and call out to whomever you have a question with, and don't mind me, Imma be over here"
With that, LionRoar74 watched Harmony fly over to a small patch of stars and sit, they seemed comfortable, the stars shining at the musical author as they spoke to them. The commenter looked forwards and stared at the plain they were in, it was littered with stars, twinkling brightly in the, forever, evening sky. The sight was beautiful to see, they thought of whom they wanted to speak with first, and heard a voice, "hello there", opening their eyes they saw the Dark Queen of the Dark Kingdom, "it's nice to meet you, I'm Eden", she said with a smile, "did you have a question for me?"
LionRoar74 nodded and waved in polite greeting before asking, "what's your opinion of your son and grandson?"
Eden smiled brightly at the question, it seemed to delight her to no end as the commenter felt motherly warmth emanating off of the women, "I love them so much", she replied, "both are so different, and yet so very much alike", she waved her hand and a portal appeared, showing Varian and Eugene talking to each other, laughing, and teasing one another. They seemed to be having a great time, "Horace, or I suppose Eugene would be what he prefers, he's strong and capable, like his father, and he's also sassy and funny, like his father. But he's also his own person, a wonderful friend, a charming boyfriend, quite the lady's man from what I can see, and I don't blame them. Yet such a good man all the same, with a heart of gold and soul so bright! I love my little boy, he's grown into the someone I'm proud of every day, I watch him a lot"
Her focus shifted to Varian next, the teen had pounced on Eugene after the former had said something seemingly sassy. The two were spinning before the fell onto the floor, laughing happily together, "my grandson is energetic and lively, but he's such a shy boy.... No thanks to that King of Corona", Eden huffed, "my husband doesn't like confrontation, especially with those of another king, but if I were there, ooooh I'd pop that Coronan King in the mouth! ...Maybe that's not very Queen like, but my grandson shouldn't have been treated that way! I'm... a little overprotective of these two", she smiled with a small blush, getting LionRoar74 to smile back, "either way, I love my tiny grandson! He's such a good boy, sure he's done bad things, so has Eugene, but Varian's got such a bright mind, so intelligent! His knack for alchemy is unlike any I've ever seen! And there *were* alchemists inside of the Dark Kingdom, I saw them, but none could hold a candle to *my* grandson!" She smiled when she saw Quirin help the two up, holding onto Varian and hugging him closely as he did, "he raised an amazing kid, and I'm not surprised, he's a good boy himself, my oldest, Quirin..... I miss them.... All of them very much, but they're happy together, and I would never take them away from each other"
She blushed when Edmund came over, laughing jovially as his son sighed, "I miss him too.... His booming laugh, his warmth, his silly jokes and innocent looks. I suppose you didn't ask me about him, but I feel the same for my son and grandson as well. I miss then, immensely, I miss my daughter and two boys as well, Hector, and, Quirin, and Adira. All of them were wonderfully different, yet so wonderful no matter what. I truly miss them, and I hope they know how proud I am of each one", she smiled as they all began to laugh when Quirin told a dad joke, something about a farmer and a pumpkin. "Thank you, for asking me that question, I got to see them with you, and that makes me happy. I wish you well in your travels, thank you again for speaking with me".
She disappeared, taking the portal with her as she did, the commenter smiled as Harmony came over, the stairs the author had been speaking with following behind, there were 8 of them, "you made her really happy!" Harmony pointed out, "thanks for that, she's been feeling pretty lonely as of late. I have a chapter in mind for her soon", the author then grinned, "now you wanted to speak with one other person, I'll still be there, but here's a fun way to get to her", the author allowed one of the stars to go over to the commenter, a little, fuzzy, white one with pink polka dots, "this is Angel, he'll take you to her, just hold on tight"
LionRoar74 did as they were told, the star, Angel, sped through the astral plain, zipping past a few constellations and even Zhan Tiri, who was being watched over by Demanitus, the man waved, LionRoar74 waved back, before they finally stopped, the little Angel star flying around the commenter before zipping away. LionRoar74 waved a thank you as they went, before the heard a voice, *hello there*
Turning, the saw the Moon, she was glowing pleasantly in the night sky, her own stars twinkling around her, one of them had glasses that looked a lot like Hugo's, the other had freckles like Varian. The commenter smiled at the Moon and waved
*It is nice to meet you, you are LionRoar74 if I'm not mistaken*
The commenter nodded with a grin
The Moon's light brightened with joy, *you've come to ask me a question, what might it be?*
The commenter built up the courage before asking, "is it possible for Cass or Varian to use the Reverse/Decay Incantation or is that just a Rapunzel thing?"
*Hmm...* The Moon said, as Harmony appeared, smiled at her, and flew around happily, enjoying their time in the Moon's presence, their stars following them, including the Varian and Hugo looking two, *I suppose this would an answer that would needed to be told in the story you're currently reading. But I can say this, Rapunzel, the Sundrop, regained her power once she touched the black rocks from the Moonstone*
A portal appeared, showing Rapunzel and Cassandra the day her hair grew back, showing the events of her touching the stone before her hair grew as quickly as the rocks did behind the two of them, LionRoar74 nodded in confirmation
*Why do you suppose that happened?* The Moon asked, *after all, had anyone else touched the black rocks, nothing would've come of it. But for Rapunzel, it reactivated the Sundrop once more. I remember this being mentioned to my little one before. But some of the Moonstone's power was transferred into Rapunzel, that is why she's able to use that incantation. As for Cassandra and my little one however, one who steals rarely gets all the gifts they unrightfully received, but one who's naturally born of those gifts, given to them as a blessing, does*
LionRoar74 tilted their head to the side, trying to figure out what that meant as Harmony flew over and grinned
"Another hint would be, who do you know, in the story I've written, that was called a blessing, and why would I remind you of that now?" Harmony said, they smiled, "other than that, wait and see, would love to know your theories though!"
LionRoar74 smiled at the author and Moon, nodding and thanking the celestial being for her time with them
*It is always a pleasure to see another of my little one's friends, come by whenever you wish, I'm never too far away*, as Harmony smiled at the Moon, promising to see her again very soon, they began to depart from the astral plain, as they did, the Moon said one more thing, *may you have pleasant dreams*
LionRoar74 smiled at that before their feet touched the ground, looking around, they were back to the normal plain. They smiled when they saw the group of characters laughing together and smiling. Harmony grinned, "did you have fun?" They asked, "er... Well I guess you really can't answer that here, heh, see you in the comments, guess that's my question to you, if you've had fun! You did mention something in your comment though that was specifically for me, what's up?"
LionRoar74's eyes widened with excitement as they said, "I also have two ideas for possible future chapters:
1. Everyone gets into a prank war and hijinks ensue!
2. Eugene lets slip that he died and Edmund and the Brotherhood freak out until he explains, with help from Rapunzel!"
Harmony thought about it for a moment before grinning excitedly, "oh those sound like so much fun to write! Ok, it may take me a minute to get to them, but I'm definitely wanting a prank war and a Eugene plus Brotherhood moment! That would be fun and sweet and wholesome and AH! You all give me such good ideas!!!!!! I'm also gonna put your name in the chapter's notes, that way you get the credit you, so rightfully, deserve!" The author added with an excited squeak, "now I'm excited! Hee hee, did you have any other questions?"
LionRoar74 shook their head with a smile
"Alrighty then, well, thank you very much for stopping by! We all had a lot of fun with your questions, and ideas! Oh, and the Decay Incantation question, I have a chapter coming up for it", the author stated with a wink, "I think the Moon said that already, but I'm double making sure, I plan on getting to that very soon!" The musical author stated happily, "for now, thank you so much for coming and hanging out with all of us! We all had a wonderful time, and I sincerely hope that you did too! Have a wonderful day/night, and thank you again, so much! For now, Buh-bye!"
Notes:
Here's your chapter LionRoar74!
This was longer than I thought, but I honestly had so much fun writing it that I couldn't help but add more and more! XD Your questions were really fun and interesting to think about! You gave me some really cool ideas too! A prank war and Eugene letting it slip that he died once is such a good idea!!!!!! I'm so excited to write about that and more about the other characters, and the Moon's gonna be there XD Sorry, I'm excited, this was fun and I thank you for it! <3 I sincerely hope you did have fun with all of them! <3
For anyone else who wants to ask questions, poll's still open, even past tomorrow, I have a sort of, origin chapter for tomorrow, and it's meta XD So ask any and all questions you may or may not have in the comments below, and I'll do a finale chapter with the extra questions! :D
And if you don't have any, that's fine too, this was still a whole lot of fun, and I plan on doing this again in the future, so watch out! :D
Either way, thank you all so much for reading and supporting me and my story! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 322: Harmony's Origin! (Part 1!)
Summary:
A human from Earth finds themselves in a new realm, full of people they've never met or seen before, save for in a certain movie and TV show!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The person opened their eyes, they didn't know what'd happened, at first, they were watching one of their newly favorite shows, 'Tangled the Animated Series', when they'd suddenly been blinded by a flash of light and ended up..... Here? Wherever 'here' was.... They got up, long, curly, dirty blond, hair a mess, as was the blue hoodie and black leggings they were wearing.... Odd.... Their boots seemed to be scuffed up as well, whatever had happened to them, it'd damaged their clothing a fair bit. Looking around, Harmony brushed some of their hair out of their face before they froze, "t-this is....." They couldn't finish that thought as a door opened in front of them and in walked Queen Arianna, King Fredrich, Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, Quirin, and Varian!
Everyone froze when they saw Harmony standing there, none of them were speaking, none of them knew what to do, that is, until the Nigel came out from behind the royals and spotted the person as well, "WHO ARE YOU?!" He yelled, startling Harmony
"I-I-!"
"WHY ARE YOU IN THE CORONAN CASTLE?!" He interrupted
"W-wait h-hold on a se-!" Harmony tried
"TAKE THEM TO THE-!" The advisor started to say
"STOP!" Rapunzel yelled, gaining everyone's attention, "you're scaring them!" She gestured to Harmony, who had their hands over their ears and was physically shaking, "plus they're hurt, can't you tell by their clothing?"
"Princess", Nigel started, "with all due respect, this stranger has just broken into that castle! And you expect me to be lenient?!"
"I-I didn't b-break in...." Harmony whispered
"What?"
"I-I...." The person stood up, uncovering their ears, they weren't home, and they knew these characters. So, looking straight at the advisor, they put on their bravest face, and stated, "I didn't break in. I... D-don't know how I g-got here.... I r-remember.... W-watching something, t-then a bright light b-blinded me and now.... I-I'm here....." They looked at Rapunzel now, "I-I'm sorry for coming here, I d-didn't know where I w-was and... I just.... I-I'm sorry....."
The princess smiled at the person, "it's alright, don't worry, strange stuff happens all the time right?"
"R-right...." Harmony then noticed Varian, the teen looked skinner and weary, and very *very* tired. When the person thought about it, they realized they'd just finished watching Varian and Quirin reunite after the teen had been forgiven in Season 3. Looking back at the teen, this seemed to be the case as he clung to his father. Harmony smiled at him, "h-hi"
Varian nodded as a shy greeting before his father picked him up and held him close. Harmony didn't blame him, the man had just gotten back from being inside amber for a year and a half, how was he supposed to feel at meeting a complete stranger?! Though they didn't show it, that motion alone made Harmony's heart skip a beat, getting them to smile at the man before blushing and looking down at the ground, they didn't wanna freak him out after all. "Soooo... What's your name?" They heard Rapunzel say
"Huh?" Looking up, they saw the princess smiling at them, "Oh, i-it's Harmony"
"Nice to meet you Harmony! I'm Rapunzel!"
"N-nice to m-meet you too"
The princess tilted her head to the side curiously, "you don't have to answer this next question if you don't want to, but.... Do you.... Or did you always... Stutter like that?"
Harmony blushed before sighing and nodding, "c-can't really help it... M-my anxiety gets really bad a-and ends up making m-me stutter"
"Anxiety?" The princess asked, "you mean when you get nervous?"
"Actually, I think they mean somethin different", Lance chimed in, walking over to the pain, Eugene doing the same, and unknowingly getting Harmony's heart to beat fast as they saw the Dark Prince
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel asked
"Well, uh... You mind if I explain?" The former thief asked Harmony, getting the person to shake their head. It made the man smile at them before he looked at Rapunzel, "Anxiety is a mental health issue, it's what happens when your mind.... Doesn't have the ability to calm itself down, you start to think about worst case scenarios, over and over, havin panic attacks, anxiety attacks, which are, in fact, different, and you need somethin to calm you, like somethin you love or can hold or do"
"Oh, well that sounds awful!"
"It is, fortunately there's a way to live with it, you just have to have the right copin tools", Lance explained
"Hmmm.... Wait, how do you know so much about it?" Rapunzel asked
"I have a lot of practice with it"
"Ah"
Harmony looked up at the man, he was still smiling, but the person could tell there was something hidden underneath that grin. They didn't say anything though, not until they noticed Varian standing behind Eugene, Quirin right beside him. The teen was watching Harmony with interest and curiosity, it made the person want to hug the teen, he is their favorite character after all, but Harmony restrained themselves, considering what the boy had just gone through, it'd probably freak him out. "So, we just gonna crowd around this person that we've just found out has a mental illness that makes it hard for them to be in crowds or....." Eugene asked
"Oh! Sorry", Rapunzel exclaimed, backing up immediately and bumping into Varian, knocking him down, "oh, sorry Varian!"
Harmony couldn't help themselves that time, they instantly went to the teen's side and offered a hand to him, "a-are you okay?"
Varian shook his head, clearing it of any dizziness before spotting Harmony and freezing, "I u-um.... I-I'm okay", he replied, but didn't take the person's hand
Harmony, realizing that they'd just made the teen uncomfortable, scolded themselves in their head before backing up a bit, "s-sorry...."
Varian looked at them, "you.... D-didn't do anything wrong"
"Well, I sort of m-made you uncomfortable didn't I? I'd say that's not exactly okay.... Again, sorry"
The teen blinked before sighing, "I didn't mean to make you feel bad, just.... It was unexpected it all, sorry...."
Harmony looked at the boy before they giggled, "I think we may be here all day if you and I keep apologizing to each other"
The alchemist looked at the person and snorted, "you're right, so-....Um... Thank you?"
"Pfft! Very nice"
Varian blushed, "w-well it's better than sorry!"
"I see, well then you're welcome"
The teen sighed, "I get the feeling you're a brat"
"I get the feeling I agree", Harmony replied with a warm smile before giggling, "either way, sorry, don't mind me"
"You apologized again"
"Yeah I uh.... Tend to do that a lot, even when I point it out, heh, I wanna apologize again for that"
Varian gave them a small smile, "I do the same thing"
this made Lance watch the teen, a thoughtful look on his face as Quirin stepped forwards, "are you alright?" He asked his son
"Yeah, I'm ok", the teen replied before looking at Harmony, "are you?"
"Yeah, I'm good now, thanks", both of them got up together, the retired knight raising a brow at Harmony, who looked up at him, "I uh... Don't plan on doing anything to Varian, I wouldn't"
Quirin raised a brow at them, "I'm certain you wouldn't, but...." He didn't say anything more
"...Sorry for worrying you Quirin", Harmony replied, "I really wouldn't hurt him, just.... Didn't think he belonged on the floor"
The Village Leader seemed startled, "how.... Do you know my name?"
Harmony felt their heart skip a beat, 'I um uh... D-d-didn't you say?"
"No, no one said my name, Rapunzel and Varian are the only one's you should have known....."
The person's shoulders tensed at the guarded look the retired knight was giving them before they took a breath, let it go, and decided.... To tell the truth, "I um... Know about you... A-and Eugene, and Lance, Rapunzel, and Varian.... I know about Queen Arianna and King Fredrich, I know about Cassandra and who she is, I.... Know everyone.... Even Gothel", this made Rapunzel freeze, "but I'm not a villain or a bad guy or anyone who would use that knowledge in a bad way, I swear!" Harmony added quickly, "I just.... Am a fan...."
Quirin raised his brow, "a fan?"
Harmony winced at his disbelieving tone, "I uh..." They sighed, never really being very good at convincing people of lies, they looked at the man directly in the eyes, which would be a nice moment if he weren't glaring daggers at them right at that time, "look... I truly mean it when I say, I'm not going to hurt you, your son, or anyone in this room or kingdom. My name is Harmony, Harmony Song, and I'm from a different world than here", they stated, "you want to truth, well that's it. But if I tell you more, I'm afraid you may not believe me, my world is not like yours, in fact, I'm not even sure how I got here in the first place. I just... Did...."
The Village Leader stared at the person for a long time, but when Harmony didn't falter, not once, he sighed, "a different world?"
"Yes, you believe me?"
"You seem to be telling the truth, so yes, for now, I believe you. But do you have any proof?"
"Hmm.... Oh!" They dug into their pocket and pulled out their phone, "here, this is from my world, it's what we call, a phone, it's how we communicate with each other!" They explained, "it's fragile though, and costs a lot, so please don't drop or break it"
Harmony handed it over to the retired knight, he looked it over before showing it to Varian, "have you ever seen something like this before?"
"No", the alchemist replied, "it's so... Different", he accidentally hit the power button, lighting up the screen and showing Harmony's background, which was a picture of their kitty, Willow, a black cat with emerald green eyes and a heart shaped white mark on her chest, "woah!"
"That's my kitty, she's probably back home at this point, her name's Willow, and I believe she's 13 years old now if my math serves me right", Harmony stated. When they noticed the shocked looks on the father son duo's faces, they giggled, "she's not in the phone, she's back home, that's just a picture of her. What you would call, a painting or a portrait"
"Oh", Varian replied, "t-that makes more sense just... How'd that portrait get in there?!"
"Here, let me show you", Harmony, gently, took the phone from the alchemist and turned it around, getting the camera out, "smile!" Varian grew confused, "or... Do that, that's fine too", Harmony added before taking his photo. They then showed him what they'd just done, "see? That's you!"
"Cool!!!!!!"
"Wait, I saw you do that in two seconds flat", Eugene exclaimed, "how'd you do that?"
"what kind of magic does that... Phone?" She looked at Lance, who nodded, "yeah phone! Have?"
Harmony giggled, "it's not magic, just technology, I'm not entirely sure how it works, but in essence, it catches your image and saves it to a memory chip in the phone, then you can either delete it, change it to make it look better, or keep it as is!"
"Huh, I can't believe that!" Rapunzel stated, "wait wait, can you do the same for me?"
"Sure!" Harmony pointed their phone at Rapunzel and took a picture, "there we go, see?"
"Eeee! That's amazing!"
"What else can that thing do?" Eugene asked, growing interested and looking at the device
"Well, I can call my friends and family, look up stuff on the internet-!"
"What's the internet?" Lance asked
"....Um...." The person looked at everyone's innocent faces before sighing, "how about we skip that topic, it's uh.... Not safe for Varian's, best way to describe it"
"Not safe fo-why only me?" Varian asked
"You were the first name I came up with, but I'd say the same for Rapunzel, Lance, Eugene, and even you Quirin", Harmony replied, looking at the man, "waaaay too much bad things on the internet.... Way too much...."
"Huh... I'll uh... I'll take your word for it", Eugene replied, "does that proves things Quirin?"
The retired knight looked at the person for a moment or two before sighing and nodded, "judging by their clothing and... That device, I think they're telling the truth"
"Wow! So you're really from another world?!" Rapunzel asked
"Yup", Harmony replied
"Wait, then how do you know about us?" Lance asked
"Well.... That's a little harder to explain... Um... Where the heck do I begin?...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is the start of my origin story and how I came to be here in this universe, obviously, it's not the *actual* way I got here, but it's a start :D I made it a 'part 1' because I plan on continuing this story whenever we have another Q and A! When we do, I'll add another part to this origin story, so not only will I be answering questions, but as I begin to run out, I'll add an origin part! :D Kinda like an incentive to do another Q and A XD
I've still got one last finale chapter for the Q and A, and it's with everyone's extra questions! If you have one, place it in the comments below and I'll add them all to the finale chapter! I have some already, it's not too late to add more, but it will be if you don't add them by the time the chapter is up tomorrow. So ask what you can now! :D
Either way, thank you all so much for reading and supporting me and my story, sincerely, this has been a blast and a half writing this fic! :D I couldn't have done it without all of you here, weather you comment or not, you read it and that, alone, makes me smile every day! Thank you all so much, for everything! :D
I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 323: Finale Q and A!
Summary:
This is all the extra questions I received, and a final thank you before going back to the story! :D
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Harmony grinned at the cast of characters, all of them were chatting happily, none of them were singing songs this time, but everyone was chatting with the commenters that'd come for a visit!
Crystal and DianaIsMyName31415 were next to Varian and the author, chatting with the teen as Quirin watched the three happily.
Moonlight was sitting on Xena, Hector sitting next to them on the rhino after having just taken a ride!
Midrac_Virtue was sitting and chatting with Hugo, Nuru, and Yong, all of whom were swapping stories and goofing around, the commenter asking about Nuru's kingdom, which delighted the star princess to no end!
LionRoar34 was sitting in-between Lance, Edmund, Eugene and Rapunzel in front of them as the group discussed a few things together happily!
Reannie75 was sitting next to Adira, both chatting and laughing with one another over something the face painted warrior had said!
Harmony continued to watch happily, enjoying the peace before they floated in the air and got everyone's attention, "hiya! Sorry to interrupt everyone here, but we've officially come to the finale of the Q and A! After this, I'll be going back to the story!"
"Awwwwwwww..." Everyone said, sounding disappointed
"Yeah sorry.... But, you all have a chance to ask your very final questions before we go back! Does anyone have any extra questions they wanted to ask before they left?" The author looked around and noticed one hand up, it belonged to Reannie35! The musical author smiled, "oki dokie lokie, go ahead and ask as many as you'd like! Once you're done, we'll end the Q and A until next time, trust me, this isn't the last time I plan on doing this!"
Harmony grinned before floating back down and landing next to Varian, hugging the teen lovingly and getting him to smile as Reannie35 got up and walked around the family room, looking around and thinking about the questions they wanted to ask before spotting Hector and Moonlight, they two were getting off of Xena, Hector helping the commenter down before Moonlight hugged the wild tamer, who hugged them back as Reannie35 walked over, "oh, hi", Hector said with a smile as Moonlight waved at them happily,
Reannie35 waved back before looking at the tamer, ""hey Hector, it's nice to meet you! I like you outfit its really cool!"
"Nice to meet you too, and thanks", he replied, looking down at his outfit, "it's nice during winter, though Corona doesn't seem to know what a cold winter is, but uh, yeah, never mind", the man stated with a blush as Moonlight giggled, "did you have questions for me?"
Reannie35 nodded as they looked over at Xena with a grin as Moonlight pet her lovingly, "what's it's like having a Rhino?" They asked with a smile at the great beast before looking at the wild tamer
"Hmmm.... Fun, very fun", Hector replied with a smirk, "she was hard to take care of at first because when me and my siblings and king found her and my binturongs, they were all practically starving and did not trust humans at all. Not that I blame them, but after a few weeks, they started to warm up to me, though.... Heh... Quirin may disagree", he teased, catching his big brother's eye, "wouldn't you?" He called
"Wouldn't I what exactly?" The retired knight asked
"Disagree when I say raising my rhino was fun"
"Yup", the man replied without hesitation, getting Hector to laugh, "I say the same for Pixie and Basil too"
"You're just mad because they kept going into your bags"
"They also destroyed my room several times-!"
"They were exploring!"
"No, they wanted my sweet smelling plants!"
"You and those plants"
"You and your animals!"
"Children", Edmund stated, "no fighting, we're having a good time"
Both men raised a brow, the king raised a brow right back at both of them, getting Varian to giggle, "makes you kinda rethink the whole 'father and son' thing doesn't it kid?" Eugene joked
"Uh huh", the teen replied with a smile
"You two as well", Edmund added, giving his son a brow
"That doesn't work on me, you know that", Eugene stated
"I will use *the glower* in two seconds"
"And I'll *smolder* you right back"
"Pfft!" Rapunzel slapped a hand over her mouth and giggled as Lance laughed out loud
"My goodness", Quirin said with a sighed before he looked at Hector, "in my defense... You started it"
"I don't deny this", Hector replied with a cheeky grin before he looked back at Reannie35, "having a rhino is fun, they're fun to train, can be a little difficult, but still really fun, and even better when people wanna ride on her", he winked at Moonlight with that, making the commenter giggle, "any other questions?"
Reannie35 nodded, "have you ever taken fruit from Quirin?"
"Pffft! No, that's my sister's thing, she loves pissing him off with that shit", Hector replied with a smirk, "I think it's fucking funny, but I don't tend to do it because I like to gather my own food. Either that, or I just grab whatever vegetarian thing I can find here. which is usually just bread, veggies, and fruit, comes from his farm anyway". Just as he said that, Adira pulled out an apple and began to eat it, getting Quirin to huff at her, which made Reannie35 snicker
The commenter smiled at Hector before thanking him for answering their questions, they then moved on, leaving the wild tamer with, a very happy, Moonlight! Sensing the rising annoyance coming from the retired knight, Reannie35 decided to walk over, smiling at Harmony as Crystal and Midrac_Virtue continued to chat with Hugo, Yong, and Nuru, still discussing the kingdoms and, now, animal transformations! Reannie35 smiled at the freckled teen, he smiled back, "hello"
"Hey Varian", Reannie35 replied, "nice to talk to you!"
"Nice to talk to you too!" Varian agreed happily, "did you have any questions for me?"
Reannie35 nodded before asking, "what's something you always wanted to invent?"
"Ooooh! Good question um..... Gah! Too many!" The teen exclaimed before giggling, "sorry, so many ideas just came to the forefront", he added
Quirin chuckled, "too many thoughts, not enough room?"
"Sort of", his son replied, looking up at his dad before he blinked, "hey, when did you get that?" He asked, pointing to a, barely visible, scar over his father's right eye
"Hm? Oh that, it was during a batter a long time ago, you never noticed?"
"Well I don't really search your face for details, I mean, I did once, but that scar slipped passed me", Varian replied, "does it... Hurt?"
"No, it was a long time ago Bubby, nothing to worry about"
"....Hmmm", Varian sat up and moved to his father's lap, facing the man and becoming eye level with him. Quirin snickered as his son looked over his face, there were multiple scars he'd missed apparently! One on his chin, another on his left cheek, even more on his neck, had the teen not known any better, he would've thought his father had been fighting behind his back. But he knew his dad wouldn't do that, "wow.... A lot of fights...."
"The Dark Kingdom was a pretty interesting place", Quirin replied with a proud smile
Varian grinned at the man before he noticed something else, something that made his heart sink and stomach drop.... A single, white, hair..... The teen stared at it, he didn't know how it'd ended up in his father's head, but the more he watched it, the more freaked out he began to feel. Suddenly he took notice of every wrinkle on his father's face, his ever present bags underneath his eyes now only came representing his age and nothing more.... Varian felt his heart begin to pound as he clung to his father's vest, *nonononononono I-I just got him back! H-he can't leave yet! H-he's not ready! *I'M* not ready! N-No dad! I-I'm sorry! P-please don't-d-d-DON'T LEAVE ME-!*
"FRECKLES!" A voice yelled, snapping Varian out of his panic attack when he realized he was no longer looking at his father, instead his vision was filled with emerald green, worry filled, eyes and blond hair, "hey, easy, it's okay, whatever you're worried about, it's okay", Hugo said calmly as Varian felt Ruddigar nuzzling his chin
"w-what... W-what h-happened?"
"You uh... Kinda freaked out a bit", his boyfriend replied, "you were eye level with your pops when you started to tear up and grip onto his vest when staring up at his hair and face. Then you suddenly lit up light a blue candle and fell backwards. I could barely catch you in time"
"...O-oh.... Sorry"
"It's alright, can you sit up?"
"Yeah", Varian did so, sitting up and placing his back against the back of the couch, he was blushing as he wiped the tears away from his face. Ruddigar helped by licking them away before chittering at his boy, getting a chin scratch in return. He then looked at the commenter, "s-sorry"
Reannie35 smiled and dismissed it with a wave of their hand as Harmony tilted their head, "you okay?" The author asked
"Y-yeah, sorry I just....." Varian sighed before he snuck a look at his father, the man was watching him, but he smiled comfortingly. No doubt he was worried beyond compare for his child, but he wouldn't let it show, as the teen was already freaked out enough. Varian smiled back, "sorry dad"
"It's alright, I'm just glad you're okay", Quirin replied before chuckling, "is my face really that scary?"
"N-nu! It is NOT!" Varian exclaimed, "you have dad face, it's never scary!"
"Dad face?"
"Yes, dad face, like Grandpa face"
"Ah"
Varian smirked, loving the fact that his father understood that before that worry hit him again, "hey dad?"
"Hm?"
"Are you.... O-okay?" He asked, "h-health wise I-I mean...."
"Health wise? Well, I feel alright, nothing to worry about there, why do yo-!" Suddenly it hit him, and he felt his heart, both, break and melt, "oh Varian, son, I'm gonna be here for a long time, I don't intend to go anywhere anytime soon you know"
"I-I know I just.... I....."
Quirin smiled and scooped his son up, holding him close, "I may be getting older, and yeah, parts of me are gonna show that, but I'll be here for a long time. Don't you worry so much about that, when the time comes, I'll be able to let you know, for now, I'm okay, okay?"
"B-but what if you get sick?! O-or get injured or hurt? W-what if you end up disabled a-and you c-can't do anything anymore b-because of some horrible a-accident and I-!"
"Varian", his father interrupted gently, "I'm fine, healthy, and fine. You don't have to worry, not for a long time", he looked his son in the eyes and smiled sincerely, "I promise"
The freckled teen blinked before he let out a small sigh and smiled, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome"
They hugged for a moment of two before Quirin set his son down on the couch, next to him. The teen leaned against his father, seeking his warmth and comfort before he looked at Reannie35, "s-sorry about that, I never answered your question did I?" The commenter shook their head, but smiled understandingly, Varian smiled back, "honestly, if I w-wanted to, and could, make anything in the world? I-I'd wanna make a potion that grants people a much longer life..." He looked up at his father, "one that would make their bodies stay healthy for a longer period of time, so that way, they could stay with their loved ones for a longer time and wouldn't have to worry about any kind of sickness or health issue. O-once the potion was finished, the person would pass away peacefully, without any pain", he stated, "m-maybe that's selfish.... B-but I wanna grow old with my dad.... H-hugo too, and Ruddigar, Eugene, Lance... A-and Rapunzel too". The princess smiled a little at that, it made her feel better knowing she was still wanted by the teen, even if she wasn't exactly in his good graces at the moment.
Reannie35 nodded before sensing the awkward silence the followed the teen's statement, and moving on, "how come ham sandwiches are your favorite?"
Varian tilted his head to the side, "weeeell..... It's one of my favorites, and it's because of the way dad makes them", he smiled up at his father, "he uses fresh ham and veggies, cooks them to perfection, cooks the bread until it's crispy, melts the cheese on top, then puts it all together with a nice smell and really great sides! Though I wouldn't call it my *favorite* favorite food, it's definitely my favorite to eat when we go out on a picnic or a trip where we'll be taking a basket with us! My favorite food over all is his gumbo!"
Quirin chuckled, "I'm glad you like my food"
"It's good!"
"Well I like your hot chocolate"
Varian looked dreamily up at his dad, "I *want* my hot chocolate right now", he stated, getting his father to laugh
Reannie35 giggled before asking, "do you like marshmallows in your hot chocolate?"
"Yup! Though, so, it's a little odd... I like only having one *gigantic* marshmallow in my hot chocolate, because it'll melt, and give the drink the beautiful creamy flavor without being too much! Two is too much, one is juuust right"
Hugo snorted, "you don't have blond hair, but you'd make a cute Goldilocks"
Varian huffed, "ooooh boy", Quirin stated with a smirk, "don't get him started on fairy tales, he has.... A gripe with them"
Hugo raised a brow, "what's so bad about them?"
"Their science is off...." Varian stated
"Pfft! They're *children's* books!"
"And children's minds are molded at a very young age! They should be told the facts! Three bears would not live in a freaking house, eat soup, sleep in beds, and sit on couches for a living! They live in the forest, or forested areas, eat fish most of the time, and would've eaten Goldilocks before she could even say 'boo'!"
"....Love, you're friends with a princess who has 80 feet of magical *chaos* hanging from her head! You know a women who has the powers of the Moon in her hands because she stole a *stone*! Hell, YOU'VE SPOKEN TO THE FUCKING *MOON*!"
"Those are different"
"How are those different?"
"They can happen in our reality", Varian stated, "bears talking to a girl and living in a home thinking they're people is unrealistic!"
"....Oh yes, sorry, in a world with magic, alchemy, potions that allows you to speak with animals, red rocks that show your greatest fears, and black ones the can wreck your proverbial *shit*, bears acting like *people* is where you draw the line"
The freckled teen huffed, pouting, "you're mean"
"And you're a fickle bitch, but I love you all the same", Hugo stated, kissing his boyfriend's forehead lovingly and getting the teen to giggle
"A fickle what?!"
"You heard me", Hugo replied as he giggled
"You asshole", Varian replied as he smirked at his boyfriend
"You two are about to get soap in your mouths in two seconds", Quirin warned, before adding, "though I'm with Hugo on this one"
"Hey!" Varian stated
"HA!" Hugo exclaimed, getting the blue eyed alchemist to huff at him before he tackled the teen. The blond laughing as he and his boyfriend wrestled around on the couch.
Lance and Eugene chuckled, "10 coins says Varian takes him", Eugene stated
"You're on", Lance agreed as they watch the two 'battle'
Quirin sighed and shook his head before looking at Reannie35, "sorry, they're brats. Did you happen to have anymore questions for Varian.... Or Hugo for that matter?" Reannie35 shook their head with a smile, "alrighty then, did you have any questions for me?" The commenter nodded before offering their hand out to the old farmer. The retired knight seemed startled by that before he chuckled and shook the commenter's hand, "hello"
Reannie35 grinned before stating, "Hello Quirin! First I wanted to say your a awesome dad!"
The Village Leader smiled at that, "well thank you very much, I-!" He stopped when he heard Eugene let out a cheer as Varian pinning Hugo to the couch, the teen smirking as Lance handed the Dark Prince 10 coins, "....I try", the man said
"Pinned ya", Varian stated
"Alright let me up", Hugo stated, gently pushing Varian off of him before he smirked and tried to attack again, only to be pinned once more
"Pinned ya again!"
"How are you so unnaturally strong?!"
"Perks of being a farmer's boy, now admit defeat"
Hugo huffed, "fiiine, I admit defeat.... For now"
Varian smiled, "that'll do, for now", he got off the blond and helped him up, straightening his boyfriend's hair before giggling as Hugo kissed his cheek
"I try so hard..." Quirin stated, getting Reannie35 and Harmony, to laugh as Crystal, DianaIsMyName31415, and Midrac_Virtue helped straight the teen's clothes a bit
"What's your favorite thing to grow or plant?" The commenter asked
"Ooooh... Tough one, hmmm...." He then smiled, "Pumpkins", he stated, "I really love pumpkin season, watermelons are nice, flowers are pretty, especially lavender since Ulla loved them the most, but... Pumpkins, their smell, their hardiness, their taste.... Reminds me of home", he said, "in the Dark Kingdom, the first food I ever grew, was a tiny pumpkin, and I was so proud of myself and the pumpkin pie I had with my family! It wasn't very big, but I did it, and I've never forgotten that moment, it.... Was special"
Reannie35 grinned before asking, "do you now how to sew?"
"Yup", the retired knight stated proudly, "that tiny patch you might've seen on Varian? I did that, I learned how from Queen Eden, she said it was an essential skill to have in life. She knew how to make so many beautiful things too, I.... Really miss her", he stated sadly, "it's been years.... Heh, sorry, either way, yes, I know how to sew, patched up a lot..... And I mean a *LOT*.... Of Varian's clothing, Ulla's too actually, and patched up Varian's stuffed raccoon doll too! I'm not the best at it, but I could make another shirt, if I had the materials, it would be way too big, not fitted at all, and probably fall apart after two or three uses, but it'd be a shirt"
Reannie35 chuckled before both the commenter and Quirin turned at the sound of a few grumbles, "....I do *not* snore", Varian stated
"Yes you do", Hugo argued, "when you're not sleep talking, you snore"
"I do not"
"zzzzzzzz Pheeeeeew", Hugo mocked, using his hands as a pillow before pointing to Varian with a smirk
"Hugo!"
"I... think I may need to separate these two for a second", the retired knight stated, "did you have any other questions for me?" Reannie35 shook their head and pointed to Lance, Quirin nodded, "alrighty then, have fun and thank you for chatting with me!"
Reannie35 nodded and watched the retired knight go over and separate his two boys, the commenter giggled when the alchemists grumbled a little bit, but didn't argue, before Reannie35 walked over to Lance, who was watching the entire thing. He noticed the commenter and smiled, "Hey Lance!!"
"Hiya Reannie35! What's up?" The former thief replied with a grin as the commenter noticed LionRoar34 smile at them and wave, they waved back
"First off, you're awesome king!! It's great to see you again!"
Lance blushed, "awww, well thanks! And it's great to see you too! Did you have some questions for me?" When the commenter nodded, he grinned even wider, "cool! I'm ready for em!" He joked, taking a battle stance and getting the commenter to chuckle
Reannie35 contained their chuckles and asked, "do you have a favorite soup"
"Hmmm... Favorite soup? I'd have to say.... There's this really good potato soup! It's got spices and herbs in it, really thick broth with melt in your mouth meat", he let out a happy sigh, "such a good soup! And great with crackers and cheese!"
Reannie35 grinned happily before they asked, "what's your favorite thing to cook?"
"Oof! Hittin me with the hard stuff man!" Lance joked, "hmmmm.... Practically anything I can mix and mingle with, I'm like the alchemist of cookin I guess you can say"
"He's not lying", Eugene chimed, getting LionRoar34 to snicker, "he 'gourmets' everything he does! Even premade food!"
"There's nothin wrong with addin a touch of magic to somethin already delicious!"
"Oh yes, I'm certain the castle chef would just *love* to hear about how you added salt, pepper, basil, sage, and *chicken* to his already made soup!"
"He didn't add any spices, the soup was bland and needed a kick, I didn't make him feel bad for it, simply added the ingredients while he wasn't lookin! I don't see a problem with that, the man gets to keep his dignity, and I get a meal I enjoy!"
"Right...."
Lance huffed, "don't listen to him", he stated to Reannie35, "he's just upset I didn't do the same for him when he got food he didn't like"
"The castle food is good enough!" Eugene argued
"Even better with my added recipes", Lance stated, "now, did you have another question?"
"Ugh...." Eugene groaned, getting Rapunzel to hug him lovingly, a gesture he returned as LionRoar34 patted the Dark Prince's shoulder and Reannie35 asked their final question
"Do you think Caviar lance Will happen in the future?"
Lance's eyes widened, "oh no..." Eugene stated, face palming as Rapunzel giggled
"I will search high and low! Far and wide! I will find the perfect caviar, the from the *saltiest* of seas! Put them together in a fragile stack, shape that pile like me, in my likeness and glory, and the world will be good once again!" The former thief stated dramatically
"Pure poetry...." Hector sassed as Edmund raised a confused brow and Adira smiled, trying to hide her giggles
"You be quiet", Lance stated, "you know *not* of the dream I have for Caviar Lance!" He looked at the commenter, "I will make this prophecy a reality, even if it's the last thing I do! Caviar Lance will live! If only for a short while as I eat him happily!"
"Then your digestive system will do the rest", Hugo stated
"You, also, be quiet"
"Pfft!" The blond snorted, getting Varian to giggle as Quirin sighed
"You live your dream Lance", Rapunzel encouraged
"Thank you! Why can't any of you be like *her*?!" Lance exclaimed
"To be fair, I didn't say anything", Quirin stated
"...................Humph"
Quirin chuckled before he looked at Reannie35, "did you have any other questions for any of us?"
The commenter thought for a moment before shaking their head, Harmony, seeing this, floated down and looked around, "does anyone else have any questions?" The room was quiet, "alrighty then, I now pronounce this Q and A closed! Also, I just want to say, thank you all, again, for the support, the kindness, the care, and the compassion you've all brought to me and every one of these characters here! Without any of you being here, I wouldn't have made this story, I would've stopped and been in a worse place because, at that point, my mental health was no longer there.... I've been through so much in my life, and I know you all have too. Yet the fact that you've all been here for me and supported this story means the world and so much more! Thank you all so much, I'll go into detail more in the notes below, but just a quick shout out to Cardcaptorkatara, Moonlight, Crystal, DianaIsMyName31415, Reannie35, LionRoar74, Mildrac_Virtue, Amelia Smith, TheCrystal97, Hiko, Cooper_Hunter376, Hufflepuffhuggybuggy, Youcancallme_Aru, ShyFox_Isnt_Awake, Ash:>, TheCelestialCollective, Stardustfairy31, 7cfkyoje, mha_kny, AisheyruFox, and so many more who have commented, liked, or even read this story! You've made every day worth getting up for, and I'm so sorry if I didn't say your name, but know that if you're reading this right now, that thank you includes you! Thank you all so much for everything, and I can't WAIT to see you in the next chapters! For now, I hope you all have a wonderful da/night! Buh-Bye! <3"
Notes:
Hello! <3
Sincerely, thank you all SO MUCH for your support and kindness towards me and this story! I never, in a million years, thought it would grow as big as it has, and it's all because of you! I know it may not seem very big to some people, but I was genuinely afraid of posting this! I thought no one would ever wanna read what I had to say about these characters, or even if I'd make it sound interesting or fun at all.... But then people liked it and I wrote more and more and it just kept growing! Thank you all, so much for that! <3
I know I've said this before, but what I write in these chapters are based on personal experiences I've had, and seeing how people have reacted to them now, melts my heart and makes me smile every single day! <3 Thank you all for that, I was in a very bad, mental, place when I first started this, I didn't think anyone would care, and now? People do, and to see that they do, that *you* do, makes me wanna get up and keep writing! I sincerely look forward to writing the next chapter, even if you don't comment or even leave a Kudos, you still *read* it! That means the world to me! <3
Thank you all so much again, for the support, kind words, likes, and reads! I've made new friends with this story, and I will never regret posting it, not ever! <3 I hope you all can continue to enjoy this story, there will be more Q and A's too! I wanna interact with all of you as much as I can! I really enjoy doing that! <3
Thank you all, so much, for reading and supporting me and my story! <3
I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 324: Long Time, No See! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian wakes up to a foggy day and a mess to solve with Hugo, Rapunzel, and a couple people he, and Hugo, didn't expect, or want, to see!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a yawn, it'd been two days since he, Hugo, and his dad had had, what they were referring to as, 'the talk'. Since then, the teen had taken every opportunity he could get to spend time with Serenity, playing and training with her, teaching her new tricks, and even going out, at night, for more flying lessons, the two were inseparable! So as the alchemist stretched his tired limbs, wings and tail following suit, and reached out a hand to go and pet the blue dragon, he was a little startled to find nothing but air by his side. Looking over, the spot where Serenity usually laid was empty, inside, the dragon in question was staring out his window and up towards the sky. "Hey girl, what's wrong?" Varian asked, a little nervously as he got out of bed, Ruddigar hopping onto his shoulder as he did
The dragon didn't say a word, she just kept staring out the window, her sapphire blue eyes watching the skies as if she were waiting for something to appear. Ruddigar hopped onto her back and chittered at her worriedly, asking if she was alright
Serenity looked at the small mammal and gave him a quiet 'brr', nuzzling him lovingly before looking out the window again
Varian felt his heart begin to beat as he remembered his conversation with his father and boyfriend.... He'd spent as much time with her as possible, but he hadn't thought she'd want to leave so soon.... "Serenity?"
The dragon looked at him
"Are.... Y-you missing home?"
Serenity seemed a little confused by this question before her eyes widened and she let out a chirrup! Immediately going over to her 'mother', and nuzzling him lovingly, purring to ensure he knew she wasn't thinking about that
Varian felt a little relived, hugging her back, "oki, I know dad and Hugo said you'd need to leave one day, but I'm not entirely sure how to cope with that yet, you know?"
Serenity chirruped happily, nodding her head understandingly as Ruddigar hopped onto his boy's shoulder once more
"What were you looking at?"
Serenity made an odd face before she walked over to the window, calling her 'mother' over as well
Varian followed, checking the window as well, "woah", he said as he saw the foggy day, "that's.... Odd.... Corona doesn't normally have foggy days like this...."
Serenity nodded, as did Ruddigar
"Hmm.... Maybe we should talk to dad about this... He may know what's going on...." When the two animals nodded, Varian went to go and grab his clothing before he noticed Hugo wasn't in the other bed, "huh... Guess he's already up then". The alchemist got his clothes on, put on his boots, brushed his teeth, checked his alchemy projects, brushed Ruddigar, and wiped Serenity's scales before heading downstairs for the day, "daaad! Have you seen outside? It's pretty weird and I think there may be something odd going o-!" He froze when he opened the kitchen door. No one was inside, well, that wasn't entirely true, *someone* was there, just not the person he'd been hoping for.
"Hi Varian", Rapunzel said nervously as she stood in the middle of the room
The teen was silent for a moment or two before sighing, "hi Princess, have you seen my father?"
"No... I uh... Just came down here too actually... I haven't seen anyone today"
Varian nodded, "probably outside then", he began to head for the door when
"Varian wait I-!" Rapunzel started, but stopped when she did. The alchemist had stopped moving, Serenity and Ruddigar exchanging glances with each other for a moment before Varian began to walk towards the door again. Rapunzel hesitated for a moment before she said, "I'm sorry...."
The alchemist stopped once more, the room was silent for a full minute or two, neither one of them speaking.... Rapunzel was about to say something more when Ruddigar let out a very loud "SCREEEEEEEEEECH!" Before his tail *poofed* and his hackles rose
"W-woah! Ruddigar what's-!" Varian started, before he heard a voice he didn't think he'd ever hear in his home
"Hello Varian Vanguard"
"....Nigel?!" The teen turned and saw the royal advisor standing inside of his home. The back door to the kitchen was wide open, the alchemist and princess guessing that's how the man had even gotten in, "what the *hell* are *you* doing here?!" Varian snapped, glaring at the man and making Serenity do the same as she puffed smoke out of her nostrils
"I should ask you the same with that *dragon* of yours", the man replied
"She's *none* of your business, now what the *fuck* do you want?!"
"Such language, you know your father abhors that kind of foulness coming out of your mouth"
"Just tell me what you want before I throw a goo bomb at you"
Nigel sighed, "you won't believe me when I say this, but I'm honestly not here to cause you any harm", he stated, "I'm honestly here because I came to warn you about that dragon of yours"
"I am *well* aware of my dragon and the dangers that come with her, I'm also aware that she'll need to leave soon and have been preparing for that. So you can just march your snotty ass out of my home before I kick it out myself", Varian stated as his tail flicked angrily behind his back
The royal advisor was taken, slightly aback, by the teen's cold reply, he huffed, "I came to help-!"
"It's not wanted", Varian interrupted, "and since when the hell did *you* care?"
"Since your father and I had a chat, about you"
"W-wait... What?"
"Yes, the day I accused you of being the one to harm the two guards during Donella's imprisonment, I went with your father to question the two guards. He questioned them and kept his questions unbiased, I asked a few things about you and... Got the full story of what happened to you and why you did what you did. Make no mistake, I still think you were wrong, but.... It's given me a new perspective. I came here because I saw you with your dragon a few days ago and wished to speak with you about the potential dangers and what you may need to do very soon".
The freckled teen glared, "so you finally heard my side of the story and suddenly you have a change of heart? And I'm supposed to believe that after *everything* you've done to me? You've lost your mind if you think I'm buying that load of shit coming from your pompous mouth"
"Believe it or not, I *am* telling the truth!"
"And so you just *happened* to sneak inside me and my father's home without telling him becaaaaause....?"
Nigel sighed, "I came here and have already spoken with Quirin. True, I didn't tell him why I was here, but at the moment, he knew I'd wanted to come into his domain. He's given me permission and I came inside while he took care of... Whatever he's doing out there"
The teen stopped for a moment, "he's.... Busy?"
"Yes, he and that boyfriend of yours, along with the Dark Kingdom representatives and Eugene and Lance. They're all outside, seems as though something's come up and they're taking care of it, hence why he said for me to go inside"
Varian looked at Ruddigar and Serenity with concern before he let out a sigh, "Serenity, you stay here, we don't need other people seeing you and getting scared"
The blue dragon let out a sad noise and nuzzled her 'mother'
"I know princess", Varian cooed, stroking her muzzle lovingly, "but it's better for you to stay here so no one attacks or hurts you. I'll be fine, Ruddy will be with me, and you know he'll tears into anyone that tries to hurt me"
Ruddigar gave the dragon a confident smile, getting Serenity to smile back and nod
"Good girl!" Varian exclaimed happily, kissing her head before he looked at the royal advisor seriously, "where is he?"
"By the orchard, are you really going out there?" Nigel asked, drips of concern lacing his voice
"Yes, if he's out there with Hugo and the rest of my family, then something's wrong and I need to help", he stated, "you're *sure* they're by the orchard?"
"Yes", he replied, "I'm not lying, I don't lie, I took an oath not to"
Varian nodded, "dully noted, stay here", the alchemist began to run out the door before he heard
"V-Varian...."
He slid to a halt before sighing, "if you want to come princess, fine, just...." He looked at Rapunzel, she was standing and looked worried, extremely worried, ".... I don't want to talk about it.... If you're coming, let's go, but no mention of what happened between us until this is solved"
"....Ok"
Varian nodded and ran out, Rapunzel following him, before he peeked his head inside and glared *daggers* at the advisor, "you lay a *finger* on my dragon, I'll fuck you up worse than my uncle did with the guards that imprisoned me, and that's not just a threat, but an *oath*", he stated before ducking out of the home, taking *immense* pleasure in the frightened look the man gave him as he ran into the foggy backyard.
****
"DAAAD!" Varian yelled as Ruddigar made chitters that sounded like him repeating his boy's calls, "DAAAAD!"
"EUGENE?" Rapunzel added, "LANCE?"
The two couldn't see anything past the fog, it was thick, too thick, to the point where Varian had to lower his goggles just to make sure nothing got in his eyes. He squinted, walking around before he bumped into something, "ow.... Dammit", he rubbed his nose, "I would ask why there's so many trees, but the fact that this is an apple orchard prevents me from doing that...."
Ruddigar pet his boy's head soothingly, chittering that he would do the same in the other's shoes
"Thanks bud", the teen replied, scratching behind Ruddigar's ear before he looked around, "I still don't see any of them, where could they be?"
The raccoon just shrugged as he looked around as well, not really sure how to answer
"They've gotta be somewhere", Rapunzel stated, "Nigel's right when he says he doesn't lie, not even to people he dislikes, no offense"
"None taken, I don't like him either", Varian stated with a huff
"E-either way, they should be here.... EUGEEEEEEEENE!" She yelled, making Varian plug his ears and wince a little, "whoops, sorry"
The alchemist sighed but before he could say anything, he heard a voice and his eyes widened, "Hugo?"
The voice sounded again, getting Ruddigar's ears to perk up as he chittered and pointed straight ahead of them
"HUGO!" Varian yelled before he ran forwards, bumping into the tree again, "ugh.... Around the tree, *around* Varian", he stated, before sliding around it and running forwards, "HUGO!" He called again, Rapunzel right behind him, "HUUUUUUUGO!" The freckled teen yelled once more
This time getting a response, "VAAAAAARIAN!"
Ruddigar chittered as he pointed his nose straight ahead, prompting Varian to run faster
"W-wait Varian! I can't keep up!" Rapunzel called. The alchemist had half a mind not to care, but he sighed and stopped, waiting for the princess to catch up, when she did she smiled, "thanks"
"It's stupid to be alone out here, but we need to hurry", he stated in a monotone voice
Rapunzel felt a pang of pain hit her before nodding, "r-right, sorry"
Varian nodded before he looked around, "HUGO SAY SOMETHING AGAIN!"
There was a moment of silence before they heard, "I HAVE AN IDEA FOR MORNING BREATH THAT I THINK YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO!"
Varian blushed and smiled, "DITTO TO YOU, NOW STAY PUT!" As Ruddigar pointed to the left of them, chittering happily as the two celestial siblings ran towards the blond's voice. For a moment, they didn't seen the teen anywhere, that it, until Varian bonked into something else that he initially thought was another tree until the thing caught him by the waist and kissed his lips lovingly
"Hello Freckles", Hugo said with a smirk
The blue eyed alchemist blushed, "hi", he replied before standing on his own and snickering, "nice smoke glasses"
"Thanks! Digging the fog goggles, they new?"
"Don't you know it!"
The two giggled before Varian tilted his head, "Hugo, what's going on? Why are you, and everyone else save for the princess, out here in this fog? I mean, I get why dad may be out here, he's a farmer through and through, but...." He gave his boyfriend a worried look
Hugo sighed, "Quirin said he saw someone out in the fog earlier, and got a very bad feeling. Hector and Adira agreed and Edmund, Eugene, and Lance went to look with your dad. They said if they hadn't returned in a few minutes, to have Adira and Hector search for them..... They didn't come back.... Nor did Adira and Hector.... So I came out too...."
Varian's eyes widened with worry, "why didn't you come and get me?!" He asked, "or her?" He gestured to Rapunzel
Hugo blushed, "you and she were sleeping and both of you have been.... Having a hard time lately.... Plus, when they didn't come back, I wasn't really thinking about it, I just wanted to find them and get them back.... I'm sorry"
Varian felt his concern for his father rise, but understood Hugo's point and smiled, "it's okay, just please tell me next time. Either way, we found you, which is good. Do you have any ideas as to where any of our family went?"
The blond nodded and pointed deeper into the orchard, "all of them went deeper into the orchard, Quirin said he'd seen the person near the denser part.... I was hanging outside of it because going in alone is fucking stupid as hell. I've called their names, set off flares, even searched the main parameter, but none of them have come back...."
Varian felt his anxiety building as Rapunzel stepped in, "well, we're all here now, we can search together, and I have a way we can stick close", she unraveled her hair and tied it around her waist, "tie it around both of yours and we'll head inside the orchard together", she stated, offering her hair to the alchemists
Hugo snorted, "I seem to recall a time when I was tied up in your hair, you nearly killed me"
"You were being sassy and I didn't know you at the time"
"Yeah, but to be fair, I was being less sassy than normal that day", the blond replied as he tied the hair around him with a smirk
"I'll make sure to remember that", the princess stated before tugging him a little and getting him to snicker before they noticed Varian had gone quiet.
Looking at him, the teen had finished tying the hair around him and was waiting, staring towards the woods, "hey, Freckles I'm certain your dad, aunt, uncle, grandpa, and friends are all okay"
"You're probably right I just.... Have a very bad feeling.... Like someone's out there that we really don't wanna see right now...." Varian replied
"....Cassandra?" Rapunzel asked, Varian stayed quiet but she could sense his anger at the mention of that women's name, "Varian-!"
"I don't want to talk about it right now...." The alchemist stated, his voice low, nearly *identical* to his father's growl as Ruddigar curled up a little on his boy's neck
Even Hugo felt the atmosphere change, as his shoulders tensed up a little, "woof... Uh.... Freckles look, it... I-it's gonna be alright, don't worry, you're family is fucking tough, even if a... Certain person is out there, they'll be able to handle... Her... Especially together"
Varian nodded, "I know... I'm just worried", he sighed, "sorry...."
"It's alright love, look, how about we just head on in there and find out what's going on, yeah?" Hugo suggested, trying to smooth the situation out, "we'll stick together, we've got Moon, Sun, and alchemy powers with a side of skillet to the face, I think we can handle ourselves"
Varian smiled at his boyfriend, "you're right, we can, thanks Hugo"
"Anytime Freckles", Hugo replied, "now come on, let's go!"
The three of them walked deeper into the orchard, Rapunzel not saying a word as her heart felt like it would break at any moment. Hugo placed a hand on her shoulder briefly, he gave her a look of sympathy before removing it. She appreciated that and gave him a smile before he continued to walk beside Varian as they were consumed by the thick fog.
****
The three had been walking for a while, Varian running into a few trees as they did, and getting a few nose kisses from Hugo as they continued. That was before Ruddigar suddenly let out a quiet chitter that made his boy freeze and look at him worriedly, "Rud, what's wrong?"
The raccoon didn't say anything, he just stared, wide eyed, at something in front of the group, shaking....
Hugo raised a brow as Rapunzel looked at Pascal, the chameleon shrugging, unsure of why the raccoon seemed to be freaking out, "Pascal's fine", the princess stated, "so whatever's scaring Ruddigar, it doesn't affect Pascal"
"Hmmm.... Freckles, did something happen to Ruddigar in these woods?" Hugo asked
"Aside from his mom.... No, and we're far away from that", Varian replied, "this isn't an animal though, he's done this before.... Around A-Andrew...."
"Wait he did?!" Both blonds exclaimed
"Y-yeah... He didn't trust t-the leader Seporian from the start.... I l-listened at first but...." Varian hung his head in shame
"It's alright", Hugo stated as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy lovingly, "see? Even he's forgiven you"
"I know, I just... S-still working through that...."
"I understand", his boyfriend replied, "but, and not to put too fine a point on it here but.... Andrew's.... Passed on... So he couldn't be the one out here... Right?"
"No... U-unless he's a ghost but... I don't think he'd be out here, if anything, he'd be watching his fellow Seporians", Varian replied
"Ok so", Rapunzel began, "who else does Ruddigar not trust that would make him curl up like that?"
The freckled teen thought for a moment before his eyes widened as two people came to mind, "I.... H-Hugo, did you ever end up sending that letter t-to Donella?"
The blond was startled by that question, but he nodded, "I sent it after we went on that picnic together, I warned her about Cyrus and....." Suddenly his own eyes grew wide with realization, "SHIT! You don't think-!"
"Ruddigar would only warn me about them. They're the only two I can think of", Varian responded quickly, "which means we've gotta be fucking careful...."
Hugo stopped for a moment, "uh.... Hello mini Hector"
"Yeah yeah, my language is bad today, I'm nervous!"
The bespeckled teen snickered, "alright alright, I'll let it go, but you're right, we need to be...." He snorted, "*fucking* careful"
"Hugo"
"Sorry sorry, I'm done", the blond replied with a giggle
"You really think either of them might be out here?" Rapunzel asked
Varian looked at her and nodded, "Hugo sent the letter, she's allowed to come back, we practically invited her to do so to keep her safe. It wouldn't surprise me if she's the one causing Ruddigar to freak out. At the same time, it wouldn't surprise me if he may have followed her here.... Kill two birds with one stone...."
Rapunzel felt a chill run up her spine at that, "oh my...."
"Yeah.... Hugo's in danger, and so is dad....."
"You're on his shit list two Varian", Hugo stated, "so is Adira, Hector, and possibly Edmund too"
"You're not wrong about that", a voice stated, making all of them freeze when they heard it. Their faces paling as Ruddigar let out a shriek before hissing in the voice's direction, getting it to chuckle as Varian's hair stripe began to glow, "awww, did the little kitty miss me?"
They all turned and saw the last person they ever wanted to see at all leaning against a tree with blood on his face, hands, and body. His eyes were practically glowing in the dark fog as his newly formed wounds glistened with blood. It looked like he'd been in one heck of a fight. Varian noticed the cuts that clearly came from his uncle's blade, along with a few new bruises from his aunt, he glared, "where are they....."
"Like I'm gonna tell you"
"Cyrus", Hugo stated, stepping in front of Varian, dagger drawn, eyes locked on the man with a glare that could turn nearly anyone to stone, "what the fuck do you want?"
"Should be obvious.... *Traitor*", the mercenary spat, getting the blond to wince a little, "then again, you weren't the quickest to catch social ques, were you?"
"Shut the *fuck* up!"
"Ooooh, gettin feisty now aren't we?" Cyrus replied with a smirk, "kinda like that face painted women I just beat the shit out of...." This made Varian's eyes light up, "what was her name again?"
"WHAT THE *HELL* DID YOU DO TO HER?!" Varian yelled as rocks shot up from the ground, making the man move from his spot in the nick of time, landing in a tree and smiling down at the alchemists and princess, who was also glaring at the man angrily
Cyrus laughed, "wow! Got better with your magic did ya? Well this oughta be fun!" He stated before jumping down, right in front of Varian! The teen thought quickly and untied the hair from his waist before jumping back, pushing Rapunzel out of harms way, and throwing a goo bomb at the man. He managed to dodge it, but had to jump back, landing in front of Hugo with his back turned to the blond! The emerald eyed alchemist took his chance and sliced into Cyrus's calf before jumping back as the man swung around to hit him! Varian and Hugo ending up side by side and glaring at the mercenary. Cyrus growled, "you're even more annoying when you're together, you know that?"
"That's a good thing you racist fucker", Hugo stated with a growl, as Varian got Ruddigar to dive into his bag for safety
"Two against one, is that really how you wanna play?" Cyrus asked, "does that really seem fair to you, Huuuugo?"
"Ok... first of all", the blond threw an alchemy bomb at the man, who dodged it, but this proved to be a bad idea when Hugo stuck his dagger into the man's arm, "only Varian gets to call me that, and second", he pulled the dagger out and jumped back, making the man growl, "yes it does, because you're fucking *insane*!"
Varian ran beside his boyfriend, goo bomb out, ready to attack as his other hand held onto the knife Adira had given him before. Cyrus glared at the two before he noticed Rapunzel standing by herself, she was at the ready, skillet in hand, glaring at the man as well. But he noticed her, and smiled wickedly, "well I don't think it is, in fact", he threw a rock at the two, a large rock, and made them dodge it right as he ran at the princess. She swung her skillet, but missed, and ended up with his arms around her neck and a dagger in her face, "this makes it even!"
Varian and Hugo froze, "LET HER GO!" They yelled
"Ah ah ah", Cyrus got the knife closer to Rapunzel's chin, his smile widening as he heard her whimper a little, "drop your weapons and surrender, and I'll let her be"
The two growled, but seeing the princess's face, neither was in a position to get to her without it ending in bloodshed.... They knew this, and sighed.... Dropping their weapons and raising their hands, "fine...." Hugo stated, "now let her go"
"Not so fast, I said you surrender *first*, you know what I mean Hugo"
The blond felt his shoulders tense as Varian looked at him, the blond wanted to scream and yell, but he knew it would only cause trouble. So he sighed, "....Cyrus-!"
"Do it...."
Rapunzel's eyes widened as Hugo began to sink to his knees, "HUGO DON'T DO I-!" Cyrus's hand slapped over her mouth
"If you wanna keep your eyes, you'll stay fucking quiet", Cyrus exclaimed before he looked at Varian, who was glaring at him, "no magic tricks, follow him to the ground now....."
The freckled teen was still glaring at the man before he noticed something behind him, at first he seemed weary, but after a moment or two, he nodded and looked at Cyrus again, "no"
"WHAT?!"
"No", Varian replied, "I won't surrender to you, EVER!"
"Varian-!" Hugo began
"No! I'm not playing this game, let her go, or else...." He threatened
"You stupid or something fuck head?!" The mercenary exclaimed, "you don't surrender, and your pretty princess loses her life! The fuck do you mean 'no'?"
Varian smirked as a voice behind the mercenary stated, "no means no Cyrus", before someone jumped down, kicked the man in the head, getting him to let go of Rapunzel, who got up and backed away shakily as the person rolled and landed on their feet before looking at the deranged murderer, "or do you not remember that?"
Cyrus got up and glared at the person before he froze as Hugo's dagger zipped by and latched itself into a tree nearby, *centimeters* away from the man's nose, "I would back the *fuck* off if I were you", the blond threatened, Varian standing by his side as his hair glowed dangerously in the foggy light
The mercenary looked around him and saw he was surrounded. He growled before smirking at the freckled teen, "no matter, I've got other pray I can play with, not like I have to stick around here any time soon", he stated, dodging the newest black rocks that shot up from the ground before he ran off into the orchard, disappearing from sight
"Dammit! He got away", Varian exclaimed
"Don't worry, he won't get far, at least we know he's sticking to the orchard for now", Hugo responded, calming his boyfriend down
"Yeah", Varian replied, his glow fading, "you're right", he looked at Rapunzel, "are you okay?"
"Yeah", she replied, a little breathlessly
He nodded, "you... Knew I would've backed off had she not appeared right?"
The princess smiled and nodded, "I know"
Varian let out a relieved sigh as Ruddigar wriggled out of his back pack, nuzzling his boy before they all looked at the women before them. She had a couple new scratches on her, and looked as though she'd just gotten out of a fight, but altogether seemed in pretty good shape given the circumstances as she looked at the bespeckled alchemist, "hello Hugo, long time no see"
Hugo nodded, his heart was racing as he stared at the women, the one he'd been living with for most of his life and had abused and used him since he was a child. He couldn't help but feel the smallest amount of relief as she stared at him with her brown eyes meeting his green, "hello.... Donella"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I'm sick! I'm very sick and I have been for a little bit now. I made this chapter long because, I have to actually take two days off from writing because I keep getting really freaking dizzy and throwing up when I stare at the screen for too long. I've been working on this chapter over the course of a couple days, I'm *that* sick.... So I'm really sorry, but I wanna keep grinding those chapters out, but the only way I'm gonna be able to do that is if I actually rest. Hence the longer chapter, but I plan on coming back and posting those chapters like nobody's business when I get back! I assure you all I will, sorry for this, but I hope the chapter satisfies you for now, and gets you excited for more! :D
This chapter is just FULL of crazy things going on, this arch is gonna be dealing with a *LOT* for our beans, particularly Varian and Hugo, so yeah! X3
Varian was an angry bean in this chapter, he's definitely got good reasons to be so, but still! My goodness! He's definitely gonna get hot chocolate and snuggles soon, but for now, he's angry and grumpled, and really needs things to stop happening for a while XD This poor kid, my gosh XDXDXDXD
Hugo is being the best boy in this chapter, calming his boyfriend and Rapunzel, fighting alongside his boyfriend, by the way their team would be *UNSTOPPABLE*! Conceding when he ran out of options to free Rapunzel, someone he and Varian both care about, he's a very good boy here! I'm very proud of him, he's just.... Gonna go through a lot now.... Him and Varian both.... and Quirin.... Hoo boy X3
Rapunzel is being a good girl in this chapter, I've been in her lack of shoes, where I've made a mistake, but apologizing only made the person angrier, so I had to give them their space. It was definitely hard to do, but I did it, and she's gonna have to do it too. She's learning, and that's good, I'm proud of her :D
Serenity and Ruddigar's relationship has gotten better because Varian's a good boy who gives them both attention! <3 I wanted to write a point where Ruddigar did get jealous, and I started too, but I remembered that Varian absolutely loves his raccoon and would make *SURE* he knows that, so hence, the drop of that particular arch in favor of making sure Varian stayed in character for that! <3
Pompous boy is back, I'm calling him this so as not to give away who he is, but I'm genuinely trying to change him into a better person, it's just hard when I don't really like him myself. But I wanna write him in a better light, so here's the start of it, I hope he doesn't seem too forced, please let me know ideas for him getting better, I actually may need help with this XD
Murder man is also back, and he's just as crazy as ever..... Our boys got a couple good hits on him, but he's not done yet, so... I have a theory that people from Ingvarr have an innate gene in their bodies that allow them to tank hits no matter how skinny or weak they are. Hence why Hector could take so much abuse despite being an incredibly weak and sick child. It's why this guy is taking stabs and brushing them off, he's built like a tank and he's from Ingvarr. It's also why a certain person who's also from Ingvarr could kick him and actually knock him down. More on this later, will definitely expand here and in the rewrite, but that's my tiny theory of the day! :D
Abusive witch has also returned, tbh, I plan on having a bit of a redemption arch for her, but it's definitely gonna be hard, because she kinda hits close to a lot of my own experiences..... It's why it took me so long to get to her in the first place, she's just.... A hard topic for me.... Personally.... But I'm definitely getting there, I want to give her redemption, because I believe everyone can be a good person if they just try (yes that was an Undertale reference, but he's my favorite and his quote fits so perfectly here!) It's just gonna be hard, but I'll still do it! Closure? I suppose? Possibly? -\_(._.)_/-
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3 Also, please be safe and don't get sick, it's really not fun, I'll be back as soon as I can, should only be two days, sorry, either way, have a wonderful time and I hope you all enjoy! <3
Chapter 325: Long Time, No See! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian, Rapunzel, Hugo, and Donella search for the missing members while Adira fights, Hector bites, the celestial siblings talk, and Quirin screams!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hello.... Donella"
The gray haired women gave Hugo a smile, "I got your letter, just in time as well, he attacked me the night it showed up. I was able to get away, but he followed me here. Either way, thank you for the warning"
The blond alchemist nodded, "yeah, anytime", he replied softly, he still wasn't sure how to handle seeing her again, it's been months! He wanted to yell and scream at her for what she'd done to him and his boyfriend, but he was also happy and relieved she was there, alive and well. For the moment he remained silent and still, waiting to see what Varian would do next.
The freckled teen, sensing his boyfriend's uncomfortable anxiety, decided to take matters into his own hands, "my dad, aunt, uncle, Grandpa, and two big brothers are out here. We need to find them as quickly as possible", he stated
"You're right", Rapunzel agreed, "but we need to be careful, with Cyrus walking around, no doubt that's gonna be a problem"
"I know, we'll have to work past it though, he mentioned that he's already seen Adira.... And hurt her....."
"Wait, what do yo-!" Rapunzel froze when she remembered something Cyrus had mentioned:
*"Where are they....."
"Like I'm gonna tell you"
"Cyrus", Hugo stated, stepping in front of Varian, dagger drawn, eyes locked on the man with a glare that could turn nearly anyone to stone, "what the fuck do you want?"
"Should be obvious.... *Traitor*", the mercenary spat, getting the blond to wince a little, "then again, you weren't the quickest to catch social ques, were you?"
"Shut the *fuck* up!"
"Ooooh, gettin feisty now aren't we?" Cyrus replied with a smirk, "kinda like that face painted women I just beat the shit out of...." This made Varian's eyes light up, "what was her name again?"
"WHAT THE *HELL* DID YOU DO TO HER?!" Varian yelled as rocks shot up from the ground*
The princess felt so dumb, "oh no.... You're right, we need to find her *now"
"How?" Hugo asked, "the fog is thick, we can't hear them, and we'll end up getting lost if we just walk through and hope we find someone"
"Follow the signs", Donella stated, getting everyone to look at her. She pointed to a path, one that had footsteps and blood on it, "follow the signs", she repeated
"Track them", Hugo translated
"Good be hard to do in the fog", Rapunzel stated
"That's why we have a raccoon", Varian stated as Ruddigar gave a confident chitter before he hopped down and sniffed the air. He pointed his nose in several directions before he smiled and pointed towards a particularly rough path, "good job bud", Varian complimented as he walked over and looked at the path.
Hugo joined him, "looks pretty nasty in there"
"It does, but it's the only lead we've got"
"I know, I'm with you, always", the blond stated, taking his lover's hand in his and smiling
Varian smiled back, "thanks Hugo", he then looked over at Rapunzel, "you coming?"
"Yup", the princess replied, "just tying my hair around my waist, we should still do that"
"Right", the freckled teen agreed, before picking up some hair and doing the same, Hugo echoing the action as Donella stood and watched them all. Once they were done, the blond alchemist looked at the grey haired women
"Uh.... Freckles we.... Um...." He didn't know what he wanted to say, he kept getting conflicted, it was a little nauseating
Varian looked at the bespeckled teen before he noticed Donella and sighed, "you should probably come along, you're on his list too... Unless you'd rather stay in my father's house. I've got a dragon in there, she's strong"
The women actually considered her options for a moment before shaking her head, "I want to help, if it's not going to affect.... Anyone", she specifically looked at Hugo, the blond met her gaze before taking it away quickly
Varian stepped forwards, "you being anywhere near here is going to affect people no matter what", he stated, "but if you want to come, then fine, just don't give me a reason to regret it, because I *will* make you sorry"
"Noted", Donella replied before accepting the hair offered to her by the princess and tying it around her waist. Once she was secure, she gave the group a thumbs up
Varian nodded before looking at Ruddigar, "still got the scent bud?"
The raccoon chittered and pointed in the direction of the rough looking path again
"Thanks, lets go", with that, the group began to make their way through the woods, keeping a sharp eye out for Cyrus or any of their friends and family members, hoping to find someone as soon as possible in the orchard.
****
Adira panted, she was on the floor, the man had jumped her, knocking her down from behind. She cursed at herself, this was getting ridiculous.... *I'm a damn warrior, why does this keep happening?!* She asked while scolding herself. She'd been walking in the orchard, her brother asking for her help to stop whomever was walking inside it when the attack happened. That murderer had jumped her from behind, and he didn't hold back either..... She'd managed to get away, but just barely.... Now where was she? Hiding? In a tree no less... Pathetic....
*Come ON! You can do this!* She thought, *you NEED to do this, heal, pick yourself up, and find your siblings!*
She nodded to herself before looking around, she didn't see, or hear, anyone. She looked at her wound, the cut was pretty deep in her side, but nothing she couldn't handle, the scrapes and bruises she'd just gained were easy to treat as well. She pulled out a small medkit Quirin had given her and began to heal herself, keeping her eyes and ears open to any and all possible movement, that falling leaf, the apples swaying in the wind, one falling to the floor and becoming bruised. She took notes of everything until she was sure the wound would be fine until properly treated.
She got up from her spot, the wound stung, but she could ignore it. She looked around once more before hopping down, she made her way through the woods, taking in everything she could catch, a few birds chirping on a branch, *that's a good sign*, she thought to herself, *it means no one's disturbed them, which could indicate either someone sneaking around here like me, most likely one of my brothers or king, or I'm alone*.
She continued to move forwards, still taking care to watch her step before she froze, everything was silent, no birds, no leaves, just the sound of steps, the person approaching wasn't trying to hide themselves. She ducked behind some bushes and watched, better to be prepared than not. She peeked out from behind the bush, only to spot the man she was after, her eyes narrowed when she noticed the new wound on his leg, *seems as though he got into some trouble.... Wait.... that's not from my brother's sword, which means..... Oh no.....* She made a mental note to look for her nephew and his boyfriend, and quite possibly the princess too, after this man passed her.
She watched him walk around, the wound wasn't even fazing him, which amazed her a little as it seemed to be pretty deep. She continued to watch him until he disappeared from sight. She waited a few more moments, everything was still, but the more she waited, the more her mind told her to run. This was so familiar, in the woods, with a maniac trying to kill her, she shivered a little before shaking her head. She wasn't that scared little girl anymore, she could fight now, and she would if she needed to, she looked around, still didn't see the man, that is, not until she felt something sharp against her back, "I wouldn't move if I were you... Little girl...."
*Dammit*, she sighed and stood up, "alright, so you have a dagger, knife, sword, or something else equally as sharp to my back, you plan on using it? Or will you just stand there and threaten me?"
"Which do you prefer bitch?" Cyrus asked
She smirked, she loved this part as she kicked behind her, making him jump back before she jumped up and kicked his head before jumping and landed back a few feet, "that", she replied
The mercenary growled, "got some new tricks up your sleeve, huh? Certainly seem more active than you were before"
"You jumped me before, I wouldn't call that a fair fight", she replied, "so how about we change that"
"Should've been paying attention", Cyrus stated before he took his dagger and ran forwards, she jumped out of the way, he knew she would. He grabbed her leg and began to swing her towards the trees, but he froze when he saw her smile
"I don't like", she started before twisting in his grasp, and using her other foot to kick him square in the jaw, "being *touched*!" She finished, knocking him into a tree while landing on her feet. Her hands were behind her back as she watched him get up, he had a couple new cuts, so splinters here and there, "what? No snappy comeback? No nasty remark?" She asked sassily, "finally getting it through your head that I'm not a weakling, dumbass?"
"Shut up bitch! You haven't seen anything yet!" He got up and lunged at her, she managed to jump out of his way, but he turned, on a dime, and slammed straight into her. He smiled when he heard the small grunt she gave as she fell to the ground, "you're not the only one with tricks up their sleeves". He slammed the dagger *inches* from her shoulder before he towered over her, about to pin her to the ground
Adira's eyes widened before she kicked him in the stomach, hopping up and grabbing the dagger, "bastard...." She spat, glaring at him, "you're disgusting...."
Cyrus growled before he laughed, "good! I'm glad I am!" He dove into her, both of them slamming on the floor, he finally pinned her hands, "makes hurting you even better!"
She knocked her head into his, causing him to fall on his back beside her before she hopped up again. Her heart was beating, this was bad, she needed to get away from him again..... She backed away, dagger still in hand, the other reaching for her sword that Lance had given her. She really wished Lance were *here* right now..... Dread filled his body as Cyrus got up, the deranged look in his eyes reminding her of The Baron once more, *RUN!* Her mind screamed, but right as she could, Cyrus was tackled to the ground!
She stopped and watched before relief filled her as yellow eyes *glared* at the mercenary, a rhino and two binturongs by her side, protecting her, and growling *dangerously* at the murderer, "get up", Hector stated, kicking Cyrus's leg, "get up so I can fucking *end* you!"
The mercenary laughed, "you think I'm going to? What? Can't fight unfairly, so you don't fight at a-AH!"
Hector's blade was plunged into the creep's leg, all the way to the hilt, "I only gave you the chance so you could fight back.... I don't give a *damn* if you're on the ground or in someone's *ass*, I'll kill you either way", he pulled the sword out, *harshly*, taking glee in the man's scream when he did. "Pinned my sister, beat her, scared her, jumped her unfairly, you're a coward, that's all, and I'm gonna enjoy tearing every *inch* of you apart *piece* by fucking *piece* until there's nothing left by your eyes and teeth, which I'll make jewels out of", he stated with a wicked grin, "wanna get fucked up, then lets fucking go"
Cyrus grinned, "so you're just as nuts as me, that's fine", he jumped up and kicked at the wild tamer, who dodged easily before slashing at him with his sword, only to be blocked by another sword Cyrus had, somehow, gotten a hold of, "I wanna fucking play...."
****
Varian continued to follow Ruddigar, the raccoon still sniffing around, none of them were speaking, they had nothing to say to each other. Hugo focused on Varian, Varian focused on Ruddigar, Donella focused on the forest, and Rapunzel.... Couldn't focus at all.... She kept glancing at the freckled teen, not sure what to do or say to make things better. She knew what she'd said to him wasn't fair, she also knew he was angry, and didn't want to be bothered..... But she couldn't help her growing anxiety, she really wished Eugene were here, he could keep them talking.... "Rapunzel"
"Huh?" She looked over and saw the freckled teen staring, "you're not moving", he stated
"Oh! S-sorry", she replied before walking over to the group, "got, lost in thought I guess", she replied with a blush
Varian nodded and turned to begin walking once more before he stopped, sighing as he felt the princess's worry once again, practically burning a hole in his back. He untied the hair around his waist and looked at Hugo, "will you be okay for a moment?"
The bespeckled teen looked between his boyfriend and Rapunzel before nodding, "yeah, we'll be fine"
"You sure?" Varian glared at Donella
"I don't plan on doing anything to him", the grey haired women replied, "I won't.... I *don't* want to do that anymore.... I know you don't trust me, but if it'll help", she took the hair off her waist as well and stepped back a few feet away from Hugo, "I'll keep my distance"
The blond alchemist felt a little relieved to hear her say that, "it's okay love, she keeps her word, even if she doesn't want to, go ahead", he gave Varian a reassuring smile, "you need to talk about this"
Varian hesitated one last time, double checking Donella before he sighed, "ok", he kissed Hugo's lips, untying the hair around the blond's waist as he did before smiling, "I love you"
"Love you too Freckles", Hugo replied with a smile
The freckled teen smiled back happily before he sighed and looked at Rapunzel, "you and me need to talk, over there, we need to fix this because it's only making things harder"
The princess was startled by that before she nodded, "o-only if you want to"
"I don't.... But I have to", he stated, "*we* have to. We're friends, I don't plan on breaking that friendship, but things need to change, and we need to talk about it"
The princess nodded, "ok, where should we... Um...." She looked around
"Here, let's just, go over here", Varian walked a little ways away from Hugo and Donella, the two staying put while Rapunzel followed him. Once they were out of ear shot, the alchemist sighed, "look.... You... Kept something important from me.... That was bad...."
"I know.... I'm so sorry.... I thought it would be better if I did, if you didn't know, you wouldn't be upset about it"
"I'm more upset that you didn't think you could tell me", Varian stated, "do you not trust me?"
"I do!" Rapunzel replied, "I definitely trust you! With all my heart"
"Then why didn't you tell me? Surely me being upset can't be the only reason"
"It.... Kinda is...." Rapunzel admitted before she sighed, "Cassandra... She hurt Quirin and Hugo, she destroyed your home and made both of you so upset, Varian I.... She did so much damage to the both of you.... I thought that if I told you I could feel her in that moment, after her unleashing red rocks everywhere, you'd.... Hate her...."
"What if I do?" Varian asked, "what difference would it make?"
"...Hate hurts... It breaks and consumes you until there's nothing left...." Rapunzel stated quietly, "you already know that"
The teen huffed, "so you kept it a secret so I wouldn't hate her?"
Rapunzel winced at his harsh tone, "I.... That and.... I didn't know how to feel about it myself.... I mean... She attacked my kingdom, hurt a lot of people, and she's still going...." She looked at the teen, "yet when I felt her fear and sorrow, I felt bad for her.... I felt like she just.... Was so lost and scared and alone, and all I wanted to do was reach out and help her.... I shouldn't feel that way, I should be angry, like you...."
Varian sighed, "being angry is not always a good thing", he stated, "but keeping secrets from the ones you care about is even worse", he added
"I know..." The princess said, "Eugene told me something similar a long time ago, that you don't keep secrets from the one's you love", she said, "but.... I felt like I had to.... So I could explain it better, maybe even.... Help you...."
Varian raised a brow, "help me?" The thought hit him, "wait, you wanted to help me *understand* Cassandra with that information, didn't you?"
"I... Not in a controlling way, just... So you didn't get angry", Rapunzel replied, "I didn't want you thinking I was dropping everything you and she went through, and everything you and I went through. I didn't want you to believe that I was siding with her because I like her more or like you less! I just.... I...."
"You.... Didn't know how I'd react.... So you got scared.... Hence why you didn't tell me", Varian finished for her, the princess didn't say anything, "...I'm right... Aren't I?"
"....Yes..."
The teen felt guilt fill him, as much as his anger did too.... "Why are you afraid of me?"
"I'm not afraid of *you*, I'm.... Afraid of.... Hurting you...." She said, "I hurt you really badly before, and I've done it a few good times after that.... I've made you cry, abandoned you.... I hurt you so many times and I just... Didn't wanna do it anymore.... I thought that if I kept it a secret, figured out how to say it, then I could tell you and possibly make it easier on you.... I thought... That if you didn't feel like I was siding with her, that if you understood *why* I felt sympathetic.... Then maybe you wouldn't be hurt by how I feel and we could figure it out together.... But then you mentioned the amber.... A way to freeze and stop her.... And I... Got angry...."
The teen sighed, he felt tired, very tired, he wanted his friends to stop doing this to him, but in order for that to happen, he'd need to leave them.... Something he really didn't want to do.... He looked at Rapunzel for a moment or two, "...Did it work? Did not telling me prevent me from being hurt?" He asked
She winced again, "no.... I don't plan on keeping anything like that from you again... I'm sorry...."
"....I'm sorry too", he said
"You have nothing to be sorry fo-!"
"You were afraid that I'd get upset with you for something as small as you sympathizing with Cassandra. I haven't exactly been kind when it comes to her.... I've been angry and upset and yes, full of hate.... She did attack my dad and boyfriend, she did destroy my home and my mother's only portrait, she's attacked me and my family, she's done horrible things since she's been away, so my feelings on her couldn't be clearer, I really *REALLY* wanna hurt her, and I want her to feel the same amount of hurt she's put on me and my family!" He exclaimed, his eyes and hair glowing dangerously as he spoke before he took a breath and calmed down, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy's cheek lovingly as he did. "But.... That's not easy on you...." He stated, "you and she had a friendship before me and you.... You two were like sisters and close.... You were best friends and saved each other through a lot, I was there at the 'Challenge of the Brave', I saw you two fight and make up, I was there.... You and she are close and I get it... You have a special bond with her... Just like you and Eugene, but in a different way... One that... Honestly, I don't think we could really ever have...."
"Varian-!"
"No, I... I don't m-mean that in the way you think, I just... I don't think I'll ever be as close to you as you are with her.... And sometimes that hurts... Sometimes it sucks to be second to someone... But I get it, it's not a bad thing, you and her were first, you were close, I just.... Look I'm sorry too... I've made it hard for you to be even concerned for her.... I don't think I'll ever be able to not be angry at Cassandra for what she's done, if she wants to make up for it, she'll be working for a very long time.... But right now, I can't forgive her... Not ever.... But that doesn't mean I think less of you for wanting to still be her friend, to still wanna be close and have that relationship.... But you have to tell me when you know something about her... This, your friendship, it, at the moment, is not more important than an entire kingdom, family, or person. She's in the wrong, she's doing bad things, we don't know why, and fine, giving her a chance would be great, but until I see she can actually change, or even wants to.... We've gotta be honest with each other.... You can't hide things from me because you're scared of how I'll react.... At the same time... I'll try to get better about how angry I get, ok?"
Rapunzel nodded, "ok.... I'm really sorry Varian...."
"It's.... Ok.... For now we're okay..... I'm still a little hurt by it, but.... I get it.... I haven't been the most approachable when it comes to Cassandra.... Especially her.... Just... Give me time, please... Give me time to collect my anger, I'll manage it, and you won't be so afraid, I... Don't want you to be afraid of me...."
Rapunzel hugged the teen instantly, "I've never been afraid of you, I've been afraid *for* you!" She stated, "I love you Varian, you'll always be my one and only little brother, I care *so* much about you and I want to make you happy every single day! It's just hard.... For me to understand how you feel, you don't have to not be angry about Cassandra, I just need to grow a back bone, and agree to disagree, sometimes.... Being angry at her is for the best.... I'm sorry"
"I'm sorry too", Varian replied, they hugged once again, both of them finally feeling like they could put this mess behind them, "awwww, aren't you two adorable?" A voice said
"Huh?" The pair looked over and saw Hugo watching them with a smirk
"Hugo!" Varian exclaimed, "you scared us! Also, what are you doing over here?"
The blond snickered, "sorry, following orders"
"W-what do you-!"
"Your grandpa's orders"
"Oh.... OH!" Varian's eyes lit up as he ran around the corner and saw his grandpa watching Donella like a hawk, "GRANDPA!"
Edmund looked at his grandson and smiled, "hello little peanut!"
Varian ran over to the man and bounced into his arm! Edmund wrapping his arm around the teen and holding him close as Rapunzel and Hugo smiled, Donella just watched. Varian pulled away as Ruddigar sniffed the man's mustache, "what's happening? We ran into Cyrus, then Donella, Cyrus is gone, where's dad? A-and Hector, Eugene, Adira, and Lance?"
Edmund sighed, "I'm not sure, we all got separated and haven't been able to find each other.... I've been retracing my steps, and found all of you!"
Varian smiled at Ruddigar, "good boy!"
The raccoon chittered with pride
Everyone smirked at the small mammal before they all heard a loud cry of anger and hatred *RIP* through the woods
Edmund and Varian went pale, making everyone look at them, "who... Or what... Was that?" Rapunzel asked
"Dad...." The freckled teen replied, "that was my dad....."
Notes:
Hiya! :D
I haven't fully recovered, so I'm sorry if some of this is kinda messy, but this chapter had a lot happen in it and I didn't wanna wait! :D That being said, I won't do the character analysis I usually do, this chapter kinda explains where everyone's at either way :3 For now, I hoo boy, things are gonna get nuts.... :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 326: Into the Orchard!
Summary:
Quirin tries to find everyone!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin walked through the woods, his guard was up, sharp eyes looking around to see if the person he'd noticed before was still around. If he hadn't known any better, he could've sworn they looked like Cryus..... He growled at the thought of that man being around here somewhere but shook his anger away in order to calm himself and continue his search. *At least Varian's safe*, he thought to himself, remembering how he'd checked in on his child before leaving this morning. He smiled at the image of his tiny boy curled up underneath the blankets, a small patch of black and blue hair poking out, he chuckled before turning a corner.
He noticed the air was a little different in this part of the woods, then again, he had gone in pretty far, everything was so foggy that it made it hard for the man to see two feet in front of him. He sighed, *maybe I should go back and group up with Adira, Hector, and King Edmund, they may have seen something*, right as he thought that, he heard Adira's yelp! He ran over to find her, only to see someone run past him, he could smell blood on them, "ADIRA!" He yelled, but the figure didn't stop.
Quirin watched her leave, she'd been so fast that he wasn't sure if he'd be able to catch up to her, *what happened?!* He asked himself, before turning and seeing a lone figure standing nearby, he *immediately* got a *very* bad feeling off of this person, he swords were drawn and he growled, "who the hell are you?"
The figure chuckled, "another ashy fucker who thinks he's such a hot shot", they stated
The retired knight's blood began to boil at the voice and words it'd said, "so it is you Cyrus..... What the hell are you doing here?"
"Whatever I please", the man replied, "not like you can stop me you know, I already scared off your little friend"
Quirin's eyes narrowed, "her name is Adira, and what the *hell* did you do to her?"
"Nothing much, jumped her and gave her a good beating", Cyrus replied nonchalantly, getting the Village Leader's eye twitching, "what? It's not like she doesn't deserve it, she thought she could play with the big boys, well clearly no-!"
The murderer was cut off when Quirin lunged forwards and placed one sword to the man's throat, "say one more disgusting thing about my sister and I'll gut you like a *fucking* fish", he warned, his voice dark and rough, sounding akin to an animal's growl
"Heh, you haven't changed a bit have you?" Cyrus asked before he swung something at the man. Quirin wasn't able to stop it in time before he felt the sting of a whip on his arm, it'd knocked the sword out of his hand and allowed Cyrus to run! The retired knight shook the pain off, grabbed the sword, and chased the mercenary! Quirin used shortcuts to catch up to the man, but couldn't seem to get close enough, every time her did, Cyrus would pull out that damned whip and lash the farmer once more.
The retired knight knew this was a lost cause, so he stopped, watching where the man went and checked the location, *away from Adira, opposite to her in fact.... Good, I need to find her*. The retired knight ran back to where he'd seen his hurt sister, he tried to track her down, but the fog was getting thicker and thicker the more he looked. He ended up in a circle, however his sister had hidden her tracks, she'd definitely done a good job of keeping everyone away, he sighed, *Adira... Where are you?....*
"Brother", a voice stated, startling the retired knight before he looked and saw Hector standing nearby, "you're hurt"
"Hector, hi, I'm fine, I'm more worried about Adira", Quirin stated, "Cyrus is here"
"What?!"
"Yeah, just ran into him, he attacked Adira and she's run off, I tried chasing him, but he kept using a whip against me.... I'm looking for her now, I didn't see what he'd done to her, but I could smell blood...."
"Shit... Any luck tracing her?"
"No... I keep going in a circle, she does *not* want to be found"
"Classic Adira...." The wild tamer looked around, "all of these are fresh, damn it...."
"I know.... There's drops of blood too.... Her blood I'm guessing.... She did give Cyrus a couple good scrapes before she left though, the man is disgusting Hector....."
"Believe me, I'm well aware", the wild tamer replied, his yellow eyes glaring into the fog, "there's two sets of tracks, Adira is probably at the end of one of them"
"Right, I'll follow these", Quirin pointed to tracks leading towards the house, "you follow those", he pointed to tracks leading away from Cyrus, "she either went back to my home, or she hid from Cyrus in order to heal"
"You wanna check on your spawn too"
"You're right, he's asleep in that house, so is the princess, and it's been much longer than five minutes, so Eugene, Lance, and Hugo are out searching for us...." He sighed, "I really wish they hadn't persisted on coming after us after 5 minutes...."
"Same, but there's nothing we can do except see if we can find everyone and take this fucker down", Hector stated, "so lets go track down our sister and regroup, there's strength in numbers"
"Right", they began to follow the tracks they'd agreed to follow before Quirin looked over his shoulder, "Hector"
"What?"
"....Be safe"
The wild tamer was startled by that, but smirked, "you too", before continuing to track down his sister.
****
The retired knight sighed, the tracks he'd been following led to a dead end, he had to give Adira credit, she didn't want to lead Cyrus to the house, he smiled at that before remembering that she was hurt. *I sincerely hope the tracks Hector left are the correct ones.... * He thought to himself. He then sighed, *though seeing Nigel was definitely not needed.... Oh well, just so long as he doesn't wake Varian it should be fine, plus it'll be good to have someone else at the house.... Just in case....* He though, worrying about what his son may do to the royal advisor should he wake up soon before he froze, hearing a stick snap in the distance, he growled, that wasn't an animal, "whoever you are, come out, and don't try anything funny", he ordered
"Quirin?" A familiar voice replied, getting the man's eyes to widen
"Eugene?"
The Dark Prince stepped out from behind the bush, hands raised to show no harm, "it *is* you! Quirin!"
"Eugene, oh thank goodness!" The retired knight smiled at the man, walking over to him as Eugene put his hands down, "are you hurt at all?"
"No, you?"
"Save for a few gashes, no"
"Gashes, what are yo-holy shit! You're ARM!"
Quirin looked at his arm, he'd covered the lash wounds using the medkit he'd brought with him, but the wounds still looked pretty bad, "I'm okay, just ran into some trouble", he tried
"No, 'some trouble' is what you call Varian when he's trying to sneak Ruddigar his carrots so he doesn't have to eat them, *that* is more than just 'some trouble'"
"I.... suppose?"
Eugene raised a brow at the man, getting the farmer to blush, "you're terrible you know that? You and Varian both"
"Eheh, maybe, have you seen him by the way, Varian I mean?"
"Hm? No, when we left the kid was still asleep, Rapunzel was awake though", he stated, "I slipped out right as she woke up"
"Ah"
"Yeah.... Did you see anyone?"
"I saw Nigel earlier just now", the retired knight replied, "he stopped by to ask if he could speak with me about something and wanted to chat inside my home. I asked if he'd stay in the house until I got back, and to leave my son be. He agreed and walked back without complaint. I.... Also ran into Cyrus.... He attacked Adira... Hector and I are looking for her, but she left multiple tracks so she wouldn't be found, it's a good tactic, but she's hurt and there's a wild murderer in my orchard....."
Eugene blinked, "well shit"
"Yeah...." Quirin agreed, "busy day...."
"Very...."
"What about you? Where's Lance and Hugo?"
"We... Got split up...."
Quirin's eyes widened, "what?!"
"Don't worry, Hugo's got a lot of alchemy with him, and a dagger too, and Lance is skilled with his sword, they're capable fighters, though I get your concern..... Look I can search for them if you wanna keep looking for Adira", Eugene offered
"No", Quirin stated, "I don't think we should split up, not anymore. There's too many people who can get hurt now, we need to keep together, you stick with me, we'll search for Hugo and Lance together", he added, "Hector knows Adira, he'll find her, no doubt about that, and King Edmund is extremely strong, but we should find him too"
Eugene was hesitant before he nodded, "ok, sounds good"
"You okay?"
"I'm worried"
"...Same... but we'll find them and get them home safe, we will"
"Right"
Quirin smiled before he turned, "she's not here, the tracks lead to a dead end"
"Did you search the trees?"
"I searched the trees"
"Ok"
"Do you know where Lance and Hugo went?"
Eugene thought for a moment before he looked behind him, "Lance got lost, I know that because he kept complaining about the fog. He got silent while Hugo and I were near the beginning of the orchard, that's when Hugo went to look for him and didn't come back, so I'm guessing he got lost too...."
"Right.... We'll need to back track then", Quirin stated, "possibly search for both near the middle and sides, by this point they've probably tried finding you"
"Right... Shit Quirin, this is complicated"
"I know... It keeps getting worse... But we need to keep going", he stated, "we don't leave a comrade behind, ever"
Eugene nodded, "absolutely, just... How are we gonna find everyone, and get out safe, without Varian and Rapunzel coming out to look for us, while a murderer is on the loose?"
Quirin felt fear and anxiety ping through his body, but he took a deep breath to calm himself, and shook the fear away, "we hope"
"Huh?"
"We hope, we keep thinking positive and hope we find them. We search until we can't because that's the only thing you can do. Right now, we're they're only hope, they need us to find them and keep them safe, so we do", he stated, "we hope, and we don't give up, ever"
Eugene was startled by that, "....You've had to do this before, haven't you?"
The retired knight nodded as they began to walk, "back when Adira and Hector were younger, there was a great war between the Dark Kingdom and the kingdom of Wesleton. I fought in that war and at one point, the soldiers of Welsleton attacked our homes. O searched for Adira and Hector, I searched for them when we fought to stay alive, I found every comrade I could, during my search, and got them to safety, because when you're fighting, you only have your comrades keeping you safe, and they only have you". He sighed, "I remember almost being killed by one man, I was only a squire, my training wasn't complete. They'd snuck up on me and had did a fair amount of damage, I was so close to death until one of my comrades took the blow, they saved me and told me to run.... I didn't see him again until much later, in the infirmary, he'd gotten badly injured, but was happy I was safe.... I never forgot what he'd done, and made it my mission to protect all I could".
"Wow...." Eugene stated, looking around to try and find any of their friends, "I... Never knew you were in a war...."
"It was bad.... Many people died from it... And it was all because the Duke from Wesleton wanted the rocks we grew, they were rare, like jewels, he wanted to sell them and thought we would cave into his demands.... The kingdom of Arendelle came to our aid though, we were allied with them and they helped us gain the upper hand. Wesleton conceded defeat, they offered us, and Arendelle, a peace treaty, to which we both accepted. The Dark King became a bigger kingdom because of that peace treaty, Arendelle did too"
"Yeah we do, me and Rapunzel got to go to Princess Elsa's coronation, but we had to leave the night of, which was a shame considering, I guess, there was something big that happened right after we left"
"Really?"
"Yeah, I'm not sure what, all I know is that it got very cold, *very* fast, and the boat we were on just barely touched the shore when the entire ocean froze", the retired knight stared at the man in disbelief, "I'm not kidding Quirin, the *entire* ocean! Ask blondie if you don't believe me"
"I will"
"Rude"
"An entire ocean Eugene"
"You have a son with Moon powers and magic hair Quirin"
".....That's explainable"
"Ugh... I see where he gets his sass from now!"
Quirin chuckled before the smell of something hit his nose, he froze, "stop"
"Huh? What what's wro-!"
"Sh..... We're not alone...." Quirin stated quietly, getting the Dark Prince to be silent. They waited for a long time before they heard Hector
"Get up", the wild tamer stated, he sounded upset
Quirin and Eugene peeked out from behind the bushed, and to their relief, and slight horror, they saw Adira, she was hurt and bruised, but she was alive. Xena, Pixie, and Basil were protecting her while Hector stood against, "Cyrus...." Eugene whispered, "you were right"
The retired knight nodded before he continued to listen to Hector and Cyrus talk, as he did, he watched Adira. She was breathing heavily, no doubt the man had done something to bring back her ptsd.... It made the knight's blood boil.... He watched his sister shiver a little, blood dripping from her new wounds until Cyrus's words caught his attention, ""I wanna fucking play...." Before the Village Leader watched the murderer jump at Hector, grabbing the whip he'd used before and slashing at the man
Hector dodged and fought back, slashing his blade at the man, he managed to cut the mercenary's cheek, but ended up getting punched in the gut for it. Quirin winced a little, but Hector stood his ground, sliding back on his feet before rushing up again and using his speed to slice Cyrus once more. The two continued to fight, neither backing down from the other as they continued to duke it out. Eugene motioned for Quirin to follow him, he did, and they snuck around, Xena turned and spotted them both, allowing them to pass and get close to Adira. The face painted warrior was watching, her hands were balled into fists as she continued to watch the two before she was touched on the shoulder.
She jumped, "it's me", Quirin whispered, calming her instantly, "are you alright?"
"Yeah, Hector came just in time"
"Thank the Moon, Eugene's with me, don't worry"
The warrior looked over and waved at the dark prince, he waved back with a smile, "hi"
"Hi", she replied
"Adira", Quirin said, getting her attention, "what did he do to you?"
"...Jumped me", she replied, "he jumped me and gave me this", she gestured to her wound, "I had to hide for a moment to heal, when I was better I went to find you, Hector, or Fuzz Face, I found him instead...."
"Are you sure you're alright?" Her older brother asked, "it's looks pretty bad"
She nodded, "I'm fine, just got caught off guard"
Quirin nodded before he looked over at Hector, the man was still giving it his all, by this point, he'd noticed Quirin, giving him a glance before continuing to fight, Cyrus hadn't. Quirin continued to watch, he knew his brother wanted to handle this as the fighting came to a stand still, both Cyrus and Hector were panting, the murderer laughed, "well then", he stated, "guess we're both strong! Not bad for a lower rank!"
"Shut the hell up", Hector snapped, baring his teeth
"Awww, did I hurt your feelings? Pah, you're not even on my list, but it's fun to fuck with you either way. What, did the dead bodies of your mom and dad bring out some nasty memories?"
The wild tamer's eyes narrowed, "you're treading on some *very* thin fucking ice"
Cyrus snorted, "like I care, think I don't wanna die? Think I care if you get upset and end me? No, I don't, so why should I be scared?"
Hector ran forwards and knocked the man to the ground, pointing his blade at the man's neck, "because I'll make you *wish* you were dead...."
The mercenary laughed, "you act a lot like them you know!" He stated, "think you're a big shot when you're just a small fish in a big ocean!" He grabbed some dirt and flung it in Hector's eyes, getting the tamer to close them and back up before Cyrus kicked him in the stomach, knocking him down before he towered over the tamer, "you want to think you're all big and bad, but I've fought far worse than you. Thing is, you and your people are beneath me, Ingvarr is far stronger without any of you, and I'll prove it once I have my revenge. I'll kill that bitch Donella, I'll gut that shitty boy toy Hugo loves like a fucking fish, then I'll take everything that blond bastard holds dear and kill them all before he *begs* me for mercy. That includes you, your sister, you brother, your father, and everyone you hold dear too. There'll be nothing left of any of you, I'll wipe you all off the face of this Earth and revel in the dying breaths of all your bloodlines! Your life, and everyone you care about, means *nothing*! *You* mean nothing! And I'll make sure you never forget that *ever* again!" He stated before pulling out the whip once more.
Hector tried to fight back, but his eyes were caked with dirt, he couldn't see or defend himself, he was helpless.... All the tamer could see was the dark, pain filling him as the man lashed his arms, he defended himself as best her could, but could only protect his stomach and heart. He felt like he had back when he lived with his parents, helpless and alone, no one caring if he cried or not.... He felt his pain resurface with every lash he took, more and more pain came screaming in his mind as he tried to get away when suddenly, someone... *ROARED*
Suddenly the pain went away and he felt someone wiping his eyes clean, "Hector!"
"E-Eugene?" The wild tamer replied before he opened his eyes and saw the Dark Prince and Adira staring at him worriedly, "w-what happened?"
"Cyrus cheated..." His sister replied, "he used the same tactic on me, using my past to disarm and hurt me.... He did the same to you... Thing is.... He did it in front of our brother"
"Our.... Quirin!" Hector looked over, regretting the fast motion as his wounds reminded him to stay still, but he ignored it when he saw Quirin. The man's teeth were bared, his eyes mere pinpricks as they filled with rage, his swords swung down, landing again, and again, and *again* on Cyrus, over and over as the man tried, and failed to fight back. The knight continued his rage induced fight, slashing, piercing, scratching, gashing, lashing, and breaking the mercenary until he flew backwards into a tree with one *hard* kick from the knight.
The group of three stared at the man, he was breathing heavily, glaring *deeply* at the murderer he'd just thrashed, "Q-Quirin", Hector said, hating the shiver in his voice
The knight looked over and his face immediately changed, morphing from anger to fear as he ran over to the man, sliding to a stop as he knelt to the ground, placing his swords away, "are you alright?"
"I-I'm okay", Hector replied, "I'm...." He felt his fear come back for a moment and looked away, "I failed again..."
"Hey, no-no, you didn't, you found Adira and helped her, you defended her until I got here, he *cheated*", Quirin stated, "using a person's past to drop his guard is disgusting.... He *will* be paying for it too.... You didn't fail, you didn't", he hugged Hector, "you didn't...."
Hector returned the hug, seeking his brother's comfort at that moment, they stayed that way for a while before breaking it, the retired knight smiling at his little brother before they both heard, "dad?"
Quirin turned and gasped, "VARIAN!"
"DAD!" Varian ran over and hugged his father happily, Rapunzel spotting Eugene and doing the same, while Edmund, Donella, and Hugo stood by and watched. Adira leaned against Hector, who smirked at her, "thanks for the save", she said
"Anytime", he replied, breathing a sigh of relief as his momentary panic died down before he looked around, "hey, where's Lance?"
Everyone looked at Hector for a moment before they looked at each other, no one spoke up, "no one's seen him?!" Eugene asked worriedly
"No..." Rapunzel replied, "me and Varian-!" Chitters interrupted her, "a-and Ruddigar and Pascal, ran into Hugo and Donella, Edmund found us right after, and we heard Quirin scream and came here"
"You heard that?" Quirin asked, looking at his son
"Yeah, are you okay? You sounded so angry", Varian replied before noticing the wounds, "oh no, y-you're hurt!"
"I'm alright", his father replied, "Cyrus just decided to cheat is all"
"Cheat how exactly?" Edmund asked, looking at Adira and Hector, who blushed and looked away
"Using their pasts against them...." Quirin replied
"His typical tactic", Donella stated, "it's disgusting, but effective"
"She's right", Hugo added
Quirin blinked before glaring at the women, "dad she hasn't done anything yet", Varian stated, getting his father's attention, "she's actually here because she got Hugo's letter. Cyrus followed her, it's why he's here right now"
"I still don't trust her...." His father stated
"None of us do..." Varian replied, "but she saved Rapunzel, so...."
"It's true", the princess added
Quirin huffed, "fine, I'll leave it be.... For now...." He stated, still glaring at the women
"Guys, as much as I agree with the subtle, not subtle, threat you're giving here Quirin, Lance is still missing", Eugene stated, "we've gotta find him, and fast!"
Suddenly there was a very loud *BOOM* that echoed through the air. Varian blinked before sighing, "he's in my lab...."
"Wha-but how do you-Nigel is also there you kn-!" Eugene started
"As much as that pompous asshole makes me want to wring his neck until it's nothing more than a straw, he wouldn't go near my alchemy equipment"
"He's too chickenshit", Hector stated
"Exactly, but Lance would go near it, he's probably trying to tell us he's back at the house, safe and sound, but messed up using a flare and caused an explosion", the alchemist stated
"You're talking from experience, aren't you", Eugene stated with a smirk
"The man needs flare training Eugene", Varian stated
"As if to answer any possible counterarguments, look up", Hugo stated, getting everyone to do so, they saw blue smoke in the air, coming from the direction of Quirin's home
Donella snorted, "wow"
"See?" Varian said
Eugene let out a sigh of relief, "thank goodness... Come on, let's grab Cyrus and get back to the house"
Everyone nodded in agreement before they turned and froze, Cyrus.... Was gone.... The only thing left of him was the broken tree he'd crashed into.... Edmund sighed as he stated what everyone was thinking, "well ain't that a humdinger..."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, things got crazy in this chapter, also Quirin got upset again, hims getting angrier and angrier, my gosh XD But at least everyone's found, though, not Cyrus is gone.... Hoo boy
Quirin has always been the sort of, protective big brother to Adira and Hector. I've always thought of him as the one that would be there when his siblings were in danger. So when he see's Adira hurt and Hector being abused, he jumps into action without a second thought! Maybe that's just my take on him, but the way he acts in the show kinda gives me a sort of 'protector' vibe! Also, world building! Because who doesn't love that! :D
Hector and Adira, these two, my gosh! Cyrus needs to stop using that freaking tactic, it's disgusting! But I've had people do this to me in the past, so Cyrus doing this, then getting his butt handed to him by Quirin makes sense. Hector and Adira both need lovins, and they shall get them soon!
Eugene is best bean! One of them, he's learning how to be a leader, and Quirin's the one to teach him! I feel like it would've been good to see Eugene learning from Quirin, Hector, and Adira, and even Edmund, about how to be a leader and a good role model for others before he becomes a guard! So I'm putting that here because woot! :D
Cyrus is crazy, he's gone completely insane and I actually love writing him that way for some strange reason XD
Rapunzel, Varian, Hugo, and Donella came in at the very last second, but they're here, and ready to go! :D
Ruddy buddy is the best coon! <3
Lance is being Lance, and I love Lance being Lance <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 327: It's Okay!
Summary:
The group heads back to Quirin's home to heal and talk when they remember that Nigel's still there!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Well ain't that a humdinger..." The Dark King stated as he looked at the broken tree the murderer used to be
"He's GONE?!" Hector snapped, "are you *kidding* me?!"
"It's gonna be okay Hector", Eugene stated, "we'll find him again, I think it's safe to say he's probably out licking his wounds, so to speak"
"He's right", Donella replied, "Cyrus is hurt, he'll be healing in a hiding spot, he won't bother anyone until he's fully healed, thankfully he doesn't have any abnormal healing speeds"
"Yeah, on top of him having super strength, speed, and blood lust, I'm glad fast healing wasn't added to his already bulky ass fucking *power* list", Hector hissed angrily, "may I point out that you're not exactly safe here either"
"I'm well aware, I happen to know the man though, he doesn't change. His habits are smart and calculated, sure he may be an idiot when it comes to plans, like fighting you and your sister using disgusting tactics right in front of Quirin", she pointed out, "but what he does to keep his strength up and to preserve himself is smart, he'll be a while coming back, but he'll no doubt be stronger, and the first on his list will be you Quirin", she stated, looking at the retired knight
"Why?" Varian asked, watching Donella carefully
"Because he lost", the grey haired women replied, "he lost to Quirin, to someone, he believes, is beneath him. So he'll train to become stronger, then he'll come back to get rid of the man in order to enact his revenge. Because, let's face it, once Quirin is out of the way, everyone else are sitting ducks"
"I find that a little offensive", Eugene stated with a raised brow
"You may dislike it, but it's true, though I haven't seen what the Dark King can do", Donella admitted, "and I'm certain you could do a lot, at the moment, the one person I can see being an actual threat to Cyrus is Quirin, and it's because he has the most to lose"
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel asked, looking at the Village Leader worriedly
Hugo sighed, "Quirin has a son he loves, a home he worked hard for, his long lost family is back together, a job he adores, friends he cares about, in a kingdom he cherishes.... She's right... Out of everyone here, Quirin has the most to lose, and because of that, he'll fight, even *harder*, to protect that. When we heard that roar, it was you losing your shit because Cyrus had used Hector and Adira's pasts to make them stop fighting, and it angered you because you watched your siblings crumble at the words the man was spouting. Because of that, and the love you feel for them, you grew *angry*, and attacked Cyrus without any worries about yourself. You weren't fighting to stop him, you were fighting to kill.... Cyrus knew that, it's why he got so freaked out and ultimately lost".
Varian winced a little at that before looking up at his father, "dad?"
Quirin sighed, "....I'm sorry Varian...."
His son was a little startled, but he shook his head, "no... I'm... I'm glad you fought that way", Quirin looked at him, a little surprised by that, "you saved Adira and Hector, and you ended up driving Cyrus away with minimal damage to yourself. It was reckless and terrifying to hear you like that, but you still won, and you're not dead or hurt. So I'm not angry, I'm glad you fought the way you did... Proud even", he smiled at his father, who smiled back before the teen sighed, "just... Please be more careful next time, I... Don't wanna lose you"
The retired knight nodded before he walked over and picked his child up, "I will"
Varian blushed before asking, "p-promise?"
Quirin smiled, "promise", they hugged for a moment or two, the group watching them with warm smiles before they let go, "we should get back to the house, Adira and Hector are hurt, and I think Lance may be as well if that explosion is anything to go by"
The freckled teen huffed, "if he would just leave my alchemy *alone*-!"
"In this case it was good he didn't", his father interrupted
"I suppose, but I'm still grumpled!"
Quirin chuckled, "ok, you can be grumpled, but let's be grumpled at home, yeah?"
Varian nodded, "oki"
****
"Honestly, I don't understand *why* you went in there!" Nigel scolded as he glared at the man who had smoke coming off his clothing
"I needed to tell everyone I was back at the house, there's somethin goin on Nigel, somethin bad, and I didn't want em worryin", Lance replied, "the only way they'd know I was back without me goin out and searchin for em, and gettin lost all over again, was for me to set off a flare"
"I still can't believe it...."
"I don't care *what* you believe! It was better that I did what I did, now they can come back and we can help them when they do", the former thief stated, "by the way, do you have the medkit I told you to grab or what?"
"I do, though I didn't like going through Mr. Vanguard's personal cupboards", the royal advisor stated as he set the medkit on the counter, "if I get into trouble for that, I'm blaming you!"
"Fine"
"Fine!"
"Uh... Hi?" A voice said, getting both men to look and see Quirin looking at the both of them, "I take it we came in at a bad time?" He asked, holding Varian close to his chest
Lance smiled wide as he saw, Eugene, Rapunzel, Hugo, Adira, Hector, Edmund, and Donella behind the retired knight, "you're all BACK!" He exclaimed, "are you okay? I got lost in the woods and ended up findin my way back to the house, so I set off a flare to let you all know so you wouldn't keep lookin and-Wait, is that Donella?" He pointed to the grey haired women, who rolled her eyes and raised a brow at him
"Yes", Quirin replied, "and thank you for the flare, it was a good idea, though *someone* may have a small grump with you about it later", he looked at the teen in his arms, who was staring at Lance
The former thief blushed, "right, figured that would be the case, but to be fair, I was doin it to help"
Varian sighed, "I know.... How bad's the damage?"
"Honestly, not that horrible, I managed to miss *most* of you lab equipment!"
"...I'll take it"
Hugo snorted as he watched his boyfriend wriggle out of Quirin's hands before the blond noticed Nigel, "what the fuck are *you* doing here?!"
"I came to speak with all of you about the boy's dragon", Nigel stated, pointing to Serenity, who was happily watching her 'mother'. Varian and Ruddigar smiled at the beast and walked over petting her head lovingly and kissing her snoot, "they're dangerous and shouldn't be here at a-!" He stopped when he noticed Adira and Hector, both were bleeding and hurt, their glares were weakened, even if he could still feel the sting, "w-what happened to you two?"
Hector raised a brow, "holy shit, does the pompous asshole of the kingdom actually give a damn about someone other than himself and his overloaded ego?"
"I think he might dear brother", Adira replied with a smirk, "though it may just be due to our status as adopted royalty"
"You may be right"
"Stop that you two", Edmund stated, "even if that is the case, he's still concerned"
"Can't really blame them..." Varian muttered
"Peanut", Edmund stated, raising his brow a little at his grandson
Varian snickered, "I can't take that warning seriously when you call me peanut!" He giggled
"I think he did that on purpose kiddo", Eugene replied with a snort, getting his father to chuckle
"They'll be fine", Quirin stated, noticing the medkit and taking it, gently, away from the royal advisor, "they just need to heal up a bit", he set the kit in front of his siblings, who began to heal themselves as the retired knight faced the man, "so you came all this way to talk to Varian about his dragon being too dangerous to keep around?"
"Well.... Yes... That and.... Well I suppose the other part doesn't matter much right now...." Nigel replied, looking down, Rapunzel noticed this and tilted her head to the side curiously
"What other part doesn't matter right now?" Eugene asked, getting Rapunzel to smile up at him, grateful he'd noticed too
"I...." Nigel sighed, "was going to ask... For an explanation of sorts"
"An explanation?"
"Yes.... From Varian"
The freckled teen stiffened as he glared at the man, "and why do you need that?" He asked, a little sharper than intended, not that he really cared
The royal advisor sighed, "I wanted to know your side of the story. I've heard the king's side, I've heard Quirin', I've heard the princess's.... But I've never gotten yours...." He replied softly, "I... Have earned my way into the castle, worked hard to get where I am today, I know what it's like to struggle at the bottom, to feel as though you're nothing but a failure. So when your father told me there was more to your story, that you have more reasons for doing what you did.... It made me think about the way I acted towards you.... It wasn't fair, but I could still justify it...." He looked at the teen, "I only saw you as the child who'd harmed the royal family and placed countless lives in danger, but your father gave me a new perspective. One that was sad and alone and afraid.... I still don't like your actions, but... I want to understand them.... I feel it's better to judge with the full story, rather than hate based off half of the truth"
The room was silent for a moment or two, everyone was startled by the man's words, that is until Varian laughed, startling everyone even more! The teen was laughing so hard his face was turning red, tears poured from his eyes as he leaned again Serenity holding his side! Ruddigar seemed concerned, chittering at his boy worriedly until the teen finally controlled his outburst, "I-I'm sorry, forgive my sudden giggles, but you can't really blame me", he said, looking at the royal advisor, "you've made my life nothing but a *pain* every time I see you, you nearly caused Nuru to walk away because you deemed me not trustworthy to be met, you've made countless remarks about me to the royals, dignitaries, and even had a hand in trying to confine me and my family with Donella and her crew! So you'll have to forgive me if I find your sudden 'change of heart' to be, forgive me dad, utter bullshit!"
Hector snorted, "he's not wrong"
"I-I mean it though, I want to learn more about yo-!" Nigel tried
"Save it!" Varian snapped, "you embarrassed me in front of an *army* of guards by saying I was the one who'd harmed the newbies in the dungeon, you read me my sentence to me without a second thought and allowed me to rot in that fucking cell, you applauded my lashing and deemed it as an appropriate punishment despite the fact that I was *begging* for mercy. Even if you were *remotely* serious about trying to know why I did what I did, why in *hell* would I ever tell you?! You'd probably spit on my reasoning, just like you and the rest of the guards never let me forget what I've done!" The alchemist snapped, "I don't *fucking* trust you! And I never will! So you can take your shitty excuse and leave"
The royal advisor was taken aback by that, but sighed, "I... Need to know", he said, getting Varian to raise his brow, "I'm not lying, and I would rather not leave if it's all the same to you. I admit I've done bad by you, very bad, and I admit that I was interested in finding out what Donella had planned, because I believed it would harm you..... But when I found out what was *really* going on, I backed off, and I hated the fact that I had any part in that", he stated. He looked the freckled teen in the eyes, his face serious, "I am *not* lying when I say I truly want to know the truth, I want to find out so I can make a better judgement, my actions have no excuse, and I'm sorry for them, but if you could just give me a chanc-!"
"Give you a *CHANCE*?! Are you *kidding*?! Where was that when I needed a friend?! When I needed someone to help me while I was being abused in my cage?! Where was your mercy and kindness then? You're 'need for understanding', huh? Was it the same place where yo-.... No that's n-not appropriate...." Varian sighed, "look, you can say anything you want, nothing it going to change my mind. You hate me, and I've come to terms with that.... So continue hating me, stop looking for an answer because I'm not gonna give it to you"
"....Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why won't you give me an answer, is it truly because of my actions, or is it because of how you feel towards me?"
This made Varian pause, he thought about that for a moment, unsure of what to say, he wanted to say it was because of the cruel man's words and rejection.... But that wasn't true..... "....It's because I don't want to have things change with you...." He admitted. Lance's eyes widened when Varian said this, a little shocked by what the alcehmist had just said, "....You hate me, I hate you, that's how it's supposed to be.... You're supposed to think I'm this horrible person that committed horrible crimes, and I'm supposed to agree but know that I've been getting better.... I'm... S-supposed to be against you, to prove to you that I've changed", he looked at the man, "so you telling me you want to know more, to understand me.... Makes me uncomfortable, because that's not how it's supposed to work"
The royal advisor blinked, "....Do you want me to keep hating you? Would it be better if I did?"
Varian sighed, "I don't know....." He looked at Lance, "what's going on?"
The former thief smiled, "it's kinda hard to explain, but it's like when you seek comfort from your dad even though you feel embarrassed to do so. You snuggle up to him and he holds you like a baby, you're embarrassed but you don't want him to stop. It's sort of the same, except it's Nigel, you got used to his hate, his anger towards you is somethin you're protected against because you've found copin mechanisms to deal with it. But now that he's tryin to understand, it's hard for you to accept because, as you said, 'that's not how it's supposed to be'. You don't fight Quirin when he holds you because he's 'supposed' to hold you that way, any other way would feel weird. You may hate it and want it to stop, but if it ever did.... You'd feel anxious and unfamiliar with it"
".....So I'm used to him hurting me, that if he doesn't, I get anxious?" Varian asked
"In a weird way, yeah", Lance replied
"That makes no sense"
"Well... Maybe it will if I put it this way, do you feel like you've *earned* Nigel's change in attitude?" Lance asked
Varian thought for a moment before he realized, "....I don't...."
Lance nodded, "that could be a reason why you don't want this change, or say it's not 'supposed' to happen, because you don't feel like you've earned it, among other things"
"Other things?" Nigel asked
"Well, you *have* been really nasty to him", the former thief stated
"Yeah, the whole, 'Varian did it' thing with the two guards who were attacked, that was bad", Eugene pointed out
"Not to mention the *several* times you've given him a nasty look, gross glare, or snide remark while he was in the castle", Adira added
"You're a piece of shit", Hector stated with a cocky smile, "plain and simple, and you fucked up and made my nephew angry at you, congrats stupid ass"
The royal advisor wanted to say something, but he noticed Varian staring at the ground, the teen seemed to be deep in thought. Nigel, despite the irritation he felt, had a surge of guilt shoot through him, and he sighed, "I'm sorry", he said, making the teen look at him, "they're right, despite some of the rude words, I haven't been fair to you. I've called you out, embarrassed you, smiled at your defeats, spread rumors, and have done so much to you.... I don't blame you for your anger towards me... I feel as though I deserve it, I suppose that's also why I'm here... I've... Lately been feeling... Rather disgusted with myself... Like I deserve to be punished somehow for my misdeeds...." He looked at Serenity, "I did come here to say she was dangerous to keep, but who am I to ask you to explain yourself to me when I've given you no reason to... I'm sorry.... If you wish, I'll take my leave, but...." He looked at the teen in the eyes, "you've more than earned my ear, I've been watching you, become better, and work to fix what you've done. I.... Still have some qualms, I can't lie about that, but I am surprised to see how far you've come along. Thank you, for fixing what you've done, and I'm sorry for the difficult position I've put you in.... I'll take my leave now"
The advisor turned and walked towards the door, just about to open it and leave, until he heard, "m-my dad...."
"What?" He looked at Varian, his eyes wide with surprise
"I.... D-did what I did... T-to get my dad back...." The alchemist answered, twiddling his thumbs nervously, "I asked for help, n-no one came, I begged the princess, s-she didn't help, t-the king lied about me and slandered my n-name, sent guards after to me to keep me quiet, b-because my dad knew about the secrets of the Sundrop and the Moonstone. B-but I didn't care about any of that... B-because overall, the only thing I wanted when I did what I did", Varian looked at Nigel, tears in his eyes as he did, "w-was my dad...." He squeaked out before he shook his head to clear away the tears, "I.... I'm s-still mad at you... I s-still think you're a creep a-and I don't wanna talk to you anymore.... B-but.... I wanna get better now... I-I don't wanna be angry anymore... S-so.... That's why I did what I did... A-and when the Seporians came, I was abused and forced to help them with their plan.... I t-thought it would be better for everyone to forget... S-so things could go back to normal, they p-promised me that.... But they lied.... S-so I went against them...." He stated before sighing, a few tears dripping down his face as he did, Ruddigar nuzzling him lovingly
Nigel was so shocked by that, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The teen's actions were out of grief and sorrow, turned to anger because he was left along.... The advisor felt ashamed of his actions at the teen before, but he knew saying that would cause Varian more pain, so he nodded, "thank you... For telling me...."
Varian gave a curt nod back before Nigel left, the royal advisor making a silent promise to himself, he would get better too. The boy was small and meek, yet he'd set out to change everything he's done, Corona is better because of that boy and that boy alone, and Nigel wouldn't ever forget that. So he's now decided, he'll change too, he'll be better, be the advisor that the kingdom needs him to be. With a smile, and a skip in his step, the man felt a new wave of passion flow through him as he walked all the way back to the castle!
Varian watched him leave, the door closing as the room fell into silence. He sighed, "dad.... I.... I'm still angry...." He admitted
"That's okay", his father replied, walking over and kneeling before his child, getting eye level with him, "you can still be angry"
"B-but.... I wanna get better... I don't wanna be angry anymore"
Quirin chuckled, "son, anger doesn't just disappear, it doesn't go away and fade. It's something you have to sooth, and that takes time to do"
"But why? W-why can't it go away? I.... I don't wanna be angry.... I just wanna go back to normal...."
The retired knight scooped his son up, standing and holding him close, "Varian, when I was in the orchard, and got angry and fought, I ended up risking my life because I was mad, yet you praised me for it"
"W-well yeah! Because you didn't get hurt a-and helped people despite your anger!" His father smiled, getting Varian to blush, "b-but you still shouldn't be doing that b-because it could be dangerous, y-you just need to be more carefu-oh...."
His father chuckled, "big brain, so many thoughts"
Varian smiled and nuzzled his dad lovingly, "you're an evil jerkface"
"And you're a bratty stinkbomb", the man replied, "and it's really okay to still be angry, you just... Need to be careful with it, sooth it over time, and if it gets to be a little too much, say something. You've got plenty of people that'll help you"
The freckled teen smiled, "I love you dad"
"I love you too", they hugged, the room filling with peace as everyone smiled at the pair
That is, until Hector spoke up, "aww that's sweet.... So what are we gonna do about bitch face over here?" He asked as he pointed to Donella
Notes:
Hello! :D EARLY UPLOAD!!!! WOOOT! :D
So yeah, Nigel's starting to turn into a nice guy, honestly, I still don't like him, but in the show, he still has a job and he and Varian end up working in the same castle at the end of the show. I'm guessing either the princess said something, or the two reconciled somehow, I went with the ladder because the former sounded boring XD So here's the start to a better Nigel! :D
I still, REALLY, don't like the guy, but Nigel is shown to really care about Corona and the royal family. He seems to love his job as well, though he jeopardizes it a lot.... *cough* Dragon episode where he was a huge jerk *cough cough* Either way, I can see that he has some good qualities in him (as small as they are), so I wrote him in a better light, sure it's not the best, and doesn't absolve him of everything he's done, but he's getting better.
Hector is being a sassy boy in this chapter! XD Seriously this man is just full of sass! If he had a chart showing what he had inside him, it would be 25% curse words, and 75% sass, my gosh! XD Aside from that, he, Adira, Edmund, Eugene, Rapunzel, Hugo, and Donella didn't get a lot of time in this one, but I shall make up for that soon! :D In on coming chapters! :D
Quirin is being the best dad ever, I say that in every chapter, but I really love writing this man! XD He's supportive and kind while being understanding, he's a good papa <3
Lance is being a KING again! The man just can't stop being amazing! <3 And he knows it too XD
Ruddy Buddy and Serenity are the best babies <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 328: What You Need! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Donella is permitted to stay the night with the group until they can move her to a safer place in the morning. But her presence invokes something in Hugo, and he needs to talk to her about it, weather her actions will hurt him or not is up to her!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian smiled and nuzzled his dad lovingly, "you're an evil jerkface"
"And you're a bratty stinkbomb", the man replied, "and it's really okay to still be angry, you just... Need to be careful with it, sooth it over time, and if it gets to be a little too much, say something. You've got plenty of people that'll help you"
The freckled teen smiled, "I love you dad"
"I love you too", they hugged, the room filling with peace as everyone smiled at the pair
That is, until Hector spoke up, "aww that's sweet.... So what are we gonna do about bitch face over here?" He asked as he pointed to Donella
The father and son stopped hugging to look at the wild tamer before they turned to face Donella, "to be honest, I hardly noticed she was here", Eugene admitted as Varian wriggled out of his father's arms
The freckled teen looked at Hugo, "what do you think we should do with her?" He asked
"Me?" The blond asked as Donella looked at him before looking away, getting his boyfriend to nod, "I.... Don't know... In my letter, I offered her a safe place to stay because that was the original plan"
"It was?" Hector asked
"Yeah", Varian replied, "remember? After the 7 Kingdom Ball, Hugo came up with the idea":
*"I... Have an idea, but.... It um... Has something to do with Don...." Hugo said quietly
The room looked at him, waiting for him to continue, but the blond seemed nervous, "it's okay", Varian encouraged, "we won't think any less of you, it's a great idea, don't worry"
Hugo smiled at his boyfriend, stroking Ruddigar's fur as the raccoon chittered encouragingly, never having left the blond's lap before Hugo looked back at Quirin specifically, "I thought.... T-that we may w-want to... Um... S-send a letter to Don.... M-maybe warning her of w-what's happening and... Uh..."
"It's okay, keep going", Varian encouraged
The bespeckled teen sighed and nodded, "uh... M-maybe ask her i-if she happens to s-see him, she could tell us.... W-where? S-she could b-be our pin pointer a-and if she see's h-he's close to Corona, s-she could... C-come back? J-just so she's s-safe and w-we could be p-prepared?"*
"Riiiight, I remember now", the wild tamer replied as the memory replayed in his mind, "we all agreed in the end, with some.... Hesitations", he looked at his sister and older brother specifically
"Yeah we did", Lance replied, also looking at the pair, who were glaring at the women
The room was quiet as Quirin and Adira had a staring contest with Donella, who remained neutral. Everyone could feel the air thicken as they watched each other before Adira slammed her hands on the table, got up, and began to walk out, "sister-!" Hector started
"I'm going to do something I'll regret if I stay within her vicinity", Adira stated, "I'll be close by, just.... Away from her...." With that, she walked out, everyone hearing the livingroom window slam open, then shut.
"...I see my presence is a bit inconvenient.... Sorry", Donella said, glancing at Hugo once again before looking away sadly
Varian sighed, noticing the glace before he looked up at his father, "do you need to leave too?"
Quirin watched to women for a moment longer before he shook his head, "angry as I am, I said I'd handle my emotions, and I will"
"Dad...."
"I'll be alright Varian, don't worry..... Um.... I will back up a bit though"
"Huh?" Varian replied, confused as his father got a nervous look on his face. That is, until he felt something big nuzzle his arm and giggled, "hi Serenity", he said, stroking his dragon's head lovingly, getting the dragon to purr happily. The alchemist looked over at his father, "I see why you backed up"
"That obvious huh?" Quirin joked, blushing a little as he did, the room of people seemed much calmer now, but there was a subtle nervousness in the air
Varian smiled at the Village Leader before he sighed, "dad... She'll need to stay here if we wanna keep her safe...." He stated
"....I know...."
Varian looked at him sadly, "are you gonna be okay with that?"
"I will, it'll be hard, but I will be"
The freckled alchemist looked at Hugo, "what about you?"
"Huh?" The blond replied, not noticing Donella glance at him again, taking longer to look away
"Are you gonna be okay with her staying here for the night?"
"Oh... I-I um... Yeah... I-I'll uh... Be okay with it"
"...Hugo"
"I will, I just...." He sighed, "i-it's for the better right? She needs to stay here, otherwise she'll be killed.... A-and despite everything that's happened... I don't want her dead...."
Varian nodded, "ok", he looked at Donella, "you'll be given a room here for the night, tomorrow you go to the castle for safety"
She made no arguments as she faced the teen, "ok"
This wasn't surprising, seeing as how she was outnumbered, but the alchemist still appreciated it, "...You helped save Rapunzel, thank you for that, but even though you did, I still don't trust you. So you'll be staying in a room everyone can keep an eye on, we won't trap you, you haven't done anything wrong and are serving the sentence you were given diligently. But for your own safety and theirs, I recommend you stay away from my aunt and father, got it?"
"Got it"
"Ok", he said, "the room's upstairs, first door on the left, there's a privy and a small desk with a bed, there's a lock on it too, in case you feel it's needed"
"Thank you", Varian nodded as he watched the women walk up the stairs. He was silent as he waited until she was completely out of sight and in the room before letting out a breath
"Holy crap that was hard to do!" He exclaimed, "I couldn't *breathe*!" He stated before looking at his dad, "how do you *do* that everyday?!"
Quirin smiled, "very carefully, it takes time to get used to"
"You're not kidding!" The teen replied as he placed his back against the wall and slid to the floor with a sigh, his wings and tail flopping with him, "seriously though, are you two gonna be okay with her being here tonight?"
Hugo and the retired knight nodded, "Freckles you really don't have to worry about us. She's here for a day, that's all, nothing more, nothing less. We knew this day was coming, and while it'll be hard, we'll get through it... Once Cyrus is dealt with, she'll be gone again, it's fine", he said, Quirin nodding in agreement
Varian stared at his boyfriend for a long time before nodding, "ok, I trust you, but if you feel upset or nervous or scared, please let me know, ok? Both of you?"
"We will son, thank you", his father replied with a smile before he chuckled, "look at you taking the reigns"
The blue eyed alchemist blushed, "just... doin my part"
"You're doing a wonderful job"
"Heh, thanks dad"
****
As the day went on, everything seemed.... Mostly normal, the two alchemists went to the lab, coming up for meals then going back down, Quirin, Edmund, and Hector, after the wild tamer and Village Leader were healed, found Adira outside and were talking with her to keep her company, just as they did every night. Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel stayed in the Dark Prince's usual room, the one he stayed in whenever he was at the retired knight's home. Everything was peaceful until Varian and Hugo came back up to relax after a full day's work, Serenity was following the freckled teen around, and as he excused himself to make a quick trip to the privy, Hugo was left alone with his thoughts.
The blond was sitting on the couch, waiting for his boyfriend to come back when he heard an upstairs door open and shut, someone began to walk downstairs, "Lance? That you?" He called, "if you're getting a second plate of pie it's up in the cupboards"
"While that's nice to know, I'm not really looking to eat pie right now", a voice said, one that made Hugo jump up and look
"D-Don!"
"Hello Hugo, sorry for the scare, I wasn't coming down to startle you", she said
Hugo sighed, "w-what um... What were you coming down here for?"
"I was actually getting some water, thought it may help, but.... I can see that was a mistake, I'll just go back up an-!"
"No WAIT!" Hugo yelled, before blushing and looking down
This startled the grey haired women, as she'd been frozen by his words, "....Is there... Something you needed from me?"
The blond was afraid, his heart was beating faster than it'd ever been, he could hear his own screams echoing through his mind, feel her strikes and punches against his skin. He shivered, but he shook the fear away, he needed to do this, needed to say something to her..... "I.... U-um.... I...." The words wouldn't come out, he felt like a coward
*What's wrong with me?!* He thought to himself, *SAY SOMETHING!*
*You can't, she'll hurt you again*, another, more frightened voice, replied
*I can't just sit here and do nothing! I may never get this chance again!*
*So you'll risk your happiness in order to get what? Closure?!*
*YES!*
*That's stupid! She'll ignore it, just like she always did! Just tell her nevermind, let her walk away, you won't ever have to see her again after this*
*B-but I.... I-*
*You what? What do you want from her? What do you think you need?! Because whatever it is, you don't need it!*
*I-I-!*
*WHAT?! WHAT DO YOU NEED?! WHAT DO YOU NE-!*
"I NEED A MOM!" He yelled before slapping his hands over his mouth and blushing. Backing away from Donella until his back was against the wall
The women was so startled by that, her eyes were wide as she stared at the boy. "H-Hugo-!"
"Forget it!" The blond ran, he felt embarrassed and ashamed as he opened the front door and ran out of the livingroom!
"HUGO!" Donella yelled, but the teen didn't stop.... The grey haired women was left speechless, "w-what.... Just happened?...."
"He's afraid of you...." Another voice said, she turned to see Varian watching from the hall, he was frowning, yet he wasn't glaring, "he's afraid of you, yet he wants to have you in his life...."
The women's eyes widened, "why? A-after all I di-!"
"Don't act dumb", Varian interrupted, "you're fucking smarter than that. You were his only parent, you took him in and saved him from the Duke and Duchess when he was just a kid. You abused and neglected him, sure, but you taught him about alchemy and how to live, steal, and survive. Of *course* he'd look at you as someone he wants in his life"
Donella frowned worriedly, "I.... Can't... I should stay away from him... It would be better that way...."
Varian sighed, "I agree.... But he doesn't want you to...."
"....What should I do?"
"You're asking me?"
"Yes.... He loves you.... You saved him...."
"My opinion is irrelevant Donella... If I had it my way, I'd keep him as far away from you as fucking possible. As much as I wanna fix my mistakes, there are some things that I believe no one can fix. Abuse is one of them...." His eyes narrowed, "just the thought of you being around makes me sick to my stomach.... But.... I'm not Hugo...." He stated, "I'm not the boy your rescued and raised, I'm not the one you should be asking... And besides that, you're asking the wrong question"
"I.... W-what?"
"What would you want to happen here?" Varian said lowering his gaze, "if you were in this position, or possibly were once before. What would you want to happen, would you want the person you ran away from to come after you? And if you do, would you want them to be strong enough to accept what you crave?"
"I...." Suddenly she remembered the night she'd abandoned Ulla, she ran away, hoping that the red head would follow her, hoping she would understand what she wanted and would choose her over Quirin. "...Yes..."
"Then are you strong enough?" Varian asked, "*think* about that for a second before making your decision. If you're strong enough to handle being the person he needs you to be, and it's gonna be a *hard* road, then chase him... If not, if you're too weak and don't think you could handle it, then stay, leave him alone and make the break clean. You only have one chance, there's no turning back once you make this choice, and I'm warning you, if you hurt him again, it will end *very* badly for you...." He stated, eyes glowing bright as his hair shimmered before he calmed down and stared at her, "choose".
The grey haired women thought for a moment, she went through everything she'd done to the blond, all the pain, all his wounds and scars, would she really be able to heal them? Could she truly make a difference and be the person he needs her to be? ....She continued to think, so much so that it hurt, but the more she thought about Hugo, the more her heart ached for him... She wasn't a good person, she would never claim to be, but as she looked towards the front door, she made her choice, and with one final looked at Varian, ran outside as fast as she could.
The alchemist watched her go, his heart filling with worry and anger, but also relief. He sighed as he sat on the couch, a strange mix of emotions ran through his body, "you did the right thing"
"....How long have you been watching?" Varian asked
"Ever since she first came out, knew Hugo would do somethin like this, wasn't sure when though"
Varian looked over at the man and sighed, "Lance, do you really think I was doing the right thing?"
The former thief walked over to the teen and sat down beside him, "I think so, you didn't make the choice for her, she decided on her own. And now she knows the risks now"
"....Why do I feel angry and happy?"
"Because you love Hugo, you want the best for him, but you're afraid of what this may do", Lance smiled at the teen, wrapping his arm around the boy's shoulders as Ruddigar hopped in his teen's lap and purred, "but you did the right thing, I'm proud of you"
Varian leaned against Lance's chest, his emotions were running rampant in his mind, but he allowed them too as the former thief held him close. He knew this was for the best, and he'd be there to help Hugo when needed, but he couldn't help the few tears that slid down his cheek as he worried for his boyfriend's wellbeing while Donella ran through the night.
The women managed to find the blond, he was curled up against a tree at the top of a hill, she watched him cry to himself, *no turning back now* she thought, as she approached the teen, "Hugo". The blond froze and looked up, seeing the women he didn't think he'd see, "we need to talk".
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, this is part of Hugo's arch, a pretty big part actually! It's very hard for me to write, due to experiences in the past, they're not the same as Hugo's, but similar, and I hope I did it justice. Especially since I know I'm not the only one who's gone through, some of, what Hugo's been through. If you have been through some, or all, of what he's been through, I'm so sorry to hear that, and I hope you all know that you can get the help you need! By a friend, a family member, or even a stranger! You also have places you can go that'll help you as well, numbers you can call, look them up, they're there and waiting to help you without judgement! You're not alone, none of us are, and you never will be! You're loved and wanted and we're glad you're still here! <3
Hugo is a character I feel like so many people could get behind, his past is tragic, his present is hard, and the steps he needs to take to get better are stressful and tough. I highly respect this kid and what he's been through, even if some of it is up to interpretation. He's been a very strong source of comfort for me, and I'm guessing I'm not alone there. Sincerely, I hope all of you know you're loved and wanted, because you are, the world is much better with all of you in it! <3
Donella.... She's.... Hard to write, she's the monster under the bed, the skeleton in your closet, the one secret you wanna keep because she'll hurt you if you don't.... But I can see her becoming better, everyone can be a good person if they just try, sure, this isn't the outcome most have, in fact, this is a rarity, but.... I feel like it's important to show it can happen, to give people hope that there's always a chance people can change. Always be careful, and do what you feel is right for you, if you want to give your Donella a chance, you can, but that choice is *completely* up to you! No one can judge you if you don't want them to be in your life anymore, sometimes that needs to happen, so you can finally heal.
Donella is the opposite to Andrew, she's the one that can be fixed, Andrew couldn't, both are options you can take. One can be forgiven and change, and one can be left behind so you can move on and be free, either way is up to you, and no one can judge you for whatever you choose, as long as you choose the best option for you! <3
Varian is the friend that loves you, wants to help you, Lance is the therapist who watches over to help with whatever you choose. Both are important in their own way, both want only the best for you <3
Adira has her own arch coming up soon.... We'll get to her soon, but she's too angry with Donella to be able to handle her right now. She's got her own demons to deal with, I'm nervous and excited to write her arch, it's important too <3 Quirin, Hector, Edmund, and Varian will be *extremely* important for it too! <3
Quirin being an awesome dad, which is nothing new in this story, but I'm pointing it out once more :D
Edmund, Hector, Eugene, and Rapunzel are support, they'll get more scree time soon <3
Ruddy and Serenity are the best animals ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 329: What You Need! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Hugo and Donella talk about what's happened between them, and what the future holds!
Trigger warning!
This chapter talks about abuse, past and present, it also has depression, anxiety, and hints to PTSD and death!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The women managed to find the blond, he was curled up against a tree at the top of a hill, she watched him cry to himself, *no turning back now* she thought, as she approached the teen, "Hugo". The blond froze and looked up, seeing the women he didn't think he'd see, "we need to talk"
Hugo winced at that, "n-no we... I... I-I'm sorry, just... I-ignore what I said, i-it was stupid and dumb a-and I just...." He lowered his head in his arms, "....P-please.... I made a m-mistake... Don't worry a-about it...."
She watched the bespeckled teen's body shake as he cried in his arms, she felt her heart break at the sight before sitting down beside him, the night was cold, not to the point where it was unbearable, she could definitely handle it, but Hugo seemed to be struggling a bit, ".....It's not okay.... We need to talk, about us.... About what to do, I...." She sighed, not sure how to handle this, "I don't know..... How to make up for what I did to you...."
"Y-you don't need to... Y-you can go...." Came Hugo's muffled reply
Donella sighed, smiling at the teen, "you were always like this", she stated softly, "whenever you were upset, you'd always curl up, and would have a hard time looking at me, or even speaking...."
Hugo didn't move, keeping his head low as the wind blew through his hair
The women watched him for a moment before she looked up at the stars, "heh... Remember when you asked me about the sky?" She was met with silence, but kept going, "you were so young back then, around 3 or 4 I believe. You looked up at the stars and asked me what they were and how they got up there. You'd heard a rumor that someone told you they were flies stuck to the big blue thing", she chuckled, "I remember when I told you what they really were, you smiled so wide and told me, 'I like that answer much more, because the stars aren't stuck anymore!'". She smiled at the memory, "that night, a shooting star flew by, I remember you wishing on it, you never told me what you wished for, but you looked so happy when you did".
The two stayed quiet for a moment before she heard a sniffle beside her, looking, she saw Hugo had finally uncurled a little but, his eyes were showing as his chin rested on his arms. He was watching the sky, his tears still sliding down his face, but he looked to be calming down.
The grey haired women smiled at that before looking up at the sky as well. They were silent once again, neither one really wanting to speak before Hugo broke the silence, "....Will we ever go back to that?" He asked, his voice was so quiet, barely above a whisper, "t-the days you would tell me new things, a-and I would ask you so many questions to learn more... Will we e-ever go back to it?"
"I suppose that depends...." Donella replied softly, "do you want to?"
"Do you?"
She chuckled, "I would, but.... We can't just forget what I did.... I hurt you, abused you, caused you so much pain.... I thought that you weren't good enough and forced you to feel the same...." She looked at the blond, "I'm sorry for that...."
Hugo shrugged, "at least you needed me around..."
Donella winced at that, "....I'm sorry..." She said again
The bespeckled teen just watched the stars, he was cold, really cold, but he didn't want to leave. "....Did you want me in the first place Don?"
"Yes", she replied, without hesitation
"Really?"
"Yes"
"Why?"
"I wanted you because I wanted to teach you about alchemy, I wanted to see how you would grow and how I could help you do so.... I'll be honest, there was a part of me that was doing it because Ulla wanted a kid, and I wanted something she didn't have yet.... But I truly cared about you, I did, you were curious and so smart, you still are, you shined so brightly whenever I saw you, and your smile did make me happy.... Then I took that away.... Because I grew jealous and angry that you were Varian.... That you weren't hers.... And instead of being the person you needed, I became the villain...."
Hugo thought about her words carefully, taking each one in and rolling it around in his mind, chewing on them to see if he believed them or not.... He still wasn't sure, "what do you want to do now?"
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
"I don't know, I'm not sure what we're supposed to do here...." He replied, kinda coldly, "I always just... Followed you.... I did what you said, when you said it without much complaint. I became complacent in that lifestyle, it was better than being dead...." He chuckled bitterly to himself, "....You took my childhood, you gave me a life but took my childhood.... I assumed that was the price I was supposed to pay, I mean... I wasn't wanted by my dad, my mother died from sickness... The Duke and Duchess told me I sucked at cleaning and doing basic shit.... Then you came along and saved me, and for a while it was great... Until it wasn't anymore.... I messed it up again...."
"You didn't though...."
"Didn't I? I wasn't Ulla's kid, I wasn't the one you truly wanted, and in not being him, I messed everything up.... That's how my mind thought for a while...." Donella felt guilt fill her when Hugo said that, "I thought that if I wasn't the one you wanted me to be, the *least* I could be was somewhat useful, get this object, steal that one, trick a couple of people into handing me some extra cash, the sob story always worked..... I turned into the person you needed because I didn't wanna be left behind.... Cyrus made sure to remind me of that.... Saying how I'd need to earn my keep in order to stick around... Constant fear of rejection made me into the person I am today.... I was a shell.... Molded to be used like a reliable tool..... Until Varian came along", he smiled as he remembered the first time he'd seen the teen
"He was a blue bird, drank the tea from the kettle you wanted, he was so cute too. Little black beak, cute little blue body with a lighter blue belly, and those eyes... Damn those eyes were hypnotizing!" He stated with a grin, "I said I'd help him out, I meant it, I was gonna help him in exchange for the kettle, gave him a drop of the potion I always gave to the people that came along, but Varian was anxious.... So nervous in fact, that I think it messed with the results, and he nearly stayed a bird forever.... I had to give him a second dose...."
"Really?" Donella asked
"Yeah", Hugo responded with a chuckle, "scared the shit out of me when he did that, and I had no idea why it did. I thought he was just some pawn that I could use in order to get what you wanted, but.... He wasn't.... He was different, thinking back on it now, it was because he was kind to me, where the princess and their two friends, Catalina and Angry, were mistrustful at first, he laughed at my jokes, talked to me like I was an actual person instead of a tool. It.... Made me happy...." He sighed, "then he nearly died and... I got so freaked out, not because I would be killed if he died, but because I didn't want him to.... I wanted him to live, and he just.... Didn't wake up...."
"He did eventually though", the grey haired women pointed out
"Yeah, thankfully, he woke up after a few minutes, guess it took him longer for his mind to come back.... When he did though, the way he looked at me, for the first time, I saw him as a human.... Damn he was so fucking beautiful"
Donella smiled, "I remember that feeling", she stated, "it's like the first time I met Ulla, her red hair and blue eyes were so perfect in every way...."
Hugo sighed happily, "I flustered him, it was adorable and I loved it so much", the blond stated with a grin, "he helped me feel something better than.... Empty.... He filled me up, and maybe I was stupid to think that I deserved it..."
"You're not", Donella stated, "you did deserve it, you deserved to be loved and taken care of... I failed you, you didn't fail me....."
He looked at her, "you mean that?"
"Yeah I do, and you're allowed to be angry with me, the fact that you're so calm right now... It shouldn't be the case... You should lash out, be angry, give me all of the pain I caused you...."
The blond looked down, "....Being away from me... Changed you..."
"It gave me perspective.... What you did for me in the trial.... You saved me from a lifetime of prison, I didn't deserve that mercy, I still don't..."
"I think everyone deserves a second chance", Hugo stated
"Why though? Some people don't change-!"
"You did", that stopped her, the grey haired women just stared at the teen, "you changed, went back to how you were before.... Varian.... He did bad things too, yet I wouldn't be here today without his kindness and love, I wouldn't be here without you either.... I.... You did bad things to me... You killed Ulla, you abused me, you hurt people.... That.... Those things still affect me... I have a hard time believing I'm someone worth anything in this world. Hell I was alone for one day and nearly went nuts because I didn't know what to do! I found out I like origami and cooking, I found out more about Quirin and Adira, I love them.... I love Varian.... He helps me learn more about myself every single day! But it was so hard to do that.... That was because of you.... The pain Quirin and Varian feel about Ulla, that was because of you, the abandonment that Adira feels, that was because of you.... Eugene got poisoned, that was because of you...."
Donella nodded, "I know.... I'm sor-!"
"BUT!" Hugo interrupted, "I'm alive and living because you saved me from the Duke and Duchess, Varian, Quirin, Adira, Hector, King Edmund, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance were saved because you told us the Duke and Duchess's plans, the Dark Kingdom and Corona didn't get destroyed because of you as well. You took your punishment without a fight, and you just saved the princess of Corona from Cyrus, and told us what we should look out for..... We can be more prepared because of you too.... What you did... It was horrible, and no, I'm never going to forget it, never... I can't.... But...." He looked at her, "I can start to forgive you. Varian was right, I want to be better, and to do that, I need to move forwards, and so do you"
"Hugo-!"
"You do"
"But how can I do that? How can I erase everything I've done to you and everyone else? It's not that simple, I hurt them, I killed someone I loved and hurt people she loved! I hurt *you*! I don't know how to fix i-!"
"I want a mom", he stated, face fully rising out of his arms as he looked at her, "I want someone to be there for me when I'm sad and upset, I want someone to hold me close whenever I cry, I want to have that person who keeps me safe at night when I have a nightmare. I want a fucking mom.... Maybe you're not the perfect person.... Maybe you're the worst choice, but.... I don't want anyone else..... You saved me and taught me and took care of me.... Even through the abuse, I was afraid to be left by you.... I want a mom, and I want her to be you. I wanna work through it, I wanna stop hurting over the past and move forwards, I want a family, I want a normal life, I want you to get to know Varian and Quirin, I just want a MOM!" He exclaimed, tears coming down his face as he looked down, "I've been happy with Varian and Quirin, but I keep thinking it's gonna end.... I just want it all to stop, I want peace and to be cared about like a normal kid.... I...." He sniffled again and again and he sunk into his arms again, "...I just... Want a mom...."
To say Donella was startled would be an understatement, *he wants me... To be his mother? After all I did to him? How? Why? Why would he want that?!* She thought to herself, *I abused him! I hurt so many people I-!*
*"I.... I'm s-still mad at you..." Varian's words echoed through her mind, "I s-still think you're a creep a-and I don't wanna talk to you anymore.... B-but.... I wanna get better now... I-I don't wanna be angry anymore... S-so...."
"I want a fucking mom.... Maybe you're not the perfect person.... Maybe you're the worst choice, but.... I don't want anyone else..... You saved me and taught me and took care of me.... Even through the abuse, I was afraid to be left by you.... I want a mom, and I want her to be you. I wanna work through it, I wanna stop hurting over the past and move forwards, I want a family, I want a normal life, I want you to get to know Varian and Quirin, I just want a MOM!*
*....He wants....* She looked at the teen as he cried, her heart broke as she listened, *he wants to get better.... And he wants me to help him....* She smiled, *I can't take away the pain I already gave, I can't heal him by erasing the past.... But I can help him now, in the present, I can help him be better here*
*"Are you strong enough?" Varian asked, "*think* about that for a second before making your decision. If you're strong enough to handle being the person he needs you to be, and it's gonna be a *hard* road, then chase him... If not, if you're too weak and don't think you could handle it, then stay, leave him alone and make the break clean. You only have one chance, there's no turning back once you make this choice"*
"....Ok", she said, wrapping her arms around the blond, holding him close as he cried, "ok, I will"
The bespeckled teen returned the hug instantly, crying into her chest as she rubbed his back soothingly. The air was so cold, the wind carried the boy's cries, but she held on, she continued to hold him, even when he grew quiet, even when he hiccupped and sniffled, even when they were just laying there, looking at the stars, she held him tight. She'd hurt him, she'd abused him, and she knew she couldn't take it back, but she would try, for him, she would try to make it easier.
They stayed quiet for a long time, that is, until Hugo sneezed, "bless you"
"T-thanks", he sniffled
She grinned, "it's cold, you're shivering"
The blond blushed, "I'm fine...."
Donella sighed before she handed him a tissue she had in her pocket. He blew his nose and kept the tissue, just in case. They stayed that way for a few more moments before the grey haired women spoke up, "you're shivering even more"
"I'm o-ok...."
She shook her head with a chuckle, "no you're not"
"Am too...."
She smiled, "am I gonna have to carry you like I did when you were a kid?"
The bespeckled teen looked a little startled before pouting, "nu..."
"Then we should go inside"
Hugo sighed, "fine...." They got up and began to walk to the house. As they did, the blond smiled and leaned against Donella, "thank you..."
She wrapped an arm around him and grinned. She didn't say a word, allowing the silence to take care of her words, they enjoyed the peace as they made their way back to the retired knight's home. Once they walked inside, all eyes locked onto them, everyone getting up and asking if Hugo was okay, to which the blond replied with a lot of 'yes's' and 's-sorry's'. It made Donella smirk before she caught Varian's eye, he was staring at her, the silent question loud and clear. She nodded before looking at the bespeckled alchemist and smiling lovingly before looking back at the freckled teen. Varian narrowed his eyes, making the glow slightly, warning received.
****
*A-CHOO!*
"Hey, cover your mouth gross boy!" Eugene complained as Lance laughed
"Sorry, not like I could help it", Hugo retorted
"Why are you a *bigger* pain when you're sick?!"
"Because alchemy"
"That doesn't make any sense!"
"To you maybe"
"Oh you.... *huff*" Eugene crossed his arms and pouted, getting Rapunzel to walk over and kiss his cheek
"Hee hee"
"Hugo stop picking on Eugene", Varian stated as he handed his boyfriend a tissue with a smile
"Can't help it, he's bullying me"
"I am not!" Eugene replied, "Lance stop laughing!"
Hugo snorted, getting himself to cough a little, "ugh... Why do I have to be sick?"
"Because *someone* ran into the wilderness in the middle of the night on one of the coldest days in Corona", his boyfriend replied
"...Et Tu Varian?"
The freckled teen giggled, "come on, lay back down so you can get better"
"Why can't I just kiss you so you can get sick with me and we can lay in bed together?"
Varian blushed, 'I-uh-y-you can't-I-I mean um-uh-I-doggonit stop doing that!"
The blond laughed, getting Varian to blush even more before he smirked and pinned Hugo onto the couch. The blond tired to struggle out of his grip, but couldn't break it, "how are you so unnaturally strong?!"
"Perks of being a farm boy, now lay down you pervy boyfriend, before my dad comes in here and makes you"
The blond blinked before he sunk a little into the blankets, leaving only his eyes peeping out as he blushed, "um... Nu...."
This time Varian laughed, "you're so stinkin cute!"
"I am not!"
The group laughed, much to the blond's embarrassment as Quirin smiled from behind the kitchen door. He closed it and sighed, "seems like they're feeling better at least"
"Yup", Edmund agreed, "which is good, because I think we could all use a good break from heart break for a while"
"Agreed, though, we still have a few things to sort out, like Donella staying her for a couple more days to help take care of Hugo"
"Right.... Are you going to be okay with that Quirin?"
"I'm gonna have to be...." The retired knight stated with a sigh, "she may be someone I can't stand, but Varian told me what'd happened between the two.... I won't disrespect Hugo's decision, that boy deserves so much to be honest... If that means I have to deal with that women for a few days, then so be it...."
The Dark king watched his knight for a moment or two before placing a hand on his shoulder, "you're not alone, we'll be here too"
Quirin smiled, "thank you, I really appreciate that"
"Anytime"
"HUGO COVER YOUR MOUTH!" Eugene yelled, "YOU KEEP SNEEZING ON ME!"
"Don't stand so close to me then", came the sassy reply
Quirin chuckled, "this is gonna be a long few days"
Notes:
Hello! Here's part 2! <3
So, I do not condone abuse, at all... But I think everyone deserves a second chance, if they truly wish to change, then they should have a chance to do so. That doesn't mean I think you should forgive the one who abused you right away! I am of the opinion that you should choose what you wish to do, if you're ready to forgive and move on, with or without them, that's great! If you don't, that's also great! Choose what you feel is going to help you the most, in Andrew's case, he couldn't fix what he'd done, it was far too much and he knew it, but for Donella, Hugo could see she was changing and trying to get better, and he wanted to as well. There's a difference, and I hope I made that clear, you're allowed to choose whichever path you wish, it's up to you and you alone! <3
Donella is going to be hard for me to write, she was hard to write in this chapter, and I hope I did her justice, but she encompasses a lot of stuff for me, so it'll be hard to try and write her becoming good. But I wanna try, I want Hugo to have something good in his life, even if it was bad for a very long time.... I want him to be able to move forwards and find himself, the first step is facing your past, he and Donella just took that step together!
Hugo himself has become very special to me, I want only the best for him <3 He needed a win, originally, this chapter was going to play out in a different way, but I ended up writing this because Hugo deserved better, he gets something he's always wanted, a mom. Even if she's done wrong things to him in the past, at least she'd trying to fix it, she's trying to get better, and he can see it. Her acknowledging what she's done wrong and attempting to fix it or help in anyway is a start, it's not the end, but it's a start, she's still got a long way to go, but Hugo will get what he needs, I'll make sure of that <3
Varian being protective bean over here, I think he's the friend we all wanted growing up! XD This bean just keeps getting better, he's growing, and that makes me so happy! <3
Eugene, poor Eugene XDXDXDXDXD The man's gonna get grey hairs at this rate! XDXDXDXDXD Lance is being a brat as well and I love it! Punzle is being supportive, so yay!!!!!
Edmund and Quirin moment! Wooot!!!!!!!!! Love writing these two together <3
Adira and Hector are outside, Hector's trying to comfort Adira, she's dealing with a lot too, we'll get to her soon, for now, that's where they are in this chapter :3
Ruddy buddy and Serenity are there, just supporting in the background with Itty Bitty and Sassy! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 330: It's Time!
Summary:
It's time.... Varian understands, and he'll make sure the day is perfect until it ends!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It was time.... He knew the moment he woke up that day, he didn't want to accept it as he got ready for the day, he hardly mentioned it when he was at breakfast with all his friends and family. But he knew.... He took one look, and that was all that he needed.... "Varian?"
"Huh?!" The teen looked up and saw his father watching him worriedly, "uh, y-yes?"
"Are you okay? You seem to be spacing out a little bit", his father replied gently
"Oh! Y-yeah I'm fine! Just thinking!"
"Alright then", his father stated with a chuckle, "just don't space out too much, your mind could float away"
"That's a myth dad!"
"The Sundrop was a myth too son!"
Varian blushed, pouting a little as the Village Leader walked away, but as the man disappeared from sight, Varian turned back to the window, stroking Serenity's head lovingly as he did.... He watched the blue skies with her, they were quiet, Ruddigar had sensed it too apparently, because he wasn't even up to his normal chittering today.
The teen sighed as he looked at his dragon, she continued to stare out the window and into the sky, he felt pain shoot through him.... It was time.... Getting up, he followed where his father had left, finding the man placing books on a shelf nearby. He walked over, Serenity following him, she knew what this meant too, and she was prepared. Varian walked over and gently tugged on his father's sleeve, getting the man to look at him, "Varian? Are you okay?" He asked
"....It's time...." Came the teen's sad rely
Quirin knew exactly what his son meant, letting out a small, "oh...." In response as he looked at the dragon. He placed the books down and kneeled before his child, getting eye level with him, "are you sure?"
"Yeah.... It's time...." Varian stated, "she was looking out the window again, towards the sky, I could feel it.... It's time...." A single tear slid down his cheek as his father nodded
The retired knight hugged his son gently, Varian hugging him back before they let go and his father nodded, "ok, if it's time, then let's give her the best send off we can, yeah?"
His son nodded, "yeah...."
Quirin got up and held out his hand for his child, the teen took it and they began to walk throughout the house, grabbing a few things as they did. They made some food for themselves and placed it all in an picnic basket, everyone in the house was made aware of what was happening, and they all decided to help. "Hey, remember that time she ate the blanket?" Lance pointed out
"I remember that, it was when Varian was training her!" Eugene exclaimed, "that was funny!"
"Ooooh! She loves dragon fruit, we should bring some for the road!"
"That's a good idea", Quirin replied, "I have some in the cabinet over there"
"I'll get it", Hugo offered
"Careful, you're still a sickly", the princess said
"I'll be alrig-i-i-ieAHHH-CHOO!" The blond sneezed, causing him to fall backwards
"HUGO!" Eugene yelled, running to try and catch the teen, but was stopped when Serenity swooped in and caught him instead, right in the nick of time
"Phew, that was close", Lance stated, as the bespeckled teen sniffled for a moment before before he shook his head to clear it and smiled at the dragon
"Heh, thanks, sorry about that"
Serenity nodded before helping Hugo up, he grabbed the dragon fruit and gave her one as a treat, to which she took happily
Varian snorted, "clumsy boyfriend"
"Yeah yeah, listen I'll be suave when I'm better, so watch out"
The group laughed at that, including Serenity, as they continued to gather supplies.
****
"Remember the flying lesson?" Adira asked with a smirk as she took a bite of the apple she was given
"I do, that was fun!" Varian exclaimed with a smile as he stroked Serenity's head lovingly, "teaching her to fly was so crazy, but me learning to fly was a lot of fun!"
"Yeah that gust of wind that knocked all of of us down, super fun", Eugene stated sarcastically, getting the teen to blush
"Sorry"
"It's fine"
"I loved flying with Serenity though, and Hugo too"
"Twas about to say", Hugo stated, before sneezing again
His boyfriend smiled at him lovingly before he looked down at Serenity, she was sticking by his side the entire time, neither of them minded as they grinned at each other, "want some more dragon fruit?"
Serenity nodded and happily ate the fruit her 'mother' gave her
Everyone was silent as another tear slid down the alchemist's cheek, but he kept smiling at his dragon and stroking her head lovingly. "Hey kiddo, how'd Serenity get her name again?" Eugene asked
Varian looked at him, "oh, dad named her. She'd just hatched, and dad was so afraid that he'd backed into a corner"
"A mistake on my part", Quirin stated with a blush as Edmund placed a hand on his shoulder
His son smiled at him before continuing, "when he did, I noticed and he mentioned he wanted to help, he just didn't know how. So I asked if he could give her a name, he picked Serenity because of how peaceful she looked in my lap"
Rapunzel smiled, "that's adorable!"
"Yeah, I will say she's a bit of a fire cracker though, especially when she gets hungry heh", he stroked the dragon's head again, "my little princess"
"Was she really?" Edmund asked
"Yes", Hugo replied, "remembered when she was first hatched, that scream she gave to get Varian up in the attic with her?"
"Oh geez, yeah, I remember that", Quirin stated with a chuckled
"Yeah, it scared the shit out of all of us", Hector stated with a smirk, "but she just wanted her mama"
"Mama?" Lance said, getting Varian to blush
"Yup", Quirin stated, "her adorable, loving, gentle, alchemy making, mama"
"Scuse you sir!" Varian exclaimed huffily
"No please, pardon me, *ma'am*", Eugene teased, getting Lance to laugh as the tiny alchemist huffed a little before he sighed
"I guess being her mama isn't such a bad thing", he stated, looking down at Serenity lovingly, the dragon smiling back before purring happily and getting the teen to giggle
****
The day came and went, evening came and as the group prepared, they went outside and began walking towards the woods, Varian was the final one out of the house, he walked slowly as Serenity stuck with him. The group was silent, none of them really knew what to say at that moment. Once they'd reached a clearing on top of a hill, they all turned to look at Varian and his dragon, the alchemist was leaning against her, hugging her and waiting. Serenity made a chirruping noise, prompting her and the teen to walk towards the hilltop.
The reached it and, for a moment, neither one could speak, that is, until Quirin walked over and placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "son, it's time", he said softly
Varian winced a little before he began to sniffle, Serenity frowned, nuzzling her 'mother' gently as Ruddigar gave a sad chitter.
The little alchemist hiccupped a little before he looked at his dragon, "I-I'm sorry... I t-thought I was p-prepared for this...."
Serenity shook her head, nuzzling her 'mother' again and purring
Varian hugged her, "I'm g-gonna miss you *so* much Serenity.... You're a g-good girl, the best girl, a-and I'll never forget that"
The dragon smiled, nodding as if to say she felt the same
The two were silent for a moment before Varian sighed, "I d-don't want you to go... I know y-you have to... B-but I don't want you too.... I-it's selfish, but.... I hate this.... I w-wanna keep you with me...."
Serenity nodded but chirruped, knowing that this had to be done, knowing she couldn't stay, even though it broke her heart
The little alchemist sighed, "I know... I know i-it needs to happen... I'm just.... G-gonna miss you.... But", he took off his pack and pulled something out, "h-here"
The teen placed a necklace around the dragon's neck, Serenity looked at it and smelled something familiar
"I-it's um... g-got your e-egg shell on it, I m-made it to where they couldn't be broken and p-placed them on a necklace, a-along with some sapphires, t-they match your eyes", Varian explained, "I w-wanted you to remember, a-and know that, if you ever c-come for a visit, you're welcome to.... I'm s-sad you're going, but I'm not m-mad at you, I'm j-just gonna miss you, but, I h-have a necklace of my own", he showed his and smiled, "s-so we can remember together, you know?"
The dragon smiled happily, she hugged her 'mother', her wings wrapping around him as he returned the gesture
"I love you so much, my little princess", he stated softly, "be safe out there okay?"
Serenity nuzzled him, licking his face a little before letting go, she then bowed her head, bumping Varian's hand. The teen raised it up to his waist and opened it, not sure what she wanted before Serenity let a tear drop from her face. It landed in Varian's hand, hard as a rock.
"W-wha?" He looked at it, it felt warm and pure, he lifted it to the sky and gasped as the light of the Moon shimmered off of it in a rainbow, "I...." He looked at Serenity before smiling, "thank you, I love you too", he stated before hugging her once last time
She hugged him back, and for a while, they stayed that way, until they broke the hug, Serenity giving the alchemist one last smile before turning away
"Have a good flight Serenity", Quirin stated gently
The dragon smiled and nodded as she flapped her wings, she jumped into the air and began to fly away
Varian watched her go, waving and yelling, "GOODBYE! I LOVE YOU! DON'T LET THE OTHER DRAGONS PICK ON YOU!"
Hearing one last roar come from her, the teen stopped waving and watched her go. He felt his heart grow warm, yet break at the same time.... His tears flowed more and more as he continued to watch her until she disappeared into the night. Varian was still watching, staring into the night sky. None of the group spoke, not sure of what to say or do before Quirin stepped forwards, "she's gone now"
His son sniffled, "I know...."
"Are you alright?"
The teen sniffled again and again, hiccupping and coughing a little before he looked at his dad, his eyes watering, tears streaming like two big waterfalls, "n-no"
Quirin's heart broke at that and he immediately picked up his son and hugged him close. The teen clung to his father, his hiccups and sniffles finally turning into cries that echoed through the night. He cried and cried as the memories of him and Serenity replayed in his head:
*"Vaaaaarian"
"Huuuuuuuugo!"
The two giggled as the group walked inside, Quirin, who was behind Hugo and Adira, closed the door behind them, "how's the egg?" The face painted warrior asked
"Better now, definitely a dragon's egg", Hector replied, eyeing the retire knight, who stood back a bit
"Has it started hatching?" The blond asked as he sat next to his boyfriend and scratching Ruddigar's chin happily
"Nope, almost there though"
"How much longer do you think?"
"I'd say right about-!" Suddenly the group heard a few cracks, they all turned and looked at the fireplace as Quirin stepped back even more. The egg moved, cracking once again, "now"
More cracks could be heard as tiny noises came out of the egg, the shell began to break and out popped a small, blue leg, followed by another, then two more before the entire shell burst open and something fell out of the fire place. It stood up to reveal a tiny blue dragon, the creature looked around before spotting the blue eyed alchemist and, without a second thought, ran to the teen, hopping into his arms and sighing contentedly as Quirin made a small noise that was akin to a whimper and Ruddigar hopped onto his boy's shoulders and huffed at the creature. Varian was a little startled by this as the creature curled into a ball in his arms before they looked up and smiled at him, "um, hello", the teen said, making the dragon let out a small 'Brr' of joy!*
*Varian smiled before he looked at his father, "you okay?"
"Yup, just.... Startled me", Quirin replied before he shook his head, "I'm alright, just be careful up there"
"I will be", his son replied before he made his way to the stairs of their home and walked up. He made it to the attic and opened the door, only to be tackled by the dragon, Serenity, "eep! Oh hi", Varian stated, getting a lick on the cheek as Ruddigar shook the daze out of himself from his boy getting tackled before huffing at the dragon
Serenity noticed Ruddigar and hopped off her 'mother', she made her way to the raccoon and began to sniff him, Ruddigar chittered at her, saying to leave him alone. She titled her head and continued to sniff him, he growled at her
"Ruddigar, be nice please", Varian stated gently
The raccoon huffed out a defeated, fine, but eyed the dragon agitatedly
Serenity didn't seem to mind as she bounced happily and flapped her tiny wings at her 'mother', she then hopped into his arms and gave a happy 'brr!'
Varian smiled at her, "did you just want me up here so you could snuggle?"
The dragon nodded and nuzzled her 'mother's' chest happily, getting Varian to giggle
"I do the same with my dad, you're definitely a me kind of dragon", he then pet her back, getting her to purr happily, he smiled, "you purr, well that's definitely new"*
*A few more chitters came from behind the teen, getting him to freeze and turn his head, seeing his best friend clinging to his new wings with a woozy look on his face
"Oh!" The alchemist looked at Hugo pleadingly and, catching the hint, the blond walked over and gently removed the raccoon from the wings. Handing him over to the freckled teen, who gave him a kiss before he looked at the mammal, "how'd you get there?"
The raccoon chittered about how he'd been trying to climb up his boy's back to calm him down like he normally did, but the wings were an added complication
"Oh I uh, I see.... Sorry"
Ruddigar gave his boy a loving chitter before nuzzling his cheek
"Thanks bud", Varian kissed his furry companion's head before he placed him on his shoulders and looked at Serenity, who was reaching out her claws towards the boy, like a baby trying to grab at their parent. Varian felt a small twang of warmth fill his heart as he smiled at the dragon and walked over, taking her out of Hector's hands and holding her close, "so these are gifts from you huh?"
Serenity chirruped happily before nuzzling the teen, getting him to giggle
"Thanks, they're beautiful"
Serenity let out a small, 'Brr!' of joy and nuzzled the teen even more, wagging her tail excitedly*
*Adira had come back with the fruit in no time flat, and Varian had gathered a few other items that, while edible enough to where they wouldn't cause damage to the dragon's insides, were not food. He set down a dragon fruit and a folded blanket, "ok Serenity, now watch closely", he said, getting the dragon to watch, "food", he pointed to the dragon fruit, "not food", he pointed to the blanket, "good to eat", he pointed to the fruit again, "good to sleep", he gestured to the blanket, "okay?"
The dragon nodded with a smile
"Oki, now eat the *food*"
The dragon sniffed the two items before her, she looked at her 'mother' again, who gave her an encouraging smile, before she looked at the two items once more. She sniffed at them again before chomping on the blanket
"Whoops", Eugene said as Varian sighed
"No no", the alchemist replied gently as he took the blanket out of Serenity's mouth, "try again, food", he pointed to the fruit, "not food", he pointed to the slobbery blanket"
The dragon looked a little nervous and nuzzled her 'mother'
He smiled, "maybe this is a little too hard, here", he grabbed the fruit and broke it in half, "smell this", he brought the half fruit up to her nose and she sniffed, humming interestedly, "that's food, it's good, see?" He took a small bite and chewed, the flavor was as bland as Adira had mentioned, but he swallowed all the same and smiled, "good!"
Serenity sniffed the fruit again before licking it, she smiled and opened her mouth
"Good girl!" Varian exclaimed before dropping the fruit into her mouth and watching her chew and eat it happily, licking her chops, "wanna try with this again?" He asked, pointing to the other half of the fruit and the slobbery blanket
Serenity nodded before she sniffed the two, ultimately going for the fruit this time and enjoying the nice flavor
"You did it!" Varian squeaked with joy, "great job! I'm so proud of you!"*
*"Hm? Oh! Yeah! Serenity, let me show you how to fly!" Varian ran over to his dragon and spoke animatedly about his and Hugo's experience before showing her how to use her wings in the same way. She copied his rhythm, though she needed to go faster since she's much bigger than her 'mother'. Once she got a good handle on how to do it, Varian and she began to fly together, him showing the dragon how to turn and lean before they began to work on tricks together! The entire flying experience was a success, and by the end, the tiny alchemist and blue dragon were soaring through the skies at speeds no one could believe! All the while, the group watched the two happily, Hugo especially, smiling as he watched the person he loved the most have the time of their lives in the sky!*
*Varian and the group walked back to the retired knight's home after a full 7 hours of training and flying, the freckled teen nearly falling the moment he stepped inside the home, his wings limp by his sides and his tail dragging along the floor. Serenity felt the same way, flopping onto the floor with a huff before she placed her head onto the couch with the teen and fell asleep happily. Both of them were asleep in an instant, getting the group to smile*
*Hugo walked over and snickered, "I'll help clean this up if I get extra pancakes"
"You're a dirty dealer, but I'm inclined to agree since this is a huge mess"
"Sweet", the three of them cleaned up the pancake mess as Ruddigar cheered them on before they set the table and called everyone in. Varian gave Serenity some dragon fruit and a long hug, the two seemingly understanding why the other seemed keen on keeping each other close, before they broke the hug and the teen went to eat. After breakfast, Varian spent the entire day with his dragon, mixing potions with her, training her, and teaching her new things! He'd found out that she could help him mix potions with him, and she'd found out he'd gained her fire breathing, something that startled both of them when the teen nearly burned Eugene's arm when the man have Varian a surprise hug!*
*Varian let out a yawn, it'd been two days since he, Hugo, and his dad had had, what they were referring to as, 'the talk'. Since then, the teen had taken every opportunity he could get to spend time with Serenity, playing and training with her, teaching her new tricks, and even going out, at night, for more flying lessons, the two were inseparable! So as the alchemist stretched his tired limbs, wings and tail following suit, and reached out a hand to go and pet the blue dragon, he was a little startled to find nothing but air by his side. Looking over, the spot where Serenity usually laid was empty, inside, the dragon in question was staring out his window and up towards the sky. "Hey girl, what's wrong?" Varian asked, a little nervously as he got out of bed, Ruddigar hopping onto his shoulder as he did
The dragon didn't say a word, she just kept staring out the window, her sapphire blue eyes watching the skies as if she were waiting for something to appear. Ruddigar hopped onto her back and chittered at her worriedly, asking if she was alright
Serenity looked at the small mammal and gave him a quiet 'brr', nuzzling him lovingly before looking out the window again
Varian felt his heart begin to beat as he remembered his conversation with his father and boyfriend.... He'd spent as much time with her as possible, but he hadn't thought she'd want to leave so soon.... "Serenity?"
The dragon looked at him
"Are.... Y-you missing home?"
Serenity seemed a little confused by this question before her eyes widened and she let out a chirrup! Immediately going over to her 'mother', and nuzzling him lovingly, purring to ensure he knew she wasn't thinking about that
Varian felt a little relived, hugging her back, "oki, I know dad and Hugo said you'd need to leave one day, but I'm not entirely sure how to cope with that yet, you know?"
Serenity chirruped happily, nodding her head understandingly as Ruddigar hopped onto his boy's shoulder once more
"What were you looking at?"
Serenity made an odd face before she walked over to the window, calling her 'mother' over as well
Varian followed, checking the window as well, "woah", he said as he saw the foggy day, "that's.... Odd.... Corona doesn't normally have foggy days like this...."
Serenity nodded, as did Ruddigar*
*"I came to speak with all of you about the boy's dragon", Nigel stated, pointing to Serenity, who was happily watching her 'mother'. Varian and Ruddigar smiled at the beast and walked over petting her head lovingly and kissing her snoot*
*"I-it's um... g-got your e-egg shell on it, I m-made it to where they couldn't be broken and p-placed them on a necklace, a-along with some sapphires, t-they match your eyes", Varian explained, "I w-wanted you to remember, a-and know that, if you ever c-come for a visit, you're welcome to.... I'm s-sad you're going, but I'm not m-mad at you, I'm j-just gonna miss you, but, I h-have a necklace of my own", he showed his and smiled, "s-so we can remember together, you know?"
The dragon smiled happily, she hugged her 'mother', her wings wrapping around him as he returned the gesture
"I love you so much, my little princess", he stated softly, "be safe out there okay?"
Serenity nuzzled him, licking his face a little before letting go, she then bowed her head, bumping Varian's hand. The teen raised it up to his waist and opened it, not sure what she wanted before Serenity let a tear drop from her face. It landed in Varian's hand, hard as a rock.
"W-wha?" He looked at it, it felt warm and pure, he lifted it to the sky and gasped as the light of the Moon shimmered off of it in a rainbow, "I...." He looked at Serenity before smiling, "thank you, I love you too", he stated before hugging her once last time
She hugged him back, and for a while, they stayed that way, until they broke the hug, Serenity giving the alchemist one last smile before turning away*
Varian continued to cry into his father's shoulder, unable to stop the tears as they came flowing out of him. He didn't want her to leave! He didn't want her to go! He knew it was the right thing, but it hurt so badly! So he cried, and he continued to cry until he couldn't anymore, falling asleep in his father's arms, the man holding him, protecting him, as they stayed out and watched the night sky.
Notes:
Hello! <3
So yeah, it was time, and Varian knew it would happen soon, he just wasn't prepared, no one is actually, it's sad.... But it happens, and sometimes it's for the best, even if you're sad, know that they're in a better place, and had a wonderful life because of you! <3
Varian is a sad bean right now, but he knows it needed to happen.... He's got his friends and family with him, particularly Quirin, it's gonna take time, but he'll be okay <3
Quirin is being the best supportive dad here, he knows how hard this is for his son, and is trying to make it easier on him in any way he can. He's a good dad <3
Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Edmund, Adira, Hector, and Hugo are all playing support here, this was about Varian, Quirin, and Serenity, but they all helped out <3
Serenity wasn't here for long, but she was a good dragon, and she'll go on to do amazing things! <3
Ruddy is being a great supportive raccoon! <3 Even if he and Serenity didn't have the best relationship in the beginning, he's still helping in his own way! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 331: Hello New Friend!
Summary:
Varian has a dream meeting with someone he doesn't know!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*He was floating, it'd been a while since he'd been floating like this, he knew what it meant, and smiled eagerly as he allowed himself to be taken away. He saw his father in his room, the man was pacing once again, he could tell the retired knight's hand was glowing. Such a worry wart, this has happened before, and he wasn't afraid. He continued to float, he wanted to reach her so badly, he'd missed her, it'd been a while! But suddenly, he felt his heart begin to break.....
He was in the place he'd always met her, but she wasn't there.... Something was wrong, he looked around, trying to sense her, call her, anything that would help, but he felt something blocking him... That was when he saw it....
A black shadow.... It looked so familiar to him but he couldn't quite place it.... But he felt them..... They had a green mist surrounding them, with strings attached to their arms and legs, almost like a puppet. The shadow was staring at him, judging him with their green eyes... Wait... No he-he recognized those eyes! They were Cassandra's!
He yelped when the shadow grabbed him, they picked him up, and suddenly, their shape took a more detailed form, he could recognize them now.... They were Cassandra.... She was glaring at him, hatred filling her once kind eyes, but it wasn't hers.....
The puppet master pulling her strings, that was who he should blame! They were blocking him! Making it to where he couldn't see he could talk to her, the Moon, he couldn't sense her anymore... And it scared him.... He couldn't sense anything anymore... It's as if everything he was and could be melted out of him... He didn't know his name, he didn't know where he was supposed to be... He was so....
Lost....
He ran, managing to wriggle out of the shadow's grasp and run away! He didn't get his memories back, but he knew he wanted to run, it was slow though.... The place he longed to escape to kept getting farther and farther away, he got slower and slower, unable to run any faster than the approaching shadow of Cassandra, her strings shining in the dim light.
He struggled to breathe, feeling his heart beat quicker and quicker as he tried to run faster, nothing worked, it was as if he were in an ocean of syrup and it wouldn't let him be!
He could feel the shadow's breath on his back, could feel their presence as they loomed over him, he could feel their eyes piercing into his soul
He couldn't let them grab him again, if he did, he'd be lost forever! That's what he could feel, and it *terrified* him....
"Help!" He meekly called out, "someone h-help!"
*I'm here!* Someone said
A wave of water crashed into them, but while the shadow was swept away in the current, he remained still. The water was cool and warm at the same time, he could feel the syrup he was stuck in wash away, he was floating once again, but in a different way, like he was under the water.
He looked around, nothing but the calming water.... And some fish!
He felt confused and unsure of himself until he heard a younger voice, *are you alright?*
"I... Y-yeah, thank you"
*You're welcome! I'm glad I could help!* They replied, seeming happily and relieved
This was definitely not the Moon, he wasn't sure who this was, "um... A-are you gonna h-hurt me?"
*Oh my-NO! Not at all! You're her little one! You're my mama's little one, I would never hurt you!* They replied, they sounded so.... Concerned
"Your.... Mama?"
*Yes, my mama, she's the Moon!*
"She's t-w-wait, do you know where your mama is?!"
*Hmm... I don't know, she's usually here, I watch you until you reach her, because I can reach you when you're not with her, but she doesn't seem to be around anywhere.... Almost like she's blocked.... Oh mama's gonna be so sad about that.... She really likes you, a lot!*
"I... Y-you said I was her little one, and s-she's your mama... D-do you know my name?"
*Can you not remember?*
"No... F-for some reason I can't...."
*Oh, silly me, that might be my fault... Or that shadows, you're Varian! Varian Vanguard! Remember now?*
The teen's eyes widened before flashes of himself came to him, filling his boy and soul as he saw his father, his friends, his Hugo, his raccoon, everyone! He smiled, tears coming to his eyes, "t-thank you, I remember now"
The water shimmered, the fish smiling, *happy to help!* Then the fish tilted their heads at the boy, *do you have any ideas as to why you couldn't reach mama?*
The alchemist thought for a moment, "I... Don't know... I think something's blocking me.... Maybe... W-when Cassandra took some of my powers?"
They gasped, *someone took some of your powers?! Oh no! That has to be it!*
"But I was able to reach the Moon once after that, she spoke to me still"
*....I think mama used her own powers to help talk to you... But something must've changed... Something bad... Did you talk to someone new? Someone in your dreams perhaps?*
Varian thought about that for a long time before his eyes grew wide as he remembered someone, "Ziri!"
*Who?*
"Ziri! I spoke with a girl named Ziri!" He exclaimed, "she knew about me, she could look into my mind, she seemed nice when I spoke with her, and she helped me find out more about my lineage, and that the king still hides things from me and his own family... She seemed kind, but she was able to search my mind with ease... Either she did something that blocked the Moon... Or she's not as nice as she seemed...."
*....I wouldn't trust her, she seems mean...*
Varian blinked before smiling, "you... I hope this doesn't sound rude, but you sound youthful"
*Hee hee, that's cuz I am! I'm not nearly as old as mama! Then again, you're only surface at this point, there's more to me if you go a little deeper. But go too far and you'll drown*
The teen shuddered at that, "thanks for the warning... Um... Who are you?"
*Oh did I not tell you? Sorry, that was silly of me, I'm the ocean!*
"You're the... What?!"
*Yup! I'm the Ocean! I run through your world, my best friend/cousin is the Earth I run through!* They stated happily, *we've been friends forever, my mama's the Moon, the Sun is my best friend's daddy!*
"So wait.... You're the Moon's child, the Earth is the Sun's child, and you two play together?" Varian asked
*Yup!* The Ocean replied happily, *my mama told me to look out for you anytime you went through me, hence the times you fell into the ice during winter years ago, you were safe because I made sure your daddy could hear it! And anytime you passed through my waters in a boat, you always had a safe travel! When you fell into my river during that scavenger hunt, I was able to push you back up while you swam!*
"You... I was wondering how I'd gotten back up so quickly, and how my dad was able to hear my fall even though he was far away.... Did you help me when I fell into the ice during the most recent winter?"
*Yup! I helped you sink slower while your daddy dove in to save you! I helped him get to you faster too!*
Varian smiled, "thank you, you saved my life"
*How would you say it? Just doin my part?*
The teen giggled, "you know me really well, and you talk a lot differently than your mama"
*That's because, while mama watches you humans sleep, and her brother watches you humans while you're awake, me and the Earth play with you! You come to us and splash in me, build sandcastle in my best friend, you make things from us, you find things in us! We play and you play, so we know you a lot better than our parents do! We love humans and animals, we think they're fun! Though some of them are mean, some try to hurt me and my best friend.... We don't like them very much....*
Varian frowned, "I'm sorry they do that... Have I ever harmed you?"
*Not on purpose, I don't get upset when people harm accidentally, neither does the Earth, we understand, and you try to do good things, put more good than bad in the world!*
The alchemist smiled at that, "you're both very kind"
*Thank you! You're kind too! And nice, I like it when you and your daddy walk inside my waters, it's nice because I can feel the joy and love you two bring!*
The teen smiled, "we'll have to do that again soon, it's been a while"
*Please do! It was fun!*
"...Do you feel sad when we fish?"
*Nope, I understand you need to eat, it's what needs to be done*, they stated, *you don't do it maliciously, and your family thanks the fish you eat, you all use the entire fish, and in a kind and respectful way. Your ancestors used to do the same, it's a cycle, part of nature, it's a balance much like my mama says. I remember being sad about it before, but she explained that you were just trying to survive, that's when I started to get to know you all better! I love my fishy friends, I love everything inside my waters, but I love you humans too! It's all a balance, and we respect the balance!*
The alchemist grinned happily before he felt something odd, it was as if he heard a voice calling his name, "w-what's going on?!"
*It's okay, you're being woken up*, the Ocean explained
"B-but will I see you again? A-and how do I talk to the Moon? Where do I find her?"
"Silly, mama's always here, she's not in trouble, you're being blocked, but you can see her every night*, they replied, *if you need to see her, look up, if you need to talk with her, pray like your people used to! She'll answer you in different ways, if I know anything about you humans, you have so many ways to communicate, talking in dreams isn't the only way*
Varian thought about that, and he felt more at peace, he smiled, "thank you, Ocean, thank you very much"
*You're welcome! Just doin my part!* The alchemist felt himself leaving the dream, as he did, he heard the Ocean call, *have safe travels Varian Vanguard! See you soon!* He smiled and waved goodbye for now
****
"-rian!"
"Var-?"
"S-n!"
"VARIAN!"
"EEP!" The teen squeaked before jotting up and curling his knees under his chin
"There you are!" His father exclaimed before the man wrapped his arms around the teen in a tight hug, "I was so worried about you!"
"D-dad?! I'm okay, I'm f-fine, what... What happened, what's wrong?" He asked as he hugged his father back
Quirin broke the hug, startling the teen because the man had tears in his eyes and sliding down his cheeks, "you wouldn't w-wake up"
"What?!"
"Y-you're hair started to glow, and you k-kept screaming about some sort of s-shadow grabbing you. T-then you stopped moving all together and your hair s-stopped glowing and I thought it'd gotten you, I t-tried to shake you awake, but you weren't waking up and I thought that...." His father sniffled and hugged his boy again
Varian was so startled by that, he remembered what'd happened, but... To think his body wasn't reacting..... "Oh dad...." He hugged the man tighter, holding him as he felt the retired knight's tears drip onto his head. For a while, they were quiet, until Quirin broke the hug and sniffled again
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm alright, sorry", Varian replied with a smile
"...Y-you sure?" A quiet voice asked
Both turned to see Hugo in a corner, his eyes were wide and his cheeks were stained with tears as well, he looked so afraid, so small as he shook in the corner, "oh Hugo-I'm okay, I'm okay!" Varian exclaimed, immediately going to him and hugging his boyfriend tight, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry that I scared you, I'm sorry... I'm sorry"
The blond returned the hug, he was still shaking like a leaf, his pale face was flushed, almost as though he'd made himself sicker with worry.
Varian held him close, Ruddigar too, as the raccoon climbed onto his boy's shoulder and nuzzled his face. The teen smiled, "I'm so sorry I made you all worry... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry"
"I-it's okay", Hugo replied, his voice was weak and shaky, "you're okay, t-that's all that matters now"
Varian broke the hug and placed a hand on Hugo's forehead, "you have a fever, are *you* okay?"
"W-well when you're boyfriend doesn't w-wake up after having an emotionally e-exhausting day, g-getting sick with worry is bound to h-happen", the blond joked, it was weak and quiet, but there
Varian smiled, "I'm sorry"
"It's okay, I'm j-just glad you're okay"
"Same", Quirin stated, pulling both of them in a hug, "I'm so glad you're okay"
The alchemists, and one raccoon, smiled up at the man before Hugo sighed, "what happened to you Freckles?" He asked
The freckled teen looked at him before he looked up at his dad, then Ruddigar before he sighed, "I um.... Spoke to someone..."
Quirin blinked, "'someone', meaning not the Moon or Ziri?"
"Yeah.... I spoke with someone else tonight... And I was almost grabbed...."
"Varian...." Hugo whispered worriedly as Ruddigar chittered
"I'm alright but... I think we may have a problem guys.... A-and I don't know what to do...."
Hugo, Quirin, and Ruddigar looked at each other before looking at the teen determindly, "tell us what happened", his father stated gently, getting Varian to smile before he explained everything
Notes:
Hello! :D Early upload! Woo! :D
So yeah, Varian met the Ocean! :D This idea came from Stardustfairy31 So thank you Stardustfairy31 For the wonderful idea! :D I really loved it, and I hope I did it justice! <3
Varian is such a compelling character, so much can be done with him it's a little hard to know when to stop XD Him having a certain someone in his mind and her being able to block the Moon from seeing him is very bad and will play into things later.... For now, it's a foreshadow :3 I have so many things I wanna try with this, but for the sake of the story I've picked on specifically, just to not complicate things. Either way, I hope you'll all enjoy it! <3
The Ocean is such a cool idea for a character, again, thank you Stardustfairy31 for this idea! :D I'm so excited to do more with them, and they are a 'they/them' as is the Earth! I actually have an idea to where the Ocean... 'grows up' the deeper you dive. Better explanation: see 'Ogres have layers' scene from Shrek, the deeper you dive, the more mature they become, but they also get darker or lighter depending on where you go. I'm still working on it, but I'd love to hear some thoughts on this, and the Earth! :D
Quirin and Hugo, these poor beans, my gosh they're so scared for Varian! It actually hurt writing that, them being scared because the bean wasn't waking up. That's a bit of foreshadowing too, but not until waaaaay later! For now, this was just a scare, a very scary scare..... A very scary scare that scares.... Scarily.... (It's not anchovies XD 5,000 points to you if you know what I'm referring to XD)
Ruddy buddy is being the best boy in the world! <3 We love our bratty raccoon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 332: Spooky Sightings and Experiences!
Summary:
Quirin talks about ghost experiences when Lance see's something spooky in the retired knight's home!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"It is not!" Eugene exclaimed, huffing at the person sitting across from him
"It is so!" Lance argued, as he sat across from Eugene
Both men were glaring at each other as they munched on a few snacks Quirin had brought out for the group. Rapunzel looked in-between the pair worriedly, "uh guys, what are you two fighting about?" She asked nervously
"Yeah, you've been doing that ever since we all got up this morning. It's fucking annoying", Hector stated with a raised brow at the pair
The two former thieves looked at the group, Eugene sighed, "Lance says this place is haunted"
"It IS!" Lance replied aggravatedly, "I know what I *saw*!"
"What did you see?" Rapunzel asked, eyes wide with interest as Adira sat next to Hector and her king, who were sharing an arm chair across from Quirin, Varian, Ruddigar, and Hugo, the blond was feeling a lot better now, so Donella was in the guest room given to her upstairs, packing
The former thief's eyes narrowed at Eugene, as if to tell him not to interrupt before he looked at the princess, "so there I was, this morning, lookin into a mirror to get ready for the day, when I saw someone wearing white walk past the open privy door behind me!"
Rapunzel gasped, "really?!"
"Yeah! I got chills down my spine! But, bein the logical thinker that I am-!"
"Yeah right", Eugene interrupted
"You be quiet", Lance stated before looking at Rapunzel again, "I thought maybe it was Varian or Hugo, and they were bein their tired alchemy selves while wearin white pj's. So I peeked out from the privy doorway, but there was no one there...."
The princess looked shocked, "woah"
"Yeah.... I freaked out and went to Eugene to warn him! You know, like best friends do!"
"You did not! You got freaked out and ran to me because you were scared!" Eugene stated, "and I did, you were sleepy and ended up seeing a shine on the privy mirror and thought it was a person walking around"
"Last time I checked, shines in a mirror made you blink and affected your eye sight!" Lance stated, "and when I saw.... Whatever that was in the privy, my eyes were completely fine!"
"...So you saw the white lady, I figured you would've seen her sooner", Varian stated, shocking almost everyone in the room as they turned to look at him
"W-w-white lady?" Lance asked, shivering as he did
"Come on kid, don't feed into this", Eugene stated
"No I'm serious, she's real, and she likes the second floor of our home", the alchemist stated
"Varian I thought you didn't believe in ghosts?" The Dark Prince stated, "the 5 Mysteries of Corona kinda made it seem like you didn't"
The freckled teen smirked, "I didn't believe in *those* ghosts, because they were part of legends told to keep kids out of trouble. For example, the whispering ghost in the tunnel, remember when I told you how dad had told me about that one to keep me out?"
"Right, so you *do* believe in ghosts, but you *don't* believe in fairy tales...."
The teen huffed, "unlike fairy tales, ghosts have a more logical explanation for being here. An echo of a past memory playing over and over again, a lost spirit who, instead of moving on, has unfinished business they need to do before leaving for good, a person who is so sad or angry that they can't leave, so they end up staying and using their unstable emotions to attack anyone who comes near. Those are explainable, understandable, and actually pretty sad. A dish running away with a spoon as the cow jumps over the Moon is not plausible unless science had some involvement, and even if it did, they wouldn't make a full blown lie about it when that kind of innovation and technology could be used to better the people of this world".
"Tea kettle that turns people into birds Freckles", Hugo said
"The kettle was either made out of a magic material, like the black rocks or Rapunzel's hair, or there was a magical power put inside it that caused any tea made inside to turn people into birds, like the wand of oblivion"
"Wait, the wand of oblivion has something in it that causes people to lose their memories?" Rapunzel asked
"Yup! They make a potion and fill the wand with it, when you hit the wand on your head, some of that potion trickles onto you and makes you forget. A-Andrew explained it to me, that's why there's so many ingredients to curing it, and why you have to do so quickly otherwise the memories almost never come back. I replicated that potion so many times before, but.... It's so complicated and delicate a solution that turning it into gas continued to make it explode..... I'm... Glad it did but... Also not...."
"You know we don't blame you for that anymore right?" Rapunzel asked
"I know, I'm.... Moving past it... Slowly...."
Quirin hugged his son, Varian returning the hug before he looked at Eugene, "back to the ghost thing though, I believe in spirits and ghosts, I just don't always believe the stories other people have told me about them, particularly in legends. But Lance seeing the White Lady isn't surprising to me, I thought you all might see her sometime soon, just didn't know when that would be"
"So... Is there a story to this White Lady?" Edmund asked
"Not you too dad..." Eugene stated with a sigh
"Quirin was affected by a spirit in the Dark Kingdom, one that caused him to be knocked out for three days straight, wracked with nightmares to the point where he was nearly sick", the Dark King stated, "I don't take chances with spirits, especially around my children, and grandchildren"
Eugene blinked, "I forgot all about that... Sorry"
"It's alright, but seriously, this White Lady, do you know her story?" Edmund asked, looking at Varian worriedly
"Well... I've never spoken to her before, she likes me a lot though, dad too", the teen replied
"She does?" Hector asked
"Yeah! I remember the first time seeing her, I had a really bad nightmare and was trying to find my way into dad's room. She was walking around and saw me, helped me to his room, when I walked in, dad was startled to see me awake, he froze when I told him about the White Lady helping me. I remember pointing to the door frame where she'd stood by, and when dad looked, she was gone"
"Woah"
"Yeah, I was 5, another time though, dad was the one that saw her!"
Quirin nodded, "she was watching me panic.... There was a *really* bad storm happening late at night, and I can't really sleep during them.... So I was up pacing throughout the night when I noticed her watching me by the bedroom door. She didn't say anything, I asked if she'd been the one to guide my son to my room, and she nodded. I said thank you, she smiled and disappeared. We see her around here sometimes, she keeps an eye on Varian, I think she may have been a mom when she was alive, so she's grown protective over him"
Edmund smiled, "well isn't that nice"
"Has she attacked anyone before?" Adira asked interestedly
"No, she's kept an eye on visitors though, she does not like new people, in fact, if she doesn't know you, she hides and/or tries to scare you away", Varian replied, "I remember, w-when the King of Corona sent... G-guards after me...." He cleared his throat, "I heard some of them say there was a spirit here. I was l-locked in my lab with dad when I heard glass breaking and the g-guards freak out. I heard them run away and the door unlocked itself. She was able to intervene sometimes, but it's hard for a ghost to do, takes energy, so she couldn't do it all the time. I haven't seen her since me and dad were reunited actually, so I'm glad she's back!"
Lance shivered, "I'm glad she's a friendly spirit, but maybe you could ask her not to freak me out when I'm in the privy....."
Varian smiled sympathetically at the man, "I think she may have just been checking on me Lance, you just happened to see her as she was leaving my room"
"Why was she checking on you?" Eugene asked
"....I-it was because I had a very... Interesting meeting in my dream last night.... Don't know if any of you heard, but I astral projected again, this time I didn't see the Moon though...." He explained what'd happened in his dream, with the Ocean and the shadow Cassandra, everyone, save for Hugo, Quirin, and Ruddigar, looked shocked as he finished
"Varian...." Rapunzel stated, "are... You okay?"
"I'm alright, a little freaked out, but alright. But yeah, that may be why she was walking around this morning, she may have been checking on me"
"Woah...." Eugene said quietly, "we're gonna have to be on the look out, I get a weird feeling something big is about to happen...."
"I do too..." The princess agreed
The room fell silent as everyone thought about what the teen had stated before Lance sighed, "not to change the subject, but are there any other spirits in your home we should know about?"
"Lance!" Eugene scolded
"I'm askin so I can prepare myself!"
Varian giggled, "there's quite a few walking around near here"
"There are?!" Both Lance and Rapunzel asked in unison
Quirin smiled, "yeah, Old Corona is... Well old, so it's not surprising there're spirits who still roam around here"
"I suppose, but still! Do you have any scary ones?" The princess asked interestedly
"You really believe in this stuff don't ya?" Hugo asked with an amused smirk
"Yeah I do! I sang with Ruthless Ruth! She was amazing and I loved getting to know her! To think there may be other spirits I could meet is just so interesting to me!"
"Some of them I wouldn't recommend getting close to", Varian stated, "there's a few that.... Aren't very pleasant"
Edmund looked worried, "there are?" He glanced at Quirin and Hugo before his eyes locked onto Varian again, "how so?"
"Well, they stay outside of our house", the teen explained, "dad doesn't let them in, and neither do I. They like to prank us or scare us, there's one that.... I think they're evil.... They say really bad things to me.... Dad doesn't like them at all.... I haven't spoken to them much..."
"What things did it say to you?" Hugo asked
"....Die, run, hurry, go..... Death, alone, mine, want to keep you...." Varian felt a shiver on his spine, "I.... D-did not like it...."
The blond teen shuddered, "that's fuckin creepy"
"Yeah.... Hey, have any of you seen the dark path in the orchard?"
"Dark path?" Eugene asked
Varian nodded, "into the orchard, there's the main path, the one all of us were on when Cyrus and Donella came around. I was surprised we didn't go on it, we were really close to it.... Dad put up a fence there, no one goes near that part of the orchard... It's overgrown and thick with dead trees.... There's a bridge there, old and shabby, you cross it and suddenly the air changes, it's constricting, almost like whatever's there is feeding off you...."
"That's fucked up...." Hector stated
"Yeah.... Dad says to never go there, that's a*huge* rule in our house, never go there, especially at night...." Varian looked up at his father, "in fact, I'm not allowed to go in the orchard at night at all because of that place, right dad"
"Right", Quirin responded, "that goes for Hugo too"
"Aww, and to think I was gonna go have a tea party there too", the blond joked, getting the retired knight to ruffle his hair affectionately
"Do you know the.... Thing's story?" Rapunzel asked
"Nope, and I don't want to know", Quirin replied, "as far as I'm concerned, that beast can stay the fuck in that part of the orchard...."
"Damn, alright then", Hector stated with a snort, "Quirin's fucking done with that spirit's shit"
"I'm inclined to agree with you on that", Adira stated, "what did that spirit do to get you so upset?" She asked her older brother
The Village Leader sighed, "it was a long time ago...."
"Oooh! Quirin story!" Rapunzel exclaimed as she got comfortable on the couch, getting Eugene and Lance to smile
"I'm honestly kinda with her", Varian replied as he held Ruddigar close to his chest for comfort, "I know this story, and it's very scary, but dad tells the best stories"
Quirin chuckled before he began the tale:
'I was working late at night in the orchard, back then, the darker part of the orchard had only been tended to by me, rarely since I needed to be available for any villager with an issue the couldn't solve, and a few other older farmhands. Those of us who'd been on the land for a long time and knew how to find our ways back without much trouble. Varian was only 4 years old at that time, and he often liked to sneak out to try and find me during work. This night in particular however, one of the older farmhands had gotten sick, so I needed to fill in for them. I agreed, but I hadn't told Varian what I was going to be doing, a mistake on my part, but it'd been very last minute and I'd mentioned to the babysitter that there would be times when I would work late, she knew what to do when I did, so I thought it would be fine.
I was working in the orchard, with Adam mind you, he and I were the only ones out there at that point, the other farmhands had gone home for the evening. We were just finishing up with a tree when Adam asked if I'd said anything, I said no and that he may have just heard the wind rustling through the leaves, he shrugged and we moved on to another tree.
We hadn't had anything else happen for a while, not until we crossed the bridge.... There were very few trees across the bridge, they were too far away from the farming grounds, and way too close to the wild area of the woods near the wall. We were finishing up with the second to last tree when Adam asked if I'd said anything again, I hadn't. He told me he was getting this odd feeling, like we weren't supposed to be there, and I couldn't help but agree. The air was tight, there wasn't much noise save for us and the occasional wind rustling through the trees. It felt.... Like we were trespassing onto someone else's land....
I told Adam we'd need to hurry up, I'd investigate it tomorrow morning with a few guards, maybe someone was out there watching us? We didn't know, but I didn't want to cause whomever they were to grow agitated and harm Adam. I remember seeing him nod and we continued to pick the apples, we finished and were heading back, when Adam told me he didn't remember the path to the bridge being such a long way....
I agreed, but told him we needed to keep going, we couldn't let whatever was happening scare us. So we continued, but the further and further we walked, the darker and darker it got..... The air was as tight as if you were to climb a mountain, very thin amounts of air.... Adam was panting pretty badly, he hated it.... Now, a little trivia on Adam, he's older, but he does not scare easily. There are very *few* things that get this man to jump, scream, yelp, or even shiver. So when I tell you he was shaking like a leaf and that scared me, I'm being serious.....
I asked if he needed to sit down, and he told me he needed to get out. He said the voice he kept hearing, the one he thought was me, continued to tell him he was supposed to leave, get out, run, shoo, whatever other leave word you can think of, this voice was telling him to do so. He said it sounded *exactly* like me, and that made my blood run cold, I hadn't said a word.... I yelled at whatever was out there that we planned to leave, and in order for us to do so, it needed to let us. I was angry, on my friend's behalf, this... whatever it was, scared Adam, and I hate seeing that man upset, he's been very loyal to me, no one harms Adam, just as no one harms Varian, Ruddigar, Hugo, Itty Bitty, Sassy, or Olivia.
When I said that though.... I felt the air tighten even more... I finally heard the whispers Adam had, all of them telling me to get out, to run and leave as fast as I could. I told Adam we needed to go and we stayed on the path to the way out, I *knew* where I was going, so did Adam, we don't get lost in that part of the orchard, we knew that place as if the map had been ingrained in our minds, yet we still didn't see the bridge. My heart began to race, my body was freezing, it was cold.... Which was another bad sign considering it was the middle of the *Summer* harvest.....
Adam was done, he dropped the basket of apples and said so, he was done, sick of the shit he'd been going through, and wanted out. I calmed him down, but agreed, leaving the apple behind would be a better idea than trying to bring them all the way back to the farm, especially in our current situation. By the way, need I mention, it's still very much pitch black where we were, so middle of the night sort of events going on, baby Varian would be in bed, his babysitter up waiting for me to come home, no Sun, we couldn't see the stars or Moon either.... Keep that in mind, it's important later.
We walked around once more, leaving the apples this time, but ended up in the same spot, this time however, the apple were rotten..... There were bugs picking at them, they looked like they'd been rotten for *days*! Mind you, we walked a straight line as well, there was no way we could've circled back to them, but there they were, rotten, stinking, on the grass with the same wheelbarrow and bucket we'd been carrying.....
The whispers had gotten so loud, me and Adam couldn't ignore them anymore, they continued to tell us to get out, to leave, danger, evil, something was coming, over and over and over and over and *over*! Adam screamed and ran, I ran after him, trying to calm him down, I managed to do so, snapping him out of his hysteria.... Until I heard Varian....
I heard my 4 year old baby calling my name.... He said he was scared and lost, he was crying and said some spooky man was staring at him, getting closer and closer.... He said he'd ran, but the spooky man kept following him, he *begged* me for help....
That's when I snapped.... I *SCREAMED* at the being, cursing at it, spitting any insult I could think of, telling it what I'd do if it so much as *touched* my baby boy! I screamed and yelled and cursed, I scared Adam, and I think I scared whatever was messing with us too.... Because as soon as I got angry and began my tirade, throwing the rotten apples in any direction with speed that spoke *volumes* of my intentions.... Suddenly Adam saw the bridge, the voices, including Varian's, stopped, and I took his hand and marched over to it. I pushed Adam onto the bridge, and stomped onto it before turning and giving one last curse to that damn spirit before we walked to the other side.
The very *instant* we stepped on the other side, the Sun was high in the sky, everyone was staring at us with shock, Varian was with the babysitter outside with tearstains on his face, and Adam and I were *starving*! The feeling hadn't hit us until we'd stepped foot onto the grass on the other side of the bridge, we felt nothing before that, we were both also very exhausted..... I slept for three days straight and was sick, Adam did the same, we both recovered.... But when I found out what've happened while we were across the bridge, I was terrified.....*
Quirin looked at everyone, "Adam and I had been missing for three days straight, the babysitter, and Varian, said I hadn't come home, and Adam's wife said he hadn't either... When morning came, Varian was scared I'd gotten lost, so the babysitter and he went to grab a royal guard, the King and Queen of Corona came too.... They looked for us for the entirety of the three days.... When they saw us, they heard my screaming and yelling, cursing at something they couldn't see, they saw Adam shaking like a leaf and pale as a ghost.... Both of us were starving and sick, and nobody understood why..... When I recovered, I made a rule for anyone in Old Corona, no one is to cross that bridge in the orchard, the King gave us land to the west of it, so we were able to plant more trees and expand the orchard away from that bridge. I built a fence to keep everyone out, and told Varian *never* to go over there, not even if I had and didn't come out... He knew where the borders were, and he never got close, especially not at night...."
"....Holy shit...." Eugene stated, "why does all the crazy ghost stuff happen with you?!"
"I have no idea...." The retired knight replied
"...Do you think that spirit followed you from the Dark Kingdom", Edmund asked
"I wondered that for a long time, but there are differences between that spirit and the one in the Dark Kingdom nursery.... For one thing, I saw her.... I heard her.... And she didn't play with me, she wanted me dead the moment I stepped near her..... This spirit wanted to play.... Almost as if I were food on his plate, he was draining me and Adam, I could tell.... Varian actually found out more about spirits because of my encounter. Bean wanted to be prepared, and for me to be prepared as well, so he looked into it more to protect me". Quirin smiled at his son lovingly and kissed his head, getting the teen to blush and giggle before he continued, "he saw some of them are territorial and like to stay where they passed away, the women I saw seemed to be the same, she stayed in the nursery, or nearby, and they don't tend to leave that place, they need energy to do that. The spirit in the orchard however.... I think they can move wherever they want to in that part of the orchard.... past that bridge is *their* territory.... They have complete control over it...."
Varian shuddered, "I saw them one time...."
"You did?!" Lance asked, "but I thought you stayed away from there"
"I did! But I was helping dad at one point in the orchard and got lost.... It was during the evening and I was looking for him.... I saw the fence, and immediately got very scared.... I felt cold and heard someone whispering to me.... What I told you they said before.... Die, death, go, leave..... That was what they told me, and I ran away as fast as I could, remembering what'd happened to dad.... I ran into him a little bit later and told him what happened. He wasn't mad at me, it was a complete accident after all, but he made sure to give that fence the hardest glare I've ever seen on him..... I call it his scary face"
"His scary face!" Rapunzel giggled
"It was scary! When you're 7 years old and you see your father, a man known to be gentle and protective over you, make a face that could melt the hottest medal with one look *alone*, it's scary!"
"You know what, I agree with Freckles", Hugo stated, "this guy is a fucking gently giant, so to see *him* give a face that could actually burn every tree to ashes is actually fuckin freaky"
Quirin blushed as Edmund, Adira, and Hector snickered, "fair point.... Hey! I just had an idea!" The princess exclaimed, getting everyone to look at her curiously, "what if we went on a ghost hunt?!"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I love paranormal stuff! Spirits, ghosts, ghouls, etc, I really love that stuff, in fact, 6th sense runs in my family, on the female side! So writing an arch about ghosts in this story was bound to happen at some point, and since Rapunzel actually sang with a spirit, Ruthless Ruth, and said spirit was able to keep the bar thugs trapped inside of the bar with a portal that made it impossible for them to escape, this is well within the bounds of the cannon world of Tangled! And I'm super excited to explore more about it! :D
Lance being the one to get freaked out by spirits doesn't surprise me, I mean the man isn't a coward by any means, but he's jumpy. I could see him wigged out seeing something in the mirror behind him that shouldn't be there, he's still a brave Lance, he's just jumpy when it comes to ghosts and ghouls, who isn't though, to be fair :D
Eugene being the one who doesn't fully believe is understandable, he doesn't believe in fortune tellers, and he wasn't there when Rapunzel was in the bar with Ruthless Ruth either, so he wouldn't have been convinced. You could make the argument that he believes Rapunzel, and that I made it seem like he believed in the 5 Corona Mysteries arch. And to that I say, he believes in ghosts, he just doesn't believe Lance saw one in Quirin's home XD It's shown that Lance has lied to Eugene before, Eugene himself has a hard time believing some of the things Lance tells him, that's all. He loves Lance, he trusts him, he just doesn't trust everything he says XD
Rapunzel being eager to learn more about the spirits in Varian and Quirin's home is wholesome to me! She would wanna befriend every single spirit she comes across, and it's adorable! Though she's a bit too eager, so we'll see how it plays out XD
Hector and Adira are being the concerned yet bratty siblings that they are XD I love writing them that way XDXDXDXD
Hugo is being a good boyfriend, as always <3
Edmund being a concerned father for his eldest is adorable to me! He would be too, especially with Quirin because this has happened to his knight before! He's worried about him, and his grandbaby <3
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 333: Learning About Ghosts!
Summary:
The group learns more about ghosts and spirits, to set some ground rules!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"His scary face!" Rapunzel giggled
"It was scary! When you're 7 years old and you see your father, a man known to be gentle and protective over you, make a face that could melt the hottest medal with one look *alone*, it's scary!"
"You know what, I agree with Freckles", Hugo stated, "this guy is a fucking gently giant, so to see *him* give a face that could actually burn every tree to ashes is actually fuckin freaky"
Quirin blushed as Edmund, Adira, and Hector snickered, "fair point.... Hey! I just had an idea!" The princess exclaimed, getting everyone to look at her curiously, "what if we went on a ghost hunt?!"
The room was silent for a long while, really it was only a minute, but to Rapunzel it felt like forever as everyone stared at her silently, "um.... Not to be rude princess, but what the hell?!" Hugo asked, "after a creepy as shit story we just heard from Quirin, you wanna go out there and try to *talk* to that thing?!"
"Well not *that* spirit specifically, but maybe the White Lady, or any other spirit wandering around here!" Rapunzel stated with a smile, "I think it would be cool!"
"I don't know blondie, this isn't Ruthless Ruth, who decided to trap everyone in the bar because she couldn't be a singer, these spirits are different, they could have bad intentions for us", Eugene stated gently
"B-but wouldn't that mean we *should* help them out?" Rapunzel asked
"Not all spirits want help Rapunzel", Edmund said quietly, "the one, er two now, that attacked Quirin certainly don't"
"And the Lady in White seems like she's pretty happy here", Lance added
".....Maybe the others would want help though", Varian stated, getting everyone to look at him, shocked
"I'm sorry, what?" Eugene asked
"Maybe the other spirits would want help", Varian repeated, "I'm not a ghost expert, far from it in fact, but I've seen a lot of spirits around the farmlands, some scared me when I was a kid, but others just seemed.... Sad... While I don't think we should just randomly search for some, I think it would be interesting to find out more about them, and ghosts in general"
"Hairstripe, I know you're a curious bean, but don't you think that's pushing it a little?" The Dark Prince asked
"I'm actually on my son's side peanut, ghosts aren't to be trifled with", Edmund agreed
The freckled teen sighed, "would you rather have them sitting out there and wandering around for the rest of eternity?" He asked, "what if it was you out there, and you saw so many people pass you by, but you couldn't reach out to them because they were too afraid?"
That got everyone quiet once more, even Ruddigar remained silent for a moment or two, "....He's got a point", Hector stated, "being alone fucking sucks, being ignored is even worse...."
"We should do research on this matter first", Adira stated, "if we truly do plan on speaking with spirits, we should be weary and aware of what to look out for and how to do certain things"
"You two are really agreeing with this idea?" Lance asked, "after what happened to Quirin, twice?"
"Wild Child and I have wanted to go on a ghost hunt for a while, especially when we heard about the spirit in the nursery", Adira stated calmly, "we never got to because we were told it was dangerous, and were also made *heavily* aware of what happened to Stickler", she added
Hector nodded, "but we still wanna go on one, just to see what it's like and to speak with people. I've.... Kinda been curious about what it's like beyond there.... Especially ever since the Duke and Duchess were murdered... I mean it's not like I actually fucking give a shit what they think of me in death but... I dunno, it'd be interesting to find out where they are...."
Again, the room went silent before Varian smiled, "I know how you feel, I've wondered about where.... M-mom is too...."
"Freckles...." Hugo said softly
"I don't blame you", his boyfriend replied, "I will never blame you for that, ever"
The blond smiled and hugged Varian tightly, getting him to giggle as Quirin watched the two. "What do you think about this idea Quirin?" Eugene asked
The retired knight sighed, "I.... I'm not opposed to it.... Provided we do a lot of research, find out what spirits we want to speak with, possibly even ask around, just... Take precautions. I've... Always wondered about the afterlife too... And if, n-not only Ulla but.... Eden.... Where she is too...."
Edmund and Eugene both looked startled by that, while Hector and Adira gave their big brother a sympathetic stare they shared. Varian looked up at his father, as did Hugo, "are you alright?" The freckled alchemist asked
"Yeah, just... Worried I suppose...." Quirin replied softly, "sorry"
"No need to apologize", Varian replied with a smile as he nuzzled his father's vest, "it's okay to feel what you do, and honestly, I feel the same"
His father smiled at him, "thanks son", he stated, hugging the two alchemists and one raccoon
"We're really doing this aren't we...." Eugene stated, not really intending that to be a question
"Seems like it!" Rapunzel replied excitedly
"We have ground rules though", Quirin pointed out, "we need rules when it comes to spirits and ghosts, we can't just go all willy nilly with all of this, we need to be prepared"
"Willy nilly?" Rapunzel asked
"It's an old term that basically means 'wing it'", Edmund stated, "so when Quirin says, 'we can't just go all willy nilly with all of this', he means, 'we can't just wing it', or 'we need to have a plan', and so on", the Dark King explained, "though Quirin doesn't know how we can't 'wing iti considering we're going to be speaking with people we can't normally see..... Be still old boy, you must make sure you don't show how scared you really are! For your children and grand peanut!" He muttered to himself before looking at everyone, who was smiling at him, "......Darn it, did I do it again?!"
"Yes, but you are getting better", Adira answered
The Dark King sighed, "I need to keep working on this flaw! It's very difficult!"
Quirin chuckled, "you'll get the hand of it"
"Grand Peanut?" Varian asked, getting his grandpa to blush as he giggled
****
Everyone had began to gather a few items before they walked off to the bookstore, buying a bunch of ghost books for their expedition. Varian and Hugo also ended up with some alchemy books and Eugene grabbed a few Flynn Rider 1st Edition copies, excited to see them in the store! They all went to Monty's afterwards, not only to read the books and discuss them over a few snacks, but to ask around to see if anyone had seen any spirits they should look into. As they sat down in a booth, Lance and Edmund bought a few bags of candy for everyone to share, while Adira grabbed a strawberry cake slice from Attila, who was more than happy to slice her a piece.
"Ok so", Varian began as he looked at each ghost book, "we've got several good contenders that me, Hugo, and dad picked out"
"Quirin picked some?" Lance asked
"As I stated, ground rules", the retired knight replied, "I haven't read many of these books, and none to completion, but I did look at the few we bought, just for a glance"
"You looked at a few?" Eugene asked, "when?"
"....After Ulla disappeared"
"Oh.... Sorry"
"It's alright, I never really got an answer, and I stopped reading because it hurt too much, but.... I know these books have some good ideas and advice in them that may help"
Varian leaned against his father, "I love you"
"I love you too", Quirin replied with a smile before he picked up a lemon lollipop he spotted from Varian's candy bag Lance had given him, "want it?"
The freckled teen's eyes lit up and he nodded, getting the lollipop and licking it happily before he looked at the books, "which one should we look at first?"
The group looked through the books before Lance pointed to one in particular, "that one!" He declared
"Why that one?" Hugo asked
"Because the title is funny, 'BOO! A Ghost Theory', that's hilarious!"
Varian giggled before he opened the aforementioned book, "I actually grabbed this one because I liked the title too, so I'll take it as a sign"
"What's it say?" Rapunzel asked
"Well, the beginning is an introduction of sorts, welcoming the reader to the wonderful world of spirits, ghosts, ghouls, and demons...."
"....Ominous!" Eugene stated with sarcastic excitement
"Right?" Varian replied with a snicker as he skipped the intro and began to read for a moment, his eyes widened as he read a passage out loud:
"If you're new to the ghost hunting world, there are a few things you need to know, one is that there are various types of otherworldly creatures out there, and that you should know what they are, how they operate, and why they're there. Two, always be extremely careful when ghost hunting, intentions matter in this context! If you're only ghost hunting to find out about things you shouldn't (i.e. Afterlife, God, what shapes the world, etc), then stop now, ghost hunting is not for you. If you're ghost hunting because you're truly curious or you miss a loved one, that's okay, but please be aware that you are messing with things that you, and many others like you, do not understand, don't grow cocky, they can tell and will not tolerate such disrespect. Three, the spirits you come across, depending on their passing or what they are, can sometimes be territorial, be cautious about this, you're on *their* land, on *their* terms, do not act as though you own where you stand, even if you do. Four, do *not* disrespect *anyone* you come across, this is important because spirits do not tolerate any sort of tomfoolery. Treat them as you wish to be treated, this rule should be followed by everyone involved, good intentions go a long way with the spiritual world. And Five, don't be dumb, don't aggravate spirits, don't antagonize demons, don't invite anything with you, don't sign anything or give your name, this book will get into specifics about the do's and don't's, but as a general rule, do not be dumb, this is not a game, if you're serious about understanding more about spirits and such, take this seriously, if you're not, walk away now, it won't end well for you if you don't".
Varian looked at everyone worriedly, "this is the first book, with a funny title and all, and that's the very first paragraph after the intro", he stated worriedly
"Well I wouldn't be worried kiddo, we've all been curious, and I highly doubt any of us are gonna antagonize anything we don't understand", Eugene stated
"Eugene.... N-not to be rude but.... You're a bit of a skeptic, w-what if they think that's disrespectful?"
The Dark Prince smiled lovingly at his little brother, "I think it's only bad if I antagonize anything, I don't plan on saying that I don't believe the entire time. I may not fully believe in this stuff, but it's important to everyone here, I'll never jeopardize that simply to stroke my own ego"
Varian nodded, "oki, a-as long as you're not in danger...."
"You're such a good kid, you know that?"
The freckled teen blushed before he looked at the book once more, reading through it before he came across something interesting:
"There are many types of spirits you may come across, a list of the general ones, and what they can do, is provided below:
-The Interactive Personality Ghost: These are the spirits of those long (or short) passed, the ones that used to be human, but they've met their end yet haven't moved on
-Funnel Ghost: These are spirits that'll show up as dark mist or funnels of dust, a strange wind that cannot be explained. They usually haunt historic places and leave an unsettling feeling in the air
-Mist/Fog/Wisp Ghost: These spirits are the one's that'll show you a full shadow apparition. For example, have you ever seen your own silhouette? The Mist/Fog/Wisp spirit will do the same, except when they leave, they leave the spot they were in, very cold, only that spot though
-Poltergeist: These spirits are able to move objects, touch humans, interact with things, and will make any haunt terrifying. Some are impish, playing pranks, others are malicious, using their energy to hurt or scare everyone they come into contact with. Do NOT antagonize this spirit, they WILL hurt you, they are rare, but can be found and will leave an imprint on you if you're not careful.
-Ghost Orbs: These are little balls of light you can sometimes see zipping across your path. People believe these are the souls of people or animals that have passed, that they are simply traveling from one place to the next, which is why they don't stay for too long, just a quick zip by before leaving. Side note: these orbs tend to gather around those with a sixth sense, or those they feel a connection to, so if you happen to notice a lot of orbs near you, or you feel someone following and can't see them, they might be a spirit orb!"
"Woah!" Rapunzel exclaimed, "that's so neat! And very scary, but more neat than anything else!" She exclaimed excitedly, "what category does the Lady in White fall into?"
"Well, judging solely off of what I just read, she would be in the Mist/Fog/Wisp category, but they said this was a general list, so there are a lot more different types of spirits", Varian replied
"Hmmm, that's definitely interesting, does it say anything about do's and don't's outside of 'do not antagonize'?" Lance asked
Varian looked and his eyes widened as he read out loud:
"Any ghost, spirit, or otherworldly creature can attach themselves to you, what are attachments? They're what happens when a being in the spirit realm stick with and follow you. They stick to you like glue because of various reasons, wanting to leave their current dwelling, wanting to gain more power using your energy, possession....." The teen stopped reading and shivered
"You okay son?" Quirin asked worriedly
"I'm fine just... It sounds so much like.... Abuse a-and what happened to me in... T-that cell.... Possession is another form of control... S-so the fact that spirits can do that, I don't know, I guess it just made me worry a little...."
His father looked at him sadly, "if this is something you don't think you can handle, that's okay, we don't have to do this Varian"
"I want to though, it's interesting more than it is scary, it just... Brought up some bad memories is all"
The retired knight held him close, "how about we look at a different book for a minute? Give yourself a break?"
The teen nodded and set the book down, "s-sorry"
"It's alright, how about you look at an alchemy book? That might help a little bit"
"Maybe"
"That's a good idea", Hugo stated, picking one up and opening it, "hey look, botany!"
Varian snorted, "you're a dork"
"I know"
"Um.... Scuse me, don't mean ta intrude on that conversation here", a voice said, getting the group to look up and see Monty looking at them, "but were ya mentionin ghosts just a bit ago?"
Edmund blinked and nodded, "yes we were, why do you ask?"
"Well.... Dis may sound a little nuts but... If you're lookin into it, could ya maybe look into the spirit dats hauntin my shop?"
The group was stunned for a moment before Varian and Hugo looked at each other, set the alchemy book down, looked at the candy maker, and said, "huh?!" At the same time!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I have a 6th sense, weather you believe in that or not is completely up to you, I don't judge either way, but I do, and I've spoken to some spirits before. I've seen, and felt, a lot more of them, I think my friendliest experience was one that followed me from one job to another, I didn't have an attachment, the spirit just really liked me for some reason. He was really friendly, but also impish, he stayed in the freezer of my jobs, there was a walk in freezer where I worked, he liked it in there. He also didn't like it when people disrespected him or me, if he heard someone bad mouth me behind my back, I was told when I came in that he would throw cups at them, when someone said they didn't believe he was real and made jokes about him, piles of boxes and food fell on them. He never hurt or attacked anyone, he just didn't like many other people but me. At one point he moved on, I felt him leave and he didn't come back, which I was sad about, but I'm glad he was able to find peace. This actually happened, I'm not making this up, he never told me his actual name, we, me and the people I worked with, called him Toby :D
That's my friendliest ghost experience, I have more, but I'd love to hear if any of you have had experiences with spirits at all, if you're willing to share! :D
Every fact I have in this chapter is based off of my own research and experience, and for the love of all things good and holy, unless you're a trained professional, or have one with you, please do NOT try anything connected to spirits or magic at home! This is not a joke, it's not to be taken lightly, even if you don't believe, just please, please be smart and don't try it at home unless you know what you're doing, it's for your safety and for everyone else's safety around you, because they will affect people you love and care about.
Varian being a curious bean about ghosts is something I can see him and Hugo being interested in. I don't think he'd be a skeptic, I think he'd need to see it, but in this story, he already has, sooo :3 Hugo is a bit more cautious, but I'll explain why at a later date :3
Quirin wanting to know more about the afterlife and such because of his wife and Eden is something I wanted to touch on. Everyone has a reason for wanting to know more about spirits and the afterlife, mine is different than others, but for Quirin, he's wondering about Ulla and Eden, the poor guy didn't get to say goodbye after all....
Eugene isn't a super skeptic, he's more just someone that doesn't really know until they've seen it, like Varian, but he hasn't seen anything like it yet. He believes Rapunzel when she says she's sang with a spirit before, but he's never seen it, so it's harder for him is all :3
Lance is a good bean, him, Adira, and Hector didn't have a lot of lines, but all are being supportive in their own way here :D
Edmund is a worried bean, especially with what happened to Quirin, hims a worried grandpa, which I think anyone could understand, the man's been through enough, doesn't really need to lose anyone or anything else. More on this coming soon by the way :3
Ruddy buddy is the best raccoon, very much so! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 334: The Candy Store Ghost Story!
Summary:
The group learns about the spirit(s) that haunt the Sweets Shop!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Um.... Scuse me, don't mean ta intrude on the conversation here", a voice said, getting the group to look up and see Monty looking at them, "but were ya mentionin ghosts just a bit ago?"
Edmund blinked and nodded, "yes we were, why do you ask?"
"Well.... Dis may sound a little nuts but... If you're lookin into it, could ya maybe look into the spirit dats hauntin my shop?"
The group was stunned for a moment before Varian and Hugo looked at each other, set the alchemy book down, looked at the candy maker, and said, "huh?!" At the same time!
Monty chuckled, "surprisin ain't it?"
"You have spirits that haunt your shop?" Quirin asked
"Yeah, well uh... I think dere spirits, I mean.... Can't really get any other good explanation otherwise"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, if you're willin ta listen, I could tell ya what I know"
The group nodded, Rapunzel did so solemnly, which Monty accepted, getting the candy maker to smile as he walked over, allowing Attila to take over while he told his story:
*A few years ago, before da princess returned, I was out late, lockin up shop after a hard day's work. It was a normal day, just like any other, nothin odd happened, but as I was walkin away, I coulda sworn I heard tiny giggles, almost like children. I turned ta say the shop was closed and apologize, but no one was dere! I brushed it off easily enough, so some kids were playin harmless pranks on old Monty, not a big deal as long as they don't hurt the shop.
I walked home, went to bed, woke up the next mornin, and everything was fine, normal day as usual. So I shrugged it off and continued ta work, made the candy, cleaned the shop, regular customers, the works. But as I closed, once again late, I heard the giggles again! I turned and, again, didn't see anyone dere! I raised a brow, two times in a row? I guess they liked doin the same prank, again, as long as the shop didn't suffer, it was fine.... When I came back the next mornin.... The shop was fine but some candy was missin!
I couldn't believe it, I got a few guards ovah and they checked the place, thing is, the lock wasn't picked, no one busted in eitha. There was nothin outta place, seemed like no one's been in 'cept me! They asked me if I just ate some candy and then forgot, but I don't do that, and I told em so. A few guards said they'd keep an eye on the place overnight, since I told em about the children giggles. So I nodded and went about my day, everything was normal, save for the guards, and I ended the day late once again.
I heard the giggles again as I was lockin up, and I asked the guards if they had too, they had! I thought that was great, so they could look into it and the kids would fix what they did. I went home, went to bed, next day, all the guards were gone, and my shop.... The windows were broken.... T-there was candy missin again.... I looked around for the guards that were supposed ta be watchin ovah the place, and I found em... Knocked out a little bit down the road... They said they were chasing a kid, but ended up losin em in the streets! They all said that somethin overtook em after that and they were unconscious before they knew it! It was.... Pretty freaky....
I remember goin to the king about it, Quirin you may have heard about this too, the king said he'd tell ya so you could keep a look out. I remember seein little Varian walkin around my shop a couple of times after that, so I'm guessing you two were stickin nearby just in case. My windows haven't been broken since then... Well save for da goat incident... But I still hear da giggles every night, and there's always candy missin in the mornin.... I know it ain't regular kids or thieves, there's no proof of the locks bein picked, and I know I've left little traps with nothin to show for it.... I think it's ghosts.... It's a leap in logic but there's nothin else that can explain it!*
The candy maker finished his story with a sigh, "I remember hearing about that", Quirin stated, "the king was pretty upset, and so was Varian, which is why you saw him around your shop a lot more. He likes the lollipops, and didn't like you being harassed"
Varian blushed, "I may have put up a few traps of my own around your shop too, some goo bombs to see if we could maybe catch the thieves.... I uh... Ended up catching villagers instead... They got angry and I had to apologize...."
"Pfft! That's both adorable and funny", Hugo stated as Monty smiled lovingly at the freckled teen
"Shush"
Quirin chuckled, "either way, I remember how long it took to get those windows fixed too, I always thought it was kids or thieves, I'm sorry it hasn't been fixed"
"Not your fault, I know you and your little gumdrop tried your best ta stop whatevah was happenin, but it nevah stopped, I just didn't say anything...." Monty replied
"Do you mind if I ask why you didn't say anything Monty?" Eugene asked
"Well cause the last time I did say somthin, my windows were smashed and the guards helpin me were left unconscious.. I don't wanna put anyone in danger just because of a few missin treats!"
"I see.... Well, I don't know if it's ghosts or not, but we can certainly look into it"
"That'd be nice, I really don't mind if kids want extra treats, but to go as far as ta break my windows and hurt people, that's where I draw da line!" Monty exclaimed
The group nodded, "so when do you want us to look into it, could be a good starting point so we're better prepared for the Lady in White and what in the hell is over the bridge", Hugo stated
"Ovah the bridge?" Monty asked
"In the apple orchard", Varian explained, getting the candy maker's face to go pale
"Y-you wanna investigate *that*?! Ohohoho no! You really shouldn't, even *I'VE* heard about what happened over dere! That's no place for two kiddos like you!" He exclaimed gently
"Which is what was said before", Quirin added with a raised brow at the blond
"I know, but are you really comfortable with having something like *that* near your home?! What if it moves closer and tries to harm you and Varian?! Or tries to take more of the land nearby?"
The retired knight sighed, "we still shouldn't go near it, the White Lady is one spirit, the thing over the bridge is entirely different"
Varian looked at his boyfriend sympathetically, "I want to investigate over there too, but even I'm freaked out by that thing, trust me, it's better we leave that topic alone for a bit, oki?"
Hugo sighed, "fine.... But this ghost kid thing, you think that's safer?"
The freckled teen thought about that, "well, if we're thinking about this logically, the kid, or kids, didn't do anything bad until Monty got the guards involved, so it's safe to assume it may not be entirely safe to investigate if we end up ticking these spirits off...."
"Right.... And if we start to get involved in order to get rid of these kids, then we'll be in even more danger", Eugene added
"Do you want to get rid of the kids should you find out they're here?" Varian asked Monty
"Well.... Honestly they don't bother me, I just don't want em hurtin anyone else anymore, or smashin any windows and such. It would be nice ta know they're here, and ta find out what they like, so I can have extra candy set out for them. I guess I don't want em gone, I just wanna make sure dere're peaceful, ya know?"
"And if they aren't?"
"They need ta leave. I'm not havin any kinda nasty spirit in this place, though I'd ask someone else ta get rid of them, since all of you are still new", the candy maker replied, "if you could just find out what they want, I'd be more dan fine with that"
Varian smiled, "oki, dad, is that okay?" He asked, looking up at his father
"Weeell...." Quirin thought
"Pleeeeeeaaaaaase?"
The man chuckled at his son's puppy dog eyes and pouty lip, Hugo and Ruddigar joining in, "alright", he stated with a grin, "but no puppy dog eyes you cheaters"
"Hee hee!" Varian giggled as his father ruffled his, and Hugo's, hair lovingly, "when should we do the investigation?"
"As soon as possible!" Rapunzel exclaimed
"Woah blondie, we barely know anything about spirits and such, maybe we wait until we know a little more before we go investigate yeah?" Eugene stated gently
"Yeah, how about we take some time to investigate and learn more about spirits and such before we do a full investigation", Quirin agreed before looking at Monty, "is that alright?"
"Dat's fine with me, I've lived with these spirits for years, a few more nights won't hurt me", the candy maker replied with a smile, "thank you for even considerin looking into dis, it means a lot ta me"
"Thank you for telling us and not thinking we're crazy for even talkin about it", Lance replied with a smile, "even though this topic is actually freakin me out"
"Laaaaaaaaance~ You put tooooo~ much saaaaaaaauce on your dinner last niiiiiiiight~ Wooooooooo~" Hugo teased, getting Varian to laugh
"Not funny you brat!" The former thief stated with a smirk as he ruffled Hugo's hair gently, getting the blond to laugh as well
****
They went home a little while later, everyone deciding to split up into groups to read a book about spirits and compare notes in the evening. When they did so, it was over dinner, everyone seemed to be having a great time and was laughing and joking before heading to bed..... That's what it happened.....
*There was a scream, a loud one.... It sounded like it was in the same room as him.... But... He looked around and there was no one around.... That's when he realized it was coming from him! He was screaming! But why?! That's when he felt searing pain shoot through his body! It made his stomach nearly lurch out of his body, he curled up, screaming more and more.
He heard something else... Giggling? He couldn't stop screaming! The pain hurt so badly! He felt things too, betrayal and anguish, sadness and anger, he hated it! He hated *him*!
Suddenly he was standing in the candy shop, he watched the man close up shop for the night, late as always. People though he was soooo great, well he would show them! This man was a traitor! He always had been, him and his crooked family! He lunged at the man, but was stopped when the door blocked his path.
He always did this, always walked away.... Varian laughed, giggling, he couldn't control it, it was a nervous tick he supposed, but he saw the man seemed startled by it! GOOD! He looked around, the man wanted him gone, he wanted all of them gone! Well fine, he'd just do what he'd done before!
He smiled at the windows, they were fun to mess with anyway, the man would learn, he'd make them all learn! The others would handle the intruders, they did the last time too, it wasn't hard, in fact, they were dealing with them right now....
One was here, he didn't know how he was, but they were here, hello, nice to meet you..... Can't stop the pain? That's normal for us, you wanna know how you can fix us?
Varian was ripped from his body, and he only saw a red eyed child glaring at him, their hand was on his cheek, digging their nails into his skin and making him bleed before the kid's mouth opened wide
"....You can *DIE!*"*
"AAAH!" Varian yelped before he shot out of bed and fell onto the floor, the pain subsiding as he groaned, Ruddigar looking at him from the top of the bed. His body was *freezing*! He stayed on the floor, curled up and shaking until he felt someone touch him,
"Freckles!" Hugo called, "Varian can you hear me?!"
"H-h-hugo?" The teen finally said
The blond let out a sigh of relief before he hugged his boyfriend, "oh thank the Moon you're okay!" He exclaimed, "y-you were screaming and yelling, saying something about b-betrayal and anger and hate before you just.... S-screamed and fell out of bed shaking and.... Oh...." Hugo had pulled Varian away from him, but was staring at his cheek, "y-you're hurt! Are you okay?! What happened to you?!"
"I.... I...." Varian couldn't speak, it's as if his voice wasn't working for a second
"H-hey look, don't worry, I'll go get Quirin okay? S-stay here", the blond got up and started to run out of the room
Varian felt his heart beating faster and faster the further away Hugo got. Once his boyfriend touched the door, the teen's heart felt like it would explode, 'DON'T!" He yelled finally, freezing Hugo, "d-d-d-don't leave....."
The bespeckled teen stood there for a few seconds before he walked back over and sat down, hugging Varian, "I won't leave, I won't...." He stated gently
Varian let out a sigh of relief before he hugged the blond back, keeping him close. His body was so cold.... He's never felt this cold before, he didn't think blankets would help, it felt like it was under his skin.... It suffocated him, the only thing that helped, even a little, was Hugo's presence....
After a moment or two, the blond broke the hug, but didn't leave, "we need to go get your dad, he'll be able to help. I won't leave you, but can you walk?"
Varian didn't know, he looked at his legs, his feet, he could move his toes thankfully, he didn't know if that meant he could walk or not, so he shrugged
The blond sighed but nodded, "ok then, hold on tight", Hugo stood, keeping on hand on Varian so he knew he wasn't leaving him before he scooped his boyfriend up and held him bridal style. It made Varian blush, but the blond said nothing, "this okay for now?"
Varian nodded, blush deepening
"Ok, then let's go get your dad", Hugo stated before he allowed Ruddigar to hop on his shoulder, and walked out of the bedroom
****
Everyone was in the kitchen, Quirin was cooking pancakes, the room was quiet, save for the sizzle of the bacon in the pan before the door slammed opened and Hugo walked in, "Quirin!" He exclaimed, "something's wrong with Varian!"
"What?!" The retired knight stopped was he was doing and ran over to his son, "w-what happened?"
"I don't know, he had a nightmare, a bad one, he was screaming, saying things about hate and mistrust, before he fell onto the floor, shaking like a leaf, can't speak, didn't want me to leave him and yelled for me to stay, and I don't think he can walk right now...."
"Holy shit", Eugene stated, eyes wide as he looked at Varian, "is he okay?"
"He's got a cut", Quirin stated, "bubby are you alright?"
Varian tried to say something, but the words died in his throat, he could only say, "d-dream", and that was it
His father looked very concerned, more so than usual, "ok, hang on I think I know what's happening, everyone give us room", he stated, going over to the table, where everyone moved away from, and sitting down with his son. The man readjusted Varian to where the teen was in his lap, sitting up with his head on his father's chest, ear against his heart, "Ruddigar, dpt", he ordered
The raccoon didn't need to be told twice as he hopped off of Hugo's shoulder and into his boy's lap, he climbed onto Varian's shirt and stuck there, despite the teen not being able to hold him
Quirin placed a hand around Varian's shoulder and used his index finger to rub it. For a moment, everyone was quiet as the teen listened to his father's heart beat and his raccoon's purr, then, slowly, the cold feeling began to go away. His body was able to move and he felt his throat loosen. Letting out a sigh, Varian wrapped his arms around Ruddigar and held him close as tears slid down his face, he didn't know why, he wasn't sad, but it felt better than whatever he was feeling just now. They continued this for a little while longer before the teen looked up, "b-better, I'm...." He took a breath and let it out slowly, "better, I'm better"
His father nodded, "keep Ruddigar on your chest", he stated softly
"Oki"
Quirin smiled and kissed his son before he got up and set the teen down on the chair, "want something hot or cold?"
"....Hot", Varian replied, "very hot"
"Ok", his father walked over and began to make some hot chocolate
"What just happened?" Eugene asked
"It's.... A little hard to explain", Quirin stated as he watched the water boil and began to make the hot chocolate, "see, you all know-oh Hugo, go ahead and sit down, you must be terrified", he stated, getting the group to look at the blond and see him shivering and pale, "it's okay, Varian's alright now, go ahead and sit and I'll get you some hot chocolate too okay?" The blond nodded and sat next to Varian, who hugged him lovingly as Quirin continued, "as you all know, Varian faints when his heart beat gets to fast, well what just happened is part of it. So... Have any of you heard of sleep paralysis?"
"I have", Lance replied, "when you wake up because of a weird sensation, your eyes and mind are awake, but your body is not, so you're frozen, can't speak, can't move, etc"
"Yes, thank you Lance. Well sometimes that happens with Varian, but it also mixes with his heart beating so fast that it causes him to faint. It's very rare, but when it happens, he can't move or speak, and he'll either feel really cold or really warm. Best thing to do in that situation is to calm his heart beat down with dpt, deep pressure therapy, and allow him to listen to something that calms him down, my heartbeat, his lullaby, anything that's familiar to my bubby. After that, keep Ruddigar on him so his body doesn't go back to that state, because it's very easy for that to happen, get him something comforting to eat or drink, or both. He's cold right now, so hot chocolate, if he needed something cold, apple juice, and stand by, just in case"
"Wow.... Do you know what causes this?" Eugene asked
"Usually a really bad and vivid nightmare, is that what happened this time son?"
Varian nodded, "y-yeah.... It was because of M-Monty's shop...." The room went silent, "....I w-wasn't the only one.... Was I...."
Everyone stared at the teen worriedly before they looked at Quirin, the retired knight sighed, "breakfast, clothing, get ready for the day, then Monty's"
No one disagreed as the man handed both of his sons some hot chocolate, everyone ate breakfast, Varian and Hugo got their clothes on, they all got ready for the day, and then made a beeline for Sweets Shop, the color draining from their faces when they saw the state of the store. The windows were smashed, the interior was trashed, someone had carved a nasty note into the wall, and Monty himself looked like he didn't get a wink of sleep last night.... "Guys...." Varian said softly, getting the group to look at him, "I d-don't think we can wait for this i-investigation...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, the Sweets Shop is gonna be our target for this arch :D I love ghost stories, can you all tell? I plan on doing more with them soon, for now, spooky sweets! :D
Varian and Hugo are sharing the same energy in this chapter, though Hugo is being a good boyfriend again at the end there, poor Varian.... These two don't really catch a break do they XD They will soon though, and at least they got some hot chocolate! :D
Quirin is being a good protective dad, setting ground rules, being responsible, taking care of his boys, hims a good papa in this chapter :D <3
Monty, I like Monty, and I also don't like Monty, it's very odd. I like him because he genuinely seems like a sweet guy and actually really cares about Corona, but we only ever see him from Rapunzel's point of view, and she doesn't like him, so he becomes unlikable in certain moments. I also don't like that he just did not like her for no good reason, even stating that her ideals didn't seem so bad, I get why he didn't like the fact that she lied, but it wasn't like he made it easy on her! Sorry, rant over, I like Monty because he seems sweet, but I dislike him because he's too judgmental at times. I would love to know your opinions, if you wanna share them! :D
Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Adira, Hector, and Edmund didn't really contribute much to this chapter, but they'll be more prevalent soon <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 335: Detective Vari-chu!
Summary:
The group discusses what's happened to the shop with the guards and Monty!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The windows were smashed, the interior was trashed, someone had carved a nasty note into the wall, and Monty himself looked like he didn't get a wink of sleep last night.... "Guys...." Varian said softly, getting the group to look at him, "I d-don't think we can wait for this i-investigation...."
Quirin immediately noticed a few villagers walking over, some of the guards looked like they were ready to pounce on them. The Village Leader walked over, stepping in just in time and explaining that Monty would be taking a day off. The villagers seemed to understand as they walked away, the guards calming down as the rest of the group joined Quirin, "do you know what's going on?" One of the guards asked, he seemed like he was new
"Ethan", the retired knight stated, getting the guard to look at him, "good to see you again, but no, we don't"
"Damn.... It's good to see you too sir-! .....Quirin", Ethan replied, blushing a little and getting Quirin to chuckle
Varian tilted his head to the side, "you know him dad?"
"Yup, and the other guard too, hi Charlie"
"Sup", Charlie replied with a grin
"Sup? Really? Do you know who this is?" Ethan asked aggravatedly
"Chill Ethan, he's another bro like you and me, probably just wants to be treated like one too"
Ethan rolled his eyes, "don't mind him, he's an idiot"
"Am not, I'm the one who's solved this little mystery!"
"Saying that ghosts did it without any sort of proof is not solving the mystery!"
"How do *you* know?!"
"Wait ghosts?" Quirin asked, stopping to pair as the argument began to grow, Ethan looking at the Village Leader with an apologetic look
"He seems to think this destruction was done by spirits", Ethan replied professionally
"Why do you think that?" Rapunzel asked Charlie, who seemed to straighten his back when she showed herself to him
"Oh I saw a dark figure earlier inside the store your highness!" He responded, "they disappeared before my eyes, faster than any human could!"
Ethan raised a brow, "*now* you act professional?" He muttered
Quirin sighed as Eugene also raised a brow before he asked, "when did you see this figure?"
"Around an hour and a half ago", Charlie replied
"And did you tell anyone *before* this?"
"Yeah, Ethan"
The Dark Prince facepalmed as Ethan sighed, "I informed a couple of senior guards after he told me, they're inside investigating as we speak while we were told to come out here and watch to make sure no one's come out. So far, we haven't seen anyone"
"I'm tellin ya it's a ghost!" Charlie stated, "I've got a feeling about these things!"
Ethan glared at his partner before he looked at Eugene, "there hasn't been anything else odd happening, and Monty looks to be alright for now, if a little tired"
"Make that a lot tired", Hugo stated, eyeing the man in question worriedly
"Were there any witnesses? Anyone that could say what's happened here?" Adira asked
Charlie was the first to answer, "no, we didn't see anyone, but we did asked Monty, he said he thought it was ghosts too! He mentioned a kid by the name of.... Oh what was it... Var-somethin...."
"Ugh... Varian, the teenager standing right in front of you!" Ethan stated, gesturing to Varian, who smiled sympathetically at the guard
"Right! That Varian would know!" Charlie exclaimed before he looked at Ethan, "how'd you know *he* was Varian?"
"He's Quirin Vanguard's son, and..." The guard hesitated, "....Well.... Was.... *ahem* l-like Flynn Rider at one point...." He stated gently, looking over at Eugene, who seemed to catch the hint
"Oh right! A criminal!" Charlie blurted, "but he's not anymore! I remember now!"
Varian blushed, getting Ethan to glare again as Eugene facepalmed for the second time that day, "yes.... That as well...." The glaring royal guard stated before he looked at the freckled teen, "but we know you're not any more, so it's alright"
The blue eyed teen smiled at that, "thanks"
Ethan nodded before he noticed movement, "our superiors are coming out", he stated, getting the group to look and see two guards walking over
"Stan! Pete!" Varian exclaimed, "hi!"
"Hey Varian", Stan replied, "I see you've been talking to the new recruits! Ethan Nite and Charlie Dae, you may recognize them, they were the guards attacked during the 7 Kingdom Ball"
"Wait, you were?" Varian asked before he looked at his dad, "*THAT'S* how you know them! You and Nigel went to question them!"
"That's right", Quirin replied with a smile, "they helped me clear your name", he stated, ruffling his son's hair lovingly, and getting the teen to giggle
"Oh yeah, I think I remember a little dude being someone of interest before", Charlie stated, "that was you?"
"Yup, that was me", Varian replied, "thanks for helping me"
"Oh anytime! Happy to help a little dude!"
"Quick note, when addressing someone who is part of the investigation, please address then by their name", Pete stated gently
"He's investigating?" Charlie asked, getting Ethan to facepalm this time
"You just mentioned that Monty said Varian would know something about the 'ghosts' that might have been the cause to this damage", Ethan stated
"Oh yeah! Guess you are part of the investigation! Sorry Varian"
The alchemist tried to conceal his giggles, "it's alright", he replied before he looked up at Stan and Pete, "so Monty mentioned me?"
"Yeah", Pete replied, "he said you may know something about this, that you and your group were discussing something like this yesterday?"
"....Um Pete.... You don't I did this, do you?"
"I mean.... I wouldn't think this was you, but Monty mentioned you and didn't mention anything else"
"Ah.... So I'm a suspect again"
"No", Stan stated, "you're not a suspect, we *know* you would never do something like this. We were wondering if you could tell us what you discussed, may help with the investigation"
Varian smiled at the man, "oki", he told them what Monty had said yesterday, mentioning the ghosts, giggles, broken windows, and missing candy. He included his nightmare last night, adding it to show why they were there this morning as Quirin, Adira, Hector, Edmund, Hugo, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance all gave the teen an alibi for the previous night.
"I see.... I remember that case with the broken windows and missing candy. To think Monty said nothing to keep us guards safe.... I was one of the guards that was knocked out that day"
"You were?!" Varian asked before he remembered something, "....You know, it's very odd, you were the one who saw the ghost wolf from that legend, and now you're one of the guards who was knocked out. You either have really bad luck, or just happened to be in a lot of bad situations"
Stan chuckled, "I get asked to do a lot of guard work when others can't make it or there's a situation going on. Pete was with me too during that window fiasco, but he'd gone to grab the caravan"
"You asked me to", Pete stated
"I never said I didn't", Stan said
"Uh guys?" Varian said
"You never said you did", Pete argued
"Pete, you're taking this too personally", Stan replied
"Guys", Varian tried again
"Well what if you're not taking it personally enough?!" Pete snapped
"GUYS!" Varian yelled, getting both men to stop, look at him, and blush
"Sorry Varian, we've been.... Having a tough time lately", Stan stated
"I can see that"
Eugene sighed, "how about we go over to Monty and see what we can do, we're allowed to investigate right?"
"Yeah, of course!" Pete replied, "I mean, the princess is with you too"
Rapunzel giggled as Eugene blushed, "right, come on hairstripe"
The group waved goodbye to the guards, Quirin thanking Ethan for his help, and Charlie for his.... Opinions, before joining the rest of the group with Monty. The poor candy maker looked so disheveled and exhausted, bags under his eyes, his clothing wrinkled as if he'd slept in it, his hair was a bit of a mess, and he looked like he was sick, "Monty?" Hugo said softly, startling the man for a moment before he noticed the blond teen
"Oh, H-Hugo right?"
"Right"
"Heh, sorry, hi", Monty noticed the rest of the group, "oops, sorry to all of ya, came by ta investigate?"
"Well actually.... We still plan on investigating, but that wasn't why we came over today", Varian replied honestly before he explained the dream he had last night, getting the store owner's eyes to widen
"Oh...."
"Y-yeah.... We wanted to check on you, make sure everything was alright...." He looked at the shop, "I guess they're not..."
Monty sighed and shook his head, "where's Attila?" Lance asked
"I let him have the day off, I couldn't let him work in a space like this. He'd be worried, and he's a good man, but he gets anxious around stuff like this"
"That sounds like Attila...." Lance replied
"Monty, do you think you would mind us doing our investigation tonight?" Eugene asked
The candy maker looked worried, "I don't know.... I get I asked ya ta do this, but this.... This hasn't happened before, not ta this degree, I don't want any of ya ta get hurt, not even you", he nodded to Rapunzel, who seemed worried about her nemesis
"But if this keeps happening, it could ruin you Monty", Varian reasoned, "and I don't wanna see you out of business because of an angry spirit...."
"You're sweet, ya little gumdrop, but I'll be fine"
"No you won't", Hugo stated, "the ghosts you were talking about, or whomever did this, will do it again. If we don't investigate, odds are no one's gonna catch who did this. Weather that be ghost kids or actual criminals, both are gonna think they can get away with this and do it again, over and over until you don't come back", he stated, "I should know.... I did similar stuff..."
Varian placed a hand on his boyfriend's shoulder, "you're not like that anymore"
"Thanks, but still"
"I know"
Quirin stepped forwards and looked at the mess before he looked at Monty, "you didn't get any sleep last night, did you"
"Not a wink Quirin..." Monty replied
"Then let us help you", he said gently, "even if this is a ghost or even a human, Hugo's right, it'll be better to nip this in the bud, stop it from happening again and prevent you from losing sleep and your shop"
The candy maker hesitated but, seeing everyone's determined expressions, save for Hector, who just looked bored, he sighed, too tired to be able to argue, "ok... But ya all have ta promise you'll leave if things get too rough", he stated, "'cept for Varian, you don't have to promise just.... Give me your word"
The freckled teen smiled appreciatively at the man, "thanks, and I do"
"We all do", Edmund replied with a nervous smile
Everyone nodded in agreement, getting Monty to smile tiredly, "alright, when are ya gonna do this investigation?"
The group looked at each other, discussing it amongst themselves before Varian stepped forward, looking at his father and boyfriend, both of whom nodded, before he looked at Monty and smiled, "tonight"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, this is the questioning before investigation, the next two parter shall be the investigation of the haunted candy store! Hope you're all prepared for some SPOOPS!!!!!!! :D
Varian is getting bolder! :D Little bean's brushed off all his fear from the dream and is using it to power his want to help Monty, it's precious and he's a good bean for doing so! That that'll get him into trouble soon, he's just too soft hearted!
Hugo being the supportive boyfriend! <3 His part's small, and he needed comfort as well in this chapter, but he's becoming more integrated into the group, or at least I hope he is, I'm trying to kinda make him a staple of the cast, let me know if any of you have ideas for how I can do that a little smoother!
Quirin leading the questioning and sort of driving the conversation feels in character for him, he is the Village Leader after all! He's not taking it over, and I don't know if this came across well or not, but I kinda have it to where he's getting Varian to step up a little more, small support, stepping in when needed, that kind of thing :D Just like a good dad! <3
We get to see Charlie Dae and Ethan Nite again! :D Charlie is a good man, he's just... He daydreams a lot XD, and I don't mean that in a mean way! He's good at his job and all that, and he's got good senses, but he's a daydreamer, and he daydreams a lot, he's more of a chill guard, while Ethan is more professional, wanting to grow high in the ranks so he can help people. Believe it or not, these two are actually a good pair for each other, I hope to do more with them soon, I have plans, possibly will do more in the rewrite of the entire series, but for now, here they are in all their glory! Being a Stan and Pete XD
Speaking of, Stan and Pete are back! I feel like Stan was the more competent guard where as Pete was a faster reactor to the situations he was in. Examples would be where the Captain of the guard appointed Stan to be Master Doctor Saint Croix's personal guard because he was, and I quote, 'the best man for the job'. While Pete would be quick to answer a question or react to something, an example of that was when Eugene was robbed (by Edmund, but we ignore that because Grandpa wanted to spend time with his son and it was adorable! <3) Once Eugene said, "I've been robbed", it was PETE who showed up first to the scene before Stan joined him and they began to search Eugene's room. Honestly, I love Stan and Pete, I prefer Stan, but Pete's awesome too, and I love them being together! <3
Eugene and Rapunzel moments, foreshadowing Eugene becoming the new captain soon too by the way :D Him facepalming, probably thinking there should be a change and such :3 It's very subtle, but it's there :D Also, Rapunzel getting small recognition for being the princess via Charlie standing up straighter, because for some reason that fact seems to slip sometimes, or at least I felt like it did in Season 3 at least unless the plot demanded it X3
Hector looking bored while they were chatting with Monty and everyone was giving determined looks just seems like him, Edmund being nervous about the investigation fits his character, and Adira asking questions during their conversations seems like her, I wanted small moments from them, since they didn't get a lot of lines before X3
Ruddigar is still there, so is Hamuel, Pixie, Basil, Xena, and Pascal (Max has patrol duty today) they're just in the background in this one, mostly because I couldn't find a way to fit them in cohesively X3 But they're still the best animals ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 336: It Begins!
Summary:
Varian and crew decide to start the investigation! They don't know what they've signed up for!
PSA: If you have a spirit in your home that you want out, do NOT attempt to do it yourself, get a trained professional to help you, it is dangerous and could cause more damage than can be repaired! I have studied spiritual activity for years, and have had my own experiences, everything said in this story is based on my own research and personal experiences, please be aware of that while reading, there's more than one way for spirits to behave! (If you don't believe in them, that's fine, I still hope you enjoy!)
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Sun set on the winter day, the streets were empty save for a few shops that'd began to close up for the night. There were two guards on the streets, waiting as they watched a group approaching, armed with sleeping bags and camping gear, among other things. One of the guard went over to meet the group, nodding and chatting with them until they approached their destination, the Sweet's Shop.
"Are you all sure you wanna do this?"
"We are Stan", Varian replied, looking up at the guard determinedly, "this can't continue anymore, people could get hurt in there, namely Monty himself"
"Speaking of, where *is* Monty?" Eugene asked, looking around and not spotting the candy maker anywhere in sight
"Pete and I told him to get home and have a rest, he's been there the entire time, we just checked", Stan replied as Pete walked over
"Ah"
"You all sure you can handle this?" The skinnier guard asked, "we know what Monty said, and that he gave you permission, but...." He fell silent, not needing to say more as the worry filled his eyes and face
Quirin smiled at the man, "thank you for the concern, but we'll be alright! Turns out, grandpa is a ghost expert!"
"Grandpa?" Pete asked
"Me", Edmund replied softly
"Ah"
"That's still surprising to me", Lance stated, "why are you ghost expert again?"
"After what happened with Quirin, I decided it would be best to find out as much as I could about spirits, just in case it happened again. I know a lot of things about them, and have a lot of ways to get rid of them....."
Quirin, Adira, and Hector looked at their king, "you okay?" The retired knight asked
"I'll.... Be alright... It's just.... Nerves"
All three Brotherhood members continued to stare at their king before they let it go.... For now. Varian looked up at the two guards once again, "not only that, but we've been studying ways of communication! Maybe to see if we can talk to any of the spirits here! We'll have to be careful considering we could contact something completely different, but if we focus enough, we'll be alright!"
The guards looked worried, but sighed, "if you're sure Varian", Stan stated, "just.... Please be careful..."
"We will", the teen replied with an excited smile before he made his way over to the Candy shop
Quirin looked at the guards as everyone passed before he walked over, "is there any chance you'd be willing to stop by in the morning, just to make sure all is well?" He asked quietly
Pete smiled and nodded, "we can do that"
"Thanks", the retire knight replied with a grateful smile, "I don't think there'll be any issue, but I have an odd feeling, and I know King Edmund is nervous.... Just please be cautious when you see us, I'd rather not have you get hurt"
"Noted", Stan replied
"Hey dad, you coming?" Varian called
"Coming son!" The Village Leader replied before giving one final nod to the two guards and walking over to the group, who had just opened the sweets shop door
"Is everyone ready?" Varian asked
"With a resounding, "yes", from the group, everyone stepped inside as the door shut behind them softly, with not a breeze of wind to take the blame.
****
Varian looked around the shop, "nothing out of the ordinary, save for the fact that it's dark and the windows are broken", he stated
"And it's fucking cold", Hugo stated
"You're cold?"
"Yeah, you're not?"
"Nu"
".....Well that's reassuring"
Varian smiled, "you scared?"
"No, just cold at the moment.... Where should we start?"
"Well.... We should get our bearings first. I've been to the front of the shop, but never the back, we should familiarize ourselves with what we can, that way, if anything's out of place, we'll know right away"
"Good plan, I'll take a look around the front, haven't been in here often enough"
Varian nodded as he made his way to the back, "hold on a sec hairstripe!" Eugene called, stopping the teen, "we should stick together, this isn't exactly a safe place to be right now, especially at night"
"Eugene's right Varian, how about we make that a rule, everyone has to stick with, at least, two other people", Quirin stated
The teen nodded, "oki, who wants to come with me to the back?"
"I'll go", Lance volunteered
"Me too, I've never seen the back before", Rapunzel replied
"Same!"
Varian smiled and nodded as the two joined him to the back of the shop. They looked around, taking note of the kitchen area with a bunch of cutting tools for candy and such, a candy color station, a baking oven that Varian recognized as his own invention when Attila came to work at the shop, and a small table and chairs. They also found a basement area, filled with boxes and cupboards, they found Monty's recipes behind a no longer locked, thanks to Lance, drawer, deciding to close and relock it to secure the recipes are safe and sound before they made their way back to the rest of the group, "find anything interesting?" Adira asked
"A kitchen area, basement, and an oven I made!" Varian exclaimed happily
There's also a locked cupboard with recipes inside, and some pretty sharp cutting tools", Rapunzel added
The face painted warrior raised a brow, "how'd you know there were recipes in the locked cupboard if it was locked?"
"Because I happen to be a really good lock pick", Lance replied with a smirk, "though we locked it back up, just in case"
"Ah"
"Find anything interesting out here?" The princess asked
"An attic", Adira replied, gesturing to the, now open, potion of the ceiling, revealing a ladder that folds down when you pull the string of the attic door
"Ooooh!" Varian's eyes sparkled, "have you gone inside yet?"
"Not yet, though Ponytail seems to be having a great time"
"Hugo? He's up there?"
"Him, Wild Child, and Stickler"
"They haven't come down yet?"
"Nope, but it hasn't been too long, if you wanna check, you're more than welcome", she replied, "I'm sticking by a certain king of mine", she looked towards Edmund, who was standing next to Eugene and shivering a little
"I see.... Is he gonna be okay?"
"We hope he will be.... This can't be easy on him though...."
"No it can't be...." They watched the man for a moment or two before the teen sighed and looked up at the attic, "I'm gonna head up there, do you two wanna go with?"
"I think I'll stick down here", Lance stated, "I have a thing about attics"
"You do?"
"The one at the orphanage was haunted, I'm certain that's why Eugene's down here too, and not up there"
"Notes, Punzel, what about you?"
"Sure", the princess replied with a smile, "I'm always up for some adventure!"
Varian smirked before he and Rapunzel made their way towards the ladder, the teen looking up, "hey!" He called, "are you three alright in there?"
....No response....
"Well that's not creepy at all", Eugene stated, watching his girlfriend and little brother worriedly
"We won't figure out what's going on if we don't head up though", Rapunzel responded
"Good point...." Varian replied before he took a breath, let it go, and gave Ruddigar a chin scratch for good luck before he began to climb the ladder, "we're coming up guys! If you're hiding or about to jump out, please don't let us be the targets!" He called
.....No response....
"....Oki... Here we go...." Varian began to climb up, Rapunzel right after him. They made their way into the attic and stood up, looking around
The princess sneezed, "whew! It's dusty up here"
"You're not kidding.... Rapunzel... Did you feel the air change a little?" The alchemist asked
"....Change? What do you mean?"
"L-like... The air just got.... Tense...."
The princess looked at the teen worriedly, "are you alright?"
"Y-yeah it just.... Feels weird up here...."
"Hmmm.... Maybe we should just start looking for your dad yeah?"
"Y-yeah"
They began to search the attic, there were a lot of old boxes up there, some nic nacs that two didn't really know what to make out of, along with a few old baking and frosting tools. "Hey look, I'm baking a pie", Rapunzel stated happily
Varian chuckled, "mighty nice dust pie you've made there, extra dusty, just how I like it"
The two giggled before the princess set the tools down and they continued the search. The entire time, Varian began to feel cold.... He wrapped his arms around himself and kept going, that is, until they saw a door that was slightly ajar, "hey look!" Rapunzel pointed it out, "you think they're in there?"
"M-m-maybe"
"You alright? You're shaking"
"I'm c-c-cold...."
"You're cold? Really? I feel a little too hot up here"
"T-that's odd... Hugo experienced the same thing when we walked in...."
"He did?"
"Yeah.... He said h-h-he was cold, but I wasn't feeling c-c-cold at all... Now I a-am...."
"I see that.... you're shaking so badly.... Hold on, maybe there's a blanket around here or something", Rapunzel looked around, but couldn't seem to find anything, all the while, Varian shook more and more and more.... Rapunzel continued to search until
"Rapunzel... I'm fine now"
"Huh?" she turned around and saw Varian standing there, completely fine, "how-!"
"I have no idea.... It just got room temperature for me all of a sudden...."
"....Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I could see my breath one second and then the next, I'm fine!" The alchemist looked around, "nothing's moved at all either, I feel fine, just... Normal...."
"That's.... Very strange"
"No kidding.... W-while we have this stroke of luck, we should find Hugo, dad, and Hector"
"Right", they began to walk towards the door they'd seen before and entered the room. Both of their eyes widened when they saw the three men passed out on the floor, "dad! Hugo! Hector!" Varian exclaimed, running over to them and kneeling beside his father, trying to shake him awake, "dad, DAD! Wake up!"
Quirin didn't stir for a moment or two before his eyes suddenly opened wide and he shot up, "AH! W-what? Where am-!"
"DAD!" Varian hugged his father close, startling the man before he hugged him back
"Holy fuck", another voice said, "what the hell just happened to us?"
Rapunzel smiled as Quirin and Varian looked to see Hector awake, "are you alright Hector?" The princess asked, "me and Varian found you, Hugo, and Quirin passed out up here"
"Ugh.... We passed out?"
"HUGO!" Varian yelled, letting go of his father and hugging his boyfriend
"Heh, hi Freckles", the blond alchemist replied, returning the hug as the Village Leader smiled
"Yes, you three were on the floor, unconscious", the princess replied
"Shit...." Hector stated, looking around, "where'd they go?"
"Where'd who go?"
"Those kids", the wild tamer stated
"Kids?" Varian asked, letting go of Hugo as everyone stood up
"Yeah, there were three of them, they told us to leave and then.... Ran at us... I don't remember what happened after that...."
"I would assume we passed out", Hugo stated, "which means we just met the ghosts...."
Quirin shivered as Rapunzel bit her lower lip worriedly, "that's not good... Is it..." She said
"No it's not..." Varian replied, "it means they can touch us, or at least make us pass out.... I'd say that makes them poltergeists, but I'm not fully sure yet...."
"It does explain why you were so cold though Varian"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, if they left here, then they would've gone past you and me, so that means, they must've passed you and you could feel them"
"You got cold?" Hugo asked
"Yeah, it was just for a second, I felt really cold and couldn't stop shivering. Then, for some reason, the feeling just... Passed...."
"It just.... Passed?" Quirin asked, "are you alright?"
"Shouldn't I be asking *you* that sir?"
His father chuckled, "I'm fine save for a possible bump on my head, nothing major, but what about you?"
"I'm alright, we should... Get back down though...."
Rapunzel cocked her head to the side, "are you alright Varian?"
"Yeah just... I'm getting the weird feeling again, like when we were up here before.... I think we should leave the attic for now...."
"Weird feeling?" Hector asked
"I'll explain later, but.... For now...."
"Right", Quirin scooped his son, and Hugo, up, before turning to the princess and Hector, "let's go"
With a nod, the wild tamer and Rapunzel followed the retired knight out, Hector closing the door behind them as they headed out of the attic, rejoining the rest of the group. None of them noticed the door open slightly behind them, it staying ajar as they went down the ladder, small giggles trickling out of it's crevice.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Little intro into the actual investigation, getting yourself familiar with a place before you actually start investigating some spiritual activity is always a good thing to do! :D We're gonna be heading towards some scary stuff coming up, so be prepared! :D
Lance, Eugene, and Edmund were more of the supportive team this chapter, so they didn't get much screen time, I'm hoping to add more of them later on though :D
Hugo, Quirin, and Hector being together is adorable to me, we got the sassy, the protective, and both! :D But them being the one's attacked is no coincidence either, and you'll see why soon enough :3
Celestial Siblings chapter! ...Sort of, they spend majority of the chapter together at least XD I love writing them together, it's cute and wholesome :3
Ruddy is still there, just chilling on his boy's shoulder, just as Olivia, Hamuel, Pixie, Basil, and Pascal are also there, they're all good animals! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 337: Little Shop of Horrors! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The investigation of the Sweet's Shop begins!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"....Woah, so you got a weird feeling up in that basement, and not even two minutes later you get extremely cold, to the point where you're shaking, then it just stops, you open the door, and find us inside *unconscious*?!" Hugo asked as he stared at his boyfriend and the princess while they ate their, Quirin made, ham sandwiches
"Yup", Varian replied, "it was so odd.... I can't explain it"
"There any chance you could think it's just drafty up there?" Eugene asked
"You really don't believe in the paranormal son? Even after you met our ancestors?" Edmund asked, raising a brow at the Dark Prince
"I.... Always attributed that to magic, the Moonstone was behind a very large door, and blondie was standing right there as well. I figured our ancestors statues were just.... Overtaken by magic"
"Believe me Fish Skin, that wasn't just magic", Adira stated
"Wait... What happened?" Hector asked as he looked at the pair
Adira and Edmund explained what'd happened at the Dark Kingdom, making the tamer's eyes widen, "wait.... So when these people went to reunite the Moonstone and Sundrop, with little miss steals a lot, the creepy statues of a bunch of dead past kings and queens came to life and began to wreck everyone's shit?!"
"Pretty much", Adira replied
"And I missed out on that?! Dammit!"
The face painted warrior chuckled, "maybe you'll join the fun next time"
"I hope so, that sounds like a fucking party!"
"Not to me", Quirin replied, taking a bite of his own sandwich, swallowing it, and looking at his brother, "imagine fighting your own family.... That's so sad...."
"What if they were trying to harm your spawn?"
"Son, and they're double dead if they try"
"So a party"
The retired knight sighed before smiling at the man, "you're a nut you know that?"
"Says you", Hector replied with a smirk, "imagine being trained by a ghost, that'd be neat!"
"You're a little *too* interested in that idea", Lance stated
"Meh, suit yourself"
Varian giggled before he remembered something, "hey, what about people who were dead but got brought back to life?"
"That's impossible", Hugo replied, "thought you knew that"
"Well, with *alchemy* yes, but not with magic", he smiled at Eugene, "right?"
"That's right!" The Dark Prince replied with a grin as he finished the final bite of his sandwich
"Wait.... What do you mean?" Edmund asked, eyeing his son, "you died?"
"Then came back?" Adira added
"How?" Hector inquired
Eugene blinked, "I never told any of you about that?" They stared at him for a long time, Quirin included, "....Ah.... Well see... When I first met Rapunzel, I also met Gothel. And as much as I would love to go on about her horrible make up and really frizzy joke she called hair, along with the odd color choice that was her clothing that *totally* didn't scream 'I'm an evil lady', the most thrilling part of that story is how Rapunzel and I got out of that situation. See.... I'd stolen Rapunzel's tiara, before knowing her, I was a thief back then and I returned it, don't worry. But as I was running, I found blondie's tower, climbed up, got caught by Rapunzel herself, she made a deal with me and I had to take her to see the lanterns, we made it there, befriending Max on the way, she got to see the lights. But what I didn't tell you was that I was working with the Stabbington brothers and had previously left them behind in order to escape, I was a very bad man back then.... Either way, they somehow made a deal with Gothel, got me caught and nearly hung while Rapunzel thought I'd abandoned her when I didn't. She went back to Gothel but found out she was the lost princess, I went to do the right thing and, with the help of the bar thugs from the Snuggly Duckling and Max, made it to the tower to free Rapunzel. But, here's the twist, Gothel tied Rapunzel up and then stabbed me, which really fucking hurt now that I think about it. She was gonna leave me to die but Rapunzel bargained her freedom to save me using her hair. I pleaded that she shouldn't because she'll be enslaved by Gothel forever, but she fell in love with me and didn't want me to die. I used a piece of a broken mirror to cut off her hair and.... Died..... I think I was dead for a good 3 to 4 minutes before I saw a light and was suddenly brought back to life! Blondie had healing tears, either that or it was residue magic from the Sundrop flower, either way, I came back and the rest is history!"
The Dark Prince smiled happily before he noticed his father's face had gone pale, he raised a brow, "are you alright?"
"I... Y-you.... Died?" Edmund asked
"Yes.... But I'm okay now!"
"....B-but you still..... I.... I a-almost.... I....." He went quiet, not knowing what to say as he looked at the ground
"...Dad I'm alive now, I didn't die forever, I'm still here!"
The Dark King didn't say anything, his eyes were wide with shock as small tears prickled up and dripped to the floor, Adira and Hector were staring at Eugene in shock, not saying anything as well. The Dark Prince looked at them, confused before he felt someone's hand on his shoulder, looking he saw Quirin giving him a nervous smile, "you'll... Have to forgive them... A-and me... It's a little hard to.... Accept that you passed away and then.... Came back...."
"Why?"
"......Because you're our family.... Because we love you... Because we didn't know.... You died Eugene, that's.... Terrifying to think about...."
"I.... It is?"
Quirin chuckled sadly, "yeah.... I mean you're our prince, you're also our brother, and we saw your birth. We knew you when you were a baby, it's like if when Varian said he'd almost died from being a bird..... That's terrifying to know that one of you family members nearly perished.... And not only did you not know... But you weren't there to help in some way.... I think.... The last part, is affecting certain people more than others...." He nodded to Edmund, who was still staring at the floor
"Oh...."
"Yeah.... Believe me, they're not mad or think any less of you... They just... Need a minute to process that information, okay?"
"And you?"
".....I.... Have questions.... But I'm not sure how much you can answer them"
"Well I can try"
"Well.... D-do you know... How it felt to.... Um....." Quirin blushed
"Die?" Eugene finished, the retired knight flinched a little but nodded, "it felt like falling asleep honestly. The stab wound hurt like hell, but otherwise it was.... Peaceful.... As morbid as that sounds.... Ok I think I understand why you're all a little wigged out by this.... Sorry for not telling you before"
"It's.... Well it's alright with me, I think they're still processing"
"Note-AH!" Eugene screamed
"What?! What is it?! Are you okay?!" Quirin asked as Varian nearly jumped out of his skin, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy and chittering to calm him down
"I uh.... Y-yeah I thought.... Holy fuck...." The Dark prince shivered a little, "Hugo, please don't do that"
"Do what?" Hugo asked, getting Eugene's face to turn pale as he looked at the blond teen, who was sitting across from him, next to Varian, calming the teen down with Ruddigar
"I... W-weren't you just behind Quirin?"
".....No"
"I..... N-no okay, that's fucking shitty, who just did that?!"
"Eugene-!", Quirin started
"I am NOT falling for any tricks today! Who the fuck just-!"
"Eugene!" Quirin exclaimed, getting the man to look at him, "Eugene did you actually see a child you *recognized* behind me?"
"I..... N-no...."
"....Then you just saw a spirit...."
Eugene blinked, "I.... H-how did I... D-did anyone else see it?!" He looked around and everyone shook their heads. The man's eyes widened before he let out a breath, "ok, m-maybe that was just my imagination or something...." He stated
"....Maybe.... But we probably should test it anyway", Quirin stated, before he stood up and looked around, "if anyone can hear me, could you say something? Or possibly move something so we know you're here?"
The group was so quiet that anyone could hear a pin drop in the room. No one spoke or moved a muscle as they waited for a response, suddenly, "dad", Varian said, getting his father to look at him, "t-the spoon", he pointed towards the cash register and saw a spoon for the sprinkles twitch a little
The retired knight tilted his head, "is that you moving the spoon?" He asked calmly. For a moment the spoon continued to twitch before it fell off the counter and clattered to the floor with a small *tink* noise. Nothing else happened, "thank you for showing us you're here", Quirin replied gently
"Why are you thanking the ghost?" Rapunzel asked curiously
"Well, if I were a spirit, and I wanted to show I were here when asked, I'd want a thank you, it's respectful", the Village Leader replied with a smile, getting Rapunzel to smile back
Varian stood up, calmer than before, as he walked over to the spoon and picked it up, setting it back where it was and looking around, "no wind, the windows are broken but there isn't a breeze hitting us over here. No vibrations in the ground to take the blame for the spoon moving, and I don't see any machinery at work on the counter. That definitely was a spirit of some sort, I wonder.... Were you just behind my dad, the big muscly guy over there in the vest?"
Quirin chuckled, "big muscly guy?"
"You're buff, that's a fact", Hugo stated
"Noted"
Varian smiled at his father before he heard another *tink* behind him. When he looked, the spoon was on the ground again, "oh, thank you, I'm guessing that's a yes then!" Varian picked up the spoon once more and placed it back on the counter with a smile, "very intelligent ghost"
"Ok, so we now know they can touch physical things.... I'm not sure how I feel about that", Hugo stated
"I agree, that's kinda freaky", Lance replied
"It'll be alright guys, think of it this way, we can finally talk to them! We know they're here! This is perfect!" Varian exclaimed excitedly
"If you say so little man...."
"What should we do from here Varian?" Rapunzel asked
"Well... Best thing to do would be to establish contact, show them we aren't gonna hurt em. I think the best way to do that would be to find a better way of communicating, like give them a way to say what they want to us", the freckled teen replied, "luckily, I have a few things to help with this", he looked at the spoon, "if you want to that is, can you knock that spoon over once more if you want us to try and communicate with you?"
He waited for a moment or two before he saw the spoon twitch, then fall to the floor once more with a *tink*. He smiled, picked up the spoon and placed it back where it was before looking at the place above it, "thank you so much! It'll take me a moment to get everything ready, oki?"
The spoon twitched a little but didn't fall this time, "what's that supposed to mean?" Lance asked nervously
"....I think it means they'll wait", Varian replied before hearing a *tink*, looking over, the spoon was on the ground again, he smiled, "thank you! I'll get the supplies ready as soon as I can", he placed the spoon back on the counter and made his way back to the group. He sat down and took off his backpack, rifling through it before he made a, "ah HA!" Noise and pulled out some playing cards
"Uh... No offense kiddo, but how are playing cards gonna help us?" Eugene asked
"Just watch", Varian replied with a smile before he six rows filled with six cards, all of them are flipped upside-down, so no one could see what kind they were. He sat behind them and smiled, "so, you know what the symbols of these cards are yes?"
"Yeah"
"What are they?"
"Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, and Spades"
"Right! Hearts are 'yes', Spades are 'no', Diamonds are 'maybe', and Clubs are 'I don't know'. I ask the spirit a question, then I feel around and pick up the card that feels the warmest, as in, the spirit is making that card warm, telling me that they want me to pick that card up. I flip it over to see what kind of card it is, a heart, spade, diamond, or club, whichever one it is gives me my answer! The only other rule is that you ask if anyone would like to communicate using the cards in the very beginning, if you get an immediate spade, you're supposed to stop immediately"
"Oh geez"
"Yeah, that parts a little scary, but otherwise, this is a really good way to communicate! So here, ready?"
Everyone nods and Varian smiles as Ruddigar hops off his boy's shoulders and heads over to Hugo, hopping in the blond's lap and chittering anxiously
"I know bud, but it'll be okay, I'll be careful", Varian said comfortingly before he looks at the cards, takes a breath and lets it go, before removing his gauntlet and glove and asks, "is there anyone here that would like to communicate with me?"
Everyone waits as the teen moves his hand around the cards, his eyes are closed before he opens them and flips a card over, showing everyone before he smiles, "a heart!"
"Which is what again?" Lance asked
"It's a yes, they want to talk to us"
Rapunzel grins, "ooh this is so cool!"
"What should we ask?" Eugene inquired
"...Do you like us all being here to talk with you?" Varian asked, before closing his eyes and moving his hand above the cards. He stopped and opened his eyes again before he flipped the card over and *instantly* feels a shudder go down his back as they all see an Ace of Spade staring back at them, "....No...." Varian stated
The group stays quiet for a moment before they hear the spoon drop onto the floor with a *tink*, none of them go to pick it up.....
Notes:
Hello! :D Thank you to LionRoar74 for the idea about Eugene letting it slip that he died in front of Edmund, Adira, Hector, and Quirin :D I hope you like their reactions to it in this one :3
The investigation has begun! Things are already starting to get spooky! :D Also, I said it before and I'll say it again:
PSA: If you have a spirit in your home that you want out, do NOT attempt to do it yourself, get a trained professional to help you, it is dangerous and could cause more damage than can be repaired! I have studied spiritual activity for years, and have had my own experiences, everything said in this story is based on my own research and personal experiences, please be aware of that while reading, there's more than one way for spirits to behave! (If you don't believe in them, that's fine, I still hope you enjoy!)
Eugene saying he died was something I had in my mind, I wasn't sure how I was gonna execute it though, I figured this would be a good place to explore that idea because honestly, it's something I wished they'd touched on in the show. Adira, Hector, Quirin, and Edmund all being a little, or a lot, freaked out by the idea is something I can see, and they'd react to it in different ways, as you'll all see soon enough :3
Lance is a nervous bean, I don't think he really likes scary things like this, he doesn't strike me as the scary type. Which is completely fine, he's here for support after all, but it's gonna be hard for him
Rapunzel and Hugo didn't get a lot of screen time in this one, but they will soon :D
Quirin is being a supportive dad and big brother, and also is the one to try and communicate with the spirit first. He would to protect his family, he's just that kind of character to me, and it makes me happy to write it :D
Varian would be the one to try this, so the communication thing he does with the cards, it's called the 'Card Ritual', do NOT try it at home unless you're a trained professional. And if you do try it, HEED THE RULES, immediate spade, stop the game, right then and there. Varina has been studying for a little while, and he's got friends and professionals with him in the form of Grandpa Edmund, and his own father, so he's being safe, please do the same.
Varian would be the one to communicate with them, he's the most curious after all! :D So yeah, him discovering this ritual and trying it out suits him very well :D
Ruddy buddy is the best animal, he may be nervous because he can sense what's going on, but he's not running away, just being safe, best raccoon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 338: Little Shop of Horrors! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The investigation of the Sweet's Shop continues!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel grins, "ooh this is so cool!"
"What should we ask?" Eugene inquired
"...Do you like us all being here to talk with you?" Varian asked, before closing his eyes and moving his hand above the cards. He stopped and opened his eyes again before he flipped the card over and *instantly* feels a shudder go down his back as they all see an Ace of Spade staring back at them, "....No...." Varian stated
The group stays quiet for a moment before they hear the spoon drop onto the floor with a *tink*, none of them go to pick it up.....
"No? So they don't like us being here, but they want to talk with us?" Lance asked
"Yeah...." Varian replied worriedly before he looked at his father, "not an immediate no, but still pretty worrisome"
"We'll have to be careful", Quirin replied
"Very.... Hmmmm"
Hugo sat next to the cards and asked, "you don't want us here, that's fine, but we want to try and help you. Do you have a way we may be able to do that?"
Varian smiled at his boyfriend before he closed his eyes and moved his hand above the cards until he felt one grow warm. Opening his eyes, he flipped it over, "a club, so I don't know"
Rapunzel frowned, "that's kinda sad, they don't know how to get help"
"It is sad, but we should still keep our guard up", Edmund stated gently, "these are spirits after all, and this is their territory"
"Right"
Varian looked at the cards again, "....Do you know who the owner of the shop is?" He closed his eyes and moved his hand before flipping a card over and looking at it, "heart, so yes"
"Do you like him?" Lance asked
Varian felt around once more and flipped a card over, "diamond, maybe"
"Maybe? Huh, so do they just not wanna tell us?" Hugo asked
Varian looked at the cards again and shrugged as Rapunzel spoke up, "maybe they don't know how they feel about Monty?"
"Possibly", Varian replied before he let out a breath, "maybe we should change the subject a little, I'm getting a little uneasy"
"...Is that you who's makin Varian feel uneasy?" Lance asked
The freckled teen blinked before he closed his eyes and felt around with his hand, picking and card and flipping it over, "heart, yes"
"That would make sense", Eugene stated quietly
"What do you mean?" Adira asked
"Well... This is gonna sound crazy, but I get a weird feeling that something's behind Varian...."
The freckled teen blinked before he felt another shiver down his back, "t-that's.... A l-little nerve wracking"
Quirin frowned and asked, "do you plan on hurting my son? The one you're standing, er floating, behind"
The teen looked at his dad before he felt around with his eyes closed, choosing a card and flipping it over to look before letting out a sigh of relief, "spade, no"
The retired knight nodded, "good"
Varian smiled at his father before he asked, "are you a child?" The freckled teen felt around before flipping a card over, "heart, yes"
"Awwww", Rapunzel stated
"Blondie, they're a ghost", Eugene stated
"I know, but that's still adorable"
Hector raised a brow before he looked at the cards and asked, "are you the only spirit here?" Watching his nephew repeat the process of picking a card, the tamer felt something behind him and looked, but nothing was there. He growled before he heard Varian
"Spade, no", the blue eyed alchemist stated
"Noted...."
"We should stop for a moment", Adira stated
"Hm? Why?" Lance asked
"Are you getting freaked out?" Eugene asked
"No, but I am worried about how much energy Speckles is using to play this card game", she stated, gesturing to Varian
"He does look a little paler than usual", Hugo pointed out
"I'm fine, just taking a little energy to do this I guess", Varian replied
"Hmm...." Quirin looked at the cards, "would it be okay if one of us took over for the cards?"
Varian looked up at his dad before closing his eyes and picking a card, flipping it over to look, "heart, yes"
Rapunzel smiled, "good idea Quirin"
"Thanks, now we just need to know who they'd prefer to talk to", the retired knight stated before the spoon that'd fallen earlier started to spin, making a scraping noise against the tiled floor
"Uh...." Eugene began until the spoon stopped and pointed to him, ".....Ah...."
"Eugene.... Are you okay with that?" Rapunzel asked
"I mean, Varian does look really tired, I could sit in, it's just figuring out which card to flip right?"
"Right", the freckled teen replied, "you don't have any gloves on, so that's good, you just need to close your eyes after asking a question, and feel around, whichever card is the warmest, flip it and look"
"Got it, I can sit in, go over to your dad kiddo"
Varian nodded and put his glove and gauntlet back on before he began to stand up, only to stumble a little, "woah!" Hugo caught him in the nick of time, "you okay?"
"Y-yeah I'm fine, guess I'm a little more wiped out than I thought"
"No kidding... Welp", the blond scooped up his boyfriend, "you're coming with me"
"Wha-Hugo!" Varian giggled, blushing as his boyfriend carried him over to Quirin, who chuckled while gently taking his son in his arms
"Phew! Well that was fun"
"You're a brat"
"Glad to hear it"
Varian giggled again as Eugene sighed, "ah young love.... Nothing wrong with it until you see nerdy flirting"
Hugo smirked, "you really wanna see some flirting?" He asked before he looked at Varian, "oh Freckles, your alchemy bombs and substation tests just complete me!"
The freckled teen laughed before he said, "and your luminescent, biodegradable chemicals light up my life you smart smart alchemical inventor you"
"Ugh! Stop it you two!" Eugene exclaimed
"Nope!" The two alchemists replied in unison before giggling together
"Ugh.... I'm putting an end to this by continuing the creepy card conversation with dead children. So if you wouldn't mind...."
"Yeah yeah, we'll be quiet.... Prude", Hugo stated
Eugene scoffed, "I'll have you know, I have a pretty princess *right* there that I can kiss anytime you know!"
Rapunzel blushed as Lance snickered, "oh yeah?" Hugo asked before kissing Varian on the lips and making him blush, "try me.... Flynn Rider"
Eugene's mouth opened as if he were about to say something before he blushed and clamped it shut. He looked at Quirin, "....I expect a *long* time out for him when you three get home...."
The retired knight chuckled, "only if you behave"
The Dark Prince sighed, "yes dad...." He stated with a smirk before he looked at the cards in front of him, "....You know... As annoying as Hugo is-!"
"Oi!" The bespeckled teen exclaimed
"I'd still rather deal with that than do this freaky card game...."
Varian smiled, "it seems a lot scarier than it actually is, do you have a question you wanna ask?"
"....Uh...." The man suddenly blinked as he stared at something behind Hector for a moment or two, getting the wild tamer to raise a brow before he sighed, "....Am I seeing you kids?" He took a breath before repeating Varian's movements in choosing a card, flipping one over, flinching a little at how hot it felt, and looking, "....Heart....."
"So yes", Varian stated, "you've been seeing them Eugene?"
"Yeah, there was one behind you, they're not there anymore, I think they might be behind me now.... One behind Hector, one behind my dad, and one behind Quirin"
Varian looked up at his father, "do you feel anything?"
"No", the retired knight replied, "but then again, I've never really been.... In tune? With my spiritual side, that'd be more Adira's thing"
"It's true", Adira replied with a smile
"Do *you* feel anything Adira?" Rapunzel asked
"Mmm... More a feeling of unease, like they're uncertain of what we're doing here, and what we want to do to them. But I can't be too sure because there's also a lot of aggression"
"Aggression?" Hector asked
His sister nodded, "why are you here? What do you want? We'll hurt you if you hurt us, that sort of thing"
"Noted"
Edmund tilted his head to the side, "why are some of them behind some of us?"
Eugene looked at the one behind his father, "I'm not sure.... Do you all like the people you're behind at the moment?" He asked before choosing a card the way Varian did and looking, "heart, that's a yes yeah?"
"Yeah", Varian replied, "so they like my dad, Grandpa, Uncle Hector, and Eugene!"
"Neat...."
"Worried?"
"Well having someone behind me who has.... Well.... Passed away, is making me nervous"
The freckled teen smiled, "that's fair, oh hey! Were any of you in the attic a little earlier?"
Eugene nodded and chose a card just as he'd been taught, "wow, a lot of hearts today"
"I shuffled the deck, so it's definitely odd that we're getting so many hearts all at once"
Hugo tensed up a little, "if they were in the attic with us.... That means they knocked us out.... Why'd they do that?"
"Maybe we were all invading their space?" Rapunzel asked, Eugene picked a card, "....Oh.... Wait what does a club mean again?"
"It means I don't know", Varian replied, "so they don't know why they knocked you all out...."
"Again... That's really sad...."
Quirin looked at the cards and asked, "are you all at odds with yourselves?"
Eugene picked a card, "diamond"
"Maybe", Varian said
"They don't wanna tell us?" Hugo asked
"Maybe they're afraid to, we are strangers after all. When I was young, I was taught not to talk to strangers"
"True, but does that rule still apply when you're a ghost?"
Eugene picked a card, "club"
"They don't know", the freckled teen said
"Do you all want us to figure out how to help you?" Rapunzel asked
Eugene picked another card, "spade"
"No", Varian stated
"They've been making it clear they don't want us around, but they also want to communicate", Quirin stated, "I think they may be at odds with themselves, which is understandable, they're kids"
"What does that mean?" His son asked
"Well, children are still growing up, usually that means they don't really know how to express what they feel yet. Usually, sometimes that's not always the case, but kids will want something, but they might get a little too scared to ask, or they don't want something but what someone who would be doing something they don't like. Feelings are confusing for a young one"
"True"
"So you think they may be having trouble telling us what they actually want, because they don't know?" Lance asked
"That'd be my guess, it's possibly why they trashed the Sweet's shop but also don't know if they like or dislike Monty, who runs and owns it", Quirin stated
"Hmmmm... So maybe we just need to help them express themselves?" Rapunzel asked
"Uh.... I have a very bad feeling about those words", Adira stated, "I would not give them permission to do that"
"But how will we help them otherwise?"
"We'll find a way of communication, something like this card game, allowing them full permission to express themselves could lead to trouble"
"I'm with Adira on this one blondie", Eugene replied
"Same...." Edmund stated
The princess sighed, but nodded, "ok, if you feel it's best not to"
Varian gave his sister a sympathetic look before he glanced at the cards, "we should still keep talking to them, they want us to I think"
"Hm? Oh!" Eugene scooted back as the cards began to vibrate a little, "sorry sorry! Um.... Well dammit, what do we ask?"
"...Do you all have names?" Varian asked
Eugene picked a card, "heart"
"So yes", Hector stated
"Do you want us to try and guess them?" Hugo added
Eugene flipped a card, "club"
"They don't know", Varian replied
"Hmmm.... Should we guess them anyway?" Rapunzel asked
Eugene flipped a card, "diamond"
"Maybe", Varian voiced
Quirin chuckled, "these kids are stinkers"
Edmund smiled a little, "I was just thinking that"
"What do you mean?" Lance asked
"They're playing with us, do you want us to guess your names, maaaaaaybe", the retired knight stated with a smirk, "it's like they're playing with us a little. I think they do, so how about we try. Do you kids have any hints?"
Eugene smirked and picked a chard, "heart"
"Yup!" Varian replied before he noticed something, "hey look!"
The group saw a piece of ice floating through the air, "....Um.... Hi?" Eugene stated
"Maybe a name is close to the word 'ice'", Hector stated
"Hmmm.... What name is close to 'ice'?" Rapunzel asked
"Ike!" Varian exclaimed, watching the ice swirl around in a circle, he giggled, "well there we go! Ike is one of you! Nice to meet you Ike!"
The ice piece zipped away, getting the teen to giggle again before Eugene yelped, "what's wrong?" Rapunzel asked
"One of them just touched my back!" He stated
Lance blinked before asking, "does that mean you share a name with the man you just touched?"
Eugene shivered before picking a card, "h-heart"
"So yes! Eugene?" Varian asked
Another card was chosen, "spade"
"No, oki, um...."
"Horace?" Edmund asked quietly
Eugene grabbed another card, "spade"
"No", Hugo stated
The group continued to think before Varian's eyes lit up, "Flynn?!"
Eugene picked a card, "heart!"
"Yup! Flynn!"
"Aww! You shared a name with a ghost kid!" Rapunzel exclaimed
"Uh, hiya Flynn, nice to meetcha", Eugene stated, "um... Sorry for using that name to go and steal things, heh"
"Flynn are you angry at Eugene?" Varian asked
The Dark Prince huffed at Varian before he chose a card, "spade"
"Nu!"
"Glad to know, but that was risky"
"It was, but at least we know now!"
"Hey, something's messing with the king's mustache", Hector pointed out
Edmund noticed and froze, "um.... Hello"
Varian giggled, "another hint... Hmmm"
"Harry!" Hugo stated
"Hugo!"
"What? Mustaches are hairy! That's also a name!"
Rapunzel smiled, "is your name Harry?"
Eugene chose a card, "heart"
"Yes, oki I'll let that one slide", Varian stated, before smirking when Hugo stuck his tongue out at him before pulling it back in and snickering, "sassy"
"We didn't ask this before, but when Eugene said there were kids behind people, he mentioned only four, so are there only four ghost kids here?" Lance asked
Eugene picked a card, "heart"
"Yup, so we have one more name to figure out", Varian stated before he shivered a little
"What's a matter?" Quirin asked
"I... Got this really bad feeling in my stomach...."
The group went quiet before Eugene let out a breath, "....Do you want us to guess your name?" He asked, picking a card that made him yelp a little in pain, "this one was really hot.... I.... Oh...."
"What?" Lance asked, "what is it?"
"....Spade...."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, the kids are being kids, because they're children and can't really help how they feel... Save for one :3 We shall see where this goes :D
Hugo and Varian flirting is fun to write, I love them being cute together and supporting each other! Also, doing the card ritual does actually zap the energy of whomever is doing it, at least that's been my experience, so please be careful if you intend on doing it!
Quirin, Hector, Adira, and Edmund all were being supportive family, but they also didn't get a lot of lines, neither did Rapunzel or Lance, but they were all being supportive and kind though, so there's a plus! :D
Eugene! So there's a reason the kids wanted Eugene to be the one to take over the card session, we'll get to it in the upcoming chapters, but for a hint, it's kinda the same reason Varian got so excited when he first met Eugene! Kinda :3
Ruddy is still there, just remaining quiet during all of this, still the best raccoon <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 339: Little Shop of Horrors! (Part 3!)
Summary:
The group finishes the investigation!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Yup, so we have one more name to figure out", Varian stated before he shivered a little
"What's a matter?" Quirin asked
"I... Got this really bad feeling in my stomach...."
The group went quiet before Eugene let out a breath, "....Do you want us to guess your name?" He asked, picking a card that made him yelp a little in pain, "this one was really hot.... I.... Oh...."
"What?" Lance asked, "what is it?"
"....Spade...."
Varian's eyes widened at that before he sighed, "oki.... I have a question, and I think I should be at the cards now", he stated, walking over and removing his gauntlet and glove
"Kid are you su-!" Eugene started
"Yes", the freckled teen replied in a serious tone, "because it's something I need to get straight", he looked at the cards, "Ike, Harry, and Flynn, please let the child who didn't want their name to be given answer oki?" He heard the spoon spin a little, indicating a yes from the three other kids before he took a breath and let it out, "so.... My question to you, and you alone, is... Were you the one in my dream last night?"
The group's eyes widened as Varian used his hand to check the cards for warmth, his eyes were closed. He did that for a few minutes before he stopped and opened his eyes, "I'm gonna ask again, and you're going to answer me", he stated sternly as his hair began to glow, "were you the child in my dream last night?" He closed his eyes again, but this time he stopped and chose a card immediately, flipping it over and looking at it, "heart, so you were"
Eugene blinked, "Varian-!"
"You don't want us here.... That's why all the questions are contradictory. You're the one making the others choose different choices, they probably like it here and want us to know them, but you're angry aren't you?" The alchemist checked the cards, flipping one over, "heart"
"K-kid I don't think we should test this spirit", Lance stated as the room began to get cold, making everyone shiver
The freckled teen sighed, "the book said we should show we're not afraid, and I'm not. I'm angry too....." He looked at Lance, "this kid sent my body into shock, I couldn't move, breath, say anything, and I scared Hugo and my dad. Ruddigar had to comfort me and do dpt because this kid has a grudge. I get the anger, I understand the frustration, I wonder about their death and really hope I'm wrong, and if it's what I think, then I'm sorry for it. But that's *no* reason for this kid to do what he's done", Varian stood up, his hair still glowing as he looked up, "you hear me? I get it, I was angry once too, I hurt people who didn't deserve it, but I learned my lesson and fixed everything. I can help you do the same, I can help you go in peace if you wish, but you need to stop attacking me, my family, my friends, and everyone in Corona, including the other three children that are here. Now I know why none of them wanted us here as well, now I know who was the one in the attic, it was you"
Quirin, Hector, and Hugo blinked, "h-how do you know that Freckles?" The blond alchemist asked
"Because out of everyone in this group, you three, and Adira and Grandpa, are in my family and are close to me. Eugene is as well, but the kid can't touch him"
"Wha-! What do you mea-!" Eugene started
"You died before, the reason you can see the spirits is because you passed away and came back. You touched the spiritual realm and lived to tell the tale, so you have a connection to them. I figured that out when you pointed out where each spirit was", Varian interrupted gently, "and I also know this kid's name, found it in a book while researching the history of the Sweet's Shop", the room grew even colder, making Varian look up again, his hair glowing brighter, "yeah, I know your name! You gave me a clue in my dream as well, and I can either help you pass on like you want, or I can make you, the choice is yours!"
Suddenly the cards flew everywhere, almost as if someone had kicked them like leaves, ending the conversation and cutting off connections before the room grew deathly chilly. Everyone, even Quirin, was shivering at this point, but Varian stood strong, he didn't shiver or shake, he just glared up at the ceiling, waiting as his hair continued to glow.
"F-F-F-Freckles!" Hugo stated as Ruddigar climbed onto Quirin and went under his vest for warmth, "m-maybe you should s-s-stop!"
"I can't, the moment I stop is the moment this kid ends up hurting everyone here. Don't you see, they want me to stop, they wanna scare everyone and make me think they'll hurt you all so that I won't keep to my word. I'm cold too, and this kid is trying to claw me up, but I'm not backing down", he looked at his dad, "sometimes you've gotta know when enough's enough, and when a kid throws a temper tantrum like this, you've gotta show em who's boss". The retired knight blinked before he smiled and nodded, stopping his shivers and walking over to this son, taking his hand and looking up with a determined smile.
Everyone saw this and realized what they needed to do, so they all walked over and stood with Varian, taking each other's hands and looking up, waiting for it to pass. The sweet's shop continued to get cold, the spoon was spinning like crazy, the cards were still flying everywhere and the windows and every single door in the place was opening and shutting at the same time! But none of them flinched, no one stepped back or shivered, Ruddigar himself had even climbed out of Quirin's vest and was standing proudly on his boy's shoulders! They waited, until the doors and windows stopped, they waited until the cards finally fell to the ground, they waited until the room became normal temperature. When everything was back to normal, Varian watched the final card fall and smiled, "are you done?"
The last card shook for a moment or two, before it flipped over, "heart", Eugene stated with a grin
The freckled teen sighed and let go of his family's hands before walking over to the card and picking it up, "it's warm too, ok, good", he looked up, "needed to have that tantrum huh? Wasn't so bad, though the scratched weren't needed", he looked at his hand and saw the raised skin where he'd been scratched, "it'll heal though"
"Are you alright?" Quirin asked
"I'm fine, but now that we're calmer, how about we finally talk, yeah?" He asked as he looked up again with a raised brow. He felt the card in his hand grow warm once more, "heart, got it", Varian's hair stopped glowing as he let out a sigh of relief before sitting down on the floor
Hugo walked over and sat next to him, "you're low on energy aren't you?"
"Yeah.... But I'll be fine, I don't need to use my energy anymore", he replied before looking up again, "can I say your name now?"
Another card flipped over, it was next to Hugo, he looked, "heart"
"Oki then, Chris, nice to meet you at last"
The group was startled by that, "h-how... Did you know his name?" Rapunzel asked
"When I was looking into the ghost guides, one of them had the Sweets Shop in it, it was never proven, but apparently it was rumored to be haunted by a ghost. I looked more into it, using a history of Corona book my dad has"
"You have a history book?" Hector asked
"I needed to know the history of the village I would be leading", Quirin replied, "so I bought one a long time ago"
"Ah"
Varian smiled, "in the book, it told the story of a boy named Christopher Casper. He was a young boy who loved going to the old Sweet's Shop with his family, but during a trip to said candy shop, there was a caravan accident.... It happened right outside the shop and.... He didn't make it.... The owner of the Sweet's Shop, Monty's great great GREAT grandpa, made a memorial for the kid because they were pretty close. I thought they were connected somehow"
"Wait, how'd you get that clue in your dream?" Lance asked
"In it, I was in Chris's body, he made me see through his eyes and I felt a lot of pain.... So much so that I was screaming, every inch of me hurt so badly that it made my stomach lurch! It felt like I got hit with something big and horrible, and every inch of me was broken, I ended up at the Sweet's Shop, I watched Monty leave for the night, I was forced to giggle and startle him.... Then I could hear myself as I smiled at the windows, 'they were fun to mess with anyway, the man would learn, he'd make them all learn! The others would handle the intruders, they did the last time too, it wasn't hard, in fact, they were dealing with them right now....' It was as if I wasn't able to leave the shop, but the others could. Then Chris pulled me from his body and told me to die, that's when I woke up and wasn't able to move or talk very well"
"Holy shit", Hector stated
"I second that with an even *holier* shit", Hugo added
"Yeah.... It was twisted.... But I get it, Chris was angry and sad and hurt and he didn't wanna die, but then again, he also wanted to leave. The other kids who are here, they can go, they're able to leave, but they don't. Probably because they feel sorry for Chris, but it's time for you all to go now", Varian stated as he looked up, "Ike, Harry, Flynn, and Chris, you all can leave now, you don't have to stick around anymore if you don't want to"
Eugene felt something behind him and noticed a card, he walked over and picked it up, "club"
"You don't know how?" Varian asked, he heard the spoon spin and smiled, "what would you like us to do? Can you show me?"
There was silence for a moment before Edmund giggled, "what's got you so happy?" Adira asked
"I felt something poke my side, it tickled!" The Dark King explained
Varian snickered, "so, something having to do with Grandpa I assume. Was there any kind of custom you'd do for anyone who's passed?"
Edmund nodded, "we'd send them the Moon's prayer", he replied, "it was a prayer that would wish good wishes and safe travels to any spirit who happened to be trying to pass on. We'd pray for them to follow the Moon's light, she'd always take them where they needed to be because, we believe, she is the watcher of souls and the spiritual realm. She represents death and passing while the Sun represents life and living"
"That... Makes a lot of sense considering the Decay incantation is just as eerie as it sounds", Eugene stated
"And the healing incantation can... Well... Heal", Rapunzel added with a smile
Varian grinned, "do you want us to say the Moon's prayer for all of you?" A card caught Hugo's attention, it was behind Varian, he picked it up and smiled, "heart"
The freckled teen grinned and looked at his grandpa, "do you know the prayer?"
Edmund nodded, "I do! I..... Gave sent Eden away with it, hoping she would pass on"
"I did the same for Ulla", Quirin stated with a sad smile, getting the Dark King to place his arm around his knight lovingly and hug him
"What do we do?" Rapunzel asked, "I wanna help them pass on"
"Yeah, same here", Lance agreed
"You're supposed to hold hands with each other, one person speaks and they basically ask the Moon to guide the souls of the people they name to the afterlife", Hector explained
"With the amount of people here, it should work easily", Varian stated as he and Hugo got up, he scratched Ruddigar's chin lovingly before he took his boyfriend's hand, "shall we?"
Hugo blushed a little, "we shall"
They walked over to the group and everyone held hands. They closed their eyes and bowed their heads as Edmund began to speak:
'Moon above, from the Earth below
We ask you to carry these lost souls
Ike, Harry, Flynn, and Chris, with you
They have lived their lives, and have passed into your realm
We ask that you guide them to your light
We ask that you let them pass peacefully
We ask you protect them on their journey
And we ask that they help you watch over the stars
Please bless them with peace and tranquility
Please make them hurt no longer
Please let them face judgement
Please let it be fair and kind
We ask all of this and thank you for doing so
Thank you Moon
dīnkun'
The group let go of their hands and opened their eyes, the room felt lighter, the air was a lot better. Everyone smiled as Varian looked up, "they're gone now", he looked at Edmund, "thank you grandpa"
"You're welcome little peanut!"
The teen grinned before he suddenly felt very dizzy and fell, "VARIAN!" Hugo yelled, catching him at the last minute
"Woah! Son are you alright?!" Quirin asked, running over and checking his child as Ruddigar chittered and nuzzled his boy
Varian laughed tiredly, "I'm okay, s-sorry, I'm alright, I just... Felt really tired, ehaha he~"
The retired knight sighed, "bubby, what am I gonna do with you?"
"Wrap him in bubble wrap", Hugo stated
Quirin snorted, "I might"
"Nu, nu bubble wrap", Varian replied
His father chuckled before he picked the teen up and looked out the window, "Sun's coming up, guess I'm not surprised you're so sleepy, you've been having a hard time for the past two days. How about, once Monty gets here, we go home and get some rest, yeah?"
"Oki", his son replied before he let out a squeaky yawn
"Or... He could fall asleep in your arms and we could inform Monty", Eugene suggested with a smirk
Quirin nodded, "I think that's a better idea"
Notes:
Hello! :D
Dīnkun means thank you in Prussian, I used it in a way like a Christian would say the word 'Amen' after a prayer. I also found out that 'Amen' mean 'so be it'..... I never knew that! You learn something new every day! :D
So yeah, I touched on the Dark Kingdom's religion, they worship the Moon, I'm guessing, the same way Corona worships the Sun! It's okay if you're not the same religion by the way, you're accepted no matter what you believe <3 I just like exploring their customs, it's interesting to me I suppose :3
Eugene being connected to the spiritual realm because he passed away is definitely something I plan on doing more with either in this story, or in the rewrite! :D I think it's interesting to know that he has some sort of connection to it because of what happened to him :3
This chapter was basically just Varian, because the bean had the dream and knew what needed to be done, but also because of what the Moon represents, death and passing, he has her powers, he would have the authority to speak to a spirit like that. I do have more spirit stuff planned for this story, I hope you all enjoy it! :D
Quirin doing the Dark Kingdom prayer for Ulla is such a Quirin thing to do! He would definitely do that for his wife, he loves her, and would want her to be happy in death
Same for Edmund, also, he got a more major role in this chapter! :D I was happy to write that, I love giving Grandpa major roles, hims good people! <3
Hugo, Rapunzel, Adira, Hector, and Lance didn't get huge roles here, but they were still there! :D So yay! <3
Ruddy buddy supported his bean! He's the best emotional support raccoon! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 340: Hugo's First Christmas!
Summary:
Hugo's always had Christmas with Donella and Cyrus, both of which never celebrated, so what is he supposed to do with a family that does?!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The blond sighed as he looked around the house, he'd been living with Varian and Quirin for a few months now, and he had started to *finally* get used to it. That is.... Before the holidays came around.... Both father and son were busy hanging up decorations, like wreaths and even finding, and cutting down, an old pine tree they'd grown. They'd placed the tree in their living room and had popcorn hanging from it, little ornaments that the two had made along with tinsel also decorated the tree. The blond had been watching the pair running around like mad, grabbing gifts, decorating, talking *animatedly* about their plans of having everyone here to celebrate, etc. Hugo had taken it in stride at first, helping with a few decorations here or there, wrapping a few gifts, he'd even gone out and bought something for Varian and Quirin!
But as he looked at the, now filled, home, listening to the laughter and cheer everyone brought to the holidays, he felt his heart race! There were so many colors! From the paintings the Rapunzel had made for everyone to the multicolored presents they'd brought, even the *FOOD* was different colors, they'd gone all out this year and everyone seemed to be having a great time, even *HECTOR* was enjoying himself, and he usually hated this many people around!
But that wasn't what the bespeckled alchemist was worried about the most, it was the gigantic presents for Varian everyone had bought! They were *far* bigger than the dinky little gift he'd bought his boyfriend.... As he held it close to his chest, he couldn't help but think about how hard he'd been trying to get this small present, it wasn't much, but he'd thought it was special.... However, seeing his boyfriend smiling and laughing with everyone else, and just how excited he was when he'd seen the presents..... The blond blushed, hiding the gift he'd bought and saved for....
*He'll hate it... He'll think I was cheap for getting something so stupidly small... Hell Adira's gift was ten *times* the size of my little present.... So is Quirin's gift.... Dammit....* He sighed
"Hugo?"
"Hm?" The blond looked over and saw Varian watching him worriedly
"You okay? You're being kinda quiet"
"Oh uh I-I'm alright! Just... N-not used to this is all", he replied. It wasn't a total lie, he genuinely wasn't used to how many people were around, sure he'd gotten close to them individually, but he hadn't realized just how lively the group was when together
He heard his boyfriend giggle a little, Moon above how adorable his giggle was! "Don't worry love, it was a little too much for me too when we first celebrated at the castle. But you get used to it, and if you need a break, just tell me, I'm more than willing to find a way to sneak you out for some air, oki?"
Hugo smiled, "thanks Freckles, I appreciate that, really"
"You're welcome!" Varian replied, smiling happily at his lover
"Yo Hairstripe!" Eugene called, catching the blue eyed alchemist's attention once more and, unconsciously, slipping Hugo back into his anxiety....
Why was this so hard?! He should be enjoying the festivities, yet he couldn't seem to relax one bit! Catalina and Angry were running around, high on sugar he'd bet, Lane chancing after them to make sure they didn't get hurt. Edmund was as jolly as ever, his laughter filling the home with all the joy and holly jolly mirth anyone could ask for, Hector and Adira were playing games with Rapunzel, Varian, and Eugene, and having a great time, they hadn't squabbled once, this should be the best time of the blond's *LIFE*!
He sighed, still clutching his small gift, he hated it now... Both of them.... He wanted to just throw them away, he should've known they'd never be good enough.... That everyone would get something better.... He couldn't take much more of this.... His mind was killing him with thoughts of how stupid he was for evening *thinking* he could ever be apart of this....
He looked at Varian, he'd been sticking by his side all night, it made him feel worse..... "I'm gonna head up for a minute", he stated casually
"Ok, you alright?" Varian asked
"Yeah, just need to check on something is all", he plastered the best and fakest smile he could on his face, hoping the person he loved more than life itself would understand what he'd meant
"...Ok, if you need anything, let me know alright?" His boyfriend replied as gentle as could be
How did he get so lucky to have this alchemist in his life again? ....Oh yeah.... Bird kettle.... He smiled, genuinely this time, and nodded, "thanks, I will", he got up and began to make a quick escape upstairs
"Hey, where ya going?" Eugene asked, wrapping an arm around Hugo, "not trying to pull any Christmas pranks are you? Cause I'll have you know, Santa doesn't take too kindly to holly jolly jokesters this time of year"
Hugo sighed but smirked, "no, just checking on something upstairs is all .....And if I were going to prank someone, I would've done so already", he added with a mischievous grin
The Dark Prince blinked before he raised a brow, "what did you do?"
"Guess you'll have to find out, I'm not talking though", Hugo stated, "but I wouldn't go near the eggnog if I were you"
"W-wha-!"
"Just kidding", Hugo stated with a snort, wriggling out of Eugene's arms and running up the stairs, snickering as the Dark Prince huffed before laughing and making a comment, something about a pranking alchemist?
Hugo shook his head and finally got to his and Varian's bedroom, he opened the door and closed it, sighing as he slid to the floor. He heard a click and suddenly felt tiny paws on his cheek, "hey Liv"
The robotic mouse squeaked a little, nuzzling her boy
"Heh, thanks.... I.... I'm not sure how to handle this Liv.... I mean, you should've *seen* what everyone else got him! I have two little dinky presents for the both of them, they hardly compare to the shit Adira, Hector, and everyone else probably prepared.... Wouldn't be surprised if the princess got Varian an entire chemistry set with beakers and a hot chocolate mix....."
Olivia squeaked to her boy, giving him a pep talk of sorts
"I know I know.... It's the season of giving and family, but.... H-have you ever gotten that feeling that you're the outsider in a room full of strangers?" He asked, "like you know and like them all just fine, but that one person, in this case two people, you happen to know are super popular so you can't get close to them without being swarmed? Not only that, but... I only had enough to buy Varian and Quirin something... I didn't have enough for Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Hector, Adira, Catalina, or Angry....." He placed his head in his knees, "I feel horrible... They aren't even that good.... I just.... I feel so bad.... About everything...."
The cybernetic mouse squeaked sadly before rubbing her boy's cheek lovingly
"Thanks, sorry.... This is so stupid, I should be able to just, go out there, and do my thing right?" He sniffled a little as he scratched Olivia's head with his index finger before sighing, "...Right.... I can't stay in here, they'll get upset...." He took a few more moments to contain his emotions before he got up, washed his face, and exited the room.
He walked down stairs and was about to enter the livingroom when he saw Varian opening his gift from Rapunzel, he saw his lover's eyes sparkle when he received exactly what the blond had predicted, chemistry set with beakers and hot chocolate mix included. The freckled teen looked so happy, smiling and hugging Rapunzel happily, Hugo's stomach churned and he backed away from the door. He was in the dining room, alone.... Looking around he noticed the door to the back yard and, with a shaky breath he said, "m-maybe five more minutes of air will be okay....."
He walked outside, the cool evening breeze hitting his face and filling him with relief for a moment, he let out a breath before he looked around. Corona was never a kingdom that had a lot of snow, there were a few piles here and there, but most of the backyard was covered in frozen grass. Hugo watched the area, trying to distract himself from his present crisis.
There were a few couples walking down the street together, nope that won't help
A couple farmhands were exchanging gifts, not much for his churning stomach there
He noticed a boy playing with, what Hugo assumed to be, a brand new puppy given the dog's age and bright red bow on their collar, alright ignoring that....
He felt his heart begin to pound until he noticed a lone figure standing nearby, raising a brow he squinted to see who it was and, "....Hugo?"
The blond blinked, "Q.... Q-Quirin? What are you doing out here?"
The retired knight looked the teen up and down before he smiled warmly, "my guess, the same thing as you"
Hugo blushed, "I-uh-um...."
"Came to get some air?"
".....Yeah"
"Same"
The bespeckled teen tilted his head to the side, "w-why do you need air?" He asked, hating the crack in his voice
Quirin chuckled, "Christmas parties always make me a little antsy I suppose"
"B-but Varian's opening gifts right now, d-don't you wanna see that?"
"I can, see?" He pointed and got Hugo to look and see another window that led to the livingroom, or at least a hallway to the livingroom, but Hugo could see Varian plain as day, the teen looked so happy
"Oh"
"Yeah, being in crowded areas are fine with me, but being in a party wasn't really something I could handle..... Varian knows that, which is why he's sitting where he is, so I can see him happily getting his gifts"
"Oh, so you support from afar on Christmas"
"Yup, I give him my gifts later on, and he gives me his, when everyone else is either asleep or they've gone back home. We've done this since he was a kid"
"Really? Who came over when Freckles was younger?"
"....King Frederic and Queen Arianna.... Plus the Queen's sister, Willow.... She was.... A little too clingy...."
Hugo raised a brow, "ok first, the Queen has a sister?"
"Yes"
"And second, said sister is clingy.... To *you*?!"
"Yes.... Unfortunately"
"Oh...."
"Yeah... This year, and the year before this, the two rulers didn't come to the celebration, well, Queen Arianna did, but she only came for a quick minute to give Rapunzel, Varian, and me a gift before leaving after we exchanged. They've kept their distance lately, I suppose it's out of respect due to what happened"
"Huh..... Sorry"
"It's alright, I'm glad the king has kept his distance, though I am sad about Arianna, she and I were close once, she and Ulla were really great friends too...."
"And Willow?"
"Oh she can stay away"
Hugo snorted, "not a fan?"
"She's not a bad person she just..... D-doesn't take no for an answer...." The retired knight blushed
"Oh... Geez I'm sorry"
"It's alright, holidays can be hard, but there are good things about them, like seeing Varian make a face like that", he gestured to the window, getting Hugo to laugh at the wide sparkly eyed smile Varian was giving as he stared at a Flynn Rider box set from Eugene
"Well at least *he's* having a good time"
"Yes he is.... So what are you doing out here?"
Hugo stopped laughing and looked up at the man before blushing, "heh.... I uh.... It's stupid...."
Quirin wrapped an arm around Hugo, it was gentle and warm, making the blond feel protected in it, "it's not stupid, whatever you're dealing with is never stupid, brought you out here didn't it?"
"I suppose...."
"Do you want to talk about it? If you don't that's okay, but the offer is there"
Hugo hesitated for a moment before he sighed, "it's just.... I feel.... So ridiculous I guess..." He admitted
"What do you mean?"
"Well.... W-when I had Christmas before, it was small, me, Cyrus, and Don..... A-and we didn't do presents or any kind of celebrating, the most we got was a warm meal that Don cooked, that was her way of saying she was glad we were there.... I.... I'm not used to everyone being here, all the decorations, everyone cheering and laughing, singing parodies of Christmas carols...."
Quirin snorted, "did you hear Lance's version of 'Jolly Old Saint Nicholas'?"
"No, it was his reedition of 'Jingle Bell Rock', didn't know Eugene and Rapunzel could have such a fun time both inside, and outside the song"
The retired knight chuckled, "any new ones?"
"Well he did a pretty neat 'Deck the Halls', but I'll let him sing that for you"
"Noted"
"Either way.... It's just too much... T-that and...." He blushed even more
"...And?" Quirin prompted gently
".....I..... I only had enough to buy you and Varian something small, t-they're not super great, but I've been saving for a while.... B-but when I look at all the gifts Varian got... A-and the ones waiting for you inside.... They're so big and expensive and... I just.... H-have these...." He brought out the small gifts, they were wrapped in tissue paper, "I-I couldn't even get good wrapping paper for them.... S-so I used what I could find.... D-Don always said that if you're gonna get something, m-make sure it's flashy and big... b-but theses are just.... Stupid...."
"Oh Hugo...."
"I know I know, this season's about giving and I should b-be happy that I was able to g-get you guys anything and.... But... I j-just... It feels so small..... T-they're not even that expensive I j-just.... Couldn't get much... a-and I didn't wanna steal it.... I w-worked to get these... I-it's... The first thing I've e-ever worked to afford.... I.... It's not good enough though...." He sniffled, hiccupping a little as he stared at the two gifts sadly
There was a moment of pause before he felt Quirin hug him, the smell of apples and wood filling his nose, Varian was right, it was so comforting..... Hugo instantly felt calmed as he leaned into the touch, wanting to just stay there.... "It's okay", the retired knight said, "it's alright that they aren't a lot, it's okay that you didn't have too much, it's alright, it's really alright"
"I-it's not though...." Hugo said, "you guys d-deserve so much more a-and..." He couldn't talk much anymore, he felt so overwhelmed that his words wouldn't come out
Quirin broke the hug and smiled at Hugo, "you're such a sweet boy, you know that?"
"Huh?"
"Hugo, we love you, very much, me and Varian both, small, big, round, square, it doesn't matter, you got something for us that you thought we'd like, and what's more you got it with your own money, that means so much!"
"B-but they're so small...."
"That doesn't matter, you still thought of us, you have next to nothing son! You won't let me buy you clothing, you won't let Varian give you your own room, you use as little space as possible, you cook and clean up for and after yourself unless we tell you otherwise. Hugo you're sweet and kind and caring, and you try your best, honestly, I want to do *more* for you, so much more, but I don't because I know that'd be disrespecting your wishes, and I don't want to do that. But Hugo, you're a good, kind, sweet, sassy, funny, and loving man! You worked to get us gifts even though you don't have a coin to your name, you've already done so much for me and Varian, believe me, neither of us are gonna be upset that you got us something small"
"A-are you sure?"
"Of course I am! And as for you feeling overwhelmed by the party, why do you think I'm out here? It's okay to be overwhelmed and need some air, it's alright to not be comfortable. You're not causing anyone else to feel upset or angry, you're not causing any trouble for anyone either, you came out here to do the opposite! Hugo you're the most self sacrificing and sweetest teenager I've ever met! And I have *Varian* as my blood son!"
"Blood son?"
Quirin smiled, "you're my child too, not by blood, but you're my son, that's never going to change"
"I.... R-really?"
"Yes"
Hugo smiled, "t-thanks Quirin...."
The retired knight nodded, "Hugo you have nothing to worry about, you're allowed to take time to yourself, and you're allowed to buy whatever you wish, you're family, and that's never gonna change, ever, okay?"
The blond smiled, sniffling a little before he nodded and hugged Quirin, the retired knight hugged him back, rubbed his back lovingly as the teen sniffled and hiccupped a little. After a moment or two, the pair let go and Hugo wiped his face with a tissue Quirin handed him, "t-thank you Quirin"
"You're welcome", the Village Leader replied, a few more minutes passed before Quirin looked at the teen, "how about you and I get back inside yeah? You can stick close to me and Varian, we can exchange gifts, together"
"B-but won't you get overwhelmed again?"
"Being with someone else who feels the same way makes it a little easier to bear"
Hugo smiled and nodded, "o-oki"
They walked back inside together, everyone greeting them happily when they rejoined the group. They were showered with presents and chatter, Catalina and Angry finally crashed after their sugar high, and were now sitting on the couch as Hugo smiled when Varian immediately sat next to him. After everyone had quieted down, the blond handed his two gifts over to Varian and Quirin, apologizing he couldn't get the rest of the group anything, but they all brushed it off, understanding the blond's situation and happy to give him gifts instead!
Hugo smiled at that as he watched Varian open his gift, the freckled teen was so happy when he saw the sapphire and emerald jeweled, silver chained, necklace he'd received, matching Hugo's bracelet he'd given him. As Quirin opened his gift, the retired knight was met with the sight of a pair of green and blue rings, both fit perfectly on his left and right index finger. The retired knight loved the gift, hugging the blond happily and startling him a little, but receiving a hug in return. The party went on without any other issues, the group was happily singing songs together and enjoying their time together as they celebrated the holiday as one big, happy family!
Notes:
Hello! :D
MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!!!!!! <3
May your day be merry and bright! <3 And may all your holidays turn out right! <3
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 341: Guess Who's Back, Back Again!
Summary:
Cassandra overhears a conversation between Varian, Rapunzel, Lance, and Eugene, and an old enemy of the freckled alchemists comes back from a very long trip!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"Rapunzel can strip you of your power Cassandra... If you do *not* destroy her.... She *will* destroy you...."*
"RISE DAMN YOU!" The blue haired women screamed as she tried and tried over and *OVER* again to control the black rocks! But as she did, the one she was trying to summon only came out just a hair bit more than it had after she'd sent the red rocks to Corona.... She growled, the Moonstone flickering angrily in her chest as she tried once again, nothing worked.....
"My my, the rocks *really* don't want to listen to you, do they?" The ghost girl stated as she watched from afar, "even with half the boy's powers, you still lack the strength to summon the rocks at their full potential"
"I know that!" Cassandra snapped, "what the *fuck* do you think I'm trying to do here?!"
"Cassandra *please*, honestly, there's no use in getting mad at *me*!" The girl stated, floating in the air and raising an annoyed brow at the women, "you just need to-!"
"Focus I know!" The women stated, her head growing foggy once more, "this is ridiculous.... That fucking kid and princess took my powers, *again*!"
"Hmmm... It does seem like ever since that little.... Scuffle, with the red rocks, your powers have been harder for you to control...."
"You think?!" Cassandra asked sarcastically before huffing and looking away
The ghost girl rolled her eyes before she sensed something, "wait, look over at Corona, something's going on"
Cassandra raised a brow before she walked over towards some bushes and looked through them, she saw Rapunzel, Varian, Lance, and Eugene all talking with each other, she glared, but listened in.
****
"Varian I *know* you have your misgivings, but this is something that we *need* to look into!" Rapunzel stated gently
"So you want me to, what, make you a hot air balloon that'll take you to a magical island full of leaf people so you and Eugene can find the one person we're all worried may try to kill us, *simply* because her *owl* brought you a scrap from the island?!" Varian asked aggravatedly as Ruddigar chittered, "no offense, but did you two hit your heads on something while we were investigating Monty's Sweets Shop? Something that may have made you forget that we were gonna invest the white lady next and then *possibly* the thing across the bridge while Monty makes repairs? Because it's only been a day, not much progress has been made you two"
"Yeah, I'm with Varian on this one guys, this seems.... Really out of the blue...." Lance stated, rubbing his hands together
Eugene raised a brow, "enjoying my moisturizer, aren't we?" He asked sarcastically
"My hands were dry okay?! And I let you borrow my lotion without you needin to ask!"
"Guys, not the time", Rapunzel stated, "look, Varian, I really do understand why you're worried, but me and Eugene with be perfectly safe! But if there's a chance to get Cassandra to see reason and possibly talk to her, I want to try.... Please?"
Varian pursed his lips together, a very thin frown on his face as he stared at the princess for a *very* long time. He then looked down, "you're not taking no as an answer.... Are you...."
The princess blinked, "if you really don't want to, I'll respect that. But I *need* to go...."
Varian sighed before looking at her, "fine, I'll make the balloon"
"Really? You will?" She asked excitedly
"I'm not happy about it, but yeah, I will", he stated, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy sadly
The princess, Eugene, and Lance watched the teen for a moment or two before the Dark Prince walked over and knelt in front of him, "are you okay with this? Like, *actually* okay, if you're not, you can tell us"
Varian hesitated before he sighed and shook his head, "no, I'm not.... Y-you two are going after someone w-who destroyed my home, nearly k-killed my dad and boyfriend, betrayed you all, h-has a super powerful item, a-and...." He sighed, "....Eugene I will *never* be okay with you two wanting to see, talk to, or even try to *help* Cassandra.... I feel bad for her, yes, I'm worried about her mental stated, sure, but she's done so many bad things..... I'm scared.... I'm worried that she'll do something to you and Rapunzel a-and if you two don't come back alive I'll-", his breath caught in his throat and he coughed a little, blushing and turning away as his fear and anxiety were on full display
"Aw kid...." Eugene whispered before he hugged the teen lovingly, "it's alright.... I'm sorry we're putting you through this, I really am.... If it were anyone else, or even if it were under different circumstances..... But...."
"I know..." Varian replied softly as he returned the hug. They stayed that way for a while before the alchemist broke the hug and looked at Eugene, "please b-be careful.... Okay?"
The Dark Prince nodded with a confident smile, "we'll be careful, you have my word as a Flynn Rider expert and Team Awesome member and co-creator!"
The teen blinked before giggling, feeling a little better about the situation, "you sure you wanna put both of those on the line?"
"I'm sure, so you know I mean it because, honestly, I really would rather not give those things up!"
Varian smiled, "thanks Eugene"
"You're welcome kiddo"
****
Cassandra was startled by this, "they.... Got a message from... Owl?"
"Forgive me for this but, who's Owl?" The ghost girl asked
"My pet Owl"
"And his name's..... *Owl*?"
"Yeah"
".....Alright then...."
Cassandra rolled her eyes before she watched the group, Varian had gotten a sketch book from Rapunzel, by the looks of it, it was new, he began to draw, what she assumed, were blueprints for the hot air balloon.... She began to think, "....No one else can control or order Owl around but me... I trained and raised him, so why did he bring a message from that damn island?"
"Oh, so you know of the island they're headed towards?"
"Yeah, it's pretty far from here, thing is, I'm not on it.... Obviously.... So who-! ......Father...."
The ghost girl raised her brow, "your father is on an island?"
"Must be... He's the only one I can think of that would have anything to do with Owl..... But why would he be there?"
"Well there could be a lot of reasons", the ghost girl stated, seizing an opportunity, "he's found out you won't be fooled by the princess and her lackeys again, perhaps he's given up. Or maybe there's something there that could make him forget or possibly a-!"
"An idol...." Cassandra stated, "one that brings you whatever you wish for... The longer you hold it, the more corrupt that wish becomes, but for a while at least.... It makes you see things you want to see... Brings you happiness...." The Moonstone began to spark to life, "so.... He just.... Left? He just.... *DECIDED* he wanted to be happy and went to a place that gives him something false?!" She growled, "why, does he want to forget about me?! About what he did to me and what I'm doing now?!" Her anger grew exponentially, just as her sadness did, she felt tears sting her eyes as she fell to her knees, the Moonstone still glowing
The ghost girl seemed surprised by this little outburst, but smirked, "well, then that's all the more reason you should fight isn't it?"
Cassandra sniffled, "what do you mean?"
"Well, he obviously wants to forget, or to escape to an even happier time, somewhere that's far away from you and what you're truly feeling. It means he doesn't care, and you shouldn't either", she stated, "so why not take the disdain you've just found out about and do something with it? Use it to get him back, use it to get Rapunzel back, use it for yourself!"
The blue haired women wiped away her tears and nodded before she got up, backed up a little and summoned the black rocks once more, using all of her rage and emotions, finally, the rocks didn't hesitate to listen to her. They popped out of the Earth, as big as she'd wanted it to be! For once, Cassandra grinned, "finally"
The ghost girl smirked, "good, I wouldn't take this as a huge win though"
"Oh I'm not", Cassandra stated, "I'm gonna practice, make sure I have complete control over the powers I have now, and then, once I'm done, I'm getting that fucking scroll, getting the rest of my powers from that *brat* and then I'll make sure Rapunzel and my father remembers who *exactly* they're dealing with......" Cassandra growled, not noticing the green glow once more emanating off of the ghost girl behind her.
****
"......Freckles, it's been nearly an entire *day* since they left, and you haven't eaten, drank, or sat *down* since you made the balloon and we saw them off", Hugo stated as he watched his boyfriend continue to pace around the family room in the castle, "maybe take a few minutes and sit down yeah?"
"Hugo's right little man", Lance stated, as he, Catalina, and Angry all played Uno with Adira, who was winning, "you should take a break, ain't there an old sayin? A watch blotch never heals?"
"It's, a watched pot never boils, but close enough", Quirin correctly politely
"Who would watch a pot?" Angry asked as she raised an annoyed brow at the face painted warrior, who had just set down a draw four wild card
"Yellow", Adira stated
"Darn it!"
"People who want to see them boil?" The retired knight replied with a shrug before he raised his own brow, "Adira, maybe take it easy on the two *children* playing with you?"
"I am, but they'll never learn if they don't learn how to lose", the face painted warrior replied, "if I were giving it my all, I would've won by now"
"I'll.... Take your word for it...."
"Varian....." Hugo stated, still seeing his boyfriend continue to pace anxiously
"I can't help it", the freckled teen replied, "I told them to be c-careful! I made them the s-stupid balloon and n-now they've been gone for *HOURS* with no sign of them and-and-and-!"
"It's *okay* little peanut", Edmund stated gently, "Eugene and Rapunzel are strong, they can take anything on when they're together, everyone in this room knows that. They may just be taking their time because maybe they and Cassandra needed to have a long chat"
"...A-as much as I would love to believe that Grandpa.... I-it's a little hard to do so considering C-Cassandra's made no attempts to talk with any of us at all and her attempts t-to do *anything* with us have all been life threatening....."
"Kid's got a point", Hector stated in agreement, "it's not like me and Adira didn't *try* to talk that bitch down during the whole red rock fiasco, and she *still* went against us"
"I know, but this is Rapunzel and Eugene, if anyone can get through to Cassandra, it would be them, would it not?"
"...I guess you're right..." Varian agreed quietly, "....I just... Hate waiting...."
Hugo smiled, getting up and walking over to his lover, "how about we wait together then", he suggested, "we could watch your aunt beat Catalina, Angry, and Lance in a game of Uno"
"Hey!" Angry exclaimed as Catalina snorted and both Lance and Adira smirked at each other
"Show me I'm wrong with your 40 card collection over there"
"Oh shut up"
The blond snorted before the door to the family room opened, making everyone inside freeze as they stared at the door, for a few moments, there was silence, before, "hello?"
"Eugene?!" Varian asked, "Rapunzel?!"
The door opened wider to reveal a smiling Dark Prince, along with a happy looking princess, "hey kiddo!"
"YOU'RE BOTH BACK!" Varian yelled before he ran over and hugged the pair, "I'm so glad you're okay! Y-you *are* okay right?!"
Eugene chuckled, "yeah kid, we're alright", he and Rapunzel hugged the teen back before all three broke the hug and Varian backed up and looked at them, that is.... Until he noticed someone behind them
"U-um.... Is that...." He stopped an waited for a moment or two, "....I don't sense anything.... A-and they're not glowing... I-is that Cassandra? O-or someone else?"
Rapunzel smiled, "he's not Cassandra, but he.... Is kinda close to her", she stated
"Um.... Blondie maybe we should wait to show him.... Particularly to hairstripe"
"What? Why?"
"Because.... I don't think it's a good idea... Not right now..." Eugene stated
Varian tilted his head to the side, "what do you mean, not a good idea? Who's behind you, it is someone I know?"
"I..... Y-yes but.... You and he... D-don't have a great history together....." Eugene admitted, Varian's eyes widened
"Oh..."
"Come on Eugene! Varian's on our side now! It's fine!" Rapunzel stated before she stepped aside and revealed who was behind her
The room was silent, no one spoke, no one moved, as the Captain of the royal guards looked around, his eyes locking directly onto Varian. The alchemist's eyes were wide, his pupils were mere pinpricks as he stared, unbelieving at the man. That is, until something ran in front of him, blocking the teen's view, something red, something large, something.... That smelled like apples and wood.....
"What the *hell* is he doing here?!" Quirin asked, glaring *daggers* at the man
Rapunzel blinked, "Quirin it's okay, the Captain's on our si-!"
"Quirin?!" The Captain stated, blinking in astonishment, "y-you're.... Alive?!"
"Yes I am, and I heard *EVERYTHING*", the retired knight growled as he stood in front of his son, who was still too shocked to speak
"Y-you..... B-but I thought that-!"
"That what? The amber had killed me? That I couldn't hear how you and your guards beat my son and basically tortured him every night? How you arrested my *sister*?! Yeah, I heard..... I'm still alive because of Varian and Rapunzel, and I am *not* happy with you....."
Rapunzel froze for a moment or two before she felt immense amounts of guilt swirl in her stomach, "oh.... Now I see your hesitation... I-I'm really sorry...."
Eugene sighed, "it's fine, just.... Maybe wait for a second yeah?"
"Yeah...."
The Captain of the royal guard looked at the retired knight, then to the tiny alchemist behind him, the teen was still frozen in shock, "I....." He began, "V-Varian.... I-!" He'd reached out, to try and comfort the teen, but what he got instead broke his heart.... Varian has let out a small yelp, almost as if he'd been struck, before he.... Ran..... Hiding behind a taller boy with blond hair and glasses..... Shaking like a leaf.....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah.... Guess who's back..... And we get a glimpse of Cassandra and ZT, been a minute since that's happened :D Also, I know that magic is actually from a fountain and after 9 days the magic becomes wicked, turning even the purest wish into a nightmare, but Cassandra isn't actually on the island, so she doesn't know about it. She knows about the idol that makes you happy though, because she was there for that, so that's why she's upset, because she thinks her dad chose fake happiness over her, which he kinda did
I've honestly wondered if Cassandra ever found out about what he father tried to do on that island. I think she didn't in the show, but it makes it more interesting if she did. So here's drama concerning that, courtesy of the evil gremlin herself, thank you Zhan Tiri!
Speaking of, I have a plan for ZT, it's gonna be a slow start and I'm really sorry for that, but I hope I can speed it up a little bit soon :3
I never liked the Captain of the royal guards, I've dove into this before, but Season 3 really sealed the deal on what a horrible parent and person he is! Season 1, he attacks and possibly beats a 14 year old boy without question, follows a mad king's orders, doesn't seem to mind when Frederic mentioned how strict he'd been on petty thieves and small time criminals, and the harsh punishments they went through while Rapunzel was away, went along with locking up the princess, ended up being useless in the final fight of season 1 against Varian (I understand he'd gotten injured due to Ruddigar in monster raccoon form, but you're telling me that an under trained rookie can be better than a well experienced LEADER?! I understand that was Cassandra's big break, but they could've had her father give her a chance instead of making him practically useless), was hard on Cassandra (back when she was a good character to me), almost threw his daughter into a CONVENT, need I go on?!
Season 2 he doesn't show up at all, and it's found out later that he abandoned his post by the ruler's sides to go search for Rapunzel, ended up failing to help change Cassandra's mind, and left the king and queen open for the seporian attack that he probably would've been NEEDED FOR!
Season 3, decides to give up on Cassandra after one spat with her, runs away to an island to make a REPLACEMENT, gives up on the replacement because RAPUNZLE had to CONVINCE him (that one actually burns me up the most, not gonna lie, his character was just done for me after that, no redeeming him), decided to QUIT the royal guards because, and I freaking quote, "I cannot battle my own daughter", when, not even 5 episodes before that (counting Cassandra's Revenge as two since it's a two parter), he was willing to GIVE UP on Cassandra entirely, and then, he gives his position of Captain to EUGENE!!!!!! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Eugene Fitzherbert, but had they had the Captain try to HELP the crew get Cassandra back during season 3, even joining them during Cassandra's Revenge to try and talk with her, and they have Eugene come to terms with being a Dark Prince and a leader of an endangered people to the point where he becomes the leader the people need and his checkered past could help him in the future as the rightful king with a certain alchemist by his side, that woud've been so much better than having Eugene completely ignore that he's a prince and become a Royal Guards Captain when he'll become the King of Corona eventually anyway and will have to find another Captain very soon so why make that choice in the first place and-I'm getting off track, where was I?
Right, Captain..... His character sucks!!!!!!!! I don't like him, he's a bad man, a horrible father, and a coward to me..... If you like in, that's completely fine and I'm so sorry I just bashed your character, but he's not my favorite, in fact, along with the werewolf hunter herself and King Fredrich, I think Captain is my LEAST favorite character. Again, it's okay if you like him, and I'm more than willing to listen to/read an argument made in his favor, because I enjoy different opinions, I just simply do not like the man.
Moving on XD
Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Adira, Hector, Hugo, and Edmund are there for support, we love our Moon Bean's support group! <3
Poor Varian.... He was so worried about Rapunzel and Eugene during this entire chapter, and now he's gotta face the Captain, a man that's been nothing but horrid to him.... This is gonna be hard on the tiny bean.....
Quirin.... Hoo boy, angry protective papa has joined the chat y'all! XD He's not happy with the Captain of the Royal Guards, and who could actually blame him at this point? X3
Punzle's learning, she's still gonna make mistakes, but she's learning! <3
Ruddy buddy is being the best support raccoon! <3
Thank you all for reading, sorry for my rant, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 342: Yeah He's Back, Tell Varian!
Summary:
Captain and Quirin get into an argument that ends.... In a very bad way!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Captain of the royal guard looked at the retired knight, then to the tiny alchemist behind him, the teen was still frozen in shock, "I....." He began, "V-Varian.... I-!" He'd reached out, to try and comfort the teen, but what he got instead broke his heart.... Varian let out a small yelp, almost as if he'd been struck, before he.... Ran..... Hiding behind a taller boy with blond hair and glasses..... Shaking like a leaf.....
The room was completely silent, no one really knew what to say or do before Rapunzel sighed, "um... Captain I-I'm sorry, how about.... W-we get you back to your room for now yeah? M-maybe get you changed and rested so you can go back to being the Captain of the royal guard again?"
Hector, Adira, and Edmund's shoulders all stiffened before they looked at each other, then back at Quirin, who was still glaring at the man, "I think that would be a good idea...." The Dark King stated gently, walking over and placing a hand on his knight's shoulder, the man flinched a little at the touch, but relaxed after a minute or two
"I.... B-but I.... I.... H-he's... No longer a villain?" The Captain asked, looking at the Princess
"No, he's not", Quirin stated, "technically he never was considering what happened to him could've been avoided completely" He growled
"Oooookay", Rapunzel stepped between the pair, "how about we do what I said we should Captain, yes?" She asked quickly
"I'm with blondie, we should leave the terrifying farmer alone so he can comfort his tiny son", Eugene added, nudging the captain away from Quirin and towards the family room door
The Royal Guardsman sighed and began to walk out on his own, he stopped and looked at Quirin, "I.... Only did what I was told...." He stated sadly, "I'm not... Supposed to question it..."
"Bullshit", Quirin stated angrily
"I did!" The Captain insisted, "I was *ordered* to come after your son! I can't defy an order from the king"
"You didn't have to be cruel!" Quirin snapped, "you didn't have to beat him, you didn't have to cause him emotional and mental *pain*! You didn't have to do anything but keep him inside the house! Yet you took it a step further and harmed my *child*! Even though you *know* him, and you *know* he's not like the rumors portrayed him to be!"
"I hardly know your son!"
"You knew him well enough to know he would *never* attack the princess", the retired knight stated
"Captain, we're leaving, come *on*", Rapunzel stated, pushing the man out of the room, Eugene following behind
But the man refused to leave as his temper flared up a bit, "how was I supposed to know that?! Your child had caused harm to this kingdom with his magic experiments! For all I knew he could've used them on Rapunzel!"
"It *isn't* magic"
"What do you like to call it them? Because it sure as hell isn't science!"
"CAPTAIN!" Rapunzel yelled
This seemed to snap the man out of his anger as he blinked and sighed, "damn it, I wasn't *trying* to argue, I was trying to *apologize*!"
"Yeah well you're apology is pretty shitty", Quirin spat with a glare
This made the Captain glower at the man, "you know, I've always respected you, your farm, your work as a Village Leader, hell you even *trained* me, yet right now, all I can see is your priorities slipping in favor of your son"
"I'm a fucking father, the hell do you mean my priorities are slipping? I was a knight for majority of my life, I became a Captain for a little while before I *retired*! My original kingdom wasn't Corona, my priorities never strayed until my child was born, but that was *after* I retired! If you honestly think your *job* is more important than you're own *child* the-!" Quirin stopped as an image of Cassandra flashed in his mind, ".....Shit..... No, I'm not going there... That's a low blow... Even if you *do* deserve it...."
"Deserve what?" The Captain asked angrily
"Nothing, forget it. Either way, my child is my priority, because not only am I *retired*, but because he's my entire world, and Corona was *never* my original kingdom! I protected it and it's people from a king who *clearly* didn't care. I did my duty and have *earned* my retirement, I don't need a pompous ass who abused *my* son to get on me about my priorities", he snapped, "and if you're *really* wanting to go there, maybe ask your king why he decided to ignore my warnings about the Sundrop flower being dangerous, why not ask him *why* he ignored my warnings and used to flower anyway. I'll bet that conversation is far more interesting to you than how my son is no longer in the dungeons, actually, ya may already have an answer, considering she's standing *right* behind you with 80 feet of golden string in a braid", he then stopped and sighed, placing a hand on his forehead, "sorry Rapunzel...."
"It's okay, I can understand that your anger got the better of you in this instance, just please, *please* stop", the princess stated, "this is getting us no where"
"It's an eye opener to how corrupt Village Leaders can be...." The Captain stated
The retired knight's eyes widened as he looked at the man, "....What do you mean by that?" He asked, his voice icey, sending shivers down *everyone's* spine
"Guys, please-!" Eugene started
"I just mean that in all the years you've been working at a Village Leader, it's interesting to see how much you're willing to allow your child to get away with. Considering the gremlin should still be locked up like the fucking *animal* he truly i-!" His sentence was cut short when he felt something akin to a moving caravan ram into his chin! He fell to the floor, he felt his mouth begin to bleed as he looked up and saw Quirin standing over him, fist clenched, some of the Captain's blood staining the man's black gloves
"....I held back on what I could say about your parenting.... I held back because it was a low blow, I held back because I expected you enough to do the same...." His glare deepened, "I can see I was wrong...."
"Y-you *punched* me!"
"As Hector would say it, no shit sherlock", the retired knight stated, getting the wild tamer to snort, "there's blood on your chin and my glove, the hell do you think happened?"
The Captain got up and glared *daggers* at Quirin, "I only spoke the truth about you son! He's an animal and a criminal, who should've gotten more than the small public lashing he received!" This made everyone in the room freeze before, Hugo, Hector, Adira, Edmund, Lance, and Eugene glared *angrily* at the Captain as Varian hid even more behind his boyfriend, "and if you can't see that then you're much more corrupt than I fucking thought!"
Quirin raised a brow, his blood was flaring to an *ugly* degree, he could see red, he could feel his vision blur as he stared at the man he'd once trained, but he spoke, so quietly it was barely above a whisper, "are you sure you want to start on that *particular* topic, because I can assure you, I have a *lot* of ammo I could use...." He warned
"I'd love to see you try to sway me", the Captain challenged
"NO!" Rapunzel stepped in-between them again, looking at Quirin specifically, "please, look I know y-you're angry, but he just got back, please, *please* don't do this.... Please....."
The retired knight looked at the princess, her eyes were *begging* him to let it go, *pleading* even. He looked back at the Captain, he wanted to do nothing more than break every *bone* in this man's *body*. But he took a breath, let it out slowly, and sighed, "ok"
Rapunzel was a little surprised, "you... Really?"
"Yes, but take him away from me before I change my mind please...." He looked at her sadly, "I didn't want to have an argument, I'm sorry I did, but..... This m-man...."
"I understand Quirin, I'm sorry too....." The princess replied as she looked over at Varian, "I'm sorry to you too...."
The teen didn't say a word, but he did nod as he continued to hide behind Hugo, "we'll take it from here Rapunzel", the blond alchemist stated, giving the princess a gentle smile
"Thanks", she replied before looking at the Captain, "we need to leave, now"
"But Princess I was ju-!" The Captain began
"I don't want to hear it", she stated firmly, "Quirin held back, a *lot*, yet you didn't, at all.... Varian is a part of our team now, he's a good kid, and good friend, and you will *not* say anything like that about him again. He's fully pardoned, my, my mother, and my *father* have all accepted this. It's time for you to do the same, because that *fact* isn't going to change! Varian's saved me, and several other people, and he's rebuilt this kingdom and done so much to help this community! He's *not* a villain, he's more than made up for the things he's done, and we will *not* be having a repeat of this again. Do I make myself 100%, smooth as silk, hard as diamond, crystal *clear*!"
The Captain stared at the princess for a long time before he sighed and nodded, "yes... Your Majesty...."
"Good, now lets go", Rapunzel stated, finally getting the Captain to leave, she looked back at Varian and Quirin, "I'm really sorry...."
"It's okay", Quirin replied, "I'm sorry too.... I didn't mean to-!"
"It's alright", the Princess interrupted gently, "what he said was uncalled for.... I was a witness, and so were several people, we'll be discussing it later, but.... It's okay"
The retired knight nodded, "thank you", he replied tiredly
"You're welcome", she said as Eugene watched Varian for a moment or two
".....I'm o-okay...." The timid teen stated
Eugene nodded and looked at his father, "we'll handle it son", Edmund said
The Dark Prince gave a small smile to the man before he glared over at the Captain and walked out the door with him. Rapunzel was right behind them, giving one final apologetic glance towards the pair before closing the door behind her
The room was silent once more before Angry looked over at Adira, "what just happened?"
The face painted warrior sighed, "a fight.... Best word for it...."
"Really can't blame him though, can you?" Hector asked as he gestured to Quirin with a raised brow, "I wanted to fuck up the Captain's face the moment he came in here too, and what he said about our nephew......" The wild tamer growled angrily
"Yes, but that isn't the best course of action right now", Edmund stated, looking at Hector sadly, "maybe we don't add to the fight, yeah?"
The retired knight sighed, "sorry...."
Hector, Adira, and Edmund looked at him, "it's alright", the face painted warrior replied
"No it's not, that wasn't right, he lives here, we don't, he should be able to go into the family room without a problem... And who knows what he's been through...." The Village Leader stated as he turned to look at his family, "I just got so, damn, *angry*"
"No one blames you, if that helps any", Hector stated
"Especially after what he said...." Adira added, her eyes glaring at the door the Captain had walked into and out of
"I don't know if this is a good question to ask now but.... Why did you get so angry? ...Aside from the obivous....." Catalina asked, "and why did *you* hide?" She asked, looking at Varian worriedly, 'I thought.... You were coming to terms with what happened to you...."
Hugo looked at his boyfriend as well, the freckled teen had stopped shaking the moment the Captain left the room, "you good?" Hugo asked
"B-better.... Sorry f-for using you a-as a shield...." Varian replied softly
"It's alright, happy to be of service"
The blue eyed teen smiled at his boyfriend before taking a breath, letting it out, and stepping beside the blond and looking at his younger sisters, "I um.... H-have very.... Bad feelings a-about guards... You two k-know that... and y-yeah, I'm coming t-to terms with what h-happened to me.... But.... W-well the main reason i-is because of... H-him.... T-the Captain...."
Catalina and Angry looked startled by that, "it's because of him?" Angry asked, "....w-what did he do to you?"
The freckled teen's mind was filled with all the horrible thing's he'd been through by the Captain's hand, majority of the beatings, the times he was thrown inside the same room as his frozen father and told to look at him in shame, the yelling, the screaming, the scolding, the insults, and.... Worst of all that whip.... Crashing down on his back without a hint of hesitation-!
"Varian!" Hugo exclaimed, touching his boyfriend's shoulders, "you back with us?" He asked when the timid teen looked up at him, "you spaced out"
"I.... Y-yeah, I'm back... S-sorry Hugo...."
"It's alright", the blond replied, "you okay?"
"I.... N-no... Not really...."
Hugo frowned before he looked behind him, "I think this may be a job for you", he stated
Varian didn't need to look up to know who he was talking to, he didn't need to look up when a voice began to speak, "only if he's willin to talk about it, do you want to?"
The freckled teen sighed, "I think i-if I don't.... I might end up p-passing out every time I see him...." He then looked over at his father, "and *he* m-might end up breaking something....."
Quirin chuckled, "you're not wrong...."
Varian smiled at his father before he finally looked at the voice that'd spoken up, "I.... Think we should talk about it"
There was a moment of silence before the teen felt himself being picked up, he didn't mind as he smelled chocolate and lit fire wood, he smiled as he looked into the smiling face of the one person he'd been able to tell all of his troubles to without judgement, "then how about we get you and your dad some water, then we'll talk"
The teen smiled appreciatively, "t-thanks Lance"
The former thief smiled at the teen lovingly, "anytime little man"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah.... The Captain is not a nice man in my story, stoops lower, hits lower, and is a cheap shot! I'm sorry, again, if you like this character, you can like him, love him even, that's perfectly fine :D I just don't, and that's okay too <3
The Captain..... Is gonna be learning a lot in this story, that's all I'm saying for now, because I will rant about him again if I say more than that XD
Quirin, protective papa to the rescue and also, very angry and terrifying papa!!!!!!! This man could kill with one look, I swear her could! XD I love Quirin, especially when he's defending his bean <3 Makes me happy <3
Hugo, Hector, Edmund, and Adira are here for the support! <3 Same as Eugene and Rapunze, and Punzie got a good showing in this chapter! <3 She's learning and I'm proud of her <3
Eugene is mad..... I realize he didn't get a lot of screen time here, but I wanted to point this out, it'll be coming up in later chapters :3
Lance is being a king again!!!!!!!!!! This man could rule the world and I think everyone would bow before him without question! Caviar Lance will become a thing, because this man deserves that and so much more! <3
Angry and Catalina being the one's who don't know the full story makes sense to me, because they wouldn't, they weren't there, they've only heard bits and pieces, so yeah, the next chapter is gonna be hard on them X3
Ruddy buddy is there, definitely comforting his boy right now too, I just wanted to focus on the Cap and Quirin <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 343: And Then They Speak! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The group, sans Rapunzel and Eugene, sit and talk about sensitive topics concerning the Captain of the Royal Guards, particularly, Varian's biggest punishment, and Quirn's anger!
Trigger Warning!
This chapter contains past Child abuse, trauma, and torture, please skip if you are unable to handle such a topic, it's understandable if you cannot! <3
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
After a few moments of getting water, comfort chocolates, that Lance totally didn't take from Eugene's bedroom, some blankets, starting the fire in the family room, and getting comfortable, everyone seemed content, Lance sat in the middle of the room, though his chair was faced towards Varian and Quirin, who were sitting in an armchair together, the teen in his father's lap with the retired knight's arms wrapped around the freckled alchemist's middle protectively. Hugo was next to them in the same chair, though he was not on Quirin's lap, more comfortable being on the side, he had Ruddigar on his lap though. Catalina and Angry were sitting on the same couch as Adira, Hector, and Edmund, the wolf girl sitting next to Hector, and the black haired thief sitting next to Adira, Edmund was the closest to his knight and two grandsons.
"So, how do we start this?" Angry asked
"I usually let Varian, or whomever needs to talk, choose the first topic and how they wanna start it", Lance replied, "unless they don't know where to start, then I ask an ice breaker question"
"....I uh.... Think an ice breaker m-might be needed", Varian stated shyly, as he looked up at his dad, who still seemed to be steaming a little bit from his confrontation with the captain
The former thief watched the retired knight for a moment and nodded, "yeah I can see that...."
"Quirin..." Edmund said quietly
The Village Leader let out a small breath, "sorry.... Just...." His grip around his son tightened protectively
"Dad...." Varian said sadly, not minding the protective hold as he looked up at his father worriedly
Edmund stared at his best friend for a while before he spoke up, ".....Maybe we should start with how everyone feels at the moment"
"I was thinkin the same", Lance agreed, "anyone wanna go first?"
No one spoke up, everyone was a little too focused on the retired knight at the moment before Hugo raised his hand a little, blushing a bit. Lance smiled and nodded at him, "I.... Feel like we're all kinda worried about Quirin", he admitted timidly, not used to doing something like this as he looked at the farmer, "Varian too, of course, but.... Quirin seems to be a little more.... Upset.... Visually speaking"
Varian grinned at his boyfriend appreciatively as his father let out a small breath, "I'm..... Angry..... Just very.... *Very*.... Angry....."
Lance tilted his head, "is that the only thing you feel Quirin?"
The retired knight raised a brow at the former thief, but Lance didn't budge, "....No.... But I don't really have the words for whatever else is going on...."
"Dad", Varian said
"It's... The truth Varian", Quirin replied gently, looking down at his boy, "I really don't know how else to describe how I'm feeling right now"
The teen looked at his father worriedly, "m-maybe.... Scared?"
"....Possibly.... Or worried..... Anxious, afraid.... Nervous....." The man was silent for a moment, "....Ok so there are a few words"
Varian snorted and smiled at his dad, "I'm.... Feeling the same, exactly the same"
"You're angry?" Hugo asked
His boyfriend looked at him and nodded, "not nearly as much as dad, I'm.... More afraid than anything actually, but.... Yeah, I'm angry too...."
"Do you know why Varian?" Lance asked gently
"Why I'm angry? Or why I'm scared?"
"Both"
"...Well... The fear is honestly expected.... The Captain.... H-he was the worst to me.... He would lead the others i-in hurting me... A-and he was the one who....." The teen shook his head, "....I'm sorry.... T-that.... It's still...."
"It's okay little man, take your time", Lance replied gently, smiling encouragingly at the teen, "that's.... Not an easy topic, and if you're not willin to talk about it, it's okay, but if you can, then you should"
Varian took a breath and let it out before saying, "no problem, w-we got this....."
Lance *instantly* recognized that and grinned, "Eugene taught you that huh?"
The freckled teen blinked, "y-yeah, how'd you know?"
"He taught me the same thing", the former thief replied with a chuckle, "it's not good for long term, but it's nice in the moment"
"It really is, the m-more I say it, t-the more I believe it"
"Ain't words an amazin thing?"
Varian giggled and nodded before he realized what'd just happened and smiled at the man, "thanks"
Lance grinned, "you're welcome"
The teen sighed before he nodded determinedly, ".....I was.... In my c-cell. It was a r-regular morning, and I.... D-didn't know what was going on, t-there were guards standing i-in front of my cell..... I hadn't h-had anything to eat or drink yet, I d-didn't do anything.... T-that's when the captain came along.... He opened my cell door and cuffed me.... W-we walked through the halls u-until we went outside a door a-and I saw the.... P-pole...." The teen took a few seconds to gather his thoughts, trying not to let his mind falter or resort to shutting down. After a moment, he continued, ".....T-the captain was watching t-the king.... I f-felt dizzy, I think I m-may have been getting sick at the t-time.... B-but the Captain.... T-tied me to the pole, i-it was like I was hugging it..... He t-then, a-at the king's command, r-ripped my shirt open and.... A-and told me this is what I g-get for betraying the royal f-family..... H-he said that only criminals l-like me deserved this treatment.... A-and t-that I should be ashamed.... H-he even mentioned... H-how disappointed. D-dad would be...." The teen felt his stomach churn, like he was about to puke, but he kept going, he needed to get this out, he needed to finally let it go. So he took a breath and continued, "....I n-noticed all the people around.... T-they looked.... S-shocked... To see me there.... I s-still didn't know what was g-going on... They'd t-taken Ruddigar away.... I h-heard him screeching for me..... T-then.... I felt the f-first.... Sting..... T-they kept going..... T-the captain counted out loud. E-everyone was shocked, s-some were cheering and insulting me.... I... I didn't hear them... I-I just cried.... I c-cried out how sorry I was, I c-cried out for dad, I cried out f-for help, I.... w-wanted mom..... I c-called out for her l-like a baby b-because I was in s-so much pain..... I d-didn't even feel the lashing finish.... I w-was too hurt.... I kept crying, m-my knees buckled w-when the Captain untied my arms..... T-they had me standing.... T-the whole time.... T-that's when I saw the king's f-face and.... I.... F-felt so.... S-so.... Alone.... I realized t-that no one w-wanted me then... A-and.... I was t-taken back to my cell.... A-andrew was there, he.... C-comforted me...... U-used his vest to c-cover me..... I-it's why I g-grew close to him, and he.... E-eventually used me..... His v-vest reminded me of dad's..... S-soft.... A-and comforting, a-and I latched onto him ever s-since that day....."
The room was silent, no one knew what to say at first, but the freckled teen felt his father's grip tighten exponentially after he'd finished talking. Everyone was wide eyed, staring at the teen for a long time before Hugo placed a hand over his mouth, the blond looked *pale*. "Hugo?" Lance asked
The bespeckled teen didn't respond, instead he just stared at his boyfriend for a long time before he shook his head, trying to clear whatever he may have been thinking. Varian gave him a gentle smile, "it's okay love, I'm okay now"
"T-that....." Hugo began, lifting his hand from his mouth, but he stopped, placing it back over his mouth and shaking his head again, closing his eyes. Ruddigar looked up at him nervously before he chittered to his boy
"His stomach?" Varian said
"Oh boy, here", Lance got up and grabbed a trash bin, handing it to Hugo, just in case. The blond took it, keeping it close for a long time before he finally dropped his hand and waited
His mouth quivered for a few seconds before he ended up puking into the bin, everyone looked away, giving him his privacy. Once they didn't hear anything more, they looked and saw the blond sitting with his head on the top of the bin. His face inside of it as his arms were wrapped around the top, hiding majority of his head.
Varian leaned over and, gently, rubbed his boyfriend's back, the blond flinching at first before relaxing a little at the touch. It took a few minutes, and a few tissues given by Edmund, until Hugo popped his head up and set the bin down, his face was flushed with both embarrassment and fatigue as he looked at his boyfriend, "s-sorry...."
"It's alright"
"N-no it's not...." Hugo stated, "t-that.... I k-knew you'd gotten.... B-but I didn't know how or.... W-why.... I didn't know the details and it.... M-my stomach.... I'm sorry...."
"Hugo, it's alright, it's.... Hard to hear...."
"Even harder to go through....." His boyfriend stated
The freckled teen smiled, "love, it really *is* okay, I.... Went through it, I talked about it, I.... Actually feel a little better having done so, and.... I-in an odd way, your reaction kinda made me feel better"
"I-it did?"
"yeah, I mean, I f-feel bad that you puked, but, you...." Varian bit his lip, not sure how to put it
"I puked for you", Hugo replied with a small smile, "because of how disgusted I was that you went through something like that. I can see how that would make you feel a little better"
The blue eyed alchemist blushed, "sorry"
"It's okay, I'd feel the same in all honesty, i-if I weren't so embarrassed of having done it at all, heh"
"Want some water?"
"Would love some actually.... Left a very bad taste in my mouth...."
"I'll grab some", Catalina volunteered before getting up and jogging out of the room, her pigtails flopping a little as she did
Varian watched her go before looking at angry, "she's.... Upset, huh?"
"We *all* are", Angry stated, "true to my nickname, I can see why you freaked out when that *man* came in here.... I'm so.... UGH!" She huffed, getting up and pacing a bit
The freckled teen smiled at his little sister gratefully before Catalina came back inside, handing a cup of water to Hugo before watching Angry pace, "um...."
"She's angry", Lance stated
"I know, but why's she pacing?" The wolf girl joked
Adira and Hector snorted, "that's both a bad and good joke", the face painted warrior stated
"Caught you off guard though, yeah?"
"A bit, yeah, thanks"
Catalina smiled before she looked over at Varian, "....Um... It happened a while ago but... A-are you okay?"
The freckled teen nodded, "I am, I.... Still can't really.... Cope with what happened yet, I mean.... Who could? ....B-but I'm okay", he looked at Lance, "t-that's.... Why I'm so afraid of him, the Captain.... B-but it's also why I'm angry.... I.... Won't say I didn't deserve to be punished, m-my actions were horrible and I did kidnap the Queen and threaten the princess and her family.... B-but.... The Captain didn't *try* to help me during the time I was in my home, in fact, h-he made it worse.... H-he didn't try to understand or ask me anything, he just.... Did was he was told..... I-if everyone thought like that.... T-the world would've died a long time ago...."
"What do you mean?" Edmund asked
"Well, Adira went against your orders and helped Rapunzel get to the Moonstone, where you met Eugene and were reunited with Hector and dad. Dad tried to warn the king about the Sundrop flower and how dangerous it could be, and he turned out to be right, leaving the king with no excuses and revealing who he truly is. Hector wasn't supposed to live after his parent threw him out, yet he found both Adira and dad and came to the Dark Kingdom, became one of the greatest fighters ever and showed how amazing he really is! You even went against your own wishes and helped Rapunzel out when she was at the Dark Kingdom for the Moonstone. And now you've got your family back, and more! If we all did what we were supposed to do all the time, the world wouldn't be the way it is now. Do I mean break the rules everyday, no, but if something's not right, and you feel like there's something off, fight back, find out more, do what you feel is right! The Captain just did as he was told, not caring when he saw dad in amber, not flinching when I tried to explain, not hesitating to hurt and beat me every chance he got. That was before I did anything wrong, after, I could rationalize it, but before? .....I'm angry at him... I'm more afraid, because his face is the one I associate the most with w-when it comes to.... T-the lashing.... B-but I'm angry he didn't even try.... He just.... Sacrificed justice to get another point in the king's corner it seems..... And he used me to do it...."
"I agree", Quirin stated, "he used and abused you.... Ignoring how much you've helped this kingdom, even before your time in the dungeons, you were helping people, that was your only goal, and that...." He looked at Hector
"Fucking ass monkey mother fucker", the wild tamer stated
Quirin nodded, "did more harm than good, forgetting about how you created medicine for the sick, how you helped grow plants at a faster rate during a drought, how you made traps to humanly capture pests and get them out of Corona, how you've helped protect people using your alchemy, I could go on, but I'll make myself angrier if I do, and that's not what we want"
Lance looked at the man worriedly, "you can get angry you know"
"Lance if Varian gets angry, he'll glow and black rocks spurt out, we've found a way to control that. If *I* get angry however..... Well just.... Hide the Captain and the King, because they're first on my list...." The retired knight stated, "I realize that sounds dramatic, I understand I'm a grown adult who should be able to control my anger, and in most cases, I can. But with the Captain and the King..... They hurt my son..... They threw him away.... My child was the only being I had left in my life when Ulla passed away and Adira, Hector, and King Edmund weren't around. The princess wasn't there, you weren't Lance, Eugene wasn't, Hugo wasn't, Catalina and Angry were not, Ruddigar wasn't there either, just me and Varian. And they took my son, *my* Varian, and threw him away, they broke and injured him and I can't get past it..... I can't..... I've tried so fucking hard, but I can't....." He nuzzled his son's head, getting Varian to look up at him and blink
Lance gave a sad frown, "who said anything about you bein a grown man? Or you bein able to control your anger. Not to use you as a bad example here, but Hector's temper flares up all the time, he's a grown adult, nobody chastizes him"
The wild tamer shrugged, "not a bad example, it's true", Adira smirked at that
"Hector has had a lot more to deal with than me...." Quirin stated sadly, as Varian placed a hand on his father's cheek
"Not.... Really? Where the hell is that coming from?" Hector asked, "because it's not the first time you've said something like that, and it pisses me off"
The retired knight didn't respond, simply placing his own hand on his son's, getting the freckled alchemist to smile a little. The room was silent before Edmund sighed, "this is about our Captain of the royal guards, isn't it?"
Quirin flinched before he looked at his king sadly, ".....Yes..."
"I thought as much...."
"Quirin, do you wanna talk about that? Or is that a little too personal", Lance asked, watching the man blush when Edmund said what he had
The retired knight looked at the former thief, "....I may not be able to say too much..... I can say he was the main reason for the mindset that I have.... Him and.... Well a lot of other people.... Like a certain former king....."
Edmund blinked, "my father said something to you?"
"A few times, yes.... I never said anything because it wasn't the time for it.... But.... He made me... Uncomfortable to say the least", Quirin admitted
Lance blinked, "what do you mean?"
"N-not.... N-not that way.... He never.... Touched me or anything, thankfully..... B-but...." The Village Leader sighed before he looked at his king, brother, and sister, "do you remember.... w-when I stopped talking for a while?"
They nodded as Varian and Hugo looked up at the retired knight, "you stopped talking?" The blond asked
"Yes.... I stopped speaking to anyone for about two months.... It was because the original king of the Dark Kingdom, and the Captain of the royal guards..... They made me.... Feel very uncomfortable anytime I spoke...."
Hector was stunned for a moment before he narrowed his eyes as Adira spoke up, taking to words right from Lance's mouth, "do you mind explaining how?" She asked gently, getting the former thief to smile at her gratefully
The retired knight looked at her, Hector, and Edmund, before looking at Lance, then Hugo, then finally, Varian. The teen was watching his father worriedly, his hand was still on the retired knight's cheek, he smiled encouragingly though, "dad"
"Hm?"
"....It's later"
Quirin chuckled, remembering how he'd said he'd talk to his son about this later, and he smiled, "you'll be with me?" He asked, blushing a little as he felt like a child asking *his* child for such a dumb favor
The freckled teen grinned and nodded, "always"
His father smiled and nodded, grateful for his son, feeling another hand on his shoulder, he looked over and saw Hugo, "same", the blond stated
Quirin was startled, but grateful to Hugo as well, "thank you, both of you", he said, before gently removing Varian's hand from his cheek, continuing to hold it though, before he looked at Adira and nodded, "ok"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, finally got Varian to talk about his lashing and how it made him feel, and got the horrified reactions to it as well..... This poor Moon bean went through way too much, and maybe in ancient times it was okay, but not in this 21st century! Sincerely, that is really fricked up.....
I won't go into details about the characters, I think the chapter did that on it's own X3
So for now, thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 344: Quirin's Training!
Summary:
Quirin talks about an event that took place before Adira and Hector came around!
Trigger Warning!
This chapter contains past child abuse and torment, if you would rather not read something like that, please skip, I'm sorry to those who've dealt with Childhood abuse or abuse at all, it's not right, and I'm sorry you had to ever go through anything like it!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*"WATCH YOUR FLANK!" The Captain of the Royal Guards shouted, startling the new recruit and making the teen fall over onto his face. The man sighed and walked over, "you need to watch you're flank otherwise I'll kick it myself!"
The trainee looked up, his big, brown eyes stared into steely grey as he shivered and nodded, "y-yes sir"
"Good, now get up and do it again!" The trainer barked
The teen flinched, but he didn't argue as he got up, ignoring the throb in his arms and legs. He shook the daze out of himself and tried the sparring again. Two guards were sparring with him, and they weren't holding back, the teen hadn't known how harsh the sting of wood against the back would be until he'd began training for the knights. The Captain was tough, but the teen wouldn't back down, he dove and ducked, doing a barrel roll before hitting a guard, knocking them down. He smiled, happy to have finally done so! But just as he'd landed from his attack, another came behind him and landed a *nasty* blow to the back of the teen's legs, making him fall to the ground once more
"For fuck's sake, WATCH YOUR *FLANK*!" The Captain yelled as the guard who'd knocked the teen down snickered
"S-sorry sir"
"DON'T APOLOGIZE!"
The teen flinched again, "s-sorr-I mean, y-yes sir"
The Captain rolled his eyes as he looked the teen up and down, "unsteady knees, shivering arms, sweat on your brow, you'll never make it.... I can't *believe* the prince is making me train a disgusting *whelp* like you"
The teen looked at the ground, he knew better than to say anything against the Captain, but that didn't mean the words stung less than the wood he'd been hit with. He could feel his lungs barely being able to keep up with the high demand the Captain stated he should train, "I-I can do it, I'll try again sir", he stated determinedly
"And you'll keep failing! It's just like you street rats to fail at every possible angle!" The Captain snapped
"I-I won't fail, l-let me try, please sir!"
"DO NOT BEG! A knight does *not* beg!" The Captain glared at the teen before sighing as he noticed the boy flinch for the third time in the span of the five minutes they've been talking
"Hello!" A voice called, *instantly* getting the Captain to straighten his back and soften his gaze as he turned to face the person
"Good morning your majesty!" He stated in a fake voice, "how are you this fine morning?"
Prince Edmund smiled, "just fine thanks", his smile widened when he saw the teen, "Quirin!" He greeted, running over and hugging the teen, "I'm so happy to see you!" He knelt down to eye level, "how are you doing?"
Quirin paused, glancing at the Captain, who shook his head while the other two knights slapped the wooden sword against their palms, speaking *volumns* to the teen when he looked back at the prince, "oh j-just fine, doing my usual m-morning training is all!" He replied, plastering a smile on his face, trying to look as calm as he could
The prince's smile wavered just a little, and he looked over at the Captain and knight, both of whom stood at attention when Edmund looked. He turned back the Quirin, "can you tell me, how long have you been out here?"
"J-just an hour", the teen lied
Edmund raised a brow, "really? Only an hour?"
"Uh-huh"
"Hmm.... Then can you show me your hand for a moment?"
"I.... W-why?"
"Just to look and see is all"
"U-um... Ok", Quirin showed the prince his hand, after a few seconds of inspection, the Prince sighed and stood up, picking up the teen and holding him close to his chest as he looked at the Captain and the knights, glaring at one of the knights as he asked, "how long has he *actually* been out here?"
The knight flinched this time, startled by the question, "uh, from what I know your highness, only an hour"
"And you?" Edmund looked at the other knight, who also flinched
"S-same your highness, an hour, tops!"
The Dark Prince sighed before he looked at the Captain, "you wanna tell me the truth, or should I get my father involved? You have *one* chance"
The Captain sighed, "5 hours.... Your highness"
"5?!" Edmund repeated, his eyes widening as he looked at Quirin, "no *wonder* he's shaking and bruised! What the hell?!" He glared at the Captain, "I asked for him to be trained for *2* hours! Has he even had anything to eat?!"
"I-I did, I had bread!" Quirin tried, but apparently, that wasn't the correct thing to do, as the Captain gave a small glare to the teen, who shut his mouth
"Bread and water..... That's all.... Yet we live in a castle with plenty of food inside", Edmund stated, glaring at the Captain, "you may not like having to train my friend here, but you *will* treat him well while he's in your custody, if you don't, I'll take it upon myself to remove you from this castle in *shame*!" He snapped, "that goes for the both of *you* too! This child is a good boy, you will not tarnish that by mistreating him! Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes your highness!" The knight exclaimed without hesitation, the Captain included
"Good, now then, I think he's had enough for today, and I think you gentlemen have not"
"B-but your highness-!"
"AH! No, since you were so keen to train this *child* for 5 hours, I'm certain you all have enough energy in your to clean up the training grounds *and* go on the daily ash delivery", he stated, "the caravan driver has been having trouble with a few thieves in the area, so he needs protection. That's not a problem is it?"
"N-no, your highness", the three replied
"Good, then get to it, once you're done, you may rest, but *only* once you're done"
The three men bowed and walked away, cleaning up the training grounds as Quirin was carried inside the castle. Once inside, the teen looked up at the Prince, "I'm s-sorry...."
"What do you have to be sorry for? It's not as if you were to blame for that whole ordeal"
"B-but... I kept failing to w-watch my flank.... W-we may have b-been done training had I g-gotten both men k-knocked down"
This made the prince stop and look at the teen, "*both* men?" He asked, "what are they teaching you?"
"Um... H-how to block and knock down two o-opponents at once with one s-sword"
Edmund blinked, "....You aren't supposed to be learning that until you're 18", he stated, "ooh I'm gonna have me a Captain stew if he doesn't quit that!" He growled
"Um.... I-is that bad? I t-thought I almost had it", Quirin replied, hoping it would calm the Prince's anger
It didn't, "it's good that you know how to do it yes, but it's bad they're teaching you something like that when you're still so young! Ugh, I know you're not of royal blood, but they don't have to be so cruel! ...Maybe I will speak to my father about this...."
"NO!" Quirin yelled, covering his mouth and blushing when he did, "I-I mean, please don't, I d-don't want them to get i-into more trouble....." He begged, *they'll hurt me more if they do....* He add through thought
Edmund sighed but smiled, "you're too kind to them"
"I'm... R-really not...."
The Dark Prince chuckled, "yes you are, you're a very kind boy, and a good one at that! I just don't understand why others can't see it"
*I'm wondering how you can....* Quirin thought once again
The teen remained quiet as the pair headed to the medical wing, the Prince asking the doctor to patch the teen up while he grabbed them both breakfast. The doctor went to work immediately, he was pretty gentle with the teen, something Quirin grately appreciated as the Prince walked back inside with someone following behind, "oh Quiiiirin~" He sang, "look who's heeeere~"
The teen looked up from his, now bandaged, hands and saw a dark hair women with a smile on her face, his eyes lit up as he jumped out of bed and ran to her, "EDEN!" He yelled, hugging her happily
"Hey little guy!" Eden exclaimed happily, "heard you just got done training, for 5 hours no less"
"Yeah I did, a-and I'm getting really g-good with it too! T-though I um... N-need to work on w-watching my f-flank... But I'm getting t-there!"
The girl looked a little startled before she titled her head, "watching your flank, isn't that a little advanced for you?"
"I-it's okay! Advanced j-just means I'm d-doing a good job r-right?"
Eden gave the teen a warm smile before she hugged him lovingly, "you're always doing a great job Quirin, don't let anyone tell you otherwise, okay?"
"Hee hee, thanks Eden!"
Edmund smiled at the pair before he spoke with the doctor, thanking him for the quick service and giving a bit of food before he knelt in front of Quirin, "want some?" He offered, showing the teen the large plate of breakfast he'd brought
Quirin's stomach *growled*, making him blush before nodding, "y-yes please"
Edmund chuckled before he stood up and walked over to the bed, prompting Quirin to run over and hop onto the bed, the plate was given to him and he dove in! Eating happily as the Prince and Eden spoke in quiet for a moment, the women looking very concerned before she nodded and smiled, getting Edmund to do the same as they walked over and joined the teen. All three ate together happily, talking about whatever came to mind as they continued their meal, afterwards, the three of them went out to Quirin's garden and spent the entire day there, the teen planted and cheered when he saw his flowers were in bloom, making sure to plant strawberries next as he smiled at the, newly sprouted, pumpkins!
****
A day had passed, Edmund forcing Quirin to take a day off of training to rest his wounds. The teen hadn't liked that, usually the Captain and other knights hit harder when he took a day off, they called it, 'making up for lost time'. The teen prepared himself though, making sure to prepare himself for anything he may endure, he received the usual wake up call, a knight slamming open his door before the Sun rose for the day and telling him to get dressed, bread and water were waiting on the training grounds.
Quirin had gotten a few extra hours of sleep this time, so he was prepared for the day ahead. He would perfect fighting two knights by himself, if it was the last thing he'd do! When he made his way to the training grounds, he did see bread or water, as he'd been told, he didn't see anything waiting for him, just the captain.... And the King of the Dark Kingdom..... The teen froze, sliding to a halt before he, slowly, walked over to his usual attendance spot, waiting for the Captain to give the command to begin the training, he would always find out what they were doing right after the command was given.
The teen felt his anxiety grow when he saw the King however, the man hated him, it wasn't a secret.... Ever since the boy had failed to steal something so the Prince could be punished, the King's always hated Quirin, it made him worried about what was planned for that day.... "So", the King started, "I've heard from my son that things haven't been.... Up to his standards during these sessions", his voice was gravely, like grit against gravel, and deeper than the ocean to Quirin, it scared him to his core..... "The Prince is out for 2 weeks on a royal errand, however, and his mistress has gone with him, so I've come to take a look at these.... Sessions. I noticed something I already disliked", he produced the bread and water the Quirin was supposed to have for breakfast, "these are not to be given before training, you train first, and *if* you have a good session, these items are given as a gift. You *earn* your keep in this kingdom, and that rule will stand while I'm here, so", he smashed the bread and dumped the water into the dirt, "you'll get food when you've earned it, is that clear?"
"Y-yes sir...." Quirin replied quietly, he knew better than to argue with the King, though he hated the smirk the Captain was giving him
"Second, it seems the Prince thinks your training needs to change, so we'll change it", the King stated, "starting today, you'll be practicing for 10 hours a day, doing the same thing over and over until you've got it right, and if you don't within those 10 hours, well you'll continue learning them until you do, and I hope you have a strong stomach, because we do not eat until we've learned something, and learned it well"
"Yes s-sir"
"And third, and this is *important*", the King stated, walking over and getting grabbing Quirin by the neck, lifting him with one hand and squeezing his throat, "we do not *speak* unless we are spoken to or asked a question, is that understood?"
Quirin sputtered, but managed to answer with a choked out, "y-yes s-sir", before he was dropped to the ground, coughing and gasping for air
"Get up", the King demanded, Quirin did as he was told after a moment and was kicked to the ground, "get up *faster*" Quirin did so, this time faster, the King nodded and walked back to where he'd been standing, "I'll be watching over these sessions until my son comes back, you do *not* tell him what's happened here today, or I'll make you regret it..... Get started on your training, I want to see what you can do, show me why my son thinks so highly of you"
Quirin didn't wait to be told twice, even when the Captain told him to run two miles instead of the usual one, even when he was thrown to the ground over and over before he finally blocked both men, even when the training got worse and worse, after being choked over and over for speaking or squeaking out of turn, nothing matter, the boy worked, and continued to do so for those long, terrible 2 weeks the Prince had been gone. By the time Edmund came back, Quirin could fight better than any squire, Quirin could run faster than any knight, Quirin could jump higher than anyone in the Kingdom, and Quirin was able to wield a real sword with the mastery of the Prince himself! It impressed the Prince, and he cheered his little friend on as he heard from the King how the teen had been doing, earning high praises and even having the king so far as to say how wrong he'd been to doubt his son's judgement.... But.... Something was wrong.....
"Quirin, why don't you speak?" The Prince asked
"I s-speak your highness", Quirin replied quietly, as they sat in Edmund's room, the Prince watching the teen as he stood beside him, at full attention
"Only when I ask you a question though", Edmund stated, this time his friend did not say a word. This worried the Prince, and on the day the teen went out training, Edmund went to watch, his father had told him not to, that the Captain had changed his rules, he'd made sure, but Edmund had a bad feeling.... And what he saw..... Made him angry.....
"Father!" He snapped, bursting into the thrown room and startling the royal advisor, "what is the meaning of that *disgusting* training?!" He asked, glaring *daggers* at the man he shared a blood line with
"I assume you're talking about the one I told you the Captain had changed?" His father asked
"You know damn well which one I mean! 10 hours, no food unless given a good review, horrible, non stop punishment and repeating what wasn't learned in one session over and over?! That's NOT what I wanted to happen!"
The King rose, glaring at his child as he walked over to him, "you're right, that was my changes in affect, and due to the massive success Quirin's been undergoing, I suggest you keep it that way"
"Father I will *not* be scared by you! You cannot treat a child in such a way!"
"The boy is of the age where he should be disciplined properly! He is not of royal blood, he is a street rat!"
"He is my FRIEND! And you will NOT treat him that way! I'm taking him out of that training!"
"You do that, and you can find him on the streets!" The King exclaimed
This made the prince freeze before he turned and faced his father, his glare matching that of only the King's and *far* surpassing it's intensity, almost like a *glower*, ".....You kick that boy out, and you can't fuck another broad in this kingdom to find yourself a new prince. I will not hold your name if you choose to abuse the children of this kingdom!"
"Where would you go? Live on the streets like an urchin?"
"I have many places I could go, many people would like mine and Quirin's services, and you forget I know many things about this kingdom, including the secrets that it holds, lest you forget your *Majesty*!" The Prince snapped, "I don't give a *damn* weather you like that boy or not, he's not going to be abused so long as he lives in *MY* home! You're old and worn, you know it to be true, what wife will have your child, and how long will you have to raise them? My mother was a good women, I carry her with me, if you continue this disgusting display, I will shove your name in flames, and leave it in the dirt! Do NOT temp me father!"
The King looked startled by this claim, he wanted to dispute it, wanted to stop the Prince, but what choice did he have? Lock him away? He would get out somehow, he always did, and the King knew the Prince was beloved by his kingdom, if the Prince left, so would the people, "you do this all over a single boy?"
"I love him father", Edmund claimed, "I love him as if he were my own! I wish to adopt him one day, he's a good, kind, strong, and reliable boy, and he's also my best, and only, friend, save for Lady Eden. I would destroy my lineage to keep that child sage and protected, I'll write it in blood if you don't believe me"
The King was shocked, "when did this happen? When did you start to love that orphan more than me?"
Edmund's glare deepened, "the moment I met him"
His father didn't speak, too shocked by his own child's words, the royal advisor was startled as well, but didn't seem to be upset with the prince, in fact, she seemed to smile. No one moved for a solid 10 minutes before the King sighed, "fine, take the boy out of the training, if you wish for him to continue being a knight, then you train him. I will withhold my own judgement until his test, if he passes, then I succeed the crown to you, Prince Edmund"
"Good", the Prince stated before he walked out. The moment the thrown room door closed behind him, he fell to the floor, losing his breath all at once! He couldn't believe what he'd just done! He was too startled to speak, that was before he heard a quiet voice that spoke
"Edmund"
The prince looked up and saw Eden standing before him, "w-what are you doing here?" He asked, standing up to face her
"I saw Quirin's training and came to find you, but I heard what you said in there.... Do you mean it? Will you really adopt him?"
"I want to, only if Quirin wishes for me to though, it's his choice"
Eden looked down, seemingly thinking a few things over before she looked up at the Prince again, her face serious, "you'll protect him, even if he says no, yes?"
Edmund smiled, "always, that's my promise to you Eden, and to Quirin too"
The girl smiled happily, nodding, "thank you"
Edmund nodded before he heard the Captain yelling, "oh! We need to stop the training!"
"Right! Let's go crash it!" Eden exclaimed, grabbing Edmund's hand and running through the halls, unconsciously making the Prince's heart skip a beat as she did. They made it to the grounds and stopped the training, telling the Captain to, basically, fuck off, and taking Quirin to the medical wing.
The teen spent two weeks there, he didn't speak at all while there, once he got out, he remained silent, even during Edmund's training, skillfully passing every test the Prince gave him. Two months passed, and Quirin had become the most skilled fighter in the Dark Kingdom, but he still didn't speak. It'd worried the Prince, the royal advisor, the doctors, but none more than Eden. The women found herself standing outside the knight in training's room, she was wringing her hands together nervously before she knocked on the door. IT took only a second for it to open, she saw Quirin standing before her, his bandages has been removed, but she could still see the marks along his body, showing clear abuse, "hello little one, can I come in?"
Quirin nodded and stood aside, allowing her access into the teen's room, Eden walked in and heard the door close, gently, behind her as she looked around. She noticed the garden books the teen had were hidden, put away and/or replaced by training books and sword fighting stance scrolls. She noticed a sword nearby, it was a training sword, she felt her heart drop when she saw blood stains on the floor below her. She turned and saw Quirin watching her, the teen looked like a shell of himself, bags under his eyes, his hair, nomally a little messy, was now organized and clean, his smile replaced by an indifferent, yet curious and slightly fearful, look on his face, it broke her heart
She smiled, "so, haven't seen you out near the garden lately, maybe we should go there sometime soon, I've been keeping up with the watering, but the weeds are getting pretty bad"
The teen didn't say a word, simply nodding in response, though the topic did seem to calm his nerves a bit
Eden continued, "the pumpkins are coming in nicely, even the strawberries are beginning to sprout! It's such a wonderous sight, I was thinking you, me, and Edmund could all go on a picnic tomorrow!"
The teen shrugged, looking down
Eden sighed, "....Okay, I'm horrible with small talk, we both know that"
Quirin looked up at her, fear in his eyes once more, this one more prevalent
"Quirin, you're not talking, we're worried about you, all of us, me, Edmund, even the Royal Advisor and Doctors! We're worried something may have happened, and I have a feeling it has something to do with the king"
Quirin's shoulder's tense *immediately* at the mention of the Dark King
"I knew it, it *does* have something to do with him"
Quirin shook his head vigorously, but he couldn't say anything to combat it
Eden knelt down, getting eye level with the teen, "hun, you're not in trouble"
This made Quirin stop and look at her
"You're not in trouble", Eden repeated, "the training the King and Captain made you do was wrong, and Edmund, once he found out, put a stop to it, not because he hates you or wants you to leave, but because he loves you, and didn't like to see you get hurt. He's training you still because he believes you still want to be a knight"
Quirin nodded
"You do?"
Another nod
"Well that's okay, but if you don't, it's okay too!" Eden stated, "look, you're my best friend, we've been friends since forever, and yet ever since that day, you've been so quiet and distant it.... It scares me Quirin", she admitted, "you're bubbly and happy, you love to garden and plant things, you like flowers and pumpkins, hell pumpkins are your favorite! You're the best gardener I know, and that will not, and should not, ever change! You're a good boy, with a really rough past, but a good boy none the less! What they did to you was *wrong*! It was wrong on *their* part, not yours! You didn't do anything wrong, you did what you were told, and if there's something that's scaring you, please tell me, I want to ease your fears, I want to help you, because, you mean the world to me, and I don't want to see that little light in you go out, please, just talk to me, please..."
Quirin hesitated, he wanted to say something, he wanted to so badly, but.... He looked at Eden, ".....Don't t-tell anyone?"
The teen's voice was raspy, much raspier than it'd been before, but Eden didn't care, because she finally *heard* it again! She nodded, "I won't"
"Promise?"
Eden smiled, "I can pinkie swear if that'll help", she offered, "you know I never break a pinkie swear"
The teen gave a gentle smile and accepted the promise, latching his pinkie with hers before they shook and he began, he told her everything that'd happened to him, including on the first day. He told her about the choking, the abuse, the starvation, and he continued until the Prince had pulled him out of training, "I..... D-didn't wanna cause anything e-else to happen", Quirin admitted, "t-the prince.... H-he was upset.... E-even if it was o-on my behalf.... H-he was upset because of what h-happened to me... I thought... T-that if maybe I d-didn't say anything.... I wouldn't get hurt, a-and the prince wouldn't b-be upset.... I didn't wanna get a-anyone into trouble.... I-it's my fault this happened.... I told the prince what the Captain did t-to me... A-and he got upset for it.... I shouldn't have s-said a word.... S-so I don't.... L-less words m-means less pain...."
Eden was shocked, tears were in her eyes as the teen told her everything. She *instantly* wrapped her arms around Quirin, "no!" She stated, "no! N-no none of that was because.... Oh Quirin I... I...." She cried, she held the teen close and cried, for hours. He hugged her back, wanting to comfort her, wishing he hadn't said a word this entire time
Once Eden had finished, and the teen had given the final tissue in a box he had, he sighed, "see? I m-made you cry.... I shouldn't h-have said anything..."
"I didn't cry because you said anything Quirin", Eden stated, "I cried because of what you've been through, being choked, hurt, abused, had I known... I didn't know.... But...." She sniffled, "Quirin you wanna know what the Prince said to the king the day he found out about your training?"
The teen tilted his head to the side curiously
"You can't tell him I told you"
Quirin offered his pinkie, which made Eden chuckle as they pinkie swore again
"He said he wants to adopt you as his own"
"H.... H-he did?" Quirin asked
"Yes, among a lot of other things", she explained everything else the Prince said, shocking the teen before as she finished the story and, after a few seconds, spoke once more, "he wants to have you as his son, his one and only son! He loves you Quirin! He loves you more than anything else in this world! It's why he did what he did, not because he had to, only because he loves you! And I love you too!" She stated with a smile, "you're my baby boy, my best friend, my only friend for years, you introduced me to Edmund, and I will never be able to thank you enough for that! We love you *so* much Quirin, we want to take care of you for as long as you live, we want you to become whatever you wanna be, and we wanna be there to help you! We love you, and we will never stop loving you!"
"....E-even if I'm.... A s-street rat?"
Eden huffed, "you're not a street rat, but even if you were, yes, we would", she stated before smiling, "we love you, and we only want to do what's best for you, we can't do that if you don't say anything"
"B-but I'm not blood-!"
"So? Who cares about blood?! Edmund is a sweet, kindhearted, loving man, his father is an asshole, you really think we care about blood anymore?"
The teen froze before he couldn't help the small giggle that came from him, "h-he's not"
"Yes he is! He's an asshole! And I'd tell him straight to his face, he's a nasty, shit covered, pain in the dick, asshole!"
Quirin was laughing now, so much so that tears were coming to his eyes, Eden laughed as well, hugging the teen lovingly as they both calmed down
"What I said is true Quirin, every word, including the King being an asshole. We love you, you're an amazing young man, and there's nothing in this *world* we wouldn't do for you!" She looked towards the window, where the Moon was shining bright, "Edmund told me he thinks the Moon was what brought you to him that day, he said he never used to go by the kitchen, the chefs used to scare him apparently. But he decided to go that day, and he saw you", she looked back at Quirin with a smile, "we met under the Moonlight too, when you were on the street and I gave you bread and a place to sleep, remember?"
"I remember"
Eden grinned, "we love you Quirin, and weather you're training to become a knight, or planting the world's best garden, we just want you to be happy, and that'll never change, not ever, okay?"
The teen sniffled a little, a single happy tear sliding down his cheek as he nodded, "oki", he said before hugging Eden close, grateful for her warmth and comfort!*
****
"The very next day, I ran right up to King Edmund and gave him the biggest hug, didn't tell him I knew, but he was so happy to hear my speak he threw a massive party!" Quirin stated, getting Varian, Hugo, Lance, Catalina, and Angry to smile, "I kept talking ever since then.... But the raspiness from being choked never went away.... It's.... Sort of my... Lash scar I suppose", he looked at his son, "when I hear my own voice, I remember what the King told me.... Makes it hard to speak or even talk about what I feel or think.... It was only two weeks.... But it was the worst of my teenage life..... I never forgot the lessons during those training days, the harsh words the knights and King would say, the Captain too.... All of them were very cruel.... Even after things had gotten better, the knights still laughed when I spoke, reminding me of how my rasp had come..... Didn't get better when I'd finally joined them.... Even though I was the best out of them all, they still whispered about my rasp to new recruits.... It was hard.... Sometimes I'd still go into my shell, hide what I felt and thought just to get through the day..... I've gotten better.... But.... Even since Eden.... Passed away.... Some days are better than others....."
Hector and Adira looked shocked, "I....." The face painted warrior began, "I'd heard about your two months of silence.... But I didn't think....." She placed her hand over her mouth
"That fucking..... Is it technically treason if I insult a dead king from my own country?" Hector asked
"No...." Came a very soft replied, everyone looked towards the Dark King and froze, Edmund was *angry*, "I can't believe.... Why did you never tell me?"
"Because I couldn't.... I'd regret it...." Quirin replied quietly, ".....He's gone.... But his warning.... It still scares me...."
"Quirin....."
"It's childish, I know, and I should be over it bu-!"
"It's not childish!" Edmund interrupted, "it's not foolish or immature! You were beaten, abused, threatened, harmed, *CHOKED*! You have permanent damage from my father Quirin-*MY* father! It's not foolish to be afraid, I was afraid of him too!"
"You... Were?"
"Yes! Why do you think it took everything in me to stand up to him when you first arrived?! He wasn't pleasant to me either, he was cruel, believing the old ways were best, and constantly reminding me of what a royal shame I happened to be! But you gave me the strength to stand up to him Quirin!"
"I.... Did?"
"Yes!" The Dark King stated, "I would've *never* spoken to my father the way I did the day I found out about your training! Never, until I saw your face.... You'd been crying, there was blood on your clothing, bruises everywhere I looked, scratched, gashes, horrible marks on your skin.... I grew angry, more angry than I've ever been, even to this day! You're my best friend, and I truly love you as my son, as I do with Adira and Hector! The day I saw you like that, I didn't hold back, and I will never regret doing what I did!" He smiled at his knight, "back then, you were my only pride and joy, Eden had been accompanying me on errands, and we were close, but not nearly as much as you and I, when Adira and Hector came around, I felt the same towards them. But you were the only one back then, my only true friend, and you have no idea how much you've done for me! Did you notice, when you began your training with me, I grew more confident?"
"I did, but I thought it was because of the training"
"No, it was because of you, you gave me strength, and the more you succeeded, the more confidence I grew! Because I knew I was right by you, and you grew strong because I didn't give up, because you helped me stand up to him.... I got my repayment when you saved my life that day..... Though I know you hate to remember it, I'll never forget..... Never"
Quirin shivered, "dad?" He looked at Varian and smiled
"I'm okay", his son raised a brow, "really, I'm okay", he looked at his King and chuckled, "I think I get what you mean", he said, nodding to Varian and Hugo, "though, since I have two, shouldn't I get double that confidence?"
Edmund chuckled, "no, I had *three*!"
"Right, and one of them is Hector"
"Hey!" The wild tamer exclaimed
"Don't you 'hey' me, do you have *any* idea how hard it was to contain all of your new 'friends'?!"
"Pfft! You're just jealous"
"Right, getting fur in my mouth when I wake up in the morning is just what the doctor ordered", Ruddigar chittered, "you're different", the raccoon tilted his head, "you're Varian's problem"
Ruddigar huffed as Varina giggled, "I prefer you over a farm any day bud"
"That's because you're an alchemist, you don't know any better"
"I resent that *sir*!"
"I *resemble* that *sir*!" Hugo added, getting the room to laugh
"Fucking dammit", Hector stated as he snickered, "I can't with these two spawns, I really can't!"
"They're my *son's*", Quirin corrected
"Same thing"
"It's really not"
"Kinda is", Adira replied
The retired knight huffed before he smiled at his snickering teen, "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself"
"I am!" Varian replied
"That means you'll just *loove* the carrots I'm making tomorrow"
The teen gasped, "you dare?!"
"I dare"
"Rude!"
"Very"
"I hmph at you!"
"You do"
"Hmph!"
"Indeed"
Lance chuckled before he looked at Quirin, "so, do you feel any better having talking about it?"
"A little", the retired knight replied, "I don't think it solves all of my woes..... Far from it, but.... It helped, and I hope it explains why I'm.... A little adverse to sharing...."
"It does, and for the record, I'm sorry it happened to you, but thank you for sharin, that's a really hard thing to do you know"
"Didn't seem like it during...."
"It wouldn't, but it was, you've held onto that for this long, and I can see and understand why, that's horrible, what you went through"
Quirin smiled, "thank you Lance"
"You're welcome", the former thief replied, "so.... About the Captain here in Corona"
"Right", the Village Leader thought for a moment or two, "I suppose the reason I said Hector had more to deal with than me is because my torture stopped the moment I began to train with King Edmund. Even though my raspy voice reminded me of it, I still didn't have 9 years of abuse.... I could never.... That was... Much harder to handle.... I supposed that's another reason why I've been adverse to reveal any anger.... I don't think I have the right to...."
"You can't fucking compare your damn brutal past with mine!" Hector stated, "I was abused, but after the Dark Kingdom, I was fucking fine, Adira.... We won't get into it.... But she was fine when she was in the Dark Kingdom too, even our *king* was abused majority of his life, Quirin you lived on the *street* at a *young* age! Then got taken in and trained right away! You were always in the Dark Kingdom, it didn't get better for you until you started to train with our King, and after that things *STILL* went bad! For *all* of us! But that doesn't fucking matter! You're *you*, Quirin Vanguard, leader of the Old Coronan Village, father of the smart spawns, and ruler of all thing apples! Just like how you don't like being a tamer yet I do, your past can still affect you just as badly as mine, if not worse, because you're *you*!"
"I... I just...."
"Just what? Thought that a childhood of abuse was somehow worse than all the shit you went through? To some people it may be, and yeah, it's bad, but I wouldn't ever compare my life to yours, I don't compare trauma, because it's *trauma*! No matter which way you slice it, it's still fucking traumatic! We deal with it differently, so does Adira and King Edmund"
"You can really just call me Edmu-!" The Dark King tried
"You can't fucking compare that shit, both fucking suck!" Hector interrupted, making Edmund pout a little bit as Lance, Hugo, and Varian comforted him. "The point is, it hurt you, and if you wanna get better, accept that it hurt you, and try to find a way to move on in your *own* way", Hector smiled, "even if it takes you a lot longer than me brother, as long as you're happy in the end, that's all that matters to me", he looked at Varian, "same goes to you squirt"
"Couldn't have said that any better myself", Lance stated with a grin
Quirin smiled at his brother, sister, and King, before he wrapped his arms around the wild tamer and gave him a quiet, "thank you". Adira and Edmund joined in, Varian, Hugo, Lance, Catalina, and, eventually, Angry, did as well, all of them feeling at peace as they sought comfort in each other.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, very hard treatment for tiny Quirin.... Poor bean was a lot like his son back then, bubbly, innocent, sweet, kind, but it got beaten out of him and he became shy, reclusive, and defensive..... And angry.....
Quirin in the past always kinda gave me Varian vibes, Ulla was like that too, but I think Varian got some traits from his dad too. Back when Quirin was young, I can see him being excitable, fun, hyper, bubbly, giggly, and an all around bean, but after a training session like *that* along with all the fighting he went through and then the Moonstone incident.... Yeah the man's very damaged..... But he'll get better, he just needs time, good friends, and a lot of compassion <3
Eden and Edmund being the best parents to the bean that is teen Quirin! <3 I love these two so much, I know that sounds egotistical since one of them happens to be an OC, so I'm sorry for that, but I really love supportive parents and kind adults standing up to jerks! It makes me happy and I can definitely see Edmund coming up with 'the glower' because of that incident with his father, though he uses a far lesser version on Hector, Adira, Quirin, and Eugene <3
Lance, Adira, Catalina, Angry, Varian, and Hugo didn't get too much screen time in this one, but they were all there for support, so yay! <3
Hector being the one to say not to compare Quirin's trauma with his makes so much sense to me. Because he would know all about comparing the two together, the man probably did it a lot to himself, I may have a chapter with that coming soon :3 Either way, what he said was right, you shouldn't compare what you've gone through, or are currently going through, to someone else just because they seem worse off than you. Just because you think someone else has it worse, doesn't mean your feelings are invalid. I've always hated the whole 'someone has it worse than you' saying, because it felt like I was being told, 'oh you're complaining about *that*?! Pfft! Like that's as bad as *this*!' it always *always* made me feel worse, like I wasn't allowed to complain or feel the pain that I felt.
People if you've been told this, please don't listen to it, you have every right to complain and feel bad about your situation, because you're *you*, not the person you're complaining to. Until they have a walk in your shoes, or have been through something similar, then they can't tell you that! And even if they have, then they still shouldn't, because again, you're not them! You're you, and if something's affecting you in a negative way, *PLEASE* reach out and find help, find someone who will listen, trust me, they're out there! The world is a much better place with you in it! Please remember that, always! <3
Thank you for coming to my Ted talk X3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 345: A Walk in My Shoes! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The Captain and Hugo get into an argument that ends up causing Varian to lose control of his powers!
TRIGGER WARNING!
This chapter contains homophobia, it's not right, and it is definitely frowned upon in this chapter, but it does contain it. Please be aware of that, if you can't read that, then you're allowed to skip, and it's completely okay if you do, we all understand and are sorry you had to deal with something like that.... You're accepted here though, always <3
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It'd been a few days since the Captain of the Royal Guards returned, and he finally took up his mantle, training his guards once again and allowing Eugene to go back to his own role of thief trainer. In fact, the man was in the middle of that right now! He ran through the streets, ducking and diving through the people with a bag full of toys and other gadgets, before he slid to a stop in front of someone, someone with blond hair and glasses, their ever present smirk making the Dark Prince's eye twitch a little, "Hugo, you're supposed to be hiding!"
"I was, but it's boring staying in one place, then I saw you pass and thought, 'hey, why not make this more interesting if the three thieves the team of guards has to capture were working together!' A *flawless plan if I do say so myself", the blond replied with a grin before he threw the bag of objects towards Eugene, who caught it, "so, where to? I already got Lance"
"Hey!" The former thief said, waving at the Dark Prince with a smile while he held his own bag of items
Eugene let out an annoyed sigh before he rolled his eyes and nodded, "fine, but I'm in charge, and I say we hide in those bushes! Lets go!" He stated as he pointed towards a few shrubs nearby
"Tch, typical", Hugo commented
"Mi scusi?" Eugene replied with a raised brow
"Just saying, the bushes are a pretty regular hiding spot for thieves"
"Ok, so where would *you* hide?"
"Well if you *really* wanna show how dim the royal guards are, I'd say", the teen pulled out an alchemical ball and threw it on the ground, once the smoke cleared, there was a bush in it's wake, "make your own bush! In the middle of the street"
"W-w-w-what the?! *How* is that gonna be helpful?!" Eugene complained, "they'll see us in no time!"
"You'd think that", Hugo replied before he dove inside the bush, peeking out with a smile, "you may want to hide, they're coming~"
Lance chuckled and dove in as well, "ooh! Spacious!"
"Thank you!"
Eugene groaned, "ok fine, whatever, but we're gonna get caught! And I'll have the delight of telling you I told you so!" The man stated before diving in himseld, "and take your bag!" He added, tossing the sack back to Hugo, who snickered
After a moment, every guard they were training, including the Captain himself, appeared, they looked everywhere, *including* the bush Eugene wanted to previously hide in, the only one they *didn't* check, was the bush in the street, "where could they have gone?" Pete asked
"We've lost them...." Stan stated, as the Captain scratched his head with confusion
"OH COME ON!!!!!!" Eugene yelled before a puff of smoke filled the area, once it'd cleared, the bush was gone, and there stood Lance, Hugo, and a very annoyed looking Eugene, "are you guys KIDDING ME?! We were in a BUSH in the STREET!" He snapped
"Told you it would work", Hugo stated
"You shush!" The Dark Prince stated before he looked over at the Captain, "listen I get you've been out of practice for a bit, but are you *kidding* me?!"
"Watch who you're talking to Ryder", the man stated with an eye twitch
"Scuse you? Watch who he's talking to? Says the guy that couldn't find two grown men and a teen in a bush in the middle of the *street*", Hugo stated, "you want him to not get flabbergasted by your incompetence? Show him you're not stupid *Captain*!"
The man growled as he looked at the boy, he'd finally found out who he was, Hugo, Varian's boyfriend, a teen with a smart mouth, nasty attitude, and serious neglect for respect towards authority. To be blunt, the man *hated* the teen, growing more intolerant of *him* than Eugene and Lance combined. The feeling was mutual however, as the blond *clearly* didn't care for the Captain in the *slightest*, "listen *boy*, I may have agreed to allow you entry into these training sessions, but that's *all* I've allowed, you'd do best to keep your mouth *shut* if you know what's good for you"
"Or what? You'll throw me in the brig for stating facts?" Hugo sassed, "face it, oh so stupid one, your men need work, *you* lack leadership skills, and you just hate the fact that I'm right"
"Why you little-!"
"Hey!" A voice shouted, stopping the two and making everyone turn to see Varian standing behind them all, "what's going on here?" He asked before spotting the bags in Hugo, Eugene, and Lance's hands and sighing, "you're training them in catching a thief again, aren't you....."
"Yup!" Lance replied
"And Hugo and the Captain are fighting while Eugene is getting annoyed by how easy it is to get away from the guards, including the Captain?"
"Yup!"
The freckled teen sighed, "so a typical Tuesday, look, you guys didn't catch them this time, but there's always a chance to do it again, and Hugo, stop being sassy with the man standing before you. I may enjoy it, but he clearly doesn't, and it's making Eugene grumpy"
The bespeckled teen sighed, "fiiine, but I'm still right"
The Captain growled, "and *you*", Varian stated, pointing to the man, who looked at him with a raised brow, "need to stop letting my boyfriend get under your skin. You're the Captain of the Royal Guards, you're supposed to be an example, letting my sassy Hugo make mince meat out of you with his words alone does not a good example make"
The man rolled his eyes, "what do you *expect* me to do?!" He snapped, making the teen wince a little. He felt a twang of guilt at that, ever since he'd had that argument with Quirin, things have been.... Awkward, around the castle.... "....Ugh.... Just... Ignore that...." He stated
Varian huffed and shook his head, clearing his thoughts as he gave Ruddigar a chin scratch before he said, "do exactly that"
"What?"
"Ignore him", the teen stated, "you're a guard, it's in your description to ignore your prisoners when they're giving you a hard time. Don't you always tell them that during your training?"
"I.... Yes but-!"
"But nothing, you were able to ignore *several* prisoners while they were locked up in their cells, and you're telling me *one* teen who's helping you *train* can get under your skin?" Varian asked with a raised brow
This made the Captain blush a little before he huffed, "....Fine, I'll ignore him, just.... Make sure he keeps his mouth *shut* next time.... Also next time, stay out of our business", he stated
"....You were about to hurt my boyfriend"
"You shouldn't *have* a boyfriend! You two shouldn't even be-! UGH! Forget it!." He stated before giving one last glare to the blond alchemist and walking away, "we're done for the day men"
The other guards began to disperse, Stan and Pete giving Varian apologetic looks, "it's okay you two, I'm fine", Varian said with a soft, wavering, smile
The two nodded and walked away as Lance, Eugene, and Hugo came over to him, "you sure you're alright Freckles?" The blond asked
"Yeah kid, we all saw you wince", Eugene stated, "and what he said after-!"
"I'll admit, seeing him walking around is.... Kinda uncomfortable, but I'll get used to it. That talk with you Lance really *did* help, at least I'm not running away from him anymore r-right?" The freckled teen interrupted with a wide smile, still wavering a little as he tried to stay calm. Ruddigar gave a worried chitter, nuzzling his boy lovingly
The former thief bit his lip before answering, "well I'm glad it working, but if you ever need a minute, you can say somethin", Lance offered
Varian shook his head at the man, "I will, b-but I'm alright f-for now, thank", he then looked at his boyfriend, his wide smile turning into a stern look, it still wavered, but seemed a little better, "though I may have given *h-him* an earful, you're still not completely off the hook, what the heck were those comments for?"
"Comments?" Hugo asked innocently, his blood secretly boiling at his boyfriend's clearly sad state, "what comments?"
"'Oh so stupid one'? 'Show him you're not stupid'? '*You* lack leadership skills, and you just hate the fact that I'm right'?"
".....They were true"
"Hugo!"
"Alright alright, maybe I'm a bit angry with him, it's not as if he hasn't been exactly pleasant with me to be fair! He's made comments about the way I dress, act, look, speak, hell he even made a comment about how I *breathe* Freckles! Your dad, Adira, Hector, and Edmund have *all* noticed it! That's *without* me doing anything to him, and besides that.... What he did to you....." Hugo looked down, but his fist clenched angrily, "....Burns me up..... To say the *very* least...."
The freckled teen was a little startled by that, but smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, this one didn't waver, "aw Hugo, I'm okay now, r-really"
"Still doesn't make what he did to you, or what he's said, right! And the fact that he's not in fucking *jail* for it kills me! He glares at you, gives you the side eye, he doesn't trust you and gets to say *horrible* things to you, and makes all of those fucking facts *abundantly* clear! It's really fucking shitty!"
"He's not wrong kid", Eugene said, "even *I've* noticed the way the Captain treats the both of you.... "
"Same here", Lance replied with a nod
Varian sighed, frowning as his raccoon chittered again, "....The C-Captain has a motto... One I got to know very well when I was in the d-dungeons.... 'Once a villain, always a v-villain, no if's, and's... O-or but's'..... He said it a lot when a few of the prisoners would say they wanted a c-chance to change, shutting them down c-completely.... I guess... He still lives by that motto...." Varian looked up at Eugene and Lance, "you two can't h-honestly tell me he doesn't show the same behavior towards the both of you"
"I mean he *did*", Lance stated, "and he definitely doesn't trust me to be alone in a place with valuable items or food, but.... It's lessened"
"Same", Eugene agreed, "the Captain gave me this job, and when I tried to be a full guard, sure he was pretty biased against me, but I ended up doing passing the test and he made me an actual guard! Gave me patrol duty and everything, until I messed that up myself.... Eheh, anyway, that's not the point. Once I proved I really was trying to change, he calmed down a bit on me, but for you..... Kid he's not calming down...."
"You two were *thieves*, I was a *traitor* who k-kidnapped a *Queen* and *overtook* the entire k-kingdom.... Twice.... And almost won too.... *T-Twice*...."
"Freckles that *doesn't* give him the right to fucking treat you the way he has been!" Hugo stated angrily, his blood boiling a little more, "no matter the crime, *everyone* deserves a second chance!"
"....Even Cassandra?"
He stopped and sighed, ".....She's different.... You shouldn't compare yourself to her...."
The teen looked down, "so not everyone deserves a second chance?....."
The blond felt his heart begin to race, unsure of what to say or do that would fix this until, "that's not what he means", Lance stated gently, kneeling in front of Varian with a smile on his face, "Cassandra, at this moment, doesn't wanna change, she's made that clear over and over again, *you* however, *did* change! You've been workin hard to fix all you've done, and everyone in this kingdom has forgiven you at this point, even the *victims*. All except for the Captain, Hugo is sayin that Cassandra isn't willing to change, so, at the *moment*, no, she doesn't get a second chance. But if she were willin to take it all back, while she still *can*, then of course she'd be welcomed back. Varian you didn't kill anyone, you damaged a lot, but you've rebuilt everything you damaged, plus you made improvements and still *actively* help everyone in the kingdom! Cassandra is.... Still in that dark phase, where she is slowly losin herself, and the more things she does, the more she loses, you know how that feels"
"Yeah...." Varian agreed
"But you *chose* to come back from that, in fact, you never really *were* a villain, you were just.... A really lost and scared kid.... You got help and are doin better, *much* better, like Eugene and me. *That's why* we're so concerned about how the Captain treats you, he actively ignores all the good that you do...." Lance stated, "maybe Hugo's statements were a bit much, but I *really* can't blame him"
"Neither can I.... Though you deserve a 5 minute time out for the crack about the bushes", Eugene stated, raising a brow at the blond
The bespeckled teen snickered, feeling his heart beat slow down a bit, even if his blood still boiled, "it worked, did it not?"
The Dark Prince huffed before he looked at Varian, "look kid, if the Captain starts making remarks to you, like the ones he *just* made, or makes you wince, like he *just* did, please tell us. We wanna help fix it, and we can't if you don't say anything"
Varian sighed but nodded, "ok, thanks guys...."
Lance looked worried, "you okay?"
"Yeah I-I'm alright, just.... Getting too emotional I guess, heh", Hugo felt something inside him break as he looked at his lover's fake smile, it was wavering a lot, and one look at Ruddigar showed that the mammal wasn't buying it.....
The former thief and Dark Prince shared a worried look before they heard a loud thump beside them, looking, they saw a very *angry* looking Hugo, "it's *NOT* alright! I'm fucking *sick* of him doing this to you! He gets to walk away scott *FUCKING* free while you sit here and suffer in fucking SILENCE! Well *I'm* gonna give him a piece of my fucking mind right *now*!" The blond began to run off in the direction where the Captain walked off to.
"HUGO *WAIT*!" Varian yelled before he looked at his two big brothers, "we need to go after him! I get that he's angry, b-b-but-!"
"It's alright kid, we understand, let's find him asap!" Eugene interrupted gently, getting Varian to nod as the three of them chased after Hugo
****
"Stupid fucking piece of shit guard who thinks he's fucking..... AAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Hugo yelled, running as fast as he could while looking for the Captain, a few people turned to give him strange looks, he ignored them, especially since he'd just spotted his target near the woods leading to the Capital of Corona. Huffing he ran forward, "HEY SHIT STAIN!" He yelled. screeching to a halt behind the Captain as the man looked over and glared at him, "you and I need to have a fucking conversation!"
The Royal Guardsman raised a brow before he noticed the people looking at him and the blond, he sighed, "leave me alone", he stated, "I've walked away, I'm not interested in anything you have to say"
"Yeah well that's great for you, but I don't give a fuck!" Hugo snapped, "you're gonna speak to me weather you like it or fucking not!"
The Captain growled before remembering what Varian had said, he sighed and continued to walk away, "leave me alone"
"Hohoho-no! You do NOT get to walk away from me now", Hugo stated, grabbing the man's arm, "you just said something that pissed me off, and honestly, you've been a non stop assbag ever since you came back, now I don't care if you're an assbag to *me*, I really don't give a shit! But you do *not* get to be one to Varian! And you're gonna sit here and listen while I tell you fucking why!"
"HUGO!" Varian yelled, getting the two to look and see the freckled teen, Eugene, and Lance running over as fast as they could, "HUGO DON'T!"
"Let go!" The Captain snapped, snatching his arm away from the teen, "you do *not* get to touch me while I'm walking away! I have no further business with you, so *BUZZ OFF*!" He yelled
The blond turned back to the guard and glared, "you don't get to tell me to buzz off when you just snapped at my boyfriend and started talking shit about *OUR* relationship!" He snapped back, making people gasp, "you're a prick and an asswipe, but I still restrain myself from talking about anything sensitive because I have more respect that that! But you get to say whatever you wish and walk a-fucking-way without a scratch while *MY* Varian tries to pick himself back up from another one of you abusive blows?! I don't FUCKING think so!"
"It's MY opinion! I don't recall ever asking you for yours!"
"Funny! I was about to say the same for YOU! Yet you gave yours anyway, so what's stopping me?!"
"H-HUGO! Stop!" Varian tried, gently grabbing the blond's arm and trying to pull him away, Ruddigar chittering worriedly as he felt Varian's heartbeat getting faster and faster, Eugene and Lance running over to try and help!
"I SAID LET ME FUCKING *GO*!" The Captain yelled
"EEP!" Varian squeaked, his vision going blurry as visions of the Captain in his home, screaming at him just before his hand raised to strike filled the teen's mind!
"VARIAN!" Lance and Eugene yelled, before a bright blue light shined and stopped them in their tracks, Hugo and the Captain shielded their eyes as Red rocks sprouted from the ground! People nearby ran screaming, dropping whatever they had as the red rocks formed a circle around the 6 of them, including Ruddigar. Suddenly, the ground beneath the group gave way, and everyone plummeted to the floor below, screaming as they did!
****
"Ugh.... Ow...." Hugo said, as he opened his eyes, the blurry vision clearing as he sat up and looked around, "w-wha? Where am I-! ....Oh shit...." As he looked around, he noticed foliage and greenery all around him, trees bigger than houses blocked his view of anything else as he got to his feet, "....Fuck.... Fuck-fuck-fuck!" He cursed, "dammit, that *wasn't* supposed to fucking happen! I was gonna go up to him, tell him how much of a prick he's been, and hopefully get him to stop harassing Varian, that was fucking all! But no, I just *had* to make him yell, he just *had* to scare Varian, and now.... N-now... V-Varian... FUCK! VARIAN?! VARIAAAAAAAAN?! WHERE ARE YOU?!" He called
"Would you stop shouting?!" A voice that Hugo *really* did not need to hear snapped, he turned and saw the Captain glaring at him, the man's armor was dented, but otherwise, he looked fine, 'honestly, could you *be* any louder?"
"Oh, scuse me assbag, I was just trying to find my fucking *boyfriend*! You know, the one *you* made freak out?!"
"It wouldn't have happened had you not come after me!"
"I wouldn't have come after you had you not made that little comment about me and Varian being to-you know what?! I don't have fucking time for this! I'm finding Varian, you can just fuck right off!" Hugo stated, walking away
"Oh no! You don't get to walk away from *me*! You started this!" The Captain exclaimed, walking over and grabbing Hugo's arm
The blond growled before he snatched his arm away and moved back, "you don't get it do you. My fucking boyfriend just had a PTSD episode because you yelled, I don't claim to share no blame in this fucking situation, but if we don't fucking find him soon, he'll be alone for Moon knows how long, and he'll get worse and worse! More rocks will appear and people will start to panic, isn't it your *job* to keep the peace and such?!"
The Captain stopped and, while he was still glaring, thought about the teen's statement, "fine, but I'm not leaving you alone"
"Why? Can't trust me in a fucking hole?"
"No, I can't, once we're out of here, I'm taking you in you fucking piece of shit!"
"Exscuse me?!"
"*YOU* grabbed my arm, *YOU* came after me, *YOU* are the reason this whole thing even started! So yes, as of right now, Hugo, you're a fucking criminal, and I don't leave criminals alone!"
The bespeckled teen wanted to shout back at the man, scream at him for how dumb he was and stated how this whole thing never would've happened had he not made his comment, but they'd be going in circles if he did, and that was wasting time. So he swallowed his anger, and pride, and huffed, "fine, stick with me if you fucking want, might get you to learn how to do your job every once in a fucking while. I don't care, but you're not to lay a *HAND* on Varian, clear?!"
The Captain glared, "and why wouldn't I do that? He's the one that caused the rocks to spurt out of the ground!"
"Because if you do, not only will you have *me* on your ass, but you'll have Hector, Adira, *KING* Edmund, *PRINCESS* Rapunzel, *PRINCE* Eugene, and worst of all.... *Quirin*"
The man froze, chills running down his spine at the mention of the Village Leader. True, the Captain could take him in an argument, but there wasn't enough medicine in the *universe* to heal him after that man would be done..... He sighed, "fine.... But he'll be taking responsibility"
"He will, he always does, unlike *some* people"
"What the hell does that mea-!"
"You know damn well what it means!"
"You fucking-!" The man stopped when he heard something, it sounded like.... A cry? "What was that?"
"Varian...."
"What? That *kid* made that noise? It sounded like an injured puppy!"
Hugo *glared* at the man, "....You can go fuck right off, you know that?"
"I don't mean it as an insult! I just mean.... He.... Sounds really hurt...."
"Yeah! You think he did this on purpose?! Did the phrase PTSD not ring a bell to you?! Varian's in a lot of pain right now! The red rocks appeared because you yelled and it took him back to a time when he was fucking beaten and tortured.... By *you* might I add..... So yeah, you're gonna hear him cry sometimes.... Good thing? We can follow it, bad thing? ....It's Varian in pain...." Hugo looked down and sighed, ".....This..... Is gonna be hard.... Dammit....." He said to himself, *I should've listened to him.....* He thought sadly, but he shook his head, "we've gotta find him quickly!"
The Captain seemed a little startled by this, but he made no argument, nodding, "fine, then let's go"
"Fine"
"Fine!"
The blond sighed, rolling his eyes before he began to walk, the Captain walking *right* behind him, he growled, but didn't fuss. He didn't want to make the situation worse.... He heard Varian's sad sob once more, and felt his heart break a little, *hang in there Freckles.... I'm coming*
Notes:
'Mi scusi' is Italian for 'Excuse me'
Hello! :D So yeah, this went downhill quickly, once again, I'm really sorry if you like the Captain, I do not, so he may not be shown in the greatest light in my story, but you're perfectly fine liking him! :D I have no qualms with that, I just don't, so he may be the cause of a few things, sorry
Hugo is a good boyfriend, and he's being a good bean by standing up for his boyfriend, but.... He's a little overprotective, like Quirin, and that ends up leading to trouble a little bit, like it did here. I'm not saying he's the only one to blame, but.... Yeah there was definitely something else he could've done that may have made things a little better. But his heart was in the right place! :D
The Captain.... I really believe he would be that guy that would say 'once a criminal, always a criminal'. Like, even though he seemed to give Lance and Eugene a bit of leisure, it definitely took a while, and he wasn't always super nice to them. So yeah.... He's gotta learn, and he will, even if he has to learn the hard way
Lance and Eugene are playing the support role here! <3 Lance in particular being the one to sense Hugo couldn't handle the situation and taking over is definitely something I can see him doing! And Eugene would definitely be the one to instantly understand that they need to run after Hugo, he would also be the first to act and is probably closer to the both of them and Lance due to his chill nature and funny disposition, he's relaxed! Lance is the mental health helper, Eugene is the physical health helper! <3
Poor Varian.... This bean is really going through a roller coaster in this story, he's gonna catch a break soon, I swear! DX I'm really sorry to put him through so much, dad snuggles and *LOADS* of hot chocolate are definitely coming his way! <3
Ruddy buddy is being a very good raccoon right now! Sensing his boy's anguish and nerves and trying to give chitters and alerts! He's the best coon ever! <3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3
Chapter 346: A Walk in My Shoes! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The Captain questions Hugo, and Hugo questions the Captain!
Notes:
More notes at the end! 😁
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Captain and Hugo had been walking for a while, both of them had been very quiet, listening to the soft cries of Varian, and following them, but as night began to draw closer, the Captain started to grow impatient, “does he keep moving?”
“Possibly, he might be floating”, Hugo replied, “Varian doesn’t really like to be touched or noticed when he’s having an episode like this”
“Inconvenient….”
Hugo glared at the man, “you know, how about we see who can be the quietest during this whole ordeal. Whoever wins gets a sticker”
The Captain growled, but kept his mouth shut as he continued to follow the blond. Growing more irritated the deeper they walked into the wilderness, he bonked into a tree and huffed, “this is ridiculous….”
“You lost, I get the sticker”
“Oh shut up, you’re no more happy to be doing this than I am”
“You’re right, I’m not happy this happened at all, but see I’m not the one constantly complaining about how hard it is or how inconvenient walking around is. Instead, I’m being a big boy and trying to find my poor fucking emotionally damaged boyfriend so I can help him out and we can get out of here”
“This shouldn’t have happened, and wouldn’t had you just left me be”
Hugo rolled his eyes, “believe whatever you want, just keep walking”
The guard narrowed his eyes before he heard something howl in the distance, “shit”
“What?”
“You didn’t just hear that howl?”
“Yeah, what of it, might be a wolf or something”
The Captain huffed, “it means we should take shelter for the night”
Hugo’s eyes widened, “hell no! I’m not leaving Varian out here, at night, alone! Take shelter if you want, but I’m gonna keep going!”
“You’re not leaving my sight punk!”
“Well then I guess we keep moving, because I’m not stopping!”
“You will if I say you do!”
The alchemist stamped his foot on the floor before he turned around, fully facing the guard and glaring *daggers* at the man, “listen you annoying piece of *shit*! I can not, and *will* not, leave my boyfriend out here all night! He’s scared and hurt and fucking freaking out, so you can do one of two things, either hide with your tail tucked in-between your legs like fucking normal, or come with me to find a scared kid who definitely needs our help! Because weather you’re with me or not, I’m not fucking sitting here and waiting until the Sun comes up or you feel more fucking comfortable!”
The man went to argue with the teen before he heard another howl and flinched, “it’s getting closer!”
“Then make your fucking decision!”
The Captain glared before he got an idea, he stepped back, getting Hugo to raise a brow, before he slammed a fist into the blind’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him and quickly knocking the teen unconscious, “that work for you, punk?” He asked as Hugo fell to the ground, completely out.
The man smirked, feeling a little better before he heard the howl for the third time, “ugh…. Come on”, he gently picked up Hugo and carried him away, putting some distance between them and the creature and keeping the teen close to him, even though he hated to do so.
****
A few hours went by until Hugo regained consciousness, the blond coughing a little as he placed a hand on his stomach, it was aching, there’d definitely be a bruise, but he’d live, thing was broken. He sat up, only to feel something chafe his ankle, looking down he felt his heart skip ten beats when he saw a shackle attached to him, “w-what the hell?!”
“Had to shackle you in case you try to run away”, he heard a voice say, looking over, he saw the Captain standing nearby, he was glaring at the teen and had his sword in his hand, a little trickle of blood dripping off of it
Hugo was *immediately* on edge at the sight of the bloody sword, looking at himself before he glared at the man, “what are you gonna do with me?!”
“Relax, I wounded a few wolves that came our way while you were unconscious, that’s all”, the man stated before he put his sword away, “but I do plan on getting a few questions answered from you”
Hugo glared, “don’t I have a right to an attorney or states person? Can’t I just stay quiet and be uncooperative to the point where you have nothing to go on and that, therefore, would make me less guilty?”
“You could, but if you wanna get to saving you boyfriend faster, I suggest you don’t”
Hugo growled, “you really are a piece of steaming horse shit!”
“Right, you mentioned, but enough of that”, the man walked over to the teen and knelt in front of him, “why are you in Corona?”
The blond raised a brow, “they hell do you need to know that for?”
“I wanna figure out how you got here because I have reason to believe you’re a danger to this kingdom”
“A fucking *what*?! You really think, after AAAAAAAALL the shit I went through to HELP this kingdom, that IM the fucking danger?!”
“You hang around with Corona’s most dangerous villain, so yeah, I’d say so”
“…..Go fuck yourself….” Hugo growled as he remembered Varian telling him what he’d done in the past, “sincerely, find a giant torn bush and use it to fuck yourself, I hope it fucking hurts”
The Captain smirked, “you’re creative with insults, I’ll give you that”
“Trust me, there’s more where that came from”
“Oh I’ll bet, but about my question”
The blond growled but hearing another whimper from Varian, he bit his tongue and sighed, “I came because I was asked to….”
“By who, Varian?”
“No, by the Queen of Ingvarr, during the 7 kingdom ball”, he stated, “I…. *was* an assistant to one of the Duke and Duchess’s close friends, her name is Donella…. We were asked to come and keep an eye on….. the rouge alchemist….”
“So Varian”
“Yes…. The Duke and Duchess we’re worried about safety, they wanted help, which is why I came”
“And you met Varian there?”, Hugo stayed quiet, “so no”
“I gave you my answer, let me fucking go!”
“I’m not done questioning you yet! You’re still under suspicion!”
The blond glared, “what the hell do you still need from me?! What? Why I’m alive? Why I was ducking born? Why I’m wearing glasses?!”
“Why you’re in love with that trouble maker”
Hugo’s eyes widened, “is *that* what this is all about?! You just wanting to understand what I see in Varian? Why I care about him so fucking much? Seriously?!”
“You wouldn’t understand”
“Oh I think I understand perfectly! You’re fucking close minded and think the same sex can’t be together, typical thought process coming from a guard! You’re all the fucking same!”
“You’re in *love* with a criminal! You don’t think that draws the tiniest worry or fear in the hearts of the people in that kingdom?! You’re walking around with your hand on his ass and people can tell you two are a thing! It’s fucking threatening, considering you might be with him on his journey to harm everyone in this kingdom!”
“HE’S FUCKING CHANGED YOU EGOTISTICAL MANIAC!!!!!!” Hugo yelled, “he changed ME! He made me be BETTER than I was before! You really think that poor kid would’ve been trying to STOP me from coming after you if he hadn’t changed?! Do you not trust the judgement of Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, Quirin, KING Edmund, and QUEEN Arianna?! Seriously?!”
The Captain was startled by that, “he…. Tried to stop you?”
“Yeah! He did! He didn’t want me to make things worse, so he tried to stop me, he was worried about starting shit with you, hence why he’s been keeping your nasty looks, horrible attitude, and shitty behavior towards us a secret and telling me to do the same! He doesn’t wanna be in your way, so he’s tiptoeing around you to accommodate for YOUR mistrust of him! He trying to keep the peace, you know how hard that is for him?! Especially after what you did?!”
“After what I-!”
“You whipped him”, Hugo growled, “you beat and tortured him in his own home, you shamed and embarrassed him, and threw him away and ignored his cries of PAIN! He wasn’t even guilty of the crime the King wanted him for, he didn’t know anything about the black rocks or Rapunzel, in fact, he wanted to ducking FIX it! Yet no one fucking said a word, no one helped him until it was too late, until all of you went and caused him to actually fucking break! You mentioned, when you first saw him, the you were shocked to see Quirin alive. Now that you know he is, how do you feel? Think Varian is still a murderer? Think he’s guilty of everything that he was accused of now?”
The Captain didn’t say anything at first, his mind reeling with the new information he’d been given as he heard another whimper from the criminal he’d just been discussing, “…..He was…. Guilty though…. The King found him guilty, saying he had so much evidence and so many witnesses that there was no reason to hold a trial….”
“Guess that’s why Quirin got so fucking angry huh? You didn’t question the king, you never did, and you ended up making the wrong choice….. You punished the innocent, a 14 year old KID no less, congrats, you were fucking fooled…..”
The Captain looked at Hugo, “…..he changed you?”
“…..I was abused…. Neglected and abused into submission, I was a thief and a criminal for most of my life, including on the day I met Varian…. But I spent time with him, got to know him better, and he…. He wanted to know more about me”, he smiled happily at the memory of meeting his boyfriend as a bird, “I was on a stupid mission, and he was in my way. Normally, I would’ve tricked him and ran off with what I wanted, but he…. Changed me, he wanted to know me more, he wanted to talk to me, he showed me kindness and care, more so than I’d ever been shown before…. I… didn’t think anyone like me would ever get that… But he did so without hesitation…. He almost died that day we met, I saved him, and…. We became friends. Then Cassandra attacked us, and he saved me and I helped him, after that he was kidnapped by Seporians, and even though he was injured and tortured, he showed them mercy, I saved him with his family’s help, and after that…. I just…. Couldn’t help how I felt, and neither could he….” He looked at the man, “then we had to part, as dramatic as that sounds, but I promised him I’d come to Corona to see him again, it made him happy, and I wanted to do that, I wanted him to be happy, I still do”, he frowned when he heard Varian’s whimper, “…..this is fucking killing me I hope you know…. But when we met again, at the 7 kingdom ball, that’s when we got together, became boyfriends, and I started to stay with him and Quirin. Varian changed me ever since then, made me happier, made me want to be better, I became better because of him, and I will never be able to express how much that means to me…. How much… *He* means to me…..”
The Captain was startled by that, he remembered Eugene saying the same thing when he’d questioned the man. How the princess had changed him, how they met in a very odd way, and how they got to know each other…. The Captain thought Fitzherbert couldn’t be trusted, but now….. anytime he thought about the man…. Al, he could see what the princess’s smiling face. He looked at Hugo, *could this boy be the same? And is he right? Did I truly make a mistake?* He heard Varian whimper, it was louder now, more injured…. He was starting to hate the noise too, but…. Not the way he thought he did…. “Come on”, he unlocked the shackle, allowing Hugo to stand up. Which the teen did immediately, backing away from the guard and glaring at him, “let’s go save your boyfriend”
The blond looked surprised, “change of heart?”
“….His whimpering is annoying is all…”
“Right….” Hugo said, a secret smirk appearing across his face before he turned to begin walking towards the noise, he stopped and looked at the man, “you should ask the king if you want more information. Trust me, the man won’t lie anymore, I think the princess and Queen made sure of that, who knows, maybe it’ll give you whatever you’re still confused about”
The Captain nodded, “you’re still not off the hook though”
“Yeah yeah, once we’re done here, we go back to the castle and you throw the book at me or what the fuck ever, just ask your king about Varian first, you might understand why I did what I did if you do”
The Captain didn’t say anything, but he nodded, making a mental note, he felt like it would be the right thing to do.
****
“VARIAN!!!!!” A voice yelled as the Captain, and Hugo, approached an opening in the forest, they froze when they saw Lance and Eugene standing there
“HEY!” Hugo yelled, running over to them, the guard following, that is, until the slid to a halt at the sight of the teen they’d been looking for
Varian was curled into a ball, his hair was completely blue and floating around like he was under water, red rocks continued to form below him as he whimpered, his eyes were closed and his face was buried in his knees and hands, but the group could clearly see his freckles lit up, along with the tear stains on his face
“Holy shit….” The guard stated, “he has powers?!” He asked, looking at Eugene and Lance
“Did no one tell, you that yet?” The former thief asked
“NO!”
“Ah, hey Captain, Varian has powers”
The man facepalmed, “thank you….”
“Get serious you two!” Eugene barked as Ruddigar, who was sitting on his shoulder, chittered worriedly at his boy
“What do we do?!” The Captain asked
Hugo looked around before he saw a few stumps leading towards some tree branches near his boyfriend, “I’ve got an idea!”
The blond took a running start, before he hopped onto a stump, then another, bigger stump, then a large boulder, and finally, he latched onto the tree branches, pulling himself up, and getting eye level with Varian, “hey”, he said quietly, “Freckles, Freckles I’m here!”
Varian whimpered even more and a few red rocks burst from the ground, making Hugo’s branch crack a little, “be careful Hugo!” Lance called
The teen steadied himself, “Varian, please, it’s gonna be okay”, he tried, “please, calm down just a little Freckles, it’s okay!”
A few more red rocks shot up, making the tree wobbled more and cracking the branches again, “Hugo”, Eugene said nervously before he looked at the two men beside him, “that kid’s our best bet in getting Hairstripe to calm down, we need to keep him safe. Lance, you go underneath Varian in case he falls too, Cap, you and me are gonna watch Hugo, if he falls, we catch him and he’ll him back up”
Lance nodded, but the Captain looked unsure, “why don’t we just try to knock Varian down? Not by throwing anything, but possibly startle him with a stick that’ll make him fall into any of our arms?”
“That would be the worst possible thing you could do in this moment Captain”, Lance stated seriously, “Varian’s havin a PTSD episode, I don’t know how fluent you are in the study of the mind, but you don’t wanna touch someone havin a PTSD episode u less they tell ya too, it’s why Hugo ain’t doing that”
“Plus, knocking Varian down would only cause more rocks to sprout up, and possibly could hurt him or us in the process”, Eugene added
“You two sound like you have experience”
“We do”, they stated at the same time
The Captain felt a little sheepish at that, had he really been gone for so long that he wasn’t the best person to turn to in case of any situation anymore? That startled him more than he’d like to admit, but he shook it off, instead looking at Eugene, “fine, we’ll go with your plan”
“Good, then let’s go!” The Dark Prince stated, the three men running to their positions, looks like they were right on time, because at that moment, Hugo’s branch snapped completely, the blond falling instantly. All three of them heard someone yell, “HUGO!!!!!!” As he fell, they didn’t pay attention to it however
Eugene went to catch the blond, but ended up being blocked by red rocks, Lance ran over as well, but was also cut off. The Captain watched the teen, the blond looked terrified as he plummeted towards the Earth, and in one swift motion, the Captain jumped out, right as red rocks popped up behind him, and managed to, just barely, catch Hugo before he crashed!
The guard slid to a stop, holding Hugo to his chest as a bit of debris fell around them from the new rocks, before the world grew silent. For a moment, nothing happened, then, “um…. You can stop hugging me now”
The guard opened his eyes and blinked as he looked at the blond, the teen looked *wildly* uncomfortable, “uh, right, sorry”, he set the teen down, gently, “are you alright?”
“Surprised you care”
“I’m a guard, I may not trust you, but I don’t want you hurt”, Hugo raised a brow before gesturing to his stomach, “that was to get you to listen, you’re under my care and watch and we’re acting rash”
“So you punch me in the gut to knock me out, good job keeping me calm Captain”
The man sighed, rolling his eyes, “are you alright or not?”
Hugo chuckled, “I’m fine…. Thanks for catching me”
“You’re welcome”
“H-H-Hugo…..” a timid voice said behind to two, getting both to look and see a very anxious looking Varian floating behind the guard, “H-Hugo”
“Varian!” The blond got up and ran over to the teen, “I…. Hug?”
“Hugo….” Varian responded, hugging his boyfriend
The blond smiled and hugged him back, “Freckles…..” They stayed that way for a while, eventually Varian stopped glowing, floating to the ground and falling to his knees, which Hugo followed so they could continue hugging. Eugene and Lance were freed from the rocks when they sunk back into the Esther, both men looked a little freaked out, but instantly recovered when they saw the two alchemists hugging
“Nice job Cap”, the Dark Prince stated, “you saved Hugo”
“I…. Guess I did… Though I don’t really feel like a hero at the moment….”
“What do you mean?”
“We’ll, it’s not like *I* ran up there to calm Varian down, it’s not like *I’m* the one he’s currently hugging, I just…. Scared him…. That’s all I did….” He looked at Hugo, “among other things….”
Lance had joined them, startled when he heard the guard’s reply, “…..you feel guilty?”
“I feel…. Like I missed something….” The Captain said, “something big, and I don’t mean just now, I mean…. Something the King didn’t tell me…. And…. I have a feeling that’s part of the reason Cassandra is… doing what she’s doing right now….”
The two men looked at each other for a moment before they sighed, “Cap, you’re right about the King, he didn’t say a lot the the things he should’ve said, to ANY of us….”
“What do you plan on doin about it?” Lance asked with a raised brow
The Captain saw Hugo and Varian stand up, the freckled alchemist leaning against his boyfriend heavily, his raccoon hopping onto Hugo’s shoulders as the blond looked over at him, “….I…. Need to talk to the King of Corona….”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, here’s the final part to this two parter! Hugo talking some sense into the Captain and making the man see the other side of things! Still, don’t like the Captain, but I think he was misinformed, at the very least
The Captain himself…. I might do something more with him, I have a small plan, but I’m starting to enjoy writing more about his character. I still don’t like him, and I really don’t think there’s much that’ll change that, save for a full redo of his character in Season 1 and 3, but I’m getting ideas :3
Hugo being the best boyfriend ever for, like, the millionth time in this story XD this boy is seriously the driving point for a lot of good things that come Varian’s way! Him and Quirin, I love this blond bean! He gets a cookie ❤️
Eugene and Lance weren’t huge in this chapter, but they did end up kinda showing what roles they get soon, Eugene being the one to suggest the plan, and Lance being the more therapeutic one and noticing the Captain’s worry and mental battle, they’re small, but important :D
Ruddy buddy is still the best coon! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 347: We Need to Talk!
Summary:
The Captain asks King Frederic about Varian and the Battle of Old Corona!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I’m sorry….”
“It’s alright”
“I-I’m so sorry…..”
“Like we said, it’s alright”
“……S-sorry….”
The group stopped as Eugene looked over at Varian, the teen was leaning, *heavily*, against Hugo, and he looked ragged, tired, and had various cuts along his face, arms, legs, and hands, along with tiny tears in his shirt and pant legs, “kid, for the millionth time, it’s alright!” The Dark Prince stated as gently as possible, “none of us are angry with you about what just happened, it was an accident, that’s all”
“I-I know but-!” Varian started
“No buts little man, it really *is* okay, you don’t have to keep apologizin, you’re fine, we’ll get you cleaned up, and in some not torn up clothing, and everything will be okay”, Lance interrupted with a loving smile, “besides, you need a nap”
“I think we all do actually”, Hugo stated
“Sorry….” Varian squeaked
They sighed as the blond chuckled and looked at his boyfriend, “it’s alright Freckles, look, if you wanna make it up to us, then focus on getting better, okay?”
“B-but-!”
“I mean it, focus on getting better, once you do, then we can leave this mess behind us”, his boyfriend stated, “I honestly don’t know why you’re apologizing anyway, you tried to stop me from making things worse, if anyone should be apologizing it’s me”
“N-nu!” The freckled teen stated, “y-you just wanted to help”
“I still caused a lot of trouble”
“You we’re just defending us….”
“…..If I get an excuse, why can’t you?”
“Um…. Cause I have powers?”
Hugo raised a brow, “and?”
“…..I dunno…”
The bespeckled teen sighed, “you’re hopeless, you know that”
“Sorry”
Hugo sighed before he kissed the teen lovingly on the cheek, “I love you”
Varian blushed, but smiled, “I love you too”
The group began to walk again, heading straight for the castle, once there, they suddenly heard a few people seemingly arguing about something, “what the hell?” Eugene asked as he and the Captain walked towards the voices, Lance staying bin front of Varian and Hugo just in case, “hello?”
“EUGENE!” Rapunzel yelled before she slammed into him happily, “there you are! Something’s wrong with Varian!”
The Dark Prince was startled before he noticed Adria, Hector, Edmund, and a very anxious looking Quirin watching him, along with Arianna and Frederic, both looking confused and freaked out, “um, so yeah, we already knew, and we kinda fixed it already”
“You did?!”
“Yeah, see?” He backed up a bit to show Varian and Hugo to the group, “SON!” Quirin yelled before he rushed over and scooped the teen up, hugging him close to his chest and making the teen squeak a little in surprise
“Heh, sorry for the scare, we had…. A bit of a freak out, but we’re okay now, honest”, the Dark Prince stated, instantly calming the situation
“The hell happened?” Hector asked, as he, Adria, and Edmund walked over the Eugene while Arianna went to check on Varian and Hugo and Frederic walked over to his Captain
“Ah well uh, see it’s sort of a long story…. Wait, how’d you all know he was in trouble?”
“The marks”, the wild tamer stated, showing the Dark Prince his Brotherhood mark on his right hand, “whenever anyone carrying the Moonstone, or anyone with the power of the Moon, or the Moonstone themselves, are in danger, we’re informed and come running. It happened when the squirt was dangling off the edge of a cliff with that Seporian, Andrew”
“Oh yeah, you all startled everyone awake when your marks glowed and all of you yelled Varian’s name”, Eugene stated as Lance walked over to them, “ok, that makes sense, um… here, let me explain”
The Dark Prince explained what’d happened, getting everyone in the room to nod and understand, as he finished, Quirin glared at the Captain, as did Hector, while Adria, Rapunzel, and Arianna looked relieved, Frederic and the Captain seemed worried, “fucking…. And *he’s* supposed to be the *Captain*?” The wild tamer asked
“He’s a good am , he just made a mistake”, Frederic defended
“A mistake that caused my two sons pain”, Quirin stated, “but I suppose that’s just normal now, right?”
“Oooooookay, Varian’s safe, things are calm, how about we all take a deep breath before anything gets physical”, Rapunzel stated, stepping in-between the angry father and the Corinna king
The retired knight huffed, “d-dad you shouldn’t be angry, I should b-be able to control my powers by now”, Varian tried
“Um Peanut, that’s the equivalent of Rapunzel apologizing for being born with the power of the Sun”, Edmund stated gently “do you really think it’s fair for her to apologize for that?”
“Well…. Nu….”
“Then you shouldn’t apologize for having been born with Moon powers that are out of your control at times”
“He’s right, it’s not like you *expected* to be put through a PTSD incident today”, Quirin growled as his narrowed his eyes at the Captain
“No, he shouldn’t apologize for that, but I didn’t handle things very well myself Quirin”, Hugo stated, “I mean, Varian tried to stop me, and it’s not like the Captain meant to freak him out, so if you get mad at him, you’d have to get mad at me too”
This seemed to calm the Village Leader down quite a bit as he let out a sigh before looking at Hugo, “you were defending Varian and yourself, and you’re not the only one to blame”
“Still caused trouble though”
“….fine, I’ll let it go”, Quirin stated, glaring at the Captain, “but only because of Hugo, you should thank your lucky fucking stars he was here to defend you”, the man stated before he scooped the blond boy up as well and carried both teens away, Adria, Hector, and Edmund following, the Dark King looking at his son
“Are you coming?” He asked
Eugene let out a tiny breath of relief before nodding, “I’m coming, Lance? Blondie?”
“Yeah”, the former thief replied, before he nudged Rapunzel, who looked at her dad before leaving as well
Once everyone had cleared out, the Coronan King, “well that went about as well as I could hope for”
Arianna sighed but nodded before looking at the Captain, “are you alright?”
“Yeah”, the Captain replied
“Good…. You… don’t trust Varian, do you”
“I didn’t….. but I’m… starting to… get an odd feeling…. Your majesty”, he looked at the King, who raised his brow at the man, “I…. Hope this doesn’t seem like I’m questioning you but…. The blond… Hugo… he brought up a couple of points…. About Varian… He mentioned you….”
Frederic sighed, “he did huh?”
“Yes sir…. And… I, wanted to asked about them… If I’m able, I… I’ll always be loyal to the both of you, but…. The princess’s concern for the boy, and Strongbows and Fitzherberts…. Men I trust…. Even Stan and Pete, especially Stan….”
“I understand Captain, and you’re well within your rights to ask, it’s just, a hard topic…. But I’m willing to discuss it, I just,,, hope you don’t think less of me… for my actions….”
The Captain raised a brow, “why would I think less of you your majesty?”
The King sighed, “because everything I did to that boy in particular…. Along with many other occurrences I allowed in my kingdom…. Im ashamed of….”
“Ashamed sir?”
Arianna walked over to her husband and held his hand, squeezing it with encouragement as Frederic looked at his Captain, “yes, ashamed…. Captain I’ve led you to a place that I thought to be the best…. But not for the kingdom…. I was only thinking about me and my family…. And I took it out on so many innocent people, the their blood will forever stain my hands….”
“What do you mean?”
“….Take Varian for example, what qualms did Hugo bring up?”
“He said…. I punished the innocent”, the Captain replied, “he said you lied, and he said I was fooled and didn’t question you….”
Arianna winced, “harsh….”
“He was angry, I had his ankle cuffed to the ground so he wouldn’t run away, though I believe apart of that may have been more because of what I did…. I lashed him…. Varian, and I didn’t question his public punishment, I didn’t because he was a traitor, to me he was getting less than he deserved…. But….”
“You’re questioning now”, the King finished
“….I’m worried…. Your majesty ever since he said that…. Something’s been off with me…. The entire way here, Varian continued to apologize for the episode he’d had….. yet when I really thought about the events that transpired, I couldn’t, rightfully, fault him for growing so upset…. So why was I so angry with him before? I planned on punishing that boy, Hugo, for his interference way he disrespected me, because you can’t do that to a guard, they’re doing their jobs. But if what he’s saying is true…. The. Do I really fault him for his actions as well? …..I’m confused…. Im irritated at the blond, but I’m confused about Varian…. Im not sure what to do….”
The King looked at his Captain for a long time before he sighed, “I can help you…. But I know what I’ll say will lose your trust… Im so sorry for what I made you do…. And for how that boy will forever see you as now…. It’s my fault… and I’m so sorry Captain….”
The royal guardsman looked at his king, they were silent for a long time before he sighed and nodded, “ok, please help me understand what I did…. I need to know….”
The King nodded, taking a deep breath, before he explained. He told the Captain everything, from Quirin’s final warning about the Sundrop and what it would cause, to the events the would cascade into the fallout they became later on. He told the Captain about the anger he felt, the people he took it out on, the petty thieves and criminals he’d had sent away into the mines for no reason other than to punish them for a crime they didn’t commit. He explained how Rapunzel returned, how protective he’d been, how he’d tried to make sure she wouldn’t be taken away again, but in doing so, he’d caused her pain….. He explained how Varian had gotten involved, how he’d wanted to stop the rocks, how Quirin Thad gotten captured, and how he’d ignored the teen’s cried for help. How he’d lied about Varian attacking Rapunzel, the wanted posters being fake so he could keep the teen quiet, how he’d locked up Adria to prevent her from helping Quirin or Varian, he explained everything, eventually leading up to the teen’s imprisonment and lashing….. He added the Seporians take over and Quirin’s freedom, catching the Captain up on everything g that’d taken place, including the attacks from Cassandra and how the group, including Varian, had been helping to defend Corona by any means necessary…
“And that’s it, you’re caught up….” He finished
The Captain was speechless, so many thoughts were running through his head at once, *I punished him, for wanting to…. No wonder Quirin hates me, the King lied! You didn’t know, I could’ve asked, I could’ve figured it out like the princess had! She wasn’t fully aware of it either, she didn’t know until after! Varian is afraid, he’ll forever be afraid of me…. Because I…..* he stopped, “I didn’t care….”
“Huh?” Arianna said, “Captain, are you o-!”
“I didn’t CARE!” He yelled, chuckling to himself, “that’s why Quirin’s so angry, that’s why Cassandra is doing this, that’s why Varian’s so afraid and Hugo’s words made me think, because I didn’t CARE! I didn’t care enough to ask, to question, to learn more about the situation. I just followed orders, did what I was told because that’s my duty I…. I punished the innocent…. And I don’t even have the right to feel sorry for myself, because I could’ve prevented it! I didn’t care!”
“Captain….” Arianna said, but she was unsure of how to continue that
The Guard sighed and looked at the couple, “I… don’t blame either of you”
“But Captain I-!” Frederic began
“No, I’ve blamed too many people…. I didn’t question you, didn’t care to, and it’s not as if I couldn’t…. I trained my men to fight the bad, I never trained them to question anything other than that…. It makes sense as to why I would be so feared, I…. Truly didn’t care…. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I wasn’t…. Not all the time….” He sighed, “I had a voice, I didn’t use it unless it was to jeer at those who did and did not deserve it…. That was my fault, not yours”, he stated, looking at the King, “we can blame you all we wish, but in the end, we all had a part to play, and I’m not putting my part on you…. What we’ve done together, it wasn’t right at all…. But you’re trying, it’s my turn to try as well, I want to try…. So I will”
The king went to say something, but stopped and nodded instead, “if that’s what you wish to do”
“It is, thank you for being honest with me your majesty, I…. Need to fix things myself, and…. I think I know where to start”
Frederic smiled as Arianna said, “ok, then by all means Captain, you’re dismissed”
“Thank you, both of you”, he bowed before walking out of the room, making a beeline to where he needed to go next
****
He turned the corners and walked down the halls as quickly as he could, trying not to bump into anyone as he did, though he’d nearly ran into Moonlight and Ash:>, Mildrac_Virtue and Aisheyru managed to pull them out of the way just in time as Faith, Friedborg, and Crystal watched the Captain zip by.
The man hopped he could catch the person he’d wanted to speak with before it was too late, so when he turned the corner and saw the person pacing outside of the medical wing door, he felt relief wash over him as he walked over, “Quirin”, he stated, getting the retired knight to stop and look at him, the retired knight seemed surprised at first, but that quickly shifted to disgust and anger as he glared at the Captain, “I know I’m the last person you want to see-!”
“You’re right, so leave”, Quirin snapped
“-But I need to talk to you!”
“I don’t want to talk to *you*, especially not now”
The guard sighed but he stayed determined, walking over and looking the man in the eye, “it’s important, and about your son… and Cassandra….”
“You think I really give a shit about your daughter right now?! I get you may have just had a mind blowing conversation with your king, but my *son’s* being treated for his wounds right now, so I’m not in the mood to help discuss your new purpose in life. So as kindly as I can put this, *Captain*, fuck *OFF*!”
The guard winced a little at the man’s yell, he didn’t need to be told twice, but he knew he needed to do this, he *needed* to talk with this man, and he couldn’t wait any longer, “….I want you to punish me for my actions against your son”
This made Quirin freeze for a moment before he turned and looked at the man, “what?”
Notes:
Hello!
So yeah, the Captain finally understands Varian’s point of view now, so woot! :D
I still don’t like the Captain, I know I say this in every chapter, but it’s true, I just feel like he would want to know the truth, plus I want to give him a reason for him quitting and leaving everything and everyone behind, more than just not wanting to fight his daughter. So here’s a lead up to his decision :3
Varian is being such a sweet little bean right now, he feels so guilty, little bean needs a lot of snuggles and hot chocolate, asap
Hugo being the best boyfriend in the world over here, don’t mind him, and please don’t trip on the 80 feet of purity this boy leaves behind himself XD
The king is finally starting to be honest about what he did, and he’s trying to make up for it as well, it’s not much, but it’s s good start, at least he’s not making anyone else the scape goat now
Quirin….. hoo boy, this papa is a very angry man right now Xad I realize how odd that sounds, but honestly, the man is very angry, his bean is hurt and being treated, his other son stopped him from beating the ever loving crap out of the Captain, and he’s just gotten, the equivalent too, a blank check to do whatever he wishes to the man who his son is the most afraid of! This is…. Hoo boy XD
Adria, Hector, Edmund, Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, and Arianna are all playing support this chapter, and they’re so good at it too! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 348: Can You Fix It?!
Summary:
The Captain tried to get Quirin t punish him, but he’s taken away from the conversation by three people he didn’t expect to talk to today!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“….I want you to punish me for my actions against your son”
This made Quirin freeze for a moment before he turned and looked at the man, “what?”
The Captain sighed, “the King told me everything, how he’d lied, how I’d followed along, it made me realize that I was wrong, I finally figured out why you were so angry, and why Varian was so afraid. I get it…. I want to make up for it, so….” He took a deep breath, knowing fully well he was basically signing away is rights before he let the breath go, “I want to be punished for what I did to him”
The retired knight stared at the man for a long time before he started to laugh, startling the Captain, “y-you think, thahahat I rehehehehelly believe you?!” He asked in-between his snickers, “oh you know, you may be the closest thing to the scum I whip off my shoe, but you’re pretty funny”
“I’m serious!”
“Right, and I’m the Queen of Corona”
The Captain sighed, “Quirin, I’m truly serious”, he stated, stepping in front of the man before he could turn away, “I want you to punish me for my crimes!”
The retired knight raised a brow, “it’s less funny the third time you tell it”
“Ugh… why won’t you believe me?”
“Hmmm…. Why would I have any reason to mistrust you when it comes to my son”, Quirin thought aloud sarcastically, “let me thiiiiiiiiink”
He guard rolled his eyes, “Quirin….”
“Ask a dumb question, get a dumb answer Captain”
The man sighed, “I mean it”
“I do too, that was a really dumb question”
“Quirin!”
The retired knight huffed before he turned and slammed his hand into the wall, making the Captain’s eyes widen at the loud *THUMP* the. Village Leader made, “Look, you may think I’m falling for this, ‘so sorry for torturing your son and making him have nightmares and flashbacks so bad that he nearly bursts into tiny, alchemical, shreds every night and day’, stage of your little speech, but I don’t. Weather you want me to punish you or not, I don’t care, you’ve picked the worst time, the wrong person, and the dumbest excuse for your behavior. What you need to do, is back off, leave me, and my *sons*, Hugo *included*, alone, and never talk to any us again. Because if you’re really telling me the truth….. Just leave…. *Now*”
He lifted his hand, the perfect handprint on the wall speaking volumes of the man’s intent, the message was clear as Quirin turned away and began to walk away, going back to pacing elide the medical wing’s door. The guard was startled, but he knew he had to fix this, so, with a *heavy* breath, he stepped towards Quirin again. Only to be shoved away and his arm hooked with someone else’s, “hello Captain!” King Edmund stated, guiding the man away from his knight, “how are you doing today?”
“Wha-! Hey! I need to-!”
“Need to what? Get some food? Have a chat?”
“Get some sense?” Another voice added, making the guard look and see Adria and Hector waiting near the corner of the hallway, the wild tamer raising his brow, “have a brain?”
“No! I mean I have a brain and sense, but I need to-!” The guard tried
“WONDERFUL! How about we go over here and chat, ok?” The Dark King stated cheerfully as he noticed Quirin watching them, a small, grateful, smile appeared on his tired face
“Wha-No! But-!”
“Come on you fucking idiot”, Hector stated as he just pulled the man out of the King’s hold and pushed him forwards, “move”, his blade popped out of his wrist as he pointed it at the Captain, “now”
The guard was about to say something before a hand touched his shoulder, “I would do what he says”, Adria stated, “Stickler was holding back by *a lot*, but all three of us don’t really care about your well being, so please, listen before you regret it”
The guard froze at her icy smile, feeling a chill run up his spine before he sighed and gave up, “fine, where?”
“Family room”, Edmund stated, “it’s comfortable there”
With one last look at Quirin, the Captain sighed and nodded, “ok”
****
Hector closed the door to the family room before he huffed, “damn, I knew Coronas guards were morons, but you take the fucking cake”
“The cake? Right no, he’s the full *meal*”, Adria stated, “sides and appetizers included”
“Children, not now, I think the full meal is waiting for an explanation”, Edmund stated as he looked at the Captain
“Full me-ugh! Why’d you three take me away from Quirin?” The Captain asked angrily, “I have business with him!”
“That’s why”, Hector stated with an bored look, “because you had business with him”
“…..I’m confused….”
“Of course you are”, Adria stated with a sigh, “look, your motives are unknown to us, but at the moment, we don’t care. What we *do* care about, is Stickler, Speckles, and Ponytail/Glasses/Goldilocks”
“Uuuh-!”
“Quirin, Varian, and Hugo”, Edmund translated, “Hugo has three nicknames because Adria can’t choose one”
“They’re all good and annoy him equally”, the face painted warrior stated with a smirk
The Captain blinked, “okaaay…. What does that have to do with me?”
Hector facepalmed as Adria sighed, “you…. Really don’t know? Edmund asked, when the Captain shook his head, the Dark King raised a brow, “I retract my previous scolding children, he’s he full meal”
“Glad you can see it our way”, Adria stated
“Did…. You just call me dumb?” The Captain asked
“Yes”, Hector replied bluntly, “very dumb, to the point where we’re surprised you’ve lasted this long”
The guard huffed, “I don’t have time for this”, he began to walk towards the door, but the Dark king blocked his path, “excuse me, I need to find Quirin”
“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave Quirin alone”, Edmund stated, glaring at the man and startling him a bit
“I need to talk to him!”
“You need to stay *away* from him, and his two tiny ones as well”, the King stated
“Why? What’s wrong with you three? Why are you doing this?”
“Want the truth?” Hector asked
“Yes!”
“It’s so you don’t die”
“That’s not a good exc-wait what?”
The wild tamer sighed, “you know nothing about Quirin, do you?” At the silence he received, Hector growled, “how do you fucking expect to help make up for what you did if you don’t do your damn research ya piece of shit!”
“My resea-Quirin is a soft spoken man who rarely shows his rough interior until you push him! He was the most affected by my actions considering he only showed me his anger when I returned! So I need him to be the one to set me on the right track, the only way to do that would be to him be the one to punish me for my misdeeds against him and Varian! How is that me not doing my research?!”
Hector growled, his yellow eyes narrowing as he glared *daggers* at the man, the fur on his coat looking like his hackles were rising, “you fucking piece of-!”
“Hector calm down”, Edmund stated gently
“But he-!”
“I realize what he’s just said, but please, we’re trying to help Quirin, his little peanut, and his slightly taller banana nut. Getting angry at the Captain will only make things worse for them, so please”
Hector went to argue, but he saw the King’s hand shaking as it clenched into a fist, and stopped, taking a breath before letting it go and nodding, “kay”
Adria looked at the Captain and stepped forwards, “what you’ve just said is incorrect”, she stated, “Quirin is not the man you think he is, he’s not a soft and quiet strawberry cake, he wasn’t the one affected the most by your actions, and there’s more than one way to make up for your misdeeds, also”, her smile dropped and she flared, “you push him, and all *three* of us will hurt you…..”
The Captain looked at the group, they were glaring at him, “I…. Just wanted to fix my mistakes”
Edmund sighed, “you’re doing it the wrong way”, he stated, “you don’t go up to someone you’ve hurt and ask for punishment, you don’t force them to get closure when you wish, that’s not how it works. You wait until *they’re* ready, then you approach. What you did was reckless and selfish, and I get you were trying to fix things, but you wet about it the very *wrong* way….”
“Selfish?!” The Captain started, but was stopped when he was met with two piercing yellow eyes in his face, glaring at him angrily, as if the Captain had attacked his young while the tamer was sleeping
“Forcing closure and making a man *you* claim to be soft until pushed into punishing you is fucking selfish! Prove me wrong, explain to me what exactly you were trying to do that didn’t force Quirin in a corner and make him punch you so you could feel fucking better about what you did!”
“I…..” the guard began, but he found he couldn’t speak, his mind was racing, trying to find an explanation, but he couldn’t, he didn’t see any justification, he *had* been trying to push Quirin into closure, he wanted to fix what he’d done, in the quickest way possible…. He’d been selfish, “….Shit….”
“Yeah, shit indeed”, the wild tamer agreed, backing up and allowing the man some space to think
Adria stepped forwards next, “there’s a time and a place for closure”, she stated, “and also, you should know who you should *actually* get to forgive you, because Quirin may be *affected* by what you’ve done, but he’s not the one you should be punished by”
“….Then… Who?”
This time, Edmund stepped forwards, “think, who’s been at the center of all of your misdeeds? Who’s been the one taking in your punishment and who’s been the most reactive when you’ve come into a room? Or lack there of as the most recent case may be”
The Captain thought for a while before he finally realized who they meant, “but… he’s terrified of me”
Edmund nodded, “yes he is, it’s why these things take *time*. You want to be forgiven and change, if you truly mean that, then show him, show how much you want to change, you’ve already started to, he’s already getting a little better around you”
“How do you figure?”
“Did he run away when speaking to you today? Or yesterday?”
“No”
“We’ll that’s progress”
The Captain sighed, “but…. I don’t want to wait, I want to fix it, be the Captain this kingdom needs”
“You can still do that”, Adria stated, “you can be the protector you want to be, do it and use it to show him you want to change, stop making comments or glaring at him, stop being a jerk to his loved ones, there’s so many ways you could show him you want to change. Eventually, he’ll approach you!
“How do you know that?”
“Because he approached King Frederic”, Edmund stated, “by himself at one point. Sure, in he beginning he needed a small push from Lance, but he’s gotten braver around the man, even going so far as to stand up for himself when he needed to”
This surprised the Captain, “he did?”
“Yup, he’s a brave boy, you just need to give him time”
“I see…. Thank you, all three of you, for talking to me, I’ll…. Work on it”
“Happy to help”, the Dark King replied
As the Captain began to walk out, he heard Hector’s voice behind him, “I do have a way of making the wait easier”
He turned and looked at the man, who was *right* behind him, “how?”
“You really wanna know? Ya may not like it”
The Captain nodded, “yes, tell me if you really think it’ll help!”
The wild tamer looked at his king and sister, both of them shrugged before nodding, getting him to smirk as he looked at the man again, “kay”. He suddenly raised his fist and punched the Captain so hard that the man fell unconscious, the last words he heard were, “hoo that felt good!” Before he blacked out
****
“…ptain….”
“C-Ca….n”
“Captain!”
“Huh?!” The guard’s eyes opened and he shot up from the ground before instantly regretting it, as he felt his head swim and he fell to his knees
“D-don’t do that! Are you crazy?!” A tiny voice asked
The man grew irritated and looked over at the person speaking, about to snap at them before he stopped when he saw bright blue eyes watching him worriedly, “…..Varian?”
“Y-yeah, hi”, the alchemist said timidly, “um…. M-my aunt came and told me you w-were unconscious in here…. Dads getting the doctor’s right now, um….H-Hugo’s here though”
“Hey”, the blond stated, getting the guard to look at him an wave before he looked back at Varian
“You…. Came to help me?” The Captain asked
“Well…. I c-couldn’t just leave you on the floor…. I mean…. T-that’s rude….” Varian replied softly, “plus you um… c-caught Hugo when he fell…. I thought I… k-kinda owed you one….”
The guard blinked before his gaze softened, “thank you”
Varian seemed startled by that, he hadn’t looked into the Captain’s eyes this entire time, and he still didn’t even now, but he nodded, “you’re welcome….”
“He’s in here”, a familiar voice said, getting all three to look over and see Quirin directing a doctor over towards the Captain. The man looked even more exhausted than before, but as the guard watched, once the Doctor had began to heal him, Quirin walked over and sat next to Varian, the teen smiling up at his dad and hugging him, Hugo coming over and doing the same. Instantly, the retired knight looked like he’d just gotten the best sleep in the world as he hugged them back.
The Captain was shocked by this before he noticed movement in the doorway, looking, he saw Adria, Hector, and Edmund watching him, all three seemed to know what he was thinking, and he smiled at them, though he did raised an brow at the wild tamer, who was snickering. Once he was healed, the Captain found out he had a small concussion, one he’d need to stay overnight in the infirmary for. He didn’t mind however, he continued to watch the small family embrace, Varian was patched up from his PTSD episode, and all three of them looked happy to be together again, it made the man smile.
He thought more on what the three Dark Kingdom inhabitants had told him as he watched the two teens and one father, he’d need to make up to the one he’d hurt the most, as he thought more about what he could do, his vision was drawn to. Arian. The teen was still skittish around him, but he could live with that, he saw the raccoon the boy cherished perched on his shoulder and smiled, *I’ll make it up to the one I hurt the most, the one who needs closure, even if it takes me time. I’ll fix what I did to you.. Varian*
Notes:
Hello!
So yeah, the Captain got to have a chat with Edmund, Adria, and Hector! Woot!
The Captain is on the right track…. Now, he’s still got a LING away to go before he’s made up for what he’s done, but he’s getting there, and he had the correct guidance, plus a punch for good measure
I feel like the good cop bad cop would come from the Dark kingdom, but with a middle man:
Adria serves as the good cop, though she does give threats, but she tends to be the voice of reason and the calmest one in the room. She’ll jab the culprit a bit with remarks, but nothing more than that unless you tick her off
Edmund is the middle man, depending on how the culprit is acting, he’ll be calm, or get angry, and both will get the job done. He’s the best one to keep his temper in check, but will let it slip if the culprit doesn’t seem to understand, or he has a personal thing against them, hence the fist clenching
Hector is the bad cop, he scars the culprit, insults and teases them, will most definitely resort to violence, but he warns the culprit first, so if you don’t duck then it’s your fault. He’s very blunt as well, it’s actually a good balance between him and Adria’s cryptic good cop persona
I love these three, they’re fun to play around with and balance each other so very well! Quirin would definitely be the cop that makes sure the other three don’t go out of control, but in this situation, he was unavailable. The man needs a break, he’ll be getting one soon, but for now, he’s just gonna be a bit grumpy and kinda sleepy
Varian being a bean over here! He wasn’t in this chapter much, but he was being a bean and I felt the need to point that out! Also, Hugo, never change XD sassy green bean!
Ruddy buddy is the best coon! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 349: Stage Fright!
Summary:
Varian is about to go into an important meeting, but he’s freaking out!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian took a deep breath, then let it out slowly, “no problem, I’ve got this”, he stated before he looked at the door in front of him. It was the door to the meeting room, he knew who was waiting there, several people he wasn’t entirely sure he was ready to face, but he knew he had to, he would keep his promise, he would…. Why were his legs shaking so badly?
“Hey kid!”
“EEEP!” The teen jumped into the air and floated for a moment or two before he looked down and saw Eugene staring up at him, a small smirk on his face
“Nervous?” The Dark Prince asked
“S-shut up!” Varian squeaked, getting the man to chuckle as the teen calmed himself down and landed safely on the floor, though, he ended up sliding to his knees, “ugh…. Darn jelly legs….”
Eugene snorted, “*really* nervous”
“Not funny….” The teen pouted
“Right right, sorry, here”, the Dark Prince offered the teen a hand, to which Varian, begrudgingly, took it. Once he’d stood up, he managed to find a balance for his legs, and was able to stand on his own
“Thanks”
“You’re welcome, you know it’s gonna be okay, right? I mean, the riyal family is already on your side with this particular topic”
“W-well I know…. B-but actually suggesting ideas for this a-and talking about them in a room f-full of a lot of people is just….” He began to shiver
Eugene gave the teen a gentle smile, “take it easy kiddo, why not pretend it’s like you’re showing off a new alchemy project, I *know* you can do that!”
The alchemist smiled, “I’ve been trying, unfortunately pretending only lasts long enough to get me up and dressed for this….. standing at the door with paperwork in my hands with notes about all the ways we could do this is…. A very different feeling….”
“That bad huh?”
“I’ve said ‘no problem, I’ve got this’ approximately 45 times now….. that’s more than I said it when me and Punzel were in the caves underneath old Corona with the red rocks…..”
“…..Ah”
“Yeah….”
“Hm…. Oh! Here, I’ve got a thing that may help you with this!”
“Eugene, I can’t bring Ruddigar in The with me, Nigel said it’s against the rules”
“I know, and even though the thing I have is a bit messy, it’ll definitely help you! Hang on one sec!” Eugene ran off to grab whatever he was planning on grabbing
Varian sighed before he sat down on a nearby bench, he placed a hand on his shoulder, wishing to the Moon above that Ruddigar could be there with him…. But he remembered what the royal advisor had said:
*“I’m sorry for making this more difficult, but it truly is a rule. No pets can be in the meeting room, not even Pascal, the Princess’s lizard”, Nigel said, looking genuinely regretful for having to say this
“B-but…. I need Ruddigar…. H-he’s part of my presentation!” Varian argued, holding his raccoon close to his chest
“I know…. I’m so sorry….”
Quirin stepped in, “Bubby, it’s gonna be okay, the princess, Queen, and King are all in agreement with you already about what you’re discussing, and if Pascal isn’t going, Ruddigar will have someone to hang out with until you’re done”
“B-b-but….” Varian began
“I know you’re nervous son, but I’ll be there too, so will Grandpa, and Adria, and Hector, Eugene will be too! It’s gonna be alright”
Ruddigar chittered at his boy encouragingly, saying something along the lines of how he believed in his boy, and how he knew the alchemist would do well!
Varian looked at his father and Nigel one more time, hoping they would change their minds, but no such luck, so he sighed, “oki….”*
The teen let out a small whimper at the memory, as he heard a few people talking inside the meeting room. He really wished his raccoon were here right now, his heart was racing faster than it ever had as he continued to wait for Eugene, 2 minutes….. 3…. 4…. 5! After the 7 minute mark, the teen began to feel his head swim a little, he knew he would pass out, that is, until he felt someone kiss his cheek and startle him back to reality, “Freckles!”
“Huh?!” Varian blinked, shaking his head to clear it before he saw blond hair and bright green eyes looking back at him, “H-Hugo?”
“Tis me!”
“Hugo!” Varian wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, relief filling him and driving his anxiety away *instantly*, “w-what are you doing here?”
“Your sweaty friend came and found me”
“I am not sweaty! Ya just kept leaving *right* when I got to the room you were in!” Eugene exclaimed aggravatedly as he painted a little bit
Hugo smirked, “the world famous Flynn Rider is supposed to be faster than the wind, yet if I were a guard, I’d catch you easily”
“Boy imma find you a nice,*dusty*, corner if you don’t stop!”
Varian smiled gratefully at Eugene, “thank you”
The Dark Prince looked at his tiny brother, the teen looked like he was on the verge of crying with joy, it made the man smile, “anytime kiddo, and maybe raccoons are allowed, but he’s the closest thing I could get to one, so”-!”
“Hey!” Hugo exclaimed
Varian giggled, “thanks, to the both of you, I feel a lot better now”
His boyfriend pouted, but one kiss on the cheek fixed that, “fine…. I’ll let it go for *now*”
The freckled teen held Hugo’s hand before he took another deep breath and looked at the door in front of him, “here we go…”
“Ready Hairstripe?” Eugene asked
“As I’ll ever be”
With that, the three opened the door and finally walked inside
****
“Varian! Eugene! …..Hugo?” King Frederic stared with a confused brow raise
“I’m the cheerleader”, the blonde stated
“Ah, well welcome! We’ve been waiting”
“Yeah um…. S-sorry about the uh…. T-the wait”, Varian replied, blushing slightly
“It’s alright hun”, Queen Arianna replied with a gentle smile, “why don’t you three take a seat, Varian, there’s one next to Quirin, just for you”
The freckled teen gave the Queen a loving smile before he, quickly, took his seat, Hugo sitting next to him as Eugene managed to find a place next to Rapunzel. Varian, unconsciously, leaning towards his father, getting the man to chuckle quietly as the King called the meeting to order, “alright, with everyone here, including one extra cheerleader”
“Woo!” Hugo cheered, getting the room to snicker
“I now call this meeting of integrating the Seporians culture back into the Corona culture, to order!” He’d grabbed a small, wooden, hammer with him for such meetings, knocking on the wooden stand, made for the hammer, with it. He then cleared his throat, “I believe we have a few ideas we were going to discuss today, the Seporians in attendance have stated they’d like to hear what ideas come out as well, possibly giving some of their own, is that correct?”
“Yes your majesty”, Clementine replied as she, and the rest of the Seporians, sat and smiled at the room, excited for their culture to finally begin to grow
“Very good, and Varian, you have a few ideas too?”
“Yes your m-majesty”, Varian replied nervously
“Woot!” Hugo cheered, getting his boyfriend to snort and look at him with a blush
“Woot indeed”, the Coronan King agreed, “right then, I’ll open the floor to any other ideas once the aforementioned ones have been named and discussed, for now, who would like to start?”
The room was silent for a moment, the freckled teen felt his heart skip *several* beats, before he felt Hugo hold his hand under the table, looking at the blond, he saw an encouraging smile on the bespeckled teen’s face, it made him feel brave. So, with a shaky breath, Varian raised his hand, “I h-have-*ahem* a few ideas I’d like to name…. Uh please”
Queen Arianna and Rapunzel both smiled at the teen, it made him feel a lot better, especially when Hugo squeezed his hand happily. King Frederic nodded, “alright then Varian, you have the floor”
Notes:
Hello!!!!
So yeah, I was planning on doing this way earlier, but I got ideas for the Ball and Donella and Cyrus, along with Hugo and Quirin and it just kinda took a backseat for a while, sorry about that, either way, here it is! More Seporians and the start to Varian keeping his promise to Andrew :D
Varian being worried about a presentation is something, I’m sure, a lot of us can relate to! Heck, I almost fainted trying to give a PowerPoint presentation! It’s terrifying, but having someone there to be, either your cheerleader like Hugo, or someone to lean on, like Quirin, makes things a lot easier to handle! ❤️
Eugene is being the best big bro again!!!!!! Grabbing the closest person to Ruddigar he could find that wasn’t Quirin himself, also, him and Hugo’s sassy banter is really fun to write! XD
Hugo is the best, and most sarcastic, cheerleader ever XD he really is one of the best boys! ❤️ Now I kinda wanna draw him in a cheerleader outfit XD
Quirin was being a good papa! He didn’t have a lot of screen time, but he was there for his Bubby! ❤️
Shout out to Nigel for not being a total jerk! It’s a start, so WOOT! XD
Queen Arianna is being her gorgeous self here too, she’s definitely gonna have more screen time coming soon :D
Ruddy buddy being the most supportive coon! ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 350: The Introduction Meeting!
Summary:
Varian and co discuss what to do about introducing the Seporians back into Corona and Old Corona!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I now call this meeting of integrating the Seporian’s culture back into the Coronan culture, to order!” He’d grabbed a small, wooden, hammer that was with him for such meetings, knocking on the wooden stand, made for the hammer, with it. He then cleared his throat, “I believe we have a few ideas we were going to discuss today, the Seporians in attendance have stated they’d like to hear what ideas come out as well, possibly giving some of their own, is that correct?”
“Yes your majesty”, Clementine replied as she, and the rest of the Seporians, sat and smiled at the room, excited for their culture to finally begin to grow
“Very good, and Varian, you have a few ideas too?”
“Yes your m-majesty”, Varian replied nervously
“Woot!” Hugo cheered, getting his boyfriend to snort and look at him with a blush
“Woot indeed”, the Coronan King agreed, “right then, I’ll open the floor to any other ideas once the aforementioned ones have been named and discussed, for now, who would like to start?”
The room was silent for a moment, the freckled teen felt his heart skip *several* beats, before he felt Hugo hold his hand under the table, looking at the blond, he saw an encouraging smile on the bespeckled teen’s face, it made him feel brave. So, with a shaky breath, Varian raised his hand, “I h-have-*ahem* a few ideas I’d like to name…. Uh please”
Queen Arianna and Rapunzel both smiled at the teen, it made him feel a lot better, especially when Hugo squeezed his hand happily. King Frederic nodded, “alright then Varian, you have the floor”
The teen stood and showed a list to the room, “I um… h-have….” He felt his voice dying down for a moment, he’d had to let go of Hugo’s hand when he stood, he felt lonely without it, his heart was racing again
“Am I allowed to stand with him?” He heard Hugo ask
“Yes, that’s allowed”, Queen Arianna agreed, getting her husband to nod
Varian felt a hand grab his and saw his boyfriend again, smiling and standing with him, “take a breath, it’s okay”, the blond alchemist said
The freckled teen nodded and took another breath or two, he felt loads better and was finally able to speak once more, “s-sorry about that”
“It’s alright, first meeting jitters are allowed, please continue Varian”, Frederic stated gently
The teen felt a pinch of appreciation for the king, a very small pinch, but it was there. He nodded before he looked at his list, “w-well, I was thinking that w-we could have some Seporian celebration d-during the Day of Hearts”
“What do you mean?”
“W-well, that day is the day the Seporians and Coronans became one through marriage, I was thinking that if we could m-maybe out in some of the ways they celebrate then it would be celebrating b-both cultures at once and everyone would learn more about their heritage and background”
The room seemed to be interested in this idea as the King looked at the Seporians, “how do you celebrate?”
Clementine smiled, “well, where you celebrate the Sun, and the Dark Kingdom celebrates the Moon, we Celebrate the Earth! During our festivities, we usually use what the Earth has blessed us with to create things, like dolls, ornaments, using the land to make food, that sort of thing, we don’t know how to celebrate the Day of Hearts because we’ve… uh… never celebrated that, heh…” She blushed
Kai stepped in, making Quirin raise a brow, the retired knight still being a little on the fence about this, particularly with the larger man, considering he’d tried to trick him when they were in Sage’s village, “I know this may come up at some point, but we want to give a sincere apology for our past transgressions, that’s not the Seporian way, and I feel like that should be said”
“Your apology has been noted, and appreciated”, Frederic replied, “I’d also like to extend an apology to your culture, it was not our intention to do harm to any part of your culture, had we known it was dying, we would’ve helped sooner”
“Thank you, your majesty”
“You’re welcome, and thank you, for allowing us to fix what was nearly broken beyond repair. For now however, I am curious about these ornaments and such, perhaps we can have a, sort of, do it yourself booth, maybe one that shows people how to make traditional ornaments?”
Clementine beamed with excitement, “oh that would be wonderful!” She squeaked, “I’d love to tech people how to make them! Oh and dolls too! They bring good luck!”
“Good luck?”
“Yes, we actually use charms and trinkets in our items, herbs and spices in our foods, in fact, it’s a little funny but, Alchemy was made by a Seporian”, she stated, “they used the herbs and plants around them to make chemicals that healed, the more they did it, the more other people began to use it in different ways! It became a science when word spread, so, it’s funny how the most famous Coronan was an alchemist, and the one Coronan we met before all of you happens to be an alchemist too!”
Varian felt something gurgle in his stomach a little but didn’t say anything, only letting out a slightly uncomfortable laugh before clearing his throat, “that’s really neat!”
“Isn’t it? Maybe we could have an alchemy booth too?” Clementine asked excitedly, “I’d love to show kids how to make healing potions the old fashioned way!”
Both Hugo and Varian felt a slight twang of anger run down their backs, but said nothing, though Quirin and Eugene definitely noticed, Rapunzel too as she flinched a little, grabbed her braid a bit, and looked at Varian as the retired knight and Dark Prince, both, looked at the pair with concern as the King chuckled, “I think we’ll need to think a little more about the traditional alchemy booth, but the ornaments and dolls are interesting, I’m certain we could add something like that, do you have any traditional dances in your culture?” He asked, trying to change the subject
“Oh yes, we have many traditional dances and some very nice music too! Even some instruments we’ve made, we also have different kinds of animals, for example, we raise dragons and actually have live pegasi, unicorns, and alicorns in our homelands!”
“Pegasi?”
“Winged horses”, Varian explained, “unicorns are horses with horns on their heads, and alicorns have both. I never knew they were real though”
“Very much so!” Clementine replied, “They stay in our lands because we’re vegan, we don’t eat or use animal products, it’s okay if others do, we just don’t is all”
“Huh, interesting, I never knew that”, the teen’s eyes seemed to sparkle a little, his previous annoyance dying down a bit as his curiosity took hold, “do they have magic? And how can pegasi and alicorns fly? Are their wingspans much bigger than that of an average bird?”
The Seporians snickered at the boy’s interest, “yes they have magic, they use said magic to help with their f,ting, their wings are *HUGE*, much bigger than a bird or most humans!” Maizie answered with a grin
“Wow, I uh… I’d honestly be interested in seeing them, oh! That uh, b-brings me to my next idea, a p-possible trip to the Seporians lands? I thought that having a select few people go might make the idea of joining cultures more appealing”
“I think that’s somethin we could arrange”, Kai stated, though you’d probably need some guards, there are still some Seporians that are…. Angry…. We’re tryin to change their tune, but it would be a good idea to have a few guards on standby, just in case”
Frederic nodded, “that’s been noted, I certainly think a trip to Seporia would be an eye opening experience, one that may have to be a bit later, after your introduction of course”
“Absolutely!” Juniper agreed, “we wouldn’t want anything to go too fast for anyone, we understand there may be a… adjustment period”
“Right…. We’re hoping to make it as smooth as possible”, Arianna replied
“I was also think w-we could add housing to the Seporians here”, Varian stated, “there’s lands in Old Corona that are no longer used, Eugene, Hugo, and I saw them during a study of some ancient myths, they’re close to the main road and, with a little touching up, could be used as a great amount of land for Seporians needing a space to stay in Corona”
“Old lands?” The Queen asked
“Yeah, it’s where the original center of Old Corona used to be”, Varian replied, “they’re close to the wall of Old Corona as well, so visitors could stay there as well, when I first saw them, I thought they’d be a good place to um…. M-make some room?” He asked, growing nervous as he realized everyone was watching him, he blushed
Hugo chuckled as he wrapped his arm around his boyfriend, “I was kinda wondering what was gonna happen to those overgrown fields”
“Overgrown?” Quirin asked
The blond alchemist snorted and raised a brow at the retired knight, “farmer sense getting tickled there pops?”
“Pffft! Pops!” Varian slapped a hand over his mouth and blushed even more
Quirin smirked and raised his own brow at the blond teen, “yes it is, overgrown is a dirty word *child*, so I’d watch it if I were you”, he stated playfully
Hugo grinned as he watched Varian giggle, “noted, in that case, may I suggest a vote saying pops has to handle the weeds?”
Eugene snickered, “I second that, with some help of course”
Rapunzel giggled before she looked at her dad, “I think it would be a good idea to have some housing for the Seporians we have here, as much as we try to accommodate them in the castle, I think they’d probably prefer their own space”, she looked at the Seporians, “wouldn’t you? A place to spread your wings so to speak?”
“We’d definitely appreciate it!” Clementine replied, “though, only if it’s okay with the rest of you”
The room seemed to agree, then it’s settled, once the lands have been tended to, we’ll have house rebuilt and made for you all to move into!” Frederic replied with a smack of his hammer to emphasize the point and make it final, “as for the celebration, we’ll need to discuss more on it, but I think it’d be a good start and a fine way to introduce yourselves into the kingdom, and the visit would come soon after your homes are built, that way we could spread the word to other Seporians wanting to join in the cause, does that sound fair at this point?”
Yes it does your majesty”, the Seporians replied with grins on their faces
The king nodded before looking at Varian, “do you have anymore ideas?”
The freckled teen looked at his list, “I have a few more, b-but they’re more for later dates, the three I mentioned were for the beginning stages”
“I see, how about we discuss the rest of those once the Day of Hearts has come and went, yeah? That way we have a gauge of reaction from the kingdom?”
“Yes your majesty”
Frederic nodded before he looked around, “does anyone else have any more ideas or comments about how else would could introduce the Seporians?”
“I have a question” Eugene said, getting the king to look at him, “we never got an answer to weather or not Quirin will be in charge of tending the overgrown lands in old Corona. I was at that place, like Varian said, it’s really bad over there”
“How bad?” The retired knight asked
“Forest levels of bad, I had to cut through the nature with my sword, and even then we got lost a little bit and had to have Ruddigar climb up a tree in order to point us in the right direction”
“Yup, it’s true, the ‘King of the wild’ was overshadowed by a raccoon”, Hugo teased
“…..I also vote to place the cheerleader in a time out corner for the rest of this meeting, anyone in agreement?”
“Nu”, Varian replied, hugging Hugo, “I like my cheerleader”
“Woo!” Hugo cheered, getting Eugene to huff a little
“If it’s that bad, we wouldn’t want anyone to go through any trouble”, Clementine stated before she stopped she saw the look on the Village Leader’s face, “…..why does he look excited?”
“Untamed land, new flowers and plants, yards and yards of digging, weeding, hoeing, plowing, and planting!” Quirin exclaimed dreamily
Hector snickered, “big garden”, he said
“But playground more like”, Adria added, “Quirin playground”
“Shush you two”, Edmund scolded, “let him have his moment”
The two fighters snickered as Quirin raised a grumpy brow at them before Arianna chuckled, “it seems as though you want to, but you’ll need men and women to help, we can send some extra hands”
“We could also help”, Juniper stated, “we may not seem like it, but all of us love to garden and plant and weed, we’re not farmers, but we’ve got gardens that we tend back home, we’d love to pitch in”
“That may actually be a good idea too!” Varian replied, “if the people of Old Corona and the Capital see you all helping build your homes here, they’d be more inclined to allow it, though you may get comments, just be aware of that”
“We’re aware, we didn’t make the…. Best… impression on this kingdom”, Clementine stated with a sad look, Varian didn’t argue, though he did look down a bit, catching the older women’s attention
“As stated before, we’re hoping we can move on from that, but yeah if you would be willing to help, it would be appreciated”, Rapunzel stated, “right dad?”
“Right”, Frederic replied, “I think Quirin taking over the land tending with some helping hands, and the Seporians, is a fine idea, is everyone in agreement?” The room was full of yes’s, with one woot from the resident cheerleader before the King’s hammer made the verdict final. He then looked around once more, “does anyone else have any other ideas?”
No one spoke up, everyone seemed satisfied by the meeting’s events as Varian and Hugo sat down, Arianna smiled, “that seems like a no”
“Alright, then I call this meeting to a close, we’ll discuss details as the time draws nearer, there will another meeting held before the Day of Hearts, which will be the Seporians introduction, during that time, the overgrown lands in Old Corona will be tended to, lead by our Village Leader, Quirin Vanguard, along with help from the Seporians and a few other Coronans, the finalized with a trip to Seporia once we have a more accurate gauge on how others will react to the Seporian, Coronan, integration, with these events set I place for now, I call this meeting to a close!” He hit his hammer on the stand and smiled, “there’s refreshments in the dining area, vegan and non vegan options are available-!”
“Thank fuck!” Hector interrupted, getting Adria to snort
The Corona king raised a brow before he continued, “thank you all for attending todays meeting, I bid you all a good day!”
With that, everyone stood and began to file out of the room, which had gotten pretty hot from the amount of shared body heat. Varian let out the biggest breath of his life as he stepped out of the stuffy room, Arianna walking past and putting her hand on his shoulder with a smile, “you did so well in there!”
“I d-did?”
“Yes you did, you should be very proud, my first meeting, I fainted”
“You did?!”
She giggled, “yes, it’s nerve wracking, but you did very well, get some rest and keep up the great work”, she stated before giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze and joining her husband
Varian smiled gratefully at the Queen as she left his side before he was hugged from behind, his eyes blocked by fingerless gloved hands, “guess who!”
“Hmmmm…. Eugene”
“Bleh! No”
Varian giggled, “Robin!”
“The shy apple delivery kid with blond hair? Not even close, he is cute though”
“Oi! No hitting on Robin!”
“I will if you do t guess who I am in the next turn”
Varian snorted, “Huuuuuuugo”
He heard a chuckle before his eyes were freed and he felt a kiss on his lips. He returned it and smiled as his boyfirned’s emerald eyes filled his vision, “Vaaaaaaaaaaaaarian”
The freckled teen smirked, “nice cheerleading”
“Thank you! Worked really hard on them! Next time I’ll spell your name wi5 my hands and pompoms!”
“You’d better not!”
“I might!”
The two giggled before they heard a voice behind them, “the words ‘keep it clean’ mean nothing to your two, do they”
They blushed before turning and seeing Quirin, “oh uh, hiya dad, didn’t see you there”, Varian responded
“You’re fine”, his father replied, “though I have a small bone to pick with you”, he stared, scooping Hugo up and Gerri g the teen to let out a small yelp of surprise before laughing, “pops?”
“I take it that’s a no on the whole ‘me calling you some form of dad’ thing then?” The blond asked with a sheepish grin as Varian giggled
Quirin smirked, “it’s fine, though ‘pops’ is a bit different”
“Would you like me to call you papa or daddy?”
“…..I uh…. I think not”
Hugo laughed at the retired knight’s blush, “you two I swear with your blushing!”
The Village Leader sighed before he kissed the blond’s head and set him down, “stinker”
Varian hugged is boyfriend lovingly, all of them were snickering and joking around before a quiet voice interrupted them, “excuse me, um, Varian?”
They all looked and saw the Seporians standing beside them, Varian feeling a large lump fall into his stomach when he noticed Clementine looking directly at him, “oh uh, h-hi! Did um…. D-did you all need something?” He asked nervously, trying to be friendly with them
The group looked a little uncomfortable before Kai sighed and stepped forwards, “Varian we uh… wanna talk…. About…. Andrew and…. What happened in the past….”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the later update, been a little crazy lately, but I finally got it done today! Hints are starting to get set! The Seporians are finally being introduced and the ball is rolling the get them back to being a part of Corona, though there’s still a few personal things to work out, like Varian’s relationship to the Seporians as a whole! :3
I won’t go into detail about the characters, I hope the chapter did a good job of it ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 351: Take A Moment! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian finally realizes why he doesn’t want to talk about the Seporian’s treatment of him!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I take it that’s a no on the whole ‘me calling you some form of dad’ thing then?” The blond asked with a sheepish grin as Varian giggled
Quirin smirked, “it’s fine, though ‘pops’ is a bit different”
“Would you like me to call you papa or daddy?”
“…..I uh…. I think not”
Hugo laughed at the retired knight’s blush, “you two I swear with your blushing!”
The Village Leader sighed before he kissed the blond’s head and set him down, “stinker”
Varian hugged is boyfriend lovingly, all of them were snickering and joking around before a quiet voice interrupted them, “excuse me, um, Varian?”
They all looked and saw the Seporians standing beside them, Varian feeling a large lump fall into his stomach when he noticed Clementine looking directly at him, “oh uh, h-hi! Did um…. D-did you all need something?” He asked nervously, trying to be friendly with them
The group looked a little uncomfortable before Kai sighed and stepped forwards, “Varian we uh… wanna talk…. About…. Andrew and…. What happened in the past….”
A *freezing* chill ran down Varian’s back *immediately*! The teen tensed and felt all the wind leave his lungs, but he said nothing, focusing his mind and trying to keep himself calm as he took a slow breath, then let it out before finally speaking, “you w-wanted to speak to me about…. Um…”
“The past”, Clementine replied, “a-and Andrew, we just… wanted to clear the air, before…. We’ll before things kicked off with us being introduced into the kingdom and such”
The freckled alchemist looked at them for a long time before he plastered on the biggest smile he could, “it’s alright, like the king said, it’s all in the past now! Nothing t-to worry about, so you’re fine, you d-don’t have to worry about m-me! Eheh heh….”
Maizie sighed before she stepped up, “Clementine noticed your look during the meeting when King Frederic mentioned the past, she noticed you look sad”, the women stated bluntly, “I realize we’re the last people you probably wanna see, but…. We wanna fix things the right way….. Andrew….” She visibly flinched at the mention of his name before shaking her head to clear whatever thought she had, away, “*h-he* must’ve mentioned to you that kids are sacred in our lands…. When we…. Followed his orders and did what we did to you…. We we’re just as responsible for the trauma that you went through…. It ain’t right, and we wanna fix it, so…..”
Hugo stepped forwards next, standing in front of Varian defensively, “I get that, we all do, but you may have to give him some time for all of that”, he stated, “what happened between all of you was…. Bad…. And we all understand you wanting to make amends, but for us, and for Varian specifically, it’s gonna take time”
“We understand that, but he’s gonna be the main person helpin bring our culture back for the brink of death”, Maizie stated, “we don’t want him doin that and facin us while tryin to fight back his inner demons at the same time. We wanna rip the bandaid off so he can heal”
“Time and place are important in that factor though”, Hugo argued, “if you’re not willing to let him choose when he’s ready, then you won’t be ripping off a bandaid, you’ll be adding more scars”
“We won’t hurt him-!”
“Not saying you will, just saying that if you push then you’ll end up causing more damage-!”
“But if we work through it together then-!”
“Then what? You’ll feel better about yourself?!”
“No! It’s not like that!”
“Isn’t it?”
“Varian?”, Hugo and Maizie stopped when Quirin’s quiet voice chimed in, looking at the man as he held his son, the teen was breathing rapidly, his skin was pale and sweaty as he had a hand on his shoulder and the other clinging to his father’s vest
“Shit! Freckles, hey, I’m sorry, it’s alright, it’s alright!” Hugo stated, immediately going to his boyfriend’s side and trying to calm him down before he looked at Quirin, “I d-didn’t mean to-!”
“I know, but we can talk about it later, for now, get Ruddigar and bring him to this guest bedroom over here”, Quirin stated, gesturing to an empty room nearby
Hugo nodded before he ran off, the Seporians watched him go before Clementine stepped over to Quirin and watched the freckled teen, “is he…. Okay?”
“He’s having a panic attack, not to be rude, but do you mind giving him a little room?” Quirin asked gently. Clementine nodded as she noticed the teen’s hands begin to shake, she backed up and watched the retired knight rearrange his son so the boy was being carried bridal style. The teen clung to his father even more now, still breathing rapidly, but as his father whispered a few quiet words to him, the teen calmed down a bit. At least, enough for the man to walk over to the guest room and enter
The Seporians followed, unsure of what else to do, they saw Quirin sit on a bed with Varian still in his arms, the teen’s head was placed on his father’s chest, right where his heart was. Quirin’s thumb rubbed his son’s cheek gently as he continued to keep his boy close. “Um….” Clementine began, “I uh…. Have a calming drink that might help”, she offered
The retired knight shook his head, “I appreciate it, but he won’t drink it right now, in fact, he may choke if he does. How about you close the door instead please, you all can stay, just close the door”
“Right”, Clementine closed the door and waited, watching the teen for a moment or two before getting nasty, “what’s happening to him?”
“He’s panicking”, Quirin replied, “give him a moment to calm down and I’ll explain, he needs things a little quiet for now”, the man stated gently
Clementine nodded as she and the other Seporians became silent, waiting and watching as they saw the boy’s breaths begin to slow down. They watched his father work with him, asking him simple questions, giving short but gentle orders as the boy calmed himself, the rapid breathing subsided and his hands stopped shaking so much. They still stayed quiet even after Varian shakily sat up and was set on his father’s lap. The next time they spoke again was when Varian noticed them watching, “uh…. Hi”, Clementine said
“H-hi”, Varian replied, blushing a lot as he gave a small wave to the group
No one said anything until they heard a small knock on the door, “hey it’s me, I’ve got Ruddigar”, Hugo’s voice called through the door
Quirin smiled, “come on in Hugo”
The door opened and the blond walked in, followed by Lance and a very concerned looking Eugene, “sorry about the extra company, but they saw me dash to get Ruddigar and I kinda had to explain”
The retired knight chuckled before nodding, “it’s fine, Varian’s better now”
“He is?” Hugo asked before seeing Varian, “FRECKLES!” He ran over and hugged the teen, “fuck I-I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have done that, I just got m-mad, I’m so so so so *soooo* sorry!”
“It’s okay Hugo”, his boyfriend replied tiredly as Ruddigar hopped onto his boy’s shoulder and nuzzled the teen, instantly filling him with relief as the alchemist scratched his best friend’s ear, “it’s alright, I understand”
“No it’s not…. I shouldn’t have done that….. I fucking learned my lesson when getting into it with the fucking Captain yet I did the same thing…. Again…”
“Hugo”, Varian placed his hand against his boyfriend’s cheek, getting the teen to flinch a little before he looked up and saw the freckled alchemist smiling lovingly at him, “it’s really okay”
The blond was startled by that before he smiled and hugged Varian again, “I love you”
“I love you too”
The room was silent once more, but everyone was smiling at the pair before they parted, “so aside from the nerd love I’m seeing, are you alright Hairstripe?” Eugene asked with a playful smile
“Yeah, I’m oki”, Varian replied with a smirk as Hugo blushed, “just sleepy”, he then looked at the Seporians, “a-and…. Um….” He sighed, “ok I…. Have to be honest…. I…. I’m still nervous…. Talking to all of you directly….” He stated softly, “hence my hesitation…. I k-know you wanna make amends, I do too…. It’s just…. With everything t-that happened…. With A-Andrew and…. T-that year we were together….. it’s…. H-hard…..”
Lance blinked, “was *that* what this was about?”
Quirin chuckled, “well that and a very defensive boyfriend being a good bean and standing up for his tiny Juliet when they couldn’t speak for themselves”
Varian and Hugo both blushed before they looked at the retired knight and gave an embarrassed, “hey!” At the same time
Eugene and Lance laughed as Quirin gave a playful wink to his boy, “am I wrong?”
“Oki, first, if I were *any* princess, I’d either be Rapunzel herself, or Ariel sir!” Varian stated
His father raised a brow, “why Ariel? Do you want to be a mermaid?”
Varian blushed, “NU! …..Maybe…. B-but that’s not the reason! I-it’s because she fits my personality is all! Her and Rapunzel both go and fight their own battles and are curious about something which ultimately leads them to go on their journeys! They don’t just sit and wait for their Prince to come! Ariel even *saves* Eric from Ursula, and from drowning! Plus both princes, that the princess’s fell in love with, have personalities that match Hugo’s!”
Eugene raised an amused brow, “so *that’s* why you like Hugo?”
Varian’s blush became worse, “N-NU!!!!! I like him cause he’s sassy and funny and cute and handsome and kind and-and-and….. Y-you’re mean!”
The Dark Prince snickered as Hugo and Quirin smiled lovingly at the teen before Lance chimed in, “as funny as this is, is there somethin you need to talk about little man?”
Varian looked at the former thief before he looked at the Seporians and sighed, “they um…. W-wanna discuss… t-the past and… A-Andrew, I um…. I-I’m not sure how…. Or even *where* t-to start…. Um….. Or I-if I even want to…. I… d-don’t know…”
Lance smiled, “well, I guess the best way to find that out is to ask yourself, do you wanna talk about it?”
Varian thought for a moment before he shrugged, “my stomach gets flip floppy….”
Lance chuckled, “that’s normal, flip floppy stomachs are a small sign of anxiety…. Or hunger, did ya eat anything today?”
“…..Define…. *Today*”
“Varian-!”
“I was nervous!”
The former thief sighed as Eugene snorted, “I’m getting you food Hairstripe”
“I’m sorry….”
“It’s alright, what do you want?”
“I um…. I dunno…”
“Better choke quick, cause I’m walking out the door riiiiiiiiiiiii-!”
“Oki oki! Uh…. H-ham sandwich? W-with mustard and cheese?”
Eugene smiled and nodded, “sounds good, there’s apple juice too, want some?” Varian nodded, getting his big brother to laug, “alright, I’ll be back”, he said before walking out of the room
Quirin snickered, “you’re so cute”
Varian blushed, “am not…”
“Are too”, Hugo stated before kissing his boyfriend’s cheek as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy lovingly
Lace smiled before he looked at the Seporians, “do you mind tellin me what ya wanna talk to Varian so much?”
Kai stepped forwards, “well we noticed Varian had a…. Sorta sad look on his face while in the meetin. We kinda figured it was because of the way we treated him in the past and…. Well we wanna fix things with him first, score we fix things with our culture…. Didn’t realize it would end up causin him to…. Well…. Do that….”
Lance looked at Varian sadly as the teen looked down before the former thief sighed, “are ya doin it to make yourselves feel better? Or are ya doin it because you truly wanna fix things, it’s important to know which one ya want, because it’ll make a difference, trust me”
Clementine spoke up for this, being the one to notice the teen’s look seemed to have affected her the most, “we really wanna fix things, we made mistakes in the past, Andrew…. M-may have been the biggest offender towards Varian…. But we weren’t kind to him either, and we never stopped the obvious abuse we saw….. if we’re really going to fix things and be the Seporians we should be, then we want to fix things with Varian first and foremost, we just…. Don’t know how to start that, I though saying something directly to him would be a good idea but…. He ended up panicking and…. Well….”
“I see”, Lance stated before signing and looking at Varian again, “knowing what they really want now, does that change your answer?”
The teen thought for a moment before he let out a small breath, “it um..,, m-makes a difference, just…. I don’t k-know where to start either…. I mean…. If I’m h-honest, I’d rather just…. Fix your culture and move on…. B-but…. That isn’t healthy…. Is it….”
“It is if that’s really what you think will help you”, Lance replied
“What do you mean?”
“Well, talkin about how you feel and fixin how you feel about the things ya talk about aren’t the only ways to heal. Sometimes knowing that you need space, or simply doin something to help people can be just as good. But ya have to know the difference”
“How would I know?”
“There are ways to tell, ask yourself if you truly think simply fixin somethin and movin on will really fix it or not, that’s one way. If you don’t have an answer, then maybe make a list, list what you want and don’t want to do, sometimes putting your thoughts on somethin you can physically see helps too. And if nothin else, do that somethin that you think will help you, then see how you feel. Do you feel like you can finally move on after that? Or do you need something else?”
“So… it’s sort of a guessing game”
“Kinda, but unlike other games, you can take your time on it, you can even start right here if ya want”
“How?”
“Well, why are ya helpin them?”
“The Seporians? Because their culture is dying”
“Is that the only reason?”
Varian was quiet for a moment before he sighed and shook his head, “no…. I…. P-promised Andrew….”
The Seporians seemed startled by that, “you promised him?” Clementine asked
“Yeah, w-well….” He sighed, “we were dangling from the cliff, the stick was about to s-snap, and we were about to dry together, w-when….”
“When what?” Maizie asked, almost desperately as she stared at the teen
Varian sighed as he recounted Andrew’s final moments:
*The two watched the twig panic rising in their hearts more and more before Andrew looked down at the river below them, he saw the rushing river and the large rocks near the shore and sighed, "Varian, promise me something"
"I-!"
"Please, promise me something"
Varian was quiet for a moment, "...w-what?"
"Promise me", Andrew pulled the teen up, using all the strength he could to get the teen to his hip, "that you'll help my people"
"A-Andrew, w-what are yo-!"
"Promise me", he dropped and re-caught Varian, rearranging his grip so that his arm was around the teen's stomach, "that you'll stick with and care about your friends and family"
"W-what are yo-!"
"And promise me", he pulled the teen up to eye level with him as tears slid down his face, "that you'll stop blaming yourself"
"A-Andrew-!" Varian couldn't finish as the Seporian threw him up onto the cliff, getting him to land safely on the edge. He got up and looked down, seeing the twig about to snap, "ANDREW!"
"Promise me kid!"
"I-I-I-!
"Please!" the Seporian looked up at him with a smile, "please don't let what I did hurt you anymore, don't let me be the reason you can't move forward and be the best damn alchemist you can be! Please, please promise me Varian!"
"A-Andrew I", Varian tried to reach out to him, "I-I-!"
"Please", the twig snapped, right as Varian caught the Seporian's hand and held on, "you’ve gotta let me go, or else you're gonna fall in too! You gotta promise me!"
"I-I CAN'T!"
"YOU HAVE TO!"
"B-but-!"
"Varian if you don't let me go you're gonna fall, both fugitively and literally, you're going to drown in your past and never heal and I would be the one who did that to you! I hurt you kid, I know that, I know... And I'm so sorry, but promise me, and let me go, let me help you, please!" He looked up at the teen, "let me be the Seporian I should be"
The alchemist felt his grip weaken, he couldn't hold on much longer, his arms hurt too much as the wounds he had began to rip open once more. He saw blood flow from them and felt faint and dizzy, Ruddigar tried to help him keep his grip, but he could tell it was slipping, so with tears in his eyes, he looked at the man who'd abused and tortured him for years, and nodded, "I p-promise... A-and I... I forgive you Andrew, I forgive you".
The Seporian leader smiled wide as one last tear slid down his face, "thank you", he said, before he let go of Varian's hand, and fell
"ANDREW!!!!!!" Varian screamed, trying to re-grab the man, but began to fall himself, only to be caught by someone else as he watch the man splash into the river below.
"Varian!" Quirin stated, holding onto his son's hand as tight as he could, "Varian I-I... I'm here...." He lifted his son, and Ruddigar, up and brought him back to the cliff's edge as Catalina, in werewolf form, backed up, "I... I...."
The alchemist sniffled as he looked at the river below before he turned to his dad and burst into tears, "I-I c-couldn't h-hold on! I-I c-couldn't.... H-he.... A-Andrew...." He cried and cried, his father wrapping his arms around his son and holding him tight*
Varian sniffled as he finished, Ruddigar nuzzling him as he did, “damn….” Hugo stated, “I knew he fell but….. what he said….”
“Oh Andrew…..” Maizie stated as she fell to her knees and cried, “Andrew….”
Juniper walked over and began to comfort her, is eyes wet with his own tears as he rubbed the girl’s back gently. Kai looked down, unable to speak as Clementine smiled at the teen, “you…. You’re such a kind boy”, she said
“H-how? How am I kind… I d-don’t even know if what I s-said was real…. T-the final words he received c-could’ve been a lie…. H-how is that kind?” Varian asked
Clementine chuckled, her tears sliding down her face as she shook her head, “you didn’t lie, you’re currently doing what you said you’d do. You’re helping us, you’re taking care of your family, and you’re trying to move on, trying to not let him hurt you anymore. That wasn’t a lie, even if you can’t forgive him, you told you did, tried to allow him to move on, because some part of you knew he wouldn’t make it. You’re so kind, so kind to him, and to us….. That’s why we want to talk to you, we want t share that same kindness”
“Why?”
“Because of what you’re doing”, Kai replied with a sniffle as he looked at the teen, “you told the king to help, and now we’re gettin help, you didn’t have to give ideas, didn’t have to learn about our culture, hell you could’ve let us suffer for our transgressions. But ya didn’t, instead you’re helpin us, you’re keepin your promise, and…. You allowed Andrew to go in peace, even gave him a proper funeral…. You’re so kind, and…. Even if you did all that to help yourself, it still means the world to us, so, sincerely, thank you Varian, for everything”
The teen was startled by that, but he nodded, “I…. Y-you’re welcome”, he blushed
Lance noticed, “Varian, do you need to talk about anything else?”
“…..I…..” Varian sniffled, “I don’t want to…..”
“Do you know why?”
“…..because…. B-because I’d be stepping all over A-Andrew…” he finally admitted, getting everyone to look at him with shock, they were left speechless as Varian closed his eyes, small tears escaping his eyes as the teen tried to hide from their stares
Notes:
Hello!
I’m sick!!!!! Yaaaaaay…… Seasonal allergies are mean to me, so I may be gone for a few days, sorry, it I hope you all like this chapter, I tried to make it longer and wanted to make it thought provoking, at least a little bit!
So yeah, the Seporians are finally trying to talk to Varian, I wanna give them personality, since we didn’t get much from the show, so here’s some personality from them.
I feel like Clementine is the mother of the group, she seems to be the oldest, almost as if she raised everyone, Andrew being her primary kid since she stuck close to him, she also was wit Kai when Varian and co escaped.
Kai and Juniper were on patrol together when they found Rapunzel, they also seemed to be talking to each other, so I’m guessing they’re pretty close.
Maizie seemed a little distant than the rest, so I’m guessing she’s the most aggressive, but I have an odd feeling she may have been really close to Andrew himself, which I’ll dive into more soon, hence why she cried at Andrew’s final words while the others were emotional but not as much as her
Varian was the closest to Andrew, he and Andrew stuck together the most, Varian only spoke with Andrew whenever we saw the two on screen, so I’m guessing Andrew was Varian’s main connection to the group, but Moon bean may had a close connection to Clementine as well since she was with Varian and Andrew when the bean was testing out his chemical, so Clementine may have gotten close to the bean too, poss lay as a contingency plan
Quirin being a good papa and protecting his bean when he has a panic attack, hims a wholesome papa, also, little moment with him picking on his sons, it’s adorable and I love writing those moments XD
Eugene being the one to get on Varian about his eating habits seems to suit him perfectly. He’s the big brother that keeps his little brother’s physical health up and running, with a little teasing just because XD
Lance is being a king again, this man knows no bounds I swear XD
Hugo being a protective boyfriend, also a very anxious boyfriend, he felt so bad! This poor blond bean! ❤️
Ruddy buddy is back y’all! He’s the best raccoon ever!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 352: Take a Moment! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian finally understands what he feels towards the Seporians, and is finally able to make a decision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lance noticed, “Varian, do you need to talk about anything else?”
“…..I…..” Varian sniffled, “I don’t want to…..”
“Do you know why?”
“…..because…. B-because I’d be stepping all over A-Andrew…” he finally admitted, getting everyone to look at him with shock, they were left speechless as Varian closed his eyes, small tears escaping his eyes as the teen tried to hide from their stares
Quirin blinked before he spoke up, “stepping…. All over Andrew?”
“Y-yes…..” his son replied timidly
“Bubby why do you think you’d be doing that?”
The teen sighed before he looked up at his father, “i-it’s bad to speak i-ill of the dead…. T-that and….” He looked at the Seporians before him, “they’re…. The last of him….”
His father raised a brow before realizing what his child meant, “oh Varian…. Son, you wouldn’t be disrespecting him if you told us how you feel about them, even if it’s negative”
“B-but he…. A-Andrew-!”
“Is gone”, Hugo stated bluntly
“Hugo!”
“I realize that’s rude, but it’s the truth! I’m not saying the man deserved to die, I’m simply saying he’s gone, it’s a fact. I know that’s hard to accept, but if you keep allowing it to stop you from whatever you wanna say or do with the Seporians, then you’ll never be able to move on”
Varian huffed , “didn’t have to put too fine a point on it….” He said with a pout
The blond chuckled, “class isn’t my thing when it comes to you love, I’m blunt and sassy, to what makes us a great team”
“Still…”
The bespeckled teen smiled, “look I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to upset you, but if you keep thinking about the fact that at he’s gone, then you won’t be able to keep your promise to him”
Varian froze before he looked at his boyfriend, “I….. I still plan on keeping that promise”
“A part of that was you promising to not let him hold you back”
“….I just…. J-just….”
“Varian”, Quirin said gently, cupping his son’s cheek in his hand, “it’s okay t take your time with this, believe me, no one is rushing you. But….. Hugo’s right, if you keep holding on to the people you’ve lost, you’ll never be able to move forwards”
“I know… I…. I wanna let it go… let him go…. But…. I…. W-we gave him a Seporian funeral, we said our goodbyes…. I should be fine now, I had my closure, my moment to be angry and let it go….”
“Freckles are you sure this is really about your *anger*”, Hugo asked, Ruddigar chittered in agreement as he looked at his boy curiously
Varian felt his breath hitch in his throat for a second before he looked away, “…..I thought it w-was….”
“What do you think it is now?” Lance asked
“I don’t know…. I really don’t….”
The Seporians, seeing the teen’s behavior, frowned, all of them knowing they were partly to blame for this, which gave Clementine an idea, “could it be because you have some resentment towards us, but combined it with your fear of Andrew?” She asked, getting Varian to look at her, “it’s happened before…. Seporians always act together, even when Andrew acted alone to try and steal the book of Herz Der Sonne, a lot of us knew about his plans and were a back up in case he failed, that’s why we came to Corona in the first place. Because we hadn’t received letters from him in a while and that meant he’d been captured”
“Wait, weren’t you surprised when you found out Andrew tried to steal the book?” Lance asked with a raised brow
“We knew he had, we thought he’d tried to talk to the rulers first, that was the plan, talk to them about establishing peace, if that doesn’t work, steal the book and force them to establish peace for it to return. We knew it’s a Coronan artifact, so it would be important to all of you. Plus it has a map of the dungeons, something we could use to try and convince the citizens to allow Seporians back into the walls, so when we found out he was captured….”
“You thought the rulers said no and he was forced to take the book, you didn't realize he never tried to speak with them at all….”
“Yeah….”
“I see….”
Clementine looked at Varian, “I’m right though…. Aren’t I? About how you felt, or feel, about us?”
The freckled teen was silent for a long time before he sighed and nodded, “yeah…..” he finally admitted, “you all… you weren’t as bad as him…. B-but you…. Could still be….”
“Cruel”, Juniper said, “the word you’re looking for is cruel, and yes, we were, to you in particular”, the rest of the Seporians nodded in agreement
“I remember the times you went without food”, Maizie stated, “due to you failing another attempt on the Quirineon….. I remember eating in front of you…. Hearing your stomach growl and thinking it was what you deserved…. I hated it…. But… I didn’t stop”
“The times I locked you inside that closet with all the mirrors….” Kai stated before he and Varian both shivered, “I hated that too…”
“Closet full of mirrors?” Hugo asked
“The… F-Failure closet….” Varian said softly, “it had… m-mirrors, tons of them, a-and the odd ‘f-failure’ written on the ceilings and walls…. N-no matter where I turned I was a-always facing a mirror….”
Hugo looked at his boyfriend in shock, “Varian….”
“I-it got me better at alchemy”, Varian said with a bitter chuckle before Hugo hugged him tight, getting a few tears to escape the freckled teen’s eyes as he accepted the hug
“You were so skinny when I saw you again….” Quirin stated quietly, “I can’t believe…..”
“We were cruel”, Kai stated, “we did it because we thought it was the right thing to do, but….” He didn’t finish that statement as he looked down in shame
“But you feel like you should be punished for what you all did, and to be honest, I’m kinda in agreement”, a voice stated, getting everyone to look and see Eugene standing near the door, a plate of food in his hand and a glare on his face as he looked at the Seporians
“That’s why we wanted to talk to Varian”, Clementine said, “I may not have physically done anything, but I remember saying cruel things to him…..” she admitted
ThenDark Prince raised a brow, “care to share?”
“Well…. Like how he’d never see his father again if he didn’t do things correctly, or how Andrew and I would make him feel worse after he came out of the failure closet by telling him it was for his own good…..”
“And you think simply saying ‘sorry’ is gonna fix all that?” Eugene growled
“Well no…. But we wanna try to help…. To fix it somehow”
“You got a suggestion? I’d love to hear one for all the shit I just heard you admit, and I wasn’t in the room for very long”, the Dark Prince stated as he walked over to Varian and set the plate of food down next to the teen
“E-Eugene, I….” Varian tried, but he really didn’t know what he wanted to say, “I…..”
Quirin looked at his son and saw the panic in his child’s eyes again, he sighed before, gently, grabbing Eugene’s hand, getting the man to look at him, “let Varian decide”, he said softly, “you’re angry, I am too, but let Varian decide”
“Quirin’s right Eugene”, Lance stated, “if we choose for him, it’ll only make things worse” he said, trying to hide his shaking hand behind his back as he did
The Dark Prince growled again but nodded before sitting next to Quirin, who had Varian on his lap, “you’re both right….. but I’m definitely not happy about it”
“Neither are we”, the two said together
Clementine sighed before she looked at Varian, “I’m really sorry…. I understand this isn’t fair to ask…. But we really wanna try and help you move past…. Us….. and Andrew….. we wanna try to be better, but we understand if you need time”
The teen felt something familiar about this before remembering what he’d said to King Frederic:
* "I-I called out for m-my mom... S-she's dead... Gone... A-and I called out to her b-because I was scared... I d-don't... I...." The alchemist let out a sob, trying to catch his breath, "I d-don't want to cry right n-now... I...." He looked at the king, "y-you didn't c-care... You d-d-didn't care... I called o-out for her... A-and you d-didn't stop.... Y-your guards, your people, e-even the captain h-hesitated... B-but you... You j-just watched.... I..." He sniffled again and glared at Frederic, "I d-don't feel anything for you, pain, care, love, hate, I... I'm just numb, n-numb, angry, and scared... I d-don't want you to feel what I felt, I w-wouldn't wish that o-on my mortal enemies... B-but I..." He shook his head, "Ruddigar was taken a-away from me, t-told by your guards that I w-would be w-whipped again if he didn't leave... T-that was under your watch... And y-you didn't care..." He sighed, "I think I just... d-don't wanna care about you anymore... I d-don't wanna feel anything towards you, y-you're here though, in my m-mind... A-and you won't leave me alone... You c-can apologize, y-you can try to make up for it... B-but...." The teen felt the final tears slide down his cheeks as he stared right at Frederic, "y-you know what? I... I think I n-need you to leave me alone.... I d-don't want you to try and m--make up for it, I d-don't want you to try and help me f-feel better, because I don't, I won't, a-and you trying is m-making me feel worse...."
The king's shoulders dropped, "are... You sure? I.... I want to try-!"
"I'm sure...." Varian stated, "y-you can feel all the guilt you want to, y-you can feel all the anxiety and worry, go ahead, I m-may not want you to feel what I f-felt, but I won't s-stop you from feeling what you feel. B-but I... I don't want your apology, I d-don't want it b-because no matter how bad you feel, I... I w-won't believe it..." He looked up at his father, "you hurt my father badly, and if he w-wants an apology, then you apologize to *him*.... B-but", Varian looked at the king again, "I w-want you to l-leave *me* alone.... I w-won't disrespect you... I won't ignore you if w-we happen to be in the same room... B-but I... I c-can't forgive you for what you did... You c-can't fix what you did to me, Ruddigar, or my father, n-not in my eyes... I can see why you felt the way you did, I c-can understand your anger when I kidnapped your wife a-and you fear when I threatened your daughter... I served my time, I apologized... You were still cruel to me... You kept going... U-under your watche, you let guards hurt me, you had me lashed publicly, and s-sometimes your guards would do little lashes here and there j-just to make me remember... You locked my aunt up for trying to help me when my father got stuck... You.... No...." Varian shook his head, "I c-can't and won't forgive you.... I won't forget what you did to me or my father.... I n-need you to leave me alone..."
"I.... Ok..." Frederic replied sadly, "if... If there's anyway I can make up for what I did to you, w-will you let me know?"
"By leaving me alone...." The teen repeated, "m-maybe there'll be a day when I'll want an apology... B-but for right now, I want you to stay away from me... You really hurt me, you hurt my father, you hurt my raccoon... I... I don't want anything from you... Nothing..."
"I understand", the Coronan king replied solemnly, "if it'll be better for you... I'll stay away..."
Varian nodded before sighing, "t-thank you..."*
The teen sighed, he couldn’t do the same thing, he was going to help the Seporians, weather he wanted to or not…. But…. As he looked at the group, all he could feel was….. “fear….” He said
“What?” Maizie asked
“Fear…. You all did what you did out of fear….. just like I did all I did out of anger….”
“Right, but the doesn’t justify-!” Kai began
“I know, and y-you’re right, it definitely doesn’t justify what you all did to me…. You scared and hurt me, added to my torment so you could stick in Andrew’s good graces. For all intense and purposes, you made me the scapegoat, just like King Frederic did….. but…. It was out of fear for the same person, Andrew….. I told the King I wanted him to be left alone, but that won’t help me here…. I’m going to keep my promise to Andrew, because he…… went down a very bad path…. But one that he can’t really be blamed for….. he made up for it at the end, saving my life and trying to give me the closure I needed. He tried, and paid the ultimate sacrifice for it….. You all saved me too, from him….. you saved me and helped my family find me just in time. I suppose that’s part of the reason I’m so conflicted…. Because you all were in a similar boat…. You truly want to get better, I see that, so…. Show me”
“What do you mean?” Clementine asked
Varian smiled, “show me, show me how you wanna change, earn it, do better, take all the pain you’ve inflicted and reverse it tenfold. Show me you can be better, show me you can change, start here, start right now, bring the good of Seporia to Corona, help people, apologize to those you hurt, show me”, he stated confidently, “I’m tired of being upset and sad, I’m tired of feeling anxious and afraid, this time, I’m not. I helped you all, I didn’t do wrong by you, I tried to help and got hurt in the process. But I won’t punish you like I was punished, what’s the point? You’ve learned your lesson already, I don’t forgive you yet, I can’t, not right now, not until you show me you can change. Help people, do good things to reverse the bad, I’ll do the same, once you do, then we can move on. It’s gonna be hard, and scary, but I know you can do it, I know you can”
Clementine felt tears sting her eyes as she smiled, “just like you”
“Huh?”
“You did bad, but you’ve done so much good for everyone, that you’ve been forgiven. You’re giving us that chance, I…. We don’t deserve that…. We don’t, but….” She sniffled and nodded, “we’ll do it, we’ll fix everything and help make Corona better, we’ll prove it, show you, we will, and then…. Then we can….”
The teen saw the older women break down, her shame and fear filling her too much, Varian gave her a kind smile and hopped off the bed, he walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, she looked at him, “we can move on, together”
Clementine didn’t speak, she hugged the boy tight, Varian was startled, but he returned the hug. He noticed the other Seporians smiling at him and he smiled back. It would be hard, he knew that, he knew he wouldn’t be okay about this for a while. But he also knew how it felt, to be in their shoes. He could tell they wanted to change, so he’d give them a chance, everyone deserved a chance, even if he never forgot, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders, and felt someone smiling at him, brown eyes watched over the group as Varian looked up, he saw a familiar white vest disappear and sighed
*I’ll keep my word Andrew, I promise*
Notes:
Hello! 😁
Sorry for being sick, didn’t mean for that to happen, but we’ve got a new chapter today! Woot! Varian finally makes a decision about the Seporians, which is honestly something I’ve been wanting to explore for a while, so here it is!
The Seporians only acted out of fear of their leader, I didn’t touch too much on this before, but Andrew was their leader, and as such, he made the rules. Seporians live like everyone’s family, and in a family, the leaders are to be listened to, if anyone strays from that, well, Andrew’s famous line comes back to haunt all of them, ‘traitors to Seporia pay with their lives’. How do we know he hadn’t become so desperate that he hadn’t said that to the Seporians following him?
He grew to such a desperate point that he just didn’t care anymore, and Varian paid the price, but so did the other Seporians, at least in this story. I don’t think he abused them per say, but I think he had enough power that he could convince any of the others that one of them was a traitor had they not done what he’d said. I’ll get into it more later, this isn’t the last we see of the Seporians, but for now, it is the last we’ll see of them for a while.
Varian and Hugo are being adorable boyfriends, and it’s cute!!!!! Also, little moon bean really is growing up! He’s finally able to say “I haven’t forgiven you yet, but in time I will, if you show me you can really change”. He gave them a chance because that’s what he got, and he’s ended up doing a lot of good for the kingdom! He wants to give the Seporians the same chance, so here we are
Quirin, Eugene, and Lance are his support group, so many added to the little moon bean’s protection squad!
Ruddy buddy is being a good snuggly boy! ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 353: Be a Man!
Summary:
Varian wakes up to find something new about his appearance!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a very long, squeaky, yawn as he woke up that morning, it’d been too late for him, Hugo, and Quirin to head back home, so they’d stayed in the castle for the night, his father running back to the house to grab Itty Bitty and Sassy, and asking Donella and Adam to watch over the house and farm, emphasizing the importance of *not* destroying anything to the gray haired women, and making sure she knew his siblings would be around just in case, having returned to their search of Cassandra, before joining his boys for their impromptu castle slumber party.
It wasn’t like they minded much, they had extra clothing and items saved at the castle in case of times like these, and they’d done this before. So when the freckled teen woke up and headed for the privy, he wasn’t sure why he kept getting odd looks from the guards that were on their patrol that morning. As he brushed his teeth, he saw a couple of maids whispering, and he could’ve sworn he’d heard them say his name…. His father and Hugo had already gotten up and were at breakfast by the time he’d gotten out of bed, so he wasn’t able to ask them at the moment if there was something wrong.
So the teen kept to himself, feeling a little more self conscious then he had before as he actively avoided the privy mirrors more so than usual…. Ruddigar was still asleep as he re-entered their room, he sighed before he shook the tiny mammal awake, “come on bud, we’ve gotta get to breakfast before Lance eats all the eggs again”
Th he raccoon groaned a little, grunting as he got up. Varian raised an amused brow as he watched his best friend struggle to get himself up
“Getting a little too old for this bud?”
Ruddigar huffed at his boy, pouting a little and getting the teen to giggle before the raccoon began to…. Stare at him
“What’s wrong?” Varian asked, his raccoon said nothing, the alchemist sighed, “alright, what’s going on here? First the guards during morning patrol give me strange looks, then the maids whisper about me, and now you! What’s wrong? Why is everyone looking at me like I just grew a second head?! It’s making me antsy!”
Ruddigar chittered out an apology before he motioned that they should talk to Quirin, the raccoon not really being sure of humans and their coming of age
“Coming of age?”
Ruddigar nodded before he suggested the teen’s father once more
Varian sighed, “alright, come on then, let’s go find dad”, the raccoon hopped onto his boy’s shoulder and they began to walk towards the dining area
****
“Lance, save some of those for Varian, you know he hates it when you eat them all”, Eugene stated
“Well then he should become an early riser, like me!” The former thief argued as he set the bowl of scrambled eggs down
“We’re working on it, but for now, please leave some for Varian?”Quirin asked politely
Lance sighed, but nodded, “fine, but they’re gonna get cold”
“Then he’ll deal with cold eggs, just so long as he gets some”
Rapunzel giggled, “I didn’t know Varian was so dead set on eggs”
“He’s not really dead set on them, but he definitely things they’re the best part of a perfect breakfast”, Hugo stated with a grin as he munched on some bacon
“One of the best parts, bacon is his favorite”, the retired knight stated, “though he likes bacon raw”
“I do not!” A voice stated, getting the Village Leader to chuckle
“Speaking of, hi sleepy head!” The Princess said with a smile as she looked towards the alchemist who’d just entered the room, “how are you toda-WOAH!” She exclaimed before giggling, “uh, trying out something new today Varian?”
Eugene and Lance raised their brows before looking, their faces splitting into delighted grins, “well look at Mr. Man over here!” The Dark Prince stated
“Wow! Everybody look out, macho boy comin through!” Lance added
Varian sighed, “oki, now they’re doing it too, seriously, what’s going on?”
“Oh what, you haven’t seen it yet?” Eugene asked
“Seen what? And dad, why are you looking at me like I’ve just told you I’m moving out?”
Lance and Eugene laughed as they saw the retired knight with his hand over his mouth and tears in his eyes, “you’re growing up!” Quirin stated
“What?”
Hugo snorted before getting up and walking over, “did you not look at a mirror today Freckles?”
“Nu…. I don’t tend to look at myself, why?”
The blond alchemist nodded, “that would explain the confusion, here, Eugene, can he borrow your pocket mirror?”
“Wha-! I do not carry a-!” The Dark Prince started to say
“Don’t *even* try it, especially when you constantly remind us of how gorgeous you look everyday”, Hugo interrupted with a raised brow
The man sighed before nodding, “yeah yeah”, he handed over the pocket mirror and Hugo showed Varian his reflection, “ta daa~ Explain a few things yet?”
The freckled teen blinked a few times as he looked at himself, “I…. Grew a mustache?!” He asked, touching his upper lip
“Well, not a *full* mustache, just some peach fuzz, but yeah”, his boyfriend replied with a smirk
“H-how?! There was no h-hair growing chemical in the bed!”
“Freckles it’s okay, this is a *natural* mustache”, Hugo stated, “happened to me too when I was 15, still happens now actually”
“What?”
Quirin managed to control his emotions as he walked over and smiled at his boy, “he’s right son, I know I told you this before, about the birds and the bees?”
Varian blushed, “u-um…. Yes you d-did…. When I was 11, b-but I don’t see w-what that has to d-do with this, so can w-we please change the subject?” He squeaked
His father chuckled before lifting the teen off the ground and hugging him, “we won’t discuss it again Bubby, but you remember how I said you’re gonna have hair growing in different places?”
“Daaaaaaaaaaad!”
“We’ll do you?”
“….yes…..”
“Well on your upper lip is part of that”, his father stated, “that’s the first place you start to grow facial hair, although, for the longest time I thought you’d get a beard first with how long those side burns got”, his father said with a chuckle
Varian’s blush began to go away as he looked at his father, “s-so this is…. Okay?”
“Yes, it’s okay, better than that, it means you’re growing up!” Quirin replied before sniffling a little
The teen giggled, “emotional dad?”
“Hey, when you have a son and he gets *his* first peach fuzz, you try to keep your emotions in check!”
The freckled alchemist laughed before hugging his father happily, “I love you dad”
Quirin gave a happy sigh before returning the hug, “I love you too, my grown up son”
Varian’s smile widened before he broke the hug to give his father a grin, “so, are you gonna keep it?” Lance asked
“Huh?”
“The mustache! Are ya gonna keep it? Or are ya gonna shave?”
Varian blinked before he felt the tiny peach fuzz again, “I uh…. Didn’t think about that….” He then blushed, “um…. Dad how…. Do you shave your face?”
Quirin chuckled, “I can show you if you’d like, you have to be very gentle, cause your face has sensitive skin”
“Right”
Lance sighed, “not gonna keep it then?”
“W-well…. I…. I don’t know…. I think it’d be good to learn how to shave first, then see what I like. Plus…. People keep staring and whispering about me….”
Hugo snickered, “that doesn’t surprise me, the peach fuzz looks good on you”
Varian smiled at his boyfriend, “well thank you, glad to have your approval”
“Glad to give it”, the blond teen said, “and for free too, look how nice I am!”
This made the freckled teen laugh as Quirin set him down, “you’re such a brat”
“I know”, Hugo kissed Varian happily before giggling a little as he pulled away, “okay, the peach fuzz is something imma have to get used to”
“What’s wrong?”
“It tickled!”
Varian blushed as Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, and Quirin laughed, “Sorry”
“Nah you’re good, it just surprised me is all, that’s some bushy peach fuzz!”
“Well considering who his dad is, and the constant 5 o’clock shadow the man regularly dons, I, not surprised Varian has a bit of a bushier mustache”, Eugene stated
Varian looked at his dad and noticed the tiny hairs that covered his father’s chin, upper lip, and cheeks, he smiled, “hey, maybe I’ll have a 5 o’clock shadow too! One like my dad!”
Quirin snickered before scooping his boy up, once again, with a playful smirk, “well then I think it’s only fitting you feel what Hugo just did”, he stared before he rubbed his face against his son’s getting the teen to laugh as the small hairs tickled his cheeks, getting everyone to laugh as they watched the father and son goof around with each other as Varian tried, in vain, to get the man back with his peach fuzz!
****
After everyone had eaten their breakfast, including Ruddigar, who was happy to munch on the bowl of fruit and nuts lefts out for him, Lance, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Hugo all waited inside Varian and Quirin’s room while the retired knight taught his son how to shave in the privy, Ruddigar joining them for emotional support.
“You think he’ll really grow a 5 o’clock shadow?” Lance asked
“I have no idea Lance”, Eugene replied, “I’m not entirely sure how to feel about him growing *peach fuzz*”
“I know what you mean”, Rapunzel agreed, “I mean, if he wanted to, that’s perfectly fine, but…. It’s so odd to think that Varian’s gonna start having facial hair occasionally, or even all the time now!”
“Why are you three getting so emotional?” Hugo asked, “I mean, I get why *Quirin’s* emotional, that’s his baby boy after all, and given the man’s outburst track record, he’s only ever gotten emotional over his child, so it’s clear he would do something like cry or something. But why is it so hard for all of you? I get he’s your friend and tiny brother, but….”
Eugene raised a brow, “do you think it’s bad we’re getting emotional?”
“No, just… didn’t think you would”
“Why?”
“Cause…. I dunno…. Never mind, forget I said anything”
Lance noticed the blond teen looking more confused then ever, and realized something, “Hugo, how did Donella react to you gettin a mustache?” He asked gently, getting Rapunzel and Eugene to *instantly* understand what was going on
Hugo shrugged, “she said she hated it, then told me to shave”
“Did she show you how?”
“No, had to figure it out on my own, got a couple of cuts, but I eventually got the hang of it”
The two men and one princess fell silent for a long minute before Lance sighed and took a seat next to Hugo, “we’re emotional because we really care about Varian, and seein him all growed up is a little hard, kinda like Quirin, but to a smaller degree since we ain’t his parent”, he explained, “and you know, we’d feel the same way if it were you”
Hugo looked up at the man, “you would? Why?”
“Because we love you Hugo, we may get on your nerves, and you get on Eugene’s-!”
“Specifically him huh?” Hugo joked
“Yes, because you do and are a brat”, Eugene teased, getting Hugo to snicker
“You’re just really fun to mess with!”
“Yeah yeah”
“Anyway”, Lance stated with a grin as Rapunzel giggled, “nerves may be pinched a little, but we all really care about you, so if we saw you growed up, we’d be just as weepy, because it means you ain’t a kid anymore. Now mind you, we didn’t really know you as a kid, but you know, it’s still crazy to think that you’re old enough to get some facial hair too”
“It’s just hair”
“It’s more the symbol behind it though, when you get facial hair, it means you’re growed up”
“You keep saying growed”
“I know what I’m sayin, it’s on purpose”
Hugo chuckled, “ok”
Lance smirked, “either way, it means you’re growed up, and it’s sort of…. Surprisin, and scary, and amazin, and nerve wrackin, cause it means you’ll have responsibilities, a job, things to do, it’s just, sort of…. A big deal to us, since we met Varian when he was a touch tinier than he is now, he was a kid, we didn’t think he’d ever *not* be a kid, and we apply the same thing to you since you’re his boyfriend”
“Huh…. So it’s a parent thing for you all too?”
“In a way, but more of a big brothers and sister thing”
“Ah, I think I get it”, Lance smiled before he hugged the blond teen, “uh… L-Lance?”
“I’m really proud of you, you know that?”
“Huh? W-why? I didn’t do anything”
The man chuckled, “actually, you’ve done a lot more than you think, you’ve done a lot, for us, and for Varian and Quirin. Ya make us all really happy, and you mean just as much to us as Varian, Ruddigar, and Quirin do, which is a lot! I’m just, I’m really proud of the man you’re becomin”
“I…. Man?”
Lance broke the hug and smiled at Hugo, “you’ve gone through a lot to be here today, and you’ve risked a lot to help us all out so much, believe me, you’re a man, and I couldn’t be more proud of you! I really couldn’t”
Eugene ruffled Hugo’s hair, “same here”
“It’s the same for me too, we’re really happy to have you with us Hugo”, Rapunzel agreed
The bespeckled alchemist blushed before smiling, “t-thanks”
The three smiled at him before the privy door opened, “ta daa!~” Varian exclaimed as he hopped out of the privy, freshly shaved, with a happy Ruddigar on his shoulder as Quirin walked up behind him
“Look at you! You’re glowing!” Eugene exclaimed happily, “not the Moon kind of glowing, just…. Wow I’m surprised I have to clarify that”
Varian giggled, “I’m surprised too, but I get what you mean, and thank you! Does it look okay?”
“Yeah! You look great! Back to your adorable Varian face!” Rapunzel complimented as she got up and hugged her tiny brother
Lance grinned, “didja have any trouble in there?”
“I got cut once, but it wasn’t too bad, and dad said that’s better than his first shave”, Varian replied as he hugged Rapunzel back happily before they both let go
“It’s true, and once I helped him with the first half, he did the second *all* on his own!” Quirin stated proudly
The three cheered happily for their Varian, congratulating him and complimenting his first shave glow, the teen blushing and giggling the entire time. Quirin, who had a few tear stains on his cheeks, sat down next to Hugo, who had give his compliments and had hugged his boyfriend lovingly before allowing Lance, Rapunzel, and Eugene their time with his boyfriend.
The retired knight smiled happily before he wrapped his arm around the blond alchemist, “now I have *two* grown up sons I can be proud of”, he stated quietly as he kissed the top of Hugo’s head
The bespeckled teen was startled by that, but smiled appreciatively at the man before leaning against him, “thanks dad”
Notes:
Hello! 😁
So, here’s a small moment of calm before things get too crazy, I wanted a small story about Varian growing up, because it’s true, boys/men tend to grow facial hair around the 15 to 16 year mark! I ended up loving that and wanted to incorporate it into this story, with a side bit for Hugo because we love our blond baby ❤️🎶
Varian’s all growed up now!!!!! Hims a big bean, and even though he’s fictional, I'm really happy about writing this chapter and showing how he’s starting to grow, both on the inside, and the out! Now his growth is spreading to his outer looks, and we get more father and son moments before of it!
Hugo was abused and neglected, so of course he wouldn’t really understand why everyone is freaking out over facial hair. It’s just hair on your face to him because that’s all he was told. So here’s everyone showing him he’s valid and that they love him, because he needs to know that ❤️🎶
Quirin is being the best papa in this chapter, hims so happy that his boys are growing up, it’s a sentimental moment for him! ❤️ I wanted him to be the one to spreads Varian and show him how to properly shave and such because that’s what a good father should do for their sons! And Quirin’s the best in my opinion! ❤️
Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel are the cheering squad in this chapter, and that role just fits them so freaking well XD
Ruddy buddy is being the best coon in the universe!!!!!!! ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 354: Man Cave!
Summary:
Varian needs a place to be by himself while working on the scroll, Rapunzel remembers a suggestion the teen had before and gets an idea!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Soooo….. What’s he doin in there?” Lance asked
“Working on a super secret project that none of us are able to see”, Hugo replied, “apparently the princess asked him to do so. And he thought that, since he had some free time, he’d get some work done on it”
“Do I catch a hint of annoyance there Goldilocks?” Eugene asked with a smirk
“First, fuck that name and all who use it save for Adira because she’s fucking scary”
“Noted”
“And two….. Hmph”
Lance and Eugene chuckled, “awww, are we upset because we can’t be with Varian right now?” Lance teased
“You’re both just awful *awful* people….”
Eugene snickered, “yeah yeah, I invented that line so believe me, I get it. But why aren’t you able to help?”
The blond sighed, “Freckles said it was better to have as little people, as possible, know about this project. The fact that his dad knows is already making him twitchy, and he doesn’t wanna put me in danger….”
Eugene raised a brow, “but you’re both alchemists, how could you be in danger?”
“He said this wasn’t about alchemy, believe me, I tried every excuse in the book, short of getting on my knees and begging or giving him a stupid ultimatum, which I’m not doing. He’s not budging, so best I can do is sit and wait”
“Hmm…. Wouldn’t you rather do somethin else? You don’t *have* to wait here”, Lance suggested
“I know, but….” Hugo sighed, “it’s making me antsy that he’s doing something, potentially dangerous, and leaving me out of it… and for Rapunzel no less”
“Wait Rapunzel?” Eugene asked
“Yeah, the only thing he could tell me, was that this project was for her, and he couldn’t tell me anymore than that….”
“Oh Hugo then you don’t need to worry”, the Dark Prince stated with a grin, “if Blondie is the one to ask the kid to do this, then she’ll be protecting him”
“He’s right Hugo”, Lance agreed, “Varian’s also got his scary dad helpin out, if anyone were to mess with that man, they’d be *severely* outmatched, plus, Edmund, Adria, and Hector would stop at nothin to kill the person who harmed the bean inside you looove~ so dearly”, he trilled
“I suppose that’s true….. but I still wish there was something I could do to help….” Hugo stated
“You could check on the house”, a voice suggested behind them, getting all three to jump and turn to see Rapunzel and Wuirin standing there, the princess holding some snacks while the retired knight had a few apples and other fruits
“I…. What?”
Quirin smiled, “you could check on the house”, he repeated, “Donella is alone in there, and as much as I appreciate that she wants to change, I don’t trust her….. at all…. I know you can handle yourself and Adira and Hector will be around in case you need help. I’ve been more than a little worried about the state of our home, so if you wanna help, you could check it out, it’d be a big help on my nerves”
The blond teen blinked before thought about it, then nodded, “ok”
“Wait, you sure!” Lance asked
“Yeah, I’m sure, I…. Kinda wanna see her right now, I haven’t really gotten a chance to say anything to her since the whole…. Fiasco about her and me….. moving forward…. Maybe a trip to see her and check on the house would help me a little too, because honestly-!” He noticed the Captain walking nearby and gave the man a glare, to which the guard looked away and continued walking, getting the bespeckled teen to sigh, “…..I’m antsy in this castle…. Guess that’s why I’m hanging out by Varian’s door too…. He makes me…. Comfortable…. And safe….”
“I can understand that”, Quirin replied with a gentle smile, “Varian has a calming personality”
“Yeah, one that makes you feel happy and serene at the same time, he’s like water over a burn, the feeling of relief you get”, Hugo stated with a blush before he noticed everyone grinning at him, “uh-u-um w-what I mean is h-he uh… I……… um…………. I love him….”
Quirin chuckled, “glad to hear it, and thank you, for checking on the house, you’ll be careful though, right?”
“Yeah, I’ll be careful”
“Want us to come along?” Eugene asked
“Nah I’m okay, I can handle this”
Lance smiled, “we know you can, just…. Seriously, be careful, I get a weird feelin that somethin’s about to go down, and I don’t like it….”
“You too?” Quirin asked, “that’s why Hector and Adira went back on their search…. Honestly, I’ve been feeling the same, so has King Edmund….”
“I thought he looked a lot more on edge than normal….” Eugene stated
Rapunzel placed a hand over her mouth, hiding a secret smile before she controlled her, “well, whatever it is, we can handle it, together!”
“Always the optimist”, Hugo stated with a smirk, getting Rapunzel to giggle, “either way, I guess I’m off, if you’re giving those to Freckles, mind giving him a kiss for me? Uh….. a platonic one, since…. Well you know”
The retired knight laughed, “I figured, and yes, I can do that”
“Thanks, see ya!” The blond teen said with a wave of his arm before running off, still a little embarrassed about what’d just happened
The group chuckled before Eugene looked at Rapunzel, “I know this was mentioned to me before, but Hugo said Varian thinks this could potentially put him and anyone who knows in danger, so….”
“It’s alright Eugene, Varian may just be overthinking it a little”, the princess stated, getting a raised brow from the retired knight
“You sure about the blondie?” The Dark Prince asked, noticing the Village Leader’s look
Rapunzel noticed Quirin and chuckled, “I don’t mean that in a bad way Quirin”
“I sincerely hope not, he’s taking this seriously”, the retired knight stated gently
“I know, and believe me, I appreciate it”, she said, “I just don’t want them to worry, you know?”
“There are better ways then saying he’s overthinking, not to sound overprotective, but…..”
“Right right, poor choice of words, sorry”, she said, “let me rephrase, Varian’s being cautious, and that’s not a bad thing, but you two don’t have to worry”
“We don’t have to worry about Hugo being told he couldn’t help because the less people know, the better?” Lance asked
“I actually knew that part”, Eugene stated, “the fact that Hugo doesn’t know though…. Out of all people….”
Quirin sighed, “look, Varian is doing a pretty big favor for the princess, he doesn’t want Hugo to get involved because he wants to do it on his own, that and it’s sort of a secret”
“From Hugo though?”
“I know…. Believe me, Varian hates it too…. He really hates it, but he doesn’t want Hugo to get involved, more than he has been”
“What do you mean?”
Quirin sighed, “to tell you the truth, it’s got something to do with the Moonstone and Sundrop”, he admitted, “I’m not saying more than that, and please don’t ask, but ever since Hugo got involved with any of this, he’s been out in danger numerous times. I asked Varian is he wanted to get Hugo involved with this too, gave good reasons for doing so, but he doesn’t want to put more of a burden on his boyfriend’ shoulders, and honestly, I can understand that, especially with the unwanted guest in my home at the moment….. Hugo’s got enough on his plate, he’s been through enough too, getting him involved will only make it harder for him. It’s better if he’s not, and the same goes for you two, like Varian said, the less people know, the better, so please….”
Eugene and Lance sighed but nodded, “alright, just…. If he needs help-!” The Dark Prince started to say
“You two and Hugo will be the first to know…. After me”
They smiled, “protective dad”, Lance teased
“Yeah yeah”
The two men smiled before Eugene looked at Rapunzel, “you will keep an eye on him, right?”
“Of course! I’ll protect Varian no matter what!” The princess responded, “I actually promised Quirin I would, and I intend to keep that promise”
Quirin nodded, “we were actually just discussing it, talking about what would need to happen in case something bad occurred, and I think we’ve got a good plan”
“Which is?” Lance asked
“Gather the Brotherhood, Kitty Edmund, and all of us, and help Varian as best we can!” Rapunzel stated
“Ok yeah, solid plan”, Eugene stated with a smirk, “just, be careful, all of you, okay, if this really is about the Moonstone and Sundrop….. Then, and I hate to say this, but a certain someone might be interested in this super secret project”
“We know, and we’ll be super careful”, Rapunzel stated before kissing her lover on the lips and getting him to smile, “now then, if you two will excuse us, we’ve got a Moon boy to feed!”
“Along with his fluffy brat-coon”, Quirin stated
“Right, have fun you two”, Lance stated as he looked at Eugene, “wanna have a food coma?”
“Sure”, the Dark Prince said
Quirin snorted as he and Rapunzel entered the lab, knocking on the door first, of course, dual lying going in and closing the door…..
“Eugene”, Lance said, after the lab door closed
“Yeah?”
“That feelin’s getting worse….”
“…..I know….”
****
Varian wiped his brow, looking around at his wall of ideas and mumbling before he wrote something down, “wow!” A voice stated, startling him, “it looks like you’re trying to catch a thief or something!”
The teen turned to see his father and Rapunzel looking at his work, the princess seemingly amazed by it, “oh you like?” He asked with a smirk
“I do!”
“Thanks! Because this has taken me hours to do, and it’s only one sentence”
The princess’s eyes widened, “only *one*?!”
“Yeah, turns out Demanitus really liked to use different languages with each letter, and all of them are *ancient*! So I have to reference, and cross reference, and *re*-cross reference to be sure I’m right, then I have to find the translation, which means more cross referencing before finally finding the letter he was trying to use in Corona”
“And you’re loving every second of it”, Quirin stated
Varian grinned excitedly, “you know me too well!”
His father chuckled before he noticed Ruddigar sticking a picture of an apple on the wall, “I take it he’s doing his own experiment?”
Varian looked at his raccoon and giggled, “he’s trying to find out how to make apples using things in the lab. I told him if he could figure it out, I’d make him one a day, but only if it’s approved by both you and me, so he’s working pretty hard”
Ruddigar chittered determinedly before he sniffed at a piece of apple his boy had given him before and began to write something down before posting it next to the picture, it said ‘dirt smell’
“Wow, I didn’t know he could write!” Rapunzel stated
“I trained him to, funny story, bridal tell you if I had time”, the teen stated as he looked back at the scroll he’d been studying
“Ah, we’ll we brought snacks, and fruit”
Ruddigar chittered excitedly before he dive bombed onto the plate Quirin was holding, grabbed all of the apples, save for one which he left for his boy, and darted back to his station, giving a chitter of thanks as he returned to his work
Rapunzel giggled, “I guess trying to find the mystery of apple making makes you hungry”
Varian smirked at his best friend before he noticed his father holding an apple out to him, “eat”
The teen sighed before he accepted the apple and gave it a good munch, “thanks”
“You’re welcome, you’re gonna need more than that though”
“I know”, Varian replied before swallowing his bite, wiping his hands, and picking up the scroll, “I just don’t wanna miss a second of study on this, the sooner we find out what’s on here, the sooner we can figure out how to control, not only my powers, but Cassandra’s and Rapunzel’s! Maybe we can even find a way to get the Moonstone away from her using the Brotherhood!”
“The Brotherhood?” Rapunzel asked as Quirin raised an interested brow
“Yeah! The scroll mentioned something about the Brotherhood, and since dad, Hector, and Adira are all around, we could see if whatever this says about them may do something to help get the Moonstone back!”
“Varian, what does the first sentence say?”
“It says, ‘behold the power of the Moon and Sun, protector and healer, their guardians take human shape, known as the Brotherhood’!” The teen translated before smiling at his father, “you’re a living historical figure dad, since you’re apart of the Brotherhood!”
Quirin blushed and smiled a little, “nice to know”, he said shyly
“Wait, the scroll said *their* guardians though, as in, both the Sundrop *and* the Moonstone *share* their guardians”, Rapunzel stated
“It makes sense, I mean, dad came here once the Dark Kingdom was gone, and Adira is more of an outdoorsy, Sun loving, type of person. Plus Eugene, the *Prince* of the Dark Kingdom, is in a relationship with you. It kinda makes sense that once the Sundrop found a human host, the Brotherhood would want to meet you. Didn’t you say Adira sought you out?” Varian asked
“Yeah she did, I just didn’t think the Brotherhood would be made for the Sundrop too, I mean, didn’t Hector think the Sundrop was a myth?”
“Yes he did, until he met you and you did the Decay incantation”, Quirin stated, “he said, and I quote, ‘that was the scariest shit I’ve ever fucking seen’, apparently you made him a believe *real* quick”
Rapunzel chuckled before remembering what’d happened when she’d used the Decay incantation, and fell silent, “are you okay Punzel?” Varian asked
“I…. Sorry, I just remembered something”, the princess said, “I’m alright now”, when she noticed Varian’s raised brow she chuckled, “I mean it this time”, before she heard something snap above her, suddenly dozens of papers fell on top of her, burying her completely as she let out a surprised yelp
Quirin and Varian *immediately* dug her out, “are you okay?!” The alchemist asked worriedly
“Yeah I'm good”, the Princess replied with a chuckled, “what *is* all this?”
“Uh….” Varian blushed, “more translations I didn’t have room for”
“Ah”, Rapunzel said before getting up with the help of the two before she noticed a guilty looking Ruddigar, who seemed to have been trying to stop the papers from falling, “….Varian, are you running out of room?”
The alchemist blushed even more, “Nonononono! I’m okay! This r-room is nice, I can handle it in her-!”
“Son”, Quirin interrupted gently, “take a breath and start again”
The teen did so and blushed even more, “….yes…. B-but I like it in here still!”
Rapunzel smiled, “I’m glad you like it, but if it’s too small a work space then you really can’t get much done can you?” She asked, “I know I needed a huge space for my art, so I got a painting room that was perfect! I can find you a bigger spot for your lab if you want”
“W-well…. I mean, I could use the room, b-but… I don’t want you to feel l-like I hate this room….”
“I know you don’t, in fact, you can still keep this lab too!”
“I…. Can? But isn’t that too much? I mean, I don’t even *live* here!”
“You come around often enough, so does Quirin and Ruddigar, so it’s fine, besides, it’s going to be my castle someday, I’ll want my friends with me inside of it, that includes you”
Varian smiled before he looked concerned, “where would you find more space than this though?” He asked
“Well, what are you looking for in a lab?”
“Hmmm… wide spaces, workspaces where I can write things down, walls I can write *on*, because that’s surprisingly helpful, somewhere out of the way so no one can interrupt whenever they want, and so I don’t hear people passing by and freak out…. It would also be nice to be away from the guards…. They keep popping in and out to see what I’m doing, the Captain has told them to stop when he catches them, but it’s getting pretty bad and makes me antsy…. Also…..” he looked sad, “maybe a place for Hugo…. So he doesn’t feel left out….”
Quirin sighed, “I thought you might’ve heard that conversation”
“Yeah….. I really wish I could tell him…. But this is just…. Too dangerous to get him involved more than he is now… way too much….”
“I’m sorry Varian”, Rapunzel stated, placing a hand on his shoulder
“It’s not your fault… I just feel bad, really bad….” He sighed, “but working with him in a secret lab might cheer him up!”
“A secret lab huh?” Rapunzel said before she remembered something and her eyes widened with excitement, “I know *just* the place!!!!!!”
****
“Y-you’re really sure about this?” Varian asked
“I’m sure, we could add a desk for now, as a start, then more as you use it”, Rapunzel stated
“A-and you’d be okay with telling people to give me five weeks of solitude so I don’t get interrupted?”
“Yup! Honestly, it gives me time to talk with the guards about them peeping in on you, I just worry about…. The background”
The alchemist tilted his head to the side before he looked, “oh…. Um… y-yeah, that”
He watched as his father continued to stare at the large mound of amber that sprouted from the middle of the gigantic room they were in. The princess and alchemist walking over to the retired knight, “Quirin?” Rapunzel said softly
“…..I….. Can’t stop staring….” The Village Leader said
“Dad are you gonna be okay with me down here?” Varian asked
“I…. Yeah I trust you I just…. Are *you* gonna be okay down here?” He asked, looking at his son
“I…. Can handle it a little better now…. Ever since the whole thing with the red rocks, I’ve been thinking about ways to use the amber liquid that I have left over. I thought maybe a weapon, but…. Well with what Rapunzel felt…. So then I thought about a way to use it to break the rocks, but I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about that, I guess that’s a different topic for another day, but….” He looked up at the man, “I can face it better now, because I used this particular amber to stop the red rocks and save people, which is what a I wanted to use it for before. It’ll take time to get used to, but I can face it, but…. If you don’t want me down here, I don’t have to be, we can find a different spot”
Quirin looked at the amber again, he could feel the chemical covering him from head to foot, how confined he was, the noises he heard, his son’s screams…. He shivered, but then he looked at Varian, he remembered how his boy was growing into a man, how the teen had proven he wanted to get better, and he knew what his answer was as he spoke with a gentle smile, “no, you can be down here, and honestly, you don’t need my permission to be down here either”
“Huh?”
“Varian, I’ve watched you grow into the smart, wonderful, amazing, brave, and kind man you’ve become, and I couldn’t be more proud of you for it. I know you want to get better, I know being here will help you do that, so if you truly think you can handle it, then you can stay. Just know that if you ever need a minute away, you can come back to me, and I’ll definitely be checking in on you from time to time, regardless of the five weeks of solitude or not”
His son was startled for a moment before his face split into a wide, excited, grin, and he hugged his father happily, “thank you dad, so much!”
Quirin returned the hug and smiled, “you’re welcome son”, he replied, he could see the amber as he hugged his child, he saw his and Varian’s reflection in its golden mirror, but he didn’t feel the same fear as he noticed his son wasn’t shivering or shaking, the teen was calm, and they were together, along with Ruddigar, who had joined the hug. It made the man feel more at ease as the teen let go
Rapunzel smiled, “I’ll get the desk moved in here as soon as possible then, so you can get started!”
“Thank you Rapunzel, I really appreciate it”, Varian stated before he’d remembered something, “oh hey, how’s the surprise birthday party coming along? It’s in a week right?”
The blond giggled as she, Quirin, Ruddigar, and Varian began to walk out of the room, “it’s going great! Edmund is helping with decorations, Lance said yes to distracting Eugene so we can do finishing touches, and I have all of his presents hidden in a place he’ll *never* look!”
“Where?”
“In Cassandra’s old room”, Rapunzel replied, “I…l feel pretty bad about it, but he’d never look in there”
Varian smiled, “it’s what you need to do”
“Right”, the princess stated as Quirin started to get a feeling of unease in his stomach, “it’s what needs to be done! For Eugene’s birthday!”
The two celestial siblings, and one raccoon, didn’t notice the retired knight stop and look around, he looked at the amber again, the yellow glow making his anxiety rise more and more as he remembered hearing Lance said he’d been getting a bad feeling…. He suddenly felt like he was being watched, and he hated it “……Whoever, or whatever, happens to be here, watching my son, stay the *fuck* away from him…..” he threatened, growling a little to emphasize his point
“Dad? Are you coming?” Varian called
“I’m right behind you!” The Village Leader replied, he gave one final death glare to the amber before he left the room. Not seeing the smiling face of a small, blue, ghost girl sneering at him from behind the amber he hated so much, “noted…. Dark Knight…..” she said before giggling to herself and disappearing
Notes:
Hello!
So the summary is a bit misleading XD as is the title, but I wanted to build up what’s coming, and you all know what I mean 😁
Hugo is feeling a little left out, but he does NOT want to be apart of this next bit, he’ll figure that out sooner than he’d like….
Eugene and Lance are definitely two people I can see having an odd feeling about things, same for Adira, Edmund, and Hector, and of course Quirin. This is just gonna be a huge freaking deal
Also yes, I’m giving the scroll something more than just the incantations, there’s an entire *scroll* written out on that paper, much more than just the freaking incantations, that thing has secrets, and imma gonna use it!
Varian…. This poor bean doesn’t know what’s coming….. the Moon warned him too…. She tried….. she really tried….
Quirin is best papa, that’s all I’m saying, he’s freaking best papa he really is!
Rapunzel is learning! Though…. There’s still her big mistake coming soon…. There’s my hint for you all to guess :3 it’s coming soon
Ruddy trying to find the secrets to alchemical apples XD if anyone could do it, it’s him! Best raccoon ever! ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 355: Uninvited Guest!
Summary:
Hugo visits Donella to check on the home as Quirin requested!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo took a deep breath before letting it out slowly, “no problem… I’ve got this”, he stated before waiting for a moment or two, oh hey that really does work! Point to Eugene…. Ugh…. Talk about a sentence leaving a bad taste in your mouth”
Olivia, who had exited her boy’s pocket to sit with him during the ride, squeaked a little
“Yeah I know, he’s a good man and such, but I still won’t tell him that to his face”
The mouse raised a brow and cocked her head to the side
“Have you *seen* the size of his ego?” Hugo joked, “I love the confident man, but I do not like the ego of the confident man”
Olivia shook her head before nuzzling her boy and squeaking a little
“I know I can be arrogant, honestly I’m just teasing him because it makes me feel more at ease….. wow….. doesn’t that paint a pretty picture…”
The mouse squeaked again
“I know you understand why I do that, but it’s still a bad habit”, the blond stated before sighing, “I don’t like putting him down to build myself up,,he’s a good guy, and really kind, and nice, and…. Brave….” He chuckled as he remembered the man standing up for him from Donella, “maybe that’s why I do it, I look up to him the most”
Olivia smiled and nodded
“You think so too huh? Guess that makes it easier to understand, but I still shouldn’t do it”, he huffed, “right, imma make it a goal to stop sassing Eugene!”
“Hey kid, we’re here”, the caravan driver exclaimed as the vehicle stopped in front of the Village Leader’s home
“Oh, uh t-thank you”, Hugo replied, opening the doors and hopping out before he paid the driver. The man tipped his hat before he went on his way
The blond turned to look at the home, it was still gigantic, but he smiled as he smelled the familiar fragrance of farm fields and horse stables, Olivia squeaked with joy as she sniffed the air as well
“I’m glad I’m not the only one who has found a love for the smell of fresh horse droppings and dirt”, the teen teased as he gave the robotic mouse a scratch on the head before they both walked over to the home. The blond took another breath, letting it out slowly, before he knocked on the door, feeling a little too nervous to simply enter
They waited for a few moments before the wooden door opened and there sat the grey haired women he’d been silently panicking about seeing, “Hugo?” Donella said, a little surprised at seeing the teen
“Hey Don, um…. Quirin wanted me to come by and see how t-things are going, so….”
“Ah I see, you know you live here right? You didn’t have to knock”
“Right, I know, I just… wanted to be polite is all”, the blond blushed slightly
Donella blinked before she chuckled, “right, still nervous around me huh?”
“What? I-I never said that!”
“Didn’t have to, it’s fine, you can come in”, she stepped aside and allowed the teen to walk in before she closed the door behind him and sighed, “didn’t figure the old farmer would really trust me to be in here for very long by myself”
Hugo looked at her, “he just wanted me to check the house”
“Because I’m in it, it’s okay, I’d do the same thing in his shoes, after all, he’s got two boys to protect”, she said with a smirk, “how’s the boyfriend life treating you?”
“I um…. G-good”, Hugo replied, blushing even more
Donella chuckled again, “you’re so easily flustered, it’s cute”, the blond blushed even harder, getting her to laugh, “alright alright, I’ll stop”, she said before she gestured to the room, “did he want you to check anything specific? Everything’s in its place, save for some dishes in the kitchen, but I didn’t figure he’d care about that”
Hugo cleared his throat before he let out a breath and looked around, “oh hey, you fixed a few things?”
“Hm? Oh, yeah, some of the furniture needed fixing, and I had time, so I figured, why not”
“Huh, thanks for that, I think they’ll be happy about it, quality work too!”
Donella smirked, “glad I meet your approval”
“I uh,md-didn’t mean it like that”
“Pfft! Calm down, I know, I’m just teasing”, she replied before noticing Olivia, “oh, you kept her”
“Huh?”
“Either you kept her or made a new one”, she stated, pointing to the mouse, who was glaring at the women
“Oh, I uh…. I kept her, she’s the original”
“Huh…. Not bad, never knew she was around, bet she was a comfort”
“Yeah she uh…. She still is actually”, Hugo replied, petting Olivia lovingly
“I can see that”, Donella stated with a smile, “seems as though she’s definitely taken a liking to you”
“Yeah, we’ve been together for a while”
“Did you make her completely, or did you save an animal?”
“I saved a mouse, she was dying, it was when we were still in the cottage, after you came back from Old Corona…. Um… She was looking for food and got her leg severely hurt by a cat, or some other large animal. So I healed her, but I wasn’t able to save her leg, which had gotten infected….. I ended up removing it and adding a robotic one. After that, her arm had the same infection as her leg, it’d spread, so I replaced it. Anytime she got hurt while in my pocket, that was beyond repair, I’d have to amputate and then rebuild. She became the mouse she is today because of it. Thankfully I never had to replace her heart, mind, or anything internal, just a few limbs and her tail at one point”
“Along with her eyes?”
“Yeah….. that was when she was in my pocket and you um…. Threw me to the ground…. She ended up getting hurt really badly…. I kept trying to get her out of my pocket, but she would always hide in there…. The new parts gave her a longer life and different abilities than that of a Norma mouse, but….. well I kinda wish I hadn’t had to do them at all….. simply for the fact that I think she would’ve preferred a normal mouse life, but now I’ve gotta find better parts for her. She also needs maintenance sometimes, which I think can be hard on her, but….” He smiled at his best friend, “I wouldn’t replace her for the world”
Olivia squeaked out in agreement before nuzzling her boy happily
Donella gave a small smile before she let out a sigh, “I’m sorry, it’s my fault she got that way”
“It’s fine, you got me a friend that lasts longer, I mean…. What you did wasn’t great but…. I got Olivia out of it, so I’m okay”, he stated, “besides that, I…. Wanna move on from the past, I meant what I said to you, so…..”
They were silent for a moment or two before Donella finally spoke, “Hugo-!”
Suddenly there was a crash upstairs, “what the fuck?!” Hugo exclaimed before he looked at Donella, “what’s up there?!”
“Nothing that should make a noise like that, come on!” The grey haired women stated before she and the blond ran upstairs together, weapons out, just in case
****
“Whew! You definitely made a pretty big crash in here, didn’t you”, a voice stated, cold as ice as the smoke in the room began to clear, “I told you to stay out of my way, yet what did you do?”
Another person coughed before growing silent, the attacker seemed to be pretty happy at this, that is, before they heard a voice, “Cassandra!”
The blue haired women looked over and glared, “Hugo… that’s your name, right?”
The blond glared at the women, “yeah, that’s me, the fuck are you doing here?!”
She smiled wickedly, “I was looking for your better half, but you’ll do for now”, she replied before raising her hand, making a few black rocks rise and point at the teen
“Get the *HELL* away from my kid!” Donella snapped before she ran and jumped Cassandra, knocking the women away with a swing of her sword, getting the rocks to sink back into the ground as the blue haired women lost her balance at the surprise attack
“What is this, another Quirin?”
Donella glared at Cassandra, “as much as I’m trying to be a better person now, I’m nothing like that man, for instance”, she kicked the moonstone powered women in the stomach, knocking the wind out of her for a moment, “I don’t give a shit about you”
Hugo ran over and threw a goo bomb at Cassandra, hitting her and getting her stuck, “take a seat ad stay a while we have questions”, he stated
“I’ll get out of this, and when I do, you’re *fucked*”, Cassandra hissed
“Noted”, the blond said
“P-ponytail”, a voice called
Hugo looked over and saw Adira, she had bruises and clearly looked like she’d seen better days, “holy fuck! Are you alright?!” He asked, running over to her, Donella by his side
“I’m fine, she….” The women winced in pain before continuing, “snuck up on us…. Hector got hit pretty badly…. He’s out cold, something’s wrong with her…. She’s not…. The same…”
The blond noticed what was causing the face painted warrior so much pain, a nasty stab wound in the center of her stomach, “shit…. Hang on Adira, it’s gonna be okay”
“Hugo, get the first aid, it’s in the kitchen, I’ll keep an eye on things here”, Donella stated, before Hugo could comment, she stopped him, “she doesn’t know me, doesn’t know what I’ll do, she knows you and can block your attacks, it’s better if you go. That and you know more about your boyfriend than I do”
The blond wanted to argue, but he knew she was right, and nodded, “yell if you need help”, he looked at Adira, “*both* of you”
The face painted warrior nodded, “sorry”
“It’s alright, Don’s right….. something’s off…” he glanced at Cassandra, the women was trying to tear the goo away, she almost looked like a trapped, rabid, animal, biting and growling, an eerie, green, glow surrounding her…..
It made Hugo shiver before he ran off, going down the stairs at light speed and searching the kitchen until he found what he’d been looking for. He ran back up the stairs and went back into the room, only to find it completely empty, “w-woah,what the fuck?”
Olivia let out a screech, alerting a Hugo and getting the blond to duck, just in time as Donella came flying past him, slamming into the wall
“DON!” Hugo yelled, running to her
“I’m fine”, she stated, “she…. Didn’t want me…” the grey haired women looked freaked out
“W-what do you mean by that?”
“Hugo…. What the hell is she?!”
“S-she’s human! She just has the power of the Moonstone, why? ….w-wait…. Where’s Adira?”
“Right here”, Cassandra stated, sending chills down Donella and Hugo’s backs as they looked and saw the face painted warrior. She was unconscious, scratched up and hurt, *badly*….. Cassandra was making the women levitate, she had a delighted smile on her face as she moved her hands, making Adria’s body move like a puppet, “don’t worry, she’s fine, see? She can walk perfectly”
“What the fuck…..” The blond said, his eyes wide with horror as he watched the face painted warrior’s body being used like a toy, “what happened to you….. Cassandra….”
“I became more…. Efficient….” The women replied before glaring, “I won’t be tricked again….”
“Tricked?” Hugo asked, “the hell? Who tricked you?! Why are you doing this?! And…… Why are you glowing green?!”
Cassandra rolled her eyes, “as if you’d understand….” She lifted her hand again, a blue glow surrounding Hugo this time, he felt the familiar magic, but there was something off about it…. Almost as if it wasn’t coming from…..! “CASSANDR-!” He began before he was thrown against a wall! All the wind knocked out of him before he was pulled up to the women, who’s smile was even wider
“Where is *Varian*?” She asked
The blond was dazed, but shook his head, clearing his thoughts before glaring, “like I’d ever tell you….” He stated
“You only have one chance, I would take it while I’m being merciful”, Hugo spat in her face, she growled before throwing him against another wall, then another before pulling him back to her. His nose was bleeding and he had a bunch of scratches and a few bruises, splinters from the wooden walls were prominent in his skin, and his glasses were cracked and bent, “*where* is he?”
Hugo coughed a little before he said, “f-fuck you…..”
Cassandra’s eyes lit up, to a *dangerously* bright degree as she glared at the teen, “you damn idiot!” She raised her hands, about to throw him once more before someone tackled her to the ground, freeing the blond, and Adira, from her hold as he looked and saw someone stand, wielding a very large axe in their left hand
“I would think you’d be a little smarter than you’re being now. But I guess I was wrong to think that way, especially since you’re dumb enough not to check to see if one of my children are really knocked out of not”, the person stated, as they stood over Cassandra, towering over her
“W-who-!” Hugo began, before he was scooped up, ending up face to face with a very worried looking Quirin
“Hugo”, the retired knight said
“Quirin?” The blond asked, “h-how’d you get here?”
“Me”, another voice stated, getting the teen to look and see a bleeding Hector helping Donella stand up
“You’re alright!” The blond exclaimed, instantly regretting it as he felt his head throb
“Careful”, Quirin said gently, “you’re very hurt….”
“So is Adira”, Donella stated
“I know….”
“Believe me, she’s gonna fucking pay for that….” Hector stated with a growl
“First things first”, the voice previously speaking to Cassandra said, getting Hugo to look over and see Edmund right next to him, “are you alright?”
“Huh m-me? I’m… o-okay”, the blond replied
Quirin smiled at the teen before looking at his king, “I can heal him”
“No, I’ll need you to help me fight, Hector, heal them”, Edmund ordered
“Right”, the wild tamer stated before he walked over and, gently, took Hugo before looking at Quirin, “I’ll protect him, promise”
“I know, thank you, just, please be safe”, Quirin replied
Hector nodded before he walked over to Adira and pulled her away from Cassandra, who was still on the floor. Donella was next to him, having grabbed the medkit and helping heal Hugo while Hector healed Adira.
For a moment, all was calm, until Cassandra began to laugh wickedly, “you’re all *FOOLS*!” She yelled, jumping up and making black rocks sprout from the floor, Edmund blocked them from their injured comrades as Quirin *instantly* knocked the women down with a well timed tackle! Cassandra growled before shooting up into the air and slamming down, making the floor splinter and forcing Quirin to hop back. When he did, she advanced, rising a hand and making a rock nearly pierce him. He dodged at the last second before unsheathing his swords and using his momentum to rush past her, slicing her cheek and drawing blood
She froze for a moment, “how-!”
“Your armor is unbreakable, but your face is unguarded”, Quirin stated with a dangerous growl, “in other words Cassandra”, he narrowed his eyes at her, “you’ve got a weak point, here’s some advice”, he did the same maneuver and sliced her other cheek, “watch your flank”
Her eye twitched before she *SCREAMED*, turning and using a bunch of magic to conjure up rock after rock, aiming at the man and trying to pierce his heart as much as she could, he managed to dodge it. His movement filled with energy, his swords slicing with vengeance for his siblings!
Edmund stayed on defense, keeping the injured safe from the onslaught of attacks as Hector and Donella continued to heal, “what is she after that’s making her go so fucking nuts?!” The tamer asked
“Varian”, Hugo replied, “she’s after Varian….”
“….shit….”
Cassandra and Quirin continued to fight, Edmund blocking attacked until he noticed something out of the corner of his eye, “QUIRIN, COME BACK!!!!” He yelled
The retired knight slid to a halt before easing away from Cassandra, landing behind his king. The blue haired women growled before she stopped suddenly, looking over at something the others couldn’t see, “what?”
The Village Leader looked at Edmund, “what’s wrong?”
“Something’s there….” The Dark King stated, squinting, “I can’t see what, but it’s bad…. *very* bad…..”
Quirin raised a brow before he noticed the blue haired women talking to something. He was startled before he got a ver y bad feeling in his stomach, “ugh…. W-what *is* that?” He asked, “I feel like I’m going to puke….”
“I know….” Edmund stated, watching Cassandra, “this is bad…. So very bad….”
“What is I-!”
“Good news for all of you, I don’t need your help after all. So take this as a warning I guess, I’ll be back soon…. I’ve got plans….” With that, Cassandra snapped her fingers and disappeared from sight
“Dammit, she got away!” Hector exclaimed
“We’ll worry about that later, for now, King Edmund, what’s wrong? What did you sense?” Quirin asked worriedly, getting the rest of the group to look at the Dark King
Edmund was shocked for a moment or two before he sighed and finally said what he’d seen, “there’s a demon attached to Cassandra…..”
Notes:
Hello!
So yeah, Cassandra’s back, and she’s been training! Yeah, so things aren’t looking good for anyone…..
Poor Hugo keeps getting right in the middle of all the bad things…. This bean needs a lot of snuggles, but at least he got some time with Donella for a moment, small victories I suppose
So Donella is starting to do the parent thing. Starting to protect her bean, I have an idea for her later on, but for now, it’s a start!
Poor Adira…. This poor women is just being hurt left and right, she’s an amazing fighter, but against a manic Cassandra, things are gonna get a little crazy….
Hector being a smart boy over here! Calling on the big bro and king papa! Let’s goooo!
Edmund moment, because I’m certain the man can probably sense spirits too! He would know if ZT showed up, because he’s been around spirits for a while, for proof, look at the final two episodes of the second season, his family were ghosts! And he didn’t seem all that surprised by it either, even explaining that they swore their lives to the Moonstone, I think he can sense them, which means he can sense ZT when she’s around too :3
QUIRIN!!!!!!! The man came running as soon as he heard one of his kids needed help! The man is a good papa! Also, him being out of the way to take care of Hugo and his siblings is a good excuse for something to happen without his knowledge….
Olivia for the pet win today! Though ruddy buddy is still the best coon! ❤️
Cassandra’s a little crazier than normal, I wonder if it has something to do with the green glow Hugo mentioned ;3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 356: Eugene’s Birthday!
Summary:
Rapunzel plans a surprise birthday party for Eugene while Varian works on the scroll and discovers something new!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“You just can’t stop giggling can you Blondie?” Eugene asked as he smiled at his princess
“No I really can’t! It’s been a week since Varian switched labs, and he’s just so excited about it!” Rapunzel responded happily
“Wish I could see that”
“I’m sorry Eugene, but he’s working on the project I have for him down there, and…. Well…. With what happened to Hugo, Adira, and Hector…. I don’t want to overwhelm him….”
“Yeah…. I still can’t believe CassAndra did that….. What did Quirin say again? She seemed like a….”
“Complete maniac”, Rapunzel sighed, “I get that he’s upset, I wish he’d have slightly kinder things to say though….” She stated
“Sunshine, the women busted into the man’s home and harmed one of his kids, along with his two sibling who are *still* healing”
“And Donella”
“Meh”
“Eugene!”
“She abused a child, I’m sorry but you’re gonna need to do more than apologize for that shit”
Rapunzel sighed but nodded, “I can see your point”
The Dark Prince noticed his father pacing up and down the hallway, “geez…. Ever since Quirin and he volunteered to watch out for Cass, he’s been a completely different person”
“I’m not surprised, Cassandra said she was looking for Varian, and with what Edmund said before about a demon possibly being attached to her…. Everyone’s kinda on edge at the moment….”
Eugene nodded, “possibly?”
“I don’t like the idea of Cassandra listening to a demon…. But given what Varian felt before when he said there was something dark with Cassandra…..”
“You’re in the fence”
“A bit, year, it’d make sense, but it’s terrifying….”
“I can understand that”, Eugene replied with a smile before seeing his father pace once again, the man mumbling nervously to himself, “….you think he may have felt better about staying with Quirin at the farm?”
Rapunzel nodded, “yeah…. But they both agreed it was for the best”
“Is it though?”
“Well, Edmund said Quirin is the strongest out of all of them now, so it makes sense that he would stick around the farm since Cassandra attacked there, she may do it again. Plus everyone’s injured there…. Quirin’s the only one who *should* be there, since he’s fast enough to defend them all”
“Yeah, but didn’t my dad train them?”
“He did, but….. with his arm being gone…”
“Right….. Damn he must hate that….”
“I’ll bet….” The princess noticed her mother walking by and smiled, “hey Eugene, I’m gonna go talk to my mom for a second, do you maybe wanna speak to your dad, try to cheer him up?”
The Dark Prince smirked and nodded, “you’ve got a secret”
“I do not! I just thought it would be a good idea for you to cheer him up is all”
“Right, okay, keep your secrets”, he teased, getting Rapunzel to giggle, “but Blondie, be careful, okay? I know you wanna help Cass, but…. What she did to Hugo, Hector, and Adira…. It was bad….”
“I know, I’ll be careful, you do the same, okay?”
“I will”, the pair kissed before Eugene walked over to his father
Rapunzel smiled at him before she felt someone tap her shoulder, she turned and her smile widened, “hi mom!”
“Hello darling, just wanted to inform you that all of the decorations came in today”, Arianna said
“Perfect! Ooooh this is gonna be the best party ever!”
Her mother chuckled, “I’m sure he’ll love it, Lance is ready to distract, everyone said they’d come, and the presents are still out of sight”
Rapunzel beamed with joy, “this is going to be amazing!!!!!”
Her mother smiled happily, neither of them noticing the blue hair women watching them from a window, her smirk widening wickedly as she stared
****
“Ruddigar you’re a GENIUS!” Varian exclaimed as he circled something on the wall, “so if this means what I think it means, then the translation for that should be….. oh….” His eyes widened as he looked at the page his raccoon had shown him
The mammal chitter curiously
“….Decay incantation…. This must be the one Rapunzel was talking about but…. The one she sang…. Was shorter….”
Ruddigar chittered in surprise
“Yeah I know it still worked, but…. It seems like Rapunzel couldn’t control it…. I splashed her with water before when she was in that dark state, she didn’t budge bud”
Ruddigar chittered curiously before pointing to the page his boy was studying
“You wanna know what the rest of the incantation is for? I think it’s to help control the decay incantation….. T-the healing incantation has two verses, this is the only one that doesn’t! The second verse was hidden! Like the third incantation, see?”
Ruddigar looked and nodded before he chittered at his boy again, posing a question
“You want to see what controlling it will do? …..I…. Could try….. s-stand back though, I don’t want you to get hurt”
Ruddigar placed a bookmark into the page and shut the book before he ran a good couple of feet away
Varian nodded before he looked at the scroll again, memorizing the words for a moment before he walked over to the amber nearby, Ruddigar chittered, “if I’m going to test this, I might as well use the amber, it’s unbreakable due to the magical properties the rocks mixed into it. Another thing I learned while studying this scroll! Either way, it’s the only thing I’d be able to test this incantation with”
The raccoon hesitated before nodding
Varian gave his best friend a nod as well before he removed his gauntlet and left glove, “don’t wanna destroy these like the last pair”, he looked at his right hand, “hmmm…. Better remove these too”, he removed the right gauntlet and glove before he tossed them aside, closed his eyes, concentrated, and began to sing:
“Power of the moon,
Beaneath your darkened glow,
Let your aura reach,
Let my magic flow”
His hair began to glow as his eyes became an inky black, Ruddigar chittered anxiously as the wing picked up a little and he heard whispers in the air
“Wither and decay,
End this destiny”
The amber began to melt
“Break these earthly chains,
And set the spirit free,
The spirit free~”
The golden crystal stood no chance as it continued to melt and bubble, starting from the top. It drooped and swayed as Varian remained silent, he was still sanding, his hair completely black, an inky shadow forming around him as the full power of the decay incantation focused on the amber before him.
Ruddigar chittered loudly, he didn’t feel any pain, but his worry grew as he watched his boy, he chittered again, trying to snap the teen out of it!
Varian’s eyes suddenly closed before they opened and blue light shot out of them, he gasped and fell backwards, falling on his butt as his hair and eyes returned to normal. The raccooon chittered before rushing over and inspecting his boy, “I’m alright Ruddy, I’m okay, see? I’m alright, it’s okay, it’s okay”, he cooed, comforting his raccoon as the small mammal searched for anything on his boy
Varian looked around and grinned, “it worked! Took a lot of energy, b-but it worked! I melted some of the amber like I wanted, did you f-feel anything Ruddigar?”
The raccoon looked himself over before shaking his head
“That’s great! We can control the Decay incantation! ….I can…. *use* the decay incantation….. wow….”
Ruddigar chittered up at his boy, getting the teen to smile and let him lovingly
“It’s alright bud, I’d only use it in case of emergencies, honestly I didn’t think I could do it”
Ruddigar chittered at his boy before pointing to the wall, it was filled with translations, circled and crossed out depending on their significance before he pointed to his boy
Varian nodded, “oh yeah, definitely going on the wall”, the teen got up, helping his raccoon climb on his shoulder before he walked over, picking up his gloves and gauntlets, before he found the chalk he’d been using to write on the wall. He made a translation key and drew a square around it before he picked up the scroll and, using some adhesive he’d made for this particular moment, stuck the scroll on the wall. He then wrote the word ‘what?!’ Above it before using blue chalk to draw an arrow to the picture of the Great Tree, “so I don’t forget”, he stated
Ruddigar chittered in agreement
The teen then wrote his findings in a journal before continuing his research, “huh…. This says 4, but 4 what? Years? Days?”
Ruddigar shrugged
“Hmmmm…. It’s mentioned a couple of times here, definitely something I don’t wanna forget”, he used the blue chalk to draw another arrow to the section just below the Great Tree’s picture before writing, ‘years? Possibly? Days?’
He then looked at another book before he noticed a few words, “‘ السيطرة على الصخور السوداء’ , that’s Arabic if I’m not mistaken….. Roughly translated it iiiis….. Ah! Here, ‘alsaytarat ealaa alsukhur alsawda', which means…..” the teen gasped, ‘controlling the black rocks?!’ What *is* this?!” He looked and his eyes widened, “the third incantation….. I-it allows the user to control the black rocks! I’ve GOTTA translate this! It would be such a huge help!!!!!” He exclaimed before looking at Ruddigar, “alright bud, time to double down, ready?”
Ruddigar nodded with an excited chitter as he and his boy began to research like crazy!
****
The day had come! Rapunzel squeezed with joy at the decorations as she hummed to herself, “what are you humming princess?” A voice asked
Rapunzel turned and saw Catalina watching her curiously, “oh, just a little song I made up earlier”, she said before singing a little of it:
“Yes, I get to be the girl,
Who has everything,
The world on a golden string,
And somehow it's mine,
Just look at me,
The girl who has everything,
And I can tell everything,
Is gonna be fine”
The werewolf smiled, “that sounds nice, me and Angry were trying to come up with out own song, but it didn’t come out very well”
“That’s because we can’t decide on lyrics”, Angry stated
“We’ll I thought I had some good ones, but you didn’t agree”
“I’m not putting ‘the dark side of the werewolf’s eye’ inside a song meant to be about fighting!”
“It sounds cool!”
“Alright you two”, Rapunzel stated, “come on, todays a *good* day, remember?”
“I certainly hope so….” Another voice said, getting the princess to look and see a worried looking Edmund watching her
Rapunzel gave the man a warm smile as the girls ran off when they heard Lance call them over, “hey, it really will be a good day, we’re celebrating your son after all, remember?”
“Oh I know, and I couldn’t be happier but…..” he looked down at his right shoulder, making the princess wince
“I know you wanted to be there with Quirin to help protect the others, but you’re still helping you know”
“How am I doing that? I sitting here helping decorate for a party, and while I love that fact that I’m celebrating my son, I…. I’m worried… I’m scared….. and I feel so useless…”
“Hey you are anything *but* useless”
“How? My eldest is fighting a battle that I started, and I can’t help in any way…..”
“Edmund, you’re here because we need the extra man power, *no one* knows about the Moonstone more than you, so if we’re going to have *any* chance of fighting Cass should she come, we’re gonna turn to you and your expertise, you’ve already been a huge help in selling us what powers she’s seemed to unlock! We’ve already got a bigger fighting chance because *you* told us everything you could and you’re here in case we need you. Yeah, you’re here with guards and such, but remember that you’re here to protect they one person Cassandra wants the most right now”
Edmund nodded, “Varian….”
“Right, and at the moment, you’re the only one with experience in defending Varian against Cassandra, in defending everyone, we need you here, you’re useful, more than you will ever know. Plus it’ll make Eugene’s party much more special to have his dad here, don’t you think?”
The Dark King smiled gently, “that’s true, I mean…. I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time….l such a long time…”
Rapunzel grinned, “and you finally get to be here! So why not put all your worries aside, for just a day! She’s not here right now, so you can relax and enjoy yourself, okay?”
Edmund hesitated for a moment or two before he nodded, “ok, thank you Rapunzel”
“You’re welcome, oh! Looks like Month could use a hand with the chocolate fountain, wanna help him out?”
The Dark Ming looked and nodded, “alright”, he walked over to help the sweet’s shop owner as the princess checked on the decorations
Max and Pascal were putting up flowers together, Catalina and Angry had a gigantic ribbon that they ran over to Lance, laughing as they did so as the man smiled at them lovingly, which Attila and Vladimir moved a table together. Rapunzel beamed, “everything is looking so *GREAT* you guys! Ah! Eugene’s surprise birthday party is going to be *amazing*!”
“*What’s* going to be amazing?” A voice asked from the door
The princess turned and saw Eugene poking his head inside, panicking she ran over and blocked his path, closing the door a little so he couldn’t see it, “nothing! Nothing is amazing! Why-why would you think that anything is amazing?” She asked with a nervous giggle as the Dark Prince smirked
“Heeey, are you planning a party”, her lover asked with a grin
“NO!” Rapunzel yelled, startling the man before she stopped and said, “I mean *yes* but I-it’s not for *you*!” She rectified with a nervous smile, “it’s for my…..” she noticed her father walking down the hall and grinned, “PAREEENTS! It’s their anniversary!”
Eugene raised a brow, “but their anniversary was 6 months ago”
*Darn it, why is he such a good boy?!* The princess thought to herself, “uh *no* its 6 months from *now*, thats what makes it a surprise!”
The Dark Prince grinned, “great! So put me to work!”
“NO!” She blocked his path, “you can’t come in! I have a *very* important list of things I *need* for the party-uh LAAAAANCE!” She yelled, turning to look at the man before seeing him tied up in ribbon by Catalina and Angry, one brow raise from the princess made the two spin the man out of the ribbon *instantly*
“Wha-woahwoahWOAHWHAAAHAAHEH!” Lance cried, shaking his head to clear the dizziness as he looked at the princess while Frederic snuck inside the room. The former thief noticing Eugene in the doorway
“Go with Eugene-*make sure he’s gone long enough*”, she whispered before placing a list into the man’s hands, “and get *everything* that’s on the list of *very* important things!”
Lance took the list and looked, seeing a bunch of oddball items from a rehearsal dress to braided hair, “huh? Oh-OH right RIGHT! Eugene! Come with me!” He stated, walking over and pushing the man out
“I-I really think I’d be m-more helpful if-!”
“Ok BYE! Bye!” Rapunzel exclaimed before slamming the door shut
“Ok ok would you stop pushing me?!” She heard Eugene say
The princess let out a sigh of relief and exhaustion, “what’s wrong dear, you seem nervous?” Arianna asked as she and Frederic walked over
“Oh I just… I’m worried that Eugene suspect something is u-!”
“Relax Princess, he doesn’t suspect a *thing*!” Edmund interrupted with a smile, “he couldn’t, he has no idea today is his *real* birthday! I’ve been avoiding thinking about it *around* him!” The Dark King stated before adding, “now, high five Frederic to show camaraderie!” He exclaimed before high facing the Coronan King, who seemed to be used to the Dark King’s loud thinking as Hamuel SQWAKED with excitement before high-fiving himself and falling off his King’s shoulder
Rapunzel and Arianna smiled as Edmund instantly picked his old bird up, cradling him like a baby to make sure he’s okay, “you’re right”, Rapunzel said, “this is gonna be the *best* surprise first birthday EVER!” She exclaimed, “and that’s not all~” she added before she looked around and saw Pascal nearby, “come on Pascal”, she stated, picking him up and leaving the room for a moment
Frederic, after helping Edmund with his bird, placed his arms around Arianna lovingly, getting the women to smile, “she’s growing up so fast”, he said
“I know, I think she’s planning on proposing”, the Queen replied
“She is?” Edmund asked, when they both nodded he grinned as small tears came to his eyes, “oh that would be a wonderful surprise!” He felt a lot more at ease as he began to discuss ideas for wedding gifts and such, his anxiety leaving him as he thought how excited he would be to tell his other children!
****
“THAT’S IT!!!!” Varian exclaimed as he finished eating his apple, “thats the incantation that can control the rocks, and guess what!”
Ruddigar titled his head curiously
“I found out what the 4 means Rud! It’s not time or anything like that, there’s another one! A *4th* incantation!”
The raccoon’s eyes widened as he looked at the scroll then back at his boy, “I know, crazy right?! There’s *4* incantations on here! *4* BUD!!!!! I don’t see where it is on the scroll, but I did learn there’s a trick to finding it, it’s definitely on here too!” He heard a bell chime and looked at his watch, “oh my, it’s 6:30pm, Eugene’s party is about to start….. I’m sad I have to miss it, bt I have to finish translating this scroll! It’s life or death Ruddigar! LIFE OR DEATH!”
The raccooon chittered worriedly, suggesting his boy should take a break
“….A break? I mean I’ve only even at this for…. Um…. a-about a week….. eheh yeah maybe I should take a break….” He blushed, “but I don’t think I should leave here, you heard what happened to Hugo, Hector, and Adira…. Going out there without anyone nearby is risky, I…. I can’t leave yet…..”
Ruddigar thought for a moment before noticing iron and steel ingots nearby, he smiled and pointed to them
Varian grinned, “perfect! Great way to relax and I can work on my scientist laugh!”
Ruddigar chittered
“Every good scientist has a scientist laugh, that’s just a fact!”
The raccoon raised a brow
“You can question me all you like, but I’m a professional remember”
The raccoon chittered out a snicker before he grabbed the two ingots
“Thank you, want your gloves and goggles?”
The raccoon chittered with excitement, getting his boy to laugh as they began to take a break!
Varian looked up as he heard a cheer and smiled sadly, “I hope Eugene likes the sparklers I put inside the room!” He stated before looking at his gift, the tag reading ‘to Eugene, from Hairstripe’, he sighed before Ruddigar nuzzled him, getting him to smile a little as he grabbed the ingots, while his raccoon grabbed his own pair of gloves and lit a Bunsen burner
****
“Let’s see!” Lance stated, checking the list as Eugene carried a gigantic pile of junk inside the castle, “one pair of tap shoes, we got that, one psychic monkey with cymbals toy! Check!” The man noticed Pascal peeping through the door, the chameleon squeaking at the man, “one ham and cheese sandwich, check check chec-hold up! We must make sure the meat to cheese ratio is correct!” Lance stated, giggling a little
Eugene glared at his best friend, “would you hurry it up?” He asked, “since when are you this thorough about *anything*?”
“Eugene! The princess asked *me* to do a *job*”, he stated, getting glee out of Eugene’s annoyed face, “are you suggesting I don’t do everything in my power to-!” Pascal gave him the signal to go in, “WELP! That’s everything! Come on Eugene quit dilly daddling, let’s go let’s go!”
“Hey!” Eugene exclaimed as the man practically *pulled* him inside the room, “w-what’s with the pushing! Alright alright I’m going! Why are we even going in h-!l
Suddenly he saw sparkler light up the room, showing Rapunzel standing in the middle as she, and a bunch of other people who’d jumped up from their hiding places, yelled “SURPRISE!”
“AH! W-wha? This is for me?” The Dark Prince asked, looking around and noting the clearly alchemically made sparklers with a smirk before he looked at Rapunzel with a confused face, “why?”
“Because *today*”, the princess stated as she, and Edmund, walked over to Eugene with a grin, “is your *actual* BIRTHDAY!”
“I-it is?” Eugene asked, looking over at his father, who was smiling and nodded, “WOW!” He exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear as he looked around, “this party is for *me*, and entire evening where everyone gathers to pay homage to *my* existence!” He stated, standing in the middle and seeing everyone around him watching with joy, he felt a little overwhelmed, he’d never had an actual party before, he’d never had anyone, outside of Lance, and later, Rapunzel and Varian, be happy he was alive! “Oh how did I go so many years without-!”
Edmund couldn’t help his thoughts escaping him as the feeling of guilt overwhelmed him, “because I sent him away as a babe and his whole life was a lie!” He stated, dampening the mood a little, he felt extremely bad about it, the glare he got from Rapunzel certainly didn’t help….
“Always a dependable ray of sunshine dad….” Eugene stated, making his father feel even worse, “well, bring on the CAKE!”
Edmund bit his lip a little, “sorry”, he whispered to Rapunzel, “my mind is a little…. Overwhelmed….”
The princess sighed before giving him an understanding smile, “it’s alright, just try to work on it a little okay?”
“Yeah, I’ll uh….. I’ll do that….” He said as the cake was wheeled over to his son, he tried to smile, he could turn this around! It could still be a good birthday for his son!
“Hold up, I don’t mean to nitpick, but there are one too many candles on this cake”, Eugene stated as Rapunzel walked over and looked
“Uuuh nope! Nope that’s right!” She stated, counting just in case, “you are one year older than you thought you were Eugene! HORAAY FOR ANOTHER BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!!!!”
Her lover laughed a little, “you are so funny, but also incorrect, I am *25* years old, the number of candles on *this* cake indicated that I’m *26*, one year too many”
“Noooo~ No” Edmund stated, growing excited to tell his son this, “you’re 2*6* years old, today!”
“Yup that’s right! *26*!” Rapunzel exclaimed, smiling happily as she waited for her boyfriend’s response, to her surprise he didn’t seem all that happy by the news as he looked around with a worried expression on his face while everyone noted how he looked his age, something she didn’t see as a bad thing
“Would everyone *stop* saying my age out loud?” He snapped before he noticed the cake begin to bubble a bit
“HAPPY 26ETH BIRTHDAY *HORACE*!” Shorty exclaimed, bursting from the cake happily and dashing everyone’s hopes of eating it before falling out
“Wow….” Eugene said, backing up and sitting in a chair that Lance brought over, seeming to understand how this would effect his best friend as he gave him a sympathetic look, “I am a *year* older than I *think* I am-this explains the *lines* on my face! Are these crows feet?”
Hamuel CAWED a little at that as Rapunzel stepped in, “alright, why do you take a mind for your *age* and make a wish, come on!” She said, helping him up and holding his hand
Eugene smiled at her adoringly, “well, I can think of, at least, one wish, I’d like to have come true in the very near future”, he stated, not noticing Rapunzel pull out a tiny box from her back pocket. The man went to blow out the candles, making his wish before the door slammed open and the candles were blown out for him, “what the-!”
“Swell party”, an eerily familiar voice stated, “I’m guessing *my* invitation must’ve gotten lost in the mail?” They all looked and everyone, particularly Edmund, froze when they saw the one person they didn’t want to see here
“I think for the next party, I’d like to have *some* input on the guest list”, Eugene joked, thinking about a certain alchemist who should be here instead of seeing the person he’d like to see the least draw her stolen sword and scrape it against the floor as she walked over towards them as he backed up
“If you don’t mind I’ll just help myself to a slice of this cake”, she stated, walking through the crowd of frightened people, Edmund glaring *daggers* at her as she did
Eugene silenced Lance’s fast paced questions as Rapunzel watched her former best friend walk over to the cake, an angry look on the blue haired women’s face as she did, “it’s….. Where have you been?” Rapunzel asked, not wanting the women to know she knew about her recent attack
“Helping myself you might say! It’s about *time* I helped myself, don’t you think?” The women asked before slicing off a piece of cake
“I think she’s here for a fight”, Lance stated, getting Eugene to shush him once again as the Dark Prince balled his fists in anger. His birthday could take a backseat, he didn’t care about it now as he thought of the tiny alchemist, alone, in a gigantic lab
*At least he’s safe for now…* he thought to himself, he really hated to think that though, he shouldn’t have to. This used to be a friend of theirs, someone he’d call a sister, but now, the only thing he could think was of all the horrible things the women did….. *Damn it…. Of all the people to show up today, why’d it have to be Cassandra…..*
Notes:
Hello!
We’re finally here!!!!! Wooot!
I won’t do character summaries, you’ve watched the episode, you know what happens, but I will say Edmund was probably over anxious, hence why he said what he did, that’s what I got from it anyway, but I digress
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 357: Cassandra’s Revenge! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Rapunzel and co need to get to the scroll before Cassandra does!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Helping myself you might say! It’s about *time* I helped myself, don’t you think?” The women asked before slicing off a piece of cake
“I think she’s here for a fight”, Lance stated, getting Eugene to shush him once again as the Dark Prince balled his fists in anger. His birthday could take a backseat, he didn’t care about it now as he thought of the tiny alchemist, alone, in a gigantic lab
*At least he’s safe for now…* he thought to himself, he really hated to think that though, he shouldn’t have to. This used to be a friend of theirs, someone he’d call a sister, but now, the only thing he could think was of all the horrible things the women did….. *Damn it…. Of all the people to show up today, why’d it have to be Cassandra…..*
Cassandra turned to Rapunzel as she placed the piece of cake on a plate and lifted it, poking it with a fork as she walked by the princess, “I’ve though a lot about how we left things”, she stated, “and it makes me sad….” She added in a mock baby voice
The princess didn’t seem to catch it as she replied, slight desperation in her voice, “oh, i-it makes me sad *too, I…. I *miss* you Cassandra, I want us to be *friends* again”, she stated with a hopeful smile
“Yeah….” Cassandra replied, “we *both* have what the other wants….. which brings me to *why* I’m here….” She said, turning to look at Rapunzel with a bored expression on her face, “I want you to give me the *scroll*….”
Eugene *instantly* felt a wave of anger and fear rush through him as he walked over and touched Rspunzel’s shoulders, “I wouldn’t do thaaat~”, he stated quietly, “the scroll has the instruction to wield the Moonstone *and* the Sundrop-!”
“Stay *out* of this Fitzherbert!” Cassandra snapped, glaring at Eugene before she plaster the same bored look on her face once again, “*blondie* can think for herself hmm?” She stated with a smirk before the smile dropped, “give me the scroll, and I’ll leave Corona in peace….”
Rapunzel remembered their conversation before on their adventure to the Dark Kingdom, how she’d told Cassandra she didn’t need anyone looking out for her anymore…. She felt shivers go down her spine when Eugene stepped back, knowing that her lover was glaring daggers *right* back at Cassandra. She looked at her former best friend with a sad expression, “Cassandra I don’t think-!” She began, but was interrupted by the blue haired women
“Ooooh I know…. It’s hard making making decisions when the only friends you have left are ex-convicts, and *losers*”, she stated with a grin
“Hey! We are *not* ex-convicts!” Eugene argued
“*technically*, we have never convicted of anything!” Lance added, getting Eugene to fist bump him while the two g,armed at the women
“I’ll give you some time to decide, enjoy your *party*, Fitzherbert!” Cassandra stated, throwing the plate of cake to the man, not even taking a bite as she left. Eugene fumbled a little but eventually caught the plate as Lance ate the pice of cake when it flew into the air.
The blue haired women slammed the door shut as she left, leaving the room in silence for a few moments before Eugene spoke up, “just to be clear-because I think it’s important, I did *not* wish for *that*….”
The princess sighed dejectedly before she looked around, “it’s alright everyone! She’s gone, we’re safe, don’t worry”
“Safe?! That women just threatened you!” Feldspar exclaimed
“And we heard about her attack in Old Corona!” Monty added
“No one’s safe! NO ONE!” The cobbler added hysterically
“CALM DOWN!” The princess yelled, stopping the crowd from growing into a panic, “look, we will figure this out, we’ve faced much worse than this!”
“Right! Like Varian and the gigantic robots!” The cobbler stated, getting the crowd to agree as some mentioned the Seporians as well
Edmund glared as Eugene spoke up, “hey, we’re not bringing that up, he’s changed, for the *better*”, he stated
“We know we know, it was just an example”, Feldspar stated
Lance sighed and rolled his eyes as he looked at Rapunzel, “it’s a good thing he didn’t hear that….”
“Yeah….” The princess said worriedly
“….You okay?”
“I….. need to think….”
“Hm…. How about we go into your room and talk, Eugene and the girls can come with us”, he suggested, “since we’re the closest to Cassandra, maybe we can help you come up with a plan?”
“Yeah…. Yeah I think that’s a good idea”
Edmund walked over to the princess as the crowd continued to talk amongst themselves while King Frederic directed them towards the guards, who would show the citizens to some spare rooms in the castle, just in case Cassandra comes back. “I can run over to Old Corona and tell Quirin what’s just happened”, the Dark King stated, “he’ll want to help as much as he ca-!”
“No!” Rapunzel interrupted, startling the man, “I mean uh…. T-that won’t be necessary, look…. Edmund I can handle this, Quirin needs to stay with Adira, Hector, and Hugo, he’s our only line of defense in Old Corona, we cannot gets him to leave that spot now, it could be dangerous”
The Dark King froze for a moment before he looked at the princess seriously, “that man is out there, alone, with a hurt baby banana nut, and his two siblings. All three of them are weak and vulnerable, the only one that can protect them is a man worried about his other child which is here, and you want me to leave him out of this fight?”
“Yes, for now, Varian is safe in a place Cassandra doesn’t know about, as long as he stays there, he’s safe. We don’t need to get Quirin involved unless Varian gets hurt”, she stated, “we don’t want to cause a panic either, we need the Village Leader in the village for now, so people stay safe, Monty said the news of Cass’s attack on his home were spread all the way to the capital. Which means if we take a Quirin away now, it’ll cause panic”
“It’ll be worse if Varian ends up being hurt and you didn’t tell him…. Believe me, there’s nothing *I* can do if you don’t ensure his son is safe with you….. there’ll be *hell* to pay…. I suggest you nip that in the bud princess….”
“I will, just let me handle it, trust me”
“……alright, I will…. But please….. heed my warning….. A mother’s scorn is bad, a father wrath is *worse* in this case…..”
“Noted thank you Edmund, do you mind helping the citizens get comfortable, seeing you here may help them feel more at ease”
The Dark King nodded, his face still filled with worry as he walked away, he touched Eugene’s shoulder as he passed his son by, the Dark Prince smiling at him before he walked over to Rapunzel, “hey Blondie, what’s the plan?”
The Princess sighed before she looked at her lover, “you, me, Lance, and the girls need to talk in my room, we’ll come up with a plan there”
“Alright they, let’s go”
****
“I *can’t* give Cassandra the scroll”, Rapunzel stated as she paced in her room
“Hey I agree!” Eugene stated, “one the one hand, if she gets the scroll it could be the end of the world…. On the *other* hand, she *did* say we’d never see her again! So…. Pretty big upside!”
Rapunzel wrinkled her nose at that before she continued pacing, “who knows *what* she’s been doin since she disappeared! Aside from…. You know, the *obvious* attacks and such…..” Lance stated worried
“Probably practicing betrayal, thinking a lot about being doing harm….” Angry started as she sat on a globe in Rapunzel’s room
“Reading…” Catalina added, spinning the globe
“*Reading* a lot about being doing harm”, her sister agreed before Eugene stopped the globe with a raised brow to the girls
“So…. Cass gets the scroll, total distraction of us, got it…..” The Dark Prince stated as Rapunzel walked over with a worried look on her face, “so we should hide it yes? Where is it?”
The princess sat down. Her face in her hands, “that’s the *other* downside”, Rapunzel stated with a bitter chuckle, “I don’t *have* it….”
“If *you* don’t have it….” Eugene started, “well then who *do* have it?”
The princess bit her lip as Lance raised a brow at her, “Rapunzel?” He asked, “who has it?”
Catalina and Angry looked at the princess as well, there was a few minutes of silence before she finally said, “Varian…..”
“WHAT?!” Lance and Eugene exclaimed, jumping up with worry
“VARIAN?!” The Dark Prince exclaimed, “w-w-why?! Why does he have the scroll?!”
“Because I needed him to translate it”, the princess stated, “you said so yourself Eugene, the scroll has the instructions for wielding the Moonstone *and* the Sundrop….. I thought if we could decipher it, then I’d be able to fight off Cassandra better in case she comes, maybe even stop her so we can talk…. Plus, with Varian showing that he has powers too, I thought it may help him…. Course I didn’t know he *had* those powers when I asked…. But still….”
Eugene sighed as Lance bit his lip, “no wonder Cassandra was lookin for him, Rapunzel she must know he has it!”
“How? He didn’t show her from what he told me!”
“She asked about him though, when she attacked his home, she was lookin *for* Varian!”
“….this is bad…..”
“Very bad….” Eugene stated, “Blondie if she gets ahold of that scroll *and* Varian…. Shit I don’t wanna think what she might do….”
“Guys, Cass is our *friend* remember? She may have done a few bad things, but she wouldn’t harm Varian, she wouldn’t”
“Rapunzel, as much as I love your optimistic personality, Cassandra already harmed Varian”, Lance stated
“Yeah, she attacked his dad”, Catalina stated as Angry nodded
“And his home”, her sister said
“But she never attacked Varian *directly*! She wouldn’t hurt him, I know she wouldn’t! We need to keep the scroll away from her, yes, but I *know* Cassandra, if we just talked to her, she would stop, she just needs to talk”
Eugene and Lance looked at each other worriedly, they didn’t like this, not at all, but they sighed and nodded, “let’s get the scroll and keep the kid safe”, Eugene stated, getting a nod from the others as they followed the princess to where the teen might be
****
“I can’t believe you have him down here”, Angry said, “isn’t there that weird yellow stuff that trapped his dad?”
“Yeah, but he actually really liked this spot”, Rapunzel stated, “I double checked and he, and Quirin, both agreed this would be a good spot”
“Ah”, they stopped when they heard something, moving a little closer as they thought it sounded like the teen himself
“THE RESULTS ARE IN! Who will win first prize for best *MEDAAAAAL*?!” Varian exclaimed, “will it be *steele* for its durability and its thermal conductivity, or *IRON*, for its lustrous shine and high melting *point*?!”
They stopped when they saw the teen drumming his hands on his desk while rolling his tongue to make a drumroll before he sounded off an explosion from his mouth! They giggled as they saw Ruddigar walk over with a glass, handing it to the teen with a happy chitter
“AAAH! Yes! Thank you Ruddigar! This is *perfect*!” The teen exclaimed, accepting the liquid while the group giggled
“That is so precious!” Rapunzel exclaimed quietly
“What a nerd”, Angry stated with an adoring smile
“Yeah, but he’s our nerd”, Catalina said with a snicker
“We should sneak up on him”, Lance suggested, “don’t wanna distract him while he’s in the zone”
“Couldn’t agree with you more!” Eugene stated as they began to sneak over
“MWAAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!” Varian laughed, getting to group to snort, “warm cocoa will *really* hit the spot! Thanks bud!” Varian stated with a wink towards his raccoon while he took a sip
Rapunzel stood up and, with a smile, finally spoke up, “hi Varian!” She called gently
Varian was so startled that he spat the cocoa out, coughing a little as he turned to face the princess, Ruddigar managed to jump out of the way just in time, but did grab some towels to clean the mess up, with an annoyed chittered towards the princess and her pals, Pascal hopped down to help, along with Max, who’d joined them when they were making their way towards the teen’s new spot, making the raccoon smile gratefully
The teen blushed, “HI! Um-*HI*!” He exclaimed, the extra ‘hi’ added when he saw Lance, Eugene, Catalina, and Angry with the princess, “I uh… w-wasn’t ex-uh-expecting you…. So *soon*”, he stated, setting the hot chocolate down and smiling weakly at the princess before whispering, “I mean we did agree on at least 5 weeks of *solitude* to decipher this thing, so I thought I some…. Some *privacy*”, he stated, blushing as he chuckled nervously
“Varian, you don’t have to be embarrassed!” Rapunzel said with an understanding smile
The teen gave her a shy grin, trying to follow what she’d said, but he couldn’t help his growing anxieties asking if they’d seen what he’d been doing…. That was before he felt hands on his shoulders and was face to face with Eugene, “hey, Goggles, do you have any anti aging alchemies, maybe some skin *tightening* serum?” He asked before letting go of the teen, who blinked in confusion, before the man opened a corked bottle and dust flew out, giving him an older appearance as he looked at himself in its reflection and gasped, “I’m getting older by the *second*!”
Lance and Max laughed as Varian bit his lip nervously, “hey! Do-No-please be *careful*, that stuff is *very* delicate!”
“Hoooo thank goodness!” Rapunzel exclaimed, getting Varian’s attention, “you *have* the scroll!”
The teen wondered why she thought he didn’t, but brushed it aside, he’d find out. Besides, he had more exciting news, “I do! Oh I do, and it took a while, but I’ve composed *this* key to transpose the text in its *entirety*!”
“VARIAAAAN! You’re a *genius*! What’s it say?”
The teen felt a swell of confidence coarse through him at that, as he pointed to the text on the scroll, “*this* is the healing incantation, *this* is the *decay* incantation, and *THIS*, hoo hoo, is a *third* incantation!” He stated excitedly, getting glee from Rapunzel’s astonished look, “it would allow *whoever* possesses the Moonstone to wield *COMPLETE* control over the black rocks!”
“*That’s* why Cassandra wants the scroll”, Rapunzel stated
Varian looked at her with surprise at the mention of Cassandra, he wondered how the princess knew the scroll is what the women was after, but he *needed* to tell her more, so he brushed it aside once more, “yes *yes* but there’s *MORE*!” Varian stated, grabbing Rapunzel’s shoulders to grab her attention before, “it says here that there are *four* incantations-not *three*!” He stated, letting go and grabbed his hair with excitement and a grin before he looked at the scroll and grabbed it off the wall, “but I can’t seem to find it anywhere on this scroll”, he stated, raising his brow at the paper
“Uh guys, ya may wanna stop talking about the *Sec-cough-ret of the scr-cough-oll!* Lance stated before pointing up the stairs
The princess and alchemist looked up, only for both of their eyes to widen when they saw Cassandra standing there, smiling wickedly, “don’t stop on *my* account”, the women stated
Varian was shocked, when did *she* get here! He glared, “CASS!” He yelled
“VARIAN! DONT GET ANY CLOSER,” Rapunzel yelled, blocking his path and getting the teen to look at her, “*hide* the scroll! We *cannot* let her get her hands on that incantation!”
“T-the scroll is *worthless* without the translation key!” Varian stated, keeping his eyes on Cassandra
“Well, then it sounds like I need *two* things….” The blue haired women stated as she unsheathed her sword
Eugene ran forwards, turning to Varian, “get that scroll out of here! Blondie I’ve got this!” He stated before unsheathing his own sword and running over, he swung it down on Cassandra, who blocked it with her arms! He froze as his sword shattered before realizing something, “her armor is made out of the ro-AAAAAAAAAAHCKS!” He screamed as Cassandra kicked him down the stairs
“EUGENE!” Rapunzel yelled, as Varian looked at his big brother in shock
Cassandra then turned and sliced a chunk of the Demanitus device off, sending it rolling down the stairs towards Eugene. The man got up and began to run, Rapunzel used her hair to grab Varian and pull him out of the way as Lance and Max ran with Eugene. Catalina and Angry hiding with Rapunzel and Varian, “GIVE ME THAG SCROLL RAPUNZEL!” Assandra demanded as she sliced at the princess with her sword
Rapunzel blocked the slide with her hair as Varian placed his arms in front of him as a guard, his grip tightened on the scroll as he watched the blue hair women with shock, “Cass! Let’s *talk*!”
“Oh *sure*, let’s have another chat about how my mother chose you over *me*!”
“Cass! Gothel *took* me and held me against my will! It *wasn’t* my decision, you *know* that!”
“Well was it your decision to push her out a *window*?!” Cassandra snapped, getting Rapunzel to gasp at the accusation as she pushed against the blue haired women
Cassandra pushed back, knocked the princess back a few inches as Rapunzel looked at her former best friend sadly, “you weren’t there!” She exclaimed, “you have *no* idea!”
“Then why don’t you *make* me understand?!” Cassandra exclaimed as she watched Varian glare at her again
Suddenly, Ruddigar hopped on her head and began to scratch and claw her!
“Good boy!” Varian exclaimed as he watched his raccoon his and chitter
The blue haired women grunted and growled, “GET OFF!” She yelled
Ruddigar jumped down and ran over to his boy, getting the scroll from him and giving the women a *burning* glare before running off
Cassandra ran after him, only to be tripped by Varian as Pascal, using Rapunzel’s hair as she threw it, ran forwards, right as the blue haired women caught the raccoon’s tail and stopped him. The chameleon grabbing the scroll and running! Ruddigar wriggling out of Cassandra’s hold and running with Pascal
Rapunzel’s hair wrapped around Cass’s foot, the princess began to pull the women towards her but Cassandra stopped her by using her sword to pierce the ground, freeing her leg and getting up as Rapunzel glared. Cassandra grabbed the stolen sword and ran after Pascal and Ruddigar, Rapunzel growled before she looked at Varian, “hide, she wants you too!”
“W-what?!” The teen squeaked
“It’s why we’re down here, hide, make sure she can’t find you! If I can’t stop her *you’re* her next target!”
The princess ran off, Varian was wide eyed before he noticed Eugene and Max were hanging off the edge of the gigantic hole in the floor, apparently the amber had melted enough to where, when Cassandra cut the machine, it made the entire thing fall. Lance was holding onto them, but he was slipping! “EUGENE! LANCE!”
“We’ve got them!” Catalina exclaimed
“Don’t worry V, do what Rapunzel says!” Angry stated as Catalina’s eyes glowed red
The red head turned into her wolf form as Angry hopped on her sister’s back, “b-but-!” Varian tried
“Please Varian”, Angry stated, touching his shoulder gently, “we don’t want you hurt, please….”
The teen felt guilt rise, but he nodded. He watched the girls run off, they got to the two men quickly, the teen let out a sigh of relief before he noticed the table he’d been working on. It was overturned, he hid behind it, getting an idea as he found a few chemicals and began to mix them together with a smile!
****
Cassandra found Pascal and Ruddigar on the device with the scroll, se threw the stolen sword, making them bot fall! Pascal let go of the scroll and latched onto a pipe, Ruddigar grabbing the chameleon’s tail so he didn’t fall as well. The scroll fell to the floor as both animals dangled dangerously above the hole.
Cassandra jumped for the scroll, but it was snatched by Rapunzel’s hair at the last minuted, she glared at the princess, “look at me! You *know* me Cassandra! I have *always* supported you! Whatever this anger is, come on! Let’s face it together!”The blue hair women growled and picked up her sword, “Cass *somewhere* inside you *know* this isn’t right! Just come back home with us, we can figure this out!”
Cassandra, for a moment, felt pinch of something familiar, something sad….. she let go of her sword, just for a second, “questioning your path, are you?” A voice said, she suddenly saw the ghost girl looking at her, the women’s hands were behind her back, a green light emitting from them
The blue haired women’s mind grew foggy as she looked at the girl, “no! I-I wasn’t!”
The ghost girl smiled before disappearing as Rapunzel looked around, “who are you talking to?” Cassandra glared, the princess reached out a hand to her, “Cass, I’m not gonna fight you”, she said as she walked forwards
“She’s trying to trick you!” The ghost girl exclaimed
Cassandra’s eyes widened, *I won’t be tricked again!* she thought, before noticing Lance and a werewolf Catalina helping Eugene and Max up with Angry watching the two former best friends closely. The blue haired women glared at Rapunzel, “don’t wanna fight? Don’t fight!” She picked up her sword and bashed it into the rest of the Demanitus device!
The towering structure shook and shivered, cracking before it began to fall, “NO STOP!” Rapunzel yelled
A few pieces fell alright as Catalina got everyone up from the hole, “LOOK OUT!” Angry yelled, pointing to the falling structure
The group screamed and began to run, but they ended up being cornered, without any other options, Lance and Catalina caught the machine, stopping it from falling, but they began to feel the heft of the machine, RUN!” Lance yelled
Eugene grabbed Angry and ran out for underneath the machine, Max following, right as the duo were about to be squished, the machine became lighter. Lance and The werewolf Catalina looked at each other before they heard “GET-UGH! OUT OF THERE!” They looked and saw Rapunzel using her hair and all her strength to keep the machine from squishing them, “I-UGH CAN’T H-HOLD IT!”
Cassandra walked over and snatched the scroll from underneath the princess’s arm, giving a sassy, “thank you”, as she walked away and Rapunzel was pulled with the machine!
****
Varian was mixing as fast as he could, the solution he was making finally finished, right as he heard, “hey Varian~”, then a condescending whistle before the table he hid behind was sliced in half, making the alchemist get up *instantly* and back away as Cassandra walked over to him with a smirk
“I-if you wanna read that scroll! You are going to *need* my translation key!” He exclaimed before he splashed his solution onto the wall, “HA! And, now that I’ve destroyed it, you will never know what the scroll says because the *only* translation in easterly *EXISTANCE*, is locked safely, away, up here!” He pointed to his head, “BOOM!” He stated with a smirk
“Is that a fact?” Cassandra asked with an amused grin
“Oho yeah!” The teen replied, doing a little jig before he realized what he’d just said, “I should *not* have said that out loud….” He stated, backing up against the wall
“Then I guess *you’re* coming with me….” Cassandra stated as she walked towards the teen
Varian glared before he remembered his powers “y-you’re not the only one who can use the Moonstone!” He stated before he raised his hand and made a black rock appear in front of Cassandra, pointing at her threateningly
The blue haired women growled, “that’s going to change very soon!” She raised her own and and destroyed Varian’s rock with her own
“Wow! So they can destroy each other, fascinating!” He stated before realizing she was coming towards him again, “um…. Right, priorities” he raised his hand again, making more rocks appear, stopping Cassandra before he ran towards the group, hoping to get someone to help him out!
Cassandra destroyed his rocks once more before running after him, she jumped on top of the teen, knocking him to the floor, “stop resisting!” She exclaimed
“No!” He snapped before summoning a few rocks to get her away from him! The rocks made Cassandra roll away as Varian got up and ran again! He saw Lance, Ruddigar on his shoulder, the man’s back was to him, “LANCE! RUDDIGAR!” He yelled
The former thief, and raccoon, turned and saw the teen, “VARIAN!” They began to run over, but a walk of black rocks prevented to three of them from reaching each other
Varian slid to a halt and turned to try and get around the rocks, but when he did, he ran right into Cassandra, who slammed her fist into the teen’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him as he fell to his knees. “This will teach you to run!” She stated before using the hilt of her stolen sword to knock the teen out! She picked the unconscious teen up and hoisted him over her shoulder
“VARIAN!” Lance yelled, Ruddigar chittering, as they made their way around the black rocks and ran towards Cassandra, but they were blocked by the new black rocks that Cassandra summoned
The women snickered when she heard the two yelling for her to let the alchemist go before she walked out with the scroll and Varian
****
Rapunzel’s hair was caught on the machine, she untangled it and hopped from one part of the machine to the next before making it to the ledge with Eugene, Catalina, out of her werewolf form now, Angry, and Max. That was until her hair got caught again! She helped and grabbed it, trying not to slide off the edge of the floor
Pascal jumped into action as Eugene, Max, Catalina, and Angry grabbed the princess, trying not to let her fall! “Hurry Pascal!” The Dark Prince called as the chameleon Branford the hair and climbed up, barely making it as the contraption fell, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake!
The group coughed a little before they looked around, “CASSANDRA!” Rapunzel yelled, looking around
“VARIAN?” Eugene added
“They’re gone….” A sad voice responded, they looked and saw Lance sitting on his knees, he looked heart broken
“What?! What do you mean they’re gone?!” Rapunzel snapped
Lance flinched, “w-we tried to save him, Cassandra used the rocks to stop us…. We couldn’t help him… she knocked him out and took him…. There was nothin we could do…..”
“No….. Nonononono…… This is bad, this is really *really* bad!” Rapunzel exclaimed
“Yeah…. Poor Varian….” Eugene stated, his eyes wide with shock
“Not just that! The scroll, Corona! Everyone’s in danger now! We’ve got to do something!”
“Right, let’s get Varian back now!” Angry exclaimed
“We need a plan first”
“What? No! We should go after him!” Catalina stated, “he’s gonna get hurt the more time we waste!”
“He’ll get even more hurt if we try to find him without a plan to help! Remember, we’re dealing with Cassandra, we can’t just attack her outright!”
“Princess, she just attacked us and kidnapped Varian!”
“You didn’t see her earlier, she was wavering, in the fence from stopping and continuing her attack! Something’s wrong, we *need* to help her!”
Catalina started to growl, growing impatient with the princess, her eyes glowed red, “woah woah! Easy!” Eugene stated as he stepped in-between the pair, “look, everyone just calm down, it’s fine, we’re gonna work together and help save Varian, but we can’t do that if we fight”
Catalina calmed down and sighed, “fine, just…. We can’t leave him”
“I’m not planning to leave him, we just can’t go without a plan, plus, we need to rest”, Rapunzel stated
Catalina sighed, “we need to tell Quirin”
“I’ll handle that”, the princess stated, “let’s get back to the castle, come on”
She began to walk out of the room, the rest of the group following her in worried silence as they made their way out of the cave, their thoughts trained on Varian and what he might be going through. None of them noticed Ruddigar had already ran out of the room and was running to the one place he knew he needed to go.
Notes:
Hello!
So here’s the first set to this episode! It’s not gonna be the exact same since there are different elements in my story, but it’ll mostly be the same, I hope you all enjoy it still though!
Varian’s adorable in this episode, no one can tell me otherwise!
Lance and Eugene deserved a bigger part! So here’s a bigger part for them, also so did Catalina and Angry, I mean where the heck were they when Rapunzel and co went to see Varian? If it wasn’t safe for them to see him in his lab, then why was it safe for them to help rescue him from Cassandra IN HER OWN CASTLE?!
Rant over XD sorry
Also, yeah so we didn’t see Ruddigar for the rest of the time after this, I guessing he went to get help, and there’s only one person he’d get help from for his boy! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 358: Cassandra’s Revenge! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian’s been bean-napped! The group needs to go and save him from Cassandra before it’s too late!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Cassandra walked through the woods of Corona, she gripped the reigns of the horse she’d stolen tightly as she glanced back at the frightened creature, “still out…. Good….” She said, looking at the unconscious teen she’d taken with her. She noticed he was whimpering a little, and stopped walking. Cassandra moved towards the boy and took off his backpack, noticing his pained expression seemed to lessen when she did. “This may come in handy, wonder what he’s got in here….” She began walking once more, opening his bag and looking through it, “alchemy book, alchemy book, alchemy book, Flynn Rider and the Earl of Camembert, ugh….. Engineering book, is this an…. Emerald necklace?” She pulled out the trinket and looked at a small card attached to it:
“To Hugo,
Sorry for not telling you about my project before, I had to keep it a secret, as requested by the princess. But I want you to know I trust you more than anything or anyone, I’m translating the scroll of Demanitus for Rapunzel, please don’t tell anyone I told you, I just don’t want you to feel like I don’t trust you, I do, and I love you so much! I hope you feel better soon…. I’m sorry Cassandra did that to you… I’m so sorry, maybe if I’d told you…. You could’ve been with me, and safe….. I’m sorry Hugo…. I love you, please feel better soon.
Love,
Varian (Freckles)”
Cassandra looked away, unable to face the teen as guilt shredded through her, “I’m doing this for a good reason, he’d never understand that…. Keep it together…. Don’t lose focus….” She said to herself, though she didn’t look at him again as she continued to rifle through his back
As she continued to walk, Cassandra noticed the ghost girl float next to her, “so this is your plan? Running away?”
“NO ONE IS RUNNING AWAY!” Cassandra yelled, glaring at the ghost girl s her eyes flickered with angry light
“One would think that now that you have the *power* of the black rocks, you wouldn’t feel the *need* to hide”, the ghost girl stated
“I don’t *hide* from anything!” She snapped
“I don’t need to remind you that *defeat* is not an option”, the girl stated gently, her hands behind her back as a green light emitted from them, “and when Rapunzel comes for you, you much be prepared to fight for what is *rightfully* yours!” She added, getting Cassandra to nod before the ghost girl thought, “what you need is….”
“A stronghold!” Cassandra stated with a grin, not noticing her foggy mind anymore, becoming accustomed to that feeling by this point, “and I know *just* where to build one….” She added, as her anger overtook her, visions of Rapunzel looking at her with disdain in her eyes filling her mind, she’d make that pity go away, she didn’t need it!
She made her way through the forest, hiding in the shadows of Old Corona before finding her way past the walls and through the outside forest. She smirked when she found the old leaf wall she remembered being shown before. Looking at the ghost girl, she revealed the tower behind it, “perfect”, the girl stated with a wicked grin, “but how do you plan on making a stronghold?”
“What do you mean?” Cassandra asked, “use the black rocks with the incantation Varian told Rapunzel about”
“Can you translate the scroll?”
“No, but that’s what *he’s* here for”, she stated, gesturing to Varian, who was still unconscious
“Yes, but see, do you really think he’ll tell you when you ask?”
“I….. no…..” Cassandra admitted
“Well then, what do you plan on doing to make him talk?”
“……He’s an alchemist, he must have something in his bag that could be useful”
“For your sake, I hope you’re right, because if not, then there’s only one other option, you do realize that right?”
Cassandra was silent for a moment, she didn’t want to think about that option…. But something made the idea of it a bit more appealing, she sighed, “I understand, let me look through his bag of tricks first”
“Very well Cassandra”, the ghost girl replied before disappearing from sight
The blue haired women looked at the fallen tower before noticing a long piece of wood stuck into the ground. She smirked and walked over to it, she then set the bag down, gently, on a nearby log, so she didn’t break anything, before she picked the teen up and placed him against the wooden pole. She placed his hands around his back and the pole before using the black rocks to make handcuffs. She smiled at her work before going back to his bag. She shifted through it some more, not caring that the horse she’d brought ran off, before she noticed a small vial with a glowing, purplish pink, liquid inside. She smirked as she recognized the concoction, the label reaching ‘Truth Serum’, before looking at the unconscious teen.
His mouth was wide open, good, she walked over and cupped his chin before raising his face up and dumping the potion in. She rubbed his throat and got him to swallow it before she sat back and waited for a few moments. The teen didn’t move, she grew bored and began to walk around, she glanced up at the tower and began to envision her stronghold, how tall, what it would have. She grinned at the image of a looming castle, one much bigger than Corona’s capital. She kicked a piece of wood nearby, watching it land near Varian before she noticed him begin to stir
She grinned and walked over before she stopped, seeing a drawing of Rapunzel on the ground in stone. She slammed her stolen sword into it, enjoying it break before he turned to face the teen, sitting on the log shed placed his pack on top of as he woke up, licking his lips and making a, “mleh”, noise as he began to looked around, “w-wha-! Hey! Where are we?!” He asked, instantly spotting, and glaring at, Cassandra
“I need that third incantation Varian”, Cassandra stated
“*Never*….” The teen growled, his eyes narrowing, looking very close to his father
“I knew you’d say that, that’s why I went through your little bag of tricks”, she stated, showing him the opened bag with a grin, “I found something that *might* change your mind”, she stated, looking at the vial before getting up and walking to the teen, kneeling in front of him to show the emptied container, “recognize this?” She asked, as a drop of the purpleish pink liquid dripped from the vial
“Ha! No!” The teen replied with a cocky grin, she turned away as she heard him begin to struggle, noting his breath hitch a bit as the potion took its affects on him, “g-g-GYAH YES-it’s a truth serum of my *own* design and it compels the drinker to tell the truth and answer *ANY* question asked! Wait! B-but I never drank *that*!” He exclaimed, breathing heavily as his eyes darted from side to side anxiously as he tried to figure out what’d happened to him
“Cassandra grabbed the scroll as he spoke, smirking the entire time before walking over and grinning at him wickedly, “lucky for *me*, you sleep with your *mouth* open!” She stated, enjoying the fear in his eyes as the realization hit him like a speeding caravan. “So let me ask you”, she added, glaring at him dangerously as his hair began to glow, along with the Moonstone, she backed up a bit before saying, “what’s the *third* incantation….”
“Oh-huhuh…. I-I uh….. agh…. Eee…. C-Crescent high above….. *E-evoloving*…. A-as you *goo*…. R-raise what l-lies beneath… a-and let the d-darkness grow….” He started, Cassandra sitting down next to him and writing the words on the scroll
“Good, keep going”, she stated
Varian felt the potion burning his throat as tears came to his eyes. He *hated* this, it hurt so badly the more he resisted…. *serves me right….* he thought, *I u-used it on innocent people…. Of c-course she would do the s-same to me….* He sniffled as he continued, “b-bend it to my w-will….. *C-Consume* the S-Sunlight’s g-gLOW…. Ah….. ow… R-r-rise into t-the s-sky a-and…. *l-let* the d-darkness grow…. L-let…. Darkness…. G-grow…..” he finished, he sniffled, whimpering as the burn finally subsided….. He was shaking…. Badly….. as he looked up at Cassandra, “p-please don’t m-make me do that a-again….”
The blue haired women felt her guilt shred inside of her again, but she ignored it, stamped it down as far as she could, she was doing this for a reason! “We’ll see….” She said, getting up and facing the tower
Varian watched her, “C-Cass…. You don’t h-have to do this….”
“I do actually, and I’ll thank you to keep you trap *shut*”, she snapped, stopping any further arguments from the teen as she sighed and looked at the tower again. Raising her hands, she took a deep breath, let it go, and began to sing:
“Crescent high above”
The Earth shakes for a moment before she stops, looking around as she sees a few new rocks have grown out of the ground. She smiled excitedly, not noticing they were snorted than she’d wanted before she began again:
“Crescent high above,
Evolving as you go,
Raise what lies beneath,
And let darkness grow”
Her hair, and Varian’s, began to glow as the teen shifted uncomfortably. He’d finally noticed the handcuffs and felt his heart rate pick up as the ground began to shake more.
“Bend it to my will,
*Consume* the Sunlight’s glow!”
Cassandra continued to sing, her rocks raising from the Earth and destroying the tower that once stood there, forming a dark castle of her very own! Varian stared at the massive building, his mouth agape as his former anxiety was forgotten for the moment, “what is *that*?!” He asked
“Let…. Darkness…. *Grow*”
Cassandra finished the song and opened her eyes, her hair no longer glowing, nor was Varian’s, as she looked at the castle with a grin, “home sweet home….” She stated before she felt her body begin to ache, “wha…. What’s happening?” She stopped when she felt the Moonstone glimmer, looking down at it, she then realized something, and turned towards Varian. The teen’s hair springing to life once again, glowing blue and floating as if he were under water….
“U-um…. I… didn’t d-do anything….” Varian said fearfully
The women growled as she heard the ghost girl’s voice in her mind, “he has some power of the Moonstone too, of course you wouldn’t have *complete* control. But you have him now, you just need to take the power, like you did before, remember?”
“Where are you? And how am I supposed to do that?” She asked, looking around and getting Varian to raise a concerned brow
“Temper Cassandra, I don’t want the boy to see me, so I’m hiding in your mind for now. I’m still here, trust me, we have time to figure out how to extract the power from the boy, for now, keep him close”
The blue haired women sighed before looking at the teen again, “fine….” She walked over and went to grab him
“C-Cass?” He said, his voice was a little horse, but he looked directly into her eyes
She froze for a moment, only a moment, before shaking off her emotions and grabbing his arm, releasing the handcuffs and pulling him up before cuffing him again, “you’re coming with me, now shut up and come on”, she snapped before puli g him towards the tower she’d just made
Varian didn’t fight her, he stumbled a little, but eventually fell into step, not wanting to get anything more than what he’d already received. His stomach ached, his throat burned, and his hair continued to glow and float. He sighed and looked down, the Sun was down, the Moon high in the sky….. he really hoped Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel and his dad would be here soon…. He especially wanted his dad right now…. He needed him….
****
The next morning, Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Catalina, and Angry were rested up and in the princess’s room. Rapunzel was pacing in front of her friends as she spoke, “we *have* to figure out what Cassandra is planning on doing with Varian and the scroll” she stated, looking at the group angrily, “we’re not just gonna sit by and let her ruin Eugene’s birthday or….” She opened her purse and looked inside, seeing a ring she’d received sitting in a plush box, “or anything else….” She finished, closing the purse with a sigh before she looked at the group, “right?”
Eugene looked a little startled by his princess’s statement, looking down, “sure just… give me a minute….” He said, thinking about Varian as Lance let out an uncomfortable ‘uuuuuh….’ Seems like Rapunzel’s sentence had made him uncomfortable too….
Catalina and Angry glared at the princess as Max and Pascal exchanged worried looks with each other, “*SERIOUSLY* guys! Cass has *Varian*, not to mention an incantation that can *control* the *rocks*! We *have* to stop her!”
“I’m sorry princess, but your former statement made it seem like you were only interested in Eugene’s birthday”, Catalina stated bluntly as Angry nodded
“I’m not! I just…. Was looking on the brighter side….” She said, “I’m worried about Varian too, and Cass….”
The sisters exchanged looked before Lance spoke up, “well first things first, we’ve gotta get past Cassandra and thag unbreakable armor!” He stated, “she’s undefeatable otherwise!”
“Oh come on Lance, we can figure it out”, Eugene stated, “we just need to think is all!”
“Oh I’m sorry, what happened to your sword when you tried to fight her with it? You ran up the stairs and what did I hear? Shatterin metal, or shatterin dignity?”
Eugene glared, “are you finished?” He asked with a raised brow
“Listen guys, I *know* Cassandra’s dangerous, but we *can’t* forget, she’s also our *friend*”, Rapunzel stated
“Friend?!” Catalina asked, “how? She attacked us, hurt us, took Varian and the scroll, she’s been attacking us a lot lately, and now she’s run off with Varian and left us to pick up the pieces!” Catalina exclaimed
“By the way, where’s your dad Eugene?” Angry asked
Eugene looked at her, “what do you me-! You know what I haven’t seen him today, where is he?”
“I have him helping the guards to calm the villagers down, that shaking we heard last night while we were in the tunnels really freaked them out”, Rapunzel stated
“Wait you have the Dark King, a man who knows more about this stone than we do, helping villagers instead of his own *grandson*?!” Lance asked
“Yes!” Rapunzel stated, “because one, we can fix this ourselves, two, I promised Quirin *I’d* protect Varian, and I will not break that promise, and three…. Edmund…. Is at a disadvantage….”
“Blondie…. I really hope you’re not talking about what I think you’re talking about….” Eugene stated, growing a little angry on his father’s behalf
“No! Not about his arm! I mean… he’s afraid…. Afraid of Cassandra, the Moonstone, and what may happen to his children and Varian”, Rapunzel stated, “that kind of fear can put you at a disadvantage, make you freeze when you shouldn’t, I don’t want him getting hurt”
Lance sighed, “fine, but what about Quirin?”
“What do you mean?”
“Rapunzel…. Quirin is Varian’s *father*, he should know-!”
“I’ve already taken care of that Lance”, Rapunzel dismissed irritatedly
“How?”
“Huh?”
“How did you take care of it? Cause I’m tellin ya right now, if you don’t inform Quirin, there’s gonna be *hell* to pay”
“It’s fine Lance”
“Rapunze-!”
“It *fine*” the princess stated, glaring at the man before sighing, “and that’s not our primary focus right now, it should be focused on where we can find Cassandra”
“And Varian”, Catalina stated
“Yes, Varian too”
Lance crossed his arms and huffed, but Eugene shook his head, he trusted Rapunzel, so the former thief sighed and let the issue go, but he had a really bad feeling in his stomach…… “there’s only one *big* problem, we don’t know where Cassandra is”, Eugene stated before Max whinnied, catching everyone’s attention
They looked out the window and saw a large, dark, structure, Rapunzel squinted and noticed the structure was made out of the black rocks, “I think we know where to look….” Rapunzel stated as the others joined her at the window and gasped
****
Varian continued to stare at the floor as he walked up the spiral staircase with Cassandra still gripping his arm harshly. He felt is stomach rumble and his eyes were heavy as they continued t walk. Cassandra herself was focused on the way ahead, glaring as she seemed to be deep in thought, “you’ve done *well* Cassandra”, the ghost girl stated in her mind, “soon Rapunzel will *come* for the boy”
“And then what?” The blue haired women asked, startling the teen a little as he looked at her worriedly
“*Then*, you will face her with the *full* power of the Moonstone!”
“How do I do that? He still has some power”
“All in due time Cassandra, the way to get his power is to break his spirit, just as you have to break Rapunzel’s”
Cassandra stopped, “break their spirit?”
“W-what?” Varian whimpered
Cassandra glared at him, “shut up”, she snapped, making the teen wince
“Yes, break his spirit, the Moonstone is a balance, between good and evil. If he has powers in him, it means he has a perfect balance of good and bad, dark and light, you must upset that balance, make him fill with one or the other. In this case, you’ve got him in such a vulnerable stated that darkness would be better. Simply break his spirit, show him there’s no hope, ten touch him, the power will come to you, just as it did when you harmed his father and boy toy”
Cassandra thought back to that day, when she’d spoken to Quirin about the Moonstone and sighed, “how did that work before?” She asked
“C-Cassandra who are you t-talking to?” Varian asked
“I said shut *up*!” She snapped again, making him wince once more
The ghost girl chuckled before she spoke, “he’s quite the curious one”, the blue haired women rolled her eyes and sighed, “anyway, it worked because you hurt his father and boy toy, you nearly killed them, and it tapped into his darker impulses. I recall you’ve mentioned he was once a villain you fought against. Perhaps another trip into that midset will make him unbalanced once again, and this time you could take all of it from him! Of course you could also corrupt him by convincing him to give you his powers, including the red rocks he stole from you, do you remember that?” She asked as a green glow surrounded her
Cassandra growled, “ow! A-arm! C-Cassandra my arm!” Varian squeaked
The blue haired women calmed down and sighed, “is there any downside?” She asked, lessening her grip on the teen’s arm
“Well, if you show any imbalance during the process, I suppose he could fight back, but that’s only if he’s aware of what you’re doing. So I would stop saying things out loud if I were you”
Cassandra nodded, “let’s go”, she stated, pulling Varian with her once more
The teen helped a little but followed, he didn’t say anything, too afraid to…. He felt his heart beating faster as they final,y made it to the top, they found themselves in a large, empty, room, the teen looked around, he was amazing by it, and also scared, “woah…..” he said
Cassandra sighed before she looked a the teen, she felt guilty when she noticed his hands were fidgeting a little, uncomfortable in the cuffs she’d made. She sighed, deciding to give him as chance as she faced him, releasing the cuffs, “look, I know *none* of this is your fault, and I don’t *want* to hurt you. So when Rapunzel comes for you, *don’t* try anything foolish”, she stated, “also, I need you to do something for me, something that’ll make *both* of our lives easier”, she stated, “give me your powers”
“What?! Why?”
“I need them, they belong to the Moonstone anyway, and that is now mine”, she stated, touching the stone as she spoke, “trust me, it’ll be a lot easier on you if you just hand them to me”
“C-Cassandra I….I can’t….” He stated
“Why not?” The women asked
Varian tried to keep his mouth shut, but felt his throat burning once more, “GYAH! B-because I feel like y-you’re going to do very b-b*AAD* things with the power and I really wish you w-wouldn’t because it’s only gonna make things worse for you in the long run and I should know b-because I’ve been in your shoes!” The teen panted a little as he placed a hand on his throat, “ow…. Damn it….”
Cassandra raised a brow before laughing, “you really think *you* can understand how this feels, wow! Talk about ego!” She snarked
“Cassandra…. Y-you’re angry, I get it, believe me I *know* what it’s like! B-but you are making a mistake!”
The women turned away from the teen, “right…. Because you understand me *so* well…”
“I understand what you’re going through…. I went through it too…. And it *hurts*….”
“The path of hate is a dangerous track,
You take one step and it's hard to turn back,
It pulls you along,
And though it seems wrong it *feels* right!”
“You don’t understand!” Cassandra snapped
“*Don't* you see this path you're on leaves a *permanent* mark!”
Varian tensed up at this, holding his wrist as he continued
“It feels good at first, then it slowly turns dark,
With each passing day,
You're *further* astray from the light!”
The teen walked over to Cassandra, who was facing away from him
“Suddenly, you lose your way and lose the thread,
Lose your cool, then lose your head,
Every loss is harder to excuse!”
“You don’t get it!”
“Then you'll see you'll lose your faith and lose your soul!”
“I-!”
“‘Til you lose *complete* control,
And *realize* there's *nothing* left to lose,
*Nothing* left to lose!”
“Cass, trust me! Becoming the villain isn't the answer!” He exclaimed, reaching for the women
“Is that what you think I am?!” Cassandra snapped, turning to glare daggers at him as she slapped his hand away angrily
“The path I'm on is a path paved in black,
I'm taking that road and I'm *not* looking back,
Each twist and each turn,
Leads *straight* where I'm yearning to go!”
“You’re only trying to convince yourself that this is right!” Varian exclaimed, “it’s not true!”
“*Yes* it's *true*, my path is dark but I *see* where it ends!”
“Not you don’t!” Varia tried, but was pushed away, making him fall to the floor as Cassandra made the rocks grow beneath her raising her up as she glared down at Varian
“My rivals will fall as *my* power ascends,
Despise me, that's fine,
I'm taking what's mine even so,
Not like *you*!”
Varian winced at that as he got up and watched the women walk around him, still above him as she made platforms appear underneath her against the wall
“You lost your nerve, YOU LOST THE GAME!
But you and I, we're *NOT* the same,
I'm not lost, this fate was *mine* to choose!”
She showed him her control as she used the rocks to move her around him, staying above him as he looked up at her with fear before she hopped down, noticing a painting of Rapunzel from the old tower. Her eyes narrowed as she lifted the painting using the rocks
“So I chose to lose my doubts and lose my chains,
Lose each weakness that remains,
Now that I have *nothing* left to lose,
*Nothing* left to lose!”
She formed a blade on her arm and went to stab the painting before she felt something grab her. She glared when she saw the teen stopping her, his eyes wide, begging her to stop!
“You have so much to hold onto!” He sang desperately
“I *only* want, *MY* RIGHTFUL DUES!” She exclaimed before growing angry as green light flashed and she sent the teen *flying*, black rocks pelting his chest and stomach as he slid a good 10 feet against the ground
Varian got up, wincing at the pain as blood ran down his forehead, he reached out the Cassandra, one last time as she walked over to him, stopping and arguing with him while he sang desperately:
“LISTEN *PLEASE*!
You’ve *lost* your grip,
And *lost* your mind! (I'm not gonna lose!),
*All's not lost*, don't be so *blind*! (I refuse),
*Cut* your losses, drop the IOUs! (I refuse!)”
Cassandra took over, pushing the teen away as she glared at the portrait of Rapunzel, the Moonsonte flickering with her rage and hatred as she looked back at Varian and grew black rocks around him while he argued with her:
“I lose no tears and lose no sleep, (Oh-oh, *CHOOOOOOOOSE*!)
What I want I'll *TAKE AND KEEP*” (It's time for you to choose!)
“You can stop! (You can stop!)” She snapped as he begged and was forced to crouch while she curved black rocks around him, trapping him in a tiny cage
“This path is *mine* to choose! (This game, you’re gonna lose…..)”
She growled before keeling down in front of him, “you’ll stay in that cage until this is done! And just in case you think of escaping”
“Cassandra-!” Varian tried, but was cut off when she used the black rocks to push the cage away, forcing the teen outside, hundreds of feet in the air with no escape, nothing up but a small path back to her with the gaps of the cage being too small for even a *child* to squeeze through.
She huffed before the blue haired women snapped her fingers and made the black rocks destroy the painting of Rapunzel…. She looked over at it and felt her heart crack a little, especially when she head Varian’s tiny cries…. Begging for her to change her mind, trying to reach for her once more…. She turned away, realizing her rocks formed a thrown of sort for her, she walked over to it, and climbed up her darkens stairs as she sang one final verse:
“Now…. I have…. *Nothing*….Left…. to lose…..” she sat on her thrown, it was faced towards where she’d sent the teen…. She watched him, saw him watching her, he was far away, but she could see his broken heart….. it hurt….. Not wanting to see it anymore, she got up and walked away, exploring her new castle as she tried to brush off the look she’d just been given…..
And failed…..
Notes:
Hello!
So here’s another part! Um…. “Nothing Left to Lose” makes me cry…. I can’t get past the final, heartbroken look Varian gives Cassandra as he’s forced away from her in the cage….. HE BREAKS MY HEART MAN!!!!!!! Also, yes, I changed the final line share by the pair, I’m sorry, I didn’t understand why the out, “you can stop, turning on the screws”, into an otherwise flawless song! I didn’t get it, I still don’t, I think they were going for something about control there, but it didn’t come across well in my opinion. So I changed it to where Cass was saying, “you can stop, this pat is mine to choose”, while Varian argues, “you can stop! This game, you’re gonna lose!” I think it fits better with the song and gives more to Varian’s warning, with a call back to Cass’s previous, “you lost your nerve, you lost the game!” Line!
I changed a lot about the interaction between Lance, Rapunzel, Eugene, Max, Catalina, and Angry because I thought them joking about Eugene’s age was a stupid B plot that didn’t go anywhere…. I laughed, but they could’ve done something else, like have the others noticed Rapunzel’s worry shifting more towards Cassandra over Varian, and her positivity turning a little more toxic like it did before due to the stressful situation. Also, giving a reason for why Edmund isn’t there and why Quirin doesn’t show up despite both not being too far away while leaving something else for the audience to chew on and wait to find out about in the upcoming chapters 😁
Also Catalina and Angry are very underutilized in this two parter, so imma change that, so was Lance….. Holy frick…..
Y’all know where Ruddy’s going, but mind you, he’s a small raccoon who just got hurt, it’s gonna take him a while :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 359: Cassandra’s Revenge! (Part 3!)
Summary:
The gang goes to save Varian while the teen tries to figure out the final incantation along with any other secrets on the scroll
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lance panted a little as he, Eugene, Catalina, Angry, Max, and Rapunzel made their way towards the large structure they’d seen from the castle. The man was tired, they’d been walking all night, as he looked up into the sky, he noticed the Sun was just barely peeking over the horizon, he sighed before spotting the alchemist’s home,,”hey um…. Since we’re close by, you think we should stop in and see how Quirin and the others are doin?” He asked, “plus we can reassure that we’re goin to save Varian, might make the man feel better”
Rapunzel sighed before shaking her head, passing the building and leading them all through the forest, realizing where the structure would be and feeling her heart drop a little, “we need to keep moving”
The former thief raised a brow, “princess what’s goin on?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean anytime I suggest sayin somethin to Quirin, you dismiss it, Immediatly”
The blond stopped and looked at the man, “Quirin has two hurt siblings, a hurt enemy, and a hurt child in his home he’s currently trying to protect. He’s going to be informed about Varian, I’ve already taken care of it, at the moment, we should just leave him be”
“Wait ‘goin to be’?”
Rapunzel huffed, “Lance, we don’t have time for this! We need to get to Cassandra!”
“You mean Varian?”
“Lance!”
“Rapunzel no! This ain’t right! You’ve been actin off ever since this who,e thing started, mind you, I get it, Cass just did a lot and probably brought up some really bad stuff, but you’re actin like she’s the only one that matters here! Her or Eugene’s birthday, which was *yesterday* might I add!”
“There’s a good reason for that!”
“What? What could *possibly* be a great reason for you going and actin like Varian doesn’t matter and that Cassandra does more than him?!”
“BECAUSE IF I DON’T THEN I’LL FALL APART!” The women yelled before slapping her hands over her mouth and blushing
This startled Lance, who stood there, shocked for a moment or two before he sighed, “fall apart?” He asked, “somethin you need to talk about princess?” He asked gently, when Rapunzel shook her head he sighed, “listen, Varian is up there, in the tower with a power hungry crazy lady, and you’re focused on birthday parties. That’s concernin to me….. It ain’t fair to Varian either, we get that you’re upset about Cass, trust me, we do, but we also know there’s a boy up there that *needs* you. So please…. Talk to me, let me help, maybe if you do, we can figure this out together and you’ll be able to face her”
“He’s right Sunshine”, Eugene agreed, “I love you, and trust you, but you’re kinda, already, falling apart….. And I’m worried it’s only gonna get worse”
The princess looked at her lover for a moment before she lowered her hands and sighed, “……I….. Cassandra brought up Gothel…. She blamed me for her death….. she’s so angry…. She’s hurt….. and…. I…. I don’t know how to help her…. She was wavering, she really was! She looked on the fence, like she wanted to stop but she couldn’t…. And…. I don’t know…. I thought that if maybe I focused on the positives…. I could keep going so I could help her….. She took Varian, who knows what she’s doing to him…. And I promised Quirin I’d protect him…. I promised he’d be safe…. And I broke it…. Just like I broke my promise to Varian…..” she sniffled a little
“Is that what’s goin on? You’re past comin back to bite ya?” Lance asked
“Yeah…. And it’s getting worse and worse everyday….. The more I think I’m getting better… I end up taking two steps back…. And I hurt someone…. All over again….”
The former thief sighed, he understood that feeling, unfortunately, but it gave him an idea as he looked at the princess, “you know, there’s one person I’ve talked to that understand what that feels like more than anyone, and you’ve talked to him too”
“I…. Have? Who do you me-! ….Varian…..”
“Yup”, Lance replied, “that tiny boy is the one person who could understand you more than anyone in the world. You know, his past is probably up there right now with him too, Cassandra was apart of that, he had a massive crush on her, didn’t he! Plus she’s goin down a really dark path, it’s not the same as his, but he can see another friend doing somethin he did….. He’s probably just as afraid as you. I’m not sayin what you’re feelin ain’t right, you have every right to feel that. But you know, Varian fought back, he fixed everything, he tried his damnedest to do what he could. And when he fell, he had us to pick him back up, it took him a while to realize that, but when he did, it got easier for him. So how about we do the same”
Lance smiled before scooping up Rapunzel and spinning around, getting her to laugh before he set her down and spun her into Eugene’s arms, “hello Blondie”, the Dark Prince stated
“Hi!” Rapunzel replied with a grin
“You’ve got us princess, you’re not alone, and this ain’t the past, this is the present, you can still fix things, still get better. You say you take two steps back, but would the old you have gone after Varian?”
“No”
“Would the old you have admitted how ya felt like ya just did?”
“No”
“Would the old you have been okay with me doin that without snappin?”
“No”
“So, where’s the two steps back then? Cause I don’t see ‘em, I’m looking at your footprints, still don’t see those backwards septs”
Rapunzel giggled, “ok ok, thank you Lance”, she said with a grin, “I’m just…. Scared….”
“…..We’re all scared”, Lance admitted, “we all love Varian, we’re all sad about Cassandra, but we’re together, we can face her together and save the bean, we can, and we will”
Rapunzel nodded, “you’re right, thanks, I…. I’ll try to remember that”
The former thief nodded with a smile before he looked towards the structure, “so…. Why’d she build it over there?”
“I have a feeling I might know….. I need to see it for myself first though”, the princess stated before she looked at Eugene, “um…. It’s…. Gonna be hard….”
Eugene smiled and took Rapunzel’s hand, “like Lance said, we’re together, all of us, let’s go save us a bean, yeah?”
The blond nodded, “yeah!” With that, the group continued walking towards the structure, a newfound courage welling up inside them as they did.
****
*Varian was laying down, he didn’t remember falling asleep however….. As his eyes opened, he looked around and saw pink and purple surrounding him everywhere! “WHA-Whe-where am I?!” He exclaimed, his voice was echoing a little bit before he recognized his surroundings, “w-wait, I’ve…. Been here b-before…..”
“You have! Welcome back little Demanitus”, a voice eerily familiar to him said
The teen jumped up and looked around before he saw a girl, “Z…. Z-Ziri?”
“Yes! Good to see you again old friend!”
“Ziri…. W-what happened? Where am I? What *is* this place?”
“You’ve been here before child”
“I know, but where *is* here”
“This? It’s where I linger, a plain in-between my world and your mind. Sometimes I meet people here, guiding them to where they need to be when they’re lost. It seems as though you’re not where you’re supposed to be, little Demanitus”
“I…. N-no…. I’m not….. I got…. T-taken….”
Ziri looked shocked, “you were kidnapped?!” The teen nodded, “oh how awful! Are you alright?” She asked, walking over and examining the teen
“I’m okay…. M-my ribs are hurt I think….. I can’t feel that here though…. I…. C-can’t feel my truth serum either….”
“That’s because this place is in your mind, I believe you’re asleep right now, probably exhausted, poor little *thing*”
The teen felt his eye twitch at that before he sighed, letting it go for now, “Ziri, you knew about the King’s secret files, you found out about, and knew, Demanitus, um…. I have his scroll”
“You do?!”
Varian tilted his head at her, he noticed she didn’t see all too surprised, almost as if she’d known he had it….. Again he brushed it aside, “w-well I *did*, Cassandra h-has it now”
“Are you sure? Your pack is on your back”, she pointed to his back and the teen looked and yelped a little
“B-but she, took it away!”
“Hm… It could’ve come to you from a friend, maybe even the Moon?”
“The Moon?”
“You’re outside in a cage dear boy, the Moon can see that and probably gave it to you!”
“Oh m-maybe…. Either way, you know about the scroll… Obviously, but um….. d-do you think there’s something on there that could help her?”
“Your friend?”
“Yes, s-she’s going down a dark path and…. The Sundrop can heal…. I found out there’s a fourth incantation hidden on the scroll somewhere…. But I don’t know how I can find it…. A-and it has to be a Sundrop incantation, because the Dacay and Black Rock incantations that I found were for the Moonstone”
“Hmmm….. Well, from what I know from Demanitus, he always loved a good riddle…. Potentially use the Sun to see the Sun?”
“Use the Sun to *see* the Sun?” Varian replied with a raised brow, “w-what does that mean?”
Ziri smiled and shrugged, “I’m not sure, I’ve never been able to figure it out, but I’d heard that from Demanitus before, I never knew what he’d meant by it though”
“So… how do you know it’s for the scroll?”
Ziri seemed a little startled by that question, giving the teen an almost impatient look before she calmed herself, “I suppose it’s a hunch, one you’ll have to trust I’m afraid, I’m sorry I can’t help you further than that. But if that incantation is something you believe can help your friend, I’d try that riddle, it’s the best option”
Varian hesitated, he didn’t like that, “…..A hunch….”
Ziri huffed but continued to keep her grin plastered on her face, “little Demanitus, you’re running out of time”, she stated as the platform he was on began to grow smaller and smaller
“W-woah woah! W-wait! What’s happening?!”
“Your mind cannot keep its connection with this world forever, you’ll fall from the ledge, but you’ll wake up perfectly in tact my friend”, she began floating up and waved ever so sweetly, “goodbye, and good luck!”
Varian tried to stay on the platform as much as he could, he had so many more questions! About the riddle, about the scroll, but as he felt the platform crumble as he noticed green fire surround Ziri, he began to fall, deeper and deeper, faster and faster, all as he let out a scream!
*AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” The teen shot up, *instantly regretting it as his head pounded and he felt his ribs throb, “oh ow….. that was a d-dream…..” he felt wind brush against his cheeks and looked around before he saw the height he was at and whimpered, “oh why couldn’t *this* be a dream….”
He backed up to the middle of the cage before his bottom bumped into something, sitting down he looked and saw, to his surprise, his back pack sitting next to him, the scroll rolled up safely in the side pocket. He blinked for a moment before remembering his dream and grabbing the scroll. He crossed his legs like a pretzel and looked at the scroll once more, “use the Sun to see the Sun…..” he looked out of his cage and noticed the Sunrise, he sighed as he felt his stomach growl…. “Keep working, just…. Keep working….”
He didn’t noticed ‘Ziri’ watching him from the top of the black rock structure. She was smiling wickedly before noticing Cassandra coming towards the cage. She looked down interestedly and flew into the women’s head, “what are you doing?”
“Bringing him food, he may be a prisoner, but he doesn’t need to starve”, Cassandra replied as she used the Moonstone to widen the platform. She noticed Varian see her and stuff something away in his bag, she raised a brow, “how’d he get that?”
“Possibly a little help from the Moon, another reason why you should take his powers away. With the celestial being helping him through this, you won’t *ever* get those powers, even when they rightfully belong to you”
“Hmmm….” The blue haired women narrowed her eyes as she remembered something she’d found before and got an idea. “Breakfast”, she stated, “don’t try anything funny….”
“I won’t…..” Varian replied softly, his voice quivering a little as she widened the gaps in the cage, allowing her to be able to reach inside. She handed him some bread and water before looking at the backpack
“Noticed you managed to snag that”
“I…. D-didn’t….”
“So you’re lying”
“N-no! A-ask me! The truth serum I-is still I-in me! I’m not lying!”
“I don’t need to ask, I can *tell*!” She snapped, making him wince, “it doesn’t matter, it’s useless for you to use anything inside it, maybe if you had your *amber*, you could’ve done something”
Varian’s mouth hung agape as he looked at her, “C-Cassandr-!”
“Oh well, guess that one didn’t cross your mind, possibly because you didn’t wanna freeze *another* person you care about”, she stated, noticing his crestfallen look, she felt that guilt well up in her, she was going to stop, but remembered that she needed to do this. She *needed* his power, so she continued, “still, you should get *some* sort of punishment for stealing that back”
“I-I didn’t thou-!”
“Oh *I* know!” She yanked the bag out and rifled through it before taking out something that made the teen’s eyes widen
“N-no! Cassandra NO!”
In the Sunlight twinkled a tiny, emerald, necklace, along with a note. She smirked, “guess you won’t be needing this”
“C-Cass that’s not for you! Please! D-don’t! I made it! I-I-!”
“Oh, even better, shouldn’t have stolen then”, she stated coldly, backing up as she threw the bag back inside the cage, it smacked into the teen, but he didn’t care as he tried to reach for the necklace
“P-please!” He tried to grab the tiny reminder one of his loved ones back home, but stopped when he heard a loud ripping sound. His heart broke when he saw the note he’d written flutter away in pieces, he eyed the necklace, “p-please….. C-Cassie”
The nickname made the women’s eyes flash with anger as she growled, Remember this Varian…. I’m *not* Cassie anymore…. I’m not your friend, I’m not you’re ally, I’m finally getting what I want and you….” She lowered herself to his level so she was eye to eye with him, “will do *well* to remember that….”
With that, she let go of the chain, and Varian watched, in horror, as the jewel he’d spent weeks on making and tumbling so it’d come out shiny and new, fell to the ground below, he heard its’ shatter echo back up to him, repeating the noise his heart made as tears dripped down his face….. He didn’t face Cassandra….. he couldn’t…. He just cried as he heard her walk away
The blue haired women came back inside the castle and sighed, leaning against the wall, “shit….”
“It had to be done Cassandra, you need to break him in order to free yourself. You need his power in order to face Rapunzel”, the ghost girl stated in the women’s mind
“I know…. By the way, we have company”
“I noticed, they’re finally here, and you can finally take your revenge, are you ready?”
The blue haired women smirked as she walked over to the window and watched the group below her try, and fail, to enter her castle, arguing as they did, “ready as Ill ever be”, she said with a grin
****
Varian sniffled as he lay in the cage, he felt horrible….. His chest hurt, as did his head, arms, and legs…. He felt so hopeless as he looked into the afternoon sky…. He could hear Rapunzel, Lance, Eugene, Catalina, and Angry’s voice echoing up to his prison. He’d be ecstatic, knowing someone was finally coming to save him, but his heart still ached as he thought about the necklace….
*What are you doing Freckles?*
“Huh?” He looked around, but didn’t see anyone, “….M-must’ve been the wind….”
*The wind?! Pfft! You know me better than that! You really think the *wind* could match *my* handsome voice?*
Varian blinked before he got up, wincing in pain as he looked around again, “H….. H-Hugo?” He felt so stupid saying his name out loud, but he could’ve sworn he’d heard-!
*Lucky guess! Want a prize?*
“I…. H-how? I…. Must be going crazy….”
*You’re close, but not there yet!*
“….I’m officially nuts”
*Pfft! My gosh, you really lack self esteem, doncha Freckles? Here, how about this, ask me a question only I would know!*
“You’re in my mind….”
*Hee hee, didn’t figure you’d fall for that! Hmmmm….. How about this, crazy bitch Blue lady just severely fucked up me, Adira, and Hector, along with roughing up Don a bit, before she came looking for you a week later*
“Okaaay?”
*And I’m fuckin pissed about it! So I’m complaining while having an excuse to call her an ugly, crazy, blue, bitch lady!*
Varian’s eyes widened before he snorted, “y-you didn’t say ugly before”
*It is an *implied* ugly”
Varian laughed, harder than he had in a while! Tears rolled down his cheeks as he felt a familiar warmth overcome him. It made his heart swell, “mind or not, you’ve definitely got him down!”
*Probably because you know him so well*
“So you admit you’re not him?”
*Yeah, but you know why he’s here don’t you? Why his voice is the one you can hear?*
“I…. Have a feeling….. It’s because he wouldn’t want me to give up”
*No he wouldn’t, and you don’t want to either. So how about we don’t!*
Varian snorted again, “it’s not that easy”, he stated, “I mean…. I have no idea what to do…. I-I’m locked away, hundreds of feet in the air, w-with a riddle that *might* be the answer, and wounds that *really* need to be looked at….. N-not to mention my present was thrown and…. I….. Cassandra…..” The teen’s eyes closed as more tears came
*…..Bubby*
His eyes shot open as the voice had suddenly changed, this one was lower, raspy, yet comforting and warm. He’d know it anywhere, and sat up a little, “d-dad?”
*Hi Bubby*
The teen sat up more and blinked before he closed his eyes, he saw his father, smiling at him lovingly and reaching out a hand to help him. He took it, it got him to sit up fully as he crossed his legs like a pretzel again, “d-daddy….”
*Its gonna be okay son, I know things are hard right now, but it’s gonna be okay*
“H-how? You’re not h-here…. I wanna hug you s-so badly….”
*I know, I wanna hug you too, and you’ll be able to, but you’ve gotta fight Bubby*
“I don’t t-think I can!”
*Yes you can!*
Vision of Hugo popped up next to Quirin, the blond was smiling at his boyfriend, “Hugo”
*You can fight Freckles! You’re stuck, that’s true, but you can still, fight!*
“How?”
*That riddle!*
“I-it may not even work though!”
*And that’s a problem? Freckles you’re the smartest fucking alchemist I know! I get that I’m a figment, and you may find that compliment egotistical, but you know for a fact that Hugo would tell you the same! Even if that riddle leads you nowhere, it’s an option! And if it doesn’t work, you said so yourself, you’ve got the translation key memorized! Translate, read, figure out what you need to do to get that final incantation!*
“…..What if I don’t…. What if I mistranslate? W-what if I end up messing up and making things w-worse than they are?”
*Youve gotta have confidence in yourself Bubby*
Varian looked at his father’s vision, the man was smiling warmly at him, “b-but-!”
*No ‘b-but’s’, you’ve gotta have confidence, you built automatons with just one glance, you translated majority of a scroll that drove people *mad*! You can do it, you just need the confidence to believe you can, just like you *know* your father has in you!*
Varian looked at the both of them, he could feel their warmth and love, he knew they were right, and smiled as he nodded, “o-oki, thank you…. Even if you’re not real”
The two images smiled before they shifted and changed, becoming something that surprised the teen, *you’re welcome, little one*
“M-M….. Moo-!”
*You don’t have much time, hurry little one! Before it’s too late*
The teen’s eyes opened before he looked around and saw the scroll, he grabbed it and pulled it goggles over his eyes as he began to study it, “needs the Sun to see the Sun WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!” He yelled, throwing his goggles and the scroll in frustration. He pouted for a second before he noticed the Sun dipping, he looked over at it before something clicked, “Sunlight!” He looked over at his goggles, which had been caught on a protruding rock in the cage
Relief rushed over him as he made a mental note to not throw his goggles ever again before he crawled over to them. He winced a little as he reached for them, but noticed the Sun shining through them, showing a faint marking, he gasped, “the message is *hidden* and you need a beam of *sunlight* to reveal the incantation! *DEMANITUS* YOU *GENIUS*!” He exclaimed squeakily, smiling wider than he had in a *long* time before.
He *instantly* grabbed his goggles, and the scroll, which had also been caught on the rock, thankfully, and began to use his goggles to try and reveal the incantation!
****
“I *still* can’t believe the entrance just opened up like that”, Lance stated
“It was cool!” Angry added
“Definitely cool! But um…. I don’t think it’s gonna be that easy….” Catalina stated before pointing towards several entryways with stairs leading up
“Which way do we go?” Lance asked
Rapunzel thought for a moment before she turned to Eugene with a smile, “it’s your birthday Eugene, so *you* get to decide what path we take! We’re celebrating *and* adventuring, it’s a…. *celebranture*!” She exclaimed with a smile before she noticed her lover’s raised brow, “I…. I know…. Sorry, it’s kinda where my mind’s going right now….”
Eugene sighed, but played along, if only to help his girlfriend feel a little better, “alright, here we go”, he stepped forwards, already knowing which way he wanted to head as he felt the wind coming from both sides of him, “onsey, twosey, redsey, bluesey, this one!” He pointed to the one he was in front of with a smile, “Blondie, you and I will go down this way”
Rapunzel smiled, grateful, for her lover’s patience before she heard, “and the cool kids will go take… *this* tunnel!” From Lance
She looked over at him, “why that one?”
“I’ve got a feelin about it”, he stated, “girls, and Max cause we may need you, stand over by it somI don’t forget okay?”
“Ok!” The girls replied before running over with Max, who raised a brow but followed
“Lance?” Eugene said, a little concerned
“So I was gonna say this before, but didn’t get a chance, I…. Don’t think they should be in the fight….” Lance stated, “Cassandra’s goin mad, and I don’t know what she’s plannin on doin up there…. I’m worried that if the girls go up there, they’ll get hurt…. Badly….”
“So… what you’re just gonna lead them around until we come back?” Rapunzel asked
“Well…. Either that or we come up after you…. I… think you have the right path, I can feel the wind comin from it…. But….. they’re little girls… they shouldn’t be here at all! I would’ve told em to stay put, but…. Well we didn’t get time….”
Eugene smiled at his best friend, “always worried about them, huh buddy?”
“Yeah… can ya blame me?”
“No, I really can’t”
Lance smiled before he got an idea, “hey, if you need our help, throw this down the stairs”, he reached into his pocket and brought out something, handing it to Rapunzel
The princess’s eyes widened and she grinned, “you fixed Socky?!”
“No, this is his son, Socky jr!” Lance stated with a grin, “he’s gonna avenge his daddy by making me the calm, collected man you see now, just, please don’t hurt him, okay?”
“I won’t, not again”, Rapunzel stated “but how will you know?”
“He squeaks, and this place echoes”
“Right, good thinking Lance!”
“It’s a good thing we don’t have Colliope around the make you hurt him either”, Eugene pointed out
“That’s a good point, Eheh”, Rapunzel said with a blush
“Hey”, Lance said, getting the couple’s attention, “whatever happens up there, it’s gonna be okay, yeah?”
The princess smiled and nodded, “yeah, it’ll be okay”
The three hugged for a moment before letting go and nodding to each other, Eugene and Rapunzel holding hands and walking into the path the Dark Prince had chosen as Lance led the girls, and Max, away
****
“Getting in here was too easy”, Rapunzel stated as Eugene helped her climb down from the top of her tower in a fate more ironic that the tip of Varian’s steel toed boots! “We *could* be walking into a trap….”
Pascal, who’d been scouting ahead a bit, squeaked out, suggesting he could sneak in and check things out as he became invisible to emphasize how he’d do so
“Good idea!” Rapunzel stated, allowing the chameleon to hop onto her hand as she added, “think you can get in without being seen?”
Pascal squeaked once again, affirming he could
“Be careful buddy!” The princess stated, kissing the tiny reptile before allowing him to skitter up the stairs ahead of them, Eugene giving him a Coronan salute of respect and a smile as they watched him disappear from sight
Eugene sighed, “how are you holding up Sunshine?” He asked, dropping the salute as he looked at her
The princess sighed, “ok I guess….. More nervous than anything”
“Nervous?”
“To face Cassandra again”, Rapunzel said, “I need to convince her to come back, and I’m gonna try everything I can…. It’s just…. Nerve wracking I suppose”
Eugene nodded, “yeah I can understand that…. I’m nervous too…..”
“You are?”
“Well, more worried than anything, and scared”
“You’re afraid?”
“Well yeah, for Varian”, Eugene said, sitting down on a piece of wood, “kid’s been gone for about two days now…. Who knows what Cassandra’s been doing to him….”
“Eugene Cassandra is our *friend*”
“I know that Blondie, but….. Varian’s our friend too, and once upon a time he…. Did some bad things…. I’m not saying he’s a horrible person, far from it actually, I’ve never met a braver kid than him, but…. He was angry too, and on a really bad path…. It made him go crazy, his words. He’s made up for it in spades, and I’ll never think of him as that angry boy again, but Cass is also angry, she’s full of hate and gone crazy and well…. She’s already done a lot of horrible things….. Worse than Varian….. I’m worried…. She’s got a lot of tools she can use against him….”
Rapunzel sighed, sitting down next to her lover, “you’re right, she could bring up his past, like Lance said…..”
“Or she could bring up his father….. Or Hugo or the amber itself….. She could even bring up his crush on her…..” Eugene added
The princess sighed, “you don’t think she would, do you?”
“I….. don’t think she can think straight like this Rapunzel”, Eugene replied truthfully, “I think she’s angry and lost and isn’t able to make good choices right now….. So as of right now? Yeah…. I think she would….. and it scares me…. It scares me that Varian’s been alone with her for a long time, it scares me that we’re about to face her, and…. It scares me that she might do something to you….”
Rapunzel smiled, “I’ll be okay”
“I know you will, but…. Just…. Be careful”
“I will”, they heard a small squeak that made Rapunzel jump up and go over to the staircase Pascal went up, “this has been taking too long…. I’m going up there”, she stated determinedly
“Rapunzel wait!” Eugene exclaimed, running over to her, “what if you can’t convince her to come back? What if the only way out is…. To….” He looked away, grabbing his collar nervously
“This is *Cassandra*, not some *monster*”, she reassured, making Eugene wince a little at that, “she’ll come around, I *have* to believe that”, noticing her boyfriend’s look, she added, “I don’t mean that Varian is, or ever was, a monster, I’m just saying”
The Dark Prince smiled and nodded, “if you believe it, then so do I”
Rapunzel looked up at him, “why? You were just afraid”
“I still am, but I have faith in you, we’re in this together, always”
The princess smiled at that before they kissed and held each other’s hands as the ascended up the stairs. They entered a large room as Rapunzel looked around, “Pascal?” She called worriedly as Eugene noticed a large opening in the room. He walked over to it and looked outside, only to gasp, “Pascal? Come out buddy!”
“Blondie…..” The Dark Prince said quietly, getting the princess to look over, “I found Varian…..”
Notes:
Hello!
Here’s part 3! This one is the calm before the storm!!!!!! Y’all know what I mean if you’ve watched the episode!
Lance gets a Socky Jr. LONG LIVE SOCKY JR.!!!!!!!! Also, I feel like Lance, Catalina, and Angry got the short end of the stick with these episodes, so I made Lance have a bigger role, the girls be more independent, and Lance have a real reason for going the wrong way! It’s not because he’s a bad thief or stupid, it’s because he’s protecting his girls! ❤️
Rapunzel and Eugene moment, because I think we need more of those too! Eugene being worried for Varian and Rapunzel is so on brand with him, and balances Rapunzel’s worry about Cassandra really well! Plus he loves his princess, and she loves her Prince, why not show that more with them sitting down together and chatting!
The princess herself is…. Learning, she’s got a long way to go, but she’s learning! She’s made her big mistake, and believe me, she’s definitely going to regret it…..
I miss Quirin and Hugo, I really miss them so much! Hence why Varian’s getting visions of them in his head, I miss them so much! 3
Poor Moon bean is dealing with a lot…. The necklace was highlighted in the last chapter for a reason, I wanted to show how far Cass was at this point, she’s not doing well right now…. Varian’s unfortunately her only target at the moment, at least until the next chapter
We get a visit from Ziri, yay….. Dang demon…..
Ruddy is with us in spirit, Pascal is being a good animal bro though 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 360: Cassandra’s Revenge! (Part 4!)
Summary:
Eugene and Rapunzel have found Varian, right as Cassandra found them!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The princess smiled at that before they kissed and held each other’s hands as the ascended up the stairs. They entered a large room as Rapunzel looked around, “Pascal?” She called worriedly as Eugene noticed a large opening in the room. He walked over to it and looked outside, only to gasp, “Pascal? Come out buddy!”
“Blondie…..” The Dark Prince said quietly, getting the princess to look over, “I found Varian…..”
Rapunzel’s eyes widened as she hurried over and looked out of the hole in the wall, “Varian…..” she spotted the tiny teen, he was sitting, his back to them, fiddling with something, “DON’T WORRY VARIAN!” She called, grabbing the teen’s attention, “WE’RE GONNA GET YOU OUT OF THERE!”
The alchemist looked over at her, smiling when he saw Eugene with her before he looked at the scroll before noting the dipping Sun behind him. He bit his lip before calling back, “NOT NOW! I FOUND THE LAST INCANTATION! IT WAS HIDDEN WITH A PHOTO REACTIVE INK!” He yelled, “which, now that I think about it was, SO OBVIOUS RIGHT?”
“YEAH….. SUPER OBVIOUS….. KID YOU’RE HUNDREDS OF FEET IN THE AIR!” Eugene yelled worriedly
“TELL ME SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW!” The teen replied, “LIKE IF YOU HAVE ANY GLASS OR SOMETHING ON YOU!”
“GLASS?”
“THE INK REACTS TO SUNLIGHT! I NEED A *CONCENTRATED* BEAM OF IT TO REVEAL THE WORDS OF THE INCANTATION SO I CAN TRANSLATE IT!”
“WHY NOT USE YOUR GOGGLES?” Rapunzel asked
“EEEE-I TRIED BUT THEY’RE ALL SCRATCHED UP AND P-PLEASE DON’T ASK ME QUESTIONS BECAUSE CASSANDRA USED THE TRUTH SERUM I WAS TESTING WITH IN MY BAG AND IT *REALLY* HURTS WHEN YOU ASK ME QUESTIONS!” The teen exclaimed before taking a breath, his throat burning once again as he wiped the tears from his eyes
Rapunzel and Eugene made worried and shocked faces before the princess sighed and looked at Eugene, “take this to Varian”, she stated, reaching in to her bag and pulling out a ring, handing it to Eugene
The man’s eyes widened, “is this a…..” he looked at her and noticed her sad smile, “for me? I… I was gonna ask you! All this time and you keep finding ways to surprise m-!” He stopped when the entire castle shook
“GUYS HURRY! T-THE SUN’S GOING DOWN!” Varian yelled desperately
“Right, Cass must know we’re here, you get that ring to Varian, I’ll handle her and find Pascal”, Rapunzel stated as she started to walk away
“Hey”, Eugene called, stopping her and placing a gentle hand on her cheek, “be careful”
The princess smiled and nodded, “you too”, they kissed before Eugene turned and placed a foot on the narrow bridge, getting his other one up and starting his walk towards the trapped teen.
****
“PASCAAL!” Rapunzel called, “are you here?” She added worriedly before the castle shook again, she stopped when she saw black rocks sprout from the ground as Cassandra was raised up to, and a little above, the princess’s level from a floor below. Rapunzel backed up and glared, noticing Pascal in Cassandra’s hand
“Yeah, he’s here”, Cassandra replied, allowing the chameleon to hop from her hand and make his way over to Rapunzel. The blond kneeling down to scoop her best friend up and hug him before setting him on her shoulder and standing once again, glaring at Cassandra as the women stepped down and spoke, “you made a mistake coming here”
“Cass… I am not leaving this tower until *this* is resolved”, Rapunzel stated
She saw Cassandra grin before she raised her arms and closed her fists, closing all the windows, doors, and exits in the castle, including the one Eugene and Varian were outside of, “then I guess you’re not leaving….” The blue haired women replied with a wicked grin. Rapunzel let her hair down, giving her former best friend a sad, yet determined, look, “you *do* realize I have complete control over the rocks now”, she added, not sharing her momentary thought about Varian’s power as she continued, “and you know what this tower is *made* of”, she stated, snapping her fingers and making black rocks rise from the ground around Rapunzel
The princess didn’t look afraid, blowing a piece of hair out of her face as she stood her ground. This made Cassandra angry as she glared at the princess before seeing the ghost girl hover over to her, “show her how powerful you’ve become!”
Cassandra’s mind shifted to her wonder of why the ghost girl didn’t mind Rapunzel seeing her, but his when Varian was around. But she shook it off, not noticing a green glow surrounding the girl before Rapunzel spoke, “I’m *not* going to fight you!”
“Then this will be very *easy*!” Cassandra stated before raising her hand, “crescent high above, evolving as you go!” She spoke, the tower rumbling as Rapunzel reach for her
“Cassandra DON’T-!” She was cut off when she felt herself being raised into the air, a large platform carrying her up to the ceiling. She braced herself, summoning her hair around her before the platform crashed into the ceiling. For a moment, it stayed put before slowly lowering. Cassandra waited until she saw a burst of golden light as Rapunzel walked forwards, “maybe it won’t be as *easy* as you think!”
“Nooow, that’s more like it!” Cassandra stated with a grin, “but there are *some* things your hair *can’t* block”, she stated, before balling her fist and making the floor below Rapunzel crumble
The princess yelped before her hair caught on a protruding piece of the tower, stopping her fall as she felt the Sun’s warmth on her back, “RAPUNZEL!” She heard Varian call
Looking over, she saw Eugene and the teen looking at her worriedly, “IM OKAY! DON’T WORRY!” She called
The freckled alchemist watched his sister begin to climb back up, his eyes were wide with fear when she slipped a few times, but he sighed wit relief when she made it back inside. Rapunzel smiled, her thoughts grateful for her little brother’s concern as a small amount of guilt filled her for her misplaced concern before. She sighed before climbing up fully, “sorry Cass, but you’re *not* gonna get rid of me that easily!” She was taken by surprise when a rock smashed into her, sending her flying as a bunch of small, sharp, rocks filled the floor. She wrapped her hair around another protruding rock before swinging away, “Cass *PLEASE* this is *not* who you are!”
“WRONG!” Cassandra yelled, “I *FINALLY* know who I am!” She yelled before slamming her hand down and making several rocks try to smash Rapunzel! The princess ran, dodging the rocks before Cassandra slammed a rock into a wall, pulling Rapunzel with it using her hair. The princess yelped in pain and grabbed her head as blood trickled down her forehead! Cassandra stomped her foot, making more rocks rise and slam into the wall, trapping Rapunzel as she placed a foot on one of the rocks, lessening the pull on her hair as her left hand grabbed another rock to keep her balanced
“I will *never* stop trying to get through to you!” Rapunzel exclaimed, panting as her exhaustion finally began to show, “I won’t fight you, I won’t justify your hatred, and there’s *nothing* you can do to change that! *NOTHING*!”
Cassandra looked away, her anger boiling before she got an odd feeling. Almost as if something left her, something was different….. She suddenly got an idea and grinned, “OHOHOHOHO there *isn’t*?! Cause I *kinda* think there *IS*!” She stated before smiling wickedly as green light surrounded her, making Rapunzel’s eyes widen as she realized what Cassandra had in mind
****
Eugene made his way across the bridge, trying to reach Varian before the tower shook and he fell flat on his face. He got up again and continued, trying to be careful as his thoughts ran a million miles per second, “man….. I *really* hate birthdays…..” Eugene stated as the wind knocked him down again
“HURRY THE SUN IS SETTING!” Varian exclaimed as he looked over at his big brother, eyes wide with fear and worry, “*EUGENE* COME ON!” He begged
“I goin as *fast* as I can kid! Without dying!”
Varian winced a little, he felt bad, but he *needed* that final incantation! If he, or Rapunzel, could heal Cassandra, then maybe she’d come back and this would all be over! He could just go back to his life, to his dad and Hugo….. He saw Eugene so close to him, “COME ON!” He encouraged
Eugene finally made it, sitting in front of the teen and pulling out the ring before it slipped out of his hand. He and Varian tried to grab it, the Dark Prince unable to in time, “oh shit-no! I’m sorry, I’m *so* sorry! Why do we have to AGE?!”
“I-it’s okay Eugene, look!” Varian exclaimed, showing him the ring he’d just barely caught
“NICE SNAG!” Eugene exclaimed happily, breathing a sigh of relief as he watched Varian use the gem to shine the light onto the page
Words began to appear as the paper began to burn a little, “it’s working!”
“Way to *go* Hairstripe!”
Suddenly the scroll caught on fire *right* as Varian found the final letter, “AH NO! NONONONONO!” The teen yelled, yelping a little as the fire burned him while Eugene tried to blow it out, only making the flames worse! The teen grabbed a piece of paper out of his pack and began to scribble something down! He yelped and whimpered before the pain became too much and he screamed! Letting go of the scroll as it crumbled to ash while fluttering in the wind. The teen watched it go, his heart breaking a little as he saw the ancient piece of history disappear. He felt like crying, not even caring that he’d burned his hand and glove to the point where there were holes in it
“Varian, hey, it’s alright”, Eugene said softly
The teen sniffled a little before he looked at the paper, “I got it, t-the incantation”, he replied quietly
Eugene smiled, “that’s great! You did it, you did what you could!”
The teen sighed and nodded, “let’s just h-hope it’s enough to help her”, he said before looking at the incantation and translating it. He wrote the translation next to the letters and sighed, “I’m sorry…. You worked so hard t-to get that scroll and-“
“Varian, hey”, Eugene cupped the alchemist’s chin and got him to look at him, “it’s alright, you did it, you got the last incantation! You translated to entire thing! You did it kid, don’t beat yourself up, it’s okay”
The freckled alchemist sighed before nodding and smiling, “thanks Eugene”
“Anytime kid, now then, can you figure out a way to get through these bars and then how do you get into the building because-I got nothin…..”
The teen giggled at his brother’s antics before he looked at the bars, “I haven’t found a way yet, b-but I could try”. Varian tried to get through a few of the bigger holes in the cage, but always ended up getting stuck and needing to be pushed back inside. He sighed, “Nu…. There’s no way to get out of here…..”
“…..Hey Goggles…. I don’t wanna get you into any trouble with CassAndra here, but do you remember the incantation that controls the black rocks?” Eugene asked
Varian raised a brow, “yeah? B-but Cassandra used it first, I don’t know if I’d be able to now, nor donI know h-how powerful it can be”
“Wouldn’t it be better to try? We could get you out, you could make the path bigger so we don’t fall, and then open the building so we could get inside and help Blondie out!”
“I…. C-could try”, Varian took a deep breath before letting it out, he then began to sing:
‘Crescent high above,
Evolving as you go,
Raise what lies beneath,
And let the darkness grow’
His hair began to glow a bright blue, his Hairstripe white, and his hair rose and waved like he was under water. Eugene watched in a was Varian continued to sing:
‘Bend it to my will,
Consume the Sunlight’s glow,
Rise into the sky,
And let the darkness grow’
Varian’s eyes opened as he felt something crawling up his back, something that he hadn’t know he needed until now, something familiar and friendly. He smiled:
‘Let darkness groooooow~’
As he finished, he felt something inside of him wake up, he heard a whisper or two before sensing something change. He didn’t know what, but something was different, “Varian…..” he heard Eugene say, he blinked as his eyes and hair stopped glowing
The teen looked at the man, “what?”
“You….. Your *hair*!” He exclaimed, “you’ve got *two* Hairstripes now!”
“What?!” The teen pulled his bangs down and gasped when he saw two, bright blue, hairstripes instead of the usual one, “woah!”
Suddenly the platform Eugene was on began to shrink, they both looked and saw they were getting closer and closer to the tower as the door opened for them. “Bad! This is bad!” Eugene stated worriedly when he saw Cassandra smirking at them
“Uh oh….” Varian replied, “E-Eugene…..”
The Dark Prince looked at the teen and reached out and hand as he stood in front of the cage, Varian saw this and took it, feeling comforted by the gestured as he heard his big brother whisper, “stay close kid”
Varian nodded before he saw they were inside the tower, the hole closing behind them. He looked over and saw Cassandra’s smirk turning into a grin, he felt shivers run up his spine as he hid behind Eugene…. Something was definitely different…. He could feel it…..
****
“Welcome back boys!” Cassandra stated confidentially as Eugene glared *daggers* at her, “let me help you out!”
Cassandra raised her hand and forced rocks to rise up, getting closer and closer to the pair until they wrapped around Eugene and squeezed him tight, “EUGENE!” Varian yelled, reaching a hand out to him before it was hit with a rock as well, making the teen yelp and bring it back inside the cage
“Remember what I said before Varian”, Cassandra stated in a hissing tone, “don’t do anything *stupid*!”
The alchemist whimpered and scooted away from the women, he didn’t know how, but he could suddenly feel her anger and hatred towards him….. “Cass, please-!” Rapunzel started to say
“You won’t fight *me*! But will you fight”, Cassandra started as she walked over to Eugene and slapped her hand around his chin, grabbing it and forcing him to look at Rapunzel, “for *him*?”
“*Leave* him *alone*!” The princess stated
Cassandra saw the ghost girl float around the princess as she spoke, “*break* her spirit!” She said with a wicked grin
Varian’s eyes widened, “Z-Ziri?” He asked
Cassandra didn’t pay the teen any attention as her smile widened, a green glow surrounding her once more as she looked at Eugene, letting go of his face as she spoke, “I just realized I forgot to give you *my* birthday present Eugene”, she stated before closing her fist, causing the black rocks to begin crushing the man as he groaned in pain!
“Don’t give *i-in* to her!” Eugene exclaimed through grit teeth, “don’t d-do *anything* she says!” He begged desperately
“E-Eugene!” Varian stated, shocked by Cassandra’s actions before he looked over at Rapunzel, “PRINCESS! I *have* the final incantation! You *have* to use it!”
Pascal used his tongue to grab the paper, handing it to Rapunzel before she looked at the teen, “what’s it do?”
“I-I don’t know! B-but it’s a Sundrop incantation!”
“Final incantation?” Cassandra stated as the ghost girl appeared beside her, “what is he *talking* about?!”
“Never mind that! You are more *powerful*! Finish this!” The ghost girl exclaimed angrily
The Moonstone shimmered as Cassandra began to speak the incantation, “CRESCENT HIGH ABOVE, EVOLVING AS YOU GO!”
Varian’s hair began to glow bright once again, it floated into the air as he felt one final attack bubble up while black rocks formed around him, RAPUNZEL!” He yelled, “use it! Hurry!”
The princess looked at the paper worriedly before she began to sing:
‘Power of the Sun,
Gift me with your light,
Shine into the dark,
Restore our fading sight!’
Her head went down as she felt something in her heart begin to grow, a light, it ran through her body and made her hair and eyes glow a bright golden light as she continued
‘Rise into the dawn,
Blazing star so BRIGHT!’
Rapunzel began to float into the air, her hair swirling around her until it spread out, looking close to the shape of the Sun himself! Varian’s eyes, freckles, and hair shined with her, he felt something warm touch him as something cold reached out, longing to touch the princess as Cassandra coward underneath Rapunzel’s stare!
A *burst* of light exploded around the princess as Varian heard the Moon speak, ‘she’s finally awoken’
“IMPOSSIBLE!” Cassandra yelled, the Moonstone glowing with excitement
‘Burn away the strife,
Let my hope ignite!’
Rapunzel chanted, her hair falling behind her but continuing to glow as she floated above the ground beside Varian’s cage
‘Let hope IGNITE!’
The princess finished as she began to float towards Cassandra, her eyes, freckles, and hair glowing as well as she glared at the blue haired women, “LET HIM *GO* CASSANDRA!” She demanded, her voice echoing dangerously as Eugene watched, his mouth agape
“I don’t follow your orders *ANYMORE*!” Cassandra stated angrily
She sent a barrage of black rocks shooting towards Rapunzel. The women merely stayed where she was, “I said, LET HIM *GO*!” She yelled, raising her hands and stopping the rocks before forcing them to crumble in her wake!
Cassandra felt something weaken inside of her as she formed more rocks towards Rapunzel, the princess stopping them with one hand this time, making them crumble once more. She continued to glare as Varian noticed Ziri, his eyes widened when he saw the ghost girl floating up towards a purple ball. He got a very back feeling, so, in a moment of desperation, he raised his own hand, “CRESCENT HIGH ABOVE!” He yelled, making Cassandra and Rapunzel look at him, “EVOLVING AS YOU GO!”
Black rocks sprouted near Cassandra, they rose up and punctured the purple ball of light. Ziri looked at him with shock, “what are you doing?!” She asked
“RAISE WHAT LIES BENEATH!” The teen continued, touching the black rock cage he was in as he closed his eyes, resisting the truth serum, it burned his throat as he continued, “AND LET THE D-DARKNESS GROW!” More rocks sprouted, locking the purple ball Ziri was going for
“STOP HIM CASSANDRA!” She demanded as a green glow surrounded the women again, “HE’S STEALING YOUR POWER!”
Cassandra *growled* at Varian, “how DARE you use *MY* incantation!” She yelled, making rocks race towards him! The teen looked before the cage and he were hit! He was sent flying as the cage broke into pieces, his concentration cut off. It made Ziri smile as the black rocks blocking her path sunk into the ground! She flew inside the purple ball right as it disappeared!
“LEAVE HIM *ALONE*!” Rapunzel yelled, breaking the rocks once again as her glare deepened, “and let Eugene **GO**!” She demanded
Cassandra grinned before summoning rock after rock after rock as the wind made by the magic swept through the both of them! Cassandra made a *mountain* of black rocks before sending all of them flying towards the princess as her eyes glowed a bright white! Rapunzel glared and raised her hands as Cassandra clapped hers together! Both of them didn’t notice Varian wake up, the teen’s eyes still a bright blue as Eugene’s prison cracked and broke when the two attacks finally collided!
Cassandra suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest before seeing a piece of the Moonstone fly away from her! She felt some of her power leave her as she felt backwards, swept up by the wind as she began to fall from the tower! Eugene clung to a piece of rock before he heard, “EUGENE!” He looked and saw Varian! The teen’s eyes, freckles, and hair were still glowing, he’d caught something in his hand, but was slipping!
“VARIAAAAN!” Eugene yelled, he tried to make his way over, but it was too late! The teen flew off the other side of the tower and screamed as he fell! “NOOOOOOOOOOO!” The Dark Prince cried, but he couldn’t save the teen, he prayed to the Moon and Sun that the teen would be safe as he felt tears trickle down his face! He was able to see Cassandra fall, but catch herself on a black rock she summoned, she seemed to be okay, but clutched the Moonstone in her chest protectively
Eugene felt the wind die down before he heard a thud, looking over, he saw Rapunzel had fallen over with exhaustion! The Dark Prince got up and, with a wobbly step, walked over to the princess, his chest hurting a little as he did before he saw her head lift up as she looked around, “Eugene?! Pascal?!”
“RAPUNZEL!” He yelled, she looked over and smiled, getting up and embracing him happily! The two clung to each other for a moment before Eugene pulled away, “VARIAN!” He yelled
“What? What about Varian?!” She asked worriedly
“He fell! Cassandra did too, but she caught herself, Varian though! I didn’t see where he fell!”
“Oh no!” Rapunzel and Eugene immediately started to run around before the man looked over the side of the tower, “ VARIAN????” He called
“VARIAN!!!!!!” Rapunzel added, looking around over the side of the cliff
“GUYS!” They heard a familiar voice yell
Both looked at each other, “LANCE?!” They called
“YEAH IT’S ME! CATALINA. ANGRY, AND MAX TOO! AND VARIAN!” Lance yelled up to them, waving to get their attention! They saw him on the ledge a hundred feet below them, they squinted before they saw the teen, alive, hurt, burnt, and exhausted, but alive! “WHY ARE YOU TWO DROPPIN BEANS DOWN HERE?!”
The couple chuckled, filling with relief, “LANCE DON’T MOVE! WE’RE COMING DOWN THERE”, Eugene yelled
“WILL DO!”
****
Eugene and Rapunzel made their way downstairs and, with the help of Catalina and Angry, who led them to the ledge with their voices, found the group after a few moments of searching, “GUYS!” Rapunzel yelled happily as she embraced the girls happily, “I’m so glad you’re okay! You *are* okay, right?”
Angry and Catalina hugged the princess back before they pulled away, “yeah, we’re fine, though we’re really irritated because we missed all the *action*!” Angry stated with a pout
“You two really didn’t need to be up there either way”, Eugene stated
“Yeah we kinda found out why….” Catalina stated quietly
“What do you mean?”
“Um….. We asked Varian is he was alright and what happened to him….. He uh….. couldn’t stop himself until he’d told us everything…..
“Including Rapunzel becoming Super Blondie?” Eugene asked
“Yeah, including that….. as funny as that nickname it, how he told us the story was…. Painful to watch and hear…..”
Eugene’s eyes widened, as did Rapunzel’s, “is he okay? Where is he?” The princess asked
“He’s….. no he’s not….. he’s with Lance and Max….. it doesn’t look good….” Angry stated
Eugene *immeditaly* went over to the former thief, horse, and teen, the first thing he noticed was Varian, the teen was bruised, burnt, bleeding, and crying as he clung to Lance’s vest. His eyes were closed, but his hair and freckles were still glowing bright. The two Hairstripes glowing white as the rest of his hair glowed blue. Rapunzel blinked when she saw the extra stripe as Eugene walked over, Lance noticing him instantly, “he’s not okay”, he stated quietly
“I know…. Can I see him?” Eugene asked
Lance nodded before he knelt to the floor, Eugene following suit as the former thief set Varian in his lap before he gave a soft, “hey, look who’s here”, grabbing the teen’s attention and getting him to look up. Varian noticed Eugene, his eyes glowing brighter as he did
“E-Eugene….” Varian said, hiccuping a little
“Hey Varian”, the Dark Prince replied before the alchemist reached out for him. He smiled and took the teen’s hand, “it’s gonna e alright”, he added, hugging the alchemist gently as Varian hiccuped again
The teen returned the hug using one hand, the other he kept on his chest. They stayed that way for a while before Eugene heard the teen let out a breath, he smiled and broke the embrace, looking and the alchemist, “I…. F-found something”, Varian stated, “b-but it won’t let me g-go”
“Won’t let you go….. Hm…. Um….” Eugene was trying to find a way to ask Varian to show him without being rude, “I could…. Try to help if you want”
The teen realized what the man was doing and gave him a weak smile, “t-thank you, um…. Please d-don’t freak out”
“I won’t”, Eugene reassured with a smile as Rapunzel walked over with a gentle smile of her own
Varian saw her and gulped a little before he sighed and moved the hand on his chest. He closed his eyes as everyone gasped, before Lance intervened, “it’s okay, it’s alright! This is fine, we’re not angry or upset with you little man, don’t worry”
The teen opened his eyes and looked at the former thief, he was smiling reassuringly, it made Varian feel more at ease as he let out a small breath before he looked at Eugene, Catalina, Angry, Max, then finally, Rapunzel. The princess seemed to be the most shocked out of everyone as she stared at what the teen had revealed, “Varian…. H-how….. w….. I…..” she tried, but kept stopping herself from asking a pony kind of question
“It… f-fell off C-C-C-c-c…. H-her…. A-and um….. I c-caught it….. it s-sort if…. Latched into me…. A-and it…. *t-they* don’t wanna let go”, he stated quietly as he looked down to see the small, glowing, blue, piece of Moonstone, sparkling happily, in his chest
Notes:
Hello! :D
Here it is! The finale for Cassandra’s revenge! It’s not the end of the episode, but they fought Cassandra and are still alive, though I changed a few things that I think will end up making the story different from the, like giving Varian the piece of the ok stone, or having him know that Ziri is bad….. this poor bean….. XD
Eugene is being the big bro he needs to be! Comforting the teen, helping his girlfriend, but also protecting everyone!!!!! I hated the fact that he was always perfectly fine with what Rapunzel said, it irritated me! So instead of having that be a conflict, I made both say different things! 😁 hopefully it didn’t change the episode too much though, I want it to still be enjoyable after all!
Rapunzel became Super Blondie! The nickname was made by LionRoar74, and I love it! Thank you so much for letting me use it!!!!!!
Speaking of, Rapunzel herself was so BA in this episode, like seriously! I mean in the actual show, she was so freaking angry! Honestly, I thought this episode was probably one of the best for her! Rapunzel was always a fighter, never stopping, never slowing down, she didn’t take any crap, and this episode showed that in SPADES! Her not fighting at first, while frustrating, is understandable, but when she got MAD, HOLY CANOLI was it cool! Sorry, wanted to fanbean for a moment! I love Punzie,she makes mistakes, but she makes up for them and learns, and she’s a good girl! 😁❤️
This poor freaking MOON BEAN! He’s been through too much! He’s getting all the cuddles and hot chocolate he can has! My gosh this bean went through so much!!!!! And now he’s got the Moonstone piece and an extra Hairstripe, it’s crazy! Al’s, if you know what the Hairstripe is a reference too, 5000 points to you! 😁 Just, this poor bean, good thing the next chapter has his papa in it, bad thing….. His papa is…. Well he’s a bit….. you’ll see :3
Lance, Cat, and Angry weren’t in the fight, but they helped in their own way, comforting the bean when he needed them to, and sticking with him until Eugene a s Rapunzel showed up!
Pascal is safe, he’s with Rapunzel, kudos to him for being a good chameleon! Ruddy buddy is still the best though! ❤️
NEXT CHAPTER FEATURES ANGRY FARMER DAD! WOOOOOT! XD
Than you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 361: Aftermath!
Summary:
The gang heads home, only to find out that Rapunzel’s made a gigantic mistake!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group was silent as they walked back to Corona, everyone had a million thoughts running through their head. Some of them, like Lance, Catalina, and Angry, we’re just glad to have everyone back and were thinking about how they could lighten the situation for the victims of this attack. But the others, Rapunzel, Eugene, Varian, and Max, we’re thinking about the piece of Moonstone the teen had. He’d told them the piece had instantly reacted to him, calling out to him before he caught it. He’d mentioned how happy the piece seemed to be, feeling at peace with him. They’d tried to remove it, but it wouldn’t budge, clinging to the teen as much as possible.
It’d left everyone speechless….. They decided to head back before it got too dark, the teen had been gone for two full days now. They wanted him to get some rest, and for his wounds to heal, they were bad….. After a quick healing session in which both Varian and Rapunzel were bandaged up, they’d began to head back. Angry sighed as she and Catalina road on Max’s back, “are we almost there?” She asked, “we’ve been walking for *hours*”
“Just a little bit longer Angry, I can see the wall”, Lance replied gently, he was holding Varian close to him, the teen had clung to his vest when Eugene and Rapunzel looked shocked at the Moon piece. The former thief didn’t mind, in fact, he was happy, he wanted to comfort Varian anyway, the teen looked…. So afraid….. when he’d caught him
“You said that four hours ago!”
“I know, but I mean it this time!”
“So the other times you didn’t?”
“Angry”, Lance smirked at her playfully, she sighed, but smiled back. He felt bad, she was just tired, but as he looked around at the group, he grew worried. Eugene and Rapunzel had taken the lead, they were holding hands and hadn’t let go at all during the walk. Varian was *deathly* silent, fidgeting every once in a while and whimpering a little until Lance readjusted him so he could be comfortable. Max was so focused the man thought he could drill a hole into the floor with the stare he was giving it, and the girls were so tired he was surprised they weren’t already asleep. He sighed, looking forwards and smiling, “we really are almost there, once we get inside the gates, it’s just a quick walk to the left until we’re at Varian’s house”
The alchemist looked up at that remark, his eyes sparkled with hope and…. Tears? *I really shouldn’t be surprised…. He must really miss his dad…. And Hugo*, Lance felt bad and gave Varian a sympathetic smile, one that, he was delighted to see, was returned to him, he’d really grown attached to this kid, he really didn’t know what his life would be without him
Rapunzel let out a sigh, not a huge one, but it was enough to catch Lance’s attention, “you okay princess?” Catalina asked, apparently she’d heard it too
“Yeah! I’m good just…. Tired”, Rapunzel replied in a chipper voice, though she’d squeezed Eugene’s hand….. oh boy….
“Ya sure about that?” The former thief asked, raising a brow at her
She didn’t even look at him when she replied, “yup! All good!”
The group was silent again, no one was really sure what to say to that…… Well…. One did, “….Why didn’t h-he come find me?”
Lance felt shivers down his spine as he looked down at Varian, the teen was looked at Rapunzel and Eugene, both of whom had finally turned to look at the teen. Eugene looked confused, but Rapunzel…. She look guilty…. It gave Lance a *very* bad feeling as the princess smiled at Varian, “maybe he just…. Was busy?” She suggested
The alchemist twitched a little at that, “t-too…. Busy to…. C-come for me?” He asked sadly
“No. Nonono, not that busy! Maybe he just…. Didn’t have enough time to come find you, since we were going anyway!”
Varian looked at her, then raised a brow, “…..What about grandpa? He w-was able to come…. Y-yet he isn’t here…. W-was he busy too?”
“I…. Asked Edmund to help the guards, he um….. may not have found out you were gone until after we left”
Varian stared at Rapunzel for a long time before he looked away, “n-never mind….” His eyes were glowing slightly as Lance saw tears in his eyes
“Hey, it’s okay little man, we’re goin to see your family right now, you’ll be able to talk to them and see what happened, I’m certain they tried everything they could to go and see you”
Varian looked up at him and smiled, nodding, “t-thanks Lance”
“You’re welcome, now come on, we’re almost there!”
They continued walking until they finally re entered the kingdom and headed straight for Quirin and Varian’s home. As the Sun disappeared and the Moon came out, they knocked on the door and waited. It took a few minutes before it finally opened, but who they were met with wasn’t who they expected, “well well well”, Donella stated, with a smirk as she raised a brow at the princess, “finally returned I see”
“Donella? What are *you* doing answering the door?” Eugene asked, glaring at her agitatedly
“Calm down pretty boy, Quirin asked me to watch his home”, she stated, “he said you’d either come here first, or you’d be at the castle, which is where he is now”
“He’s at the castle?” Catalina asked, “why?”
“Well when the little, hurt, furball, Varian calls a pet, came *rushing* through the window, chittering his head off and screeching at the farmer to come with him, he couldn’t exactly refuse. None of them could actually”, she explained
“Furball?” Lance asked
“Ruddigar”, Varian said with a weak smile
“Ah”
“Yes him”, Donella replied, “he came crashing in and started to screech and chitter, I don’t speak furball, so I didn’t understand what he said. Though I was startled when Hugo explained it to me. To think you’d send the tiny rode-!” She stopped when she saw Varian’s glare, “*ahem*, *raccoon*, to deliver such a worrisome message such as the tiny alchemist being taken by the bitch that attacked us. He was hurt too, burnt paws and such, a little odd to me that you’d place such a job in his tony claws. Especially since you coming here shows me that you passed by this area on your way to save the little tyke. Oh how angry the farmer will be….”
Rapunze huffed, stepping up to the women, “listen, we don’t have time for you remarks, where is Quirin?”
“At the castle”, Donella replied, as cool as a cucumber, “you really shouldn’t be mad at me, even *I* know to tell the farmer where his son may be immediately. If it helps, you’ve got a caravan waiting for you”, she gestured to a caravan nearby, it had a medical plus sign on it, showing it was for medical travel, “one of the finer ones too, he rented it just in case you came here”, she smirked before closing the door behind her and locking it, “shall we go?”
“You’re not coming”
“Oh but I have to, Quirin’s request, Hugo’s as well, must give them an update on the house hold after all, and by the way, the more we dilly dally the angrier he becomes. Believe me, he was already upset prior to this”
The princess growled at the grey haired women before Eugene grabbed her hand, “Blondie, we need to get Varian help”, he stated
Rapunzel sighed before nodding, “fine, let’s go”
She walked to the caravan, Donella behind her as Eugene helped Catalina and Angry down from Max so the horse could walk beside the caravan without weight on his back. The girls, Varian, and Lance entered, Eugene was sitting across from the princess, Lance, with Varian in his arms, sat next to the Dark Prince while the girls took a seat next to Rapunzel. Donella was up front, instructing the driver on where to go. The caravan began to move as the group let out a sigh, “at least we know where to go”, Angry stated
“And why Quirin and the others didn’t come around….” Catalina stated, “Ruddigar was hurt…. He probably didn’t make it to the farm house until we’d already left…..” She looked up at the princess, “I take it that’s what you meant by ‘taking care of it’?”
The princess sighed, “yes, I saw Ruddigar rush out of the room, Pascal said he’d be getting Quirin, so it was taken care of”
“Wait so…. You didn’t even talk to him? Ya just…. Let him go?” Lance asked
“He was already on his way and we didn’t have time to wait for Quirin and the others to show up”, she stated, “we needed to get to Cassandra and Varian”
The alchemist flinched a little before he looked away from Rapunzel, Lance noticed and looked ag him, “um…. Varian….. I-!”
“I’m fine”, he stated, “just…. Thinking….”
The former thief watched the teen for a while before Rapunzel spoke up, “Varian, I-!”
“Please just….” The alchemist interrupted, “j-just…. Let me think….”
The princess felt guilt swallow her as she nodded, “ok….”
The rest of the ride was completely silent, no one spoke as they just looked out the window, or watched Varian, making sure he didn’t get hurt or uncomfortable. For a few hours, the quiet was peaceful, that is until all of them flinched when they heard Donella speak, “we’re here!”
****
The group was walking down the hallway of the castle, heading straight for the throne room. Apparently King Frederic wanted to see them when they returned. Donella was the only one happy about this situation, as she led the group through the halls, Nigel beside her, having greeted the group when they arrived. Though he’d taken the time to check on Varian, he was told about the truth serum before he’d opened his mouth. So he’d avoided any questions, thankfully, and was prepared to make sure the rulers would know as well, hence why he was joining them.
The group had told him everything that’s happened, Rapunzel telling the advisor how she’d entrusted Ruddigar to send the message to Quirin and the others, Nigel said he’d mention that as well, taking note of Lance and Eugene’s looks when he did
Lance was still holding Varian close, noticing the looks the alchemist was getting by some of the guards, he glared at them, it’d shut them up instantly when he did. He sighed before stopping, “I’ll inform the King of Corona about Varian’s….. Situation”, Nigel stated gently, “wait right here for one moment please”
When they nodded, he disappeared inside, he was only in there for about a minute, in that time, Rapunzel reached out to Eugene for his hand, but the Dark Prince had ran his hands through his hair right when she did. The princess let her hand fall as she opened her mouth to ask why he’d done that, but was cut off when Nigel came right back out, “sorry for the noble up, they are ready to see you all”
“They?” Lance asked
“I’ll give you one guess”, Donella stated with a raised brow and a smirk
The former thief huffed at her, but shook his head, understanding what the man meant before they all entered, “thank you Nigel”, Rapunzel said with a small smile
“You’re welcome princess… but um…. Good luck…..” The royal advisor stated
The princess was about to ask why when the door closed behind her, she sighed and looked forwards, walking with the rest of the group until she froze, heading the one voice she was dreading to hear this entire time, “SON!”
Lance smiled as he saw someone rush forwards and, gently, scoop the alchemist out of his arms. Varian smiled as this happened, he didn’t mind being hugged, he didn’t mind the warmth of the person holding him as he clung to the man’s fluffy vest and gave a very weak and tired, “daddy….”
Eugene, Catalina, and Angry all watched with grins as the father, son, duo hugged each other happily, that is, until the father got a good look at his child, Ruddigar, who also had some bandages on him now, was also looking over his boy. The retired knight’s eyes were wide as he held the teen close, fingers running through the teen’s bi-striped hair to the bandages all the way until his fingers brushed against the Moonpiece. The man looked at it for a long time, the mark on his left hand glowing a little in reaction to it, before he looked at his son again. He cupped his son’s cheek, gently, before he looked *directly* at Rapunzel. The princess flinched a little, “you lied”, he stated
“Quirin I d-didn’t mean t-!” She began
“You *LIED*!” He snapped, his voice echoing off the walls and making *everyone* in the room flinch
Rapunzel bit her lip, she felt as thought she’d just been slapped, “I-I really didn’t m-mean to I-!”
“Fuck that”, Quirin stated, “fuck that ‘I didn’t mean to’ bullshit! You LIED! You broke your promise, you fucking LIED! E could’ve been KILLED AND YOU *LIED*!”
“Quirin! Quirin calm down!” Edmund exclaimed, running over and stepping in-between the pair, “please-!”
“CALM DOWN?!” The retired knight yelled, “the fuck? She nearly got him KILLED!”
“I *know* Quirin! But *please* calm down, please, it’s only making this worse!” The Dark King stated, “and besides, she didn’t just lie to you”
This stopped the man from saying anything else, though he had to bite his tongue *HARD*! He stepped back, his lips quivering, he wanted to say more, no he wanted to *do* more, but a small hand touched his cheek, he looked down and saw Varian looking up at him, the teen’s eyes were glowing with worry, so he sighed, “sorry….” He said
“Don’t be….” Varian replied, with a smile, “it’s okay”
Edmund nodded before he sighed, turning to face the princess, “……t-thank you Edmu-!” Rapunzel started
“Please don’t….. d-don’t…. Thank me…..” The Dark King said gently, “I….. I-I warned you…. I told you I could help…. And you didn’t listen…. S-sending me on errands for you…. Saying I was needed t-to keep others safe I….. I…..” he closed his eyes and took a moment before opening them again, “you are a wonderful person, and I’m glad my son has you in his life….. But if you aren’t the most….. Irresponsible person I’ve ever met…..”
“I…. I’m sorry I-!”
“No, you’re….. I…. Can’t do this…. Ha! I thought I could be the calmest one, but…..” He chuckled bitterly as he wiped a tear away, “even I’m having trouble…..”
The princess stepped forwards, reaching out to him, “we got him back, we…. I-I tried to talk to Cass, we stopped h-her from doing worse, I-!”
“You *talked* to that monster?!” Another voice asked, this one was young and snarky, but their voice was wavering with sadness, relief, and *sooooo* much anger, “you fucking *TALKED* to it?!”
Rapunzel got angry, “she’s *not* a monster!”
“Oh ex-fucking-scuse *me* for pointing out what she’s been showing the rest of us! Didn’t know you hadn’t fucking gotten the POINT yet!”
“Hector!” Edmund snapped
“NO!” The wild tamer yelled, glaring daggers at Rapunzel, “no I’m fucking sick and tired of always having to watch my words around her! I’m tired of having to put it in a gentle way! That doesn’t FUCKING WORK!” He yelled, “OBVIOUSLY! She put my nephew, YOUR GRANDSON, in danger, and we’re just gonna have a fucking *talk* about it?! If she were a fucking male I’d DECK HER IN THE MOUTH!”
“WELL SHE ISN’T SO YOU WON’T!” The Dark King yelled, startling the tamer, and himself, before stopping and covering his own mouth
Hector’s eyes narrowed, “I know she fucking isn’t, but if she were-!”
“You’d what? Blow up? Get angry? Do you really think that’ll help?!” Edmund interrupted, lowering his hands to glare right back at his tamer
“Why shouldn’t I?!” Hector snapped, growing angrier, “it’s not as if she doesn’t *deserve* it!”
“Stop Hector!”
“WHY?! SHE NEARLY GOT HIM *KILLED*! And now she’s admitted to trying to *TALK* to the fucking BITCH that took him away and DRUGGED HIM!!!!!”
“HECTOR-!”
A slap sounded throughout the room, everyone was still for a moment before they turned and saw Adira standing in front of Rapunzel. The princess was wide eyed as Varian gasped, “I’m sorry”, she said softly to the blond, “but he wouldn't stop unless something was done….. And….. I….. I’m angry too….” She stated, lowering her hand, “I hope that wasn’t too hard…. But….”
Rapunzel blinked before she bit her lip again, she sighed and shook her head, “I…. Deserved that….” She said quietly, “I… deserve worse…. But…. Thank you…. For….. That…..” she fell silent, embarrassed
The face painted warrior nodded, “again sorry…..” she looked at Hector, “enough”, she stated, “or you’re next, and I won’t hold back”
The wild tamer was staring at his sister, he was so shocked that he stuttered a little before he shook his head to clear his thoughts, “um….. y-yeah…. O-ok…. Damn….”
Adira sighed before looking at Rapunzel sadly, “I know you helped save him, it’s why I held back, we’re grateful you did that but….” She looked at Quirin, the man still looked angry, but he kept to himself as he held his son close, “you weren’t here to see him fall apart….”
Rapunzel placed a hand on her cheek, wincing at the sting, before she looked at the retired knight. He didn’t return her gaze, still fretting over his son. She got a good look at him though, seeing the giant bags under his eyes, the worry wrinkles he hadn’t had before, the widened eyes as he looked over every scratch and wound his child had, the tear stains on his face, and the shaking…… so much shaking….. “I’m sorry…..”
Adira gave the princess a sad look, “why didn’t you come find us?”
“Because Ruddigar-!”
“Ya mean the poor, hurt, raccoon that got to us a full fucking day *after* the Spawn was taken?” Hector interrupted, though he stopped when he received a *burning* glare from Adira
Rapunzel sighed, “yes, him….. He was going…. I thought he would get there sooner….. Plus we didn’t have time-!”
“Don’s here”
“Huh?” The princess looked over to see Hugo step over, he didn’t look at her, he walked directly to Varian and Quirin, his head turned away as he kept his voice monotone, “Don’s here, so you saying you didn’t have time to get any of us to come help is a lie. Quirin asked her to be there and come just in case you tried to pull that shit. I thought it wasn’t right or fair until he explained it to me. He said if you were closer to the castle first, you’d come there, since Varian clearly needed medical attention first. If you can to his home first however, that means you passed his house before leaving to save him. Which means you had time to stop by and tell us, and you didn’t. So don’t lie….. Because she’s here, she did what she was told…… You however…..” he fell silent, his eyes closing as his lips quivered, he struggled for a second
Donella, noticing this, walked over to his and touched his shoulder gently. She genuinely looked concerned as the blond alchemist tried to control himself. He managed to reign in his emotions, only letting out a single sniffle, before he shook it away
Lance’s eyes widened, “Hugo don’t do that”, he said, “don’t push them down, it’s only gonna hurt you”
“If I don’t then I’ll hurt her….” The blond stated, looking at the man, “and what good will that do? It won’t help, won’t solve the problem, hell it won’t even make me feel better….. Varian was taken away, gone, by Cassandra….. We didn’t know, we weren’t notified until he’d been gone for a full *day* Lance. And by the time we got to the castle, by the time we fucking entered this place, Edmund was a wreck, the king and queen didn’t know where their kid had gone and we’re frantically searching for her, saying she’d ‘rested yesterday and wasn’t here today’, and we saw the black tower explode. It was already done, Varian was either already saved and coming back, or….. o-or…..” his lips quivered again, he shook his head more, “n-no….. no I…. I don’t…. I can’t……”
“Hugo-!” Eugene tried
“NO DAMN IT!” The blond stomped his foot, “I don’t wanna fall apart! I can’t! I don’t! I WON’T! I….. I-I….”
“Hugo….” Varian reached his hand out, gently touching his lover’s face, the blond looked up at him and the freckled teen smiled weakly, “it’s okay, you can fall apart. Please don’t hold it in anymore, please, Lance is right, it’s only gonna hurt you”, he looked at his father, “same to you, I’m okay, I….. I w-was scared, and I missed you both so much, but don’t block your emotions, please…..” he looked at his boyfriend again, “please?”
Hugo touched Varian’s hand before he lost his control, and he cried…… Quirin gently pulled him into a hug, placing his chin on the blond’s head as Varian smiled and hugged his boyfriend while he cried. Hugo hugged him back, clinging to him as if the blue eyed alchemist would disappear if he let go…..
At this, the princess finally realized what she’d done, she hadn’t just kept them away, she hadn’t just forced a raccoon to be the only way the family could’ve known, she hadn’t just prevented them from helping….. She’d gotten Varian hurt far worse than he would’ve been had she told his family….. She’d kept them waiting, anxiously, wondering if one of their own had left them for good….. She remembered the story Quirin had told about Ulla…. How much this family has lost…. Ad suddenly she started to figure out why Eugene wasn’t holding her hand anymore, she realized why Lance had mentioned speaking to Quirin….
They thought Varian was dead….. That Cassandra had killed him and she…. Rapunzel….. Hadn’t cared….. She hadn’t even thought about it….. She touched her cheek again, it didn’t sting anymore, but she wish it did…. She wanted to ask Adira to hit her again, to punish her in some way….. But she had a feeling the face painted warrior wasn’t going to…. Hector was glaring at her, Edmund was watching his knight and two teens, Hugo and Varian were hugging each other, Adira was looking down as tears slid down her face, Rapunzel’s parents looked worried, Lance was watching everyone, as were the girls, but Eugene hurt the worst
As Rapunzel looked at him, their eyes met, and for the first time since they’d started dating…… He looked so hurt and disappointed….. She felt her heart break, he’d trusted her….. And she’d basically lied….. To everyone, and left Varian in danger….. She couldn’t take his stare anymore, and looked down in shame as she listened to Hugo’s cries…..
Notes:
So hello there! :D
Yeah this was sort of just my way of saying what the frick to the episode. First off, WHY WASNT QUIRINNOR ANY OF THE OTHER BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS THERE?! Why were two little girls there instead? We didn’t even get RUDDIGAR in those episodes I’m assuming Rapunzel sent the little guy off to go tell Quirin. But he had a burnt face and had been grabbed by Cassandra, the tiny mammal was hurt!
Varian was gone for two days straight, and by the time a hurt raccoon could’ve made his way to Old Corona to inform Quirin, it would’ve taken him a full day due to injuries, him lacking food or water during the trip, and him being a bit of a fatter-coon since he’s a well taken care of, and beloved, pet and friend!
It takes, give or take, a few hours to get from Quirin’s house to the Capital’s castle, even longer to find the Queen and King depending on what they’re doing, so by the time they got there, found both rulers, gathered everyone, and figured out what was going on, the tower would’ve been blown up and Varian either saved or killed….. so yeah…..
Plus, we know where Rapunzel’s tower is in the show, it’s closer to Old Corona than the capital, so they could’ve stopped by and told Quirin and the others, but they didn’t…..
If you’re wondering why they didn’t blame Eugene and Lance too, it’s because of Nigel, he noticed Eugene and Lance’s faces when Rapunzel had said something about her trusting Ruddigar. He mentioned it to the group inside the thrown room, which let to the conclusion they’d made
I won’t go into characters here, the chapter did that, this isn’t the last of angry Quirin, remember this is Rapunzel’s WORST mistake, trust me, there’s more angry protective farmer dad coming soon….. There’s more than just him too….
Also, feel free to discuss Hazbin Hotel too, I’m a huge fan and the episodes just came out today! We finally got to hear Jeremy Jordan as Charlie’s dad, so believe me, I’m looking to hear from anyone who’s seen it! Cause you can hear Varian in the character! 😁 I have early access, so I know spoilers, for those who don’t want those, tread carefully please, you may see some in the comments
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!
Chapter 362: Unease!
Summary:
Eugene is feeling anxious about everything, so Lance helps him cope by seeing the person he’s anxious about, Varian!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene sighed as he and Lance walked down the hallway, “how’re you feeling?” He asked, though he already knew what his best friend would say
“Like shit, didn’t sleep at all last night cause I kept thinkin about Varian…..” Lance replied
“Same…. And our family”
Lance looked at Eugene, “are you alright? Like you just said, this is affectin you’re family”
“Lance you’re apart of that no matter what”
The man smiled, “I know, I didn’t figure you were implyin anything, just… I’m worried about ya…. Especially since…. Well… to put it gently, you and Rapunzel don’t seem like you’re in a great place”
“We’re not….”
The cold reply made Lance shiver a little, “you wanna talk about it? I’m all ears, and ya know I ain’t gonna tell anyone”
“I know it’s just….” He sighed, “she lied…. To everyone…. I trusted her, stopped you from saying anything more, I had faith in her….. And….. she lied…. Said she’d taken care of informing Quirin…. But she didn’t….. She didn’t even tell Ruddigar, just assumed was going to get him….. Lance I…. I still love her but….. Buddy what if that had been *our* child? It’s bad enough thag it was *Varian* of all people, but….. What if our kid got stolen by a friend of hers? Would she assume their hurt pet would come get me and not tell me anything?!” He sighed, “…..I….. I don’t know what to do anymore Lance…..”
The former thief placed a hand on his best friend’s shoulder, “it’s gonna be okay, you’ll figure it out, you always do”
“Thanks but…. I don’t think I can here…. Could really use some advice….”
“Hmmm… Well are you ready to talk to her?”
“I….. don’t think so…. I’m really mad…. More than I’ve ever been at her….”
“Well if that’s the case, maybe ya just need to give yourself some space from her, take a day or two until you can control your emotions. Once you’re done, and if ya need it, we could practice talkin to each other, me bein Rapunzel, that way ya know what to say”
Eugene smirked playfully, “you just wanna wear the blond wig Varian made”
Lance laughed, “that ain’t the main reason I’d wanna play as Rapunzel, so I ain’t dignifyin that with a response”, he stated, nudging Eugene playfully
The Dark Prince chuckled before smiling at Lance, “thanks, I needed that”
“Anytime”, Lance replied, “hey, ya busy?”
“No, just kinda walking around honestly, why?”
“I was gonna visit Varian, you wanna come?” Eugene grew silent, he looked at the floor,getting Lance to frown a little, “he misses you”
“I know…. I don’t know *why* considering….”
“Eugene, it wasn’t your fault she did what she did”
“But-!”
“No ‘buts’! You’ve been blamin yourself ever since ya got back! And ya just agreed with me when I said I’d been losin sleep over thinkin about Varian. Maybe talkin to him will help, and he doesn’t blame you!”
“I….. I feel like I let him down though”
“I know, but if ya come talk to him, you’ll be surprised”, Eugene looked at him, “bud he misses you, *badly*, he asks about you every time I walk in there. Maybe if you talk to him, you’d feel a little better, plus the truth serum is finally gone”
“It is?”
“Yeah, Hugo worked with the doctors to get it out, it was a uh….. rough night for him considerin he had to puke it out…. But it was worth it in the end! He’s better now, plus it’s already been two days since he’s been back. Come on, I know you miss him too, if you’re not ready, then fine, but….. It might help ya, more than ya think”
Eugene thought about it for a bit, weighing everything in his mind, the excuses he came up with failing to even leave a dent in Lance’s argument. So he sighed, “ok”
“Ya sure? I don’t wanna pressure you”
Eugene smiled, “yeah, I’m sure, I….. I miss him too, a hell of a lot….. it’s just hard…. Ya know? What if I say the wrong thing? What if I do the wrong thing and hurt him? What if I remind him, or anyone else in the room, of Rapunzel….. What if Quirin’s there…..”
“So that’s it…. Quirin”
“I….. yeah… I….. The man looked so…. So…..”
“Scared? Heartbroken? Freaked out? Angry? Depressed?”
“Broken…..”
Lance froze and sighed, “you noticed that too huh?”
“Yeah…”
“Adira mentioned she was upset because of how much he’d fallen apart”
“Yeah but how much? Is he okay? Is he better? What happened?”
“Eugene, the only way you’re gonna get answers, is to see them, you know that”
The Dark Prince felt anxiety fill his stomach before he sighed and nodded, “right, I….. are you going now?”
“Yeah”
“I…. I’m gonna join you, just uh…. Guide me?”
Lance smiled and nodded, “absolutely”
****
There was a knock on the door, Ruddigar chittered a little as Mrs. Solar came over to answer it. She peeked out before she smiled and opened the door wider, “Lance! Hi!”
“Hey Dr. S! Can Varian have friends over?”
The Doctor snickered, “yes he most certainly can! He’s got a few right now, oh but you said ‘friends’, so who’s joining you?”
“The man of a thousand skin products”
Rose chuckled when she noticed Eugene standing behind the former thief, “noted, come on in you two!”
She stood aside and allowed the two to enter, Eugene stayed behind Lance, but the former thief smiled when he walked in, “hey little man!”
“Lance!” A small voice replied, followed by a few coughs
“Oof, that throat *still* givin you trouble?”
“Yeah…. *cough cough*, it’s mean”
Lance smirked, “nasty throat”
Eugene heard a small giggle, and smiled lovingly, he missed that giggle, “Eugene?”
The man’s eyes widened before he looked over, he felt his anxiety sky rocket for a second at what he saw. Varian was sitting in a large medical bed, the tiny teen looked so small compared to it. He was covered in bruises and bandages, majority were hidden through his clothing, which was a white tee shirt and shorts, but he looked so weak…. His skin was paler than normal, and he had bags under his eyes. Not to mention the Moonpiece was still prominently showing on his chest
Guilt riddled through Eugene’s body as he stared at the teen for a moment before he felt a small nudge, he looked and saw Lance looking at him, “oh uh, fuck, um hi”, he replied before sighing, “sorry, I um…..”
“Got caught off guard with how badly I’m hurt?” Varian asked with an understanding smile, “it’s oki, Lance was the same”
“You were?”
“Yeah, to be fair, the bean is a lot more injured than I thought”, Lance admitted, “so I ended up freezing too”
“Oh, sorry”
“It’s oki”, Varian replied, “I missed you”
Eugene felt his heart strings being tugged as he smiled at the teen, “I missed you too Hairstripe”, he replied before he walked over and, gently, hugged the teen. He is smile widened when he got a hug back before they both let go, the man raising a brow, “wait, should I call you hairstripe(s), since there’s two now? Ooooorr….”
Varian snorted, “Nu, well, you can if you want to, but you don’t have to”
Eugene smiled, “noted kiddo”
Suddenly the door opened, the Doctor greeting whomever was coming in before closing it behind them. Lance looked over and smiled before Varian beamed with joy, “dad-*cough cough*”
The Dark Prince patted the teen’s back, gently, to help sooth the cough, once it’d subsided, he felt someone stand next to him. He looked over and his blood ran cold as he was face to face with Quirin, “oh! Uh, h-hi”
The retired knight looked at Eugene for a moment or two before nodding, “hello”, he said politely, before he looked at his son, “you okay?”
“I’m alright, Eugene came to visit!”
“I see”, his father replied with a loving smile, “anything else to report?”
“Hmmmm….. I’m bored”
“Noted”
Varian giggled before he began to sniff a little, Ruddigar doing the same, “food?”
“Possibly”
“Daaaad”
“Soooon”
“Daaaaaaaad”
“Soooooooon”
“Daaaaaa-*cough cough*”
“Oop”, Quirin rubbed his son’s back, getting the cough to subside again, “we, really, need to fix that cough”
“Uh huh”, Varian agreed before he looked at his father, “I say you owe me food now”
Quirin raised a brow with a smirk, “oh I do?”
“Yeah, you made me cough, it’s only fair”
The retired knight chuckled, “I suppose you have a point”, he showed a small picnic basket he’d been carrying, “figured, since you’re stuck inside, we could have an indoor picnic”
Varian’s eyes widened and glowed with excitement, “really?!”
His father smiled, “yup, but ya gotta stay in bed”
“Aww, I knew there was a catch”
His father chuckled, “you’re such a wild child”
“Nu, that’s Hector”
Quirin grinned before he kissed his son’s cheek, “Hugo’s gonna come join us in a moment”
“Really?! How’s he been?”
“He finally was cleared by the doctors today, so he wants to celebrate”
“Yay! Hugo!”
His father chuckled as Varian did a victory shimmy in bed, “still got it son”
“Hee hee”, the alchemist blushed before he looked at Lance and Eugene, “can they join?”
Quirin looked over and nodded, “yeah, if they want to”
Lance smiled, “that’d be great! We can bring some food of our own, and I just so happen to have a really god pumpkin spice puddin the girls love”
Varian’s eyes widened, “p-pumpkin pudding?”
“Yup! And Eugene can make a mean hot chocolate, can’t ya?”
The Dark Prince smiled, “yup, super thick, and filled to the *brim* with healing bean cocoa”
The alchemist beamed excitedly, his eyes glowing brighter, “Bubby, you’re gonna float out of bed”, his father stated
“Would that be such a crime?” Varian asked sassily
“For tiny ones who need their rest? Yes it would”
“Oki oki”, the alchemist took a deep breath, calling himself down and dimming the glow, “better?”
“Much, thank you”
“Uh huh, you know once I’m out I’ll be flying everywhere right?”
“I’m well aware, and have pillows prepared for such day”
“Pillows?”
“Just in case you fall”
“Ah, thank you!” He squeaked happily
His father chuckled, “you’re welcome”
Eugene smiled at the pair, they seemed to be in a much better mood than he’d thought, but he wondered if it was only because they were together….. He looked at Quirin again, the man still had bags under his eyes, and he was still shaking, but not as much as before. It seemed he’d calmed down, but…. Eugene still had a bad feeling. He looked at the man for a minute longer than he’d meant to however, “Eugene?”
“Huh?” The man looked at Varian
“You okay? You’re…. Kinda staring at my dad”
“Oh! Yeah sorry, I was just uh…. Um….”
He couldn’t think of anything! He tried, but nothing came out, he heard Quirin sigh, “I’m not angry at you”
“Huh?”
The retired knight faced the Dark Prince, “I’m not angry at you Eugene, I’m upset with your girlfriend, but not you”
“Oh! I um, I didn’t mean to imply-!”
“You weren’t, it’s okay”, Quirin interrupted gently, “you’re jumpy”
Eugene bit his lip, he didn’t know when he’d started doing that, probably something he’d picked up from Rapunzel, “I-I just…. You were…. So….. Adira said….”
“That I fell apart?”
“I….. y-yes….”
“……I did…..” Quirin admitted, getting Varian and Lance to look at him worriedly, “I fell apart….. The moment I realized we were too late, and saw the tower explode, I lost it….. I came undone because I thought…. That….” He looked at his son, his lips quivered, before he sighed and shook his head, clearing his thoughts, “I…. Can’t live without him….. If he goes away…. If Varian dies….. Then…. I don’t have anything left….”
“But your family, our family-!”
“Varian is my *child*”, the retired knight stated, “as much as I love Adira, Hector, King Edmund, you….. Hugo…. We’d all be…. All of us….” The farmer couldn’t seem to get his words straight, his hands shaking more and more
“We’d be broken”, another voice chimed in, they looked and saw Hugo standing by the door
“Hugo!” Varian exclaimed
“Hey Freckles”, the blond replied with a loving smile as he walked over and hugged his lover. Varian hugged him back, they stayed that way for a moment before letting go and smiling at each other
“You’d be…. Broken?” Lance asked, getting the pair to look at him
“Yes”, Hugo stated, “none of you were there when all of us thought Varian had died. You didn’t see what I saw….. Adira shut down…. Her eyes glazed over as the thought of him dying ran through her mind. She didn’t speak, didn’t breath, she became a statue and sank lower and lower. Hector threw a fucking fit! He screamed and yelled, it took nearly *every* guard, including the Captain, to stop him from rampaging through the town, heading to the tower, and killing Cassandra himself! Edmund…. He went insane for a moment…. Muttering and arguing to himself, trying to say Varian wasn’t dead, arguing against the thoughts that he’d been alone with for over 20 fucking *years*. My heart broke, I cried….. I starting wishing Inhadnt met any of you simply at the *thought* of him not being here….. and Quirin…..” He looked at the retired knight, the man had his hand in his son’s, he was still shaking
“……All of us were caught up in our own grief….. We snapped out of it when we heard a thud…. Quirin fainted….”
“WHAT?!” Lance and Eugene asked
“Yeah….. He fainted, hit his head *hard*….. We got him to the medical wing, but….. When he woke up….. He wasn’t there….”
“W-what do you m-mean?” Varian asked, his voice wavering a little as Hugo looked at him
“……I gave up…..” Quirin stated softly, “…..You’ve gotta understand something son…. You…. Stopped me…. From doing so much…..” his father admitted, “I was a knight of the Dark Kingdom, an elite fighter who has seen so many battles….. I was driven by anger and humiliation…. I retired, but….. I didn’t want to…. I didn’t…. H-have a purpose before you…. It was hard to get up every morning, even when Ulla was around….. She kept me afloat, but just barely….. Everyday felt like another chore, every hour another weight on my shoulders….. My home was gone, my family was separated, the only one I had was Ulla, and she had alchemy as her purpose…… Then you came along”, he stated with a smile, “you with your blue eyes and freckles, your smile and tiny hands, nose, and toes! I helped make you, I helped bring you here, and you were thriving, you were here! I could hold you and say you were mine! That I brought you here, added something *good* to this world! It’s why I love to garden, but plants can only live for so long….. but you, you’ll grow, you’ll always be around! Bubby you’re my *child*, my blessing, my little gift, my tiny purpose! The one being I can say I did something to help, you…. You’re my entire world! It’s why I worked so hard to keep what we had afloat, so you never knew hunger, so you never felt sick, so you would always have a home, I…. Wasn’t always there…. But I made sure you were taken care of, and that you knew I loved you, any second I could get! So….”
He looked down as tears slid down his face, “w-when I thought…. That you were gone…. Everything I’d worked for, every object I had….. it was….. worthless….. Why do I have a house when it’s empty? Why do I have a job when I don’t need the money? Why should I still breath if I don’t have a purpose…… I fell apart….. I didn’t wanna keep going, there was no point! No one needs me, no one cares if I leave, quietly slip into a never ending sleep, because what’s the point anymore? …..That is until I heard Hugo say my name…..” He looked at the blond with a smile, “I didn’t help make him, but his presence helped me so much. Him being here, showing me that you were still here in a way, it…. It made me better…. Hugo wouldn’t be here without you either, he…. H-he told us that…..” the blond nodded with a smile, “so…. Him being here and showing me that there was a part of you here, a part I could hold, and that felt the same pain I did for you not being there….. H-he helped…. I was able to get up, to keep going, if only until we heard what happened to you”
Hugo looked at Varian, “the same can be said for me with your dad. When I saw him faint, I jumped immediately, being the first to see him any chance I got, sticking by him every second until he woke up. Consoling him when he needed it, and he consoled me when I needed it. Both of us…. We were wreck without you, and honestly….. I really wouldn’t be here without you….. So….”
“Dad….” Varian stated, “Hugo…..”
“Holy…. I…. I’m so sorry….” Eugene stated softly
“It’s not your fault…. It’s neither of your faults…. He’s alive, he’s here, injured, but here! I actually owe you a huge thank you Eugene”, Quirin stated with a sad smile, “Varian told me, us, what happened, how you were a huge help in saving him, now he gave Rapunzel the incantation after you helped him use a ring to figure out the letting”
“The ring belonged to Rapunzel to be fair”
“She didn’t get it to Varian by walking across a dangerous bridge”, Hugo stated, “*she* didn’t no,d his hand and stand in-between Varian and Cassandra when you two were pulled back in. *SHE* didn’t even care to ask if Varian was okay, or even check to make sure he was. *SHE* wasn’t the one who consoled him after the fucking fact! *SHE* did *nothing*!” He huffed, “she talked to a monster and made the situation far worse…. And she also neglected to get the help that was needed…. She fucked up…. You helped, *both* of you helped, there’s a difference”
“A *huge* difference”, Quirin stated, “but I… don’t think we should get into that… I…. Don’t want to imply that all of you, Eugene, you and Adira, Hector, and King Edmund, that you wouldn’t matter to me…. But…..” he looked at his son, the teen blinked as he looked up at his father sadly, his bright, blue eyes watching the man as a flash of the blue light in the retired knight’s heart flared even more, “I….”
Suddenly, a hand was on his shoulder, he looked and saw Eugene smiling at him, us he’d tears in his eyes, “I…. Wish I had a dad like you when I was growing up”, he stated, “I wish I’d known my dad when growing up, because I think he’d say the same thing….. I understand Quirin…. Heh, and here I was worried….”
“Worried?”
“I…. Felt guilty…. Still do…. I was worried that me being here would…. Make you angry….”
Quirin smiled at Eugene before he hugged the Dark Prince gently. This startled Eugene immensely, but he smiled and returned the hug happily. He felt so warm in the retired knight’s arms, once the hug was broken, thenVillage Leader chuckled, “I’m really glad you’re here Eugene, oh and, happy birthday!”
The Dark Prince felt his heart fill with warmth as he laughed, “thanks, I’m really starting to hate my birthday though, nothing good ever comes out of it”
“You didn’t like my sparklers?” Varian asked sadly
“Nononononono! Those were the best! It’s what came after that I didn’t like kiddo!”
This made the teen brighten up, “oh! W-well maybe we can have a birthday picnic! It’s um….. Medical themed?”
Eugene snorted before walking over and, gently, ruffling the teen’s hair, “we can if you want, but I’d rather celebrate you being okay if I’m honest”
The teen giggled as he fixed his hair before giving up, petting Ruddigar instead, who has been sleeping in his lap this entire time. “If that’s what you want, but…. I say we sing a happy birthday song anyway!”
Eugene chuckled, “alright then, that’s fair”
“Hee hee! ….Oh wait…. Um…. S-should we…. Wait for…..” he didn’t say anything else, not wanting to make anyone angry
Lance caught on though, “you were there for the initial birthday party, everyone else already got to say happy birthday, so this’ll be just so you can catch up, how about that?”
Varian smiled and nodded, “oki”
As the group starting discussing what they’d do for the ‘Welcome Home/Birthday’ Picnic, Eugene looked over at Lance as the two set out to grab some food, “hey”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for talking me into seeing him again, that helped, a *lot*”
Lance smiled, “anytime, you feelin better now?”
“Much!”
“Good, then I’ve got one more question?”
“Hm?”
Lance stopped walking and looked at his best friend seriously, “what are you gonna say to Rapunzel?
Notes:
Hello! :D
This was a fun break from the heavier stuff, though it still went pretty heavy, sorry about that 😅 It was meant to be a small transition in the next part, I hope you’re all prepared, because hoo boy!
Eugene being an anxious big brother is honestly something I can see him doing, but we never got that. So here’s him being an anxious boy, also, he’s mad at Punzie again. I truly mean no hate towards her, but she made a huge honking mistake! I’m sorry, but you’re gonna have people mad at you for that. He still loves her, just needed time and some anxieties to keep in check is all
Lance is being a bro here, the man can do no wrong in this story! Seriously, he’s too much of a good boy to do anything bad! XD long live emperor Lance! Good people to all!!!!!! XD
Hugo being Quirin’s voice for a second fits him so well, plus, he would be a huge reminder that Varian was there, that he existed and helped someone! Hence why Quirin sought comfort in him ❤️
Quirin, it’s poor man….. he’s gonna be angry papa bear soon, if he’s not angry at Lance or Eugene. Honestly, if Varian were to die, Quirin wouldn’t be able to take it, he’d die of a broken heart, he honestly would….. the man loves his son so much! We see that even in the show, no one will ever convince me that Quirin is a bad dad, especially when we saw how hard *VARIAN* fought for him! We Stan Quirin in this household! You’re allowed your opinion, that’s fine, this is just mine X3
Varian is getting all the snuggles and cuddles and hot cocoa today! He deserves all of it and more! ❤️🎶
Ruddy buddy is tired and hurt, he’s sleeping, but he’s sticking to his boy. Because he’s the best coon! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 363: Tough Love!
Summary:
Rapunzel’s been hiding for the past two days, and Lance has had enough!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Sunlight shined through the closed curtains, bringing a bright light to an otherwise dark place. The occupant of said space groaned, turning over in the mess of a bed she’d claimed for the past two days. Her hair was dim and tangled, the room around her a mess of all the things she loved. Paintings depicting pain and anguish, a young hand, scarred and broken, reaching out for help, but a golden handcuff wouldn’t let them go….. The hand was drained of all national colors, as if the handcuff weee cutting off its circulation…..
The painting was hiding in the corner of the room, untouched since it’s creation by the creature that lumbered in the darkened area….. She threw a pillow at the window, punishing it for not blocking the rays of the day….. She didn’t want to be disturbed, and she wished the window would just understand that!
But the trespassing beams shined ever brighter, annoying her with their cheery call…. She sighed, getting up and walking over to the window, glaring at the interloping intruders before she hip bumped the post next to her, throwing a wrench in the rays plans as a black shade covered the window completely. She smirked, that’d teach them for interrupting her bad mood.
She walked back to her bed, falling into it with a thump, it smelled horrid….. She didn’t care though, the mix of salty sweat and sorrowful tears had stained the covers with the forever scent of her failure and mistake. It served her right, she deserved this, to block out any happiness, she shouldn’t feel that way at all, not with what she’d done…..
Another intruder, in the form of a sound, stumbled into her room. It was unsure, meek in its approach, but she heard it all the same, “go away!” She snapped, wanting to bare her teeth to whomever dared try to see her at this time
“B-but Princess, you’ve been in there for-!”
“I *know* how long I’ve been in here! And I’d like to *continue* if that’s okay with you!”
She heard a sigh, “if that’s what y-you wish your highness….”
She waited before smirking as small footsteps faded away, she didn’t need advice right now from her parents choice of an advisor, she didn’t want to hear it! She just wanted to lay and think about what she’d done, she wanted to wallow…. Why couldn’t anyone see that but her?
Another intruder in the form of a knock, she growled, “Nigel, if that’s you *again*-!”
“Actually blondie”, a voice said, startling her a bit, “it’s me, can I come in?”
She blinked, a swirl of emotions mingled inside of her, feelings of love and warmth and longing, all reaching towards the door, wanting the person they cried for to enter and comfort them! The others, sadness, guilt, and fear….. Hissed, backing away, she didn’t deserve the comfort the person would bring, the cold was her only friend not, why should she get anything but that?
“Blondie?” The voice said again, he sounded worried
She sighed, she wanted to snap, tell him off like she had Nigel, but…. She sighed, getting up and diving under the blankets before using her hair to unlock the door, “lock it once you’re in please….” She stated, gentler than she’d done with the advisor
She didn’t emerge from the blankets when she heard the door hinges creak a little. She turned away when she heard footsteps, two pairs, enter her room. She did smile when the door was closed and locked though, at least they’d listened to that part….. She continued to hide underneath the blankets, she didn’t feel right having anyone see her like this….
She heard the pair of footsteps stop when they’d reached her bed, the silence that followed killed her….. She didn’t speak, didn’t move, just held her breath, wincing when the voice spoke, “so uh….. Hi? …..Piles of blankets that sound like my girlfriend”
She wanted to giggle, she felt that small burst of joy fill her lungs, but she block it from coming. She didn’t deserve that, she didn’t deserve to smile, a nasty smirk was all she allowed. She did move a little, showing she’d heard what he’d said, she didn’t want to be rude after all. She heard a second person sigh, instantly knowing who it belonged to, and *really* wishing it didn’t, “come on princess, it’s been two days, ain’t ya gonna come out and at least *talk* to us?” They asked gently
She shook her head instantly, she didn’t need to be seen, it wasn’t right, no one should see her, not after….. “Three broken ribs….” She stated
“Huh?”
“Three broken ribs, t-two more bruised, a l-large gash on his forehead, bruises and cuts *everywhere*, second degree burns on his left h-hand, a bump on the back of his head, a sprained l-left ankle from the fall, singed h-hair from my incantation, a-and a bruised belly full of truth serum…… T-that’s only the physical….. and not I-including the second Hairstripe and tiny Moonpiece he’s now attached to…..”
She heard the two sigh, “Sunshine….. What happened to him…. Was horrible…. But you hiding in your room isn’t really helping”, her lover pointed out, “I mean, you could try…. Talking to him?”
“His father made it clear he wanted nothing to do with me….” She replied softly, “and I don’t blame him…..”
“Princess….” The second voice chimed in, “the man said nothin to ya after Edmund stopped him”
“He didn’t have to…. The glare he gave me was bad enough….” She sniffled a little at that, “I made a painting about it….”
She heard them look around, she would’ve smiled at that had she been in the mood. She heard the second voice say, “there”, before the original voice gasped a little
Good, she was glad he could see it. Maybe then they’d understand, she remembered the painting vividly. A portrait of the man she’d lied to, his face was the only thing that could be seen, his eyes glowing with rage, the brown mixing with a fiery red she’d added in, his frown pursed and deepened by the emphasizing wrinkles the gesture had added to his normally friendly face. His nose wrinkled with disgust, as if he’d smelled something so horrid he’d puke. The worst part for her though was the tears….. She’d painted them black, inky and filled with emptiness and despair. Thinking about the portrait now, she wanted to cry her own inky tears…. But she’d done that none stop the day before, she didn’t know if she could today….
“Damn…..” The original voice stated softly, “hard to argue with that….”
“I’m glad you love her to the point where her paintins don’t make you question things, but don’t you think it’s a bit much?” The second voice asked
Clearly he didn’t understand her work, but the original voice did, he always did, “Lance, Quirin’s glare is pretty well captured, and sure her art may be a bit more emotional, but that’s what she sees”
“Eugene, she’s using it as a shield”
Crap.
“She’s scared”
“I know, but that’s the *problem*! Plus, you ain’t exactly happy with her either”
“I….. Okay good point, but we didn’t come in here to make her feel worse!”
“You’re right, we came in here to get her out. And unfortunately…. I think I know how….”
She raised a brow, genuinely curious as to how he thought she’d leave this room. She felt a little angered by what the man said, couldn’t she take her time? Couldn’t she come out when she wanted? Wasn’t she allowed that at least? But as she thought more about it, the heavier she got….. She didn’t know why, but staying here made her feel better and worse at the same time…. It confused her…..
She huddled under the safety of her cover, she wanted to keep hidden, she was glad to have her blankets. But she worried about what Lance may be thinking, in fact, she hadn’t heard him say anything in a moment or two, what was he up t-! “AAAAH!” She screamed, the blankets on top of her were removed and thrown from the bed, revealing her to the world. She tried to find cover, but couldn’t, everything had been removed before she felt someone, gently, grab her shoulders, and she was suddenly face to face with Eugene, “Rapunzel, hey, it’s me, it’s okay”
She felt her heart beat for a moment or two before she found herself being able to breathe for the moment. She focused on his brown eyes, she noticed a flickering anger in them, but not *nearly* to the point of the fiery *blaze* the farmer’s had been. She stared at them for a while, knowing the moment she looked away or blinked, she’d have to move forwards, so she tried to make this moment last for a very long time. But the end came far too early, “are you alright?” Lance asked
She sighed before backing away from Eugene, sitting in the center of her bed before looking at the former thief, “why’d you do that?” She asked, giving him a glare
“Cause ya needed me to”, he stated
“Lance, yo-!”
“No”, Lance stated, “ya don’t get to lie to us, get slapped, then hide in your room and pout. That’s not how we do things and you know it. So I’m not sorry for takin those away but ya *need* to come *out*”
“I *need* to?!” She asked, growing angrier, “what I *need* to do is to stop making people miserable! What I *need* to do is to stop hurting the people I *love* with lies! What I *NEED* to do is to leave Varian alone so I don’t *FUCK* him up anymore than I already have!” She snapped, startling everyone in the room, including herself, but she didn’t care as she brought her knees to her chest and hid her head in arms, closing her eyes to try and block out everything else
Eugene reached out to touch her, but Lance stopped him, “you’re hidin princess”, he stated, “but you know it’s only makin things worse. I know you-!”
“DO YOU?!” She yelled
“YES!” He yelled back, startling her, “despite what you may think I happen to know you and Eugene VERY well! I know ya feel guilty about what you’ve done, I know you’re afraid to face Quirin again, I know ya don’t wanna think about hurtin Varian, or the fact that you did, but that’s the point princess, YOU HURT HIM!” He snapped, “you hurt him and lied to us! You lied and made his situation *far* worse than you should’ve been!” He stated, “no amount of hidin is gonna fix that or make it go away and you fucking know it!”
The room was silent as Eugene stared in shock, he’d been told to stand back when Lance began to speak, but he had a hard time doing that. Especially when he saw his princess begin to tear up….. As mad as he was at her, he really hated seeing her cry…. “L-Lance-!”
“I know Eugene, but ya gotta let me do this, it’s the only way”, Lance said gently, he understood this was hard, he knew that, but he had to do what he had to do. So the Dark Prince stepped back, waiting until he could hold her again….
“What do you w-want me to do?” Rapunzel finally asked, sniffling and wiping her tears away, she didn’t face the man, she didn’t want to….. “I can’t just walk up to them, that family, and say sorry…. I can’t fix my mistake, I can’t….”
“It’s not that you can’t fix it, you just won’t be able to in the way ya normally do”, Lance stated, “and that’s scary, it’s hard to fix a big mistake, even harder to own up to it, but ya can’t hide either. Ya can’t just run away, then it never gets fixed, you *know* that Rapunzel, I *know* you do”
“S-so what? I’m supposed to just *let* them hate me?!”
“Until they don’t want to, yeah”
The princess looked at him for the first time, she glared, but he didn’t seem bothered in the slightest, “so they hate me, what do I do then? Do I just wait, *knowing* they hate me?! Will that fix the problem? My big mistake will go away if they have someone to hate for it?!”
The former thief sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, he knew this wasn’t gonna be easy….. He looked at her again, “Rapunzel their family member almost *died*, did that not register with you yet? The Varian nearly *died* durin that fight, the he was imprisoned hundreds of feet in the air? That he’s probably even more traumatized that before-did you not realize that until now?” He asked irritatedly, “they’re gonna fuckin hate you, and I ain’t gonna sugar coat it for ya, it’s gonna be pretty obvious. BUT, they’re gonna be happy that you’re at least *tryin*!”
“What if I try and they still hate me?”
“Accept it”, she tensed at that, and he noticed, “look I know that doesn’t sound great, but that’s gonna be a worst case scenario if I’m honest. And you’re lucky it is, cause it could be way worse”
“What could be worse than them hating me?”
“They could want you killed”, he stated, “in fact, they could *have* you killed. Your mistake nearly cost them a member of not only their family, who is of royalty, adopted or not, but of a kingdom that is nearly *dead*. In fact, it nearly cost them *two* considerin Quirin’s emotions nearly made him die of a broken heart”, her eyes widened at that, “didn’t hear about that part did ya”
“I….. didn’t know…..”
“Yeah…. The man was nearly killed by the *thought* of his child bein dead, the one thing that saved him was Hugo bein there. The man clung to him like a life line, but it would’ve only gone so far had we not gotten back in time. Your actions were fuckin bad, and to be fair, the Dark kingdom could do a life for a life, of even have you punished for makin your mistake, just as your parents did to Varian. It could’ve been marked as treason, but it ain’t, Edmund said as much when he first saw us. He tried to keep you from bein hurt, and because he did that, it shows you’re basically off the hook from the Kingdom’s wrath, so again, it could be worse”, he stated
The princess sighed, hugging her knees, she didn’t hide her face this time as she thought about the man’s words before she looked at Eugene, he was watching her worriedly. She knew he was mad at her too, but he was here, trying to help her, be there for her, it was sweet of him and made her feel better, but she knew Lance was right, and sighed, “what should I do…. I wanna fix it….. I just…. Don’t know where to start…. How do I make this better, what can I do and….. How can I stand the thought of them hating me…..”
“…..As much as I hate to say this, your dad would be able to help you with that”, Lance said, “the man lost his best friend because of his own actions, yet he’s workin hard to fix what he’s done, and it’s all for the *right* reasons. He allowed Varian and Quirin to get what they needed off their chest, and honestly, their relationships are improvin because of it. It’s slow,but they’re gettin there, Varian even stood up to your dad, remember?”
“I remember”, she replied, nodding, “how….. do I start?”
“You talk to ‘em, one at a time, or together if ya think you can handle that”
She looked at Lance, “I…. Who do I start with?”
“I think you already know that, you just don’t wanna say it”
Her lip quivered before she looked down, “I….. h-he’s….. a lot like Mo-! …..Gothel….. When he gets angry…. Actually…. I think he’s worse….”
“Aside from the ‘usin you for your magical hair’ thing, yeah I can understand why he’d be worse. But you know you’ve gotta fave him. I can advise you however ya want, but that’s the best course you should take. Talkin to Quirin first is the best thing you can do”
“Why?”
“Cause he was the most affected, and cause his siblings, father, and two kids love him the most”, when Rapunzel tilted her head, Lance chuckled, “it’s a little funny, ya hear about the family favorite and think it’s the tiny child with the adorable eyes, but no, it’s the tiny child’s daddy, the gentle, shy, quiet guy that everyone’s relied on before and has always had their backs. Varian’s definitely a very close second, that family would fall apart without him”, he looked at Eugene, “includin you”
Rapunzel looked at her boyfriend and smiled a little when she saw him nod, “kid’s wormed his way into my heart, I didn’t have a chance in hell of avoiding it, not that I mind”
The princess giggled a little, it felt odd coming from her, she still felt awful, but some how, she managed to find the energy for it. The moment made her feel better before she sighed and looked at Lance, “thank you, I…. Never knew I needed tough love until now”
“You’re welcome, sorry I had to get so rough, but…. Well”
Rapunzel smirked, “when you need a kick in the pants, you just gotta do it”
Lance snorted, “yeah pretty much”
She smiled before letting out a sigh, she then looked at Eugene and Lance, “I….. I’m really sorry for lying….. I….. I just…. I don’t know….”
Eugene stepped forwards a little, “could you tell me why? Why you lied and why you didn’t want to get Quirin?”
“……I….. Was scared…..” she admitted, “it’s such a stupid reason, but I promised him Varian would be safe, I promised and…. Telling him Varian was kidnapped just….. It felt wrong….. I felt horrible for it happening and the thought of him finding out just….. It scared me…. I thought that if we could get Varian back in time…. But we didn’t and…. Ruddigar….. I….. I’m sorry…. I won’t ever lie like that again, I….. I feel terrible…..”
Eugene sighed, “….it wasn’t *just* the fact that you were scared of Quirin….. it…. It felt like you didn’t trust me…..”
The princess looked at Eugene with wide eyes, “b-but I do!”
“You didn’t when you said Quirin would already know”, he said, “you told us a lie instead, you said it was taken care of, and I believed you! I did because having faith in you was one of the things you wanted the most from me. I learned to have faith in you, and I thought you knew to have faith in me too, but……”
She looked down, “but I didn’t….” She finished for him, “I proved I didn’t by not telling you how I felt….. I’m so sorry Eugene….. You’re the one person I have the most faith in, and I didn’t even give, telling you how I was feeling and what I was planning, a second thought…. I’m so sorry…..”
Her lover sighed, “it’s…. It’s gonna take a little time for me to be completely okay with that, but…. I’m not angry at you if that helps”, he stated
The princess looked at him, “I…. I’ll work on it”
“I know, and I know you’ll work hard, it’s just gonna take me some time”
She nodded, “ok, thank you, for telling me”
He nodded back before he sighed, “alright, so….. do you wanna….. try leaving, or brushing your hair….. or your teeth-!”
She laughed, “I’m sorry! I know I’m a mess, this just…. It was all too much…. I…. Just give me an hour, and I’ll be ready, ok?”
Lance raised a brow at her, “princess”
“I mean it this time”, she said with a smile, “no more hiding, I want to fix this”
Lance nodded, “ok, prove it, we’ll be right outside your door”
She nodded and watched them go, hearing Lance ask Eugene if he felt any better as they did. She was happy to hear he did. Once the door was closed, she took a few minutes, he mind wanting to grab her blankets again and lock the door, but she shook her head, she wouldn’t do that again. No more hiding, she’d meant it!
After an hour, the two men looked at the door to the princess’s room, they were quiet as they listened to anything that could possibly be heard from the other side, until the door opened wide, revealing Rapunzel, dressed in a new dress, her hair was wet, but in a new braid, her room was cleaned, and even her bed was made, she looked much better than before as she smiled and walked over to the pair, “alright, time to start fixing my mess!” She exclaimed
Lance smiled, “I’m proud of you princess”
Eugene nodded, “I am too”
She smiled, “thank you, both of you, I really needed that kick in the pants”
They laughed while they began to walk down the hall. None of them noticed the wild tamer hiding around the corner. His yellow eyes watching the three like a hawk, “…..Fix your mistakes, alright then. Let’s see what you’ll do…..” he stated, though he growled as he looked at Pixie and Basil, who were by his side, “she’d better not fuck this up”, he said, “or she’ll fucking answer to *me*”
Notes:
Hello!
Sometimes we all just need a good kick in the pants! We get stuck on something that we forget we need to fix it, or figure out how, so we need that one friend to help us get back on the right path as quickly as possible, thankfully, Lance is all too happy to oblige!
So…. Next chapter will have angry papa bear, just saying 😁
Hector is watching her, he doesn’t trust her anymore, this is definitely gonna be a wild ride for him and Rapunzel both ;3
I won’t do the character summaries, only because I think the chapter did that already
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 364: A Father’s Rage!
Summary:
Rapunzel confronts Quirin about her own mistake!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The small sounds of Varian’s mumbling made the man smile as he stuck close to his child. It’d been a fun picnic in the infirmary room, Eugene and Lance had joined them after ‘taking care of something’, and all of them had had a wonderful time! Quirin sighed softly, he felt himself relaxing more and more as he watched his tiny child rest.
The teen had been adamant that he stay awake for as long as he could, but one snuggle with Hugo had gotten him right to sleep. Speaking of, the blond was reading beside his boyfriend in the bed, content to be used as a teddy bear of sorts as Ruddigar slept on his freckle teen’s chest happily. Eugene and Lance had excused themselves, they were grabbing a few things, but mentioned they’d be back.
Quirin didn’t mind the lack of their presence, he was just happy his son was safe again. He was holding the teen’s hand gently, rubbing his thumb over his boy’s knuckles, a lulling gesture he’d picked up from King Edmund he supposed. It felt nice when he’d received it anyway, he closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to slip away from the world, if only for a moment
Sadly he was interrupted by a nervous knock on the infirmary door. He opened his eyes and looked over as Mr. Solace, who’d taken over to give his wife a much needed break, walked over and opened it, “he-! Oh, um, hello your highness”, he said nervously
Quirin’s shoulders tensed, depending on which ‘highness’ the man was talking about would determine how worried the retired knight would be. At the moment, there was only *one* Coronan ruler that Quirin felt completely comfortable with, though it was odd, out of the other two, he’s prefer his former best friend as opposed to-!
“Sorry to intrude like this, I just…. H-hoped I might be able to speak with Quirin?” A very anxious voice said, slipping through the door with the sickly sweet tone that made the farmer want to punch a wall simply from the sound
He growled, trying to give a *clear* indication that he did *NOT* want to speak with her at *all*, but unfortunately, she seemed to have other plans, “princess, I…. Don’t mean to be intrusive but, maybe now isn’t a good time?” Dr. Solace stated, unknowingly making Quirin extremely grateful he was there
“I….. I know he doesn’t want to, but…..” he heard the girl sigh, “I…. N-need to fix this….. I….. want to…. I just…. Please….”
An image of the Captain of the royal guards flashed in Quirin’s mind, not a good time to remind him of how the Captain had wanted to do the same, and his brother punched the lights out of him….. Quirin’s fist balled until the knuckles turned white under his glove, it was enough to alert Hugo, who’d stopped reading and looked at the man worriedly
“Princess….” Dr. Solace tried, growing visibly worried as he noticed Quirin’s anger begin to rise
“I…. I won’t leave until I at least talk to him, e-even if he h-hates me for it… Please”
*Damn it, she would keep pushing wouldn’t she….. The angrier you get, the more worried your son will be if he sees you like this…. You know that…. Tell her to fuck off so you can get back to him*, he thought to himself. Even though he didn’t want to move, he sighed and looked at Hugo, “watch him for me, please?” He asked gently
“Y-yeah, um…. Please don’t punch her”, Hugo replied
Quirin chuckled, “I won’t, just gonna tell her to leave me be”
“Ok…. Um…. Are you alright? You’re shaking again”
The man blinked before he looked at his hands, he hadn’t noticed that he’d been shaking, “oh huh…. Yeah I feel fine, just angry”
“Oki…. Please be careful, he’s safe now”
The retired knight smiled and kissed the blond’s forehead, “thank you”
Hugo smiled, “you’re welcome”
Quirin gave the blond one final smile before he looked at Varian. His Bubby was still sound asleep, he looked so comfy, it made the man smile as he kissed the freckled teen’s head as well before turning, letting out a big breath of air, and heading towards the door. He gave a grateful grin to the doctor, who nodded and smiled in return, before he left the room and closed the door behind him. He’d closed his eyes as he did so, trying to calm himself before he opened them and was face to face with the one person he really didn’t want to see, “hello…. Princess….”
Rapunzel looked like she was about ready to run and hide, her shoulders were tense, her eyes were wide, but he stood her ground, “h-hi Quirin, Eheh um….” She took a breath before letting it out slowly, “I…. N-need to talk to you, I-it’s important…. Could you um….. come to the family room with me? We can talk there, I asked everyone to leave it alone for the time being, so we could have some privacy”
Normally, the retired knight would’ve said no, as he did with the Captain, but while his son was sleeping and recovering from far worse injuries than he had during the time, the man really couldn’t refuse, so he nodded, “fine”
He got a small bit of pleasure seeing the princess flinch at his icy tone, but followed her towards the aforementioned room. He’d get his chance to talk, he’d make sure of it, but for now, it was best to keep calm, for Varian’s sake
****
They managed to get into the room without anymore conversation or interruptions. The retired knight enjoyed the quiet, he never knew how much he preferred it, but chalked it up to his anger not being able to bubble without the fuel, which at this point was Rapunzel’s voice. He knew it wouldn’t last long, but the walk was nice, he watched her close the door, not seeing a Eugene or Lance around, odd, he’d think they’d be here for this, or at least a guard or two
He raised a brow, he didn’t know if he felt comfortable without them being here, even if it was just for *possibly* stopping him from doing something he’d regret. He noticed Rapunzel seemed to be taking her time, gathering her thoughts maybe? He didn’t really care, he’d like to think she was working on what she’d say, but he knew better, especially when she turned to face him and sighed, “um, so, hi”, she said, a nervous waver to her voice
“Hi”, he replied
There was an awkward silence between them before Rapunzel sighed again, “so um…. Look I uh…. *Really* messed up, and…. I…. I want to fix it, so um….. I… W-was hoping to start with you”, she stated, “I want to figure out how we can work things out, that way we can be better. I…. I k-know you and I have had our differences, but…. I know what I did was wrong, I’m truly sorry for it, I figured, i-if we could talk, m-maybe we’d come to an understanding and…. Figure it out?”
And there his blood went, boiling like a volcano, he huffed and crossed his arms, protectively, over his chest. His stare turned steely as he looked at the princess, “so you want to talk about how to fix this, and you think that’s really going to work”
She flinched a little, was it bad he was enjoying that? He felt it should be, but didn’t really care at the moment, “well no…. I didn’t think me apologizing would be the end all be all in this situation…. B-but it’s the first thing that came to mind. Plus I… I really am sorry for what happened”
“Well that’s nice, glad that you’re sorry, I mean, do I wish you didn’t have to be and that my *son* didn’t end up being the one to get incredibly hurt? Yeah, but at least you’re *sorry*, cause that makes every *aaaaaall* better”
Rapunzel bit her lip, she knew this wouldn’t be easy, so she sighed, “I…. I know you’re angry-!”
“Ya think?” He asked with a raised brow
“-But I *really* wanna fix this! I wanna get better so I don’t end up doing this again Quirin”
“But see, that’s the thing, you *don’t*!” He snapped, glaring *daggers* at her as his arms lowered to his sides, “you do this entire song and dance about how you wanna get better, how you’re so ‘incredibly sorry’ and you’ll never do it again! And I trust you, then I end up falling for it like a fucking IDIOT and my son pays the price!” He exclaimed angrily, “the last time this happened, you said the same thing, that you were sorry and that you wanted to be better. And for a while, things were, but then it happened again, and it just keeps getting *worse*! Varian is in that DAMNED infirmary *again* due to *your* lack of judgement-and I’m just supposed to accept that?”
“No! I-I don’t want you to accept that as the norm, I don’t!”
“Then *WHY* IS IT?! WHY DO YOU KEEP MAKING PROMISES YOU NEVER KEEP THAT END UP HURTING MY SON MORE AND MORE TO THE POINT WHERE HE ENDS UP IN THE HOSPITAL HUH?! CAUSE ITS BEEN THE NORM SINCE I CAME OUT OF THE AMBER, AND I CAN’T *TAKE IT ANYMORE*!” He yelled, before he stopped and breathed, trying to be calm as he crossed his arms again, “I…. I can’t keep doing this with you…. Y-you say my son will be safe with you, promise that he’ll be guarded, and not only do you *break* that promise, but you also send RUDDIGAR to come find me! Leaving Varian alone in a cage with *CASSANDRA* of all people! I get she’s you’re best friend, but she’s doing horrible things right now, how the *fuck* do you not see that and then treat her like she’s perfectly fine?!”
“I fought *against* Cassandra!” Rapunzel tried, though she was shaking a lot when she did
“Yeah, after *talking* to her, which you ADMITTED TO DOING!”
“I….. I can’t just fight her like she’s some sort of evil monster, she’s not! I know she’s not! She’s my friend, she’s just lost, like-!”
“Like VARIAN?!” Quirin interrupted, “like my SON was when you and your father threw him in fucking *CHAINS*?! Like how you fought him and his automatons?! I could hear you! I heard you try, but you still fought him off! You left him alone for MONTHS before he SENT you a letter ASKING for help! He was too far gone after that and yet you justify yourself with Cassandra, who ISN’T asking for help, she’s only making demands and HURTING PEOPLE!”
“….Is that what you’re really angry about?” Rapunzel asked softly, “what I did to Varian?”
The wind was immediately out of his sails when she asked that, the question catching him off guard as he stuttered out an answer, “I…. No I…. It… he wants to move on-!”
“But you can’t”, the princess interrupted, “you heard everything, you know what he went through more than anyone else does! That kind of knowledge and hurt weighs on you! It’s why you don’t talk to Lance despite saying you will! Because you don’t want to hash out the past when Varian’s moving forward!” Rapunzel’s eyes widened with sorrow as she realized this, “you’re…. You’re hurting over what you child went through, and what he’s *still* going through, but you don’t bring it up because you don’t want to remind him…. You’re doing this for Varian….. How…. How didn’t I see that before?!”
Quirin growled, “because you don’t pay *ATENTION*…. Because you don’t know me, and you don’t *TRY* to! You’re so HELLBENT on Cassandra, what she’s been up to and how you can help *her*! Yet you NEVER gave my son a second glance until he *BEGGED* you to come….” The retired knight felt tears drip down his face before he quickly wiped them away, “honestly…. I’m really thinking about taking him far away from here….”
“WHAT?!”
“He keeps getting into danger! The more he spends time with you, or your father, the more dangerous this situation becomes! King Edmund’s rebuilding the Dark Kingdom, they need help doing it and he offered me and Varian a place there when you, Eugene, the girls, and Lance all were away trying to save Varian from Cassandra…. I…. I’ve been thinking about it ever since…. He told me about his plans to rebuild a while ago, but I never really gave it much thought…. Varian…. He would be happier there… him and Hugo both….. Ruddigar, a nocturnal animal, would fit in there much better than here…. I could rebuild my farm, people would come back to the kingdom, Eugene would have to come since he’s the Prince, at least he’d visit a lot, so there’d be no worries having him there or not. I know Lance would visit too…..” he sighed, “if I didn’t think Varian would hate the idea, I’d take him and Hugo and run….”
Rapunzel was shocked, she knew she’d made a horrible mistake, but to think that she may never see Varian again…. “I…. Y-you can’t! Varian he…. H-he needs to be here, he needs to b-be near friends! You can’t just take him away! I know you’re mad at me, but you can’t just-!”
“Actually, I can”, Quirin stated, growing angry again, “he may be old enough to make his own decisions, but he’s still *my* child, and he’s been in a lot more danger here than anywhere else in the fucking world! At least in the Dark Kingdom he’d be *protected*! Plus the Moon powers he has would be able to roam free in the Dark Kingdom! That’s where they came from after all, before *CASSANDRA* stole them! He would be near friends too, Eugene would come visit a lot, Hugo would be there everyday, I have no doubt he’d make friends in the Dark Kingdom faster than he does here because no one would judge him. I…. I can’t keep watching my child get hurt, over and over again, I can’t…. You want to be better, I’d love to see it, but as of late, I haven’t…. You’ve only gotten worse, he nearly *died* from this! A-and you want me to what? Be okay with this? Accept your apology and move on? Forget everything that just happened even though he’s in the ducking medical wing right now?!”
“No! I never said you had to forget or even forgive me for my mistake! That’s why we’re here, but please don’t take him away!”
“…..I haven’t decided yet…. And I wont force him to leave if he doesn’t want to….. But I’m done playing this fucking game princess…. You can beg all you want to, but until I see you make *actual* progress, nothing is ever going to change my mind. My son was nearly killed thanks to *your* friend, the one that has attacked me, my siblings, my father figure, and *both* of my kids, multiple times….. You…. You’re so hell bent on helping her…. A trait I appreciated when you finally helped my son…. But there’s a difference between someone who wants to change, and someone who wants to harm…. You placed my child in your fathers arms because you knew Varian wasn’t at the point where he could be reasoned with…. Yet you continue to make excuses for Cassandra….. I’m done….. I’m done listening to them…. I’ve given your father a chance, and he’s learned *far* faster than you!”
The princess looked down, she felt her tears sprinkle to the floor, she knew this would be hard, but…. She couldn’t take this anymore….. The retired knight was quiet for a moment as she sniffled, before she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up she saw Quirin, he was still drowning, but he looked….. regretful, “that was too harsh…..” he admitted before offering her a tissue
She accepted, surprised, but grateful as she wiped her tears. She felt his hand leave her shoulder as the silence crept in. She managed to control her tears before hearing the retired knight sigh as he sat in a chair…… he looked so sad…. Her heart broke, not only because she felt bad, but she knew this was her fault, “I’m sorry…..” she said
“I know…. But…. Your ‘sorrys’ have grown stale at this point….. I just…. Want my son to be safe and happy…. And you don’t give him that….” Quirin replied, his own voice wavering as he couldn’t say anymore, his emotions blocking his words
The room was silent for a moment before she sighed and sat down across from him, “honestly…. You’re right….” She stated, getting him to look at her, “I’ve made horrible decisions that have hurt Varian far worse than what should’ve been…. I’ve regretted them every time, but…. I keep making them…. I keep hurting him….” She hiccuped a little, but continued, “….I know I can’t make up for all the things I’ve done to him, and what he’s been through in the past…. It’s been my fault…. I’m so sorry…. I haven’t been fair to you either….. I’ve made you feel horrible with things that I’ve said to you…. Things that upset Varian too…. You’ve been dealing with so much, more than I ever guessed…. I should’ve paid attention, I should’ve gotten to know you better…. I was wrong Quirin… So incredibly wrong…..”
The Village Leader sighed, “I haven’t…. Exactly made it easy on you, if that helps at all…. I’ve been angry with you for a long time, but I didn’t say much and let it fester because talking about it would just….. bring it all back up….. I’m not great with people, I’m a Village Leader, a man *of* the people, but that just means I’ve gotten great at faking it….. I can’t keep doing that to you either…. Even if my reasons for being angry are justified….” He looked at her, “I shouldn’t be putting your father’s mistakes on your shoulders too…. That isn’t right…. I’m certain you’ve probably had the same, or similar, problem, being a princess isn’t easy, I’m sure”
She found a small chuckle that was able to leave her throat, it startled her, but she accepted it, “I still should be a better princess though…. I…. Made mistakes…. Bad mistakes…. You were right to say I never truly learn from them…. The more I think how I can try to get through to Cassandra…. The worse it gets for everyone else involved…. That’s not how it should be…. That’s not how *I* should be acting…. I…. I need to remember that she’s a threat….. I keep thinking she’s not… but she is….. Varian….. He means the *world* to me, I love him like he’s my little brother! I just…. I treat him like he’s not…. Like he’s replaceable…. No wonder you think I never learn…. I never do….”
“What I said was still too harsh….”
“It’s what I needed to hear”, she stated, “Lance told me, recently, that sometimes you need a good kick in the pants…. I needed more than that I think”
Quirin snorted, “that man, I swear”, he chuckled
“He’s a character, that’s for sure”, Rapunzel agreed with a smile before she looked down again, “Quirin…..”
“Hm?”
“I hope you know….. I really love Varian, truly, I…. May not be the best for him, but….. I really care about him! And I’d do anything to make this right”, she looked at the man, “it’s why I came to you first, I….. Was told about what happened to you…. When you thought Varian was gone…..”
The retired knight flinched a little before sighing, “…..I’m…. Sort of a wreck….”
“Same if that helps any”, she replied, “I know my sorry’s won’t fix everything, and you may not believe me when I say I’m going to change, b-but this time I actually will”, she stated, “I can’t be the nice princess anymore, I am going to be *Queen* someday, and being that means I have to put my people first! Varian is a part of that, a huge part, and I’m going to make sure he’s safe, for real this time! I’ll show you how much I can change, I’ll be there for him, help him, do what I need to do! Because it’s what he deserves, to be safe and loved, because he’s done so much! I…. Can’t guarantee I won’t still make mistakes, but they won’t be like this anymore, they won’t be big, they won’t end up in him being hurt, I’m changing, right here, right now! I…..” she looked at him and got up, placing her right hand over her heart as she looked at the retired knight determinedly, “I give you not just my word as his friend, but my word as a *princess*, that your little boy will be safe from now on. I’m going to protect him, I’m going to be there for him, and should I fail to do so, you’ll be the *first* to know, immediately! You don’t have to believe me now”, she stated, “but I’ll show you that I truly mean it this time, I will, I swear”
Quirin just stared at her for a long time before he pointed to her hair, “you’re…. Glowing”
She blinked before looking up and seeing her hair floating above her, “I…. Didn’t mean to do that….”
The retired knight stared for a moment more before he smiled and touched her right hand, her hair stopping the glow and settling back behind her again as she looked at him. His left hand’s mark was glowing now as he took his hand away, “you didn’t mean to, but the Sun believes in you”, he said
“Is…. Is that what that meant?!”
“I’m assuming so, Varian does the same thing when he’s passionate about something, a couple of weeks ago he began to glow because he and Hugo were able to help Synthesis, their Venus fly trap, catch four flies at a time using an alchemical solution of theirs that helped the plant be able to move more so they could catch the flies easier. He was floating In air with his freckles and hair turning blue as he explained the process to me”, he chuckled at the memory, “my little smart bean”
She smiled, “that’s adorable”
“It really was”, he agreed before looking at the princess, “in any case, I…. Want to believe you, and in time, I’m sure I will, but….”
She nodded, “it’s gonna take time for me to make up for all that I’ve done, I understand that”. Just…. Know that I mean it, and that I plan to make things better for Varian, and you too”
Quirin nodded, “ok, thank you for…. Well doing this…. I didn’t know I needed it until now”
“Yeah about that…. I think you need to talk to Lance”
“I…. Yeah…. I really do…. Just… don’t want to hurt Varian….. or make him think I’m still thinking about the past and see him in that way”
“He knows you don’t”, the princess stated, “he knows you don’t see him that way, but you need to talk about it. It’s only gonna get worse if you don’t”
“I know….” He sighed before chuckling, “guess we *both* need to work on a few things”
“I guess we do”, she agreed, “but…. I really am sorry for what I did”
“I know, and…. I….” He couldn’t finish for some reason, his voice shut down
She smiled, “you want to say you believe me, but your mind and heart don’t, and that’s ok”, she stated, “you don’t have to forgive me now, in time, we’ll work on it, but for now, you’re allowed to be on edge, it’s okay”
“…..ok”, he said, he felt better, a small part of him didn’t want to, it still wanted to be angry with her, but….. he felt himself feel more at ease, as if she’d healed him somehow. He wasn’t shaking anymore and his head hadn’t felt this clear in a long time, it was as if a weight had been taken from him, as if she’d taken it and placed it on herself, finally allowing him to rest. He was grateful, even if he didn’t believe her fully
Rapunzel smiled before she looked at the door, “you should probably get back to Varian, I wouldn’t want him thinking you’d left”
He nodded, “thanks, for the talk I mean”
“Thank *you* for listening”, she replied. They walked out of the door, and she went to walk away before she felt his hand on her shoulder again
She looked at him, “do you want to come see him? He’s…. Been asking about you too, said something about being able to feel your sadness”
Rapunze, was startled by this, “you sure you wouldn’t mind?”
“I think I got everything out in the room”
She smiled and nodded, “I’d absolutely love to!”
The retired knight smiled before they both began to walked towards the medical wing, neither really spoke, not wanting to dampen what they’d just been through, before the Village Leader opened the door, “DAD!” A voice yelled
Quirin blinked before chuckling and looking at his son, who was wide awake and smiling at him, “hi Bubby, when did you wake up?”
“A few seconds ago! You have really great timing! I just had a dream dad!”
“You did?” He asked, allowing Rapunzel to walk in first as he held the door before walking in himself and closing it, he noticed Eugene and Lance standing nearby as Hugo and Ruddigar were still in the bed with Varian, “what was it about? Something alchemical?”
The freckled teen shook his head, “nu, the Moon came back! She’s back dad! I can finally talk to her again!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s the chapter I’ve been kinda waiting for! The chapter that get Quirin and Rapunzel to *talk* with each other! I feel like that would’ve been a great episode, where the two are still affected by the things they either did, or that have been done to them in the past, and that they plan on moving forward, hence starting the uphill climb of their arch’s!
Quirin is a good papa, and he needed to let out all of his anger and strife, the best way to do that may not have been what he just did, but he feels much better because of it, and sometimes, ya just need to let it all out. I suppose that’s why they have therapy, but, well, there’s nerves when it comes to that, everyone has them, you’re not alone ❤️
Punzie is learning, this time for real! She’s made her huge mistake, she won’t be doing that again! And she’s finally gotten to know Quirin a little better, so yay!
Lance isn’t even in this chapter, and yet he’s helping in his own way! ❤️🎶
Hugo too! Hims being a good bean to his boyfriend!
Varian is adorable, him getting excited about the Moon and yelling out for his dad is something I can see him doing! Also, name drop for his Venus Fly Trap, Synthesis, let me know what y’all think about it pleas 😁
Ruddy buddy being a good raccoon and sticking to his boy! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 365: Once Upon a Dream!
Summary:
Varian has a dream where he finally sees an old friend return!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*He was floating once again, his eyes were closed, but he felt something familiar about the place he was in. He opened his eyes to find himself in the castle still. He was floating though, he saw Hugo reading a book beside himself, it was definitely an odd sight to see, but he wasn’t afraid. He noticed Ruddigar twitching in his sleep, he giggled, “get that apple bud”, he encouraged, he saw Ruddigar twitch more before smiling and licking his lips happily
The teen snickered, happy his friend got the desired fruit before the infirmary doors opened, a bright light beckoned out to him. He smiled at it, so happy to so it again! He managed to place himself on the ground and leave through the door, he was in the family room of the castle now. He looked around and saw Rapunzel and his dad, they were…. Arguing? His father looked furious, he didn’t even notice his hand glowing as his glare seemed to deepen when he looked at the princess
“Hoo boy….. I’ll uh…. Have to calm him down later…” he looked at Rapunzel, she was flinching at his father’s muffled words. He felt a pang of guilt rush through him, he somehow had a feeling the conversation was about him. That’s when he noticed Rapunzel’s head drop, tears dripping to the floor…. “Dad….” He walked over and floated up to his ear, “that was too harsh, you’re scary when you get angry, please try to calm down so you can comfort her Oki? She won’t understand if all she hears is yelling….”
His father seemed to hear him, and looked around for a moment or two before he looked at the princess. The retired knight’s face went from angry to regretful in two seconds, he calmed down instantly and went over to her, touching her shoulder. Varian smiled when he saw his father offer her a tissue, “there ya go, much better”, he stated with a smile before the light beckons him again
This time he went through the family room window, it was cool! He smashed through, small shards of glass flew with him, but when he looked back, he saw the window wasn’t broken. He giggled, loving his little adventure as he looked around, he was I. The kitchen, where he saw Lance and Eugene talking to each other in hushed tones. He didn’t know why, but they looked so worried for some reason, then again, he did just see his father speaking with Rapunzel, it didn’t take long for him to figure out what they were anxious about.
He sighed before noticed Eugene shaking anxiously, “he’s gonna have a panic attack at this point….” He said to himself, before floating over to his big brother, “it’s okay Eugene, dad won’t hurt her, he’s angry, but he’d never do anything to harm her. I was just in there, he’s calmer now, the hard part’s over”
The Dark Prince perked up at his words, he looked around, confused, before he looked directly at the teen, “Varian?” He heard the man ask
“You…. Can you see me?”
Eugene didn’t say anything, he just stared at the teen for a while before Lance touched his shoulder, getting the man to look at him. He heard Lance ask Eugene something, but it was muffled, Varian tilted his head until Eugene looked at him again, “kid… Are you okay?”
The alchemist nodded, “yeah this is normal for me, Eugene, how are you able to see me?”
“I…. Don’t know, but I know you’re not…. Here? Where are you?”
“I’m astral projecting, it’s a power I’ve had for a while, um…. I’ve never spoken to anyone from the regular plane before…. This is so cool! What do I look like to you?!”
Eugene chuckled, “um…. Yourself, but transparent? And you’re floating, very happily”
Varian giggled, “I like floating!”
“I can see that”
“Hee hee, either way, you heard what I saw yeah? About Rapunzel and dad?”
“Yeah I did, how’d you know?”
“I was just in that room, I had to calm dad down a little, but he’s okay now, and Rapunzel isn’t hurt, it’ll gonna be oki”
“Oh”, Eugene said, “huh, well thanks for checking up on them. Um….. Do you need Lance and me to watch your body or something?”
“Well, Hugo’s still in there, same with Ruddigar, but if you wanna join them, that’d be nice to wake up to!”
“O…. Okie dokie then”
Varian smiled sympathetically at the Dark Prince’s concerned look, “it’s gonna be oki Eugene, I’ve done this before”, he noticed a the light again, “I gotta go, see you later!”
He began to float away when, “hey Varian”
“Hm?” He looked over and saw Eugene had stood up
“Um…. Try not to go too far okay? I…. I’m worried ya may get lost….”
Varian smiled, “I’ll be careful”
Eugene smiled and nodded before Lance poked him, the man was still muffled, but Eugene spoke with him a little, his own voice muffled before the two ran out of the kitchen, towards the infirmary room. Varian smiled as they went before he followed the light once more, he ended up exiting through the cabinet, and suddenly, he was outside
He smiled, breathing in the cool air before he noticed a small shimmer, he grinned and waved, “hi Ocean!”
“Hiiii~” the Ocean called back, waving at him happily, “she’s waiting for you!”
“Oki! Thank you!” He responded, before he saw the light one last time. He grinned excitedly before he flew over to it. There was a sudden flash before he was in a different plain, this one litter with stars and other planets, he grinned when he saw the being he’d been looking for, *hello little one*
“MOOON!!!!!!” He yelled happily, giggling as the light he’d been drawn to wrapped around him lovingly, almost as if he were getting a hug
*I’ve missed you little one, there’s so much to tell you, and not enough time to tell it*
“I missed you too! W-Where’d you go? I could see you in the sky, but I couldn’t talk to you”
*When she took a large chunk of your power away, the connection I had with you faded just the slightest. I could still protect you in the physical world, but I wasn’t able to connect with you in the astral plain. When I summoned you to the astral plain, my energy wasn’t enough to help you all the way up here….*
“I see, so I was… too heavy at that point”
*In a way, you were too physical, had I lifted you any higher than before, I would’ve harmed your physical body*
“Oh…. W-well thank you for not doing that”
She chuckled, *I’d never want to hurt you my little one*
He smiled lovingly at the Moon before a question popped into his mind, “why’d it work now? And why’d I speak to the Ocean before? Not that I minded, she was really nice! But she couldn’t see you either”
*The plain you’re currently in is meant for me and any being connected to me, the Ocean, she has a connection to me, just as you do, so she is always here, in this plain with us. She could see you when I summoned you before, but since my connection was not strong enough to reveal myself to either of you, she couldn’t see me in this plain*
“Ooooh, wow, that’s really scary”
*It was, I may not understand how to feel those types of emotions, but judging by how humans react to that word, I’d say ‘scary’ is a good way to put it* The Moon said with a worried shimmer, *as for your first question, it worked now because of your recent encounter with her*
“Her…. I’m guessing you mean C-C-C-C….. um….”
“Yes, it’s alright little one, you’re hurt by her, it’ll take time to heal, that’s okay*
Varian blushed, “I wish I could just say her name….”
*I know you do, and you will someday, it’ll just take time*
Te alchemist nodded before he looked at the Moon, “so…. What changed with my encounter?”
*You got a piece of me, of the Moonstone. They were able to take some of her power, and give it back to you*
“Really?”
*Yes, you see* The Moon’s light shined and showed Rapunzel and Cassandra battling, using their magic. He saw Rapunzel use the incantation he’d given her, and saw the piece of the Moonstone fly off her, *when Rapunzel won that battle, using the hidden incantation that you found little one, the Moonstone was able to recognize that power. I believe I told you before tag the Moonstone has a mind of their own?*
“Yeah you did”
*Well, when the Moonstone recognized that their current host was not the one the needed, which happened when she took your power before and the called out to you, they tried to break free. But something kept most of them attached to her, something dark little one…..*
“Ziri….” Varian said sadly
*Ziri?*
“She’s a…. Being…. That I met once, when I couldn’t speak to you anymore. She came into my mind and started to speak to me…. I…. Found out she was just using me…. I don’t know what she’s planning but…. W-when Rapunzel and….. Um…. *her* s-started to battle with their magic, a ball of purple formed, and I saw Ziri hovering over to it…. I got a horrible feeling about what may happen if she touches it, and tried to stop her using the black rock incantation. But Ziri used….. *her* to stop me…. I got hurt and…. W-well…. Ziri disappeared….”
*I see…. I will look into that…. It’s not good…. Either way, when the Moonstone realized their current host wasn’t who they wanted, they tried to break free. Some of them did! A small piece that flew to you! When that small piece broke, they took some of their power with, giving it to you and allowing you to connect with me again*, the Moon explained, shimmering happily
“Huh…. That makes sense, and I’m glad it worked! I feel…. More comfortable now with this tiny Moonpiece, like I needed them”
*That’s because you were made to be with them, just as Rapunzel was made to be with the Sundrop. It is your destinies, something that was stolen from you by the one you used to call a friend….*
Varian sighed, “I…. Moon…. Should I forgive her?”
*I believe it would be up to you little one*
“…..If I don’t…. Will that make me darker?”
*what do you mean?*
“You said I’m balanced…. If I chose not to forgive her…. To hate her even….. would that make me darker?”
The Moon was quiet for a moment before light wrapped around the teen, *I think you’re hurt, so much so that you want to hurt her back. The only way you can is through the way you feel however, but do you honestly feel that way?*
“I…. I don’t know…. I loved her Moon….”
*You loved her?*
“Yeah…. I had a c-crush on her, she was kind and strong, s-she reminded me of dad…. I got to know her and found she had similar problems that I used to, her dad being hard on her…. I…. I felt comforted by her, and fell in love with her more…. B-but…. Then, a-after everything I did…. A-and then attacked me and my family…. Almost killed my dad and Hugo…. A-and now this…. I…. I’m so angry…. I’m sad…. Im Heartbroken…. M-Moon I…. I wanna cry…. But tears won’t come out…. W-why won’t they come out?”
Light swirled around him as he felt the Moon’s gentle touch encase his body, it was comforting and warm, like a mother holding her baby after a nightmare. He reached out, and felt something fuzzy. Looking, he saw an image of his father, the thing he’d touched was his vest, he smiled and nuzzled it, the fabric felt so real! He smiled as a small tear streaked down his face
*I’m so sorry little one…. I’m sorry she’s done this to you…. You’re right to feel hurt and sad, you’re right to be angry and upset…. But hating her is a heavy burden to bear. It’ll only case you the pain you wish her to feel, I don’t blame you however, if I were to feel an emotion like humans do towards her, hate would be the best to describe it….. Little one, you’re above that though, above her, you never have to like her, and you never have to help her if you do not wish to, but hate will only hurt you more*
“W-what if it’s the only t-thing I feel?”
*is it truly?*
Varian sniffled for a moment before he looked at the image of his father. His heart filled with warmth as he did, a red flame sparking up next to a green one. He smiled and sighed, “nu”
The Moon shimmered lovingly, *you’re a kind, wonderful, and brave little human, my little one, even if all you feel is anger towards her, it will not darken you, so long as you have something to balance you*
Varian smiled, “thank you Moon, I’m sorry for doing that”
*I’m glad you did little one, no need to feel sorry when you talk about how you feel. I’m always here to listen, no matter what*
Varian’s smile grew bigger before he felt something warm, it wasn’t the Moon, but something else….. Some*one* else. He looked over and his eyes widened, “woah!”
*Sun?*, the Moon said, sounding a little surprised
*Hey!* the Sun replied, *this your tiny human?* he asked
Varian blinked before blushing, “um… h-hi”
*Hey*
The Moon wrapped her light around Varian more before addressing her sibling, *is everything alright?*
*Yeah, just got an odd alert*, the Sun replied *my tiny human had a surge of bad feelings. I checked on her, she seemed fine, even smiling, yet she was also sad and worried, thought I’d ask about it since you know them better than I do, but…. I didn’t know you were in the middle of something*
Varian blinked, “how am I not blind right now?” He asked
The Sun laughed, *this is the spiritual realm little human! You can stare at me all you wish and would be perfectly safe, since your physical body is still in your world*
“Oh, that makes sense! Thank you!”
*You’re welcome! He’s a curious one isn’t he? Tiny too, even smaller than mine*
The Moon chuckled before the stars around her shimmered with delight as she held Varian close, *it seems as though we may have to cut this conversation short little one*
Varian smiled as his eyes glowed, “you two are good siblings!” He stated
Both Sun and Moon seemed to appreciate that, as their lights combined brightened the entire plain. It made Varian giggle as the light died down a bit, *thank you little one, I’ll be sure to see if I can find anything more on this…. Ziri…. Will you be okay?”
Varian sniffled a little as the image of his father disappeared, but he nodded, “I’ll be oki, I missed you, it was really a good to see you again Moon”
*It was good to see you too little one, I’m always here if you need me, always*
“Thank you”, he said before he looked at the Sun, “and it’s nice t-to meet you”
The Sun chuckled, *nice to meet you too tiny human, say hi to my human for me?*
“I will!”
The Moon let Varian go, he felt himself drifting down as he smiled up at the Moon, *pleasant dreams little one**
****
“Varian?”
The freckled teen’s eyes opened before he let out a squeaky yawn, stretching a little before he saw green eyes watching him, he giggled, “hi Ruddy”
The raccoon chittered happily before nuzzling his boy
The teen giggled before he looked towards the voice that spoke and saw a pair of emerald green eyes, “Hugo!”
“Hey freckles, what happened there, you started glowing, then Eugene and Lace showed up saying you were steal projecting, then you mentioned something about the Moon in your sleep…. Are you okay?”
“Yeah”, Varian giggled, “let me guess, I have a tear?”
“Uh huh”
“I’m fine, just a cray dream”
“About what?” Eugene asked, getting Varian, Hugo, and Ruddigar to turn and see Lance and the Dark Prince standing by
The teen went to speak but the door to the infirmary opened, Rapunzel walked in first, she looked better, Varian was happy about that. Then Quirin stepped in behind her, DAD!”
His father blinked before scanning the room and spotting his son wide awake, he smiled, hi Bubby, when did you wake up?”
“A few seconds ago!” Varian exclaimed happily, “you have really great timing! I just had a dream dad!”
“You did?” Quirin asked, walking in after Rapunzel as he held the door, he entered after and closed it before walking over to his son as he glanced at Eugene, Lance, Ruddigar, and Hugo. He made his way to the bed and kissed his son’s forehead, getting the teen to giggle, “was it about something alchemical?”
The freckled teen shook his head, “nu, the Moon came back! She’s back dad! I can finally talk to her again!”
Notes:
Hello!
We got the Moon back, and Varian met the Sun too! Woot! Also, the end of the chapter may be familiar, but with a different pov :3
I won’t go into the character summaries, mostly because I’m running out of time today, but I still hope you all enjoyed!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 366: Realization!
Summary:
The group discuss Varian’s dream, along with Cassandra, Eugene’s death and coming back, and what may be in store for the future!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian explained his dream to everyone, they all listened with bated breath before the teen finally finished. He looked at everyone tilting his head a little, “you all look so stunned”, he said, a little confused
“A little? I was going for downright shocked speechless”, Eugene joked, “guess I under did it”
The freckled teen blinked a little before he looked up at his dad, “are you okay?”
Quirin shook his head, clearing whatever though he’d just had away, before he spoke, “I….. Bubby you just met the Sun, and while I’m glad you can talk to the Moon again, where’d the *Sun* come from? And how were you able to talk to Eugene like you’re speaking with me right now?”
The blue eyed alchemist finally understood why his friends and family seemed to be completely flabbergasted, “so it’s a lot of questions then”
“Well, yeah”, his father replied, “I…. Never knew you felt that was about….. *Her*, not that I blame you, I feel slightly similar, save for the broken heart part…. In fact that makes me *more* angry, but I digress. You spoke with the *Sun*, speaking to the Moon is big enough, but the *Sun*?! And then Eugene….. I supposed those three points are my main focus at the moment, I could figure the Moon powers part through a lot of things, I just….” He sighed and looked at his son, “are *you* okay? Because what you said to the Moon, and how she helped you, I’m grateful she did, but…. You sounded so… Heart broken….”
“And angry”, Lance added worriedly
Varian sighed, “I’ll be alright, just hard, you know? I am heartbroken…. A-and angry…. I feel betrayed by her…. L-like she just…. Walked all over everything that’s happened between me and her…. I don’t think I’ll be able to get over that any time soon…. When I think about her… A-all I feel is just…. Pain…. And anger….”
“I’m sorry Bubby…..” His father replied sadly, placing a hand on his son’s
“It’s alright, I have you, I’m glad I do”, Varian replied with a small smile before he looked beside him, “I also have a Hugo! I gotta say, for a random guy we found in the forest, I’m definitely glad it was you”
The bespeckled teen smirked, “you’re not so bad yourself Freckles”
They blushed before kidding, Eugene sighed, “the eddy flirting, while adorable, is not needed here you two”
Both alchemists smirked before Hugo spoke, “oh Varian! The way you test your sodium chloride with makes me sooo salty”
“Why’s that? My beautiful Bunsen burner?” Varian asked in a mock dramatic voice
“Because you pay more attention to that chemical compound when studying it through your microscope than you do meeeeee!”
“Oh my *dear* I apologize, but if I don’t have the proper balance of salt against your glucose infested charms, I may get a cavity!”
“UUUUUUUUUUUUGH!” Eugene exclaimed, “you two are gross!” He added with a chuckle
The two alchemists giggled, hugging each other happily as Quirin raised an amused brow and Lance, Rapunzel, and Ruddigar laughed. Varian winced a little however, silencing the laughter as the retired knight checked his son, “op, well you managed to aggravate one of your ribs with all of your flirting. I think we may need to take it down a notch”
Varian nodded, “o-oki….” He rubbed the aching area before he took a breath, let it go, and laid back on the pillows. He sighed as he looked at his chest, he could see the part where his shirt bunched up, due to all the bandages, and felt sheepish as he blushed. He really hated being hurt, it made him feel so….
“Vulnerable?” Lance asked
“Huh?” The teen looked at the man
“Let it be known, you’ve officially picked up my father’s incredible ability to not know when you’re thinking out loud”, Eugene stated with a gentle smile
The teen blushed harder, dipping a little more under the blankets until only his eyes, nose, and hair could be seen, “oh…. Whoopsie”
Quirin chuckled, “it’s alright, we understand how you feel, it’s hard being a tiny genius while having to stay in bed, too many ideas and not enough room to keep them”
“I’m not *that* tiny, I’ll be as big as you someday!”
“Not if you don’t keep eating your asparagus”
“*Any* other veggie would do the same as the trees of doom dad, and would taste better too”
“Like carrots?”
“Daaaad!”
His father chuckled, “either way, it’s alright, once you heal, you’ll be back to your determined self, building up a storm”
“Yeah….. In about two months….. How come I’m the one that gets kidnapped, yet I’m being punished?”
His father sighed, “it’s not a punishment to heal”
“It is when you wanna do literally anything else”
The retired knight gave his son a sympathetic look before he placed a hand on his child’s bandaged head, “I know this isn’t fair, but right now it’s for the best, you’ve still got Hugo and me and all your friends coming in to see you”
Varian bit his lip under the blanket, he wasn’t sure how to tell them how he felt bad that they visited him at all when they could be doing something way more fun…. “You *are* fun Freckles”, Hugo stated, startling his boyfriend
“EEP-oki do I still have some of that truth serum in me or what? This has never happened before!”
His boyfriend smiled, “no, it’s all out, I think you’ve just been hanging around your grandpa too much”
“He has been visiting quite a lot”, Quirin stated, “he came in while Eugene and Lance were grabbing food for the picnic. He had to leave before Rapunzel came ove-! Wait, Rapunzel, did you get a chance to say anything?”
The princess smiled, “no, but that’s because Varian had his dream, so it’s alright, I’m happy to listen if needed”
Varian blinked as he looked at Rapunzel, “are you okay?” He asked timidly
This startled the princess, “y-yeah I’m alright, why?”
“W-well I… saw you when you came to save me…. A-and then you got slapped and…. Um….”
Rapunzel’s eyes widened, “have you been… worried about me?”
“Uh huh”
“I…. I thought you were angry”
“I was at first, I won’t lie…. It was hard to hear you’d sent Ruddy to find dad instead of going yourself. But…. I get why…. You made a promise to him… and with what happened before”, he looked at her sadly, “I kinda figured that may be a huge factor in why you didn’t…. Plus you and dad don’t exactly see eye to eye on a lot, and well…. With it being C-c…. *her* I….. don’t know if I have the right to judge….”
“Varian…. You got hurt *worse* because I didn’t get your dad”
“…..I know…. But you weren’t the one that hurt me…. I…. I think my anger and sadness at the person who actually kidnapped me is overriding me being angry at you for not getting dad. Your actions came from understandable trauma, plus I saw you and dad talking and you got slapped…. By Adira…. I think you’ve suffered enough for me to look past you not getting sad right away. Everyone else did that for me I guess, I’m not really angry at you anymore, but her…. I….. I don’t think I’ll be okay with her for a very long time….. and she’s only making things worse…..”
“Are… are you sure?”
Varian looked at Rapunzel, “princess I tried to get her to see reason, tried to show she wasn’t alone and that I could help her. My aunt and uncle did too during the red rock fiasco…. I tried, and she shoved a rock in my chest, punched me in the gut, insulted me, scared me, tried to take my power away, threw away my present to Hugo, and put me in a *cage*! …..I’m far beyond angry at her, at the moment, what you did, doesn’t even compare…. Maybe you need to make it up to dad and Hector and Adira…. Possibly Eugene, Lance, and Grandpa too, and Hugo, but for me? I’m….. more hurt about what she did…. And I saw you…. I saw what she did to you…. And Eugene…. I didn’t do that…. I just wanted my father free and needed your help, I didn’t force you to fight me….. just to prove I was more powerful or whatever her goal seems to be…..”
Lance smiled, “you’re finally forgivin yourself?”
“I…. Guess I am…. I didn’t realize I was…. But I compared myself to her…. When I was there with her…. Tried to tell her what if done and how we weren’t that different but…. S-she told me we were, and I saw it…. I finally saw it…. How she attacked Rapunzel, how she used Eugene, how she caged me, how she kidnapped me….. I…. Thought it was all so similar… but…. I didn’t force Rapunzel to fight, I didn’t physical harm anyone, unless you count Ruddigar breaking the Captain’s arm…. Oki that I still feel guilty for…. Especially because poor Ruddy was turned into that…. Thing….” He stroked his raccoons back, the small mammal purring lovingly, “b-but I didn’t force you to fight when you said no, and my reasons for needing you were to free my father. Sure I was angry, but once dad was out, I…. I don’t think I would’ve done anything else…. I really don’t…. And I finally figured that out. Me and her… we’re not the same…. We never were, and I, not going to justify her actions anymore…. I…. Can’t….. she’s not my friend….. not the one I fell in love with…. I finally accepted that…”
Lance grinned happily, “I’m really proud of you Varian!”
The teen blushed, “thanks”
The room was silent for a small but before Hugo stretched and sat up, “so that begs the question. What do we do about her then?”
Rapunzel’s eyes widened before she stopped herself, thinking about everything the blue haired women had just done and the points Quirin and Varian had just made before sighing, “we…. Fight”
Everyone looked at her, “Blondie, are you okay?” Eugene asked
The princess chuckled, “I’m fine, but I had a revaluation, Varian’s right. This isn’t our friend anymore, she’s not Cassandra anymore, not my lady in waiting, my guard, or my friend, she’s the enemy….. it breaks my heart, but her actions…. They’re too horrible to excuse…, she doesn’t deserve death…. But she does need to answer for her actions, like Varian had to. I, going to make sure she does, even if she hates me for it”
Varian gave the princess a worried look, “are you going to be okay with that?”
“I have to be, I’m going to be *Queen* someday, I need to make sure I do what’s *best* for my people. If that means I have to fight Cassandra, then I will in order to protect my kingdom”, she looked at Varian and smiled, “that includes you and your family”
The freckled alchemist smiled lovingly as the princess before he got an idea. His hair stripes glowed for a moment before he reached out a hand to her. Her hair glowed and she was suddenly teleported to the teen’s bed, Botha heir hairs stopped glowing as Varian wrapped his arms around her, “I love you big sis”
Rapunzel was startled, but smiled happily before returning the hug, “I love you too little bro”
The group smiled at the pair for a while before the two broke the hug and grinned at each other. For the moment, things were calm, before Lance looked at Eugene, “I still think we should find out why you were able to talk to Varian while he was astral projectin”
“Yeah”, Hugo agreed, “that’s a useful tool that could help us in the long run”
“I have no idea “, Eugene replied, “I just saw the kid floating there, he was transparent, like a ghost, and I could ear him!”
“Wait, transparent like a ghost?” Quirin asked, when Eugene nodded, the retired knight thought for a moment before he finally spoke, “you could see the kids in the sweets shop. And it was because you had died before, and were brought back to life. What if, the reason you could see Varian while he was astral projecting, was the same reason you could see those kids? Because you died, you were in that plain before being pulled back, and it gave you the ability to see others while they’re in there”
Eugene’s jaw dropped as the guess seemed completely right, “I…. If that’s the case, why don’t I see more ghosts?”
Varian looked at him, “you didn’t see the white lady in my house, Lance saw her, spirits can appear to whomever they wish, they leave when they don’t want to be seen, at least that’s what the book told me. Maybe the reason you didn’t see her is because she didn’t want you to. She showed herself to Lance when your weren’t around, and he ran to you, she must not have followed. But you saw the kids, they were there and you saw them, I think the spirits in Corona don’t like to be seen by other people very often. They may have sensed you could see them now, and might be hiding, or maybe you saw one and didn’t realize?”
“I think I would recognize a ghost Hairstripe”
“Not necessarily, here, tell me who you can see in this room”
“Right now?”
“Yeah”
“Ok well, there’s you Hairstripe, and Hugo the bratty right next to you-!”
“Oi!” The blond alchemist exclaimed
“Blondie the beautiful, Quirin the almighty papa bear-!”
“Almighty pap-my goodness with your nicknames”, Quirin replied with a chuckle
“Lance the tender”
“Awww”, Lance stated with a smile
“Eugene the sexy-shut up Hugo-!”
“Didn’t need to say anything, ya did it for me”, Hugo stated with a smirk
“Dr. Solace the nurturing, and her hubby, Dr. Solace the fatherly”, bother doctors smiled at this, “those two guards standing by the door….. that’s about it”
“Two guards?” Rapunzel asked
“Yeah, there are two guards by the door, odd that they’re inside the room, but I’m not surprised they’re here, why?”
“Eugene…. There are no guards inside this room”
“Yeah there is! They’re standing right…… um….” The Dark Prince looked startled for a moment, “they were just there….”
Varian smiled, “Eugene, you just saw two ghosts”
“H-how?! They looked like regular guards! Plain as day!”
“They we’re doing their job, what did they look like, can you remember?”
“I… yeah, one was larger, muscle Kind of larger, he had grey hair, but a mustache like Stan’s, he actually looked a lot like Stan himself, just with grey hair and blue eyes stead of brown. And the other guy standing beside him was wearing an eyepatch, and had orange hair with brown eyes, he wasn’t as muscly, but looked pretty stoic, kinda like Quirin on a bad day”
“Noted”, the retired knight stated, getting Eugene to blush a little
Varian pulled out a book from under his pillow, at the odd looks he blushed, “the Queen gave this to me as a way of telling her which guards she’d need to retrain, it’s not supposed to be shown to anyone who doesn’t have permission. So I keep it hidden, she brought it to me last night, that way she could assign guards to watch the door that wouldn’t hurt me. It was nice of her, but she never came and got it back, so I hid it, but she said this has all the portraits of newer and older guards, ones that used to work in the castle for a long time but either passed away, are still working here. So let’s see….” He flipped through a few pages before Hugo pointed to a picture with wide eyes
“Eye patch, orange hair, and brown eyes…. Stoic expression too….” The blond stated
Varian showed the guard to Eugene, “him?”
“Yeah that’s him! I-is he alive still?” The Dark Princes asked
“Nu, he passed away about a year before you found Rapunzel and brought her back home. His name was Vince, he was a second in command, and a vey beloved guard, apparently he was really good at poker too!”
“I…. W-what about the other guy? He didn’t look that old, save for the grey hair”
Varian flipped through the book again before he stopped and smiled, “dad! You’re in here!”
“I used to be the Captain, so that makes sense”, Quirin stated with a smile
“You look so spiffy!”
His father chuckled hole blushing, “well thank you”
Varian giggled before Rapunzel pointed at a picture beside Quirin’s, “he looks like Stan, ‘second in command, Peter Valentine’”
Quirin let out a sad sigh, “yeah I…. I remember him…. Poor man passed away from an illness…. He wanted to have his son become a royal guard, taught him everything. That was Stan’s father, he was a very good man, and a kind father, Varian I think you met him once, when you were three, he came to Ulla’s funeral and gave his condolences”
“I remember him, he was nice”, Varian replied before he looked at Eugene and showed the picture, “was he the one you saw?”
Eugene looked at the picture and nodded, “I…. First off, poor Stan, and second…. I can’t believe it”
“We’ll I guess ya kinda have to now, you can see ghosts and spirits because you dipped into the world of the afterlife and came back”, Hugo stated, “as far as things go, getting a super power is pretty cool”
“I guess…. Wow…. I’m happy I’m back, but just… wow….”
“It makes me wonder something Eugene”, Quirin said, “when you’ve walked around, have you seen a women with orange hair, freckles, and big blue eyes?”
Varian looked at his father and smiled, knowing who he meant before looking at his big brother, “I…. There was a women like that, I saw her walking down the hall before. Super long hair, she was wearing an apron and looked like….. Oh….” He looked at Varian, who was beaming with joy, his eyes glowing. Eugene smiled, “guess she’s checking on you, huh kiddo?”
“Mama…..” Varian replied softly as a small tear slid down his face, he hugged Ruddigar, who nuzzled him lovingly, Hugo hugged his boyfriend while Lance placed a hand on Quirin’s, getting the retired knight to smile gratefully at him
Quirin then looked at Eugene, “um…. Have you also seen a taller women, in a long purple dress, her hair is brunette and long, she would’ve either been near you, me, Adira, Hector, possibly Varian….. And especially King Edmund?”
Eugene thought for a moment before he remembered something, “there was a women like that too! She was standing next to dad during my birthday party, she was giggling when he mentioned me being given away as a babe and how my whole life was a lie. She gave me a look that kinda seemed like an apology on his behalf, why? Who was she?”
Quirin grinned, “that was Eden”
Eugene’s heart skipped a few beats, “t-that was…..”
“She must’ve wanted to celebrate your birthday with you. She was giggling because she always found King Edmund so adorably funny that even when he made a mistake, she couldn’t help herself but giggle. What color were her eyes?”
“Brown”
“And how tall was she compared to the King?”
“She was slightly smaller than him, but only by a hair”
Yup, that was Eden, she was there, I’ll bet she’s been around for a while, have you seen her with me, Hector, Adira, or Varian?”
“…..I….. Saw her with Hector when he had that panic attack at your house, she was sitting next to him. And when Adira wasn’t frozen anymore from the red rocks, she was standing beside her, smiling. She…. She was with you too…. When we came back with Varian and gave him to you in the thrown room, when you were holding him, I noticed her standing beside you, she had a hand on your shoulder….. Um the orange haired women, Ulla….. She was there too, brushing Varian’s bangs away from his face”
Quirin smiled as Varian hiccuped and leaned against Hugo, who hugged him, “Eden…..” Quirin said, “and Ulla…..”
“My mother….. She was here…. Am I able to say anything to her?” Eugene asked, “I-I don’t know what I’m gonna do if I see her again”
“You could try, she could probably hear you Eugene”, Quirin replied, “I’m not surprised she’s here, the Dark Kingdom had a lot of people who could see, and speak to, the dead. The Moon guides them to her, to the afterlife, though there are some who stick around because they want to go with their families, some of them even become guides, and help other spirits cross”
“Wow…. I… I may try to say something to her…. Hey Quirin, do you know what Adria’s parents look like?”
“I…. Never saw them unfortunately, but Adria’s described them to me once, why?”
“I saw…. A couple standing beside Adira in the thrown room the other day, she looked at lot like the women standing behind her, like it was uncanny! Though she had the man’s hair color”
The retired knight grinned, “I’m not surprised that they’re here too, Adira did say she looked a lot like her mother, and she mentioned her father’s hair sharing the same silver hue”
Eugene smiled, “you think she’d wanna know?”
“I think you may want to give her some time, that’s a…. Touchy subject”
“Noted…. I…. Can’t believe I can see ghosts…. That’s both cool and creepy”
The group chuckled, everyone seemed calmer after that. They continued to talk for a while before Varian grew quiet, he sort of dozed for a moment before his father spoke up, “Bubby? You alright?”
“Yeah I’m okay, just thinking about something…..”
“What are you thinking about?”
Well…. About ways we could possibly stop C-C-c….. why can’t I save her name?”
“Because she traumatized you and it’s only been two days”, Hugo stated
“….Fair point, well, I’m thinking about how to stop *her*, and what I could do to help…. I don’t wanna just sit on the sidelines while people get hurt, I wanna do something”
Rapunzel nodded, “I’m glad you’re thinking about that, but you’re still pretty hurt, maybe save some of that thinking until after you’re better?”
“I will, it’s just on my mind…. I mean…. She could bout more people in danger with what she just did today…. I don’t know what she’s planning, but I’m getting a very back feeling about her…. Same for Ziri…. She was on *her* side…. The incantation she helped me get only benefitted he-!”
The teen stopped before he looked, wide eyed, at his father, “what’s wrong son?” The retired knight asked
“I… Grandpa said C-C-c….. *She* had a demon attached to her…. If that’s t-the case, then…. I-is Ziri…. A demon?”
Quirin’s eyes widened, as did everyone else’s in the room as they became eerily silent, no one spoke, none of them knew what to say at this new revelation as they all stared at the teen, in complete silence.
Notes:
Hello!
EARLY UPLOAD!!!!
The characters all realize a bunch of things during this chapter, it’s kinda crazy, but it furthers their character plots!
Eugene coming back from death would give him abilities he didn’t have before! I’m sorry, but you dip one toe into the afterlife, you’re coming back with something, knowledge, spiritual sight, etc. there’s no way that he died and came back with nothing happening to him whatsoever
Lance is being the best therapist right now, being a good king and supporting his pals! Hims good people!
Quirin figuring out who Eugene’s been seeing, as well as him comforting his son, and discussing harder topics because it’ll help the people he cares about the most, it’s just him being him! He’s a good dad and I could see this being an actual discussion he’d have with the others
Hugo is being a Supportive boyfriend! He always is, but I’m pointing it out because he didn’t have a lot of screen time in this chapter, sorry about that
Rapunzel is learning, she’s getting a lift better and is starting to develop into the Queen she needs to be ❤️🎶
Varian is just going though a roller coaster in this chapter! The bean is getting lovins and lots of snuggled, plus he’s finally starting to feel better about himself! But he went through a roller coaster, poor bean ❤️
So, make sure to put spoilers if needed, but I’ve watched the Hazbin finale, and if anyone would like to discuss it, I’m completely down! 😃 it was amazing and I wanna talk about i! Plus Jeremy Jordan, so EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 367: Guy’s Night: This Time With Songs! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Lance and Eugene have a party planned for Guy’s Night, wanting to make life in the medical wing much more fun for Varian! But little do they know, a looming threat watches them, waiting for the right time to strike…..
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian and Hugo were chatting quietly with each other, reading from an inventors guide the blond had brought while the freckled teen was still healing. Quirin was sitting by the bed, reading his own book with a content smile on his face while Ruddigar slept on his lap. Everything was calm and peaceful, up until they heard a knock on the door, along with, what sounded like, a guitar?
Quirin raised an amused brow as Varian, Ruddigar, who had been woken up, and Hugo looked at the entrance to the room, “what the fuck?” Hugo asked with a chuckle, “guitar?”
“I had a feeling it was almost time for another one of these”, the retired knight stated as he placed a bookmark in the novel he’d been enjoying before gently placing it on a desk nearby as he got up, handing Ruddigar to Varian, which the teen was delighted by, and walked over to the door
“Any other one of what?” Hugo asked curiously
“You’ll know when I open the door”, his father replied before chuckling as he heard another strum of a guitar
Hugo raised a brow before the Village Leader finally revealed who was waiting on the other side, he laughed before face palming, “oh fuck”
Varian snorted at the sight he was met with as Ruddigar curled into a ball and fell asleep on his boy. Standing in the doorway was a very unhappy Eugene had a gigantic hat on and was standing behind a pan hole wearing, big hat promoting, Lance, who was wielding a guitar and a smile way larger than anyone though possible for a man to make. Right as Quirin opened his mouth to ask, Lance shook his head and began to play, and sing (lyrics are changed, but it’s to the beat and rhythm of ‘I’m the friend that you need’, from the MLP movie! Look it up, it’s a really fun song,):
“This room is not a nice place
For little moon beans to heal
There are lots of sweets and candies
And bets to strike a deal
Let me guide your way
And I'll be sure to show all you
You could really use a guys night now
And luckily for you...’
He strummed the guitar with a grin as Varian and Hugo’s faces brightened
‘I'm the Lance that you need
When you're bored and don't know what to do
I'm your pal, your amigo
Useful and I’m playful too!
And my Night, you'll concede
Will be fun, guaranteed~
You can come I’ll be hostin
Just follow my lead
'Cause I'm the Lance you need!!’
He looked at Eugene hopefully, the Dark Prince sighed as he gave a small input
Eugene, in a very annoyed tone:
‘He's the Lance
You’re best chance
He's the Lance you need…..’
Quirin gave the man a very sympathetic look as Eugene blew a bit of his hat out of his face while Lance continued
Lance:
‘You need a game to stop the boredom
A pal to bet against
A chum and not a stranger to have fun
You need a bro who is funny
That can help you break the peace
A Lance who knows that lying here is dumb
Don't fear these borin days
They're annoyin, yes I know’
Varian nodded at that as Hugo laughed
‘Why you could use a Lance
To have fun with wherever you go
And such a tiny smarty
Covered in sheets and dust
But now your night is changing
Hangin out now is a must!’
Hugo laughed as Varian smiled while Lance continued singing
‘Cause I'm the Lance that you need
When you're bored and don't know what to do
I'm your pal, your amigo
Useful and I’m playful too!
And my Night, you'll concede
Will be fun, guaranteed~
You can come I’ll be hostin
Just follow my lead
'Cause I'm the Lance you need!!’
He looked at Eugene again, who sighed
Eugene, again, very annoyed:
He's the Lance-!’
Varian joined in with a smile
Varian:
‘Quite a Lance!’
Eugene smirked at the teen as they finished together
Eugene and Varian:
He's the Lance you need! (He’s the Lance I need!)’
The group laughed as Lance strummed the final notes on the guitar he’d brought before he grinned, “sooooo? We got a deal?”
“Pfft! Lance, give them a second, ya kinda drove them into a laughing fit”, Eugene stated, before he took the big hat off and threw it at the man, “and take this thing back!”
Lance caught it before chuckling, “it was funny!”
“Yeah yeah”
“Hee hee, you two are something else, you know that?” Varian asked with a giggle
“Yes, yes we do, but that’s beside the point, are ya able to come and play?” Lance asked, using his own version of puppy dog eyes
“You may wanna asked my dad, I’m all for leaving this prison, but he’s a stickler”, he blinked, “why did I just figure out why *that’s* Adria’s nickname for him?”
“Cause you didn’t think about it until now”, Hugo replied
“Fair point”
Quirin chuckled when he saw Lance’s puppy dog eyes latch onto him, “I’m not so sure leaving the room is a good idea Lance”
“We could bring the party in here! I’ve got games, refreshments, balloons, and lots of fun to share! We could have a bro party and-! Um…. There’s someone outside the window”
Quirin blinked before he looked and chuckled before walking over and opening it, “Adira, you startled Lance, would you like to come in instead of being a creeper out there?”
“Depends, what’s going on?” The face painted warrior asked
“Guy’s Night”
“Coming!”
Quirin snorted before moving as Adira hopped inside, she smirked when Quirin closed the window before she walked over to Varian, “hello Speckles, how are you feeling?”
“Hi Wise Eyes! I’m oki, I laughed a little too hard, so now my ribs ache, but it was a good laugh”, Varian replied happily as he hugged his aunt, what about you, last time I saw you-!” A flash of her unconscious body being used like a puppet engulfed his vision before he shook it away and he looked up at her worriedly
“Well that’s good, and I’m alright, just finished healing myself actually”
Quirin scoffed, “no you didn’t, the doctors told you to take it easy”
“I am”
“In a tree”
“It’s relaxing”
“You *climbed* it”
“*Very* relaxing”
“Adira”
“Stickler”
“…..Why do I bother?”
“Because you care about me”
Quirin sighed and shook his head, but smiled all the same, “you’re a brat you know that”
“Yup”
Varian giggled, “I missed you!”
“Missed you too Speckles, so, Guy’s Night?”
Lance grinned, “yeah! If ya want, and if it’s okay with everyone else, you can join!”
“Is it okay?” Adira asked, looking at everyone, they all smiled and nodded, her grin widened, “ok”
“Yay!” Varian cheered, startling Ruddigar awake before the raccoon looked around, sighed, and fell asleep again, “sorry Ruddy”
“You sleep through an entire song, and get startled awake by Freckles’s cheer? Seriously coon?” Hugo asked, raising a brow
The small mammal huffed and used his tail to gap Hugo’s nose, getting the blond to sneeze before he chittered out a laugh and went back to sleep
“Grumpy-coon”
Varian giggled before he looked at his father, “so we’re having the Guy’s Night in here?”
Quirin sighed, “seems like it, and with an extra guest, because unless I chain her to me, she’s gonna hurt herself again”
Adira snorted, “like you could catch me”
“Try me”
“Nu!” Varian exclaimed, “nu fighting”
The face painted warrior smirked, “yes boss”
Varian blinked before blushing, “hee hee”
“Damn it, how are you so fucking cute?!” Hugo asked, hugging his lover happily and making Varian squeak with joy
Quirin chuckled before he looked at Lance and Eugene, “how long will this Guy’s Night last?” He asked
“Until you see your bean fall get tired”, Eugene replied, “we figured it wouldn’t be too long since he’s still recovering”
The retired knight nodded, “ok then”, he then turned to Adira, “alright, Adira we wer-what the hell? Hector?!”
The wild tamer was standing beside Adira, he looked extremely unhappy, while the face painted warrior seemed completely calm, “hi”
“W-where did *you* come from?!”
“I brought him”, Adira replied
“How?! You were outside! You came in through the window, alone, and I was facing the door!”
“It’s a secret”
“……It’s gonna be a long night isn’t it…..”
Hector sighed, “for the both of us….”
“Yes, yes it is”, Adira stated with a grin
“Uncle Hector!” Varian exclaimed, getting the tamer to smirk
“Hey spawn”, he replied
“Son”, Quirin corrected
“Same thing”, Adira stated
“A *very* long night…..”
“Did you know Wild Child got the same orders as me Stickler?”
“I feel a headache starting to form….”
Eugene and Lance laughed as Varian and Hugo gave Quirin very sympathetic looks. The group, sans Varian, Ruddigar, and Hugo, began to bring Eugene and Lance’s Guy’s Night into the medial room. All of them began to grow excited as they saw all the snacks, games, toys, and art supplies they’d have to work with. Hugo began to make some origami to show Adira as Varian and Quirin drew some pictures, Eugene and Lance took turns trying to beat Adira and Hector at chess, and failing. Guy’s isn’t was fully underway, which is why no one noticed the yellow eyes glaring at them from outside…. “Soon ya little asshole….” The person stated as their eyes locked onto Hugo, who made an origami blue bird and placed it on Ruddigar’s head before laughing, “soon…..”
Notes:
Hello!
ANOTHER EARLY UPLOAD! WOOOT!
So yeah! Finally another Guy’s Night! The song is from My Little Pony: The Movie, it’s “I’m the friend that you need”, and I thought it was a perfect fit for Lance here XD!
So here’s another Guy’s Night, and another threat, woot, fun! Family, games, murder, you know, FOR THE KIDS! XD DX
Varian is being a complete bean here, he’s been stuck inside the bed for a while now, so he needs some fun! At the moment, he’s just taking it all in, I said he’d get a break, he got one….. Ya know…. Save for the ending :3 If anyone knows who that is, please guess, I’d love to hear the theories! XD
Lance is one of the best singers in the show, why did he not get more freaking songs?! This is a sin that must be corrected! So here’s him being a total Chad and loving every second of it!!!!!! I love Lance XD
Eugene is not a happy boy over here in his big hat…. This poor man…. He needs some freaking credit for that XD
Adira and Hector are going to drive Quirin insane, I swear they will! XD It’s freaking funny to me, I wish they got more screen time, because this would’ve been such a fun dynamic to see XD
Poor Quirin, the man just wants his family to be okay for two seconds, yet everytime, they either injure themselves, or they end up in a fight, it’s a hard knock life, for him XD he’s such a good big brother though XD
Also, the appearing Hector is fun XD
Ruddy buddy is a brat-coon, but we love him all the same! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 368: Guy’s Night: This Time With Songs! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Guy’s Night gets interrupted by an unexpected guest, but they don’t know who they’re dealing with anymore!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group was enjoying their time with each other, Guy’s Night was fully underway at this point! Lance brought out the snacks, which turned out to be pb&j sandwiches, with homemade jam! He was so excited for everyone to try it, and as they sat there enjoying their snack, Hugo grabbed the guitar Lance had used before, and began to sing a small tune:
Hugo:
‘The Moon is bright, our belly’s full
We’re having fun, no pranks to pull,
Come on and share this jam with me!’
He sang, getting Varian to giggle as he joined in
Varian:
‘Peach and plum and strawberry, all of them, mixed perfectly!
Come on and share this jam with me~oh
I'll do my best to give this jam the sweetness it deserves~’
Hugo grinned before bobbing his head with a silly look on his face as he sang:
Hugo:
‘And I'll keep it fresh, all while getting on Eugene’s nerves!’
The Dark Prince huffed, but chuckled as the two alchemists giggled together before they did the final verse together
Varian and Hugo:
‘Ingredients with harmony, we mix together perfectly
Come on and share this jam with me!’
The group clapped for the two as they blushed, Varian kissing the blond as Hugo giggled, “that was very cute”, Quirin stated with a grin
“Yeah, where *ever* did you come up with the inspiration?” Eugene asked with a sarcastic smirk
“Why thank you!” Hugo replied with an equally sarcastic grin before looking at Quirin, “I was inspired by Lance’s *beautiful* musical introduction to this Guy’s Night”
“I take that compliment and give it right back to ya, good sir!” Lance stated with a grin, “I take it my mixed fruit jam went over well?”
“I think Speckle’s verse in the jam song was pretty accurate”, Adira answered with a smile, getting the former thief to grin happily
“Glad it was well received! I’ll have to make more sometime!”
“Please do! It’s really good!” Varian exclaimed while grabbing another sandwich
“Be careful Bubby, that’s your fourth one”, Quirin warned
“I’m being careful, I didn’t get much to eat today though, and this is *really* good!”
Lance grinned happily before he looked at Quirin, “if it helps, it’s healthy, very little sugar was used to make it taste the way it does, and all the fruit is natural, I ordered it from *your* farm”
The old farmer smiled, “well thanks for that, I appreciate, I just happen to know someone likes to over eat, then regrets it later when he ends up with a sore stomach”
“This is my last one dad…. Also that hasn’t happened since I was 7”, Varian argued
“It could still happen”
“Evil jerk face”
“Bratty stinkbomb”
“Handsome blond boy!” Hugo stated
Varian and Quirin blinked before laughing as the freckled teen hugged his boyfriend, “you’re a stinker!”
“I know”, the bespeckled teen stated with a grin
The group was having a great time as they continued with the Guy’s Night, they played games with each other next, Adira and Varian were in *fierce* competition with each other while Hugo battled Lance and Eugene for second place, Quirin and Hector accepting defeat and enjoying the game at a more peaceful pace while they, Pixie, Basil, and Ruddigar watched the chaos unfold!
Outside was a different story however, Rapunzel was out by the meadow with her mother, they were talking with each other happily before they heard the snap of a twig, “what was that?” The princess asked
“I don’t know, possibly an animal?” Arianna replied, “why, do you think it’s something else?”
Rapunzel narrowed her eyes near the spot they’d heard the twig snap at, standing up to scan the area, she didn’t see anything, “…..I’m not sure…. But I’ve got an odd feeling…. Mom we should head inside”
The Queen stood up with her daughter and nodded before she looked at a nearby guard, “Ethan, could you watch this area while we get a few of the older guards to come by? There’s something odd going on, and I’d like to keep it away from the castle”
“Yes your majesty!” Ethan stated before he took a position near the entrance of the castle and stood with his weapon out, in case of an attack.
Rapunzel smiled at the young guard, “I remember you, weren’t you one of the guards attacked during the 7 kingdom ball, and then we saw you again around Monty’s Sweet shop when it was destroyed!”
Ethan nodded with a smile, “you’re correct princess, that was me”
“Didn’t you have another guard with you? What was his name?”
Ethan looked a little annoyed, but he continued to be polite, “Chris Dae your majesty, we were assigned together on both occasions. He’s got patrol in the dungeons tonight”
“Right, now I remember, he flirted with Donella before”
“Uh…. Yes…. He did…. While having the notion that ghosts were the cause of the candy store’s destruction”, the guard stated aggravatedly
The princess smiled sympathetically at the young guard, “well if it helps any, your doing a great job!”
“Thank you your majesty, that means a lot coming from you”
“Rapunzel, we should go get the other guards before it’s too late”, Arianna stated, “I’m starting to feel anxious myself, and I heard another twig snap…. Closer this time…”
Rapunzel nodded, “right”, she looked at Ethan, “will you be okay by yourself for now? It shouldn’t be long”
“I’ll be alright princess, I’ll fight until I can’t if I must”
The princess nodded, “thank you, you have my respect and gratitude for that, more guards will come very soon”
“Thank you your highness”
With a final smile, Rapunzel and Arianna ran inside, they rushed through the castle until they found the King and a few guards on their usual patrol, explaining what they’d heard and felt, the guards and King rushed towards the meadows as fast as they could. But as they slammed the doors open, they heard Ethan fighting with someone, sword to sword. The young guard seemed to be holding his own, but the attacker was quick! Getting a few hits on the guard before disappearing. Ethan had managed to hit the intruder a few times before they kept away, but it didn’t seem to make a difference!
“Guards, help him!” Frederick ordered, getting the other guards to rush forwards, they surrounded Ethan, who was bleeding and hurt, but just a soon as they’d started, the attacks stopped. Rapunzel looked around, glaring as she let down her hair, that is, before she heard a very familiar pop go off as smoke surrounded them, “V-Varian?” She called, confused and anxious at the same time
“Not quiet, princess”, a voice stated, right next to her
“YOUR HIGHNESS!” Ethan yelled, charging towards her, Rapunzel felt a brush of wind behind her before Ethan was thrown off his feet in one quick motion, the guard got up, wiping his bloodied nose before he ran to the princess again and stood in front of her, “STAY AWAY FROM HER!” He yelled angrily, “YOU WON’T KNOCK ME OUT LIKE YOU DID BEFORE!”
“Before?” Rapunzel asked, before realizing what he meant, her heart rushed to her throat before her hair glowed bright, “CYRUS!” She yelled, her voice venomous as a laugh filled the evening air
“Ding ding! We’ve got a winner!” He said, laughing again
“WHY ARE YOU HERE?! WHAT DO YOU WANT?!”
“Thought that would’ve been obvious princess”, his voice echoed and bounced off the surrounding areas as Frederic stood in front of Arianna, placing his arm, protectively, in front of her, so she wouldn’t be hurt, “I want that damn blond TRASH BAG! And his little pet too, I wanna make him watch as I fuck up his little boy toy until he *begs* for mercy! Then I’ll kill him, and do the same thing to that little blond SHIT who thought he could end my career, throw me in JAIL, and live a happy life….. Pretty obvious honestly”
The princess grew even angrier as her hair glowed brighter, “leave Varian and Hugo *ALONE*!”
“Tsk tsk, you really think I take orders from *YOU*?! I got my revenge on that grey haired *bitch*, now it’s the blond pricks turn!”
“Grey haired…. Who is he talking about?” Arianna asked
“….Donella….” Rapunzel stated, “dad, we’re gonna need to send medics to Quirin’s home!”
“Damn straight you will! While you do that, Imma just do what I do best”, Cyrus stated, before one by one, guards fell to the floor, all of the, had a large weapon sticking out of them, glowing green liquid dripping on each one as the princess, Queen, and King saw their eyes wide with terror, as their final moments of life slipped away in front of them…. The only one left was Ethan, the young guard stuck close to the princess, still standing in front of her, weapon out, he ignored the bodies of his comrades as he focused on blocking Cyrus away from himself and the princess behind him!
Rapunzel was shocked, frozen for a moment or two before she glared, “you wanna fight…. Fine….” When Ethan blocked another blow from Cyrus, Rapunzel pushed him aside
“Your highness, NO!” The guard yelled, trying to get back up, but it was too late, and Rapunzel began to sing:
‘Wither and decay,
End this destiny….’
Her hair turned inky black as did her eyes, the meadow, filled with green lush grass and flowers as far as the eye could see, began to die beneath her feet as she continued
‘Break these earthly chains,
And set the spirit free,
The spirit free….’
Everyone began to feel the effects of the incantation, Ethan coughed as he felt the air being sucked out of him, Arianna fell to her knees as Frederic tried to stay awake, he reached out to his daughter, “R-Rapunzel…. Rapunze” sto-*cough cough*!”
Cyrus coughed as well, he couldn’t escape the effects, but…. He didn’t stop moving, he was slowed down, but he continued to walk to the princess, a grin on his face as everyone else was unable to move, “I know this trick princess…. You think you’re untouchable like this-*cough*”, he cleared his throat as he moved closer, “but, the thing is, once you’re here, you can’t move…. You lack control…. So now”, he raised an axe above his head as he stood in front of Rapunzel, the princess unable to move as she continued to chant the song, “you’re a sitting *duck*”
The princess tried to stop, tried to freeze her mouth, stop her voice, but she couldn’t, she was under complete control. And says she saw the axe shine brightly in the night, a single, dark, tear slid down her face, as she heard the wind whistle while the axe was brought down
Suddenly, a bright burst of blue light engulfed her! She couldn’t see, couldn’t think, all she saw was light. She felt her body being picked up before it was moved, seemingly through walls and at a speed she couldn’t tell before she landed on something soft!
She still sang, the blue light lessening a bit before she felt a hand on her heart, and heard someone else sing:
‘Power of the Moon,
Beneath your darkened glow,
Let your aura reach,
Let my magic flow’
She felt the decay incantation. Slipping away from her as her sight cam back to her and her hair returned to normal. The singing continued:
“Either and decay,
End this destiny,
Break these earthly chains,
And set the spirit free’
She blinked as her breath finally came to her, looking around, she saw Eugene, Lance, Quirin, Adira, Hector, Hugo, and Ruddigar all looking at her for a moment before their attention was drawn to someone beside her, she looked and gasped as she saw the singer, Varian:
‘The spirit free~’
He finished singing before he placed a hand on the blanket covering him. It wilted and burned away, revealing his bandaged body, before the teen’s eyes closed, his hair had been glowing an inky black before it returned to the new normal, bi-striped, black and blue color it’d been before. He let out a small sigh before his eyes opened, though they were still glowing with rage as he looked at Rapunzel, “are you okay?”
“I…. Y-yeah, I’m alright, thank you! Y-you just saved me, how did you-!”
“I could feel you when you started to get angry. Your hair may have glowed, the Moonpiece alerted me. When I touched the piece, they showed me what you were seeing, who was back….”
“Cyrus….” Hugo whispered, shaking a little as Quirin pulled the blond teen into a protective hug
“Yes….” Varian replied, “and he’s about to get a very rude wake up call….”
“Son?” The retired knight asked as Lance and Eugene watched the boy
Varian growled, “he hurt my family, my boyfriend, attacked Donella, someone Hugo cares about, and killed guards and people….. he needs to be *stopped*, and if he isn’t going to listen to reason, while making threats against *my* family….”
The alchemist began to float in the air, his hair was bright blue, eyes were as well, the Moonpiece shined brightly before a few black rocks show up from the ground, they encased Varian’s body, stopping his glow for a moment or two before they room filled with white light, the group felt themselves lift into the air before moving through walls and halls, seemingly through a different space, until the light faded. They looked around and saw they’d been transported to the meadow. Looking around, they saw Ethan being helped up by Arianna while Frederic stood in front of them, watching Cyrus before all their attention was drawn to the group that’d just appeared, “Rapunzel?” The King said
“Dad?” The princess replied
Quirin stood up and looked at the rock covering his son, he felt drawn to it for some reason, “Varian”, he touched it lightly before the rocks suddenly broke apart, blue light spilling out from them before lessening and showing a fully armored Varian in its place
He was still floating in the air, but was covered in tight fitting, black rock, armor, his shoes replaced by battle boats that sparkled like stars, as did the rest of his outfit. The main difference however, was the long, black cape fluttering behind the teen, his hair, eyes, and freckled were still glowing as he glared *daggers* at Cyrus, who was staring at him as the teen finally spoke, his voice echoing as blue flashes of light burst out from the Moonpiece, “…..he’s *doomed*…..”
Notes:
Hello!
So, angry Moon bean is on the scene! He’s definitely looking for a fight, and he’s just found the perfect punching bag to let out *ALL* of his frustrations!
‘Jam Song’, is from Steven Universe, some lyrics were changed to fit Hugo and Varian a little better, I love that song!
So yeah, the complete decay incantation is finally showing itself to the rest of the party! Varian using it to redirect Rapunzel’s magic while also saving her is part of his upgrade, he’s definitely a lot more powerful now, and we’ll get into why very soon, for now, ARMORED ANGRY BEAN, ATTACK!!!!!
Cyrus is screwed XD We’ll see what happened to Donella…. I’d love to hear the theories XD
Quirin being the one drawn to his son’s rock cocoon is for a reason, again, something we’ll get into :3 also, evil jerk face moment XD
Eugene, Lance, Hugo, Adira, and Hector didn’t get a lot of screen time, but they will soon, also, poor Hugo….
Punzie and mom hang out time! We needed more of this in the show, I wanted to see more Arianna!
Frederic not being a jerk for once, good on you Freddy!
Ethan is another favorite of mine, he’s a good boy, and a good guard too! Definitely gonna see more Ethan soon! And more Chris too, even if he’s a flirty guard XD
Ruddy buddy is very surprised, but he’s still the best coon!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 369: A Battle To Remember!
Summary:
Varian, fueled by his rage and the Moonpiece, faces off against Cyrus, fueled by his hatred and murderous tendencies!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin stood up and looked at the rocks covering his son, he felt drawn to them for some reason, “Varian”, he touched them lightly before the rocks suddenly broke apart, blue light spilling out from them before lessening and showing a fully armored Varian in their place
He was still floating in the air, but was covered in tight fitting, black rock, armor, his shoes replaced by battle boats that sparkled like stars, as did the rest of his outfit. The main difference however, was the long, black cape fluttering behind the teen, his hair, eyes, and freckles were still glowing as he glared *daggers* at Cyrus, who was staring at him as the teen finally spoke, his voice echoing as blue flashes of light burst out from the Moonpiece, “…..he’s *doomed*…..”
The mercenary smiled wickedly as he looked at the teen, “HA! You came to ME! Damn you’ve definitely got a wish to die doncha kid!” He spotted Hugo standing up nearby, his smile widened, “and you brought my next target, PERFECT!”
The blond teen froze when he saw Cyrus, his blood running cold before he glared at the man, his anger kicking his fear’s ass as he straightened his back and faced the crazed man, “Cyrus….”
“Hey kid! Good to see you once again! Ready to have a FUN FUCKING TIME?!” The yellow eyes man laughed maniacally before he brought out a large axe and ran towards Hugo
Varian didn’t hesitated, his hand moving faster than the speed of light, making rocks shoot in-between Hugo and Cyrus, shielding the blond and forcing Cyrus to break his axe, jump back, and face him, “you battle *ME*!” The freckled teen commanded, his voice booming, making the entire meadow shake, “you attacked my sister, attacked my friends, attacked my *FAMILY*! Cyrus….” He teleported right to the man’s face and said in a quiet whisper, “you’re dead” before he flicked the man’s forehead, sending him *flying* through the meadow, crashing into the ground and making a groove in the Earth where the grass and dirt were scraped by the man’s body!
Varian growled before he flew forwards, faster than he ever had before! He reached his hand out and made a fist, forcing black rocks to shoot from underneath Cyrus before they wrapped around him like a hand. Varian halted his movement, still flying as he moved his closed fist up like he was throwing a ball, the rocks following his motion before he made them throw Cyrus into a few trees nearby!
The man coughed before he got up, splinters and gashes laced his body, but he didn’t care, he smiled excitedly, “damn, never thought I’d get to see power like this! The ultimate hunt is on now ya little shit! Let’s play a game!” He hopped up, grabbing a large tree branch, as big as a bat, and slamming it into Varian, as if he were a ball. Causing the teen to fall to the ground, making a groove of his own on the floor, “first to *die* is the loser!”
“Fucking ASS*HOLE*!!!!” Varian screamed, shooting up in the air and summoning rocks to slam into Cyrus! The man managed to stand his ground, sliding back a bit, only to jump in the air and throw the branch at Varian! The teen dodged, teleporting a few inches away before he flew forwards, his fist out, using his acceleration to *slam* into Cyrus! The man was knocked to the ground as Varian continued to punch him, over and over!
Cyrus backhanded the kid off himself before getting up and bringing out a sword, Varian recovered in time to teleport away, reappearing next to his father before he held his hand out in front of himself, suddenly, a black rock shot out of the ground in front of him, once he’d wrapped his fingers around it, the rock broke and out popped a great sword, it was made entirely of black rocks, sparkling like Varian’s armor, it had a blue jewel on the hilt and glowing a dim blue when Varian touched it.
Wielding the weapon, the teen took flight again before he flew forwards, his and Cyrus’s swords clashing against each other as they battled!
“We need to stop this!” Rapunzel exclaimed, “Varian’s too hurt to fight!”
“I dunno, he’s holding up pretty fucking well”, Hector commented, watching his nephew with an impressed look on his face
“Rapunzel’s right Hector”, Quirin stated, “he’s holding up now, but it’s only because he’s fueled by his anger, once that subsides he’ll have no energy left! It’s either that, or he kills Cyrus…..”
“…..Shit….”
“Yeah, ‘shit’”
“Well how do we stop him?” Eugene asked, “we can’t get in-between that! We’ll be torn apart!”
“Maybe we don’t have to”, Hugo stated, “I have an idea, Eugene, Lance, Quirin, I’m gonna need your help!”
Varian and Cyrus continued to fight, the alchemist eventually breaking the mercenary’s sword into pieces, making the man try to jump back, hit the teen used the black rocks to catch the man’s leg, throwing him to the ground! The murderer was pinned down by the teen, who pieced his sword in the mercenary’s shoulder, “who’s gonna die now?” Varian asked with a wild grin on his face, eyes, freckles, and hair still glowing, “did you think it would be *ME*?!”
Cyrus growled before he remembered something and smirked, “I still do”, he placed his hand on his shoulder before shoving it on the teen’s face. Once he pulled away, Varian realized he had left blood all over him
Suddenly his stomach began to flip as he felt the blood trickle down his chin, his lips quivered, “mmmph….” He placed a hand over his mouth as his head began to feel light as his glow dimmed
He heard Cyrus laugh before the man kicked the teen off of him, making him fall, harshly, to the ground. He took the sword out of his shoulder before getting up and snickering, pointing the bloodied sword at the teen as he placed a foot on his ribs, making Varian yelp in pain, “so you’re ribs are already hurt, good to know”, he stated, putting pressure on them
“Ah! Y-you son…. Of a… B-bitch!”
“HA! You kiss your daddy with that mouth?!”
Varian spit on Cyrus, growling as he glared *daggers* at the man, “f-fuck you….”
The murderer growled right back before, “that’s the last thing you’ll ever say fucker….” He brought the sword up and was about to swing it down when a pop and smoke suddenly filled the air. He turned his head, looking around before another pop sounded nearby, more smoke appearing as it did, “the fuck?”
“CYRUS!” A voice yelled
The mercenary growled, his blood boiling, “HUGO! WHERE ARE YOU YA LITTLE BITCH?! IVE GOT YOUR TINY TOY UNDER MY FOOT! YOU WANT HIM, COME AND GET HIM!!!!”
“GLADLY!” Hugo replied before another pop and some smoke surrounded them, this one had a flash to it, it blinded Cyrus for a split second before he shook his head to clear his vision, only to be met with his foot on a rock, “too easy~” Hugo teased
“HOW IN THE HELL?!”
“Tell ya what Cyrus, how about a different game! If you can catch me, you can fight me!” Hugo exclaimed
“What’s the catch?”
“If you don’t find me, you have to leave and never come back”
“FUCK YOU!”
“Aww, are you really upset about this deal? Didn’t you say you were better than me in everything? So why should this be any different?”
Cyrus growled, he was growing irritated, but smirked, “fine! I’ll okay along, but WHEN I catch you, I get to do whatever I want with ya!”
“Mmmmm Kay! If you can find me that is”, Hugo laughed before another couple of smoke bombs appeared, “where am I Cyrus?” The blond teen asked, his voice echoing a little, disorienting the man, “catch me if you caaan~”
“STOP WITH THE FUCKING SMOKE BOMBS!”
“And give you an advantage? I think not!” Hugo exclaimed, before another smoke bomb was thrown
Cyrus growled, before he heard a twig snap right beside him. He smirked, “YOU JUST MADE YOUR LAST MISTAKE FUCKER!” He yelled before he ran towards the snapped twig, he reached out and latched onto an arm, “GOTCHA!”
“You’re right Cyrus”, Hugo stated as the smoke began to clear, “someone *did* make a mistake”, Cyrus’s grin turned into a frown as he was faced with the person he’d caught, a fluffy vest over a red shirt revealed themselves behind the smoke, when the mercenary looked up, he saw dark, brown eyes that seemed to shine in the Moonlight, their intentions *very* clear as they glared down at the man, “unfortunately, that person wasn’t me”
“Hello asshole”, Quirin stated with a grin
“Fuck….” Cyrus said before he was punch directly in the nose, the blow sent him stumbling back, he looked around, Lyon CHEATED!”
“Cheated?! How dare you! I never cheat!” Hugo exclaimed as smoke filled the air again, another smoke bomb having been thrown, shielding Quirin from Cyrus’s sight, making it to where the man was unable to block the onslaught of attacks he was given by the retired knight as he listened to Hugo talk, “I said if you could find *me*, you could do whatever you want, I never said there weren’t other players in this game! You just happened to be unlucky enough to find Quirin instead, poor you!”
“MOTHER FUC-AH!” The murderer was cut off by a particularly nasty blow to the stomach, making him fall to his knees before the smoke finally cleared and Quirin stepped up to him. He kicked the mercenary to the ground and placed his foot against the man’s chest
“Now isn’t this familiar?” Quirin asked with a cat like grin, “where did I see this before-oh that’s right! My *SON*!” He snapped, his own voice echoing through the meadow like a whip crack, making the man flinch
“I ain’t got beef with you pal, but if you wanna fuckin start with me I will fuck you u-AHHH!” Cyrus was cut off mid threat as Quirin put pressure on the man’s ribs
“Listen ya little shit, I don’t care what kind of fucking revenge game you think you’re playing, but it ends here. You’ve done way too much for me to just let you go, now you have two options, *one*”, he put more pressure on Cyrus’s chest, making the man groan in pain, “you come with me *quietly* and spend the rest of your miserable life in jail, or *two*”, more pressure added, making Cyrus cough up blood at this point, “you struggle and try to fight me off, but end up getting your dumbass killed in the process because buddy, I’m not my son, I’m your worst nightmare….. If you think I’ll let you go quick and easy after all the *shit* you pulled-you’re *sorely* mistaken, so what’s it gonna be? You have *one* chance…..”
Cyrus struggled against the man, he tried to fight, tried to grab a weapon he could use, but the man was a lot stronger than he’d realized….. That’s when it clicked, he looked at the knight’s eyes, and realized he wasn’t holding back any longer….. The pure hatred and anger swirling around the man’s pupils made Cyrus feel fear for the very first time since he was a kid….. For once, he didn’t fight, he didn’t flee, he finally gave up, and dropped his hands to the floor….
Quirin grinned, “good boy, now don’t struggle, because I *will* change my mind”, he stated, lifting his foot before getting the man to stand. He looked over at his family with a smile, seeing his son safely in Eugene’s arms, before Quirin looked over at Ethan, “I need some handcuffs please”
The guard nodded, “yes sir!” He exclaimed before running over and handcuffing Cyrus before he tried to take the man
“No offense, but I’d like to lock him up myself, only because you’re injured and I don’t want him to try anything funny, is that okay Ethan?” Quirin asked with a polite smile
The guard smiled back and nodded, “yes it is sir, thank you”
The retired knight chuckled, “as I said before, you can call me Quirin, and it’s good to see you again, thank you, for protecting the princess, you did good”
Ethan blushed before his chest puffed up, “again, thank you very much si-! Q-Quirin, that…. Means the world to me”
The Village Leader gave the young guard a delighted smile before he pushed Cyrus forwards, walking with him before looking over at Arianna, “he needs medical attention, so does this…. Criminal…. And Varian”
The Queen nodded, “we’ll see to it that they get the best we can offer, thank you for your help Quirin”
“Don’t thank me, thank my sons, *both* of them” he replied before smiling over at Hugo, who had emerged from his hiding space, placing the final smoke bombs he had in his pocket and checking on Varian, “I don’t think this would’ve happened had they not done what they did”
Arianna nodded in agreement, “believe me, they’re definitely going to be recognized for their bravery”
Quirin nodded in approval before he took Cyrus away. Frederic followed the retired knight asking a few guards to give him a hand, just in case. Once they were gone, Arianna approached the group, “how’s he doing?” She asked Lance, who handed a smoke bomb he still had to Hugo before looking at the Queen
“Better, but he got hurt again… and the armor is definitely new…. I think he may be a little scared too…” The former thief replied
“I see, mind if I see him?”
“Not at all”
Lance stepped aside as Arianna walked over to the teen, she winced when she saw the blood on him, the newly formed cut and small bruises beginning to form. His armor was gone, the Moonpiece glowing dimly in the light as he painted a little, gripping on his shirt nervously as his lips quivered, Ruddigar, who’d been with Rapunzel the entire time, was now on Eugene’s shoulder, trying to comfort his boy with nuzzles and small kisses to the nose
The Queen placed her hand on his, getting the teen to look at her, “it’s going to be okay now”, she said softly, smiling with the warmth of her daughter, “you, Quirin, and Hugo did it, and we’re all so grateful to you three, thank you Varian, for saving our lives”
Varian stared at her for a moment or two, before he smiled, a small form of peace shining in his eyes as they closed, the teen drifting off to sleep
****
Cyrus was placed in the lowest cell the kingdom could find for him, he was healed, it’d been a few hours since the fight. He hated this place, it reeked of death and had clearly not been cleaned properly in a *long* time, no wonder they called it the pits…..
He sighed, too weak to really do much aside from think, his mind was still filled with anger, he wanted to kill that snarky blond BRAT! But he couldn’t right now…. He began drifting off to sleep, his dreams, normally filled with his latest conquest, instead drifted to a place he’d never been before
The world was huge, filled with broken pieces of trees and buildings from way before he was born. The hues of pink and purple showing everywhere he looked, until he saw a little girl standing before him, he glared, “who the hell are you?”
The girl smirked at him, she was dressed in purple, she looked like a grape if he were honest, “a friend”, she replied, “or at least I’d like to be! My name is Ziri, what’s yours?”
Notes:
Hello!
So yeah, this chapter was crazy! What’s with Guy’s Nights and never working out right? XD Varian and Cyrus definitely had the battle of a lifetime! XD plus more things to come soon! Poor bean is super exhausted though, him needs a nice nap and some snuggles
I don’t wanna give too much away, just in case people read the bottom notes before the chapter I’d like to leave it’s surprise, so I shall leave this here, for now!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 370: The Times, they are a-Changin!
Summary:
After the fight with Cyrus, Varian wakes up back in the infirmary and finds a lot of new changes!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Pain….. That was all he felt as his mind slowly woke up. His head had a splitting headache, little drumsticks beat against his fragile mind as his temple throbbed making him let out a groan. His eyelids were so heavy, he would’ve kept them down if he thought he could get away with it, thing is, he could hear someone calling his name, “Varian? …..Varian are you awake?”
They were whispering, but their voice was dripping with anxiety, he couldn’t leave them like that, so, with another moan, he forced his eyes open, slowly. The light hit him first, almost making him retreat back into the darkness he was leaving, it was so peaceful there. But they got used to the brightness of the room soon enough, and finally opened. The first thing be saw were three pairs of green eyes, one pair was emerald green and gorgeous, one was surrounded by fur and looked curious, and the last were gentle and was clearly the one who’d spoken earlier if their clear anxiety was any indication. He blinked a little before snorting, “hmm…. Eeny meany miney moe”, he teased, pointing to each pair of eyes
They all giggled, well one chittered, but it counted, before they backed up a bit, revealing their owners, “that better Freckles?” Hugo asked
“A bit yeah”, Varian replied before he looked at Rapunzel, “are you okay?”
“You’re asking if *I’m* okay?!” The princess asked, “are you kidding?”
“Well you sounded worried”
“About *you*! You just had a huge fight with Cyrus, to the point where you had black rock ARMOR!”
Varian blinked, a little confused before a vision of what’d happened the last time he was awake flashed in his mind, “oh yeah….”
“Y-you forgot?!”
“I’m…. Still waking up”
Rapunzel sighed, “you’re going to give me a heart attack, you know that?”
He chuckled, “you sound like my dad”
Rapunzel smirked playfully, “I can’t really blame him”, she said, booping Varian’s nose playfully
The teen, instinctively, wrinkled his nose before he wiggled it a little, getting his boyfriend to snicker, “I didn’t know you could do that”
“I never showed you?” The blue eyed alchemist asked
“Nu! That’s adorable!”
Varian blushed, “dad says the same, speaking of, where is dad?”
“He’s grabbing some food with Eugene and Lance, he’ll be glad to see you awake, poor guy’s been worried sick”
Rapunzel nodded, “I’m glad I didn’t go with now, I was worried too”
“Same”, Hugo agreed
The freckled teen tilted his head, “you’ve all been…. Worried? I mean I know the fight was kinda wild, but I was fine right after….”
Ruddigar chittered out a snort and a huff before he climbed onto his boy’s pillow and raised a brow at the teen
Varian giggled, “oki, so I wasn’t *completely* alright, but I was only asleep for…. What, a few hours at best, given how light it is?”
Hugo and Rapunzel looked at each other worriedly before looking back at Varian, “um…. Freckles, you were out longer than a few hours…”
“How long? Half a day? That’s not unusual”
Rapunzel bit her lip before sighing, “you’ve uh…. You’ve been out for three days straight…..”
Varian’s eyes shot open as he sat up quicker than a whip, “THREE *DAYS*?!”
He *instantly* regretted it once he’d felt pain shoot through his body in a flash, “easy Varian, lay back down slowly”, the princess said gently, guiding the teen to lay back down. Once he was settled back under the covers, the princess sighed and nodded, “yes, three days. Not much has happened during those days, Donella was found in your home, she’s okay, recovering from hee injuries, but okay. Cyrus was placed in the dungeons, the lowest part, he declined a trial, said he didn’t need one, after a lot of discussion, it’s been decided that he’s to be shipped off to the mines, to work off all the damage he’s done and all the lives he’s destroyed….. He’s already gone to each family of the people he’s killed and was forced to apologize, none of them forgave him. He didn’t fight, so he wasn’t put to death, but he’s going to lay for everything he’s done for the rest of his life, when the next ship comes, he’ll be placed on there with several guards and the Captain himself. Aside from that, my dad and Eugene’s dad said it would be a good idea to keep the kingdom safe. So there’s been a curfew initiated, everyone must be in their homes by that time, due to the lingering threat Cassandra continues to be….. Every street has a guard or volunteer partnered with a guard, just in case she comes to attack”
Hugo smiled, “Quirin mentioned your rooster idea, it’s been approved by the Captain, so you can actually start to test it out using funds given to you by the kindgom, I’ve been appointed as your personal assistant! Quirk’s your personal guard, something no one fought against. When he’s not around, you’ll have Eugene and Lance, or Adira and Hector”
Varian looked concerned, “why do I have personal guards?”
“Cassandra nearly killed you trying to get the power you originally had, but during your fight with Cyrus, you showed that you have a lot more power than you previously did. Freckles you fucked the guy UP! It was absolutely nuts, cool, but nuts! I’ve never seen Cyrus resort to other tactics outside of sheer strength and silver tongue, he had to use *blood* to get you to stop, and it was *only* because he knows you get freaked out by the stuff! Safe to say that, while you’re powerful, you’re gonna be her main target should she attack again, you and Rapunzel, she’s also got her own personal guard!”
“Who?”
“Stan and Pete, or Eugene and Lance if Stan and Pete aren’t available, if not any of them, the other guards around the castle. I don’t like it at all, but I had to agree with it….” Rapunzel stated
“Why’d you have to agree to it?”
“Because it’s either I have personal guards, or I give up my freedom and stay near the castle”
“Oh…..”
“Yeah…. My parents were really freaked out by what happened to you and me during Cassandra’s last attack, and the fact that I resorted to using an incantation I can’t control while facing Cyrus was kinda the final straw…… I…. I’m sorry about all this Varian….”
“I…. you’re apologizing?”
“Yeah, I…. I used an incantation that led to you needing to save me, I couldn’t control it and nearly killed or seriously harmed a lot of people there. Not only did you sense that, but you teleported me to you, took control of the incantation, managed to control and stop it, teleported back, and saved everyone from Cyrus with Hugo, Eugene, Lance, and Quirin’s help. All of that happened because I thought I could defeat him using an incantation that I couldn’t control…. That and my mistake about how I handled your kidnapping…… I didn’t tell my parents, mom was talking to me about that, saying how scared she and dad were when they couldn’t find me, Eugene, Lance, the girls, or you….. I caused a lot of problems and….. Now you have to be guarded too…. It’s not fair…. I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry….”
Varian was startled by that, he really hadn’t thought about it, but as he did, he realized that, yeah, had the princess done things differently, he wouldn’t be where he is today….. he looked at Hugo, his boyfriend seemed to be conflicted, he hand his hand interlinked with Varian’s, but he was looking at the bed, seemingly lost in thought…. He looked irritated, was this affecting him too?
“Hugo has to stay by your side…. He’s been told to stay next to you wherever you go….” Rapunzel explained
“Oh….” So that was it…. He gave his boyfriend’s hand a gentle squeeze, getting the blond to look at him before he gave him a sympathetic smile, the blond alchemist returned it, though he looked drained, “…..What happened to you?”
Hugo sighed, “I was asked to talk with Cyrus…. Since he knew me personally, they thought I could get some things out of him…. I couldn’t…..”
Varian felt his eye twitch a little, “…..who’s idea was that?”
“The Captains”, Varian’s eyes glowed brightly as he growled, “easy Freckles, he didn’t know! The moment Cyrus tried and said anything to me Quirin shut him up real quick and the Captain allowed me to leave, it’s okay”
“What did he say to you?”
“I…..” Hugo shrank back a little, “I’d rather not say Freckles…. Sorry….”
“Hugo….” Varian’s eyes stopped glowing as he felt his concern shift from himself to his lover in an instant. The teen knew his boyfriend had been told something horrible, Cyrus has all the ammo he could ever need to use against the poor blond…. But Varian knew pushing the matter wouldn’t help, so he opted for something else instead, “….Emerald Eyes”
“Huh?”
“No that doesn’t really work…. Goldilocks is taken, so is ponytail….. Glasses? Nu…. I could go with four eyes, but I already did that and it’s more of an insult uuuh-!”
“What are you doing?”
“Thinking of a pet name for you, you call me Freckles all the time, I need one for you that’s just as cute! …..JAWLINE-nu…. Strong jawlines aside, I think people may find that one odd….. And I can’t really blame them…”
Hugo was taken aback for a moment before he burst into laughter, his face turning red as he blushed, “y-you’re trying to-hee hee! Freckles!”
Varian and Rapunzel smiled, Ruddigar chittering with joy as the green eyed alchemist giggled, “hmmmm…. Can’t use Goggles, long hair? Nah, too obvious and not *nearly* cute enough! Sexy? Noooo, dad would probably kill me, hmmm…. This is hard….. Maybe I shouldn’t go based off physical traits….. Sassy! …..Nu, I think I’ll confuse dad’s fishy”
Hugo snorted, “alright, I feel better”
“That’s good, and was my original goal, but now I’m kinda stuck on this, I needs to give you a nickname!”
“Freckles it’s fine”, Hugo said with a grin
“Nuuuu! I wanna nickname my Hugo!”
The blond teen raised a brow, “are you pouting?”
“…..maybe….”
“Heh, you’re so fuckin cute”
Varian smirked before he looked at his boyfriend, “are you really okay now?”
“Yeah, Im alright, thanks, I missed you”
“I missed you too”, they kissed lovingly before parting and blushing once they realized Rapunzel was still in the room, “uh… Sorry?”
“No you’re good! That was so cute!” The princess exclaimed happily
Varian giggled before he remembered what she’d said before and sighed, “….So…. Do Lance, Eugene, dad, Adira, and Hector have to be around me 24/7?”
“Yeah, it’s why Quirin’s bee sticking to you like glue. He knows you’re not gonna like this, so he wants to make it as comfortable as possible”
“He’s not here now”
“Stan and Pete are guarding the door and Adria’s in the tree outside”, Hugo stated
Varian raised a brow before he looked over at the window and saw his aunt sitting on the branches, he waved at her, she smiled and waved back before he laid back down, “Ah”
“Yeah”
“There’s um…. Also some boundaries we’re not allowed to cross, places we’re not allowed to go”, Rapunzel added
“Like what?”
“Like the obvious, Cassandra’s tower, the dungeons….. Your home….”
“WHAT?!”
Rapunzel winced a little before she let out an anxious chuckle, “yeah uh…. Funny thing about that…. Cyrus knew where your home was, that’s how he knew Donella was there, and Cassandra knows too…. They deemed it too unsafe for you, Quirin, or Hugo to stay there, so they made that a boundary, so they could keep you three safe….. Good news is that Quirin can still work at the farm, provided he has guards or King Edmund with him at all times while keeping his dual blades on him at all times, and he got to go over and grab some things from there, like more clothing, special items and keepsakes, we even moved his red chair into the family room so you two could have that space next to the fireplace! But um…. Yeah you’re…. Not allowed to go home…. It’s been dubbed as too dangerous an area for you…. Some of the old Coronans aren’t allowed to be there either…. The Seporians have to wait to get their new home set up because of this too…. A lot of things have to stop because of Cassandra…. Once she’s captured, you can go back! But-!”
“Princess I would stop”, Hugo warned
Rapunzel looked at him before she faced Varian and stopped, her blood running cold when she saw, and felt, his anger radiating off of him, eyes glowing brighter and brighter with each word she said as his hair began to float in the air and his freckles lit up…. He was growling, Ruddigar chittering nervously as he felt his boy’s anger rising….. This wasn’t good…. Just then, the door to the infirmary opened, “I’m back”, Quirin called, “did I miss anything? Is super bean awake?”
“Uh….” Hugo began, as the retired knight noticed his son’s glow and his eyes widened, “Varian’s awake…. And was just told about all the new rules….. he….. he’s not happy…..”
Notes:
Hello!
“Super bean” is a nickname that LionRoar74 came up with and permitted me to use, thank you for that! It’s a super cute nickname and I may use it more in the story as time goes on (if allowed, credit will be give along with Super Blondie) It’s adorable, so thank you LionRoar74! ❤️🎶
So yeah, I don’t know why they didn’t make actual rules or curfews in the show, Frederic did in the first season, but he did it the wrong way. This isn’t the RIGHT way, but season 3 definitely had WAAAAAY higher stakes, so….. yeah….
So Varian be angry….. little bean just got done kicking Cyrus butt and now wakes up three days later to find out he’s been put on lock down along with Hugo and The rest of his friends and family! He’s not a happy camper right now…. He’s definitely gonna let it be known too
Rapunzel is…. Feeling very guilty right now….. She’s a princess, her actions have consequences, and a princess using an incantation she can’t control before being saved by her hurt tiny brother who was knocked out for three days isn’t gonna leave a good impression! Her parents are taking steps to ensure the safety of their daughter and their kingdom, but it’s gonna come with a lot of uproar…..
Hugo…. This poor kid…. He’s just caught in the middle of all of this…. It’s a little nuts knowing that…… There’s gonna be more with him soon, but it’s just a mess for him right now…. This poor kid….
Ruddy buddy being a good coon! ❤️🎶 mention of Sassy the fish, Itty Bitty is still around too :D
Poor Quirin didn’t know what he just walked into XD this poor papa…. XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 371: Justice!
Summary:
Varian grows angry about the new laws set in place due to Cassandra’s threat, so he decides to speak up for what he believes is right, for his family, for his home, for his people, and for Justice!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin blinked before he instantly rushed over to his son, “Varian, Bubby, hey! Calm down, it’s okay”
“HOW IS THIS OKAY?!” Varian snapped, looking at his father, still glowing, still growling, “we can’t go *HOME*?! All because of Cyrus and that-! I….” He stopped and calmed down, closing his eyes and taking a few deep breaths before his glow disappeared and his hair returned to its normal, messy, self. He opened his eyes again and looked at his father, “…….I just had some very violent thoughts…..”
The retired knight looked startled but sighed and sat on a chair next to the bed, “are you okay?”
“No…. I’m not….. This isn’t okay….. I…. WE can’t go home…. Our time out and about is now limited, we have to have personal guards around, dad you can’t be okay with this!”
“I’m not Varian….. Not with all of it, but I don’t have the authority to say anything against it”, Quirin replied, “I tried, I spoke up, told them it would be too much, and we’d be putting others in danger, but they didn’t agree….. Arianna…. She at least attempted to make it easier, without her we wouldn’t be able to leave the castle at all, we’d be stuck here and the rest of the kingdom would have to fend for themselves. But she stated it would be best to keep the entire kingdom protected, not just the castle. She had the idea for the guards in town, she hated having to halt progress on the Seporian’s new home, but she wants to keep them safe, Frederic put the boundaries up-!”
“Of COURSE he did!”
“Varian”
“What? The man is notorious for being the worst judge of anything! I’m sorry but banning us from going home should be illegal!”
Quirin sighed before glancing at Rapunzel, the princess looked sad, Varian felt guilt swirl through his body when he saw her, “ummm….. I think we’re all looking for is, ‘anyway’”, Hugo joked, trying to lighten the mood, getting Quirin to smirk at him
“I’m sorry Punzel…..” Varian said
“It’s alright, I know you’re just angry, and I don’t blame you”, the princess replied
“Still, that was rude….”
Rapunzel gave the teen a small smile, “you’re angry, and you have every right to be. If I get upset at everything you say about my father, it’s going to be a long day, I get it, I just…. Feel guilty….”
Varian sighed, “princess I….. You shouldn’t feel guilty, I’m guessing you tried to fight this too, didn’t you?”
“Yes”
“But he wouldn’t listen?”
“The Captain thought me showing I had no control over a dangerous incantation was one reason why I shouldn’t be listened to”
“Excuse me?”
“Yeah….” Rapunzel chuckled, “the man goes to a remote island to try and get a fake Cassandra at 4 years old to start over since he couldn’t convince the actual Cassandra to come back, and now he’s back and as brazen as ever….”
“He did what now?” Quirin asked, raising a brow
“It’s a long story, either way, my dad agreed with him….. Said that my lack of judgement with Cyrus, and the fact that I’d left without their knowledge while trying to save you ended up causing more damage…. And while he didn’t completely dismiss me, he’s…. Angry….. I get why, it was a mistake, but…. It’s like he didn’t learn anything from before…. Maybe he didn’t…. I thought he had…”
“Oh Rapunzel…..” Varian said softly, placing a hand on hers, “I’m so sorry….”
“It’s not your fault, had I don’t thing differently we wouldn’t be in this situation right now”
“Punzel you can’t keep doing that, blaming yourself will only make you feel worse, it doesn’t fix the problem”
The princess chuckled, “I know you’re right….. Just hard not to….” She said, before she smirked, “also, Punzel?”
Varian blushed, “um…. N-Nickname, eheh”
The princess giggled, “it’s cute”
The freckled teen smiled, “I’m glad you like it”, he replied, before he sighed and looked at his father, “dad, we’re you there when the Captain said that to her?”
“No, I was with Hugo at the time, though I don’t doubt the Captain *would* say something like that…. He’s just that cruel….”
“….you’re right…. And you know….. he’s supposed to protect people…. He’s supposed to do what’s best for the kingdom, but how are we supposed to believe that when he’s disrespecting royalty? In fact, Rapunzel just said he ran off to a remote island! So where does *he* get off saying something like that?!”
Hugo blinked, “you’re right! The shit he’s done isn’t any better! She’s a princess, she’s looking out for her kingdom, and he just *dismissed* her?! That’s fucked up, not only because it’s just plain disrespectful, but also because he doesn’t have any fucking room to talk! The man did horrible things without question and then ran away, the fuck does he get off saying shit like that?!”
“Right!” Varian exclaimed, “he’s supposed to be the embodiment of justice! The person who represents that balance to the people! Well, we’re the people, and I don’t see him doing his job!”
“Varian, what are you gonna do?” Quirin asked, “you’re still hurt, and this isn’t just the Captain, it’s the king of Corona too”
Varian looked at his father, “we’re royalty dad”, he stated, “not only that, but we also have relations to the most powerful man in the universe, Demanitus! I don’t like to swing that power around, I really don’t, but if we have it, why not use it for good?”
“How?”
“By giving our opinion, we don’t have to be violent, we don’t have to scream or shout, we have a horse in this race dad! Don’t you think it’s time we feed it?”
Quirin chuckled, “you’re definitely a farmer’s boy”
“Daaaad!”
“I’m sorry, you’re right, but we have to be careful! The kingdom is in a very delicate state right now Bubby, to use your own metaphor here, you can’t have a race with a riled up horse, it’ll only buck you off”
“You’re right, which is why we won’t”, Varian stated before he looked at Rapunzel, “am I right in assuming Eugene and Lance aren’t happy with this situation?”
Rapunzel nodded, “they wanted to say their piece, and Eugene got to, a little bit, due to him being a prince, but he was dismissed as having a bias because of me”
“What about grandpa, and Adira and Hector?”
“They weren’t around, they were helping calm Cyrus down after he….. Said what he did to me….” Hugo replied, Varian gave him a worried look, “I’m alright, I’ll…. Tell you later”
“Noted”, the freckled teen stated before he looked at his father, “dad, where are they now? I saw Adira in the tree, where’s Hector, Grandpa, Eugene, and Lance? The girls too actually, we’ll need them”
Quirin raised a brow, “Hector and King Edmund are will Adira, just on the ground, Eugene and Lance are with the girls in the dining area, why? What are you planning son?”
Varian smiled, “I may not be a villain anymore, but I think it’s time I brought out my angrier side…..”
****
Frederic sighed as he sat in his thrown, he looked over at his Queen, she seemed to be deep in thought, “what’s wrong Arianna?”
“I’m worried Frederic….” She replied, “setting a curfew, placing boundaries in our kingdom, assigning guards to our daughter and Varian….. All of this is like it was before, remember? When you and Rapunzel continued to fight with each other and your overprotectiveness nearly cost you?”
“This is different Arianna, we’re not setting up a child as a villain, we’re not harming the innocent, we’re protecting them”
“How is it different to lock a boy, his pet, his boyfriend, and his father, who used to be a very good friend of ours, away from their home? How is it okay to tell the they must be with each other at all times? How is it fine to dismiss others that have concerns, this isn’t right!”
“My Queen, we must do what is right for this kingdom”
“By locking those we love and hold dear away? Forcing them away from their homes? Setting a curfew on our people? No matter how you phrase it, nothing about this is right….. and it going to backfire….”
“How do you figure?”
“Varian isn’t awake yet, you think he’ll take this lying down? He’s a strong boy, both in will and bravery, he’s not one to follow along with what you deem as necessary for this kingdom. And if I’m having doubts Frederic, than surely he will as well”
“Varian will be put in his place if he kicks up a fuss”, a voice stated, getting both to turn and see the Captain standing with Nigel, “that boy understands that his ideas will not protect those who need it, his rooster invention is interesting, he’ll be thinking more of that”, the Captain stated
“I wouldn’t place your bets just yet Captain”, Nigel stated, “I’m with the Queen on this matter, limiting people’s rights will cause an uproar, if it doesn’t start with Varian himself, I’m certain the word will spread, the people will not like this new rule”
“It is for the best”, the Captain stated, “they will have to understand, unless they want to die by…..”
“By Cassandra’s hand?” Nigel asked, “your daughter is the main cause of this commotion, and you can’t even admit it Captain”
“I will do what’s right for the people! If that means they must have limits, then limits there will be!” The guard snapped
The royal advisor, and Queen winced, “….we must protect the people”, Frederic stated, “we must….. Even if it’s from those we love….”
“Are you sure you really have the right idea?” A voice asked as the doors to the thrown room slam open
The group looked and saw a very angry looking Varian, Ruddigar on his shoulder. Behind him stood Hugo, Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Hector, Adira, Edmund, and Quirin, all of them looking determinedly at the king of Corona who stood and sighed, “I knew you’d come Varian, and I know what you want to say, but my word is final”
“You haven’t asked for my opinion”
“He doesn’t need to!” The Captain stated, stepping forwards, “you’re a citizen, what the king says, goes”
“I’m a Prince too Captain”, Varian stated professionally, “a adopted Prince, that’s true, but a Prince all the same, and a relative to the greatest mind in all of Corona, Demanitus himself”, Varian stated, “I have proof, the King himself had seen the records of my father’s lineage, believe me, I have a right to speak on behalf of the people of Old Corona, the Dark Kingdom, and as a personal victim to the one you wish to protect us all from! You may not like it, but you cannot deny my opinion, it’s in the rules, ones that, might I add, you’ve sworn to uphold, *Captain*!”
The leader of the royal guards growled before he looked at the King, “is that true?”
“Yes Captain, it’s true, though I had forgotten it until now to be honest”, Frederic replied
“That’s kinda the problem”, Varian stated, “well part of it”
The king sighed, before he looked at Nigel, “your warning has been heard”
The royal advisor sighed and shook his head before walking over and standing next to the Queen. Arianna smiled at him before she stood and shifted her attention to Varian, “I’d love to hear your concerns, and it seems as though you’re speaking on behalf of everyone standing behind you?”
“Yes, we’ve discussed this your majesty, and we’re in agreement with what I have to say”, Varian replied
Arianna nodded, “then please state your case, I’m interested in your opinion”
The freckled teen smiled at her, appreciating her support as the thrown room doors were closed behind him and he spoke, “I want to talk of concerns we have about the new rules set in place, while we understand the nature of them is meant to protect the people, and us, Rapunzel and I, as victims, they are too tight so to speak. My father and I, we need our home, it’s a place of comfort to us, without it, we have no where to go, we won’t assume a room in the castle is open to us, if that’s been made apparent, we were not informed, nor would we be comfortable, as it would be damaging to our health”
“How?” The Captain asked, “the castle is clean, the food is from your own farm”
“Mentally Captain”, Varian stated, “I suffer from many mental ailments, depression and anxiety being the most frequent. One of the others being PTSD, something you witnessed yourself Captain. I had a full blown episode when you merely touched me and shouted. My powers went crazy and I ended up causing you and Hugo, along with Eugene, Lance, and myself, physical damage, while my father suffered mentally due to his rising worry about me and Hugo. Not to mention how my PTSD acts up near guards, how my anxiety starts to buzz near the King himself, no offense, do I even need to mention the dungeons or the pole? How about the person you have locked down there? The person that’s caused me and my boyfriend pain, you think we want to stay in the same place as him?” Varian asked with a raised brow, “not only that, personal thoughts aside, my father would have to make an early morning trek from here to work and back every single day, he’s supposed to be one of my personal guards, do you expect him to keep up his energy when he works throughout the day then guards me at night? Hugo needing to stay next to me all the time is both limiting for me and him personally, and could cause disruptions with his daily work. He’s an inventor and an alchemist, I’m currently hurt, in the medical wing, yet he’s forced to stay with me!”
“That was made with his comfort in mind”, Frederic mentioned
“It’s not very comforting to see your loved one hurt with nothing you can do to help”, Varian replied, “also he find comfort in doing what he loves, which is what I mentioned before, inventing and alchemy….. and Origami, but that’s more of a hobby”
Ariannna chuckled, “a very good hobby”
“Thank you!” Hugo replied
“You’re welcome!”
Varian smiled before continuing, “plus the rule that me and my family are banned from our own home is the first place. While we may have the supplies and some keepsakes, staying away from the place I grew up is difficult to say the least, the same can be said for my father. Plus it’s our home, we pay taxes on it, we keep up with the housework, without us there, are we meant to continue paying in a place we’re not allowed to be in? Not only that, but farming supplies is also located in our home, along with extra items and tools in case of repairs being needed. Mind you, I’m only speaking of the boundary on our ho e and the personal guards assigned to me, I haven’t even gotten to the curfew, the princess’s limitations, the blanket disrespect she received when trying to speak up for herself, the limitations this has on people not even from this kingdom”, he gestured to his aunt, uncle, and grandpa, “along with the choice being made to have my boyfriend go down and speak to a man who has been there when he’s been beaten, who’s insulted him every step of the way, and who has just caused him unnecessary stress and emotional damage while I was not awake!”
Frederic sighed, “please state your main point with all you’ve told us about, what do you wish to have done about this? We want to protect our people, do you have a way of doing that that would be less restrictive to you?”
Varian shook his head, “I’m not just speaking for myself your highness, I’m representing my home, the people you claim to protect. My main point is that you’re taking away their rights, their freedoms, and while you may have good intentions, the moment this all ends up airing to the people you wish to keep safe, they will riot! You’re not protecting them by locking them away, you’re allowing them to be sitting ducks in their own home. If you truly wish to protect your people, to protect me and my family along with thousands of others, you must make laws that will do what you want without causing them strife or harm, physically, mentally, emotionally, what have you”
“What would you suggest?”
“A plan, drills for escape should the time come, hiding places people can be in, a place people can run to should…..” he hesitated
“Cassandra?” Arianna offered
“Thank you, should *she* come around. Have a plan set where the people can go, the curfew isn’t a terrible idea, but the boundaries, guards watching everyone, having a few around is good, having a lot is bad….. People will feel constrained, I think there needs to be more talk and planning before a one size fits all answer is found and agreed upon. And more than just the Captain and you King Frederic should be the ones suggesting these rules”
“Who do you have in mind to help come up with ideas to protect the people? Yourself?” The Captain asked
“No, my father”, Varian stated, as Quirin stepped forwards and gave a pointed look to the Captain, “he has battle combat experience, used to *be* the Captain of the royal guards himself, and a *knight*, before he retired, is a Prince, and currently works with the people as their Village Leader! He has intel about how the people think, he knows what they’ll settle for, wha he can talk them into, and what they’ll ever agree to! He is a much better suited person to suggest any kind of rules or restraints when it comes to protecting the people! His experience *alone* should speak for itself, but the man has shown very little bias towards anyone save for me, and in this case it would behoove you to listen!”
The Captain glared, “this isn’t a debate, he’s never ruled over the people before!”
“Queen Arianna, could you please define what a Village Leader is for me?” Varian asked politely
Arianna smiled, “a Village Leader represents the royal family to the people, they oversee the smaller tasks in the community and are the face of the people when problems become too great and assistance from the royal family is needed to keep the people happy and the kingdom flowing smoothly. In short, he’s the people’s voice, if not, their problem solver”
“Thank you very much your majesty, you’ve just stated, what I believe to be, the main reason my father, Quirin Vanguard, should be the main person to discuss ideas for protecting the people with”, he looked at the Captain, “without a voice Captain, how will the people of this kingdom, and the royal family themselves, pursuit the line of Justice? You are the Captain of the royal guards, that means you’re supposed to be the face of the kingdom’s Justice. So tell me this, if you punish the innocent for the guilty’s crime, is that Justice to you?”
The Captain huffed, “big talk for someone who used to be a villain themself”
“Captain!” Arianna snapped
“It’s alright your majesty, I thought he may say as much, which is why I wanna bring to light something new I’ve just found out. That a certain Captain of the royal guards ran away when his daughter turned into a villain herself”, he stated, getting the Captain’s glare to darken, “how was that island by the way, were you happier there, pretending with your magic made fake daughter while your real one caused irreparable damage to others?”
“You know nothing about what that’s like *boy*”, the man stated
“And you know nothing about the role you’re supposed to play, Captain….” Varian replied
His eyes glowed just a bit as he began to sing:
‘Where is the justice
When the guilty all go free?’
He sang, stepping forwards as the Captain did the same
‘Why don’t we lock them up
And throw away the key?’
The Captain
‘I see a young man’s anger
Burning in your eyes’
The man growled as he prepared himself
Varian
‘What you see is my *impatience*
With your *noble* compromise!
Show me what’s right about the wrongs that we allow
Real people need to feel protected here and now!’
Varian gestured to the Coronan flag as he continued
This whole damn *system’s* broken way beyond repair
It’s just *law*
Not law and *order*
Not much *good* and *seldom* fair!’
The Captain huffed as he shook his head, facing the teen fully while he replied
Captain
‘Laws were made for everyone
We’re treated all the same!’
The alchemist scoffed a little at that as he gestured to Nigel
Varian
‘Till an advisor’s tricks can *fix* the blame
What about the *victims*
Waiting for some *justice?*’
He placed a hand over his own heart
‘How can we turn away
And say that's just the way things are?’
Varian gestured to his relatives as he continue to sing
‘What about the families
Hiding in their houses!
All of them afraid to walk the streets at night
With all their doors locked tight
Tell me where is the justice?!
If there's any justice’
The royal guard leader sighed and rolled his eyes
Captain
‘Your simple arguments have all been made before,
Lance and Eugene began to give background voices to this, showing they were behind Varian by singing along
‘The world's not black and white
The choice not either or!’
Varian rolled his own eyes and cut the Captain off!
Varian
‘Perhaps it's time we drain the color from it them
Till we're back to seeing black and white
And wrong and right again!’
The Captain grew angry at this as he stomped his foot on the ground to shut that idea down
Captain
‘Overwrought pronouncements won't improve the paradigm!’
Varian
‘Till royals cutting deals becomes a crime!”
Everyone joined Varian’s singing at this point, save for Frederic, Arianna, who wanted to stay impartial, Nigel, and the Captain, who backed up, overwhelmed by the teen and his group
Varian and his support
‘Let the corporations make the regulations
And all go unaccountable when everything goes wrong;
Let the rich and famous get away with murder!
Every time a high-priced mouth piece starts to talk
His client gets to walk;
Tell me where is the justice?
If there’s any justice!’
Varian sang alone as he floated into the air, his voice echoing with passion as Quirin, Adira, and Hector shouted behind him, giving more emphasis so his words would stick!
Quirin, Adira, and Hector
‘Tell me!’
Varian
*Where* is the justice?
Quirin, Adira, and Hector
‘FOR THE!’
Varian
FOR ALL THE VICTIMS!
Quirin, Adira, and Hector
‘TELL US WHERE!’
Varian
‘Where is the justice?
What good is law that CAN’T PUNSIH THOSE WHO BREAK IT?!’
Rapunzel and Hugo stepped forwards instantly, taking over and getting everyone to look at them
Rapunzel
‘Royal familes make their speeches all day long!
While judges pushing pencils MOSTLY GET IT WRONG!’
Quirin, Adira, and Hector
‘*ALWAYS* GET IT WRONG!’
Hugo
‘Instead of *loopholes* for the laws to fall between!
Let some good old fashioned *payback*
Grease the wheels of the machine!’
Quirin, Adira, and Hector
‘Grease the wheel of the mechine!’
Varian floated down, his eyes still glowing as he took over the song, looking at everyone now as he raised both hands in the air!
Varian
‘Isn’t everybody sick to DEATH of all this stuff?!
Can’t we all stand up and SAY *ENOUGH*!’
Varian raised his fist in the air to emphasize his point, his group doing the same as they glared at the Captain and king, singing with all they had!
The group with Varian!
‘Time and stand up! WE’VE HAD ENOUGH!’
Justice
*Justice*
*JUSTICE*
Quirin stood next to his son, his fist lowering as he glared at the Captain
Quirin
‘Now's the time for justice!’
Varian
Listen to the families!
HIDING IN THEIR HOUSES!’
Varian’s group, including Quirin
‘Justice
Justice’
Varian
‘All of them afraid to walk the streets at night
With all their doors LOCKED TIGHT!’
Varian’s group
‘Afraid to walk the streets at night
With all their doors locked tight!’
Varian floated into the air and yelled with everything he had, his voice booming and echoing as he was filled with righteous anger!
Varian
WE MUST GIVE THEM THEIR JUSTICE!
Varian’s group
‘WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?!’
Varian
‘WE *OWE* THEM SOME JUSTICE!’
Varian’s group with their fists in the air
‘WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?!’
Varian floated above his group, his own fist raised in the air as his blue glow shined brighter than ever, his passion clear, his intentions set, as he glared at the Captain cowering before him
Varian and his group, together
‘WHERE *IS* THE JUSTICE?!’
The teen landed back on the floor as the group behind him lowered their fists, he panted a little as he continued to glare at the Captain, “well?” He asked, waiting for a reply
The Captain didn’t speak, he wasn’t able to…. His words felt meaningless and small compared to what the teen had just stated. When the leader of the royal guard didn’t speak, Frederic sighed and nodded, “it seems I may have been a little too…. Eager, to place these new laws on my kingdom”, he stated calmly as he looked at Varian, “you’ve made several valid points, and I’d like to discuss them further, with you, and your father”, he then looked at Rapunzel, “along with my daughter as well, I feel we may not have given her the chance to speak when we should have. I apologize for that”, he stated, getting the princess to nod at him with a smile, “how about we set a time tomorrow to discuss these ideas, for now, I will retract my initial ruling until we come up with a new plan, does that sound fair?” He asked, looking at Varian
“Yes your majesty, it does, thank you”, the teen replied
The king nodded before he got up, “thank you for taking the time to speak with us, for now, and I hope you don’t mind me saying this, I think you should head back to the medical wing”
Varian felt the pain in his ribs start to throb, reminding him why he’d been out for three days in the first place before he nodded, “yeah that’s fine, I’ll be there”, he said as he leaned against Quirin, who scooped him up and held him close, “ow….”
His father kissed the alchemist’s forehead as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy, all of this made Frederic smile before sighing, he got up and walked out of the room. Nigel giving the teen a grin, “good work”, he stated
“T-Thanks”, Varian replied, a little surprised at the man, but appreciating it all the same as the advisor walked out, the Captain following him, a look of shock and inward disappointment clear as day on his face
Arianna was the last to stand, and she walked over to Varian and grinned, “you just keep surprising me you know that?”
Varian blushed, “sorry if I made a stink about this”
“It’s alright, I’m glad you did, you helped me gain a bit more of a voice, I wasn’t in agreement with Frederic’s rules in the first place, had you not stepped up, He wouldn’t have changed them no matter what I said”
“Does he not listen to you?”
“It’s a product of these times, women are seldom seen as individuals, even Queens, thought that varies from kingdom to kingdom”
“It wasn’t like that in mine”, Edmund stated
Quirin smiled, “true, Eden would’ve grabbed your ear and forced you to listen had you tried to pull *half* the things Frederic has”
“Yes she would, and I would’ve deserved every second of it!”
Arianna smiled, “that’s good to know, I think it’s time I started to become more like her, and more like you Varian”, she stated with a smile, “I need to speak out more, I haven’t been, and look where it’s led….”
“I think you can do it!” Varian encouraged
The Queen chuckled, “thank you, I have the courage to try at least, because of you”, she stated, ruffling the teen’s hair gently and getting him to giggle before she sighed, “I’m going to check on a few things, but you rest up alright? Tomorrow’s a big day!”
Varian grinned, “oki!”
With that, the Queen walked away with a smile while Varian and his family returned to the medical wing, Varian being rebamdaged and given a stern, yet gentle, talking to by the doctors before the group began to discuss ideas for tomorrow’s meeting, all of them excited, and nervous, about the ideas and what can come out of them!
Notes:
Hello!
“Where is the Justice” is by Frank Wildborn, Jack Murphy, and Ivan Menchell, for the ‘Death Note’ musical, Jeremy Jordan played Light Yagami!
I changed some of the lyrics to fit the time period, I don’t think they had lawyers back then, but they did have advisors!
WHY WASNT THIS SONG, OR SOMETHNG LIKE IT, IN THE TANGLED SHOW?! Varian would’ve been the perfect person to sing something like this too! ‘Ready as I’ll Ever Be’ is close, but MY GOSH!!!!! How awesome would a revamp version of this song have been?!
Bean gets to sing his heart out while being the best bean in the freaking world!!!!! This boy could do this song nothing BUT Justice! Varian is a character that I can see standing up for his people, this would be the ONLY time he would use his rank to get what he wants/needs, and it’s only to get them to listen! He wasn’t heard once, so he’ll, be heard this time!
(Side note: I was having a hard time deciding on a name for this chapter, it was either Justice, which is what it is now, or the Evil Beam is back! Due to Varian using his angrier side, the one that fueled his over ambition when he was a villain, I’d you want e to change the title, let me know please, I will)
Everyone else played support in this chapter, so I won’t got into details about them here, but I will say that all of the are being awesome because they’re supporting the bean, also, Adira, Hector, and Quirin singing together may be a thing that happens later in the story! Also also, Rapunzel is learning, also also also, Hugo is sing a good boyfriend and Quirin is being a good dad!
(Add more ‘also’s’ if you’d like to add to this XD)
The Captain is having a bit of a wake up call during this chapter, so it’s definitely leading to where I think we all wanna go XD also, the small burn he tried to pull on Varian got nowhere when the bean did an undo reverse on him! XD
Ruddy buddy is still the best coon! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 372: Grandpa and the Bean Talk!
Summary:
Edmund hasn’t been around lately, and Varian has been more than a little curious, so he finds out why!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian’s eyes opened the next morning, he let out an squeaky yawn and looked around, smiling at the sight he was met with. When they’d returned to the infirmary, the group had been so excited to talk about the ideas they had about what new laws could be set in place for the kingdom that they’d ended up falling asleep in the middle of the discussion.
As the alchemist looked around, he saw, what had turned into, the huge slumber party. Rapunzel and Eugene were snuggling with each other on the floor, Catalina and Angry were on the opposite bed, Lance sitting in a chair beside it. Adira and Hector were sleeping back to back on the window sill nearby, both of them looked so peaceful as they watched each other’s backs. Hugo was right next to Varian in his bed, Ruddigar and Olivia were squished in-between the pair. Quirin was sleeping in a chair next to Varian, the retired knight was snoring ever so quietly, matching pitch with Hugo’s sleep whistle
Varian grinned before he noticed someone missing, “hello little peanut”
The teen looked towards the entrance to the room and saw his grandpa standing there, plates of food in his hands and a smile on his face, “hi grandpa”, Varian replied, quietly, with a smile, “is that for me?”
“You and everyone else, I grabbed enough for everyone to have, help yourself!” The Dark King offered some food to the teen, which Varian happily accepted, munching on some buttered toast with a glass of chocolate milk and some eggs and bacon
“Thank you!”
“You’re welcome! How are you feeling?” Edmund asked, setting the plates down and sitting in a chair he’d brought inside the room
“Better, still achy, but better”
“That’s good, though I’m not surprised about the ache, you did have quite the musical number yesterday”, his grandfather chuckled
Varian blushed, “yeah sorry about that, I got really angry”
“Im glad you did it, to be honest, I wasn’t happy with the new rules myself, but far be it from me to stand up to a man who rules the kingdom I’m currently residing in”
“You can you know, you’re a king”
“Well….. I still have to be careful, I may be a king, but that doesn’t mean I get to do what I wish”
“True”, Varian replied, having another spoonful of eggs before a thought struck him, “hey grandpa”
“Hm?”
“Where have you been?” He asked gently, “I mean, I saw you when I was brought back here, but then you kinda….. disappeared, until now, where were you?”
Edmund looked down for a moment, hesitating before he sighed, “I was….. Upset….”
“You were?”
“Yes….. I…. Was one of the people that asked Rapunzel to watch over you, I asked her to give me something to do, begged her to inform Quirin that Cassandra had been there….. She….. made me help other people, saying she’d take care of it…. But she hadn’t…. And because of that…. You were hurt…..”
“Oh…..”
“Yeah….. I….. haven’t been around because, truthfully, I….. Im very disappointed in myself….”
Varian blinked, “you shouldn’t be, you thought you were doing the right thing”
“Ah but see, that’s why I’m disappointed….. instead of listening to my gut, and taking matters into my own hands, I listened to a princess who…. Well she had other things on her mind….. And because of my lack of action, it ended up in you getting hurt….. Little Peanut, that’s exactly what I did before….. With the Moonstone….”
The alchemist bit his lip before looking down, “…..I understand the guilt…. It’s….. hard…. When you’re faced with something similar to your past, and you end up making things worse, no matter what you do, or don’t do….”, he looked at his grandfather, “but this is different, you were lied to, she hadn’t taken care of it, and you were basically….. distracted, from doing anything”
“I still didn’t do something to help…. I knew the danger, when I found out she was gone. I immediately rushed to try and find you, but couldn’t, and when Quirin, Adira, Hector, Hugo, Donella, and Ruddigar showed up, and the tower exploded…..” he shuddered, “it was….. so eerily familiar to me…. And all I could do was wait…. Thinking about what I hadn’t done…. What I’d failed to do…..”
Varian looked down again, not sure how to help, he knew this feeling, he would even go so far as to say he’d invented it had he thought it was appropriate. He wasn’t sure what to say until he heard scratching, looking over, he saw his grandfather itching his right shoulder, the one that lacked the other arm….. “Grandpa…..”
“Hm?”
“…..do you….. think I should punish you?” He asked softly
Edmund was a little startled, but sighed, “it’s that obvious huh?” Varian remained quiet, “….If I thought you would, yes, I’d ask you to punish me in some way….. a way that you felt I deserved….. When….. W-when I destroyed my kingdom…. My punishment was the loss of my family, my arm, and the years spent alone in the castle I’d demolished….. I….. Accepted that…. I guarded the Moonstone alone, it was my penance, my way of making up for all I’d done…… I could at least take solace knowing I was paying for it….. That once I was deemed as forgiven, I could have a sign shown to me, and then Eugene came”, he said with a smile towards his son, “he even said, ‘maybe me coming back here *is* fulfilling my destiny, but what if my destiny isn’t to *join* you in this place, but rather to rescue you *from* it?’ Heh….. I….. Wasn’t sure…. But I let him go…. It was my sign, *he* was my sign…. And now I’ve made another horrid mistake….. one that led you to getting incredibly hurt…. I watched my oldest nearly die at the very thought of your demise….. I could feel his heartbreak….” He looked at Quirin, “…..It hurt…. So much….. And I helped cause that…. So…. There is a part of me that wishes you could give me a punishment….. One I deserved…..”
“I won’t….”
“I figured….”
“Do you know why?”
“Because you’re kind…..”
“Nu…. Because you don’t deserve it”, Varian stated, looking at the Dark King, “you were lied to, distracted, made to think everything was fine when it wasn’t. Rapunzel…. I’m not angry with her, but…..” he sighed, “….I didn’t tell her this….. I don’t think I ever could, but….. I don’t trust her anymore….”
Edmund gasped, “you don’t?”
“No…. I love Punzel, and there’s no doubt in my mind that she went through so much in her life, she’s permanently damaged…. I could listen to her, give her advice, help her….. But I can’t trust her….. I don’t think she’d ever cause me harm on purpose, but she….. doesn’t have the right mindset yet….. She’s too….. naive….. best word for it….. I hate saying this, but she’s shown she can’t be trusted, abandoning me, promising something important to me, then breaking it….. Never checking up on me…. Leaving me in the hands of her father, not telling me about what she felt with the red rocks, what she’s done just recently…… I can’t trust her….. she thinks she knows what’s best, and sometimes she does, but….. She’s blinded by a lot of things that I’m worried about…. What if it’d been my dad who was kidnapped…… Or Hugo….. Someone who doesn’t have Moon powers, someone who C-C-….. *She* could hurt without fear of losing the power she wants….. And Rapunzel….. Would’ve done the same thing she did just now…. I don’t trust her anymore, I love her, I care for her, I’d protect her, but I don’t trust her….. The sooner I stop relying on her, stop expecting her to put the more important missions first….. The sooner I can start to figure things out on my own…. And I can move on……”
Edmund was shocked by this, “I….. didn’t realize….”
Varian looked at the Dark King, “you were lied to by her, she didn’t want you to tell my dad because she didn’t wanna break another promise….. That’s the main reason….. But she already did….. She did it again, put something less important first, and it caused more damage….. She should’ve told dad, she should’ve had you help, she should’ve done a lot more than she did, but she didn’t…. She needs to learn…. And she will, she’s already getting better, and maybe I’ll trust her again one day”, he said, looking at Rapunzel, “but for right now, I don’t…..”
Edmund stared at his grandson before nodding, “that’s very big of you”, he complimented
“Runs in the family”, Varian replied with a smirk
“I-!”
“You’re taking the blame even though you know she’s at fault, asking for punishment you don’t deserve”
“…..But I-!”
“We’re lied to and distracted from helping me, which led to you finding out, just the same way as dad, Hugo, Adira, And Hector, about me and what’d happened. You don’t deserve punishment, and nothing you say will change my mind”
The Dark King stopped, unable to come up with another argument, he pouted, getting Varian to giggle before he smiled at his grandson. He wasn’t sure how he’d gotten so lucky, but he was glad the universe had allowed him to have this child in his life. For a moment, things were quiet again as Varian finished his breakfast happily, before the Dark King spoke up, “are you okay? Mentally I mean…. I’m not sure what happened during your kidnapping, but I…. I’m worried”
Varian smiled, “I’m okay, not…. Great…. But okay….. that eerily similar feeling to your past….. yeah I got it too…..”
“Do you….. Need to talk?”
“I…. Don’t know….. I guess I’m more in the physical healing stage….. But…. I…. Did have one thing that really bothered me….”
“What’s that?”
“Well….. I…. Worked really hard on this….l gift for Hugo…. It’s was a little emerald necklace, I found and polished the emerald myself, Xavier helped me make the chain, I even wrote a card….. I-It was meant to be an apology to Hugo since he felt left out when I was in my secret lab….. And C-C….. she…. Threw it to the ground…. Ripped the card up in front of me and the necklace smashed into bits…..”
“Oh…..”
“Yeah…. It’s not a huge deal but….. I w-worked hard on it…l and she just…..” he sniffled, “I don’t know why my mind’s focusing on that….. It was small compared to everything else she did…. B-but…. I’m upset about it…. A-and I…. I’m m-more upset than I thought….. I…. Wanted to give it to him…. S-so he wouldn’t feel alone…. A-and now I can’t…..”
Edmund gave the teen a sad look before he walked over and wrapped an arm around his grandson, “I’m sorry she did that…”
“W-why am I focused on it?” He asked, “it’s so small…. I s-shouldn’t even be crying a-about it….”
“Because, at the moment, that’s the only thing your mind can handle”
“Huh?”
“When we go through something horrible, our minds become overwhelmed, we end up having so much grief over something that our minds can’t take it, so they focus on something small, something we can handle so we can let out emotions out properly. So when the bigger stuff comes around, we can handle it without falling apart”, the Dark King explained, “it’s…. What happened to me when I was alone in the Dark Kingdom….. I thought of tiny things my children used to do that upset me, like He tor running through the halls, Adira not joining us for dinner because she was a little too engrossed in her training, or Quirin….. Actually I think he didn’t really do anything bad….. he was always such a good boy, the only thing he did would be shutting down whenever he got too emotional, but….. I wasn’t able to focus on that…. It was a bigger matter that my mind couldn’t handle”
Varian sniffled, “…..makes sense…. I r-really am upset about it….”
“I know little peanut, I’m sorry she did that…. If you’d like, I could help you make a new one”
“…..C-can we look for the stone together?”
Edmund chuckled, “yes we can look for the stone together, maybe even find other stones to make the necklace even better!”
Varian perked up a little bit, “a-and-and get some gold to make the chain out of?”
“We could do that! I have some and I’m certain you do as well, we could even draw a card!”
Varian smiled, “oki!” He stated, “we could even use green paper”
“Sounds like a plan”, Edmund said with a chuckle
The alchemist smiled at the thought of the new necklace before he hugged the Dark King, “I love you grandpa….. and I’m sorry you feel bad, but I forgive you, if that helps, I forgive you Grandpa”
Edmund was startled, but he smiled lovingly at the teen and hugged him back, “thank you Varian, I really needed that”, he replied quietly
They stayed that way for a while before they heard a yawn, breaking the hug, they saw Quirin stirring, noticing the Sun had touched his face, signaling the father to wake up. Varian smiled as his father rubbed his eyes before looking over and smiling at the pair, “cheating on me son?” He joked
“Maybe, Grandpa’s got a cool mustache”
Quirin chuckled, as did Edmund while everyone else in the room began to wake up as well, grabbing some breakfast and enjoying each other’s company before they were summoned to the meeting room later that day, everyone in high spirits as they made their way to the room, Edmund in particular seemed much more chipper than he had been in days, which made everyone smile as they entered the room, facing the rulers of Corona, and the Captain of the royal guards and entering the room, finding a place to sit before the door closed behind them, and the meeting began
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is a shorter chapter because the last one was long and filled with seriousness, so I wanted to have a lighter chapter as a balance, I hope that’s okay
Edmund is a bean and I love him very much!!!!! Plus, his story arch is still going, and I haven’t had a chapter about him in a minute, so here we are! ❤️
Varian is being the best bean here! Supporting his grandpa while being mature and also admitting something he’d never tell anyone else, save for his dad and Hugo, possibly Eugene later on, I’m not sure. Either way, I’m proud of him! He’s taking the steps to get better! ❤️
Ruddy buddy is still the best coon! Olivia is the best mouse!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 373: Way Too Much!
Summary:
Varian and his family talk with the Queen, King, and Captain about ideas fr making Corona, and Old Corona, safer!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The room was quiet, save for the occasional cough made by someone who didn't know what else to say. No one had spoken up, not even the King, everyone just waited patiently, until Hugo sighed, “well this is sufficiently awkward”, he stated bluntly
“For once, we agree”, Eugene replied, “why are we quiet?”
Frederic cleared his throat as Arianna raised a brow at him while he spoke, “sorry, it’s been a bit of a morning for us, shall we get this meeting started?”
Rapunzel blinked, a bit concerned by her parent’s actions, but not saying much before she nodded, “yea let’s…. Do that… so, new rules”
“Right”, her father replied, “so, I believe it would best to start off by saying we’re wiping the slate clean of the original regulations set in place, save for the curfew, does that sound fair? It’s a curfew set for merely Sundown, once the Sun has sunk below the horizon, everyone should be in their homes, I believe that’s fair considering Cassandra’s power remains with the Moon”
“That’s reasonable”, Quirin agreed, “majority of my farmers are already home at that point, and I could have others go early in case they need to grab anything from the markets first”
“The only real issue would be the market place wouldn’t it?” Hugo asked, “they’d need to shut down early, same with Monty’s shop and bakery, Xavier’s blacksmith place, and so many more. Wouldn’t that hurt Corona’s economy?”
“We’d see a dip in sales, but from what Monty and Xavier have told me, they don’t get many sales after the Sun disappears for the night”, Quirin replied with a gentle smile, “I was worried about the same thing a while back, and checked just in case, got Feldspr’s input as well, all of them said their sales wouldn’t be harmed by a sundown curfew, at least not by much, Corona is a very Sun oriented kingdom, go figure”
The blond alchemist smirked, “never would’ve guessed”
“I know, tis very surprising”, the retired knight joked
Varian smiled at the paid before he looked at the King and Queen, “so, a sundown curfew seems fine, I think we’re all in agreement with that”
“Right”, Frederic replied, “I did have another idea that I’d like to discuss, it pertains to festivals”, he stated, “I thought it would be better to hold them in the main Coronan Square, instead of a kingdom wide celebration. It would be smaller, but safer until the threat stops”
“…..For celebrations like the Science Expo or the Challenge of the Brave, that shouldn’t be a problem, the bigger holidays might be though, especially the Goodwill Festival and Day of Hearts, one of which is coming up soon”, Rapunzel said, “I think we could, and it would be safer, especially if we had the guards around”
“It’d be hard on the Old Coronans though, they’d have to trek all the way to the square and back”, Hugo pointed out, “it’s located near the castle, they’d have to get up super early just to *get* there. The few hours travel back would be hard on the older folks as well”
“You have a point….” Frederic replied
“It’s not a bad idea, we’d just need to work with it a little”, Quirin stated, “the people in Old Corona are mostly farming families, their tough and used to waking up early, it’d be hard on the elderly however….. What if they had a place to stay beforehand?” The retired knight asked, “possibly at the castle? They could arrive and get a room to rest the day prior, that way they could wake up the next morning and be at the festival. It’d be a nice way of spreading goodwill as well, I think the only problem would be the gofer grab”
“I’ve already thought of an idea for that, I’d need your help Varian, and Hugo’s as well if that’s alright”, Frederic stated
Varian raised a brow as Hugo tilted his head interestedly, “what’s the idea?”
“The last gofer grab was….. eventful, to say the least”, the king gave Eugene a stare
“Eheh, to be fair, Bim berries and Dim berries sound very much alike!” The Dark Prince stated
“…..Dim berries cause hyperactivity in mammals”, Varian stated, giving Ruddigar a chin scratch as the small mammal chittered happily
“DOES EVERYONE KNOW THIS EXCEPT FOR ME?!”
“Apparently”, Hugo replied with a smirk
Eugene huffed as Frederic continued, “yes well, I don’t think we should feed anymore Dim berries to the gofer, but I was thinking that maybe getting a new gofer would be better, the older one…. He’s….. Past his prime unfortunately…. And if we get a new gofer, well need a new enclosure and a place where people could grab the gofer”
“So you want us to build an enclosure for the new gofer, and an area to grab said gofer, one that could hold a lard amount of people and where a lot of people could watch?” Hugo asked before his eyes lit up with excitement, “sounds like a challenge!”
Varian smiled at his boyfriend, “my boyfriend everyone, he likes to build”
“Shush, the idea is cool!”
Varian giggled, “I’ll admit the idea of building a brand new place for the gofer grab to happen would be a lot of fun, and we could even fill it with some goodwill spreading messages, I’m guessing you need us to build this because the stadium it’s usually held in isn’t in the square?”
“Yes” Frederic replied
“Oki, we’d need equipment for it, and possible help from other workers, we can do it by ourselves, don’t get me wrong, but that big of a building would take a while with just two-!”
“*Incredibly* smart!” Hugo interrupted
Varian smiled, “teens”, he finished as Ruddigar raised a brow at the blond inventor, “smooth love”
“Thank you!”
Eugene and Lance chuckled as Quirin sighed and ruffled Hugo’s hair, “we have a few men and women we could supply to help you two build”, Arianna replied with a giggle, “and materials as well as wages for the both of you”
“Wages?” The two asked
“Yes of course! You’d be building something for the kingdom that takes time, strength, planning, manpower, and so much work! We wouldn’t *dream* of not paying you for your time and efforts!”
The two blinked before they looked at each other, then at Quirin, “what are you looking at me for?” The retired knight asked with a chuckle
“I….. we’ve…. Never been paid before….. save for my potion and apple deliveries”, Varian stated, “is…. W-what are we…. Supposed to do?”
Quirin smiled lovingly at the pair, “we could get you two a bank account, it’s about time you both have one, considering”, the two scooted closer to the man, still looking at him with big eyes, he snickered, “we’ll talk about it later you two”
“Oki”, Varian replied shyly
Lance chuckled, “never had somethin like this before?”
“Nu….. I have a job, apple and potion delivery, but I usually just get tips, and even then I’ll spend them for dad or other materials for my work or farm repairs, which is just me buying materials so I can repair a broken gate or two. Dad tries to pay me for it, but I take apple pie as my wage, and I don’t ask for money for my potions, they were meant to be gifts for those who have back problems or body aches, or when they’re having a hard time sleeping”
“And I’m wanted for stealing in every place except here, soooo…..” Hugo said with a shrug, “I’ve never had a job before, and all the money I made, or stole, went to Don”
“Ah”, Lance said, “trust me, a bank account is somethin you’ll both want, holds your money for ya and when ya wanna take some out, you can, provided you keep how much you have in your mind, cause they’ll tell ya if you don’t have anymore, and it’s embarrassin”
“Noted”
“Either way, we’ll pay you both for your hard work on the build”, Arianna replied with a loving smile
“T-thank you”, Varian replied timidly, Hugo nodding in agreement, “tats really nice of you!”
“You’re welcome!”
“So the festival being held in the square is okay?” Frederic asked, “provided we give the elderly from Old Corona a place to stay, which is more than fine, they could stay in the castle”
Quirin nodded, “that sounds fine to me”
Frederic smiled and nodded back, “we’re there any other ideas?”
“I think guards should be set up around the kingdom”, The Captain stated quietly
Varian looked over at him, the man didn’t look back, he seemed….. Afraid? The alchemist didn’t really care, “that’s not a bad idea either, but too many may cause civil unrest”, he stated
“How do you figure?” Frederic asked
“Think about it, while a lot of people know about…. *Her* betrayal, majority of them live in the capital, if Old Coronans see guards everywhere, they’ll know something is up and begin to grow worried. We should inform them of what’s going on, and that there will be changes happening, that’s true, but too many guards could lead to people thinking you don’t trust them. After all, guards are only sent out to watch criminals….. So seeing them in Old Corona would be a little unnerving to some”
“Do you have an example of who would be unnerved by a guard watching over their town?” The Captain asked, he wasn’t aggressive as he was yesterday, Varian got the impression the man got a stern talking to, judging from the Queen’s expression, he was right
“Me….. If I saw a lot of guards near my home, I’d feel very uneasy” he stated bluntly, “but if you need someone without a checkered past, I could mention the elderly again, how they’d be unable to relax much with so many eyes near their homes”
“Not to mention some of the farmers and their families, plus some of the children”, Quirin added, “they get nervous around the guards”
“Hmmm…. We don’t have to have too many, considering both of the main targets will be in the capital”, Frederic stated
Varian raised his brow again, “both?”
The king looked at the teen before sighing, “it’d be better if you stayed here, for your own safety”
“And that decision is being made without my consent because…..?”
“Varian”, Quirin said in a warning tone, trying to curve his boy’s sassy tone a little, they were still speaking to the King and Queen after all
The freckled teen huffed, but calmed down a bit, Hugo placing his hand on Varian’s before looking at the King, “I think we all understand the *reasoning* behind that decision, but it’s kinda hard to accept without even asking first, I mean, that’s their home, they can’t stay away from it, they *live* there, *I* live there”, he stated gently
Arianna looked at Frederic, waiting, she seemed unhappy as the King sighed, “I understand this is a bit harsh, but you and Rapunzel *are* Cassandra’s two main targets, and your home is sitting on the literal edge of the kingdom. If it were closer to the Capital then it wouldn’t be a problem, we could have a few people stay nearby to keep an eye on things, but because of its location….. you’re at risk there…..”
“What if I need to get away from the castle? What if something happens and me and Punzie are trapped here together? Easy pickins for a lady with a grudge and a stone holding the powers of the Moon”, Varian stated anxiously
“Easy Feeckles”, Hugo stated as Quirin gave his son a worried look, “are you okay?”
“I…..” Varian sighed, “no…. No I’m not, she kidnapped me, beat and hurt me, *drugged* me, a-attacked Rapunzel for *no* damn good reason, and all of this is h-hitting me right now for some reason and it’s making me a *w-wreck*, I-I…..” he tried to take a few breaths, but his ribs began to hurt, reminding him of what else had happened to him while Cassandra had stolen him away from his friends and family
Ruddigar chittered anxiously, tapping his boy’s cheek, an alert
“Shit….” Hector stated, recognizing the signs, “he’s having a panic attack”
Rapunzel got up, “hold on”, Quirin said, “before everyone rushes over, that’s the last thing you wanna do right now, just stay calm, let me handle this okay?” He said gently
The princess, looked around and saw Eugene and Lance had joined her, the three looking at each other before nodding and sitting back down. Quirin gave them thankful smiles before he turned to Varian, “Hugo”
“Yeah”, the blond inventor let got of Varian’s hand so Quirin could take over
“Varian, hey, look at me”, the retired knight said gently, cupping his son’s chin and gently guiding his gaze until the teen was facing his father, “breathe, it’s okay, you’re safe, just breathe with me, okay?” Varian couldn’t speak, he was too anxious, but he nodded
Quirin smiled before he led Varian through a few deep breaths, encouraging him throughout until the teen was calmer and doing them himself. Ruddigar had hopped off his boy’s shoulders and into his lap, purring to ground his boy as the teen stroked his fur
After about a minute or two, Ruddigar tapped his boy’s cheek again, showing the alert was done, and his heart beat was back to normal. Varian was leaning aginast his father at this point, he was tired, “w-why?” He asked softly
“Why what?” Quirin asked
Varian blushed as a few tears slid down is face, “w-why’d that happen now….. w-why couldn’t it have happened earlier…..” he hicupped, hiding his face in his hands, “I w-was fine just a b-bit ago…..”
Edmund gave a sad sigh, “remember when I said sometimes your body focuses on the little things so you can handle the bigger things later?” Varian sniffled, but nodded, “this would be when your body has you handle the bigger things”, he replied
“When did you have a discussion like that?” Adira asked
“Before all of you woke up, little peanut was the first to rise, and we had a tiny conversation”
“Ah”
Varian sniffled again and leaned closer to his father, “I hate this…..”
“I know Bubby…. It’s not easy having anxiety, but we all understand, and we’re not judging you for it”
“It’s still embarrassing….. We’re h-having a meeting…..”
“I know….” Quirin hugged his son, placing his chin on the teen’s head
Hugo sighed before looking at the King of Corona, “I think the main problem any of us are having with not being allowed to go home….. Is because of the lack of privacy or comfort. I’m sorry to be blunt, but staying in the castle…. While nice, reminds us of…. Bad memories…. Like me being beaten by Don….”
“Or me getting dragged out of the castle”, Quirin added, looking pointedly at Frederic
“O-or…..” Varian tried, but he couldn’t bring himself to say what he was thinking
Quirin looked at his son with concern before sighing, “the reason is fine, but it’s…. Hard…. To be here some days”
“Hmmm….. I have an idea”, Lance stated, “I talked about this with Varian before, but what if he, and Quirin as you too Hugo, all had little quiet places in the castle”
“Quiet places?” Hugo asked
“Yeah! We didn’t get around to it much because there was some uh….. Hurt feelins….. But you remember Varian’s little quiet space in the meadow?”
“Yeah, I remember”
“We really need to fix that”, Quirin stated, kissing his son’s head
The former thief smiled at the retired knight before continuing, “well that was a quiet space Varian found, but we were gonna have more for him to run to when he needs his space, what we had the same for you and Quirin?”
“Huh…. It’s a little odd to have them in a place that we don’t currently own, but it could work”, Hugo replied
“Would that be okay to do your majesty?” Lance asked the king and queen, “just some spots where the three can be alone when they need to”
“I’d say that’s more than fair, considering the circumstances”, Arianna agreed, “we could even decorate them, and as have plenty of room”
Frederic nodded before looking at Varian, “would that make things easier for you?”
The teen had peeked out from behind his hands and thought about it for a moment before he fully came out of hiding and nodded, “y-yeah…..”
Lance looked at Varian, “would it help to have me stay here too?”
“Lance you don’t have to-!”
“I know what you’re gonna say, but honestly, it might be better for me to stay in the castle with the girls anyway. The forest would be a bad place for us to stick around as well, if that’s okay with you two”, he looked at the Queen and King
They nodded, “that’s fine, we have plenty of room”, Arianna replied
Varian blushed even more, Quirin watched his son for a moment before he looked at the group, “maybe…. We should take a break?”
“That sounds like a good idea”, Frederic replied, “we can have a lunch break, the reconvene after about an hour or two, how about that?”
“That’s fine, thank you”, Quirin replied, before he, and everyone else, got up and began to file out of the room. The retired knight held his son close as the teen clung to his father’s vest, they made their way to the medical wing before Quirin sat down on the bed, hugging his son, for a moment or two, neither one spoke, until the teen sniffled again, and then he began to cry into his father’s vest…..
Notes:
Hello!
Finally got to the meeting, woot!
So, the poor bean is just too overwhelmed right now, so he gets a mandatory snuggle session…. He’s just been hit with all the feelings Cassandra’s actions have given him, and it’s a little too rough at the moment…..
Quirin is being the best dad over here, being stern but not mean, and being the perfect person to calm his son when he needs it, while also giving Hugo small approvals when he’s being funny sassy or a good boy, he really is the best dad! ❤️
The rest of the characters didn’t get much screen time, sorry about that, I will say Arianna is starting to speak out more, and Frederic isn’t being a jerk in this one either! Progress! Woot! 😁
Kudos to Ruddy buddy for being the best service-coon! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 374: The Devotion Festival! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The Devotion Fesitval is back, and Hugo, after learning about it for the very first time, has something special planned! If only people would stop getting in his way!
Notes:
HAPPY VAL/PAL-ENTINES DAY!!!!!!
More notes at the end!
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*A day before Cyrus shows up!*
“Yeees….. YEEEEEEEEES! FINALLY!” Hugo exclaimed as a small puff of smoke poofed in his face, his voice was deep and gravely from days spent in the lab. Olivia was watching him curiously, not being allowed to see what her boy was working on until just then, “now….. PRESENTING!”
Hugo turned and lifted up a tiny, heart shaped, blue and green speckled, red diamond, “THE SPECKLE-TACULAR, BLUE AND GREEN SHINING, HEART SHAPED, REEEEEED DIAMOND!!!!!!” He exclaimed loudly before adding, “THE SHIMMERS IN MOONLIGHT!” As the gem shimmered while the Moon shined brightly on it from a window
Olivia blinked for a moment before clapping her paws together with joy and pride for her boy
“Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all week!” Hugo stated with a bow before giggling, “hoo hoo hoo! Speckles is gonna *love* this! I’ve been working day and *night* to finally combine these gems! It came out *perfect*!”
Olivia squeaked at her boy, pointing to the clock, 3AM
“Well shit…. I still need to make the chain…..”
Olivia squeaked at her boy again before hopping on his shoulder and nipping his ear a little
“Ow! Alright alright! I’ll go to bed, geez ya mother hen! But I need to get a chain, this present won’t be complete without one!”
The cybernetic mouse thought for a moment before she squeaked out an idea
“Oh! Xavier! That’s perfect! He could make a golden chain easy! You’re a genius Liv!” Hugo kissed his mouse friend
She nuzzled him back before squeaking and pointing to the clock again
“Yeah yeah, I’m going and I’m going, I wanna be nice and rested anyway since tomorrow is the festival”, he stated with a smirk, “gotta look my best and get up early enough to not arouse suspicion!”
Olivia squeaked with joy as she and her boy walked out, they walked over to the medical room Varian was staying in and, after Hugo changed into his PJs, snuck past a sleeping Quirin, and silently slipped into bed with Varian, he smiled at his boyfriend, “goodnight love, see you later today”, he whispered, kissing Varian’s cheek and smiling when he noticed the freckled teen smile in his sleep and blush, before he dozed off into a peaceful sleep
****
Hugo yawned squeakily before he sat up, looking around, he noticed Varian was still asleep and smiled, *thank the Moon above…. If he were awake, that’d be bed news for me*, he thought to himself before he slowly snuck out of bed and into the privy. He managed to change and get ready for the day, smirking at his reflection, satisfied with how he looked, before he open3 the door
Only to be met with a hug from a surprisingly quiet farmer, “good morning!” Quirin stated happily, smiling at the teen
“Quirin! Hi”, Hugo exclaimed, hugging the man back before they both let go, “did I was you?”
“No, I tend to get up with the Sun, noticed you’d left the bed when I came back, I brought breakfast, you want some?”
“Oh! No I’m good, thanks though, I’ve gotta actually get going”
“Get going? Don’t you know what day it is?”
“Yeah, The Day of Hearts, and the Devotion Festival”
“Right, I’m surprised you won’t stick around, I mean with a certain person”, the retired knight stated
Hugo smiled, “I’ll be back, trust me, but I have a few things to get done first, specifically for a special certain someone”
“Aaaah”, Quirin replied, growing a little quieter so he didn’t wake his sleeping son in the bed, “noted, but you should still eat something, it’ll be a lot harder to do any kind of plans without food in your stomach”
“Is that both fatherly advice and a strong suggestion?”
Quirin smirked, “you know me too well”
Hugo sighed, but snickered, “you’re a nag”
“And proud to be one, ya stubborn nugget”
The blond grinned happily, he didn’t really mind Quirin’s order honestly, it made him feel loved to know someone was watching out for him, though it did take a while to actually satisfy the farmer, he had to eat an entire breakfast, one he was worried would cut into his time. But he enjoyed the retired knight’s company, so it wasn’t all bad, and the man was right, an empty stomach mass you slower, he knew that from experience….. After the meal, and subsequent approval to lead from the Village Leader, hug and save wishes included, the teen rushed out the door and castle! He checked the time, 9:32AM
“Damn, I’m not gonna be able to make it before the fucking rush!”
Olivia squeaked a little, suggesting an idea
“Hmm…. That might be a good plan, I’m just worried if I do the other tasks I need to do, Xavier won’t have time to do my order, it takes time to make a chain you know, especially a custom made one”
Olivia mentioned how Xavier and Quirin were friends
“Hmmm…. That’s a good point, I’d hate to use that to get an advantage, but… I’m a bit desperate…. And it is for Varian…..” The lone rushed over and, unfortunately, he was right about the rush already starting. People were lined up to get an early morning order from Xavier, Hugo sighed, “I…. Really don’t wanna ask for special treatment….. it’s my fault that I didn’t make the chain in time…. Do I really deserve better treatment over those who probably planned things out?”
Olivia squeaked, nuzzling her boy comfortingly
“Thanks Liv, I know your suggestion is great, but it wouldn’t be right…. I’ll just have to wait”, he stated, he walked to the back of the line, waiting patiently as he continued to watch the clock, 2 minutes passed and no movement was made….. “damn, this line’s kinda slow…”
Olivia huffed
“I feel the same, but we gotta be patient”, Hugo replied, “we have time, it’s fine”. He continued to wait 10 more minutes, ad hadn’t moved an inch, he felt his eye twitch when the 15 minute mark came and went, at 20 he was done, and walked to the front to see what was going on. To his surprise and annoyance, he saw a snotty looking man with a large nose, blue outfit, monocle, and pompous face holding up the line. Hugo raised a brow and walked over, “souse me”, he stated politely, getting both Xavier and the man’s attention, “is everything okay? I couldn’t help but notice you seem a little upset and I-!”
“Excuse *me*, but I did not ask for *you* to interrupt my conversation! I’m currently discussing a few things with this man and would like to do so in *peace* if you don’t mind”, the man stated annoyingly
Hugo felt his eye twitch again as he looked at this guy, *oh no he did-fucking-not*, he thought to himself, but kept his voice calm, “sir, I just came over because I wanted to help-!”
“Well you can *help* by walking *that* way”, the man stated, pointing away from him, “now be a good boy and shoo”
Olivia growled
Hugo was done, “what’s your name?”
“I don’t need to tell you that! And if you’re unable to identify me then you *clearly* don’t know anything considering I’m well known!”
Xavier looked concerned, the poor man seemed so tired from dealing with this guy as he looked at Hugo worriedly, a silent beg not to make the man any angrier. Hugo sighed, “I asked your name so I can help and be polite, weather you’re well known or not doesn’t matter to me. I’m Hugo, I happen to know this blacksmith very well, and I happen to be really good with inventing myself, so maybe I can help you finish what you’re doing faster?”
To his surprise, the man began to laugh, “*you* an *inventor*?! Ha! When you don’t even know who I am?! That’s a laugh”
Hugo wrinkled his nose, but shook it away, “mind telling me who ya might be then? *Instead* of laughing, I’m not originally from Corona, so if you’re well known here, that could be why I don’t know you”
“Oh please boy, I’m well known throughout the *land*! My name is Master Doctor Saint Croix! I’m a scientist, inventor, chemist, alchemist, anything having to do with science, I can do it! You would know that if you were *actually* an inventor”
Hugo blinked, he recognized that name, his mind wracked around a little bit before it finally hit him, “wait, aren’t you that one guy who showed clear bias during a Science Expo and ended up getting your name dragged through the dirt about a year ago?”
Suddenly Master Doctor Saint Croix didn’t seem so confident as he heard a bunch of people behind him start to snicker, “I-I wasn’t showing clear bias! I chose the best invention I saw, the *boy’s* hodgepodge of an invention was *clearly* under developed!”
“That boy?” Hugo asked
“Oh this skinny fellow with a blue streak in his rats nest of a hair do!” The man exclaimed, getting the blond’s hackles to rise instantly, “he’s a small chap I met in Corona during a Science Expo, he nearly lanced my nasal cavity when his ‘assistant’ drunkingly fell asleep and caused a knife to fly at me! That boy is a menace I tell you! That’s the reason I’m even over here, this blacksmith is using one of that boy’s inventions to help him make his trinkets, and I’m trying to show my concern for his well being considering the boy was a well known villain at the time! You may have heard of him, his name is Varian”
Hugo narrowed his eyes, “yeah, I know about him….”
“Oh good! So you can help me convince this man to stop using the boy’s product! We shouldn’t be supplying *heathens* like that with our funds! Only true scientists should have their inventions be used, not that-that-that wretched, spineless little traitor, who wishes he could be *half* the man I am! Honestly, if you could help me convince this blacksmith, I’d be on my way in a heart be-!”
Everyone gasped when Master Doctor Saint Croix fell to the floor, Hugo glaring at him angrily as he wiped his fist off on his pants, getting rid of the blood of the punch he’d just given, “fuck you ya tacky piece of shit!”
Saint Croix got up instantly and whimpered out a, “y-you just hit me!”
“Yeah I fucking did, because I remember who you are now! Varian told me about you! You’re that damn judge from the Expo that disqualified Varian without giving his invention a chance! All because his assistant fell asleep and caused a knife to come toward you, I can understand you getting rid of his assistant, but disqualifying Varian himself for the actions of the man who can’t stop himself from making an ass out of himself, someone Varian had to find last minute because a certain *bitch* went and chose her *job* over Varian, is just unfair! And to top it off, you chose an invention that looked great but did NOTHING! You’re a fucking sham, a disgrace to the science industry in general! I read those articles cover to cover, and all of them said you’d been stripped of your title as a doctor, master, and even a saint! Your reputation was smudged because not only did you show bias, and disqualify a little 14 year old *boy* for reasons beyond his control, but you also messed with Varian’s machine *after* the judging was done, which is NOT allowed, but you also caused it to malfunction because you didn’t know how it worked and got a large amount of people injured! Something Varian himself actually tried to prevent before you physically PUSHED HIM AWAY FROM HIS OWN INVENTION! FUCK YOU! You and your pompous attitude and nasty biased ways can go fuck yourself!” He snapped
Everyone was shocked for a moment or two, before someone in the crowd said, “I remember that day! I nearly got injured because of that judge!”
Everyone I the crowd began to grow angry, shouting insults at Croix and complaining about him ruining the Day of Hearts festival! None of the, noticed Hugo being grabbed and pulled away, “hey! What the fu-!”
“Calm down kid, it’s me”, Hugo turned and saw Eugene smirking at him
“Fuck, Eugene you scared the shit out of me!”
“Heh, sorry, needed to get you away from the crowd before they became too rowdy”
“Why? I’d like to be apart of the celebration that is kicking that guy’s ass”
There was a chuckle behind the teen, prompting him to look and see Lance, “yeah we would too, we were *there*, but we kinda need a favor from you”
Hugo raised a brow before Olivia came out and squeaked at the rapidly
“What’s wrong with your rat?” Eugene asked
“She’s a fucking mouse, ya ass”, Hugo stated with a smirk, getting Eugene to laugh a little, “and she’s saying no to the favor, I kinda agree with her, I’m on a mission myself, and I’m already behind”
“It’s a *small* favor kiddo, you and your ra-ah-mouse, *ahem*, mouse, wouldn’t be going out of your way”, Eugene stated with a smile and a blush
“Yeah! We just need you to pick somethin up for us”, Lance stated, “it’s at the Sweets Shop”
Hugo raised a brow, “how’s you two know I was going there next?”
“You know that sleep talking habit Varian has? You’re starting to pick up that habit, even having conversations with him”, the Dark Prince stated, “we heard you this morning when we went to ask Quirin if he needed anything”
The blond blushed, “noted….”
Lance smiled, “it’s alright, least ya don’t snore louder than an earth quake”
“I do not!” Eugene exclaimed
“You do too! Gave me nightmares when we shared the same livin space in that caravan!”
“Lance we were *near* a bear cave!”
“Every night? I don’t think so!”
“I do NOT snore like that!” Lance snickered before closing his eyes and mock snoring loudly before pointing at Eugene with a wink, “are ya finished?” Eugene asked sarcastically, getting Hugo to snort before he looked at the teen, “either way, can you pick up our order? It’s not much, and we can give you the money to grab it”
“Why do you need *me* to pick it up? You’re right here”, Hugo stated
“It’s uh….. Actually because of something else kid….”
“Which would be?”
Lance and Eugene blushed before the former thief sighed, “me and Eugene….. We’re kinda afraid of that place now”
“Huh? Why?”
“G-G-G-Ghosts!”
The blond sighed, “guys, they’re not in there anymore”
“The fact that they *WERE* though! It’s just so creepy! And with me finding out I can see them and not knowing the difference is just too much right now!” Eugene exclaimed anxiously, “just…. I know it sounds stupid, but please, it really freaks us out to go in there now….”
The blond wanted to say no, but he sighed, the two men genuinely looked really freaked out, so he nodded, “alright, just, I eyed to go right after okay?”
“Yeah that’s fine, thanks Hugo, seriously you’re a life saver!” Eugene exclaimed as Lance nodded happily
Hugo smirked and looked at the former thief, “as a self proclaimed mind doctor, shouldn’t there be a thing you two can do to help with this fear?”
Lance blushed, “uh…. Hehe y-yeah, we plan on doing that, just um….. n-not now”, he squeaked
Hugo snickered, “alright, come on ya goobers”
The blond walked over to the Sweets Shop and headed in, “welcome to da-! Oh Hugo! Hey! How’s it goin?” Monty greeted cheerfully
The blond smiled as the smell of chocolate hit his nose, “it’s-a-goin”, he joked, “how about you?”
“Same here! It’s-a-goin! I like that”, he chuckled, “what can I do for ya today son?”
Hugo grinned, “just picking up my own order, then a couple orders for some friends of mine, Eugene and Lance”
“Oh are dey still scare of dis place?”
Hugo snorted, “you know?”
“Who doesn’t? Dey’ve been asking Attila a bunch of questions about da ghost kids, and Dey always ask whenever he’s outside. I don’t mind, but I wish dey’d just step on in and see how much better things have gotten! Kids are gone and my shop’s been a lot brighter because of it, lighter too. Ah but ya can’t rush ‘em, ya know?”
“I know, and it’s good to know your shop’s doing better”
“Tanks son! So ya need dose order eh?”
“Yes if you please”
“Sure, got da money for em?”
“Right here!” Hugo pulled out the required fund, which had been much more than he’d expected, though it surprised I’m even more when he saw the two *piles* of candy he was supposed to bring to the pair! “Woah!”
“Yea, Dey ordered a lot, guessin it’s for da princess and dose two little tykes Lance has”, Monty commented, glaring at the one clearly made for Rapunzel
Hugo chuckled, “you and her seriously dislike each other huh?”
“We don’t see eye to eye on tings, but I won’t do anyting to da candy her lover got her, ‘s ad business”
“I can respect that, at least you’re not like over half the people I know, who would have no problem spitting in her stuff….”
“Yech! I never knew why people did dat, I mean I don’t like her, dat’s true, but spittin is just too far”
“Agreed”, Hugo replied with a smile before he lifted to two piles, he looked at the tiny box of chocolates that is *his* order and sighed, “um….. I may need to come back for this”
Monty chuckled, “dat’s fine son, I’m open until Sun down, just be back before den yeah?”
“Oki, thanks Monty!”
“Anytime kiddo! Happy Day of Hearts!”
“To you too!”
With that, the blond walked out, struggling with the two piles of candy before he finally found Eugene and Lance, standing by the corner. He walked over and called out to them, they instantly came to his aid, taking the piles, “you alright?” Lance asked, “didn’t know they were this big”
“Yeah that explains the pricing”, Eugene replied
“Yeah I’m-*pant, huff* I’m fucking glorious”, Hugo replied while panting. He noticed Xavier’s shop was open and free of people, “oh! H-hang on guys, I’ll be right back!” The teen ran over to the shop and slid to a halt, “Xavier! A-are you here?”
“Hm?oh hello young Hugo!” A gently voice called, getting the blond to look and see the old blacksmith standing near the back of his shop, he smiled at the teen and walked over, “how can I help you today?”
The blond smiled, “hey, I know it’s last minute, but do you have any way of making a golden chain for a necklace? I-it’s for this jewel I made, I-its special and I didn’t get time to make it myself”. The blond grabbed the jewel and showed it to Xavier
“Wow, you’ve done a very fine job of crafting this! Reminds me of the legend of the diamond in the rough! Once th-! ….Heh, *ahem*, you’re on a time crunch aren’t you”
“I-is it that obvious?” Hugo asked as he stared at the large clock in the square, which now read 2:30PM, is stomach growling a little
The blacksmith chuckled, “Ill need to take some measurements, but I should be able to handle making a golden chain for you before today’s end”, he replied, he gently took the gem in a clothe, so as not to smudge it, and began to measure the jewel
“Wow”, Eugene exclaimed, as he and Lance joined Hugo at the blacksmith’s shop, “that’s a big diamond”
“Yeah, where’d you find that?” Lance asked, “must’ve taken a lot of excavatin”
“It did”, Hugo replied tiredly, “I spent hours finding enough blue and red diamonds, all of them were so small. I managed to find enough and spent *days* working on this jewel! The heart shape happened after Liv accidentally added some acid I had to the mixture, she gave me the idea”, he stated, giving Olivia a pet with his finger
“Wait, ya just have random acid sitting in your work space?” Eugene asked
“It’s for other experiments me and Freckles were trying out”
“Ah, I take it this is one of them?”
Hugo smiled and blushed, nodding as Lance made an, “awwwwww!” Sound
That’s when Xavier turned to look at the teen, “I’ve got the measurements, I can have the chain made in a few hours, will that ne okay?”
“Yeah, that’s fine”, Hugo replied with a grin, “how much do I owe ya?”
“Nothing”
“Huh?”
“You chased away that nasty man and helped me clear the line of people standing there, I’m making this as a gift to you,mor, perhaps it’s more appropriate to say it’s a gift to Varian”, he chuckled
“I-b-but it’s solid gold!”
“Love is much more important than gold, which is actually the lesson the legend of the diamond in the rough”, he chuckled
Hugo smiled, “sincerely, Xavier, thank you so much! How about, once Freckles is feeling better, I drag him over and we have a legend session yeah?”
The blacksmith chuckled and nodded, “I’ll accept that, it’ll be nice to chat with you two for a bit”
The blonde nodded, “it’s a deal, sincerely, thank you”
“I should be thanking you for your help today, for now however, how about you rest, your stomach is growling, and it seems as though you now have time”
Hugo grinned and nodded, “oki, see ya later Xavier!”
“See you later Hugo”
****
“You don’t think I was threatening towards him do you?” The blond asked nervously as he, Eugene, and Lance walked down the halls of the castle, holding their candy, including Hugo’s box of chocolates, and their presents for the people they care about, “o-or that he felt obligated to give me the chain for free b-because I helped him with that damn Croix character or that I-!”
“Hugo I have reason to believe ya may have anxiety”, Lance interrupted gently as Eugene sighed
“Really? What makes you say that?”
Eugene groaned as Lance chuckled a little, “just a hunch bud, now listen, Xavier is a strong man who doesn’t get intimidated easily, you really think a tiny thing like you scared him by just talkin?”
The blond blinked before blushing, “eheh…. I see where you get the anxiety thought from now…. Sorry”
“It’s alright, look we’re all a little nervous, we’re coming back later than expected and holding candy that none of us know is melted or not, so it’s okay to be nervous, just calm down a little okay? It’s gonna be alright, take a few deep breaths if ya need to, and ignore Eugene”
Hugo snorted as Eugene shot his best friend a glare while the teen too a few breaths, he felt better, even more so as they approached the door to the medical wing room. He smiled as they knocked, the door opening to reveal, “Adira!” Lance exclaimed
“Hello Earring, Fish Skin, and Goldilocks”, the face painted warrior stated with a smile, while Catalina and a angry ran over
“Where have you three been?” Angry asked
“Yeah, we’ve been waiting for a while, you knew the celebration started already right?” Catalina added
“We’re aware, thanks”, Eugene replied with a sigh, “we got a little backed up, but we’re here now! And we brought gifts!”
The face painted warrior raised a brow, “any Id be interested in?”
“Yup!” Lance exclaimed
“Alright then, come on in”
“Wait, would we have not been allowed in if Lance didn’t have something for you?” Eugene asked
“I guess you’ll never know, will you?”
The Dark Prince narrowed his eyes at the women, “you’re evil”
“I know, and the more you stand out here, the later you become”
“Super evil!” Eugene added, before making us way inside, getting Adira to chuckle as Lance and Hugo followed suit, giving her a grin
“Well fina-fucking-ly!” Hector exclaimed when he saw the three, getting everyone to look over and smile, “we were about to send a search party for you three”
“Yeah yeah, we’re late, we know, we got the riot act already thank you very little”
The wild tamer raised a brow, “cranky Prince makes for a fun target”, he stated with a smirk
“Be nice to me, it’s been a long day”
“Beggars get fucked up if they turn into choosers”
“It’s supposed to be-!”
“Mine’s better”
“Right….”
“Come on guys, stop picking on Eugene”, Rapunzel stated, walking over and kissing her boyfriend lovingly
“So glad to see your face again Blondie”
“The feeling’s mutual!”
“So it’s not okay to see our faces then?” Quirin asked light heartedly
“Quirin why?!” Eugene asked
The retired knight chuckled, “sorry”
“Evil dad”, Varian stated with a grin before he looked at Hugo and his smile widened, “hi”
“Hello Freckles”, the blond teen replied, walking over and hugging his lover happily while Lance passed out his gifts to Adira, Catalina, Angry, and Hector, who was surprised, but delighted, handing the man his own gifts for him, “got you some things, Quirin too”, Hugo said, handing Quirin a small box
The retired knight smiled, “well thank you, I got you something too”, he replied, accepting the box and handing Hugo a small box of his own
“Thanks!”
Everyone began to open their gifts, sans Varian and Hugo, both of which were waiting for a moment. Edmund nearly cried with joy as he saw the large amount of amethysts he received, along with some chocolates, and a small, purple, diamond from Quirin, and an emerald from Eugene, representing his bravery and showing his affection for the man as his father!
The others enjoyed their gifts as well, everyone keeping the stones close to their hearts as they discussed what they’d do with them. Quirin growing tearful when he received a blue and a green diamond, each from his boys, giving them both a giant hug before showing them off proudly!
Hugo and Varian giggled when he did that, before the freckled teen handed Hugo a gift he had for him and opened his own gifts, same with Hugo, both of them leaving the gifts they’d received from each other last. They enjoyed the many stones they’d received, both of them tearing up when they got two rose quartz from Quirin, along with a sapphire and an emerald, the emerald for Hugo, the Sapphire for Varian
After all was said and done, and everyone was in a stated of calm, quiet, conversation, both alchemists decided to open each other’s gifts, Hugo went first, and he smiled at the gold, jeweled, wrench he’d received, all of the gemstones representing love in some kind of different way, “I-it’s supposed to show that I love you in more ways t-than one, but uh…. T-that’s a little corny, eheh”, Varian said with a blush
“I love it, and I love you!” Hugo replied, hugging Varian and kissing him lovingly as he held the wrench close, “I’ll keep it forever”
Varian returned the hug and kiss before smiling, “I love you too!”
They stayed that way for a moment or two before Hugo let go and smiled, “gonna open yours now?”
Varian giggled, “excited?”
“Yes!”
“Oki, I’ll just take my sweeeeeeeeeet time on iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit aaaaaa-!”
“Freckles!”
The blue eyed alchemist giggled, “oki oki!” He opened the chocolates first, enjoying a couple, giggling at Hugo’s impatient pout before moving onto the main gift. He blushed a little when he noticed everyone watching, “um…. H-hi?”
“Sorry, Hugo’s told everyone about this gift, including your grandpa”, Rapunzel replied, gesturing to Edmund, who was smiling happily, “so we’re a little excited!”
“A little?” Hector asked, “if you were any *more* excited the entire *castle* would be bright with glowing, yellow, hair”
Rapunzel huffed before continued to smile at the two teens. Varian blushed a little more before pulling his legs up a little, getting Quirin to chuckle, “do you want us to stop staring?”
“M-meep……” Varian replied squeakily, making Hugo snicker
His father chuckled, “hey Eugene, don’t you have some weather to ask about?”
“Oh yes! How about that weather everyone!” The Dark Prince replied, getting everyone to catch the hint before turning and conversing with the Dark Prince
“Thanks dad”, Varian replied
“You’re welcome”, the retired knight replied before he joined into the conversation
Varian sighed, a little relieved as his legs straightened a bit and he looked at Hugo, “sorry”
“It’s alright, didn’t think they’d be that excited”, the blond alchemist replied with a snort
Varian smiled, “they’re like that”, he said, before he set the box down and opened it, realizing the bow and unwrapping the paper before lifting the box’s cover and gasping, “I…. H-Hugo-!”
“I made it myself, it shines in the moonlight too, go ahead and try it”
The freckled teen lifted the necklace out of the box and held it up to the window carefully, he saw the green and blue bits shimmer and felt his heart fill with warmth as he looked at the teen, “I… h-how?”
“A lot of TLC, time, love, and crappy sleep!”
Varian snorted before he slid back into the bed, staring at the necklace, “I…. I d-don’t know what t-to say, I….”
Varian felt tears come to his eyes and slide down his cheeks, Hugo hugged him, “I love you Varian, and even though things have been a little hard, know that I’ll never stop loving you, no matter what, okay?”
He heard Varian whimper, he looked and saw the teen had covered his mouth, unable to speak, only able to cry and make whimpering sounds. He was blushed, but held the necklace close to his heart as he stared at Hugo
“Are you okay?”
Varian nodded
“A little too overwhelmed to say anything?”
Another nod
“Damn it I broke you!” Hugo laughed, hugging Varian again and holding him close as the teen hugged him back, sniffling and hiccuping quietly
Hugo felt his own tear slide down his face as he rubbed his boyfriend’s back, “I’m sorry Freckles”, he felt some guilt in his stomach, he hadn’t meant to make Varian cry, he wanted to make the teen happy, he knew this was a for, of that, but he could really help the small tingle of guilt that lingered
“D-don’t be”, he heard Varian say, “I….. L-love you too, a-and I…. R-really needed this….” He broke the hug and smiled at Hugo, “I…. C-can’t really face it r-right now, b-but life’s been s-so hard for me…. A-and it’s only gotten worse, I…. I’m h-having a hard time with a lot…. T-this, I n-needed this, and….” He sniffled before smiling, “I d-didn’t know how much I n-needed it, so t-thank you so much! I…. Y-you don’t know how much this m-means to me”
“I have a faint idea”, Hugo joked, pointing to Varian’s bangs, the freckled teen seeing them glow
He giggled, “yeah, t-that’ll help!”
Hugo kissed Varian again before hugging him, “my Varian”
“My Hugo”, the blue eyed alchemist replied before giggling, “Huuuuuugo!”
Hugo laughed, breaking the hug and grinning, “Vaaaaaaaaaaaarian!”
“Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugo!”
“Vaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarian!”
“Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-!”
“NO!” Eugene yelled, startling both before making them laugh when they saw his annoyed face, the man himself chuckling as well as he sighed, “damn flirty boys”
“Hee hee! Scardy cat!” Hugo replied with a raised brow
“Wait, scardy cat?” Varian asked
“Kid, don’t you dare-!” Eugene warned
“I found out Lance and Eugene are afraid of something”, Hugo started
“I SWEAR TO THE MOON HUGO!”
Varian laughed, as did the rest of the group! Everyone enjoying the rest of their night as Varian had Hugo put the necklace around his neck gently. The blond alchemist was all too happy to do so, once that was done, Varian showed the blond alchemist a few new tricks he can do with the wrench, which the teen was all too happy to try out! All in all, despite the harder times during the day, it was a fun night, and Hugo wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Notes:
HAPPY VAL/PAL-ENTINES DAY!!!!!! Here’s a cute story about Hugo being a bro and the best boyfriend ever!
The chapter speaks for itself when it comes to the characters, so I wont do summaries here, but I hope you all still enjoyed!!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 375: The Lunch Break!
Summary:
Varian and co talk about a few things that have been bothering the blue eyes alchemist!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Would that be okay to do your majesty?” Lance asked the king and queen, “just some spots where the three can be alone when they need to”
“I’d say that’s more than fair, considering the circumstances”, Arianna agreed, “we could even decorate them, and as have plenty of room”
Frederic nodded before looking at Varian, “would that make things easier for you?”
The teen had peeked out from behind his hands and thought about it for a moment before he fully came out of hiding and nodded, “y-yeah…..”
Lance looked at Varian, “would it help to have me stay here too?”
“Lance you don’t have to-!”
“I know what you’re gonna say, but honestly, it might be better for me to stay in the castle with the girls anyway. The forest would be a bad place for us to stick around as well, if that’s okay with you two”, he looked at the Queen and King
They nodded, “that’s fine, we have plenty of room”, Arianna replied
Varian blushed even more, Quirin watched his son for a moment before he looked at the group, “maybe…. We should take a break?”
“That sounds like a good idea”, Frederic replied, “we can have a lunch break, the reconvene after about an hour or two, how about that?”
“That’s fine, thank you”, Quirin replied, before he, and everyone else, got up and began to file out of the room. The retired knight held his son close as the teen clung to his father’s vest, they made their way to the medical wing before Quirin sat down on the bed, hugging his son, for a moment or two, neither one spoke, until the teen sniffled again, and then he began to cry into his father’s chest….
The group watched in sad silence as the teen cried, all of them allowing Quirin to take over as the retired knight did what he could to calm his child down. After about 5 minutes, Varian finally began to grow quiet, merely sniffling and sending tiny hiccups out as he continued to cling to his father. He hadn’t meant to cry, it’s just burst out of him, and he wasn’t sure why….. He didn’t look up, he didn’t want to see anyone’s face right now, it just made him feel worse as guilt swarmed around in his stomach….
“Are you alright?” Hugo asked gently, he was sitting next to the teen, judging by how far away his voice was
Varian sniffled again before shaking his head, still not looking up, “n-nu…..” he replied as a tear dripped off his chin and onto his father’s shirt, “a-and I don’t k-know why…..”
“It’s like Edmund said”, Lance stated, “you could handle things before because your body only allowed you to react to the smaller things that happened to you…. But…. Now it…. Needs you to let out what ya need to for the bigger things”
“Why *now*o-of all times?!” Varian asked aggravatedly as he pulled his knees up to his chin and hid his face in them, “n-now they think I’m just…..” He became silent as he continued to hide from the world
“Because anxiety fucking sucks”, Hector stated bluntly
“Hector”, Edmund exclaimed
“He’s not wrong” Adira stated, “Speckles just stood up to these people, showing he wouldn’t back down and allowing us to even get this meeting. And unfortunately, this was poor timing on his emotions part. I don’t blame *him*, considering what happened to him never should have, but I can see where he and Wild Child are coming from”
“Anxiety fucking sucks”, Hector repeated
The Dark King sighed, “even so, I don’t think that’s helping”
“Anxiety doesn’t either”, the wild tamer replied, “it fucking sucks! Ya get all fucked up in your entire body because it’s hitting fight or flight mode, and instead of the rational side of you taking over, you get fucking flight mode Fred who tells you to panic any fucking chance you can get just because! Anxiety fucking sucks, I hate it, I hate that *he* has it, because he’s not wrong! Those pricks in the other room probably think he can’t handle this and won’t take anything he says seriously anymore! They’ve shown they do that, save for the Queen, yet even she stated she wasn’t listened to enough! This poor kid’s trying his best, but is anyone besides *us* gonna even care about that? Anxiety fucking sucks!”
Varian peeked out to look at his uncle, he felt a small amount of gratitude for the man’s words, he’d basically given a voice to the teen’s own thoughts, and apparently Quirin had picked up on that, “anxiety is horrible, that’s true, but there’s always a way to fix a bad situation”, the retired knight stated calmly, smiling at his son and his brother, “sure, at the moment, Varian’s dealing with a lot and the King and Captain may take it the wrong way. But only if we show them that”
“What do you mean?” Hector asked
“Think about this, we take a break, gather ourselves, then walk in there with our chests puffed out, ready to make a difference. We don’t change our approach, show confidence, stand up for what we believe in, yes anxiety is bad, but you can still make the outcome far better than you think. You just gotta get past those nagging thoughts, that’s all”, he stated gently, smiling as he did so, “and also, this is more than just anxiety, it’s trauma, PTSD, depression, there’s so much more going on here. But we’ve got time, how about we talk about it?” He looked at his son, “I think it’s sort of needed”
Varian looked at his father and nodded, Hector sighed, “ok, so where do you wanna start? Because I don’t think this kid has a clear idea at the moment”
“Hector!” Edmund exclaimed again
“Actually dad, Hector’s right”, Eugene defended, “I think he’s giving Varian a bit of a voice here”
The Dark King blinked before he looked over at the teen, noticing the freckled alchemist peeking, “is he?” Varian nodded, “oh, sorry Hector”
“It’s fine, I get it, glad I can help, sorry it has to be this fucking way though”, the wild tamer stated sadly, as he looked at Varian sympathetically
The teen sighed, he knew it wasn’t Hector’s fault, it wasn’t anyones fault actually, this just can’t be helped, but he still felt guilty….. He looked at his father, “Hm?” The retired knight looked at him, “Bubby do you wanna talk about what happened between you and Cassandra?”
The teen felt shivers run down his spine, but he knew he needed to do this…. So he nodded, “he’s not happy about it, but he has to”, Hector translated
Quirin smiled, “you can stay in my lap if you want”
Varian leaned against Quirin, getting Hector to snort, “that one’s obvious”
“Yes it is”, the Village Leader replied with a chuckle as he stroked his son’s hair gently
Lance stepped forwards, “do you know where you wanna start Varian?”
The teen looked at the man before looking at Hector, “….He doesn’t know”, the wild tamer stated, ”or he’s unsure”
“Hmm…. Well, what’s stickin out to you the most right now?” Lance asked gently
Varian thought about it for a moment before he looked at Adira, Hector raised a brow before hips realized what the teen meant, “the attack right before that bitch went after you”, he stated, “when she played with Adira’s body and tried to knock my out….”
Varian nodded and looked at Adira anxiously, “how do you know what happened there?” The face painted warrior asked, “II figured someone told you we were attacked, but I didn’t think they’d given you so much detail…..”
“Guards tend to talk unfortunately”, Quirin said softly, “it’s not pleasant to hear their rumors…. And they kept popping in to check on Varian when he was still in his original lab in the castle. They’d walk away talking about what happened, I should know, I nearly punched one of them for doing so”
“I remember that”, Rapunzel said
“How? Were you there?” Hector asked
“Yes, I had to stop Quirin from punching the guard, that was…. Very difficult”
“I was very angry”, Quirin stared, getting his brother to smirk
Varian whimpered, getting everyone to look at him as he stared at Adira, “…he’s really worried about you sister”, Hector stated
“I’m alright Speckles”, Adira replied softly, “it wasn’t pleasant, but I was knocked out, so I couldn’t feel her doing that to me”
Varian gave her an even more anxious face, “he’s still worried because it fucking happened at all, and to be honest, I am too…. You haven’t talked about it since it happened, and that’s…. It’s not a good sign….” Hector translated
“I’m fine”
Hector frowned before he looked at Varian, “she doesn’t wanna talk about it right now, I’d give her a bit, but she’s okay for now if that helps”
The teen thought about that as Adira blushed and glared at Hector, but didn’t argue. Varian sighed and nodded before he looked at Hector himself, “me? I’m actually okay, I got to trick that bitch and watched Quirin beat the fuck out of her, I’m fucking proud of how I handled that, plus, one more scar just means I survived something else, which is always find by me”
Varian smiled before he looked at Edmund, the Dark King tilting his head before smiling, “I’m okay little peanut, I didn’t get hurt, I defended my children, and-!” He’d just remembered something, “I….. sensed a demon with Cassandra”
Varian’s eyes widened as he blinked and looked at Hector, who nodded, “he did, I heard him, possibly that Ziri person you were talking about?”
The teen made an anxious face again and looked at Rapunzel, “you’re worried about Ziri huh? You did mention you felt a dark presence before, and now with Edmund’s demon sense and you seeing Ziri there *with* Cassandra….. Most of her actions make a lot more sense now……” Rapunzel stated, “think about it, if there’s a demon attached to her, then majority of the things she’s doing right now probably weren’t her own choices!”
Varian huffed as Quirin raised a brow at the princess, “do I even *need* to fucking translate that?” Hector asked
“No I uh…. Got the idea….” Rapunzel replied with a blush, “I’m not excusing her, what she’s done is horrible, absolutely, I just…. I guess it’s hard for me to imagine her as….. a villain….”
Varian’s gaze softened, hurt filled him as he thought back to how Rapunzel had fought against him without a problem….. “So he’s a villain that you can fight, but she’s fucking not?” Hector asked, startling the teen
“I didn’t say that!”
“You kinda did princess”, the wild tamer stated, “look, I get she was your fucking friend for a while, and that what she’s doing now isn’t what she’d normally do, but even if Adira or, fucking hell, *QUIRIN* of all people started to do *half* the shit your bestie has done, I’d fucking call them a villain straight to their face and try to stop them! No if’s, and’s, or but’s! She’s fucking hurting people, she nearly *killed* Adira, AND Varian, and I get it…. She’s your best friend and possibly even your sister, but for fuck’s sake, you’ve really gotta watch what you say!”
“I know…. I’m trying, I just…. It pops out…”
Quirin sighed as Varian blinked at Rapunzel before looking at Hugo, “….Making a connection to her and your boyfriend? I actually don’t see it”, the wild tamer said
Hugo blushed before looking at Varian, “you okay?” He asked
Varian smiled at him, he loves Hugo, the man makes him so happy, he reached out, and the blond teen instantly grabbed his hand, almost as if he knew what he needed. Varian then looked at Rapunzel before he closed his eyes, his hair beginning to glow, making her braid do the same before he opened his eyes again and the glowing stopped
“Oh, you’re connected in two different ways, but connected either way”, Hector stated, getting Varian to nod
Rapunzel tilted her head, “sorry for sounding rude, but how does that…. Um….. work here?” He asked timidly, u sure of how else to phrase that question
Varian looked at Hector, who smirked, “it’s a connection is what he means, a connection he needs from the both of you. Hugo in a different way, a more lovey dovey way, and you with the magic shit going on. He’s basically saying he couldn’t live without either of you two, and while he understands how you feel, because of your connection, your words hold a lot of power to them”
“Oh…. So when I say something like that….”
“If fucking hurts, yeah”, Hector stated, “you’ve gotten so close to him at this point, and with your destinies combined, you two share a huge connection, so when you say stuff like that, it’d be like Hugo saying something about how Alchemy is t nearly as important as inventing”
Both teens gasped, “you take those words out of my metaphorical mouth sir!” Hugo exclaimed, Varian nodding in agreement
Hector raised a brow, “it’s just a comparison”
“I request a different comparison! That statement is blasphemy!”
“For fuck’s sake you two”, the wild tamer stated as Quirin chuckled, “ok here, it’s like Hugo saying he….. Doesn’t like Quirin’s pumpkin pie”, it was Quirin’s turn to gasp, “I’m not fucking changing it ya piece of shit!” The retired knight laughed, as did Hugo and Varian, while Adira patted Hector on the shoulder comfortingly, “y’all are a bunch of assholes”
Varian gave him puppy dog eyes
“….Fine, except for you”, the teen smiled as Hector sighed and looked at Rapunzel, “either way, that’s what he means,your words hold more power to him, so just be careful”
“Noted, and sorry”, Rapunzel replied, “I honestly have a hard time with Cassandra just because…. Well she’s my very first friend, Eugene was too, but he’s my boyfriend now, it’s a bit different. I’d probably feel the same if Eugene turned into a villain too…. Cass she…. She’s been there for me when times were super tough, helped me find freedom when I was trapped, she’s just…. Been there for me through a lot, and while you have also Varian, it’s just…. When you were a villain…. We didn’t really…. Have the same connection we do now….. But Cass does….. I guess that’s why I’m fighting so hard for her…. I’m sorry if that upsets you, know that I’d do the same thing now if it were you, I just….” She sighed, “I don’t know…. I think I’m making things worse…”
Varian looked at her and sighed before shaking his head and looking at Hector, “you understand?” Hector asked, getting Barian nod
“You do?” Rapunzel asked, getting the teen to nod again
“You explained it, you didn’t have as good a relationship as you do now with Varian”, Quirin said, “that’s understandable, as long as you’re more careful though, it’s fine, it’s a touchy subject for everyone”, he added, “thought I will say, you don’t have to stop hoping she’ll snap out of this, it’s just…. Hard to hear you say that her actions aren’t her own, even with a demon, she’s still hurting people, and Hector and Adira gave her a chance to stop doing that, even when Ziri wasn’t around, and Cassandra chose to continue. Her actions may not entirely be her own, and maybe you can change her mind, but….. She’s not innocent….”
“I understand, and believe me, if she does come back, she’ll be punished, I just… Want her to come back…. She’s….” Rapunzel sighed, “she’s not a monster, neither were you Varian, you’re both just…. Angry, for different reasons-!”
“*Vastly* different reasons”, Hector stated
“Right, but you were both angry, and you came back, I guess I’m hoping she’ll see the light and do the same…..”
Varian reached out to Rapunzel, the princess noticed and smiled, walking over and grabbing his hand, their hair glows together and the teen smiled at her, “he loves you”, Hector translated
Rapunzel giggled, “I love you too!” She said, kissing Varian’s nose and getting him to wrinkle it before he straightened it out, Hugo giggled at that
“Cute!” The blond inventor said
“Isn’t he just”, Quirin agreed with a smile
Varian blushed before looking at Hector again, “move on?” The wild tamer asked with a snort as the teen nodded, “ok, do you have something in mind?”
Varian looked at his father, “me?” Quirin asked
“You worried about him?” Hector asked, getting the teen to nod
“Why’s that?” The retired knight asked, seeing the look on his son’s face however, told him all he needed to know, “you’re worried about the fight and how I’m feeling towards Rapunzel, Cassandra, and how I reacted to you possibly dying huh”
Varian gave him an anxious expression
Quirin smiled, “I’m alright, really, the talk with Rapunzel helped, and Hugo being there with me when you were gone helped a great deal. Plus I have you with me, I know you’re safe, and I can help protect you now too”, he said, “I really am alright”
His son huffed
The retired knight chuckled, “don’t believe me huh?”
Varian shook his head and placed a hand over Quirin’s heart
“My heartbeat is too fast isn’t it”
His son nodded before whimpering a little
Quirin let out a small sigh, “ok, I’m tired I’ll be honest about that, and I am telling the truth when I say I’m okay…. I guess there’s a part of me that’s always gonna worry about you though, that’s the whole point of being a dad, especially to a tiny like you”, he chuckled at his son’s grumpled face, “look I…. I’m gonna worry, and I’m gonna be tired, but I really am okay…. I’ve…. Been thinking about maybe making sessions with Lance…..”
“You’ve been thinking about that for a while”, Hector pointed out
“I know…. It’s just hard…. I don’t like thinking about how damaged I am…. Or feeling anxious about how things will end up. I’ve got a good home, family, life, I’m not hurting financially, I shouldn’t have anything to complain about…. But I know I need to talk with him…. Or someone at least….. about what happened to me, and what’s happening…. I…. Nearly died when you were taken away….. Just the thought of it scared, and nearly killed, me….. I don’t…. I don’t want to…. I don’t want to think about how damaged I am and how mentally weak I really am….. but I know I have to someday…. I’m sorry it’s taking me so long….”
Varian hugged his father, he understood, he knew better than anyone how that felt….. It isn’t fun, nor fair, but he appreciated the man’s confession at least, it was a start, and he should feel proud of that, Hector seemed to agree, “you admitting that is better than nothing you know”, he said, “saying you’re scared or freaked out is understandable, talking to Lance, or whoever, about what happened to you is fucking hard….. But you admitting that is strong, it’s a strong thing to do”
“Well thanks, I appreciate that, I just hate that I need it….. I know I do though…..” he sighed before looking at Lance, “do you…. Know of way it could be easier….”
The man thought for a moment, “havin Varian or Hugo in there could help, maybe we could just do an introduction day, where we talk about easier stuff before we get into bigger things, we could do somethin while talk, draw, sing, garden if ya want, somethin that helps relax you”
Quirin nodded, “that…. Would be nice…. I’m sorry for putting it off for so long….”
“Quirin you can come to me whenever you feel comfortable, I ain’t gonna force ya, you don’t have to feel bad about going late and gettin the help ya need when you want to. There’s a bit of responsibility on your part, yeah, but the sessions will only work if you feel comfy about havin em”, the former thief stated with a smile, “it’s okay for you to wait for a bit, when you’re comfortable, come find me, until then, I can keep waitin”
“Oki”, Quirin replied before letting out a small sigh and looking at his son, “you’re not gonna stop worrying until I go though, huh?”
Varian blinked but nodded, then pointed to his dad
“You said the same thing, that you can’t but worry for your kid, he can’t help but worry for you, so it’s only fair” Hector stated with a snort
“True”, Quirin replied, kissing his son’s head, “I love you Varian”
There was a small moment of silence before they heard a quiet, and hoarse, “I love you too”
The retired knight’s smile widened as his son’s voice filled the air for a moment, he looked at Varian again, “I love your voice too, little bean”
Varian smiled and blushed as Hugo nodded in agreement. The group took a few more moments to enjoy the calm that’d swept over them before Eugene broke the silence, “so, kiddo, do you need to talk about anything else, or would you prefer not to right now?”
Varian looked at him before he looked at Lance and pointed to him, “I think he wants to wait on the rest of the subject, that bitch fucking him ip probably did a number on him, so I’m guessing you’ll be having another session soon?” Hector asked
Lance nodded, “yeah, we can have another session about Cassandra, I’d be more than happy to listen and help”
“Thank you Lance”, Varian said softly
“You’re welcome little man”
“Does that mean we’re done?” Adira asked, “or do you still need a minute Speckles?”
Varian thought about it for a moment before shaking his head, “I’m okay now, I’m sorry, I guess I just needed to let out some emotion”
“You don’t have to apologize Freckles, we’re glad you did let out that emotion”, Hugo said, “it’s better than keeping it in”
“Hugo’s right so, you got out what you needed to, I’m proud of you for that”, Quirin added, getting Varian to grin from ear to ear as a shimmer of happy tears filled his eyes and he hugged his father even more, getting the man to chuckle
“Well, it wasn’t a few hours like we’d thought, so how about we get something to eat?” Edmund suggested, “some good food would be a welcomed notion at this point”
Everyone agreed, including Varian, the group walked out, Quirin holding his son still since the teen shouldn’t walk at the moment. Everyone seemed to feel a lot better as they ate, and when the meeting was called back, they reconvened with a newfound confidence, hoping for a better outcome this time around!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter is sort of a set up chapter, more of my way of hinting at what I have planned coming up, so yay! :D
Hector being Varian’s voice makes so much sense to me here because he understands certain things that the others don’t, due to his own personal experiences with mental health and anxiety specifically, plus I haven’t done a Hector chapter in a while, I missed the man! Also, flight mode Fred is based off of king Frederic, Hector hates him XD
Varian’s main concerns would be his family, I didn’t discuss his feelings on Cass here because I have an idea for it later, but that’s also part of the reason he’s been so stressed. Little bean also is getting wiser, he’s growing into a really good boy! ❤️
Punzel is learning, she’s still got a long way to go, but at least she admitted why she’s having so much trouble calling Cassandra a villain, because that’s true, she and Varian weren’t as close as she and Cass when he had his evil arch. It does make a difference, but she’s working on it :D
Quirin’s getting better, honestly, his fear is what I experienced before getting therapy, so I thought I’d put it in here, I think everyone has this in some way, shape or form, and it’s okay, do you need the help, yes, but should you force yourself, if you’re not hurting yourself or anyone else, no. Quirin’s gonna get there, he just needs time is all
Edmund is jumpy, you’ll have to excuse him, there’s a reason, I’ll get into that more soon too :3
Lance is being a king again!!!!! This man never stops! XD
Eugene is supportive bean here, hims a good boy :D
Poor Adira, more to come for her, just poor Adira….
Hugo is still the best boyfriend!!!!! Love Hugo, supportive boy ❤️
Ruddy buddy is here, he’s just not mentioned because there were so many people I This chapter, but he’s still being the best coon! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 376: Crazy Rhino Worries!
Summary:
Hector and Adira have been given new orders, and Hector isn’t happy about it!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Fuck”
“Indeed”
“Fuuuuuuuuuuck”
Adira snorted as she raised an amused brow at her brother, “must you be *this* annoyed? It’s not that bad”
“Really?” Hector asked aggravatedly, “since we’re staying here, we must stick around the fucking castle and watch over it and everyone else inside it just in case bitch face comes around and tries to kersplode every-fucking-thing in sight! That includes the woods adjacent to this fucking places and we have to stick together, yay!” He exclaimed sarcastically before looking at his sister, “fuck!”
“Oh come now Hector, are you really upset you and Adira have to spend time together?” Edmund asked as he and Quirin took their seats next to Varian’s bed while the teen got comfy, tired from the day’s meeting
“It’s not Adira that I’m upset about, she’s annoying and a shit stain who likes to get on my nerves-!”
“Aww, and you have pretty eyes”, the face painted warrior replied with a smirk
Hector huffed at her, “but she’s not nearly as bad as WHAT we have to fucking do. Guard a fucking castle? REALLY?! I’m gonna fall asleep doin that shit! If he’s so worried about his kingdom, why not have his fucking foot licking Captain of the guard protect the castle, and then have us patrol around the kingdom like before? Maybe even with some extra muscle like Stan and Ethan, how is that a bad idea? We’d be able to prevent bitch face from even *entering* the kingdom!”
“Because you and Adira are strong, and if the guards aren’t able to stop Cassandra from entering the kingdom, she won’t try to attack the innocent, but she will attack the castle to get to Varian and Rapunzel, that’s when you’d be able to cut her off”, Quirin explained, “I’d you’d like to think of it in a different way, you could say you’re protecting Varian and his friends, since we still have to spend majority of our time in the castle”
Hector thought about that, “…..While that makes it slightly better, I’m still irritated….”
“I’m just happy I can sleep in my *own* bed”, Varian stated, snuggling under the covers as Hugo helped him
“You only get to while I’m there”, Quirin stated, tucking his son in, “and it’ll only be for two nights a week, with a lot of guards”
“I know, but it’s better than nothing, and changing our positions to throw certain people off the scent is a good idea, I’m really glad Hugo suggested it”
The blond teen smiled, “happy to help Freckles”
“Fuck”, Hector stated
“Unfortunately someone’s still angry”
“Fuck!”
Varian giggled, “he’s very grumpy, but he’ll calm down eventually”
“Yeah, he just has to say his favorite word over and over again”, Eugene joked, “that’ll help”
Hector raised a brow, “ass, shit, fuck, bitch, damn, hell, shit, fuck, damn dumb bitch, fuck!”
“……Wow”
Varian and Hugo laughed as Adira applauded Hector’s language, Rapunzel had her hands over her mouth and was blushing as Kance had covered Catalina and Angry’s ears right before the blue streak came along, to no use unfortunately, as the girls could still hear, but it was the thought that counted. Edmund sighed, “he’ll be like this for a minute”
“Fuck!” Hector said with a smirk
Quirin snorted, “brat”, getting his sibling to snicker
“I’m fucking mad! We’re basically babysitters for the rich and/or snobby! Save for the smart spawns, the Prince, his best buddy and his spawns, this family, the Queen, and the princess herself…. Sort of…. Actually I’m on the fence”
Rapunzel sighed, “kinda figured, but it’s rude all the same”
“Very”, Eugene stated with a raised brow
“Fight me, my nephew was nearly killed and I’m still pissed at you for it”, the wild tamer stated with a huff
“I know I know”, Rapunzel said with a sigh as Eugene huffed right back at the man defensively
“I know you’re upset Hector, but it’s still something you need to do”, Edmund said
“I know, and I’ll do my job, just fucking angry….”
Edmund smiled at his tamer, “is this *because* of Varian?”
The alchemist in question tilted his head a little as Hector blushed, “I’m not answering that”
“So it is then”
“I’m not answering”
The Dark King chuckled, “he’ll be with Quirin, safe and sound, don’t worry”. The wild tamer remained quiet, he was looking away, Adira looked at him interestedly as Edmund smiled, “oh you’re *very* worried, about both of them”
“…..Hugo too…. And Ruddigar….”
The raccoon also tilted his head curiously, mirroring his boy as Quirin grinned, “we’ll be alright, and it’s only for two days”
“Two days too, fucking, many”
The retired knight chuckled before he walked over and hugged his younger brother, “I love you too Hector”
The wild tamer huffed, but didn’t push Quirin away, instead blushing even more before the Village Leader let go, “so he’s doing all this fussing because he’s worried?” Rapunzel asked
“Hey!”
“You called me snobby, I get to say you’re fussing”
The wild tamer growled, but didn’t argue, “yes he is”, Quirin replied, “he’s done this before actually, when he was younger. I wouldn’t call this a temper tantrum, though it’s probably the closest you’ll get”
“Fuck you”, Hector stated
“Are you saying this *is* a temper tantrum?”
“Close enough”, Adira stated
“Again, fuck you”, Hector replied, narrowing his eyes at Adira
“So he’s worried about us?” Hugo asked
“Yes, this is his way of showing it”, Quirin replied with a chuckle, “he may not seem the type, but Hector’s extremely family oriented. He’s protective and caring, he just masks it under a very thick shell. If he’s allowed you to pet his animals, ride Xena, and has shown huge signs of emotion near you that isn’t just anger, you’re part of his pack so to speak. Break that trust, and you’ll never be forgiven”
Rapunzel shifted a little at that as she looked at the wild tamer, who didn’t return her gaze. She lowered her head, staying quiet as Varian spoke up, “uncle Hector is a protecter!”
Quirin smiled at his son, “you’re a poet and you didn’t know it”
Varian giggled before yawning squeakily, the day’s events really taking a toll on him as he snuggled deeper under the blankets. Hugo watched his boyfriend lovingly before he looked at Hector, “we really will be okay, you can trust us to handle any situation we may find ourselves in”
“I do, it’s just bitch face I don’t trust….” The wild tamer stated
“Bitch face meaning Cassandra right?” Eugene asked
“Yeah, for as much as I don’t like your princess, I wouldn’t call her that, she’s not as bad as bitch face….. Though I’m still pissed”
“….Noted”, Eugene replied with a sigh as he looked at Rapunzel worriedly, she shook her head and smiled at her lover, she understood, even if it made her sad
“This reminds me of the time Quirin had a mission and little Hector didn’t trust the, ‘mean guards’, he was with, to protect him”, Edmund stated with a chuckle
Adira chuckled as Quirin grinned, “I remember that”, he said, “though it was much more than just the guards”
“What happened?” Hugo asked
The retired knight chuckled, “it was a long time ago, we got a scroll saying a child from the kingdom had been kidnapped. I was assigned to go and save them, but Hector was anxious about me leaving”:
*”Do you have to go?” A 7 year old Hector asked anxiously as he tugged on the squire’s armor
“I have to go Hector, but I’ll be back soon enough, don’t worry”, 20 year I’ll Quirin replied with a smile
“Can’t I come with you?”
“No, you’re still recovering”
“I’m not *that* sick right now, besides, you know I can handle myself in battle!”
“I know, but you’ve gotta stay here and rest, besides, you’re not feeling *that* much better either”
Hector huffed, pouting, “the doctor’s a snitch”
“He’s doing his job”
“As a snitch”
Quirin chuckled, “you’re so feisty, look, I’ll be back in a few days, possibly a week at most, once I’m back, I’ll get you training with me again, but for now you’ll have to train with Adira”
“But she’s mean! And she’s sarcastic too and doesn’t let me practice what I want to!”
“Hmmm…. Would it make you feel better if I gave her a list?”
“She won’t follow it….”
“If she doesn’t, then she doesn’t get cake, I’ll make sure she knows that”
Hector continued to pout before he looked up at the man, he hadn’t been there very long, but thanks to the squire’s constant checks and training, the small fighter had become a lot stronger than he was before. Even going toe to toe with the same 9 year old Adira who had mopped the floor with him before! He’d grown attached to the squire, following him around even when he didn’t really need to, but this new mission made him antsy, it was setting off warning bells that he didn’t like, “I don’t want you to go….”
“I know, but I’ve got to”
“But why? Can’t you take me with you?”
“We’ve been over this, you’re still recovering”, the squire said gently, covering Hector’s body with the blanket a little more when he noticed the boy shivering
“But Quirin…..”
Quirin sighed, but smiled still, “is it because you don’t like the guards?”
“…..They’re mean….”
“They’re very mean”
“But they’re not the only reason, I’m getting a really bad feeling, like something’s not right…. I don’t want you to go”
This made the squire raise a brow, “a feeling?”
“Yeah!”
He tilted his head, “what feeling do you get?”
Hector was a little startled the man had asked that, he’d never been asked that before, usually he’d just get told to shut up, “I…. I-it’s an odd feeling, like this is too…. con…. Cahn…. Convient?”
Quirin chuckled, “convenient?”
“Yeah! I…. Couldn’t remember….”
“It’s okay, you’re still a few grades behind, but you learn fast, and you used it properly, so you did good!”*
“Wait wait, hold on”, Hugo interrupted, “Hector is fucking intelligent, are you telling me his parents didn’t teach him anything while he was with them?”
“No they didn’t”, Hector replied, “they wanted me to be a fighter, not a thinker. Fighters don’t think, they fight, strategy is what they know, how to weaken your opponent comes in handy, no need to talk when you’re trying to draw the other’s blood”
“…..I keep forgetting how horrible they are, and then I hear these stories and get angry on your behalf all fucking over again….”
Hector smiled, “thanks kid”
Hugo huffed and nodded, getting a sleepy Varian to smile, “you just earned 50 good boyfriend points”
The blond teen blinked and looked at his boyfriend, “well it’s been a while since you’ve given me any of those”
“Figured now would be a good time to restart that again, defending my awesome uncle definitely gets you a lot”
Hugo smiled, “not that I would use that to my advantage, but noted”
Quirin chuckled, “anyway, you two” both alchemists blushed as the retired knight continued with the story:
*The 7 year old smiled at the compliment before he grew serious again, “I’m still getting a bad feeling”
The squire thought for a moment, “how about this, let me get Prince Edmund in here, I’ll have you talk to him and see what he says about your feeling, because honestly, if you’re getting alarm bells, then it’s worth listening to”
“Really?!”
“Yes, but you’ve gotta stay in bed”
“There’s aka ways a catch!”
“I know, but you really need to get better, feisty one”, Quirin stated, ruffling Hector’s hair
The boy giggled a little before sighing, “oki, fine, I’ll stay, but you gotta have him talk to me *before* you go”
“Count on it, in fact, I’ll go get him right now, he and Eden should be done with their meeting anyway, can you stay here for a moment?”
“Oki”
“Thank you Hector”, Quirin replied, planting a kiss on the boy’s head before getting up and walking out
The child blushed a little before he smiled, he’d never been kissed like that before, it was a show of familial affection, he knew that, but it made him happy, “wow, had I known a small kiss would’ve calmed you down, I would’ve had Stickler do that a while ago”, an annoyingly familiar voice said
Hector sighed, “what do you want Adira”
The 9 year old chuckled before walking inside the room, “what? Can’t I say hi without you thinking I’m going to upset you?”
“Nu”
“Well then”
“It’s true”
Adira chuckled, “despite your animosity, I’m actually on your side of this argument, so lower your shields tiny”
“An…. Ani….”
“Oh, sorry, you’re defensive behavior towards me”
“Oh!” Hector exclaimed, locking that word in his mind so he didn’t forget, possibly a way to surprise Auirin later, maybe even impress him! “Thanks”
“You’re welcome, so…. Truce for now?”
“….Oki, truce”, he replied, getting her to smile before she sat on the edge of the bed with him, “so…. You have a bad feeling about this too?”
“I find it convenient, like you do. I never told Stickler because he doesn’t really have a choice, or so I thought. Seems like he’s got an odd feeling about this kidnapping too”
“You think so?”
“Him getting the prince proves that theory, I’d honestly like to give him my opinion too, if that’s okay”
“Yeah! You think he’ll stay if you do?”
“I don’t know if I’m honest, Stickler’s a rule abider”
“Ab… abi….”
“He follows the rules, usually without question”
“Ah”
“Yeah, but see if he’s getting the Prince, then there’s a chance he’s already had an odd feeling about this, and you saying you have as well seems to have confirmed there may be something wrong here”
Hector thought about that for a moment, the Squire wasn’t just basing it off of his sole opinion, but the fact that he’d been able to confirm Quirin’s worries made him feel a little bad, but also glad, because he was being listened to, he smiled, “I hope we’re not wrong…. I don’t wanna make him worry for nothing….”
Adira smiled, “I don’t think we are, but it’s sweet that you say that”, she said, before smirking, “though I’d think you’d wanna be wrong, just so he could stay out of danger”
“You said we had a truce!”
“Picking on you to be funny is not the same thing as teasing you during training, plus it’s funnier”
“You’re mean”
“I’m not mean, just funny”
“And mean!”
Aria giggled, “alright alright, I’ll stop…. For now”
Hector huffed before he saw Quirin walking down the hall, “Quirin!”
The Squire smiled lovingly at the boy as he entered the room, “hey feisty, I brought the Prince, and Eden, and-! Hi Adira, what are you doing here?”
“Hey, I’m voicing my opinions on the current subject for which you’ve brought our great leader and the love of his life to discuss”, the 9 year old replied
“…So you agree with Hector then”
“Yup”
“I see”
Hector raised a brow, “cryptic?”
“I find it funny”, Adira stated
“Ah”
Eden chuckled, “that’s our Adira for you”, she said, getting the face painted trainee to smile as she looked at Hector, “hello little one”
Hector blushed, “hello Miss. Eden”
She snickered, “what have I told you about the Miss”
“I know….. I’m sorry”
“It’s alright sweetie, I’m just teasing, but you don’t have to be so formal tiny one”, she replied, walking over and hugging the boy lovingly, getting him to hug her back
Edmund smiled before he looked at Quirin, “so you said he shared your opinion?l
“Yeah”, Quirin replied, “I have no qualms with going after a child to save them, but this is just a little too convenient, espiecally with all the recent attacks we’ve been getting from Arendelle”
“I see…” he looked at Hector, “you’ve got a bad feeling?”
Hector nodded, “yeah, I don’t know why, but when the kidnapping was mentioned, I got a lot of odd voices screaming in my head saying something was weird”
“Those are definitely alarm bells”, Eden stated
“He’s not the only one who’s been getting them either”, Adira stated, “this whole thing seems odd, especially with their demands”
“How do you know what they demanded?” Prince Edmund asked
“You’re not very good at hiding them”
He sighed, “ignoring the fact that you weren’t supposed to look, I can see your point. I mean, not that I don’t care about the citizens, but they kidnapped a random child from a random family, and them expect us to give them the keys to the kingdom basically….. It’s a bit odd….”
“I’m not planning on doing that either way”, Quirin stated, “while I want the child to be safe, do we even know this family, how long have they been here? Where did they come from, because their last name sounds like they’re from a different kingdom. Nothing wrong with that, but what if they’re *from* Arendelle?”
“If they are, why would they want to have you come out there and make the deal? They know you’re one of the most promising squires”, Prince Edmund stated, “limited guards too”
Hector suddenly felt something click, “because he’s connected to you!”
“Hm?”
“Quirin is your adopted child! You care about him deeply, everyone in the kingdom knows that! Even with his skills, get enough guards to ambush him and suddenly they have a better bargaining chip! You’d do anything to keep Quirin safe, because of that, they’d switch, the child they kidnapped actually being part of the act, they’d have Quirin, and you’d have no choice if you wanted to save your son! It’s a set up! They’re gonna try to hurt Quirin to get to you!”
Edmund blinked before he grew *angry* as did Eden, their eyes narrowing as their hands clenched, “if that’s the case then they’ll be *sorely* mistaken……” He looked at Quirin, “you’re still going to go, pretend like you’re with the limited guard, but we’ll have an ambush of our own waiting….”
**A few days later**
Hector and Adira were playing board games together, the face painted trainee winning by a landslide, annoying Hector a little, but he continued to play since there was nothing else to do. Suddenly the door burst open, getting them to loom and see a very tired looking Quirin standing there
“YOU’RE BACK!” Hector yelled happily, setting the game aside and carefully making his way out of the bed, running over to the Squire, who picked him up and held him close, “I’m so happy you’re back!” They stayed that way for a moment as Adira cal lay walked over and smiled at the man before the two let go, “what happened? Are you alright?l
“Im fine,you were both right, it was a trick, the family wanted to use me against the kingdom, so they faked the kidnapping in order to get me”, Quirin explained, “it was a blood bath, but we won in the end! The family is not in custody and the leader of the attack is as well, apparently Arendelle didn’t know they were doing this, they acted alone, so they’re going to be transported back to their home kingdom for punishment”. He smiled at the pair, “you both saved my life!”
They smiled, “no one touches our Stickler”, Adira stated
“She’s right!” Hector exclaimed, “now you get to train with me again right?”
The Squire chuckled and nodded, “yeah, and you two are gonna get medals for your intuition! I’m so proud of the both of you!”
The group celebrated happily with food and a party with Prince Edmund and Eden! All of them happy they made it out of that situation okay as they held each other close, Hector and Adira being adopted soon after that event!*
“And that’s the story I’d how Hector saved my life, with Adira of course”, Quirin stated
“Wow! Very family oriented!” Hugo exclaimed, impressed by the man
“Heh, those shitheads got time in jail for what they did, I got to visit them too, showed them the medal”, Hector stated with a smirk before he looked at Quirin, “I still don’t like the fact that you’ll be away from me and Adira for two days in the week….”
“I know…. How about this, why don’t we send letters to each other? Showing you that we’re okay”, he suggested, “me and Varian could write to the both of you, and if our letter doesn’t get delivered on time, the you’ll know something’s up”
“When will they come?”
“How about in the evening, say…. 8 or 9PM, that way you’ll know we’re in our home and safe. You’ll see us pass by when we make our way back to the castle as well”
The wild tamer hesitated before nodding, “ok”
Quirin smiled, “you’re a good boy Hector”
“I…. You, with the fucking compliments from when I was a kid, stop that!” The wild tamer exclaimed, blushing
The retired knight chuckled before they heard small murmurs, all of them looked and saw Varian had fallen asleep. Hector in particular smiled at the small bean, walking over and covering his body with the blanket gently. He watched the boy for a while before sighing, “he’s so small….”
“He’ll be okay”, Quirin replied, “I’ll protect him, you know I will”
“Who will protect you?”
This startled the man a bit before he chuckled, “I guess that’s your job”
Adira smirked, “*our* job”
Hector smiled, “yeah, and we’re gonna fuckin do it right”
“I know you will”, the retired knight replied, his heart filling with warmth as he continued to smile at his siblings lovingly, happy they were around again!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s a family moment for Hector specifically! I missed writing him and Adira interacting with each other, and I also wanted to have them show how much they love Quirin, so here’s that! :D
Hector is a soft boi with a rough outer shell, he’s been hurt too many times to really get rid of that shell, but honestly, I can see him being the main protecter of the family, along with Quirin! Both of them are very family oriented, so to see the pair together makes me happy!
Adira is a brat and I love her! She’s so sassy, even when she was a kid! You can’t hate Adira, only get moderately annoyed by her XD and only when she wants you to be XD
Quirin is a good boy, he’s a great papa, big brother, son, guard, Squire, Knight, and so much more! This man deserves all the lovins! Hims good people!
Edmund being the calming one out of the group makes sense, even if he’s not always the solution, he’s very good at being the dad of the Dark Kingdom!
Varian and Hugo are being beans again!!!!! They won’t stop doing that, it’s adorable and makes my heart melt! XD
Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Catalina, and Angry didn’t get a lot of time to spend in here, but they’re supportive, so yay!
Ruddy buddy is still the best coon!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 377: 3AM!
Summary:
The Captain has taken it upon himself to watch over the only prisoner they have in their cells at the moment! Unfortunately, that job comes at a cost!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Captain had taken up patrol for the next few days, a few of his guards had complained about keeping an eye on one prisoner in particular, for their own safety. He’d decided to take up the mental of keeping an eye on the man himself, and watch he did.
Walking to and fro, the royal guardsman kept the man under his constant watch, him being the only prisoner there made it easier to hone in on him and him alone. As the Captain looked at the clock, he sighed, 3 hours gone, it would be a long couple of days…..
He’d counted every bump on the ceiling, every bar in the dungeon, hell he’d even counted the hairs on the top of his helmet! Nothing made time slip by any faster. He looked into the cell, the man inside had been quiet since his arrest a few nights prior. The Captain had made sure he wasn’t dead, which he wasn’t, but the Captain certainly didn’t like how quiet the prisoner had been.
It wasn’t natural, even the boy, when it was his turn to occupy a cell, had made whimpers or even outright yelped and screamed. Mostly because he’d be startled by another guard or prisoner, but still, it was noise. This one seemed to be thinking a bit too much…..
Another time check showed a few more hours passed, to an almost record keeping degree…. The slow passage of time wore on the leader’s nerves, but he remained diligent, he’d show the other guards they had nothing to worry about!
At, around, 3:35AM, the door to the dungeons opened, and the Captain was joined by Stan, the Queen….l and Hugo?
“What are you doing down here?” He asked the blond inventor, his presence making no sense to them man as the teen had shown he’d been against seeing the man at all
“He…. Had a nightmare Captain”, Arianna explained, “one that Left him shaking…. It was about the man in the cell…. He needed to see that he was still there, he won’t be long”
The Captain raised a brow, “I…. Don’t mean to argue with you your highness, but this is an incredibly dangerous individual, and you’re allowing a child to come down and make sure he’s still here due to a nightmare?”
“It’s wasn’t just mine…..” Hugo spoke up, “it was Varian too….. We had the exact same dream….. Cyrus escaped…. You’d been killed…. We just wanna make sure it’s not real….”
“That’s still a very dangerous idea….”
“If it were jus toy dream then I’d be up in bed with Freckles, but it wasn’t, and Varian has prophetic dreams, he sees what we can’t, so I’m not taking chances, because while I don’t give a damn about what happens to *you*, the next person he targets is Varian himself, and he won….. I don’t want that to fucking happen”
“It’s okay Hugo”, Arianna stated calmly, getting the blond to quiet down just a little before she looked at the annoyed Captain, “he’s right about Varian’s dreams, they’ve been shown to come true when we least expect it. If he’s had a dream about Cyrus escaping….. It’s in our best interests to check Captain, for everyone’s safety”
The Captain was startled by the fact that the boy had dreams that came true, but chalked it up to the magical jumbo jumbo he’d seen before. He sighed and stepped back, “he’s still locked up”
Hugo stepped forwards and looked inside the cell, Arianna doing the same, they remained silent as the Queen looked at Hugo, “he seems to be sleeping”
The blond narrowed his eyes as he watched Cyrus for a long time, before he shook his head, “he’s not”
“What?”
“He’s knocked out….. I’m not sure how, but he’s knocked out by something…..”
“What are you talking about?” The Captain asked, “no one’s been in his cell since he’s been here! We e given him his food and drink through the bars, the cell hasn’t even been opened due to how dangerous he is, so how can he be knocked out?”
Hugo sighed, “I didn’t blame anyone Captain, but he’s out, you can tell by his breathing and the fact that he hasn’t said anything since I’ve gotten down here, plus that food you just mentioned hasn’t been touched, which isn’t like Cyrus”
“Maybe he’s given up”
Hugo glared at the guard, “that man doesn’t give up. He fucking plans everything, weather Don tells him to or he does so himself, the last thing he’d do in this situation is give up, especially since he’s still a-fucking-live. He’d keep up his strength as much as he could, eating what he got, and drinking when he needs, he’s smart and a survivor, instincts judge his motions. So him giving up simply because he’s locked away makes no sense. Haven’t you noticed him being far too quiet now compared to his first day?”
Now that the teen had mentioned it, the thoughts of the silence came back to the Captain, he’d figured the man was simply thinking….. “He’s been quiet, but as you just said, he plans”
“Fine, if you don’t believe me, open the fucking door and see for yourself, he’s knocked out!”
The Captain glared at the teen, “and if he is, what would you like for us to do? Since you seem so keen to point out my mistakes”
The blond huffed, “it’s 3 fucking 30 AM, I’ve just woken up from a very unpleasant sleep and you’re giving me this right now….. Ugh….. Tie him up and heal the fucker, get a doctor, you don’t want him to die do you? If you do then his blood’s on your hands, but that’s normal protocol if I’m not mistaken!”
The Captain looked at the Queen, “your majesty….”
Arianna seemed to think about it for a moment before she nodded, “Hugo’s right, weather he’s asleep or knocked out, we need to know so we can take the proper steps to help. He may be a villain, but he should be healed, his sentencing was the mines, not death”
The Captain sighed, but nodded, “yes your highness”, glaring at Hugo, who smirked at him, though, it seemed the teen’s normally annoyingly sassy face was a bit different…. The Captain chalked it up to it being 3AM and moved on however, as he unlocked the cell and opened it, walking inside as he drew his sword. He made his way over to Cyrus and nudged him with his boot, “hey, are you awake?” He asked
The man didn’t move for a long time, until the Captain heard the sound he’d never thought he’d hear in his entire life, one that made his skin grow pale and his heart stop…..
The cell door closed behind him, and was locked.
Turning quickly, the Captain ran to it and tried to open it himself, but it would t budge! He patted himself down for the key, “looking for this?” A voice asked
The guard looked up and saw the prisoner he’d been guarding, now free and holding the key with a wicked grin on his face, “HOW?!” The Captain screamed, “how did you do that?! You were just in the cell! In fact you’re still here!”
“No I’m not, but you’re more than welcome to meet a new friend of mine”, Cyrus stated
The Captain turned and saw a girl standing where he’d seen Cyrus’s body, she was dressed in purple, looking very much like a plum as she smiled wickedly at the guard, “w-who are you?” He asked, for some reason, his body had received chills up and down his back when he saw her
“Oh just a friend of Cyrus’s”, she replied, her voice giving off an almost ethereal vibe as it bounced off the walls like an echo, “we both share something in common, we *hate* Corona, and it’s people, but we have plans to make before we can do anything about it. So I suppose it’s your lucky day, because we don’t plan on killing anyone right now, and that includes you. But you will be staying in this cell for a while, I hope that won’t be too much trouble for you, Captain”
The women walked over to the bars, away from the Captain, before splitting herself into several, slim, pieces and walking through the bars, before the pieces came back together and she was back to normal
The Captain looked around, “H-HUGO!” He yelled, “YOUR MAJESTY!!! STAN!”
“They aren’t here”, Cyrus stated, “all of that was just an illusion”
“What? HOW?!”
“My friend here has a few tricks up her sleeve, tricks I absolutely love! You saw her slip through the bars so easily”
“You can’t do this! Y-you can’t leave me here!”
“Actually we can!” The women stated gleefully, “in fact, it’s best if we do! Because if you come with us, we’d just kill you, and that wouldn’t be good for you, nor for her”
“Her?”
“Never you mind, either way, with Cyrus being the only prisoner here, it makes his escape easier as long as you stay down here, so please, do enjoy your stay! Oh! And that final meal you’d given Cyrus? I would try to eat as little as possible if I were you, you know, so you don’t starve during the duration of your stay down here, either way, toodles!” She stated with a wave before she and Cyrus began walking away, closing the door to the dungeons as the Captain’s final scream for help echoed off the walls and never made it past the wooden door.
****
*A few days later*
“Come on”, Quirin encouraged with a smile, “come on, you can do it!”
“I-I’m trying! This is a l-lot harder than I thought!” Varian replied, blushing as he tried his best to do as his father said
“I know, but try just a little harder, take a deep breath and let yourself go through the motions!”
The teen took a deep breath, letting it out slowly before he used all the strength he could in his aching body, and with all the energy he could muster, he managed to do it! He managed to walk two feet to his father without falling due to his body giving out, he did bend up falling in his father’s arms, but it was a victory none the less, “I did it! I walked!” He exclaimed happily as he hugged his father happily
“Yes you did!” Quirin exclaimed, hugging his son back as he picked him up, “soon you’ll be able to walk 4 feet, than 6, then 10, then back to normal like before!”
Doctor, Mrs., Solace smiled at the pair, “he’s making great progress, I’ve never seen anyone heal so quickly after the injuries he sustained”
“*QUICKLY*?!” Varian exclaimed, “I was dying of BORDOM!!!!!”
Quirin chuckled as he set his son back in his bed, “and now you’ll have to face that hurdle once again cause you still need a little bit longer to fully recover”
“But daaaaad!”
“No ‘but’s mister”, Dr. Solace stated, as Hugo, Ruddigar, Lance, Eugene, Rapunzel, Adira, Hector, and Edmund smiled at the teen lovingly, “your father’s right, you still need to heal, but this is very good progress, in a few days you’ll be right as rain!”
The freckled teen sighed, “fiiiiine”
“Don’t worry Freckles, at east you’ve got a snuggle buddy”, Hugo stated, sitting on the edge of the bed with his boyfriend
Varian smiled, “that’s true, hee hee!” He giggled, hugging his boyfriend lovingly before a commotion could be heard from outside the room
“What the fuck?” Hector asked
“What’s goin on?” Lance added
“Let’s see”, Rapunzel replied, walking over and opening the door, only to find her mother standing behind it, hand raised like she was about to knock, “mom? What’s going on?”
“Rapunzel! Oh thank goodness you’re in here! Is everyone else with you! Varian and Hugo in particular”
“Yeah they’re here, mom what’s wrong?”
“Oh honey…. We don’t know how it happened….. but…. It’s Cyrus….. He’s escaped…..”
“WHAT?!” Varian and Hugo gasped as their eyes widened with fear, both of them staring at the Queen, who didn’t seem to be joking, their minds freaking out at these news as they feared for theirs, and their families lives…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the shorter chapter, and even shorter final notes, but here’s a story beat, a major one!
I won’t go into character summaries because I unfortunately do not have time, but I still hope you all enjoyed! Cause this is going to affect the entire story! This is where things begin to deviate a little more from the show, so I hope you’re all ready! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 378: A Death in the Family!
Summary:
The group finds out Cyrus has escaped, and what he did after!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Doctor, Mrs. Solace smiled at the pair, “he’s making great progress, I’ve never seen anyone heal so quickly after the injuries he sustained”
“*QUICKLY*?!” Varian exclaimed, “I was dying of BORDOM!!!!!”
Quirin chuckled as he set his son back in his bed, “and now you’ll have to face that hurdle once again cause you still need a little bit longer to fully recover”
“But daaaaad!”
“No ‘but’s mister”, Dr. Solace stated, as Hugo, Ruddigar, Lance, Eugene, Rapunzel, Adira, Hector, and Edmund smiled at the teen lovingly, “your father’s right, you still need to heal, but this is very good progress, in a few days you’ll be right as rain!”
The freckled teen sighed, “fiiiiine”
“Don’t worry Freckles, at east you’ve got a snuggle buddy”, Hugo stated, sitting on the edge of the bed with his boyfriend
Varian smiled, “that’s true, hee hee!” He giggled, hugging his boyfriend lovingly before a commotion could be heard from outside the room
“What the fuck?” Hector asked
“What’s goin on?” Lance added
“Let’s see”, Rapunzel replied, walking over and opening the door, only to find her mother standing behind it, hand raised like she was about to knock, “mom? What’s going on?”
“Rapunzel! Oh thank goodness you’re in here! Is everyone else with you! Varian and Hugo in particular”
“Yeah they’re here, mom what’s wrong?”
“Oh honey…. We don’t know how it happened….. but…. It’s Cyrus….. He’s escaped…..”
“WHAT?!” Varian and Hugo gasped as their eyes widened with fear, both of them staring at the Queen, who didn’t seem to be joking, their minds freaking out at these news as they feared for theirs, and their families lives…..
“Mom”, Rapunzel said seriously, “please tell me this is a really bad joke”
“I’m afraid not….. The Captain was found a few hours ago during a shift change….. He was locked in the same cell he’d been guarding for the past couple of days….. Cyrus’s cell…..”
“And the man in question was inside right?” Hugo asked anxiously, hopping off the bed and walking over, “preferably beating up the Captain for being so stupid?”
“No”
“Was he in the hall? Mocking the Captain from inside it?”
“No”
“Did you, at least, see him nearby?”
“I’m sorry Hugo….”
The blond teen backed away slowly….. He felt his heart begin to beat faster and faster as he thought about the crazed man, now loose, and roaming around Demanitus knows where! “N-no…. No he was locked away…. H-he was locked a-fucking-way!” The teen felt tears run down his cheeks as he thought about what the man had said to him the final time he’d seen him, “he can’t b-be out now! He can’t! I-it’s not possible! I-if he’s out…. Then….” The teen stopped as he felt his heart break. He looked at the Queen, “Don….. D-Donella she’s here, w-where…. H-have you seen her? Did you check?”
Arianna’s eyes grew misty as she looked down, “I…. Yes… I checked on her…..”
Hugo stared at the Queen for a long time before his mind finally wrapped around the question he wanted to ask, but was too afraid to…. He watched the Queen carefully before his voice, quiet, and wavering, finally reached his mouth, “is s-she….”
Arianna bit her lip a little before sighing, “….I’m so sorry…. We were…. T-too late…..”
Everyone in the room was silent as Hugo felt his world begin to spin, his eyes were wide, his mouth agape, as he stared at the women, trying to figure out what she’d just said, trying to believe her, accept it, but he couldn’t, his entire *being* rejected the idea, she couldn’t be, she *wouldn’t* be! She’s too strong, too stubborn! She…. She….. “No….” Hugo said, “n-no no nononononono! S-she can’t, this i-is a dream, o-or a joke? She’s not, In can’t….. S-she…. Said s-she’d be my…. M-my… we were… g-getting better….” His voice cracked a little on the final word he’d spoken, “s-she can’t be…. B-be…. She…. I….”
Hugo felt someone hug him, he recognized their touch instantly as black hair with two blue streaks came into his vision. The stripes were glowing slightly, it was an odd detail he noticed as his mind swirled, tears dripping down his cheeks, “I’m sorry…..” The person hugging him said, for some reason, Hugo couldn’t remember their name at the moment, “I’m so sorry Hugo….”
The blond teen didn’t know what to do, his body felt limp, his eyes still stared at the Queen as she watched him, her hand covering her mouth as she looked so upset, he couldn’t really figure out why until he thought about what was making him act this way….. “S-she…..” he sniffled, hiccuping a little before shaking his head, he needed to stop, needed to be strong, “I…l n-need to see her…..”
The Queen was startled, but nodded, “you can if you wish, she’s…. You’re her final relative…. Aside from….” The Queen looked over at someone, Hugo raised a brow and followed her gaze until he saw a, surprisingly shocked, face painted warrior. She had a tear down her face as well, but remained calm, her little brother was standing next to her, a hand on her shoulder
The blond blinked, he’d forgotten they were related, “are you alright enough to see her?” A voice asked, it was the voice of the one hugging him
The blond inventor looked at him, those blue eyes, they were watching him worriedly, “I…”
“Hugo”
“….V-Varian”, he said, finally remembering their name! “I have to…. M-my…. Mind it won’t…. A-accept it…. It’s not…. I…. N-need to see her…. I n-need to know she’s really gone….”
“I’m coming with you”
Hugo felt the need to argue that point, but he didn’t find his voice to do so, so he simply agreed with a soft, “ok”
He saw Varian blink before his eyes grew even wider with worry, “H-Hugo?”
“I n-need to see her….” He felt like a broken record, but that’s all he could think about, seeing her
He felt Varian let go of him, his eyes still staring into his before he nodded, “oki, let’s go”
Relief, Hugo could feel relief, he felt it when he saw Varian giving him a look, one that said he understood, that he knew why Hugo was acting the way he was, he knew. It broke the blond’s heart to think that his boyfriend knew that, but he knew, and it was something. With a nod, Hugo stood up, not realizing he’d been on the ground, and looked at the Queen, “c-can I see her?”
Arianna nodded, she still looked extremely upset, but it seemed more for him rather than herself, “she’s this way”
They were led through the hallway, the group followed behind, Quirin stuck close to his two sons, Hugo appreciated that, his mind told him Quirin may be a much bigger comfort than the teen knew….. He saw a few guards standing in front of the door, her door….. Arianna got the, to move aside, Stan was one of the guards, he gave Hugo a sad look, the teen would’ve appreciated the sentiment had he felt anything aside from the need to see her at the moment. He walked inside, and saw the King of Corona standing over her, he was staring at her….. For some reason, that angered the blond
“What the fuck are you doing in here?!” He snapped
Frederic looked over, “I’m helping with the investigation, I needed to be in here to do that”, he replied, his voice was level, almost as if he’d expected Hugo’s snap, it made the teen’s blood boil even more than it was now as his fists clenched and tears streamed down his face again
“Leave her the *fuck* alone!”
The King looked at the teen sadly, “I’m sorry”, he replied softly, backing up a bit
“Hugo it’s okay, he won’t do anything to her”, Varian stated softly, “it’s okay, I… Can watch him, if you need me to”, he offered, giving an apologetic look over to the King, who seemed to understand, and nod
“…..Ok…..” Hugo replied, he didn’t have time to deal with this fucker, he just wanted to see her, he needed to. And…. See her he did…. The moment his attention was drawn away from the stupid King, he saw her….
She was laying in bed, she was bandaged up pretty badly, the injuries she’d been given from Cyrus’s previous attack on her had definitely left her weak…. But as Hugo stared, he noticed her blue lips, the bruising on her neck, and her pale complexion, “he…. S-strangled her….” The blond teen stated, “he killed her by…. Choking her….. S-she…. D-didn’t stand a chance…..”
Varian felt his stomach leap into his throat as he looked at Donella, the women had seemed so powerful to him before, but now, as she lay there, he felt guilt and fear and anger rise within him…. Her lifeless body was nothing more than a showcase for all to see, showing how Cyrus didn’t care how he killed them, the extra cuts and bruising suggested a struggle, the blankets underneath her were torn and the knocked over desk and broken shards of glass confirmed it. She’d put up a fight, trying to stay alive as much as she could, but….. it’d been too little too late….. The teen’s stomach could only handle so much, he had to turn away, closing his eyes was a bad idea, the image had been imprinted onto his skull….. So he looked at Frederic, the man looked back at him, they shared a moment, both of them seemed to be trying to escape what they were seeing, for once, Varian felt pity for the King, not very much, but it was there
“Hugo”, Quirin said softly, “I won’t if you don’t want me to, but…. I can… close her eyes…. That way she’s…. Able to rest easier”
The blond thought, under normal circumstances, that offer would be met with anger and hatred, but…. As he looked into her final moments, the fear in her eyes was just too much, so he nodded, “please…. I…. S-she….. Shouldn’t….. Her eyes w-will hurt…. If she…. If they aren’t…. C-closed…..” He felt so stupid saying that, of course her eyes won’t hurt, she’s not…. Gonna be able to….. use them….. But he felt like that was important for some reason
Quirin nodded and walked over, he gently closed her eyes before he looked at her and closed his eyes, bowing his head and making a crescent Moon shape in the air, “may the Moon light your journey”, he spoke, his voice was soft and calm, Hugo recognized that voice when he’d passed by church’s before, it was a blessing of safe travels, one from the Dark Kingdom, but a blessing all the same
The retired knight walked back to him and stood beside him, the blond teen looked at the man and sniffled, “thank you…..” His lips quivered, the crying seemed to come and go for him, he didn’t know if he should or not as he stared at his adopted mother’s body…..
Quirin nodded before offering his hand to the teen, “I’m here if you need me”
Hugo looked at the hand for a moment before he took it, he finally felt his mind accept her death…. Making sure to remember the date, he thought it was important… The more he stared at her, the more his heart broke until finally, it all hurt too much, and he looked at the man, “I…. I’m alone again….. I l-lost my family again….”
Quirin looked at him sadly, “Hugo….”
“She left me….. it wasn’t h-her fault…. I know that…. B-but she…. Left….. W-we we’re gonna be better…. He didn’t let us….. I…. She….. she’s gone….. I-I’m alone again….. I’m alone…..”
The retired knight hugged the teen, holding him close as the blond held onto him, he didn’t know when he’d started crying, didn’t know how long he’d been doing so, but he didn’t care anymore…. His tears closely feely as they dropped onto the man’s vest, he hugged Quirin, clung to him, taking refuge in his warmth as his sobs filled the room, no one stopped him, no one said a word, they just watched as Hugo, the strong and sassy blond inventor that they’d met on the road, fell apart…..
****
They held a funeral for her, once the investigation moved away from her body. She was buried in Old Corona, next to Quirin and Varian’s revamped, personal, garden. The retired knight planted flowers around her grave, no one knew what kind. It’d taken a few days to complete the arrangements, burial, the actual funeral itself, and the reception after. Xavier had made a gravestone for the women, her name was spelled out in big letters, the words, ‘a good alchemist, and beloved mother’, we’re engraved in the stone, along with the dates of her life, from beginning to end…..
A surprising amount of people showed up at her funeral, the Queen of Ingvarr being one of them, same as the new Duke and Duchess, Trinity and Dexter, coming to show their support to Hugo, and to see their brother again. Nuru and Yong had come by as well to give their respects, they hugged Hugo and gave him their condolences, offering a few small gifts to help, the blond had appreciated their kindness.
Varian had stayed with Hugo everywhere he went, the teen was practically glued to his side, overprotective of his boyfriend and watching him like a hawk, Ruddigar had been staying the the bespeckled teen’s shoulder, giving comfort when needed, and even when not. After all was said and done, everyone had left, giving one finally goodbye before heading back to their homes. The Whole process took a full week, at this point in time, Varian had fully healed, enough to where he could freely walk and move about, he still needed to be careful, but the doctors gave him the all clear, which made it much easier for him to stay next to Hugo
The blond was now given the task to go through Donella’s items, she didn’t have a lot, but seeing as he was the only living heir she had, all her items went to him, including a surprisingly large sum of money she’d saved. He didn’t really care about that, but with help from Quirin, they’d managed to transfer it into his new bank account, so that was something he supposed. As he was rifling through a few bags of hers, he felt his body just going through the motions. He didn’t speak throughout this entire thing all that much, the only thing he seemed to be able to do was cry…..
He’d been able to hold that inclination in until he was alone with Varian, and the freckled teen had been more than happy to help him get through those moments. They were currently in Old Corona right now, the retired knight’s home holding Lance, Ruddigar, Rapunzel, Eugene, Adira, Hector, and Edmund, along with the two alchemists and Quirin himself
Hugo unzipped another bag, Varian had gone to get them something to drink, one of the few times the blond was completely alone, save for the raccoon by his side. He found some clothing Don wore, a few pairs of shoes, and a hairbrush, not much, he didn’t expect her to have a lot. She always traveled light, he remembered her saying something about it, how it was better to travel light, so if you need to get away quickly, you don’t have a lot holding you down
He smiled at the memory, that’d been in her better days, they’d traveled a lot in those days. Liv was helping him look through the pocked of her clothing, she’s found a few things, a compass, watch, old piece of paper with a recipe for a potion that made your hair grow back on it. He’d figured he’d try it out later, possibly try to perfect it for her
He’d finally gotten through the pack before looking at the final one, it was smaller, and much older than the others. He recognized the pack, he’d given it to her when he was 7. He was glad she’d kept it, and as he opened it up, he pulled out an old journal, he didn’t recognize it as Don’s, when he opened it, he’d realized it wasn’t hers, the handwriting was different, curly and bubbly, much different than Donella’s more rigid letters
Hugo raised a brow, wondering if she’d taken it from somewhere, that is, until he read a passage in particular:
‘Day 53!
Dear Journal,
Today Donny and I are in the Fire Kingdom again! Oh it’s so wonderful here! There’s so much life in the people, and the king and Queen are so kind! We got to stay in the castle with them, due to the importance of our journey, being a royal mission, and the king and queen of the fire kingdom are good friends with the queen of Ingvarr! Things have been wonderful, I’ve made new potions, found and made new friends, I think the only thing that could make this better is if I had my family with me, aside from Donny of course’
Hugo gasped as he continued to read, finding the names of the person’s family, he realized what this was, and smiled. Don had done it, she’d completed what she’d been told to do. That’s when the door to the room opened, “hey Hugo, how’s it going in here?”
The blond looked over and saw Varian walking over, he showed him the journal, “this is yours”
The freckled teen blinked when he saw the book, sitting down and setting the glasses of apple juice beside him before he took the book, “for me? In her stuff? Are you sure?”
“Read it”
Varian did, he read the passage Hugo had started and his eyes widened at the words:
‘ I think the only thing that could make this better is if I had my family with me, aside from Donny of course. I think Quirin would find this absolutely wonderful! The flowers alone would make him smile! And Varian, oh my little scientist would definitely be curious about all the minerals! His little mind would be thinking so much, he may even fall asleep thinking about all the things he could make with me!
I miss my babies so much, I wish they could come with, but Quirin said it best, travel is no place for a growing 3 year old, for as much as I love science, my husband seems to be the more grounded and logical of the two of us, not that I mind! Gives me enough time to think outside of the box! I wonder if Varian would think like me or him, I’m hoping both.
To my little son, if you’re seeing this, please make sure you think logically, your mother very much has her head in the clouds most of the time. It’s not a bad thing to think that way, but if you do, make sure you have your daddy with you, he’s a very good string, keeps my balloon he’d from floating too far at least! Oh my little Variable, I hope you get to meet Donny someday! She’s wonderful, if a little cold at first, she’s been through so much, but she’s always had my back, even when she’s angry, I wouldn’t be in this trip without her! I hope you and her child get to become friends too! She said he’s an amazing little boy, she adopted him! I can’t wait to see you again my little baby! Give your daddy lots of loves and kisses for me!
Oh look at me, writing this as if it’s a letter, heh, oh well! It might as well be, should Varian ever find this little book I’ve kept! Him and Quirin both!
Whoops, I’ve gotta go! The Queen wants to take me and Donny on a tour! Bye journal! Thank you for listening!’
Varian felt tears in his eyes as he read the passage, “mom….”
“Yeah”, Hugo replied, “Don she was…. Supposed to bring you back something of your mothers….. To make up for what she did….. I guess… she competed her task….”
Varian stared at the book, “why didn’t she give it to me before?”
“Maybe she was waiting for the right time?”
Varian nodded, “maybe….” He flipped through the pages until he got to the final one, this passage had different handwriting in it, and it made Varian gasp when he read it, “Hugo, look at this, it’s…… for the both of us….”
‘Dear Hugo and Varian…. And Quirin, should you be around,
I….. Found this journal a while ago….. It’s Ulla’s…. Or at least it was….. if you’re reading it now…. I’m dead…. Im sorry for waiting until now to give it to you….. But….. Im….. Afraid…. Cyrus will kill me, I know he will….. I need to write this now, and keep it close until I can hand it to you all myself, or until I’m dead…. Too late to give it to you….
I don’t know what to say about her passing, I…. Don’t think an apology will make up for what I did…. But I am sorry for what I did…. I regret it every time I see your eyes Varian, they’re…. Just like hers….. You have every right to hate me, I don’t deserve forgiveness for what I’ve done, I took my anger out of everyone I cared for, and that’s something I’ll never be able to take back….
But I can try to fix it, and hopefully, by the time you’re reading this, I have….. I’m sorry if I haven’t, I hope I tried…. I know I will, but I…. I don’t even know what I’m saying….
Hugo…. I’m so sorry….. For everything, I…. I really loved you, like my own child, I didn’t show it, I know I didn’t, and that’s my fault completely. But I loved you, I always have, it’s why I kept you so close….. but I treated you like shit….. I’m so sorry….
Quirin, I’m sorry for what I did to you and your family. You hate me, I know you do, and that’s fine, I deserve that hatred. Please don’t feel guilty about how you feel, or felt, I hurt you. That’ll never change…… I truly am sorry….. I hope, in time, we can grow to be…. Somewhat close…. It’s a dumb wish, but there’s a huge part of me that wants to. I…. Want to help in whatever way I can…..
She may never read this….. But…. If anyone could tell Adira…. That I’m sorry for leaving her…. I’m sorry for what she had to go through as a child…. That I know it was my fault….. I’d be grateful…. I don’t think I’ll be able to tell her myself…. I’m not the one she needs to hear it from, I actually think it’s better for her if she keeps hating me….. At least she can move on…. Let me hold the burden for her, so she doesn’t have to anymore….
Hugo…. I have never stopped loving you, even when I did what I did, when I was angry and took it out on you…. I will never say what I did was right, it wasn’t, and I am a monster for doing that to you. But you’re happy now, I can see it, and I’m so happy you are! Please live the life I couldn’t give you, if you don’t forgive me then that’s fine, if you do, then thank you, so much
Varian, thank you for taking care of Hugo for me. I know what I did to you and your father was wrong, very wrong, but I couldn’t ask for anyone better than you to be there for him. You remind me so much of her, of Ulla, she lives in you. You are a truly gifted boy, same as my Hugo, I hope you both find the happiness you deserve together.
If there’s some strange law that says I need to write down that Hugo gets everything I own, then here it is, signature and all, Hugo gets everything I own, my money, my items, everything. The only thing that doesn’t go to him is this journal. This goes to Varian Vanguard, and….. The ring in this journal, it’s on the next page. That goes to Quirin Vanguard, it’s Ulla’s wedding ring. I found it while searching around where the Eternal Library used to be. It must’ve fallen off, I placed it in here just in case Cyrus found it and took it.
I wish you all well, I’m so sorry for what I’ve done, but please don’t let my mistakes force you to stay in a never ending bout of depression. Let me go, move on from me, please, so you can live, live on and be who you wish to be.
Hugo, I mean that especially to you, please, hate me, love me, but let me go, you’re a good boy, the brightest star I’ve seen in a long time, you can do amazing things that far surpass me! Grow, move forwards and don’t look back, and by the way, you’re not alone, if I know anything about the Vanguards, they’ll stick by your side, no matter what. It’s…. Something I grew very fond of when I first met Ulla, and Quirin
Goodbye, and thank you, for reading my final words,
Sincerely,
Donella’
The room was silent as the two alchemists turned the page, only to find the golden ring with a ruby as its jewel tapes to the final page. There was nothing more after that. The two stared at the book for a long time before Hugo sniffled, Varian held him close, as the bespeckled teen let out his final cry, for the mother he lost….
Notes:
Hello!
So yeah…. It finally happened….. She was a character I wanted to do more with, but her being in the story was actively preventing a few important things from happening, plus….. Hugo’s arch kinda depends on her going…. So….. I had to let her go…..
May she Rest In Peace…..
Poor Hugo…..
To anyone who’s suffered a loss like this, I’m so sorry for your loss…. May your loved ones Rest In Peace as well, no matter who they may be to you, this includes pets too ❤️
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 379: The Threat!
Summary:
Hugo finally reveals what Cyrus told him in the dungeons!
TRIGGER WARNING!
Sensitive topics are mentioned, such as physical, emotional, racial, and sexual abuse, reader desecration is advised!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The room was silent as the two alchemists turned the page, only to find the golden ring with a ruby as its jewel taped to the final page. There was nothing more after that. The two stared at the book for a long time before Hugo sniffled, Varian held him close, as the bespeckled teen let out his final cry, for the mother he lost….
Quirin heard the inventor’s cry and instantly shot up the stairs! He knew the teen was in mourning, but this cry was different, it sounded like he was just mortally wounded, the man couldn’t stand by as he heard his son cry like that! He’d barely been able to stand by before, but he trusted Varian, something he, wasn’t questioning, but was worrying about considering he heard the alchemist himself crying as well!
He gingerly opened the door before seeing the two huddled together on the floor, they had a vaguely familiar looking journal open to, what seemed to be, it’s final entry, both boys hovering over it. The retired knight walked over and kneeled next to the pair, “hey, hey I’m here, it’s okay”, he said quietly, grunting as both boys *instantly* latched onto him
He wrapped his arms around the two as he looked at them with concern, Ruddigar, who had been with them the entire time, pointed to the journal. Quirin raised a brow before he looked at it, that’s when he noticed the ring……
His eyes widened as he stared at it, the ruby jewel glinting in the light of the room as he remembered the day he’d given that ring to the one he loved the most:
*”Where are you taking me? You’ve been awfully sneaky today sir”, Ulla giggled as she and Quirin walked through the gardens of their backyard
The retired knight smiled, “you’ll see, you’re not allowed to ask, remember?”
“I know, but you being sneaky makes me curious!”
The Village Leader poked his girlfriend’s nose gently, “then you’ll just have to stay curious until we get there”, he teased with a chuckle
“Oooh! You’re such a brat!”
“Look who’s talking”
The red head giggled again as she looked up at the sky, the Moon had finally risen and the stars were twinkling in delight, seemingly for the pair of them. She didn’t know why, but she felt more comfortable with her boyfriend in the evenings, he seemed much more relaxed during them. Though this was definitely a new level of excitement for the usually stoic man! She didn’t hate it either, he was so adorable when he got this excited!
She giggled again when she caught him looking at her lovingly before he’d turned away and blushed, she loved her shy farmer! She noticed they were heading to a clearing, “woah! I’ve never seen this place before! Is it new?”
“Not entirely, not many people know about my little hideaway across the bridge, it’s…. Sort of a special place, which means *you* have to keep it a secret”
Ulla smiled, “why is it a special place?”
“Because it’s where the best night of my life happened!”
“The best night of you life?”
“You’ll find out when we get there”, Quirin replied with a snicker
The red head sighed, “you’re so mysterious you know that?”
“Isn’t that why you like me so much? Or was I mistaken with what you were saying last night”, he joked, smiling at her sassily
Ulla blushed, “you’re n-not mistaken, but you’re also an even bigger brat now!”
Quirin chuckled, “I think I can accept that”
“Hmph!”
The retired knight snickered before they finally reached the clearing, “here we are, look up Ulla, the stars are the brightest here!”
The women did as she was told and smiled, she’s always loved the stars, and her lover was right, they twinkled so much brighter in that spot than anywhere else! She looked over to tell Quirin that, but found him kneeling before her, “w-what are you doing?” She asked, blushing
Quirin smiled, “I wanted to ask you something Ulla”
Her hands covered her mouth as she saw the man pull out a small box, “Quirin!”
The retired knight smiled, “I’m not a very emotional man, nor am I very good when speaking to anyone, but the day I met you has never left my mind. Ulla you’re the most wonderful, kind, caring, amazing, beautiful, smart, and loving person I’ve ever had the pleasure and joy of meeting! You’ve made my days go from dull grey to an array of vibrant and wonderful colors! Every moment, day, second, hour, that I get to spend with you is another moment, day, second, hour, that I’m eternally happy! I love you, and, should you feel the same way, I wanted to ask you something very important”
He opened the box, showing the red head a golden banded, ruby jeweled ring, tears slid down her cheeks when she saw it, it was the same one she’d dreamed of having when she’d seen it in the market during a festival a few months back. She’d never told Quirin, she didn’t know how he knew, he always knew though, always, and it made her heart flutter and race at the same time as he finally asked his question
“Ulla Evangeline, will you make me the happiest man in the universe, and marry me?”
“YES!” Ulla yelled, getting Quirin to stand and hug her, picking her up and spinning happily as they both laughed and cried with joy! They shared a passionate kiss under the Moon’s glow, one that blew both of their worlds away before finally breaking. Quirin set Ulla back on the ground before he, gently, placed the ring on her finger, a single tears falling down his cheek as he smiled at her lovingly, cupping her cheek and kissing her again, this one a little shorter than the first
“I love you, Ulla”
Ulla smiled as tears dropped of her chin, “I love you too, Quirin!” They hugged once more before letting go and sitting in the grass, both of them holding hands and watching the sky above. The red head than turned to the man, “so the best night ever huh?” She asked with a shy giggle
He chuckled and looked at her, warm brown eyes twinkling witch unbridled joy as he looked at her, “yup”
“When was that?” She asked, smiling with a knowing grin
“We just experienced it”, Quirin replied, his smile growing wider
She sighed happily and leaned against his shoulder, “that’s funny, this is the best night of my life too”*
Quirin smiled at the memory as he continued to stare at the ring before looking down at his sons, the two had cried themselves to near exhaustion as they continued to lean against him, sniffling and hiccuping into his vest. The man sighed, “I take it that’s Ulla’s journal?” He asked gently, “and Donella wrote a passage in it for the two of you?”
Both scientists nodded before Varian looked up at his father. He didn’t say anything, didn’t have to, his sad puppy dog eyes were enough to convince the man they were far beyond words at this point
Quirin kissed both of their heads, hugging them closer before sighing again, “I’m sorry you two…. I’m sorry she’s gone….. and I’m sorry she had to go in such a way…..”
Hugo coughed a little, his emotions making his throat dry before he snuggled deeper into the old farmer’s vest, “I…l d-don’t know what I’m g-gonna do…..” he admitted softly, “I’m s-scared…. I’m s-so scared…..”
Varian and Quirin looked at him sadly as the freckled teen held his lover’s hand, the retired knight letting out a softer sigh. “I know things seem scary now Hugo, and they will for a little while, but…. You’ve got us, me, Varian, and Ruddigar in particular! We won’t leave you alone, we won’t”
Hugo buried his face in Quirin’s vest as he let out a muffled question
The retired knight chuckled, “I didn’t quite catch that, small one”
The blond hesitated before he came out from hiding and repeated his question, his voice quieter than a whisper, “W-what if he kills y-you two too……”
Varian’s eyes and freckles glowed gently, he was afraid of that too, but the retired knight smiled as he replied gently, “it won’t happen”
“How c-can you be sure?” Hugo asked, looking up at the man, his green eyes full of desperation and fear
The look broke Quirin’s heart, but he kept smiling, knowing fully well that he meant what he was about to say, “because I won’t let him”
“Quirin-!”
“I may be up in years, but even still, I helped train Adira and Hector, I was trained by King Edmund and the knights of the Dark Kingdom, I’ve studied every combat style I could get my hands on, trust me, that man will not kill me or Varian or you”
Hugo looked like he was about to speak when Varian interjected, “dad made Cyrus run off in the woods”, he stated, “the moment he hurt Adira, dad was on him like bark on a tree. And even if dad gets hurt, there’s one thing Cyrus could *never* defeat”, the teens eyes and freckles glowed brighter as his hair began to float, “that’s me……”
“He…. K-knows about the blood though….” Hugo said
“I won’t let him do that again, and trust me, the next time I see him, he’s *dead*”, the freckled teen stated with a glare, “he doesn’t get to do that, not to you…… Donella…. She didn’t deserve that….. He’ll pay for what he’s done…..”
“I don’t want you to lose yourself in your anger though!” Hugo exclaimed, starling Varian out of his glowing anger, “y-you’ll end up g-getting hurt and then y-you’ll be locked up again and-and-and-and-!”
“Woah woah, easy there”, Quirin interrupted gently, “who said anything about Varian being locked up?”
Hugo stopped and closed his eyes before he looked down, tears streaking down his face as he pulled his knees to his chin. “……Hugo…..” Varian spoke up quietly, “…..What did Cyrus say to you? W-when he was down in the dungeons…..”
“You didn’t tell him?” The retired knight asked, Hugo shook his head silently
Varian looked up at his father, “you know what he said?”
“Only the backend of it, I came down the stairs when I’d heard Hugo was down in the dungeons with Cyrus, they…. Didn’t inform me of the plan….. Until it was too late…. I ran down as fast as I could, and I heard a small snippet, he threatened Hugo, I know that, what I’d heard was, ‘for the rest of your fucking life…..’, that was right before I shut him up with a punch to the jaw before yelling at the Captain for his damn lack of judgement”
“……Did you hit the Captain too?”
“No…. I *really* wanted to though”
“You should’ve”
“I know”
Varian huffed before he looked at Hugo again worriedly, “love, what did he say to you?”
The blond looked at his boyfriend anxiously, “I….” He grew quiet, his lips quivering
“Hugo”, Varian gently cupped his boyfriend’s chin in his hand, lifting his gaze before kissing his lips, they parted after a moment, “I won’t do anything you don’t want me to, but it’s bothering you, I can see it, and that worries me love. If he said something that scared you, I wanna know, not because I want revenge, but I wanna help you get through it….. it only got worse when…. When Donella passed…. I don’t mean to push, but please….. let me help you”
Ruddigar chittered, nuzzling the blond, as Quirin smiled and nodded in agreement, “same goes for us”, the retired knight replied
Hugo hesitated for a few more seconds before he sighed and looked at his boyfriend, “I know you hate this but….. c-can…. You….”
“Promise you I won’t do anything unless asked?” Varian finished with a smile, startling Hugo before he blushed and nodded, “yeah, I promise”
“We all do”, Quirin stated as Ruddigar chittered in agreement
Hugo smiled at them all before he sighed, “Cyrus….. Slung insults at me the m-moment he saw me enter the room….. I brushed the, off at first, e-even…. The ones about my parents ditching me…… T-that’s when….. He started to move on to you….. Varian….”
“Me?” The alchemist asked
“Yes….. y-you’ve been my number one supporter, my reason for getting up every day, you’ve helped me gain a lot, helped me through everything I was going through! You are the most important person to me in the universe, I…. I really love you, more than anyone in the world! And…. Cyrus knew that……” he sighed, “he began with threats against you…… I was able to deflect them, commenting on how badly he’d lost to you in the fight….. but….. then he….. said…..” Hugo sighed and his lips quivered again, Olivia come hopping out of his pocket and nuzzled him, trying to encourage her boy to keep going
Ruddigar did the same, and after a moment, Hugo finally said what Cyrus had told him, after a barrage of insults and racist slurs he’d slung the blond’s way….. “he….. s-said he’d start with Don……” Hugo shuddered, “he’d start with her….. m-make her death painful and haunting….. S-show me that he couldn’t be stopped….. t-then he’d take down Adira…… H-he’d….. assault her…. I-in the worst way….. he’d move on to Hector…. Torture him u-until he begged for death…. Edmund next…. He’d trap the dark king in a tomb….. o-one that could never be found….. T-The Quirin….. he….. w-would make….. Quirin suffer….. U-using the bodies of his family to…. T-to break him….. t-then break him p-physically before killing him….A-and then you….. V-Varian he’d….. do so many things to you….. s-so many horrible things….. H-his eyes were wild w-when he spoke of you…. I….. c-chalk it up to the light but….. t-they looked like Cassandra’s did…. T-the night she wasn’t….. h-herself…..W-when you first met me….. he went into d-detail with you…. h-he knew D-details he shouldn’t have….. D-details that s-scare me….. and….. w-when he was done with you….. h-he’d….. keep me….. A-alive…. So I could remember w-what I’d done…. S-so I would be punished…..” he looked at Quirin, “f-for the rest of my fucking life……”
The man’s eyes widened with both anger…. And fear as the blond said the next words out of his mouth, “…..He k-killed Don…. Adira’s next…..”
That sent a chill down Quirin and Varian’s spine, because at that very moment, Adira was alone in a tree in his apple orchard, needing time to herself so she could cope with the recent loss….. What they didn’t know however, is that there were two little yellow eyes watching her from the darkness….. They were wild and lustful, as they stared at the lonely, sad, women, who sat alone in the night…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah…… Cyrus is….. Well…… I think you all know……
Hugo and Varian are just in emotional turmoil right now….. these two boys…..
Quirin is being a good papa bear and consoling his beans!
Cyrus is disgusting and believe me, he’ll have his comeuppance…… he really will…..
Ruddy buddy being the best coon! Same with Olivia being the best mouse!
Adira…… She’s gonna fight….. She’s strong, she’s going to freaking fight….. Trust me, it’s gonna be one h*ll of a show.
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 380: Cyrus VS Adira!
Summary:
Adira and Cyrus have a one on one battle!
TRIGGER WARNING!
This chapter discusses serious topics of sexual, mental, physical, and emotional assault, reader discretion is advised. Please skip if this is something you’re not comfortable with, I understand if you do ❤️ I hope you have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
TRIGGER WARNING!
This chapter discusses serious topics of sexual, mental, physical, and emotional assault, reader discretion is advised. Please skip if this is something you’re not comfortable with, I understand if you do ❤️ I hope you have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Adira sighed as she looked up into the night sky, she’d been quiet this past week. She wasn’t sure why this was affecting her so much, she’d hated the women the moment she’d found out who she really was. By and large, that should mean she should celebrate her passing right?
….That’s what she thought anyway….. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that she….. Missed Donella…. Why? She really didn’t know, but for some reason she did….. Adira sighed again, she hated this feeling, it was annoying. She should be inside, comforting her tiny nephew and her tiny nephew’s lover, not sitting here and moping….. She grew irritated with herself when she couldn’t find the strength to get up and go back inside
She continued to stare at the stars, that is, until she heard someone approaching her, “Hector, told you, I don’t want to talk, at least not now, please”, she said softly, but the person continued to approach, she raised a brow, “Quirin?” She asked, it would t surprise her if *he’d* decided to come and speak with her instead, Hector’s already tried a few times, Quirin was the next step, but given that he hadn’t spoken up informing her of his presence made her instincts begin to take over
She frowned when she heard the person, who wasn’t being subtle with their movements at *all*, begin to climb her tree, none of her siblings, nor her father figure, would go that far. Varian might, but only if it was an emergency, and he’d have alerted her so he didn’t need to climb, she would’ve jumped down for him. Plus the steps approaching her were much heftier than the tiny one’s twinkle toes. Hugo tended to give her space unless *she* approached *him*, and he was in grieving himself, so he’s been ruled out
The left only one person, one that she’d been hoping would come to her, she knew he’d want to, she’d let herself be an easy target for him all this time. She shook her head slowly as the intruder finally reached her branch, “the stars are lovely tonight”, she said softly, “though, I suppose you don’t really care about that, do you”
She heard a chuckle come from behind her, “how’d ya guess it was me?” He asked, genuinely seeming to be intrigued by her observation
“Please, you’re an easy read, you kill Donella first, scaring my nephew and his boyfriend, your main target, Hugo. The next step would be to break his spirit, and the only way to do that, would be to break Varian’s. So you go after his family, first target, me, because you think I’m easy”
He snickered again, “you are”
“It seems that way, doesn’t it”
“That mean you’re actually gonna face me, or are you gonna be left crying like last time bitch?”
She didn’t respond, merely closing her eyes and waiting. It was peaceful for a moment or two, until she heard him take a step towards her. Quick as lightning, Adira turned and kicked the man’s legs, sending him falling out of the tree, she smirked, “you should really know your opponent and their environment *first*, before coming over and trying to hurt them”, she advised, looking down at the man as he glared up at her, “I’m not in the mood for you today Cyrus”
“Oh really?” Cyrus stated, getting up and spitting out the blood leaking from his mouth, “then you were in the mood for me all the other times I attacked you?”
She rolled her eyes, “if that’s how you want to view our previous fights”, she smirked, “though, if that’s the case, then wouldn’t I have had to be in the mood for you to win? Therefore, all the times you beat me were because I *let* you?”
He growled, “you’re fucking dead bitch!”
“Actually I’m alive at the moment, you really don’t know how this works, do you”. He huffed before climbing the tree again, only to be knocked down just as easily as before, “if at first you don’t succeed”, Adira stated
“GET DOWN HERE AND FACE ME!” Cyrus yelled
She raised a brow, “and give you the advantage? I think not!” She saw his glare deepen, “oooh, did I strike a nerve there? Perhaps that was what Hugo once said to you in your last defeat?” She shrugged, “whoops, guess he’s rubbing off on me, who knew”
Cyrus climbed up again, and managed to dodge her kick, he celebrated for only a second before she back handed him back down to the ground, “fucking…..” Cyrus mumbled
“You know, I was more surprised you didn’t see that one coming actually”, Adira snarked, smirking as she sat, crossed legged, on her branch and looked down at the man, “you’re entertaining at the very least”
“ADIRA!!!!!!” Someone *very* familiar yelled, making the women stop dead in her tracks as she looked over and saw Varian running over to her, Quirin and Hugo right behind him
“Speckles no! STAY AWAY!” She tried, but it was too late
Cyrus took this opportunity to grab hold of the unsuspecting teen, as much as Varian struggled, he couldn’t get out of the man’s grip, not even his magic would work as every time he tried to use it, Cyrus placed more pressure on the boy’s neck! “LET HIM GO CYRUS!” Quirin yelled, drawing out his blades as Hugo grabbed a few alchemy bombs
“Come close to me and I’ll kill him right here and fucking now!” Cyrus snapped, holding Varian hostage and making him cough a little as he tightened his hold on the teen’s neck
The retired knight growled, but he and Hugo backed up a few steps, “what do you want?” The Village Leader asked through grit teeth
“Her”, Cyrus stated, “I want her to come with me so we can have a one on one battle, no one else comes with, the boy wil, be let go once we’re done!”
“I don’t *trust* you”
“We have to”, Hugo stated, looking at Varian anxiously, “he may be an asshole, but he won’t kill Varian….. N-not yet….”
Quirin looked at the blond, “Varian-!”
“Is one of his targets, yes, but later in his plan, he won’t go after me until all of you are gone, there’s an order he follows, he laid it all out to me, believe me, he’ll follow it”, he glared at Cyrus, “it’s about the only fucking thing he follows, his plan….. It’s disgusting and shitty for sure, but we can bet that he won’t try any stupid shit with Varian….. Adira though…..” he looked at the women worriedly
“I’ll be fine”, the face painted warrior stated, hopping down from the tree
“Adira-!” Quirin tried
“I’ll be fine”, she repeated, giving her older brother a look, they stared at each other for a while, “trust me”, she said gently, “me and Speckles will both be fine”
Her brother wrestled with the decision before he looked at his son, the teen was still trying to wriggle free, but couldn’t seem to get out of Cyrus’s grasp….. Quirin felt his anxiety fill up when Cyrus tightened his grip again, making Varian yelp, but calmed himself down, “son, stop resisting”, he forced himself to say
Varian’s eyes shot open, they were glowing and full of fear as he looked at his dad
“It’s okay”, Quirin said, giving his child a sympathetic, yet encouraging, smile, “I trust Adira, she can get you both out of this, just please don’t resist, h-he’ll only hurt you if you do…..”
The freckled teen could tell his father didn’t want to say what he was saying, he could see how hard Hugo had to bite his own tongue, but they had to for a reason, so Varian listened and stopped. He glared at Cyrus, but didn’t say a word as the man smiled wickedly, the murderer looked at Adira, “you coming then bitch?”
The face painted warrior glared, but nodded, “you want a fight, then fine, but you should know, my name isn’t *bitch*, it’s Adira, Warrior of the Dark Kingdom, and you”, she faxed him fully, “are going to find out why I was chosen for that position *very* soon”
Varian’s eyes widened, he’s never heard this part of Adira’s voice before, it was as cold as ice, enough to send shivers down his, and Cyrus’s spine, but the man didn’t let it show as his grin widened, “I look forward to it”, he looked at Quirin and Hugo, “you should stay out here, so you can hear her screams”
Both glared at the man as he walked away with Varian still in his grip, Adira sighed before she looked at her family once more, “we’ll be back”, she said, before noticing *bright* yellow eyes behind the pair. They were full of worry and anger, but knew better than to do anything given the circumstances, she smiled at them, “we’ll be back, I promise”
Quirin looked at the eyes behind him as Hugo watched Cyrus walk away with Varian, Adira following behind. The retired knight sighed, “Hector…..”
Hugo felt someone touch his shoulder as his boyfriend, Adira, and Cyrus disappeared from view, he looked up and saw the wild tamer, Ruddigar sitting on his shoulder, seemingly being the one to have retrieved the wild tamer when they needed him, “they’ll be fine”, he stated
“H-how do you know?” Hugo asked anxiously
Hector’s eyes narrowed, “Adira *keeps* her promises, even if she has to do something drastic to keep them…… she’ll come back…..”
Hugo stared at the man, the wild tamer was extremely worried, but he trusted Adira, so Hugo would too, “ok, I trust her too”
Hector smiled at the teen before he looked at Quirin, “you okay?”
“Angry, but fine for now”, the retired knight replied, “you’re his next target apparently”
“I’m glad I am”, Hector stated as he stared at the place his nephew and sister had been taken to”
Quirin raised a brow, “why?”
His eye grew wild as he smiled with glee at the thought of his next words, “…..Cause I’m gonna tear that fucking creep *apart*!”
****
“AH!” Varian yelped, as Cyrus threw him to the ground with a thump before tying his hands and legs together with two, small, ropes, before using a third one to lease the teen to a large tree nearby
“Sit and watch the show kid”, Cyrus stated with glee, “once I’m done with your bitch over here, I’m getting your wild shit tamer next! So stay tuned!”
“Fuck you!” The alchemist spat before Cyrus smacked his face, making the teen yelp once more and leaving a mark thag immediately started to bruise
“Shut it shit stain! Be happy I ain’t killing *you* yet!”
Varian *glared* at the man, his eyes glowing bright blue as his temper flared up, “hey!” Adira stated, interrupting the pair, “you’re fighting *me*, so leave my nephew *alone* asshole”
Cyrus huffed before walking over to stand across from the face painted warrior, “fine, let’s you and I have a chat, bitch”
Adira rolled her eyes before she took a fighting stance, “let’s get this over with”
“Tech, you wish”, Cyrus replied with a smirk that looked insane in the evening light, “I plan on enjoying myself with you! A perfect way to start my fucking revenge plan”
Adira felt a shiver down her spine, but ignored it, her glare deepening, they both waited for a moment, either one making a move until Cyrus ran forwards, jumping up to attack her! “LOOK OUT!” Varian screamed, right as Adira jumped out of the way, she landed behind the man and instantly kicked his back, knocking him forwards a bit before he snickered
“That the best kick you can give me? I barely felt it!” He stated, before she kicked him again, he turned and grabbed her ankle, using her leg to throw her away from him!
She slid to a halt before jumping out of the way of Cyrus’s on coming punch! Bouncing off his head and landing on the ground before jumping back, getting some space in-between them, “that was fucking cheap!” Cyrus yelled, glaring at the women
She didn’t respond as she ran towards the trees, jumping up and hopping off of one, then another, then another. Varian’s eyes widened as he remembered when he’d first met Catalina in her wolf form, he remembered seeing his father use a similar move, and smiled, “what are you do-AGH!” Cyrus yelled, before the sped up kick to his jaw landed perfectly, knocking the man back a bit
Adira continued with her speed as she used another tree as a back board and kicked Cyrus again, this time in his stomach! She continued her barrage of kicks, knocking the man to and fro, like a game of racket ball, if the goal was to get hit by the ball instead of hitting it. Cyrus wasn’t able to counter as the blows kept coming faster and faster, until he’d had enough…..
He managed to dodge a the attack once, gaining the upper hand as he landed a kick on Adira, knocking her into a few trees, she tried to get up, but he pinned her to the floor, punching her several times over!
“ADIRA!!!!!” Varian yelled, trying to pull out of his constraints! His eyes were glowing so bright, his hair and freckles doing the same!
Cyrus was stopped when Adira grabbed both of his fists, the man laughed as he looked down at the women below him, she had bruises forming on her face, but she glared back at him, blood trickling down from her mouth as she spat it out, continuing to stop his barrage of punches, “pinned to the floor, just like I like you”, he stated
Adira felt those same shivers from before, but she ignored them again, she needed to focus, “awww! Are you trying to ignore my advances bitch? Isn’t that cute!” Cyrus jeered
Adira pushed him off her before hopping up, she was panting, her heart was racing, but she wasn’t done yet as she ran forwards and punched Cyrus’s jaw, he blocked it however, pushing her back to the ground and pinning her once more. This time he had her arms pinned too, so she couldn’t move
“ADIRA!!!!!” Varian screamed again, tears sliding down his face as he continued to try and escape to help her! He couldn’t move, he struggled against the restraints her was in, black and red rocks forming around him, he was too frantic to reach the, however, struggling against his restraints as much as he could, even drawing blood as he tried to reach his aunt!
“Heh, you like this bitch?” Cyrus asked, “being useless like this, you must remember a time when you had this happen to you every day, man, the memories must be pretty fucked up…. How about we relive them shall we?” He asked, leaning down, he licked her cheek
This sent *several* alarms ringing in Adira’s mind, as she was taken back to when she was a small child, how she was pinned down, how she was abused in ways she wouldn’t wish upon her worst enemy! She felt that same fear, that same hurt and pain….. and that same anger….. She felt the sparks begin to light as she felt the anger and hatred begin to from in her fragile mind.
She’d been too young to act on her impulses, too weak, too small, but now…. As her muscles, honed from *years* of training and experience, twitched, her body reacted in a way it never had before! For the first time in her life, her fear overtook her mind, fueling her anger, her hurt, and her pain! She felt a wave of emotion encase her very *soul* as she let out a loud, “NO!” Before *throwing* Cyrus off of her!
She got up *instantly* and ran right up to him, punching and kicking him like there was now tomorrow! She didn’t see Cyrus anymore, she didn’t see anyone, she saw a *thing*! A thing that had plagued her for years, a thing that’s taken her courage and made her weak! She *hated* that thing!
She continued to hit it, beat it, reveling in its screams as she felt it’s blood trickling onto her arms and legs, she didn’t care! She would never care again as she finally landed one last blow to it’s stomach!
Panting, she watched the thing slump to the floor, she could still see it breathe, so it was alive, she’d fix that. The warrior walked over to it, unsheathing her blade as she slowly made her way over, only one thought filled her head, as she ignored someone else screaming for her to stop, saying that thing wasn’t worth it
*Kill….*
Suddenly, black rocks sprouted in front of her, their blue glow catching her off guard as she stopped. She saw someone stand in front of her, they had blood on their wrists and ankles, it’s as if they’d squeezed through some sort of restraint, not caring how painful it was, in order to stop her. She stared at the person for a long time before their words finally reached her ears, “Wise Eyes!”
She blinked at the familiar nickname before she finally remembered where she was, and who was standing before her, “…..S…. Speckles?”
Varian smiled, tears sliding down his cheeks again, “oh thank Demanitus you snapped out of it! Are you okay?”
“Speckles…. W-what happened?”
“You…. Went a little nuts…..” He replied, “you were fighting Cyrus, he pinned you and licked your cheek….. then you….. b-became a monster…..”
“A monster?”
“Y-yeah…. It was scary…. Your eyes w-were just pinpricks, wide and terrifying, you only f-focused on Cyrus, and even w-when you beat him to a b-bloody pulp, you didn’t s-stop….. A-Adira you weren’t yourself anymore….”
The face painted warrior was startled by that, she hasn’t realized how far she’d gone, but one look at Varian’s face told her all she needed to know. She sheathed her sword before scooping the boy up, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to happen”
The freckled teen hugged her, “it’s oki, I’m sorry he did what he did to you…..” he pulled away and looked at his aunt, “are you okay?”
“I’m alright now, actually, I feel better”, she chuckled, “I guess I needed to let a few things out”
Varian smiled, “I guess so”
“You fucking BITCH!!!!!!” They heard, looking over and seeing Cyrus running at them
Varian’s eyes glowed, but before he could do anything, Adira moved him behind her and kicked Cyrus away, knocking him down. The teen blinked, “Adira?”
She looked at him and smiled, “it’s okay, I’m still me Speckles”
Varian felt relieved, “you…. You fucking piece of SHIT!” Cyrus yelled, getting the two’s attention, “y-you we’re supposed to lay STILL!”
“Right, like I’m going to just *let* you harm me, you’re disgusting you know that?” Adira stated with a glare, Varian mirroring her
Cyrus got up and chuckled, “I don’t give a fuck about what you think of me! HAHAHHAHAHAHA IM NOT GONNA REST UNTIL IVE KILLED ALL OF YOU!!!!!” He cackled
Adira stood in front of Varian again as she watched the mad man, “you’re nuts….”
“Yeah, TELL ME SOMETHING I DONT KNOW BITCH!!!!! WHEN YOUVE GOT A LITTLE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD, KINDA HARD TO IGNORE HER!!!!! That little asshole behind you would understand haha! He was speaking to her before I was!”
Varian’s eyes widened in realization, “w-wait, are you talking about-!”
“SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!” Cyrus snapped, “I won’t… I WONT DIE HERE AND NOW!!!!!” He screamed before he found a large rock, picked it up, and threw it at the pair
Varian was quick to smash the stone into bits with his magic, but after the dust cleared, Cyrus was gone. He and Adira sighed before the teen looked up at her, “can we go home?”
She nodded, “yes, we can go home”, she scooped him up again and began to walk back towards the farm
The freckled teen leaned against her, he was tired, he wouldn’t sleep, but being in Adira’s arms comforted him somehow. He thought back to what Cyrus had said however, and looked at his aunt, “A-Adira-!”
“I know”, she said softly, “I heard him, that little voice in his head…..”
“…..You think it’s her?”
“I’m certain it is…. If she’s with Cyrus, that means he’s with Cassandra…..”
Varian looked down, he felt his stomach churn at that thought, “he’s….. going insane….”
“Yeah….. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not yet….”
“I’m not either….. We should warn the others though”
“We will”, she replied with a smile, “but for now, how about you set the world down for a moment and relax a little, yeah?”
Varian blushed, “that a grandpa saying?”
She chuckled, “it is, he used to say that to me when I was 4 years old”, she smiled, “I haven’t thought about that in a long time”
Varian smiled, “do you…. Have any other stories from your past that you wanna talk about?”
“Hmmm….. I’d like to, like the one time Hector got his head stuck in a vase”, she snickered, “or another time Quirin had to chase Hector and me down when we pulled a prank on him”
Varian giggled, “you two were rascals huh?”
“We really we’re, it was was fun”, she replied with a smile, “I wonder why I’m thinking about these now”
“Maybe because you feel better about your past?” The alchemist suggested, “I did the same when Rapunzel helped dad out of the amber. Suddenly, all that anger an fear from him being trapped went away, and I was able to talk about what I’d done and now I’d felt without too much hesitation. I was able to tell dad everything and he forgave me, which made things better”
“Hmmm….. I suppose you’re right”, she smiled, “guess Lance is rubbing off on *you*”
Varian giggled, “maybe a little”
“I’d say a lot”
“Hee hee, nuuuu!”
“Soon you’ll hitting on ladies and dreaming about a caviar version of yourself!”
“Nu! Nu caviar Varian!”
“All the caviar Varian’s, and Quirin will keep a little baggy full of caviar from each new caviar Varian”
“Nuuuuuuu!”
“Yeeeeeees!”
They laughed and giggled together, both of them were in pain, hearts and bodies aching from the struggle they’d just endured, but as they walked back to their family and loved ones, they allowed themselves a small amount of peace, at least until they returned to the others, they could worry about everything else after that
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, Adira kicked his sorry butt!!!!! She got past her fear and managed to beat the every loving frick out of Cyrus! Yay! But now they have a new problem, and that’s his insanity, wooo…..
Adira had a lot of stuff she needs to handle from her past, but she was able to surpass her fear and finally defend herself the way she needed to! I think we all have a small voice inside us that makes us freeze up and stop fighting because of past trauma. It if we end up using that voice to fight back, we’ll become stronger for it! It’s not the end all be all of solutions, and I don’t condone fighting physically, or violence of any kind, but fighting back is a good start! Everyone can do it, it takes time, but it’s possible, and if it helps, none of us are alone, we’re all fighting a battle, we just need to take the first step of conquer that battle, like Adira did here ❤️
Varian is a protective bean! He gets it from his papa! He would suffer the greatest agony if it meant his loved ones were safe and happy! That’s both a good and bad thing for him….. because Cyrus knows he’d do that….
Cyrus is going nuts…. Heath having a literal demon in your mind will do that to you XD especially a newly powered up demon XD
Poor Quirin and Hugo and Hector….. all three of them…. They knew fighting would only end in bloodshed, otherwise they would’ve kicked Cyrus’s butt!
Ruddy buddy being a good boy and getting Hector to help!!!!!! Best coon ever! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 381: Stories From the Dark Kingdom!
Summary:
While healing, Edmund tells Varian and Hugo a small stories from his time raising the little Brotherhood members!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“VARIAN! ADIRA!” Quirin yelled when he spotted the pair coming out of the bushes. He ran over and hugged the two closely, Hugo and Hector were right behind him!
The face painted warrior smiled as the freckled teen returned the hug, they finally separated after a few moments as Hugo stepped forwards, “are you two alright?”
“Where’s the shit lord?” Hector asked with a raised brow
“Adira beat him up!” Varian exclaimed as his father took the teen in his own arms, “then he ran away”
“Huh, well I guess he’ll be coming after me then”, the wild tamer stated as he looked at Hugo, “he will won’t he?”
“I…. Don’t know…. He’s never failed to destroy the person he was after, so….. I don’t know what he’ll do now”, the blond replied before he looked up at Adira, “I’m sorry he went after you in the first place…..”
“It’s not your fault, I’m sorry for what he’s done to you, period”, Adira replied
Hugo shook his head, “I’m used to it”
“You shouldn’t be”
“How about we all get inside”, Quirin suggested, “it’s dark, you two have injuries, and I’m certain we’re all tired”
Hector nodded in agreement, “he’s right, King Edmund’s been worried sick”
“We all have”, Hugo added
“I know, but he wasn’t in the last chapter, so I had to mention him”
“Last chapter?”
“Never mind, let’s just get inside, sister, do you need help?”
Adira smiled, “for once, I don’t”
Her younger brother blinked, “you…. He didn’t injure you?”
“No, I hurt him a great deal though, he got a few good punches in, but he tried the same Schlick he’d tried before, bringing up my past to stop me in my tracks”
“He pinned her dad….” Varian stated, “but something…. Broke when he did that…. Inside her, and, scuse my language here, she beat the ever loving *shit* out of him!”
“Son!” Quirin exclaimed
“It’s that truth!”
Hugo laughed as Hector smirked at his sister, “you did?”
“Yeah”, Adira replied, “I got angry and….. you know how Quirin gets super angry and let’s out a roar before going crazy on the person he’s fighting?”
“Yeah”
“That was me with Cyrus”
The wild tamer smiled, “good job”
Adira smiled, “thanks”
“It was so scary! But super cool too!” Varian stated happily, “she really hurt him! Though there was a point where she…. Ended up losing herself a little…. Like dad with the Seporians”
“Oh”, Quirin said as he looked at his sister anxiously, “are you alright? That…. Isn’t a great feeling after….”
“I’m fine, just…. Tired mostly”
The retired knight nodded, “come on then, let’s get inside, Hector is right, King Edmund’s been worried, very worried, about you two”
They all walked towards the home, Hector opened the door, only to be met with a very concerned Dark King in his face, “HECTOR! What happened? Are they back? Where’s Cyrus? Did he hurt them? Did he hurt you? Where’s the little peanut? Is Hugo okay? Is Quirin-!”
“Hold on!” The wild tamer exclaimed before taking a breath, “they fought and Adira won, yes they’re back, Cyrus ran off like a bitch, yes but very little, no he didn’t touch me, Varian’s with his dad right behind me, yes Hugo’s fine he was with me and Quirin, and if you’re gonna ask if Quirin is upset or scared, no, he’s fine and hugging his spawn”
“Son”, Quirin corrected with a sigh
“Whatever, now can I please get inside, it’s fucking cold out there”
Edmund blinked before he realized he’d sort of ambushed the tamer, he blushed and chuckled, “eheh, sorry”, stepping aside, Hector walked in, followed by Hugo, Adira, and Quirin holding Varian. Ruddigar, who’d stayed inside due to the chilly weather, rushed over to his boy and hopped into his arms happily, getting the teen to giggle, “hey bud!”
The small mammal chittered and nuzzled his boy lovingly, happy to see his teen was okay while Quirin closed the door behind them
Edmund let out a sigh of relief as he saw all his children, and grandchildren, were safe, “thank goodness”, he stated as he walked over, “I started the fire place, there’s some blankets for anyone who needs them, and Quirin, I’m sorry, but I was anxious, so I got a few medkits out”
The retired knight smiled, “that’s fine, thank you, I really appreciate it”
The Dark King smiled as Hamuel flapped his wings cheerfully, “happy to help!” That’s when he noticed Hugo shivering beside him, he looked at the blond sympathetically before he grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around him
The bespeckled inventor was startled, but smiled all the same, “thanks”
“You’re welcome…. How are *you* feeling now?”
“Well…. Cold mostly….. and sad…. And freaked out….” He sighed, “not good, just in general I guess, but that’s kinda how it works isn’t it? You lose someone you care about, then other people you care about get attacked and you feel like it’s all your fault because had they never known you this would’ve never happened. Then you try to help but end up being useless which makes everything worse and-!”
The teen was scooped up and hugged by the Dark King instantly, startling him for a moment before Hugo felt the warmth of the King, “it’s not your fault, and we’re more than happy to know you”, he stated gently
Quirin smiled, “he’s right, don’t blame yourself for what’s happening here, none of this is your doing, none of it”, he looked at Varian, “it’s not yours either, so don’t even try it”
The freckled teen blushed, “heheh ha….”
His father raised a brow as Hector snorted, “like you have any room to fucking talk”
The retired knight looked at his brother, “what do you mean?”
“Oh you know exactly what I mean! Sir Itaketheblamealot!”
Adira chuckled, “he’s right you know, where do you think Speckles got it from?”
Quirin huffed, “well excuse me for feeling guilty”
“Children, no fighting please”, Edmun stated tiredly
“Not to be immature, but they started it”, the retired knight stated with a smirk
Hector and Adira laughed as Edmund sighed, “you three, I swear”
Varian and Hugo giggled, “wow, you three are brats”, the blond stated
“Look who’s talking”, the face painted warrior replied
“Look who’s doubly talking”, Edmund stated as Hamuel CAW’d, “how about we just call a spade a spade, you’re *all* brats, but I still love you”
“Cause you’re grandpa!” Varian replied
“That’s right!”
“I’m much less bratty than those two though”, Quirin added
“Who the fuck says?” Hector asked
“No one, it’s a *fact*”
“Since when?”
“Since we were younger and you two got me into trouble all the time!”
“You took the blame”, Adira argued with a smirk, “you even agreed you took the blame”
“That doesn’t mean you weren’t brats, least we remember the vase incident”
Both Hector and Adira glared at their older brother, who snickered as Edmund sighed, “stop it or you three will go to your rooms”
Varian and Hugo continued to laugh as they watched the scene unfold, “this is fun!” The freckled teen exclaimed
“I agree! This is fucking gold!” Hugo replied with a snort
“You two are not helping”, Edmund stated gently
“He’s right, we should probably be the mature ones today Hugo”, Varian suggested
“I can still ground you you know”, Quirin stated, getting the freckled teen to let out a small meep
Hugo snickered, “in all seriousness, what was it like raising these three?” He asked Edmund, who’d set the blond on the couch and had handed Adira a medkit
“Chaotic”, the Dark King replied, getting the two scientists to snort, “have I ever told you two stories from when they were younger?”
“A few times, but not nearly enough to show how bratty they were”, Varian replied, “save for the vase incident, though, I see that as more of an accident than anything else”
“Hmmmm….. if you’re good, I’ll tell you both a few”
“Okay!” Hugo and Varian agreed
“Wha-! Hey!” Quirin stated
“Fucking traitor!” Hector joked as Adira shook her head with disappointment
“Oh stop it you three, don’t you think there may be lessons to learn from your mistakes?” The Dark King asked
“No!” All three brotherhood members replied
“You see what I have to work with?” Edmund asked Hugo, who giggled as Adira, Quirin, and Hector huffed, but said nothing as they helped heal Adira and Varian’s wounds
****
Everyone had settled down after the fussing from before, the atmosphere was calmer, everyone was healed, and they all just listened to the fire crackling in the fire place. That is, until Hugo broke the silence with a bored sigh, “so… We’re all healed and happy…. But I’m bored…. Sooo….. Bratty stories?” He asked with a grin
“Hugo”, Quirin stated
“I wanna hear them too! They sounded interesting!” Varian exclaimed excitedly
“Not you too…..”
Edmund chuckled, “I definitely don’t mind talking about some of my favorites”, he stated, “like the time a certain squire tried to wield my axe without permission and ended up damaging my desk”
Varian clapped his hands over his mouth before looking at his father, who was blushing, “I was 9 years old”
“Which is old enough to know not to hold my heavy axe”
The retired knight sighed embarrassedly as Varian hugged his father while giggling, “how bad was the damage?” Hugo asked
“Oh very bad, nearly cut the desk in two!”
“Please stop”, Quirin stated, getting Hugo, Hector, and Adira to snicker
“And you two shouldn’t be snickering, I remember a time when Adira ended up climbing so high in a tree she got stuck, and one of my guards had to climb up just to get her down!”
Hector snorted as he looked at his sister, who rolled her eyes, “that was only once”, she stated, trying to hide her blush
“Or the time Hector thought he could tame any animal, and nearly got bitten by a *bear*”, Edmund added
Despite the embarrassing tale, Hector still chuckled, “you’re not embarrassed?” Hugo asked with a grin
“You fucking kidding? I love my fun stories! Save for that fucking vase one, all of mine were fucking awesome! I ended up becoming real close with that bear, named him Nuka! I also tried to wrestle an alligator too for taking my sandwich, I didn’t win, but it was fucking hilarious!”
Varian smiled, “you know dad, you tell stories about me and tell me it’s okay to laugh at my smaller mistakes”
“Yes I do, and normally, I don’t mind talking about the past”, Quirin stated, “but I still feel bad about the desk….”
His son smiled lovingly, “aw dad”
“The fact that you could lift that huge axe at *9* is pretty impressive”, Hugo stated, “I asked to hold it the other day and nearly toppled over!”
“Really?” The retired knight asked
“Yeah! Thing’s fucking heavy!”
“I can carry it”, Varian stated
“That’s because you’re unnaturally strong!”
The freckled teen giggled, “I’m not *that* strong!”
“Are you fucking kidding? I tried to carry two of those chicken feed bags you have, and I could only carry one while you, Mr. Macho, carry two with no problem”
“Dad can carry four”
“THAT DOESNT MAKE IT BETTER!”
Varian smiled and blushed as Quirin chuckled, “farm Bubby!”
“Born and raised!” Varian agreed with pride
“Wild Child, I’m surprised you’re not talking about your greatest achievement”, Adira stated
Hector’s eyes lit up, “oh yeah! With the fucking circus cheetah! That shit was cool!”
“A WHAT?!” Varian and Hugo both exclaimed as they looked at the tamer
“A circus cheetah! Plus some lions! You know how we found Pixie, and Basil right?” The two nodded as the binturongs in questions smiled happily at their tamer, “well there were this cheetah and a few lions the circus had mistreated too! I managed to use them to scare the flick outta the ring master! They understood me to a degree I never realized before! And when we rescued them and got them taken care of, they stuck with me for years! At least until we had to get rid of them”
“They kept biting dignitaries!” Quirin exclaimed, “and me!”
“You got too close! And the dignitaries had been talking about what a fancy fucking fur they would make!”
“I didn’t though, and those animals hated me!”
“The big lion liked you”
“The only male? Yeah he was nice”
“Wait wait wait, you made friends with the MALE of the pride?” Varian asked
“Pride?”
“That’s what a lion pack is called, a pride, the make is supposed to be the dominant one, so if you made friends with him, maybe the reason the other lionesses kept biting you was because of that friendship! They may have seen you as a possible mate dad!”
Quirin blinked before blushing again, “ah, well then”
The group laughed, making Quirin more embarrassed before his son hugged him lovingly. He felt better instantly and hugged the teen back. After such a horrible experience, they group was content sharing more stories with each other and enjoying their time together, it was nice, they ended up falling asleep in the living room together, ending the night on a peaceful note as the fire crackled delightfully in the fire place.
Notes:
Hello!
So I just wanted a happy chapter after the darker one that was before it! I hope this helps a bit! We’re gonna get into the journal and such soon enough, but for now, here’s some happy family moments with the Brotherhood and Varian and Hugo!
Adira, Hector, and Quirin have some of the most untapped potential for sibling moments in the show, it honestly makes me sad that we never got to see that! I would’ve loved an episode like this, where they just talk about their past together and what trouble they caused! Oh well X3 I hope the chapter helps a little
Edmund is a poor bean, he has to deal with two sets of brats from two different generations! I don’t think he honestly minds though XD he’s a good grandpa and father! ❤️
Varian and Hugo are teaming up in this one, I find it fun to write them in a more childlike mindset, I think it’s nice to allow them to enjoy their childhood a little more, they deserve to, especially after all they’ve been through
Ruddy buddy and Hamuel for the win in this chapter! ❤️🎶 Olivia, Itty Bitty, and Sassy are there too, just either sleeping or chilling in their fish bowl/pocket :3
Rapunzel and the rest are at the castle still, they wanted to give the family, particularly Hugo and Adira, some time to themselves for a bit, they’ll be back soon though!
Thank you all for reading, I’m hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 382: A Day With Adira! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Hugo grows curious about Adira’s mysterious habits, so he decides to do a field study of her, with permission of course!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“You know there are other ways to get inside my home that don’t include my window right?”
“Yes”
“Why don’t you use them?”
“Because it takes too much time”
“Time what are yo-you open the door and walk in!”
“Exactly! That takes too much time”
“How?”
“Because then I’d have to walk to the dining room door, open that, find a spot I like, and sit. Why do that when I can just go through the dining room table and sit immediately?”
“I-You-with the-and the-! …….You’re killing me…..”
“You should go to a doctor then”
“ADIRA!”
“Yes Stickler?”
The retired knight huffed before the door to the dining room opened, “is everything okay in here?” Edmund asked as Varian peaked inside timidly to see his aunt and father arguing once again
“Yup!” The face painted warrior replied as she bit into her apple, “Stickler may need to visit the doctor though, apparently he’s dying”
“It’s an *expression*”, Quirin stated huffily
“One you shouldn’t say unless you mean it Stickler”
Quirin narrowed his eyes at the women and looked like he was about ready to shout, “uuuuh DAD! DADDY HI!” Varian squeaked as he rushed forwards and hugged his father quickly, “what’s for breakfast? I’m hungry!”
The Village Leader stopped and sighed as he hugged his son back, “I’m making pancakes, wanna help?”
“Oki!”
Quirin smiled, grateful for his son’s quick reaction as he scooped the boy up and walked over to the kitchen, huffing a little at Adira as he passed by her before setting the teen on the counter and grabbing some pans
The Dark King raised a brow at the face painted warrior, “must you antagonize him?”
“It’s fun”, Adira replied, finishing her apple, “I’m honestly surprised he’s not used to this by now”
“Adira, you know he hates it when you do this”
“He doesn’t hate it, he just severely dislikes it”, Edmund remained quiet for a moment or two, “….he might hate it a *little*”
“Adira….”
“You really gonna try to tell her to stop? You know she’s not going to”, a voice stated, getting the group to look and see Hector and Hugo, who were both holding some groceries, standing in the doorway, the wild tamer smirking as Quirin rolled his eyes, turning back to focus on the breakfast he was making
“Roll your eyes all you want, but it’s true, she wouldn’t be acting like this if she didn’t care about you either, so why get mad?” The wild tamer stated as he and Hugo walked inside the dining room and set the groceries down
The retired knight didn’t respond as Hugo walked over and hugged Varian, who hugged him back happily, “I think it’s the principle of the matter”, Edmund stated
“Actually I think he’s just loosing his patience, again, normally he doesn’t mind”, Adira replied as she slid off the table and threw the apple into the bin before closing the window
Quirin let out a small sigh, getting Varian to smile as he watched his father calm down a bit. Hugo looked over at Adira, “why *do* you go through windows? You said it saves you time, but is there any other reason?”
“You’ll never find out”, Hector stated with a scoff, “she doesn’t tell anyone”
“Really?”
“Yup, apparently there’s a bugger reason, but she never says, no matter how hard we push”
“Huh…. Well…. Maybe I can guess!”
“Good luck kid, none of us know the ‘ways of Adira’, honestly, we really don’t need to”, Hector stated with a shrug, “she’s Adira, we don’t question it”
Edmund smiled, “her cryptic and unique attitude is what makes her Adira!”
“Yeah but from what I’ve seen, she, you Adira”, the blond smiled at the women, who was smirking, “are a surprisingly logical thinker, nothing you do is just for the fun of it….. Aside from teasing your brothers, but I think that’s more of a….. Fun side effect, if you will”
“You’re right so far”, the face painted warrior replied
Hugo smiled, “ok, so…. Oh! You know what! I’ve kinda been wanting to do a field study! I was originally gonna do one on Eugene just to see why he needs so much fucking face shit. Seriously, either the guy has *scales* he’s trying to hide or he just really likes feeling slimy”
“PFFFFT!” Varian giggled, clapping a hand over his mouth to keep any spit from getting on the food
Hugo smiled lovingly at his boyfriend before he continued, “either way, what if I did one on you instead Adira! If that’s okay”
The women raised a brow, “depends, what do you do?”
“Just…. Kinda watch you and even participate in what you’re doing. I write down what I find, my conclusions, and see if they’re right! I won’t if you’re not comfortable though, the, proverbial, *magic*, that defines the things you do can still be left up to mystery if you’d prefer”
“Mmmm…. Sure”, Adira replied, “why not, could be fun”
“Really?”
“Mm Hm, besides, it may get Stickler to calm down a bit, since I’ll be too preoccupied with you to tease him”
Quirin huffed again, getting Varian to pat his father’s arm understandingly as Hugo smiled, “cool! Thanks! Just…. Let me know if I’m making you uncomfortable at all, okay?”
“Ok, this…. Doesn’t require touch does it?”
“Nope, just requires you being yourself while I watch and participate a little”
“So you’ll be climbing through windows then?” Hector asked with a chuckle
“…..Depending on how Quirin feels that day, possibly”, he looked over at the Village Leader, who sighed, “…..Maybe we should start tomorrow”
Adira snorted, “agreed”
Varian looked up at his father, “uh dad”
“Hm?” The retired knight replied
“The uh…. Eggs are burnt….”
Quirin blinked before sighing, picking up the pan, and throwing the eggs away before replacing it without a word. Varian winced a little, “d-do you want me to cook them?”
His father looked at him for a second before taking a calming breath, letting it out, and nodding, “please, I think I’m a little too angry for eggs, I can handle pancakes though”
Varian smiled and nodded, “oki, eggs are a little more delicate, so I understand, you have fun beating the pancakes flat”
“Thank you”
“You’re welcome!” The freckled teen replied with a giggle as he cracked an egg into a bowl
****
The rest of the day came and went without much of anything happening, Quirin had gone off to work as Hugo prepared some supplies for his field study, Edmund and Hector put away the groceries and decided to clean up a little and prepare dinner for the retired knight as Adira helped, feeling bad for making Quirin so irritated before. Ruddigar and Varian went with Quirin, to try and help calm the man down a little
Everything went well, especially when the retired knight, his son, and his son’s raccoon, came back home to find a clean house, cooked food, smiling faces, and Itty Bitty and Sassy swimming next to his chair. They enjoyed dinner together and everyone went to bed with a full belly and happy faces!
The next morning however, Hugo was, gently, shaken awake, as he opened his eyes, he was met with a face painted warrior’s gaze, she was smiling at him, “field research day, yes?”
He yawned and sat up, “yeah, is this when you wake up?”
“Yup”
“He looked outside and rubbed his eyes a little before he checked Varian’s gauntlet that was sitting on the desk nearby, “wow, 5AM, you’re an early riser”
She shrugged, “early bird gets the worm”
He smiled, “giving me answers then?”
“Nope, that’s just a fact”
“I see, well I’m noting it either way”, he said with a grin before he quickly grabbed some clothing and changed in the privy as Adira waited. It only took his a few moments to be done before he came out, dressed and ready to go, “so what are we doing first?”
She smiled, “I’m glad you’re eager, I’m going to my tree, I like meditating at this time of day”
“Hm, sounds good, think I’ll join you”
“Fine by me, just be careful”
“Why?”
She opened the window next to her and climbed out, hopping off the edge and landing in the tree next to the home perfectly, “because you could break your neck”
Hugo looked down and gulped at the two story drop before he shook the fear away, “I can do it”, he stared determinedly, before he climbed out of the window and clung to the edge. He took a few deep breaths before jumping. He ended up not being about to land on it, but he managed to cling to a lower branch and clamber up as quickly as possible, making quite the scene for Adira to watch, “phew”, he stated once he was safely up, “made it!”
“Not bad, though you’ll hate the next part”, Adira stated before she jumped to another tree, then another
The blond sighed, “oh come on!” He shook his head again, “no, I’m gonna see this through! I will!” He exclaimed before he looked at the tree Adira had jumped to. It was farther away than the window had been….. He looked around before spotting a, slightly more stable, tree that was closer. He smiled and hopped to it, landing with a little wobbling before he looked around and spotted another, he hopped to it, landing again. He got used to it after a minute and ended up following Adira pretty closely until she’d suddenly stopped
Looking at the blond she smiled, “this is my tree”
Hugo nodded, “cool!” He exclaimed, panting a little, “man that hop really fucking wakes you up in the morning!”
“Doesn’t it though”, she replied happily before she walked forwards a little and sat down, crossed legged, she closed her eyes and became quiet
Hugo blinked a little before he, carefully, walked over to her and looked, she seemed to at peace at the moment. He smiled, pulled out his notebook, and began to write a few things down before he sat down next to her, cross legged, and closed his own eye, meditating with her. He smiled as the Sun shared his heat with them, it felt nice mixed with the brisk morning air. He sighed, happy and excited to learn more about Adira!
Notes:
Hello!
So this was a funny idea that I dreamed about writing last night, so I’m including it in this story because I think it’s cute!
Quirin is an angry bean in this one, well, he’s more annoyed than anything, but still XD
Hector loves the chaos, he’s all for it man XD
Hugo!!!!! Hugo and Adira spending time together! I’ve always wanted to do something like this, and I’ll probably have him do this with the other Brotherhood members too, just because I think it’s cute
Adira is being Adira, and I love her for being herself! I just think it’s fun to find out more about hee and why she does the things she does! 😁
Edmund, Hugo, and Varian are being supportive beans today!
Ruddy buddy, Itty Bitty, and Sassy for the win!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 383: A Day With Adira! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Hugo continues his field study about Adira!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
‘Field Research Report!
Subject: Adira
Age: Unknown (wasn’t brave enough to ask)
Gender: Female (asked just in case, Subject seemed amused by the question though)
Occupancy: Warrior of the Dark Kingdom, Varian’s Eccentric Aunt, Quirin and Hector’s professional teaser
Likes:
-Meditation
-Sweet treats (strawberry cake and apples seem to be her favorites)
-Teasing her siblings
-Being mysterious/eccentric/unconventional/pick your term, save for weird
-Making others question her reasons for doing so while being annoyingly cryptic
-Raccoons, Mice, Fish, Binturongs, Rhinos, and Crows (as pets, not to eat)
-Taking apples from Quirin’s Orchard and showing him she did
-Entering and/or exiting through windows
-Slapstick
Dislikes:
-Being touched
-People hurting her family and loved ones
-Being called weird
-Those who think women are less than them simply because of their gender
-Flirting/Being flirted with (Small note that the subject mentioned Lance in particular when she mentioned this. He used to do this to her apparently, the researcher was not aware of this and will need to have a chat with his boyfriend later about a little thing called ‘spilling the tea’, I *needs* this information! …..For scientific reason of course)
-Banana flavored items (She said they taste like rubber and not the sweet fruit, I’m inclined to agree with her)
Day’s events:
The day starts at 5AM, she hops through a window and gets to a specific tree. I’m not sure why this tree in particular, but she was adamant that it be a particular tree, to meditate for hours
-Further testing, after a few days of work, found out that this tree actually gets the most Sun on its branches in the morning, she likes the heat! The researcher has to agree,
6AM, she always looks towards the house and smiles, I actually know why, it’s because that’s when Quirin wakes up and starts to walk around the house. I suppose that’s her way of saying good morning to him, I wonder if she did this when they were separated too….. Possibly a subtle question I’ll need to ask later on
7AM, she looks at the house again, I looked too and saw Hector outside! He waved at us before he rode on Xena. She waved back, guess this is something they do everyday. She’s back to meditating now, so I shall join her, it’s actually really relaxing!
8:30AM, she’s done meditating, she actually hopped away quickly before coming back with two apples, she really does get them from the orchard. She handed me one, which was nice, (I’ll give Quirin some gold for them later). We ended up hopping back to the house and entering the side window again, right in time to see Freckles heading to the privy! I have reason to believe she timed that on purpose
-When she handed me the apple, she said we were now, “partners in crime”, so that’s a little concerning, Quirin,if you’re reading this, I’ll pay you back! I swear!
—She said Freckles would be up at this point, I knew she was right, but the fact that she mentioned it made me blush, she knows me really well
10AM, so….. Adira and Hector ended up picking on each other during breakfast, it was a little funny when Adira stayed so calm while Hector got riled up. Afterwards, when Edmund finally broke them up, both were completely fine with each other after! Adira even said Hector had “gotten me good with some of those come backs”. …..I don’t have siblings, is this what they do? Is this what a sibling rivalry is?
-After further questioning Quirin about this, he stated, “that’s just how Adira and Hector show their affection for each other, I don’t understand it either, but it works for them”, with a shrug before telling me to finish my eggs. So…… Conclusion? …..Siblings are confusing…..
11AM, training time! With, or without, volunteers! Varian actually likes to watch Adira train, which I adorable! *Ahem* anyway, today she trained against me, she actually was training her dodges. Apparently my fighting style is unpredictable, since she’s never fought me before, so she wanted to train against it. I have an odd feeling she wants to see if Don trained me…. She did, I use her fighting style all the time. So maybe Adira wanted to fight Don? …..Another subtle question I’ll have to ask
-Varian noticed that too, he ended up training with her as well, it was adorable! He kept falling, he said he was trained to sword fight, but he didn’t think he was very good. Adira said she’d train him, she recognized Eugene’s sloppy sword skills, which is hilarious to me!
—Varian mentioned his father had helped train him a little, but due to circumstances, the training got cut short and they never went back to it…… I’m wondering if those circumstances were Eugene finding out something that happened to Varian….. Because he said it happened not too long after he’d been redeemed…… Poor Freckles…. Adira gave him a hug, it was awkward and she only used one hand, but it was a hug, and Varian appreciated it! I did too, that was sweet, Adira’s sweet
1:30PM, Lunch time! I’m not surprised Adira eats lunch, she has to keep up her energy after all, she did go in through the window again though, as did I, it was funny when Quirin saw both of us climbing through. I ended up sitting in a chair instead of the table though, he appreciated that, but did get a little annoyed when Adira stayed on the table until Lunch was ready
-You know, from Adira’s perspective, Quirin comes across as much more serious and hard working…. Huh…. I barely saw the guy today, save for the few times Adira appeared in front of him, and each time he was calm, serious, and stoic. I wonder if the reason she annoys him is because she wants to see a brighter side to him. Picking an apple from his orchard, sitting on the table instead of a chair, being cryptic when he asks her a question, it’s kinda funny to see him react that way to her when all she sees is him overworking and quiet…… I think I’m starting to see why she does the things she does now
2:15PM, this women is a fast eater! I had to gobble my food just to keep up with her, and even them I was 15 minutes late, she said it was okay, but I feel bad. Either way, we went back out to her tree, but this time we kept hopping around Old Corona, on patrol! It was really cool to see how the people of Old Corona work from above! Not to mention the exercise you get from hopping around, it’s really fun once you get used to it!
-I’ve noticed Quirin has a schedule, so does Edmund and Hector, Freckles seems to go with the flow, I know why, he doesn’t really wanna be scheduled to do something and then be interrupted, causes his anxiety to spike. But that’s interesting that his dad, uncle, grandpa, and aunt all have set schedules, nother field research in my future! Woot!
—Damn Monty, those kids are gonna get fucking cavities if you keep givin em extra shit! Boy I wish I grew up here, my gosh, Monty is giving out free candy like it’s his last day on Earth!
—-Adira is so quiet when she’s on patrol, maybe she’s not used to having someone around, which….. now that I think about it, is kinda sad, she just…. Patrols by herself….. That kinda sucks….. I think I’m really starting to figure out why she does what she does….. Looking at her now, she’s just so…. Lonely….. Quirin mentioned that she had been alone for 25 years, same With Edmund and Hector, they all dealt with it differently. Hector is angry, Edmund is overcompensating everytime he speaks, even Quirin is affected despite not being alone for too long, he’s quiet and allows people to speak first! Adira though….. She rules people up, gets them to talk, think, and react more to her, even if it’s bad, I think…. That’s why she does what she does….. Because she-Shit she’s looking at me!
6PM, we’ll I’m fucking exhausted, we spent the rest of the day patrolling! Adira doesn’t take breaks, she moves and keeps moving until she’s done. 6PM is actually when Quirin starts to make dinner, I guess she’s timed it based on that, funny thing happened. Every day since I’ve started this study, Hector has always joined Adira on the final half of her patrol. He sneaks up on her too, it’s kinda cute!
-For more detail, Hector will come find Adira, she’s always in a new place each day, and when he does, he hops in front of her and says, ‘found you’. She always smiles and nods before he joins! They chat and will sometimes crack jokes and such, I don’t know how long they’ve been doing that for, but it’s super fucking cute! Both go back to Quirin at 6PM, Hector’s stomach always growls at that time too, I guess they really love his cooking!
8PM, Dinner is over now and Adira is with everyone else, in the house, she’s just chilling, chatting with whoever she didn’t tick off today. I’ll make notes on conversations she has with each person:
Quirin (Stickler/Courage): Her and Quirin seem to always shoot the shit, she asks him about his day, they both crack some jokes, and it’s generally some good vibes with these two! Sometimes they end up talking about some adder things, like Freckles’s mistreatment, Adira’s no touching rule, or even Quirin’s year in amber, or Adira’s….. Imprisonment with the Baron….. but these two seem to know whenever it gets a little too far and stop when needed before heading to safer topics. It’s nice to know that they talk with each other, and really sweet too! She also compliments him on his cooking! And he compliments her on her sword skills!
—Quirin side bit, I noticed that Adira seems to be very respectful with him, she does something similar with Edmund, but there’s an underlying…. Aura whenever she talks to Quirin, like she wants to impress him, whenever he gives her a compliment, she doesn’t show it too much, but she lights up so brightly, I don’t see her doing that with anyone else, I think it’s because he saved her when she was a kid
Edmund (Fuzz Face): PFFFT!!!!! She makes the man laugh to the point where he cries! This is majority of their conversations! She apparently loves his laugh, which is so fucking cute! They also tend to talk about Eugene, something that, I noticed, makes Edmund EXTREMELY happy!!!!! Same with Freckles, whenever those two come up, Edmund gets so happy his face would rip if he smiled any bigger! It’s so sweet, she keeps proving how sweet she is!
Hector (Wild Child/Spirit): my gosh it’s like they’re best fucking friends!!!!!! They pick on each other, joke, talk, whatever they fucking feel like! It’s like they can talk about whatever and the other understands! I have a feeling that Adira feels the closest to Hector, they’re closer in age, so if makes sense. You can definitely tell they’re siblings, I also noticed that Hector seems to be very overprotective of Adira, huh, in fact, they all are! Even Freckles and Ruddigar! It’s really sweet how they look out for her, and I guess she feels the same for them with how hard she works, wow!
Varian (Freckles/Speckles) and Ruddigar (Stripes) There is only one word to describe their dynamic, and that word is DAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW!!!!!! Adira is so *gentle* with Freckles! When she touches him it’s softly, when she speaks to him her tine is quiet and nurturing, when she looks at his her eyes are warm, everything about them together is so ADORABLE! And I’m not just saying that because I love him! Varian seems to do the same, save for how excited he gets when she comes over, which is so cute by the way, he gets gentle, very quiet speech, calm and kind, eyes focused on her so she knows he’s listening! They talk about what he’s planning to do next, and training! She acts more like a mother to him! She asks how he’s feeling and gives him advice when he needs it, he does the same for her too! It so fucking adorable I’m gonna actually scream!!!!!!
Me (Goldilocks/Glasses/Ponytail): when she’s talking to me, she’s pretty chill, it’s similar to Hector, we shoot the shit, she teases me and I tease her, it actually really fun chatting with Adira! Though we’re not as close as her Hector, not nearly, she doesn’t bring up harder topics, but she did ask how I was feeling since…. Since Don’s passing….. Honestly I was hoping she wouldn’t…. I…. Don’t wanna talk about that…. I guess she could tell because she changed the subject to Freckles real fucking fast, even calling him over! She really is sweet
—Me side note, I was crying? Freckles said I was crying when Adira called him over, maybe….. I’m not completely over Don’s passing….. I dunno…. Varian says I should talk to Lance about it, I think I will….. Other than that, things went back to normal with us, she was a little nervous, but I assured her I was fine, she was calmer after that and relaxed when we chatted again, it was still fun!
12AM, Freckles went to bed, Quirin and Edmund are inside chatting, Adira, Hector, and I left to be on her tree again, all three of us are meditating now. It feels really good out here! I didn’t realize Hector joined Adira on her late night meditations, I guess he likes it too! It’s very peaceful and calm, I enjoy it, I actually feel much more energetic doing Adira’s schedule than my own! Also, Adira was happier, apparently her favorite part of the day is her evening meditation! I think I know why too, it’s because Hector’s here, these two are super close, him being *near* her makes her happy! It’s really sweet!
1:30AM, time for bed! Not a bad routine! I enjoy it a lot, once you get past the exhaustion in the morning, it’s actually really nice! You get used to it quickly, get a bunch of exercise, and end up feeling pretty relaxed after all is said and done! And it’s flexible enough to where even if you’re interrupted, it wouldn’t throw you off because you can cut out training time or even meditation to go and do what you need to! It’s nice
My conclusions on why Adira does the things she does?
She lonely, and she wants to make every single second she has to spend with her family either fun, entertaining, sweet, or happy! She is a very different person, and I honestly think that makes her even better! Her wacky and eccentric nature makes her fun to be around and honestly, it makes me happy to know how much she cares about her family, very sweet, secretly very caring too. I think I’m gonna start joining her for meditations every now and again, it honestly was really nice!
End of my Field Study on Adira!
Researcher: Hugo’
Varian smiled as he read the final lines of the report before he looked at his sleeping boyfriend. The blond had announced he’d finished his research, he mentioned how much fun he’d had with Adira, but didn’t say why or how. The freckled teen had gotten curious because of this mystery, so he’d read the entire report. Varian chuckled as he heard his boyfriend whistle, Ruddigar chittering a little as he nuzzled the blond, “it looks like this was some pretty extensive research there love. A whole week of spending time with my aunt, heh”
He looked at Hugo again, “lonely….. I can imagine with what she and the rest of my relatives went through….” He sighed and slid the note pad back onto the desk before slipping into bed next to his lover
Ruddigar snuggled into the blankets and placed Olivia on his head before he ended up falling asleep as well, leaving Varian to his own thoughts
The alchemist stared at his ceiling for a long time before he got up and walked out of his room, through the home, and out the door. He looked up at the Moon, *12:30AM, good*, he thought before he found what he was looking for, he smiled when he spotted Hector and Adira sitting in the tree, and began to climb
He tried to be as quiet as possible, but ended up helping when he felt someone grab his arm and pull him up, until he was face to face with bright, yellow eyes, “oh, hee hee, hi Hector”
“Hi Spawn, what are *you* doing? Your dad know you’re here?” The wild tamer asked
“I…. Nu-b-but he wouldn’t mind! I just…. Wanted to…. Meditate…. If that’s okay….”
Adira blinked, “you want to meditate with us?”
“Yeah! I…. Thought it sounded nice”
The face painted warrior was startled for a moment before she smiled and looked towards the home, she seemed to be looking in a particular direction, “I’ll have to thank him later”, she said softly
“Hm?”
“Never mind, you can meditate with us if you want, just…. Try not to climb up without shoes next time”
Varian looked down and noticed a few splinters in his feet, he blushed, “eheh…. Sorry”
Hector snorted, “it’s fine, here”, he gently pulled out the splinters before bandaging the wounded areas, “there, don’t want me infected, do you even know how to meditate?”
“I watched Adira do it a lot, it’s breathing right and sitting cross legged right?”
Adira nodded, “that, and focusing your mind on relaxing”
Varian smiled, “oki, um….. do you mind showing me?”
The face painted warrior’s eyes shimmered happily before she nodded, “sure, just copy what I and Spirit do”
Notes:
Hello!
Adira lovins! Because I absolutely love the women and don’t see a lot of love thrown her way! So here’s why I think she does what she does :D
Adira is a sweetheart honestly, think about it, she went through so much trouble to bring Rapunzel to the Dark Kingdom, even going against her own KING! Why does anyone think that is? I think it’s because she wanted her home and family back, she wanted her life back and her kingdom, and she knew the only way to do that was to get the Sundrop and bring her to the Moonstone! Adira is super strong and caring and loving, but she’s also very lonely, you can tell with how she reacts to other people around her, Rapunzel, Eugene, even Lance and Cass! She was eager to chat with them, she’s lonely! Something her and Edmund share, and I’ll get to him, but this is Adira’s chapter, just a little dive into her character because I love her
Hugo is such a good bean! Curious to a T, but such a good bean! I’m glad y’all got me to add him into this story, this was so much fun to write! I love his perspective on things! Hims sassy!
Varian, Quirin, Edmund, and Hector didn’t have major roles here, but Varian would definitely be the tiny sweetheart that would spend more time with Adira and Hector if he found out they were lonely! ❤️🎶
Ruddy buddy for the animal win! Woot!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 384: A Race to be Desired!
Summary:
Varian gets asked for a rush favor for Rapunzel because she and Eugene need to get to a new place called the Spire!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian had been having a really good day so far! He’d gotten up early and meditated with Adira, ate a really great breakfast with his dad, spent the rest of his morning with Hugo in his lab, ate lunch with the rest of his family, helped He tor clean Xena off I. The afternoon, that was when his day turned…..
He’d just finished cleaning off the rhino and had watched his uncle ride off with her into the woods to dry her off when, “VARIAAAAAAAAN!” Could be heard throughout the entire farm
The teen blinked, he recognized that yell, “what the fuck?!” Hugo, who had slammed the front door open, asked as he looked at his boyfriend worriedly, “are you okay?”
“Y-yeah I’m fine, um…. That was Rapunzel”, the alchemist replied as Ruddigar chittered anxiously. He noticed his father running up the path before sliding to a stop at the sight of his son and letting out a breath of relief
Varian smiled and waved to his father, who waved back, both of them seeing Adira peek around the corner before she smiled and returned to her training in the back yard, before they saw a dash of yellow sprint past him and saddle the teen was in the arms of a blond princess, who was hugging his extremely tight, “VARIAN! I’m glad I found you! I need your help, it’s an emergency!” She exclaimed anxiously as she looked into the teen’s eyes pleadingly
The freckled teen blinked before he shook the surprise out of his head and looked at her, “help? And emergency? What’s going on! Is someone hurt?”
“No! W-well not yet, I-it’s bad though! We really need you to make a faster way to travel via balloon! It’s the only way we’ll be able to help her!”
“Help who?”
“Calliope!” Rapunzel exclaimed
Quirin, who had just walked over, with Eugene, who was panting, raised a brow, “Calliope?”
“Who the hell is that?” Hugo asked, also joining the conversation and giving Ruddigar a head scratch
Rapunzel smiled at Hugo, “hi, how’re you feeling?”
“I’m fine, but back to the matter at hand, Calliope?” The blond inventor stated, not really wanting to talk about his mental state at the moment
“The keeper of the Spire-er Sperer-er however you pronounce it”, Eugene replied with a roll of his eyes
Quirin was shocked, “you…. Know about the Spire?”
The group looked at him, “yes? We had to go there to get a piece of Demanitus’s scroll”, Rapunzel replied, “how do you know about that place?”
The retired knight blinked before placing a hand over his mouth and looking down anxiously. Varian raised a brow, “dad?”
“I….. I’m not allowed to talk about it….” The Village Leader replied softly
Varian felt a familiar, albeit small, feeling of anger well up inside him before he let out a small breath of air, “dad if there’s something there that’s dangerous, to you or anyone else, we need to know”
“I….. Son I’d love to tell you, but I’m actually not able to”, his father replied, eyes begging his boy to understand
“Why not?” Varian asked
“I…. T-the….” Quirin raised his left hand and showed his son the back of it, it was glowing brightly
Varian’s eyes widened before he felt a tingle on his chest, looking down, he saw the Moonpiece sparking a little, almost as if they were warning him….. the teen looked up at his father and gasped quietly when he saw his father’s hand was sparking as well, the man had his eyes closed, his frown deepening…..
The freckled teen looked at Hugo, who seemed just as shocked before he retired the look and nodded. Varian smiled at him before he walked over to his father and hugged him, “it’s okay”, he said softly, starting Quirin
“V-Varian I…. I w-want to tell you b-but I-!” The retired knight began
“It’s really okay dad”, the teen said softly, “it’s okay, I understand this time”, he smiled up at his father, “knowing more about the Moonstone and such, seeing what just happened, you physically can’t, and it’s okay, if anything, Rapunzel and Eugene will tell me if I need to know, right?” He looked at the pair
“Of course!” The princess exclaimed, “no more keeping secrets from you! We’re definitely gonna tell you if something’s wrong!”
“That’s right Hairstripes!” Eugene agreed with a smile
Varian smiled at the pair before looking back up at his dad, “see? So it’s okay, I understand you actually can’t tell me, it’s alright, really”
The glowing on Quirin’s hand stopped as he smiled at the teen and hugged him lovingly, “thank you Bubby”
Varian giggled happily as he and Ruddigar nestled into the man’s vest, until they remembered that Rapunzel had come her for help. He broke the hug and turned to her, “so you need me to make a balloon go faster?”
Rapunzel nodded enthusiastically, “yes!”
“Why? What happened to this Collipe person?”
The princes took a huge breath, making Hugo and Eugene both say, “oh no”, before she went into a 100 word per second speech
“I got a letter in a magic bottle from Collipe who is the new keeper of the Spire that said that Cassandra was there and that Collipe needs help and to keep this key with me so now me and Eugene have to go after her and see if she needs help while also being on the lookout for Cassandra and keeping the key safe and we really don’t have much time because I don’t know how long Cass has been there and we know the balloon is the fastest way to get there but it still takes us a couple, of day even by balloon travel so we were hoping you could go and make the trip a little faster while I map out the shortest route!” Rapunzel took a breath before giving Varian her own version of puppy dog eyes
The teen blinked for a moment before he sighed, “she’s….. there?”
“Yes”
“Why would she be there?”
“I don’t know…. But there’s a bunch of old relics there, magical tomes, ancient artifacts, collected over hundreds of years! She must want something in there something that this key can unlock”, she pulled out the key and showed it to Varian before he saw his father gasp
Turning to look at him, both looked startled as the retired knight stared, wide eyed and fearful, at the key. He was shaking his head, almost like he couldn’t believe it before he backed up a little, “d-dad?” Varian asked
“S-sorry, I’m sorry I….. t-that key she…. She’s…. No…..” Quirin placed a trembling fist over his heart before covering it with his other hand, “nononononono, no s-she can’t, I…. We….. I…. H-have to warn them……” he looked over towards the backyard, “Inhave to warn Adira, Hector, and King Edmund! I have to!”
“Dad?!”
Quirin looked at his son, startling him, Hugo, Eugene, and Rapunzel even more as they saw tears sliding down his face before he frowned, “t-that key is from the Dark Kingdom….. I…. Ah!” He winced, gripping his hand even harder and backing away more
“DAD!” Varian ran forwards before the Moonpiece sparked at him. He stopped looked down at the piece before his eyes glowed brightly and he glared at the piece, “you’re on *my* body and you’re hurting *MY* father! I get you don’t want him to say anything, but you need to stop hurting him *NOW*!” He demanded, his voice echoing through the fields
The Moonpiece stopped sparking for a moment before Quirin stopped wincing, looking at his hand in surprise before looking at Varian, “y-you stopped it”
The teen huffed, “thank you”, he said to the Moonpiece, eyes no longer glowing before he ran to his father and hugged him, “are you okay?”
“I’m a-alright, how did you stop it?” Quirin asked, hugging his son back
“I told them to”
Quirin blinked before he laughed a little, “you t-tohohohold them tohohoho! Oh! Varian please don’t change”, he stated, hugging his so even tighter and breathing a sigh of relief, “I love you Bubby”
“I love you too dad”
The group smiled at the father son duo before Hugo stepped forwards, “so you’re freaking out over a key, it must be to something dangerous”, he stated, getting the Moonpiece to spark again, startling Varian and Quirin, “and they really don’t want us to talk about it”
“I have to warn Adira, Hector, and King Edmund”, Quirin stated, “I…. Can’t say why unfortunately, but it’s….. dangerous…. Very dangerous…..”
Varian looked up at his father, then down to his left hand, before looking up at him again and nodding with an understanding smile, “oki, I’ll help Rapunzel and Eugene with their balloon, you go and warn Adira, Hector and Grandpa”, he broke the hug and looked over at Hugo, “I’m sorry live, but do you mind watching the house? Just in case Hector returns before dad can see him? It’ll be good to have someone there to tell him what’s going on”
Hugo saluted his boyfriend, “can do!”
Varian snorted, “I love you”
Hugo grinned, “love you too Freckles”
****
Varian wiped his brow as he knelt down in front of his newest invention, he smiled wide when he noticed Eugene peeking at him, they were in the middle of town. The teen had been working on his newest invention for the better part of the afternoon, and he’d finally finished it, he smiled up at Eugene when he noticed the man watching him once again, “I’ve chemically treated these thrusters, so the flames will burn hotter and longer than any *natural* flame. You’re gonna fly, like the *wind*”, he explained proudly, gesturing with his hand to show Eugene how fast they’ll be going
He looked at the man expectantly before he noticed him beginning to mess with a few of the tools he’d set up for easier access while he was working, he sighed and frowned, “don’t touch that”, he stated flatly
Eugene looked a little startled and put the glue bucket down before he saw something else that caught his interest and reached for it while Varian tightened a screw, “*or* that”, the alchemist stated
The Dark Prince huffed, looking annoyed before he went to touch the engine the teen had built, “OH MY-DON’T TOUCH THAT! IT’S GONNA *BLOW*!!!!!!” Varian screamed
Eugene was so startled that he fell backwards, letting out a yell of surprise before covering his head, “ha HAA! Gotcha! Just messing with you!” Varian stated with a smirk
Eugene for up and glared at the teen, “I knew *that*”, he stated, getting Varian and Pascal to giggled, “and you’re on my list *frog*!”
“*Guys* focus”, Rapunzel, who’d been mapping out their root with Ruddigar for help, stated, getting the two’s attention, “look at this”. Both of them looked at the map, Ruddigar hopping onto his boy’s shoulders as the princess began to speak, “ittook us *weeks* to get to the Spire on foot, *but* thanks to Varian’s speed balloon *and* this direct route, we’ll get there in a *day*!” She stated before smiling proudly at her little brother
Good job buddy!” Eugene stated, ruffling the teen’s hair as he stepped out of them balloon basket
Varian smiled up at him before fixing his hair and looking at the map, he frowned, “oh wait this takes you over Crestin Loch!” Varian stated, pointing to the icy mountains towards the end of their journey to the Spire. He looked at Rapunzel worriedly, but she kept on smiling, “uh Crestin Loch? The frozen sea? Miles and *miles* of *deadly* wintry expanse?!”
“That’s the one~!” The princess replied with a grin
Varian sighed, same old Rapunzel, he shrugged and smiled, “weeeeelll if it were anyone *other* than *you* I’d be worri-WOOOAH!” He fell backwards, startling Rapunzel, who looked over at him and Ruddigar before smiling, giggling a little, “who glued my boots to the *ground*?!” Varian asked, lifting up his foot as he’d fallen right out of his shoes, Ruddigar shaking his head to clear it as he’d landed on the street beside his boy
“That’s for your little *balloon prank* earlier!” Eugene stated, getting the teen to look up at him with a pout, the man smirked, “Eugene Fitzherbert *never* forgets!” He stated, placing the paint brush back inside the glue bucket confidently as Varian sighed and got up, only to freeze when he saw Eugene trying to unstick the brush from his hand
He snickered as Rapunzel clapped her hands over her mouth to prevent her giggles from escaping, “Eugene Fitzherbert also never learned about glue either it seems”, Varian replied sassily as Ruddigar chittered with laughter
“I did, just-ugh! Hang on!” Eugene stated as he tried to pull the brush off, grunting and groaning with annoyance as the thing stuck fast to his hand
Varian laughed, as did Rapunzel, who couldn’t keep it in any longer, “you know! With how often Adira calls you fish skin, you think you would’ve learned more about the stuff and how *sticky* it can be!”
“Shush! I’ve almost got….. UGH! How do I get this thing off?!”
“Pffft! Well I’m not helping you!” The alchemist stated before he pulled out a small solution and dropped a little on his boots. He smiled when the glue dissolved, his boots remaining unmarried by the glue as he slipped them back on and tightened them
“Wha-How-where-when-why-WHAT?!”
Varian smirked, “I use some glue in my goo bombs to make them sticky! So it’s only natural that the dissolvent for the same goo bombs would work on glue”, he stated, “you would’ve known that had you paid better attention”
It was Eugene’s turn to pout now as Rapunzel giggled again, “this s really funny, but Varian, I *kinda* need him on this adventure, glue brush free please”
The teen raised a brow before he looked at Eugene, “he has to say sorry for gluing my boots first, *then* I’ll help him out!”
“WHAT?! You pranked me first!” Eugene exclaimed
“Yeah, when *you* didn’t listen and touched everything I told you *not* to! I wouldn’t have pranked you had you listened the first time ya brat”, Varian stated before blinking, “huh, is this what dad feels like? …..Interesting”
Rapunzel snorted before she looked at Eugene, “come on, it’s just an apology, and we don’t have time to wasted Eugene”
The Dark Prince sighed before he looked at Varian, who smiled at him so innocently that he could swear he saw a halo above the teen’s head. He huffed before sighing defeatedly, “I’m sorry for gluing your boots, now can you free my hand please?”
Varian snickered and nodded, “oki”, he got the vial out once more and unstuck Eugene’s hand, taking care to hold the non glue covered part of the brush as he stuck it back inside the bucket and smiled, “apology accepted”, he stated before looking at Rapunzel, “please be careful, okay?”
The princess nodded, “we will Varian, don’t worry”
Ruddigar chittered at Pascal, giving the chameleon a worried look, the reptile smiled determinedly at the raccoon, which seemed to calm the mammal down
Eugene hopped into the basket of the balloon before he ruffled the teen’s hair again, “even though you’re a brat, we love ya kiddo, we’ll be back soon”
Varian giggled and nodded, “I love you both too, be careful”
“We will!” Rapunzel exclaimed before she pulled the lever to spark the flames of the balloon! The large vehicle floated into the air as the pair waved to the teen, Varian waved back with a smile. He watched them until they were out of sight, he sighed before scratching Ruddigar’s ear, “you think they’ll be able to stop her?”
The raccoon chittered out a confident response
Varian smiled, “you're right, I shouldn’t worry…..”
Ruddigar nuzzled his boy before tapping his cheek
“Alert huh? Heh, guess I’m more anxious than I thought….. maybe….. M-maybe I should stick close to dad today…. He’s harvesting the pumpkins today, he’s always in a good mood when he does that! I….. I’ll stick with him and Hugo…. I think I’m a little too anxious right now….”
Ruddigar nodded, chittering about his boy hurrying to find the bigger human
“Heh, right, let’s go bud”, they began to walk home after putting all of the tools away
****
He found his father in the fields again, he seemed much more relaxed than he had before, quietly picking up pumpkins and placing them into a wheel barrow nearby before moving on to the next one with a peaceful smile on his face. Varian walked over to his father, “hey dad”
“Hey son”, Quirin replied, “how was the inventing?”
“It went well, I made a really cool speed balloon! They were off almost immediately”
“Almost?”
“Eugene tried to prank me but ended up prancing himself and me”
“Ah”
“Yeah, how are you though? Feel better now that you’re pumpkin farming again?”
“A bit, I warned Adira, Hector, and King Edmund, and Hugo made us all lunch, which was nice. He’s inside working on a few new projects if you wanna join him”
“Normally I would, but I feel like I wanna be near you right now, I…. I’m anxious…. Ruddy gave me an alert”
Quirin stopped and looked at his son worriedly, “are you alright?”
“Yeah, I’ve been able to handle it so far, it was just one alert on my cheek”
“Ok, well don’t push yourself too hard Bubby, why don’t you stick near me yeah? Just in case, maybe you can help with the pumpkins! Im making pie tonight!”
Varian smiled, “oki!” The alchemist pulled out his tiny fish knife had given hims a long time ago, he smiled at it before he used it to harvest some pumpkins. He didn’t know how long they’d been in that field together, but Ruddigar gave him an all clear and he smiled as he continued to harvest with his father! The wind was nice against his warm, sun kissed, skin as he placed another pumpkin into the wheel barrow
Things were looking a lot better then more he worked, Hugo had even come out and helped a little before he’d grow tired and opted to start making dinner instead, taking Quirin’s gloves with him per the Village Leader’s request, he wasn’t a farmer, and that was okay. Varian honestly wanted to spend this time with his dad anyway, so once the Sun had dipped below the horizon, he didn’t noticed the Moonpiece glowing, warning him of something bad. He had another pumpkin in his hand and walked it over to the wheel barrow as he looked at his father, the man had gotten closer to him, it made the teen smile as he jokingly said, “oh hey dad!” Getting a nod from the farmer, who smiled wider, before walking away
He didn’t see the dangerous blue glow in the retired knight’s eyes, nor did he see the way his father dropped everything when it took him over. The man seemed to snap out of it instantly, and it disappeared, his hand was glowing just the slightest before it dimmed too as Quirin got back to harvesting the pumpkins
Everything was fine until Hugo came rushing out of the house, Olivia handing on to him for dear life as he slid to a halt and faced the father son duo, “guys! Adira and Hector aren’t back yet!” He exclaimed
“What?!” Varian asked as Quirin looked up at the blond
“I spent DAYS with Adira, she never misses dinner! She’s not even a little late, but her and Hector aren’t here! And Edmund said he’s starting to get an odd feeling, he tripped earlier, he’s alright but something made him stop and trip! I don’t know what, I didn’t see! Freckles, Quirin, I think something’s very wrong right now! I’m getting a really bad feeling!”
Varian felt his anxiety shoot through the air as he whimpered a little, Ruddigar nuzzled him, trying to keep him calm before the teen felt a hand on his shoulder, he looked up and saw his father looking at him, a small, unbothered, smile on his face, “it’s gonna be okay, let’s head inside after placing the pumpkins somewhere safe, and we can talk about it, no need to freak out”
The teen blinked as he stared at the man before him, he had no idea why, but something was *screaming* inside of him that something wasn’t quite right about his father….. And he didn’t know why, “…..okay”, he didn’t argue, he followed his father’s suggestion, almost feeling like he didn’t have a choice……
All the while, he and Hugo exchanged glances with each other, something isn’t right, and both of them could tell…..
Notes:
Hello!
Y’all know what’s coming, y’all know why they’re acting weird and where Adira and Hector are…..
If you know, you know
Things are about to get crazy!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
Chapter 385: Goodbye For Now!
Summary:
Something isn’t right, Quirin and Edmund aren’t acting like themselves, and Adira and Hector are missing, Hugo and Varian are going to find out why!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everything was fine until Hugo came rushing out of the house, Olivia handing on to him for dear life as he slid to a halt and faced the father son duo, “guys! Adira and Hector aren’t back yet!” He exclaimed
“What?!” Varian asked as Quirin looked up at the blond
“I spent DAYS with Adira, she never misses dinner! She’s not even a little late, but her and Hector aren’t here! And Edmund said he’s starting to get an odd feeling, he tripped earlier, he’s alright but something made him stop and trip! I don’t know what, I didn’t see! Freckles, Quirin, I think something’s very wrong right now! I’m getting a really bad feeling!”
Varian felt his anxiety shoot through the air as he whimpered a little, Ruddigar nuzzled him, trying to keep him calm before the teen felt a hand on his shoulder, he looked up and saw his father looking at him, a small, unbothered, smile on his face, “it’s gonna be okay, let’s head inside after placing the pumpkins somewhere safe, and we can talk about it, no need to freak out”
The teen blinked as he stared at the man before him, he had no idea why, but something was *screaming* inside of him that something wasn’t quite right about his father….. And he didn’t know why, “…..okay”, he didn’t argue, he followed his father’s suggestion, almost feeling like he didn’t have a choice……
All the while, he and Hugo exchanged glances with each other, something isn’t right, and both of them could tell…..
They all placed the pumpkins in the farming shed, Quirin taking two to make into pie later as they all headed inside. The two teens found themselves sitting in the living room with Edmund, who was blankly staring at the pair as Quirin headed to the kitchen. Both alchemists found the usually emotional and excited Dark King very…. Creepy….. “Um…. Grandpa?” Varian said softly
“Hm?” Edmund replied
“Are you okay? You seem to be….. um… staring…. A lot….”
“Oh yes, I’m quite alright! Just worried about Adira and Hector is all!”
Varian blinked before he looked at Hugo, who was staring at the Dark King in surprise before closing his mouth and looking at his boyfriend anxiously….. The room grew quiet again before they all smelled something burning, “dad?” Varian asked, before he heard a pan drop, making him and Hugo jump up and rush to the kitchen, “DAD!” They found the retired knight with a hand on his head, a pained expression on his face as they saw the pan he’d dropped had been an empty pie tin. Varian ran over as Hugo saw Edmund enter the room and decided to watch him, just in case, “dad, are you alright?”
“I’m fine, just…. Ugh…. Got a splitting headache for some reason….” Quirin replied before he looked at his son, something…. Made him freeze for a moment before he stared at his son, fear shining in his eyes, “Varian, you need to take Hugo, and yourself, to the castle, you two need to stay there”
“W-what? Why?!”
“Son, please, just…. I can tell you…. B-but you and Hugo *need* to go! You n-need to get to the castle! Please….”
“B-but…. Dad w-what’s happening to you?”
“I’m not able to t-tell you! But…. Son if you don’t go, I…. M-might end up hurting you and Hugo…..”
Varian’s eyes widened as he stared at his father, “dad….”
“Please….. S-she doesn’t want us to d-do anything now, b-but she will, and s-she won’t let us hold b-back or fight her….. I can’t t-tell you anymore-Varian, son, PLEASE, take Hugo and go! Please!” His father begged, “take every precaution you n-need to! Potions, bombs, Varian…. Take the fucking *amber* and use it! You just need to go! I-I cant…. F-fight her for too long….. I’m so sorry…. I’m sorry…..”
Tears fell down Varian’s face as he starred at his father for a long time, flashes of that day in the blizzard, how his father had pushed him out of the way just in time, how he’d ran away instead of staying to help, they all came crashing back, “w-what if I can help? I have the Moonpiece! I-I could do *something*!”
“It doesn’t matter….. S-she has the-AH!” Quirin’s left hand glowed extremely bright, he grabbed it, “ok ok! I won’t say it! I won’t, just stop! *Please* stop!” He begged, his hand stopping it’s glow
The freckled teen placed his hands over his mouth, Hugo watched the scene, looking at Edmund, “aren’t you gonna fucking do anything?!”
“I can’t…..” the Dark King replied softly, the blond noticing small tears streaking down his face as well as he stared at his knight, “I’m so sorry…..”
Hugo’s eyes widened with terror as he looked at Varian anxiously, the freckled teen was still staring at him father before he lowered his hands and, with a quivering mouth, said, “ok…..” Getting Quirin to look at him, “…..W-we’ll go…. But…. P-promise me y-you’ll both be okay”
Quirin looked at his son and gave a tearful smile, nodding, “I promise, as long as you promise you’ll do everything in your p-power to stop me should I t-try to hurt you”
“Dad-!”
“Promise me!” Quirin exclaimed, seeing his son wince a little and instantly regretting his snap before he gently placed a trembling hand on his son’s cheek, “please…. Promise me…..”
Varian sniffled, hiccuping a little before he nodded, “I….. I p-promise….”
His father smiled, “I love you, so much, Varian”
The freckled teen hugged Quirin as tight as he could, his father returning the hug before he noticed Hugo, he smiled weakly and pulled the blond in the hug, “I love you to Hugo, always”
The blond was startled, but didn’t struggle to try and get away, he smiled and embraced the man as well as Varian. For a moment, all ways calm, then Quirin let go and looked at the both of them, “I c-can’t stop myself a-anymore, please”
“We’ll…. W-well go…..” Varian said sadly, “I’ll just g-grab what I need, dad, I….. I’m sorry….”
“It’s not your f-fault”
“…..I love you dad, and I love you grandpa, we’ll find a way to fix this, I promise”, Varian said, hugging his father again before hugging Edmund and farting up the stairs. Hugo was about to go after him, when Quirin grabbed his arm
“Please…. Keep him safe…. And do the same for you”, he asked softly, “I…. Don’t wanna lose either of you…. P-please…..”
The blond nodded, “I’m not gonna let anything happen to him, or me….. I….” The blond hugged him, “I love you dad….” He said, before letting go and running up the stairs after Varian. He didn’t see the smile on Quirin’s face, nor the tears the followed it as he made a beeline for his boyfriend’s room, helping him pack…..
“Goodbye….. My sons……”
****
Hugo watched Varian closely, the teen hadn’t said a word since they’d left the farm, the Moon rising in the air as they crossed the bridge from the forest to the capital of Corona…. They made their way through the woods without so much as a peep, it was when they hit town that the blond spoke up, “hey….. Dumb fucking question but…. Are you alright?”
Varian shook his head, clutching the straps on his backpack as Ruddigar chittered anxiously before looking at Hugo with worry
“Freckles it’s…. It’s gonna be okay, we’ll figure this out, we will”, Varian stopped walking, he took a moment or two before he finally looked at Hugo and made the blond gasp, tears waterfalled down his boyfriend’s face, eyes glowing brightly in the dim light as the teen’s lips quivered, “Varian….”
“She…. S-she….. I…..” Varian tried, but words would come out, so instead he just fell to his knees o the forest floor, all of the item he’d brought with him were left in the small wagon he’d brought with him, including the rooster invention he’d been working on….. “I…. C-can’t…..”
Hugo rushed over to Varian and knelt down before him, “hey, it’s okay, it’s alright”, he stated, hugging the teen close
“No it’s not…. D-dad…. Daddy…..” Varian hugged Hugo back, the blond rubbing his boyfriend’s back gently when he did…. Neither of them heard the sounds of someone approaching them, not did they see the three people that came stumbling out of the forest
“It’s okay…..” Hugo said quietly, “it’s alright…. It’s gonna be o-okay….” He was trying not to let his own emotions affect him as his wavering voice whispered soothing words to the crying alchemist in his arms
“Varian? Hugo?” A familiar voice asked, getting Hugo to look up and see
“L-Lance?” The blond asked, his eyes wide as he stared at the man, Catalina and Angry staring at the two with shock
“What are you two doin out here?!” The former thief exclaimed, running over and covering the pair in a blanket he’d pulled out of his own pack, “it’s freezin! And it’s way past the new curfew!”
Hugo stared at the man before he couldn’t hold on to his own tears anymore, and let them slide down his cheeks as his last resolve broke, startling the man, “L-Lance….mQuirin…. And E-Edmund…..they….. t-they’re…..”
Lance didn’t hesitate to hug to two teens, holding them as close as possible while Varian cried into his shirt, unable to hold back anymore while Hugo clung to the man. Ruddigar stared at the former thief with sadness and worry while Lance stared at the two alchemists before he looked at the girls, “we’re goin to the castle”
“Right, I’ll grab their wagon”, Catalina stated
“I’ve got V’s pack”, Angry added, both grabbing what they said they would as Lance nodded proudly at the pair
“Thanks girls, come on, I think we’ve got a princess to see….”
****
The group made it to the castle, they startled many of the guards and maids there, but they made it, the former thief taking the two alchemists to his room. Varian had stopped crying, he’d tuckered himself out, but couldn’t, or wouldn’t, fall asleep. Hugo, on the other hand, just stared, unblinking, at everything….. the blond was too afraid to do anything else as he tried to make sense of what’d just happened to them
Lance closed his door and sat on the bed with the teens, hugging them both as Catalina and Angry set their stuff down. It took a few minutes before the blond finally realized where they were, and he looked up at Lance, “hi….”
“Hi, you wanna try tellin me what’s goin on?” Lance asked gently
“I…. I-I’ll try…..” Hugo explained the situation. Starting from what Varian had told him about his trip to build a speed balloon, to what’d happened with Quirin and Edmund. He finished with a hiccup and sniffle as he quieted down and waited for Lance to speak up
The former thief was completely silent before he looked at Varian, the teen was still fighting sleep as he stayed in Lance’s arms. The man sighed before he slid Hugo off him, the blond didn’t mind, he’d always felt awkward being picked up by anyone other than Quirin. He watched Lance get up and walk over to a closet before opening it and grabbin something out before walking back to the bed
“Varian”, Lance said softly, but sternly, “you need to sleep”
Varian shook his head, “no….”
“I know you think nightmares will come, but avoiding sleep is only gonna make you feel worse”
“No….” Lance sighed before he calmly set the teen on his bed, covering him with a blanket. Varian didn’t fight him, in fact, all the fight seemed to be drained out of the teen, “….I lost my dad again….”
That statement alone broke every heart in the room, including the author’s, as they stared at Varian for a long time before Lance shook his head, “ya didn’t lose him, he’s just….. Unavailable at the moment…. B-but it’s okay. He wanted you two to be safe, so he sent you both here. He wants you to take care of yourself little man, part of that is sleeping”
“No….”
Lance sighed, but smiled, “would it help if I said your dad could kinda be with you?” Varian looked at him disbelieving before Lance placed something on him, something familiar, that smelled of apples and smoked wood, he looked down and saw his father’s vest laying on top of him, his eyes widened as he looked up at Lance, “Quirin gave me an extra one of his vests a long time ago, when you two were stayin in the castle. I noticed how much you snuggled with them, so I asked him for one just in case, he was happy to oblige”. The former thief smiled, “it’s not him, I know it’s not him, but….. He’s still with you, in a small way, he wanted you both to be safe, he may not be here, but he’s still protecting you, both of you”, he looked at Hugo for a moment, the blond smiled and nodded, getting Lance to look back at Varian, “so you need to do your part and protect yourself, just like I know he asked you two to do”
Varian sniffled, “….I’m scared….”
The former thief smiled lovingly at the teen, “it’s okay to be afraid, everyone is afraid every once in a while, but you’re not alone, you’ve got me, Hugo, Catalina, Angry, Eugene, and Rapunzel, and lets not forget about Ruddigar! You’re not alone, we’ll get through this, together, ok?”
The teen was silent for a moment or two before nodding, “thanks Lance”
“Anytime little man, now get some sleep, *both* of you”, he smirked at Hugo, who blushed, “tomorrow we’ll all find Rapunzel and Eugene and find out what’s going on, okay?”
The two alchemists nodded before Hugo snuggled up with Varian in bed, both of them held hands and snuggled into Quirin’s vest together before falling asleep, Lance watched the pair for a long time before he sighed and looked at the girls, his girls. He felt a pang of worry for them as he scooped the two up and held them close, “it’s gonna be okay”, he said softly, getting the two to hug him, “it’ll be okay”
Notes:
Hello!
So originally, I was gonna have Quirin acting off for a while before this, but honestly, the moment he realizes something’s up with him and Edmund, he’d get Varian and Hugo out of there asap! Unfortunately….. that means no more Farmer dad for a while….. Goodbye for now…..
I’m gonna miss Quirin….. I love writing him and he and Varian’s dynamic together us adorable….. But he would make sure his sons are safe first and foremost. That means getting them away from him if needed……
Edmund couldn’t fight it…. Honestly, my theory with him is that he was too under control, less of his character that we’d been seeing was shown in the later half of this season, so….. Yeah he’s definitely not able to fight it like Quirin can….. poor grandpa…..
Goodbye to Hector and Adira for now too….. We’ll get to them…. But if you’ve seen the show, you know where they are…..
Hugo being the best boyfriend in the universe right now, but also losing another parental figure in his life, even if for a short time….. this poor bean…..
Varian….. oh he breaks my heart, I write him like this, yet he still breaks my heart…. How? I’ll never know, either way this bean keeps breaking my heart….
Lance…. This man keeps coming through! Seriously, he’s the second dad to these two! He really is a king! Seriously, this man makes me happy to write!!!!! Him and his two daughters! ❤️ Thank the universe for Lance! ❤️🎶
Ruddy for the win on the best pet prize!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 386: The Mind Trap!
Summary:
Varian and co find Eugene and Rapunzel and ask what’s going on!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The former thief smiled lovingly at the teen, “it’s okay to be afraid, everyone is afraid every once in a while, but you’re not alone, you’ve got me, Hugo, Catalina, Angry, Eugene, and Rapunzel, and lets not forget about Ruddigar! You’re not alone, we’ll get through this, together, ok?”
The teen was silent for a moment or two before nodding, “thanks Lance”
“Anytime little man, now get some sleep, *both* of you”, he smirked at Hugo, who blushed, “tomorrow we’ll all find Rapunzel and Eugene and find out what’s going on, okay?”
The two alchemists nodded before Hugo snuggled up with Varian in bed, both of them held hands and snuggled into Quirin’s vest together before falling asleep, Lance watched the pair for a long time before he sighed and looked at the girls, his girls. He felt a pang of worry for them as he scooped the two up and held them close, “it’s gonna be okay”, he said softly, getting the two to hug him, “it’ll be okay”
****
Lance opened his eyes as the morning Sun crept through the room, he yawned and sat up, looking around before he noticed Hugo and Varian weren’t in bed, and Quirin’s vest was gone. The former thief blinked before he stood up and searched the room, Catalina and Angry were there either, the man began to grow anxious, “Varian? Hugo?” He called, “girls? Giiiiirls?!”
“Lance!” A small voice called back, getting the man to look at the opened door he hadn’t noticed, Catalina stood in its frame, watching him
“Oh thank goodness! What are you doin out there?” Lance asked, running over and scoopin the small girl up, “and where’s your sister and two big brothers?”
“In Varian’s room”
“Varian’s room? Ya mean his lab?”
“Nope, his room, the one he and Quirin share when he stays here overnight. He ended up having a nightmare and woke me, Angry, and Hugo up. When he didn’t calm down, Hugo thought it would be a good idea to sleep there instead, so they went there and me and Angry followed so they wouldn’t get hurt. They fell asleep on Quirin’s bed and me and Angry slept on Varian’s. All of us just recently woke up, save for Varian, who’s still on Quirin’s bed”
“Oh…..” Lance’s heart broke when he hear that, he hugged Catalina close before he walked to the shared bedroom with the sky light so the teen could look at the stars. He peeked inside and the sight made his heart break even more. He saw Hugo and Angry sitting on Varian’s bed, both of them were ready for the day, and nodded to Lance when they saw him, but their attention was focused on the small lump that could be seen on the opposite bed…..
Varian was face down in the covers, Ruddigar as curled up next to him. Judging from the teen’s breathing, he wasn’t sleeping anymore, he held the vest close to him as his small shoulders shook with silent sobs. The former thief set Catalina next to Hugo and walked over to Varian. He sat on the edge of the bed before, gently, placing a hand on the teen’s back
This made Varian wince a little, but he settled when the hand did nothing more, continuing his silent sobs as he hugged the vest closer to his chest. Ruddigar looked up at the former thief anxiously, his green eyes begging for Lance to do something to help his boy
The former thief sighed before he saw some tissues nearby, he grabbed them and turned to Varian, gently rubbing circles into the teen’s back, like Quirin had shown him. This seemed to lessen the freckles teen’s sobs a little, his shoulders stopped shaking as much as Lance continued. After a minute or two, Varian could be heard hiccuping and sniffling.
Lance smiled when he looked down and saw the teen’s face had come out of hiding, his hair was a mess of black and blue, his eyes puffy and red as was his nose, his mouth was still hidden underneath the vest the teen was hugging, but the former thief was happy the teen was awake at the very least, “hey the little man”, he said softly, getting Varian’s eyes to swivel from Hugo to the former thief, “needed to cry for a minute I take it?”
Varian nodded before clutching the vest even closer to him as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy
“Did you get much sleep?”
The teen shook his head
“Didn’t figure…. I wouldn’t have been able to either honestly, but, it’s a new day at least, so we can try to do somethin about this now”
Varian looked at the former thief, he didn’t look angry, but his eyes were full of fear and anxiety
Lance offered the teen a tissue, “what I mean is, we can find Eugene and Rapunzel today, ask them what’s goin on, and get some much needed answers. After that, we can try to help Quirin, and get him back to normal, once that’s done, you and Hugo will be able to snuggle in his arms, instead of his castle bed, doesn’t that sound good?”
Varian nodded, accepting the tissue and blowing his nose
Lance smiled, “that-a boy! How about we get you all cleaned up, yeah?”
The freckled teen sniffled a little before looking over at Hugo
“I can help if you’d prefer”, the blond offered
Varian shook his head before offering his boyfriend a clean tissue
Hugo blinked before he realized what his boyfriend was asking, “I’m alright, I needed a night to let it sink in, but I’m alright, you don’t have to worry about me”, he said with a smile
Varian shook his head, offering the clean tissue again
The bespeckled teen blinked as Lance chuckled, “he’s not gonna fall for it Hugo, neither do I actually, you’re allowed to be not okay you know. Out of everyone, save for Varian himself, you’re the second person I’m worried about wit this situation”
“I…. Am?”
“You love Quirin, he’s like a dad to you, everyone sees that, it’d be like if somethin ever happened to you, Sun and Moon forbid, but Quirin would be the second person I’d be worried about too, Varian bein the first, because both of them care about you! You’re family, and it’s kinda crystal clear that you’re as affected by what’s goin on as Varian is. You’re better at hiding it, but you’re just as affected”
Varian nodded
Hugo blinked, and for a moment he was silent. But he sighed before getting up and accepting the tissue, rubbing his eyes a little with it before looking down, “sorry…. Should be stronger”
“Who says you’re not?” Lance asked, getting the blond to look at him, “Quirin’s good people, I’m sad he’s affected by whatever’s goin on too, he’s not my dad, but….” He looked at Catalina and Angry, “he’s helped me with some tough things”, he smiled at the girls, who smiled back at him, “he’s a dear friend of mine, I’m upset about this too”, he looked back at Hugo, “so believe me when I say, bein strong ain’t hidin how ya feel, it’s showin you’re upset, and allowin people to help you through it”
Hugo smiled, “thanks Lance”
“You’re welcome medium man”
“Medium man?”
“Varian’s little man, and you’re just *slightly* taller, so medium man!”
“Pfft!” The blond clapped a hand over his mouth and giggled a little, getting Varian and Ruddigar to smile, “medium man! I can’t, fuck’s sahahahake!” The blond sighed after a minute of snickeres before looking up at Lance, “you’re a dork!”
“Got you and Varian to grin though, didn’t it?”
Hugo stopped and looked at his boyfriend, who blushed, the blond smirked, “yeah it did”
****
The group had gotten ready for the day, Hugo helping Varian clean himself up a little, the freckled teen had bags under his eyes, and he was still very tired, but he definitely looked better after a nice warm bath, change of clothes, and a hair brushing. After all was said and done, the Sun was high enough in the sky that guard, maids, and handmaidens walked around the castle. The group took that as a sign to search for Rapunzel and Eugene
After a small breakfast, in which Lance had to force the two alchemists to eat *something*, which they finally did, Varian staying away from the bacon, even though it was perfectly cooked, he just couldn’t….. The group to search the halls for a sign of the royal couple, anything that would give away their location, that’s when Angry spotted Rapunzel’s dress sitting in a laundry cart, “hey look Cat, you think you could try to…..” she started, but waited for her sister to finish her thought
“Hm? Oh! Yeah that would work!” Catalina exclaimed, “never done it with princess clothing, but I could try”
“Try what?” Hugo asked as Varian and Ruddigar raised a brow
Angry smiled proudly, “her being a werewolf has some advantages!”
Catalina blushed a little before running over to the unoccupied clothing cart and finding one of Rapunzel’s dressed, she sniffed it before her eyes glowed red and she looked around. Varian’s eyes glowed in response, getting the group to look at him, “werewolf”, he stated, “werewolves change via a full Moon, it’s no surprise that when she uses her werewolf powers, I can sense them in some way shape or form”
“That explains a few things, like how when you and I were helping weed the personal garden in the backyard, your eyes glowed”, Hugo stated
“When was that?” Angry asked
“Bouuuut…. Three days ago”
“Oh! Yeah Cat and I were trying to find out what Lance was making for dinner, she used her wolf senses to guess! She was right too!”
Lance smiled as Hugo and Varian smirked at the girl, that is, before Catalina walked back over with a smile, “I have her scent, we can find her easy! She doesn’t seem to be that far away!”
“Great work Catalina!” Lance complimented, getting the red head to blush
“Just because I think it’s important, what does Rapunzel smell like?” Hugo asked
Catalina giggled, “sunflowers and lemon”
“I knew it!”
The group snickered before the wolf girl motioned for them to follow her, they did so and began to rush down the hall! A few turns later, one almost leading to a crash between them, Faith and Friedborg, and Moonlight, Aisheyru, and Ash:>, before they finally reached a room they all froze at when they saw it
“…..Thrown room…..” Varian stated softly, his eyes no longer flowing as he stared at the giant door, “if she weren’t a princess, I’d be asking why she’s in there…..”
Lance sighed, “you two gonna be okay?” He asked the two alchemists
Hugo held Varian’s hand, getting his boyfriend to smile as they looked at the former thief, “we’ll be alright” the blind replied with a determined smile
With a nod, Lance and co walked over to the doors, they spotted Nigel, who looked surprised to see them, “hello, do you four-er-five counting Ruddigar, need to speak with the Queen and King?”
“Actually, we need to speak with Rapunzel and Eugene”, Lance replied, “it’s important”
“*Extremely* important”, Hugo emphasized
Nigel opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, the door opened and revealed the Captain standing in the door frame, “Nigel, we have a task for y-!” He stopped when he stay the group, “……Never mind, Princess”, he turned to look inside the thrown room, “I believe your worries have been answered, Varian Vanguard is here, so is Hugo, they’re with Lance and his girls”
The royal advisor looked a little startled before he looked at the group, “looks like you were expected”
“That….. doesn’t surprise me…..” Varian replied with a sad sigh
Hugo squeezed his lover’s hand, “it’s gonna be okay”
“Thanks love”
The blond smiled before they heard a small commotion, turning, they saw Rapunzel and Eugene standing next to the Captain, *both* of them looked *exhausted*! Eugene’s normally flawless hair was messy and unkempt, Rapunzel’s braid was poorly put together, loose, and had strands flying everywhere. Their clothing seemed to be the same as the clothing from the day before as they both stared at Varian and Varian alone
The teen stared back, his own exhaustion shown at full forced as the royal couple noticed the tear stains on his cheeks that hadn’t quick gone away yet, same for the redness around his eyes and nose, Rapunzel placed hands over her mouth as Eugene looked down, horror showing clear as day on his face, “no…..” he said softly
The princess’s eyes filled to the brim with tears as she stared at the teen, “I….. w-we…..” she started to say, but couldn’t speak anymore
Lance stared at them, “guys, I get you’re upset, but could you tell us why? We don’t know what you know and….. We have a feelin it’s important…..” he said gently
The Dark Prince sighed, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again and looking directly at Varian, “Quirin…. He’s…. Not acting right….. is he…..”
Varian’s resolve the moment those words left his big brother’s mouth, he felt his nose clog as his tears slid down his face and he sniffled, shaking his head, “n-no….”
Eugene placed a hand on his own mouth, but he didn’t look sad, instead….. he was *pissed*! His eyes shining with fury and hatred as he thought for a moment or two, silence, and Rapunzel’s sniffles, we’re all that was heard before the man slammed his hand agains the thrown room door, “*DAMN* IT CASSANDRA!” He yelled, his voice breaking a little when he did before he walked over and scooped Varian up, hugging him instantly
The teen, as Ruddigar, were startled, but they didn’t complain, finding comfort in Eugene’s warmth as the freckled teen hugged the man back before letting go ad facing him, “w-what happened to h-him?” Varian asked, almost afraid of the answer
Blue eyes met brown as Eugene stared at his little brother for a long time before sighing, one tear slipping down his own cheek, “it’s…. A really long story kid…. But….. I’ll tell you, just not out here, let’s get you somewhere more comfortable”, he said softly, giving the teen a small smile
Varian blinked but smiled back, he loved Eugene’s smile, he always had, it was comforting. The teen nodded, Eugene sighed a little before looking at Hugo, “you too”
The blond alchemist chuckled breathily as he wiped a tear from his own eye, “yeah….”
****
Lance, Angry, Catalina, Eugene, Rapunzel, Ruddigar, and Varian we’re all in the family room, Arianna as well, asking a nearby maid to grab them some tea and hot chocolate. Frederic had stayed in the thrown room, needing to continue helping the citizens of Corona with Nigel at his side. The Captain joined the group in the family room as well, though he stayed next to the Queen
Once the tea and hot chocolate were given out, the room fell silent before Eugene spoke up, “we got to the Spire easily, a small hiccup along the way with some yetis or something, but that was all. We ran into Colliope, or who we *thought* was Colliope, before we got to the Spire. Once there, Cass showed herself, the person we thought was Colliope turned out to be this….. small purple lady…. Blondie…. Found out who she really is…..”
“Ziri…..” Varian stated darkly
“Yes and even worse….. Zhan Tiri”
Both alchemist’s, girl’s, and Lance’s eyes all widened as they stared at Eugene, “t-the demon Demanitus faced?!” Varian asked
“Yes…. She confirmed it herself to Rapunzel after….. Well…. I’ll get to that….” Eugene stated, “basic gist is, when we met them, they asked for the key, and threatened to hurt the *real* Colliope to get it. Blondie gave her the key, Cass unlocked this super ancient box to reveal a blue, glowing, rock with the Dark Kingdom’s symbol on it…..”
“A glowing blue rock with the Dark Kingdom symbol?” Hugo asked, “what does it do?”
Eugene and Rapunzel looked at each other for a minute or two before they looked at Varian directly, Eugene replied, “it’s….. a way to control the Brotherhood…..”
Varian’s eyes widened as he stared at his two older siblings for a *long* time in stunned silence, “…..What does she want with them.”
“Varian-!” Rapunzel started
“*What* does she want with *them*?” Varian asked again, his tone as icy as the frozen north the two had just come from, sending *shivers* in the room
Eugene stepped forwards, “he has a right to know”
“But Eugene…. What if….” Rapunzel stopped, staring at her lover anxiously
“Sunshine, I get why you’re worried, but we need his help, and from the way it sounds, Quirin’s already…..” he sighed, “he has a right to know what Cassandra is going to do with him…. With *all* of them…..”
The princess sighed, “I don’t want to keep this from you, Varian”, she said, looking at the teen, “but I need you to…. Promise me something…..”
The teen’s eyes glowed brightly, “Princess-!”
“I know! Believe me I know, I’m not keeping secrets, I’m not leaving you in the dark, but if we want to get Quirin, Adira, and Hector back, we *need* to work together! I trust you more than most of the people I know! The only person I trust more is Eugene, and *believe* me, I wouldn’t ask this of you unless I felt it was important….. but once you find out why she wants them…. You’re going to be angry and upset, and while I know you won’t harm innocent people…. I don’t want you to go after Cassandra”
“You’re worried about *her*?!”
“NO!” The princess stated, “I’m *done* with Cassandra right now, I want her back, but she’s gone way too far this time! I’m not worried about her, she’s crossed the line! I’m worried about you!” She exclaimed, her hair glowing in response to Varian’s eyes, “you’re angry and upset and sad and mad and you have every right to feel of those things and more! But once you find out why she has your family, I’m worried you’ll be so angry you won’t be able to stop yourself. It’s not because of your past, it isn’t because I don’t trust you, it’s because I would be too……”
Varian’s eyes stopped glowing, as did Rapunzel’s hair as he stared at her, “you…. Would…..”
“Yes”, the princess stated, “my father has caused harm, hurt the innocent, my friends, myself, my mother, and has done so many things wrong! But I still love him, I love my mother too, and if Cassandra did what she was doing now to *my* parents, I wouldn’t hesitate to go after her. But I know that’s not the smart option, we need a plan! We need a way to stop her together, and to do that, I need you to promise me that once you hear what she plans on doing, you won’t go after her alone, or with Hugo, or until we’ve got a plan ready and waiting! This is *serious*, she’s going to start something big and I don’t want you to be killed! So please”, she said, looking at Varian sympathetically, eyes *begging* for him to listen, they were filled with worry and fear for the teen and the teen alone as Varian stared into them, “please….. Promise me that…. Promise me you won’t go after her….. Please….. I don’t want you to get hurt…..”
Varian was so surprised, he’d thought the princess would be worried he’d hurt Cassandra, or that he’d save the day and prove how incompetent she and her family were at ruling, but as he stared at her, he knew she’d meant every word she’d said. Her own eyes shined with determination, she was being serious, taking the situation seriously, no shortcuts, no sympathy for Cassandra’s actions, no claiming she was her friend and they could help her
The teen continued to stare before he smiled, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders that he hadn’t known he’d been holding, it felt nice, he felt free, and he nodded, “ok”
“Promise!” Rapunzel stated
Varian’s smile widened as he gave her a warm and lovingly expression, startling her, “I promise Rapunzel”
The princess watched him, “are…. You mad?”
“No….. You…. Learned”, he said, getting Lance to smile, “you finally learned”
The princess blinked before she smiled back, “I told your dad I would, I’m going to honor that”
Varian sniffled, wiping his tears away as Hugo walked over and held his hand. They were silent for a moment fore Varian faced Eugene, his face now serious, “what does she want to do with our family”
The Dark Prince gave a sad and exhausted expression, this has been weighing on him ever since he’d found out as he stared at the teen, “her exact words were….. ‘you can’t have a war, without an army’…….”
Notes:
Hello!
So yeah, Varian finds out Cassandra’s reason for needing the Moonstone! I didn’t like the fact that he didn’t know in the show, so I changed it, the boy should’ve known, he should’ve known everything from the beginning! Now he does, and hoo boy….. it’s gonna be one heck of a finale!
Varian is a good boy, but he was put through some serious H*ll! This tiny child is getting the best happy ending in the universe!
Hugo is the best boyfriend! I love him so much as thank you all for getting me to add him into this story! It’s been a blast having him in here!!!!!!
Lance is the freaking BEST!!!!!! All time high for Lance over here!!!!!!! His growth is finally showing!
Eugene….. This poor man, he needed to be the one to tell Varian, he needed to, showing his leadership skills and how well he can handle a high stress situation like this, marks of a great leader!
Catalina and Angry being adorable siblings in this! They’re just here for support, it they’re such good girls! Also, why weren’t Cat’s wolf senses used, that would’ve been such a cool idea!!!!!
Ruddy buddy for the pet win!!!!! We love supportive brat-coon! ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 387: It’s time!
Summary:
Varian is filled with grief about his family’s mind control, to the point where all her can feel is hatred and fear! Lance is in agreement, he’s done playing games!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*You can’t have a war, without an army*
The words spun in the teen’s head as his mouth hung agape, his eyes staring, unbelieving, at Eugene as the man stared back. No sign of a joke even echoing on the man’s face as he looked at the alchemist sympathetically
*You can’t have a war, without an army*
There they were again, torturing him, plaguing him like a child’s taunt, his head begged Eugene to smile and laugh it off, the joke wouldn’t be funny, but the alternative was far worse! The man didn’t change, he didn’t take the words back, no matter how much the teen *wished* he’d do so, “s-she….. wants to…..”
A slight change, but only to a more sympathetic look, the princess sharing her lover’s worry as Arianna stood next to them, her own concern lacing her features. Lance, Catalina, and Angry was startled, but kept quiet as they allowed the alchemist to process what he’d just been told
Varian looked down, his mouth still hung open, almost as if he’d burned it and could close it for Fred of his tongue adding more pain to the already stinging wound. Varian’s eyes shed a few tears, but sadness was not the feeling they expressed as his fist clenched and his eyes and hair began to glow
Images of his father’s gentle face came to mind, the man’s smile and warm brown eyes, his laugh, loud and booming, comforting, his large arms that had protected the teen from harm for so many years….. All of that love and care and warmth was twisted as the images were replaced by the horrid look on the man’s face as he told his child to leave their home…..
His brown eyes were mere pinpricks, his skin pale and clammy, his smile gone, laughter faded to a whimper, those arms, large and strong, pushed the teen away in order to keep him safe
And it’s all because of *her*…..
“I hate her…..”
Rapunzel blinked, “what did you say?” She asked anxiously, “V-Varian are….. Are you-!”
“I HATE HER!!!!!!” He screamed, black rocks sprouting around him and jutting out in places around the room! Red rocks followed them, flickering with fear as the black rocks shined with his anger! Everyone managed to jump out of the way just in time as they smashed against the walls of the family room with a very loud *THUMP*! Shaking the entire castle!
“Shit!” Lance cursed, as he checked on Angry and Catalina, they seemed to be okay, thankfully, but as he turned to Varian, he stopped. Normally, he’d run over and hug the boy, comfort him, or try to get Hugo to do so, but he froze at the sight of the teen. Blue glowed around him, his hair was *white* and floating like he was underwater, blue, lighting like, thin, streaks cracked angrily down his arms, this wasn’t his normal anger or fear….. This was the boy’s *hatred*, one the former thief recognized as he got flash backs to when he’d first met the teen, and all he’d seen was….. this…..
“VARIAN!” Hugo yelled, getting Lance’s attention as the blond inventor tried to make his way to his boyfriend! He was having a touch time considering the sheer *power* radiating off of Varian constantly knocked him down, “FRECKLES!”
“I don’t think that’ll work!” Lance stated, getting Hugo’s attention, “he’s far too angry, he ain’t gonna listen to kind words right now, and touchin him is a bad idea”
“Then what do *you* recommend?!” The blond snapped, before clapping a hand over his mouth, “I…. Lance I-!”
“It’s alright, you’re angry too, I understand” , the former thief replied with a smile, “I think we just…. Need to let him get this out right now….”
“What?!” Angry exclaimed, “he’ll destroy the castle!”
“No he won’t”, Lance replied, “trust me, Varian’s gotten better, he just needs to stew for a moment, let him stew, he knows we’re right here when he needs us”
“Are you sure that’s the best plan?!” Rapunzel asked, as she and Eugene managed to get over to Hugo safely and look at Lance
“Yes, I’m sure, Princess the last time this happened we all attacked him! And what did that accomplish?”
Rapunzel stopped and looked down, sighing, “nothing….”
“Right, it only made him angrier, now in that situation, had we nipped the problem in the bud, that wouldn’t have happened. Not tryin to make you feel worse, but it’s true”
“I understand, but what’s the difference here?” She asked, getting Lance to smile, she really was learning
“The difference is this isn’t somethin that we could’ve handled before hand, we didn’t know Cassandra would do this, we didn’t think she would ever stoop so low! At this point, he knows that, Varian knows we’re just as blindsided as him, but he’s too angry, he wants to be left alone, not completely, but alone. The rocks he shot out verify that considerin how they are right now. He’s *angry*, but he needs a minute to calm down before any of us approach, we shouldn’t leave him though, we’ve gotta wait”
The princess nodded, “ok”
For a minute or two, everyone did just that, they waited, watching Varian quietly as his hair continued to glow and his power radiated off of him, keeping them back. They noticed the power didn’t push them out the door however, the teen really did want them there! They saw him begin to calm down, felt it too, as his power lessened little by little….. But their hearts broke when they heard him say one simple word so quietly that they’d miss it had they not been laying attention, “…..Daddy…..”
Varian fell to his knees before he brought them up to his chin, wrapped his arms around them, and hid his face….. Ruddigar, who’d been pushed off his boy’s shoulders, chittered anxiously, he tried to rush over, but the teen’s power still blocked him for some reason….. the raccoon continued to try, but he couldn’t get to his boy, he looked at Lance
The man frowned, “he’s….. really needin his dad right now…..”
“Is Quirin the only one who can get to Varian?” Rapunzel asked
“Looks that way”, Eugene replied sadly, “kiddo needs a parent…… unfortunately…. All of them are…. Unavailable….”
The group was silent before Hugo blinked and smiled, “not all of them”, at the group’s confused looks, the inventor pointed to Varian again. When they looked, everyone smiled lovingly
Arianna, who’d been pushed against the wall beside Varian earlier, had made her way over to the teen after he’d calmed down. She managed to weave her way through the rocks before finally reaching the alchemist. She was quiet, he movements small and methodical, she kneeled down next to Varian, and waited for a moment or two, before speaking, “hey Sweetheart”, she said softly, in a tone Rapunzel recognized as one only her mother could use, “do you mind if I sit with you?”
Varian didn’t respond at first, but the group could see that, after a little hesitation, he nodded silently
“Thank you, I appreciate that”, Arianna replied with a soft smile before sitting next to the teen, for a few moments, they were both silent, then the Queen spoke again, “so….. You’ve just gotten some really bad news…. I’m sorry about that….”
Varian didn’t respond at all this time, but he didn’t push her away either
At that, Arianna continued, “I take it you’re incredibly upset”
Another silent nod was all she received
“I understand, I am too actually….”
At this, Varian peeked out to look at her, his eyes were still full of tears and he was still angry, that much was obvious, but he was listening to her
She smiled when she saw him, “yeah….. I’m upset too…. Quirin and I…. We’re good friends, he was closer to Frederic, but we grew closer because of Ulla”, Arianna said with a peaceful sigh, “your mother and I were thick as thieves back in the day. She would have me trying out her alchemical solutions, and they would definitely cause some… interesting affects”, she giggled, “nothing that made me sick, mind you, small things, like pink hair, a polka dotted tongue, and…. Well at one point instead of making *me* invisible, everything I *touched* turned invisible”
The freckled teen gasped
“Yeah, that one was a doozy, but it made for some fun moments, like me and her tricking Frederic and Quirin into thinking we could fly when I’d inadvertently turned the bench we were sitting on invisible”
Varian giggled
Arianna grinned, “that was definitely a fun conversation to have with them!” She said with a snicker, “your father, and Frederic, went crazy trying to figure out how she’d done that, and I don’t think they ever got an answer either”
The alchemist giggled even more now, his nose and mouth appearing from behind the cover of his knees
The Queen smiled, “I love Ulla, even now, though she’s gone, I still feel like she’s here, with you and me and Quirin. Watching over us and keeping us safe when we need to be. And….. I know…. With what’s going on right now, that you feel alone, that now that your father is….. Taken over….. That you don’t feel you have the support of a parent, but you do. With Ulla, and with me too”, she smiled, “I’m here for you Varian, I’ve been here since you were a baby, I got to hold you when you were about as big as my hand”
“I wasn’t *that* small”, the teen replied quietly, getting the rest of the group to grin
“Oh yes you were! You were so small that Quirin was worried he may loose you in the couch cushions!”
Varian laughed now, fully and happily
“I’m not joking”, Arianna added with a grin, “he was so freaked out that you’d be gone forever in the magic portal that was your couch, that anytime he held you, he never sat down! He kept you so close to his chest that I was afraid you’d fuse together! He was so protective over you when you were a baby, and who could blame him, with your big blue eyes, tiny freckles, adorable smile”
Varian blushed and hid his face again, but this time it wasn’t because he felt angry or sad, as his ears, which were now red with blush, could show
Arianna giggled, “alright Ill stop”, she said, “I’ll stop”
Varian peeked out at her
“I mean it”
The teen huffed before placing his chin on his legs and looking at her
The Queen smiled lovingly at the teen, “either way, Quirin loves you, he’s always loved you, and so has Ulla. I know things are bad right now, especially since…. Quirin can’t be here with you….”
Varian sniffled at that
“But you’re not alone, you have me, Hugo, Ruddigar, Lance, Eugene, Rapunzel, Stan, Pete, Frederic, even if you don’t think so”
“Pbbt”, Varian spat
Arianna chuckled, “I know you don’t like him, but he’s here for you too if you need him, the Captain as well, and Nigel, and you know Stan and Pete will always have your back”
The alchemist smiled at the thought of the two dopey guards
Arianna smirked, “I can see that smile you know”
Varian blushed and hid his chin, mouth, and nose again, only showing his eyes
The Queen giggled, “there’s also Faith and Friedborg too, bot of them have expressed immense amount of care for you as well! You aren’t alone, and together, we’ll get Quirin back, that way he can love all over you again and snuggle you, get you hot chocolate, bake you apple pie, and all those other fatherly things he does”
The freckled teen giggled, his hair returning to normal, as did his arms, freckles, and eyes
“There we go”, Arianna said, smiling warmly at the teen, who smiled back at her, “you just needed to have a tiny tantrum huh?”
He blushed, “s-sorry….”
“It’s okay sweetheart”, the Queen replied with a chuckle, “I’m just teasing”
The alchemist smiled before he looked up at Arianna, “um….. a-am…. Am I allowed to hug you?”
The Queen was startled before smiling and nodded, “anytime”
Varian smiled before he hugged the Queen close, she returned the hug, prompting the others to come closer, they sat around the two, waiting for a moment or two before the hug was broken. Varian smiled at the Queen before he saw the rest f the group, “um…. Sorry….”
“It’s alright little man, believe me, we understand”, Lance replied with a smile
“He’s right, though, ya mind getting rid of the rocks, particularly the red ones?” Eugene asked, “I keep accidentally looking, and I keep seeing a really bad image of Rapunzel with her frying pan coming after me with full intentions of hurting me, and I’d rather not right now”
The teen blinked before he raised his hands and lowered them slowly, making the rocks, both black and red, dip back into the ground until they were completely gone, his hands were back around his knees after that as Rapunzel looked at Eugene, “you’re worried I’ll attack you?”
“Not really, more worried I’ll make you so angry that you’ll attack me, or that I’ve done something to betray you and you have no choice”
“Eugene you would never do something like that”
“Well of course I wouldn’t! But you know…. I didn’t think Cass would either…..”
The princess paused before sighing, “right…. About Cassandra”, she looked at Varian, “are you okay?”
The teen sighed, “honestly? No….. She knows what I went through to get him back, she *knows* how much he means to me, how much we mean to each other, and she just….. Didn’t care….. She’s taken my aunt and uncle too…. And Grandpa…..”
“Wait Edmund? What’s wrong with him?” Eugene asked
Varian looked at the Dark Prince, “he was acting just as off as dad was”
The Dark Princes’s brows raised, “he was?”
“Yeah…. I…. Have an odd feeling….. Eugene I….. Think he’s apart of the Brotherhood too…..”
“I was thinking the same thing!” Hugo exclaimed, “he wasn’t comforting Varian, wasn’t explaining anything that was going on, hell he stood in the door with tears in his eyes and when I asked him why he wasn’t helping, he told me he couldn’t!”
The Dark Prince’s eyes widened, “dad…. Shit…..”
“Yeah….” Varian replied with another sniffle, “Grandpa isn’t gonna help either….. he can’t….. None of them can…. What’s worse is that Cassandra hates Adira….. what is she gonna do to her now….. What is she gonna do to my dad and uncle?! How is she gonna hurt Grandpa….. That’s all I can think about now…. I…..” he sighed when he felt Arianna wrap her arms around him again, he smiled at her, “I’m not alone, I remember, I just…. It’s hard…..”
“I know dear….. I’m sorry….. I’m so sorry…..” The Queen replied
The room was silent again, Rapunzel was holding Eugene’s hand comfortingly as the Dark Prince stared at the floor anxiously, Hugo had Ruddigar on his shoulder with Olivia as he wrapped his arms around Catalina and Angry, who were leaning against him for support, Lance was watching everyone for a moment, waiting for the moment to settle and pass before he huffed, getting everyone to look at him, “then there’s no time to lose. We need a plan, so let’s make one, as soon as possible”, he looked around, “who’s got the first idea?”
Hugo blinked, “not messing around, are ya Lance”
“Don’t have time, little man needs his daddy, and Eugene needs *his* daddy, Cassandra’s gone too far and she’s tryin to start a fuckin war. If she wants a fight, let’s give her one”, he stated, “I’m tired of fuckin around with her, she’s gone too far, it was too far already when she kidnapped Varian, a *kid*, this is jump roping with the fuckin line in the sand! Let’s give her a battle she won’t forget, and save Quirin, Adira, Hector, and Edmund! No more playin games, it’s time we fought the fuck back, who’s with me?!”
The group in the room were taken aback but they smiled all the same, nodding and raising their fists in the air with a battle cheer!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, Varian’s been pushed to his limit, Eugene and co now know Edmund’s mind controlled too, and part of the Brotherhood, and Lance is freaking done being gentle, things are heating up! Cassandra’s in for one heck of a fight!
Arianna is mama bear! She is temporary Varian Parent until Quirin returns to his rightful place! Im sorry, I love her far too much for her to be anything less than a good mother and a kind soul/Queen! I love Arianna, imma show it in my story
Poor Varian….. this bean just keeps going through all this crap! He’s practically clever in ‘kick me’ stickers, my gosh! He’s got support though, and Queen snuggles, those are important
Hugo, Catalina, Angry, Rapunzel, and Eugene weren’t huge in this story, but they supported their Varian, so yay!
Lance! My man is angry!!!!!!! I wanted to see him get ticked, out of all the characters, he’s the only one that didn’t get super angry, so here’s my interpretation! This is only a sliver of what’s to come by the way, there’s more angry Lance, hoo boy
Ruddy and Olivia for the animal win! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 388: Meanwhile!
Summary:
While the group plans on how to stop Cassandra, the women herself gains a few new Allie’s!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
She sighed as she held the crystal close, it’d been a few hours since she’d activated it, she wondered how long it would take to do what she’d asked. She stared out the window of her black rock castle, watching the kingdom she’d planned to take over down below her. The blue haired women raised a brow when she noticed everyone heading in their homes for the night, “why aren’t they staying out?” She asked, mostly to herself
“Because the King put a fucking curfew on this shit hole of a kingdom”, a gruff voice responded, startling her
She turned, only to see a large man with yellow eyes watching her silently, “who are you?!” She snapped, raising her hand and trapping him in black rocks, he didn’t seem surprised
Instead, the man smirked, “so there really is two of you that have this power, though, judging from what I just saw, you have more than that tiny bitch does”
“Answer my question!” She demanded
“Calm down Cassandra”, a familiar voice stated, getting the blue haired women to blink before she saw a small, purple clad girl walking out from behind the man, “he’s a new recruit of ours”
Cassandra stared at the women, “you’ve been gone a while, where were you?”
“I believe I’ve just answered, he’s our newest recruit”, she repeated
“You recruited a stranger?”
“He’s not just any stranger, he was worrying for that women you battled with the warrior and tamer from the Dark Kingdom”
Cassandra raised a brow, “the grey haired lady?”
“Donella”, the man stated, “her name *was* Donella, and yeah, she used to be my boss”
“Until?”
The man grinned darkly, “until she pissed me off”
The blue haired women glared at him, the Moonstone sparking before she looked at the purple clad girl, “he needs to leave”
“Cassandra listen for a moment, you said it yourself, you can’t start a war without an army-!”
“And we *have* an army! The Brotherhood, remember?” She exclaimed, showing the glowing Mind Trap
“Yes yes I know, but we’ll need more than just them! They have a connection to the Moonstone”
“Yeah and?”
“And so does the *boy*!” The girl exclaimed, “you can’t honestly tell me you don’t think they may have a way of breaking the Mind Trap’s control with that *boy* around can you?”
The blue haired women huffed, “I figured that out before, but as long as he remains away from them, he won’t be able to help any of them at all”
“Yes, but you know him better than I do, and even *I* know hell find a way around that”, the purple clad girl stated, getting Cassandra to remain quiet, the girl smirked, “which is why *I’ve* asked him for help! He’s not on their side, in fact, he has a small grudge against that *boy’s* new toy”
Cassandra looked at the man, “you’ve got a grudge on Varian’s boyfriend?”
The man growled, “yeah, that lanky bastard is gonna feel my fucking wrath!”
Cassandra looked unimpressed, “he’s a meat head”, she stated to the girl, “how do you expect him to help?”
“Because he went toe to toe with that warrior, and was able to take her on as she went out full force on him”, she stated, “aside from a smaller defeat by her recently, she’s been unable to stand up to him. Not to mention he went toe to toe with the *boy* too, and he nearly defeated him! He’s much more of a capable fighter than anyone in Corona you know, he’ll be able to help you should you feel the need to use him, all he wants is for us to allow him to have the boy’s toy”
Cassandra looked at the man, “that’s all?”
“Yup”, the man replied, “I’ve got a bone to pick with that fucker, he did me fucking dirty, so imma make him pay for it….. *Painfully*!”
The blue haired women pursed her lips, she didn’t like this idea, she had an odd feeling about this guy, but before she could really grasp that feeling, it disappeared without a trace as she stared at him. She felt confused before shaking her head and sighing. If she’d thought he were trouble, she knew her gut would tell her, but the feeling was gone now, so she supposed it should be alright, “fine”, she stated, lowering the black rocks surrounding him, “what’s your name?”
The man smirked, “Cyrus, nice to meet you Cassandra”
The women raised her brow again, “you know my name?”
“The girl said it a few times”
“Hm”, Cassandra turned away from him, watching over the kingdom once more as she held the Mind Trap close to her
The room was silent for a moment before she felt Cyrus stand next to her, watching the kingdom below before he made an interesting comment, “Varian’s not home”
“What?” She looked at the larger house and realized she hadn’t seen the teen in a few days, “you’re right…..”
“Hm well that can’t be good, I must mean he knows something’s wrong with his father, and the king of the dark king for that matter, considering we’ve seen both of them”
Cassandra’s eyes narrowed at the Village Leader in question, she could see him working on his farm while the Dark King watched, “they’re acting off, but they’re not allowed to speak about the Mind Trap, at least that’s what you told me”, she looked at the girl, as did Cyrus
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find ways around that, they don’t have to mention the mind trap for Varian to know something’s wrong, I noticed his toy isn’t around either, so they *both* left”
“That’s not good”, Cassandra stated, “if they go to the castle, Rapunzel and Eugene will tell them about the Mind Trap”
“Easy Cassandra, this isn’t something we have to fret about. They know the mind trap affects the Brotherhood, they know who the Brotherhood members are, that’s *all* they know about it however! They don’t know how you can control them, they don’t know how it’s activated, they don’t even know it’s weakness”, she stated with a chuckle, “we have more knowledge then they do, therefore, there’s more we can use, they don’t even know the extent in which we can control a person”
“True”, Cyrus stated with a smirk, “in fact, I wonder if there’s a way you could trick them using that thing”
Cassandra looked at him, “trick them?”
“Don’t tell me you’ve never thought to use one of the fucking Brotherhood shit bags to pretend they’re free or some shit and lure the kid out of his hidey hole!”
The blue haired women looked at the mind trap, “he would sense it was a trick though, he’s got moon powers like me”
“Yes, but here’s the thing, he’s an alchemist, the blond fucker’s an inventor, both of them wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to study what the Mind Trap can do, possibly to see if they can break their loved ones out or some shit. They won’t kill them, especially not if you use the proper person”, he stated with a smirk before pointing to the retired knight in the farming fields
Cassandra’s mind *screamed* at her at this point as she stared at the peaceful Quirin, plowing his fields, he occasionally twitched a little, the Mind Trap seemed to be taking a toll on the older gent’s mind….. Her body set off warning bells, something about this plan was just…. Wrong….. She remembered how hard Varian had fought for his father, she had images flashing I’m her mind of the man being trapped in amber, she remembered speaking with him, hurting him, and how angry Varian had gotten with her! She suddenly felt guilt, fear, sadness, anger, and everything in-between as she thought about this plan
“Cassandra, don’t you remember how cast out you felt when you found out about your dear mother choosing *Rapunzel* over you?” The purple clad girl stated
Cyrus blinked, “wait, you’re own *mom* chose the princess over you?” When the girl nodded, the man made a face that seemed he felt…. Sympathy for the blue haired girl, “shit that sucks, I’d be pissed too in all honesty”
“Exactly!” The purple clad girl exclaimed, “she was this princess’s friend as well! She protected her, helped her, did so much for her, and not only did the princess physically burn her, but she constantly ignored Cassandra’s worries and fears, especially when it came to that warrior from the Dark Kingdom, Rapunzel chose that women *over* Cassandra! Despite all the times Cassandra’s had that Sun loving Princess’s back!”
“Well that’s shitty, especially with how much I see her goad on that pipsqueak of an alchemist lately”
Neither noticed the girl’s hands were glowing green behind her back, they didn’t noticed Cassandra’s eyes had a greenish hue to them as well before she closed them and reopened them, the feeling of guilt or fear or sadness were gone, replaced with hatred, betrayal, and self pity! She glared at Quirin, “you’re both right….. I’ve been holding back on the Mind Trap for a whole anyway….. I need to stop doing that. No more holding back, no more excuses, I can’t believe I keep giving them breaks!”
“It’s in your nature Cassandra”, the girl stated, “you’re a kind person, much kinder than the princess obviously”
“Yeah well, it’s time I stopped…. I can’t hold back anymore, I’m starting a fucking war!” She narrowed her eyes at Quirin, the Moonstone sparking to life as she squeezed the Mind Trap, suddenly the man dropped his garden hoe and stared up into the sky. She could see his eyes glowing bright blue before they stopped, returning to their brown hue before he looked around, nodding to Edmund before he ran off in the direction of the Coronan Castle, “and I’m going to win!”
Cyrus and the purple clad girl smiled before the man looked at her, “what do I fucking call you anyway?”
“I’ve told you before, my name is Ziri”
“Right, Ziri, keep forgetting, it’s a different name, not that I mind personally”
Ziri sighed, “right”, she and Cyrus noticed something and smiled, “oh Cassandra”
“What?” Cassandra asked, turning to her
“You’ve got guests”, Ziri stated, before gesturing towards a few familiar faces
The blue haired women froze for a moment before she grinned, “Adira and Hector”, she stated, walking over to the two, both were standing at attention, their eyes glowing bright blue, their faces showing no emotion as they faced her
“Woah!” Cyrus exclaimed, “they look so….. Empty….”
“Trust us, that’s a good thing”, Ziria stated with a smirk before looking at Cassandra, “you have a plan, you have the beginning of your army, now what you need is proof”
“Proof?” Cassandra asked, looking at Ziri
“Yes, proof that your mother loved you, cared about you, as wrong as it is to point this out, the princess and her friends seem to be under the impression that because she was ‘used’ by your mother, that she would’ve treated you the same way! We just need to prove them wrong, show them how much Gothel loved you before she met Rapunzel”
“How? How do we do that?”
Ziri grinned, “you must go back to your mother’s old home, the women was strong when it came to magical items, she may have left memories there, some including you in them! Go there, grab the item, and bring it back here, then once the time is right, show the princess what she’s done, she won’t have a leg to stand on after that, it may even break her spirit!”
Cassandra thought about it before nodding, “ok, but first”, she smirked before turning to face Adira, “I want you to guard this”, she stated, handing the Mind Trap to the women, “should anyone come near it and try to take it from you that isn’t me, kill them”
“Yes Cassandra”, the face painted warrior replied absently before stuffing the Mind Trap in her coat pocket
The blue haired women smiled before looking at Ziri, “she was so strong before, so sure I wouldn’t know how to control the Moonstone”
Ziri smiled wickedly, “look where that thinking got her”. They chuckled as Cyrus smirked, before Cassandra began to walk away, “before you go”, Ziri handed Cassandra a black cloak, “it’s the cloak I wore to trick Rapunzel into thinking I was that fool, Colliope!” She exclaimed, “you’ll get much more use out of it then I will, be careful Cassandra”
“I will, and thanks”, the blue haired women replied, accepting the cloak, wrapping it around her, and leaving
****
Varian and Hugo were walking around the castle, both of them wanting to stretch their legs, they'd been in the planning room with everyone else for quite a while. As they walked around the moonlit meadows, they heard a very familiar voice calling out to them, “VARIAN!” It yelled, “HUGO!”
The alchemist froze, as did his boyfriend, Ruddigar chittered, sniffing the air for a moment before chittering again, excitedly
“It…. I-it can’t be”, Hugo said
“I…. B-but Ruddigar knows his scent! Why would he be here though?” Varian asked, “he t-told us to leave!”
“VARIAN!!!!!” The voice called again, making both teens wince
“I-it’s him!” Hugo exclaimed, “it’s gotta be!”
“What’s going on?” A voice asked, making the pair look over towards the castle and see Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance running towards them, “one of our guards just told us someone’s rushing over here screaming you two’s names!” The princess exclaimed, “are you alright?”
“Y-yeah but, Rapunzel it’s-!” Hugo began
“VARIAN! There you are!” The voice exclaimed, getting everyone to look before they froze, shocked expressions shining brightly on their faces when they saw the retired knight standing across from them, he was panting, he looked like he’d ran all the way over from Old Corona
The freckled teen blinked, his heart racing as he stared at the man, the Moonpiece glowing dangerously, warning him, the teen managed to say only one word, one that chilled the blood of everyone present as they stared at the man before them, “d-dad?!”
Notes:
Hello!
So imma let this chapter speak for itself, mostly because I don’t think there’s much that I can say without giving away some spoilers
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 389: A Knight’s Honor!
Summary:
Quirin’s back, and Varian doesn’t know what to do!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“What’s going on?” A voice asked, making the alchemist and inventor look over towards the castle and see Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance running towards them, “one of our guards just told us someone’s rushing over here screaming you two’s names!” The princess exclaimed, “are you both alright?”
“Y-yeah but, Rapunzel it’s-!” Hugo began
“VARIAN! There you are!” The voice exclaimed, getting everyone to look before they froze, shocked expressions shining brightly on their faces when they saw the retired knight standing across from them, he was panting, he looked like he’d ran all the way over from Old Corona
The freckled teen blinked, his heart racing as he stared at the man, the Moonpiece glowing dangerously, warning him, the teen managed to say only one word, one that chilled the blood of everyone present as they stared at the man before them, “d-dad?!”
The Village Leader smiled tiredly, “hi son!” He walked over and hugged his child lovingly, “I missed you”
Varian felt his entire body freeze, he wanted to hug the man back, tell him how much he’d missed him too! But the Moonpiece continued to spark, he thought he could hear the quietest voice in his mind *screaming* at him that something wasn’t right…. Because of that, Varian didn’t move, not pulling away nor embracing the man, he just stood there, unable to react as his kind went haywire!
Quirin pulled away, still having his hands on his child as he looked at him, “are you alright?”
“I….. um….. Y-you…. You-!”
“Are *YOU* alright?!” Hugo interrupted, walking over to the pair and grabbing Varian, gently taking him out of the man”# arms, “you kicked us out, telling us we needed to stay away from you, then you just…. Show up? Just like that? What happened? What’s going on? Why’d you kick us out? How’d you break free of whatever spell you were under? How did-!”
“Hey, I’ll answer everything all in due time, I just…. I really missed my son”, Quirin stated, gently grabbing Varian again and holding him close
Hugo felt his heart break a little at that, he’d understood from the start that he wasn’t exactly an *actual* part of their family, but…. Watching the pair, he couldn’t help his hurt taking over for just a second when Quirin said that, “right…. Y-your…. Son…. Only one….”
He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up, only to see a sad looking Eugene watching him. The man looked increasingly worried, he could tell what the teen was feeling, it should’ve comforted Hugo to know that, but….. he just felt worse as Eugene looked at Quirin, “so….. you’re back, that’s great! Um….. ya mind telling us what happened to you? And where my dad’s at right now?”
Quirin looked up at the man, “of course!” He stood up, scooping Varian up as he looked at Eugene seriously, “I was taken over by the Mind Trap”
Varian blinked, “wait, you can talk about it now?”
Quirin looked at him, a confused brow quirked up, “I always could”
The teen felt his mind falter, voices *instantly* capturing that bit of information, *he always could?! Then he was lying before! He told us he couldn’t!*
*No! He wouldn’t lie, we saw him wince in pain as he tried to tell us about the Mind Trap! He really couldn’t say anything!*
*after what happened with the amber, you really wanna believe the same man that lied to us about his past our entire lives?!*
*That was different, he was afraid back then, but he knows better now! You have to trust what he said before! Something’s wrong here, you know something’s wrong!*
*That still doesn’t mean he didn’t lie before!*
Varian closed his eyes and covered them with his hands, he wanted the voices to stop, his head throbbed enough as it is! He whimpered before he felt a gentle touch to his hand. He looked up and saw his father watching him, “did I upset you?”
Varian stared at his father, he was acting really off! “I…. D-dad y-you-!”
“I’m sorry if I told you I couldn’t before, I was afraid, but I managed to break free! I can speak freely of the Mind Trap now, and I wanna tell you everything!”
Varian whimpered, he didn’t know why, but he didn’t wanna be in his father’s arms right now….. He felt….. Dirty….. Being in the man’s arms right now, like it wasn’t the same as before….. the feeling…. It scared him….. Lance happened to noticed, and quickly took the teen away, “uh, he’s just a little tired is all, we’ve been makin plans all day, he may just need to rest a little is all, I’m….. certain you do too?”
“Rest? Yeah I probably should, I ran all the way here”, Quirin replied with a chuckle as he continued to stare at his son, the teen growing increasingly uncomfortable with his father’s gaze
Hugo stepped in-between the pair, “right! So why don’t we go and get you somewhere you can freshen up, and Varian can rest, yeah?”
The retired knight seemed to grow a little irritated with Hugo’s interruption, but he didn’t refuse, nodding instead, “ok”
They walked away, Hugo leading the man away from the group as Lance set Varian down, once they were out of sight and ear shot, Varian *instantly* looked at his friends, his calmer facade shrugging off as panic filled his eyes, “he’s not acting right!”
“We know”, Eugene replied, “we can tell….”
The alchemist noted the Dark Prince’s rising anger, he didn’t really blame him either as Rapunzel looked at Varian worriedly, “are you alright? This…. That’s gotta be-!”
“Hard? Yeah! No! No I’m not alright! M-my dad kicked me and Hugo out of our home not even a day ago! And n-now he’s back and saying he could’ve told us a-about the Mind Trap this entire time and he’s acting like….. l-like…..” the teen sniffled
Lance knelt next to the teen, “you can tell us, it’s okay, we won’t judge”
Varian sighed, “he…. He’s acting…. L-like he did before…. When…. W-when he ignored me…. He would….. Be so engrossed in other things t-that he’d dismiss what I’d have to say….. He took care of me, and he was still kind, I have good memories with him when I was a kid but….. W-when I got older, and started to get more into alchemy…. Dad became distant….. He’d lie to me about important stuff, and he would dismiss ideas I had….. he would….. be so busy….. I n-never hated him for it…. I love him, even when he did all that….. he feels horrible for it now, and he’s gotten s-so much better but….” Varian sniffled a little, “…..That…. What he was just doing….. it was how h-he acted before….. distant….. cold…. Brushing off my worries…. Except it’s even worse now….. I….. S-something’s wrong….. he’s not acting like himself and…. I don’t….. know what to do…..” he looked at Lance, “he really couldn’t tell me about the Mind Trap, even starting to say it’s name caused him immense amounts of physical *pain*! I *saw* it happen! But….. To have him just say he could….. t-that all me and Hugo worried about couldn’t been avoided….. I….. he….. Lance…..”
“I’m sorry….” The former thief replied, hugging Varian close, “I’m so sorry…..”
Eugene huffed as Rapunzel sighed anxiously, “what…. Should we do?” She asked, “I don’t want to throw Quirin in jail if he’s really back….. but….. Given what Varian’s just said, he can’t…. Be allowed to walk around if he’s under Cassandra’s control….. can he?”
“No…..” Eugene replied, “he can’t….. But we can’t just lock him up for no reason….. We don’t know if he’s under her contro, or if he’s just….. *Really* tired…..”
Lance looked at him, “we should ask if that’s what *Varian* wants first”
The alchemist sniffled, “if…. I-it turns out that he’s being controlled Lance…. It’s…. T-the only thing we *can* do…. So he doesn’t….. h-hurt anyone…..”
Lance looked at the teen, “Varian…..”
“I…. I can’t make an exception….. Even if it kills me…. A-and it does….. We need to do what’s right f-for Corona a-and him….. If he’s t-taken over….. he needs to be…..” The teen went quiet, his heart cracking at the mere thought of having his father in a cell. He closed his eyes as tears streamed down his face
Eugene and Rapunzel both watched the teen before they, and Lance, hugged him gently. All four of them were not okay with this, none of them wanted to lock Quirin up, but….. Varian was right….. They needed to do what was best for Corona….. and for the retired knight himself….
****
It’d been a few hours since Quirin had come to the castle, he’d told them all everything he knew about the Mind Trap, he did so in the most dismissive way possible, but he did it….. Once they’d spoken with him, the group, including Hugo, Catalina, and Angry, who’d joined after the blond inventor had told the two girls what was going on, began to try to make a plan
They were in the meeting room, but no matter how hard they’d tried, none of them had any ideas on what they could do to stop the Mind Trap, “gah! None of what Quirin told us makes any sense!” Eugene exclaimed, “he said the people that the Mind Trap controlled would always have glowing, blue eyes, and that they’d stick close to the Moonstone! But that doesn’t line up with what Hugo and Varian said about how Quirin and Edmund were acting before! Neither of you saw CassAndra nearby, did you?”
“No”, Hugo replied, “she wasn’t anywhere *near* us”, Hugo replied, “Adira was out on patrol when she disappeared, so was Hector, but both Edmund and Quirin had stayed home when they started to act really weird, and she was nowhere to be seen”
“If that’s the case, then either you two just mistook what Quirin said before, or he’s lyin”, Lance stated, “and I highly doubt you two would come cryin over here over a misinterpretation”
“Plus Quirin confirmed he’d broken out of the mind control”, Rapunzel stated, “so he’s definitely lying about the Mind Trap, either that or he doesn’t know everything about it”
“Is it bad that I’m kinda hoping the second option is the reason why he lied?” Catalina asked
“No, I feel the same”, Angry replied
“We all do….” Hugo stated sadly, he’d been holding Varian’s hand this entire time, the freckled teen staying quiet throughout the meeting as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy’s cheek
“Hugo, did he say anything to you that seemed odd?” Eugene asked
The blond looked down sadly before nodding, “he….. said he…. Wanted to get to know me more….. Since he’d never spoken to me much before….”
The room was silent, “he….. said…..” Lance began
Hugo sighed, “I guess…. When he was under the control of the Mind Trap, most everything he did know about me got erased when he’d broken out….. Same for Varian, Catalina, Angry, and all of you as well. He knows that Lance likes Varian, but doesn’t know why, he knows Eugene and ‘the Princess’ were friends with Varian, but had an odd feeling something had gone wrong between the three of you, he knew Varian had grown a little taller, but….. He didn’t remember anything about Varian having Moon powers or what Cassandra has done to him….. He didn’t even remember that Adira, Hector, and Edmund were back, he had a feeling they were around, but he didn’t remember speaking to them anytime soon….. He even asked if the black rocks disappearing from Old Corona had been because of Varian of ‘the Princess’, and wondered how *King Frederic* was doing! FREDERIC!!!!!!!!”
The group was silent again before Varian spoke up, “that…. Makes sense as to why he would be acting off….. he doesn’t remember what happened to me…. Or him….. I wonder…. I he remembers t-the amber….. and if he doesn’t…. Then….” The teen got an idea, “I….. may know a way we can find out if he’s….. Still under her control or not… b-but….” He sniffled, “I…. Have to do it….. n-none of you can say a word…. I have to do it on my own….. o-oki?”
“Freckles…. What are you planning on doing?” Hugo asked anxiously as he stared at his boyfriend worriedly
Varian took a deep breath before letting it out, “….Reliving a really horrible memory…..”
****
Quirin had been sitting in the castle family room, he wasn’t sure what to do with himself, he felt…. Buzzy… almost as if his thoughts were nothing more than just tiny fragments, words he was fed to say…. He didn’t know why he kept asking himself this, but he really hoped that whatever he was doing, he was doing it right
Suddenly he heard a loud explosion, his eyes widening with recognition as the familiar stench of chemicals wafted through the air, “VARIAN! Son are you okay in there?!” He yelled, getting up and looking towards the door of the family room anxiously
“YES DAD! I JUST DROPPED A BOOK!” Varian yelled back before another explosion occurred, “….IT’S ONE OF MY BIG B-BOOKS!”
The retired knight sighed, a twinge of annoyance running through him as he shook his head, that boy of his he swore. The man just hoped he wouldn’t go near the black rocks, the last thing he needed his son to do was experiment wit-! Wait a minute….. that was wrong…. The black rocks were gone…. He’d seen it when he ran over to the castle…. So why was he worried about his child messing with them again?
*Because they’re dangerous! They killed the Dark Queen, you can’t let him near them!” His mind exclaimed
That was right, but if they were gone, why would he need to worry that his son would be messing with them now? Surely his curious boy no longer had a need to find out more about those things now that they had disappeared, right?
*…..You really think he’d stop just because they’re gone?*
His mind had a fair point…. Spiking his worry as another explosion was heard throughout the castle, wait…. Castle? Wasn’t he home? He and Varian had just come from the castle right? “VARIAN?”
“ANOTHER BOOK DAD!”
Another book….. why did he think his son was lying to him…. But Varian knew better than that! He also knew better than to talk back to his father when the man had said to leave the rocks be at the castle too, but he had….. Quirin still regretted how he’d spoken to his child. The teen just wanted to help after all…. Maybe he should apologize, after all, there’s no reason to take his anger out on his son… Maybe he should speak to the boy and explain *why* he’d been so apprehensive about the black rocks, that would help the situation, wouldn’t it?
He sighed, preparing himself for what he was sure to be a very *long* conversation, before he made his way down the hall. But everything looked so different, his mind pictured him inside him home, but his eyes saw the hallways of the castle, as if there was some part of him that knew he wasn’t where he was supposed to be….. The man felt the buzzing feeling grow, it started to hurt a little actually…..
He couldn’t stop though, the conversation was too important! He walked down the hall, looking at each nook and cranny of the castle, why was he here? No he was at home right? But the black rocks weren’t there-yes there were! He’d just seen them! But this didn’t make any sense! Why was he at the castle?! And why was Varian not in jail? Why would his son be in jail?! His tiny one would never be out in jail, he hadn’t done anything! Had he? Why did the man hear odd music coming from, what sounded like, a metallic being of gigantic proportion?
His hand touching the doorknob to his son’s lab stopped his thoughts. But every warning bell, even those he’d been trained for *years* to ignore, were screaming at him! Something was going to happen if he stepped through that door, and he really didn’t want it to! But he needed to tell Varian something important, he needed to apologize! So he turned the knob and stepped inside, “son I just want to-!” He gasped when he saw Varian turn to him
“Oh! Oh…..” his son looked at his father, blue eyes wide with fear as he tried to hide the black rock he was messing with. Yellow liquid had been spilled onto the rock’s surface as the teen turned to face his father
“Son I *told* you to stay *away* from those *rocks*”, Quirin stated, walking over to his boy
“Um ok, I-I know what you said but-!” Varian tried, but his father interrupted, guiding him away from the rocks gently as he spoke
“Then there should be *no* misunderstanding!” Quirin exclaimed, stopping as he face his child, “now listen to me when I-!”
“NO!” His son snapped, pushing his father away, if the retired knight didn’t know any better, his child seemed to be sad about doing so, as if it hurt to do that, there was…. Something so familiar about that push, “no you listen to *me* dad! Our village is *dying*!” The teen exclaimed, his lips trembling just the smallest bit, “you think I running away from the problem is gonna fix it-NO! These rocks aren’t going away! “
His son looked at him angrily, his father sighed, why couldn’t his son just understand! He placed a hand on his forehead, “I *know* Varian”, he looked at his boy, pleading for him to understand, “but there is more to them than you could *possibly* imagine!” He stated, his heart breaking, there was something so familiar about what he was saying, and he…. Needed to move, needed to get away…. Something about the liquid…. What was it? His son was speaking again
“Then why won’t you tell me?!” Quirin walked away from his son, he needed to think, “dad!” His son exclaimed, “I *deserve* to know!
His son sounded like he was about to cry, the retired knight wanted to as well, he felt so horrible and he didn’t know why! He was just trying to keep his child safe! But for some reason, this felt so wrong, this who,e conversation, he wanted to change it, he wanted it to be better than it had before, wait….. Before? When had he…. His son had just asked him a question, he deserved to know? The Village Leader removed the glove from his left hand, staring at the mark on the back of it, it was glowing…… why was it glowing?
He was about to tell his son he wasn’t ready to hear about the black rocks, but stopped himself, he wanted to change it….. He didn’t want what happened before to happen again, even if he didn’t remember, his not needed to know, he *was* ready!
He sighed, replacing the glove back on his hand as he spoke, “the black rocks….. killed someone I knew…..” he stated, turning to face his son before he saw yellow growing behind the boy! His boy! And suddenly, he remembered everything, “VARIAN!” He yelled, getting the teen to look behind him and see the yellow, “NO NOT AGAIN!!!!” He screamed before running over and grabbing his son, pulling the teen towards himself and shielding him from the yellow, “STAY BEHIND ME!” He yelled before seeing the door he’d walked in from, he knew it was the only exit
He scooped up his son and ran for it! The yellow liquid hardening and chasing after him and his boy! The only thought on Quirin’s mind was to save his son, he needed to, he wouldn’t let his child fall again! Not again! He jumped through the doorway just in time as the yellow substance crashed into the doorway and stopped, reaching its limit
Varian and Quirin stared at it for a long time before Quirin fell to his knees, he felt the buzzing again, but it hurt like nothing he’d ever felt before! He grabbed his head and yelped before he felt gentle hands on his, the pain subsided as he looked up and saw Varian. The teen was smiling at him, tears streaming down his face as his eyes, freckles, and hair glowed, “daddy”
Quirin blinked before he smiled, “Varian….. Bubby!” He hugged his child, his Varian! He didn’t feel confused anymore, he didn’t feel conflicted or scared, he just felt relief as he held his son tighter than ever before, “Varian I’m so sorry! I’m so…. So sorry….”
“It’s okay dad”, Varian replied, “it’s okay, I’m sorry I had to remind you like that…. I hated every second of it….”
“The amber….. you reminded me using the amber…..” He pulled away from his child and smiled, “you’re such a clever boy”
“Helps when I have an amazing dad like you”, Varian replied with a chuckle before he let out a shaky breath, “it…. Won’t last…..”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re…. I was able to check you…. When I touched you head….. The Moonpiece is still warning me that you won’t remember for long…. I can’t break you free…. I can’t…. I tried but I can’t…. Dad….” Varian fell silent as tears slid down his cheeks
The retired knight took a second to remember before he felt the Mind Trap slowly trying to regain control over him again….. “Varian….. Oh Bubby I’m so sorry…… I’m sorry I came here, I’m sorry I did this to you….. I’m so sorry…..”
“It’s not your fault dad, it’s *hers*….. I’ll get you back though, I will! I promise!”
Quirin frowned, “son, please, please keep yourself safe”, he said, “I love you, and I wanna be with you to the end, but if she’s using me against you, then you need to stay away from me!”
“Dad-!”
“I hate it too, but I don’t wanna hurt you Bubby”, Quirin stated as tears fell down his own cheeks, “I wouldn’t…. Be able to live with myself if I hurt you….. Or Hugo…..”
Varian sniffled, hugging his father again, “what do I do…..”
“Lock me up in a cell…..” Quirin stated, “lock me up and don’t let me out until you *know* I’m safe to be free”, he stated, “I’ll fight the mind trap for as long as I can while you do, and don’t come visit me, don’t come for me if the castle gets destroyed, please…. Please let me do this for you….. Let me protect you like I should, like I should have that day…..”
“You did if that helps, we redid that day, and you saved me and yourself, you already protected me before too, you always protected me dad, I will *never* forget that, ever…. I love you….. So much…..”
“I love you too son….” Quirin replied, he felt a weight lift off of him, as if something he’d been carrying for a while had finally let him go. He smiled, relieved that he could do this for his child, before he remembered something else, “the kind trap can be broken!”
“Huh?” Varian looked at his father
“While I’m not under its control, while I can freely tell you about it, you need to know, it can be broken! She can use it to control, us from anywhere at any time, so be warned, but it’s easily broken, throw it on the ground, smash it, shatter it in any way you can, separate the pieces and never let them touch again! As long as it’s broken, it can never be used! Never! Break it!”
Varian nodded, “oki, I will”
“We will”, a voice stated, getting the two to turn and see Hugo, Ruddigar, Lance, Eugene, Rapunzel, Catalina, and Angry all watching them, “we will, we’ll break it and set you, Adira, Hector, and my dad free”, Eugene stated, “that’s a promise Quirin, from *all* of us”
The retired knight smiled, “thank you”, he then looked at Hugo, he remembered what he’d said to the blond when he wasn’t himself, and reached out a hand to him. The blond hesitated, but Quirin smiled, “I wanna hug *both* of my children”
Hugo froze before he smiled and ran to him, wrapping his arms around the man as Varian did the same, all three of them hugging while Ruddigar and Olivia hopped over and joined in. They stayed that way for a moment or two before Quirin twitched,”I…. Can’t f-fight it much longer…..”
The two scientists let go and nodded before Lance walked forwards and knelt next to the man, “let’s get you somewhere safe, yeah?”
Quirin nodded with an appreciative smile. They all went to the dungeons, Arianna and Frederic were already there, along with the Seporians, they were all there to support the retired knight as he saw the cell he would be in. There was a full bed, riding material, plant books, Flynn Rider books, cards, a sink, and curtains for privacy, “you’re not a prisoner”, the Queen stated, “you’re a hero, and we’ll make sure you’re treated like one, even if you can’t remember why you’re there”, she stated, tears in her own eyes as she faced Quirin
“She’s right, I…. Know you’re not happy with me, but….. I…. Will make sure you two boys are safe, this time I mean it, I really do”, Frederic added, “I promise”
Quirin looked at both of them before he stared at the cell, he saw Itty Bitty and Sassy were there too, along with his raccoon and fish plushies. He smiled, “thank you, *all* of you”
Varian stepped forwards again, and hugged his father for the last time, “I’ll miss you dad….. so much…”
“I’ll miss you too, but we’ll be together again, we will”, he stated, hugging his son back, “and then you can tell me how badly you kicked Cassandra’s butt from dawn until dusk!”
Varian smiled up at his father before he kissed the man’s cheek and pressed his forehead against his father’s. He was silent as Quirin closed him eyes, smiling peacefully, before Varian spoke a few quiet words:
‘May the Moon bring you peace, and protect you for as long as you live’
His father opened his eyes and stared at his son, before he smiled lovingly at him, “to you too”
Varian smiled back, before his father stood, sighed, and walked inside the cell, sitting down on the bed as the door was closed behind him by Eugene himself, the Dark Prince giving the man an apologetic look, to which Quirin nodded understandingly. The group left him after that, Stan and Pete standing by him as they did, they and Ethan would be switching off to keep the man company
As they left, Varian’s eyes glowed brightly as tears continued to slide down his face, Hugo held his hand as they left the dungeons, closing the door behind them
Notes:
Hello!
Sorry for this coming out so late, again, I’ll let this chapter speak for itself. It’s…. Not supposed to have me explain…..
This is a final goodbye to farmer dad for now…..
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 390: Hard to Feel Anything!
Summary:
Varian has a talk with Queen Arianna!
Trigger warning!
This chapter discusses Depression and suicidal thoughts, viewer discretion is advised!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Sun was high in the sky that clear afternoon as Arianna sighed, wiping her brow while studying her work. She’d been planting a more few roses that day, she loved to watch them grow, it was nice. Though she wished the same sentiment could be felt by her tiny partner….. The Queen looked over to him, he hadn’t moved from his spot, she’d hoped that gardening may help the little teen, but it didn’t seem to be working. She sighed and stopped, placing her trowel down and walking over to the teen before sitting next to him and waiting
She didn’t want to push him to speak first, that never helped, but she didn’t want to start a conversation and make him obligated to answer either. So they sat in silence for a little bit, the Queen didn’t mind, she liked the brisk morning air, how it felt on her face after a few hours of planting
She looked at the teen again, he was huddled in a ball again, knees up, face hidden, arms wrapped around them, she’d think it was adorable if she didn’t know the reason he’d been so upset. Quirin had reverted back to the person he’d been while under the Mind Trap’s spell, he’d asked questions from Stan and Pete, both saying it was for his own protection, the Village Leader had been fine with that, but it didn’t make it easier when he’d ask about his son…..
Ethan seemed to be okay with getting the man distracted, even being able to expertly dodge any questions about things Quirin, under the Mind Trap’s control, wouldn’t realize the others knew. It was much easier to have the newest recruit handle the retired knight, Stan and Pete were proud! But it was still hard to see him in such a state… For Varian and Hugo especially…. The blond inventor had been taken by Eugene and Lance that day, they wanted to treat him to a day of fun, they’d offered the same for Varian, but the freckled teen wasn’t in the mood….
No matter how much they tried, he didn’t want to leave the castle, they understood, and took Hugo, with some encouragement from Varian that ‘he would be okay’, and how ‘Hugo should go have fun’. He’d been feeling the truth, he wanted his boyfriend to have fun, but once they’d left, Arianna found him walking through the halls, tears water falling down his face, his eyes showing an empty void of thoughts the Queen could only *imagine* how pain filled they were, and even then she bet they were worse….
Rapunzel had left the castle, she’d come back earlier after a check around town to make sure things were going okay, but she’d come back when she’d heard a rumor. Something about… Gothel being in an old cabin….. She’d heard it from some children in Old Corona, she’d asked Varian about it, he’d known about the legend, said it was an Old Coronan tradition for the younger kids to go to that place and see if it was really haunted
A sort of, ‘coming of age’ thing, he’d put it. The idea made the Queen chuckle, but she’d been quick to keep that amusement to herself when she saw Rapunzel’s face. The teen hadn’t known it was Gothel who was rumored to haunt it, he’d been told it was merely haunted and that’s all. The princess going off to see if it was true hadn’t helped the boy feel less guilty about it though. He fallen completely silent after that, which was where the Queen has come in with the small gardening idea
She sighed again before looking at the teen, she didn’t want to pressure him, but not talking felt even worse to her. So she took a chance, “the weather seems to be rather nice today”
The alchemist didn’t respond, though he nodded
Arianna took that as better than nothing, “I’m certain we’ll have some lovely flowers coming from this, it’ll be nice to watch them grow”
Another silent nod
Hmmm…. This wasn’t working as well as she’d hoped, getting nods would be fine if he were merely sick…. She knew what she needed to talk about, but didn’t want to make the teen run away…. She took a chance however, “….he’s…. He’s going to be okay Varian”
The teen had stiffened a little at that
“….I know you’re worried, but he’s going to be okay, he’s safe, that’s what matters most right now, right?” She asked gently
Varian’s hair started to glow
Oh my…. Maybe that was the wrong thing to say, “sorry…..” she said softly, “I’m… I’m trying but… I’m…. Not sure what you’d like me to talk about”
The teen hesitated before his hair stopped glowing and he peeked out from his hiding place, watching her, she could tell he’d been crying, but he’d responded to the truth, so….
She sighed, “I…. Want to help you feel better, I thought gardening would help with that, but I suppose not…. Still I…. You shouldn’t be alone during this. I don’t want to leave you alone, maybe you want to be, and if you do, please tell me so I can give you space, but….. I get the feeling you don’t want that either….. I’m just…. Not sure what we should do….”
The alchemist had come out a little more from hiding, he was watching her, he looked a mess, tired, sad, angry, frustrated, afraid, all of it masked with a calmer expression, it made Arianna’s heart hurt for the boy
She tried to smile though, despite the pain she felt on the teen’s behalf, “do you wanna tell me what you’d like to do?”
Varian blinked at her before sighing, “I’m sorry….” He replied, his voice was hoarse from crying so much, “I not meaning to put so much on you…. Truth is…. I don’t know what I n-need right now…. Well…. No I… I n-need my dad…. And my aunt, uncle, and grandpa….. I n-need them…. I wanna spend time with them again…. I wanna be with them, hug them, be near them…. B-but I can’t because of what’s happened….. I….. I can’t stop crying or getting mad either…. She knows-she *knows* what I went through to get my dad back! And yet s-she used him against me! Tried to get him to come here and make me think he was back to normal! I…. I’m disgusted and hurt, my heart feels like it’s shattered into a million pieces ad no matter how much fish skin coated super glue I use it never stays that way! I just….. I want things to go back to normal….. I want my life back, I wanna give Hugo a life he’ll never forget or regret! But I can’t because this person that I *thought* was my friend decided to take it all away…..” he sniffled, “I feel like I’m back to where I started again….. My dad isn’t here, my family is g-gone, my life is in shambles, everyone around me is affected by it….. and it’s all my fault….”
Arianna blinked, “wait, *your* fault? Darling since when was this ever *your* fault?”
“Oh since I was born into this world with supernatural Moon powers and awakened them somehow! Ever since then, nothing’s been okay, my dad came back and we’re much better than we were before, but he keeps getting put in danger because of my connection to the Moonstone! Adira, Hector, and Edmund are all a part of my family, and I finally got to meet them and become close, but they get mind controlled, hurt, beaten, and used in so many terrible ways because Cassandra wants my and Rapunzel’s magic and knows to use them to get it! Eugene finds out he’s apart of my family too, we become close, his girlfriend’s best friend, and close friend of *his* even, betrays them and start to do horrible things to his father and family because she wants my and Rapunzel’s magic!”
“Sweetie, that’s not your fault”
“How isn’t it?” He asked, looking at her, showing the gigantic bags under his eyes, “Cassandra wants me and Rapunzel, and she’s using any means to get to us! If I hadn’t been given these Moon powers then none of my family would effected so badly! My dad wouldn’t be in a *cell* right now, wondering why he’s there! My aunt and uncle wouldn’t be taken over and missing! My grandpa wouldn’t be ind controlled and doing whatever he’s doing night now! Eugene and Lance and Hugo wouldn’t be in this mess at all had they never met me and Rapunzel, Rapunzel may be able to talk to her best friend had I never showed. Had Moon powers, things could be significantly better had I never had these powers and I…. I-I just…..” he froze, his eyes widening as thoughts hit him like a ton of bricks, Arianna could see them eating away at his intellectual mind
“Varian?” She asked softly, reaching out to the boy
“I…..” He sighed, a single tear dripping from his cheek and onto the floor, “I…. I-I…..” he looked at her, his eyes completely void of any light, no sadness or pain, no anger or joy, just a void of blue and black, it scared the Queen, “I….. d-don’t wanna be here anymore…..” he admitted, chilling her blood, “I….. feel so lost….. so angry and upset…. Then I feel nothing at all….. I’m just…. Empty….. Like a shell….. I don’t see the point of me being here anymore….. I can’t fix anything, everytime I try I make things worse….. My family is gone, my boyfriend is miserable, Rapunzel is sad, Eugene and Lance are trying to make us feel better when they should be spending their time having fun….. I feel….. nothing….. I can’t feel anything…..”
“Varian….. How long have you felt this way?” The Queen asked gently
“…..the first time I felt it was when dad was in the amber and the guards were at my home….. They’d locked me in the room with him, and I couldn’t feel anything. I was so quiet they’d thought I’d…..” he sighed, “it comes and goes, some days are better than others….. I….. don’t know what this is…. It’s peaceful, but it gives me really bad thoughts…. Thoughts I know my dad would never want me to have….. Hugo too for that matter…..”
“Varian…..” Arianna stared at the teen for a while before she hugged him, “I’m so sorry….. I’m sorry you have to deal with so much, I’m sorry you’ve felt this way before, and I’m sorry…. But I’m not going to let you do what your thoughts are telling you to”, she stated, “I’ll stay with you for as long as you need me to, I’ll hold you while you cry, I’ll keep you company even when your thoughts are this bad. You’re not alone, I won’t leave you, not again! Never again…..”
The teen didn’t move, he didn’t react, for a while he just sat there and let the Queen hug him, they stayed that way for a long time. He didn’t know how much time had passed, but then, he felt a trickle of something slide down his cheek. He touched it and looked, it was a tear, looking at Arianna, he saw her crying. She was quiet about it, but it was unmistakable. He looked up at her, “I’m sorry….”
“No!” She exclaimed, pulling away only to face him, eye to eye, “don’t ever apologize for saying how you feel, even if it’s hard to hear. You’ve been through so much, you’re still so small yet you’ve gone through more heartbreak than anyone ever should have! I don’t know how you’ve done it and still manage to help when you can. You’re so strong and I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone stronger than you. I know…. That you don’t feel anything right now, that you feel numb, and…. I’m sorry you do…. The feeling, or lack there of, it’s…. Apart of Depression”
“Depression?”
“Yes….. Varian you…. You’ve spoken to Lance about what you feel, has he ever mentioned this before?”
“Once, but…. He didn’t say too much, only what I needed at the time”
“Right, he wouldn’t unless he had reason to…. When was the last time you spoke with him?”
“….I….. I-it’s been a while…..”
Arianna smiled, “it’s alright”, she said softly, “you don’t have to feel bad for not seeking help all the time. I understand why you wouldn’t, but….. while I wont force you, you should speak with him about this, especially if it’s getting worse like this…..”
Varian nodded, as he felt his emotions slowly coming back, however, he felt a sudden strike of panic overcome him, “w-will Lance be m-mad at me?”
Arianna looked at the teen and shook her head, “no, he never would be. He understands much more than most do actually. I’ll let you in on a little secret, I’ve felt that way too”, she admitted
“You have?”
“Yes…. When I found out what happened to you in the dungeons…. The night Quirin addressed my husband and told him what he thought of him. I felt so ashamed I hadn’t stopped it, I felt horrible and disgusting, hating myself for how useless I was. I grew numb because my thoughts veered towards how Frederic had used the Sundrop flower to heal me and Rapunzel. I wondered if it would’ve been better had I just passed away. Better for you, your family, my family, I wanted Rapunzel to live of course, but I felt so horrible with myself that…. Those dark thoughts crept into my head too….. it’s different for everyone…. I didn’t feel numb, but I felt sad and angry, and only sad and angry, for a long time….. I managed to cope, found things I could do to fix the kingdom, started by helping to fix the dungeons, I had power, I knew I could use it, maybe if I did, then you wouldn’t need to feel the way you do anymore….. I felt like it was my fault….. And that…. That’s not an unusual feeling when it comes to depression. Blaming yourself, hating yourself, wishing you were…. Well…..” she sighed before looking at the teen, “I’m glad you’re here, things are horrible right now, and they might not get better for a while, but you being here makes t better”
“How?”
“Because you’re alive”, she stated with a smile, “you’re alive and breathing, you’re still here Varian. I know that you feel like it’d be better if you weren’t, but think about how much you’ve helped so many people! Hugo being the main example, you saved him from an abusive life, you and he fell in love and are happy with each other, Varian you made that boy happier than I’ve ever seen anyone in my life, and I should, I see quite a few people”, Varian chuckled a little at that, getting the Queen to smile wider, “there’s so much to live for, so much to do, and darling you’re just hitting the ice berg! I can see you being the greatest alchemist this world has ever seen, even more so than Demanitus”
“Oh I don’t think I could ever be-!”
“Yes yoy could, easily, you already have! I believe that you can, I believe in *you* Varian, because you’re someone special and wonderful and I…. I don’t think I’d be able to handle it if you were gone….. To be honest, I’ve needed you”
“You…. Have?”
She nodded, “you’ve shown me so many things I can do to better the kingdom, you’ve done so much to share your experiences both bad and good. You’ve also been a reminder of how horrible this kingdom can be, not because you’re you, but because of what we did to you…. You’ve made me strive to become a better Queen, speak out more, be stronger, you’ve helped me Varian. I wouldn’t be better without you, plus…. I like being here with you”, she stated with a smile, “you’re fun to be around, you really are, and I care deeply for you, as a son”
“You think of me as a son?”
“Yes, and I love you like one too”, Arianna replied, “you may not actually be my child, but the more I spend time with you, and Hugo, the more I can’t help feeling like you two are my own flesh and blood”, she stated, “I suppose that’s why you’re with me right now, because I saw my son being sad and I wanted to help him, you”
Varian blushed, smiling, “t-thank you, it’s funny, I’ve…. Kinda seen you as a mom”
Arianna grinned, hugging the teen close. Varian returned the hug, they remained that way for a bit before letting go, “I know things look bad now Varian, but they’ll get better, you’ve got so many people who are willing to help you as well, lean on them, they’ll catch you, myself included, okay?”
The alchemist smiled and nodded, “oki”
Arianna giggled before she looked up into the sky, “oh dear, well, we stayed out here for quite some time, think it’s time for lunch now huh?”
Varian nodded as his stomach growled, “uh…. Eheheh….”
The Queen chuckled, “come on, let’s get you something to eat yeah?” She asked, standing up and offering a hand to the teen
Varian hesitated a little, but took the offer, standing up himself, “oki”
“What would you like?” She asked, gathering her tools, the alchemist helping her before they began to walk inside, “you can have whatever you wish”
“Hmmm….. Ham sandwiches?”
Arianna giggled, “you got it”
Notes:
Hello!
To anyone who has felt this way before, please know you’re not alone, and while I recommend getting the help you need, I won’t force you to. But you’re not alone, you’ve never been alone. I’ve felt it and so have many others, reach out, talk to someone, they’ll help you! I’m here too, I’m willing to talk if you need to ❤️🎶
The world is so much better with you in it! Please always remember that, always ❤️🎶
Varian feeling this way is him hitting rock bottom….. the bean has been going through so much in such a short amount of time, and it’s been so hard on him…. Honestly…. I wish they’d done more with this in the show, but they didn’t, so here’s my piece. I’m certain some, or all, of you have felt similar to him, again, you’re not alone. I’m sorry you’ve felt that way, just know that you’re loved, a,l of you ❤️🎶
Arianna is that friend or family member we need to help us through such a tough time, there’s always someone you can lean on when you’re feeling that way, reach out, please, they want to help you, they want to be there for you, because they care about you, and they always will ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 391: That’s Just a Theory! (Part 1!)
Summary:
This is a lore chapter that’s a tribute to MatPat, from Game Theory, please check him out on YouTube, he’s the best!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene, Lance, Hugo, Rapunzel, Ruddigar, Max, Pascal, Arianna , and a few royal guards, including the Captain, all sat in the family room together, “does anyone know why we’re here?” The Dark Prince asked
“No idea, Varian told me to meet him here, I came, he ain’t here”, Lance replied
“That’s the same for me!” Rapunzel stated
“I think it’s the same for all of us”, Hugo added, “wonder what Freckles is doing”, he stated as Ruddigar chittered anxiously
Arianna smiled, “I’m certain whatever he has planned is important”
“It is”, a voice stated, getting everyone to look and spy the small alchemist standing by the door, he was holding a bunch of paperwork in his arms as he entered the room, using his magic to close the door, gently, behind him. He huffed and set the papers down on the table in front of him before he looked at his friends and family, “we need to think about plans regarding Cassandra and the Moonstone, and Zhan Tiri as well”, he stated, “I’ve been working nonstop about everything we know regarding this situation! What the Moon’s told me, how Cassandra has been acting, how Zhan Tiri came into my head and where she learned how to do so, even researching more about the Mind Trap, which, did you know it was actually located near Corona first before being moved to the Spire because people kept trying to take and use it? Cause I didn’t!”
“Kid…. When’s the last time you saw a bed?” Eugene asked, fixating on the teen’s bags under his eyes
“That’s a question I’ll file away for later! For now, I have theories to crack and need opinions!”
Eugene raised a brow, “Varian-!”
“I *may* have skipped sleep for one or two or…. *several* days, but this is too important!”
“Varian!”
“If I swear to take a nap after we’re done here, can we please move on to business?”
“…..Deal, but it’s gonna be a *long* nap”
“Fine, now like I was saying, I have theories-!” He was interrupted by a very loud stomach growl, one that made Hm blush as Eugene opened his mouth once more, “I’ll eat first, then take a long nap if I can just finish this meeting!” The Dark Prince huffed, but nodded, “thank you! *ahem* after Rapunzel went to find out more about the rumor of Gothel being in the haunted cottage, and her and Cassandra recently meeting up and that women leaving Rapunzel to be consumed in the poisonous gas fumes before Pascal managed to free her, thankfully, I’ve been thinking that the lack of a plan we’ve all had has been increasingly concerning. We need to come up with a way to deal with Cassandra in the best way possible. Weather that means trapping her for good, or….. well…. Hopefully we don’t have to go that far, but that’s why I have theories!” He exclaimed
The princess shuddered when he meantioned that encounter as her mother placed a hand on her daughter’s protectively, “what theories have you come up with?” Arianna asked
“Well, for staters, we need to figure out where the Mind Trap is and how to break it. My dad said it can easily be broken by, simply put, smashing it on the ground like the garbage it rightfully is being more than enough, I believe him, but I’m worried that may also hurt the people tied to it. Namely, the Brotherhood, dad, Adira, Hector, and Grandpa….. We don’t want that, but knowing dad, he would want that if it makes sure everyone else is safe, same with Adira, Hector, and Grandpa. I want to see if there’s another way to take care of that, or if breaking it will even *cause* those affected to be hurt or damaged in some way shape or form”
“Wouldn’t the best way to find that out be to ask Quirin himself? He’s still down there, and we may be able to coax the answer out of him”, a guard chimed in
“No, dad is being mind controlled, it would make whatever he’s going to say irrelevant and untrue because there’s no way Cassandra would make it that easy on us”, Varian stated sadly
“How do you know that?”
“Exhibit A, your Captain is Cassandra’s father, and the man that taught her everything she needs to know. You tell me Captain, would that be something she’d overlook?”
The Captain sighed and shook his head, “no…. She’d be thinking about all the conventional ways she could be brought down”
“Case in point”, Varian stated, shutting the guard up instantly, “based on that fact, as well as many others, we can deduce that anything dad happens to say d-down in the d-dungeons….”, the teen’s lips pursed together as he took a minute before he shook off whatever emotion was bubbling to the surface before continuing, “….His input from this point on is irrelevant… We can only go off of what he’s already told us. So far, the Mind Trap is a huge blank, but he’s told us plenty about the Moonstone, which I’ll get to next, along with my personal knowledge of Adira, Hector, and Grandpa, and everyone’s own experiences with them. Hugo, that field study you did on Adira, it’s actually a really good thing you did it, because it gave us more insight into an otherwise unpredictable variable, so thank you for that”
The blond smiled, “glad it could help, but…. Did you read it already?”
“I…. Was curious the day you finished it, and ended up reading it while you were asleep, eheh, sorry”, Varian admitted with a blush
The inventor snickered, “you’re good love, glad you liked it”
The alchemist smiled before he picked up a piece of paper, “this is the Mind Trap, I’ve been scrolling through countless books and scrolls on the subject, even using the newest restricted section that we’d uncovered in the King’s secret chambers, since it had our family history in it, I’m including Eugene and Hugo in that, since Eugene’s technically my uncle and Hugo…. Well you know”, he stated with a blush as Hugo gave fingers guns and clicked his tongue cheekily. “ I figured there may be more to the Dark Kingdom story. I found out about the original whereabouts of the Mind Trap, and also found out what it was originally made for”
“Really?” Rapunzel asked, “what was it for originally?”
“To summon the Brotherhood should the King, or bearer of the Moonstone, ever need help”, Varian stated
“Wait…. Bearer of the Moonstone? But I thought the Moonstone was never touched”, Lance stated
“Apparently that’s not completely true, aside from Zhan Tiri taking it at one point, she used it to destroy her own home….. The story she told me was far from the truth….. Hence why Demanitus had to battle her….. It was held by another, a young scholar in the Dark Kingdom. He wanted to learn more about the stone, and, through the guidance of the Brotherhood, and with permission from the king at the time, he learned a lot and placed his thoughts into a journal. Demanitus was the one who’d kept that journal safe when the scholar passed away from sickness, the famous scientist being the closest person to the scholar, and being the main source of scientific banter between the pair as they theorized about the incantations they found together!”
“Wait, this scholar was close to Demanitus?” Eugene asked
“Yes, in fact, he’s actually a relative of Demanitus’s, his younger brother in fact. He actually was married and had children, through the generations, the family changed their surname, which is why it was near impossible to track down the bloodline of the famous scientist had I not been given that information from Ziri-er, Zhan Tiri….. which…. I should’ve guessed that was Zhan Tiri….. the name was so obvious…..”
“Wait, Freckles, if all this is true, then that could explain why you have Moon powers!” Hugo exclaimed, “Quirin being apart of the Brotherhood must’ve reawakened a hidden power passed down throughout your family! We know Demanitus never had any kids of his own due to him living his life for as long as he could in a monkey’s body and devoting his entire life to science! So that brother of Demanitus’s links you to the man himself, and your dad being near the Moonstone, and protecting Adira from its blast, must’ve awakened something that got passed down to you!”
Varian smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, “my thoughts exactly, it’s also made even more evident by the last name. See, one of my ancestors was female, she was married to a male who’s last name was Vanguard. Those were my father’s great grandparents”
“Holy shit”, Eugene exclaimed
“That makes so much sense now!” Rapunzel replied, “it also explains why you’re so good at using the power of the Moon, because your ancestor studied that power! His control over it must’ve gone to you as well! Enhanced by Quirin being the knight of the Brotherhood!”
The alchemist grinned, “see this is why I love having smart friends, it’s so much easier to explain things to you guys!”
The group snickered, “anyway, what does this have to do with the Mind Trap?” Lance asked
“Oh right”, Varian replied with a blush, “sorry, got excited about the LORE of everything, hee hee, a-anyway, *ahem*, Demanitus saw, first hand, the destruction the Moonstone could cause in the wrong hands. So he made a mystical stone, being a man of both science *and* magic-“
“Wait, *and* magic”, Hugo asked
“Yeah I know, I was surprised too, but I’m a big enough boy to say I was wrong about assuming magic wasn’t entirely real or scientific…. Kinda makes me wanna go read the old fairy tales my dad used to try to get me into, save for King Mytus and the stupid gold touch, that was absolute bull!”
“Agreed!” Hugo exclaimed
“Boys”, Arianna said gently
The two blushed, “eheheh, g-getting back on track, Demanitus used both science and magic to infuse a mystical stone with the power to summon the Brotherhood should someone like Zhan Tiri decide to mess with it. It was merely meant to summon them, the glowing blue eyes were only meant to last for a moment, showing that they’d been alerted and needed to come right away. It’d been used like that for a very long time….. until one of Zhan Tiris followers messed with it….. Punzel…. It was Gothel…..”
Rapunzel’s eyes widened at that, “GOTHEL?!”
“Yes….. She managed to sneak into the Dark Kingdom as an old crone looking for help and food. She sought out the Moonstone to bring her ever lasting life, apparently the Sundrop was her second option since her leader had been defeated trying to use it. She’d managed to mess with the Mind Trap so that, should she be caught, she could use the Brotherhood as a way to escape….. It worked in aiding her escape, as the guards of the Dark Kingdom stopped her before she could get to the Moonstone, but she dropped the Mind Trap while escaping, which is how they got the Mind Trap back. They hid it away, thinking to place it in Corona for safe keeping because it was the place Demanitus has protected, they thought she wouldn’t try to get it there, and she didn’t, he sights being set on the Sundrop flower instead at that point I’m assuming, but that’s just a theory. There were attempts made to fix what she’d done to the Mind Trap, but they all ended in disaster, at one point, a Brotherhood member died due to their efforts, another time, the Moonstone had grown angry and destroyed the tool’s hiding place, which led to the Mind Trap being locked away in the Spire, never to be used again….. It’s why I’m worried that destroying it will cause harm to our family and friends…..”
“Geez….. Gothel really was an awful person….” Rapunzel stated
“She tried to take you away and use your hair forever, was there ever any doubt that she *was* a good person?” Hugo asked gently
“No, but there was a point in time where I thought if I’d just talked to her, reasoned with her, maybe she could be better…”
Hugo flinched, guilt filling his body as a flash of Donella’s face came to mind “….I see…. Sorry, out of everyone, I should’ve understood that the most….”
“Not your fault”, the princess replied with a warm smile at the teen, “I don’t blame you, from my point of view, I could say the same about…. Well you know…. I’m glad she could be reasoned with at least”
Hugo smiled, “thanks Rapunzel”
Varian grinned at the both of them, happy they were getting along, and proud of his big sis for her understanding, before he continued his point, “does anyone have any ideas on what we could do to destroy the mind trap, ideas that won’t harm or kill the ones we love?”
Lance looked at the teen, “we could try to break the spell, have you found out anything about it?”
“Unfortunately no, that was my first thought, but the spell is unknown, and based on all the tests that were done on the MindTrap itself, doing so would only cause harm to those under its control, which is something I’m not willing to do”
“Fair point”
“What if breaking it doesn’t do anything?” Rapunzel asked
“I’d need proof of that, but no one’s tried breaking it before”, Varian replied sadly
“Well, it was made simply to summon the Brotherhood before, how do we know destroying it will hurt them?”
“I suppose we don’t, but are you willing to risk it?”
The princess but her lip, “not entirely…. We’d need to test it, but unfortunately, we don’t have the Mind Trap, so we can’t….”
The teen nodded, “you see why I needed your opinions on this now?”
Rapunzel smiled, “yup, this is definitely some high level thinking”
“What if we get the Mind Trap to you?” Eugene suggested, getting the group to look at him
Varian tilted his head, “me? Why?”
“Well, you’ve just established that you have Moon Powers through your ancestry, if that’s the case, then your power with the Moon should be able to surpass CassAndra’s doncha think? And if it is, then wouldn’t getting *you* the Mind Trap, and have *you* be the one to take control of the Brotherhood, possibly even breaking the spell using said power, make more sense?”
Hugo nodded, “logically that makes the most sense, I was thinking the same thing actually. If we’re able to find the Mind Trap’s whereabouts, then the best option we should do, is to try and get it to you Freckles, that way you can use your power to gain control of the Brotherhood, and possibly even break the spell. Given what we know now, it’s safe to assume that any of us using the Mind Trap would only spell disaster, given how many tests were done on it while resulting in the death of a brotherhood member, and the Moonstone themselves getting mad. It seems like the only people who can touch the mind trap, and activate it, would be those who have been in contact with the Moonstone, at the moment, the only one of us that has is you Freckles”
Varian thought about that for a moment, going through the idea in his mind before he nodded, “you’re right, both of you, though I’m not the only one, Eugene is a possible candidate too”
“Me?” Eugene asked
“Yes, given your lineage as a Dark Kingdom Prince, it’s safe to assume that you hold some power since your family, in particular, ave been in contact with the Moonstone as well. Since it’s the same for me, we can assume that you touching the Mind Trap would result the same, or similar way, worse case scenario, the Mind Trap does nothing in your hands, so long as you don’t destroy it, that should be fine, best case, you could use the magic in it as well”
The Dark Prince nodded, “I can see that, having two options is actually a good deal, best in your hands, safe in mine”
“Right, so we’ll need to make a plan to have me and Eugene find the Mind Trap and get my dad, and the rest of our family, out of Cassandra’s control”, the teen stated, before he let out a very long, very squeaky, yawn
Ruddigar chittered at his boy, suggesting they take a break and he get that food and long nap
“I’m fine, I’m not done with my theories, and this is important”
Ruddigar argued that his boy getting his food and sleep was just as important!
“Traitor”
The raccoon huffed, but smirked, chittering how he knew he was right
Arianna giggled before she walked over and hugged the alchemist, “you’re swaying sweetie”
“No I’m-!” Another squeaky yawn escaped Varian’s lips, “n-not….”
The Queen smiled lovingly at the boy before she knelt down before him, “I know you wanna keep theorizing, but you need to eat and sleep first, otherwise your points won’t be made correctly, and you’ll end up missing something. That’s not something you want, is it?”
The alchemist sighed before shaking his head, “nu….. But we’ll come back to this, right?”
The Queen nodded, “of course we will, once you’re rested up and with a fully belly, we’ll come back to this and discuss more”
The teen yawned again before he held out his pinkie, “pinkie swear?”
Arianna smiled and shook pinkie’s with he tee, “pinkie swear”
“….Okie”
Arianna grinned, “thank you”, she said softly, gently kissing the teen’s forehead before standing and backing away as Lance walked over and scooped the teen up, Eugene leading the way towards Varian’s bedroom while Hugo and Ruddigar gathering all of their boy’s paper work as Rapunzel, and Arianna went to make the teen a plate of food. Varian had already passed out by the time they got him to the room, Lance and Eugene tucking him in before they sat with him, watching over the teen until he was fully rested
Notes:
Hello!
So as I’ve said, this is a tribute to MatPat, from Game (Film, Food, and Stye) theory! He’s retired as of March 9th, 2024, (I’m a day late due to crying and being sad about his leaving, sorry about that). So I decided that I’d do a small tribute chapter where Varian’s the theorist!
Honestly, I can see, in a modern version of Tangled, Varian being the MatPat of his universe! He’d be the best theorist out there as well, using science, math, and lore to figure out more to each story a new or old game, film, food, or style! I grew up with MatPat, and I also grew up with Tangled and Disney, so I thought I’d combine the two in a fun, theory based, chapter! Varian would definitely be the one to theorize like Mat, spending liberal *days* working on *one* theory with very little sleep and even less food, this poor bean
Hugo, Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, the guard, Max, And Pascal all represent the audience, having people to bounce ideas off of so the theory can ho,d more ground! That’s what Mat did with us, and what Varian would do with his friends and family! Thought they’d make a great representation here!
Arianna for best mom, and also the Stephanie in Mat’s life to get him to rest and stop theorizing to take care of himself, Arianna fit best in this category since Quirin is…. Unavailable at the moment….
Ruddy buddy represents Ruddy Buddy, and Skip, Mat’s cat, mischievous but loving! Best animal overall!
Please check out MatPat’s channels, Game, Film, Food, and Style Theory! They’re all on YouTube and all have amazing content!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️
Chapter 392: It’s Gonna Be Okay!
Summary:
Varian wakes up to find out he’s been out for three days straight!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian whimpered a little as he woke up, his head throbbed as he pulled himself into a sitting position. He groaned, letting out a squeaky yawn and stretching, regretting the action as it made his head only hurt more. He grunted and rubbed his temple before he heard a soft voice speak up, “are you okay Hairstripe?”
Varian opened his eyes, baby blues meeting chocolate browns. For a second or two, he’d thought Grandpa was in the room, but upon closer inspection, the eyes belonged to Eugene, he sighed and nodded, “yeah, I’m alright, just….” Another yawn escaped his lips, “…still waking up”, he stated before looking at the Dark Prince, “how long was I out for?” He added, noticing the window beside him showing the Sun had already dipped past the horizon, the Moon shining brightly in the sky, she sparkled at him, she smiled at her as Eugene spoke
“Uh…. Eheh about that um….. Ya kinda slept in for…. Um…. Well…. Three days…..”
Varian eyes shot open as he stared at Eugene, the man didn’t seem to be joking, his nervous smile being the confirmation Varian feared, “three DAYS?!”
“Yeah, but we kept you fed, and gave you water, so you’re healthy, just…. Ya may be a little weak at the moment so I wouldn’t try any sudden-!” The man was interrupted when he heard a loud *thump* and looked over to see Varian had fallen out of bed trying to get up, “….movements…..”
“Ow….”
“Yeah, this is why you should wait until *after* I’m done speaking before getting up”, the ma teased, helping the teen fo his feet
“I’m sorry Eugene, but missing three whole days of work is HORRIBLE news! I have so much I need to get done! C-chemicals I need to work on, machines I was planning on finishing given the time frame! The Rooster Eugene! What if Cassandra had attacked without my knowing and no one was informed?!”
“Kid, slow down, she didn’t attack, nothing happened save for us being a bit worried about how hard you’ve been working. Which by the way, we need to have a discussion-!”
“There’s no time! I’ve gotta get back to work! I’m three days behind schedule and I have so much to do and-!”
“VARIAN!” Eugene yelled, grabbing the teen by his shoulders and getting him to face the Dark Prince. This startled the teen a little, and he snapped his mouth shut, getting Eugene to sigh, “sorry…. But you started to panic, and you’re still pretty weak right now kiddo”, he said, letting go of the alchemist and helping him sit on the bed, “Varian, look, I get that you’re worried and that you wanna help, all of us do, but you’re working yourself passed your breaking point, and that’s not good for you”
“B-but-!”
“No ‘but’s, Varian you just spent three days in bed then fell on the floor in a rush to get back to work”
The teen blushed, “I-It’s important….”
“Sleeping’s important too, so is food, and water…. And bathing….” Varian blinked before he sniffed his shirt, he winced, blushing even more as the smell of days old sweat and dust infiltrated his nasal cavity, Eugene smiled gently, “Varian, you’re a very smart bean, and hardworking too, no one can deny you give it 120,000% to help those you love and care about. But you’ve gotta take a break every once in a while, otherwise that big brain of yours is gonna, well, go into hibernation mode, like it just did. Mind you, this was a Bitty Hibernation, but if you keep doing stuff like this kiddo, you’re gonna get worse and worse….”
Varian bit his lip, “I just…. Eugene, my dad’s in *jail*, Adira and Hector are *missing*, I can’t go home because Grandpa’s there and he’s under the Mind Trap’s control , Cassandra’s on the loose, *Cyrus* is on the loose as well, Zhan Tiri tricked me into giving Rapunzel the power of the fourth incantation so that she could use the Moon and Sun’s battle to bring herself a physical body, I figured that out while researching, all of you are in freaking *danger*, all of Corona could be *destroyed*, and we don’t have a plan, way of fighting *any* of them back without getting seriously hurt and/or killing them, which no one wants to do, not even me, we don’t have a system to keep people safe, we’re basically sitting ducks waiting for slaughter day and it’s *TERRIFYING*!” He exclaimed anxiously before covering his face with his hands and trying to get his breathing under control
Eugene was quiet for a long time before he sighed and wrapped a gentle arm around Varian’s shoulders, “Varian”, he said, starting the teen a little with how soft his tone was, “let’s take a minute, ok?”
The alchemist looked at him and sniffled, his breathing was still bad, “E-Eugene-!”
“Stop”, the Dark Prince stated gently, “take a breath, we’ll do it together”
“I-!”
“Take a breath kiddo”
Varian blinked but nodded, taking a deep breath with Eugene before letting it go. They did this a few times actually, continuing to take a breath and letting it go until the alchemist could feel his heartbeat going back to normal once more. He looked at his big brother as they took one final breath and let it go, before he sighed, “sorry…..”
“I’m not mad Varian”, Eugene stated with a warm smile that reminded the alchemist so much of his dad, “I’m not disappointed or upset, I’m worried, yeah, but that’s normal when your little bro just panics like that. Also….” Eugene sighed, “look I…. I’m scared too….”
“You are?”
“We all are if I’m honest…. All of this is scary and crazy, I’m not saying you mean it this way, but none of us wanna be in this situation, at all…. But we are, and since we are, we’ve gotta make the most of the time we’ve got to prepare. I know you wanna work none stop to find a solution, believe me kiddo, I’ve been doing the same….”
“You…. Have?”
“Yeah….. It’s amazing what a bunch of coverup will do to conceal the circles under your eyes”, he stated with a chuckle before he rubbed his cheek a little, showing Varian the dark circle he’d been hiding, “I’ve been just like you, staying up as long as I could to try and find a solution, trying to see what plan fits best in this situation….. it’s…. Its not been good….. I was doing the same thing you were doing though, making it to where I didn’t take a break when I needed to and forcing myself past my limitations. When…. When you didn’t wake up kiddo, it was sort of my wake up call…. Because you’d pushed yourself so hard, you ended up getting really weak and well… it scared me…. Lance noticed I was doing the same and he sort of….. well….”
“Gave you a kick in the pants?” Varian asked with a smile
Eugene chuckled, “yeah, I take it you heard that from Rapunzel?”
“Dad actually, after he and Rapunzel spoke when Cassandra kidnapped me. He said Rapunzel had told him the same, that she’d gotten a kick in the pants by Lance too”
“The man’s fairly skilled in the kicking of said metaphorical pants”
“He really is”
They both giggled before Eugene sighed, “listen kiddo, I know things are hard right now, especially with what’s happening with Quirin and the rest of our family….. but you’re not alone, you can lean on us to help you when things become a little too much. Hell, you’re worried about the rooster, ever since you went to sleep, Hugo’s been working on it”
“He has?”
“Yeah, he took it upon himself to try and lighten your load via helping you finish a few projects, the Rooster included”, Eugene stated with a smile, “he’s a very good boy”
“Yes he is”, Varian replied with a shy smile
Eugene chuckled before he looked at the teen, “you think you can start to try and lean on us a little more?”
Varian nodded, “I can’t swear I-I’ll be perfect, but I’ll try”
“That’s all I ask”
Varian smiled at Eugene before his thoughts drifted over to Hugo once more, “he really is such a good boy”
“Hugo?”
“Yeah! He’s just earned himself a ton of good boyfriend points”
Eugene snorted, “good boyfriend points?”
“It’s a thing with us”
“I see, very cute”
“Thank you”
Eugene smirked, “what are the prizes?” He asked with a quirked brow
Varian blushed even harder before looking away, “um….. t-those are private…..”
The Dark Prince snickered, “I trust you, just, keep it clean sir”
“We will, can we move on please?”
“Heh, yeah we can…. For now”
“Eugeeeeeeene!”
“Variaaaaaaaan!”
The alchemist huffed before he smiled and hugged his big brother, “thank you”
Eugene returned the hug, “you’re welcome kiddo”. They stayed that way for a bit before the Dark Prince broke the hug when Varian’s stomach began to growl, “ok, I think someone needs some food”
The alchemist giggled, “maybe a little”
“We’ve got some pumpkin soup ready, Lance made it”
“Pumpkin soup? How’d you know-!”
“Quirin, he told us a while ago”
Varian smiled as an image of his father flashed in his mind, “I miss him….”
“We all do…. But we’ll get him back to his good dad self very soon”
Varian nodded, “oki…”
Eugene noticed how down Varian still seemed to be, and it gave him an idea, “hey Hairstripe, have you ever wanted to have a secret handshake with a friend?”
Varian eyes instantly lit up, “a secret handshake?!”
“Yeah, I’ve kinda been wanting to make one, wanna make one together?”
“C-can we hip bump? I wanna add a hip bump!”
The Dark Prince snickered as he and the teen began to walk out the door of the room, “sure, we can add a hip bump, that can be the finisher!”
Notes:
Hello!
So this is pure Team Awesome fluff! I wanted to do a does of adorableness before getting to the main plot of season 3! Team Awesome also needed way more moments than they got in the show, because these two are just adorable together!
Eugene is showing why he’s meant to be a leader! He’s a darn good big brother, and an amazing leader, showing his potential to take over the royals guards with a clear mind and a really good handle on how to help those in need! He’s such an amazing character and I think, had the show focused a bit more on his character growth, more than just, he’s a Prince and that’s it, the transition from him being a man with a job teaching guards how to catch a thief, to Captain of the Royal Guards, would’ve worked so well!
Varian is a poor bean that needs all the snuggles and lovings, and by golly he’s gonna get ‘em! He’s been through way too much, more than any one human can take! He’s got his big bro to help him out though, so yay!
Hugo and Lance, bless their hearts, they’re such good beans!! ❤️🎶
Ruddy buddy is with Hugo during this chapter, helping the blond bean with the rooster invention! So he still wins animal of the chapter! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 393: Perspective!
Summary:
Hugo needs to give the Captain some perspective!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Two days before Varian woke up*
“Pete?”
“Yeah Stan?”
“Have you noticed the Captain’s been….. Quiet lately?”
“Yeah, why do you ask?”
“We’ll don’t you think that’s a little odd? He’s not usually so quiet, especially not while he’s training us”
“Hmmm….. You think he’s been possessed or something?”
“No…. I just mean he’s been quiet lately, and it’s…. Odd”
“We’ll why ask my opinion if you’re just gonna shoot it down?”
“I’m not shooting your opinions down, I just-!”
“We’ll it kinda seemed like you did because I gave a solid suggestion on the Captain’s behavior and you said no instantly”
“Pete-!”
“Maybe you should ask someone else if you’re gonna shoot my ideas down”
“PETE! As much as I’d *love* to debate this with you and meet our quota of being incompetent guards as the story suggests-!”
“Wha? Story? What are yo-!”
“This is serious! The Captain’s acting weird, very weird, like he’s down about something. And while we could chalk it up to him being sad about his daughter, he’s not doing anything about her, that’s not like him”
“Well…. His daughter did kidnap Varian, among other horrible things, I’m not surprised he’s a little out of it”
“Yeah, but Pete, he’s not doing *anything*, merely sitting on anything he can find that sit table and just….. staring….. silently….”
“What are you two talking about?”
The two guards jumped a little at the new voice before they saw Hugo staring at them with a quirked brow, “oh…. Phew, hi Hugo”, Stan said as Pete sighed with relief
“Hi, you two are jumpy”, the blond stated
“Sorry, you snuck up on us”, Pete replied
“By…. Walking straight down the hall, or by saying hi while you two were talking?”
“….Yes?”
Hugo snorted, “ok then”, he said before noticing the Captain nearby, sitting in a chair and looking at the ground, “what’s up with him?”
“We don’t know”, Pete replied
“He’s been acting off Hugo, he’s not barking out orders or shouting at us to get back to work, he’s just…. Sitting….. and staring….. a lot……”
The inventor quirked his brow again, “sitting and staring? How long has he been doing that?”
“Ever since that meeting you all had with Varian”, Pete replied
The blond stopped for a moment before remembering the one time the Captain said something during that meeting:
*“Well, for staters, we need to figure out where the Mind Trap is and how to break it. My dad said it can easily be broken by, simply put, smashing it on the ground like the garbage it rightfully is being more than enough, I believe him, but I’m worried that may also hurt the people tied to it. Namely, the Brotherhood, dad, Adira, Hector, and Grandpa….. We don’t want that, but knowing dad, he would want that if it makes sure everyone else is safe, same with Adira, Hector, and Grandpa. I want to see if there’s another way to take care of that, or if breaking it will even *cause* those affected to be hurt or damaged in some way shape or form”
“Wouldn’t the best way to find that out be to ask Quirin himself? He’s still down there, and we may be able to coax the answer out of him”, a guard chimed in
“No, dad is being mind controlled, it would make whatever he’s going to say irrelevant and untrue because there’s no way Cassandra would make it that easy on us”, Varian stated sadly
“How do you know that?”
“Exhibit A, your Captain is Cassandra’s father, and the man that taught her everything she needs to know. You tell me Captain, would that be something she’d overlook?”
The Captain sighed and shook his head, “no…. She’d be thinking about all the conventional ways she could be brought down”
“Case in point”, Varian stated, shutting the guard up instantly*
The blond hummed for a moment in thought before huffing a little at the Captain’s state. He looked at Stan and Pete, “you mind if I say a few things to your Captain?”
The two guards looked at each other with growing concern before Stan sighed and looked at the blond, “Hugo…. While I understand you may be angry with him, he’s in not shape or form to receive any kind of….. well anything really”
“And that’s okay to you two?” The inventor asked, getting the guards to look at him questioningly. Hugo sighed, “your Captain is sitting on his ass and feeling sorry for himself while we’re out here working our asses off trying to fix his daughter’s mistakes. What if she attacks, will he do anything then? What if she injure someone, hell, shouldn’t he actually be on patrol right now? And yet he’s sitting there, doing nothing, like a fucking lump”
The two guards looked at their Captain Pete speaking up, “he’s sad”
Stan felt a small twitch in his eye as he looked at the man he’d once respected, the man that had congratulated him in his throwing out of Varian during that blizzard, the man that’d lashed the poor teen the moment the King gave the word, the man that had constantly stated the tiny teen deserved to be locked away, and Quirin the same should he ever come out of the amber and try to get his son free, shirking his responsibilities as a Village Leader….. he looked back at that man, the man who’d always represented Justice in Corona, and putting the people first, the man he’d once respected….. and he grew angry, “go ahead”, he stated, startling Pete
“But Stan-!”
“I’m sorry Pete, but Hugo’s right, he’s just sitting on his butt doing nothing, feeling sorry for himself, and that’s not something a guard should ever do. ‘We have a duty to the people, no matter what our situations are’, it’s what he’d always say, after every meeting, every training day, he’d remind us of that, yet he doesn’t practice what he preaches”
“His daughter is causing harm”, Pete stated
“And when Mr. Fluffypants, your kitty, was sick, did he give you time off to take care of her?”
Pete stopped for a moment, his eyes wide as he remember how worried he’d been for his fluffer nutter, and how cold the Captain had been to his worry for his feline companion…… Pete’s kitty was, thankfully, okay, but it’d been a very hard time in his life, and he still did his job….. “talk to him”, the guard stated, “for Mr. Fluffypants”
Hugo smirked, “thanks guys, and I wanna meet your kitty now”
“You and Varian can both come over sometime if you want! Varian’s already fallen in love with my tiny baby, Ruddigar too! I think Olivia would like my kitty too, he’s a very good boy”
“Uh….. My mouse may have some qualms about that, but we’ll see”, Hugo said with a nervous chuckle as he felt Olivia ruffle around in his pocket a little, clearly not excited about the idea. The blond gently patted his pocket, showing she was safe, once she’d calmed down, the inventor walked over to the Captain.
The moment he set eyes on the man, the teen was pissed off. The man was still staring at the ground, to give him credit, his eyes had large bags underneath them, and he looked so freaking depressed that the *dungeons* looked more cheerful. But Hugo wasn’t in a giving mood as he walked over to the man, “ground staring huh?” He asked, seeing the Captain subtly acknowledge his existence as he continued to stare at the floor, “that’s always a fun time, best done while you’re not currently working though”
“Go away”, the Captain stated half heartedly
“Wow, no insult, not snappy comeback, no nasty words about how disrespectful I am?”
“Go away”
“Tch, you’re no fun”
“That’s right,I’m no fun, I don’t need you to speak to me right now, I’m not interested in having an argument, just go away”
Hugo huffed, “you know, I’m trying to be calm about what I wanna say to you, but you’re making it hard”
“What you have to say to me?” The Captain asked in a half interested tone, “I don’t give a shit what you have to say to me. Just leave me alone”
“….Did Varian say the same thing to you…..” The Captain flinch at Hugo’s tone shift, he looked at the teen and grit his teeth as the blond wore a look he’d possibly borrowed from Quirin himself. The only way to describe it was icy and full of disgust as the teen stared, “did you listen?”
“I….. Ugh, Hugo just leave me-!”
“No”, the teen stated, “I won’t leave you alone, I’m not going away, you’re ignoring your conscious again Captain, so Im here to fucking correct that. You realize what you’re doing right now? You’re fucking sitting on your ass and acting all depressed when you have a *job* to do! Who the fuck do you think you’re fooling with this bullshit by the way?”
“I’m fucking depressed right now, I don’t need some punk ass kid giving me a lecture!” The Captain snapped
“Oh so what, you get the excuse of someone in your life being a total shit bag and get to wallow in self pity because it was brought up in a meeting?”
The Captain glared at the teen, “my daughter is using the skills *I* taught her to cause people pain!”
“Yeah! And my boyfriend is one of those fucking people!” Hugo snapped right back, “should I mention that Varian’s fucking *asleep* right now?! He hasn’t woken up in a full *day* because your daughter has mind controlled his family and he worked himself down to the *bone* trying to fucking fix it?! You don’t think that ducking affects me or him?! Or how about Eugene! His own dad is being mind controlled yet he’s been taking care of Varian none stop, trying to help the guards get better during training, actively helping the princess make a plan regarding her best *friend* by the way, his too, and doing so much more while handling the burden that is your daughter’s fucking choice of mind controlling his fucking *DAD*! Not to mention that Quirin’s become a particularly good fatherly figure in *my* fucking life too, yet I have to constantly remind myself he’s in the fucking dungeons so he doesn’t end up hurting anyone! *HE* FUCKING AGREED TO THAT TO SAVE HIS HOME YA DUMBASS PIECE OF SHIT! GET SOME DAMN PERSPECTIVE! THIS DOESN’T AFFECT ONLY *YOU*!” Hugo yelled, panting when he’d finished and glaring at the Captain as the man looked shocked
“I…. Never said it did”
“You’re acting like it!” The blond snapped, “you’re sitting on your ass doing *nothing* while everyone else around you works *round the fucking clock*! I never liked you, hell I’d go so far as to say I actually hate the fuck outta you, but when you make King *FREDERIC* look better by comparison, then we have a fucking problem!”
“There’s nothing wrong with the king-!”
“Don’t give me that bullshit! He took a small child and made him a scape goat for his own damn mistakes, fucking abusing him until he had PTSD among other mental issues, then threw him away in a cell with a full ass grown adult like he was garbage! Even after all was said and done, the moment he got his fucking memories back, he tried to justify his actions and was caught red fucking handed! The man is a piece of Corona shit and deserves to be kicked off the thrown leaving nothing but *skid marks* on the floor and a permanent boot print on his ass! Yet he’s trying to get fucking better, and even though he’s lost a good friend in Quirin because of his dumb actions, he’s still trying to make up for his mistakes and get fucking better, and you know what? He fucking *is* getting better, because he’s *trying*! Even helping Varian from time to fucking time by listening to him and allowing him to vent out his frustrations, even being gentle during meetings and stepping back, allowing Queen Arianna to help Freckles because he knows Varian isn't comfortable around him. Now compare him to you, the man who lashed Varian and beat and abused him in his own home when given the orders. Not even questioning the ‘why’ of the situation, just doing as you’re told. Then when you come back, after abandoning your daughter to make a new fucking one which is a whole other level of fucked up, and find out things weren’t fucking black and white, you make no attempt to fix the situation except with a measly attempt at talking to fucking Quirin, who scared you off with a common ‘fuck you’. And now someone says one thing about your damn daughter, and you fucking shut down. You make the King look better, and I fucking *hate* that man. Your self pity is disgusting and shameful, and if you really can’t fucking realize that what you’ve done, and are currently doing, is wrong and horrible then you’re in the wrong fucking line of work! You’re a piece of disgusting shit that’s fallen off a horses ass while they walk around in a shit covered stable that hasn’t been cleaned in *years*!”
The Captain was shocked when he heard this, had he really gotten that bad? He looked towards Stan and Pete, both of them were watching this interaction, neither one seemed to argue with it. Ash:>, Aisheyru, Crystal, Moonlight, Mha_Kny, CardCaptorKatara, Cooper_Hunter376, WitherSouls, and HarmonySong all happened to be walking by and we’re watching as well, none of them came to the Captain’s aid. The man just stared for a moment before he looked at Hugo, “I….. had a nightmare….. A few nights ago….. it’s a repetitive dream, I had it again last night….”
“And I should care fucking why?”
“Because….. It was about Cassandra….. She and I were fighting and I ended up defeating her, but when I came down t the final blow I….. I couldn’t do it….” He admitted, “I woke up before it hit and I….. Realized I couldn’t fight her…. She’s my daughter…. I can’t fight my own daughter…… As much as it pains me to say it….. I can’t fight her…… It breaks my heart…..”
The blond huffed, “you think Quirin would’ve said the same had he seen what Varian was trying to do before?”
“No….. he would’ve done what was needed….. He trained me to do the same…..”
“So you’re aware that this is a bad sign right?”
“Yes….. I’m aware….. But….. I know what I can do to fix it…. I just…. Don’t know who….”
Hugo thought for a moment before he realized what the Captain meant, “…..You’ll need someone who’ll do what’s needed for the right reasons, someone who’s been there before, with unquestionable courage and heart for the people of this kingdom. Someone who will call the royals out on their shit if they find them to be unfair as well. I have one good candidate, and I’m wondering if you’ve thought of the same person….”
The Captain thought for a moment before he nodded, “yeah, I think I have”
****
*A Day after Varian woke up!*
“I wonder what this emergency meeting is for”, Rapunzel stated as she, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Varian, Ruddigar, and Hugo walked down the hall
“No idea, but it better be important, I’ve still got a lot of stuff to do”, Varian stated, “Hugo made amazing progress on the Rooster, but it still needs a few tweaks”
“Yeah, testing it is gonna be fun though”, Hugo stated with a grin as he held his boyfriend’s hand happily, “I expect at least *one* Smokey result before it works”
Varian snorted, “you’re a brat”
“Just make sure you two get plenty of food and take breaks while you work”, Eugene stated with a smirk
“Yeah yeah, we know, *mom*”, Hugo teased
“Don’t get snarky with me, or imma put you in time out”
The blond inventor snickered, “you do, and I’ll draw on the walls”
“Varian’s right, you are a brat!”
Lance laughed, “he’s the fun kind to be fair”
“Glad to see you taking sides Lance”
“Happy to help!”
Varian giggled as they entered the thrown room, stopping when they saw the Captain, King, and Queen inside, along with all the guards in the castle, all standing at attention with axes, Nigel and Max standing by the Queen, and a large group of Coronan citizens, including the bar thugs from the Snuggly Ducking. Rapunzel instinctively stepped in front of Varian, as did Hugo, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Ruddigar, and Eugene, “what’s going on mom? Is everything okay?” The princess asked
“As far as I know, yes, the Captain has gathered everyone here to announce something important”, Ariannna replied, before smiling, “Varian’s safe, don’t worry”
They relaxed as the teen smiled, “I love you guys too”, he said softly, getting them to smile
“If you all don’t mind taking your seats, we can begin”, Frederic added softly, the group nodded and too their seats before they looked at the Captain, “now that everyone’s present, you may go ahead with what you wanted to say Captain”
The royal guard leader nodded before he sighed, “King Frederic, Queen Arianna, as Captain of the royal guard, I have sworn to protect this kingdom from all who threaten it”, he stated, glancing, apologetically, at Varian, who scooted closer to Hugo at that, the blond inventor wrapping his arm around his boyfriend protectively as the Captain looked back at the kingdom and Queen, “but as a father, I cannot face my *daughter* in battle….. so it is with a heavy heart that I…..” he took his helmet off and knelt before the king and Queen, “retire…. From my post…..”
Everyone in the room, save for Hugo, gasped in shock as they stared at the Captain. Pete even fainting in shock as he hears this, Stan catching him as he fell. The King and Queen looked at each other for a while before Arianna nodded and Frederic looked back at his guard, “Captain, you have served Corona with dignity and pride for so many years, thank you”, he stated, bowing his head and lifting it again as a sign of respect
“And we respect your decision”, Arianna added gently
The retired Captain nodded, standing up, “as for my replacement, it’s was a difficult decision, there are so many qualified guards”, he stated, looking behind him at his men
“Can we get some water over here?!” Stan asked as he held Pete close, his guard buddy not having woken up from his fainting spell yet
“Have *any* of these guys ever *successfully* guarded anything?” Lance asked sarcastically
“Yes….” Varian replied
The former thief winced, “sorry”
“It’s alright, it was meant as a joke, I understand”
The retired Captain sighed before he turned to look at the king and Queen once more, a proud smile on his face as he spoke, “my replacement has put his life on the line for Corona *countless* times! And so it is with upmost confidence that I recommend”, he turned and walked towards the small group, getting Varian to squish against Hugo more as the blond continued to hold and comfort him as he smiled before the Captain stopped in from of the Dark Prince himself and handed over his helmet, “Eugene Fitzherbert!”
“WHAT?!” Eugene exclaimed loudly, as Varian felt instant relief fill him, Rapunzel smiling with glee as Lance chuckled
“Captain Fitzherbert! I like the sound of that!” The former thief exclaimed
“What do you say Fitzherbert?” The Captain asked, getting everyone to stare at the man as they waited for his reply
Notes:
Hello!
So, I wanted to lead into Flynnposter, mostly because I absolutely love the spilled, and also because Eugene becoming the Captain is a great thing for his growth as a character, but also highlighted one of the flaws the show had. Namely, it’s telling and not showing. It showed Eugene risking his life for Corona, but it *told* us the Captain thought about it, it *told* us there are other guards that are qualified to take the position, but never *showed* that. I hope this helps with that problem a little
Hugo is the best at being brutally honestly when someone needs it, it’s tough love with steroids XD if he thinks you’re being dumb he’s to only gonna call you out on it, but if you argue with him, he’s gonna call you an idiot and reiterate what he’s just said! He doesn’t take crap as an answer, it’s one of the reasons I love Hugo!
The Captain honestly is worse, in my mind, than Frederic, only because of the lack of responsibility he takes, and the mistakes he continued to make throughout the show. The King, he stopped making mistakes after he got his memories back, and fell into background territory, what he did was awful, but it seemed like, given what we saw, he actively made up for it considering we see him sitting with Quirin in the finale. I still despise the King, but the show showed him being better in the background, we never see that with the Captain. He piddles around, we get him abandoning Cass in one episode, then saying he loves her and wishes to retire because he doesn’t wanna fight her in the next. It’s not honorable in the show, it’s cowardly! I will never like Frederic, but I can see why he did certain things with Rapunzel specifically, with Varian, that was fricked up and we will be discussing it in a later chapter. And the power abuse he showed is horrible and he will need to work hard to fix that. But the Captain….. no….. just no……
If you disagree, that’s perfectly fine, you’re more than welcome to discuss it in the comments, just please no fighting, everyone has their own opinions and I don’t mind hearing someone else’s perspective! This is just how I feel about the Captain, so yeah <3
Eugene, Lance, Rapunzel, Catalina, Angry, Varian, and Ruddigar were kinda in the background here, but all of them played good roles, I really am starting to love writing them all together! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 394: Flynnposter! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Eugene is offered the position as Captain of the royal guard, and he’s not sure how to feel!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The retired Captain sighed before he turned to look at the king and Queen once more, a proud smile on his face as he spoke, “my replacement has put his life on the line for Corona *countless* times! And so it is with upmost confidence that I recommend”, he turned and walked towards the small group, getting Varian to squish against Hugo more as the blond continued to hold and comfort him as he smiled before the Captain stopped in from of the Dark Prince himself and handed over his helmet, “Eugene Fitzherbert!”
“WHAT?!” Eugene exclaimed loudly, as Varian felt instant relief fill him, Rapunzel smiling with glee as Lance chuckled
“Captain Fitzherbert! I like the sound of that!” The former thief exclaimed
“What do you say Fitzherbert?” The Captain asked, getting everyone to stare at the man as they waited for his reply
“*ME*?! Captain of the royal *GUARD*?! I-I don’t know what to say O-or how to handle this situation and I’m so unprepared and I just-!”
“EUGENE!” Varian yelled, catching the man’s attention, “it’s okay, ‘no problem, we’ve got this’, remember?” He stated with a gentle smile, “take a minute”
The Dark Prince stopped, blinked, and nodded before he took a breath and repeated the mantra before he looked at the helmet again, “I….. Can I get back to you?”
The retired Captain nodded, “I did spring this on you, take the time you need, if you feel you’re unqualified, I can pick someone else”
“Thank you”
The man nodded before Arianna spoke up, “until Eugene’s taken on the role of Captain, should he choose to, are you okay with handling things for the moment?”
“Of course your majesty, though, if it’ll help, could Firzherbe-I mean *Eugene* take on some….. basic Captain roles? Such as patrol and possibly even training of the other guards? That way he can get a feel for it?”
Frederic looked at Eugene, “would that be okay with you?”
“I…. Yeah, that should be alright, may…. Give me an idea of what I’m to do if I take on this role”, the Dark Prince replied
The Coronan King nodded, “then preliminary role of Captain of the royal guards is granted to Eugene Fitzherbert as of today, this includes patrol, basic guard training, any military grade inventions over seen, and arrest of smaller criminals, such as thieves and the like”
“Thank you your majesty, that’s all I wanted to say”, the Captain stated
“Thank you Captain, with that, I dismiss this emergency meeting, thank you all for coming”
Everyone got up and began to file out, Eugene shaking a little as he walked away, only to be stopped by a gentle hand on his shoulder, looking over, he saw the Captain, “I’m sorry to spring this on you, but I really felt it was in Corona’s best interest to get someone without a bias”
The man sighed, “I understand, just…. It’s gonna take me a bit to really…. Grow warm to the idea….”
“I understand, take your time, but just so you know, since you have preliminary status, there’s a Captain’s uniform in your quarters, it’ll fit you, I had it specifically made for and delivered to your room during this meeting. It’s different than mine, and it’s not armor”
“Why’s it different?”
“Since you’re an unconventional choice, I thought it best for the Captain to have a new look, you’re more loose than I am, more understanding, less strict, I thought an outfit that reflected that may help”
The Dark Prince nodded, “thanks Cap…”
“You’re welcome, I hope you come to like your new position, you’ve earned it”, with that, the man clapped Eugene on the back and walked away
The Dark Prince watched the man go before he sighed and dashed out of the room, the small group following behind him! They ended up in Eugene’s quarters, the new uniform hanging proudly on his closet door. The man stared at it for a moment before he let out a groan and flopped, face first, onto his bed. The group gingerly walked in as Varian sat next to his big brother, “you okay?”
“No imh phot……” Came Eugene’s mumbled reply
The alchemist giggled, “as much as I love the pillow talk, maybe come out so I can understand you a bit better?”
Eugene sighed before he got up and sat back down on the edge of the bed, “not I’m not….. he wants *ME* to be the Captain of the royal Guard?! This-This is everything I’ve been dreading! From the rules to the role to the leadership to the everything that comes with that title and IM JUST NOT READY!”
“Eugene! Calm down!” Rapunzel stated gently, walking over and hugging her lover as Varian backed up a bit, “it’s gonna be okay, you’ve got time to decide on what you wanna do, you don’t have to decide right away”
“But I still have to decide! And I can’t say *no* because then he’ll have to choose someone else and I’d feel horrible for it! I just…. Ugh….. I don’t know what to do…..”
Hugo quirked a brow, “this doesn’t sound like the confident, egocentric man I know, what’s wrong, ya basically do the Captain’s job anyway”
“That’s not the point, I…. I know I could *do* it but…. I….” Eugene let out a worried sigh as he pulled away from his princess, not really wanting to be touched right now
Lance walked over as Catalina and Angry joined Varian on the bed, petting Ruddigar as they did so, “there somethin ya need to talk about?” The former thief asked, “you know I’m all ears”
“We *all* are”, Rapunzel stated with a smile, “if you need to let something off your chest, please go ahead and do so!”
Eugene looked around and saw everyone giving him a supportive smile, he sighed and nodded, “I just…. I guess I’m scared….”
When he didn’t continue, Lance spoke up, “scared of what?”
“Well…. Of *this*! Being in a position of power over other people….. I…. When I found out I was a Prince of a long lost kingdom, it didn’t hit me until later but….. I would need to lead other people and have them follow my rules….. I’d need to take care of people because they rely on me for that….. and I’ve never done that before….. Sure I can lead a group through a forest, and maybe help an anxious teen or two eat properly and see lip when they need to, but leading an entire *kingdom*? So when the Captain sprung this on me…. And I kept thinking about all the things that came with the title of Captain it just…. Scared me…..”
“Well that’s fair, I mean it’s a huge responsibility”, Lance stated, “but you’re a natural born leader, you grow from both your accomplishments and mistakes, and you’ve gotten so much better at bein the person you’ve been strivin to be”
“I’m glad you think so…. Thank you…. I…. I just don’t know….” He got up and walked over to his mirror, “I’ve always been known as Flynn Rider, legendary thief and wanted criminal, not bad with the ladies either! I was a rogue, a rebel, a legend! And when I was Flynn…..”
Hugo smiled as Eugene looked down, “you didn’t need to take responsibility? Because the things you stole were to help you survive?”
“More or less, yeah….. I could justify leaving a friend behind because I could pretend they were slowing me down, I could lie to myself and say the money was needed to buy food and nicer clothing, I was a *thief*! A really good thief, and to be honest….. I’m…. Not proud of the actions I did, but I’m happy with the name I left, I wasn’t Eugene Fitzherbert, some nobody orphan from nowhere, I was *Flynn Rider*! The man, the myth, the legend!”
“That’s not who you are anymore though”, Rapunzel stated
“But that’s the closest thing I had to an identity that I’ve ever *had* Blondie!” Eugene replied, turning to look at her, “sure I was on the other side of the law, but I was my own *man*! In Corona I’m just…. Your incredibly attractive boyfriend, or that handsome freeloader that stays in the castle with you…. Nothing more….. And I was fine with that because I knew I was helping *you*, I was finally being myself and being loved *as* myself! I got my best friend back, I found my actual family, I’ve got a tiny fan who turned into the greatest little brother in the *world* that I’ve been able to watch grow up and find his *own* love! This life makes me happy Rapunzel, but I still was proud that I got to be the legendary Flynn Rider, the one who always got away, the man who stood up for his own beliefs! I had a *legacy*!l”
“Legacy?” Rapunzel stated, “you were a *thief*, behind each stolen item was a person who was upset or heartbroken that it was taken! Is that a legacy to be proud of?”
Eugene sighed, looking down, “I…. Guess not….”
Varian huffed, “you’ve got the wrong idea Rapunzel”, he stated, getting the princess to look at him, “Eugene isn’t proud of the things he *did* as Flynn, he’s proud because people *knew* him! He was happy because instead of him being some nobody orphan that would live a life of boredom and monotony before dying alone and cold, he’d have people who knew his name, enemies that wished they’d caught that legendary rouge but never got the chance! Friends and Allies that could lie and say they would fight along side him! He wasn’t just a thief, he wasn’t *just* a criminal, he was Flynn Rider! The man that couldn’t get caught, the thief that thieves only *dreamed* of being! Sure it’s not the best legacy to leave behind, I see your point with that, but it was a legacy all the same, and one he chose on his own! He was having fun while doing it too! He felt more confident as Flynn, battling people, saving others, having a side kick! That’s any kid’s dream! It…. Its was mine when I was younger”
Eugene looked at the teen, “what do you mean?”
Varian sighed before blushing as he smiled, “you wanna know *why* I fell in love with Flynn in the first place?” Everyone nodded, “I…. Felt like Flynn gave me an identity too…..”
“You…. Did?” Eugene asked
“Yeah! When I was a kid-!”
“Uuuuuuh-!” Lance began
“A *younger* kid! Around 5 to 6, dad started to get more distant…. I didn’t blame him, his wife was gone, the farming was getting bigger, and honestly me and him had a tough time during those years….. I’d cherish the moments we had together, small as they were, he was always kind and caring to me, just busy. When he’d come home, if he wasn’t too tired after cooking dinner, he’d read me a book! And one night, he chose the story, we took turns, and had gotten out an old copy of Flynn Rider, it was ‘Flynn Rider Vs the Earl of Camembert’, my favorite to this day! He began to read, and that particular book looked into Flynn’s backstory, how he’d grown up lonely and how he’d gotten friends through his sassy remarks and charm! I loved every second of that book! And it became tradition for dad to read it to me every night before bed! He even bought the rest of the set so he could have some variety, heh”, the teen blushed even harder before frowning, “…..When we started to get…. Badly distant….. I would retreat into those books, living life through Flynn’s eyes, making his friends, going in his adventures! I even had Flynn as an imaginary friend of mine, he taught me to be bold and do what I love because it would make me happy! Even when dad didn’t like my alchemy, weather it blew something up or made a mess, Flynn would encourage me to continue my passion! And one day, when dad and I went out to the market, I saw a wanted poster of Eugene’s! My child mind freaked out, he was real! I could meet him one day, and I’d tell him how much he’d helped me! I remember taking the poster down and getting it home. Dad found it and asked me why I’d taken it, and when I explained, he let me keep it, provided I didn’t do it again…. Eheh that became a habit….. E-Either way, you gave me courage and a friend Eugene, and maybe that’s a bad thing since you were a thief, but you helped me grow into who I am today, I wouldn’t be *nearly* as sassy without those books, without *you!l he looked at Rapunzel, “so when you say that’s not a legacy to be proud of, that’s not true, because it helped me!”
The princess thought about that before she nodded, “sorry, I didn’t understand, that was my bad. I just mean that this Captain role is a new path for you”, she said, looking at her lover as Varian smiled, “it’s a chance for you to be more than that incredibly attractive boyfriend of mine, or the handsome freeloader in the castle, which you’re not to me, but I understand why you’d feel that way”
Eugene smiled, humming thoughtfully before he nodded, “I guess I can see it…. I’m just…. I’m still scared…. I don’t know how good I’ll be at this, especially since I’ve never been a Captain and caught a thief before, and I-!”He stopped when he heard guards running outside of his room, walking over, he saw Stan and Pete rush past his door, “Stan, Pete, what’s going on?”
Stan skid to a halt and looked at the Dark Prince, “the Princess’s crown! It’s been stolen, *AGAIN*!”
“What?!”
“Yeah!” Pete replied, walking over, “it’s been in the castle vault since the princess hasn’t been wearing it lately, but someone just stole it!”
“Oh boy”, Rapunzel stated before she remembered something, “hey, didn’t the Captain say it was your job to catch the thieves?” She asked Eugene
The man nodded, “he did, I guess that means I should really go check for any clues”
“In uniform too”, the princess stated, “this could be a great chance to see if you’re able to handle being a Captain!”
“….I guess you’re right”, Eugene stated before sighing, “I’ll go get my uniform on, Stan, Pete, check out the area!”
“Yes sir!” The two guards stared with a salute before running off to the crowns original location
“While you’re all doing that, me and Freckles have some final tweaks to get done with the Rooster”, Hugo stated
“You’re not stayin?” Lance asked
“Unfortunately the Captain has us scheduled to show the rooster off later today, so we need to get the final touch ups done now”, Varian explained, “sorry….”, he added, looking apologetically at Eugene
“It’s alright kiddo, go ahead and finish your project, you’ve been working hard on it, I can handle this part anyway”, Eugene replied with a smile
“Thanks”, the alchemist stated with a smile, “it’s gonna be okay you know”
“I know, now go on, I’ve got this, remember?”
Varian smiled and nodded, “you do!” With that he and Hugo ran off to finish up their project
****
“H-hold still Hugo, I’ve almost got it!” Varian exclaimed as he stood on his boyfriend’s shoulders while fixing a screw
“Hard…. To…. Do so….. with a bean…. On my shoulders…..” Hugo grunted
The alchemist finally reached the screw and adjusted it before he smiled, “got it!” He exclaimed before hopping off Hugo
“Phew! Tell me again why you couldn’t use your Moon powers for that Freckles”
“I don’t like to use magic for fixing small things like a screw, that seems a little too lazy to me”
“I meant floating up there and fixing it *without* standing on my shoulders”
“Oh…. I uh…. I kinda forgot I could do that….. eheh…. Sorry…..”
Hugo sighed but smiled at his boyfriend, “I love you”
“Love you too, and thank you for being my ladder”
“Happy to help”, the blond replied as they kissed before they pulled and secured the large, wooden, cover and made sure the pulley sting was in tact so Varian could have the reveal he wanted. As they finished, a grumpy looking Eugene, and a concerned Rapunzel, Lance, Catalina, Angry, and Max came over
“Hi Varian! Hey Hugo!” Rapunzel exclaimed excitedly as Eugene huffed a little
“Hi Rapunzel, um…. What’s wrong with Eugene?” Varian asked as Hugo tilted his head at the man
“He’s a little upset because some guy, who surprisingly looks *a lot* like him, is usin the name Flynn Rider and was the one who stole the crown, in the *exact* same way he did it”, Lance explained, “seriously look at the wanted poster, it’s kinda nuts!”
Varian blinked before he walked over and took a peak, “woah!”
“Right?!”
“He looks…. Very similar, though there *are* differences for sure”
Eugene looked at the teen, “like what?”
“Well, his ears a touch bigger, his nose is slightly smaller, his smile doesn’t have the same shine to it, his eyes look a lot less sure and sassy, the man has a small beauty mark on his neck, he has small dimples while Eugene does not, his hair isn’t nearly as fluffy, his cheek bones are a little less defined but very close, and there’s a gigantic mustache on this guy’s face”, Varian stated, everyone stared as the teen blushed, “eheheh um…. Did you all forget I had a major crush on this man before I met Cassandra and Hugo?”
The group snickered, “fair point”, Rapunzel said before she saw the covered invention, “here’s the Rooster I presume?”
“Yup! Ready for it to be unveiled?”
“Indeed!”
The alchemist grinned excitedly as he gave Hugo a peck on the cheek before he floated up to the top of the invention while Eugene continued to glare at the piece of paper, “LADIES AND GENTS!” Varian began, throwing his hands in the air with excitement as his voice echoed, “I GIVE YOU, THE R-R-ROO-!”
“I just can’t believe, how much this guy *looks* like me!” Eugene interrupted getting everyone to stare at him as Varian huffed and glared, “*and* he’s using my *moniker* to-!”
“A-HE-H*HEM*!” Varian cleared his throat before placing his hands on his hips and raising a brow, “I’ll wait….”
Eugene blushed and hid the poster behind his back, “oh! Uh *ahem* sorry!”
Varian huffed before giving his big brother a teasing, yet annoyed, smirk, “thank you I’ll start again-I GIVE YOU!” He hopped down and pulled the string, revealing the invention, “THE R-ROOSTER!” He exclaimed, rolling ‘R’ for emphasis as Hugo snickered at his boyfriend’s antics, “a-at least it *will* be once we put it *together*!” The teen added, rubbing the back od his head timidly
“It doesn’t *look* like a rooster”, Angry stated, as Lance and Catalina seemed confused by the name
“Uh it’s an early *warning* system!” The teen replied, a little annoyed that the girl didn’t understand his aunt’s genius name before he began to walk over to Rapunzel, “if Cassandra, or any other danger, threatens the kingdom, *this* will fire a glowing mortar into the air and alert *everyone* in the kingdom!”
“*Great* idea!” Rapunzel stated, placing a supportive hand on Varian’s shoulder, and getting the teen to smile with pride, before she turned to look at Eugene, “right Eugene?” She stopped when she saw her lover has disappeared, “Eugene?”
“Sorry!” Eugene replied, getting the group to look and see the man *still* holding the poster close to him as he glared at it, “it’s just-cheekbones like these , they don’t just come around twice in a generation people, they *don’t*!”
“Eugene! This is *more* important that some *fake* Flynn Rider!” The princess stated gently as she pulled the poster away
“Rapunzel he stole the crown! Only *I* could get away with tha-look! Flynn Rider has a reputation! I *refuse* to have it tarnished by some *hack* imposter! I am *going* after him!”
“Well then…. I’m going with you-!”
“Uh uh, hate to *nag*!” Varian interrupted, a little irritated that his older siblings didn’t seem to be interested in his experiment anymore, “but who’s going to oversee the Rooster’s installation? All military grade app,ications have to be supervised by the *Captain himself*”, the alchemist quoted before he felt warmth next to him, looking over he saw Lance about to press a button, “GAH! Don’t touch *that*!” The freckled teen snapped, waving Lance’s hand away as the man backed up a bit
“Lance, you’re acting Captain of the guard until I get back”, Eugene stated
“SWEET! A promotion!” Lance cheered, trying to lighten the mood when he saw Varian’s face fall as Hugo walked over and placed a hand on his boyfriend’s shoulder
“Ah bah bah, it’s *only* temporary”, Rapunzel corrected as she began to walk away
“SWEET! A *temporary* promotion!”
“Hey!” Hugo snapped, getting the Prince and Princess to stop and look at him, “aren’t you two *forgetting* someone?!” He stated, gesturing to Varian with a raised brow and glare as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy’s cheek
The princess instantly felt horrible as she and Eugene walked back over to the teen, “I’m so sorry kiddo, I just…. This is really bothering me….” The Dark a Prince replied softly
Varian huffed, but didn’t say anything more
Eugene bit his lip before he looked at the poster again and sighed, “look, it’s my duty to go and catch a thief, and that *is* important, but I also know that the Rooster is important too, I didn’t forget that. So how about this, once I catch this-this…. *Flynnposter* schmuck, Ill come right back here and you can tell me everything about the Rooster and the installation”
Varian looked up at the man, his big blue eyes showing disappointment, “I guess this makes up for me and Hugo needing to do touch ups on the Rooster while you and the others searched for clues while the crown was stolen….”He said sadly
“That’s not your job though”
“Still…. We’re even”
It broke Eugene’s heart as he watched the teen, realizing Varian wouldn’t be able to be comforted by his father at the moment considering the man was currently in a cell….. He pulled the teen into a hug, “I’m sorry….. Your invention is amazing, it truly is, I’m impressed and I can tell you and Hugo have been working really hard. I’m sorry I ruined the reveal, but I need to take care of this. I will make it up to you though”
Varian was quiet for a moment before he sighed, “make up Guy’s Night?” He asked softly
Eugene smiled, “make up Guy’s Night, with me and Lance doing everything you and Hugo wanna do to make up for me leaving, is that okay?”
The alchemist smiled and nodded, “oki, and we’ll make up to you for leaving when you needed to search for clues
Eugene smiled, “it’s a deal”
Varian hugged Eugene back, they stayed that way for a moment or two before letting go of each other and smiling
Rapunzel stepped forwards, a loving look of her own on her face, “it really is a great invention Varian”
“Thank you, I appreciate that”, the teen said
“I’m sorry too….”
“It’s oki, I understand this is important, just…. Be careful you two, oki? If you get into trouble, please come get me, Hugo, or Lance”
The princess smiled, “we will”, before she hugged the teen as well, before hugging Hugo and leaving with Eugene
Varian nodded before he looked at Lance, the man was smiling, but the teen felt nervous as the former thief had a history of touching his belongings without permission…. Which usually led to explosions…. “We worked *very* hard on this Lance, please don’t touch anything”
Lance sighed, “I won’t, not unless I think it could be done better”
Varian facepalmed as Hugo let out a worried, “oh boy…..”
Notes:
Hello!
So you’ll notice I changed a few things around, it was on purpose because Varian would want to console Eugene should they see him actually upset. I also hate that line Rapunzel says in this episode, “Legacy? You were a *thief*, behind each stolen item was a person who was upset or heartbroken that it was taken! Is that a legacy to be proud of?” Like, I’m sorry, but where do you get off getting Eugene’s case little miss ‘Decay Incantation that burned my freaking best friend’s ARM!’ So I changed it, she’s still learning, so she’ll make small mistakes, but she listened to Varian’s defense and apologized.
Also, I headcannon that Eugene worries about being in charge, he’s a natural leader, that much is true, but when you put him in a crown and uniform, I think the man would freeze, he likes his freedom, and that fact that he lacks responsibilities except to Rapunzel is comfortable for him. I don’t think Eugene’s ever really been comfortable before, sure he *says* how good he looks, but I’m guessing there’s a part of him that dreads the person behind the mask, I fact, it’s kinda confirmed in the movie that his self loathing is cannon, that he just hides it behind a pretty facade. Poor Eugene, I really love him man, he’s such a great character! ❤️🎶
Poor Moon bean, little guy just wanted to make his siblings proud man! Hugo for best boyfriend though, hims being supportive of his bf! ❤️🎶
Lance, Catalina, and Angry are gonna be fun to write, honestly I’m excited about the next part! XD
Ruddy buddy for the win! And congrats to Freddy for not being a jerk, woot!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 395: Flynnposter! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian and Hugo try to finalize the Rooster, but Lance and the girls seem adamant to stop them at every turn!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“It’s oki, I understand this is important, just…. Be careful you two, oki? If you get into trouble, please come get me, Hugo, or Lance”
The princess smiled, “we will”, before she hugged the teen, as well as Hugo, and leaving with Eugene
Varian looked at Lance, the man was smiling, but the teen felt nervous as the former thief had a history of touching his belongings without permission…. Which usually led to explosions…. “We worked *very* hard on this Lance, please don’t touch anything”
Lance sighed, “I won’t, not unless I think it could be done better”
Varian facepalmed as Hugo let out a worried, “oh boy…..”
****
Varian grunted as he placed the final box on the top of the roof he planned to build on. Looking around, he smiled, the teen satisfied with his and Hugo’s hard work as he watched his boyfriend place the final box on the roof, with far more trouble that the freckled teen. Varian giggled, “we need to get you some muscles”, he teased
Hugo smirked, “maybe I could start working on the farm more, that way I get super strength just like you”
“We’ll see”, Varian replied with a loving smile before he looked around, the Sun was dipping a little, they’d been working all morning, so that was natural. As he watched, he took a deep breath and let it out, the air feeling good in his lungs
“Pfft! You’re definitely your daddy’s boy”, Hugo teased
“Hey, it’s not *my* fault he showed me how good a breath of fresh air can be!”
“Yet you stay indoors any chance you get”
“I like to *savor* the breaths thank you”
“I see, my apologies oh breathy Freckles”
“Consider your apology considered”
Hugo chuckled before he looked around at their gadgets, “so, where do you wanna start?”
“Mmmm…. Depends. Did you bring the blue prints?”
“No, I thought you had them”
“Nu, I left them in the lab, sorry, thought you would see them, that’s my bad”
“It’s alright, want me to grab them now?”
Varian shook his head with a smile, “I’ll get ‘em, we need to wait for Lance and the girls anyway, do you want an apple or something while I’m down?”
“Sure, that sounds good right now-oh! Where’s Ruddigar by the way?” Hugo asked when he noticed the raccoon had vanished
“He’s in our room, he’s not much of a builder, and I’d rather he *didn’t* fall of the roof”
“Fair point, by the way, are you gonna be okay up here?”
“As long as I don’t think about how high up we are, I’m good, b-but uh…. B-bringing it up….”
“Right, you go get the apples and blueprints, I’ll be up here savoring breaths for ya”
The freckled teen snickered, “you’re a brat”
“And proud to be one!”
Varian smiled lovingly at the blond before he walked over to the ladder they’d set up and bolted down, and began to climb up, trying his best not to look down as he did so
****
“Soooo”, Varian began as he munched on one of the apples he’d brought with him while looking at the blue prints of the Rooster, “before we install the internal chamber we need t-!”
“NO NEED TO CONSULT THE SCHEMATICS!” A very familiar voice interrupted, stopping the teen in his tracks as he looked up to see Lance, dressed head to toe in armor with a bunch of medals, he didn’t earn, strapped to it while a cape flowed, gracefully, behind him. The man was smiling proudly, “it’s already been assembled!”
“Wh-what? Lance what are you-!”
“Come with me if you want to see how we built it!” Lance exclaimed, wrapping an arm around the teen and nudging him forwards, getting Varian to walk outside and what they’d done, only for the teen’s eyes to widen in pure *shock* as he saw the Rooster had been reshaped as….. a Rooster! “Oh, and we improved on your design! Now, I actually *looks* like a *rooster*!” Lance exclaimed excitedly, “you’re welcome!” The man added smugly as he crossed his arms over his puffed out chest while Catalina and Angry laughed their butts off below the pair
Hugo looked very annoyed as he glared at the invention, clearly he’d been overpowered by the three of them and was unable to stop their destruction if his facial expression was anything to go off of.
Varian sighed and face palmed before he heard a creak, only to see the ‘head’ of the Rooster fall off and hit the ground below, shattering on impact. He stared at it, as did Hugo, unblinkingly before he turned to Lance, “I thought I said not to touch anything!”
“You did, and *I* said I wouldn’t unless I could make it better! And we did!”
“Lance, you did *not* make it better! You made it worse! The whole head fell off and shattered to the floor, you better hope nothing important was in that! Because it tool me and Hugo *forever* to build this!”
“Why’d you name it ‘the Rooster’ if it doesn’t look like one then?”
“I didn’t name it! *Adira* did when I first met her! She said it was clever because it’s an early *warning* system, instead of an early *morning* system! It was a *pun*!”
“Oooooooooooh”, Lance said, “it stills looks better as a Rooster”
Varian huffed as Hugo walked over to the ladder and climbed up, joining his boyfriend as the girls continued to laugh, “Lance…. While I appreciate the help, *please*, don’t touch anything! Me and Hugo have got this, we know what we’re doing”
Lance sighed, “yeah you said that, sorry, I wanted to help”
Varian felt guilt swarm inside his stomach, he didn’t mean to be short with the man, but this was far too important for Lance to be messing with the invention. He sighed, trying to keep calm, “I know you do, and I appreciate it, but please, just don’t touch anything ok? In fact, if you see a problem, just tell us, we’ll explain the process and solve it if there’s trouble”
“Ok”
“Thank you, now then….. I really really hope there was nothing important in that head…..”
“No, thankfully there’s not”, Hugo stated, “I watched them, they didn’t let me get close unfortunately, but they didn’t put anything important in there, though we may be down a few bolts”
“Noted, thanks Hugo”
“Eeyup, want me to fix the actual machine? Get it looking right again?”
“If you don’t mind”
“Not at all Freckles, go ahead and grab the stuff, I’ve got this”, with that, Hugo went back down the ladder and began to undo Lance and the girl’s work, Varian nodded before he looked at Lance, “wanna help me clean it up?”
“Sure!” The former thief replied, both of them heading back down to grab the scattered materials together and bring them back up
****
“Are you done yet?”
“No”
“…….Are you done *yet*?”
“No”
“…………….Now?”
“No”
“Ugh….. *Now*?”
“Angry, we won’t be done for a *while* so please stop asking”, Varian stated softly, “if you’re really that bored, then maybe draw with Catalina?”
“I paint, I don’t draw”, the black haired girl stated
“Then grab some paint and make some paintings, Lance is posing for you two for that purpose”
Angry sighed and looked over, she had to admit, the former thief looked really good in a tutu, and his stance was still and calm, but still! She looked at the two scientists, both had been working hard to redo the Rooster, it looked like the blueprints showed, and they were installing the structure it would be sitting on to keep it from falling. But the process was taking *forever*, “are you done *now*?”
Varian sighed as Hugo raised a brow and looked at the girl, “we have an extra hammer and some nails, if you’d like to speed up the process that’d be great, but you’d have to follow our instructions *exactly* and may be working on the outer edges of the structure so you don’t fall off”
Angry looked at the outer edges and groaned, they were all almost done, only needing a few nails here and there, and, much to her char grin, were close to Lance and Catalina, who would definitely ask her to come join them constantly, something she really didn’t wanna do, “No”
“Ok then, if not that, then how about….” Hugo looked over and saw the blue prints, “how about you hold the blue prints up”
“Why would that be any better?”
“You’d see what we’re doing, you could talk to us while we look at the blue prints, you’d be helping, and you’d be safe from any and all questions about joining you sibling and drawing Lance since you’d have an excuse”
Angry had to admit, he’d thought of everything, she sighed and walked over to the blue prints, “fiiiiine”. Picking them up, she walked back over and opened them for the two teens to see
“Thanks!”
“Uh huh”, the girl was still bored, but at least she was doing *something*! Her mind was okay with that, she watched the two teens continue to work, they’d look up every once in a while to look at the blueprint before going back to what they were doing. Angry was quiet before she saw Varian hammer on one of the boards, not too hard, just gentle taps, “what are you doing? Aren’t you supposed to hammer the nail?”
“I’m testing the structure, we’re almost done with the center, but I wanna make sure it’s stable enough to madly anything, so I giving it a few good taps just to check”
“Huh…. Do you need to do that often?”
“Not too often, I don’t really get a chance to build on higher places, but I do it whenever I’m trying to make sure something”# structurally sound while it’s in the air or above the ground. I did it with yours and Catalina’s house actually”
“Really?”
“Yup!”
“Huh, no wonder it’s so stable, I didn’t know you had to do that”
Varian smiled, “yeah, it’s a must if you wanna build something higher up or bigger than normal”
“Huh….. Neat”, Angry stated, “what happens if it’s not structurally sound?”
“Then we add more beams to balance it, or we take off a few things off from places it’s not needed”
“Like that boxy thing?” She asked, pointing to a metal box connected to the machine with a pipe
“Actually, that’s the secondary converter, should the first give out, that acts as a back up so the machine doesn’t blow up”
“Oh”
“Yeah, I’d say the only thing that needs taking off, should we need to, would be more of the decorative things”
The girl went quiet as she looked at the machine, Hugo wiped his brow before looking at the blue prints again, “I think I’m done in this side”
“Oki, and I’m finished testing over here, I think the machine’s ready to test now!”
“It is?” Lance asked, as he hugged the drawing Catalina had made of him before they both walked over, “as acting Captain, I have to be here for the testin!”
“We know Lance”
“It’s still temporary big guy”, Hugo stated
“It’s still temporarily somethin! Respect the medals man”, Lance stated. The blond smirked as Varian, who had placed his goggles over his eyes, walked over to a barrel nearby, he picked up a dropper before filling it, then he walked over and lightly dropped one drop of the liquid inside, Lance looked over and raised a brow, “hmmm….” He began, getting Varian to make an annoyed face at Hugo, which got the blond to snot, “*I* don’t think that’s enough”
“Ok”, Varian started with a sigh as he set the dropper down, lifted his goggles from his eyes, and turned to Lance, “with all due respect, *I’m* the alchemist. Flynn oleum is *very* powerful, add too much of it, and this thing with shoot so high, we’ll end up warning another *kingdom*”, he stated with a gentle smile
Hugo nodded before he looked around, “he Freckles, where are the fuses?”
Varian turned to face his boyfriend, blinking a little before remembering, “doh! I forgot them!” He stated, face palming again, “sorry”
“It’s alright, where are they?”
“I’m my lab…. I can go get them real quick”
“It’s fine, I can go with you, I kinda wanna check on some projects I’ve got going on myself”
Varian smiled, “oki”, he then looked at Lance, “we’ll be right back, keep an eye on this stuff, and DO! NOT! *TOUCH*! Anything…. Please”
“Yeah yeah, we won’t”, the former thief stated with a huff, “I still don’t think it’s enough”
“It only needs *one* drop, trust me, it’s enough”
“Are you sure?”
“Have you seen how Flynnolium works?”
“No”
“Then yes, I’m sure”, Varian stated as Hugo snickered at that before he climbed up the ladder and waited for his boyfriend at the top
Lance huffed, mumbling a little. He waited until both teens were gone before he looked at the girls, “‘*I’m* the alchemist’”, he mocked, getting them to giggle, “ya know, he gets real bossy when he’s put in charge. I still don’t think it’s enough, how’s that tiny drop gonna warn anybody? Am I right?”
“I mean, it was really tiny”, Angry stated
Catalina looked at the machine, “I don’t know, he’s built this thing for a while, shouldn’t we trust that?”
“I think his original intention was only to warn Old Corona Cat, if that’s the case and he hasn’t changed the measurements, then that tiny drop is way too small”, Lance reasoned
“But this is *Varian* we’re talking about, wouldn’t he, of all people, take that into consideration?”
“Mmmmmm, he would under normal circumstances, but with what’s been goin on with his dad and such, I think he’s a little too stressed to really think about it. That kid still looks tired to me, and it wasn’t too long ago that he slept for three days straight. I think he may have had an oversight here, which is rare, but can still happen, in which case, I think we should add more of the Flynnoli-stuff, don’t you?”
Angry nodded, “might even make him happy to know we’re looking out for him and make him feel less embarrassed by his mistake if we just add some more”
Catalina thought about it for a moment, thinking about how Varian may feel silly for mismeasuring, especially in front of Hugo. She then nodded, “ok”
Lance smiled, “cool, let’s add some more, for Varian”, he walked over and picked up the barrel, walking over to the place Varian had placed the drop into, and pouring a lot more than a drop inside. He stopped when he saw the pipe glow a bit green, setting the barrel down with a smile, “ain’t that a pretty sight!”
“Should be enough now!” Angry stated
Catalina nodded, “it looks better”
“Yup, and look! No harm done, the machine didn’t shake or even explode, I think we added the perfect amount!”
“Agreed!” Angry stated
****
Varian and Hugo had gotten back a few minutes ago, the two had went about setting a few things up before the freckled teen said, “it’s time!” Excitedly, getting Hugo to smile before he handed Varian the fuses and stood next to the machine. Varian lit one of the fuses and grinned, “the rooster’s first test is a go in three, a-two, a-one!” He dropped the fuse before noticing Lance, Angry, and Catalina standing back a bit, he turned to them, “oh you don’t have to stand back”, he began, not noticing the machine start to shake, Hugo backed up and placed hands over his ears as he stared at the Rooster anxiously, trying to get Varian’s attention, unfortunately, it didn’t work, “I’ve calculated it so that the blast is contained to focus on th-!”
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*
Everyone was blown back, some burnt, when the entire machine exploded! A huge piece of metal that used to be the main converter shot through the air in a cloud of green smoke and disappearing into the clouds as a green wave of sparkling dust pulsed throughout Corona! Everyone in the kingdom was alerted to this as the cloud passed them by with no issue. However, the group on the roof weee a lot less lucky.
Hugo had been blown off his feet, his hair was blown back as his skin suffered a few burns here and there, thankfully, he’d been shielded from the blast for the most part, him covering his ears prevented him from experiencing any sort of punishment from the loud explosion, “VARIAN!” He yelled, rushing over to the Smokey area to see his boyfriend sitting a few feet back from where he’d been standing, apparently after having blown off his *own* two feet
The freckled alchemist coughed out some green smoke before he glared at Lance, who was laying nearby, “you added more Flynnolium, didn’t you”, he snapped
Hugo noticed Varian’s eyes had soot around them, his nose was burnt as well, and his shirt had torn on the shoulders, revealing burnt skin, his hair was a mess, and he was smoking. Despite his injuries, the teen got up and stomped over to a Lance as the blond watched, he began to yell, “I SAID ONE DROP, *ONE DROP*! ALCHEMY IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE LANCE!”
The former thief squinted his eyes at the teen, almost as if he were trying to make out what he was saying before he yelled, “WHAT?!”
Varian glared at the man before he noticed Catalina and Angry rubbing their heads and looking around, “are you two okay?” He asked, running over to them and ignoring his own injuries for a moment
“We’re fine, just a little winded”, Angry replied before she looked at the machine, “oops….. um…. Sorry V…..”
Varian looked confused for a moment before he turned to look at the Rooster, and gasped. The entire thing was destroyed! Nothing but small scrapes were left from the once fully built machine, all of his hard work had gone down the drain in an instant as he stared at the carnage. Hugo winced at the pain Varian had on his face when he saw the Rooster…… The blond walked over and placed a hand on his boyfriend’s shoulder, “it’s okay, we can build it again”, he tried
“…..That’s not the p-point…..” Varian replied quietly, “I w-wanted to help…. I w-wanted to do something to h-help the people of Corona so b-badly…. And this was m-my big idea…. I told t-the Captain a-a out this, and h-he even approved…. I-I’ve been working on this f-for a long time and now…..” he sniffled, “w-we can’t rebuild it just like that, I-it took time for a *reason*, the m-measurements *themselves* t-took *months* to figure out! W-we could do it again but….. W-what’s the point? She’ll a-attack by them….. We w-worked hard on this, I’m m-mean Hugo it took us a full *DAY* j-just to install it! A-and…. N-now it’s all just…. Scrape metal…..”
Hugo frowned before he looked at Lance, the man was staring at, what used to be, the rooster as well, his eyes wide and mouth agape before he looked at the duo with guilt filling his eyes. The blond showed no sympathy as he glared daggers at the man before he looked back at Varian, “come on Freckles, let’s get you to the medical wing”
He helped the teen up before looking at the girls, “can you two help him?” He asked, gesturing to Lance, “if I do, I think I might do something I’ll regret…”
Catalina and Angry nodded, getting up and running over to Lance as Hugo guided Varian away, the Moon was high in the sky, but green smoke hid her from their view as the duo walked inside the castle.
Notes:
Hello!
So, I never really understood why Lance did this, he just did it to be funny? Did he really think he was helping Varian? The girls were being mischievous but I don’t think they would do that, in this story at least. I changed it quite a bit, but I hope it’s still enjoyable, trust me, this hiccup with Lance and Varian will come into play during the finale!
Why do people keep blowing up Varian’s things? XD this poor bean just wants to be helpful! Let the bean make his inventions please XD in all honesty, this is probably one of my favorite moments in the show, because it’s so funny, but it also irked me that Lance just blew up Varian’s machine and didn’t even apologize. In fact, Varian seems to still be angry about it in the show, considering we see him with Eugene majority of the time and when he’s with Lance, the two don’t really talk to each other, they fight together, and they’re in limbo together, but then again so were many other people. You could make an argument that they talk during the monkey thing, but Varian still seems angry, he’s the first to tell Lance not to press the button in an irritated tone, then when Lance does, Varian yells at the guy, a lot! I think he’s still mad about Lance blowing up the Rooster, so imma make it a thing!
Catalina and Angry are not bad girls, they’re just kids, and sometimes kids don’t listen to their elders. Though I did make a small differentiation between Catalina and Angry, because they’re different, and I didn’t like how similar they acted in Season 3, Cat being much more quiet, but still mischievous, and Angry being louder and much sassier
Lance is a good guy, we love King Lance, but he makes mistakes, this just happened to be one of the bigger ones. This part made me laugh, but it also could’ve been an interesting conflict if Varian was still mad at Lance, and they addressed it in the show! I would’ve loved to have seen that! :D
Hugo for best boyfriend! The guy really knows how to be supportive of his Varian! ❤️
Eugene’s gonna have one heck of a mess to clean up when he gets back, hoo boy XD
Ruddy buddy wasn’t in this chapter, but he’s still the best coon!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 396: Mistakes!
Summary:
Varian is angry about Lance’s mistake, Eugene, Hugo, Ruddigar, and Catalina help him cope with his anger!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian looked confused for a moment before he turned to look at the Rooster, and gasped. The entire thing was destroyed! Nothing but small scrapes were left from the once fully built machine, all of his hard work had gone down the drain in an instant as he stared at the carnage. Hugo winced at the pain Varian had on his face when he saw the Rooster…… The blond walked over and placed a hand on his boyfriend’s shoulder, “it’s okay, we can build it again”, he tried
“…..That’s not the p-point…..” Varian replied quietly, “I w-wanted to help…. I w-wanted to do something to h-help the people of Corona so b-badly…. And this was m-my big idea…. I told t-the Captain a-a out this, and h-he even approved…. I-I’ve been working on this f-for a long time and now…..” he sniffled, “w-we can’t rebuild it just like that, I-it took time for a *reason*, the m-measurements *themselves* t-took *months* to figure out! W-we could do it again but….. W-what’s the point? She’ll a-attack by them….. We w-worked hard on this, I’m m-mean Hugo it took us a full *DAY* j-just to install it! A-and…. N-now it’s all just…. Scrape metal…..”
Hugo frowned before he looked at Lance, the man was staring at, what used to be, the rooster as well, his eyes wide and mouth agape before he looked at the duo with guilt filling his eyes. The blond showed no sympathy as he glared daggers at the man before he looked back at Varian, “come on Freckles, let’s get you to the medical wing”
He helped the teen up before looking at the girls, “can you two help him?” He asked, gesturing to Lance, “if I do, I think I might do something I’ll regret…”
Catalina and Angry nodded, getting up and running over to Lance as Hugo guided Varian away, the Moon was high in the sky, but green smoke hid her from their view as the duo walked inside the castle.
****
The two scientists were quiet, save for Varian’s small sniffles here and there, they managed to get to the medical wing, where both Mr. and Mrs. Solace were more than happy to take care of the wounds on both teens. Once they were healed, the two stayed inside the medical room, being told they needed to spend a night there for observation just in case while the doctors left to tend to Lance, who was in the next room with the girls.
For a while, neither teen spoke, until the door opened a small bit, Hugo looked and spotted a tiny red head peeking in, “h-hello”, she said, “am I….. a-allowed to come in?”
The blond watched her for a moment before he looked at Varian, the freckled teen nodded silently, “yeah, you can come in”, the bespeckled teen responded
The werewolf girl walked in and closed the door, gingerly, behind her before continuing her trick towards the duo, “um….. hi”
“Hi”, Hugo replied
“Um…. Are you two alright?”
“Well…. I’m fine *physically*, mentally however…. It’s still a work in progress”
“For Varian too?”
Hugo looked at his boyfriend, the freckled teen was staring at the floor, unable to really focus on the conversation as he absentmindedly stroked Ruddigar’s fur, “….I think things may be a little different with him….”
Catalina let out a small sigh before she walked over to the freckled alchemist, she sat in the chair next to the bed he was in, taking a few moments to collect herself before speaking, “h-hi Varian”
The blue eyed boy looked at her for a second, nodded, then went back to petting Ruddigar
Catalina could sense the teen’s anger, her werewolf instincts telling her he was not someone she wanted to mess with right now…. She stayed quiet for a moment or two before trying again, “I’m sorry….”
This got Varian to look at her, he remained quiet, but it was a start
She took that as a sign to continue, “we really didn’t meant to mess up your invention…. We all know you’ve been working hard on it, and we just wanted to help….. but…. We helped in the wrong way, and I’m really sorry we did…. It ended up getting you and Hugo hurt and….. That was wrong….. I’m so sorry….”
The alchemist let out a small sigh before he gave the girl’s hand a gentle pat, “it’s fine. I’m not mad at you or Angry, you both don’t know much about alchemy, nor have you ever really tried to cause me trouble…. Well…. *you* haven’t, Angry stole my hot air balloon and then crashed it into a tree while gloating during the scavenger hunt with Herz Der Sonne’s treasure, but other than that she’s not really caused any trouble”
Catalina giggled at the memory, “the treasure hunt was pretty crazy”
“Yeah, it really was”
Hugo tilted his head, “treasure hunt?”
Varian smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, “it happened before you came to Corona. There was this map we found in the castle that Rapunzel decided would be a fun way to have everyone in the kingdom interact with each other and show camaraderie while searching for a shared goal”, he explained, “it…. Ended up being a cursed treasure that nearly got us all killed, and the journey was stressful and annoying, plus I ended up falling into a river and getting sick after, but I wouldn’t wanna forget that experience for the world, it was definitely a good memory, despite the hiccups”
The blond nodded, “I’d love to hear more about it sometime”
“I’d be glad to tell you more”
Hugo smiled, before he heard a knock on the door. Looking over, he saw Mrs. Solace answer, only for her to smile, “hello Mr. Fitzherbert, oh I’m sorry, *Captain* Fitzherbert”
A soft chuckle was heard from the door, raising Hugo’s relief a small bit. He’d been worried about the man accepting his new position, his chuckle made Hugo hope that decision was made and he’d accepted. The blond wouldn’t ask however, best not to push, especially with Varian being in the mental state he was now….
“Mind if I come in? I heard there was…. An accident….” He heard Eugene ask
“Of course! I’m certain they’d love to see you, come on in!” Mrs. Solace replied cheerfully before she stepped aside, allowing the red clad man to step in as she closed the door behind him
Eugene looked around the room until he spotted the two scientists and one red headed girl. He gave the three a sympathetic look before walking over, “hey you three, how are you?”
“Um…. Well I’m okay”, Catalina stared softly, “Angry went with Lance”
“He’s out of the medical hall, and is currently taking the uniform off him as we speak, that’s definitely not going back on him *anytime* soon”
“Right…. I’d better go find Angry then, did Lance say what his diagnosis was?”
“He can’t hear, but aside from that he’s fine, the ringing should clear up in a few hours, so he’ll be fine”
“Thanks Eugene”
“You’re welcome Cat”
The red head smiled up at the man before she looked at Hugo and Varian, the blond gave her a small smile while Varian nodded to her. She nodded back, “Will you be okay?”
“Should be”, Varian replied
“You’re…. Mad at Lance…. Aren’t you”
The freckles teen didn’t say anything, though his silence was more than enough of a confirmation.
Catalina sighed, “if it helps, he feels horrible for what he did….”
The alchemist didn’t say anything at first, before he smiled at the red head, “thanks Cat, that helps”
The werewolf girl smiled, “you’re welcome, I….. i-if you need anything….”
“I know who to call”, Varian finished, poking her nose gently
She giggled and nodded before waving goodbye to Hugo and leaving. The room was silent once again before Eugene sighed and sat down in the chair next to Varian, “on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the angriest, where are you?”
“……100…..”
“I thought so”, Eugene said, “I’m so sorry”
“It’s not your fault. You shouldn’t be the one apologizing, in fact, Catalina shouldn’t be either…..”
“I know, and I’ll be he will, I think he just needs his hearing to do that first”
Varian huffed, looking away from the man for a moment as Ruddigar chittered at his boy worriedly, “won’t matter if he has it or not, he won’t ever listen….”
Hugo winced, “Freckles….”
“I know I know, I’m just mad”
The blond frowned, not sure what to say or do, he felt his anxiety rise a little as Eugene looked at him worriedly before turning back to Varian, “this…. Isn’t your normal angry is it kiddo?”
“No.”
“Do you wanna tell me why?”
Varian huffed, “that’s the thing, I don’t know why! Normally I can brush off Lance’s annoying need to touch every single little tiny experiment I have, but for some reason, I’m having a hard time shaking this one off!” He snapped, his eyes glowing a little with frustration before he let out a breath, “sorry….”
“It’s okay, we get it, what Lance did…. It was really bad….”
“And stupid”, Hugo added
“Yeah, and stupid, but I’m sure he meant it with the best intentions”
“Those ‘intentions’ don’t get back the weeks of work me and Hugo had to do”, Varian stated, “nor the *months* I spent *inventing* on this damn machine, only for Lance to go and mess it up because he thought he knew better!”
Eugene raised a brow, “is that the only reason you’re mad? Or is there something else bothering you?”
Varian looked at the man, “I…..” he thought about it for a moment before letting out a sigh, “I guess…. I just…. Thought he’d know better…..”
Hugo blinked, “you thought Lance knew better?”
“Well yeah, he’s been my main go to when it comes to how I feel or how I’ve been feeling and how to cope with it. He’s the one that got me to start setting boundaries, he’s listened to my many reasons for why I do the things I do mentally, and to have him go and pull a stupid stunt like this, where it ended up causing damage to everything and everyone around us, with little regard to what I’ve said or told him….. it hurts….. I mean I-I thought he understood me, and this…. I-it just….. he’s done it before but not to anything important and…. And it…. I-it just hurts…. It feels like he wasn’t really listening, l-like he didn’t really care, l-like everything I’ve told him doesn’t apply to him because he’s been helping me, so he thinks he can get away with it! I-I know that’s not what he meant, I-it…. Was an accident…. But the fact that he’s not here, a-and that Catalina came and apologized in his stead, the f-fact that Hugo and I got hurt, even a little, and he didn’t think about that…..” Varian sighed before sniffling, he stroked Ruddigar’s fur again, getting the small mammal to purr
Hugo and Eugene looked at each other sadly before the Dark Prince spoke up, “you have every right to feel the way you do Varian”, he stated, getting the teen to look at him, “you’re going through a lot, and this isn’t helping, what Lance did was wrong, no if, and’s, or but’s about it. And believe me, he feels horrible for it, but you’re allowed to be angry and upset at him for this. What you just said, it’s understandable, you’re right, he didn’t take how you felt into account and ended up causing you and Hugo pain both physically and mentally. Not only that, but he destroyed something very important to you, and that’s not okay, at all…..”
Varian sniffled again as Eugene wrapped an arm around him, pulling the teen close as he continued to speak
“But, I know Lance, I’ve known the guy for many years, and while he can be a bit scatter brained, his heart has always been in the right place. He made a *huge* mistake here, there’s no denying that. But I know that he would do everything in his power to make up for it if he knew how much this was affecting you….”
Varian looked up at his big brother
Eugene smiled, “Lance is-well he’s basically a big kid. He gets curious and ends up causing a big mess when he gets too overzealous or excited. I don’t say this as an excuse, but that’s just how he acts, most of the time he can’t really help it. However, if you told him how much what he’s just done has bothered you, I *know* he would do everything he could to fix it. Because if there’s one thing I know about Lance, it’s that he cares a whole hell of a lot for you kiddo. You can take as much time as you need to, but believe me, he’d wanna know so he could fix it, help you as soon as possible, you know?”
Varian sighed, he seemed to be calmed by the man’s reply, genuinely giving it some thought before he replied, “I understand, I just… Eugene I’m still…..” the teen grew quiet as his eyes continued to glow
The Dark Prince smiled, “you can still be angry kiddo, it’s alright, when you do feel like you can talk about it though, I’d recommend talking to Lance about it, ok? But take your time, it’s okay”
Varian nodded and smiled, “thanks Eugene”, he said, hugging his big brother lovingly
“Anytime kiddo”
They stayed that way for a while as Hugo watched before the broke the hug, “soooo….” Varian said, “are you gonna become the Captain?”
Eugene chuckled, “I think I will, the whole ordeal with that Flynnposter guy turned out to be just what the doctor ordered! I feel like I can handle being the Captain now, I even caught a guy that’s been chasing me since-! Wait a minute! The guy I caught! I…..” he looked at Varian, “kid, I have to talk and dash, but I think I need to go”
“Why?”
“I’ll be back, but the guy I just caught…. Quirin knows him, and…. I think he’ll remember who he is…..”
Varian tilted his head to the side, “why would that be a bad thing? Dads in a cell, he wouldn’t hurt anyone unless they’ve hurt him or his family”
“I know….. this guy has”
“Eugene dad doesn’t remember what happened to me….”
“It’s not you who they hurt… it’s Adira….”
Varian froze, his eyes wide with shock as he instantly realized who Eugene was talking about, “go, now”
Eugene nodded as he dashed out the door, “I’ll be right back!” He exclaimed as he ran out the door
Hugo looked at the teen curiously, “who…. Were you two talking about?”
Varian sighed, “the only person that could’ve hurt Adira that my dad would remember at this point in time…. Is the Baron…..”
Hugo’s eyes widened, “oh shit….”
Notes:
Hello!
Sorry for the late chapter, today’s been a little crazy. But here’s the aftermath of Flynnposter!
Varian’s a little angry about things, so it’s gonna take him some time to be able to talk to Lance again. But he’ll have to, especially with what’s coming up next :3
Hugo is being a supportive bean! So is Catalina and Eugene, and we got some Team Awesome time as well as Eugene fully accepting his role as a Captain!!!! I do plan on doing a few things with the Baron soon, it’s definitely gonna be a bit of a thing :3
Ruddy buddy is best coon!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 397: Until We Meet Again!
Summary:
Eugene needs to stop the Baron and Quirin from killing each other, unfortunately m, that means he has to face the retired knight and bring back some very bad truths!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“It’s not you who they hurt… it’s Adira….”
Varian froze, his eyes wide with shock as he instantly realized who Eugene was talking about, “go, now”
Eugene nodded as he dashed out the door, “I’ll be right back!” He exclaimed as he ran out the door
Hugo looked at the teen curiously, “who…. Were you two talking about?”
Varian sighed, “the only person that could’ve hurt Adira that my dad would remember at this point in time…. Is the Baron…..”
Hugo’s eyes widened, “oh shit….”
****
Eugene raced down the halls of the castle, his feet flying faster than they ever had before as he tried to get to the dungeons! How could he forget such a crucial detail?! He felt like such an *idiot* as he slammed the door leading to the cells open and raced down the stairs
He jumped off the final few steps, to save time, before racing towards the retired knight’s temporary location, hoping, beyond everything, that Quirin hadn’t seen the man he’d just arrested, “GET BACK!” He heard a guard yell, unfortunately, he was too late…..
As he slid to a halt, the man gasped at the scene before him, the Baron was screaming and yelling, fighting against the guards to get at the man in the cell. Quirin, on the other hand, was staring, his icey glare doing nothing to help Eugene’s growing anxiety as he saw the, usually calm, knight glare *daggers* at the disgusting man the Dark Prince had once feared
“What’s going on?” Eugene asked, rushing over and pushing the Baron away from Quirin’s cell, glaring at the blond man for a moment
“I’m not sure sir”, the first of the two guards previously blocking The Baron replied, “he just started screaming and fighting me the moment he laid eyes on Quirin”
Eugene looked at the retired knight, who was still glaring daggers at the large, green spotted, Baron. He felt shivers run down his back as the he looked at the Village Leader’s eyes. They were so cold and unfeeling, “are you okay Quirin?” He asked gently
“I’m fine”, the man replied quietly, “just fine.”
“Bastard!” The Baron snapped
“Shut the fuck up prisoner!” The second of the two guards ordered
“YOU THINK I LISTEN TO *YOU*?!”
“You would do well to”, Quirin stated dangerously
Eugene sighed before stepping in-between the Baron, guards, and Quirin, “alright, everyone calm down please”
“I don’t listen to *you* either!” The Baron growled
“You really should in this instance Baron”
“And why’s that?” The previously poisoned prisoner snapped
“Cause this guy behind me”, he gestured towards Quirin, “I could let him out if only to kick your ass seven ways to Sunday, and believe me, he can do it”
“How do you know he can”
“Cause you’re weak from the poison and from the fight with me and Rapunzel, *and* this man will hold absolutely nothing back. Trust me, he’s got a vendetta against you, and personally, I don’t blame him”
Quirin huffed at the Baron, the guards blinked as they stared at the retired knight, a little startled by his actions. They chose to remain quiet however, considering the Baron had stopped fighting, “he wouldn’t be able to do a damn thing to me. But fine, I’ll leave it be, for now…..”
Eugene smirked, “good idea, now, go with these lovely guards to a different cell please”
The Baron growled but didn’t refuse the order as he and the guards walked away. Eugene let out a sigh before he turned to face Quirin, “sorry about that”, the retired knight stated, “he’s…. Not a good man….”
“I know, I understand why you hate him”
Quirin raised a brow, “do you know him?”
“Yeah, unfortunately you don’t remember that I do…..”
“…..People keep saying that to me, Stan and Pete, they kept mentioning how sad they were that I didn’t remember everything. I don’t know what they mean, and….. if I’m honest, it’s been bugging me”, he admitted, “especially since Varian hasn’t come around…. Is he okay?”
The new Captain nodded, “yeah, he’s alright”
“Has he had any alchemical accidents at all?”
“N-! Well….. there was one…. It was small, and just happened, he’s got a few burns, but that’s all”
Quirin’s eyes widened, “is he in the medical wing?”
“Yeah, but only for a night, he’s really alright”
“A full night?!”
Eugene smiled, he wasn’t glad that the man was upset, but the fact that he was worried for his son at all made him happy. He approached the cell and placed a hand on Quirin’s shoulder, trying to calm the father, “yes, but…. Actually…. Do you… wanna see him?”
The retired knight nodded, “of course I-! ….I-If he’s hurt, he needs to stay put, but….. if he’s really okay enough to walk down here, then yes…. But please make sure he’s okay first, ask the doctor, check him yourself I…. Sorry…. That’s asking a lot…..”
The Dark Prince chuckled, “it’s not too much to ask, believe me, I’d be doing the same thing if I were in your shoes. That kid…. He has a way of getting into your heart”
Quirin smiled lovingly, “he really does”, the man paused however, his face shifting from a calm joy to a thoughtful, fearful, expression….. he looked at Eugene, “you’re a new captain, yes?”
The Dark Prince nodded, “yeah, why do you ask?”
The retired knight hesitated before speaking, “the Captain I remember was far from retirement”, this made Eugene pause a moment, unsure of how to react, so Quirin continued, “I used to be the Captain, and I trained and chose the current Captain to replace me upon my own retirement. I…. Remember that much…. At least…. But…. He’s retired now, and I don’t know why. Anytime I try to think about what could’ve happened I feel mind mind grow…. Fuzzy…..”
Eugene gave the man a sympathetic look, “does it… Hurt?”
“A little, yes…. And I have a very bad feeling about what that could mean. Captain-!”
“Eugene”
“Huh?”
“You can just call me Eugene, I….. It doesn’t sound right for you to call me Captain”
The Village Leader sighed, “that’s what I mean, you’re not the first person who’s told me that. The King came down here, he was surprised I acted so friendly towards him. Almost as if he’d done something that I should be angry for…. You telling me to call you by your first name…. That doesn’t make any sense to my mind…. You’re the Captain now, I shouldn’t call you by anything other than that, yet you feel comfortable enough to allow me to do so. I get the feeling that’s not normal for you either….. Capta-*Eugene*….. That bad feeling I’m getting… my memories being what they are…. What happened to me?”
Eugene sighed, “I…. Can’t tell you”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t know if you’d be okay if I did….”
This made Quirin pause, his shocked and mortified expression telling Eugene all he needed to know about how the father felt about this answer, “I….. don’t remember…. But I should….. he hasn’t come to see me, I know he would….. I…. Eugene…. How much…. Do you know about…. T-the Dark Kingdom?”
The Captain was startled by the question, but as he looked into the Village Leader’s eyes, he could tell his answer meant more than he knew, “…..a lot….”
“A lot….. How much…. You know me, or at least you claim to know me…. Could you…. Tell me in terms I can…. I…. I’m sorry, I don’t know what I’m asking….”
The Dark Prince chuckled, “I think I can understand what you mean, and let’s see…..” Eugene thought for a moment before he got an idea, “Stickler”
Quirin’s eyes widened, “you-!”
“You’re Stickler, and Courage. Stickler because you’re a stickler for the rules, and Courage because you’ve always been brave, protecting those you love even when the situation was terrifying. Adira always thought of you that way, Hector and Edmund agreed. But they never call you that, that’s Adira’s special name for you, and you alone”
Quirin was speechless for a long time before he placed a hand over his mouth, his eyes began to fill with tears as a realization hit him hard, “…..I….. I-I’m….”
The retired knight went quiet, making Eugene glance at him anxiously, “Quirin?”
“The Mind Trap….. do you know about it?”
“…..yes”
“Is that why I can’t remember?…..”
Eugene sighed, “……Yes…..”
“H-how?”
“Unfortunately someone stole it….. They have the Moonstone too…. And we…. Couldn’t stop them….”
“Varian….. he’s…. I would’ve told him to stay away…. To lock me up….. He’s following what I said…. Oh….. no…..”
Eugene watched the retired knight hide his face in his hands before the back of his left hand began to glow. The man stared at it for a few moments before he saw Quirin’s body shake, as if he were being shocked. That’s when the screaming began…..
The new Captain rushed to open the door to the cell, he ran over to the retired knight, who had fallen to his knees while continuing to scream in pain. Until the glow subsided, his screaming finally stopped, “Quirin?!” Eugene asked, when the man didn’t answer he grew very worried, “QUIRIN!”
“E-Eugene….” the retired knight replied softly, his voice familiar to the Captain before, he remembered everything! The Village Leader looked at him, his eyes wide with fear and sadness as he clung to Eugene’s clothing, “I can’t r-remember”, he exclaimed, “s-she doesn’t want m-me to remember! If I do, I-I’ll get hurt and end up doing something bad! S-she gave me a warning, I’m not a-allowed to fight her wishes Eugene! She’ll…. S-she’ll have me kill H-Hugo if I do….”
The Dark Prince’s eyes widened when he realized who Quirin was referring to, “Cassandra will-!”
“S-she doesn’t need him, he’s j-just a tool t-to her! She’ll have m-me kill him if you try this again, I-if I try to remember! Don’t-d-don’t make me remember! I don’t w-wanna kill him! I don’t wanna kill him Eugene! I-I’ll hurt Varian next! Don’t make me remember, DON’T MAKE ME REMEMBER!”
“I’m sorry!” The Dark Prince exclaimed, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I won’t…. I won’t make you remember, you won’t kill him…. You won’t hurt Varian….. You won’t” he stated, hugging the retired knight, holding him close
Quirin returned the hug, crying into Eugene’s shoulder quietly before the he went limp. The Captain froze, he pulled away and laid Quirin on the floor gently. He stayed by his side while he was unconscious. The Dark Prince checking the retired knight to make sure he was still breathing
After an hour and a half of waiting, Eugene saw Quirin wake up, he helped the man sit, his back against the wall before he looked at the new Captain, “w-what… happened to me?”
“You…. Had a bit of an accident when you saw the Baron, got a little too angry and ended up getting knocked out. You’re fine, and the Baron was moved to a different cell so you two don’t fight. But you may feel your head hurt a little”
“Ugh… yeah that would explain the throbbing…. Sorry”
“It’s alright…. I….. need to leave now, have to go check on a few things…”
Eugene got up and walked out of the cell, closing the door and locking it, “can you… Check on Varian? Tell him I said hi?” Quirin asked as he stood up and dusted himself off
“….Yeah, I can do that”
“Are you okay? You seem…. Sad”
“I’m just…… having a rough day”, he looked at the retired knight, tears streaked down his face as he stared at the man, “I…. Just lost a very close friend of mine…. I don’t know when he’ll be back….”
Quirin gave the Dark Prince a sympathetic look, “I’m sorry… If it helps, I’ve lost friends too, I’m certain he’ll be back though, they always find a way, even when things seem hopeless”
The Captain thought about that for a moment, “you…. Think they can?”
“I’m certain, there’s nothing that can stop a true friendship, not even magic”
The Dark Prince nodded, “thanks, I’ll keep that in mind”
“Happy to help”
Eugene gave a small, sad, smile to the man before he began to walk away, “I’ll bring you your dinner later, we have some pumpkin pie”
“Ooh! That sounds nice”
Eugene chuckled a little at the actual joy Quirin displayed, “I’ll be back soon”
“Hey Captain?”
Eugene stopped, he had to bite his tongue a bit before he looked over at the retired knight, “hm?”
“Do you know why people keep telling me I can’t remember things? They act like I’ve lost my memory, and I’ll be honest, it’s bugging me a little bit”
Eugene winced a little before he sighed and shook his head, “I’m not sure why they keep saying that, sorry, I… can ask them to stop if you’d like”
“I think that would help, makes me remember my age a little too vividly for my tastes”
“Right… I’ll do that….” The new Captain replied, “see you at dinner”
“Ok, thank you very much”
“You’re welcome….. Oh and…. Varian says hi”
Quirin chuckled, “tell him I say hi back, and that I love him”
Eugene felt more tears steak down his face as he turned away and nodded, “II will….” He then walked up the stairs, leaving Quirin to his own devices as he reached the top, he heard the man begin to hum, he recognized that melody and smiled sadly as he sang a few words from the song:
“Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee,
Memories of Varian and Quirin laughing and singing together filled the man’s mind as he sang
Sounds of the rude world, heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moonlight have all passed away.
A sleeping Varian in his father’s arms flashed in the new Captain’s eyes
Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Varian and Quirin’s laughter filled his ears as he envisioned them with Hugo eating lunch together
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng,
Beautiful dreamer awake unto me….”
Varian’s little face, looking sad and depressed, as he sat on the medical wing bed while Hugo hugged him as a flash of Quirin in his cell alone stopped the man’s voice from singing anymore….
He closed the large door that led to the dungeons, the echoes of the song being cut off as the area was sealed away. Eugene leaned against the wall before he slid to the floor, curled his knees under his chin, hid his face, and cried…..
Notes:
Hello!
So yeah….. This chapter was sort of a way to show how bad things have really gotten, that Quirin remembering is not a good idea for now…. He was reminded by Varian before, but that was very temporary and he was still in pain….. This is a bad situation…. And it’s only going to get worse…..
Poor Eugene…. This man is trying so very hard to keep things together, but honestly, he really got the short end of the stick when he became the Captain….. I have a lot of respect for Eugene, he’s a really good man and an amazing big brother! ❤️
Quirin….. Poor Quirin…. This made me really sad to write because I really wanted a nice moment with these two, but with his condition right now, Quirin can’t really have any nice moments save for the occasional pumpkin pie and Varian message….. This poor man is just…. He’s really going through the wringer right now….
So Hugo’s a target now, isn’t that cool? DX This poor blond bean is just trying to live man! Him and Varian both, they really are in the pits right now….
Cassandra has a lot of making up to do…..
He wasn’t mentioned, but Ruddy buddy still wins the best animal title!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 398: 400th Chapter!
Summary:
An idea to celebrate the 400th and all of you!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
Read all of it please ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dear readers,
Hello! It’s HarmonySong, nice to talk with you all again! I have an idea I wanted to run by you all to celebrate the 400th chapter that’s coming up!
I’ve thought about this for a bit and realized that all of you have some very cool ideas! Some of them are fun, some are sad, some are interesting, and I wanna have you get your ideas fulfilled in this story!
So here’s my idea, I’ll make two chapters, chapters 399 and 400 will be dedicated to short stories that come from all of you! What do mean by that?
Well, tomorrow is Varian’s birthday, and I’m going to have a chapter out for his birthday, dedicated to it actually! That’ll be chapter 398, I’m currently working on it now actually!
As for chapter 399 and 400, I wanted to allow of you to share your ideas and I can put them in my story, with credit to you of course! Keep in mind these will have to be short stories, kinda like the “This is why we can’t have nice things” chapters, small fun little stories with the characters doing stuff together that you all want to see!
Eugene and Queen Arianna hanging out together, Lance and Stan having a bite to eat, Varian and Hugo try to solve a mystery together, Ruddigar and Olivia go on an animal escapade, those kinds of things! I wanted to give everyone a chance to share what ideas they wanted, so I’m giving you all two days to send me a prompt in the comments below!
The 400th chapter would not have happened without all of you, and I wanna have you all be apart of this story! Not only because you’ve all been reading the story, but also because you’ve all been helping through so much in my life, this story wasn’t meant to last very long, yet the more you guys talked to me or sent me a kudos, the more I wanted to write for you!
Thank you, all of you, for helping me and this story, and my writing skills, grow! I wouldn’t be here without all of you and I’m eternally grateful!
Now there are some rules to this, only a few,
I won’t be doing any stories about characters bashing each other or insulting one another, nor will I do any on characters being embarrassed or humiliated in any way shape or form, or characters saying how terrible another is and running away. I won’t be doing that with these short stories.
I also won’t be doing anything sexual, save for a kiss or two from some couples here or there, and snuggles, lots of snuggles :3
Story wise, I have it planned out, and you can have Cyrus in the short stories, or Cassandra, or ZT, but I won’t be writing them attacking Corona or Old Corona, basically anything that can be isn’t in main show’s cannon I can’t do. Meaning I won’t have Cassandra come to Corona too early, the finale and Once in a Handmaiden will happen, but once the story is there. If you wanna have a check in with Adira and Hector, who are with Cass, ZT, and Cyrus, and possibly see how they’re doing, I’m good with that 😁 Same with Edmund, who’s still at the farm :D
Aside from that, feel free to suggest whatever you’d like me to write! Good vibes, sad vibes, funny vibes, whatever you’d like! Just place them in the comments below this chapter, and after the Varian’s Birthday chapter tomorrow, I’ll write you short stories for chapter 399 and 400! Credit will be given to you for you story ideas and you’ll even make an appearance in the chapter! So if you wanna write yourself doing something (aside from beating up or yelling at any characters), then by all means!
Also, you can change the time of the short stories, they can be in the future or in the past before the Brotherhood members were hypnotized, just to make it easier on you! ❤️🎶 So if you’re feeling down and need to talk with your favorite character(s) such as Hector, or Varian, etc, I can write that in ❤️
Again, thank you all so much for helping me and my story grow as much as it has! You’ve all been there for me and helped me even when I was down, and I couldn’t be anymore grateful to all of you for that!
Thank you all so much for reading this huge thing! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!!!!! I’ll put a comment on your idea to let you know if I can add it or not, as long as you follow the rules, it should be no problem! ❤️🎶
I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! And again, thank you so much for your support! Thank you! ❤️🎶
Until next time!!!!!
Sincerely,
HarmonySong 🎶
Notes:
Hee hee! I’m excited for this! You’re all so creative, I can’t wait to see what ideas you may want to see!!!!!! ❤️🎶
Again, thank you all so much for everything!
Thank you for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Buh-bye! ❤️😁🎶
Chapter 399: Varian’s Birthday!
Summary:
Varian wakes up to a tiny adventure!
Chapter Text
Varian Yawned as he stretched his arms up. He looked around the room, he was back in the castle bedroom he and his father shared…. Or at least they *would* share if the man weren’t…. Unavailable…. The alchemist sighed before he noticed Hugo was gone. Ruddigar was looking at him, the raccoon seemed to be excited about something, but the teen wasn’t entirely sure what.
“You okay Ruddy?”
The raccoon chittered before he bounced around the room excitedly! He stopped when he landed on the teen’s bed, his tail swishing back and fourth happily. Varian giggled and stroked his best friend’s head lovingly
“Whatever’s gotten you so worked up, must be pretty important huh?”
Ruddigar chittered happily
The freckled teen sighed before he got up and got ready for the day. Once done, he walked back to Ruddigar, who was waiting, “have you seen Hugo?”
The raccoon smiled wider and nodded
“Can you tell me where he is?”
The raccoon shook his head
“Huh? Why not?”
Ruddigar chittered before he hoped onto the ground and scratched the door to the room’s exit
Varian raised a brow and walked over before he saw a note addressed to him. He took it off before reading it:
‘Dear Freckles,
Had an idea for something special, but I’m gonna need your help. I, and many others, have left you a bunch of notes around the castle!
Ruddigar helped me set them, follow the riddles, no matter how cheesy, to the locations until you reach the final destination!
Once there, you’ll see my idea, read the notes carefully though, you’ll need to grab something from each location! I would bring your backpack, and Ruddigar!
Here’s the first riddle!
‘Go to the place where we spend the most time,
While I try to find out how to fucking rhyme!’
….Im really bad at this…. Ugh…. Good luck Freckles, and I’m so sorry about my horrible poetry skills
Written, regretfully, by,
Hugo’
Varian snorted as he read the note, blushing a little, “oh I love this boy”
Ruddigar chittered, encouraging his boy to solve the riddle!
Varian thought for a moment before he chuckled, “the place we spend the most time is my lab. I’m guessing he means the castle lab at this point. Am I right?”
The raccoon ran in an excited circle before standing on his hind legs and chittering happily!
The alchemist giggled, “oki, glad to know we’re already on the right track! Come on, let’s grab my bag and head out”, Varian walked over to his backpack and put it on his back. Only to find the thing a little heavier than usual, “that’s odd….”
He took it off and opened it, only to find a small box that said ‘don’t open me yet -H’
The alchemist sighed, “my curiosity is against me this day….” He stated before placing the box back into his backpack before closing it, placing back on himself, scooping up Ruddigar, and heading out.
****
They got to the lab in no time and, after looking around a little bit, Varian found a note on another box that was sitting on the alchemist’s work bench. He smiled and picked it up, “found you!”
He read the note:
‘Hey Hairstripes!
You found it! Great job! Don’t open the box yet. You’ve got a few more to go, so here’s another riddle for you kiddo!
….I did not mean for that to rhyme, but ya know what, we’re gonna roll with it and say I did that on purpose!
Here’s the riddle Hairstripes:
‘Next, go to the place where you refuel,
Where big bros and tiny beans tend to duel’
….Woof I’m not good at this either, Hugo’s got a friend, you should know where I mean though. While you’re there, get something for yourself while looking for the next note, seriously kiddo, this is gonna take a while
Yours truly,
Eugene’
Varian giggled, “he means the kitchen”
Ruddigar chittered happily and nuzzled his boy before he looked at the teen curiously
“I take it you want an apple from there?”
The raccoon grinned and nodded
“Oki, I have to eat something there anyway, or Eugene will have my head. So we’ll go over, grab some food and an apple, then look for the note, yeah?”
The raccoon cheered happily, getting the alchemist to giggle as he walked out of the lab after putting the new box in his backpack
****
The two made it to the kitchen, the alchemist feeling a little anxious, “did you notice how little people were seeing around here today Ruddy?”
The raccoon nodded
“That’s so odd, I feel like I’m the only person here in the castle. That’s such an odd feeling….. Hmm…. Woah!” He walked over to the counter and saw a spread of food laying on the counter! It was all of Varian’s favorite breakfast items! Sunny side up eggs, slightly crispy bacon, buttered bread rolls from Attila, nicely cooked ham, some sausage, and a giant glass of milk! All of it was sitting next to another box!
The teen’s mouth watered as his stomach growled loudly. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he saw the large plate of food! He noticed a small noted that he recognized as Lance’s handwriting. He took it and read the note:
‘Hey Little Man!
Eheh…. I know you’re still kinda angry with me right now, and that’s fair, but I wanted to at least do somethin for ya, even if it’s a little somethin.
So here’s a huge meal I made for ya! There are apples next to the food, along with a bowl of cut up fruits and nuts for Ruddigar
There’s also a box, but I wouldn’t open it yet, in fact, eat first, stuff it in your bag next, then go to the next spot usin my riddle!
Here it is:
‘Paints and brushes and magic galore,
Go to this place, have fun, and explore!’
You can see I’m the best poetry writer so far heh! Either way, enjoy your breakfast little man, and uh…. Sorry… about what I did….
Sincerely,
Lance’
The alchemist reread the note a few times before huffing, “I am still angry with him…. But… that was still really nice…. Am I still allowed to be angry when he does stuff like this?”
Ruddigar chittered before turning the note over, revealing more writing:
‘P.S. you’re still allowed to be angry with me, I did this because I wanted to. Me bein kind shouldn’t detract you from feelin how ya do. It’s okay to be angry with me little man, come talk to me when you’re ready’
The alchemist sighed before smiling, “he’s a brat, but I still appreciate him a lot. I’m still angry, but it’s a little less now”
Ruddigar nuzzled his boy before he chittered, pointing to the fruit bowl and apple nearby
Varian chuckled when he finally noticed the bowl, “oki, we’ll eat, then head to the next place”
The raccoon looked at his boy curiously
“Wondering if I know where to go? That’s obvious, the only place with all three of those things is Rapunzel’s room!”
Ruddigar chittered happily before hugging his boy
Varian giggled, “how about we eat, huh?”
The raccoon instantly let go before he hopped onto the counter and chittered repeatedly, making the alchemist laugh as he grabbed the plate of food and the fruit bowl
****
The duo headed to the princess’s room, they found the door unlocked and walked inside, closing it behind them. Looking around, the freckled teen smiled at all the paintings the princess had, before he noticed his father’s on the wall…
He walked over and placed a hand on it. He felt his eyes fill with water before he turned away, unable to look anymore….
Ruddigar nuzzled his boy comfortingly, “thanks bud…. I miss him….”
The raccoon chittered in agreement
Varian sighed before he looked around, noticing another box with a note attached to an aisle, he wasn’t surprised. He opened it and smiled when he saw another picture of himself and Ruddigar painted inside, words following underneath:
‘Hiya Varian!
It’s Rapunzel! Though I’m guessing you could figure that out, hee hee! I hope you like the painting of you and Ruddigar!
Anyway, I’ve got a riddle for you too! You’ll figure it out, I know you will! So I hope the painting helps make this note a little more fun for you!
Here’s the riddle:
‘This place is pretty and where spring has sprung,
It’s where parents go to have spend time with their young’
I hope that’s didn’t make you too sad, sorry, but it’s the only way I could describe this place without giving it away.
I hope you have fun on this journey! It was a lot of fun making it! Can’t wait to see you soon!
Your big sis,
Rapunzel’
Varian reread the riddle and thought for a moment before he realized what she’d meant, and why she’d apologized, “aw Punzel…. It’s a nice memory at least”, he stated as he remembered him, Hugo, and their father being out there together
Ruddigar chittered at his boy
“It’s in the meadow, around the side of the castle. Where Hugo returned, when I first met Donella, when dad, Hugo, and I talked about what he was going through with Donella, when I told off Hector’s parents for being jerks, when I met Trinity and Dexter, when I talked with Queen Arianna….. so many memories…. They’re good and bad…. But my gosh…. I haven’t been there in a long time…. “
Ruddigar chittered worriedly
“I’m okay, just sad I suppose, good memories, sad position….”
The raccoon nodded understandingly before pointing to the box
Varian picked it up and placed it inside his backpack again, “off to the meadow then?”
Ruddigar chittered encouragingly, getting a scratch behind the ear before they left the princess’s room and headed for the meadow!
****
Varian sniffed the air, smiling as the sweet scent of flowers hit his nose. He loved being out here, it reminded him of home.
The teen looked around before noticing the Queen’s garden, he walked over and sat down, looking at the flowers she’d planted, “they’re sprouting”, he stated as he stared at the small buds peaking out from the dirt, “they seem healthy, guess I shouldn’t be surprised, the soil is rich and the area surrounding the flowers-!”
Ruddigar let out a sign and raised a brow at his boy
“Eheh, right, moving on”, Varian said with a blush before he looked around the meadow. He noticed a box in the garden, it had a note on it. Smiling, he picked up the box, placed it in his bag, and read the note:
‘Hello dear,
Yes even I’m apart of this too. You’re so close to being done with this little scavenger hunt! Which means you’ve figured all the riddles out thus far!
Very impressive! Though I shouldn’t be surprised, you’re a tiny genius after all!
Anyway, I have another riddle for you, I hope you like it
Here’s the riddle:
‘A place to go when days are done,
With friends and family to the relax and have fun!’
See you soon sweetheart,
Arianna’
Varian smiled lovingly at the note. He knew where he was meant to go next. He sighed happily as he carefully folded it and placed the note in his pocket before looking at Ruddigar, “the family room, I have a feeling that’ll be the last one, what do you you think bud?”
The raccoon chittered happily and nuzzled his boy
The alchemist giggled before he looked around one final time, “we’ve gotta come back here when dad’s back to normal. Maybe have a picnic with everyone, what do you think?”
Ruddigar nodded excitedly! Getting the alchemist to grin before taking one final breath and leaving, the duo heading to the family room as the note instructed
****
Varian and Ruddigar made their way down the halls, they saw the door to the family room in their sights. Walking over, Ruddigar pointed out a note on the door. The teen plucked it off and read it, instantly smiling at the first sentence:
‘Ya made it Freckles!
Great job finding all the boxes, should’ve been one in every room for you to grab! Now, since you’re a fucking genius, I’m fairly certain ya got here before you wee supposed to.
So if the door is closed, and you see this note on it, here’s something you can do while you wait for me to come out and get you.
Whyd we do all this, the notes, the boxes, the odd absence of anyone in the castle save for the very few guards on duty. I’m sure you noticed that, just as I’m sure you’re here a little too early!
Here’s a hint: it has something to do with today’s date! Think about it while you wait!
Hey that rhymed! Maybe I’m better at this than I thought!
Your amazing poet of a boyfriend,
Hugo’
Varian snorted, “I came here too early huh? Well alrighty then, I guess I can wait for a bit”
He leaned against the wall and thought about what Hugo’d written, why *were* they doing this? The notes and boxes were definitely fun to find, and the riddles, while easy, definitely made the teen happy to think about!
As the teen remembered the hint, he tried to figure out the date, “let’s see…. We were in the medical wing the same day I launched the Rooster… That was March 15th, it took a full day for me and Hugo to get out of the medical wing, that was the 16th, then we spent days working on remaking the rooster…. That took about 7 days…. So today would be March 24th since it’s the 8th day since the rooster explode-!”
The alchemist froze as it suddenly clicked in his head, “M-March 24th is m-my-!”
“Hey Freckles”, a voice interrupted as Ruddigar hoped off his boy and onto Hugo’s shoulders, “knew I’d find you out here, hope you weren’t waiting long”
Varian blinked before he gave his boyfriend a toothy grin, “not at all! And I think I know why you’re doing this too!”
The blond smirked, “my note help you out?”
“Yeah! I can’t believe I forgot!”
“I mean, you’ve been really damn busy, and with everything that’s happened, I’m not surprised”
Varian blushed, “so… um… what’s in there?”
Hugo grinned excitedly, “come and find out”
The inventor, and raccoon, disappeared behind the door before Varian could ask anything else. The teen giggled before he followed them. The room was pitch black, the freckled teen looked around before he saw a small string with a message to, ‘pull here!’
He took a breath, let it out, and pulled….
Small fireworks shot up into the air and exploded! All the furniture had been moved to make space as a large crowd of Varian’s friends and family jumped out at the same time and yelled, “SURPRIIIIIISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY VARIAN!!!”
The alchemist jumped a little, startled at first, before he smiled wide as he looked around at the balloons, decorations, pile of presents that went up to the ceiling, friends and family that were cheering and smiling happily at him, and the sparklers going off in the background the teen stood in the doorway, “I… I…. D-don’t know what t-to say!”
“Too shocked for words in a good way, or a bad way?” Eugene asked as he walked over and handed the teen a birthday hat, “that’s a very important distinction”
Varian smiled as he accepted the hat, “good, really good, amazing, excellent, excited, wonderfully surprised, unbelievably happy kind of good!”
The Dark Prince grinned from ear to ear, “happy to hear it kiddo, happy birthday!”
He gave his little brother a big hug, something the teen was more than happy to return as Rapunzel joined in! Getting the pair to snicker as they wrapped their hands around her too!
Once the hug was broken, the party began! Music played, everyone danced and sang together, cake was eaten as Varian made his birthday wish! Everyone was full of joy and love as they celebrated the alchemist in all his beany glory!
That is, until Hugo called everyone to attention for a moment. Varian was a little confused as he saw his boyfriend walking over to him with a sincere look on his face, “we…. Have one final letter for you to read Freckles. It…. Was really hard to get, and even harder to hide from you for such a long time. But…. Believe me, it’s important, you can read it out loud, or in your head if you want. It’s…. From someone very special”
The freckled teen took the letter, “someone special?”
“You’ll know when you begin to read”
Varian nodded, sensing the importance of this moment before he opened the final letter, and began to read out loud:
“Son,”
Th alchemist froze at the first word, tears coming to his eyes as he looked at Hugo. The blond smiled and nodded, Varian continued:
“Son,
Happy birthday Bubby! When you read this, I’m….. Not sure what state I’ll be in….. But Hugo told me about his plan for your birthday long before the Mind Trap had even been mentioned.
We’ve been planning this tiny adventure for you since you came back from Cassandra’s capture. Believe me we’ve been getting increasingly excited about it as the day approached!
I…. I’m so sorry I can’t be there…. I really wish I could, I know you have your friends there though, I’m glad you’re not alone!
Hugo managed to sneak down to the dungeons and asked me to write this before I forgot everything again! He’s a very kind boy, I’m glad he did this for you, and for me.
Son I-“
Varian took a minute to collect himself, his tears were running down his face as he read the letter, he tried to keep them away from it. He took a few deep breaths as Ruddigar, who was on his boy’s shoulder again, nuzzled the teen. Eugene walked forwards and wrapped an arm around the alchemist. They waited until Varian was ready, and the freckled teen continued to read the letter aloud again:
“Son I love you so much, and again, I’m so sorry for not being there for your birthday…. Again…. But know that no matter what state I’m in, I’ll always be thinking of you!
Even if I’ve forgotten everything that’s happened, even if I’m not there by your side, know that every fiber of my being is thinking of you today. I love you so much Bubby, I always will!
When I’m back, there’s no if’s, and’s, or but’s, I *will* be back by your side. When I’m back, I’m going to give you the biggest hug I can, I’ll miss your tiny nose and snuggle you from dawn until dusk!
You’ll be sick of me with how much time we’ll spend together, so sick of me in fact, that Hugo will need to hide you so I don’t take away his time with you”
Varian giggled at that, sniffling a little as he continued:
“Varian, I’m so proud of you. I’m so proud of the man I’ve seen you grow into! You’ve made me the luckiest and happiest father in the world, and I don’t think anyone could ever take that away from me.
No matter what you’ve done in the past, it’s doesn’t define who you are, you’re brave, and strong, and smart, and kind, and sassy, and kinda stinky too”
Again Varian giggled as he continued to read:
“But no matter what, you’re the best son I could’ve ever asked for, and the greatest alchemist in the universe by far! I’m so glad I have you in my life and I can’t wait to see what you’ll do! Whatever it may be, it’s going to be amazing, just like you!
I love you so much Varian, to the Moon and back, I love you, and nothing will ever change that, that’s not a promise either, it’s an oath.
You’ll always be in my thoughts and prayers, I can’t wait to see you again!
I love you so much, you’re my beautiful dreamer. Huh…. I don’t think I ever told you why we chose that song did I?
We chose it because you were our dream, mine and Ulla’s, when we had you, we couldn’t ask for anything better. And that’s still true to this day. You’re our dream, abd that will never change.
I love you so much son, be safe, and have fun. Don’t worry about me, enjoy your birthday, and know I’m happy when you’re happy, I mean that. We’ll have another celebration when I’m back, it may be smaller, but I’ll make your favorite foods and we’ll have a feast! Just for you!
I have Hugo the present I wanted to give you. He’ll hand it to you, I hope you like it.
Love,
Quirin/Evil Jerkface”
Varian reread the letter several times over before he hugged it and cried softly. Eugene held him close, allowing the teen to get everything out.
After a few minutes, Varian finally calmed down, he sniffled a little before Hugo walked over and handed the alchemist a small, red, present, with a golden ribbon.
The teen took it and opened it up before his breath hitched as he stared at the item.
There, sitting in the box, was a small, stuffed bear with a red shirt and a brown furry vest. The teen could feel Quirin had used his own shirt and an old beat to make the stuffed animal. He smiled and hugged it, the familiar scent of wood and apples filling his nose, “dad….”
The room was quiet as the teen hugged the bear, before he stopped and sighed, folding the letter up and placing it in his pocket. He smiled at Hugo and kissed the blond on the lips, “thank you”
Hugo froze, he was completely surprised as he blushed before he felt Varian hug him. He snapped out of his stupor and hugged his boyfriend back, “anything for you Freckles”
The two broke the hug before Rapunzel grinned excitedly, “is everyone ready to party again? We’ve got a Moon bro to celebrate!”
Varian giggled and nodded, “let’s party!”
And party the group did! The entire thing lasted way past night time and into the morning! Everyone was exhausted by the time it was done! But it was all worth it as they saw Varian smiling peacefully in his sleep for the first time in weeks as he held the stuffed bear close in his arms.
Notes:
Hello!
It’s Varian’s Birthday!!!!! This bean deserves all the joy today! So he gets a fun scavenger hunt, yes those boxes are presents for him, and fun times with his friends and family! 😁
I’ll let the chapter speak for itself, since I don’t wanna spoil anything ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 400: Your Ideas! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Your ideas placed in this story! Today’s ideas come from Cooper_Hunter376, and CardCaptorKatara!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a tiny breath of relief as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He’d been working in his lab nonstop since his birthday! Being inspired to make all sorts of inventions! He smiled as he looked at his work, several new alchemy bombs, tons are tools and beakers he’d received from his friends and family, and the, Flynn Rider themed, utility belt Eugene had given him was certainly doing WONDERS to make things much more efficient!
As the teen grinned at his work, he pet a sleeping Russigar’s fur before he noticed something nearby. It was in the corner of his lab, very dusty, and colorful. He walked over to it and picked the item up, “a top?” He asked himself, “what’s a dusty top doing in my lab?”
The teen didn’t hear anyone respond, he blushed as he remembered Hugo saying he’d be busy helping the maids with a few things for a few hours that day. Sighing, the alchemist looked at the top again, “it… Looks so different”, he stated, “much different than any top I’ve seen….” He walked over to his desk and grabbed a rag
He cleaned the top off and studied it, “it’s so…. Pretty! I wonder if it still works…. Hmmmm….” He looked around, now glad he was alone before he rushed over to another desk, hiding the top from Ruddigar. He smiled before setting the top on the desk and spinning it. His eyes lit up with excitement as it began to turn, faster and faster! The colors melding together in a fantastic display of what could only be described as childhood magic!
The teen was captivated by the glowing top, he smiled wide as he leaned in close to it, before a bright flash of light encased his body and filled the room! Ruddigar woke up instantly as the light dissipated, rushing to his boy instantly to see if he was okay! What he saw made the raccoon freeze as he stared at the sight before him, his boy…. Was…..
“Wuddigaw?” Varian asked
****
“I told you Lance, you cannot go into the kitchen and make another meatball slingshot”, Eugene stated as he walked his friend out of the dining area, “the cooks get mad, the place gets messy, and who do you think will have to fill out paperwork?!”
The former thief gave a sheepish smile, “uuuuh….. you?”
The Captain huffed as Rapunzel, who’d been caught in the crossfire, walked over to them, wiping a bit of meatball off her hand with the towel she’d been given before sighing, “well that was certainly a saucy situation!’ She joked
“Blondie, please…..” The Dark Prince stated
“Sorry”, the Princess giggled before the three of them heard frantic chittering coming their way. They looked and saw Ruddigar *speeding* down the hallway. The raccoon spotted them and rushed over, climbing into Eugene’s shoulder and screeching for the man to come with him!
“Woah slow down! Easy Ruddigar!” Eugene tried, picking up the small mammal and holding him in his arms, stroking his back to calm him down, “what’s wrong? Something happen with Varian?”
“Hey!” A small voice stated, getting all three to look up and gasp in shock as they saw…
“V-Varian?!” Rapunzel stuttered
“How?! He’s 16! H-how is he-!” Lance began
“It’s not possible!” Eugene interrupted
“But there he is”, Rapunzel stated, “he…. He’s….”
“A child!” Lance exclaimed with wide eyes
The freckled alchemist they’ve come to know and love, was now smaller than normal, his hair messier, and slightly shorter, he had less freckles than he normally did, and his goggles were much too big on him! They kept falling over his eyes, he’d fix them of course, but they’d continue to fall, making a reoccurring cycle that never ended. The boy stared at the three indignantly, “what are you doing to my waccoon?!” He asked sternly, “he’s my best fwiend! So you better not huwt him! Or I’ll get my daddy!”
The three adults were stunned into silence as Ruddigar hoped down and scurried over to his boy. The raccoon was up to Varian’s hips! The boy continued to glare at the three of them as he stood, protectively, in front of his Ruddigar, “Varian…. You…. How…. Old are you?” Lance asked
“Daddy says I’m not opposed to talk to stwangers”, the tiny child stated, crossing his arms over his chest and giving the three a pout
Eugene snorted a little before controlling himself and raising an amused brow, “didn’t you already talk to us when you demanded that we let your raccoon go?”
“I…. That was different! I was pwotectin my woved one! Daddy says it’s imp…. Imper…. Impi?”
“Important?” Eugene asked with a loving smile
“Yeah! Important!” The child exclaimed excitedly before he stopped, realizing what he’d just done and blushed, “um… tank you”
“You’re welcome”
“Dis doesn’t change anyfing!”
“Anyfing?”
“Anyfing! Yanno, wike, all dat we were just talking about”
“Oh! Anything”
“Yeah!”
“I see, you still think we were gonna hurt Ruddigar?”
“Yeah! And dat’s not nice!”
“What if I said we weren’t gonna hurt him?”
“I…. Don’t know if I bewieve you….”
Eugene smiled, “your daddy definitely taught you well”
“Yes he did!” Varian replied proudly as he puffed out his chest, “imma be just as big as him someday! And he says when I am, I have a lot of sponsabities!”
“Responsibilities?”
“Yeah! So I gotta be bwave wike him!”
“I see”
“Yeah! And I-! Hey! You’re twying to twick me! Getting me to tell you stuff so you can hurt people!”
“I’m not”, Eugene replied, raising his hands in a placating gesture, “honest, I’m just being thorough is all”
“Hmmm…. Otay…. But you don’t touch my Widdigaw….”
“I wouldn’t dream of it”
Varian nodded, satisfied that he’d won this battle as he gave Ruddigar ear a scratch. The raccoon was happy to receive it, but he was much more concerned with his boy’s current state. That anxiety grew even worse when Varian asked a question none of them wanted to hear, “hey by da way, have you seen my daddy anywhere?”
All three adults froze, unsure of what to say, Lance stepped forwards, “yeah we have, he’s uh…. Busy at the moment”
“Busy? Is he farmin? Daddy wikes to farm”
Lance felt his heart break at little as the image of Quirin behind bars filled his vision, “no he’s…. He ain’t farmin…. He’s just busy with….” The man got an idea, “the king! He’s talkin to him right now! So it’ll be a bit of a wait, it’s why you’re in the castle right now”
Varian blinked before he let out a loud, “ooooooooh!” As he looked around, “dat makes sense!” He squeaked with joy, “I wonder what I was doing den…. I’m not opposed to wonder from daddy….. I gotta go find him before I make him wowwy! Bye bye!” He waved to the three before running off
“Wait-and he’s gone”, Eugene exclaimed
“Well we can’t just let him run off, let’s go after him!” Rapunzel replied, “if he finds my dad, who knows what his PTSD will do! And if he finds *his* dad…..”
Lance shuddered, “let’s go, now”
They all ran after the child, as they did, they spoke, “what do you think did this?” Eugene asked
“The only thing I can think of is the top from the house of yesterdays tomorrow! And if that’s the case, then we only have an *hour* to turn him back to his regular age!” Rapunzel exclaimed, “but we didn’t take that top with us, did we?”
“Not that I’m aware of”, Eugene replied, “Lance?”
“No”, the former thief replied
“Whats wrong Lance? You seem off”
“My mind’s thinkin of all the things tiny Varian can do to get himself hurt, we need to find him fast!”
Eugene smiled, “just like a dad”
Lance gave his best friend a look before he froze, his eyes wide as he placed a hand to his ear. The prince and princess slid to a halt and looked at him, “Lance?” Rapunzel asked
“He’s…. Follow me!” The former thief exclaimed before he rushed past Cooper_Hunter376, the other two following, Rapunzel saying a quick sorry to the commenter before continuing to follow Lance
All three stopped when they finally found the place Lance was running to. The man was staring at Varian as he sat on the floor. His big blue eyes were filled with tears as he sniffled, the bloody scrape on his knee that he was avoiding staring at and the broken vase nearby told the story of what’d happened instantly
Ruddigar was nuzzling his boy, trying to calm the child as best as he could before the small mammal spotted the three. The raccoon let out a small chitter as his ears laced back nervously
Rapunzel and Eugene were about to walk over, when Lance stopped them, “I’ve got this”
The two looked at the man, he seemed confident, so they nodded and stepped back
Lance took a breath, let it out, then walked forwards, “hey little man”, he said softly, his voice calm and soothing
Varian sniffled and looked up at him, his lip quivered with fear and worry as he watched the man, “I…. I-I…. I d-didn’t m-mean to…..”
“I know you didn’t, it’s okay”, Lance replied softly as he kneeled in front of the child, “ya mind if I see your hands for a second?”
Varian sniffled before he showed the man his hands, Lance took them and inspected for any glass, he saw a few cuts, but that was all, “I’m s-Sowwy….”
“It’s okay”, Lance replied softly, with a warm smile, “it was an accident”
“I bwoke da pwetty vase….”
“We’ve got plenty more than that”, Lance stated, “no need to fret about a small vase, do you hurt anywhere else?”
“…..M-my weg…. A-and my hands…. my cheek too….”
“Your cheek?”
“Uh huh…. I b-bumped into da ped… pid…. Pdstal wif my cheek….”
“Pedestal?”
“Yeah….”
“Let me see”, the former thief, gently, placed his hand on Varian’s chin and got the child to look at him. The cheek was slightly swollen, there’d definitely be a bruise, but the damage didn’t look too bad. Lance smiled, “it’ll bruise, but that’s all, you’ll be okay, some nice lotion or ice that cheek and you’ll feel fit as a fiddle”
“Otay….”
The former thief frowned, “you okay?”
“I….” Varian sniffled even more, “I w-want my daddy!” He exclaimed, before he cried
Eugene sniffled and looked away, Rapunzel raised a brow, “when children cry, *I* cry, and I have a really ugly crying face!” The man explained
The princess smiled at her lover as Lance, delicately, picked up the small child, hugging him, “hey, hey it’s okay, it’s alright”
“Nu it’s not!” Varian replied through his sons, “daddy’s gone! I can’t find him, he’s gone and I bwoke a vaaaaaase!” He cried
Lance felt his heart break as he held the young boy. Ruddigar chittered at the man, begging him to help his boy. The man smiled reassuringly at the small mammal before he spoke to Varian, “hey, I know you’re scare right now. What happened to you is a scary thing to go through”
Varian’s cries softened a little at the man’s words, leaving only tiny sniffles in their wake as Lance continued, “you can’t find your daddy, the vase is broken, and you got hurt, you feel like it’s your fault too. But it’s okay, It’s not your fault, this was an accident, it happens! We’ll get someone to clean this up, and while they do that, we’ll heal you up and get you someplace safe, does that sound okay?”
Varian sniffled a few more times before he nodded, letting out a watery, “uh huh….” Before remaining silent
“Ok, you want me to carry you?”
“Yes pease…. My weg huwts a wot….”
“Ok, I can carry you”, Lance replied before he set the boy on his shoulders, making sure he was stable as Rapunzel asked a few maids to clean the mess up, which they were more than happy to do!
Once the boy was healed and the mess was cleaned up, Lance and Varian went to the alcehmist’s room while Eugene and Rapunzel searched around Varian’s lab. They managed to find the top with Ruddigar’s help, and showed it to Lance. The man was happy this could all be over, but as he looked at the small child, he noticed the boy looked very sad, “what’s the matter little man?” He asked softly
“I…. I dunno where daddy went…. He… s-said he never weave me…. But…. He’s n-not here….” Varian replied
Eugene and Rapunzel winced as Lance smiled, “you’re daddy will be back soon, he didn’t leave you”
“How do you know?” Varian asked, looking up at the man sadly
“Cause your daddy told me he’d never leave you”
“He did?”
“Yeah, Quirin is just…. Really busy right now, and I know that’s not somethin you wanna hear, but if it helps, he left you somethin”
“He did?”
“He did”, the former thief grabbed the stuffed bear Quirin had made for his son on his birthday. He handed it to the boy, “see? He made it with his own materials! That way, when you hug it, you’ll be high on your daddy”, the former thief stated with a grin, “he knew he’d be a while, that work would take time and that you’d miss him. So he made this bear and told me to give it to you anytime you missed him. That way you’ll always have him nearby, any time ya need him”
Varian took the bear and held his closed he smelled the apple and wood smell his father always produced, and smiled as he hugged the bear even tighter. Small tears fell from his eyes as he let out a soft sigh before he snuggled into Lance’s lap, and fell asleep
Lance grinned, as did Rapunzel and Eugene before the princess looked at a clock nearby, “oh no, we’ve got 2 minutes!” She whispered
“Ffffff-udge”, Eugene censored quietly, “we need him to look at it!”
“Hmmmm… hang on”, Lance booped the boy’s nose gently, getting the child to look up at him, “wanna see somethin cool?”
Varian blinked tiredly before nodding with a small smile
Lance gestured to the top, Rapunzel, using a book that Eugene has brought over, spun the top before they both backed up and covered their eyes. Lance covering his own so he wouldn’t be affected, so did Ruddigar. The flash came and went, and suddenly, the tiny weight in Lance’s lap felt a little heavier, “um….. hi?” A very familiar voice said in a confused tone
Lance, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Ruddigar all looked to see Varian sitting in Lance’s lap with a questioning, embarrassed, and intrigued look on his face, “VARIAN!” The princess shouted, wrapping her arms around the teen and startling him, “oh I’m so glad you’re alright!”
“Alright? What happened to me? Did I do something wrong? And…. Why do my cheek, hands, and knee hurt?”
“It’s… a *long* story kiddo”, Eugene replied with a smile
Varian listened to the two of them tell the tale while Lance stayed quiet, he noticed Varian hadn’t moved from his spot on the former thief’s lap. He wouldn’t push anything, but there was a small voice wondering if that meant the teen was okay with him now. Once the prince and princess had finished, Varian nodded, “so that top turnes people into their younger selves, and you only have an hour to respin the top in order for the effects to go away…. That’s pretty crazy…. Though how it ended up in my lab I’ll never know”
“Yeah…. Neither are we”, Eugene replied, “gotta say though kiddo, you’re definitely a very eager little tyke”
“Yeah! You stood up to strangers!” Raojnzel added with a grin, “and it was very intimidating”
Varian blushed, “uh…. Eheheh…. Dad did always say I was much sassier than I should’ve been…. Heh….. sorry for the trouble”
“It’s alright kiddo, you didn’t cause any harm”, Eugene stated, “though you still look tired, do you need a rest?”
“I…. Think I kinda do…. Being a little kid, running around, trying to find my daddy really takes it out of you”
Eugene snorted, “daddy”
Varian blushed, “you leave my names for my father alone sir”
“Noted kiddo, how about you get some rest while we figure out how this too got in Corona”
“Oki, thanks, for saving me”
“Anytime Varian, get some rest”, Rapunzel stated, hugging her little brother before she and Eugene left
For a moment or two, Lance and Varian were quiet, until the teen sighed, “thanks Lance…. For helping me”
The former thief was startled, “you… remember?”
“Yeah, I do….” Varian replied, “when Eugene and Rapunzel told me what’d happened, the memory came back to me instantly. I heard your voice, how soft and kind you were…. Thank you, it helped a lot”
“You’re… welcome Little man…. I…. I’m-!”
“I know”, Varian replied before he turned around and hugged the man, “I know…. And…. It’s okay….. Catalina and Angry managed to explain what’d happened and why you did what you did to me after I got out of the medical wing the next day. You were trying to help, I understand”, he let go and sighed, “you did wrong, but your heart was in the right place. Just… why didn’t you trust me?”
“Wha-but I *do* trust you”
“You didn’t when I said one drop was more than enough. You thought I was making a mistake because so many bad things have been going on. That’s…. Why I was so angry…. Because you, of all people, didn’t trust me to make a good decision regarding alchemy…. I know you meant well, but it still hurt that it seemed like you didn’t think I could think straight….”
“I… never meant it that way, I just….” Lance sighed, “…..You and I have had talks about how hard things have been on you and how you react to certain things. I don’t think you lack good judgement while you’re in a dire situation, far from that. Nor do I not trust you to know what you’re doin, I…. Honestly I just wanted to help…. I wanted to make your machine work because you’d been workin so hard on it. You put so much time and energy into making it right, that when I saw you place one tiny drop in there, I thought that all your hard work would be for nothin because…. You’d feel too defeated to try again…. I… worry about your mental health sometimes…. Not your anger, that’s under control, but Varian, your dad’s in *jail*, Cassandra and Cyrus are on the loose, you’re family is missin, Hugo’s in danger because of Cyrus, Donella got killed, which I *know* affected you too, and….. You’ve got strange Moon powers that I think you’re afraid of….”
Varian was startled by that, “I…. How did you know….”
“It’s not easy, if that’s what you’re worried about. But…. Small fades you make, tiny things you do here and there, they gave me a clue….. Varian I’m sorry, I never meant for you to think I didn’t trust you. I just wanted to make things easier. I thought that if your machine worked on the first try, it would build some confidence in ya! But… I just destroyed it instead…. I’m so sorry…..”
Varian smiled and hugged the man, “it’s okay Lance, I’m sorry I got so angry”
“You had every right to be”
“Still, thank you, for trying to look out for me, I really appreciate it”
Lance hugged the teen back, “anytime little man”
They stayed that way for a moment before the pair let go and smiled at each corner. Then Varian spoke, “but don’t ever touch my machines or chemicals again”
“Gotcha”, Lance replied with a chuckle and sheepish grin
Varian smiled before yawning. He snuggled onto Lance’s chest, hugging the bear his father had made him and letting out a tired sigh, “you’re my new bed”
Lance chuckled and nodded, stroking the teen’s head as Ruddigar curled into a ball next to his boy, “fair enough”
****
Hugo and Varian ran through the castle halls excitedly, the freckled alchemist holding their brand new artifact in his hand as they turned a few more corners before they burst into the throne room! Rapunzel, Eugene, and Arianna all jumped up a little before they smiled at the pair, “hey you two!” Rapunzel exclaimed happily as she waved at the pair, “back from your expo?”
“Yup! Who knew Corona had so many hustory buffs! I can’t believe you didn’t wanna go to the expo Rapunzel! They were selling some really amazing things!”
The Prince grinned, “normally I’d love to go, but we’re installing a new balcony in the castle since the old one is… well…. Old…. I had to be here for that since dad’s so busy with other royal matters, Eugene had to stay here too, since he’s the new Captain, he has to oversee that the regulations are being followed, and he was nervous”
The Dark Prince blushed a little, but smiled, “I appreciate you helping me out”
“Anytime! Plus it was nice to spend a day with mom!”
“Indeed it was Rapunzel”, Arianna replied with a gentle smile, “but now I’m curious to see what you two bought”, she added with a nod towards Varian and Hugo
The blond inventor grinned, “we got a sweet deal on an ancient artifact!”
“Really?”
“Yeah! They were selling it for cheap! Guess they didn’t know what they had when they sold it”
“Do *you* two know what it’s for?” Eugene asked
“Not *yet*”, Varian replied, “but we know it’s ancient, and the shop keep said he uses it as a door stop, but I felt something when I touched it!”
“You did?”
“Yeah! Almost like it was calling to me or something. I dunno, it sounds odd, but we managed to barter with the guy selling it, fun fact, Hugo’s a surprisingly shrewd negotiator!”
“Why thank you good sir”, Hugo replied with a grin, “I do have *some* talents”
Varian giggled as Eugene rolled his eyes, “show off”
“You’re just salty because I got this for a better price than you ever could”
“Pfft! For a glorified door stop, I would’ve gotten it for free!”
“I would *love* to see you try!”
“*Guys*!” Rapunzel’s exclaimed, “can we put the rivalry aside for a second please?”
“Fine”, the two replied, before they gave each other a stare that meant they weren’t done here
Varian sighed before he looked at the Queen, “to answer your piqued interest, allow us to present…. This…. Artifact…. Thingy! …..Ugh, that sounded better in my head….”
The Queen chuckled, “better than what I could’ve come up with”
Varian blushed and smiled gratefully at her before uncovering the artifact. It was a silver, wing shaped, item, there were white crystals that formed a picture of a wing on the front, the artifact was dusty and definitely old, but it gleamed with white light, and shimmered a little, “wow!” Rapunzel exclaimed, “it’s so pretty!”
Varian grinned, “it really is! I can’t believe we managed to find it! I’m so excited about this! It could be something we can use to help against Cassandra and Cyrus, or maybe even something that could protect Corona!”
“You never know”, Rapunzel replied with a smile, “I’m happy you’re excited, just don’t lose sleep over this new object, it’s not worth your heath to find out more about this you know”
“I know, I’ll be careful! Me and Hugo with both be! We’re just so excited! I mean, this thing ever has some ancient text on the bottom of it! It’s so mysterious!”
“We really are, and it really is”, Hugo replied with a smile
Arianna smiled, “well then, you may want to start researching now before dinner”
“Fair point, come on Hugo! I don’t wanna waster a *minute*!” Varian exclaimed
“Right behind ya Freckles”, Hugo replied
That is, before the pair stopped when they heard something begin to crack and crumble. They froze before turning to face the balcony Rapunzel and Eugene had mentioned. Walking over, the two scientists noticed large cracks forming in the brick and mortar, “uh Princess, I think the balcony needs a bit of reb-AH!” Varian began before the floor crumbled below him and Hugo, making them both begin to plummet towards the ground
“VARIAN! HUGO!” Eugene yelled as he, Rapunzel, and Arianna rushed forwards!
The two scientists were falling, faster and faster as they saw the ground approaching them at top speed! Rapunzel tried to use her hair to catch them, but they were falling too fast, “NO!” She screamed, tears streaking down her face when he hair missed the pair
The scientists looked at each other, they knew there was nothing they could do, Varian tried to levitate them both using his Moon powers, but his rising fear and anxiety prevented his them from activating! They were going to die, and there was nothing they could do…. The freckled alchemist smiled at Hugo as tears filled his eyes, the last person he’ll ever see, “it’ll be okay!”
“It will?” Hugo asked anxiously, “how?!” The bespeckle inventor was clearly terrified of what would happen next, it made Varian’s heart break, his only objective changing from alchemy, to the man he loved the most
“Because I have you with me”
The blond smiled at his lover, they got closer, interlocking their hands together before sharing a passionate kiss, one they knew would be their last, before Varian pulled Hugo towards him and hugged him, he then flipped around, so that the alchemist, and the alchemist *alone*, would take the full force of the crash, “Varian-!”
“I love you Hugo”
The blond couldn’t move, it was too late, “FRECKLES *NO*!”
Suddenly a bright flash of light appeared out of nowhere *right* before they hit the ground below! Everything seemed to play in slow motion as Eugene, Rapunzel, and Arianna watched from above!
Something sprouted from Varian’s back, large and pure white, they spread out, much larger than the teen and his boyfriend! With one quick motion, the things had managed to stop the two’s fall just in the nick of time! The two scientists froze as they looked around, Hugo spotted the two things that had sprouted from Varian’s back, “Varian… you…. Have *wings*!”
“WHAT?!” Varian exclaimed, before he looked behind him and saw the pair of white wings flapping behind him, “I…. H-how did I…. G-Get those?”
“I don’t know, but can you please fly us back up to the top before we fall any further?”
The freckled teen nodded, “r-right”, he, with Hugo in his arms, flew up to the fallen balcony, and landed, clumsily, back inside the throne room of the castle. Everyone was shocked by Varian’s new additions, they stared for a long time, “c-can everyone please stop staring, I know t-they’re new…. Mmmm….” The teen asked, making a shy noise as his new wings wrapped around him, hiding his face from view
“Pfft! They-they made you into a tiny burrito!” Eugene exclaimed before he laughed out loud! His cheeks had waterfalls of tears coming from them as he fell onto the floor in a mix of both relief and joy while he laughed his heart out!
Rapunzel stared at the wings for a moment longer before she walked over and gently touched them, “they’re so…. Pretty!”
“Rapunzeeeeel!” Varian exclaimed
“Right right, sorry, I just… can I have you pose for me later please?”
The alchemist huffed, his wings wrapping tighter around him as Hugo walked over, “where did these come from?”
“I DON’T KNOW!” Varian yelled, his wings spreading out as tears filled his eyes to the brim, “we-we-we were f-falling to our doom! I-I was gonna t-take the impact s-so you might have-have a strong chance of survival! I w-was fully prepared to save you, w-when-when suddenly *these* appeared out o-of *nowhere*! I thought I w-was gonna die! I thought w-we were goners! I thought e-everything was OVER for me a-and then these just…. They just….” Varian stopped and whimpered, “t-they….” He sniffled, wrapped his arms around himself before he sat in the ground, unsure of what to do with himself. He’d almost *died*, he saw his life flash before his eyes, and he’d accepted that fate, now that he wasn’t, and he was alive….. He didn’t know what to do…. So he cried….
“Oh….” Rapjnzel said softly, “oh no….”
Eugene stopped laughing, having gotten out all of the emotions he’d felt in less than a minute as he stood and walked over, giving his tiny brother a sympathetic look, “oh kid….”
Arianna did the same, she was unsure of how to approach this situation. She stood nearby, “Varian….”
Hugo didn’t hesitate, he was by Varian’s side in an instant, hugging him and holding him close as he spoke, soft and soothingly, “it’s okay Freckles, it’s okay”, he continued to hold the teen close as he allowed Varian to cry everything out, the alchemist’s wings wrapping around the pair of them while he did so, all the while the entire room was filled with nothing but Varian’s fear filled cries.
Notes:
Hello! So you’re all probably wondering why there aren’t more
This actually took me a long time to write, and funnily enough, I meant for them to just be short stories, but all your ideas were so interesting that I couldn’t help myself! So I made each one a lot longer than I meant to X3 sorry about that
So I’ll have to post them in parts, this one has all of Cooper’s and half of Card’s idea in it! The rest of yours Casrd, shall be in the next chapter tomorrow, along with a few other stories from other commenters like yourselves!
I received five wonderful ideas in total, and I wanna give each one the time and respect it deserves! So they’re all gonna be long, they’re all gonna be fun, and they’re all gonna have as much respect and dedication as any of my other chapters would, even more in fact, since they came from all of you! They’re incredibly unique and creative and I wanna make sure you all have your idea given as much care as I can
By the way, they’re all cannon to this story :D so we may see some of your ideas inside the finale, you never know :3
Either way, I’m sorry I couldn’t post all of them today, and that I’ve taken so long on them, I wanted to make them perfect, but I’m sorry to make you all wait….. I hope you still enjoy! We’ll see more wonderful stories from you guys tomorrow!
Thank you to all who gave me ideas, and to Cooper and Card, thank you for these wonderful ideas today! They really were fun to write! I hope you enjoy them a lot ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 401: Your Ideas! (Part 2!)
Summary:
This day’s chapter comes from the brilliant minds of CardCaptorKatara, and LionRoar74! Thank you so much for allowing me to write your stories, they were so much fun to write!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian sniffled a little, he’d been crying for a few minutes now. The room was still completely silent as he began to calm down. He held Hugo close, the blond inventor doing the same. No one spoke, what could they even say to an event like this?!
Varian wiped his tears away before he finally pulled away from Hugo. His wings spreading out once again, releasing both scientists from their protective hold, “so, those things are an extra pair of huggin arms eh?” Hugo joked, trying to lighten the mood
“Heh heh… yeah….” Varian replied, his weakened chuckle trying to convey his appreciation
Hugo gave his boyfriend a sympathetic look, “hey, we’re alive, that’s all that matters now, right?”
Varian sighed, “I…. I’m really happy we are, I just…. I was so…..”
“Scared?” Hugo offered, his boyfriend nodded, “me too…. But we don’t have to be scared now. Neither of us are dead, we survived, so it’s okay!”
“Is it? Where did *these*”, Varian gestured to his wings, “even come from? And why’d they shoot out of my back as if on cue! I’ve had plenty of times where I’ve fallen and could’ve really used a pair of shiny wings, and they don’t show up until *now*?! Why? When did I turn into a winged creature? Does my dad know anything about this? Could this pertain to my moon powers? Why Hugo? WHY?!”
“Freckles calm down”, Hugo stated gently as he placed a hand on Varian’s shoulder, “take it one step at a time here, it’s okay. At the moment, all we know is that the wings showed up right when we needed them to. We…. No…. *You* were gonna die had they not….. can we… talk about that by the way? You placed your body under *mine*, I know what you were trying to do, and you even admitted it. I appreciate that but…. Why?”
Varian sighed, “dad taught, me at a young age, that when you love someone so much, you’d do anything to protect them. He *always* protected me when I was a kid, from angry villagers to other mundane experiences like my clumsy butt falling off of basically any kind of high up furniture I could find, even if it hurt him. He did it through his actions, he showed me what it was like to be selfless. Hugo…. I love you, more than I’ve ever loved most anyone in the world. You, dad, Ruddigar, Adira, Hector, Grandpa, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Queen Arianna, and Rapunzel are the closest people I have in this world! I’d do *anything* to protect you! Even if that means I give up my own life to do so…. It’s why I did what I did, no point in us both dying, I got a loving father in my life, he helped me grow and raised me! You didn’t have that….. It’s your turn to be happy, you deserve to be”
“Varian….” Hugo said softly, he blushed as he covered his mouth, “freckles…. Damn it! Why do you have to be so wholesome?!”
This time Varian actually grinned, giggling a little, “because I’m my father’s kid, and dad is wholesome?”
“That explains a lot!” Hugo agreed before he sighed and smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, “thank you, I love you”
“Hee hee, love you too”, the two kissed each other happily before smiling at each other
“As adorable as this is you two, there’s still the wing situation”, Eugene pointed out, “also, we’re kinda still in the room, and you two are being NSB”
“NSB?” Varian asked
“Not Safe for Blondies”
“Oh come on Eugene”, Rapunzel stated with a smirk as the pair of scientists giggled, “give me *some* credit”
“Well, they’re also being NS lowercase b”
“NS lowercase b?” Hugo asked with an amused brow raise
“Not safe for beans! The lowercase b is to differentiate between Blondies, and beans, because beans tend to be tiny”
“I take it you and Lance came up with that?” The freckled teen asked with a bored expression
“Yup!”
The alchemist sighed before looking at Hugo, “I’m sorry, he’s just-!”
“Don’t fret Freckles, I’ve come to an understanding that PBB’s are part of the package when it comes to you. I’ve made my peace with it”, Hugo replied
“PBB?” Eugene asked
“Protective Big Brothers, or Pretty Big Boasters, but that’s only for you”
“You’re hilarious”, the Dark Prince stated with his own bored expression
“I know”
“Anyway”, Rapunzel began, “how about we figure out what to do with these wings huh?”
Varian nodded, “yeah, I um….. I’m not entirely sure how to handle these things right now”
Arianna walked over and kneeled next to the pair of scientists, “first things first, are either of you hurt in any way?”
The two looked each other over before shaking their heads, “we’re okay”, Varian replied
“Good”, the Queen stated, “now…. Do you mind if I touch them?” She gestured to the wings
“No, they don’t hurt, so… Just…. B-be careful?”
“You have my word”, the Queen replied, before she got up and walked to the wings. She placed a hand on one, gently, it didn’t move. She kept it there for a moment before brushing it with the feathers, they shimmered, but otherwise, nothing noteworthy happened, “hm…. Seems as though they’re here to stay”
“Really?!” Rapunzel asked excitedly, “I really hope so, they’re so pretty!”
Varian raised a brow, “I’m *so* happy for you”, he stated sassily
The princess blushed, “eheh, sorry”
The alchemist sighed, “no it’s fine, don’t mind me I’m just….”
“Grumpy?” Hugo offered
Varian smirked, “sure, we’ll go with that”
Arianna chuckled before she touched the other wing, doing the same motion as before, she noticed the freckled teen shudder a little, “did that hurt?”
“N-no, but it felt…. Odd…. Itchy it the best term”
“Itchy? Hmmmm”, she repeated the motion again, slowly though, she watched the teen until he winced a little. Looking a little closer, she smiled, “ah ha! I think I found the problem!”
“Really? What is it?”
“You’ve…. Got pin feathers”
Varian blushed, “p-p-*PIN FEATHERS*?! Like new baby *BIRD* FEATHERS?!”
“I’m afraid so”
“Uuuuuugh…. I’m not a biiiiiird”
Hugo snorted, “very grumpy”
“Shush”
The Queen giggled before she helped fluff a few of the new feathers out, “there, does that feel better?”
“…..”
“Varian?”
“…………..”
“Darling, I need to know, just in case something’s wrong”
“………………yes”
The Queen smiled, she could practically feel the teen’s blush from where she was standing, “it’s okay”
“No it’s not…. I’m a bird people now…..”
“Not the first time to be fair”, Hugo pointed out
“That was different, I was a fully fledged bird”
“Actually your were a tiny blue jay”
“Hugo!”
The blond inventor laughed, “why are you getting so upset? This is fucking cool! You’ve got *wings* Freckles!”
“Why though?”
“Moon powers?”
“Very specific”
“I’m just sayi-! Wait a minute….. Queen Arianna-!”
“You don’t have to call me Que-!” Arianna began
“What color would you say his wings are?”
“I….. would say they’re…. Silver?”
“Are you *absolutely* sure?” Hugo asked as Varian gasped with realization
“Y-yes? They’re definitely silver, why?”
“The silver wing artifact!” Hugo exclaimed, “that must be where they came from!”
“Why didn’t I think of that?!” Varian exclaimed as he face palmed, “I was holding the damn thing in my hands when we fell!”
“Because you’re distracted, you do have two giant wings coming out of your back”
“…..Fair point”
“Do you still have that artifact?”
“Yeah, surprisingly, here”, Varian pulled the item out of his backpack, showing it to Hugo, the duo gasped when Varian’s wing began to glow, “woah!”
“That settles it, they’re definitely from the artifact, but why did they appear at such a random time? What caused this artifact to activate?”
“Did you two look to see if there was writing on the artifact?” Rapunzel asked
“Not yet”, Varian replied honestly, “we kinda got a little too excited to show everybody”
The princess smiled, “that’s understandable, and knowing what we do now about this artifact, I really can’t blame either of you! But how about me and Eugene help you look”
“That would help, thanks”, Hugo replied
The group helped the duo examine the artifact while Arianna continued to straighten a few of Varian’s feathers, which he didn’t seem to mind, even enjoyed, until Eugene stopped them, “hang on, could I see the artifact for a sec?”
The two scientists nodded before handing it to the Dark Prince, “there’s writing I recognize here….” He squinted a little before he looked around, “not to be disrespectful, but is there dirt anywhere?”
“Dirt?” Rapunzel replied curiously
“I read, in a Flynn Rider book, that when you find an ancient artifact with writing, to make the words more legible, you could spread a little dirt on it, they’ll outline the letters a bit more”
“I read that too! Flynn Rider and the lost treasure of Scotia!” Varian exclaimed excitedly before he yelped and looked at the Queen
“Sorry, there was a broken feather”, Arianna stated, showing the broken feather to the teen
“Oh, well thank you, m-maybe warn me though please?”
“Of course, sorry”, the Queen stated with a blush, “they’re really messy wings, I’m surprised at how twisted the feathers got. Do you mind if I get a hand?”
“Um…. Sure…. Just… not a guard or the King please…. I don’t…. Want them near my back….”
Arianna nodded, “I won’t get either one, I noticed CardCaptorKatara walking around earlier, I could grab them”
“That’s fine, thank you, um…. Is that fun? Straightening my feathers?”
“It’s relaxing oddly enough”
Varian blushed as Hugo smiled, “I call the next turn”
“Can I share that turn please?” Rapunzel asked
“Yeah”
“You’re a butt”, Varian stated, nudging his boyfriend as the Queen managed to quickly find CardCaptorKatara and get them to, happily, help sort the feathers
“I try”
Eugene cleared his throat, “dirt?”
“Oh right!” Rapunzel exclaimed, “hee hee, sorry, got distracted, here, there’s some potted plants nearby”, she shows Eugene where a few potted plants stood, the man took a small handful and spread it on the bottom of the artifact. He then lifted it closer to his face and began to read the inscription:
“La vera devozione e amore sono necessari per mostrare,
La luce brillante e guida delle ali brilla,
Una volta che l’equilibrio sarà tornato e tutto sarà in pace,
Il dono delle ali cesserà finalmente!
Se le ali vengono donate a qualcuno di tale devozione,
Torneranno da quella persona quando gli verrà data questa idea,
Quando ce ne sarà bisogno appariranno le ali,
Una volta terminato il lavoro, presto scompariranno”
“What language is that?” Rapunzel asked
“Italian”, Varian replied, “I recognize some words from Eugene’s lessons, like ‘wings’, ‘balance’, and the like, but I couldn’t make out much”
“It means”, Eugene stated:
“True devotion and love is needed to show,
The bright and guiding light of the wings glow,
Once balance is back and all is at peace,
Will the gift of the wings finally cease!
If the wings are gifted to one of such devotion,
They'll come back to that person when given such notion,
When they are needed the wings will appear,
Once the job is done theyll soon disappear!”
“Devotion, and love?” Hugo said before his eyes widened, “you were going to sacrifice yourself to save *me*!” He exclaimed as he looked at Varian, “that’s why they appeared! Because you were going to save me and take the full impact that definitely would’ve killed you! True devotion and love!”
Varian’s eyes widened as well, “woah! So…. These wings are a gift because I wanted to save you”, he looked at the wings again, “t-thank you”
He noticed the wings begin to glow before they suddenly disappeared. The artifact glowing brightly in Eugene’s hands as they did. Arianna and CardCaptorKatara were a little startled, but they seemed to accept it as Varian and Hugo got up, “I guess they finished their job, the blond inventor stated
“Yeah….” Varian replied, “but, now they’ll reappear with me should I need them?”
“That’s what the inscription says anyway”, Eugene replied, “if that’s the case, then I think you should be the one to hold onto this”
The Dark Prince handed the teen the silver wing artifact, “thanks”, Varian replied, before he placed it inside his bag
“So…. Are you okay?” Rapunzel asked
“Well…. I feel a little better about the wings now, and I’m glad we didn’t die….. I think…. I need to have a session with Lance though…..”
“Mind if I join you?” Hugo asked, “I think a near death experience and almost losing my amazing boyfriend is traumatizing enough for me to get a session in with our local therapist”
Varian smiled and nodded, “yeah, I think it would be better if we both went”
“Uh kiddo”, Eugene said
“Hm?”
“Ya may wanna get a new shirt”
The teen raised brow before he felt wing against his back, “did they tear holes in it….” He asked, closing his eyes with a frustrated expression
Hugo looked and nodded, “yup”
“Hugo… c-can you….See my…. Um…..”
The blond inventor sighed, “a few…. But not all of them….”
The freckled teen sighed, before he felt someone sling a jacket on him. He looked behind him to see Eugene, now only wearing his undershirt, “use that until you get some new clothing Hairstripes”
Varian smiled and hugged Eugene tightly, “thank you”
Eugene returned the hug, “anytime”
They broke the hug before Hugo and Varian, who adjusted the jacket a little, walked through the halls, heading straight to their room so Varian could change before going to Lance for a much needed therapy session.
****
The man sighed as he walked down the hallways of the castle, he’d just been called to stop *another* argument between Stan and Pete, apparently the two were having some serious marital problems this week, this was the 5th time!
He walked up a flight of stairs, longing for the sanctity of his room, he managed to open the door and slam it shut before anyone could stop him for a quick chat, he needed to be *alone*! He found himself looking in his bedroom mirror, he had bags under his eyes again, “damn lack of sleep…. I’m gonna get crows feet at this rate….” He sighed as he shrugged of his uniform, changing into his, more comfortable, street clothing with a sigh, “I really wish I hadn’t taken the offer to be Captain somedays….” He stated with a groan as he straightened out his back
Suddenly, he heard something, it was small, and normally he’d brush it off with a ‘it was probably a person outside’ kind of comment, but the noise hadn’t been the typical sounds of life he normally heard in a day to day basis.
The man looked around, there it was again! It sounded like….. a whisper? He opened his bedroom door and looked around, apparently his door slam made everyone clear out, no one was in sight! “What the hell?” He asked himself, that’s when he heard it again
He sighed, he hated to do things while he was off duty, especially after a long day of peace keeping, but he had a job, off duty or not, he’d uphold it. He exited his room, closing the door behind him, and locking it, before placing the key in his pocket and walking through the hallways once again.
He looked this way and that, spotting Varian and Hugo eating dinner together with a few candles lit for ambiance, he’d be proud if he weren’t focused. He heard Rapunzel humming to herself as she and LionRoar74 hung a few of the Princess’s dresses on a clothing line. He smiled and moved on, all the while that whisper continued to plague him!
No matter where he went or how he’d gotten there, the voice seemed to always be right behind him! He continued to look around before he froze, he spotted Stan’s father, the spirit was walking behind his son, he tipped his hat to the Captain before continuing on
The man shuddered, he hadn’t *quite* gotten used to seeing spirits roaming around yet. Sure he understood *why* he could see them now, that tiny dip into the land of the dead before being brought back to life made way too much sense to be wrong! But it still startled him when someone walked through his being, or when he would hold a conversation with someone he’d thought to be alive, only to be questioned on why he’d been talking to himself later on by a trusted friend
He shook off the initial anxiety and continued his journey, he needed to know where that whisper was coming from! He walked through the hallways again, it kept following him, only now he was starting to make out a word…. He didn’t like it….
“Eugene?” A voice asked
“AH-! Fucking hell! Lance! Damn it….” He placed a hand over his heart and bent down a little to catch his breath before he looked at his best friend again, “where’d you come from?”
The former thief chuckled, “the kitchen, where else, you okay? Ya seem a little…. Frazzled”
“I am…. Frazzled I mean, Lance I-! …..Did you just hear that?!”
“What?”
“The damn whisper!”
“….Nnnno?” Lance replied, a little concerned, “ya sure you’re *just* frazzled?”
“Yes, I’m sure! I keep hearing this odd whisper Lance! It sounds like….. Like….”
“Like what?”
“…..My name….. It sounds like someone’s calling my name…. I’ve been hearing it for a little while now….”
The former thief gave his best friend a worried look, “uh Eugene, ya sure you’re not just hearin things? You *have* been working a little too much lately”
“I’m not hearing things Lance, there’s someone whispering my name, I…. I feel like I need to find them…. But everytime I turn a corner or walk towards or away from it, the voice stays the same volume”
“Hmmm….. Well, I’ve just had a very satisfying dinner of caviar and fillets, how about I help you out and come with. We can search for the voice together and see what’s goin on, yeah?”
Eugene was startled by that, “you…. Wanna help me look? For a voice that you cant hear?”
“You can hear it, and you’ve shown me that you can see things I don’t, why not hear em too?”
The Captain smiled, “thanks Lance, you really are a great friend”
“Anytime! So where should we go?”
“Well….. The voice still sounds the same no matter where I go, so I’m not sure”
“Have you tried goin to a place significant to you?”
“Why would that matter?”
“Ever since our ghost huntin thing, I’ve been researchin about spirits and stuff, Varian also let me borrow some of his books after he and Hugo visited me during the whole wing fiasco”
“Yeah, that was a crazy day”
“I heard….. Either way, he let me borrow those books because I was interested in findin out more about them…. Plus seein you talk to yourself, then your face turnin pale when I pointed that out was kinda freaky to me”
“I see”
“Don’t take offense, I’m here to help ya know”, Eugene sighed, but gestured for the man to continue, “anyway, when I read those books, they told me the best way to contact a spirit who is tryin to contact you, which this one seems to be doin, is to go someplace significant, ya know, special. A place you go to when you wanna seek comfort, or a place that holds a really great memory for you! Ya got any places like that around here?”
Eugene thought for a moment before he got an idea and smiled, “yeah! Come on!” He and Lance ran out of the castle, he could still hear the whisper, but he ignored it for now as the ran to the docks, renting a boat and rowing out to a place in the middle of the water, in full view of the castle balcony where Rapunzel’s parents’s bedroom was. He smiled as he looked up at it before he looked at Lance, who had somehow changed clothing, from his normal street wear, to a black and white striped short sleeve shirt, classy pants, and a hat, “where’d you get the get up?”
“I have it stashed nearby in case of random romantic needs on a bat, there’s a banjo there too!”
“My gosh Lance”
“Hey! Ya never know where the Little man needs a music filled evening with his boyfriend! Or when Rapunzel wants to have her parents regain their memories via musical boat ride!” Eugene raised an unamused brow, “it’s got good tips okay”
The Dark Prince chuckled, “never change bud”
“Don’t plan on it, so…. What’s the significance for you here?”
“This is where I took Rapunzel to see the lanterns for the very first time. It’s…. Also where she became my new dream….. I love this place, she does too actually”, he stated with a chuckle, “guess it’s a comfort place for both of us”
Lance smiled, “who knew a musical boat ride would quell the mighty Flynn Rider’s fantasies”
“Knock it off”, Eugene stated as he jokingly splashed a little water on his best friend, making the man chuckle
They waited for a while, both staring out into the sky as the sun began to set. They saw Varian and Hugo again, the two were holding hands and walking through town together, Catalina and Angry were buying some goods at a vendors place, something Lance made a note of since the girls seemed so excited, they also saw LionRoar74, Friedborg, and Faith chatting together, the three were seemingly done with chores for the day
The two men looked around, nothing seemed to happen, at least, not until Eugene turned to look at Lance, and he saw a cagily familiar woman staring back at him instead, “AH! Fucking!” He clutched his heart again as he intended his body before looming at her, he got an odd sense of warmth from her, “um….. hi?”
“Hi!” The women replied
“W-who are you?”
“Well…. I suppose you wouldn’t know would you….. After all, you’ve only seen one picture with me”
Eugene blinked before he raised a brow, “do I know you from somewhere? You seem…. So familiar to me”
“Hmm…. How about I do an impression of someone you know, someone I’m connected to, you can guess from there!”
“O-okay?”
She cleared her throated before hiding her right arm behind her back and smiling happily, “hello Horace!” She spoke, though a man’s voice came through her throat, thoroughly spooking Eugene as he recognized that voice instantly, “I’m so happy we’ve finally met each other! Now we will spend time together and take heed in the other’s camaraderie!” She stopped and giggled, “I’ve been practicing him for a while! I hope I did it right!”
Eugene chuckled, “that’s Edmund”
“Right! You got it! Now can you guess who I am?”
“You’re connected to Edmund, and you look familiar…..”
“I also know Quirin, Adira, and Hector personally if that helps”
“You know them personally?”
“Yeah! Oh but I knew them when they were much younger”, she chuckled, “Quirin was my best friend growing up, even if I was years older, he was always such a sweet and quiet baby, Adira was such a fire cracker, even when she went through so much, she always was so sassy, and Hector, oh that poor baby needed a lot of help breaking the rough shell, but he’s got a heart of platinum underneath that rocky shell, my sweet little babies”, she stated with a lovingly smile, “and then there’s you! My very first, and my last”
Eugene was shocked, he knew who she was, he just couldn’t believe it, but the way she spoke, her outfit, the crown on her head that matches his father’s….. There was only one woman that would be able to talk about the Brotherhood with such a loving voice, save for Varian, but even *he* wouldn’t call them his ‘babies’.
“…..Mom…..” Eugene stated as tears welled up in his eyes, “you’re my mother”
She smiled and nodded, “that’s right! I’m your mom, hi Horace!”
He placed a hand over his mouth as the tears dripped down his face, “h-how? How are you here? How did you find me? Why didn’t you…. Why couldn’t I see you sooner?”
Eden gave her son a loving smile, the same she’d given when talking about the Brotherhood members, in fact, “I wasn’t able to before unfortunately…. You saw me before, but I wasn’t able to speak, and even then, I was only allowed to follow my husband”
“Why?”
“Because he needed me”, Eden replied softly, “him and Quirin, at the time, needed my comfort, so they thought of me, that thought, the wishes of me coming to them, to be with them, I was able to use that energy to see them, to do what they wished. But only when they wished…. I’ve done the same for you too, been there by your side, but…. I was never able to speak…. Never able to get your attention, if I could, believe me I would have! I tried so hard to! But there wasn’t enough energy for me to do so…..”
“Then why today? What makes today different?”
“Because…. Today’s the day I died…..”
That shut Eugene’s mouth faster than Rapunzel’s glare
Eden giggled, “it’s okay, you don’t have to feel bad or sad for me, after all, I get to see you today! You, my beautiful baby boy! And I can peak at my grandson too”, she gestured over to the docks, Eugene followed her gaze and saw Varian and Hugo sitting together, laughing and joking with each other, “all I have to say, is that boy better not hurt my grandson, or I’ll haunt him until he’s scared of his own shadow”
Eugene snorted, “protective grandma”
“Very protective grandma, same for you by the way”, she stated, looking back at her son, “if that princess hurts you, she’ll have quite the flurry of nightmares coming her way, you’re *my* baby boy, no one messes with my baby!”
Eugene smiled, “while I don’t think Rapunzel will ever hurt me, I really appreciate that, and I’m certain Varian does too”
Eden smiled, “I’m glad, oh but here I am talking nonstop! Did you have any questions for me? Or anything you wanted to say?”
The Dark Prince was startled before he looked at the dipping Sun, “h-how much do you have?”
“Until the Moon rises fully into the sky”
“So not that long”
“Unfortunately”
“Hm…. Well…. I did have a question for a friend I wanted ton ask”, he said, “a friend you’ve already mentioned, a friend that…. Feels guilty about your death…..”
Eden knew who he meant instantly, “Quirin…..”
“Yeah….”
“He’s blaming himself isn’t he”
“He does, it doesn’t stop him from working or helping others, but….. it’s something he’s felt horrible for….”
Sheila smiled sadly, “when he gets his memory back-!”
“You know about that?”
“I watch over all of you”
Eugene smiled, “thanks”
“Anytime!” She replied with a grin, “but when he gets his memory back, could you tell him I said this to you”, she whispered in Eugene’s ear, he was confused at first before he smiled as she finished and backed away
“I can definitely tell him that”
Eden smiled, “thank you!”
“Thank *you*, for saying that to him! Um….. I do have some weird questions for you, is that okay?”
“That’s fine, I love odd questions!”
He chuckled, “odd in the sense that they’re… sort of….. what a kid would ask”
She tilted her head to the side, mirroring Varian and Quirin vividly, her brown eyes mimicking Edmund’s confused glances, as her lips were pursed with interest, like Adira and Hector tend to do, “what a kid would ask?”
“Yeah like….. your favorite color?” Eugene said with a blush
Her eyes lit up with understanding and love as she straightened her head and giggled, “it’s purple and blue, what’s yours?”
“Heh, mine are purple and blue too”, Eugene replied with a timid grin, Eden smiled wide as the two continued to talk. Eugene asked his mother questions, told her stories, she told him stories and asked him a few things as well, they sang songs from older Dark Kingdom times, shared secrets and all around enjoyed each other’s company. That’s when the Moon began to rise
Eden looked up at the sky, she smiled sadly, “time to go”
Eugene stopped and sighed, “do you have to?”
“I do, unfortunately I cannot argue against the timing of the Moon. She did give us time though, and it was nice, very nice! I loved every second of getting to finally talk with you, my little starlight”
“I’m your starlight?”
“Of course you are! You shine brighter than anything I’ve ever seen! You make everyone laugh and feel at peace, you’re comforting and kind, and *very* funny! You’re my little starlight, and I’ll never ever forget my time here with you today! It’s been absolutely wonderful getting to know you. Adira was right when she said you’re a friend, the fish skin that holds the group together”
“It’s a compliment”
“I know, a very big compliment, coming from Adira“
Eugene smiled, “thanks mom, I’m sorry if I…. Went a little too much with the questions”
“Oh honey you never went too much, I understand why you wanted to ask them! We never got a chance to talk before! I was so happy you wanted to know about me, and I’m so very glad I got to know more about you! I love you very much, hee hee, Eugene, and I always will”
Eugene smiled wide as he hugged his mother happily. Suddenly the wind picked up just a little, and he opened his eyes to find his mother was gone, in her place was a very confused looking Lance, “uuuuh…. Hi?”
Eugene let go and chuckled, “hi, sorry, I uh….. was-!”
“Huggin your ma? Yeah, I know”
“How do you-!”
“You were talkin to yourself the entire time, I could hear what you were sayin, you said mother and mom a lot, so when ya hugged me, I got the feeling it was time for her to go, which is why I spoke up”
“Wait, so you were just watching me quietly the whole time? What were you doing?”
Lance grinned and pulled out a banjo, “practicin”
Eugene stopped before he laughed and hugged Lance again, his best friend hugging him back with a smile, “oh never change Lance! Please never change!”
“Don’t plan on it, oh hey! While you were talkin, Varian and Hugo flagged us down, guess the boat guy wants his boat back, and those two wanna ride it together”
“Ah, wait did they see me talking to my mom?”
“Yeah, Hugo was confused, but Varian…. It seemed like he already understood”
“It…. Did?”
“Yeah, maybe he can see spirits like you can? I mean, ya did say he could astral project, maybe it’s a Moon power?”
“Maybe…. If that’s the case…. Hmmm”, he heard a whistle and looked, only to see Hugo with a raised brow and hands on his hips as he gestured toward the boat renter, who looked irritated while Varian blushed a little. Eugene snorted, “someone’s getting impatient”
Lance chuckled, “yeah, we better give the boat back”
“Yeah, come on, want me to row?”
“Nah, I’ve got it, relax bro”
Eugene smiled as Lance took the oars and began to row back to the docks, the Dark Prince looked up with a smile before he saw a shooting star race through the sky! He smiled even wider when he heard Varian point it out to Hugo, the teen sounded so excited about it, Eugene closed his eyes as Hugo told Varian to make a wish, the image of his mother’s face coming into Eugene’s mind as he felt one final, happy, tear fall from his face and drip into the water below.
Notes:
Hello!
Thank you to CardCaptorKatara (sorry for you story being split between two chapters), and LionRoar74! These stories were really fun to write and I hope you both enjoy them!
Tomorrow I’ll have more story ideas from different commenters like yourselves! This has honestly been a blast to do and I can’t thank you all enough for allowing me to write your ideas! They’re all so amazing and I can’t wait to write the others! I also can’t wait to write more of the story itself! I’m really excited and I sincerely hope you all enjoy!
Also, this would’ve been up sooner, but AO3 was down, which is fine, they got it back up again! 😁
Either way, thank you all so much for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 402: Your Ideas! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Today’s chapter has ideas from Reannie35, Mstree, and Hiko! Thank you all for your wonderful ideas, they are so much fun to write and I’m really enjoying them! Mstree and Hiko, this is the first half of your idea, because the emerald island play/roast of the main cast was really funny, but also really long, I’m gonna try to have all three seasons of the tangled series in it, so I had to split it a little, sorry, but I hope you both enjoy! 😁🎶
Reannie35 your story was adorable and I enjoyed writing it very much! Thank you for sharing it with me
Thank you all for sharing you story ideas! They were a lot of fun to make! If you have any ideas you wanna add, let me know and I’ll try to fit them in! 😁
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter
Varian sighed, he knew today was going to be a rough one as he looked at his calendar. Hugo, noticing his boyfriend was quieter than usual, walked over, “what’s up Freckles?”
“Today is going to be long”, the alchemist replied, still staring at the calendar
“What do ya mean?” The blond asked with a raised brow before he noticed a date circled, “‘March 29th, Bath Day’, bath day?”
“Yep”
“What’s so bad about getting a bath?”
“That’s the thing, there isn’t, but notice anyone conveniently missing?”
Hugo looked around the room, aside from the lack of dads in the area, which Hugo would never point out, he didn’t notice anyone at first, that is, until he felt Olivia moving around in his pocket, “Ruddigar?”
“Yup….”
“Where’s he gone?”
“Heck if I know, he does this every month! I don’t need to bathe him too much, in fact that can damage his fur if I do. But raccoons often suffer from disease due to dirt or bacteria that stays on their fur. And while he’s not dumpster diving like a normal raccy would, he still gets a lot of gunk in his fur. Enough to the point where I have to schedule a day out of the month to bathe him. Buuuuut he absolutely *hates* getting a bath! And no matter how many times I change the date or try to do it when he’s more comfortable or when he least expects it, he *always* knows! And I end up wasting the *entire* day rushing around, trying to find him, and by the time I do, I’m too tired to give him a bath, so it gets put off…..”
“……Ah”
“Yeah….. Hence, the long, suffering sigh and that statement that it is going to be a *LONG* day”
“Well…. How about I help?”
Varian raised a brow, “not to be impolite love, but you can hardly chase a pig on the *farm*, let alone a very stinky raccoon in a *castle*”
Hugo rolled his eyes, first off, those pigs are fucking *fast*, and second, you just said he’s stinky, all we have to do is follow his smell, sneak up on him, and catch him in a blanket or something. Plus he’s a….. Big boned, raccoon, how fast can he be?”
“You remember when I was captured by Cassandra and Ruddigar informed you and dad of my whereabouts?”
“Yeah?”
“Do ya think he was going fast then?”
“Y-Yeah….”
“Good, now times that by 10 and you’ve got a *fourth* of how fast he gets on bath day”
“……Damn”
“He really hates bath day”
“Well, I’m still gonna help you! No matter what”
“If you wish, we’d better get started”
“Get started?”
“It’s gonna be an entire day thing, why do you think I planned to have all of my alchemy done yesterday?”
“……If we catch and bathe him faster than you think, you get me dinner”
Varian smirked, “deal, but it won’t happen”
“It will, you’ll see”
****
The two scientists made their way through the castle, they talked over plans on how to capture the raccoon should they spot him, which didn’t take long to do. They went directly to the kitchen first and saw the small mammal stuffing his face with apples and nuts. The duo smiled and nodded at each other before Hugo whispered, “plan A”, to which Varian nodded
They separated, Varian heading left and Hugo heading right as they snuck up on the raccoon. For a moment, the plan seemed to be working, until Ruddigar’s ear twitched up, he stopped eating and *instantly* booked it!
“NO RUDDIGAR WAIT!” Varian yelled before sighing as he watched his raccoon disappear with a half eaten apple in his mouth, “see? What’d I tell ya?”
Hugo’s jaw was dropped as he stared after the small mammal, “he….. Holy shit, he *REALLY* hates bath day!”
“Eeyup”
“Hmph! I’m not giving up! Just gonna have to work smarter! Come on!”
Varian giggled as he followed his boyfriend. The two running through the castle together before they spotted the raccoon once again. He’d finished his apple and was now resting on top of a very high bookcase in the castle library
Hugo smirked, “he thinks he’s safe up there, he forgets about boyfriend Moon powers”, the blond whispered with a cheeky grin
“Uuuh Hugo?” Varian said with a raised brow, “you okay?”
“I’m competitive, I get a challenge, I *never* lose”, the blond stated as he looked at Varian seriously, “call it a character flaw”
“Noted”
“Good, now can you fly up there?”
“I can try, though I can’t guarantee I won’t make noise”
“He’s pretty high up, and I don’t see a large stack of books to get him down, so I think he trapped himself”
“You’d be surprised about how surprisingly resourceful the tiny raccoon can be”
“Your advice has been noted, now *fly* my pretty! *Fly*!”
“…….”
“…..Give me this?”
“….Fine, but just lost 10 good boyfriend points”
“It’s a worthy cause”
Varian rolled his eyes before he concentrated his magic on himself. He began to lift into the air. Smiling as he felt more confident, he began to fly higher and higher! He managed to be level with a few of the bookshelves! He smirked before he glided over to Ruddigar, the raccoon still hadn’t been made aware of his boy’s altitude yet.
Varian rose just a little bit more, finally level with his raccoon, he reached out to grab him when Ruddigar’s eyes suddenly *shot* open! He chittered frantically before he hopped onto Varian’s head, being careful not to scratch him before he hopped off and landed on a shorter bookshelf nearby!
“Ruddigar!” Varian exclaimed, flying over to try and catch his best friend. The duo chased each other through the library, knocking over books and startling readers and staff, including Reannie35, who was reading a book about hairstyles, before the raccoon finally managed to make his way to the ground and dart away using two people to block his boy’s path!
Varian had to stop himself by halting his magic and skidding to a halt before, stopping *right* before he could run into the pair of readers! He let out a small, “phew!” Before he heard someone clear their throat behind him. He froze when he saw the librarian behind him, she raised a brow and pointed to the mess Ruddigar and he had made. The alchemist sighed as Hugo huffed a little at the women. Varian used his magic to levitate everything back in its place, “sorry”
The staff member gave the boy a snotty, “hmph!” Before walking away
Hugo walked over to his boyfriend and he glared daggers at the woman before he placed a hand on Varian’s shoulder, “you okay?”
“Yeah…. Just embarrassed….”
“Don’t be, that bitch doesn’t know who she just ‘hmphed’, if she did, she wouldn’t have been so nasty”
“Still….”
Hugo gave Varian a kiss on the cheek, “it’s gonna be okay, though I’m thinking about using a brand new brush to make sure Ruddigar’s clean now….”
“The bristles are too stiff”
“That’s the point, he really hates baths huh?”
“Yeah….”
“Was there ever a time he *didn’t* pull this shit?”
“Whenever dad was home”
“…..Oh….”
“Yeah…. All dad has to do is giving Rud the side eye, and he’d hop *quickly* into my arms, no questions asked….”
“Well that won’t work….. Hmmm….. Come on, I’ve got another idea, may not have the exact same effect, but we can try!”
Varian raised a brow, “what are you planning?”
“You’ll see, come on”
“Oki”, the duo walked out of the library, Hugo taking immense satisfaction faction when he heard Reannie35 chewing out the librarian for being rude to Varian. He gave the commenter a grateful smile before leading Varian away from the library
The duo found Ruddigar once again, though this time they weren’t alone, “Hugo, are you really sure this is gonna work?” Varian asked
“It’s got to! Your dad makes an angry face to stop the raccoon in his tracks, we’re doing the same thing!”
“Flirting big brother faces are *not* the same as angry dad faces!”
“He’s got a point Hairstripes”, Eugene agree with a smile, “‘sides, the sooner you two catch Ruddigar, the sooner all the complaints can stop coming to my office….”
“Eheheh…. Sorry”, Varian replied with a blush
“How many complaints have you gotten?” Hugo asked
“Two so far, one from the chef, and the other from the librarian”
“That bitch”
“Um anyway, so you’re going to….. What now?” Varian asked Eugene
“Apparently, give Ruddigar my Smolder look”
“…….”
“Don’t blame me, your boyfriend thinks it a good idea”
“I’m using logic here, if one face can stop him in his tracks, another should be able to easily!” Hugo defended
Varian sighed, “ya know what, imma just sit this one out guys, if you catch him, kudos, if you don’t, I told you so”
“Fine”, Hugo stated, “we’ll see you in the victory circle, with Ruddigar”
The alchemist looked at Eugene and raised a brow, “it’s worth a try kiddo”, the man stated with a shrug before he raised a brow, “did you hear someone whisper my name just now?”
The freckled teen sighed, “I won’t stop you, genuinely, good luck….. And no I didn’t, did you?”
“Um….. No, I was just asking, anyway, thanks!” The Captain exclaimed before scampering off after Hugo
“You’re welcome?”
Hugo and Eugene began to make their way over to the raccoon, who was sitting on a window sill in an unoccupied room. The duo managed to sneak up on him, but the raccoon heard them. He looked over, right as he did, Eugene popped up and used his smolder on the small mammal, and it worked! ……For about less than a second before Ruddigar huffed and raced off, passing Varian before the teen could even *try* to grab him
Eugene blinked before sighing and looking at Hugo, “we should really listen to your boyfriend more”
The blond sighed before nodding, “yeah…. Oh well, thanks for trying”
“Anytime, just, try not to make a mess anymore today, please?”
“No promises!”
The Captain sighed before smiling at Hugo good naturedly before looking over at the alchemist, “see ya Varian”
“See ya”, the freckled teen replied. The two scientists watched as he walked away before Varian got up and walked over to Hugo, “so, got any other ideas?”
“You still want me to come up with something after *that* train wreck?” Hugo asked
“I mean, I knew it wouldn’t work, that doesn’t mean I hate you, Ruddigar was trained by me and my *dad*! The man’s trained *Max* the *Guard horse*! Believe me when I say, one incident of you trying something I don’t agree will help isn’t gonna make me upset. I’m willing to try *anything* to catch Ruddigar, I just happened to know a flirty face from a handsome man would not be the same as an angry face from a snuggle dad”
“Handsome man?”
“You keep forgetting Eugene was my first crush”
“No I haven’t forgotten, it’s just cute”
Varian blushed, “you just lost 5 more good boyfriend points”
“Worth it!”
****
The duo tried to catch Ruddigar for the rest of the day, attempting various traps and numerous plans, all ending in the raccoon managing to squeeze himself out of each one! Hugo few more and more frustrated as the day went on, until the set was beginning to set. The blond’s eye twitched as he went over all the plans he’d written down just to catch the raccoon, “we’ve tried sneaking, flying, smolder, sneaking again, chasing, food bribery, *money*bribery, tough love, nets, a cage at one point, the smolder *again*, Lance therapy, more chasing, *begging*, Rupinzel’s hair, RAPUNZEL’S FUCKING *HAIR*! This raccoon has slipped through every single once of our damn traps and I’m losing my fucking patience!” The blond exclaimed before huffing and placing a hand on his forehead, “calm down, there must the *something* we haven’t tried yet. Maybe we can-no we’re done that….. Done that too… Damn it!”
Varian sighed, “are you okay?”
“NO! This raccoon is fucking quick and smart and resourceful and it’s annoying!”
Varian had never seen his boyfriend this frazzled before, “love, how about we call it a day, and get some food huh? My treat-!”
“NO! I will *EARN* that dinner the day I catch this FUCKING RACCOON!” Hugo stomped off to start a new plan, leaving Varian in a state of shock for a moment or two before he thought to himself, “this is getting out of hand…. What could we use to-!” Suddenly he got an idea and smirked before he walked into the hallway, checking to make sure it was clear, he stepped out and cleared his throat, “oh Maaaax~”
Not even two seconds passed before the horse in question showed up to the teen’s call, he gave the alchemist a questioning whinny, asking if anything was wrong
“We’ve got a dirty raccoon in need of a bath, and a beautifully blond boyfriend who’s about to explode, think you can help me with this please?”
The horse huffed an affirmative
“Great! Cause I’ve got an idea”
****
Hugo glared around the corner of the hall, Ruddigar was waddling down it, his tail swishing happily as he took a lovely stroll. Hugo smirked before he jumped out, scaring the raccoon and making him run! But, much to the blond’s chargrin, he went the opposite direction, dodging underneath Hugo’s legs and avoiding the sticky trap Hugo’d set out for him in the hall
The blond sighed as he placed his head in his hands and slid, against the wall, to the floor in defeat. He was so, unbelievably, frustrated that he very nearly cried, that is, until he heard a chitter, startled screeched, and a very confident, “GOTCHA!” From his boyfriend
Hugo instantly shut up and ran towards the noise, only to see Varian holding a pouting Ruddigar in his arms as Max, holding a plate full of apples in his mouth, smirked, “w-what?!”
Varian smiled when he saw Hugo, “hello love! When you walked away, I got an idea, and look, it worked!” He exclaimed, showing Ruddigar to the blond
“H-How?! How did you catch him?!”
“Well, Ruddigar and Max have always had a rivalry with each other, *especially* when it comes to apples! They get along now, but that rivalry is strong! So I had Max grab a plate full of apples and walk around with it! Once Ruddy saw them, I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist trying to take one, and I was able to catch him right as he hopped into the air to steal one!”
Hugo was dumbstruck for a long time before he sighed and sat on the floor, “I concede! That was a solid plan and I’m not worthy!”
Varian walked over and placed Ruddigar in Hugo’s arms, making sure to keep the raccoon from escaping as he kissed Hugo’s cheek, “you are worthy, you spent the entire day trying to help me catch my raccoon, that speak volumes to me!”
Hugo smiled lovingly at the teen, “thanks Freckles, sorry I got so frazzled”
“It’s okay, how about we get Ruddy cleaned up, then we go out for that dinner date yeah? Maybe have a nice evening on the lake in a boat?”
The blond smiled and nodded, “that’s sounds wonderful!”
The duo gave Ruddigar a bath, much to the raccoon’s annoyance. He behaved in during the experience however, and once that was done he instantly fell asleep inn the duo’s bedroom. The teens smirked and walked out quietly, heading towards the docks as they held hands and talked about the day they’d had together!
****
“LOOKIT LOOKIT LOOKIT!” Rapunzrl exclaimed excitedly as she shoved a piece of paper in Varian’s face
The teen had been in the middle of breakfast before this commotion began, he gently took the paper and read the title, “Ruby Continental Coaches troupe performs the newest adventure got hot off the press! ‘Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure’, a dramatic retelling based on the Coronan princess’s journey with her friends and loved ones, and her battle with the evil Cassandra! With details provided by a very reliable and fortune telling source, and her monkey companion, for a hefty price, who claims to have met the princess when she spent a year away from her home on the journey to the Dark Kingdom!”
The teen raised a brow, “who are the Ruby Continental Coaches?”
“Really horrible performers”, Hugo replied with a groan
“Couldn’t agree with you more”, Lance stated as he sipped some tea
“Oh come on a Lance, they aren’t *that* bad”, Eugene stated
“Are you kiddin?! They *ruined* the ballet classic ‘A Walk in the Bush’! That musical had character! CULTURE!”
“Lance, it was literally someone walking in a bush”
“It wasn’t *just* that, you don’t understand how deep that musical can get because you didn’t get a part!”
“I didn’t even try out!”
“Well maybe if you had, you would’ve understood”
Eugene rolled his eyes as he turned to look at Varian, “me and Blondie are gonna go see the play, who knows, this could be really fun to watch! You wanna come?”
Varian thought about it before he nodded, “why not, could be interesting, and I need a break from the alchemy anyway”, he replied, “also, Lance mentioned a musical, but you’re saying it’s a play, is there a difference?”
“Yeah”, Lance replied with a smile, “a play has background music but no one actually sings, a musical has people singin in it”
“Ah”
Hugo raised a brow, “I’m warning ya Freckles, that play is gonna be bad, fucking, news”
“Why?”
“Don used to take me to their performances when she wanted to sell a bad revamp on some merch. I managed to sneak a few peaks into the play and saw the horrible performances, they’re terrible! And they make the characters so over exaggerated that you can barely tell who they’re originally meant to be”
“Well I’d like to try it out for myself”, the alchemist stated, “who knows, even if the play is bad, we could all still get a good laugh”
Hugo smirked, “always the positive one?”
“Someone has to be”
“Hmm, fair, alright, I’ll come too”
“But you just said you hate them”
“Meh, if you’re going, then I’m going, I heard they have you in there, and I’m worried they’re gonna do something or show something they have no business showing”
Varian blinked, “I’m… In the play?”
“Yup”
“Huh, I’ve never been *in* one before…. That’s a little nerve wracking”
“Don’t worry Varian”, Rapunzel stated, “it’s gonna be a blast!”
Varian smiled at the princess happily as he finished his breakfast
****
The group, including Lance, headed out right after breakfast, wanting to get good seats before the performance began, they managed to find some good ones in the balconies, able to see everything from their vantage point! Varian and Rapunzel were chatting about how excited they were for the play, and how startled they seemed to be when they saw Queen Arianna and King Frederick sitting above them in the Royal seats, before the lights dimmed and the play began. Mstree and Hiko waving to the group as they sat together in front of them, the group waved back before looking towards the stage
What they saw made all of them freeze, a fat King Frederick stood in the middle of the stage, hands behind his back as he began to speak, “oh the humanity! My wife is sick and going to die! What ever shall I do to fix this conundrum?!”
What looked to be a child playing Nigel ran out, “your majesty! Your majesty! There’s a ex machina sunflower that can save your Queen and daughter!”
“Oh Nigel! My most trusted advisor! Thank you so much for this wonderful news! Fetch this flower at once!”
“Your majesty!” Another voice exclaimed off stage, only for a very large, buff, man wearing black armor came walking out, “don’t take flower, it bad news for kingdom”
“Quirin!” The fake Frederic exclaimed dramatically, making Varian’s eyes widen in shock and disgust as he stared at the actor portraying his father, “my best friend in the whole wide world! I must get this flower! Otherwise my wife and daughter will die!”
“Flower bad, destroy kingdom with darkness”, the fake Quirin stated unenthusiastically
“Oh you’ll never understand! Guards, take him away!”
A couple child guards came out and pulled on Quirin, the man didn’t move until the actor playing Frederick gestured him to leave the stage, only then did ‘Quirin’ walk off, the children hanging onto his ankles as he did before the child Nigel came back holding a cardboard flower, “your majesty, I’ve found the flower!”
“Oh thank you Nigel! Allow me to save my family!” ‘Frederic’ stated
“But your majesty, what about the rest of your people? Surely they could use the flower too yes?”
“Who cares! My family needs me!” The fake king exclaimed before he walked off stage and the curtains closed
Some clapped as Varian stared, unblinking, at the stage, before he huffed and glared as his lips quivered a little, “you okay Freckles?” Hugo asked
The teen looked at him, and noticed everyone in the group was as well, he sighed, “yeah…. Just…. Maybe taking this too seriously…..”
“We can leave anytime you need us to Varian”, Rapunzel stated softly
“Thanks, but I’m okay for now, really, I just…. I miss him….”
“Understandable”, Lance replied, “if ya need a minute, I’ll head out there with you for a break”
“Thanks”, Varian replied with a grateful smile
They turned back to the stage when the curtains opened again. This time, they showed the king and queen, who looked completely different, hair and make up plain, and outfit clearly being a compliment to fake Frederic’s, making her appear completely complacent with her husband as they put, what looked like, a baby doll with blond hair into a crib before leaving, fake Arianna stating, “shouldn’t there be guards watching her dear?”
“Nope! I need them to watch my throne to make sure it stays perfect for me!” The fake Frederic replied loudly
Rapunzel wrinkled her nose at that, and even more so when the actress portraying her mother gave a simple, “yes dear”, before leaving
“She’s not like that, neither of them are”, she whispered to Eugene
“Yeah…. That’s….. They definitely got their faces crossed on the portrayal of your parents”, her lover agreed
They then saw the lights darken before turning red as a hunched back old crone in a black cloak hobbled on stage, “ooh shiny!” Sheila stared, before walking over and grabbing the baby doll out of the crib before she left.
The curtains closed once again as people laughed, this left Rapunzel dumbstruck, “that’s wasn’t what happened! It was an accident!” She exclaimed quietly
“I know Blondie, I know”, Eugene replied comfortingly before the curtains came up again
They saw a women in a purple dress sweeping before a cardboard cut out of a chameleon popped out and squeaked at her, “oh, hello random lizard I chose to keep after you led a snake into my room and I wounded it before naming you Pascal!” The real Rapunzel, huffed, she wished she didn’t have to leave Pascal with the other animals at the castle, but the ‘no pets’ sign on the door forced her hand….. she was secretly glad he couldn’t see this though as she watched, what she assumed to be herself sweeping the floors again
“Oooh Pascal, when will my life begin! I mean, I long to see the floating lights that shine in my birthday and I think have absolutely nothing to do with me, it’s my dream, my only purpose! But my mother won’t leave me be for a few days to go see them!”
“Rapunzel”, the old crone’s voice exclaimed from off stage, “I’m leaving for three days because we had a fight and I need to get you special paint that’ll confidently give you three days alone in the tower without me”
“Ok mother!” The fake Rapunzel exclaimed while the audience laughed, “oh Pascal I can finally go now! But I need a guide to take me, someone strong and handsome and who clearly has some other reasons for wanting to take me that I don’t ever find out about until it’s too late and it breaks my heart!”
“Hello pretty lady!” A voice called, getting a moderate amount of people to cheer as a very familiar man came came onstage wearing a Eugene outfit, “I’ve come to take you with me and have an adventure where I become a good boy when you hear about my sad backstory and finally understand me!”
“Oh look Pascal! A stranger! Right when I needed one! Let’s go stranger!”
“Onwards!” The fake Eugene exclaimed before he, with the fake Rapunzel in his arms, hopped off the cardboard tower they were on and walked off stage before the curtains closed and people cheered
Everyone was stunned into silence before they looked at Eugene, who was *steaming*, “honestly Eugene, the guy looked a lot like you”, Lance tried
“I know! That’s because that’s Brock Thunderstrike!” The Captain snapped
“Wait really?” Varian asked, “that’s was him?”
“Yeah I’d know those gorgeous copycat dimples anywhere! What’s worse is that he’s still got that mustache and he’s playing *ME*!” He yelled before slapping hands over him mouth and looking around, no one seemed to notice
“At…. Least he’s making a name for himself?” Hugo tried, but wilted back a little at the icey glare and growl he received
“Ok everyone look, me and Hugo tried to tell ya how bad these actors and actresses were but ya didn’t listen. If ya can’t handle the play anymore, they I suggest we leave now”, Lance stated
“No”, Eugene stated with a huff, “that’s just what he’d want me to do, I won’t give him the satisfaction….”
Lance and Hugo gave each other worried glances before the curtains rose once again, showing fake Rapunzel crying in her tower room, “I can’t believe the stranger I loved so much, even though I only knew him for an entire two days, up and left me to steal a crown!”
The cardboard Pascal squeaked at the fake Rapunzel before the princess blinked and looked up, “you’re right Pascal, my one and only friend, the drawings I made somehow form the shape of that Coronan Sun! Therefore, I must be the lost princess!”
The old crone came back on stage and chained the fake Rapunzel up, “you won’t leave! I want your hair to make me pretty!”
“Nooooooo!”
“I’ll save you pretty lady!” Brock Thunderstrike yelled as he swung onto the stage and stood in front of the fake Gothel, “stand back you cur!”
“Stab magic!” The old crone yelled, poking Brock’s stomach
“Oooh! I’m incredibly, and handsomely, hurt and dying!” Brock yelled before falling to the floor
“NOOOOOO!” The fake Rapunzel yelled, the audience shedding some tears as Eugene and Rapinzel rolled their eyes, “mother! Allow me to heal my stranger of a prince that I’ve only known for two days, and I will give up my entire life to you!”
“Ok”, the old crone replied with a shrug before chaining up Brock and backing away, “I’ll just trust you to keep your word blindly”, she added, making the audience laugh
“Goldie”, Brock said weakly, getting Eugene to raised a brow, “come closer”
The fake Rapunzel scooted closer, “yes my love?”
“I….. I…… Hate this hair”, he stated, before taking the wig and throwing it off the actress, making everyone gasp, “I have nothing for brunettes now”
“What? But I need to heal you with that!” The fake Rapunzel exclaimed
“Heal me with your tears woman”, Brock stated before he ‘died’
“Well that was rude, but ok!” The fake Rapunzel stated, getting the audience to laugh again as the old crone died and dust plumed out of the side of the stage, signifying she was gone
The fake Rapunzel made crying noises until a teardrop noise could be heard and Brock jumped up, “IM ALIVE AGAIN! And because I was healed by the power of love, I now love you unconditionally, wish to marry you, and am a good boy now!”
“YAAAAAAAAY!” The fake Rapunzel cheered, “guess what, I’m the lost princess!”
“WOW! That definitely wasn’t obvious when I saw the picture of that baby princess with blond hair and green eyes that looks just like you!”
“Right?! How could we have known?!” The fake Rapunzel exclaimed, “come on! Let’s go talk to my parents! I’m sure they won’t ask questions about you at all and just accept you since you saved my life and I saved yours!”
“Right”, Brock agreed, “let’s go!”
They walked off stage as everyone cheered and the curtains closed! One of the stage hands stating they would be taking a quick intermission
The group walked out and were completely silent as they did. Once they’d all gathered into the lobby, they found a quiet corner and hid, “what have we gotten ourselves into…..” Lance and Hugo stared at the same time
Notes:
Hello!
Again, these ideas came from the brilliant minds of Reannie35, Mstree, and Hiko! Thank you all very much for them!!!!!!
The rest of Mstree and Hiko’s will be coming soon, I hope you all enjoy!
I also wanna say, I love the movie and show, I’m just poking fun at it the way they did in Avatar :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 403: Your Ideas! (Part 4!)
Summary:
This story idea is from Mstree and Hiko! And from me…. A personal story from me <3
Chapter Text
The group walked back into the auditorium, none of them really seemed excited, Hugo and Lance had offered the group an out, saying they could leave at any time. But various excuses for staying, ranging from Eugene’s rivalry with Brock, to Rapunzel’s optimistic thinking that maybe things would get better as they watch had convinced the pair that trying to leave wouldn’t work.
Hugo had been extremely protective over Varian, the alchemist had been silent for the entire intermission, the blond inventor had a bad feeling that his boyfriend wasn’t going to be okay after this…. As they took their seats, waving to Mstree and Hiko once again, the play continued the story, showing fake Rapunzel, now with a short, brown wig, walking towards a person in a blue, lady in waiting, dress. The princess whimpered as she realized who that person was portraying
“Oh Cassandra! My lady in waiting and best friend in the whole wide world! It’s been a few years since the tower, my boyfriend, Eugene, is getting a little too clingy, and my father is way too overprotective! What is a princess like me to do in order to get some sort of relief from my royal life?”
The person portraying Cassandra turned, only to reveal, “I hate talking about feelings! Let’s hit the road and ditch this dump for a bit!” The *male* actor stated as he snarled angrily
The crowd laughed as Rapunzel stared at the actor before she crossed her arms and huffed. “Oh Cassandra you’re right! I’ll go with you on an adventure! I won’t tell anyone because they’d never understand! Not even my rouge boyfriend Eugene! Come, let us find our purpose together Cassandra! Just you and me!”
“Yeah! And maybe trash some shit because I’m so angry at everything!” The male Cassandra exclaimed before he bashed a window open, scooped up the fake Rapunzel, and jumped out the window
The curtains closed as people cheered, Rapunzel didn’t clap, “she’s nothing like that…. She’s not some nasty, horrible, brute, she’s aggressive sure, but she’s not…. Not like that…. At least not at first….”
The rest of the group remained silent as the curtains rose again and they saw the actors walking through, what looked like, a forest, “oh Cass! When you broke through the wall of Corona, it was so impressed by you! I’m so glad you had this idea!”
“Glad someone’s happy”, the male Cassandra replied sarcastically, “hey look, black rocks! I’m gonna smash em!” He ‘ran’ forwards and the scenery changed to show the black rock monument. Male Cassandra tried to break the rocks, but he wasn’t able to
“Hold on Cass”, the fake Rapunzel stated as she walked over wistfully, “I must touch it”
“Why you?” Make Cassandra asked
“Because I’m the princess, and I feel something pulling me towards it”, the fake Rapunzel ‘walked’ over and touched the black rock, which were cardboard. The light on stage grew brighter for a moment before it went completely dark. Then the fake Rapunzel yelled and suddenly the lights went on, showing fake Rapunzel’s long blond hair had returned
Male Cassandra stared at it for a while before crossing his arms, “meh”
Fake Rapunzel twirled the hair in her fingers, “oh my father is going to kill me! But we can cut it, can’t we?”
Make Cassandra grinned and walked over, grabbing a rubber sword and trying to cut the long wig. It didn’t work, “it won’t cut, stupid hair….”
The fake Rapunzel sighed, “well, you failed me Cass, but it’s fine, let’s go home”
The two walked off stage as the curtains closed, the actor playing Quirin walking behind them behind some of the background scenery, his fist clenched as a blue mark glowed on it. The crowd cheered as Rapunzel shifted a little, “you okay Blondie?” Eugene asked worriedly
“Yeah I just….. I never told her she failed….. but….. it’s bringing back…. Rough memories….”
The curtains rose again, and it showed male Cassandra and Fake Rapunzel, “you did you know a person who could find out more about this hair?”
“Yeah, he’s the town freak, no body likes him, he’s named Varian, and he’s a wizard”, male Cassandra stated bluntly
Varian winced as Hugo wrapped an arm around his boyfriend’s shoulder, “is that really what people thought?” He asked gently
“They might as well have….” The alchemist replied, as Lance placed a hand on Varian’s shoulder
“Oh Cass, after the fight with Lady Caine, who was only angry because my father took his rage out on his people, and the argument with my father, I don’t if I want to meet someone new who’s considered a freak”, fake Rapunzel stated, making Varian’s lips quiver a little
“He might be able to find out something about your hair with his freaky magic”, male Cassandra stated, “and if he tries anything”, the male actor punched his hands, “I’ll beat him”
“Oh Cass, you make me feel so much safer! Let’s go meet the freak”, fake Rapunzel stated
Varian instantly got up and walked out. Hugo followed him instantly as did Rapunzel, she told Lance and Eugene to save their seats before running after the teen
The alchemist walked through the halls for a moment before he found a small corner and sat down, back against the wall. He had his head in his hands when Hugo and Rapunzel found him. The two sat down next to him, “Freckles, hey, you okay?”
The alchemist sighed and looked at his boyfriend, “yeah, sorry I just….. I….” He looked at Rapunzel, “did…. Is that…. True?”
“No!” The princess stared instantly, “nonono! Cass *never* said that about you, and I never thought you were a freak or was afraid to meet you! I was apprehensive because Cass said there were rumors, but that’s all, and *none* of them called you a freak. I was excited to meet you and possibly get answers, but that’s all, I pro-! ….Im not lying, I would never think that way about you, never….”
Varian nodded, “I’m sorry, I needed a break because that…. Was how people saw me before…. They saw me as a freak, they saw me as an outsider and a horror on my father….. they hated me, and what they said in that play, it just…. Reminds me of m…. B-back then…. It was lonely… and hard…. And I only had dad and Ruddigar….. it’s just hard to watch…. I don’t think…. I-I can watch…. This part….”
“That’s okay Freckles, I’ll stick with you until you feel like going back, and if you don’t, they we don’t have to”, Hugo stated
“Thanks love”
“I can stay too if you want”, the princess offered
“No no, you don’t have to”, Varian replied with a soft smile, “I’m okay, really, I just need a minute, but you shouldn’t miss anything because of me”
“But… Varian-!”
“I believe you Rapunzel”, the teen stated, giving her a genuine smile, “I believe you when you said you didn’t think that way, and that Cassandra didn’t say that about me, and even if you did, which I don’t think you would, you didn’t know me back then, so I can’t blame you”, the teen hugged the princess, “I’m okay, go ahead and get inside, I’ll join in a bit, okay?”
Rapunzel was startled, but a silent exchange from her and Hugo got her to not argue, she returned the hug, “ok, ok, I’ll go, just….” She pulled away and looked at him, “come get me if you need me, okay?”
“I will”
The princess nodded before kissing Varian’s cheek and hugging him one more time, smiling when he hugged her back, before she broke the hug and walked away. The two scientists stayed together, Hugo placed a hand on Varian’s, the duo were quiet for a moment before Hugo offered a hug. Varian bit his lip before a tear slid down his cheek and he hugged his boyfriend
****
After half an hour, the duo came back inside the auditorium and sat down, “what’s happened while we were gone?” Hugo asked
“They met Varian…. I don’t know how you’ll take the person playing you….” He told the freckled alchemist, “the hot water tanks exploded, Cass saved Varian, Quirin got…. Mad at him…..” Eugene began, making an uncomfortable face
“What’s wrong?” Varian asked
“I know Quirin isn’t…. He isn’t mean to you…. But they…. Made him mean…. Very mean…..”
“How mean?”
“Just…. I think you’ll see, with way, that happened, the battle of the brave happened with CassAndra and Rapunzel, basically, we passed everything and are now at where Blondie took over for her parents, during the blizzard…..”
Varian’s eyes widened, “d-did the science expo happen?”
“Yeah, it did, you and Cass had good times…. Listen, kid I…. Are you gonna be okay? This is….”
“I know…. I’m okay…. I’m alright…..” Varian replied, “I….. knew this would come up…. I just….. Really hope they handle it well….”
“We’re right here if ya need us little man”, Lance stated
“Thanks, where in the day are we?”
“They have it out of order, my parents already left, you and Quirin are on your way to the castle to tell…. Me apparently, that the black rocks are overtaking the village….”
“Oh boy….”
“Cassandra!” The fake Rapunzel exclaimed excitedly, “I’m going to be taking over for my parents! I can’t believe it!”
“Yeah, wonderful”, male Cassandra stated
“I’ve got this! I’ll definitely do this better than my father! Because I won’t take my anger out on anyone or make any mistakes!”
“Right, well, let’s go”
The two ‘walked’ to the throne, which was a chair with decorations, before Rapunzel sat in it, male Cassandra standing next to them. Before the actor portraying Quirin began to walk over, that’s when they saw the person playing Varian, “daddy! Shall I come with you and help you explain things?”
Varian blinked, “am I….. b-being played by…. A *girl*?!”
“Looks like it”, Eugene stated, “a very energetic, and bubbly girl”
“I….. ugh…. Alright….” Varian stated with a sigh
“No, you stay”, fake Quirin stated bluntly
“But daddy, I could help you-!”
“I said NO!” The man snapped, stomping his foot at the female Varian, making the real once gasp
“Y-yes sir….” Varian walked back inside the hall as people boo’d at the fake Quirin
“W-what….” Varian began, but stopped when fake Quirin spoke to the princess as he saw his female version peek from off stage
“Princess”, the fake Quirin began, “we need land”
“Done! Oh I’m so good at this!” The fake Rapunzel’s exclaimed excitedly, getting the male Cassandra to roll his eyes as the fake Quirin walked away
The scene changed to the hallway as the fake Quirin walked out to the hall, the female Varian meeting him there, “daddy, why didn’t you tell her *why* we needed the land?”
“Because”
“But daddy-!”
“ENOUGH YOU STUPID BRAT!” The fake Quirin yelled before his hand raised and a slap was heard. No contact was made, but the female Varian fell backwards as if she’d been slapped
“Y-yes sir….”
“Good, no come”, the fake Quirin stated
The female Varian got up and followed the fake Quirin, the curtains closed as everyone boo’d. The group wasn’t paying attention to that however, they only saw a blue glow. They looked at Varian, and he was glaring at the stage, he said noting, but his eyes were glowing brightly, Hugo touched his hand, the alchemist took a moment, breathed, and his light dimmed a little as he wrapped his fingers around Hugo’s grip
Right as the curtain opened to show fake Quirin and female Varian again, the alchemist had already spilled a strange liquid on a black rock, apparently the fake Quirin had just caught her, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” He yelled
“I’m doing YOUR JOB!” Female Varian yelled back, getting people to cheer, “I’m trying to save our home, something you clearly don’t care about!”
Varian winced
“I do!”
“NO YOU DONT! You yelled at me and slapped me! You’ve been ignoring me and all for what? To keep secrets? Do you want our home destroyed?! I’ll answer that, of course you do!!!!!! You don’t care about you home, the people, or ME!”
The crowd cheered louder as Varian shrunk back
“I’m going to solve this, without your help!!!!! And once I do, I’ll leave you forever! It’s what you want right?! For me ti leave and never come back?! Because you hate me! Well I HATE YOU!!!!!!”
Suddenly the female Varian moved and someone moved a yellow piece of cardboard move and hit Quirin, making it seem like it shot out of the black rock and formed over the fake Quirin’s arm, “what is happening?!” The fake Quirin asked
“You’re getting what you deserve! To be locked away forever! And the princess? She saw you hurt me and doesn’t even care! Everyone always thought of me as a freak! No one ever tried to help! So I’m helping myself! I’ll destroy everything! And when I do maybe people will finally LISTEN TO ME!”
The female Varian looked at her father and smiled, “goodbye father. I hope I never see you again…..” before she walked off stage as the fake Quirin was hidden behind the yellow cardboard, red X’s were drawn where his eyes would show as the curtains closed and everyone cheered!
Another intermission was announced and the group left the auditorium again. They were completely silent before they found that corner again and Varian couldn’t hold it in anymore, and cried. Hugo hugged him instantly as Lance and Eugene placed hands in his shoulders. Rapunzel was staring at a poster nearby, she reread the print on it and turned away before walking over to the rest of the group, “we need to leave”, she stated
“We will”, Eugene replied, “once Varian’s calm, we’ll leave”
“Ok”
The group waited for a while until Varian finally calmed down. He was merely sniffling now. Hugo offered him a handkerchief, it had a green H on it, Varian accepted it and blew his nose, saying he’d clean it later.
The group left, they didn’t go back, none of them wanted to. All of them were disgusted in ways they couldn’t even describe as they walked away from the crowded area. After a while, Eugene looked at the freckled teen, “hey, you alright?”
“…..I…. B-better now that w-we’re away from there….” Varian replied, “he’s not, h-he was never abusive to me! Firm yes, abusive, never! H-he made mistakes but…. He loved me, I-I knew he loved me-I *KNOW* he loves me now I-I-I-I-!”
“Hey, Varian easy, we believe you”, Eugene replied gently, “we know Quirin, we’ve seen how you two interact, even when he doesn’t know we’re there. We know he’s not like that, *none* of us were portrayed even *close* to correctly!”
“Well…. the king did a lot of bad stuff…” Hugo stated, “but that’s beside the point”
“Very beside the point”, Rapunzel said with a raised brow, Hugo raised one right back at her
“*Anyway*”, Lance exclaimed, “a lot of what was done in that play was…. Bad….. poorly researched and horribly written. So how about we forget about it ever happenin, okay? Instead, let’s hang out, turn the rest of this day into a good one yeah?”
Varian smiled and nodded, “yeah, that sounds good, I…. Um…. I know I shouldn’t…. B-but can we do something first?”
“Sure kiddo”, Eugene replied
“What do you wanna do?” Rapunzel asked
****
The group walked through the dimly lit halls, none of them had protested to Varian’s request, they knew he needed this, and they wouldn’t deny him, not after what they just witnessed
They hung back a little, allowing the alchemist to walk over to the place he wanted to be. Everyone was quiet, until Varian finally spoke, “…..Dad?”
Quirin looked up from his book, only to see his son standing at the front of his cell, “Varian!” He got up instantly and jogged over, kneeling down and placing a hand in his son’s cheek, “hi, are you alright? What are you doing down here?”
Varian smiled at his father, small tears forming in his eyes as he touched his father’s hand, “I’m fine, I just wanted to come see you. I miss you”
“I miss you too, so much”, the retired knight replied with a loving smile, “have you been eating? Sleeping okay? You’re not staying up late are you?”
“Nu I’m not dad”, Varian giggled, “and I’m eating and sleeping just fine, what about you?”
“I’m about as okay as I can be down here”, Quirin joked, chuckling a little
“….Im sorry you have to be down here….”
“Oh… no son, it’s alright, for some reason, I feel like it’s…. For a good reason that I’m down here”
“You… do?”
“Yeah, I feel like you’re safer with me here…. Odd I know, but I have an odd feeling in the back of my heart that’s telling me I’m doing this for you. It’s why I haven’t fought to get out, though I’m so glad I get to see you! I’ve missed you too, a lot”
Varian smiled wider, “I love you dad”
“I love you too son”
The group smiled at the father son duo, before Quirin’s eyes widened, “oh hey! They gave me some gardening books, look”, he gently removed his hand and walked over, grabbing the book he’d just been reading, before heading back to his son and kneeling before him again, showing him a picture of a pumpkin, “look, I don’t know much about alchemy, but I say that pumpkins seeds can be used as herbals ingredients in some potions! I thought you may wanna know, maybe make a pumpkin potion”
Varian grinned, “a pumpkin potion?” He giggled, “why am I not surprised?”
“Because I’m a predictable old fart”
Varian laughed, getting his father to smile lovingly at him and snicker a bit himself, “y-you’re-hee hee-you’re not an old faharharhart!”
“I am, old and smelly”
“Nuhuhu, you smell like wood and apples!”
“And old farts”
“Dahahahad!” Varian giggled, “ah! You’re gonna kill mehehehe!”
“Heh heh, sorry”, his father replied with a chuckle, they both calmed down a bit before Varian sighed, “dad I….. Inreallt wish I could hug you….”
“I do too, but once I’m out, I’ll give you all the hugs, okay? So much so that you’ll be sick of em!”
“I don’t think I can ever be sick of dad hugs”
“You’d be surprised”
Varian giggled again, “well if you give me a lot of dad hugs, I’m gonna have to give you a lot of son hugs, you’ll be sick of those”
“I could never”
“You’d be surprised”
Quirin chuckled as he ruffled his son’s hair, “brat”
“Hee hee”
Quirin watched his son for a moment before he gave the teen a warm smile, “I’m so proud of you Varian”, he stated softly, Varian looked up at him and, for a moment, didn’t see the mind trapped man in the cell, but his actual father, “you’ve gone through so much and you’ve been so strong. I’m so proud of you, I love you very much, Bubby”
Varian’s lips quivered and he smiled, “I love you too dad, and…. I’m proud of you too, I always am”
Quirin smiled gratefully before he closed his eyes, opening them again, and Varian couldn’t see his father anymore, “sorry, dazed out a little, what happened? I-! Varian what’s wrong?! Why are you crying?”
Varian chuckled and wiped his eyes, “s-sorry, I’m just…. Really happy to see you is all, a-and I guess it’s making me tear up a little”
His father stopped and smiled before he wrapped his arms around his child, gently hugging him. Varian returned the gesture, they stayed that way for a bit before a guard came over and looked at Eugene sadly. The man sighed and nodded, walking over and tapping Varian’s shoulder gently. The duo let go and said their goodbyes before Varian and the group left, the alchemist saying he’d come back soon
When the door to the dungeons closed behind them, Hugo looked at his boyfriend, “are you alright?”
Varian sniffled, but smiled and nodded, “yeah, I…. Really needed that”, he looked up at Eugene, “thank you”
“Anytime kiddo”, the Captain stated
Lance smiled happily, “now that you’re feelin better, ya wanna go somewhere to eat?”
The alchemist smiled and nodded, “oki, um…. Am I allowed to get something for dad too?”
Rapunzel grinned, “of course you can!”
The freckled teen grinned and the group set out for dinner, he ended up getting a strawberry tart from Attila for his father, which the man was happy to receive! The rest of the night went very well, save for a few people looking over towards Varian in a worried way. The teen could ignore them though, he had his friends and boyfriend by his side, and his dad’s words had done wonders to calm his nerves as he spent time with most of the people he cared for the most!
****
A girl sat in her room, she scrolled through her phone, the tiny shorts on TikTok did nothing to help her mood, so she switched to YouTube. She hated being stuck at home on the weekends, it was a never ending storm of yelling, telling her what she’d done wrong, what she needed to work on, her faults, her movements, she felt like she always had to walk on eggshells in the place she was supposed to call home.
But she supposed that was just normal. She pet her black furred kitty, Willow, the heart shaped white splotch on the felines chest made her smile before she saw her phone had loaded up YouTube. Nothing she said or did changed anything, no matter how hard she tried, but that’s what happens to those like her she guessed. Maybe she deserved the harsh treatment, *what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…. Right?* she thought to herself, as her parents continued to yell at each other in the next room
She sighed, her eyes were heavy, but she didn’t want to go to sleep yet, she hated the nightmares these kinds of days would bring…. What had she’d been told it was called again? Constant nightmares or something? Oh well, she should be used to them, they came around often enough. As she continued to scroll absentmindedly on her phone, she came across an animatic featuring Star Vs the Forced of Evil characters. Huh….
She hadn’t seen them in many animatics before, “Ready as I’ll Ever Be?” She read outloud, “a new song? Hm…. Guess I can check it out”
She clicked the video, she loved this artist’s work, they were always so clean with their animations, animatic or not, maybe she could try to do that someday, though she doubted she’d ever be as good as them. “Art of Rhues, how do you do it?” She asked no one, as the animatic stared with a bird flying towards the screen. She smiled as the music began, the heavy emphasis on the base told her this would be a villain song, and one she hadn’t heard of before!
The lyrics began as she watched, Marco being the first to sing, he seemed angry, she gasped when she saw Queen Moon tied up, she said a name, “Varian?” The girl asked, “who’s Varian? Is that who Marco’s supposed to be?”
The moment Marco began to sing, her eyes widened, was that…. Jeremy Jordan?! Is this another musical he’s in?! How has she not heard of this song yet?! She scolded herself for her lack of knowledge, sitting up to hear his wonderful singing better than before! She loved this man’s voice, she’d seen a performance of his online *years* ago, in the Newsies musical! She’d fallen in love with him ever since, platonically of course, she had a boyfriend after all!
She grinned from ear to ear as she listened to the song, the girl that came after Marco, the one Kelly was portraying, she reminded the girl of Elsa, from frozen! Suddenly, the girl’s eyes widened as Zachary Levi sang out a determined “WE’RE READY!” With voices behind him before she heard Clancy Brown and…. “Mandy Moore?!” She exclaimed, “the voice of Rupunzel is in here?! And Eugene?! What *is* this song?!” She smiled even wider when Jeremy let out an amazing high note! Dang did she love his freaking voice!
The song ended, the final notes slowly leaving her room as Jeremy gave the final lyrics, sending shivers down her spine
“I can’t believe it! I need to know what this is and where I can find it!” She exclaimed, quickly going to Google and searching. That’s when she saw it, “Tangled the animated series? It has a show?!”
She found out it was in Disney Plus, and she grabbed her old iPad! The poor thing had been with her for *years*, it barely held together, but she didn’t have the money to replace it. She didn’t mind, especially not now! She went to Disney plus, happy her boyfriend had allowed her to use his Disney plus login since her mother hogged the tv and she didn’t have one of her own
She found the show and the 45 minute part that was supposed to be an in-between for the movie and show. Watching that first, she grew excited, Raounzel got her hair back, the animation was amazing, the story was intriguing, and even though Jeremy’s character wasn’t here yet, she loved the newer ones added, Cassandra seemed like an awesome character! And she always loved seeing Eugene being his egocentric self, she found it charming!
She hadn’t felt this excited since she was a kid! A new show to watch! She couldn’t wait to see more, suddenly her parents yelling didn’t seem to reach her anymore as she started up the first episode. There was that name again, Varian, who was this guy? He was obviously Jeremy Jordan’s character, but the girl had an odd feeling like they’d be more than that to her
She watched as Cass and Rapunzel made their way to Old Corona, she knew from other shows they wouldn’t get an answer for Rapunzel’s hair yet, it was the first episode, she’d be surprised if she saw a glimpse of any power she may have!
They reached a large, castle like structure in the show, and suddenly were surrounded by pink smoke, “what the heck?”
Rapunzel saw a strange person standing in front of her, and the girl grew keenly interested to see, was this Varian? He didn’t sound like Jeremy Jordan, then again, the voice filter was obviously changing the voice
“WHAT DO YOU *WANT*?!”
“Sorry to bother you sir but…. I wanted to ask you… about my hair, since you’re such a magic exper-!”
“MAGIC?! I DO NOT *WORK* WITH *MAGIC*! I mean, technically it’s not magic it’s *alchemy* but d-don’t uh don’t sweat it”
The girl squeed a little when she saw the tiny little beep of a boy standing on her old screen! He was so smoll! Big old blue eyes and AH! His coat is too big for him, hims so TINY!!!!!!! She grinned happily when she saw him, “that must be Varian, he’s definitely got Jeremy Jordan’s voice!”
The girl continued to watch and subsequently fell in love with this tiny boy. His love for Flynn Rider riveted her own and how eager he was to show off what he could do and how helpful he was to Raoinzel! He reminded her a lot of…. Herself when she was younger…..
She remembered how hard she tried to make her parents and siblings happy, how she would try to help clean, only to be told it wasn’t good enough, or yelled at for doing poor job and being called inconsiderate. She remember how much it stung when her parents would tell her what she’d done wasn’t good enough, she’d grown numb to it as of late, but the scares never really healed. She remembered her siblings always leaving her behind, calling her names and making fun of her because she didn’t act the same….
She saw this tiny boy, and it made her cry….. he just wanted to help, but her mother’s words of, “you’re trying too hard, just stop”, echoed in her head…. They never stopped, she hadn’t known why she was so bad at everything, she tried to get better, even practiced, she knew she wouldn’t be great at everything, but she tried….. it was never good enough….
She watched this boy run around, talking animatedly about his alchemy and how he’d hoped his father would be impressed, she could relate to that…..
She felt her heart break when she saw the machines explode later on….. the poor kid tried….. That’s when she saw Quirin, she smiled when he seemed frantic about making sure his baby was safe, even if the disappointment he showed after hurt her, he bags under his eyes clearly showed this man was a very hardworking dad, and the boy could see it, that was hard…..
The episode ended on a slightly bitter note, and the girl continued to watch, she hadn’t laugh so hard in *years*! So many episodes made her happy, and seeing Varian again never failed to lift her spirits! She watched the show everyday for weeks, she couldn’t help herself! She fell in love with Varian, platonically, and his father, she felt he was a good dad, just clumsy with his words, and the singular action of him saving Varian from the amber both broke her heart and made it melt! He was a good man, and no one could tell her otherwise, the season 3 opening had helped solidify that with their reunion!
To say she loved the show was an understatement, she *adored* it! Looking up as much as she could, she was so happy to see love going around for the tiny alchemist she’d claimed as her favorite character, his father and Eugene being right next to him! Lance Strongbow being her second, if only because he made her laugh the hardest!
She loved all the stories she read, they made her happy when she saw Varian stories in particular, but then….. She saw some about Quirin himself, the father had come across as a good man, one who clearly loved his son, but majority of the stories she saw him in were of him being abusive, it broke her heart, especially since it reminded her of her own life and relationships…..
She managed to find a few really great stories with Quirin, but they’re were very rare…. One in particular caught her interest, ‘Quirin and Varian, Fluffy One Shots’, by Anabee_Writes! She read the entire thing and absolutely loved it! It was exactly how she saw Quirin, a kind, quiet, doting, big farmer dad!
She reread the particular fic over and over again until she got an idea, “I wanna write one!” She exclaimed, “there’s a severe lack of Quirin love, and giving the man more wouldn’t harm anyone! Maybe…. I’m not much of a writer, but maybe I can make a series of it, a season 3 one shot series just of Quirin and Varian being adorable together! Nobody will read it, but that’s okay, maybe…. It’ll be a nice distraction from…. Everything else….” She stated, as her parents yelled once again in the other room
She went to her iPad and loaded up the site, she made herself a profile, ‘HarmonySong123’, her usual! She smiled when she managed to find the dark mode option, never really understanding the light mode users, then again, who was she to judge?
She began a new story, and wrote! She started from the beginning of Season 3 episode 2’s end, when the two had been reunited! She didn’t think much of her work, just happy she could contribute some small love towards the farmer dad! She posted her work and went to sleep, too tired to do much else. She woke up the next morning and did her usual, went to school and work, came home late and ate whatever she could find, ignored her parents comments about how horribly she smelled, the horrors of working in a fast food place never let her forget how insignificant she was to her family. She made her way back to her bedroom and went to write a new chapter when…. She froze….. there was a comment for her? Perhaps one of the other authors had responded to a comment she’d made? That wasn’t unusual, authors tended to be really nice on this sight, she grew excited either way as she clicked on her inbox
From: CardCaptorKatara: “Yay I love Good Parent Quirin. Aww this was so sweet. Such a good father. I can't wait to read more. Varian loves his dad so much.”
Her eyes were wide with shock, this person…. Had comment on *her* story! She’d never had that happen before! She sat back in her chair, unable to really say anything at first, this person…. *liked* what she’d written?! No criticism or nasty insult about her grammar and spelling? No crack about her horrible story telling and the plot holes she may have left behind, no, this person had been…. Kind…..
She smiled, tears came to her eyes as she commented back:
From HarmonySong123: “Right?! I love these two beans so much!!!! They deserve snuggles!!!!! I'm glad you're enjoying it, that makes me happy! :D”
She hit send, she’d never heard of anyone else who agreed with her on her stance with Quirin! This was something new! She grew excited as she wrote the second chapter and posted, hoping Card would like that one too, though she wasn’t too sure that would happen
The next day had been *awful* to say the least, her boss insulted and cursed at her, the customers were horribly rude, her school was a place of torture for her, her parents were yelling *again*, her siblings were mad at her for something she hadn’t meant to do, her kitty, Willow, had puked on her blankets and now she would need to wash them, it had been a wreck…..
She trudged into her room and hopped online, another chapter would distract her…. Hopefully….
She clicked her profile picture and saw another message waiting for her, it was CardCaptorKatara again! They’d left a second message on her second chapter!
From: CardCaptorKatara: “So fluffy! Varian's anxieties are very much understood. He really is a very brave boy to speak up the way he did, cause geez that's hard. I love these little stories about these little details in the show. This is my head canon now for his S3 outfit. Love this story.”
She couldn’t believe it, this person really liked her story! All her day’s woes fell by the wayside as she typed out a delighted response:
From: HarmonySong123: “Thank you!!!!! That makes me incredibly happy!!!!!
He really is a brave boy, he's the bravest boy! I'm super glad you enjoyed that! It was hard to write in all honesty X3 (mostly because I wish to protect the bean)
I'm glad it's your headcannon now, thank you very much for that!!!!! <3”
She clicked send, hoping she wouldn’t scare the commenter away, she knew she could be a little much when she got excited….. She typed out a third chapter, and from then on she was hooked!
Everyday she would come online and would find more comments, from different people now! All of them either giving her ideas or telling her how much they liked her story, she teared up everytime! They didn’t know how happy they made her feel, those comments, they didn’t take much, but when you go through so much in your life, and all you can think about is what you’ll have to deal with tomorrow, the small things, a kind word, a tiny comment, a small compliment, it made things bearable, even better
The more the girl wrote the story, her story, the more people joined in her community! CardCaptorKatara and her were now friends online! She couldn’t believe it, an actual friend had come out of this!!!!!
Her community grew, it wasn’t huge, she didn’t need it to be, she was happy that she was noticed, it was something new! She hadn’t ever been told she was good at anything, and yet here were several people telling her she was a good author! The girl grew excited any time she uploaded a new chapter, even if no one commented, she knew they could see it, it made her happy to know even one person liked her story!
She hated not uploading, but knew breaks would be needed, she has depression and anxiety, her mind with stop her if she doesn’t take a break….. But she found support from her commenters, all of which she considered friends at this point, they all made her happy, and she hoped she did the same for them.
And I still do, I hope I make all of you happy, you’ve helped me through so much, thanks to your encouragement, I’ve gained some confidence and stood up for myself, thanks to you guys, I got a better job, thanks you guys, I get excited to wake up and make a new chapter! You all make me so happy, each and every day, and I could never thank you enough for everything you’ve all done for me!
I’m not famous, and honestly, I don’t think I ever could be, for many reasons. But I don’t need to be, I just…. I felt invisible my entire life, overlooked and hated by my family and peers, I never had a friend that liked me for me save for my boyfriend, which I’m grateful and lucky to have! But it’s hard to handle all the negative words and hardships everyday…..
The world is freaking scary, and it hurts so much just to breathe at times, but all of you have helped make it easier for me! You’ve all helped me weather it’s commenting or leaving a kudos, you’ve all done so much, so…. Sincerely, thank you all, so much
I want to do more because of you, I’m not in the greatest space, I’ve struggled and still do, but you help me! Each and every one of you, so sincerely, thank you! <3
If you’re struggling, know that you’re safe here, in our small community! We accept you, you’re not alone, and no matter who, or what, you choose to be, we’re glad you’re here!
The world is so much better with you in it! I couldn’t be more grateful to have you all here with me! Thank you <3 and thanks for reading
Notes:
Thank you all for being there for me! Thank you for reading my story! Just, thank you, sincerely thank you! ❤️🎶
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 404: Quirin’s Journal!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo discover Quirin’s journal and peek inside to see what they can find!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian yawned, stretching his hands up as he slid out of bed. Ruddigar hopped onto his shoulders as the duo looked around sleepily. Hugo was humming to himself in the privy nearby, Itty Bitty and Sassy were swimming merrily inside their bowls, and Olivia was sitting by the window, waiting for her boy to finish in the privy
The alchemist yawned again before he looked over at his father’s unused bed and sighed. Walking over, the teen climbed on and laid down, the bed was bigger than Varian’s, which he’d been completely fine with considering how big the man himself was. The teen envisioned his father sleeping in the bed peacefully, and how his soft breathing made the room feel a little more homey
Varian listened to the cold silence he received now, save for the soft humming coming from Hugo, it made him feel lonely. He laid his head against his father’s pillow before he felt something underneath it
“Huh?” He reached in and pulled out a small journal. The teen raised a brow before he ran his hand over the dusty book. Seems as though his father had been reading it the last time he’d been in this room. The teen smiled as he looked the book over, small, simple, and red, definitely the property of one Quirin Vanguard
“What’s that?” Hugo asked, startling the alchemist a little, “whoops, sorry Freckles”
“I-it’s okay, and it’s my dad’s journal”
“Your dad has a journal?”
“Yeah, I guess he does. This one’s old though, seems like he was reading it last time he was here”
“Huh….. Let’s read it!”
“Wha-nu! This is private!”
“And?”
“Hugo!”
“Come *on* Freckles, you stumble upon your dad’s secret diary-!”
“Journal”
“Whatever, and you aren’t even *remotely* interested in what he put in there?”
“Well I admit that I’m curious”
“Ya see?”
“*But* this is a private journal, dad hid it under his pillow for a *reason* ya know”
“I know, but think about it this way, he hid a secret journal that you’ve never seen before, all the dad stuff you’ve been wondering about for a while, you could finally find out if you’ll only take a look and open the book!”
“Very nice poem love, but nu”
“Oh come on! You said you’re curious!”
“I am, but I’m also respectful of my father’s privacy”
Hugo sighed, “fine, but I think you should, technically, he wouldn’t have to know”
“You’re a scamp you know that?”
“And proud to be one!”
Varian sighed, “why do you wanna read it so badly? Is it just because it’s secret?”
“Well…. That’s part of it, I can’t deny that”
“And the other part?”
“Mmmm”, Hugo looked away, blushing a little
“Hugo?”
The blond sighed, “I…. Miss him”, he admitted as he looked at the alchemist, “really badly. I dunno, it’s weird not having him here…. I thought that…. Well reading something he wrote…. It just….”
“Might make you feel like he’s right here?” Varian finished with a smile, watching his boyfriend nod in response, “I understand,
I miss him too…. I mean…. Seeing him after that play, and again when giving him the pie, that was nice, but…..”
“It’s hard….” Hugo stated sadly
“Very had….” Varian agreed as he looked over the book before sighing, “oh why not”
“Huh?”
“I miss him too, and Grandpa, Adira, and Hector….. I miss them all…. One little peak wouldn’t hurt, and….. Maybe it’ll have something in here about the Mind Trap….”
“That last part is so you don’t feel guilty, huh?”
“…..Is it working?”
“I mean Im convinced”
Varian snorted, “you’re a bad influence on me sir”
“Proud to be one”, Hugo stated with a grin
Varian chuckled before he opened the book and skipped a few pages before he began to read:
“Dear journal,
Hello, it’s been a while, sorry for that. I’ve just had one of the most exciting days in my life though! Me and Prince Edmund went out on an adventure!”
“He sounds like you”, Hugo stated with a giggle as Varian blushed and continued to read:
“The Prince wanted to find some gemstones for the Devotion Festival coming up. He asked for my help since I’m pretty good at finding rare gems! I was happy to join, especially if it gets me away from his dad and the Captain of the Royal Guards….. He doesn’t like me…. I’m not even sure why, I know I’ve stolen before, but it’s not like I’ve done so lately, I haven’t stolen in *years* in fact! Why can he let it go…..
I suppose that’s asking too much however, the man’s an old jerk, but I did try to steal food from the castle….. I was just so hungry….. Oh well…. Maybe he’ll like me more when he sees the new moves I’m working on! I’ve been training day and night journal! I think I finally have it figured out! It’s a spinning maneuver! See, first you run forwards, getting speed quickly, then spin! One sword out, one sword in! You turn into a shredding tornado! Once you’ve finished the move, you’re supposed to land on your feet, facing away from your enemy, it’s so cool!
Though not as cool as gardening! I grew carrots the other day! Prince Edmund and Eden were very surprised by that! I’m so excited for my next plant, I’m surprising the prince with a batch of strawberries! He’s gonna love it!
Oop! Gotta go, he’s here, it’s gonna be a fun day journal! Thanks for listening, bye for now!
Quirin, 12 years old”
Varian grinned as Hugo snickered, “who knew the big and tough Quirin Vanguard was such a tiny bean as a kid”, he stated, “I guess that’s where you got it from sh Freckles?”
“Oh shush you”, the alchemist replied as he flipped through a few more pages before landing on another entry, “hey, this one had Hector and Adira’s names in it!”
“Ooh ooh! Read that one next!”
“Oki”, Varian giggled, before he cleared his throat and began to read:
“Dear Jornal,
Hello, today Adira and Hector decided to try pranking King Edmund, these two I swear. The king fell for it too, he knew what they were planning, it was a small bucket of water on the door, oldest prank in the book, and he saw it immediately, but he played along.
Our king is very good natured, but why must he give in the their pranks? Every time he does, I end up having to clean the mess since the duo run away every time. Ugh….
It is kinda cute to see them planning together however. They huddle together in Adira’s room and read over this tiny joke book Eden got them. It’s so sweet how good they get along, though it would help if they would clean up every once in a whi-!
……Disappearing ink…. The gave me disappearing ink so that I would write in you, my journal, and make the letters disappear….. It was…. Kinda adorable how they giggled when they saw me staring at the page for a bit. But I had to rewrite the entire entry again, which I suppose isn’t terrible, I think I misspelled a few words here and there anyway. Too many long shifts due to the lack of guards….
I suppose they’ll be in this tiny pranking spree for a while, I just hope it doesn’t go too far, water on King Edmund and disappearing ink in my journal is one thing, but if they try to prank the Captain….. He’d better hold his temper, otherwise there’s going to be a very bloody fight, and I’ll win…. He won’t lay a hand on those two, but they’re should still stay away from him
I worry about them sometimes…. All the time….. But maybe I’m a worry wart, can’t help it I supposed, heh, I guess Eden’s right, they’re troublesome, but I love them, little stinkers.
Either way I ju-!
Ok, disappearing ink, fine, a whoopee cushion in my room however, a little too much for my tastes. Hence forth I am now confiscating this fart noised prank until they learn not to use it in my room. It’s only fair, and honestly, they probably have twenty more.
Oh well, heh, they’re grumpy that I took the whoopee cushion, apparently I’m a Stickler now according to Adira. I’ll accept the name, she seems pretty happy to have given it to me, Hector’s currently pouting at my door, he wants to train with me again, and I’m taking my time and writing in my journal, obvious I’m not going fast enough dear journal
These kids, heheh, I should probably head out with him, he’s tapping his foot now, the next step is him running, grabbing my hand, and trying to pull me out. He can’t, but boy does he try.
Goodnight journal, thanks for listening,
Quirin, age 24”
Varian giggled, “they sound adorable”, Hugo stated
“Didn’t change much however”, the alchemist mused, “Hector used disappearing ink on dad before, and he and Adira both got Grandpa with the water bucket trick too, made him laugh really hard as he hugged the two”
The blond snorted, “your family is so wholesome you know that?”
“*Our* family”, Varian corrected, gently booping Hugo’s nose as he flipped through some more pages
The inventor blushed and kissed the alchemist’s cheek, getting him to smile before he stopped on a page, “hey, this one’s…. About me?”
Hugo looked, “hey yeah, it is!”
Varian smiled, “I’m in here?”
“I’m not surprised, he loves you a lot Freckles, and it’s not hard to see why”
The alchemist smiled at his boyfriend, “thanks love”
“Anytime, I also noticed that this journal said something about Hector’s dragon egg. I’m guessing he must’ve pulled it out when he heard about the ball you got?”
“I guess so, he must’ve left it out to read, maybe relive some memories? He’s pretty sentimental that way”
“Yeah he is, so what’d he say about you?”
“Well let’s see”, the freckled teen cleared his through and began to read:
“Dear Journal,
Hello, it’s been a while since I’ve written in you I know, sorry for that”
“Pfft! He’s apologizing to a journal!” Hugo giggled
“I love my dad”, Varian stated with a grin
“I love him too, the man’s too wholesome”
“He really is”, the alchemist agreed before he continued to read:
“….Sorry for that, Varian’s been keeping me a little busy lately. You know how parents are warned about the terrible two’s? Well we’ve now entered the frightening five’s! My tiny bean has made it his mission to be the most rambunctious little ball of energy I’ve ever seen. And the best part is I love every minute!
You should see him journal, he’s just the most precious little bean. He keeps talking about alchemy, and his big ol eyes light up with joy whenever he does. This boy could light up the entire kingdom with his smile, my goodness!
He makes me laugh too, he’s so smart! Such a little genius is going to do a lot for this world! I couldn’t be more happy with him honestly journal! He’s such a little star, I love him so much!
You know, the other day he tried to make this stink bomb drop on me. Little bean was a little too over zealous though, and it ended up popping in his room. Took *days* to get the smell out, and he is forever known as my bratty stinkbomb now. He calls me an evil jerkface, something I get a kick out of every time he says it. He’s such a little stinker, but I find him so much fun to be around!
I love him so much journal, he makes my life so much better, just by being himself. How did I ever get so lucky to have a son like him? I will never know the answer to that question, but journal, I’ll never stop thanking the Moon above for such a wonderful gift as my Varian. He’s my bubby, and I’ll love him until the day I die, and even after that.
He’s so special journal, the most wonderful child anyone could ever have. I’m not the greatest with my emotions, and I’m not always here to be with him…. Something he tries to play off, saying he knows how busy I am, and how he understands….. But I can see how hurt he feels…. I wish there was something I could do, I try to make more time for him, but something always seems to come up…. My poor Varian….
I’m going to make it up to him one day, I will, I’ll love that boy no matter what, always!
Thanks for listening journal, I’ve gotta go, Varian’s calling me over, seems like he wants to show me something, heh, I love my bubby,
Quirin, Age 49”
Varian smiled and wiped a few tears from his eyes as Hugo wrapped an arm around his boyfriend before Varian flipped through a few more pages. He finally stopped on one, his eyes wide before he began to read:
“Dear Journal,
Hello, it’s been…. A full year and a half since I’ve written in you….. heh….. I was stuck….. in amber….. it’s a long story, one I don’t want to relive at the moment….. So much has happened journal.
A quick run down, Varian, 14, made this potion to stop the black rocks, I caught him and we got into an argument…. A bad one…. It was my fault, I was angry with him and didn’t think he was ready to hear the truth…. I was afraid…. It was foolish….
The potion he accidentally poured, it turned to amber and almost swallowed my baby! I pushed him away, but I got caught…. The rest I won’t get into, I really don’t want to relive it…..
I’m finally free, thanks to Varian and the princess, but it’s been an entire year and a half now….. Varian went to jail, he went mad with anger and sadness, it didn’t help that Frederic forced him into that position…. He sent guards after my boy Journal, GUARDS! AFTER A *CHILD*! *MY CHILD*!
My son was beaten and tortured, I heard it all, but could do nothing to stop it…. I couldn’t even yell….. Journal I tried…. I tried….. Varian…. His mind went to some dark places…. He didn’t have a choice but to fight back, the princess and her friends abandoned him, everyone in the *kingdom* hurt and abandoned my son! He was being bad, very bad, and made bad choices, but he’s 14! He was scared and hurt and lost and no one even *TRIED* to help him!
……It breaks my heart…. He did what he did to save me….. he became full of hate because I was frozen then left for dead by everyone I thought was a friend…. Even Frederic….. I….. I’m so ashamed of how I treated my son….. Varian reached out, he was only trying to help, and I only yelled…..
I was afraid…. And let my fear guide my choices….. stupid…. I was so damn stupid…..
I’m changing my ways Journal, I’m becoming a better parent, for my son, a braver man for my son! I’ll do everything I can to make my son happy, I will! Gardening means nothing to me if I don’t have Varian there to help, my farm and home are empty without my child inside them, my role as a Village Leader is meaningless if I can’t show my son why I gained that role in the first place!
I should’ve put him first, I should’ve done more to help, I should’ve been more patient…… I shouldn’t have lied…… I hurt him so badly Journal, and yet he still loves me to this day….. how did I ever get so lucky? …..I don’t deserve him…. But I’ll change that, I’ll change how I behave towards him
From now on, Varian comes first, always, no one will ever hurt my child again, never, and if they do, well I trained in the Dark Kingdom for a reason. I won’t let them hurt my baby ever again, not ever!
I made a horrible mistake, but I’ll never do it again, never, I swear to the Moon I won’t. Varian is my son, and I’ll protect him, and love him, forever.
Thanks for listening journal, nice to write in you again,
Quirin, age 58”
The alchemist and inventor were silent as Varian finished reading that entry. He flipped through a few more pages, but didn’t read anymore. He gently closed the book and stared at it for a while before he sighed, “dad….”
Hugo hugged Varian close, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pushed you to read it”
“No I’m…. I’m glad you did…. Oh dad…. Had I known how bad he felt….” The freckles teen sighed as he wiped his tears away from his cheeks, “damn it…. I need to save him Hugo, I need to”
“We will”, the blond stated determinedly, “together”
The two hugged as Varian held his father’s journal close to his chest. He decided to keep it with him. He still hoped he could find a way to break the Mind Trap’s curse in the pages of the book, and even if he couldn’t, it still brought him comfort to know a little piece of his father would be with him. He’d gotten ready for the day and was about to go to the kitchen with Hugo to get some breakfast when a knock sounded at their door
The duo looked at each other before Varian opened the entrance to the room, “Eugene?”
“Hey kiddo! Sorry to bother you and Hugo so early but…. I had an idea”, Eugene stated
“An idea?” Hugo asked, “for what?”
“For…. Cassandra”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I brought the journal back again! I love the journal so much! And I’ve got a really great idea for it in the story! :D
Hugo and Varian are being the best boyfriends ever in this chapter! I wanted to have a final soft chapter, sort of the calm before the storm ya know? So….. you can imagine what’s coming next :3
All the animals are here today! Ruddy buddy, Olivia, Itty Bitty, and even Sassy! All of our furry and scaly friends have made it to the chapter, so they all get the best animal award!
But Ruddigar is still my favorite, so he’s the best XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 405: The Start of Something New!
Summary:
Eugene, Hugo, and Varian discuss Eugene’s idea and some dark feelings begin to surface!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian had gotten ready for the day and was about to go to the kitchen with Hugo to get some breakfast when a knock sounded at their door
The duo looked at each other before Varian opened the entrance to the room, “Eugene?”
“Hey kiddo! Sorry to bother you and Hugo so early but…. I had an idea”, Eugene stated
“An idea?” Hugo asked, “for what?”
“For…. Cassandra”
Varian froze and stared at Eugene for a moment or two before he raised a brow, “does Rapunzel know about this?”
The Dark Prince sighed, “No…. And to be honest, I’d prefer to make it first before she finds out….”
The teen tilted his head to the side, “why?”
“Because….. It involves capturing Cassandra….. Stopping her before she can hurt anyone else…. And to do that, there’s only one thing I can think of that has that kind of power…. Only you can make it kid…..”
Varian’s eyes widened as he realized what Eugene had meant, “the amber….”
“Yeah….”
“I mentioned that idea before, using it to stop Cassandra, Rapunzel yelled at me for even suggesting it”
“I know, but this…. We have no defense against her, we have nothing to protect ourselves…… I’m the Captain now, and I can’t stand by and allow her to harm everyone I know and care about. I…. Need to do something and…. This is the only thing I can think of that she wouldn’t be able to break”
“…..You’re kinda pushing it by asking Varian though, doncha think?” Hugo pointed out
“I know… and I’m so sorry, but I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it was important….”
Varian thought about it for a moment before he remembered his father’s book. The man he wasn’t able to see because Cassandra had taken him away, because Cassandra had corrupted his mind, because Cassandra hadn’t cared….. And suddenly his choice became a very easy one to make, “what did you have in mind?….”
Eugene was startled by the teen’s tone, but he understood, and nodded before he began to speak, “I’ll give you all the details over a meal”
“Then let’s go”
“Varian…..” Hugo said worriedly
“He’s right Hugo, Cassandra needs to stop, she won’t be frozen forever, the amber is destroyed by the decay incantation, which I can control. We’ll get her out safely and find out what to do with her, but Eugene’s idea may be our only way of stopping her should she launch an attack…. Besides…. It’s almost the goodwill festival…. I have a bad feeling Cassandra’s going to try and strike on that day…..”
“A bad feeling?”
“Yeah….. I don’t know why, but something’s telling me that she’s planning something big…. We need to be ready for her”
The blond sighed but nodded, “yeah, I understand that, just….. Don’t push yourself more than you have to”
Varian raised a brow, “you’re worried?”
“Yes, because this isn’t just some old weapon you’re using, it’s the amber….. I get you may have gotten used to it before, but you haven’t worked with it since…. Well…..”
The alchemist sighed, but smiled at his boyfriend, “I’ll be okay, but thanks, for worrying, if you want, I’d love for you to be with me during this”
“You think I’m leaving you alone with him?” Hugo asked with a smirk as he nodded towards Eugene
“Love ya too glasses”, the Dark Prince stated sarcastically
“Just saying”
“Come on you two, let’s go”, Varian stated, before he guided both of them towards the dining area for some food and brainstorming
****
“….So, you wanna use the amber in a way that’ll make it go towards Cassandra, leaving us at a safe distance so we don’t get encased, and have it pop onto the ground and trap her?” Varian asked
“That pretty much sums it up, I thought we could invent a way to throw something from a much farther distance, that way there’s no risk involved with the person who’s controlling the invention”
“Like a sling shot?” Hugo asked
“Well yeah, but it needs to be a much higher distance than a sling shot, something that will allow the user to hide a ways back so Cassandra doesn’t end up seeing them or the amber doesn’t encase the thrower”
Varian thought about that for a moment as he took a bite of his scrambled eggs. He chewed a little before his eyes widened with an idea and he swallowed, “oh! Why don’t we trying to make the amber into a…. Very weak, firework! One that you could hold in your hands and make shoot out towards Cassandra”
“A very weak firework?”
“Yeah, so here’s an idea, we load the chemical into the machine, it’d have to be small enough to have one person holding it, but big enough to have a good range and power, we’d load the chemical in by using a vial or glass of some sort. We then aim the device towards the person we want to encase, and there could be a trigger we pull to activate it and get the chemical to shoot out towards the victim like a firework!”
“That sounds like a good idea in theory, but how would you make something like that?” Eugene asked
“Well…. We could use similar schematics to that of a crossbow”, Hugo stated, “just make it fire proof and stronger like a fire works shooter and you’ve got yourself a pretty neat device that can shoot from a distance while keeping the user safe”
“Hey that’s a great idea!” Varian exclaimed, “Eugene, do you have access to the Coronan guards crossbow schematics?”
“Yeah I do”
“Great, I’ll need them in order to make a prototype of what I have in mind, Hugo I’ll need your help with the actual inventing part of this idea”
“As you wish, love”, Hugo replied
Varian blushed, “very smooth”
“I try”
“Kid, you’re gonna be safe with this right?” Eugene asked worriedly, “I don’t want you to…. Well… you know…..”
“I know…. But I’ll be safe, I have to be”, Varian stated determinedly
“Wow, you’re really into this idea huh?”
“It’s not just the idea…. Although it *is* kinda cool”, the alchemist stated with a smile before he grew serious, “it’s for my dad”
“You mean like you’re fighting for him?”
“No……” Hugo and Eugene were quiet as they waited for Varian to continue, the freckled teen had a dark look in his eye that made Ruddigar stop eating his fruit and nut bowl and look at his boy anxiously, “she needs to remember….”
“Remember? Remember what?” Hugo asked
“What my father went through….” Varian replied, “she doesn’t seem to understand what she’s just done…. She thinks it’s okay to just take over his mind and make him forget, she thinks it fine that he’s on her side, or that she’s torn our family apart. She thinks it’s okay that he’s sitting in a damn *cell* trying to keep himself away from everyone in order to protect them! He’s suffering in there because of *her*, and she DOESN’T EVEN *CARE*!” He yelled, slamming his fist onto the table to emphasize his final words as a tear dripped from his chin. He sniffled before sighing, “sorry….”
“It’s okay”, Eugene replied, placing a hand on Varian’s, “you’re angry, it’s okay to be angry Varian”
“He’s right Freckles, you’re going through a lot right now”, Hugo agreed
“No…. It’s not okay for me to feel what I’m feeling right now….” The alchemist stated as his eyes began to glow and he looked at Eugene, “I want to *kill* her”, he stated, “I want her to suffer I agony for everything she’s done to me and my family! I *hate* Cassandra! I hate her…. And I don’t even feel bad about it…. It’s how I felt when I used the automatons on Corona and kidnapped the Queen. I was full of hate and anger and it made me go *mad*….. I shouldn’t feel this way, I don’t wanna hurt anyone ever again, but the more I try to stop it the *stronger* my anger becomes….. I think of her stupid face and I end up wanting to *break* the nearest warm body! And I don’t mean mentally, I want to *physically* maim them until they’re unrecognizable Eugene! I’ve already had my intrusive thoughts devour nearly *half* the royal guards you have! I just keep getting worse and worse everyday…..”
“Varian how long has this…. Been a thing?”
“Since the play….” The alchemist admitted with a sniff, “since I visited my father in that damn cell and watched him practically trip over himself to try and touch my cheek….. he’s suffering…. She did that to him Eugene, she’s doing that t Adira, Hector, and Grandpa too, she’s taken them away from me and you and Hugo, she’s separated them just like they were before and it’s actively *killing* me just to think about! It hurts so damn much, and I’m so tired of hurting…..”
“Varian…..”
“…..I…. I’ve been having those bad thoughts again….. not just the intrusive ones, the ones I told Queen Arianna about, the ones where I don’t make it back….. I don’t act on them because I would hurt everyone I love if I did, but….. Being in that room everyday, knowing that he’s in a cell and alone….. My dad…. Just…..” Varian sighed and sniffled a little, taking a minute to breathe, controlling his emotions a bit better, “….it’s why I didn’t argue with your idea, it’s why I’m not upset that you asked. I want her to stop, I want to capture her and put an end to this damn act she’s putting on. I’m so angry….. I hate being this angry….. Dad usually quells it…. He’s usually there to calm me down but he can’t…. And the fact that it’s because of her is making things even worse!”
Hugo hugged Varian, it was a knee jerk reaction, one he couldn’t help, but after a few minutes, it was returned by the alchemist. The duo stayed that way for a moment before Varian broke the hug. He sighed as Hugo brushed a few strands of hair out of his face, “better?” He asked
“A bit yeah, thanks Hugo”
“Of course”
Eugene smiled at the pair before he thought about what Varian had said and sighed, “kid, you wanna know a secret?”
Varian looked at him, “a secret?”
“Yeah, one of mine, it’s…. A very special secret”
“What is it?”
“I feel the same way you do”
The two scientists, and Ruddigar, all stared at Eugene, “y-you do?!” The alchemist asked
“Yeah…. Maybe not to the same extent, but the anger is definitely there”
“How have you been able to hide it so well? You’re always so calm”, Hugo stated
“He… hasn’t been able to hide it… just contain it…..”’Varian said as he looked at his big brother’s dark circles under his eyes, “I’ve noticed small changes, the circles being the main ones”
“What other changes have you noticed Freckles?”
“His hair is a little messier than normal, his uniform’s badge is a touch crooked, his face showing signs of worry, the way he talks to me specifically is a lot softer and filled with more worry than his usual confident voice, and I’ve seen him sigh twice the normal amount of times he usually does, with and without Lance”, the two stared at the teen, “again, I used to have a major crush on this man!”
The Dark Prince chuckled, “well I’m glad to know I have someone looking out for me at least”, he stated, riddling Varian’s hair gently, “either way, I’ve been feeling that same anger too, how I want to stop Cassandra whatever it takes…. I was surprised I asked you for this favor in the first place, went back and fourth for a long time. But this….. I can’t let her keep doing things like this to Corona and Rapunzel….. she cried….. last night, Rapunzel came to my room and cried because she had a nightmare about Cassandra….. she’s been working so hard on the goodwell festival, and how to keep up the spirit of Corona, but it’s draining her…. And it’s all because of Cassandra….. My dad’s gone, your dad’s in jail, Adira and Hector are missing, Cyrus is running loose, guards are spread thin trying to make people feel safe, and it’s all because of Cassandra’s power trip….. I’m angry too kid, I really am….. But I’ve been able to keep myself calm by hiding in my work. I’ve been distracting myself from it all, saying that if I train the guard, I’ll be able to better protect Corona…. But I know that’s not right, it’s not healthy to bottle all that in and distract myself from important matters like this…. It’s why I’m asking you about this now. The moment we start to fix the problem, we’ll both feel better, because we’re actively trying to help”
“That’s a good way of looking at it”, Varian stated, “but I still feel angry”
“You will, unfortunately for a while…. But once we start on this project, that anger will slowly dissipate, I don’t know about the hate, and honestly kid, I don’t blame you for feeling the way you do, but….” He cupped Varian’s chin gently, “it’s gonna be okay, you’re dad will be alright, remember he *chose* to be in there, to keep you, and everyone else, safe”, he looked at Hugo sadly, remembering what Cassandra had almost forced Quirin to do when the Dark Prince had spoken to him, before he returned his gaze back to Varian, “we’ll get him out of there, things will get better, you’ve got to believe that”
“It’s so hard to Eugene….” Varian replied softly, his voice trembling a little
“I know…. But me and Hugo are here to remind you, anytime you need us to, right glasses?”
“That’s right”, Hugo agreed with a smile
The alchemist looked at the both of them and gave a gentle smile of his own, “thanks guys”
“Anytime kiddo, now”, Eugene removed his hand from Varian’s chin, “how about we finish our food, then get to work on this project yeah?”
“Oki!” Varian replied before he began to eat, “hey, we should have a name from this project”
“You’re right….. What to call it….”
“How about a rock name?” Hugo suggested, “since we’re basically dealing with rocks”
“Yeah a rock name would be good, it has to be a strong rock name though, like diamond or something”, Eugene stated
“Hmmmm, how about Obsidian?” The blond said
“Project Obsidian…. I like it!” Varian stated with a grin
“I do too, Project Obsidian it is!” Eugene stated as Hugo beamed with pride. They finished their meals and began to walk towards Eugene’s office to get the schematics for the crossbows, all the while, none of them noticed the wild tamer that watched them outside the window, his ever present glare never wavering as his blue eyes narrowed
He stared at the young alchemist who was walking in-between the blond and brunette, “target found”, he stated, before he hopped up and landed in a tree nearby, waiting for a few guards to pounce before he began to make his way inside……
Notes:
Hello!
So, I’ve often wondered how Varian felt around this time, near the finale, because at this point, he’s been kidnapped, drugged, hurt, almost died, had all his friends get hurt, and his family put in danger by Cassandra alone. I can see him fully hating her at this point and being so angry that he can hardly control himself. They didn’t touch on this in the show, but I can see him struggle with his feelings because of how much they remind him of what he used to feel before, during the battle of Old Corona….
Varian is a very cautious bean, if he’s feeling all the things he used to feel before, he’d be scared or worried about what he’d do…. Hence, this chapter! :3
Hugo and Eugene being the best support system ever in this story! Them and Lance, because my gosh, King Lance needs recognition
Ruddy buddy being a bro in this chapter, comforting boy like a good coon! 😁
If you know what happened at the end of this chapter, you know….. things are about to get messy >:3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 406: Ambush! (Part 1!)
Summary:
So this is “Once in a handmaiden”, but done very differently!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It’d taken them days, but finally, Project Obsidian was finished! Varian, Hugo, and the Dark Prince, managed to sneak past everyone in the castle, Eugene giving the guards their positions earlier so they could use the training grounds all they wanted. Hugo and Ruddigar had been up late making wooden Cassandra’s, both were tired, but eager to see the results of Varian and Eugene’s hard work!
Once they’d made it over to their spot, they set up a bunch of hay and the wooden Cassandra targets near a few black rocks that Varian had summoned, before hiding behind some hay bales for their own safety. Varian pulled his goggles down, handing a pair to Eugene and Ruddigar and Hugo pulled his own up over his eyes, the Dark Prince and Raccoon doing the same before ducking down as Varian began to shoot!
*BOOM!*
Amber latched onto the black rocks and spread quickly, it’d stopped growing when it ran out of black rock to consume, encasing the Cassandra target without a second’s hesitation!
*BOOM!*
Another shot rang through the kingdom
*BOOM!*
Followed closely by another! Both shots completely engulfed the Cassandra’s in the glowing yellow amber as Eugene, Varian, and Hugo stood up with smiles on their faces
The alchemist pulled his goggles back up to his head and grinned from ear to ear, “ALRIGHT TEAM AWESOME!” Varian cheered as Eugene stood up and pulled the goggles up before he and Varian high-fived before hip bumping each other, “project obsidian is a *success*!”
Hugo snickered as he stood as well, pulling his own goggles down as Ruddigar chittered at his boy happily for a job well done while he stood on the hay behind the teen, “cute handshake”
“Thanks Hugo! It seemed appropriate for the completion of Project Obsidian”
“Project Obsidian?” A voice asked, getting all four to turn and see Rapunzel walking towards them
The freckles teen’s excitement got the better of him as he immediately began to talk, thankfully hiding the machine behind his back before he did, “Project Obsidian! It’s a device that can destroy Cassandr-!”
He stopped when Eugene nudged him gently, giving him a look as Hugo sighed, face palming with a smile on his face, Moon above he loved this boy
“-dra’s self *esteeeem*!” Varian corrected before blushing and moving away from the situation. Hugo joined him and placed a comforting hand on the teen’s shoulder as he face palmed
“Eugene! We are not *attacking* Cassandra!” Rapunzel stated angrily
“Of *course* we’re not going to attack her Sunshine”, Eugene stated with a calming smile and raising his hands in a placating gesture, “but I’m Captain of the Guard now, I have to be prepared to protect our people from *any* contingencies”, he stated as Hugo pointed to a few missed Cassandra targets
Eugene opened his mouth to speak again when
*BOOM!*
The man stared at the two teens before he tried to speak again
*BOOM! BOOM!*
Eugene huffed at the teen, Varian noticing him as Hugo nodded at all the targets having been encased before they moved over towards the pair. Eugene sighed before he looked at Rapunzel, “but I won’t use this thing unless I get your approval”, he stated before he brought out a piece of paper, which turned out to be a royal document of approval for a military grade weaponry
The princess stared at the document before looming away as Varian spoke up, “Princess, she’s attacked us several times, my family, *OUR* family”, he gestured to himself, Eugene, and Hugo, “is in *danger*. I know you don’t want to hurt her…. But we need to be prepared, because she *will* hurt us”
Rapunzel looked at the teen, “in the cabin…. She and I worked together to get out of there”
“Was that before or *after* she left you for dead inside a cave full of poisonous gas?” Hugo asked with a raised brow, Rapunzel glared daggers at him
Something Varian didn’t appreciate as he stepped in front of his boyfriend protectively, “Rapunzel, she made Eugene have to put my father in jail…..” the alchemist stated darkly, “she drugged me and locked me inside a small cage *hundreds* of feet in the air, she broke my ribs and has nearly killed every single person in my family, including you, Eugene, and Lance. You had *one* good experience with her where she tried to be better, but she changed her mind at the last minute and, yes, left you to die to that poison”. The teen raised a brow, “you wanna tell me that we shouldn’t be prepared for any attack she may throw at us? Want me to remind you that Cyrus is also in the picture now too? The man who wants my boyfriend dead, that same boyfriend who’s trying to *help* keep Corona *safe*, and the same one you’re currently *glaring* at?”
The princess sighed, “Varian, we are not
going to run to her tower and attack her”
“Who said we would? I made this for *protection* Rapunzel, nothing more, nothing less. I even lessened the effects of the amber that way it made it easier to control and break should we need to. But it’s potent enough to stop her attacks from spreading, even breaking *smaller* black rocks if needed. Rapunzel this could save *lives*!”
The princess stared at the teen for a moment, “are…. You okay?”
“Honestly? No, but you wouldn’t like what I have to say”
Rapunzel winced at that as Eugene and Hugo gasped a little, “Varian….”
The alchemist blinked before he closed his eyes and sighed, “…..I’m sorry…. I didn’t mean that in a rude way, I’m just…..” he opened his eyes again and looked at the princess before he handed Eugene Project Obsidian, not trusting himself with it at the moment, “Princess you have…. A very different view on how the world works…… I love you, very much, but I’m sorry, I don’t agree with how you see certain people. Everyone deserves a second chance to change, third even, but Cassandra has done far too much for me to be able to forgive her. Hearing you defend her, even the slightest, it….. makes me mad….. I don’t want you to stop, but…..” he sighed, his fist clenched, “my father isn’t here…. I have to fight just to get him back, just like before….. Arianna has been a great comfort to me, so have you, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, and especially Hugo, Olivia, Itty Bitty, Sassy, and Ruddigar. But my dad has been my only support for my entire life….. I had him taken away from me once, something I admit is my fault, and now it’s happening again, by means that aren’t my own doing. You cannot expect me to be completely fine with someone who’s actively harmed every *part* of my life and family, that *includes* you”
“I understand Varian, but Cass is under the control of a demon, you felt her”
“That doesn’t make what she did right!” Varian snapped, “sure, we could chalk up some of her nastiest atrocities to her being influenced by this demon, by Zhan Tiri, but she did some of that herself. I took responsibility for my actions, I rebuilt an entire damn *kingdom* just to fix my mistakes, I had to work, and work *hard* to regain everyone’s trust, including yours! Yet you forgive Cassandra without a second thought….. There’s a part of me that understands why, but if your family were where mine are now, you wouldn’t feel the same way….. you certainly didn’t when I took Arianna….”
“I….. V-Varian…..” the princess was shocked by the teens words as he stayed quiet
“Holy shit kid….” Eugene stated, his own eyes wide with shock
“I-I’m sorry…..” Varian replied, his own words replaying in his mind as he winced at them himself, “b-but….”
“That’s how you really feel?” Rapunzel asked, “that I don’t understand? That I don’t get how upset you are?” She sniffled, trying to keep her emotions under control as she spoke, “I do! But getting angry and attacking her isn’t going to solve anything!”
“Again, I said this was for protection”, Varian corrected softly, “and…. Maybe we should stop…. I…. Shouldn’t have told you that…. I should’ve just….”
“Kept it to yourself?” The princess asked, managing to control herself as she spoke, “if you really feel that way, I want you to tell me”
“No, that’s not something I should ever say to anyone…. Even if I do feel it, that wasn’t okay…..”
“……But you feel like it’s true….” Rapunzel said, “you feel like…. I’m treating Cassandra better than you…. That I hold her in higher regard….. That’s….. I’ve noticed that’s been a thing with me and you…..”
Varian’s lips quivered, he felt a hand in his, turning, he saw Hugo was the one holding it, Eugene held Project Obsidian, “Freckles, when was the last time you spoke with Lance?”
Varian lowered his head, “……before the rooster….. and I didn’t say anything to him about Rapunzel and Cassandra, I was more focused on my dad….”
“Varian-!”
“What am I supposed to tell him Hugo?!” He snapped, taking his hand away and turning on his boyfriend, “that I’m angry again? That I’m upset at Cassandra for the millionth time or that I feel like Rapunzel forgives Cassandra and how unfair that is?! I’ve already told him that! All of it! I’ve done everything he’s told me to do to try and fix it and I’m still not better! I don’t feel better, in fact I feel *WORSE*! I feel angry! So much so that I want to physically *harm* people! You really think that’s what I wanna tell someone I consider one of my closest friends and big brothers?! I felt this way before and it got me locked in JAIL!” He yelled as angry tears came streaming down his face before he clapped a hand over his mouth in shock and disgust
Hugo just stared for a moment or two before he sighed, keeping calm, “Freckles, you just did”, he stated simply
“I……” The alchemist felt his entire body swarm with fear, anger, sadness, and so much guilt as he looked at Eugene, Hugo, the finally, Rapunzel, before he closed his eyes, his hand still over his mouth as black and red rocks sprouted up around him, and he fled…..
“VARIAN WAIT!” Rapunzel tried, but the teen was gone before she could stop him
Eugene let out a sign as Hugo closed his eyes. The Dark Prince looked at the blond inventor, “you okay?”
“No….. But I don’t blame him….” The bespeckled teen replied before he opened his eyes and looked at Eugene, “is that normal?”
The Captain smiled sympathetically at the teen, “yeah, that’s normal”
“…..I hurt him again….” Rapunzel stared quietly
“Actually no, you said the wrong thing, but you didn’t hurt him, he’s been feeling this way for a long time”
The princess looked at her lover, “he has?”
“Yeah, he told me and Hugo as much. We thought Project Obsidian would help, since the rooster was a bust, but….. I guess not….. Where’s Lance Blondie?”
“I’m not sure, now that I think about it, I haven’t seen Lance in a little while”
“Ever since the play”, Hugo stated
“Yeah….. You think he went to go check on Catalina and Angry?”
“Possibly, but he normally comes back by the next day….. That’s…. Odd…. Something very odd is going on, and I don’t like it”, Eugene stated, “but…. We need to talk to Varian first, since Lance isn’t here, we don’t have time to go and look for him, Varian needed us now, come on, let’s go”
“Right”, Rapunzel and Hugo replied. They began to make their way to Varian, running the same way he did, but, just as soon as they did, a black rock shot up to stop them, a large black rock…..
They slid to a halt, “damn, he really wants to be left alone”, Eugene stated
“That’s not it Eugene”, Hugo stated worriedly as he pointed to something in front of him, getting the man to turn and gasp as he saw five figures standing there
“Hello princess”, Cassandra stated with a grin as the Moonstone sparked and glowed on her chest
“Missing someone?” A fully armored Cyrus asked, before he gestured to a blue eyed Adira, who pushed an unconscious Lance to the floor, he was tied up and looked like he’d been beaten pretty badly
A blue eyes Hector stepped forwards and unsheathed his blade, pointing it at the group, “like my new friends Rapunzel?” Cassandra asked with a grin
Eugene glared daggers at the group as he stepped in front of them, “get the *fuck* away from us…..”
“Now why would we do that?” Cassandra asked, “since when do you get to make demands Fitzherbert?”
“Since I became Captain of the guards CassAndra!”
The women stopped, “you’re… The new Captain?”
“Yeah, I am…”
“Your dad decided he wasn’t able to fight you Cass”, Rapunzel explained, “so he stepped down and asked Eugene to take his place….. He did it because he loves you…..”
The women blinked and, for a moment, she seemed to contemplate what the princess had told her. But a shroud of green overtook her mind, it was powerful enough that the onlooking group could actually *see* it! She blinked and, after a moment, glared daggers at the princess, “he’s even more of a coward than I thought!”
“Cassandra-!”
“ATTACK!” The Moonstone stealer ordered
Adira and Hector ran forwards instantly, heading straight for Rapunzel and Eugene, the Dark Prince dropping Project Obsidian and unsheathing his own blade as Rapunzel let down her hair. Cyrus ran directly towards Hugo. The man bringing down a large sword made entirely of black rocks
Hugo dodged, he brought out a dagger of his own and began to fight with Cyrus!
All the while, Cassandra smiled wide as she walked over, he managed to sneak behind everyone and grabbed Project Obsidian!
Eugene and Rapunzel were cornered, Adira’s flurry of attacks on the princess, and Hector’s wild and sporadic movements on the prince, made the two go instantly on the defensive! They ended up back to back, near the black rock blocking them from Varian. They held their ground together, managing to keep each other protected, until Hugo was thrown into them
The teen had been trying his best to fight against Cyrus, but the man had gained some sort of super speed and strength, one the blond inventor couldn’t match….. He was quickly grabbed and hurt before being thrown into the Prince and Princess, knocking all three to the floor
“Pathetic”, Cassandra stated with a laugh, “all of you are pathetic! I can’t believe I was even remotely interested in being your friend!” She snapped before she raised her hand and wrapped the group in black rock
She then aimed Project Obsidian directly at them, making their eyes widen with fear, “Cassandra-!”
“Say goodbye, Princess…..”
“NO!”
*BOOM!*
The project fired and hit them directly, the felt the amber began to overtake their bodies, it spread quickly, moving up their legs and waists before engulfing their chests, Hugo was the first to be completely engulfed, his final words to the world before he froze were a quiet and sorrowful, “I’m sorry Varian…..”
Rapunzel was next, she tried to struggle, tried to fight, she begged Cassandra to stop it as she cried out of fear, but it was too late, her final words were desperate and filled with fear as she looked directly at Cassandra, “please don’t do this! *Please*!”
Eugene was last, he didn’t struggle, he didn’t fight, he was too focused on Lance, the man had woken up! And right as the former thief, his best friend, realized what was happening, Eugene gave him a sympathetic smile, before a single tear fell from his face. He was silent as the amber swallowed him whole
“NOOOOOOO!” Lance screamed, he managed to use the last of his strength to break free of the ropes he was in, run forwards, and bang on the amber! His eyes filled with tears as he tried over and over to free his friends! But nothing worked, his body grew weak, his wounds bled more and more as he slid to the bottom of his imprisoned family, and cried…..
Cassandra stared, she felt nothing. Cyrus laughed as he kicked at Lance, Adira and Hector merely walked over and waited for more orders, as Zhan Tiri walked over, “good job Cassandra, now nothing is standing in your way!”
“What about Varian”
“Already taken care of, the big Oaf he calls a grandfather came in handy”, she stated, “all we must do now is wait for the eclipse to come! Once it does, and he brings the boy here, you’ll finally have all the power of the Sun and Moon, and nothing, and no one, will be able to stand in your way!”
“I’ll finally get what I deserve”
“Yes, you’ll finally get everything you’ve been denied”
Cassandra have a small smile at that as she looked at the three imprisoned in the amber. She got satisfaction out of the frozen faces Hugo and Eugene had, but she stopped at Rapunzel. The princess had begged her, she stared right into her soul….. Something inside Cassandra screamed as she heard her heart break a little
“What the fu-AH!” Cyrus yelled as something crashed into him at full force!
“What was that?!” Zhan Tiri asked, before she froze at the sight of an unconscious Edmund sprawled out on top of Cyrus, “wait… if he’s here then…. That means-!”
“You’re *dead*”, a voice stated, before someone knocked the demon girl through the air, making her slide into the ground, leaving a dirt trench behind
Cassandra gasped as Adira and Hector looked up, Zhan Tiri shook off the hit before she saw what they were staring at. In the air, with eyes, hair, and freckles glowing brighter than the Sun, floated a fully armored Varian, as he glared *daggers* at the group
“VARIAN!” Lance yelled, relief filling his voice as he did
The teen shot down to him immediately, “oh no you don’t you fucking piece of ashy SHIT!” Cyrus yelled, as he pushed Edmund off him and ran forwards. Only to be pummeled into by the alchemist!
Varian’s speed didn’t waver as he slammed his fists into the man, punching him over and over and over until they were a tangle of blood and blue light, finally the teen kicked the mad man’s stomach, slamming him to the floor before Varian floated up, and landed in front of Lance
Adira and Hector unsheathed their weapons again as Varian narrowed his eyes, “you made me fight my grandpa…..” he stated, his voice echoing a little as his Moon piece sparked to life while he glared at Cassandra, “my father is forced to stay in jail because you took over his mind. My aunt and uncle now face me with weapons drawn and empty blue eyes, and you used *my* invention to freeze my friends and family……. Cassandra….. I HATE YOU!” He screamed
Cassandra winced at that scream as it bounced off the area around her, making her cover her ears to try and stop the ringing that Varian’s scream had caused them to do! She felt a small part of her want to back down, fear overtook that small bit as it screamed at her to stop. But she ignored it again as green surrounded her, “good….” She started, the ringing stopping as she stood and faced the alchemist, “Then you’ll have no trouble giving me a good fight”, she stated, unsheathing her own sword as Zhan Tiri walked over and grinned
Varian narrowed his eyes before he saw Cyrus join her side, his sword at the ready, “6 against 1 is a little unfair”, he slammed his hand onto the amber behind him as Lance struggled to stand and draw his own sword, “how about we even those odds”
“How do you plan on doing that?” Cassandra teased, “you couldn’t get your own father out by yourself, you needed Rapunzel!”
“Oh I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve….” The teen stated, before he raised his hand and made red rocks block Cassandra’s path to him and Lance
“DAMN IT YOU FUCKING BASTARD!” Cyrus yelled before the magic of the red rocks began to over take them
Varian smirked before he looked at the former thief, “are you okay?”
“I’ve felt worse, what are we gonna do little man?” Lance asked, “we can’t take them by ourselves! And they’re right, you needed Rapunzel’s magic to break the amber before!”
“We won’t need Rapunzel’s magic, watch”, Varian stated before he turned to the amber, and began to sing….
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is completely different than what happens during Once a Handmaiden! I needed it to be different, this part is going to be because Cassandra’s bit where she disguises herself and then tries to talk to Rapunzel before she’s discovered and a whole bunch of misunderstandings happen wasn’t really my favorite thing to happen
Plus, y’all already know that she’s not in control at this point, that part would’ve emphasized it, I hope I did a good enough job here. I wanted to focus on Varian and Rapunzel’s relationship!
The alchemist has been building up to this for a long time, he’s been faced with so much and has to go through a lot to be where he is today. So to have everything he’s gained be taken away from him by someone he used to trust, making him get back into that position where he was completely alone again in season 1, I wanted to see what he would do, I feel like it would mean more if he was in that position again, and chose for himself!
Rapunzel made a mistake, but she didn’t know how bad Varian had gotten, I hope I made that clear too, he’s been skipping his therapy sessions, his anger getting worse, and his guilt rising! Rapunzel’s words hit him right where he’d been stewin, and it led to a similar outburst he had with his father
It’s a parallel and I hope I did it right. I hope the pay off is good as well! I’m really nervous about this chapter, but I have so much planned for the finale! I can’t wait to write more!!!!!!
Sorry, like I said, I’m very nervous…. Faith and Friedborg and everyone in this episode will still have a part! I’ll get them in soon, it’s all planned out, I can’t wait for you all to see it!
This isn’t the finale! This is Once a Handmaiden, episode before the finale! Trust me, the finale will have a lot more coming soon :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all had a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶😁
Chapter 407: Ambush! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian joins the fight, and Arianna makes a decision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian narrowed his eyes before he saw Cyrus join her side, his sword at the ready, “6 against 1 is a little unfair”, he slammed his hand onto the amber behind him as Lance struggled to stand and draw his own sword, “how about we even those odds”
“How do you plan on doing that?” Cassandra teased, “you couldn’t get your own father out by yourself, you needed Rapunzel!”
“Oh I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve….” The teen stated, before he raised his hand and made red rocks block Cassandra’s path to him and Lance
“DAMN IT YOU FUCKING BASTARD!” Cyrus yelled before the magic of the red rocks began to over take them
Varian smirked before he looked at the former thief, “are you okay?”
“I’ve felt worse, what are we gonna do little man?” Lance asked, “we can’t take them by ourselves! And they’re right, you needed Rapunzel’s magic to break the amber before!”
“We won’t need Rapunzel’s magic, watch”, Varian stated before he turned to the amber, and began to sing….
“Power of the moon
Beneath your darkened glow
Let your aura reach
Let my magic flow”
Varian’s hair and eyes became fully black as his hair waved and swished like smoke around him. Lance backed up, his eyes wide with terror as he watched the amber, it was…. Melting…..
“Wither and decay
End this destiny
Break these earthly chains
And set the spirit free
The spirit free”
****
Rapunzel, Eugene, and Hugo couldn’t see, everything was blurry and yellow, but they could hear….. They could hear Cassandra talking with Zhan Tiri, they could hear the girl’s hesitation, and then…..
They heard Varian….
The amber, they could feel it melt as their bodies became unstuck. They twitched and moved as much as they could before all three fell out of the amber!
Raounzel gasped for air as Eugene and Hugo got up and looked around. The princess got up as well once she’d caught her breath….. that was when she saw Varian….
The black eyes, the Smokey hair, even his freckles were pooled with shadows as he sang the Decay incantation. Lance stood by, his sword in his hands, and even though he was hurt, he managed to run over to Eugene, “Lance!” The Dark Prince stated, hugging his best, Lance returning the hug
“Are you okay?!” The former thief asked a he pulled away
“I’m fine, what about you? How the hell did…. *This* happen?!” Eugene asked as he gestured to the man’s injuries
“They jumped my while I was on my way back from visitin Cat and Angry”
“Damn them….”
“Yeah…”
“V-Varian?” A frightened voice asked, getting both men to turn and see Hugo walking towards his boyfriend, a hand outstretched towards him
“Don’t touch him Hugo”, Rapunzel warned, getting then group to look at her, and her glowing hair, “you’ll get hurt, hold on”
She walked over, gently nudging Hugo away just the merest smidge as she faced Varian, “hey”, she spoke softly, “I…. I know you’re angry right now….. and Im so sorry for that…… but….. You didn’t give up on me, on *us, so….. I’m not giving up on you”, she stated
For a moment, nothing happened, then Varian’s eyes, hair, and freckles returned to normal, and he gasps before falling back on his butt with a thump
Rapunzel kneeled down in front of him as he breathed, “are you okay?”
Varian managed to catch his breath before he spotted everyone looking at him. He scanned all of them before landing on Rapunzel, then he smiled, “I’m okay”
The princess’s grin grew wide as she hugged him, “thank you!” She stated breathlessly before she pulled away, helped him up, and looked at the group behind her, “this is the actual final straw”, she stated, “she’s harmed us, hunted us, beaten and abused us, we are *not* gonna take it anymore!”
“So you’re not gonna try to talk to her or make her feel better about things?” Lance asked as Hugo ran over and hugged Varian closed, the alchemist returning the hug
Rapunzel shook her head, “not anymore, she’s gone way too far, I thought she could be reasoned with a little, but I was wrong…. Very wrong…. I’m sorry for that…. I’m not making that mistake again. Let’s fight, and stop her from doing anymore damage than she’s already done! Who’s with me?!”
“YEAH!” The group cheered, making the princess smile before they grabbed their weapons and Rapunzel grabbed her hair
She looked at Varian, who kissed Hugo lovingly, before he looked at her. They shared a nod before the teen began to float once again, his hair and eyes glowing bright as he raised a hand and lowered it, lowering the red rock that blocked Cassandra’s group from getting to them
****
The castle of Corona shook, Arianna suddenly got a very bad feeling that something was wrong. She walked through the halls, looking around for Rapunzel or anyone who may know where she was. That’s when she heard it…. Screaming….
She ran through the halls as quick as she could before she froze, her eyes growing wide at the sight before her! It was Quirin, his eyes were flickering between blue and brown as, what looked like, blue electricity covered his body!
He was twitching aggressively! His dual blades were in his hands as he fought off every guard that came near him. But his screaming was the worst part as he begged people to stay away from him! Faith and Friedborg hid around the corner as Arianna noticed Quirin had tears down his face and blood dripping from his mouth and hands, had he punched his way out?
The Queen ran forwards, “QUIRIN!” She yelled
Her old friend turned to face her and slashed as her instantly, “STAY BACK! PLEASE!” He yelled, “I-I CANT S-STOP IT!”
“Stop what?! What’s happening to you?!”
“T-THE MIND T-TRAP! LOOK OUT!”
He swung at her again, she managed to jump away from him and hide behind a table, “Quirin! You have to fight it off!”
“I-I CANT!” Quirin yelled as pain filled his voice, “IM *T-TRYING*!”
The table was sliced, Queen Arianna jumped up and backed away, the retired knight moving forwards, towards Arianna, slicing anything the came in his way, “Quirin please!” She begged, “please fight it!”
“I-I c-c-c-can’t! Please run! I-I don’t w-wanna h-hurt you Ariann-n-n-na!”
Another slice landed a nasty gash on the Queen’s arm. She winced before tripping over a stool! She yelped as she fell before looking up. She saw a crying Quirin looming over her, he was trying so hard to fight what he was being told! He hesitantly raised his sword, about to slam it down and he was tackled to the floor!
“ARIANNA!” A familiar voice yelled, the Queen looked over and saw Frederic fighting to keep Quirin down
“Frederic!”
“Run!” He yelled as Faith and Friedborg come over and stood by the Queen, “run NOW! Go to the retired Captain! He’s just down the hall! Grab anyone you see on your way!”
“B-but Fred-!”
“GO! Before I lose my grip! I don’t have too much in me, but I can still fight!”
The Queen hesitated before she saw Quirin throw the king off of him! Fredric slammed into a wall and crashed to the floor before he got up again and tackled the retired knight, neither fell, but he held Quirin in place, “ARIANNA PLEASE RUN!!!!!” Frederic yelled
“B-but….. I…..” She looked in-between her husband and her old friend as Faith and Friedborg tried to pull her away
“R-r-run!” Quirin pleaded, “please!”
“RUN ARI!” Frederic yelled, before he looked at her sincerely, “I give the thrown to you Arianna, and Rapunzel as well, please….. let me fix my mistakes….. Our people and family need you….. *Please*”
The Queen was shocked before tears slid down her face, she nodded before she looked at Faith and Friedborg, “were with you your majesty”, the shy maid stated as Friendborg nodded sadly, all three of them ran. Leaving Quirin and Frederic alone, the King looked at his former best friend, “I’m sorry…”
Quirin pushed him off and got up, he tried to fight it, tried to stop his advances towards the king, but he couldn’t….. With his swords in hand, the retired knight stepped forwards slowly, Frederic backed up, but found himself in a corner, no way to escape! He noticed Varian’s lab in the corner of his eye however!
The Village Leader whimpered as he faced the King, he wasn’t able to speak, his mouth forced shut as the spell took him over more and more. He couldn’t stop himself, couldn’t force his body to quit, he raised his blade in the air and was about to swing down, ending the king’s life for good!
****
Cassandra backed away from the frightening vision she saw, but stopped when she saw it disappear! She looked around and saw the red rock was lowering, her eyes widened when she saw Rapunzel, Eugene, and Hugo had been freed from the amber. Her anger grew as she growled at the group, “you think you’re so smart, but I’ll be the one who wins in the end! I WILL!” She snapped as black rocks sprouted around her!
She raised her hands and shot the towards the princess, but they’re stopped instantly! The blue haired women glared as Rapunzel turned and saw Varian with both his hands out, glaring at Cassandra as his eyes glowed,you won’t HURT HER!” He yelled before pushing back and sending the rocks back towards Cassandra
She dodged them before she summoned more and hopped on! She rode them towards the teen, crashing into him before the princess could do anything to stop her, “VARIAN!” She yelled
“RAAAAAAAAAH!” A roar ripped through the air, Rapunzel turned right in time to see Cyrus slash at her, she blocked his attack with her hair and glared at him, “hey bitch! Miss me?”
“You wish, MURDERER!” She snapped before whipping her hair at him, she managed to get a hit on him enraging the man
He ran forwards and began to slash at her absentmindedly! His eyes filled with a crazed rage as he growled and snarled and cursed at her! She managed to block and dodge every attack he threw before she ended up against a black rock. She yelped as she tried to cover herself with her hair before someone jumped on Cyrus!
“AH FUCK! WHAT THE HELL?!” Cyrus yelled as the person scratched, punched, and beat him before they were thrown off
The man turned just in time to see Hugo slash at him, he wasn’t able to dodge and received a nasty gash on his leg! Cyrus grunted in pain, dropping his weapon, and backed up as Hugo continued his assault, “ASSHOLE!” Hug cursed, as he slashed at Cyrus, “PIECE OF SHIT!” he yelled, continuing to slash at Cyrus using his dagger, “THIS IS FOR DON!”
The man could only back away as the blond continued his angry revenge!
Rapunzel smiled and wrapped her hair around Cyrus’s ankle, she tripped him, leaving him at the mercy of Hugo, who raised his blade, only to be kicked in the side by Adira
The inventor slid to a halt as he winced at the, already bruising, kick wound. He stared at Adira as he stepped in front of Cyrus, the man getting up and placing his hands on her cheek and chin, “fuck him up bitch”, he ordered before kissing her head and backing away
Adira growled and ran forwards, attacking Hugo, Rapunzel ran over and tried to help, blocking a few attack the face painted warrior made! But she was stopped when Eugene slammed into her!
“Eugene?” She asked, both of them getting up quickly
“LOOK OUT!” Eugene yelled, he pulled Rapunzel away, just in time to see Hector’s blade swish by her
She saw the wild tamer step towards them, his ever present glare more dangerous than before. Rapunzel’s eyes widened when she noticed Lance was bleeding badly, his stomach had been slashed and he was unable to move or help. Hugo backed into the pair, Adira forcing him into that corner
Cyrus, Adira, and Hector, all crowded around the four of them, Lance trying to throw whatever he could find to get their attention on them. It didn’t work, Cyrus stepped forwards, “say goodnight, bitches”, he stated before he picked up his weapon and raised it high
Suddenly a black rose slammed into him, and Varian stood on top of it, “goodnight bitches”, the teen spat as he glared at the man before looking at his friends, “are you guys okay?”
“More or less”, Eugene replied tiredly
“Where’s Cassandra?” Rapunzel’s asked
“RIGHT HERE!” A voice yelled before a black rock hit Varian, sending the teen flying as Cassandra growled and hopped off her own black rock
Varian hopped up from where he’d landed and glared at Cassandra, “this needs to stop! You’re destroying *EVERYTHING*!” He yelled
“I don’t CARE!”
“Yeah I can see that”, the alchemist snapped as he dodged a black rock, “you’re sure showing how much better you are than Rapunzel by destroying what once was you’re *home*!”
“You don’t understand!”
“UES I *DO*!” Varian yelled before he threw a pink goo bomb at Cassandra and trapped her, “I used to be angry, just like you! I attacked and hurt innocent people to get them to listen to me! But what I did was WRONG! I realized that when I was in JAIL!”
“YOU GOT CAUGHT!”
“DOES THAT MATTER?!” Varian yelled, “it was still wrong! You’re making bad decisions! You’re gonna get people killed! Doesn’t that matter to you at all?! Don’t you care if people die because of you?!”
Cassandra hesitated to answer, she *did* care, but as soon as those thoughts began to stir up in her mind, they grew misty and distant. She shook her head, “they’ll be happy under *MY* rule!” She snapped, summoning a few black rocks to attack Varian
The teen teleported away, landing in front of Rapunzel, he glared at her before he was sliced at. He dodged and his eyes widened when he saw Hector glaring at him, “Hector…..” he said, a step beside him made the teen look and see his aunt as well, “Adira….”
Cassandra hopped in-between the pair, she’d used the black rocks to free herself from the goo as Cyrus smirked and stood behind her. Lance winced as he tried to get up, throwing a rock at the man, Cyrus walked over and kicked the man before he dragged him over and threw him towards Eugene, Rapunzel, and the others
Varian caught Lance using his magic and set him down, gently, behind him before he glared at Cassandra, “you’re making a huge mistake…..” he warned, “this is your *last* chance to leave us alone and stop what you’re doing….”
Cassandra grinned wickedly, “and where’s the fun in that?” She stepped forwards
Varian sighed, “tried to warn ya”, he stated, before he flicked Cassandra’s head, sending her flying
The blue haired women growled and glared at the teen before her eyes widened when she saw him speeding to her, he was *flying*! She got up, just in time to catch his fist as he tried to punch her. She slammed him into the ground
Varian teleported away as she slammed her foot where his stomach had been. He reappeared behind her and slammed a few black rocks into her back!
She yelped before summoning black rocks of her own and sending them towards the teen
Varian flew up and grabbed an alchemy bomb from his pocket, he threw it down at her. Cassandra blocked it with a black rock, only to be kicked on the back from behind her. She turned and saw Varian glaring at her as he floated in the air, his eyes glowing dangerously bright
She glared right back at him before she heard, “RAPUNZEL!”
They both looked, and saw Arianna running to the princess, Faith and Friedborg behind her, “RAPUNZEL!”
“Mom!” Rapunzel exclaimed, rushing over and hugging her mother as Eugene and Hugo tried to heal Lance
Arianna held her daughter close before she pulled away, “darling we’ve got to run!”
“What? Why?”
*BOOOM!*
An explosion rang through Corona, everyone looked and saw green smoke coming from the castle, “THE KING!” Faith yelled
Rapunzel gasped as she looked at her mother, “mom, where’s dad?!”
Arianna was silent
“M-mom?!”
Cassandra laughed, making the group look at her, “well then, it’s unexpected, but I think I know who killed him!”
Rapunzel glared daggers at her former best friend, before someone large stepped in front of her. She froze at who she saw…. “N-no….”
Varian’s eyes were wide with fear as tears slid down him face, he shook his head as he stopped floating and fell to his knees at who he saw, “d-dad…..”
Quirin was standing there for all to see, he was burnt and twitching, his two dual blades were covered in blood as he glared at Cassandra
“Finally gave in to me, huh?” Cassandra asked as she walked over to him, “took you long enough”
“Daddy…..” Varian said softly
Cassandra turned to him, green smoke circled around her head as her eyes were mere pinpricks, “your father is *dead* inside”, she stated, her voice and eye color changing, from a sea green, to a violet purple, “he’s *mine*, and will only listen to me, do you want to see?” She asked before snapping her fingers and pointing to Varian
The alchemist’s eyes widened as he watched his father obey her command! He got up and backed away, “d-dad! Dad stop! I-it’s me! It’s Varian!”
Quirin said nothing as he continued to walk forwards, his eyes fixated on Varian and Varian alone as he raised one of his blades
The alchemist continued to back up, but tripped, he felt tears slide down his face as he looked up and saw his father, giving him the same, uncaring look that King Frederic had when he was lashed. The alchemist tried once more, “d-dad?”
But his words fell on deaf ears as Quirin slashed down on him, “VARIAN!” Hugo yelled
The group was silent for a moment or two as ‘Cassandra’ laughed, before a bright flash of blue shot out into front of Quirin! The knight stepping back before he was pushed away! He slid to a halt as he landed on his feet before he looked up
Varian had his eyes closed, but he was fully armored, his hair and freckles glowing bright blue as his cheek bled badly from the deep gash he’d been given by his father…..
The teen opened his eyes, they were completely blue, he looked at his father before he sniffled and summoned black rocks to hit the man, they did, and knocked him into Adira and Hector, all three falling in a tangled mess
Varian then teleported to Rapunzel, Faith, Friedborg, and Arianna, took their hands and teleported, taking them with him. He reappeared next to Eugene, Lance, and Hugo, he grabbed them all and teleported away before ‘Cassandra’ could stop him
Not that she wanted to. She grinned evilly, laughing at the stare Varian had given her before he’d disappeared, “Corona is finally *mine*”, ‘she’ stated before she used the Moon stone to summon more and more black rocks!
As she did this, Varian, alone, teleported to everyone he could think of or find, he grabbed them and teleported them away to somewhere safe. When he’d finished, he teleported himself to the top of a hill overlooking Corona…. He watched as his home turned into a landscape full of black rocks! Tears fell from his cheeks before he turned away and disappeared in a final teleport….. Losing the battle, his home….. And his family…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
This took me way too long to type XD I’m so sorry for the wait, but I finally got it done, and I sincerely hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
I’ll let the chapter speak for itself, thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 408: Comforting a Bean!
Summary:
Varian is in a bad state, it’s up to Eugene to help him feel better, what he didn’t expect was that he wouldn’t be doing this alone!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
To say the Snuggly Duckling was packed was an understatement, it was barely *breathable* in that tiny bar! Everyone that’d been rescued now cowered in every corner imaginable, families comforting each other, friends reuniting after the huge battle, lovers kissing each other for minutes on end before giving their final ‘I love you’s. Eugene could barely stand it, he felt antsy as he paced, back and fourth, in front of the fire place
He thought about what he’d just witnessed, he and Rapunzrl had taken a look at the kingdom just a few moments ago, and it was covered in a blanket of black rocks! Everything was gone, the entire kingdom was destroyed, and all because of their former friend
The Princess had taken the sight hard….. She was currently spending time with her mother, trying to get some air, the Dark Prince had volunteered to stay out, wanting to make sure everyone was okay at the bar and no fights broke out. So far, fighting seemed to be the last thing on everyone’s minds as they continued their silent panic
Lance was healed, resting in a booth while Catalina and Angry, the two girls having been saved by Varian at the last minute, watched over him. Now that his thoughts were on him, Varian was all Eugene could think about….. The alchemist was in the back of the bar, alone…. Even Hugo wasn’t allowed in, which made the blond anxious as he followed Eugene around like a lost duckling, Ruddigar riding on the inventor’s shoulders
Eugene couldn’t blame Varian for wanting to be alone. He’d just spent the better part of an *hour* saving everyone he could from Cassandra’s wrath, he needed a rest. But the image of Quirin standing over the teen with his blade in the air pierced Eugene’s heart….. Had…. That actually happened? And if so….. Did Quirin really kill the King and….. Hurt his child?…..
The thought was too much for Eugene to take, Quirin would *never* do that to his son! But….. He had….. And that scar would be very prominent on the teen’s cheek….
“W-we should check on him….” An anxious voice stated behind Eugene. The Dark Prince chuckled slightly, this poor kid, “give him time Hugo, he just needs time”
“B-but he’s alone i-in there! And after what he went through…..”
“I know kiddo…. I know….” Eugene turned to look at the inventor, he was a wreck, his ponytail had fallen out when Varian had teleported them away. It hung in a mess around his shoulders, his bangs in his face as his body showed signs of bruising and blood. The man felt a twang of sympathy for the blond as Hugo messed with his buttons anxiously, “hey, it’s gonna be alright Hugo, don’t worry, we’ll be here for Varian when he needs us, he’ll be alright”
“I hope so….”
“I *know* he will”, Eugene stated with a warm smile as he placed a hand on Hugo’s shoulder, “it’ll all be okay, we just need to think positive is all”
The blond sighed before nodding, “right”
Suddenly, the door to the back of the bar opened, and the two men turned to see Varian walk out. He looked *terrible*! His hair, eyes, and freckles were still glowing, he still had black rock armor on, his head was bent down, his eyes red and puffy, tears still falling from them, down his cheek, and dripped off his chin as he made his way over to a small corner of the bar. He sat down and placed his head in his knees before he sobbed quietly to himself
“Oh….. Oh no…..” Eugene and Hugo walked over and sat next to the alchemist, “Varian”, the Dark Prince said quietly, “Varian hey, it’s okay, it’s alright….”
The Captain hugged the teen gently, holding him close. He didn’t mind when Varian latched onto him and clung to his clothing. The man looked down at the alchemist sadly, he could tell the teen was *exhausted*, “Freckles…. When’s the last time you slept?” Apparently Hugo noticed too
Varian didn’t respond, only continuing to sob into Eugene’s chest quietly. The two tried to comfort him as best they could, at least, until a shadow fell onto them. The blond looked up first and gasped, prompting Eugene to do the same, “…..Attila?”
“Uh…. Hey”, the helmet wearing bar thug said
“Hi?” Eugene replied with a raised brow, “what are you doing?”
“I uh…. Wanted to….” He sighed, “I wanna check on da squirt”, he admitted
“We all do”, another voice piped up, getting the two to look over and see the entire bar of people were all looking at them, Big Nose being the one to step forward as he continued to speak, “Quirin helped everyone out…. He got us homes and helped us through rough times. He was there for everyone….. Varian did the same, being right there by his daddy’s side….. Now that Quirin’s…. Unavailable….. We can’t just leave the kid alone…..”
Hugo was startled by this, Eugene however, was not, he smiled at the people in the bar before looking down at the alchemist, “you wanna talk to them kiddo?”
Varian didn’t respond, but he’d stopped crying, Eugene took that as a good thing and grinned even wider before he looked at Attila
“Do you have anything you wanna say to him? Something that may cheer him up?”
The helmet wearing thing thought for a moment before he nodded excitedly and walked away for a moment. A few seconds later, he came back and kneeled next to the teen, offering his some fresh, Attila made, strawberry and lemon tarts
Hugo raised a brow before he heard sniffing. Ruddigar chittered happily and pointed to his boy, who was peeking out of his hiding hole and looming at the tarts, his hair dimming a little. Attlia chuckled, “they’re free for ya kid, if ya want em”
The alchemist blinked before sniffling as he gently took the strawberry tart. He didn’t eat it, merely staring as he held it in his hands, Eugene frowned, “we miss him too kiddo….. I’m sorry this happened to him…. But he’ll be back, he will, we’ll get him back and figure out a way to break the mind trap”, he smiled when Varian looked up at him, “I mean that, no one is gonna kill Quirin, nor will we hurt any of his siblings or dad. None of the are acting like they normally would, we know they’re under the spell of the Mind Trap curse. It’s not their fault, and we’ll fight to get them back, we will, you just gotta have faith”
Varian seemed to ponder on that for a moment as he continued to stare at Eugene, before his hair dimmed back to its normal black color. His freckles returned to normal as well, his eyes still glowed brightly however, though he did take a bite out of the strawberry tart, giving a tiny smile as he enjoyed the flavor
Attila grew happy with that as Big Nose walked over, “I…. Wrote a poem…. It’s about Quirin…. Wanna hear it?”
The entire bar groaned, but Eugene raised a brow at them as Varian nodded politely while he ate the strawberry tart, giving half of it to Hugo, who accepted happily
Big Nose cleared his throat and read his poem:
“Quirin our brave Village Leadah,
We know not what they’ve done
But we’ll be very glad to see ya,
Once we’ve figured out how to undo this curse,
Our lives will be better,
And Cassandra’s will be worse!”
Varian applauded politely as Hugo wrinkled his nose, but kept his opinion to himself. It made Varian feel better after all, and that’s all that counted, though he thought Big Nose’s bow was a little much
“I wrote more if ya wanna hear em-!” Big Nose stated
“NO!” The entire bar yelled, getting the man to huff at them with a glare
“What I *think* they mean, is that maybe we should have someone else try to cheer Varian up?” Eugene corrected
“Fiiiine”, Big Nose stated, but he smiled at Varian happily as the alchemist floated a full cup of beer over to the man as a thank you
Eugene watched as Big Nose walked away before he felt Varian snuggle into his chest more, he snorted, “comfy there kiddo?”
Varian hummed tiredly, he had a tired smile on his face now, it was better than a frown, but still showed signs of wavering as the longer the silence held, the more Varian thought about his father
Everyone seemed to notice however, because Monty stepped up next, “ya know, I think it would be a good idea if we all started ta talk about things Quirin’s done for us around ta village”
“Good idea!” Killer stated, “I remember this one time, I got my head stuck in a fence, and Quirin stopped to help me out!”
Everyone sounded their approvals of the story before Bruiser spoke next, “how about the time I ended up with a sprained ankle while runnin from the guards, and when he found me, Quirin helped me heal before helpin me with my community service by allowin me to work on his farm instead of me goin to jail!”
More approvals arose from the crowd at the tale
“How about when Quirin saved me from Varian when I was about to eat his raccoon!” Dwayne piped up, “I was terrified, but had Quirin not calmed his son down, I would’ve been a goner!”
The bar was silent as everyone looked at Dwayne, a blue glow filled the room as the thief yelped and hid behind the bar, Eugene shook his head and sighed before he looked at Varian, “bean, don’t hurt the funny man, he’s got a few screws loose, it’s not worth it”
Varian huffed as his glowing stopped
Hugo snorted, “well that was a damper, how about something lighter, like another *good* Quirin story”
“…..How about the time he helped me figure out that I wanted to be a dad….” A voice asked, getting the bar to look over and see Lance, who was sitting on the booth he’d been resting on
“Lance, are you okay?” Eugene asked
“Yeah, I’m alright, still kinda hurt, but it ain’t nothing I can’t handle”, the former thief replied, “anyway, Quirin, he helped me realize I wanted to become a dad, to two, very special, little girls, that all of you know really well”
Angry raised a jealous brow at him, “who are they? Do *we* know them?” She asked
“Yeah, have they been with you for a while?” Catalina added, a bit gentler than Angry, but still with the same irritation as her sister
Lance chuckled, “yeah, ya know em”
“How?” The two girls asked in unison
“Heh, cause they’re you”
Catalina and Angry’s eyes went wide with shock as Lance continued to smile at them, “w-wh…. Y-you wanna-!” Angry began
“Yeah, I’ve wanted to for a long time, ever since you two decided to stay in Corona in fact, and Quirin’s the man that helped me decide”, Lance stated, “it was after Catalina…. Hurt Varian…..”
“Oh…..” The red head said softly
“I don’t think he’s mad about it Cat”, Eugene stated
Varian’s nodding confirmed that, and quelled the young girl’s anxieties
Lance smiled, “well, I was havin…. Sort of a hard time….. accepting you two being all alone. But then Quirin…. Heh, he started to talk about bein a dad himself, it was right after he’d set Varian in his bed for the night”:
*Quirin had set Varian in his bed, opting to share a bed with his son tonight so he could make sure the little alchemist didn't wake up confused tomorrow. The princess, Lance, and Eugene all had rooms right next to each other on the first floor, so they could help Quirin with Varian as soon as they could. Rapunzel and Eugene were in the prince's bedroom, talking quietly with each other. Lance was still out in the living room, reading a Flynn Rider book, when the retired knight saw him he chuckled, "I guess my son isn't the only one into Flynn Rider hm?"
"Pfft not really! I'm reading it because I.... honestly don't know what to do with myself right now and need somethin to distract me"
"Oh? What's going on?" Quirin asked, sitting down in the arm chair
"I don't know, just been thinking about things.... The girls for instance.... I know Catalina wants to stay in that little treehouse, but I saw it Quirin, that thing's tiny, it won't fit those two, especially when they grow up! Plus there's no furniture, they don't have jobs and can't get any because of their age, they're gonna be all alone in that little house in the woods and have no one to take care of em..... it's just..... it's a lot for kids to be on their own, I should know, I was on my own longer than Eugene was, and I got lonely and scared, and it was so hard to handle.... I mean, what are they gonna do if one of em has a nightmare? Or how are they gonna cook a meal that actually keeps their bodies balanced, I don't know what they've been eating lately, but whatever it is sure ain't keepin them fit, they're small and I'm not saying that because they're little girls, they're 11 and 12 years old, they should be bigger than they are now, but they're not..... I just.... I don't know, I can't stop thinking and worryin about them...."
Quirin chuckled, "you sound like a father"
Lance looked at the man and blushed, "I uh... I do?"
The old farmer nodded, "that's what I think about with my son, he needs more food because he's tiny, is he shivering, he must be too cold, what if he trips on the way to the castle and scrapes his leg, will he faint from the blood? What's gonna happen if I'm not here and Varian wants or needs me? That's how fathers think, have you.... ever thought about adopting them?"
"Me? Adopt them? I.... have actually", he stated quietly, "don't tell anyone, because I'm not exactly ready for it, but.... I have thought about it..... But I don't know if I'm ready to be a dad, let alone if they'd even want me to be, I mean, I'm not exactly the greatest role model here"
"I know"
"Well alright then, go straight for the jugular", Lance muttered
Quirin chuckled, "I don't mean it that way, I mean I understand what you're thinking. Because when I became a father, I felt that way too, but here I am, 15 years later and he doesn't hate me nor is he starving or on the street, so I must be doing something right"
"Yeah but you're better at it than I am! I'll make mistakes and really hurt them!"
"Oh you mean like putting your job before you kids, or lying to them about your past, or yelling at them because they want to help but you're scared and yelling seems to be the only thing that works, or how about getting so caught up in an argument that you end up getting caught in amber and find out that you've been imprisoned for a year and a half while your son went on a rampage, ended up in jail, was manipulated by some ass who thinks the world owes him something, and then you watch your kid struggle to talk to someone who isn't you or his little raccoon because of the actions and decisions you've made?"
Lance was silent for a moment, "....yeah like that.... also are you okay?"
"I'm fine, I just... look being a father is very hard, yes, it is probably the biggest and most difficult decision you will ever make, and you're going to mess up. Everyone messes up, it's in the job description, but you are not alone in this, you've got Eugene, Rapunzel, Varian, and me", he smiled, "if you ever choose to become their father, then I'll be more than willing to help you", he said, "you're already thinking like a father should and you know what, I think you'd make a fantastic father one day, I really do Lance".
"You mean that?"
"I do, I may have made mistakes, lots of mistakes, but I'm trying to get better. So is Varian, it's hard, but we're getting there, the biggest thing that I'll say for certainty, is that we love each other, unconditionally, no rhyme, no reason, nothing, we just do. That alone makes being a father worth it. I love that boy, I will never stop loving that boy, he's my pride and joy and I couldn't be more proud of what he's been doing and how far he's come, even comparing him to a few weeks ago to now, he's grown so much and I am really proud of him!" He stated happily, "even though I've made mistakes in his life, he's made the correct choices, and he continually tells me it's because of what I've done for him. That is something I'll always treasure as a father, and I can tell you, for absolute certainty, you'll be perfect for those little girls in there"
"Why do you say that? You hardly know me"
"Because no one can stand up to me like that, and defend a creature that just harmed *my* kid, without having an unimaginable amount of care and love for the person they're protecting", he replied, "that is a fact"
Lance chuckled, "yeah you were pretty scary back there"
"Yes I was, because no one harms my baby and gets away with it"
"Your baby!" Lance squealed, "that's cute!"
Quirin blushed, "he is my baby, and I don't care how old he gets, that's not changing"
They smiled happily and went quiet for a moment or two, both of them thinking about the kids in the next room before Lance yawned, "I should probably hit the hay, need to get some shut eye so I can figure out some way to get them food and help them earn it tomorrow".
Quirin smiled and yawned as well, "I think I'll head to bed too, I want to make sure Varian's okay anyway"
"Kid's tough as nails, he'll be alright", Lance commented, making Quirin smirk, "oh by the way"
"Hm?"
"Thank you, for the pep talk, maybe one day I'll adopt them, for now I don't think I'm quite ready, but one day, and when I do, you'll be the first to know"
"Thank you Lance"
"You're welcome Quirin, goodnight"
"Night"*
The entire bar was silent as they stared at Lance, a few of the thugs were wiping tears and passing them off as dust in their eyes before Catalina spoke up, “you…. Had that talk with Quirin…. The day I turned into a werewolf and attacked Varian?”
“Yeah”, Lance replied with a chuckle
“…..You really wanna adopt us?” Angry asked
“Yeah”
“Why tell us now?”
“Cause…. I guess I’m scared….” Lance admitted, “I’m afraid of what’s gonna happen, I have faith that we’ll be okay, but I don’t know, and…. If this is gonna be the last time I’ll get to see you two…. I wanna let you know that…. That I love you both, and that you have a dad in me…. If you want me to be”
The two girls were surprised, “but…. We were thieves before! We stole and cheated people out of their belongings! We cause trouble and aren’t perfect! Why…. Would you want us as your kids?” Angry asked
“Because I love you two, now more than ever. And you really think me and Eugene didn’t do the same damn thing when *we* were your ages?”
Eugene laughed, “oh the good ol days!”
“Right!” Lance agreed with a grin, “we got mixed up with the Baron, got chased outta every town we were in, and never got caught, when we did, we just snuck out! Believe me, I get it, I understand how hard life could be, especially as a kid, and….. when you two decided to turn over a new leaf, all in your own, well….. That made me really proud! Quirin…. He gave me the confidence to think more like a dad, there were times when he would have private chats with me when I had questions about child rearing. He was more than happy to answer, and he always steered me in the right direction whenever I was lost about what to do with you two. Even havin you two spend time with Hugo and Varian was more his idea than mine, he showed me how to be a parent! And the more I did it, the more I loved it, and you two”
Catalina and Angry smiled wide at the former thief before they looked at each other, “what do you think?” Catalina asked
“I…. I…. Um….” Angry stuttered
Catalina giggled as tears filled her eyes to the brim and she looked at Lance, “that’s a yes”
Lance was startled before he smiled and hugged to two happily. Angry and Catalina smiled and hugged him back, all three holding each other close, “once all this is over, we’ll make it official, okay?” Lance asked
“Ok!” The girls replied happily
They stayed that way for a while as everyone in the bar clapped, Varian smiled wide at the three before Lance chuckled as he set the girls on his shoulders and looked at the teen, “your dad is the reason this happened you know”, he stated, “he helped me so much Varian, I will never be able to find the words to tell that man how grateful I am to him…. Or you”
Varian blinked and tilted his head to the side, a confused expression on his face
“Quirin…. He told me he learned how to be a dad because you were such a good son, told me he wouldn’t be here without you, and those talks we’ve had, the times you’ve come to me for help, they helped me too. I got to find out more about you, and how wonderful you are, truth is little man, I wasn’t good with kids, I loved em, but I didn’t know how to take care of em…. So when you came around, and I got the experience of helpin you when you needed an ear, watchin you grow and get better made everything so much clearer, I owe all of this, me becomin their dad someday, I owe it all to you and your father, sincerely, thank you”
The alchemist blinked before he smiled, sniffling a little
Lance chuckled before he walked over, balancing the girls on his shoulders as he did so before he kneeled before Varian, “ya know, every time we spoke, Quirin always told me how much of an amazin son you are and have always been. He loves you so much little man, that’ll never change, so when we do go back and we fight them all again, I’ll bet he’ll be back in our side the moment he sees you again, cause nobody, not even Quirin himself, harms his baby, and you’ll always be his baby, always, ok?”
Varian smiled and nodded before he embraced Lance, the former thief returned the hug, they stayed that way for a while before the teen let go and snuggled back into Eugene’s arms
For a moment, all that was done was Varian wiping tears from his face, with Hugo’s help, until the teen opened his eyes again. He looked around at everyone he’s ever known, everyone who’s been in his life, Adam, Mr and Mrs. Solace, Robin, Faith, Friedborg, Catalina, Angry, Lance, Eugene, Ruddigar, and Hugo all smiled back at him lovingly
The teen let out a small breath, and gave a quiet, “thank you, all of you”, before he felt his eyes dip as his anxiety was quelled, he leaned against Eugene as Ruddigar hopped over and into the teen’s lap
And for the first time since they’d gotten there, the alchemist fell asleep with a smile on his face as he dreamed of his father, holding his hand and walking towards the Capital of Corona with Adira, Hector, and Edmund, all together with smiles on their faces
Notes:
Hello!
So this was sort of a celebration of Quirin and Varian, a tiny on, there’s gonna be a bigger one later of course
But this is the chapter where I wanted to emphasize how much they’re loved in their community, how Quirin and Varian help everyone in different ways!
Eugene is also being celebrated as a good big brother and Captain, because the man deserves all the compliments for all of his hard work!
Lance finally did it! He told them! If you know, you know, read the chapter if you don’t ;3
Catalina and Angry are being adorable as usual! We love the terrible duo XD it’s been a minute since they’ve been in a chapter, I wanted to give them a tiny celebration too, so here it is!
Hugo being best worried boyfriend right now! The poor green bean, he’s having a hard time X3 but he’ll be okay
Varian….. There’s not enough ‘this poor bean’ words in the world for this kid, he’s been through way too much, so, the story author shall make a snuggle chapter for him since they feel bad for how much he’s been put through, this poor tiny bean ❤️🎶🥺
Ruddy buddy for best animal friend in this chapter! In every chapter really XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Sorry this came out later than expected, the Solar Eclipse distracted me, I got some amazing pictures of it!!!! Oddly fitting that it happened near the finale of this story XD
Chapter 409: The plan!
Summary:
Varian finds out about very important information, and he and Rapunzel use it to come up with a plan!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Light pulled him forwards, he was home again, he wasn’t surprised considering how he felt. He visited his room, it was dusty, he’d need to clean it
With a sigh, he floated away, following the light like he always had before. The journey was longer than he’d gone through before, but nothing out of the ordinary happened as he floated through the abysss
He waved to the Ocean, they waved back, he giggled and continued to follow the light until he saw her again, “hello little one”
“Moon”, he greeted happily
The Moon’s light shimmered with joy as her stars twinkled delightedly at him, “it is good to see you again”
“It’s good to see you too, can you…. See what’s happening down there?”
“I can…. I’m so sorry little one….”
“It’s not your fault…. Cassandra…. She t-took dad….”
“I know…. But there is hope little one”
“There is?”
“Yes, your father, he’s still in there, his mind has not been completely consumed, nor has your other family members little one”
“They haven’t been?”
“No they haven’t, they managed to keep a part of their minds safe, their exposer to the Moonstone helped accomplish that. If you can find a way to trigger their memories, you may be able to snap them out of their mind control little one!”
The teen’s eyes widened as he smiled, “I could get my dad back!”
“Yes you could, along with the rest of your relatives!”
“Thank you so much Moon!”
“You’re welcome little one, also, there’s one other thing you should know, the reason I called you here in the first place”
The teen blinked and nodded, “what is it?”
“Well, there’s two things, I suppose I don’t need it inform you of who keeps sanctuary in your Cassandra’s mind, do I?”
“No….. Zhan Tiri made it obvious….”
“Well, she’s going to betray your Cassandra”
“What?!”
“She’s using her, for her own goals. Cassandra is a means to an end little one, the moment she gets the Sundrop and your piece of the Moonstone, Zhan Tiri will strike, and she will be very nearly impossible to beat”
The teen shivered, “so…. Stay away from the both of them for as long as possible, got it….”
“That’s the other thing….. The Sundrop wielder, she will be in danger”
“What?!”
“Today is the day of a Solar Eclipse, today will be the day I am forced to over shadow my sibling. I have no way of stopping this from happening, when it does, the Sundrop wielder will become very weak little one….”
“W-why?”
“Because her connection to the Sun will be cut off, it is the same reason why, when my brother overtakes me during a Lunar Eclipse, you and your Cassandra, should she have the Moonstone still, would become very weak”
“So we gain our power from the Sundrop and Moonstone, but they need contact with you and the Sun? What about cloudy days and nights?”
“That’s different, we’re not overtaken by each other, just clouds made from the oceans and waters of the Earth, they do not cover us, merely skew us from your sight, but during eclipses, we pass each other’s path, severing the line between the Moonstone and Sundrop, and us”
“Blocking your power and upping another….”
“Exactly little one, and today…. I will block the Sun….”
“So Rapunzel will be weak and in danger…..”
“Yes….”
“I…. I have to keep her safe…. If Cassandra gets her hands on the Sundrop, then the Moonstone….. We need to get the Brotherhood…. Snap them out of the mind control first….. They’ll be able to help…..”
“I’d say that’s a good start little one, you’ll need to be careful as well however, this fight will be one of the hardest you’ll ever be in, and you will be tested throughout it”
The teen nodded, “I’ll be careful, thank you Moon, for looking out for me and my family”
“You’re welcome little one, remember, I’ll be there, watching over you, during your brawl, should you need help, merely look up, and I’ll try to lend you some strength, I cannot offer more than that unfortunately”
“It’s more than enough, thank you Moon, sincerely, I don’t know what we’d do without you”
The Moon’s light shimmered delightedly, “I’m happy to help my little one. I must bring you back now, seems there’s something going on you must be there for”
The teen felt himself begin to fall back towards the world, “goodbye Moon”
“Goodbye little one”
****
“Hey, you awake?” A voice asked, it was gentle and soft, but had an air of confidence to it that made the teen smile
“Yeah I-!” The teen was interrupted by a rather squeaky yawn, “-I’m awake, what’s happening?” He asked
The person who woke him smiled, it was Eugene, “Rapunzel returned, thought you’d wanna know since it seems like she’s got a plan”, the Dark Prince frowned, “you okay Varian? You seem a little dazed, I…. Saw you fall into your body”
The alchemist shook his head, clearing the daze from it before smiling, “yeah, I’m alright just tired is all, I did sleep pretty deeply. I actually have a few things I need to talk to Rapunzel about anyway, important things, I spoke with the Moon again, and she warned me of a few things”
Eugene’s eyes widened, “she warned you? Wasn’t she supposed to not? I thought you mentioned she had rules to follow before”
“She can warn me, we make our own fate, but she can warn me. She can’t interfere with human affairs, but she’s not when I take the information she gives me and do something with it. What I do is up to me”
“I guess that makes sense”
Varian smiled, “trust me, that logic tracks”
Eugene snorted, “well I’m glad you’re feeling better”
“I…. Found out some good news, and I really need to tell Rapunzel”
Eugene nodded, “then let’s go, she’ll want to hear what you have to say, come on”
The two got up and Eugene led Varian over to Rapunzel, the princess was sitting at a table, where Lance, Catalina, Angry, Arianna, Hugo, and Ruddigar were standing around her, a map of Corona sat on it as she scoured over it. Eugene and Varian stood next to Rapunzel before the Dark Prince poked his lover’s shoulder, getting her to look up and smile, “hi Eugene, did you find a way to lay Varian down somewhere comfortable?”
“Nope, he woke up”, Eugene replied before gesturing to Varian
The princess’s smile widened, “hey bed head!”
The alchemist blinked before Hugo walked over and showed him his reflection using a spoon, “oh uh eheheheh, whoopsie”, the teen straightened his hair with a blush, “better?” He asked, getting a nod and thumbs up from Hugo, “heh, thanks love”, he kissed the blond inventor’s cheek before he looked at Rapunzel, “sorry about that, but I have information for you that’s really really important!”
The princess smiled, “that’s funny, so do I, and I think you’ll love what I’m about to tell you!”
“You’ll like mine too, um…. Y-you can go first though”
The princess giggled before nodding, “I know about this place Demanitus used to study at, it was his final sighting before he…. Moved on…. So to speak….”
“Not the word I would use for it when you become a freaking fortune telling, riddle love, *monkey*”, Eugene stated
“*Ahem*, anyway”, she gave Eugene a look, making him grin sheepishly before she continued, “Demanitus used to live on Mount Saison! He’d study there and, rumor has it, that was the place he last fought Zhan Tiri!”
Varian’s eyes widened, “really?!”
“Really!”
“H-how’d you find out about this?”
“When I was acting Queen, I ended up learning a lot about some of the secrets in Corona, for example, there’s over 50 secret tunnel entrances in the Capital *alone*!”
Varian blinked, “um….. Tensions were high, so I wanna preface this by saying, I’m not mad, but that’s information could’ve been really handy when finding out more about the Sundrop and Moonstone”
The Princess stopped before she face palmed, “yeah, you’re definitely right….” She looked at the teen, “sorry”
“It’s fine, like I said, tensions were *very* high during those times, so”
“Still…..” Rapunzel sighed, “I’ll do better Varian, I will”
“I believe you”, the alchemist replied with a sympathetic smile, “oh! But do you wanna hear what I have to tell you?”
“Oh! Yeah go ahead!”
“I spoke with the Moon again! And she warned me about a few things!”
“That’s a sentence that, out of context, would be extremely odd to overhear”, Hugo stated
“That’s true, what’s your point?” Varian asked
“That I love this place and how weird it is”
The alchemist giggled, “you’re a dork”
“Look who’s talking”
“Enough with the geek flirting”, Angry stated
“What did she warn you about?” Lance intervened, giving Angry a raised brow
Varian blushed again before he let out a breath and spoke, “she told me that there’s a way to save my dad and the rest of the Brotherhood!”
“How?” Eugene asked, suddenly very interested in this conversation
“They apparently were able to hide a part of their minds, we need to trigger that hidden part to bring them back! I’m thinking memories may do the trick, but it’ll be hard”
Eugene nodded, “very hard…. Especially since they won’t just stand in one place and allow us reminisce with them”
“Right, there’s another thing as well, one that’s more concerning”, Varian stated as he looked directly at Rapunzel
“What’s that?” The princess asked
“Today’s a solar eclipse….”
“…..Um….. Cool?”
“The Moon said it’ll make you weak Rapunzel”
“She…. What?”
“When the Moon blocks the Sun from shining onto us, she also blocks out the power given to the Sundrop, the Moon and Moonstone becomes more powerful however. She can’t stop this from happening, but she wanted to warn us. You’ll be in danger today Rapunzel!”
The princess seemed to think about that for a moment or two, she hummed a little to herself, her brow knit into a look of concentration before she sighed, “I did not come up with this plan, only to do it tomorrow”
“B-but Rapunzel-!”
“Varian, we *need* to get Corona back *today*! If we leave Corona to Cassandra, who knows what she’ll do to it, she may even come and attack us when we’re in here, we have to attack her first”
The alchemist huffed irritatedly, “we can’t just run in knowing you’ll be put at risk!”
“We can’t just sit and do nothing either!” The princess replied with an equally irritated huff
“I’m not saying we do nothing, but if Cassandra fights you while you’re in that stated, you might be *killed* Punzel”, he stated, “we can’t lose you, we’ve already lost so many….. I’m not saying we sit and do nothing, but we need a plan, a very *careful* plan! Zhan Tiri wants *both* the Sundrop *and* Moonstone, and if you get attacked, she’ll have access to *both*, and we’ll lose even more than we have now…..”
The princess stopped, she took a few breaths, calming herself before she spoke again, “what do you suggest?” Varian raised a brow, “I mean it, I need advice, Incan understand your worry about me getting taken and Zhan Tiri getting the Sundrop and Moonstone. That is a very good point, we should consider every option, so if you have a plan, I’d like to hear it. But please keep in mind, we need to do this *today*”, she stated, “we cannot wait, she’ll come for us either way, you know she will”
The alchemist was startled by that, “you…. You’re actually-!”
“Listening to you? Yeah, I’ve come to realize that you give really good advice, and have ideas that could’ve hundreds”, she smiled lovingly at the teen, “I trust you Varian, I’m sorry for getting snappy before, I’m just stressed, but if you have an idea, we need to hear it, I’m willing to listen”
The alchemist smiled, “I’m sorry too, I got snappy first, that was rude”
“It’s okay”
The freckled teen giggled before he grew serious, “my plan, I think we should get the Brotherhood back *first*”
“Why, if you don’t mind me asking”
“Because they’re the strongest warriors in the land, odds are, we’ll need to time it just right, but if we can cut through Cassandra’s army, dwindle them down, we’ll stand more of a chance against her. There’s an opportunity to get them back, I have a feeling they hid parts of themselves that me, Lance, Eugene, and/or Hugo will be able to activate”
“How do you know that?” Eugene asked
“Call it an educated guess, or a hunch, a very scientific hunch”
Eugene snickered, “got any evidence to back it up?”
“Actually yes, I hypothesize they hid their memories”
“Memories?” Lance asked
“Yeah, see, all of them, no matter which one you ask, act on their emotions. Adira went out of her way to bring Rapunzel to the Dark Kingdom solely because she wanted her only safe home back and it made her sad to lose her family she’d loved so much, Hector protected the Dark Kingdom by spending *years* in the Great Tree simply because Grandpa, a man he holds very near and dear to his heart, almost died due to the Moonstone. Grandpa *himself* kept an eye on Eugene for 26 *years* because he loves his son so much, and my dad…..Well….. He did a lot of things for me because he loves me…..” the teen sniffled a little, Hugo placing a hand on Varian’s shoulder as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy
Varian sighed before he thanked the pair and continued to speak, “all of them use their emotions as their guides, and memories can be a strong source of emotion for them. They’re all smart, they know they’d need to hide a part of themselves to keep the people they love safe. Their memories would be the one thing we could trigger in order to get them back!”
“I see…..” Rapunzel stated, “so, we need to remind them of powerful emotions, something that made them sad or scared or even happy, something powerful!”
“Right! When we do, they break free, we have them help us, Rapunzel, you could trick Cassandra into thinking you’re all alone, bring her down to us, we could ambush her and get the Moonstone. I could wield it, then we lock up Zhan Tiri, somehow, and stop Cyrus!”
The princess smiled, “good plan, and I think I have a way we could stop Zhan Tiri as well, we need to find Demanitus’s final journal”
“Final journal?”
“Yes, he wrote a final journal, explaining how he stopped Zhan Tiri once and for all. The journal had been lost for decades, but I believe it’s in his final resting place at Nojnt Saison, we go there, find the journal, and find a way to stop Zhan Tiri”
The group looked at each other before nodding, “guess we’re going on a road trip then”
“Yes we are! Let’s go!” The princess exclaimed as she got up, rolled up the map, and began to walk out of the bar, Varian, Ruddigar, Lance, Eugene, and Hugo following. Arianna staying behind to keep everyone calm as the group journeyed out to Mount Saison!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So a plan is made and things are being out in place!!!!!! Everything’s coming together, hoo boy, I’m getting excited! :D
Varian being a good advisor! Hee hee! He’s a really great planner, I’m surprised they didn’t utilize that more
Moon’s back!!!!!! She’s being a good Celestial mom and helping her little one! ❤️
Rapunzel learned! She’s still gonna make small mistakes, especially considering what’s happened to her family…. But she’s learned! 😁
Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, and Hugo were all playing support team here, but they did a wonderful job!
Ruddy buddy for best animal! ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 410: Demanitus’s Tomb! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, and co scale Mount Saison in order to find the very last journal Demanitus ever wrote!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene shivered as he walked, his arms were wrapped around himself as the wind blew in his face. He *hated* this weather! “Grrr snow….” He growled, “WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE *SNOW*?!” He yelled, his voice echoing throughout the mountains
Hugo snorted, “not a big fan, your royal prissiness?”
The Dark Prince raised a brow at the teen, “ya know, I have half a mind to sentence you to sit I the most spider infested corner I can find”
“Arachnids never bothered me any, I’d be thinking about Freckles the entire time anyway”
Eugene narrowed his eyes at the inventor, “snot”
“Priss”, Hugo replied
“Guys, come on, no fighting right now”, Rapunzel stated, “we’re almost there, just a little further, okay?”
“Fiiine”, both Hugo and Eugene said, before they stuck their tongues out at each other and kept moving
Lance was carrying Catalina and Angry on his shoulders, the werewolf girl looking at the man anxiously, “are you sure you’re okay?” She asked the former thief, “we’re kinda far behind everyone”
“Yeah”, Angry agreed, “you got hurt really badly, and this is a pretty steep climb”
“I’m alright, walkin helps actually, so don’t worry”, Lance reassured before he spotted Varian. The alchemist had been extremely quiet this entire time, he was following Rapunzel extremely closely. It made the man worry a little, “hey princess”, he called
“Hm?” Rapunzel looked over at him
“How’s Varian doin?”
Rapunzel raised a confused brow before she looked at the teen. Her eyes widened when she noticed his frightened expression, “um….. he uh-!”
“If he looks afraid, it’s his PTSD, ya need to calm him down”, Lance stated
“Why is it acting up?” She asked
“It’s the weather, feels like a blizzard”
“Oh….” She looked at the teen, he was shivering very badly, and his lips were quivering, he seemed to be fighting his rising anxieties, but the light emanating from the Moonstone piece in his chest gave away how the battle was going, “hey Varian”, she said gently as she walked over and kneeled before him, Eugene and Hugo joining her, “are you alright?”
“I’m f-fine…. J-just trying t-to remember t-the task at h-hand….” The alchemist replied softly, his shivering grew worse
Rapunzel bit her lip, Quirin wasn’t here, so they had no way of showing Varian that the retired knight wasn’t in the amber….. By the looks of the alchemist, he really needed something of his father’s to keep him calm. That’s when Hugo, gently, opened his boyfriend’s back pack, “what are you doing?” Eugene asked
“Looking for some-ah HA!” He pulled out an old journal before he opened it up and read from it:
“Dear journal,
My son is the epitome of silly! He ran around all day long wearing my best, he claimed he was ‘being a big boy’ and is ‘taking on sponsabilities’!
My goodness, I love this tiny boy! He’s 4 and a half now, know what he did? He tried to bake a whole cake for my birthday! Burned the entire thing, but I ate it either way, and it was the best burnt cake I’ve ever had!
The frosting to cake ratio certainly helped hide the very charcoal-like taste, could barely taste the cake! Heh, I love my baby boy.
He tries so hard, journal, he makes me very happy. The other day I got stuck staring at Ulla’s portrait….. I….. Remembered the day we got that painted, she wanted a family portrait, Varian go into so much mischief that day too, like stinker got into Ulla’s chemicals and then the painter’s brushes and paints! His clothing got all dirty so he had to be a naked baby in the portrait, oh it was terrible!
But his giggling made the entire situation so much better! Honestly, he could destroy the entire kingdom and I’d probably forgive him! My little Varian, such a stinker and a brat, but he’s a very good boy, and be tries his best.
Oop! Well I have to go now, I heard a crash and have a very bad feeling Varian’s the cause. He’s such a curious little boy I swear, heh! I’ll try to write in you soon, I’ll be handling the apple harvest soon, and Varian’s going to help me for the very first time. He’s excited can you tell?
Oh-and there’s another crash, bye Journal, I’ll try to write in you soon
Thank you for listening,
Quirin, New Age 49”
Hugo closed the journal and smiled at Varian, who was a lot calmer now as he wiped tears from his eyes, “I remember that day…. The crashes were me trying to jump off my bed and onto the desk in my room. I-I wanted to see if I could do it since my birthday was coming up and I was gonna be 5. I was told a rumor that 5 year olds can jump really far”, he giggled, “dad was so confused, he laughed when K explained it to him, and told me to stop, but we played Flynn Rider pretend after that, it was a good day”
Rapunzel smiled lovingly at her little brother, “where did that journal come from?”
“We found it under Quirin’s pillow in the castle room we share with him”, Hugo explained, “we thought there may be something in it that could tell us more about the Mind Trap”
“That’s a good idea”, Eugene replied with a smile before he looked at Varian while Lance had finally caught up, “do you feel any better?”
The alchemist sniffled before nodding, “yeah, I do, I guess I needed a small dad moment”
“I guess so kiddo”, Eugene replied with a grin, “when we get back to the bar, you mind if I look in that journal too? I….. Wanna see if Edmund’s in there”
The alchemist smiled, “I’d like that” The duo smiled at each other before the alchemist looked over at Lance, “you okay?”
“I’m good!” The former thief replied, but he held his stomach and panted a little
The girls looked concerned as they stared at their, soon to be, adopted father. Varian smirked before he gave Rapunzel a thank you hug and walked over to the man. The princess returned the gesture before the teen had walked away, she stood up and watched him. Varian scanned Lance quickly before he sighed and looked at Ruddigar, who was hiding in his shirt, “hey buddy-!”
A bunch of protesting chitters interrupted him
“I know you’re cold, but it’s important, can you quickly grab my green ointment in my bag?”
More chitters, these ones sounded like questions
“Yeah yeah, the one that’s for cuts and bruises, it’s not for me”
With an affirmative chitter, they saw the raccoon pop out of the warmth Varian’s shirt provided before he scurried into the backpack. He stayed in there for a few moments
“Rud, you can stay if you want too, *after* I get the ointment”, Varian stated with a smirk
There was a grumble from the raccoon before he popped out, handed his boy the ointment, got an ear scratch as thanks, and scurried back into the backpack, closing it
Hugo snorted, “cold coon”
“Very cold coon”, Varian agreed before he walked over to Lance, “let me see”
“I-I’m fine little man, it’s nothin to worry abo-!”
“Lance”, Varian interrupted gently, “let me see”
The former thief was about to protest, but he winced as a particularly vindictive breeze blew their way and reminded him of why he’d been so far behind the others. He sighed and blushed, but moved his hand and lifted his shirt enough to show Varian the wound
The alchemist froze when he saw it’d been reopened an was bleeding. He winced a little, getting Hugo to run over, he smiled and nudged Varian out of the way, gently, “hand me the medkit in your backpack, I’ll handle the bleeding, you get the ointment on after and cover it”
Varian nodded, blushing as well as he managed to get the medkit that Ruddigar was already handing him before the coon quickly closed the back pack again, making Catalina and Angry snicker
After a few minutes, Hugo had recleaned the wound, allowing Varian to spread the ointment on it and refreshing the bandages, he stepped back, “bad news, the wound was reopened, good news, it’s healing and should be better very soon”
Lance smiled as he lowered his shirt, “thanks you two, sorry about that”
“It’s alright, though you should *really* rest when we get back”, Hugo stated
“I…. Yeah, I will”
The duo scientists nodded before they looked towards Eugene and Rapunzel, “ready to go?” Varian asked
“Yup”, Eugene replied quickly as he walked over, getting the princess to giggle and follow
“What’s your hurry there Prince snow hater?” Hugo asked with a raised brow
“I’m trying to give him a nickname, so far I’m not picking any winners”, Rapunzel explained
Varian smiled, “what did you come up with so far?”
“Well, I thought that bugs would be a good way to go, so G-bug!”
“PFFFFT BWAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!!” Lance cackled, getting the girls to do the same as Eugene huffed
Varian giggled, “um, I’m guessing he said nu”
“Oh definitely”, Rapunzel replied, “so I’ll come up with another one”
“No! Please! Don’t!” Lance stated in-between his laughs, “G-Bug is a keeper! Ha HAAAA!”
“Follow us *G-bug*!” Angry mocked as she ran up to the man, “we’ve gotta keep moving!” She then ran off, joining her sister, who climbed on top of a rock
“Uuuuugh…..” Eugene groaned
“Hey, she could’ve come up with a lot worse”, Hugo stated with a smirk, “G-Bug is actually kinda cute”
“You *would* think that”
“Hey guys! Look!” Catalina exclaimed as she pointed to something, getting everyone to look. They gasped when they saw a long ladder climbing up the mountain
“Good catch Cat!” Rapunzel complimented, “come on everyone, let’s go!”
“Yeah, come on *G-Bug*!” Lance stated
“Are we finished?” Eugene asked sarcastically with a raised brow
Lance giggled, but said nothing more as he followed Rapunzel towards the ladder. Eugene sighed as Varian gave him a gentle shoulder pat. The group walked over to the ladder, “almost there guys”, Rapunzel stated, “and by almost I mean…. Not really….”
“Come on you old timers!” Angry stared as she climbed up the rock ladder
Catalina followed her with a giggle, “LAST ONE UP IS A SEPORIAN SLUG!”
Varian sighed before he smirked at Hugo, “shall we show them?”
“Why yes, I think it’s appropriate”, Hugo agreed, taking Varian’s hand before the alchemist snapped his fingers and suddenly they were gone
Angry and Catalina stopped climbing when they saw the two scientists pop into existence at the top of the ladder, the two smiled at them cockily. Getting Angry to raise a brow, “that’s cheating”
“I could fly us up here if you prefer”, Varian stated
The black haired girl didn’t comment as she continued to climb up, Catalina giggling as she did the same. Rapunzel followed before she was stopped by Lance, “Princess, how did you even know Demanitus’s tomb was *up* here?”
“As acting Queen, I got to know a lot of Corona’s secrets!” The princess stated before she whispered, “you know the great oak tree in Corona Park?” Lance nodded, “it’s not an oak! And it’s not that great”, Lance gasped adorably, “I’ve said too much!” Rapunzel joked before she began to climb again, getting Eugene to snicker as he climbed up after her
“You think you know a tree….” Lance stated, a little hurt by the plant’s deceit as he followed
Once the group was all up, Eugene dusted the snow off of him, “did you find it?” He asked, before looking up, his eyes widened as he did, “oh boy…..”
A *gigantic* stone structure stood before them, a large monkey engraved on it, along with many hydrographics surrounding the picture! “It’s magnificent!” Varian exclaimed excitedly as he and Hugo scanned over every inch of the engravings
“Uh, is it just me…. Or is there no door to get in?” Eugene asked as he walked over
“It doesn’t look like there is”, Rapunzel replied, as Varian and Hugo kneeled before the door and looked through the hieroglyphics to try and find something that may help. That is, until the Princess gasped and smiled as she walked towards a part of the stone, “but there *is* a riddle!”
“Classic Demanitus….” Eugene stated with a roll of his eyes as Rapunzel read the riddle
“I grow, but do not live, I need air, but do not breathe”
“A fish!” Angry exclaimed
“A rabbit!” Catalina stated
“A rabbit fish!” They both said at the same time
“People! Are you even *listening* to the riddle?” Eugene asked as he turned to look at the girls, who were sitting and watching Lance
“Oh, heh sorry, we were playin charades”, the former thief stated
“Why?” Hugo asked as he and Varian stood up
“Cause the girls were bored”, Lance replied, “but anyway, the answer to the riddle is fire!”
“Lance it’s not-!”
“No no no wait! He’s right!” Rapunzel interrupted excitedly
Eugene looked over at her, “he is?”
Varian nodded with a grin, “Fire grows, but it doesn’t live like is or animals, and it needs air in order to keep going, cut the air off, and the fire goes out!” The alchemist explained
“Oh…. Huh…. Good job Lance”, Eugene complimented
“Thanks!” Lance replied, “also, Catalina was right, it was a rabbit”
“Dang it!” Angry exclaimed as Catalina smiled happily
The former thief chuckled before another gust of wind made everyone shiver, “brrr! How are we gonna make a fire out here?”
“Hmmmm…. Oh! Freckles, your torches!” Hugo exclaimed
Varian grinned, “you’re right! Rapunzel, can you reach into my bag and grab the torch inside please?”
“You want me to?” Rapunzel asked
“Yeah, your fingers are red at the tips, you’ve been shivering, and there’s a warm raccoon that would help you”
The princess smiled lovingly at the teen before she walked over, opened the bag, and reached inside. She felt relief wash over her when the warmth heated her fingers a touch. She wouldn’t admit it, but her hands were starting to hurt with how cold they were. She managed to rummage through and grab the torch, Ruddigar didn’t fuss, in fact, he seemed eager to wrap around her hands to warm them, something she appreciated before she gently pulled the out and gave the raccoon a few pets
She closed the back pack and looked at the torch, “wow, it’s really pretty!” She stated as she looked at the red wood stick with a green ball on top
“Thanks!” Varian replied, “I made them before me, Eugene, and Hugo investigated the mysteries of Corona!”
“Nice!”
“Again, thanks, all you have to do to get the fire going, is break the glass ball. The friction from the hit will ignite the chemical and the wood will fuel it”
The princess hit the glass against the stone, just as the alchemist said, the torch lit up instantly. It gave a small bit of warmth as it stayed glowing. Rapunzel lowered the torch so that it touched the stone
Suddenly, there was a click, and then the flame ignited a small powder in the engravings!
There seemed to be enough powder to spread throughout the entire stone structure as all of the hieroglyphics lit up, making Varian and Hugo light up with excitement as the monkey engraving glowed brightly and the stones suddenly moved! Two gear shaped stones popped out of their hiding places and worked together to lift the door open!
“Eeeeee!” Varian squeed, “that was *amazing*!”
“It really was!” Hugo agreed, “how old do you think that mechanism is?!”
“I have no idea! It’s could decades-no *CENTURIES* old!!!!!”
“And they still fucking *work*! Just like they were made *yesterday*! And they’re made out of *stone* instead of metal! AH!”
“Hey nerds, geek out later! I’m cold and you’re blocking the door”, Angry stated sassily
The two scientists blushed, “uh, eheheh *ahem* right um… shall we go in?” Varian asked
“Yup I uh, *ahem* I think that’s a grand idea”, Hugo agreed before they entered into the chamber quickly
Rapunzel and Lance giggled as Eugene smiled at the pair, the princess looked at her lover, “see G-Bug? Easey peasey!”
“Excuse mi?” Eugene replied with a raised brow
“Sorry, eheh, I forgot you didn’t like that one”
“I still think you should keep it!” Lance stated as he laughed, “seriously! Ha ha HAA! Come on girls, *G-Bug* doesn’t like to wait!” He stated as he walked inside
“Come on *G-Bug*!” Angry mocked again as she ran inside
“It’s nice and warm in here *G-bug*!” Catalina stated as she ran after her sister
“Uuuugh G-Bug….” Eugene groaned as he walked inside, he calmed down when the warmth hit his body before he noticed banana peels on the floor, “why are there so many banana pe-EEEELS!” Eugene asked as he slipped on one and fell. Hugo offered his hand to help the Captain up, as did Lance, he accepted both and stood, dusting himself off, “thanks”
“Don’t mention it”, Lance replied before Hugo gasped, “look at all the monkeys!”
The two former thieves looked and gasped as well as all the monkeys in the chamber stared at them, “hey! Would you look at that, a family of m-!” Eugene began, only to be cut off by the monkey’s throwing banana peels at him, “-ey hey hey hey!” He snapped, getting them to stop
“Don’t take it personally Eugene, they’re being territorial”, Rapunzel stared calmly
“They could’ve thrown something a *lot* worse!” Angry stated with a smirk as she walked around with Catalina, who was giggling at her comment
“Yeah well, let’s just, find that book”, the princess stated as she walked deeper into the chamber, “this must be where Lord Demanitus found Vigor”
“So these are his great great great great grandmonkeys”, Eugene stated, “great…..” he added sarcastically as the group began to walk around the chamber, all of them looking for the final book Demanitus had ever written
Notes:
Hello!
So here it is! The tomb of Demanitus! I added a few things in order to play around with the characters more, because this whole journey could’ve been so much fun and much more wholesome had there been a little more character interaction :D
Varian and Hugo are being nerds and best boyfriends with how excited they are to see the tomb! And they support each other in such an adorable way that I couldn’t write them any other way! Plus, Hugo’s sassiness with Eugene is hilarious to me XD
Rapunzel is being a good supporter here, she’s helping the group and trying to make the best out of this situation! Honestly, this is one of those rare times where she’s seen in a really good way, Rapunzel is a fantastic leader! This part right here, shows everyone she’s helped, personally, giving her a helping hand back! It’s sullied by the fact that they’re helping her get Cassandra back in the show, but I wanted it to be more about her leading the charge and being herself! :) This scene reminded me of Movi Rapunzel more than anything else, this one, and when she actually kept her promise to Varian and released Quirin! She didn’t say a word about herself, she just cared about those around her in both instances, telling Varian to stay back and warning him he and his dad may get hurt if the spell gets out of control, stopping when he reached out to her, and not interrupting the father son duo when they were having their moment! Same with this scene, she supports everyone in one way or another, and they give her kindness back to her, it’s just sweet! ❤️🎶
Poor Eugene XD he got the short end of the stick with this episode, he doesn’t have to tell Varian about his dad now, thankfully, but he does get to be the butt of majority of the jokes made in this chapter XD think of this as part 2 to Eugene’s no good, very bad day! XD
Lance is a bean and wholesome and we love this man! He keeps the girls happy, pushes himself to the brink to help his friends, and makes sly comments while showing his riddle knowledge! I love Lance!
Catalina and Angry kinda acted like generic kids in this part of the episode, I wanted to give them a little more flavor text, showing Angry as the outspoken one while Cat will join her sibling’s Java at the others, yet she’s politer and a little more observational :3 I hope that was done well enough, sorry if it wasn’t
Ruddy buddy having an argument with his boy! Cold coons make for grumpy travel partners man! He’s still the best animal ever though! Max is with Queen Arianna at the moment, and Pascal is kinda staying quiet, same as Liv, so Ruddy buddy for the win!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 411: Demanitus’s Tomb! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian and co search for the book they need!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 😁🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The two former thieves looked and gasped as well as all the monkeys in the chamber stared at them, “hey! Would you look at that, a family of m-!” Eugene began, only to be cut off by the monkey’s throwing banana peels at him, “-ey hey hey hey! He snapped, getting them to stop
“Don’t take it personally Eugene, they’re being territorial”, Rapunzel stared calmly
“They could’ve thrown something a *lot* worse!” Angry stated with a smirk as she walked around with Catalina, who was giggling at her comment
“Yeah well, let’s just, find that book”, the princess stated as she walked deeper into the chamber, “this must be where Lord Demanitus found Vigor”
“So these are his great great great great grandmonkeys”, Eugene stated, “great…..” he added sarcastically as the group began to walk around the chamber, all of them looking for the final book Demanitus had ever written
Catalina and Angry found a few vines and began to climb on them, the red head being able to swing with ease while Angry had a little trouble, Catalina helped her with a small push, making the girl giggle as she swung too!
“Eeeeee! Look at all the hieroglyphics Hugo!” Varian exclaimed excitedly, not noticing Lance’s eyes light up as he walked over to a very large object
“Yeah I know! Years of study and decades of knowledge must be packed into these babies!” Hugo replied with an excited smile as he dusted off a wall, “a-choo!”
“Hee hee, bless you”
“Thanks”, the blond inventor replied with a sniffle
They suddenly heard the princess cry out, looking over, she was smiling from ear to ear while she looked at a cob web covered book, “guys! I think I found it!” She exclaimed excitedly
Eugene walked over and grinned, “good job Blondie! Now could we get out of here? Ya know, *before* these monkeys realize they only threw bananas at me!”
Rapunzel giggled, “we need to make sure this is the right book first, and for that, we need Varian”
“Eh? Why the kid?”
“He’s the only one that can translate Demanitus’s writing”
“Ooh! Right! *Ahem* hey Hairstripes, we kinda need you for something!” Eugene called. The couple waited for a moment before Eugene raised a brow, “Hairstripes?”
“D-d-d-DON’T! Press that!” They heard Varian say
“Press what?” Rapunzel asked as she looked at Eugene, who had an equally confused expression on his face
Suddenly, a monkey hopped onto the platform the book was sitting on. The princess gasped and went to touch the book, when a flash of blue light pushed her hand away from it! She blinked, trying to get the light out of her eyes as Eugene glared at the book and the monkey made a noise at them. The primate scratched their head before sniffing the book and swiping it!
“WAIT!” Rapunzel yelled as her sight came back into focus, “COME BACK!”
“STOP!” Eugene yelled as they both ran after the monkey
The small simian ran around a large, golden ball in the dirt, Rapunzel and Eugene chasing it before they emerged on the other side, they spotted the primate heading towards Varian, Hugo, and Lance, who were all standing around a large machine of some kind, “GUYS! GRAB THE MONKEY!” Eugene ordered
“Huh?” Varian turned and saw the monkey carrying the book towards him, he saw Hugo blocking Lance’s path to the machine, smiling, he decided to hide before a corner as the simian approached, once they were close enough, the teen hopped out of his hiding spot and swiped the monkey into his arms! “GOTCHA!” He exclaimed, “ha haaa!” He held the monkey, with the book, who was surprisingly calm in the alchemist’s hands, up triumphantly, only to be thwarted when another monkey swung over, using a vine, and swiped the book
Rapunzel and Eugene skid to a halt before the princess immediately continues the chase, Eugene giving Varian a gentle shoulder pat while saying, “it was a good try”, before he after his princess
The freckled teen sighed before he looked at the monkey in his hands, the simian seemed perfectly content being held by the teen, Varian raised a confused brow before something hit him! He felt himself move around before he fell to the floor! Getting up, he looked over and saw a shocked looking Hugo with his glasses slightly askew from being pushed, and a guilty looking Lance, “LANCE I *TOLD* YOU NOT TO PRESS THA-!” He froze when he saw his hand wasn’t his usually gloved one, it was tan and covered with brown fur!
“W-wait what just happened?” He asked anxiously as his voice broke a little
“Wasn’t me!” Lance exclaimed
Hugo huffed at the man as he fixed his glasses, “SERIOUSLY?!”
The former thief blushed as he smiled sheepishly, “it was a-a thought experiment?”
“You turned him into a MONKEY!”
“WHAT?!” Varian exclaimed, getting the two to look at him, “you just turned me into a MONKEY?! And if *I’m* a monkey then-ooooh…..” the teen monkey looked over and saw his body hunched over and itching the inside of his ear with his finger before before pulling it out and sniffing it, making tiny, confused, noises as he looked around
Ruddigar popped out of the backpack and sniffed at the teen before he wrinkled his nose and raised his hackles
“LANCE!” Varian yelled as he turned to face the man, “LOOK WHAT YOU DID-OH COME *ON*! WE’VE GOTTA SWITCH OUR MINDS *BACK*!” He yelled as Rapunzel and Eugene ran past, the Captain sliding to a halt as he looked at the Varian looking human, who was currently scratching his hip and standing in a very awkward position, while the *monkey* continued to yell in a very familiar tone, “I CANNOT *BELIEVE* YOU’VE DONE THIS! LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO ME!” He exclaimed
“W-w-w-w-what the?! LANCE!” He snapped, glaring daggers at his best friend as the raccoon hissed at the Varian *ape*-poster before he huffed and booed into the ground, walking over to his monkey boy and sniffing him worriedly
“Hold on hold on! I can fix this!” Lance stated
“No! Fuck that, give me the damn controls!” Hugo snapped as he pushed the man out of the way and took over, “Eugene, move”
Eugene stepped away from the teen monkey, and the Varian looking human, Ruddigar doing the same, before the blond inventor aimed, and pressed the button, the machine shooting out a bright ray of light and hitting both primate and human before stopping as both fell to the floor and blinked
“Freckles?” He asked
The teen shook his head to clear it before he looked down at his body and grinned, “I’m back!” He exclaimed as he sighed with relief as Ruddigar ran to him and jumped into his arms, chittering happily as Eugene smiled
“See? Everything worked out and we all learned what the big button does now! Ain’t you all glad I did that?” Lance stated with a nervous grin
Hugo glared icily at the man before he turned the machine towards him, “wanna find out?”
“O-HOO-KAY! I think we’re gonna calm down with the monkey button!” Eugene exclaimed as he walked over and, gently, nudged Hugo away
“Hey, I have fangs now!” Varian exclaimed
“Mi scuze?” Eugene asked as he looked at the alchemist with a raised brow
“I have fangs in my mouth!” He stated, “I guess the monkey button sorta mimicked parts of me and the monkey, physically speaking, and gave me monkey fangs, see?” He opened his mouth as Eugene, Lance, Hugo, and Ruddigar all ran over and looked inside the teen’s mouth
The noticed he still had his buck teeth and majority of the rest of his teeth were normal, all except his canines, which had been noticeably sharpened somehow, “holy shit”, Hugo stated as everyone backed away from the teen
“Well then…. That’s gonna be hard to explain to your dad”, Eugene added
“Don’t bite your tongue”, Lance advised
“I’ll do my best”, Varian stated as he noticed the monkey he’d switched with had his eye color change from black to blue like his, the simian didn’t seem to notice
“GUYS THE MONKEY’S COMING TO YOU!” They heard Rapunzel yell
“Shit! Hang on Blondie!” Eugene stood up as he saw the monkey coming for them, only to be hit in the face with a banana peel
Hugo snorted as Lance also got hit with one, Varian managed to dodge it before his eyes lit up. He snapped his fingers and teleported, reappearing right in front of the monkey, “ENOUGH!” He yelled, his voice echoing throughout the chamber and stopping every single monkey inside it, including the one with the book, who stopped swinging and jumped off the vine he was swinging on
Catalina and Angry both turned to see the teen, his eyes were still glowing, Catalina blinked as something inside her made her wanna bow to the teen, she didn’t, but it was an odd feeling, she’ll have to bring it up later
“Put the book down”, the alchemist ordered with a raised brow and a voice very similar, in tone, to his father’s
The monkey did as he was told, making Varian sigh as his eyes faded to normal and he stopped floating, landing on the ground easily, “thank you, now, here’s a banana”, he stated, picking a fruit off a nearby tree before handing it to the monkey, who made a happy noise before taking it and zipping off
Rapunzel let out a sigh of relief as she grinned at Varian, “thanks”, she stated before walking over and going to touch the book, only for that same light to stop her once again
“Woah!” Lance exclaimed
“That’s the same light as before”, Eugene stated as the princess rubbed her eyes, “you okay Sunshine?”
“I’m fine, but why does that keep happening?” She asked as she looked at the book, “are we just not supposed to touch the book?”
Varian walked over to it, making Hugo gasp, “Freckles, pick the book up!” He stated
“What? But you saw what happened to Rapunzel”, Varian replied
“I know, but it won’t happen to you, just trust me”
The alchemist raised a brow before he looked at the book, he sighed before placing his goggles over his eyes, just in case, before he reached for the book. Oddly enough, no light flashed when he touched it, nor when he picked it up, the book was calm, Varian raised his goggles onto his forehead again as he looked at Hugo, “how did you know it wouldn’t do that”
“Because you’re Demanitus’s descendent”, the inventor stated with a grin, “I noticed it didn’t do that with the monkeys either, Eugene pointed out they were Demanitus’s great great great great grand monkeys! So it made sense as to why they would be able to handle the book without it going off, must be a protection thing”
“That monkey you managed to snag was really calm in your hands too Varian”, Lance pointed out, “normally they’d fuss”
“Huh….” Varian said as he looked at the book before smiling excitedly, “I’m holding his book Hugo!” He squeaked
The blond inventor froze for a moment or two before he snorted, “yes, yes you are”
“Eeeeeeee!” The alchemist squeed as he did a happy dance before running over and sitting down, opening the book instantly
“Ee indeed”, Hugo replied with a chuckle as he joined his boyfriend, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance doing the same as Catalina and Angry continue to swing on the vines nearby
The moment the book was opened, Varian was glued to it! He scanned the pages, his eyes glowing with excitement, “it’s just like his scroll! And it’s in Old Coronan!”
“You mean, what we’re speaking now?” Eugene asked
“Nu, there’s an older Coronan language that I happen to know about since I live there! Dad knows it too, he home schooled me and taught me how to speak it!”
“Oh, well that’s lucky”
“I mean, any Old Coronan can speak it, Rapunzel probably can too”
“He’s right”, Rapunzel stated, “though I’m a little rusty”
“It’s okay Punzel, most everyone is in Old Corona, but I brushed up on this language in particular because of the scroll you let me translate!” Varian stated before he looked at the book eagerly and began to read:
“I’ve come across many strange things in this world, from odd kingdoms that worship fire, to tribes that pay tribute to the Earth we live on. But never, in all my years, have I ever come across anything like the Moonstone and Sundrop.
These two celestial powers could be combined and destroy the entire world as we know it! Because of this, they can never be brought together, doing so would destroy even the person who combined them!
For this, and many other reasons, both items must be kept where they’ve decided to fall, the Sundrop in my home kingdom, Corona, and the Moonstone in the Artem Kingdom, filled with people who worship the Moon as we cherish the Sun. This cannot change at any point in time!
However, it seems as though my opinion on this matter is not shared with a colleague of mine….. Zhan Tiri wishes to use the two celestial items to harness their power and rule the world, she’s decided to start with Corona, a slight to me, I’m sure, but I am determined to keep her from achieving her goal!
If you’re reading this now, you’re my descendants, on my sibling’s side. How do I know? You’ve been able to read this book have you not, if you haven’t experienced a bright flash of light or burning and are still touching this book, I am part of your family tree. I leave my belongings and possessions to you, don’t worry for the monkeys, they’ll be fine where they are. Though do take one home if you wish, they’re very good pets!
Either way, the fact that you’ve come to my tomb means you’ve possibly run into Zhan Tiri, I could not defeat her fully when alive, I had no choice but to banish her to a realm she could not escape. At least until now I suppose….. I’m sorry for my failure, the fact that you must handle her again is not an easy one…. I only hope that what I’ve left behind will help you in your endeavors.
I’ve bookmarked a few pages so you could use them however you see fit. Please be careful, Zhan Tiri has changed for the worse, she’ll stop at nothing to destroy everything I’ve ever cared for, that includes you dear reader…. As my ancestor, she’ll have only the worst intentions for you….
I wish you luck on your endeavors once again, and I hope you will succeed where I have failed, I have faith in you to do what is right!
Sincerely,
Demanitus
Extra note: …..Your name is Varian….. Varian Vanguard…. Good to meet you! I know this from Vigor, my mind is in his subconscious, unbeknownst to Madame Canardist, he can predict a few things, he’s a very special monkey, it’s why I chose him to hold my mind while it lasted.
He told me great things about you Varian, had visions of you while he slept and meditated, said you were smart and inquisitive, much like me. I wish we could meet one day, maybe we will, I’m happy to give my legacy to you, good luck tiny one.
And by the way, your father will be alright, have faith in him, along with the rest of your family, it’ll be okay young one”
The group was silent as Varian stared at the pages for a long time before he sniffled and smiled, “he knew….” The alchemist stated, “h-he knew what I was thinking… a-and he knew who I was…..”
“Are you alright Varian?” Rapunzel asked
“Y-yeah, I’m oki, I just…..” Varian let out a breath, “I needed that”, he said, a little calmer now, “w-we should look at what he left”
“Right”
The teen turned the page, going through a few of Demanitus’s pages and bookmarks until he found one that caught his eyes. He read through it a few times before he grinned from ear to ear, “this! We can use this to stop Zhan Tiri!”
The group smiled as Hugo looked, “what is it? It’s in Old Coronan”
Varian smiled at his boyfriend before he held up the book carefully and translated the title, “A Portal to Limbo!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Here’s part 2! They finally have the book and Varian got a little lovins ❤️🎶 next chapter is gonna be a preparing chapter, characters having doubts, singing an awesome song of epicness, and charging into battle!
Varian getting turned into a monkey was fun, but it also wasted some time in the episode that could’ve been used to do something else, so I cut it short and hard it count for something :3 The monkey being calm in Varian’s hands gives Hugo the idea to have Varian open the book and get the message from Demanitus and the plans they needed! I’m also going to change limbo too, because that place was wasted potential and I really hate wasted potential in a story, even though I probably left a few things out, main story line wise, I really wish limbo had been better utilized
Hugo being a smart boyo, and also being protective over his Freckles and all that irritate him, even if the people the did so happens to be Lance, word to the wider don’t press the monkey button
Punzel and Eugene were more in the background here, so we’re Cat and Angry, but they helped in their own ways ❤️🎶
Lance, he’s a good boy, but also doesn’t stop touching buttons. That’s a really bad habit of his XD it’s hilarious, but a bad habit nonetheless X3
Ruddy buddy could tell that wasn’t his boy a mile away! He’s the best coon! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 412: Preparing for the Final Battle!
Summary:
Varian and do come up with the final plan before everyone gathers their spirits for the final battle! Coming together for the final time!
Notes:
More notes at the end’ :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group had walked back to the Snuggly Duckling quickly as Varian held Demanitus’s journal close to his chest. The book was a little too big for the teen, but he’d insisted, and his logic had been flawless seeing as he was the only one who *could* hold it without the light flashing in his eyes
At least…. That’s what Eugene told himself as he watched the alchemist struggle to climb down the ladder with the book and almost fell off the mountain when the book had been blown against his face due to the wind at one point. Still, the Captain sighed as he helped his little brother climb down, once they were back on level ground, the only trouble the alchemist seemed to have was not tripping over himself, but he’d become an expert in the field…. Sort of….. Kinda…..
“Oof!”
Ok maybe not, “you okay? That’s the fifth time you’ve fallen Hairstripes”, Eugene stated as he helped the teen up
“Yup! I’m good”, Varian replied as he dusted himself off before picking up the book
“Kid, isn’t there an easier way you can carry that?”
“Not that I can think of”, the alchemist replied, “my pack is too small, none of you can carry it for me without being blinded or burned-!”
“What about your magic Freckles?” Hugo asked
“I…. Didn’t think about that to be honest”, Varian admitted with a blush before he used his magic to levitate the book, “ok that’s much easier, eheh….”
Eugene face palmed, “kid, one of these days you’re gonna kill me….”
“Sorry”
The Captain sighed, “it’s fine, come on ya noodle”
Varian giggled as they began to walk towards the Snuggly Duckling once again, there were no further falls, save for the alchemist tripping over a branch once or twice, which Eugene chuckled at before helping
When they’d finally gotten to the bar, the group let out a collective sigh of relief to see it was all still intact. Everyone inside seemed calmer than when they’d left, Ruddigar joining Max and Hamuel at a table nearby. The raccoon happy to see the old crow, only to find him looking down
Varian noticed, “Hamuel….”
Eugene gave the bird a sad look before he walked over, “missin Edmund huh?”
The crow looked up at the Dark Prince before he hopped over and nuzzled his arm
Eugene felt a small comfort in that, “thanks bud”, he said, giving Hamuel a chin scratch, “wanna hang out on my shoulder for a bit? I don’t have pocket pudding or bird seed in my beard, but I have a clean uniform”
The old crow flapped his wings and fluttered into the man’s shoulder. He perched and seemed to find a comfortable spot. Eugene smiled before he looked at the rest of the animals, “uh….. I don’t have that much room….”
Ruddigar waved his paw at the offer before gesturing to his boy with a grin, Varian smiled at that. Pascal did the same, but gestured to Rapunzel, who giggled, Max raised a brow
“I know horse, you wouldn’t fit, but i was being nice”
Max huffed out a chuckle before shaking his head at Eugene
The Captain smirked before Queen Arianna approached, “how’d it go?” She asked gingerly
“We found what we were looking for mom”, Rapunzel stated
“Demanitus’s journal?”
“Yes, Varian has it, he’s the only one who can touch it unfortunately, but I guess that’s handy, considering he’ll be the one to build the machine we need”
“Machine?”
“Yes, Demanitus opened a portal to limbo and trapped Zhan Tiri inside a long time ago. But she somehow busted out, so Varian’s going to rebuild the machine and put her back in!”
Varian walked over to the princess, the book was open to the limbo page, he timidly tapped Rapunzel’s shoulder, getting her to stop and look at him, “there’s a flaw”, he stated softly
The princess blinked before turning to fully face the teen, “what is it?” She asked
“In order to trap Zhan Tiri inside, we’d need to be in front of her and pull the lever, and she with Cass, in the castle….”
“Oh my….”
“Yeah….. Not only that, but if we do this plan princess, there’s a possibility we could also get sucked into limbo and be trapped *with* Zhan Tiri”
Rapunzel gasped before she let out a small sigh to calm herself down, “we’ll just have to figure it out Varian, I know we can”
The alchemist looked at her worriedly as Hugo, Eugene, and Lance joined the conversation, Arianna took Catalina and Angry over to meet some of the Old Coronan kids as the freckled teen spoke, “do you have a plan?”
“We can think of one”
“Ok, any ideas?”
“Well….. oh! We could-! ….Oh but maybe….. no….. no I don’t….”
Varian sighed before he thought for a moment, “we could try to trick her, but if she’s with Cassandra, or possibly *inside* Cassandra-!”
“Wait *inside*?” Lance interrupted
“I read in a book about demons that they can possess people by taking over their minds. This makes them impossible to hurt without harming the person they’re possessing….. so far, Zhan Tiri hasn’t done that yet….. but I don’t think we should count anything out…..”
“Well that’s terrifyin…..”
“So wait, if we trap Zhan Tiri in limbo, if she’s in Cassandra’s body, we could trap *Cassandra* as well?” Rapunzel asked
“Should we go down that path, yes”, Varian stated, Rapunzel was quiet, “Princess…..”
She looked at the alchemist, “I’m not changing my mind about what I said before. Cassandra went too far….. I just….. that thought…. Of her being possessed like that…..”
“…..She possessed my father….”
Rapunzel looked at the freckled teen sadly, “and my grandpa, aunt, and uncle….. But my father…. My dad Rapunzel….. he….. Never would’ve done what he did had he not been possessed…. That wasn’t Zhan Tiri who did that to him…. It wasn’t her who told Cassandra to kidnap and hurt me, it Zhan Tiri who told Cassandra to leave you to die to poisonous gas in a cave…. None of that was Zhan Tiri….”
The princess blinked, “Varian, do you think I’m going to go back on what I said before?”
“I-!”
“I’m genuinely asking”, she stated gently, “because this isn’t the first time you’ve brought this up, and it’s… concerning”
Varian sighed, “I’m scared, and angry…. Her actions keep repeating in my mind and…. Maybe I’m worried you’ll….. feel bad for her…. If I’m honest….”
“Do you think I won’t punish her?”
“…..Rapunzel I…..” Varian sighed before his eyes glowed a little as he looked at her, “my father was the one human that I had when I was growing up. I fought for him and went to jail because I went mad with my anger and hatred since no one helped me get him back. I worked my *ass* off to get back any semblance of good graces I have with the village I live in, full of people that left me and my father behind. I did *horrible* things because I wanted him back. And I was punished, I did my time and made up for everything. You’ve told me I have. So when I hear you say things about Cassandra, the women who has my father and the rest of my family under her spell, the women who kidnapped and drugged and beat me, the women who harmed *my* Hugo, the women who’s destroyed the kingdom and wants to actively destroy *you*….. Im sorry, but it’s very hard to feel sympathy for that women….”
The princess sighed before she hugged the teen, who was startled, his eyes no longer glowing as she held him. He hugged her back after a few minutes, before she let him go and looked at him, eye to eye, “Varian, you are not only one of my best and most closest friends, but you’re my little brother. I love and care about you more than I ever thought I could before. What happened to you was a huge mistake, and what’s been happening to you is something I could never even *begin* to comprehend. You’re hurt and scared and angry and you have every right to be. I will never forget what’s been done to you, never…..“
She took a breath before continuing, “…..Cassandra….. I’m sorry, I still bring her up because it’s hard for me to think of her as anything less than my friend and sister…. But I wouldn’t forget what she’s done, and I’ll never forget to give her a proper punishment for everything that’s been done because of her actions. She’s gone too far, she’s done too much, Varian *my* father might be dead because of her….” She sniffled at that before gathering herself and continuing, “….Believe me…. I will never forget what she’s done…. To you and to me and to our people….. But sometimes…. It’s a little hard for me….. So I…. Look on the bright side, hoping she won’t be possessed because then I’d have to fight a possessed Cassandra and…. Hoping she’ll just stop, so maybe I could justify a few things… maybe if I make her mistakes less, I can handle them better and do what I need to…. I’m sorry if it sounds like me giving her excuses…. I assure you it’s not, I just…. I *need* to…. I don’t know *why* I need to, I just…..”
“It’s…. A coping mechanism….” Varian said softly, his eyes wide with surprise as Rapunzel looked at him, “you spent 18 years in a tower, you were always shut down and made fun of by Gothel, you didn’t have anyone except Pascal…. You had to look on the bright side all the time, no wonder you do that….. it’s your way of coping….. it isn’t healthy…. But….. neither is my lack of time management when it comes to food and bed rest….. I never knew…. I’m sorry….”
The princess blinked before she looked at Lance, “is that really why I do that?”
The man nodded, “I’ve thought about tellin you for a long time, but ya need to come to realization on your own, either that, or have someone else point it out to you, someone like a close friend or little brother”, he said, smiling at Varian, “if it helps, that’s not uncommon, it ain’t the best way to go about doin things, but it’s somethin you gotta work on is all, and that’s okay”
The princess smiled before looking at Varian, “I’m still sorry”
“I’m sorry too….. I’m not very positive…” Varian stated
“You’re a logical thinker, which is definitely what positive people need”, the princess stated, “we butt heads, but I wouldn’t trust anyone else to talk to me about this sort of thing except you Varian, so don’t be too hard on yourself, okay?”
The alchemist smiled and nodded, “oki”
Hugo grinned before he snuck a peek at the book, “….hmmmm…. We may not be able to trick Zhan Tiri by herself…. But maybe we can hold her down”
Varian looked at Hugo, “what do you mean?”
“Well, she wants power, that much is obvious. What if we do the plan you had before and add this into it. Once the brotherhood members are free, all of them, Raounzel can distract Cassandra with a fight. While they’re going at each other other, the brotherhood members can sneak up behind Zhan Tiri and grab her, hurting her if they need to. You could have the portal ready in the castle, hell, you could join Rapunzel while she fights Cassandra, after the brotherhood is back and after the portal is made! Once we have Zhan Tiri, the brotherhood could throw her into the portal, and once that happens, Cassandra and Cyrus will be the final people we have to defeat. All we really need to do, is overpower them. Once we do, break the control Cassandra is under, stop her, possibly get rid of Cyrus, because fuck him, then throw Cassandra in jail”
Varian thought about that, “we’d need to sneak into the castle in order to make the portal, and Cyrus and Cassandra may be there….”
“That’s true….”
“What if we have teams”, Eugene stated, “a formation of some sort when we go into the castle. 4 teams, team 1 can be our runners, they check the area and make sure it’s safe to trek”, at this point, everyone in the bar had gone silent as they listened to Eugene, “team 2 will be our defense/guards, they secure the area, standing at points in the castle and give defense while the runners keep a look out, team 3 will be the attack team. They come in and stand around team 4, attacking if they need to, and team 4 will be the team we need to protect. Hairstripes, you need to be in that team, so do you Blondie. Brat nugget will also be in that team”
“I take it that’s me”, Hugo stated
“Yup, you’ll be helping Varian build the machine, and Sunshine needs protection because not only is this eclipse gonna be unpredictable, it’ll leave you weak, we need to keep you safe while it’s around. Plus you’re our only hope should CassAndra come around and attack, you’re the only one that could get through to her”
The princess but her lip, “I don’t like being protected while everyone else fights for me….” She stated
“Princess, it’s our honor to help the royal family”, Adam stated, as he stepped forwards, Varian freezing for a moment when he saw him, “you’ve helped us in alotta ways, includin Savin one of our youngest Old Corona citizens”, he smiled at the freckled teen, before looking back at the princess, “please let us fight for our home”
“I….. B-but you…. I….”
“I’ve been workin with Quirin Vanguard for a long time ma’am, he’s become one of my closest friends, if I need to fight him to stop him from hurting anyone, I’ll do it. ‘Sides, ‘s a damn shame to have a pyromaniac without his pa”, he stated with a chuckle
“A pyromaniac?” Rapunzel asked before she heard Varian giggle, when she looked, she saw the teen smiling at the older gent, a few tears in his eyes
“Thank you Adam”, the alchemist stated
“Anytime shortie”, the old farmer replied with a smirk as Evan walked next to Adam and smiled
“He’s right Rapunzel”, another voice said, getting the blond to look and see Mr and Mrs. Solace smiling at her, Rose continuing to speak, “we want to fight for our home and friends, we want to help the people that have helped us, Varian’s created so many medicines for this kingdom, and your family has given us jobs and a place to work with just about anyone who needs us”
“We want to fight for you, to thank you and your family for all they’ve done, along with the tiny one next to you, and his tiny boyfriend too”, Isaac Solace stated with a warm smile towards Varian and Hugo, both of whome blushed
“Do I even need to say why *I’ll* be fighting to protect you princess?” Ethan Nite asked as he and Chris Dae stepped forwards, their guard uniforms intact and clean, “it’s my duty to keep you safe, I watched my comrades fall to Cyrus, I won’t let it happen again”
“Plus, losing our home would really suck”, Chris added, getting a few chuckles of agreement from his fellow guards
“Plus we cannot let Adira and the rest of her family suffer”, another voice stated, getting Varia to gasp when he saw the person step out and smile at him, “hello”
“Sage?!” He asked incredulously, “when did you get here?!”
“I came to visit Adira, but the trumpets of war told me to stay back, I heard many frantic instruments playing in this bar, and when I was informed of what was happening, I decided to stay and help. When I was traveling, I ran into a few friends of Adira’s brother, Hector’s”
“We’re a bit more than friends”, Trinity, who came over from behind Sage, said gently
“TRINITY!” Varian yelled, “DEXTER!” He added when he saw the timid man stepping next to his sister. The alchemist ran over and hugged the pair of them, getting them to hug him back as Sage smiled lovingly while she hummed a happy tune she seemed to hear
“Sage didn’t just run into Trinity and Dexter while travelin”
“N-Nuru?!” Hugo asked, before he smiled wide when he saw her, and Yong, emerge from the crowd, “Yong! You’re here!” He exclaimed as he ran over and hugged the pair of them before letting go and grinning
“Course we’re here, didn’t think you’d be fightin this without us did ya”, the star princess asked with a raised brow and grin
“Yeah! We wanna help! I’ve got my fireworks all ready!” The fire teen exclaimed as he pulled out a sparkler, accidentally lit it, then yelped as it crackled a little, Hugo dowsing it out before it caused any damage
Adam chuckled before he looked at the princess, “let us fight for our home your majesty, we want to help, and if it means we won’t come back alive, then we accept that, because we’ll be fightin for somethin we all care about, our home!”
“YEAH!” The crowd cheered
Raounzel smiled as she teared up, before she looked around at all her friends and family. She nodded, “alright”, she said as she looked at Eugene, “let’s fight”
She walked over and stood up on the stage next to the piano, she sat down and began to play a song as she spoke, “I’m not going to sugar coat this, this will be the biggest challenge Corona has ever faced!”
“No offense Varian”, Eugene stated as he nudged the alchemist
The freckled teen smirked before letting out a dismissive, “eh”, getting Eugene to chuckle as Rapunzel began to sing:
“Time now to fight,
Let's turn our losing streak around,
Rise and unite,
Let's do what we must do!”
She stated as Varian walked over and sat down next to her, playing the piano as she smiled brightly and stood up facing the crowd
“If we're to win,
We can't turn back or sneak around,
Once we begin,
The only way is through!”
She jumped off the stage and ran forwards before sliding to a halt while striking a frightened pose
Through the fire, through the rain!”
Rapunzel skipped forwards
‘We'll face whatever the fates may bring,
And tear through every wall!
Through the fear, through the pain!”
She jumped onto a table and grabbed a sword, raising it high
‘And as one we will rise,
Marching tall,
Through it all!’
She smiled as she saw everyone watching her, “It's not gonna be easy, but it's our only option! Who's with me?!”
The crowd smiled as Eugene hopped onto the bar and sang:
“Time now to stand!”
Hugo joined in, hopping into another table beside Varian:
‘Let's save our home and take it back!’
Lance gently nudged Varian off the piano as Catalina caught him before he fell, the teen being picked up by Fidella while Lance sang and played the piano:
‘At your command!’
A few barbthigs chimed in:
‘I'm in, and me, me too!’
Varian grinned as he rode Fidella across the bar floor, gaining everyone’s attention as he sang loud and bright:
‘Onward we ride!
Who knows if we will make it back!’
Ariann smiled up at her daughter and sang:
‘We're at your side!’
Rapunzel smiled back at her mother as she continued the song:
‘Together we'll come through!’
Everyone joined as Eugene hopped off the bar and dance with Rapunzel while Varian and Hugo joined together with the royal pair as well, dancing merrily:
‘Through the strife, through the fray!
We can't hold back in this time of need,
We all must heed the call!
Through the dark, to the day,
And as one, we will rise,
Marching tall!
Varian, Hugo, Rapunzel, and Eugene sang the final chant as everyone in the bar sang underneath them with vigor and spirit as Month poured everyone, including Varian and Hugo, a beer:
V,H,R,E: Through it all!
Bar: time now to fight to face whatever fate may bring
V,H,R,E: Through it all!
Bar: right over might 'till victory and freedom ring
V,H,R,E: Through it all!
Bar: stand and unite for home and hearth and land and king! For love and life and everything’
They entire pub stopped dancing and raised their beers in the air while they sang:
V,H,R,E: ‘through it all!
Bar: Through it all!
Everyone: THROUGH IT AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL
YEAH!!!!’
Notes:
Hello!
This took me a full day and a half to write, I wanted to get it right and double checked a few things, sorry for the wait, I made it extra long however, hopefully that makes up for it!
I love the preparation before battle, get the final worries out, say one final goodbyes to friends we’ve made along the way, all that jazz, with that being said, I’ll let the chapter stand on its own, I’m very tired and I don’t wanna type anything odd with the character descriptions
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 413: The beginning of the End!
Summary:
It’s the start of the end!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian looked around nervously, he watched as his fellow citizens gathered any kind of weapon they could find. Adam had brought a bunch of pitchforks, many people, particularly the farmers, farmhands, and stable people, were more than happy to take a weapon in their hands, some even felt more secure holding one, something the teen could understand as he helped Hugo make another good bomb and place it in a small pile they shared
As the alchemist looked around however, he felt his gut begin to swirl with anxiety, his mind whispering cruel things as he thought about what might happen during the battle:
*Xaves won’t survive, he’ll be sliced in two right in front of you!*
*Feldspar will break like a stick, or he’ll use someone else you love to shield himself and run away*
*What makes you think Monty will fair any better? Guy can barely run, he’s as good as dead once Cyrus shush kabobs him!*
*Your father’s under *her* control now, he doesn’t care about you, he *HATES* you!*
*Then these Hugo-*
“No….. not him….”
“Freckles?” Hugo asked, stopping his goo bomb making to look at his boyfriend worriedly, “you okay?”
“I….. What?”
“No not him?”
“Oh…. Oh! Oh my gosh, s-sorry, my minds just….. I-it’s being a jerk….” Varian admitted
The inventor looked at his boyfriend sadly, “wanna talk about it?”
“No!” Varian exclaimed, startling Hugo before he blushed and backed up a bit, “n-no…. Sorry I….. um…..”
“…..Im thinking about the ways my friends will die too”
Varian blinked at looked at the blond, “y-you-!”
“Yeah…. Every time I look at someone I care about, I think they’ll be dead and how they’ll die….. It’s why I haven’t looked at you at all since we began making these…. I don’t want to think about how you’ll die…. It’s fucking terrifying….”
“I…. Thought I was just…. G-going crazy….”
“You’re not”, Hugo stated with a smile, “you’re perfectly normal!” He added teasingly
“Pfft! Yeah right, normal’s boring”
“True, guess you’re abnormal, which is cool”, Hugo scooted closer to Varian and blushed as he whispered, “I like abnormal anyway”
Varian giggled, blushing as well before he kissed Hugo, the blond returning the favor. They separated after a few seconds, both smiling happily at each other as they continued their work, that is until Varian looked at the blond. He noticed the bespeckled teen still wasn’t looking at him, “it’s really bothering you huh?”
“I…..” Hugo sighed, “yeah…. Minds suck sometimes”
“That they do…. Hey Hugo”
“Hm?”
“….Can we…. Go on a date after this?”
The blond looked at Varian, “a date?”
“Uh huh….. Once we’re done with this battle, and everyone’s healed and such…. Can you and I go on a date? Go out, do some shopping, play some games, eat, make a day out of it? Can we?”
The inventor blinked a few times before he realized what Varian was doing, and smiled, “yeah, we’ll have the best date ever! Go on a boat ride, maybe set off some fireworks, have a whole day to ourselves, just you and me!”
The alchemist grinned, “the-then we could um-w-we could go out for lunch, but have a-a picnic for dinner, we c-could watch the Sun g-go down and sit together”
“Having ham sandwiches made with Quirin love?”
“Yeah!” Varian exclaimed excitedly before he felt a few tears prick in the corners of his eyes, “w-would um…. Would you like to go?”
Hugo felt his own tears begin to surface as he smiled and nodded, “yeah, that sounds great! We could make our own lanterns too! To celebrate us being…. T-together….” He sniffled
Varian whimpered a little before he wrapped his arms around Hugo, the blond doing the same. Both didn’t let go as they held each other close for, what they feared to be, the final time….. “I’m r-really scared Hugo….”
“I am too Varian….. I don’t wanna lose you…..”
“I don’t wanna lose you either…..”
They were quiet for a moment, just holding each other, before the inventor looked at the alchemist, “I….. I promise to fight, and I promise I’ll stay alive, I…. I promise…. I-if I do, I have to k-keep it right?” He asked with a shy smile
Varian smiled back and nodded, “y-yeah…. I promise too…. I p-promise I’ll fight and live…. W-we’ll see each other again…. We will….”
Varian looked down before he felt Hugo’s warm hand on his cheek. The alchemist’s gaze was lifted to meet the emerald eyes he’d fallen in love with, “I love you Varian”
“I love you too”
They kissed one final time, this one was longer, and passionate. Once they broke apart, they were out of breath. But they felt more at ease, blushing at each other, before they heard someone clear their throat, looking over, they saw Eugene smiling at them sympathetically. The two giggled before they continued to work, trying to joke and keep up their spirits for their final battle ahead…..
****
They’d been setting up for a while, and Ruddigar watched as everyone prepared. The raccoon had been sitting atop the bar, overlooking progress and chittering a cheer to help keep spirits high along with Pascal, Max, and Hanuel, who were with him at the bar
But…. The small mammal could also see his boy…. He noticed the small trembling in the alchemist’s hands, the quiver of his lip, and that kiss he’d shared with his blond mate…..
Ruddigar knew his boy was afraid, and he wracked his brain to try and find ways to actually help *do* something! He wanted to protect his boy, and his boys mate! He wanted to get their guardian back, but the raccoon knew the guardian was taken away…..
He sighed as he slumped onto the counter, trying so hard to come up with a plan that he’d given himself a headache….
He felt a claw touch him, when he looked, he saw Pascal, Max, and Hamuel giving him worried stares. The horse whining out the question they’d all been wondering
Raccoon chittered that he was fine, but the look the guard gave him told the raccoon he wasn’t convincing in the slightest. The small mammal sighed before he explained how useless he felt, how he just wanted to protect his boy, and his boy’s mate, which the horse stated was named Hugo. Eliciting a small huff from the raccoon before he continued to say he didn’t know how he could, he was a small fluff-coon after all, what was he gonna be able to do?
Pascal seemed to think about that for a moment, he squeaked out how he felt the same way with his Rapunzel at one point. But how he’d learned he was mighty even if he was small
Ruddigar scoffed, pointing out that he had a long tongue that allowed him to stick to whatever surface he needed to, that and the chameleon could change color and hide if needed, something the raccoon didn’t have the ability to do
Max offered to give Ruddigar a few fighting pointers, maybe even allow the small mammal to wield a weapon of some sort
Ruddigar appreciated that, but it would only work if he and his boy were up close and personal with the mean human who had his boy’s powers…. Something his boy would prevent at all costs….
Hamuel then CAW’d out something about becoming a big monster
This struck the raccoon, Max and Pascal raised a brow at the old crow, but Ruddigar remembered something. His eyes lit up as he explained the potion his boy had made a long time ago, when he’d been angry and filled with darkness. The raccoon had been given a shot and had grown exponentially!
Pascal’s eyes widened as he squeaked out how he remembered that night! His princess was afraid because of the monster the raccoon had become!
Max chimed in with a huff about how dangerous that’d been, especially for his Captain
Hamuel tilted his head, stating he’d thought the old Captain was no longer a Captain
Max shook his head before he pointed his nose to Eugene
The current Captain looked over at Max and smirked, “hey buddy”, he said, before he walked over and stroked Max’s nose, “good horse”, he stated before walking away to help Rapunzel set up a few more things
Max smiled as his Captain walked away before he looked at Hamuel proudly, letting out a small whinny about how good he was treated by his Captain, and how the old one hadn’t ever really listened to him. He hadn’t been treated in such a kind, and something challenging, way, since he’d been on his old master’s farm, he smiled at Ruddigar
The raccoon smirked, chittering about how the guardian his boy loved so much was a good man, and how much he missed him….
Max nodded in agreement
Hamuel CAW’d, stating the knight would be okay! He knew he would, his Edmund had faith in his knight, he always had!
Pascal agreed with a smile
The raccoon and horse gave the pair a smile before Ruddigar chittered again about that potion he’d been given. He wanted to get it again
Max huffed about how dangerous it’d been before
Ruddigar chittered that his boy had been working with it, changing it so it wouldn’t hurt him anymore. Ruddigar would be safe, he trusted his boy, now more than ever!
The horse thought about it before nodding, he then offered all the animals to climb on his back, he’d take them to Varian
The animals hopped on his back and they happily rode over to the alchemist and inventor. The pair had just finished the good bombs, and were splitting them between each other, before Max nudged Varian’s arm slightly
“Huh?” The freckled teen looked up and smiled when he saw the animals, “oh hi!” He stood up and giggled when he saw all the animals, “having a before battle party?”
Max gave a chuckle to the joke before he shook his head, Hugo stood as well and smirked, “here to curse me out some more horse?”
Max nudged the inventor playfully with his nose, getting the bespeckled teen to snicker as he nudged him back
Varian smiled before Ruddigar chittered at him, “huh? You have an idea?”
The raccoon nodded before he hopped onto his boy’s shoulder, getting the alchemist to giggle, before he dug into the backpack his boy carried! It took a few moments to find what he was looking for, but he finally did, and pulled it out for Varian to see
The teen gasped when he saw the potion and swiped it away gently, “I… n-no, I won’t do that to you again”
Ruddigar hoped back onto Max’s back before he chittered about how he trusted his boy
Varian shook his head, “I’m glad you trust me, b-but that potion…. I don’t wanna do that to you again…. Never again….. I-I said I wouldn’t Ruddy-!”
Ruddigar interrupted, arguing with the teen determinedly
“I know I’m not the one that came up with the idea, but…. Ruddigar that was horrible of me to do to you…. I know you’ve forgiven me, and I could be more grateful, b-but….”
Ruddigar chittered again questioningly
“I…. Worked on it as a punishment to myself….. I wanted to show how I could’ve been better about it, made it l-less painful…. The process was easier than I’d thought….. I changed it to show myself how far I’d sunk, I didn’t remake it to use it again”
The raccoon blinked as he stared at his boy before he climbed onto his shoulder and nuzzled him, chittering softly
Varian smiled, “thank you…. I know you don’t think I deserve to punish myself even further…. I did that after Rapunzel saved me, when you came back, I finished reworking the potion a few days after, it was my form of sorry….”
Ruddigar chittered again
“I know you forgive me… thank you Ruddigar”
The raccoon smiled before he kicked his boy’s cheek, getting the alchemist to giggle before he looked at his best friend. Ruddigar grew serious at this point, he began to chitter out something that only Varian seemed to understand, something not even Pascal knew. The animals, and Hugo, waited until the raccoon was done, before they saw Varian begin to tear up
“I…. H-how do you…. Know that song?”
Ruddigar chittered
“Dad taught it to you huh? Heh….. that man….” He looked down, “I miss him…..”
Ruddigar nuzzled his boy before he chitter again, giving it one last try
Varian sighed before he looked at Ruddigar, “you really wanna do this? Turn back into that monster just to protect me? You trust me that much?”
The raccoon smiled and shook his head before he gave a one word answer that made Varian’s eyes widen
“M-more? Y-You trust me more than….. Ph Ruddigar you’re gonna make me cry!”
The raccoon let out a laugh as he snuggled his boy
Varian giggled before sniffling as he looked at the potion in his hand. Hugo touched it, getting the alchemist to look at him, “I trust you too”
Max, Hamuel, and Pascal placed their hoof, claw, and body, Hamuel fell, on Hugo’s hand, showing they trust him too
Ruddigar smiled at his boy, getting Varian to sniffle a little more before he nodded, “o-oki…. I’ll do it”
Ruddigar cheered, thanking his boy happily before he hopped down, ready to be injected
“Actually bud, it’s a drink now, I have a bo you can use, here”, he grabbed a bowl from his pack, “I grabbed this in case you’d need any water during the fight”
The raccoon smiled at his boy and waddled over to the bowl, he sat down and waited
Varian stroked his best friend’s fur before he sighed, “this lasts for a few hours, and the change may be a little uncomfortable, b-but you’ll return to normal easily a-and there’s no side effects, s-save for drowsiness, but I think the battle may do that to you anyway, y-you’re sure this is what you want?”
Ruddigar nodded determinedly before he chittered
Varian smiled, “to protect me and Hugo…. Er… my mate? Heh, that’s an odd way to put it”
Hugo blushed before laughing, “I’ll be your mate, that’s fine with me”
“Shush you”, Varian stated with a grin, getting Hugo to laugh before Varian uncorked the beaker and poured the potion into the bowl, “it uh….. s-should taste like apples”
The raccoon sniffed it and grinned
“Should smell like em too, heh”
He chittered out a thank you before he lapped the potion up. Varian got the animals, and Hugo, to step back. For a moment, nothing happened, then Ruddigar began to feel something inside him change
His body filled with energy as he felt himself begin to grow! It was slightly odd as his legs grew longer and his muscles became bigger in size! But nothing like his first time changing, it felt easier, he could even feel a small bit of his boy’s energy inside him, as if the teen had accidentally added some magic into the potion
The citizens of Corona and d Corona took instant notice of Ruddigar’s change, stopping and watching him grow before he finally stopped. Varian walked up and seemed very anxious as he asked, “h-how do you feel?”
Ruddigar smiled and bent down to nuzzle his boy, he felt great! He was big! He could do anything now! And it made his anxiety go away as he smiled at his boy, he wasn’t in pain it afraid, his mind was calm as he chittered happily at his boy
Varian smiled and hugged his raccoon, “I love you Ruddigar”
The raccoon chittered out his response as Rapunze walked over, “wow! I never got to see him up close, he looks amazing!”
“Thanks”, Varian replied, “he wanted this, he wanted to help”
“I believe you Varian, I watched you two interact, it’s alright”, she looked at Ruddigar, “thank you, for wanting to help in this way”
The raccoon chittered happily, his voice was a touch deeper, he could work with that however
The princess giggled as Eugene walked over and faced everyone, “OKAY TROOPS!” He yelled, “SUIT UP!”
Everyone gathered around him as Rapunzel stood on a stump nearby and began to speak, “alright everyone you know the plan! Charge the castle, in teams, build that machine, open the portal, and send Zhan Tiri *BACK* to the nether world!”
“Limbo”, Varian corrected
“Right!” Rapunzel said with a smile as Hugo giggled, “now let’s MOVE OUT!”
“YEAH!!!!!!!” Everyone cheered as the teams assembled, runners in the front, Varian, Hugo, and Rapunzel in the back
The three looked around as Lance joined the defender’s team, he smiled when he saw Catalina take on her werewolf form as she allowed Angry to climb on her, they were on the runners team. Eugene smiled as he waved from the attacking team, getting Rapunzel to wave back before she looked at Hugo and Varian, “woo, let’s go team 4!” She tried
Hugo snorted, “woot”, he said, as Varian stayed quiet as he climbed off Ruddigar and stroked his fur
“Oh come on you two, that doesn’t sound very energetic”
The blond inventor sighed but smiled at the princess, “you’re scared out of your mind aren’t you?”
“Terrified!” The princess exclaimed happily
Hugo sighed before he walked over and placed a hand on the princess’s shoulder, “it’s okay, we are too”
“Very….” Varian stated, getting Hugo to look at him sadly
Rapunzel sighed before she looked at the pair and smiled, “I’m sorry”, she said, getting them to look at her, “it’s…. Kinda my fault you two are even in this in the first place… I’m so sorry….”
“Don’t do that to yourself”, Varian stated softly, “don’t blame yourself for something out of your control”
“But if I’d just been able to stop Cassandra from taking the Moonstone-!”
“Punzel, I’m connected to the stone”, Varian stated, “regardless of if she’d gotten it or not, I still would’ve needed to grab it. I’m as much a part of this destiny as you are, so if anything, no matter what happens now, none of this is because of you. It’s because Cassandra decided she wanted to have your life, but she doesn’t understand what that life entails. You would’ve died without that Sundrop, you were abused for 18 years, and when you finally get out and make a few friends that aren’t Eugene or your family, one tries to steal to Sundrop flower and threatens your home, the other is a thief that tricked your boyfriend into stealing stuff again, and the other is Cassandra, enough said”, Varian stated, getting Hugo to snort, “you are not the cause of any of this, it’s her fault, you didn’t tell her to attack everyone here”
“I suppose…. but maybe if I’d done something different-!”
“Maybe if I hadn’t betrayed you”, the alchemist stated, “maybe if I hadn’t joined the Seporians, maybe if I hadn’t made the amber”
Rapunzel stopped before she smiled lovingly at the freckled teen, “Varian”
The alchemist smirked, “we all have things we regret, but this, the fight, my family being in danger, your family being in danger, the kingdom at risk, none of that was because of you, it was Cassandra. Don’t blame yourself by questioning what you could’ve done, it’s past that point now. We, you included, have her every opportunity to stop, so did my family, and me, she didn’t listen, whatever happens now, it’s because of her and her alone, okay sis?”
The princess stopped before she grinned and hugged Varian tightly, small tears pricking in the corners of her eyes, “okay little bro”
The alchemist returned the hug, snuggling in Rapunzel’s embrace before he spoke softly, “I love you Punzel”
“I love you too Varian”
Hugo smiled at the pair before Ruddigar nuzzled his arm, he chuckled, “yeah yeah, I love ya too ya big fur ball”
The celestial siblings looked at the inventor and raccoon before giggling as they let go of each other and smiled, they heard Eugene call out to them, the runners were back, the outside was secure, the defenders and attackers were ready to move! The trio looked at each other, nodded, and then walked inside the castle, “let’s go!”
The defenders and attackers charged in as Varian, Rapunzel, and Hugo, all riding on Ruddigar’s back, followed! Eugene was the first to get to the door, he checked the knob, “IT LOCKED!”
Ruddigar stepped forwards and, letting out a roar, smashed through the door before backing up
“ITS *UN*LOCKED!” Eugene exclaimed, before everyone charged inside
They all halted when they got to the lobby and looked around, it was empty, “where are the bad guys?” Attila asked
“I don’t know….” Eugene admitted before he turned and looked at Varian, who was still on Ruddigar’s back with Hugo and Rapunzel, “but let’s just get that machine built before they come back, alright?”
Varian nodded before he and Hugo slid off of Ruddigar’s back. They walked over to the middle of the lobby and Varian pulled out a small square, with a big, red, button on it, from his pocket, he looked at Hugo with a smile, “wanna do the honors?”
The blond smirked before he pressed the button, the squared opened and out popped a bunch of building materials and tools, “I knew that pocket camper would come in handy”, Hugo stated, “best invention I’ve ever made!”
“You can say that again love, now come on, let’s build up our machine!”
“Right!”
Notes:
Hello!
This one took me a bit to write up as well, sorry about that! But I hope I made it fun to read at the very least ❤️🎶
Hugo and Varian being scared about losing each other is something I really wish we could’ve seen with Eugene and Rapunzel, but I suppose Eugene’s faith in Rapunzel would’ve made that part confusing, but still. Hugo had faith in Varian, and vise versa, they’re just scared is all, honestly, all the fluff for these two ❤️🎶
Animal moment! I wanted to give them a final story moment together!!!!! I love the animals’s relationships together, and we didn’t get to see them interact after their Day of the Animals thing, so here’s that :D
Eugene and Rapunzel playing support this time around, Lance and the girls as well, but they still get some credit because I love them! ❤️🎶
Here we go, beginning of the battle and I hope you all like it!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 414: The End of the Beginning!
Summary:
Varian and co face familiar faces!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel watched the two scientists work together to make the portal! They were fast, as they moved through each step with ease, screwing, bolting, hammering, testing, until finally, it was done! The two teens stepped back and wiped their brows, “done!” Varian stated before he gestured to a lever nearby, “okay, just pull that lever, and we’ve got ourselves a trans-dimensional portal!”
Eugene walked over and smiled at the invention, “Hoo! You two weren’t kidding, that *was* fast!” He complimented, getting the two teens to grin
“Ok we just gotta make sure everyone is *clear* of the portal or else… we’ll end up in limbo, alongside Zhan Tiri”
“Noted….. Terrified, but noted”
Hugo snorted, “can’t be that bad can it?”
“You wanna find out?” A voice behind him asked before the blond inventor’s back was kicked from behind, knocking the teen to the floor as he got up and glared at the person
Hugo bared his teeth, “Cyrus….”
“Hey punk”, Cyrus replied with a smirk
Eugene stepped in front of Hugo, “how’s you get past everyone?” He asked angrily as he pushed Hugo behind him
“Tch, wasn’t difficult, you Coronans are pretty easy to break through. The princess seems a little preoccupied by the way”, he stated, “eclipse is comin, and the Sun’s getting overshadowed”
“Fuck….” Eugene cursed, as he unsheathed his sword and pointed it at Cyrus
The man laughed, “what do you plan on doing to me *Captain*? Congrats on the promotion by the way, good thing too, good to know Corona is protected by the world’s worst thief!”
Eugene huffed, “you’d better shut the fuck up before I slice that tongue out of your filthy mouth”
“I’d *love* to see you try….”
The two stood there for a few more seconds, before Cyrus made the first move, running forwards and readying his fist! Eugene dodged, jumping out of the way before he sliced, he didn’t hit Cyrus, but got very close!
The man slid to a halt, right in front of Hugo, he grinned at the blond and went to punch him instead, until Eugene barreled into him!
“LEAVE HIM THE FUCK *ALONE*!” the Dark Prince yelled, “you’re facing *ME*!” He added as he ran forwards and sliced at Cyrus, managing to cut his arm this time
The murderer glared before smiling, “fine”, he kicked Eugene, making him slide back a bit before he grabbed his own weapon, a black rock axe, “let the hunt begin….”
“Yes…. Let it….” Another voice stated, the murderer turned and got a face full of fist. Startling him as he took a few steps back before he saw who punched him
He growled when he saw Varian glaring *daggers* at him, “little ashy BRAT!”
He stopped when something metal hit his head, he backed up again, only to see Rapunzel with her frying pan in hand, “you’re out numbered Cyrus….” She stared angrily at the man
“Blondie!” Eugene stated, relief filling his voice, “are you alright?!”
“I’m fine, though, this is a little odd”, she stated before pointing to her chest, Eugene looked and saw the Sundrop
His eyes widened, “woah! So *that’s* what it looks like!”
“Yup!” The princess stated, “but enough about that”, she said as she raised her skillet and looked at Cyrus, “we’ve got some trash that needs throwing out”
Cyrus laughed, “you think you fucking BITCHES can defeat ME?!”
“Did you forget who you’re fighting?” Varian asked as he floated up and got right in Cyrus’s face, flicking it and sending the man flying into the floor with a smirk
Cyrus growled as he looked up at the teen, “I won last time”
“By a cheap trick”
“It ain’t my only trick either fucker”, Cyrus stated before snapping his fingers
Suddenly, Varian felt someone kick him, sending him to the ground as well, “FRECKLES!” Hugo yelled, running over to him
“I’m alright, but what was th-! ….No…..”
Hugo raised a brow before looking at what Varian was, he gasped, “oh fuck…..”
“Dad!” Varian exclaimed when he saw his father, the man had black rock armor on and his eyes were still the same blue as the Moonstone
“Adira!” Lance stated as he saw the warrior glaring at them, she wasn’t wearing armor, but the sword she carried was covered in black rocks again
“Hector….” Trinity said softly, her and Dexter staring at their little brother as he glared at them directly. His cape remained the same, but the armor underneath matched Quirin’s, black rocks
Cyrus snickered, “scared yet shit head?”
Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel stared at their friends and family as Varian and Hugo stood. The freckled teen reaching out to his father, “d-dad?” He spoke softly, his voice shaking a little, “dad I-it’s me”, he tried, “d-do you remember?”
Quirin merely stared at the teen, his ever present glare pierced Varian’s heart, “he doesn’t care about you anymore”, Cyrus stated gleefully, “none of them do! They’re all under Cassandra’s control! And I’m their leader now, heh”
“Hector….” Trinity said
Dexter stepped forwards, “Hector, please, you’re stronger than that damn mind control! Fight it! Break free!”
The wild tamer’s eyes twitched a little, but after a moment, they narrowed and he growled at them. Both siblings backed up a bit as Lance stared at Adira. He didn’t speak, too sad to really find the right words as the women stared at him….
“Fuck you!” Hugo snapped as he glared at Cyrus, “fuck you! How DARE you bring them here! You selfish, disgusting, worthless piece of SHIT!”
Cyrus glared at the teen, “you wanna step up to the plate instead of hiding behind your boyfriend then?”
Hugo huffed and drew his dagger, “why the hell not….”
“Hugo-!” Eugene stated
“No! I’m done hiding from this fucker!” He snapped, “no more of this! I’m not letting him hurt any of you again! Find a way to break the brotherhood out of that damn spell! Let me handle this asshole myself!”
The Dark Prince was about to argue when he froze as another person appeared, “Edmund….”
The Dark King was glaring at his son, his eyes the same empty blue as the rest of the Brotherhood
Rapunzel stared at Eugene for a moment or two before she remembered what Varian had said before and sighed, she stood next to Hugo, “I’m helping you”
“I can handle him”, Hugo stated
“I believe you, but you’re not doing this alone”, she replied before looking at Varian, “break the Mind Trap’s spell, we’ll handle Cyrus”
“Rapunzel-!” Varian began
“I’ll be alright”, she said softly as she smiled at the teen, “trust me”
Varian stared at her for a long time, they shared a look before he glanced at the Sundrop and sighed, nodding, “be safe, *both* of you”, he added, looking at Hugo, who nodded
The two blonds glared at Cyrus, who smirked, “two little blonds sitting in my way”, he grinned crazily as he lifted his axe and chuckled, “one will die, and the other should pray….”
Hugo growled before the murderer ran forwards, he aimed at the teen, the blond inventor dodged easily, landing a slice to Cyrus’s arm as Rapunzel let down her hair
The murderer slid to a halt before he ran towards the teen again, eyes blazing like fire! Hugo stood his ground this time as he felt something wrapping around his waist, he smirked before he jumped into the air
Cyrus went to jump after him, he hopped into the air as well, lifting his axe to attack before Hugo was pulled back and used the momentum to land another scratch onto Cyrus’s chest!
The man roared with anger as he landed, touching the scratch as he looked at the pair, “are you two just gonna hit and run the entire time?!”
Hugo ran forwards and sliced Cyrus again, this time on his side, making the man grunt as he backed up, the inventor smirked as he looked at the murderer, “fight and find out you *prick*!” He ran forwards again
This time, Cyrus managed to grab Hugo’s arm and throw him into the ground, just before he could slice him with his axe however, the teen was pulled away by the princess, she smiled, “you *bitch*!” Cyrus cursed as he glared at her
****
Eugene backed away from his father, who was advancing closer and closer to him, “father, listen to me! You’re being controlled! It’s me! Eugene! I’m your *son*! I’ll even call myself *Horace* if I have to!”
Edmund glared, “I don’t have a son.” He stated before he slammed his axe down
Eugene jumped back, managing to just *barely* dodge the attack as he looked at his father, “please dad….. Please remember me….”
“My loyalty is to Cassandra!” Edmund snapped as he slammed his axe down once again, “if you really were my son you’d realize that!”
Eugene got hit, but was able to stand, he breathed heavily as he held his side, it was bleeding from the slice he’d received, “damn it dad! You’re better than this! Remember us fishing together, and when we went on that road trip with the sash! How about us camping together! We had fun during those times, come on you’ve *got* to remember!”
“I only know Cassandra!” Edmund stated before he used his axe to swing at Eugene again, who dodged
“Adira!” Eugene heard Lance exclaim, “Adira it’s ME!” He begged, “please! This ain’t like you! You don’t take orders from other people like this! AH!”
Eugene looked over and saw Lance fall to the floor, he had a gash on his face as he backed up, the women in question approaching him, “you will be silenced, by Cassandra’s commands”, she stated angrily
Lance got up and unsheathed his sword, “I don’t wanna *fight* you!” He cried, but it fell on deaf ears as Adira kicked his stomach
The former thief was sent stumbling back, Eugene managed to catch him before he fell, the two standing back to back as Adira and Edmund approached
“LOOK OUT!” They heard Trinity yell
The duo looked and saw Xena running towards them, they dodged just in time for the rhino to barrel through Adira and Edmund, knocking them down!
“What then hell?!” Eugene asked
“We found them in a stable, locked away”, Dexter explained sadly before he was pushed by Trinity as a sword sliced the air behind him
He turned and saw Hector glaring daggers at the man, “Cassandra said to lock the damn animals up”, he stated angrily, “so I did…. And I’ll do the same to you two!” He said as he sliced at them both again
Dexter and Trinity dodged the attack and backed up next to Lance and Eugene as stared at the wild tamer in shock, “Hector *PLEASE*! We’re your FAMILY!” Trinity tried
“Yes! You’re our little brother, can’t you fight this off?” Dexter added
“I have no family, except Cassandra!” Hector snapped before he ran forwards, managing to land a slice on their legs as they backed away
Lance and Eugene pushed Hector back, blocking his next attack as Trinity and Dexter stood beside them, “thank you”, the artistic Ingvarrian said, “we’re not fighters, but we’ll do our best if it means getting Hector back”
“She’s right, we won’t give up! No matter how much he hurts us!” Dexter stated determinedly
Eugene and Lance smiled at the pair, “thank you”, the Captain said before he saw Xena walk over, he looked at her, she had new scars on her snoot before he noticed two badgers jump off her back, “Pixie? Basil?” Eugene asked
The two badgers looked up at the man, their fur was a mess and they also had new scars on them too
“What did she make Hector do to you….” Lance said softly, kneeling down and letting them before a sword slammed into the ground in front of him, he froze when he looked up and saw who it was, “Q-Quirin…..”
The knight glared at the man before he picked up his sword and swung it again
“AH!” Lance dodged it, just barely, as he rolled backwards, Eugene, Trinity, and Dexter running to him and helping him up as they stared at the knight
“DAD!” They heard a very familiar voice yell, they looked, as did Quirin, and saw Varian standing a few feet behind the Village Leader, he had a couple gashes on his cheeks, chest, arms, and legs as tears slid down his face, he was panting. But his eyes were glowing with determination as he stared at his father, “you’re facing *me*”, he stated
The knight’s grip on his dual blades tightened as he fully faced his son. His eyes narrowing as he took a battle stance
Varian took a similar battle stance, the teen had a familiar looking dagger in his hand as he ran forwards
Quirin dodged the alchemist’s attack easily, slashing into the teen’s arm, Varian didn’t hesitate to jump back before running towards him again, he managed to dodge his father’s attack and landed a small scratch on Quirin’s cheek before he rolled and hopped onto his feet again
The knight didn’t say a word, merely touching the small scratch and looking at his fingers, which had his own blood on him before he turned to face the teen, who was still in a battle stance
Edmund, Hector, and Adira seemed to freeze when they saw Quirin, much to Eugene, Lance, Trinity, and Dexter’s relief
“…..You know I’m not trying to hurt you”, Varian stated, getting his father to look at him, “I know you’re holding back as well”
“No point in shedding blood, lay down your weapon and don’t oppose Cassandra”, Quirin stated
“Honorable even when mind controlled….” Varian said softly before he sighed, closed his eyes, then opened them again, facing his father with even more determination, “you’re my father, my dad, and you are under mind control. The mind trap has you in its grasp, Cassandra at the helm, you’re not yourself right now!”
Quirin shook his head, “lay down your weapon and you won’t get hurt….” He stated before taking his battle stance once more
Varian let out a small whimper, but shook it away, “I won’t b-back down until you remember!”
Quirin’s eyes narrowed as he shot forwards!
Varian saw his father’s sword about to slice him again, he disappeared, dodging it, before reappearing behind the man, he faced him again, “I’m Varian Vanguard! I’m going to be the greatest a-alchemist in the world one day! I was born and raised in Corona! You’re my father!”
The knight was quick to turn and slice the teen again, this time on his leg, “lay down your weapon, or prepare to die”, he stated
“NO!” Varian yelled, “I WONT GIVE UP ON YOU!” He ignored the pain and faced his father, “YOU *WILL* REMEMBER ME!”
“LAY *DOWN* YOUR WEAPONS!” Quirin yelled back, he ran forwards, but stopped his blade *centimeters* from Varian’s neck, the teen looked up at him and saw his father was crying, “o-or I’ll h-hurt you….”
Blue static shimmered on Quirin’s body as Lance, Eugene, Trinity, and Dexter stared in shock at the man
Varian sniffled as he backed away from his father’s sword, the man advanced forwards, his swords raised, “run”, he stated, “RUN!”
“NO!” Varian yelled back, “I WONT!”
“Stubborn boy, I SAID *RUN*!”
“REMEMBER ME DAD!” Varian yelled, getting everyone’s attention, including Cyrus’s, Hugo’s, and Rapunzel’s
“Hehe, bout damn time that little shit finally dies”, Cyrus stated, before getting decked in the face by Hugo
Rapunzel placed her hands over her mouth as she saw Varian cornered, back against the wall, Hugo balled his fist as he stared at his boyfriend, “come on Freckles…. Come on Quirin….”
Quirin’s blade was fully in the air now, he was about to strike, “….b-beautiful dreamer…. W-wake unto me….” Varian sang, “s-Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee….”
Quirin froze, the blue electricity growing worse
“…..S-Sounds of the…. T-the rude world h-heard in the day”, Varian continued as he looked directly into his father’s eyes
The knight had tears sliding down his face
“L-Lull'd by the m-moonlight have all passed away….”
“I….. I…. R-Renounce…. m-my…. oath”, Quirin stated softly before the sword came down! Rapunzel’s shriek could be heard as Eugene, Lance, Trinity, and Dexter gasped
Hugo stared for a long time, hoping, pleading, and *praying* he’d just seen the wrong thing! His eyes filled with tears….
Suddenly, a bright flash of blue light burst from the man, he screamed for a moment, startling everyone, before the screams stopped and the light faded
Quirin fell to his knees, allowing everyone to see what he’d done to Varian
“FRECKLES!” Hugo yelled
Varian smiled as tears came to his eyes, Quirin’s sword was in the wall, *an inch* away from Varian’s neck
Everyone froze, “wait, if Quirin didn’t kill him… then does that mean-!” Lance began
“V-Varian?” A soft voice said, interrupting the man and getting everyone to look and see Quirin looking up at his son, his other sword was on the ground, and he didn’t pick it back up
Varian’s smile widened as he fell on his knees in front of his father, “daddy….” He said, before he embraced his father for the first time in *weeks*!
“Varian!” Quirin hugged his son back! “Bubby!” He held the teen close to his chest, the black rock armor breaking, reveling his red shirt, black pants, fluffy vest, and black gloves, his body was a mess of burns and bruises, gashes and blood, but it didn’t matter as he held his son close to him once again, “I missed you so much….” He said, his tears dripping into the teen’s hair
“I missed you too daddy”, Varian replied, sniffling as the familiar scent of apples and wood filled his nose again
The moment couldn’t last however, as Hector pointed to Quirin, his eyes glowing brighter as he said words that froze everyone’s blood, save for Cyrus’s, “traitor…”
Quirin winced as he looked at Hector, Adira, and Edmund, all three of them were glaring at him, their eyes still bright blue. Varian looked at them as well, “t-traitor?” He asked
“I renounced my oath son…..”
“What d-does that mean?”
“It means…. I’m a traitor to the Dark Kingdom…. I’m no longer a knight, not even a retired one…. I broke my oath…. And the punishment for such a crime…. Is death…..”
Varian’s eyes widened as Edmund stepped forwards, his axe clutched tightly in his hands while Adira and Hector continued to chant, “traitor…. Traitor… Traitor…. TRAITOR!”
Notes:
Hello!
It took me so long to write this, I wanted it to be perfect!!!!!! That being said, I’m letting the chapter speak for itself, you’ll know why if you read it!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 415: The Middle of the End! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Quirin’s back! But now he, Varian, and co must fight off the rest of the Brotherhood!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The moment couldn’t last however, as Hector pointed to Quirin, his eyes glowing brighter as he said words that froze everyone’s blood, save for Cyrus’s, “traitor…”
Quirin winced as he looked at Hector, Adira, and Edmund, all three of them were glaring at him, their eyes still bright blue. Varian looked at them as well, “t-traitor?” He asked
“I renounced my oath son…..”
“What d-does that mean?”
“It means…. I’m a traitor to the Dark Kingdom…. I’m no longer a knight, not even a retired one…. I broke my oath…. And the punishment for such a crime…. Is death…..”
Varian’s eyes widened as Edmund stepped forwards, his axe clutched tightly in his hands while Adira and Hector continued to chant, “traitor…. Traitor… Traitor…. TRAITOR!”
Varian instantly stood and ran in front of Edmund, blocking his father, “stop! H-he’s not a traitor! D-don’t hurt him! You’re all-AH!” The Dark King shoved the alchemist aside, continuing his trek to the Village Leader
Quirin stood, picking up his swords, and facing his king. He stared at the man who’d adopted him, his heart beating faster and faster as he came closer…. He looked down before he sighed, “I’m sorry….” He said, before he rushed forwards and slammed his swords into the Dark King’s axe
Edmund blocked it and growled angrily, “TRAITOR!” He yelled, making Quirin wince again, “you swore your LIFE!”
The Dark King pushed Quirin back, making him slide to a stop as he took up a battle stance again and stared at his adopted father. The Dark Ming growled and ran forwards! Quirin dodged, landing next t Varian, who’s gotten up, “dad!”
“I’m okay, I can handle him”, Quirin stated, “you?”
“I’m ok, he just pushed me, why is he so focused on you now?”
“Because I’m a traitor….”
“But dad-!”
“I know Bubby”, Quirin interrupted gently, smiling lovingly at his son, “I won’t ever regret it either, but it’s still a crime”
“……Then I’m a traitor too….”
“Son?”
“I’m your kid! You betrayed them to protect me! I pushed you to do this, so I’m a traitor too!”
Adira and Hector looked at the teen and growled, “traitors”, they said
“See?” Varian stated
Quirin sighed before he blocked Edmund’s attack, “if that’s the case, then stay behind me”
“Did you forget what powers I have?” The alchemist asked before he floated into the air and summoned a few black rocks to block Edmund’s next attack from hitting Quirin. The Village Leader looked at the teen, “you’re not fighting them alone”
His father chuckled, “alright then”, he then blocked an attack from Hector, who’d ran over and tried to help his king, “please be careful”
“I will!” Varian stated before he teleported away from Adira, who swiped her sword at him! Reappearing behind her and gently pushing her away!
Eugene entered the fray when he saw his father running around the rocks to get to Quirin, pushing the Dark King away by ramming his body against his father’s and knocking him down. He then turned to the Village Leader, “glad to have you back! I would love nothing more than to catch up, but-!” He helped the Village Leader block another attack from Hector before continuing, “-how do we break them out of the mind trap’s control?!”
Quirin blocked Hector from attacking Eugene as he replied, “unf! There’s a part of them they hid away! A part that is special to them, a memory, or trigger phrase, or even something they need to hear!”
“The song Varian sang?”
“His lullaby, and the last thing his mother said to him before leaving”, Quirin answered with a smile, “it connects my two favorite people in the world, my wife, and my son, I couldn’t let Cassandra take that away”
Eugene smiled before he blocked another attack from Hector while Quirin pushed Edmund away, Varian, Dexter, and Trinity helping each other keep Adira at bay, “thanks for the tip, wish I knew what to say”
Quirin grunted after a particularly nasty attack from Hector managed to land on him, leaving a really deep gash on his hand before he shoved the tamer away, “you’re his pride and joy Eugene, the only thing he’d want is words that come from you”, he stated, “just talk from your heart, think about something you really think he needs to head, odds are, that’s what he needs”
Eugene thought about that for a moment before he realized something he had never said to his father yet, and smiled, “thanks Quirin, I think I’ve got it! Oh by the way, do you remember your time in jail?”
“Vaguely, why?”
“Oh… w-well I uh-!”
“TRAITOR!” Hector yelled before Lance blocked his attack, allowing Quirin to push him away as he smiled at the Dark Prince
“Don’t blame yourself for trying to help, I may not remember everything that happened, but I remember you trying to get me to remember…. I’m sorry I made you feel guilty, I was scared…. But I will never blame you for trying to break the curse I was under, so you shouldn’t either”
Eugene smiled, “thanks”, he replied before he heard a roar from behind him, Quirin pushed him away before he took on the full front of Edmund’s attack, he managed to block it using his dual blades, but the Dark King made him slide a good two feet
The two were locked together, brute strength against brute strength. Eugene stared for a moment before he sighed, “are you able to….” He began as he looked at Quirin
“I can hold him…. Do what you need to do….” The Village Leader stated as he fought back against Edmund
Eugene smiled before he looked at his father, he knew the words he had to say, he’d been wanting to say them for a while but never found the courage…. Now however, he took a breath, and let it out before he stepped up to his father, “dad….”
“TRAITOR!” Edmund screamed, making Quirin wince again
Eugene looked at the man, “I-I’m alright, keep going….” The Village Leader stated
The Dark Prince nodded and looked back at his father, “dad…. The first time I found you… I resented you….. For leaving me…. I was angry and hurt at the thought that you just abandoned me and left me in an orphanage…. Sometimes I still do…. It’s hard to think about that…. But…. Now…. I realized you were just trying to *protect* me….”
Edmund seemed to back up a bit, his strength waning as he drew his attention to Eugene, “keep going!” Quirin encouraged
The Captain smiled as he looked at his father, “I understand the sacrifice you had to make dad….. You just wanted me to be safe, and live a life that you thought I should, because you did I met Lance! I made friends, I fell in love! I…. Wouldn’t have been able to without you…. So I…. I forgive you… dad…. Thank you…. For letting me have the life I needed….”
Edmund froze, he was staring at his son as Quirin continued to hold to the man back. The Dark King reached out to Eugene, placing a hand on his son’s cheek before he began to speak, “I…. Renounce m-my…. Oath!”
The same bright flash of blue *burst* from Edmund as it did Quirin! The Village Leader stepped back, placing his arms in front of Eugene, just in case, before the light faded, and Edmund fell to his knees! Eugene looked at him, “d-dad?”
The Dark King opened his eyes, they were the chocolate brown Eugene had come to know, as the Dark King smiled at his son, “Eugene!”
The Dark King stood and hugged his son, Eugene happily accepting the hug as Quirin smiled while watching the pair, relieved he didn’t have to fight his father figure anymore, on for a sword to pierce his side!
“DAD!” He heard Varian yell as Edmund and Eugene looked at him worriedly
Quirin turned and saw Hector’s blade in his side. The tamer looked shocked and completely broken hearted that he’d done something like this, his face showing temporary remorse, sorrow, and shame before blue static forced him to glare. Quirin gripped the sword and pulled it out of him before pushing Hector away, “QUIRIN!” Edmund yelled, running over, “Quirin!”
“I’m fine, didn’t hit anything important…” The Village Leader grunted as he held his side
“Dad!” Varian flew over to the man, “daddy…”
“I’m okay, it’s okay”, Quirin said calmly, “I…. Can barely feel it…”
Varian checked the wound, having to hold back his initial dizziness when he saw his father’s blood, that’s when something began to pull them in. He felt wind sucking them towards something, turning, his eyes widened with shock and fear as he saw the portal he’d built was now opened!
Corona citizens were already shouting and being sucked in, the teen stared in fear before he noticed someone standing beside the portal’s lever, “CASSANDRA!” He shouted
“Surprised? Kinda funny that you are”, the ‘blue haired women’ stated
Varian’s eyes, hair, and freckles began to glow with anger before he saw Eugene, Edmund, and Quirin begin to slide towards the portal. He made two black rock pillars, allowing each person to grab and hold onto them as tight as they could while Hector and Adira hopped out of the way, managing to get away from the portal in time so they wouldn’t get sucked in
“CASSANDRA STOP THIS NOW!” Varian demanded
“And why would I do that?”
“Can’t you see what you’re doing?! How many people are going to get hurt! Zhan Tiri is TRICKING YOU! She’s just using you Cassandra!” He stated angrily, “can you really not see that?!”
“I don’t think you understand Varian…. Or should I say, little Demanitus”, ‘Cassandra’ stated as her eyes glowed purple
The alchemist gasped, “no…..”
“She’s gone little Demanitus, and you’ve lost”, ‘Cassandra’ stated before she snapped her fingers, “throw him in”
“With pleasure!” A voice stated happily
Varian growled as he looked where he knew Cyrus was, before he froze when he saw a very beaten up Hugo in the man’s arms. The blond inventor was knocked out, bruises on his cheeks and wounds on his body, before he was dropped onto the floor in front of the portal, right as he woke up
“W-wha?” He looked around before he spotted Varian, “F-Freckles?”
“H-Hugo…. HUGO RUN! GET AWAY FROM THE PORTA-!” Varian tried, but it was too late
He saw Hugo begin the be pulled in, “WHAT?!” He looked behind himself and saw the portal before he yelped in fear! He tried to grip onto anything he could, but it was too late, “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
“NOOOOOOOOOO!” The inventor was pulled in, his screams echoing throughout the castle as Varian’s own screams followed him. The alchemist’s tears were pulled into the portal as well as he clung to the pillar…. He glared icily at ‘Cassandra’, “I’ll *kill* you….” He stared angrily, getting Eugene, Edmund, and Quirin to looked at him worriedly
“Try it”, ‘Cassandra’ stated, Varian bared his teeth before he closed his eyes, his Moonstone piece glowed brightly before he disappeared
He reappeared behind ‘Cassandra’, and summoned black rocks to push her towards the portal! He blocked Adira and Hector from coming near him, forcing ‘Cassandra’ towards the portal, the ‘women’ backing up, unable to stop him no matter how hard she tried to push the rocks back, Varian was too powerful, “get the FUCK in that portal you BITCH!” He snapped
“You really want to have Cassandra trapped there as well? Didn’t you care for her at one poi-!”
“I DON’T GIVE A *DAMN* ABOUT CASSANDRA!” Varian yelled as he pushed her closer and closer
“VARIAN!” Quirin tried
“PEANUT DON’T!” Edmund added
“HOLD IT!” Cyrus yelled, “STOP OR ELSE THE PRINCESS GETS IT!”
This made Varian freeze, stopping when he turned and saw Cyrus holding Rapunzel’s hair, the girl herself was struggling, tears in her eyes as blood and bruises covered her body as well, “BLONDIE!” Eugene yelled
“E-Eugene-AH!” Rapunzel yelped as Cyrus tugged her hair aggressively
“She ain’t shit when her power’s low”, the murderer teased
Varian winced as he glared at Cyrus, “let her GO!”
“YOU DONT MAKE DEMANDS BITCH! I do! Back the FUCK off Zhan Tiri, and I’ll stop hurting your pretty princess! That’s the only deal!”
Varian hesitated before he sighed and lowered the black rocks pushing ‘Cassandra’ back. The ‘women’ laughed before she grabbed the boy’s shirt, “you’ve lost little Demanitus”, she stated, “now you, and your ‘family’, can join the rest of them! Oh but first”, she turned and looked at the princess before raising her hand
The Sundrop reacted, ripping out of Rapunzel’s chest, the princess screaming in pain as it did before it floated over to ‘Cassandra’, who grabbed it and laughed as Rapunzel’s hair turned brunette
“RAPUNZEL!” Varian yelled
Cyrus didn’t give her a chance to respond before he threw the princess into the portal as well, her scream could be heard for only a short moment before she disappeared
“NO! DAMN IT!” Eugene yelled, slamming his fist onto the pillar
‘Cassandra’ smirked, “next”, she raised her hand as the Sundrop fused with her skin, settling right next to the Moonstone on her chest. Her magic grew exponentially as blue and yellow electricity sparked! The pillars were demolished instantly, Edmund and Eugene falling into the portal instantly, but Quirin managed to grab onto what was left of the pillar, unable to catch his King or Prince, “NO!” He yelled before he looked at Hector and Adira, “please break free! You know this isn’t what you want! Renounce your oaths! Help us! PLEASE!” He begged
The two twitched, they tried to break free, but ‘Cassandra’ stood in front of them, her powers sparking again, controlling them once more, “they won’t be free for a very long time, now it’s time for you to join the rest of you posse!”
Sheila held Varian up, and used her powers to shock him, “AAAAAAAAAAH!”
“VARIAN!” Quirin yelled
The alchemist was knocked out before she threw him to the portal, he was being sucked in with little to no fight. Quirin looked at his siblings one final time, before he let go, using his momentum to grab ahold of his son as they were pulled into the portal together, it closed behind them, Cyrus at the lever as he smirked, “Corona is *ours*!”
“Indeed!” ‘Cassandra’ stared before both laughed happily as they walked away from the portal
Adira and Hector, still twitching, as they followed behind them, none of them noticed Ruddigar, who was still in his beast form and holding all the other animals, Max, Pascal, Hamuel, Xena, Pixie, and Basil still there, behind a few rocks as they peeked out from behind their hiding place, fearful of what would happen, should they get caught…..
Notes:
Hello!
So this chapter gets absolutely crazy!!!! I won’t say much more than that, but holy moly X3
Quirin’s back! I missed protective Farmer Dad!!!!!! Honestly, he’s so much fun to write!
Also, there’s always hope, you can never give up hope, the end of the chapter, the characters there, they represent that :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😁
Chapter 416: The Middle of the End (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian and Quirin find themselves in Limbo!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“….Rian….”
“S..n W…. U….”
“B….by”
“VARIAN!”
“Mph…. H-huh?” The alchemist’s eyes opened slightly, odd colors danced in them for a moment before they cleared, his father’s worried expression filled his point of view, “d-dad?”
“Varian! Oh thank goodness!” His father stated, hugging his son close before gently pulling away, “are you alright?”
“I….. Ugh…. M-my head…..”
The Village Leader cupped his son’s cheek, gently, and guided his gaze to look at him, he checked the teen over, “a few nasty scrapes, bruises, and you’re definitely going to the medical wing for a few of these burns and gashes, but it looks like you’re okay overall, no concussions at least”
Varian looked at his father before he remembered the events prior to him losing consciousness, “H-Hugo! Rapunzel…. E-everyone….” He sniffled
“It’s alright son”, his father soothed, “we’ll figure this out”
“How?! Dad we… w-we lost! Zhan Tiri has the Sundrop and the Moonstone, a-and she threw everyone inside the portal! D-do you know where everyone is? Are they safe?”
“I haven’t found anyone yet, mind you, I’ve stayed by your side, so I haven’t really been able to look”
The alchemist sighed, “it’s hopeless dad…. The trap w-we have for Zhan Tiri backfired…. J-just like everything I make….”
Quirin blinked in surprise, “woah, hey where’d this coming from?”
“I’ve felt it for a long time dad…. No matter what I do or how hard I work, everything b-blows up! People get hurt because of my inventions and…. This is no different….”
“Son this *wasn’t* your fault”
“Wasn’t it? I couldn’t protect Rapunzel, or you, or Hugo, or *ANYONE*…. I couldn’t stop Zhan Tiri, I couldn’t break Adira or Hector out of the mind trap’s curse….. I failed…. A-and I’m scared….. The Moon warned me…. B-but I still failed….” He pulled his knees up to his chin and wrapped his arms around them, “I always fail….”
His father huffed before he gently cupped his son’s chin and got him to look into his eyes, “you have not failed! This wasn’t just another invention or an experiment gone wrong, this was Zhan Tiri, a she demon, Cyrus, a murderer, and Cassandra, an evil bitch who didn’t know what she got herself into, going up against you! You’re a tiny teenage boy Varian! You’re the best damn alchemist this world has ever seen, and you’ve done and made incredible things! You made this portal to limbo without hesitation, you’ve made countless potions without help, son you’ve *saved* so many people! You are anything *but* a failure!” His father stated with a smile, “and you’re forgetting two things you did. The first is that you survived all of the onslaught you were just given, so there’s always hope of getting back, and second”, he kissed his son’s forehead and smiled even brighter than before, “you brought me back, and I’ll never forget that”
Varian sniffled before he smiled at his father, hugging him, “thanks dad”
“You’re welcome son”, the Village Leader replied, returning the hug
They held onto each other for a moment before the alchemist broke the hug, “hey, I need to ask you something”
“Hmm?”
“What…. Happened to King Frederic?”
Quirin’s eyes suddenly went wide, his pupils shrinking to pinpricks as remained silent for a moment or two before he began to speak, “um…. I….” The Village Leader placed a hand on his head, “ow….. I think something’s blocking me from remembering….”
“Dad?”
“I’m serious, I…. Really don’t remember what I did to him….. I remember chasing Queen Arianna, I remember him stopping me, I remember raising my blade….. But…. I don’t remember what happened after….” The man looked at his son worriedly, “I…. You don’t think that I-!”
“I don’t know, I wasn’t there….” Varian replied sadly
“Oh I really hope I didn’t…..”
“Dad, if you did… I-it wasn’t your fault….”
“B-but I….. I-it still would’ve been my blade…..”
“Do you remember fighting with me?”
“……No…… I-is that why you have gashes on you?”
Varian gave his father a sympathetic look, “oh dad….”
“Varian I’m s-so sorry! I-I didn’t meant to I-!”
“It’s okay! I know you were under the Mind Trap’s control! I know…. I know… you don’t have to be ashamed”, the alchemist soothed, hugging his father, who hugged him back
“….Im sorry….”
“I forgive you dad…. It wasn’t your fault, it wasn’t….”
They stayed that way for a bit before they heard something in the distance, “huh?” Quirin gently broke from the hug, he continued to hold on to Varian however as he looked around, his ears picking up on the noise
“What’s wrong?”
“I heard something…..” the Village Leader stated, “it sounds like…. A name?”
“Name? Like someone’s calling out?”
“Yeah…. V….. Varian! They’re looking for you Bubby!”
“That might be Eugene! O-or Hugo! Or Lance and Rapunzel!”
“Right, come on, we need to find them-! Are you okay to walk?” He asked, looking at his son anxiously
“I’m alright, just give me a fe-EEP!” As Varian tried to stand, he fell to his knee, only, he didn’t feel rocks or dirt underneath him, he felt…. Something soft? Looking down he raised a confused brow, “that floor is…. Pink?”
“Oh yeah, forgot to mention that little detail…. Bubby we’re on a cloud of some sort”, Quirin stated
“A C-A *CLOUD*?!” The teen squeaked, “why didn’t you tell me sooner?! I could’ve fallen!”
“Son, the cloud is thick and I jumped on it, it’s able to withstand our weight and then some”, his father replied with a chuckle, “believe me, I wouldn’t put you in danger, but I’m a little worried ya may have forgotten where we are”
Varian was quiet for a moment before he looked around, pink clouds were EVERYWHERE! They held upsidown mountains, animals floated around instead of their normal canter, horses were tiny while turtles were large! “Limbo…..” Varian whispered, in aw of everything he was seeing, “I’m not sure whether to be fascinated or terrified-!” He began before he and his father spotted a large, purple, eye ball staring at them! The creature seemed surprised to seem the father son duo there as it widened its gaze before exploding into a mess of bubbles, “….and we have a winner…..” The alchemist stated, his breath hitching as he spoke
Quirin chuckled before scooping up his son, “how about we go look for that voice hm?”
“Uh huh….” Varian replied, clinging to his father’s vest before a feeling of nostalgia hit him and he smiled, snuggling into the furry clothing
Quirin chuckled, “um, scuse you”
“I missed you dad…”
His father smiled, kissing his child’s head, “I missed you too son”
With Varian settled, Quirin hopped off the cloud, “EEP!” Varian squeaked and closed his eyes, getting the man the chuckle as they floated in the air
“We’re safe son”
The alchemist opened one eye and saw that they were floating, “w-warn me next time please”
“Sorry”, his father replied with a loving smile as they continued, the Village Leader floated through the air, he managed to shift his weight, so it felt like they were jumping for long periods of time, before he stopped on a particularly long rock
“Dad?”
“I see someone”, Quirin stated, squinting his eyes before they widened, “Eugene!”
“Eugene?! Where?”
“Over there-h-hang on wiggle worm!” His father stated as his son tried to wriggle around to see his big brother
Quirin jumped forwards, getting the alchemist to cling to him again before they landed on a big patch of cloud. Varian looked up at his father, “where’s Eugene?”
“There! EUGENE!” Quirin called, getting Varian look over and smile when he saw the man running towards them
“QUIRIN! VARIAN!” The Dark Prince finally reached them and breathed a sigh of relief, “thank fucking everything I found you! All of us were worried *sick*! Are you two okay?”
“Yeah, we’re fine”, Varian answered
“Well *someone* can’t exactly *walk* right now, but other than that, we’re good”, Quirin corrected, getting his son to pout at him
Eugene smiled, laughing a little, “oh I missed you two being together! My gosh, come on, let’s get to the others!”
“Gladly”, the Village Leader stated with a smirk as he followed the Captain
The father son duo found themselves on a very large pink cloud, there seemed to be a small forest on it, a *gigantic* pink giraffe with a unicorn horn on their head watched the duo, Varian’s eyes widened when a small Alicorn whizzed past them, “again! I’m not sure whether to be fascinated or terrified! This is a very strange feeling for me!”
His father chuckled, “how about I be the scared one, and you be fascinated”
His son smiled, “does that mean I’ll have to carry you?”
“Hmmm, guess so”
“Then nu, I’ll keep both emotions thank you”
“So that gives me permission to carry you the entire time then”
“Hey! Nu! I wanna explore!”
“Well you can’t if you’re afraid”
“I’m not afraid!”
“You said you were terrified”
“…..Oki, rewording, I’m *nervous*, but I’m still more than willing to explore”
“Ah, now it’s all clear”
“So I can explore?”
“Nu”
“Daaad!”
Quirin chuckled as Eugene smiled at the two of them, “never change you two”
“We don’t plan on it”, the Village Leader replied as his son pouted once again before giggling
“Scale of 1 to 10 kiddo, how happy are you right now?” The Captain asked
Varian hugged his father lovingly, “a billion”
The Dark Prince grinned before he looked forwards, “we’re here, be warned, especially you Hairstripes, some of us are injured, so there’s blood”, he stopped when he noticed Quirin’s side, “actually, looking at your dad now, maybe I shouldn’t be talking….”
Varian blinked before he looked at his father, his eyes widened when he realized his father’s face was still very scratched up, he wriggled a little and saw a makeshift bandage on the man’s side, where he’d gotten stabbed, “dad….”
“I’m alright Bubby, I’m okay”, Quirin tried
“You got *stabbed* dad! Why didn’t I remember that?! Damn it!”
“Language”
“I’ll eat a bar of soap later, dad you’re *hurt*!”
“I’m alright son, you’re more hurt than I am, and when you woke up you were still a little dazed”
“I….” Varian blushed, guilt swarming inside of him, “I still should’ve noticed…”
“Son…. You were shocked”
“But still-!”
“Not in a state of shock, you were actually *shocked*, with magic”, his father stated, “you got very hurt during that fight, I was *trained* to take hits like this, I’ll be fine, but you were not, it’s no wonder you didn’t notice, and it’s *okay*”, his father stated, “don’t feel guilty for something outside of your control, it’s okay, really, I’m okay”
Varian huffed before looked up at his father, “you gotta let me take care of you too….”
Quirin was startled by this before he smiled, “you already do”
The alchemist was startled by that, but smiled, “oki fine, then once we get back, and all this is over, I heal you, you heal me, oki?”
The Village Leaser chuckled, “ok”
Eugene smiled at the pair, “you two ready?”
“Yup”, the father son duo said together
“Alright, here we go”, Eugene said before he walked forwards, “hey everyone! Look who I found!”
The group turned to him before their eyes widened when they saw Varian, held by Quirin still, step into view
“QUIRIN!” Villagers yelled
“VARIAN!” Lance, Arianna, Catalina, Angry, and Rapunzel added before the princess ran over and hugged the two
“BOTH OF YOU!” Edmund exclaimed
Eugene chuckled at his father’s antics before he smiled at his princess as she pulled away from the pair, “are you two alright? Oh…. Oh Varian you’re all burnt up! And Quirin that stab wound! O-oh my I-I can-!”
“Punzel, we’re okay”, Varian stated calmly, before he noticed her hair, it was a dark brunette, instead of the blond he was used to seeing, “…..a-are *you* okay? Y-your hair…. The Sundrop…”
“I’m alright”, Rapunzel replied with a smile, “it’s a little odd not having in inside me, not gonna lie, but, I’m really okay”, she stopped and stared at the teen’s hair
“What’s wrong?”
“You still have your blue Hairstripes”, she stated
“Y-yeah! I-! Wait you’re right! I still have my Hairstripes! That means Zhan Tiri didn’t take my Moonstone piece or power-! Oh but…. I dunno what good that’s gonna do with us stuck in here…. B-but it’s something at least”, the alchemist stated
“It’s more than something”, Rapunzel stated, “it’s hope, and if there’s hope, there’s a way”
Varian smiled and nodded before he had a flash of something encase his vision, “R-Rapunzel, where’s Hugo? H-have you seen him?”
The princess bit her lip before nodding and stepping back, pointing towards something the teen hadn’t seen before. His eyes grew wide, as did Quirin’s, when both of them saw what the princess showed them
“HUGO!!!!” Varian screamed, before his eyes glowed brightly and he disappeared, reappearing right next to a bruised, inconcious, and bleeding Hugo. The Blond inventor wasn’t moving, his breathes were shallow as he lay there
Quirin ran over as well, joining his son and kneeling next to the inventor, “we’ve tried everything”, Edmund, who’d walked over, “he’s managed to hold on for this long, but….” The man grew quiet
“Hugo….. no…. N-nonononono! No! Hugo! HUGO!” Varian yelled, hugging the bespeckled teen as he cried, his eyes, hair, and freckles glowing brightly as he did so
Notes:
Hello! :D
Before I start off this, I wanna say, I just got a notification that guest comments are being turned off due to spam. If you’re a guest, I’m so sorry, I have no control over this, but from what I can tell, they’ll be coming back on soon! So you should be able to comment whatever you wish once they’re back. Again, I’m so sorry, all it told me was there was an influx of spam and nasty comments being left, so they turned it off temporarily. But they should be back up and running soon ❤️🎶
Sorry about that, Back to the story:
This is the calm before the story kinda deal, felt like we needed a bit of a breather after what happened in the chapter before this, so this is the breather :3
Way too many characters to do a character summary, but will say, it’s really nice to be able to write Quirin again! I really missed protective farmer dad! I know I said it before, but little moment between him and Varian are just so nice to write!
And if you want me to talk about the elephant in the room (what happened at the end of this chapter), spoilers is all I can say ;3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 417: The End of the Ending! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian and co try to search for a way out while the animals do the same!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The princess bit her lip before nodding and stepping back, pointing towards something the teen hadn’t seen before. His eyes grew wide, as did Quirin’s, when both of them saw what the princess showed them
“HUGO!!!!” Varian screamed, before his eyes glowed brightly and he disappeared, reappearing right next to a bruised, unconscious, and bleeding Hugo. The Blond inventor wasn’t moving, his breaths were shallow as he lay there
Quirin ran over as well, joining his son and kneeling next to the inventor, “we’ve tried everything”, Edmund, who’d walked over, “he’s managed to hold on for this long, but….” The man grew quiet
“Hugo….. no…. N-nonononono! No! Hugo! HUGO!” Varian yelled, hugging the bespeckled teen as he cried, his eyes, hair, and freckles glowing brightly as he did so
“Woah!” Eugene exclaimed, backing up a bit as the light grew brighter and brighter
“V-Varian?” Quirin said worriedly
The alchemist didn’t response, merely continuing to cry into his boyfriend’s chest as he held the inventor close. Varian sniffled as he thought about what Hugo had been through, how much he fought, “….All of I-it for nothing….” He sobbed, “Hugo…..”
He sniffled before he felt something inside of him, something growing, he opened his mouth to let it out, and suddenly began to sing:
‘Moon light, shine and gleam,
Let your blessings rise’
Rapunzel’s eyes widened as she watched Varian, his tears dripping onto Hugo, lighting up before being absorbed into the inventor’s skin
‘Push the darkness back,
Silence the mournful cries’
Something took over Varian’s voice, it was growing more confident as the teen continued to sing
‘Take the carnage back,
Strengthen these Earthly ties’
Hugo’s wounds began to heal every time one of Varian’s tears dripped onto him, not completely, but enough to where the deeper gashes were manageable
‘Keep what is so dear,
Silence the mournful cries,
The Mournful cries….’
Varian hugged his boyfriend close to his heart as he finished singing, before his eyes, hair, and freckles stopped glowing. He felt a small twang of a headache before he heard, “F-Freckles?”
Looking down, he saw emerald eyes looking up at him, “H-Hugo?”
The inventor smiled weakly, “why ya crying Freckles?” He asked softly, “need me to be sassy again?”
“HUGO!!!!!” Varian exclaimed, hugging his boyfriend happily as everyone smiled at the pair while Hugo replied the hug
****
The animals were silent, none of them moved and they barely breathed as they waited for Adira, Hector, ‘Cassandra’, and Cyrus to leave. “Heh, trash is finally taken out”, Cyrus chuckled to himself before he looked at ‘Cassandra’, “so this was your plan then? Overtaking her body and using her as your creepy puppet?”
“More or less”, ‘Cassandra’ replied, “once the Moon has fully over taken the Sun, I’ll be able to transform completely! Taking on my true form and absorbing Cassandra’s inside of me to keep the body stable!”
“That’s fuckin gross….”
“Bite your tongue before I cut it out of you!”
“Right right, whatever”, the murderer stated, “our deal still stands yeah?”
“Yes, our deal stands, you help me, I help you”
“Good, then there’s no problems”
‘Cassandra’ sighed before she looked at Adira and Hector and smirked, “you two, guard the portal! Should anyone come out you are to kill them *instantly*! Save for the boy, Varian, bring him to me, alive! Understood?”
“Yes”, Adira replied
Cyrus and ‘Cassandra’ looked at Hector, who remained silent, “hello? Did you not hear her?” The murderer asked with a raised brow
“I…. S-stabbed Quirin…..” The wild tamer stared softly, blue electricity covered him, but he didn’t seem to fight it off
‘Cassandra’ sighed before she pulled out the Mind Trap, “listen to me, forget about how you feel regarding that oaf!” She demanded, glaring at Hector, “do as I say!”
Hector groaned for a moment, the electricity surrounding him shocked and spiked throughout his core, he had his hands on his head as his body shook from the new demands. Adira turned to him, the animals noticing a slight touch of concern in her eyes that she hid before the electricity stopped and Hector looked at ‘Cassandra’ his face devoid of all emotion, “yes ma’am”, he stated
‘Cassandra’ grinned, as did Cyrus, before she handed the Mind Trap to the murdered, “guard this, kill all who come to claim it”
“Gotcha”
All four walked out, Adira and Hector standing by the door to the portal as ‘Cassandra’ and Cyrus walked away, the throne room doors closing behind them, leaving the animals alone in the throne room with the closed portal
****
All was calm as Varian bandaged Hugo as Quirin healed Varian, the two scientists doing the same to the Village Leader once they were done, which he allowed with a chuckle. Everyone was healed, for the most part, until Eugene spoke up, “hey, how’d he do that?”
Rapunzel looked at the Dark Prince, “hm?”
“How’d he heal Hugo like that? If I remember right, he needed both you Blondie, *and* himself, to make the healing incantation work”
The princess froze for a moment as she remembered the last time the healing incantation worked, “you’re right! But then…. How *did* Varian do that?”
Quirin, who’d scooped up both Hugo and Varian, stood up, “I’m not sure”
Edmund chuckled, “happy dad?” He asked
“Happy dad”, the Village Leader replied with a grin
Hugo blushed as Varian giggled, his hair glowing again, “your hair keeps growing little man”, Lance pointed out
Varian stopped and looked at his hair, “odd….. Fascinating, but so very odd…..”
“Are you doing that?” Eugene asked
“Nu, I’m not trying to anyway”
“Is there any reason why that would be happening?”
The alchemist thought for a moment before Hugo gasped, “the eclipse!” He exclaimed, “the Sun’s blocked right now, by the Moon! It must be giving you a power boost of some sort!”
“It was draining me when I had the Sundrop in me”, Rapunzel stated, “but the Moon shouldn’t be completely covering the Sun yet”
“You’re right, but if it isn’t, then we should get back in time when it does, if we do, maybe I can use my powers to stop Zhan Tiri!” Varian stated as he wriggled free from his father’s grasp and dropped to the floor with a thud
“Um…. V-!” Angry started
“I realize Angry, thanks”, Varian interrupted before he stood up and huffed
Hugo smirked before he looked up at Quirin, “you’re back?”
The Village Leader looked down at the blind and smiled, “I am, and I missed you so much”, he replied before hugging Hugo happily
The blond was startled, but hugged him back as Varian grinned lovingly at the pair, “I’m glad you two are happy to be together again, but we should really find a ways out of here”, Eugene stated
“He’s right, we’ve gotta get back, I dunno if anyone’s noticed, but none of the animals are here with us”, Lance pointed out
“I noticed”, Rapunzel said sadly as she looked at her empty shoulder
“Same… Ruddigar must’ve managed to escape, I didn’t see him pulled in”, Varian stated
“Liv too”, Hugo added, “she’s not in my pocket”
“Handel as well…..” Edmund said sadly
“And Max”, Eugene replied, “and if they’re all out there, then we need to find a way to help them”
“Then I guess it’s time to explore”, Rapunzel stated determinedly, “let’s find a way back to our home and see our animals!”
“YEAH!” The group, sans Varian, cheered
“A-and to save our home!” He added
“YEAH!” The crowd cheered again as Rapunzel blushed and giggled while the alchemist raised a sassy brow at her before everyone began to explore
****
The animals waited for a few more seconds before they snuck out of their hiding spot, Ruddigar, still in his gigantic form, looked at Max worriedly
The guard horse gave him a determined look, he let out a small noise, gesturing for the animals to follow him
Pascal let out a small puff of air as he sat atop Ruddigar’s head before he smiled positively at the raccoon, signaling that everything would be okay
Ruddigar nodded before he followed Max, Olivia sniffed the air, her nose wrinkling before she squeaked about how the air still smelled like that nasty man
The chameleon squeaked curiously, wondering who the mouse meant
Liv raised a sassy brow before squeaking out Cyrus’s name, nasty man being her nickname for him
The chameleon smiled and nodded in agreement, but squeaked that, if they were quiet enough, none of them would need to worry about him or any of the humans they just saw coming back and catching them
Ruddigar chittered about his footsteps, worrying his bigger stature would cause problems
Max agreed, whinnying quietly that Ruddigar should allow the smaller animals to walk by themselves for now
The raccoon nodded, allowing the chameleon and mouse off his head before he sat and waited by the portal, he looked at Max, giving a worried chitter about his boy
The horse smiled, neighing that his boy would be alright
Xena, who had stopped moving with Ruddigar during to her size also possibly causing unneeded noise, made a small sound stating how the small boy was tough, he would be okay
Max blinked before he tilted his head at the rhino, wondering why she never spoke to him when he’d asked her questions?
Xena huffed about how she only spoke when needed, speaking in any form was a waste of energy she could be using protecting her tamer
Pixie and Basil agreed with a few small growls, but they admitted that extra energy hadn’t come in handy when them were trapped by the very tamer they cared about….
Xena grunted about how their tamer was under a curse, she remembered him telling her about it before, and that should he ever be under such a thing, they were to not follow his directions, no matter what he said, until they were sure he was free
Pixie chittered the she and Basil remembered, but their tamer had still trapped them either way. It was an oversight on their part, one she hoped their tamer would understand
Pascal squeaked that he would, his princess seemed to think their tamer was a very kind man, even if he wasn’t her biggest fan
Max huffed out a command for all to be silent, he heard something
Olivia raised a brow at the horse, not liking his bossy nature, but she’d heard the noise as well, so quiet she remained. Once the noise had passed, she sniffed the air and squeaked that the apple thief had just passed by the door, possibly switching positions with the tamer
Ruddigar chittered out a small chuckle, asking about the warrior’s nickname
The cyborg mouse squeaked out that she’d come up with it when she saw the women taking a few more apples than the raccoon himself
This made Ruddigar smile at her happily before Max whinnies that he’d found the lever that the alchemist had pointed out
Olivia scuttled over and sniffed it, smiling as she squeaked about her boy’s smell. She missed him….
The guard horse nodding understandingly, but softly whinnied that they needed to find a way to pull it, his hooves wouldn’t work, and although the raccoon had good dexterity with his paws, his bigger stature may still give their position away
That’s when Pascal pointed to Hamuel, who was sitting, sadly, on Ruddigar’s back, the old crow hadn’t moved or made a noise ever since he’d seen his Edmund get sucked into whatever that thing was….
The raccoon gave the small creature a sad look before chittering that he may not be in a good enough *place* to help
Max huffed out that this would help his King
Pascal then stopped the horse from saying any more, squeaking about how Ruddigar and Olivia were the emotion experts, that was their field
The guard horse didn’t like it, but he huffed and nodded, sitting down and waiting
Ruddigar smiled at the both of them before he looked at Olivia, chittering out a favor of her jumping on his back and consoling the bird
Olivia nodded before she made her way to the old crow. She sat beside him and nuzzled his chin, squeaking out and asking if he was okay
Hamuel let out a soft sigh before shaking his head and saying nothing more
Ruddigar’s ears dropped as Olivia continued, asking what was wrong
The old crow let out a soft chirp about him making his Edmund….
Olivia squeaked that there seemed to be something more than that
When Hamuel didn’t initially answer, Ruddigar chittered about how Hamuel could take his time, they’d all listen
The bird hesitated before he croaked out how he’d failed to protect his Edmund…. He’d failed to protect the small one as well, both of them…. His Edmund had given him a task, that task was to keep Varian safe, he hadn’t…. He also could feel himself forgetting things… it for worse and worse by the day….. he wondered if he’d forget his Edmund one day…. He feared that day…. He never wanted to forget his Edmund, or the family his Edmund had made…. But it was getting harder and harder to remember…. The old crow sighed, he was a bad bird….
Olivia immediately hugged the bird, squeaking that he was *not* a bad bird! He was getting older, and sometimes things slip, but he was *far* from a bad bird! She would know, her boy was always in trouble, and he’d blame himself, even when it wasn’t his fault….. She recalled times where her boy would say he was bad, how he’d regret merely *speaking* or *thinking too loud* when that mean lady was around! But that didn’t make what he thought true! He was not a bad boy, just like Hamuel is not a bad bird!
Ruddigar agreed, chittering about how Hamuel had helped rescue *his* boy! How, without the bird’s help, his boy, the princess, and the girls would probably still be in that shell! He also pointed out how happy he made the smelly king
Olivia raised a brow, squeaking about the name
The raccoon chittered with a small laugh, he couldn’t really help the name, he loved the smelly man, but he didn’t like to sniff the smelly man, but he knew his boy loved him! And the smell man loved his boy, that’s all that mattered to the coon! Raidsigar smiled as he looked back at the two, chittering that as long as the sme-! ….*Edmund*…. As long as Edmund was happy, then Hamuel should be proud, because the only reason Edmund is happy, most of the time, was because of Hamuel, and the man was probably wondering where his bird was right now
Olivia agreed, squeaking that she knew Edmund would be happy to see his bird, his very *good* and *loyal* bird! And all he needed to do that was to help them pull the lever so they could free their humans! What did the crow say?!
Hamuel looked at the lever, he hesitated, worried he would fail, or that he wouldn’t have enough weight to push it down, but thoughts of his Edmund filled his mind, the man’s face and voice filling the bird’s mind as he got up and began to flap his wings
*”Such a good bird!”
“He’s the best bird in the world!”
“He’s a little old, but so am I! So we match!”
“My Hamuel is surprising in so many ways!”
“Hamuel…. I don’t think I’d be able to handle this silence without you…. Thank you…. You’re my very good bird, and my best friend”*
****
Edmund sighed as he watched everyone looking around, having finished his part of the search, Varian and Hugo were taking notes, being the two with the worst injuries, and the least stubborn streak, the Dark King huffed toward his knight, remembering the small squabble they’d had earlier before the Village Leader had won in the end, while the others searched for signs, Quirin even jumping onto other clouds to find a way to get out! So far, none of them had really found anything. He sighed again, “you okay dad?” Eugene asked, “you’ve sighed about ten times now”, Edmund sighed, “11”
“Hm? Oh yes, I….. well…. Now that you ask, not really…. See, we’re all here together, but we’re stuck, we know the little peanut has power, more so than before, but he can’t get out and use it, and only top of all that, we *still* need Adira and Hector!”
“He’s right actually, how are we gonna free those two?” Catalina asked, “Lance, Trinity, and Dexter couldn’t do anything to stop them!”
“They need a trigger phrase, or something special they kept with them”, Varian explained, “dad’s was my lullaby, grandpa, what was yours?”
“Eugene truly forgiving me for leaving him all those years ago”, the Dark King stated, getting his son to smile
“Awwww!” Rapunzel stated
“Yeah yeah, we had a moment”, Eugene stated with a blush before he grunted as Lance hugged him, the Dark Prince chuckled, “dorks”
Varian giggled as Hugo spoke up, “well, what memories could Adira and Hector have that they’d want to save and use as a trigger?”
“Hmmmm…. Hector’s family orientated, to an extreme degree, and Adira keeps the relationships she has with people very close to her heart”, Quirin explained, “something to do with each of those aspects may work, a family member that did something special, or an unexpected friend they let their walls down around”
Lance gasped as he realized something, “I think I have a trigger that might work on Adira!” The former thief exclaimed
Dexter smiled, “and we have one for Hector”, he stated as Trinity nodded happily
“That’s great, but how are we going to get out of here?” Eugene asked, “we’ve looked everywhere we can on this sticky… pink…. cloud…. Thing….” He stated before he felt something pulling him, “what the heck-!”
“LOOK!” Rapunzel yelled, before pointing to, what looked like, swirling light
“Is that… the portal?!” Edmund asked
Notes:
Hello! :D
So many things happened in this chapter, more animal stuff, got more on ZT, Cyrus and their volunteered crew, and Varian and co have a plan now!
Poor Hamuel…. Honestly, I always wanted to give him more of a presence! He’s a really great bird, and I wish they’d done more with him than just a cheap old crow joke. I laughed, because it’s funny, but I wish they’d done more, so here’s more! 😁
Aside from Hamuel, not gonna do anymore summaries, the finale has way too many characters! XD but we’re getting close to the end, so here we go :3
There will be a very long epilogue though, I have ideas for it 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 418: The End of the Ending! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Everyone is free of limbo, but now face a new problem, Zhan Tiri, Hector, and Adira!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lance gasped as he realized something, “I think I have a trigger that might work on Adira!” The former thief exclaimed
Dexter smiled, “and we have one for Hector”, he stated as Trinity nodded happily
“That’s great, but how are we going to get out of here?” Eugene asked, “we’ve looked everywhere we can on this sticky… pink…. cloud…. Thing….” He stated before he felt something pulling him, “what the heck-!”
“LOOK!” Rapunzel yelled, before pointing to, what looked like, swirling light
“Is that… the portal?!” Edmund asked
Before anyone could respond, they all ended up being sucked into the new entrance to who knows where! Quirin had grabbed Hugo and Varian as they were sucked up, shielding the both of them from any damage as Lance and Eugene did the same from Catalina, Angry, and Rapunzel!
With a collective, “WOOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHHH!” All of them flew through the new portal and onto the floor below before they heard a clicking sound
Varian was a bit dazed, until he felt small paws on his cheeks. Opening his eyes, and clearing out any fuzz coming from his mind, he was finally able to look and see the beast his small raccoon had become, staring at him worriedly, “R-Ruddigar?”
The beast let out a small chitter of worry as he nudged the teen with his nose
The alchemist blinked, “Ruddigar?” He said again, this time a little more confidently as he sat up, he noticed Olivia sitting on his raccoon’s head, and grinned, “RUDDIGAR!” He hugged the large mammal happily as Olivia hopped off and rushed over to her own boy
Hugo was still in Quirin’s arms, the man having already let go of Varian when he saw Ruddigar. The blond inventor noticed Olivia right away, and grinned, “Liv!” He exclaimed, getting the mouse to squeak excitedly as she climbed up him and hugged the inventor happily, “Liv, I’m so glad you’re okay”
“Pascal!” Rapunzel exclaimed
“Max!” Eugene added
Everyone was reunited with their animal companion…. Everyone except for Hamuel, who was still sitting on the lever. The old crow was nervous, as he looked at the floor, waiting to be scolded for him failure
“Hamuel?” Edmund asked before spotting his bird, “Hamuel! Wait, were you the one to sit in the lever and get up free?” He asked as he walked over to his bird
The old crow nodded, still looking at the floor in shame
The Dark King was startled by his companion’s reaction as Eugene walked over, “your bird seems a little down dad”, he pointed out
Quirin stood, helping Hugo to his feet as Varian walked over and allowed his boyfriend to lean against him for support. The Village Leader walked over and took a look at Hamuel before he realized something, and smiled, “King Edmund-!”
“You can just call me Ed-we’ve been over this Quirin”, the King stated
“King Edmund, I think Hamuel is disappointed in himself, possibly for letting us fall into the portal”, Quirin stated with a slight chuckle before he looked at something behind the Dark King, “that would explain their behavior too actually”
Edmund raised a brow before he looked behind him and saw Xena, Pixie, and Basil looking just as ashamed as Hamuel
The Dark King smiled at the animals before he, gently, scooped up his bird, “here’s how I see this, I was taken over due to the Mind Trap, something no one could stop, you protected my grandson as best you could, stayed with my actual son while I was indisposed, and got us all back here in one piece with your birdy tail on the lever, Hamuel”, the bird looked at him, “I couldn’t be prouder of you, you’re the best bird anyone could *ever* have!”
The old crow was startled before he let out an excited CAW! Before he flapped his wings and flew over to his King’s cheek, nuzzling it lovingly as Edmund scratched his bird’s head happily! Catalina rushing over to Pixie and Basil, giving them pets as well while Varian and Hugo made their way to Xena, the freckled teen climbing on top of her and hugging her lovingly as Hugo pat her snoot, getting all the animals to grin
“INTRUDERS!” A voice yelled, startling everyone as they all looked and saw Hector standing at the, now opened, throne room door, Adira joining his side as they both glared at the group before unsheathing their weapons!
“Oh right…. Forgot about them”, Eugene stated
Lance stepped forwards, as did Dexter and Trinity, “let us handle them!” The former thief stated, “I’ve got Adira, you two got Hector?”
“Yup!” Trinity stated as she pulled out a pitchfork she was given before while Dexter had a small dagger
“Affirmative!” Dexter stated as he straightened his glasses
Lance nodded before he looked at Adira, “then let’s do it!” He ran forwards, Dexter and Trinity by his side as Adira and Hector stood their ground, waiting for the group to approach, when they had, the duo began to fight
Swords, daggers, and a pitchfork clashed against each other as the group began to fight! Quirin drew his own swords, as did Edmund with his axe, but they stayed back, waiting, just in case anyone needed a hand
Dexter and Trinity switched off and on, when one got a little too in over their head, the other hopped in and stopped Hector from hurting their sibling, the wild tamer kept his balance throughout the fight, slamming his sword as hard as he could against the pair. He managed to back them both into a corner, his blade was raised into the air, getting Trinity and Dexter to nod to each other before they dropped their weapons and hugged the wild tamer
Hector froze, his blade still high in their air, “what…. Are you doing?!”
“It’s okay now Hector”, Trinity stated, “we won’t leave you”
This made the man freeze at her words as Dexter spoke up, “you took the world in by yourself, our parents abandoned you, you were alone for so long to protect your new home, and now you’ve finally got everything back, but you can’t even enjoy it anymore….” He said softly, “you can’t hug your nephew”
“You can’t ride your rhino or pet you badgers”, Trinity added, “but it isn’t your fault, it never was”
“Even if we die right here, right now Hector”, Dexter stated, “just know that we love you, and….”
The two siblings looked at Hector together, smiling at his as they both said, “you’re not alone anymore”
Hector’s eyes widened as tears slid down his cheeks, his blade lowered as blue electricity swarmed his body, he twitched, but Trinity and Dexter held onto him, hugging him once more, “if we die, we die with you”, Trinity stated
“Together forever little brother”, Dexter added with a smile
“I…. I-I g-give up…. M-my oath!”
A bright flash of blue light shot from Hector as Trinity and Dexter held on, even as the light faded and they all fell to the ground, even when they felt Hector return their embrace, they held onto him as they heard him whisper, “I love you too….”
The duo smiled before they pulled away, only to be met with a smile they hadn’t seen in months, and bright yellow eyes watching them. Pixie, Basil, and Xena let out noises of excitement as they ran over to their tamer, bombarding the siblings and making them laugh as they snuggled Hector happily
He snickered, “good to see you three too”, before he heard the clatter of a sword to the floor, he looked over and gasped when he saw Lance with a large cut on his arm
The former thief grunted as he fell to the floor and looked up at Adira, who was glaring daggers at him as she stepped forwards, her sword coming down, only for it to be blocked by another, she growled, “TRAITOR!”
“I know”, Quirin stated as he pushed back against his sister
“DIE!” She yelled, kicking at him, he managed to dodge in the nick of time and push her back
Adira slid to a halt before she narrowed her eyes at her older brother and ran forwards again, jumping up into the air to land a nasty kick to his face, Quirin went to block, only for the kick to be stopped by a badger, who slammed into Adira and knocked her back again! She pushed the mammal off and growled even more when she saw Hector stand in front of Quirin, “damn she’s having a real fucking bad day, isn’t she”, he stared as he unsheathed his sword
Quirin smirked, “definitely, you think an apple would make her feel better?”
“Pfft, doubt it, she’ll steal one later anyway”, he stated, “and fight might make her happy though”
Adira ran forwards and sliced her sword through the air, Hector dodged as Quirin jumped back, “fair point, shall we give her one while Lance recovers?” The Village Leader asked
“Lets”, Hector replied before they ran forwards and began to fight Adira back
“Lance! Buddy you okay?” Eugene asked as he slid to a halt next to his best friend
“Y-yeah I’m good, I was trying to wear her down, so that I could tell her what I needed to-!”
“RAH!” Adira screamed, grabbing their attention as Quirin and Hector dodged her attack one again
“Yeah I don’t think that’ll happen anytime soon”, Eugene stated as Varian, Hugo, Edmund, and Rapunzel kneeled by Lance’s side
“Ooh… this looks really deep….” The princess pointed out
“It does, but maybe…. Little peanut, could you try healing him?” Edmund asked
“Wait you can heal?” Hugo asked
“For now yes”, Varian stated, “I healed you by accident, it’s why you woke up”
“I wondered, I heard your voice and opened my eyes to see you again”
The alchemist blushed before he gently nudged his boyfriend as he blushed, “don’t fluster me while I’m healing ya brat”
“Hee hee”
Varian closed his eyes before placing his hands on Lance’s cut, he sighed before he sang:
‘Moon light, shine and gleam,
Let your blessings rise,
Push the darkness back,
Silence the mournful cries,
Take the carnage back,
Strengthen these Earthly ties,
Keep what is so dear,
Silence the mournful cries,
The Mournful cries’
His hair glowed brightly, as did his freckles and eyes, Lance winced a little, but calmed down as the cut Varian was touching, along with a few others, healed. They weren’t completely gone, but were manageable, just like Hugo’s. Rapunzel and Eugene wrapped them up, after, Lance stood and sighed, “thanks little man…. You okay?”
Varian shook his head, clearing the slight daze before nodding, “it takes a lot out of me when I do that”
Hugo helped his boyfriend to his feet before he looked over, “damn, Adira’s really giving those two a run for their money”
“That’s not surprising, the Mind Trap alleviates their rules and ideals, it’s no surprise that’s shown in their fighting. This isn’t Adira fighting with all her training, this is Adira fighting like it’s her last day on Earth! No boundaries or rules, kill or be killed….”
“But… Quirin-!” Eugene started
“My dad was fighting against me, some semblance of him knew that, so he held back. Hector fought against his siblings, and Grandpa against you Eugene, those familial ties were ingrained in them before they became a brotherhood member. But Adira didn’t have those, she’s not connected to any of us through blood, the Mind Trap knows that, it’s why it can feed on her like it is, her actual family is gone, right now, she’s alone…. So she’s not holding back…. Dad and Hector are, you can tell”
“….Holy shit…..”
“It’s why I need to get back in there”, Lance stated, “I ain’t family, but there’s I am, somethin that was important to her that I could provide, and dammit, I’m gonna provide it! Even if it kills me!”
Lance picked his sword back up and ran towards the fight, Hector and Quirin were still standing their ground against their sister, until the women went for another kick and was slammed into by Lance
The former thief was pushed off her as the face painted warrior jumped up and growled dangerously at the man. Lance didn’t back down, he ran towards her again, she knocked him down! It was a vicious cycle of this, Lance running to her, she knocked him down, over and over, but the former thief didn’t stop! He continued to kept going, he got closer and closer every time she knocked him away, at one point, when she knocked him back, there was a small moment where she spoke, “what are you *doing*?!” She snapped
“Gettin you to remember how annoyingly persistent I can be!” He exclaimed, getting knocked down again before getting right back up and running to her
She didn’t knock him away, instead jumping back, trying to dodge him, but Lance didn’t allow her to go. He found ways to get close to her again, she’d knock him back and dodge, but he came right back, “stop it!”
“No!”
She punched his jaw, he fell, got back up, she kicked his shin and backed away, he got back up and ignored the pain, “Y-YOULL GET H-HURT!”
“I DONT CARE!” He yelled
This startled Adira, allowing Lance to finally catch her, hugging her. She tried to kick him away, “stop touching me!”
“No!”
He clung to her, his arms wrapped around her shoulders, no matter what she tried, he didn’t let go. Finally, she stopped, whimpering a little, “p-please….” She said as she gripped her sword, “I-I’ll end up k-killing y-you”
Blue electricity sparked around her body as she tried to get him off one more time, “I won’t leave you”, Lance stated, looking directly into Adira’s eyes determinedly, “I love you Adira!” He stated, making her freeze, “I love you, and I know you don’t feel the same! I respect that, but even if we can’t be together that way, I won’t let you go through this! I won’t let you, and everything you’ve fought for, go to waste!” He exclaimed, “I love you, you’re one of my best friends, and I told you before, that ain’t ever gonna change! You told me you fought to earn the respect you garner, you told me that the Dark Kingdom is about your power, if you have a lot, then you’re loved more. Well you were *fawned* because of the strength you earned! So show me that strength, fight, come back! So you can throw me off again and mean it when you do!” He smiled, “I won’t stop until you’re back Adira, so please, come back, call me Earring again, be my friend, and show me how strong you really are!” His eyes shined with tears as he continued stare straight into her eyes as he spoke as gently as he could, “I believe in you”
“I….. I-I-I…..” Adira’s body with covered in magical energy, shocking her, making her twitch as she fought harder and harder against it. Lance continued to hold her, he continued to smile, until finally, “….I-I… g-g-give up m-my…. M-my oath!”
The blue flash of light shined brighter than ever as Lance hugged Adira again! Quirin, Hector, Edmund, Eugene, Varian, and Hugo smiled happily as the light faded! Adira stood in its place, for a moment or two she didn’t move, everyone was quiet, until the saw her return the big Lance gave her, “thank you…. Earring”, she said softly
Lance smiled happily as his grip tightened around her, tears trickling down his face, “you’re welcome, Adira”. They stayed that way for a small moment before the former thief felt her nudge him off, he laughed and backed away, blushing, “sorry, heh”
She chuckled, “it’s okay”, she said, wiping her eyes a little as she smiled at the man
The former thief grinned before he heard tiny footsteps rushing over, suddenly he was embraced by a very happy alchemist, “YOU DID IT LANCE! YOU BROKE HER FREE!” Varian exclaimed happily
Lance laughed as he hugged Varian back, “happy I could help!” He giggled
“My family’s back!” Varian exclaimed tearfully, “my family’s BACK!” He stopped hugging Lance before he flew over and hugged Adira, who ended up falling due to the embrace, she was caught by Hector and Quirin before they fell as well. They laughed as Varian wrapped his arms around all three of them and smiled, they returned the hug as Edmund walked over and chuckled, Eugene at his side, “my children are back”
Eugene let out a sigh, “yeah they are dad, yeah they are”
Suddenly, the entire castle shook, the entire group looked around as they saw debris falling from the ceiling, “what the fuck?” Hector asked, “first, how in the hell did we get to the castle? And second, what’s happening?”
“That castle’s being torn apart!” Rapunzel exclaimed
“What?! HOW?!” Eugene asked before he saw a bright blue light begin to glow, “damnit, are the Brotherhood being taken over again?!”
“Son that’s not us!” Edmund stated, “it’s Varian!”
“WHAT?!”
The alchemist’s eyes were glowing brightly as his hair waved and shimmered around his face, his freckles were glowing as well, sparkling like stars as he looked up, “the eclipse is full”, he stated softly, making everyone’s eyes grow wide
“EVERYONE RUN!!!!!” Queen Arianna yelled
Everyone ran out of the castle, Quirin scooped up his son and did the same! Everyone got out easily, but froze at what they saw, ‘Cassandra’ was engulfed in shadow as she grinned at the crowd, “Inwas wondering when you’d all show up”
“What the hell?!” Hugo asked, “wait… where’s-!”
“HUGOOOOO!” Someone screamed, getting the blond to jump a little before he froze when he saw Cyrus surrounded by black rocks, he was being engulfed by a golden Crystal that Varian recognized instantly
“Amber….” The alchemist stated, noticing project obsidian on the ground beside the man, broken in half
“C-Cyrus….” Hugo stated
“HUGO HELP ME!” Cyrus begged as the amber climbed up to his chest, “IT FUCKING *BURNS*!”
“C-Cyrus-!”
“HELP ME! AAAAAAAAAAH!” Cyrus’s cries were silenced as the amber swallowed him whole. Hugo stared, wide eyed, at the man he’d feared for so long, the last moments of his life showing his agony and fear as he’d tried to break free. The blond was unsure of what to do, only snapping out of his stupor when he saw ‘Cassandra’ shift and form, her body reshaping itself into that of a gigantic, inky black creature, large horn at atop her head as her yellow and blue eyes stared, wickedly, at the people below her. She grinned, “hello my beloved subjects”, she stated, her voice much lower than before, her teeth were jagged and sharp, horns twisted, like those of a ram as her inky black body had tentacles protruding from the bottom. Yellow and blue magic sparkled throughout her larger frame as two metallic bracelets sat on her wrists, one bearing the Sundrop, and the other the Moonstone, “who will stand up against me *NOW*?! She yelled, slamming her first against part of the castle, making it crumble
Rapunzel stepped forwards, “you will NOT defeat us! We WILL NEVER give up!” She stated
“You no longer have a leg to stand on princess, once you and your mother are gone, the throne will no longer be Corona’s! Your precious father has already suffered his well deserved fate”, she stated, moving to the side in order to show King Frederic, his body was limp and bloody, a stab wound straight through his chest was the clear indicator or the killing blow
“No….” Quirin stated, his eyes widened as he placed his hands over his mouth, Varian looked at him, “n-no!”
“Thank you dear Knight, for you service to me”, Zhan Tiri stated gleefully, “your swords final blow made quick work of this fool of a king!” She cackled as Quirin fell to his knees, his hands shook, his sword clattering to the ground as tears dripped down his cheeks
“N-no….. I…. I…..”
“Quirin”, Rapunzel walked over to the man, she knelt before him, “Quirin listen to me. You were under the control of the mind trap-!”
“I *KILLED* HIM!” The Village Leader yelled, flashes of his time under the mind trap’s spell resurfacing in his mind, “I-I killed him! I didn’t want to kill him! He didn’t deserve death! He didn’t! I killed him! I killed him-!”
“QUIRIN!” Rapunzel yelled, “it’s okay!” She stated, even as tears fell down her face, “it’s okay”
“Quirin”, another voice spoke, getting the pair to look and see Arianna standing beside them, “my husband gave him life to protect me. He told me to go knowing fully well what would happen to him….. I ran knowing I would never see him again….. But even though he was killed by your sword, he did not die because of you! You actively fought against the mind trap’s power, telling me to run, begging me to flee, swiping at anyone who came near in order to scare them away from you! You are not responsible for my husband’s death! He knew that, he *knew*!” She stated, looking directly into Quirin’s eyes, “you are *not* to blame for Frederic’s death, you are innocent, and you always will be! The true culprit is right there!” She pointed to Zhan Tiri, “she forced you into that role, forcing your body and mind to do things you’d never do! *She* is the killer! And I need your help! I need you to help me destroy her, destroy my husband’s killer, before she can kill anyone else! Please my friend, help me honor his death, by destroying the one that slain him”
The Village Leader was shocked before he looked at his swords, the same swords he’d sworn his life to use only to protect those in need. He glared at them for a moment before he closed his eyes, stood up, picked up his blades, “I will….” He stared as Rapunzel and Arianna stood with him and smiled, “I will”
“Thank you, old friend”, the Queen said
Quirin looked at her for a moment and nodded before he looked at Rapunzel, “are you okay?”
The princess’s lips quivered, but she wiped her eyes, “no…. But I know who to take it out on now”, she turned and glared at Zhan Tiri, “let’s get back our kingdom….”
“We’re with you Blondie”, Eugene stated
“Right!” Lance agreed
“Ya got that right!” Angry declared
“Correct!” Catalina exclaimed
Varian stepped forwards and took Rapunzel’s hand in his, she looked at him, and he smiled, “let’s save the kingdom, for your dad”
The princess was startled by that, but smiled all the same, she hugged the teen tightly, he hugged her back, before they broke apart and faced their enemy ahead, she growled before raising her fist in the air, “FOR CORONA!” She yelled, getting cheers behind her from everyone that stood by her side!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So…. My birthday just passed, and guest comments got turned back on! I suppose that was AO3 giving all of us a b-day present! So yay!!!!!
So yeah, things definitely happened in this chapter! If ya noticed that I didn’t mention Cyrus in the beginning notes, read the chapter and find out why :3
The big fight is here, hope everyone’s ready for the fight if their lives!!!!! This time, Varian has the Moonpiece! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶😁
Chapter 419: Plus Est En Vous! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Everyone fights for Corona against Zhan Tiri!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 😁🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin looked at Queen Arianna for a moment and nodded before he looked at Rapunzel, “are you okay?”
The princess’s lips quivered, but she wiped her eyes, “no…. But I know who to take it out on now”, she turned and glared at Zhan Tiri, “let’s get back our kingdom….”
“We’re with you Blondie”, Eugene stated
“Right!” Lance agreed
“Ya got that right!” Angry declared
“Correct!” Catalina exclaimed
Varian stepped forwards and took Rapunzel’s hand in his, she looked at him, and he smiled, “let’s save the kingdom, for your dad”
The princess was startled by that, but smiled all the same, she hugged the teen tightly, he hugged her back, before they broke apart and faced their enemy ahead, she growled before raising her fist in the air, “FOR CORONA!” She yelled, getting cheers behind her from everyone that stood by her side!
The crowd charged forwards, Adira and Hector on Xena’s back, Pixie and Basil running beside them, Quirin and Edmund were on Ruddigar’s back, the beast-coon racing towards the monster before them with glowing red eyes! Catalina had Angry and Lance on her back, she’d transformed into her wolf form and let out a mighty howl! Eugene and Rapunzel were on Max, leading the charge, and Varian and Hugo were flying, the two scientists were engulfed in the Moon’s blue glow as they charged, alchemy bombs at the ready!
The citizens of Corona charged behind them, various weapons raised to fight, Zhan Tiri laughed as she faced them all. The citizens tried to cut her down, but their weapons merely bounced off her, “did you really think this was *skin*?!” She snapped as she back handed many people, making them fall before they got back up and ran forwards again, “I’m made of black rock! NONE of you can even HOPE to touch me!”
“WANT A BET?!” Varian yelled before his eyes glowed and he summoned black rocks, making them pierce the monster, she cried out in pain as the rocks drew blood, Varian smirked, “my dad has a saying Zhan Tiri!”
The monster growled before howling with pain as a slice from someone pierced her rocks once again, she looked down and saw the Village Leader grinned as he showed one of his dual blades, laced with her blood, “don’t count your chickens before they hatch!” He stated, before Varian summoned more black rocks that pushed the demon back a few feet
Hugo smiled as he flew next to the Village Leader, “I’m glad your swords are able to cut through her, but…. How?”
“When I was under the Mind Trap’s control, Cassandra gave me Black rock blades, she did the same from King Edmund’s axe, Adira’s sword, and Hector’s blade, once that spell was broken, the black rocks remained on our weapons”, he explained
“Nice!”
“LOOK OUT!” Adira yelled, getting Quirin and Hugo to jump, or fly, out of the way, just in time to see a gigantic boulder crash into the ground, the face painted warrior hopped on top of it, she saw the duo look at her with raised brows, “me and Spirit were trying a thing, didn’t work”
Zhan Tiri shot a few black rocks towards the three of them, Quirin stepped in front of the blond inventor and blocked the stacks as Adira cut the rocks with her blade, both of them ended up charging together, the brother and sister spun, Quirin’s blades and Adira’s great sword were held out, they cut the demon, making her roar and back away
The duo stopped and grinned, “haven’t done that in a while!” The face painted warrior exclaimed
“Yup, been a minute since our last sibling spin!” Quirin agreed, before an explosion halted the demon from grabbing the pair
“You two mind *not* getting hurt today?” Hugo asked with a smirk as he floated above them
“Noted”, Quirin replied with a snicker as Adira smirked at the inventor
Suddenly, Edmund and Hector ran forwards together! The Dark King raised his axe, Hector hopped onto it before Edmund stopped, using his momentum to spin before he launched Hector towards the demon! The wild tamer grabbed the axe and his blade before letting out a flurry of slices onto Zhan Tiri! The demon screamed before back handing him off her! The tamer landed on his feet, sliding a little as he did so before Varian shot a black rock into the demon’s side, and began pushing her back once again
“Are you okay?” Edmund asked as he, Adira, Hugo, and Quirin rushed to Hector
“Im fine, she landed a cheap shot, but it didn’t hurt”, he replied as he wiped the blood away from his nose
The Village Leader sighed as Hugo shook his head with a chuckle before more black rocks sprouted from the ground, the group looked up to see Varian was the cause as he tried to push the demon back even more, she was fighting him. Hugo smiled before flying up to his boyfriend, he threw a few alchemy bombs at her, green explosions helped get the demon to fall backwards, Varian smirked as Corona citizens began to try thrashing her with their weapons, Edmund hopping onto Ruddigar the beast-coon, and Hector and Adira jumping on Xena to join them
The demon fought back, trying to get the people off of her, she managed to lance a few hits, but Nuru and Yong managed to stop her from doing too much, as they combined Yong’s fireworks to Nuru’s star sparklers from her kingdom! The combination made explosions that continued to keep Zhan Tiri in her place as a small group began to form a few feet away from the fight, starting with Hugo and Varian
The two scientists swooped down and landed on the ground below, they smiled as Quirin jogged over, “good job you two”, he stated
“Thanks, now we just need to get her into the portal”, Hugo stated, “once we do, we can destroy it so she can’t get out again”
“She got out once already, what’ll stop her from doing so again?” Hector asked, as he and Adira joined them, having spotted them from their place in battle as they hopped off Hector’s rhino
“We’ll have to take that chance”, Rapunzel stated as she and Eugene came over before both of them hopped off Max, “it’s the only thing we *know* can hold her for a very long time”
“Well maybe there’s a different option”, Edmund stated, as he, on Ruddigar, and Catalina, Lance, and Angry came, on Catalina’s back as the wolf girl was still in her wolf form, came over, “one that’s a touch more permanent”
“What do you have in mind?” Lance asked
“Well….. I’m not sure…. We definitely need to get the Sundrop and Moonstone back”
“That much is obvious”, Eugene stated
“Wait…. What if we don’t have to?” Rapunzel’s asked, getting everyone to look at her, “Adira, you said you wouldn’t know what would happen to me should I combine the Sundrop and Moonstone?”
The face painted warrior nodded, “I know there will be an immense amount of power released once they’re combined, but I’m not sure what it’ll do to the person who combines it”
“Maybe we can use that to our advantage”
“Blondie?” Eugene asked, a little startled at his girlfriend’s idea
“Look, I am all for second chances, third even, but this….. *Thing* killed my dad! She forced an innocent man to do the deed and caused destruction to my home, my *people*, and my family! Not only that, but she corrupted my best friend…. Cassandra did a lot of those things herself, I will never say she didn’t, but without Zhan Tiri’s influence, I don’t think Cass would’ve done *everything* she’s done…. It’s not an excuse, but-!”
“You’re right”, Varian interrupted gently, “you don’t have to worry about how we’ll react to that, Cassandra, arguably, wouldn’t have made some of the decisions she did had Zhan Tiri not influenced her, it’s okay”, he smiled at the princess
Rapunzel smiled back, gratefully, before she continued, “either way, this demon needs to go…. She’s far too dangerous, if there’s a way we can make sure she doesn’t come back to harm my people, friends, or family, then let’s go for it”
Hugo nodded, “so, combined the Sundrop and Moonstone, or at least have that bitch do it. How do we do that?”
The group thought for moment before they heard the citizens screams. They turned to see Zhan Tiri stand, she growled, “you’re all *FOOLS*! You shook all just give up now while you still have your lives!”
Eugene raised a brow, “YOU SERIOUSLY THINK WE’RE GONNA CALL IT QUITS LADY SQUID BOTTOM?!” He shouted, “YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW PERSISTANT CORNANS AND DARK KINGDOM CITIZENS CAN BE!”
Edmund smiled at his son proudly before Varian’s eyes began to glow again, he looked up, “the eclipse”, he stated
“Varian?” Quirin asked, looking at his son worriedly
Varian blinked and the glow was gone, he nodded before looking at Rapunzel, “let me corner her”
“What?! But Varian-!” Rapunzel began
“I’m the only one with Moon powers right now, she’s feeding off that, the Sun is still covered, my powers are dangerous, and honestly? The best thing for me to do is to let them out, let me corner her, then use your hair and grab one of her arms, make sure to use the Sundrop’s side! Have the others grab her other wrist. Swing down and make them combine! I’ll protect you from there! I am the only one who can!”
“But Varian, what if you get hurt?” The princess asked anxiously
“You want her gone?”
“I….. not if it costs me you!”
The alchemist smiled, “it won’t”, he stated, “let me stop her Rapunzel, I can corner her and keep her at bay, maybe even knock her out! If I do, you guys can combine the stones, I can protect you all with my rocks, and she’ll be gone. It’s a good plan”
“The risk though kiddo….” Eugene stated, “you could get *killed*”
Varian sighed before his hair began to glow, he looked at the group determinedly, “Rapunzel said this is the worst threat we’ve ever faced and she’s right. But there’s something you guys don’t have that I do. I used to be the worst threat, *just* me. My family was taken from me, my father nearly killed me, my father was *forced* to kill King Frederic, my home was destroyed over and over again, my boyfriend was abused, I was kidnapped, beaten, drugged, and caged, my mother’s painting was destroyed, my crush broke my heart, and I was sucked into limbo with majority of my friends and family”, he sighed, “that’s not even the half of it and I’m. *Fucking*. *Angry*! The last time I felt this way, I took over the kingdom twice, let me use it one last time, for something good. I won’t get hurt, and I *won’t* lose. I…. Need to do this….”
They group was quiet for a bit before Lance stepped forwards and looked at the alchemist directly in the eyes, “you sure you wanna do this? Really sure?”
“Yes”, Varian replied, “I’ve thought about every possible outcome I can, I want to do this, I *need* to Lance”
The former thief watched the teen for a while, a silent conversation happened between the two before Lance eventually sighed and smiled, “you’ve come a long way little man”, Varian smiled as the former thief turned to the rest of the group, “I’m with Varian”
“Lance-!” Eugene began
“I believe in him Eugene, I know he can do this”
The Captain was startled before he looked at Varian, he saw the determined look in the teens eyes, and smiled, “ok”
Rapunzel nodded, “I believe in you too Varian”
“Same here”, wolf Catalina stated
“Go get em V”, Angry added with a grin
“We know you can do it Speckles”, Adira approved
“Give her hell, spawn!” Hector cheered
“You’ve got this little peanut”, Edmund encouraged
Varian smiled at each person who spoke before he looked at Hugo, the inventor was scared, very scared, but he sighed and nodded, “I’ll always have your back Freckles”, he said with a loving smile before he kissed Varian’s cheek
The alchemist blushed before he looked up at his father. Quirin was quiet, he had a look of worry on his face, he did *not* like this plan, but one look at his son made the man sigh before he pulled the teen into a hug, “be careful”, he requested softly
Varian hugged him back, “I will dad”
His father gently pulled away before cupping his son’s cheek, “….Promise?”
Varian smiled as tears pricked in the corners of his eyes as he placed his hand on his father’s, “I promise”
The Village Leader smiled at his son before kissing his nose, “I’m so proud of you son”
Varian smiled wide, “I’m proud of you too dad”
With one final hug, the father son duo let go and Varian looked at the group, “we need to get the citizens away from Zhan Tiri, before they get hurt”
“I’ve got that”, Eugene stated before he hopped back on Max, “let’s get the people to draw back!”
Max whinnied before he rode off, “I can help!” Edmund exclaimed before he ran over to Ruddigar the beast-coon, “could I get a lift?”
Ruddigar chittered before allowing the Dark King to climb up. They took off immediately after. Varian smiled before he let out a small breath, his eyes glowed brightly as he summoned a wall of black rocks! They curved , a few small openings allowed for easy access, they were closed off behind the group, walls built to protect, “once everyone’s inside, I’ll battle her on my own. Someone keep a look out. Once she’s down, I’ll send something into the air, alerting you all to run over and combine the two stones! Once they combine, step back, I’ll make walls like these to protect you. Should Adira be right, our problems are over, should she be wrong, fall back”
The princess nodded, “I’ll keep a look out!”
“I’ll help you”, Quirin stated, making the princess smile
“Great!” Citizens began to pile on, some of them injured, some not, all were shaken however, the fight seemed to be getting to them. Hugo looked around, “Lance, we should boost moral”
“Good idea”, the former thief stated, “we should also get some healin done”
“Me and Adira can handle that”, Hector stated, “we’ve had practice healing battle wounds”, the face painted warrior nodded in agreement as the final citizens arrived, Eugene and Edmund following behind on Max and Ruddigar the beast-coon
“That’s the last of them”, the Captain stated
“Thanks you two”, Rapunzel replied
“Happy to help!” Edmund stated
Varian nodded before he sighed and looked towards the door, “Varian….” The alchemist turned and saw Hugo, “good luck”
Varian smiled, “thank you….. Hey um…. Here”, he handed the inventor the silver wing, “just in case…. Wings can help, you just need to be brave”, he stated with a smile before he felt his own anxiety rise. He tried not to let it show, but Hugo could tell, as he placed a hand on Varian’s shoulder. The alchemist smiled lovingly at him before he spoke, “I love you Hugo…..”
“….I love you too…. Once this is all over… we still have that date…. Right?”
Varian smiled, “right, the best date ever! Just you and me….. Forever”
Hugo nodded, “forever….” He walked over and hesitated before he kissed Varian’s lips, the alchemist returning the gesture before they pulled apart and looked at each other. They shared a smile, both were scared and worried. But they believed in the other, so with one final nod, Varian turned and left the shelter
Hugo glanced at the silver wing before he pressed it to his chest. Hoping he wouldn’t have to use it. As Varian walked out, he saw his father and the princess follow him, they stayed by the door. He smiled at them before he saw Zhan Tiri
She was grinned wickedly when she saw the alchemist, “finally decided to try and defeat me on your own?” She asked, “or did they throw you out as a sacrifice to me?”
He didn’t answer, merely looking up at the Moon above, the eclipse was still in full effect, he looked back at Zhan Tiri before letting out a small breath, his eyes, hair, and freckles glowing brightly, “let’s just get this over with….” He stated, before his form shimmered, his body was encased in black rock, it broke and revealed the alchemist was covered in black rock armor. He held a black rock sword in his hand, a blue jewel shimmering on the hilt, he glared at the demon before him
She smiled, “it’s time to meet your fate little Demanitus”
Varian huffed before he flew forwards, Zhan Tiri doing the same as they began to clash for the final time!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s the beginning of the final fight! All of our beloved beans have come together to stop the evil demon that’s been plaguing them for months!
If you’re wondering what will happen to Cassandra with their new plan, you shall see :3 I cannot say due to spoilers, but believe me, I didn’t forget
Also, yes, the Silver Wing is coming into play for the finale, I have a really fun idea for it 😁 thank you CardCaptorKatara for the permission to use it! ❤️😁🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/nignt! ❤️🎶
Chapter 420: Plus Est En Vous! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian and Zhan Tiri have one final brawl!
Notes:
More notes at he end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
As Varian walked out, he saw his father and the princess follow him, they stayed by the door. He smiled at them before he saw Zhan Tiri
She was grinned wickedly when she saw the alchemist, “finally decided to try and defeat me on your own?” She asked, “or did they throw you out as a sacrifice to me?”
He didn’t answer, merely looking up at the Moon above, the eclipse was still in full effect, he looked back at Zhan Tiri before letting out a small breath, his eyes, hair, and freckles glowing brightly, “let’s just get this over with….” He stated, before his form shimmered, his body was encased in black rock, it broke and revealed the alchemist was covered in black rock armor. He held a black rock sword in his hand, a blue jewel shimmering on the hilt, transparent blue wings shimmered in his back, not that he noticed as he glared at the demon before him
She smiled, “it’s time to meet your fate little Demanitus”
Varian huffed before he flew forwards, Zhan Tiri doing the same as they began to clash for the final time! Varian summoned a few black rocks and sent them sliding towards the demon
Zhan Tiri grinned and stopped them using one hand before she summoned her own black rocks and shot them towards the teen. Varian teleported out of their reach, reappearing beside the demon and slicing her with his sword! She yelled in anguish before swatting him away
He flew backwards and slammed into a wall! He coughed a bit before glaring at Zhan Tiri, the demon summoned more rocks, trying to crush the teen. Varian teleported away once again before reappearing above Zhan Tiri! He shined brightly before gathering all of his anger, he felt his hands fill with light before he couldn’t see anything anymore, “shooting star”, he stated before throwing it to the demon
Zhan Tiri’s eyes widened before she let out a scream as she was enriched by the light!
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*
The demon was knocked off her tentacles and landed harshly against the castle! Varian was panting, but knew it wasn’t over as he saw the demon’s eyes begin to open. He huffed before shooting over to her, summoning black rocks as he did so
She growled and got up, her tentacles whipping and lashing at the boy swarming around her! He took a few kicks, but kept up his pace as he managed to land a few black rocks on her, piercing her skin!
“ENOUGH!” She yelled, before the Moonstone sparked and a blast of magic pulsed from the demon! Varian was sent flying, sliding against the ground, a trench was left in his wake. He groaned, blood trickling down his forehead before he was picked up by one of her tentacles, “you are persistence boy, I’ll give you that! But you are not going to defeat me!”
Her body began to glow as she sang:
‘Wither and decay,
End this destiny’
Varian growled as his eyes lit up again, but as much as he tried, he couldn’t teleport away from this, his body was far too tired. He felt the spell overtake him, and he felt his breathing hitch as Zhan Tiri continued to sing:
‘Break these earthly chains,
And set the spirit free,
The spirit free…..’
“Ugh….” Varian body was weak, he felt like he was going to be sick as the world turned grey. His vision blurred, wings disappearing, as Zhan Tiri laughed, his ribs felt like they’d been broken all over again as he felt himself unable to breathe…..
“VARIAN!” A voice yelled, before someone sliced at a wound already made on Zhan Tiri’s body, the demon yelled before her tentacle let the alchemist go! He felt himself falling towards the ground, he couldn’t fly, couldn’t move, his body hurt too much for him to do anything, thankfully, he was caught!
He looked up, only to be met with worried, emerald green, eyes, his nausea went away as soon as he recognized who this was, “H-Hugo?” He asked weakly
“Heya Freckles”, the blond stated happily, kissing the alchemist’s forehead, “I-I’m sorry, I know you told me to stay put, and use the Silver Wing only when needed, b he I peeked…. I saw you fighting, a-and then she grabbed you and-and used that spell and…. I-I couldn’t just let you fall! I-I’m sorry b-but everyone’s safe and sound a-and-!” He stopped when Varian’s lips met his
The two of them were floating in the air as Varian broke away from the kiss and smiled, “thank you”, he said softly as tears came to his face, “I thought I was gonna die”
Hugo blushed before he smiled, “anytime Freckles, I’ll always catch you when you fall”
Varian giggled, “ugh, that was terrible”
“GET BACK HERE YOU LITTLE INSECT!” They heard the demon yell
Hugo looked back and saw Zhan Tiri tearing after them, Varian grunted before his eyes, hair, and freckles lit up again and black rocks blocked her path. He began to float himself, he managed to do so and sighed, “I have to keep her back”
“You’re not doing this alone Freckles”, Hugo stated
“But-!”
“No buts, I just saw you getting your shit thrashed! You got some real fucking good hits in, but you need help! She’s got the Sundrop and Moonstone, let me help you! Maybe I don’t have powers, but I’ve got this pretty pretty wings, and nice alchemy to help”, he stated before pulling out a bunch of the alchemy bombs they’d made together, “let me help you, you kinda have to anyway since I won’t take no for an answer”
Varian smirked, “you’re a brat”, Hugo stuck his tongue out playfully, “hee hee, alright, but be careful okay? That Decay incantation, it shouldn’t have affected me the way it did…. I barely survived it, it incapacitated me for a moment, I don’t want to imagine what it’ll do to you”
“I’ll be careful, don’t worry”
Varian smiled before he sighed and glared at Zhan Tiri again, “let’s go”
“Right”, Hugo agreed, before they both flew down and began to attack!
Zhan Tiri broke through the rocks, only to see two alchemists flying towards her! Hugo threw a bomb, it exploded in her face and made her stumble backwards! The demon growled and summoned a sharp black rock, shooting it towards the blond
Only for it to be stopped by Varian, who forced it back down before summoning his own rocks and slamming them into the demon with a snarl! Zhan Tiri yelped pain as the rocks came down around her! She took the blow before another alchemy bomb went off in her face, “UGH! What is that HORRIBLE smell?!” She exclaimed as her eyes watered while smoke blocked her sight
“I call it my smelly smoke bomb! A stink bomb and smoke bomb combined to make one hell of a horrible experience!” Hug stated, flapping his wings with delight
Varian smiled, “nice work! Now it’s my turn!” The alchemist flew down and slammed rock after rock into the demon’s body! His eyes glowed brighter and brighter as he felt his anger take over, all the hurt, pain, betrayal, hatred, everything he and his family has ever been through because this demon came out more and more with each blow he struck!
Finally, his eyes glowed brightly against as Hugo flew up next to him. Varian raised his hands and began to sing:
‘Power of the moon
Beneath your darkened glow’
His hair and eyes turned into an inky black as Hugo watched Zhan Tiri begin to scream
‘Let your aura reach
Let my magic flow’
The demon’s form shivered and quaked as she fell to her knees
‘Wither and decay
End this destiny’
Hugo’s breath hitched as he saw tears run down Varian’s face, but he did nothing, he knew his boyfriend needed this, he needed to let it out
‘Break these earthly chains
And set the spirit free’
Varian’s eyes closed before reopening, they were back to their normal baby blue as he lowered his hands and whispered, “The spirit free….”
The demon groaned and wailed as she fell backwards onto the floor. Her yells of agony fell on deaf ears as the two scientists floated down and landed on the floor. Hugo sighed before he pulled out, and lit, one of Yong’s fireworks. He let it fly into the air, it exploded, letting out a mess of colors and alerting everyone that they could come out
“Where’d you get that?” Varian asked
“Yong saw me leaving, so he gave me one to use”, Hugo explained, “you okay?”
Varian sniffled before nodding, “I will be”
“You feel better?”
“Much”, Varian replied with a smile before letting out a surprised, “MEEP!” As he was scooped up
“BUBBY!” Quirin exclaimed
“Dad!” Varian replied with a giggled as he hugged his father
The Village Leader hugged him back before he saw Hugo and pulled him into a hug, the blond was startled, but didn’t fight the embrace
“Ok, you three are very cute, but we need to finish this first before we celebrate”, Eugene stated when he saw the three of them
Quirin looked at the man before blushing, “sorry, I was worried”
“It’s alright, come on, we’ve got one last thing to do”
Quirin set Varian down as they all walked towards Zhan Tiri’s unconscious body, the pain had been too much for her and she’d fainted. Varian raised his hands and locked her body to the ground, making sure she wouldn’t move before the citizens approached the demon’s arms
“We need to bring the Sundrop and Moonstone together”, Rapunzel stated as she took the right side of the demon, the side with the Sundrop. Her eyes saw the drop and she smiled, “thank you, for saving me and my mother, and for helping me protect Corona”
She didn’t know if she was just hearing things, but she could’ve sworn there was a small, ‘you’re welcome’, when the wind blew past her ears
The princess smiled before she and half of Corona pushed one arm
The other side, the side with the Moonstone, Eugene had begun to push, along with the rest of the Corona
Varian, who was too weak to push, used his magic to cover everyone in black rock armor before he tried to levitated the two arms, to make it easier on the citizens
The Sundrop and Moonstone grew closer and closer, their magic lighting up as the Moon moved away from the Sun, the eclipse was ending, the stones were so close together! The princess stopped pushing and looked around when she heard Lance let out a surprised yelp, everyone stopped pushing when they saw the man fall to the ground, he had a burn mark on his arm, “ow….”
“Ah!” Monty yelled, he stepped back, having a burn mark on his arm now
“What?” The princess asked before more citizens began to yelp in pain, even Eugene and the Brotherhood weren’t saved from the burns
“Rapunzel!” Varian yelled, “I-it’s the Sundrop and Moonstone’s magic! They keep hurting everyone the closer they get!”
The princess managed to dodge a yellow bolt heading her way before she looked and saw that the teen was right, the magic coming from both stones was overwhelming! Rapunzel winced as Hugo let out a particularly nasty yell, “EVERYONE BACK AWAY FROM THE STONES!” She demanded
Everyone got away from them as the princess had asked, Queen Arianna approached her daughter, “how do we stop them from hurting our people?”
“I don’t know….” The princess stated
“…..I can do it”, Varian volunteered
“Varian-!”
“I have the Moonstone in me, and I have magic to protect me! I can do it!”
“You’re not doing it alone”, Quirin stated as he stepped forwards
“Dad I-!”
“No, you’re not doing this alone, you’re still very hurt from Zhan Tiri’s fight with you”
“Actually, Quirin’s right Varian”, Rapunzel stated, “but he may disagree with me a little”
The Village Leader raised a brow, “what do you-!”
“I need to push the Sundrop with Varian, who needs to push the Moonstone”
Varian’s eyes widened, “Rapunzel-!”
“Out of all the citizens Varian, I wasn’t shocked or hurt, that means the Sundrop recognizes me. The Moonstone may do the same for you. We have to push them together, combine them together”
The alchemist wanted to argue, but he couldn’t find any flaws in her logic, he huffed, “I hate it when logic is used against me”, he stated with a pout
The princess giggled before she took Varian’s hand in hers, “come on, let’s finish this together”
The alchemist hesitated, but nodded, he looked at his father, who seemed extremely worried. He gave the man a reassuring smile before he followed the princess. He touched the demon’s Moonstone arm, the stone glowered, as did the teen’s hair. The same happened for Rapunzel when she touched the demon’s Sundrop arm
The two nodded at each other before they moved the two arms together. Slowly but surely, they inched closer and closer together, before they heard the two stones clink against each other. Suddenly a *HUGE* burst of magical energy pulsed around them, making the duo fly backwards and slid against the floor
Rapunzel coughed a little before she opened her eyes and gasped, floating in front of her was a mixture of the Sundrop and Moonstone together, blue and yellow mixed together and shined happily. The princess got up and smiled at it, happy the two stones were together before a scream reached his ears, “VARIAN!”
“Quirin?!” Rapunzel asked before she ran towards the noise, skidding to a halt when he saw the lifeless body of the alchemist laying on the stone steps he’d fallen on, blood coming from his head, “no…..” the Princess’s eyes filled with tears as she dropped to his knees next to Varian, “NO! VARIAN NO!!!!” She yelled
“He s-sacrificed himself….” Hugo stated softly, getting the princess to look at him, “the S-Sundrop was sparking b-back to life, a-and he saw its magic coming towards you a-as it was combined with the M-Moonstone…. He teleported you and h-him…. Switched s-sides….. so he could take t-the brunt of it…..” the inventor sniffled as he fell to his knees, his wings wrapping around him as he cried
The princess looked at the alchemist before she saw Quirin gently pick him up. He held his son in his arms, tears sliding down his face as he clutched the teen close to his chest….. He was silent, completely still, the world was lost on him as he stared as his dead child…..
The princess shook her head, “no….” She stated, “NO!” She yelled, startling everyone as she stood and looked at the Moon/Sun stone, “IM BRINGING HIM *BACK*!” She yelled
“B-Blondie?” Eugene asked, his own tears dripping off his face as he looked at her
The Princess walked forwards, determination clear on her face as she reached her hand out towards the magical stone. Her eyes were wide with anger, her tears continued to fall as she grabbed the stone and began to sing:
“Flower gleam and glow
Let your power shine”
She sang, her voice shook and quivered, as did her entire body, but she didn’t let go
“Make the clock reverse
Bring back what once was mine”
She began to float into the air as she turned to face Varian’s body, the alchemist was lifted into the air as Rapunzel continued to sing
“Heal what has been hurt
Change the fates design”
The teen’s body glowed as his wounds began to heal, she smiled before closing her eyes
“Save what has been lost
Bring back what once was mine
What once-!”
Her eyes shot opened as they glowed a bright yellow as she whispered the final part of the song, “was mine!”
Golden magic pulsed throughout the kingdom, all life was given back to the plants, any animals injured or sick in the kingdom were instantly healed, citizens felt their own wounds going away and everyone turned when they heard a surprised help come from Edmund. The man’s eyes were wide as he looked at his right shoulder. It was glowing for a moment or two before another arm grew out of it! He yelped before he looked at it, it was exactly like his other arm. He stared at it before he heard a small voice, one that sounded very close to Varian’s, whisper to him, ‘all is forgiven’
He felt tears well up in his eyes as he smiled as the new arm. He looked up at the sky and smiled, “thank you”
The princess, and alchemist, floated back down to the ground before she raised the stone in the air and shot a blast of magic into the air! The stone disappeared as Rapunzel fell to her knees. She let out a breath as Eugene ran to her, “Blondie! Rapunzel! Are you alright?!”
“I’m okay Eugene, I’m alright, but what about Varian?” she asked
They both looked over at the teen, he wasn’t bleeding anymore, but he hadn’t woken up yet. The princess ran over to him, as did Quirin, Hugo, Edmund, Hector, Adira, Eugene, Catalina, Angry, and Lance, they all waited for a moment or two before they heard the teen groan. Varian’s eyes finally fluttered open as he looked around, he then smiled at the people surrounding him, “hi”
They smiled back as Rapunzel touched the teen’s head gently, “hi”, she said softly, “welcome back Varian”
The alchemist’s smile widened before he froze, he looked up, his eyes filled with tears for a moment, “m-mommy?”
The group was a little startled by that before Eugene and Hugo looked up, “holy shit!” The inventor exclaimed as Eugene smiled and looked at Quirin
“Your wife says hi”, the Dark Prince said
Quirin blinked before he chuckled and looked up with a smile, “hi Ulla”
Varian smiled as he looked at his father, “dad”
“Hi Bubby”, Quirin replied as he smiled at his son
The alchemist sat up, getting help from Lance, Catalina, and Angry, before he hugged his father, the man hugged him back as everyone joined in, Lance, Eugene, Catalina, Angry, Rapunzel, Hugo, who recovered from his shock at seeing Ulla, Edmund, who now hugged with *both* arms, Adira, Hector, and all their animal friends! Zhan Tiri’s body had disappeared, never to be seen again as the kingdom of Corona finally found their peace.
Notes:
Hello!
It’s finally here! The ending! It’s been two YEARS since I started this story! I’ve made so many friends along the way and so many people have given me so much strength! I can’t thank you all enough for all you’ve done for me! (Also, you’ll find out more about Varian’s wings later on 😊)
This isn’t the end of my story, there’s gonna be an epilogue, but the main story has finally reached its end, and holy crap what a roller coaster! Thank you all so much for being with me on this journey!
I want to end this on a positive note, I am not gonna stop writing Tangled fics! After this story reaches the final final end, I’m gonna be doing an entire SERIES rewrite! Starting from Queen For a Day in season 1 and going from there! Varian’s gonna be in season 2, and I’m gonna have Moon bean again, more Quirin and Varian fluff, more Brotherhood shinanigans, and lots and lots more! I’ve experimented with a lot of story ideas and I’m excited about what’s coming next!
For now however, there’s still a very long epilogue, Cassandra still needs to be discussed, Edmund has a new arm now, the brotherhood is back, Varian and Hugo have joined the team of seeing dead people with Eugene, will Lance ever get Caviar Lance, what will become of Corona and the Dark Kingdom, will Serenity come back or not, and shall the Daditude team have more time to spend together!
This story isn’t completely over yet, I still have massive things I wanna do before officially ending this fic, so eee!
I’m willing to take ideas for the rewrite and for this epilogue, can’t guarantee I’ll do all of them, but I’ll try my best (same rules as before apply here), for now however….
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
And seriously, thank you all for being here, you mean the world to me ❤️🎶
Chapter 421: Aftermath! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian wakes up and finds himself in the medical wing with his family and friends, all except Rapunzel!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 😁🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian groaned as his eyes fluttered open. His head was pounding as he tried to sit up, only for his body to scream at him, forcing the teen to lay back down a butt quicker than he’d like, “Varian?”
“Dad?” The alchemist asked, his voice was very horse, more so than he’d remembered as he blinked and looked up, his baby blue eyes meeting with warm brown, “dad”
“Hi Bubby”, Quirin replied with a smile, “how are you feeling?”
“…..Blech….”
“I see”, his father said with a chuckle
“Very Blech”
The Village Leader chuckled even more before he, gently, placed his hand on his son’s head, “I love you”
“I love you too dad”, Varian replied as he touched his father’s hand before he looked around, “w-where are we?”
“Medical wing”
“Oh…. How did we get here?”
“Don’t remember?”
“Nu”
“I suppose that makes sense, you were out of it”, his father observed, “I carried you, do you remember the princess bringing you back to life?”
Varian blinked before he nodded as a flash of golden light from his memory reminded him of such an occasion, “I remember that….. I remember dying too…. it was….. like sleeping….. Only I couldn’t wake up….” The alchemist felt his father’s arms wrap around him a little tighter, “are you okay?”
“Yeah just…..” his father hugged him
Varian smiled, “sorry”
“Not your fault….” Quirin replied before letting out a small sniffle and sighing, “I’m being a big baby”
“Nu!”
His father chuckled, “nu I’m not?”
“Nu”
“Ok, I’m not”, the Village Leader stated with a smile, “by the way, we’re being watched”
“Wha-EEP!” The alchemist blushed profusely when he saw Adira, Hector, Trinity, Dexter, Edmund, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Nuru, Yong, Ruddigar, and Hugo all watching to duo with smiles on their faces, “why didn’t you tell me?” Varian asked, his voice muffled by the blanket he quickly pulled over hush head
Quirin laughed, “I’m sorry, I, heh heh, thought you’d be overwhelmed if I did, so I didn’t to keep you, ha ha, calm”
“You know it’s okay, right kiddo?” Eugene asked
“Mmm….” Varian whimpered timidly, getting the group to chuckle
Hugo scooted closer to his boyfriend and planted a kiss on the blanket’s head, “I love you Freckles”
There was a small silence before Varian poked his head out and kissed Hugo’s cheek, “love you too”
The blond inventor smiled before he blinked, “hey…. You still have your Hairstripes”
Varian raised a brow before he pulled his bangs down enough for him to look, “y-yeah? Why wouldn’t I?”
“He was kinda out of it Hugo”, Lance stated
“Right, the princess shot the power of the Sundrop and Moonstone into the air. The stone that was combined together disappeared. Rapunzel’s hair isn’t blond anymore, so your stripes should go away, but they didn’t”
The alchemist was a little startled by that, “huh….. Yeah that’s very weird…. I guess my hair will always have a permanent reminder of my moon powers?”
“Do you still have them?”
“I….. I don’t know actually”
“Do you wanna try and see?”
The alchemist gulped a little anxiety down his throat before sighing, “I-if I do…. What does that m-mean?”
“It means you’re like us”, Quirin stated
“Like…. You?”
“Yes, look, remember that Brotherhood mark?”
“Uh huh”
“Well….” Quirin showed his son his left hand, sure enough, the mark was still there
“W-what? But how? I thought it would disappear!”
“Turns out not. It’s a funny looking tattoo now, one we can never lose”
Varian giggled, “funny looking tattoo?”
“Well maybe not funny looking, it’s the Dark Kingdom symbol after all, but it’s a tattoo”
Varian smiled at his father, “does it…. Still glow?”
“Well it hasn’t yet…. But then again, it really hasn’t had a reason to, it only reacted to the Moonstone, or Moon powers”
“Hmmmm….. How can you tell if you’re still connected though? Because it seems like you *know* you still are”
His father smiled, “it’s because I can still feel that connection. It was one made by an oath, spoken word and sealed by blood, I don’t think it goes away once the magic’s gone”
“Huh, you don’t seem too upset by that”
“I like being connected to my siblings, and my father figure”, Quirin admitted with a bashful look towards the people in question
His son smiled, “well, then I hope I still have powers, I wanna be connected too”
“You’ll always be connected, no matter if you have powers or not bubby”
The alchemist smiled up at his father before he looked at his hands, he smirked, “that’s a very sweet thing to say dad, though, the powers *were* super cool, made things easier too”
“Sassy”, his father stated as he ruffled his son’s hair
Varian giggled, “I missed you”
“Missed you too, now, are you gonna see if you have powers or not?”
“Oh right! Hang on, um….” He noticed a cut in Hugo’s cheek and smiled before gently placing his hand on it and signing:
‘Moon light, shine and gleam,
Let your blessings rise’
His hair began to glow, making everyone gasp
‘Push the darkness back,
Silence the mournful cries’
Hugo winced a little as the magic began to heal his cut
‘Take the carnage back,
Strengthen these Earthly ties,
Keep what is so dear,
Silence the mournful cries,
The Mournful cries’
Once the song had ended, Varian opened his eyes after letting out a small sigh, he removed his hand and helped, “I-it worked!”
“Y-yeah it…. Healed me…. So you still have powers!”
“I…. B-but how?!”
“The Moonpiece”, Adira stated, getting everyone to look at her, “no one else noticed it seems, but your Moonpiece changed shape. It’s no longer just a piece of broken stone. It…. Looks like a small opal”
Quirin moved his son’s hair a little before freezing, “…..She’s right”, he stated quietly, “it changed”
“Has that ever happened before?” Eugene asked
“Not to my knowledge”, Edmund responded, placing his right hand to his chin in thought before getting a small bit of joy from it
Eugene smirked, “happy to have that back huh?”
“Heh heh, sorry”, Edmund stated while blushing
“You’re fine, but it’s really never happened before?”
“Again, not to my knowledge, I’m certain so could look into it however, though it’d take a while and I-!” He stopped when there was a knock on the door
“Who the fuck?” Hector asked with a raised brow
“Possibly the doctors?” Catalina offered
“Here, I’ll get it”, Lance said before getting up and walking over to the door. He opened it, “hello the-!” The former thief froze for a moment or two, his eyes wide with shock, before he glanced at Varian and Quirin, the father son duo looked back at him, confuse, before he looked at the person behind the door, “um……”
“May we come in?” Rapunzel’s voice came through the door
“Punzel?” Varian asked
“Varian?”
Lance sighed, “you come in first, and maybe explained what….. what’s about to happen….”
The group heard the princess sigh before Lance stood aside and she walked in. She had bags under her eyes, her hair, sill extremely long, and in a brunette braid, was a mess, and her dress was all but tarnished. She looked directly to the alchemist and smiled, “hey, you’re awake”, she stared happily, walking over and offering the teen a hug
Varian smiled and accepted, hugging her back before they let go and he laid his head against his father’s chest again, “yup, I’m awake, dunno how long I was out, should’ve asked that earlier”
“Two days Bubby”, Quirin stated
“Woah….. I-it’s not the longest I’ve been out, but…. Still…..”
“Yeah”
Varian smiled sympathetically at his father, who kissed his forehead lovingly, getting the alchemist to giggled before he looked back at the princess, “I suppose that explains how tired you look, are….’you okay?”
“Me? Oh I…. well I’m not *great* but, I’m better than I was before”, Rapunzel replied
Varian smiled, “better is good, maybe you can sit in here for a bit?”
“Maybe…. Um…. I actually may have to… see…..” She let out an anxious sigh before she gestured towards the door, “we…. Found someone….. and….. w-well you might not b-be too keen on…. S-seeing them….”
“Is it Cyrus?” Hugo asked
“No not him, he’s still in the amber, we can’t break it…. But….. someone that might be equally as…. Admonished…. Eheh heh…. Heh….”
“Punzel?” Varian asked worriedly
The princess didn’t say anything before she looked at the door, Lance sighed before he moved, allowing a few guards to walk in and position themselves in front of the door, before an injured and roughed up looking Cassandra was led in, her hands were behind her back, her body looked weak and malnourished, it was covered in blood and bruises, her hair was a mess and had some blue strips in it, and she was staring at the ground, her eyes were back to their normal green, her pupils were mere pinpricks as she twitched and shook just a bit
The entire room was silent, all eyes were on the women as they stared at her. No one could speak, some could barely breathe, the only one who found a voice was quite possibly the *last* person Rapunzel hoped for, “what’s the *hell* is she doing in here?…..” Quirin snapped, as he glared icy *daggers* at the women standing by the door
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the late post, but uh…. Yeah! This is…. Very awkward XD I’m excited to write more 😁🎶
Quirin and Varian moments! Eeeeeee! I missed writing these two together! I know I’ve said that in every singled chapter since Quirin’s come back, but I really missed the man!
Also, little Hugo and Varian moment! 😁🎶❤️
Tiny Moon bean gets embarrassed by public cuddles with his father, that’s a newspaper I would read about, because that sounds so adorable XD
Everyone else is kinda here to support the bean! Well, except for one person, but they’re at the end :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶😁
Chapter 422: Aftermath! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The princess joins the group, though it seems as though she’s on the edge of a mental break down!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group heard the princess sigh before Lance stood aside and she walked in. She had bags under her eyes, her hair, sill extremely long, and in a brunette braid, was a mess, and her dress was all but tarnished. She looked directly to the alchemist and smiled, “hey, you’re awake”, she stared happily, walking over and offering the teen a hug
Varian smiled and accepted, hugging her back before they let go and he laid his head against his father’s chest again, “yup, I’m awake, dunno how long I was out, should’ve asked that earlier”
“Two days Bubby”, Quirin stated
“Woah….. I-it’s not the longest I’ve been out, but…. Still…..”
“Yeah”
Varian smiled sympathetically at his father, who kissed his forehead lovingly, getting the alchemist to giggled before he looked back at the princess, “I suppose that explains how tired you look, are…. you okay?”
“Me? Oh I…. well I’m not *great* but, I’m better than I was before”, Rapunzel replied
Varian smiled, “better is good, maybe you can sit in here for a bit?”
“Maybe…. Um…. I actually may have to… see…..” She let out an anxious sigh before she gestured towards the door, “we…. Found someone….. and….. w-well you might not b-be too keen on…. S-seeing them….”
“Is it Cyrus?” Hugo asked
“No not him, he’s still in the amber, we can’t break it…. But….. someone that might be equally as…. Admonished…. Eheh heh…. Heh….”
“Punzel?” Varian asked worriedly
The princess didn’t say anything before she looked at the door, Lance sighed before he moved, allowing a few guards to walk in and position themselves in front of the door, before an injured and roughed up looking Cassandra was led in, her hands were behind her back, her body looked weak and malnourished, it was covered in blood and bruises, her hair was a mess and had some blue strips in it, and she was staring at the ground, her eyes were back to their normal green, her pupils were mere pinpricks as she twitched and shook just a bit
The entire room was silent, all eyes were on the women as they stared at her. No one could speak, some could barely breathe, the only one who found a voice was quite possibly the *last* person Rapunzel hoped for, “what’s the *hell* is she doing in here?…..” Quirin snapped, as he glared icy *daggers* at the women standing by the door
The princess bit her lip before sighing, “the guards…. Stan and Pete, they were helping clean up the mess made by Zhan Tiri, and they found Cassandra….. she was passed out when they found her, but when they brought me to her, she was wide awake and scared for her life. She’d backed up against a wall and was shaking like crazy. I…. Managed to calm her down enough to help her understand where she was and what happened. She’s still shaken up, but aware….. She’s very hurt…. My mother said she’d allow her to be healed, but she’d need to be handcuffed, so she is, and she needs guards around at all times, so she does. The other rooms are packed, this is the final room…..”
Quirin growled as he held Varian closer to him, the teen didn’t fight his father’s grip as he stared at Cassandra. She looked awful, he’d feel bad for her, but there was a huge part of him that didn’t care…. That side was winning as he got a small sense of pleasure out of her shivers, *serves her right! …..d-do I really think that way?* he thought to himself, he didn’t really need an answer as one of the guards stood aside to let someone else in the room
Someone that made both Quirin and Hugo *immediately* shout, “GETTHE *HELL* OUT OF HERE!” Together
“Easy! Please!” Rapunzel tried, “I’m sorry but he has to be here too! He’s helping keep Cassandra calm”, the princess stated as she gestured towards the Captain, who froze at the yell
“Rapunzel….” Lance started, “he lashed Varian…. And was the main reason the little man has PTSD….. It kinda sounds like you’re-!”
“I know what that sounds like Lance, but *believe* me, I’m *only* saying this because I have a duty to *everyone* in my kingdom, and with dad gone…… I….. I *have* to do the right thing. I’m *not* making excuses for her, for *either* of them actually, they’ve both done *horrid* things, but I have to uphold the law of my kingdom, and part of that is to give prisoners of *any* kind the chance to heal before they’re given a trial and are sentenced”, the princess stated, “I’m not making mistakes, not again…. Never again….”
“Convenient”, Hector stated, eating a *burning* glare from the Sun princess herself
“Convenient? Are you kidding me?” Rapunzel asked, her voice shaking as she stared at the man, “do you have *any* idea about what I’ve been through these past two days? Do you *know* how many citizens *died* because of this fight? I LOST MY *FATHER* DURING THIS DISGUSTING DISPLAY OF POWER! AND I *ALMOST* LOST MY LITTLE BROTHER ON *TOP* OF THAT!” Rapunzel screamed, startling everyone, including Cassandra, who stopped shaking and watched the normally calm princess finally snap. “My home is nearly *destroyed*, my people are shaken and hurt, my family just lost a member, *WE ALL* almost lost Varian as well, majority of the kingdom is in *shambles*, and to top all that off IVE BEEN SPENDING TWO DAMN DAYS TRYING TO CLEAN UP A MESS AND FIX DAMAGES MY FATHER AND FORMER BEST FRIEND LEFT BEHIND!!!!!!!” The princess cursed and sniffled as a few tears dripped down her cheeks and onto the floor, “my mother is *depressed*, but she’s still trying to help, I find Cassandra in the dirt and muck, close to near *insanity*, shaking like a leaf and hurt, all of this could’ve been avoided, ALL OF IT! But it wasn’t! And you know what, I DON’T BLAME ANYONE BUT *ME*! So excuse me for not allowing history to repeat, I’m just trying to do what I can, IS THAT OKAY WITH YOU HECTOR?!”
The wild tamer was so startled before he let out a small sigh, “….sorry….”
Varian blinked before he closed his eyes, his hair glowed slightly before he disappeared, reappearing in front of the princess, “w-what? Varian y-you still have-!”
Rapunzel’s surprise was cut off when the alchemist wrapped his arms around her. She froze for a moment or two before she hugged him back, melting in his embrace as more of her tears fell to the floor. She felt him softly rub her back as she wept in his arms, “it’s okay”, he said softly, “it’ll be okay…..”
Eugene got up and joined the pair, he didn’t interrupt the hug, but was there in case the princess needed his support. Edmund also stood up, looking directly at the guards, “this bed’s free, have her lay here”, he stated gently
The two guards nodded before they directed Cassandra to the bed. She didn’t fight as she sat down, allowing the guards to unlock one of her hands before cuffing her to the bed. She would stay put, her mind was a little too frazzled to do anything else as she focused on Rapunzel. Edmund nodded at the two guards before looking at Rapunzel before exchanging a look with his son, “too much”, Eugene stated stated
The princess didn’t respond, but she didn’t have to as the Dark King and Prince could definitely tell this was far too much. Varian continued to shoulder the princess’s grief, he didn’t mind, relived as he felt her slowly start to calm down. When she’d stopped crying and merely sniffled, he let out a small breath, “look, things are…. Rough, right now….. everything’s broken, people are scared, the kingdom’s a mess, but since when has that ever stopped Corona from picking themselves back up before?”
Rapunzel gently pulled away to look at the teen, she sniffled again and sighed, “I know…. I’m sorry….. I’m j-just…. I-it’s just….”
“Hard?”
“….uh huh….”
The alchemist smiled, “I know, and it’s okay, sometimes it’s gonna be really hard….. I know this is more of an extreme than the norm, but I also know we can get through it, we just need to work together is all”
“….Varian…..” the princess said softly as she looked at the teen, “….you should be resting…. You shouldn’t be comforting me….”
“Isn’t that what little bros are for?”
Rapunzel shook her head, “you need to rest, I…. I need to do this…. I can, I… just…
Varian gave the princess a sympathetic look before he sighed and began to sing:
‘So things look bad, and your back's against the wall,
Your whole existence seems really hopeless’
The princess looked at the teen as he continued to sing
‘You're feelin' stressed out like the farmers during fall,
Can't face your people with the need to focus’
‘You've lost your way, you think your life has sunk,
You’re stuck inside a classic Punzel funk’
Raounzel raised a brow, “I…. What?”
‘You're a loser, princess,
A loser, silly princess,
You are, stressed out, powerless, and low-!’
Rapunzel huffed, “Hey!”
‘You're a loser, just like me,’
“Thanks, Varian….”
‘You've just lost your job as cleric
You confused daughter of Frederic,
You're a lonely princess, who’s lost all her sense,
But you’ve got company!’
“This supposed to make me feel better?” Rapunzel asked as Varian spun around her with a sympathetic smile before he continued to sing
‘There was a time I thought that no one could relate,
To the gruesome ways in which I'm damaged’
The alchemist walked by his father before turning to Rapunzel and showing her his bandages as he made horrified faces, getting her to giggle
‘But lettin' walls down, it can sometimes set you straight!
We're all livin' in the same ham sandwich!’
The princess seems to understand as she walked over and began to sing as well:
‘I lost my home to a psychopathic freak!’
Varian laughed as he sang in response:
‘And you think that makes you unique?
Come on princess!’
Varian took Rapunzel’s hands as they began to dance together while he continued to sing:
‘We're both losers, Blondie,
We're losers, it's okay to be a’
He gestured to her and as she offered, “abused, really messed up, girl?”
Varian nodded, “sweetie, that's fine by me!”
The princess giggled as she sang and danced by herself while Varian grinned:
‘I'm a loser, honey
A naive girl and a dummy
But at least I know I'm not alone!’
Varian nodded when she gestured to him as he said, “You're a loser!”
She smiled as they both sang together:
‘Just like me!’
Varian grinned as he pulled out a few alchemy bombs and juggled them while singing:
‘I got an appetite for science'
Rapunzel smiled as she added:
“I tried to form a mass alliance!
Every Queen, King, Duke, and Civilian!’
Varian smiled as he encouraged her to continued, “Go ahead Punzie, sing that song, come on!”
The princess continued:
‘I no longer have the flower’
Varian pointed to his Moonpiece:
‘I have the stone so I have my power,
So I’ll help you out, with what I’ve got’
Rapunzel smiled as she and Varian sang together:
‘Our home is gone but not everything’s sour’
Raounzel hugged Varian as she sang:
‘You're a loser little buddy’
Varian giggled as he sang:
‘A loser and kinda cruddy but we’
They sang together again as they face each other:
‘Can get through this together, everything will be alright’
Varian continued to sing as he and Raounzel danced together, the teen’s hair glowing as magic swirled around the pair while Rapunzel sang the background ‘ooooh’s’
‘It's time to fix your home and family'
Rebuild and help substantially, princess -Make some art, Punzie that’s a start!’
The two came together, back to back as they smiled at each other and sang the final line together:
‘Be a loser, just like… me~’
The princess hugged the teen lovingly, he returned it, smiling happily as he did so. They stayed that way for a while before they both broke the hug and looked at each other, “thanks Varian, I feel a little better now, really I do”
“Happy to help”, the alchemist replied, “and look, things really are rough right now, but it’s gonna be okay, once we’re all healed, we can help you fix it, I *know* Hugo and I are *dying* to help rebuild the kingdom, he’s probably already got ideas”
“Yup!” The inventor stated, “I’ve got blue prints already sketched up!”
“See?” Varian said with a smile, “we’ve got your back”
The princess smiled at the pair, the room seemed much calmer now, however, there were three individuals that were trying hard not the break that calm, the retired Captain of the guards, as he stood by his daughter, Cassandra, who kept quiet, and Quirin, who was glaring at both, daring them to say a word. They kept their conversations silent, but two of them knew if they made one mistake, the other wouldn’t hesitate, he just needed one good reason…. Just one…..
Notes:
Hello!
Sorry for the late post, but here’s a smaller chapter with some fun!
Loser Baby is from Hazbin Hotel, I edited the lyrics to fit Rapunzel and Varian, but the song is not mine 😁🎶
I’ve been DYING to use that song in this story! ❤️😍🎶
Punzie really is stressed out, Varian is being her support bean! 😁🎶
We’ll get to Cassandra and her father soon, believe me, I haven’t forgotten about them
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😁
Chapter 423: Tension!
Summary:
A small argument breaks out in the room between Hector and Cassandra’s father!
Chapter Text
Rapunzel stayed for a little while longer before she was asked to speak with her mother. She left after that, with the mention she would return later that night. Eugene followed her, as did Lance, Catalina, Angry, Yong, and Nuru. Hugo opted to stay behind and chat with Varian, Quirin, Edmund, Adira, and Hector
Once the group had left, the room grew silent. The retired Captain of the Royal guards stayed by Cassandra’s side, never leaving, even for an instant. Cassandra herself, didn’t say a word for a very long time, no one did, all of them felt a little too uncomfortable to speak. After a half an hour went by, Dr. Rose Solace walked in, “oh hello little one!” She greeted when she saw Varian smile up at her, “how are you feeling?”
“I’m okay”, the alchemist replied shyly, “a little sore”
“I’ll bet, you got into a huge fight, heh oh my, that sounds like you were fighting with some boys your age, doesn’t it?” She giggled
The freckled teen smirked, “yeah, but I don’t mind”
“Well I do, you’re a big hero after all!”
“I…. Am?”
“Well yeah! You helped save Corona, and you took the brunt of that demon’s attacks because you had your Moon powers. You kept everyone safe and paved the road for Zhan Tori’s defeat, everyone helped, but you’re a big hero tiny one!”
“Hugo did too”
“Oh yes he did, and he’s a big hero as well!” She grinned happily at Hugo, who blushed and smiled back at her, “your family are hero’s too! Adira, Hector, King Edmund, Quirin of course, Eugene, Lance, and the princess have all been revered as Corona’s hero’s! I hear there’s going to be a huge party once you’re all healed too, held in your honor! So that gives you something to look forwards to!”
Varian blinked a few times, “a…. Party?”
“Yup! Heard it’s gonna be pretty big”, Dr. Solace stated as she checked the teen’s wounds, “and there’s gonna be a little surprise too, oh but I can’t say much more than that”
The alchemist smiled, “thanks for telling us”
“Anytime, I figured you should know, that way you can be prepared. Oh! Ruddigar”
Varian’s eyes widened at the mention of his raccoon, “Ruddigar? W-what about him? I-is he okay?!”
“He’s alright, I mentioned him because he’s recovered from his transformation, he’s back to his tiny, adorable, fluffy self and is healing quite nicely!”
“H-healing?”
“Oh nothing too bad sweetie, just some scrapes and scratches, he’ll be back by your side any moment!”
“Oh, o-oki”
Quirin hugged his son lovingly, “it’s gonna be okay”, he stated softly
Varian relaxed a little when he heard his father’s voice, the man’s gentle tone always lulled him to a drowsy state, not that he minded. The teen let out a small yawn as Dr. Solace finished checking his wounds before she turned to look at the rest of the brotherhood members, “I know Quirin will let me check his wounds, but I also know he’s the least fussy out of the four of you”, she stated with a smirk
“I’m fine”, Hector stated
“I’ve already checked my wounds, they’re healing”, Adira added
“I….. eheh, I can’t help it when I wriggle, it’s hard not to sit still when you’ve just regrown a limb”, Edmund stated timidly as Hamuel CAW’d happily
The doctor sighed, shaking her heard before her eyes landed on the fifth patient, “oh, right I nearly forgot you’d arrived today”, she stated as she glanced at the Captain before returning her gaze to Cassandra, “here, allow me to check them first, and I’ll start healing you after, okay?”
Cassandra nodded, “thank you”
“Mm-hm”, came the curt response before Dr. Rose Solace began to check Quirin, then Edmund, who still wriggled, but tried to keep still. She also managed to get Hector and Adira to allow a quick check before she finally moved to Cassandra. Everyone was quiet as the doctor healed the women. She seemed like she really didn’t want to heal her, Varian noticed she worked faster than he’d ever seen, she was still effective with what she did and didn’t do, but the pacing was must quicker and more aggressive than he’d believe she’d do to a patient
Within a few moments, Cassandra’s wounds were wrapped up, he broken bones were casted, and she’d been given a few pain killers. The alchemist didn’t say anything, but he could tell taking care of Cassandra was not something Dr. Solace wished to do, “finished, feel better?” The doctor asked
“Yes, thank you”, Cassandra replied softly
“Mm-hm, now then”, she turned to look at the teen and smiled warmly at him, “I’ll be back a little later, okay?” She stated happily before she turned and left the room
The group had gone quiet once again before the retired Captain sighed, “well…. This is awkward”
“Ya think?” Hugo stated with a raised brow
Cassandra’s father huffed at him, “I’m not trying to be nasty kid”
“Do you think that matters to me? Fuck head”, the blond replied, narrowing his eyes at the man
“Hugo, please, not right now”, Edmund said softly, giving the teen a sympathetic look
Hugo huffed, but didn’t argue as he looked away from the retired Captain. The room grew quiet again before Cassandra spoke up, “….Im sorry…..”
This made Varian’s eyes grow wide, his anger flaring up for a moment or two before Quirin placed a hand on his shoulder, “I think it’s best if we don’t talk about…. Certain events…. At this time….” His father stated, his voice was calm, but the alchemist and inventor both felt the icey chill that underlined that comment
“…..I…. really am sorry….I-!”
“Not…. *Now*……”
Varian looked up at his dad, the man was glaring at Cassandra, he looked at Hugo, the blond was mirroring his surprised expression, before they both looked at the old farmer once again, “she’s trying to make up for what she’s done”, her father defended
“You really fucking think an *apology* is gonna do that?!” Hector snapped, baring his teeth
“It’s a start!”
“BULLSHIT!” The tamer yelled, standing up and balling his fists, “she’s the whole damn reason this even HAPPENED! Me and my siblings and king got our minds FUCKED OVER by your damn daughter! FUCK *RIGHT* OFF if you think her simply saying SORRY is gonna make that go away!”
“THAT’S NOT WHAT SHE MEANT!”
“No, of course not, because your daughter’s an absolute gem who would NEVER do anything wrong, right?!” Hector snapped, “she wouldn’t destroy homes, hurt innocent people, steal from a different kingdom, and cause mayhem and destruction would she? OH WAIT A FUCKING MINUTE!”
“SHUT UP YA DAMNED TAMER! MY DAUGHTER AT LEADT KNOWS WHAT SHE DID WAS WRONG! UNLIKE-!”
“Unlike *who*…..” Quirin interrupted, making the retired Captain freeze in place as a *chilling* wind shot down his both when the Village Leader spoke
The retired Captain looked at Quirin and gulped before sighing, “n-never mind…. I’m just saying she’s trying to be better”
“Fuck her being better!” Hector snapped, “too fucking late!”
“Hector, please stop”, Edmund stated softly
“What the fuc-but she-!”
“I know, we’re all angry and hurt right now but this isn’t the time, please…..”
Hector growled, “he’s right, I want to say something too, but it would only be a mess”, Adira said as softly as she could, looking at her little brother sadly
The tamer wanted to say something more, he stared at his sister for a long time however, she didn’t move, merely continued to watch him. Hector let out a breath after a few moments before he sat back down. The retired Captain raised a brow, “good”
Hector’s shoulders raised, “leave him alone!” Varian snapped angrily, startling the room, “he’s not sitting down because you made him! He’s sitting down because he respects his family! He wants to fight you, grow angry, and curse you out like you *rightfully* deserve you pompous piece of *shit*! And I’m perfectly content with him doing that to you! But Adira, Grandpa, and my dad don’t want that right now! They want to be peaceful, so he’s respecting that! But you hurt him! You and she”, he pointed to Cassandra, “hurt him and me and my family! We’re *ALL* angry at the *both* of you! So don’t you sit there and act like you’ve just won this argument simply because he sat the fuck down! He’s only doing so to help his family! So shut up and leave him ALONE!”
The room was silent as Hector looked at the teen before smiling gratefully at him, Hugo grinned as well before he glanced at the retired Captain, “guess who finally isn’t afraid of you anymore asshole”, he teased
Quirin smiled at his son proudly before he looked at Hector, “later, we will definitely discuss it, ok?”
The tamer nodded, seemingly much calmer now than before as he continued to smile at his nephew. The alchemist looked at his uncle and smiled back. The room grew quiet once again, none of them really knew what to say before Hugo spoke up, “so….. that date….”
Varian blinked before giggling, “I didn’t forget, I still wanna do that”
“A date?” Quirin asked curiously
“Me and Freckles said that if we survive the fight, we would go on a fancy date. Ya know, dinner, picnics, sitting in the meadow looking at the stars and Moon, singing, dancing, games, the works”, Hugo explained
The Village Leader was startled by that, but smiled all the same, “you were?”
“Yeah! And we sealed it with a kiss because we’re fucking sappy!”
Varian laughed, “romantic is the word I *personally* would use, but yeah, we did”
The group began to talk about the two scientists’s date together, giggling and joking about what they would do with fatherly and grandfatherly warnings from both Quirin and Edmund. The day wore on and one until the Sun dipped and the Moon began to shine. Rapunzel had returned to visit for a moment before she had to leave again.
Hugo was staying in the room next to the group’s, since there wasn’t enough room for him to share a bed with anyone. He’d let around midnight as everyone began to doze. Everyone except for Cassandra, who was staring up at the ceiling. Her father was in a chair next to her, sound asleep, for a few hours, she thought silently to herself, that’s when she heard Varian gasp. She looked over to see the teen had woken up from what she assumed to be a particularly nasty nightmare. He looked around, wiping his eyes a little before he spotted her. For a moment, to two just stared at each other, before Cassandra finally spoke up, “hi Varian”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is going to be a long epilogue, I have a way I wanna end the story, and it’s gonna take a minute to get there, I hope that’s okay ❤️🎶
For now, we’re getting some drama with Cassandra and her dad, this is gonna be kinda chaotic 😁 so I hope you all enjoy 😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 424: Then They Talk!
Summary:
More notes at the end!
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
Chapter Text
“Hi Varian”. The alchemist froze when she spoke, his eyes were glowing brightly he looked at her. Cassandra watched him, she had circles under her eyes, and looked exhausted, but she offered the teen a smile, “rough dream?”
The freckled teen didn’t respond, merely turning away from her, his eyes continuing to glow, he heard her sigh, “I get it…. Don’t wanna talk, that’s fine”, he remained silent, “I really am sorry for what I’ve done to you and your family….. I know that won’t fix anything, but….. I hope it…. I don’t know….”
“Alleviates the guilt?” Varian asked angrily, his hair flashing slightly before it faded, his eyes continuing to glow, “makes you feel better to apologize for all that you’ve done instead of facing it?”
“I…. No! I never meant it like that, I… I genuinely am sorry-!”
“Really? And when did you start feeling guilt for what you were doing? Was it before or *after* you destroyed my home? Before or *after* you took my father away from me? Before or *after* you kidnapped and hurt me? Or does it even matter”, he snapped, looking at her and glaring before turning away once again
He heard her sigh, “I….. Didn’t have complete control over myself….”
“You expect me to believe that shit?” Varian asked, startling the women, “as far as I knew, Zhan Tiri didn’t force *me* to do her bidding, merely made suggestions and tried to put thoughts into my mind. The first instance I saw that you weren’t completely yourself was when you first met Hugo, and even then you still did a bunch of stuff to all of us before that. So *forgive* me if I withhold my sympathy, I’m not feeling particularly pleasant tonight….”
“Varian, I know I did horrible things to you…. I really, truly, *sincerely*, am sorry, you said…. That we were the same once…. I didn’t listen then…. I’m willing to listen now-!”
“Right, when you’re defeated and alone, no demons or Moon powers to speak of. Real convenient for you that *Rapunzel* should happen upon you like this instead of one of you other victims that got the brunt of your attacks. Nice to know you only care about my words when you have no other choice, oh, and for the record”, he glared at her once again, “you’ve got nothing left to lose”
“I…. I know…..”
“Feel like how you wanted it to? You took that road, you didn’t look back, you knew your path was paved in black too. Isn’t that the words you sang? Or did you conveniently forget that?” He asked, wrinkling his nose at her
“Wow I…. Really made you angry….”
This made the teen sit up, fully facing her now, careful not to wake his father as he spoke, “you’re surprised?”
“I…. Suppose I shouldn’t be”
“That’s not my question”
“….Yes…. I thought that…. Maybe you would…. Understand why….. because you…. Well you-!”
“What, went through it myself? Did bad shit and got punished for it? Redeemed myself by working my ass off to fix the damage that I caused? You thought that because I sang a song with you and held sympathy for you when you hadn’t done the unthinkable I’d still understand after you turn my offer down, lock me up, beat me, throw my present for my boyfriend away and broke it, nearly killed me and my family several times, then mind control my *FATHER* and the rest of my family into attacking their friends and family so that they had to, effectively, betray their kingdom in order to save the people they love after Zhan Tiri and you made my *father kill* Frederic?! I don’t think so…..” he stated, “maybe I did once Cassandra, maybe I could get behind you just a little, because you and I understood each other, because you and I had a connection and I actually fell in love you. But then you changed, became this twisted *monster* that held my family in the palm of your hands. You dangled them in front of me, and you know what the worst part is? You used my *father*! The man you saw me break over, the reason I went bad myself, the man I fought to save and trapped in amber, losing him for a *year and a half* because of my own mistakes! The man you and I connected over, because your dad was just as hard to impress….. You used him….. *Him* Cassandra! It’s bad enough you attacked Hugo, someone who knew nothing about you, it’s horrible that you attacked Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance, especially *Rapunzel*, who continued to try to see the best in you! It’s disgusting that you attacked Adira, Hector, and Grandpa, because all three of them tried to help you at one point or another. But my *father* was my breaking point with you. You *know* what I went through with him, and yet you *still* took it upon yourself to harm and hurt him in every way possible you disgusting, horrendous, *MONSTER*!” He snapped, his hair, eyes, and freckled glowing brightly as he spoke more and more. He then took a few deep breaths, his hair and freckles dimming once again as he calmed himself before looking toward his dad, who began to move slightly
“Mph… mm, Bubby?” Quirin asked tiredly as his eyes opened, he was still in and out of consciousness as his son entered his point of view, “son? Are you okay?”
Varian sighed and smiled lovingly at his father, “I’m alright dad, sorry”
“Did you have a nightmare again?”
Cassandra winced at that, *again?* she thought to herself
“Yeah, but it was a little one, I’m okay” Varian responded, almost like he’d done this several times with his father, “go back to sleep dad, I’m alright now”
Quirin’s hand gently touched his son’s cheek, the alchemist was a little startled, but smiled even wider as he touched his father’s hand before the man fell back asleep, his hand gently drifting back to the bed as his eyes closed and he smiled in his sleep. The freckled teen waited for a few moments, glaring *daggers* at Cassandra, daring her to speak and wake him up again. She remained quiet, they waited until they heard the Village Leader’s gentle snoring, Varian let out a quiet sigh of relief before he looked at the women again
She looked at him, “…..I’m not saying sorry because it’s convenient”, Cassandra stated softly, getting Varian to look at her, “I’m not apologizing because I have no one on my side, or because I lost my power. I truly mean my apology, I shouldn’t have done what I did, and I am truly sorry…. I am…. I wanna make up for it, I just…. I don’t know how…. I thought I could get…. Advice on where to start….. from you….”
“You’ll have a very tough time getting anything from me that isn’t sheer venom for all the things you’ve done”, Varian stated, “I did horrible things, things I’ll always regret, and I warned you that the path of hate leaves a *permanent* mark, that you take *one step* and you won’t be able to turn back, and how it’ll slowly turn dark. Now you know what I meant, I’m glad you wanna change, but…..” he sighed, “…..Look I’m still *very* angry with you”, he stated, “you hurt me, my family, my *Hugo*, my raccoon, and especially my father….. I warned you, and you threw it away, threw *me* away, we had a connection Cassandra….. maybe you didn’t love me, that was fine, but you knew what really happened during the blizzard, yet you never tried to help either, you’re just as guilty as Rapunzel, yet *she* fixed what she did, through her *actions*! She went through a roller coaster with me, yet she still fought for our friendship to be restored over and over and over again”
“I’ll fight for it too”, Cassandra stated
“Do you even *care*?” Varian asked, “do you even understand what you’ve done? How many lives were destroyed because of your actions? Cassandra this isn’t just you spilling something or breaking a one of a kind base, it’s you destroying *homes*, you *killed* people, you *tortured* my family! This isn’t the same as what I did! I attacked yes, I hurt people, I agree that I did, but no one was killed, I didn’t torture anyone! I kidnapped the Queen and threatened her, but I never killed her or tormented Rapunzel the way you’ve done! You did far *worse* than me….. I don’t think you fully grasp that concept yet”
“…..So….. You won’t help?”
The alchemist sighed again, “…..As much as I hate to say this, and I *really* hate to say this, I already *am* helping….. You just want me to fix it for you, but I won’t do that, you have to fix it on your own. Face your trial, accept your punishment, show that you actually care. Because right now, all I hear that you lost so you’re trying to garner sympathy, and that will not work. Do you want to fix it? If that answer is yes, then start there……” the teen stated
Cassandra took in his words and nodded, she accepted them, embraced them, and sighed, “I will, thank you Varian”
“Mm-hm…..” The alchemist said as he looked away
“……I….. I hope there’s a way….. that I can fix…. Us….. I really do…..”
Varian shook his head as his eyes glowed brighter, “no….” Came his cold answer, “don’t worry about us right now, don’t fixate on me…..”
“…..Do you…. Hate me?”
“……I don’t know”, he stated, looking at her, “there’s a huge part of me that wants to say yes, it wants me to scream and shout at you for everything you’ve done, it wants you to suffer….. but I don’t want to be angry anymore”, he stated, “I’m tired of being angry, I’m tired of the past coming back to hurt me and those I hold dear. You’re part of that past now…. I’ll never forget what you’ve done, and right now, I can never forgive you either….. but I don’t want to be that angry again….. it hurts me too much….. Maybe there’ll come a time when I do, then we can work it out, but right now? ……I feel nothing for you….. I just want you to stay far away from me….. for a long time….. ok?”
Cassandra felt her heart shatter, but she didn’t argue, simply nodding in response, “ok, I will…. Thank you…. For the advice”
“Mm-hm”, Varian stated before he got up, he wobbled slightly, but began to make his way out of the room
“Um…. W-where are you going?”
“To Hugo, he’s awake, I know he is, I want to see him right now”, he stated, “don’t wake my family up, Kay?”
“I won’t”
“Good”, he said, before he opened and shut the door to the room, leaving Cassandra alone in the darkness
The alchemist stayed outside of the room for a moment, steadying himself before shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he felt like a weight had been lifted off of him, like he’d just dropped a very heavy load, and he smiled as he walked to his boyfriend’s location. He knocked on the door and waited until he saw the door open and Hugo’s face appear, the blond smiled, “how’d I know you were up?” He asked
“Cause I love you”, Varian stated with a grin
Hugo giggled, “I love you too Freckles”, he said, before noticing Varian had began to tear up, “you okay?”
“Yeah, I just had a conversation with Cassandra”
“…..Feel better?”
“Yeah…. But…. Um…..”
“Hurts?”
Varian sniffled, “a-a lot….”
“I understand, come here”, Hugo wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, Varian returned the hug as his tears dripped from his shirt
Notes:
Hello!
So Varian and Cassandra finally talk! :D
I’ll allow the chapter to speak for itself, mostly because I just typed up the next chapter because I don’t have much time tomorrow, and it got deleted….. So I’m not in the right head space to give too much today, sorry, but I still hope you all enjoy this chapter!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 425: Variago!
Summary:
Varian goes to Hugo for comfort, and Hugo’s more than willing to oblige!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 😁🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The alchemist stayed outside of the room for a moment, steadying himself before shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he felt like a weight had been lifted off of him, like he’d just dropped a very heavy load, and he smiled as he walked to his boyfriend’s location. He knocked on the door and waited until he saw the door open and Hugo’s face appear, the blond smiled, “how’d I know you were up?” He asked
“Cause I love you”, Varian stated with a grin
Hugo giggled, “I love you too Freckles”, he said, before noticing Varian had began to tear up, “you okay?”
“Yeah, I just had a conversation with Cassandra”
“…..Feel better?”
“Yeah…. But…. Um…..”
“Hurts?”
Varian sniffled, “a-a lot….”
“I understand, come here”, Hugo wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, Varian returned the hug as his tears dripped from his shirt
Flashes of old memories played in his mind as he relived small moments he had with Cassandra:
*The women climbed up through the tube, the explosions had finally stopped, she popped out of the top of the tube and looked around, she was right, it’d stopped, she sighed before she felt a few wriggled from beneath her. Looking down she grabbed the tiny teen she’d just saved and pulled him up with her, he popped up and smiled at her, “thank you…. Milady”, he stated before grinned at her happily, she sighed, but gave him a smile all the same*
*”Dumb science expo's for dorks, anyway”, she complained as she tied the banner’s rope around the pole
“Who's ready for the expo?!” A familiar voice yelled, getting the women to look, see Varian standing behind her, roll her eyes, and turn back to what she was doing, “Hey, Cassie! Hey, you wanna see my new invention? Rumor has it is a *shoo-in* for the first prize in the contest!” The teen exclaimed excitedly before whispering, “I started the rumor”, to her adorably with a wink
“Oh, Hey, Varian”, she stated, looking at him, “first off, it's Cass, not Cassie”*
* “*There* you are, Cass-not-Cassie”, Varian stated, getting Cassandra to groan as she looked over while she tidied up a table, “we, uh, we didn't finish our conversation from earlier”
“I did”, she stated flatly as she finished straightening the potted flowers on the table and poured a glass of grape juice into a cup
“Oh hoho you! Ha! Seriously, I'm getting ready for the expo, and I think you’ll be pretty impressed with my invention, yeah. The only thing is, when I present it to Master Dr. St. Croix, it's gonna take two people to operate it. Hey! Wanna be the assistant for my demonstration?”
“Assistant? What? Assis... N... No, Look I-!” Cassandra gasped as she overfilled the cup, staining the table cloth, “No! I can't catch a break today!” She snapped, taking the cup and running away to grab a rag
Varian looked at the stain with a bored expression before he walked over, checked the plants and smiled, pulled out some rock salt and poured some on the stain, used the water dripping off the flower stems on it, making both the rock salt, and stain disappear, the cloth drying instantly before Cassandra came back with a rag, he smiled at her
“Varian, thanks for stopping by, but I wha-huh?! The stain. It's gone! But how?” Cassandra asked, looking at the teen
“Oh, simple. Grapes are acidic,
by combining the alkalinity from the flowers' barley grass with rock salt, I was able to stop the stain's adhesion”, Varian explained before whispering, “Alchemy!” Proudly
“So, you've got a knack for this kind of thing! Any chance you'd want to-!”
“Help you? Yes!” He exclaimed before blushing and backing up a bit, “I... I mean, I'd... I'd love to. Hey! If... If I help you, you can help me, and be my assistant! It'll only take a minute!”
“Um... deal”
“Great! We... We can be, uh, co-ladies-in-waiting! Aha-!” The teen was interrupted when Cassandra placed a huge pile of clothing in his arms with a smirk
“Let's not put a label on it”, she stated, before walking away with a chuckle when she heard one of the shirts fall, before the alchemist scooped it up and joined her, she split the pile between them when she saw him next to her*
*After a large amount of her chores were finished, using Varian’s various alchemical solutions, Cassandra had begun to grow close to the kid as she walked over while they polished the frames of the royal family portraits, “Huh, look at that, You make a pretty good co-lady-in-waiting after all”
“Oh, really?” Varian asked with a smirk, “You sure you wanna ‘put a label on it’?”
She chuckled, “Okay, so I could've been a little nicer earlier. It's just….” She sighed, “today's kind of a big deal for me….”
“Oh, you're talking about getting that guard assignment from your dad. Aren't you”, the alchemist asked he hopped off the ladder and placed his own rag into the bucket she’d just brought
Cassandra sighed once again, “No matter how much I want it or how hard I work, his standards for me are higher than they are for anyone else”
“Yeah…. My dad's... kinda hard to impress too…..” Varian admitted before he smiled, “Dads, Am I right? Eheh!”
Cassandra smiled before she looked at the clock, “Who am I kidding? None of it matters anyway. It's already noon and I still have to make up all the guest rooms”
Varian thought for a moment before he got an idea, “Hey! I... I have an idea. I'll finish your chores for you, so then you can do your guard duty, and then maybe you can take a few minutes to be my assistant?”
“You sure you can get all this done?”
Yeah! No problem! It's the kind of thing friends do, right?”
Cassandra was startled before she smiled and nodded nervously, “Right! Friends”*
*”….The end result? Fifty pounds
of sand turns into... This! I call this new element... Cassandrium!”
Cassandra gasped as she saw the element in the alchemist’s hand, she hadn’t known he’d named an entirely new element based on her! His excitement made sense now, however, her amazement was cut short when she saw Shorty fall, allowing for a cascade of events that caused a dagger to be shot straight at Master Dr. Saint Croix! She caught it just in time, but was unable to stop him from growing angry with Varian, “Despite its lack of flair and panache, I was almost inclined to give your device a *mediocre* assessment”
“Flair?” Varian said, his eyes wide and his tone full of confusion, “w-what does that have to do with-!”
“However!” The judge interrupted, “considering your assistant nearly lanced my nasal cavity, I've no choice but to disqualify you. Next!”
Varian looked utterly dejected and heart broken as a few audience members made small, disappointed, noises at the decision. Cassandra grew angry, and an immense amount of guilt, on Varian’s behalf as she looked at the judge, “sir”, she began, “with all due respect, you can't disqualify him because of his assistant-!”
“You stick to *guarding*”, Saint Croix interrupted, “*I* will stick to *sciencing*. Got it? Hmm?” He gave her a cheeky grin that made her want to deck him in face the, she was stopped from doing so however as the final contestant stepped up*
*”You should've won”, Cassandra stated as she sat next to Varian, who’d walked away from the competition after the winner was announced
“It doesn't matter….. The truth is, all I really wanted to do was impress you, Varian admitted sadly, “I thought if I showed you what I was capable of, you might *see* something in me. Something *special*….. I was just being dumb…..
Cassandra smiled at him, “but you *did* impress me! Varian, you're a great kid! You're smart, you’re compassionate, you’re *unique*!” She stated, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and getting the teen to smile slightly
“Thanks, for saying that”*
*”I believe this was meant for you”, Cassandra stated, as she placed the 1st place ribbon she’d found on the floor on Varian’s chest
The teen was startled at first before he smiled and blushed, “a-and um, this was meant for you”, he said softly before giving her a Cassandirum necklace, the newest jewel shined in the middle as she placed it around her neck and grinned
“Thanks, and Varian…. About putting my own ambition in front of our friendship, I'm sorry….”
“It's... It's okay, Cassandra”, the alchemist replied with a smile
“Hey, call me Cassie”
Varian was startled yet again before he smiled widely at her before blushing and turning away. He took a moment before he looked at her again, this time calmer, they shared a small moment of silence together before he looked at the mess and chuckled, “w-well, I guess I should, start cleaning this mess up”, he stared before giving her one final, bashful, smile and leaving*
The room was filled with Varian’s sniffles as his tears dripped to the floor. Hugo sat next to him, arm wrapped around his back as the blond brought a tissue to his boyfriend’s face, drying his cheeks, “s-sorry”, the alchemist said softly
“It’s not a problem Freckles”, Hugo stated gently as he finished wiping Varian’s face, “I was already up, and you know I don’t mind listening when you need to talk”
“I wish it w-wasn’t at 2AM”, the freckled teen stated with a bitter chuckle
The inventor smirked, “better now than never right?”
“….Right”, the room was quiet for a moment before Varian spoke up once again, “I…. Told her I felt nothing…”
“….is that true?”
“Yes… No? ….Mostly yes with a hint of no?”
“Ah, conundrum soul, my favorite!” Hugo joked
“Pfft! You’re terrible”, Varian giggled, playfully nudging his boyfriend a little
The inventor snickered, “I try my best”, he stated before giving the alchemist a sympathetic look, “do you know what you’ll do now?”
Varian sighed, “I don’t know….. My mind’s all frazzled… I got everything out…. But I feel so….. so….”
“Lost?” Hugo offered
“Yeah…. Ugh, I don’t even *know* what I’ll do at the trial!” He complained anxiously, “that’s gonna be a shit show for sure and I…. I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it…. What do I do?” He asked
“Hmmm… well, you’ll dress up in a nice suit, one that shows off your perfect ass-!”
“Hugo!” Varian laughed
“What?! It’s true!”
“Pervert”, the alchemist stated with a bashful smile
“How can I not be Freckles”, the inventor stated with a grin before chuckling, “anyway, you’ll show up, in said ass promoting suit, to show cASSandra what she missed out on”, Varian snorted at that as Hugo continued, “you’ll sit in the witness bench, because they’re all fucking idiots if they don’t have you testify as a witness. You’ll say your part, don’t even have to look at her, go back to the witness stand, listen to a bunch of other witnesses give their statements, which will be boring as fuck-!”
“Hugo-haha!” Varian laughed again
The inventor grinned as he continued, “cASSandra will be given a chance to say her peace, be read her sentence, and taken away, probably forever, then you leave and can wear that suit all day with me complimenting you on how adorable you look!”
Varian chuckled before sighing, “you make it sound so easy…. Do you think it will be?”
“…..You want me to be honest?”
“…..Yeah…. I think I need to be prepared….”
“…..No…..” Hugo stated, “it’ll be the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do, and during them entire thing, you won’t know if what you’re doing is right or wrong, but you’ll know it needs to be done…..”
The alchemist blinked before looking at the blond, “are you okay?”
The inventor chuckled bitterly, “yeah, just…. I get why you’re worried…. Don’s trial…. I….. this reminds me of that…..”
“Oh Hugo…. I-I’m so sorry…. I didn’t mean to-!”
“No no no, not your fault in the *slightest* Freckles, not at all”, he interrupted gently as he placed a hand on Varian’s, “I just happen to have a personal understanding to how abuser trials can go…. They’re hard, and rough, and heartbreaking all at the same time. You know, beforehand, that it’s right, that this person needs to be put away, maybe even forever, but you also know that you shared a connection with them, that some part of you still cares, as much as you want to deny it….. They’re still a person that you loved at one point in your life, very strongly, and maybe even still do….. It sucks, but this needs to happen, she needs to face her punishment….. Even as your heart breaks….”
“……Donella was proud of you, you know that right?” Varian asked, “she said as much in her final letter to you. She may not have been the best…. And she was horrible to you for a large majority of you life….. But she did love you, very much…. I hated her, but even I could tell she needed to be with you”
“That why you told her to chase after me when she came back?”
Varian’s eyes widened, “I-W-what-!”
“Heh heh, it’s alright Freckles”, Hugo said with a smile, “when I ran away from her, I saw you in the corner of my eye. No matter what mood I’m in, I always notice when you walk into the room, even when you try to hide, I suppose that’s Quirin’s influence on me”, he joked, “but as I ran out, I saw you watching me from the stairs, I knew you’d talk to her, that you’d give her a stern lecture, but also prompt her to come to me…. I knew you did it because you knew it’s what I needed too, believe me, that means a lot more than you’ll ever know”, he smiled at his boyfriend
Varian was startled, but sighed as he smiled, “if it helps, I didn’t tell her to chase you, I made a case for both sides, she’s the one who chose”
“I figured, but knowing you, you made me sound more appealing”
“Hey, is it *my* fault you’re just so perfect?” Varian sassed
“Ok now *you’re* doing it”, Hugo laughed
“You’re right, you’ve infected me with the pervy germs!” Varian exclaimed, getting Hugo to laugh harder, both scientists enjoyed the small, jovial, moment as they laid together on Hugo’s bed
The duo stared at the ceiling for a while before Hugo looked at Varian, “hey”
“Hm?”
“….It’ll be okay, it will”, he stated, trying to be encouraging, but his voice was clearly shaking
Varian smiled lovingly at his boyfriend before he placed a hand on his, “it will be”
The blond smiled, they shared a warm and loving kiss before the two fell asleep in each other’s arms
Notes:
Hello!
So this was the chapter I was working on yesterday because I knew I wouldn’t have time today, it got deleted, so I had to rewrite it, but I actually think this version came out better, so maybe it was a good thing
Varian and Hugo are being beans together, I love them being boyfriends and I wanted to give them a quiet moment just to be together. I don’t think they’ve had that opportunity since the 7 Kingdom Ball, which is a real shame, since both of them are adorable together!
We’ll get into the meatier side of things soon, just wanted the calm before and after the storm, ya know? :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 426: By Any Other Past Would Look Just as Sweet!
Summary:
Hugo and Varian has a run in with a horrible dignitary!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo huffed as he walked down the hallway, his eyes were red rimmed and puffy and his suit was covered in wine, food, and punch as he slammed open a privy door, stomping inside before turning on some cool water, taking off his glasses, which were cracked, and splashing his face. He turned the water off and dried his face before standing there for a moment or two, sniffling as small droplets of his blood dripped from his small cuts into the sink
For a moment, all was silent, save for the sad sniffles of the seriously sorrowful sir…. He stayed put for a while, he didn’t care how much time had passed, so long as he didn’t have to go back out there again….
That’s when the privy door opened once more, “yeah yeah Lance, I’ll be quick, I realize people are getting antsy, they always do when Corona’s hero’s are about to get announced, I just need t-!” The familiar voice stopped speaking when they saw the sad teen. All was quiet once again before the voice spoke up once again, “Hugo?”
Another voice popped up, “Hugo? What are you sayin Hugo f-! Oh….. Oh fuck, what happened?” The second voice belonged to Lance, as he stepped inside the bathroom
Hugo felt the man wrapped his arms around him, embracing the poor kid, he didn’t fight the hug, but he couldn’t bring himself to return it either as he heard the door close, the first voice speaking up, “Lance, he doesn’t seem like he’s in a hugging mood right now buddy”
“I get that Eugene, but it was my first reaction, sometimes I can’t help that”, Lance defended as he let go of the blond
Eugene sighed before he walked over to Hugo, picking up the teen’s glasses and handing them to him, “hey, sorry for the bombarding kiddo, are you alright?”
Hugo sniffled again as he accepted his glasses before placing them back on and looking at Eugene, “I’m f-fine….”
The Captain raised a brow, “ya sure? You don’t seem fine”. Hugo remained quiet, “….Hey, look I get it, you don’t wanna cause drama, and there may even be a part of you that thinks you’re being over sensitive-!”
“How did yo-!”
“Varian”
“Oh”
“But ya gotta know that no matter what may have happened, if its making you upset, then we won’t judge you at all for feeling the way you do about it”, he stated softly, “especially if its making you cry”
“Yeah”, Lance agreed, “we’re your pals! And step big brothers, we’re here for you, no matter what”
The blond let out a big sigh before he looked at the pair and smiled, “thanks, it’s just….. That r-room is full of assholes….”
Eugene snorted, “yeah, I’ll agree with that, for the most part, there are some good people”
“Yeah, there are, like you two, Varian, Quirin, Adira, Hector, Edmund, Rapunzel, and Arianna…. Cat and Angry would be too if they were here…..”, Hugo agreed, “but most of them are assholes…. Nasty, gross, disgusting…. Judgmental….”
“Who said what, and where are they?” Eugene asked sternly
“U-Um…..”
Lance stepped in, “he’s angry at them, not you, don’t worry”
“R-right”
Eugene blinked, “sorry, gotta watch that, need to give context for my anger, noted”
Hugo smirked before sighing and looking down, “Varian….. He was there for this too….. We were on the dance floor…. We’d been dancing all night to the music, we were having a really great time too! Everything was fine, Adira and Lance were dancing, you and Rapunzel, everything was fine…. But then….. We started noticing people staring at us when we went to get a drink…..”:
*”phew! That was some crazy dancin out there Freckles?” Hugo asked, giggling when he saw Varian’s red face, he looked very tired, but happy
“Very much so”, the alchemist replied breathily, “you are one smooth dancer my good sir”
“Why thank you, you’re not so bad yourself, twinkle bean”
“Twinkle bean?”
“It’s a new name, you’re light on your feet”
“Lame”
“Oh yeah right! It’s clever and you know it!”
“Uh huh, sure, about as clever as the pun you made earlier”
“The one about the beakers?”
“Nu I liked that one, the chicken pun is what I’m talking about”
“Ooooh! Oh right, the idiot at the door”
“Yeah, hilarious”
“It’s funny!”
“You’re a dork”
“And you”, Hugo started, booping Varian’s nose playfully, “have a very tiny funny bone”
Varian raised a brow, “innuendo sir?”
“If you want it to be”
“Hugo!” The two laughed happily together, hugging each other before they got a drink and took a swig
The both of them enjoying the punch before Varian froze, he began to look nervous, making Hugo raise a brow, “you okay Freckles?”
“Y-yeah it’s just…..” he sighed, “maybe it’s nothing, but there’s a women over there, a dignitary of some sort, she’s been staring at us for a long time….. she’s kinda makin me nervous….”
The inventor titled his head before he turned around to look, “where?”
“T-there…. By the stage….” Varian pointed out, Hugo managed to spot the women, who saw him looking and quickly turned her head
He narrowed his eyes as he recognized her, “she’s from Ingvarr….. don’t mind her, she’s a bitch”
“R-really?”
“Yeah, even Don hated her”, he stated,’”said she was ‘stuck up and judgey’, never had time for people like her. Best thing to do is ignore her, she’s got a lot of pull in Ingvarr”
“The Queen seems so nice, why does she have so many nasty people in that kingdom?”
“Because the Queen doesn’t know how badly money corrupts people unfortunately, she usually spends time in battle, she has her dignitaries run her kingdom”
“I heard she was trying to fix that, Dexter and Trinity are helping”
“Yeah, but it’s going poorly, ticking people off too, hence the bitch standing over there”, Hugo stated with a disgusted look on his face, “look Freckles, just try to ignore her, it’s no big deal, she’ll stare and be fucking judgey, but she wouldn’t wanna ruin her reputation by starting shit with a prince like you, so she’ll stay put”
“Oki, thanks Hugo”, Varian said happily, he took another drink from his cup before another song played, he smiled, “wanna?”
“A dance with you? Why this is so sudden!”
“Hugo”, Varian giggled
The blond snickered, “I’m suddenly over my shyness, let’s boogie!”
The duo went to the dance floor again, setting their drinks down and dancing together, they saw Lance with Adira, and Eugene with Rapunzel, they smiled at the pairs as they continued to dance, losing their friends in the crowd as Varian’s magic sparkled around them, unfortunately, someone had taken that opportunity to bump the poor alchemist. He and Hugo fell onto each other, getting a small part of the crowd of people to stop and look at them
The duo blushed before getting up, “s-sorry”, Varian stated to the people surrounding them, “m-my bad, I think I b-bumped someone and I-!”
“I suppose that’s what we get for allowing *vermin* to dance in high society”, a snotty voice spoke up
The two teens turned to see the women Varian had mentioned before, she had a fan hiding her mouth, and she looked down at the pair, in disgust and slight envy as Hugo glared and stepped in front of Varian, “leave him alone, he didn’t do anything to you”, he stated angrily
“I wasn’t talking about the *prince*, I was talkin about *you*, street rat!” She spat
This startled Hugo as a bunch of dignitaries laughed, Varian stepped in front of his boyfriend, “excuse me miss, but he’s not a street rat, and I’ll *thank* you to leave him *be*”, he stated, politely, yet sternly
“Oh of course, your majesty, oh do tell, how does it feel, by the way, to be seen as a Dark Kingdom prince? Does that kingdom even still stand? Or is it as ashy as ever”
More laughter as Varian glared at the women now, “leave my family’s home out of this, if you keep making comments like that, I’ll have a chat with the princess of Corona, she’s a very good friend of mine, and she will *not* take kindly to your comments”, he stated, shutting the women up with one of his father’s glares that he’d managed to copy before he took Hugo’s hand and walked away
The blond was startled, but smiled as he followed Varian, unfortunately, the Ingvarrian dignitary wasn’t quite finished with him yet. As he passed her by, she walked forwards and purposefully bumped into him, knocking him down once again. His glasses fell off, one of the lenses cracking, Varian turned around, just in time to see a butler trip over Hugo while carrying a tray full of food and drinks. The entire thing fell on the blond, ruining his suit and causing some glass to shatter, cutting him a little
The group laughed at his misfortune as Varian ran to his boyfriend’s side instantly, “remind you of your homeless status street rat?” The Ingvarrian women asked, her smile filled with pride as more and more people came over to see what’d happened, “you’re nothing, remember that. You were taken in by a women who got killed due to her own ego, and you’ll be done in the same way! Best you not forget your place while you’re schmoozing with royalty!”
Hugo looked up at her, he couldn’t see her prideful face, but he’d heard each and every word she’d spoke, and it hit him *hard*! “HUGO!” Varian yelled, as the blind got up, took his glasses, and ran away, the alchemist’s calls getting lost in the crowd as the blind didn’t turn back to face him…..*
“….I ran all the way I-in here…..” Hugo finished, “I d-didn’t look back, I couldn’t…. B-because the worst part is she’s right! I-I’m just a street rat…. Every time I get comfortable with a home or people, it gets t-taken away, and I’m left alone again…. I-I had a mom and dad, b-but she passed away a-and he…. S-sold me….. The p-people that bought me….. t-they gave me to D-Donella…. A-and while I w-wasn’t happy with Don, it’s what I knew, a-and it, and she, started t-to get close b-before t-they were ripped away from me too”, He sniffled, “I w-want this to be different but…. I’m scared…. Now that Cassandra’s caught, Zhan Tiri’s gone, and Cyrus is ambered, w-what’s gonna happen now……” he hid his face in his hands as he spoke once more, his emotions overtaking his voice as he began to cry, “w-what’ll happen now that I-I’m no longer u-useful?…..”
“Hugo hey, nonono”, Lance stated gently as he knelt down and hugged the teen again, “you’re not useless, and even if that we’re the case, we would still love you and want you around, always, that’ll *never* change, never”
Eugene was quiet for a moment before he asked, “you said you lost Varian in the crowd?”
Lance looked up at his best friend as Hugo sniffled before nodding, “h-hello couldn’t k-keep up because of the p-people….”
“….I’ll be right back”, with that, the Captain walked out of the privy, leaving Lance and Hugo by themselves
The blond sniffled again as Lance continued to hug him, “are you okay?” The former thief asked
Another sniffle came from the inventor before he nodded, gently breaking away from the hug, “t-thanks, I’m sorry….”
“Hey, don’t ever be sorry for sharin how you feel”, Lance stated softly, “though I’m surprised, have you ever said your past bothers you?”
“I told V-Varian…. But not to this extent….” Hugo stated
“Wanna tell me why?” Lance asked with a warm smile
“….B-because it’s weak….” Hugo admitted, “I-in Ingvarr, you’re considered w-weak for letting your past define you, but I-if you have a weak past, the rich throw I-it back in your face with names l-like ‘street rat’ or ‘orphan’…..”
“Yeah…. I know how hard the streets can be…. It ain’t just in Ingvarr, and it sucks that it happens at all….. But you wanna know what?”
“Hm?”
“I don’t think it matters what your past is”
“R-really?”
Lance smiled, “yeah, really! I mean look at me! I was an orphan too! ….Here’s somethin I never told anyone, but my dad…. He wasn’t the greatest guy…”
“H-he… wasn’t?”
“No….. he was the town drunk, got bottles and kegs home all the time when I was a kid. He used to really rough up my ma too….. But my ma stood up to him, took me and left. We were happy when she did that, we got a smaller home, and didn’t make a lot of money, but she always made sure we had what we needed. And her food was the best food in the *universe*!” He squeaked excitedly, “she taught me a few things as well, and I, to this day, remember her lessons fondly”
“She sounds wonderful”, Hugo complimented
“She was….”
“Was?”
“Well…. We lived in a pretty crummy place…. Dirty and nasty, she ended up gettin sick and well…. Let’s just say me and Quirin both share a hatred of the plague and leave it at that….. When she passed away, I was too young to be on my own, and my dad didn’t want me, said I was useless, so I got thrown into an orphanage, that’s where I met Eugene!”
“Wow…. I’m so sorry Lance….”
“Meh, not like I ever cared, I loved my mama though, man~ you should’ve tasted her cookin”, he trolled happily as his eyes sparkled, “but I’m gettin off topic, see, my past wasn’t that grand either, you know the rest of it, I turned into a thief, stole my whole life, spent time in jail, until Eugene met with Rapunzel and we both got better! Ever since then I’ve tried to do my best to help those in need. I volunteer at the orphanage nearby, it’s why you see me gone from the castle for days. And me, Cat, and Angry have gotten real close, I can’t wait to adopt em soon!”
“You haven’t yet?”
“The paperwork is taking some time, but we’re gettin there”
“Ah”
“Either way though, even with my bad past, I still try to make the best out of it. Sure people bring it up to me, but I just tell em, ‘yeah you right, and?’, ooh! You should see their faces!” He chuckled, “priceless”
Hugo smiled as he wiped his final tears away, “thanks Lance, I really needed that”
“Anytime”
The door to the privy opened suddenly, and Varian rushed inside, “HUGO!” He yelled, his voice full of relief as he hugged his boyfriend instantly, “I was *so* worried about you! I was l-looking everywhere, b-but I couldn’t f-find you a-a-and people k-kept b-blocking me and-and y-you got *h-hurt* a-and I-I-!”
“Freckles!” Hugo stated with a chuckle as he pulled away and cupped Varian’s face gently, “I’m okay, it’s okay”
Varian blinked before sniffling and hugging Hugo again, “I’m so s-sorry….”
Hugo hugged him back with a smile, “it’s alright, I’m sorry for running off… I must’ve worried you so much….”
Varian’s grip tightened around Hugo, but he didn’t say anything as the two continued to hug each other. Lance smiled at the pair before he saw two more people walk in, his smiles turning into a grin, “aw yeah, now we’re in business!”
Hugo let out a confused, “huh?” As he and Varian broke the hug before he looked and his eyes widened, “oh shit….”
Varian grinned as wide as Lance, “oh shy indeed”, Eugene stated with a smirk, “figured we’d need a little back up considering what just occurred, and if that lady won’t listen to a tiny prince, well then how about she listens to a much bigger one”
Hugo blushed as Varian smirked, “guys, shall we start our new project?”
Eugene and Lance nodded before all three exclaimed, “project DAD!” Before they gestured to the man standing in the doorway
“Hi Quirin”, Hugo said softly
“Hi Hugo”, the Village Leader replied, before he walked inside and knelt before the teen, “I have some bandaids for you, here”, he gave the teen a few bandaids, some rags, a new pair of clothing, and-!
“Woah woah woah, wait, why is this-!” The blond began
“Because you’re apart of our family, now and forever”, Quirin interrupted gently, “even if you and Varian don’t get together, I’ll adopt you if I have to, you’re stuck with us, no matter what. And you should be able to show that with pride. Should she say something, she wouldn’t just be messing with you…. She’ll be messing with all of the Dark Kingdom too”
Hugo was touched, he smiled wide at Quirin he hugged him happily. The Village Leader returned the hug, they stayed that way for a while before the old farmer chuckled when Hugo wriggled away, “you go get changed, we’ll wait out there for you, okay?”
“Oki”
Varian grinned, “blushy”, he teased
“You stop it”, Hugo giggled as the group walked out. The blond cleaned himself off and changed before he looked in the mirror with the item Quirin had given him, he let out a sigh before he put it on and joined the group, “let’s do this!” He stated, getting all of them to smile as his clothing was placed into a nearby laundry hamper Eugene had brought
****
“I-I can’t *believe* what I’m seeing!” The snotty Ingvarrian dignitary from before exclaimed as she stared at Hugo, her fellow dignitaries didn’t same
“Where did he get that?!” One of them asked
“I don’t know, but he’s standing with three princes! So it must be true! He must be….” Someone began before they pointed to the black crown that sat atop Hugo’s head, a purple jewel shined in it, three similar looking crowns sat on Varian, Eugene, and Quirin’s heads
“*Royalty*?!” The Ingvarrian female dignitary snapped
“Yup, he is”, Varian stated, “if I remember correctly, you’re merely a duchess in Ingvarr, yes?” He asked, not needing an answer he continued, “as I’m sure you’re aware, Prince outranks duchess, so you hurting my fellow prince in *front* of me…. Well that’s just not good for you, is it?”
Quirin stepped forwards, “if you’re curious, they’re both my sons, and you’ve just offended both of them. Something I don’t take kindly”, he stated politely, his voice calm and steady as everyone around the women stared at them with shock
“Making fun of a Prince in front of another Prince from the same kingdom”, Adira stated as she, Hector, and Edmund, all of them *also* wearing their crowns and royal Dark kingdom attire, walked over, “can you *imagine* how *embarrassing* that would be? Oh wait, you can, you just did it”
“Surely this looks back *horribly* on your bloodline, as you are well aware, even the common citizen knows not to over step their boundaries when it comes to that of royalty”, Hector stated with a smirk, “as an Ingvarrian myself, I *know* you should’ve been taught better than that, and yet you’ve done nothing but brought *shame* and *disrespect* on you and your family for your egregious mistake”, he said before he smirked, “so I would do some serious groveling if I were you”
“I-I…..” The dignitary began, “ahaha, s-surely the child knows I meant n-no harm, r-right?” Hugo was stunned, was she… talking to him? “I-I mean, it’s not as if he were wearing h-his royal garb at that point, h-how was I to know-!”
“You recognized me”, Varian interrupted politely, “even said I was a prince of the Dark Kingdom, in fact, you mocked my people”, he stated, “oh do tell, how does it feel, by the way, to be seen as a Dark Kingdom prince? Does that kingdom even still stand? Or is it as ashy as ever”, he repeated back to her, making the women swear as Hector, Adira, Edmund, and Quirin, not having heard that part, *glared* at the women, “is that not what you said?” Varian asked with a smirk
“I-I-I-I d-didn’t m-mean to I-!” The women stammered
“Isn’t it?”
“W-well yes b-but you see I u-um I-I-!”
“Ahem”, everyone cleared a path, revealing Rapunzel and Arianna standing at the end of it, both of them dressed in their royal best, crowns atop their heads as well as they walked over and joined the group, “sorry to interrupt, but we couldn’t help but overhear that at this hero ceremony, someone was saying a very nasty and racist term to two of our hero’s?” The princess asked as she stared at the Ingvarrian dignitary
“I-I was j-just um…. Um….”
“Making a joke at our friend’s expense?” Queen Arianna asked with a raised brow
“W-well it *w-was* a joke, b-but I-I-!”
“That word is a horrible term for our people miss”, King Edmund stated, “and I for one do not appreciate it being thrown around my grandsons”, he added sternly
“Nor do I”, Rapunzel added politely, “it’s been made abundantly clear through various gatherings out our nations that there are now *8* allied kingdom, not 7 anymore, the Dark Kingdom has joined our ranks, and preparations are being made for its repair. That gives you no right to say such horrible things to our allies, especially to two of our hero’s, and the fact that there are witnesses that saw your cruel act against a boy who’s done everything in his power to help save this kingdom, *including* him saving Varian and fighting alongside him against Zhan Tiri, the demon that ravaged our land, is simply something I cannot and *will* not allow. So if you’ll please take your things, pack up, and leave this kingdom, I’ll see to it a letter is sent to the Queen of Ingvarr telling her of your misdeeds, she’ll punish you accordingly, now *go*”, Rapunzel snapped, making the dignitary run off back to her room without a chance of rebuttal
Arianna looked at the rest of the group, “I know this was merely one person’s actions, but I’d like to make it clear that the Dark Kingdom is one of the oldest kingdoms among our allies, and should be treated with as much respect and kindness as any other, if you cannot uphold this rule, you will be removed from this kingdom, we will not have our friends and allies ridiculed against, is that understood?” Everyone in the room gave a heart cheer of agreement
It made the princess smile, “then with that being said, enjoy the rest of the party! The hero medal will be passed out soon!” The group dissipated, everyone going back to the festivities before the commotion began as the main group looked at Hugo, “you feel better?” Rapunzel asked with a smile
Hugo sniffled and wiped a tear away as he nodded, Varian hugging him lovingly, “thank you all… so much”, he said
“Anytime”, Edmund stated, “remember, you’re apart of our pack now”
“Now and for-fucking-ever”, Hector stated with a grin
“No matter who says what, that’ll never change”, Adira stated
“Never”, Quirin finished
Varian giggled before kissing Hugo’s cheek, getting him to look at the alchemist, “we’ll be together forever, no matter what the day brings. You saved me, and I saved you, you’re always gonna be my Hugo, no favors or ‘usefulness’ required”, he stated
“You…. H-how did you-!” The blond began
“You’re my boyfriend Hugo, if I can’t remember something so important, then I’m a shitty lover”
“Varian!” Quirin scolded
“It’s the truth”
“He’s not wrong”, Hector stated
Quirin sighed, “you are wearing a Dark Kingdom crown, no cursing while wearing the crown”
“Fuck”
“Hector….”
“Asses”
“I’m getting soap”
“Bitch faces”
“Hector!”
The group laughed as Varian and Hugo smiled lovingly at each other, the blond’s heart fluttered when Varian kissed his lips before another song began to play, the duo ran over to the dance floor together once again, dancing the night away as their family joined in!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here we have some family fluff! I wanted to build up more of Hugo’s place in this family, I’m leading up to something big at the end, and I hope you all enjoy it! For now, here’s a cute interaction with everyone, all of them being a family together forever! ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 427: The Hero Ceremony!
Summary:
The hero ceremony begins!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
To say Varian was nervous would be the understatement of the *millenia*! The teen was swearing *bullets*, so much so that he’d had to take off his suit’s jacket and change his shirt about 4 times now. He’d asked the princess, “are you sure”, for the hundredth time that hour, to which Rapunzel was more than happy to reply with a simple, “yes”, each time
Now the alchemist was sitting behind the stage with his father, Ruddigar, who was on his shoulder, Hugo, Lance, Eugene, Edmund, Adira, and Hector. The Village Leader was sitting on Varian’s right side, Hugo on his left, both were trying to calm the teen down as they listened to Rapunzel’s speech. She’d been talking for about 5 minutes now, and everyone in the back room was growing even more worried about the alchemist’s rising anxiety
“Varian, take a few deep breaths”, Quirin said gently, “Ruddigar’s continued to give you alerts for the past hour. You’ve got to calm down Bubby”
“I-I can’t, I-I’m so s-sorry, I j-j-just-!” Varian tried as he took another breath to try and calm himself down. Tears were welling up in his eyes as he heard another cheer come from the crowd, he began to shake
“Freckles, hey, look at me for a sec”, Hugo suggested softly, getting his boyfriend to look at him. He smiled and guided Varian through a few breathing exercises. They worked for the time being, everyone seemed to calm down when they saw the alchemist stop shaking as his breathing became normal, Hugo smiled, “that better?”
“Y-yeah, thanks”, Varian replied, “s-sorry…. I just….. T-there’s so many people and…. A-and we’re getting m-medals and…. I just….” He sighed, “I-it’s too much…..”
“I understand Freckles”, Hugo stated, “trust me, this was not what I was expecting either. When the doctors told us we would be recognized, I didn’t think they’d meant like *this*!” He stated
“It is quite the honor though”, Edmund stated with a smile
“Yeah it really is”, Eugene agreed, “plus, you’ll be able to show off your arm dad”
“I know!” The Dark King exclaimed excitedly as he raised and lowered his right arm, “I can’t believe the Moonstone gave me my arm back”
“How’s it feel?”
“Like I’m finally normal”, Edmund stated, “like I finally made up for all that I’ve done”
The room was silent for a moment before Eugene spoke up, “dad….”
Edmund chuckled quietly, “sorry…. I suppose I’m still…. Sort of…. Surprised, that I was forgiven….”
Varian blinked before he smiled at the Dark King, his Moonpiece glowing slightly, “grandpa, you’re forgiven because you took the time to right the wrongs you committed. You fought for your family, and for your kingdom. You did it with honor and grace, there’s no greater sacrifice a father can make than to give his child a new life, one you felt would’ve been better, than him staying in a destroyed kingdom, barren and alone. You were forgiven the moment you chose your family over yourself”, the alchemist stated as his Moonpiece glowed even brighter, “I should know”
The Dark King was so startled by this proclamation, but he smiled all the same, “thank you, very much”
“You’re welcome”
“Aside from what the Moonstone says, you know we’ve already forgiven you too, right?” Hector asked
“Well I….. I…..” Edmund began
The wild tamer sighed, “we never hated you you know, we were worried, fucking yeah, but we never hated you”
“He’s right”, Adira agreed, stepping beside her younger brother, “you’re our king, no matter what. And even though we gave up our oaths, that’ll never change”
“Well…. I never looked at that situation as your king though….” Edmund stated softly
“We love you as our father too”, Quirin stated, getting all three to look at him, “these two are a little too…. Shy, about saying that, but you’re our father, no matter what the circumstance, you’ll always be our father. When they refer to you as ‘King’, that’s what they mean”
Edmund suddenly realized something, “is that why you all continue to say ‘King Edmund’, when addressing me?”
The Village Leader snickered before nodding with a slight blush, “yup, we’ve never had a father before, so saying ‘dad’ to you seems odd, since we’re your kids, but also your Brotherhood”, he stated before he stopped and sighed a little, “though I suppose that’s not entirely true anymore….. I can’t call myself a knight considering the oath I gave up”, he stated as he looked at his left hand, “I don’t regret my decision. I’ll never regret choosing Varian over the Moonstone, but….. it’s such an odd feeling….. Almost feel….”
“Lonely?” Hector asked, getting Quirin to look at him, “I know what you mean, it’s the same for me….”
“And me”, Adira admitted, “all we’ve ever known was the Brotherhood, and now…..”
The three were quiet before Edmund raised a brow, “hang on, you think that just because you gave up your oath to the *Moonstone* , that makes you three no longer my knight, warrior, and tamer?” He asked, getting all three to look at him before nodding, “why?”
“We were chosen to be the knight, warrior, and tamer, based on the Brotherhood weapons we were given”, Hector stated, “I had an affinity for animals and light blades, so I was chosen as the Tamer, Adira was great at hand to hand combat and could wield a great sword like it wasn’t even shit, so she was dubbed as the Warrior, and Quirin’s speed and agility along with his ability to wield two weapons at once, possibly a sword and shield if he wished, but chose the dual blades instead, made him the Knight. All of our skills and abilities were given form because the Moon provided us with her energy so we could protect the Moonstone. Now with that gone, our oaths broken, and the Sun and Moonstone now together again, that power we had, and the titles and roles we played, no longer can into play. We’re not the knight, warrior, or tamer of the Moonstone”
“No, you’re not”, Edmund stated, “you’re the Knight, Warrior, and Tamer of the *Dark Kingdom*”, he exclaimed, “*my* Knight, Warrior, and Tamer. You earned your roles before you were apart of the Brotherhood. You had an obligation to the Moonstone, yes, but your obligations were fulfilled when you gave up your oath to save and protect the innocent *from* the Moonstone. Once the Moonstone was combined with the Sundrop, all of our roles were complete. Now the only piece left lies within a little peanut”, he stated, gesturing to Varian, who smiled, “as for the Brotherhood, it’s gone, but you three are still a Knight, a Warrior, and a Tamer, you’re just no longer brotherhood members”
Adira and Hector were stunned, but Quirin smiled, “I guess you’re right, I never abandoned the kingdom, neither did you two”, he looked at Hector and Adira
“So….. wait…. That means we…. We didn’t….” Hector began, unable to speak at first
“We didn’t betray our home”, Adira finished for him, though her words were filled with relief and shock
Varian smiled, “of course you didn’t, you four did the opposite, you protected your home!”
The duo smiled at the teen as Quirin hugged his son lovingly, Edmund chuckled, “did you three really think I’d actually believe you all to be traitors?” He asked, “if I did, I wouldn’t be King, because I did it too. But I wear my crown with pride because I’m still going to rule my kingdom, and I hope you’ll stay by my side”
Hector and Adira looked at each other before smiling and looking at their King, “always”, they stated together
Edmund smiled before he looked at Quirin, the retired knight was still huffing his son, but he had a thoughtful look on his face, “you can take your time deciding you know”, the Dark Kong said softly, smiling at his knight
Varian looked up at his father, “dad?”
Quirin looked at his son before sighing, “I…..” he grew quiet, making Varian look at Hugo, to duo exchanging anxious faces before looking up at the man, “son I have…. A lot of things to think about with that….”
Varian’s eyes widened, “a-are we moving?”
“I don’t know”, his father admitted, “I…. Was planning on talking to you about this later on, when things with Cassandra died down and we were in a place where we could discuss it properly”
“D-dad-!”
“I won’t make *any* decision about *anything* regarding you, me, Ruddigar, and Hugo leaving Corona until we’ve *all* discussed it. I’m not forcing you anywhere, it’s just been in the back of my mind is all”
Varian was quiet for a moment or two before he spoke again, “…..can you tell me why?”
“Why?”
“Why you’re thinking about it?”
“…..Because of what’s happened…..” he stated honestly, fully facing both Hugo and Varian, “you two have been beaten, kidnapped, drugged, abandoned, jailed, mistreated, hated, hurt, left to die, and so many more things in this kingdom that I’d rather not bring up….. Varian, when you were kidnapped by her…. I thought I’d lost you….. And Hugo when you were beaten by Donella, I thought we’d lose you too….. I’ve been so afraid of what’ll happen to you two, so when King Edmund offered us a place in the Dark Kingdom, a place where the Moonstone originated and where the people and Kingdom could be reshaped for a better environment….. At the time, which was when you were kidnapped Varian, I couldn’t give an answer, but the thought has always stayed in my mind. I won’t force either of you into anything, this is a discussion we need to have together. But….. it’s an option I didn’t rule out…. Because of the events that have happened….. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything before, but more and more bad things continued to happen that saying something just…. Didn’t feel right…..”
The two scientists looked at each other again before Varian signed, “I understand, and I’m glad you said something now, though…. When would you have told us?”
“After Cassandra’s trial”, Quirin replied, “once her sentence was said and done, I would’ve given you two time to heal before sitting you both down and discussing this matter”
“So when we were both in a better place”, Hugo stated softly, “I’ll grant him that, that’s actually a good idea”
Varian nodded, “it is, our minds would be clear then, so we could discuss something like that….. but……” the alchemist looked at Lance and Eugene, both of whom seemed startled by this turn of events
Quirin looked at them as well before looking at Varian, “they’re part of the reason I want to discuss this with you two first, they’re you’re friends, and our family, I didn’t want to make you leave them behind”, he stated softly
Varian looked up at his father, “you’ve really put a lot of thought into this huh?”
“I have, it’s not something I want to take lightly”
“Do you wanna move?”
“I….. I don’t know”, Quirin stated honestly, “on one hand, I’d love to be back home again, with my original family, and my sons to boot! But on the other, I’m retired, I’m a farmer and Village Leader here. I don’t want to leave all of that, while this place has brought a lot of pain, it’s also been my home for 25 *years*. I made a life here, fell in love here, lived with you and Ulla and now Hugo here”
“So it’d affect you too”
“It would, which is why I wanted to discuss it. This wouldn’t be a small move, it would be huge”
“You’re right….. It would be best to discuss it later, it would”, Varian stated
“Are…. You mad?”
The slight tremor in his father’s voice made Varian’s eyes glow for a moment as he looked at his father, a little surprised before he smiled and hugged him, “no”, he stated, “I was startled and scared, but you explaining why you’ve been thinking about it, and how you were going to bring it up, it helped me understand. I can see why going to the Dark Kingdom would be beneficial, but I also know how much Corona means, to all of us, so no, I’m not angry. I’m glad you said something though, sitting me and Hugo down later on would’ve been the shock of a lifetime”
“Yeah”, Hugo agreed, “not gonna lie, the reasoning is top notch, but the execution would’ve been a mess”
Quirin chuckled as he hugged both teens, “fair point, I’ll remember that”
“Thanks dad”, Varian said, “both for understanding, and for thinking about us”
The retired knight smiled, “always Bubby”
The four, including Ruddigar, hugged each other before they heard a small, “ahem”, getting them to look and see Nigel standing by, “I’m so sorry to interrupt, but the princess has finished her speech, and so it is time for all of you to line up in the order you were told”
The group got up, and suddenly Varian fell to his knees, “Freckles”, Hugo said
“S-sorry, um….. I….. I-I-!”
“Anxious again?”
“Yeah… I’m sorry….”
“No need to apologize, just breathe with me”, Hugo said, kneeling beside his boyfriend as Quirin waited beside them
Hugo guided the teen through the exercises once more, getting him to calm down before he finally stood. His legs were still shaky, but they’re felt better than before, “thanks love”, the alchemist stated with a smile
“Happy to help”
“What’s got ya so anxious anyway little man?” Lance asked as he and Eugene walked over, “we’re gettin medals, then walkin off after gettin a round of applause. Once that’s done, we just stand on stage with our friends until the medals are given out and we leave”
“I-I know…. B-but I just… I….. I……” Varian sighed, he felt Ruddigar give him another alert on his cheek, “…..I-it’s the first tim…. T-that I’ve stood in front of a crowd….. The l-last time was…. The science expo…..a-and I’m…. I’m scared….” He stated, “I know I-I’ve made up for everything, I know Im n-no longer an enemy o-if Corona…. B-but….. there are still p-people who don’t trust me…. P-people who might even still *h-hate* me…. W-what… what if….. I….. I….”
“Hey”, Eugene stopped the teen, getting him to look up at him, “you are a *hero* of Corona. Everyone in the kingdom saw you fighting Zhan Tiri, using the power you were given by the Moon. Everyone has benefitted from you and Hugo’s inventions, everyone knows how hard you’ve worked to make up for what you’ve done. You are a *hero* Varian. Even if some people disagree, which I don’t think they will, they are wrong. You are the bravest kid I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, you and Hugo both. No matter what happens out there, that’ll never change, *never*. You have my word as a big brother, it won’t”
Varian smiled at Eugene, “t-thank you”
“Anytime kiddo”, the Captain replied with a smile, hugging the alchemist lovingly. They broke the hug after a moment before Eugene stood up, “now come on, let’s go get us a medal, yeah?”
Varian nodded, “oki”
****
The crowd had cheered for a while as Varian stood by, he watched Hugo thank the princess, bow, and walk off, the blond standing next to Quirin with his medal shining brightly. Everyone had gone, even Ruddigar, who was sitting on Quirin’s shoulder with a hero medal of his own! The final person left was the alchemist himself. His growing anxiety was kept in check as he remembered Eugene’s words, *you are a *hero* of Corona*
The teen sucked in a breath, letting it go before saying to himself, “no problem, I’ve got this…..” for the twelfth time that moment before he saw Rapunzel smile at him. Her long braid had been decorated with daisy’s, to match her brunet hair color. She gave the alchemist a thumbs up as the clapping for Hugo died down, he returned the gestured with a thumbs up of his own, showing he’s as ready as he’ll ever be honestly. The princess nodded before she turned to the audience and began to speak
“You’ve all seen the many hero’s of Corona tonight, and we have one more to show you all. But…. This hero is slightly different”, she stated, getting Varian to blink as he saw Lance, Eugene, Adira, Hector, Edmund, Quirin, and Hugo grin, they knew what was about to happen as Rapunzel turned to look at Varian and held out her hand, “come on”, she said softly
The alchemist gave her an anxious look, she merely smiled reassuringly, he sighed before walking towards her, trusting that she knew what she was going. As he stepped on to the stage, he was met with silence, he didn’t know what was going on as he took Rapunzel’s hand, she faced the crowd, “this is Varian Vanguard, you may recognize his last name, he shares it with Quirin, our Village Leader”, she stated, gesturing to Quirin, who nodded with a smile, “but Varian here has done something different, something I think should be spoken about”, she stated
Varian looked at her, was she going to talk about his past?! “Varian isn’t *just* a hero of Corona”, she stated, getting the teen to close his eyes in anticipation, “…..he’s a friend”
*What?!* his mind thought as his eyes shot open and he looked at her
“He’s a friend”, Rapunzel repeated, as if reading the alchemist’s mind, “he’s also a wonderful big brother, and amazing little brother, a kind best friend, and the most supportive boyfriend”, she stated, “our hero’s are being recognized today for their contributions in the fight against Zhan Tiri, but Varian’s contribution go further back than that. He’s done his best to help anyone and everyone he can, using whatever he can, from his mastery over alchemy to his Moon powers that he wields. Even when he can’t solve the problem, he lends a shoulder and ear to anyone who needs it, and he’s done more for this kingdom than I’ve ever seen! That’s why, today, Varian Vanguard isn’t going to be given a medal for his help in battle”, she said as the alchemist noticed Queen Arianna walk over with a box
The Queen stood next to Rapunzel, a proud smile on her face as her daughter spoke, “Varian will be given the highest rank Corona can offer someone that has done so much for this kingdom”, the princess let go of Varian’s hand and walked over to her mother before opening the box and taking something out, she then turned to Varian and grinned, “Varian Vanguard, I, Rapunzel Sonne, Princess of Corona and heir to the throne, gift you with the Coronan Sun of Honor and Pride!” She stated, making the alchemist, and a few people in the crowd, gasp as she raised the medal in the air and placed it, gently, around the freckled teen’s neck,”you have shown not only bravery, but kindness and compassion, love and care, heart and loyalty, to everyone in this room, and there’s no other person I could ever see receiving this award, than you. Thank you, for everything you’ve done. This reward not only marks you as a hero, but as the most trusted Coronan, and friend, this kingdom has ever seen!” The princess then bowed to the teen, “we are forever grateful for everything you’ve done, thank you, for everything”
Queen Arianna followed suit, handing the box to a guard before bowing to the teen, the hero’s of Corona bowed as well, as did the entire crowd. Varian watched them all, tears welling up in his eyes as Ruddigar smiled, bowing to his boy as well, before they all stood up straight and watched the teen
Varian’s hands covered his mouth in surprise as his tears dripped down his cheeks, he stared at the princess for a long time before he sniffled and lowered his hands, smiling, “thank you”, he said softly
The crowd cheered for him, startling the teen a little before he blushing and waved, bowing to them, bowing to the Queen and Rapunzel, who hugged him instead, he returned the hug, before they broke it and be joking his family, standing beside them with the golden Coronan Sun medal shining brightly around his neck
The princess wiped a tear from her face before she turned to look at the crowd, “with that, this concludes the award ceremony for our hero’s, one final round of applause for them!” She stated, getting everyone to cheer as Eugene, Lance, Hector, Adira, Edmund, Quirin, Hugo, and Varian smiled wide. Once the cheering had died down, the princess smiled before facing the crowd, “thank you all so much for coming out to celebrate, please enjoy the rest of your time here! Play games, eat food, mingle, and be merry, today is a day of celebration! We have so much to celebrate! So enjoy!” She stated happily as the crowd cheered again before they dissipated. The princess let out a small sigh before she looked over at her friends
Eugene walked over to her and gave her a kiss, “thank you Sunshine”, he said softly
“Thank *you*, *all* of you”, she replied, smiling at Eugene before she looked at the group, “you all deserve the medals you wear! I’m so glad I was able to give you them, it made me so happy to see all of you so happy! Honestly, I couldn’t think of anyone else who deserved those medals but all of you!”
“It’s an honor Princess”, Edmund stated
“Rapunzel”, Rapunzel corrected, “you’re going to be my father in law you know”
“Oho! That’s true!” Edmund chuckled, blushing a bit
“Rapunzel”, a small voice said, getting the princess to look and smile wide when she saw Varian
“Hi Varian”, she replied, “before you say anything, I just wanna tell you, I’ve been wanting to give you that medal for a long time”
“I-! Y-you have?”
“Yes, you saved Corona a couple of times, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything against those red rocks without you, nor would we have been able to defeat the Seporians without your knowledge, and we *can’t* forget the Science Expo”, she stated, “plus I’ve seen you work through everything you’ve gone through so far, the PTSD, anxiety, depression, and so much more, you’ve done so much and given so much to this kingdom, I couldn’t ask for a better friend than you! You deserve that Sun on Honor more than anyone in this kingdom, and I’m so glad I was *finally* able to give it to you”
“I….. Punzel…..” Varian sniffled
The princes giggled, tears coming to her own eyes before she hugged the alchemist again, he hugged her back, “I love you very much Varian”, she said softly, “no matter what comes next, I’ll be able to handle it, because you’ve helped me grow, and I’m so grateful to you, for everything”, she said, pulling away and kissing Varian’s forehead, “you really are the best little brother a girl could ever ask for”
The alchemist smiled, blushing before he wiped away his tears, the Moonpiece glowing brightly, “I couldn’t ask for a better big sister either, I love you too Rapunzel”
The group smiled before Hugo walked over and hooked his arm around Varian’s waist, “ain’t this sweet? How about we stop makin me feel jealous and go dance?”
Varian laughed, “you know I love you ya brat”, he stated with a grin
“Uh huh, well I need affirmation”
“So pushy”, Varian teased as he kissed Hugo’s cheek, getting the blond to grin
“I’m a needy bitch, what can I say?”
The group laughed before they all heard a song begin to play. Eugene grinned, “for once, I’m with Hugo, let’s boogie until we can’t!”
“YEAH!” The excited group cheered before they all began to dance together! Hugo and Varian danced happily, enjoying their time together as they saw Eugene and Lance waltzing with each other! Lance took the lead through the first half of the song before Eugene took the lead during the final half! The boys laughed at that, they laughed even louder when they saw Edmund’s dancing. He was a mess of joy, jumps, and spins as he cut a rug! No one minded as he seemed to draw dignitaries into his crazy corner of fun! Adira and Hector started a dance off together, teams joining either side as the siblings had a blast, Quirin stood to the side, watching as everyone enjoyed themselves. The only time he joined in was when Varian and Hugo pulled him with them! The two getting the man to smile before he danced with them, they spun in a circle together, laughing and joking the entire time! Everyone had fun as they danced the night away! They all ended up crashing in the princess’s room by the end of it! Sleeping happily together in a big pile of love and snuggles as they dreamed peacefully
Notes:
Hello!
Sorry for missing a few days, I’ve been busy with life, but I hope this longer chapter makes up for that! :D
I wanted to do something special for Varian in this chapter, he’s been through so much and has helped everyone he could in Corona and even outside of it, he deserves something special, so I gave him something special
I also made sure to give hints about upcoming events during this epilogue! I have so much I wanna do, because there’s some loose ends to tie up! I hope they make you all excited, if you have any ideas for anything you’d like me to do before ending this story, please let me know! ❤️🎶😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 428: Fluffy Brotherhood! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Hector is waiting for Varian when he meets Faith and Friedborg!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😁
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey, who’s that?”
“He’s one of the Brotherhood members, Hector I think his name is”
“Oh, wow he looks…. Very angry”
“That’s how he always looks, apparently he’s secretly a sweetheart once you get to know him”
“Huh, who would ever go up to him when he looks like that though?”
“Someone real brave apparently….”
“Oh would you two stop gossiping!” The wild tamer opened his eyes and looked towards that voice. He saw a small women, about Varian’s size, she had brown hair, blue eyes, a fair complexion, and freckles. She wore a handmaiden uniform, yellow and white with a bonnet on her head as she quirked her brow at the two other maids, “you two should know better than to gossip about one of Corona’s hero’s, knock it off and get back to work before Miss. Crowley sees you!”
The two maids darted away quickly, not another word was spoken between the two of them. The tamer didn’t mind, he really hated those two maids, “fucking bitches”, he stated
“They can be”, the handmaiden spoke up, startling Hector, he turned to look at her, she smiled, “sorry about them. They’re harmless, just have really big mouths”
The tamer blinked, “you’re…. Talking to me?”
“Yes of course I am”, she replied with a smile, “sorry, if you don’t want to talk, I could leave you be”
“No it’s fine”, he said, “didn’t think anyone would talk to me, unless they were ‘brave enough’ of course”, he stated with a roll of his eyes
“Brave eno-! Oh those two…. Don’t worry about them, I’ll have to talk with Miss. Crowley”, she stated huffily, “honestly, to think they’d say that… terrible…” she stated before looking up at the man, “you’re not scary”
“Hm?”
“You’re not scary, I mean, you could be if you got angry enough, but you’re not scary. I don’t understand why they think you are, it’s so rude!”
Hector raised his brow at her before smirking, “well thanks, you sound like a family member of mine you know that?”
“I do?” She asked, blinking innocently
“Yeah, he’s got very similar blue eyes too”
She stopped before giggling, “you’re talking about Varian right?”
“Yeah, how’d you know?”
“I get a lot of people who say that, probably helps that I babysat him for a while before Quirin got me this job”
Hector stopped and looked at her, “you…. Babysat my nephew?”
“Yeah! Oh I’m so sorry, I never introduced myself, my my, talk about rude, my name is Faith”
“Faith? Oh fuck! Wait he’s told me about you!” Hector stated, “I’m such a damn idiot”, he face palmed before looking at her, “nice to meecha, name’s Hector”
“A pleasure!” Faith replied with a smile, “and you’re not an idiot, we’ve never formally met, so it’s no wonder you didn’t recognize me”
“I guess, but still, you’re very Varian like”
Faith giggled, “I’ll take that as a compliment”
“It is”
The shy maid smiled before someone walked by, she looked and smiled, “hey Friedborg!” She called
Hector looked over and saw a lady in waiting, he waved at them, they waved back before walking over to Faith, “sup?” Hector asked
Friedborg’s smile widened before they looked at Faith, “sorry for making you wait Friedborg, I got into a conversation with Mr. Hector”
The tamer snorted, “Mr?”
“Oh, sorry, since we’ve never met, I don’t want to be rude, though I suppose I should call you Prince Hector instead shouldn’t I?”
The wild tamer shook his head, “you can just call me Hector kid, ‘s no big deal”
“Oh, alrighty then, Hector, I like your name!”
“Heh, thanks, Faith’s a good name too, so is Friedborg”
Friedborg’s smile widened, showing their teeth, it made Hector grin as Faith grew excited, “we both really appreciate that! No one ever really compliments maids or Lady’s in waiting, well, save for Princess Rapunzel, but she compliments everyone”
“Yeah she’s…. Definitely somethin”, Hector stated, “eheh, sorry”
“It’s alright, we understand not everyone’s a fan, it’s okay”, Faith stated as Friedborg nodded
Hector was a little startled by that, but smiled, “thanks, good to know not everyone is the same here”
“The same?”
“Worships the royals”
“Ah, yeah no, when Friedborg and I found out about Varian’s treatment by the king, may he rest in peace, we weren’t happy…. Varian’s always been a good boy, so the fact that he was unjustly thrown in prison was…. It made us both mad…. No one allowed us to see him either….. people talked about him…. It was awful….” Faith stated, Friedborg frowning at the memory
“You’re definitely not the only ones who feel that way”, Hector stated, “glad to know that you do though, I take it you two are friends of Varian’s?”
“Yup!” Faith stated happily, “as I said before, I used to babysit him, after I got this job, Varian and Quirin would come visit me in the castle, and I met Friedborg here! They were the kindest person to me here!”
“They?” Hector asked, looking at Friedborg
“Yeah, they prefer they/them pronouns”, Faith explained
“Oh, ok cool, good to know”, Hector said, smiling at the person in waiting
Friedborg was startled by that, but smiled at Hector as Faith giggled, “either way, when Varian met Friedborg, they became fast friends, so anytime he comes around, we’re always really happy to see him!”
“I’ll bet, that kid makes anything and everything better, even when annoying sisters make you irritated”, Hector stated
Father blinked before she smiled, “I take it you’re talking about Adira?”
Hector raised a brow, “you know her?”
“Yeah, she likes to explore, nearly scared the heck out of Friedborg late one night”, Faith stated, “but she’s very nice”
“Meh, more annoying than anything”, Hector joked
Faith snickered, “I think it’s a big sisters job to annoy their little brother to be fair”
“Yeah, it is”, Hector stated with a smirk before he saw the person he’d been waiting for walking down the hallway, “hey spawn”
“Spawn?” Faith asked as Friedborg tilted their head to the side
“Hiya Hector”, a familiar voice replied, getting the duo to look over and smile
“Varian!” Faith exclaimed before running over and hugging the alchemist, Friedborg joining them, but standing beside them instead of joining the hug
“Hiya Faith, hi Friedborg!” Varian replied, happily returning the hug before they pulled apart and he waved at Friedborg, who waved back, “what are you two doing?”
“Talking to your uncle actually!” Faith replied with a smile, “he’s really nice, though some of the other maids were being gossips, I’ll have a word with Miss. Crowley about them”
Varian raised a brow, “they were gossiping about Hector?”
“Yeah…. Unfortunately”
Varian looked up at his uncle, “are you okay?”
“I’m fine kid”, Hector replied with a smile, “it wasn’t anything I haven’t heard before”
“That doesn’t make it right”, the teen stated, “they should know better than to talk about you in such a way, I may have a few words with Miss. Crowley myself, that’s very rude!” The wild tamer snorted, getting the alchemist to look at him, “what?”
“Nothing, just, you two I swear, are twins”
Friedborg grinned and giggled silently as Varian and Faith smiled at each other, “I guess that makes sense, considering she-!”
“Babysat you, yeah she mentioned”, Hector stated with a smirk, “wonder how that was”
“It was fun! Tiny Varian isn’t much different from this kid right here”, Faith stated as she poked Varian’s stomach, getting him to giggle and blush
“Oh really? Ya got any stories?”
Faith grinned, “do I ever”
“Oh no”, Varian said softly as Friedborg smiled deviously at him
“I remember when he was still just a tiny 6 year old, I was 14 at the time, 23 now, in case you’re wondering, he tried to make this funny machine that mixed fruits together to make a drink”
“Oh geez…. My blender”, Varian said as he face palmed
“Yeah! And you put a whole apple and a banana in there, peel and stem still on both, and mixed it, the mess it made and the amount of cleaning we had to do, and then *you* were just *covered* in fruit”, she giggled as the alchemist blushed, “ooh your father was so mad when he walked in, but he laughed when he found out what happened”
“Wait Quirin was mad?” Hector asked
“Yeah, not scary mad, more annoyed I should say. He was startled by the mess and raised a brow, but once I explained what happened, he couldn’t stop laughing! It was so funny!”
“Ugh….” Varian groaned, “I really need to go back to that project, I betcha I could do it right”
“I’ll bet you could, but I’ll still remember the fruit bath I had to give you, you were so sticky”
“I know….”
“Hee hee, oh come on, it was cute!”
“Nu….”
Faith giggled, hugging Varian again, “well how about the time you comforted me when I was having a particularly bad day?” She asked
Varian blinked and smiled, “I remember that, we played Flynn Rider that day”
“Yeah!” Faith looked at Hector, who was invested, “I had an awful fight with my mother that day, and when I arrived at Quirin’s house, I was polite, but you could tell I was sad. When Quirin left, little Varian saw how sad I was, so he brought me all his toys, drew me pictures, and eventually we played ‘Flynn Rider saves the long lost princess!’ Game! Which…. Wow, it kinda came true didn’t it?”
“Yeah that’s a little odd now that I think about it. That was my favorite game to play, you used a skillet as a weapon when we played too”, Varian stated
“Huh….. Maybe that was you being empathic?” Faith asked
“Maybe…. But I’m wondering if maybe the Moon had me do that as well…. Wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility”, Varian stated thoughtfully, “I mean, there were times when I could feel when my dad was upset or angry, he never really needed to tell me. It’s how I knew he was afraid during the black rocks, he didn’t have to say anything, I could just… tell”
“That makes sense, you have Moon powers, we were given the mark of the Brotherhood when we swore an oath to the Moonstone. It’s not a tattoo, it’s a magic mark”, Hector stated
“Margin mark?” Varian asked as Faith and Friedborg raised a brow
“A magic mark is a way for humans to make an oath of alliance to the Moonstone, and the Moon herself”
“Huh…. Ya know, I never really asked much about that”, Varian admitted, “what’s happens when you make the oath? Is it a ceremony or something?”
“Kinda”, the wild tamer said, “see, me, Adira, Quirin, and King Edmund all underwent a test. It was when the Moon reached the highest peak in the night, which would depend on the day. When that happened, we’d go through, what we called, Moon Trials. It would take a while to complete, one trial would be to survive the Forest of No Return-!”
Moans were heard, startling Faith as Friedborg looked around, “I still don’t know why that happens whenever anyone says that forest’s name”, Varian stated, unbothered by the moans
“No one does”, Hector stated, “anyway, you have three days to complete that task, if you make it, you’re on to round two. Round two is where you fight every guard in the kingdom, all at once”
“What?! How is that fair?!” Faith asked
“It’s the Brotherhood, not just anyone can get in, you have to be the strongest fighter in the entire kingdom. I think it’s very fair, especially since you’re protecting the very stone that *made* the Dark Kingdom in the first place and doing so for the Moon that blesses you and your home every night without fail”, the wild tamer stated
“I can see it from both points of views, because it does explain how you, dad, Adira, and Grandpa are so strong, but Faith has a point, that’s a lot of guards against one person”, Varian stated
“Meh, me and Adira got through it, so did Quirin and King Edmund, so”, he shrugged, “the third trial is uninterrupted mediation. You do that the entire night, it’s the most important trial”
“Why?” Faith and Varian asked at the same time as Friedborg smiled adoringly at them
Hector shared the same look Friedborg had before answering, “because that’s how you get the mark. What you’re supposed to do is connect to the Moon. She stays with you all night, you close your eyes and shut out the world around you. You stay this way for the entire night, until the Sun raises in the morning. The Moon passes down judgement on you, deems you worthy or not based off of who you are as a person and how strong you will grow. She sees you for *you*, not your gender, past, or title, just you. If you pass, and she deems you as worthy, then you’ll end up with the magic mark on either your left or right hand. If you fail, you end up with nothing, you do end up being shamed as well, looked down upon as less than squire because the Moon deemed you unworthy, and there must be a reason why. However, the only people brave enough to do the test was me, Quirin, and Adira. King Edmund did it as well, but he’s a king, he was trained to be a Brotherhood member, if he failed, he would’ve been abdicated from the throne and someone else in his place, probably Quirin, seeingas how he was the oldest adopted son at that point”
“Woah”, Varian said softly, “that’s both really interesting and cool, but also very scary to think about…. Hector, do you think I would’ve passed?” He asked timidly
Hector smirked and scooped the teen up, “with flying fucking colors”, he stated, hugging the alchemist, who giggled as his Moonpiece began to glow, “huh, you feeling happy there spawn?”
Varian blinked before he realized what Hector was talking about, “oh! Yeah they’ve been doing that a lot lately”, he stated, “I get angry or anxious, glow, I feel happy or excited, glow, I *really* need to use the privy, glow!”
“Pfft!” Hector laughed, “speaking from personal experience there?”
“I had to go and Hugo was in there for an *hour*! I had to use Eugene’s privy”, the alchemist pouted
Hector snickered, “betcha he was fine with it though”
“He was, but still, Hugo’s a turd”
“Need me to beat him up?”
“Nuuuuu!”
“I can, I’m just sayin”
“Hector nuuuuuu!”
The wild tamer chuckled before he hugged his tiny nephew again, “you’re such a squirrel”
“A squirrel?” Faith asked
“It’s what I call something that’s cute, tiny, yet wiggly and easily flustered”
“Hey!” Varian exclaimed
“It’s true”
“Oh yeah? Well you’re a…. A….. you’re a fuzzy”
“A fuzzy?” Hector asked with a smirked as he raised an amused brow
“Yeah! A tiny fuzzy that gets in your nose when you try to sleep and makes you sneeze!”
The tamer snorted, “Kay, I’m a fuzzy then”
“Yeah, a fluffy fuzzy”
“Noted, anything else?”
“…..Nu”
“Kay”
Faith and Friedborg laughed as they watched the tamer hug the alchemist happily, Varian returning the hug as the small group continued to talk about whatever came to mind, Hector finally feeling more at ease as he enjoyed his time with this small group and his nephew!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I wanted to do a small arch where the Brotherhood is just hanging out around the castle and spends time with people inside said castle and Varian. Hector is first, who should be next? Adira, Edmund, or Quirin?
I love Hector fluff, the man is just an adorable person that hides it behind a mask, but he’s so sweet and I absolutely love writing him and Varian together
Faith and Friedborg! I missed these two as well, I love writing them and I like having Faith and Varian with that close bond of former babysitter! It makes for good fluff and some wholesome banter with Varian being embarrassed about his younger self’s actions XD
Varian is being a bean in this chapter because I deem him to be a bean in any chapter! He’s too adorable not to be a bean, so a bean he shall be! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 429: Fluffy Brotherhood! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian finds Adira sitting in a tree early one morning, hijinks ensue!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
‘자장자장 우리 아가
잘도 잔다 우리 아가
자장자장 우리 아가
잘도 잔다 우리 아가
자장자장 우리 아가
잘도 잔다 우리 아가
자장자장 우리 아가
잘도 잔다 우리 아가
자장자장 우리 아가
잘도 잔다 우리 아가’
“Wow”, a voice said, getting the women to stop and look down from her perch in the tree, she smiled when she saw Varian, “that sounded really pretty Adira!” He exclaimed
“Thank you Speckles, what are you doing out here so early?” The face painted warrior asked
“I couldn’t sleep and didn’t have many projects to do today, so I went for a walk since the weather seemed nice”
“Ah”
“Can I join you?”
“Sure! Are you able to climb, or do you need help?”
“I’ve got it”, Varian exclaimed happily before he ran over and began to climb the tree. He was up with her in no time at all, “dad doesn’t like me climbing trees, but since you’re up here, I figured he won’t mind”
“So you’re hoping he doesn’t come out before we get down”
“Yeah pretty much”
“Noted, how’s your morning been?”
“Aside from waking up early, nothing different. Just another day in the castle”
“I see, and how are things with Short Hair?”
“Short Ha-! Oh you mean Cassandra, she’s doing better last time I heard. Her trial is getting set up soon too, and they’re gonna start asking for witnesses soon”
“Good to know, I’ll be sure to wait until I get asked”
“Do you think they’ll have done Dark Kingdom rules in this trial?”
“Hm…. Maybe”, Adira replied with a shrug, “I suppose they’d have to, considering it was our Moonstone she stole. Though I’m fairly certain they’ll want to handle the King’s passing and murder first”
“Yeah…. Poor dad’s still beating himself up about it….”
“I imagine…. Stickler never was one for violence”
“What do you mean?”
“Just that if there was a peaceful way to solve the issue, he’d prefer that”, Adira stated, “he’s the strongest fighter in the Dark Kingdom, yet he doesn’t like to fight, kinda funny when you think about it, though I can see his point”
Varian smiled, “my dad’s a teddy bear”
“Yes he is”
The alchemist giggled before he felt the wind blow on his face and smiled, “what was that song you were singing?”
“Hm?” Adira looked at him, “oh, that was just a lullaby from my homeland”
“It was? It sounded really pretty!”
“Thank you, my mother used to sing it to me, it’s…. One of the few memories I have of her actually….”
Varian was quiet for a moment or two before he looked at Adira, “my mama sang me my lullaby too, that was the last thing she did before leaving with Donella…. So I understand the feeling….. Are you okay?”
“I’m alright, just melancholy”
“Yeah, it seems to be that kind of day doesn’t it?” Varian asked as the wind blew through his hair
The two were silent for a little longer before Adira sighed, “I love early mornings, so peaceful”
“They really are, and you get to see the Sunrise!” Varian agreed happily, watching the Sun peek out over the horizon, “it’s a nice feeling”
“I’m surprised Goldilocks isn’t with you”
“Hugo? He’s a little too sleepy”, the alchemist replied with a giggle, “he actually turned into a ball when I got up, it was cute”
“I’ll bet”
“It was, he’s such an adorable sleeper”
“Snuggly?”
“Very snuggly!” Varian stated happily, “and his sleep whistling is getting better, now he sounds like a bird!” The two snickered at that as they imagined the blond in a tiny blanket ball, whistling happily as he dreamed. The alchemist sighed before be looked at Adira, “what does your lullaby mean?”
“Hm? Oh, loosely translated, it means, ‘Sleep, sleep, my baby, Sleep well, my baby. Lullaby my baby, Sleep well, my baby. Lullaby my baby, Sleep well, my baby. Lullaby my baby, Sleep well, my baby. Lullaby my baby,Sleep well, my baby’
“Oh”
“Yeah, mind you, it’s a loose translation, I think the actual meaning isn’t more, ‘sleep, sleep my love, while I sing to you my baby’”
“That’s sweet”
“Thanks, it’s a nice lullaby”, Adira said, “what about yours”
“Mine is basically my mama telling me to keep dreaming. Basically, ‘ignore the world around you and dream beautiful dreams’”, he said, “she was saying she wanted me to keep hoping and dreaming and wishing, makes me happy to know that she did”
Adira smiled at the alchemist as she watched the Sun rise, they both sat in comfortable silence for a bit before they heard another voice call out to them, “there any reason why you’re up in a tree?”
Varian sighed, “never mind, he minds”, he stated, getting Adira to chuckle
“Varian”
“I heard you dad”, the alchemist replied, looking down to see his father looking up at them, “I’m spending time with Adira right now though, it’s why I’m up here”
“Adira’s up there?” Quirin asked
“Hi Stickler”, Adira said
“Yup that’s her, but son, you still shouldn’t be in a tree”
“I’m safe if that helps”, Varian tried, when he saw his father’s quirked brow, he sighed, “I have to come down, don’t I”
“I’m afraid so”
“Killjoy”
“Nugget”
“Evil jerkface!”
“Bratty stinkbomb!”
“Adira”, Adira stated, getting the two to look at her before laughing, she smiled, “small call back to when you did it Speckles”
“I remember, it was the Guy’s Night at the bar! I said Science beaker!” Varian exclaimed happily
“Right, a lot’s happened since then”
“Agreed, so much”
“Scuse me”, Quirin stated, “I know what you’re doing Adira, Varian needs to be out of the tree”
The freckled teen blinked before blushing and giggling, “you’re so sneaky”
“I try”, Adira stated with a smirk, “wanna make him mad?”
“I…. Dunno….. I don’t wanna be grounded”
“You can blame me”, she stated before she stood up and scooped the teen up
“Adira!” Quirin exclaimed
“Hang on tight!” The face painted warrior stated before she began jumping from tree to tree
The retired knight froze for a moment or two as he heard his son scream with joy before he sighed, “fine, I’ll play your game this once”, he stated to no one before he began to count to himself with a smirk on his face
Adira continued to bounce from tree to tree as Varian squeed with joy! He laughed as he held onto Adira, looking up at her, “this is so much fun!”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself”, Adira stated with a grin as she looked behind herself before jumping to another tree
“You think we lost him?” Varian asked
“Nope, hence why we keep jumping, he’s giving us a head start”, she stated as she jumped again
Varian raised a brow before he heard something, looking over his aunt’s shoulder, his eyes widened when he saw his father jumping, at amazing speeds, from tree to tree, he was catching up *fast*! “Eep!”
“He’s on the move then?” She asked before looking behind her, “oh shit! Ha HA!” She laughed before picking up the pace
Varian held on even tighter as Adira picked up speed, it almost felt like they were *flying* as the warrior barely *touched* the tree before jumping off!
Quirin didn’t slow down, in fact, he went *faster*! Not even shaking the leaves as he followed them! “We’re in *so* much trouble!” Varian stated anxiously
“Not necessarily, is he smiling?”
Varian looked and saw his father had a smirk on his face,’”smirking”
“He’s paying with us then, we’re not in trouble, though I want to win, so hang on!” She stated before skipping a few trees
“WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” Varian exclaimed as he laughed
They flew through the air together, his Moonpiece lighting up with joy as they did! Unfortunately, this ended up blinding Adira a little, she closed an eye before slipping, “oh no!” The face painted warrior’s eyes widened when she and Varian began to fall, the alchemist’s eyes closed as he couldn’t get himself to fly or teleport them!
They were falling quickly! Adira wrapping her arms around Varian before she saw a shadow, she smiled before throwing the teen in the air above her, he was scooped up easily, and so was she right before she hit the ground!
They didn’t stop flying through the air however! When Varian opened his eyes, he let out a breath of relief, “I’ve gotcha”, Quirin stated, “both of you”. Adira smiled as she allowed Quirin to carry her, the retired knight managed to slow himself down until he could land on a tree easily, “you two okay?”
“Yeah”, the face painted warrior replied as Varian hugged his father lovingly
Quirin returned the hug as he set Adira down on a branch, she dusted herself off before rubbing her eye, she noticed a branch in Varian’s hair and plucked it out before the teen broke the hug and looked at his dad, “are you angry?” He asked
Quirin chuckled, “no, it’s fine, I knew what Adira was doing”
Varian let out a sigh of relief before he looked at Adira, “sorry about the Moonpiece, I guess I got too excited”
“It’s alright Speckles, it’s been a while since Stickler’s chased me through the trees anyway, so it was bound to happen”, the face painted warrior explained with a smirk, getting Quirin to chuckle
“Dad’s done that before with you?”
“Yeah, it used to be a game we’d play. I used to bounce from tree top to tree top while he chased me. It started out as training, but it became a game after a while, it was fun! I missed doing that”
“Sentimental today Adira?” The Village Leader asked as he placed Varian on his back, getting the teen to giggle
“A bit”
“I see”
“Indeed”
Quirin chuckled, “you’re something else”
“I try”
Varian smiled, “I wanna learn how to do that someday, that was fun!”
“Hugo can do it”
“He CAN?!” Varian asked
“Yup, kept up with me pretty well too, that boy’s got some good qualities as a fighter”, she stated before looking at Quirin, “if it weren’t gone already, I’d recommend him for the Brotherhood, and Speckles too of course”
“Yeah… no”, Quirin stated, getting Adira to snort
“I could be a Brotherhood bean!” Varian stated, “Hector said I’d pass the trials”
Quirin quirked a brow, “he told you about them?”
“Yeah, was he not supposed to?”
“Well yeah he can, I’m just surprised, Hector’s pretty testy about those trials”
“Why?”
“I beat him”, Adira stated with a smirk
“It wasn’t a race”, Quirin corrected
“I still beat him”
The retired knight let out among, suffering, sigh as Varian giggled, “you know technically I beat *both* of you”, he stated
Adira laughed, “that’s true”, she said with a smirk, “Wild Child was last”
“But still one of the best!” Varian added, getting both of them to look at him
They smiled and nodded, “definitely one of the best”, Quirin agreed, “now how about we get certain stinkbombs *off* this branch and head in for some hot cocoa”
“Yeah!” Varian cheered, “plus we gotta wake up Hugo, he *needs* to tech me how to jump from tree to tree! I decree it!”
The retired knight looked at Adira, “what have you done?” He asked sarcastically
“My job”, Adira replied, getting the father son duo to laugh before all three got down from the tree and began walking back to the castle together!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I thought today was Mother’s Day, so I wrote the entirety of a Mother’s Day chapter before realizing it’s tomorrow. So I had to write and entirely new chapter, hence why this took me so long to get out despite the length, sorry XD
I love Adira, I think she’s really fun and she would be playful with those she holds near and see to her heart! Hence the adorable tree top chase and her and Varian just being adorable together!
Varian loves his aunt Adira! I love writing them together because she brings out a child like mindset for him, so does Hector and Edmund! But Adira brings out his playful side, it’s adorable and I love writing it! 😁
Poor Quirin XD this man cannot catch a break XD He will play along however, Adira brings out a playful side in Quirin too! ❤️🎶
Hugo is in for a very rude awakening XD this poor kid XD
Ruddy buddy is guessing the blind boyfriend like a good coon!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😁
Chapter 430: Mother’s Day!
Summary:
Varian seeks out comfort for Mother’s Day!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian walked through the halls early one morning. He let out a small sigh as he looked past the people he ignored before he managed to find the room of the person he was looking for. He gently knocked and waited, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy’s cheek lovingly as they waited
Suddenly the door opened to reveal a friendly face, “hey Hairstripes”, Eugene greeted with a smile before he noticed how the teen was acting, “you okay? You look….. Depressed”
“I….. E-Eugene today’s….. M-Mother’s day…..” Varian said softly before looking down, “I-it’s…. Hitting me really hard r-right now….”
The Captain was startled before he gave the teen a sympathetic smile, “you too huh?”
“Sorry….”
“It’s okay, come on in, truth be told I was actually gonna search for you, Quirin, dad, and Hugo earlier”, Eugene admitted with a sad chuckle as the alchemist walked inside his room. He shut the door before looking over at the teen, “I’ve got a nice bed and some snacks if you need to eat”
“You have snacks?” Varian asked as Ruddigar tilted his head to the side
“Yeah? Is that strange?”
“Nu…. I just…. Never took you for a snacky type”, Varian replied with a blush
“Why’s that?”
“Cause…. You’re healthy….”
Eugene snorted, “healthy people can still snack you squirt”
“I know, I just…. You’re the big brother that tells me when to stop working and get some food or sleep so I can be healthy”
“So that means I can’t snack?”
“Yes”
Eugene smiled as he walked over and ruffled the teen’s hair lovingly, getting the raccoon to hop off and go to his boy’s lap, “you’re a stinker you know that”
Varian giggled as he wriggled away from Eugene before fixing his hair, Ruddigar helping, “I’m aware of this fact about myself”
“Good to know, now do you want snacks, or are you still shocked that I’m a snacker?”
“If I say ‘both’, will that prevent me from having snacks?”
“No, but I’ll ruffle your hair again if you do”
“Oki, then I’m not shocked and would like snacks please”
Eugene smiled before he grabbed a few sweets he kept on hand, giving some to the teen, and an apple to Ruddigar, before sitting down next to him and eating a few of his own. Varian was quiet for a moment, save for the small, “thank you”, when given the sweets. He ate the snacks
The two sat in silence for a moment or three before Eugene spoke up, “so…. And this isn’t meant as a man remark or anything, but why didn’t you find Hugo or Quirin first?”
Varian looked at the man, petting his raccoon for comfort, “I….. know that dad would be more than willing to handle this with me, and we usually do! But….. Mother’s Day is really hard on him….. not only because he lost his original mom due to the plague, but because he lost Queen Eden…. Sorry”
“It’s okay”, Eugene said, “I’m kinda…. Used to her being gone…. So…. You can keep going”
Varian gave Eugene a sad look and hugged him, the Captain hugged him back before the two pulled away and, at Eugene’s gestured, continued, “….. h-he also lost mine….. he’s lost three moms in the span on *one* lifetime…. He gets *heartbroken* on this day…. I didn’t…. Wanna tell him how I’ve been feeling about it cause…. He’s already so…..”
“Depressed?” Eugene asked
“Yeah…. And Hugo *just* lost his mom…. Don’t get me wrong, I will never be able to forgive Donella for the things she did to my Hugo, ever, but…. Even I could see that she at least *tried* at the end…. I love my boyfriend, and when we got up today, I was gonna make it a point to be with him. But…. He said he wanted to be by himself for a bit. I wanna respect his wishes, especially given the circumstances, but…. I just….. I needed to….”
“Be with someone who understands, but isn’t too upset to make you feel bad for talking about it?” Eugene asked with a smile
“Yeah, as…. Selfish as that sounds….”
“Kid, that’s not selfish. You’re thinking about other people, you just told me you were planning on being with Hugo today, but he said he wanted to be alone, so you’re respecting that, and your father went through so much loss that you didn’t wanna add to that. That isn’t selfish, it’s…. Actually kinda sad that you feel like you’d only be adding to their burden…. You know you wouldn’t be…. Right?”
“I know for the most part….” Varian admitted as Ruddigar looked up at him sadly, “I won’t lie, I’m luckier than most, I have a dad that loves me, cares for me, and makes me happy every single day. Hugo didn’t have that, you didn’t either…. Nor did Lance…. I feel bad enough coming to you, but I…. I didn’t think Rapunzel would be the best person in this situation….”
Eugene tilted his head to the side, “why wouldn’t she?”
“Because…. She reminds me of a mom…..”
“She….. really?”
“Yeah….. it’s why I’m avoiding Queen Arianna too….. Both of them are very motherly. Rapunzel takes cares of me when I’m scared, she’s kind and warm and friendly, I mean I obviously see her as a big sister, but also…. Some part of me sees her as kind of a mother too….. and Queen Arianna…. Don’t get me started, she’s basically a mom to everyone, and…. I can’t…. Face them…. Right now….” Varian admitted, sniffling a little
“It’s alright Varian”, Eugene stated softly as he pulled the alchemist and raccoon closer to him, “it’s alright…”
The two were quiet for a moment, save for Varian’s sniffled before the door to Eugene’s room opened, “HELLOOO Eugene!” Lance exclaimed, Catalina and Angry posing dramatically for extra pizzazz, “just wanted to come by and ask if you wanted join us for a-!” He froze when he saw Eugene and Varian look at him, the alchemist’s singular tear dropped off his chin and onto the floor, “what’s wrong?”
“Lance, it’s Mother’s Day”
“I know, I was gonna invite you to a picnic to try and get rid of the Mother’s Day blues, but…. I see they found their way to you….” He said softly as he looked at the alchemist, “is he okay?”
“He’s…. Working on it”, Eugene replied
Lance gave Varian a sympathetic smile, “I get why you’re sad, do you want us to leave you two be?”
Varian wiped his face with his arm, sniffling a little, as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy, before he sighed and shook his head, “you don’t have to go, I’m just…. Emotional, sorry”
Eugene smiled at the alchemist before raising a brow at Lance, “what’s this about a picnic?”
The former thief grinned, “it’s a Mother’s Day boo hoo be gone picnic! Catalina and Angry came up with it a while ago!”
The two girls smiled as Angry explained, “we basically have a picnic, with all of our favorite food and snacks, then we remember our moms, and dad’s, since leaving out either one seems really stupid”
Catalina took over, “we basically talk about our memories with our parents, and if we don’t have any, we make up memories with the people we hope will adopt us”, she explained, “it’s a lot of fun and makes us feel better! It also works if you’ve had a mom that you lost and wanna talk about her, or maybe imagine what life would be like with her in it. At the end of the day, we light small lanterns, and let them go in honor of our parents”
Varian and Eugene were shocked by that before the Captain smiled, “you wanna invite *me* to something so special?”
“Yeah!” The girls exclaimed
“Varian, you can join too, there may be a few people that would wanna see you there anyway”, Catalina added with a smile, “we ran into them when we were looking for Eugene”
“Yeah, they seemed down, so we invited them”, Angry added, “you should come too V, it’ll be fun”
Eugene looked at the alchemist, “whatcha think kiddo?”
Varian looked up at the man before he looked at the three and smiled, nodding, “oki, are there any rules?”
“Only one”, Angry stated
Catalina nodded before she smiled sweetly at the alchemist, “you’re allowed to cry, and if anyone makes you feel bad for it, then they have to leave”
Varian was startled by that, but he smiled, his Moonpiece glowing as he stared at the two girls lovingly
****
The group had gotten a lot of food prepared, enough to feed a small party! They made their way out to the meadow when Varian froze at the people he saw, “dad”, he stated, “Hugo”
Quirin and Hugo both turned when they heard his voice, they smiled when they saw him, “hi Freckles”, the inventor replied with a sad smile
Varian ran over and hugged the pair, getting hugs back from the both of them. Eugene and Lance smiled at that as Catalina and Angry set the beaker full of food down. The alchemist pulled away and looked at the pair, “are you two okay?”
“We’re alright Bubby, we were actually looking for you”, his father replied
“You… were?”
“Yeah”, Hugo stated, “me and Quirin both took a minute to ourselves, but once that was done, we went to find you, apparently both of us felt bad about leaving you behind… sorry…..”
“I…. You *didn’t* leave me behind though, dad you didn’t even *tell* me you needed a minute, and Hugo, I get why you wanted one” Varian stated, “why would you two ever need to feel bad, I’m okay, really!”
Quirin sighed and knelt in front of Varian, so he was eye level, “me and Hugo feel bad because today’s Mother’s Day, the one day all three of us can understand each others grief. And while we’re grateful you gave us a minute, even if I didn’t tell you I needed one, we still felt like we left you behind because, we know you’re sad about her being gone too…..”
“B-but I don’t want you two to feel bad! I-it’s okay, you can take a minute to be sad, I…. I-I wouldn’t want you two to feel like y-you have to cheer up and be happy with me, n-never”
“We know Freckles”, Hugo replied, hugging his boyfriend lovingly, “we know, because you’re wonderful in every way, shape and form. But we still wanted to apologize either way”, he said, pulling away and looking at Varian
“Why?”
“Because we love you”, Quirin and Hugo stated together, as Ruddigar chittered happily on his boy’s shoulder, getting the teen to freeze before he smiled and hugged the pair lovingly
Eugene, Lance, Catalina, and Angry all smiled as they watched the four hug before they set out the picnic. It wasn’t too long before Adira, Hector, and Edmund joined them, all having gotten invited from Lance, Catalina, and Angry as well!
They all talked about their parents,‘mothers, fathers, and grandpa’s of every shape and size. They stayed at the picnic until the Sun went below the horizon and the Moon came out. The group lit up lanterns that they’d made together before allowing them to float freely into the air. They watched the lanterns fly as they found comfort in each other, wishing their loved ones well as the lanterns floated onto the
Notes:
Hello! Happy Mother’s Day! :D
This was fun to write! Though it was sad as well, but I hope those of you who don’t have their mothers with you anymore, I hope you know you’re not alone, your mother, no matter where they are, are always with you, proud of you every single day ❤️🎶
Here’s a chapter to celebrate today! To all of you who don’t celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful day no matter what!!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 431: Fluffy Brotherhood! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Varian can’t sleep, so he has a talk with his Grandpa!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Grandpa?”
Edmund blinked before he looked behind him, he smiled when he saw Varian standing there in his blue, starry pajama glory, “hello little peanut! What are you doing up so late?” He asked, fully facing the teen as he walked over
“I couldn’t sleep, had some things on my mind”
“Things? Like what?” The man asked before he scooped up the teen with both arms, hugging him lovingly before he went back to his work
“Oh just…. Things…. Like…. Moving….”
Edmund stopped and looked at the alchemist, “that’s been on your mind?”
“Yeah….”
“….Are you afraid?”
“Kinda…. Grandpa, what’s the Dark Kingdom like?”
The Dark King smiled, “it’s wonderful there! Kinda tough, but I’m planning on making it kinder. The people there are like family though, we all work hard to keep everyone safe. While it was stuck in the old ways before, we’re gonna change it!”
“How?”
Edmund grew excited as he showed Varian his project, “lookie here, this is my planning journal! I’ve got quite a few ideas on here already!”
“Hee hee! You made a rainbow! And…. Is that us? Holding hands together? With dad, Hugo, Adira, Hector, and Eugene?”
Edmund blushed, “wrong page”, he said before turning it and showing the teen
Varian smiled before he looked at the page, which was filled to the brim with ideas for buildings, new laws to be implemented, before his eyes landed on the holidays, “national Varian day?”
“Eheh, that’s uh…. Um….”
“Varian Street?” Varian asked as he looked at the buildings, “woah woah wait, there’s a Varian *store*?!”
Edmund closed the book and chuckled, “I think that’s enough of my journal”
The alchemist raised an amused brow, “Varian dolls?”
“……You’re snuggly”
“Grandpaa”
“I can’t help it! You’re adorable! I want you to be everywhere! I have a Eugene street and holiday too! Along with a Quirin farm, Adira orchard, and Hector petting zoo!”
“What about Hugo?”
“He’s got a Hugo library”
Varian grinned, “silly grandpa”
“Hey, it just proves my point, the Dark Kingdom is a family. No matter what, we’re close knit, and that’s how we’ve always been, even if things weren’t perfect back then. That’s what the Dark Kingdom stood for, family, nothing was more important than family”, Edmund stated as he hugged the teen
The alchemist hugged him back, “Im glad you’re my family grandpa, you’re the best grandpa in the world!”
“Thanks little peanut, you’re the best grandson in the world!”
Varian smiled before he looked at the closed journal again, “grandpa”
“Hm?”
“Would…. You be sad if we didn’t go to the Dark Kingdom?”
Edmund froze for a moment before he sighed and looked at his grandson, “I would be, but I would never pressure you, or Quirin, Moon knows that he’s already stressed about this choice”
“He…. Is?”
“Yes”, his Grandpa stated with a sad smile, “Quirin is very much a settler”, he stated, “when he’s comfortable, he likes to stay put, grow his roots, and live happily. He likes to make plans for a long term stay, because it’s easier for him to do. But when a big choice comes up, well….. he has a hard time making up his mind. He likes to be comfortable, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Though I do worry about him…. Makes me kinda wish I’d never brought it up…..”
Varian gave the Dark King a sad look, “I’m glad you did”
“You are? Even though it’s the sole reason you’re awake when you should be dreaming about great grand peanuts?”
“Yes an-Great Grand peanuts?!”
“Yeah! You and Hugo would make wonderful parents!”
Varian blushed, “grandpaaa!”
Edmund laughed, “oh I’m just kidding, though great grand peanuts would be nice to have”
Varian giggled, “you’re counting way too many eggs”
“Hm?”
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, it’s a parental dad quote”
“A parental dad quote?”
“Yeah, he has these quotes he tells me about to help me remember things, ‘don’t count your chickens before they hatch’, meaning, don’t get too excited for something that may not happen”
“Ah, I’ve just been Quirin’d!”
“Yes you have!” Varian giggled, getting his grandpa to chuckle
The Dark King smiled at his tiny grandson before he placed a gentle hand on the teen’s head, “it’s going to be okay”, he said softly, getting Varian to look at him with curiosity, “weather you move or not, know that you’ll never lose touch with your family, we’ll come bother you, Hugo, and Quirin anytime you need or want us, and even times when you don’t!” He chuckled, “we’ll be there, everytime. And while it will make me sad if you three-sorry *four*, almost forgot Ruddigar, don’t come to live there. I’ll be happy knowing that we can visit you, and you can come visit us! In fact, maybe that would be a good idea!”
“Huh?”
“A visit! Once everything is said and done with Cassandra, you, Quirin, Hugo, and Ruddigar all come and visit in the Dark Kingdom! It’s a little run down, but we still have buildings up, and there’s a lot of things we could show you that I think you’ll love! Plus, it’ll give you all a good chance to have a think about what you wanna do. You can’t rightfully make a decision about a place you’ve never been to before right?”
Varian thought about that before his eyes lit up with excitement, “you’re right! If me, dad, Hugo, and Ruddigar all go and visit, we could take the hot air balloon, it would be faster, and with my speedy modifications we’d get there in no time! Plus, we’d get to find out more about all of you guys! And dad of course! We could even take Eugene too!”
“He’s already been there”
“Oh… right I forgot, eheh”
“You okay?”
“Yeah, sorry, just, ya know, ya tend to not remember things that happened while you were stuck in jail…..”
Edmund gave his grandson a sad look and hugged him, “I’m sorry that happened to you….. it never should have…. While I will never speak ill of the dead, that was a horrible decision made….. it really was….”
Varian was startled, but hugged his grandpa back, “thank you”
“You’re welcome”
They stayed that way for a while before Varian broke the hugged and wiped his eyes a little, “a-anyway, eheh, even without Eugene, being able to see where all of you came from would be nice! And it would help make the choice a lot easier! I just have to rebuild the speed balloon is all, and that won’t take me long with Hugo’s help”
Edmund smiled, “then we should definitely start planning a trip, we’ll need a full guide to help you all figure out what you wanna see, oh! We need to ask Quirin!”
“Wait but dad’s asle-EEP!” The teen felt himself being scooped up as the Dark King took off, jogging through the castle before he found his way to Quirin, Varian, and Hugo’s room, he gently knocked before Varian could stop him, and when the door opened and revealed a very tired looking Quirin, the Dark King couldn’t help himself as he explained the talk the duo just had and their idea for the group visiting the Dark Kingdom
Quirin, for his part, managed to realize who was at his door and why pretty quickly, waking up enough to catch what his King was saying with an amused, yet tired, smirk on him save, gently quieting the man when he got loud enough to start disturbing Hugo, Olivia, and Ruddigar, who were all sleeping in the bed behind him. After a few minutes of explaining, the retired knight watched his king finish before he looked at his son, “couldn’t sleep?” He asked
“Nu…..” Varian replied, blushing as he smiled shyly at his father
The Village Leader chuckled before yawning, stepping out into the hallway after getting his work boots on, and closing the door to his room so they didn’t wake Hugo before he looked at his king, “that’s not a bad idea, a trip back home would be nice, and making plans for it would be a-*yawn*-Scuse me, good idea”, he said softly, “tough maybe we can discuss this when it’s not…..” he looked out a window and sighed, “around 4 In the morning?”
Edmund paused before looming out the window as well and blushing, “oops, eheh…. Sorry”
“It’s okay, it’s good to see you excited, though, could I have that back?” He asked, pointing to his son, “I think it needs to sleep now”
Edmund looked at the teen, who was blushing, but also yawning himself, he chuckled and kissed the alchemist’s forehead before handing him over to his father, “we had a really nice conversation Quirin”
“I’m sure you did”, the retired knight replied as he took his son and gently booped the teen’s nose, showing he wasn’t mad and getting Varian to smile tiredly up at him, “we can definitely make plans for a trip after all is said and done with Cassandra. It would be nice to have a few days, maybe even a week, to recuperate from that. For now however, how about we all get some sleep, yeah?”
“Good plan!” Edmund stated before he yawned, “oh no, I’ve been struck with the sleepy now too, darn it”
Quirin chuckled, “there’s only one known cure for the sleepy”
“I’m aware”
“Are you?”
“Yes, I’ll have you know I’m very capable of counteracting the sleepy thank you!” Edmund stated before he looked around, “…..I….. Forgot which room I was assigned to…..”
Quirin gave his King a sympathetic look, “the sleepy strikes again”
“It’s a dangerous ailment Quirin”
“So I see, Varian’s already working on the cure though, see?”
Edmund looked at his little peanut, only to smile wide when he saw the alchemist was fast asleep in his father’s arms, “such an adorable peanut. And he wonders *why* I wanna make a street for him”
“A what?”
“Never mind!” Edmund stated quickly before yawning again
Quirin smirked, “would you like to have an impromptu slumber party? There’s plenty of room”
Edmund looked at the retired knight, blushed, but nodded, “that would be good”
“Ok, come on in, just don’t wake the Hugo”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, butter nut needs his beauty sleep! Just like Eugene”
“Right”, Quirin opened the door to their room and walked inside, allowing Edmund entry as well before closing it quietly. He set Varian right next to Hugo, watching the blond instantly snuggle close to the alchemist, who smiled in his sleep. The retired knight grinned, kissing both of them on the cheeks before he turned to look at his king before freezing when he saw the man was already fast asleep as well, he’d managed to land in a chair and was snoring away
The retired knight chuckled before he placed a blanket over his king’s lap, a pillow behind his head, and planted a kiss on his forehead as well before whispering, “goodnight dad”, to him softly, making Edmund smile before the Village Leader returned to his own bed for the night.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, back to the fluffy Brotherhood, here’s Edmund in all of his grandpa glory! 😁🎶
I love Edmund, he’s such a sweet character who only wants to love on his family! Quirin gets his sitting father actions from Grandpa Edmund, change my mind! This man is just the epitome of the best grandpa, the more I write him, the more I fall head over heels for how adorable he is!!!!!!
Varian is a bean in this chapter, he’s just so cute and I love writing him during moments where he’s just being loved on! He deserves to be loved and taken care of for all eternity, and if that means I have to write chapters where he’s the doted in child, then so be it XD also, sassy boy is sassy XD
Quirin is the calm between the three other Dark Kingdom members, he’s got such a kind way with them, probably helped him become the calm and compassionate father he is now! He’s had to handle three excitable people for his entire life, so it’s no wonder than he’s been so calm and able to adapt to all of this!
Hugo being a snuggly sleeper is adorable to me XD
Also, the Dark Kingdom trip shall be coming soon! First, we must deal with Cassandra’s trial :3
Ruddy buddy is best coon, even if he didn’t make an appearance this chapter ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 432: Fluffy Brotherhood! (Part 4!)
Summary:
Quirin, Varian, and Hugo head back to Old Corona, back to their old home, and find the place has been fixed before refilling through some old memories!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hoooome, home on the raaaaange!“
“Hugo-!”
“Where the deeeer and the antelope plaaaaay!”
“Hugo-!”
“Where seldom is heard-!”
“Hugo-!”
“A discouraging word-!”
“*Hugo*-!”
“And the skies are not cloudy all daaaaaaay-!”
“HUUUUUUGOOOOO!”
The blond inventor laughed as he grinned at his boyfriend, who had quirked a brow at him, “what?”
Varian sighed before smiling, “you’re a brat”
“Learned from the best!”
The alchemist rolled his eyes before looking at his father, who seemed a little annoyed at the song, “sorry, he’s being a stinker”
“I know”, Quirin stated with a sigh, “maybe don’t choose a stereotypical country song though please?”
“Yeah sure, are you genuinely annoyed because I only meant it as a joke?” Hugo asked
“I know you did, sorry, I get irritated with stereotypical country bumpkin stuff like that”
“Why?”
“Been called it the entire time I’ve been a farmer”
“Ah, sorry”
“it’s alright, I realize you were only joking”, Quirin stated, ruffling Hugo’s hair and getting the inventor to giggle a little
Varian smiled at the pair before he sucked in a breath of fresh air, “ahhhh, I missed the smell of Old Corona”
“What would that smell be exactly?” His father asked with a sassy smirk
Varian returned the expression with a sassy one of his own, “horse stables and apples”
“Varian”
“Hee hee, just kidding, it smells like plants, not just flowers either, but trees, fruit, just…. Nature!”
“Yeah”, Quirin agreed, “I’m glad the princess didn’t need us to do anything today, I miss home”
“I miss it too”, Varian stated, “so did Ruddigar, right buddy?”
The raccoon on Varian’s shoulder chittered happily as he sniffed the air himself. Olivia was sitting on his head, she smiled and sniffed as well, the sweet scent of apples wafted through her and she let out an excited squeak
“Don’t worry Liv, once we get to the house we’ll grab you some food”, Hugo stated as he gently pet the cybernetic mouse with his finger
She let out a happy brr before continuing to sniff the air
“Where’d you get this carriage anyway dad?” Varian asked as he looked at the vehicle they were currently in
“Left it at the castle by mistake when you were kidnapped”, his father replied, “we took the castle carriage back home remember?”
“Oh yeah”
“Is that why Prometheus is the one pulling us back home?” Hugo asked
“Yup”, Quirin replied, “the castle staff said he’s been a good donkey though, so they’re really didn’t mind taking care of him for the while that he was there”
“That’s good”
Varian smiled widely as he saw their home come into view, “home sweet home! Been a while”
“It has”, Hugo agree, “ya think your room’s gotten any cleaner since we’ve been gone?” He teased
“Ah ha, ah haha, you’re *very* funny”
The inventor snickered as they entered the fence into their home. All three men put the carriage away and place Prometheus in his stable, giving him a bunch of treats for a job well done before they went inside. The three of them smiled as they looked around their home, “the volunteers really did a nice job fixing it up”, Hugo stated as he looked at the refurbished walls
“They did”, Quirin agreed, “Varian, you helped them with this didn’t you?”
“Yeah! I have them blueprints and layouts of where everything was in the house. The volunteers said they’d do it justice, I can’t believe they were kind enough to fix everything”, Varian stated happily
They three walked around the home, checking their rooms and revisiting old spots they hadn’t been to in a while. Hugo and Varian had traveled to Varian’s old lab, and found the place to be completely empty of the liquidized amber, or any trace of Varian’s misdeeds with the black rocks. Instead they saw a new shelf filled with experiments and potions the alchemist created! The two began to shift through them before they heard, “OH MY GOODNESS!” From Quirin upstairs
“Dad?!” Varian called anxiously, when he didn’t get a reply, Hugo and he exchanged worried glances before they booked it upstairs!
When they made it to the top of the steps, they saw Quirin kneeling on the floor, “QUIRIN!” Hugo yelled as they ran over
“Hm?” The retired knight turned to look at them, “are you two okay?”
Both scientists skid to a halt, “y-you yelled ‘OH MY GOODNESS’ and are kneeling on the g-ground!” Varian stuttered as Ruddigar and Olivia hoped off and sniffed the man
“Yeah, we thought you’d fallen or something!” Hugo stated
Quirin blushed, “oh my, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you two”, he said, fully facing them and hugging them both, “apologize for that, I yelled, ‘oh my goodness’, because the volunteers that fixed out home found a few boxes I haven’t seen in *years*!” He stated before he showed the teens
The boxes were old and dusty, but all of them had three words written on them, ‘Bubby’s Baby Stuff’
Hugo grinned, “awwww! Are these tiny Freckles belongings?”
“Yup! I set these in the attic a while ago, I pulled them out to do some reorganizing when Serenity was here, but couldn’t get through all of them! I finally have a chance to go through these again”
“Yay….” Varian stated, blushing as he did
“Aw come on Freckles!” Hugo stated, “I never got to see your old stuff”
“I know, but dad gets all sentimental and I get a little embarrassed….”
Hugo smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, “if it helps any, I won’t make fun of you for any of this”
The alchemist sighed and smiled back at his boyfriend, “oki”
“Yay!” Quirin and Hugo stated before the retired knight opened the first box and grinned, “oh I remember this!” He stated before pulling out a tiny Flynn Rider hair brush
Varian smiled when he saw it, “that was my very first brush right?”
“Yeah, me and your mom found it at the market place one day, and I couldn’t resist!”
“Oh wait, there’s baby Varian hair still on it!” Hugo pointed out as he pointed to a few black and blue hairs inside the bristles of the brush
“Bubby hair!” Quirin exclaimed excitedly
“Dad”, Varian said with a giggle
“Hugo lookit how tiny”, Quirin stated as he grabbed a piece of hair and showed it to the blond
“Awwwww!” Hugo exclaimed, “it’s a bitty baby hair!”
“It is!”
Varian sighed before he looked over and noticed something peeking out of the box, his eyes widened before he walked over and picked it up, “is this-!”
“Hey, your blankie!” Quirin stated happily when he saw the blanket
“I…. Thought the bullies took this away”
“I got it back”, Quirin stated, “I wasn’t able to for a while, and when I did get it back, you’d moved on and I’d made you patches, your stuffed raccoon, so I placed your blankie in a box just in case you ever needed it again”
Varian blinked before smiling as he remembered the nights spent with his blankie, “seems like a special blanket there Freckles”, Hugo stated
“It is”, Varian replied happily, “I used to carry my blankie with me everywhere! My mama made it for me”, he said softly, “she made it from some really soft materials and it’s always smelled like her, I wonder…” he sniffed the blanket before he grew teary eyed, “it *still* smells like her! It’s smells like autumn leaves and syrup! That’s my mama’s smell!”
Quirin smiled as Hugo got up and hugged his boyfriend lovingly. Varian held the blanket close to him and smiled happily before he looked at his father, “what else is in there?”
“Oh so *now* you’re interested”, Quirin sassed
Varian hugged Hugo back before they broke the hug, he kissed the blond’s cheek before smirking at his father, “yes I am”
“Oh, well all it took was finding something that you loved”
Varian giggled, “you’re a brat too”
“I try”, his father stated before he rummaged through the box again, “oh hey, remember this?” He pulled out a tiny apron
“My first scientist apron!” Varian exclaimed as he and Hugo sat next to Quirin and grinned, “wow, it’s so small”
“Yeah, you were tiny back then”
“How old were you when you got this?” Hugo asked
“Hmmmm…. 2? 3 maybe?”
“Around there yeah”, Quirin confirmed with a warm smile
“That’s fuckin adorable!” Hugo stated
“Hee hee, oh hey! Dad lookit!” Varian rummaged through the box until he pulled out an old pair of goggles that looked exactly like his, though they were slightly smaller and had thicker lenses
“Oh hey, my goggles”, Quirin stated with a smile as he took them, “been wondering where those have been”
“You have a pair of goggles?” Hugo asked
“Yeah, I used to go inside Ulla’s lab all the time, so she had a pair of goggles made for me so I’d be safe. When she left, I’d go down there with Varian, either to check on him, because this little stink kept sneaking down to his mother’s lab, or to help him with a project when her lab became his”
“Ah, that’s actually really nice!”
“It was for a while, but…. Then work got a little too hectic and…. I started to make more time for *it* instead of Varian…. And….”
“It’s okay dad”, Varian softly, hugging his father, “I’m not mad at you for that, and I’ve forgiven you already, it’s okay, we’re better now”
Quirin hugged his son back, “thank you”
“You’re welcome”
“What’s thi-!” They heard Hugo begin to say before he grew silent. They father son duo looked over at him before chuckling as they saw him staring at a tiny glove that Varian used to wear. They saw the inventor gently holding it between his index finger and thumb as his eyes grew wide with love and adoration for the tiny article of clothing, “so small!” He squeaked
Varian blushed as Quirin snickered, “he was a very tiny baby back then, that glove was when he was five years old actually”
“Eeee!” Hugo squeed
Quirin laughed as Varian sighed, “you’re so cute Hugo”, the retired knight stated with a smile
Varian blew some of his bangs out of his face before he opened a new box and looked inside, “what’s this-AAAAAH!” The teen freaked out and backed up a bit
Quirin quirked a brow before he looked inside and chuckled before he gently grabbed the thing Varian had been holding. It was a small baggy, there was a bloodied tissue in there, the father smiled sympathetically at his son, “sorry, I should’ve warned you about this”
“W-what the *HELL* is in t-that bag?!”
“Varian!”
“THERE’S BLOODY TISSUES DAD!”
Quirin sighed before he gently grabbed one of the tissues and unwrapped whatever was inside, showing a tiny tooth, “it’s a baby tooth of yours”, he stated
“I-what?”
“It’s your baby tooth son, I think this one was a canine if I’m not mistaken”, Quirin stated, “you lost it when you bumped into that tree while trying to make a faster traveling vehicle for kids to use, what did you call them? Roll…. Roller….”
“Rollerskates?” Varian asked, “that was the tooth that got knocked out when I tested my rollerskates? But I thought the tooth fairy took it”
“Well…. She technically did, see, I was up late that night when I saw her”, Quirin stated, Hugo growing quiet as he listened, “she looked very tired and seemed stressed. When I asked her what was wrong, she said there’d been a lot of kids who’d lost their teeth that day, her bag was full and she wasn’t able to take yours. I offered to help, so she handed me the coin you got from the tooth and asked me to hold onto it for her. I did her the favor and kept the tooth nice and safe until the day she would return. But every time she did, I was asleep, so I couldn’t return it”
“Oh”, Varian said softly, his eyes wide with wonder as he looked at the tooth, “b-but she won’t be mad right?” He asked innocently, Hugo smiled
“No she won’t be mad, after all, she came back any time your tooth fell out didn’t she?” Quirin asked
“I guess that’s true….. M-Maybe I should put it under my pillow with a note telling her what happened? She may have enough space now, right?”
Quirin chuckled before nodding, “that’s a good idea Bubby, how about we do that together yeah?”
“Oki!”
Hugo giggled a little before he looked through a few more boxes, “oooh! What’s this?”
The duo looked and saw him pull out a rattle, it was midnight blue and had stars sparkling on it, “that’s Varian’s rattle”, Quirin stated with a smile, “he used to shake that thing all day long! If you look even deeper, his pacifier should be in there as well”
Hugo looked and smiled, “yup! Tiny, blue, pacifier, right here!” He showed the midnight blue pacifier with the same star pattern on the handle, “it looks well used”
“I uh…. Didn’t stop using the pacifier until I was…. Um…. 3…..” Varian admitted
Hugo blinked before he smiled, “that’s okay, I used to suck my thumb, didn’t stop for a while myself, until I was 4 actually”
Varian looked at Hugo, “really?”
“Yeah, it’s a comfort thing when you’re a kid. You suck on a pacifier, or you’re thumb, to find comfort”
“Oh, well that’s good to know”
Quirin smiled at the pair until he gasped, “Bubby! Look!” He pulled out a bunch of pieces of paper with a *gigantic* grin on his face as he rifled through each one, “these are all the pictures you drew!”
Varian and Hugo scooted closer to the man, “they are?” Varian asked excitedly
“Yeah! Look! There’s you and me!”
Hugo snorted, “you both look like potato people!”
“Hey, I was still working on my style”, Varian defended, “what age was I?”
“Hang on, I wrote it one the back”, Quirin turned the page over, “yup! You were 2 years old!” He stated
“Woah! Only two?” Hugo asked, “ok, I take back my potato people comment ya fuckin scholar”
“A-thank you!” Varian stated, “ooh! Look dad! There’s you, me, and mama!”
“Yup, you really liked drawing her red hair”
“It was pretty!”
Quirin grinned before he saw another drawing, this one when Varian was 6, or himself working out in the fields with a tiny Varian on his shoulders, “I remember that day, you fed the pigs by yourself for the first time”
“Yeah! I was so proud of myself too!” Varian giggled
“Judging from the travesty that is King Edmund when *he* feeds the pigs, I’m not surprised you were proud”, Hugo joked, getting the father son duo to chuckle
“He’s getting better”, Quirin stated
“Yeah, this time he doesn’t run, he actually freezes!” Varian added
“True true”, Hugo agreed before he saw a picture of himself, “huh?” He picked up the picture before looking at the back, “wait…. 7? But…. This is me”
Varian blinked before he looked at the picture, “oh! That was my…..”
When the alchemist stopped talking, Quirin and Hugo looked at him, “Varian?” His father asked
“…..my imaginary friend….” Varian finished, “I….. had four growing up…… Flynn Rider was first, I added Lance Strongbow after, animated him to look just like Lance based off a dream I had…..” This made Hugo and Quirin’s eyes widen, “then when me and Faith played princess rescue as Flynn Rider, I imagined her to be a blond princess who was lost from her kingdom…… and when I was 7 I had a dream about a blond boy named Hugo…. We both were into science and used to bounce ideas off each other…. He disappeared one day when I began to figure things out on my own, but I always felt like I’d meet him again someday, like ice meet all of them again someday….. and…. I did…..” he looked at Hugo, “you look exactly like him….. and I’ve already said Eugene was my Flynn Rider, Lance looks exactly like my Lance Strongbow, and I always thought of him as more of a emotional healer…. And Rapunzel…. Do I even need to go into *detail* about her?” He asked
Quirin and Hugo shook their heads as Ruddigar, who’d been asleep on a few boxes with Olivia, let out a yawn as he woke up and looked at his boy
Varian looked up towards the sky, he knew he wouldn’t be able to see it through the roof, but he felt like she knew he was looking at her, “Moon….. did you give me visions of them when I was a kid?” He asked
His eyes began to glow, as did his Moonpiece before he heard something whisper in the winds then began to blow through his hair. Suddenly it all stopped as a piece of paper fell on his head, he plucked it off of him and looked before he let out a breathy laugh, “yes”, he said
“What?” Quirin asked
“Yes, she gave me visions of them dad! Look!” He showed his father a picture he’d drawn of all his imaginary friends together with him and Quirin, “I drew them all with us! This…. I was supposed to meet them! I knew them before I was supposed to! I-!” He stopped and looked at Hugo with a smile, “I met you in my mind before I met you physically”
The blond blinked before he blushed and smiled, “so… we were always meant to be together?”
“Maybe not in the same way, we could’ve become friends or even enemies! I remember dreaming about meeting you after all of this! I was…. Searching for totems of some sort and you stole the one I’d found, I was with Yong in a cave, I had a staff in my hand that you called a magic wand before disappearing by using a smoke and stink bomb mix and taking the totem with you”, the alchemist explained, “then there was another one where you were a werewolf and I met you but got bitten by a vampire, you took me to your cave and I met Donella there, she healed me and I had to find a way to kill the vampire that bit me in order to go back to normal”
“Those are…. Interesting dreams”
Varian snorted, “I mean, I liked them a lot, because I got to fall in love with you all over again! It was nice”, he stated, getting the blond to smile, “I guess this goes with the me knowing how you felt before you told me dad”, he added, looking at his father
“I guess so, you were always a special bean with Moon powers, that’s amazing to know”, Quirin stated with a smile
Varian gave his father a warm smile before he looked down, “I’m…. Sorry I was so grumpy about looking at this stuff again…. I…. Get embarrassed easily and-!”
“It’s okay son”, Quirin said softly, hugging his alchemist, “even if you were embarrassed, you never stopped me, and you had fun, didn’t you?”
“Yeah!”
“Then that’s all that matters to me”
Varian hugged his dad happily, Quirin pulling Hugo into the embrace as well and getting the blond to laugh a little before all three shared a group hug. After a moment, they let go and smiled at each other before Varian looked at the boxes, “I’m getting hungry but….” He looked up at his dad, “can we look at some more later?”
Quirin chuckled and nodded, “absolutely”
Varian smiled excitedly before all three of them began to clean up. Once everything was put away, they had dinner and enjoyed each other’s company for the rest of the night, the familiarity of their home making all three men feel at peace as they settled back into it for the first time in months!
Notes:
Hello! :D
This ends the Fluffy Brotherhood saga! We had to end it on Quirin, there was no way I wasn’t going to!
I love Quirin, he’s an amazing dad and I just love having him remember the good old days with Varian!
Varian is an innocent bean in certain areas, Santa and the Tooth Fairy are real and no one shall shatter that! He also learns more about his powers and himself!
Hugo is a bean himself, I love him interacting with these two! I like having him just be apart of the family, he fits so well here! ❤️🎶
If you caught the references, please let me know 😁🎶
Ruddy buddy and Olivia take the cake for the best animals in this chapter! Itty Bitty and Sassy are still around by the way, they’re just chilling in their bowl at the moment
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😁
Chapter 433: It’s Coming!
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, and Quirin are all relaxing before they get told some very bad news regarding Cassandra’s trial….
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It’d been a few days since Hugo, Varian, and Quirin had come back home. They settled back into their old routines quite easily, soon enough the retired knight was back to work, Hugo and Varian were back to experimenting, and everything was as it should be….. Until there was a knock at the door one night….
All three people were sitting in the living room with their animal companions, Ruddigar and Olivia were playing together and Itty Bitty and Sassy were swimming with Quirin’s plush fish as he made the doll swim with them. The knock interrupted their time together as the Village Leader set down the plush and walked to the door, “it’s kinda late, I wonder who that could be”, Varian stated as he and Hugo looked up from the Flynn Rider book they were reading together
“I’m not sure”, Quirin stated, “I guess we’ll see”, he opened it up, only to find two very anxious looking males and a extremely worried female on his step, “Eugene? Lance? Rapunzel? What are you three doing so late?”
The three were silent for a moment or two before Eugene sighed and stepped forwards, holding out a piece of paper to the Village Leader, “to… talk about this…..” he said softly
Quirin quirked a brow before he took the paper and opened it:
‘To the house of Vanguard,
I hereby summon Quirin Vanguard and Varian Vanguard, to be-!’
“No Hugo?” Varian interrupted
“I guess not, which is fine, since they probably wouldn’t know what to put for my last name”, Hugo stated
“What *is* your last name? I can’t believe I never asked you that”
“Its fine love, I don’t have one, when my parents gave me up I lost it. I was merely the cleaner for the former Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr, and Don never gave me her last name when she took me, she was going to, but that was before she tried to take you. When she came back that was the last thing on her mind, so I never got one”
“…..Well you’ll definitely get one, definitely”, Varian stated, hugging his boyfriend, who smiled and hugged him back lovingly
Quirin cleared his throat at the two, both blushed before remaining quiet, the retired knight chuckled at them before he continued to read it:
‘…..Varian Vanguard, to be witnesses at the trial of one, Cassandra Abider. The trial will be a sentencing trial for the crimes she’s committed against Corona itself.
There is no date set for the trial of the Dark Kingdom, there shall be soon and Quirin Vanguard and Varian Vanguard shall be witnesses to that trial too.
The current trial in Corona will be overseen by Queen Arianna, the witnesses will have a defender by the current Captain of the Royal Guard, Horace Esmeray-!’
“Esmeray?” Hugo asked as he looked at Eugene
Varian smiled, “it means ‘Dark Moon’! I’m not surprised considering he’s the Prince of the Dark Kingdom”
“Ah”
“Scuse me you two”, Quirin stated with a smirk
“Sorry”, Hugo said with a blush as Varian giggled
Quirin chuckled at the pair before he continued:
‘Horace Esmeray. The defendant, Cassandra Abider, will also have a defender, by the former Captain of the Royal guards, Christopher Abider.
The trial is set for this upcoming Sunday, at 10:00AM, and will work as a witness questioning trial, wherein, the defender of Cassandra Abider, Christopher Abider, will hear out the witnesses testimony’s and will question their honesty and/or relativeness to the court.
In that same notion, the witness’s defender, Horace Esmeray, will defend the witness’s claims with questioning of his own until the truth comes out, the story revealed, and so the Queen can make a fair and honest judgement.
If you are caught lying in court you will be punished accordingly, wear formal attire to this gathering. Service animals are allowed at this court provided you have the proper paperwork.
This is not an optional appearance, all of the named witnesses *must* attend to make this trial fair and just.
Praise the Sun,
Queen Arianna’s personal Advisor,
Nigel’
The room was *deathly* silent before Quirin growled, “are you kidding me?” He asked, looking at Eugene
“I know Quirin….. That’s why all three of us are here…..” The Dark Prince stated, “Adira was the one who brought it to my attention, she got hers right before yours was about to be delivered. I asked if I could hand deliver it, and as long as I had Rapunzel with me, it was approved. Lance came with because he knew he’d need to be here…..”
“I understand why you’re the public defender, you’re the current Captain, but…..”
“I know…”
“There was nothing I could do to change it”, Rapunzel stated softly, “I tried to talk to my mom, but even *she* couldn’t do anything. She asked all the other public figures and none of them would defend Cassandra, I’m a witness so I can’t-!”
“*Eugene’s* technically a witness too!” Hugo pointed out angrily as he held Varian close to him, “so is the fucking former Captain!”
“Yes but, the original Captain wasn’t there for all of Cassandra’s deeds, and he claims to only have justice in his mind. That and I’m not biased in anyone’s favor, as a Captain of the Royal guards, I’m not allowed to be, but I have enough knowledge of the situation that I can still defend you all about it”, Eugene responded, “also, I’m not being called as a witness because I’m not a victim”
“The fuck?”
“So…. The only people who are taking the stands are the ones Cassandra’s *victims*. The ones she *chose* to go after, you, Quirin, Varian, Rapunzel, Adira, Hector, and my dad. Me and Lance weren’t the ones she was after, we just happened to be in her way, same thing as Catalina and Angry, they were *there*, but they’re aren’t *victims*, that’s…. How they’re doing that”
“That so fucking *STUPID*!” Hugo snapped, “there were *hundreds* of witnesses, and the court isn’t gonna call them out because she didn’t ‘purposefully attack them, they just *happened* to be in her way”?! Is…. Is *that* why I’m not a witness?!”
“Yeah….” Rapunzel replied, “it was the former Captain’s idea and he made a valid argument for it…..”
“What argument could he have *possibly* made to make that okay?!”
“He said that since this wasn’t a hearing where we decide Cassandra’s guilt, we didn’t need witnesses to speak to prove what she did was true, they only need to victims to speak and say how they were impacted by her actions. My mom couldn’t find a way to adequately argue that point, so the decision was made. As much as she and I both hate it, this has to be fair in both sides…..”
“That…. I….. DAMN IT! That fucking technicality is so….” Hugo huffed, trying to calm down as he held onto Varian, seeing his boyfriend was growing more and more anxious
“It…. Doesn’t help that, since he’s a public figure still, considering he *was*the Captain, and the only one who would defend her, my mom’s hands were tied….. She did make a point to tell me she would include any service animals, and has the ability to place breaks when needed in this trial since it *is* a sentencing trial and *not* a regular trial in which someone is found guilty or not, so there’s that, but…..”
The retired knight sighed before he looked at Hugo and Varian, the blond inventor was still hugging his boyfriend close, he was glaring however, sharing Quirin’s feelings about the matter as Varian stared at the ground in shock, “Varian….” Quirin said softly
Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance looked at the teen and flinched at the sniffle he gave, “can I come in?” Lance asked
“Yeah, sorry, all three of you can”, Quirin stated
“Thanks”, Lance replied with an understanding smile as all three of them stepped inside before Lance walked over to Varian and kneeled in front of him, “hey little man”, he said softly, “talk to me, what’s goin on right now?”
The alchemist was quiet for a moment or two before he sighed, “m-my head’s f-fuzzy….. Thoughts aren’t s-sticking…..”
“Can you breathe?”
“B-barely….”
“Can you see?”
“K-kinda….”
“Kinda?”
“Tears….”
“Right…. Ok, so havin an episode, that’s okay, just try to ground yourself, you remember how?”
“I….. W-walk me through it?”
“Yeah I can do that, I’m gonna touch your left hand, okay?”
“O-oki”
Lance gently touched Varian’s left hand, “can you feel my hand in yours?”
“Uh-huh”
“Try to squeeze it”
“I can’t…”
“Yeah you can, try just a little bit more, you can do it, I know you can”, Lance encouraged
Varian tried and managed to squeeze Lance’s hand, “I did it”
“Yeah you did, that’s a pretty hard squeeze too!” Lance stated, getting the teen to giggle a little, “try again okay? Give my hand one more squeeze, hardest you can do”
“Oki”
Varian squeezed Lance’s hand, this time stronger, “ow, man you don’t play around do ya?” Lance joked, getting Varian to giggle even more, the former thief smiled, “look out everyone, we got a Mr. Muscles walking around over here!” He called out, getting the alchemist’s giggles to grow, “I mean my gosh, you been workin out? I don’t wanna even *try* to bet against you in an arm wrestle!”
Varian was laughing at this point, his tears dripping off of his face as he continued to giggle and laugh at Lance’s jokes. The group was put at ease by this as they watched the pair with warm smiles until the freckled teen’s laughter died down, “heh heh, t-thanks Lance, I needed thahat”
“Anytime little man”, Lance replied, giving Varian a moment to calm down before he spoke up again, “are you alright?”
“I….” Varian let out a breath as he let go of Lance’s hand, holding Hugo’s instead, “I have to be”
“It’s okay if you’re not though”
“I know, thank you, I just… I…. I knew this was coming…. Cassandra’s trial is gonna be a mess…. It was always going to be…. Having the former Captain as her defender though….. It’ll be hard…. Harder than ever…. Especially since I still can’t look him in the eye…. But…. I have to…. I can’t run away or cry or freak out, I have to do this, she needs to face what she’s done, and maybe… Maybe that sentiment alone will help?”
“Is it?” Hugo asked
“….Nu, but maybe it will later?”
Hugo gave Varian a worried glance, “I’ll be with you”, Quirin stated gently, “and from the sounds of it, so will Adira, Hector, and King Edmund too, and Rapunzel”
“And Ruddigar’s allowed inside the trial as well, you’ve got his service animal paperwork yeah?” Eugene asked
“Always”, Quirin stated as he pulled out the papers and showed Eugene
“That helps, a lot”, Varian stated, smiling at his father as the raccoon in question hopped onto his boy’s shoulders while Olivia climbed onto Hugo’s. Both animals nuzzled their respective boy lovingly, getting scritched in return for their affection
“Kiddo….. I came here not only to warn you about the former Captain, but to make sure you knew…. The man’s going to try anything he can to lighten Cassandra’s sentencing…. Because of that, he may bring up….. Certain incidents….” Eugene stated gently
Varian looked at the man, “I….. I know…. The former Captain is going to bring up my past actions…. He’ll bring up the amber too….. and my punishments….. I…. I’m never going to be prepared for that…. But I will do what I must to keep my composure”
“Are you going to be okay?” Rapunzel asked
“No”, the alchemist stated honestly, “I won’t be okay. This trial is going to be very hard, it may even cause me to have several episodes of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and it’ll make me *very* angry….. I’m not going to lie and say I’m fine with the former Captain being the defender of his renegade daughter. That man beat the ever loving *shit* out of me, tortured me, guilted me, LASHED me, and never even *once* tried to apologize for what he’s done. He’s biased no matter what he may say, I don’t give a damn if he swears it to the Moon herself, she and I *both* know he’s doing this to save his fucking daughter’s skin!” Varian snapped, his hair, eyes, and freckles glowing brightly as he spoke before he took a breath, calming down and getting his features back to normal with the exception of the glowing Moonpiece, “but…. I won’t give him the satisfaction of me backing down or shutting up. He’ll hear my statements and my *family’s* statements and she *will* get a proper punishment for all she’s done. I’ll make sure she does….. Even if that means I have to face that man again…..”
Eugene smiled and nodded, “let me be your voice Varian”
“Huh?”
“I’m your defender, I’m Quirin’s Adira’s, Hector’s, my dad’s, and Rapunzel’s as well”, he stated, “I’m gonna make *damn* sure that Cassandra knows what she’s done, that your voice, and theirs”, he gestured to Quirin, “won’t be silenced. Let me be your voice, we’ll do it together, team Awesome forever, right?” He offered his hand out to the alchemist
Varian smiled, “right”, he took Eugene’s hand and they did their secret handshake together
Quirin smiled at the pair before he looked at Eugene, “thank you”, he stated, “this trial will be hard on everyone, myself included, and I know, Rapunzel, that this is definitely effecting you”
The princess blushed before sighed and chuckled nervously, “I mean, it’s not everyday you…. Talk about all the bad things your friend did to you….” She replied sadly as Varian and Hugo walked over and the alchemist took her hand, giving her a comforting squeeze, one she returned with a warm smile
“Right…. I’m sorry it’s come to this”, Quirin stated
“Not your fault”
“Still….” They shared a sympathetic look with each other, both understanding the other before the Village Leader looked back at Eugene, “knowing you’ll be our defender does help quite a bit”
“I’m more than happy to help”, Eugene said, “it’ll be my first trial as a defender, but I’ve read up on the rules and have a few tricks up my sleeve”
“Should you all practice?” Hugo asked
“That’s against the rules”
“Ah, well shit”
The group laughed at the blond’s statement as Varian hugged his boyfriend lovingly. The group seemed much calmer than they were beforehand, the group being allowed to stay over night since it was much too late for them to go back to the castle. The trial hung over everyone’s heads, but they’re decided to try and relax before it came, knowing full well that it would definitely be a very hard day for everyone in the room…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s more information about the upcoming trial, it’s gonna be crazy when it happens considering all who are involved!
Poor Varian just can never catch a break, but he’s not backing down either, this is gonna be a final showdown between him and Captain a*shole, it’s gonna be fun to write too!
Hugo is being the best boyfriend! He’s such a good boy and I can’t wait to write more about him, this trial though is definitely gonna test his patience as well
Lance being the best Lance in the whole Lance world!!!!!! Eugene as well, they’re the best big brothers ever!
Quirin is getting better with Rapunzel, vice verse on the princess’s side too! It’s gonna be a hard trial for these two as well, this is gonna be a hard trial for everyone involved
Ruddy buddy and Olivia being the best animals ever! Also, Itty Bitty and Sassy appearance! Woot!
Thank you all so much for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶😁
Chapter 434: Reflection!
Summary:
Varian’s anxious about the trial tomorrow, so much so that he has the most terrible dream!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
Trigger Warning:
Contains trauma and depictions of torture, please be warned
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Tomorrow…. That was all he could think as he studied the mirror before him. The outfit he was wearing was a suit he hadn’t worn in a very long time. It had the Coronan Sun symbol on the front, yellow and bright. As he tightened his tie around his neck, he felt the air suddenly slip from his lungs, he loosened the knot and suddenly felt very vulnerable. He took the offensive choker off and felt disgusting….. Groaning he gave into his fate as he stared at the mirror again. His hair was a mess of black and blue, he was far too nervous to straighten it, but felt worse that he hadn’t taken core of the problem at all
He glared at his reflection, *you’re a mess*, it said, *look at you! Wrinkled suit, no tie, hair’s a mess, bags under your eyes, and don’t even get me started on your breath!*
He didn’t respond, arguing with it only made it louder anyway
*Ignoring me again? You know that never works right? I always win when it comes to our little chats, because you know I’m right*
He stayed quiet
*Tch! Typical…. You said you’d be okay, that you’d force yourself to be okay during this trial, they all believed you! The hell do you call this?! You’re a disgusting mess and they’re all gonna see it! Damn it, why do you always do this?!*
He whimpered softly, he hadn’t meant to lie….. He’d truly believed what he’d said, he wanted to be strong
*Doin a bang up job while looking like a slob aren’t ya*, his reflection jeered, *if our dad saw you like this, what do you think he’d do exactly?*
He looked down, waiting for the obvious answer, he hated those questions…. The ones people asked him when they knew the answer already and wanted him to say it simply ti embarrass him….
*He would waste time comforting you wouldn’t he?*
Again, he didn’t reply, the answer was obvious….
His reflection sighed, *you know he would, I know you know he would. So why are you trying to make him do that? He’s already got a lot on his mind, are you purposefully trying to get him to worry about you even more than he does now?!*
“No!” He finally stated, looked at his reflection with a piercing glare
His reflection smiled snarkily, *raccoon finally got your tongue back eh?*
“Shut up….”
*Yeah, no, see I’m the part of your brain that you assigned to make you get a fucking grip and be better. You can’t shut me up, you gave me the ability to override that command because you wanted to actually improve. Sorry not sorry, I’m gonna be an ass about it*
“You’re cruel….”
*It’s the only thing that works with you though*, his refection stated, *I mean, that’s what *he* taught us, isn’t it?* His reflection suddenly shifted from his own, to Andrew…..
He gasped and backed away, but his feet were stuck to the ground, he couldn’t move as Andrew spoke, *what’s the matter buddy? Don’t you miss having me around?*
The man’s voice echoed throughout the room, bouncing off the walls and striking his face like the familiar slap the man would give him for misbehaving, he winced, “y-you’re not here…..” he tried
Andrew laughed, *let me know how that mantra of yours works for you. For now, shut up and listen to an old pal won’t you?*
“You’re n-not here….”
*Yes I *caught* that before…. Look buddy, you’re supposed to be getting better, you even promised the real me that you wouldn’t let this shit get to you, so you wanna tell me why you’re breaking you’re promise?*
“I-I’m not-!”
*Oh but you *are* buddy*, Andrew stated, *you promised to not let what I did harm you, to not allow yourself to be this way, and yet here you are, a mess, all because of a damn trial. It’s so easy too, all you have to do is tell the truth, what’s so hard about that?*
He whimpered again
*What? Are you afraid the truth won’t be enough? Cause if that’s the case, then you haven’t really changed much have you?*
“I-I’ve changed! I-I-I-!”
*If you don’t trust the your truth is enough to sentence that girl to what she deserves, then you’re not trusting the Queen or Princess of Corona, and that’s exactly where you were before when you met me….. Isn’t it, *buddy*?*
“No!” He exclaimed, closing his eyes and covering them with his hands
Andrew laughed, *wow, still so childish, you really think covering your eyes like that will really help you disappear? Or are you hiding from someone else? The man you never forgave perhaps?*
The reflection changed once again, turning from Andrew to an older man with greyish blue eyes, a blue outfit on, a golden crown on his head, and a golden necklace with the golden Coronan Sun shining brightly as its pendent, *hello…. Varian…..*
The alchemist’s eyes shot open as tears filled his eyes. His Moonpiece glowed as he stared into the emotionless eyes of the lost Coronan king, “F-Fr-Fre-!”
*yes Varian, it’s me…. Frederic*, the King said, though unlike Andrew and the reflection of the alchemist himself, the king’s voice shook the entire room where Varian stood….. The alchemist would’ve fallen had ropes not caught him and lifted him up…..
The alchemist’s arms were held high in the air as he was forced to face the King, “I-I…. I….”
*Enough*, the King demanded, his voice shaking the room again as a sewing needle and thread came out of nowehere and sealed the teen’s mouth shut, *that’s better. Now how about we have a little chat*
Varian tried to speak, but all that came out were mere muffles of his screams, all of them unheard by the King as shadows filled the room, taking the form of Coronans citizens as they glared with red hot, angry eyes blazing into the teen’s back
*Now, about this trial business…. You are to be perfect. Your story must lack stutters of wavering of any kind, and you must have the proper volume for every statement you make. It must be clear and concise, any falter, and the room will believe you to be a liar. Liars are punished harshly in my kingdom Varian, you know they are, lest you not forget*
The teen’s eyes grew wide as his back *burned*! He felt hot liquid running down it, one glance to the ground where it dripped told him all he needed to know as he saw his own red blood dripping to the floor
*You must never interrupt the judge, who in this case will be my wife. You must always be respectful of everyone in the room, this trial is not about you, it’s about all of them. Who are you take up most of their time? They’re not here to listen to you, they wish to listen to someone they can trust and you know you can never be trusted for the things you’ve done*
Varian tried to speak again, but the stitches keeping his mouth shut ripped his skin, making him tear up as pain shot through him once again
The King shook his head, *same Varian…. Always trying to get out of your punishment…. Have you really forgotten the lesson I’ve taught you?* as he said this, Frederic before to grow in size, break free of the mirror and looking down at the alchemist as he grew smaller and smaller, until he was not more than the size of a pebble, *perhaps it’s time we renewed your scars, after all, we wouldn’t want you to think you’ll be free of them now would we?*
The ropes holding the teen forced his arms forward, making him hug a wooden pole that had appeared before him. He could escape as he heard the shadows begin to laugh at him, jeering, calling him a traitor as he heard the former Captain’s voice in his ear repeat the same words he’d said the day he’d first received this punishment….
*This is what you deserve*
*ENOUGH!!!!!!* Someone shouted, before a bright blue light pierced through the darkness! The shadows, former Captain, Varian’s reflection, Andrew, and Frederic screamed as the light burned them away, turning them to ash as the ropes let the teen’s hands go and the stitches on his mouth broke apart!
Varian gasped as he sucked in a big breath of air, eyes filled to the brim with tears as he fell over, someone caught him and held him close as he sobbed. He clung to their clothing for comfort for a long time before he felt them rub his head gently. He sniffled a few times before looking up, only to gasp when he saw, “K-K-Ki-!”
“Hello Varian”, King Frederic said softly, his voice no longer shaking the room as he smiled gently at the boy
Varian jumped out of his arms and backed away instantly. His eyes were wide as he stared at the man before him, “I-I-I-I didn’t f-forget, I-I was t-trying to g-get better! I-I-I-I-!”
“Easy lad, it’s okay”, the Coronan king stated softly, “I’m not mad at you at all”
“Y-you’re not?”
“Of course not”, Frederic replied, “if anything, I’m surprised you’re not mad at me…. After all…. I did so many things to you and Quirin…. And to my kingdom as well….. I have no right to be angry at you lad, no right at all…. So please, rest easy, it’s okay, you’re safe now”
Varian blinked, “b-but then why-!”
“Your fears were getting the better of you. So we thought we’d come and get you away from them”
“W-we?”
The alchemist felt someone gently poke his shoulder, he looked over and gasped, “hey buddy”, Andrew said with a gentle wave to the boy
“A-Andrew?!”
“Not just me kid”, the Seporian leader stated before he gestured to someone else
Varian gawked at the next person he saw, “…..Donella?”
“Hi”, the grey haired women stated gently
“H-hi…. What…. W-where are we?” Varian asked
“You’re with me once again little one”, a very familiar voice said
Varian’s eyes widened as he smiled and looked around until he saw who he was looking for, “Moon!”
“Hello little one, it’s been some time has it not?”
“It has! I missed you Moon! I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to talk to you again!”
The Moon’s light shimmered lovingly as it wrapped around the teen, holding and hugging him, “I’ll always be with you my little one, always. As will a few of your relatives”
“My relatives? Like dad?”
“Well yes, him of course, but I mean two that you’ve not really met yet”
“Who?” Varian asked as he tilted his head to the side
‘Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me’
Someone began to sing, getting Varian to freeze as he recognized their voice, or rather, *her* voice
‘Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee,
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moonlight have all passed away!’
Varian looked over and gasped when he saw a red hair women, with big blue eyes, wearing a blue dress and a white apron, smiling back at him with tears in her eyes, “hello my little dreamer”
“….M-m-mama?”
“It’s me Varian, it’s really me!” She stated with a grin as she reached out to hug him
Varian blinked before he smiled wide as he smelled the autumn leaves and syrup he affiliated with her and hugged the women happily, “mama!” He cried, “mama!”
“My little dreamer! Oh I missed you so much!” His mother replied, holding onto his son for as long as she could, he long red hair flowing around them as she did so
The duo didn’t let go for a long time before they felt they had to, but they stayed close to each other as Varian smiled up at her, “I kept them, your goggles, I kept them safe mama”
“Yes you did my little dreamer, and I’m so proud of you, not just for the goggles, but for everything you’ve been through!” She stated with a loving smile
“I agree Ulla”, a final voice stated, getting Varian and Ulla to look over and see another women, this one was dressed in a long, purple dress, her long black hair flowed around her just the same as Ulla’s did. She smiled warmly at Varian, “hello tiny one, I don’t think you’ll recognize me, do you?”
Varian shook his head, “I’m sorry”
“It’s okay, you wouldn’t recognize me, you’ve never seen me before. But if you’d like, I can give you a hint as to who I am”
“What’s the hint?” Varian asked as he watched her curiously, feeling a great warmth from this women that he’d only felt one other place, but he couldn’t remember where
She smiled before giggling, “my hint is a nickname my husband gives you, you’re his little peanut”
Varian’s eyes widened as an image of Edmund flashed in his mind, “I….. Q-Queen…. Eden?” He asked
“Ding ding! You’re correct!”
Varian smiled, “you’re my grandma!”
“Yes I am! It’s nice to finally meet you tiny one!” She stared lovingly as Ulla giggled
Varian smiled, “it’s nice to meet you too! I…. How….” He looked around at everyone, “how are you all here? All of you are-!” He stopped himself as the horrible reminder of where these people were hit him hard…..
“Dead?” Donella finished, getting Frederic to raise a brow at her, “what? We are”
“There’s a better way to put things”, the Coronan king stated
“Right, like you have any room to talk, your royal annoying-ness”
Andrew chuckled, “Donella, you’re a bitch and I fucking love it”
Varian couldn’t help to snort that came from him at that. Fredric sighed as Donella smirked, reminding the alchemist, a lot, of Hugo as he looked at her, “she’s right Fred”, Ulla said softly, “I mean, aside from the beautiful Moon, we’re all in the afterlife right now”
Notes:
Hello!
So here we have a poor Varian chapter, with a lot of gruesome context and very many bad moments… this kid is not okay…..
Varian’s still haunted by a lot of things, and each reflection is supposed to represent a part of himself that he tries to either fix or hide:
His own reflection is his self hatred, how he constantly demeans himself and calls himself out for his childish behavior and his reliance on other people
Andrew’s reflection is his fear of the past, the man that groomed and abused the tiny alchemist and made him do some of the things he did, reminding him that they’re not so different and that Varian could always return to the angry ways he used before
And King Frederic’s reflection is his anger and shame for what he’s done. It constantly wants to punish him more and more, forcing him to stay quiet while it reminds him of everything he’s done before it repeats the worst punishment he received in the dungeon, the public lashing…..
There’s many more reflections Varian has, but all of them stem from his depression, anxiety, and PTSD….. Varian’s haunted, and he’s still having a hard time getting past everything, he’s getting better. The coping mechanisms he’s used with each reflection is to show that, him ignoring his self hatred, him repeating a mantra when his fear of his past comes around, his anger is still fairly new, so he doesn’t have many coping mechanisms for it yet, so all he can do is try to struggle against it….
Sometimes the things we’ve endured can never be fully healed, it’s trauma, and it’s an ugly beast that some of us have to live with everyday, so here’s Varian, trying to live with his. To anyone who’s dealing with your own trauma, know that you’re not alone, you have many people, myself included, that are handling theirs as well, and so many of us, myself included, are willing to help you trough it! You’re not alone, and you never will be again ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 435: Varian’s Promise!
Summary:
Varian talks to the spirits in his dreams!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian smiled, “it’s nice to meet you too! I…. How….” He looked around at everyone, “how are you all here? All of you are-!” He stopped himself as the horrible reminder of where these people were hit him hard…..
“Dead?” Donella finished, getting Frederic to raise a brow at her, “what? We are”
“There’s a better way to put things”, the Coronan king stated
“Right, like you have any room to talk, your royal annoying-ness”
Andrew chuckled, “Donella, you’re a bitch and I fucking love it”
Varian couldn’t help the snort that came from him. Fredric sighed as Donella smirked, reminding the alchemist, a lot, of Hugo as he looked at her, “she’s right Fred”, Ulla said softly, “I mean, aside from the beautiful Moon, we’re all in the afterlife right now”
Varian was startled by that, “we’re…. In the afterlife?” He asked, when she nodded he added, “does that mean I’m dead?”
“Oh nonono tiny one”, Eden replied, “you’re still very much alive, just asleep is all”
“She’s right Varian”, Ulla agreed, “you’re sleeping with Hugo right now, see?” She snapped her fingers to show Varian and Hugo snuggling together in a bed, sleeping happily, though the alchemist noticed he had tears running down his cheeks
“Oh”, the teen said softly before he grinned when he saw Hugo yawn before the blond wrapped his arms around Varian again and snuggle even closer before he smiled, “heh, Hugo”
“Pfft!” Donella chuckled, “little dopey lover”
“He’s a good boy!” The alchemist defended
“I agree, he’s just dopey too”, Donella replied, “there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s kinda cute actually”
“My Hugo”
“Technically he was mine first”
“Technicalities don’t count!”
“Uh huh, sure”
“It’s true! *My* Hugo!”
The grey haired women snickered, “easy Vanguard, I’m just teasing”
“Vanguard?”
“It’s what Donnie used to call Quirin”, Ulla stated happily, “she’s using it in a more joking manner here of course, but she wouldn’t ever call him Quirin, just Vanguard, at least, not until later, right Fred?”
The King nodded, “that’s correct”
Varian blinked at his mother, “Fred?” He asked
Ulla giggled, “I’m sorry, I’m used to calling him that, I used to be friends with him and Ari too you know. It’s why I asked him for confirmation”
“Right, I remember dad telling me that”, Varian stated before looking at his mother, “dad’s okay by the way, though…. He’s…. Having a hard time with… well….” He looked at Frederic, who gave the teen a sympathetic look, “a lot of things….”
“I wish it hadn’t come down to what it did…..” the Coronan King stated sadly, “I’ll never blame Quirin for my death, it wasn’t his fault at all…. But…. I know he won’t feel the same….”
“He doesn’t….” Varian replied sadly
Ulla gave her son a smile, “I know he’s sad now, but he’ll be alright”
“I’m not so sure though mama”, Varian stated, “he’s….. I…. The king’s death is really affecting him…..”
Ulla hummed a little, “I’ve been watching over you both, ever since I passed away”, she said, getting Varian to look at her, “I know he’ll get better soon, he’s strong, stronger than anyone I’ve ever known”
Varian smiled, “you’re right about that, dad’s the strongest!”
“Yes he is!”
“Him and Edmund both”, Eden stated with a smile
Ulla giggled, “well of course! Edmund is the reason Quirin got so strong!”
Varian grinned at the two before he looked at his mother, “you really think he’ll be okay?”
“I know he will”, Ulla stated, “it’ll take him time, but he’s got you and Hugo around, oh! And Ruddigar too! With all three of you there when he needs you, he’ll be okay”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because you helped him when I died”
“I….. did?”
“You did, without you, Quirin wouldn’t have been able to keep going, he needed you, just like you needed him”, she stared, “as long as you’re your wonderful, amazing, intelligent self, he’ll be okay”, she stared, “especially now that he’s also got a blond baby!” She looked at Donella, “I wish I’d found Hugo first, he’s so adorable!”
The grey haired women smiled lovingly at Ulla, “he is”, she agreed
Varian smiled at the pair, calmed by his mother’s words, before he remembered something from a long time ago, “mama”
“Hm?” Ulla replied, looking at Varian with a smile
“Was that you who got me to choose life when I almost turned into a bird?”
Ulla was startled before she nodded, “yup, that was me”
Varian smiled, “did you also get rid of Zhan Tiri when she tried to come into my mind the first time?”
“Yup, also me”
The alchemist hugged his mother, “thank you!”
Ulla hugged her son back lovingly, “anything for you my little dreamer, anything”
They broke the hug before Varian raised a brow, “how’d you know about Hugo by the way?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, when I was almost a bird, you showed me dad, then showed me another person, someone I would help along the way. When I thought about it, that person was Hugo, they had green clothing and blond hair, how’d you know how much we would need each other?”
Ulla blushed, “um well….. eheh, I may have… peeked inside his mind a little bit”, she admitted, “I kinda do that whenever you meet someone new, call it a mom check. I peeked to see what he was thinking and what he was like, and when I saw how much you were changing him in the short amount of time you’d been talking to each other, I knew you were someone he needed in his life, and I knew you needed him too”
Varian blinked, “how?”
“Well, he needed to get out of…. A certain situation”, she looked at Donella
“Sorry….” The grey haired women said
“It’s alright, you tried to make up for it while you were alive, either way, he needed to get out of that, and to stand up for himself and figure out who he was himself, and you helped him!” Ulla stated, smiling lovingly at Varian, “and you needed to move on from your past, and stand up to those who hurt you. Hugo helped you do that in spades! You both helped each other, you needed each other”
Varian smiled, “you’re right, I did need him, and I’m glad he’s in my life now, very glad”
His mother smiled at him before she noticed Donella, the grey haired women was looking down, ashamed of her actions in life, “Donnie”, Donella looked at Ulla, “I…. Understand now”, she said softly, “why you were so angry at me before…..”
“I shouldn’t have done what I did though”
“Well…. No you shouldn’t have….. but it helped our babies come together did it not?” Ulla asked, getting Donella to nod, “it also helped them find the loves of their lives, and they’re so adorable together too!” Ulla squeaked as she hugged Varian, getting him to giggle, “so, even if what you did was wrong, it made something wonderful happen, and…. You tried to make up for it, you tried, that’s more than many other people could say…. Like your right hand jerk…”
“Cyrus….” Donella stated, getting Varian to huff, she looked at him sadly, “I’m sorry about him…. He was never meant to be so cruel….. especially to Hugo and you…… He wasn’t always like that, he was kind to me before….. He just…. Changed….”
Varian watched Donella deflate a little, “you didn’t force him to do what he did you know”, Varian stated
“I understand that, but it’s still wrong…. He did horrid things….. And… Hugo….. he suffered….. a lot…. You did too…. I never wanted that….”
Varian gave the grey haired woman a sympathetic look, “you know…. You did what you meant to”, he stated, getting Donella to look at him, “you brought my mama’s book back to us, and her wedding ring too. My dad was really happy to get that ring, and all of us were really happy to get mama’s book. Plus, your letter to Hugo made him feel better….. I may not have been okay with you before, you hurt Hugo to the point where the damage that’s been done to him is so bad that I don’t think he’ll be able to recover fully…. But…. You tried to fix what you’ve done, you tried to be better, and in some ways, you healed what he needed to be healed….. You weren’t the best, but you’re far from the worst, and I appreciate that, and I know Hugo does as well. Cyrus….. is not your fault….. He did things that you never would’ve done, I know you never would’ve done what he did….. I’ll never forgive him…. I can’t….. but you”, he smiled at her, “I’m willing to forgive you, and Hugo already has, I hope you know that, at the very least”
Donella smiled, “thank you, Varian”
The alchemist nodded before he felt the Moon’s light wrap around him again, he smiled, “hi Moon”
“Hello little one”, the Moon replied as her stars shimmered
The teen grinned before he looked around, “so, all of you came here…. Just to help me out of my nightmare?”
“Well, yes and no”, Frederic stated honestly
Varian quirked a brow, “yes and no?”
“We came to you is because we wanted to help you with more than just your dream”, Andrew stated, “as much as I hate to agree with an evil version of myself, you’re not okay. Your past is creeping up on you again and it’s getting bad…… We’ve all been watching you, and…. Me and the Coronan King wanted to see if maybe we could try and alleviate some of your guilt and fears…. Since we caused most of them…..”
The alchemist was startled by that, “he’s right Varian”, Frederic stated, “me and Andrew were the main cause of your grief and sadness. We wanted to see if maybe….. we could…..” the king sighed, “I-I’m not sure how to put it….”
The alchemist was startled by that before he looked in-between the two and sighed, “I…. Don’t think much can be done by you two”, the Seporian leader, and Coronan King, looked at the teen, “my mind is scarred, and my body and heart are hurt. I’ve been talking to Lance about it, and he said it’s trauma, and sometimes trauma isn’t really able to be healed….. You can make coping mechanisms for it, possibly even make it so quiet that it doesn’t effect you as much. But you can’t get rid of it, not unless you could go back in time to stop it from happening, and I can’t…..” he looked at the both of them, “I don’t hate either one of you, I think both of you have done your parts to try and help. Even now, I appreciate you coming here to save me from my dream! But the trauma I’ve endured won’t go away….. I can move on from it, and I’m trying, but…. It’s hard…. Very hard….”
He looked at his mother, “when mama left, and didn’t come back, I think that’s when things began to crack for me….. I don’t blame you of course, but it did make me try to do whatever I could to fix things around the house, do more chores at a young age so dad didn’t have too much to worry about. Learned how to cook so my father could work and come home to a nice hot meal. Even taking up alchemy more than I thought I would because that was what mama loved! I’ll admit that doing alchemy the way I did, it made me fall in love with it! But I still had a hard time because dad was in such a bad state…. He got better, and our relationship improved, but that’s the earliest I can say when cracks began to form…. Those cracks got bigger the more my experiments, and myself by extension, was hated by the village….. Then when dad got stuck in the amber…..” the freckled teen shuddered as the Moon’s light gently tightened around him protectively
“Things only got worse?” Eden offered sadly
“Yeah….” Varian replied, “the cracks grew so large that they can’t be fixed anymore…. I’m slowly getting better, but I don’t think I’ll ever be rid of my trauma….. I can’t go back to who I used to be….”
“Does that upset you?” Ulla asked softly
“Sometimes…. Sometimes I wish I could go back to that boy who would run around and play, or make experiments and be innocent again…. I miss being that boy…. I’m so afraid of everything now…. It’s hard mama….”
“I know little dreamer, I know…. But you’ve grown so strong over these past few years, I’ve seen you, and I couldn’t be more proud of you than I am now”, Ulla stated lovingly
“She’s right”, Eden agreed, “you’ve come such a long way tiny one, we’re all proud, and if it helps you at all, we’re all going to be there with you, all of us, no matter what”
“Kinda funny you know”, Andrew stated, “when we first met, you were so afraid of everything, so much so that you clung to a stranger, but….. You’re not that little boy anymore. You’re a man, in Seporia, we celebrate that growth, because it marks the coming of age for a young human. It means you’ve grown stronger through your experiences, and you end up facing your destiny during the celebration”
“You do?” Varian asked
“Yes, your destiny is chosen by the elder, one who has visions of everyone and everything. They use the Earthly magic we worship to find out what someone is meant to be, and Varian, I think you’d be an elder”
“An elder?”
“Yes, one who helps those find the paths they need to go on, one who can help everyone at once with the skills they have, basically, in Coronan terms, you’d be a Village Leader, or even a king”
“And you’d be a damn good one at that”, Frederic stated with a warm smile
Varian was startled by that before he chuckled, “you know, I would’ve been so afraid had you told me that before, because I didn’t think I’d be able to handle being a Village Leader like my dad”
“And now?” Ulla asked with a smile
“Now? …..heh, I think I understand why dad is so good at his job”, the alchemist’s Moonpiece began to glow as the Moon’s light let him go. He began to fly through the air as images of his father helping citizens around the kingdom appeared, Quirin was laughing with a few farm hands as he helped the mend a fence, another vision showed him returning a lost child to a frightened mother, receiving a hug. Another still showed the man protecting a few children who’d ignored the signs and entered the forest late at night, the man stood gentle and stern as he got them away from the bear that’d almost hurt them
Varian smiled as he looked at each one, “he uses his experiences to fix the issues around the kingdom, and he does so with a gentle hand, only being firm when he needs to be. He learned that through all the challenges he faced”, he looked at Eden, “didn’t he?”
“Yes he did”, she replied, “he was just like you when he was younger, and turned into the man he is today because of his experiences”
Varian smiled, “I guess that’s his way of coping isn’t it”
“Yup”, Ulla replied with a smile, “he told me that even though he’d been through so much, he wanted to try and make things easier on the people of Old Corona so they wouldn’t have the same experience. It was his way of making things better, not just for himself, but for all the other people who needed him”
Varian smiled, “I think I feel the same way, while I don’t think I’d be a good Village Leader, I know I want to help people, and maybe me doing that will help the trauma not be so bad…. It’s going to be horrible somedays….. I know I won’t be able to get rid of it fully, but, I know I can try to cope, and maybe…. Maybe this trial will help?”
Frederic’s eyes widened, “is that why you’re having such awful dreams? Because you’re afraid of this trial?”
“Thought that would’ve been obvious your royal travesty”, Donella stated, getting an irritated look from the Coronan king as Andrew laughed
“Among other things”, Varian replied
“Don’t worry bug”, Ulla stated, gliding over to her son and hugging him, “the trial will come and go and you’ll be finally done with anything associated with it forever!”
“Bug?”
“You’re an adorable little bug!” She exclaimed, “my Beautiful, Unique, little Guy, bug!”
Varian giggled and blushed, “thanks mama”
The two hugged each other happily as the rest of the group gathered around them, “do you feel better tiny one?” Eden asked
Varian and Ulla broke the hug before he smiled at his grandma, “I do, thank you, all of you, for helping me, it was really great to talk with all of you again, I actually feel more at ease with the trial because of all of you”
“We’re happy to help”
“Very happy!” Ulla stated
Varian grinned before he looked at all of them again, “Will I see you all again?”
“You will”, Donella stated, “been watching over Hugo, so you may catch me from time to time”
“I’m overseeing my Seporians, so you’ll see me too”, Andrew stated
“You’ve already seen me around”, Ulla stated with a giggle, making Varian grin
“I’ll be with my wife and daughter, so you should see me too”, Frederic stated
“And you’ll see me with Eugene and my Edmund”, Eden stated with a loving smile, “you may also see me with Adira, Hector, and Quirin too”
“And I’ll always be in the sky should you need my comfort little one”, the Moon added
“Thank you, all of you!” Varian stated with a smile before he got an idea, “did any of you wanna leave a message for anybody?” He offered
Everyone grew excited before they gave the alchemist a few messages they wanted given to their loved one
****
“Mph!” The alchemist squeaked before he woke up and stretched, letting out a squeaky yawn as he did so
“Morning Freckles”, Hugo’s voice stared, getting Varian to open his eyes and smile at his boyfriend, who was still laying beside him
“Hello love”, the freckled teen replied sleepily
“You sleep alright? You were thrashing for a bit there”
“Hm? Oh, yeah I had a nightmare”
“A nightma-are you okay?!”
“I’m alright Hugo, don’t worry, some people got me out of it and helped me”
The blond raised a concerned brow, “people?”
Varian smiled as he saw something behind his lover, he pointed to them, getting Hugo to look and gasp, “people”
“D-D-Don?!”
Donella smiled at Hugo, her brow raised in amusement as she watched the teen sit up instantly, put his glasses on, and stare at her before he looked at Varian with a shocked expression, “you and me were both killed during that final fight with Zhan Tiri, and we were both brought back by either Rapunzel in my case, or me in your case. So we have the Eugene sight of seeing ghosts and spirits. Donella said she’d be with you when I woke up because I told her you’d be able to see her”
“Holy shit…..”
Varian giggled before he scooted closer to his boyfriend and wrapped his arms around him, “she said she loves you Hugo, and that she’ll always be with you, even if you can’t see her”
The blond looked at Donella, tears began to trickle down his face before he smiled at her, he reached out to her, she took his hand and grinned before disappearing. Hugo sniffled before he hugged Varian, “thank you”
“You’re welcome love”, Varian replied as he returned the hug
They stayed that way for a moment or two before the embrace was broken and Hugo looked at his boyfriend, “Freckles, today is the trial, are you…. Okay?”
“I’m alright, the people who got me out of my nightmare helped me feel better about what’s about to happen, so I’m more prepared”
“People…. So there was more than Don?”
“Yeah, my mama was there too”
“Ulla?”
“Uh huh, I have a message from her too, to dad actually. I have several messages actually!”
“Wow, aren’t you Mr. Popular”, Hugo teased lovingly
Varian giggled, “apparently, oh, hey Hugo”
“Hm?”
“Have you ever thought about being a Village Leader?”
“Me? A Village Leader?”
“Yeah, it’s something that came up last night and I’m curious to see what you think”
“Hmmm…. Well if I were asked I wouldn’t say no, I’d need training, but I don’t think I’d mind, in fact, it might be kinda fun, not to mention fulfilling, though, the farming gig, that’ll be a pain, but well worth it I think”
Varian smiled, “then he was right”
“He? He who?”
“Oh, just someone else who I talked to yesterday”
Hugo raised a brow, “I gotta be concerned about you now Freckles?”
Varian laughed, “nu, I’m okay, guess I’m filled with determination right now”
“You’re not afraid of the trial?”
“Oh I’m terrified actually, it’s going to be the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done in my life!” The alchemist stated before he smiled warmly at his boyfriend, “but…. I know I’ll be okay, because I’ve got so many people who’ll be there for me, including you. And maybe I’ll feel more of the pressure once we’re on our way to the trial, but for now, I’m okay”
Hugo blinked before he smiled and kissed Varian’s cheek, “I love you”
“I love you too”, the freckled teen stated, hugging Hugo happily before the door opened and Quirin walked in with some breakfast ready and made, “hi dad!”
“Hi Bubby, hi Hugo”, the retired knight replied, “are you two ready for today?” He asked as he set the breakfast down in the bed with the pair
Varian smiled when he saw Ulla walk in behind his father, she giggled and waved at the pair, Varian smiled back at her as Hugo stared, “we’re ready”
“You sure? It’s gonna be a bit of a hard day”, Quirin said softly, “how are you feeling?”
The alchemist smiled at his father, “I’m okay for now, I may feel anxious later, but I really am okay now, though the breakfast is nice”
His father smiled, “can’t think of a better way to wake up then to breakfast in bed”
“Fair point”, Varian agreed as he grabbed his plate and handed Hugo his, the blond continuing to stare at Ulla, “oh, by the way, dad”
“Hm?”
The alchemist beamed happily, “mama says she loves you, and she’ll be there for the both of us during the trial. Oh! And she said that she misses your pies”
Quirin was startled by that for a moment or two before he noticed Hugo and looked behind him
“You can’t see her, but she’s there”, Varian stated, “she’s giggling”
Quirin looked at Varian, “I… how did-!”
“She came to me in a dream, her and a lot of other people, Donella included, I offered to tell you a message, and that was what she told me”
Quirin blinked before he smiled adoringly at his son and hugged him, Varian returned the hug as Hugo finally began to eat. The alchemist knew his high wouldn’t last, that he would, eventually, feel himself dip back into his anxious ways again, but he wanted to try and make things easier on everyone involved today. So he’d ride this high until he couldn’t anymore, for everyone who’s helped him during all of his life, he’d help them, just as they helped him
He promised!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s a chapter that’s the calm before the storm, I don’t have much to add in th notes here, sorry
But thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 436: Cassandra’s Trial! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Cassandra’s trial begins!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a big breath of air as he sat on the bench outside the court room. His high had died down just a bit, he was still okay, but he could feel his anxiety rushing to fill the gap the high had left behind….
Small flashes of Cassandra’s face filled his mind as he waited for Nigel to finish stating the rules to the audience who would be watching this entire trial. Hugo, Lance, Catalina, and Angry, had already gone in, they were allowed special seating in the front, nearest to the witness stands, that way they could be there should any of the witnesses need them, and majority of them would.
Varian looked around, as Ruddigar, who sat on his shoulder, nuzzled his boy’s cheek while he looked at his fellow witnesses, Adira and Hector were chatting quietly with each other, both of them looked anxious as they continue to converse, neither of them looked remotely prepared for this trial. King Edmund was chatting with Eugene and Rapunzel, the Dark King looked so nervous as he wrung his hands together and gave small chuckles everytime he spoke…. Hamuel sat on his shoulder, and was constantly nuzzling his king. The princess didn’t look that confident either, she looked a mess, her long, brunette, braid hung down her back, it was loosely done and some of her hair had managed to free themselves of the confining holders. Eugene didn’t look scared, but even as he comforted his father and princess, the man’s hand shook violently, giving away his true emotion…. And Quirin….. Varian looked up at his father, who hadn’t left the alchemist’s side for a second. The man had been very comforting, confident, and even cheerful! To the point where it was going just a touch overboard….
The freckled teen, and his raccoon, watched his father closely, the man was barely moving, his face was neutral as he tried his best to look calm…. However, Varian and Ruddigar could feel him shaking, he could see the bags underneath the retired knight’s eyes, and the fear that laced his face…. He was not okay….. Varian let out another breath, getting the small mammal to look at him anxiously, before he gently touched his father’s cheek, getting Quirin to look at him and smile, it was a soft smile, one that, normally, would’ve convinced Varian that he was alright, but the alchemist knew better now as he, and Ruddigar, hugged his father. He felt Quirin hesitate before the old farmer gave up the ghost, let out a soft sigh, and hugged his son back, “thank you”, he stated softly, “both of you”, he added, getting Varian and Ruddigar to smile
Even if his nerves were fraying, the teen would try his best to stay calm for his family, just as he knew they would stay calm for him. They were all trying so hard, he could do the same. Be and his father stayed together for a while, he couldn’t see Eden standing next to his Grandpa and Eugene, and he could see his mother standing next to his father, he smiled at the two before the door to the throne room opened. Nigel stepped out and turned to face the witnesses, “good morning to all of you, it is time for you all to take your seats at the witness stands. Follow me please, in the order you were given”, he order politely
Everyone got up, Eugene stayed behind, he was supposed to be the last one inside the room, Rapunzel was first, she stood in front of Nigel, Edmund was next and stood behind the princess, Hector was after, then Adira, Quirin was second to last, and Varian was in the back. Eugene stood behind the alchemist, he placed a hand on the teen’s shoulder, Varian smiled at him as Ruddigar sniffed the man’s hand and chittered gratefully
The Captain smiled before releasing the teen’s shoulder as they walked inside. The instant the alchemist’s foot stepped inside the courtroom, the air grew so thick that he coughed a little. He felt like he was being choked as he looked around. The royal advisor had told him not to speak, the alchemist supposed everyone else had been told the same as he saw very little people looking back at him. They kept their heads down so they wouldn’t be tempted to say something as the witnesses finally made it to their seats
Varian watched everyone file in as he scanned the crowd before he spotted Hugo! The blond had Olivia on his shoulder, Varian gave his boyfriend a small smile, his heart warmed when Hugo smiled back. For a while, all seemed calm as Varian took his seat and was sworn in to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It all changed after Eugene took his seat and the side doors to the room opened up…..
Queen Arianna walked inside, Nigel stood in front of everyone and ordered, “all rise!”
Everyone stood up, they sat down when the Queen took her seat, that was when Nigel faced the side door, “bring the prisoner in”
The room was *deathly* quiet as Cassandra appeared…. She was healed, had her citizen clothing on, purple-ish grey, long sleeve shirt, black gloves, black belt with a golden buckle, patchy black leggings, and her boots. She had handcuffs on her wrists as well, she didn’t look at anyone as she stood in front of Queen Arianna, Stan and Pete were the two guards that stood beside her, making sure to keep her in place so she didn’t run away
That’s when her father walked in…… He was wearing a formal red shirt, and black slacks, he had a black, button up, jacket on as well as a red tie. He stood next to his daughter and bowed as Eugene stood up and bowed as well to the Queen, “your majesty”, they said together
Arianna nodded her head, “hello”, she said politely to the both of them, getting the pair to stand up straight as Arianna looked at everyone in the room. Varian noticed King Frederic standing beside his Queen, he didn’t move, but did look at Hugo and Eugene to see if they saw him too. Given how shocked his boyfriend looked, he definitely saw the deceased king, and Eugene, despite trying to keep calm, seemed startled at his appearance before calming down quickly as he directed his attention to Arianna
The Queen let out a small sigh before she looked at the pair, “as you both know, this trial is not a hearing, it is a sentencing trial. We are here to determine the proper punishment for Cassandra Abider and her crimes against Corona and the citizens that live in it, or visit us from the outside. She’s already been found as guilty due the crimes she’s committed being witnessed by many Coronan citizens. However, the court does understand that possession was involved in the committing of her crimes. We are here today to discuss how much of her crimes were due to her own actions, and how much were due to the possession. That being said, is there anyone here who wishes to say something first before we begin this sentencing trial?”
She waited for a moment or two, allowing each defender time to debate with themselves about what they should say, “May we converse with our defendants your majesty?” The former Captain asked
“You may”
“Thank you”, he replied before he began to speak with Cassandra
Eugene looked at his defendants, “ok, so for this part, it’s basically the time for any of you to say something you’d like to be brought to attention during this trial. If Cassandra did it said anything before she did what she did, if there’s specific moments you’d like to visit and talk about when talking with her, anything you all feel is necessary that would add to her punishment to make it fair, do any of you have anything you want me to bring up?”
The group looked at each other before Adira spoke up, “she wasn’t very trusting of me when we first met, in fact, she got rude quite a lot of times. That may be a good Segway into my piece and how she acted towards me during her crimes”
Eugene nodded, “ok, anything else?”
“The mind control”, Quirin stated softly, “and what we remember during it…..”
Eugene raised a brow, “do you remember?”
“Yes…. I do now….”
The Captain was startled by that, “how? You said you didn’t remember before”
“The Mind Trap blocks our mind while we’re under its spell”, Hector stated, “but after we’re done, it slowly gives us our memories back over time. I’ve been getting my memories back too….”
“So have I…..” Adira stated with a shudder
“And me”, Edmund added, “I’d also like to discuss how she almost killed you”, he stated as he looked at his son, “and how she knew about us finding each other after all these years, yet she still almost killed you…..”
“I think it’s a good point to talk about what she had us do during the time we were under that control as well…. And how she almost made me kill both of my children too….” Quirin stated with a growl
Varian blinked, “both?”
“I….. Tried to remind Quirin of what was happening when he was in jail….” Eugene admitted, “it worked, but it ended up with him screaming that she promised to make him kill Hugo if he remembered again….”
Varian’s eyes widened with shock, “why didn’t you tell me that?”
“Because Quirin begged me not to”, Eugene stated
“Varian, if you’d found out while I was under the spell, you would’ve been killed by Adira, Hector, or King Edmund”, Quirin stated sadly, “she was…. Frighteningly prepared…..”
“But after-!”
“After, you were recovering in the medical wing, and after that, we’d just gotten home and finally had some time to relax”, Quirin stated gently, “plus, during that time, I had no recollection of anything that happened while I was mind controlled until the night *before today*, and I wasn’t about to tell you on the way here…. I’m sorry….”
Varian was startled but he sighed, “I see… I guess you wouldn’t have been able to explain if you didn’t remember….” He stated
“Varian I-!”
“It’s okay”, the alchemist stated, smiling warmly at his father, “I understand, just… wish I’d known, but how can I expect that, it’s not exactly like you had time, you really didn’t. I really do understand, I’m not upset or mad at either of you….. but it does make facing her a helluva lot worse….”
Eugene gave the alchemist a sympathetic look, “I’m so sorry kiddo…”
“It’s okay, just…. That would be a good topic to bring up”
“Do you have any that you want me to include?”
The teen thought for a moment or two before he sighed and nodded, “my dad”
Eugene and Quirin looked at each other before looking back at the teen, “your dad?” The Dark Prince asked
“Yes…. My relationship with him, and how much she knew I went through to get him back, only for her to take him away again….. that…. My Moon powers and how she tried to take them away….. and Hugo….. She almost killed him….. Multiple times…..”
Eugene understood and nodded, “Will do”, he stated before looking at the rest of his defendants, “anything else?” He asked
He looked at Rapunzel, the princess sighed, “maybe bring up what happened in the Dark Kingdom, I’m certain it’ll already be something that we’ll discuss, but we should go in length about it. Not only because I want to understand, but I want to say how it felt…. Because it hurt….. a lot…..”
Eugene nodded, “I will Sunshine, is there anything else?” He asked, when no one else spoke up he nodded, “oki dokie then, I’ll be your voice, leave it to me, okay?”
“We trust you, Eugene”, Adira stated with a gentle smile
This startled the man before he smiled back, “thank you”, he then turned and faced the Queen, he looked over at the former Captain and Cassandra, they were both still talking
Varian noticed Cassandra looked upset, like she wasn’t okay with something her father was about to do, but the former Captain seemed adamant, and she stopped talking after a while, but looked extremely disappointed….. Why did he suddenly have a bad feeling in his gut……
Arianna saw both of the had finally finished and she addressed the duo, “have you two finished discussing the topics you’d like to bring to light?”
“Yes your majesty”, both Eugene and the former Captain stated
“Alright, seeing as how this will be a sentencing trial, it is only right that the defendant, Cassandra Abider, has the first chance to defend herself. So Mr. Abider, what is the first topic you’d like to discuss that would possibly lighten your defendant’s sentence?”
The former Captain stepped forwards respectfully before he faced the crowd and looked directly at Varian, “I’d like to discuss the crimes and punishments made by, and given to, Varian Vanguard”, he stated, making almost everyone in the room gasp
Queen Arianna, Adira, Hector, Edmund, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Cassandra were shocked, Quirin glared *daggers* at the former Captain, Hugo growled and had to grab the edge of his seat to make sure he wouldn’t jump up
Varian however, merely stared back at the former Captain, he didn’t blink, didn’t flinch, barely moved…. All he did was stare for a long time before sighing and nodding, “ok”, he replied, his voice monotone and level as he continued to stare at the former Captain…..
Unbeknownst to anyone in that room, the alchemist had prepared for this, and he was going to give the Captain a fight he’d never forget……
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s the first part to Cassandra’s trial! This is going to be a longer arc, considering this has been a long freaking time coming!!!!!!!
Varian is the main focus because the bean was Cassandra’s second target, after Rapunzel, but she, arguably, did the most damage to Varian himself, so he’s going to be a huge part of this entire thing!
Hugo is gonna have a hard time keeping his temper in check, this poor blond bean ❤️
Hoo boy, the former Captain is going to be in very deep trouble with a lot of people by the end of this arc….. I’m fairly certain he’s going to be a very hated character, and I apologize for any and all fans of his, he’s not my favorite and is lower than Frederic in my mind. I’m sorry if you like him, you can, that’s completely fine, I don’t judge 😁🎶
Quirin is gonna have a hard time keeping his temper down too, this man…..
Adira, Hector, Edmund, Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel are side characters here, but they’ll all play an important role, definitely
Queen Arianna shall be at her best here! Because she is amazing and I love her!
Ruddy buddy and all animals friends for the win! 😁🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 437: Cassandra’s Trial! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian takes the stand and has a one on one with the former Captain!
Trigger warning!
Contains talk of child abuse and grooming, reader discretion is advised!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Alright, seeing as how this will be a sentencing trial, it is only right that the defendant, Cassandra Abider, has the first chance to defend herself. So Mr. Abider, what is the first topic you’d like to discuss that would possibly lighten your defendant’s sentence?”
The former Captain stepped forwards respectfully before he faced the crowd and looked directly at Varian, “I’d like to discuss the crimes and punishments made by, and given to, Varian Vanguard”, he stated, making almost everyone in the room gasp
Queen Arianna, Adira, Hector, Edmund, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Cassandra were shocked, Quirin glared *daggers* at the former Captain, Hugo growled and had to grab the edge of his seat to make sure he wouldn’t jump up
Varian however, merely stared back at the former Captain, he didn’t blink, didn’t flinch, barely moved…. All he did was stare for a long time before sighing and nodding, “ok”, he replied, his voice monotone and level as he continued to stare at the former Captain…..
Unbeknownst to anyone in that room, the alchemist had prepared for this, and he was going to give the Captain a fight he’d never forget……
Arianna blinked, taken off guard at the alchemist’s calm reply, before she regained her composure, “right well, ok”, she cleared her throat, “Varian, do you mind taking the stand?”
“I don’t mind”, Varian replied, he got up and walked to the witness stand before sitting down and looking at the former Captain, “where would you like to start?”
Cassandra’s father seemed taken aback as well by the freckled teen’s calm demeanor, but shook it off and getting up. He walked over and faced the teen, “I’d like to start with what you did”, he stated, “tell the court what you did to the kingdom”
Varian nodded, “my village was being overrun by the black rocks, they were injuring the people I’d grown up with all my life and were scaring my father. We, my dad and me, who is Quirin Vanguard, the village leader, clarifying for the court”, he stated as Cassandra’s father opened his mouth. He shut up again and allowed the teen to continue, “we went to the castle before the queen and king of Corona left for their trip and allowed Princess Rapunzel to be in charge. Dad asked for more land from the two rulers, he didn’t tell them why, I didn’t understand why he didn’t, because he’d dealt with the rocks before and knew discussing them in the presence of the late King, may his soul find peace, would have cause a commotion due to his worries over Princess Rapunzel’s connection to them. I grew angry with my dad for him not saying anything and we went home after an argument”. The alchemist stated sadly, “one I still regret. Once we got home, I took it upon myself to try and rid us of the black rocks myself by using Alchemy. I created an amber concoction that was meant to freeze the rocks, stop them in their tracks so they would stop spreading and we, as a kingdom, could have more time to study them and figure out why they were growing here. Dad walked in on me and startled me into spilling the concoction. He grew angry because I was messing with the rocks when I wasn’t supposed to and another argument ensued. Again, another one I regret….. I didn’t see the amber growing behind me, dad did though, and he pushed me out of the way just in time, but got trapped….. His arm was stuck and no amount of pulling helped loosen him….. I left to get to the princess, the king and queen had left, the blizzard was at its worst, and my dad couldn’t stop me from leaving…… I ran all the way to the castle, I begged the princess for help, but because of the blizzard, Corona was in danger, she couldn’t come with me to free my father….”
Varian took a moment, he’d been prepared, but that didn’t mean retelling this story didn’t hurt….. He took a breath, let it out, and continued, “I was thrown out of the castle”, this made Nigel, Stan, Pete, Cassandra, Rapunzel, and Queen Arianna flinch, “to which, if you noticed the way she flinched, Cassandra was a witness to”, he added flatly, getting the former Captain’s eyes to narrow, “clarification is important Mr. Abider, anyway, after that, I ran to many citizen’s homes and begged for help, to which I got none. When I returned home, my father was…..” Varian stopped, flashes of his father’s body frozen in the amber, the Village Leader reaching to desperately keep a note to Varian safe so he could read it, his father’s final words, filled the freckled teen’s mind
Varian’s lips quivered a little as his Moonpiece began to glow, more images of him being forced to face his father because of the former Captain standing before him filled his memories and thoughts. He felt his anger grow, his hatred for the man come back with a vengeance, “Freckles?”
The teen blinked before he found he was face to face with Hugo, “I…. H-Hugo?”
“I’m sorry”, the blond stated as Ruddigar chittered, nuzzling his boy’s cheek and getting Varian to scratch his chin, “you were glowing and crying a-and ignoring Ruddigar, I couldn’t sit there and do fuck all. I couldn’t…..” he stated, getting Varian to realize where his boyfriend was currently standing
Varian blinked before he let out a breath and sighed before hugging Hugo, “thank you”
Hugo happily returned the hug, the duo stayed that way for a moment before Varian pulled away gently and looked at the Queen, “sorry”, Hugo said, also looking at the Queen, “I…. Won’t do that again, he just….”
Arianna smiled, “it’s okay”, she replied, “considering this is a…. Difficult trial…. I’m willing to make small allowances, though I have to ask that you please try to stay in your seat”
“Yeah, absolutely”, Hugo replied with a warm expression to the Queen before he looked at Varian, “you okay?”
“Yeah, thank you, so much”, Varian replied happily, “I’ll be okay now”
“Ok, imma…. Return to my seat now”
“Here”, Varian snapped his fingers and Hugo disappeared before reappearing in his seat, blue sparkles floating around him for a moment before he grinned gratefully
The former Captain sighed before he looked at the teen, “could you continue?”
“Yeah, I can”, Varian replied, giving Hugo one final smile before facing the former Captain, he had to hide his chuckle as he saw his father smiling at Hugo as well, the blond smiling back before the father made a heart shape with his hands, as a thank you, and made Hugo blush and give a small nod
The alchemist sighed before continuing his tale, “when I came back, my father was fully encased in the amber….. He’d tried to write me a letter, I couldn’t see it because it was encased too. My father’s final words….. Gone. I began trying to find a way to get him out, researching and doing what I could….. until you and your guards came to my home Mr. Abider…..” Varian stated, getting the man to narrow his eyes
“You blaming me for your actions?” The former Captain asked
“No, but the fact that you and your men and women tortured me for months on end, forcing me to face my frozen father and constantly ripping into me about a piece of paper I knew nothing about until I was forced to find it certainly didn’t help Mr. Abider!” Varian snapped back, getting everyone in the room to gasp, “not to mention I was wanted for attacking the princess, which I never did and Rapunzel even said I didn’t do when we met each other next. I was forced into hiding while my father was frozen, constantly monitored and beaten for something I knew nothing about while my village was destroyed and no one did anything about it….. I broke….. I stole the Sundrop flower because, when I found that piece of paper and translated it, it said the Sundrop held immense amount of power and had a way to fight back against the darkness which were the black rocks. I needed that flower to rescue my dad. I tricked Rapunzel into helping me, all I wanted was my father to be free, that’s it! I stole the flower, it didn’t work, when I realized that, I knew I needed Rapunzel to help me again. But she wouldn’t after I tricked her…. I didn’t blame her, but I needed to get her to where I was. So I took the Queen, I put her to sleep so she wouldn’t be hurt, then took her to my lab to lure Rapunzel to me. I didn’t torture or hurt her, she had an ankle chain but nothing more. And when Rapunzel came, and her hair didn’t bring my father back to me….. I saw her reunited with her mom and dad and…..”
Varian closed his eyes as he remembered the burning sensation he’d felt when he saw Rapunzek hugging her parents as he sat at the base of his father’s frozen demise….. “I blamed her…. I blamed Rapunzel because I didn’t want to think about how I hadn’t listened to my dad, how I hadn’t trusted him and realized he was afraid of the rocks for a reason…. I saw my village, my *home*, being destroyed by an unknown magic and wanted to fix it…. I was scared….. and seeing the princess with her family again…. While mine was gone, my mama dead, my dad frozen….. I shattered…. If I couldn’t have my family, then she couldn’t either, and I attacked….. I was stopped, Rapunzel stopped me…. I was placed in jail, and for a year and a half I was in the same cell as a fully grown man named Andrew…. He was a Seporian, we didn’t really talk to each other until the day I got….” Varian shuddered
“….T-The day I was publicly lashed…..” many people in the crowd shuffled in their seats, many of them had been present when the teen had received his punishment….. None of them were proud of their actions that day, “…..I was lashed by you, Mr. Abider. The king had ordered it…. When I was thrown back into my cell, my wounds were left alone for a full night before a doctor came and healed me. Dr. Rose and Isaac Solace healed me that day, at the Queen’s command, I found that out later”, he smiled at Queen Arianna, who smiled back
“That night however, Andrew had comforted me using a fluffy vest that was similar to my father’s….. Because of that, I felt immense amount of comfort in him, he was kind when no one else was….” Varian stated, “so when I was brought back to that cell, we began to talk, he told me why he was there, I told him why I was there. At this point in time, I was already regretting what I’d done. My father raised me better than that, and I fully accepted responsibility for the crimes I’d committed, I never meant for it to go that far, never….. Andrew told me about Seporia…. He told me about how everyone’s like a family there, how children like me were revered with sympathy and how they never would’ve done what Corona did to me…. I sought more comfort in him, I was alone, completely, Ruddigar had been forced to leave me because your guards Mr. Abider, told him I’d be lashed again if he stuck around….. Andrew felt my pain, he sympathized, helped me feel better. He offered me a chance to make things right, he knew of a magic in a wand, the wand of oblivion. It had the power to make people forget things. He’d managed to get a group of Seporians to make the king and queen forget what I’d done…. And forget Rapunzel…. I wasn’t a part of that…. I would’ve stopped it if I were…. I was release when they did that, and me and Andrew formed a plan. Make Corona forget everything, using a chemical I could make from the wand’s magic. I could have my normal life back, and they could reshape Corona into being like Seporia, where everyone was a family, where everyone was kind and willing to help. During that point in time, I thought it was a good idea…..”
Varian sighed, “I worked with them willingly, things were fine at first, then Andrew and the Seporians began demanding the citizens of Corona to get the minerals I needed in the mines. I tried to fight that, but ended up getting hit or slapped or punished by Andrew for my misdeeds…. He groomed me…. Abused me , told me to not question him, made me think that my sympathy for Corona was wrong…. I did everything he said because I was afraid of what he’d do to me…. I continued to work, day and night, on that chemical because it was the one thing preventing him from hurting people….. Then Rapunzel came back. She fought us, but the Seporians managed to get her away…. Using my alchemy….. I kept working when the princess was captured. I was telling her about our plans, how we could be friends again once she forgot everything, that’s when Andrew told me about their change of plans…. The chemical I was making kept exploding, they were going to bomb Corona and *kill* people using my chemical! I told them no…. I wouldn’t do it if people were harmed, none of them liked that, I tried to fight them back…. Pulled out a bath bomb instead of a goo bomb…. Then was thrown into a cell with Rapunzel…..”
The teen sighed, “I felt disgusting in that cell…. I thought I was doing the right thing, thought that if everyone forgot, then I could get my old life back! But….. I couldn’t….. I was tricked again….. Then Rapunzel started to talk to me. She understood why I didn’t trust her, she understood me, and it… it helped. Eugene and Lance got us out of the cell, and Rapunzel gave me a chance to fix things. I took it! I helped her stop the Seporians, she found out that heat destroyed the chemical from me, and got me to a safe place before destroying it herself. She saved Corona…. And let me redeem myself….”
He smiled at the princess, who smiled back at him, “I was still unsure of myself after the kingdom was safe….. I thought I would just go back to jail…. But the princess….. She…. S-she….” Varian sniffled as he remembered the next part, “sorry…. Sorry she um….” He cleared his throat, “she freed my dad. She freed him using a spell that she’d found on her journey. She warned me that it was dangerous. She gave me a bucket of ice cold water and told me to dump it on her when dad was free. She trusted me….. I won’t ever forget how much that meant to me…. Um….” He sniffled again, “a-anyway, she began the incantation, it was the decay incantation. Her hair and eyes turned black, and the amber began to melt. My father was freed, h-he was tired but *alive*! I almost ran to him immediately, b-but stopped and dumped the water on Rapunzel. She didn’t wake up, I touched her, my gloves dissolved and she still didn’t wake up. So I stayed with her, talked to her, told her not to give up, and she woke up! She was okay! I hugged her, thanked her, and ran to my dad! After that, she, Eugene, and Lance, Cassandra had betrayed them at this point, so I didn’t see her, stayed st my home. I woke up the next morning to my dad making breakfast and I was given a pardon later on by the princess”, Varian stated, “aside from a few details I wasn’t comfortable adding, like how I was tortured in the dungeons and how Andrew did more than just beat me physically, that’s everything”
The room was silent for a moment or two before Varian looked at the former Captain, he was watching him for a moment or two before he spoke, “so you were pardoned by the princess”
“Yes”
“And the Queen and King held this pardon”
“The Queen did, I don’t think the King would’ve held the pardon had my dad not yelled at him in front of everyone in the street”
“That’s not my question, it’s a simple yes or no”
“Nothing is simple in this case Mr. Abider”, Varian stated calmly, “everything that’s said and done here should be looked over with every detail, but I suppose that final detail is speculative at best, so yes would be a fair answer here”
The former Captain huffed before he spoke, “you’ve given the details of the story you want to tell, isn’t that right?”
Varian cocked his head to the side, “I don’t understand that question”
“Let me clarify then, you told your story, yes?”
“Yeah”
“You took the oath to tell the truth, whole truth, and nothing but the truth, correct?”
Varian narrow his eyes, “are you incinerating that I’m lying?”
“That’s not my question”
“Yes, I was sworn in”, Varian replied
“So what you’ve just said is the truth, whole truth, and nothing but the truth, correct?”
“It is”
“Ok, well what if we asked for a different point of view?” The former Captain stated, “do you think they would say the same as you?”
Varian’s eyes glowed for a second, he knew what the man was trying to pull, “….No”
“Oh? Whys that?”
“Because a different point of view can skew someone’s story”
“I see, but couldn’t I say the same about you? From your point of view, you’re the victim-!”
“I never said-!”
“But from another’s point of view, you’d be the villain don’t you think?”
Varian growled, Ruddigar nuzzled his boy again, calming him before he answered, “yes”
The former Captain smiled as Eugene glared at the man, “so it could be determined that your telling of events, no matter if they are the truth or a lie, could be seen in a different way. Isn’t that right?”
“Yes…..”
“No further questions your majesty”
Queen Arianna kept her face calm, but everyone could see how angry she seemed to be, she spoke in an even tone however, “very well, Captain Fitzherbert, would you like to question the witness?”
Eugene stood up and nodded, “yes your majesty”
“Then please proceed”
“Thank you”, Eugene walked over as the former Captain sat down, he looked very proud of himself as Cassandra looked disgusted by her father’s actions. Eugene waited for a moment or two before he looked at Varian, “hi”
“Hello”, Varian replied, now with a softer tone as he felt his anger still bubble in his belly
“So you were asked about your story of the things you did, and what you received in return, and your point of view, is that correct?”
“Yes”
“Ok, and would you say you were alone during those times?”
“Yes”
“I see, so…. Let me ask, even if someone from the outside saw you attacking Corona…. They wouldn’t have the full story, would they?”
Varian looked up at Eugene, hope filling his eyes, “no, they wouldn’t”
“You mind telling us why?”
Varian smiled gratefully at Eugene, getting the man to smile back at him before the both of them grew serious, “bcause they weren’t there to see when I was thrown out of the castle, or when my father was frozen, or when we spoke with the King and Queen and Princess. They didn’t see my punishments or treatment in the dungeons, and no one knew how Andrew treated me except the Seporians themselves”
“I see”, Eugene replied professionally, “so even if we asked someone else for their point of view, they would have the more skewed versions considering they were not there for the events before and after your commuting of these crimes, yes?”
“That’s correct”, Varian stated
“Well then, I guess the only main source could be you, wouldn’t it?”
“Not entirely”
Eugene smiled, “could you elaborate please?”
Varian nodded, “certainly, Princess Rapunzel would be the other main source of information when it comes to my testimony of my crimes, Queen Arianna would be the best main source when it comes to my punishment, even Nigel could give a small piece of my sentencing, since he was the one who read it to me”
“Speaking of hairstri-I mean Varian, did you ever get a sentencing trial like this one?”
“Nu….”
“You didn’t?”
“I didn’t….”
“Do you know why?”
“I unfortunately don’t….”
“Do you remember your sentence?”
“Yes….”
“Would you be willing to share it?”
“Yes… I received a life time in the dungeons sentence…. Living out my days in a small cell, I was deemed a traitor and hieratic and was forever labeled as such, even if I died, the kingdom would know that I was a traitor and hieratic to the crown….. I was to be lashed once every year, publicly, to remind me of my crimes, I was not to be healed for a full night so my wounds could scar…. And when the princess comes back, I was to apologize to her and the Queen for what I did to them…..”
The entire courtroom gasped, Quirin’s eyes were wide as he placed a hand over his mouth, Hugo looked *furious* as he growled from his seat, even Eugene was taken aback at the sentence. He hadn’t known the full extent, but recovered quickly, “so you were given this sentence with no trial, no defender, no witnesses, and no signed documentation?”
“Well, there was documentation, I didn’t sign it, but I believe the King did, though that speculation again”
“It’s okay, why do you think there was documentation?”
“Because Nigel had a scroll he was reading off of when I was placed in the cell and sentenced”
“I see, so there’s documentation of a sentence, yet no trial or defender”
“Correct”
“Hmm…. Did you know if the princess or Queen was made aware of this fact before she left?”
“I know Rapunzel wasn’t, the Queen was made aware after the fact however, and there was nothing she could do to stop it”
“Do you mind explaining that further?”
Varian nodded, “the Queen wasn’t present when I was taken to the Capital, she went straight to the castle after she was rescued, I didn’t see her that entire night. I was in a holding cell at that point. When I was sentenced, the King and Nigel were there, so was the former Captain actually, Mr. Abider”, the courtroom gasped as Eugene looked at the former Captain, he shifted uncomfortably in his seat before the Dark Prince looked back at Varian, “but the Queen wasn’t present. And when I was taken into the cell with Andrew, I didn’t see her. In fact, I heard nothing about her until after my public lashing, and it was her ordering me to be healed. She came to visit me in the dungeons, when she did, every guard was cordial and polite to me, they treated me better when she was around, when she left, they were cruel to me again. And when my dad yelled at the King on the Day of Hearts, in front of everyone, including Queen Arianna, she was outraged, slapped him, apologized to me, told me she would’ve done something to stop it if she’d known, and made it a point to help me after that”
“So the Queen was unaware, and so was the princess, but Mr. Abider, Nigel, and King Frederic knew?”
“Yes, Nigel only knew my sentencing, he didn’t know my treatment, and. Abider and King Frederic knew all of it though”
Eugene nodded, “I see, so then, I’m going to ask you a harder question, are you ready?”
Varian nodded, “I’m ready”
Eugene nodded before he took a breath, let it go, and asked, “sitting here today Varian…. How does it feel to be facing the same man, Mr. Abider, that beat, lashed, abused, and hurt you?” He asked gently
Varian’s shoulder rose, Ruddigar instantly gave him an alert on his cheek, Eugene heard Quirin gasp before shutting his mouth, he felt horrible for having to ask this question, but he knew this would help in the long run, the retired knight understood, no matter how much he hated to see his son struggle
And struggle Varian did as the question repeated in his mind, he knew the answer, he just had to say it. He shot a glance to Hugo, the blond was leaning forwards in his seat, trying his best not to get up and run to his boyfriend’s aid. When he saw Varian look at him, he made a heart shape with his hands, showing his support, showing that he believed in him. That gave the alchemist the confidence he needed, to finally reply was one, quiet, word, “….terrifying…..”
Notes:
Hello!
So here’s the one on one with the former Captain and Varian! This bean was prepared, but it’s still very hard for him to talk about his experience, and the Captain is a jerk, so…..
Varian has way too much to deal with right now, this poor bean has to relive everything he’s gone through, it’s not fair on him, this poor freaking kid….
The former Captain is a jerk and evil and I really don’t like him at all….. again, I apologize to any and all fans of his, this is my interpretation, he’s a bad man to me, and a bad father, but you can disagree and like him, I will never judge, I simply agree to disagree ❤️😊🎶
Eugene is the boss here!!!!! He wins first prize for best big brother in this chapter! This man is a surprisingly good defender, at least he would be to me! He knows his defendants personally and will defend them to the best of his ability. He has to ask hard questions, but he’ll get the right results! He’s a good man, I love Eugene Fitzherbert!
Queen Arianna is a sweetheart, she does not deserve any blame for what happened to Varian in this story, she didn’t know and was actively kept away from it, and she would’ve stopped it had she known! She was angry on Varian’s behalf, she’s a good mom, I love Queen Arianna! We Stan her in this story XD (it’s okay if you disagree, just know that I agree to disagree with you on this ❤️🎶)
Hugo is the best boy!!!!!! This bean just loves his Varian so much that he’s willing to break the rules for him! I love Hugo! I can’t wait for the idea I have planned for him and Varian ❤️🎶😁
Quirin will have a turn, believe me, hoo boy he’s gonna have a turn, and it will be glorious!
Ruddy buddy is best animal in this chapter! 😁🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 438: Cassandra’s Trial! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Eugene and Varian work together during the trail!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“So the Queen was unaware, and so was the princess, but Mr. Abider, Nigel, and King Frederic knew?”
“Yes, Nigel only knew my sentencing, he didn’t know my treatment, but Mr. Abider and King Frederic knew all of it though”
Eugene nodded, “I see, so then, I’m going to ask you a harder question, are you ready?”
Varian nodded, “I’m ready”
Eugene nodded before he took a breath, let it go, and asked, “sitting here today Varian…. How does it feel to be facing the same man, Mr. Abider, that beat, lashed, abused, and hurt you?” He asked gently
Varian’s shoulders rose, Ruddigar instantly gave him an alert on his cheek, Eugene heard Quirin gasp before shutting his mouth, he felt horrible for having to ask this question, but he knew this would help in the long run, the retired knight understood, no matter how much he hated to see his son struggle
And struggle Varian did as the question repeated in his mind, he knew the answer, he just had to say it. He shot a glance to Hugo, the blond was leaning forwards in his seat, trying his best not to get up and run to his boyfriend’s aid. When he saw Varian look at him, he made a heart shape with his hands, showing his support, showing that he believed in him. That gave the alchemist the confidence he needed to finally reply with one, quiet, word, “….terrifying…..”
Then entire courtroom was silent at the alchemist’s answer, Eugene giving Varian a sympathetic look before he asked, “do you mind…. Explaining why it’s so terrifying?….”
Varian could see how hard this was for his big brother, so he gave the man a wavering smile to try and lessen the burden, he could see it help Eugene just a little before he spoke, “I don’t mind….. it may take me a few minutes….”
“That’s okay, take your time”, the Dark Prince replied softly
The freckled teen took a moment to calm himself down, he let out a breath and felt Ruddigar alert him that his heartbeat was back to normal once more. He took a few seconds after, to collect his thoughts, before he spoke, “Mr. Abider…. Was always someone that, even as a younger kid, I felt nervous around. Simply because he represented justice in Corona, and it scared me to no end what would happen should I end up on the other side of his sword. Mind you, he never did anything to deserve such anxiety towards him, but I couldn’t help it I suppose….. My dad told me it was normal, that he’d felt it too at times because Mr. Abider was so serious when it came to his job, something I applauded him for….. but…… Then my nervous and anxious feelings started to come true when I first met him….. he’d come to Old Corona after I’d, accidentally, blown up some of the crops….. he wasn’t… cruel, but he’d been rather…. Harsh….. He’d snapped pretty badly at me for causing such destruction and even yelled that I could’ve killed or hurt someone….. dad stepped in, and he backed off….. I was only 10 at that time…. I knew at that point to never cross his path again……”
Varian let out a shaky breath before continuing, “but then….. I was rumored to have attacked the princess……. And while I understand what I did after was very wrong, I never knew how cruel people could be until then….. The things he would do to me…. I can’t let them go…. I’ve tried…. I’ve found distractions, tried breathing exercises, even tried meditation once or twice….. I’d make plans so the pain would get quiet, talked to random strangers about whatever they wanted just so the voices could stop shouting….. But I was never safe….. His yell, not even his normal voice, just his yell…… The barking shout as he’d ordered me to be locked in the same room as my frozen father while he mocked me from the other side of the door….. How many times he’d tell me it was all my fault, that he’d always known…. That I was always bad…. that I’d eventually kill him…. Kill dad….. How d-disappointed my father must be in m-me….”
The voice crack forced the freckled teen to stop and try to calm down again, the courtroom was still silent as everyone listened to the alchemist’s tale as they all stared at the man they’d originally revered at the main symbol of justice in their kingdom. None of them knew what to think about these new findings as Varian spoke again, “i-it um…. It only got worse when I was in jail. He’d allow his guards to do what they wished whenever Queen Arianna wasn’t around….. Rapunzel wasn’t there, Nigel never came back after he’d read me my sentence, I think even he would’ve stopped the treatment if he’d known….. The lashing though….. I….. can’t describe how much even thinking about that d-day takes my breath away….. I-it’s painful and embarrassing and it h-hurts so badly…..” he admitted, closing his eyes before opening them again as he saw an image of that damned pole in his mind, “I still have n-nightmares…. I still feel the sting…. H-hear the noise….. M-my back…. I h-have to cover them…. The scars I don’t… d-don’t want anyone to see them…..”
Varian shook his head to clear his tears away before he spoke again, this time calmer, he would be strong, he would, “when the former Captain came back to Corona….. He was angry to see me out of jail. He tried to come to me, my dad stopped him from getting anywhere near me….. They yelled at each other and you Eugene, you and Rapunzel and Lance took him away. I found him knocked out on the ground later on….. I think someone punched him, I don’t know, it wasn’t me, but I helped him….. Healed him….. He made Hugo mad and they were arguing, I remember trying to stop them, until he touched my arm and yelled….. It sent me into a ptsd state and I ended up losing control over my magic….. I was okay after…. But…” Varian sighed, “seeing him now, I’m more in control, I’m more calm because I’ve had time to set up coping mechanisms…. But it’s still terrifying to think he might do it again….. he might yell, he might scream, he might touch my arm and l-lash me again and I….. I’m afraid…. I’m afraid of him…..” Varian admitted softly before he looked at Cassandra’s father, “but….. I’m not gonna let him hurt me again….. I’m not”
Eugene’s eyebrows raised before he smiled, “why’s that?” He asked, knowing the answer already and looking to Lance, who was smiling excitedly
Varian continued to stare at the former Captain before his eyes narrowed, and that stare turned into a glare as he replied, “because I’m not the villain anymore. I’m not going to let anyone tell me I am anymore either. He’s told me that I’m a villain, or a danger, something he’d need to protect people from….. But I’m not, I’m not, I’m *NOT*!” Varian snapped, a pulse of blue magic sweeping through the courtroom, it didn’t affect anyone negatively, but the alchemist’s voice echoed as he said it, his eyes glowing determinedly, “I’m not the villain, I’m not that scared 14 year old that you could beat and yell at and scare! I’m not, I’m older and better and stronger and I’m never gonna hurt people again! I’m better than I was before, I’ve grown and learned and faced all of my fears and every single obstacle! I’ve seen the nastiest people in the form of an abusive mother, a racist and crazy murderer, a liar friend, a dictator king, two disgusting and greedy dignitaries who claimed to be parents, judgmental dignitaries when faced with an orphaned boy, and then you….. You’re a liar…. “
He stated as his anger seethed, “You’re the one who wears a mask so thick that you can’t see through it yourself, you believed every lie you told, every hit you gave you believed it was for justice! Everything you’ve ever said, done, thought, and tried has always been ‘for Corona’, but when was that actually true? It may have been in the beginning, my father chose you as Captain for a reason, but had he known what you would become he would’ve chosen anyone else….. You’re not justice, you’re not a peacekeeper or Good Samaritan, you’re not even a good *father*! You tried to *leave* your daughter behind and start anew with a fake Cassandra! You gave up on her! Honestly, if she hadn’t done what she did I’d feel pity for her for having *you* as a dad! You’re the third worst person I’ve ever come into contact with, just barely losing to two men so vile and disgusting that I’ll forever gag when their names are even *spoken*! You wanna know who they are?! Second is *Cyrus*! The man who abused, murdered, beat, and laughed at my boyfriend and then did even more to people he used to be *friends* with! The first is the *Baron*!”
Adira was startled by that, before she smiled lovingly at her nephew, Hector and Quirin smirking in agreement as Edmund looked at the face painted warrior happily. Varian continued, “that man did things I can’t even *begin* to describe, to someone I hold very close to my heart, and you’re *just barely* better than them! Because despite how much I hate you, and I do, I hate you so *damn* much, I don’t think you’d stoop to *their* level….. But….. You’re still disgusting and horrible…. You’ll never be a good man in my eyes, never, I’m not going to let you pin the blame on me, make your arguments, no amount of shame or pressure will make me agree that I’m worse than her…..” he stated, nodding to Cassandra, “none.”
The courtroom was completely quiet now, not even a pin dropped as everyone stared at the teen in shock. Arianna however, smiled, as she gently cleared her throat after a few seconds, “I think it’s time we take a break, this trial will continue in an hour, please follow the guards to the lobby, enjoy the refreshments the castle staff has prepared, and we’ll see all of you once we reconvene! Court dismissed!” Sheila ordered, everyone began to speak, whispering to each other as they stood, allowing the Queen to exit first, which a few guards, before the victims, including Varian, were led out, a few citizens gave a small cheer for the alchemist, those that didn’t merely silenced themselves and smiled as he walked by, showing him the greatest respect they could give until he was out of the courtroom
The victims were led into a separate room with refreshments and comfortable couches and chairs. The door was closed behind them, no one spoke for a moment or two before the door opened again, and Eugene stepped in. He waved goodbye to someone before he closed the door and instantly ran to Varian, scooping him up and spinning around, hugging the teen lovingly as he exclaimed, “you did so well! You stood up for yourself! I’m so proud of you Hairstripes! I’m so so so so so so SOOOOOOOOO proud of yooooooou!”
Varian laughed as he hugged Eugene back, Ruddigar holding on for dear life as the two spun around together, the tension in the room was broken as everyone laughed at the Captain’s reaction before Eugene stopped spinning and put Varian down, giving him one final hug before he smiled at the alchemist, “I was so worried”, he admitted, “he was trying to target you, play on your fear of him so he could lessen CassAndra’s sentence, but you didn’t let him! You took back your fear, you did such a great job, I’m really proud of you!”
“Thanks”, Varian giggled bashfully
“Oh don’t you get all embarrassed, you, single handedly, made it to where he’s so shaken that he doesn’t have a plan! You should’ve *seen* him when you left! He looked paler than a *ghost*! Oh kiddo you just made this a whole hell of a lot easier!”
Varian smiled, “I’m happy to help, I’m sorry I did that though, it’s supposed to be about Cassandra….”
“It still is, but now, he can’t get to you, the only plan he’s got left, is the only one I’m confident he’ll fail at!” Eugene stated before he smiled at Quirin
Varian looked at his father, who looked so proud of him, his eyes were shining with delight as he stared at his son, Varian smiled back at him, blushing a little before the retired knight chuckled and walked over, scooping Varian up and kissing his forehead, “I’m so very proud of you too”, he stated softly
“Hee hee, thanks dad”
Eugene grinned before he looked at Quirin again, “you know what plan I mean right?”
The Village Leader nodded, “I’m aware”
“Think you can handle it?”
“I will”, the man stated, “though it’ll be tough to follow up what we just witnessed from this little stinkbomb”
Varian laughed as his father nuzzled his cheek lovingly, “evil jerkface”, he stated, hugging the man before he realized what Eugene had just said and looked up at his dad, “handle what exactly?”
The retired knight chuckled, “was hoping you didn’t catch that”
“I’m your child to be fair, catching comments made about people I care about is hard for me to miss”
“I take that as a compliment”
“You should”
Quirin smirked before he sighed, “the former Captain is going to try to make me angry”
“What?! Why?! And how?!”
“To answer your three questions”, his father joked as he set the alchemist down, “I’ll leave that to Eugene while I get you, Ruddigar, and me, and Hugo, some food”
“Hugo? Is he allowed in here?”
“Nope”, Hugo stated as he walked over and hugged Varian from behind, “but I’m a fucking fast street rat, so as long as I sneak out before the hour is up, I’m good”, he stated before kissing Varian’s cheek, “hi Freckles”
Varian laughed before he turned and hugged Hugo happily, “hello love”
They shared a kiss before parting, standing next to each other and holding hands, “are you okay?” The blond asked
“I’m fine, better now that I said what I did, though I still feel slightly bad”
“Don’t be, that fucker deserved every word”
Varian snorted, “course you would say that, Huuuuuugo”
Hugo snickered, “Vaaaaarian!”
“Huuuuuuuuuugo!”
“Vaaaaaaaaaaaaarian!”
Varian sucked in a breath but was stopped when Eugene spoke up, “not to interrupt this, admittedly adorable, flirting session, but we only have an hour”
Varian let out his breath and sighed, “fine, to be continued”, he stated with a wink at his boyfriend
Hugo returned the wink before looking at Eugene, “so what’s got your panties in a twist?”
The Captain raised a brow, “scuse you? Ya know, a lower man would have got kicked out for such a comment”
“And risk making your little brother sad after his big victory?” Hugo asked, with a sarcastic gasp, as Varian and Ruddigar gave Eugene puppy dog eyes
“That’s cheating!”
“Fair play if your boyfriend and his raccoon plays along”
Eugene huffed as Quirin came over with three plates full of food and a fruit bowl in hand, “come on Hugo, no picking on the Eugene today, he’s just as much a hero here as Varian right now, considering he was able to help get the story straight”
Hugo accepted his plate of food, handing a few pieces of cheese to Olivia as he signed, “fiiiine, I won’t pick on the Eugene, but seriously, what’s got you all freaked out? Didn’t the huge fuck you speech to the shittiest Captain who ever lived kinda handle any problem you’ll be facing?” He asked Eugene as Varian thanked his dad for the food while Ruddigar dug into his fruit bowl happily
The Dark Prince sighed as Adira, Hector, Edmund, Lance, and Rapunzel came around, looking at the man, “well, with Varian, I don’t have any worries, but he could still do one tactic that could throw everything off. That tactic is to piss off Quirin to the point where the man seeks blood”
Hugo laughed, “like that coward would fucking do it! Quirin would eat him for breakfast if he tried!”
“That’s the problem Hugo”, the retired knight admitted, “if he tried to rule me up, I could forgo any kind of hold I happen to have on myself and deck him in front of the entire courtroom, which would garner sympathy for his side and lighten Cassandra’s sentence”
Hugo and Varian’s eyes widened at that before the alchemist asked, “well…. What could he use to even attempt that sort of play? I mean, he could try using me, but all you have to do to prevent that is look over and see that I’m okay”
Quirin sighed, “…..He has far more than just you Bubby”
“What do you mean?”
“He could use everything I did leading up the my imprisonment in the amber, he could use my job, my oath, me attacking you…. my past…..” Quirin stated quietly, “everything…..”
This made everyone in the room grow silent as Varian and Hugo looked up at the man, realizing something they hadn’t until now…. Quirin Vanguard….. was scared…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
I think this chapter was needed honestly, Varian can finally stand up for himself, he’s taking back the power away from his abuser!
Varian’s been through way too much, so him finally telling the former Captain off for everything really is a huge moment for him and his character arc! I’m excited to write the next chapters as well, things are going to be a little crazy
Eugene really is a great big bro! I love him very much and I want to write more Team Awesome moments soon! 😁
Hugo being the best sneaky boyfriend ever XD
Poor Quirin….. This is gonna be extremely hard on him…..
Ruddy buddy for the animal win! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 439: Cassandra’s Trial! (Part 4!)
Summary:
Rapunzel is at the witness stand now, and it’s her turn to face the former Captain!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 😁🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The court reconvened after an hour had passed. Varian had returned to his seat in the victims stand with his family. As Queen Arianna reentered the room and sat down, so to, did everyone else as she addressed the two defenders, “court is now in session”, she announced, “Mr. Abider, your first witness is done I presume?” The former Captain nodded, “Captain Fitzherbert”, Eugene looked up at her, “may we have your first witness please?”
“Yes your majesty, I’d like to call Princess Rapunzel to the stand please”, Eugene replied, giving Rapunzel a soft smile
The princess nodded and got up, walking over to the witness stand and sitting down, she waited for a moment as Eugene organized his thoughts, before he approached her and spoke, “hello Rapunzel”, he stated gently, giving her another smile, this one more sympathetic, “so, just for clarification for the court, Cassandra was you lady in waiting right?”
“That’s right”, Rapunzel replied
“Was she just your lady in waiting, or was she more than that to you?”
“She was more than that to me, much more”
“How so?”
“She was my best friend and sister, I considered her my sister anyway, I loved her and we grew to care about each other deeply in the years she helped me”
“How did she help you?”
“She got me more comfortable with the castle when I first came home from the tower, she got me gifts, showed me stuff that, I’m fairly certain, everybody used normally, like the library, I’d never heard of it into she showed me! She helped me adjust and made me happy”
“I see, so…. When she betrayed you….. What did you feel?”
The princess froze for a moment or two before she placed her hands over her heart and sighed, “hurt….. Very hurt….. and confused…. And sad…..”
Eugene looked at his lover sadly, “did you know why she did it?”
“Well….. not at first…..”
“But now?”
“I think I do”
“Can you explain?”
Rapunzel nodded, “she felt…. Like she was less than me….. Like she was less than everyone….. She felt like I thought she was less than me and wanted to prove she wasn’t. When she found out about Mother Gothel being her biological mother….. I think that may have been the final straw…. Because Gothel took me as a kid and left her behind….. Choosing me over her…. And it made her feel even worse….. Zhan Tiri played on that, and….. It ended up…. Here….”
“Do you want this? This trial, this court, do you want this to happen?”
The princess thought about that for a moment or two before she looked at Varian, the two exchanged looks before the alchemist gave her an understanding smile and nodded, she smiled back at him before looking at Eugene, “I don’t….. I never wanted this, I never wanted Cassandra in a trial, I never wanted Cassandra to be angry or hurt or sad, or to think she was less than me….. If I’d known that she’d felt that way, I would’ve tried to fix it, but I didn’t know….. I truly didn’t…..”
Eugene smiled at her, “I know you didn’t, I know”, he comforted, getting the princess to relax a bit, releasing the tension she’d unknowingly allowed to creep up inside herself. The Dark Prince smiled lovingly at her before growing serious, “you didn’t want this trial, but it’s happening, would you want it to stop now?” Rapunzel shook her head, “why not?”
“Because…. She harmed people…. A lot of people….. While I’m sad about what happened between us, and I’ll never consider her anything less than my best friend and sister”, she didn’t notice Varian pout a little at that, getting his father to raise a brow before smiling and wrapping an arm around his jealous baby as the princess continued, “she still harmed people, stole, and did bad things….. I may not want this, but it wouldn’t be right to stop this trial now….. Especially not after the casualties….. There are far too many that were lost during this battle to dismiss this now…..” she looked down as an image of her father flashed through her mind, “far too many…..”
Eugene decided it was time to change the subject as he watched his lover struggle, “what happened in the Dark Kingdom?” He asked softly
“Cassandra stole the Moonstone…..” Rapunzel replied, “we’d fought against ghosts and destroyed statues that kept their spirits grounded to the Earth….. They disappeared and you, me, and Cassandra were inside the room with the Moonstone, alone. No one else could join because there was a gigantic station the way that they had to lift so I could get the Moonstone. We walked across the chasm that separated us from the Moonstone, the Sundrop allowed me to form a black rock bridge to get to the stone….. I said a few words to the both of you, a goodbye, in case I didn’t make it….. I then turned and reached for the stone, I was so close to touching them….. But Cassandra snatched them up first….. she took the power and placed it in her chest, right above her heart….. Then she ran away…..”
The room was silent as the audience took this new information in, the princess’s voice died down, weakening with every word she said before stopping completely. The crowd felt seemed to feel horrible for the princess as they saw her physically wilt…..
Eugene spoke up once more, his own voice quiet and soft, he didn’t want to ask his next question, but he knew he had to, “…..Did you chase her?”
“Yes…… I couldn’t catch her, I tried to call out to her, explain, tried to fix it….. fix us….. But I couldn’t…. She ran away….. I tried to talk to her afterwards too….. tried to convince her to stop, that we could just talk, I even tried to avoid fighting her! …..It never worked…… She always ran away or fought….. No matter what I tried……”
Eugene noticed a tear drop from Rapunzel’s chin, he sighed and looked at Queen Arianna, “that’s all my questions for her your majesty”
“Thank you Captain Fitzherbert, you may be seated”, Arianna replied before looking to Cassandra’s father while Eugene sat down, “Mr. Abider, you may begin your cross examination”
“Thank you your majesty”, the former Captain stated, standing up and walking over to Rapunzel, “so you claim to have chased after Cassandra when she stole the Moonstone, and tried talking to her, fixing things between you two, and even tried to avoid fighting with her, correct?”
“Yes”, Rapunzel replied
“So if that’s the case, then why did you start fighting her?” He asked
The princess blinked, a little surprised by that question, “I….. didn’t have a choice”
“What do you mean?”
“When I first fought back against her, she was trying to get the scroll of Demanitus, Varian had it, I asked him to translate it. When he did, he found an incantation that helps control the black rocks, I was worried she would use that in a bad way, and I was also worried about Varian”
“Why were you worried about Varian?”
“Because he has Moon powers, just like her, and she’d tried, previously, to take them away from him…. He got hurt by that….. I didn’t want that to happen again…..”
“I see, but you didn’t see any reason for Varian himself not to have this scroll, is that right?”
“Huh?”
“Let me clarify, you’ve just said that Varian has Moon powers, just like Cassandra. He could use that same incantation to control the black rocks too, could he not?”
“I…. Suppose he could’ve-!”
“Then why didn’t you feel the need to keep that scroll away from him as well?” Mr. Abider asked
Rapunzel blinked again, “because Varian was translating it for me, and because I knew he wouldn’t use the incantations to cause harm”
“Yet you knew Cassandra would use it to cause harm?”
“Yes”
“How?”
“She flat out said she would”, Rapunzel stated, growing defensive as she looked at the former Captain with irritation, “she said she’d use it to hurt people!”
“Did she though?” The former Captain asked, “from what I was told princess, all she said was that she wanted the scroll, she didn’t say why, and if she’d gotten the scroll, she would’ve left Corona in peace, isn’t that right?”
Rapunzel’s eyes widened as she remembered the day of Eugene’s party:
* “Helping myself you might say! It’s about *time* I helped myself, don’t you think?” The women asked before slicing off a piece of cake
“I think she’s here for a fight”, Lance stated, getting Eugene to shush him once again as the Dark Prince balled his fists in anger. His birthday could take a backseat, he didn’t care about it now as he thought of the tiny alchemist, alone, in a gigantic lab
*At least he’s safe for now…* he thought to himself, he really hated to think that though, he shouldn’t have to. This used to be a friend of theirs, someone he’d call a sister, but now, the only thing he could think was of all the horrible things the women did….. *Damn it…. Of all the people to show up today, why’d it have to be Cassandra…..*
Cassandra turned to Rapunzel as she placed the piece of cake on a plate and lifted it, poking it with a fork as she walked by the princess, “I’ve though a lot about how we left things”, she stated, “and it makes me sad….” She added in a mock baby voice
The princess didn’t seem to catch it as she replied, slight desperation in her voice, “oh, i-it makes me sad *too, I…. I *miss* you Cassandra, I want us to be *friends* again”, she stated with a hopeful smile
“Yeah….” Cassandra replied, “we *both* have what the other wants….. which brings me to *why* I’m here….” She said, turning to look at Rapunzel with a bored expression on her face, “I want you to give me the *scroll*….”
Eugene *instantly* felt a wave of anger and fear rush through him as he walked over and touched Rspunzel’s shoulders, “I wouldn’t do thaaat~”, he stated quietly, “the scroll has the instruction to wield the Moonstone *and* the Sundrop-!”
“Stay *out* of this Fitzherbert!” Cassandra snapped, glaring at Eugene before she plaster the same bored look on her face once again, “*blondie* can think for herself hmm?” She stated with a smirk before the smile dropped, “give me the scroll, and I’ll leave Corona in peace….”
Rapunzel remembered their conversation before on their adventure to the Dark Kingdom, how she’d told Cassandra she didn’t need anyone looking out for her anymore…. She felt shivers go down her spine when Eugene stepped back, knowing that her lover was glaring daggers *right* back at Cassandra. She looked at her former best friend with a sad expression, “Cassandra I don’t think-!” She began, but was interrupted by the blue haired women
“Ooooh I know…. It’s hard making making decisions when the only friends you have left are ex-convicts, and *losers*”, she stated with a grin
“Hey! We are *not* ex-convicts!” Eugene argued
“*technically*, we have never convicted of anything!” Lance added, getting Eugene to fist bump him while the two glared at the women
“I’ll give you some time to decide, enjoy your *party*, Fitzherbert!” Cassandra stated, throwing the plate of cake to the man, not even taking a bite as she left. Eugene fumbled a little but eventually caught the plate as Lance ate the pice of cake when it flew into the air. The blue haired women slammed the door shut as she left, leaving the room in silence*
“I…… She….. B-But-!”
“She didn’t say she would use the scroll to harm anyone, did she?”
“Well…. No….. but she-!”
“So you just assumed she would attack Corona?”
“No!”
“Then why give the scroll to an already convicted felon who’s already done harm to Corona and Old Corona, he had Moon powers too, so you deny that?”
“No I don’t but I-!”
“But you just knew that Cassandra would harm people if she had the scroll?”
“Yes!”
“But you just said she never said she would. So if that’s the case, those words never coming out of her mouth, instead, she said she’d leave Corona in *peace* if she got the scroll, didn’t she?”
“She said that, that’s true bu-!”
“So you not giving her the scroll may have caused more damage in the long run then! Had you given it to her, she would’ve left the kingdom in peace, but you didn’t, so she fought back!”
“WOULD YOU JUST LET ME TALK TO TWO SECONDS BEFORE INTERRUPTING ME?!” Rapunzel shouted, her cheeks were red, her eyes wide with anger and filled with frustration tears as she breathed heavily. The former Captain, who looked startled by what she’d just done, stared at her as she spoke, “Cassandra didn’t say those words, no, but she didn’t have to because her *actions* told me she would. She hurt people far before that, before coming to get the scroll, even kidnapping the Village Leader and hurting him, luring all of us to her and taking some of Varian’s power *away*! She almost killed Hugo in an attempt to kill Quirin, everyone at the victim stands, and some even in the crowd are witnesses to this! This isn’t a hearing, it’s a sentencing trial! Even if she didn’t say she would harm people with those incantations, she still ended up doing so! And if you *really* want to get technical as to why I allowed Varian to have the scroll but not Cassandra, he and I both didn’t know he had Moon powers *when* I asked him to translate the scroll! When we both found out, he’d already had it for a long enough time for me to trust him not to do any harm, and he’d translated most of it already, uncovering the black rocks incantation before any of us knew about it! And yet he *still* didn’t cause any harm! He was trustworthy, he’d already proven it! She’d attacked people close to me, and many others, in this courtroom before that day, so she wasn’t trustworthy at that time! *Had* she proven herself to be trustworthy, *then* I would’ve given her the scroll, but in the mindset she was in, I feared for the safety of my *people*! I have to make decisions based on that, it’s my *job*! Just as much as it *was* yours *Mr. Abider*!”
The princess finally finished speaking as she glared daggers at the former Captain, he looked absolutely shocked, as did everyone else in that room, all except for Varian, who was grinning from ear to ear before he clearing his throat, “I’d like to add that, as a witness to everything she just spoke of, it’s all true”, he stated before looking at the former Captain, “just to clarify for the court, of course”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this was something I feel was needed in this trial, a moment for Rapunzel to finally snap and say what has been really in her mind! So here’s Punzie giving it her best!!!!!! I’m really proud of her in this chapter!
I’ll let it speak for itself here, I hope you all enjoy!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 440: Cassandra’s Trial! (Part 5!)
Summary:
The Captain goes too far, so Quirin decides it’s time to stop messing around and comes up with a plan!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“But you just said she never said she would. So if that’s the case, those words never coming out of her mouth, instead, she said she’d leave Corona in *peace* if she got the scroll, didn’t she?”
“She said that, that’s true bu-!”
“So you not giving her the scroll may have caused more damage in the long run then! Had you given it to her, she would’ve left the kingdom in peace, but you didn’t, so she fought back!”
“WOULD YOU JUST LET ME TALK TO TWO SECONDS BEFORE INTERRUPTING ME?!” Rapunzel shouted, her cheeks were red, her eyes wide with anger and filled with frustration tears as she breathed heavily. The former Captain, who looked startled by what she’d just done, stared at her as she spoke, “Cassandra didn’t say those words, no, but she didn’t have to because her *actions* told me she would. She hurt people far before that, before coming to get the scroll, even kidnapping the Village Leader and hurting him, luring all of us to her and taking some of Varian’s power *away*! She almost killed Hugo in an attempt to kill Quirin, everyone at the victim stands, and some even in the crowd are witnesses to this! This isn’t a hearing, it’s a sentencing trial! Even if she didn’t say she would harm people with those incantations, she still ended up doing so! And if you *really* want to get technical as to why I allowed Varian to have the scroll but not Cassandra, he and I both didn’t know he had Moon powers *when* I asked him to translate the scroll! When we both found out, he’d already had it for a long enough time for me to trust him not to do any harm, and he’d translated most of it already, uncovering the black rocks incantation before any of us knew about it! And yet he *still* didn’t cause any harm! He was trustworthy, he’d already proven it! She’d attacked people close to me, and many others, in this courtroom before that day, so she wasn’t trustworthy at that time! *Had* she proven herself to be trustworthy, *then* I would’ve given her the scroll, but in the mindset she was in, I feared for the safety of my *people*! I have to make decisions based on that, it’s my *job*! Just as much as it *was* yours *Mr. Abider*!”
The princess finally finished speaking as she glared daggers at the former Captain, he looked absolutely shocked, as did everyone else in that room, all except for Varian, who was grinning from ear to ear before he clearing his throat, “I’d like to add that, as a witness to everything she just spoke of, it’s all true”, he stated before looking at the former Captain, “just to clarify for the court, of course”
Mr. Abider glared at the alchemist, who merely smirked right back at the man. There were no words, but a silent conversation between the pair could be heard loud and clear! Sparks flew as the both of them stared at each other before the former Captain looked away first, glaring at Eugene, “you need to keep you witnesses in check”
The Dark Prince raised a brow, “my witness on the stand just made a statement about your defendant, my other witness was merely clarifying it was true, that’s part of this entire trial you know”
The former Captain huffed before he looked at Rapunzel, she was still glaring at him, but seemed to have calmed down a bit. The man sighed, claiming down as he approached her, “you were best friends with Cassandra, correct?”
“Yes”, the princess replied
“You said you still consider her your best friend?”
“Yes, and I mean it”
“Best friends go on trial against each other then?”
“Dad, stop!” Cassandra snapped, startling everyone in the room
The former Captain looked at his daughter, “I’m doing my duty”
“You’re doing it the wrong way, stop. I’m guilty, you don’t need to make her feel bad for my actions”, she stated angrily, “that’s *not* how I want this to go!”
“Cassandra, you’re not supposed to do this”
“Actually a defendant can stop their defender if their defender is causing harm, in any way, to the one they’re questioning”, Varian corrected
The former Captain glared at the boy, “he’s right dad”, Cassandra stated, “you forget, I know the rules too. Stop, just ask questions you think will help my case, don’t make them feel bad for my mistakes!” Cassandra stated
“Seems as though your defendant is much more mature and honorable than you at the moment Mr. Abider”, Queen Arianna stated with a raised brow as she watched her daughter barely holding herself in check as she continued to wipe away tears, “I won’t ask this again, knock off any of your harmful shenanigans, or you will be disbarred and kicked out of this courtroom”, she stated seriously, ending it with a pointed glared at the former Captain
Mr. Abider seemed to be struggling with the order before sighing and nodding, “yes your majesty, sorry…. I got ahead of myself…..”
Queen Arianna nodded before she gestured for the man to continue, he turned to look at Rapunzel, who had her head bowed as she stared at her lap, trying not to sniffle, and if she did, she’d do so as quietly as possible. Eugene felt his anger raise inside him as he held himself back from hitting the former Captain. He didn’t have to worry however, as Quirin raised his hand, “Quirin?” Arianna said, allowing him to speak
The retired knight stood, “sorry your majesty, but given how shaken up the witness seems to be, could we possibly take a break or get her off the stand and have someone else take her place until she’s had enough time to adequately collect herself. I don’t feel it’s fair or right for her to stay on there at this time, she’s not in the right head space”, he asked gently
The Queen smiled at him before she looked at Eugene, “are you okay with this request?”
“Yes your majesty”, the current Captain replied
Arianna then looked at Cassandra’s father, “are you okay with this request as well?”
The former Captain sighed, but nodded, “yes your majesty”
“Alright, in this case Mr. Vanguard, your request will be granted, we’ll take a 30 minute recess to collect ourselves, and will move on to a different witness upon our return. Let’s hope we can conduct this trial with the decency and grace it deserves”, she stated, looking at Mr. Abider once again before she looked at the audience, “court is now adjourned for a quick recess”
The Queen stood and walked out of the room, everyone stood with her and waited until she was gone before the victims began to file out of the room, Varian stopping and staying behind so Rapunzel could catch up to him. He hugged her lovingly, she hugged him back before they walked out, “sorry….” Cassandra whispered
The Princess looked at her and nodded, giving her a small, weak, smile to show it was okay, before they finally left the court room.
****
“I’m gonna KILL HIM!” Eugene yelled angrily as he paced in the room with his defendants
“You and the rest of us”, Adira replied, “maybe wait until *after* the trial though”
“I’m fine with shutting him up before it ends”, Hector stated bluntly, “fucking piece of shit”
“I’m sorry….” Rapunzel stated softly, “I should’ve been able to handle his questions, but he just-!”
“Don’t be sorry Punzel, he went too far with you, way too far, it was not okay, at all….” Varian stated before looking at Hector, “when can you have the job done exactly?” He asked with a raised brow
The wild tamer smirked, “give me 5 minutes”
“No”, Edmund stated, “no killing him, though a few punches to the jaw would definitely be needed…..”
“Much more than a few dad….” Eugene replied with a huff, “I’m seriously going to deck him if he doesn’t knock the shit off! Fucking……” the Dark Prince growled as he continued pacing, his anger was to its boiling point
“Eugene”, Quirin said, stopping the man from pacing by stepping in from of him, “please calm down, you need to take a breath for a moment or two”, he stated gently
“It’s hard, very, *VERY*, hard, for me to do that right now”
“I know, and I’m sorry, but being this angry will only cause you to fumble in there, and I don’t think you want that”
The Dark Prince stopped before sighing and placing a hand on his forehead, “no….. no I don’t….. Sorry…..”
“It’s okay, I got angry as well, but we both have to stay calm for what’s coming next”
Eugene took his hand away from his forehead before looking up at the man, “what’s coming next? What do you mean?”
“You’re going to call me to the stand”
“What?! But Quirin he’ll-!”
“I know what he’ll do, I also know how to handle him”, Quirin interrupted softly
“But you were worried about him making you angry before”
“Yes, I was. I’m not anymore”
“Wha-! How? Did you find a trick that’ll keep you calm?”
“No, Varian found a trick I can use”
Eugene blinked before looking at Varian, the teen seemed just as confused as he did, Hugo too, he was standing behind Varian, having snuck in the room once again, he was petting Ruddigar
The Dark King walked over and looked at his knight, “Quirin, whatever this trick is, does it have a chance of you going to jail?”
“No”, the Village Leader replied
“Quirin-!”
“I’m not lying, I won’t be going to jail. Best part is that even if I do get mad, as long as I keep my temper in just the right amount of check, I’ll be fine”
Eugene raised a brow, “what are you planning Quirin?”
The Village Leader smiled before he looked at Adira, “assassin”
The face painted warrior’s eyes widened before she grinned, “oh this will be fun to see”
“I’m not as good at it as you are, so it may not have the full affect”
“I’m still going to laugh I’ll bet”
“You will”
“Taking chapter out of my book then?”
“Whatever will get him to stop disrespecting the court”
The face painted warrior smiled, “this is why I call you courage”
Eugene looked in-between the pair, “assassin?!”
“It’s an Adira trick”, Hector stated with a smirk, “and it’s fucking amazing to see! She basically drives someone interrogating her insane, she uses wits and her fucking brain, and it’s so damn hilarious to watch people struggle against it”
“I won’t be able to do the same as her”, Quirin stated, “but I know enough to, at the very least, prevent the former captain from doing anything further in the courtroom”
Eugene looked at the man worriedly, “Quirin…..”
“It’ll be okay Eugene, do you trust me?”
The Dark Prince debated with himself for a while before he glanced at Rapunzel, she’d calmed down significantly, but the tears trains on her cheeks, sad eyes, and quivering lip that threatened to break her resolve made the man’s decision for him as he looked at the retired knight, “I trust you”
Quirin smiled, “thank you, now here’s what I have planned”
****
The court was reconvened, everyone was situated as Queen Arianna sat down. She took a moment to look at her daughter, Rapunzel smiled at her, she wasn’t completely better, but she would be okay. The Queen smiled back before she called the court to order, “alright, we’re continuing from where we left off. Captain Fitzherbert, do you have a witness you’d like to call from your side?”
Eugene stood and nodded, “I’d like to call Quirin Vanguard to the stand your Majesty”
The audience gasped, the former Captain seemed a little thrown off by Eugene’s move, but eager as well. The Queen nodded, allowing Quirin to get up and walk to the witness stand, he ruffled Varian’s hair before he went, getting the teen to giggle a little as he fixed his due, making his father, and a few audience members chuckle before he got to the stand and sat down
Eugene took a breath, let it out, whispering, “no problem, we’ve got this”, to himself before getting up and joining the retired knight. He looked at the man for a moment or two before he began to speak, “so Quirin, you were under the mind trap’s spell, correct?”
“Yes”, Quirin replied
“Could you tell the court more about the Monday Trap?”
“Certainly, the mind trap was made hundreds of years ago, it was originally to summon the brotherhood, those who made an oath to protect and serve the Moonstone, to the Moonstone’s side to protect them. However, someone messed with it a very long time ago, and instead of simply summoning the Brotherhood members, it mind controlled them. The Brotherhood in the past were not in control of their minds or bodies, they were forced to do horrendous things under the Mind Trap’s control. So once the artifact was found and returned to the Dark Kingdom, it was hidden away so no one could use it to harm anyone ever again”
He looked at Cassandra directly, “until now that is. When the Mind Trap was taken from the Spire in order to be used to help take over Corona by Cassandra”
The woman sunk a little in her seat as Eugene asked, “how do you know all of this for sure?”
“I’m a Brotherhood member myself, I bear the mark”, he took off his left glove and showed the court before smiling at Varian, “if my son would be so kind, and if her Majesty will allow, a small glow or burst of magic from him should be enough to show the connection I, and my fellow Brotherhood members, have to the Moonstone with this mark”
Eugene looked at the Queen, she nodded, “I’ll allow it as long as no one has to get hurt”
“Shouldn’t be a problem”, Eugene stated before he looked at Varian, “do you mind?”
“Oki”, Varian replied before he closed his eyes, it took a moment, but his hair and freckles began to glow, he started to float into the air. As he did, Quirin, Adira, Hector, and Edmund’s Brotherhood marks began to glow brightly. Making almost everyone in the courtroom gasp with surprise
“As you can see, it only happens when Varian uses his magic, he’s got Moon magic from the Moonstone, it’s why I, and my siblings and King, glow, it’s a response to that magic, we’re supposed to protect it, so we’ll always have a connection to it, and Varian in turn”, Quirin explained
“Where did you get that mark?” Eugene asked as Varian stopped floating and was back in his seat, his glow disappearing and the marks all dimming while Quirin replaced the glove back on his left hand before looking at Eugene
“I got it during the three trials of the Dark Kingdom, you go through three tests, varying in difficulty, in the end, the Moon is the final judge. You find the mark on the back of your hand if she deems you worthy to protect the piece of her that resides on the Earth”
“I see, so going back to the Mind Trap, will it only work on those with that magic mark?”
“Yes”
“Could anyone fake that mark and trick the Mind Trap?”
“No, it comes from the Moon’s magic, unless you go through the three trials, you don’t get the mark, and the Mind Trap can tell the difference, as can the Moonstone”
“Interesting, so you were under the Mind Trap’s spell?”
“Unfortunately”
“Do you remember what happened during that time?”
“I didn’t at first”
“Do you mind explaining what you mean by that?”
“Yes, when the Mind Trap takes over, a common side effect is that the controlled party is unaware of their deeds while under its spell, and they’ll not remember for a while after the Mind Trap’s been destroyed either, it’s takes a moment for the memories to come back. For me, it took a few days…..”
“I see, so the amnesia doesn’t last”
“Correct….”
“You remember everything?”
“Yes…..”
“…..Could you tell me what you were forced to do during the time you were under mind control?”
The retired knight actually seemed to struggle with this question, he took a moment to calm himself before he nodded and looked directly at Cassandra again, “I was told to wait. When you’re under the mind trap, you hear the voice of the one who has the artifact. They give you orders and you’re only to follow them and do nothing else. It depends on the person whether you eat, sleep, or do anything really….. I remember being forced to forget my son’s imprisonment, forget his powers, forget what’d happened between us. I was then told to go the Varian and pretend like I was back to normal and had snapped out of my mind control…… I went to the castle, reunited with both of my children….. But I didn’t remember Hugo…… He was part of the memories I was forced to forget since he was a reminder of Varian’s Moon powers….. I was forced to forget once of my children….. That’ll haunt me….. There was a moment when Varian was able to, temporarily, snap me out of my delusion, in that case, I asked to be locked up so I wouldn’t hurt anyone….. Eugene came and snapped me out of it again, but I was punished for remembering via a magical burst from my Brotherhood mark…… the voice in my head was Cassandra’s, she told me she’d have me kill Hugo if I remembered again…..”
The entire court room gasped as Hugo’s eyes widened, his hands covered his mouth as he stared at Quirin, Varian looked over at him sadly, the blond returned the look, Varian nodded sadly and the blond’s eyes filled with frightened tears. Varian mouthed the words, “we’ll talk later”, to his boyfriend, to which Hugo nodded before he collected himself, sniffling a little and wiping his eyes. Olivia nuzzled the blond, he scratched her chin
The retired knight continued to stare at Cassandra as Arianna called order to the whispers that had began in the room, “everyone please keep calm”, she stated, getting everyone to settle down before she gestured for Quirin to continue
The retired knight did as he was told, “I was left in ignorance for a while, I remember Varian coming to see me, that was nice, but I was left alone in the dungeons after that. Until the day she attacked Corona….. It was the Goodwill Festival….. I suddenly was told to break free and come to her, fight and destroy anything that got in my way….. I wasn’t able to resist….. I broke free of the dungeon cell, and began to make my way to Cassandra….. she was outside, battling Varian’s Hugo, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance…… I was scaring everyone…. I tried to resist the urge to hurt them, I managed that at the very least, but was shocked with the magic the entire time….. I was weakening, the urge to destroy everyone who tried to stop me was getting worse…. I screamed at them to leave, to run, hide, stay away from me….. I saw the Queen…… She tried to stop me, she tried to talk me down…. She couldn’t and I cornered her….. I remember begging her to leave, to run, but she wanted to save me….. I raised my sword and was about to kill her, not being able to fight it for much longer, when King Frederic slammed into me! He fought me off, away from the Queen and screamed at her to run. She went back and forth with him, she wanted to save him, he told her no…. He wanted to make up for his mistakes….. So he objected the thrown to her….. He said he was sorry, and that he loved her, he told her to be there for his people and their daughter….. She finally accepted it, and ran away….. He couldn’t hold me off for long….. I ended up hurting him, slamming him into a wall….. And I…..” Quirin closed his eyes as he remembered the King’s final moments…..
* “R-r-run!” Quirin pleaded, “please!”
“RUN ARI!” Frederic yelled, before he looked at her sincerely, “I give the thrown to you Arianna, and Rapunzel as well, please….. let me fix my mistakes….. Our people and family need you….. *Please*”
The Queen was shocked before tears slid down her face, she nodded before she looked at Faith and Friedborg, “were with you your majesty”, the shy maid stated as Friendborg nodded sadly, all three of them ran. Leaving Quirin and Frederic alone, the King looked at his former best friend, “I’m sorry…”
Quirin pushed him off and got up, he tried to fight it, tried to stop his advances towards the king, but he couldn’t….. With his swords in hand, the retired knight stepped forwards slowly, Frederic backed up, but found himself in a corner, no way to escape! He noticed Varian’s lab in the corner of his eye however!
The King looked up at the man again, wide eyes that were filled with fear, and resolve. He was bleeding and hurt, too weak to fight against the Village Leader anymore, he glanced around and saw Varian’s lab again, he smiled sadly before looking at his former best friend once more, “I’m so sorry my friend…. I’m so sorry for everything that I’ve done…. I’ve been cruel and disgusting….. I abused my power and hurt my people….. your son….. I hurt him so badly….. I’m sorry I couldn’t make up for that…. I’m sorry for hurting you…. For silencing you….. I’m so sorry….. Please…. Let your mind be at peace and no longer be plagued by my misdeeds……”
The retired knight couldn’t stop himself, his eyes filled with tears as he tried, so hard, to stop himself from landing the final blow. He tried…..
He didn’t notice the King grab a vial filled with Quirineon….. He didn’t notice the man place it in a ball filled with another liquid of unknown origins, the King smiled, “you won’t hurt anyone else in the castle old friend…. I’ll make sure you won’t….. I…. I promise….”
Quirin whimpered as his sword slammed down into the king’s chest, piercing his heart and cutting through his back, cracking a few floor boards underneath him! The ruler grunted one final time, before he smiled, tears rolling down his cheeks as he allowed the alchemy bomb to drop from his hand and onto the floor. The drop allowed the two mixtures to finally fuse, causing a massive explosion that made the retired knight fly from the castle. He was able to tank the landing, only ending up with a few injuries, he got up, his mind was completely taken over, he couldn’t fight it anymore…..*
The courtroom was silent as they all stared at Quirin, who was quiet as well before he spoke, “…..I couldn’t find the courage to fight any longer…. I’d just killed a man….. The King….. I couldn’t stop myself, I wasn’t strong enough…..” he looked at Rapunzel, who had more tears sliding down her face, “I’m so sorry….. I look at you and the Queen and all I can see is his face for the final time….. I took his life…. I couldn’t fight it anymore and took it…..” he glared at Cassandra, “because *she* forced me to….. Then she forced me to fight my child after, right after, he’s got two tiny scares on his cheeks because my swords cut him. He’s got more scars on his body because I fought him again in the castle, me, my siblings, and my king, we’re all forced to face our family members and friends in the final battle….. we only escaped because the Mind Trap has a weakness….. just one…..”
Eugene stepped forwards, “what is that weakness?”
“Memoriesabd emotions….. we can lock a part of our minds away and have them be triggered by someone on the outside. Me and my fellow Brotherhood members managed to hide one memory away, something that struck a huge emotion in us, for Adira, it was her first friend restating their care for her, no strings attached. For Hector, it was his family saying they’d never leave him alone again, no matter what, for King Edmund, it was Eugene saying he’d been forgiven for having to give the prince away as a babe…. And for me…..” he smiled at Varian, “it was Varian’s lullaby, the final thing my wife, Ulla, said to him before she left…. Before she died….”
Varian smiled back at his father, wiping a few tears away before he gestured to behind himself, apparently where his mother was standing
The Village Leader smiled, catching the message before he looked directly at Cassandra again, his face growing serious, “we were free from that torment, we didn’t have our memories, I know I killed King Frederic….. I was told by Zhan Tiri….. but I didn’t remember how until now…… and I’ll never be able to leave that guilt behind, nor will I ever forget how I almost killed my two sons….. never…..” He deepened his glare, fixating on her for a long time before Eugene broke the eye contact by stepping in-between the two
“That’s all of my questions your majesty”, he stated
“Thank you Captain Fitzherbert”, Arianna replied
“Um…. Y-your majesty, are you okay?” Nigel asked
The Queen wiped her eye a little, “I’m alright, sorry, just um….” She sniffled a bit before shaking her head, clearing it, “just a little hard to hear…. I’ll be fine”
The courtroom was quiet before Varian spoke up, “I….. I can see him…..” he admitted, making the Queen and Rapunzel look at him, “I was killed during the final battle….. Brought back to life by means of the Sundrop….. I can see spirits….. j-just like Eugene….. I can see him…. The King….. I can see him”, his nerves were getting the better of him as he spoke, knowing how this sounded, he hoped she would believe him, hoped she didn’t think this was a joke of some sort
The Queen stared at the alchemist for a while before blinking a little, “……what is he doing?”
The freckled teen felt relief wash over him as he smiled, he’s standing beside you, hand on the back of your chair, smiling. He’s happy to see you, and…. I can’t hear him, but….. He’s mouthing that he loves you”, the teen stated, watching as Frederic tried to gesture what he was saying by using his hands to make a heart shape to both Arianna and Rapunzel, “and Rapunzel too, both of you”
The princess was startled, but she smiled all the same, “I believe him mom”, she said, “Eugene can see them too, he could confirm”
“I actually can, and I see him saying exactly what Varian said. He’s here, with you, both of you”, the Dark Prince replied with a smile
The Queen looked at the two of them before she smiled and nodded, “thank you, both of you”, she said softly before looking behind her and touching the back of her chair, Varian grinned as he saw Frederic light up a bit when his wife’s hand touched his, her hand, unfortunately, went through his, but it was the thought that counted
Arianna then turned back to face the court, “my apologizes for that, Mr. Abider, don’t have questions for this witness?”
“Yes your majesty, though I’m very curious about the ghost sight”, he stated, raising a brow at the Alchemist and Dark Prince, who bother raised their brows right back at him
“That’ll be discussed at a later date, for now however, let’s move on to your questioning please”, the Queen stated
“Of course your majesty”, Cassandra’s father turned to face Quirin as Eugene walked back to his seat, “Quirin Vanguard”
“That would be me”, Quirin stated, suddenly the entire courtroom shifted, just the slightest bit. There were sparks in the air from the moment the two set eyes on the other
The former Captain sighed before he began his questioning, “so you said the Mind Trap controls the minds of those who joined the Brotherhood and have that mark, correct”
“Correct”
“And you said those who are under its influence do not have control at all, correct?”
“Correct”
“Yet you stated you knew the weakness, correct?”
“Yes, but I wasn’t able to talk about the Mind Trap due to an ancient magic set inside the marks of the Brotherhood by the Moon. Hence why I couldn’t warn anyone about it”
“So why didn’t yo-! Wait what?” The former Captain stopped and looked at Quirin with a raised brow
The retired knight smiled at the Captain, “I just told you”, he stated
“I….. How did you-!”
“Seemed like an obvious next question”, the old farmer replied nonchalantly, “so I gave an answer to save us some time”
Cassandra’s father was startled by that, getting everyone on the victims side to grin widely, especially Adira, “I….. You’re supposed to wait until I ask-!”
“Actually no, I’m allowed to add to my answer if it pertains to the question asked beforehand, and it did”
The entire room held their breath as they watched their two. The retired knight verses the fallen Captain, everyone leaned forwards in their seats as they waited for the former Captain to reply
Notes:
Hello! :D
Oooooooh! I’m so excited to write the next paaaaaaaart~
I can’t say anything here because I will give away what happens in this and the next part, so I shall not write much!
But I still hope all of you have a wonderful day/night! Thank you all for reading! ❤️🎶
Chapter 441: Cassandra’s Trial! (Part 6!)
Summary:
Quirin pushed the former Captain and his he former Captain makes a huge mistake!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Of course your majesty”, Cassandra’s father turned to face Quirin as Eugene walked back to his seat, “Quirin Vanguard”
“That would be me”, Quirin stated, suddenly the entire courtroom shifted, just the slightest bit. There were sparks in the air from the moment the two set eyes on the other
The former Captain sighed before he began his questioning, “so you said the Mind Trap controls the minds of those who joined the Brotherhood and have that mark, correct?”
“Correct”
“And you said those who are under its influence do not have control at all, correct?”
“Correct”
“Yet you stated you knew the weakness, correct?”
“Yes, but I wasn’t able to talk about the Mind Trap due to an ancient magic set inside the marks of the Brotherhood by the Moon. Hence why I couldn’t warn anyone about it”
“So why didn’t yo-! Wait what?” The former Captain stopped and looked at Quirin with a raised brow
The retired knight smiled at the Captain, “I just told you”, he stated
“I….. How did you-!”
“Seemed like an obvious next question”, the old farmer replied nonchalantly, “so I gave an answer to save us some time”
Cassandra’s father was startled by that, getting everyone on the victims side to grin widely, especially Adira, “I….. You’re supposed to wait until I ask-!”
“Actually no, I’m allowed to add to my answer if it pertains to the question asked beforehand, and it did”
The entire room held their breath as they watched their two. The retired knight verses the fallen Captain, everyone leaned forwards in their seats as they waited for the former Captain to reply
Cassandra’s father let out a breath before he spoke, “I’d appreciate it if you’d wait until I stated my next question”
“That’s not how this works”, Quirin stated, “it’s as I stated, I’m allowed to add to my answer as long as it pertains to the question asked beforehand”
“I understand that-!”
“Then why would you tell me to do the opposite? You do realize you could be disbarred for that right?”
“I’m no-!”
“And you realize that I’m aware of every rule in the kingdom of both Corona and Old Corona since I used to be the Captain before you and I am the current Village Leader, correct?”
“You’re not the one who asks the questions!”
“You’re not the one who tells me how to answer them either, but you’re breaking the rules, so why can’t I?” Quirin shot back, getting everyone in the courtroom to gasp before the witnesses, and Eugene smiled wide
The former Captain huffed, “you remember what happened to you during your mind control session, correct?” He asked, trying to redirect
“I believe I already answered that when Eugene asked me that question”
The former Captain froze, “I-!”
“Actually I know I did, because he asked me to elaborate on my answer, maybe you didn’t hear that bit?” Quirin asked
“I heard it just fine”, Cassandra’s father responded
“Oh, then why’d you ask again? That seems counter productive”
The former Captain’s face flushed as he heard snickers behind him from the audience, he growled, “your majesty, this witness is being uncooperative”
“Actually Mr. Abider, the witness is simply being thorough”, Queen Arianna stated, “this is not a hearing, this is a sentencing trial, while I understand the need to reinstate what’s already been said, there’s it need for you to build a foundation, no objections are made during these trials unless a witness is being abused, or abusive, in any way shape or form, Quirin is not being either one”
The former Captain felt his face flush even more as he looked at the Village Leader, who raised a brow, “I understand your majesty….” He stated before looking at the retired knight and clearing his throat, knowing exactly where to go next, “during your time under the mind trap’s control, you attacked and hurt your son, did you not?”
Quirin didn’t even flinch, he knew this was coming, “I did, but not of my own volition”, he stated
“You scarred him, correct?”
“Unfortunately”
“And beat him”
“Actually no”
“You-! Wait you didn’t-!”
“Beat him? No. I hurt him with my sword but my hands were never laid onto his body”, Quirin stated, “the one good thing I’m grateful *didn’t* happen during my time being mind controlled”
“Was he bruised?”
“Yes, but not from me”
“Then do you know how he was?”
“We were all fighting against your daughter and a gigantic demon, I’m assuming he was given those bruises from either one of them, though that would be up to your daughter, or my son, to set that story straight, suppose it doesn’t matter considering without Cassandra, Zhan Tiri never would’ve been able to come to this kingdom at all and caused my son’s injuries”, Quirin stated matter of factly
The crowd gasped again as the former Captain huffed, he felt his anger begin to boil, “that wasn’t my question”
“Your question was if I knew how my child was bruised. Now I don’t have the full story, I just know it wasn’t me, hence my answer of telling you to ask your daughter or my son himself. But I gave you my best response based on the circumstances we were in, which I’m allowed to do seeing as how your question was directed to me and not the actual person being referred to in said question”
“I…..” Cassandra’s father stopped
Quirin sighed, “I’m answering based off my own experiences in the battle, since you asked me and not my child”, he clarified, “are you sure you know what you’re doing Mr. Abider? Because it seems that I’ve confused you with a very simple statement, if you’re going to keep up, you may want to pay attention”
“Your majesty!” The former Captain stated
Queen Arianna politely, and professionally, hid her laughter behind a cough before she looked at Quirin, “that statement was uncalled for Mr. Vanguard”
“Sorry your majesty, I was curious due to the former Captain’s ineptitude in this setting, I’ll curb my tongue and keep my thoughts to myself”, Quirin stated politely, getting Hugo, Lance, Eugene, and Varian to slap their hands over their mouths in order to hide their snorts of laughter as Adira smiled proudly at her older brother
Arianna had to stop herself from laughing once again, she managed, but just barely before she let out another cough and nodded, “please see to it that it doesn’t happen again”
“Yes your majesty”, the retired knight replied with an innocent smile before looking back at the former Captain, who didn’t seem, at all, satisfied with the slap on the wrist the Village Leader just received, “please continue Mr. Abider”
Cassandra’s father glared at the Village Leader, his blood boiling even more, “your son was scarred by your sword, you’ve already stated that, however what is not made clear is if the mind trap act purely off of orders given by the one who wields it, or if some of the actions taken are already inside the mind controlled’s heads”, he stated, calming down as he continued his point, “for example, you never liked King Frederic, to the point where you screamed at him in public, airing what he’s done to your child to everyone present at the Day of Hearts festival. Could it be argued then, that you would have some sort of angry vendetta against your own child and wish to do him harm?”
Quirin raised a brow, “are you accusing me of abuse?”
“Not at all, just that negative thoughts lead to negative actions, especially once the small line in the sand is taken away by a much stronger force than sheer will”, the former Captain stated, “if that’s the case, could it not be argued that you may have held some contempt for your child and were only able act on that contempt once your morals were taken away, say by the mind trap itself?”
Quirin remained calm, “I’ve *never* thought of harming my child, I know you’ve had thoughts of abandoning yours, in fact you practically *did* and replaced her with a *fake* Cassandra, but I’d appreciate it if you didn’t spread that bad mentality to me and my child thank you”
“So you’re saying you’ve never had a negative thought towards your son, be warned, you took an oath to tell the truth”
“I am aware of my oath, but aside from the occasional *worry* or *fear* that he may go to the wrong place and get hurt due to his trusting nature when he was a younger *child*, I’ve never had a *single* thought in my mind about ever *hurting* or *abandoning* my kid, and I’ll *thank* you to remember that instead of trying to place that *disgusting* mindset on *me*”, he stated with all the will he could muster, straight faced and fiery eyed as he stared into the former Captain’s soul
The man looked startled by the retired knight’s angry enthusiasm at that question before he smirked secretly to himself, “maybe you’re just not aware of it. But I’ve been to the library for this upcoming trial, I happen to know that even parents have thoughts of their children, some even act upon them, why, just ask your boy’s young friend, Hugo”
The entire courtroom gasped again, whispers began to flow throughout the room as Hugo’s eyes widened, Varian’s did as well as he stared at his boyfriend anxiously. The blond blushed before sinking in his seat a little, trying to hide from all the burning stares he was receiving. Quirin looked to the Queen, “should I even say anything, or….?”
Arianna shook her head before glaring at the former Captain, “do *not* bring up someone else’s experiences in this courtroom unless it pertains to the question and the person being questioned. Quirin is not Hugo, therefore he cannot speak on Hugo’s behalf, something he’s already made clear before when you asked about Varian’s bruising”, she stated, “I’ve given you several warnings during this trial Mr. Abider, the last one with be the final straw, enough.”
“Y-yes, your majesty, I was merely-!” The former Captain began
“I don’t care! You have cross several boundaries that anyone without your history in this kingdom would’ve been disbarred and thrown into the dungeons for several times over! I’m giving you one *final* chance to stop yourself from causing anymore disruptions. It’s disrespectful to this court, to the victims, to your *daughter*, to me, and to everyone watching. Stop”
“…..Yes your highness”
“Good, now you may finish your questioning, but you will be apologizing to Hugo publicly for that statement, that is *not* how justice is served in this kingdom”
The former Captain went to defend himself, but one look from Queen Arianna shut him up real quick. At that point in time, Cassandra raised her hand, getting the Queen to look at her for a moment or two before nodding, she stood, “I wanted to apologize on my father’s behalf, I do not agree with his methods, I’m sorry….. This is not how I wanted this to go at all…..” She stated softly
Arianna seemed to consider that, “I understand, thank you Miss. Abider, your statement has been noted, I appreciate it”, she said, offering the girl a small smile and getting her to sit down once again before she looked at Mr. Abider, “you may continue your questioning, with my warning in mind, one more slip up, and you’ll forgo your chance to help your daughter on this matter, understood?”
“Understood your highness”, Cassandra’s father replied
“Good, you may proceed”
At that point in time, Varian noticed King Frederic standing, proudly, behind his wife, he was smiling at her before looking at the alchemist. He gave the teen a sympathetic look, Varian returned it before the former Captain spoke, “the point I am trying to drive at is if you are aware of weather or not the Mind Trap could be influenced by your thoughts, weather subconscious or not”
“I am not aware of that, no”, Quirin stated, “though I don’t believe it is since I would never kill a man nor harm my child, no matter how angry I would get, but I suppose you could take my testimony as more opinion rather than fact based, however I do have a lot of experience with the Mind Trap, so”, the retired knight shrugged
The former Captain stopped speaking, he stopped moving, simply standing there as Quirin’s words hit him, all of them, from the start of the questioning to the point the Queen scolded him….. The man felt embarrassed and angry as he stared at the retired knight. The Village Leader merely sitting there with an unamused look on his face. It was too much…..
Cassandra’s father didn’t realized what’d happened next, all he knew was that he only saw red….. He heard his own screams echo through the courtroom until his mind finally caught up to him, and he punched the old farmer in the face with his left fist, his right fist was coming next, only to be stopped by Quirin’s hand
Everyone in the courtroom was talking, all of them had stood up, they were all staring, wide eyed, at the pair, the former Captain glared at Quirin, the retired knight glared right back before he raised a brow, “you hit me first”, he stated in a low growl before he punched the man right back, sending him *flying* through the courtroom and slamming into the wall *opposite* to the witness stand
Quirin stood up and got off the stand, wiping the blood off his bottom lip as he stood in front of the Queen, protecting her as the former Captain stood up, “you fucking piece of *SHIT*!” Cassandra’s father screamed before he ran at Quirin once more
The retired knight looked at Arianna, “defend yourself, I give you permission!” She stated quickly, making the Village Leader smile, that’s all he needed to know
He faced Cassandra’s father once again, the man was about to punch him again, Quirin placed his hands behind his back and dodged easily, he continued to do so, reminding Varian, Hugo, Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel of a certain smiling face painted warrior, before the, enraged, former Captain began to pant, Quirin switched immediately, using his leg to kick the man in the stomach, sending him flying once more! He landed on the victim’s seats, right in front of Varian
The alchemist looked startled before the former Captain saw him, he grabbed the teen’s arm, “VARIAN!” Hugo yelled
Cassandra’s father didn’t get a chance to do anything to the alchemist as Hector’s fist *pounded* into the former Captain’s face over and over and over until the man let go, “BEAT IT *BITCH*!” He snapped before kicking the man away, the former Captain flew into Quirin, who turned slightly to allow his shoulder to tank the hit, it did, and Cassandra’s father crumpled to the floor
Varian was nudged behind Hector, who had his gauntlet sword out and was growling, Adira hugging Varian to protect him just in case. The former Captain got up, he was dazed, “dad STOP!” Cassandra tried, but it fell on deaf ears when the man caught Hugo in his sights next
He was too enraged to stop himself as he ran towards the inventor, Hugo glared at him, bracing himself as he grabbed his dagger, “HUGO!” Varian yelled
“ROOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAR!”
The former Captain froze when he was face to face with Catalina in her full werewolf form, she growled at Cassandra’s father, baring her teeth and *daring* him to try to pass her! The man was stunned for a few moments until he felt someone pull him away
“That’s ENOUGH!” Eugene yelled before he slammed the former Captain into the floor, “STAN! PETE! HANDCUFFS!” He ordered
The two guards immediately ran forwards, both with handcuffs at the ready! They managed to give a pair to Eugene, the former Captain had began to get up, “WATCH OUT!” Rapunzel yelled as Cassandra’s father finally got up, only to be engulfed in blue magic
“Shit”, Quirin cursed, as everyone looked towards Varian
The alchemist’s eyes were glowing bright blue, as were his freckles and hair, his Moonpiece was sparking like crazy as his hair waved as though he were underwater. His eyes were narrowed as he lifted the former Captain into the air, “you piece of SHIT!” He yelled before slamming Cassandra’s father into the ground repeatedly, over and over and over, until Edmund stepped in, placing a gentle hand on Varian’s shoulder, getting the teen to look at him, “I think that’s enough, he’s not going to attack anymore”, he stated gently
Varian hesitated, “H-Hugo….. D-Dad….”
“I’m okay Freckles!” Hugo exclaimed, getting the alchemist to look over and see the inventor in Lance’s arms, Catalina and Angry were right next to him
“I’m okay too Bubby”, Quirin stated, his son looking and seeing his father waving at him with a smile on his face
The alchemist let out a small breath as he looked at his grandpa, “it’s okay, you can drop the very bad man now”, the Dark King stated, “Eugene will take care of him, he won’t bother you again”
The teen nodded before he looked at Eugene, “you mind keeping him in the air until I can handcuff him?” The Dark Prince asked, “just lower him a little?”
“Oki”, Varian lowered the former Captain until he was low enough for Eugene to get the handcuffs on him, then he allowed Cassandra’s father to drop, to the floor, in a heap. with a thud
Eugene snorted before he looked at Cassandra, “you won’t move right?”
“I won’t”, she responded softly
“Ok, I’m trusting you not to, Stan, Pete, get this guy locked up”, he stated
“Yes sir!” Stan exclaimed as Pete poured a little, the larger guard looked at him sympathetically
Eugene sighed, “Pete, you can lock him in the cell when Stan removes his handcuffs, deal?”
Pete grinned, “yes sir!” He exclaimed before he and Stan, who rolled his eyes but smiled all the same at his partner’s antics, ran forwards and lifted the former Captain off the ground
Arianna sighed, “to think this is what a former Captain would act like in court…..” she stared disappointedly, “we’ll have a separate trial for him at a later date, we’ll deal with his misconduct very soon. I apologize to everyone, this was not meant to happen”
The courtroom nodded understandingly at the Queen as the unconscious former Captain was taken away, Hector sighed before his sword went back into his gauntlet, “‘s fine, you’ve got a much fucking better Captain now”, he stated, getting Eugene to smile at him
“That we do”, Queen Arianna stated before she looked at Quirin, “are you alright?”
“I’m okay”, the retired knight replied, “sorry”
“It’s alright, none of that was your fault. Varian, Hugo, are you two alright?”
“I’m good”, Hugo stated, “a little shaky, but good”, he added as Catalina returned to her human form and Lance set the inventor down, scooping up his red head instead while Angry hopped onto his shoulders to hug her sister
“That’s good, Varian, what about you?”
The alchemist hesitated a little, trying to silence the thoughts in his mind as images of the former Captain grabbing his arm in the past to begin his daily beatings began to play in his head. The teen was struggling a little as he closed his eyes to try and block them out. They were only interrupted when he felt himself being hugged, opening his eyes, he saw his aunt, two uncles, big sister, and grandpa hugging him. Instantly the memories changed to that of his family and he smiled, “I-I’m okay now, t-thanks guys”, he said softly
All of them smiled at the alchemist before letting go, Edmund being the only one holding the teen in his arms, “I have two now, might as well use them both right?” He asked when the alchemist looked at him curiously
Arianna smiled before letting out a small sigh and looked at Cassandra and Eugene, “seeing as how one defender is gone, I’ll leave the decision to continue this trial up to the two of you. Cassandra, you are allowed to say no and find a new defender, Eugene, you are allowed to say no in lieu of today’s events, I’ll give you both some time to discuss this as we take an hour recess to collect ourselves….. and clean up the blood off the floor….” She stated before looking at Quirin, “Mr. And Mrs. Solace will be in the room with you and the other victims in order to heal any wounds you or any of the others may have”
“Thank you your majesty, oh and, will it be okay if Hugo, Lance, Catalina, and Angry join us? I feel as if their presence may make all of us feel more at ease”, Quirin asked
“As long as they do not participate in any discussion any of you may have regarding weather the trial continues or not, aside from that, they may stay with all of you if they so choose since they were attacked during this trial too”
“Thank you your majesty”
“You’re welcome, now, will all of that being said, court is now adjourned for an hour long recess”, she stated before getting up, making everyone do the same, and walking out, the victims, Eugene, Cassandra, Hugo, Lance, Catalina, and Angry leaving right after her
The victims, and Hugo, Lance, and Catalina, separated from Eugene and Cassandra, who decided to go into a separate room to discuss what would happen now, saying they would join the victims in about 30 minutes to make a final decision together. Once the victims, Hugo, Lance, and Catalina, were inside their room, Adira let out a breath before looking at her big brother and storming, “assassin, perfectly played, results, physical altercation and ending a man’s career that he built upon the backs of those he tortured and abused. Congratulations Stickler, you’re a genuine mind fucker”
Quirin snickered tiredly as he looked at his sister, “thank you Adira”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the wait on this one, I wanted it to be perfect!
Because of what happens in this chapter, I cannot say much in these notes, but I will say that I hope this makes you all happy, it did for me XD, he had it coming, he just needed to be exposed first :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 442: Where To Go From Here!
Summary:
The group make their decision if they wish to continue the trial or not!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
All of them smiled at the alchemist before letting go, Edmund being the only one holding the teen in his arms, “I have two now, might as well use them both right?” He asked when the alchemist looked at him curiously
Arianna smiled before letting out a small sigh and looked at Cassandra and Eugene, “seeing as how one defender is gone, I’ll leave the decision to continue this trial up to the two of you. Cassandra, you are allowed to say no and find a new defender, Eugene, you are allowed to say no in lieu of today’s events, I’ll give you both some time to discuss this as we take an hour recess to collect ourselves….. and clean up the blood off the floor….” She stated before looking at Quirin, “Mr. And Mrs. Solace will be in the room with you and the other victims in order to heal any wounds you or any of the others may have”
“Thank you your majesty, oh and, will it be okay if Hugo, Lance, Catalina, and Angry join us? I feel as if their presence may make all of us feel more at ease”, Quirin asked
“As long as they do not participate in any discussion any of you may have regarding weather the trial continues or not, aside from that, they may stay with all of you if they so choose since they were attacked during this trial too”
“Thank you your majesty”
“You’re welcome, now, with all of that being said, court is now adjourned for an hour long recess”, she stated before getting up, making everyone do the same, and walking out, the victims, Eugene, Cassandra, Hugo, Lance, Catalina, and Angry leaving right after her
The victims, and Hugo, Lance, and Catalina, separated from Eugene and Cassandra, who decided to go into a separate room to discuss what would happen now, saying they would join the victims in about 30 minutes to make a final decision together. Once the victims, Hugo, Lance, Angry, and Catalina, were inside their room, Adira let out a breath before looking at her big brother and smirking, “assassin, perfectly played, results, physical altercation and the ending of a monstrous man’s career that he built upon the backs of those he tortured and abused. Congratulations Stickler, you’re a genuine mind fucker”
Quirin snickered tiredly as he looked at his sister, “thank you Adira”
Hector chuckled before he looked at his nephew, “you okay?” He asked
“I’m alright”, Varian replied, still in his grandpa’s arms, “just a little startled…. Why’d he do that?”
“Go insane?” The wild tamer asked
“Yeah”
“Because that’s what Adira’s assassin does, brings out the true monster inside the horrible people that cause pain”
“It does?”
Adira nodded as Mr. And Mrs. Solace walked in and began to check Quirin’s cheek, “when I was little, I saw a bunch of horrible people around me, doing stuff to me that I’d rather not get into…..” She physically shuddered at that, “however, I realized I could fight them back by driving them to their breaking points in a subtle way. The assassin is always used to defend, never harm. When a particularly disgusting person began to question me, using methods that were *much* less than orthodox, I’d turn into what you just saw your father become”
“A wall that never moves, can’t be passed, and doesn’t care if their stones are pointy?” Varian asked curiously
“I was going to say a person with a whip for a tongue, but that’s a good way to put it too”, she stated with a smile, getting Varian to giggle a little
“I’m just glad that man is out of this trial, he’s been nothing but horrible to everyone involved….. even the *princess* was a target!” Edmund stated, setting Varian down next to Hugo, who hugged the alchemist, receiving a hug back as Ruddigar and Olivia nuzzled them both
“I….. Can’t believe I never saw Cassandra’s father that way before…..” Rapunzel stated, “he always acted so kind to me and my family”
“That was on purpose princess”, Quirin stated as the doctors finished healing him and moved on to the alchemist and inventor, “he used his rank to be kind to those he deemed ‘better’ or ‘above commoners and trouble makers’”
“Really?”
“Yes, he’d be cruel to the people of Old Corona, I’d see him when he didn’t notice I was watching, and when I’d call him out for it, suddenly he was kind and apologetic, stating he’d just ‘had a bad day’ before moving on….. He’d be kind to me because I’m a Village Leader and was close to your father. But if I wasn’t around, he’d be so cruel to my son….. Varian used to tell me he didn’t like that Captain of the Royal guards when he was younger. When I asked him why, he couldn’t find an answer, almost as if he were told not to…..”
“I was….” Varian stated softly as he watched Dr. Isaac Solace take care of Hugo, while Dr. Rose Solace checked the alchemist’s wrist, “the former Captain would come around when dad was inside the house and I was with the stable hands, helping out, or testing a new invention or chemical to see if it would help the farm, with dad’s permission. He would come around and start jeering at me, warning me that I’d better not cause trouble, and even taking things away from me, scolding me for having them and possibly putting people in danger. I’d only get them back once dad returned, but I’d never be able to use them until the former Captain was gone….. Even then I still didn’t want to, it felt wrong….. I still have a lot of inventions and chemicals I’ve always wanted to try on the farm but was too nervous to because that man always scolded me…..”
“I wish I’d been there….” Quirin said softly
“Don’t you dare blame yourself”, Hugo stated, raising a brow at the retired knight, “Freckles just said the fucker did it when you were busy, so don’t blame yourself. You didn’t tell Varian it was wrong to dislike the former Captain did you?”
“Well no-!”
“Then don’t blame yourself”, the blond inventor stated, “otherwise I’ll go over them and poke you until you stop”
Quirin chuckled at the adorable threat, “oh no, not the dreaded no blame poking”, he stated good naturedly
“I’ll do it!”
Varian giggled as Mrs. Solace finished checking his wrist, wrapping it up a little before allowing him to hug Hugo. The inventor hugged him back once Mr. Isaac finished checking on him as well
The room was quiet for a moment or two as the two doctors made sure to give small check ups to everyone else, once they were finished, they waited, hoping to give Eugene a check up when he came in. Everyone in the room didn’t really have much to say at the time before Lance spoke up, “so….. What do you think will happen to the trial?”
“Lance were not supposed to participate in that kind of conversation, Queen’s orders”, Hugo said gently
“It’s technically not participatin when you ask what these guys and gals think will happen, we just can’t sway them”
“That’s….. a very tiny loophole”
“One I’m willing to fight for, because I would like to know everyone’s thoughts”, Varian stated
Quirin smiled at his son before he looked at everyone else, “I suppose it couldn’t hurt, could it?” He looked at the two doctors
“We don’t mind, we won’t participate, but we also won’t say anything”, Mrs. Solace stated as her husband nodded with a smile
The retired knight smiled back at them, “thank you”, they nodded before he turned back to the group, “what do you all think will happen?”
“I think the Captain’s pretty much fucked, serves him fucking right”, Hector stated
“Can you tell that’s his favorite word?” Adira teased, getting Hector to snort
“Fuck!” The wild tamer exclaimed with a grin, “fuck fuck fucking fuckity FUUUUUUCK!”
“Ugh….” Quirin said with a sigh as Adira, Catalina, and Angry laughed
“Children, there are *actual* children present!” Edmund exclaimed
“They’re laughing right along with us”, Hector replied
“I realize….” The Dark King stated with a sigh, “but you still shouldn’t be in the habit of saying such bad words in front of a little peanut and butter nut!”
“They’ve probably heard worse”, Adira stated, getting both Varian and Hugo to nod
Edmund looked at Quirin, “they’re won’t listen to me, you know this already”, the man stated with a chuckle, getting his king to pout, “try not to let it bother you, I’m certain Lance is teaching Catalina and Angry not to *repeat* those words”
“I am”, Lance stated, “but I can’t really stop them from hearin it”
“See?”
“I suppose that’ll do for now….” Edmund replied before huffing and looking at Adira and Hector, “if I could still ground you two right now I would”
Hector snickered before letting out a small sigh, “sorry, couldn’t help it”
The Dark King didn’t reply, but nodded before speaking again, “to go back to the original question, I’m not sure what will happen…. I just hope we don’t have to go through this again”
“The proceedings you mean?” Hugo asked, when Edmund nodded the inventor raised a brow, “why?”
“I don’t like hearing about how badly my family was harmed during that woman’s take over….. She went mad with the power of the Moonstone, and while I’m grateful to have my arm back, I still feel responsible for not stopping her before she got away…..”
“Me and Eugene and Rapunzel were there too Edmund”, Lance stated as he set Catalina and Angry down, Angry hopping up on a chair to sit next to Adira, which made the face painted warrior chuckle, while the red head started to pet Pixie and Basil, both of whom were sleeping on the floor and began to purr happily, “we couldn’t stop her either, and we all tried”
“I was there as well, some of that responsibility lands on my shoulders too”, Adira stated
“Not entirely, I’m the king, I sent everyone away because I knew I had enough gumption in me to keep everyone away should they pass Hector…. But I failed….. Even with you there Adira, I don’t rely on my Brotherhood members to take care of the issue alone, and I couldn’t even move fast enough to get in her way…..”
Everyone was quiet for a moment before Varian spoke up, “grandpa, this will sound a bit rude, so I apologize, but….. You’re older than Adira, dad, and Hector”, he stated gently, “you lost your arm, your son, had been alone in that kingdom for 25 years, and you had just been reunited with Eugene and were taken off guard. Your entire world view had been crushed in the matter of a few hours, it’s not wonder you didn’t catch up to her. It’s a little difficult to do when you’ve been through so much in such a short amount of time”
Edmund chuckled, “while that’s true, I am old, er older, I still was trained to not let that affect me”
The alchemist huffed, “you and dad, I swear!” He stated, “you two were trained to be fighters, yes, I respect that, correct, but you two are *not* fighters anymore! He’s not a knight, he’s retired, just as *you* are not supposed to be using your axe to swing around at armies of men and women who attack your home! You’re an older king who is a grandpa and should only be doing fun grandpa things! Like watching your grand peanuts run around, thinking about the past and the good times you used to have with all your friends, telling embarrassing stories about my dad, Eugene, aunt, and uncle, then saying ‘back in my day’ in an old grandpa voice while sipping your juice and we all let you tell your story and teach us ‘youngins’ about the ‘good ol days’! You should *not* be taking the responsibility of an entire kingdom on your shoulders simply because one woman made a horrible choice that ended up causing destruction on another kingdom because you are the grandpa age! Even if you are a king, at this point in time, the prince should be the one taking over if I’m not mistaken, and the only reason he hasn’t is because he isn’t trained yet. So you stop it, and you stop it too!” He added, pointing to his dad, “you’re an old dad, an old farmer, a Village Leader, and a good people, not a knight, you’re retired, stop it”
Quirin snickered as Edmund blinked a little before grinning, “you’re a good peanut”
“Thank you! I’m also a correct peanut and I’ll take that title with pride!”
Hugo laughed as he wrapped an arm around his boyfriend and hugged him lovingly, “you’re amazing Freckles”
Varian giggled before hugging Hugo back as Ruddigar chittered happily before the door opened. Everyone stopped and looked over to see a handcuffed Cassandra with Eugene right behind her. Rapunzel hesitated for a moment, looking at the group, she seemed anxious about something before the alchemist spoke up, “Rapunzel, she’s still your friend, you can hug her if you want”
The princess smiled at the teen before she ran over and hugged Cassandra, the female hugging her back with a tired smile on her face. They stayed that way for a moment or two before the princess broke the hug and backed up a bit, “whats going on?” She asked
“Me and Cassandra had a talk, we’ve made our decision, but we wanna hear from all of your first”, the Captain stated as he looked around the room, “Hugo, Lance, Cat, Angry, I know you don’t need to be reminded, but I have to say it, you’ll need to be quiet while we talk about this, okay?” He asked gently
They nodded, “we understand Captain butt nugget”, Hugo teased
Eugene raised a brow at the inventor, silencing the small snickers he received from a few of the room inhabitants, but snorted before he looked at the rest of the group, “what do you all wish to do for this trial, do you want it to continue, or would you prefer it stop and reconvene at a different time? Whichever choice you all make is completely fair”
The room was silent for a moment before Adira spoke up, “I’d rather not go through all of this again, I say we just continue”
“Agreed”, Hector stated, “the former Captain’s asshole moves don’t reflect on his daughter, but I don’t wanna be questioned and hear about all this fucking shit again”
“I think I agree”, Rapunzel stated, “it’s….. only going to cause more anxiety to have this trial fester for a while…..”
“I agree”, Quirin stated, “I don’t want to relive this again”
They looked to Varian, who was still thinking before he sighed, “I….. d-don’t know….. On one hand, I want this to be over, o-on the other, I want it to be fair….. I feel like if we decide now, the former Captain’s actions will reflect poorly on Cassandra….. that wasn’t her…. She did a lot of bad things…. But her father’s actions were not apart of that…..”
Eugene smiled, “if it helps kiddo, we already took that into consideration”
The alchemist looked at his big brother, “you did?”
“Yeah, I managed to ask the Queen, she passed by the room we were in earlier, she said the former Captain’s actions in the courtroom today do not reflect in her judgement. If we decide to continue with the trial, it would only be based on Cassandra’s actions alone”
The freckled teen thought about it just a little bit more before he nodded, “oki, then I’m okay to continue. I want this to be over too, and…. I think she does as well if I’m not mistaken”, he nodded to Cassandra
Eugene smiled at the alchemist before looking at Cassandra, who nodded, “I do”, she said softly, “I want to finally try to make up for what I’ve done, even if that means I’ll be in the dungeons for the rest of my life, I’ll accept the consequences, I want to make up for it”
The group nodded before looking at Eugene, “so, where does that leave us in this trial?” Quirin asked
“Well, everything that was wanted to be brought up, has been, the only thing left is Cassandra’s testimony, which she’s chosen to do on her own, then the sentencing”, he looked at the group with a determined look in his eyes, “are you all ready?”
Notes:
Hello! :D
I wanted to make a lighter chapter to kinda lift the heavier subjects that have been discussed during the trial, so here’s a small break before the final part of Cassandra’s trial!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 443: Cassandra’s Punishment!
Summary:
Cassandra gives one final speech before she faces her punishement!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
They looked to Varian, who was still thinking before he sighed, “I….. d-don’t know….. On one hand, I want this to be over, o-on the other, I want it to be fair….. I feel like if we decide now, the former Captain’s actions will reflect poorly on Cassandra….. that wasn’t her…. She did a lot of bad things…. But her father’s actions were not apart of that…..”
Eugene smiled, “if it helps kiddo, we already took that into consideration”
The alchemist looked at his big brother, “you did?”
“Yeah, I managed to ask the Queen, she passed by the room we were in earlier, she said the former Captain’s actions in the courtroom today do not reflect in her judgement. If we decide to continue with the trial, it would only be based on Cassandra’s actions alone”
The freckled teen thought about it just a little bit more before he nodded, “oki, then I’m okay to continue. I want this to be over too, and…. I think she does as well if I’m not mistaken”, he nodded to Cassandra
Eugene smiled at the alchemist before looking at Cassandra, who nodded, “I do”, she said softly, “I want to finally try to make up for what I’ve done, even if that means I’ll be in the dungeons for the rest of my life, I’ll accept the consequences, I want to make up for it”
The group nodded before looking at Eugene, “so, where does that leave us in this trial?” Quirin asked
“Well, everything that was wanted to be brought up, has been, the only thing left is Cassandra’s testimony, which she’s chosen to do on her own, then the sentencing”, he looked at the group with a determined look in his eyes, “are you all ready?”
****
The court had reconvened, everyone was sitting in their seats as the Queen entered the room. Once they’d sat down after the Queen, she spoke, looking to Eugene and Cassandra, “do we know what we’d like to do?” She asked the two of them
Eugene stepped forwards, “yes your majesty, everyone has decided they’d like to continue this trial, none of them wish the relive the events talked about here today, we do wish to make a small statement however, which is that we all understand Miss. Abider’s defender, her father, his actions today in this courtroom do not reflect poorly on Miss. Abider herself. I understand you’ve already stated this your highness, but we wanted to let you know we agree with your statement”
Arianna smiled and nodded, “thank you, and you are all in agreement?” She asked, looking at Cassandra first, who nodded, before looking at the victims, who also nodded, “very well, this trial will continue, Mr. Fitzherbert, did you have anymore witnesses that wished to come forwards?”
Eugene looked at the victims behind him, they shook their heads, he looked back at the Queen, “no your highness, they’ve all said their piece, or they’ve made peace with what was said on their behalf”
The Queen nodded before she looked to Cassandra, “the final piece in this trial rests with you. Would you like to say a few words before sentencing?”
“Yes your majesty”, Cassandra replied
Arianna nodded, “step forwards before the court and tell us what you wish to say, please”
The former lady in waiting nodded before letting out a shaky breath, she began to step forwards, only for her legs to begin to wobble, she felt the world begin to spin a bit as the weight of her sins crawled quickly down her back, she suddenly found herself falling to the floor as her body couldn’t bear it for much longer….
Only to be caught….. She hadn’t realized her eyes had closed until she opened them, she saw Rapunzel’s face above hers, green eyes staring at her worriedly, “are you okay?” The princess asked
“Y-yeah, I’m so sorry, I…. I-I don’t know what happened….” She said
Rapunzel smiled, “it’s okay, as long as you’re alright, that’s all that matters. It’s….. a pretty big thing that’s about to happen…..”
Cassandra nodded, “thanks for catching me”
“I uh…. I didn’t…. I ran over here, but I didn’t catch you”
Cassandra raised a brow before she looked at herself, and realized there was blue magic encasing her body. Her eyes widened as she recognized it, looking towards the victim’s seats and seeing the alchemist’s eyes glowing as he looked her. They watched each other for a little while, neither one saying a word, before the former lady in waiting gave a sad but grateful smile to the teen, “thank you…..”
Varian blinked at her before his eyes dimmed, returning to their normal baby blue color. He continued to watch her before nodding, his face softening a little bit as he set her on the ground gently and looked away
Rapunzel smiled at him lovingly before she looked at Cassandra, “do…. You need any help?”
Cassandra chuckled, “I might…. If that’s okay”
“It is, come on”, the princess offered Cassandra her hand, the former lady in waiting took it and stood up
She dusted herself off, thanking Rapunzel, before looking to the Queen, “I’m so sorry about that, it was an accident”
“It’s alright, as Rapinzel said, what’s about to happen is a pretty big deal”, Arianna replied softly, “go ahead and take your time”
Cassandra nodded, “thank you your majesty”, she took a few deep breaths before letting them out slowly. She then shook her head, clearing her thoughts before finally stepping forwards. As she did, she saw flashes of all that she’d done, from the time she’d stolen the Moonstone to the final battle where she wasn’t herself…..
She heard every voice that she’d hurt, every person calling out to her, reaching to try and help, and she remembered how she’d slapped them away…..
She finally stepped onto the witness stand and looked at everyone in the courtroom, Rapunzel had gone back to the victim’s seats, she looked anxious, Edmund seemed nuetral, unsure of what to feel as he looked at her, Hector looked at the ground, he was angry, she understood, if looks could kill the carpet would be nothing but dust…. Adira merely watched her, the face painted warrior shared a look with Rapunzel, but with flecks of something more dark….. She didn’t seem angry, but Cassandra knew her mistrust had been severely misplaced when she saw the women…... They say a mother’s scorn was far worse than a father’s wrath, Quirin was the exception as he bore holes into every fiber of her being….. But the look that hurt the most was the alchemist that sat right next to him…..
Varian had been a special case for Cassandra, he’d connected with her on a level the former lady in waiting had never had before. She hadn’t fallen in love with him, but she felt as though he’d been there for her more than most of the people in those seats. Rapunzel had been the target of her anger, she hadn’t understood why Cassandra was so mad, but Varian had…. The alchemist had reached out to her so many times, he’d warned her, he’d tried so hard to get her help, to be the one to bring her back, even if he hadn’t been the one, Cassandra knew he would’ve been happy all the same! But she hadn’t listened….. instead she bore the most of her anger towards the boy, abusing him in multiple different ways, even going so far as to take his father away…. Again….. She looked at Varian, and she realized he was making the same face he’d made when she’d shoved him into that black rock cage….. She hadn’t recognized it before, hadn’t paid attention….. or maybe even ignored it…… But she couldn’t anymore….. his face was full of hurt, and fear, for her….. She saw him watch her, knowing that whatever would happen, he’d know the most about what she’d be getting….. He was so scared….. And so sad….. for her….. He was angry at her, sure, even hated her, but…. She saw his worry….. And it hurt so badly…..
She couldn’t bear to face him anymore, looking away in shame and disgust at her own actions….. She hated them, she hated herself, and she knew she deserved every ounce of it…… So with a heavy sigh, she stood up straight, and began to speak
“I’m sorry…..” she said softly, “I’m sorry for everything I’ve done….. Those words alone will not make up for what I’ve done. I know they won’t….. If I could take everything back I would, but no amount of things I can say will ever make up for my actions to everyone in this room, and even to those who aren’t…… In my anger and jealousy, I hurt, abused, tortured, mind controlled, manipulated, kidnapped, and betrayed every single person in my life….. I’ve even hurt those I barely know….” She looked at Hugo in the crowd, he noticed, and quickly wiped away the small tears from his face before he glared at her defensively. She felt her heart break at that, she didn’t know what he’d been through, but she could tell she wasn’t the only person who’s hurt him before….
“…..I used to stand tall with my father, puffed my chest out with pride when I helped him stop the villain….. I thought I wanted to be like that, I *did* want to be like that….. But I threw everything I had away….. A friend…. Or…. Someone who I used to be able to call friend….. told me that I needed to stop…. Or I’d have nothing left to lose…… he was right…… I had everything, a home, a family who loved me, friends by my side, a career and dream I wanted and fought for, and I threw it all away…… I won’t lie, some of my reasons still make sense to me…. I felt second best to my best friend, I was even hurt by her….. but it was an accident, she didn’t mean to….. And my feeling of being second best was because I didn’t see what I should have seen in myself….. it’s hard to look at yourself and see someone you care about in the mirror…. You’re your own worst judge, toughest critic, and biggest bully….. you strive so hard to make yourself perfect, so when the walls you put up come crumbling down, all you can do is blame yourself more….. I was so hard to impress…. I had to be better every single *day*, and while not everyone does what I do, become a villain and kill and hurt hundreds of people in the process, that kind of thinking can cause massive damage to yourself, no matter what, that’s still not healthy….. It makes it so easy to listen to someone who will silence those thoughts that you’ll never be good enough….. Zhan Tiri was that person for me….”
Cassandra took a moment to collect herself before she continued, “the little demon stayed in my head, knew exactly what to say and show that made me just the right amount of angry to steal the Moonstone and betray my best friend….. I regretted it, I truly did”, she looked at Rapunzel, “the moment I took the stone and ran away was the moment I regretted everything I’d done….. But I didn’t know how to turn back….. You tried to show me Rapunzel, so did Varian, Hector, Adira, Quirin, Edmund, Eugene, Lance, and even Hugo….. Everyone tried to get me to go back, to stop, because you all knew what I could do….. I hadn’t trusted Adira at the start, I didn’t trust her at all….. but she was right when she said I didn’t know what I was getting into….. I should’ve trusted you and listened….” She said, looking at the face painted warrior, Adira sighed, her shoulders dropped and she looked sad for Cassandra, but she didn’t speak, “I really should’ve trusted you…..”
Cassandra looked back at the crowd, “to everyone I’ve hurt in whatever way I did….. I’m so sorry….. I regret every single action I’ve taken, even if some were not my own, I still did them, and that is still wrong…..” she looked at the Victim’s seats, “to my friends and family that I betrayed, I’m so sorry….. I never should have done what I did…..”
She then felt her mouth quiver as she looked at Eugene
* “Welcome back boys!” Cassandra stated confidentially as Eugene glared *daggers* at her, “let me help you out!”
Cassandra raised her hand and forced rocks to rise up, getting closer and closer to the pair until they wrapped around Eugene and squeezed him tight, “EUGENE!” Varian yelled, reaching a hand out to him before it was hit with a rock as well, making the teen yelp and bring it back inside the cage
“Remember what I said before Varian”, Cassandra stated in a hissing tone, “don’t do anything *stupid*!”
The alchemist whimpered and scooted away from the women, he didn’t know how, but he could suddenly feel her anger and hatred towards him….. “Cass, please-!” Rapunzel started to say
“You won’t fight *me*! But will you fight”, Cassandra started as she walked over to Eugene and slapped her hand around his chin, grabbing it and forcing him to look at Rapunzel, “for *him*?”
“*Leave* him *alone*!” The princess stated
Cassandra saw the ghost girl float around the princess as she spoke, “*break* her spirit!” She said with a wicked grin
Varian’s eyes widened, “Z-Ziri?” He asked
Cassandra didn’t pay the teen any attention as her smile widened, a green glow surrounding her once more as she looked at Eugene, letting go of his face as she spoke, “I just realized I forgot to give you *my* birthday present Eugene”, she stated before closing her fist, causing the black rocks to begin crushing the man as he groaned in pain!
“Don’t give *i-in* to her!” Eugene exclaimed through grit teeth, “don’t d-do *anything* she says!” He begged desperately*
“I’m sorry Eugene, for hurting you and using you to force Rapunzel to fight…..”
She looked at Rapunzel as a tear slid down her face
* “PASCAAL!” Rapunzel called, “are you here?” She added worriedly before the castle shook again, she stopped when she saw black rocks sprout from the ground as Cassandra was raised up to, and a little above, the princess’s level from a floor below. Rapunzel backed up and glared, noticing Pascal in Cassandra’s hand
“Yeah, he’s here”, Cassandra replied, allowing the chameleon to hop from her hand and make his way over to Rapunzel. The blond kneeling down to scoop her best friend up and hug him before setting him on her shoulder and standing once again, glaring at Cassandra as the women stepped down and spoke, “you made a mistake coming here”
“Cass… I am not leaving this tower until *this* is resolved”, Rapunzel stated
She saw Cassandra grin before she raised her arms and closed her fists, closing all the windows, doors, and exits in the castle, including the one Eugene and Varian were outside of, “then I guess you’re not leaving….” The blue haired women replied with a wicked grin. Rapunzel let her hair down, giving her former best friend a sad, yet determined, look, “you *do* realize I have complete control over the rocks now”, she added, not sharing her momentary thought about Varian’s power as she continued, “and you know what this tower is *made* of”, she stated, snapping her fingers and making black rocks rise from the ground around Rapunzel
The princess didn’t look afraid, blowing a piece of hair out of her face as she stood her ground. This made Cassandra angry as she glared at the princess before seeing the ghost girl hover over to her, “show her how powerful you’ve become!”
Cassandra’s mind shifted to her wonder of why the ghost girl didn’t mind Rapunzel seeing her, but his when Varian was around. But she shook it off, not noticing a green glow surrounding the girl before Rapunzel spoke, “I’m *not* going to fight you!”
“Then this will be very *easy*!” Cassandra stated before raising her hand, “crescent high above, evolving as you go!” She spoke, the tower rumbling as Rapunzel reach for her
“Cassandra DON’T-!” She was cut off when she felt herself being raised into the air, a large platform carrying her up to the ceiling. She braced herself, summoning her hair around her before the platform crashed into the ceiling. For a moment, it stayed put before slowly lowering. Cassandra waited until she saw a burst of golden light as Rapunzel walked forwards, “maybe it won’t be as *easy* as you think!”
“Nooow, that’s more like it!” Cassandra stated with a grin, “but there are *some* things your hair *can’t* block”, she stated, before balling her fist and making the floor below Rapunzel crumble
The princess yelped before her hair caught on a protruding piece of the tower, stopping her fall as she felt the Sun’s warmth on her back, “RAPUNZEL!” She heard Varian call
Looking over, she saw Eugene and the teen looking at her worriedly, “IM OKAY! DON’T WORRY!” She called
The freckled alchemist watched his sister begin to climb back up, his eyes were wide with fear when she slipped a few times, but he sighed wit relief when she made it back inside. Rapunzel smiled, her thoughts grateful for her little brother’s concern as a small amount of guilt filled her for her misplaced concern before. She sighed before climbing up fully, “sorry Cass, but you’re *not* gonna get rid of me that easily!” She was taken by surprise when a rock smashed into her, sending her flying as a bunch of small, sharp, rocks filled the floor. She wrapped her hair around another protruding rock before swinging away, “Cass *PLEASE* this is *not* who you are!”
“WRONG!” Cassandra yelled, “I *FINALLY* know who I am!” She yelled before slamming her hand down and making several rocks try to smash Rapunzel! The princess ran, dodging the rocks before Cassandra slammed a rock into a wall, pulling Rapunzel with it using her hair. The princess yelped in pain and grabbed her head as blood trickled down her forehead! Cassandra stomped her foot, making more rocks rise and slam into the wall, trapping Rapunzel as she placed a foot on one of the rocks, lessening the pull on her hair as her left hand grabbed another rock to keep her balanced
“I will *never* stop trying to get through to you!” Rapunzel exclaimed, panting as her exhaustion finally began to show, “I won’t fight you, I won’t justify your hatred, and there’s *nothing* you can do to change that! *NOTHING*!”
Cassandra looked away, her anger boiling before she got an odd feeling. Almost as if something left her, something was different….. She suddenly got an idea and grinned, “OHOHOHOHO there *isn’t*?! Cause I *kinda* think there *IS*!” She stated before smiling wickedly as green light surrounded her, making Rapunzel’s eyes widen as she realized what Cassandra had in mind*
“I’m so so sorry for everything I’ve done to you Rapunzel….. From betraying you in the beginning to allowing Zhan Tiri to take over and kill your family and citizens….. I’m so sorry…..”
She looked at King Edmund, who still didn’t seem to know what to do with himself as he watched her warily
* “You only have one chance, I would take it while I’m being merciful”, Hugo spat in her face, she growled before throwing him against another wall, then another before pulling him back to her. His nose was bleeding and he had a bunch of scratches and a few bruises, splinters from the wooden walls were prominent in his skin, and his glasses were cracked and bent, “*where* is he?”
Hugo coughed a little before he said, “f-fuck you…..”
Cassandra’s eyes lit up, to a *dangerously* bright degree as she glared at the teen, “you damn idiot!” She raised her hands, about to throw him once more before someone tackled her to the ground, freeing the blond, and Adira, from her hold as he looked and saw someone stand, wielding a very large axe in their left hand
“I would think you’d be a little smarter than you’re being now. But I guess I was wrong to think that way, especially since you’re dumb enough not to check to see if one of my children are really knocked out of not”, the person stated, as they stood over Cassandra, towering over her
“W-who-!” Hugo began, before he was scooped up, ending up face to face with a very worried looking Quirin
“Hugo”, the retired knight said
“Quirin?” The blond asked, “h-how’d you get here?”
“Me”, another voice stated, getting the teen to look and see a bleeding Hector helping Donella stand up
“You’re alright!” The blond exclaimed, instantly regretting it as he felt his head throb
“Careful”, Quirin said gently, “you’re very hurt….”
“So is Adira”, Donella stated
“I know….”
“Believe me, she’s gonna fucking pay for that….” Hector stated with a growl
“First things first”, the voice previously speaking to Cassandra said, getting Hugo to look over and see Edmund right next to him, “are you alright?”
“Huh m-me? I’m… o-okay”, the blond replied
Quirin smiled at the teen before looking at his king, “I can heal him”
“No, I’ll need you to help me fight, Hector, heal them”, Edmund ordered
“Right”, the wild tamer stated before he walked over and, gently, took Hugo before looking at Quirin, “I’ll protect him, promise”
“I know, thank you, just, please be safe”, Quirin replied
Hector nodded before he walked over to Adira and pulled her away from Cassandra, who was still on the floor. Donella was next to him, having grabbed the medkit and helping heal Hugo while Hector healed Adira.
For a moment, all was calm, until Cassandra began to laugh wickedly, “you’re all *FOOLS*!” She yelled, jumping up and making black rocks sprout from the floor, Edmund blocked them from their injured comrades as Quirin *instantly* knocked the women down with a well timed tackle! Cassandra growled before shooting up into the air and slamming down, making the floor splinter and forcing Quirin to hop back. When he did, she advanced, rising a hand and making a rock nearly pierce him. He dodged at the last second before unsheathing his swords and using his momentum to rush past her, slicing her cheek and drawing blood
She froze for a moment, “how-!”
“Your armor is unbreakable, but your face is unguarded”, Quirin stated with a dangerous growl, “in other words Cassandra”, he narrowed his eyes at her, “you’ve got a weak point, here’s some advice”, he did the same maneuver and sliced her other cheek, “watch your flank”
Her eye twitched before she *SCREAMED*, turning and using a bunch of magic to conjure up rock after rock, aiming at the man and trying to pierce his heart as much as she could, he managed to dodge it. His movement filled with energy, his swords slicing with vengeance for his siblings!
Edmund stayed on defense, keeping the injured safe from the onslaught of attacks as Hector and Donella continued to heal, “what is she after that’s making her go so fucking nuts?!” The tamer asked
“Varian”, Hugo replied, “she’s after Varian….”
“….shit….”
Cassandra and Quirin continued to fight, Edmund blocking attacked until he noticed something out of the corner of his eye, “QUIRIN, COME BACK!!!!” He yelled
The retired knight slid to a halt before easing away from Cassandra, landing behind his king. The blue haired woman growled before she stopped suddenly, looking over at something the others couldn’t see, “what?”
The Village Leader looked at Edmund, “what’s wrong?”
“Something’s there….” The Dark King stated, squinting, “I can’t see what, but it’s bad…. *very* bad…..”
Quirin raised a brow before he noticed the blue haired women talking to something. He was startled before he got a ver y bad feeling in his stomach, “ugh…. W-what *is* that?” He asked, “I feel like I’m going to puke….”
“I know….” Edmund stated, watching Cassandra, “this is bad…. So very bad….”*
“I’m sorry King Edmund, for not only stealing the stone right after you found your long lost kid, but also for hurting your other children….. I’m sorry….”
She looked at Adira and Hector next, and felt her entire being shudder
*Another lash brought her more pain before Rapunzel spoke up, "I... Can't help you anymore Cass.... You're too far gone"
"RAPUNZEL NO!"
"...I.... I give up on you.... Cassandra...."
"NO!!!!!!!"
"HEY!" Cassandra felt hands on her shoulders as she was faced with the wild tamer once more, "are you alright?" He asked
"GET OFF OF ME!" She pushed him away and backed up, standing and clutching the Moonstone close to her
"Easy easy, I.... Don't know what happened"
"YES YOU DO! YOU'RE LYING! ALL OF YOU ARE LYING! ALL OF YOU!" She screamed
"Wait, hold on just stop for one sec-!"
"I WON'T WAIT ANY LONGER! I CAN'T WAIT! I WON'T!" She glared at him as her tears burned her eyes, "....You won't make me go back there again.... I w-won't go through that again.... I won't.... I... I won't"
Hector's eyes widened when he saw more red rocks burst from the ground! He hopped back, landing in front of Adira, who'd been watching the entire time.
"Shit.... What the f-!"
"Hector", a voice said, he looked over and saw his father holding the bamboo stick. The wild tamer's eyes widened as he noticed all the blood and decay the man had on him, his corpse coming closer to him as he smacked the bamboo stick in his hand, "you failed again"
"Shit!" He closed his eyes, "you're not there", he stated, "you're not fucking there, you're dead, gone, you're not there!" He opened them once more, but the man didn't leave, "GO THE FUCK AWAY! YOU'RE FUCKING DEAD! I WILL NOT BE HAUNTED BY YOU ANYMORE!" He screamed before noticing a red rock right in front of him. He glared at it before he ran forwards and, using all of his strength, slashed it with his blade. His sword shattered on impact, but the vision of his father faded, he let out a sigh of relief before he noticed more red rocks forming around him and Adira
"H-Hector... H-he's back...." His sister said, he looked at her and saw she was staring at something he couldn't see, her eyes were wide
"He's not real"
"I-I know, but m-my body won't m-move...."
"....Damn it...." He looked at Cassandra, she was still glaring at him, he gave her a sad look, one that made her hesitate for a second or two before she shook her head and glared once more, "....Okay.... I guess you chose...." He saw his father's corpse once more and sighed, "....I failed.... Again.... But I won't die here...." He growled at the man, who stepped back a bit, before he turned to Adira, grabbed her hand, and ran.
"H-Hector-!" Adira began
"Don't apologize, it's not your fault, what I saw.... Fucking scared me too.... We need to get back to Quirin, need to tell him what happened here so he and Varian can be prepared"
"B-but.... Cassandra.... She was hesitating...."
"....I know... But she made her choice.... There's nothing more we can do right now...." He stopped and looked at his sister sadly, "I failed again.... I couldn't help.... You got hurt... I fucking failed.... I failed...." He felt tears sting in the corners of his eyes before a hand was gently placed on his cheek. He looked and saw Adira smiling at him
"You're alive, you saved me, and you gave her a chance. You didn't fail, you did all you could, thank you.... Thank you for saving me brother"
The wild tamer was startled for a moment before he nodded, smiling at his sister before he remember her leg, "you're hurt"
"I'm okay, your handkerchief made the bleeding stop"
"We need to get back to Quirin, we have to report this, we have to"
"We will, lets go, we'll face this together"
Hector nodded before he let out a whistle, Xena, Pixie, and Basil all running over to the pair as he helped Adira climb on his rhino's back. He hopped on in front of her and, with a look back towards Cassandra, he sighed before they moved on, running towards the Village Leader's home to deliver the bad news as they both tried to ignore the agonized cries from Cassandra as she crumpled to the floor, her voice filled with sadness and fear as the red rocks took their toll.....*
“I’m so sorry to you two, Adira and Hector….. For not only hurting you, but lashing out, not trusting you, mind controlling you….. Making you stay in the same room as Cyrus…..” Adira tensed at that as Hector growled and grabbed onto his sister’s hand protectively, calming her, “…..I’m sorry…..”
Cassandra looked at Quirin next, the man was still watching her, same look, never dropping or fading for one second….. she didn’t blame him either…..
* "YOU'RE MOTHER *ABANDONED* YOU CASSANDRA!" Quirin yelled, his voice echoing throughout the tunnels, "she left! She *stole* Rapunzel as a *baby* and left you alone! And I'm sorry she did it! I'm sorry she didn't care about you as she should, but that doesn't make it *Rapunzel's* fault!" He stated, standing up and glaring at her, ignoring the pain in his body and shoulder as he continued to speak, "hurting her won't make your mother come back! Gothel didn't care, she *never* cared, she only cared about herself and her *own* self preservation! You say mine sucks, but I'd do *anything* to keep my son safe! She didn't! She didn't care about you *OR* Rapunzel! So stop acting like the princess has any blame to shoulder when you *should* be mad at the person who *abandoned* you, *GOTHEL*!"
Cassandra stepped back a bit, the rocks circling the retired knight stopping in their tracks and shrinking as if they'd been struck. Quirin was panting still but he kept his glare fixed to the women before him, he was cold and hurt, he could feel his body groaning with pain as he stood his ground. After a few moments, Cassandra huffed, "Gothel.... She didn't have a choice...."
Quirin sighed, "and Rapunzel did?"
Cassandra looked at him, "she was a newborn when she was stolen, I was there Cassandra, I was the first person the king and queen called after she was taken. I helped the guards search for her, but they found you instead. You know, I understand your anger, your mother left you for her, you were raised as a guard's child which is no easy feat for a kid, I should know, you never had any answers about your mother, you never had a mother at all and come to find out the women you're serving under was stolen by you mother.... It must be hard, I get it, I understand, but this, what you're doing, it's not going to make that change. You know, the captain was so happy to find you, he was so happy to adopt you too, he loved you, he *still* loves you! He wanted a child so badly and there you were! He loved you, he raised you, he cared for you and took you in, was that not enough, was *he* not enough?"
"No he-! .....He was...." Cassandra stated
"Then why are you so angry?"
"Because!" Cassandra snapped before she felt her face blush after she realized what she'd just said
Quirin chuckled, "because?" He asked, "you know, Varian would say that when he younger because he didn't have a good answer but wanted to win the argument"
"S-shut up!"
The retired knight sighed, "you.... You're lost.... You're lost and alone and you're scared, am I right so far?" The women didn't say anything, "....Right.... I've been there you know, I used to be a thief, living on the streets when I was very young because my parents died from a plague.... I thought the whole world was against me, that everyone hated me and wanted me dead. I had trust issues and still do sometimes if I'm being honest", he chuckled, "but I got help, King Edmund helped me, he saved me and taught me how to protect myself and be a knight. I learned a lot from him, and when I was forced to leave the Dark Kingdom, I passed as much as I could off to Varian. I wasn't the best dad, but I tried, and I'm getting better.... Look, you feel like everyone hates you, but they don't, you want to blame everyone around you when you can't, it's not a fun feeling and it's only making you angry, but if you just stop for one moment, just look at what you're doing, you would see that you're not being who you want to be".
Cassandra glared at him, "you think you know me better than I know myself?!" She snapped, the rocks glowing once more
"No, I don't Cassandra", Quirin replied calmly, instantly soothing the girl's anger, "I'm saying you're lost, and you're angry, and that I was like you once before. I'm saying the person you think you're being, isn't you and if you looked at what you were really doing, you'd hate it".
"What am I doing then? Tell me!" Her anger rising as the rocks surrounding the man grew bigger
"....You're hurting yourself, and you're hurting people I *know* you care about", the man stated, trying his best to keep calm, "you want things to be better, I understand that, but there's always a better way, this.... What you're doing now? Isn't right".
"How do you know?!" She snapped, getting even more angry, "you don't understand! Even your own SON went against you, and you know what, he's BETTER now! He's got more friends, more family, better things are happening for him!"
"That's not the reason he's better, it's because he-!"
"He *disobeyed* you! Because of that, suddenly you were no longer in his life!" She interrupted, the Moonstone sparking and crackling as her rage began to grow, neither of them noticing the small blue glow coming from nearby, "you got stuck in the amber and he lost control, and now? He's paling around with the princess and her *FRIENDS* while everyone forgives him for his misdeeds! He didn't get better because of himself, he got better because YOU! WEREN'T! *THERE*!"
The black rocks suddenly shot forwards, all of them aiming for the retired knight, he couldn't move, couldn't escape, he felt rips and tears in his skin and let out a yelps of pain before a bright light interrupted everything! Quirin closed his eyes until the world grew dark again, he opened his eyes and noticed blue light filling the tunnel, but when he looked at Cassandra, she was staring in shock at something in front of him. He looked down and there, eyes, hair, and freckles glowing nearly *white* in color, was Varian, glaring *dangerously* at the women in front of him, "enough....." The teen stated, his voice was a low growl as the Moonstone kept sparking, the light it emitted was shooting towards Varian, as if the stone itself was *begging* to go to him.*
“Quirin…. I-!”
“No”, the man stated, silencing her, “I don’t want it. I don’t want your apology….. I’m not the one you should give it to anyway. I won’t accept it”
Cassandra was white for a moment before nodding, “who would prefer I give it to?” She asked gently
“I know you already know”, he stated
Cassandra nodded, “ok, but….. know that I regret what I’ve done to you….. That’s all I’ll say if that’s what you prefer”
Quirin nodded, getting Cassandra to look at Varian. The teen seemed to be a little startled by his father’s refusal for an apology for before he looked at the former lady in waiting. He seemed a little thrown off, but the moment their eyes met, he blinked before watching her. He seemed uncomfortable where he was sitting, swaying just a bit before scooting closer to his father. The small movement made the retired knight look and smile before he wrapped an arm around his son protectively. The alchemist then looked at Cassandra again, the same fearful and sad expression lacing every inch of his face as she watched him
* “C-Cassandra who are you t-talking to?” Varian asked
“I said shut *up*!” She snapped again, making him wince once more
The ghost girl chuckled before she spoke, “he’s quite the curious one”, the blue haired women rolled her eyes and sighed, “anyway, it worked because you hurt his father and boy toy, you nearly killed them, and it tapped into his darker impulses. I recall you’ve mentioned he was once a villain you fought against. Perhaps another trip into that midset will make him unbalanced once again, and this time you could take all of it from him! Of course you could also corrupt him by convincing him to give you his powers, including the red rocks he stole from you, do you remember that?” She asked as a green glow surrounded her
Cassandra growled, “ow! A-arm! C-Cassandra my arm!” Varian squeaked
The blue haired women calmed down and sighed, “is there any downside?” She asked, lessening her grip on the teen’s arm
“Well, if you show any imbalance during the process, I suppose he could fight back, but that’s only if he’s aware of what you’re doing. So I would stop saying things out loud if I were you”
Cassandra nodded, “let’s go”, she stated, pulling Varian with her once more
The teen yelped a little but followed, he didn’t say anything, too afraid to…. He felt his heart beating faster as they final,y made it to the top, they found themselves in a large, empty, room, the teen looked around, he was amazing by it, and also scared, “woah…..” he said
Cassandra sighed before she looked a the teen, she felt guilty when she noticed his hands were fidgeting a little, uncomfortable in the cuffs she’d made. She sighed, deciding to give him as chance as she faced him, releasing the cuffs, “look, I know *none* of this is your fault, and I don’t *want* to hurt you. So when Rapunzel comes for you, *don’t* try anything foolish”, she stated, “also, I need you to do something for me, something that’ll make *both* of our lives easier”, she stated, “give me your powers”
“What?! Why?”
“I need them, they belong to the Moonstone anyway, and that is now mine”, she stated, touching the stone as she spoke, “trust me, it’ll be a lot easier on you if you just hand them to me”
“C-Cassandra I….I can’t….” He stated
“Why not?” The women asked
Varian tried to keep his mouth shut, but felt his throat burning once more, “GYAH! B-because I feel like y-you’re going to do very b-b*AAD* things with the power and I really wish you w-wouldn’t because it’s only gonna make things worse for you in the long run and I should know b-because I’ve been in your shoes!” The teen panted a little as he placed a hand on his throat, “ow…. Damn it….”
Cassandra raised a brow before laughing, “you really think *you* can understand how this feels, wow! Talk about ego!” She snarked
“Cassandra…. Y-you’re angry, I get it, believe me I *know* what it’s like! B-but you are making a mistake!”
The women turned away from the teen, “right…. Because you understand me *so* well…”
“I understand what you’re going through…. I went through it too…. And it *hurts*….”
“The path of hate is a dangerous track, You take one step and it's hard to turn back, It pulls you along, And though it seems wrong it *feels* right!”
“You don’t understand!” Cassandra snapped
“*Don't* you see this path you're on leaves a *permanent* mark!”
Varian tensed up at this, holding his wrist as he continued
“It feels good at first, then it slowly turns dark, With each passing day, You're *further* astray from the light!”
The teen walked over to Cassandra, who was facing away from him
“Suddenly, you lose your way and lose the thread, Lose your cool, then lose your head, Every loss is harder to excuse!”
“You don’t get it!”
“Then you'll see you'll lose your faith and lose your soul!”
“I-!”
“‘Til you lose *complete* control, And *realize* there's *nothing* left to lose, *Nothing* left to lose!”
“Cass, trust me! Becoming the villain isn't the answer!” He exclaimed, reaching for the women
“Is that what you think I am?!” Cassandra snapped, turning to glare daggers at him as she slapped his hand away angrily,
“The path I'm on is a path paved in black, I'm taking that road and I'm *not* looking back, Each twist and each turn, Leads *straight* where I'm yearning to go!”
“You’re only trying to convince yourself that this is right!” Varian exclaimed, “it’s not true!”
“*Yes* it's *true*, my path is dark but I *see* where it ends!”
“Not you don’t!” Varia tried, but was pushed away, making him fall to the floor as Cassandra made the rocks grow beneath her raising her up as she glared down at Varian
“My rivals will fall as *my* power ascends,
Despise me, that's fine,
I'm taking what's mine even so,
Not like *you*!”
Varian winced at that as he got up and watched the women walk around him, still above him as she made platforms appear underneath her against the wall
“You lost your nerve, YOU LOST THE GAME! But you and I, we're *NOT* the same, I'm not lost, this fate was *mine* to choose!”
She showed him her control as she used the rocks to move her around him, staying above him as he looked up at her with fear before she hopped down, noticing a painting of Rapunzel from the old tower. Her eyes narrowed as she lifted the painting using the rocks
“So I chose to lose my doubts and lose my chains, Lose each weakness that remains, Now that I have *nothing* left to lose, *Nothing* left to lose!”
She formed a blade on her arm and went to stab the painting before she felt something grab her. She glared when she saw the teen stopping her, his eyes wide, begging her to stop!
“You have so much to hold onto!” He sang desperately
“I *only* want, *MY* RIGHTFUL DUES!” She exclaimed before growing angry as green light flashed and she sent the teen *flying*, black rocks pelting his chest and stomach as he slid a good 10 feet against the ground
Varian got up, wincing at the pain as blood ran down his forehead, he reached out the Cassandra, one last time as she walked over to him, stopping and arguing with him while he sang desperately:
“LISTEN *PLEASE*! You’ve *lost* your grip, And *lost* your mind! (I'm not gonna lose!), *All's not lost*, don't be so *blind*! (I refuse), *Cut* your losses, drop the IOUs! (I refuse!)”
Cassandra took over, pushing the teen away as she glared at the portrait of Rapunzel, the Moonsonte flickering with her rage and hatred as she looked back at Varian and grew black rocks around him while he argued with her:
“I lose no tears and lose no sleep, (Oh-oh, *CHOOOOOOOOSE*!)
What I want I'll *TAKE AND KEEP*” (It's time for you to choose!)
“You can stop! (You can stop!)” She snapped as he begged and was forced to crouch while she curved black rocks around him, trapping him in a tiny cage
“This path is *mine* to choose! (This game, you’re gonna lose…..)”
She growled before keeling down in front of him, “you’ll stay in that cage until this is done! And just in case you think of escaping”
“Cassandra-!” Varian tried, but was cut off when she used the black rocks to push the cage away, forcing the teen outside, hundreds of feet in the air with no escape, nothing up but a small path back to her with the gaps of the cage being too small for even a *child* to squeeze through.
She huffed before the blue haired women snapped her fingers and made the black rocks destroy the painting of Rapunzel…. She looked over at it and felt her heart crack a little, especially when she head Varian’s tiny cries…. Begging for her to change her mind, trying to reach for her once more…. She turned away, realizing her rocks formed a thrown of sort for her, she walked over to it, and climbed up her darkens stairs as she sang one final verse:
“Now…. I have…. *Nothing*….Left…. to lose…..” she sat on her thrown, it was faced towards where she’d sent the teen…. She watched him, saw him watching her, he was far away, but she could see his broken heart….. it hurt….. Not wanting to see it anymore, she got up and walked away, exploring her new castle as she tried to brush off the look she’d just been given…..
And failed…..*
Cassandra felt her resolve disappear instantly as she watched Varian. She felt so many tears sliding down her face as she remembered everything she’d done to him….. His eyes became even sadder, she didn’t know how that was possible! She calmed herself down with a few breaths before she finally managed to speak, “I….. I’m so sorry Varian…..” she squawked out, her voice sounding like an old frog as she tried to keep her tears contained, “I’m so ashamed of what I’ve done to you….. You tried…. Damn it you tried….. I should’ve listened….. I didn’t……” she managed to take a breath before finally regaining control, “…..I betrayed Rapunzel, I will forever be haunted by that….. But I hurt you in the worst way possible Varian….. You knew…. You knew and you warned me….. I should’ve listened and I didn’t….. I did so many horrible things to you….. I’m so so so *so* sorry….. I know my apology can’t make up for anything I’ve done…. It won’t….. but I’ll remember what I’ve done to you for the rest of my life….. I have nightmares about your little face inside the cage I put you in….. I….. I won’t ever forget….. I’m truly sorry….. And I’m sorry to Hugo too….” She added, “I know if I look at him, I’ll only make him scared…. So I won’t look….. but I am sorry to him too…. I’m sorry Hugo….. and Lance….. I’m sorry…..”
Varian felt his own tears slide down his face, he sniffled a little before nodding
Cassandra managed to wipe a few of her tears away before she sighed, it was shaky and heavy, but as she let it go, she looked to the Queen, “I’m ready…. I’ll accept any punishment you give me…. I’m sorry that took so long…. I had…. A lot to apologize for….”
Arianna nodded before she looked to the crowd, “as the Queen of Corona, my duty is to protect those who decide to reside in our home. Because of this, it falls to me to decide how the guilty shall be punished. Cassandra Abider, please stand before me”
Cassandra nodded, sniffling a little before she walked off the witness stand and stood before the Queen of Corona, letting out one more breath before facing Arianna
The Queen sighed before she spoke, “Cassandra Abider, you’ve done countless crimes against Corona and Old Corona. You’ve also committed crimes outside of this kingdom, those crimes will be discussed at a later trial. You are only to be punished for the crimes committed here, and for everything you’ve done, and all that you’ve admitted to….. Death seems far too easy a punishment. You are to spend the rest of your days in the dungeons. You will come out to help with reconstruction of all you’ve destroyed, you will serve your kingdom whenever your presence is needed, and this has no chance of a pardon. This is a life sentence, you said you wished to make up for all you’ve done, I’m giving you that chance. You’ll be given a cell to yourself, you’ll be given meals and medical attention when needed, but you will not leave that cell unless instructed. This is my final verdict for you Cassandra Abider. May the Sun light your path on your journey of redemption”, she stated
Cassandra nodded, “I accept my punishment, thank you your majesty”
“You’re welcome, now, Stan, Pete, please show Miss. Abider to her permanent cell”
“Yes your majesty”, the two guards replied, a little startled by the sentence handed down by the Queen before they took her away
Arianna then rose from her seat as Cassandra was taken away, “I hope this helps the victims move on, my only hope is for the rest of your lives to be filled with light and joy as you know that you will no longer be harmed by the person who’s caused you harm. I free you all of her terror, and I thank you for coming today”
The victims nodded
The Queen smiled at them before she looked to the crowd, “as of now, the sentencing trial for Cassandra Abider in Corona and Old Corona has come to a close. The trial for her actions against the Dark Kingdom has yet to be determined, but rest assured justice will be served there as well. For now, thank you all for coming, court is dismissed!” She announced before she walked out. The victims walked out next, all of them were quiet, Hugo, Lance, Catalina, and Angry all followed them into a separate room as the audience filed out, whispers could be heard about the sentencing before the halls of Corona castle were silent
Edmund, Adira, Hector, Quirin, Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Hugo, and Varian were all quiet for a long time before the princess let out a sigh, “…….It’s done….. She’s been sentenced…..” she said softly, her eyes no longer able to shed anymore tears as her face was filled with the stains of the ones she’d already lost
“Yup. It’s done”, Eugene agreed
The room was silent again, no one knew what to say or do, they all just stayed quiet as they thought about Cassandra, and the words she left them with.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Imma leave you all with what just happened in this chapter, I shall not sway you one way or another :3
I’m very curious as to how you all feel however, let me know your thoughts if you’d like ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 444: Break Time!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo have been acting aloof, which is making Quirin very nervous!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️😁
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Queen smiled at them before she looked to the crowd, “as of now, the sentencing trial for Cassandra Abider in Corona and Old Corona has come to a close. The trial for her actions against the Dark Kingdom has yet to be determined, but rest assured justice will be served there as well. For now, thank you all for coming, court is dismissed!” She announced before she walked out. The victims walked out next, all of them were quiet, Hugo, Lance, Catalina, and Angry all followed them into a separate room as the audience filed out, whispers could be heard about the sentencing before the halls of Corona castle were silent
Edmund, Adira, Hector, Quirin, Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, Angry, Hugo, and Varian were all quiet for a long time before the princess let out a sigh, “…….It’s done….. She’s been sentenced…..” she said softly, her eyes no longer able to shed anymore tears as her face was filled with the stains of the ones she’d already lost
“Yup. It’s done”, Eugene agreed
The room was silent again, no one knew what to say or do, they all just stayed quiet as they thought about Cassandra, and the words she left them with
****
A few days passed, and Quirin had noticed there was a definite dip in both of his children’s emotions. They were running around talking about alchemy or inventing anymore, instead the duo had been staying relatively quiet in their room, “Quirin?” A voice said, getting the Village Leader to look and see Edmund watching him worriedly, “are you alright? That’s about the fourth distant look you’ve done today”
The retired knight chuckled, “distant look?”
“Lost in thought expression didn’t sound much better”
“Fair point”
“So what’s wrong?” The Dark King asked gently, “is something bothering you?”
The old farmer sighed, “it’s just….. ever since the trial, Varian and Hugo have been much more quiet and so….. almost depressed….. I thought maybe having them be back home in Old Corona may help….. But it only made them *more* reclusive…… I’m not sure what to do, I don’t want to push, but they’re haven’t really….. come out and functioned lately…..”
The Dark King frowned, “I’ve been noticing that too….. I’m certain they’re just processing what was done at the trial, it must’ve been a little odd for the little peanut to be on part of the reason she was punished. I highly doubt he wasn’t a little effected”
Quirin let out a small hum of worry as he looked towards his kid’s bedroom again, “I guessed the trial would affect him, but….. Oh I don’t know….. he’s never done this before…. Neither of them have, I mean, Varian was sad because he missed Hugo, sure, but I could handle that. It made me a nervous wreck, but I could at least understand….. On the other hand, I thought this trial would be a good thing, something he could do to finally let go of what she’s done to him…… Hugo too for that matter…. The way he reacted to Cassandra….. He looked like a kicked puppy…… I don’t know how to help them… they come out to eat, but they’re don’t talk, then they return to their room right after without a word…..”
Edmund chuckled, “my Quirin, so worried”
“Can you blame me?”
“No, I can’t”, the Dark King replied with a loving smile, “look, they just need some time is all. This is hard for them”
“That’s what Lance said too…..”
“You don’t like that answer huh?”
“Nu….. Maybe I’m being impatient?”
Edmund laughed at that, “some things never change Quirin, hee hee”
The retired knight blushed a little but gave his King a smile, “why don’t you take em out somewhere?” Another voice said, getting the retired knight to jump a little before he let out a breath when he saw Hector smirking at him, “woah, never got you to jump before”, he teased
“Shush, I get a handicap because my babies are sad”, Quirin stated
Edmund snorted as Hector chuckled, “sure, we’ll roll with it. Anyway, why don’t you take them on a trip, maybe someplace they’ve wanted to go but never got to before?” He suggested again, “might clear their head and give em some air”
“A trip?” Quirin asked before he thought about it, “well….. Maybe that would do them some good…. Lance told me not to force them though…. That they’ll come out on their own….”
“Lance also isn’t in the same home as them to be fair”, Hector stated
“He’s still right when it comes to mental health”
“I suppose, well, how about you suggest it during dinner then?” The wild tamer asked, “they come out of their cave during that time, Adira will be back from her patrol at that point-!”
“I still don’t see why you two need to patrol, Cassandra’s in jail”, Edmund interrupted
“Yeah but that fuck head Cyrus is still in the amber, he might break loose, we can’t trust him not to”, Hector stated
“But from my understanding, the only person who could let him out…. Is Varian now”
“You can never be too prepared”
“I suppose not, but don’t work yourselves too hard”
Hector smirked at the Dark King before looking at Quirin again, “anyway, they come out of their cave to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s to show you they’re okay, that’s why they’re doing that, pretty obvious. During dinner, pick a place and suggest a family trip. Ask if they wanna go and see what they say, they seem excited, great! They don’t, well at least ya tried right?”
Quirin thought about that for a moment before he nodded, “I can do that, it would be something at least. Who knows, if they say yes, maybe we could all go, one big family trip, we could even take Eugene if he’d want to”
Edmund perked up at that, “you think he would?”
Quirin smiled, “it’s not set in stone yet, but I’m certain he wouldn’t mind a small break from his daily duties. We just need to know where to go”
“How about the woods?” Hector suggested, “camping trip style”
“Mmm…. Maybe?” Quirin said
“We could also go to the Spire, the spawn and his beau would love that way too fucking much”
“They would”, Quirin chuckled, “though that’s not really a ‘stay overnight’ kind of trip, it would be a ‘see it then leave’ trip, unless we camp”
“Mountains?”
“Varian and Hugo have already been there, Demanitus’s tomb is up there”
“Well fuck”
“Yeah…. I’d say Nezerdnia, but….. Yeah maybe not…..”
Edmund watched his two children think for a while before an idea popped into his head and he gasped, eyes brightening, “the Dark Kingdom!”
“Hm?” Quirin and Hector both looked at their King
“The Dark Kingdom! Family trip to our home! Little peanut’s been wanting to go for *ages*! Eugene was there but didn’t get to see the actual good things about it! The Moonstone originated there so there’s a lot of research possibility, and both boys would definitely want to see the original home of their papa!” He exclaimed as he looked at a blushing Quirin, “it’s perfect! Varian made a fast balloon so the trip wouldn’t take too long either!”
The retired knight smiled, “it would be a good way to have him and Hugo feel a little more at ease. Maybe a trip to a place he’s only heard about may make things a bit easier on the duo”
Hector smirked, “we can also show them the training grounds, and you fucking know both of your spawn’s are gonna flip over the Dark Kingdom library!”
“They really will”, Quirin stated, “I should probably make a dinner, a big one, to really hype up the trip!”
“Do you need groceries?” Edmund asked
“Yup, which means I’ll need to take a trip to the marketplace, wanna come with?”
“Yes!”
Quirin chuckled before he looked at Hector, “do you wanna come, or are you okay staying here?”
“I’ll stay, far be it from me to go into a place full of fucking strange people and interact with them, I’ll end up punching someone”
“Noted, we’ll be right back”, Quirin stated before he got up and stretched before he turned to face the staircase leading to his children’s room, “boys, me and King Edmund are going to the marketplace, Hector’s here until we get back, okay?” He called
There was a moment of silence before the man heard Varian quietly call back, “ok, we love you”,l
The old farmer smiled, “love you both too!” He called before he and Edmund walked out, chatting about the groceries they had in mind for the dinner that night
****
The table was set, everything smelled wonderful, Quirin smiled, proud of his hard work as he set the final fork on the table, “such a nice set up for a normal family dinner don’t you think?”
“Actually Adira, this dinner is going to be special”, Quirin stated, not even fazed by the fact that his sister had climbed inside through his dining room window once again, “also please close the window, I don’t want the bugs inside”
The face painted warrior obliged as she gently close the window before walking over and hopping onto a counter, sitting happily as she watched her brother prepare a few final bits of the dinner, “what’s the difference between this dinner and yesterdays? Aside from the food and set up”
The retired knight smiled, “I’m planning on taking all of us on a trip, King Edmund and Hector helped me decide where to go. It’s to help Hugo and Varian feel better since they seem to be so affected by the trial lately”
“So I’ve noticed”, Adira stated, “didn’t Earring tell you to give them some time?”
“Yes, but taking them on a trip may help”
“So…. You’re very worried”
“Can you blame me?”
Adira chuckled, “no not entirely, where are we going exactly?”
Quirin smiled, “the Dark Kingdom!”
The face painted warrior stopped before she smiled, “good choice”
Her older brother returned the grin before he saw the two guests he’d been waiting for walk in, “Varian, Hugo, hi”
“Hi dad”, Varian replied as he looked at the fancy table, “what’s all this for?” He asked softly as Hugo stared, mouth watering a little
Quirin smiled, “you two will see, first we need to wait for King Edmund and Hector, do you know where they are?”
“Wild child is washing up and Fuzz Face is distracted”, Adira stated
“Distracted?” Quirin asked
“Hamuel decided he wanted to fly”
“Oh dear, I’ll go grab him”
“Good idea”
Quirin quickly rushed outside as Varian and Hugo took their seats, Adira smiling at the duo. The two scientists didn’t notice however as they both just looked at the ground. The face painted warrior raised a brow before sighing, “trial’s really haunting you two, hm?”
They both looked at her, a little surprised, “the…. Trial?” Hugo asked
“Yes, the trial, the thing we’ve all been watching you two be very very quiet about for the past couple of days”
The two scientists exchanged looks before Varian sighed and looked at Adira, “that’s not why we’re so quiet”, he stated gently, “or at least, it’s not the only reason”
“Oh?” The face painted warrior said interestedly, “then why the silent exchanges and depressed looks?”
“Well…..” Varian looked at Hugo again, who seemed very nervous for some reason, before the alchemist looked back at Adira, “it’s because of what’ll happen next….. Cassandra will be fixing things, great, but the Seporians still need homes, the farm isn’t fully rebuilt, the King is still gone and his funeral was….. Hard to be at….. The trial was *difficult* to say the least, Old Corona is going to be scarred for a very long time, Cyrus is still in the amber and I’m not entirely sure what to do about him, the Rooster still needs testing done since the last time we tried it, dads been working more and more these days and we can tell it’s starting to take a toll on him, but everytime we try to even start on a plan, neither of us have much energy to do….. *anything*! ……To top it all off, Rapunzel said she wants to tell me something later….. I get the feeling it’s more work and I just-I-I-I’m so…..” Varian let out a breath of frustration as he banged his head against the table and kept it there, Hugo placing a hand on his boyfriend’s to support him
Adira smiled, “you’re overworked”
“To put it simply, yes”, Hugo agreed
“Have you tried telling Stickler?”
“We want to, but he’s overworked too, today was his one day off, he’s fucking booked otherwise”, Hugo stated
The face painted warrior smirked, “then I think you may like what’s about to happen”
Both scientists looked at her curiously before the back door opened and Quirin walked in, “your really need to find a better way to teach him how to fly *without* going too far”
“I realize, but can you blame him?” Edmund stated, following Quirin inside as he stroked Hamuel’s head
“Yes, yes I can”
“Of you’re just being cranky”
The retired knight raised a brow at his King before he noticed the two scientists sitting at the table, “hi boys, sorry for the delay, had some grandpa shenanigans”
“Hrmph!”
The retired knight chuckled before he looked around, “where’s Hector”
“Here”, a voice said, getting the group to look over and see the wild tamer in the doorway, “took me a minute because Basil kept wanting to lick the faucet”, he stated, smirking at his binturong
Varian smiled at Pixie and Basil, who wagged their tails at the teen before everyone finally sat down at the table. They sent a small prayer to the Moon, thanking her for their meal, before the food was passed out. Everyone seemed happy with the taste, thanking Quirin and Edmund for it before a few more moments passed by and the retired knight looked at his sons, “so”, he said, getting the two to look at him, “I’ll bet you’re both wondering about the fancy set up”
“Uh huh”, Varian replied, a little nervously as he looked at Adira, who merely smiled
“Well, I wanted to ask you two something”
Hugo tilted his head to the side, “what’s up?”
“Well….. I got this idea from King Edmund and Hector, that maybe it’s a good idea for us to all take a trip together!”
The two looked startled, “a trip?” Varian asked, his eyes wide with interest
“Yeah, and not just any old trip, a family trip, to a place I know you two have been wanting to see for a while, the Dark Kingdom!”
“THE DARK KINGDOM?!” Both boys exclaimed as they smiled wide and their eyes sparkled, getting everyone at the table to laugh as Quirin grinned happily, his worries fading for the first time in weeks
“That’s right! We may also be bringing Eugene as well, since the last time he was there was when he was helping Rapunzel and the Sundrop”, the retired knight stated, “we’d all take a family vacation there and we could show you all the best spots, it’s still a little damaged to my understanding, but there’s plenty of room there, and many historical sights for you two to see!”
The inventor and alchemist grew increasingly excited the more the retired knight talked about the idea, that is, until Varian realized something, “oh but wait, the rebuilding, the work we’d be leaving behind…. We can’t just leave all that unfinished….. can we?”
“Plus, what if Cyrus somehow finds a way out?” Hugo asked, “and the farm isn’t in great shape”
“The people are still unorganized”, Varian added, “Rapunzel still needs to tell me something…. The Rooster needs testing-!”
“Easy you two, there’s a solution for all of those you know”, Quirin interrupted gently, “Adam and Evan would be able to handle the final repairs on the farm without me, they told me so themselves, Rapunzel can surely wait until we get back for whatever she needs to tell you Varian, the people of Old Corona are getting better with their new life styles while reconstitution is going on, Cassandra is going to be doing a lot of work to help rebuild what she’s done, and the Rooster isn’t needed right now since there’s no immediate threat, plus, should you give instructions to someone you trust in this Kingdom, I know the job will be done”
Varian and Hugo blinked, “I…. B-but you’ve been working so hard lately sad”, the alchemist stated, “aren’t you tired?”
“Well, that’s why the trip is such a good idea, it’ll give us all a chance to relax and enjoy ourselves, get away from all the stress you know?”
“I….. guess”
Quirin’s face fell, “is the trial bothering you two that badly?”
The two were startled by that as Hugo spoke up, “I think there’s been a miscommunication somewhere”
“I agree”, Adira stated
“Quirin, Freckles and I aren’t upset or anything about the trial you know”
“You….. aren’t?”
“No, that trial is all said and done, and it was difficult, by fucking far, but it’s over, we can put it behind us. We’re only worried because there’s still so much to do and fix, we’re pooped! We’ve been trying to come up with ideas to make things easier on people, but nothing’s worked! It’s why we’ve been so quiet lately”
“Oh”
“Yeah”
Varian spoke next, “we’d love nothing more than to go to the Dark Kingdom, especially since we still don’t know if we’re gonna move there or not”, he added, “but we wanna finish the workload first, we’re just…. Exhausted….. but we can’t stop, or at least, we *shouldn’t* stop, considering how much work there is still left to do”
The retired knight sighed before chuckling to himself, “Quirin?” Hugo asked
“Sorry sorry, it’s just”, the man snickered, “I’ve been so worried about you two, I thought the trial made you both upset and sad, it’s why I’ve been trying to keep busy, so I would let you both have some time to recollect yourselves. I didn’t think the reason you two have been so quiet was because you were trying to lessen the workload and we’re tired. If I’d known I could’ve alleviated that easily”
The duo blinked, “what do you mean dad?” Varian asked
“Bubby, you and Hugo don’t have to work so hard anymore”, he stated gently with a smile, “the only reason your workload was so big before was because there was an actual threat pending Corona. People could’ve gotten killed, so we all had to do our part to make sure that didn’t happen. However, that threat is gone now, you can both relax and take it one step at a time. If you’re really worried about the work, think about it this way, it may be slower if you two don’t end up helping, but weather you do or not, the work will still keep happening. Corona and Old Corona will be rebuilt, the farm is nearly complete, the crops are good, we’ve got plenty for this year’s harvest, the Rooster isn’t as necessary as it was before so the tests don’t need to happen right away. You two can take a break, in fact, it may be a good idea to actually do that. Take a break and go on a family trip. Just so we can all clear our heads, maybe that’s what we all need right now”
“B-but-!” Varian began
“No buts, I think it would be a good idea for you two to slow down anyway. You even admitted it yourselves, you’re tired, too tired to even write up a few plans. Don’t you think you’d be better off taking a break and coming back to the work after a little bit of time off?”
The alchemist wanted to argue, but found Hugo’s hand on his, “maybe he’s right Freckles, we’re getting nowhere with our plans. Some time off wouldn’t be a bad idea would it?” The blond asked
Varian looked around the table and saw every single family member of his using his puppy dog eyes against him. He blinked before giggled, “oki oki, fine, that’s mean, you all using my puppy dog eyes that way”
“It worked didn’t it?” Hector joked, getting the group to laugh before they all discussed their ideas for what they could see at the Dark Kingdom, and how they all planned on convincing Eugene to join them, ranging anywhere from Eugene-napping to puppy dog eyes from everyone *including* Varian and Hugo! The entire time the dinner progressed, Quirin felt his anxiety grow smaller and smaller as he watched his two boys laugh and smile in a way he hadn’t seen in weeks, and he felt his little lights in his heart grow even brighter!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry, this took me longer to write than I thought! But it’s the set up chapter, so those usually take me some time, apologies for the delay
Family vacation time!!!!!! It’s finally here! The beans are gonna go to the Dark Kingdom for the very first time!!!!!! Woot!!!!!!!
Also, Brotherhood family moments!!!!! Because I love them being a family together, it’s adorable ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 445: What’s in a Lady in Waiting!
Summary:
Varian and his family travel to Corona Castle to ask Eugene to join their vacation when they end up in the middle of a handmaiden mess!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a small sigh as he scooted closer to Hugo. The freckled teen had been excited when the trip to the Dark Kingdom had first come up, but he hadn’t expected his family to move so quickly through the process. It’s only been a day and they’d already began to make an itinerary for the trip, his grandpa and father stating places they’d like to show the two teens, his aunt and uncle taking over the foods they’d eat and animals they’d meet!
Even as they made their way to the castle in the Village Leader’s old Caravan, Varian could hear the face painted warrior and wild tamer excitedly chat about the different things they could do at the Dark Kingdom together. Hugo noticed his boyfriend’s growing anxiety, as did Ruddigar, who’d decided to curl up in his boy’s lap and purr, getting a few strokes on the head, before the blond looked towards Quirin and decided a change of topic was in order, “so this is a Village Leader caravan?” He asked curiously
Quirin smiled, taking the hint when he spotted Varian’s worry stricken face and nodding, “yup, when you’re appointed as Village Leader, you get a new caravan made for you, and a new donkey to go with it. I got Prometheus’s mother when she was just a baby, and Prometheus was born a few years after Varian, hence the name”
Hugo smirked, “I figured, but the caravan being made for you is kinda neat, wonder why they do that”
“It’s a tradition”, the retired knight explained, “becoming a Village Leader means you take on the responsibility of the entire Village….. Obviously….. eheh, but that also means you’d possibly make trips outside of Old Corona to get supplies in case crops run low, going to speak to the royal family on behalf of the Villagers, even fixing problems and working the farm and fields as much as possible”
“Huh, how much ya get paid?”
“Well enough to support two growing beans and myself while having a little comfort change to save on a rainy day”, Quirin replied with a smirk, “it helps when your son is a super genius who sells small lotions and medicines to help out. I mean, we’ve never hurt for money on my pay alone of course, but Varian wanted to help”
“Why am I not surprised?” Hugo asked with a grin as he looked at Varian, who blushed
“Because he’s a good son”, their father answered, “you both are”
Hugo blinked before blushing as well, “thanks, heh”
“Anytime, though, I’m surprised you’re curious about my Village Leader job”
“Well I keep seeing you do it everyday, and you seem to enjoy it so”, Hugo shrugged
Quirin smiled, “it’s hard work, but it’s definitely something I take pride in. Plus, aside from the harvest, holidays, and mating seasons for the farm animals, it’s not all that time consuming”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I love working in the fields, so I do it a tad bit more than I probably should, but I can’t help myself somedays, seeing a flower bloom in the morning is just….” Quirin let out a happy sigh, “magic”
Hugo smiled, “I can imagine, it’s like when I get my machines to work, or Freckles makes a new potion, it’s like magic! And I’m not talking about adorable and sparkly Moon magic either, even though that is very pretty”
“Hugooooo”, Varian exclaimed, nudging his boyfriend a little as he blushed a touch deeper
The blond snickered before the caravan came to a halt, “woah, are we here?” He asked, looking around
“Yeah we’re here, Corona castle is dead ahead”, Quirin stated
“Odd, usually the trip takes way longer”
“You were discussing something fun”, Edmund stated as he smiled at the two teens, “the trip always feels shorter when you talk about something fun”
Hugo smiled before he and Varian got up, following Adira and Hector out of the caravan and closing the door behind them. The alchemist waved at Stan and Pete as they took the caravan, and Prometheus, to the stables. When the two guards waved back, the group decided to head inside
The castle was bustling around with a bunch of handmaidens whispering to each other excitedly, Hugo raised a brow when he saw one of them stop whispering before smiling and waving at him politely, as if he were royalty, “the hell?” Hector asked, apparently he’d noticed too, “what the fuck is going on? Why are the handmaidens acting like we’re royalty?”
“We *are* royalty, but they are acting a bit different”, Adira stated, “politer, actually”
“Maybe the princess is having a ‘best handmaiden gets a medal’ contest or something?” Hector asked
“Maybe”, Quirin stated before he spotted a familiar handmaiden, “Faith!” He called, getting the shy handmaiden to stop before spotting him, smiling, and walking over, “well hi, been a minute”
“It really has! Hi Quirin, hey Varian and Hugo!” Faith replied happily
“Hi Faith”, Varian replied with a smile as Hugo waved
“Wait I know you, you’re the spawn’s old babysitter”, Hector stated
Faith nodded, “that’s right, hi Mr. Hector!”
Hector cringed a little before sighing, “you can just call me Hector kid”
“Oh, sorry, I forgot”
“heh, ‘s fine”
Varian giggled before he saw a few more handmaidens whispering before they stopped and giggled before jogging away as gracefully as possible, “um…. Faith, do you know why all the other handmaidens are acting….. odd?”
“Hm? Oh, pfft, they’re trying to get a recommendation from one of you”, she stated with a sigh
“A recommendation?”
“Yeah, ever since the trial, the Princess is looking for a new lady in waiting”
“What about the Queen?” Adira asked, “doesn’t she have a lady in waiting?”
“Yeah, Friedborg, but they can’t be the princess’s lady in waiting too since they’re taking care of the Queen”, Faith stated, “have you met them by the way? They’re very nice actually!”
“No I haven’t, I haven’t met you either”
“That’s true, I’m Faith, nice to finally meet you Miss. Adira, oh! And you too King Edmund!” She stated, giving a small curtsy to both
Adira smiled as Edmund politely bowed his head back at her, “any friend, and old babysitter, of my grandson’s has no need to be so formal with me”, he stated gently, giving the girl a kind smile
Faith smiled back, “I’ll make note of that”, she said before looking at Varian again, “anyway, the princess is looking for a new lady in waiting and the only way to even start to become one is to be recommended by another royal”
“Hence the polite attitude change”, Varian said
“Exactly”
“I see, well too bad for anyone who thinks being fake is going to win the princess over. Rapunzel doesn’t just take the ‘highly recommended’, she needs a *friend*, and if anyone of these handmaidens decide they only want to be a lady in waiting for the title alone”, his eyes glowed brightly before he glared at every single handmaiden they’d seen walk in, save for Faith, “there will be *severe* consequences for messing with *my* sister”, he stated, making all of the handmaidens flee before his glow dimmed a bit and he huffed
Faith giggled, “out of anyone who could’ve gotten those powers, I’m very glad it was you Varian”, she stated
“A-thank you”, the alchemist replied with a smirk, making Faith giggle again
Suddenly a swarm of handmaidens began to fill the hall, some carrying trays of snacks, some holding newly pressed and ironed dresses, some even holding new art supplies. Hugo looked at them dumbfounded, “damn, they have no shame”
“No they really don’t”, Faith replied with a sigh before they all heard two people begin to walk through the hall
“Okay so the new recruits are all trained up, most of the castle walls have been properly reinforced, the patrols are manned, the castle is guarded….. I think that’s everything I have on my list for a bit”
Varian smiled, “Eugene!” He exclaimed. The man in question stopped before he saw the small group, Varian smiling at him before the teen spotted a very tired looking Rapunzel, “hiya Punzel”, he stated, walking over to the duo, “are you okay? You look exhausted”
“Varian!” The princess exclaimed before wrapping her arms around the alchemist and hugging him tightly, “I’m so happy to see you!”
“Good…. T-to see….. you…. Too-um….. I…. Can’t *breathe*!”
“Oh! Whoops!” She exclaimed, letting go of the alchemist and watching him cough a little as she blushed, “sorry about that, I guess I’m just…. Not myself today”
“Maybe some new art supplies will help princess!” A handmaiden exclaimed
“Or a freshly cleaned dress?” Another asked
“Or maybe you’d like some treats? Can’t work on an empty stomach your highness!” Stated another still
Rapunzel groaned as she heard all of the other handmaidens, save for Faith, chime in with a new gizmo or cleaned gadget. She closed her eyes and covered her ears, unknowingly showing a certain scientist how tired she truly was, “ENOUGH!” Varian yelled, his voice echoing through the halls and silencing everyone, “get *BACK* to your jobs and stop stressing her out, NOW!” He snapped, every single handmaiden, save for Faith, winced before rushing off. The alchemist huffed, “vultures”
“Don’t insult the vultures”, Hector stated, “at least *they’re* polite enough to wait until their food is *dead*”
“Fair point, my apologies”, the alchemist replied before looking at Rapunzel, “are you okay?”
“No”, she stated, “they’ve been so adamant that I choose one of them to replace Cassandra, everywhere I turn I’m practically *stepping* on a handmaiden, young and old, small to large, weak to strong, it never ends!”
“Geez…. Do you know who you’re thinking about choosing?” Varian asked gently
“No! I have no ideas and I’m too tired to actually find a handmaiden that would actually *work* with me!”
Varian thought about that for a moment before he got an idea and smiled, “what are you looking for in a lady waiting?”
The princess sighed, “well…. Someone who could help keep me calm in stressful situations, give me advice even when I don’t ask for it, is kind and is willing to be my friend, maybe someone who likes art and is willing to hang out? She doesn’t even have to follow all the rules, most of them, yes, but you know, she’s willing to bend them if it means helping me out. Mostly I need someone I can feel *safe* with”
Varian smiled, “Princess Rapunzel of Corona, allow me to give you my recommendation”, he stated before stepping back and gesturing to Faith
The shy handmaiden was startled, “V-Varian! I-I-!”
“Don’t worry Faith”, the alchemist stated gently, “I know you weren’t being nice to me to get a recommendation, I’m doing this because I really think you and Punzel would make for a perfect fit!” He stated
Rapunzel looked startled as well, “I….. Varian you recommend her?”
“Yup!” The alchemist stated, “she used to babysit me when I was much younger, she was always very kind and easy going, she’s a little shy at first, but once you get to know her she’s very fun to talk to! She’ll always have your best interests at heart, she works *super* hard, and she’s got the overprotective farmer dad approval!”
“I both resent and resemble that ya bratty stinkbomb”, Quirin stated with a raised brow and a smirk
Varian giggled before smiling at Rapunzel, “what do ya say? Wanna try?”
The princess was startled before she looked at Faith, who blushed, Rapunzel noticed the girl’s pale blue eyes and how soft they looked, she smiled and walked over, “hi”
“H-hello”, Faith replied gently
Rapunzel felt her heart grow warm at the shy girl’s response before she noticed the handmaiden had a few books in her arms, “do you like to read?” She asked softly
Faith blinked before looking at the princess, “I…. Yes”
“What kind of books?”
“Hmmm….. Mostly fantasy?” The shy handmaiden replied, “a-although a good adventure novel i-is nice too. Like Flynn Rider, o-or The Starving Fest….. t-that one’s more of a darker book, b-but it’s a really good series!”
Rapunzel smiled, “you like dark novels?”
“Yeah, I-I know it seems silly, b-but I can’t help it, when I sink my teeth into a b-book like that, it sort of….. well….”
“Fills you with adrenaline?!” Rapunzel asked, growing excited, “like you’re actually *in* the story?!”
“Yeah, exactly!” Faith exclaimed happily, smiling, “I don’t feel like I’m in Corona anymore! I’m suddenly the hero rescuing people now, or the powerful wizard that goes to a magic school and makes new friends!”
“I feel the same way! I *love* it when stories take me away from the world I’m in! It’s so much fun to dive into a story like that! I’ve never had anyone else feel that way…. Well, ok, I’ve have *one* person feel that way”, she stated, grinning at Varian, who blushed
Faith smiled, “you should’ve seen him when he was younger, I’d find him fast asleep next to a window, about a hundred books piled up next to him, some open, some not, and he’s just dreaming away, smiling happily”
“Awwwwww!”
“Hey! Nu stories about me!” Varian exclaimed
“Yes, all the stories about him!” Hugo exclaimed, “I needs it!”
“You do not!”
“I do too!”
Faith and Rapunzel laughed, getting everyone to watch them before smiling, “oh my, seems as though I’m going to learn a lot from you Faith”, the princess stated
The shy handmaiden giggled, “I’ll only be too happy to oblige your majesty”
“Betrayal!” Varian exclaimed
“Would it help if I said I won’t tell her about anything embarrassing?” Faith asked
Varian pouted a little but sighed, “fiiine”
The handmaiden giggled before walking over and hugging the freckled teen, “thank you”, she said softly, getting Varian to blink before he hugged her back
“Anytime”
They let go after a moment or two before she looked at Rapunzel, “hey, you know how the library has a limit to how long you can stay inside?”
“Yeah?” The princess replied
“I happen to have the key”
Rapunzel grinned, “oh I’m really starting to like you!”
Faith smiled before she realize something, “I….. will say this though…. Just as a…. Well I’m not quite sure what you’d call it, but….. I….. I hope you don’t ever think that I’m trying to replace…. Certain people”, she stated gently, “I won’t ever try to make you forget about…. Her….. She was your First Lady in waiting, I’ll never force you to not think about her or anything, I….. just hope you’ll be able to settle with me. I’m not exactly a brawler, or even a sword fighter, but I can show you the best secret places in the castle, and I know some very pretty spots in Corona and Old Corona!”
Rapunzel was startled before she smiled, feeling like a weight had just lifted off her chest, “thank you, that means the world to me. I know you’re not trying to replace her or make me forget, I believe you. I’ll warn you though, there’ll be times I may….. Forget…. That you’ll be there instead of her”
“That’s okay”, Faith said, “I’ll just try to help you remember in the best ways I can”
Raounzel smiled, “I can see why Varian likes you”, she stated, “you really are kind”
Faith smiled, “I try anyway, sometimes I can be mean”
“Pfft! I’d love to see that”, Hector stated
“If Quirin ever has me babysit Varian when he makes carrots, you just might”, Faith teased
Hugo laughed as Varian blushed, “carrots are dirty roots!”
“They’re good for you”
“Them helping with eyesight is a lie! They’re *lying* dirty roots!”
The rest of the group laughed at that, getting the alchemist to pout before he joined in. After a little while, everything seemed to calm down, Rapunzel and Faith continued to chat as the group walked through the halls of the castle, Edmund explaining the reason why they were there to Eugene, “so a Dark Kingdom visit huh? And you’re inviting me?” The Dark Prince asked
“Of course!” His father replied, “it’s a family trip! You’re part of the family! The last time you were there was…. A bit of a disaster……”
“A bit?” Eugene asked with a raised brow
“B-but if you come with *us*, then you’d be able to see the kingdom for how it was *truly* meant to be seen! Plus…. It’d be nice to go on a family trip together, we haven’t done that since the big camping trip, and even then it was spoiled by…. Well….. we’ll just leave it at was spoiled”
“Good idea”
“So do you wanna come?”
The Captain hesitated, “I dunno….. I’ve got a bunch of stuff to do here and with Rapunzel getting a new lady in waiting just now, and all the repairs that need doing still, I don’t know if now would be a good time for me to leave”
“Oh come on, it can’t be *that* bad”, Edmund stated, getting Eugene to raise his brow before gesturing to a gigantic hole with blood stains on it in a castle wall, the Dark King shuddered, “and you said *my* old place was creepy, at least we don’t have blood stained wall holes”
“No I said your place was *disturbing*, I said the *bear hood* you used to wear was creepy”, Eugene corrected
“Dabni?!” Edmund exclaimed, getting the group to look at the duo, “you think Dabni is *creepy*?” Eugene just stared at his father, a bored expression on his face, “well fine, I think your…. Uh…. *knee pads* are….. uh-not fashionable”
“That’s a good comeback dad….” Eugene stated sarcastically, getting Hugo to snort, “seriously though, I don’t know if I’d have the time to be able to go on a long trip to the Dark Kingdom”
“You can’t come?” Varian asked, looking up at his big brother sadly, his puppy dog eyes at full power
“Ooooh, don’t do the *eyes* kid, that’s not fair!” Eugene stated as he tried to look away, “look, it’s not that I don’t *want* to come, it’s just that I’m kinda booked for a bit is all”
“You mean with all the new recruits trained, the stations manned, the castle guarded, and majority of the castle walls fixed, you still don’t have time?” Adira recounted
“Where’d you hear that?”
“You talk very loudly when you don’t notice a group standing in front of you”
Eugene sighed as Rapunzel walked over, “Eugene, what’s really going on? Do you just not wanna go? It’s okay if you don’t”
“No it’s not that, I’d love to go, honestly, it’s just…..” he hesitated
“Just what?”
“Just…….” He sighed, “you’ve been so stressed out Sunshine, what with the trial and construction and handmaidens, it’s been a lot for you. The reason I even got all of what I did done so fast is so I could take off time to help *you*”
The princess smiled, “well, the handmaidens will be done soon enough, me and Faith really are hitting it off thanks to Varian! So that’s one large task complete. And the castle walls getting patched up is starting to get easier now, plus I can always talk to mom about the trial if I’m really feeling sad about it”, she stated with a smile, “it’s okay if you wanna go have a vacation with your family. You’ve been stressed out too you know, to the point where I’m getting very worried about you too. I have many people to help me, but you’re the *Captain*, you don’t have the same luxuries I do. Go ahead and take some time off to be with your family, enjoy your time together, and when you come back, we can spend some time together, just the two of us, and we can always write letters, how long will you all be gone for?” She asked, looking at Quirin
“Well, it *was* just going to be two weeks, but with how much we wanna show off, it’s looking like about a month”, the retired knight stated
“A month isn’t too long, you can go and take a break, then when you get back you’ll be rested and happy!”
“But….. What about the guards?”
“Lance has shown he’s more than capable of substituting”
“Provided he steers clear of any alchemy…..” Varian mumbled, getting Hugo to snicker
“And the construction?” Eugene asked
“Me and mom already have a good handle on it, really the extra help your providing, while very nice to have, isn’t necessary to complete it, especially since it’s all almost done”
“W-well what about the paperwork?”
“Ya mean the documents you literally only say yes or no to, and most of them are just dumb rules Coronans want put into place?” Hugo asked with a raised brow, “the rest being small complaint that you normally send someone else out to handle?”
Quirin smiled, “you’ve been taking notes”
“I like to watch the process oddly enough, it’s satisfying”
Rapunzel giggled, “I’m certain Nigel will be more than able to handle that”
“Ummmm…” Varian began
“Provided he’s got someone watching, which I’ll have Lance, Catalina, and/or Angry do”
Eugene was silent for a moment before he smiled at his lover, “you’ve really gotten better at this whole princess thing haven’t you?”
Rapunzel grinned, “I guess so, thanks to you, Varian, mom, dad, and Quirin”, they shared a kiss before parting as the princess smiled, “go ahead and take some time to be with your family, a visit to the Dark Kingdom when you *aren’t* on a destiny binding adventure seems like a lot of fun”
“Well….. I guess I can’t really argue now can I? Plus who’s gonna put Hugo in time out when he starts being a brat?”
“Same person who does it even when you *are* there, no one”, Hugo stated, getting Varian to laugh
“Well I’ll be there to mention it at least”
The princess smiled, “so you’ll go?”
Eugene looked at his princess before looking at the rest of his family, chuckling when he saw Varian, Hugo, Adira, Hector, and Edmund all giving him the puppy dog eyes together while Quirin raised a brow at them, “alright, I’ll come with”
“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!” Varian yelled before hugging Eugene excitedly as the group began to celebrate together, all of them getting even more excited now that they have Eugene joining their vacation!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Since I changed the ‘Once in a Handmaiden’ episode, Faith and Rapunzel never got to try having Faith be Rapunzel’s lady in waiting. I think she would make a perfect lady in waiting, so here’s her being a lady in waiting!!!!!!
Varian being the best little bro and his family and boyfriend are all being amazingly supportive!
Also if you caught the book references, kudos! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 446: Hugo’s Got a Thing!
Summary:
Eugene finds something that Hugo’s been hiding for a while, and he brings it up to the teen!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Packing packing packing~ We’re packing and we’re snacking~”
Hugo snickered as he watched his boyfriend sing merrily, “you’re so cute”, he stated, getting the alchemist to blush
“Can you blame me? We’re going to the Dark Kingdom!
“33”
“You, with the counting!” The freckles teen huffed
“I told you I’d count everytime you mentioned the Dark Kingdom”
“Yeah yeah, finish packing you brat”, Varian stated as he threw a pair of boxers into Hugo’s face
The blond giggled before removing the undergarments, “touching my skivvies there Freckles?”
Suddenly the door burst open as Eugene walked inside, “what did I just hear?” He asked, raising a brow at Hugo
“Were you listening by the door Eugene?!” Varian asked
“Weather I was or not is not the point that needs addressing here”
Hugo rolled his eyes, “Freckles threw my boxers at me and I made a joke, ya gonna get your panties in a twist over that *mom*?”
Eugene huffed, “not that I wear panties, but I might you perv”
Varian sighed and shook his head, “you two fight like little old ladies”
“We don’t *not*!” Both men exclaimed, getting the alchemist to laugh
“What’s going on in here?” Another voice asked before Quirin appeared in the doorway, “packing up you two?”
“Yeah, though someone’s spying on us”, Hugo stated as he looked at Eugene
“He was talking about skivvies Quirin”, the Captain exclaimed
The retired knight quirked a brow before looking at Varian, “Hugo was picking on me so I threw his boxers in his face and he made a joke about me touching his skivvies, Eugene burst in because he through Hugo was being naughty and now they’re fighting like two little old ladies”, the alchemist explained
“Ah, so the usual shenanigans”, Quirin replied
“Pretty much”
His father chuckled before looking at Hugo and Eugene, “can’t you two get along for, at least, a little while? I mean we’re only a day away from the trip”
“I was perfectly fine until mosey popped in”, the blond stated
“And I was perfectly fine until *someone* made a dirty joke”
“I’m a sexy bitch, can you blame me?”
Varian giggled, “he’s got a point Eugene”
“Don’t encourage him”, Eugene stated
Quirin sighed, “children please…. Eugene, let the boys keep packing, Hugo, no dirty jokes, and Varian, please stop throwing underwear”
The alchemist giggled and blushed, “sorry, hee hee”
Quirin smiled at his child as Hugo snickered and Eugene smiled, “now see, isn’t this better? You three getting along, Varian giggling, and things are peaceful?”
“I’d prefer it but Hugo keeps choosing to be dirty!” Eugene exclaimed
“And Eugene keeps choosing to be naggy!” Hugo added
“Ugh…..” Quirin pinched the bridge of his nose
“Come on guys, Eugene, me and Hugo need to keep packing, if you wanna help you can”, Varian tried
The Captain noticed the attempt and sighed, “alright, just no-!”
“Dirty jokes, Pervy remarks, states and glances, and absolutely no fun”, Hugo interrupted
“The fun part is fine, the rest is not”
“Ya sure?”
“Boys”, Quirin said, his tone warning the pair of the consequences should they keep going
“Sorry dad”, the duo said
Varian giggled again before looking at his father, “I can smell some chicken, dinner almost done?”
“Yup”, the Village Leader replied, “should be finished in about 15 more minutes, think you can keep the peace while me and King Edmund finish cooking?”
“Sir yes sir!” Varian replied as Ruddigar, who was inside one of Varian’s trouser legs that were on the floor, saluted the retired knight
Quirin snickered, saluting the raccoon back before leaving the room and closing the door while Eugene sat down and began to pick up some of the clothing, “sooo….. hi”, he said
“Hi!” Varian replied with a smile as he folded up a shirt before eyeing the trousers Ruddigar was currently laying in, “I’m gonna need those bud”
The raccoon huffed and snuggled deeper into the pants
The alchemist sighed, “I guess I’m getting them later”
Hugo snickered, “it’s alright Freckles, Liv’s in one of my socks right now, so we’re both waiting for our clothing to be animal approved right now”
Varian smiled at his boyfriend before Eugene picked up one of Hugo’s pants, a small box falling out of the pocket, “huh?” He picked it up, getting Hugo to look over, “what the-!”
“DON’T TOUCH THAT!” The blond yelled, getting up and snatching it from Eugene’s hands quickly
“Woah, easy, I didn’t know!” The Dark a Prince stated
Hugo stopped and blushed, “right right sorry…. Just…. Please don’t touch that…..”
“What is it?” Varian asked
“Hm? O-oh! Uh….. n-nothing you need to worry about”
Both alchemist and Dark Prince blinked in confusion, looked at each other for a moment or two, before looking back at the blond, “uh Hugo-!”
Ruddigar suddenly got a burst of energy, chittering happily before he got up and raced out of the room, taking Varian’s trousers with him as they got stuck on his head
“Wha-! RUDDIGAR! GET BACK HERE!” Varian yelled as he ran after his raccoon
Hugo let out a sigh of relief before he looked at the small box, he opened it and smiled, blushing a little before he heard a small gasp behind him, “is that what I think it is?!” Eugene asked
Hugo *immediately* closed the box and hid it behind his back, turning to face Eugene, “NO! WHAT? I-I-I have no idea what you’re referring to!”
The Captain stopped before he smiled, “I know what that is Hugo, I should know considering how many I had to look through for Rapunzel before finally settling on one”, he stated, “thanks to Varian actually, anyway, I know what that is!”
“Well if you do, then say it in the quietest voice possible and I’ll tell you if you’re right”
Eugene smiled, “engagement ring”
Hugo blushed deeply before he rushed to shut the door, locking it before he turned to Eugene and glared *daggers* at the Captain, “I swear to the Moon and Sun above if you say a *damn* thing to him or *anybody* else I’ll-!”
“Easy *easy* kiddo, I’m not gonna say a word”, Eugene exclaimed, raising his hands in a placating gesture. Hugo stared at Eugene for a long time before huffing and turning away from him, clutching the box tightly in his hands. Eugene noticed his shoulders were shaking a little, “are…. You okay?”
“No”, Hugo stated defensively, “but it doesn’t matter….”
“Woah, hey who said it doesn’t matter?” The Captain asked gently, he stopped when he saw Hugo’s shaking grow worse, “Hugo…..”
“Leave me alone!” The blond snapped, getting Olivia to peek out of Hugo’s sock and run over to her boy, climbing up him and nuzzling his cheek
Eugene was silent for a moment or two as he remembered when he’d found Hugo in the bathroom a long time ago, how scared the teen had been as the Captain had discovered the abuse he was going through….. The Dark Prince sighed softly before he walked over, “Hugo”, he said as gently as he was able, the inventor winced, but said and did nothing else, “Hugo, it’s okay”, Eugene soothed, “it’s okay, I won’t be mad or yell or tell anyone about what you have, it’s okay”
Hugo’s shivering seemed to calm down a little before he said, in the quietest voice Eugene has ever heard, “I-I bought it…..”
The Captain winced at that, “I believe you”
The blond’s shivers calmed down a little more, “y-you do?”
“Yeah, of course I do. I know you wouldn’t steal something like that. Don’t worry kiddo”, Eugene stated softly, smiling at the inventor, “it’s okay, I get it, I was a thief once too, but I can tell you didn’t steal it, you wouldn’t, not something as special as that”
Hugo turned to face Eugene, the Dark Prince had to stop himself from saying anything about the blond’s tear stained face, he hadn’t realized Hugo had been crying, “sorry…..”
“It’s okay, I get it, I felt the same way when I got my very first outfit when I began to live in the castle. It was something special, and I had a hard time not thinking that everyone would believe I stole it….. It’s…. Kinda what happens when you grow up that way, I’m certain Quirin understands too, and Lance”
Hugo let out a sigh as he gave Olive a small pet before he looked at Eugene, “wanna see it for real?” He asked
“Id love to!”
Hugo smiled before he opened the small box and showed Eugene. The ring had a golden band, Varian’s name was engraved inside of it, the jewels were two, small, blue sapphires that surrounded a bigger blue and green diamond, Eugene let out an impressed whistle, “I found a way to make a blue and green diamond, it took *months* to do, and after that, I found the sapphires too! I had Xaviar help me place them into the ring itself, and he showed me how to engrave it”
“So you and Xavier made this ring together?”
“Uh huh, Varian told me Cassandra destroyed a necklace he’d made for me, an emerald necklace with a gold chain. He said he’d made the emerald himself, so I wanted to do the same”, Hugo stated, “I hope…. You don’t think this is moving too fast do you?”
Eugene shook his head, “not at all, I mean, you’ve known each other, and have been dating, for….. actually it’s been a year and some months hasn’t it?”
“Yeah, our anniversary fell on the day after Freckles was kidnapped by Cassandra…..” Hugo stated, “couldn’t really celebrate while he was bed ridden….. so….. We were gonna celebrate after that, and we did go out to dinner, saw you in a boat with Lance actually”
“I remember that”, Eugene stated, “I was…. Talking to someone special that day”
“Lance?”
“No, my mom actually”
“Oh, is that why you looked so dreamy eyed when you got off?”
“Yeah”
“Huh, neat! Well we celebrated by going to dinner that night, but neither of us really had gifts for the other, which was fine. But that’s when I decided I’d get him a ring. I didn’t mean for it to become an engagement ring but….. then Cassandra attacked during the Goodwill Festival and…. I got scared that we might not make it….. When we did I was happy but…. I wanted him to know I loved him forever, so I made when I made him the ring I just….. I-I’ve kept it ever since then, I don’t know when I’ll pop the question but…… Ugh I don’t know…. This all sounds dumb probably…..”
“It doesn’t”, Eugene stated softly, “it really doesn’t, it sounds really sweet actually”
Hugo scoffed, “even coming from a pervy boy like me?”
Eugene chuckled, “yes, even coming from a pervy boy like you. Honestly, you and Varian are perfect for each other. I can see you two being the adorable old couple holding hands while walking down the streets together, you’re both so fucking adorable! You bring out Varian’s strength, and he brings out your gentleness. You balance each other really well and honestly, I don’t think I could find a better fit for my little brother than you, even if I tried, I truly mean that Hugo”
The blond smiled, “thanks Eugene, that means a lot”
“Anytime, oh hey, have you told Quirin?”
“Nu….”
“…..Have you told anyone?”
“I told you”
Eugene chuckled as Hugo blushed a little, “you know, I think, out of everyone, Quirin may be the one you’d want to tell the most, he’d be ecstatic, and would be more than willing to give you his blessing”
“Well…. I’ve *tried*, but Freckles is always right next to Quirin, I can never get a moment alone with the guy”
“Hmmm, maybe I can help you out, I won’t tell Varian what you’re planning, but maybe after dinner tonight, you go talk to Quirin while I distract the bean”
Hugo paused before he smiled and nodded, “ok, thank you Eugene, sincerely”
“You’re welcome, oh but, I have one question for you”
“Hm?”
“Do you have a plan for how you wanna propose?”
Hugo smiled and nodded, “I have a really great idea, though I’m up for suggestions”
Eugene smiled, “two words, boat ride”
Hugo snickered as the duo began to talk about different ideas for the proposal
****
Dinner had come and gone in a very short amount of time, Varian had returned to the room just before dinner had been called and used his magic to pack the rest up, stating my he hadn’t used his magic beforehand because he wanted to spend time with Hugo
After the dishes had been cleared and everyone had settled down for the night, Hugo and Eugene winked at Each other when they noticed the retired knight and alchemist talking to each other, “heh Varian”, Eugene called
“Huh?” The alchemist looked over before his eyes widened when he saw Eugene holding the newest addition to the Flynn Rider saga, “HOW DID YOU GET THAT?!” He exclaimed as he ran over and began to chat eagerly with Eugene
Hugo snickered before he saw Quirin shrug, chuckle, and turn towards his bedroom, “h-hey Quirin”, Hugo said, getting the man to look at him, “can I talk to you for a second?”
The retired knight smiled and nodded,’”sure Hugo, what do you need?”
“W-well….. I kinda need to ask you something in private…..”
Quirin raised a brow, “everything okay?”
“Uh huh, I-it’s just….. something special I need to ask you about, and it’s sort of a secret”
Quirin nodded, “how about we go in my room for a moment”
“O-oki”
They walked inside and closed the close behind them. Quirin lit a few candles before he offered Hugo a place to sit on his bed, he sat next to the teen and smiled, “so, what’d you wanna talk about?”
“W-well…. It’s…. About Varian…. A-and about me…. Um….. I uh….. w-wanted to ask…… or….. m-maybe I should just show you……”
The blond pulled out the small box before handing it to Quirin, the retired knight raised a brow before he opened the box and gasped when he saw the ring. Hugo blushed before looking up at Quirin, “y-you’re gonna…..” The retired knight began before he smiled wide and looked at Hugo, “are you really going to…..”
The inventor blushed even more and nodded, “not now, but I will, a-and I wanted to ask…. For your blessing? Y-you don’t have to if you don’t want to I-I just, I-!”
Hugo was stopped when Quirin wrapped his arms around the inventor, hugging him tightly as small tears dripped onto the inventor’s back, “I’d love nothing more than to give you my blessing to marry my Bubby”, he stated lovingly before he pulled away gently and grinned at Hugo, “I’ve been wanting you to do so for a long time actually, but I never wanted to push, and you wanting to wait is completely fine. But I know that you’ll only do right by my son, and I know you’ll love him as much as I will, and that you’ll care for him like I do. You’ve already proven that to me, my blessing is already in the palm of your hands, and I would love nothing more than to officially make you apart of our family, you already are to me anyway, but making it official would help”, he chuckled
Hugo was so startled by this, “you…. Really mean that?”
“Of course I do! You’re the best little inventor I’ve ever met, and I love and care about you as if you were my own son! You *are* my own son, to me, I have two kids, and both of them make me the luckiest dad in the universe! I was blessed with two amazing children, I’m proud of you *both*, and nothing will ever change my mind, nothing”
Hugo smiled and hugged Quirin happily, the retired knight returning the hug. They stayed that way for a long time, the only thing breaking the silence was Hugo’s small voice speaking up one final time, “thank you, dad”
Notes:
Hello! :D
I will not say anything about this chapter, I’m letting it speak for itself
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 447: Irrational Fears and Phobias!
Summary:
The group begins their journey to the Dark Kingdom, however, after Hugo experiences a dizzy spell from the heights, they soon get into a conversation about phobias!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey dad, hey, hey dad”
Quirin chuckled, “yes?”
“Dark Kingdom!”
The retired knight snickered, “Bubby we’ve gotta finish the check list”
“I know I know, but dad, da-dad”
His father sighed, but smiled lovingly at his son, “uh huh?”
“The Dark Kingdom! We’re gonna go!”
His father shook his head before he poked his son’s tummy, making the teen giggle, “we won’t be able to go if you don’t help me with this check list little sir”
“Oki oki, stop it”, Varian exclaimed between giggles before disappearing and reappearing behind his dad, wrapping his arms around the man’s shoulders and hugging him lovingly
Quirin smiled at his boy as he nuzzled the teen’s cheek, “stinker”
“Hee hee”, the alchemist disappeared again before reappearing back in the spot he was before. He smiled at his father before the retired knight lifted the list
“Clothing for everyone?”
“Check!”
“Human snacks?”
“Check!”
“Coon and mouse snacks?”
“Check! Sans any sneaky coons might I add”
“Well aren’t we maturing! Multiple med kits?”
“Check!”
“Fishing supplies?”
“Check!”
“Hector snacks?”
“Hee hee, check”
“Adira snacks?”
“Cheheheck”
“King Edmund snacks”, only snorts could be heard, Quirin snickered as he looked at his son with a raised brow
The teen had placed a hand over his mouth as he giggled before calming down, “c-check!”
“Eugene’s face lotions?”
“Check!”
“Eugene’s hair amenities?”
“Check?”
“Eugene’s nail care products?”
“Check-why is *that* the largest box?!”
“Try not to think about it, you’ll get a headache otherwise, Hugo’s bag?”
“Check!”
“Hugo’s bags that we packed for him because he forgets he’s a loved bean?”
“Hee hee, check!”
“Hugo himself?”
“Hey Freckles!” Hugo stated as Varian kissed his cheek
“Hi! And check!” Varian replied
“Eugene?”
“Check, ooh! Minty Eugene!”
Quirin snorted when he heard the Dark Prince snicker, “Adira?”
“Check! Though the position of the Adira is concerning”
“On top of the balloon?”
“Yup”
“She’ll be fine, Hector?”
“Eep! Hee hee! Pixie! Basil! Nu! Hee hee hee! C-Check! Ah!”
“I’m guessing from the giggles we’ve got the licking binturongs too?”
“Hee hee! Check!”
“King Edmund?”
“Check!” Edmund replied, getting Varian to smile
“Hamuel?”
A loud CAW could be heard from the excited old bird, getting Varian to smile, “check!”
“Apple king-coon?”
“Check!” Varian stated, scratching Ruddigar’s chin happily
“Tiny, sassy, cyber mouse?”
“Check, hi Livvy!” Varian cooed happily as Hugo giggled
“Xena, Max, Domino, Slate, and Willow?”
“Present, Reporting for duty, Ready, Yes, and Check!”
“Two tiny fish that I adore?”
“Double check! Hee hee, Itty Bitty’s excited”
Quirin’s smile widened at that as he continued, “alchemist that grumbles when I call him short?”
“Check and grumble”
“Noted, and father figure who’s currently checking the list and being stared at?”
Quirin smiled when he felt a couple small pokes to his side, he looked down and saw Varian staring at him with a smile, “check!”
“Great! We’re good to go, shall we?”
“We shall!” Varian exclaimed and he and his dad got inside the balloon
“Hey Hairstripes”, Eugene said
“Yeah?”
“I know when we were saying goodbye to Rapunzel and Lance you said this balloon was capable of holding all of us and our stuff, but are you sure?”
The alchemist smiled and nodded, “yup! The basket and balloon are much bigger and more durable than before! The mechanism I’ve placed on the balloon, with Hugo’s help, is a much better upgrade than the original design I’d made, and yes I do say that with all the salt in the world”, Hugo snickered at that, “but it’s easier to control and faster than before, so we should get to the Dark Kingdom in just a few days if my calculations, and Hugo’s, are correct”
“Those calculations based on actual travel time?”
“Yup, including breaks, meals, and the occasional stopping to smell the flowers”
Eugene smirked, “thought of everything did we?”
“Yup! Hugo’s a huge help with that, he even found a way to keep us warm in the rain! Not to mention safe! Though it still may be a bit bumpy….. Dad, you packed sleeping bags and tents just in case yeah?”
“I did, they’re part of the med kits”, Quirin stated
Varian smiled and nodded before looking back at Eugene, “we’re set”
“Ok, I trust ya kiddo”
Varian grinned before he looked up, “once we have everyone in the basket, we’ll set sail!”
There was a small pause before Adira hopped down in to the basket with grace. She tossed her apple core to Ruddigar, who happily ate it up, before smirking, “nice view up there”
The alchemist snickered, “good to know, is we ready?”
Quirin looked around before nodding, “we is”
“Then let’s-a-go!” With that, the teen loosened the strings, allowed the balloon to loose the weight holding it down, and away they flew. Varian had already been assigned as the driver as he began to pump the balloon full of hot air and steer
Hugo grabbed onto the side of the basket as he stumbled a little before he looked down, his eyes widened with wonder as he watched Corona shrink, on one hand, he absolutely *adored* it! On the other however….. “Hugo? Are you okay?” Eugene asked, “you’re shaking like a leaf, paler than a ghost, and currently clinging to my side like a fanny pack”
The blond yelped back letting go of the Dark Prince and blushing, “s-sorry, just uh….. um….”
“Hugo, are you afraid of heights?” Quirin asked gently as he knelt down beside the teen
“No! I….. k-kinda…..”
“Why didn’t you say anything before?”
“I don’t know…. I-I thought I grew out of it….”
“Grew out of it?”
Hugo sighed, “w-when I was a kid, a much younger kid, I was always afraid of heights, never being one to travel, they just made me super dizzy all the time and I’d get nervous near anything that even *resembles* a higher place I could fall from…. Over time I got used to seeing those higher places due to my travels, and when I was flying with Freckles, I knew I was safe and could look down without worrying about falling…… I thought that meant I was over it…. B-but I just looked down and saw the ground sinking and my head and heart just…. Couldn’t take it…..”
The retired knight smiled lovingly at his son, “it’s alright to be afraid, I’m afraid of storms, they’re loud and sound angry, almost like the sky got mad and is punishing us humans for being bad, as childish as that sounds”, he chuckled
Hugo smiled, “that’s not childish, they *are* really loud”
The Village Leader blushed, “and we’re not the only ones with irrational fears you know, I think everyone’s aware of Lance’s acute arachnophobia at this point”
“Yeah but there’s nothing ‘cute’ about it….” Eugene stated sarcastically, getting Hector to snicker
“Lance is a man with non spider tastes”, Varian defended, “and while he did scoop me up and hold me very close when he saw a small spider on the ceiling while I was sick, I shall not fault him”
“Better man than me kiddo”
Quirin smiled at his son before he looked at Adira, “everyone’s got a different fear, even Adira did”
The woman blushed as Hugo looked at her, “she does?”
“Did”, the face painted warrior corrected, “keyword is *did*!”
“You’re still afraid of it, and that’s okay”, Edmund stated gently
“I *was*”
Hugo raised a brow as Varian tilted his head curiously, “what were you afraid of?” The alchemist asked innocently
Adira sighed before she glared at Quirin, “I’ll get you for this”
“I haven’t the foggiest idea what you’re talking about”, the Village Leader replied
“Adira?” Varian said
The warrior sighed, “…..germs….. For the longest time, I wasn’t a huge fan of germs”
“That makes sense, you’re very clean”, Varian stated with a smile
“Thank you”
“Was Hector afraid of anything?” Hugo asked, getting the wild tamer to pause
Quirin smiled, “the dark”
“Awwwwww!”
“Shut up!” Hector snapped, blushing profusely
“I remember when Hector was younger, I’d have to give him a tiny candle so that he didn’t feel so afraid when he was a child”, Edmund reminisced
“You’d be afraid too if your fucking parents locked you in a dark room all the damn time…..”
“It’s okay Hector, I was afraid of the dark too”, Varian stated, “I had to have dad check under my bed and in my closet for monsters too”
The wild tamer raised a brow, “really?”
“Yeah, I ended up reading scary books when I was way too young, so I found out about various monsters that liked the dark, especially the dark in kid’s rooms”
“Why was a book like that out for a child to get ahold of?” Edmund asked
“I….. may have taken an interest and left it on the chair arm by accident when I thought a certain stinker was asleep”, Quirin admitted
Hugo chuckled as Edmund raised a brow at him, “Quirin”
“It was an accident”
Varian giggled, “to be fair, I *should’ve* been in bed at that point, so that’s also on me”
“Varian”, Hugo stated, imitating Edmund and getting the Dark King to chuckle
“I Sowwy”, Varian replied in a mock child voice
The blond laughed as Eugene smiled before catching Edmund’s eye, “what were you afraid of son?” He asked
“Me?” The Captain replied, when his father nodded he thought about it for a moment, “I….. don’t think I really had any irrational fears”
“Oh yeah, you were just Mr. Macho your entire life?” Hugo stated sarcastically
“Hey you said it, not me”
“I-damnit, that was good”
“A-thank you”
“Hang on, Lance told me about a certain fear that made you very scared when you were a kid good sir”, Varian stated
“Ooooooh, Freckles telling it like it is!” The blond teased
Eugene blushed, “wait, what did Lance tell you?”
“Needles”, the alchemist replied, “specifically the ones you’d see in a doctor’s office”
“I….. I…… DAMN IT LANCE!”
Hugo laughed as his nerves subsided, he leaned against Quirin, the retired knight wrapping an arm around him as he calmed down, “n-n-neheeheedles!”
“Shush! Those needles were ten fucking times bigger than me!” Eugene exclaimed
“No honestly, I’m right there with you”, Hector stated, “sincerely fuck needles”
“Oh right, Hector was afraid of those too”, Edmund exclaimed as Hamuel CAW’d happily
“You are?” Varian asked his uncle
“Hell yes I am! Those things are damn death sticks!” The wild tamer exclaimed, “the two doctors in Corona, Rose and Isaac, they’ve got a bunch stored in a fucking drawer! They didnt use them on me, but STILL!”
“I remember when Hector got a check up as a kid, my goodness the chaos that would ensue”, Quirin stated as he placed his hand on his forehead, almost as if he were feeling a headache coming on
“The office would be destroyed, the doctors having bite marks all over them”, Adira recalled before snickering, “I loved it”
“Of course you did, because you didn’t like the doctor”
“He kept touching me”
“‘Dira, that’s his *job*”
“Still served him right when Spirit got to him, I still laugh at the memories”
“I’d bite him again if I’m honest”, Hector stated, “that’s asshole tried to ‘help me get over my fear’, by giving me a fucking mock shot while I was held down!”
“Mock shot?” Varian asked
“Some of the Dark Kingdom doctors would give scared children ‘mock shots’, a fake shot, real needle, but no liquid”, Quirin explained
“It was my father’s idea….” Edmund stated aggravatedly
“That’s really dumb”, Hugo commented
“And really really bad….” Varian agreed
“I know, I changed it when I became king. Hector was certainly happy I did, though he didn’t like it when he had to get his shots still”
“Fuck needles”, Hector repeated, getting Eugene to smirk
“Glad to know we’re on the same page”, the Dark Prince said
“I cant say I was ever afraid of needles”, Varian stated, “but I don’t like dentists”
“You don’t?” Adira asked
“Nope, they make you laugh in a chair, mouth open, digging through your mouth, commenting on your teeth, something I *never* asked for, before trying to get your teeth sentences to *jail*!”
“Bubby, braces are not teeth jail”, Quirin said
“Yes they are! Just because I have a *slight* overbite does not mean I need metal on my *teeth*!” The alchemist exclaimed, “and they made it sound like my teeth being a little askew was *my* fault! I didn’t *force* them to grow that way!”
His father chuckled as the freckled teen pouted, “Stickler, would there be a Hector-like brawl in the dentist office?” Adira asked
“No, but there would be one on the way there”, the retired knight stated
“You were betraying me!” Varian exclaimed
“I was getting your teeth checked like a good parent should!” Quirin replied
Hugo laughed again as he pictured a tiny Varian clinging to a door frame as Quirin tried to pull the tiny child away from it, kicking and screaming, “too cute”, he stated
“It wasn’t cute when you’re tiny child would actively scream bloody murder while on your way to the dentist”, the old farmer said
“Nor was it any fun for your father to force you out of your comfortable home in order to get *tortured* by the evil teeth jailer!” Varian huffed
“Teeth jailer!” Hugo repeated as he giggled
“To be fair, I don’t really like the Old Coronan dentist either, she’s very condescending and rude”, Eugene stated
“THANK YOU!” Varian yelled
“Please don’t encourage him”, Quirin complained, “he’s actually got a check up coming up after this trip”. Varian narrowed his eyes at the man he once called father before turning away, “and now I’ll be ignored for a little bit”, Quirin said before sighing defeatedly as Ruddigar chittered at his boy
“Damn he really hates the dentist”, Hugo observed
“Have you ever been to one Hugo?” Eugene asked
The blond thought about it for a while before shaking his head, “I guess I never really needed one. The only times I could say I actually needed to get my teeth checked was when I chipped a tooth, but that was…. Probably my fault, and I didn’t wanna show the dentist that…..”
The group was silent for a moment before Hector walked over, scooped the blond up, and hugged him, “fuck parents”, he stated
The inventor smiled up at him, “yeah, fuck parents-oh! Except for Quirin, Edmund, Arianna, and Eden!”
“Oh, yeah, cept for them”
Edmund chuckled as Quirin grinned at the pair, “hey Hairstripes, there’s some mountains ahead”, Eugene pointed out
“Hm? Oh! Thanks Eugene!” The alchemist replied as he steered them away from the mountains, “phew!”
“We still on course?” Hugo asked
“Yup, full steam ahead, sky’s clear, and dad is a evil jerkface”
Quirin chuckled as Hugo smirked, “noted, and thanks, for helping me out” he stated as he smiled at each person in the hot air balloon, “I really hope I don’t have another dizzy spell though, they fucking suck too!”
Hector let go of the teen and smirked, “better or worse than parents?”
“They’re better than parents, worse than dentists though”
“Fair”
The group laughed as they continued to chat about other fears and experiences they’ve had, all the while, all of them enjoyed their hot air balloon ride as they made their way to the Dark Kingdom!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter was more to get to know the characters a bit more, I like exploring them and I find phobias really interesting. For me personally, I also have acute arachnophobia, right along with Lance, and I’m afraid of bees, wasps, or just yellow and black striped flying bugs with stingers…… *shudder*
I’d love to know your phobias if you’re willing to discuss them! 😁❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 448: Trauma!
Summary:
Quirin ends up facing something that causes him to have a horrible nightmare!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️😁
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“3….. 2….. 1…… LANDED! Thank you for flying air Varian! Watch your step and please be sure to grab whatever camping belongings you need on the way out!” The alchemist stated as he grinned while the group walked out of the basket
Hugo snickered, “hey flight attendant, you want your star jammies, or the chemis-tree?”
“Hmmmmm…. Chemis-tree please! I wanna save my star Jammies for the first night in the Dark Kingdom!”
“Noted, chemis-tree jammies it is! You need help with the balloon?”
“Nu, I’m oki, but thank you though!”
“Anytime Freckles”, Hugo walked away from the alchemist as he stepped into the clearing of where they’d landed. He suddenly began to recognize his surroundings. A feeling of nostalgia hit him as he grinning, “wait, holy fuck, there’s no way we ended up here!”
Eugene resided a brow before looking at him, “you okay?”
“Yeah I’m fine! But…. Oh I’ve gotta check!” The blond ran around the clearing as he checked a few spots before he stopped when he saw a particular spot. It was filled with giant holes, that wasn’t what caught his eyes however, what did was the large rock with familiar looking caravan parts scattered around it, “this is where we met!” Hugo exclaimed
“Hm?” Adira replied, “didn’t quite hear what you said Goldilocks”, she stated as Varian, who’d finished grounding the balloon, walked over
“THIS IS WHERE FRECKLES AND I MET!!!!!!” Hugo yelled excitedly, facing everyone with a wide grin, “this clearing is when he turned into a bird! The holes are where Cassandra attacked us! Even the old caravan parts are still here! Covered in dust, blood, and dirt, but this is where we met!”
The alchemist blinked before he looked around as well, growing excited as he began to recognize what Hugo was talking about, “you’re right! This is the tree I was in with Hamuel and Ruddigar, right bud?”
The raccoon hopped into the tree and sniffed it before he chittered happily as he pulled out an apple he’d stashed away, it was rotted however!
“That apple looks like it’s about a year and a half old now….. Ruddigar please don’t eat that”, Quirin stated as he tried to take the rotten fruit away from the coon
“A year and a half!” Hugo exclaimed
“This is where we met Hugo!” Varian replied before they both squee’d with joy and hugged each other happily
Eugene snickered, “you two are adorable”
“Thank you”, the freckled teen stated as Hugo giggled, “hey wait, you got the tea kettle afterwards. Whatever happened with that?”
“Huh? O-oh I uh…. Broke it”, Hugo stated with a blushed and a shy smile
“Y-you did?!”
“Yeah, you’d just left and Don found me. She told me to give it to her, so when I walked over, I pretended to slip and had it smash on the floor”, the inventor explained, “didn’t really feel right to use it for money after what we’d just been through, I mean….. I almost lost you….. Don…. She wasn’t too happy about it either, but it’s fine”
“Hugo”, Varian hugged his boyfriend, “you’re the best, I love you”
“I love you too Varian”, the blond responded, returning the hug
They stayed that way for a bit before breaking the embrace and blushing a little when they noticed everyone was watching them, that is, until they heard Ruddigar chittering aggressively, “Ruddigar, that apple will make you sick, give it here”, Quirin stated, the raccoon chittered again before climbing to a higher point in the tree
Varian blinked, “dad, want me to get him?”
“No, I actually have a way of getting up there, hang on”, the retired knight backed away from the tree before he smirked at Adira, who smiled back. He then jumped high into the air before landing on the same branch as the raccoon. Ruddigar let out a yelp as the old farmer scooped him up and took the rotten fruit, “you’re grounded brat-coon”
Ruddigar huffed and pouted. The group chuckled before Quirin noticed something shining in the Moonlight. He froze for a while, growing quiet as everyone looked up at him, “dad?” Varian asked
“……a-amber…..” the retired knight replied, getting both scientists’s eyes to widen, “w-why am I seeing a-amber?”
“Oh my….” Varian’s eyes glowed a little as he flew up to where his father was, only to wince a little when he saw the broken amber he’d used against Cassandra that night, “Cassandra was attacking us….. She was going to kill us as we ran away, she’d hurt Catalina to an insane degree and was trying to run us off the road. Hugo and I made the amber to try and stop her. I threw it at the black rocks, knowing she would fall off and not be trapped…… I’m sorry, I should’ve warned you…..”
“I…. I-it’s okay, no need to apologize, I just….. Hoo I did not need to see it”, Quirin stated before he jumped out of the tree and landed on the ground safely, Varian floating down next to him
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, just a little antsy after seeing that, but nothing I can’t handle”
“Dad….”
Quirin gave his son a smile as he cupped the teen’s cheek gently, “I mean it Bubby, I’m okay”
Varian touched his father’s hand before sighing and smiling back, he then looked at Ruddigar, “so…. We’re grounded then?”
The raccoon huffed, continuing to pout
“Bud you cannot eat a rotten fruit”
Ruddigar argued, chittering angrily
Varian raised a brow, “should *I* ground you too?”
The coon stopped before he pouted again
Varian giggled, “you’re such a brat”, he stated before gently scooping his raccoon up and hugging him, fully floating to the ground before looking around, “we should probably get the camp set up shouldn’t we?”
“We should”, Hector stated, “smells like it’s gonna rain”
“Joy”, Quirin stated sarcastically before the group began to set up their site
****
*He was running through the woods, the Moon shined down upon him, he could feel her light on his back. He didn’t know what he was running from, all he knew was if he was caught, he’d be dead…..
He continued to run, his lungs *burned* and his legs *begged* him to stop, but he couldn’t, he needed to stay away from it!
*keep running*, he thought to himself, *KEEP RUNNING!*
He felt branches pelt his face until suddenly he’d ended up in a clearing, he stopped, unable to run anymore as he fell to his knees! The Moon continued to glow brightly above him. He looked up at her and began to pray, “please….” He begged, “please don’t let it hurt me again…..”
Suddenly he heard it rush through the trees! He winced when the thing’s crying reached his ears. He tried to get up and run, but his legs wouldn’t move, looking down he finally saw why…..
It caught him…..
He tried to wriggled free as it began to grow, encasing his body once more before the creature finally stepped into view…. It was….. Varian….. But he wasn’t himself….. He was 14 again, dressed in his blue shirt, brown pants, black booted and maroon apron. His mouth hung open, almost as if he were constantly screaming in pain, his eyes were wide but empty, only tears filled and fell out of them, the tears were golden yellow, and as they dripped to the ground they formed the horrible chemical that was encasing the man!
“V-Varian…..” he said, his voice was faint as the the chemical continued to wrap around his body, he knew what this was, he’d been trapped in it before
“A year and a half…..” ‘Varian’ said before he began to cry again, his sobs bouncing off the trees in the clearing, growing louder and louder
The chemical encased the man more and more, before he saw the teen turn away from him, “don’t go…..” he begged, “I don’t wanna be alone again…..”
‘Varian’ didn’t hear him, he ran away instead, the man couldn’t move, he couldn’t speak anymore, all that was left were his eyes as they filled with his own tears before he closed them. He was fully encased now, couldn’t move, could barely breathe, all he could do perfectly was listen….. and the only thing he heard….. were his son’s screams!*
Quirin gasped as he sat up straight! He looked around and saw Varian and Hugo snuggled together in the alchemist’s sleeping bag. The retired knight touched his own cheek and noticed how wet they were from his tears. He wiped them away, making sure get every single one before he looked at his sons again, particularly Varian
He reached out and touched the freckled teen’s head, getting him to make a soft noise before mumbling in his sleep, something about dancing candy canes
The man let out a sigh of relief before he got up, put in his work boots and vest, before walking out of the tent. He didn’t really know where he was going, he just knew he needed to walk, that usually calmed him down. Unfortunately the night seemed to hate him because he ended up walking straight to the amber….. He looked at the chunks of the chemical on the floor, it was all broken, shattered like glass. He supposed when the black rocks disappeared, the amber didn’t really have anything to hold onto and broke
The retired knight bent down to pick a piece up, he managed to grab a particularly large chunk and held it in his hand. Suddenly the memories of what’d happened that day came back to him and he dropped the piece, backing up a bit and sniffling as he placed a hand over his eyes, he didn’t wanna see it anymore…..
That’s when he felt arms around around him, he didn’t move, they felt familiar, so gentle and warm, he leaned into them and knew exactly who they belonged to, “I figured you’d be out here tonight…..” Edmund stated softly
“I’m sorry….”
“It’s alright, it’s okay”, the Dark King soothed, hugging his eldest son close and rubbing his shoulder gently. They both took a moment until Quirin had calmed down, Edmund allowed the man to gently nudge out of his arms and wipe his tears before they were quiet for a moment or two, “you okay?”
“I….. don’t know….. I thought I was over this….. but I…. Had a nightmare…..”
“I know…. The Moon told me”, Edmund stated
“The Moon?” Quirin looked up and saw the Moon shining on him, just as she had in his dream
“You asked her for protection, she couldn’t stop the dream, but she *can* summon the person you need to help you once it’s over”, the Dark King stated with a smile. When his son gave him a startled look he chuckled, “I may not be able to speak with the Moon like the little Peanut, but she can talk to me when I sleep. That’s what she told me”
“I see….. sorry”
“You don’t have to apologize Quirin”, his father said, “what happened to you was…. Tragic to say the least…. I was so frightened when I’d found out….. that’s not something that normally happens to people….”
“Still I…. I shouldn’t be still sobbing over this…. I don’t know why I’m still so afraid…. Why can’t I just get over it? It’s been over a year!”
“Quirin, would you say the same thing to Hector should he start to panic over being alone for so long?”
“No of course not!”
“Why? It’s been over a year”
“I…. B-because Hector’s always hated being alone…. It’s trauma, that’s not something he can get over!”
“Alright, another example, Adira and her not liking being touched”
“Again, that’s trauma”
“So what do you think yours is? An irrational fear?” The Dark King asked with a raised brow
“I……” the retired knight sighed, “…..I dunno….”
Edmund chuckled, “Quirin, it’s okay that you havent been able to fully move on from it yet”
“No it’s not, I’m allowing myself to be hurt by something that happened in the past, it’s over now and will never happen again, I shouldn’t be worried”
“Adira may never be touched in the same way again yet she still fears it, Hector may never be alone yet he still panics”
“I…..”
“You can’t hold them to a reasonable degree and then place yourself higher…. That’s not healthy”
“I know….”
“Then why do you do it?”
“I…. Because…..”
Edmund waited for Quirin to continued, so when the man didn’t he chuckled, “I seem to recall it being brought up how the tinier little peanut would say ‘because’ in an argument when he couldn’t argue back but still wanted to win”
The retired knight blushed, “he did”
“You didn’t win”
“I know”
The King chuckled, “my Quirin, so hard on yourself…..” he sighed as he smiled at the man, “what am I going to do with you?”
“……At the risk of sounding much younger than my age, uh…. I dunno….”
Edmund laughed at that, getting his knight to smile, “you’re so cute!” The man exclaimed before he cleared his throat, “now look, the amber will still affect you, and that’s okay, it’s alright that you haven’t been able to face it yet”
“But Varian-!”
“Varian is not the one who’s being harmed here, *you* are! The little peanut has moved on from his past and is looking to the future, does that mean he’s over his trauma? Heavens no! Poor small one still has little nightmares….”
“Little nightmares?”
“He’s a small boy, so he has small nightmares, because small”
“Noted”
“Either way, he still has trauma, that doesn’t go away even if you *do* move on. You’ve moved on too, I can see that, you’re very strong Quirin, stronger than anyone I know, but you are not indestructible. You still feel pain and hurt, you can still be traumatized by an event. You were trapped in that amber for a *year and a half*! That is a long time to be stuck with your own thoughts! I should know….. 25 years in an abandoned castle does not do wonders to your mental stability, and I was able to move, you were not”, the Dark King stated, “you were forced to listen to your son’s torture and pain before being left with those thoughts about how you failed and how horrible you are as a father. Even though those thoughts are untrue, no matter how many times I say it you’ll not be convinced”
“You’re right, but *why*?”
“Because that’s how trauma is”, Edmund stated, “trauma is an abuser in your head…. It only comes to you when it wants to hurt you the most, it constantly reminds you of everything you’ve done wrong, it reminds you of the memories that make you afraid, trauma is abusive, and it’s hard to get away from abuse….. But with time you can learn to cope, and you have for the most part, though blaming yourself doesn’t help”
“I know…..”
“I’m aware you know, I’m not trying to make you feel bad, but you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing everything you can to keep it together, and you know what”
“Hm?”
Edmund smiled lovingly, “You’re doing great”
Quirin was startled before he gave a small chuckle, tears wells up in his eyes and slid down his cheeks before he wiped them away, “thank you”
“You’re welcome”, Edmund wrapped an arm around his knight, Quirin hugged his king. This startled the man before he returned the embrace, smiling when he heard his eldest let out a sigh of relief
****
Varian yawned as he walked back to camp with his chemis-tree Jammies folded up in his arms. He placed them into his bag and tossed them inside the balloon basket before yawning again, “tired kiddo?” Eugene asked with a smirk
“It’s too earrrrrrlyyyyyy”, the alchemist whined
The Captain laughed, “oh no, we’ve got the early morning blues”
“Wah…..” Varian stated groggily
“Are you gonna be able to steer Freckles?” Hugo asked
“I’ll be fine I ju-“ a squeaky yawn interrupted his sentence before he continued, “-just need to find motivation….”
“How about this, if we make it far enough today, I’ll be able to show you and your beau one of my secret spots in the kingdom”, Hector stated, “got a great view of a waterfall”
This *instantly* perked Varian up as he looked at his uncle, “really?!”
“Really”
“Eeee! Dad, Grandpa we gotta go!” He exclaimed as he hopped into the basket
“We’re coming”, Edmund called with a chuckle as he and Quirin walked to the balloon
“What were you two doing?” Adira asked, “you’ve been gone all morning”
“Handling something”, the Dark King replied
“It was important”, Quirin stated as he and Edmund got into the balloon
“I already when over the check list, we’ve got everything”, Hugo stated
“And I managed to get all the animals settled”, Eugene stated
“Great, then with that, we’re off!” Varian exclaimed as he got the balloon to fly. Edmund and Quirin chuckling at the alchemist’s enthusiasm before they looked over to where they’d been. They smiled when they saw the small pile of golden amber, a bunch of animals using it to make their homes. The Village Leader smiled as he saw his original prison being used to help others. He felt a weight lift from his shoulders as he took in a breath and let it go.
Notes:
Hello! :D
To anyone who’s experiencing trauma of any kind, this chapter is for you ❤️🎶
That’s all I’ll say about it for now, the Dark Kingdom is coming soon!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 449: And Then They Arrive!
Summary:
The group is very close to the Dark Kingdom!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Dad! ……Daaaaaaaaad!”
Quirin’s eyes widened as he let out a yawn and shook his head, clearing the blurriness that had overtaken him before he saw Varian staring at him anxiously, “hm? Oh hi, sorry, did you say something?”
The alchemist watched his father for a moment or two before he spoke, “are you okay?”
“I’m alright, just sleepy is all”
“Are you sure? You’ve been ‘sleepy’ for a little while now”, Varian stated, “you slept well last night, didn’t you?”
“Well…..” the retired knight thought back to the night prior, remembering how he’d woken up to a Hugo and Varian Sandwich, as both teens had managed to surround him and were mumbling and whistling in his ears the entire night. He remembered the temptation to move the duo gently, but had swallowed that when both of his kids had snuggled deeper into him and made the man smile, “eheh….. Sort of?”
“Sort of?”
“I was….. Stuck…..”
The freckled teen was confused by that statement before his eyes widened and he blushed, “oh….. eheh….. sorry…..”
“It’s okay”, Quirin replied with a tired chuckle as he ruffled his son’s hair, “I didn’t mind”
“Still….. We’re due to land in the Dark Kingdom in just a few hours, so you’ll be able to have your own room, that might help….” Varian stated, “and maybe we can find a larger tent too…..” he added with an embarrassed mumble as Hugo caught on to what he’d meant and blushed as well
Edmund chuckled, “don’t feel too badly you two, Adira, Quirin, and Hector used to snuggle with each other all the time when they were younger”
“They did?!” The two teens, and Eugene, asked as Ruddigar chittered
The Dark King smiled happily, “they did indeed! I’d find out, the morning after, that Hector had a nightmare and would run to Quirin’s room, and Adira….. I suppose she was just lonely”, he explained with a chuckle as both tamer and warrior blushed deeply
“Awwwww!” Varian exclaimed as Hugo and Eugene snickered, “can’t say I’m surprised, if there were a prize for best snuggles, my dad would win”
“Very true”, Hugo agreed with a smile, making Quirin grin before he yawned again, getting the small group to giggle as he smiled happily
****
“1 bottle of fuck on the wall, 1 bottle of fuck…. Take one down, pass it around, I’ve got no more fucks to give anymore~” Hector sang grumpily before sighing
Hugo snickered, patting the wild tamer gently before he looked at Edmund and Quirin before grinning, “are we there yet?” He asked
The retired knight’s brow twitched as Eugene snorted while the Dark King sighed, “not yet banana nut, but we’re approaching quickly”
“Ok”, the blond replied, the old farmer and king waited a few moments before they felt safe to let their guard down, “are we there yeeet?”
The duo winced as the Dark Prince snickered, “Hugo, I know you’re bored, but that question isn’t going to make us go any faster”, the Village Leader stated gently
“Soooo that means we’re not there?”
Quirin sighed as Edmund patted his shoulder in sympathy, “you tried”, he stated
“Aaaaaaaare we there yet?” Hugo repeated
Varian giggled, “Hugo, stop being a brat”
The blond smirked, “can’t help it, I was born this way”
“You were, and I love you, but curb your brattiness please, just until we’re there, oki?”
“Mmmmm”, Hugo looked at Hector, who was snickering before the wild tamer nodded in agreement, getting the blond to smile before he looked back at his boyfriend, “Kay”
The alchemist paused before he smiled at the pair, finding a bit of pride when his father let out a sigh of relief. The alchemist glanced at the map before he steered the balloon a little, Edmund nodded in approval of the direction change, getting the teen to grin before he caught sight of his aunt. Adira was sitting on the edge of the balloon and looked as though she were debating on whether or not she should could survive a jump from this height. When Varian looked down and calculated, he grew *very* anxious, “u-um, how about we play I spy?” He offered, looking pointedly at the face painted warrior
Adira chuckled before nodding, “why not? It’s better than staring towards the ground”
With everyone in agreement, the alchemist looked around before grinning, “I spy-!”
“With your sexy eyes”, Hugo interrupted
Eugene sucked in a breath through his nose, closing his eyes and clapping his hands together before he opened them and raised a brow at Hugo, “*boy*”, he stated, pointing his fingers towards the inventor
Varian quirked a sassy brow at his beau before rolling his eyes with a smirk, “something that’s brown”
“The basket?” Hector guessed
“Nope”
“A tree?” Edmund tried
“Negative”
“My vest”, Quirin snickered
“Ding ding! Dad’s a winner!”
Hugo snorted as the retired knight chuckled a little, “ok, I spy, with my tired eyes, something that’s red”
“Red?” Eugene asked
“Yup”
“Hmm….. Your shirt?”
“No”
“Adira’s coat?” Hector asked
“No”
“The fuck? What else is red?”
“Something I spy”
The wild tamer groaned before looking around, determined to find the red thing, “Apple?” Hugo asked, spotting Ruddigar munching on an extra apple they’d packed for him
“Correct!”
“Damn it”, Hector cursed
Hugo smiled happily before looking around, “hmmmm…. I spyyyyyyy-!”
“With your extremely sassy eye”, Varian teased, getting his boyfriend to giggle
“Not to mention bratty, annoying, stinky-!” Eugene began
“A-*HEM*!” The blond exclaimed
“I’m just saying”
Hugo sighed before continuing “somethiiiiing-!” Suddenly the bespeckled teen froze, gasping before he grinned extremely wide, “big!”
“Big?” Adira and Hector asked together
“BIG!” Hugo confirmed
“Hugo, I swear if you’re talking about my butt again-!” Varian began with a blush as Eugene and Quirin raised a brow
“No no, not that! That’s big but not what I spy….. for now!”
“Oi!” Eugene exclaimed
“Focus here! Big, I’m talking fucking HUGE!”
The group looked around before Edmund gasped as well, “THE DARK KINGDOM!”
“RIGHT!”
The group stopped before they looked where the blond was pointing, Varian ran over to the front of the balloon, eyes sparkling with excitement as he saw, for the very first time in his life, the Dark Kingdom!
****
The balloon landed as everyone hopped out, they looked around, “wow”, Quirin said softly, “it’s….. really been a while”
Edmund walked over and wrapped an arm around his eldest, “you’re here now, that’s all that matters”
The retired knight smiled lovingly at his King before Eugene spoke up, “hey dad, did you change things after we left?” He asked, looking around, “it’s a lot less….. destroyed”
“I did indeed! Fixed the gondola, Adira helped me clean the castle up, repaired the old statues-!”
“Wait what?”
“I….. repaired the old statues?”
“Dad, those statues held our families spirits here! They attacked us before remember?”
Edmund nodded, “I remember, but they’re our ancestors, I couldn’t just leave them in disrepair. Besides, the Moonstone and Sundrop are one, they’re no longer here, I’m certain our ancestors have moved on”, he explained, “plus I uh….. I liked them….” He added quietly
Eugene sighed as Varian looked at him, “not into status?”
“It’s not that, did Blondie ever tell you what happened here with us?”
“Nu, she told me bare bones stuff”
Eugene raised a brow, “really?”
“Yeah well, she told me about this stuff pretty close after it happened, so I’m not surprised she left a few things out, it was…. Painful…..”
“Right, but you never asked?”
“Painful to say and hear”
“Ah, well to cut a long story short, when we got into the castle, I had an existential crisis because I’d just found dad and found out where I came from, kinda betrayed Rapunzel because I thought I was keeping her safe, I was wrong, very wrong, I tried to protect her from dad, who was kinda in the middle of his own existential crisis”
“Eheh….. heh….” Edmund blushed as both Adira and Hector placed a hand on his shoulders and Quirin smiled at him reassuringly
“Me and dad had a chat about me getting him away from the Dark Kingdom, he let me go and thought about it for a bit, but when Rapunzel was about to enter the Moonstone room, the statues of our ancestors long past kinda allowed their spirits to come and attack us”
“Holy shit”, Hector stated, “really?” He asked, looking at Adira, Quirin doing the same
“Really”, she confirmed
“Damn….” The wild tamer stated, a little impressed, “invite me next time”
“Anyway”, Eugene stated, “Lance found out that, if we destroy the statues representing each one, the spirits would go away. We destroyed every statue, including the one of dad, the spirits went away, the final statue to go was destroyed by dad himself-!”
“Who was it?” Quirin asked
“My father”, Edmund replied softly
“Oh…. Oh my….”
Eugene blinked, “ok I didn’t know that, sorry, holy shit, but yeah, that’s uh….. that’s how that went-are you okay?”
“I’m fine, I was able to handle it when it happened, it’s why I made the statement I did, our family is just….. awful….” The Dark King stated
Hugo tilted his head curiously, “awful? How so?”
“Dictators, tyrants….. Abusers….” Edmund sighed, “we come from a long line of awful people….. We used to be just a small tribe, happy and worshipping the Moon above, but when we got a kingdom, suddenly we were as innocent as before….. The first of our people were kind and loyal to the Moon, but the more we grew, the more the royal family strayed from original tradition. Instead we began to make our own punishments, gruesome and cruel as they were….. Like chopping a poor boy’s hand off should he steal food….” He looked at Quirin, who had his left wrist in his right hand, Hector nudged his shoulder a little, giving a small smile of reassurance to the man, Quirin smiled back
“There would be public punishments as well”, Edmund continued, “like if a child didn’t listen to their parents their ears was nailed to the town square pole in front of everyone….. The only way to get them out was for them to pull….. The screams that would echo….. Or the bamboo sticks…. I hated those so much….. I pray to the Moon none of you *ever* feel the sting of wet bamboo on your backs…..” Hector winced at that, prompting Adira to gently grab, and hold, his hand, he didn’t pull away
“If you were a girl”, the Dark King continued, “you were to be trained and treated as a house maid, child bearer, only there to be a pretty face for a husband to come home to….” Adira huffed, prompting both Hector and Quirin to stand beside her, showing her their support, it made her smile, “even punishing your wife publicly was allowed, they weren’t allowed to speak out of turn, no gossiping, no expectations, no job….. I changed as much as I could, but some things are hard to condemn, bamboo punishments were a particularly difficult one to curb….. Beating a boy for misbehaving or not doing as he’s told correctly was another….. I managed to grant females the respect they deserved, but that didn’t stop men in the kingdom from saying what they wished…. I remember people calling me a soft king, saying I would bring an end to such a grand kingdom, in a way, they were right…..”
“You did what you had to!” Varian exclaimed, getting the group to look and see his iris’s glowing brightly, “those punishments sound disgusting and cruel! The treatment even more so, maybe me being raised in a different culture makes my point of view skewed, but you did the right thing to me! If people don’t like it they can leave!”
Edmund smiled at his grandson, “thank you”
“You’re welcome, I mean every word”
Hugo smiled before he looked at the king, “also, you’re wrong about one thing. Your kingdom still stands”, he stated, “sure it’s a little beaten up, and maybe it isn’t populated, but from my understanding, a kingdom is still alive if it’s royal family and inhabitants are still alive. You, Eugene, Freckles, Quirin, Adira, and Hector are all still here! And if I recall, the citizens never died, they were forced to leave for their safety, it’s not dead or gone, it’s just broken, and with a little work, it can be fixed”, he stated before looking at Varian lovingly, “I should know”
The alchemist blinked before he blushed, smiled, and kissed Hugo’s cheek. The Dark King grinned at the pair, “thank you, both of you, and you’re right, it just needs some repair, we can do that! But first, how about we give you two the grand tour!”
“YES!” Varian yelled excitedly before clapping his hands over his mouth and blushing deeply
Quirin chuckled before he walked over and scooped the teen up, “while we recover from our excitement squeak, shall we all go inside?”
The group nodded before grabbing their things and bringing them inside, Varian used his magic to lift his and his father’s stuff as he continued to hide in Quirin’s arm, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy lovingly as the retired knight chuckled. Once inside, the freckled teen felt a little braver and wriggled out of the Village Leader’s hands. Once he’d set foot on the ground however, suddenly the castle’s walls and poles began to glow, the group gasped as they looked at Varian
The alchemist’s eyes were completely blue, his hair and freckles were too, his Hairstripes glowed white as his hair waved as if he were under water, “what’s happening?” Eugene asked before he noticed his father’s, Adira’s, Hector’s, and Quirin’s Brotherhood marks glow
“Woah! What the fuck?!” Hugo exclaimed
A few black rocks began move throughout the castle before ‘Varian’ let out a small breath and smiled, ‘his’ voice echoing throughout the halls as ‘his’ body relaxed, ‘he’ looked at the Brotherhood, the black rocks calming down as the ‘teen’ began to speak, ‘his’ voice was calm and serene, almost as if all ‘his’ anxiety had gone away, “….welcome home, my little guardians”
Notes:
Hello! :D
They finally arrive! The Dark Kingdom is finally within their sights, though, it’s definitely not gonna go how they planned it
I’ll let the chapter speak for itself, thank you all so much for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 450: The Moonstone Speaks!
Summary:
The Moonstone gets to talk to everyone for the first time in eons!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The alchemist blinked before he blushed, smiled, and kissed Hugo’s cheek. The Dark King grinned at the pair, “thank you, both of you, and you’re right, it just needs some repair, we can do that! But first, how about we give you two the grand tour!”
“YES!” Varian yelled excitedly before clapping his hands over his mouth and blushing deeply
Quirin chuckled before he walked over and scooped the teen up, “while we recover from our excitement squeak, shall we all go inside?”
The group nodded before grabbing their things and bringing them inside, Varian used his magic to lift his and his father’s stuff as he continued to hide in Quirin’s arm, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy lovingly as the retired knight chuckled. Once inside, the freckled teen felt a little braver and wriggled out of the Village Leader’s hands. Once he’d set foot on the ground however, suddenly the castle’s walls and poles began to glow, the group gasped as they looked at Varian
The alchemist’s eyes were completely blue, his hair and freckles were too, his Hairstripes glowed white as his hair waved as if he were under water, “what’s happening?” Eugene asked before he noticed his father’s, Adira’s, Hector’s, and Quirin’s Brotherhood marks glow
“Woah! What the fuck?!” Hugo exclaimed
A few black rocks began move throughout the castle before ‘Varian’ let out a small breath and smiled, ‘his’ voice echoing throughout the halls as ‘his’ body relaxed, ‘he’ looked at the Brotherhood, the black rocks calming down as the ‘teen’ began to speak, ‘his’ voice was calm and serene, almost as if all ‘his’ anxiety had gone away, “….welcome home, my little guardians”
The group stared at him for a long time before Quirin spoke up, “V….. Varian?”
“Not exactly, it’s been a long time since I’ve spoken”, ‘Varian’ replied, ‘his’ voice still echoed
“……Moonstone?”
“Yes”
“I….. H-how?”
The Moonstone smiled softly at the retired knight, “because of Varian”, they replied
The group was silent again before Eugene let out a breath and stepped forwards, “is this like the time Rapunzel wasn’t Rapunzel?” He asked, “during the trip to Nexzerdnia, do you remember that?”
“Yes”, the Moonstone stated as they looked at Eugene, “the princess held my sister within her, Varian held my power in him, so even though I was not there, o could sense what was happening to him, and so could my sister. She reached out to everyone there and begged them to help Varian, to save him. I remember you stayed behind as well little price”
Eugene raised a brow, “*little* Prince?”
The Moonstone chuckled, “to me you are little, it’s not an insult, I assure you of that”
Hugo stepped in, “so why are you showing up now? You said it’s been a long time since you’ve spoken, meaning you could’ve spoken before, why only now?”
“I didn’t speak only now, I’ve spoken before, only those who I could target could hear me”, the Moonstone explained
“I….. huh?”
“Heh, I wonder he finds you cute”, Moonstone stated as they smirked at Hugo
The blond blushed, “I…. D-did I just get a flirt from a celestial stone?”
“Sort of, more from Varian than me”, the Moonstone stated, “anyway, when I was in my natural state, it took a lot of energy for me to voice my opinions. My rocks flowed freely throughout the land, it was my way of communication due to the lack of energy I had to waste to simply speak”
“Why’d you have to use energy to speak?”
“It’s the same reason you have to use energy to walk, run, or do other small things that you may not even think about. On your own, sitting down, you can do things that don’t cause your energy to dip. too much. You can talk, gesture with your hands, draw, write, watch something, and so much more. That was what I did with my rocks, they were my way of showing I was content, happy to in the kingdom I was placed, though it made me happy when someone would come to say hello, Queen Eden did, she was very kind. Most of the time, everyone thought I was merely a rock, a shame really, but I understood, it was like how my sister was mistaken for a mere magic flower. We are sentient, we just don’t speak are communication”
“So what do you and the Sundrop do?” Hector asked, “you used your powers, but what for, just moving the black rocks?”
The Moonstone looked at the wild tamer, “no not entirely, we used our powers to communicate, yes, but in multiple ways. My rocks would say that things were fine, or warn someone that something would be wrong. My blessings would be allowing the crops to grow or helping animals be nourished, my words were silent, but I helped as much as I could”
“And the Sundrop?” Adira asked curiously
“My sister blessed the kingdom of Corona with similar gifts, the kingdom of the Sun was called that for a reason after all. She healed the flora and fauna, and she granted the people good health, her magic was not quite as visible as mine, so she remained a legend, until….. Well….. I believe you all know….”
“Gothel…..” Quirin stated
“Yes….. and the Coronan king….. to your credit dear knight, you tried your best”
“I appreciate that….. wish it’d been enough….”
“I believe we all have regrets…. Including me…. Queen Eden was a very kind soul…. I didn’t want to hurt her the way I had…..”
Edmund, who’d been watching the entire time in shock, finally spoke up, “…..do you….. know why she was….. why….. I….”
The Moonstone looked at the Dark King sadly, “I was only trying to warn you….. Someone had come into the kingdom that was not meant to be there. My rocks were the closest to the knight and Queen. It was hard to see where the structures of your people had walked….. It’s why I’d bump a building or damage property at times, accidents….. They were accidents…. Someone came to the Kingdom to harm it, they would be the end of it too….. They wanted me….. I wanted to warn you, but I miscalculated…… I thought I was in front of them….. but I felt her blood on my rocks….. I heard the knight’s mournful cries….. and I felt all the darkness fall over the land as their Queen’s life slipped away…… it was all an accident…..”
The group was quiet for a while before the Dark King spoke again, “…..You were scare after…. Weren’t you….”
“Yes….. I could feel your anger…..” the Moonstone’s hands clenched as they drew them into themselves. They stayed in front of their chest as they spoke again, “I could feel the Dark Kingdom’s sadness, and I could hear every word you spoke as you entered my chamber….. I heard you arguing with your knight and warrior, I could see you try to attack me out of anger and mourning, I saw the knight try to stop you, try to talk you out of it, and when he couldn’t….. I couldn’t help but try to make you back away…. The only way I knew how was to push you away with an energy pulse….. But…..” the Moonstone winced as cries from Quirin and Adira could be heard echoing the castle walls
Everyone looked around when they heard the retired knight yell before his steps echoed, “YOUR MAJESTY!”
Rocks and rubble were heard being tossed to and fro, Adira’s steps joining in before more rocks and rubble were thrown, that is, until they heard Edmund’s coughs, “I was a fool…..” came his weakened statement before the echoes died down
“Holy shit…..” Hugo stated
“Damn…..” Hector added
“…..The kingdom was emptied, save for you Dark King….. All I could feel was your anger and sadness, and anytime I saw you, I noticed your arm was gone….. I never meant any of it…. I didn’t….” A tear slid down the Moonstone’s cheek as they spoke, “for 25 long years, everything was quiet…. Until that girl came and took me…. Until I saw my sister again in the form of the princess of Corona…… And then I met Varian”, the moonstone smiled as a transparent Varian ran through the group, smiling and happy before disappearing, “this small boy was balanced, had been through heaven and hell….. He chose to be good, he chose to help, he chose to protect, even though he’d been hurt so many times before….. This boy was meant to be with me, I longed for him, longed to be with him, longed to get away from that girl…… She hurt me so much…. Her anger was draining, the demon didn’t help….. Varian was my safety, I needed him, I wanted him…… When a piece of me escaped, and he caught me, I clung to him with all my might and vowed to protect him! He was special, he was perfect, he was Varian! My precious Varian….. The Moon cared so deeply for him, she still does, I do too…. I will protect this boy, no matter the cost, it’s why I chose to stay”
“Wait you *chose* to stay?!” Eugene asked
“Yes, Varian would need protection, he was growing and smart, he’s kind and passionate, but this world is cruel and horrible….. When the princess…. Rapunzel…. When she combined me with my sister and gave us back to the Moon and Sun, that piece of me that lingered with Varian could’ve easily gone too. But he needed me….. I didn’t want to leave him…. So I stayed, not all of me is here, most of me is with my sister, Moon, and Sun, but I stayed with Varian. His powers are not fully unlocked yet, that will be my gift to him here, but soon, not yet”
Quirin spoke up, “why Varian? He’s balanced, yes, but what made you love him so dearly?”
The Moonstone smiled at the father, “he did”, came the reply, “his mind is so beautiful, his body is healthy, his choices are understandable, and he’s….. So, so special”
“Special?” Eugene asked
“He helped the knight continue to live when he didn’t want to any longer, he helped my Brotherhood come together once again, he brought attention to the royal family and showed how cruel they could be, he was brave even when he was scared, he died *twice*”
“Twice?!”
“Bird brain….” Hugo stated, “…..He wasn’t breathing…..”
“Yes…. He died that day, but his mother brought him back”, the Moonstone explained, “as did you tiny Hugo”
The blond blushed, “I….. did?”
“Yes, your potion worked at the last minute, he just didn’t have enough energy to stay alive…. His mother gave him that energy, took her a moment, but she did”
“Wait, if Varian died when he was a bird, then why couldn’t he see spirits like me?” Eugene asked
“He could, he just didn’t realize he could. When spirits would come near him, he’d pay more attention to those he knew were around him, when you investigated the candy shop, Varian was a little too scared to want to see the spirits there, so he kept his head low and stayed quiet. It’s why he got into ghost haunts in the first place, I believe he saw his mother a few times”
“Aw kid…..”
“Yes, this is why he was special as well, he was himself! He didn’t try to be someone else, he was never fake and rarely lied. He was Varian, longing for a simple life with his father, hoping to make him proud one day, I’d say he succeeded”
“Yes he most certainly did”, Quirin confirmed, “more than once, Hugo has too”
The blond blushed even more as the Moonstone chuckled, “I have to go now, Varian’s running low on energy to keep me around, I’ll talk to you all soon however, there’s still so much to say, and”, the Moonstone smiled happily, their hair and eyes sparkling with joy as they looked at everyone before them, “I’m really happy to talk to all of you!”
Everyone was startled by that, for a moment, everyone was quiet, until their glow went away, the rocks stopped moving, the castle returned to normal, and Varian began to fall. Quirin rushed forwards and caught the teen, everything calmed down before the teen opened his eyes and looked up, “dad?” He asked, his voice was slightly weak, but he smiled all the same, “hi daddy”
The retired knight smiled back at his son lovingly, “hi Bubby”
Notes:
Hello! :D
The Moonstone finally got to come out! And we get to know more about what the reason was for Eden’s death
I won’t say much more than that, I just hope you all enjoy the chapter ❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 451: The Tour! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The group takes a tour and shenanigans ensue!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Wait, if Varian died when he was a bird, then why couldn’t he see spirits like me?” Eugene asked
“He could, he just didn’t realize he could. When spirits would come near him, he’d pay more attention to those he knew were around him, when you investigated the candy shop, Varian was a little too scared to want to see the spirits there, so he kept his head low and stayed quiet. It’s why he got into ghost haunts in the first place, I believe he saw his mother a few times”
“Aw kid…..”
“Yes, this is why he was special as well, he was himself! He didn’t try to be someone else, he was never fake and rarely lied. He was Varian, longing for a simple life with his father, hoping to make him proud one day, I’d say he succeeded”
“Yes he most certainly did”, Quirin confirmed, “more than once, Hugo has too”
The blond blushed even more as the Moonstone chuckled, “I have to go now, Varian’s running low on energy to keep me around, I’ll talk to you all soon however, there’s still so much to say, and”, the Moonstone smiled happily, their hair and eyes sparkling with joy as they looked at everyone before them, “I’m really happy to talk to all of you!”
Everyone was startled by that, for a moment, everyone was quiet, until their glow went away, the rocks stopped moving, the castle returned to normal, and Varian began to fall. Quirin rushed forwards and caught the teen, everything calmed down before the teen opened his eyes and looked up, “dad?” He asked, his voice was slightly weak, but he smiled all the same, “hi daddy”
The retired knight smiled back at his son lovingly, “hi Bubby”
The group was quiet as Quirin scooped his son into his arms. The teen clung to the retired knight for a moment or two before Eugene finally spoke up, “you okay kiddo?”
Varian looked at him and nodded, “y-yeah, just tired…. What happened?”
“The Moonstone decided they wanted to say hi”, Hugo replied
“They….. did?”
“Yeah, apparently they’re sticking around”
The alchemist blinked, “huh…. I guess that explains why I still have my powers. The Moonstone stayed, it’s probably why you guys still have your Brotherhood marks still too dad”, he stated as he looked up at his father
Quirin nodded, “I suppose you’re right, are you really sure you’re okay?”
“I-I’m okay, just a little shaken up, I mean, whatever happened came out of nowhere”
“Yeah by the way, how did you feel?” Hugo asked, “did you know they were coming?”
“No, I felt something happen, but it’s hard to describe, i-it was like a….. voice asked if they could talk, I-I didn’t know who or what they were, but I trust all of you, and they’re didn’t *feel* evil, s-so I-I allowed it. Suddenly I was pushed back a bit and they took over. I remember feeling my powers activating, I could hear what they were saying too, it was so….. odd…..”
“You could hear?” Eugene asked
“And see, yes”
“But you’re confused on what happened?”
“…..Yeah? I-is that odd? I could hear and see everything, but it’s like the conversation didn’t really stick”
“That makes sense”, Edmund stated, “you were overtaken by the Moonstone, basically possessed, but I suspect they were gentle with you. Still though, it may cause a few issues, like a foggy mind and possible confusion”
“You sound like a doctor selling me medicine”, Hugo stated with a snort, “buy possession! Side effects include, but are not limited to: confusion, nightmares, nightmare *fuel*, drowsiness, drained energy, brain fog, and, in an extreme possibility, the possession could cause you to harm, torture, or kill all that you hold dear! Take with caution and enjoy your ghost friend going inside your body TODAY!”
Varian giggled as Quirin quirked a brow at the blond, “are you done?”
“Maybe”
“Hugo”
“Alright alright, I’m just playing”
“It’s still rude”
“Fine, I’ll mind my nanners”
“Hugo!”
Varian laughed as the Village Leader and inventor looked at him, both smiled lovingly at the alchemist as Edmund walked over and hugged the bespeckled teen, “I don’t mind him being a little sassy”, the Dark King stated, “as long as the little peanut is happy”
Quirin sighed as Hector and Adira snickered, Eugene shook his head with a smile before speaking up once again, “anyway, what should we do now?”
“Well, find our rooms, get unpacked, then explore”, Hector stated, “that was the game plan anyway”
“I’m willing to do that”, Varian stated
Edmund chuckled as he let Hugo go, “then why don’t we get started hm?”
****
“WOW!!!!!!” Varian exclaimed as he looked around excitedly, getting Ruddigar to chitter
“He’s regained his energy it seems”, Adira stated as she watched her nephew check every nook and cranny of the bedroom they were in
“Yes he has, and I’m both relieved and concerned about that”, Quirin stated as he chuckled when his son checked under the bed
“DARK KINGDOM DUST BUNNIES!” The alchemist yelled excitedly as the raccoon crawled under
Hugo laughed as Eugene sighed, “this kid”, he stated with a smile
Edmund blushed, “it uh….. it’s been a while since it’s been dusted to be fair”
“It’s fine King Edmun-daaah! Varian, you’re not taking a dust bunny home”, Quirin stated while Hector snickered
“But dad, it’s a *Dark Kingdom* dust bunny! Look! It looks different than the boring *Coronan* dust bunnies!” The teen exclaimed as Ruddigar came out from under the bed and sneezed, “bless you”
“Son, your room is already a mess….”
“It’s organized chaos”
“You had glass on the floor!”
“It was an experiment!”
“Oh my Demanitus Freckles!” Hugo laughed
“Hugo it’s a-!”
“Dark Kingdom dust bunny, I’m aware”
“Eeee!”
The inventor snorted as Hector laughed, “fuck me, my sides fucking hurt, ha ha ha!”
Edmund blushed but smiled before he saw the look on his knight’s face. He sighed before walking over, “I may have a deal for you”
Varian and Ruddigar looked at him with curiosity, “we’re listening”
The Dark King had to stop himself from giggling at the duo’s antics as he put in the most serious face he could, “there’s a Dark Kingdom library with a restricted section, drop the deadly dust bunny and I’ll show it to you”
The alchemist gasped and *instantly* forgot about the sneeze inducing particles as his eyes shined bright with excitement, “restricted section?!” He exclaimed as Ruddigar smirked, nuzzling his boy lovingly
Edmund chuckled before nodding, “yup, all the books you could read, come on, I’ll show you, oh, but you can’t take the dust bunny home if you want to read a single book in the restricted section”
Varian thought about that for a moment before sighing, “fiiiine, but I’m only doing it for the books!”
Edmund chuckled, “good choice, now come on” the alchemist giggled as he, his raccoon, warrior, and tamer followed the Dark King while Quirin let out a sigh of relief as Eugene pat his shoulder, “you good?”
“Yes I’m fine”, Quirin stated, not noticing Hugo sneak over and check under the bed himself before he got up quickly and stuffed something in his pocket, “I know it seems small, but this boy has told me he wants to make the world’s first ever *actual* dust bunny, like, a live one…… he said he needs to collect all the dust bunnies he can first, hence my worry”
“Ah, yeah no, knowing Varian, he’d probably do it”
“Yes he would”
“COME ON SLOW POKES!” Varian yelled from down the hall, “BOOKS!”
The retired knight chuckled, “come on, we’d better got before he pops over here and teleports us to the library”
Eugene chuckled as he, Hugo, and Quirin followed behind the group
****
“Behold! The Dark Kingdom library!” Edmund exclaimed before he shoved open the doors dramatically
“Oh so *that’s* where I get my dramatic reveals from!” Varian stated, getting Ruddigar to snicker
“Makes sense”, Hugo agreed
The group went inside the library, getting Varian and Hugo’s eyes to grow wide with wonder as they stared at the library, “it’s the biggest library I’ve ever seen!” The alchemist exclaimed
“How is this bigger than Corona’s library?!” Hugo asked
“Because Corona fucking sucks”, Hector stated
“Scuse me?” Eugene asked
“I’m not retracting my statement”
“Technically, when I marry Rapunzel, the two kingdoms will be combined”
“Yeah, and it may get better because the Dark Kingdom’s there, but it still fucking sucks”
“Hector”, Edmund stated
“I don’t hate Coronans, I just hate the kingdom, that’s not wrong of me to say! The system is fucking stupid! No one can tell me it’s not!”
“True, but making such bold statements could end up causing trouble you know”, Adira stated as she bit an apple she was holding
“She’s right about tha-where’d you get that?” Eugene asked
“That’s one of mine….” Quirin stated with a sigh, getting Varian and Hugo to giggle
“Ah”
“It’s very good”, Adira stated
“Damn it Adira”, Hector snickered
“You’re not off the hook there sir!” Eugene stated
“What? I’m allowed to state my opinion! The Dark Kingdom took me in, gave me a home, and made me feel welcome, we’re supposed to be the kingdom everyone chastised for being unfriendly, yet I’ve never met a more unfriendly and unwelcoming place as Corona! You can’t tell me I’m wrong because my experience is different. I don’t like the damn Sun kingdom, I don’t hate the *people*, I think they’re unfriendly, but I just hate the *system*, not them”, he clarified, “honestly I should hate the people too…..”
“Who, in that kingdom, has ever been unkind to you?”
“The maids, the royals, the guards, the shop keepers, majority of the Capital’s citizens, do I even need to *mention* the fucking royal advisor?”
“Nope, that’s a given”, Varian stated while Quirin raised a brow at Adira, who pulled out another one of his apples and tossed it to Ruddigar
Hector smirked at his nephew before looking at Eugene again, “in fact, the only people who have not given me guff for the way I look and act are all of you and most of the Old Coronans, and even then they still take the piss outta my nephew!”
Eugene blinked before he looked at Varian, who nodded sadly, he looked back at Hector and sighed, “alright fine, just…. Be careful when you say stuff like that….”
“I know, I’m not an idiot, I won’t go up to the princess and tell her her kingdom fucking sucks, not only would it cause trouble, but it’d probably hurt her, I don’t want that….”
“I…. You don’t?”
Hector glared at him, “do you think I do?!”
“No! No, I don’t think you’re cruel or anything, but….. you don’t….. like Rapunzel I thought….”
The wild tamer sighed, “I don’t like her, but I won’t hurt her. Being needlessly cruel or unkind isn’t fucking right. She’s just a kid compared to me anyway, I’m in my fucking 40’s, it would be horrible if I just started treating a 20 year old like shit”
Varian smiled proudly at his uncle, “he’s got a point Eugene”
“Yeah he does, sorry Hector”
“It’s fine, sorry if you took offense to my statement, not meant to be nasty, I just don’t like Corona”
“I mean, that’s fair, I don’t like my dad’s bear head”
“Dabni is a good bear!” Edmund defended, getting his son to snicker, “I’ll have you put him on, you’ll see”
“Hard pass there dad”
“So wait, if you don’t like the Dabni head, what about the Dabni cape?” Hector asked, pointing to the Dark King’s bear fur cape
“That….. that’s also Dabni?” Eugene asked
“Yes? Did you think it wasn’t?” The Dark King asked
“I…. No? I thought it was like Quirin’s vest, fake fur”
“Ah, no it’s real”
“Ah….”
“Do you think my cape is creepy now too?”
“No, I just… didn’t know it was real fur…. I’m honestly not sure how to feel about that”
Varian smiled as he held a book he’d grabbed in his hands, “it’s Floofy, that’s how I think about it”
“I-I guess”
The alchemist gave Eugene an understanding look, “my dad told me about how he handles fishing a long time ago, he said he uses every piece of the animal, and gives them a name to thank them for their sacrifice to keep him alive”, the teen explained
“I remember that, it was during the fishing trip, when Quirin got Itty Bitty”
“Yeah! I think dad got that rule from the Dark Kingdom, didn’t he?” The teen asked as he looked up at his grandpa
“Yup! Though Dabni is a bit of a different story, he was my first hint as a boy turning into a man”
“Oooooh! That makes sense!” Varian exclaimed
“Wait what?” Hugo asked as he, also, held a book in his arms, though this one was open and already halfway read through
Varian giggled, “to explain Hugo, in the Dark Kingdom, when a boy turns from 14 to 15, they undergo a hunting celebration! They hunt for their very first animal, whichever one they hunt first, that animal becomes the main coarse of a feast, the hunter then wears the animal on them for the rest of their lives, and they name the animal as well, to thank them for their sacrifice to keep the hunter alive. It’s tradition, when Grandpa was 15, he had his own hunting celebration and, I guess, found a bear”
“Oh…. I uh, I don’t think I could do that…. Nothing wrong with people who do, it’s just….. I might be a little squeamish when it comes to hunting”
“That’s okay too, grandpa made a new ruling when he was king, any child that was too squeamish to hunt, had a different form of celebration, though that never got explained to me”
Quirin smiled, “any boy who is too squeamish gets to have a duel instead”, he exclaimed, “they’re fight a trained guard, if they win, they get faux fur made and wear that instead of hunting an animal, and a feast is still done in their honor”
“Speaking from experience?” Hugo asked
“Yes actually, I’m like you, couldn’t harm an animal in that way. Nothing wrong with hunters, or huntresses, Adira, but I just didn’t have the stomach for it….. I…. Ended up crying…..”
“Aw Quirin”
“He had the best birthday party though”, Edmund stated, “he was able to defeat the guard with ease and everyone was surprised”
“They were surprised?” Hugo asked
“Yes? Is that surprising?”
“Well I mean, I kinda figured Quirin came out of the womb as a bad ass, so….”
The retired knight blushed as Adira and Hector laughed and Edmund smiled, Eugene shaking his head with a grin as Varian giggled, “I mean, you’re not wrong”, the Dark King stated, wrapping an arm around his knight
“Oh holy shit! This trip keeps getting fucking better and better!” Hector exclaimed
Adira snickered, “alright then Stickler, tell us, did you?”
Quirin blushed even deeper as Hector laughed again, “stop it”, the retired knight stated
“Sorry Quirin”, Hugo said
The Village Leader sighed, “it’s fine”, he smiled at his two sons, “thank you”
Hugo was startled before he smiled back, “you’re welcome!”
The group regained control over themselves as they continued the tour of the library, Varian and Hugo freaked out over the restricted section as they poured through all the books they could before they had to be pulled away. The rest of the tour was cut short as everyone began to grow tired. They ate some food, which Varian and Hugo also raved about excitedly, before they went to bed. Everyone had found a guest bedroom that worked for the time being, the castle had been too big to explore all the way, with a promise of the tour continuing tomorrow, the group slept well as they dreamed of the day tomorrow and what it would hold.
None of them noticed the Moonpiece shining brightly in Varian’s chest, as rocks moved through the kingdom once again, they slept through the noise as the Moonpiece’s magic spread throughout the land, filling the sky with light and spreading far and wide as they got to work on the fallen kingdom
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter was more of a fun chapter in all honesty, I wanted the family to have some fun before things begin to happen! But believe me, things are about to start very very soon, the Moonstone has a plan, and I can’t wait to write more!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 452: Father’s Day in the Dark Kingdom!
Summary:
The group celebrated Father’s Day!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian woke up bright and early, Hugo waking up in tandem. Both scientists looked at each other excitedly before giggling! They got up and got ready for the day in the privy in their room, “so”, Hugo stated before he spat out the toothpaste in his mouth, “you think he’ll like what we’re doing?”
“Absolutely!” Varian replied as he brushed his hair, “he’ll LOVE it! Ooh I’m so excited to see the look on his face!”
“Heh, you and me both Freckles”
Varian put the brush down before he noticed his boyfriend watching him, a dreamy look on his face. The alchemist giggled before kissing Hugo’s cheek, “come on frothy, we’ve gotta go!”
The blond snickered before he washed his mouth out with water, cleaned up his mess, and followed his boyfriend, “Ruddigar?” Varian called, “Ruddy where’d you go?”
A few squeaks and chitters could be heard in Hugo’s suitcase, prompting the two teens to walk over and open it, only to find the two animals wearing bow ties
“Pfft! Looking snazzy you two”, Hugo stated with a smirk as Varian giggled
“Maybe switch the ties, Ruddy, yours is too small and Liv, yours is too big”
The raccoon and mouse looked at each other before switching, Ruddigar placing the bow tie around his neck while Olivia wore hers on her head, “adorable!” Hugo exclaimed as he smiled at both
“Extremely, we’d stand here and let you two model all day if we could”, Varian agreed
Both animals high pawed before they climbed on their respective boy, chittering and squeaking excitedly
Both teens grinned before they grabbed a bag full of items and ran out of their room, giggling and talking the entire way!
****
The dining room smelled of burnt bacon and ham when the group walked inside, looking around, they saw Hector standing in the kitchen, “uh…… hi?” Eugene said
“Hi….. King Edmund will understand what I’m doing”, the wild tamer stated before he noticed the eggs were burning and quickly took them off the stove
The Dark Prince blinked before he looked to his dad, who was smiling as big, gumdrop tears slid down his face, “uh…. D-dad?”
“Oh Hectooooooor!” Edmund exclaimed happily before he walked over to the man and hugged him
Hector smiled and hugged his king back, “happy Father’s Day”
“Thank yoooooooooou!”
“Oooooh! So *that’s* what this is about”, Eugene stated before smiling at the pair before he noticed a bowl of….. something bubbling next to him, “uh……”
“That would be oatmeal”, Adira stated with a smirk, “Wild Child is wonderful at baking, not cooking however”
“Cupcakes over breakfast, I guess that makes sense, you can kinda experiment with desserts”
“Very true”
“Oh stop it you two”, Quirin scolded gently “it’s still a very kind gesture, Adira you know Hector doesn’t do this anymore”
“I realize, I’m just explaining, by the way, there are two people here that we seem to be missing this morning”
Eugene raised a brow at her before looking around, “oh shit, you’re right, where’s Varian and Hugo?”
“They’re probably planning their own Father’s Day surprise”, Hector stated as Edmund let the wild tamer go and sniffled a little, getting the man to wrap an arm around his King, “I have a note from them”
The Village Leader took the note and read it outloud:
‘Dear Dad,
Hugo, Ruddigar, Olivia, Itty Bitth, Sassy, and I have something big planned for you and grandpa! However it’ll take a while to finish, we’ve already eaten because of this, we should be done by the end of breakfast, uncle Hector seems really excited by that way, hee hee!
Anyway, once you’re done, come to your old room, we found it last night when we were trying to find the perfect place for you and grandpa’s gift!
Enjoy breakfast, and we all love you very very much!
Happy Evil Jerkface Day! Hee hee!
Sincerely,
Hugo and Varian
Aka: Sassy Pants and Bratth Stinkbomb’
Adira looked at Quirin again, “do you have any ideas on what they may be planning?”
The retired knight chuckled as he folded the note and placed it in his pocket, “no clue, but knowing them, it’ll be wonderful no matter what”, he stated happily, “I love my boys”
“We know”
Eugene smirked before he looked at Hector, “you uh…… you want any help with this?”
The Wild Tamer huffed before he noticed the burnt eggs and blushed, “Quirin…..”
“It’s okay Hector, I’ll help”, the retired knight stated with a chuckle
Edmund smiled at the tamer, “I still really appreciate it, thank you”
“You’re welcome, it’s not the only thing I’ve got for you either…. So….” Hector said timidly
“Awwwwwwwwww!” Edmund hugged Hector again, getting the tamer to snicker softly as the rest of the group smiled
Quirin pulled off his gloves and washed his hands before he began to redo the meal. He hummed happily as Edmund allowed Hector to help out, him, Adira, and Eugene going to sit at the table in the dining room while they waited, “so on a scale of 1 to 100, how happy are you right now dad?” Eugene asked
“A million and a millions!” Edmund replied
“Heh, I figured, so are you too happy to accept any other gifts ooooooooor-!”
“Wait y-you mean you-!”
Eugene pulled out a small wrapped gift and handed it to the Dark King, “I got this a while back in preparation for Father’s Day”. Edmund teared up again, getting Adira to laugh, “um….. dad?” The Dark Prince said, still holding the present
“P-probably should’ve warned you”, the face painted warrior started, calming her giggles as she continued to speak, “when it comes to gifts of any kind for Fuzz Face, you have to give them to him slowly, throughout the day, otherwise he’ll cry so hard he’ll get sick. It’s happened quite a few times”
“Wha-Really?!”
“Yes really, I wouldn’t act so surprised, he’s been through a lot in his life, so to have three children he took in, give him gifts and affection on a day thats supposed to represent love for a fatherly figure, it makes him I believably happy”
Eugene was startled by that before he smiled and looked at his father lovingly, the man was still sniffling as he stared at the small gift he’d just taken from Eugene’s hand. The Captain chuckled a little before he sighed, “what am I going to do with you?” He asked softly
Adira was startled by that, but she grinned at the pair before getting up, “Adira?” Edmund asked, wiping away a few tears
“I’m not leaving, I’m opening the door for the breakfast brigade”, she stated before opening the door just in time to see Quirin wheeling over a cart full of food, “thanks Adira, we may have gone a little overboard today”, the retired knight stated
“It’s a father feast to make up for all the damn years we missed!” Hector exclaimed as he carried all the rest of the dishes into the room
Edmund began to tear up once more when he saw all the food, Eugene looked at his father worriedly, “are you gonna be okay?”
“I have *sniff sniff* no idea!” The Dark King exclaimed
Hector and Quirin looked at their King before snorting, “so emotional”, the retired knight stated, “though I can’t really blame you”
“You’re damn right you can’t”, Hector stated, “you just wait until we see what your spawns have cooking up”
“I’m a little afraid to, they’ve been gone a while”
“They really have”, Adira agreed, “should I go look for them?”
“But…. Breakfast…..” Edmund stated
The face painted warrior looked at him before she smiled, “it’ll only be for a moment, I’ll come right back”
The Dark King blinked before he smiled and nodded, “oki”
Adira chuckled before she looked at Quirin, “I’ll be back soon, save a few eggs for me?”
“Course”, the retired knight replied, “give them a hug from me if you’re comfortable”
“I will, don’t wait for me, I’ll be back soon”, she replied before walking off, the rest of the group beginning to eat breakfast together, Edmund saving Eugene’s present until a later time in the day
****
“Where is she?” Hector asked as he looked around worriedly before glancing back to the plate of food they’d left for Adira, which was now getting very cold
“I’m not sure, but it’s making me a little nervous”, Edmund stated, “should we go look for her?”
“No need”, a voice exclaimed, getting the group to stop and look towards the door to the dining room, Adira was standing there, she was smiling and holding Itty Bitty and Sassy’s bowl in her hands
“My fish babies!” Quirin exclaimed before getting up and gently taking them from his sister, placing a finger on the bowl and giggling when Itty Bitty nuzzled it as Sassy watched with a smile on her face
“Adira, where the hell were you?” Hector asked as he walked over to his sister, “I was starting to get wor-! Why are you crying?”
*Everyone* stopped and looked at the face painted warrior, she blushed, “eheh, I’m fine”
“You’re crying”
“I…..” she sighed, calming herself, “the boys are making something very sweet…. It honestly made me tear up a little, sorry”
Hector blinked, “really?”
“Mm-hm”
The Wild tamer looked at Quirin, who seemed very startled before he chuckled, “I love my boys”
“You’ll love them even more when you see what they’ve done”, she looked at her king, “you will too, it’s for you as well”
The Dark King was startled by that, “I should bring a few tissues shouldn’t I”
“Bring the entire box, maybe two”
Eugene snorted, “well then, Adira we’ve got some breakfast here for ya, we can find those two stinkers after you’re done eating, okay?”
“Right, thank you”, she replied before grabbing her plate and eating, the rest of the group joining her at the table as they talked and waited, politely, for her to finish. Once she had, they all helped washed and put away the dishes and cleaned up the dining area
****
“Where did the note say they were?” Hector asked as he followed the group
“My old room apparently”, Quirin stated, “dunno how they knew it was mine though”
Edmund blushed, “I uh….. May have decorated each door with your names….. and I also didn’t touch anything inside it”
The three Brotherhood members stared at their king for a moment or two before they smiled, “I really fucking missed our home”, Hector stated
“I believe we all did”, Adira replied as Quirin nodded
Eugene chuckled before he noticed a door with his name on it, “what’s this room?”
“That’s your nursery!” Edmund exclaimed, “your crib is in there, as well as all your old toys!”
“Really?”
“Yeah! We could look if you want!”
“I do, but I think we should wait until after Father’s Day”, the Dark Prince replied gently, “today’s about you and Quirin, not me, but I’d love to see that room, I really would”
The Dark King nodded, “we’ll make a day of it! Tours, explanations, trips down memory lane, tissues, *lots* of tissues”
Eugene laughed, “definitely dad! Oh hey, did you open my gift yet?”
“Not yet, I’m saving it for last if thats okay, I think I might cry and never stop if I don’t”
Eugene was startled by that before smiling happily, “yeah, thats fine, I hope you like it!”
“I know I will”
Hector snorted before he looked at Adira, “do you have a gift for the King?”
“I already gave him mine”, she replied
“She did!” Edmund exclaimed before he pulled out a handmade, ceramic, purple mug, symbols were engraved on it along with a small heart
“You made him a mug?” Eugene asked as Quirin and Hector smiled lovingly at it
“Yep”
“To explain Eugene”, Quirin began, “in the Dark Kingdom, its tradition to celebrate Father’s, and Mother’s, Day with a handmade gift, you could buy one, sure, but a handmade gift is the preferred gift on these days. Even if it turns out badly, our kingdom always put an emphasis on handmade being more accepted when it comes to celebrating your parents in some way shape or form. Mind you, getting someone something that they truly want or love is also from the heart, but thats how Father’s, and Mother’s, Day is traditionally celebrated. Hence why Hector made breakfast, he took the time out of his day to make something from scratch for someone he holds dear, Adira made a mug all by herself, engraved it and everything, just for King Edmund, that takes a lot of time and energy, see what I mean?”
Eugene smiled and nodded, “I see what you mean, funnily enough, I made my gift too, it’s uh….. not very good…. But I did my best”
“That’s all that matters”, Edmund stated as he hugged his son, “I prefer handmade gifts, I think they’re wonderful, birthdays and holidays are when you can get whatever cool knife set you’d think I’d adore or any new bowl or pot you think I’d need, I’ll cherish them all the same, but for Father’s Day, handmade gifts are the best to me”
“Just to make sure however, bought gifts are completely accepted too, back in the older days, they were not, but nowadays any gift is considered sacred and special”, Hector stated, “we tend to go more on the handmade side because we couldn’t afford anything super fancy and wanted to give *something* special, so we made ours and it’s been a family thing ever since”
“That’s incredibly sweet”, Eugene stated, he then looked at Quirin, “did you make something too?”
“I wanted to, but-!”
“He gave me two, wonderful, grand peanuts!” Edmund stated, “he helped make those and raised them all on his own!”
Quirin chuckled, blushing a bit, “he won’t let me give him something else, he loves his grand babies so much that he cherishes them like they’re gifts, which I can understand”
“They take hard work to make!” Edmund exclaimed
“Ok we’re getting into some sketchy territory here, can we change the subject please?” Eugene stated
“Agreed”, Adira replied as Hector laughed and Quirin blushed
Edmund blinked, “sketchy territory?” He asked innocently
“Dad, how did you make me”, the Dark Prince asked
“…..oh….. OH! Oh my! Uh y-yeah we can move on!” The Dark King exclaimed, blushing deeply as Hector cackled even more, “that’s not what I meant by the way, I was saying *raising* them was hard work…..”
“We understand King Edmund”, the retired knight replied with a chuckle as he patted his king’s shoulder gently
Once Hector had stopped laughing, the group began to walk down the halls again before they heard something, “follow the sound”, Adira stated
“I’m sorry, can you read our minds?” Eugene asked, a little startled by the women
She chuckled, “you’ll never know will you”
Hector snorted as Quirin sighed, “come on”, the retired knight said as he began to walk towards the sound
It began to grow louder and louder until the reaches a room, they recognized the sound as laughter, not really sure of what was going on, the Village Leader noticed a note that said ‘knock please’, smiling, he knocked on the door, only for it to open slowly, allowing the retired knight to let out a gasp as he saw what was inside the room
*Quirin fell to his knees, coughing and sucking in deep breaths of air as he suddenly felt the world spin. He'd been trapped in the amber for the moon only knows how long! Breathing deeply, he barely registered the voices he heard nearby before something came crashing into him full force. Looking down he saw a head of black hair, goggles slightly askew as the small figure tightened their grasp around Quirin. It didn't take the retired knight very long to realize who this was and why they were holding him. Smiling he reached around and returned the hug without a second thought. The little light inside his heart growing brighter as he clutched the boy, his boy, tightly to his chest
Varian broke the hug to smile happily at Quirin, his baby blue eyes were glistening with tears. Quirin returned the smile, giving a loving, "Oh son", in response. Suddenly, something caught Varian's eye
"Dad the note!" Quirin and Varian both turned to see the discarded letter dissolve in the, now melted, amber. Turning back, Varian desperately clung to his father, "w-what did it say? I need to know!" he asked, eyes pleading for the truth.
Quirin could see how tired his son had become, if the bags under his eyes were anything to go by. He'd written that letter out of desperation and fear, thinking that Varian would never know where he came from, that his son would never find out how much he truly loved him. Now that he was here, and he could see how him being trapped in the amber had affected his boy, he couldn't tell him all of that right now! So he settled for the most important part of the note. Smiling, he cupped Varian's cheek in his hand, "all it said was, I'm so proud of you Varian" he chuckled at the surprised look his son gave him, "I always have been"
Varian embraced his dad again, a muffled, "I love you dad" coming from his vest. Quirin returned the hug, giving a quiet, "I love you too, son" in return*
* "Dad!" Varian ran over and hugged his father around his waist, he couldn't help the tears he shed while doing so, "if this is a dream, I don't want to wake up!" he hiccupped. He felt the knight return the embrace, and heard him chuckle
"I guessed you really missed me huh?" Quirin teased, he started laughing when Varian made a noise akin to a huff whilst tightening his grip. They stayed that way for a moment, until the door opened
Rapunzel, Eugene, and Lance all stepped inside the kitchen, smelling the food. They were all dressed and ready for the day, which is probably why Varian's face was as red as an apple when he saw them and pulled away quickly from his father, who had began laughing even harder
"Hey little man! Nice pjs!" Lance teased, earning him an elbow to the stomach from Eugene. Varian blushed harder and stepped a little behind Quirin, who had finally gained control over his laughter and had hooked an arm around his son's shoulders reassuringly
"Don't worry about it Varian, you're home, you can be in your pajamas if you'd like" Rapunzel stated calmly, "and we *won't* poke fun at you" she looked pointedly towards Lance as he rubbed his stomach. Varian gave a smile smile from behind Quirin, but he still didn't come out of hiding, not that his father minded really. He was used to being a sort of shield for Varian, kinda the perks of becoming a father, it made him smile
"Soooo" Eugene said, interrupting the awkward silence, "we appreciate you letting us stay, but we should probably head out. We've gotta get back to the castle and see about repairing the damage that the Sepor- uh I mean, we need to check on the castle" He finished quickly, looking at the blue eyed boy who was currently trembling at the thought of the Seporians
Varian looked at Eugene and sighed, "it's.... it's okay to bring them up... I made the m-mistake after all..." he stated, his voice cracking just a smidge, "b-but do you really have to go? I m-mean, my dad makes the world's greatest breakfast! Trus-.... you should try it!" he stuttered looking at the ground. The words he was about to say sticking way too thickly in his throat, he was already in his pajamas in front of them, he really didn't want to cry too!
All three of them noticed the little correction Varian made, and they looked at each other worriedly. Before they could say anything however, they heard Varian yelp. Looking at the timid alchemist they smiled. Quirin had lifted Varian up and was now holding him bridle style in his arms. The teen was blushing profusely, but his dad didn't care. He nuzzled him lovingly and smiled
"We'll always trust you, don't worry" he stated softly, "you don't have to correct yourself, you're in good company here" he smirked, "trust me"
Varian was a little taken a back, but he smiled happily wrapped his arms around his fathers neck, not really caring if he looked childish or not. Rapunzel smiled as Lance and Eugene looked on happily*
* "Dad?" Varian said quietly, walking inside the room
The two adults stopped whatever conversation they were having and both turned to look at the boy. Quirin smiled, "morning son!"
Varian returned the smile, "good morning" then looked at the guest, "who are you?" he asked.
The women smiled at him, her eyes sparkling a little as she spoke, "hello, I'm Adira" her voice was calm, but both Quirin and Varian could hear the hint of glee she had when addressing the boy, "your father probably never spoke of me", Quirin rolled his eyes, "but I'm your aunt!"
"M-my what?" Varian stuttered, his surprise making her laugh.
"Your aunt", she answered, "I used to work with Quirin as a knight of the Brotherhood".
Something clicked inside the alchemist's head, "oh! Y-yeah Rapunzel told me about you!" he replied, "you, my dad, and ....Hector?" Varian looked at his dad for confirmation, Quirin nodded, "yeah Hector! You guys all protected the Moonstone right?"
"That is correct!" Adira replied, "though, it's a little sad you heard about us from the Sundrop and not a certain knight that may or may not be standing in this room" she joked as Quirin huffed a little, "but I suppose that doesn't matter now". she waved it off as Quirin returned to making breakfast.
Noting his dad's aggravation, Varian decided to change the subject, "s-so what are you doing here?" he asked, "did you find something out about the Moonstone? Have you seen Cassandra?"
Quirin winced a little at the hope in his son's voice, he didn't want to dash them, but he had a feeling Varian should stay away from Cassandra, far away.
"No, I haven't come here for the Moonstone" Adira answered, "though I will be looking into it" she added, sneaking a glance towards Quirin, who nodded in response, "no I've come here for an even more pressing matter"
Varian's eyes grew wide, "a more pressing matter?" he asked, "what's more pressing than getting the Moonstone and Cassandra back?" He got a little nervous, if something more pressing than the Moonstone had brought his dad's sibling here, then he was sure they'd need to tell Rapunzel, possibly even Eugene and Lance.
Adira chuckled, "I've come here because I haven't met you yet!"
The alchemist's shoulders slumped with relief, "oh okay" he said as he let out a sigh of relief, "sorry I thought you were talking about something else attack- wait what?" he stopped himself short, "y-you came here... all the way from the Dark Kingdom, which is about a year's journey.... to meet me?"
"That's right Speckles!”
Varian tilted his head to the side as he heard his father chuckle, "Speckles?"
"You still do the nickname thing?" Quirin asked, amusement dripping off his words.
Adira nodded, "yes I do!" She replied before turning to Varian, "I find it's much easier to give nicknames based off of physical attributes than to actually remember your name, hence" she pointed to his freckles, "speckles!"
Varian blushed a little, trying very hard not to look down at his freckles, s-so.... what did you call the princess?"
"She's the Sundrop, so "Sundrop", the girl with the anger issues is "Short Hair", the small bearded drunk is "Soiled Gnome", The man with the Hook for a Foot is "Hoot Foot", the overconfident daydreamer who can't seem to take a hint is "Earring", and the confident man who preens himself all the time is "Fish skin"". Adira explained, smiling as Varian pieced together who was who, laughing at the funny names they had.
"W-wait "Fish skin", are you saying that because he uses a lot of skin care products, or because he kinda keeps the group together" at his father's confused expression, Varian explained, "fish skin can be used to make a sticky substance, almost like glue, it works really well with things like boots and gloves".
"Ah", nodding in understanding, Quirin finished making the food and began to set it at the table. Adira and Varian sitting down, Ruddigar jumping next to the bowl, happily waiting to be served.
"eh, kinda both" Adira replied, "he's the fish skin that holds the group together" she stated, before adding, "but he does use a lot of products", making Varian laugh.
"So", the alchemist managed to control his laughter, "what's dad's nickname?"
Quirin smiled as he joined them at the table, reliving the memory of how he got his nickname.
"Courage", was the simple reply, making Varian smile as he took a sip of milk, "though sometimes I change it to "Stickler" when he would get a little too strict about the rules".
"Pfft!" slapping his hand over his mouth, the alchemist blushed, setting the glass down and grabbing a napkin. The liquid didn't leave the cup, but did splash Varian in the face quite a bit. As he wiped his mouth with the napkin, Quirin began laughing.
Maybe this wouldn't be such a bad day after all*
* "Hey sleepyhead!"
"Mmph"
"Still not a morning person huh?" Quirin sighed, "some things never change". He placed a plate of food in front of his son. Varian wasn't always this grumpy, but he guessed last night was a little rough.
The alchemist rubbed his eyes as he spied the sausage and toast, the smell prompting his hand to pick up the food his stomach was nagging at him to eat.
"Thank you", he said, taking a bite out of the toast.
"You're welcome", his father replied.
After a couple minutes of calm, serene silence, Varian finally spoke, "what kind of dark magic do you possess to make you this perky in the morning", he asked.
Quirin just chuckled, "it's a magical elixir I whip up every morning called "coffee", and it's for people who are 18 years or older", he smirked, ruffling his son's head, "so it'll be a couple years before you get to have any of this".
Varian just mumbled, trying to come up with different ways he could try to make the elixir himself in his lab before he received a knowing look from his father and dropped the idea entirely, "kill joy".
Quirin laughed before returning to his breakfast, he loved his grumpy son!*
* "And so begins the perilous journey of our long trek into the minefield that is this kingdom's town square, in search for the very thing my dad can't seem to find at home! What is this important item for which we are walking towards with full gusto you ask?" Varian stated, gesturing towards his dad, who was walking beside him and trying very hard not to smile at his son's antics.
"A basket"
"But wait! You say, as your mind starts to think, like any normal human mind would, why can't we just go home and use all the other twenty-something baskets we have? Well dear logical thinker, we cannot! For you see, this is no mere basket, it is a basket which can hold the worlds greatest treasure of all!" The alchemist gestured towards his father again.
"Eggs"
"Yes eggs! The world's greatest and most fragile treasure that we absolutely cannot use *any* other basket for!"
"Are you done?"
"I don't think you understand the seriousness of this father! For if there is one think that any other basket would not be capable of handling easily! It's *eggs*!"
Quirin raised a brow, "ok *now* I'm done"
"Brat"
"Me? A brat? Why what ever would give you that idea?" The alchemist stated, giving Ruddigar a scratch behind the ears.
"Call it a father's intuition"*
The retired knight looked at all the memories that played around him, all of them were filled with him and Varian, talking, laughing, teasing, hugging, there were ones where it was just him and Hugo as well, like when they cooked together, or when they’d first met, or even when they’d spent time together at the Nedzerdnia market. He noticed machines under each memory, all of them had a combined style or Hugo’s and Varian’s that he’d grown accustomed to. He watched each and every memory play out, the guys nights, the gardening, apple picking, Ruddigar’s return, Varian’s sick days, Hugo hugging him after Donella had left, Hugo smiling and calling him dad a few times when the retired knight had tucked him in, the night Varian had been drunk and he and Hugo talked, the man smiled at each memory, tears rolling down his face as he smiled
He heard sniffles behind him and turned to see Edmund sniffling as he saw a few memories of him and Varian, when they’d first met, when he and Quirin had fought over holding the alchemist, when Hugo had defended the Dark King, he smiled, that was when he heard music begin to play, they all looked up to see one final memory, only this wasn’t something from the past as they saw Varian and Hugo smiling together before a few memories of Quirin began to play, the music starting to swell, before they heard Varian begin to sing:
“Well, I won't back down,
No I won't back down”
Quirin gasped as he placed his hands over his mouth and smiled as more memories of him, Varian, and Hugo showed
“You could stand me up at the gates of Hell,
But I won't back down”
Hugo took over singing as Varian smiled lovingly and waved, his image disappearing as Hugo took over
“No I'll stand my ground,
Won't be turned around”
The memory of Quirin protecting Hugo from Donella played as Quirin smiled
“And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down,
Gonna stand my ground,
And I won't back down”
Both boys sang together now as memories of all three of them together played behind them
“Hey dad!
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down),
Hey I will stand my ground,
And I won't back down”
Varian took the stage once again as the memory of him and his father reuniting right after the amber played
‘Well, I know what's right,
I got just one life,
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around,
But I'll stand my ground,
And I won't back down”
Hugo joined in again as memories broke from the projection they were shown in and blue magic carried them around the room
“Hey dad!
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down),
Hey I will stand my ground (I won't back down),
And I won't back down,
Hey dad!
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down),
Hey I won't back down,
Suddenly both teens appeared in front of Quirin as they sang the final notes and smiled up at the man
“No we won't back down!”
Quirin sniffled before he hugged his two sons tightly, “I love you both so much”, he stated between his sobs
Varian and Hugo returned the hug happily, “we love you too, so much”, they replied, staying in that hug for a long time before they broke it and smiled at each other
“We wanted to let you know how much we cherish you!” Varian explained
“Yeah, so we found a way to use Varian’s magic to show off the memories we have of you! We also found a way to put those memories inside a machine so you could see them!” Hugo added, gesturing to the large machines, “course, those are way too big”
“So, Hugo and I worked hard to make a small version, and”, they both showed the man a small, box-like, machine with a button at the top, Quirin pressed it and was startled when he saw himself, Varian, and Hugo laughing together
“If you hold the button, it’ll turn off, but if you merely press it”, he tapped the button, it showed Quirin singing ‘Won’t Back Down’ while Varian sang with him, “it’ll flip through the memories! I’m really proud of that feature, oh aaaaaand~”
They pulled out another one and handed it to Edmund, “we made one for grandpa too!” Varian exclaimed as he handed it to the man, who took it and pressed the button, only to see himself with Eugene, “only we added Eugene into it as well, so you can see him and you together too!”
“Oh….. ooooooooooooh”, Edmund hugged the small machine close to his chest as he sobbed happily, Hector and Adira comforting him as Varian and Hugo smiled lovingly at the man before they looked at their dad
“What do you think?” They asked
Quirin, along with Itty Bitty and Sassy, was watching himself sing Varian’s lullaby to the teen, he flipped through the memories before stopping when he saw him, Hugo, and Varian hugging, he smiled happily before he turned it off and hugged his boys again, “I love it, thank you both so much” They hugged him back happily, Eugene helped calmed his father down as Hugo, Varian, and Quirin stopped hugging and smiled happily to each other, that was before Hugo let out a small yawn, Quirin chuckled, “sleepy?” The retired knight asked
“Sorry, not trying to be, we just got up super early to do this, by the way, cool room!” The blond exclaimed
“Yeah! It’s got dad all of it!” Varian added excitedly
“Dad all over it?” Quirin asked
“Yeah! Look! Garden and farming books galore in the shelves, your very tiny knife collection, dad bed! Ya gotta have a dad bed, sensible items like the drawers and stuff, little dad clothes! And even more dad journals!”
Quirin snickered, “those aren’t dad journals, those are plant journals, I kept tabs on the things I was growing”
“Oh, it’s still really cool though!”
Quirin smiled at his son, the group headed back to the dining area, all of them watching the memories that Varian and Hugo had given them while the boys answered questions regarding how they got the memories in there, all the while, no one but Eugene noticed Edmund opening up his final gift
The Dark Prince walked over and waited, his father’s eyes widened when he saw what was inside, tears filled them once more as he smiled and sniffled, gently touching the item his son had made for him as Eugene sat down next to him, “happy Father’s Day dad, I love you”
“I *sniffle* l-love you too, son”, Edmund replied as he hugged his son
The present he held in his hands was a small picture frame, with a painting inside and Eugene had made of himself and Edmund standing together and smiling, the frame had the words, ‘My Dad and Me’ with a heart, written on it
Notes:
Hello! Happy Father’s Day!!!!!! 🎶❤️
So, this day in particular is very special because I have a special relationship with my dad. Maybe that’s why I love Quirin so much, he reminds me of my own dad in a lot of ways, we started out rough and rocky, but we got better as time went on. I love my dad, and I’ll always love him! ❤️ To those who don’t have their fathers with them, know that they love you no matter what, and know that you’re not alone ❤️ weather you have a good, bad, mid, or even passive relationship with you father, I hope you know you’re all loved, if you can’t celebrate because of the parent, then celebrate because you’re still here, celebrate with that family you still have ❤️🎶 because you deserve to be here, you’re wonderful and I’m so happy you’re here ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 453: Letters From Corona!
Summary:
Rapunzel sent Eugene a letter that makes him worry!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“And then we *flew* across the sky and sparkles followed behind us as we sang about sweet victory together”
“I swear Freckles, you have the most fantastical dreams”, Hugo stated
Varian giggled as he shoved nice elf pancake in his mouth happily, “better than a nightmare”, he stated
“Bubby, no talking with your mouth full”, Quirin stated with a chuckle
The alchemist blushed before he chewed and swallowed his food, then cleared his throat, “*ahem*, sorry”
“This food is amazing by the way”, Hector stated, “thanks for the vegan pancakes and eggs, can’t believe you still have some”
“Thank you! I’m glad you still enjoy it! And you’re welcome, I remember when you first became vegan! That was a very interesting day!” Edmund exclaimed happily before he blushed when he looked at the bacon, “course…. I still need to work on my bacon…. Vegan or otherwise I’d like to not have it come out like charcoal”
“Tastes better this way”, Adira stated, Quirin nodding happily as he bit off a piece
Varian raised a brow at his father, “I guess now I know the burnt bacon origins”, he teased, getting his father a raise a brow right back at him
Hugo slapped a hand over his mouth to stop the milk he’d just drank from coming out before he swallowed and snickered, “damn it Varian!”
The alchemist giggled before he smiled at his grandpa, “no offense”
“None taken, I know my bacon’s basically charcoal, I couldn’t ever, for the life of me, figure out how to measure the right temperature”, Edmund replied
“It helps when you add butter to the pan, if it starts to melt, the skillet’s hot enough”
“Noted!”
“Speaking of skillets, which is so fucking odd to think that those now make *me* think of her, has anyone heard word from Corona since we left?” Hector asked
“It would appear Fish Skin has, otherwise he wouldn’t be so quiet”, Adira stated as she gestured to Eugene, who was a little startled by her pointing him out
“Have you Eugene?” Varian asked curiously
“I….. well I got a letter from her”, the Dark Prince replied
“Really? How’s she been?”
“She’s….. um…… I don’t know how to describe it to be honest”
Varian cocked his head to the side as Hugo raised a brow, “did she say something was happening in Corona?”
“Well no, not exactly, she just….” He sighed, “her dad’s passing is just…. Hitting her harder than usual I suppose…..” Eugene stated sadly
Quirin winced at that before he looked at Eugene worriedly, “is she okay?”
“She says she is, but I don’t think so….. she doesn’t blame you”
“I know, but still….”
“Right….”
The table was quiet for a moment before Hugo spoke up, “you wanna tell us what she said, or is that a secret?”
“Eheh, i-it’s not I just….. I dunno…. I didn’t wanna bring this up now I guess…..”
Varian instantly understood, “well how about we eat breakfast, then once the dishes are done, we can sit down and talk, give you some time to explain yeah?”
Eugene smiled at the teen and nodded, “yeah, thanks kiddo”
“You’re welcome!”
****
The group had eaten their food and cleaned up before they sat down in the Dark Kingdom family room, which looked very similar to the Corona family room, only with a color scheme of black and purple instead of yellow and purple. Once everyone had settled, Eugene let out a sigh and placed a hand in his pocket, he pulled out the letter and showed everyone, “wow, big letter”, Edmund stated softly
“Yeah she had a lot to write, want the full version or condensed?” Eugene asked with a chuckle
“Condensed”, Hugo stated
“Agreed”, Hector replied, “if we get the full version we’ll be here the whole damn day”
The blond snickered as Eugene raised a brow at the pair before letting out a sigh, “well first off, she said hi to everyone, said she misses us all, every single day and that she hopes the trip is going well. She mentioned that she’s been keeping Lance and the girls out of the labs and the guards are being trained pretty well, and that they haven’t had to worry about the stations being unmanned since the new recruits seem to be doing well, all good news”
Everyone nodded, so Eugene continued, “she kept asking me questions that she wants me to add into my letter, she also asked if anyone else would want her to write to them and that she has a letter coming to Varian pretty soon, she couldn’t finish writing that one because she kept getting interrupted and wanted to make sure this one was sent first since it’s an update and greets everyone and she continues to over explain so you won’t get upset kiddo”
Varian smiled, “aw Punzel, she must really be feeling lonely”
Eugene raised a brow, “what makes you say that?”
“Well….. She and I always talked when you were busy or when her parents were doing something, or when she was done with everything but didn’t wanna interrupt everyone else because they were doing things she’d asked them too, she’d also come to me whenever she wanted to just…. Talk…. I guess I was sort of a comfort to her because I understood her in a way no one else could”
“What way?”
“Our powers”, the alchemist replied, “both me and her have, er *had* in her case, celestial powers that we’d been born with. Mine woke up later in life, but they’ve been with me ever since I was born, same with her. When she found that out, she began to come to me, more often than not, just to talk. She’d ask me how I felt about certain things and found that I had experiences that she did and no one else could really understand them. Like how she felt safer when the Sun was high in the sky, but once he dipped, even a little, she always felt a little more on edge, I feel the same when the Moon’s in the sky before she begins to dip, I feel safer when the Moon’s up and able to see everything and everyone. She’s shared other things that I’ve agreed with, did, or experienced , like how we used to give names to the Moon and Sun, she’d call the Sun Solar, and I’d call the Moon Luna! It was nice conversations like that that make me think she’s lonely now, because she can’t have them with anyone there”
“Huh…. How did I never hear about that before?” Eugene asked
“Same here, hell, how did I never *see* that?” Hugo asked
Varian giggled, “she did it when you were busy Eugene, or when you were doing something that she didn’t want to interrupt, and Hugo, you never saw them because she wouldn’t want to interrupt us when we were working together, plus by the time you came around, she got super busy, so did I, so those conversations became kind rare”
“Ah”, both men stated
“Another reason I think she’s lonely is because the people she’s closest to are away. No offense to Lance, but he’s more your friend Eugene, and Queen Arianna must be really busy with all the work she’s doing, plus there are some things kids don’t really feel comfortable discussing with their parents about, and her and Faith are still fairly new with each other, so she wouldn’t talk to Faith quite yet about stuff she would tell Cassandra….. She’s….. Kinda on her own for right now….”
“……you’re right….. I guess that makes the rest of her letter make a lot more sense”, Eugene stated
“What do you mean?” Quirin asked
“Well, the rest of it is her just….. rambling….. I thought that was so odd because Blondie doesn’t tend to do that unless she’s anxious. But she started listing off a bunch of things that are happening around Corona and Old Corona, saying how the harvest is going well in tremendous detail, going over every step each and every guard took when apprehending a burglar, talking about how her and Lance had a very awkward conversation about discussing the birds and the bees with Cat and Angry sometime soon, how she and her mom have been kinda distant since they’re still trying to work on changing the kingdom for the better…… She mentioned her dad a few times, she visited his grave….. it made her sad…… and then she talked about how she even went to see Cassandra….”
Varian’s eyes widened as his iris’s began to glow, “s-she did?” He asked worriedly
“Yeah…. She said Cassandra was glad to see her, that they had a nice talk and that she was helping reconstruct an old barn that’d been destroyed in the wake of the black rocks. She also mentioned that Cassandra seemed much calmer now that she was locked up, and how she wasn’t sure how to feel about that……”
The alchemist’s jaw squared before he sighed, “she’s….. *extremely* lonely…..”
“Yeah…… now that you’ve put it in perspective, I feel really dumb not catching that….”
“Don’t feel dumb, Punzel’s a hard read, especially in a letter….” Varian stated, “the *only* reason I know how to read that is because of how she’d come to me, it was *specifically* when she was lonely, sometimes not, she would come just to say hi when she wanted to, but most of the time it was when she was lonely, she rambles when she’s lonely, or sad”
Eugene nodded, “hmmm….. maybe we could do something…. Like send her something that’ll make her feel less alone”
“That’s a good idea! Though, what should we send her?”
“How about care package?” Hugo asked, getting the two to look at him, “give her some momentous she can play around with, maybe a Dark Kingdom book, or a painting or something”
“That’s perfect!” Varian exclaimed, kissing Hugo’s cheek lovingly and getting the blond to blush, “I have an idea on what we could do to help her! Let’s give her a care package that has a few books inside, ones we have copies to! Then we can all read the same books and write about them in our letters! She won’t be lonely because she’ll be reading the same books we are! So she’ll feel like we’re there with her!” He explained
“Ooooh! I have a few good Dark Kingdom books that’s she would definitely enjoy!” Edmund stated happily
“So it’s a long distant book club?” Hector asked
“Yeah!” Varian replied happily
The wild tamer blinked before sighing, “that means I’m gonna have to read fucking drama books, aren’t I…..”
“Betcha I can read more than you”, Adira stated with a smirk
“YOU’RE FUCKING *ON*!” Hector yelled determinedly
Eugene, Varian, Hugo, Quirin, and Edmund laughed as they began to chat excitedly about the long distant book club!
****
“Rapunzel honey, you’ll be down for dinner soon right?” Arianna called from down the stairs as the princess let out a small sigh
“Yeah, I’ll be down there in just a moment mom”, she replied tiredly
“Ok, I’ll be waiting”
Rapunzel heard her mother’s footsteps fade away before she collapsed onto her bed, Pascal letting out a small squeak as he looked at his girl with worry, “sorry Pascal, I’m okay, just…..” she sighed, “I don’t know….. tired doesn’t seem like the right word….”
The chameleon let out a small sigh before he noticed something different in the room, he squeaked, getting Rapunzel’s attention
The princess saw her best friend pointing to something, when she looked, she saw a large package with her name on it, “huh? When did this get here?”
Getting up, the princess walked over to the package and picked it up, Pascal latched onto her shoulder using his tongue before pulling himself on it, he looked at the box with a quirked brow before he squeaked and hopped into it, gesturing to the Dark Kingdom symbol on the top
Rapunzel smiled, “you’re right! It’s from the Dark Kingdom! It must be from Eugene!”
She didn’t hesitate to rip the package open, she found a letter addressed to her and opened it up:
“Dear Blondie,
Glad to know things are being handled while we’re away, you’re doing a great job, thank you for that! I mentioned your letter to the others and Varian pointed out that you seemed lonely. So he and Hugo came up with an idea about sending you a care package, with something you could to pass the time and help you feel a little less lonely.
In this box, you’ll find seven books, each was picked from all of us, one from each person, we have copies of these books back at the Dark Kingdom! We’ll all read two, and you can read two at the same time, then we can exchange letters about them! Varian said this may help the month go by a little faster and help you feel less lonely!
Each book has the name of the person who picked it out on the cover, this week, we’ll be starting with mine and Varian’s. Next week will be Hector and Adira’s, the week after is Quirin’s and Edmund’s, then the final week is Hugo’s, only one book that week since we’ll be coming back and will need to pack up.
We’re all really proud of how you’re handling things, Varian’s looming forwards to your letter, by this point in time, it’s probably already arrived, just assume he loved it and is writing back to you as we speak, heh!
To answer your questions, ahem….. yes the Dark Kingdom’s cool, the place is still destroyed but less so than the last time, Varian’s an extremely excited bean, Quirin’s never smiled more than he has since we arrived, Hector and Adira are indeed getting along better here, Edmund is more than happy that we’re all here, Varian says hi, Hugo says hi, Quirin says hi, Adira says hi, Hector says hi, Edmund says hi, Ruddigar says chitter, Itty bitty says blub, Sassy says blub blub, Pixie and Basil both sniffed the letter when I told them you said hi, Xena gave you a greeting huff according to Hector, and hello Blondie! I love you too and I hope you’re doing well, we haven’t seen the forest yet but Hector keeps hyping it up, Varian has glowed since we got here and says he’s gonna tell you something that happened when we first arrived so I didn’t add too many more pages to this letter, nothing bad’s happened so far, Father’s Day was fun, Edmund and Quirin both say thank you for the Father’s Day greeting, they also appreciated the drawings you sent, that’s was very sweet and made Edmund cry happy tears while Quirin framed his, Varian’s grateful you’re protecting the lab, no we haven’t wore any Dark armor yet but I’ll be sure to let Varian draw me and send it to you so you can see when/if we do, and Hugo is just happy to be here.
And not we take a breath because holy cow that was a lot to write! Heh! Either way, we all hope you’re doing alright Blondie, and rest assured, we all miss you too, try not to work yourself too hard, Varian also wanted to write something in here since this letter will show up first. So my final words before he takes over is, I love you so much, when I see you next time, I’ll smother you with hugs and kisses, I can’t wait to see you again! I’m sorry you feel lonely right now, but we’ll be back before you know it, write to me anytime, I love you Sunshine
Love,
Eugene (best boyfriend ever no matter what Hugo says)
P.S. ignore his parenthesis, they are lies! -Hugo
P.S.S. Hugo, stop writing on this letter! I can’t erase what you wrote! -Eugene
P.P.S.S. You really think I’m gonna listen to you in ink form? -Hugo
P.P.P.S.S. You’d better or else I’m telling Quirin! -Eugene
P.P.P.S.S.S. So you’re a squealer then, ‘Flynn Rider’
Parental Note: Rapunzel, please ignore the two stickers above this note, I’ve calmed them down, everything’s fine now -Quirin
Alchemist Note: HAHAHAHAHAAA! I just read the messages above mine! Hugo you stinker!!!!! Hee hee! *Ahem*, sorry, hee hee, hi Punzel! :D I miss you! I wanted to write this part because when Eugene told us about your letter, I could tell you were really sad….. I wanted to say I’m sorry…. I know it isn’t my fault, but I’m sorry you’re feeling so lonely and sad….. At this point, your letter’s arrived, Hugo and Eugene fighting with each other may have delayed this letter’s sending, eheh, I-I’ve already read your letter though, and I intend to send a message back….. But what you said about your dad…. About Father’s Day….. I felt the need to write a response to that right away. My original intention was to help you feel less lonely with this note, but I got your letter and…..
I understand how that feels….. I miss my mama everyday….. When Mother’s Day comes around, I feel so sad and depressed….. I know she’s not coming back….. It’s so hard to go through that day and not feel sad or angry or scared….. But your dad is with you, everyday, I saw him, I may not be there to point him out, but he’s with you, standing beside you and your mom every single day! He loves you both so much, and I know that doesn’t make it easier, but I hope it helps just a little. You’re not alone Punzel, and when I get back, we can talk about it more, for now, hopefully this will bring you a little comfort
When you feel lonely, look out your window and look to the Moon, I have a perfect view of her from my bedroom window, I can see her just as well as you can! Even when I sleep, I don’t need to strain to see her, my window is by the bed! :D
So if you ever feel lonely, and you wanna feel like you have a friend right there, look to the Moon at night, and know I’ll be looking at her too! We’ll be seeing the same thing, it’ll be like we’re watching the Moon together! Eugene may join us a few times too! Hugo joins every night, and so does dad and Ruddigar!
If you ever wanna send a message my way, say a prayer at night, maybe the Moon will share them with me! I’ll try to send you one tonight and see if it works! :D
I love you big sis, I hope things get better for you, hang in there, we’ll be home before you know it, oki?
Goodnight Punzel!”
The princess sniffled as she finished reading the letter before hugging it to her chest lovingly! She let out a sigh before the wind swept through her room, she stopped when she heard a small whisper that sounded like Varian
“I love you Punzel, be safe”, he said
When the wind stopped she looked outside her window and smiled, the Moon was shining brightly, she noticed there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and not a single blade of grass shook
There was no wind to speak of, she walked to the window, folded her hands, and sent a prayer right back before going back down to dinner
****
*A few hours later*
Varian watched the Moon outside of his window as Hugo and Quirin chatted with each other about their book choices. The alchemist smiled up at the celestial being before winds swept through the room, and he heard a whisper that sounded like Raphnzel
“Thank you, I love you too Varian, be safe and have sweet dreams tonight”, she said
He gasped a little, catching his father and boyfriend’s attention before he smiled wide, “Freckles?” Hugo asked
“I’m okay”, Varian said softly, “sorry, I just…. Got a message from a friend”, he looked up at the Moon and smiled, “thank you”
The celestial being sparkled lovingly at him as he yawned and layed down in his bed, Hugo joining him as Quirin tucked them in and they feel into a peaceful sleep for the night.
Notes:
Hello! 🎶❤️
So this idea came from a comment I just got on the last chapter from Mstree! They asked how Rapunzel and Arianna were doing and this idea popped into my head! So thank you Mstree! :D
I always thought prayers were messages, people have their own interpretations and that’s completely fine :D this is just mine, either they’re messages to the being someone believes in, God, Jahova, Buddha, etc. go to the beings, but the prayers for people we care about, either for protection, love, positive energy, etc, go to the people we want to protect and help ❤️ the being we pray to sends the messages to the person and puts positive energy on them, or allows them to hear the message
That’s what the Moon did for Varian and Rapunzel! ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 454: The Call! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian hears something while the group are visiting the Forest of No Return! *Groans*!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Welcome to The-!” Adira began
“Don’t you dare say it”, Eugene interrupted
“The-!”
“No!”
“Fores-!”
“Stop it!”
“Est of n-!”
“Adira!”
“No-!”
“ADIRA!”
The face painted warrior smiled at the Dark Prince for a few moments, her cheeks puffed out a little as she held her breath, a devious smile on her face before she let the breath out. Eugene sighed with relief as he turned away before hearing her whisper, “return”, quickly
Eugene’s groans mixed into those of the forest itself as Hugo and Hector laughed, Quirin and Edmund face palmed, and Varian gave Eugene a sympathetic pat on the shoulders in support, “Adira, you’re such a bitch”, the wild tamer exclaimed with a grin
“Compliment taken”, the face painted warrior replied with a smirk
“So this is the fore-!”
“Varian please!” Eugene interrupted
The alchemist blinked before remembering what he’d just witnessed and giggling, “whoopsie, sorry, hee hee, so this, *ahem* wooded area, is the place where the Drexus are?”
“Yup”, Edmund replied before shuddering, “very horrible creatures….”
“Not really, they’re territorial, pretty easy to befriend if you know how”, Hector stated
“Uh….. What are drexus?” Hugo asked with a quirked brow
“Oh, they’re just giant bat spiders with teeth as big as a chubby toddler and they can camouflage themselves as beautiful flora to lure their victims in before eating anything and everything that comes near”, Adira stated with a shrug, “no big deal”
Hugo’s mouth hung open as he stared at her, Quirin sighed, “Adira, stop that”
“But it’s fun”, the face painted warrior replied with a chuckle as Varian kissed Hugo’s cheek, snapping him out of his frozen stupor as he looked at the teen and blushed
The retired knight raised a brow at his sibling before looking at the forest, “I remember my first time inside this place”
“I do too, you were just a touch smaller than the little peanut!” Edmund exclaimed happily as the memory played in his mind, making him grin
Varian blinked, “how old were you dad?”
“14”, Quirin replied
“HA! He was slightly smaller than me at 14! I’m 15! That PROVES I’m gonna be as big as him someday!”
Eugene smirked, “that only proves that Quirin was tiny back in the day, not that you’ll be as big as him”
“Yeah it does!”
“No it doesn’t”
“Yeah huh!”
“Nu uh!”
“Children”, Edmund warned
Eugene and Varian looked at the man, “we’re just playing dad”, the Coronan Captain stated
“While that is true, playing can also turn into rough housing, then rough housing turns into someone getting pushed into the forest and a search party being needed to find them”
“Wait, when has that ever-!” Varian began
“Hector and Adira were squabbling, they began to wrestle near the forest, Adira won, Hector got pushed into the forest, and me and King Edmund had to search for him for hours because wild brat nugget decided to explore”, Quirin stated, getting Hector and Adira to snicker, “you’ll find that a lot of rules in the Dark Kingdom were put in place because of these two”
“Why am I not surprised?” Eugene asked
Varian smiled at his aunt and uncle before he looked to the forest, his eyes widened as he heard something, his eyes beginning to glow brightly, “…..H-hello?” He said
“Varian?” Quirin asked, looking at his son and getting everyone else to do the same
The group grew quiet as the alchemist stared into the forest. The freckled teen was silent and still, before he looked at his father, his eyes were glowing brighter than ever, his face devoid of any emotion, and as he spoke, his voice echoed and bounced around them as his hair began to glow and move as if he were under water, “the original land”, ‘he’ stated softly, “you’ve forgotten them. Follow me, into the dark, to the original land, and set them free”
“Original land?” Edmund asked, his eyes wide before his, Adira’s, Hector’s, and Quirin’s Brotherhood marks began to glow
“Follow me, into the dark”, ‘Varian’ repeated, before the ‘teen’ turned away and began to walk into the forest, “to see the original land, and set them free”
“VARIAN!” Quirin yelled, rushing forwards, “SON!”
The ‘teen’ turned to look at him, and with a small wave of ‘his’ hand, the retired knight was halted in his son’s magic, “v-Vari-!”
“I’m not your son”, the ‘teen’ stated gently, “he will come back to you knight, but you need to follow me first”
Quirin was released and fell on the floor, he sat up and looked at his ‘son’, “……Moonstone……”
“I said I’d be back, I cannot tell you why. You need to follow me, into the dark, to the original land. There, and only there, you’ll get your son back, after you set them free”
“Why?” Quirin asked, “why do we need to follow you? Why do we need to go to the original land?”
The Moonstone seemed to think about that question for a moment or two, before looking at the retired knight once again, “they need to be put to rest. Destroying their ties to this world will not be enough. You need to know the first guardian’s story. There’s a reason you all came back here….. To save them….. follow me, into the darkness, to the original land, and set them free….. your son will be waiting”
With that, the Moonstone walked into the forest of no return, *goans*, disappearing from sight. The group couldn’t move, didn’t speak, none of them knew what to say or do as they just stared, in shocked silence, as their brotherhood marks stopped glowing, and the world grew completely still.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this just happened XD The Moonstone did say they would come back! I left small clues as to who they’re referring to that the group needs to free! I’d love to know your predictions!
For now, Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 455: The Call! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The group begins to piece together what the Moonstone said!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“VARIAN!” Quirin yelled, rushing forwards, “SON!”
The ‘teen’ turned to look at him, and with a small wave of ‘his’ hand, the retired knight was halted in his son’s magic, “v-Vari-!”
“I’m not your son”, the ‘teen’ stated gently, “he will come back to you knight, but you need to follow me first”
Quirin was released and fell on the floor, he sat up and looked at his ‘son’, “……Moonstone……”
“I said I’d be back, I cannot tell you why. You need to follow me, into the dark, to the original land. There, and only there, you’ll get your son back, after you set them free”
“Why?” Quirin asked, “why do we need to follow you? Why do we need to go to the original land?”
The Moonstone seemed to think about that question for a moment or two, before looking at the retired knight once again, “they need to be put to rest. Destroying their ties to this world will not be enough. You need to know the first guardian’s story. There’s a reason you all came back here….. To save them….. follow me, into the darkness, to the original land, and set them free….. your son will be waiting”
With that, the Moonstone walked into the forest of no return, *goans*, disappearing from sight. The group couldn’t move, didn’t speak, none of them knew what to say or do as they just stared, in shocked silence, as their brotherhood marks stopped glowing, and the world grew completely still
For a few moments, nobody moved, until Edmund walked over and knelt beside his knight, “are you alright?” He asked, noticing a small scrape on Quirin’s cheek
The retired knight stared into the forest for a long time, unblinking, before he looked at his King, “I-I-I……” he tried, but nothing else came out
Edmund gave his knight a sympathetic look, “it’ll be okay, we’ll get him back, we will”
Quirin blinked, sniffled a little, before nodding, Edmund stood up, offering a hand to his knight, Quirin took it and stood as well, dusting himself off before looking to the forest again. Hugo stepped forwards, “so…… The Moonstone just….. walked off with Varian…..”
“Yeah…..” Edmund replied, “yeah they did…..”
“Why?”
“I don’t know…. Something about the original land and freeing them?” The Dark King stated
“Freeing who?”
“I…. Don’t know…..”
Hugo huffed before looking at Edmund, “well we’ve gotta fucking find out!” He snapped, startling everyone before he slapped a hand over his mouth and blushed, “sorry…..”
Hector sighed when no one spoke, “it’s fine Hugo”, he said, “I get it, maybe they don’t but I do. You’re worried, and guys like us get angry when we’re worried”, he stated, instantly getting everyone else to understand, “the spawn’s gone, but he isn’t dead, the Moonstone is powerful, they’ll protect him”
“H-how do you know that?” The blond asked quietly, trying so hard to not snap as his hands shook with anxiety
The wild tamer noticed and smiled, walking over and placing a gentle hand on Hugo’s shoulder, “because the Moonstone needs us to follow them. The only way to do that is to find Varian in the forest. Adira, Quirin, King Edmund, and I all know that forest inside and out, *none* of us are gonna stop looking until we find him”, he stated before looking Hugo directly in the eyes, “that’s a promise kid”
The blond was startled for a moment before he felt himself calming down, his hands no longer shaking as he put his trust in Hector, “o-ok”
The wild tamer smiled before he looked at Eugene, “you and Hugo are coming with I take it”
“Without a doubt”, the Dark Prince stated
“Kay, just stick close to me, my siblings, and King. Adira told me about your little adventure into this forest, didn’t go very well from the sounds of it”
“Aside from a few mistakes on my part, it wasn’t *horrible*”, Eugene stated
“Aside from when you made yourself, and your friends, jump across the clearing like a delirious madman instead of just listening to me when I said you could run through it to get to the exit, before getting separated by a land pit and leaving them in the jaws of the drexus that I had to rescue them from, while reuniting you, all while still having bronchitis, which I didn’t even tell you about because, I’m amazing”, Adira pointed out with a smirk
Eugene quirked an annoyed brow at her, “yeah….. Aside from that….. Thanks…..”
“No problem!”
Hector snorted, “she does it to me too, you get used to it”
“Varian guys”, Hugo stated
“Right, right, sorry, come on, let’s find the spawn”
Adira and Eugene nodded before the group made their way into the Forest of No Return, *groans*
****
“Do you have the map Adira?” Eugene asked as he stuck close to Edmund
“Yes, I still do”, Adira stated
“How’d you find Rapunzel and them before?”
“I went from the inside out, basically, I read the map backwards, using the point we were at, and it pointed me to them. However, I’m not so sure it’ll do the same with Speckles”
“What? Why?”
“Because the Moonstone wants us to go to a certain place in the forest, that fact alone could throw the map off since we’re not just searching for Speckles, we’re searching for the place the Moonstone wants us to see”
“Ok, so how would you find that place?”
“I’m not sure, I don’t know what ‘the original land’ is, so I wouldn’t know how to find it in the map. With the princess and others, I couldn’t, at the very least, pin point where they’d gone using you”
“What do you mean?”
“You were with me, you originally went with them, my place hadn’t moved yet, I was still at the exit, so to get to me, you would’ve had to go over the lava shooters, land, the fall into a land pit to get separated”
“I…. Never told you how I got separated”
“Yeah but you had a tendency to fall in land pits, it was obvious. From there, I found out where you’d gone and how you got to me, I was able to see you running into the black fire, and since you’d come from a land pit, I went back and found out your friends were at the entrance once again. There’s only one way to go since they wouldn’t have left the forest, and that pointed me to the drexus”
“…..Wow…..”
“Yeah, it was complicated, but it worked, however, the Moonstone walked away and disappeared. I don’t know where they went, where they are now, and since I wasn’t in the forest when they were, I can’t tell if it’s moved or not, so I can’t find a way to find them using the map at all”
“Shit….. so the map’s useless”
“For us getting to Speckles? Yes, once we have him, I can lead us out easily”
“In that case, can I hold onto the map?” Hugo asked, “I wanna study it, just in case, get familiar with our surroundings ya know?”
The face painted warrior nodded and handed over the map, “good thinking, do you know that way to use it?”
“I….. yeah, it’s like a children’s game right?”
“Exactly”
“Then yeah, I can figure it out, maybe if we go the opposite way of the way out, we’ll find Varian?”
“We could try that, but knowing this forest, there’s a million and one ways to trek through it, no matter how many times you go through, you’ll never walk the same path twice”, Edmund stated, “so going the opposite way of the exit may only find us near the entrance to the forest, or in the southern part, or northern, or south western”
“Right….”
Quirin noticed the blond looking a little disappointed, “we could still use your idea though”, he stated, getting the inventor to look at him, “it’d be best to eliminate, at least, one path, gives us a better chance to find Varian”
Hugo smiled, “thanks Quirin”
****
Eugene let out a sigh, “we’ve been walking for hours, I thought we were supposed to follow the Moonstone”, he stated
“We are”, Edmund stated
“How? We haven’t seen hide nor hair of the Moonstone ever since they took Varian!”
“Well…..” the Dark King sighed, “I’m not sure….. This has never happened before”
“Well….. were there any clues in what the Moonstone said?”
“I’ve been thinking about that this entire time, the only thing that comes to mind is ‘the original land’….. but I’m not sure what that means…..”
“Is there old land that you don’t use anymore? There’s some in Old Corona, hell, Old Corona *itself* is old land!”
“None that I’m aware of Eugene”, the Dark king stated sadly, “I’m sorry….”
The Dark Prince sighed, looking at the ground before him in silence, his growing anxiety rising more and more, until he bumped into something, “oof! Ugh, what the-Quirin?”
Edmund stopped as well, as did Adira, Hector, and Hugo. They all stared at the retired knight until he turned around to face them, his expression was one of surprised realization as something in his mind clicked together, “Demanitus…..” he stated
“Demanitus?” Hugo asked
“Yes….. Demanitus and the Goodwill Festival….. The day the Moon gave everyone nightmares, the day the Moon felt hurt because she was not getting recognized for the blessings she provided…. Demanitus found a tribe of people the worship the Moon, he had them show Corona how to thank her properly, in return, the Corona King gave that tribe land and shelter. Years later, the Moonstone fell to the earth and gave those people the Dark Kingdom….. what if the ‘original land’ is the original grounds the tribe lived on before they were given the Dark Kingdom lands?”
Edmund gasped, eyes widening at this newest revelation, “you may be right Quirin! If that’s the case, then it’s no wonder we’re in the Forest of No Return-!” Groans interrupted the King’s words, he waited until they were done, “….anyway, it’s no wonder! Because this forest *is* where our ancestors came from! How did we not figure that out before?!”
“I say we were preoccupied with the spawn-napping”, Hector stated
“Good point”
“Ok, so do you know where those old grounds are?” Eugene asked
“Were already here”, Edmund stated, the entire forest is where our ancestors laid their heads at night”, Eugene and Hugo stared at the man, “I’m not kidding, apparently the forest didn’t used to act like it does now”
“Wait, that’s kinda interesting, why’s it acting this way now?” Hugo asked
“A very good question”, the Moonstone stated, starting Edmund and making him jump back a bit as they stood right behind him, “excuse my sudden appearance, King Edmund”
“I-I uh….. hoo…..” The Dark King let out a sigh as he caught his breath
“Apologies for startling you, I’ll work on that. To answer your question, here’s another thought, the original tribe left the original land, what do you think they did here?”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for not posting yesterday, my internet was not working, hence, no chapter, sorry about that
I hope this makes up for it! I can’t say much because I will spoil plans here, but someone, last chapter, got very close to what the Moonstone is planning! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 456: The Call! (Part 3!)
Summary:
The group has a chat with the Moonstone!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Dark Prince sighed, looking at the ground before him in silence, his growing anxiety rising more and more, until he bumped into something, “oof! Ugh, what the-Quirin?”
Edmund stopped as well, as did Adira, Hector, and Hugo. They all stared at the retired knight until he turned around to face them, his expression was one of surprised realization as something in his mind clicked together, “Demanitus…..” he stated
“Demanitus?” Hugo asked
“Yes….. Demanitus and the Goodwill Festival….. The day the Moon gave everyone nightmares, the day the Moon felt hurt because she was not getting recognized for the blessings she provided…. Demanitus found a tribe of people that worship the Moon, he had them show Corona how to thank her properly, in return, the Coronan King gave that tribe land and shelter. Years later, the Moonstone fell to the earth and gave those people the Dark Kingdom….. what if the ‘original land’ is the original grounds the tribe lived on before they were given the Dark Kingdom?”
Edmund gasped, eyes widening at this newest revelation, “you may be right Quirin! If that’s the case, then it’s no wonder we’re in the Forest of No Return-!” Groans interrupted the King’s words, he waited until they were done, “….anyway, it’s no wonder! Because this forest *is* where our ancestors came from! How did we not figure that out before?!”
“I say we were preoccupied with the spawn-napping”, Hector stated
“Good point”
“Ok, so do you know where those old grounds are?” Eugene asked
“Were already here”, Edmund stated, “the entire forest is where our ancestors laid their heads at night”, Eugene and Hugo stared at the man, “I’m not kidding, apparently the forest didn’t used to act like it does now”
“Wait, that’s kinda interesting, why’s it acting this way now?” Hugo asked
“A very good question”, the Moonstone stated, starting Edmund and making him jump back a bit as they stood right behind him, “excuse my sudden appearance, King Edmund”
“I-I uh….. hoo…..” The Dark King let out a sigh as he caught his breath
“Apologies for startling you, I’ll work on that. To answer your question, here’s another thought, the original tribe left the original land, what do you think they did here?”
Hugo raised a brow, “I don’t know, worshipped your mom apparently”. The Moonstone quirked a brow at the inventor, “you fucking took my Freckles! So forgive me if my manners aren’t up to par!”
The being sighed, giving the blond an understanding chuckle, “your Varian is still safe and sound”
“Does that really fucking matter?! Does he even *want* this?! To be your damn meat puppet!” A flash of light stopped Hugo’s rant, he shielded his eyes, with his hand, for a moment or two before someone gently touched his hand. Guiding it down and revealing, “…..V-Varian?”
“Hi Hugo”, Varian stated softly with a warm smile that made the inventor blush, “you’re grumpy”
“I….. h-how-!”
“I think there’s been a misconception here. I’m not being forced to allow the Moonstone to take over. I was called, remember? I said hello before the Moonstone took over. They *asked* me to let them guide you guys”, the alchemist explained
“They…. Did?”
“Yep!”
“B-but…. Why’d you say yes?” Hugo asked, recovering from his shock and facing his boyfriend fully, “I was worried Freckles! We *all* are!”
“I’m sorry….” Varian said softly, “I didn’t mean to scare you all, but the Moonstone really needs you help. I can’t be here to help either, the Moonstone needs to be. And I’m the only one they can use to be able to help the people that need to be helped. Otherwise when you guys *do* help them out, it won’t work”, the freckled teen stated before he stopped and blushed, “a lot of ‘helps’ in that sentence, but you get my point”
“Who?!” Hector asked, “who are we helping?!”
“I…. Can’t tell you…..”
“Why not?” Adira asked
“Because you’ve gotta do something”
“Freckles-!” Hugo began
“I know that makes absolutely no sense, but please trust me! The Moonstone told me everything, it’s why I’m okay with this! You need to figure out who you’re helping first, you need to see what they saw and did! You have to have a better understanding of them first! That’s the only hint I can effectively give you all without ruining everything! …..well…. That and….. technically a warning…..”
“Warning?”
“I-it’s um…. It’s for Grandpa…..”
Edmund titled his head a little, “for me?”
“Y-yeah….. one of the people….. You….. you won’t want to see them…. But they need just as much help as the others…..”
Edmund blinked, “who wouldn’t I wanna see?”
“……Dad might know….” Varian stated, “he wouldn’t wanna see them either…..”
The retired knight blinked before he connected the dots and gasped, “wait we’re helping *HIM*?!” Varian winced, “sorry….”
“I-it’s okay, but yes…… a-along with several others like him!”
“Who are we helping?” Eugene asked
“Varian that man-!” Quirin began
“I know dad!” The alchemist interrupted, his eyes glowing slightly with worry, “I truly, honestly, and *completely* understand your qualms about helping him, but he doesn’t deserve the fate he and the others are being given! No one does! N-not even Cassandra or King Frederich! Their fate is worse than *death itself*! Would you really be okay with doing that to him, along with all the others? Because if he goes, then they do too”
Quirin hesitated, he seemed like he wanted to say yes, and he was fighting against himself *hard* not to, glancing at Edmund *several* times before he let out a sigh, “……no…… as much as I *loathe* that man….. no….. the others don’t deserve a fate like that….. though I’m not sure who they are exactly, so that opinion may change…”
“Dad….”
“I’m sorry, I know that’s not what you wanna hear, but he did so many terrible things to King Edmund….. to *my* Edmund……” the Dark King was startled by that, as was Adira and Hector, “things I’ll never be able to forgive…..”
“If anyone understands that more it’s me, and Hugo, but he’s super close to being perfect, so that’s not surprising”
The blond blushed a little as Quirin chuckled, “he’s not wrong”, the retired knight stated, getting Hugo to blush even more
“But dad”, Varian stated, bringing the conversation back, “would you really be okay knowing you allowed someone to suffer a cruel fate? Even if they deserved it, even if they were evil incarnate, does that mean your choices should allow them to suffer?” Quirin was quiet, “…..I won’t judge you, I’ll never say you’re wrong for how you feel towards someone that hurt you and the people you love, never”
The Village Leader let out a sigh before he looked at his King, “Q-Quirin?” Edmund asked, a little shocked to his knight battling with, what seemed like, a simple decision, the Dark King wracked his brain to try and conjure up who could’ve made his knight so mad…. Someone apparently even Adira and Hector didn’t know
His thoughts were interrupted when his knight answered the alchemist, “no…… Even if he’s the worst man alive…. I can’t, in good conscience, dictate what fate he receives….. that’s not my choice, the Moon and Sun make that choice, not me…… I’m not a celestial being, I don’t get to play as one either, it’s not right”
Varian smiled at his father, small tears on his eyes, “I believe you dad, I’m sorry I had to ask….”
“I put you in that position, I apologize for that”, Quirin replied, “but…. This task we must complete….. Do I have to forgive him?…..”
“Nu”, Varian stated, “forgiving is not what will help complete the mission you’ll go on, you can hate him until the day you die if you wish, no one has the right to judge you for that, but your willingness to help him, and the others, is what’s needed. It’s why I warned you both in the first place…. But…. Grandpa do you really not know who we’re talking about?”
Edmund shook his head, “I’m sorry little peanut, but I really don’t….. I feel like I should be worried, but….. I can’t find their name in my mind…..”
Varian looked at his father, Quirin sighed, “I’ll leave the decision to tell him or not up to you…. I don’t know which is right or wrong….. All I know is that I wanna help…. I don’t wanna see them suffer anymore…… Some of them are innocent….. some of them are not….. you’ll see that soon enough….”
“Well that’s fucking ominous”, Hector stated with a snort
Varian giggled, “it really is, apparently I’m a spooky bean today”
“Spooky bean!” Eugene squeaked as he snickered, getting the alchemist to grin
“Peanut…..” Edmund said, but stopped himself and changed his statement, “please be careful….. the woods…. They’re not natural…..”
Varian looked at his grandpa, “I will, the Moonstone said they’ll protect me, and the Moon is gonna guide me too, I can talk to her when the Moonstone takes over, we were having a really nice conversation before I came back!”
“Eheh, sorry”, Hugo stated
Varian smiled at his boyfriend lovingly, “you were worried, there’s nothing to be sorry about”
“But…. What I said to the Moonstone-!”
“They forgave you the moment you said it”, the alchemist stated, “despite what they’ve been through, they’re actually very patient and understanding. Kinda like dad, even when I say something wrong, both forgive instantly because they understand why”
Quirin chuckled at that, “speaking of, you said this was a mission, and that the Moonstone was needed to complete it, which is why you can’t be here with us. I know you can’t tell us much, but is there are way we can find that mission’s place a little easier?” He asked, “we’re….. kinda wondering around at this point”
“For that, you’ll need them, I can’t really explain it very well….. so um…. I-is everyone okay with me letting the Moonstone come through?”
The group nodded, “WAIT!” Hugo exclaimed before he rushed forwards and hugged his boyfriend, “I love you Freckles”
Varian was startled, but hugged Hugo back instantly and grinned, “I love you too Heckles”
Hugo froze before he pulled away and stared at the alchemist, “w-wh-!”
“Hee hee! Heckles is your pet name from me! Since you heckle Eugene a lot! Clever right? And super cute too!” Hugo blushed even deeper than he ever had, getting Varian to laugh, “Huhuhuhuhugohohoho! Hee hee hee! You’re adorable!” He kissed the bespeckled teen’s cheek, “when I get back, you’ll get a much better kiss, so wait up for me until then, okay?” He winked sassily before the light around him began to grow brighter
Hugo couldn’t respond as he had to block the light from damaging his retinas with his hands. Once the light faded, he lowered his hands and saw the Moonstone was back, “hello”, they said
“Um…. H-hi”, Hugo replied
The Moonstone chuckled before he looked at the group, “our previous conversation was interrupted, but I felt it was important for you all to know he was safe. Sorry if I made you worry for his wellbeing, I’d never let him be hurt, not while he’s in my care. That being said, have you all forgotten what I asked before? I can repeat it if needed”
Eugene shook his head, “you asked, ‘the original tribe left the original land, what do you think they did here?’” He stated, “I still haven’t figured out an answer, but I get the feeling it’s got something to do with Moon magic”
“Is that what you call it?” The Moonstone asked with a smile
“I’ve decided to, yes”
“Good name, and you’re partially right. It you’re partially wrong as well”
“Figured, I take it you can’t tell us?”
“No, but I can still guide you. When you were speaking with Varian, I could hear your conversation, you want an easier way to find the task, that’ll be on my part. Here”, the Moonstone began to float into the air before they sang a song that sounded like the Healing incantation, but in an older and quiet language that none of them knew. Their hands rose into the air, and what seemed like a falling star came down, landing in their palms. Once the song was finished, the Moonstone landed back on the ground gently before they walked over to Quirin, “show me your hand please”
Quirin did as he was told, showing the palm of his hand to the Moonstone. They set something inside it and closed his fingers, “this tool has been endowed with some of the power of the Moon, it’ll show you the way to the next part of your quest. Since it’s got…. Moon magic, heh, inside of it, it’ll only work if a guardian holds onto it, since they are blessed with a similar gift by means of their markings. It’ll also work with Hugo as well”, they added with a smile, “for reasons I’m unaware of, but Varian seems to be delighted!” Hugo smiled warmly at that as the Moonstone continued, “the glow will be your guide, I’ll be waiting at certain points, when you see me, there’ll be a vision granted to all of you. That’s all I can tell you for now, I give you all the best of wishes on this quest. May your journey be safe, I’ll be watching over you, me, Varian, and the Moon”
“Thank you, Moonstone”, Quirin replied gently
“I should be thanking you, valiantly knight”, the Moonstone replied, looking up at the Village Leader, “your honor and understanding for what you know is truly commendable, and comforting. I can think of no one finer than you, and your family, to complete this task. You have mine and the Moon’s gratitude”. With that, the Moonstone flew into the air, “you’ll see Varian when you see me too, he’ll pop out to say hello and cheer you all on, farewell for now brave ones”, the Moonstone then disappeared
The group was quiet for a moment or two before Hugo looked at Quirin, “what’d they give you?”
Quirin shrugged as he opened his palm before gasping, “it…. I-it’s a… Star!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
The Moonstone is a very interesting character to write, so I hope you all enjoy them, I feel like they’d be stoic but also very caring, like the Moon!
Hugo being Hugo and being a protective bf! We love the Hugo! ❤️
Poor Quirin….. Edmund too for that matter, though he doesn’t know why yet….. that’ll be hard to write
Eugene, Adira, and Hector were along for the ride, but I tried to give them their moments ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 457: Vision 1: Hera!
Summary:
The group finds their first vision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group nodded, “WAIT!” Hugo exclaimed before he rushed forwards and hugged his boyfriend, “I love you Freckles”
Varian was startled, but hugged Hugo back instantly and grinned, “I love you too Heckles”
Hugo froze before he pulled away and stared at the alchemist, “w-wh-!”
“Hee hee! Heckles is your pet name from me! Since you heckle Eugene a lot! Clever right? And super cute too!” Hugo blushed even deeper than he ever had, getting Varian to laugh, “Huhuhuhuhugohohoho! Hee hee hee! You’re adorable!” He kissed the bespeckled teen’s cheek, “when I get back, you’ll get a much better kiss, so wait up for me until then, okay?” He winked sassily before the light around him began to grow brighter
Hugo couldn’t respond as he had to block the light from damaging his retinas with his hands. Once the light faded, he lowered his hands and saw the Moonstone was back, “hello”, they said
“Um…. H-hi”, Hugo replied
The Moonstone chuckled before he looked at the group, “our previous conversation was interrupted, but I felt it was important for you all to know he was safe. Sorry if I made you worry for his wellbeing, I’d never let him be hurt, not while he’s in my care. That being said, have you all forgotten what I asked before? I can repeat it if needed”
Eugene shook his head, “you asked, ‘the original tribe left the original land, what do you think they did here?’” He stated, “I still haven’t figured out an answer, but I get the feeling it’s got something to do with Moon magic”
“Is that what you call it?” The Moonstone asked with a smile
“I’ve decided to, yes”
“Good name, and you’re partially right. It you’re partially wrong as well”
“Figured, I take it you can’t tell us?”
“No, but I can still guide you. When you were speaking with Varian, I could hear your conversation, you want an easier way to find the task, that’ll be on my part. Here”, the Moonstone began to float into the air before they sang a song that sounded like the Healing incantation, but in an older and quiet language that none of them knew. Their hands rose into the air, and what seemed like a falling star came down, landing in their palms. Once the song was finished, the Moonstone landed back on the ground gently before they walked over to Quirin, “show me your hand please”
Quirin did as he was told, showing the palm of his hand to the Moonstone. They set something inside it and closed his fingers, “this tool has been endowed with some of the power of the Moon, it’ll show you the way to the next part of your quest. Since it’s got…. Moon magic, heh, inside of it, it’ll only work if a guardian holds onto it, since they are blessed with a similar gift by means of their markings. It’ll also work with Hugo as well”, they added with a smile, “for reasons I’m unaware of, but Varian seems to be delighted!” Hugo smiled warmly at that as the Moonstone continued, “the glow will be your guide, I’ll be waiting at certain points, when you see me, there’ll be a vision granted to all of you. That’s all I can tell you for now, I give you all the best of wishes on this quest. May your journey be safe, I’ll be watching over you, me, Varian, and the Moon”
“Thank you, Moonstone”, Quirin replied gently
“I should be thanking you, valiant knight”, the Moonstone replied, looking up at the Village Leader, “your honor and understanding for what you know is truly commendable, and comforting. I can think of no one finer than you, and your family, to complete this task. You have mine and the Moon’s gratitude”. With that, the Moonstone flew into the air, “you’ll see Varian when you see me too, he’ll pop out to say hello and cheer you all on, farewell for now brave ones”, the Moonstone then disappeared
The group was quiet for a moment or two before Hugo looked at Quirin, “what’d they give you?”
Quirin shrugged as he opened his palm before gasping, “it…. I-it’s a… Star!”
****
The group had been walking for hours, Quirin was leading the way as he held the Star in his left hand. The gentle glow of the magical tool made the woods seem a lot less frightful, though both Hugo and Eugene kept getting odd feelings throughout the walk, “does anyone else feel a chill down their back?” The Dark Prince asked
“I do….” The inventor replied
“I feel anxious, but nothing more”, Edmund stated, “do you two have any idea why you may be feeling those chills?”
“No idea”, Eugene said, “it’s happened before”
“Really? When?”
“Monty’s candy store”, Eugene stated, “I kept getting cold chills over and over again”
Edmund stopped and looked at his son, “you….. did?”
“Yeah, it was kinda odd, the whole place felt off to me, but it wasn’t very cold, yet those cold chills were extremely distinct”
Hugo raised a brow at the man, “ok, well there’s one thing you and I share in common that none of the others in this group do. And that’s that we’ve died and came back to life…… Freckles has too for that matter….. Because of that, we can see and sense spirits and ghosts. You think that might be why we’re having sudden shitty chills? Because they’re real fucking annoying….” The blond stated bluntly as he huffed and shivered again
“You ain’t lyin…..” Eugene agreed
Suddenly, a burst of yellow light burst from Quirin’s hand, making the man yell a little, “QUIRIN!” Hector and Adira yelled
“I-I’m okay! I’m okay….. sorry”, the retired knight stated quickly as the light dimmed a bit
“What happened?!” Edmund asked worriedly as he rushed forwards to check the man
Quirin blushed, “t-the star, it began to glow brightly and so abruptly that it startled me, sorry”
The Dark King let out a relieved sigh before chuckled, “it’s alright, as long as you’re okay. I take it that must mean we’ve found our destination?”
“Indeed”, a familiar voice stated behind Edmund, making him jump a little
“Oh-M-Moonstone! Hoo…. You’ve really gotta stop doing that….. in a grandpa, this old drum can’t take that like it used to”, he stated as he placed his hands over his heart
“Heh, apologies, I mean no harm, I’ll try to be careful of that next time”, the Moonstone replied with a smile before he looked at the rest of the group, “you’ve all made it to your first”
“First?” Eugene asked, “first what?”
“First vision”, the Moonstone stated
The group was quiet for a moment as they looked around before Hector quirked a brow, “I don’t see anything”
“That’s because you’re not looking in the correct place”, the celestial being stated before they pointed to something behind Quirin
The retired knight blinked before he turned around, “a….. bush?” The man stated, a little confused, he looked at the Moonstone again, they were still pointing towards the shrubbery. Quirin looked at the rest of the group before he sighed and turned back to the bush. He shrugged past it, as did everyone else
“Kay, we’re behind the bush, what are we supposed to se-! The Moonstone’s gone!” Hector exclaimed
The group turned to look and, sure enough, the Moonstone was no longer there, “where’d they go?” Eugene asked
“…..They said there were somethings they couldn’t tell us”, Adira stated, “maybe that means there’s certain things only we can do?”
“It a good thought, but we just went behind a bush”, Hugo stated, shivering worse than before, Eugene mirroring him, “aside from the proverbial two steps we took to do so, what changed?”
“Everything…..” Quirin stated, getting everyone’s attention as they looked at him. The retired knight didn’t say a word, he merely pointed, showing everyone something that was *far* different than the forest they’d just been in
“I….. I-it’s….. a-a….. a village?!” Eugene asked, “and it looks brand new! There’s even *people* walking around!”
“This…. Wasn’t here before…..” Adira stated, “I’ve been in this forest more times than anyone, no matter what part I’ve gone to, a village has never been inside this place! Never!”
“Visions…..” Edmund stated, “visions are what we’ll see, that’s what the Moonstone said”, he stated, “they also mentioned we needed to go back to the original lands….. I think… this is a vision from the past…..”
The group was silent for a long time before Hugo spoke up, “it…. It’s not just a vision….” He stated, “it’s spirits…. That’s why me and Eugene are having chills….. This isn’t just a vision of the past, it’s a fucking imprint….”
“Shit…..” Eugene cursed
“Woah! Holy fuck, Adira, is that who I think that is?!” Hector asked, “or am I fucking seeing things?!”
The face painted warrior looked before her own eyes widened, “no you’re right…. That’s….. Hera….. The first *Queen* of the Dark Kingdom that became a brotherhood member….. My….. idol…..” She stated as she stared at an older woman with dark kingdom armor, long, brown, curly hair, green eyes, and axe on her back, and the Dark Kingdom crown on her head, the same one Queen Eden wore before she passed away…..
“The first Queen?” Eugene asked
“Back then, Queens, and females in general, were seen as nothing more than child rearing”, Edmund stated
“Do you remember Fish Skin?” Adira asked, “I explained it before”
“Right, I remember, but Hugo wasn’t there”, the Dark Prince stated
“Freckles told me”, the blond replied
“Ah”
“Well at any rate”, Edmund said, “any Queen of the Dark Kingdom was deemed as more of a…. Figure head…. So to speak….. They took charge of the maids, had the babies until a male was born, took care of the kids, etc…. However, Queen Hera’s husband passed away in battle, since there was no heir yet to be born, she took over while pregnant! She ran the kingdom with kindness and compassion, she proved her strength numerous times, and grew to a very old age back in the day! Her child was a male, but he was trained as his mother intended him to be, but…. Tragedy struck the Kingdom on one very faithful day…”
Just as soon as Edmund finished explaining who the fallen Queen was, the vision began to move, taking over the forest as past events began to play out before the group:
*”your majesty! Your majesty!” A black haired, blue eyed, boy yelled, running towards Queen Hera
The Dark Queen smiled when she spotted the young boy and knelt down to his level, “hello there Victor”, she replied with a gentle smile, “how’s everything?”
“Well, my mama is getting better your majesty! Thanks to you! So I wanted to give you this as thanks!” Victor replied before handing the Queen a purple flower, “my mama was able to help it grow in her garden! She said you liked these flowers!”
“Oh my, it’s beautiful! Thank you very much little one!” She replied, accepting the gift, “how about this, I’ll keep it right here”, she placed the flower in her hair, tucking it behind her ear and showing the boy, “that way it’s safe and sound”
“It looks so pretty on you your majesty!”
“Well thank you, how you’d better get home, it’s getting a little late don’t you think?”
“Right! Bye bye your majesty! Thanks again!” Victor stated as he began to run home
“Bye Victor! Have a safe journey!” Queen Hera replied, standing and waving goodbye to her ward before she lowered her hand and sighed, “I know what you’re going to say, but being kind to my subjects is far better than being cold”
A huff was heard behind the Queen before a man stepped forwards, he had brown hair and brown eyes, he quirked a brow at the Queen, “I won’t oppose your ways of how you choose to run your kingdom, but I’ll object if you end up late to a very important meeting your majesty. As your Captain of the Royal guard, I *already* don’t like the fact that you’re going to be speaking with Arendelle’s royals. But being late will only cause an uproar you know”
“I understand Erik”, Queen Hera stated gently, “but I put my people before my enemies, if I’m to be late, I have good reason to if it means my citizens are safe and happy”
The Captain sighed before nodding, “I understand, let’s just be on our way please”
Hera chuckled as she followed the grouchy Captain. Suddenly, the vision changed to that of a meeting room, many people were seated around a round table, guards from both the Dark Kingdom and Arendelle lined the walls as they listened to the royals speaking, “well then”, Queen Hera began, “shall we start?” She asked, “first off, I’d like to thank you all for coming. I appreciate the willingness to come over on such short notice to discuss our kingdom ties with each other”
“The feeling’s mutual Queen Hera”, an Erendelle Kong replied, “though I do have to ask, why were you so late?”
“Ah, sorry for my tardiness, it seems I had a citizen who wished to discuss an important errand with me, I didn’t have much choice in the matter you see”, she explained as her Captain rolled his eyes
“Ah, understood, well then let’s get down to business”, the King stated, “as we sit here today, you wish to make peace with our people, is that correct?”
“Yes that’s correct, I assume by you coming to this meeting that you wish to do the same?” Queen Hera asked
“Indeed, but in order to discuss peace, we must first discuss why it is we are at odds in the first place, you… are aware of the reason I assume?”
“It is because if the Moonstone is it not?”
“Indeed, you understand why we have worries about your kingdom and that… magical….. chaotic…. Oddity you have inside your walls”
“I assure you King Furiosa, the Moonstone will not cause any harm or disrepair to your kingdom. In fact, your kingdom is so far out of they’re reach that you wouldn’t feel a thing should they lash out”
“That’s the *point* you see Queen Hera”, King Furiosa began, his queen nodding beside him, “we are out of the reach of the Moonstone, which means we reap none of the benefits it gives. Not only that, but it is a *magical* artifact, one of which, you’ve protected for centuries! Suddenly you bring it out during a battle and end up killing a battalion of our men! This is a crime that shall *not* go unpunished!”
“Your majesty if you could please calm yourself, I can explain the reason behind that attack. I assure you it wasn’t intentional, just as I’m sure your intentions for that battalion coming to our kingdom in the *first* place was not meant as an aggressive threat, isn’t that right?”
The king stopped and stared at Hera for a long time before sitting down and shutting his mouth. For a moment or two, nothing was said as the King caught his temper, before he spoke once again, “I’d like to hear your explanation….” He stated through grated teeth
The Dark Queen nodded, “to explain, it may sound a little odd, but the Moonstone is sentient. They protect our kingdom, our *home*, from any kind of threat they deem too big for us to face. That being said, sometimes the Moonstone becomes angered by certain behaviors. Disrespect to the Moon, our kingdom being betrayed, any form of reasons, the Moonstone will see to it that those who commit such acts will be punished. I don’t assume that battalion was meant to harm us, however I do question why so many men and women were placed by my kingdom, armed to the teeth, and ready for a brawl, but I suppose that’s where your assurance will come into play I suppose. Please tell me why a small army was coming to my kingdom, I’m very interested to know, King Furiosa”
The Arendella king was startled before huffing, “they were sent to help your kingdom with protection!” He stated
Queen Hera raised a brow, “really?”
“Yes!” King Furiosa exclaimed, “we’d heard about your kingdom’s fight with Corona, and we were trying to help!”
“Our fight with Corona was settled years prior to your battalion showing up”, Queen Hera stated, “so I’m unsure of your methods, nonetheless, I’m willing to overlook such a transgression, may the reason be the truth or not, because I believe our kingdoms can help each other. Mutually speaking, we’re both very powerful nations, with Corona and the rest of the either kingdoms by our side, Arendelle would be a great inclusion! I’d be more than willing to bring this up with the other kingdoms, so long as our kingdoms can both their differences aside and stand together”
The King raised a brow, “what do you propose to make this ‘mutually beneficial’ idea of yours actually *be* mutually beneficial?”
“I was thinking of having dignitaries from both kingdoms visit each one, they could learn the other’s culture, bring gifts to exchange as a sign of peace, and even help with any civil or outward issue should the need arise. I thought it would be a good place to start so we could learn to trust each other once again, should they come back in one piece, discussions could be made for much larger groups to come and go between the kingdoms until each one feels comfortable with the other. A peace treaty could be made from there, should you agree to it of course, this could take years to accomplish, but nothing will be set in stone until both kingdoms are satisfied, I think that’s a fair deal don’t you?”
The King of Arendelle thought about it for a long time before he smirked, “throw in that pretty Moonstone as temporary compensation and we have a deal”
Both the Queen and Captain of the Royal guard‘s eyes widened, “excuse me?” Hera asked
“You heard me”, King Furiosa stated, “your kingdom suffered nothing when my battalion came around, but lives were *lost* on Arendelle’s side because of your mystic jewel! I think it only right that the Moonstone be placed in our custody while peace is settled, only to be given back when the treaty is signed”
Guards of Arendelle cheered behind the man enthusiastically, making the Dark Queen raise a brow and shutting them up before she looked at the King once again, “you do understand that your request is next to impossible correct?”
“Oh? And why is that? Afraid to give up your power?”
“Absolutely not, but the Moonstone cannot and should not be moved. You don’t understand how that stone works, and you cannot even begin to grasp the power they wield…. Moving them and placing them inside your kingdom would only cause harm to your people and mine”
“How do you figure?”
“Think of the Moonstone as a child of sorts. You can’t take a child from their home without a temper tantrum to be raised, the difference? The child can cause minor damage to one, maybe two, rooms, but a mystical stone granted to us from the Moon herself can destroy much more than one kingdom, they can hurt and kill who they wish….. It is not wise to even go *near* the stone, only those trained to do so are allowed that right, and it is by the *Moon’s* judgement that they are, not my own”
“I’m aware of your Brotherhood, I’m aware that you also control their actions, much like a high ranking guard”, King Furiosa stated, “so why not order them to move the stone themselves? Surely they could do it with minimal damage to anyone aside from themselves could they not?”
“So let me get this straight, you wish for our Moonstone, on top of everything else I’ve promised, putting *thousands* of lives in danger, simply because a battalion *you* brought to our boarders was destroyed?” The Dark Queen asked, “and you think that’s fair or right?” She asked
“It’s what your kingdom deserves after the heartache my citizens endured!”
“King Furiosa, please keep your temper in check-!”
“NO!” The Arendelle king yelled, standing up and glaring daggers at the Queen, “you and your people have lived PRIVILEGED lives with that damn STONE taking care of you! You know NOTHING of my kingdom’s struggle! Yet you claim your way’s fair and just?! My kingdom lost HUNDREDS of men due to your stone!”
“I’m more than willing to work with you on provisions and such we could provide for the families of those that are lost on top of what I’ve already suggested, but moving the Moonstone is unwise and could harm *far* more than you could even imagine! Considering I didn’t kill your men by hand, and the fact that I don’t quite believe your tale of sending them over to help fight in a battle that had already ended, I think I’m being far more than generous with this exchange! However all you seem to want is the power the Moonstone wields, and that is something I cannot and WILL NOT allow so long as I am Queen of my kingdom! It is for the sake of all who are involved, for the sake of your kingdom and mine, I’m willing to bend to help you out, yet you’re asking for far more than you should even suggest King Furiosa! Also, You know nothing of what my kingdom has endured either, and it would be wise of you to watch how you word your statements next time you dare speak about my people….”
“THEN THERE’S NOTHING MORE TO DISCUSS!” The King yelled, “I will NEVER make accommodations for those who do not wish to give what they SHOULD to make peace! You are not worthy of my kingdom! Good day!” King Furiosa, and his wife, began to walk out before he stopped and gave the Dark Queen a side glance, “you know…. When your husband was alive, the kingdom was far better….. and even then it wasn’t worth my time…. What a pity you are….. I’ll bet he’s rolling in his grave now at the poor job you’ve done-!”
“SHUT THE HELL UP!” Captain Eric yelled, unsheathing his blade and glaring *daggers* at the King, “you may be angry, but you have NO RIGHT to bring the fallen king into this conversation! LEAVE! *NOW*!”
“Temper Captain Erik”, the Arendelle king stated with a smirk, “no need for such rash behavior, this is a *peaceful* meeting is it not? Surely a few words wouldn’t physically harm the Queen, otherwise she’s far more weak willed than I thought”
“Leave…. Our meeting is over King Furiosa….” Queen Hera stated. The Arendelle king chuckled before he began to leave again, only to stop when a few words struck him like a slap to the face, “it’s too bad this couldn’t work out, I suppose the Coronan King and Queen will be saddened by the news of your kingdom’s decision to join the eight kingdoms”. He turned to face her, “did you not recall? I mentioned that you’d be apart of the eight kingdoms, but since you refuse to see reason and instead stoop to such low statements, I’m afraid you cannot be accepted. We have a specific rule you see, each kingdom is an ally with each other, if one kingdom dislikes the other, they must make peace, or one or both will be removed from the allies. That’s what’s kept peace between our eight kingdoms. Unfortunately your highness”, she smirked right back at him, “that’s what you’ve decided to decline peace with….. I’d be worried if I were you, making an enemy of the eight kingdoms will only serve to make your kingdom an enemy to everyone….. how lonely it must be, King Furiosa….”
****
Queen Hera sat on her bed, the vision had shifted to that of mere shadow as the group saw her begin to cry…. She was holding a picture of her late husband close to her chest, they heard her sobs echoing throughout her chamber…. And none of them could stop the other shadow that had emerged from her door. The Queen had noticed, but was too late to grab a weapon as they saw the other shadow raised their blade, the only thing with color on it, the blade shined in the Moonlight, the Arendella emblem on its hilt, before it slammed down into the Dark Queen, over…. And over…. And over again….. until she stopped moving altogether….. The shadow of the murderer disappeared, a much smaller shadow coming inside the Queen’s chambers, that of a young boy who bore the Dark Kingdom’s Prince crown as he knelt down beside the Queen, and began to cry……*
The vision faded before the group, they were back in the forest of no return, *groans*. Everyone was silent, before Adira spoke, “Queen Hera….. the first Queen of the Dark Kingdom to become a Brotherhood member….. She died in her chambers, late one night…. Her Captain of the royal guards, Erik, had been found dead inside his bed….. Poison had been the cause….. His passing prevented anyone from guarding the Queen’s chamber the night of her peaceful meeting with Arendelle….. She was found by her son…. Laying cold on the floor, stabbed several times through the chest with a poisoned blade…. Her death was slow…. And painful…. The assassin was caught….. an Arendellian…… The two kingdoms have never had peace ever since…… My idol…. My hero…… May she rest in peace…..”
The group remained silent for a moment before they heard sniffling, looking over, blue light guiding their gaze, they saw Varian rubbing his eyes as he sat on a boulder. Tears streaked down his face, “Freckes….” Hugo said softly
“S-she…. She was…. A v-very good Queen….. S-she didn’t deserve that…..” he sobbed quietly, “she didn’t…. S-she didn’t……”
Quirin walked over and scooped up his son, hugging him close to his heart as his own tears slid down his cheeks, “she’s resting in peace now….. she’s resting in peace……”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So the group saw their very first vision! I won’t say much about this chapter, I will say that my internet has been acting up so badly, so I apologize if the chapters come out slower, however, this chapter I wrote is very long, so I hope that makes up for it 😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 458: Vision 2: King Richard (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian directs the group to the second vision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The vision faded before the group, they were back in the forest of no return, *groans*. Everyone was silent, before Adira spoke, “Queen Hera….. the first Queen of the Dark Kingdom to become a Brotherhood member….. She died in her chambers, late one night…. Her Captain of the royal guards, Erik, had been found dead inside his bed….. Poison had been the cause….. His passing prevented anyone from guarding the Queen’s chamber the night of her peaceful meeting with Arendelle….. She was found by her son…. Laying cold on the floor, stabbed several times through the chest with a poisoned blade…. Her death was slow…. And painful…. The assassin was caught….. an Arendellian…… The two kingdoms have never had peace ever since…… My idol…. My hero…… May she rest in peace…..”
The group remained silent for a moment before they heard sniffling, looking over, blue light guiding their gaze, they saw Varian rubbing his eyes as he sat on a boulder. Tears streaked down his face, “Freckes….” Hugo said softly
“S-she…. She was…. A v-very good Queen….. S-she didn’t deserve that…..” he sobbed quietly, “she didn’t…. S-she didn’t……”
Quirin walked over and scooped up his son, hugging him close to his heart as his own tears slid down his cheeks, “she’s resting in peace now….. she’s resting in peace……”
The alchemist sniffled a little more as he clung to his dad’s vest, “s-she was….. so…. So scared……. And s-so sad….. I could…. F-feel it….. her…..”
“Varian, could you see that vision too?” Hector asked, concern lacing his voice as he watched his nephew
The alchemist sniffled once more and nodded, “the Moonstone already knows these visions, the Moon has seen each and every one of t-them….. They warned me that the visions are sad, t-that the people in them are not safe….. T-that I’d see them d-die….. we h-have to help them….. w-we have to…..”
“Easy Bubby, easy”, Quirin comforted, rubbing his son’s back gently, Hugo joined him, walking over and placing a hand on his boyfriend’s
Edmund was quiet, prompting Eugene to look at him, “are you okay?”
“I….. I’m just realizing who Quirin and Varian might’ve been talking about before….. We saw a Queen of the past who was in the Brotherhood….. Adira’s idol….. I think I know who else we’ll see during this night….. and I really don’t want to see one of them…. I don’t…. I-I don’t want to r-relive the night h-he…..” The Dark King closed his eyes, his mouth quivering a little
“Dad?”
Quirin looked at his King and sighed, “……I’m sorry…..”
“I don’t blame you”, Edmund stated, looking directly at Quirin, “I will *never* blame you for what you *had* to do that night, never….. but…. I really don’t want to relive it……”
“I don’t either…..”
“I….. I-it wasn’t either of your faults…..” Varian stated, getting both to look at him, “it w-wasn’t”
“Have you seen it already?” Edmund asked
“Yeah…. I’ve seen all the visions you all have to find….. they’re…. In a loop…… I c-can’t tell you more than that….. B-but I saw the one with you and dad Grandpa…”
“Oh…… I wish you hadn't….."
"Sorry…."
"Oh, I’m not mad at you at all little peanut, I'm just sorry you had to see that….”
“I wasn’t forced to if that helps, I….. watched on my own….. I needed to see so I could help….. You’ve got so many other visions to see…. But…. I wanted to warn you both…… Queen Hera…. She’s one of the innocent people who needs help….. I…. Can’t just leave her…. And the others……”
Quirin hugged his son lovingly, “it’s okay son”, he said softly, “it’s okay”
Eugene was quiet before he looked at his father, “now that you know who else we’re gonna see, does that change your mind about doing this mission?”
Edmund shook his head, “no, Queen Hera alone convinced me that this is something we must do….. I…. Have many qualms about what’s going to happen when we do….. but I’ll still help the innocent, I will”
Varian smiled at his grandpa, “thank you”
Edmund smiled at his grandson, “of course”
The alchemist sniffle one last time, wiping his tears away and sighing before he began to float into the air, making sure to let go of Hugo before doing so, so the blind didn’t float with him, “the rest of the visions will be very hard to watch, but they have to be seen, you have to know what happened to them all…… You’re gonna go right after this, mind the land pit, it’ll take you to the drexus if you don’t”
Adira blinked, “you….. know where the drexus are?”
“Yeah, the Moon and Moonstone watch over these woods, they allow me to see where you should go and where you shouldn’t. Gotta say, this forest is so very interesting, I’d study it thoroughly if I could, but dad’s an evil jerkface who won’t let me”
“Nope”, Quirin stated with a chuckle
“Yeah prove my point why doncha”
“The fact that you already know without me having to say anything is proof enough”
Varian giggled, “evil Jerkface”
“Bratty stinkbomb”
The alchemist smiled at his father before he looked at the rest of the group, “please be safe on your journey, I’ll be waiting at the next vision, me and the Moonstone both”, with that, the teen disappeared, leaving the group to continue on their journey to the next vision
****
“Damn, that star gets fucking bright when we start to get close, doesn’t it”, Hector stated, shielding his eyes from the bright light coming from his brother’s hand
“Yes it does”, Quirin stated, “though it’s a little hard to find these visions, even with the star”
“Is it warm?” Hugo asked
“The star?”
“Yeah”
“A little bit, why?”
“I…… Cause it’s cool…..” the inventor admitted with a blush
Quirin chuckled, “I’m glad you think so”
“I am too”
“FUCK!” Hector’s blade came out and he slashed at the voice behind him
“WAIT!” Adira yelled, stopping her younger brother right before his blades slashed the Moonstone’s, and Varian’s, neck
The wild tamer froze before his blade slipped back into his gauntlet and he blushed, “thanks Adira”
“You’re welcome, though, I don’t blame you for that reaction”
“Yeah, what the hell?” Hector asked as he quirked a brow at the Moonstone
“Apologies, I didn’t want to frighten the Dark King again, so I chose to come to you instead, I suppose that didn’t quite work”
“No…. No it really didn’t…..”
Eugene chuckled, “I take it we found the next vision?”
“Indeed, it’s behind the boulder in front of the knight”, the Moonstone stated, “bear in mind, this one…. It’s a bit….. frightening….. At least that’s what Varian stated”
“Oh well that’s great to know…..” Hector stated sarcastically
“What do you mean by frightening?” Hugo asked curiously
“I mean the spirit in this vision isn’t the best human we’ve seen, and their actions are bad, their passing, by nature, is also very frightening……”
“….Noted….. thank you”
“You’re welcome, Varian will be waiting when you all get back”
“Ok”
The group began to make their way over to the vision area indicated by the Moonstone, the star shined brightly, as it had once before, and suddenly, the Moonstone and forest had disappeared, they were in a field this time, as they looked around, Hector pointed to someone in the distance
A very stout, portly man with a grey beard, angry face, and a Dark Kingdom crown on his head stood when the wild tamer was gesturing to, Hector stated his name in a low but auditable growl, “King Richard….. The greediest King that ever ruled over the Dark Kingdom….. He was well known for his greed…. And his cruel treatment those in a ‘lower position’ than himself…….. I *hate* him…..”
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’m sorry for the short chapter, but I was working while making it, so I couldn’t add much to it, but I hope to add more very very soon!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 459: Vision 2: Richard (Part 2!)
Summary:
The group finds the second vision and learns something new about Varian and Quirin!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene chuckled, “I take it we found the next vision?”
“Indeed, it’s behind the boulder in front of the knight”, the Moonstone stated, “bear in mind, this one…. It’s a bit….. frightening….. At least that’s what Varian stated”
“Oh well that’s great to know…..” Hector stated sarcastically
“What do you mean by frightening?” Hugo asked curiously
“I mean the spirit in this vision isn’t the best human we’ve seen, and their actions are bad, their passing, by nature, is also very frightening……”
“….Noted….. thank you”
“You’re welcome, Varian will be waiting when you all get back”
“Ok”
The group began to make their way over to the vision area indicated by the Moonstone, the star shined brightly, as it had once before, and suddenly, the Moonstone and forest had disappeared, they were in a field this time, as they looked around, Hector pointed to someone in the distance
A very stout, portly man with a grey beard, angry face, and a Dark Kingdom crown on his head stood where the wild tamer was gesturing to, Hector stated his name in a low, but auditable, growl, “King Richard….. The greediest King that ever ruled over the Dark Kingdom….. He was well known for his greed…. And his cruel treatment those in a ‘lower position’ than himself…….. I *hate* him…..”
Before anyone could ask Hector why, the vision began
*The king seemed to be glaring at something in particular, the trees shifted above him in the wind, the grass blew delightfully in the meadow, birds were singing, flowers were blooming, but none of that caught the eye of King Richard, “GET THAT FILTHY CREATURE OUT OF HERE!” He yelled, pointing to an old, tired, white stallion, who was trying to pull a very large plow, far larger than the horse themselves, “IT’S SLOWIN THE WORKFLOW!”
“Your majesty, that horse has been working for the Kingdom ever since he was a colt”, a black haired, blue eyed, man stated gently, “surely if he could just get a small cup of water, he’d be more than eager to work”
“YOU WANT ME TO WASTE *MY* RESOURCES ON SUCH A PATHETIC CREATURE?!”
“I’m asking no such thing sir, because he’s not a pathetic creature, Achilles has been with the kingdom since he was a colt sir, he’s been working nonstop, no complaint, nary a whinny or whine, he’s been your top horse for *years*, he’s loyal and good, he just needs water, it’s hot”
The Dark King glared *daggers* at his guard, “you know….. you’ve been showing much more….. disloyalty to me lately…..”
“I….. sir, with all due respect, I’m not disloyal. I’ve been working for you since *I* was a colt-er boy, eheh, I’ve been nothing but loyal, but the horse is like me, would you really throw me out, or-or even a maid or Latin in waiting, or even the *Queen* if we grew older and couldn’t do as much, but still tried our best?”
“You forget your place adviso-!”
“My name is Verne your majesty, and I’m not forgetting my place. It is my job to advise you, I’m advise you to please take pity on this poor creature”
“Why should I do that?!” King Richard snapped, “what’s in it for *me*?!”
“Your image from your people for one thing”, Verne stated, “the people are worried about how harsh you can be, how cruel, how unwilling to bend, perhaps if you show them a different you, someone who is kind and compassionate, even in a small way, then they’ll respect you more as their king”
“For being kind to a filthy animal….”
“For being *kind*, that’s it, show your kindness, I know you have it in you, that’s why you chose me to be your advisor is it not? To guide you in a kinder direction?”
“I chose you for your high marks, nothing more. Lest you not forget that, and unlike your rainbows and sunshine bullshit, I am well aware of how the real world works! I have been through much more than you, or this kingdom, will EVER know!”
“But you’re being too harsh-!”
“If I am to be harsh it is for a good reason! Sales must go UP! The workflow must stay quick and fast paced! Quantity over quality! That’s better than nothing am I wrong? Have we not hit the highest growth this kingdom has seen because of me?! And you want me to stop?!”
“That’s not what I’m saying at all your majesty! I only state that the way you treat others must *change*! The people, *your* people are afraid of you! They want to follow you, but they don’t feel as though they can trust what you’re doing! You are, and have always been, one of the richest and ambitious rulers of this kingdom! But your people still *fear* your treatment of them, that’s not good, if this isn’t taken care of soon then a civil *war* may break out in the streets! People would be left homeless and *your* life would be in *danger*! Showing some kindness, even a *little*, would help people understand you’re only doing what you feel is right. They would stand with you, they would! It would increase loyalty in the kingdom, isn’t that what you want?”
The Dark King was silent for a very long time as he stared at the old horse, the poor thing was trying their best to pull and continue working. But no matter what they did, they couldn’t go faster than a slow trot….. The water trough wasn’t too far away, filled to the brim with a life brining liquid that would surely help the animal’s performance. King Richard walked over to Achilles, the horse freezing in place and standing upright and giving the King the most respect a horse could. King Richard looked him over, studying him, before he shook his head, and pulled out his sword……
Verne screamed as he watched the loyal horse fall. His big blue eyes filled with tears as he stared in disbelief. The King sheathed his blade before ordering a nearby guard, who stood shocked at what he’d just seen, to get rid of the body, before he walked back over to Verne, “you’re dismissed, your replacement will be here tomorrow, pack you bags and leave”, he stated
“Your majesty….” Verne stated softly as he fell to his knees, watching as the guard, with a little help from a few more men, gently closed Achilles’s eyes and place the poor creature on a rusted caravan, the only one they had, “*why*?”
“Quality over quantity”, King Richard stated coldly, “I will stop at nothing to make sure this kingdom stays above the others, if anyone gets in my way, or they’re too old to work, what’s the use? There is none, you’ve overstayed your welcome, I am showing you mercy by not having you beheaded. I suppose a small part of my is kind enough for that, but my kindness ends here, my reign will be one of progress and nothing more, and all who oppose that shall be killed for their treachery, be thankful you keep your life……”
With that, King Richard walked away, leaving Verne to watch in fear as Achilles was taken away, he stayed until the Moon rose above him, staring out into the fields….. When it looked like he would stay until he died, the man began to move, he stood up, but his blue eyes no longer shined with her tears, instead the glew with anger and rage, his fist balled so tightly that his knuckles turned white, all at once he knew his decision was made, “…..Moon please forgive me….. I cannot let this continue anymore…… I ask for your strength if this is what will truly help this kingdom, I ask you strike me now if it is not, I can see no other way out of this, he will listen…… I’ll *make* him hear me….. Or he will *fall*!”
****
The vision turned to shadow once again, the shadow was of Verne and King Richard, showing all the Dark King has done, and all Verne had seen, a family of three, two children and a mother, being jailed for not paying the raised taxes, forests being burned more and more, animals dying left and right at King Richard’s command, to make room for the progress he so longed for, people running out of the kingdom for fear of their lives, Verne secretly helping them escape so the king wouldn’t rain down his wrath, even the family of three we freed by the advisor, he’d been lashed for that…..
Suddenly, Verne’s shadow was shown once again. He was in front of the castle, back turned to it, his fist raised into the air, his blue eyes shining with rage, a crowd of civilians rising to stand with him, pitchforks and torches in their hands! Guards came to stop them, kill them if they must, King Richard ordering them to do so or they would be shown no mercy!
Verne didn’t back down however, he charged with the rest of the civilians, he battled every guard he could, some even going on his side to help his cause! The ex advisor stormed the castle, he managed to find the greedy king in his chambers. They dueled each other before Verne quickly got the upper hand
He knocked the King down and injured him, the Richard was captured by the civilians, the Queen and her son were hidden away by a few guards
The vision showed the greedy man, beaten and bruised, stripped of his title as king, with a noose around his neck. The crowd was watching, Verne was at the lever, the man begged for his life, but the only thing that could be heard was Verne’s final words to the fallen Dark King, “Quantity over quality your majesty, you have a son, little Adder, you’re no longer needed in this kingdom, your use has run out, therefore, we can no longer waste resources on you…… I warned you….. I warned you for so long….. But you never listened to me, nor any of your citizens…… For your crimes against your kingdom, for your cruelty and mistreatment, you, King Richard, shall be hanged! May the Moon have mercy on your soul”
With that, he pulled the lever and ended the greedy King’s life*
The vision ended, everyone was shocked, before Hector spoke up, “Verne, the royal advisor to King Richard, was a man of the people, for the people. He was kind and compassionate, often being the voice of reason, his calm demeanor and kindness toward others helped him start a revolution. He freed the Dark Kingdom from the Dictator at that time, he helped King Adder be kinder, to his citizens at least, anything was better than King Richard. He was too old to meet King Adder’s son, he passed away at the age of 95, in his sleep, with a smile on his face. The man was a legend….. As was his grandchild years later…. and great grand child”
Eugene raised a brow, “grandchild and great grandchild?”
“Verne’s last name….. Was Vanguard”, Edmund stated with a smile
Eugene and Hugo gasped before they looked at Quirin, the retired knight smiled, “he was your…..” Hugo started
“That’s right, my grandfather. He married my grandmother and had my father. Then he and my mother had me, before they passed away due to the plague….. I found out about him when I was 7, when King Edmund, Prince Edmund at the time, found out my last name. He was extremely excited about it and told me all about Verne”
“He’s not the only relative to have an impact in these visions”, a voice said, getting the group to turn and see Varian standing behind them, “Verne isn’t the only relative me and dad have in these stories, the little boy in the first vision, Victor, he was our relative too, he was actually Verne’s dad!” Varian explained, “he grew up to be the owner of an apothecary shop! Verne was a revolutionist, dad’s dad was well respected glass blower, his mama loved to plant flowers, dad’s a farmer and knight, and I’m an alchemist! All of us stem from Demanitus’s bloodline! I’m very proud of our history, it was so cool to find out more about our family!”
Quirin blinked before he smiled at his son, “I take it the Moon told you?”
“Yup! She told me the Vanguards have been helping to shape the history of the Dark Kingdom for generations, it started with Demanitus’s brother, Vincent! Then went down the line until you and me dad!”
“What’s with all the V names?” Hugo asked, “anyone else notice that?”
“I did”, Eugene replied
“It just sounds good with Vanguard”, Quirin stated, “and each name has a deep meaning, Vincent means to prevail or conquer, Vincent helped the original King of the Dark Kingdom establish his new rule as a king, Victor, like victory, also means conquer, he was named during a time where Arendelle and the Dark King were at odds with each other, his name was given in the hopes that Victory would be assured. Verne meant to defend or protect, he defended the people of the Dark Kingdom from the dictator that was King Richard, Varian means variable, Ulla liked it because it meant change, both of our lived changed when Varian came into them. Not only that, but bubby’s made a lot of changes in Corona and the Dark Kingdom as well”, he stated, scooping his son up and hugging him lovingly, receiving a hug back, “I suppose it’s sort of a tradition for Vanguards with V names to change things for the better”
“Hey, Vanguards with Q names have changed things too!” Varian stated, “you helped online price find a friend and wife, you became the strongest knight in the kingdom and protected and served it well, you went to another kingdom and protected and served them well by being their Village Leader, when things got tough you went to protect people above all else, when I met Adira, Hector, and Grandpa you didn’t turn them away and you told me the truth, which helped a lot, you’ve saved me on numerous occasions, you’ve given a home to a very sassy and near perfect blond boy who is now my boyfriend and someone I can’t live without, and you’re back at the Dark Kingdom trying to help people even now! You’re basically an honorary V Vanguard dad!”
Quirin snorted, “I’m an honorary V Vanguard?”
“Yeah! VG-Quirin Vanguard! Very Good Quirin Vanguard!”
The retired knight chuckled and kissed his son’s forehead, “well thank you, I appreciate that”
“Hee hee, oh! Um…,” the alchemist looked a little nervous, “t-then there’s another relative you guys will see later on, he was mentioned in this vision”
“Another relative?” Hugo asked, “one of yours Freckles?”
“Nu, one of Grandpa’s and Eugene’s actually, King Adder”
“Oh, was he a good king?”
“No……” Quirin stated, his voice going from the loving fatherly voice he’d had before to cold and angry in an unstated, “he wasn’t…..”
Hugo and Eugene blinked before Adira spoke up, “King Adder…. He was the father of King Edmund….. he was much kinder to his citizens than King Richard….. But he was cruel to his family….. and his punishments borderlined between torture and discipline”
“He was better than the king before him….. but not by much……” Hector stated
Eugene shuddered a little before he looked at his father, the man seemed so broken hearted, he walked over and placed a gentle hand on the Dark King’s shoulder, “you’re not your father, dad. You’re better than him, much better, that won’t change, it won’t”
Edmund looked at his son for a moment before smiling, “thank you”
The Coronan Captain smiled and nodded before he looked at Hector, “so…. I have a question for you, you hated King Richard because of the horse?”
Hector huffed, “no, I hated him because of everything he did, the horse was the final straw….. he burned part of the forest and killed animals, he was needlessly cruel for his own greed, he beat and killed anyone who stood in his way, no matter how innocent! He was basically my parents incarnate! Abusive, greedy, a dick-tator, and someone so horrible that he should be erased from history in my opinion, forgotten…..”
“If we forget our transgressions, we’re doomed to repeat them”, Edmund stated, “no matter how hard the memories can be, it’s best to not forget what they’ve done to help you grow”
“I get that, but I still think he should be forgotten”
“I don’t blame you”, Adira stated, “but Fuzz face is right, no matter how much we hate him, he shouldn’t be forgotten, if anything else, let him serve as a lesson, a model we don’t want to follow”
“So….. basically call him shitty things all day and night because he’s a horrible asshole”
“Basically”
“Kay”
“You tw-that’s not what I meant”, Edmund stated with a sigh as Eugene and Hugo snickered
“If you try too hard, they’ll give you a headache”, Quirin warned
“I know…..”
Varian giggled before he looked at his dad, “the next vision isn’t too far from here, the Moonstone will meet you there, you won’t see every person, but you’ll see the ones that you should see, the ones that you’ll recognize, to of them….. will make you sad….. or angry….. or both…. But all of them are important”
The retired knight nodded, “will I get you back once we’re done?”
“Yeah, I’ll come back, always”
His father smiled and nodded, “I love you son, be careful”
“I love you too dad, you be careful too, Adira will know the next area really well, but….. it isn’t safe…..”
“What area is that?” Eugene asked with a raised brow
“…..The Drexus area…..”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s the rest of vision 2! Sorry for the dark depictions here, but King Richard was not a good man at all….. Things have to get worse before they get better however, you’ll see what I mean by that soon :3
Varian being a good son to Quirin, and Eugene being a good son for Edmund, all the good sons today! Yay!!!!!
I won’t do every statue we saw in the show, I plan on doing one more before doing King Adder, then one final one you all may recognize :3 (I’d love to know guesses as to who they might be) so you don’t have to worry about me going over every single king, queen, knight, warrior, tamer, etc, that ever ruled the Dark Kingdom
With that being said, thank you all so much for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 460: The Drexis!
Summary:
The group talks about the Drexis as they look for their third vision, and end up finding them!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector huffed, “no, I hated him because of everything he did, the horse was the final straw….. he burned part of the forest and killed animals, he was needlessly cruel for his own greed, he beat and killed anyone who stood in his way, no matter how innocent! He was basically my parents incarnate! Abusive, greedy, a dick-tator, and someone so horrible that he should be erased from history in my opinion, forgotten…..”
“If we forget our transgressions, we’re doomed to repeat them”, Edmund stated, “no matter how hard the memories can be, it’s best to not forget what they’ve done to help you grow”
“I get that, but I still think he should be forgotten”
“I don’t blame you”, Adira stated, “but Fuzz face is right, no matter how much we hate him, he shouldn’t be forgotten, if anything else, let him serve as a lesson, a model we don’t want to follow”
“So….. basically call him shitty things all day and night because he’s a horrible asshole”
“Basically”
“Kay”
“You t-that’s not what I meant”, Edmund stated with a sigh as Eugene and Hugo snickered
“If you try too hard, they’ll give you a headache”, Quirin warned
“I know…..”
Varian giggled before he looked at his dad, “the next vision isn’t too far from here, the Moonstone will meet you there, you won’t see every person, but you’ll see the ones that you should see, the ones that you’ll recognize, two of them….. will make you sad….. or angry….. or both…. But all of them are important”
The retired knight nodded, “will I get you back once we’re done?”
“Yeah, I’ll come back, always”
His father smiled and nodded, “I love you son, be careful”
“I love you too dad, you be careful too, Adira will know the next area really well, but….. it isn’t safe…..”
“What area is that?” Eugene asked with a raised brow
“…..The Drexis area…..”
****
The group had left the alchemist, going to their next vision. They were silent for a while before Eugene sighed, “alright, imma say it….. Shit…. We’re going to the Drexis area…..”
Adira chuckled, “it’s alright, we’ll be fine so long as you stick with me”
“I remember how that worked out last time, but that was when there was just you and I saving the rest of the group, this is a bigger group and we have to make sure *everyone* is safe, much different”
“Ah but see, it’ll be easier because most of this group has faced the Drexis before and survived”
“….So everyone but Hugo”
“Oi!” Hugo exclaimed
“It’s true!”
“Well yeah, but ya don’t have to point it out!”
Eugene smirked at the teen as Adira spoke up once again, “I’ve seen Ponytail fight before, he’ll be fine, again, so long as he sticks with me, or Stickler”
“Not me or the King?” Hector asked with a raised brow
“Hector you like to *befriend* the Drexis, and King Edmund would rather avoid battling them if he can so he doesn’t kill them, he could, and would if it meant protecting a loved one, but sneaking around them with a, sorry Goldilocks, newbie, is a dangerous game”
“You forget I used to be a damn good thief before I met Freckles”, Hugo stated, “I was up there with the ‘great’ Flynn Rider himself”, Hugo pointed out
“Scuse me? Flynn Rider was a legend!” Eugene stated
“Meh”
“Oi!”
“Hurts don’t it?” Hugo stated with a sassy grin
“While I enjoy your banter, and appreciate your sneaky pride, sneaking around people is much easier than sneaking around the Drexis, have you been told about them?”
“Say yes”, Eugene stated, “for the love of all things good and Varian, *please* say yes!”
Hugo snickered, “as tempting as that is Eugene, I can’t say yes because knowing is half the battle, and unfortunately, I don’t know much about the Drexis, so no”
“Damn it….”
The face painted warrior grinned, “well, when I was in the forest, I came across the Drexis *alone*, or the spider bats, if you prefer….”
“Shit….” Hector cursed
“And here we go….” Quirin added as Edmund chuckled
“They were camouflaged into the nature of the forest”, Adira continued, choosing to ignore her sibling’s statements, “to any rookie, these monsters would look like beautiful, natural flowers growing in this strange and magical place and, although I was surrounded by stunning scenery, I *knew* not to mistake this beauty for what it *truly* was, pure *evil*”, she stated with a wise voice that sounded like someone who’d experienced a lot on their journeys, “uh huh that’s right”, she stated, getting Hector to snort as Quirin began to mouth to him what Adira was saying silently, “the Drexis are the most *deadliest creatures* within the forest of no return”, groans were heard after that statement before Adira continued, “their wingspan stretches over *20 feet*, and *each of their fangs* is as big as a chubby toddler….. I see that Quirin”
Hector cackled as Quirin snickered with a blush, “can you blame me Adira? Come on now, you’ve told that story the exact same way for *years*, it kinda loses its luster after a while”
“It’s how it happened, were you there?”
“Obviously not since you were alone, but still, I believe you’re embellishing a little bit sister”
“And what’s the problem with that? Everything I said was true, I *did* happen upon them with the knowledge not to fall for their beauty, their wingspans *are* 20 feet, and their fangs *are* as big as a chubby toddler”
“Each one of them?” Hugo asked
“Yes!”
“That part is true”, Quirin stated with a chuckle as he wrapped an arm around Hugo, “but if you tell people *only* that, you’ll make them less prepared for what they *act* like, and make them a much easier target for the Drexis”
“Ok, Mr. Brainiac, what do they act like then?”
Quirin smirked, “you’ve got most of it right, their wings are large, one wing is about the length of an adult humans arm and hand, from the shoulder to the finger tips, and they have four canine fangs that *are* as big as a chubby toddler, however, their eyesight is poor, much like a spider’s and bat’s, they detect light, that’s it, they rely on motion and sound mostly. They’re also not very fast when they walk, their bodies are too large to make them quick, think of a hunting spider, they hide in holes in order to snag their prey without detection. The Drexis are similar, except they hide in plain sight, you can spot them pretty easily if you know what they look like, they hang from trees by their tails, they have a pinkish-purple pattern with yellow spots, if you see that, stay away from it”
Hugo nodded as Adira rolled her eyes, “so boring, my story was at least interesting to hear”, she stated
“After the 4 billionth time, it’s really not”, Hector stated flatly
“Children, no bickering on our very important mission”, Edmund stated
“It’s true!” Hector exclaimed
“Not if you’ve never heard it before”, Adira stated
“Um…. Guys”, Hugo said softly, spitting something in the distance
“So you telling me and Quirin that over and over was just what, practice?” Hector asked with a quirked brow
“Yes, and you two did a great job!” Adria replied sassily
“G-guys….” Hugo said again, getting Eugene and Quirin’s attention, making them grow pale as they saw what Hugo did
“Fuck you Adira”, Hector stated huffily
“You were interested when I first told you, were you not?” Adira asked
“Could you two stop fighting please?” Edmund tried
“GUYS!” Quirin snapped, getting their attention instantly, “look”
They looked to where he was pointing and stopped, “shit…… how’s we get so close already?” Hector asked quietly
“Well you *were* bickering with me”, Adira stated
“Why you little-!”
“Stop, now”, Edmund ordered, his glower on full display, getting the two to shut their mouths instantly
Hugo shivered a little as he stared at the pinkish-purple, yellow dotted, ‘plants’ that hung from the trees, “I-it’s so quiet….” He whispered
“Don’t worry Hugo, it’ll be okay”, Eugene said, “stick with us, you’ll be safe”
“Good eye by the way”, Quirin complimented
“Thanks”, Hugo replied with a light blush, stopping when he noticed one move slightly
The group waited for a long time before they saw blue light fade in gently, they gasped when they saw the Moonstone standing beside the Drexis, they were watching the group anxiously before they stepped aside and showed them a path, it was narrow and overgrown, but it seemed to bypass that spider bats entirely
“That path’s new”, Adira stated
“Thought you were the Drexis expert”, Hector teased
“You two will be grounded for a *very* long time if you don’t stop”, Edmund warned, “I have grandpa powers, I’m able to take away Varian privileges”
The duo decided they didn’t want that, and remained quiet for the moment, “even if we get to that path, it’s still dangerous since it’s overgrown”, Eugene stated, “someone could trip and alert the Drexis, then we’d have a fight on our hands”
“True, but if we’re careful about it, and take it slow, we should be fine”, Quirin said, “besides that, the Moonstone is pointing it out, they wouldn’t of they didn’t believe it to be the safest option”
“You trust the Moonstone still?”
“They’re protecting my son at the moment, considering they’re standing right beside those creatures and my Bubby doesn’t have a scratch on him, that’s trustworthy enough for me, at least for now”
“Fair point”
“So we’re taking the path?” Hugo asked
“It’s the best option”, Edmund stated, “we should go in a line, follow the leader style, that way there’s a chance we can catch whomever falls, should someone do so”
“Good idea”
“Who’s first?” Eugene asked
“Me”, Quirin stated, “I’ll be first, Eugene, you’re behind me, Hugo you’re behind Eugene, Hector behind Hugo, King Edmund behind Hector, and Adira behind King Edmund”
“Why’s Adira in the back?” Hugo asked
“Despite the prior argument, she has the most experience with this forest and the Drexis, if there’s a battle, I want her ready to fight along with me, it’ll be easier for her to do that if she’s watching our backs”
“Noted”
“Any qualms about this plan?” The retired knight asked, when no one spoke up, he nodded, “good, follow me then”, he began to get up slowly before making his way to the path the Moonstone showed them. The celestial being nodded when they saw the group coming over, and disappeared, the only light the group had was the star that’d begun to glow in Quirin’s pocket, it was enough for now, though Hugo did pull out a vial and shake it, giving a little more light to the group
“Where’d you get that?” Eugene whispered
“Freckles, he brought a few extra by mistake and handed some to me, I’m gonna say the Moonstone did that on purpose”, Hugo replied quietly
Eugene nodded, an impressed expression on his face as they continued to walk. They were on the path now, in the line they’d talked about earlier, Quirin had drawn his swords, quietly cutting any vine and trimming any root he happened to see. Adira also had her sword out, and constantly checked the status of the Drexis, they’d twitched a few times, but nothing more than that
However, things changed when Edmund accidentally bumped into a tree with his left arm, which, unfortunately, had a sleeping Drexis on it! The group froze when they saw the spider bat’s wings open *wide* as the creature looked around, it dropped to the floor, its fangs dripping with drool as it tried to find the source of its next meal. It hissed a few times before looking directly at the group
Everyone tenses as the monster squinted its beady, red, eyes, trying to make out what it was seeing, Quirin noticed a rock nearby, he managed to slowly pick it up, his eyes darted around, trying to find a place to throw it when he noticed a spot with shifting bushes. He pitched the rock, hearing it land in the area he’d wanted, the Drexis heard the same noise and turned to it. The retired knight then gestured for the group to go. They quickly, and quietly, made their way away from the startled monster and they investigated the sound the rock had made
A few silence moments if sneaking later, the monster was no longer in sight, the group waited a few more moments before letting out a sigh of relief, “I’m so sorry”, Edmund whispered, “I’m still not used to sneaking around with both arms yet….”
“It’s alright, luckily it was just one, we’ll have to be more careful though”, Quirin said gently, “we’re almost there though”
“How do you know?” Hector asked quietly
“Because the Moonstone is staring at me”, the Village Leader replied before he looked at the Moonstone, who was standing beside a small clearing with a smile on their face, Hugo waved to them, they waved back
The group began to walk towards the Moonstone once again, this time with Edmund watching for any sneaky trees on his left side, the group managed to make it all the way to the small clearing, they were just about to enter when Hugo tripped at the last moment, a root catching his foot, “shit!” He cursed, wincing a little as pain shot through his leg
The Drexis were startled awake, and this time, there were not enough rocks to distract them, “GET BEHIND ME AND ADIRA!” Quirin yelled as he and Adira stepped forwards, they readied their weapons, about to fight, when the Moonstone stepped forwards
“There’s no need”, they said gently, “cover your eyes”. The group was startled, but did as they were told, they suddenly felt a huge blast shake them, Eugene and Hector falling to the ground with Hugo, they waited for a few seconds before they heard the Moonstone speak up once more, “you’re safe now”
Uncovering their eyes, they gasped when they saw all of the Drexis had disappeared, “w-what happened?!” Eugene asked
“It believe Quirin told you of their poor eyesight, how they rely on light, darkness, and sounds?” The Cornan Captain nodded, “I merely blasted them with my light, it overwhelmed them and they ran off”
“This is gonna sound shitty considering they just attacked us, but you didn’t… blind them…. Did you?” Hector asked
“No I did not”, the Moonstone replied with a gentle smile, “and it’s okay to ask that, dear tamer, your love and respect for animals is commendable-Hugo!”
The group blinked when the Moonstone clapped a hand over their mouth, they chuckled, removing their hand, “Varian…. He’s worried about his beloved and popped out for a moment”
The group smiled before Quirin’s eyes widened, “wait, if he’s worried then that means Hugo’s hurt, Hugo”, the retired knight turned to the blond, who was still on the floor, his foot still caught in the root, “are you alright?”
“I-I’m fine, I’m sorry, j-just my ankle, I think…. I think I t-twisted it…..” the blond stated, wincing a little anytime he moved his foot
Quirin instantly cut the root in half, freeing Hugo’s foot and scooping the teen up before checking the ankle, “oh boy, yeah you definitely twisted it”
“Sorry….”
“It’s okay, it was an accident, here”, Quirin sat down and set Hugo in his lap before he pulled out a small medkit, he grabbed a few sticks nearby and, using some gauze in the medkit, made a brace to the inventor’s ankle, “does that feel better?”
“A bit, yeah…. I’m sorry…..”
“Hugo it’s okay, it was an accident, and everyone’s safe now, so please don’t worry”
“B-but had the Moonstone n-not been here t-then-!”
“Easy son, easy”, Quirin soothed, hugging the blond lovingly, Hugo hesitated, but couldn’t hold back for very long as he clung to Quirin’s vest, hid his face, a sobbed quietly, from the pain of his ankle, to the guilt he felt about alerting the Drexis, to all the anxiety and fear that’d built up throughout this adventure. After a few moments, the blond had finally calmed down enough to where he was just sniffling, Quirin waited just a touch longer before he spoke up, “feel better?”
“Uh-huh….” Hugo replied timidly
Quirin chuckled as he hugged Hugo, “you know, I cried on my first adventure too”, he stated
“You did?”
“I did indeed, we were trying to help a poor girl find her way back home, and I’d done the same thing, tripped and fell while searching for her, ended up hurting my ankle too, King Edmund, Prince Edmund at the time, had healed it up, but I still felt horrible. I felt like I was being such a burden on him since I was hurt now, and I cried”, Hugo looked up at Quirin, still clinging to his vest, “Prince Edmund just sat there and let me cry, holding onto me and comforting me until I was done. Once I was, he told me it was okay, and said that adventures are stressful, that he didn’t expect me to be completely fine on my first one, it was hard. He understood, and I do too, it’s okay, take the time you need, once you’re done then we’ll keep going”
“……I don’t k-know how good I’ll b-be with a hurt a-ankle….”
“You’ll be plenty helpful, a hurt ankle doesn’t mean you can’t see or speak, just that you can’t, or shouldn’t, walk, and that’s not much of a hinderance, it just means I get to carry you, and I’m not opposed to that”
“You’re…. Not?”
“No, to be honest, I’m missing Varian a lot right now, so holding you brings me comfort”
Hugo smiled, blushing a little more before letting out a soft sigh, “thank you”
“You’re welcome, now come on”, the retired knight scooped Hugo up and stood. He rearranged to get the blond in a comfortable position for the both of them, before smiling, “comfy?”
“Yeah, thanks”
“You’re welcome, I’m proud of you you know that?”
“You are?”
“Of course! You’ve been so strong throughout all of this, none of it is easy, and also, see? You’re already being a big help, just by letting me care for you, so thank you, and again, I’m very proud of you”
Hugo looked up at Quirin, smiling lovingly at him, “thanks dad”
The retired knight blinked before he smiled, remembering when he was Hugo’s age, on his very first adventure with Edmund:
*”feel better?” Prince Edmund asked as he smiled at the small teen in his lap
Quirin sniffled as he wiped his eyes a little, “yeah…. S-sorry….. I’m not meaning to be a burden….”
“You’re not a burden Quirin, not at all! To be honest, I was surprised you made it this far without crying”
“Y-you are?”
“Yeah, I cried far earlier than you did on my first adventure, and that was without a hurt ankle! They’re stressful, it’s hard to be on your first adventure, you’re never fully prepared for it and the stress gets to you pretty quickly, but you’ve made it this far! You’re far stronger than me! I’m proud of you!”
“B-but I’m still hurt, I can’t help anymore”
“Yes you can, just because you have a hurt ankle doesn’t mean you can’t see or speak, that makes you still *plenty* helpful! The only difference now is that I have to carry you, and that’s not a problem for me”
“It’s not?”
“No tiny one, it’s not”, Prince Edmund chuckled, scooping little Quirin up, “you’re my little trainee, and my best friend, I’ve been honestly worried about losing *you* in this forest, carrying you means that I get to know you’re okay the entire time! And it’s also means you can keep out for the girl while I walk around, so you see? You’re already being plenty helpful!”
Quirin blinked before he smiled at the Dark Prince lovingly, “thanks dad”*
The retired knight smiled happily as he felt Hugo relax in his arms, he hugged the blond, and with a few tears in his eyes, and a knowing grin from Edmund, he chuckled and said softly, “you’re welcome, son”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I’ve been misspelling “Drexis”, this entire time….. I fixed it now, but my gosh, I was really one letter off XD oops X3
This chapter is a fun family chapter to give a break in-between visions, it still has a few story points in it, but it’s more about the family being a family, so wholesome ships ahoy!
If you’re wondering, Ruddy buddy and the other animals are all at the castle, they’re watching over it because the group thought this would be a quick trip to and fro, the animals are having an animal party right now, enjoy the imagery XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 461: Vision 3: Dakota!
Summary:
The group see’s their third vision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group began to walk towards the Moonstone once again, this time with Edmund watching for any sneaky trees on his left side, the group managed to make it all the way to the small clearing, they were just about to enter when Hugo tripped at the last moment, a root catching his foot, “shit!” He cursed, wincing a little as pain shot through his leg
The Drexis were startled awake, and this time, there were not enough rocks to distract them, “GET BEHIND ME AND ADIRA!” Quirin yelled as he and Adira stepped forwards, they readied their weapons, about to fight, when the Moonstone stepped forwards
“There’s no need”, they said gently, “cover your eyes”. The group was startled, but did as they were told, they suddenly felt a huge blast shake them, Eugene and Hector falling to the ground with Hugo, they waited for a few seconds before they heard the Moonstone speak up once more, “you’re safe now”
Uncovering their eyes, they gasped when they saw all of the Drexis had disappeared, “w-what happened?!” Eugene asked
“It believe Quirin told you of their poor eyesight, how they rely on light, darkness, and sounds?” The Cornan Captain nodded, “I merely blasted them with my light, it overwhelmed them and they ran off”
“This is gonna sound shitty considering they just attacked us, but you didn’t… blind them…. Did you?” Hector asked
“No I did not”, the Moonstone replied with a gentle smile, “and it’s okay to ask that, dear tamer, your love and respect for animals is commendable-Hugo!”
The group blinked when the Moonstone clapped a hand over their mouth, they chuckled, removing their hand, “Varian…. He’s worried about his beloved and popped out for a moment”
The group smiled before Quirin’s eyes widened, “wait, if he’s worried then that means Hugo’s hurt, Hugo”, the retired knight turned to the blond, who was still on the floor, his foot still caught in the root, “are you alright?”
“I-I’m fine, I’m sorry, j-just my ankle, I think…. I think I t-twisted it…..” the blond stated, wincing a little anytime he moved his foot
Quirin instantly cut the root in half, freeing Hugo’s foot and scooping the teen up before checking the ankle, “oh boy, yeah you definitely twisted it”
“Sorry….”
“It’s okay, it was an accident, here”, Quirin sat down and set Hugo in his lap before he pulled out a small medkit, he grabbed a few sticks nearby and, using some gauze in the medkit, made a brace to the inventor’s ankle, “does that feel better?”
“A bit, yeah…. I’m sorry…..”
“Hugo it’s okay, it was an accident, and everyone’s safe now, so please don’t worry”
“B-but had the Moonstone n-not been here t-then-!”
“Easy son, easy”, Quirin soothed, hugging the blond lovingly, Hugo hesitated, but couldn’t hold back for very long as he clung to Quirin’s vest, hid his face, a sobbed quietly, from the pain of his ankle, to the guilt he felt about alerting the Drexis, to all the anxiety and fear that’d built up throughout this adventure. After a few moments, the blond had finally calmed down enough to where he was just sniffling, Quirin waited just a touch longer before he spoke up, “feel better?”
“Uh-huh….” Hugo replied timidly
Quirin chuckled as he hugged Hugo, “you know, I cried on my first adventure too”, he stated
“You did?”
“I did indeed, we were trying to help a poor girl find her way back home, and I’d done the same thing, tripped and fell while searching for her, ended up hurting my ankle too, King Edmund, Prince Edmund at the time, had healed it up, but I still felt horrible. I felt like I was being such a burden on him since I was hurt now, and I cried”, Hugo looked up at Quirin, still clinging to his vest, “Prince Edmund just sat there and let me cry, holding onto me and comforting me until I was done. Once I was, he told me it was okay, and said that adventures are stressful, that he didn’t expect me to be completely fine on my first one, it was hard. He understood, and I do too, it’s okay, take the time you need, once you’re done then we’ll keep going”
“……I don’t k-know how good I’ll b-be with a hurt a-ankle….”
“You’ll be plenty helpful, a hurt ankle doesn’t mean you can’t see or speak, just that you can’t, or shouldn’t, walk, and that’s not much of a hinderance, it just means I get to carry you, and I’m not opposed to that”
“You’re…. Not?”
“No, to be honest, I’m missing Varian a lot right now, so holding you brings me comfort”
Hugo smiled, blushing a little more before letting out a soft sigh, “thank you”
“You’re welcome, now come on”, the retired knight scooped Hugo up and stood. He rearranged to get the blond in a comfortable position for the both of them, before smiling, “comfy?”
“Yeah, thanks”
“You’re welcome, I’m proud of you you know that?”
“You are?”
“Of course! You’ve been so strong throughout all of this, none of it is easy, and also, see? You’re already being a big help, just by letting me care for you, so thank you, and again, I’m very proud of you”
Hugo looked up at Quirin, smiling lovingly at him, “thanks dad”
The retired knight blinked before he smiled, remembering when he was Hugo’s age, on his very first adventure with Edmund:
*”feel better?” Prince Edmund asked as he smiled at the small teen in his lap
Quirin sniffled as he wiped his eyes a little, “yeah…. S-sorry….. I’m not meaning to be a burden….”
“You’re not a burden Quirin, not at all! To be honest, I was surprised you made it this far without crying”
“Y-you are?”
“Yeah, I cried far earlier than you did on my first adventure, and that was without a hurt ankle! They’re stressful, it’s hard to be on your first adventure, you’re never fully prepared for it and the stress gets to you pretty quickly, but you’ve made it this far! You’re far stronger than me! I’m proud of you!”
“B-but I’m still hurt, I can’t help anymore”
“Yes you can, just because you have a hurt ankle doesn’t mean you can’t see or speak, that makes you still *plenty* helpful! The only difference now is that I have to carry you, and that’s not a problem for me”
“It’s not?”
“No tiny one, it’s not”, Prince Edmund chuckled, scooping little Quirin up, “you’re my little trainee, and my best friend, I’ve been honestly worried about losing *you* in this forest, carrying you means that I get to know you’re okay the entire time! And it’s also means you can keep out for the girl while I walk around, so you see? You’re already being plenty helpful!”
Quirin blinked before he smiled at the Dark Prince lovingly, “thanks dad”*
The retired knight smiled happily as he felt Hugo relax in his arms, he hugged the blond, and with a few tears in his eyes, and a knowing grin from Edmund, he chuckled and said softly, “you’re welcome, son”
After a few moments, the duo stopped hugging and Quirin stood up, holding Hugo in his arms gently. The retired knight looked at the Moonstone, “so, this next vision, what are we to expect?”
The Moonstone smiled sadly, “I’m not at liberty to say”
“Do you know?”
“To some degree, I know what you’ll be seeing, their story and their deaths, but as to whom, I haven’t the foggiest idea”
“You’re not able to look?”
“No, I’ve seen all of their passings before, so I cannot interfere, that and they’re all Brotherhood members. They would react to my presence, even from the past, I would affect the task at hand if I were to join you to see the visions”
“So we’re on our own?”
“Not entirely, Varian is always waiting once you return, he won’t leave you alone, I wish I could say the same, but I unfortunately cannot….”
“I see…. Well, thank you either way, for protecting us from the Dexis”
“You’re welcome, I wish you good tidings during this next vision, sincerely”
The group nodded before the Moonstone disappeared, Hector sighed, “sorry….” He said, “Adira and I…. We didn’t mean to….. Bicker like we did….”
“He’s right, that wasn’t helpful”, Adira agreed, “it almost got you all in trouble, sorry…..”
“It’s okay you two”, Edmund stated gently
“Yeah it’s fine, no one got hurt thankfully, just be more careful next time please”, Quirin stated
“Right”, the two siblings replied
“Ok, with that out of the way, shall we see who or what this vision is about?” Eugene asked
“I suppose we should”, Quirin replied, “thought….. is anyone else getting a very odd feeling?”
Edmund raised a brow, “odd feeling?”
“Yeah, like how I feel whenever storms roll around”
“…..No? Perhaps there’s a storm coming?”
“I sincerely hope not……”
Hugo looked up at the Village Leader, “I keep forgetting you’re freaked out by storms, there any reason why?”
“Just…. Trauma….. eheh, it’s a silly thing to be afraid of honestly”
“Like heights?” Hugo asked
“No, being afraid of heights is completely understandable”
“So are storms, so why are you downplaying that?”
“I…. You can die from heights”
“You can die from storms too you know”
“He’s right Quirin”, Edmund stated, “storms are just as dangerous as any other deadly experience. Don’t count yourself short, especially considering what you’ve gone through”
“Though the fact that your stormie senses are tingling kinda makes me worried as fuck”, Hector stated, “storms in this forest don’t exactly bode well for us here”
“I can imagine”, Eugene stated
“Well then, King of the Wild, shall we go into the vision?” Adria asked with a smirk
Eugene raised an annoyed brow at her before huffing, “yes”
“Lead the way”
“I will”
“Good”
“Great!”
“Wonderful”
“Fantabulous!”
“Exemplary”
“Guys”, Hugo stated as Quirin and Edmund sighed while Hector snickered
“She started it….” Eugene stated with a pout before he began to walk
“Other way Fish Skin”, Adira stated with a smirk
Eugene grumbled before turning around and heading towards the vision. The group followed him, the star, which is now in Quirin’s pocket, began to shine brightly the closer they got to the vision before it stopped, and the scenery changed once again.
*The castle shined bright against the sky as the winds gently pushed the grass below it, a few clouds moving into place above the castle, seemingly to get ready for a downpour during the night. A few guards walked around the castle grounds before a black haired, blue eyed man walked let out a small breath, “it feels good to be out here”, he said softly before looking behind him, “don’t you think your majesty?”
“Indeed I do Vali”, the person replied before they stepped forwards, they were very tall and lanky, a much older gent with a red beard, hair, and mustache, they looked like a skinner, older version of Edmund himself. Their eyes were an emerald green as they stared into the sky, “quite a nice day indeed, a walk is a fine way to spend an morning such as this”
Vali smiled happily, his blue eyes twinkling like stars, he looked so much like a slightly older Varian it was uncanny! Straight down to the freckles on his cheeks, the only differences were that his skin was paler and he seemed to have a more muscular build compared to Varian’s lanky and intellectual frame, “shall we go once more around the castle, or have you had enough for the day King Dakota? It’d have to be quick since it looks as though it’s about to storm”
“I think another walk around would be nice, it’s not every day we get a chance to do so”
They did so, walking around and simply chatting with each other happily*
“King Dakota”, King Edmund stated, “the gentlest king of the Dark Kingdom, and one of the kindest too. He ruled the Dark Kingdom with grave and humility, he was a very early king when the Dark Kingdom became an actual Kingdom! We were small back then, our profits hadn’t been very much, and the people were poor. But the king still led them through it with wisdom far beyond his years. He kept the kingdom afloat, he nurtured everyone as if they were his own children. His children were the same, they respected him and wished to be exactly like him…… his death however….. Sadly wasn’t the same…..” The vision continued, shifting from outside the castle, to inside, in the throne room
*”This kingdom is dying brother!” A new voice stated as King Dakota, Vali standing beside him, looked on with a subtle sadness in their eyes, at the man the stop before them. The man was lanky as well, though his hair was the color of ask, his eyes were as dark as the black rocks themselves, he had long hair that went to his neck, an ever present glare resting prominently on his features as he glared *daggers* at the ruler before him, “you will lead our people to death if nothing is done to stop it!”
“Gunther I understand your plight with the way I rule my kingdom, but war will not bring the profits we seek”, the Dark King stated gently, “starting a fight with our neighbors will only harbor anger and hatred, that is not what this kingdom is for”
“Then you will sentence us to *death*!” Gunther snapped, “we need to gain profit! We need more riches in order to gain the prominence this kingdom deserves! Is that not what you wish? For our people to survive?!”
“Our people have survived thus far with nary a fight! We will continued to strive without war at our doorstep! That is my decree, and long shall it reign so long as *I* am king!”
Gunther growled, “you are making a mistake brother! You will make our kingdom suffer if you continue down this road!”
“The kingdom will survive and strive, progress is already being made to find new ways to help our farmlands grow, ash has been found to have properties the likes of which we’ve never known before! Thanks to our top scientist, Vali Vanguard”, King Dakota gestured to the black haired gent standing beside him, “we will be alright, ash can be made into glass as well, our people are studying the way of glassblowing and finding new ways to shape it! This kingdom is growing already-!”
“IT IS GROWING FAR TOO SLOW!” Gunther yelled, “at this rate we’ll all be *dead* before things begins to take form! You’ve already began to hit your age limit brother, do you really want to die before you see the kingdom thrive?!”
“Gunther, if the Moon takes me before my kingdom is fully realized, that’s fine, I’ll watch from the heavens with her, but until that time I will rule the kingdom how I see fit, and at this rate, I see that it is fine to me”
“You will regret not listening to me brother…..”
“Is that a threat?” Vali asked, his eyes widening as his anger flared, “because I’ll have you know, if you intend to threaten the king in *my* presence, then I shall make my displeasure *quite* plain!”
Gunther went to speak, but stopped when he saw the glare the royal scientist gave, he quickly shut his mouth. King Dakota sighed, “brother, I understand your qualms, I’ve listened to your worries, and I’ve been making strides to help the people in the best way I can. But if too much changes at once, the kingdom will fall into chaos. People need time to change, our kingdom is still fairly young, we’ve just barely established a stable connection with Corona. We need to take things slowly for now, once the people have gotten used to this new lifestyle, then the changes can begin to increase, but to force people into roles they are not used to would be like throwing a fish on land. It would only cause pain and distress”
“Our people adapt quickly! You have too little faith in them”
“You have far too high of expectations if you think our people could handle the revolution your plan brings. We are not war faring people, we used to be a peaceful tribe! I intend to keep the peace despite us being a kingdom now. My word is *final* brother, your plan will only bring about chaos!”
“Or it will bring the kingdom to a new age! Progress is the future, if you cannot see that, then you are the fool!” Gunther snapped before storming out of the throne room, he stopped at the door before stating, “if father were here, he would’ve chosen me…..” before walking out
“How dare he!” Vali began, “that oafish, isolate, no good, despicable-!”
“Vali, it’s alright”, Dakota stated gently
“But he-!” Vali stopped when he saw the sadness in the Dark King’s eyes, and sighed. The room was silent for a while before the royal scientist spoke up once again, “you’re a wonderful king”, he stated, “your ways may be slow, but they are for the betterment of our people. You are kind and caring, that is truly what this kingdom needs. We are meant to make progress, he’s right about that, as much as it angers me to say it, but your view on progress is what’s better for these people. A slower approach helps everyone adapt better, and it keeps the peace, people are making new discoveries because you allow them too! You’re bringing about an era of peace and hope to a small brand of people who were no bigger than a tribe. You are a very good King!” He stated with a smile, getting Dakota to look at him, “and nothing will ever change my mind”
The Dark King smiled back, “thank you Vali. I don’t know where I’d be without you”
“Hmmm….. Probably lost in your memories somewhere near the fields I’d say”
Dakota chuckled, “you may be right, speaking of, I think a quick trip to the fields would be a nice way to spend an afternoon, don’t you?”
“I agree, I’ve heard a few of our farmers have something to show you”
“Oh, well then, all the more reason we should go, come”
The duo walked out, closing the throne door behind them.
****
The vision turned to shadow after that….. It showed Vali and King Dakota walking to the fields. A few farmers met them halfway, voices could be heard overlapping with each other, yelling about a *huge* on coming storm! The King and Royal scientist were shown to be trying to help cover the fruits and veggies that’d just been planted
However, it was no use as thunder and lightning began to clash! The King began to order people to take cover, he sensed something was amiss! The group saw Gunther joining them, a few guards behind the man as they seem to have informed him of what was currently happening. Together, they got each and every citizen to safety. However, everything changed when the shadows formed, what looked like, a funnel cloud….
They could heard screaming as the two brothers, and royal scientist, stared in awe at the mighty funnel. The King was the first to move however, he pushed Gunther and Vali back as a tornado touched down right in front of them, causing debris to fall and land on top of the old King!
More screams could be heard, as well as Quirin’s whimpers as he began to back away….. Vali got back up, he yelled to the king, “YOUR MAJESTY!”
“STAY AWAY!” King Dakota yelled back, “ITS TOO DANGEROUS!”
Vali’s shadow moved forwards, pushing through the wind before he looked to the guards Gunther had brought with him, “COME ON! WE NEED TO SAVE HIM!” He yelled, but the guards didn’t move, “COME *ON*!”
“Sorry”, Gunther stated, “they only listen to me…..”
“GUNTHER! TELL THEM TO HELP ME FREE THE KING!”
“No…..”
“W-wha-!”
“It’s time a new king stepped into the throne”, Gunther stated, “the guards have been unsatisfied by the King’s ways as well! Therefore they will not listen to anyone but ME!”
“YOU’RE GOING TO ALLOW THE KJNG TO DIE JUST BECAUSE YOU DISAGREE?! YOU’RE OWN BROTHER?!”
“Whatever it takes….. And by the way….” He step forwards and grabbed the royal scientist’s arms, his guards surrounding the pair, “there’s no place in *my* kingdom, for traitors!”
With that, he and his guards threw Vali with the King. Dakota was silent, too weak to move as the debris had injured him far too much. Vali tried to get up and go to his aid, the final moments the King ever saw was of his best friend reaching out a hand to help him….. before the tornado sucked him and the fallen debris up……
Vali screamed as Gunther laughed, “LONG LIVE THE NEW KING!” He screamed
Vali was swept away as well, into the current of the wind! The wind ripping and tearing at his body. However, the tornado had lost its luster once it’d captured the King, stopping its brutal attack on Vali and dropping him to the floor before he was swallowed. The storm was quiet, a mere sprinkling of rain followed in its wake. Gunther and his guards had left before Vali had been spared. He didn’t see the scientist was still alive, nor did he see the farm people run out to save him from his injuries*
The vision ended there as everyone stared in stunned silence. That’s when a voice spoke up, “Vali Vanguard, the Royal scientist who stood by King Dakota’s side”, everyone looked and saw Varian sitting behind them on a rock. The alchemist continued to speak, “he was well respected throughout the land, much like one of his later ancestors, Verne. He watched the King get betrayed by his younger brother, Gunther….. He was spared the same fate of the late king. Healed by witnesses, farmers, who had seen the entire thing….. He began to fight back once he was better, King Gunther’s reign was so short lived, he never made it into the Brotherhood. King Dakota’s daughter, Queen Hera, ruled much in the same way he did, gentle and kind. You saw what happened to her….. The King’s and Queen’s began to darken from there, the son of Queen Hera grew cold and unfeeling due to witnessing his mother’s death…… he grew enraged and ravaged war against Arendelle, from there, things only grew worse and worse…..from cruel and greedy kings like King Richard, to cold and unyielding, like King Adder…… The best king from King Dakota to this day, is King Edmund, for his kindness and care….. even through he made a mistake, he protected his people, the place is not the kingdom, the people are. That’ll be proven soon enough, for now however……”
The teen hopped off the rock and walked over to his father, who was still holding Hugo, the duo looked started as the freckled teen was completely silent before he floated into the air and was face to face with Hugo, eyes wide with worry, “are you okay?! You got hurt! You can’t walk! Do you need a pain potion? Are you thirsty? Tired? Do you need help? Are you okay??????”
The blond blinked before he laughed and hugged his boyfriend adoringly, “I love you so much Freckles!”
Varian hugged him back, for a moment they were calm before Varian pulled away with a smirk, “you didn’t answer my question”
Hugo giggled as the group smiled at the pair happily
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, now it’s all coming together! The cycle of Kings and Queen of the Dark Kingdom has been shown for the most part, there’s still two move visions left after all :3
Varian being a loving and worried boyfriend because this boy is a saint! XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 462: 4th of July!
Summary:
Two weeks before traveling to the Dark Kjngdom, Varian and Eugene have a chat about Cassandra’s trial, a new holiday is made in Corona, and Hugo purchases something very important!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
**Two weeks before they left Corona**
*Arianna then rose from her seat as Cassandra was taken away, “I hope this helps the victims move on, my only hope is for the rest of your lives to be filled with light and joy as you know that you will no longer be harmed by the person who’s caused you harm. I free you all of her terror, and I thank you for coming today”*
Varian sighed as he laid on his bed, staring up at the ceiling for the better half of an hour. His mind felt foggy as he stared at every knot and crevice his room’s ceiling had. The words Queen Arianna had spoken after she’d given Cassandra her punishment had hit the teen hard. He didn’t know what he was supposed to do with them really, it was frustrating!
He sighed once again before turning onto his side, opting to look at the wall opposite to his bed instead. Ruddigar chittered at his boy, nuzzling his cheek, Varian gave an absentminded pet before going back to staring at the wall. The room was quiet for a long time before the door suddenly burst open, “V!” Angry yelled, startling the alchemist as Ruddigar’s tail poofed a little at the sudden arrival
“A-Angry?!” Varian asked, getting up and sitting on the edge of his bed as he notice someone else walk inside, “Catalina-w-what are you two doing in my room?!”
“We wanna do a fireworks show”, Angry stated
“I….. what?!”
“We wanna do a fireworks show!” Angry repeated
“Uh, please”, Catalina added timidly
“Yeah, please, right now!” Angry stated
Varian huffed and quirked a brow at the girl, “you’re not gonna barge into my room and demand I do a fireworks show, I’ll have you know, I’m working on something very important at the moment!”
“Oh really?”
“Really!”
“Sure, ok, walk staring is really a super interactive project”
Varian blushed, “were you peaking through the crack in my door?!”
“Would you be upset if I said I was?” Angry asked with a smirk
Varian’s eyes lit up a little with irritation as he growled at Angry, “uh, A-Angry maybe you should take it down a notch?” Catalina suggested anxiously, looking between her sister and big brother
“Hey”, another voice said, getting the three to look and see Lance and Eugene standing in the doorway, “how’s the favor goin?” The former thief asked before stopping when he saw Varian’s face, “uh….. what happened?”
“V’s being a grump”, Angry stated
“Angry’s being a brat!” Varian snapped
“Um….. both?” Catalina stated softly
Lance sighed as Eugene looked at his little brother, face laced with concern, “hey girls, maybe you give me and Hairstripes a second yeah?” He asked
“Sure, but he’s being a huge grump”, Angu stated
“Get….. Out!” Varian growled, his eyes lighting up just a touch more
Lance scooped the two girls and did as Varian said, Eugene stepping in and gently closing the door behind him. He let out a sigh, as did the alchemist, his eyes dimming as he face palmed, “…..bad day kiddo?”
“Hmph!”
Eugene chuckled, “very bad day”, the Captain of Corona sat next to Varian on his bed, petting Ruddigar as he did so, “surprised your blond beau isn’t in here”
“Hugo? He was, but he’s helping dad on the farm today”
“And you?”
“I didn’t want to today….”
“That’s fair”, Eugene stated, “especially after that trial”
Varian’s eyes widened as he looked at Eugene, “h-how did yo-!”
“You’re in your room, all alone, no Hugo, barely letting Ruddigar, wall staring, right after the big trial”
Varian blushed, “scuse me for being predictable……”
Eugene chuckled, “it’s not that kiddo, I just know you well enough to know that you’re going through a lot right now”, he stated, “especially with what CassAndra said to you during the trial”
“I guess I’m not predictable after all if you think what Cassandra said is what I’m thinking about…..” Varian huffily before stopping and clapping his hand over his mouth, “…..my goodness…. That was rude…..”
The Dark Prince smiled lovingly at his little brother, “it’s okay, you’re upset, a little rudeness is bound to slip out”
“Sorry…..”
“Again, it’s okay, but…. Do you need to talk? I’m all ears you know”
Varian sighed, “…….I just….. I don’t know Eugene…. This is gonna sound so stupid…. But…… I’m thinking about what the Queen said….”
Eugene blinked, “what the Queen said?”
“Yeah…. She said she hopes the victims…. Us…… can find peace and move on from all that’s happened….. and said she frees us from Cassandra’s terrors….. but….. what does that even look like? I mean…. How? Why? And when does that happen?! How can I move on when so much of what happened still affects me and my family? Why should I move on, would that really help? And when? When do I do that? When do I stop letting it bother me? When will I stop having nightmares about her? When will my dad stop looking over his shoulder every few seconds? When will Hugo stop fearing for his life anytime someone mentions Cassandra’s name? When does that happen, and why can’t it come now?!” He sniffled, wiping the small tears away from his face as he huffed, “I’m just…. I’m so….. so…..”
“Angry?” Eugene offered
“Yes!” Varian exclaimed, “I’m angry! I’m hurt! I’m sad! I’m ashamed! I’m afraid! But I’m mostly so…. *fucking* ANGRY!” He snapped, “and I thought that-that-that I’d let it go! I thought t-that beating up Zhan Tiri helped me move on! I thought I’d gotten better about controlling myself and my emotions! But I’m so…..” Varian sighed, “I’m just….. angry….. I don’t wanna be angry…. I wanna be relieved, I wanna feel happy, I want to *move on*! ……B-but I don’t know how to do that….. how can you move on when you keep hurting about it? How do you tell someone that you’re better when…. You’re not? W-what do so do?! Do I go and beat up Cassandra?! Is *that* what I need?! Or is that wrong?! I….. I….. I don’t know….” Varian hid his face in his hands, he felt so tired, his body and mind ached as all his energy had been spent worrying about this. Having nightmare after nightmare about all the horrible things he thinks and wants to do to Cassandra for all she’s put him through…..
Eugene was quiet for a moment before he let out a small sigh, too quiet for Varian to hear, before he spoke up, “……I feel the same way”, Varian’s eyes widened as he looked up at Eugene, the man smiled, “yeah….. I’ve been having those angry thoughts myself….. The Queen’s words have been echoing in my mind for a while, ever since the trial actually”, he admitted, “and you know what? I don’t think there’s a way you can do what she said, at least, not at first”
“W-what do you mean?”
“Well, Lance taught me this, I talked to him about the same thing, that I was still angry, that I wanted to move on but couldn’t, and how she could ask us to do that when what CassAndra did hurt us so much….. He told me that what I felt wasn’t wrong, that she’d done horrible things to me, and recently too. Even if she hadn’t done them recently, my feelings are still valid, as are yours kiddo. He said that when we go through trauma, that feeling of hurt and anger can’t, and won’t, go away just because the person who hurt us said she was sorry. They still did stuff to us, hurt us, made us cry, hurt our friends and family, hell, she, second handedly, nearly killed you and Hugo! In fact she *did*, second handedly, kill you and Hugo, but you two were brought back, which is a whole other can of worms!” Eugene stated, “she did so much to us, and while she was indeed punished, with a sentence that I think fits perfectly, we’re still left broken and hurt….. Lance and Hugo didn’t even get to speak during that trial, nor did Adira, Hector, or Edmund, they never got called to the stand….. all of this is so hard to process, let alone move on from….. but that doesn’t mean we can’t”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, Lance said that while it’s okay for us to be hurt and angry, the person we *should* be hurt and angry at, is now in jail. She’s gone, it’s over, she’s apologized and is fixing what she did to Corona…. What happens with us is now up to us, and only us. She can’t give us that closure that we think we want, and I say ‘we think we want’, because it’s true. We think we want her to grovel, we think we want her to beg for forgiveness, we think we want her to hurt as much as she hurt us. We think we want all those things, but ask yourself, will that really help you? Will it bring you comfort to know you’re causing someone the same pain you went through? Would it? genuinely asking kiddo”
Varian thought about that for a moment, before he sighed, “the correct answer is no…..”
“Actually, no isn’t the correct answer, the correct answer is whatever you truly feel”, Eugene stated with a smile
Varian blinked before sighing again, “…you won’t like it….”
“As long as it’s true, I’ll like it no matter what”
Varian was quiet for a moment before he spoke, “I want her to be hurt….. I want her to feel what I felt, what she made me feel…. I want her to suffer and feel all the days of pain and torment that I had to endure…..” he began to tear up as he spoke, “I want her father to be taken away from her, I want her to be beaten for *months* while she stares at his dead corpse, I want her to be lashed in front of the entire kingdom, for her to be jailed for something she didn’t do. I want her to suffer from nightmares every night until they drive her so insane that she ends up clinging to the first, and only, person that gives her an *ounce* of sympathy, and I want them to abuse her…. I want her to *HURT*!” Varian stated, his voice bouncing off the walls as he said the final word before he calmed down, “but….. at the same time….. I don’t….. I don’t want that for anyone…. I don’t want her to be as hurt as she made me, a-and most of what I said I want her to suffer wasn’t even her fault….. But yet I think she deserves it….. but I do and don’t want it to happen to her…. Why?….”
“Because you’re defending yourself”, Eugene stated, getting Varian to look at him, the alchemist a little startled when he saw a sad smile of his big brother’s face, “Lance said that when you get hurt, the first instinct you have is to lash out in the same way, it’s an animalistic instinct he said. We want to stop hurting, so we give it to someone else and we think it solves our problem. Here’s an example, you’re a raccoon”, Ruddigar perked up, “you’re looking through trash cans and gardens to find your next meal, you’re only mindset is to survive. Suddenly, a dog, protecting their home, bites you, tearing a wound in your fur! You grow angry and bite the dog right back! You did it, you lashed out, and you left a wound on the dog, same as yours, but that wound on you is still bleeding, it still hurts, because lashing out doesn’t stop that pain, nor does it heal it. You get temporary satisfaction, because now they know how it feels, but did that really solve your problem?”
“No….” Varian replied, “I’ve never thought about it like that before…..”
Eugene smiled, “I didn’t either, not until Lance told me that. Thing is, this scenario isn’t always the same, the dog was protecting their home in this analogy, which is fair, see an intruder, ya bite. But CassAndra isn’t a dog, nor was she protecting anything. She did wrong, hurt and wounded us, she started the fight! But the thing is, we’re still wounded, no matter if we give her the same wounds or not, we’re still hurt, it won’t solve the problem”
“So the answer is still no”, Varian stated, “lashing out isn’t what we need, it won’t help solve the problem”
“Actually, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. See, CassAndra attacked us with no provoking. We did nothing to her, yet she still attacked. So yes, while lashing out at her isn’t what you need, it isn’t entirely wrong by to want that, it’s not wrong to want an apology, or for her to beg for forgiveness. She hurt us, badly, and her getting to sit there peacefully isn’t okay. She deserves to be punished for her actions, but not the way we *want* to punish her. She needs to be punished in a way that’s healthy, for her and us. As much as I hate to say this, she needs help. She needs help like we do….. Mentally, she is not okay, far from it, and we can’t give her the help she needs, we shouldn’t”
“So what do we do?” Varian asked
“We do what we just did, we speak out, say something to authorities, we get help! She got thrown into jail and is currently working on fixing what she’s done wrong, we got an apology, she knows she hurt us, she knows, and she regrets it. We won’t see her again unless we seek her out. What we need to do now, is we heal. Talk to people we love, tell them how you feel, talk to Lance, have a session with him, we get help. I’ve been thinking about starting a support group”
“Support group?”
“Yeah, see, CassAndra hurt a lot of people, a lot….. in so many more ways than one….. I think a support group, filled with other victims of hers, in a place where we can talk freely about her, would be beneficial. It would give us victims a chance to air out our wounds, and help them heal. I told Lance about this idea, and he thought it was perfect. There’s no pressure to join, but I will say you’d be surrounded by people who are just like you, who’ve suffered because of what CassAndra did to you. Over time, being with friends and loved ones, it’ll help you heal, talking about it, seeing Lance for sessions regularly, or even when things get bad, that’ll help you start to heal. Maybe it won’t solve everything, trauma never truly goes away, but having people be there for you, to support you, help you, guide you, it’ll help lessen the anger you have towards her, because you won’t be facing it alone”
Varian was silent for a while, thinking about what he’d just been told, he wasn’t sure if it’d truly work, if being surrounded by wounded people would really solve his issues, but….. for some reason….. He felt a little better knowing he had a place to go to, and smiled, “thank you, Eugene”
“Anytime Varian”, the Dark Prince replied, hugging the teen lovingly, “though, Lance is kinda the MVP here, he gave me most of what I said”
The alchemist giggled, “I’ll hug him later, for now, I wanna hug you”
Eugene smiled and continued to hug the teen, who hugged him back. They stayed that way for a while before letting go, “so, about that fireworks show”
Varian giggled, “you wanna see it now?”
“Yeah I really do, it sounds like a really great way to spend a night, especially after all that we’ve been through”
“What’s it for anyway? Is there a new holiday or something?”
“Well…. Yes and no, see, Corona was almost destroyed by a crazy demon lady and CassAndra herself, the citizens think celebrating our survival is a good idea, they’re calling it, “the 4th of July”, since that’s the day we won and stopped Zhan Tiri and CassAndra”
Varian raised a brow, “the 4th of July?”
“Yeah, the name isn’t very subtle”
“Not at all….”
“But, it’s a nationwide event, one we share with the Dark Kingdom, since it was their Moonstone that was stolen”, Eugene explained, “the girls think the best idea to end the entire day, is with a fireworks show, apparently it’s to celebrate you and Hugo kicking Zhan Tiri’s ass, and her exploding when the Sundrop and Moonstone touched”
Varian blushed, “did they really say that?”
“Yup! And Rapunzel loves the idea!”
The alchemist smiled, “I should apologize for snapping at them”
“Well…. Yes and no, you were grumpy, but they did come into your room without permission and demand fireworks, sooooo….”
Varian giggled and Hugged Eugene again, making the man snicker. After a while, they went outside, Hugo, Angry, Catalina, Lance, Rapjnzel, Queen Arianna, Quirin, Hector, Adira, and Edmund were all waiting for them. Varian and Hugo began to make the fireworks for the show together, a few flirtatious kisses later, the show was ready! Citizens from all over gathered in the kingdom’s square, bringing food, specially made for the occasion, noise makers that Hugo had made himself, games, like pin the tail on the demon, and set up booths to sell merchandise, like balloons of the hero’s of Corona, Varian and Hugo’s being the primary ones
Varian was backstage as the Sun began to dip below the horizon, he let out a shaky breath as he looked through the fireworks for the 100th time that day. He felt his anxiety rising higher and higher, that is, until he was scooped up and hugged by someone. The smell of apples and woods hitting his nose and instantly calming him down, “dad”
“Hi son, are you alright?” Quirin asked
Varian sighed, “nervous…..”
His father smiled, “I can understand why, pretty big show tonight, but you always have the best fireworks, so I wouldn’t worry so much”
“But what if a firework goes awry? What if the show is boring? What if someone gets hurt?!”
“Bubby, it’ll be okay”, his father stated gently, “you’ve got so many friends out there who will cheer you on and help you no matter what happens. We believe in you, it’ll be okay”
Varian looked up at his father, the man’s warm and loving brown eyes melted the teen’s fear until they were nothing but small whispers in the back of his mind. He smiled and hugged his father happily, “I love you dad, so much”
“I love you too, always”, Quirin replied, they broke the hug when they heard Rapunzel begin to speak, “oop! That’s your cue”
“Right!” Varian wriggled out of his father’s grip and gathered his fireworks, setting them up, his father helping, “hey, where’s Hugo?” He asked
“He said something about needing to buy an important item”, Quirin stated
“Oh, will he be back here soon?”
“I’m certain he will, he said he’ll be back in time to set off the first few fireworks with you”
“Oki”
****
“Thank you so much”, Hugo stated, “sorry for grabbing you today or all days”
“It’s no trouble at all Hugo”, Xavier stated gently, “especially not for such a special order like this”, he stated
The blond smiled, “I really appreciate you Xaves, sincerely, you don’t know how much his means to me!”
“I have a pretty good idea, but I’m more than happy to help, though, if you don’t mind me asking, when are you going to do it?”
Hugo blushed, “soon I hope, I wanna make it perfect for him, he deserves the best after all!”
“That he does, is it too much for me to ask for an invitation when the event comes around?”
“Not a big ask at all! If he says yes, you’ll be the first person I’ll invite…. Well…. Second…. Quirin”
The old blacksmith chuckled, “I’ll be more than proud to accept an invitation after Quirin, though, you may want to hurry to his side, the fireworks need to be set off soon”
“Huh?” Hugo looked over and saw Rapunzel getting on stage, “oh shit! Thanks for the warning! See ya later Xaves!” He exclaimed, running off to go find Varian
“You’re welcome Hugo!” Xavier replied, chuckling to himself a little. He then let out a happy sigh as he watched the blond disappear behind the stage, joining Varian he was sure, “to think, it seems like only yesterday when I saw Varian in his mother’s arms. Heh, time sure flies”, he stated before turning to put his tools away, “I hope that ring will serve them well, after all, it’s not everyday you’re asked such a tremendous question, heh heh”
The old blacksmith managed to place his tools away and closed his shop, right in time to see the princess announce the final event, having Hugo and Varian walk on stage together, hand in hand, the crowd cheered for the pair, they waved and bowed, before together, they lit the very first firework, and let it fly, a splash of green and blue filling the sky as everyone cheered with delight!
Notes:
Hello!
Happy 4th of July! If you don’t celebrate, happy Thursday! We’re glad to have you! 😁
So this chapter was actually an idea I’ve had in my head for a while, but I wasn’t able to write it out until now. This was the start of that little conversation between Hugo and Eugene about a certain little box the blond bean had :3 I didn’t know where to put it, because placing it right after the trial seemed a little odd, and placing it after the trip to the Dark Kingdom didn’t match my plan
So here’s the best of both worlds XD a few days after the trial, a few weeks before they leave Corona!
Eugene’s being the emotional support this time, but Lance is the one that helped him figure this all out! Because Lance is king!
Honestly, more Team Awesome time is always a plus in my book, I hope you all enjoy it the same way I do, because these two are adorable together!
Fun fact, I started writing this fic, and posted my first chapter on 7/11/2022, so this is kinda crazy, but the anniversary of this stories creation is coming up! I’d love to hear ideas for how you all wanna celebrate that! :D Maybe with a Q and A?
Either way, thank you all so much for reading, I hope you have a wonderful day/night! Weather you celebrate 4th of July or not, we’re glad you’re here either way!
Chapter 463: Together Forever!
Summary:
Edmund is feeling anxious about the next vision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The vision ended there as everyone stared in stunned silence. That’s when a voice spoke up, “Vali Vanguard, the Royal scientist who stood by King Dakota’s side”, everyone looked and saw Varian sitting behind them on a rock. The alchemist continued to speak, “he was well respected throughout the land, much like one of his later ancestors, Verne. He watched the King get betrayed by his younger brother, Gunther….. He was spared the same fate of the late king. Healed by witnesses, farmers, who had seen the entire thing….. He began to fight back once he was better, King Gunther’s reign was so short lived, he never made it into the Brotherhood. King Dakota’s daughter, Queen Hera, ruled much in the same way he did, gentle and kind. You saw what happened to her….. The King’s and Queen’s began to darken from there, the son of Queen Hera grew cold and unfeeling due to witnessing his mother’s death…… he grew enraged and ravaged war against Arendelle, from there, things only grew worse and worse…..from cruel and greedy kings like King Richard, to cold and unyielding, like King Adder…… The best king from King Dakota to this day, is King Edmund, for his kindness and care….. even through he made a mistake, he protected his people, the place is not the kingdom, the people are. That’ll be proven soon enough, for now however……”
The teen hopped off the rock and walked over to his father, who was still holding Hugo, the duo looked started as the freckled teen was completely silent before he floated into the air and was face to face with Hugo, eyes wide with worry, “are you okay?! You got hurt! You can’t walk! Do you need a pain potion? Are you thirsty? Tired? Do you need help? Are you okay??????”
The blond blinked before he laughed and hugged his boyfriend adoringly, “I love you so much Freckles!”
Varian hugged him back, for a moment they were calm before Varian pulled away with a smirk, “you didn’t answer my question”
Hugo giggled as the group smiled at the pair happily, “I’m alright, my ankle hurts, as does my pride, but both can be fixed”
The alchemist let out a small sigh and nodded, “oki, just so long as you’re alright, that’s all that matters to me”
“Nothing else matters?” Quirin asked sassily
Varian giggled, “oki, aside from the *obvious*, that’s all that matters to me, is that better?”
“Yes”
“Evil jerkface”
“Bratty stinkbomb”
The freckled teen snickered before he hugged Hugo one more time before letting go and backing up a bit, he then sighed before looking at the group, “the next vision….. is gonna be the hardest one to see…..” He looked at Edmund, “especially for you…..”
The Dark King sighed as well, “is it time to see him again already?…..”
“Yeah…… But knowing what you do, has your choice changed on helping these people?”
“…..No”, Edmund stated after a moment of thought, “there are always going to be bad people in the world, but there are wonderful people too, Like Queen Hera and King Dakota, neither of them deserved their fates, and I’m certain there are more people we *won’t* see that don’t deserve their fates either, so no, my answer hasn’t changed”
Varian smiled, “this is why you’re the best grandpa!”
Then Dark King chuckled, “I appreciate that”
Varian grinned before looking at his dad, “I take it you feel the same?”
“Yup”, Quirin replied
“I figured, you’re already the best dad, so-!”
“Excuse you”, Eugene stated, gesturing to his dad
“I’m biased and I’m proud!” Varian exclaimed
Hugo snorted as Eugene laughed, “you’re such a brat!”
“I’m aware of this fact”, the alchemist stated with a smirk before he began to float into the air and pointed south of where they were, “the next vision will be that way, the vision after that is my favorite! But you’ll see why soon, for now, I wish you all the best of luck”
“Are there any monsters we should know about?” Hector asked
“Hmmmm….. Not from what I can remember, you may run into a Drexis or two, but majority have already gone away, so you should be clear, though I’ll still say, be very careful”
“Noted”
Adira smiled at the freckled teen, “enjoying the forest?”
Varian grinned, “if we weren’t on a mission right now, I’d be exploring every *inch* of this place!”
“Oh you would?” Quirin asked sassily
“Yes! I’d sneak past the strict dad blockade with Hugo and we’d run off into the unknown together!”
“I like the sound of that!” Hugo chimed in
“You know, I could hand you over to Eugene”, the retired knight stated with a quirked brow
Hugo snickered, “you really are an evil jerkface”
“Very true”
“Either way”, Varian stated, “yes, I’m enjoying the forest very much, the Moon is telling me a lot about it!”
“About that”, Eugene said, getting the group to look at him, “where do you go when the Moonstone is here?”
“Oh, I go with the Moon. My conscious does anyway, basically, the Moonstone puts me to sleep, the Moon then takes me to keep me safe while the Moonstone uses my body to guide you all through this forest. When I come out, it’s like I just woke up from a nap”
“Oh, so you’re….. dreaming?”
“Sort of, but not really. My body is not dreaming, it’s fully active, but my mind and conscious are dreaming, it’s like when you sleep walk, your body is still active while you yourself are asleep”
“Oh, huh….. does it hurt?”
“Not really, though, I’m gonna be extremely tired when we’re done here. The Moonstone uses magic and energy to control my body, some of which they have to borrow from me. They said it’s not enough to make me sick, but I may be too tired to walk once we’re done here”
“So I’ll be carrying two beans then”, Quirin stated, getting Hugo to look up at him and smile, “I’m okay with that”
Varian giggled, “I look forward to it, either way, that’s how it works right now”
“So how are you not tired now?”
“That’s a little harder to explain, the Moonstone is still in control of my body, but I’m taking over for a short while to speak with you. It’s like when Hugo got hurt and you heard me yell his name. I felt so worried about him that my emotion overtook the Moonstone’s, and for a split second, I was heard”
“Huh….. So your emotion is allowing you to come out?”
“Sort of, the Moonstone is also letting me come out, but keeping us both away and aware by letting me use their magic, which is being powered by the Moon, hence why this is happening at night”
“Wow…. That’s complicated”
“Very!”
Eugene smirked at his little brother, “so you said it’s to the south of us? The last vision”
“Yup!”
“Ok, then we should start heading there”
“Oki, be careful, and good luck! See you soon!” Varian stated before he looked at Hugo, “and you be good”
“No promises”, the blond stated, getting Varian to snicker before he disappeared
“Stickler”, Adira stated
“Hm?” Quirin asked, looking at her
“Your child just disappeared and left small sparkles behind”, she stated, plucking a sparkle from her hair and showing it to him
The retired knight chuckled, “I think that’s stardust, doesn’t surprise me since he’s been with the Moon”
“I see….. I suppose I’ll keep it for him then, I’m certain he’ll want some”, she stated, pocketing the small speckle of stardust
“He will indeed, thank you”
“You’re welcome”
****
“Wow, the Moon’s getting very high in that sky, isn’t she?” Eugene stated
“Fish Skin, you’ve said that about 7 times now”, Adira stated, slightly annoyed by the repetition
“I know I have, but everyone’s so quiet now and I have no idea what else to talk about”
“So you talk about the Moon?”
“Well, this is the Dark Kingdom, lover of all things Moon!”
Quirin chuckled, “he’s not wrong Adira”
“Still”, the face painted warrior stated
The retired knight sighed and stopped walking, turning to look at the group, “how about we take a small break yeah? I think the long walks are starting to weigh on us now”
“That would be a good idea”, Edmund agreed before he froze and grinned, “awww! He fell asleep?”
Quirin smiled before looking down at the small teen he held in his arms, “yeah he did, tuckered out not too far after we saw Varian”
The group gathered close to the man as they smiled lovingly at Hugo. The blond was clinging to Quirin’s vest, his cheek pressed against the man’s chest as well, right over his heart. He was whistling slightly everytime he let out a breath, and he was curled into a ball, knees to his chin, making Quirin hold him bridle style
“Ok, they really do look like little angels when they sleep!” The Dark King exclaimed
“Yeah until they wake up and start flirting with your tiny brother”, Eugene grumped, “I will admit that he’s cute here though, tuckered himself out I guess”
“Well it’s been an exciting day after all”, the retired knight stated, “he went on his first big adventure, that tuckers a bean out”
Eugene snickered, “you’re enjoying every bit of this aren’t you?”
“Oh a hundred percent”
The group chuckled before they found a spot and sat down, resting for a moment or two. Everyone let out a sigh of relief as they sat, “you never really understand how tired you are until you sit down”, Edmund stated
“Very true”, Adira agreed
“I think I can sufficiently say we’ve all done our exercises for the day”, Eugene joked, electing a few laughs from his father and Quirin
Then group grew silent for a moment or two after that before Hector spoke up, “so….. do any of you feel sick to your stomach like I do?…..”
“You feel sick Hector?” Edmund asked worriedly
“Not in the traditional way, I mean….. Watching the former Queens and Kings die in such horrific ways…… it….. makes me feel sick….. The way they suffered…..”
The group grew quiet before Adira sighed, “I agree…. For the most part, some of them deserved their fate, King Richard for example”
“Oh he was a definite dick-tator, but still…..” Hector said before shuddering
“…..Do you ever get the feeling that the reason we’re here is so we can give them peace somehow?” Eugene asked
“Well that’s what the Moonstone said, but I’m not sure how to do that”, Adira replied, “I mean….. we aren’t the ones that killed them, they died before our time, are we just supposed to remember?”
“Maybe…. Maybe we have to forgive them…..” Edmund stated softly, getting the group to look at him, “I get the feeling that forgiveness is what they’re searching for…..”
Eugene stared at his father for a while before he spoke, “……Dad did…. Did mom ever-!”
“No”, Edmund stated immediately, “she never joined the Brotherhood, I wouldn’t let her. She didn’t like that I wouldn’t, but I don’t care! I did not allow her to be apart of the Brotherhood, I didn’t want this to be her end….. She’d been fighting her entire life, I promised her peace and love, and that’s what I gave her”
Eugene let out a small sigh of relief at that before he noticed Adira and Hector watching him, “s-sorry, I just-!”
“It’s fine, we’re not mad that you’re relief Queen Eden didn’t join the Brotherhood”, Hector stated
“We’re just surprised you’d ask”, Adira added
“I….. huh?”
Quirin let out a small sigh, “he doesn’t mean it that way”, he stated, getting the group to look at him, “he was merely worried is all”
“Quirin?” Eugene asked
“They got a little offended”, the retired knight stated, “see, they’re defensive of King Edmund, I am too of course, but I understood what you meant by your question. That you’re just worried, you don’t think badly of your father or any Brotherhood member, but seeing all these horrible deaths is scary, and you being worried about seeing your mother’s passing is just as worrying”
“Yeah, how…. How did they take it?”
“That you would think King Edmund would be the kind of man that would have forced Queen Eden into the Brotherhood too, but then again, that’s not really fair of us….” Hector stated, “sorry”
“I-it’s fine, but why would think that *thats* what I meant?”
The wild tamer sighed, “seeing all the fucking visions of the past kinda…. Makes you think about that past….. During which people were cruel to your dad…. Even when he was the king…. They didn’t trust him…. He was a good king, but they were anxious because of all the stuff they’d been through with King Richard and King Adder…..”
“To be fair, me kicking them out probably didn’t help….” Edmund stated
“You did what you had to to keep them safe”, Adira stated
“Still….”
“No, no ‘still’”, Hector stated, “you kept them safe, you kept *us* safe, no matter what, you did the right thing, and now look!” He gestured to the group, “we’re back, the family’s grown, we’re rebuilding the kingdom, the Moonstone and Sundrop are together again, and we’re not dead! That’s because you made a sacrifice to take on the burden of your mistake by yourself, and you got everything back because of that! So there’s no, ‘still’, at all, there’s only this, us. And anyone who doubts that is gonna get their ass kicked by the sharp side of my boot!”
Suddenly, Hugo began to mumble in his sleep. Quirin looked at him before he raised a brow at his brother, “Hector…..”
“Right, right, sleeping spawn, got it”, the wild tamer stated before sighing, “it’s true though”
Quirin nodded, “it’s very true”
Eugene nodded, “I agree, I know dad did what he had to do, I’m glad he did it, I wouldn’t have met Blondie, Varian, or even that sleeping shrimp had you not done what you did”
“Sleeping shrimp?” Quirin asked with a snicker
“He’s tiny and a brat”
Quirin chuckled before he noticed Edmund’s anxious look, “hey, it’ll be alright”, he said softly
“I….. I hope so Quirin…..” Edmund replied
“…..King Adder was cruel and horrid, but he is not a reflection of you”, Adira stated, “just as Wild Child’s parents are not a reflection on him. You are judged on your choices, not his, the Moon knows that”
The Dark King nodded, “thank you…..”
The group was quiet before Eugene spoke up, “dad….. What’s wrong?”
Edmund sighed, “I-I’m sorry, it’s just….. seeing him again isn’t just going to reignite my guilt, but it’s…. It’s hard…. It scares me…. Because this man…. He was…. So big compared to me….. So strong, too strong….. I could never compete with him…. I never stood a chance….. What he did to Quirin……”
The retired knight winced a little as he rubbed his throat gently, “I don’t blame you”
“But still…..”
“Still nothing”, Quirin stated gently, keeping an eye on Hugo before he continued, “you and me are best friends, we grew up together, sure, you were Eugene’s age and I was Varian’s-!”
“Funny how that worked out by the way”, Edmund stated, getting Eugene to smirk
“*however*, you are not your father, just as Eugene isn’t you and Varian isn’t me. You didn’t commit those atrocities, you didn’t cause me pain both physically and mentally, you are not King Adder, and you never will be. You are King Edmund, and I love King Edmund, he’s my king, he’s Hector and Adira’s king, he’s the father to Eugene Fitzherbert, he’s the grandfather to Varian and Hugo Vanguard-!”
“Uh but Hugo-!”
“He’s an honorary Vanguard until the knot is tied, that’s not up for debate, either way, you’re a good King, a wonderful father, a fantastic grandpa, and my best friend. I know you’re scared, but he’s not able to hurt you anymore, and if he tries, he knows what’ll happen”
Edmund stared at his knight, “Quirin….”
“I’ll keep you safe, like I did before, always”
Edmund smiled before he felt two hands in his shoulders, looking he saw Hector and Adira smiling at him, “we will too” they stated
The Dark King’s eyes shimmered with happy tears as he smiled at all three of them, “thank you”
As the group continued to chat for a while. Hugo woke up not too long after, and once he was fully awake, they began their trek once again
****
“Heh, it kinda tickles”, Hugo stated as he smiled happily at the star in his hands
“It’s a little tingly, I agree with that”, Quirin replied with a smile, “make sure to keep it up however, I still need to see”
“Will do”, the blond said, raising it just a touch so the retired knight could see the path in front of him, “so…. Why does this star work for me again?”
“I think it’s because of Varian”, Eugene stated with a smirk
“Freckles?”
“Yeah, the Moonstone mentioned it would glow when you touched it too, and that apparently Varian loved that”
“Heh, I love Freckles”
“We know”, Hector stated with a sassy grin, getting Hugo to stick his tongue out at the tamer, who chuckled
Edmund smiled at the pair before he saw the star begin to shine brightly, “oh my, looks like we’re close”
“Not close”, Quirin stated, “we’re here”, he gestured to something in front of him, getting the group to look and see the Moonstone standing there
“Hello there”, the Moonstone greeted, “you’ve made it”
“Not startling is this time?” Hector asked
“Hugo is being held in Quirin’s arms, Varian doesn’t want to risk him being dropped”
Quirin chuckled as Hugo blushed, “how he doing up there?” The blond asked
“He’s in good heath, though he is worried about this next vision…..” the Moonstone looked at Edmund directly, “are you ready?”
The Dark King was quiet for a moment or two before he sighed and nodded, “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be…..”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry about no chapter yesterday, I was busy and didn’t get a chance to type it out, however, I made this chapter longer than what was intended, so I hope that helps a little
I love Edmund, I think he’s a wonderful character who needs more screen time ❤️🎶 I’m exited for the next chapter because it’s going to dive into his and Quirin’s dynamic when Quirin was a young bean! I’m excited to explore that aspect of their relationship more! 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 464: Vision 4: Adder!
Summary:
The group sees the 4th Vision….. King Adder….. Edmund’s Father….
Notes:
TRIGGER WARNING:
This chapter depicts acts of child abuse! And a lot of it! If you are sensitive to this topic, please do not read this chapter! Reader discretion is advised!
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy!🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group was quiet before Eugene spoke up, “dad….. What’s wrong?”
Edmund sighed, “I-I’m sorry, it’s just….. seeing him again isn’t just going to reignite my guilt, but it’s…. It’s hard…. It scares me…. Because this man…. He was…. So big compared to me….. So strong, too strong….. I could never compete with him…. I never stood a chance….. What he did to Quirin……”
The retired knight winced a little as he rubbed his throat gently, “I don’t blame you”
“But still…..”
“Still nothing”, Quirin stated gently, keeping an eye on Hugo before he continued, “you and me are best friends, we grew up together, sure, you were Eugene’s age and I was Varian’s-!”
“Funny how that worked out by the way”, Edmund stated, getting Eugene to smirk
“*however*, you are not your father, just as Eugene isn’t you and Varian isn’t me. You didn’t commit those atrocities, you didn’t cause me pain both physically and mentally, you are not King Adder, and you never will be. You are King Edmund, and I love King Edmund, he’s my king, he’s Hector and Adira’s king, he’s the father to Eugene Fitzherbert, he’s the grandfather to Varian and Hugo Vanguard-!”
“Uh but Hugo-!”
“He’s an honorary Vanguard until the knot is tied, that’s not up for debate, either way, you’re a good King, a wonderful father, a fantastic grandpa, and my best friend. I know you’re scared, but he’s not able to hurt you anymore, and if he tries, he knows what’ll happen”
Edmund stared at his knight, “Quirin….”
“I’ll keep you safe, like I did before, always”
Edmund smiled before he felt two hands on his shoulders, looking he saw Hector and Adira smiling at him, “we will too” they stated
The Dark King’s eyes shimmered with happy tears as he smiled at all three of them, “thank you”
As the group continued to chat for a while, Hugo woke up, and once he was fully awake, they began their trek once again
****
“Heh, it kinda tickles”, Hugo stated as he smiled happily at the star in his hands
“It’s a little tingly, I agree with that”, Quirin replied with a smile, “make sure to keep it up however, I still need to see”
“Will do”, the blond said, raising it just a touch so the retired knight could see the path in front of him, “so…. Why does this star work for me again?”
“I think it’s because of Varian”, Eugene stated with a smirk
“Freckles?”
“Yeah, the Moonstone mentioned it would glow when you touched it too, and that apparently Varian loved that”
“Heh, I love Freckles”
“We know”, Hector stated with a sassy grin, getting Hugo to stick his tongue out at the tamer, who chuckled
Edmund smiled at the pair before he saw the star begin to shine brightly, “oh my, looks like we’re close”
“Not close”, Quirin stated, “we’re here”, he gestured to something in front of him, getting the group to look and see the Moonstone standing there
“Hello there”, the Moonstone greeted, “you’ve made it”
“Not startling us this time?” Hector asked
“Hugo is being held in Quirin’s arms, Varian doesn’t want to risk him being dropped”
Quirin chuckled as Hugo blushed, “how’s he doing up there?” The blond asked
“He’s in good heath, though he is worried about this next vision…..” the Moonstone looked at Edmund directly, “are you ready?”
The Dark King was quiet for a moment or two before he sighed and nodded, “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be…..”
The Moonstone nodded, “very well”, they stepped back and allowed the group to pass, as Quirin and Edmund did so, they spoke one last time before the vision took over them, in a soft voice, sounding almost concerned as they passed, “be careful….”
That’s when the vision began:
*They were in the Dark Kingdom castle, the only different being that it was less destroyed than now. They stood in the throne room, and as they looked around, a very large and muscular man, who looked like an older version of Edmund himself. The differences being that Edmund had more muscle as he is in the present, however this man was not weak…. He was tall, about 6”7’! His beard was grey, his eyes were dark and angry, his face had an ever present scowl on it, he was not a kind looking man, far from the child he’d help create. Speaking of, said child walked inside sheepishly, he was looking at the floor as he approached his father, every guard and maid stood up straighter as the tension rose *sharply* when the boy stopped and waited for his father to speak
“Edmund”, King Adder stated, his voice cold and raspy, it had a bite to it, almost like a snake as he addressed his only child, “why are you late”
The question came out as more of a snap, accusing the small boy of something no one knew he’d done, “I…..” Prince Edmund began, he was shaking, he looked to be no more than 4, maybe 5 at the most, he was very tiny, much smaller than anyone expected him to be, course, that could be because the small child was sinking into himself, his eyes filled with tears of fears as he stared at the floor, something Hugo could relate to on a personal level…… “I-I’m sorry f-father…..” he replied sheepishly
“Sorry does not tell me where you WERE!” Added snapped, Prince Edmund wincing harshly as the word bounced through the halls, “now does it….”
“I-I was…. U-um…. B-by the castle….. w-watching the g-guards t-train….. a-and practicing m-my own training…. It r-ran a little l-late, I’m s-sorry f-father…..”
That’s when the child heard the King sigh, and began to shake even more…. His hand wrung so violently that the group could see small cuts being made by the child’s nervous nails….. “You are not a guard, but a Prince. What does a Prince do”
Again, the question came out as more of an accusation as little Edmund tried to answer, “w-we um…. W-we r-rule over, a-and protect, o-out people, a-and-!”
“WRONG!” Adder shouted, walking over to his child faster than anyone expected and slapping him *hard*! Making the poor boy fall to the ground, “WE DO NOT PROTECT! OUR GUARDS DO!” He yelled before he stopped when Edmund shook so violently that every maid in that room nearly lunged forwards to make sure he hadn’t been seizing….. King Adder turned away and let out another sigh, allowing Prince Edmund to stand up, shakily, and look at the floor again, his cheeks were laced with golf ball sized tears and it had a nasty bruise that bled where his father had slapped him….. “….get him out of my *sight*”, the man snapped, making Edmund, both in the past, and in the present, flinch harshly….. “He will not get food for two days…. Next time, be *on time*”
“Y-yes f-f-father…..” Edmund replied before one of the maids quickly led him out of the room…..
They walked through the halls, neither said a word until they made it to the prince’s room. The maid quickly grabbed a doctor, the medical professional looked the prince over and healed his wound before leaving without a word. “……I’m s-sorry….” Edmund said to the maid, she gave him a very sad look, he could tell her heart was breaking, he didn’t know it was for him, all he knew what that she was sad…. And it made him feel even worse as she closed the door behind her, not having any other choice as the tiny prince began to cry…..
****
King Adder looked a little older now, but nothing much has changed about him, save for the extra wrinkles on his face. He was sitting on his throne, glaring at Prince Edmund, who was 18 years old now, had brought in a small, 7 year old, begger by the looks of things, he was dressed in raggedy clothing and barely looked like he was sustaining himself. The chief chef of the castle was next to the guard, he looked angry as he held a large loaf of bread in his hands, “this boy is a thief your majesty! He snuck in through the window and tried to steal my bread!” The chef complained
“This boy is just a boy!” Edmund argued, “he doesn’t look anymore than 7 to me! And yet you intend to disable him for the rest of his days simply because he’s hungry?!”
“IT IS THE PUNISHMENT FOR THIEVES!”
“IT IS *WRONG*!” Edmund yelled, “this boy isn’t old enough to work, he doesn’t seem to have a family by the looks of things, what do you just want him to *starve*?! Is *that* the message we send to our people?! You’re only as useful as how much money you make, so get to work or die?!”
The chef huffed, “Prince Edmund, as much as I understand your point of view, he’s a *thief*! And a well known one too! Just the other day he stole food from a merchant in the square! That food pays for the wellbeing’s of families! While I understand your anger by this turn of events, this boy cannot keep stealing!”
“So then teach him! Don’t cut off his hand! He’s a *child*, a *hungry* child!”
“He’s stolen far more than the food from this castle!”
“Has he stolen anything other than food?” Edmund asked, “like gold? Even silver? Has he stolen jewelry? Has he?”
The chef shook his head, “no, but stealing of any kind is still wrong!”
“I agree, but where do you draw the line between stealing and survival? This child wants to live, should we not applaud his courage and help him survive? We could teach him and give him a home! Dress and feed him, show him kindness, if we do, he won’t have any reason to steal! Would that not be better?”
“Enough!” The King snapped, startling the 7 year old and making Prince Edmund flinch, “I’ve heard both arguments. Normally, I’d agree with the chef, but I have a proposition for my *son*…..”
Edmund looked at his father, he couldn’t look the man in his eyes, unable to gather enough courage, but he managed to climb to his mouth at the very least, it was a start, “w-w-…..” he cleared his throat and began again, “what proposition…. D-did you have in mind…… f-father”
“You seem to have faith in this boy, you think he can change, am I correct, Edmund flinched but nodded, “fine. Then I’ll leave him to you”
“Your majesty!” A man spoke up, it was the Captain of the royal guard, he’d been standing beside the king this entire time, listening and watching, constantly glaring at the boy, “this child is a *street rat!* Surely having something like *that* in the castle would do much more harm than good!”
“I understand your qualms Captain, but I feel a lesson needs to be learned here”, the King stated, making Edmund shudder, “this child will be left in the prince’s possession. The Prince will take care of it, feed it, teach it, and care for it. Should the child steal, the Prince shall bear its punishment by means of a lashing given by myself. Should the Prince decide he’s had enough of his frightful fantasies about seeing the best in people, the child will be thrown back into the streets, should the Prince prove me wrong and the child does change for the better, the child shall remain in the castle and live a life the Prince decides, and the prince’s ways of thinking shall be considered”. The Captain got a dark look on his face as he stared at the child, the 7 year old gulped and shivered as King Adder spoke up once again, “of course this can all be avoided if the Prince simply allows the rules I’ve set in place for this kingdom to play out as they should, and the child be given the proper punishment for his crimes. What say you, Prince Edmund….”
The teen was frozen for a while, he shook and hesitated a little before he glanced at the boy standing next to him, the shiver the 7 year old gave, the way the rags were stained with patches of blood from previous injuries, and the look of utter fear in those big brown eyes made the Dark Prince’s decision easy, for the first time in his life, he looked his father directly in the eyes and spoke clearly with all the fake confidence he could muster, “I accept these terms. I will teach, care for, train, and even educate this boy, he will remain with me, and so will bear any punishment should he steal again”
The King was slightly startled by the Prince’s statement, but nodded, “fine, we are agreed then, dismissed”
The chef huffed before walking away, the Captain stayed with the King as Edmund gently guided the 7 year old away, once they were out of the throne room, Edmund stopped and knelt down in front of the child, he smiled, “sorry about that”, he said softly, “my name is Edmund, could I get yours? Since we’ll be living together, we might as well address ourselves properly right?”
The child hesitated for a long time before he finally spoke up, “Q….. Q-Quirin….. I-I’m Quirin…..”
Edmund smiled happily, “nice to meet you Quirin!”
****
The kingdom was calm that day as King Adder sighed before he gave the whip he’d just been using to his Captain, “have that cleaned for the next use”, he stated
“Yes your majesty, if I may ask, how many times have you lashed the Prince because of that street rat?”
“Twice. Both were food based, which was far less than I thought I’d have to”, King Adder stated, “but I made sure the message got across. He won’t be laying on his back anytime soon”
“Heh, serves him right….”
“Indeed”, the Dark King stated as he watched the prince begin to walk out of the room they’d just been in, his blood staining the back of his shirt
Suddenly, the throne room door opened slightly, and Quirin’s head peeked in, the moment he saw Prince Edmund, he ran to him! Embracing the prince and crying. Both the Captain and King heard him apologizing to the prince, over and over and over again. Edmund didn’t hesitate to hug him back, holding the little boy close to his heart, ignoring the pain his back gave him as he held onto the boy and forgave him instantly. This startled the pair, “I thought….” The Captain began, but didn’t finish that sentence
The King glared *daggers* at the pair, he’d hoped the prince would grow angry with the boy, he’d lashed the prince’s back for an *hour*! Leaving scars that would make even the most hardened criminal cringe! However the Prince took every blow, without complaint or even a *ounce* of pain! He continued to grow closer and closer to the child, and it made the Dark King *ANGRY*……
****
“Father!” Edmund snapped, “ANSWER ME!” He yelled, he was 25 years old now, Quirin was 14, he held the tiny teen in his arms as he glared *daggers* at the King, “TELL ME!”
“IT WAS TO MAKE SURE YOU LEARNED!” The King yelled back, glaring right back at the Prince, “you and this THING are not meant to be friends! You are a PRINCE! You will rule this kingdom someday, and I will NOT have you ruin it by your FLIGHTS OF FANCY WITH THIS URCHIN!”
“HIS NAME IS *QUIRIN*!” Edmund yelled, “Quirin Vanguard! Damn it father the Vanguards have been helping this kingdom for EONS! Yet you’ve SET HIM UP TO FAIL!” He snapped, tears threatening to fall from his water filled eyes as he stared at the man before him, “you claim to want your kingdom to thrive, yet you hurt those who live in it on a constant basis!” He exclaimed, “you set Quirin up because you can’t admit that you were WRONG! He hasn’t stolen in YEARS! He’s been good and passed every single test you’ve thrown his way! Even that DISGUSTING TRAINING you put him through YEARS ago hasn’t stopped him!” The Captain of the royal guards, who was standing by as all this happened, winced, “and you can’t accept that so you set him up to fail! What does that say about you?! We have a fucking *COWARD* AS OUR *KING*!”
“BITE YOUR TONGUE YOU INCESSANT *SWINE*!” He yelled, standing up and slapping Edmund, making the Prince stumble back a bit, he didn’t fall however, standing his ground as he glared at the man again, tears falling down his face as Quirin reached a shaky hand up to touch his cheek gently, “that *THING* is not worthy of being in this CASTLE!”
Quirin winced before he felt Edmund take his hand gently, holding it to calm the teen down as he continued to glare at the Dark King, “if you think I’m such swine, then wouldn’t it have been better to r-rid yourself of m-me?” He asked, his voice cracking just a smidge due to his emotion, “d-don’t you think it would’ve b-been easier for you to k-kill me when I was young if I n-never meant a-anything to you? Why didn’t you k-kill me back then, if you h-hated me so much…..” The Dark King stayed quiet, “I hate you…..” Edmund stated, “I hate you s-so much….. You’re the worst person I’ve ever met, a-and I’ve seen some pretty *awful* people….. You’re a coward and horrible….. I will NEVER be like you….. ever……. And if I ever turn into you, I hope I *die* before harming anyone the way you have…… I hate you….. From now on, stay away from my kid, *FAR* away….. Or I swear you can get yourself a new prince…… My threat still stands your *majesty*, fuck every broad in this kingdom, because I will *leave* if you try to hurt him again……”
With that, Prince Edmund took Quirin and left, the small teen hugging the Prince to try and comfort him. The dark King watched the Prince go before the Captain walked over, “he’s getting too bold your majesty….. It’s because of that street rat….”
“Yes…..” King Adder stated, “one thing is very clear….. That *thing* needs to go….. they’re going on a trip are they not?”
“Yes, for the street rat’s 15 birthday or whatever…. Apparently it’s some sort of ‘special training’”
“I see…. Perhaps it’s time I put a few things together…..”
****
The vision turned to shadow, it showed a tiny Adira and Hector training together at night, they seemed to be in their teen years at this point, so it’d been a while since they joined the Dark Kingdom. As the group watched, the duo continued to spar until they were called in for supper, they ran inside and ate before they went to bed that night. Eden, who was shown to be wearing a right on her left hand, fell asleep as well, having eaten dinner with the two children while Quirin and Prince Edmund continued to train. When the duo came in that night, they looked around, something seemed off to them…..
The group heard Edmund whisper something to Quirin, they couldn’t understand what he’d said, but it made the knight stay behind the prince as they looked around. Quirin had his dual blades out, Edmund had his axe, they checked on Adira, Hector, and Eden, all three were asleep, though Quirin had made a discovery when he saw Eden, “drugged…..” he whispered, chilling everyone to the bone….
Edmund led the way through the castle until he saw an opened door, he and Quirin nodded to each other before they entered, looking around once more, a few guards jumped the duo! They managed to pin the prince and knight, both were caught way too off guard to be able to stop them. That’s when King Adder appeared, he had a poisoned dagger in his hands, and began to approach the duo, his words could be heard, echoing throughout the vision, “that street rat is not meant to be here….. he’s corrupted your mind….. I will set you free of his curse…. I’ll take that wench away as well, send her to a convent where she belongs, the little girl will be sent with her, and that tiny boy with be sent back to where he came from….. you’ve been given too many liberties Prince Edmund….. I tire of these games, these flights of fancy….. it’s time to stop. This kingdom will get the king it needs, even if that king ends up in the dungeons until the day I die, he will rule…. And he will rule MY WAY!”
The old King was right in front of Quirin, he held the poisoned dagger above him, but when he went to stab the knight, Quirin had managed to kick the Dark King’s knees, knocking him down! The knight was then beaten by the guards, but he managed to get free thanks to Prince Edmund, who’d flung the guards off of him in the nick of time. Both men were free, they chose to run, trying to find a way out of the small room they were clearly outnumbered in….. The Captain stood in their path, managing to cut and injure both before they could leave!
King Adder came up from behind the duo and grabbed onto Prince Edmund, “LET GO!” Edmund’s voice yelled, his fear was so prominent, his voice was shaking
“IF YOU WILL NOT LISTEN! THEN YOU SHALL DIE AS WELL!” King Adder screamed
“I DON’T WANT TO DIE!” Edmund begged, “LET GO! FATHER! *P-PLEASE*!”
During this time, Quirin was being beaten by the Captain of the guard, who’d pinned him to keep him from resisting his fate! When Prince Edmund’s desperate plea’s reached him however, something broke in the knight, something he’d never felt before. The man froze, the Captain continuing to hurt him, but he suddenly wasn’t struggling anymore, he didn’t move, didn’t cringe, until the Captain raised his fist once again, only then did the Knight finally move as he punched the man right in the face!
The Captain’s body flew a few feet back as Quirin got up, the Captain got up as well and ran to the man, but Quirin didn’t hold back any longer, he dodged every hit, stopped every punch, and beat the Captain black and bloody! The corrupted man fell to the floor with a thud, only for the knight to turn and look to his Prince. He ran to him, Edmund was still struggling with his father, and Quirin didn’t hesitated, “LET GOT OF MY DAD!” He yelled, before he kicked the old King, knocking him away from Prince Edmund
Edmund fell, but was still alive as he backed away, his axe was lost in the battle, the old King stood and laughed, “YOU WANT TO DIE TOGETHER?! *FINE*!!!!!”
The Dark King ran forwards, the poisoned dagger at the ready to pierce them both! Quirin didn’t anywhere to run, the Prince was hurt, he was hurt, his family was in danger, there was only one choice…..
Quirin had kept his dual blades, took a fighting stance, and as the old King ran to him, he waited, he only had one shot…..
King Adder swung the dagger, piercing Quirin’s chest, and Quirin, in one foul swoop, decapitated the King……
Adder’s body fell to the floor in a heap, his head rolled away from the pair, Edmund stared, mouth agape, in shock, before he watched Quirin fall as well, “QUIRIN!!!!” The Prince yelled, before he ran over and caught his knight! Quirin was passed out, Edmund stared in shook before he looked at the remaining guards, he glared at them, “I’m the K-King n-now! My father is dead, my knight is p-poisoned! Get him to a doctor NOW!”
The guards didn’t hesitate, they quickly grabbed Quirin and took him away as Edmund turned to look at his father’s corpse. He knelt down and closed the man’s eyes, before he took the crown off the decapitated head, and, removing his princely crown, placed the King’s crown on top of his head, before he fell to his knees, and cried…..*
The vision faded, the group stared in shock, before Quirin spoke up, “…….July 7th…. 10:35PM….. Prince Edmund and I finished our sparring and found Eden, Adira, Hector, and some of the Prince’s favorite guards, had been drugged with a sleeping potion….. Prince Edmund and I went to investigate and found a door left wide open….. We entered the room, Prince Edmund told me to stay close to him….. He had a bad feeling….. 11:05PM, King Adder and his guards ambushed us in a small, empty room….. We fought, but we were outnumbered….. 11:14PM, I heard my prince screaming…. B-begging for his life to be spared…. Saying he didn’t want to die…… 11:15PM….. I broke….. I attacked the Captain and knocked him out, the guards that tried to stop me grew afraid and backed away, I attacked King Adder where he stood and made him fly backwards….. Prince Edmund was safe, but King Adder ran at us with a poisoned dagger, after threatening me, my Prince, my best friend Eden, and my two siblings, Hector as Adira…… And having nowhere else to go….. I only had one choice…. And….. A-at 11:17PM…… I killed King Adder….. To save my Prince and family…… He died by my hands…. by my swords….. His head fell to the floor because I deemed him too dangerous to live anymore….. I watched the life drain from his eyes…. And…… 11:19PM….. I fainted due to the poisoned dagger shoved in my chest……” Quirin sniffled as his eyes filled with tears, the slid down his cheeks as the images replayed in his mind, “……I’m a murderer…..”
Edmund’s own tears slid down his face as he walked forwards and hugged his knight, as the rest of the group simply stared in shock……
Notes:
Hello
So…… I’m not gonna say much here…. I’ll let the chapter speak for itself….. this one…. Was very hard to write……
If you’ve been through abuse, know that you’re not alone, and that you’re safe here, you’ve safe with this story and with this community! We’re so glad to have you here, and I hope you know, I only write this chapter, and others that have this topic, to bring awareness. I do not take abuse lightly, having suffered from it myself….. Please know that you are loved and wanted and cared about, anyone who’s in that situation now, you’re strong, even when you feel weak, you’re strong and you are a wonderful person ❤️ I’m so glad you’re here, I sincerely am ❤️🎶 I hope you continue to be here, sincerely ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 465: Coming to Terms!
Summary:
Quirin needs help coming to terms with what he did!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The vision faded, the group stared in shock, before Quirin spoke up, “…….July 7th…. 10:35PM….. Prince Edmund and I finished our sparring and found Eden, Adira, Hector, and some of the Prince’s favorite guards, had been drugged with a sleeping potion….. Prince Edmund and I went to investigate and found a door left wide open….. We entered the room, Prince Edmund told me to stay close to him….. He had a bad feeling….. 11:05PM, King Adder and his guards ambushed us in a small, empty room….. We fought, but we were outnumbered….. 11:14PM, I heard my prince screaming…. B-begging for his life to be spared…. Saying he didn’t want to die…… 11:15PM….. I broke….. I attacked the Captain and knocked him out, the guards that tried to stop me grew afraid and backed away, I attacked King Adder where he stood and made him fly backwards….. Prince Edmund was safe, but King Adder ran at us with a poisoned dagger, after threatening me, my Prince, my best friend Eden, and my two siblings, Hector as Adira…… And having nowhere else to go….. I only had one choice…. And….. A-at 11:17PM…… I killed King Adder….. To save my Prince and family…… He died by my hands…. by my swords….. His head fell to the floor because I deemed him too dangerous to live anymore….. I watched the life drain from his eyes…. And…… 11:19PM….. I fainted due to the poisoned dagger shoved in my chest……” Quirin sniffled as his eyes filled with tears, the slid down his cheeks as the images replayed in his mind, “……I’m a murderer…..”
Edmund’s own tears slid down his face as he walked forwards and hugged his knight, as the rest of the group simply stared in shock……
No one knew what to say or do as they watched the Dark King try to comfort his knight. The memories of the vision they’d just seen danced in their heads like a song. Hugo, who was still in Quirin’s arms, clung to the man, trying to both process and comfort at the same time, but it didn’t seem to help
“…..you’re not a murderer….” A quiet voice spoke up, getting the group to look and see Varian standing behind them, he was staring right at his father, eyes filled with worry and determination, “you’re not”, he stated, “you killed a murderer. There’s a difference”
“I…. I-I took another man’s life…. Two if you count-!” Quirin started to say
“I don’t!” Varian interrupted, “King Frederic died at the hands of Cassandra, the Mind Trap, and Zhan Tiri! You *begged* people to stay away, you slashed at *everyone* who came close! That was not your doing! His death is *NOT* your fault!” Varian exclaimed, “just like King Adder….. He was going to kill you, he would’ve placed Hector back with his abusive parents, sent Adira and Queen Eden away to a convent, and left Grandpa alone to suffer! You acted in self defense and if anyone tells you otherwise then they’re WRONG!” His voice echoed on that final word as he stamped his foot onto the ground to accentuate his point. His eyes were glowing with determination as he looked at his father again, “you’ve saved *hundreds* of people! You’ve helped *so many* find their path in life! You gave Hugo a home when you owed him *nothing*! You’ve led a village and helped them prosper off the back of *your* labor even when the King was a *maniac*! And what’s more? You *saved* grandpa! He was the prince at that point, you saved him! He got together with Queen Eden, and had Eugene *after*! Then Eugene went on to save Rapunzel, and Rapunzel turned around and helped *me*! Everything you’ve done has come back, but not to bite you, only to help! Had you died there, grandpa would’ve been shaped into that man’s image, Eugene never would’ve been born, and I never would have either! Gothel would still be alive, Rapunzel would’ve been born and kidnapped, Eugene wouldn’t have rescued her because he wouldn’t be there, Rapunzel herself wouldn’t have gone anywhere had Eugene not been around, *WHO KNOWS* where *Lance* may have ended up! Let alone Catalina and Angry!The Dark Kingdom would be forever changed had you not killed that damn murderer before he killed you and hurt grandpa! Grandpa may have even turned out like him had you not done what you did! You think that killing someone is horrible, and it is if you kill someone innocent! But that man was anything *but* innocent or even kind! He would’ve torn everything apart and changed and manipulated a man into being what he wanted him to be! Did you notice that Grandpa only stood up to his dad because of you?! Did you notice that he only began to speak out because you came into the picture? When Adira and Hector joined, that only strengthened his resolve! But you were the first step, you were what he needed, and I won’t let you call yourself a murderer after you SAVED SOMEONE’S LIFE AND FUTURE!”
Everyone was startled by that as Varian panted a little before he sighed and blushed, looking away in embarrassment. Eugene smiled and nodded, walking over and placing a hand on Varian’s shoulder before looking at Quirin, “I couldn’t have said that better myself”
“I…..” The retired knight began, sniffling before sighing, “I-I still….. Y-yes, they were horrible people, a-and maybe it wasn’t *entirely* my fault, but I s-still *killed* people…..” he sighed before continuing, “N-neither of them wanted to die, neither of them expected to…. I….. I appreciate the kind words but…. I s-still…. I still took the lives of two men….. and I can’t…. I c-can’t forgive myself for that……. I can’t…..”
“Quirin”, Eugene stated, “you saved my father, and you saved my mother. Technically you also saved me because I wouldn’t have been born had that man killed you and had full control over Edmund. And if I *had* been born, I wouldn’t be who I am today, and I’m happy with who I turned out to be, plus”, he scooped Varian up, making the teen let out a startled meep in surprise, “we wouldn’t have this thing if you were killed! And I like this thing! It’s a good thing!”
Varian blushed, “I like you too”
Eugene smiled at the alchemist before he looked back at Quirin once again, “you have, single-handedly, saved the further of everyone here because you protected my dad from his evil parent. Instead of feeling horrible for doing so, how about you replace it with my gratitude, instead of thinking about who you killed, think about who you saved, like this thing”, he nodded to Varian, “or that thing”, he nodded to Hugo, “because that thing like this thing, and both things need each other”
Hugo snickered as Varian blushed even more, “he’s right”, the inventor stated
“I know”, Varian replied with a smile
The retired knight gave a soft chuckle, but remained slightly unconvinced, that’s when Edmund himself spoke up, “if it helps, he may no longer be here now, but we’re helping him find peace in the afterlife. I know you still feel guilty, but we can do this at the very least, maybe….. knowing that we helped him in some small way….. can help you come to terms with what you had to do. Because I feel guilty about his death too….
“You do?” Quirin asked, a little surprised, “why?”
“Because I couldn’t stop him….. and because I couldn’t, you had to hold the burden all on your own….. I’m to blame for his passing too you know. I was there that night and attacked him too, should I feel guilty?”
“I….. y-you didn’t kill him”
“I didn’t stop you from doing so either, and I certainly didn’t help by attacking him”
“…….I….. yeah I….. guess…. B-but you shouldn’t feel guilty….”
“Neither should you, but we both do. So how about we resolve it together? We help him here, and make our peace with it, move on, so we can get better for the people we did help by doing what we did”, Edmund stated with a smile before gesturing to Varian and Eugene
Quirin hesitated, before he felt someone touch his chest, looking down, he saw Hugo looking up at him, emerald green eyes sparkling a little before he smiled, “I wouldn’t be here without you either”, he stated softly before smiling, “I would’ve still been being abused…. You gave me a home, and Varian gave me hope. You took two lives, but you saved hundreds more. It’s not right to measure a life for a life, but those hundreds of people sure are happy you’re around, don’t you think?” He asked, “plus, you’re helping him with this task, so even now you’re doing so much for him. Doesn’t that count?”
The retired knight was startled at first, he stared at Hugo for a long time, memories of what the teen had been through flashed in his mind before finally, he smiled, “t-thank you, all of you”, he stated, tears dripping down his face, “I’ll….. yeah….. we’ll give him peace…. Then move on…… For him, and for us”
Hugo, Varian, Eugene, Edmund, Adira, and Hector all smiled at the man before the Dark King spoke up, “come on, we have one final vision to see”
Varian grinned before he floated out of Eugene’s grip, “it’s my favorite one, because I’d shows one of my favorite people. It’s not too far from here, and you may recognize where it is”, he smiled at everyone before he looked directly at his father, “I’ll see you once it’s done, will you be okay?”
“Yeah”, Quirin replied, “for once, I fully think I will”
Varian gave an excited squeak before he zipped over and hugged his father, gave Hugo a kiss, then floated up into the air, “see you then”, he said, before he disappeared with a smile on his face
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the later update and shorter chapter, but I wanted to give a small buffer before the next chapter, it’s sort of a big one in terms of character arcs :3
Quirin needed to be comforted as well, and I didn’t have a lot of time to write this one, so quick comfort chapter X3
Either way, thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 466: A Personal Story!
Summary:
This is a personal story, from me to all of you! ❤️🎶
Chapter Text
The girl dragged her feet as she took the two block trek back to her home. It’d been another excruciating day at her college. The bullies had been particularly nasty to her today, then again, nothing they threw at her really stamped out the unforgettable bullying she’d gotten from her bullies from preschool to high school….. they’d made a new form of cooties but only for her, since she was in preschool….. She’d thought they’d stopped that when they hit highschool, but unfortunately, new year, same insults…. same empty seats next to her, same rows empty around her in the bleachers so no one would catch, ‘the Harmony germs’, as they called them……
And here she was in college, having to commute from her home with her parents, due to lack of funds for dorms, different school, similar bullies, same horrible feelings….. She didn’t understand why people had to be so cruel….. Her tear stained face was staring directly at the ground as her younger brother walked beside her. He’d been one of the bullies to antagonize her when they were in school together, he wasn’t too much younger than her, only a couple of years, but he was far stronger and larger than she was…. He also liked the drama, he liked being popular, so he’d either be the start of the bullying, or he’d join in soon after it started….. When they’d get home together, his cruelty wouldn’t end there…. The constantly new scars and bruises she bore from his attacks, simply because she’d dared to touch the tv remote first before he gave her permission proved she was in for another thrashing when she got home….. In some ways, she was glad she was in college, in others, she was anxious because he had one year left of high school….. she was the final stretch of her second year now…. And he knew what college she was at….
Her father would definitely say something about her brother and what he’d do to her, but he never really did wear the pants in the family, and unfortunately her brother was her mother’s favorite….. So the stories she would be told about what the boy would do to Harmony were rarely believed….. Her two older siblings had moved out at this point, neither of them would be home to stop his assaults…. She sighed as she walked inside the home, unlocking the door with her key before she tried to avoid a fight and instantly handed her brother the tv remote…..
The brawls that that particular conversation bore wasn’t really worth it for her today….. She quickly walked away, taking care of the dogs before sitting at the kitchen table and doing her homework. He’d watch tv, or go outside, hopefully it was the latter and not the former, she’d be alone, but it was better that way, she wouldn’t have to worry about him being nearby in case he got angry for one reason or another. Thankfully he’d taken off by the time she finished her homework. So she had access to the tv!
With a sigh of relief, and a quick excuse to tell her parents as to why she didn’t go with him thought up in her mind, she got the remote and turned on the television. She switched through a few channels before finding Tangled the animated series playing reruns of the first season! She smiled as she watched the show, as childish as it was, she didn’t care, it helped her calm down after a day like this…..
She smiled when she saw one of her favorite episodes on, the Science Expo! She loved that episode! Varian always made her smile, and while she didn’t like what Cassandra did to him in this episode, she knew the girl would apologize at the end, so it made the situation better in the long run. Her father would be home soon, so as the episode ended, she turned the tv off and looked at the calendar, her mother always placed a chores list on it. Next to her name was the word, ‘dishes, sweeping, and mopping’, she looked at her brother’s name and saw, ‘dusting’
With a nod, she got to work, doing the chores her and her brother were supposed to do before finishing up right as her father walked in. When he saw her, he said a quick hello before asking about the status of the day. She gave him a quick rundown, her brother was outside playing, the excuse was she hadn’t been feeling well and chose to stay in. All their chores were finished, dogs had gone out, and things were fine
Then his age old question about school popped up, and she bowed her head…. She tried to lie, tried to tell him it was fine, he worked hard all day every day, she didn’t need him to worry about her….. but he could always tell. He asked her for the truth and she told him everything. He apologized to her, saying he was sorry she had to go through that….. He comforted her and made her laugh, but she felt guilt swarming her when she saw the bags under his eyes
She hated adding to his stress, his job sucked, his son was a jerk, he’d just finished a very loud argument with her mother the night prior and had gotten little sleep, it just wasn’t great….. But here he stood, still being kind. She loved her father for that, he claims to be a jerk, but he never was, he was just stern, but he had to be. When her brother got back inside, he was forced to do his homework and, much to his dismay, give back the phone, she could tell she’d get the brunt of that anger soon enough…..
Her older siblings came home for a visit that day and dinner was made, she’d spent most of that time in her room, drawing or dancing to clear her mind. Once dinner was ready, mother came home…..
Harmony was near silent when mother came through the door, the woman worked a hard job as well, and was notorious for being angry when she came home….. she worked hard…. That was the reason Harmony had been given anyway…. So she kept to herself…. Though that didn’t stop the women from hearing about Harmony’s bullies from her father….. she wished he wouldn’t do that, but her mother had asked so…..
Her mother gave her the same lecture, “just ignore them, why do you have to be so sensitive, they’re just joking, it’s not that bad, you always cry when they say such stupid things to you, it ridiculous, where’s your pride damn it! I taught you better than that!”
Harmony didn’t know how it always ended up this way, she’d get bullied, and her she’d be scolded for being upset? It didn’t make much sense to her, but maybe that was her fault…… She wasn’t the brightest person to be fair….. Her mother and brother made sure to remind her of that….. Maybe that’s why Harmony connected to Rapunzel so much in the movie, her mother was very much like Mother Gothel…. Sometimes worse, but that was beside the point…..
She found her iPad again, and went onto Disney plus, happy to be able to watch it again without interruption, her brother had been grounded due to an incident he’d caused at school, so he was sulking in his room. She found Tangled the series again, the full show was on Disney plus, so sje got cozy and began to watch, starting from episode one of season 1!
Harmony had opted to take a day away from her fanfic, it’d been an awful day after all and she didn’t want that to ruin her chapter, though she’d make sure to write an extra long chapter the next day to make up for it! She rewatched the season up until that fateful episode, ‘Queen for a Day’……
She paused it, let out a small breath, and then continued. She hated seeing her favorite character be upset, watching Varian cry and beg for her made her so angry and sad at the same time….. She watched the argument between him and Quirin unfold, however, this time it was different
Normally she’d get angry at Quirin, she didn’t like this part because it was the only time she’d gotten angry at the retired knight….. However, after having that chat with her dad today, and having knowledge of the other two seasons, his reasons for being upset with Varian seemed completely valid to her now. It helped that she’d just finished a chapter about him the other day, but that was beside the point
She rewatched the argument, and suddenly, a flash of her father’s worried, and tired, face flashed in her mind. Quirin was just scared, he didn’t want Varian to be hurt, and while she’d grown angry at him because he never told Varian the *reason* for his fear, she couldn’t really blame him….. He was just afraid of what would happen to his son, it finally clicked with her, she felt stupid for not realizing that before, she loved Quirin for a reason, she thought it was because he was just a really great dad, but she found out it was also because he understood his mistake and made up for them! Something she’d never gotten from her family…..
She smiled as she stared at the man on her screen, her heart filling with love for the man, she then stopped and decided to write a chapter for Quirin and post it after all. She could take a break tomorrow, she’d still need it since she’d stayed up late writing it. Oh well, Quirin was worth it
That night, she dreamed about him, and Varian of course. She and her kitty, Willow, were staying with them in their home, she was welcomed and loved by them, Varian would show her his alchemy projects, she’d help as best she could, then they’d eat dinner with Quirin while Ruddigar and Willow would chill together, it’d been such a nice time that she didn’t want to wake up! However, she needed to, and her mind knew she did, but instead of the usual nightmare she’d get, she got a surprise instead
A knock on the door, Varian had gotten up to answer it, and who should walk in but Hugo! He told her it was time to go, he was smirking and being his sassy self, Harmony was so happy to see him in her dream! She’d hugged him so tightly and he’d laughed and blushed. When she’d woken up, she realized what episode was coming up next, and got an idea
Days later, after college, she’d avoided any confrontations, it was a good thing she had two days off of work in a row. She got home and began to work on her newest chapter, with a surprise ending she was hoping would make people happy!
“They walked into the woods, stopping when they found the spot and showed the princess, "here's where we found it", Angry said, "I just saw it in the ground"
"It wasn't broken or anything?" The princess asked
"Nope, it was just half buried in the dirt, almost like someone dropped it there and forgot about it"
"We had to clean it", Catalina added, "it was *really* dirty"
"Hmm.... That's so strange... Cassandra destroyed it completely.... Eugene and Lance saw her do it.... So how could it have just been sitting here....?" Rapunzel asked to herself before something caught her eye, there were bushes shuffling behind them. Turning her head, she noticed someone slipping back behind the trees, she narrowed her eyes, "come out, now!" She stated firmly as she stepped in front of the raccoon and sleeping alche-bird.
The person didn't move at first, "if you're planning on jumping us, maybe you should know we're armed and know how to fight!" Angry stated threateningly
"Also, believe me when I say, you would *not* like me when I'm angry", Catalina growled, "so come out and don't try anything funny!"
The person behind the bush waited for a few moments more before they all heard the snap of a twig, "alright fine, I'll come out, but you've gotta hear me out when I do, because believe it or not, I'm not an enemy!" The person sounded young, almost like they were in their teenage years
"Likely story!" Angry snapped, "come out unguarded and we'll see!"
They heard a sigh, "I'm not dropping anything, you have me outnumbered, and you're gonna need me if you want any chance for your friend to go back to being human again!"
This made them all gasp, "you... You *know* about the tea kettle?!" Rapunzel asked
They heard a snort, "I do *now*", they growled, "I mean I knew he was turned into a bird, I just didn't think it was a *teakettle* that did it"
The princess sighed, getting frustrated, "look, we won't hurt you if you don't hurt us, deal?"
"Mm deal", the person replied before he emerged from the bushes. He was a male, dressed in an emerald green jumpsuit that matched his eyes, black and brown boots, metal gauntlet and shoulder pads, and a pair of silver goggles with yellow lenses in them. He has blond hair that was tied up in a small ponytail, a couple earrings in one ear, and large, round, glasses sitting on his ever smirking face. He places a fingerless gloved hand on his hip and chuckled, "hello, the name's Hugo", he bowed gracefully, "a pleasure to meet you, princess Rapunzel of Corona"*
She smiled as she reread the ending and giggled at the sassy blond, she loved him so much! He reminds her of her own sassy boyfriend. She posted the chapter happily before heading to bed
The day after had been grueling to say the least, she’d almost died in front of several college people and nobody even *tried* to help her! She’d been choking on a fly that’d flown into her mouth while she’d been talking to a few friends, the thing was still alive and had been wiggling in her throat, making her gag and nearly throw up! And nobody in the large cafeteria lobby had done a thing to help her, they’d only stared at her in shock! It was a good thing she’d had a water bottle nearby and glugged it down. She had to loosen the bug, and she’d managed to cough the poor thing out of her throat! Still no one cared, not even her friends, and when she’d asked why they’d just sat there and watched her nearly die, they said they thought she’d been joking……
She decided to skip lunch with them that day, walking out in complete frustration and anger, she’d spent the rest of the day alone, trying to smooth her sore throat as she remembered the feeling of the fly lodged in her….. It didn’t seem like much to anyone else, so maybe she was being dramatic….. But the stares she’d gotten from everyone, no one even asked if she was okay…. They just… watched…… like they didn’t care if she lived or died….. just like her home life….
Work was even worse, she’d been burnt pretty badly on her hand, working at a fast food chain didn’t help make matters any better for her…. Her boss didn’t care however, simply telling Harmony to pour some cold water over it and get back to work… she didn’t use the hand for the rest of the day or night…. It hurt whenever she did…..
She came home late and finished her homework after getting scolded by her parents for being so late…. She sighed as she got ready for bed, she had to do it all again tomorrow, however that’s when she remembered her Hugo chapter! She grabbed her iPad to check the messages and:
*mha_kny: HUGOOOOO SUFWBEJGWWKDUQVBSUREV YESSSSS HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEH! WAIT HOR R CATALINA AND HUGO GUNNA INTERACT CONSIDERING HOW VAT7K WENT 👀 HOW*
SpencerBee: I straight up squeaked in excitement when I realized who it was at the end there!! I haven't commented yet but I absolutely love this fic, ive just been lurking from the sidelines :)
Tyler (Guest): HUGO OH MY GOD I GASPED SO LOUD
Avery (Guest): HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT I JUST SCREAMED
HUGGOOOOOOOOOO
CardCaptorKatara: Oh geez, this went somewhere great. I can't wait to read the next part. This chapter was way too short. <3
Moonlight: *chokes on apple juice* WHAT THA HELL ANOTHER HANDSOME THIEF! *dies*
WhisperingTide: OH HELL YES, THE BLONDE BOI IS HERE!
Varigo is my ultimate OTP and I am living for this!
WitheredSouls HUGO*
Harmony read, and reread, the comments before she laughed so hard! All of her woes and everything she’d been through during the day and night disappeared as she imagined all the reactions she’d been told this chapter received! She answered each and every comment with joy and a giggle as her heart swelled and her eyes filled with happy tears
Here there were again, her commenters, her community, saving her once more. She smiled happily, she hated her life, it sucked, it continued to suck, and it kept getting worse and worse. But her readers, comment or no, made all of that disappear, she felt so happy when she read the comments or saw a kudos. They made her feel wanted and loved, and she couldn’t ask for anything better than that.
Message from me, Harmony: Thank you, all of you! You’ve all helped me so much, my life is not great, it’s gotten better, and it’s because of all of you that I’ve continued to live it. I’m going to make a rewrite of the tangled series, I’ve got a few chapters lined up for it, and I can’t wait to post them, because you all make me so excited to do so! You’re all worth it everytime hop onto this site and begin to type out a new chapter!
I don’t have much confidence in myself, I don’t think I’m smart or talented, I can’t accept compliments to save my life, and with everything I’ve been through, I don’t believe I deserve them half the time. But whenever I get someone on here who tells me they like what I write, or make a new friend who I get to talk to, on discord or what have you, it makes me really really happy!
Depression and anxiety have always been a problem for me, and getting help wasn’t an option when I first started writing this chapter, but I’ve gotten to the point where I’m more confident in myself than I ever have been, and it’s all because of all of you! Some of you have told me my chapters have helped you out, I can’t tell you how much that means to me to know
So please know that you’ve all helped me out in so many ways I didn’t think would be possible. I didn’t think I’d even be noticed, I didn’t think my writing was good, I didn’t think anything I did was good….. But you’ve all helped me, you’ve all given me strength and I can’t thank you enough for that, thank you all so much, for everything! I hope I can continue to make you smile, I have so many more ideas planned for stories to come! I hope you all like them, if not, I’m open to accepting any tips or tricks to improve
Sincerely, thank you all so much for helping me through such a hard time in my life, without you, I wouldn’t be here. You all saved my life, sincerely, thank you <3
This is this stories two year anniversary, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll do next! I’ll have a Q and A soon, I’m excited for that, :D for now however
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! The story will continue tomorrow! <3
Thank you for everything
Sincerely:
HarmonySong123
Notes:
Thank you for changing my life for the better, sincerely, thank you so much🎶❤️
Chapter 467: The Final Vision!
Summary:
The group finally see’s the final vision!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group had begun to walk again, trying to find the final vision, the star, being held in Hugo’s hand, shined as they trekked through the forest, “wait hold on”, Eugene stated, getting everyone to stop and look at him, “this…. This is the entrance, look there’s the sign on the tree with the skeleton!”
“Huh? Hey you’re right”, Hector stated, spotting the tree, “what the fuck are we doing here?”
“Following the Star”, Hugo stated, “this is the right place, because I see the Moonstone right there”, he stated before pointing to the tree
The group saw the Moonstone staring at them, they had a small smile on their face, “good evening”, they said
“Hi?” Hector replied, “why are we at the entrance?”
“This is where it all began”
“All of what began?”
“All of you”, they stated, “this was your first test, this was your starting point for said test, and this is also the turning point for the princess of Corona as well as someone else”, the Moonstone stated, “the vision you see here will be your final one, once it is over, you’ll make your way back through the forest, just as you’ve all done once before”
“I….. The fuck? That makes no sense”, Hector stated
“I suppose it wouldn’t for now, not until you see what I mean, which will happened shortly”, the Moonstone stated, “I will say this however, what you see will cause you all to be reminded of some very hard things….. Things you’d rather not see or speak of”, he looked at Adira and Hector, “particularly for you two….”
Hector quirked a brow before Adira signed, “I know what you’re referring to…. Do we really have to see that?”
“Unfortunately”, the Moonstone stated, “it’s the only way to fix what has been broken”
The face painted warrior looked down anxiously, “Adira, is what we’re about to see why you’ve been so quiet?” Eugene asked gently, the group looking at the warrior worriedly
“Yes….. When we saw Quirin’s protection of King Edmund fully….. I knew it’d mean we’d be seeing a few things I’d rather not relive…..”
“….You know it won’t change anything… right?”
“I’m aware, but I don’t want to see them….. I don’t….”
The Moonstone gave the fave painted warrior a sad look before speaking up, “you’ll see good times as well, it isn’t all bad”, they tried
“I’m glad for that, but…..” she shuddered before feeling a hand on her shoulder, she looked over and saw Quirin smiling at her
“You’re safe and loved and wanted now. Nothing that’ll be shown here will ever change that fact. I won’t let him hurt you again, and neither will Hector or King Edmund. Plus, I have a feeling a certain Moon bean is watching us right now, and you know he’ll pound that man into the dirt”
Adira smiled at her big brother and nodded, “I know….. thank you”
“Anytime”
Hector smirked before he looked at the Moonstone, “that what you wanted to tell us?”
“Varian will have more for you after, but yes, I wanted to warn you”, the Moonstone replied
“Kay, thanks for that”
“You’re welcome, take as much time as you need to see the vision. Once you’re done, the hardest part shall begin”
With that, the Moonstone disappeared, everyone was startled for a moment or two before Edmund sighed, “well, shall we go see who the final vision is?”
Adira, Hector, Eugene, Hugo, and Quirin nodded before they walked forwards, instantly, everything changed and the vision began:
*they were in the Dark Kingdom castle and spotted a boy, he looked to be no more than 7 years old, he had long brown hair, matching brown eyes, he was tall for his age, and had a good amount of muscle too. He was wearing the Dark Kingdom’s Prince crown, everyone instantly recognized him right before someone from the vision spoke, “Prince Edmund!” They called, when the boy looked, a maid walked over to him, “you’re late for your lessons little prince”
“Oh Sorry! I had a walk around the castle and lost track of time miss”, the little prince explained
The maid smiled, “it’s alright, the teacher will understand.l, though you may want to hurry, they’re waiting for you”
“I will, thank you very much Miss Daisy!” Prince Edmund exclaimed before he ran off, leaving the friendly maid behind as she smiled after him*
“Dad…. The vision’s about…. *you*!” Eugene stated
“I suppose it is…. But I’m not dead”, the Dark King stated
“Maybe…. You don’t have to be physically dead….” Adira stated, the group looked at her
“What do you mean?” Hector asked
“I think we’ll see soon enough, for now, we should keep on watching….”
The group looked at each other worriedly before they watched the vision shift as a few years went by:
*Edmund stepped forwards once again, however he looked to be Eugene’s age, and everyone could see where the Coranan Captain had gotten his good looks from. The Dark Prince was the spitting image of his father at the age he is now! Something that made Hugo snickered and Eugene raise a brow at him for before the vision played, “good evening prince Edmund!” A maid called, “coming home from a lo no day’s work?”
“Indeed!” Edmund replied happily, “today’s been a busy day! I helped the farmers in the fields, then did patrol with some guards, then I went to the market to check on the stands, then checked the orphanage for any runaways, caught a few and gave them back, and even now I’m on my way to a meeting with my father….”
“I see, quite the busy day today!”
“Yes it’s been very eventful, has anything happened since I’ve been away Miss. Daisy?”
The old maid shook her head before her eyes widened, “oh actually, I’m sorry, something *did* happen today! There was a tiny boy that snuck inside to steal some food”
Edmund’s eyes widened, “there was?!”
“Yes, but he was caught, I suppose he’s about to be punished right now”
“In what way is he being punished?!”
“The traditional way….”
“H-how old is this boy?!”
“He looked to be no older than 7 little Prince”
“No….. oh no! I can’t….. Where is he now?”
“With your father, the captain of the guards, and the head chef in the kitchen”
“Thank you!” Prince Edmund exclaimed before he ran through the castle
*No! Nononono! I have to get there in time! I have to! Otherwise his hand will be-!* be began to think to himself before he heard yelling
He slid to a halt and ran towards it, hearing the screams and pleas of a young boy intermixed with the yells! Rounding the corner, the Dark Prince stopped when at the sight. A young boy with brown hair and eyes, skinny as a stick, paler than a ghost, was screaming and crying as his left hand was slammed onto a cutting board! A bucket had been placed beside it to catch the blood that would inevitably be spilt! The Dark King held the boy’s hand down and brandished the knife that would be the punishing tool
It was raised high into the air, “NO STOP!” Edmund yelled, running over and grabbing his father’s arm, stopping him right before he could slice the child’s wrist
“EDMUND!” His father yelled, making him and the boy flinch, “let go of me this INSTANT!”
“I WON’T! I won’t let you disable a young child father!” He snapped, “this punishment is far too severe! You cannot keep doing this! I won’t allow you to!”
“This is the proper punishment for a thief!” The King snapped
“He’s a mere child!”
“HE’S OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW NOT TO STEAL!” The king yelled as he flung the boy back to the Captain, who caught and held him with his hands behind his back, before the king pushed his son away, “you want him to steal even more?!”
“Father LOOK AT HIM!” Edmund yelled, “he’s skin and bones! Barely able to stand! He stole FOOD! That’s all from what I’ve been told! Are we really going to punish a poor child for being hungry and trying to survive?!”
“Ow!” The boy yelped, getting the prince to look over and see how tightly he was being held
Glaring, he walked over and stared the captain right in the eye, “let him go”
“B-but your majesty-!”
“Let him go NOW! Give him to me, I’ll be sure he doesn’t run away, but you will let him go and stop hurting him this instant…..” The Captain was startled before he let go, the boy *instantly* running to Prince Edmund and shakily wrapping his arms around the man, crying into his shirt. The prince looked startled, but comforted the child, “it’s okay little one, it’s okay”, he said softly, “you’re safe now, you’re safe”
After a few moments, the boy calmed down and sniffled before he looked up at the Prince, “I-I’m sorry…..” he squeaked, his stomach growling loudly right after
The Prince chuckled before he knelt down, “it’s okay, look I can’t let you go, but can you please not run away? I won’t let them cut your hand off, and you can stay by me the entire time, but you have to stay close, alright?”
The boy hesitated before nodding, “o-oki…..”
“Good lad”, Edmund stated happily, “you mind if I hold your hand? It’s pretty easy to get lost in this castle”
“O-oki…..” The boy replied, sniffling a little before he watched Edmund stand and offer his hand. The child took it gently, he felt a little better when Edmund’s fingers wrapped around his gently
“Father”, the prince said, “we have a meeting, surely it would be a good idea to discuss this matter there?” He suggested
“Fine…..” the King stated before they began to walk through the castle towards the throne room, the child sticking close to Edmund as they did
****
“Woof….” Prince Edmund stated with a sigh as he flopped onto his bed, “that meeting certainly went down an interesting path”, he said tiredly before he looked at the lone figure standing awkwardly in the middle of his room, “oh right, sorry, should probably introduce myself shouldn’t I?”
The figure didn’t say anything, the Prince gave them a smile and got up, walking over to them and kneeling before them so they were eye level with them, “you said your name is Quirin right?” He asked
“….Y-yes…..” the child stated timidly
“Well it’s nice to officially meet you Quirin, I’m Edmund Esmeray!”
“H-hi….”
“Hello!” The duo were quiet for a moment or two, the prince awkwardly clearing his throat as he waited for the conversation to continue, when it didn’t, he spoke up again, “….uh, so, are you okay?”
“I-I’m fine….”
“Are you sure?”
“Are you sure you wanna keep me?…..”
The dark question startled the prince as he looked at the boy. The child was giving him a very empty look, one void or all hope or joy, a look no child should ever have to wear. Seeing such an expression on a young boy made Edmund grow sad as he quickly wrapped his arms around the boy, “of course I do”, he stated, voice full of sincerity, “you’re a good boy, even if you’ve done a bad thing, I won’t ever leave you alone, I won’t, I promise”
****
Suddenly the vision shifted, showing shadows, Prince Edmund was now the king, little 7 year old Quirin was now a fully grown adult, now joined by Adira and Hector by his side. The two brotherhood members walked away, the shadow of King Edmund showed him pointing, “EVERYONE MUST *LEAVE*!” His voice shouted, echoing off the walls as the duo winced
Adira looked back to the king before something lit up inside her mind, a white glow reflecting this as her voice could be heard, “I must find the Sundrop…..” she stated as she left
Hector was completely void of light, he didn’t look back, he didn’t stop walking away, but before he disappeared, his hands began to glow with the same white light as Adira, his blades coming out of their gauntlets as his voice finally spoke up, “I must protect him…..”
Quirin was the final one, his shadow hadn’t walked away as his siblings had. They disappeared while he stared at the man who’d saved him all those years ago. Edmund’s back was turned away from him, the poor king was completely dark, engulfed in shadow as black mist surrounded him. Quirin tried to speak, “your majesty-!”
“I said *everyone*…..” Edmund interrupted
Quirin winced, a handmaiden walked out, carrying a bundle in her arms, a baby’s cry could be heard before the handmaiden took them away to get them ready for what would be a long journey….
When the handmaiden disappeared, Quirin and Edmund were left alone, words were exchanged between them, but nothing came out audibly. The only thing that did was Edmund once again, “leave Quirin…. Leave…. And live…..” he ordered
The knight’s head bowed, a single tear dripped from his face and onto the ground, splashing….. He finally turned and began to walk away before he stopped as Edmund’s final words to him echoed. His head straightened up and he nodded as his heart began to glow, however, his glow was blue, the same blue of the Moonstone, and Varian’s eyes and hair stripe, the man nodded as his voice suddenly spoke, “I must live…..” he looked back at the Dark King before Edmund’s shadow disappeared. Quirin spoke up again, “he said he wouldn’t leave me alone…..” the glow dimmed quite a bit as another tear dropped before the knight, now retired, disappeared…..
The shadows then showed a baby being handed to an orphanage owner, the baby was crying as the shadow of the handmaiden was shown running away, as the door to the orphanage began to close, the baby’s eyes opened, they were glowing white. Eugene’s voice spoke out next, “who am I?…..” he asked before the shadows disappeared once again
Suddenly, everything shifted, the shadows were gone, the vision was now Corona, it seemed to be late at night before another baby’s cry could be heard, “IT’S A BOY!” Someone shouted happily
The vision shifted to a little later before showing Quirin once again, he was smiling as he held a small bundle in his arms, a red haired women slept next to him as he sat in a chair beside her. He smiled before he gently rearranged some of the blankets on the bundle, revealing a tiny child with raven black hair, and a bright blue stripe in his hair, “my son”, Quirin said softly, “my little light”
Suddenly the vision shifted for the final time, showing the tiny child growing up, pictures of the baby growing bigger and bigger as the child became the teen everyone recognized as Quirin’s voice spoke up once more, “my little Varian”
Suddenly, a 15 year old Varian’s eyes opened, and his hair, freckles, and eyes glowed a bright blue, the same glow that Quirin had in his heart as Varian’s voice spoke up before the vision faded completely
“I *will* set them free!”*
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I’ve been sitting on this one for a bit because I wasn’t sure how it’d go, but this vision is the reason I even started this entire arch. Well, this and the fact that when I watched the actual show I didn’t feel right just leaving those poor spirits forever trapped in whatever limbo they may or may not be in, since destroying statues is not how you would put someone to rest.
Anyway, rambling, sorry, this vision is so important, because it’s sort of a way for me to show where the characters were in the beginning as opposed to where they are now :D
That being said, you’ll find out why the vision was the person that it was, in keeping it vague so people will read the chapter XD
You’ll find out very soon, but I’d love to know the theories 😁🎶
For now, thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 468: Forgiveness!
Summary:
The group realizes what they must do, however, they have one problem and that problem is Edmund!
Notes:
More notes at the end! ❤️🎶
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Suddenly, everything shifted, the shadows were gone, the vision was now Corona, it seemed to be late at night before another baby’s cry could be heard, “IT’S A BOY!” Someone shouted happily
The vision shifted to a little later before showing Quirin once again, he was smiling as he held a small bundle in his arms, a red haired women slept next to him as he sat in a chair beside her. He smiled before he gently rearranged some of the blankets on the bundle, revealing a tiny child with raven black hair, and a bright blue stripe in his hair, “my son”, Quirin said softly, “my little light”
Suddenly the vision shifted for the final time, showing the tiny child growing up, pictures of the baby growing bigger and bigger as the child became the teen everyone recognized as Quirin’s voice spoke up once more, “my little Varian”
Suddenly, a 15 year old Varian’s eyes opened, and his hair, freckles, and eyes glowed a bright blue, the same glow that Quirin had in his heart as Varian’s voice spoke up before the vision faded completely
“I *will* set them free!”*
****
The vision faded as everyone was silent for a moment or two before Edmund sighed, “I think I understand why I’m being shown……” he stated softly
“Why?” Hector asked
“Because I am part of the reason why the Dark King is in the state that it is today….” He stated
“T-That can’t be the reason”, Eugene stated, “it can’t be”
“It unfortunately is…..” a small voice stated sadly, getting the group to look and see Varian, “I don’t blame grandpa…..” he stated before looking at the Dark King, “you were angry about your wife’s passing, you grieved because your children lost their mother, your kingdom was afraid of the power it held and it led to disarray and hardships, I will never blame you for your actions. But you’re correct when you say the reason for you being apart of these visions is because of the state of the Dark Kingdom…… Everyone shown here today has somehow shaped the Dark Kingdom, for the better, for the worst, until there was nothing left but ruins….. However, that doesn’t mean the people shown are horrible, even if their actions caused destruction. They deserve kindness, forgiveness, and for some, pity, at the very least…… Grandpa, your actions stemmed from a very dark place, but you’re not a dark person. You are kind and good and generous, and nothing you say or think will change who or what you are to me. Even if you did the wrong thing, your choice saved countless lives….. I’m not allowed to tell you anything more than that. However”, Varian began to float into the air, his eyes, hair, and freckles glowing bright as he smiled at the group, “I know all of you can find a way to help the people you’ve seen here today, the good, the bad, and the broken. You can do it, it’s why you’re here, I can’t give you anything else, I wish I could, but this needs to happen naturally. For now, what I can say, is that the next place you need to be, is the center. You’ll see why very soon, for now, I’ve gotta go”
“Will we see you again soon?” Hugo asked, faster than Quirin could
“You will, it’ll be a bit of a longer wait, but I’ll be back, this time for good, at least, until the Moonstone needs me again, eheh”, the alchemist replied with a chuckle
“Be careful son”, Quirin stated
“I will, you be careful too, this next part….. is going to be very hard…. On all of you…..” with that, the teen disappeared, the star in Hugo’s hands beginning to glow dimly, signaling the group to begin their trek. Without a work, they began to walk to where they’d been told
****
“…….Are we not gonna talk about what just happened here?” Eugene asked after several moments of silence from the group
When no one answered him, Hugo sighed, “guess not…..” the blond stated
“Fine, then I will”, Eugene huffed, “I think Varian gave us a huge hint as to what we’re supposed to do for this task, but it’s killing me, and giving me a headache, trying to figure it out”
“I agree”, Hugo responded, “however, Freckles had to have hidden it fairly well for us not to figure it out yet….. I think I have an idea, but I’m not sure if it’s right”
“What’s the idea?”
“I think the people we’ve seen, along with others we may *not* have seen, need to be forgiven in some way shape or form”, the bespeckled teen stated, “given the fact that Freckles told King Edmund why he shouldn’t be so hard on himself. However, *how* to do so is going to be difficult…… All of them are dead, the only one left alive is King Edmund, and even though he’s been forgiven by everyone in the current Brotherhood, he was still shown in those visions….. if they’re supposed to be forgiven, why would he still show up?”
“That’s a good point….. unless someone in the current Brotherhood *doesn’t* forgive him, but I don’t take Adira, Hector, or Quirin as liars, so who could be left?”
Hugo thought about that for a moment before his eyes widened, “wait a moment, I think it’s-!”
“Stop”, Edmund stated, pausing his walk and getting the rest of the group to do the same, “please…..”
Hugo and Eugene froze before the Dark Prince spoke up, “dad we were just-!”
“I know….. but…… I-I don’t….. I don’t want to hear it……” he stated softly
The duo blinked before Hugo looked up at Quirin, the retired knight’s face showed nothing but fear and anxiety as he watched his King. A quick peek to Adira and Hector showed the same….. That’s when the inventor finally understood, “……You already knew….” He stated, getting Eugene to look at him, “you already knew about what would be needed on this task don’t you?…… how long ago did you figure it out?”
Edmund sighed before he faced the group, startling the duo when they saw the tear stains on the man’s cheeks, “Varian…… When Varian spoke to me just earlier……” he admitted, “I….. Think that’s when Adira, Hector, and Quirin figured it out too…..”
Eugene quirked a brow, “figured what out?”
Hugo sighed, “he should know”, he stated, “he’s your son”
Edmund closed his eyes before nodding and opening them again, looking at Eugene, “me…..” he stated, “the current Beotherhood holds 4 members, Quirin, Adira, Hector, and me….. One of the members doesn’t forgive me….. There’s only one possibility….. That person….. is me……”
Eugene’s eyes widened, “dad-!”
“I’m sorry….” He stated, more tears sliding down his cheeks, “I’ve tried s-so hard to forgive what I’ve done….. I’m still trying to stop feeling guilty, but everytime I think about it, a-all I feel is pain and guilt! I can’t stop feeling it, I c-can’t stop feeling so sick to my stomach with all my ins crawling in my back! I still don’t believe I deserve to be forgiven, because no matter what, no matter how many times I’m told that I’ve fixed it or made up for it, I can’t stop!……” he sniffled, wrapping his arms around himself protectively, “I-I can’t…… I feel like I should be punished still! I feel like I should be beaten bloody, hit and hit again, yelled at, hated! I feel as though I should be the one to harbor all the hardships my children have had to endure due to MY incompetence as a king! It was MY fault! All mine…… Yet they suffered for it and I *can’t* let that go!…….”
Eugene was taken aback by this, never having seen his father cry before now, he didn’t expect it to hurt so much, and the fear certainly didn’t help either as he watched the man sob, “…….If you don’t forgive yourself….. They can’t be set free…. Can they”, Hugo asked darkly
Eugene gasped as Edmund sniffled before shaking his head, “no…….”
“No wonder those looks made me feel chills”, Hugo stated as he glanced back up at Quirin again before looking at the Dark King, “do you know why you can’t forgive yourself?”
“No! That’s the problem! I should be fine! I should have all the comfort I need, everyone’s told me I’m forgiven, even the *Moonstone* has forgiven my transgressions! I’ve got my right arm back because I was forgiven by them! But I can’t seem to find a way to do so myself! I can’t….. a-and the thought that my own self loathing will force *more* to suffer, isn’t *helping*!”
“Is there anything we can do?”
“I…. I-I don’t know…… I don’t know h-how to fix this…..”
Eugene was quiet before he looked up to the Moon, “hey! Moonstone! I need to ask you a question!” He exclaimed
There was a moment of silence before a bright light shined behind the Dark Prince, everyone shielded their eyes before the light faded, “yes?” A familiar voice asked
Eugene turned and faced the Moonstone, who was floating behind him curiously, “is there a time limit?” The Coronan Captain asked, “to all of this? Do we have to get to the center before something happens?”
The Moonstone smiled, “you have plenty of time, until the Sun begins to rise, he does so at 6AM”
“What time is it now?”
“12:53AM, you have a little over 6 hours”
“I see….. there’s nothing you can do to stop time so we can get a little grace?”
“Unfortunately no….. not even my powers can force the march of time to a halt….”
“Damn…..” Eugene stated, “why is this happening now? Is this the only day we can help?”
“No….. The reason it’s happening now is because of the day”
“The day?”
“Yes, today may not mean much to you young Prince, but today is the day the Dark Kingdom fell for the final time……”
“What? Why does it have to be on the day it fell?”
“Because history leaves marks, you humans call them spirits, or ghosts, even memories could be a more accurate description. The day something big happens, the energy it creates in its wake is left on the astral plain. Small snippets will slip through the cracks and into this plain, it’s why you can see spirits, or why some humans with more sensitive senses have visions of past, present, and future. Even humans who don’t have sensitive senses can see these memories when they lay their bodies to rest at night and slip into the astral plain. Wishes, wants, desires, fears, memories, ideas, stories made from human imaginations, hopes, thoughts, energy, both positive and negative, they are all placed into the astral plain for all to see”, the Moonstone explained
“Can we see this astral plain?” Eugene asked
“Yes, when you sleep, your body shuts down for the night, slipping into a sort of plant like state, the only things you use while you’re asleep is the essentials to keep you alive, like your lungs, heart, veins, and such. However, your mind goes into a resting state, no longer needing to use the energy to keep you awake. When it does this, it concentrates on the thoughts and feelings you’ve had throughout the day, recalling those up, the mind concentrates and goes into the astral plain, it’s why you, what do you call it? Dream? It’s because your mind will summon images into your head from the astral plain of which they reside. It’s why you’ll see people and scenes you haven’t met or gone through yet, deja vu, is what you say when that happens”, the Moonstone chuckled, “such a silly word”
“Eheh, right, so what does this have to do with today being the only time we can save the people we’ve seen?”
“Apologies, it’s because since the mark was made on this day, 26 years ago, the events leading up to the destruction of the kingdom have collided together, forcing any and all those who have affected that day in any way, shape or form, to come out and repeat what they’ve done. A mark, a memory. However, because they’ve passed away, they’re no longer able to fix what they’ve done, as punishment, they’re not allowed to rest”
Eugene’s eyes widened, “why?!”
“Because they do not forgive themselves either…..” the Moonstone stated sadly before they waved their hand, showing images of Hera, Richard, Dakota, and Adder, “for one reason or another, none of them are willing to let their part to play go….. They blame themselves for what’s happened to their home, and that, along with the magic they received when they became part of the Brotherhood, has caused their spirits to repeat their deaths, along with all of their most painful parts of their lives, over and over and over and over again, with very vivid accuracy…… They feel the same feelings, do the same deeds, repeat their past mistakes, and continue to torture themselves, even when they can no longer take the hurt….. They swore their oath to the Moon, and try as she might, even the Moon herself cannot stop their suffering…..”
“Holy shit…..” Hugo stated, “so because of the magic of the Moon mixed with their own regrets, they relive the same mistakes and deaths over and over?”
“Yes…..”
“They…. Just said that Hugo”, Eugene stated with a raised brow
“I realize, but I wanted to be clear because that’s just….. it’s awful….. I can’t believe that… I don’t *want* to believe that…..”
“Unfortunately, it’s true…. The only way they can be free is if they’re forgiven by those who have the same magic and regrets instilled inside them”, the Moonstone stated
“I. E. My dad and the current Brotherhood….” Eugene stated
“Correct”
“And it has to be done today because…..?”
“Because this when the current King’s actions are replayed….. the anniversary of the Dark Kingdom’s final fall……”
“Shit…..” Hugo said in a whisper, “I knew they had to forgive themselves, but I didn’t think it was because of that….. these poor people…..”
“Indeed….” The Moonstone agreed, “a fate King Edmund will be forced to endure should he pass without forgiving himself…..”
The Dark King winced a little as Eugene looked at his father worriedly, “Moonstone”, Hugo said, “is there *anything* you could tell us that would help Edmund forgive himself?”
“None that I can think of…. I’ve done all I could…. Forgiven him, gave him back his arm, showed him there’s nothing to be guilty of anymore…… I don’t know any other way…..” the Moonstone replied sadly, “and forcing him isn’t a option either, it must be done of his own accord, otherwise it won’t count…. The magic will never believe a lie….. nor will the dead….”
“There must be *something* we could do!” Eugene exclaimed as he looked at his father, “can’t you find anything you can forgive about yourself?!”
“I……” Edmund began, but he shook his head, “I can’t stop feeling guilty…… I’m sorry…..”
“Do you think you deserve punishment?” Eugene asked
“Yes….. but I don’t think the others do…..”
“That won’t matter”, the Moonstone stated, “you may forgive the rest, but until you are all forgiven, due to your connections through blood and magic, you will not be able to move on……”
Edmund looked at the ground sadly, he was trying so hard to find a reason to forgive himself, he thought of every good memory he could, everything he’d been told, but he still couldn’t shake his hatred for the man he saw in the mirror….. His eyes filled with tears once again as he sniffled. “Moonstone”, he heard Hugo say, “can you show me Varian’s past?”
The Dark King looked at the teen, noticing everyone else was too, even the Moonstone looked startled, before they nodded, “I-I can….. why do you need to see it?” They asked
Hugo sighed before he looked at the Moonstone directly, “I don’t……. Varian does”
“What?!” Eugene asked
The Moonstone stared at the blond for a long time, before suddenly their light grew brighter and brighter, blinding the group before it dimmed, “Hugo…..” a voice said softly, getting the group to look and see Varian floating in the Moonstone’s place, he looked startled as he watched his boyfriend, “why?”
The blond smiled gently, “because I wanna show you, Edmund, and someone else, something”
The forest around them began to shift before Old Corona could be seen, the day Rapunzel took over the duties of her parents began to play, it showed Quirin’s scolding of Varian, making the teen and retired knight wince, it showed their argument before the Village Leader was caught by the amber, it showed Varian running to the castle and begging for Rapunzel’s help before he was dragged out by Stan and Pete. It showed his crimes, his capture of Queen Arianna, his automatons, his battle, his jail time, Andrew and the Seporians, his overthrow of the Sun kingdom, it show *everything*, and Varian and the rest of the group watched in silence as the teen relived every second of his past before the vision ended when Rapunzel freed his father and the reunited……
The group was silent before Eugene glared *daggers* at Hugo, “what the FUCK was that for?!” He snapped, “making him relive that! What the FUCK IS *WRONG* WITH YOU?!”
“Eugene”, Varian said, stopping the man, “I-it’s okay”, he stated before he smiled at his boyfriend, “I understand”
Hugo smiled back, “I was hoping you would, sorry…..”
“It’s okay, you did the right thing”, the alchemist stated
Eugene was silent before he looked between the two, “am I missing something here?!”
Varian giggled before he looked at his big brother, “something pretty big Eugene”
The Coronan Captain raised a brow before it hit him, “wait….. you’re not crying…..”
“That’s right”
“And you don’t shy away from it either”
“Correct!” Hugo stated, “he’s not the only one who didn’t shy away from it either”
The Dark Prince was confused before Hector sighed, “Quirin”, he stated, “Quirin watched the entire thing. Quirin made huge mistakes, Quirin wasn’t truthful and ended up causing his son pain. Yet Quirin didn’t shy away from that vision either”, he stated, “it wasn’t just for Varian, it was for Quirin too”
“I…. Still don’t get it”, Eugene said
“We’re forgiven”, Quirin stated gently, getting Eugene to look at him before his eyes grew wide
“Quirin……”
The retired knight chuckled as he wiped the tears away from his face with a smile, “sorry”
“N-no it’s fine, but….. what…. Why?”
“Eheh, Hugo was showing Varian and I, me specifically, that we could face our past, that we could watch it all again, and we didn’t have to feel fear or worry or judgement because…. We forgave ourselves”, he stated with a chuckle, “I didn’t even know I *had* until just now. I thought I felt guilty too, and in some ways I do, but I’ve forgiven myself for the mistakes I made during that time because I know I can make them better now. I can move forwards and help Varian and myself grow! Eugene had I been forced to watch that when I’d first been freed from the amber, I would’ve fallen apart, but now?”
He and Varian looked at each other lovingly before they held hands together, “I can watch it and know that I’m not the same person anymore. I’m not that man who scolds his son because of his own fear. I’m no longer the father who would rather take his child and run rather than stay and fight. I’m the man that’ll stand by my son’s side and do what’s right to help fix things, stop the past from hurting the present. I can do that now, and it’s because I’ve forgiven myself, and Varian’s done the same. Hugo was showing us how far we’ve come, and he wanted to use that, as an example”
The Dark Prince blinked before he looked at Edmund and was startled. His father was staring at the father son duo in shock, as if he’d expected them to fall apart or turn away as he had before, “I……. H-how? How did you do that?” The Dark King asked, “how can you stand there and n-not hate every inch of yourselves for the mistakes you’ve made?!”
Varian smiled, “I fixed them”, he stated, “and after, I told someone how I felt. I got closure and help, I had the support of my family and friends, and my past even helped someone else!” Varian stated, gesturing to Hugo
“And I got better”, Quirin said, “I became the father I needed, and wanted, to be. I stopped being afraid, I stopped fearing the worst, and fought to keep the worst from happening. When I finally did, I helped someone else too”, he stated, nodding to Hugo, “and it’s because of what I did in the past. Had I not made those mistakes, I wouldn’t be who I am today, and things would be different than they are now”
“B-but….. but I haven’t done that!” Edmund exclaimed
“Haven’t you though?” Hugo asked, “didn’t I see you bonding with Eugene and continuing to do so until he forgave you? Did you comfort Hector when he failed to stop Cassandra? Weren’t you there for Adira when she felt the same fear she had when she was a kid? Didn’t you tell Quirin what a good father he was and allowed him to cry on your shoulder when he needed to? Didn’t you become the greatest grandpa to the world’s most adorable little peanut and help him understand where he came from? Wasn’t that you?”
“I….. yes”
“Would you have done that had you not committed the things you did in the past?”
“The sins I’ve committed made all of my children face the dreadful things I comforted them about!”
“You didn’t kill Ulla, Donella did”, Hugo stated, “you didn’t abuse Hector, his parents did. You didn’t harass Adira, the fucking Baron did. You didn’t silence Quirin, the Captain of the royal guard in the Dark Kingdom and the King of Corona did. You didn’t victim blame and abandon Varian, Rapunzel, her dad, and the guards did. You didn’t use Eugene and abuse him in a relation, that same fucking Baron did. Yet you comforted them, all of them. You took on the weight of their grievances, you helped them through the toughest times, and you know what? They’re better because of you. *You* did that Edmund, *you* helped them, *you* comforted them, *you* were there when they needed you. That was *you*, and you wouldn’t have done that had you not commuted the sins you did”
“…..I still would have….. I love them….. they’re my family…..”
Hugo sighed before he wriggled free of Quirin’s grasp, landing on the floor and standing on his own, leaning more on his good leg rather then the bad one as he looked the Dark King directly in the eyes, “did you stick with Eugene, after he found you, to redeem your relationship?”
“I…. Yes?”
“Did you visit Quirin and comfort him when you heard about his mistakes because you hadn’t seen him in 25 years?”
“Y-yes”
“Did you finally talk to Hector in the Great Tree, or what was left of it, after you were visited by Eugene and the Princess and finally get him out of there, giving him permission to meet Freckles and Quirin, and regain all the relationships he’d lost?”
“Yes”
“And did you finally reunite with Adira, give her a task to help the fallen kingdom, making her so happy by the way, don’t try to tell me she wasn’t, continue to talk to her, giving her back her family and allowing her to make friends because she didn’t have to fight to get you out of that kingdom anymore?”
“I did, yes”
“Now tell me, would you have had to do any of that had you not committed the sins you did?”
“…..No….. But they wouldn’t have suffered!”
“That’s not true”, Hugo stated, “even if you hadn’t made them leave, Quirin wouldn’t have met Ulla and fallen in love, they never would’ve had Varian, Eugene never would’ve met Rapunzel and fallen in love, hell, Rapunzel wouldn’t have been *saved*! Adira never would’ve met Lance and made her first real friend outside of the Brotherhood, Hector never would’ve reunited with Dexter and Trinity and gotten to stand up to, and show up, his parents, they still would be in the situation they were before. And ya know what? I would still be fucking abused…….” Hugo stated, startling the Dark King, “yeah! I would’ve still been with Donella and Cyrus!” The blond exclaimed as tears filled his eyes, “I would be miserable, scared, hurt physically and mentally every SINGLE day, and I-I would’ve accepted it, and it would’ve *killed* me…… B-because I wouldn’t have met Varian, I wouldn’t have fallen head over heels for him, I wouldn’t have a *dad* right now because Quirin would’ve been w-with you, and who knows where any of them would be now! Adira, Hector, and Quirin, they were all fighting for you as the Brotherhood! Your wife’s passing was not your doing, so you would’ve been miserable on that day! Eugene still wouldn’t have her in his life, nor would Hector, Adira, and Quirin! And yeah, it sucked, what you did really fucking sucked! But you’re not doing that anymore! You fucking *learned* from it, and guess what! It fucking helped so many people, IT SAVED *ME*!”
Edmund blinked, still watching Hugo as the blond sniffled and wiped his fallen tears from his cheeks, “know what else? The Moonstone went to Varian, they can move freely now! They’re free! You did a lot of damage, but all the good that came from it outweighs it so much! And you’ve made up for it ten times over! You regret it, yes, you helped the people you hurt, of course, you don’t have to hate yourself anymore! They forgave you! Eugene forgives you! For fuck’s same, *I* forgive you! And I wasn’t even a fucking victim in this! I get it…. I understand what a huge mistake like that can do to you….. how hard it is to let it go…. Because you want to remember, you *have* to, so you don’t do it again….. because….. as long as you remember….. Then you’re being punished….. Because it hurts….. To remember that you could be so cruel….. and that’s what you want….” An image of Varian’s lifeless body laying on the forest floor flashed in Hugo’s memory as he watched himself cry and scream, the potion for making a bird lay an egg had broken onto the forest floor as the blond held the alchemist in his arms and screamed for him to wake up, “……but you’re not anymore…..” he stated, looking at the Dark King, “you’re not cruel or angry, you’re not the same man that attacked the Moonstone, you’re not….. Everyone else knows it….. You can still feel guilty, but….. Beating yourself up over it isn’t helping, it isn’t resolving it….. it only hurts you…… And that won’t help anyone….. Especially not you….. so please”, the memory of Varian’s eyes opening as he smiled up at Hugo, finally awake, no longer a bird, but a human once again as the blind hugged him so tightly, “please stop…..”, he smiled at the King and offered his hand to the man, “I can help you, you just need to take the first step”
Edmund was quiet, his own voice screaming for everyone to leave had been replaying in his mind for 26 years now….. over and over as the image of Eugene’s empty crib filled his mind, whispers of all the things he’d called himself over the years filled his entire being, forcing darkness to swell up inside him, telling him he didn’t deserve it, he didn’t deserve to move on, to be forgiven, but suddenly something changed. The shadows were replaced with memories of him and his family, the voices were drowned out by laughter and joy, the empty crib shifted, and suddenly he was hugging his son, who was fully grown, the words Eugene had spoken bouncing off the walls in his subconscious:
* Eugene smiled before he looked at his father, he knew the words he had to say, he’d been wanting to say them for a while but never found the courage…. Now however, he took a breath, and let it out before he stepped up to his father, “dad….”
“TRAITOR!” Edmund screamed, making Quirin wince again
Eugene looked at the man, “I-I’m alright, keep going….” The Village Leader stated
The Dark Prince nodded and looked back at his father, “dad…. The first time I found you… I resented you….. For leaving me…. I was angry and hurt at the thought that you just abandoned me and left me in an orphanage…. Sometimes I still do…. It’s hard to think about that…. But…. Now…. I realized you were just trying to *protect* me….”
Edmund seemed to back up a bit, his strength waning as he drew his attention to Eugene, “keep going!” Quirin encouraged
The Captain smiled as he looked at his father, “I understand the sacrifice you had to make dad….. You just wanted me to be safe, and live a life that you thought I should, because you did I met Lance! I made friends, I fell in love! I…. Wouldn’t have been able to without you…. So I…. I forgive you… dad…. Thank you…. For letting me have the life I needed….”*
Suddenly Hugo felt himself being swept up into a hug, he yelped a little in surprise before he looked at who was hugging him, and smiled when he saw Edmund’s eyes staring back, “thank you”, the Dark King stated happily, “thank you……”
Hugo hugged Edmund back, letting out a small sigh of relief, “you’re welcome”, he said softly
The group smiled happily at the pair as they embraced, Varian in particular, was smiling wide as he stared at his boyfriend. His heart was filled with warmth and love, more than he’d ever felt before as he felt his dad gently hug him, he hugged his father back before the retired knight chuckled, “good pick Bubby”
The alchemist blushed, but smiled even more, “Hugo Vanguard, hee hee, I can’t wait”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I’m really sorry for not posting this yesterday, my power went out due to a huge storm, then it came back but my internet was gone, and nothing worked right, it was a mess.
I managed to type all of the story out, this was originally going to be a two parter, however, I combined the two chapters so you all get the chapter from yesterday, and the one for today! I am also posting it now because I feel bad for not having it out yesterday. Again, I am so sorry about not posting yesterday, but I hope this makes up for it!
As for the chapter itself, I’ll let it speak for itself, but suffice it to say, any of you who’ve gone through this, know that I understand and that you’re wonderful people no matter what you’ve done before. If you’re genuinely trying to be better, and have made up for your past mistakes, you’re a good person in my book, and I’m very happy you’re here ❤️🎶
With that being said, thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 469: It is Time!
Summary:
The group is shown something important!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Edmund was quiet, his own voice screaming for everyone to leave had been replaying in his mind for 26 years now….. over and over as the image of Eugene’s empty crib filled his mind, whispers of all the things he’d called himself over the years filled his entire being, forcing darkness to swell up inside him, telling him he didn’t deserve it, he didn’t deserve to move on, to be forgiven, but suddenly something changed. The shadows were replaced with memories of him and his family, the voices were drowned out by laughter and joy, the empty crib shifted, and suddenly he was hugging his son, who was fully grown, the words Eugene had spoken bouncing off the walls in his subconscious:
*Eugene smiled before he looked at his father, he knew the words he had to say, he’d been wanting to say them for a while but never found the courage…. Now however, he took a breath, and let it out before he stepped up to his father, “dad….”
“TRAITOR!” Edmund screamed, making Quirin wince again
Eugene looked at the man, “I-I’m alright, keep going….” The Village Leader stated
The Dark Prince nodded and looked back at his father, “dad…. The first time I found you… I resented you….. For leaving me…. I was angry and hurt at the thought that you just abandoned me and left me in an orphanage…. Sometimes I still do…. It’s hard to think about that…. But…. Now…. I realized you were just trying to *protect* me….”
Edmund seemed to back up a bit, his strength waning as he drew his attention to Eugene, “keep going!” Quirin encouraged
The Captain smiled as he looked at his father, “I understand the sacrifice you had to make dad….. You just wanted me to be safe, and live a life that you thought I should, because you did I met Lance! I made friends, I fell in love! I…. Wouldn’t have been able to without you…. So I…. I forgive you… dad…. Thank you…. For letting me have the life I needed….”*
Suddenly Hugo felt himself being swept up into a hug, he yelped a little in surprise before he looked at who was hugging him, and smiled when he saw Edmund’s eyes staring back, “thank you”, the Dark King stated happily, “thank you……”
Hugo hugged Edmund back, letting out a small sigh of relief, “you’re welcome”, he said softly
The group smiled happily at the pair as they embraced, Varian in particular, was smiling wide as he stared at his boyfriend. His heart was filled with warmth and love, more than he’d ever felt before as he felt his dad gently hug him, he hugged his father back before the retired knight chuckled, “good pick Bubby”
The alchemist blushed, but smiled even more, “Hugo Vanguard, hee hee, I can’t wait”
****
The group waited for a long time before Edmund finally released Hugo, giving him back to Quirin, who allowed Varian to float beside him as he scooped up the blond. The alchemist kissed the inventor happily, hugging him before he looked at the group, “I have to go, but I know you’ll all be okay now, I believe in you, and when I see you again, it’ll be after everything is back to normal!”
“We’ll be more than happy to see you then son”, Quirin stated with a loving smile
“I love you Freckles”, Hugo stated
“I love you too Heckles”, Varian replied as he hugged his father one more time before disappearing, small sparkles of stardust floated down from where he’d been as he did so
“More Star dust”, Adira said, catching some in her hand, “he’s going to have a field day when he gets back”, she stated, pocketing the sparkling substance for her nephew
Quirin chuckled, “that he will”, he said before looking at his king, “do you feel a little better now?”
Edmund smiled, “I honestly do, I’ve been holding on to that guilt for so long, I guess it got so heavy that I forgot what it felt like to walk without it. I feel….. like a weight’s been lifted”
Hugo smiled, “I can understand that”
“How’d you know what to say butter nut?”
The blond snickered before he let out a small sigh, “I….. have my own things I feel guilty for. But Varian, Quirin, and pretty boy over there”, he gestured to Eugene who quirked a brow, “helped me figure out how to handle that guilt, Freckles inspired me to get better, and when I started to find a better way to do things, I slowly felt my guilt fade little by little, I talked to Lance about it, and he told me it’s because I was starting to forgive myself. Over the course of time, while I still felt guilty, I could walk around and know that I was doing everything I could, and more, to fix it, and that knowledge helped me forgive myself and keep moving forwards, before I knew it, I’d become someone I was happy with, and it was thanks to the family I’ve made here”. He stopped when he felt himself being squished into a very fuzzy vest and giggled, “speaking of, hi dad”
Quirin snickered as Edmund smiled at his knight before letting out a small sigh and nodding, “well, if that’s how you see it, then I can forgive myself, I just need to work towards being someone I can be proud of. I will, I will be someone I can be proud of, and someone my son can be proud to call his father too!”
Eugene smiled, “I *am* proud to call you my dad”. Edmund stopped before he looked at his son, smiled, and hugged him, “ACK! That won’t last long if you end up suffocating me!”
Adira and Hector laughed as Hugo and Quirin grinned happily when Edmund let go of the Coronan Captain, who panted, “op, sorry”, the Dark King said with a blush
“It’s *huff huff*, it’s fine…..”
The group waited for Eugene to catch his breath before Hector spoke up, “so…. We’re gonna help the other spirits….. By forgiving them?”
“I suppose so”, Quirin stated, “that’s what the Moonstone, and Varian, said”
“So then why can’t your spawn be with us?”
“Maybe the Moonstone needs to do something? An ancient spell that’s been lost to time possibly?”
“Or they need to sing the spirits to rest”, Adira stated, “there’s an old legend that states the Moon sings when spirits come to her for the final time. It’s why the star twinkle, that’s the Moon’s song”
“You really like old legends, don’t you sister?”
“I used to read them frequently, yes”
“That didn’t answer his question”, Eugene observed
“Didn’t it though?” Adira asked with a smirk
“I….. you know what? I’m saving my sanity, let’s just go”
“Yes Fish Skin, we should head out”
Hugo snickered, “you’ll never know that answer to that question”, he teased
“Shut up ya brat”, Eugene replied with a smirk as he ruffled Hugo’s hair, getting the inventor to laugh as they began to make their way towards the center of the forest
****
They’d been walking for a long time, Hugo had the star out in his hands, he smiled as he studied the shining object, “it’s so pretty”, he stated
“I agree, is it still tingly?” Quirin asked
“Yeah, but not in a bad way, it’s like…. I can feel the magic inside it. It makes me happy”
The retired knight smiled, “it didn’t same for me too”
Suddenly, the star began to shine brightly, and as the group stepped forwards, the entire forest changed once more:
*”Are you sure this is a good idea brother?” A young male asked, when he came into view with his guest, the group gasped at who they saw
“Yes, Corona is in danger brother, if they do not show their gratitude to the Moon as she requires, they will continue to suffer, I cannot let innocent lives live in fear based off something they don’t know”, the guest replied
The young male sighed before looking at his guest, “Demanitus….” He stated softly, “these people, *our* people, have been at peace for centuries. Corona is a peaceful place now, but it was not before….. Do you really have faith that they will keep their end of the bargain? That they will help someone other than themselves?”
“Vincent”, Demanitus replied with a soft smile, “all will be well, these Coronans will grant our people their well deserve reward for helping them during such trying times”
“Brother, they have made very horrible decisions!” Vincent exclaimed
“They have made *mistakes* Vincent”, Demanitus stated, “I understand you would not like a repeat of such mistakes, but I assure you they will not be committed again. The Coronan king has learned from his ancestors misdeeds, they’ve grown stronger because of his leadership”. Vincent was quiet, “are you really going to blame a man for his ancestors wrong doings?”
“No….. But I have every right to be concerned”, Vincent stated, “I would like to be proven wrong, if you’re so certain that I will, I will do what I can to help. But….. I’m weary brother…..”
“I am too, but all will be well, we must protect the innocent, that is the vow we made. We’ve both done just that, and yet I see more innocent people in trouble now Vincent, more than ever. I cannot let them be…. It isn’t right, you know it to be true”
“I know it….. I don’t like it…. But I know it…… As I said, I’ll help, I’m just weary”
Demanitus smiled, “you have every right dear brother”
With that, to duo began to walk towards a large tent. When they did so, they kneeled before a man who looked a lot like Eugene, “rise Vanguard brothers”, he stated gently, “my oldest friends shall never bow to me”
“Chief Genesis, thank you for seeing us”, Vincent stated as he and Demanitus rose to face the man, “especially with such short notice”
“It is no trouble”, the chief stated, “to what do I owe the pleasure of such a momentous visit from one of our brothers?” He asked
“Chief, I apologize, but I have a favor to ask of the tribe”, Demanitus replied respectfully, “I wish I were here for a more common reason, however-!”
The child stopped him with a gentle raise of his hand as he smiled, “you asking me for a favor after all you and your brother have done is not something to apologize for. Please tell me what you seek from our tribe”
Demanitus gave the man a smile before speaking again, “it is the Coronans chief”, he said, “they’re experiencing the curse of the Moon for disrespecting her wonderful nights”, he explained, “nightmares, visious monsters looming in their towns, people are too frightened to step foot outside their home…. I understand the mistake lies with them chief, for not giving the Moon all she deserves, but innocent people are being hurt, they do not deserve such a punishment when they did not know what crime they’ve committed”
“I bring caution however chief”, Vincent stated, “these Coronans have bloodied their swords and darkened their streets with the souls of other humans. I do not wish them harm, but they have made mistakes, and I do not wish for them to harm our peaceful tribe”
Chief Genesis seemed to take both men’s statements into consideration before he nodded and stood, “I understand the severity of this situation. I choose to help the Coronans by showing them how to properly thank the Moon. However, I will not have our people put in danger by staying with them. Once our part is done, we shall come back to our home”
Demanitus and Vincent smiled at each other before they looked back at the chief, “thank you”, Demanitus stated, “I could not ask for anymore than that”
Chief Genesis nodded with a gentle grin, “dear Demanitus, you have the loyalty of a tamer, so spirited and protective. You are a very good man, I am glad we are able to help”, he looked to Vincent, “and you Vincent, you have the wisdom of a Warrior, cautious and calm. You are also a very good man, I am glad you have stayed within this tribe”, he then looked at them both, “you share the honor of a knight, such devotion and courage to causes you believe great and just. The world is truly blessed to have the pair of you in it”
“We are blessed to be here chief”, Demanitus stated as Vincent nodded in agreement
“We couldn’t ask for a better leader chief Genesis”, Vincent added with a smile*
****
The vision ended, the group blinked a few times before Hugo gasped, “C-Chief….. Genesis….” He stated, pointing to something in front of him
When the group looked, they gasped too when they saw the original leader standing before them, “I….. Hello”, Eugene said
“Hello”, Chief Genesis replied with a smile, “I see it is time for my children to be freed”, he stated, “the Moon really is gracious”
“I…. Um…..”
Genesis chuckled, “I understand it must be a surprise to see me. I apologize for the shock, but I am here to explain where you are now”
Hector raised a brow, “no disrespect meant but….. aren’t we still in the forest of no return?” He asked, he waited for the groans to accompany the name, but when none came, his eyes widened, “a-aren’t we?”
Chief Genesis shook his head, “we are no longer if the forest of your timeline. We are now in the original land, the place where it all began”
Adira’s eyes widened, “follow me, into the darkness, to the original land, and set them free”, she repeated
“You are correct wise warrior”, Chief Genesis stated, “the Moonstone was talking of the place in which you stand now”, he gestured behind him and showed the group where they were
Everyone gasped as they saw the large tent from the vision, only it was real, several other tents surrounded it, an entire village’s worth in fact, there were fire pits spread out among the land, old fashioned clothing lines to clean articles of clothing, lusciously green trees sparkled in the Moonlight as they surrounded the group
“Woah…..” Eugene stated
Quirin spoke up, “you…. Are the very first King of the Dark Kingdom….. the final chief of the old tribe we used to be….. Eugene and King Edmund’s oldest ancestor”
“That is who I am honorable Knight, it is nice to finally meet you, all of you”, Chief Genesis replied, “I am in need of a favor”
“To free your children, right?” Hector asked
“Indeed loyal Tamer”
“Wait”, Eugene said, “Wise, honorable, and loyal”, he stated, “you complimented Demanitus and Vincent with those words, and associated them with the Warrior, Knight, and Tamer”
“I did indeed young Prince, you’ve quite the keen eye. I was the one who created the Brotherhood when the kingdom was first born. A Warrior, Tamer, and Knight were the greatest protectors I could think of to stand by a King’s side and protect the kingdom we’d been gifted. It made things better to have three champions to help ease the burden of a new kingdom, it was also my gift to any king or queen after me. The Moon also gifted us with her magical seal, and showing of the tests to choose whom shall be in the Brotherhood. Each generation will have three Brotherhood members. They will always be a Warrior, a Tamer, and a Knight. Their weapons may vary, but their oaths will be forever unchanged. Protect the kingdom, protect the people, and protect the Moonstone, whatever the cost. It is the greatest honor anyone can be bestowed with in our land”
“Huh….. Did you know what would happen later on?” Eugene asked gently, “to those people who swore that oath”
“I wish I had….. I never would have made the Brotherhood if I’d known….. The mind trap was made to help….. But it’s only caused my people pain…..” He looked at Quirin, Adira, Hector, and Edmund, “I am sorry for that”
“We don’t blame you”, Adira stated, “how could you have known it would be used the way it was? There was no way to predict such an event”
“She’s right, it isn’t your fault”, Hector stated
“I appreciate your kind words, thank you”, Chief Genesis replied with a smile before he looked directly at Quirin, “though…. A child should never have to go through what your son has been through…… I will say, had he been in the Dark Kingdom, he would’ve been chosen as the knight, just as you were. His devotion and honor knows no bounds, he truly is your son, Quirin Vanguard”
The retired knight smiled proudly, “thank you, your majesty”
Chief Genesis nodded before he looked at Edmund, “my dear descendent…. How much you’ve suffered….. The fault does not lie with you alone….. I hope this can help put your spirit to rest as well”
Edmund gave a sad chuckle, “it may take me a while for that to happen, however”, he looked at Hugo, who smiled, “I’m making strides to be better, for my loved ones especially”, he stated before looking back at Genesis, “that, alone, is enough for me”
Chief Genesis smiled and nodded before he looked at Eugene, “you know what must be done now, you, my latest descendant, and your loved ones, blood related or not, are the only ones who can help my children. When you are ready, I will take my leave, and the Moonstone will come guide you”
Eugene tilted his head, “why do you need to leave? Wouldn’t you want to stay?”
“I would, but I fear my being here would only hinder what needs to be done. My faith is in all of you, I know you can do what is needed, I trust you”
The Dark Prince was startled before he smiled and looked at the rest of the group, “are we ready?”
Adira, Hector, Edmund, and Hugo nodded with smiles on their faces as Quirin spoke up, “ready as well ever be”
Eugene grinned, “so that’s where he got that from”
The retired knight chuckled, “it is, kinda odd to hear it in a song though”
Eugene snickered before looking at Chief Genesis, “we’re ready”
The first Dark King nodded before he bowed and disappeared, a bright light making him vanish before he was replaced by a small figure, “Moonstone”, Hugo stated softly when he saw the small being standing in front of Eugene
“Hello”, the Moonstone stated with a smile, “shall we begin?”
Notes:
Hello! :D
I was super excited for this particular chapter because I absolutely love to world build! And being able to show something so incredibly prevalent to the history of a place I’m building off of is so cool!
I realize the vision has already been talked about in an earlier chapter, but I never said who the chief was nor did I ever talk about Demanitus and Vincent’s relationship, so here we is!
I’m excited for the next chapter too! I’m currently working on it right now actually XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!
Chapter 470: Earthly Chains!
Summary:
The group is finally faced with their task!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Chief Genesis smiled and nodded before he looked at Eugene, “you know what must be done now, you, my latest descendant, and your loved ones, blood related or not, are the only ones who can help my children. When you are ready, I will take my leave, and the Moonstone will come guide you”
Eugene tilted his head, “why do you need to leave? Wouldn’t you want to stay?”
“I would, but I fear my being here would only hinder what needs to be done. My faith is in all of you, I know you can do what is needed, I trust you”
The Dark Prince was startled before he smiled and looked at the rest of the group, “are we ready?”
Adira, Hector, Edmund, and Hugo nodded with smiles on their faces as Quirin spoke up, “ready as well ever be”
Eugene grinned, “so that’s where he got that from”
The retired knight chuckled, “it is, kinda odd to hear it in a song though”
Eugene snickered before looking at Chief Genesis, “we’re ready”
The first Dark King nodded before he bowed and disappeared, a bright light making him vanish before he was replaced by a small figure, “Moonstone”, Hugo stated softly when he saw the small being standing in front of Eugene
“Hello”, the Moonstone stated with a smile, “shall we begin?”
“What do we do?” Eugene asked, a little startled by the Moonstone’s sudden appearance
The celestial stone smiled, “you’ll see”, with that, they began to float into the air, and sing. The lyrics were in an ancient language, their eyes, freckles, and hair glowed brighter and brighter until something shifted
“What the fu-AH!” Hector jumped back and his blade came out before he stopped, “wait….. holy fuck….. Guys look!”
The group looked over and froze at what they saw, “I’m sorry….. I couldn’t stop it…. I couldn’t stop the war from coming…. I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry…..”
“Queen….. Hera?” Adira asked
“I’m sorry….” The Dark Queen stated once again, “I’m so so sorry…..” she was completely transparent, she had tears streaming down her face as she looked down in shame, her chest had the poisoned dagger still inside it, from what it seemed, the poison was still eating away at her….. “I’m sorry…..”
“Hera…..” Adira stated softly
“Look!” Hugo exclaimed, gesturing to all around them. The group looked around and their eyes grew wide at what they saw. All the Queens and Kings of the Dark Kingdom’s past were back, standing there, tears down their faces as their final, fatal, wounds showed prominently on their bodies as they all apologized for their transgressions
“I’m sorry I couldn’t stop him….. He caused so much pain to my people….”
“Dakota…..” Edmund said
“I’m sorry I could get the kingdom to where it needed to be…..”
“Richard”, Hector growled
“I’m sorry…. I’m sorry….”
“Quirin-!” Hugo started to say
“I won’t…. I can’t…. Not him…. I don’t want to face him….” The retired knight stated, turning his back to one of the spirits
“I’m sorry, so sorry…..” They all stated
“All of them…..” Edmund stated sadly, “all of them are in so much pain….. why?”
“They are being punished…..” the Moonstone stated as they floated back to the ground, visibly exhausted from the strain of the old spell, “they’re suffer for their mistakes against the kingdom. They never forgave themselves for leaving the kingdom the way they did, because of this, their spirits couldn’t join the Moon in watching over the land. Therefore, they are all being punished for abandoning their oath…..”
“And their punishment?” Eugene asked, a little afraid of the answer
“Forever suffer their final moments while reliving their mistakes over and over again. All the pain they felt, the sadness and betrayal, the feelings of anger and hatred, may it be inward or not, that led them to make their mistakes and die in the way they did, every ounce of pain they suffered, they now do so every second….. Every second the Dark Kingdom suffers, is another second they suffer…..”
“Holy shit……” Hector stated as he looked at King Richard, who had a noose tied tightly around his neck, “so he’s constantly being hung….”
“Just as Queen Hera is constantly being stabbed and poisoned…..” Adira stated
“How horrible….” Edmund said softly
“It truly is….” The Moonstone stated, “they were not the perfect people, but they did not deserve this fate….. Even if they did, they’ve suffered enough…. The Moon cannot stop this agony, and neither can I…. It must be all of you…. You’re the only ones who can stop this now”
“How?!” Hugo asked, “how do we stop this? How?!”
“Set them free”, the Moonstone stated
“Wait”, Eugene said, “say that again”
“Set them free”, the Moonstone repeated
The Dark Prince blinked, “you’re not saying it normally, why are you singing it? You did it before too, when you first gave us this task. I didn’t mention it before, because I thought it was a one off thing, but….. Why are you saying it that way”
The Moonstone smiled, “if I told you, I’d be interfering where I shouldn’t. But you’re on the right track, the answer you seek is in a song you’ve heard before”
“A song?” Adira asked
“You did mention the Moon used to sing before”, Hector stated
“True, but I didn’t really believe that to truly be the answer!”
Hector snorted, “surprised yourself there eh?”
“Shush”
“Guys I think I know what song the Moonstone’s talking about”, Eugene exclaimed
“W-Which one?” Quirin asked while trying very hard to ignore the tall spirit standing behind him with a very deep gash in his throat as Hugo stared at him worriedly
“I….. I can’t remember…. For some reason I’m having so much trouble remembering the lyrics….. but it was an incantation….. One that Rapunzel sang……” Eugene stated
Hugo’s eyes widened as he began to sing
“Wither and decay,
End this destiny,
Break these earthly chains,
And set the spirit free,
The spirit free”
“THAT’S IT!” Eugene exclaimed
“The decay incantation, Freckles found a verse to it”, Hugo stated, “the first verse, damn it, how did that go?!”
“Power of the moon”
Someone began to sing, making the group look around
“Beneath your darkened glow,
Let your aura reach,
Let my magic flow”
“VARIAN!” Quirin shouted, getting the group to look at him, “that’s Varian! He’s singing it for us!”
The Moonstone smiled, “indeed he is”
“Wither and decay”
Varian continued
“End this destiny,
Break these earthly chains,
And Set the spirit free,
The spirit free”
“Holy shit, how’s he doing that?” Hector asked, “though he couldn’t intervene”
“Seems he managed to change the rules a little bit”, the Moonstone stated with a smile, “such a clever clever boy”
“Ok so wait”, Eugene stated, “that incantation means something, but what! Because that can’t be a coincidence that you, Moonstone, used those particular lines to get us on this task”
“Seems the cleverness isn’t just in the Vanguard gene pool”, the Moonstone complemented
“Ok so that’s the right track, what about that incantation connects it to this?” Hugo asked
Everyone was quiet before they heard Varian’s voice singing the incantation again, it made Quirin smiled as he listened to his son, that is, until the meaning finally hit him, “that’s it!” He exclaimed, startling the group, “it tells the story of the Brotherhood!” He stated, “power of the Moon, beneath your darkened glow, we meditate, as the final trial, underneath the Moon, until morning! Let my aura reach, that’s us asking if we’re worthy of becoming part of the Brotherhood! Let my magic flow, the Moon’s magic is what gives us our marks! The first verse is about a Brotherhood member gaining their mark and taking the oath!”
“Oh my gosh….” Edmund stated, “Quirin that’s amazing! What about the final verse?”
“That’s our task”, the retired knight stated, “wither and decay, the spirits of the past Kings and Queens in the Brotherhood, end this destiny, what the Moonstone wants us to do, end their suffering and dreadful fate! Break these earthly chains, and set the spirit free, the spirit free, that’s *how* we do it!”
“But the statues are already broken”, Hector stated
“That’s true”, Adira stated, “I thought those were their earthly chains”
Varian’s voice stopped singing, “you must be right Quirin”, Hugo stated, “Freckles stopped singing”
The retired knight smiled, “thank you Bubby”
A small giggle could be heard as it bounced throughout the area, it made Quirin smile before he suddenly saw a flash, “wait…. Varian are you trying to show us something?”
Another giggle before the flash showed up again. Quirin walked over to it, walking past the spirits, one in particular was following him, the one with the gash in his throat, Quirin ignored him again before stopping at the flash, “V-Varian?”
Hugo blinked, “Freckles?”
“Do you see Varian?” Eugene asked
“Yes? And no? It doesn’t seem like he’s really here”, Hugo replied
“It’s a vision”, Moonstone stated, “he’s saying something”
“What?” Hugo asked
“Varian”, Quirin stated, “we can’t hear him but….. his lips…. Look at his lips”
Hugo looked, he noticed how his boyfriend looked a little younger in the vision they saw, he had a blue shirt and tan khakis, black boots, and a reddish purple apron, “he’s….. so tiny…..”
“This was when he was in the dungeons…..” Quirin stated, “he’s saying he hates himself…. How could he have done what he did….. he keeps repeating those words…..”
The vision disappeared as Hugo looked up at Quirin, “are you okay?”
“Yeah…. I’m fine, that was just hard to see…. But I know what ‘earthly chains’ he’s talking about now…… forgiveness, the spirits don’t forgive themselves, their shame is what ties them to the earth still. so we have to break them….. Did anyone else notice that each vision had a connection to one of us in some way or another, Hera was Adira’s Hero, Richard is hated by Hector, Dakota was kind hearted and did what he felt was needed for his people like King Edmund, and Adder…… Abused and tried to kill me….. it’s also why I’m being followed…..”
“Oh shit….” Hugo stated as he peeked at the spirit behind them again
“We have connections to the people we need to forgive…..” Quirin continued, “Adira with Hera, Hector with Richard, King Edmund with Dakota, and me…..” the retired knight finally faced the spirit that’s been following him the entire time as he glared daggers at them, “and King Adder……”
Eugene gasped as Adira looked beside her and saw Hera standing next to her, Hector doing the same and seeing Richard. Edmund sighed and looked at Dakota sadly, “well ain’t this a him dinger…..” he stated softly
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I won’t say much, but holy crap this is gonna get crazy! Also, Dakota and Edmund are connected because Edmund did what Dakota tried to do, save their people from a horrible fate! Adder and Quirin are connected because….. well, you’ll see :3 Quirin’s character arc reaching its end though 😊🎶
Side note: tiny Moon bean helping his family cause he’s a good boy! We love Varian in this house home XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 471: Quirin’s Choice! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Edmund, Adira, and Hector speak with the spirits they’re connected to while Quirin figured out what he’s going to do with Adder!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The retired knight smiled, “thank you Bubby”
A small giggle could be heard as it bounced throughout the area, it made Quirin smile before he suddenly saw a flash, “wait…. Varian are you trying to show us something?”
Another giggle before the flash showed up again. Quirin walked over to it, walking past the spirits, one in particular was following him, the one with the gash in his throat, Quirin ignored him again before stopping at the flash, “V-Varian?”
Hugo blinked, “Freckles?”
“Do you see Varian?” Eugene asked
“Yes? And no? It doesn’t seem like he’s really here”, Hugo replied
“It’s a vision”, Moonstone stated, “he’s saying something”
“What?” Hugo asked
“Varian”, Quirin stated, “we can’t hear him but….. his lips…. Look at his lips”
Hugo looked, he noticed how his boyfriend looked a little younger in the vision they saw, he had a blue shirt and tan khakis, black boots, and a reddish purple apron, “he’s….. so tiny…..”
“This was when he was in the dungeons…..” Quirin stated, “he’s saying he hates himself…. How could he have done what he did….. he keeps repeating those words…..”
The vision disappeared as Hugo looked up at Quirin, “are you okay?”
“Yeah…. I’m fine, that was just hard to see…. But I know what ‘earthly chains’ he’s talking about now…… forgiveness, the spirits don’t forgive themselves, their shame is what ties them to the earth still. So we have to break them….. Did anyone else notice that each vision had a connection to one of us in some way or another, Hera was Adira’s Hero, Richard is hated by Hector, Dakota was kind hearted and did what he felt was needed for his people like King Edmund, and Adder…… Abused and tried to kill me….. it’s also why I’m being followed…..”
“Oh shit….” Hugo stated as he peeked at the spirit behind them
“We have connections to the people we need to forgive…..” Quirin continued, “Adira with Hera, Hector with Richard, King Edmund with Dakota, and me…..” the retired knight finally faced the spirit that’s been following him the entire time as he glared daggers at them, “and King Adder……”
Eugene gasped as Adira looked beside her and saw Hera standing next to her, Hector doing the same and seeing Richard. Edmund sighed and looked at Dakota sadly, “well ain’t this a hum dinger…..” he stated softly
“Yes it…. Really is…..” The retired knight agreed as he stared at Adder. The abusive king stared back at him, he looked tired…..
“So we have to forgive the spirits we’re connected to?” Adira asked, when she got a nod from her older brother, she looked at Hera again, “that’s very easy for me”
“Fuck you….” Hector stated as he glared at Richard, “I fucking *hate* this guy! Why the fuck do I get stuck with him?!”
“I think it’s part of their punishment”, King Edmund replied, as he looked sadly at Dakota before glancing at the Moonstone, “I’m right aren’t I?”
“Indeed”, the Moonstone stated, “the ones who were kind and tried their best get the people that truly care about them and are far more understanding of their actions. The ones who caused nothing but pain get the people that hate them with every fiber of their being”
“That’s more of a punishment for us….” Hector stated, “especially Quirin…. I can handle the fucking dick-tator over here, but…..” he looked at his older brother sadly, “that’s just not fucking fair…..”
“I agree”, the Moonstone stated, “but out of everyone, he is the one who hates King Adder the most. And….. I honestly believe it to be worse to put the abusive father with his son…..” they stated as they looked at Edmund, who shivered a little
“Fair point…. But still….” Hector stated
“It’s fine”, Quirin said, still glaring at King Adder, “I hate him, but…. I’ll do what I must…..”
“It must be real Quirin”, Moonstone stated, “you have to forgive him for real, not simply because it must happen”
“I understand”, Quirin stated, “I’ll try my best”
Hugo blinked as he looked up at the old king. He felt his blood boil a bit as he recalled the vision he’d seen with this particular king and Quirin….. But the inventor kept his mouth shut as Adira spoke up, “I think it’s safe to say I forgive Queen Hera entirely”
The spirit of the Queen gave a sad smile to Adira, “it’s not that simple, you have to convince them”, Moonstone stated
“What’s there to convince?” The face painted warrior asked, “you may not have been able to stop the war, but you helped create the way for the kingdom to forge ahead when you passed away. You didn’t back down, you weren’t a coward, you protected as many as you could, you showed everyone what a female in power can do, and you stood up to the most disagreeable King during your time period! You’ve probably done a lot more good than harm considering you refused to give him the Moonstone! And when you told him he wasn’t able to join the 8 Kingdoms, that protected the Sundrop as well, which in turn helped restore our family later on! You’re my hero for a reason, I have only high respect for you Queen Hera, that’ll never change, no matter how much convincing you try to tell me”
“The war…..” Hera stated softly, “so much death…..”
“The war wasn’t prevented, but we won that battle, and it helped prevent other kingdoms from attacking us as well”, Adira stated, “I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but that war proved that our kingdom was powerful and strong! Other kingdoms were going to harm our borders, but when we beat Arendelle, they backed off because Arendelle had the best army at the time, and we had the worst, or so they thought. The war was bad, war has never been good, however, it paved the road for the kingdom t grow, alliances were formed, people began to trade, it was prosperous, their deaths were not in vain, neither was yours! You are, and have always been, one of our nations greatest rulers, and I forgive your misdeeds with all the respect I can muster”
Hers was quiet, Adira spoke one more time, “I was a little girl when they found me….. I had lost my home, my family, my innocence….. I was scared and weak when I came to the Dark Kingdom….. But Quirin found your story, and read it to me….. he introduced me to you and said I could be like you one day. I strived to do so and proved that women were just as capable of fighting alongside men or any other gender, or lack there of! You gave me the courage to fight, not your son, not my siblings, *you*. I would’ve died otherwise…. I had nothing else…. Nothing….. You helped save my life. You truly are my one and only hero, thank you”
The old Queen was startled by that, before she smiled wide and bowed to Adira, a flash of light shined off of her, and when she straightened up from her bow, she was fully colored, he wounds were healed, and she looked alive, “thank you so much, Adira”, she said
The face painted warrior was startled before she blushed and nodded, “happy to help”
“Um…. Sister?” Hector said
“Shut up”, the face painted warrior snapped as she hid her face a little, getting the wild tamer to snort
Edmund smiled at his daughter before he looked at Dakota, “I couldn’t protect them….” The old King admitted sadly, “I couldn’t stop him…..”
“I understand…. I couldn’t protect my people the way I wanted to either….” Edmund stated, getting Dakota’s attention, “because of my own anger and lack of good judgement, my son was sent to an orphanage, my children were separated, silenced, and lonely, and even *then*, with all that protection, the Moonstone was *still* stolen….. People got hurt because of me, because I couldn’t see past my own emotions….. But good came out of my blunder. I got a grandson out of it, I got to see him fall in love with a butter nut, and there may even be more grand peanuts on the way!” He exclaimed excitedly a he looked at Eugene
“You’re really hyping that up aren’t ya?” The Dark Prince asked with a smirk
“Yes! A tiny Eugene would be so *adorable*! Oh! Or a baby Varian and Hugo!”
“Hate to break it to ya, but being gay, or bi in Freckles’s case, and falling in love with the same gender kinda makes it hard to conceive a kid”, Hugo stated
“Adoption is an option!” Edmund stated, “that’s still worth it!”
“…..That’s actually true…. Huh….. I’ll talk to Varian about that”
“Scuse me?” Quirin asked, “when did that conversation begin and why wasn’t I informed?”
“Oh don’t worry, It hasn’t even started yet, but I’ve been thinking about it”
“Ah I see, you wanna be a dad?”
“No, I wanna be a mom!” Hugo stated proudly, “Freckles is more of a dad, though I guess if doesn’t really matter, I just wanna be a parent. I wanna teach a kid and help them grow in the way I couldn’t. I wanna play ball with them, teach em how to make chemicals and inventions, I wanna read to them and make them feel safe. I wanna do what you do, be there for someone I love, have a family, and tell really awful puns that make them groan, while kissing Freckles and making them blush!”
“That’s what I do?!” Quirin asked
“You tell the awful puns, and you kiss Freckles, but in a dad way, not the way I’m thinking”
“PG-13 Hugo!” Eugene exclaimed
“Everyone here is above the age of 13 Eugene!”
“He’s aware, but he also knows that I’m holding you currently and do have the power to ground you until you’re 50”, Quirin stated with a smirk and raised brow
“Eheh, fair point”
“Either way”, Edmund stated with a chuckle as he looked back at Dakota, “I may not have made the best decisions, but the ones I did make brought about some good things. I’m certain you didn’t get to see the good because you were killed before you could….. But you did cause a lot of good things to happen! Vali for one thing, you gave Vali Vanguard the strength to fight back, hell, he gathered the citizens to fight for *you*! That proves what a good, kind, and respected king you were! Without your death, the kingdom would’ve been destroyed from the inside out! Think about it, your brother would’ve gone unchecked and possibly corrupted the system! The citizens never would’ve gained a backbone had they not cared about you so much! You may have died before you could help in the way you wished to, but you gave the people, *your* people, someone they could depend on, you helped Vali as well, because you did, he helped the kingdom grow in your absence! You did so much good, maybe it wasn’t what you wanted, but what came out of it helped so many! I had to learn the same thing myself, it was…. Very hard to accept, but I had a little butter nut help me out”, he smiled at Hugo, who smiled back, “and now? I know I can still make a difference, because I get to look back at your story now, and see what I can do to help our kingdom. So thank you, for still continuing to make a difference, even when you’re gone”
Dakota seemed startled before he smiled at Edmund, “thank you”, he said softly, getting Edmund to grin happily as a flash of light glowed brightly before dimming, showing Dakota now fully healed, in color, and looking very much alive, “King Edmund”
“More than happy to help, hee hee, you’re technically my grandpa!” Edmund stated, “father of Queen Hera, who bore Richard, who bore my father, who bore me! You’re my Great Great Grandpa!”
Dakota grinned lovingly, “that I am”
The new Dark King chuckled before blushing, “heh, sorry”
“It’s alright, Great Great Grand-almond”
Edmund froze for a moment or two before he looked at the man, “wait, did you just say-!”
“Who do you think you got the idea for nut based nicknames from?” Dakota asked with a smirk
Edmund blinked before he laughed and hugged Dakota, who was startled but smiled and hugged him back
Richard huffed as he watched the interaction before he looked at Hector, the wild tamer just raised his brow, “I’m in pain”, the spirit stated huffily
“And?” Hector asked
“Fix it”
“Fuck you”
“EXCUSE ME?!”
“You heard me! Fuck you!” Hector snapped
“Why you insulate little-!”
“*YOU* NEED *ME*!” Hector yelled, “you need *me* to stop the pain and forgive you! You need *me* to help you find peace! I’m not the fucking forgiving doormat that you’re accustomed to pushing around like they’re pieces of shit! You’re in *my* fucking home now! This isn’t *your* kingdom anymore ya damn egotistical asshole! So cut the fucking bullshit!”
Richard was startled by that before he huffed, “you don’t know what I’ve been through”
“I don’t give a fucking shit”, Hector stated, “your past may suck like fucking bird shit, but that doesn’t matter to me! I could understand if you were aggressive but still kind, I could get behind someone who’s anxious but brave, I can see a fucking asshole ruling the kingdom as long as he protects what important and does what’s needed, but that’s not what you did! You were fucking cruel! You broke spirits, hurt people, denied them their freedom and killed so many innocent lives of born animals AND humans! You’re a fucking MONSTER! I think you’re one of the worst kings in the fucking universe! Ya wanna know what makes you worse?! BECAUSE YOU BROUGHT FUCKING ADDER INTO THIS WORLD!” He yelled, “I hate you! I hate what you did to this kingdom! What you left behind! You never fucking deserved to be a king, NEVER! As far as I’m concerned you can fucking take your selfish bullshit and suffer! I don’t even *pity* you! You’re nothing to me! Barely even worth calling a king, I fucking hate everything you stand for! So don’t you DARE tell me to fucking fix your bullshit when you haven’t even said you’re FUCKING SORRY!”
The old King was shocked into silence as he stared into Hector’s eyes, normally he’d face down a man and they would be fearful of him, yet Hector was a different story. This man showed nothing for him, not even sympathy, and for once, I made Richard think, “…..Was I really so terrible?…..” he asked
“YES!” Hector snapped, “yes you really fucking were! You were cruel and greedy! You’re what my parents used to be, abusive and cold! They saw me as nothing but an object, just as you saw the kingdom and its people!” The tamer felt tears come to his eye but shook them off, “you were given such a great fucking ability to help the people below you, and you squandered it for gold! Did that even help you?! Did your status really matter more than the people you should’ve cared for?! DID IT?!”
“Hector….” Eugene stated softly
Edmund stared, sadly, at his tamer as Adira walked over, Hera following. She placed a gentle hand on Hector’s shoulder, getting him to look at her, “I’m sorry”, she said, “they’re gone Hector…..”
The wild tamer stopped for a moment or two before he realized what he’d just said and sighed, “shit….”
“It’s okay”, his sister stated, “you’re not wrong……”
“I know….. and everything I said pertains to him too, just…. Shit….”
“I know…..”
“……Mother…..” Richard stated, getting Adira and Hector to look and see Richard staring at Queen Hera, “m-mother….”
“Hello Richard”, Hera replied gently
Hector looked in-between the duo before his eyes widened as he remembered who’d found Hera when she’d died, “damn….. ok maybe your past can make me feel slightly bad for you…..” he stated
Richard looked at him before he sighed, “you’re still correct….. it doesn’t excuse what I’ve done….. My cruel actions caused so much harm….. Verne….. gentle Verne tried to tell me…. I should’ve listened….. I should’ve…..”
Hector sniffled before fully facing the dead king, “why’d you do it?” He asked, “why were you so cruel?”
Richard sighed once again, “because of what happened to my mother….. it’s not a good excuse, but it’s the main reason I was so cold….. she was dead on the floor, I found her so early in the morning…. I’d had a nightmare and sought her out…. Only to find her in one of them worst ways I could…. She suffered because of her compassion, she was killed because they thought she was weak….. I hated them, I hated Arendelle so much for what they’d done! Their lies, their nature, I hated everything about them! I vowed to make sure it would never happen again! I wanted to make the kingdom so powerful that Arendelle would come *begging* us for help! I wanted to make them suffer for what they put her through….. But instead…. I ended up causing my people pain…… I’m sorry….. you’re right tamer…. Hector….. I truly am a monster….”
Hector stared at the man for a long time, he was debating with himself, this man did nothing good in his life to the tamer, he only caused more pain, that was what he’d thought. But the more he thought about it, the more he began to empathize, “…..I turned into one too….” He stated quietly, “I shunned my siblings away because I was angry, I almost killed innocent people because they tried to go through the great tree….. I nearly stopped the Sundrop from reaching the kingdom….. I almost killed our Prince…..” Hector let out a breathy bitter chuckle, “I became a monster too…. I didn’t even realize it….. the only difference is that I got to change it before it was too late…. You didn’t get that chance…..”
“I was killed…. But rightfully so now that I think about it…..” Richard stated, “thank you, for helping me see my wrong doings…. I’m sorry for what I’ve done…. I truly am….. I hope something goon came out of it….. thought I highly doubt it did….”
Hector smirked, “King Edmund did”, he stated, getting Edmund to look over, “he came from your bloodline, without you, Adder wouldn’t have been born, and King Edmund wouldn’t have existed. You helped give us the best king we could’ve hoped for. I don’t know how you raised Adder, but however you did it, have us King Edmund, and he’s good, king, understanding, merciful, and the best king ever. So there’s one good thing you did, that, and you also were the reason the people of this kingdom were able to rise up and fight for themselves. They grew stronger because of your mistreatment. It isn’t okay, and you shouldn’t have done it, but good still came out of it, and…. You really do seem like you’re sorry….. and you’ve suffered….. a lot…..” Hector stated as he looked at the dead King, “so….. I forgive you”, he stated, “I really do”
Richard was startled by that before a flash of light came from him, when it dimmed, he was healed, fully colored, and looked alive once again, “I….. T-thank you”
“You’re welcome, if you really wanna make up for it, spend time with your mom”, Hector stated with a smirk as he gestured to Hera, who smiled gratefully at the tamer, “I’m doing the same”, he stated as he looked at Adira, who had the same smile on her face as he smiled back at her
“I-I will! I really will!” Richard exclaimed happily as he smiled up at his mother, who returned the expression
Adira, Hector, and Edmund smiled at the pear before they looked over at the final spirit and frowned, “Quirin….” Edmund stated softly
Hugo and Eugene looked at the man as well, Hugo shifted a bit in Quirin’s arms before he glanced at Adder, the Dark King was staring at Quirin, an unreadable expression was plastered on the dead King’s face, “we meet again”, Adder stated
“We do”, the retired knight replied, his voice cold and level, but the undertone sent shivers down everyone’s spine
The two said nothing for a long time before Hugo, feeling uncomfortable, spoke up, “um….. Shouldn’t you…. Say sorry?” He asked the dead King
Adder glared *daggers* at the teen, making Hugo have a brief image of Donella and Cyrus flash in front of him and making him whimper, “don’t take it out on him…..” Quirin stated, getting Adder to look at him, “your grief is with me, and *only* me….”
“Hm…. You seem braver. Not hiding behind my son anymore?”
“No, and he isn’t your son”, Quirin stated
“Come again?”
“King Edmund has no father, at least none that I associate with him. He’s far too good for the likes of you”, Adder growled before he swung his hand, it fazed right through Quirin, it didn’t land either, the retired knight simply raised a brow, “you’re dead, remember? You can’t hurt me anymore”
Adder looked at his hand and growled, “I should’ve killed too when you were a child! I should’ve made it painful and long so you could BEG for my mercy you little insignificant WORM!”
Suddenly a *bright* flash of blue light shot down in front of Adder and Quirin before a very angry looking Varian punched Adder’s chin, sending him flying through the air and landing onto the ground. The alchemist huffed before disappearing. Hugo blinked, “f-freckles?”
Quirin stopped before he began to laugh, startling everyone, including Adder, as they all looked at him, he continued to laugh until there were tears in his eyes before he finally calmed down, “oh, oh boy”, he said with a chuckle, “thank you Varian, I really needed someone to do thahat”
Hugo blinked again before he looked up at Quirin, “what just happened?”
The Moonstone chuckled, “Varian’s listening, and he didn’t like what was said to his father, so he took it upon himself to….. ‘punish’ king Adder”, they explained with a smile, “that’s how Varian put it”
Quirin snickered as Hector smiled, “wow, ok, so the spawn has the real power here!”
“He really does!” Adira agreed with a grin as she watched Adder get up, wiping away blood that, surprisingly wasn’t there before, “looks like you may want to watch what you say”, she stated, “you’re no longer in control here”
Adder growled at her before another blue light shimmered in front of Adder, and he stopped, making the blue shimmer go away, “oohoohoo! Varian gave you a warning!” Eugene teased with a grin, “my my, look how the mighty have fallen”
“Hiding behind a *boy* is no different than hiding behind Edmund!” Added snapped as he glared at Quirin
The retired knight sighed, “you’re dumb”, he stated simply, getting Hugo to snort, “you’re so incredibly stupid, you really think I’m hiding behind my child?”
“WHY WOULD I THINK OTHERWISE?!” Added yelled
Instantly, Quirin unsheathed his sword, and, in less than a second, ran to, and stood in front of, King Adder, his blade at the dead king’s neck, “you forget who you’re talking to?…..” the retired knight asked, his voice colder than ice as he spoke, “or should I remind you?…..”
Adder winced as his scars reminded him of his final battle, “y-you wouldn’t…..”
Quirin raised a brow, “afraid of my blade now are we?” He asked
“Quirin, I understand your anger, but please be careful with your swords”, the Moonstone stated gently
“What? Why?” Hector asked
“If he were to slice off King Adder’s head once again, and make the king relive his death, Adder would never be able to find peace again, none of them would…..”
“WHAT?!” Everyone, save for Quirin and the spirits, yelled together
Notes:
Helllo! :D
This chapter is emotional and a cliffhanger, a two for one, YAY!!!! XD
Apologies for the slightly misleading summary, this chapter is more about Edmund, Hector, and Adira with Quirin appearing at the end, but it’s the start to the two parter for him. It’s his choice now, all up to him and Adder on what’s going to happen…..
Side note: Varian being the best bean ever and standing up for his farmer dad! We love ourselves a Varian 😁🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 472: Quirin’s Choice! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Quirin has a choice to make, weather he kills Adder and dooms him and the rest of the spirits to eternal suffering, or if he forgives the man who tortured him for his entire life!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hm…. You seem braver. Not hiding behind my son anymore?”
“No, and he isn’t your son”, Quirin stated
“Come again?”
“King Edmund has no father, at least none that I associate with him. He’s far too good for the likes of you”, Adder growled before he swung his hand, it fazed right through Quirin, it didn’t land either, the retired knight simply raised a brow, “you’re dead, remember? You can’t hurt me anymore”
Adder looked at his hand and growled, “I should’ve killed too when you were a child! I should’ve made it painful and long so you could BEG for my mercy you little insignificant WORM!”
Suddenly a *bright* flash of blue light shot down in front of Adder and Quirin before a very angry looking Varian punched Adder’s chin, sending him flying through the air and landing onto the ground. The alchemist huffed before disappearing. Hugo blinked, “f-freckles?”
Quirin stopped before he began to laugh, startling everyone, including Adder, as they all looked at him, he continued to laugh until there were tears in his eyes before he finally calmed down, “oh, oh boy”, he said with a chuckle, “thank you Varian, I really needed someone to do thahat”
Hugo blinked again before he looked up at Quirin, “what just happened?”
The Moonstone chuckled, “Varian’s listening, and he didn’t like what was said to his father, so he took it upon himself to….. ‘punish’ king Adder”, they explained with a smile, “that’s how Varian put it”
Quirin snickered as Hector smiled, “wow, ok, so the spawn has the real power here!”
“He really does!” Adira agreed with a grin as she watched Adder get up, wiping away blood that, surprisingly wasn’t there before, “looks like you may want to watch what you say”, she stated, “you’re no longer in control here”
Adder growled at her before another blue light shimmered in front of Adder, and he stopped, making the blue shimmer go away, “oohoohoo! Varian gave you a warning!” Eugene teased with a grin, “my my, look how the mighty have fallen”
“Hiding behind a *boy* is no different than hiding behind Edmund!” Added snapped as he glared at Quirin
The retired knight sighed, “you’re dumb”, he stated simply, getting Hugo to snort, “you’re so incredibly stupid, you really think I’m hiding behind my child?”
“WHY WOULD I THINK OTHERWISE?!” Added yelled
Instantly, Quirin unsheathed his sword, and, in less than a second, ran to, and stood in front of, King Adder, his blade at the dead king’s neck, “you forget who you’re talking to?…..” the retired knight asked, his voice colder than ice as he spoke, “or should I remind you?…..”
Adder winced as his scars reminded him of his final battle, “y-you wouldn’t…..”
Quirin raised a brow, “afraid of my blade now are we?” He asked
“Quirin, I understand your anger, but please be careful with your swords”, the Moonstone stated gently
“What? Why?” Hector asked
“If he were to slice off King Adder’s head once again, and make the king relive his death, Adder would never be able to find peace again, none of them would…..”
“WHAT?!” Everyone, save for Quirin and the spirits, yelled together
The Moonstone sighed, “that’s the rule, if you are forgiven for your transgressions, you’re free to live in peace, however, if you end up suffering the same fatal blow, you, and the rest of the spirits, will never have a chance due to all of you being connected….. Fortunately, none of the other spirits are able to relive their death so easily. However…..” they looked at Quirin and Adder, “it was Quirin’s blade that landed the fatal wound, not a tornado, not a noose, not a poisoned dagger, his very own blades, the exact ones he’s carried with him all these years…..”
Edmund was startled by that, “wait you carried *those* blades with you the entire time?! *Why*?!”
Quirin sighed before he gave one final glare to Adder before sheathing his blade and looking at his king, “because I felt horrible….. Because I killed someone, and maybe it was for a good reason, no…. I know it was because otherwise he would’ve hurt you….. but I still felt guilty. When you forgave me instantly for his death, and even thanked me with a celebration for my bravery, I still felt guilty. You can’t just take a man’s life like that and *not* feel like lower than the scum of the earth….. So I made a promise to myself that I would carry my burden with me. His death will forever be engrained on my blades, so I kept them, they get broken? I fix them, dirty or dull, I clean and sharpen. I would keep my burden on my back and carry it with me until I’m not longer a knight of the Dark Kingdom…… When I retired, I hung them on the wall in my living room so I wouldn’t forget….. I feel a little better about it now, but I still killed him….. no matter what kind of horrible asshole he is….. he didn’t deserve death….. at least, not at my hands….”
“Pfft! Weak”, Adder snipped
“SHUT THE FUCK *UP*!” Edmund yelled, startling everyone, even the Moonstone, “you do NOT get to hear all of that and then INSULT HIM! That’s DISGUSTING! How DARE you go and say that that’s weak! He was MOURNING YOU! YOU! The sick BASTARD that BEAT ME EVERY TIME I SPOKE! So shut the HELL UP AND DON’T EVER SAY THAT TO MY CHILD AGAIN OR ILL GRAB THOSE BLADES AND KILL YOU MYSELF!!!!!”
Adder stared at Edmund, the current Dark King was growling, his glower was on full power as he grit his teeth, “……Edmund…..”
“Fuck you…. You sick son of a bitch….” Edmund stated
Hugo smirked, “Hector, we have a new cursing buddy!”
The wild tamer stopped before he cackled, “oh shit! Haha, you’re right!”
“Really you two?” Adira asked, unamused by their shenanigans, “there’s a time and a place”
“We realize, but can you blame us?” Hugo asked, “that… eheh…. He’s fucking scary….”
“Oh hell yeah”, Hector stated with a snort, “we honestly needed to laugh for a damn second”
Adira blinked before sighing as she looked at her king, “are you okay?”
“I’m fine…. I just….. damn it…. I really hate him…..” Edmund stated as Eugene walked over and placed a hand on his father’s shoulder, getting the man to smile at him before his eyes widened and he looked up to the Moon, “little peanut, you cannot use any of the words I just stated okay? That’s not for peanut lips!”
Eugene snorted as he saw a shimmer of blue light gently touch the Dark King, getting Edmund to smile, “guess Varian heard you huh?” Eugene asked
“He did, he’s a good peanut”, Edmund stated before he looked at Quirin sadly, “sorry”
“It’s alright”, the retired knight replied, “thank you”
“You’re welcome, I just….. how did I not know?”
“I never told you”
“Still! I saw those blades *hundreds* of times! Why did I recognize them….”
“King Edmund, you saw me kill your father with these blades, maybe your mind didn’t want you to remember….”
The Dark King sighed, “that could be, but it’s still not okay….. You shouldn’t have had to carry that on your own”
“You didn’t kill him”
“I didn’t stop you either”
Quirin sighed, “either way, that’s why I still have them, honestly, I’m more than glad I kept them, at least it keeps him at bay”
Adder huffed, “hiding, always hiding”
Quirin looked at the dead king, “and what were you doing during your life time? Proving that being an asshole who beats their child and makes them suffer every chance you get is somehow better than being cautious?”
“Caution does not mean you hide behind my child’s back!” Adder exclaimed
“Don’t you DARE act like you care about him now!” Quirin snapped, pointing his finger right in Adder’s face, “you didn’t give a *shit* about him before, you’re not fooling *anyone* now! Cut the damn act, it’s fake as fuck and I’m not going to stand here and allow you to get away with *any* of it…..”
Hugo watched the two before he noticed something, “your….. your glare….. the one you use to scare people away from me or Freckles….. you got it from him”, he stated as he pointed to Adder
Quirin looked at the blond before sighing, “I did, it worked on King Edmund and me, why wouldn’t it work on anyone else?”
Hugo thought about that before he looked at Adder, “so….. you abused the fuck outta Edmund, yet you claim to care now. Why’d you do it?”
Adder huffed at the blond, “I don’t need to explain myself to a *child*”
Blue light shimmered around the man once again, Hugo smiled, “Freckles he’s not saying anything I didn’t expect”, the blue light shimmered more, “heh, overprotective boyfriend”
Quirin chuckled as Adder looked concerned, “I would really try to work with us, believe into not, I don’t *want* the others to suffer”
“But you have no problem with me suffering”
“Nope, you deserve every damn second”
Hugo laughed as Adder growled, “as much as I love watching this”, Adira began, “and believe me, I really do since this man is the main reason I had to work so damn hard just to be considered for the Brotherhood, this isn’t getting us anywhere”
“To be fair, Adder’s being fucking difficult”, Hector stated
“True, but still”
“Adira’s right, so is Hector”, Quirin stated, getting the tamer to smirk, “*I* have to be the one to forgive you”, he stated, looking at Adder
“Like I give a damn”, the dead king stated
Hugo huffed, “you wanna suffer for all eternity?”
“I don’t give a shit what happens anymore. I’m dead, I can’t die again, if I suffer from the damn final blow the only thing I’ll be regretting is that I didn’t dodge it and slam his head into a fucking wall!” Adder snapped, the blue light around him shimmered even more, but he didn’t stop, “he should be the one dead and hated here, not me! I should be alive and well, watching my son run the kingdom that I set for him!” The blue light shimmered even more, “he should be using MY way of ruling, MY way of leading! I should be fucking proud of what I did! But I’m not because I left behind a spineless, pathetic, cowardly, little *shit*!” He snapped, Edmund winced at him words, harshly…..
That’s when the blue light flashed, Varian appearing once more and using his magic to pick up Adder and slam him into a wall, “listen you pack of poorly packaged horse *SHIT*! They’re giving you a golden opportunity to find peace and be a good fucking person for once in your Moon damn life! You wanna squander that by acting like the piece of disgusting *shit* that I know you are, fine, but you’re not the only one who’s going to get hurt here, and I swear to the Moon above that if you decide to go and continue this act, and make *my* father slice your head off, it’ll be my personal project to make you wish you hadn’t! Believe me, I can be *very* scary when I need to be”, his eyes glowed dangerously, “*very*……” he then threw the man to the floor before he floated next to the Moonstone
“Did the Moon permit this?” They asked
“She did, she figured they could use a hand”, Varian stated, “apparently being nice won’t work on this asshole, so I’m here in case he needs to be put in his place…..”
“You can’t forgive him yourself though?”
“Nu, but I’ll have more than enough fun throwing him around like a rag doll”
The Moonstone chuckled, “such a clever boy”
“Freckles”, Hugo stated happily
Varian smiled at his boyfriend, using his magic to allow the bond to float out of Quirin’s arms, Hugo hovered a little, but when Quirin nodded approvingly, he smiled he flew over to Varian, hugging him, “hello love”, Varian stated, hugging the inventor back
They stayed that way for a moment before they let go, Hugo continued to float next to Varian as the alchemist raised a brow at Adder, “gonna get up?”
The dead king didn’t say anything at first, when Quirin got a little closer, he noticed the man was shivering as he stared at the freckled teen. The retired knight tilted his head, “are you…. Afraid of Varian?”
“What?!” Adder snapped as he looked at Quirin angrily, “no! I…..” Varian floated slightly closer, and made the dead king cower in fear
“Right….. So brave….” The alchemist sassed
The retired knight stared at the frightened man, startled by this new information, “you’re…. Afraid of…. My child…..” he stated slowly, trying to chew on that thought, “I….. you….. what?”
“Dad?” Varian asked, a little concerned as Eugene, Edmund, Hugo, Adira, and Hector looked at the man
“I….. was afraid….. for so long…… All of those years I feared he’d come back and kill me…. Or he’d take you away and there’d be nothing I could do….” Quirin stated, “I thought I’d have to hide…. But….. not once has he made me feel like he did back then…. In fact, I’ve been angry, not afraid….. how…. When did that happen?”
Adder growled when he heard that, and got up, getting right in Quirin’s face, “you should STILL be afraid of me! I could STILL kill you!”
Varian’s magic engulfed the man, “don’t push your luck asswipe”, the alchemist stated angrily
Added stopped *instantly* and began to shiver as he lowered his gaze, Quirin raised a brow, “V-Varian stop, please”, he stated, when his son looked at him with surprise, Quirin explained, “I don’t want that, I don’t want him to be threatened into submission….. It’s what he did to me, it isn’t right… I know it’s not what you’re doing but….”
Varian blinked before looking at Adder, he sighed and lowered his hand, allowing his magic to seep off the man, “sorry….”
“Don’t apologize”, Quirin stated with a smile, “you were helping me, and you did, a lot”
“Still…. That’s not okay, I got angry again”
“Kid, it’s okay to be angry”, Eugene stated, “Hector’s angry all the time, and he seems pretty happy about it”
“I am”, the wild tamer stated with a grin, “it’s fucking awesome”
Varian giggled as Quirin smiled at the pair before he looked at Added, who had fallen to the floor and was still shaking like a leaf, “you really are afraid….” He stated, “it…. You….. you know he won’t hurt you anymore right? Didn’t you just say you didn’t fear anything earlier because you couldn’t die again?”
“SHUT UP!” Adder yelled, getting up and glaring at the retired knight, though this flare was a bit shakier than before, “he’s got the powers of the Moon! That’s far different than any regular child!”
“So beating a child is fine as long as they don’t have scary Moon powers”, Hugo stated with disgust, “lovely”
“Seriously fucking gross”, Hector stated
“Why am I even still looking at this man, just….. ugh”, Adira stated as she looked away
“I am so glad you turned out the way you did dad”, Eugene stated, “I wouldn’t have ever cared about you if you turned into *that*”
“I’m…. Sort of glad I turned out the way I did too……” Edmund stated, “that truly is horrible….”
Adder watched as everyone shamed him for his words, “what?! No! Be afraid!” He snapped, “do as I say! NOW!”
“A king is supposed to be the Kingdom’s protector”, Hugo stated, “they’re supposed to be the example, the reason a kingdom fights is for the King’s beliefs. To have such a waste of a ruler like you on the throne, I’m surprised you weren’t killed off sooner”
Quirin watched the man he’s feared wilt, more and more as he looked around for the adoration he craved, the fear, the guilt he’d ensued, but when he didn’t get anything back but disgust, he fell to him knees and shut his mouth. All he could do was shiver, “……I feared you……” Quirin stated, getting Adder to look at him, “I feared you for the rest of my days, when I was a child you were so big compared to me. The world looked far too big, I felt so small in your presence. To me, you could do anything and no one would care….. but…. Seeing you now….. I feel nothing but bitter anger and disgust…… you’re not scary anymore. I can fight against you, stand up to you without bowing my head, you made my voice as raspy as it is and I’ve always hated it. You caused me so much pain and anguish and yet I accepted because that’s what I thought I was supposed to do….. You were the only thing I thought about until you died, and even then my swords carried you with me….. I… I have the control now, i could do what I wanted to you, and I’d be justified because of all the pain you caused me”
Quirin fully faced the man now, “you beat me, beat my father, forever scarred me mentally, physically, emotionally, and audibly, you made me have nightmares, made me be almost afraid to have a child because I didn’t want to be like you, I nearly chose to not have Varian because I was afraid Id repeat what you did to me….. I was always so afraid of you….. and I’m not anymore….. for once, I can stand here and tell you that you’re a huge piece of shit! For once, I can look into your eyes and no longer falter! King Adder of the Dark Kingdom, I no longer fear you, and you will no longer control me! Not now, and not ever! I will never be like you, never! And you will always be remembered as the man who *tried* to break me and King Edmund…. And failed…. I hope that follows you throughout your spiritual journey”
Adder was startled as he watched Quirin, the image of the frightened boy he’d used and abused finally began to shift into the man he’d become today, and it made the former king quake…… “I-I’m sorry…..” said softly, “I’m sorry…..”
The retired knight sighed as he looked at Edmund, “what say you?”
Edmund chuckled, “been a long time since I’ve heard that, used to be pretty popular in the Dark Kingdom, heh”, Quirin smirked as the Dark King sighed, “I say that we should allow the Moon to judge him thoroughly”
Quirin nodded before he looked at Adder, “I forgive you King Adder….. for everything, and…. I let you go…. may the Moon have mercy on your soul…..” the retired knight pulled out both of his dual blades, he looked at them for a moment or two, “thank you, for protecting me and my family”, he said to them before he slammed both swords into the ground, their handles pointing to the sky, their blades crossing, allowing them to form an X as Adder flashed for a moment, his wounds were healed, he was colored, and he looked alive
“You…. Y-you you-!” He stammered
“I rest my blades here as a sign, I let you go, I put down my burden, you’re no longer going to be over my shoulder. I forgive you, now your judgement lies with the Moon, and she alone will decide your fate”
Adder was about to say something before he stopped and sighed, “ok”
“Good”
Varian smiled before he looked at the Moonstone, “it’s time”
“Indeed”, the Moonstone agreed before Varian waved and disappeared
Hugo was floated back into Quirin’s arms as the Moonstone smiled, “thank you, all of you, for doing this”
The group nodded as the Moonstone began to float into the air and sing:
‘Potestas lunae
Sub te tenebrosum lumen
Tua sphaera pervenire
Fiat mihi magia fluxus
Marcescet et marcescet
Fatum hunc finem
Frange has terrenas catenas
Et liberabit spiritum
Spiritus gratis’
The language switched to Coronan, the Moonstone singing once again, the same song, as the spirits began to glow a bright blue:
‘Power of the moon
Beneath your darkened glow
Let your aura reach
Let my magic flow
Wither and decay
End this destiny
Break these earthly chains
And set the spirit free
The spirit free’
The spirits flew into the air, all of them, they joined hands and formed a circle, the Moon in the center as their Brotherhood marks shined brightly in the night sky. The Moonstone flew in the center of the circle as they glowed brightly as well before they smiled down at the group, “May your nights be blessed with good dreams, and peaceful sleep, for the rest of your lives”
With that, the Moonstone, and spirits, shined brightly, blinding the group, before the light faded, everyone opened their eyes to see Varian floating down to them, Quirin handed Hugo to Eugene gently before he walked over and held out his arms, catching Varian in them right as the alchemist opened his eyes and looked up. He smiled at his father tiredly, “you did it”, he stated happily as he placed a hand on his father’s cheek and smiled lovingly, “I’m so proud of you, and I always will be”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I’ve always been one to think that the instant you take away the control an abuser had over you, then they fall apart, because they can no longer hurt you. Quirin’s actions were always led by fear to me, fear of losing his kid, fear of the black rocks, fear of his past. He was content to sit in his farm and grow his plants because it was safe. He didn’t feel like a character who got to feel safe very often, so when he did, he’d cling to it like bark on a tree
And you can kind see what I mean in the show, he constantly sticks to his farm or Old Corona, rarely leaving, and when he does, it’s either because he has no other choice, or he brings Varian with him as a source of comfort because Varian is familiar.
Examples:
-Varian goes to the science expo to show off his newest invention, Quirin is assumed to be busy working that day and doesn’t go.-Quirin needs to go to the castle to talk about the black rocks, he brings Varian along after some hesitation.
-Quirin sees the black rocks getting out of control, he plans to take Varian and leave, no longer deeming his home safe and even thinks about the Dark Kingdom as he holds the armor he used to wear in his hands
-Quirin KEPT his Dark Kingdom stuff in a treasure chest with the Beotherhood symbol on it, why? Because those objects are safe! Notice what’s in there, armor! Protective, strong against attacks, proven to be strong given the scratch the armor has over the eye, armor!
-Quirin continues to farm in every other scene he’s in when he’s not freaking mind trapped in season 3!
The only time he makes his way out of the kingdom in the show is after he’s freed of the mind trap, when his arch is complete, and even then, he always has Varian with him! Even at the end! The only thing he’s looking at in the end shot, is VARIAN!
When he’s out of his comfort zone, Quirin is scared! His life was ruled by fear and that only goes away when his son needs him! They even show that in the final episode, he doesn’t pull the lever for himself, he pulls it TO SAVE VARIAN!
So this is him finally putting that fear away, finally leaving the burden behind, taking back his control, and Varian can see that. Quirin didn’t forgive Adder for Varian, or Edmund, he didn’t do it for his family, he did it for himself, he finally did something for himself, and Varian saw it at the end :3
You can do this too! You can take your life back, you can stop being afraid, you just need to take the steps to do so, but you’re not alone, you’re not! We all support you here, you’re safe here, but you can take the steps you need to finally get your life back! The choice is up to you, I believe in you, I truly do 😊❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 473: They Can’t Wait!
Summary:
The group returns to the Dark Kingdom castle and has a chat about what just happened and how much things have changed!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The retired knight sighed as he looked at Edmund, “what say you?”
Edmund chuckled, “been a long time since I’ve heard that, used to be pretty popular in the Dark Kingdom, heh”, Quirin smirked as the Dark King sighed, “I say that we should allow the Moon to judge him thoroughly”
Quirin nodded before he looked at Adder, “I forgive you King Adder….. for everything, and…. I let you go…. may the Moon have mercy on your soul…..” the retired knight pulled out both of his dual blades, he looked at them for a moment or two, “thank you, for protecting me and my family”, he said to them before he slammed both swords into the ground, their handles pointing to the sky, their blades crossing, allowing them to form an X as Adder flashed for a moment, his wounds were healed, he was colored, and he looked alive
“You…. Y-you you-!” He stammered
“I rest my blades here as a sign, I let you go, I put down my burden, you’re no longer going to be over my shoulder. I forgive you, now, your judgement lies with the Moon, and she alone will decide your fate”
Adder was about to say something before he stopped and sighed, “ok”
“Good”
Varian smiled before he looked at the Moonstone, “it’s time”
“Indeed”, the Moonstone agreed before Varian waved and disappeared
Hugo was floated back into Quirin’s arms as the Moonstone smiled, “thank you, all of you, for doing this”
The group nodded as the Moonstone began to float into the air and sing:
‘Potestas lunae
Sub te tenebrosum lumen
Tua sphaera pervenire
Fiat mihi magia fluxus
Marcescet et marcescet
Fatum hunc finem
Frange has terrenas catenas
Et liberabit spiritum
Spiritus gratis’
The language switched to Coronan, the Moonstone singing once again, the same song, as the spirits began to glow a bright blue:
‘Power of the moon
Beneath your darkened glow
Let your aura reach
Let my magic flow
Wither and decay
End this destiny
Break these earthly chains
And set the spirit free
The spirit free’
The spirits flew into the air, all of them, they joined hands and formed a circle, the Moon in the center as their Brotherhood marks shined brightly in the night sky. The Moonstone flew in the center of the circle as they glowed brightly as well before they smiled down at the group, “May your nights be blessed with good dreams, and peaceful sleep, for the rest of your lives”
With that, the Moonstone, and spirits, shined brightly, blinding the group, before the light faded, everyone opened their eyes to see Varian floating down to them, Quirin handed Hugo to Eugene gently before he walked over and held out his arms, catching Varian in them right as the alchemist opened his eyes and looked up. He smiled at his father tiredly, “you did it”, he stated happily as he placed a hand on his father’s cheek and smiled lovingly, “I’m so proud of you, and I always will be”
****
The group made their way back to the castle, Varian and Hugo were being held in Quirin’s arms protectively, both teens had fallen asleep while snuggling each other. When the group made it back, Ruddigar, Olivia, Pixie, Basil, Hamuel, and Xena all greeted them with immense amounts of worried enthusiasm
Quirin chuckled as the raccoon and mouse checked both their boys before chittering and squeaking hundreds of questions at once, “easy, easy you two, I’ll explain everything, but I can assure you both that they’re okay”, the retired knight stated gently, “though, it’ll take a bit to explain”
Both animals looked at each other before they nodded understandingly. The Village Leader smiled before walking towards the Dark Kingdom family room Edmund had set up. He found Adira and Hector sitting in a couch together, both looked extremely exhausted from the night’s events as Hector stroked Pixie and Basil’s fur while Xena rested her head against the tamer’s knees. Adira was watching her younger brother do this while absentmindedly fiddling with the fur on her coat
Edmund was sitting in a large arm chair, which sat across from another arm chair, Eugene sitting next to him in a smaller chair, he looked exhausted as he watched the Dark King watch his two children while he pet Hamuel happily, the old bird smiling and nuzzling his king lovingly
Quirin sighed before he took a seat in the arm chair across of Edmund, settling his sons in his lap, snickering as they snuggled even closer together before he explained what’d happened to Ruddigar and Olivia. Once he was finished, the two animals nuzzled and comforted their boys and tucked themselves underneath the two teens arms, making both Varian and Hugo smile in their sleep
Quirin let out a soft sigh as the peaceful quiet settled in the room, he waited for a few moments before the inevitable interruption happened, “so….. do we…. Talk about…. What just happened?” Edmund asked as he looked at Eugene
The Dark Prince sighed tiredly, “we could if you want to, though, it depends on everyone else too”
“I’m fine with discussing it”, Adira stated
“Same”, Hector stated
“Sure”, Quirin nodded
“Alright then, guess we can, what’d you wanna discuss dad?” Eugene asked, looking at his father
“Well I…. I suppose I just wanted…. To check in, and see how everyone was doing, what happened was…. Quite the ordeal…..” Edmund replied, “especially for two people in particular”, he looked at his knight and tamer
Hector sighed, “I’m fine”
“Very believable”, Adira stated
“Shut the fuck up”
“Hector, you just had a huge realization about you and your parents and how you perceive someone who acted exactly like them”, the face painted warrior stated bluntly, “I highly doubt you’re ‘fine’ after that”
The tamer huffed, “I don’t have to discuss it if I don’t fucking want to”
“That’s fair, you don’t, but saying you’re ‘fine’ when you’re not isn’t true”
Hector sighed, “what’s with you?”
Adira raised a brow, “what do you mean?”
“You’re different….. Before you’d just be fine with me saying that because you’d do it too”
“I guess….. Speckles and Goldilocks both taught me not to”, she admitted, smiling at the two teens in Quirin’s lap, still sleeping soundly, “both of them have learned a lot and I suppose some of their growth rubbed off on me”
Hector raised a brow before he looked at the two scientists and sighed, “I guess, I do feel a lot less angry than before”
Adira smirked, “that’s true, you would’ve screamed at me had I done, what I just did, to you in the past”
“Yeah, because I was fucking mad, but…..” he looked specifically at Varian, “being mad….. won’t help….. definitely didn’t help him……”
“True, though that wasn’t his fault”, Adira stated
“True, but still, and”, Hector looked at Hugo, “he certainly surprised me too”
“I think he surprised all of us”, Edmund stated with a smile as he looked at Hugo lovingly, “little butter nut was so understanding, I don’t think I would’ve been able to forgive myself had he not said what he did”
Quirin smiled before he remembered what he and Hugo had discussed prior to this journey, “oh! I need to tell you all something! But you *have* to keep it a secret from Varian”
Adira, Hector, and Edmund blinked before Eugene smiled, “I think I know what this is about”
Quirin raised a brow, “you do?”
“Yeah I… May have found something and told Hugo to talk to you about it before we came here”
Quirin stopped, “does it have something to do with a very big change in Varian and Hugo’s life that Hugo would need to ask for something specifically from me?” Eugene nodded and made Quirin smile, “thank you, I’m glad you did that”
“You’re welcome”
“What is it?” Hector asked
“Yeah, now you’ve both got me curious”, Adira stated
Quirin chuckled before he looked at all three of them, “promise you won’t tell Varian, no matter what”
“Seriously?” Hector asked
“Yes, it’s *extremely* important that no one say a word”
“Fine fine, we promise”
“Indeed”, Adira stated, “I promise”
“As do I”, Edmund stated with a serious face
Quirin smiled and nodded before he spoke, “Hugo is gonna ask Varian to marry him”
All three Brotherhood member’s eyes were wide and sparkling before Edmund grinned gigantically, “he’s gonna-! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” The Dark King squeed with his hands over his mouth to depend the sound
“H-he’s going to….” Hector stammered as he looked at Hugo before his eyes turned from shocked to happy, “he wants to join the family?”
“Yes he does”, Quirin stated, “I gave him my blessing, I don’t know when he’s gonna do it, but I can’t wait”
Adira smiled, “about time”, she stated, “Speckles will definitely say yes”
“Oh do you really think so?” Edmund asked hopefully
“Without a doubt, they’re snuggling verify’s how comfortable they are with each other, and the way Goldilocks looks at Speckles, and Speckles looks at Goldilocks, there’s no way either of them would say no, plus, I’m never wrong”
Hector snorted as he continued to stare at Hugo, “wow…. To think, we were all strangers before all of this, our world got torn apart, then we meet Varian, then Eugene, and then Hugo….. And now they’re gonna…. Heh…. What a fucking ride”
Adira smiled, “I couldn’t agree more, so much has changed because of them”, she stated
“Yeah, they’ve definitely made a difference in all of our lives”, Edmund stated, “I remember when I first met the little peanut”
*”Hello! Nice to meet you!"
Varian froze, he had not been expecting a whole party when he came out of the bath. He knew his dad was excited to get back out there and work and such, but this was a little more than the alchemist expected. Not really knowing what to do he let out a "Oh! Uh... hi", then remained quiet. His mind was reeling, thoughts sprouting a million questions at once, *what is going on here? Why is Eugene face palming? Is that directed towards me? Rapunzel looks nervous, why? Is it because of the strange man on the couch? Who is that strange man? Is he here because of my dad? Speaking of, is my dad okay? He's standing across from them, but why is he looking at me that way? Oh no, am I panicking? Is that why he's looking at me like that? Ruddigar doesn't seem too worried, but maybe that's just because he's used to me? Wait, do racoons get annoyed with their humans? Is Ruddigar annoyed with me now? Should I give him an apple? I should probably wait until dad's not looking, he doesn't like it when I give Ruddigar too many apples.... I'm getting off topic aren't I? Where was I? Oh right! Random visitors!*
He snapped out of his thoughts, shaking his head to clear them away as wet hair flopped in his face. He heard his dad chuckle, "Here, let me help you", the man walked over and grabbed the brush out of his son's hand. Leading him over to the big armchair in front of the fireplace, his racoon hopping off the alchemist's shoulders and landed on the back of the chair. Quirin started brushing his boy's hair, gently getting the tangles out and smoothing the hair down, making sure to keep the same hairdo his son liked so much. Once that was done, he placed the alchemist's beloved goggles on his head, and smirked, "there, you look like you messy self again"
"Hey! I'm not *that* messy", he replied, turning around to face the man, "and you have no room to talk!"
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Because any messy trait I have originated from you!" Varian teased, smirking
Quirin laughed, "yeah ok, you got me there! But, you're a lot messier than me", he replied, booping his son's nose, “remember the stink bomb incident?"
The alchemist cringed, "we don't talk about that!"
His father chuckled, "correction, *you* don't talk about that, *I* still do, and it's still funny!"
"The stink bomb incident?" Both of them looked over at Rapunzel, her head was tilted to the side, confusion clear on her face
"Oh well, that's another story from his childhood", Quirin stated, "we should tell them"
"No", Varian stated
"I'm telling them"
"Nuuuu!" The alchemist tried, but his father already started
"It was April Fools day, and this one", he pulled Varian closer, an arm embracing his son as the teenager hid his face in his father's vest, "thought it would a good idea to try to prank me"
"Oh no", Eugene said
"Oh yes", Quirin replied, "and try he did, he made the smelliest stink bomb alchemy could make, and placed it *in his room* to be used the day after!" He felt his boy wiggle a little deeper into his vest, trying to hide, he rubbed his back to calm him. "He really wanted to surprise me, so he thought pranking me the day after would catch me off guard. However, the stink bomb was not exactly okay with waiting, and, in the middle of the night, I woke up to the nastiest smell in the world, ran into his room, and he was sitting there crying because his stink bomb had rotted through the ball it was in, and stunk up the entire house!" They all laughed as Varian dug deeper into his father's vest, his entire face a bright shade of red, "let it be known he has never tried pulling that off again, but it was adorable either way", he rubbed his son's back again, looking at him and smiling, "you can come out of hiding now, I'm done"
"Nu. I live in here now!" His voice was muffled by the fur, making Quirin snort. Ruddigar tried to coax him out, but the boy would not budge
Edmund smiled fondly, getting up, he walked over to the duo and sat on the footrest near the armchair, "you know, that's not the most embarrassing story I've ever heard". He noticed the tiny alchemist peek out, "it's true, in fact, this one time, oh, have you met Adira yet?" The child nodded, still snuggled deep inside his father's vest, "good! This story wouldn't make a lick of sense otherwise! I'm Edmund by the way, nice to meet you!" He stuck his hand out for the young man to shake, with a little hesitation the boy took it, "Anyway, this one time, when Adira was about.... oh I'd say 12 years old at the time, she wanted to prove to me that she was brave! So she decided to accompany me on a stroll through the "Forest of No Return"", there were groans coming from somewhere, no one knew where, and Eugene, for some reason, Edmund didn't know, grumbled a little bit, something about how he really doesn't like that forest, "*ahem* anyway, we went.... there.... and were making our way through it, now I know know my way around that forest, and your father", he gestured to Quirin, who smirked with pride, "knows his way around that forest, and I had exclusively traveled with him for a very long time! So having someone who didn't know their around that forest was a little different. Specifically when she was surround by pup shrooms and one kept biting her and followed her the entire way", Varian giggled, "or when she fell into a sink hole and ended up inside a tree", He came out from his hiding spot a little bit, still giggling, "or, and this was the worst, she ended up ticking off a bunch of giant bugs and they chased her around so much that she ran and hid behind me!" The little alchemist was laughing harder than ever, all of them were, their faces were red as they imagined stoic Adira hiding behind Edmund! It was so adorable they couldn't take it!
They finally settled down after about two minutes, all of them breathing and smiling, "see? You're not the only one with a bit of an embarrassing past, we all do!" Edmund stated, making the young man smiled, "even me! But what matters is that we learn from them, you're probably never gonna make a stink bomb again right?" Varian giggled and shook his head, "then you learned!" The Dark king scooped the boy up, using his one arm to cradle him as the alchemist ended up in a fit of giggles again, "my you're a giggly one aren't you?" He giggled with the tiny child, the rest of the group smiling happily as they watched the two, Quirin sighing with relief, "I just realized something!" Varian looked at him as Ruddigar hopped onto the foot rest, "you're my grandson technically! So I'm a grandpa!" He looked at his knight, "that's right, right?" The retired knight nodded, smiling warmly, "ha! I thought so! So that means I'm supposed to spoil you!"
"Wait hold on!" Quirin objected
"Nope! I'm supposed to spoil this child!" Edmund interjected, "that's what a grandfather does!"
"I have many qualms about this"
"Oh don't be such an old fuddy duddy!" Edmund stated, hugging his grandson, his knight raised a brow, "don't you raise a brow at me, I think he deserves to be spoiled, what do you think?" He asked the boy, who nodded happily, his smile was wide and youthful, more youthful than any of them had seen in a long time
Quirin sighed, "you know you're the reason they made the saying, "spare the rod, spoil the child"!"
"Well I won't be around much, so anytime I am here, I spoil the boy, and you can't stop me!" The king bragged.
"And why's that?"
"Because it's my money!"*
Quirin smiled at the memory as Adira and Hector blushed, “I remember, you were going to spoil him”
“And I still plan to! Just…. With everything that’s happened recently… I didn’t really get a chance…..”
“I’m certain Varian was spoiled by the amount of snuggles you give him”, the retired knight stated, “which still counts by the way”
Edmund smiled, “you think so?”
“I know so”
The Dark King grinned happily as Adira spoke up, “well, while I’m certain I didn’t get the adorable stories of Speckle’s past when *I* first met him, I’m happy to say that being the first to do so, out of the three of us, made for a very impactful trip!”
* "Dad?" Varian said quietly, walking inside the room.
The two adults stopped whatever conversation they were having and both turned to look at the boy. Quirin smiled, "morning son!"
Varian returned the smile, "good morning" then looked at the guest, "who are you?" he asked.
The women smiled at him, her eyes sparkling a little as she spoke, "hello, I'm Adira" her voice was calm, but both Quirin and Varian could hear the hint of glee she had when addressing the boy, "your father probably never spoke of me", Quirin rolled his eyes, "but I'm your aunt!"
"M-my what?" Varian stuttered, his surprise making her laugh.
"Your aunt", she answered, "I used to work with Quirin as a knight of the Brotherhood".
Something clicked inside the alchemist's head, "oh! Y-yeah Rapunzel told me about you!" he replied, "you, my dad, and ....Hector?" Varian looked at his dad for confirmation, Quirin nodded, "yeah Hector! You guys all protected the Moonstone right?"
"That is correct!" Adira replied, "though, it's a little sad you heard about us from the Sundrop and not a certain knight that may or may not be standing in this room" she joked as Quirin huffed a little, "but I suppose that doesn't matter now". she waved it off as Quirin returned to making breakfast.
Noting his dad's aggravation, Varian decided to change the subject, "s-so what are you doing here?" he asked, "did you find something out about the Moonstone? Have you seen Cassandra?"
Quirin winced a little at the hope in his son's voice, he didn't want to dash them, but he had a feeling Varian should stay away from Cassandra, far away.
"No, I haven't come here for the Moonstone" Adira answered, "though I will be looking into it" she added, sneaking a glance towards Quirin, who nodded in response, "no I've come here for an even more pressing matter"
Varian's eyes grew wide, "a more pressing matter?" he asked, "what's more pressing than getting the Moonstone and Cassandra back?" He got a little nervous, if something more pressing than the Moonstone had brought his dad's sibling here, then he was sure they'd need to tell Rapunzel, possibly even Eugene and Lance.
Adira chuckled, "I've come here because I haven't met you yet!"
The alchemist's shoulders slumped with relief, "oh okay" he said as he let out a sigh of relief, "sorry I thought you were talking about something else attack- wait what?" he stopped himself short, "y-you came here... all the way from the Dark Kingdom, which is about a year's journey.... to meet me?"
"That's right Speckles!"
Varian tilted his head to the side as he heard his father chuckle, "Speckles?"
"You still do the nickname thing?" Quirin asked, amusement dripping off his words.
Adira nodded, "yes I do!" She replied before turning to Varian, "I find it's much easier to give nicknames based off of physical attributes than to actually remember your name, hence" she pointed to his freckles, "speckles!”
Varian blushed a little, trying very hard not to look down at his freckles, s-so.... what did you call the princess?"
"She's the Sundrop, so "Sundrop", the girl with the anger issues is "Short Hair", the small bearded drunk is "Soiled Gnome", The man with the Hook for a Foot is "Hoot Foot", the overconfident daydreamer who can't seem to take a hint is "Earring", and the confident man who preens himself all the time is "Fish skin"". Adira explained, smiling as Varian pieced together who was who, laughing at the funny names they had.
"W-wait "Fish skin", are you saying that because he uses a lot of skin care products, or because he kinda keeps the group together" at his father's confused expression, Varian explained, "fish skin can be used to make a sticky substance, almost like glue, it works really well with things like boots and gloves".
"Ah", nodding in understanding, Quirin finished making the food and began to set it at the table. Adira and Varian sitting down, Ruddigar jumping next to the bowl, happily waiting to be served.
"eh, kinda both" Adira replied, "he's the fish skin that holds the group together" she stated, before adding, "but he does use a lot of products", making Varian laugh.
"So", the alchemist managed to control his laughter, "what's dad's nickname?"
Quirin smiled as he joined them at the table, reliving the memory of how he got his nickname.
"Courage", was the simple reply, making Varian smile as he took a sip of milk, "though sometimes I change it to "Stickler" when he would get a little too strict about the rules".
"Pfft!" slapping his hand over his mouth, the alchemist blushed, setting the glass down and grabbing a napkin. The liquid didn't leave the cup, but did splash Varian in the face quite a bit. As he wiped his mouth with the napkin, Quirin began laughing.
Maybe this wouldn't be such a bad day after all*
Eugene laughed, “well that’s definitely a way to introduce yourself!” He stated before he raised a brow at Adira, “though I’ll try to look past that skin care comment, because, I’ll have you know, my skin is as smooth as a baby’s bottom, so there!”
“I rest my case”, Adira stated as Hector snickered
“You both definitely made an impression”, Quirin stated, “though, I don’t think anyone can really beat Hector’s introduction”
The wild tamer grinned toothy, “no fucking way they could, heh”, he stated proudly
* "Wait, you planned a party for the kid and his padre, but why was I not allowed to be a part of it?" Eugene asked, a little hurt
The princess let go of the little alchemist and smiling sympathetically at her boyfriend, "sorry Eugene, but your dad thought it would be more fun if these two had you with them, plus you're really good at riddles!"
"Exsqueeze me", the teen raised a brow
"Not that you're not, I'm just saying four heads are better than one, even if one of them only thinks about apples", she smiled at Ruddigar who chittered happily
Quirin looked around at all the decorations and nodded in approval, "this is nice of you, thank you very much"
"Oh Quirin it gets *better*!!!!" Edmund exclaimed, making a very similar squeaking noise to Lance
"I think I know what you're about to tell me", the retired knight stated, looking around for a moment before sighing, "if you're gonna pop out, you might as well do it now", he called to no one in particular
"Kay", a voice stated frim behind him, startling Varian, Ruddigar, and Eugene as they turned around and saw a skinny man with black clothes and a long red cape flowing behind him, he had, what looked like a blueish mark on his nose, but the biggest thing Varian noticed about him, was the large, yellow eyes that were staring directly at him.
Quirin sighed, "well, you came before the fall harvest at least", he sated, smirking at the surprised reactions of his son and raccoon
"Crazy rhino guy?!" Eugene shouted
"That's not my name", the new guest stated, he was still watching Varian, but had a slightly annoyed look on his face
The former thief huffed, "oh I'm sorry, that last time we saw you didn't leave a very good first impression!"
He finally looked at the prince and smirked, "I chased you with my rhino and had a sword fight with Adira, I thought the interaction went pretty well"
"He's not entirely wrong", Edmund muttered to no one in particular, Hamuel giving a loud caw in response
Eugene raised a brow before Rapunzel stepped in, "uh so yeah! Hector is here to join the party!" she stated, taking hold of Eugene's hand and rubbing her thumb over his knuckles comfortingly
"And to meet a certain someone, nudge nudge", Lance stated, smiling at Varian
The little alchemist was a little overwhelmed, he wasn't entirely sure how to react, looking to his dad the man instantly took the hint and walked over. He placed a hand on his son's shoulder and smiled, "Varian this is Hector, he's the final member of the Brotherhood", he added a soft, "thank goodness", to that before continuing, "Hector this is Varian, my son, be nice". He raised a brow at the man who rolled his eyes but didn't argue, instead he walked forwards a bit and looked the teen up and down, studying him for a moment, the little alchemist felt a bit nervous, shifting anxiously and trying to find the right posture for this meeting.
"Hi", the teen stated shyly
"Hi", the wild tamer responded, with a hint of amusement in his voice, "so you're my brother's spawn huh?"
"Don't call him that!" Quirin defended
"Did he come from you?"
"Well yes b-!"
"Then he's your spawn"
"He's my *son*"
"Same thing"
The retired knight face palmed as Varian thought about it for a moment, "you know, he's not technically wrong, I am your spawn"
“Please don't encourage him", his father stated as Hector noticed the little raccoon sitting on the teen's shoulders, he smirked
"So you finally cracked then?"
"What are you talking about?" Quirin asked, raising a brow suspiciously at the man
"Oh you know, just the fact that you finally caved on the whole animal thing considering how opposed to it you were before"
"Unlike you, my son doesn't push it with a rhino and two bear cats!"
"A raccoon is still not a normal house pet"
"Much safer than any one of your animals"
"I wouldn't mind a rhino and two bear cats", the little alchemist stated, scratching Ruddigar behind the ear, "then Ruddigar would have some friends to play with"
"You were planning this weren't you?" Quirin stated
"Me?" Hector asked innocently before chuckling, "yeah, I was"
The retired knight sighed, "I knew I'd have a headache by the end of the day"
The wild tamer chuckled again before turning back to the teen, "so, you're name's Varian?", the little alchemist nodded, "nice to meet you, though you're not what I expected", Varian tilted his head to the side, confusion clear on his face, "I mean you cam from this", he gestured to Quirin who raised a brow, "yet you're so.... tiny"
"Oh", Varian blushed, "yeah I uh... G-got that from my mom"
"Well where is she?"
The teen didn't answer, instead he looked at his father, Hector did the same, this time looking confused, "she's gone", the retired knight stated softly
The wild tamer was startled for a moment before sighing, looking between the king and Quirin before his yellow eyes landed on Varian, "sorry"
"It's okay, she's been gone for a long time, it's been me and my dad since I was 3", the little alchemist explained, "b-but I'm not upset about it! I have a really great parent you know? That's a lot luckier than most, and he's got me, and Ruddigar of course, right buddy?" The little raccoon chittered happily, making the retired knight smile
The wild tamer was intrigued by the teen, he held a hand over his mouth, none of them were sure if it was because he was thinking or trying to hide a smirk under there, though Edmund and Quirin seemed to understand his body language. They were calm when he finally spoke, "so you like animals, have you ever seen a real rhino?"
"No"
"Would you like to?"
Varian's eyes lit up again as he looked the man up and down to see if he was pulling a tricks before smiling wide and giving a resounding, "yes please!"
Hector put his hand down and smirked, "follow me"
He turned and walked out of the court room, heading for the exit, the little alchemist looked at his dad, the question clear without him having to say a word, "go on, I'll be right behind you"
"Oki!" with that, the teen jogged off after the wild tamer, smiling the entire way*
Hector grinned, “heh, best. Fucking. Meeting. Ever!”
Eugene sighed before smirking, “I honestly can neither confirm nor deny”
“I can deny, at least Adira and King Edmund didn’t run off with my child and place him on a rhino, with no prior rhino riding lessons, before taking off with him”, Quirin stated with a huff
“It’s was fucking funny and you know it”, Hector stated
“Oh yes, you damaging my door, making me think there was a break in, making us go in a scavenger hunt, all to end up at the castle and see you take off with Varian on Xena was a very pleasant experience”, Quirin stated sarcastically
Hector snickered as Edmund sighed and Adira shook her head with a smile on her face. Eugene smiled, “honestly, this whole thing, meeting and getting to know all of you, including you Quirin, has been such an amazing experience, I don’t think I’ll be able to ever say how much it’s meant to me, and I can only imagine what it’s meant to Varian”
Quirin smiled lovingly at the Dark Prince as Edmund hugged the Coronan Captain, “thank you Eugene”
“Anytime, now there’s only one problem”
“What’s that?”
“The fact that I’ll have to deal with the blond brat being in my family now, with all of his sassiness”, he joked as he looked at Hugo, who was smiling in his sleep
Quirin chuckled before he looked at his two sons, Adira, Hector, and Edmund all doing the same. They smiled, the blue flames in their hearts mixing together with an emerald green as the retired knight let out a happy sigh, “I can’t wait for that day”, he stated peacefully
Notes:
Hello! :D
Quick notes because I don’t have a lot of time to write this:
-Animals are back and happy with their beans!
-Family time is best time
-Memories are fun to look back on
-Holy crap this story has made me grow so much as a person and writer, thank you all so much for helping me grow!
-More chapters to come!Thank you all so much for reading, I hope to all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 474: Final Q and A!
Summary:
Read the chapter please!
Notes:
Everything is in the chapter! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian smiled happily at all of you, “hello everyone!” He stated excitedly, “so, it’s almost the end of this story”
“I can’t believe it”, Hugo stated
“Me either”, the alchemist stated, “seems like only yesterday that this story’s first chapter was posted!”
“The anniversary for this story wasn’t too far from here”, Hector pointed out
“True”, Adira replied with a smirk
“Anyway” Eugene said with a quirked brow
“Hee hee, right”, Varian giggled before looking at all of you once again, “you’ve all been such a huge part of this story, and we all, Harmony included, wanted to give you all one final Q and A! This one will be the final one”
“You said that twice Bubby”, Quirin said gently
“It’s still hitting me!” Varian exclaimed, “this is gonna be the final Q and A! It’s just… it’s crazy to think about, this story has been such a huge part of Harmony’s and our story’s! So it’s a little crazy to realize it’s going to end soon!”
“That’s understandable”, his father stated
Varian sighed before looking at all of you again, “so since this Q and A is going to be the final one, which is still crazy to think about, Harmony has decided that she’s going to give you all a few days to gather all of your questions, ideas, statements, etc, also, not every question will be in one chapter, it may take multiple chapters to actually finish the Q and A, and that’s perfectly fine!
“To answer something right off the bat”, Hugo stepped in, “once this story is over, there’s going to be a rewrite of the entire series, it may take a little bit to actually happen, but Harmony is working on the first chapter as we speak! Just wanna say that so that way you all know there’s something else you get to look forwards to!”
Varian smiled at his boyfriend, “thank you love!”
“Anytime!”
Varian giggled before he looked at all of you once again, “the same rules apply from all the other Q and A’s, no bullying, spamming, insulting other people, hare speech of any kind, etc”, the teen stated, “and no sexual stuff! All of us get very uncomfortable with that, so please no, or else my dad will come after you”
“Without a doubt”, Quirin stated as he quirked a brow
“You can ask about anything since the main story for this is done”, Eugene said, “also, everyone is here!”
“That a Smash Bros reference?” Hugo asked
“Um….. maybe?”
“In a medieval setting? Where Video games haven’t been made yet?”
“Shut up”
“Mmm, nah”
Eugene sighed, “ANYWAY! Every character is going to be available for questioning, even the ones who are no longer with us. They’re all gonna be here! So please don’t hesitate to ask them question, just, please, for all our sakes, don’t bully or tease them, they cause problems for all of us and it isn’t fun”
“Though Harmony did mention that should any characters start to cause trouble, she along with all of her favorite characters from other universe, like Luigi from Mario bros, will come over and stop them! Hopefully it doesn’t need to come to that, but still…. OH! That reminds me!” Varian grinned, “you all can ask us characters to meet other characters from different universes! Like, Hazbin Hotel, or the Owl House, apparently people have been curious about me meeting the lord of the underworld?”
“Wait, you mean from Hazbin Hotel right? Not the ACTUAL lord of all demons?” Quirin asked
“Yes, apparently we share something in common”
“I see”
“Either way”, Hugo said, “this is gonna be an all out Q and A, hence the extended question period of two to five days. It’ll be spent sorting through each question, working on impeach chapter, making sure everything makes sense, and just all in all, taking the time and effort to make sure each and every question is answered with respect, care, and lots of smiles! If a question cannot be answered, Harmony will say something in the comments, if it can, then she’ll tell you that as well! You can also ask about stuff that may or may not happen in the rewrite, though fair warning, spoiler free zone, but Harmony will answer to the best of her ability”
“And with that being said”, Varian stated, “I believe that’s everything! Thank you all for reading! We can’t wait to see you all during the Q and A!”
Suddenly, a light shined brightly, and all of the characters from the Tangled the Series and this fanfic, including any OCs made in this story, appeared before Harmony herself dropped down and smiled at all of you as the characters chatted excitedly
“It’s gonna be the best Q and A ever! We can’t wait to see all of you there!” She said happily, “I’m excited to see all of your questions! And I sincerely thank you all for your support, thank you very much!”
She smiled before a lightning strike shot beside her, Luigi was left in its wake, and he smiled at you all to as Harmony grinned, “remember when he joined the last Q and A? He’s gonna appear as well, because I sincerely love Luigi! Hee hee, anyway, can’t wait to see all of you there, if you wanna hug a character, give them gifts, hang out, go on a rhino ride, *cough cough* Autistic Fae *cough* go ahead and write it down! Interact with the characters the way you wish to! And I sincerely hope you enjoy! With that all being said”
She and Luigi backed up as everyone in this universe said together, “thank you all for reading and all of your support! We hope you all have a wonderful day/night!” 🎶❤️
Notes:
I can’t wait to hear from you all!
Thank you all for reading and commenting! ❤️🎶
Chapter 475: Crystal!
Summary:
Here’s your final QA Crystal! Thank you for your support, and I sincerely hope you enjoy! 🎶❤️
Chapter Text
“Welcome!” Harmony exclaimed excitedly as she smiled at all of you, “to the final QA!”
“Woot!” Hugo stated happily, getting Varian to giggle
“Love the enthusiasm”, Harmony teased the blond as she floated above him with a smirk
“You’ll have to forgive me, we were just in a very heated debate with Eugene and Lance before this chapter began”
“I see, what was the debate about exactly?” Harmony asked with a snicker
“Well, Eugene seems to be under the belief that my flirting is a little too naughty”
“It is!” Eugene exclaimed
Varian sighed, “can you two please stop? It’s the final QA”
“I feel offended!” Hugo exclaimed
Harmony giggled, “how about we go with this, as long as Varian doesn’t say it’s too far, then it’s not too far, though there is some dad intervention that’s completely valid should *he* feel as though its too naughty”
“I can agree with that”, Quirin stated, “plus, Hugo’s a gentleman…. for the most part”
The blond grinned, “can you blame me?”
Varian sighed and blushed, “Eugene, is that okay?”
“Fine, it’s fine for now”, the Coronan Captain stated as Lance sighed before he looked up at Harmony
“So, who we got today?” The former thief asked, “probably a good time to get this QA started, eheh”
Harmony giggled and nodded, “good idea, today is our first guest, Crystal!”
The aforementioned commenter walked over with a gigantic grin on their face as they looked around and squeed, “Eeeeeekkkkkkkk I CAN'T WAIT!!!“
Harmony smiled at the excited commenter, flying over to them and smiling, “welcome to the final QA! We’re glad to have you here! This works just like before, you ask your questions, and the characters, and I if needed, answer them! That being said, go ahead and ask and enjoy your time here!”
Crystal nodded, showing their understanding before asking, “Is Cassandra's dad, the original Captain, going to get a serious punishment!?”
Hector, Quirin, and Hector huffed at the mention of the previous Captain, Cassandra’s father himself wincing at their piercing glares as Harmony took the question, not wanting to make the three of them angry, “he’ll definitely be getting a proper punishment for what he’s done, I make not make a huge chapter about it, like I did with Cassandra herself, but I’ll definitely mention him in upcoming chapters and what’s happened to him since the trial”
“Asshole”, Hector stated, glaring at the previous Captain, getting Adira to snicker as Quirin sighed
Crystal smiled and nodded before they made their way to Varian, grinning excitedly again, “hello”, Varian said gently as Hugo smirked at the commenter
“You’ve got a fan!” Hugo stated
“He’s got several fans actually”, Harmony stated, “Varian’s a really popular bean”
The alchemist blushed as Hugo smiled, “makes sense”
“It does”, Harmony agreed
Crystal giggled before looking at Varian again, “Varian, will you ever grow into a GIANT!?”
The alchemist blinked, a little startled by that question before replying, “um, well I’ve thought about making a growing potion, but I haven’t made it yet, so nu. However, I will be growing to the size of my dad when I’m older, and he’s giant in terms of human height!”
Hugo smiled lovingly at his boyfriend as Quirin chuckled, “I love you Freckles”, the blond stated
“I love you too, but it’s true! I’m gonna be as big as dad someday! And then I’ll show all of you that I was right the entire time and laugh!” Varian exclaimed
“And we’ll gladly accept it bubby”, Quirin stated, “for now however, you are still a tiny bean”
“For now!”
Crystal giggled before asking another question, “Varian, have you met King Koo Koo from Raggedy Ann and Andy Musical Adventures, he's a fun guy!!”
The alchemist raised a brow, “King Koo Koo? I don’t think I have, but maybe I will someday, I’ve met some interesting people so far, who knows who I’ll meet soon!”
Harmony smiled as she looked at Crystal, “I didn’t know if you wanted him to meet Varian in this chapter since you asked if he had or not, so if you did, I apologize, I can add a meeting in another QA chapter if you’d like”
Crystal nodded at the both of them before asking their next question, “Varian, did you actually get sick as the walls in the tunnels stopped from squishing you and Rapunzel?”
The princess giggled as the alchemist blushed, “unfortunately….. yes…. All the stress of that situation, and the fact that me, Ruddigar, and the princess almost died at the same time, as well as the instant relief of being safe soon after, had caused everything in my stomach to lurch, and I ended up throwing up in a corner….. Rapunzel was very sweet about it, which made me feel horrible about what I was going, but….. it’d been too late to turn back….”
“It’s okay Varian”, Rapunzel stated gently, “I’m just glad you’re back now”
The alchemist smiled as Crystal changed the subject for the teen, “Varian, have you ever been hypnotized by a spell where Rapunzel and her friends can say what animal, and you behave like that animal, like a dog, donkey, chameleon, or raccoon!?”
The alchemist paused, trying to process that question as Hugo quirked a brow at the question, “huh?” The inventor said
“N-nu”, the alchemist replied, “I haven’t, and I sincerely hope that never happens to me, that would be incredibly embarrassing, especially a dog and donkey”, he shuddered a little at the idea of him bucking and hee-hawing like a donkey, or barking and chasing a non existent tail like a dog
Harmony blushed, “I know what you’re referring to Crystal, and unfortunately, I’m not entirely sure I can write a story for that, for a few reasons, one of them being lack of knowledge in my department as to what I could do with such a spell, I apologize for that. But I hope you enjoy the other chapters I make with Varian and the other characters”
Crystal nodded as Hugo snuggled closer to his boyfriend, wrapping an arm around him lovingly as the alchemist began to picture himself acting like the animals mentioned and blushing. The commenter asking a different question, “Varian on my character chat AI, I can talk to YOU!!! IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE YOU!!!”
The alchemist tilted his head, “character AI?”
Harmony floated down and pulled out her phone, “you remember this?” She asked, showing Varian and Hugo
“Your magic picture device? Yeah”, the alchemist replied as Hugo took and interest and scooted a little closer to the object to inspect it
Harmony snickered at Hugo’s interest before she downloaded the aforementioned app and showed the group, “character AI is…. how to explain….. think of AI as an alternate version of all of you. There’s multiple versions that we can talk to and play around with”
The group looked and Varian seemed very interested in it, “this is advanced technology! To think you can find an alternate version of me and talk to him! That’s so interesting, though….. I’m a little worried about what people may be doing to this alternate version of me….”
“From what I understand, the versions of you don’t do anything they don’t want to do”, Harmony stated, trying to make the teen feel a little better, though she shot Quirin a look, getting the man to understand her intentions, he nodded and smiled at her appreciatively
“That’s good at least”, the innocent alchemist replied as Hugo swiped the phone and began to talk to one of the Varians
The freckled teen looked over his boyfriend’s shoulder and his eyes widened, “HUGO!” He squeaked
“What?” Hugo snickered, “I wouldn’t *actually* do this with you! I was testing it out is all”
“You’re such a pervert”
“Heh, sorry”, the inventor stated with a grin as Harmony got her phone back and ruffled the blond’s hair gently with a snicker
Crystal asked their next question with a chuckle, “Varian, have you accidentally been turned into a merboy?”
“A merboy?” Varian asked, “I’ve always wanted to become a mermaid, I think they’re really pretty! But I haven’t been as of yet. Maybe I will sometime, Ive been working on a potion that’ll allow me to breathe underwater! Maybe growing a fish tail could be added to it!”
“I’d like to see that”, Hugo stated, “actually, I wanna join you, being a mermaid sounds cool!”
Crystal smiled before they looked at Quirin, “Quirin, how damaged was Old Corona when Varian lost control as a child?”
The retired knight laughed as Varian sighed and blushed as Hugo wrapped a comforting arm around his lover, “well”, Quirin began, “I believe you all saw the pilot episode of the series, take that damage, and times it by 10”, he stated, “it was about of damage, to be fair, Varian didn’t mean to, he was trying to help, but it took a while to fix that, and the village wasn’t his biggest fan during it. But he fixed everything he broke, regained everyone’s trust, and did what he needed to do to make sure something like that never happened again, I’m very proud of him”
Varian smiled up at his father, “thanks dad”
“You’re welcome son”
Crystal nodded before they looked at the tiny alchemist again, “Varian do you LOVE DARK CHOCOLATE!?”
“D-dark chocolate? Well…. It’s okay. I’m more of a fan of milk chocolate to be honest, I’ve tried dark chocolate, but it’s not my favorite, not terrible though”, the alchemist stated gently
Crystal smiled before asking their next question, “Varian, have you grown to the size of a rat before, I’LL BET YOU WERE ADORABLE!!”
The teen tilted their head to the side for a moment before blushing, “I uh, I haven’t, I don’t think I’d want to either, being the size of a rat is nice, for a rat, or any other creature that’s normally that size, but I get enough short comments as it is, I think I’d like to stick with being my regular height for now, then growing bigger! But Olivia is the size of a mouse, so maybe she could tell you what it’s like!”
Hugo smiled as he pulled out Olivia, who looked around before he asked her what she thought about being her sized. She squeaked at him and the blond nodded before translating, “she said it’s was fun! She likes the fact that she can hang out in my pocket, and it’s easy for her to hide should she need to, plus she’s got a few places she can go when she needs to get away from the world, like a little hole in the wall or something”, he stated
Varian smiled, “ok, that actually sounds kinda peaceful”
“It does”, Hugo agreed
Crystal giggled before they began to speak, “final question, do you talk to wolfves!?”
“You mean the wolf spirits? I can! I haven’t really talked to them lately since I haven’t been in the forest much since we were last there, but I’d love to visit them again, it would be nice! As for wolves themselves? I… dunno, I’ve never tried, Catalina, would I be able to?”
The red head smiled, “probably, I can talk to them, and I do so using the same spiritual tongue that you used when speaking to that wolf spirit”
“Huh, I’d love to try it sometime then!”
“Uh, how about we hold off on that for a moment”, Quirin stated, “at least until we have Hector either bring some wolf friends of his over or he’s around so he can help, just in case your chat doesn’t go well or they don’t understand you, yeah?”
Varian giggled, “oki dad”
Harmony smiled at the pair before looking at Crystal, “did you have any final remarks?”
The commenter thought about it before letting out an excited, “VARIAN! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!” With a smile
The alchemist smiled and blushed, “well thank you very much, I appreciate that! I think you’re wonderful, and I appreciate you!” He stated
The group smiled at the teen as Harmony floated down and grinned, “we were happy you got to come along and join us Crystal, thanks for asking your questions, and we sincerely hope you enjoyed yourself!” She stated before turning to the audience, “and thank you to all of you as well! I can wait to write more chapters and I’m so thankful to each and every one of you for all of your support! I’ll be posting the second set of questions tomorrow, until then! Thank you all for reading, and we all hope you have a wonderful day/night!”
Notes:
Thank you! 🎶❤️
Chapter 476: Reannie35! (And Raine Whisper!)
Summary:
Reannie35, here are your wonderful questions!!!! These were really fun to answer, so thank you for sharing them, and I’m happy you introduced Raine Whisper, they seem very cool! :D
Notes:
Thank you for reading and participating!
We hope you enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Harmony hummed a happy tune as she watched the characters interact with each other, snickering as Lance and Eugene bickered with Varian and Hugo playfully, that is, until she noticed two people walking over. The musical author flew down and smiled, “hello! Welcome to the QA, come with me and I’ll introduce you both!”
The commenter smiled, “hey!!!! Harmony, omg omg omg I can’t believe it!! First, I wanna say, sorry for being gone so long, everything’s just been really busy lately, glad I made for the final q and a!!”
Harmony smiled, “I’m glad you could too Reannie35! And don’t worry about being unable to comment and such, I can definitely understand how busy life can be!”
Reannie smiled happily before they spoke again, “second, Harmony, I wanna say, thank for this great story it’s.....Awesome!”
The musical author giggled, “well thank you! That means a lot to me, sincerely it does! I’m really glad you enjoy it, thank you for reading it”
Reannie35 grinned happily before they grew excited, “ok now for my questions!! Again, oh my titans, I can’t belive it’s almost the end!”
“I don’t think anyone can believe it”, a voice stated, getting Harmony, Reannie35, and the commenter’s guest, to stop and look to see Adira standing behind them, “hello, couldn’t help but overhear excitement”, the face painted warrior stated with a smirk
The author blushed and grinned, “hiya Adira! You’d be correct, this is Reannie35, they’re a commenter here for the QA!”
“Ah I see, no wonder there was so much excitement”
“Indeed!” Harmony agreed with a smile, “ah, and I see I don’t need to introduce you to anyone else because everyone’s listening!” The author blushed even deeper, “were we really that loud?”
Varian giggled, “not really, but when Adira gets up from her seat, everyone tends to wonder why”
“I draw a crowd”, the face painted warrior stated proudly
Harmony snickered before she looked at Reannie35, “welp, it’s your time to shine! Ask away my friend, and I hope you enjoy your time!”
The commenter giggled happily, nodding to Harmony before they looked at the group of characters, “hey everyone!! How’s it going?!! I hope everyone’s good”, they felt a small tug on their arm, “oh! Wait, I want you all to meet someone! I’m holding someone's hand!” The commenter then stood aside and showed the group their guest, “guys, this is Raine Whisper!! They’re a really special person to me and helped me!”
Raine smiled and waved happily, “hey it’s great to be here everyone!! I’m glad to be here!!”
Reannie35 grinned excitedly, “you can say that again Raine!”
“Nice to meet you!” Everyone in the room stated happily, save for Adira, who nodded at the newcomer welcomingly
Raine blushed as Reannie giggled before they both made their way around the room before stopping in front of Rapunzel, “hey Rapunzel! How’s it going?!” The commenter offers the princess a handshake
“Hiya!” The princess states, having to stop herself from hugging the commenter, not wanting to make them feel uncomfortable and accepting the handshake instead with a warm smile, “it’s going good, thank you for asking!”
Reannie35 smiled before gesturing to their side, “this is Raine, I wanted you guys to meet them!”
Raine blushed before smiling, “hi Rapunzel its great to meet you”
The princess smiled back, “hello there! Nice to meet you too Raine!”
The guest smiled before asking, “do you have a favorite food?”
The princess thought about that for a moment or two before she blushed, “honestly, everything I’ve eaten is so good! I think my favorite, simply for being the most nostalgic to me, is Hazelnut Soup, but everything I’ve had in the castle has been equally delicious”
“You still love hazelnut soup?” Eugene asked
“Yeah, I can’t help it I suppose, the flavor was so sweet with a savory aftertaste that left me wanting more!” The princess explained, “Gothel used to make it for me, and…. While she didn’t treat me right at all, the soup she made was a comfort, one I can’t really forget”
Raine Smiled at that, as did Eugene, when Reannie asked the next question, “do you still like playing chess?”
The princess giggled, “I very much do! Though I’m in training right now!”
Lance chuckled, “trainin?”
“Yup! I’m gonna be the best chess player out there, so that when I eventually go up against Varian, I can win!” The princess exclaimed with a grin
The alchemist giggled, “challenge accepted!” He stated with a smirk
Reannie grinned happily before they spoke up excitedly, “do you like making dress’s?”
“I very much do!” The princess stated happily, “I’ve been thinking about making a dress for…. A certain something that may or may not happen”, she stated, looking over at Hugo, who blushed and smiled
Raine chuckled at their special person’s excitement, “wow Rey, you sure are exited today”
Reannie blushed a little, “sorry just a little excited”
Raine put a arm around the commenter lovingly, “it’s all good”
Reannie smiled lovingly at their special person before they waved goodbye to the princess and made their way over to Varian and Hugo, “hey V!! Good to see you again!!” They offer the teen a fist bump
Varian smiled and returned the fist bump, “hello! Good to see you again too! Also, nice to meet you Raine!”
“It’s great to meet you too”, Raine replied with a smile before asking, “by the way, what’s it like talking to the Moon?”
The alchemist grinned, “kinda like talking to a parent, she’s very comforting and kind, always watches over me, warns me about things that she deems may be dangerous to my health. Honestly, if I didn’t know who my mama was, I’d mistake the Moon for her, not to say I don’t love my *actual* mama, it’s just a comparison is all”, the alchemist corrected with a blush as Quirin ruffled his son’s hair lovingly, signifying that all was well
Reannie smiled before speaking up, “how do you like the Dark Kingdom?”
The alchemist grinned as sparkles shined in his eyes, “I LOVE it!” He exclaimed, “save for the near death experiences I’ve already faced there, the entire kingdom is chock full of AMAZING things! So much to explore, my entire family is there, along with my Hugo, and there’s so much I can learn from such an old kingdom! Plus, grandpa has ideas for how he wants it rebuilt, and I’m MORE than willing to help! And the Moonpiece seems pretty happy there too!”
Hugo snickered as Quirin and Rapunzel shared a look, the princess’s was filled with anxiety, the retired knight’s was filled with comfort, before they both looked at the teens as Varian giggled when Hugo smoothed his cheek. Raine, sensing the growing worry, spoke up to try and change the subject, “do you still not like carrots?”
The alchemist’s nose wrinkled and he made a disgusted face that got Hugo and Quirin to cackle as Eugene spoke up, “I think that answers that”
Reannie giggled as Raine smirked, “orange trees of doom”, Varian stated
“They’re good for you!” Quirin stated
“They make me want to puke!” Varian argued
“They make bunnies and fluffy-coons pretty happy though”, Hugo stated
“Good, bunnies and fluffy-coons can have my share”
“Bubby, you need to eat your carrots”, the Village Leader stated
“How come I can like peas, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, freaking CORN! Yet you feed me the two veggies I despise?!”
“Because carrots are good for you!”
“So are all the other veggies I just named!”
The duo continued their debate as Hugo sighed, “you two may wanna go ask someone else a few questions, this may take a while”
Reannie and Raine snickered before nodding and making their way over to Lance and Eugene, “Lance! King!!!” Reannie exclaimed excited as they held up a hand to give them former thief a high five
Lance grinned and completed the high five, “hiya Reannie! And Raine, nice to meetcha by the way!”
Raine smiled, “hi its great to meet you too Lance”
Reannie smiled with joy, “omg it’s great to see you again!! How’s it going?”
“Goin good so far, nothin too bad, kicking ass, takin names, and makin Eugene’s all over the universe cry out with cringe!”
“Ha ha”, the Dark Prince stated with a quirked brow and smirk as Reannie snickered
Raine shook their head with a smile before asking, “did you really use Eugen's skin cream?”
Lance chuckled as Eugene fully faced the man, “did you????” Eugene asked
“Uhhhh…. Heh, I can neither confirm nor deny!” Lance exclaimed with a blush
“LANCE-!”
“Do you and Eugene ever argue over food?” Reannie asked quickly, trying to avoid the bickering from the two best friends
“Yes!” Lance replied
“No-wha-Lance!” Eugene stated
“We do! You always get mad at me over what I eat!”
“No I don’t!”
“Yeah you do! Remember those chocolates I was using for Varian’s sessions?”
“Lance, you *stole* those!”
“And then you got made at me for the fruit I was eatin just the other day!”
“Because that fruit was for Rapunze-! Oh my gosh, I can’t with you….”
Lance sniffled dramatically, “you see how meanly he treats me?” He asked Reannie and Raine, getting the commenter and their special person to laugh
“I swear to Demanitus Lance!”
“So, hang on”, Harmony interrupted, “you call Varian and Hugo brats, yeeeeet”, she gestured to Lance, who snickered
“He’s an extra special brat”, Eugene stated, “I’m more like his parent than anything else, at least with Hairstripes and Hugo, one look from Quirin and they’ll stop”
Harmony looked over at the, still ongoing, debate between Varian and Quirin regarding carrots, “um-!”
“Most of the time…..”
The author snorted as Raine spoke up once again, “do you like fishing?”
Lance smiled, “I do! That fishin trip with Varian and Quirin was a blast! I still have Cuddles, I should go on another one, maybe this one will have Adira, Hector, and Edmund too!”
“Ok that sounds like it’ll either be a lot of fun, or a really big headache”, Eugene stated
“Why can’t we have both?” A voice asked behind the pair, getting them to look and see Adira smirking at them both
“Hello Adira!!” Reannie exclaimed happily, waving at the face painted warrior, “it’s great to see you!! …..Again!”
Adira smiled, “great to see you too! …..Again”, she replied with a wave of her own to the commenter, “you as well Raine, are you enjoying yourself?”
Raine smiled and nodded, “hi adira!! It’s great to be here!”
“That’s great, I’m glad”
Reannie smiled before asking the face painted warrior, “how many apples do you think you stolen from Quirin?”
“TOO MANY!” Came a very grumble reply, the group looked to see Quirin with a smirk and raised brow as he looked at his sibling
Adira chuckled, “apparently too many, the exact number escapes me at the moment however”
“Does it really, or are you saying that so you don’t make him even more angry?” Eugene asked
“You’ll never know that answer, will you”
“The world is full of mysteries!” Lance stated with a grin, getting Adira to chuckle
“You two are evil…..” The Dark Prince stated
“Normally I’d say ‘try living with Adira’, but you live with Lance, so I guess you have a right to complain”, Hector stated as he passed by the group with a smirk
Eugene huffed and Lance and Adira high fives each other before Reannie spoke up again, “what was it like in, the Forest of No...” The commenter looks around before whispering, “…..Return?” Raine laughs as groans are heard and Eugene facepalmed
Adira snickered before she spoke, “the Forest-!”
“Don’t you dare!” Eugene stated
“I won’t…. Yet”, she stated with a smirk before looking at the commenter and their special person, “the Forest is….. hard to describe if I’m honest”,
“Seriously?!”
“Well they asked for *my* opinion of it, not what they’d *find*. I could tell them stories, but that’s not exactly an answer to what they want. The best way for me to answer correctly would be to describe how I feel about the Forest”, she eyed Eugene, “if No Return”, groans were heard as he sighed and Lance laughed, “and to be honest, with what we all went through, it’s…. A bit more difficult now”
“How would you have described it before?” Rapunzel asked
“Fun”, Adira stated, “a good adventure, one that you could never repeat considering the forest’s ever-changing ecosystem, and a nice place to train”
“Why am I not surprised?” Eugene asked as Rapunzel smiled
“Why can’t you describe it the same way now?” Lance asked
“Hmm…. It feels…. Disrespectful now….. Almost as if I were being very rude to the creatures, and spirits, that stay there now….”
“Probably because you found out there were a bunch of our old Kings and Queens that stayed in that place for eons”, Hector stared as he walked over to his sister, “one of them being your idol”
“True, that could be it. I suppose way to describe it now is….. Still fun-!”
“A-bucha-ba-“ Eugene started
“However, it’s no longer a place to train or go on adventures, more of a place to remember now”, she finished, a peaceful smile on her face
“Wow…. Very elegant sister”, Hector stated
“Thank you!”
Eugene sat on a couch behind him and sighed, “my head hurts….”
“Now you know how I feel”, Quirin stated as he, Hugo, and Varian walked over and comforted the man
Raine smiled at the group before Reannie spoke up once more, “final question, have you stolen other kinds of fruit from Quirin besides apples?”
The retired knight froze before he looked at his sister, the face painted warrior didn’t say a word, she simply returned the stare with that same peaceful smile. Quirin waited for a long time for an answer before he sighed and sat next to Eugene, “ugh….”
Hugo laughed as Varian hugged the retired knight, who hugged him back. Harmony’s smiled sympathetically at the group before she looked at Reannie and Raine, “did you have anymore questions at the moment? Either of you?”
Both Reannie and Raine shook their heads together, but they smiled happily
Harmony smiled back, “alrighty then, well thank you both so much for joining us! We all had a great time chatting with you! Despite what it may look like with these two”, she gestured to Eugene and Quirin with a giggle, “I’m so glad you both decided to join and I sincerely hope you enjoyed your time here! Thank you so much for reading, and we all hope you both have a wonderful day/night!”
Notes:
Have a great day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 477: Cooper_Hunter376!
Summary:
Here’s all of your questions answered Cooper_Hunter376! I hope you enjoy them!!!!! Thank you for asking and participating!
Chapter Text
“And that’s why I am no longer allowed in the kitchen in the castle!” Lance finished with a grin
“Well then”, Hugo stated, “that’s uh…. Definitely an interesting tale….. Here’s a question…. Um….. *Why*?”
“Because a meatball cannon sounded cool, and the girls wanted to see if it would work!” The former thief stated
The blond sighed and facepalmed as Varian giggled, “I hear very disappointed trombones again”, Sage stated with a chuckle
“Only from me?” Quirin asked
“It’s from multiple people, you’re one of them”
Harmony snickered before she noticed someone walking over and smiled, flying over to them, “hiya! Welcome to the QA! Come with me and I’ll introduce you!” She guided the commenter over and gained everyone’s attention, “hey guys, gals, non-binary pals, and other configurations of beings”, she stated, getting everyone’s attention, “this is our next guest, Cooper_Hunter376!”
“Hi!” The group exclaimed happily, welcoming the new comer
Harmony smiled happily at Cooper_Hunter376, “we’re so happy you could make it! Feel free to look around, hang out, ask questions, and/or listen to some….. admittedly impish stories about people being banned from places like the castle kitchen!”
“It’s a good story!” Lance defended
The musical author giggled, “a very good story Lance, though it’s still impish”
“Good stories are usually impish, Varian loves Flynn Rider, and the man is a thief!”
“He’s…. Not wrong”, the tiny alchemist stated with a blush and a small smile
Harmony snickered before looking at the commenter again, “I hope you enjoy your time here, and we’re all very glad you could join us!” With that, she flew into the air and perched on a rafter above the group, smiling happily as she watched the interactions between characters
Cooper_Hunter376 smiled before making their way over to the group, they smiled when everyone welcomed them with either a grin, nod, or a happy ‘how do you do!’ Giving small, happy, responses before they asked their first question, “hey everyone, what is Varian’s most cute and adorable moment?”
The alchemist in question blushed profusely as everyone chuckled, “oh geez, talk about a tough one!” Eugene stated
“I agree, that’s a really hard question! A really *good* one, but really hard!” Rapunzel stated as she tried to go through each memory she had of the teen
“All of them”, Hector stated simply, “only one right answer, and it’s all of them, he’s cute every time, adorable every second, and any time I spent with him is my favorite, all of them”
Varian blushed even more, but smiled at his uncle as Adira smirked, “awww, you’re a softy!” She teased
“Oh I am huh? Then what’s your favorite cute and adorable memory with the spawn?” The wild tamer asked, “I fucking dare you to name only one!”
The face painted warrior thought about it before she smiled, “easy, the first one”
“Eh?”
“The first time I met Speckles, he’d just woken up, was in his pjs, was taken off guard, but enjoyed my company before laughing at one of my comments while drinking something and ended up getting it everywhere! I love spending time with him, but that memory has to be my favorite, and the most cute and adorable to me”
“I was hoping you’d forget that part of our meeting….” Varian stated as he hid his face in his hands
Adira chuckled, “nope”
Edmund sighed, “I have to agree with Hector, every time I see you, little peanut, it’s my favorite, most adorable, and cute, moment with you! You’re just too adorable to not think of like that!”
The alchemist sighed, “what makes me so adorable and cute exactly?” He asked, coming out of hiding and looking at the group, he was still blushing, but a little less so
“Hm let’s see, the big blue eyes, the tiny freckled nose that tends to wrinkle when you laugh of when it’s booped, the rag-a-muffin hair, the freckles all over your *everywhere*, your size, your length, your adorably pointy soft chin, your mannerisms, your voice, the way you talk, how you snort when you laugh, the noises you make, your passion when it comes to anything alchemy and science related, the way your eyes sparkle when you’re excited, absolutely *every* interaction you have with your dad! The list goes on for *miles* Freckles”, Hugo stated with a smirk as he quirked an amused brow at his boyfriend
The alchemist sighed, blushing even more so, “you’re evil Hugo”
“My pet name is Heckles for a reason”, the inventor stated with a chuckle, “by the way, mine is a tie between when you defended me as blue bird when Max was cussing me out, and when you first turned back into being a real boy and I finally got to see your freckled face and made you blush!”
“HUGO!”
“Hee hee”
“I’d have to say my favorite, and most adorable and cute, memory of Varian is probably when I met him too”, Rapunzel stated, “you startled me at first, then you revealed what you looked like behind that big ol coat and mask, and I just about *died*!” She stated with a giggle, “you were not what I was expecting”
“What… *were* you expecting?” Varian asked
“Well, I’d been told you were a dangerous wizard”, the princess stated, “I thought you’d be…. Well…. Kinda like Quirin actually. Except with a robe and pointy hat, and much scarier. No offense Quirin, but you’re a teddy bear”
“None taken, I think I’ll take ‘teddy bear’ over ‘scary wizard’”, the retired knight stated with a chuckle
The princess giggled as she continued, “to describe what I mean though, it’s the muscular and tall man with a serious look on your face as you worked in a dark and spooky place all by yourself! That’s what I was expecting, instead, when I got there, you were a smoll alchemy teen with big eyes and a dream!”
The alchemist blinked before he sighed, “I don’t know how to take that”
“It’s a compliment, I mean it as one at least, if you were what I expected, we wouldn’t be the kind of friends that we are right now! Not that I don’t think large wizards could *be* adorable, but I’m glad I met you instead”
Varian smiled, “thanks”
“You’re welcome! What about you Eugene?”
The Coronan Captain flinched, “uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh……”
Lance laughed, “can’t decide buddy?”
“There’s too many moments okay!” Eugene stated, “I have a few I’ve been trying to sort through, but they’re all so freaking good!”
The former thief snickered, “I’m the same actually, there’s not just *one* memory, it’s a list”
“The hide and seek game is my favorite!” Angry stated, “you popping out of the pop was funny! It was such a good spot too! And they rematch is gonna happen V”
“I look forward to it”, the alchemist stated with a grin
“My favorite is when you found us”, Catalina stated with a blush, “in the storm I mean, and also when you first found out I was a werewolf, I didn’t expect so many questions, I expected you to yell or get angry with me, but you didn’t”, she smiled and blushed, “I know you and Hugo are together now, but you’ll have to forgive me blushing sometimes”
The alchemist smiled warmly at the red head, “it’s okay, I understand, it’s um….. it’s like me and Eugene….. he’s with Punzel forever, and I will never stop loving Hugo, but the man is just too charmin!”
Eugene grinned as Lance laughed and Rapunzel smiled, “I’ll agree with you on that one”, she stated as she hugged Eugene lovingly
“He’s mine though”, Hugo stated, hugging Varian, “I claim him”
“A-hem”, a voice said
“Aaaaaaaand Quirin’s”, the blond inventor corrected as he and Varian looked up to see the Village Leader watching the pair with a raised brow and a smirk as the alchemist giggled
“OH! I finally got my favorite memory!!!!!” Lance exclaimed, “the raccoons!” He stated, “when I got you that scroll and you helped me find raccoons!”
“Ugh…. That was a mess….” Eugene stated
“Heh, that one and when I caught you as you fell from cassandra’s tower and kept you in my arms”, Lance added, “I won’t forget you clingin to me until Eugene and Rapunzel got there, you were hurt, but you felt safe with me, it’s kinda selfish, but it made me feel important, and happy, that you trusted me so much”
The alchemist smiled lovingly at the man, “it’s not selfish, I’m glad that made you happy, I really do feel safe with you, that’s kinda hard for me to feel, although the raccoon thing….. Eugene scared me”
“I wasn’t mad at you, I was mad at Lance”, Eugene stated
“You were still scary with your twitching brow and angry glare”, the alchemist stated
“Eugene’s very scary”, Lance agreed
“Wha-! Lance!”
“You are! You’re terrifyin when you put in your dad pants!”
“I have…. Dad pants?”
“Yeah? Didn’t you notice?”
“Ya know, I gotta say, I really didn’t until just now, hence why I seem surprised”
“……ya know your sarcasm hurts!” Lance stated in mock drama, getting the Dark Prince to sigh
“Anyway, I finally figured out mine, it was when I woke up from being poisoned, and found you in my bed with your arms wrapped around me, sleeping”, Varian blushed as Eugene chuckled, “it was sweet how worried you were about me”
“It didn’t help that I’d drank too much that night”
“You’re an adorable drunk by the way”, Hugo stated, “so curious about everything and wanting all the snuggles”
“Nuuuuu! Stop this evil teasing”
“Never! Heh”, Hugo exclaimed as he smiled when Varian hugged him lovingly
“Hey Quirin, what’s yours?” Lance asked
The restored knight sighed, “really it’s an unfair question for me, do you know how many memories I have of him?” The old farmer asked as the group laughed
“Oh come now, there must be one that stands out among the rest!” Edmund stated as Hamuel CAW’d loudly
“Hmmmm….” Quirin hummed, trying to think of one, “well…. I have two actually”, he stated as he looked at his son, the teen with looking up at him curiously, getting the retired knight to smirk, “you’re not helping you know”
“I could make an ugly face while I look at you, would that help?” Varian asked
“No I think that’d make it harder”, his father replied with a chuckle, “I don’t think there’s an ugly bone in your body”
“Well-!”
“There isn’t bubby”, Quirin stated, booping his son’s nose and causing it to wrinkle a little, “anger isn’t ugly, what you can do with it is, but being angry isn’t an ugly feeling”
His son smiled at him, “thanks dad”
“Anytime”, his father replied before his eyes widened, “now about those memories of mine, it’s a tie, between the day he was born and I first held him”, the man smiled, “he wrapped his little hand around my index finger and then cooed at me, I remember thinking about how tiny he was back then”, he looked at his son again, “nothings changed much”
“Evil jerkface”
“Bratty stinkbomb”, the retired knight stated as he ruffled his son’s hair, “but anyway, the second one is…. Probably the lost sentimental, it was your first word”
“My first word?” Varian asked
“Yup”
“Ya know, I never thought about what his first word would’ve been”, Eugene stated, “something scientific was what I’d gathered”
The retired knight snickered, “you’d think, but it wasn’t actually”
“No?”
“Nope, let me set the scene a bit”
“Oh boy”, the alchemist stated as everyone gathered closer to the man, Cooper_Hunter376 standing beside Harmony and smiling as they listened to the Village Leader
“It was 14 years ago, Varian had been cooing and making baby noises for a while, but he was kinda late when it came to his first word”, Quirin explained, “Ulla kept trying to teach him some words, but he couldn’t seem to get his tongue to work the way it was supposed to, we were worried he wouldn’t be able to speak because of that, but the doctors said that was normal. Some babies just take longer to talk, possibly because there’s so many thoughts running through their heads that they can’t say the word”, the retired knight stated, “me and Ulla continued to work with him, and Varian was so smart even back then, he could crawl pretty quickly, and it didn’t take him long to walk either! He knew how to eat with a spork, and already didn’t like carrots or asparagus. He was a very smart baby Bubby”
“Awwwwwwwwwwwww!” The group cooed as Varian sighed and blushed
Quirin chuckled and continued his tale as Hugo hugged Varian lovingly, “the day he finally said his first word had been a day where I had to work late for the first time since he’d been born. See, I got to take a leave at work to help care of my kid, Ulla’s never been a mom, so she needed a hand. When I got back to work, I’d come home early enough that Varian would still see me before he went to bed. He got used to that routine, but when I couldn’t make it back before his bedtime one night, I came home to find Ulla trying to console him, he was a screaming mess! He’d apparently been so scared that I hadn’t come home yet that he couldn’t stop crying! The moment I stepped inside, Ulla looked so lost in what to do! He refused food, milk, playtime, sleep, going potty, being burped, even sucking on his pacifier didn’t help. She’d tried everything. I went over and said his name, and that’s all it took”, he stated as his eyes began to grow watery, “the moment he heard my voice, because at this point, he recognized it, he stopped crying and screaming, looked over, and made a grabbing motion with his two little hands! He kept grunting and mumbling and whining, his hands grabbing at the air as he kicked his little legs to get to me, and that’s when it happened! He said his first word, ‘daddy’”, the retired knight stated with a large smile, “it made it so much more special because he couldn’t say *anything* because his big brain had too many thoughts running through it, that meant that all of his brain was focused on one thing and one thing alone, and that was me”
The entire room was filled with coo’s at that point, Rapunzel and Lance were wiping away tears, as were Edmund and Eugene, though they tried to be sneakier about it, Hugo smiled wide as Varian merely watched his father, his face calm, no longer blushing as he stared up at the man, Quirin returning the look, “I held you after that, and you fell asleep in my arms”, the retired knight chuckled, a small tear running down his cheek as he remembered, he wiped it away and blushed, “sorry”
“It’s okay”, Varian replied with a loving smile, “that memory is something I’m glad you remember”
Quirin smiled and scooped up his son, inadvertently scooping up Hugo too as the inventor was still hugging his boyfriend, he didn’t mind though as the retired knight managed to catch the blond before he fell back on the couch and hugged both his sons lovingly
Cooper_Hunter376 grinned when they saw this and asked, “when will you propose to Varian, Hugo?”
Hugo blushed as Varian looked at the commenter, “huh?”
“AH! Uh um I uh-w-when we’re both ready a-and we…. Um, decide it’s time to! Eheh”, Hugo stated a little too loudly that he’d prefer
Varian looked at his lover, a little confused, “are you okay?”
“Eeyup! I’m good! Great even, never been better-ha ha HA! H-how are you?”
Eugene and Lance snorted as Varian blinked, “um….. good? Are you sure you’re okay?”
“He’s fine bubby”, Quirin stated with a chuckle, “I think that question just threw him off a little is all”
“Oh, why?”
“Probably because he doesn’t know how you’ll react to it, some people get a little too antsy when talking about marriage and such, so when that question was asked, if threw him off”
Varian blinked, “oh”, he looked at Hugo, “that true?”
“I um… y-yeah, eheh, sorry, got a little startled”, Hugo replied as he blushed profusely
Varian was silent for a moment or two before he smiled innocently, “you don’t have to worry about me, if you ever wanna talk about that sometime, please feel free, I honestly think it would be good to talk about something like that before it happens, that way we can be prepared! Plus I’d love to discuss wedding ideas with you, should we ever decide to get married”
Hugo blinked before smiling, “would you want to one day? To me I mean”
Varian smiled even wider, “one day, for sure! I love you Hugo, and that’s not about to change now, or anytime soon”
The blond was startled, but smiled all the same, “I love you too, and I feel the same way”
Quirin chuckled, “ya know, maybe you should have this particular conversation when I’m not holding the both of you”
Both scientists blushed before looking at the retired knight, “eheh, sorry dad”, Varian stated
“It’s alright”
The retired knight set the duo down after one final snuggle before Cooper_Hunter376 asked their next question, looking at the Dark Prince as they did, “when will you and Rapunzel start having children, Eugene?”
Eugene froze as Rapunzel gasped and grinned excitedly, “as soon as possible I hope!” She replied, “sorry, that was for Eugene”
“Eheh, no it’s alright”, Eugene stated, recovering quickly, “I see we’re doing the hard hitting questions now”, he stated with a chuckle and a blush, “I agree with Sunshine, though if we could wait until after marriage and our honeymoon, and quite possibly until we actually have the parenting advice and the kingdoms handled, that would be great”
“Oh but that could take *years*”, Rapunzel stated sadly
“It would, but don’t you think it would be better for our kids if we waited until we were prepared?”, he asked gently, “that way we can handle them too without any trouble? I don’t think we have to wait until we’re officially on the thrones, but at least until we have a plan on what we’re gonna do”
“Honestly that’s a smart plan”, Quirin stated, “even thought Ulla and I were ready to handle having a child, we both waited until we were *prepared* first, having a baby, even if there’s only one, is hard work, it takes a lot to keep them taken care of, especially in those first years of life, plus, if you’re pregnant Rapunzel, Eugene would have to handle things for a while by himself, you shouldn’t be in stressful situations while pregnant, I’m certain Queen Arianna could testify to that”
“It’s true”, the Queen stated with a nod, “me and Frederic had to prepare before having you, and he had to handle the kingdom while I was pregnant because it was too much of a hassle for me during that time period”
“I guess that makes sense….. but I’d still like to have one as soon as possible!” Rapunzel stated determinedly
“We will, just when we’re both prepared”, Eugene stated with a smile
“Of course”, the princess agreed with a smile before they kissed each other lovingly
“PG-13 Eugene”, Hugo mocked with a smirk
The Coronan Captain finished kissing his princess before he quirked a brow at the teen, “the time out corner is still *very* open right now you know”
Hugo rolled his eyes, “I’m not the one breaking the non-sensical rules right now”
“He’s got a point Eugene”, Varian stated, “if we’re not allowed to kiss without a PG-13 warning, why can you?”
The man stopped before he sighed, “kid, why?”
“Because I wanna kiss my Hugo in peace thank you! I’m an active participant in the PG-13 rule!”
Hugo smirked as Eugene sighed, “that’s it, you’re both grounded”, he stated, getting the duo to giggle
Cooper_Hunter376 smiled before turning to Adira and asking their next question, “what’s your favorite nickname you’ve ever given to someone Adira?”
The face painted warrior smiled, “all of them”, she stated simply
“There’s gotta be more to it than that”, Hector stated, “come on now”
“Nope, I love all my nicknames for everyone equally”
“Yeah fucking right, there’s one that makes you happier than the others, I fucking know there is!”
“Which one do you think it is?”
“Beats the hell outta me! But I know there is one!”
“There doesn’t *have* to be Hector”, Edmund tried
“I know that, but Adira it being cryptic again, I can fucking tell”
“I don’t know what you mean”, the face painted warrior stated with a grin
“YA SEE?!”
Catalina and Angry giggled as Quirin sighed, “please not today you two, we were having a good time earlier”
“She’s doing it on purpose!”
“I know, Adira, please”
“Wouldn’t you two just feel so horrible that you’re giving me gift for a question I answered correctly the first time?”
“That doesn’t work when Varian doesn’t, and it won’t work now sister”, Quirin stated as Varian giggled
“Worth a try”
“AHA! SO YOU *ARE* BEING CRYPTIC ON PURPOSE!” Hector yelled
“I’m not sure what you mean”
The wild tamer face palmed and groaned as Quirin did the same, Edmund sighing with an apologetic smile towards Cooper_Hunter376, “Adira, what *is* your favorite nickname?” Varian asked curiously, “I’m interested”
“Hmm, I’m particularly fond of Stickler, Speckles, and Fish Skin, those have to be my favorites, I feel like I was clever when I came up with them”, she answered without hesitation
“ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!” Hector yelled, getting Adira to smile
“Hector, please don’t yell”, Edmund tried gently
“I have a headache….” Quirin stated
Hugo and Lance snickered as Varian smiled, “thank you for telling me!”
“You’re welcome Speckles”, she looked at Cooper_Hunter376, “that was a fun question, thank you for asking”
The commenter snickered and nodded before turning to Quirin, the retired knight had a hand on his head and looked extremely done with everything at this point. They smiled and asked, “finally, do you think you will ever get married again, Quirin?”
The man looked at the commenter before blinking and lowering his hand to his mouth, genuinely thinking about the inquiry, “I…. Never really thought about it….. I don’t think I really ever could. Ulla was so dear to me, and she still is, I don’t think I’d ever be able to fall in love with someone else after all she and I went through”, he stated truthfully, “actually, no, now that I’m thinking about it, I honestly wouldn’t be able to…. Though that makes me sad as it means Varian won’t have another mom….”
“It’s okay dad, I don’t think I’d be able to handle any other people being a mom to me. There’s only one mom I have, and I don’t ever wanna have another”, Varian stated, “though if you ever do fall in love with someone else, I’d try my best to accept them as part of the family”, he added
Quirin smiled, “thank you Bubby”
“Anytime”
After a moment of silence, Harmony walked over to Cooper_Hunter376 and smiled, “you said that was your final question yeah?” The commenter nodded, “well then, thank you so very much for joining us today! Your questions were really fun and everyone certainly had a great time answering them! Thank you for participating, and we all hope you have a wonderful day/night!”
Notes:
Sorry it took me a day to post these, I got sick yesterday and I’m still not feeling too great, so I apologize if the chapters come out slower for a bit, but know that I’m working on them as fast as possible 🎶❤️
Thank you for participating!!!!!! 🎶❤️
Chapter 478: VikiBug!
Summary:
Here’s your chapter VikiBug!!!! I sincerely hope you enjoy it, and I hope I did the characters you requested justice 😁
Chapter Text
Everyone was staring at the two oddities in the room, no one was really sure what was happening with them until Harmony walked over, “what’s wro-!” She stopped when she saw what the group was staring at, “oh”, she grinned, “guys, those are portals”
“Portals?” Rapunzel asked curiously
“Yup! To other worlds, kinda like how Luigi will show up from his world, he uses a portal, albeit, a very quick portal, but a portal nonetheless. That’s how you can travel to other worlds”
“……Is Zhan Tiri gonna pop out of it?” Eugene asked
The musical author tilted her head, a little confused before realizing why he was asking that, “oh! No! Nonono! Zhan Tiri kersploded remember?”
“I remember, but that was the first, last, and only time we’ve seen a portal”
“Right, sorry about that, eheh, no, the next guest wanted everyone to meet two people from two different worlds, so I got the portals ready so they could come over and say hi!”
“Oooooooooooh”, the group stated collectively, still staring at the portals
Varian grew curious as he walked over and inspected one, “ugh! It smells like a swamp!” He exclaimed
Harmony’s giggled, “that world is full of anthropomorphic frogs, sooooo”
“AH! The other one smells *worse*!” The alchemist exclaimed as he backed away from both
The musical author laughed, “Varian! Hahaha!”
“Why do they smell like that?!”
“Why’d you smell them?” Harmony asked
“I COULDNT HELP IT!!!!” The tiny alchemist defended as he blushed a little
Harmony snickered, “it’s okay bean, the one that smells like a swamp is a world full of anthropomorphic frogs, hence the smell, though I believe there are some nice places there too. The other one….. the people of that world live on a gigantic, deserved, titan, sooo…..”
Varian’s eyes grew wide, “a d-deceased….. oh my….”
“Yeah…. Should’ve warned you about that one, heh heh, sorry”, Harmony stated with a blush as Hugo walked over and hugged his boyfriend
“I-it’s okay, I-if I wasn’t so curious about it I wouldn’t have investigated”, Varian stated as he hugged Hugo back
“Well, if it helps, the people who will come through are super nice!” Harmony stated with a smile, “they’re both very much like you actually Varian, though one is a mix of you and Rapunzel, and the other is you but much more….. fearful….. he’s been through a lot though, so it’s understandable”
Varian blinked, “one is like me and Punzel?”
“She’s clumsy and a science bean, but super optimistic and happy go lucky”
“Ah, yeah that would describe me and Punzel very we-hey wait, who’s the clumsy part exactly?” He asked, giving the author the stink eye
Harmony grinned, “do I even need to say it? Your sleeve’s on fire by the way”
“My sleeve’s on-AH!” The alchemist patted the flame out as Hugo helped, “HOW?! THERE WASN’T EVEN ANY FIRE!” Harmony smirked and raised a sassy brow, “SHUT UP! THAT DOESNT PROVE ANYTHING!”
The author giggled as Quirin hugged his son lovingly before Harmony noticed someone walking over and grinned, “hey you made it! Just in time too!” Sheila stated before floating over and greeting the guest, “everyone, this is our commenter today, and it’s their first time being here, VikiBug!” The musician introduced
The commenter waved happily at everyone, the group smiled and waved back, “hello!” Rapunzel stated, “welcome to the QA!”
“And Varian’s loss of sanity”, Lance added
“Rude!” Varian exclaimed
“Am I wrong though little man?”
“…..I’m not dignifying that with a response”
Hugo snorted as Quirin sighed and Harmony giggled before looking at VikiBug, “the characters you wanna have in this chapter will be at the end of your questions, don’t worry, they’ll have plenty of time with us, also, I’ve never seen Amphibia, but I watched a lot of Marcy clips and looked at her wiki bio, so I hope I do her justice, sorry if I don’t. Good news, I *have* seen TOH, Hunter is my favorite bean, so yay!” She stated with a blush before backing up a bit, “either way, ask whatever you’d like! Skies the limit here!”
“Skies the limit?” Edmund asked, “I’ve never heard that phrase before”
“Oh, whoops, it basically means there’s no limits, ask what you want, that kinda deal”
“Ah!”
“That should be an alchemy quote”, Hugo stated
“It really should”, Varian agreed with a smile, overcoming his previous embarrassment and annoyance from earlier at the sight of the new commenter
“Isn’t that saying basically what alchemy is?” Hector asked, “you can do anything you want with alchemy should you try hard enough”
Varian and Hugo smiled wide and they nodded happily, “you’re right! Alchemy is the best!” Varian stated with pride
“Inventing too”, Hugo added
“Inventing too”, Varian agreed, kissing Hugo’s cheek lovingly
VikiBug smiled at the pair before looking at the musical author with a smile, “Harmony, I just wanted to say, thank you for writing this. You handle topics with sensitivity and open-mindedness. Don't overwork yourself and don't feel like you have to do all my questions”
The musical author smiled warmly at the commenter, “aw well thanks! I sincerely appreciate that so much! I try my best, though do know that I shall take your advice into consideration! I don’t plan on overdoing it at all, though I’ll admit there are times when I feel bad not getting a chapter up for the day, but I’m making sure I don’t overwork myself. A certain alchemist taught me that”, she smiled at Varian
The alchemist blinked before smiling back, “you learned that from me?” He asked
“Well yeah, you’re experiences are a lot like mine, different, but similar, all of yours are actually, but you, and Quirin, are the ones I relate to the most in this universe”
Varian blushed, “well thank you!”
“You’re welcome!” She replied before looking back at VikiBug, “and thank you, that was very kind of you to say, I really do appreciate that! Honestly you, and everyone else in the comments section of these chapters, are so incredibly kind to me, I really don’t know what I’d do without any of you! I’m grateful for each and every one of you, I really am!”
VikiBug smiled happily before they looked over to Rapunzel, who was sitting next to Cassandra, “I think I wanna ask the leading lady's of TTS, what they hope will happen next”, they stated, getting the princess and Cassandra to look over at them, “in life, and with each other. I like how, at the end of the series, Raps couldn't speak for Cass and all. But since Disney REFUSES to give us VAT7K”, VikiBug huffed at that, “this honestly has superior writing and so much more thought and love than the series”, a statement that made Harmony’s smile widen by a large margin, “I want to know what you two hope for in 'normal' life after happily ever after”
Rapunzel blinked for a moment or two as she thought about that, “wow, deep question”
“Very deep”, Cassandra agreed as she thought about it too, “I think we’ll need a minute to think about that”, she added, getting Rapunzel to nod
“Well, while they do, thank you”, Harmony stated, looking at VikiBug, “that’s a massive complement, also, I completely agree with you on your stance with VAT7K, I huff at their freaking decision about that too”
“VAT7K?” Quirin asked curiously
“Varian and the 7 Kingdoms”, Harmony stated, “it was supposed to happen after Tangled the series, it’s also where Hugo came from! Quirin, you were supposed to give Varian Ulla’s journal, which talked about the Eternal Library, there was supposed to be 7 trials, you get 7 totems of science from each one, and you need all of them in order to open up the Eternal Library. The writers didn’t explain why, but they said Demanitus created the library and wanted to keep it from everyone else’s greedy hands. Ulla passed away on that journey, and Varian decides to complete the journey to get to know more about his mama! You meet Yong first, then Hugo, then Nuru on the journey, Hugo is supposed to be Varian’s love interest, though he starts off as an evil bean, trying to steal the totems from Varian and give them to Donella, who’s trying to get to the library for her own goals. But, Hugo falls in love with Varian, then at the very end, he has to make a choice between stealing all the totems Varian’s collected and giving them to Donella and Cyrus, or, help Varian, Yong, and Nuru, and leave Donella and Cyrus behind. How it was supposed to play out was that you, Hugo, betray Varian at first, but Donella and Cyrus can’t get through to the library due to a barrier that can only be passed by someone with pure intentions. Yong and Nuru are captured, so they can’t help, Varian, you end up running through the portal and escaping Donella and Cyrus, but you’re so broken hearted by Hugo’s betrayal that you nearly give up. You try to think of a way to save Nuru and Yong, but that’s when you meet Ulla’s spirit, trapped inside the Library, she possesses you in order to break free. During that time, Hugo, Donella, and Cyrus are waiting for Varian to come out, Yong and Nuru are still tied up, Yong and Nuru talk some sense into you Hugo and make you think about Varian. Ultimately you decide, on your own, to betray Donella and Cyrus, and when you do, you run towards the library to save Varian, your intentions are pure so you can get through, you get Yong and Nuru out and they join you inside. You, Nuru, and Yong, but mostly you break Varian out of the possession, the barrier is broken, Ulla’s spirit is set free, Donella gets punished somehow, so does Cyrus, we never find out how, and you boys live happily ever after in Corona”
The two teens blinked before Hugo hugged Varian protectively, “no…..” he said
Varian smiled, “it’s okay, that’s not what happens now”
“But still, no”, the blond stated, “I don’t want that, I didn’t wanna betray you with the teakettle, I chose you, I don’t wanna betray you, never…. No…..”
Varian smiled at his boyfriend before he hugged him lovingly, “it’s okay love, it’s okay”
Harmony smiled before she looked at Rapunzel and Cassandra as VikiBug watched the two teens for a moment, “are you two good?” Harmony asked
“Yeah we’re good now, sorry, really deep question”, Rapunzel stated, “I guess if I had to say what I’d want for both of us now, is for me to be who I need to be, for my kingdom, for my people, for my friends and family, I want to be the Princess, and Queen, that Corona needs me to be! Making mistakes and such, I’ve made so many…. I don’t want to anymore, I want to become someone the people can depend on, I really do. Plus I also wanna become the best wife I can to Eugene, and the best mom for any eventual kids we may or may not have, I also wanna redo a lot of things, like how prisoners are treated in the dungeons and how Old Coronans, and Seporians, are treated like second class citizens, that shouldn’t be the case, at all”, she stated, “I guess, I just wanna be better, and I know I can now, it’ll just take some hard work!”
VikiBug smiled and nodded before looking at Cassandra, “I suppose, I want to make up for everything, I’ll fix what I broke, help around the kingdom, and do what I can to make things better for the people I’ve hurt. I’m in the dungeons now, my sentence was fair for my crimes, but maybe one day I can finally fix everything and become someone I can be proud of, I also wanna find out more about myself, maybe some reflection will help me do that, I’ve been told what I’m supposed to be my entire life. A guard, a captain, something bigger than the princess and the royal family, and I went along with it because I had no other direction….. I want to figure out who I truly wish to be, even if that means I can’t ever leave Corona, or if I can’t ever leave the dungeons….. Maybe helping is really all I want to do….. I’m still not sure, sorry, I have to figure myself out first before I can answer anything I hope to accomplish”
Harmony smiled at Cassandra, “don’t worry, I’ve got ideas for you coming up, you’ll get an answer”, she stated, getting the women to smile as Harmony looked at VikiBug, “honestly, I always thought Cassandra was a really great person before, she just never got the chance to grow and be who *she* wanted to be, she was always told who was going to be. So, I’m gonna let her decide later on in the story. It’ll be in the epilogue, you’ll find out more very soon”
VikiBug nodded before looking at Varian, “How would you feel about a world like ours, with no alchemy?” The alchemist and inventor gasped as the commenter added, “I’m a bit of a science nerd, and if someone told me about a world with no Forensics or Biology, I would faint”
“No kidding!” The freckles teen stated, “a world without ALCHEMY?!?!?!?! Alchemy makes the world go round! There’s so many potions, brews, lotions, solutions, chemicals, and so much more that can help!!!!! I can’t IMAGINE a world without alchemy! It’s impossible!”
“Yeah holy fuck”, Hugo stated, a little surprised by the question, “wait, you said a world like yours, does your world not have alchemy?!”
“Woah! Easy beans, our world has alchemy, it actually does! It’s just that…. it’s not….. really used as much anymore…. I’m certain there are still people who do use it, just not as much as you two do in this time period. We’re from a…. Futuristic time period, where the older sciences don’t get used as much, but I know for a fact that some people still use alchemy, just not a many as you’d think”, Harmony explained, trying to calm the duo down
“I still don’t like the fact that alchemy is practically dying out in your world, but at least it’s still used somewhat….” Varian stated as Hugo agreed, both calming down a fair bit
Harmony let out a sigh before she looked at VikiBug, “maybe we move on to your next question yeah?” She asked with a chuckle
The commenter smiled and nodded before they looked over at Hector and grinned, “final one, so, Hector is my favorite character EVER! I would totally want him as a mentor figure and love how you write him Harmony!” They looked at the musical author, who smiled and blushed, before looking over at Hector again, “of course I would want to pet all his animals. I'd also want to ask, what’s a dream pet of yours Hector. Also, do you do anything artistic, if so, what is it? I’m into arts and crafts!”
The wild tamer was startled before he smiled as Adira smirked, “you’ve got a fan!”
“Another one, considering there have been two commenters who’ve stated you’re their favorite, VikiBug, and Autistic Fea, aka Moonlight!” Edmund stated with a smile, “you get all the fans!”
The wild tamer raised a brow at the both of them, “I won’t say this to the King, but fuck you Adira”
The face painted warrior grinned, “I love you too Wild Child”, she stared teasingly
“You won’t say that to me?” Edmund asked
“It’s disrespectful”, Hector stated, “I respect you as a king, you don’t curse at a king, unless….. Never mind, not gonna insult him, the princess would get upset”
Rapunzel smiled at Hector, “thank you”
“Uh huh, either way, not gonna say that to King Edmund, Adira however”, he looked at his sister, “fuck you”
The warrior snickered as Edmund tilted his head, a little confused, “Hector won’t curse at you because he respects you as a king and a father”, Quirin explained, “siblings are different, they can play around with each other and it’s fine, it means they care, but he doesn’t want to do that with you because you’re King Edmund, you don’t ever say a bad word to the King Edmund, it’s a rule”
“Why?” The Dark King asked
“Because”
“Grandpa, it’s a child to parent thing”, Varian stated, “when you’re a kid, if you have a really close relationship to your parent, or parents, or legal guardian of any kind, there’s a certain, silent, respect you uphold. I love my dad, and even thought he’s an evil jerkface sometimes, I would never curse at him, not even playfully, it just seems blasphemous. With your siblings or even friends, you can say what you want to them because they don’t have the same level of….. high regard, as a parent does”
“High regard?” Edmund asked
“Siblings and friends you can be stupid around or nasty to, they know it’s a joke and it’s fine”, Eugene stated, “but parents have this….. place in a kid’s mind, whatever you call it, respect, care, pedestal, it’s all the same, you can say what you want to your siblings and friends because they’re your siblings and friends, but if you say something like that to a parent, or legal guardian, it’s not right, parents, especially good ones, deserve respect for all they’ve done for their family. Hence why Hector won’t curse at you, it’s because you’re his parent”
Edmund stopped before he smiled lovingly at Hector and hugged him, “I love you too!”
The wild tamer was startled before sighing and smiling a little, he didn’t wiggle away. Instead, he waited until Edmund was finished and had let go of the tamer before Hector looked at VikiBug, “me as a mentor? I can do that, though you get up early and work hard, so be prepared for that”, he stated, quirking a brow as Adira snickered, “do you fucking mind?”
“Not at all”, Adira stated with a smirk
Hector huffed at her before rolling his eyes and smirking back at his sister before looking at VikiBug again, “you can pet my animals, that’s fine, just let em smell you first, otherwise they’ll bite”, he stated, snapping his fingers, which got Pixie, Basil, and Xena to move over to VikiBug, the commenter allowing all the animals to sniff them before being able to pet each and every one of them happily, getting purrs and happy grunts from each one
Hector smiled as he watched them before he spoke up again, “my dream pet would be a dinosaur, dragon again, Pegasus, gigantic water leviathan, take your pick, I want all the animals. I really don’t have a dream pet, if I *had* to choose one from the actual, normal, animal kingdom, I’d always choose a rhino, because they’re fucking amazing, Xena can attest to that, if I had to choose a mythical animal, dragon, phoenix, Pegasus, but mostly that gigantic water leviathan, I want one so much! I will fucking find one someday, and if I had to choose a prehistoric pet, t-Rex, I don’t give a fuck if they’re no longer technically real, I want a fucking t-Rex, fuck anyone who tells me I can’t!”
Varian grinned as Rapunzel smiled, “awww! That would be really adorable to have a t-Rex as a pet! I’ll bet they’d love head boops!” She stated, booping Pascal’s nose lovingly
Hector smiled as he thought about giving a gigantic t-Rex belly rubs, “heh, anyway, as for the art stuff….” He looked at Hugo before smiling, “oragami’s cool”
The blond inventor blinked before he grinned, “join me! I can teach you how to make crowns, animals, even moving origami pieces! Oh! We also need to get Freckles in on this!”
Hector raised a brow at Varian, the alchemist blushed, “I never had the time”
Hector smirked before he walked over and scooped the teen up, “origami, right now”
“What! B-but wait! Were i-in the middle of a QA!”
“Hold on!” Harmony stated, floating over and stopping the bean-napper, “he’s right, there’s still a little more to the QA”, she stated gently
“Kay”, Hector huffed, setting Varian down, “but origami after”
“Oki”, Varian stated as Hugo laughed
Hector smirked before he looked at VikiBug, “I also like pottery”
“Wait, really?” Eugene asked
“That so surprising?”
“Well, no, but…. I’ve never seen you do pottery”
“That’s because I don’t have the materials anymore, the first time I did it was-!” He stopped before blushing and shaking his head, “never fucking mind when I first did it, either way, I like it”
“Um….”
Quirin snickered, “the vase incident”, he stated
“Shut the fuck up!” Hector snapped, getting Quirin to laugh as Eugene understood and smiled
Harmony giggled before she looked at VikiBug, “did you have anymore questions?”
The commenter shook their head but pulled out bowl, “but, if it's not too much trouble, can I give everyone some homemade cookies, and hugs to the Dark Kingdom family?”
The group saw the cookies and grinned as Harmony nodded, “yeah you can, that’s very kind of you, thank you!” She stated, getting one for herself
VikiBug handed out a cookie to everyone, getting a happy ‘thank you’ in return. When they got to the Dark Kingdom inhabitants
Edmund instantly gave them a huge Grandpa bear hug, happy to give one with two arms instead of one before he gently took a cookie after his son stopped him right before VikiBug nearly fainted for lack of air
Eugene gave them a calmer hug, apologizing for his father’s near death bear hug with a chuckle as he got a cookie and gave them a smolder in return, getting VikiBug to smile and blush
Hector seemed a little startled by the request, but gave a shy hug before swiping a cookie quickly with a quick, her grateful, thank you, getting VikiBug to giggle
Varian smiled happily and gave the commenter a hug, thanking them for the cookie as he excitedly got one and ate it, complimenting VikiBug on their baking skills
Hugo grinned and hugged the commenter, sneaking a cookie before the commenter could give him one and grinning when he showed his successful heist to them. They laughed as he asked why it’s called bacon if you cook it, and why it’s called cookies if you bake them, confusing everyone and making Varian laugh
Quirin was smiled happily as he gently gave VikiBug a hug before asking what a happy farmer is called, when the commenter didn’t know, the retired knight smiled and said, “a jolly rancher!” Getting Edmund to cackle as Hector and Eugene face palmed and Adira, Varian, and Hugo snickered! VikiBug laughed as they gave him a cookie, which he happily accepted
Adira was the final one, she smiled when the commenter asked her for a hug, wanting to be sure it was okay first, the face painted warrior pretended to think about it until Hector huffed at her, she snickered and accepted the hug, returning it with in of her own before letting go. VikiBug was about to give Adira a cookie before they noticed the bowl was gone. They looked around before Adira said, “Abra-kadabra”, showing the bowl with all the cookies in tact, save for one, which the face painted warrior had eaten, getting the commenter to laugh
After all was said and done, VikiBug walked over to Harmony and grinned the cookies disappearing back to their world as the commenter spoke to the author, “thanks for your time! I'm so proud of you for finishing this fic! And starting a new one?! You're awesome!”
Harmony blushed, “awww! Well thank you very much! I’m really happy you’re reading it, that means so much to me, I really can’t put it into words, so thank you!” Sheila said, “thought I wouldn’t leave quite yet”, she stated before snapping her fingers
The portals sprang to life, small bits of magic sparked from each one as part of VikiBug’s comment that hasn’t been said yet, echoed throughout the room:
*Can Varian meet Marcy(Amphibia) they are both SO relatable to me and they would just click as friends. If you don't know Marcy it's ok. But she and Hunter (The Owl House) would be awesome!*
Suddenly, a boy with messy, blond hair, pointed ears, red eyes, a scar one his cheek, bags under his eyes, and raggedy clothing came stumbling out. As did a girl with short, black hair, a green hair clip, a greyish-blue, furry cape, wrist crossbow, and battle ready clothing. Both looked around for a second or two before the blond haired boy stood, “L-Luz?” He asked as he looked around, “if this is your doing Liz, I swear to the titan I’m gonna tell Eda about this!” He exclaimed before spotting Harmony, “w-who are you?” He asked, getting into a battle stance before freezing and looking at his hand, “w-wait, where’s Flapjack?!”
“Easy Hunter, here”, Harmony said calmly before snapping her fingers, suddenly a small, red, cardinal popped into her hands, “see, Flapjack’s right here, safe and sound”
“Flapjack!” Hunter exclaimed, gently grabbing the bird and hiding him close, protectively before he stopped and blushed, “y-you didn’t answer my question”, the boy stated as he backed away a little, glaring at the author
“My name’s Harmony, and you’re safe, it’s okay, just take a few deep breaths, like Gus showed you, remember?”
The timid wizard stared at the author for a moment or two before he sighed and breathed, letting out small whistles as he did, it made Varian freeze before he looked in-between Hugo and Hunter before grinning, “he’s another Hugo!” He exclaimed
“Huh?” Hunter looked over and froze when he saw all the people surrounding him, “oh titans there’s a lot of you…..”
“Easy, it’s okay, my name’s Varian, hi!” The alchemist stated happily, “that’s my boyfriend, Hugo”, he gestured to Hugo, who waved, “and you, and this girl over there”, he gestured to the girl who stumbled out of the other portal and was currently looking around, not paying attention to the two boys, “just popped out of these portals”, he gestured to the portals
“Portals…. Wait but…. That’s how Luz….. how did I…… Ugh…. Never mind…. Wait”, he looked at Varian’s ears, “you’re human”
“Um….. y-yes I am… are you…. Not?”
“No, in a wizard! Or….. w-well I thought… I was…..” Hunter sighed, “it’s complicated, and I don’t have to explain it to you!” He stated angrily as he glared at Varian
The alchemist was startled until he saw the look in the boy’s eyes and instantly understood, he looked at Flapjack, the little cardinal seemed to be perplexed by what was going on, but he also seemed extremely worried for his boy, that have Varian an idea, “hey, you have an animal friend, yeah?”
Hunter raised a brow, “you mean Flapjack? He’s…. Well technically he’s an animal, but he’s my palisman too! So I’m able to defend myself you know!”
“Noted, wanna see my…. Um….. palisman?” Varian asked with a smile
This startled Hunter for a moment or two, he hesitated before nodding, Varian smiled before he clicked his tongue a little, making his back pack wiggle a bit before Ruddigar popped out of it, yawning as if he’d just woken up from a nap before climbing onto his boy’s shoulders, stretching before he looked at Hunter and Flapjack, “that’s not…. A palisman, that’s a regular raccoon, Luz showed me a picture of one”, he stated
“Eheh, you’re right, but I didn’t want you to feel anxious, I… don’t know what a palisman is”
“They’re your wand”, Hunter stated, “they’re your weapon, and…. Well, Flapjack is my friend, so….”
Varian smiled, “Ruddigar is mine, that’s my raccoon’s name, you wanna pet him? He’s nice”
“You’d…. Let me pet your raccoon?”
“Well yeah, you’d seem nervous, and petting Ruddy buddy always helps me calm down”, the raccoon chittered happily, getting Varian to giggle
Hunter was hesitant again, but Flapjack chirped at him encouragingly, sensing that this animal seemed nice! The wizard looked at Flapjack before he raised his hand, allowing Ruddigar to sniff him before the raccoon head bumped his hand gently, getting Hunter to stop before he smiled, “heh, he’s cute”
“Thanks!” Varian replied
“Woah!” Another voice exclaimed, startling the duo and getting them to turn and see the girl who’d come out of the other portal, “is that a raccoon?!” She asked before running over and studying the little guy, “oh my gosh he’s so cute! What’s his name? Oh! My name’s Marcy by the way, nice to meet you! Who are you? Where are we? Is this still Newtopia, or are we back in Massachusetts? Woah”, she looked at Hunter, “what happened to you?”
Varian blinked as Hunter blushed, Varian giggled, “ok, I can see why you’re a mix of me and Punzel, hee hee. Here, this raccoon’s name is Ruddigar, nice to meet you Marcy, in Varian, hello, you’re both in the Corona kingdom, I have no idea what Newtopia or Massachusetts is, and….. it’s complicated apparently, so we should ask”
Hunter huffed, “my name’s Hunter”, he stated softly, still petting Ruddigar gently, “I’m in the same boat as you”
Marcy blinked before smiling, “nice to meet you both! What’s Corona, is it anything like Cynthia Coven?! I love that book series, it’s about wizards and witches!”
“Uh, nu, Corona is a kingdom”, Varian stated, “though people do tend to call me a wizard, even though I practice alchemy”
“ALCHEMY!” Marcy yelled excitedly, “I’ve head did it! Never really tried it before but I’ve heard of it and have always WANTED to try alchemy! I know all alchemical tables and elements, I’ve studied the concept for a very long time, but never had the change to test out any theories on the matter, I do have one question, can alchemists really turn rock into gold? I heard the theory, but I really never found out of it was true of not!”
Hunter raised a brow, “you’re a wizard?” He asked
“I’m not a wizard, I’m an alchemist, thought I have Moon powers, so I guess that counts, and no, you cannot turn rock into gold using alchemy, believe me I tried….” Varian stated
“Can you use wild magic?” Hunter asked
“Wild magic?” Varian asked
“Yeah, it’s what Pakistan’s are made out of, while magic is magic that…. Runs wild….. yeah I didn’t come up with the name”
Varian giggled, “well, I’m not sure that’s what we call it, but my magic does kinda run wild, here”, he floated into the air and began to fly around, smiling as both Hunter and Marcy gawked at him, that is, before Hunter smirked at Flapjack, the palisman smiled back at his boy before the blond hopped into the air, Fkapjack turning into a staff as Hunter mounted it and began to fly as well, catching up to Varian, who grinned before they started to race
Marcy grinned excitedly, “this is amazing!!!!! I have to write this down!” She exclaimed before bringing out her notebook and writing down everything she saw
“Ah! Marcy your cape’s on fire!” Harmony exclaimed
“Huh?” The girl looked at her cape and groaned before stamped the fire out as Hunter and Varian stopped to watch, “oh come on! There wasn’t even any fire around!”
“That’s what happened to me!” Varian stated
“You…. Randomly catch on fire?” Hunter asked
“Yes! I don’t know why! It just happens!” Varian exclaimed
Hunter snickered as Marcy sighed, “well at least I’m not alone I guess! I would still rather that didn’t happen though”
“I agree, it’s really irritating”, the alchemist stated as he and Hunter floated back to the ground, Varian and Marcy watching as Flapjack became a bird again and chirped happily
“I know, it’s been a while since we’ve done that, sorry”, Hunter stated with a smile as the red cardinal nuzzled him lovingly before he looked at Varian and Marcy, “you know, Luz, she’s a frie-person! She’s a *person* I know, that loves this on book series, it’s called…. Ugh what was it…. Ah! The Good Witch Azura, you mentioned a book series from your realm, uh, what was it again?”
“Cynthia Coven!” Marcy exclaimed excitedly
“Yeah that, I haven’t read that, but apparently Azura is good”
Varian smiled, “since you’re talking about books”, he eyed Eugene, who grinned as the alchemist pulled something out of his bag, “FLYNN RIDER!” Varian exclaimed, “the best thief in the universe, and my all time favorite book series! Aside from any Alchemy books I can get my hands on”
“Flynn Rider?” Hunter asked as Marcy looked from the book to Eugene and back, “a thief?”
“Yeah!” Varian replied with a grin, “Flynn is a good thief though, he steals for good reasons, saves people, has a sad backstory, and is my hero!”
“I wanna know more about that!” Marcy exclaimed happily as Hunter nodded
Varian began to explain as Harmony smiled before looking at, “I hope I did them justice, sorry if I didn’t, either way, it seems like these three would be really great friends! Thank you for having me write them in here, and your questions were really fun to answer! Thank you for asking them and participating! We hope you have a wonderful day/night!”
Notes:
This just tells me I need to watch amphibia XD
Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 479: OnyxDiamond09! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Here’s your statements OnyxDiamond09, your questions and one request shall be done tomorrow!
Chapter Text
“Hmmmm…. A touch to the left”, Lance stated, getting Varian to sigh as he shifted the banner, with his magic, to the left as Eugene watched
“Op! Now a *hair* to the right”
Varian did as he was told, making a very unamused face as he did, “how about there?”
“Great! Now just a few paces up-no no, the other up”
“Ya mean *down*?”
“Yeah!”
“Why not just say down?”
“Because Adira said that down is too negative”
Varian stopped and blinked before he raised a brow at his aunt, she shrugged, trying to hide her smile, “I thought he would ask Srickler to help”
Quirin quirked his own brow at his sister, “that makes a difference?”
“She’s Adira, of *course* that makes a difference”, Hector stated, getting the retired knight to sigh
“Varian, the other up”, Lance stated
“Down Lance! It’s called, going *down*!” Varian snapped irritatedly
“But that’s so negative”, the former thief teased, though he regretted it instantly when he saw the glowing blue eyes glaring at him, “eheh, ok ok, I’ll stop….. though it does still need to go down just a touch”
“UUUUUUUUGH!”
“Here-here-here”, Hugo exclaimed, hopping over and taking the banner, pulling it down slightly, “good?”
“Perfect!” Lance exclaimed
“Great”, the inventor *quickly* nailed the banner to the wall before he backed up and smiled up at Varian, who was floating, “there, see? All done!”
The alchemist let out a very aggravated sigh before he floated to the floor, his shoes landing on the soft carpet as he smiled at Hugo, “thanks”
“Anytime”, the blond replied, kissing Varian’s cheek as they sat down together
“That banner is awesome!” Lance complimented
“Thanks!” Rapunzel replied as she put her final paint brush away, “I’m glad you like it, a nice rainbow welcome sign is sure to make the commenters smile with glee! Don’t you think?”
“I think so”, Eugene agreed
“Definitely”, Lance stated as he studied the banner, the room was quiet before he sighed, “it looks crooked again”
“What?! But I-and you-And Hugo-!” Varian began
“Easy Hairstripes, we’ll figure it out, you relax, yeah?” Eugene stated to the dining alchemist, right as Harmony walked in with a new guest
“Hey everyone!” The author stated, “sorry for the delay”
“You’re good, are you feeling alright?” Quirin asked curiously
“I’m alright, just felt very dizzy and sick for the past few days, needed a break from the computer because of it”, the author explained before noticing the banner, “ooh! Wonderful banner y’all! Though…. I hate to say this, but it’s crooked”
“Ya see!” Lance stated
“I swear to Demanitus!” Varian stated angrily
“It’s all good, I’ve got it”, Harmony stated before she snapped her fingers, the banner realigning itself perfectly before being nailed back into the wall, “see? All good now!”
Varian was quiet for a while before he let out a long, suffering, sigh and fell onto the couch, Harmony tilted her head at the teen, “you okay?”
“Um…. Lance is up to his shenanigans again”, Hugo stated
“Ah”
“Hey, the other up bit was not just me ya know!” The former thief defended
“That’s true, I’ll take credit for that”, Adira stated with a smile
“That’s not what he meant”, Quirin said as Hector snickered
Harmony giggled, “I see nothing’s changed, here Varian”, she snapped her fingers again and hit chocolate appeared in her hand, freshly brewed and the perfect temperature
The alchemist blinked before he smiled and took the drink, “thank you”
“You’re welcome”, the author stated, “while you’re drinking that, we’ve got a new commenter, are you ready to meet them?”
The alchemist took a swig of hot chocolate before pulling away the cup and revealing a whipped cream mustache, he didn’t seem to notice however as he smiled, “yeah!”
“Bubby, napkin”, Quirin pointed out gently as Hugo and Rapunzel made loving faces at the freckled teen
Varian blinked before blushing, “creamy mustache?” He asked
“Creamy mustache”, Quirin confirmed
“Dang it”, the teen got a napkin and wiped it off as his father chuckled, that’s when they saw the commenter standing behind Harmony, “oh! Uh hi”, Varian said, “sorry about the mustache”
Harmony giggled and hugged Varian lovingly before smiling at the group, “everyone, this is Onyxdiamond09! They’re a new reader and commenter! Same as VikiBug actually! I’m happy to be able to introduce the two of them to all of you! I didn’t say that during VikiBug’s chapter, sorry, it was when I was getting hit with the worst of my illness, so my brain wasn’t working properly, either way, welcome!”
“Hi!” Everyone greeted as Onyxdiamond09 waved at them happily
Harmony turned to look at the commenter with a smile, “you can begin your questions and statements, anytime you wish!”
“Great!!” Onyxdiamond09 exclaimed happily, “in this case, I’ll begin! Before starting, I should point out that I did not stop at the last chapter where I left a comment. In reality, I'm already further along, and I already know about certain things. I hope it does not bother you”, they stated as they looked directly at Harmony
“Doesn’t bother me at all, you can ask questions even if you’re just in the beginning of the story, it would still be completely okay to me”, the musical author stated with a smile
Onyxdiamond09 grinned before stating, “to make everything clearer, I'm going to split this commentary into two parts: The first will be the messages I want to say to all of you”, they said, looking at everyone in the room, “and the second will be the questions”
The group smiled and nodded and Harmony grinned, “thank you for clarifying, I shall do my best to respect the order you’ve placed them in! With that being said, are you ready to go?” The commenter nodded, “the. You’re good to go ahead!”
Onyxdiamond09 giggled before they stared, “let’s go!” With a huge smile, getting the entire room to do the same before they walked over to Varian, “statements first, Varian, you are an amazing person, who deserves all the love and happiness in the world. Never forget that. You have incredible strength and courage to have managed to get back up despite all the challenges you have gone through. Your journey is impressive, and I am really proud of the evolution you have had. I wanted to tell you that”
The alchemist was startled before he smiled warmly at the commenter, “wow, that so incredibly nice of you to say, thank you very much! I’ve been trying really hard, so to be told that means a lot to me, thank you!”
Hugo grinned, “I agree with that statement”
“As do I”, Quirin agreed
“You guys”, Varian said happily as he hugged Hugo lovingly, hiding his blushing face in his lover’s shirt as Onyxdiamond09 turned to look at the retired knight
“Quirin”, the commenter said, getting the man’s attention, “you are an excellent father, the best Varian could have. You're not useless, you're not bad. You are someone who has made mistakes and is trying to fix them. Just like Varian ! And that's proof that you're a good person”
The retired knight was startled as well before he smiled, “well thank you, I appreciate that, I’m…. It’s gonna take some time for me to fully accept it, but I sincerely appreciate your kindness, it truly means a lot”, he then looked at Lance, “I’m going to be starting some sessions soon, when I do, I’ll make sure to remember what you just said”
The commenter nodded as Lance smiled before Onyxdiamond09 looked at Hugo, who was still huffing Varian, but the alchemist had peeked out just a touch to hear and see what the commenter would say next, “Hugo, your nickname, “little star” suits you very well. You and Varian look really cute together! For me “sparkle” would also be perfect for someone as mischievous and touching as you!”
The blond snickered and grinned happily, “well thanks!” He stated with a slight blush, “I’m happy I can be mischievous and touching in a good way!”
Varian smiled, “you’re a stinker”
“Aren’t you supposed to be blushing and hiding right now?”
“I still am, I’m just agreeing with the truth is all, for you, and dad too!”
Quirin blushed as Hugo smirked, “I love you Freckles”
“I love you too, Heckles, and Sparkle, I may use that now”
Hugo blushed even more, “nu!”
“Yes!”
Onyxdiamond09 snickered as the duo continued to playfully squabble as the commenter turned to face the face painted warrior herself, “Adira, I love how genuine you are. Don't listen to what others say, you are perfect just the way you are. Just be yourself”
Adira smiled, “thank you, that very kind of you to say. Just for that, I now plan to be even more cryptic than before”
“Shit”, Hector stated, “what did you just do?”
“Was it really them, or was it me?”
“Fuck!”
The face painted warrior snickered again before smiling at Onyxdiamond09, “in all honestly, that was very kind of you to say, thank you, I hope you can be yourself too, sincerely, because yourself is a wonderful person that everyone should get to know”, she stated before looking at Quirin, “that doesn’t just go to Onyxdiamond09 by the way”
Quirin chuckled, “I’ll keep that in mind, thank you”
Adira smiled before she looked at the wild tamer beside her, he huffed, “angry?”
“When aren’t I? Everyone pisses me off”, Hector stated with a sarcastic brow raise and a smirk
“True”, Adira agreed with a smile
Onyxdiamond09 looked at the wild tamer with a grin, “Hector, I know a lot of people have a bad image of you. But I see something else in you. I see you as someone reliable, who has great nobility. You are also a very loyal person, and that is, in my eyes, one of the greatest qualities in anyone”
The tamer was startled by that, he blinked at the commenter for a moment before his eyes darted to Quirin, then back to Onyxdiamond09 quickly, as if connecting the duo together before he blushing ever so slightly, “thanks, I…. That was kind, I appreciate that”
Adira looked at Onyxdiamond09, “he’s very grateful for your kind words, incredibly so in fact, he even thought about what you just said and compared it to what Quirin’s told him, but he’s not very good at taking compliments, but believe me, that meant a lot to him”, she translated, getting Hector to huff, but he didn’t correct his sister either
Onyxdiamond09 smiled and nodded before they looked at the Dark King, who was watching Hugo and Varian as he sat next to Eugene happily, “Edmund, you are a good father and a good king. You are even the best king in this universe, and you have a big heart”
The old King smiled happily, chuckling, “aw well thank you very much! That’s extremely kind of you to say!”
“I can agree with that too”, Eugene stated with a smirk, “you are a good dad, great even! Even if you weren’t there for my childhood, you’re doing a really great job now”
Edmund smiled at his son before hugging him lovingly, getting Onyxdiamond09 to giggle as they decided to allow the duo some privacy before turning to look at the sunny princess sitting beside her lover, “Rapunzel, you are a radiant and sunny girl. I wish I had your optimism! You are also a good big sister!”
“Tis true!” Varian exclaimed, getting Rapunzel to laugh before she looked at the commenter happily
“Thank you very much! I try my best to be the best big sister I can be, and also try to look on the bright side! I’m glad you like that I do that, though you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. You’re a wonderful person too! Harmony’s showed us some of your comments and they’re all so wonderful to read! Full of optimism and a sunny disposition! So you’re already there actually! Therefore, I give the compliment right back to you!”
“You can’t do that princess”, Hugo stated, “Tis a touch rude”
“Oh, whoops, ok then, I accept the compliment and give you the same one!” The princess corrected before looking at Hugo, “was that okay?”
The blond inventor nodded, “much better”
Raounzel smiled happily before she looked at the commenter and grinned, “sorry, I hope that came out correctly”
Onyxdiamond09 smiled and nodded, showing that it had before bidding the princess a temporary farewell and turning beck to Eugene, who was now free of his father’s grip, but was panting slightly, “Eugene, you are a good big brother, and, like Varian and Quirin, you have evolved in the right direction. I am proud of your progress!”
Eugene stopped and looked at the commenter before giving them a warm smile, “thanks, I appreciate that, I still have some growing to do, but I hope I can make you proud”, he stated
“Don’t encourage him! He’s already got a big head!” Huge teased
“That time out corner is going to be your new *home* in two seconds!”
“Try me!”
“Oh you little-come here!” Eugene got up and began to wrestle with Hugo, something the blond seemed to be enjoying as he wrestled right back. Varian blushed as he watched, Quirin scooping his son up to keep him away from the duo
Eugene and Hugo laughed and taunted as they wrestled before the two ended up tying in the end, “brat”, Eugene huffed with a grin as he ruffled Hugo’s hair
The inventor snickered, bapping the Coronan Captain’s hand away and fixing his hair, “learned from the best, G-bug”
“Ok, now you’re grounded”, Eugene stated, getting the inventor to laugh, “no Varian for a month!”
“Nu!” Varian exclaimed sadly, getting Quirin to snicker
“Hairstripes he called me G-bug”
“Don’t punish *me* for that! That’s *my* Hugo”
“Ok fine, then no inventing for a month”
“Do I get a lawyer?” Hugo asked
“You’re not on trial, this is sentencing!”
“I still get a lawyer while being sentenced ya geezer”
“GEEZER?!”
“I volunteer as the lawyer!” Lance exclaimed, “because Hugo will be killed if I’m not!”
Hugo snickered as Eugene glared at him, “I didn’t call you *old*-!”
“SAVE IT FOR THE TRIAL!” Eugene stated, “Quirin’s the judge”
“Why?”
“Because he’s the only one who can legally punish you with grounding and time outs”
“That’s true”, Quirin stated, “and I’ll have my tiny Captain Varian to help keep the order”
“I’ll do my best, but what if the Captain thinks the defense’s client is cute and handsome?” Varian asked as Hugo smirked at him
“The Captain will need to be unbiased, though you can still think those things, just be fair”
“Oki! To be fair, I think the same thing about the prosecution, so it may be easier than I thought”
Eugene blinked before blushing and smiling at Varian as Rapunzel stepped forwards, “I think it’s only fair that the prosecution have a prosecutor”, she stated
“That’s fair”, Quirin agreed, “alright, once Onyxdiamond09 is finished, we’ll start the trial of Hugo”
The room was quiet for a moment before Lance spoke up, “Hugo….. last name?”
“I…. Don’t have one”, Hugo stated, “Don bought me, I lost my last name when I was bought by Hector’s parents, they didn’t give me there’s, and Don never knew I didn’t have one, so I never got one”
“OBJECTION!” Varian exclaimed, “move to state that Hugo’s last name is Vanguard! As is evidenced by my relationship with him and how my father, Quirin Vanguard, calls him ‘son’”
“Sustained, Hugo Vanguard it is”, Quirin agreed, getting the blond inventor to pause before he smiled and sniffled a little at that before the retired knight looked at Onyxdiamond09, “you may continue with any further statements you have, maybe we should save your questions until after the trial though”
The commenter nodded with a grin before turning to look at Hugo’s lawyer, “Lance, you’re also a good big brother, and you're hilarious! You always make me laugh with each of your interventions, thank you for that!”
Lance blinked before he gave the commenter a big grin, “happy I could make ya laugh! Thanks for that, I needed it today, what with Varian getting grumpled with me and all that”
“Objection, making me sound mean in front of the court!” Varian exclaimed
“You were kinda being grumpy before, but it was under understandable circumstances, so the objection is half sustained, half not”, Quirin stated
Lance and Varian stick their tongues out at each other before both giggled as the former thief looked back at the commenter, “either way, thank you, I’m glad I make you laugh and smile, if I can do that at least once a day, then I’ll be a happy man for the rest of my days!”
Onyxdiamond09 smiled lovingly at the man before they looked at the two little girls by his sides, “Catalina and Angry, you are two adorable and energetic little sisters. You drive people crazy sometimes, but you're so funny that it doesn't matter!”
Angry snickered as Catalina blushed, “thank you, though, hopefully we don’t drive people *too* crazy”
“No, let’s drive them nuts Cat!” Angry stared with an impish grin, “that’s the best part about being a kid, driving everyone in this room absolutely nuts!”
“We can also be grounded though Angry”
“I don’t mean destructive nuts, just crazy enough to get under their skin”
The red head sighed but smiled at her sister, “I do think pulling pranks is pretty fun”
“Yeah!”
“Either way”, Catalina stated, looking at the commenter, “thank you very much for the compliments, that was nice of you!”
“Angry, don’t put a whoopie cushion underneath Varian”, Rapunzel exclaimed
“Ey!” The little alchemist exclaimed as he noticed the fart sounding cushion in the black haired girl’s hands
Harmony floated over to the commenter and watched as chaos erupted from the characters, she blushed before looking at Onyxdiamond09, “eheh, I uh, I think we’ll need to take a moment and calm everyone down, hee hee”, she stated, “don’t worry, your questions will be answered in the next chapter, but only when everyone’s not fighting or bickering. Sorry about that, but thank you so much for joining us, you can stick around with me for a touch if you’d like, maybe even help me break up the impending sibling brawl here, you could even hug a Varian-!”
“GET THAT STINKBOMB AWAY FROM ME ANGRY!” They heard Varian scream
“Varian, don’t use your goo bomb, DON’T USE THE GOO BOMB!” Eugene tried before a pink explosion covered the entire group
“…..or maybe not….. either way, thank you for joining us, your questions will be answered tomorrow, meanwhile I think imma need to jump on in here, eheh, if you wanna join, great! If not, that’s great too, and may save you some injuries, either way, have a great day/night and-!” A crash could be heard, along with shatter glass spread across the floor, “thank you for participating, see you tomorrow!” The author stated quickly before she shot into the air and dove into the squabble everyone was having to try and stop it from getting any worse!
Notes:
Thank you for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 480: OnyxDiamond09! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Here is Part 2 for you OnyxDiamond09! I hope you enjoy! :D
Chapter Text
“Ok, the trial of Hugo Vanguard shall, finally, come to order”, Quirin stated, “though I think there should be a *second* trial because there are a few people that need some bars of soap in their mouths”, he stated as he looked, pointedly, at an embarrassed looking alchemist
“I’d just like to say, in defense of myself to this court”, Varian stated, “that Angry started it, and I merely finished what was started, though the colorful language was not needed, nor was me ripping the whoopee cushion in half and throwing it at Lance…. Sorry Lance”
Quirin sighed as Hugo snickered, “it alright little man, though aim at Eugene next time”, Lance stated
“Oi!” Eugene exclaimed
“You were the one who pushed me into Adira and made her mad!”
“Only because you wouldn’t move when I was trying to stop Varian from letting his magic loose!”
“No more fighting please!” Harmony exclaimed as she sat beside Quirin, “that took way too long to break up and I have still sore from having to wrestle Cyrus away from Donella”
“That was fun to break up though, to be fair”, Luigi stated, a she sat next to the author, “he makes me mad, so shoot my lightning at him made me feel content”
Harmony smirked, “of course it did, thanks for the help by the way”
“You’re welcome!”
“Either way, I’m sorry for the naughty words and the tearing of whoopee cushion in half”, Varian stated, “I can’t remember the last time I got to the point of breaking things”
“Your temper tantrum when you were 8”, Quirin stated, “you broke a vase because you were having a bad day, and I’d made carrots that night and was making you eat them, it set you over the edge”
“Oh yeah, I remember that, some boys kept bullying me and it made me really mad”
“Right”
“Woah, were you grounded?” Hugo asked
“No, because after I calmed down, dad asked me why I’d been so upset and listened when I explained. He understood and gave me a talking to about controlling my temper, but didn’t punish me any further, and he had a chat with those guys’s parents. They were not happy kids after that. I did have to help dad make dinner and clean up after for the next week however, since I’d caused such a ruckus. It was hard work, but I ended up loving to cook after, so I don’t count it as a punishment”
Hugo smiled, “I wouldn’t either, cooking with Quirin is fun!”
The retired knight smiled, “I’m happy you two enjoy cooking with me, though this trial should start soon”
“Good point”, Eugene stated
Varian giggled before flying over to his father and sitting down next to him and Harmony, “ok, Eugene and Rapunzel, please tell the court why you think Hugo should be sentenced to the time out corner”, Quirin said
The princess stepped forwards, “because, your father-!”
Quirin snorted, “your father?”
“Your honor, your father”, Rapunzel explained with a grin
“Clever, I’ll accept it”, Quirin stated with another chuckle as Hugo, Eugene, Lance, and Varian giggled
The princess smiled before continuing, “you see your father, my client has been lied about by Mr. Vanguard, and mocked as well. He not only called my client G-bug, a term of love I gave him myself as a cute pet name, but also a Geezer. If I may be so bold, I’d like to prove how my client is not a geezer”
“You may”, Quirin allowed
“Thank you your father, I’ll need tiny captain Varian for this please”
“If we could not add the tiny part of that title, I’d be more willing to help”, Varian stated
“Sorry, it’s an adorable title, *ahem*, Captain Varian”, Rapunzel corrected
“Thank you”, the teen stated as he floated over to the pair and landed on the ground gracefully, “hi”
“Hi, can you tell me, Captain Varian, that under the oath of Hector the blunt-!”
“Hey!” Hector snapped
“You are blunt wild child”, Adira stated casually
“Yeah but I’m not the one on trial”
“Would that change anything?”
“No, but still”
“The oath of the blunt Hector just means we gotta be as honest as you”, Varian explained, “though the name could use some work, how about the Honest Uncle Hector oath!”
The Wild tamer stopped before nodding, “I’m fine with that”
Varian smiled before looking at Rapunzel, “you were saying?”
“Right, under the Honest Uncle Hector oath, does this man look like a geezer to you?” The princess asked, gesturing to Eugene, who waved at Varian
The alchemist looked at Eugene and blushed before shaking his head, “nu, he doesn’t look like a geezer”
“I rest my case your father, and thank you for the help Captain Varian”
The alchemist nodded before floating over to his father again, sitting next to him while still blushing as OnyxDiamond09 smiled understandably at the tiny alchemist, “thank you prosecutor, defense, your argument?” Quirin stated
“Yes your father!” Lance stared as he stepped forwards, “I’d like to as a question for just a moment, Captain Varian, you didn’t like bein called ‘tiny’ right?” He asked
“That’s right, and I still don’t like it”, Varian stated, “I’m gonna be as big as dad someday! I will!”
“I don’t doubt it little man, either way, you hate that title, prosecution called you it ‘because it’s a cute title’”
“Yeah, then she stopped”
“That’s true, but she ain’t bein put in the timeout corner or grounded, is she”
Varian’s eyes widened as he grinned, “nu”
“So why is it that my client is gonna be punished for sayin one name and stoppin?”
“Objection!” Raounzel called, “the name was not accurate to my client, which is what I testified to!”
“Hold it!” Lance exclaimed, “I have it on record that Varian bein 5 foot 4 is actually tall for his age, so what you called him is technically not true either! Yet here you stand! Still not in a corner or grounded!”
“Objection! You call him ‘little man’ all the time!” Rapunzel’s exclaimed
“Hold it! I call him ‘little man’ because he’s smaller than me, if he were to grow taller than I’d call him somethin else, that and he doesn’t mind my nickname for him, do ya?” Lance asked
“Nu”, Varian replied
“Hold it!” Rapunzel stated, “this isn’t just about the geezer comment, he also used my pet name for Eugene!”
“That’s true, yet it’s a pet name Eugene himself doesn’t like, yet you called him it more than once, and my client only said it once”, Lance stated with a smirk, “and again, you ain’t in a corner, or grounded”
The princess was quiet for a moment, “princess prosecution?” Quirin asked, “did you have any further input?”
Rapunzel thought for a moment as she looked at Eugene, the man shrugged, “that’s was a solid defense”, he stated
The princess sighed before she blinked and smiled, “I don’t have a way to argue that statement, though I would like to point out to the court, that my client’s feelings were still hurt by the comment, and even if time outs and groundings are placed, the defense should still apologize at the very least”
Lance smiled and nodded, “I’ll stand by that”
Hugo nodded as well, “same”
Quirin chuckled, “ok, well then, allow me a moment to consult with my Captain, and I’ll get back with the sentence”
Varian giggled before he whispered to his dad, Quirin nodded and whispered something back before both smiled and nodded as the retired knight/judge turned to looked at the court once again, “I’ve come to my decision. The course finds the defendant, not guilty of any serious crimes that warrant a time out or grounding, however, an apology is required by the defense to the prosecution for hurt feelings”
Hugo nodded and looked at Eugene, “sorry for calling you geezer and G-bug”
“It’s all good”, Eugene replied with a smile
“There we go, and with that being said and done, I hereby end this trial of Hugo Vanguard”, Quirin stated before he scooped up Varian and kissed his head, everyone looked at him, “I don’t have a gavel, so kissing a bubby head is how I end a parent trial”
The alchemist giggled happily as the court gave a collective, “oooooooh”, as they smiled at the duo
Harmony grinned before looking at OnyxDiamond09, “well, now that that’s done, wanna ask your questions?” The commenter nodded with a smile, “great! Ask away!”
OnyxDiamond09 got up and walked over to Varian and Quirin, they smiled at the pair before looking at the alchemist, “hey Varian, what is the next invention or potion you plan to work on? I'm curious and I'd like to know!”
The alchemist paused for a moment before he grinned, “a potion that lets me talk to Ruddy and all the other animals! I was gonna work on it a long time ago, but ended up being…. Busy with…. Well…. Cassandra….. but now that I have some time, I’ll be able to work on it and finally find out what everyone’s been saying! I can understand Ruddigar for the most part, but it would be nice to hold an entire conversation without any guess work!”
“Yeah, you could ask him not to eat the berries he gets from me on the counter since he makes a mess every time”, Quirin stated with a smirk
“I could also hold secret meetings with him about possible berry juice on your pillow sir!” Varian exclaimed
“If I find berry juice on my pillow, your cleaning it, son”
“I’ll just use my alchemy to clean it, sir”
“Then you’ll be grounded from alchemy for a week, son”
“You’re an evil jerkface, sir!”
“You’re a bratty stinkbomb, son!” Quirin tickled his teen, getting Varian to giggle before batting the man’s hands away with a grin
The commenter tilted their head, “how do you manage to communicate with Ruddigar? Do you have an instinct that allows you to understand what he is telling you?”
Varian smiled and shook his head, “nu, me and Ruddy have just been together for so long that we kinda developed our own way of communicating, I also picked up on some things he does to let me know what he wants, like when he swished his tail at me in the morning and gives me a specific chitter, it means he’s really hungry and wants food, usually an apple”
“It’s like when people pick up different behaviors from spending too much time together, right?” Quirin asked
“Yeah!” Varian replied happily, getting his father to smile, “that’s exactly right!”
OnyxDiamond09 giggled before going to their next question, “what is your funniest memory?”
“Hmmmmm, probably when I pranked the guard with uncle Hector and Aunt Wise Eyes”, Varian stated with a smile
“Wait, you three did what?” Quirin asked, quirking a brow at his siblings, who snickered
“They didn’t like what the guards did to me when they shoved me in a cell a while ago, remember?”
“I remember that, awful prank….”
“Yeah, well they wanted to get the guards back, I got them to lessen it so the guards don’t get killed, turns out there were more than just two in on the joke, they didn’t participate, but they did allow it knowingly. So we poured itchy powder in their uniforms, to make up for my cold feeling in the dungeons, we had animals make sounds outside their rooms at night so they would be afraid, to make up for my PTSD and fear in the dungeon, and then we had Adira make them train as hard as she does everyday for a month with a quick suggestion to Eugene, to make them feel exhausted and tuckered out like I did. Each of us came up with the plan together, me with the itch powder, Hector with the animals, and Adira with the training! It was so funny to see them all train while itchy and exhausted, they kept clambering over each other! We got to watch that all happen in real time, and honestly, sneaking around with my aunt and uncle was so funny! It’s by far, one of the funniest memories I have!” He then looked up at his father, “eheh, sorry”
“It’s okay, it’s already said and done, so no use in getting angry now, though there will be a talk with two siblings of mine about not telling me something until later on”, Quirin stated, quirking a brow at Hector and Adira, Hector quirking a brow right back as Adira smirked before eating an apple
OnyxDiamond09 snickered before asking, “of all the moon powers you have, what is your favorite?”
“Flying!” Varian squeaked happily, “I love flying! Floating, gravity flying, I don’t know, either way, flying, all the flying, everyday flying, FLYING!”
Quirin chuckled, “birdy Bubby”
“Nu, not a bird, though I’m glad I met a certain inventor when I was”, Varian stated as he looked at Hugo, who grinned, “but nu bird, those feathers were itchy”
“They were?”
“Yeah, I think I had some new ones growing in”
“Pin feathers!” Hugo exclaimed, “eee!”
Varian blushed, “they were itchy, not cute!
“But pin feathers *are* cute! Baby feathers are always cute!”
“You’re mean!”
“And your opinion is scientifically incorrect!”
Varian giggled, “I’m making you a pin feather necklace now”
“I would actually like that, so joke’s on you Freckles”
OnyxDiamond09 laughed as the duo continued their bickering before the commenter looked at Quirin, “Quirin, what were your first impressions when you arrived in Corona?”
“Big, loud, colorful, and way too friendly”, Quirin stated, “I was very nervous as well, I didn’t know anyone around me, mind you, I was very weak when I met the Queen and King, but when I was in town for the first time, it was overwhelming, so much noise and talk and people, I was used to the quiet of the Dark Kingdom, I didn’t mind small chatter, Xavier was definitely a nice reprieve, I’d hide with him in his blacksmith’s shop for hours until I got used to it all”
The commenter nodded before asking, “do you have any gardening advice to give me? I'm not good at taking care of plants…” they admitted that the a blush
The retired knight smiled warmly at them, “I wasn’t very good at it at first either, the best place to start is with plants that don’t need a lot of care, the work your way from there. I’d say try a small cactus first, they don’t need a lot and can stay healthy pretty quickly, start out slow so you can get into the habit of taking care of a plant before moving on to something a little more difficult. For the advice, water, weed, make sure you’ve got the best mulch for the plants you wanna grow. It takes a lot of research to find out what each plant you want needs, if you want a garden, mulch is your friend. If you want an indoor plant, sunlight and water will be the best, and make sure you’ve got different sizes of pots, just in case you need to put a ,once small, plant into a bigger holder since it’ll grow bigger!”
“Plant nerd!” Eugene exclaimed with a chuckle
“I’m happy to be a plant nerd”, Quirin stated, “plants understand me”
Varian giggled and hugged his father as Hugo walked over, prompting OnyxDiamond09 to ask him a question, “Hugo, if you and Varian have children, what will you name them?”
The blond paused, blushing profusely as he thought about having a child with Varian before shaking his head to clear his thoughts, “um *ahem* w-while that’s physically impossible, I-If we *were* to have a child I-I’d assume we’d adopt, a-and we can’t name kids when adopting, they keep the names given to them”
“But what if you did have a kid with Varian?” Eugene asked with a smirk
“U-um, I uh….. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh-!”
“It’s okay Hugo, it’s hypothetical, I understand, so does dad”, Varian stated gently with a loving smile
The blond blinked before sighing, “right, right sorry, eheh”
“It’s okay, good to know you wanna take it slow though”, Varian teased
“Freckles that’s illegal, you’re not allowed to do that”, Hugo stated as he blushed
Varian giggled, “anyway, what would you wanna name our child, I’m kinda curious now”
“Oh, well um…. I’ve…. Always thought that….. for a girl, then Freya, it means noble lady, and she would be my little princess if she were my daughter. A-and if they were a boy, Levi, it means joined or united in harmony. I dunno, I feel like he would do amazing things in life, so…..” the blond blushed
Varian got up and walked over to his boyfriend, hugging him lovingly, “they’re perfect”, he stated happily, getting his boyfriend to hug him back
OnyxDiamond09, sending this was a bit of a personal moment, turned away, only to see Adira in their sights. They smiled and walked over to the face painted warrior, “Adira, you, who are clairvoyant, what do your "wise eyes" see in me?”
The face painted warrior blinked before smiling, that is, until Hector began to cackle, “fucking! Holy shihihit! Heh heh, clairvoyant ey? Would’ve been nice to have that when you fell from those trees when you were a fucking kid!” He teased
“As the one who was just told she was clairvoyant, I see a punch in Wild Child’s, very *near*, future”, Adira stated with a raised brow
The Wild tamer stopped laughing, though he chuckled a fair bit, “fine fine, I’ll stop, but I still think it’s fucking funny”
Adira rolled her eyes before looking at OnyxDiamond09, “he’s an ass, don’t worry about him”, Hector snorted at that, “what I see in you….. I see someone who’s trying their best, I can see you becoming a fighter, someone who’s passionate and sticks up for others. Though I can also that you could be very hurt too, emotionally, by people you put a lot of trust into. Honestly, you’re very strong, and kind, but just be on your guard, people aren’t always what they seem. Though, it is good to have faith in others too”
“So, be on your guard, but trust people”, Hector stated, “hm, confusing”
Adira huffed, “there are many different ways you can interact with people, for example”, she got up before Hector, to the point where the man stumbled and fell, “you could do that”
The Wild Tamer hopped up with a grin, “oh it’s fucking ON!” He exclaimed before his sword popped out of gauntlet, Adira pulled out hers and they began to spar
Quirin sighed as he got up and walked over, standing in front of OnyxDiamond09 protectively, “sorry about them, they’re energetic today”
Edmund sighed before he stood up and stepped in-between Adira and Hector, “stop it”, he stated, getting the duo to slide to a halt, “no more fighting or no Varian privileges for a week”
The duo looked at each other before they sighed and put their weapons away, “fine”, they stated
“But we’re sparring later”, Hector exclaimed
“Indeed”, Adira replied with a smirk before they both sat down
Edmund and Quirin shook their heads as Varian walked over with Hugo, “I feel loved”, he stated with a smile
Hugo snickered as Quirin smiled at his son, “you are”
OnyxDiamond09 nodded in agreement before they approached the wild tamer, who seemed to be lost in thought before he noticed the commenter and looked at them, “Hector, I am a big animal lover, like you! You who seem to have a gift with them, could you teach me how to communicate with them ?”
The tamer quirked a brow before he thought about it, “honestly it depends on the animal and their personality”, he stated with a smile, “Pixie and Basil are binturongs, but Pixie is more motherly while Basil is protective. Xena is a rhino, but she’s quiet compared to other rhinos, Ruddigar is a raccoon, but he’s super chatty and impish, he’s also kinda sassy”, the raccoon in question gave a few proud chitters at that, “he also takes a lot of ques from Varian, the spawn’s rubbed off on him quite a bit. Haven’t really spoken much with Olivia, though she’s fucking sassy, sassier than Ruddigar funnily enough, then again, that’s probably Hugo’s influence. Hamuel is a very good bird, some times he’s spacey, but he does what he needs to do and tries his best with everything he does. He’s also extremely loyal, then there’s Sassy and Itty Bitty, Sassy is true to her name but lovable, and Itty Bitty is a very sweet fish, they’re both great fish in general”
Quirin grinned, “yes they is”
The tamer snorted before he looked at OnyxDiamond09 again, “honestly, the best place to start is the get to know the animal you wanna talk to. Study them, maybe even copy some behaviors to see what they’ll do. Be careful about it, depending on the animal, they could take your copying as a challenge. But if you copy them, you’ll start to see things from their point of view, that’s how I started”
“And you’ve been a Wild Child ever since!” Adira stated with a smile
Hector smirked, “proud to be one”
OnyxDiamond09 nodded before looking at the Dark King, who was watching the interactions, “Edmund, can you tell me a little about the Dark Kingdom?
Edmund grinned, “it’s like a big huge family! The entire kingdom was only rivaled, in size and power, by Corona! We used to be the top kingdom! Sure, many people outside of the kingdom didn’t like us, they found our ways strange, but the people in the kingdom grew close, forming bonds that lasted for lifetimes! I was trying to change things, there are some traditions that needed a huge upgrade, like punishments for children, or how women were treated, but all in all, the kingdom was full of strong, hardy, and familial people, not super friendly, but we were all family through and through! It’s why I wanna bring it back, I want to bring the family back together again, and I will someday, soon!”
Varian smiled, “you will, and we’ll help!”
“Yes we will”, Quirin stated as Adira and Hector smiled in agreement, making their king smile
OnyxDiamond09 nodded before asking, “what’s your favorite celebration?”
“the Devotion festival”, the king stated without missing a beat, “I proposed to Eden that night, I think I told that story before”
“You did”, Harmony stated, as she walked over to OnyxDiamond09, “you’ll read that chapter soon, it’s called ‘the Devotion Festival’, I won’t put anything here, I’ll wait until you read it, I hope you enjoy that chapter! Did you have anymore questions you wanted to ask?”
The commenter shook their head and went to say something when something crashed through the ceiling, causing dust to fly everywhere! Suddenly, OnyxDiamond09’s unspoken words echoed through the air, *Ooooooh! I just remembered that you could ask a character to meet a character from a different universe! If it's not too late to ask, do you know the series "She-ra and the Princesses of Power"? If so, I would love for Varian to meet Catra ! These are two characters with very different backgrounds and characters, but with certain points in common all the same!*
The smoke cleared, only to reveal a slender female with frizzy hair, a blue eye and a yellow eye, car ears, tail, and claws, and a reddish pink outfit. She looked around, “Adora?! ADORA! Where did you-!” She stopped when she saw Rapunzel, the princess’s crown had fallen out of her bag and was lying next to her, the cat women huffed, “oh come *on*! Another blind princess?! Are you kidding me?!” She snapped, getting the princess to look up at her, “ugh, of all the rotten…..” she toon a breath before letting it out, “anger… work on it….. right…..” she turned to Rapunzel and glared at her for a while as the dust settled before she asked in a very unamused voice, “are you dead?”
“Um…. N-no, I’m alive”, Rapunzel replied
“Good”, she looked up at the ceiling before looking back at the princess, “sorry about that”, she stated before walking away to look around
The Princess got up and watched the female, “are you…. A cat women?” She asked
The female bristled before turning to snap, but she stopped herself and sighed before looking at Rapunzel, “duh”, was all she said
“Ah”
“Where am I? And where’s Adora?”
“Wait who?” Varian asked, getting the girl’s attention, “do you mean Adira?”
“No, I mean Adora, she’s a blond princess with these dumb powers and an annoyingly perky attitude”, she stated
Varian blinked, “um…. Unfortunately she’s not here”
“Damn….. Where is here?”
“It’s Corona”, the little alchemist replied, “kingdom of the Sun”
The girl raised a brow at the freckled teen, “a Sun kingdom, pfft, what, do the rulers rule over the sky?”
Varian blinked, “I….. nu, they just…. Worship the Sun, though that is an interesting question, definitely thought provoking. Oh! Apologies, I’m Varian, what’s your name?”
“Catra”, the female stated with a swish of her tail, “Varian?”
“Yeah, it’s a French name, comes from the word Variable”
“I see, well my name is English, comes from the words out of my mouth”, she stated sarcastically as she looked around again
Hector snickered, “ok, I like her”
Adira smirked at her brother before she looked at Catra, “so….. Adora?”
“Yeah?” Catra asked
“She a friend of yours?”
“Who wants to know?” Catra asked as her tail flooded up and she glared at the face painted warrior
“Me, I’m Adira”
Catra stopped and raised a brow, “oh so he didn’t just mishear me?”
“No”
“Huh, either way it’s none of your business”
“Hm, angry”
“On guard more like”
“More angry”
“Fuck you!”
“I’m getting hints of Hector from you”
“Fuck you!” Hector exclaimed
“See?”
Catra growled at Adira, “hey hey hey, wait wait wait!” Varian exclaimed as he ran in-between the pair, “please don’t fight, we don’t wanna hurt you, we really don’t!”
“Give me one good reason as to why I should trust that…..” Catra stated
“We haven’t attacked you so far”, Hugo replied, standing beside Varian, “and we can definitely tell Adora is someone you care about immensely”
Catra stopped and glared *daggers* at the blond, “how did you-!”
“You’re overprotective of her, glare and hiss anytime she’s mentioned, and ya just confirmed it just now”, the bespeckled teen stated with a smirk, “you’re also not good at hiding it”
Catra blushed before turning away from Hugo and huffing, Varian sighed before he walked over, he hesitated for a second before, gently, placing a hand on her arm, “it’s okay”, he said softly when Catra glared at him, “really, it’s okay, we won’t hurt you, or Adora. If you tell us about her, we’ll help you find her”
Catra was startled by that, she hesitated for a long time, but as she looked in the alchemist’s eyes, she sensed something familiar about him, something she could recognize, and it calmed her down as she sighed, “ok”
Varian smiled and took his hand away, “what does she look like?” He asked, “you said she’s blond, but are there any other facial features you can verify?”
As they spoke, Catra seemed to feel more and more comfortable as she spoke with Varian, the alchemist smiling wider and wider as they spoke, Harmony smiled at OnyxDiamond09, “I hope that was a good amount of time for their interaction. I wanted to make it perfect, but it took longer than I thought to type that, sorry, did you have anything else you wanted to say?”
The commenter smiled, “in conclusion, I want to say to the characters, to Harmony, to the readers, and to everyone who sees this message, you are awesome. Continue on your chosen path, live your dreams and a life full of happiness!”
Harmony smiled and nodded, “thank you for that! You do the same, thank you for participating! We hope you have a wonderful day/night!”
Notes:
Thank you for participating! 🎶❤️
Chapter 481: LionRoar74!
Summary:
Here’s your questions answered LionRoar74! I hope you enjoy! :D
Chapter Text
Quirin happily played his acoustic guitar as the group had gathered around him. The retired knight was strumming a happy tune as Harmony sat next to him, she smiled and began to sing to all of you and the characters surrounding her:
[HarmonySong]
“My name is Harmony (Welcome!)
And I am here to say (How’s it going!)
I'm gonna make you smile and I will brighten up your day!”
Varian and Hugo bopped their heads to the music as Eugene and Rapunzel smiled
“It doesn't matter now (Hello!)
If you are sad or blue (Woo Hoo!)
'Cause cheering up my friends is just what I am here to do!”
Harmony floated into the air as she continued to sing, music notes swam around her and sparkled as they did!
“Cause I love to make you smile, smile, smile, (Yes I do!)
It fills my heart with sunshine all the while, (Yes it does!)
'Cause all I really need's a smile, smile, smile,
From these happy friends of mine!”
Quirin kept strumming happily in his guitar, a wide grin on his face as Edmund gave a happy grandpa laugh and Adira and Hector chuckled
“I like to see you grin (Awesome!)
I love to see you beam! (Rock on!)
The corners of your mouth turned up has always been my dream! (Fist bump!)”
Harmony flew over to Varian and Hugo and smiled lovingly at them
“But if you're kind of worried,
And your face has made a frown,”
Hugo made a mock sad face, getting Varian to laugh before Harmony grabbed both their hands and began to spin in a circle with them like a game of ring around the Rosie, both teens laughed happily
“I'll work real hard and do my best to turn that sad frown upside down!”
Harmony let go of their hands and allowed the boys to dance together, getting them to blush as she flew over to Quirin again and sat beside him while the two teens danced and she continued to sing
“Cause I love to make you grin, grin, grin, (Yes I do!)
Bust it out from ear to ear let it begin!”
Varian laughed as he dipped Hugo and the blond struck a model pose
“Just give me a joyful grin, grin, grin,
And you fill me with good cheer!”
She looked at Quirin and sat down next to him as she sang softly
“It's true some days are dark and lonely…”
The man’s memories flashed with visions of Varian alone and crying in their basement, his strumming coming to a slight halt
“And maybe you feel sad,
But I’m gonna be there to show you that it isn't that bad!”
Harmony smiled as she hugged him before snapping her fingers and switching places with Varian and Hugo, both teens ending up on the retired knight, they smiled and hugged him happily as Lance took the guitar and began to play while the Village Leader’s memories died down and he smiled happily at his boys
“There's one thing that makes me happy, and makes my whole life worthwhile!”
Harmony grinned at Lance, who smiled back as he continued to strum the guitar
“And that's when I talk to my friends and get them to SMILE!”
On the last note, Harmony rose into the air as music burst from around her, white wings popped out of her back, they sparkled as her hair grew longer and her outfit changed to that of a ballgown like dress, golden yellow like the sun, and sparkling
“I really am so happy!
Your smile fills me with glee,”
Harmony grinned as Quirin laughed when Hector, Adira, and Edmund walked over and basically piled onto him in an effort to make him feel better, it worked
“I give a smile I get a smile,
And that's so special to me!”
Harmony’s spun in the air as all the commenters appeared in the room, all of them with powers of their own, next to their favorite characters, and dancing with joy!
“Cause I love to see you beam, beam, beam! (Yes I do!)
Tell me what more can I say to make you see! (That I do!)
It makes me happy when you beam, beam, beam!
Yes it always makes my DAY!”
A lightning strike shot down as Luigi appeared next to Harmony, her magic helping him fly as she hugged him lovingly
“Come on everybody smile, smile, smile!
Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine,”
Sheila sang, dancing with the timid plumber happily as everyone got up and joined them
“All I really need's a smile, smile, smile!
From these happy friends of mine,”
Everyone in the room joined in with Harmony, including Luigi, as the room was filled with musical magic that filled the air!
[Everyone]
“Come on everybody smile, smile, smile!
Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine,
All I really need's a smile, smile, smile!
From these happy friends of mine!”
Harmony floated to the ground with Luigi as she looked at everyone she’d met, the characters she’d written about, the new friends she’d made along the way of this story, and sang loudly with all her heart!
[HarmonySong while the Characters sing in the the background]
“Yes the perfect gift for me, (Come on everybody smile, smile, smile)
Is a smile as wide as a mile! (Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine!
To make me happy as can be! (All I really need's a smile, smile, smile
From these happy friends of mine!)
She then sang with the room as her magic began to shimmer with excitement
[Everyone]
Smile, smile, smile, smile
Her magic exploded with stars, music notes, and confetti as the final verse was sung
SMILE!
Come on and smile
Everyone stopped and allowed the author the final notes as they grinned at her
[HarmonySong]
Come on and smile!”
Everyone laughed as the magic floated down and disappeared around them in an array of colors. The musical author smiled happily as she took in the joy of the room, she let out a happy sigh, feeling peaceful for the first time in years before she looked over at LionRoar74, “hee hee, hi! Sorry about the random music number, I just felt happy today, and I really love that song. Either way, you’re up next right?” The commenter nodded with a grin, “great! Ask away! Though be wary, there may be giggle fits”, she stated, noticing the two scientists snickering with each other happily
LionRoar74 nodded before they looked around, “here we go again, another Q and A! I've got a few questions for our favorite crew”, they stated excitedly, getting Harmony to smile as they made their way to the two snickering teens, “hey Varian, and Hugo”
“Hee hee, hi!” The alchemist replied with a giggle
“Sorry, we’re still riding the high that was that song”, Hugo stated with a smirk, “did you have questions?”
The commenter smiled and nodded before the asked, “what’s the funniest alchemy incident you guys have had?”
The two scientists laughed before trying to calm down, they managed to control themselves before Hugo responded, “sorry sorry, heh heh, fuck’s sake, that song is too happy inducing!”
“It really is!” Varian giggled before clearing his throat, “eheh, sorry, the funniest alchemy incident would have to be…..” he snorted when a memory came to his mind, “Eugene’s super special lotion”
“Pfft! I remember that!” Hugo snickered, “ok ok, so, Eugene over there wanted us to make him lotion that would bring a soft of glow to his skin. We knew what he meant, it’s that after glow ya get when going to a spa or something, it’s kinda like an aura around you, but he wanted it to actually make him glow like a star”
Varian giggled, “yeah, he wanted to be super fancy during a meeting with the royal family and a few dignitaries from nearby. We tried our best to make what he was asking for, but let it be known that a skin glowing lotion is much more difficult to make when you’ve got a recently new boyfriend stumbling around the lab because he doesn’t know where items are”
“To be fair, this was literally right after you got me away from Don, and I was still fairly freaked out about messing up”, Hugo pointed out
“No it’s fair, but the result is still super funny to me”, Varian stared lovingly, “this handsome man over here”, he gestured to Hugo, “ended up mixing up two chemicals to at, while they make you glow, they make you glow different colors! I don’t know how he did it to this day, I think it had something to do with food coloring, but I’m still working that part out. Either way, I thought it worked at first because I put it on one of my hands and it simply glowed my natural color. Which was perfect. I put my glove back on thinking nothing of it, and handed it to Eugene! I wake up the next morning to find my hand was glowing bright green!”
Eugene sighed as he caught a bit of what the teen was saying, “this story guys, really?”
“They asked for the funniest alchemy incident, this is the funniest!” Hugo explained
“That doesn’t make me feel better!”
Varian giggled, “anyway, Eugene had already put some of it on that morning, and were late risers, the meeting was at 7AM, we woke up at 9AM. Suffice it to say, when we ran to the meeting to try and save Eugene from embarrassment, we were far too late, we ended up walking into a room full of laughter and Eugene just standing there, blue glowing skin, a confused look on his face until we walked in. He immediately knew that something was up with his glow, and when he saw what’d happened HOOOOOO he was maaaad”
“He thought we’d done it on purpose to be fair”, Hugo stated, “when we explained that it was an accident, he calmed down, even more so when Freckle’s hand stopped glowing as he washed it off, so thankfully it was temporary”
“It also helped that the dignitaries we were talking to had a good sense of humor”, Rapunzel stated, “they’re think Eugene’s hilarious now! And it was the ice breaker we needed to figure out an alliance with them!”
LionRoar74 smiled and giggled a little at the idea of a blue Eugene before they looked at Hugo specifically, “any ideas for the wedding yet, wink wink, nudge nudge?” They asked, getting the blond to freeze as Varian blushed, “maybe you two, Rapunzel, and Eugene can combine Coronan and Dark Kingdom wedding traditions. I think Varian would look so cute in a tux! Hugo would look handsome, too! And once you're married you can be as naughty as you like without getting in trouble with the PG Police”
“Wait no hold on full stop! Escuse mi?!” Eugene exclaimed as Varian blushed even deeper
“How bold of you to say that in front of both Eugene *and* Quirin”, Lance stated with a smirk, getting the commenter to laugh
Hugo sighed, trying desperately not to let anything slip as he blushed as well, “the PG police are currently in the room, so we’re gonna have to tread carefully here, especially given the last chapter’s trial”, he stated with a smirk, “*ahem*, as for wedding ideas, we have a few, you’re right, Freckles would look wonderful in a tux, I can see a blue one being the choice of the day”
“Or green”, Varian stated as he smiled at Hugo
“Green is Ingvarr colors, I’m with Corona and the Dark Kingdom now, aren’t those purple, yellow, blue, and black?”
“Yeah, but you also look very handsome in green”, Varian stated before grinned impishly, “in fact, you look great in, and out of, anything you wear”
Hugo froze as his face blushed so deep that he was practically hot enough to cook eggs off of! He stared at Varian for a long time before he tried to speak, “m-meep”. Unfortunately, all that came out was a small squeaky noise
“Sorry sorry! I-I broke it! I d-don’t normally f-flirt like that, it was a first time s-sort of thing! Help! S-someone resuscitate m-my boyfriend because I broke it! I broked it real bad!” Varian exclaimed as he tried to figure out how to fix the Hugo
The room erupted into laughter before Quirin walked over and scooped both his boys up, “easy Bubby”, he stated, calmly the alchemist before he looked at Hugo and kissed his head
“Huh?” Hugo shook his head, instantly breaking out of his stupor as he looked around and realized he was being held, “oh hi”
“Hi, you broke”, Quirin stated
“Right, because Freckles made a….. v-very naughty joke”, the blond stated before he blushed again
“I’m sorry”, Varian hid his face in his hands, blushing deeply, “I’m sorry”
“It’s okay Freckles”, Hugo stated, “it’s oka-! You flustered yourself with that one! How did you even do that?” He laughed as he hugged Varian lovingly
“I don’t know!” Came the squeaky response
Hugo laughed as he hugged Varian even more
LionRoar74 decided to change the subject quickly, “Hugo, how did you create Olivia?”
The blond smiled, happy for the change, “I met her when she was a sick and injured mouse. She’d gotten really badly hurt by a neighborhood cat when I was 8. When I found her, I was with Don and Cyrus. I’d been practicing my mechanical work when I found her, I did some research and found out that she would die if I did nothing. I waited until Cyrus and Don had left before I scooped her up and began to work with her. I had to use scrape metal, luckily there was a lot, but I basically replaced her limbs with robotic ones, healed the wounds that were too bad, and nursed her back to life. She grew stronger everyday and eventually grew close and stuck with me. Ever since then, she’s been my little mousy companion! I’ve upgraded her a lot, she’s still an organic mouse, but she has robotic limbs, and a heightened sense of smell and hearing”
“That’s so cool”, Varian stated with a smile
“Thanks!”
LionRoar74 smiled at the pair before the looked and saw Lance, Angry, and Catalina standing nearby, with the two scientists now settled, the commenter walked over to the three and looked at the red head, “hi Catalina, how did you get better control of your wolf form, and what did Lance, Angry, and the others, do to help you with it?”
Catalina blinked before smiling, “hello, well, I got some breathing techniques from Eugene to help me calm my anger down a little easier when needed. My wolf form only comes out when I get super upset, otherwise, it usually stays inside until I need it. Varian helped me summon my wolf form at will, when he was in the dungeons, he learned about werewolves and found out they can control the wolf form by concentrating and easing their mind into it. He taught me some meditation techniques he’d learned from Adira, and she taught me even more when we first met, and Hector helped me calm down while I was in my wolf form! When Varian started to awaken his Moon powers, he helped me with my wolf powers as well, showing me how to control them as he learned how to control his Moon powers. Lance and Angry were a huge help in having me learn how to speak out when I need to say something, that definitely gave me a lot of ways to keep my wolf self in check. They also found me a place that I can go full wolf in, which is really nice when a full Moon comes around”
The group she mentioned smiled as LipnRoar74 nodded before noticing Hector walk over as he grabbed something from Pixie’s mouth, “don’t eat that”, he stated gently, “where’d you get a dirty shoe anyway?”
The binturong chittered and brr’d at him
“Pfft, yeah yeah, sure, just don’t eat shoes, they’re bad for you”
The binturong huffed but nodded, getting pets from the Wild Tamer as LionRoar74 asked, “hey Hector, how’d you get Pixie, Basil, and Xena?”
“Hm? Oh, from an abusive circus that hurt them, we went there because we wanted to see what the circus was like, I wanted to walk the tightrope, Adira the trapeze swing, Quirin wanted to see the elephants, and King Edmund wanted cotton candy. Pixie and Basil were dressed like fucking clowns and were told to bite on honking horns and jump through flaming rings. I would’ve been okay had they been taken care of after, and if they were enjoying themselves, but they weren’t and were being abused by the ring master prick that was using a cattle prod to beat them….. That circus doesn’t run anymore. Xena we got from a bender who mistreated her. We….. ‘borrowed’ her, and never gave her back. She was young when we found her and formed a bond with me, ever since then, we’ve been close”
LionRoar74 smiled at that, “I think you told that story before, didn’t Varian say something about it?” Eugene asked
“Yeah”, Varian replied, “it was right before our mission! When Dwayne stole Ruddigar and tried to eat him, that jerk…..”
“Yeah! You told me about it the day before you all left”
“Yea!”
The group began to chatter about that mission when LionRoar74 looked over and saw Lance sitting and watching, the commenter walked over to him, “hey Lance, where did you get those medals you wore when Eugene made you acting captain? Please tell me you didn't steal them”
The former thief laughed, “alright, I won’t tell ya!” He joked, “heh, I technically did, but it was from the Baron. See, when I first reunited with Eugene, I found several medals inside the Baron’s vault. I took them to get even with him, there were like, 25 of those things. Anyway, when I decided to stop stealin and rekindle a friendship with Eugene, I donated most of the gold we’d taken from the Baron, but kept some for myself, includin the medals, a man’s gotta have some change in his pocket after all, I didn’t know if I’d actually be stayin in the castle or not at the time. When I found out I was, I stored the medals and other items I’d taken away, I dug em out when Eugene told me I was actin Captain, I remembered havin them and thought that would be a good time to show em off! I uh….. I still have them, but they’re a little dirty now”
“Because you touched the rooster and made it explode!” Varian exclaimed huffily
“I said I was sorry”
“I know, but I’m still a little grumpled about it, even if I’m not angry with you anymore”
Lance chuckled before he looked at the commenter, “so did I steal them? Yeah, but was it for a good reason, yeah”
Adira, hearing the tale, quirked a brow, “where are these medals exactly?”
The former thief froze, “eheh, you ain’t gonna break em, are you? They’re not the Baron’s anymore”
The face painted warrior sighed, “fair point, just keep them away from me please, he probably wore them….”
“Will do”
Seeing the face painted warrior, as she smiled at Lance, LionRoar74 had another question pop into their mind, “Adira, how did you create the Shadow Blade?”
“Oh, I crated it when a piece of black rock landed nearby me when the King tried to destroy the Moonstone. The Moonstone had broken a black rock when they…. *ahem* pushed the King back-so I took it and used a few whetstones to sharpen it. Then I managed to stick a handle onto it using very efficient glue and some strong wood. I made sure it held firm with some screws keeping it in place, they didn’t go through the blade, but I could place on in front and one in back, squeezing the rock in-between them so the blade wouldn’t move. Then I added more glue to dry around both screws and the end of the blade, then wrapped the handle in leather for decoration”, the face painted warrior explained, “I tested it out and the blade never broke or moved. I called it a success and it became my blade of choice, though…. I wish it’d lasted longer…. Though I’m happy with the blade I have now, it was from a friend”
Lance smiled at that, as Adira grinned at him. LionRoar74 nodded as they saw Quirin set Varian and Hugo down, “hey Quirin, in your expert opinion, what's the craziest thing Crazy 1 and Crazy 2 have done?”
“They let all the animals out of the Dark Kingdom zoo without telling me and King Edmund and the animals ran a muck in the streets”, the retired knight answered without hesitation, getting Hector and Adira to laugh
“Oh I remember that! ugh! That was a nightmare!” Edmund exclaimed, “why’d they do that again?”
“Because the zookeeper was mistreating the animals, but instead of telling us, those two decided it would be best to just let the animals roam free! They had lions in that zoo, *lions*!”
Hector snorted, “you couldn’t blame me!”
“I couldn’t, but I could blame the way you handled it, Adira as well for that matter, though she just wanted the chaos”
“I did”, the face painted warrior admitted, “it was really funny. Honestly, I think that’s how Stickler learned how to, how do the farmers say it? ‘Hood em up’”
Quirin glared at her, “stop it”
She chuckled, “I honestly don’t know how else to say it”
“You could describe it then, don’t say the damn hick way, I hate that stereotype”, he stated
“I know, it’s a pet peeve”
“It really is, it’s insulting! Just because we’re farmers, it doesn’t make us stupid or uneducated, honestly, I think that’s so irritating”
“You know I don’t mean it that way though”
Quirin sighed, “I know, but I’m still allowed to be irritated by it”
“That’s fair, what do you call that anyway?”
“Coral, or corralling”, Quirin stated, “you coral them into a pasture, or a large, fenced in area, so they can graze, eat grass, all that jazz, unless it cold, then they stay inside to be safe”
“Noted, coral shall be the new term”
“Thank you, sorry for getting snippy”
“It’s alright, I’m used to it”
“Am I really that snippy?”
Adira snickered, “no, I’m just teasing”
Quirin smiled at his sister as LionRoar74 grinned at the pair before remembering something, “oh! I have a gift for Quirin! A bleep button, so he can bleep out Hector whenever he wants. Eugene and Adira can use it too”
Quirin took the button as Hector quirked a brow, “what the (BLEEP)?”
“Hey it works!” Quirin exclaimed with a chuckle
Hector huffed, “(BLEEP) you! ……(BLEEP)! …………(BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!)”
“Oh my”, Edmund stated as Adira and Quirin snickered, Eugene snorted as Varian looked at Hector sympathetically, “dad you won’t use that all the time will you?” He asked
“No son, I won’t, maybe ever once in a while should I feel the need to tease, but not all the time, that wouldn’t be fair”, Quirin stated with a smile to his son and Hector
“FUCK!” Hector yelled before he grinned, “HA! Fuck you!” He exclaimed
Quirin chuckled, “something tells me this’ll only make you curse more”
“Fuck yes it will”
The retired knight snickered before he looked at LionRoar74, “thank you for that, I appreciate it, sincerely”
“Fuck, (BLEEP) shit”, Hector stated, “heh, can’t get all of them”
“And now it’s a game”, Adira stated, “this is fun, can I see?”
LionRoar74 laughed as Hector, Adira, and Quirin played with the button for a while, all three having fun with it before the commenter noticed the princess watching, her hand over her mouth as she tried not to laugh, LionRoar74 walked over to her, “hi Rapunzel, have you had any luck with pet names for Eugene?”
The princess looked over and smiled, “his, not yet, thought I’ve come up with a couple new ones! Beetle-gene! Genie! EG! And what was the last one…..”
“Eugenie-fly”, Eugene stated with a sigh, “all of them were nice tries, but ultimately, ugh….”
“Beetle-gene is cute!” Varian stated
“No it’s not”, Eugene stated, getting the alchemist, and Rapunzel, to giggle
LionRoar74 had another question pop into their mind, “could you ever forgive Cass for all that she did?”
The princess was startled by that before she looked down and sighed, “I….. I want to….. I really do….. My father’s death wasn’t her, that was Zhan Tiri, but she also helped Zhan Tiri get to a point where she could do that….. Plus what she did caused a lot of damage to homes, peopled, the kingdom, my family……” the princess sighed, “I still feel really strongly about her, I still care about her and what happens to her, but….. I feel like if I forgive what she did, it would be disrespecting the ones she hurt”
Varian spoke up at this, “it’s not, the people that got hurt because of her actions are the ones that should bear the weight of their anger. You are their princess, and thus, you bear the weight of her punishment, but you did your duty fairly, you gave everyone the closure they needed during that trial, you and Queen Arianna as well, so if you want to forgive her, you can, none of us will think any less of you, we will disagree if you let her out and about again however”
Rapunzel smiled at the alchemist, “thanks Varian”
The teen smiled back at her as Hugo sat down next to him, prompting LionRoar74 to ask another question, “Eugene, Hugo, and Varian, what was it like on the other side?”
“The other side?” Eugene asked
“I’m guessing you mean death right?” Varian asked, the commenter nodded, “for me it was like I was sleeping. I couldn’t wake up, but it was peaceful and quiet, I saw my mama there”
“When I was dead, I felt the pain from the stab wound Gothel gave me disappear. I couldn’t feel anything, it felt like I was floating, I heard someone speak to me, then I felt myself falling down, and I woke up”, Eugene stated, “I think I was floating up to the Moon when Blondie pulled me back to my body, it was an odd experience”
“For me, it’s a mix between both Eugene and Freckles”, Hugo stated, “the pain from the wounds I got was horrible, to the point where I couldn’t take it anymore. I felt like I fell asleep, I heard Don call to me, asking why I was there, she said I shouldn’t be there, that I needed to stay with Freckles. She was worried though, she could tell how tired I was. Then, I heard Varian’s voice. He was singing, it was soft and gentle, I wanted to go back to him. So I did, I went back and saw him again”
Varian smiled and hugged Hugo lovingly as Eugene spoke up, “to describe what it was like, peaceful, and quiet. That’s how I remember it. None of us stayed long enough to see too much, but the parts we did see were calm, nothing was disturbed, it’s what I’d imagine meditation being like”
“I can’t meditate, fun fact”, Harmony stated as she and Luigi floated over to the group, “my mind won’t stop thinking, so I end up anxiety-ing myself into a stupor every time I meditate”
“I kinda do the same”, Varian stated, “but I can usually calm down after a few moments of breathing”
“I wish I could”, the author stated, “meditating sounds really nice, but it never worked for me”, she stated with a shrug
“Maybe try drinking tea?”
“Maybe, tea is very relaxing”
LionRoar74 smiled up at the author before Edmund sat down nearby with a huff, “tired dad?” Eugene asked
“A little, Quirin, Adira, and Hector got started to scuffled over the button, I had to break that up”, the Dark King stated
“Here’s a question I’ve always had”, Hugo said, “were any of those three easy?”
“Quirin was”, the Dark King stated, “think the little peanut but a farmer instead of an alchemist. Quirin was very quiet and polite, he usually followed the rules and stayed out of trouble as much as he could, however, when Adira and Hector hit the scene, they’d end up frazzling him and he’d get a little riled and would end up in trouble right along with them”, the Dark King stated with a chuckled, “they’re all very good children, they’re just, well, they’re stinkers sometimes. But that’s normal when you’re raising kid, they’ll be stinkers when you don’t want them to be, ultimately my three children, before Eugene, were very well behaved, if a little mischievous”
LionRoar74 smiled, “Edmund, do you have any stories of when Eugene was a baby? What was he like? Sorry, Eugene, for the inevitable embarrassment”
“It’s fine”, the Dark prince stated as Quirin, Adira, and a Hector joined the group, “I’m actually curious myself”
Edmund chuckled, “well, when Eugene was with me, he wasn’t very old, a year and a half at most”
“Which would explained why I’m 26 and not 25”, Eugene stated
“Right, when you were a babe, you were very quiet, you cooed a lot, so kinda chatty, but you didn’t cry much. There were a few times where you decided you’d go on a tiny adventure however”, he stated with a chuckle, “we’d place you on the ground so you could crawl around freely, and you’d just zoom! It was adorable! You’d be so interested in the different places you could get into, I remember one time you decided the cabinet in the kitchen was now your new home”, he stated with a gleam in his eye as Quirin chuckled and Adira and Hector smiled, “you also really liked to be in Quirin’s room for some reason”
“I did?” Eugene asked
“Yeah, you were watched by Quirin, Adira, and Hector when I had royal duties to attend to, but something told me Hector and Adira kinda let Quirin take the reigns, because you grew extremely close to him specifically. You loved adventuring into his room and grabbing his gardening books. He always got a kick out of that”
“It was adorable”, Quirin stated, “I honestly thought you’d wanted to be a farmer too. I even took you to my garden at one point, you got so messy”
Eugene blushed as Rapunzel giggled, “baby Eugene adventures!” She exclaimed
“Baby Eugene adventures!” Edmund repeated happily
“Were you, Quirin, Hector, and Adira protective of Eugene for a while after you found out he died?” LIonRoar74 asked
“Yes”, all four of them stated without hesitation, getting Eugene to snort
“I kept watching him”, Quirin stated, “I felt like a creeper, but I remember holding him as a baby, I wasn’t letting him out of my sight after finding out about his death”
“We all kept an eye on Fish Skin”, Adira stated, “I would watch his window at night, just to make sure he was okay”
“I’d keep an eye on him in the streets, just in case he got mugged”, Hector stated
“There’s a reason I stayed with them at the castle and Quirin’s home”, Edmund stated with a chuckle
“You guys”, Eugene stated as he blushed even more
“You are a loved Eugene”, Varian stated
“Indeed!” Rapunzel agreed as she kissed Eugene’s cheek, making him smile
LionRoar74 nodded at the answer before noticing Varian looking at something beside Rapunzel, “Varian?” The princess asked, noticing him as well
“Sorry, your dad’s here”, the alchemist stated
“Oh yeah he is, hi”, Hugo said, waving
Eugene looked and nodded, “yup, I guess he came over to say hello”
The princess smiled sadly before Harmony snapped her fingers, suddenly, the Coronan king could be seen by everyone, “woah!” He stated, a little startled by his own appearance, “how did you do that?”
“Author powers”, Harmony stated with a grin
Rapunzel stopped before she looked up at her father. She was a little startled before she smiled, got up, and hugged him, “hi dad”, she said softly
“Hello Rapunzel”, Frederic replied, hugging her back as Arianna noticed and hugged him as well
The group gave them a moment before the Princess and Queen let go, smiling at their lost family member before Ariann looked at Harmony, “thank you”
“You’re welcome, I can’t keep it forever unfortunately, but he can be like this, at least, until the QA is done, in fact”, she snapped her fingers again and suddenly a bunch of people began to show uo
Including, “Don?!” Hugo exclaimed as he spotted the women standing next to him
She looked at him, a little startled before smiling at the blond, “hello Hugo”
The bespeckled teen smiled up at her before he hugged her, she hugged him back happily. “Eden!” Hector and Adira exclaimed as Quirin, Eugene, and Edmund smiled up at the Queen of the Dark Kingdom. They all hugged her happily, to which she happily accepted
LionRoar74 had a question pop into their head, so they waited until everyone was settled before asking the Coronan King, “Frederic, did you ever apologize to Varian and Quirin for everything you did before you died?”
“I did, we had a meeting about it when they got back with the Seporians, I apologized for everything and listened to what they wanted to tell me. After that, Varian asked me to leave him alone, I did, and Quirin said to give him space, I did. Things seemed to get slightly better, but I know I could’ve made up for more”, the Coronan King stated, “I only hope they can move on and have a better life without my interventions”
“……I won’t forget, but I do appreciate that at the very least”, Varian stated, “thank you, and to be fair, you helped me get out of that nightmare….. My anger with you had subsided quite a bit, but I’m only speaking for me”
“I appreciate that nonetheless”, Frederic replied with a nod, Varian returned the gesture with a nod of his own
Quirin was quiet before he sighed, “I….. Was under the control of the Mind Trap, but you were still killed by my hand….. I’m sorry for that”
“I never held you accountable Quirin, like you said, you were under the control of the Mind Trap, and I sacrificed myself to save Arianna, I knew I wouldn’t come back”
“Still….. I hope you rest in peace, sincerely, even if I can’t forget, you didn’t deserve a fate like that”
“Thank you, Quirin”
The group was quiet for a little while before LionRoar74 spotted Cyrus, the man had been temporarily freed from the amber by the Author’s magic, he looked shaken and freaked out, but that didn’t stop the commenter from flying into a rage, one that Quirin noticed and pulled out the button for as LionRoar74 stood up and screamed at the man, “Cyrus! You (BLEEP)-ing (BLEEP)-hole! How dare you attack Varian and his family! You (BLEEP)-ing son of a (BLEEP)! You're never getting out of that amber, you psychotic murderous sack of (BLEEP)! You (BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP)!”
The commenter huffed before sitting down, Harmony pausing the chapter for a moment, “sorry, you had punches and kicks and slaps to Cyrus in there. But, to save a fight from starting, I took those out and replaced them with more bleeped out cursing, but I kept most of the comment to Cyrus in! I hope that’s okay, I still wanted you to be able to say what you wanted to Cyrus at the very least”
She unpaused the chapter right as LionRoar74 sat down. Hugo was startled before he burst out laughing, getting Varian to looked at him, “Hugo?”
“S-s-hee hee sorry! That was just really funny! Ha ha HA!” Hugo exclaimed, “Hoo boy, thank you, I needed someone to do that”, the inventor stated with a grateful smile to the commenter
Cyrus didn’t react, he took the insults and curses and just stood where he was, a little too in shock to really say anything. Nobody really seemed to mind as LionRoar74 smiled at Hugo. Harmony floated down and grinned at the commenter, “well then, did you need to ask anything else?”
The commenter shook their head before stating, “I really love this story, Harmony! I stumbled upon it in its early days and it's crazy to me how far it's come! Yet it also feels crazy that it's nearly over. After all this time and over two whole years. I hope that it goes out with a bang when the final finale eventually comes!”
The author blushed, “aww, well thanks, honestly I feel the same way, it’s crazy to know how far this story has come and grown, and I can’t even think about how it’s ending, it’s very crazy to me too! But I’m so grateful that you’ve been here for so long! I really appreciate your kind words as well, and I hope I can deliver with that banger of an ending! Thank you for reading and participating, we hope you have a wonderful day/night!”
Notes:
Thank you for participating, we hope you have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😁
Song is by Daniel Ingram, “Smile Song”, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, with a few words changed to fit who’s singing it! 😁
Chapter 482: CardCaptorKatara!
Summary:
Here’s your chapter Card!!!!!!! I sincerely hope you enjoy it! 🎶😁❤️
Chapter Text
“Weeeeeeeeeee!” Varian squeed as he flew through the air
“Turning and mobility, check”, Hugo stated as he jotted down a few notes, “try doing a loop in the air!” He called to his boyfriend
Varian grinned before he flapped the large wings on his back and soared through the air before catching the air just right and performing a few loops, “eeeeeeeeeeee!” He squealed with joy
“Show off”, Hugo chuckled as he checked wrote down a few more notes, “ok, how about a spin?”
Varian stopped before he curled the wings around him, with one final flap, before using the air to spin him around, he then did a few Petit jeté’s before spinning once more and performing a final grand jeté, sticking the landing in the air before bowing and flying away with a giggle
Hugo sighed with a grin, “boy if you don’t take this seriously!” He teased
Varian laughed, “hey, those were some pretty cool dance moves!”
“Yeah yeah twinkle toes”
“Top form Hairstripes”, Eugene complimented, “what are you two doing anyway?”
“Testing out the silver wing to see what it can do”, Hugo explained
“Yeah! It’s so interesting how it allows you to have wings, Hugo was gonna use it, but I have more experience flying, and he wanted to test the endurance and stamina of the wings, so he had me do so!” Varian explained as she flew over and floated in front of Eugene using the wings
“How’d you get them to activate?” The Dark Prince asked
“Hugo and I kissed, passionately, while I held the silver wing. Apparently the wings active when you do a true act of love, when I tried to save Hugo, and when he came out to help me fight Zhan Tiri, those were acts to true love. When we kiss, it’s the same!”
“Huh, clever!”
“Thank you!”
“Freckles, how do they feel when you do that?” Hugo asked as he pointed his pencil to the wings
“Hm? Oh, they feel pretty natural, almost like I’ve had them my entire life”
The inventor nodded with a smile as he jotted a few notes down, “I feel like this is a scientific version of 20 questions”, Lance stated
Hugo snorted, “so Freckles, what’s your favorite color?”
Varian giggled, “it’s blue, though I’ve been really loving emerald green as well”, he added with a smirk
“Oh you sneaky bitch”, Hugo stated with a chuckle
Lance and Eugene groaned as Rapunzel and Quirin laughed, that is, before Harmony came swooping down excitedly, a wide grin on her face as she flew over and hugged someone happily, “you’re here!” She exclaimed as they hugged her back
The group was startled before they saw who it was, “CardCaptorKatara!” They all said happily
The commenter was startled before she blushed and waved hello, “hi Card!” Varian exclaimed as he flew over and grinned, “like my additions?” He asked
The commenter grinned as she nodded and spoke, “so you like the silver wing huh?”
The alchemist paused, “woah, how did you know that these came from the silver wing?”
“Because I made it”, the commenter stated with a grin, “and act of love activated them, and they ware off a few hours after!”
The teen’s eyes glowed bright with excitement before he and Hugo began to ask a million and one questions about how the silver wings was made, how she created it, why it ended up with them, and on and on. CardCaptorKatara laughed as she explained, when the duo’s questions were satisfied, they grinned at her happily, “sorry about bombarding you, but holy shit!” Hugo exclaimed, “I can’t believe you made the silver wing! But everything you’ve said so far makes so much sense!”
“Yeah! and to think the feathers can’t be broken?! I feel like someone would wanna make an armor out of them, that’d be…. Extremely painful”, Varian added
“I would want to, not gonna lie”, Donella admitted, “though nowadays, I’d ask first”
Hugo smirked at her, “why am I not surprised?”
“Could help”, Donella stated
“True, but then again, so could the black rocks, they’re unbreakable too”
“Huh, ya know, I didn’t think about that”
Varian blinked, “Cassandra had black rock armor”
“I only fought her once and she ended up beating me pretty badly”, Donella stated in an unamused tone, “also I’m dead, so you’ll have to forgive me if my memory is a little lacking”
Hugo sighed before looking at Harmony, “to change to subject from the increasingly likely hood of a spirit brawl, you seemed extremely excited to see CardCaptorKatara”
The musical author grinned, “I am! She was the very first comment on my story, she’s become a really close friend of mine on discord and has helped me through so much! I saw her comment for this QA and I got so excited to see her again! She’s been so supportive, I wanna make sure this chapter shows how much she means to me!”
Hugo blinked before he smiled and looked at CardCaptorKatara, “thank you, for helping Harmony, ya know, I think you’ve already been told what that one comment did for her, but it did so much much than she could put into words. It really helped, so thanks for that, for yours, and her, sakes, we’ll try to make this chapter as fun as we can”
Varian nodded, “there’s one thing I know will help with that”, he then giggled before staring, “we’ve got a commenter in need of a grandpa!”
CardCaptorKatara was confused for a moment before she felt herself being scooped up and hugged by a very happy Edmund, “hello!” He exclaimed, “here’s a very happy grandpa hug just for you!”
The commenter giggled before hugging him back as Harmony grinned, she then got an idea, “hey Hugo, and Catalina, would you two mind if I asked you something really quickly?” She took the duo away for a moment, they spoke as Edmund placed CardCaptorKatara back on the ground safely before they heard Harmony snap her fingers
Suddenly, the room was filled with smoke, for a second nothing changed, but then Varian used his wings to clear the air, and stopped when he saw Hugo. His boyfriend now had a wolf tail, ears, and fangs, the blond smiled, “I’m a werewolf now!”
CardCaptorKatara looked at Harmony, who grinned, “you’ll know this reference, you’ll know a lot of these references that I’ve been making, this is your chapter, I wanna make sure you know that I sincerely cherish our friendship, and I’m really glad you’re here. So this is a thank you note as well, for everything! So, wolf Hugo! Aaaaaaaaaaaand!” She snapped her fingers again, the smoke clouding over Varian this time before he cleared it with his wings, only for his eyes to be blood red, and his canines were now large, sharp, fangs
The alchemist seemed startled before he grinned and flew over to his father, showing the man his new teeth, “I’m a vampire!”
“I see, don’t drink any blood please”, Quirin stated with a chuckle
“I won’t, I think I’d faint if I did”
“Noted”
Harmony smiled before she looked at CardCaptorKatara, “sorry if this is overwhelming, I’m just excited I suppose. I hope you enjoy yourself here, you’ve got wonderful ideas, and are a fantastic person, I you really helped me out a lot and you continue to do so through your consistent support, so thank you for that, sincerely, thank you”
Varian flew around and hissed a few times, “woah, having fun there kiddo?” Eugene asked as he chuckled
“Yup! I’ve never been a vampire before, so this is really cool! Ooooh! I wonder if I can turn into a bat!” The alchemist exclaimed
“No! N-no turning into bats please!” Quirin exclaimed anxiously, getting his son to giggle
Hugo smirked, “so, how come I have a tail, ears, and fangs, yet you don’t have anything wolf like showing Cat?”
“Because I’m able to put them away, it takes some practice”, the red head explained
“Ah”
“I could show you if you’d like”
“Nah, the tail is cute and vampire Freckles over there had his fangs and is hissing all over the place, which is fucking adorable, so I think imma join him on the ‘have fun with your new creature powers’ deal”, the inventor stated as his tail wagged happily
“Adorable tail wag love”, Varian stated as he flew over the pair with a smirk
Hugo snickered, “thanks! The hissing is a lovely sound”
“Why thank you!” The alchemist stated before he hissed again and giggled, “it’s so cool to make that sound! It sounds like a snake!”
CardCaptorKatara laughed before she noticed Rapunzel standing nearby, “hello princess”, she greeted, offering her a fist bump
“Hi!” Raounzel replied with a smile, fist bumping the commenter back
“Hey, I would love to paint with you sometime, it seems like it would be a lot of fun!”
The princess grinned from ear to ear at that, “of course! We could have a blast! Painting and singing and, maybe we could ask Varian and Hugo to pose for us in their new monster forms!”
“Yeah! That’d be neat!” CardCaptorKatara exclaimed happily
“You could also paint LittleScoocher, CardCaptorKatara’s child!” Harmony stated, getting Rapunzel to gasp
Harmony paused the chapter and looked directly at all of you, “for the record, I got permission from CardCaptorKatara to mention her kid, I’m using a username she chose for him, I will not be giving any information, that is private, away, if you want to do this for a friend, ask permission first, this is a safe space, I will not put a child’s information into my story without permission from the parents and all the protection needed to keep them safe. That being said, please give CardCaptorKatara some warm regards, this is her baby and I’m incredibly happy for her! Give her all the love you can please! She deserves it!”
Harmony unpaused the chapter as Rapunzel squeed happily, “oh you have a child?! Oh congratulations! I’m so happy for you!”
The group stopped and looked at the two, “wait, you have a baby?” Varian asked
“Yup!” CardCaptorKatara replied with a smile
“Oh congratulations! I’ll bet they’re wonderful! And I’ll bet you’re wonderful parent too! Especially with how creative you are! That baby is gonna grow up in such a happy home!” The alchemist stared happily
“Happy baby to you”, Hugo sang, “happy baby to you! They came from your stomach, and we’re so proud of you!”
“Hugo!” Varian exclaimed
“What? It’s the happy baby song!”
“You’re a brat”
“I know”, he stated with a cheeky smile before he looked at CardCaptorKatara, “sincerely though, congrats, I’ll bet being a new ma is tough though”
The commenter smiled as Harmony settled next to her, “it’s probably not easy, I mean, this is a new child we’re talking about”
“Being a parent isn’t easy, but you’ll figure it out over time”, Quirin stated, “there will be times where you’ll feel so low however, where you’ll feel like you’re doing something wrong or that you’re not doing enough to give your child the best life they can have. It was a huge fear of mine for a long time, especially when Ulla was gone, but you’re doing the best you can, and you know what?”
CardCaptorKatara looked up at the man, “hm?”
He smiled at her warmly, “you’re doing great”
The commenter smiled at him happily as the group continued to chat and celebrate with the commenter! Harmony smiled as they continued to celebrate before looking at all of you, “this is the final QA, and this is the final chapter of the final QA. I’m so thankful for all of you, each and every one of you! You’ve all helped me grow as an author, and as a person. You’ve all supported me through so much, all of the things you’ve done to help me through the years, there’s not enough words in any universes language that can completely explain how grateful I am to all of you!”
She smiled as CardCaptorKatara walked over, “Card, first off, thank you for participating, heh. You, in particular, have been there for me since the beginning, you I’ve supported me on my bad days, make jokes with me on my good days, you’ve bounced ideas off me, you’ve written stories with me, it’s been so wonderful getting to know you, and I’m so happy to get this chance to tell you, thank you, so much, for everything you’ve done! I know it must be a little strange for an online friend to say that, especially since we’re never officially met irl, but I really do think of you as a sincerely close friend of mine, online or otherwise, and I’m very happy I got to meet you! I hope we can continue to be friends for a very long time!” She smiled happily at the commenter, who smiled back
“With all that being said! Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, participating, and supporting me and my crazy story! I’m grateful to all of you for all that you’ve done, and I can’t wait to continue this story, and move on to the next one as well, I’ll be rewriting the entire tangled series after this story ends, I’ve got the first few chapters done already! I can’t wait to go on a brand new adventure with all of you! It’s been so wonderful, thank you all for making it so much fun for me! I hope I’ve made you happy, that’s all I wanna do, I just want to help people smile, the way you’ve all helped me to, again, thank you, for everything! We all, me and the characters, hope you all have a wonderful day/night! See you in the next chapter! 🎶❤️”
Notes:
Thank you, so much! I wouldn’t be here without you!🎶😁❤️
Chapter 483: Eugene’s Inquiry!
Summary:
Eugene asks Varian for his opinion on something important!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector grinned, “heh, best. Fucking. Meeting. Ever!”
Eugene sighed before smirking, “I honestly can neither confirm nor deny”
“I can deny, at least Adira and King Edmund didn’t run off with my child and place him on a rhino, with no prior rhino riding lessons, before taking off with him”, Quirin stated with a huff
“It’s was fucking funny and you know it”, Hector stated
“Oh yes, you damaging my door, making me think there was a break in, making us go in a scavenger hunt, all to end up at the castle and see you take off with Varian on Xena was a very pleasant experience”, Quirin stated sarcastically
Hector snickered as Edmund sighed and Adira shook her head with a smile on her face. Eugene smiled, “honestly, this whole thing, meeting and getting to know all of you, including you Quirin, has been such an amazing experience, I don’t think I’ll be able to ever say how much it’s meant to me, and I can only imagine what it’s meant to Varian”
Quirin smiled lovingly at the Dark Prince as Edmund hugged the Coronan Captain, “thank you Eugene”
“Anytime, now there’s only one problem”
“What’s that?”
“The fact that I’ll have to deal with the blond brat being in my family now, with all of his sassiness”, he joked as he looked at Hugo, who was smiling in his sleep
Quirin chuckled before he looked at his two sons, Adira, Hector, and Edmund all doing the same. They smiled, the blue flames in their hearts mixing together with an emerald green as the retired knight let out a happy sigh, “I can’t wait for that day”, he stated peacefully
****
Varian let out a squeaky yawn as his eyes fluttered open. Looking around, he noticed he was in the bed he was given in the Dark Kingdom. Stretching his limbs, he sat up, rubbing his eyes to get the sleep out of them as the Sun shined brightly through his window, “Hugo?” He asked tiredly as he looked by his side, only to smile when he saw his boyfriend nestled comfortably underneath the blankets. Placing a loving hand on the blond’s cheek, the alchemist slid out of the bed, being careful not to wake his lover
Hearing a chitter beside him, the teen looked over and saw Ruddigar sitting nearby, the raccoon seemed to have been guarding the duo, once he’d noticed his boy was awake, he all but charged into Varian’s arms, chittering and purring happily
The alchemist giggled, “hey bud”, he stated tiredly, “how are you?”
Ruddigar chittered again before he nuzzled his boy lovingly, his tail swishing with joy before he stopped and then chittered angrily at the teen
“Eheh, sorry, I must’ve worried you huh?”
Ruddigar chittered again, pawing at the teen’s face
“Hee hee, I’m sorry I’m sorry, I won’t do it again, it was an accident bud”
Ruddigar huffed
“Still mad?”
Another huff with an indignant tail swish to boot
“Would an apple help?”
Ruddigar chittered
“Heh, oki, an apple and a fur brush, how about that?”
Ruddigar smirked before he nuzzled his teen again happily, getting the alchemist to giggle
“You’re so spoiled, hee hee”, Varian said before he got his raccoon on his shoulder and got ready for the day. He sighed when he felt the familiarity of his street clothes on his back, smiling at them before brushing his teeth, hair, and raccoon and heading out of the privy. He noticed Hugo had gotten up during his morning routine, he smiled, made the bed, and walked towards the kitchen
“Pancakes make the world go round”, he heard his grandpa state happily, “I need to make a national pancake day! OH! National breakfast food day!” He exclaimed excitedly
“I think you should probably wait until the Dark Kingdom is up and running again first”, Varian heard his father replied with a soft chuckle that made the teen’s heart grow warm
“I wouldn’t mind a pancake day”, Adira’s voice came next, “would be far better than the last king’s new national holiday, what was it again? Something about tree bark?”
“It was fucking nature potluck, where everyone had to eat like the animals that surrounded this kingdom. Would’ve been fine had we gotten animal experts in this kingdom, or if anyone ever listened to me, but fucking noooooo, King Adder just *had* to know best, ugh…..” Hector’s voice complained, making Varian giggle, “that tree bark you’re talking about? The last king thought animals actually ate that, hence why it was served…..”
“Don’t some animals eat tree bark?” Edmund asked
“Well yeah, a lot of them do, but it’s not their *primary* food! Squirrels, rabbits, gophers, voles, mice, beaver, porcupines, bushbabies, and even raccoons eat tree bark from time to time. But it’s not their fucking primary source of food! Raccoons, specifically, will actually only eat it if there’s nothing else around! There’s *plenty* of nuts, berries, bugs, and other things that animals eat, the fucking bark should stay on the damn trees!”
“I agree”, Adira stated
“Maybe I can change that day to breakfast day then!” Edmund stated happily
“How about we worry about *eating* the breakfast first, yeah?” Quirin said with another chuckle
“Oh right!” Edmund took a big bite of his breakfast, making his children snicker
Varian smiled as he continued to hear his family chatter, “isn’t eavesdropping kinda rude?” A voice asked behind him, making the teen let out a startled ‘MEEP!’ Before jumping back and looking, only to see Eugene smirking at him
“Eugene! Oh! H-hi!”
“Hey, whatcha doin bein sneaky over here kid?” He asked with a chuckle
“Eheh, it was sort of an accident. They were in the middle of a conversation and I-I didn’t wanna intrude b-because that would be even more rude and I-I guess it’s still to listen but I-I-I-I-!”
“Easy Hairstripes, I’m just teasing”, Eugene stopped the teen with a gentle hand on his shoulder, I don’t plan on ratting you out, though….. I kinda need to ask your opinion/advice on something”
Varian tilted his head to the side, “my advice?”
“Yeah, if that’s okay”
“Yeah, I don’t mind”
“Do you need food first?”
“Huh? Oh! Nah, I’ve got a couple apples in my bag, hang on”, he reached inside and pulled out two, giving one to Ruddigar, who happily took it, before taking a bite out of the other, “I got em from my dad’s farm, just in case a snack was needed”
“Nice!” Eugene stated with a grin
“Want one?” Varian asked, offering the man another as he swallowed his bite
“No I’m okay, thank you, but uh, can we go somewhere a little more private?” Eugene asked
“Sure!” The alchemist replied as he followed Eugene down a few corridors before they ended up in Quirin’s old bedroom. The alchemist grinning from ear to ear as he hopped onto his father’s old bed and giggled, “tiny dad room!”
Eugene snickered, “I figured you’d prefer to be in here before, how are ya feeling by the way?”
“Hm?”
“Well from the whole, Moonstone taking over your body to put a bunch of old dead guys and gals to rest, thing”
Varian snickered, “my my, such a way of explaining things”, he teased, “either way I’m fine, a little tired, but okay nonetheless”, the alchemist replied with a smile, “thanks for asking!”
“You’re welcome”
“So”, Varian took another bite of his apple as Ruddigar finished his and sat, comfortably, on Varian’s lap, “what’d you wanna talk about?” The alchemist asked
Eugene snickered, “we have lost all our nanners when it comes to food in your mouth while talking, huh kiddo”
Varian giggled and blushed, swallowing his bite down, “you’re my big brother, I feel comfortable enough to be gross around you”
“I’m touched”
“You should be”
“Ya know, I think Adira’s rubbing off on you”
“She might be”
“Heh, stinker”
“Indeed!”
Varian took another bite if his apple happily as Eugene snickered, “either way, I wanna ask you a question kiddo”, he said before the Coronan Captain pulled out a small box that Varian recognized instantly
Varian blinked, “um….. Not to be mean, but I’m with Hugo”, the alchemist stated gently
“Hm? Oh! Heh, nonono, I wasn’t gonna ask you *that*”, Eugene exclaimed, “not that you’re not a great catch, but I’ve got a brunet princess waiting back home, and you’ve got a pervy blond boy”
Varian giggled, “first off, how dare, Hugo’s a good boy!”
“He’s also kinda pervy, and you’re my little brother/nephew, imma be overprotective”
“He’s a gentlemen, and he hasn’t done anything that makes me uncomfortable, you stop it”
Eugene smiled, “defending your bo is admirable kiddo, glad you love him so much, he’s still a brat”
“Love you too”, Varian stated with a giggle. The Dark Prince snickered at that, “secondly, thank you, I’m glad you think in a catch!”
Eugene laughed, before ruffling his tiny bro’s hair, “you’re welcome kiddo”
“Hee hee”
“Anyway, the reason I need your opinion is because….. I’m planning on asking Rapunzel to marry me”
Varian’s eyes lit up with excitement, “you are?!” He clapped his hands over his mouth and blushed, “eheh, sorry”
Eugene smiled lovingly at the tiny alchemist, “it’s alright, and yeah, I am, I’m planning on getting her someplace private and asking, with everything finally being resolved, I wanna do it right. I was gonna ask if maybe…. You knew how I could do that?”
Varian’s eyes glimmered, “you’re asking for my opinion on how to propose?”
“Well that and if you wanna talk about the dream wedding, I’m all ears, I need ideas kid, I want this one to be special ya know?”
Varian smiled warmly at his big brother, “I understand that, you and Rapunzel are gonna be wonderful together, I mean, you already *are*, but even *more* so ya know? ……I’m bad at this”
“Heh, it’s okay, you’re just excited, you remember when you helped me find this ring?” Eugene asked as he showed the wedding band he’d gotten a while ago
“I remember, that was a while ago!”
“Yeah, it really was”, Eugene stated with a chuckle, “would’ve been better had the Seporians not attacked too”
“Right…. Wedding idea number one, don’t invite past enemies, though if they’re good now, that’s okay, cause I wanna be there too”
Eugene smiled, “oh you’re definitely gonna be there!”
“Yay!”
The Dark Prince snickered before he sat down next to Varian on the bed, “so, do you have any proposal ideas?”
“Well, for you and Punzel, I think the best way to propose would be on a boat, since that’s where you both had your first date! It’s sentimental, means a lot, and Punzel even said it’s one of her favorite memories of the pair of you!”
Eugene nodded, “that would definitely be better than proposing to her in front of a large group of people that she barely knows, not too long after I reunited her with her family, eheh”
Varian blinked, “uh-!”
“Long story, bad decisions, hair destiny followed close behind it, I learned a hard lesson that I shall never forget”
“……Ah”
“Yeah….. see why I need advice?”
“Hee hee, the great Flynn Rider is a little awkward with proposals, not gonna lie, I’d read that book in a heartbeat!”
“Heh, well thanks for that”
“Hee hee, but either way, a romantic boat ride when you end up proposing to her would be perfect for you two!”
Eugene smiled, “thanks, you think I should do anything in particular if she says yes or no?”
“If she says yes, lanterns EVERYWHERE!” He exclaimed, “in the sky, on the boat, in her hair, on your face, lanterns! All different colored and sparkly! She’ll love it!”
Eugene grinned, “why did I think of that?”
“Because you’re nervous”, Varian stated, “being nervous makes it hard to think, I should know, heh”
The Dark Prince hugged Varian lovingly, “you’re right, but it makes things a lot easier to think about this, thanks kiddo”
“You’re welcome!”
Eugene stopped hugging the alchemist before asking, “what if she says no?”
“Well, in that, highly unlikely-honestly more likely for my dad to give up farming and become a homeless *vagabond* for the rest of his days-scenario, you could hide the ring in a cupcake, underneath a cherry, have Pascal remove the cherry with his tongue, that way, even if she refuses, you can tell her to keep the cupcake so she has something sweet to snack on, so it doesn’t end on an awkward note, have a spare cupcake for you so you can eat it too, it’ll help, trust me”
“A cupcake to help get the bitter taste out of the air, well, that’s definitely a new one”
“That, and if she says yes, you’ve both got a nice snack to celebrate!”
“Heh, you think of everything huh kiddo?”
“When you’re a hopeless romantic like me, you tend to idealize situations like this”
Eugene smirked, “hopeless romantic?”
“Eheh, yeah, I’m kind of a sucker for big romantic gestures, something my mama shared. Dad likes small things, simple and from the heart, but mama liked big things, huge gestures of love that make your teeth rot with cavities if over sweetness!”
“Wow, tooth rotting romantic eh?”
“It’s a blessing and a curse I’m afraid”
“Heh, I’m not surprised”, Eugene then had a thought, “hey Hairstripes?”
“Hm?”
“What’s your ideal proposal situation? If you were on the receiving end”
Varian blushed, “i-if I was on the receiving end of the proposal?!”
“Yeah! If Hugo got down on one knee right now, what would be the ideal way for him to do so?”
The alchemist blushed a little before he goggled, “w-well….. if you really wanna know….. I’d love for us to go out on a nice date. Maybe go out to dinner, a nice place, then we could walk around a little bit, he’d tell me he has a surprise. He takes me to the same place my dad proposed to mama, a secret place behind our home. It’s got the best view of the Moon! We’re sitting there, bathing in her light for a little while, before he could pull out a guitar and sing for me. I dunno what he’d sing, maybe a song about him, maybe a song about me, it wouldn’t matter, his voice would be enough for me. Then, at the very end, he’d bend on one knee, and pull out a ring, then he’d ask, and I’d just about faint if he didn’t something like that!”
“Wow, that actually sounds really beautiful”
“Does it?”
“You’ve been thinking for a long time about that one huh kiddo?”
“Heh, yeah, my dad used to sing to me when I was young, he’d pull out his guitar and sing little songs for me, small things, like him calling me clumsy, but saying he loves me, my lullaby, happy songs that made me dance, or my favorite song he sings, ‘won’t back down’, because it reminds me of him, and he basically says he’ll never stop loving and protecting me, that’s sort of become his lullaby to me, mama has ‘Beautiful Dreamer’c and dad has ‘Won’t Back Down’. I dunno, I like thinking about happy memories, I’d Hugo were to propose, I’d wanna be reminded of my dad and mom, because they mean the world to me, and if he could do that during a proposal, I’d be extremely happy”
“Why do you wanna be reminded of your parents if you don’t mind me asking”
“Not at all, it’s because, if Hugo proposed, and I said yes, when we get married, he’ll be a part of my family, a part of mama, a part of dad, a part of Ruddigar, and a part of me. I only had my father and Ruddy in my life for so long, my mama died….. I never knew grandpa, Hector, or Adira until recently, and I didn’t even know you either! I was….. so lonely before…. It was hard….. but being reminded that he’ll be with me and my entire family…. I dunno, there’s something so sentimental about that feeling. I’d wanna keep it like a little memory box, close to me”, Varian looked up at Eugene and blushed as he saw the man smiling lovingly at him, “eheh, sorry, t-this was supposed to be about you and Rapunzel”
“Heh, it’s alright, I asked the question after all”, Eugene replied with a smile, “it really does sound like a wonderful way to propose, and thank you, for your help with mine”
“Anytime, thanks for asking!” Varian replied with a smile, “welp, should we go back and see what our relatives are up to?”
“Give me one moment, I’m gonna check on something real quick, then I’ll join ya”
“Oki!” The alchemist left the room, shutting the door behind him. Eugene waited until he couldn’t hear the tiny teen anymore before he looked towards a closet that sat nearby
Walking over, the man opened it, “he’s gone, you can come out not”. After a moment or two, Hugo stepped out of the closet, avoiding using his ankle, which was still sprained, “so, how was that?” Eugene asked with a smile
The blond looked up at him and grinned, “perfect!! Thank you, so much!”
“You’re welcome, you think you’re gonna be able to make that proposal a reality?”
“Definitely! Quirin showed us that secret place in the garden a while back, I could get a guitar, I already know how to play, and dinner with Freckles will be an easy fest to accomplish”, he smiled excitedly at Eugene, “I’m gonna make his dreams come true”
The Dark Prince smiled lovingly at Hugo, “I know, and it’s gonna be wonderful”
“You really think so?”
“I know so, if you can really pull off a proposal like that, then you, my good sir, have *earned* your place in this family”
Hugo grinned, “I will”, he stated happily, “I’ll do anything for him”
Eugene hugged Hugo happily, “I believe you, and I can’t wait to have you in the family, heh, brat nugget”
Hugo snickered before he hugged Eugene back, “thanks, ya butt dumpling”
The duo laughed as they hugged, letting go after a moment and joining their family for breakfast, Varian hugging Hugo happily before the two sat down next to Quirin, who was discussing farming ideas with Edmund. Hugo didn’t pay any attention to the conversation, as the small box in his pocket made him smile every time he touched it while he thought of the words Varian had said earlier
*”if Hugo proposed, and I said yes, when we get married, he’ll be a part of my family, a part of mama, a part of dad, a part of Ruddigar, and a part of me”*
The blond smiled as he looked around at all the people, and animals, on the family, all of them gave him a smile when they noticed his look, before he moved on to the next, he landed on Varian and let out a dreamy sigh as he was gently reminded to eat his pancakes by Quirin. As he ate a for full of food, he smiled at the sweet taste as his thoughts were overtaken with excitement at the thought of being a part of them, *I can’t wait*, he thought to himself as he listened to the chatter at the table
Notes:
Hello! :D
Back to the story again! Here’s a fun chapter where Eugene and Varian (team Awesome) have a talk about certain things
The time is getting close now, I honestly can’t wait to write that chapter! If you’ve read this chapter, you’ll know what I’m talking about, heh 😁
It’s gonna be such a wonderful chapter to write, and I’m really excited about it! Just like the characters, I can’t wait! ❤️😁🎶
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 484: Scary Pages! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Something strange happens in the castle that prompts Varian to start writing in a journal, however, things only seem get worse!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
New journal entry 1: August 15th, 5:54PM
Dear Journal,
Hello! My dad found an old journal of his that he used to keep notes in when he was a kid! He never used this one, so he said I could have it! I was originally gonna use it to write down some blueprints, but, something strange just happened, and I feel like I should write it down.
Journal….. Have you ever felt like you’re being watched? Today I went with my dad, Grandpa, Hugo, and Eugene, to explore the rest of the Dark Kingdom castle. Adira wasn’t feeling great for some reason, so Hector decided to stay with her.
Anyway, we walked through the halls of the Dark Kingdom, Grandpa was giving us the grand tour, he was super excited about it too! When dad suddenly froze in place…..
We asked him what was wrong, and he said he felt something….. He said a sudden chill ran up his spine, and he felt a very familiar presence….. Hugo, Eugene, and I looked around, but none of us saw anything. Grandpa seemed worried, but dad said the feeling passed when he’d brought attention to it, almost like something ran away…..
We went back to check on Adira, and give dad a break, since he seemed rather freaked out. But…. When we got back, Adira had gotten worse….. She had a fever, and Hector had her lying in a bed with a cold rag on her head….. Dad and Grandpa are taking care of her right now, Hugo, Eugene, Hector, and I are just sitting and watching, grabbing things here and there to see if they’ll help….. But…. I’m worried….. She’s pale….. and she’s sweating pretty badly, yet she’s shaking like she’s cold…..
Grandpa says this has happened before with Adira, that she’s been sick like this before, but never something like this. Hector’s anxious…. I’ve never seen him look so worried….. Hugo and Eugene keep telling him she’ll be alright though, but…. I keep getting this odd feeling like I’m being watched…..
Dad keeps looking at me, which doesn’t help much. But I don’t think he can help it, he keeps saying he sees me move, and it’s making him twitchy. Thing is, I haven’t moved an inch since sitting down, save for my hand, which is writing this right now….. I dunno, maybe I’m just paranoid, dad sensing something always makes me anxious to be fair, so perhaps this is just another one of those times
Adira is sleeping at least, which is good, the more rest she gets, the better. But we were supposed to head back to the castle tomorrow….. Should Adira feel well enough, I’m certain we will, but I’m watching her right now, and it doesn’t look promising….. Eugene must feel the same way because he’s already written a letter explaining the situation to Punzel, I hope she’ll understand.
Your, very concerned, alchemist author,
Varian Vanguard
New Journal Entry 2: August 15th, 7:38PM
Dear Journal,
Hugo’s keeping me company now! We all just ate some dinner, Adira did too, she woke up a little after I finished the first entry and said she was hungry. Dad made the food since grandpa and Hector were watching over her, she had some soup! The rest of us had nice grilled cheese sandwiches with some broccoli, it was pretty good!
Adira is wide awake now, she says she feels fine, but she’s still shaking pretty badly, and her skin is still pale. So Eugene made the decision to send Rapunzel the letter stating we’d be staying for a while longer. Grandpa and Adira both felt bad, especially Adira, but honestly, I’m kinda glad we’re staying longer! As much as I love Corona, I wanna see more in the Dark Kingdom! Plus, after the events of today, and what happened with the Moonstone and all the past Queens and Kings of this kingdom, I didn’t really get a chance to explore much since everyone was worried I’d be too pooped to do much. I told them I was fine, but that didn’t stop them from worrying
Anyway, now we get to stay longer! Maybe, once Adira feels better of course, we can explore a little more of the castle! I wanna find the library, apparently it’s *stacked* with books that Corona doesn’t have! Hugo and I are going to definitely be diving into that! Hee hee, he’s reading what I’m writing right now and nodding aggressively, I love my Hugo! …..And he just kissed my cheek and made me blush, he keeps doing that! Little stinker, hee hee
Anyway, so far nothing new has occurred, Adira seems okay, which is good! Hector is relaxing a little more, Grandpa and dad are talking, Hugo’s being a handsome man next to me, and Eugene is watching over Adira. I may start to write some ideas for new inventions in here soon! Maybe me writing this down wasn’t needed? I’m hoping so
Thank you for listening either way journal! …..And I’m talking to a journal, ehehe, I’ve been talking to grandpa too much, heh, not that I mind
Your, kinda odd, alchemist author,
Varian Vanguard
New Journal Entry 3: August 16th, 3:04AM
Dear Journal,
I heard a crash…… Everyone fell asleep, i I was too, until I heard a crash….. i-it was loud and sounded like it was coming from down the hall…… l told dad, had to wake him up, though he was already awake, he said he had a nightmare…. I felt bad for telling him even more scary things, but I didn’t know what else to say when he’d asked why I wanted him….
He immediately investigated, waking up Hector, Hugo, and Eugene just in case before he got out his swords and checked down the hall….. Grandpa woke up from his own nightmare not too long after that…. He said he had a dream about a spirit he’d learned of before….. That’s when he noticed dad missing…..
We told him what I’d heard, and Grandpa got extremely upset, he got up and told two of us to stay put, Hugo and I were chosen, I have my Moon powers and Hugo’s pretty good with a sword. Eugene and Hector went with Grandpa to bring dad back….. I’ve…. Never heard grandpa yell before….. He wasn’t angry at any of us, but…. It was still scary…..
Hugo and I are watching over Adira right now, Hugo’s been extremely quiet, hugging me when I’ve needed it, he switched off taking care of Adira with me not too long ago. It’s why I’m writing in you now journal…. We’re supposed to switch off every now and again, that way when one of us gets too tired, the other can stay awake and watch over her….
She got worse, paler than the Moon, shaking like crazy, yet sweating bullets….. I’m scared journal…. Grandpa sounded so afraid for some reason, and dad’s nervous energy before he left is setting off so many warning bells in my head….. I get the feeling that grandpa was right, we should never have let dad go alone….. He said Hector and Eugene would’ve been a better choice, but not dad….. apparently he thinks whatever’s happening is trying to get dad…… He said something about an unfinished meal?
I got chills when he mentioned that…. He calmed down quickly and that’s when he said two people needed to stay and two people needed to come with….. I want dad back….. I want Adira to not be sick anymore….. And I want whatever’s watching me to STOP!
……Great…. I’m saying what I’m writing and just freaked Hugo out…. Ugh…. Maybe I should stop writing for now, if there are any updates, I’ll write them down…. Thanks for listening….
Your, trying not to end up insane, alchemist author,
Varian Vanguard…
New Journal Entry 4: August 16th, 3:46AM
Dear Journal,
Hugo and I just had our first fight….. It was my fault….. I was anxious and worried and ended up snapping at him when he asked if I was okay for the 500th time….. I was quiet and he’d gotten worried, he’s asked me that so many times, but that doesn’t mean I just snap….
He snapped back at me, not that I blame him, his nerves are just as frayed as mine after all…. We ended up saying some things that neither of us should have said… I didn’t know I felt so strongly about him caring so much about me, yet so little about himself….. It just…. popped into my head and I yelled it out like word vomit!
He looked just as surprised before snapping back that he’d rather help me than focus on himself….. I never knew he hated himself so much….. I should’ve figured with how much he talks about me and asks about how I feel, yet changes the subject when it’s about him…..
I still shouldn’t have said what I did though…. I know who he is, and I love him very much, if he wants to tell me what he likes or what he wants to do, then he should do that when he’s comfortable, not when I ask, but….. I just got so frustrated! It’s no excuse….. both of us are scared and anxious and worried, and talking right then and there just seemed to be a bad idea on both our parts….. I’m watching him right now, he’s huddled in a corner next to Adira….. Still watching her…..
I still love him, I always will, but that fight was….. rough…… It was as bad as dad and me, before….. before he…. Got stuck….. I feel so guilty, it *was* my fault, but I can tell Hugo feels just as guilty….. I’d apologize, but every time I try, he gives me a look…. Something tells me he’s not ready for an apology….. I’ll wait…. I should give him that much at the very least….. When he wants to talk, I’ll wait, but until then, we’re waiting in silence….
Adira is still asleep, she looks a little better though, which is good. Dad still isn’t back though…. Nor is Grandpa, Eugene, or Hector….. I’m getting so worried about them….. Ruddigar is nuzzling me, Hugo is getting worried as well, given how much Olivia is rubbing against him, then again we did just have a huge fight…..
I dunno….. Hugo looks tired, I may try to coax him to rest for a moment while I take over watching Adira…. Hopefully he’ll allow me to do that for him….. He deserves a break….. I hope we don’t fight again…. I feel so sick to my stomach for getting so mad…… It was my fault….. all my fault…. And whatever is watching me is still doing so….. I’m on edge…..
Maybe a distraction will help….. Either way, he needs rest, I’m gonna go try to get him some, wish me luck!….
Your, incredibly heartless and mean, alchemist author,
Varian Vanguard…..
New Journal Entry 5: August 16th, 3:52AM
Dear Journal,
Well, this is a first. It’s Hugo, Varian took my watch, said something about me needing rest, and understatement if Liv’s squeaks are anything to go by……
I just read what he’s written so far, he said he didn’t mind….. The fight…. It was pretty bad…. Reading about how he feels however, it helps a little. I know he’s worried and anxious, his fucking family is missing for fuck’s sake! And his aunt is sick in bed! This whole situation is just so shitty!
I did ask if he was alright a lot…. That would make anyone frustrated….. I don’t hate him either, I could never hate Freckles, never….. though…. Him saying what he did sure didn’t help….. I…. I dunno, I don’t like to talk about myself! I never have! I never thought of myself as a really interesting person, I’m sexy as fuck, sure! And I’m a sassy asshole, definitely! But I don’t really need to say anything more, well…… More like I don’t *wanna* say anything more….
I’m not that interesting, I’m a blond asshole who likes hot science men and pissing off Eugene, I think that shit’s funny as hell! The man gets so high and mighty sometimes that I think he needs to get taken down a peg or two! Him and his fucking, ‘I used to be a legendary thief and think I’m super wise’ attitude…. Though, he has helped me with that same attitude…. So I guess I shouldn’t get too irritated
Ugh….. I dunno….. I’m blaming Eugene for things I shouldn’t…. He’s a good distraction…. Maybe a little too good….. ya know, sometimes I wonder if maybe…. Varian will see how inadequate I am to that guy….. I mean, the man saved a damn princess, got to stay in a castle, got promoted from thief, to guard, to thief catcher teacher, to captain of the royal guards in two fucking years! How in the *hell* am I supposed to compete with that?!
To top it all off, he’s also Flynn Rider! Varian’s childhood crush and idol! I would be fucking lying if I didn’t admit that those two having Team Awesome and hanging out the way they do makes me more than a little jealous….. But I’d never tell Freckles to stop…. Never…. He can have friends, it’s just Eugene that I have a problem with, but then again, that’s a me thing, if I need to, I’ll tell Freckles about it, but he’s not doing anything wrong….. neither is Eugene himself, though I may still say something anyway….. It’s better to talk these things out before they get worse….
Besides, I know they’re related! They don’t think of each other that way anymore! Eugene never did in the first place, he’s not gay or bi or pan, he’s straight, in a relationship, and that’s perfectly okay! I hate feeling so fucking jealous of him! Maybe that’s why I pick on him so much? He did just help me with my surprise for Freckles…..
And that line right there means that I’ll be ripping this entry out and hiding it forever! Ugh….. Varian’s watching me again, he can tell I’m anxious and frustrated, it’s not at him! I’m just….. tired and anxious and….. I’m scared…..
Ah fuck it, I’m gonna rip this entry out anyway! I’m proposing to the love of my life soon! I’m fucking anxious and nervous, I want everything to go right! And I just ended up having a fucking fight with him….. while majority of his family are missing, his aunt is sick, and we’re fucking days away from his home….. This kid is fucking anxiety incarnate right now, and I kept asking him if he was alright, no, he really fucking wouldn’t be!
I got so mad when he snapped at me though, why?! I don’t even know….. Maybe my nerves are frayed too….. Ugh…. And then he had to say that I don’t worry about myself….. that I don’t talk about myself…. It’s because I fucking hate myself! I hate how I act and feel, I hate my past, I hate that I’m a street rat! I hate that I’m not some damn prince from a lost kingdom, with fancy fucking hair, no abusive parents to speak of, and with a history of being the best damn thief in the world an-!
…..Damn it…..
Eugene is a good man, a really good friend, an amazing big brother, and a wonderful person. I hate that I feel like I have to measure up to him, but…. Sometimes I can’t help it….. He’s just so perfect….. He makes me hate myself more, not by how he treats me, just by how damn perfect he is! And I shouldn’t feel that way….. It’s a me thing, I may talk to Lance about it later….. Ugh….. This is why I don’t like to talk about myself, I’m a fucking horrible person….. I don’t know why Freckles loves me so much…. Maybe…. Maybe I should ask him…. He keeps looking at me
Heh, he really wants to apologize….. I saw that he’s waiting for me to tell him he can…. I should apologize too…. Maybe that’ll help with the nerves too…. Heh, he’s looking at me again, he’s so adorable
I’m gonna go talk to him, I don’t wanna leave him feeling so guilty. He shouldn’t feel guilty, even if he did snap, I’m glad he did, at least I know what I need to work on now! And I think I have an idea for a song to propose to him with now! Heh, maybe this fight was a good thing….. well…. Ok no, no it’s never good to fight with your lover, but it’s good that I got an idea for the proposal, and something to work on! At least he told me, he’s comfortable saying that to me at least, and I’m grateful for that
I’m gonna go talk to him now, I’m certain he’ll write down how it went, for now, I’m gonna rip out my entry. Sorry Freckles, but I really don’t want you to see what I just wrote, I hope he won’t be mad…..
Your vandal of an inventor author,
Hugo
New Journal Entry 5? 6?: August 16th, 4:14AM
Dear Journal,
Hugo ripped out his entry, I can’t say I was super happy about that, but he explained there were a few things he hadn’t meant to write. I guess he must’ve been really upset….. We talked about the fight, I apologized for my behavior, he did as well, not like he needed to
We discussed a few things about what we said, he told me he’d talk to Lance about how he felt about himself, I guess I was right in my earlier entry, he really hates himself….. that makes me sad…. He’s wonderful and amazing and kind and caring and funny and sassy and-I could go on but I think I should stop, hee hee
Either way, I love him because he makes me happy, I told him that, it made him smile, he has the best smile I’ve ever send he really does. Suffice to say we’re no longer mad at each other, but it was startling to have our first fight, I guess we just hit a milestone in our relationship. Dad says fights are normal, just so long as physical blows aren’t exchanged, which Hugo and I would never do to each other
He’s back to watching Adira, he wanted to give me another breather, I guess I look pale? I hope I’m not getting sick now….. That would’ve go-!
…..I’ve gotta go, I’ll explain later,
Varian Vanguard
New Journal Entry 7 (Hugo’s entry counts, so the last one would be 6, this one is 7), August 16th, 7:32AM
Dear Journal,
The group came back, and they had dad with them! He was very hurt and knocked out though….. We had to heal him, he was shaking in his sleep, he looked just as pale as Adira…..
Grandpa didn’t explain what happened, but he, Eugene, and Hector looked so freaked out and exhausted….. Still though, Grandpa told us to sleep, he’d take over watching the group. Eugene and Hector didn’t argue, grandpa looked so mad….. We got up this morning, dad still isn’t awake…. Grandpa said he’d be alright, he also said he wasn’t mad at me or Hugo, he was just mad at the situation…..
He told me they’d seen something he wish they hadn’t….. Apparently someone from dad and his past came back to haunt them….. literally….. Grandpa said it was a ghost!
Eugene and Hector didn’t explain who it was or what they did, but Hector mentioned that I should know what they’re talking about, but for some reason, it’s escaping my memory….. apparently dad told me about it before, he told me, Lance, Eugene, Rapunzel, and the girls when I was sick….
Why can’t I remember? Hugo wasn’t there, so he wouldn’t know, none of them wanted to explain, they said they were all too freaked out by it….. They wanted to wait until dad wakes up first….. Eugene said that could take a few days…..
Adira is doing better, she woke up and it seems like her fever broke, which is great! However…. Now dad has one….. which isn’t…..
Something is still watching me….. I can feel their eyes on my back all the time now….. I wanna tell the to stop, but I’m afraid I’ll look crazy if I do…..
I feel itchy too, like something’s crawling up my body….. it’s such an odd feeling too…. I hope it stops soon….. I hope everything goes back to normal and that dad’s okay….. I want him to be okay….. I miss him….
Your, sad and anxious, alchemist author,
Varian Vanguard
New Journal Entry 8: August 16th, 3:00PM
*Varian is in danger….. Someone is blocking me from helping him….. Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him
New Journal Entry 9: August 16th, 3:13PM
Dear Journal,
This is Hugo, I found Varian’s journal down the hall from the room we’ve been staying in….. The last entry…. It scared me…. Quirin’s still asleep, Adira is shaking really badly, she keeps saying something bad happened….
I’m gonna look for Varian with Hector….. I hope he’s okay….. I’ll write more later….
Your, extremely anxious and freaked out, inventor author,
Hugo
New Journal Entry 8: August 16th, 3:45PM
Dear Journal,
Varian and Quirin are both gone…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I love the spooky season! I’m a Halloween lover through and through! However, I don’t wanna wait until October to write something scary
So here it is 😁🎶 I will not tell you any spoilers, but if you know what’s happening, and you will if you’ve read a particular chapter, then you may have a guess as to what’s about to happen next :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 485: Scary Pages! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian and Quirin are gone, and the group needs to find them!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
New Journal Entry 8: August 16th, 3:00PM
*Varian is in danger….. Someone is blocking me from helping him….. Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him, Save him, save him, save him
New Journal Entry 9: August 16th, 3:13PM
Dear Journal,
This is Hugo, I found Varian’s journal down the hall from the room we’ve been staying in….. The last entry…. It scared me…. Quirin’s still asleep, Adira is shaking really badly, she keeps saying something bad happened….
I’m gonna look for Varian with Hector….. I hope he’s okay….. I’ll write more later….
Your, extremely anxious and freaked out, inventor author,
Hugo
New Journal Entry 8: August 16th, 3:45PM
Dear Journal,
Varian and Quirin are both gone…..
New Journal Entry 9: August 16th, 5:43PM
Dear Journal,
Adira is back to normal…. She’s no longer sick, she’s walking, talking, she said she woke up from her nap and felt completely fine….. While we should be happy about that, it just means that something really is going on…..
We told her everything, she knew a lot of it, but she didn’t know that Quirin and Varian disappeared though….. Adira said she had a dream about them, she said they were walking towards something bright….. They seemed entranced by it, she said she tried to stop them, but whatever they were walking towards screamed at her….. it made her woke up and suddenly she felt better
I don’t like this…. I keep hearing whispers all around me….. Hector says he hears them too, Edmund and Adira don’t…. But both of them feel like there’s something here…. As for Eugene, he’s a wreck, I’ve never seen the guy so freaked out before
He was paler than a ghost when I showed him the notebook, he said that he can see so many awful things right now, but I’m not seeing anything! I don’t know if he’s just hallucinating or what, but he keeps seeing Varian and Quirin, they keep screaming and their mouths open wider than they should, their eyes are mere sockets, and they’re crying…..
I want this to stop…. I want Varian back, I wish we didn’t have that stupid fight! We made up, but I can’t stop thinking about it! I told the others….. They understood and told me that it’s not my fault, that the fight had nothing to do with what was going on was that I shouldn’t blame myself, but I can’t help it!
I’m sitting here, trying not to cry, in a corner, I’m away from everyone else, we searched *EVERYWHERE* in this damn castle and we couldn’t find them! I’m scared, I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m frustrated, I feel horrible, I’m worried, and I just want to find my family!
Even *Ruddigar* is gone! We can’t find *him* either! Just disappeared like a fucking apparition! Is that what’s gonna happen to everyone?! Are we all just gonna disappear?! I don’t want to…. I want this to stop! I really wish…. I…
I wish Donella were here….. She was cruel, but she was strong….. When I was small, she’d keep me close when I was afraid….. I want her back right now…. I’m scared….. I’m so fucking scared….. I…. I could really use her right now…..
Varian and Quirin too…. I want them to just be joking, just walk over and say this was a ruse and that Adira was in on it….. I want it to be a joke so fucking badly….. The whispers are getting worse…. Hector is watching me, I think he’s worried….
I just-!
……I heard a voice….. I heard Varian! I heard him yell! I have to tell the others, we’ve gotta search for him! I’ve gotta go!
Hugo
New Journal Entry 8: August 16th, 7:53PM
Dear Journal,
This is Eugene….. Hugo’s a mess…. He said he heard Varian yell and ran off to go find him…. We all chased him down, I had to grab him to stop him from running. He…. Bit me….. Before realizing who he was doing that to and stopping….
I’m not mad, we’ve all been watching him, he’s so shaken by what’s going on….. I read his entry…. This poor fucking kid was doing the equivalent of crying out for his mom….. Edmund has him right now, Adira and Hector did a sweep of the area, they didn’t see or hear anyone…. Hugo swore he heard Varian’s yell though, he swore it up and down, he tried to go out and search for him again…..
We had to stop him, Edmund’s got him snuggled in his lap. I’ve never seen Hugo, of all people, look so small and frightened….. He’s clinging to my dad so hard right now….. I can’t blame him, he was right about me seeing things….. That moment with Quirin and Varian, what I saw them as….. It scared me so fucking much…..
I don’t know why, but I haven’t seen Donella or Ulla or my mother around here at all, I don’t know why, you’d figure they’d be here….. But maybe that’s wishful thinking….. My dad suggested that we all just rest for a moment, calm our nerves, especially now since Adira is miraculously feeling better
I’m with Hugo on this one though, I really want Varian and Quirin to say it was a joke, I want them to pop out and say they’re fine, and that Adira was in on it, but I asked Adira, and she didn’t pull any tricks, she told me straight out that this was not a prank…..
Somehow her being serious makes me even more afraid…..
Varian had the right idea about writing in this journal. Looking back at his notes, I think I’m getting a good picture of his mindset right now….. Poor Hairstripes was freaked out before the rest of us….. And that entry before Hugo took over…. I wonder if that was the Moonstone…..
I’ll have to run it by dad, it’s in Varian’s handwriting, it could’ve been the Moonstone trying to reach out. If that’s the case, then we need a plan…..
I’m gonna talk with dad right now, I’ll keep this book with me, maybe if we look through it, we can find more clues….
Yours truly,
Eugene Fitzherbert-Esmeray
New Journal Entry 8: August 16th, 10:04PM
Dear Journal,
Eugene again, I ran the idea about the Moonstone by my dad. He looked at the entry and said it was possible that the Moonstone was, most certainly, reaching out. Because of that, we decided that we would make our way to the place where the Moonstone used to be kept, see if maybe we can find something there
Hugo is feeling a little better, he’s still shaken up, but he was able to speak, he…. Apologized for biting me…. I wonder how badly he felt when it happened…. Poor kid…. I forgave him and gave him a hug, that perked him up a bit, which is good. We’re in the Moonstone room right now when Hector noticed one of Varian’s entry’s in the journal.
He said it was the one right after we’d gotten back with Quirin, apparently, Hairstripes didn’t remember the ghost story his dad told him about while he was sick. Which is a little odd now that I think about it. I remember that story, Quirin found a spirit of a woman in the nursery on one of his very first shifts. She’d screamed at him, he said it was a sound he’d never forget…. It made him faint and gave him horrible nightmares….
But dad said he’d closed that part of the castle off after it’d happened…. Then again, Varian also mentioned dad had an inkling that Quirin was an unfinished meal…. I wonder how true that statement is now…. I think Hector’s starting to wonder as well….
Edmund doesn’t want to talk about it….. He said the further away they get from that spirit the better, but…. Given how he reacted to Varian, and Hector, and I, asking, I think he’s afraid….. Something about that story makes him panic, I wonder if Quirin didn’t see everything while he was out, like maybe dad saw something he didn’t talk about?
Hector has the same thought….. Um….. Hugo’s shaking again…… I’m gonna go check on him, I’m have no idea why he just grew super pale, but he’s shaking like a fucking leaf!
Yours truly,
Eugene Fitzherbert-Esmeray
New Journal Entry 9: August 16th, 11:48PM
Hello Speckles’s Journal,
I’m assuming you’ll know who this is, but I’ll leave it a mystery in case you don’t. Ponytail had a panic attack just now, Fish Skin rushed over to calm him down because Fuzz Face seemed to be preoccupied with his own thoughts at the moment, which is odd
Wild Child and I helped Fish Skin with Ponytail, he calmed down, so that’s good. But Fuzz Face is still in an odd trance. We tried to snap him out of it, but it seems we thought he’s stuck. Fish skin wasn’t happy about that, none of us are.
That’s when we heard it, we heard Quirin….. He screamed…. Hector and I ran to him, Eugene tried to stop us, but we didn’t listen. We ended up finding where the scream came from….. I thought King King Edmund boarded this hall up……
Hector and I knew that scream, Quirin’s only ever done it once….. When Speckles was taken by Cassandra…. We couldn’t help ourselves, we had to run and find him…. It wasn’t a want, but a need…..
Now we’re here, in this strangely open place…. It’s the hallway that was boarded up heads ago due to that spirit. I read Fish Skin’s journal entry. He’s right, this is definitely the return of the spirit who haunted Quirin before. How she managed to gather this much energy to open this hallway back up, I will never know, but….. What I do know, is that Hector and I are alone in here. She’s not showing herself, this place looks completely abandoned, yet somehow very clean, save for a crib…. There’s…. Blood in one of the cribs….
I’m extremely disturbed by that….. Hector and I are going to be looking around, see if maybe we can find Quirin and Varian. I’ll update this journal should something of note happen.
Signed,
The mysterious author
New Journal Entry 10: August 17th, 12:01AM
We should’ve never left….
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, things definitely happened in this chapter….. Poor Hugo is an actual mess right now, and things are hitting the ceiling really quickly!
Happy spoopy times y’all! Be safe out there 😁❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 486: Scary Pages! (Part 3!)
Summary:
The group is separated and all of them are lost! They must find a way to get back together and face the being causing all of them grief!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
New Journal Entry 9: August 16th, 11:48PM
Hello Speckles’s Journal,
I’m assuming you’ll know who this is, but I’ll leave it a mystery in case you don’t. Ponytail had a panic attack just now, Fish Skin rushed over to calm him down because Fuzz Face seemed to be preoccupied with his own thoughts at the moment, which is odd
Wild Child and I helped Fish Skin with Ponytail, he calmed down, so that’s good. But Fuzz Face is still in an odd trance. We tried to snap him out of it, but it seems we thought he’s stuck. Fish skin wasn’t happy about that, none of us are.
That’s when we heard it, we heard Quirin….. He screamed…. Hector and I ran to him, Eugene tried to stop us, but we didn’t listen. We ended up finding where the scream came from….. I thought King King Edmund boarded this hall up……
Hector and I knew that scream, Quirin’s only ever done it once….. When Speckles was taken by Cassandra…. We couldn’t help ourselves, we had to run and find him…. It wasn’t a want, but a need…..
Now we’re here, in this strangely open place…. It’s the hallway that was boarded up heads ago due to that spirit. I read Fish Skin’s journal entry. He’s right, this is definitely the return of the spirit who haunted Quirin before. How she managed to gather this much energy to open this hallway back up, I will never know, but….. What I do know, is that Hector and I are alone in here. She’s not showing herself, this place looks completely abandoned, yet somehow very clean, save for a crib…. There’s…. Blood in one of the cribs….
I’m extremely disturbed by that….. Hector and I are going to be looking around, see if maybe we can find Quirin and Varian. I’ll update this journal should something of note happen.
Signed,
The mysterious author
New Journal Entry 10: August 17th, 12:01AM
We should’ve never left….
New Journal Entry 11: August 17th, 2:34AM
Dear Journal,
What the actual fuck is this book doing here?!
Long story short, Adira and Hector ran off because they heard Quirin screaming, Eugene, Edmund, and I tried to run after them but got separated! We looked around for *hours* only to find this journal just randomly on the ground!
No Adira, no Hector, but the two entries before this one are definitely not from me, Eugene, or Edmund! This is fucking nuts! Edmund, he found the journal, said the notebook was right in front of a hallway he’d closed off years ago! Adira and Hector knew about it, I finally got the story, it’s so damn scary, but…. Why does it make sense considering what we’re going through right now?
The whispers, the odd chills, the people disappearing, everything! Why does it feel like this is something that would be perfectly fucking normal during a ghost attack?!
……A-And why is writing suddenly appearing in this journal?! What the fuck?! I need to get Eugene over her to see this, Edmund is standing guard right now, he’s close to fucking breaking I can tell, Eugene…. Eugene needs to know, now!
You, very fucking freaked out, inventor author,
Hugo
New Journal Entry 12: August 17th, 2:37AM
Hello again Speckles’s journal,
Apologies for the final entry I made in you, we, me and Wild Child, had a run in with….. Something so horrible it’s honestly hard to describe…..
Needless to say, the spirit that Quirin ran into a long time ago is back…. She saw us and…. Used Quirin against us…. No wonder we heard him scream, the way he moved was unnatural, like a puppet on strings….
He looked like he was in so much pain….. His eyes were full of fear…. They…. Scared me….
No sign of Speckles yet, I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing…..
Wild Child is staying by my side, he’s not sure why I keep writing in this journal, but I know I should, it feels important someho-!
Huh…. Would you look at that…. Ponytail is writing in this journal too….
I think Speckles did something to this journal. He may have used magic on it, either him or the Moonstone. I’m starting to wonder if maybe the place Hector and I are in might be stuck in time as well. This has been abandoned for *years*, yet there’s not a speck of dust or a cobweb in sight
It would explain a lot, for example, King Edmund removed all of the furniture in this room before closing it off, yet here it all sits, as if nothing happened to it
I also think that’s why Quirin is currently under this spirit’s spell….. She didn’t get him before, she got him now….. We’ll break him free of course, but we need to find Speckles first….
Hector agrees with me, we’re searching for Speckles now, we’ll just have to be careful, I…. Don’t want to see Quirin like that again….. not again…..
Signed,
The mysterious author
New Journal Entry 12? 13?: August 17th, 3:04AM
Dear Journal,
Eugene again, Hugo just showed me this journal. He was talking about how it was being written in while he was using it. I didn’t believe him at first, but…. I definitely do now…..
Adira’s entry, oh sorry, ‘the mysterious author’s’ entry, was still being filled out when I looked inside, and I saw the entry Hugo just made, the ink was still wet, so I knew he wasn’t lying….
If they can see this journal and write in it like us, then that means there may be a way to get to them, Quirin, and Varian. Unfortunately, the how is kind of an issue. None of us have magic, Hugo and died and came back, but that only granted us a 6th sense, my dad has his Brotherhood mark, but that is pretty much useless without Varian or the other Brotherhood member-! WAIT!
I just got a fucking great idea! Why didn’t I think of this before?!
Adira, and Hector, when you read this, try to get your marks to glow! If you find Varian, or are near Quirin, or something, make them glow! I’ll get my dad to do the same! Maybe that magical bond will open a door for us and we can get inside and help!
I’ve gotta tell my dad, he’s a wreck right now, but me and Hugo will snap him out of this! The fact the you two heard Quirin’s screams, something my dad also heard but wasn’t as fast to react, he claims it’s age, I claim it’s nerves, Hugo says it’s both, moving on, tells me that the connection you all have with each other, through that mark, is what got you two to where he is now!
There’s no time to lose! Try to get your marks to glow asap! I’m talking to dad now!
Yours truly,
Eugene Fitzherbert-Esmeray
New Journal Entry 14: August 17th, 3:05AM
Hello Speckles’s Journal once more,
I see Fish Skin’s got a plan, Hector and I read through it, Hector now sees the importance of this journal I’m happy to note! Once again, I am correct, but I’ll say more about that later.
We’re searching for Speckles as we speak, however, there’s another way to make our marks glow. Hector and I will do so in 5 minutes, I’m guessing the timing is still on point considering everyone places the time they were their entry in it
Speckles certainly had the right idea by making this journal. He even knew to put the times there so we would too. Such a smart bean, either way, in 5 minutes, we’ll make our marks glow, get King Edmund to do the same
Signed,
The Mysterious Author
New Journal Entry 15: August 17th, 3:10AM
Dear Journal,
Eugene again, thanks Adira, dad got his mark to glow! We’re waiting in the hall right now.
Yours truly,
Eugene Fitzherbert-Esmeray
New Journal Entry 16: August 17th, 3:11AM
Journal,
The door opened, King Edmund, Hugo, and Prince Eugene ran in and found us. We’re all searching for Quirin and his spawn now.
This is fucking nuts! It’s bullshit as well! None of this should be fucking happening! I need to punch something so damn badly but I can’t!
Once we get out of this damn mess, I’m finding a fucking place to let out my anger, I know there’s one here the I haven’t used in a while. I’ll go there.
For now I’m following Adira behind and writing in this journal. I remember it, I gave a similar one to Quirin a long time ago. He showed it to me when we got to the Dark Kingdom, apparently he used it a lot. He said it came in handy when his spawn got the dragon egg, and Varian said it helped when we were all taken over by the mind trap and he was having a panic attack. Hugo had apparently read an entry to him from it
It’s good to know it was used, I think he was gonna use this one after the one I gave him was full. I don’t mind that, I’m glad the journal gave him something to place his thoughts into
There were pages he’d added from before I got there, he said he’d added them from another journal that didn’t have that many pages in it, they talked about how he’d been adopted and how badly he’d been treated by King Adder and such, I really hate that damn king….
Either way, it was nice to know he’d care about the journal so much that he put pages from his old one inside it. Maybe I should get him another one, he could write about how he feels about being surrounded by his family again
That or farming, whatever floats his boat
Wait….. I see Quirin…… Oh shit! I’ve gotta fucking go! He’s attacking us again!
Hector
New Journal Entry 17: August 17th, 3:14AM
Hello….
This is Edmund…. We made it into the hallway I closed off…. We saw Quirin….. oh…. My poor Quirin….
H-he &/@as in so much p@&n….. I couldn’t help $@m….. I wish I could…. B-but that spiri$@ has him under her control….
My poor knight… m-my poor po$@ Quirin…..
Oh… darn it…. I keep getting my tears on the p-pap$&….. it’s smudging the ink…. I’ll watch out for that….
I’m sorry little journal…. I can’t stop crying…. I hope it didn’t ruin any other entries…..
Wait…. I think…. I think I see the little peanut….. he’s… glowing….. Ah! My mark! I-it’s glowing too!!
That has to be him! That has to be! IT IS! It’s Varian!!!!!! I found him! I’m gonna go to him! I’ve gotta get him safe! I’m coming peanut, just hang on!
I’ve got to go journal!! I’m not gonna let my grandson be taken away too!
Sincerely,
Edmund Esmeray
New Journal Entry 18: August 17th, 3:28AM
Dear Journal,
Dad found Varian….. He was possessed though….. the glow my dad saw around him was from the spirit…..
I can’t believe what happened….. Varian was her main body….. She used Quirin as a puppet, and took over Hairstripes!
Adira and Hector kept Quirin at bay, they hated doing it, but they didn’t have a choice. I rescued my dad, when he ran to Varian, the spirit used his magic to grab my dad and slam him into a wall! He was so shocked that he didn’t see the black rocks coming up from underneath him, not until I pushed him out of the way!
Thankfully I only got a few scratches from that, dad is okay too! Though he was mortified when Varian suddenly appeared behind us and was about to unleashed all hell on everyone!
That is… Until Hugo stepped in. This kid has been scared shitless the entire time this has happened, but I guess when push came to shove, he snapped out of it real fucking quick. He was so fast journal! He stopped Varian by jumping on him!
The spirit did *not* like that! Understatement of the fucking year I know, but still! She tried *everything* to knock Hugo away, but this fucking kid stuck on like bark on a tree!
When her energy was expended, she tried using Quirin, but Adira, Hector, and my dad stopped him! It was actually really cool to see all three of them fight together, thought, it’d probably be cooler if Quirin weren’t the enemy…..
When she was out of options, she tried to scream, she yelled and cried and kicked and fussed like a kid throwing a temper tantrum, that’s when Hugo sang….
He wasn’t singing to her either, he was singing to Varian….. The lyrics were so soft too, and sweet, almost like he’d sang them before:
‘You're okay
You're alright
I'll never, ever leave your side
I will stay and I will fight
With you
Aah aah aah
Aah aah aah
You're okay
You're alright
I'll stay here through the darkest night
All the way, I will fight
With you’
That song calmed her down and suddenly, Varian’s eyes returned to normal, those baby blues blinked before they spotted Hugo and he began to cry….. this poor kid…. Varian’s been through enough, can the universe give him a fucking break please?!
Either way, Hugo talked to him, he said he loved him, and that he would always love him. He mentioned a few memories they had together, including when they’d first met, heh, that one was cute. He apologized for the fight they’d had before, said he hadn’t been angry at all, only worried. I reread the entries to see what he was talking about, your boi needs the tea, okay
Seemed like the fight had really gotten to Varian, more than he’d let on in the journal…. Because the moment Hugo said that, Varian relaxed, he listened to Hugo even more as the blond kept talking to him encouraging Varian to fight, that he knew he could do it, how Varian was strong and resourceful, and how Hairstripes could get through anything he put his mind to!
I cheered in agreement because all of that was true! I knew Varian could do it as well, I guess Adira, Hector, and dad heard him as well, because they cheered too!
Hugo kissed Varian on the lips, that sealed the deal for Hairstripes apparently, because light *burst* from him and Quirin before it faded and they both fell on the ground
The spirit that took them over tried to do so again, but Varian managed to wake up in time to stop her. He shot magic at her and weakened her enough to where he could talk to her…
I won’t go into details about what they talked about since I’m fairly certain Goggles will wanna do that himself, but suffice it to say, she’s at peace, the hallway is clear, and we’re letting Varian and Quirin, who’s still knocked out, rest
This whole thing is finally over! Well rest up, chill, and things will be fine. I’m heading to bed, oh! By the way, Ruddigar was still with Varian. He’d hidden and followed his boy the entire time until Goggles was freed, saw him rush over and climb on the kid’s shoulder when he was resting. That raccoon is as loyal as Pascal, I swear he is
Anyway, Hugo’s with Varian and Quirin, asleep and snuggling, Adira and Hector are finally back with the group, no sickness, thankfully, and everyone is safe and sound. I’m heading to bed, this fucking adventure was way too much for me
Goodnight journal, I’ll give you back to Varian tomorrow, or Quirin, whomever wakes up first
Yours truly,
Eugene Fitzherbert-Esmeray
New Journal Entry 19: August 17th, 6:28AM
Dead Journal,
Well then, you got a fair bit of use over the past few days, haven’t your journal? Heh, it’s Quirin
I’m very glad I found you when I did, without this journal, I don’t think we would’ve been saved…. I don’t want to think about what would’ve happened had we not….
Varian and Hugo are still asleep, Eugene was too, I woke up with King Edmund, Adira, and Hector, unfortunately, I am very sick….
My body aches, my head hurts, I’m coughing and sneezing, I have a fever, cold and hot flashes, it’s all very unpleasant….
Kind Edmund says I have to stay in bed and rest until I’m better. You know what journal? I’m not fighting him this time…. I’m so tired…. I hurt so incredibly badly…. My head is pounding, yet sleep is a fading memory right now…..
I decided to write in you to give myself something to do. Heh, now I understand how Varian feels
Speaking of, Bubby’s asleep on me, he and Hugo both, and Ruddigar too, which is nice, they’re very warm. Bubby’s mumbling in his sleep again, he’s talking about lava rocks and if they’re like jelly filled donuts, but harder and with lava as the cream
This kid makes me so happy with his adorable little sleepy babble. That and Hugo’s tiny whistling is so damn cute! I love these boys so much, I love my two tiny son’s, even if Hugo is official yet, he’s an honorary Vanguard, through and through!
Op! Varian’s waking up, I’m gonna greet him, hee hee, his cute little squeaky yawn! He’s such a little squeaker, anyway, goodbye journal, thank you for letting me write in you
Sincerely,
Quirin Vanguard
New Journal Entry 20: August 17th, 7:04AM
Dear Journal,
Hi, I’m back! I’m very tired and I got sick, but I’m back! So is dad, he’s sick too, but Adira isn’t thankfully, she’s still okay, I wonder if the ghost made her sick for a little bit.
Either way, I read over the entries made when I was gone, Eugene’s plan was extremely smart! Using the Brotherhood marks to establish a connection and open the door to the hallway, that was genius! All the compliments to my big brother!
Eugene mentioned that I’d talk about the ghost, and I will, her name was Victoria. She was a Lady in Waiting in the castle, she got pregnant by a stable boy she’d fallen in love with by accident. Because she did, her actions were seen as betrayal and she was killed, her baby, which had been born the day prior to her death, and was a sickly child, was killed as well…..
She was angry because she understood why she was killed, but couldn’t accept her child’s death. I honestly think both were cruel, neither should’ve been killed, the stable boy betrayed her too…. He told the guards that she was pregnant with his kid to save his own skin….. He got to keep his life while his wife and child suffered…. It’s disgusting to me….. no wonder she was so angry….
I managed to talk her down, calming her and praying for her and her child to find peace. That’s all she wanted, a prayer to help her and her child move on. Her screams were her calling for help. She used dad as a puppet because she thought he’d been the one to ask for her hallway to be boarded up. When I explained why, she understood and apologized, she never meant any harm, she was just so angry….
I know what that’s like….. I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t forgive her for what she did. She asked me to give her child a name, she tried, but none of them stuck. She was a girl, and she suffered a lot in such a little amount of time…. I wanted to give her a name that would maybe give her a chance to be reincarnated into someone else with a better life, so I named her Hope
Victoria loved it, and she and Hope moved on together after I prayed for them. The Moon told me she’d taken them in and would grant them a new life. That makes me happy to know that they’ll be able to live again!
Hee hee, Hugo just woke up and kissed me, I love him so much! Though, I hope he doesn’t get sick. He’s currently taking care of me and dad, dad made me laugh so hard because he said, ‘sodium chloride’ when grandpa gave him medicine that didn’t taste super great, a call back to me when I was sick
My dad’s a brat, but I love him very much, and I couldn’t be happier being sick with him! At least it means I get dad snuggles whenever I want hee hee!
Rapunzel responded to Eugene’s letter, she said we could stay for another two weeks, with an update saying Corona was doing well, so it gives us plenty of time to get better and do a few things!
I really like the Dark Kingdom! It’s got a lot of character! Even if there’s a lot of bad energy here, that can be fixed! Honestly, it’s really starting to feel like a home to me! And I can definitely see that dad, Adira, Hector, and Grandpa have all been happier since returning! Even Eugene’s been a lot more at ease being here, and Hugo is Hugo, he adapts pretty quickly to new surroundings!
It’s nice being here, I feel so much better here, no worries about past mistakes, no fear of making them again, no people to tell me alchemy is wrong, no people I’d really rather not see again, just a new slate, and a new home, with my boyfriend and my family! I hope we come back here soon!
Op, I’ve gotta go, Eugene is making us lunch and he and Hugo started bickering, it’s playful, but I should still stop it before it gets out of control, hee hee!
Thank you for helping me and my family out journal, you’re an inanimate object, but you’re a really great listener! It’s been nice writing in you! I’ll do more soon!
Your, currently sickly yet content and happy, alchemist author,
Varian Vanguard
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is the end of the scary pages arc! This was so much fun to write! I love spooky stuff! Especially paranormal!
Everyone wrote in the journal at least once, so now it’s a family journal 😁❤️🎶
I can’t say too much because I don’t wanna spoil the chapter, but so much happens in it, also, if you can spot the reference to VAT7K, 1 million points to you! I’ll give you a hint, it’s something Hugo does ;3
Either way, thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 487: The Past can Heal the Present!
Summary:
Quirin talks about something Edmund did that helped him in the past!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Oh where oh where could my Freckles be~”
“Hugo”
“Oh where oh where could he be~”
“Hugo”
“I’ve searched high and low-!”
“Hugo!”
“And nobody knows-!”
“Hugo!!”
“Oh WHERE oh where could he beeeeee~”
“HUGO!”
The blond grinned cheekily as he looked at the aggravated Dark Prince, “yaes?”
Eugene sighed, “you’re a brat”
“I realize”
“Ugh….. I think I know how Quirin feels now….”
“Hee hee”
“Also, you know he’s bathing right now yes?”
“Freckles? Oh yeah, I already know”
“What the-then why were you-!”
“Just to piss you off”
Eugene huffed at the blond, “I reiterate, you’re a brat”
“I know”, the blond snickered before he let out a sigh and scooted over to Eugene, “by the way, thanks for…. Helping me…. During the whole ghost thing”
Eugene blinked before he let out another sigh, this one a little more patient than the last, “you’re welcome, you know, thats the 8th time you’ve thanked me”
“I realize, I just…. I dunno…. I give you so much shit, yet you didn’t even hesitate”
“Heh, you do give me a lot shit”, Eugene stated, ruffling Hugo’s hair, “but you’re part of the family, I expect to be given shit”
The blond giggled as he fixed his due, “noted, heh”
Eugene smiled at the teen before the door to the family room opened and in walked the tiny alchemist, “hey Hairstripes! How ya feeling?”
Varian blinked before he smiled at Eugene, “I’m okay, still a little stuffy, but the bath helped!” He stated before walking over and hugging Hugo, who happily returned the hug
“Still stuffy is better than fever ridden”
Varian and Hugo stopped hugging as the alchemist looked at Eugene while Hugo kissed his boyfriend’s cheek, making the freckled teen blush before responding, “hee hee, true, though, I wish I wasn’t dressed in my pajama best, I wanna be in street clothing!” He whined, getting Hugo to snicker
“You’ll be in your street clothing when you’re 100% better”, Eugene stated in a deeper and gruffer voice than his own
“Nice dad impression”
“Thank you!”
“I agree, that impression was extremely well done”, another voice stated, getting all three to jump and look over to see the retired knight standing in the doorway while smirking, “so good, in fact, that I’m almost tempted to forgo the fact that certain beans should be in bed right now, as I told them to be, instead of flirting with boyfriends and bad influential big brothers”
Varian blushed, “uh, ehehheh ha~”
“5 seconds”
Varian let out a tiny, “meep!” Before he swiftly dashed into the bed nearby and hid under the covers, only his eyes peeking out as Ruddigar, who had been on Quirin’s shoulder, joined his boy
“Hm, 1.05 seconds, a new bratty bean record”
Hugo walked over and sat next to Varian on the bed as the alchemist giggled and peeked his head out of the covers, “not fully unturtling?” Hugo asked
“I’m a touch cold, the bath was warm”, Varian replied, getting Hugo to snicker again
Eugene smiled at the pair before looking up at Quirin, “you know he’s not the only stuffy one here”
“I’m aware, but I’m feeling a lot better than sickly over there”, the retired knight stated as Varian coughed a little, “so I’ve been allowed to help treat tiny sicklies, as long as I don’t push myself too hard”
“Sooo…. Basically dad is watching you so you’re being careful”
“Pretty much”
“Ah”
“Hee hee, my dad is being daded”, Varian giggled, as he wrapped the blankets around himself like a burrito
“That I am”, Quirin agreed with a chuckle, “though I don’t mind, I kinda miss being daded if I’m honest”
“Using Hairstripes’s words?” Eugene asked with a snort
“Yup, Varian has good words”, the retired knight stated with a smile
“That he does, wait, you said you miss being daded?”
“I do”
“Why? I’d think that would be annoying”
Quirin chuckled before he sat down in an armchair across from the trio, Varian and Hugo smiling at him as Eugene tilted his head curiously, “well, and maybe you can relate to this Eugene, growing up with nothing did have its perks. I remember being able to do what I wanted without any rules, just so long as I didn’t get caught. I could eat what I wanted, say what I wanted, and do anything! It’s was pure freedom, however, it was also extremely hard…..” he sighed, “being by yourself as a child, you pick up bad habits. You don’t care about how you smell, or how you act, you grow angry with the world and will sometimes do bad things just to spite it. And some nights just hit a little harder when you were alone…. The freedom is wonderful, but when you’re sick or hungry or hurt, no one really cares for a petty thief like you….. it’s rough”
“Yeah…. I’ll grant you that, I can be really hard if you don’t have someone around”, Eugene agreed, his thoughts drifting to Lance and how the man had kept him company for majority of his life, it made him smile before he looked back at Quirin, “but what does that have to do with being daded?”
“Heh, well, when I was caught, it took me a long time to really begin to trust, at the time, *Prince* Edmund. He’d check on me, make me take homeschooling, where he’d be my teacher since every other teacher in the castle hated my guts, feed me stuff I hadn’t tried so I didn’t like it. It was a very hard adjustment”, the retired knight explained, “I’d grown so used to the world being cruel to me that any act of kindness was seen as a threat, any thread of decency was met with a catch, I give you something, you give me something in return. The only person I really even had in my life with Eden. She’d been kind to me while I was on the streets and had earned my trust. Something this random prince hadn’t even *started* doing! How was I supposed to trust a, at the time, what I thought was, a pompous, snooty, snobby, upper crust old man that only saw me as a way to get under his father’s skin. I didn’t trust Prince Edmund, not at all at first. Sure I played his game for a while, it got me free food, room, and board after all, he’d get bored of me soon enough anyway, they all did. Then…. He did something that changed my mind, and I’ll never forget it”:
*”Quirin, please, you’ve got to”, Prince Edmund stated gently as he watched the pouting 8 year old
“I don’t want to!” The tiny former thief exclaimed, “I’m tired! And my legs hurt from all that training and that dumb school work you gave me!”
“I understand, but we must, I know you don’t want to attend a ball, but we have to be nice and greet the dignitaries that cake to see us”, the Prince reasoned
“They’re all snobby!”
“Well…” Edmund chuckled, “you’re not wrong about that, but we still have to go, please?”
Quirin huffed before he looked up at the Prince, “why do you even want me to go? Nobody in the castle likes me anyways, they definitely won’t like me from outside the castle either, so what’s the point?”
He heard the prince sigh before he sat down beside the boy, “listen, I know it’s so very hard to be in a place that doesn’t quite understand you…. But you’re not alone, not anymore. You don’t have to talk to anybody you don’t want you, you could stay with me the entire night, we could chat and eat snacks, they’ll have some that you’ll like, and we could even dance if you wish! I’ll stick by your side, I won’t leave you alone, not ever”
The words came out gently and kind, the young former thief looked up at the man. He didn’t trust him, not even a little, but the gentleness of the words had calmed his anxious mind, even if it was just a little, “….fine….”
“Thank you”, Edmund replied with a warm smile, “um…. You’ll uh…. need to dress up in the attire I got for you”
“You mean the monkey suit?”
“Heh, yeah, the monkey suit, I don’t like them either if that helps”
“I guess, a little….. Do you even like going to the balls?”
“Not really, but it’s what I have to do as a prince, and it’s important”
“I don’t get why, seems like a bunch of rich people flaunting their gold”, Quirin stated as he began to put on the suit, the Dark Prince turning away and allowing the boy a little privacy
Edmund chuckled, “you’re definitely not wrong”, he agreed, “you know you’re very observant for your age”
“When you’re a petty thief, you kinda have to be”, Quirin stated before sighing, “you can look now, I just have to put on the pinchy shoes”
Edmund turned and faced the boy before smiling, “oh! You look so handsome!”
Quirin blinked, “I…. Do?”
“Yeah! Your suit is so nice on you! You may not like it, but it fits you very well!”
The boy blushed a little, “t-thanks”
“You’re welcome!”
The young former thief got his shoes and socks on before standing and groaning as he noticed a tie on the table, “those things are leashes”
“That they are! But leashes are required at stuffy events such as this”, Edmund stated, “want me to help you put it on?”
“…..Fine”
Edmund smiled before he grabbed the tie and, gently, put it on the boy, tying it properly before stepping back, “what a little man you’re becoming!”
“Stop it”, Quirin exclaimed, blushing even more
“Sorry sorry, it’s a little hard not to do”
The boy sighed, letting it go before he heard babbling outside the room, “I take it that’s our que?”
“Unfortunately, are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be….”
****
“My my, look at you! Such a small child, among such big dignitaries”, a female dignitary stated as she studied Quirin closely
“I’d heard they’d taken in a stray, but I didn’t think it would be one so small”, another remarked, “and so…. Homely too”
Both dignitaries laughed as they walked away. Quirin balled his fists, but didn’t say a word. He’d been getting remarks like that the entire night. Apparently people were enthralled at the idea of having a tiny orphan around, though when they actually met him, they didn’t seem all that impressed…. He sighed, looking up at Prince Edmund, the man looked so tired, he was still chatting with the dignitaries of Ingvarr, apparently their princess was interested in him, he was trying to politely decline, but the two dignitaries who had bombarded the Dark Prince wouldn’t take no as an answer….
Quirin sighed, the Prince had kept his word about sticking by his side. Even if he moved or walked away, he’d followed the boy immediately. It was nice to know that *someone* seemed to keep their promises…. Quirin looked around, he hated how fake everyone was being, all he saw were the masks people continued to wear while others talked behind backs….. Apparently the dignitaries thought he was stupid, considering they kept using words like, ‘homely’, to insult him. He rolled his eyes anytime it was thrown his way, he’d been called worse after all….
“Such an unsightly little creature”, a few dignitaries commented, he noticed them looking his way, “why they’d give an orphan permission to be here is well beyond me”
“I know, I mean my word, the boy looks like he may break into a tantrum at any moment! How could they think of bringing such a wild looking thing like *that* in here?”
The young former thief stiffened, his fist clenched again as he tried, so very hard, not to yell at them! Normally he’d just scream and throw things at them, make them look like the dirt they were, but he wasn’t allowed to do that here…. And it hurt…..
He kept looking up at the prince, the poor man seemed to be trying to avoid anymore chatter with these two dignitaries, but they were so persistent! It began to tick the boy off, “hey, Edmund, can we go get a snack?” He asked, hoping it would drive the duo dignitaries away
“Hm? Oh! Are you getting hungry?” The prince asked, a little too eagerly, but Quirin didn’t blame him
“Yeah”
“Ok, we can head over, let’s go, oh uh, please excuse me”, the prince said, smiling politely at the dignitaries before he and Quirin walked away from them, he let out a small sigh, “thank you, sorry about that”
“It’s fine….”
“Are you alright?”
“Does it matter?”
“Yes”, the prince stated with no hesitation, “if you’re getting tired or feeling overwhelmed, we can go out on the balcony, it’s nice and cool out there, and there’s certainly more than enough space to sit and eat a little snack”, he stated before adding, “and get away from all the nasty people who keep calling you homely….”
Quirin’s eyes widened before he stopped walking and looked up at the Prince, “you…. Noticed?”
“Of course I did, and it took every ounce of me not to deck each and every one of them! They’re all so incredibly rude and unkind to treat you that way, and I know all of their names, kept each one in my noodle”, he pointed to his head, “that way, I’ll have a little chat with each of their superiors later, I’ll let them handle the rest. With any luck, they’ll be fired in the spot, or punished for saying such cruel things”
The boy blinked, “why…. Why does it matter if they say something to me?”
“What do you mean, ‘why does it matter’? You’re my Quirin! Not only are you my responsibility, but you’re also my best friend! Why *wouldn’t* it matter to me? I won’t let my best friend be treated in such a disrespectful way, not now not ever!”
“….Why am I your best friend?…. Is it just because I’m homely and an orphan?”
Edmund was startled by that question before he thought for a moment, “you really want to know the answer?”
“Yeah….. I really do…. Because it doesn’t make sense to me. I’m a homely, disgusting, wild little orphan that stole from the castle and became your project! Why would you ever want me? Why do you even care? Why?!” He snapped, glaring at the prince
Edmund was startled before he signed, “…..what do you think I’ll say?”
The boy looked down angrily as his fists clenched once again, “yes….. Because you can stand up to your dad because of me…… I’m useful….. once I’ve outgrown my use, you’ll abandon me…. Just like everyone else….. What else would you say…..” All was silent for a moment or two before Quirin felt himself being scooped up! He let out a small, “meep!” Before he looked and saw that he was face to face with the Dark Prince
“You’re wrong”, Edmund stated gently, his eyes warm and caring, yet filled with worry and concern, “it’s because when I look in your eyes, I can see a strong, passionate, kind, intelligent, and wonderful little boy, and one who’s been beaten down so much that his worldview is filled with nothing but cruelty and hurt. It’s because when I look into your eyes Quirin, I see how amazing you truly are! And I want to show you that, I want you to see how fantastic you can be! Even if it means I have to endure everything that you throw at me”, he smiled, “and that’s the truth”
Quirin watched the man for a moment or two before he shook his head and glared, “I’ve been tricked before you know. I can see past any lie you tell me!”
“Can you see any from me?” Edmund asked softly, “can you look in my eyes and see that I’m lying?”
“Yeah I-!” Quirin began, before he actually looked. He stared at the two brown pools that watched him. He was up close and personal with them, he could see every detail, every shine, every single thing the prince was trying to imply, and not a single point showed any hint of a lie, “……b-but….. No…. I-I don’t believe you….. I *can’t*! I won’t, I….. I…..” He felt tears begin to form as he continued to stare into Edmund’s eyes, they were warm and comforting, bright and hopeful, loving and honest. Not the cold bitter unfeeling he’d seen in anyone else. He continued to search, continued to try and find a single speck that proved him right, *anything* would do, he tried, he wanted to be right! He wanted to get the man to admit it himself, he wanted it so badly, but….. “No……” he said softly, “I can’t…… I can’t see anything like that……”
Edmund smiled, “then I suppose I’m not lying huh?”
Quirin huffed, growing aggravated by this man’s annoying happy go lucky attitude, “what makes you think I’m still gonna believe you?” He snapped, “just because you can hide a lie doesn’t make you honest!”
Edmund gave the boy a sad smile, “so much anger, such a little body”
“Shut up!” Quirin replied angrily, hopping out of the Dark Prince’s arms and glaring at him, “my anger kept me alive! What the *hell* do you think got me here at all?! I don’t recall you helping me when my parents died! Or when I was pushed on the streets in the first place! I don’t remember you ever giving a *shit* when I really needed it! Before I became a thief!“ The dignitaries were all watching now, gathering around the pair, “all the dignitaries think I’m ugly! They think I belong on the streets! What does it matter to you?! I’m just a lowly peasant, worse than a BUG IN THE DIRT! Why don’t you just squash me and GET IT OVER WITH?! I’m not a performing monkey! I don’t want to be treated like a creature in a cage! You and your high and mighty friends can keep laughing all you want! I’M NOT GONNA DIE BECAUSE OF YOU!”
The boy’s tears were falling down his face now, he continued to glare at the prince, his mind was frazzled, his emotions continued to scream in his ears, reminding him of all the people that’d hurt him…. He kept hearing them snark and laugh as they pointed at him,
*his parents are gone, how hilarious!*
*they died before they had a chance to be embarrassed by him!*
*what a pity that they’ll be remembered by the tiny monster they left behind*
*such a homely little creature*
Suddenly, he felt warm arms wrap around him. He felt someone rub his back gently, and he heard people whispering, but not about him, but about….. the prince? “I’m sorry”, Edmund stated softly, “I’m sorry you ever felt that way, I’m sorry I didn’t figure it out sooner and stopped that feeling from infecting you…. I’m so, so sorry…..” he said before gently pulling away to face the boy, “you are more to me than just a bug in the dirt, or a performing monkey, you mean so much to me Quirin! You really do! ….I…. I understand it’ll take some time before you can fully believe that, I understand that you’ve never been shown true kindness, I….. I understand how it feels to be looked at like a clown…..”
This made Quirin’s eyes widen, “y-you….. do?” He asked
“Of course I do…. Maybe not to the same extent, but I know what it’s like to be seen as…. Odd…. O-Or stupid…..” Quirin noticed the king watching his son, his ever present glare prominent on his face, it made the boy shudder as Edmund spoke up again, “but that’s why I care about you so much! I see you, a hurt child, one who had to grow quickly and learn how cruel life can be….. But you are not a bug, nor are you a performing monkey, you’re not homely either, you’re adorable actually! You’re just….. Angry….. and who could ever blame you for that? Right now, the world feels against you, right now, you feel like everyone hates you, and that you’re all alone, but you’re not, not anymore! I’m here now, and I always will be! Even when you get angry or sad or scared, I won’t ever leave, not ever”, he looked at the boy, straight in the eyes and smiled, “and that’s a promise that I’ll always keep”
Quirin was startled as the room gasped, he looked around, trying to see if any of them were acting, maybe this was all just a ruse! But even now, he heard everyone whispering about the *both* of them, stating how disgusting it was for a prince to care for an orphan. He looked at the king, the man had the nastiest glare the boy had ever seen. And he finally looked at the prince, those eyes continued to watch him, they stared into his soul, and still, there wasn’t an ounce of deceit in either one….. Quirin’s eyes filled with tears as he sniffled, he felt a weight being lifted off his tiny shoulders as he began to cry, only to be scooped up and held in his new father’s arms*
Eugene smiled as Varian and Hugo sniffled a little, “after that, the ball was paused, Prince Edmund and I went back to our room, he stayed with me the entire night. I kept crying, everything I’d built up over the years finally got released, there were still things we needed to work on, I really was a very angry kid, but it was easier when Prince Edmund was with me. He had a way of quelling my anger, his hugs always made me feel safe, and even when he would lecture me about something I’d done, he was never cruel. I guess that’s why I don’t hate being daded so much. He does it because he loves me, truly, and I think I’m pretty lucky to have someone like that in my life”
“I agree”, Eugene stated, “we’re both pretty lucky”
“I’m the luckiest, I’ve got more than one!” Varian exclaimed with a cheeky grin before looking at Hugo, “so do you”
The blond blinked before he smiled, “thanks Freckles”
Quirin chuckled before he felt warm arms wrapped around him, he smiled wide as he felt someone kiss the top of his head before smiling, “I love that story!”
“How long were you listening?!” Eugene asked as he stared at the person hugging Quirin
“Hmmmm…. Since the story began, I couldn’t help myself!”
“Heh, sneaky grandpa!” Varian exclaimed happily as Hugo laughed
“Very sneaky”, Quirin replied as he looked up at the man happily
Edmund smiled back at his knight, “who do you think I learned that from?”
“Wait, *Quirin* taught *you* how to be sneaky?!” Eugene asked
“Yes he did! We both had stuff to learn from each other! He taught me how to be sneaky so I could find Eden late at night when I wasn’t supposed to”
“Grandpa!” Varian exclaimed
“We were going on very innocent dates! I didn’t do anything until we married”
“That’s not something I needed to hear….” Eugene stated
“How do you think you were created, *Prince* Eugene”, Hector, who’d come inside the room behind Edmund, snarked
“Please don’t call me that…. And also, ew”
“You’re 26 years old Fish Skin”, Adira pointed out as she climbed into the room through a window, making Quirin huff
“I realize how old I am, but need I point out that there are beans in the room! …..Well…. A bean and a brat, but brats count”
“Charmed, really”, Hugo sassed, getting Varian to giggle
“They’re old enough to know about this stuff”, Hector stated, “fucking hell, Hugo’s told me a few jokes that would make a fucking *sailor* blush!”
“True”, the blond in question stated proudly
“Ok fine, there’s still a bean!” Eugene pointed out
“The little peanut’s had the birds and the bees talk, haven’t you?” Edmund asked
“Yes”, the alchemist replied with a blush, “dad told me about it, it was very informative, thought I’d like to avoid repeating that particular conversation thank you very little!”
“He’s right, how about we change the subject”, Quirin stated as he looked up at Edmund
“Right right! We could talk about something else, like…. Dinner! What are we thinking? I’ve got a mean stew I could whip up!”
The group began to discuss the dinner options as Quirin watched his King. The man had let go and was joking and laughing with the others. It made the retired knight smile as the man’s kind words repeated in his mind
*Right now, the world feels against you, right now, you feel like everyone hates you, and that you’re all alone, but you’re not, not anymore! I’m here now, and I always will be! Even when you get angry or sad or scared, I won’t ever leave, not ever, and that’s a promise I intent to keep*
He let out a small chuckle, grabbing the Dark King’s attention as the rest continued to take about dinner. The two shares a smiled before Quirin got up, he walked over and hugged Edmund, who was startled, but so incredibly happy as he returned the hug, they two friends smiled as the memory echoed in both of their minds, bringing them peace as they let go and sighed before rejoining the dinner debate
Notes:
Hello! :D
I wanted to make a feel good chapter, especially after the whole ghostly arc that happened just before hand
I won’t say much, because I don’t wanna spoil the chapter
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 488: Eugene and Hugo!
Summary:
Hugo needs to talk to Eugene about something important!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“……Soooo….. any reason you have me in here and not with the rest of the family?” Eugene asked as he and Hugo sat together inside an empty room
The blond let out a small sigh, “so…. You’ve read the journal, yeah?”
“The journal that Varian started during the ghost thing? Yeah I have, why?”
“Then…. You know he and I had an argument, right?”
The Dark Prince was silent for a moment or two before he nodded, “you know…. Arguments are normal in a healthy relationship”
“I know I know, I’m not upset about it anymore. Tensions were high, Freckles already apologized over 100 times, I’m not mad, the reason I’m bringing it up is because of the proposal”
“Proposal? You mean your marriage proposal? What does the argument have to do with that?” Eugene asked, a little more than perplexed by the blond’s odd questions
Hugo blushed, “he…. Mentioned that I don’t talk about myself…. And, in the entry that I tore out, I came to a realization. Here”, he dug into his pocket, giving Olivia a few head scritches before handing the ripped out journal entry to the Dark Prince, “give those back once you’ve finished reading them”
Eugene blinked as he took the papers, he was quiet as he read what was written on them:
‘New Journal Entry 5: August 16th, 3:52AM
Dear Journal,
Well, this is a first. It’s Hugo, Varian took my watch, said something about me needing rest, and understatement if Liv’s squeaks are anything to go by……
I just read what he’s written so far, he said he didn’t mind….. The fight…. It was pretty bad…. Reading about how he feels however, it helps a little. I know he’s worried and anxious, his fucking family is missing for fuck’s sake! And his aunt is sick in bed! This whole situation is just so shitty!
I did ask if he was alright a lot…. That would make anyone frustrated….. I don’t hate him either, I could never hate Freckles, never….. though…. Him saying what he did sure didn’t help….. I…. I dunno, I don’t like to talk about myself! I never have! I never thought of myself as a really interesting person, I’m sexy as fuck, sure! And I’m a sassy asshole, definitely! But I don’t really need to say anything more, well…… More like I don’t *wanna* say anything more….
I’m not that interesting, I’m a blond asshole who likes hot science men and pissing off Eugene, I think that shit’s funny as hell! The man gets so high and mighty sometimes that I think he needs to get taken down a peg or two! Him and his fucking, ‘I used to be a legendary thief and think I’m super wise’ attitude…. Though, he has helped me with that same attitude…. So I guess I shouldn’t get too irritated
Ugh….. I dunno….. I’m blaming Eugene for things I shouldn’t…. He’s a good distraction…. Maybe a little too good….. ya know, sometimes I wonder if maybe…. Varian will see how inadequate I am to that guy….. I mean, the man saved a damn princess, got to stay in a castle, got promoted from thief, to guard, to thief catcher teacher, to captain of the royal guards in two fucking years! How in the *hell* am I supposed to compete with that?!
To top it all off, he’s also Flynn Rider! Varian’s childhood crush and idol! I would be fucking lying if I didn’t admit that those two having Team Awesome and hanging out the way they do makes me more than a little jealous….. But I’d never tell Freckles to stop…. Never…. He can have friends, it’s just Eugene that I have a problem with, but then again, that’s a me thing, if I need to, I’ll tell Freckles about it, but he’s not doing anything wrong….. neither is Eugene himself, though I may still say something anyway….. It’s better to talk these things out before they get worse….
Besides, I know they’re related! They don’t think of each other that way anymore! Eugene never did in the first place, he’s not gay or bi or pan, he’s straight, in a relationship, and that’s perfectly okay! I hate feeling so fucking jealous of him! Maybe that’s why I pick on him so much? He did just help me with my surprise for Freckles…..
And that line right there means that I’ll be ripping this entry out and hiding it forever! Ugh….. Varian’s watching me again, he can tell I’m anxious and frustrated, it’s not at him! I’m just….. tired and anxious and….. I’m scared…..
Ah fuck it, I’m gonna rip this entry out anyway! I’m proposing to the love of my life soon! I’m fucking anxious and nervous, I want everything to go right! And I just ended up having a fucking fight with him….. while majority of his family are missing, his aunt is sick, and we’re fucking days away from his home….. This kid is fucking anxiety incarnate right now, and I kept asking him if he was alright, no, he really fucking wouldn’t be!
I got so mad when he snapped at me though, why?! I don’t even know….. Maybe my nerves are frayed too….. Ugh…. And then he had to say that I don’t worry about myself….. that I don’t talk about myself…. It’s because I fucking hate myself! I hate how I act and feel, I hate my past, I hate that I’m a street rat! I hate that I’m not some damn prince from a lost kingdom, with fancy fucking hair, no abusive parents to speak of, and with a history of being the best damn thief in the world an-!
…..Damn it…..
Eugene is a good man, a really good friend, an amazing big brother, and a wonderful person. I hate that I feel like I have to measure up to him, but…. Sometimes I can’t help it….. He’s just so perfect….. He makes me hate myself more, not by how he treats me, just by how damn perfect he is! And I shouldn’t feel that way….. It’s a me thing, I may talk to Lance about it later….. Ugh….. This is why I don’t like to talk about myself, I’m a fucking horrible person….. I don’t know why Freckles loves me so much…. Maybe…. Maybe I should ask him…. He keeps looking at me
Heh, he really wants to apologize….. I read that he’s waiting for me to tell him he can…. I should apologize too…. Maybe that’ll help with the nerves too…. Heh, he’s looking at me again, he’s so adorable
I’m gonna go talk to him, I don’t wanna leave him feeling so guilty. He shouldn’t feel guilty, even if he did snap, I’m glad he did, at least I know what I need to work on now! And I think I have an idea for a song to propose to him with now! Heh, maybe this fight was a good thing….. well…. Ok no, no it’s never good to fight with your lover, but it’s good that I got an idea for the proposal, and something to work on! At least he told me, he’s comfortable saying that to me at least, and I’m grateful for that
I’m gonna go talk to him now, I’m certain he’ll write down how it went, for now, I’m gonna rip out my entry. Sorry Freckles, but I really don’t want you to see what I just wrote, I hope he won’t be mad…..
Your vandal of an inventor author,
Hugo’
Eugene read and re-read and re-re-read the entry before he looked at the blond, “H-Hugo-!”
“I-I know…. I’m so sorry….. I wrote some terrible things about you in there b-but I didn’t know…. How else to get them out…. It’s one of the reasons I ripped out the entry, that and I knew Freckles would read what I wrote and he’d know about the proposal and…. How I feel about you……” he sighed, “you’re an amazing person, and a wonderful big brother, you really are…. You just…. You’re also competition for some dumb fucking reason…. Even though you’re in love with a blond princess and are definitely not into your tiny nephew/little brother….. I don’t know….. I felt bad writing that….. I thought it would be a good idea to show you…. Both so I could apologize….. and….. a-ask for help? ….it sounds awful, but I wanna figure out who I am and what I like and don’t like! I have…. A-an idea for a song to propose to Freckles with…… But I need help figuring out the lyrics….. and you’re the only one I can really get help….. but…. I’d understand if you d-don’t want to….. I just…. Thought I’d give you the full option, nothing to hide…..”
The entire time, the blond didn’t lift his gaze from the ground. Eugene watched his and felt his heart break further and further for the tiny teen, “Hugo…..” he stopped, unsure of how to word his next sentence
As he tried to think however, the blond sighed, “if you’re gonna h-hit me…. Can you j-just do it now? P-please?”
“What?! No! I’d *never* hit you! Kid I’m not even *mad* at you!”
This made Hugo stop, blink, then look up at the man, “y-you’re not?”
“No! I get what you wrote in there isn’t exactly flattering, but I get *why* you wrote it! And why you feel that way too”
“Why?” Hugo asked, a little too desperately than Eugene thought he meant to, “w-why do I feel that way about you?! W-why can’t I j-just stop being jealous and thinking you’re a t-threat? Why? *why*?!”
“Easy kiddo, it’s okay”, Eugene stated as he hugged the blond, “it’s okay”
Hugo stopped and breathed, allowing himself to do so as the man he’s been jealous of from the very beginning comforted him. He felt guilt swirl inside his small body as shame filled his mind, “I-I’m sorry…..”
“It’s okay”, the Dark Prince replied lovingly, “you wanna know why you’re feeling that?”
“Why?” Hugo asked, his voice was slightly muffled as he did, making Eugene smile
“It’s…. A trauma response…..”
Hugo looked up at Eugene, a little startled by that answer as the Dark Prince let the teen go so they could se each other properly, “a…. Trauma response?”
“Yeah, Lance told me about them, Varian did too actually. See, you’ve been… and I’m so sorry to bring this up, you’ve been abused your entire life. Physically, emotionally, and mentally…. You never thought of yourself because you never really had much to think about. You were made to feel like you didn’t deserve to have much of an opinion, you dad sold you, the people he sold you too sold you, and then Donella and Cyrus….. hurt you….. a lot…… they had you do stuff for them and, as long as you stayed useful, then you got a home, food, and a warm bed. That’s all you’ve ever known for your entire life kid! So to come here, find someone you love, and who loves you back, for *you*! Then to have some rando come out of nowhere and basically sweep the person you love off their feet without much effort, that’s terrifying! Your immediate thought is that you’re inadequate and that the person you love will leave you, just like all the others did! But this time, it won’t be because of you, it’d be because of the person that took your lover away. In your mind, because Hairstripes is so open about the fact that he had a crush on me, and the similarities you and I share, that rando is me! And it’s okay! It’s not healthy, but I get it, I understand….. it’s really hard to feel like you’re still loved while your partner is showing interest in someone else that previously had feelings for. It’s alright”
“But…. The things I wrote…. They were so…. Horrible….. you fucking helped me when I was with Don and Cyrus! You got me ideas for my proposal to Varian! For fuck’s sake, you talked me into telling Quirin when I was too chicken shit to do so and have kept my proposal a secret! Yet I still…. I….. I was thinking shitty things about you! Why did I do that?! It’s a trauma response, fine, but that doesn’t make it right! That was horrible what I wrote! Why would I write that at all! What’s *wrong* with me?!”
“HUGO!” Eugene grabbed the teen’s shoulders, getting him to stop, “easy bud, you’re making yourself panic”
“I…. I’m sorry…. I’m just…. I feel like such a fucking horrible person for writing what kind of did…. About *you* of all people! Why don’t I feel the same way about Lance?! He’s just as much a threat!”
“Not really, Varian never showed an interest in Lance, that’s the difference kid. There was an interest, and if I’m honest, there still kinda is, Hairstirpes isn’t subtle in the least. But he would never act upon those feelings, especially now that he has you”. Hugo was quiet, “kid?”
“My…. First inclination was to snap at you when you said that….. ‘what makes you so sure’…… I stopped myself…..”
“Ah….. Heh, again, that’s a trauma response”
The inventor sighed, “well can the trauma stop responding please? I’d like to think for my damn self thanks”
“If only kiddo, if only….. listen, it’s okay”
“But what I wrot-!”
“AH! It’s *okay*”, Eugene stated, “if I’m honest, some of the things I think when you come to mind aren’t pretty either. You know why? It’s because I’m overprotective of Varian, I’ve never had a little brother before, Lance is my younger brother yes, but not like, a *tiny* younger brother that I needed to look out for. You’ve said some things that have made my damn blood boil for no good reason. I’ve thought some things about you that would honestly get Varian to give me the nastiest glares! Quirin too now that I think about it. But it’s only because I’m overprotective, just as your trauma response is…. Best way to put it, venom. We both have some venom in us. It’s normal, and it’s okay, you don’t act on it, do you?”
“I….. n-no, I would never”
“And I would never act upon mine, never ever. Is it healthy to have such bad thoughts? No, is it normal though? Yes, perfectly normal. I can’t fix them, or stop them, but, I can tell you that I’m not angry, at all. I’m sorry you feel the way you do, but I love you and care about you more than I could put into words. I’ll never steal Varian away from you, just like I know you’ll never hurt him, I know you won’t. It’s okay Hugo, really”, he smiled at the teen, “it’s okay”
The blond felt his guilt and shame quiet down, even if it was just a little, he sniffled and nodded, “t-thank you”
“Anytime kiddo, when we get back to Corona, how about you and I have a chat with Lance yeah? Maybe he can help us with the venom, that way we can both feel better”
Hugo smiled up at the man and nodded, “I’d like that, a lot”
Eugene grinned and wrapped an arm around Hugo, hugging him lovingly, happy to feel the inventor return the gesture, before they both pulled away, “so, about the favor, what do you need me to do?”
“You…. Really wanna help?”
“You’re doing this for Varian, and it’s for the proposal, of *course* I wanna help!”
Hugo snickered, “fair point, but I have to ask”
“Yeah yeah”
Hugo giggled, “so, my idea is that I need to find things out about myself. I need to know what I like, what I don’t like, what I trust, what I don’t trust, just little things. I have this idea for a song where I name a bunch of things about myself, just for him, stuff that only he would know too! Well, him and you, but still, stuff that not even I knew! I wanna show that I took what he said to heart, that I’m listening and that I’ll get better, for him! The chorus could be me just being funny like, ‘you asked for this’, or something. Just a small, playful, jab to make him giggle, I love his giggle”
Eugene laughed, “oh! Oh that’s fucking cute! My gosh! He’ll love it!”
“You think so?!”
“I *know* so! Oh damn it, that’s so fucking adorable! Yeah, I’m definitely helping you with that! So you have any ideas for the song?”
“Well, I know how to play a ukulele! I was thinking of a fast tempo’d fun song, chill, with funny lyrics of Hugo facts!”
Eugene snorted, “Hugo facts, got it! Let’s see, do you want the lyrics to rhyme?”
“Yeah! I love songs that have rhyming lyrics!” The inventor stopped before he grinned, “hey! I never realized I liked that!”
Eugene snickered, “well then, first lyric, done! Several more to go!”
The blond giggled before he and Eugene began discussing music rhythms and beats, the duo decided to try a few things out so the inventor could figure out what he liked and what he didn’t! The two had a blast, even if they had to clean up everything after a while and continue their escapades the next day due to the sleeping alchemist in the next room. But they weren’t deterred as they continued, even getting Quirin, Adira, Edmund, and Hector involved when they learned of the idea. All of them keeping it a secret from Varian, though, the teen grew very curious at times, but a quick snuggle session from his father, card game with his aunt, story with his grandpa, animal lesson with his wild uncle, and team awesome time with his other uncle, kept him occupied! The song was finally complete after a few days. Hugo sang it to Quirin and Eugene, getting both of their approvals before they all spent an entire day with Varian so he wouldn’t feel left out! The entire experience had been a blast for everyone involved, and the blond couldn’t *wait* to put the plan into action when they got back to Corona!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Can’t say much about the chapter except that it’s one where the story may be lighter, but it’s part of the main arc! :D
Also, sorry for not posting a lot lately, I’ve been super sick and really busy, I hope to get back on task soon!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 489: Organization! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The group tries to figure out how Eugene and Rapunzel can rule over two kingdoms at once!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Poke…. Pokey poke….. pokity pokey poke…. Pooooooooooooke~!”
“Freckles haha!” Hugo laughed as he swiped his boyfriend’s finger away from his cheek, getting the alchemist to grin, “you’re such a brat”
“Hee hee”, Varian stuck out his tongue and smiled before he stuck it back in his mouth, “sorry, I’m just being silly I guess”
“You guess?”
“Ha ha”, Varian stated sarcastically, “sassy”
“Silly”
“Huuuugo”
“Vaaaarian”
“Huuuuuuugo”
“Vaaaaaaaaarian”
“Huuuuuuuuuu-!”
“Nerdy flirting!” Eugene exclaimed as he walked inside the room, “why do I keep walking in on you two nerdy flirting?”
Varian blushed as Hugo smirked, “because you’re jealous”, he teased
Eugene was about to comment back but stopped and smiled at the blond, “you’re a stinker”
Hugo grinned as Varian looked at the two of them, “no bickering?”
“Nah”, Eugene stated, “we came to an understanding the other day”
“Really?”
“Tis correct”, Hugo replied, getting Varian to giggle, “thy fellow Eugeneth and I hast come to a great conclusion regarding each other….. eth”
The alchemist laughed, “thank-eth goodness-eth”
All three snickered at the shared joke before Eugene sat down, he let out a content sigh and closed his eyes as the room grew quiet. That is, before Varian spoke, “Eugene….. Do you wanna live here?”
The Dark Prince’s eyes opened and he looked at the freckled teen, who seemed a little nervous to ask a question like that, “do I…. Wanna live here?”
“Yeah… do you?”
“I….. don’t know, why are you asking?”
“Well……” Varian let out a sigh before he looked at his big brother fully, “dad was gonna talk to Hugo and I about if we wanted to move here or not. I’m still unsure, as Hugo is too, right?” The blond nodded, “but I thought that if we got your opinion it may…. Help”
Eugene was startled before he thought about it for a moment, “well….. I am the Dark Prince…. I suppose I’ll have to eventually….. though…. I don’t know if I wanna stay here forever….”
Varian tilted his head, “then what’ll you do? Because you’re technically gonna rule the Dark Kingdom and Corona since you’re marrying Rapunzel. N-not to put pressure on you or anything, Arianna is still very healthy, and Rapunzel seems to know how to handle her kingdom very well”
“Well that’s the thing, I know how to handle *security* in Corona, I’m the captain of the royal guards after all! But, ruling the entire kingdom? Let alone *two*?! Ugh….. my head hurts just thinking about it….. But I know I’ll have to, I’m just not sure how or what we’re gonna do”
“No matter what, you’ll have Rapunzel with you”, Hugo stated, “you marry her, you’ll be the prince of Corona and the Dark Kingdom, she marries you, she’ll be the princess of Corona and the Dark Kingdom. No matter what, you’ll both be ruling together”
“That’s true, which, that gives me some hope at least, I’m just anxious I guess. I don’t know if I’ll have to move necessarily, more just, visit each place for an extended period”
Varian blinked, “wait, wait wait wait maybe that’s it!” He exclaimed, “maybe me, you Hugo, dad, Ruddy, and Live don’t have to *move*, but we can take long trips to and fro!” He stated excitedly, “maybe we could, I dunno, go to each place for a few months at a time, we can switch off between the two! That way we can stay in Corona and help when needed, then come back here and help when needed! We could relax in both places as well! Build what we need to, and just live in two places! That way, dad can still be a Village Leader in Corona while helping Grandpa here! Cause I know he wants to do that”
Hugo blinked before he smiled, “I like that idea, we could explore here, and learn new things, that may be able to help Corona, and a few months in each place would give us time to settle and enjoy time spent with friends and family! It’d be hard on holidays, but who doesn’t love a double holiday?”
Varian grinned happily, “yeah! And if we switch, maybe you, Eugene, could switch with us, go back and forth so that we can all help each other out!”
The Dark Prince was startled by that, but he smiled, “that’d be a good idea, the only thing is, what I’d Rapunzel wants to come?”
“Well then, you’ll have to find someone else to handle the kingdom while you’re gone. And if you two ever have children, there can be two heirs can there not?” Varian asked
“Fair point, who would I have take over for us though?” Eugene asked, “I mean, both rulers being gone for a long time would be really bad on both kingdoms”
“Hmmm…. You’re right about that…..” Varian stated before he got an idea, “that magic bottle that Rapunzel got the letter to go to the spire in, does she still have that?”
“Yeah?”
“Why not use that?” Varian asked, “that way the person who does take over for you would be able to write to you immediately”
“Ok, that’s a good plan, but I still don’t know who to choose”
“that’d be something you’d have to figure out unfortunately. I don’t know who would be the best suited for that position”
“What about Lance?” Hugo asked
Eugene and Varian both thought about Lance being that king for a bit, and they’re saw the kingdom full of Caviar Lance statues while the man himself would be too busy helping people with their mental health to handle the kingdom. “Uh….. I don’t think Lance would be the best pick”, Varian stated
“Fish smelling streets…” Eugene stated, getting the alchemist to laugh as Hugo quirked a confused brow at the duo
“Sorry, Lance has this thing with caviar, it’s a whole ordeal”, Varian explained
“Ah”, Hugo stated
“Yeah, so Lance, not a great choice, though he wouldn’t be a bad advisor”
“I’ll think about that, he gives some really good advice!” Eugene stated with a smile before he froze, “damn it, we forgot something”
“What?”
“A Village Leader”, Eugene stated, “we can’t leave the kingdom without one being present”
Varian smiled, “don’t worry, dad has Mr. Adam as a back up, and Mr. Adam has Me. Evan”
“Mr. Evan?”
“Yeah! He’s around your age Eugene, he’s Adam’s second in command when dad’s not around, and when he is, third in command! He’s been doing a really great job learning so many things! Dad’s already training him on tasks to be a Village Leader just in case. Though, he hasn’t chosen anyone to take his place as Village Leader yet”
“What do you mean?” Hugo asked
“Dad said he had someone else in mind to take over for him when he….. isn’t able to handle the farm and such…. W-which won’t be for a *long* time b-because dad is a healthy a-and strong and h-happy and-!”
“Freckles he’s good, he’s not going away for a long time, don’t worry”, Hugo stated gently, “try taking a deep breath, you’re gonna make yourself panic”
Varian took a slow breath before letting it out, Ruddigar, who is on his boy’s shoulders again, nuzzled the alchemist lovingly, getting a few head scritches in return
“Thanks Hugo, sorry about that”
“It’s alright”
“Are you worried for your dad there kiddo?” Eugene asked
“Well…. Slightly…. Don’t get me wrong, the man is stronger than a *she-demon*, but…. I keep noticing the farm work is getting a little rough on him….. He was rubbing his back a little the other day after he’d finished plowing the fields, and he said his shoulders began to ache when he cleaned the horse stables out….. They weren’t even that dirty….. I-I dunno…. He makes me so worried about him….. I’m even worried that the moving will be too much…. I love my dad, and he’s definitely not too old to have a horse in this race, but old reliable is getting old nonetheless…..”
Eugene and Hugo stared at the teen for a moment or two before the Dark Prince snickered, “not to make your statement less important, because it’s extremely important, but you’ve definitely been hanging out with Edmund a little too much”
The alchemist blushed, “my point still stands!”
“It does, and it’s valid, I’m just saying”
“Hmph!”
“Anyway”, Hugo intervened, “he’s right, Quirin’s…. Well he’s not an old fogey, but he’s getting up there …..Has…. Has he told you about who he might choose?”
Varian shook his head, “he said there was one person in particular though, but he never gave me any hints, just a secret dad smile”
Hugo chuckled, “secret dad smile?”
“Yup! His secret dad smile usually means I’ll like what he’ll say next, so I’m excited!”
Hugo gave his boyfriend a small smile as he looked down, getting lost in thought as his mind flashed to those old fields and all the farming techniques the retired knight had showed him, he thought about the nice smelling flowers that grew happily in the Sun and the veggies that were grown to feed all of Corona! He smiled when he remembered helping the old farmer plow the fields and take care of the animal, and how the hard work had really made that lunch Varian had made for them taste even better, “Hugo?”
“Hm?” The blond looked at Eugene, who was watching the teen, “s-sorry, lost my train of thought”
Varian blinked before he smiled at his lover, Hugo blushed when he saw the freckles teen’s eyes, as if he’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, “it’s fine, though I guess the Village Leader worry won’t be a huge deal if Quirin’s already got someone in mind”
“Right”, Hugo stated, trying to come back to the conversation, “so all we really need to worry about is who would handle yours and Rapunzel’s positions while you’re away”
“Well how about you Varian?” A voice asked, startling all three of them and getting to look and see Edmund, Adira, Hector, and Quirin all standing in the doorway, the Dark King chuckled, “you three really need to watch your flanks”
Varian blushed as Hugo snickered and Eugene quirked a brow, “how long have you four been standing there?” He asked
“A little bit before Hugo said I wasn’t an old fogey”, Quirin stated with an amused smirk on his face
Varian blushed even more as Hugo spoke up, “I-I said you weren’t! I wanna be clear! No disrespect towards the scary father figure!”
“I’m aware”, the retired knight stated with a chuckle as he walked over and scooped up Varian, kissing the teen’s forehead, “it’s okay you know, I am getting up in years, it’s nice to know that you’re all worried, but I’m still young enough to plow a field and clean a stable”, he stated before looking at the alchemist in his arms, “old reliable is still in the race”
Varian let out a tiny, “meep”, before hiding his face
Quirin chuckled and hugged his son as Ruddigar hopped onto the man’s shoulders and chittered out a chuckle
“Either way, I’m in agreement with Quirin”, Edmund stated as he sat down next to Eugene, “the only old fogey in this room is me, and I could still do my fair share of hard work, even at my current age”
The Dark Prince smirked, “says the man who couldn’t feed a pig without getting super muddy”
“Oi!”
“Just saying”
“Those pigs had it out for me!”
“Right, and Quirin’s the tooth fairy”
“He’d look very good in a dress”, Adira stated
“Pfft! Little fucking tiara on his head, I could see it”, Hector added
“You’re all getting bars of soap in your mouths”, Quirin replied
Varian smiled, “well isn’t this conversation familiar”
The retired knight snickered as he looked at his son, “that includes you too sassy”
Varian giggled as Hector and Adira smiled, “so, we didn’t catch the first part of this conversation, and, not to be nosy, but it seemed as though you three were growing anxious, did you need to talk about it?” Edmund asked as he looked at Hugo curiously
“Oh! Well….. Actually it may be a good idea to ask for your opinions”, the blond stated, getting Varian and Eugene to nod, giving their consent, “we were…. Actually talking about if moving here would be the best option or not. Freckle’s idea was that we could have trips, spend a few months in Corona, spend a few months here, and switch on and off every once in a while”, he explained, “we were trying to figure out a way to have that work. Edmund, you’re not going anywhere anytime soon, we realize that, but when Eugene takes the thrown, he’ll be in charge of *two* kingdoms, because Corona will be apart of that too. So when he comes here, who’ll watch over Corona, and when he moves back, who’ll watch over here? We were also talking about who would be the Village Leader for when Quirin was away, and then Lance being the Royal advisor instead of the fucking back up rule, I-it’s an unorganized conversation”
“Oh I see, wait, you three want to go back and forth?!” Edmund asked excitedly
“Yeah”, Eugene replied as Quirin sat down with Varian in his lap, getting Adira and Hector to sit down next to them, “I don’t wanna leave you guys alone, because I’ll miss you, but I also don’t wanna leave Corona alone, because I’ll miss it, Blondie would be coming with me as well, unless she chooses to stay behind in one place or the other, same for me. It’s why we got anxious, then I remembered the Village Leader position and well…. We really can’t leave that vacant either, sooooo…..”
Quirin smiled, “if it helps, you don’t have to worry about the Village Leader position, my back up would be Adam, and if not him, then Evan, and I already have someone in mind for replacing me when I’m too old, as Varian has stated”
“Yeah, can you tell me who that is by the way, the way you made it sound, you seem to already know they’re gonna say yes”, Varian asked curiously
Quirin smiled, “well I was gonna wait until later, but seeing as how…. Certain events may play out”, he gave Hugo a knowing look as the blond blushed and Varian blinked innocently, “I suppose now would be as good a time as any to ask the person I had in mind”
“Wait, they’re here?” Eugene asked, when the Village Leader nodded the man quirked a brow, “it’s not Adira right?”
This made the face painted warrior laugh as Hector slapped a hand over his mouth and Edmund sighed, “no, it’s not Adira”, Quirin stated as he smirked at his siblings
“Oh my fucking lanta!” Hector exclaimed as he laughed, “she’d fucking steal every piece of fruit in that damn place before she actually worked on it!”
“I can neither confirm nor deny”, Adira stated with a grin as Quirin sighed
Varian giggled, “I don’t think Wise Eyes would even *want* to do that, would you?”
“I wouldn’t”, Adira replied
“Ok, so….. Varian then?” Eugene asked, “I’m not saying Hector because I think the animals would be more tended to than the plants, plus…. I think he’d kill me if I guessed him”
“I wouldn’t, but you’re not too far off”, the wild tamer stated with a smirk
Varian’s anxiety shot through the roof at this point as he looked up at his father, “no not Varian either, he’s gonna become the greatest alchemist that ever lived, plus”, Quirin smiled at his son, “I understand that he doesn’t want to, and that’s okay”
The alchemist smiled back and hugged his dad lovingly, the retired knight hugging him back, before the duo let go, “ok, it’s not me or dad, since I’m a prince and dad’s….. well….. his farming could use some work….” The Dark Prince said
“Those seeds I planted may have been over watered, but they sprouted!” Edmund exclaimed, “I’m proud of that!”
Eugene smirked at his father, “no not you or King Edmund either. Actually, it’s the only person you didn’t name”, Quirin stated, looking directly at the person
The Coronan Captain blinked before he followed Quirin’s gaze, landing on a shocked and startled looking Hugo, “wait…. *Him*?!”
“R-really?” Hugo asked
Quirin smiled as Varian’s eyes sparkled with joy for his lover, “yup, you! Not only can I trust you whole heartedly to do what’s right for the village, but you’re definitely a natural born leader, an example of that would be when you took the Silver Wing and saved Varian without a second thought during the fight with Zhan Tiri, along with all the times youve helped Varian calm down during a panic attack and how you’ve helped Corona with several issues without being asked. You’ve helped me farm on numerous occasions and done a perfect job, everyone in town seems to enjoy your company, and I can tell that you sincerely enjoy doing the hard work of being a Village Leader. I can show you so many other ways to help people and I can tell you’re capable of handling each one, you’re organized, more so than Varian himself”
“Hey, organized chaos is how I work!” Varian exclaimed
“It’s chaotic Bubby”
“It’s also organized!”
“My point still stands”
“Evil jerkface”
“Bratty stinkbomb”
“Do you want to be a Village Leader Hairstripes?” Eugene asked
“Well nu, but I’m gonna say something when dad is being a sassy”, Varian stated
“Ah”
Quirin chuckled before continuing, “either way, you’re organized, and you’re braver than any Coronan I’ve met, you also know how to handle yourself in a high stress situation, I couldn’t think of anyone better suited than you! Plus”, he smiled lovingly at the inventor, “you’re my son, no matter what, that’ll never change”
Hugo blinked before he smiled happily, small tears pricked in the corners of his eyes before he sniffled, got up, walked over, and hugged Quirin lovingly, subsequently hugging Varian and Ruddigar too, not that they minded, “I’d love to!” The blond stated happily
Quirin returned the hug, getting everyone in the room to smile wide. The duo let go before the blond was scooped onto Qurin’s lap as well, getting Varian to giggle and hug his lover before Edmund spoke up, “we need a celebration dinner”
“Yes we definitely do”, Hector stated, “but first”, he looked at the Dark Prince, “the fuck are you gonna do about the kingdoms? We’ve got the Village Leader figured out, but how about we discuss this moving from place to place shit before we call it a day”
“Right”, Eugene agreed, “how would we even do that?”
“I reiterate what I said before”, Edmund stated, “for the Dark Kingdom, why not have Varian take over while you’re away?”
“Dad, he’s gonna be traveling to and fro as well”
“How to explain this…. I mean a rotation”, Edmund stated, “the little peanut wouldn’t be in charge all the time, I just mean, should there come a time when you and Rapunzel need a break, want to spend some time together, what have you, the little peanut could take charge!”
Eugene stopped and thought about that, “wait, you may be onto something there”
Varian’s eyes widened as he looked at the duo, “um, what?”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Finally got around to making a chapter about this, I’ve been wanting to tackle it for a long time, I have an idea for how they’ll figure this out, so I hope you all like the idea
I’d love to also hear your ideas as well! Please let me know if you have any ideas as to how they can organize this ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 490: Organization! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The group discuss Varian’s future role as a potential back up prince!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo blinked before he smiled happily, small tears pricked in the corners of his eyes before he sniffled, got up, walked over, and hugged Quirin lovingly, subsequently hugging Varian and Ruddigar too, not that they minded, “I’d love to!” The blond stated happily
Quirin returned the hug, getting everyone in the room to smile wide. The duo let go before the blond was scooped onto Qurin’s lap as well, getting Varian to giggle and hug his lover before Edmund spoke up, “we need a celebration dinner”
“Yes we definitely do”, Hector stated, “but first”, he looked at the Dark Prince, “the fuck are you gonna do about the kingdoms? We’ve got the Village Leader figured out, but how about we discuss this moving from place to place shit before we call it a day”
“Right”, Eugene agreed, “how would we even do that?”
“I reiterate what I said before”, Edmund stated, “for the Dark Kingdom, why not have Varian take over while you’re away?”
“Dad, he’s gonna be traveling to and fro as well”
“How to explain this…. I mean a rotation”, Edmund stated, “the little peanut wouldn’t be in charge all the time, I just mean, should there come a time when you and Rapunzel need a break, want to spend some time together, what have you, the little peanut could take charge!”
Eugene stopped and thought about that, “wait, you may be onto something there”
Varian’s eyes widened as he looked at the duo, “um, what?”
“If Varian were to help us out during some times when Blondie and I need some relaxation, it would be a huge plus! But we’d need two people, one, Varian, but there would need to be another”
“Um, c-can we *ask* me first *before* we assume I’m gonna say yes?” Varian stated, getting the two to look at him
Eugene blushed, “s-sorry”
“It’s fine, um….. I-I don’t know how to run a kingdom, I-I don’t know how I would even start, a-and being in charge of so many things at once would actually give me a panic attack”, the alchemist stated gently, “love the idea, but maybe not the best choice here”
Edmund chuckled, “are we allowed to counter it just a bit?” He asked gently, “because I have various reasons why you’d be perfect to run to Dark Kingdom in Eugene’s stead should he and Rapunzel need a break, maybe even some that’ll help with the nerves?”
The freckled teen bit his lip before he looked up at his father, “it’s up to you, if you really don’t think you could do it, then you’re allowed to say no, and we’ll all accept that”, Quirin stated with a smile
The alchemist looked at the room, everyone, including Eugene and Edmund, were nodding, agreeing to what the retired knight stated. The teen sighed, gave Ruddigar a few pets to calm his nerves, before holding hands with Hugo and nodding, “o-oki”
The Dark King smiled before he began to explain his reasoning, “so, you’d only be in charge of *just* the Dark Kingdom. You would never be asked to handle Corona, maybe some advice would be needed, but aside from that, nothing more”, this made Varian’s anxiety go down significantly as he let out a small sigh of relief, nodding for Edmund to continue, “heh, big difference eh?”
“V-Very big”
The grandfather chuckled before continuing, “so, my thinking for you to be a substitute prince for the Dark Kingdom is because of your lineage”
“My lineage?”
“Yes, you and Quirin are Vanguards! Not only are you connected to several different important figures throughout Dark Kingdom history, but you’re also connected to the biggest name in all of the 8 kingdoms! Demanitus Vanguard! And, not to make you uncomfortable, but you, little peanut, have the same wisdom and intelligence that he did, maybe even more! You’ve proven yourself to be a natural born leader, just like your father and Hugo, you’ve proven to have everyone’s best interests at heart, just like Adira, you’ve proven so very loyal to this kingdom and Corona, just like Hector, and you’ve shown so much interest in wanting to help everyone you come across, just like Rapunzel, Eugene, and any Prince or princess ever should! You have every key ingredient to make a fine Prince one day, one that’ll help bring the kingdom to new heights! Even if you don’t know how to run one, that’s okay, we can teach you, you wouldn’t run it forever, just on occasion, and that’s only if Rapunzel and Eugene ever need a small break, or a family vacation, at the most, you’d run it for a few months. And in the state it’s in right now, the kingdom will be looking for repairs and re-establishing itself, sensitive time, sure, but very easy to manage! Plus, you’re a prince too! So you’d be taking over a position that you should probably be learning about already! You’d be….. well…. A sort of, back up prince, you’d never have the title of king unless Eugene and Quirin were to fall and no one was there to take their place, hopefully not ever. Either way, the system would basically be, Eugene and Rapunzel wish to have a vacation, you would take over for the Dark Kingdom, someone would take over for Corona, until they came back and took their places again, then you’d be given back your freedom to do as you wish”
“Hmm….. I-I guess that’s not terrible…. B-but I…. I still don’t know how I-I’d be able to manage on my own-my own….”
“You wouldn’t be alone Freckles”, Hugo stated softly, “you’d have me”
“And us”, Hector stated, gesturing to himself and Adira, “we’d be helping you as well”
“Indeed”, Adira agreed, “we’d be giving you advice, helping you during certain meetings, should they come around, and even training the royal guards and re-establishing the brotherhood once again, that’s what we were doing before”
Varian blinked, “dad, would you be there too?”
“Of course I would”, Quirin stated gently, “I’d be traveling with you and Hugo, unless I’m needed to help with the farm of course, but even then, I’d still send you letters, give you advice, and even come by if you needed me at all”, he chuckled, “you’re stuck with me, no matter what”
Varian smiled up at his father before he let out a small sigh, “ok…. That…. doesn’t sound too bad….. I’m still anxious, but if I get proper training, notified ahead of time so I can prepare, and have everyone with me, I-I could take over should any vacations be needed. P-plus, grandpa isn’t stepping down anytime soon, r-right?”
“Oho no! You still have *plenty* of time before this old dog steps down!” Edmund stated with a jolly laugh, “I want to fix the kingdom before I give it to my son, plus, he needs training too!”
Eugene smiled, “okay, that fills *me* with relief”, he stated, getting Varian to chuckle
“You’ve already got a good start on training to be a prince”, Adira stated, “being the Captain of the royal guard helps a lot, you just need to know the history or the Dark Kingdom, our rules, holidays, and rituals, and boundaries”
“Plus he’ll need practice on how to handle the people”, Hector stated, “then again, he problems solves for Corona, so it should be pretty easy to learn how to delegate”
“Delegate?” Eugene asked
“Basically tell other people what to do”, Hugo stated, getting everyone to look at him, “what? I figured Freckles would be asked to rule over something, so I did my research. Delegating is what a king and queen does, they have people to solve any problem in the kingdom, they just have to assign the right ones. They only times the king and queen need to handle certain things themselves is if there’s a war, a pandemic, their people riot, they have meetings, and/or when they need to use the royal privy”
“Hugo”, Quirin chuckled
“It’s true!”
“I love you so much Heckles”, Varian stated as he hugged his boyfriend happily, “also, they handle trials, castle staff, kingdom decorum, guards, and usually organize royal banquets and such”, everyone looked at the alchemist, “what? I figured I’d be asked to do this too, so I researched, I’m still anxious though”
Quirin hugged the both of them, “you two are amazing”
The two scientists grinned happily before Varian’s eyes shot open, “w-wait, if I’m ruling over the Dark Kingdom, does that mean me and Hugo will be separated?”
“There may be times where I’ll be busy handling the farm work, so yeah, probably”, the blond stated, “but it won’t be forever, and we can still send letters and such, plus, it’ll barely happen, so you don’t need to worry!” He tried, seeing the fear and panic on Varian’s face
“I…..” Varian took and breath and let it out slowly, “…..Ok….. it’ll be okay…..”
Eugene’s eyes widened as he recognized that technique as one of the ones he’d taught the teen, “wow, good for you kiddo!”
“Huh?”
“The breathing technique, you implemented it when you needed it, and it worked amazingly well! You’re getting better!”
Varian was startled before blushing, “thanks, I’ve…. Been trying really hard”
“You’re doing a great job, and you know, Hugo’s right, when you take over, it won’t be for years, it’ll be two months, at the most, a few days, at the least, we also won’t be far, so if something happens, we’ll come back, you’re not gonna be alone, just like I won’t be”, he sighed, “honestly, I was right there with you about ruling over people. I came from an orphanage and had nothing for most of my life, a life, I’m still glad I got to live considering the alternative would’ve been my death”, he stated, looking at his father lovingly, getting Edmund to smile, before looking back at the alchemist, “but still, it was hard to think about the fact that I’m a prince, that I’d be taking over the title as king one day, hell it was hard to accept that when I kept thinking about me and Rapunzel! You know that, I told you a while ago”
Varian smiled, “you did, our very first Guy’s Night, when we went to the town, heh, Lance still couldn’t find the perfect earring to impress Adira with, hee hee”
“He was doing what?” The face painted warrior asked
“This was before you two talked about being friends, just friends, way before actually. He was trying to find the right earring to catch your eye, since you called him earring”
“Ah”
“Yeah, made Eugene mad too, it was funny”
“Well he’s just so damn picky! The man has a ‘style’ he has to upkeep, and while I can understand that, damn it man, just pick a fucking earring!” Eugene exclaimed, getting Varian to laugh, “eheh, anyway, you remember that night right? Me telling you how I felt?”
“Yeah, I remember”, Varian replied
“Do you remember what you told me?”
The alchemist shook his head, getting Eugene to smile as he recalled the memory:
*They got to the pier and sat down, the sun was beginning to dip into the horizon, none of them realized they'd been out this long. They weren't worried about it though, they both focused on Eugene, who had become strangely quiet.
After a few moments, Lance piped up, "so uh... what's up?"
Eugene chuckled, "what's up?" he repeated sarcastically
"Hey I'm trying here!" Lance argued, huffing a bit, "you aren't sayin anything!"
Eugene sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "right, sorry.... Just, thinking"
"About what?" Varian inquired, sitting on Eugene's left as Lance took his right
"About if I'm even good enough to *be* a prince, let alone a king!" The former thief sighed, "I had nothing before, no name, no home, very few belongings, I was no one, and now I'm suddenly this big deal!" He replied, his voice wavering a little, "I know that one day I'll become king, one day, when I marry Rapunzel, I'll become the prince of this kingdom and I'll have to train for it and handle it, just like Rapunzel does now." He looked down into the water, his reflection showing his worry and it made him turn away. "....I was never important before now, I was never someone who people relied on, tch! In fact, I was the one they avoided because I wasn't trustworthy enough to *be* relied on!" His words became angry, but he calmed down before he continued, "now everyone wants to lean on me, and I don't mind at all, I really don't! I'm more than willing to lend a hand it's just...." He stopped, he was starting to shake at the weight of his next words, he looked at his two friends. Both were looking at him, their expressions unreadable at first, he looked away in shame, he couldn't continue
He then felt a small hand touch his shoulder, looking over he saw Varian, the small alchemist was smiling at him, "hard?" he asked softly. His eyes showed understanding, it made Eugene feel warm as he nodded. "I get it, more than you know..." Varian squeezed Eugene's shoulder a little more before sighing, "my dad is the village leader, and one day, I'm going to have to become one too... It's kinda like being a prince or princess, just for a lot less people, but that doesn't mean it isn't difficult or hard...." Eugene and Lance watched the alchemist as he looked up into the sky, smiling sadly, "I don't want to be the Village Leader, I love alchemy! Making new things out of old ones, inventing brand new chemicals that could help people! That's my kind of work, but...." he looked at Eugene, "one day I'll have to step into the roll as a Village Leader, t-that's why I wanted to bring the people of Corona hot running water! Or get rid of the black rocks so badly, that's what a Village Leader is supposed to do!" He smirked, "I watch my dad, and I see him helping everyone out! They all respect him and love him almost as much as I do!" He stated, before adding, "almost". Which made Eugene and Lance chuckle. "I love him and I love what he does, but I won't lie, becoming the Village Leader, running the town, knowing how to solve every problem?! It scares me to death!" Varian shuddered, "I'm kinda in the same boat as you, just... less lanterns.... and no singing about how much we love each other because bleh", Eugene laughed at that, blushing. Varian smirked, looking at his two friends, "look getting responsibility is hard, especially when you don't believe you're the one people should look up to...." his eyes filled with tears at that, he swiped them away before they could fall, "but, if it helps any, I believe in you Eugene! I believe you'll be the best king Corona has ever seen!" He gave a mischievous smile, "I mean, you just have to be better than the king before you, and I *definitely* believe you are much more suited to the thrown than that guy", he blushed, "but maybe that's just me and my evil bias"
Lance laughed while Eugene elbowed Varian a little, "you're a brat", he joked as Varian giggled
"That's what my dad says!"
"He's right!" Eugene stated, ruffling Varian's hair while smirking, "turd", he smiled, before adding, "Thanks hairstripe"
"No problem Fish Skin", The alchemist replied, making Lance laugh even harder as Eugene blushed again
“That's a compliment!"
“More or less", Varian stated, Eugene elbowed his arm again, making the alchemist laugh*
Varian smiled as Eugene chuckled, “you didn’t give me an entire speech about why or how I should take over the throne, you just said that you believed I could, and that I’d be great at it. At the time, that’s all I really needed, someone to tell me they believed I could. It helped so much back then, so I’m telling you the same thing now”, he looked the alchemist straight in the eyes as he spoke, “without the boat in the water with the lanterns and singing about love and all that”, Varian giggled, “heh, I believe in you Varian. I believe you can be a really great back up king of Prince, I believe you can help people the way they need to be helped, I believe you’ll be able to do great things, and hell, you don’t have much competition considering the role is actually not fucking filled”
Varian laughed again, “Eugene!”
“I’m just saying”, Eugene stated before smirking, “but maybe that’s just me and my evil bias”
The alchemist laughed even more as everyone in the room smiled. The anxiety lingering in the air was lifted as the alchemist’s joyful giggles filled the room! Edmund joined in after a moment or two, unable to hold it in any longer, once he got going, the entire room began to laugh, making Varian laugh even harder! All of them grew red faced and teary eyed by the end of it all, they decided that was enough for the day, and chose to celebrate with a feast for dinner! Edmund and Quirin cooking up at storm as Varian, Hugo, Eugene, Adira, and Hector set the table and decorated! They all enjoyed a nice family meal, cheerful and full of jokes as the night went on. Ending on a small note of joy when Varian looked up at the Moon through his bedroom window, he smiled and sent a thought Rapunzel’s way
*Goodnight sis, we love you*
It said as he yawned and snuggled with Hugo under the covers, only for his smile to widen when he heard a message back to him
*Goodnight little bro, I love you all too, I can’t wait to see all of you again!*
Notes:
Hello! :D
I hope this is okay for people to accept, how they’re gonna work this out with Corona and the Dark Kingdom 😁
It’s the only way I could figure it out in my mind, because Varian being the, ‘most trusted royal engineer’ didn’t really sit right with me. He’s an alchemist, he loved inventing, sure, but he’s an alchemist, that’s not just a hobby he has, surely he could’ve taken Demanitus’s title could he not? I’ll get into what he’ll fully become soon, because a back up prince is only part of his title 😁🎶
Also, little call back to the very first Guys Night, sort of a nostalgia trip ya know? Kinda crazy to think how far this has come, thank you all for being here throughout this story, it means the world to me 😁🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 491: Cyrus’s Fate!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo debate about whether or not Varian should release Cyrus from his prison. They find out what the man did to Adria when she was under the Mind Trap’s control!
TRIGGER WARNING:
This chapter talks about inappropriate touch! If that makes you uncomfortable, please skip this chapter! Viewer discretion is advised! Pop
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! Please re-read the trigger warning in this chapters summary before reading, thank you very much! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian sighed as he looked at the hot air balloon with pride, he smiled up at it before a hand touched his shoulder, “she’s a beaut Freckles!” His boyfriend’s voice stated
Varian looked over at Hugo and nodded, “thanks! I’m very proud of it!”
“You’re welcome! You all packed up?”
“Yeah, though, I’m a little sad to be leaving. It’s honestly been so nice here”
“Yeah, no worries, no drama, save for the Moonstone mission and the ghost attack, but I’d rather that than any sort of Cyrus bullshit”
“How very right you are”, Varian stated
The blond smiled before he looked at the alchemist, “speaking of, what do you plan on doing about Cyrus?” He asked, getting Varian to look at him, “are you gonna let him out?”
The freckled teen looked down and sighed, “I-I’m not sure….. I could, I’m the only one that knows how, well, Rapunzel does too, so does Lance and Eugene, but Rapunzel can’t do it anymore”
“It’s the decay incantation, right?”
“Yeah, Rapunzel used it on the amber my dad was trapped in and got him out. I could save Cyrus, he’s simply frozen in time right now….. but…. I-if I do….. will he pull what he tried to before? W-will he go after you? O-or our family? …..I-I don’t know what to do about him…. I can’t just leave him there though, especially when I have the power to release him….”
“Do you *want* to let him out?”
“Should I?”
“You answer first Freckles”, Hugo said with a chuckle
Varian sighed but blushed, “you’re too good at seeing past that”
“That’s because I wuv you”
Varian giggled as his lover hugged him happily, “you’re a stinker”
“And proud of it!” Hugo exclaimed before he let go, “but seriously though, do you want to? It’s okay if you don’t you know”
Varian let out a sigh, “I…. I don’t know…. I’m in the fence if I’m honest. Maybe I should ask everyone else first?”
“That’d be a good idea, after all, they were his victims just as much as we were”
“True….. do you want me to let him out?”
Hugo was quiet for a moment before he sighed, “I don’t know….. on one hand, he deserves his damn fate and I hate him with every fiber of my being…. On the other, knowing how badly affected Quirin was when in that amber, I wouldn’t wish that fate on even my most horrible of enemies…. And he’s the most horrible….. Guess I’m on the fence too”
Varian smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, “at least you’re honest about it”
Hugo smiled right back, “I try to be anyway, sorry I couldn’t help any further though”
“It’s alright, you helped me feel not alone about being on the fence”
“Heh, well then, I’m the greatest”
Varian snorted, “oh so very humble”
“Weren’t you the one who said I’m damn near close to being perfect?”
“Yes, I did, but remember, I said you were *close*”
“What’ll get me to being absolutely perfect then?”
Varian grinned sassily, “maybe an ego check”
Hugo laughed as he hugged Varian again, kissing his cheek as the freckled alchemist giggled and returning the loving gestures! The duo were nothing but a pile of giggles after a few moments, at least, that was how they were found when Quirin made his way over to the hot air balloon, “um”, he started, getting the duo to look up at him, red faced, teary eyes, and still giggling slightly, “am I interrupting something?” He asked with a smirk and quirked brow
The two scientists got up and blushed, “nu you’re not”, the freckled teen replied, “we’re just in a weird mood today, eheh”
“I can see that”
Hugo snorted before calming down and letting out a sigh, “you ready and packed up there Quirin?”
“Yup”, the retired knight showed the pair his bags, “I’ve also got the tent out and ready to be set up, just in case we need to stop before reaching Corona”
“Good plan, though, the modifications to the balloon should make for an even faster journey”, Varian stated as he glanced at his creation, “especially with the new parts that grandpa allowed me to use, so I’m not sure if we’ll need to camp out for the night or not”
“Well you can never be too sure”, Quirin said with a smile, “always best to be prepared”
“Wow, some good ol fashioned dad wisdom”, Hugo stated with a smile
“Yup, I know a few things”
Varian giggled before he saw Hector, Edmund, and Eugene walking over, he smiled before noticing someone missing, “hey, where’s Adira?”
“Where she always is before we start balloon travel”, Hector stated before pointing to the balloon
Varian and Hugo both looked and grinned when they saw the face painted warrior meditating on top of the balloon itself, “well doesn’t she look content”, Hugo observed
“She really does”, Edmund agreed, “though we should probably get going, especially if you, little peanut, want to get to Corona in one day”
“True, very true, the earlier the start, the more I can test out the balloon’s speed!” Varian exclaimed
“Um….” Hugo started before growing quiet
Varian smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, “don’t worry, I won’t go too fast, and if I am, let me know and I can slow down”
The blond let out a sigh of relief before nodding, “thanks Freckles”
“Anytime”
****
The group was in the air in no time flat, Adira having gotten off when she saw the rest of her family getting inside the basket, deciding to sit on the edge of the basket instead, meditating peacefully
Hector was next to Quirin and Edmund, the retired knight holding the map and directing Varian as the wild tamer and Dark King watched the ground below them with smiles on their faces
Eugene was sitting with Hugo in the middle of the basket, trying to distract the teen from how high they currently were
All of this while Varian steered the balloon! He hummed to himself happily before they hit a point where his father had stated they could in the same direction for a while. The alchemist sat down in the basket, keeping an eye on their course, just in case, before the question Hugo’d asked him earlier popped back in his mind. He let out a small sigh before glancing at his lover, the blond was looking back at him, almost as if he’d known what was coming. Varian nodded before he looked over at his father, “hey dad, I’ve…. Got an important question, actually it’s kinda for everyone here”, Varian stated
Quirin, and everyone else, looked at the alchemist, “is everything okay son?” The retired knight asked
“Well…. Yeah everything’s fine it’s just…..” Varian let out a sigh, “it’s about…. Cyrus…… I…. Need to know if I should let him out or not…..” he stated
“I….what?” Eugene asked, “when did this come up?”
“I-it’s honestly been on my mind for a while”, Varian stated”
“Mine too actually”, Hugo admitted
“I see”, Quirin replied gently, “do you *want* to let him out?”
“That’s the thing, I don’t know….. He’s done so many horrible things, to me, to all of you, to the kingdom….. To Donella….” Varian looked at Hugo sadly, the blond letting out a soft sigh, “I just…. I-I shouldn’t but….. I-is it really okay for me to just…. Leave him there? E-especially if I have the power to save him? I’m the only one who can now! Rapunzel doesn’t have the Sundrop anymore, s-so…..”
Eugene looked at Hugo, “what do you think? You knew him better than anyone”
“I-I don’t know….” Hugo answered, “I’m on the fence about it, he’s an asshole and horrible, but….. that’s a fate worse than death….. being stuck in perpetual sleep basically….. I mean….” He looked at Quirin, “there’s only one other person who would understand what that’s like….. and he’s not too keen on sharing….. I don’t blame him”
The retired knight sighed, “being in that state is torture….. You’re still alive in it, yet you never age, never move, you’re frozen…. The magic of the black rocks keeps your body sustained, the amber keeps you trapped, if your eyes are open and ears are clear, you can hear and see everything….. it’s awful……”
“Do you think I should free him dad?” Varian asked
“I….. tricky question….” The retired knight stated, “he did so much bad….. you’d think it would be a blessing to have him stuff there…. But even Zhan Tiri was granted the mercy of death, why shouldn’t he?”
“So you think that fucker should be let go?” Hector asked, getting Quirin’s attention, “really, after all the shit he pulled?”
“Do you not think so?”
“No! I think he should be left to rot! I think he should suffer the same damn time t he put all of us through! Particularly for what he did to Ad-! …..Ugh….. he should be fucking tormented for the rest of his damned days! Let him rot in his prison and watch us all thrive! What difference does it make if he’s left in there? One less asshole is in this world!”
“Hector”, Edmund said softly, a little surprised by his tamer’s exclamation
“Do you really think it’s that surprising that I feel the way I do?” Hector asked, “he did so many horrible things!”
“I suppose not but….. I didn’t expect that reaction so quickly”
“I’m fucking angry at him….. I hate him….. he’s no different than the shitty asshole Quirin saved our sister from all those years ago…..”
“He is….” Adira replied softly, getting everyone to look at her, “he’s just as bad as that man…..”
“Adira….” Quirin said gently as he watched her
The group was quiet for a while before Edmund spoke up, “do you…. Want to talk about what Cyrus did to you? …..You and Hector have mentioned it a few times…. But you never said any details….. I’m…. Concerned….. extremely concerned actually, that what he did was….. Very similar to what you went through as a child….. Y-You don’t have to of course but…. I thought I’d offer if you need to”
The face painted warrior let out a small sigh before she nodded, “I want to, and yes, it’s similar, not the same however….. He…. Touched me….. he never got me alone with him, never took anything off of me, never got anything of his on me…. But he did touch me…. Inappropriately….. My chest…. My hips…. F-Front and back….. He’d stare…. A lot….. He liked to be close to me….. T-too close….. Hector would… try to stop him…. I saw him, on several occasions, fight against the mind trap….. but that blue electricity hurt….. so badly……” Adira shuddered, “…..When we were freed, and all was said and done, I took a *lot* of showers, and spent a *lot* of time with Hector….. I didn’t want to talk about it until I was ready, I…. Am now”
“Adira….” Varian said softly, “I…. I-I am so *so* sorry….”
“It isn’t your fault Speckles. It isn’t…. He’s a filthy, *disgusting*, person….. He knew he couldn’t get me to do what he wanted when I wasn’t under the mind trap’s control, and thus, took advantage when I was unable to stop him….. It’s cowardly and deplorable…… But I’m okay…. I’m alright….. He can’t hurt me anymore, neither can….” She hesitated before huffing, stomping her foot a little and finally speaking again, her voice loud and clear this time, “neither can the Baron. But Cyrus and the Baron do *not* have control over me, I won’t let them. I don’t fear them anymore, should they pop into my mind, I won’t shudder or step back”, she stated with a huff, “I’ve been so afraid of the both of them for my entire life, the Baron, far longer than Cyrus, but I’m not going to be anymore. I fought Cyrus off once, I can do it again, and the Baron is the same. I won’t be afraid of them anymore….. I won’t”, she smiled at the alchemist, “you can let him out, if you wish to, I’m not afraid, if he tries anything, you know I can handle him, you’ve seen me”
Varian nodded, “I did, you beat him to a bloody pulp!”
She smiled, “indeed, I’m not worried if he comes out, and honestly, maybe him being released and brought to justice will be the closure I need, I’ll never know if he never gets released”
Hector blinked, “so you want him out?”
“I want him to face his crimes, just as Cassandra did. I want him to be punished for all he’s done, and I want to face him and show him that I’m no longer afraid. If that means he’s released, then so be it, because I know I’ll have you and everyone else here to support me”, she stated with a warm grin to her younger brother
The wild tamer blinked before nodding, “damn right you do”
She chuckled, “thank you, Hector”
Quirin smiled at the both of them before he spoke up, “if that’s what Adira wants, then I want that too, he should be released and punished for all he’s done”
“Same”, Edmund stated with a smile, “though, we may have to keep Hector back a bit”
“Why?” Eugene asked
“Because I’ll fucking rip his damn balls off and shove em so far down his throat he’ll be throwing up his own piss his entire fucking life”, the wild tamer stated in a low growl
Eugene’s eyes widened, as Varian blinked, his father having been quick enough to rush over and place his hands over the alchemist’s ears just in the nick of time, “that’s why”, the retired knight stated
Hugo laughed his head off as he rolled onto the floor and clutched his stomach, Hector smirking as Adira chuckled, Edmund huffed, “such language”, he stated as Quirin shook his head and Varian blinked innocently, not able to hear what his uncle had just stated, but he had a feeling he shouldn’t ask
His question had been answered as he looked at his aunt proudly, the women noticed and smiled at him, he nodded, deciding that, when they got back, and they all settled into their home once again, he would go to the castle, talk to Rapunzel and Arianna, and, as several guards watched and waited, he would release Cyrus so the man could face justice once and for all, for Hugo, for Corona, for his family, but especially for Adira
Notes:
Hello :D
I wanted Adira to finally be able to say she’s no longer afraid! I wanted her to have her moment when she finally puts that fear away, because she’s strong and she can and will face the people who hurt her and show them no mercy!
Adira is strong and powerful and wonderful! She deserves to have that moment to finally say she’s not longer going to be afraid! It’s gonna be hard when the time actually comes for her to face Cyrus again, but she’ll be able to do it, because she’s not alone anymore
And you can stand up to anyone who’s abused you in any way shape or form too! You’re all strong and wonderful and powerful in your own ways! I believe in each and every one of you, you’re not alone, you’re not 🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 492: A Crazy Rhino Bond!
Summary:
Hector remembers the first time he ever lost his temper!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*”You really think I give a shit about what you say?! Leave me alone! I don’t need you anyway! I can handle things on my OWN!” The child yelled as he slammed the door shut and huffed
He walked away from the room, arms crossed, as tears filled his eyes. The cool evening air that touched his cheeks did nothing to cool his nerves as he walked outside of the barracks. He tried to stop his thoughts from reminding him of the harsh words the other trainees had said, but was losing, that is, until he bumped into something large, “rrr….” He growled before glaring at what was in his way, “hey! Watch where you’re fucking go-Quirin!” He stopped when he saw those warm brown eyes looking at him
“Hector? Hi, are…. You alright?” The knight asked, kneeling in front of the boy and looking over him, “it looks like you’ve got a few scratches, did that fall hurt?”
The boy stumbled over his words a little before his heart caught up with his stomach, “u-um I-uh um a-and the-I-I-ehehe, I-I’m fine”, he replied as he blushed
Quirin waited patiently with a warm smile on his face before he finally received his answer, “well that’s fine, still, I want to, at the very least, check on those scratches. Come on, why don’t we head into the castle for a moment, there’s a small medkit in the kitchen I could use, plus we can get some snacks there”, he stated, scooping the boy up
The child blushed, “Quirin, I’m 10 years old now, I can walk”
“I know, but I like carrying you”
The child sighed but smiled up at the man, he’d hate to admit this to anyone, particularly Adira or any of the other trainees he’d had the displeasure of dealing with, but he didn’t mind Quirin holding him, it felt warm and comforting. As they entered the castle, he felt the knight shift him a little, his arm now prevented people from noticing him. At first, he was concerned, but relaxed when he saw the captain of the royal guards pass by. Once the man was out of sight, Quirin’s arm readjusted and he was visible once again. He smiled, “thanks”
“You’re welcome, he’s a jerk”
“He’s more than that”
“Yeah, but certain people shouldn’t be saying stuff like that”, Quirin stated, quirking an amused brow at the boy
Hector blushed, “I… was hoping you hadn’t noticed that”
“I did, but I’m letting it go, one, because you’ve got scratches and I genuinely want to heal them, and two, because you look like you’ve just had an awful day”
Hector blinked, “h-how did you-!”
“Call it a big sibling’s intuition”
“In…. Intu…. Intooey…..”
“Intuition, the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning”, Quirin explained with a smile
“Conscious…… what?”
“Conscious reasoning, context clues, or, to put it into battle terms, body language”
“Ooooooh! So… intuition…..”
“Is the ability to understand how a person feels or what they’re thinking without really needing to ask or look at them. Basically”, he stopped walking at looked at the child with a grin, “I can read your thoughts”, he joked
Hector giggled, “nu you can’t!”
“Who says, I know you’re having a bad day, and I’ve got more than enough reason to believe it’s because some of the other trainees were being cruel to you again”, he stated, walking once again, “am I wrong?”
Hector gasped, amazed at the man’s skills, “how did you do that?!”
Quirin chuckled, “I told you, I can read your mind”
“Oki then, what animal am I thinking about right now?”
“Hmmmm….. Rhino”
“Wha-! How’d you know?!”
“Magic!”
“Quirin!”
The knight chuckled as he entered the dining area, “just a gut feeling Hector”
The boy smirked, “sassy”
“I learned from the best”, he teased
“How’d you know it was the trainees who gave me a bad day?”
“Intuition”
“I don’t believe you”
“Well, I did get a hint just before running into you”
“A hint?” Hector asked as they entered the kitchen, he froze when he saw Adira sitting on the counter, eating an apple, and looking like she’d just finished crying, “oh….”
“Yeah….” Quirin replied sadly as he set the boy next to the teen on the counter and grabbed the med kit, “it’s been a rough day all around”
Hector looked at Adira, she seemed to be paying more attention to her apple than him. He could tell she was trying to hide behind it though, he felt a pang of sadness for her, “the trainees suck”, he stated
She blinked before looking at him. He gave her a sad look, she sighed before nodding, “yeah…..”
“They say something to you?”
“Pulled a prank actually, notice anything different?” She asked
Hector looked her up and down before something caught his eye, “your hair, it’s shorter”
“Yeah…. Apparently ganging up on me and tying my ponytail to the barbed fence around the forest was a fun idea…..”
“What?!”
“Yeah….. I had to rip my hair out just to get away….. It left quite a mess…. It looked awful, Eden had to gave me a haircut….”
“….It looks nice if that helps”
“Thanks…. I wish it didn’t need to be cut at all…..”
“It is not supposed to be?”
“No…. In my culture, the longer your hair grows, the wiser you appear to be…. Of your hair is cut, it’s because you did something that proves otherwise, it’s meant to be an embarrassing punishment, it’s why my hair is always long…. So the fact that it was cut……” Her lips quivered as she looked down, her snorter hair, which was now shoulder length, flipped a little, revealing a few bandaids on her neck from where the barbed fence had hurt her, she sniffled
Hector watched her for a moment or two before he felt his anger begin to bubble. He waited until Quirin had placed the final bandaid on his knee before he hopped off the counter and began to stomp away, “hey, where are you going?” Quirin called after him
Hector didn’t answer as he made his way out of the castle, he began to go faster and faster as images of Adira’s tears and shortened hair filled his mind. His yellow eyes practically *glowing* with rage as his finally reached the barracks of the trainees, slamming open the door to find Prince Edmund and Eden talking with them, the teens looked bored at the lecture they were being given, but everyone perked up in surprise when Hector entered the room. He glared at each and every teen in the small space as Edmund spoke up, “Hector? Are you alright?” He asked
The boy didn’t reply, he continued to glare at the group of teens before he noticed one was holding a piece of silver hair. He walked over and snatched it from their hand, “did you do it?” He asked angrily
“What?” The teenager he’d spoken to asked
“Did you fucking tie her hair to that damn fence?!” He snapped
The trainee blinked in surprise before he smirked, “and what if I did? Ya gonna do something about it?” He asked
Hector’s eyes narrowed, “yes, or no. Did you fucking do it?” He asked, his voice as sharp and icey as he’d heard Quirin’s get during one of the Captain’s cruel training sessions
This startled the trainee, but he didn’t back down, “yeah, it was me, she fucking deserved it, why does it matter to you chump?” He asked, pushing the 10 year old
That was all Hector needed, his vision went black, he could hear his own wild cry as he lunched forwards! He heard screams from the other teens, felt Edmund and Eden trying to stop him, even his own body tried to give out from underneath him, but none of it mattered as he tore through that boy and any of the other trainees that stepped in to defend him!
He bit and scratched and beat and punched any and all who stood in his way, until finally, he was down to the final trainee, all of the others had been knocked out or ran away, the final one was the teen he’d initially asked, he was shaking like a leaf, his eyes were mere pinpricks, he couldn’t move and hardly even breathed as Hector made his way over to him, once for someone to step in-between the pair, the only person that could stop him at at that moment, “don’t”
Hector stopped and looked at them, “Adira…”
“Don’t”, she repeated, “that’s enough now, you don’t need to do anymore damage, you don’t”, she stated gently, “they learned their lesson, it isn’t worth it anymore, please don’t”
The boy was startled as he looked at her, then to the teen, then back to her, “b-but he hurt you!” He exclaimed, “he disrespected your culture! He made you *cry*!”
“I know, but I’ll get him back when I make it into the Brotherhood and he doesn’t, he’s nothing more than a bully who’s looking for people to bow down to him, he isn’t worth your time. You’re better than he is, much better, please, don’t let him be the reason you lose your temper”
The 10 year old thought about that for a moment or two before he sighed, allowing his anger to flow out of him, and his body to finally relax, his legs giving out as he fell to the floor, before he looked up at her again, “you’re right….. sorry…..”
“It’s okay”, she replied with a smile, “thank you, for standing up for me”
Hector smiled and nodded before he looked over at the bully, “who’s the chump now you sorry excuse for a shit stain?” He asked, even if he was wavering from his body’s illness, he wouldn’t give the teen the satisfaction of seeing him weak!
Adira snickered, “wow! Heheh, very colorful language coming from you, wild child!”
Hector blinked, “wild child?”
“Yeah”, she replied, sitting next to him, “the way you basically tore into the other kids, it was *wild*, and you’re a child, wild child!”
Hector was startled before snickering, “I’m glad you’re back to normal”
“Happy to be back”, she stated
“A-*hem*!” A voice behind them stated, getting to duo to look and see Edmund, Eden, and Quirin all watching them, the kids that hadn’t gotten knocked out during Hector’s rampage were hiding behind the knight in fear, “I think we need to have a chat about what just happened here?” The prince stated gently yet sternly
Hector blushed, but Adira stood up and looked at the prince with a smile, “if you have to punish him, punish me too, I’m the reason he did this after all”
“A-Adira-!” Hector tried
“And I’m not taking no for an answer”, she stated, turning, and smiling at him warmly
He fell quiet at he looked up at her and smiled back, “thanks”
“You’re welcome, us oddballs have to stick together, right?”
“Right”
The Dark Prince sighed, “while I’m glad you two are getting along, I’m still against what just happened here”. The duo looked at him and hung their heads in shame, getting the man to hesitate, “ooooooh, Eden, help! They’re too cute! I can’t!”
Eden chuckled as she looked at the duo, she let out a small sigh before her face turned serious, not too serious, but enough to show she was saying something important, “while the reasoning behind this is commendable, I’m afraid you two, because Adira seems keen on taking the punishment as well, will be stuck cleaning the barracks for a week”
“Yes ma’am”, the both of them replied softly
“Are they g-gonna be kicked out?” One of the trainees asked, “h-he nearly *killed* us!”
Hector growled, but stopped when he heard Quirin speak, his attention fully on the knight, “while it’s true that Hector took matters into his own hands when he wasn’t supposed to, you, *all* of you, nearly got Adira killed with that little stunt! Tying her ponytail to the *barbed* fence near the forest is not only dangerous, but mean spirited, and cruel, therefore, all of you will be facing punishment as well, by means of cleaning up the training grounds after each lesson for two weeks”, all the kids who were still conscious groaned, “don’t complain to me, if you don’t like the rules, you can go home, you’re lucky I don’t kick all of *you* out for that stunt, I could change my mind as well should something like this happen again”, he added, giving the teens a stern look, “being part of the Brotherhood means you’re a team, no matter who gets chosen, this isn’t a popularity contest. I will not choose those of you who think such a stunt like that was nothing less than cruel”, he stated
“Yes sir”, everyone said instantly, giving the knight as much respect as they could muster
“Good, as of now, training will have to be postponed to attend to all the injured”
“Which is…. Quite a few…..” Edmund stated, a little startled by the amount of trainees that got hurt
“Indeed, that was…. Significant damage….” Eden added
“Well they ticked me off!” Hector exclaimed, “t-they hurt her! They disrespected her culture! She could’ve been *killed*! A-and-and-!”
“Easy Hector, it’s okay”, Quirin replied, “while what you did was against the rules, we understand why. It’s why you’re not getting kicked from the training, but the punishment still stands”
Hector nodded, “oki….” He felt embarrassed, like he’d failed the knight through his own actions. He stared at the floor sadly, thinking about how he could’ve done things differently, only to feel a gentle hand on his shoulder, he looked up and saw the knight looking at him lovingly
“It’s alright”, he spoke softly, “you learned your lesson, and you did what you did to defend someone you care about, that’s what matters most to me. So it’s okay, while I won’t condone the actions taken, I’m proud of you for sticking up for Adira, that was very brave”
The small 10 year old felt his heart fill with pride at those words as he smiled up at the knight before hugging him happily, smiling even wider when he felt the man return the loving gesture as he let out a soft sigh of relief*
Hector sighed as he looked out at the night sky, they’d landed the balloon in deadman’s curve, Varian had wanted to continue, but the constant yawning and drooping eyes had worked against him as Quirin took control and landed the balloon, stating the could set up camp for the night and make it back to Corona tomorrow, much to the alchemist chagrin
The tiny argument that followed didn’t last very long when Varian’s exhaustion had taken over and the teen had ended up proving his father right when he nearly tumbled into some poison oak. Still, he’d brought up a good point about the place they were currently in. So the wild tamer had decided to take over watching the camp for the night
As the cold evening air hit his skin, he was reminded of the first time he’d ever lost his temper. He chuckled when he thought about how many teens had left after that, but…. As he remembered that incident, he also remembered the fear he’d struck within the hearts of many of his fellow trainees, how no one besides Adira would ever train with him because they were too afraid of what he’d do. He remember that cold feeling of loneliness that came during that time, only being filled when Adira stepped in….. he sighed as that same feeling began to sneak its way in, he tried not to let it bother him, but as he watched the road for any unfortunate thieves who thought they could make an easy buck, the feeling grew colder and colder, almost to a freezing degree before he felt warmth wash over him when he was hugged from behind. Looking over his shoulder, he knew why, “Quirin”
“Hi, you looked cold, figured a hug would help”, the retired knight stated happily as he let go of his little brother and sat beside him
“A hug does help, but I’m not sure how much it’ll do for Wild Child”, another voice stated on the other side of the tamer
“Adira”, Hector said
“Hello”
“Hi”
Quirin chuckled, “hugs work for Hector, you personally just don’t like them, Adira”
“I like hugs form Speckles”, the face painted warrior pointed out
“That’s different, Varian hugs are special”
“True, as are Ponytail hugs, though those are rare”
“Indeed! Hugo hugs are rare but cherished”
“You two are so weird”, Hector stated with a snort
“We are, but you love us anyway”, Adira stated with a grin
“Fuck you”
“Ah the sounds of sibling togetherness”, Quirin teased
“What a sweet yet sour sound!” Adira added
“Stop acting weird you two!” Hector exclaimed, getting the duo to laugh
He huffed for a moment or two before he looked at both of them, they calmed their laughter and were merely watching the road with him, sitting in comfortable silence while they listened to the sounds of Edmund and Hugo chatting, Varian’s sleepy mumbles, the nocturnal animal’s calls, and the winds as it swept through the trees. Hector let out a sigh and smiled as he felt his sibling’s warmth beside him, “thanks”, he said softly
Quirin and Adira smiled and scorched a little closer to him, happy to watch the camp in peace.
Notes:
Hello :D
I love Hector, I love exploring his character as well, I love exploring his character while adding Adira’s fun quirks and Quirin’s wholesomeness! I just love writing the Brotherhood siblings together, and I wanna write more 😁❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 493: Returning Home!
Summary:
The group returns from their trip to the Dark Kingdom! And they run into someone they really didn’t wanna see!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 😁❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Weeeeeeeeeee’re sailing awaaaaaaaaaay~”
“Hugo”
“Set an open cooooooourse, for the viiiiirgin seaaaaaaaa~”
“Hugo!”
“Cause weeeeeeeeee’ve got tooooooooo be freeeeeeeeeee~”
“Hugo!!”
“Free to face the life, that’s ahead of weeeeeeeeeeeee~”
“HUGO!” Varian yelled, getting his lover to giggle as he smirked at the blond, “you’re a brat”
“Yeah, but was the singing good?”
The alchemist snickered, “it was very lovely”
“Why thank you”, the inventor stated with a grin as he hopped inside the balloon’s basket
“You’re welcome! Is you all set?”
“I is!” Hugo replied with a snort, “is everyone else?”
“They is, they’re just making sure we is not leaving things behind”
“Ah, I see”
“You see?”
“I do”
“Is the picture clear?”
“It is!”
“Cool”
“Yeah”
Both teens snickered, “we’re nuts”, Varian stated
“We are, but that’s what makes us special, we’re special nuts”
“I can agree with that”
“I think we can too”, a voice stated, getting both teens to look over and see the rest of the group standing and watching them interact, “you two is both nuts”, Quirin stated with a loving smile
Varian blushed as Hugo giggled, “we is!” The blond stated proudly
“Alright you two, nerdy flirty can be postponed until *after* we set sail, yeah?” Eugene asked
“Oki, let’s go”, Varian replied, everyone got inside the basket as the alchemist took the helm. He started up the fuel and off they went
****
“I spy, with my handsome eye, something that iiiiiiiis brown”, Eugene stated
“Tree”, Hugo replied
“Yup”
“I spy, with my sexy eye, something that is…. Also brown”
“Tree?”
“Nope”
“Uh ok, um…. Dirt”
“Na da”
“Hmmm, the basket?”
“No”
“Uuuuuuh…. What else is brown around here?”
“Give up?”
“No, I’m just trying to look….. uuuuuuh”
“Dad’s vest!” Varian exclaimed
“Correct!” Hugo stated happily
“Damn it”, Eugene said with a sigh
“Don’t worry son, I wouldn’t have gotten that one either”, Edmund consoled as Quirin smiled at the group
“Thanks dad”
“Freckles’s turn”, Hugo stated happily
“Oki, um…. I spy-!”
“With your big, blue eye”, Quirin interrupted
“Hee hee, something that is…..” Varian gasped, “big!”
“Big?” The Dark a Prince repeated
“It is Eugene’s ego?” Hugo teased
“Oi!”
“Nu! It’s Corona!” Varian replied excitedly, getting the group to look over and smile when they saw the retired knight’s, and alchemist’s, home come into view
“ugh, fina-fucking-ly! I’m so damn bored and-! What’s that?” Hector started before he spotted something below, Adira walked over and looked at what he was staring at, her eyes narrowing, “isn’t that…. That raccoon eating thief?”
“Dwayne?” Varian asked as Ruddigar, who’d been in his boy’s backpack this entire time and was now peeking out, chittered
“Yeah! The one you nearly killed before you found out you had Moon powers”
Varian walked over and looked before he huffed, “yup, that’s Dwayne”
“Who?” Hugo asked
Varian blinked, “he was the one who stole the shell necklace that me and Rapunzel and the girls were in?”
“You were in a shell necklace?”
“…..I….. I forgot that that was *right* before we met you, eheh, sorry, it feels like we’ve known each other since forever”
Hugo blinked before blushing and smiled, “I know the feeling”
Varian blushed too before Hector spoke up, “hey, there’s another thief, dunno their name, but I do know that I was the one that caught em”
Adira smirked, “I remember you doing that, it was while we were patrolling for Cassandra”
“Yup!”
Varian and Hugo looked, “oh I know her, she attacked the princess during her coronation ceremony, me and dad were there!” The alchemist exclaimed before huffing, “she ended up locking up dad with the other dad’s….. I wasn’t too happy about that…. I helped Rapunzel battle her and her goons, she didn’t see me, but I was there! Just far away, I used my goo bombs!”
“I remember that, you were my hero that day”, Quirin stated with a smile
“Hee hee!”
“I was there, and even *I* didn’t see you kiddo, where the heck were you battling?” Eugene asked
“I kept getting pushed away from the dad cage, you, Rapunzel, and Cassandra were all around it, me, and a few other civilians, were helping out by keeping the people who were surrounding you off!”
“Oooooh! I wondered why some of the other fake guards didn’t come to help, thanks for that!”
“You’re welcome! You, Rapunzel, and Cassandra got my dad back! So I’d say the favor was more than returned, what was the leader’s name Eugene?”
“Lady Caine”, the Dark Prince replied, “she attacked us, and locked up the dads, because she said her own father, a petty thief, was locked away and sent to work in the mines, she never saw him again”
“It was because Frederic’s rage knew no bounds…..” Quirin replied sadly, “he punished everyone, even the smallest crimes, with the harshest punishments…..”
“Geez….” Hector stated
“Yeah……”
“Well, she seems to be walking around again. Oh look! There’s an older man next to her, I wonder if that’s her parent?” Adira asked
“I hope so, life without a dad is…. Not very fun…..” Varian stated, letting out a squeak of surprise when he was scooped up by his father, who lovingly snuggled him
Hugo grinned at the pair before he looked at Corona, “uh…. Freckles we’re heading for a wall”
“Oh whoops!” Varian wriggled out of Quirin’s arm and pumped the balloon full of more hot air, allowing them to ascend and miss the wall by just a hair, “sorry about that, I keep forgetting this balloon is faster than the last one I made”
“You’re good, we landing anywhere?” Hugo asked
“Probably in front of the castle, or as close as we can get, I made this balloon for Rapunzel, so I wanna give it back”
“Ok, to the castle we go!” Hugo declared, getting his lover to giggle
****
“We will reach our destination in three….. two….. one…. Aaaaaabd landed! Please make sure to grab all accessible items off the balloon and watch your step! Thank you for flying air Vanguard!” Varian stated happily
Eugene snorted and ruffled the alchemist hair, “you’re such a little stinker”
“Hee hee, I know”, he napped Eugene’s hands away and fixed his hair before he looked at the group, “so, I had to land us a little ways away from the castle since there seems to be construction that’ll make it hard to land any closer, so we still have to walk just a little”
“That’s okay Bubby, you did a really great job flying us to and fro”, Quirin complimented
“Thank you!”
“You’re welcome”
“Alright, so shall we get going?” Eugene asked
“We shall, I’m actually happy to be back, not that I hated the Dark Kingdom, I definitely didn’t, but I need more tools and chemicals, I got way too many big ideas and not enough time to actually make them!” Hugo exclaimed
Edmund chuckled, “we’ll have to make a lab for you two when you come visit again, that way you’ll have two places to science!”
Varian and Hugo’s eyes sparkled with excitement, “really?!” They both asked
“Really!”
“Yay!” Both teen hugged the Dark King happily, “thank you!”
Quirin chuckled, “dad, you’re spoiling them”, he teased
Edmund laughed and hugged the duo back, “they deserve all the spoiling!”
“That’s so odd to hear *Quirin* of all people call my dad, dad”, Eugene said as the group began to make their way to the castle
“It’s odd for us too actually”, Adira stated while Hector snorted
“I like it!” Edmund exclaimed
“You would”, Eugene replied with a smirk before he heard Varian let out a startled, ‘meep!’
Looking over, they saw the alchemist on the floor, shaking his head to clear his vision, “son, are you okay?” Quirin asked as he, and the rest of the group, surrounded the teen instantly
Varian blinked before blushing, “ehehe, yeah sorry, I just bumped into something”
They all let out a collective sigh of relief as Varian blushed even more, “Freckles you’re loved”, Hugo stated with a smirk
“I see”, Varian replied with a giggle as his boyfriend helped him up. The teen dusted himself off before he looked at what he’d bumped into, “what did I hit anywa-!” He froze at what he saw, looking up at it as his eyes widened and began to glow
Standing before him, was the last person he wanted to see, “V-Varian!”
The alchemist’s eyes narrowed and he huffed as he felt his father shift, placing himself slightly in front of the teen before he spoke, “hello Cassandra…..”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, she’s still in Corona, she’s just cleaning up her mess, and she’s not the only one, I can’t say more because I don’t wanna spoil the chapter :3
Thank you all so much for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 494: Old Enemies and Friends!
Summary:
The group ran into Cassandra and get reunited with Rapunzel!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Edmund chuckled, “we’ll have to make a lab for you two when you come visit again, that way you’ll have two places to science!”
Varian and Hugo’s eyes sparkled with excitement, “really?!” They both asked
“Really!”
“Yay!” Both teen hugged the Dark King happily, “thank you!”
Quirin chuckled, “dad, you’re spoiling them”, he teased
Edmund laughed and hugged the duo back, “they deserve all the spoiling!”
“That’s so odd to hear *Quirin* of all people call my dad, dad”, Eugene said as the group began to make their way to the castle
“It’s odd for us too actually”, Adira stated while Hector snorted
“I like it!” Edmund exclaimed
“You would”, Eugene replied with a smirk before he heard Varian let out a startled, ‘meep!’
Looking over, they saw the alchemist on the floor, shaking his head to clear his vision, “son, are you okay?” Quirin asked as he, and the rest of the group, surrounded the teen instantly
Varian blinked before blushing, “ehehe, yeah sorry, I just bumped into something”
They all let out a collective sigh of relief as Varian blushed even more, “Freckles you’re loved”, Hugo stated with a smirk
“I see”, Varian replied with a giggle as his boyfriend helped him up. The teen dusted himself off before he looked at what he’d bumped into, “what did I hit anywa-!” He froze at what he saw, looking up at it as his eyes widened and began to glow
Standing before him, was the last person he wanted to see, “V-Varian!”
The alchemist’s eyes narrowed and he huffed as he felt his father shift, placing himself slightly in front of the teen before he spoke, “hello Cassandra…..”
The former guard blinked before backing up a bit, her hands in a placating gesture, “I-I’m not gonna hurt you, I’m just serving my sentence”, she stated before gesturing to what she was doing
The group looked and saw an unfinished building beside her, tools were laid out, a few other people were helping with the build, Cassandra herself had a hammer in her hand. Hugo sighed, “so they just left you, unattended, with a hammer, rebuilding a building?”
“I’m not unattended”, she replied gently as she nodded to a few guards standing nearby, all of their eyes were on her
“Ah”
Eugene let out a small sigh of relief when he saw the guards, “good”, he stated, “I got worried for a second there”
“Same….” Varian replied
Eugene looked at him, “Varian…. Are you alright?”
The alchemist was staring at the women before him, she returned the stare with a sad one of her own before she bowed her head in shame, looking at the floor instead. The alchemist sighed as his eyes stopped glowing and looked at Eugene, “yeah, I’m fine, just…. Got startled”
“I think we all did”, Hector stated as he watched Cassandra
“How about we head back to the castle, yeah?” Quirin suggested
“Good idea”, Hugo replied as he took his lover’s hand in his. They began to walk away, leaving Cassandra behind before Varian stopped. The rest of the group did as well, the alchemist turned to look at the progress of the build. He noticed several building in Corona were rebuilt, some that even he was startled to see done so quickly. He sighed before speaking once again, “you’re doing a good job…..”
Cassandra blinked before turning to look at him, “I….. am?”
“You’re rebuilding this place yeah?” She nodded, “and you’ve been doing so ever since you were sentenced”, another nod, “you’re doing good”
“I….. W-why are you-!”
“Because being in the same boat gives me a perspective….. I still don’t like you, or trust you, and I won’t ever forget what you did, but….. I’d be remiss to make you feel worse when you’re actively working on rebuilding things and fixing your mistakes….. So you’re doing a good job. If you keep it up, you’ll get their trust again…. It’ll take time though….. so….” He sighed and turned away, “don’t give up”
Cassandra was quiet for a moment or two before she nodded, “thank you, Varian”
“Mm-hm”, the alchemist walked away, grabbing Hugo’s hand and getting the others to follow him as Cassandra got back to work, this time with a smile on her face
Once they were far enough away, Quirin turned and scooped up his son, hugging him lovingly, “I’m so proud of you!”
Varian giggled and hugged his father back as Edmund spoke up, “I am too, that took a lot of gumption little peanut!”
“It did, but are you alright?” Adira asked, “I’m certain we could all tell how difficult that was for you”
The alchemist and retired knight stopped hugging, though Quirin didn’t put the teen down still, as Varian replied, “I…. I’ll be okay…. It was hard, you’re right about that…. but….. I dunno, it just didn’t seem right to leave her like that….. she looked so tired….. am I the only one who saw bags under her eyes?….”
“I noticed and got fucking joy out of that”, Hector stated with a smirk, “she deserves to suffer for what she did to all of us. Though, what you said was very kind. I don’t think I could ever do that”
Varian smiled lovingly at his uncle, “well that’s probably a good thing. That you don’t feel that same kindness towards her”
“Huh?”
“Well…..” the alchemist sighed, “I’ve…. Always felt like I should be angrier at certain things, growing up, I didn’t have much to be angry about, save for dad being a grumpy butt sometimes, but that was normal dad and son stuff”
“I resent that little sir”, Quirin stated with a quirked brow and a smile
Varian giggled, “well, dad being grumpy and the villagers not liking my alchemy. Those were the only two things when I was growing up. So when everything went wrong, and dad was in the amber, my anger reached far too high for me to control it….. Ever since then, I’ve been having a hard time really differentiating when’s a good time to be angry or not. I’ve been getting better, but it’s still hard for me. Something’s I should still be angry about, a-and I am to a degree, but seeing Cassandra like that….. I-it was hard to feel that same anger, I just felt bad…. But I wanted to still be angry….. I don’t like her, what she did was horrible, I can never trust or forgive her again, but….. seeing her like that…. The way I used to be….. Lost and trying to fix things….. It’s hard for me *not* to set all of my anger aside and help…. So I tried to be distant yet kind…. But even when I was saying it, it didn’t feel right….. so the fact that you, Hector, can still feel angry, that you still hate her and want her to suffer for what she’s done…. It helps, in an odd way, because it means that at least someone is angry, at least someone is willing to speak out and yell….. at least someone can…..” he hesitated to say the rest
Hector smirked, “be angry on your behalf?”
Varian looked at his uncle and blushed, “I…. I-I’m sorry, that sounds so selfish!”
“It’s not”, Hector stated, “if you’re really not able to feel the anger that you wanna feel because you feel more bad than anything else. I’m more than happy to take that emotion and turn it up a few notches. Not everyone can be angry, not everyone is able to feel the type of emotion they need to feel, some people have kind hearts that end up making them want to help more than hurt, you’re one of those people, you’re damn dad is another”, Quirin chuckled at that, “so is King Edmund actually”, the Dark King smiled happily
“What about Adira?”
“She’s, fucking, Adira, she feels what she wants, when she wants to. She’s got a kind heart, but can kill someone in a hundred different ways just with her damn pinky finger”
The face painted warrior snickered before raising her pinky and pointing it at Varian, “beware”
The alchemist giggled as she put her pinky finger away and Hector continued, “what I’m saying is, it’s not selfish to seek a little comfort in the fact that someone can be angry on your behalf, do I want you to be angry on behalf of yourself, yeah it’s healthier for you, do I expect you to fix it right away, no, it’s okay. Plus, I’m glad my anger helps you, that means I can get as pissed off as I want and Quirin can’t say a damn thing!”
The retired knight sighed as Hugo laughed, “poor Quirin’s sanity”, Eugene stated, “we knew thee well”
“Pfft, that died a long time ago”, Quirin stated with a smirk
Eugene laughed as Hugo spoke up, “damn, you too? Thought I was the only one that’d lost their sanity!”
The group joined in the laughter, getting Hugo to smile proudly before they began to make their way to Corona castle together
****
“So your highness”, Nigel stated as he smiled at the princess, “which color would you prefer? Purple, or yellow?”
“I’m not sure Nigel, both are wonderful but…. Hmmmm….” Rapunzel stared at the two color schemes, “are you sure we can’t have both?”
“Unfortunately it would be unwise princess, the dignitaries from the Cato Kingdom have sensitive eyes”
“Ah, well, then maybe a darker color will help?” The advisor made an anxious noise, “oookay then maybe the brightness of the yellow will help them see!” Another anxious noise, “Nigel, which color do *you* recommend?”
“I suggested their colors”
Rapunzel sighed, “no, you said the red would be too bright and that grey, while amazing, is depressing and kinda hard to work with any other color”
“Yes, but I still recommend them”
The princess huffed, growing frustrated with the advisor, “why not use grey and purple?” A voice asked, getting both the princess and advisor to look and see Varian and the rest of his group standing behind Nigel, smiling up at Rapunzel happily as the alchemist continued, “purple to represent Corona, and grey to accent it and give the eyes a break from the purple! That way, both kingdoms are represented in an equal way, no one’s upset, and the decor looks great! I even know of a purplish grey that’ll help match the colors together in a much more conducive way!”
The princess grinned from ear to ear, “hi!”
“Hee hee, hi”
“I’m not so sure about that color scheme Varian”, Nigel stated, “wouldn’t the grey fill the purple?”
“Not if you don’t right”, Hugo stated before pulling out two glitter bombs from his pockets one grey, one purple. He threw them into the air and both exploded into color! The shimmer of the purple brought out the calming grey and made everyone smile, “grey can be relaxing if you know how to pair it right”
“Wow! You know colors really well!” Rapunzel complimented
“Thank you!”
Nigel nodded before looking at the princess, “so purple and grey it is?”
“Yes please!”
“As you wish your highness”, with that, Nigel bowed respectfully and walked away, giving Hugo and Varian a smile before he left
Once the door to the throne room closed, Rapunzel couldn’t hold in her excitement anymore and practically jumped on Eugene, hugging and kissing him happily, with a bunch of , ‘I missed you so much!’ And ‘welcome back!’ In-between
This made the group laugh before she pounced on Varian next, hugging him so tightly that he couldn’t breathe! “I missed you all sososososososososossosososo SOOOOOOOOOO much!!!!!!”
“I…. Missed…. You too…. B-but I… also miss…. *breathing*!” Varian exclaimed as his face began to turn blue
“Oh! Whoops!”
The princess let the teen go, watching him stumble into Hugo’s arms before catching his breath and smiling at Rapunzel, “it’s okay, we missed you too”
Rapunzel smiled back at him before looking at the group, “so how was the trip?”
“It was…. Both relaxing and stressful”, Quirin replied with a chuckle
“Relaxing and stressful?”
“It’s a lot to explain”
The princess smiled, “well, I just finished my last royal duty for the day, so how about we go into the family room and you all can tell me all about it!”
Quirin nodded, “ok, that actually sounds nice”
“Hot chocolate?” Varian asked
Rapunzel giggled, “yeah, let’s get some hot chocolate!”
“Yay! Oh! By the way, your hair, are you gonna cut it?”
“Hm? I uh, I don’t know, for now it’s fine, but I probably should shouldn’t I?”
“Only if you want to, I think it looks pretty either way!”
The princess gave the freckled teen a loving hug, “I really missed you”
Varian giggled again and returned the gesture, “I missed you too! Hey! If you ever wanna get it cut, maybe I could do it! Kinda like how you cut my hair before!”
“Oooooh! That would be fun! We’ll have to talk about that! Come on, follow me”
The group began to chat happily as they followed Rapunzel to the family room, all of them excited to tell her about what they’ve been through and what would happen next
Notes:
Hello! :D
The group gets reunited with Rapunzel! This was more of a fun chapter, but I wanted to add some character growth and sort of a subtle show of how much Varian and Rapunzel’s relationship has grown 😁❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 495: His Past is Not Today!
Summary:
Varian has a bad mental health day!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Wow!” Rapunzel stated, “That sounds like a crazy vacation! A-are you all okay?”
“We’re…. Well we’re coping I suppose”, Edmund stated, “I mean, who can really, honestly, say, ‘I’ve just seen the ghost of my dead, abusive, father and have had to make peace with what he did to me and my family, particularly my oldest son, and I’m a-okay!’ And mean every word?” He added with a chuckle
“Um…. D-dad….” Eugene said gently
“Eheh, I…. I’m not very good at this am I?”
“Unfortunately not, then again, I’m not either. I think we’re all a little flustered by what happened to us”
“I can only imagine”, the princess stated as she handed Varian a cup full of hot chocolate, to which the teen accepted and happily drank, “all of that sounds so crazy!”
“It was”, Adira stated, “from going on an adventure in the Forest-I won’t say the rest Fish Skin so don’t worry”, Eugene stopped what he was about to say and nodded, getting the face painted warrior to smile before continuing, “to being sick due to a haunting and then being miraculously healed, only to find my brother and nephew have been taken, it’s been a wild ride. Though I certainly wouldn’t change it”
“Neither would I, well…. I’d change Quirin and his spawn-!”
“Son”, Quirin corrected
“-From being possessed by that fucking lady”
“She was actually pretty nice once she calmed down”, Varian tried
“She still fucking possessed you and Quirin, and you both ended up sick after”
“True”
“I’m sorry that happened to all of you”, Rapunzel said gently
“It isn’t your fault Rapunzel”, Eugene said with a warm smile, “and hey, we, at least, figured out how you and I are gonna rule two kingdoms!”
“Yeah! That’ll be nice for sure!” The princess stated, “plus, Varian’s gonna be a little prince!”
The alchemist blushed as Hugo snickered, “I-I’m still nervous about that”, the alchemist replied timidly
“Don’t worry little peanut! I’ll show you and Eugene the ropes! You’ll only take over the Dark Kingdom when those two need a vacation as well, so you probably won’t have to do so very often”
“True, but it’s still nerve wracking”
“I can understand that, just as I can understand Eugene being anxious about taking the throne, but it won’t be for a long while still. And now that you have a plan, perhaps a marriage and grand peanuts will be on the way?”
Both Eugene and Rapunzel blushed, “w-well, eheh, we were thinking about it. And it’s true, we have a plan now”, Eugene stated, “for the Dark Kingdom at least, we still need a plan for Corona”
“True, I’m not sure who would watch over Corona for us, unless Varian wants to do that too”, Rapunzel suggested with a giggle
“Uh….. um…. M-maybe not the best idea….” Varian stated timidly, “n-not only for the simple fact of me not being *Coronan* royalty, but also because of my….. *ahem* c-criminal…. B-background…. A-and I…. Don’t think I’d be comfortable taking the throne in Corona…. N-not…. Not after….. t-the last king…..”
The room grew silent for a moment or two as the realization of what Varian meant sunk in. The princess biting her lip guiltily as she broke the silence with a quiet, “sorry….”
“I-it’s okay”, the alchemist replied with a small smile, “I-I know you didn’t mean it in a bad way… j-just…..” the alchemist sighed, “I’m taking it a little too seriously I know…. But don’t think I would b-be a good pick for Corona….. The Dark Kingdom, yeah I can see why I’d be a choice in the first place, b-but…. Here?….”
“You know your past is not who you are today, right little peanut?” Edmund said softly, reaching out to Varian and touching his shoulder gently
“He’s right Freckles, you’re not the same person you used to be”, Hugo stated
The alchemist sighed and nodded, “I know…. I just… I-I still get bothered by it sometimes I suppose… heh, sorry”, Varian replied
“You’re not alone Bubby”, Quirin said with a chuckle, “remember how long it took me to get over what I’ve done?”
“Yeah”, his son replied, looking up at him, “and even then, you still get affected by it”
“That’s right, it takes time. But you’re getting much better about handling it, as am I. You made mistakes, so did I, but your past is not today, it’s not, it was before today, long before today at this point, and you’ve learned from it”
The alchemist smiled at his father, “thanks dad, a-and Hugo and grandpa”
“You’re welcome”, Quirin replied as Hugo and Edmund chuckled. All three of them stopped however when the freckled teen looked back down and frowned a little. The retired knight held his son a touch closer as Hugo held Varian’s hand, “it’ll take a little time son, it’s okay, we understand”
The alchemist sighed and nodded, “I know….. Ugh…. I…. I think I just need a minute”
“Freckles?” Hugo asked worriedly as he placed a gentle hand on Varian’s
The alchemist smiled sadly at the inventor, “sorry, just… one second, okay? I’ll be right back”
The blond blinked before nodding, “just… come back if you need anything, okay?”
“Definitely”, Varian replied, kissing Hugo before getting up and leaving the room
“I… I’m sorry…” Rapunzel said softly, “w-was that me? I-I meant it as a joke…”
“No that wasn’t you”, Quirin replied with a gentle smile to the princess, “I’ve noticed he’s just been…. Thinking a lot about certain things, one of them is his past…. It’s hard for him you know?”
“Yeah…. I hope he knows I don’t think that’s way about him”
“He knows Rapunzel, trust me”, the retired knight replied, “he just needs some time is all. He said…. That there will be somedays where he’s going to be…. In a dark place…. Where his PTSD, anxiety, and depression will get bad. In those instances, Lance told me it’s best to allow Varian to do what he needs to do, so if he needs a minute, we should wait, if he comes back and wants to kiss a Hugo, he can do that too”
The inventor snorted before looking up at Quirin, “you can always tell when I need to laugh huh?”
“I might, call it a father’s intuition”
Hugo smiled, as did Hector, “thanks dad”
“Anytime”, Quirin replied, hugging the inventor for a moment before he looked at the princess, “either way, Varian just needs some time, we went through a lot in the Dark Kingdom, and coming back and running into Cassandra was definitely startling to say the least”
“Yeah I can imagine….” Rapunzel stated sadly
****
“Great job you dunce”, Varian scolded himself, “you made them all worry again! What’s *wrong* with you?!”
Ruddigar, who’d been on his boy’s shoulder this entire time, chittered at the freckled teen gently
“I know I can’t help it bud, but I just made them all worry again…. The look on Hugo’s face….. ugh… why can’t I just…. J-just be normal….” Varian stated as he started to tear up
Ruddigar chittered once more before nuzzling his boy’s cheek
“I appreciate that Rud…. I just wish I could be…. It’d be easier on everyone if I was…. But I’m not….. and it hurts…. Not just me either, it hurts everyone…. I just…. Wish this stupid voice could get out of my head…. I wish I could stop replaying what I’ve done….. Over and over….. seeing his face in the amber…. H-hurts….”
The raccoon chittered once again, arguing to the little alchemist. Varian listened as he walked, allowing the small mammal to encourage him, trying so hard to believe what he was saying as he watched his best friend vouch and defend him from all the wrongs he’d done before. Once Ruddigar had finished, Varian had managed to make his way outside, in the meadow around the side of the castle. The smell of roses hit his nose as he saw the bright red flowers billowing in the wind
The alchemist let out a small sigh, “thank you Ruddigar, it helped a little. I still…. Can’t stop thinking about it, but your chitters calmed it down at the very least”
The raccoon smiled before purring as Varian scratched behind his ears. After a moment, the alchemist stopped and sat on a bench nearby. Ruddigar chittered once again, asking his boy a question
“At this point, I’m just tired. I think I got overwhelmed, I mean, I’m gonna take over being *king* for the Dark Kingdom, a-and I know Rapunzel was joking, but what if she *can’t* find someone else for Corona, will I be chosen by default?!”
Ruddigar chittered once again, petting his boy’s cheek to try and calm him
The freckled teen sighed, “you’re probably right, that won’t happen, I just can’t help but think about it…. Ugh…. Man, I’m really broken, huh bud… can’t even have a conversation with *implications* to my past without me freaking out”
Ruddigar nuzzled the teen, chittering comforting words to his boy
“You’re right, I know you are, and so is dad, grandpa, and Hugo, my past is not today…. I’m not who I used to be…. Some part of me knows that…. Maybe I just need to prove it to myself?”
Ruddigar nodded and chittered again
“Yeah, I should talk to Lance. I wonder if he’s in the castle today or not. I’ll have to ask Rapunzel. For now…. What do you suggest bud?”
Ruddigar raised a confused brow at his boy and repeated what he chittered before
“Eheh, going back to find Lance would mean going back into that room and asking Rapunzel if he came in today. Which would also mean facing everybody’s anxious stares as they wonder if I’m going to implode of not. I don’t think that’s an option right now considering doing that *would* make me implode”
The raccoon thought for a moment before he noticed a fountain nearby and got an idea. He chittered to his boy
“The fountain? It’s new, they put it up to symbolize Uncle Hector reuniting with his siblings…. I… I guess I could look in it, what am I supposed to see there?”
Ruddigar huffed, bapping the alchemist with his tail gently
“Ehee hee! Oki oki, I’ll go over there”, Varian giggled before he got up and walked over to the fountain, looking inside, only to see his own reflection staring back at him, “oh…. Hi….” He said, the water Varian reflecting his wave and sad look
Ruddigar chittered out a suggestion that made the alchemist cringe
“Tell myself I’m okay? Uh…. That may work for Eugene, but I never understood the point of it. Besides, I hate looking at myself….”
Ruddigar chittered out a question
“Becuse *look* at me! My face is way too pointy, my eyes far too big, my nose is so upturned that I’m more than half tempted to see if I can open a bottle with it, my eyebrows are far too bushy, my hair’s always a mess, my ears are extremely large, to the point where I look like a monkey, don’t even get me *started* on my beaver teeth, and…. When I look at my eyes, all I see is what I did before…..”
Ruddigar pointed something out
“My freckles? Well….. of course I wouldn’t say anything about them…. Hugo likes them…..”
Ruddigar smiled before he hopped onto the fountain ledge and point at every feature his boy named, naming everything he liked, how his boy’s eyes were full of passion and intelligence, how his hair was fun to play with and soft enough to sleep in, how his teeth were perfect apple biters, and were super shiny, how he had a good sense of smell, perfect for finding people he cared about, like his father, how his chin felt nice when it rested on the raccoon’s back, how his freckles made his face look like a starry sky, he even listed off things Varian hadn’t mentioned, like how warm his boy’s hands were, or how nice seeing him smile was! How he could go on, but he hoped his boy got the idea
Varian was tearing up at this point as his reflection began to change right in front of him with every compliment his raccoon gave, he could see why certain things worked for Ruddigar, while other things seemed odd, how his big ears were good at picking up sounds, the bigger the better! The alchemist sniffled before he scooped up his coon and hugged him, “thank you Ruddy…. Thank you so much”
Ruddigar smiled and hugged his boy back
After a moment, they let go and Ruddigar hopped back onto his boy’s shoulders as Varian looking in the water again, “you’re right, you all are…. My past is not today, it isn’t…. I have to remember that”
He stood up and sighed as he looked around, he opened and closed his hands, watching them for a moment as the wind swept through his hair, and finally, he began to sing:
‘Power was all I desired (I desired)….’
His eyes began to glow as he sang, walking forwards a little as the wing continued to blow through his hair
‘But all that grew inside me,
was the darkness I acquired….’
Flashes of his anger burning inside of him and his father’s imprisonment inside the amber filled his mind
‘When I began to fall and I lost the path ahead’
He smiled as Rapunzel’s smile flashed in his mind
‘Thats when your friendship found me and it lifted me instead!’
He began to run forwards as his hair and freckles began to glow as well
‘Like a phoenix burning bright in the sky’
He slid to a halt as he lifted his arms and allowed the wind to breeze through them
‘I'll show there's another side to me, you can't deny!’
He let out a sigh
‘I may not know what the future holds, but hear me when I say!
That my past does not define me,
‘cause my past is not today!’
Ruddigar chittered happily as Varian turned and faced the fountain, walking over and looking at his own reflection
‘Ambition is what I believed,
Would be the only way to set me free….’
He frowned sadly as the water reflected his thoughts, how he stole the flower and how he built the automatons to take over Corona. Then Arianna’s face appeared and the teen turned away in shame
‘But when it disappeard and I found myself alone….’
He remembered how Rapunzel hugged her parents while his father sat in the amber, then how he was shipped off to the dungeons without a second thought
Suddenly it was interrupted with visions of Eugene and Lance appearing on his doorstep, asking him to hang out for their very first Guy’s Night, and Hugo joined the memories as the duo chatted and spoke like they’d been friends for years! Varian smiled
‘That's when you came and got me,
and felt like I was home!’
He got up and began to fly into the air, his hair waving like its underwater as he smiled and felt the wind hit his cheeks
‘Like a phoenix burning bright in the sky,
I'll show there's another side to me, you can't deny!’
He shined even brighter as he looked up at the Moon, she shimmered happily when he did
‘I may not know what the future holds, but hear me when I say!
That my past does not define me,
‘cause my past is not TODAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!’
He shined brightly in the sky as his powers engulfed him, the alchemist suddenly noticed that his back had blue, transparent, wings on it. He looked at them as Ruddigar chittered, before he heard the Moon’s voice in his mind
*Your past is not today little one, you’re free to choose your future, you’re no longer tied down to the rules you once had before. The wings symbolize that*
“H… have I always had these?” He asked
*Yes, in a way, the magic you wield transforms into what you need, you needed to shine and glow, so your freckles, eyes, and hair did so, you needed to be protected, so black rocks formed your armor, and now, you need to feel free, and so your wings are formed, just as they did when you faced off against Zhan Tiri*
“They showed up WHEN?!” Varian exclaimed before he looked back at his wings, “how did I not notice?”
*They will rarely show little one, and you were facing a demon during the eclipse, so you did not see them. But they’re always there to remind you of one important thing. You are free, and you always will be*
The alchemist smiled as he looked at the wings. They shined and shimmered in the moonlight, they looked like the night sky, but with the Moonstone’s blue hue. After a few moments, they disappeared from sigh, the teen smiled and looked up at the Moon once again, “thank you”, he said
The Moon shimmered once again as the alchemist flew back down, when he landed, he went to the fountain and looked at his reflection once again. He smiled at it this time, “you’re not perfect”, he said, “but you’re getting there, and that’s okay”
Ruddigar smiled and nuzzled his boy, getting him to giggled and scratch his raccoon behind his ears
After a moment or two, the teen turned towards the castle, “we should go back, huh?”
Ruddigar nodded
“Yeah, better make sure they don’t start to worry, heh”, as they made their way back, Varian noticed Faith and Friedborg were directing some of the other maids around, Miss. Crowley was watching, seemingly impressed, “…..huh, I think…. I have an idea for who could watch over Corona….” Varian stated as he smiled at the pair
Notes:
Hello! :D
“My Past is Not Today’, is from Equestria Girls, Sunset Shimmer sings it, and it’s a Varian song
Yes I’m a brony, not a creepy brony, just a person who likes MLP, I’m a sucker for good songs y’all XD
Anyway, I wanted Varian to have a day where he kinda combats his mental health, because while he’s come to terms with what he’s done, he really hasn’t gotten over the guilt…. He’ll get there someday, this is a good step for him, and somedays will be better than others, but he’s still trying to learn how to handle the guilt, it’ll just take time
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 496: Hot Water Bickering!
Summary:
Varian and Quirin decide to settle an old argument once and for all!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian walked into the family room, a shy smile on his face to try and alleviate any worry that may prop up, “hey, sorry I took so long, I was ju-EEP!”
Suddenly he was scooped into someone’s arms, the smell of chocolate and pillows hit his nose. He blinked and looked up, only to be met with concern laced, chocolate brown eyes that he instantly recognized, “welcome back little man!”
“Lance!” The alchemist exclaimed, wrapping his arms around the former thief, to which the hug was returned with a happy chuckle, “hi!”
“Hello!” Lance replied with a smile, “how’s my favorite little man been?”
Varian giggled, “an anxious ball of alchemy, Moon powers, and raccoon fur, but otherwise, alright”
The former thief chuckled, “well that’s alright at least, better than terrible”
“True!”
Lance hugged him once more before setting the teen down, “so, I heard you…. Needed to have a moment, are ya good or….”
He didn’t finish his statement, wanting to allow Varian to do so himself, to which the alchemist appreciated, “I had my moment, it’s just some old thoughts plaguing me again, I think I need a session with you later on about it, but for now, I’m oki. Actually, I think you’d be proud”
“I would?”
“Yeah! I handled myself before having an anxiety attack!”
“Hey! Look at you! I *am* proud! That’s amazin little man!” Lance exclaimed as he ruffled Varian’s hair happily, getting the alchemist to giggle, “though whenever you feel up for another session, I’m all ears”
The alchemist nodded, “thank you, I’ll probably need it soon, I’m…. Gonna become a substitute king for the Dark Kingdom for a short while, eheh”
Lance blinked a few times before he looked over at Eugene and Rapunzel, he stared at them for a few moments before looking back at the freckles teen, “do you *want* to be?”
“Yeah, I do!” Varian replied, smiling at the man as he realized why he’d asked that, “there was no pressure there, I can say no, I-it’s just nerve wracking is all”
“Ah, ok, congrats!”
“Thanks, heh”
“I’d like to make a formal complaint that you’d think we’d *force* him into that position”, Eugene exclaimed
“I wasn’t assumin, it’s why I asked first”, Lance stated, “therefore your complaint is null and void”
“Lance!”
Varian giggled as the two began to bicker like they’d never left. He noticed Rapunzel and Hugo watching him, smiling at him boyfriend and calming the inventor’s nerves a little, Varian walked over to the princess and spoke up, “hey, I have an idea for who might be able to watch the kingdom for you”
Rapunzel blinked, “oh you do? Oh wonderful! Also, Varian, I was making a joke earlier, I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable”
“Nonono, you didn’t, I was just…. I-it’s a little hard to explain, but sometimes my thoughts act up and I end up…. Thinking a little too much about my past… I-it wasn’t you, trust me, I just…. Needed a moment, but thank you, that’s very kind of you to apologize, I appreciate that”
The princess was startled before she smiled wide, “wow, look at you”, she said happily, “ya know, when we first reunited, you couldn’t say the words, ‘trust me’, without a lot of hesitation, but now, you can say them no problem. I’m… I’m really happy for you Varian, truly”
The alchemist smiled and blushed a little, “thanks, it took a while, but I feel like I’m finally starting to work through things, you are too by the way, working through things, you’ve gotten so much better, I’m happy for you too Rapunzel!”
The princess giggled, “well thank you very much!”
Varian smiled before he noticed her hair, it was still very long, and a mess, the tangles seemed much more prominent now that it didn’t have it original magical glow, “you still haven’t cut it?”
“Hm? Oh, no not yet, it’s…. Been difficult to do so actually, after all I’m used to having long hair, and I mean *long*…. Though it’s becoming more and more difficult to brush too”
“Is it getting tangled a lot more?”
“Yeah…. Oddly enough, oh but, you said you had an idea?”
“Hm? Oh! Right! Sorry, so, my idea was that you could get your lady in waiting to take over in your sted!” Varian explained, “Faith has no problems when it comes to taking care of certain things, she’s great are organization, if you gave her a list of instructions she’d be able to handle it, and if the Queen will be with her, she’ll feel more comfortable, plus, she’ll know how you run things because she’s your lady in waiting!”
Rapunzel’s eyes lit up with joy, “oh that’s a wonderful idea! Faith would definitely be the best choice! She’s always willing to listen, and we’ve been getting better at figuring things out together! She’ll definitely need a confidence boost however”
“True, but I’m certain that after a few times she’ll be confident, especially if you have people to help her, like Friedborg, I know they’re your mom’s person in waiting, but that kinda makes it easier if I’m honest”
The princess smiled at the alchemist, “Varian, you’re a genius!”
“Thanks! Now about your hair…. Do you think the reason it’s getting so tangled is because it doesn’t have the magic of the Sundrop anymore?”
Rapunzel giggled, “if that’s the case, then the Sundrop acted like a detangler, and that’s funny to me”
The alchemist snickered, “it makes sense to be honest, heh heh”
“It does, but even so, it’s still a pretty big hassle, I’m even using it to climb up things anymore, or grapple…”
“Hmmm…. What if…. I cut it for you?”
Rapunzel blinked, “do… you know how?”
Varian nodded happily, “Hugo taught me! I’ve been handling my own hair ever since! No more scalding water on my head from dad!”
“The water was not scalding ya brat nugget!” Quirin called, getting the duo to stop their conversation and look at him, only to notice everyone in the room was watching, “you two are the only one’s talking at the moment, Adira stopped Eugene and Lance from bickering a few moments ago”
Varian blushed as Rapunzel giggled again, “it was scalding, you burned my head everytime”, the alchemist stated
“Bubby your head was not burned, otherwise you wouldn’t have hair”
“I have a bald patch!”
“That’s not a bald patch for a burn, it’s a bald patch from a scar you got from your alchemy ya stinker, remember? You had to go to the hospital because you tried to make your own shampoo?”
“Oh yeah, I remember that now….” Varian shuddered, “word of caution, bleach does not clean hair, save it for stains on clothing and stains on clothing *alone*”
“Oh my”, Rapunzel stated
“Wait, I’ve never seen a bald patch on your head Freckles”, Hugo pointed out
“I hide it well, it’s on the back of my head”
“Am I allowed to see? I might be able to fix it”
The alchemist blushed but nodded, “you won’t pick on me for it r-right?”
“Of course not”, the inventor replied with a comforting smile, “ya know how many patches I got from my inventing?”
Varian blinked, “how many?”
“Way too many to count, I was able to heal them though, and my hair grew back, it’s why you see this *glorious* ponytail before you!” The blond stated as he flipped his ponytail before getting up and walking over to the alchemist
Varian giggled, “it’s pretty Lucious, not gonna lie, um, I-it’s here”, the freckled teen showed his lover the bald patch, was was no bigger than a fingernail on the back of the alchemist’s head
Hugo smiled when he saw it before backing up and allowing Varian to redo his hair so the patch was hidden, “that can be fixed easily, here”, he showed the teen a small vial with an aquamarine liquid inside, “this is my, state of the art, scalp healing shampoo! I made it when I was 12 and burnt more than half my hair off, eheh, long story, anyway, it’ll work! Just apply a drop to that spot for a few days during your shower, mix it into your shampoo for the best smelling results, after, let me check on it and see if there’s hair growing or not and we’ll figure it out from there!”
Varian smiled and too the vial, “thanks love”, he stated, kissing Hugo’s cheek
“Anytime Freckles”, the inventor replied, kissing Varian’s cheek right back
Rapunzel smiled, “you two are so cute!”
Both blushed before they felt themselves being scooped up, “yeah they’re cute, but wait until they go and smear your good name by claims of burnt scalps”, Quirin stated with a smirk
“Hey, to be fair the water was boiling!” Varian exclaimed
“It was not”
“Was too”
“Nu uh”
“Uh huh!”
“Nu uh”
“Uh *huh*!”
Hugo laughed, as Edmund stepped forwards, “do you two need a moment away from each other?” He asked with a chuckle
“Not to play playground games here, but he started it”, Quirin pointed out with a snicker
“Quirin”, Edmund warned
“Not to double the playground games, but I’m merely stating the truth, and dad is being a big meanie”, Varian exclaimed
“Varian”, Edmund stated with the same warning tone
“A big meanie that’s currently holding you ya little name smearer”, the retired knight teased
Varian giggled and hugged his father happily before he stopped and looked at the princess, “I keep getting distracted, I’m sorry”
“It’s okay”, Rapunzel replied with a smile, “you said Hugo taught you how to cut hair?”
“Yeah! Hugo taught me, and I no longer have to suffer at this man’s hot water filled hands!” Varian replied as he gestured to his father
Quirin sighed, “one of these days, I’ll show someone how not hot I make the water, and you’ll be eatin crow little sir”
“Eatin crow?” Lance asked
“It’s a dad term, basically means you’ll be proven wrong”, Varian explained
“Ah”
“Quirin terms seem to come from Edmund terms, because I swear the man has very similar ones”, Eugene stated
Edmund chuckled, “he probably did get some from me, though I’d never use the ‘eatin crow’ one, for obvious reasons”, he stated as he stroked Hamuel head gently, “also, you two are bickering again”
“The battle shall not be finished until I am deemed the victor!” Varian exclaimed
“You mean the incorrect stinker”, Quirin corrected
Varian huffed at his father, “I have a way to solve this you two”, Hugo stated, “Feeckles, you give Rapunzel a hair cut, and Quirin could give me a trim at the same time. He does everything the same way, I wouldn’t mind a cut for some of the split ends I currently have, that way, I can determine how hot the water truly is, Rapunzel can get her hair cut, and everyone’s happy, sound fair?”
Varian thought about that for a moment before nodding, “the place in the castle has been similar tools to what we have at home, so not too much is different, the only thing is, dad uses a stool, and the castle has comfy chairs, but I don’t really think that tributes to the temperature of the water, so I’m game, as long as this guy doesn’t play dirty and uses cooler water”, he added, giving his father the stink eye
“I won’t, I’m a barber of honor”, Quirin stated, “I’m even going to try not to be offended by such a rude statement”
Hugo snorted as Hector and Adira laughed and Edmund and Eugene sighed, “I’m so glad you’re all back!” The princess stated happily
“Glad to be back and to finally be proven right! TO THE BARBER SPA!” Varian exclaimed
Quirin chuckled, “am I supposed to carry you? You are my competition after all”
“True….. Hang on”, he hopped out of his father’s arms and helped Rapunzel stand up politely before he smiled, “TO THE BARBER SPA!” He exclaimed once again before running to the place he’d been taken before, a long time ago
Quirin chuckled as he held Hugo and followed his son, the rest of the group doing the same, excitedly chatting about the small battle about to commence!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I wanted to do a fun little chapter with the family because it’s been a minute since they’ve just been able to relax and have fun!
So this chapter is about Varian and Quirin settling an age old argument, the hot water conundrum XD
Also, I feel like Hugo would be a very good barber :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 497: Coping!
Summary:
Varian has another session with Lance!
Notes:
More notes at the end! 🎶❤️
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group walked into the castle’s barber/spa area, getting Eugene to smile, “I haven’t been here in a while, I miss it honestly”
“I’ve never been in here at all, this is definitely new”, Hugo stated with a smirk
“Well, maybe once you’re done with your trim, Eugene and I could show you what you can do here”, Lance offered
The blond grinned and nodded, “thanks!” He stated happily as they found a few comfy chairs to sit in
Hugo and Rapunzel took their seats as Varian pulled out a sketchbook, “so what kind of haircut would you like?” He asked the princess, “do you want a bob cut, pixie maybe? Do you want longer hair, down to the middle of your back maybe?”
Rapunzel giggled, “been thinking a lot about this?”
“I…. *May* have had some ideas on what you’d do with your hair”, he admitted with a blush, “I I even drew them”, he showed her a few pictures that he’d done of her with different hair styles, from short curly to long and straight
“Wow! You even drew what each style would look like when I wake up?”
“Eheh, yeah I…. I dunno why, but I like drawing hair, I-it’s not a weird thing with me! I just…. Like the different ways it can look in different scenarios is all…. That does sound weird doesn’t it?…..”
“No no no, not at all!” Rapunzel replied, “I like drawing hair too! You can do so much with it, have it in such fun positions! Like when it’s being swept up in the wind and looks all pretty!”
“Yeah! O-or like when it’s wet, particularly long hair, a-and it sort of droops a little, the water on it makes it look really shiny”
“Right! Or when you put flowers in it!”
“Yeah! And the stems make your hair have a small bump! I-it’s like science, even the tiniest action can change the entire look and feel of whatever you’re creating!”
“Ah, so that’s why you like hair so much!”
“Heh, maybe…. Honestly, when Hugo first took his ponytail out and showed me how long his hair *actually* is, I was floored, because it looks like it would be shoulder length, but it’s actually a little past his shoulders! E-ever since then, I’ve kinda been looking at barber books to see what other secrets hair hides….. For example, did you know horse hair can Candice electricity if you have it placed correctly? It’s actually very fascinating! I’m thinking of making a new like source using horse hair, though I’m not sure how to do that quite yet. When I was researching the physicality of hair, Hugo ended up walking in on me and I got all embarrassed, t-that’s when he showed me how to cut hair and began to research with me and-I-I-I’m rambling again, why d-do I keep doing that….” The teen blushed as he hid his face behind his sketch book
Quirin walked over and gently scooped up the frazzled alchemist, “it’s okay, don’t worry, none of us are upset about you describing something that interests you”, he stated, kissing his son’s cheek lovingly
“He’s right freckles, besides, I enjoy your rambling, it’s cute! Plus I’d be a damn hypocrite if I decided that you talking about something you love, or find interesting at the very least, annoying considering I do it too”, Hugo added with a chuckle
Varian peeked out of his hiding spot and looked at everyone, they were smiling at him lovingly, allowing his anxiety to relax just a touch as he let out a small breath, “thanks”, he said after a moment
“You’re welcome”, Quirin replied as Hugo nodded
“Heh, you’re anxiety’s definitely been gettin to ya, huh little man?” Lance asked, trying to make light of the situation so as not to embarrass the teen any further
It worked, as Varian chuckled and looked at the man, “yeah…. I-I don’t know why, but it’s been a lot harder to contain now a days”
“You wanna talk about it?”
“I….. w-well…..” he looked at Rapunzel worriedly
“Don’t worry Varian, it’s okay, to be honest, my anxiety’s been kinda on the rise too as of late, so maybe it would help everyone if we talked about why”, the princess said gently, getting Hector to blink a few times, before he smiled at her, she noticed and smiled back before looking at Varian once again
The alchemist let out another sigh before nodding, “o-oki, honestly that might be a better idea anyway, considering any anxious barber with scissor near someone’s *head* may *not* be the greatest idea…. Eheh…. N-not that I’d do that on purpose I’m just… ugh….. Man it’s really acting u-up today”
Hugo walked over and hugged his lover, “it’s okay, take a few deep breaths, in and out, like Eugene taught you, once you’re ready, we’ll talk, yeah?”
“O-oki”, Varian went through the breathing exercises, needing Eugene to help a little when the alchemist felt like he was taking too long and began to rush. After a few minutes, the teen was calm, or as calm as he was going to be at that moment, before he sat down, Lance sitting in front of him, a few feet away to give him space, of course, “sorry….”
“It’s alright little man, you took the time you needed, that’s a good thing, but if you’re ready, we can start”, the former thief stated with a smile
“R-right….” Another breath was let out before Varian began, “t-to be honest, I don’t know why it’s starting getting really awful…. I guess maybe when w-we went to the Dark Kingdom? O-or…. Well no…. Actually it was when we got b-back….. We ran into C-Cassandra, I said what I needed to, a-and I felt fine after that…. But when we got into the castle…. It started creeping up on me…. M-maybe it’s because of what’s happened here? O-or maybe because of the guards? I-I dunno….” He sighed, “it’s just, whenever we stepped foot in this building, I’ve suddenly felt very on edge and…. Kinda angry? A-and also sad…. I don’t know why….. I really wish I knew so it could stop and I… I could just be normal….”
Lance was quiet for a moment, contemplating what the alchemist had just admitted before he spoke up, “have you had any thoughts about your past when comin in here?” He asked gently
“Yeah…. B-but Ruddigar helped me through that, I feel better about it at least”
“I think I may know what’s happenin, though, ya may not like what I’m about to say, fair warnin”
Varian nodded, “I’m ready”
“Ok, well…. I think it’s because of what’s happened in this particular buildin…. And in Corona…. And Old Corona…. You were imprisoned, you were betrayed, you were abandoned, abused, hurt, sad, angry, afraid, traumatized, all of that…. It all happened here. And while all of that is done and over with, it still…. Bein in that same place, where all the bad things happened, and still sometimes happens to ya, for a long time, it does somethin to people…. Makes em on edge, has them wonder about things. Have you had worries about bein in here at all Varian?” The alchemist sighed before nodding, “you wanna talk about em?”
Varian hesitated for only a second before he felt Hugo wrap his arm around him, the alchemist looked at his lover, they shared a moment before he let out another sigh and nodded, “I….. was worried that something else would happen…. That we’d come in to find Rapunzel’s hair blond again and that the Sundrop had come back…. Or that maybe she’d be using the decay incantation and would be stuck…. O-or that my dad will somehow get into the amber again, because apparently he’s merely 5 years old and cannot be left alone for two seconds…. Ugh…. O-or Hugo will be hurt by C-Cyrus…. O-Or Adira will find the Baron and feel scared and get hurt, o-or Hector’s parents will haunt him, o-or grandpa’s dad will attach himself to him and make him upset and scared, o-or Eugene will be overwhelmed about his new role and he’ll go insane! Or you Lance, w-will be so worried about everyone else that you don’t end up taking care of yourself and end up too far gone in the worst way possible…. O-or Zhan Tiri comes back and sucks us all into limbo! O-or Cassandra will pop out of nowhere and take everyone I love and care about and leave me all alone before locking me in that damn dungeon again so I can rot and that the spirit of Andrew will forever keep me alive and insane, longing for the sweet embrace of *death*!” The room was silent for a while before the alchemist added, “or I trip….. then again that happens more than I’d like to admit…..”
Again, the room was silent before Lance let out a small sigh, “I think that since so much has happened, it’s begun to become routine, and your mind is just waiting for somethin else to bear its ugly head and hurt someone you love…. It’s trauma Varian…. You’re so traumatized that your mind is tryin to cope and make it seem normal so you don’t end up…. Like you did before…. And unfortunately, it’s causin you so much anxiety that you’re perpetually in a state of, ‘how do I mess this up’, so you overcompensate and over apologize, or over explain. You’re scared, and worried, and traumatized, and you don’t want to be anymore….”
Varian sniffled a little as he allowed Lance’s words to sink in, “no… I really don’t…. I don’t wanna think like that…. N-not anymore….”
“But it’s hard… ain’t it”
“Very…..” the alchemist replied as he pulled his knees up to his chin and wrapped his arms around them, “….As much as I want to remember things are fine…. I can’t seem to really…. Remember that….. I keep thinking something else is gonna happen…. And I’m so tired….. I didn’t feel *any* of this in the Dark Kingdom! Why?”
“Because nothin bad happened to you there”, Lance stated, “save for what Eugene and the others told me with the Moonstone and the ghost, nothin bad happened to you during your vacation….. and you had fun and you were able to relax while there….. But Corona is where everything happened…. And it’s overwhelmin….”
“Very….. h-how do I stop it Lance? How c-can I make of go away?”
The former thief smiled lovingly at the alchemist, “well, you can’t stop it immediately, but I have some tools that’ll help you calm it down. Little tricks you can do to ground yourself, make yourself realize that you’re not in that situation anymore”
“L-like what?”
“Well, have you ever, during a panic or anxiety attack, wriggled your fingers? Possibly felt the floor underneath your feet, or the gloves on your hands? Have you thought about their texture? Maybe your goggles could help ground you too”
“Ground me?”
“That’s what I call it, basically, when you’re feelin like you’re about to let all those anxious thoughts get loose, even before that, when you feel them begin to prop up, start lookin around, inform someone of course, but look around, take note of what you see, feel somethin that’s there, it helps to show your mind where you are and what’s *actually* happenin to you. Say, for example, you walk into a room and see Quirin, he’s just being a dad, talkin to Hugo, and doing his Quirin thing! But you suddenly get hit with an overwhelming sense that, and I’m sorry to bring this up but it was one of the first things you said so it’s important, as they all are, that amber is gonna jump up underneath him and swallow him whole. He’s gonna be frozen and you’ll never tap to him again….. That thought begins to overwhelm your senses and suddenly, you start to see it. Tell him, Quirin, what you’re feelin, knowin your daddy, he’ll walk over and scoop you up, he’ll talk to you, listen to his voice, he could say whatever he wants, comforts, coos, what to eat for breakfast, anything, but listen to him. Touch his fluffy vest and feel the fur underneath your fingers, have your mind describe it, if it helps, say it out loud. Look around and say what you see. Basically, show your mind what’s really happenin, it’ll calm those thoughts down, help you stop thinking they’re happenin, and you’ll be able to breathe and get out your anxiety before it takes over”
Varian nodded, “inform, feel, touch, smell, look, speak”, he stated
“Right, that’s called groundin, and it’s basically the string to the kite, helps keep it from blowin away”
“I understand, t-that’ll definitely be useful, w-what if it doesn’t work?”
“If you still feel anxious or scared after that, talk about what you’re feelin. It’s best if you’re not alone in these situations, but even if you are, talk, out loud, about what you’re feelin. Say that you’re scared or worried, say why, work yourself through it. Even the sound of your own voice can help calm you down”
“Talk about my feelings, got it…. What about after that? What if that doesn’t work?”
“If that doesn’t do the trick, find somethin comfortin, a pillow, a bed, a blanket, Ruddigar, a Hugo, things, and creatures, like that, havin somethin comfortin will help calm the nerves. A good book does so as well, if that fails, taste is also a good thing to use, find somethin you like to eat and snack on it, I don’t condone over eatin, but a little comfort food now and again works wonders on the frazzled mind”
“Comfort items, and people/animals, and food. Oki, I can work with that, in the long run however, will we be discussing the things that worry me more?”
“Definitely, you and me can have our weekly sessions again, just like before, and you can bring whomever you wish, so if certain people wanna join, they can! Completely up to you though, these sessions are to help you, Varian”
“Right, thank you Lance, sincerely, thank you”
“Anytime, oh! Ya know what, Eugene”, the former thief looked at the Dark Prince, “Eugene you had a thing you did to help you calm down! It was somethin with buttons?”
Eugene perked up, “oh yeah! You’d think that’d help?”
“Definitely! If you don’t mind showin it”
“I don’t, here”, Eugene dug into his pocket and pulled out 8 buttons before walking over to Varian and sitting down next to him, “here, watch this”, he placed a button down and after each one he set down, he named someone, “Rapunzel, Varian, Lance, Edmund, Adira, Hector, Hugo, and me”, he said, “one button counts for every person I care about, and I know, cares about me. You count them and touch each one, like this”, he touched a button and counted out loud after each one, “one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. It keeps you safe, and it reminds you of who you care about and who cares about you. Sometimes I feel afraid, worried, and anxious myself, and I need to be reminded that I’m not alone. So I take out my buttons, lay them out in front of me, and I count them. You have to touch them and count out loud, otherwise it doesn’t work. But it keeps you safe, and it helps, a lot, sometimes you have to do it multiple times, and you can’t stop until you’re sure you’re safe, but it helps, it really does”
Varian looked at the buttons before smiling and touching them, “one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight”, he smiled and sniffled as each person’s face shined in his mind whenever he touched a button, “that really works”
“You can use them if you want, we can find you your own buttons too! Nice ones, or rocks, or even some metal, if you want, maybe even objects, like…. A paint brush for Rapunzel, or an animal claw for Hector, it can be whatever you want, just so long as you can touch them and count”, Eugene explained
Varian’s smile widened as he looked up at Eugene, he felt an overwhelming sense of love for the man as he hugged him tight. The Dark Prince was startled, but smiled and hugged the teen back, “thank you….” Varian replied
“Anytime Hairstripes”, Eugene replied, “anytime”
The duo stayed that way for a while before they both let go and sighed. The group then got back to the hair cutting activity, everyone feeling a lot better after the session. Rapunzel decided to do a longer cut, so she could still braid her hair, her bangs remained the same however, she didn’t want anything in her face. Hugo got the trim from Quirin, and while the water was hot in the beginning, the inventor deemed it perfectly reasonable after he’d gotten over the initial warmth. Something that’d made Varian huff, but he didn’t argue, he felt much more at peace as he and Eugene went out to look for some rocks together. They found eight and placed them into a small rock pouch that the alchemist could keep attached to his book bag anytime he needed it. The group felt much more at peace as they settled back into Corona, Arianna absolutely loving Rapunzel’s new haircut and making everyone laugh when she grew excited over it! Everyone finally drifted into a peaceful sleep after a little while, finally feeling at peace after such a long time.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I saw Beetlejuice 2 yesterday, hence why I didn’t upload, it was good, I’d recommend it 😁 though not as good as the first one, and a bit too chaotic in places, but still a fun watch! Sorry for not uploading however
This chapter, I decided I wanted everyone to have a chat about the trauma ya know? Unfortunately, that kind of thing doesn’t go away after everything’s said and done, if anything, it tends to get worse because now you’re left with all those horrible thoughts about the what if’s, and it really hurts…. However, there are ways to cope with it, and I hope the tools I mentioned help some of you as they have me
I will say this however, I am not a licensed therapist, take what I say with a grain of salt please, if you’re dealing with mental issues of any kind, please contact a doctor or trained professional for help, but know that you’re not alone ❤️🎶 and that you’re strong, you can do it, you get get the help you need, I believe in you, sincerely ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 498: Say His Name! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Catalina and Angry meet someone new in the library!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Variaaaaaaaan”
“I’m sorry, but not right now Angry”, Varian stated gently as he guided the two girls out of no lab, “me and Hugo really need to work on this new project for the Queen”
“But V, we’re bored!”
The alchemist sighed, “I understand, a-and believe me, Hugo and I will have plenty of time to hang out, *after* we get some work done for the Queen, oki?”
The black haired girl sighed, “fine, but you two owe us a hide and seek round or two”
Varian smiled, “count on it”, once he’d gotten smiles from both girls, he gently closed the lab door, leaving the duo in the hallway
Catalina sighed, “so, Varian and Hugo are busy, Rapunzel’s doing princess stuff, and Lance is doing a therapy session with Adira, maybe Eugene is available?”
“Nah, he’s busy training, and re-training, some guards apparently…. Ugh…. We get brought to that castle, and we’re stuck doing nothing again!”
“Maybe we could go look around somewhere we don’t normally go?”
“Like where?”
“Well…. Maybe to the toy room?”
“That stuff’s for babies!”
“Ok, well then what about the tea room?”
“And have a fake tea party? Do you really wanna do that?”
Catalina huffed, “ok then, the library”
Angry raised a brow at her sister, “really?”
“Hey I *like* the library! And at least I’m giving suggestions!” Catalina exclaimed angrily, “you’re just stating that you’re bored, well why not try something new! Would it really be so bad?!”
Angry blinked, a little startled by her sibling’s anger, “sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you”
Catalina sighed, “it’s fine…. Just…. Come on, we can’t rely on everyone to entertain us, let’s go to the library and look at some books, maybe we can find some that we could use”
“Like what?” Angry asked, when he sister glared at her she placed her hands in a placating gesture, “actually asking, not being sarcastic”
The red head let out a breath, “well…. What about some fighting books? Maybe we could learn some of the moves? I’ve been wanting to look at some ghost books too, ya know, since we may run into some considering what we heard happened in the Dark Kingdom”
Angry’s eyes lit up with interest, “actually, that does sound like a good idea! Come on, let’s go look at the ghost books!”
The red head smiled as they began to run to the place they’d just been discussing. Once they entered it, they immediately began searching for the books they wanted. Angry managed to pull out a pile of fighting technique books, while Catalina found more than a few paranormal journals, one of them had been previously checked out by Varian himself. When she set them down, Angry noticed that book and smirked, “ya know he’s in a happy relationship right?” She teased
“I’m well aware Angry, but….” She blushed
The black haired girl smiled, “still hoping huh?”
“…..I don’t want his heart to be broken by Hugo, especially since they really do love each other, but…. Is it wrong that I still have feelings for him?”
“Nah, V has feelings for Eugene still, it’ll never happen, but he still crushes on him way too obviously”, she chuckled, “besides, I know you’d never harm their relationship, to me, that says more about you, that you’re willing to allow the person you love to be happy, even if it means you lose your chance with them”
Catalina smiled, “wow, that was wise”
“Ya think so? I heard Eugene say it once to Lance, apparently it was about Adira”
The red head chuckled, “honestly, I think Lance and Adira would do well together”
“Yeah, but she’s not into him, which stinks…. Maybe we can help him find someone else?”
“Maybe, for now, how about we focus on ghosts before we play matchmaker”
“Good point”, they began to look through the books they’d taken out, Angry taking a few breaks to read a few fighting techniques before going back to the paranormal. That is, until Catalina noticed something fall from one of the books, she picked it up and read it, “‘Betel…. Gee…. Geuse?, the ‘bio-exorcist’?” She read, “‘demon possession with every exorcism. Offer valid for one possession per customer’”
“Who the heck is betel…. Whatever you said?” Angry asked as she looked at the card before wrinkling her nose, “why’s there a picture of a beetle with a man’s head and legs?!”
“I have no idea…. But exorcism? What’s that?” Right as those words left Catalina’s mouth, the book Varian had checked out previously opened and its pages began to turn, startling the duo as they watched it go faster and faster, the pages turning like crazy until it stopped and laid open on a specific entry. The red head read the entry out loud, “exorcism, a way to rid yourself of ghosts and/or spirits through ritualistic means….. These can be done in various different ways, but all of them are for the same purpose”
“Huh, that could be useful for V, considering he keeps running into spirits and ghosts”, Angry stated, “still don’t understand the weird card you’ve got with the beetle man on it though”
“Me either, though this seems like it’d be a really good way to help Varian out, maybe if we could ask this guy a few questions, we could help get rid of any mean spirit Varian and his family have to face next?” Angry smirked, “what? It could actually be useful for him!”
“And make him happy beyond his wildest dreams?” She teased
“Oh shut up! Like I said, he’s happy, and while I still love him, I will never break that relationship, not ever”
“Maybe you won’t, but *I* can?” A voice stated
“Ah!” Both girls jumped up and backed away, the book they’d been looking at dropping to the floor with a thump
A few library guests shushed the duo, getting Catalina to blushed while Angry huffed at them before she looked at the book again, “who said that?”
“Ow! Damn! Talk about a wake up call! Hey, ya mind *not* droppin me? These pages aren’t as young as they used to be”, that same voice called out. It sounded like gravel meeting sandpaper, a deep growl being a mere background noise to the raspy nature of the tome
“Cat, the book is talking to us…..” Angry stated, “I think we’ve officially gone insane”
“Wow, rude, you assume I’m a *book* simply because ya can’t see me? Talk about assuming”
The red head raised a brow at the book, “didn’t you say ‘ow’ when the book fell on the floor? Why wouldn’t we think you’re a book after that?”
“……alright, ya got me there, but still!”
Catalina couldn’t help but giggle at that, “you’re really laughing right now?!” Angry asked
“What, it’s funny!” The red head defended
“Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all week!” The voice exclaimed, “seriously though, can ya pick the book up? I kinda need you to *read* it, not let it sit there and get stepped on”
“Hm? Oh right!” Catalina walked over and picked up the book, smiling happily when she looked at the pages, “oh! Hello! That’s a new picture”
“Huh?” Angry walked over, only to see a stout man in a black and white, vertically striped, suit, white skin, green hair, sunken eyes, and a really yellow teethed grin on his face, “woah!”
“Hey there girlies! Thanks for pickin me up!” The picture said
“Who are you?” Catalina asked
“Name’s on the card sweetheart”, the picture stated before the card with the beetle man on it floated in front of them
Catalina took it once again as Angry looked at it, “betel…. Ugh, how do you pronounce that last bit?” She asked
“Well I can’t say it”, the picture stated, “you have to!”
“How do we say your name if you can’t tell us how to pronounce it?” Catalina asked
“Hmm, tough one, uuuuh oh! We could play charades!”
“O….. Kay?” The red head said, “how are we gonna do that? You’re a picture in a book”
“Eh? Aw damn it? Have I not been movin this entire time? Well shit, here”, suddenly, the picture became animated, showing the man as a 2 dimensional drawing instead, “that better? Damn that’s embarrassing. Hope you two saw my good side”, he stared, “aw who am I kiddin, I *ONLY* good sides!” He exclaimed before laughing
Catalina giggled again as Angry stared at the picture, “how… are you doing that?!”
“Magic!” The drawing stated before snickering, “anyway, ready for charades?”
Catalina smiled before nodding, “sure, the first part of your name, its betel, right? Like beetle, but spelled different”
“Correct! The second word is gonna be easy! Here”, the drawing snapped its fingers, making a two dimensional jar of apple juice appear, along with a cup, the jar began to pour the beverage into the cup
The two girls watched for a moment or two before Angry looked at the card again, “ooooh! Juice!”
The drink and cup disappeared, “ding ding! We got us a winner!” Betelgeuse exclaimed happily, “a pleasure ta meecha!” He stated with a grin
“Nice to meet you too, so…. What are you doing in this book?”
“Ah well ya see, when ya need somethin to clean your nose with, you usually use paper and I right?”
“Yeah?”
“Well this book happens to be my personal favorite Kleenex!”
“Ewww!” Both girls exclaimed as Catalina put down the both and wiped her hands on her pants
“What? Don’t knock it til ya try it kid! Anyway, you two were a-talkin earlier and I just couldn’t help but hear”, his ear grew large when he said that, getting the duo to giggle, “that you have a friend that has some ghost happenings goin on?”
Angry stopped snickered as she answered, “yeah, our friend V, his name’s actually Varian, but ya know, V”
“Nicknames, I have a lot of em”, Betelgeuse stated
“Is one of them the bogeyman?” Catalina asked
“Sometimes, I did used to pop outta closets and underneath kid’s beds in my earlier days. Good times, goooood times”
“Pfft! What other nicknames do you have?” Angry asked
“A billion, most of em are not age appropriate for you two youngsters, then again, kids gotta grow up someday, right?”
The duo laughed, “ok, you’re really funny”, the black haired girl stated
“Hehe, I try, anyway, about this friend of yours”
“Right! V, he’s been having a lot of ghosts coming around and possessing him, his loved ones, even strangers, we were going to see if we could help him out, that’s when we came across your card and booger book… why do you use this book for your nose anyway?”
“Read the title”
Catalina gently folded the book so she could see the front cover, careful not to squish Betelgeuse, “‘The Book for the Recently Deceased’?”
“Yeah”, Betelgeuse said as she reopened the book to look at him, “bunch of hot garbage in these pages, nothin you need to see since you’re alive, though some things are nice to know, like the exorcism thing, helps you figure out what I do!”
“Wait, so…. What are you exactly?” Angry asked
“I’m anything you want me to be, just don’t call me late to dinner, heh. Anyway, I’m just a friendly neighborhood ghost, call me Casper if ya like, but it’s what I do”, when he saw the two girls looking confused he sighed, “the readers will get it”
“Readers?”
“Anyway, I’m a ghost, deader than dead, stiffer than stiff, though, I’m happy to say, I didn’t lose my good looks! Heh”
Angry snorted as Catalina smiled, “so, if we were to give you to our friend, would you help him with the ghost problem whenever it comes around?”
“Sure, but uh, I do need some payment chickadees, can’t do stuff for free”, Betelgeuse stated
“I’m sure V could cover what ya need”, Angry stated, “he’s an alchemist”
“Alchemist ey? What the fuck is that?”
“Pfft!” Angry snickered before she explained, “Alchemy is a science, he can basically do anything with his chemicals, make any mixture, bomb, fireworks, whatever you need!”
“Huh, so that’s why you like him huh carrot top?”
Catalina blushed, “oh! Uh, you uh, heard all that?”
“Sure did, ya know, I can help with that too right?”
“I’m okay, he’s in a relationship, I don’t wanna break that up”
“Well alright, if that ain’t what you want, just tell me if you change your mind, I’m a great match maker, heh, anyway, where’s this friend of yours?”
Angry smiled, “well take you to him right now, come on!” She exclaimed
“Ok!” Catalina replied as they checked out Betelgeuse’s book, and a few fighting books for later, before they made their way to Varian’s lab, not noticing the tiny chuckles Betelgeuse was giving….
Notes:
Hello! :D
Ok, I may have been inspired by a certain move I just saw! I wanted to have him inside this story so badly! It’s fun writing him, plus, I have a song I wanna have Varian sing in this story XD
This is purely a fun arc, something to quell the fan bean in me, and hopefully entertain you!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 499: Say His Name! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Catalina and Angry introduce Betelgeuse to Varian and Hugo!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Angry snorted as Catalina smiled, “so, if we were to give you to our friend, would you help him with the ghost problem whenever it comes around?”
“Sure, but uh, I do need some payment chickadees, can’t do stuff for free”, Betelgeuse stated
“I’m sure V could cover what ya need”, Angry stated, “he’s an alchemist”
“Alchemist ey? What the fuck is that?”
“Pfft!” Angry snickered before she explained, “Alchemy is a science, he can basically do anything with his chemicals, make any mixture, bomb, fireworks, whatever you need!”
“Huh, so that’s why you like him huh carrot top?”
Catalina blushed, “oh! Uh, you uh, heard all that?”
“Sure did, ya know, I can help with that too right?”
“I’m okay, he’s in a relationship, I don’t wanna break that up”
“Well alright, if that ain’t what you want, just tell me if you change your mind, I’m a great match maker, heh, anyway, where’s this friend of yours?”
Angry smiled, “well take you to him right now, come on!” She exclaimed
“Ok!” Catalina replied as they checked out Betelgeuse’s book, and a few fighting books for later, before they made their way to Varian’s lab, not noticing the tiny chuckles Betelgeuse was giving….
****
“There… *finally*”, Varian stated, his back turned to Hugo, his voice gruff and raspy, “after all these hours, now, PRESENTING!” He turned around and held up a bow and arrow set, “THE MAGIC-TASTICAL, SHARP SHOOTING, BOW AAAAAAND *ARROW*!!! HA *HA*!!!!” He exclaimed happily before adding, “THAT CAN BE LIT ON *FIRE*!” He lit the arrow tips on fire and smiled at them
“…..That’s for… the Queen?…..” Hugo asked, trying very hard to sound into the idea without sounding worried and envisioning Arianna lighting herself on fire
Varian blinked before he sighed, “oh who am I kidding, these suck!” He stated, blowing out the arrows and setting them on the lab counter, he sighed as he looked at all the other ideas he had, all of them were weapons with various fire catching properties to them, “…..I think I’m going the Adira route of things…. Mixed with Hector”
“A little bit Freckles”, Hugo stated, “but hey, at least you’ve got *something*, I’ve literally been staring at a piece of paper for the past few hours, trying to just *think* of an idea”
The alchemist sighed, “why do birthday presents have to be so difficult?”
“Because birthdays suck”
“Not all birthdays”
“Fair, yours will be fun to celebrate!”
“I meant yours ya goober”
The blond snickered before he looked at the weapons his lover had made, “why are you going the weapons route anyway?”
“Well, Rapunzel told me stories about her mother and her more eccentric side when she was younger. Also, the Queen still seemed to enjoy a lot of thrills when she lost her memories, so I think she still has that yearn for adventure, but hides it under a professional tone. I wanted to see if I could spark that energy once again, maybe she could have some things that allow her to have fun, because she deserves to…. But I keep making weapons!”
The blond smiled, “that’s a really great idea you know”
“Thanks, if only I could put it into practice with what I’m building…. I can make all the weapons in the world, won’t really matter if she doesn’t have anything to use them on, even for practice…. Also she may catch on fire…..”
The inventor snorted, “well, how about we put our big brains together and come up with something she’d absolutely adore! I’m good at inventing on the fly, and you’ve got the chemical know how to make basically anything happen!”
“Heh, well thanks”
“You’re quite welcome”, Hugo replied before they thought for a moment or two before the inventor noticed the silver wing sitting on a nearby table, “hey…. What if we gave her the ability to fly?”
“Rapunzel said they made a glider for her already, that was my first thought actually”
“No no, I mean *actually* fly! What if she could spread some kind of wings and soar through the air? I’m certain she’d love that!”
Varian raised a brow before noticing the silver wing, “are you wanting to give her the silver wing?”
“Not entirely, she’d only be able to use that whenever the right time called for it, but we could make something similar, maybe a flying potion that allows her to stay in the wire for a while, or mechanical wings or a propeller or something”
This made the alchemist think, “hmmmm…. We’d have to make a big one, and it’d have to be sturdy too, so she could go wherever she wanted and however she wanted without much worry”
“Yeah!”
Varian smiled, “and you said you didn’t have any ideas”
“Heh, notice the only thing that changed was that you joined my thinking process”
Varian giggled and blushed before kissing Hugo on the lips and grabbing some blueprint paper as the blond blushed and grabbed some quills so they could write. Just as they were about to begin however, the lab door slammed opened, “V! HUGO! LOOK WHAT WE FOUND!” Angry yelled as she ran inside, Catalina hesitating before she sighed, walked in, and closed the door behind her
“Angry! C-Cat-w-what are you two doing in here?!” Varian asked as he turned to face them, trying not to let his heart *explode* from how startled her entrance made him. It was enough to get Ruddigar, who’d been sleeping on a desk nearby, to wake up and waddle over to his boy, climbing on his shoulders and nuzzling him to help calm the teen down
“Sorry for the interruption for your nerdy shenanigans, but we’ve got something that may be able to help you with your ghost problem!” The black haired girl exclaimed as she showed the alchemist the book they’d found, it was closed
Varian read the title and signed, “I’ve already checked that book out Angry, it helped a little, but not with what we faced at the Dark Kingdom”
“But V, ya gotta look *inside* the book!”
“But I already have-!”
“PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE?”
Varian blinked as Hugo sighed, “Angry, we can look in it after we’re done he-!” He tried
“No! You gotta look now!” Angry exclaimed, “it’s important!”
“Angry!” Hugo exclaimed
“Hugo!” Angry shot back, getting the blond to huff
Catalina stepped forwards and gently took the book from her sister before looking at Varian, “sorry for the interruption, we know you’re both busy, but we found…. Someone…. In this book that wants to help you. And we heard about the ghost attack at the Dark Kingdom, he said he could help you with anymore ghost stuff…. We know it’s not the best time, but we… we’re worried that you may get attacked again….. could you please just take a quick peek? Just one?” She asked gently
The alchemist was startled by the red head’s words before he smiled, “you were worried?”
“Very….”
“I’m okay you know”, he said softly
“You are *now*, but what if you get hurt again? You may not be able to get out of whatever’s possessed you or your family next time…. It… it really scares me to think that you, or Hugo, or Mr. Quirin, or King Edmund, or Hector and Adira, might get possessed and taken away….. please just… just look?”
Varian blinked before he chuckled, “never thought I’d see the day where my puppy dog eyes were used against me”, he stated, getting Hugo to smile, “ok ok, I’ll look inside, especially since it means so much, but we really do need to get back to what we’re doing soon”
“You mean your thing for the Queen?” Angry asked
“Yes, it’s important”
“What are you doing for her anyway?”
“Birthday present”, Hugo replied
“Ah”
Varian giggled before he took the book and opened it, “hey howdy ho neighborino-!”
“MEEP!” Varian dropped the book and jumped into the air, floating in it as he stared at the thing, “what the fuck?!” He asked
Hugo howled with laughter as he looked at the girls, “d-did you two just *prank* us?!” He asked as he continued to cackle
“No no! I-it’s not a prank!” Catalina exclaimed as she quickly scooped up the book and looked inside, “are you okay?”
“Yeah, just damn, what’s with folks and droppin me on my ass today? Ugh…” the book exclaimed
Hugo stopped laughing as he stared at the book, “wait, holy shit, it’s actually fucking talking!”
“No shit Sherlock”, the book stated
“Pfft! Damn, talk about a blue steak”, the blond stated as he looked up at the alchemist, “ya good up there freckles?”
“Y-yeah, yeah I’m good, just trying to let my *stomach* catch up to my *heart*!” Varian exclaimed as he took a few deep breaths before floating back down, giving Ruddigar a few scritches before he looked at the book once again, “what’s in that book?”
“I am your father!” The book exclaimed
Varian quirked a brow, “um…. Not to sound too sassy here, but, nu you’re not”
“Ugh… what age is it? You people really need to watch more tv”
“Tv?”
“Fuck me am I in medieval times or something?!”
“Um…. My question still stands extremely potty mouthed talking book!”
“He’s not a book”, Angry stated, “he’s *inside* the book”
“Right you are sweet heart!”
Hugo walked over and looked at what Catalina was looking at, “woah! Freckles, take a look at this!”
Varian walked over and looked, his eyes widening when he saw the moving picture of the man inside the book’s pages, “holy shit”, the alchemist stated
“Pfft! And you call me the potty mouth”, the man in the book stated
“T-this is…. How did you two find this guy?” Varian asked as he looked at the two girls
“We were looking in the paranormal books in the library when his card fell from the pages”, Angry explained before giving Varian the card
“Betel…. Geh-oos?” The alchemist pronounced
“Not entirely right kid”, the man stated, a little offended by the pronunciation of his name
“Sorry, I’ve never seen a name like that before”, Varian said as Hugo looked at the card, “and only now do I realize I’m talking to a book”
“Is this a business card?” The inventor asked
“That’s right! My business card to be precise!” The man inside the book exclaimed, “and I am so excited-a-ta see both of you!”
Varian looked at the book once more, his eyes narrowing at it, “V?” Angry said
“…..I’m….. getting a weird feeling from this guy….” The alchemist stated
“Probably because you were told not to talk to strangers right?” The man in the book asked with a yellow toothed grin, “well ya know my name! Or at least how it’s supposed to be spelled, so you technically know who I am now!”
“We don’t know how to *pronounce* your name”, Hugo pointed out
“Ugh shit…. Here!” The man snapped his fingers and suddenly, he was in a cheerleader costume, his green hair was in pig tails, he had green pom poms and all, and he smiled as he began to cheer:
‘Ready? Okay!’
He began to dance, waving his pom poms, as he did, clones of him began to appear in the book
(sung)
Hi! I'll be your guide!
I'll be your G-U-I-D-E to the other side!
Don't go to the some other schmuck—!’
[Varian, spoken]
‘Other schmuck?’
[BETELGEUSE]
‘Did I say other schmuck? Never mind!
I'm the B-to-the-double-E-J-F-U
And-fuck me, I can't spell….’
“Pfft!” Hugo clapped a hand over his mouth and snickered as the clones of the man in the book began to dance and cheer with him:
[MINIONS]
‘Hi! He'll be your guide!
He'll be your G-U-I-D-E to the other side!
[BETELGEUSE]
‘Let's all get naked!’
[Varian]
‘*Hell* no!’
Hugo and the girls laughed at that as the alchemist grabbed the book before it was dropped again
[BETELGEUSE]
‘Eh, worth a try!
I'm the B-to-the-double-E-T-L-E to the J-U-I-C-E
Yeah!’
The cheer ended with a pelvic thrust from Betelgeuse as his clones and cheerleader clothing disappeared, replaced with his normal black and white, vertically striped suit, black shoes, and green hair hanging around his shoulders, “ta daaaaa~”
Angry, Catalina, and Hugo were on the ground at this point, laughing far too hard to calm themselves down. Varian however, was staring at the man and sighed, “Beetlejuice, interesting name, why couldn’t you just tell me?”
“I can’t say my name kid, it’s part of my whole thing here”
The alchemist raised a brow, “whole… thing?”
“Yeah, see your two girlies over there told me you’ve been having a ghost problem, and I wanna help! But, ya gotta do something for me if I do!”
The freckled teen narrowed his eyes at Betelgeuse, “what do in need to do?….”
“Easy there glare master, I’m not gonna have you kill anyone, ya just need to say my name three times in a row! It sets me free and allows me to help you!”
“Sets you free?”
“Yeah, see I’m trapped, can’t really do much from where I’m at, makes an old buzzer like me wanna cry”, he sniffled as a gigantic tear drop dripped off his cheek, “anyway, ya just need to say my name, three times, and I’ll help you with how to handle ghosts and spirits! What do ya say?”
“I… I don’t know…. This seems weird to me….”
“Got trust issues kid?”
“Yes”, Varian replied flatly, “very much so, especially from demons”
This startled Betelgeuse, “who said I was a demon?”
“Oh come on, you really expect me to believe you’re just a friendly ghost in a book, which has a very cryptic title by the way, and you just *happened* upon my two adopted siblings and they told you about my troubles that you’re willing to help with?”
“Well, technically most of that is true…. But it doesn’t matter if I’m a demon or not! I’m still willing to help, just set me free and I’ll do what you need me to! I could make your wildest dreams come true! Get revenge on a horrible person you hate, get you and that hot blond boy to have some *real* fun”
“No! Don’t you touch Hugo!”
“I don’t have to, but you didn’t say no to the revenge thing my guy”, Varian hesitated, “see? I knew there was somethin I could offer you! That’s *on top* of my whole, ‘helping you deal with spirits’ thing, see? I’m a nice demon! All ya gotta do, is one very simple thing”
“Revenge…. It won’t do any good…. I don’t need that stupid former captain to…. Shit….”
“Former captain ya say?” Betelgeuse asked before he flipped through some pages in the book, getting Hugo, Angry, and Catalina, who’d all stopped laughing at this point, to look, only to see a flashback:
*”Hey! Watch where you’re going!” The former captain of the Royal guards snapped before he saw who’d bumped into him
Varian huffed, “I didn’t bump into you, you bumped into me you jerk. What are you even doing here? Shouldn’t you be in the dungeons?” The alchemist snapped, his Moonstone piece glowing slightly
The former Captain huffed at the teen, “thanks to you, I’ll be stuck there for my entire life…. You ruined everything you know you little shit!”
“You ruined your *own* life! You hurt me with no probable cause, tormented me for *years*, caused me so much anxiety and fear, I feel *no* pity for you and your fate!”
The former Captain glared *daggers* at the teen, he then got an idea and smirked before he stood up to his full height, towering over the alchemist. Varian stood his ground, but he was noticeably shaking, “heh, you may talk big, you little runt, but you’re still scared shitless of me. I don’t give a damn what I did to you. You’ll always be a piece of shitty *scum* in Corona. One of these days, everyone’s gonna realize that too, even your little boy toy, they’ll all leave you locked up again, and then you’ll be all mine….. just you wait and see…. Now SCRAM!”
The alchemist winced, hard, when the former captain yelled in his face…. The teen tried to say something, tried to stand up for himself, he tried so damn hard, but nothing came out as thoughts began to form, one’s the freckled teen hadn’t had in months….. he tried to stop them, tried to get them to shut up, but nothing worked, and he ended up in a ball, hiding his face as he felt tears in his eyes….. Cassandra’s father smirking at him as he loomed over the small teen….*
The flash back ended when the pages turned back to Betelgeuse, “wow, what a shitty guy”, he said, “even *I* wouldn’t do something like that to a kid…. And I’m a damn demon!”
Hugo, Angry, and Catalina was shocked before Hugo looked at his boyfriend, “Varian…. When did that happen?”
“……Today….. It was earlier…. I was frozen…. C-couldn’t say anything, couldn’t fight back or tell him to fuck off….. I just froze and cried in front of him….. He watched me the entire time until Stan found me…. He got the former captain locked back in his cell and got me to dad and Eugene…. Rapunzel and the Queen were notified and said they’d have the former captain punished…. Dad distracted me with the Queen’s birthday…. It’s why was so adamant about making her something….. That’s when you came in Hugo”
The blond hugged Varian tightly, “I’m so sorry Varian…..”
Varian hugged his lover back, Angry taking the book, “it’s not your fault….. I should’ve done something… s-should’ve told him off…. Defended myself…. B-but he…. He yelled and I… I just….”
“Froze?”
“Yeah….. and I hate it……”
“Is that why you’re making weapons too?” Hugo asked, “it makes sense, all of them are distant weapons, and they can catch on fire, Freckles, you were trying to defend yourself with them….”
“Oh…. Well that was subconscious….. I may need to talk to Lance about that….”
Hugo sighed and kissed Varian’s head, “you’re safe now you know”
“I know… I just wish I could’ve…. Said *something* ANYTHING would’ve been better than locking up in a damn ball on the floor!”
“That’s where I can come in kid!” Betelgeuse exclaimed, “I could help you! Let you scare the shit out of that asshole! Just say my name three times!”
Varian looked at the man in the book, he hesitated, “I… I dunno…..”
“Aw come on, you need help with ghosts and that asshole, I could solve both problems if I were set free! Besides, you seem like you need a friend”. Varian was quiet, Betelgeuse sighed before he looked at Angry, “put my book down, I’ll show you a magic trick”
The black haired girl quirked a brow, but did as she was told. Suddenly, the pages began to flip rapidly, as if wind was making them turn, when all of a sudden, a hand popped out! Then another, both slammed on the floor and pushed up, revealing Betelheuse’s head, more and more of him came out of the book, little by little, until finally, he squeezed his way out and dusted himself off, “ah, much better”
“Woah!” Angry exclaimed
“H-how did you do that?! I thought you had to be freed!” Catalina exclaimed
“I can’t use my full power, but I can get out of a book, honestly I only go in them to clean my nose or find some hot story babes”, he stated with a smirk before he walked over to Varian, “now come on kid, I get that you don’t trust me, but, I only needed to see two seconds of that asshole, and already I hate him! Let me scare him shitless! Let me make him go insane! He’ll be so freaked out that he’ll never bug you again! Wouldn’t that be fun?”
The alchemist looked away, “revenge isn’t the answer… I should know…. I tried it…. It only causes trouble”
“Aww but this wouldn’t be the *evil* revenge, he’d just be fucking scared is all! Like he scared you! Doesn’t he deserve at least that much?”
“Well…..”
“Come on, kid, you can trust me, and besides, I know what you could use to get rid of your sad boy blues!”
Varian quirked a brow, “what exactly could I use?”
Betelgeuse smiled wickedly before he began to sing:
‘You could use a buddy,
Don't you want a pal?’
A sock puppet, dressed like Varian, appeared behind the freckled teen, and began to speak, startling the teen,
‘Yes I do! Yes I do!’
It disappeared as Betelgeuse kept singing,
‘Boy, the way I see it
That asshole should be leavin'
And you should stick around!’
The puppet appeared again and said, “and kill him!”
‘What?!’ Varian asked anxiously
“Nothing!” Betelgeuse stated, pushing the puppet down and continuing to sing,
“So, Varian be a friend to yourself,
Defend yourself!
That asshole’s the one who should pay
Together we'll exterminate, assassinate!’
“No!” Varian replied
‘The finer points can wait,
But first you gotta say my name!’
Betelgeuse snapped his fingers and suddenly there were several memories of Varian’s that showed the former Captain hurting and tormenting him over the last two years as the demon continued to sing,
‘Go ahead and freeze but that won't stop him!
Here you got a solid plan B option!
I can bring the bastard so much pain!
All you gotta do is say my name!’
Betelgeuse flew into the air and showed every memory of the alchemist’s time with eh former captain, getting Varian to look at the ground before the demon flew over and gently guided the teen’s face to look up at him as he continued to sing,
‘Boy, just say it three times in a row,
And you won't believe how far I'll go!
I'm on the bench, but coach!
Just put me in the game,
All you gotta do is say my name!’
“I don't know….” Varian said
“Well, we could talk”
“I guess we could, what do you mean by scare?”
“Oh! Well let me tell you ‘bout it!”
Betelgeuse flew around and showed them all them things he couldn’t as Varian commented on each on,
“Two faces”
“Woah!!”
“Second head turns and talks to the first”
“Uh-huh?”
“Then they make scary faces?”
“Oh they look cursed…”
“RIGHT?! Oh also!”
“No”
“What? It would freak him out!”
“No! No blood or gore!”
“Fine, we’ll take the fun way out!”
‘And all you gotta do is say my name three times, three times in a row! It must be spoken unbroken! Ready?!”
“I-I guess?”
“Okay, go!”
Varian took a breath and spoke, “Beetlejuice”
“Yeeeeeeees?”
“Beetlejuice”
“Yeeeeeeees?!”
The teen then quirked a brow as he saw the demon start to glow, “Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-“
“Oh, oh, this is gonna be so GOOD!”
“-cause!” Varian interrupted himself, getting the demon to look at him, startled
“WHAT?!”
That’s when Varian began to sing,
‘You're so smart,
A stand-up bro!
I'll think about your offer,
Let you know!
But I prefer that asshole be left alone,
Beetlejuice,
(Yes?)
Beetlejuice !
(Yes!)
Being young (ugh!) and timid doesn't mean that I'm an easy mark!
I've been swimming with piranhas,
I *DON’T* need a shark!
Yes, life sucks,
But not that much!
Okay, Beetlejuice,
(Eh?)
Beetlejuice!
(Ooh?!)
Be a doll and spare the LECTURE!’
The demon flew in front of Varian, making the teen back up a bit,
‘I'm offering you a full time specter!’
‘But are you any good?’
‘You bet'cha, Trust me, kiddo!’
‘Well I just metchya, Really it's a flattering offer!’
‘Don't you wanna see him suffer?!’
Another memory of the former captain flew by
‘I think I probably should be off!
NO!
I may be shy but I find, That, Beetlejuice, it's not as if I've lost my *MIND*!’
“So, playing hardball, huh? You are tougher than you look!”
Varian smirked, “just wanna make sure I know who I'm working with. Got any references?”
“Freckles, I’m starting to get a bad feeling about this guy”, Hugo stated
Betelgeuse raised brow, “oh come on blond boy, we’ve been talking and I haven’t done much”
“You still strike me as a very odd and *dangerously* unstable individual!”
Suddenly skeletons burst from the ground and they began to sing,
‘Beetlejuice is sexy!
Beetlejuice is smart!
BJ is a graduate of Juilliard!’
They then began to dance together,
‘He can help,
We found him on Yelp!
Our troubles all ended on the day that we befriended him!
Every word is the truth!
Beetlejuice , Beetlejuice , Beetlejuice!’
The two skeletons crumbled as Hugo, Catalina, and Angry stared before the blond exclaimed, What the heck was that?! You see what I mean?! I think we should think about a different option here!”
Betelgeuse snapped his fingers, and suddenly, Hugo’s mouth had a zipper that closed shut as the demon spoke, startling everyone in the room, “well there ya go, kid, couple of five-star reviews!”
Varian looked at the demon, eyes wide and anxiously, “what was that?!”
“That was possession”, Betelgeuse explained, “Any ghost can do that in less than one lesson!”
“Any ghost?”
“Pretty much, and I can teach you all about them and more!”
Varian huffed, “Beetlejuice, that’s not what I need you for!” He backed up and his hair glowed as well as his eyes and freckles, startling the demon
“Woah! WOAH! Woah! Woah! Woah!”
Betelgeuse tried to sing his way out of his mistake,
‘Hold up! Hold up, boy, I'm your pal!
Im sorry, I can’t help that I'm a demon straight from Hell!
I know, I went a little hard on the sell,
But we're BF-F-F-F's forever!’
Varian levitated the book that Betelgeuse had come from and opened it, the pages sucking the demon back inside as he yelled, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Betelgeuse was sucked inside as Varian closed it shut. The alchemist sighed and smiled when Hugo’s lips went back to normal and he looked at his lover, “V-Varian?”
The freckles teen sighed, “I’m sorry? You were right, he wasn’t the right thing to look to….. But he did make a point, I need to stand up to the former captain, I have to! So… maybe he isn’t so bad after all?”
Hugo smiled, “you’re right, he’s not too bad, but he shouldn’t be used unless it’s a last resort, okay?” Varian nodded, as did Catalina and Angry, “and as for the former captain”
Hugo grinned before he began to sing,
‘We don't need that demon!
The three of us alone can wreck his evening!
Together we can make a grown man weep,
Guys, I got a dungeon date to keep!’
Catalina giggled as Angry asked, “ok so what’s the plan?”
‘Teach him a lesson!
He's gonna *freak* when we question him!’
Varian took over singing the final bit as he gained confidence from his boyfriend’s voice,
‘So he wants the perfect target,
I'll send that ham to the market!
Yeah, I got game!
(Varian, with Hugo and the girls in the background):
I'm gonna make him say my name!
(Make him say your name)
I'll make him say my name!
(Make him say your name)
I'll make him say my naaaaaaaaaame!
(Make him say your naaaaaaaaaame!)
Varian flew into the air with the book in his hands as they all sang out,
‘Not running awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!’
Then Varian ended the song with one final push to emphasize his newfound confidence with his lover and sibling’s support,
‘I'll make him say my NAME!’
The alchemist landed on the ground and let out a breath before he looked at Betelgeuse’s book, he opened it and saw the man pouting, “…..I’m sorry…. But what you proposed was too much…. But you can still around if you’d like”, he offered
The demon didn’t react at first, until before turned to look at the alchemist and raised a brow at him, “why would offer me that? Does that mean you’re at least thinking about what I said?”
“I am, and you made some good points, the former captain is an asshole, and I should stick up for myself, just not that way, I don’t want to make him go insane”
“Hmph!”
“However, I don’t want you to feel like you didn’t help slightly. So….. while I won’t say your name right now, if in need you, I’ll call, maybe…. We could be friends?” He offered
Betelgeuse was startled by that, “friends?”
“Yeah! You don’t seem like an evil demon, you…. Actually seem kinda lonely….. so…. Why not? We could get to know each other, you don’t have to teach me anything, we could just talk, be pals, and you wouldn’t feel so….” He hesitated, but a huge part of him wanted to say sad, as the alchemist felt an overwhelming nerve to reach out and help this demon
“…..We could stick with unbelievably charming and leave it there!” Betelgeuse offered
Varian giggled, “you’re so sassy!”
The demon smiled and fully faced the teen, “well, normally I’m not big on the whole relationship thing, but if you really don’t mind having a gorgeous guy like me around, I guess I could….. you…. Really wouldn’t mind?”
“Nope! Maybe you can meet my dad! He’ll…. Be a little overprotective at first, but I’m certain he’d love to meet you! Would you like that?”
“A dad? I’ve never had one of those before! What do you say to them?”
Varian giggled, “whatever you want, just so long as you don’t threaten anyone he cares about”
Betelgeuse thought about it for a little bit before he nodded, “ok kid, I’ll take you up on that offer, just, be sure to hold up your end of the deal and *actually* come talk to me. Otherwise, I’m out!”
“Deal”, Varian replied with a smile, “do you wanna come out?”
Betelgeuse smiled and nodded, Varian set the book down gently, allowing the demon to pull himself out of the book again, “much better! Man I hate being stuck in books”
“I can imagine that being a very cramped existence”, the alchemist stated
“Yeah it really is”, the demon stated, “so you ain’t gonna free me”
“Unfortunately no, not until I know for sure you won’t cause any trouble, but you’re more than able to fly around and explore, and talk with us too!”
Betelgeuse shrugged, “fine with me, if that’s the case, I’ll need a few hours to really figure out where I wanna hang! See ya soon, new bffs!” He exclaimed before flying off to who knows where
Hugo watched him go before looking still Varian, “you sure this is a good idea?”
“I think so, if he needs a timeout, I can put him back in the book”, the alchemist stated as he picked up the old tome, “and besides, he genuinely seemed like he wanted to help, but he’s got a bad way of doing it. Maybe if we show him that he can have friends and trust us, he’ll turn a new leaf, it couldn’t hurt to try, especially since I’m not getting an evil sense from him, I’m really not! More playful and lonely”
“Well, if you’re sure, then I’ll stick with your judgement. Just…. Be careful Freckles”
“Will do, now come on, we’ve got a princess and former captain to go see”
“Princess?”
“I feel like it would be in everyone’s best interest if we told Rapunzel about our plan, don’t you?”
Catalina, Angry, and Hugo nodded before all of them walked out of the room. None of them noticed Betelgeuse watch them go. He looked around before floating to a desk and sitting on it, “huh, he wants to see me turn a new leaf eh? Well, maybe I could give it a shot”, he then looked at all of you and grinned, “what do *you* think? Heheh, can I be a good boy? Or am I an evil demon? We’ll see, heh”
Notes:
“Being Dead Thing reprise 2” (aka, Betelgeuse’s cheer), and “Say My Name”, are both songs from the musical, credit goes to the writers and song creators of the musical, please listen to it, it’s so good! I changed some dialog with Varian, Hugo, and Betelgeuse in ‘Say My Name’, as well as some lyrics in both the cheer and song
Hello! :D
Ok, so I’m going more based off of the musical version of Betelgeuse, not the movie version. In the musical, he’s much more playful, and seems to really only want to scare, have a good time, and seems particularly lonely to me. Even Lydia points it out in the musical, that he seems lonely.
Musical Betelgeuse is still womanizing and inappropriate, but he’s also pansexual, funny, more childlike, and super hyper XD I love him very much in the musical! He also tends to break the fourth wall a lot, so be prepared XD
I hope that’s okay, I also wanna have Betelgeuse play a bigger role later on with a certain frozen man that Adira has a problem with. So it’s gonna be a really fun time!
With all that being said, thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 500: In Honor Of!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo translated an entry Demanitus made in one of his journals!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Whatcha reading?” Rapunzel asked, getting everyone in the room to go quiet as Varian and Hugo looked up at her
“Demanitus’s final journal, I was finally able to translate the last entry, with Hugo’s help!” Varian replied with a grin
“Ooooh! That’s really his final entry? It looks like a poem”
“It is a poem”
“It is?”
“Yeah, most of his entries are like that, he we very prolific apparently. Oh, by the way, any word on when I’ll be able to speak with you, Eugene, and Queen Arianna about the former Captain?”
“Well, once we finish with our Royal duties tomorrow, me, Eugene, and my mom should be free to sit down and discuss what you told us, is that okay?”
“That’s perfectly fine, thank you for making the time, I hope it wasn’t too much trouble”
“It definitely not, especially if he said something that bothered you the way it sounds like he did”
Varian smiled, “thank you Rapunzel”
“You’re welcome! Heh, you’ve got me curious about this entry though”
“It’s wonderful so far! Do you wanna hear it?”
“Yeah!”
The alchemist stood up, smiled, and blushed when he noticed the rest of the room was watching, Hugo joining him as the alchemist read from the book,
“I suffer what you cannot see,
My plight was filled with tragedy,
I wished and wanted, longed and willed,
A debt that had yet to be billed.
Heed my words and do not fear,
The worries of your growing year,
For with them you find freedom in,
Shown by the tale I’m forced to spin”
The group was silent for a moment or two before Eugene groaned, “seriously, this guy uses riddles in his maze, and now poems in his journal?” The Dark Prince complained, “what does that even mean?”
Varian giggled, “well, when we finished translating it, Hugo was able to help with the interpretation of Demanitus’s words”
The inventor grinned proudly as his lover gestured for him to continue, “Demanitus is basically saying, ‘read what I’m writing, because it’s fucking important’, but using much nicer words. He gives us a hint when he writes, ‘Heed my words and do not fear,
The worries of your growing year,
For with them you find freedom in,
Shown by the tale I’m forced to spin’. I think he’s talking about how we grow older. See, Demanitus-!”
“Placed his mind into a monkey, that apparently can see the future, started going bananas, all in order to save us from Zhan Tiri”, Eugene interrupted, “we’ve heard the story before, but the monkey man himself actually, him and his damn riddles”
Hugo blinked as Varian huffed, “ya know, there’s much more to the *actual* story if you’ll allow us to share it”, the alchemist stated, giving his big brother a glare
Eugene blinked before he realized what he’d just said and sighed, blushing a little, “sorry…. Ever since we’ve gotten back I’ve been doing nothing but training newbies, and oldbies-guards who aren’t newbies but *act* like they are-and I’m extremely drained and cranky…. I don’t mean to be rude, I’m just-!” He interrupted himself with a yawn he couldn’t hold back, “-really damn tired….. I don’t mean any disrespect, I’m sorry”
Varian let out a small sigh, “it’s okay, I understand. Would it help if you had something to drink, water? Tea? Hot chocolate?”
Eugene smiled at the teen, “it might actually, that’s not a bad idea”
“We could also wait until you’ve actually rested”, Hugo stated gently, noticing the gigantic bags underneath the Captain’s eyes
“No, this is important to you two, and I don’t plan on keeping you-!” Another unpreventable yawn escaped his mouth, “-you two waiting, especially not on me”
The two scientists looked at each other worriedly before Varian got an idea, “well, if you don’t wanna wait, maybe….. There’s a different way we could show you”
“A different way you could…. Show us?”
“That’s right! See, as you already know, considering she’s sitting in the room at the moment, as are they, Queen Arianna-!”
“You could just call me Arianna Varian”, Arianna interrupted gently
“…..Queen Arianna”, Varian repeated, getting Hector, Adira, and Quirin to snicker as Edmund sighed and patted Arianna’s shoulder understandingly, “a-and Rapunzel, has been getting to know the Seporians a lot better! They’re being integrated into Corona and Old Corona, slowly but surely, and Clementine has even shown a few magical abilities she’s able to do thanks to the Earth! One of them she showed me when we were working together during my…. *ahem*…. Coup….. eheh…. Um a-anyway, she showed me during a particularly rough night. I was reading a Flynn Rider book for comfort, when she came into my room and…. Well…. Are you willing to show them Clementine?”
The Seporian smiled excitedly, “of course! I love this spell!” She stood up and walked over, she gingerly grabbed a book that Hugo offered her
“Wait, is that Flynn Rider and the Lost Treasure of Scocia?” Eugene asked, perking up at the sight of his favorite novel
“It is!” Hugo exclaimed, “Varian let me borrow his copy, I’ve never read it before, I’m about halfway through”
“Do you like it?”
“Hell yeah! Especially when Flynn hops on the hippogryph! I still can’t believe he was able to do that! I wonder what it must be like to ride an animal that can fly”
“Hugo, not to be rude, but you’ve literally had wings before”, Eugene pointed out gently
“I know, but I flew on my own, how cool would it be to have a best *friend* who could let you fly on their back and you could fly together though?!” The blond suddenly felt a small poke on his shoulder, turning, he saw Varian waved at him with a smile, “an *animal* friend, you’re human, and I wouldn’t *ride* on you to fly”
“You wouldn’t? You sure?” Varian asked, blushing a little as he got closer to Hugo, who also blushed
“Oi! Varian! No naughty flirting!” Eugene exclaimed, getting the alchemist and inventor to giggle, “geez…. Hugo’s already got hundreds of minutes in that naughty corner, I can start adding yours up too little sir!”
“Only hundreds? Man, I really gotta step up my game”, Hugo stated, getting Varian to blush even more
“Both of you stop it”, Quirin stated, “there are children present in this room”, he stated, gesturing to Angry and Catalina, both of whom had their ears Covered by Lance’s hands, which didn’t work, but it was the thought that counted
“They’re children too Quirin”, Eugene stated
“No, they’re teenagers, old enough to know better, but not old enough to get out of soapy mouths should they continue with that dirty talk”
“Alright alright, we we’re just kidding”, Hugo stated as Varian laughed
“Anyway”, Varian said with a smile before giving an apologetic look to Clementine, who smiled back, signifying it was fine, “we’ll let Clementine take it from here”
The Seporian grinned before she set the book down, opening it to the page that had a green and blue bookmark on it before she pulled out a small bag, opened it, grabbed a handful of, what looked like various spices, from it, and made a circle around the book. She then closed the tiny bag and chanted a small, quiet spell, the circle lit up, glowing a bright green color before the book floated into the air. Suddenly, Clementine stopped chanting and smiled before looking at Hugo, “would you mind reading the page?”
The blond blinked before nodding, “okay?” He walked over to the book and read it out loud, “Flynn Rider jumped from the ledge, closing his eyes as he felt the wind on his face”, as Hugo spoke, light poured out from the book, it took a few different forms, its colors changing, until it formed a little Flynn Rider jumping and closing his eyes, “his hair was swept up as he began to fall, he counted in his mind, hoping to calm his nerves as he braced for whatever impact he’d just set his fate against”, Hugo continued, the light form showing Flynn falling began to mouth numbers that no one could hear. “As he drew close and closer to, what he believed would be, his final moments of life, he suddenly landed on something soft and long. The familiar feel on the birdlike body beneath his made the man open his eyes just in time to see BlackBeak, the hippogryph, had caught him just in the nick of time!”
The Flynn Rider, made of light, fell onto a hippogryph, also made of light, Flynn Rider opening his eyes and smiling gratefully at the animal as they floated above the rocky terrain that was just a few feet underneath them both!
“Woah!” Rapunzel said excitedly, “that’s amazing!”
“Thank you Princess!” Clementine replied happily
“Is that the Earth magic you told us about a while back?” Edmund asked
“It’s one of the spells from my Earth magic, yes”
“How is that possible?”
The Seporian chuckled before she picked up a pinch of the powder she’d formed into a circle around the book, “by using the Earth’s gifts. See, everything in, and on, the Earth has an aura around it. It’s a constant, unused, and unending, magic that only a few can see. That aura is absorbed into the earth in small doses, and stored, allowing the Earth to give us oxygen, fertile dirt to grow plants, land we can live on, and rivers we can drink from! That’s all Earthly magic! Think of it as a big circle, the Earth keeps us alive and well, we give her fuel, via our aura in small doses, and take care of her in order for her to live. Us Seporians also give back to her by taking care of her animals and growing and raising her plants for her. In return, she grants us knowledge on how to tap into our unused magic with the help of her gifts to us!”
“Huh, that’s actually really interesting!” Edmund stated with a smile, “is there a special mixture you must do with that powder to make the book come to life?”
“Yes, all the spells we have are helped by the earth in some way. The words spoken for a spell are granted by the breath we draw from her wind, the powder I’ve made is from a special mix of her gifts, I’m more than willing to teach you, your majesty”
Edmund smiled, “I’d love to learn, maybe we could do an exchange, the Moon blesses us as well, especially at night, maybe we could help you and your people become blessed too?”
Clementine grinned, “we’d love that!”
Varian grinned before he politely spoke up, “Eugene, would it be easier for you to watch what happens instead of us just reading it?”
“Yeah, it would, let me get myself something to drink and I’ll sit right back down and watch”
“Oki, oh! A-and Eugene?”
“Hm?”
Varian blushed, “c-can I have some hot chocolate?”
Eugene smiled lovingly at the alchemist before nodding, “course you can! I’ll make us all some”
“Thank you!”
“You’re welcome”, with that, the man walked away as Hugo chuckled and hugged his Varian lovingly
****
Everyone had settled after the Dark Prince had gotten them all some hot chocolate. Once the man himself was settled, Varian grinned at Clenentine, who’d already drawn a large circle around the book the alchemist had. She chanted the spell and suddenly brought the book to life, as she had with the Flynn Rider novel. The light come out of the pages and showed Demanitus, that’s what Varian began to read, the magic following when he said as he translated Demanitus’s word,
*I suffer what you cannot see,
My plight was filled with tragedy,
I wished and wanted, longed and willed,
A debt that had yet to be billed.
Heed my words and do not fear,
The worries of your growing year,
For with them you find freedom in,
Shown by the tale I’m forced to spin.
I was a man, born bright and new,
Just like many, more than I knew,
Yet when I was made, I didn’t see,
What has now become my destiny.
I grew old with every step,
My journeys began and I would prep,
For every possibility,
I *thought* I had been able to see….
The real truth is, I was wrong,
While I was fighting and acting strong,
I faced a horror that I’d not seen,
And it all started with my weather machine.
I had a friend I used to know,
She was kind and smart and would go,
Wherever I decided to be,
She always stood right beside me.
We grew to love the other so,
We married and began to grow,
Closer and closer as the days went,
Had I only known what our love meant.
She smiled and calmed me in my darkest days,
She’d shower me with constant praise,
But soon did I finally figure out,
Why she wanted me, without a doubt.
She didn’t love me as I’d initially thought,
She wanted my inventions and we’d fought,
She was Seporian and while I had no ill will,
She did, and caused chaos and blood to spill.
I couldn’t allow her actions to rise,
So I set about causing her demise.
She was strong and gifted magically,
So I had to trap her, tragically….
She promised she would return one day,
That’s when I decided that I would stay,
And watch over my home and the people within,
But to do so, I’d need to commit an egregious sin.
Where she was trapped, she would not age,
Yet my life’s length was an unbreakable cage,
Until I discovered a darker magic,
The results of which were also tragic.
For a longer life and stronger will,
A sacrifice needed to instill,
My mind into one so pure and clear,
Their heart strong, and void of fear.
My companion whom I’d raised from birth,
Vigor, the perfect form for rebirth.
I hated every step, and cried day and night,
I wished I could relieve my sight.
I didn’t want to commit this sin,
Yet I know the wall keeping *her* was thin.
She would come around and I must be weary,
For the return of the monster, my wife, Zhan Tiri….
I’m sorry Vigor, I love you so,
But in your body my mind must go…
I have to stop her and save my home,
Yet I’ll admit my sin inside this tome.
I’m facing punishment everyday,
I lose my sanity and my way.
I’m old and young, sad and impure,
My ailment no one can ever cure….
I long for the days when I would grow old,
I may have been lacking in strength, but I was bold!
I cared far more than I do now,
This life is too long, it must end somehow….
I’ve found that I still grow old,
My will to live is harder to hold.
I must find someone to stop my wife,
Before the final days of my life.
I am feral, insane, a monkey inside,
Yet there are secrets that I must hide.
My scroll is ripped, my maze is built,
As is my continually rising guilt.
What a torturous way to see my end,
Insanity building, no way to mend,
Yet Vigor had a gift to show me,
I saw my descendent, a child, thankfully.
His name is Varian, such a small little boy,
He makes me smile when he lights up with joy.
He loves alchemy, a blessing and curse,
He’s got a bright future, thought the road will be terse.
My only hope now is to see him succeed,
He wants to help others, he’s someone they need,
Yet I must do my part in keeping him safe,
Not leaving him alone, abandoned, a waif.
My mind may be slipping, but I will still try,
For him and my home, I will happily die.
I lay down my life, and sanity too,
So this world can start again, bright and new.
As I write my final words, I wish only to say,
I’m sorry for my mistakes during my day.
My wisdom ends here, as my mind loses strength,
Live your life fully, regardless of length.
Do not long for something that should not be granted,
A longer life isn’t always as enchanted,
We live, we love, we lose, we grieve,
Our short life is more precious than we initially perceive’
Varian let out a sigh and smiled as the magic Clementine used to enchant Demanitus’s book faded. He looked at the group happily, “I love Demanitus”, he stated contentedly
“He was a very brave man”, Edmund stated, “you know, you never truly think about what his death entailed, you only think about how much good he did…. Yet his death is probably the most tragic I’ve ever heard….. poor old fellow….”
“You’re right”, Varian stated, “and he died to protect everyone, to protect his home and the people he loved…. He’s nothing short of amazing, I’m proud to be his descendant”
“As am I”, Quirin agreed with a smile
“…..When Eugene and I met him, he was going insane…. He kept switching from Vigor to himself…. It was scary at times, I wish I could’ve found a way to help him”, Rapunzel stated sadly
“I think he wanted to go though”, Hugo said gently, “I feel like he was at peace with what he did at the very end. Though it’s still horrible to think about all he went through”
“Demanitus was known throughout Seporia as well, he helped everyone”, Clementine stated, “he truly was a wonderful man….. Was he Coronan?” She asked
“No, he was born in the Dark Kingdom”, Arianna stated, “he moved to Corona though”
“Hmmm…. Is there a way to honor an important figure in the Dark Kingdom?”
Edmund smiled, “yes there are, a ceremony is held in honor of the fallen, we pray for their safe journey to the Moon, feast on their favorite meals, commemorate their accomplishments with portraits and statues, their weapon is placed in the hall of honor, along with the best portrait made of them. Their body is buried on the hill that’s closest to the Moon. All of this is done at night, under the light of the full Moon. It’s our way of asking her to take special care of them”
“Maybe we could do that for Lord Demanitus”, Clementine stated with a smile
“We could! And we could implement other cultures as well! Demanitus helped *everyone*! Seporians, Coronans, the Dark Kingdom, I think the greatest way to honor him would be to combine the cultures together into one huge Demanitus celebration! Just to give him a big thank you for everything he’s done!” Varian exclaimed
“Oooh! I love that idea!” Edmund replied as Clementine smiled wide
“We could hold it in Corona square, the biggest place to hold the biggest celebrations!” Rapunzel stated, “for Corona, we celebrate the life the person lived with a festival, parties, snacks, shops, then we give their spirit light to guide their way to paradise by lighting lanterns during sunset!”
“What’s with Corona and lanterns?” Hugo asked
“Lanterns are fueled by fire which the Sun is comprised of”, Varian replied, “it’s like giving a piece of the Sun to the spirit we celebrate, me and dad light a lantern for mama every year on her birthday, we light it at night though, and then we pray for her soul’s peace. So we kinda mix Coronan and The Dark Kingdom customs already!”
“Ah”
“Our funerals consist of burning the person’s body or burning something the person loved dearly”, Clementine, “their ashes join the Earth. We did it with Andrew once before”
“Yeah we did, I remember that ceremony”, the alchemist stated, “hmmm…. How about this, we have a celebration of life, big party in Coronan square, celebrating Demanitus Coronan style, from dawn until dusk, during which, protraits of Demanitus are made, stories of his journeys are told, and we end the celebration with a feast full of food he loved from each kingdom, like the Dark Kingdom celebrates, at night, we light lanterns, but we hold onto them until a descendant of Damanitus’s places something of his on top of a Seporian made burn pit, like Andrew, we light the item on fire, allowing Demanitus to have his ashes spread wherever they wish to go, that’s when the lanterns are let go and we all say a prayer in his honor”
Everyone smiled and agreed, they decided to begin getting preparations ready for the celebration as they discussed more about Demanitus, Rapunzel getting an idea and whispering it to Eugene, who perked up and smiled as he looked at Varian and Hugo excitedly, “they’ll love it”, he stated quietly as he watched the duo chatting eagerly while Varian held Demanitus’s journal close to his chest
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this may seem like a really random chapter, but I honestly wanted to write one where Demanitus got a little backstory, I honestly feel like he should’ve been shown on screen more. Also, ZT and Demanitus just seem like they would’ve had a thing together
That being said, thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 501: Important Message From the Author!
Chapter Text
Hello everyone!
So I have an issue, see, this next chapter is going to be insanely difficult to write, and it’s also going to be longer than normal. It’s a very important chapter for several reasons, the biggest one is that it’s going to be the conclusion of Hugo’s character arc.
Hugo is an insanely important character to me because he represents a very fragile part of me that was abused, hurt, kicked, pushed around, and shoved to the sidelines while simultaneously being told to shut up most, if not all, of my life because I wasn’t allowed to speak. He’s the small child in me that cried out for help when I needed a guardian to feel safe, and nobody came, he’s the part of me that never liked myself, constantly being told that I was useless or horrible for what I acted/looked/sounded like and never told why it was wrong to be different, even thought it’s not.
Hugo is someone that I didn’t want to put into this story at the beginning because he represents a very vulnerable state in me, but when I did have him come in, and he was met with such love and kindness by all of you, that small part of me that didn’t get that kind of welcome, felt so loved and cared for in that moment that he became a main character.
This chapter that I’m about to post is going to be his conclusion, his arc finally reaching an end as he puts to rest everything that he’s been through, and takes a chance on someone who loves him for him, who cares about him with no strings attached, and he’s going to show it in the most wonderful way he can think of, hoping it’ll be enough for that special person in his life, Varian.
Varian saved me, Varian helped me, Varian gave me my voice, just as he did with Hugo, and I don’t think I’d be here without having Varian around, neither would Hugo. Because of the importance, and length, this particular chapter has on me, it’s going to take me a few days to get it fully where I need, and want, it to be
I want it to be perfect, because I want Varian and Hugo to have a perfect ending. I want their story to make them both happy and be that fairy tale that my younger self longed for. I don’t think it’s a secret that this story was more than just a fanfic for me, it’s been my therapy, my one and only way of getting out all the feelings I’ve felt and kept hidden from everyone in my life, including those that I hold dear. All of your support has not only helped my story, but helped me, and I cannot thank you all enough for that, I really can’t. The only way I can ever figure out how to thank all of you is to give you the best way to end such a major character’s arc in the best way possible, because you all deserve to have that satisfaction, you all deserve far more than that in fact. Weather you’re reading this as I’m posting it or after this story has finished, you have all made this worth every second, every bad day, every tear, every smile, every grin, every giggle, every heartbreak and healing word, you have all made me want to continue to tell you about these characters, and about me.
Thank you for that, sincerely, thank you ❤️🎶
Hugo’s chapter is gonna be long, and corny in some places, and funny in others, it’s gonna be cringy and fun, goofy and weird, but it’s gonna be Hugo, just being Hugo. If you know what this will entail, then I hope this excited you, if you’re still not sure what this chapter will be, I’ll give you a hint:
*“Thank you so much”, Hugo stated, “sorry for grabbing you today or all days”
“It’s no trouble at all Hugo”, Xavier stated gently, “especially not for such a special order like this”, he stated
The blond smiled, “I really appreciate you Xaves, sincerely, you don’t know how much his means to me!”
“I have a pretty good idea, but I’m more than happy to help, though, if you don’t mind me asking, when are you going to do it?”
Hugo blushed, “soon I hope, I wanna make it perfect for him, he deserves the best after all!”
“That he does, is it too much for me to ask for an invitation when the event comes around?”
“Not a big ask at all! If he says yes, you’ll be the first person I’ll invite…. Well…. Second…. Quirin”
The old blacksmith chuckled, “I’ll be more than proud to accept an invitation after Quirin, though, you may want to hurry to his side, the fireworks need to be set off soon”
“Huh?” Hugo looked over and saw Rapunzel getting on stage, “oh shit! Thanks for the warning! See ya later Xaves!” He exclaimed, running off to go find Varian
“You’re welcome Hugo!” Xavier replied, chuckling to himself a little. He then let out a happy sigh as he watched the blond disappear behind the stage, joining Varian he was sure, “to think, it seems like only yesterday when I saw Varian in his mother’s arms. Heh, time sure flies”, he stated before turning to put his tools away, “I hope that ring will serve them well, after all, it’s not everyday you’re asked such a tremendous question, heh heh”
The old blacksmith managed to place his tools away and closed his shop, right in time to see the princess announce the final event, having Hugo and Varian walk on stage together, hand in hand, the crowd cheered for the pair, they waved and bowed, before together, they lit the very first firework, and let it fly, a splash of green and blue filling the sky as everyone cheered in delight!*
It’s from the 4th of July chapter, this ^ little moment with Hugo and Xavier. If you know what I mean now, then I’m glad 😁
I’m sorry for this chapter’s delay, like I said however, I want it to be perfect, I want Hugo to be able to finally complete his arc in the best way possible, he’s grown so much, been through a lot, and deserves the world, Varian too. I hope that the delay will be alright, I’m sorry for it, but I hope you all understand why I’m doing it this way. It’s important to me, so important, and I want it done right.
A few days is between 2-4, I don’t plan on leaving this chapter to sit for weeks, I’m coming back, it’ll be here, always, I just want to make this chapter right, for Hugo, for anyone who’s been through similar events that he has, for Varian, who will have his own ending to his arc, and holy crap that’s gonna be a crying fest let me tell ya, for all of you, and for me 🎶
Thank you for your time, your patience, your kindness, and your support, I can’t wait to see you all in the next chapter! I really can’t! Until then, thank you so much, sincerely, for everything ❤️🎶
Sincerely,
HarmonySong123
P.S: Here’s a snippet of the beginning of this important chapter, that way you all have something to read:
*Varian mumbled as his eyes opened, the gentle touch of the Sun’s rays on his face made the little alchemist groan as he turned away from the offending light. He placed a pillow on top of his head before he heard giggling, “wow, you’re still really not a morning person, are ya Freckles?”
“I will not dignify that sassy boyfriend comment with a response”, came the muffled reply
“I see, well if you won’t dignify my question with a response, would you be willing to dignify a date with your presence?” Hugo asked with a chuckle
This made the freckled teen freeze before he peeked out from beneath his pillow, “date?”
“Yes, date, the kind where it’s just you and I and we flirt and talk about alchemy before kissing each other and getting lost in our eyes because we’re fucking corny and shit”
“Pfft, great pitch, any takers?”
“I’m hoping for one”
“Mmmmm….”
“Before you reply, this date includes lunch, dinner, and a day spent with the literal only other inventor/alchemist in Corona who happens to be a babe and has a thing for cute, freckled, blue eyed alchemist/inventors with raccoons for friends, and a special present at the end in a super secret place that you may or may not know about~”
Varian smiled as he sat fully up, the pillow falling off of his bed head hair before he let out a squeaky yawn and nodded, “a date with Corona’s only other inventor/alchemist who has a vested interest in blue eyed alchemists with a raccoon friend seems like a wonderful way to spend this unplanned day!”
“Yes! Wooooo-!” Hugo cheered before he stopped, blushing when he noticed Varian watching him, “uh……” he cleared his throat and instantly struck a nonchalant pose, his voice level as he said, “dat’s cool, I’ll let you get pretty and meet you downstairs”
Varian snorted, “smooth”
“Incredibly”
The alchemist giggled before planted a kiss on Hugo’s cheek before getting out of bed, “see you then hotshot”, he teased
Hugo blushed even more, “y-yeah, see you then”, he stated before he got up and began to walk out of the room in a cool and super chillax way before bumping into the wall, “eheh-ha~”, he chuckled nervously before he turned and rushed out of the room
Varian snickered as Ruddigar smiled and looked up at his boy, chittering to him
The alchemist smirked, “yeah, I agree, he’s a dork. Aren’t we lucky we have him?”
The raccoon nodded in agreement before stretching and swishing his tail excitedly
Varian giggled before he got up and allowed his raccoon to climb onto his shoulders, “guess it’s time we get, heh, ‘pretty’, I suppose that’s his way of saying dress up nice, which I believe we can, right bud?”
Ruddigar chittered happily as Varian snickered and walked into the privy*
Chapter 502: The Proposal!
Summary:
Hugo and Varian go on a very special date!
Notes:
More noted at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian mumbled as his eyes opened, the gentle touch of the Sun’s rays on his face made the little alchemist groan as he turned away from the offending light. He placed a pillow on top of his head before he heard giggling, “wow, you’re still really not a morning person, are ya Freckles?”
“I will not dignify that sassy boyfriend comment with a response”, came the muffled reply
“I see, well if you won’t dignify my question with a response, would you be willing to dignify a date with your presence?” Hugo asked with a chuckle
This made the freckled teen freeze before he peeked out from beneath his pillow, “date?”
“Yes, date, the kind where it’s just you and I and we flirt and talk about alchemy before kissing each other and getting lost in our eyes because we’re fucking corny and shit”
“Pfft, great pitch, any takers?”
“I’m hoping for one”
“Mmmmm….”
“Before you reply, this date includes lunch, dinner, and a day spent with the literal only other inventor/alchemist in Corona who happens to be a babe and has a thing for cute, freckled, blue eyed alchemist/inventors with raccoons for friends, and a special present at the end in a super secret place that you may or may not know about~”
Varian smiled as he sat fully up, the pillow falling off of his bed head hair before he let out a squeaky yawn and nodded, “a date with Corona’s only other inventor/alchemist who has a vested interest in blue eyed alchemists with a raccoon friend seems like a wonderful way to spend this unplanned day!”
“Yes! Wooooo-!” Hugo cheered before he stopped, blushing when he noticed Varian watching him, “uh……” he cleared his throat and instantly struck a nonchalant pose, his voice level as he said, “dat’s cool, I’ll let you get pretty and meet you downstairs”
Varian snorted, “smooth”
“Incredibly”
The alchemist giggled before planted a kiss on Hugo’s cheek before getting out of bed, “see you then hotshot”, he teased
Hugo blushed even more, “y-yeah, see you then”, he stated before he got up and began to walk out of the room in a cool and super chillax way before bumping into the wall, “eheh-ha~”, he chuckled nervously before he turned and rushed out of the room
Varian snickered as Ruddigar smiled and looked up at his boy, chittering to him
The alchemist smirked, “yeah, I agree, he’s a dork. Aren’t we lucky we have him?”
The raccoon nodded in agreement before stretching and swishing his tail excitedly
Varian giggled before he got up and allowed his raccoon to climb onto his shoulders, “guess it’s time we get, heh, ‘pretty’, I suppose that’s his way of saying dress up nice, which I believe we can, right bud?”
Ruddigar chittered happily as Varian snickered and walked into the privy
****
Hugo, who was dressed in a nice white undershirt, green dress vest, a green tie to match, and black slacks, his hair down and Olivia was sitting in his vest’s pocket, was waiting in the entrance to the castle, he’d been pacing and mumbling something to himself for a few moments before he stopped when he heard someone walking down the stairs. He smiled when he saw Varian
The alchemist had dressed in a white undershirt, black slacks, blue vest and tie, his hair was combed and placed into a ponytail, his goggles sat atop his head, shined and polished. Ruddigar had a blue bow tie on and was sitting, politely, on his boy’s shoulders. The moment to duo saw each other, both teens blushed and smiled as the alchemist giggled, “well isn’t this a surprise”, he stated, “you look so very handsome”
“Me? Have you *seen* a mirror, just, holy shit Freckles”, the inventor exclaimed before blushing, “you look incredibly handsome as well”
Varian snickered, “flustery today?”
“I…. Eheh, I’ve just been planning this date for a bit, I want it to be perfect you know?”
Varian blinked when he noticed his boyfriend’s serious look, he then smiled and gently placed a hand on Hugo’s cheek, “it’ll be perfect because you’ll be there with me”
Hugo stopped before he smiled and placed his hand on Varian’s, “thank you, and vice versa”
The freckled teen blushed and they shared a kiss before pulling away after a minute, “so”, Varian said, removing his hand and grinning, “where do you wanna go?”
Hugo smiled, “oh you’ll see, follow me freckles”, he opened the door to the castle and gestured outside, Varian looked and gasped when he saw a blue and green caravan with flowers on it and Eugene sitting at the helm with a grin on his face, Max was hooked up to the ride, wearing a flower crown made out of blue carnations, “your chariot awaits”
****
The weather was perfect, Sun shining brightly in the sky, people walking by and watching the fancy caravan going throughout the city, Varian smiled as he watched the people passing by before he giggled and scurried up to the front, peeking out of the window and looking at Eugene, Hugo grinning as he watched his lover’s excitement unfold, “hello there, good sir I’ve never met, been here often?” Varian joked
Eugene chuckled, “why good morning to you too little sir, name’s Eugene the caravan driver, and it’s actually my second day on the job”, he teased with a grin
The freckled teen snorted, “second day huh? When was your first?”
“About a year ago, drove this caravan way too fast and to the wrong places”, the man explained, getting his little brother to cover his mouth politely, trying hard to hold in his laughter, “I only do special occasions now”
“Well we’re very glad to have you”
“Thanks, with any luck, maybe I’ll make a career out of this!” The Dark Prince joked
This ended up being Varian’s downfall as he couldn’t hold in his laughter anymore, getting Eugene, the caravan driver, to grin as Hugo walked over and sat beside his boyfriend, “so how’d you get Eugene in on this?” The alchemist asked once he’d calmed down
“Mmmm…. That’s for me to know and you to find out”, Hugo replied with a smirk
“Sneaky boyfriend”
“Incredibly”
“Hee hee”, the alchemist looked back outside the window, he noticed everyone watching the caravan and blushed, “I hope people don’t mind the caravan”
“They won’t, and if they do, we’ll just let em know it’s for a very important date”, Hugo reassured
Varian smiled at that before he stopped, “Wait, if we’re getting lunch and dinner, does that mean Eugene and Max are gonna have to wait out here for us?”
“Your concern is absolutely appreciated tiny sir, but actually, Max and I have a little table set and ready, we’ll eat and chill until you two are ready to go”, Eugene stated with a grin, “your boyfriend thought of that”
Varian blinked before he looked at Hugo, “you did?”
“Yeah, I didn’t want them to just take us and not get any food to eat or have any thing to do. That isn’t fair for them and I knew you’d be worried about it too, so I got them some reservations and have them joining us on a few of our adventures today, I hope that’s alright”
“More than alright! You’re the best Hugo!” Varian exclaimed as he hugged his lover happily, the blond hugged him back, smiling happily as he did so. After a few moments, the duo broke the hug and smiled at each other before Varian cocked his head to the side, “so what’s our first activity?”
“First on our list is something I don’t think you’ll expect”
“Speaking of, we’re here”, Eugene, the caravan driver, announced
Varian blinked and grinned excitedly as he looked at where they were before he gasped, “Cedric?!” He exclaimed when he saw the apothecary booth owner from Nedzerdnia
The jolly man stopped stacking up a few boxes before he turned and spotted the two teens, “why hello there! Varian and Hugo if my memory serves”
“You’re right! How did you remember?”
“Oho, how could I forget the two little teens that made the antidote to one of my most poisonous potions? I heard there was quite a stir that night you two came by my shop, I’m glad to see you’re both alright!”
Varian smiled, “I’m glad you did too! I can’t believe you’re here! It’s so good to see you again! Wait… why are you here if you don’t mind me asking?”
Cedric smiled warmly at the alchemist, “well when the Nedzerdnia market ended that day, I’d made enough to begin construction on my forever shop. I’ve always wanted to own my own fully functioning shop, but everywhere I went, no one wanted an apothecary shop in their town. I ended up at this nice little village not far from here”
“Wait, was there a village elder there named Sage?” Varian asked excitedly
“Yes there was! It’s funny you mention her, she knew you when she asked why I was there”
The freckled teen grinned, “she’s a friend of me and my father’s, we helped her village out a little ways back, before we met you actually”
“I see! Well when I met her, she asked me a few things about my shop, she seemed very interested in it, the moment I mentioned potions however, she told me about you, she said she’d met a little alchemist that would love nothing more than to make potions and alchemical solutions all day. I told her I’d met ‘someone similar’ and described you to her. That’s when we found out we were talking about the same person. She then pointed me towards Old Corona, I came here, spoke with a nice farmer by the name of Adam, he told me he knew you as well! That’s when I saw your father! This happened a week ago! He was happy to see me as well and he, and the princess, said I could set up shop here! So I am not the proud owner of my little apothecary shop! And it’s all because I knew you Varian”
The alchemist blinked, “me? I didn’t tell them to give you a shop”
“Well the people I met beforehand were cruel and nasty, they didn’t give me a chance to explain my shop or ever set up a booth. But when I came here, I met people that had connections to you. The moment you were brought up, their moods brightened, their smiles widened, and they helped me go in the right direction! Now I have my shop, my little dream finally came true, and it’s because I met and knew you! I will be forever grateful to you Varian, you and Hugo as well, because you’re just as big a part of this as he is”
The blond blinked before blushing and smiling as Varian held his boyfriend’s hand, “so you’re staying in Corona?”
“Yes, I’m settling my roots here, I’ve already made a new friend, the blacksmith here actually”
“Xavier!”
“Yes! He’s very kind, and we got off on the right foot, he’s going to stop by later to say hello! I’m very excited to speak with him again! Thank you Varian, and you too Hugo, for stopping by my booth that day and befriending me, I don’t think I would’ve been able to get where I am now had we never met, and I couldn’t be more grateful!”
Varian smiled wide, small tears pricking in the corners of his eyes, “I’m glad we could help, even in a small way. I’ll have to stop by here sometime! I’d love to see what you have planned for this new shop! Oh! What’s its name?”
“Heh, I haven’t really thought of one yet, funny I know, you’d think I’d have a name for my dream shop, but I never had anything that fit it just right”
The alchemist thought for a moment before an idea came to his mind, “what about Once Upon a Dream?” He asked, “since it’s a dream you’ve had for a long time, you could put night themed decorations up, twinkling potion that look like stars in the sky! People would love it!”
Cedric blinked before he smiled wide as he envisioned what his shop would look like, “oh that would be wonderful!”
“I could help you! I have so many alchemical solutions that would light up and catch people’s eyes, oh! And I know the princess personally, I’m certain she’d love to do a painting of the night sky for your ceiling! Of course I’ll have to ask her first, a-! ….eheheh, ha~ sorry, your shop, not mine”
Cedric smiled and hugged the little teen, “your ideas are wonderful, and I’d absolutely love the help if you’re willing!” He smiled wider when he felt the alchemist hug him back, the stayed that way for a bit before letting go and smiling at each other, “Once Upon a Dream is the perfect name for my shop, and the night theme would do well for the potions inside, heh, you’ve already done so much, and yet you’re doing even more, you really are quite a special boy”
Varian blushed, “I’m just doin my part”
“Well your part is more than appreciated, thank you Varian, you and Hugo can stop by my shop anytime!”
“Thank you Mr. Cedric, that means a lot to me”
Hugo smiled as he watched his boyfriend, Eugene walking over, “good choice for a first stop kid”, he stated, “Varian didn’t even notice me picking up your case and setting it in the caravan”
“Thanks, and thank you for helping me with this, it means more to me than I could ever say”, Hugo replied with a smile as he looked at Eugene
“I’m more than willing to do my part, are you nervous?”
“Very, I have more than a few fucking butterflies in my stomach”
Eugene snickered, “honestly, I can understand that, but it’ll be worth it in the end, right?”
Hugo looked at Varian again as he heard the alchemist laugh, exchanging pleasantries with Cedric, who seemed to be enjoying their talk, the blond staring at the freckled teen as he felt his heart skip a beat or two, “more than worth it”, he stated happily, getting Eugene to smile happily and wrap an arm around the inventor lovingly
****
Varian let out a sigh of joy as he felt the calm breeze on his face as he and Hugo walked towards their caravan, holding the small bag filled with a few small potions he’d gotten from Cedric’s shop, “so how’s it feel to be the first customer to the best apothecary shop in Corona?” Hugo asked happily
The alchemist grinned at his lover, “eee!” Was all he could say
Hugo laughed at his boyfriend’s antics lovingly, “you’re so cute freckles!”
“Hee hee! You know, it’s funny how we saw Mr. Cedric again, reminded me of the first time we met him, which was around the same time I met you!”
“You’re right, that was around that time, and if I remember right, I was counting every moment you were cute, maybe I should do that again”
“Don’t you dare”
“I might”
“Hugo!” The blond snickered as he hugged his Varian close. The alchemist giggled as he returned the hug before kissing his boyfriend’s cheek, “so, where are we headed to next?”
“Next is lunch actually”
“Lunch? But it’s still-!” The alchemist looked up to the sky and froze at how high it’d gotten, “…..12…. It’s 12:07pm right now…. I really spoke with Cedric for *hours*?!”
“Yup!”
“B-but I-a-and he! And and…. I am so sorry, I’m a horrible boyfriend! I spent so much time talking to a man I’ve only met once when we’re supposed to be on a date!”
“Freckles, take it easy, I took you to Cedric on purpose remember?” Hugo stated gently, “it’s okay that you spoke with him for hours, you had fun right?”
“Well… yeah”
“Then that’s all that matters to me, plus, we’ve still got the entire rest of the date to get to, we’re going past dinner here freckles, so you’re not rid of me yet”, Hugo joked before he stopped and looked at Varian lovingly, “seriously, it’s okay, take your time to enjoy this date, talk to whomever for however long you want, be yourself, I love you when you’re being yourself”
The alchemist blinked before he blushed and smiled at the blond, “heh, thank you Hugo, I love you when you’re being yourself too” The duo kissed happily, separating after a full minute before Varian blushed even deeper when he noticed Eugene staring are the two, “uh, eheh, oopsie”
“It’s okay tiny sir, I’ve decided you two are free of the timeout corner since today is a date, there’s gonna be some nerdy kissing”, Eugene stated with a smirk, “just so long as it doesn’t get *ahem* *too* far, talking to the stinker beside you Hairstripes”
Hugo snickered, “I’m being a gentleman today”, he walked over to the caravan and opened the door, “see? See how I open and hold the door for my beautiful date? Very gentlemanly”
Varian giggled as Eugene rolled his eyes but chuckled, “why thank you polite sir”, the alchemist stated as he got inside the caravan
“You’re quite welcome my cute assed sir”
“Oi!” Eugene exclaimed as Varian, who was by the window, snickered and blushed
“What? I said I was gentlemanly, and I am, compliments are gentlemanly”, Hugo defended, getting Varian to laugh
“You’re a brat and I will ruffle your hair if you don’t stop”
The blond grinned, “the adorable warning has been noted”, he said as he stepped inside the caravan and closed the door
Eugene sighed before he looked at Varian, who was still by the window, “kid”
“He’s being a good boy, but I’ll watch him, don’t worry”, the alchemist reassured with a smile, “he wouldn’t do anything I’m not okay with, I trust him”
“I know he wouldn’t, just, he’s a brat”
“He’s also my brat”
“Very true”, Eugene agreed with a smile, right as Hugo walked over to the window as well, “you’re Varian’s brat”
“Tee hee”, the blond teased with a grin, getting a hug from Varian
Eugene chuckled before he took his place at the front of the caravan, “you two I swear”
“Hmmm…. Would it help if I said he’s got the sexiest build I’ve ever seen?” Varian stated with a grin, getting Hugo to blush this time
“Varian!” Eugene exclaimed
“What? I’m repaying the gentlemanly favor!”
“Oh my, givin me the vapors here freckles”, Hugo stated as he fanned his face with a grin
“Alright, you two don’t get the timeout corner today, but tomorrow is a much different story!” The chauffeur exclaimed with a smirk as Max huffed in agreement
“Ok, I’ll just stare at his cute ass while he stares at my sexy build, we’ll have a grand old time in that corner”, Hugo teased
“I-you-and the-Ooooooh you’re such a brat!” The dark prince exclaimed ruffling Hugo’s hair as the blond and Varian laughed
****
It’d been a half hour after the caravan had began moving once again, Hugo had fixed his hair with a Flynn Rider comb he had in his pocket, after which, Varian leaned against his lover happily, letting out a small sigh as his eyes drifted shut and he rested for a bit. They finally stopped and Eugene had hopped down, opening the door and grinning when he saw the alchemist, “is he asleep?” He asked softly
“Yeah, just taking a small nap. He did kinda drain his social battery a little”, Hugo replied with an adoring smile as he gently moved a bang out of Varian’s face, “I take it we’re here?”
“Yeah, need any help?”
“Nah, I’ve got this”, Hugo looked at Varian and kissing his nose gently, getting the alchemist to twitch it a little before his blue eyes opened slightly, “hey, we’re here at our next stop, you okay?”
“Mm?” The freckled teen sat up and rubbed his eyes before letting out a squeaky yawn, “yeah, sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep”
“It’s alright freckles, you need a minute to wake up?”
“Yeah just-“ he yawned again before stretching his arms up, lowering them and shaking his head to clear out the fog of sleep before he blinked a few times and smiled happily at Hugo, “oki, I’m awake”
The blond smiled lovingly at his boyfriend, “I love you”
Varian blushed before smiling back, “I love you too”, he said shyly before they both got up, Hugo allowing Varian out first, Eugene helping the alchemist down, much to his appreciation, due to the drowsiness still affecting him. He then looked up at the place they were, “woah, I’ve never seen this place before”
“That’s because it’s brand new and only here for a day”, Eugene explained as Hugo stepped out of the caravan, “it’s called, ‘Food a la Lance’”
Varian blinked before he giggled, “I think I may know the chef here Chauffeur Eugene”
The Dark Prince snickered, “I think you may be right, tiny sir”
Hugo snickered before he held out his hand to Varian, the alchemist noticed and took it before they walked inside, Eugene closing the caravan door and unhooking Max from the chariot before both followed behind the pair
They walked inside, only to be greeted by a very happy looking princess in a purple toped that faded to black at the bottom, it sparkled beautifully, her brunette hair was tied back in a braid, similar to her longer braid, yellow flowers in her hair, she still didn’t have any shoes on, however there was a black and purple bracelet on her ankle, “welcome to ‘food a la Lance’! We’re so happy to have you two here! How many do you have in your party?”
Varian grinned when her saw her, “you look so pretty!” He exclaimed, getting Rapunzel to smile wider at him
Hugo grinned, “two please, it’s a special occasion”
“Oh absolutely! Right this way you two!” The princess exclaimed before looking at Eugene, “you two wait right there, you’ll be seated next~”, she trolled happily
“Looking forward to it~” Eugene trilled back, getting her to giggle
The princess led the duo to a table that had lit candles on it, it was draped in a purple cloth, blue plates were already on the table, along with cutlery as the duo sat down, “wow, fancy!” Varian compliment as he noticed a giant mural that looked like the night sky, he looked at Rapunzel, “the decor is extremely lovely, compliments to the artist”
The princess blushed, “I’m certain she’ll appreciate the compliment a *lot* good sir, thank you!” He smiled at that, “here are your menus, take your time and feel free to browse the selections while I help the handsome man over there”
Hugo smirked, “just between us and you, he seems open to a relationship, super sweet bachelor over there, just sayin”
Rapunzel giggled, “thanks for the tip”, she stated with a grin before, practically skipping, over to Eugene happily
Varian snickered, “lovely choice here love”
“Thanks, I thought you might like it, I heard this chef is pretty famous among friends”
“Odd, I heard the same thing”, the alchemist replied with a giggle before he opened the menu before giggling, “‘little baked beans’, ‘Sick boy soup’, ‘orange trees of doom’”
“I’m partial to the ‘spergus’ myself”, Hugo teased
“Oh my gosh I can’t believe that’s on there”
“Hee hee, its cute”
“You’re evil”
“Why thank you”
“You’re unwelcome”
The two giggled before they continued to look at their menus, Hugo snickering, “ok, are you reading the summaries of the food?”
“Yeah”, Varian giggled, “‘Sick Boy Soup: a lovely, melt in your mouth, chicken gnocchi soup, perfect for sick boys after falling in the ice twice during winter, or in a river after a stressful day of treasure hunting’”, the alchemist shook his head with a smirk, “he’s a butt nugget”
“He is, and I love him for it! Do you know the appetizer you wanna get?”
“Yeah, I want the sick boy soup, even if the summary is mean, it’s really good soup”
Hugo nodded, “noted, I’m getting the little baked beans, they sound adorable”
Varian snickered as Rapunzel came over, “so, have you two decided on your appetizers and drinks?”
The freckled teen blushed, “oh, I-I didn’t even look at the drinks”
“It’s okay freckles, they’re in the back of the menu, see?” Hugo showed his boyfriend the drinks section
“Oh, okie um….. Sorry”
“It’s alright little sir, want me to give you a few moments?” Rapunzel asked gently
Varian’s eyes widened when he saw one drink in particular, “um…. Actually you may not have to, is it okay to order two drinks?”
The princess smiled, “of course! What would you like?” She asked, bringing out a pencil and notepad happily as Hugo smiled
“The um… eheh, ‘dad apple juice’, and the ‘comfort hot chocolate’”, he stated with a loving smile at the two drinks before he looked at Rapunzel, “d-did he really make the apple juice?”
The princess smiled, “yup, there’s a few menu items that we got from a very special supplier who wanted everyone to have the perfect day today”
“Oh dad”, Varian said with a small sniffle before he wiped his eyes, “eheh, sorry”
“It’s okay”, Hugo said gently as he placed a hand on his lover’s, “need a minute? I could order your appetizer for you”
“Um… yes please”
The blond smiled, as did the princess before they gave Varian his privacy as they looked at each other, “hello”, the bespeckled teen stated
“Hee hee, hi!” The brunette replied
“Heh, he’s gonna have the sick boy soup with his hot chocolate and apple juice”
“Understood, hee hee, and what will you be having?”
“Actually, now that he mentioned it, can I have the same drinks?”
“Of course, two orders of apple juice and hot chocolate, and then what will be your appetizer?”
“The little backed beans, with beans so tiny and adorable that you can’t stop looking at them, at least that’s what the summary says”
Rapunzel giggled, “little baked beans it is! I’ll give you both a few minutes to decide on an entrée”
With that, the princess skipped away happily as Hugo looked at Varian, who was wiping his eyes, “are you alright?”
“Yeah, sorry, I didn’t mean to get so emotional”, the alchemist replied
“It’s alright freckles, I know how much your dad means to you”
Varian let out a small sigh and smiled at his lover, “thank you, it’s just, he only makes that apple juice for super special occasions, the last time I had it was…. Well…. My mama’s death anniversary…. He was trying to cheer me up, and it helped. He makes the apple juice himself, from his own apples, it’s the best apple juice I’ve ever had and it’s a top secret family recipe! He said he’ll pass it down to me when I’m old enough, and that we’ll make it together so he can teach me. It’s special, so…. To have him make it for this occasion….. I-it….”
The blond got up, walked over, and hugged his boyfriend, “I understand”
Varian returned the hug happily, sniffling a little before he managed to calm down. Wiping his face with his napkin as the inventor sat down across from him again, “so, what do you wanna eat?”
The alchemist chuckled and looked at the menu, “well, I noticed a very specific dish on here that I don’t think I can pass up at all”, he stated before showing it to Hugo
“The big papa chicken gumbo?”
“Yeah! Dad’s gumbo is the best gumbo!”
“I remember trying it, you’re right, it’s the best, I think I’ll have some of that too!”
The alchemist grinned happily as Rapunzel came back over, setting down the four drinks the duo ordered, Varian instantly grabbing the apple juice and smiling as the familiar and comforting scent of the apple juice hit his nose and made him tear up just a little as he took a tiny sip and reveled in the drink’s taste. Getting Hugo to snicker before he looked at the princess as she spoke up, “here are your drinks, the chef is making your appetizers right now, have either of you decided on your entrées?”
“We have, both of us are gonna have the big papa chicken gumbo”, the blond replied with a smile as Ruddigar sniffed Varian’s drink and licked a little apple juice happily
“A very good choice! I shall get them out to you right away!” Rapunzel stated as she wrote down their order
“How’d the talk with the handsome chauffeur go?”
“Oh he’s charming, tried to give me this face called the ‘smolder’, didn’t quite work, but it’s the thought that counted! I think we may have a future together!” She giggled
“Good to know, congrats”, Hugo replied with a smirk
“Thanks! Be right back!” She skipped away once again, waving to Eugene as she did, he waved back
Hugo looked at Varian again and snorted, “dazed freckles?”
“I’m in my happy place”, Varian replied as he hugged the drink
His boyfriend snickered as they began to talk, relaxing together and, once their food came, enjoying their meals, Varian’s smile growing impossibly bigger when he found out about the ‘happy boy apple pie’ that was also on the menu!
****
“Woo! What a nice meal!” Eugene exclaimed as the three of them, and Max, Ruddigar, and Olivia, walked out, Varian waving goodbye to Rapunzel and chef Lance, who had come out at the very end when the duo wanted to compliment him on his cooking, before they hopped inside the caravan, “did you two enjoy yourselves?”
“Definitely!” Varian stated
“Yup!” Hugo agreed
“Great!” Eugene stated with a smile, “onto the next adventure!”
The caravan began moving after he’d said that, getting the alchemist to giggle, “hey Eugene, did you end up getting a date with the waitress, she seemed really into you”
“Heck yeah I did, me and her have a date tomorrow night! I think she’s the one fellas”
The duo began giggling before Varian smiled at his lover, “honestly, this reminded me of the first time you came to the castle”
“It did?” Hugo asked with a smile
“Yeah! You came in and we had our first dinner together after going to the library, if I remember right, we had that same soup, and you ate baked beans!”
“That’s right! I remember that meal, it was the best one I’d ever had”
“Was?”
“Well no one can beat your dad’s gumbo Freckles”
“He’s got a point!” Eugene agreed, getting Varian to giggle
“So where are we headed to next?” The alchemist asked
“That’s for me and Eugene to know, and you to find out!” The inventor replied with a smirk
“Sassy”
“Incredibly”
“Indubitably”
“Enormously”
“Severely!”
“Gigantically!”
“Gargantuanly!”
“Ladies ladies!” Eugene interrupted, getting both to look at him, “you’re both pretty, can we stop now?”
Varian blushed as Hugo laughed, “no no no Eugene, we’re fucking *fabulous*!” He stated as he flipped his hair, getting Varian to cackle as Eugene chuckled
****
“So, first stop was Cedric and his shop, second stop was the fun lunch we just had, and this third stop is the Snuggly Duckling”, Varian stated as he looked at the old bar, “romantic love”, he teased, “also, I feel that we’ve overdressed a bit”
Hugo blushed, “oh shush you”, he stated with a smirk, getting his lover to giggle
“I haven’t been here since when CassAndra took over Corona”, Eugene stated as he walked over with Max, “seems like it’s been rebuilt”
“Yeah I *may* have had something to do with that”, Varian stated with a smirk, “couldn’t just leave this place as it was after all, it was the first place you ever took Rapunzel to! Technically your first date! That’s special”
The Dark Prince blushed, “true, but to be fair, I *was* trying to scare her back to Gothel, something I *highly* regret now…. Actually….”
“Don’t worry Eugene, we both understand that you’re not like that anymore”, the alchemist replied gently, “you’re Eugene Fitzherbert now, former legendary thief Flynn Rider, proud Captain of the royal Coronan guards, heir to the Dark Kingdom throne, extremely charming and handsome boyfriend to Princess Rapunzel, and the most super cool big brother ever! Who happens to be a cofounder of Team Awesome”, he said with a grin, “you’re past may never be forgotten, but your crimes have been forgiven, you’re a better person now, so you don’t need to worry about who you were before, you’re all kinds of awesome now!”
Eugene smiled, “thanks kiddo”
“Anytime”
The two hugged for a moment before letting go as Hugo chuckled, “so if he’s charming and handsome, what’s that make me?”
“Near perfect in almost every way”, Varian stated, “if you were anymore perfect, I’d be blinded by it”
The blond blushed, “funny, because I can look at you just fine”
The freckled teen blinked before he blushed as well, “I-and the-and you-with that-a-a-and-! Ooooooh stop doing that ya brat!” He exclaimed, gently punching his boyfriend’s arm and getting Hugo to giggle
They walked inside the bar after that, smiling at the familiar scent of sweat, beer, and Attila’s cooking, which thankfully meant he was off for the day and was spending his time cooking at the bar. It mad Varian smile as he looked up to see his and Eugene’s wanted posters, this time with a new addition, “Eugene, Lance made it to the wall of fame!”
The Dark Prince checked the wall and grinned, “well would you look at that! I’ll have to tell him, he’ll be happy to find that out”
“Definitely!”
“Wall of fame?” Hugo asked
“Oh right, you weren’t here yet, in the Snuggly Duckling, they’ll hang wanted posters of those of us who used to be villains but have redeemed ourselves on the wall of fame”, Eugene explained, “it’s kinda like their way of saying they respect you, because you can only get your wanted poster up there if you prove yourself and do a heroic act to help Corona and Old Corona. Varian got his up there when he stopped the Seporians, I guess mine went up there after I brought Rapunzel back home, I wonder what Lance did to get it poster up there”
“He helped save Varian”, Vladimir, who’d been standing behind the three, stated, getting all of them to look at him, “we heard about how much Lance has helped Varian with his mental health, and also how he’s gonna adopt the two little girls, Angry and Catalina, saving them from the life of crime he and you had to go through, that deserves a place on the wall of fame”
“I have to agree”, Varian stated with a grin, “also hi Vladimir, been a minute! How’s the ceramic unicorn collection?”
“Good, lookit this one!” The gigantic bar thug showed the tiny alchemist a small unicorn with a birthday hat on its head
“Oooh! That’s the rare birthday-corn! Congrats! Where’d you find it?”
“Your aunt actually, she found one at a market place and didn’t know what else to do with it. She heard it was my birthday from Quirin, so she gave it to me a while back!”
The alchemist grinned, “awww, I’ll have to hug Adira soon”
“You can right now if you want, she’s here!”
“She is?”
Hugo grinned before he nudged Varian, getting the alchemist to look at him. The blond pointed, the freckled teen looked to where his lover was pointing and saw his aunt playing pool with Big Nose and the hook brothers, “ta daaa~”
“Magical love”, Varian stated with a smirk
“Thanks I know, I’m pretty epic”
The alchemist snorted, “incredibly”
“Tee hee”
“You two, with the nerdy flirting”, Eugene interjected with a chuckle, getting Vladimir to smile
Varian giggled before he looked up at the gigantic bar thug, “thank you Vlad! I hope you enjoy your unicorn, oh! And happy belated birthday!”
“Thanks Varian!” The bar thug replied as he walked away
The small group walked over to the pool table, Eugene sighing before poking both teens and pointing, getting them to notice Hector and Edmund standing a little ways away, Varian sparkled with delight as Hugo giggled before they made their way over to the pair, “grandpa! Uncle Hector!” The alchemist exclaimed as he hugged the Dark King
“Hello little peanut!” Edmund replied happily, scooping up his grandson and hugging him as Hector smirked, waving to Hugo, Max, and Eugene, all of whom waved, or whinnied, back, “how’s yours and butter nut’s date going?”
Varian smiled, “great! We saw a good friend of ours, then went to lunch, and now we’re here! Wait, how’d you know we were on a date? Did Hugo tell you?”
Edmund froze and, for a moment, he stuttered before Hector stepped in, “yes, he told us he was planning on asking you out for a date. It’s why we’re not at the castle at the moment, wanted to stay out of your way. I suppose it didn’t quite work however, sorry about that”, he stated nonchalantly
Hugo let a secret breath of relief out as Varian blinked before grinning, “oooooh I see, okie that makes sense, though, why would you wanna stay out of the way, I’m glad we get to see you three!”
Eugene also let out a small sigh of relief, giving Hector the biggest smile he could as Edmund took over, now recovered from his previous blunder, “oh we know you wouldn’t have minded seeing us, but we also know dates are supposed to be romantic, and about the two people on them, we didn’t want to interrupt, that’s all”
“We’ll believe me, it’s not an interruption, I’m glad we get to see you three! Oh! I owe Adira a hug, she was nice to Vladimir”
“You’ll have to wait until after she’s wiped the floor with her latest victim”, Hector stated with a smirk as they all watched the face painted warrior smile as she leaned against her pool pole while Hookfoot and Big Nose discussed which ball they should go after next, “she’s goin easy on them”
“So I see”, Varian stated as he saw the striped balls that were very close to each hole, yet bot inside them yet, “she’s gonna win next turn then?”
“Yup”
“How do you know?” Eugene asked
“Because she’s carefully played it to where each ball that she needs to knock in is by a hole, the white ball, no matter where it ends up on the table, will only need one, carefully calculated whack to hit every ball in the holes”, when Eugene stared at his little brother in shock, the alchemist giggled, “she’s done this before, it’s a very interesting play! Hey wait, where’s Hugo?”
“Hm?” The duo looked around before Eugene smirked, “there”, he pointed to the bar, where Varian saw Hugo with a few drinks in his hand
The blond walked back over and handed a drink to Eugene, then another to Varian, “want some?”
“Uh…. Love I…. I-I’m a bit of a lightweight…” the alchemist stated as he blushed
“It’s okay, it’s root beer”, the inventor stated gently, “just with some extra bubble, it won’t make you drunk or tipsy, it’s a new drink that’s supposed to be super sweet, thought we’d try some!”
The alchemist blinked before he smiled, trusting his boyfriend as he took the drink, “thank you!”
“You’re welcome, wanna try together?”
“You’ve never tried it either?”
“Nope, first time, thought the experience would be a nice memory for the both of us”
That’s when the freckled teen realized why they’d come in here, “first time experience huh? Reminds me of when you tried different things with dad and Adira. Like cooking and origami”
Hugo grinned, “yeah, this time, I wanna try something new with you, if you want to that is”
Edmund set his grandson down as Varian grinned, the rest of the barbering disappearing as he nodded, “oki”
They drank their root beers together, the sweet, vanilla like, taste tickling their tongues as the bubbly substance went down their throats. The duo stopped drinking it for a moment or two before they both smiled, “that’s really damn good!” Hugo exclaimed
“Agreed! It tasted like… well what I’d imagine edible glitter would taste like”, Varian stated
“Pfft! Edible glitter?”
“Seeing Rapunzel got me thinking about glitter okay”
“I love you Freckles”
Varian giggled as he took another sip of the sweet drink and grinned, “I love you too!”
Hugo blushed before snickered, when the alchemist gave him a confused glance, the blind smirked, “nice mustache”
“Hm? Oh!” Varian blushed before wiping his upper lip, freeing it of any foam that had snuck on, “uh eheh, oops”
“‘S okay, look”, Hugo took another swig of the frothy drink before grinning and showing his foam mustache, “now I have one too!”
Varian laughed and hugged his lover happily, they both laughed as Eugene, Edmund, and Hector smiled at them. Eventually, Adira won the pool game before she noticed the duo and smiled happily at them. She walked over after shaking hands with Hookfoot and Big Nose, receiving a big hug from Varian, which she was happy about it. They two stayed in the bar for hours, laughing, joking, playing pool, drinking more root beer together. After a while, Varian began o grow hungry, which was the group’s sign that it was time for them to go. With a final wave to the bar thugs and Dark Kingdom family, Eugene, Max, Varian, and Hugo set out on their final stop for the night
****
“So, if you took carbonated water, and mixed it with sassafras and sarsaparilla roots, vanilla molasses, wintergreen, honey, cinnamon, allspice, and a few other things that I can’t seem to verify at this moment, you could get a nice drink!” Varian exclaimed happily, “I’ll have to try to make some for my dad, because that drink was so good!”
“It really was, though you could also take him to the bar as well”, Hugo pointed out with a smirk
“Nuuuuuuu”
The blond snorted, “you’re such a stinker”
“I knoooooooow”
Hugo laughed and hugged his boyfriend lovingly, getting a hug in return. They stayed that way for a moment before they broke the hug as Hugo looked at Varian, “are you having fun love?”
The alchemist smiled, “I’m having a blast! I still can’t believe how fun this day has actually been!”
The blond smiled, “I’m glad, we have one final stop to make before this date is officially over, and…. It’s the most special part”
“It is? is that why Eugene isn’t saying anything? Because he got really quiet for some reason”
Hugo blushed and chuckled, “heh, yeah, it’s the e reason he’s being so quiet. Um…. I’ve gotta have you do a little favor for me Freckles”
“What’s that?”
“I need you to put this blindfold on”
Varian blinked when he saw the blindfold, “why?”
“Because the next part is a surprise, it’s…. A special place, and I don’t want you guessing”
Varian blushed before he smiled, “ok, I trust you Hugo”
The inventor smiled, “thank you, I won’t steer you wrong”
“Promise?”
Hugo grinned, “promise”
Varian smiled before nodding and placing the blindfold on himself. After that was done, the caravan stopped, Varian felt it come to a halt and he faltered a little but was balanced when he felt Hugo’s arm around him. He smiled as he was stood up, being guided out of the caravan, he felt Eugene help him down before Hugo grabbed his hand and led him somewhere
“Hey, do you remember that fight we had in the Dark Kingdom?” Hugo asked
Varian felt a small twang of guilt come to the surface, “I remember…. I’m still sorry for that”
“Don’t be, I’m glad it happened, because it let me know that I didn’t really talk about myself much. I’ll be honest, I do that because I don’t, or didn’t, like who I was before, and I thought you wouldn’t either if you found out more. I’m happy to say that I was wrong, you love me for me, and I love you for you, so, when I realized that, I felt so unbelievably happy!” Hugo explained as he continued to guide Varian through the path, “you made me want to figure myself out, so I could be better, for me, and for you. I know that argument only happened because of stress, but something good did come out of it, and, I wanted you to know that”
The alchemist was startled by this, but he smiled, “thank you, for telling me, how’d you know I still felt guilty for that?”
“Because I love you”
“Hee hee, I love you too, and also, you make me want to be better too, for me, but mostly for you, Hugo, thank you, for always being with me, sincerely, you’ve helped me so much, I…. Don’t know where I’d be without you”
“The feeling’s mutual Varian”
The alchemist smiled and, for the first time in his life, didn’t feel anxious or afraid, he smiled the entire time as he heard Hugo give him gentle instructions, guiding him safely along a path that smelled like roses and lavenders. He could hear a few other people joining them, but the familiar smell of wood and apples hitting his nose, and Ruddigar’s happy chitters, let him know that his father was close by. He felt safe and comfortable as he heard Hugo tell him to turn carefully, he continued to smile, “where are we going?” He asked playfully
He heard Hugo giggle, “couldn’t help yourself eh?”
“Nu”
He felt Hugo kiss his cheek, making him smile even more, “we’re almost there love”
“Oki, but where is there?”
“Hee hee, you’re a brat”
“I know”
Hugo snickered again as he continued guiding Varian through the path, not too long after their conversation, Hugo stopped him with a kiss to the nose, getting Varian to giggle, “when I take the blindfold off, look up Freckles”, he said, “you get the best view of the sky here, and Moon is perfect tonight”
“Oki, I will”
“Promise?”
“Hee hee, promise”, Varian felt the blindfold being taken off, and the moment it was, he looked up and opened his eyes, only to gasp at what he saw! The Moon was just above him, her light shined beautifully, sparkling like fresh fallen snow in the winter. The stars twinkled beside her, getting Varian’s eyes to sparkle as he stared up at her happily, he was about to say something before he heard a noise
It was small, melodic, and calming, he realized it was a guitar, before he could ask, he turned and saw Hugo smiling at him, a small guitar in his hand as he strummed it happily, “so that fight we had, it got me thinking about all the times we’ve spent together, how hard I’ve worked, only to fall flat on my face. But when I thought I was alone in this world, you were there to pick me back up. I realize that I’ve never really told you much about me, you tell me stuff you enjoy and don’t, and you’ve shown me so much of yourself but I’ve kept myself guarded. That isn’t fair, not to you, so, I wanted to show you that I’m willing to work, and work hard, for you, for us, because you mean the universe to me. The sun, the moon, the earth, and everything in between, but relationships are a give and take kinda deal. You’ve given me so much, a family, a home, a place in your heart. So here’s something from me, it’s small, and it’s weird, but…. It’s something you didn’t have before, something I was too afraid to give because I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it. But, I love you, I truly do, I want to be with you, but you don’t know much about me, yet you love me anyway. I figured we should change that, so, here is my introduction! I’m Hugo, and…. Here’s a few things you didn’t know about me!”Varian blinked and smiled as his boyfriend began to sing:
‘I'm, I'm good at wastin' time,
I think lyrics need to rhyme and you're not askin’,
But I'm tryin' to grow a mustache!’
Varian giggled at that as Hugo continued
‘I eat cheese, but only on pizza, please!
And sometimes on a homemade quesadilla,
Otherwise, it smells like feet to me!
And I, I really like it when the moon looks like a toenail,
And I love you when you say my name~’
Varian blushed as Hugo came close to him and grinned,
‘If you wanna know, here it goes
Gonna tell you there's a part of me that shows if we're close,
Gonna let you see everything!
But remember that you asked for it!
I'll try to do my best to impress,
But it's easier to let you take a guess at the rest,
But you wanna hear what lives in my brain and my heart,
Well, you asked for it!
For your perusin',
at times confusin',
Slightly amusin',
introducing me!’
Hugo spun around Varian, the alchemist laughing as he spun too, dancing with his lover happily as the blond sang,
‘Do-do, do-do-do-do-do
Do-do, do-do-do-do-do
La-da-da-da!
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-da, da~’
Varian giggled as Hugo strummed a couple more notes on his guitar before another one chimed in, Varian looked over and saw his father standing nearby, he was smiling and had taken over the notes as Hugo set his own guitar down, grabbing Varian’s hand and smiling, getting the alchemist to grin as he continued to sing,
‘I never trust a coon to watch my food!’
Ruddigar chittered at this,
‘And I like to use the word "dude"
As a noun or an adverb or an adjective!
And I, I never really been into scars,
I like really cool guitars and superheroes!
And accounts with lots of zeros in 'em!
I love the sound of violins!
And makin' someone smile~’
Varian grinned happily as Hugo leaned in close with a smile of his own before they began dancing together again, this time hand in hand,
‘If you wanna know, here it goes,
Gonna tell you there's a part of me that shows if we're close,
Gonna let you see everything!
But remember that you asked for it!
I'll try to do my best to impress,
But it's easier to let you take a guess at the rest,
But you wanna hear what lives in my brain and my heart!
Well, you asked for it!
For your perusin',
at times confusin',
Possibly amusin',
introducing me!’
Hugo backed up and gestured to Varian with a smirk,
‘Well, you probably know more than you wanted to!
So be careful when you ask next time~’
Varian laughed, his eyes lighting up with joy as the area around them lit up with fireflies that a certain wild tamer had gathers and let go, Hugo grabbed his lover’s hand again and they danced happily together, the fireflies circling them joyfully,
‘So, if you wanna know, here it goes
Gonna tell you there's a part of me that shows if we're close,
Gonna let you see everything!
But remember that you asked for it!
I'll try to do my best to impress,
But it's easier to let you take a guess at the rest,
But you wanna hear what lives in my brain and my heart!
Well, you asked for it!
For your perusin',
at times confusin',
Hopefully amusin',
introducing me!
Do-do, do-do-do-do-do
Do-do, do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do~
Introducing me!’
Varian laughed, as did Hugo as they spun one final time before the blond kissed Varian on the lips. The alchemist returned the gesture, getting everyone there to clap happily as Quirin set his guitar back into its case carefully. Once the duo had separated, Varian smiled widely at Hugo, “that was amazing!”
“Thanks! I… so…. Throughout this date, I’ve tried to remind you of the things leading up to this moment, Cedric was when we first met and experimented together! The lunch was when I first came to the castle and found out about you more, the Snuggly Duckling was when you got drunk during what was supposed to be our first guys night, the root beer was when I tried new things with Quirin, Adira, and you, and now this, the song was about that fight, and… look that fight, it wasn’t meant to happen, I understand, but it got me thinking about how little you knew about me, how much I’ve hidden, and I know why I did that, it was to protect myself. But, I love you, I trust you with all of my heart, and I know that…. I could never live without you, so Eugene and I spent a lot of time figuring out what I liked and disliked, because I didn’t know myself, I never got a chance to figure out who I was because no one ever seemed to care, until you came along. That’s how much you mean to me, you make me better, you make me happy, you make me feel safe and wanted, and…. I’ve never met anyone as amazing as you Varian. So….. I have a question for you….”
Varian froze when he saw Hugo get down on one knee, eyes widened as tears filled his eyes when the blind pulled out a small box and opened it, revealing a gold banded ring, with sapphires and emeralds circling a large red diamond that glistened in the moonlight. Varian stared at it for a long time before he looked at Hugo, “H-Hugo-!”
“Varian, I love you, I’ve loved you since you kissed me when you left for Corona that first time we met. We’ve been through so much together, and I have seen you at your best, your worst, your happiest, and your saddest, I’ve loved, and still love, every single version of you that I see and meet. When I learn something new about you, it makes me love you even more. I don’t know what’s gonna happen in the future, but it would be so cool to have you in it. So with all the confidence, love, and care I can give, Varian Asher Vanguard, will you make me the happiest man in the universe, and marry me?”
Varian was shocked, he stared at the ring, then Hugo, and for a long time said nothing, his eyes filled with tears before he smiled wide, his eyes, hair, and freckles lighting up with joy as he sniffled and squeaked out and excited, “YES!”
Hugo let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding as he stood up and hugged and kissed his fiancé! Picking him up and spinning him around in a circle, both of them laughing and crying with joy as everyone they’d seen on their date came out and cheered excitedly! Fireworks were lit and set off in celebration as Hugo set Varian down and gently placed the ring on his finger, it was a perfect fit, they shared one final kiss, this one deep and passionate, that is to say it rocked both scientist’s worlds, when they pulled away, they had to take a breath, both were blushing deeply before they smiled at each other lovingly
“I love you, so much, Varian”
“I love you, so much, too, Hugo”
The inventor and alchemist grinned before Hugo snickered, “Vaaaaarian”
Varian laughed, “Huuuuugo”
The two giggled and hugged each other happily, Varian’s glow shimmered and shook, but never left them that night. Not when their family came over to congratulate them, not when Varian realized the place they were in was where his father had proposed to his mother, not when they ate the picnic that Hugo had set up prior to this in the special place, not when the group had decided there was no way they could go back to the castle so they stayed at Quirin’s for the rest of the night, and not when the two scientists ended up too tired to stay awake any longer and they both fell asleep in Quirin’s arms. The glow stayed with them the entire night, embracing them and keeping them safe and warm as they held each other when they slept, large smiles on their tear stained faces as they no longer felt alone in this world.
Notes:
Hello! :D
I am so sorry that this chapter came out late! It took longer to write because I got super sick while writing it, like, go to the hospital to make sure I’m not dying kind of sick! It was bad, but I’m back now, and I finally finished this chapter! :D
This is the chapter that ends Hugo’s character arc, and also is the start of a whole new chapter for Varian and Hugo! They finally get their happy ending, or at least, this is the start of their happy ending :3
Either way, I’m really sorry for the wait, but I hope the chapter is worth it, it’s the longest chapter I’ve ever written as well, I wanted it to be special!
Thank you all for reading, and I sincerely hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 503: Support!
Summary:
Quirin thinks about his own wedding and how he got support from an unexpected guest!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a squeaky yawn before he felt something on his hand. He blinked a few times before he looked at his hand and smiled as the ring Hugo had given him sparkled in the dim morning light. He felt his father’s vest underneath his finger tips and turned, smiling even wider as he saw his boyfriend sleeping peacefully beside him. He kissed the blond on the nose, getting Hugo to let out a small mumble before snuggling deeper into Quirin’s arms. Varian giggled quietly before he felt someone kiss his head, looking up, he was met with warm brown eyes, “good morning my little fiancéd Bubby”, Quirin said with a grin
“Good morning my big, guitar playing, papa”, he replied
The retired chuckled, “how’s it feel to have a very special someone and a fancy ring?”
“I like in a bird, flying around happy and free”
His father chuckled, “well I’m very happy for you, tiny bubby bird”
“Hee hee”
“Do you know what kind of wedding you want?”
The alchemist blinked before he looked up at his father, “I have no idea, what kind of wedding did you and mama have?”
“It didn’t really have a theme to be honest, it was more…. Flowery, sort of just a mix if what both me and her liked”
“Huh…. Hmm…. Hey dad?”
“Hm?”
“How did you feel during you and mama’s wedding? Did you have jitters?”
Quirin thought about for a moment before he smiled as he thought about his and Ulla’s wedding and what happened right before he’d walked down the aisle:
*The retired knight let out a sigh as he straightened his tie, his nerves were getting the better of him as he felt his heart beating a million miles per second. He tried to calm himself, but he couldn’t quite do it right as every attempt led to him getting even more nervous than before. He looked at the promise ring that matched his bride’s and let out a small sigh, “what if she says no….” He said to himself, “what if she runs away? What if she’s not ready and I pushed her into this? What if Donella comes back and tells Ulla not to go through with it? What if I slip or make an ass of myself? so so so many things could go wrong here….” He sighed as he straightened his tie once again, annoyed that it’d gotten wrinkled from all his fussing, that was when the door opened and his heart skipped three beats
“How are you doing in here?” King Frederic asked gently
Quirin turned to face him before sighing, “I’m nothing short of a wreck…. I keep thinking I’ll blow it, that I’ll mess up or hurt her or she’ll run away or-!”
“Easy my friend, it’s alright, this wedding will be perfect”, Frederic said softly, walking over and gently straightening his best friend’s tie, “it will”
“What if-!”
“No, no what if’s today lad. It’ll be perfect the moment you see her walking down the aisle, trust me”
Quirin blinked, “I would ask how you would know, but then Arianna pops into my head”
Frederic chuckled, “I understand your nerves Quirin, but it really will be okay, it will”, when he saw the look on his Village Leader’s face, he sighed, “is there anything I can do to help you feel better?”
Quirin let out a small breath, “if…. If they were here….” He didn’t continue that statement, Frederic understood who he’d meant
“I’m sorry…. I wish I could bring them….”
“It’s not your fault…. But I wouldn’t mind a cryptic compliment, or a sassy joke, or even a tearful hug….. I wish they were here….”
“Ari and I are, we support you if that helps”
“It does”, Quirin said with a smile, “thank you for checking on me, perhaps you’re right, once I see her walking down the aisle, it’ll be perfect. I just have nerves, but I’m not leaving”
“I know you won’t”, Frederic stated with a smile before a knock on the door interrupted them. The King looked over and saw the Captain of the royal guards come inside, “is everything alright Captain?”
“Yes your majesty, I just…. Had some information for you that I think you should hear”
The Coronan king let out a sigh before he turned to Quirin, “I’ll be right back”
“Oki”, the retired knight replied, he watched the two walk out before he turned to the mirror again and huffed when he saw his tie wrinkled once again, “damn thing won’t stay perfect….” He mumbled as he straightened it, only for it to wrinkle once again. He groaned before sitting down, his nerves making it too hard for him to stand. He looked around, trying desperately to stay calm, but everything he looked at seemed to only make him feel more nervous and alone…. He closed his eyes to try and calm himself, but the darkness made him feel worse, that is, until a knock came to the window
His eyes burst open as he looked around before he spotted someone he didn’t think he’d ever be able to see again. He rubbed his eyes, thinking he was seeing a ghost, but she didn’t disappear. He got up quickly and darted to the window, opening it and allowing her inside. He stared at her for a long time before he smiled, “A-Adira”
The face painted warrior duster herself off before she looked at her big brother, “hello Quirin”, she said gently, “nice monkey suit”
He stopped before chuckling, “it’s a tux, but thank you, w-what are you doing here?”
“Looking for the Sundrop, noticed you in the window and decided to see why you seemed to be panicking”, she stated casually
The retired knight blinked before he cocked his head to the side, “you came to check on me?”
She quirked a brow at him, “is that no longer allowed?”
“I-it’s allowed, I.. it just… surprised me I… I thought that you… h-hated me….”
This seemed to startle his sister, “why would I hate you?”
“Because…. Of what happened…. I-I thought that when we’d separated…..” he felt tears prick in the corners of his eyes as he fussed with his tie
Adira, who seemed to be on guard from the moment she stepped into the room, instantly lowered her defenses when she saw his tears, walking over to him and offering him a tissue, “easy Stickler, I don’t hate you. I…. Don’t think I ever could…. Take it easy, it’s okay”
He took the tissue and wiped his eyes before crumpling it and letting out a sigh as he threw it away, “t-thank you, I’m sorry, I must look like a wreck to you…”
“Well, big marriage day, I’m surprised you don’t look worse to be honest”
He stopped and turned to her, “you…. Know about me getting married?”
“Why do think I’m here?”
“To look for the Sundrop, l-like you said”
She chuckled, “I may not agree with you and Hector’s actions regarding what our king said, but I will not miss such an important event like your wedding”, she stated with a smirk, “out of all of us, your wedding is the one I was hoping for the most. And the girl you’re marrying better be worth every second, believe me I’ll be judging”
He blinked before he begin to chuckle, before it became a snicker, and then a full blown laugh! He laughed and laughed all of his anxiety and fears away as his sister’s usual antics reminded him of their memories together! He laughed and laughed until all of his woes were gone, and when they were, he calmed down and smiled, “thank you Adira, I needed that today”
The face painted warrior smiled back, “happy to be of assistance, now then, about the nerves, since when does a tiny thing like a wedding scare you? Did the trials we underwent not stop your fears? Or were those far easier to handle compared to this?”
“They were easier if I’m honest, I can handle surviving in an enchanted forest, fighting each and every guard, and meditating for hours on end in the darkest of nights, but walking down an aisle to make a simple question, with the one person I’ve found true love with, a full blown promise and oath, forever binding, is *terrifying* to me!”
“Is it the commitment or-!”
“Pfft! No it’s not that”, he stated with a smirk, “I’ll always be faithful and love her to the ends of the earth and back, from the Moon and stars above until the day we die, and even after that, however…. What if I’m not good enough…. What if she finds someone better….. What if I hurt her….”
Adira paused for a moment or two before she smiled, “you won’t”
“How do you-!”
“Because I know”, she stated matter of factly, “I was a 4 year old wreck, one small word would’ve destroyed any semblance of sanity I had left, I’ve been through the most horrible acts any child should go through, as did our brother and king, yet you quelled each and every one of us by simply being yourself. So your fears and worries are unfounded, you being you brings out the best in everyone around you”, she smirked, “why do you think you’re the village leader?”
Quirin blinked, “how did you-!”
“You really think I wouldn’t keep tabs on all of my family simply because we disagreed? I even visit our dear brother, he doesn’t like it when I do, but I think he’s hiding his smile. Our king never sees me, he’s far too angry, but you, I can talk to you”, she stated, “and today seemed like the perfect time to show you that I can”
Quirin smiled before he wrapped his arms around Adira, hugging her happily as he did, she was startled at first, before sighing and hugging him back, “only for you Quirin”, she said softly
“Thank you”, he replied. They stayed that way for a little while before he let go and backed up a bit, “sorry”
“It’s alright, you needed it, now then, go out there and marry your one and only. I’ll be watching from afar, be sure to convince me that she’s worthy of you, okay?”
Quirin chuckled and nodded, “I will, thank you sister, I needed you, I really did”
“I’m glad I could help, now go and become a doting husband or whatever”, she stated, pushing him towards the door
He laughed, “alright alright, I’ll go, you’ll be there?” He asked
“Always, just look up in the trees”
“Oki, thank you”
She smirked, “anytime”
The retired knight walked out with one final smile to his sister, he took a breath as he stood outside the throne room doors before he straightened his tie one more time before opening the door. He walked down the aisle and saw all of his Coronan friends, stopping in front of the alter where King Frederic stood. He smiled at the man before the wedding march began to play, he smiled and turned, only to gasp when he saw Ulla!
She was practically glowing as she walked down the aisle, her dress was white, however the skirt looked as though it were made of fall leaves, her top was laced, it had an autumn leaf pattern on it, her long, orange hair was down and flowing behind her, she wore white, elbow length gloves, and a long veil that was see through and made of lace as well. She stopped in front of the alter and grinned excitedly as she looked at Quirin, he smiled back at her and suddenly, all the butterflies in his stomach flew away as he stared at her, the only words coming to his mind were the only ones that managed to come out as he stood beside her before Frederic spoke, “you’re so beautiful”
She smiled delightedly, “you’re so handsome!” She replied, both of them blushing happily as the Coronan king began*
“Dad? …..Dad? ……Daaaaaaaaaad”
“Hm?” Quirin blinked before chuckling as he gently removed his son’s finger from his cheek, “scuse you”
“You spaced out”, Varian stated
“So you boop my cheek?”
“Yes”
“Nugget”
“Butt”
“Bratty stinkbomb”
“Evil jerkface”
The retired knight chuckled, “to answer your question, I did have jitters, very bad and icky jitters, the kind that make you panic and sweat all the nervous sweats”
“Eww, hee hee”, Varian giggled, “sweaty dad!”
“Very sweaty dad, but I had someone very special help me get through all of my fears and worries, she told me to be myself, and she was right!”
“Who was that?”
“Me”, a voice stated
Varian was about to look and see who it was before he felt himself being scooped up, he let out a startled, “meep!” Before he looked up and saw brown eyes watching him, “Adira!”
“Hello Speckles”, the face painted warrior stated with a smile, “talking about wedding ideas?”
“Actually, we’re talking about wedding nerves, dad’s to be exact”
“Ah, he was a wreck, but I helped him, thanks to me, he didn’t faint or run away, and you were born, I’d like to think that happened because of me”, she stated, getting Varian to giggle
“I’d like to object to that logic”, Quirin stated
“Overruled”, Adira stated
“You’re not the judge madam”, he stated
“Madam?”
“Yes, madam”
“Don’t you madam me”
“I will madam you until I get my little sir back”
“Little sir?”
“The stinker in your arms”
“Oh”, she looked at Varian who giggled, “what if I say nay?”
“Then we’ll have a problem”
“How would you resolve this problem if you have another little sir on your lap?”
“Because the other little sir was woken up by you two fighting and is now grumpy and wants snuggles from his fiancé”, someone stated, getting Varian to grin
“Hugo!” The alchemist exclaimed
“Hey freckles”, the blond replied tiredly before he looked at Adira and held out his arms, squeezing his hands in a grabby motion, “gimme”, he stated
She snorted before handing over the alchemist to the inventor, to which the blond held Varian close and hugged him, getting the freckled teen to hug his fiancé back happily, “ha”, Quirin said
“I only did that before a cranky ponytail is a nerve wracking ponytail”, Adira stated
“She’s right dad, Hugo’s very scary when he gets woken up too early”, Varian said
“I see, I’ve never seen this evil morning monster however”, the retired knight stated
“That’s because you know how boundaries work”, Hugo stated
“And because I usually calm him down before he comes out of the room”, Varian added
“Ah”, Quirin said, “I see”, he looked at Adira, “shall we truce into the monster has been soothed?”
“I suppose”, she replied with a smirk, “I will be getting a few apples later on however”
“I look forward to the impending argument”, Quirin stated with a smirk
“As do I”
“You two are funny”, Varian stated with a giggle as Hugo let out a long yawn
The retired knight chuckled before he looked up at Adira, who was watching Hugo, he smiled when he recognized her expression, it was the same one she’d had when he’d finally married Ulla, it made him happy when he’d seen it during his wedding after they’d kissed, it was the one thing the retired knight had wanted more than any present he’d received that day
It was her acceptance of his new bride, and their new family member. His heart swelled with pride when Hugo, cranky or otherwise, was given the same expression. He could understand why, the boy was good and kind and strong and had more than proven how far he was willing to go for Varian! When the two teens had gotten up and decided to get ready for the day, Quirin stood up before he looked at Adira, and without a second thought, hugged her happily!
This startled her for a moment or two, but she smiled and hugged him back, “thank you Adira”, he said softly
“Anytime Quirin”, she replied gently, they stayed that way for a moment before they pulled apart and smiled at each other, “I’ll be there for them too”
“I know you will, I trust you, and I always will”
She smiled, “I’m glad you can”, she stated happily before grinning, “though, you should really watch your apples more often”
He sighed, “that’s it, I’m getting guard dogs”
“You think they’ll stop me?”
“No, but it’s better than nothing, and Varian would love some puppies around”
She chuckled, “I’ll bet he names them after chemicals”
“Either chemicals, metals, or his friends”
“Noted, 20 gold pieces says I can convince him to name one after Hector”
“You’re on”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this was a fun way of having more Brtoherhood fluff, it’s also a working theory I have. I honestly believe that Adira visited Quirin after they split when Edmund attacked the Moonstone
I feel like she would visit all of her family members, but Quirin would probably be her most common stop because he would be the one she could talk to the most without getting into a fight. Hector was far too angry, and Edmund was too far gone, Quirin may have disagreed with what Adira wanted to to, but he didn’t fight her
I feel like those two would be the only ones they could talk to, Quirin would stay in Corona, but Adira would visit, it makes sense as to why she was in Corona during Varian’s battle in the show, because you can see her in the trees outside of Quirin’s home. I feel like she was there to not only search for the Sundrop, but also to talk with Quirin! Probably just to check on him, given the circumstances, I’d love to hear your theories however 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 504: Blessings!
Summary:
Varian spends some time with his uncle and finds out about an old tradition!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Humming could be heard from the garden behind the Vanguard home, the man looked up, brushing the sweat off his brow as he smiled at the Moon. He let out a whistle and watched as birds flew above him, chuckling he went back to his task, smirking as he did so, “whatcha doing?”
“Fuck!” He jumped up, his sword coming out of its gauntlet as he pointed it at the voice, only stopping when he noticed who was there and quickly put his sword away, “shit spawn, I almost cut your head off”
Varian giggled, “sorry uncle Hector, I didn’t mean to startle you, dad was just getting worried since you were out here alone”
The wild tamer let out a sigh before he looked at the window to the house and waved, seeing his brother wave back with a smile, “right, sorry, I’m just getting a few things together”
Varian blinked before he looked at what the man had been doing before he grinned, “flower crowns!” He exclaimed as he sat down beside one and grinned, “dad taught me how to make some, I didn’t know you liked to do this”
Hector sighed and sat down, picking up the crown he’d been working on and smirking, “I was the one who taught your dad”
“Really?!”
“Is it that hard to believe?”
“Well…. You um…. Kinda don’t seem like the type if I’m honest”
Hector snorted, “guess I wouldn’t be would I? Heh, no, the reason I’m doing this is because of what happened to you and your bo last night”
“You mean our engagement?”
“Yeah, see, I’m not from the Dark Kingdom, I’m from Ingvarr, and even thought I was sent taken away from Ingvarr a long time ago, I still remember what the traditions were for weddings. One of them was, if you cared for the couple, you’d make them both a crown of flowers, special ones. I knew this would happen eventually, so I asked Quirin to help me plant some special flowers. They’re morning glories, they bloom early in the morning, these have already bloomed, I waited until now to pick them and make them into a crown for you and Hugo at night. He’s from Ingvarr, your heritage is the Dark Kingdom, after you get engaged in Ingvarr, you wear flower crowns for three days after the day of your engagement, if they’re still alive by that time, your marriage will be blessed, if not, then it’s cursed. Morning glories last a while, and they mean, ‘new beginnings’, so they seemed perfect to me”
Varian blinked before he smiled, “thank you! That’s incredibly sweet of you!”
Hector smiled, “meh, you deserve the best, so does Hugo”
“You really like him, huh?”
The tamer chuckled, “yeah, I didn’t know what to think of him at first, seemed like he was only trouble for you. But he started to get on my good side when I saw how you reacted to his teasing, it’s a good sign when the relationship starts with a laugh. Then he helped you and healed Adira when she got stabbed, that made him sky rocket in my eyes, even more so when he stopped Quirin from killing Andrew. Then your reaction to him not being around surprised me, you missed the fuck outta him, and that’s a good sign too. When he came back, and I found out what he was going through, the fact that he fucking stood up for you in the face of Donella and her abuse, that spoke volumes, how much he cares about you, and us, he didn’t have to think of us as anything more than in laws, yet he chose to learn more about Adira, he chose to love Quirin, he chose to accept and forgive Kind Edmund, and helped him forgive himself, and he became a fucking friend to me. He didn’t have to do any of that. Then when he proposed, he did it the way you wanted him to, song, night picnic, the same place Quirin proposed to his wife, all while accepting us and going through all of our shitty drama. This kid has well proven that he’s more than capable of loving you the way you should be loved, and he’s shown he deserves that same amount of love in return, and I can see how much you love him. He’s a good kid, so yeah, I like him”
Varian grinned and hugged his uncle, “I love you”
The tamer smirked and hugged the alchemist back, “love you too”, he said softly, they stayed that way for a bit before Varian let go and watched Hector continue making the flower crowns
“I take it I’m not allowed to help with those?”
“Nope, I have to do it since it’s my blessing you’ll be getting”
“Yours?”
“Yeah, since I’m from Ingvarr, this is how I give my blessing, Adira has her own way, so does Quirin and King Edmund, this is how I give mine, flower crowns and corny shit”
The freckled teen laughed, “flower crowns and corny-hee hee! You’re amazing Hector!”
Hector let out a happy hum as he finished the first flower crown. He began on the second one as the wind blew past them both, he smiled as he thought about an old memory, “heh, I remember when our King married our Queen, I gave them flower crowns too”
“You did?”
“Yeah, King Edmund fucking cried when I did, said he’d never been so honored, I felt slightly embarrassed, even more so when he kept the damn crown on for far longer than three days, but”, he smiled, “it was nice”
Varian watched his uncle for a moment before he let out a small sigh, “you’re so peaceful when you’re happy”
“That your way of saying I’m a loud fucker with problems?” Hector joked
“Nuuuuu!” Varian exclaimed, getting his uncle to chuckle, “I just mean, it’s…. Sort of rare to see you this calm and happy, it’s nice, I’m happy we get to share moments like this”
The tamer smiled, “I am too spawn, I am too”
The wind blew past them again, gentle and kind as the grass brushed against both men, Hector continued to work on the final crown, as he did, he noticed Quirin in the window once again, seemingly doing up the final dishes of the night, the tamer smirked as his brother’s song came to his mind, certain words sticking out more then others as he sung a few:
‘All we see is sky, for forever,
We let the world pass by, for forever,
Feels like life could go on, for forever this way~
Two brothers, on a perfect day~’
Varian blinked as he recognized that song, “hey, didn’t dad sing that to you when you were having a panic attack?”
“Yeah”
“Do you…. Are you willing to tell me why he sang it? That song in particular I mean, it sounds lovely, but I never understood why it calmed you”
“Heh, it was because of how he found me. I was weak and sick and timid and scared all the time. People in the Dark Kingdom thought I’d die before I reached 18…. They only saw me as target practice for their physical gain….. One time, a kid told me….. They’d told me that I should give up…. I should just let my body give in and die…. It would do everyone a favor…” Varian gasped at that, making Hector give him a sad smile, “it’d been a tough training session that day, didn’t help that Adira was moving up in the ranks, and I was stagnant…. She was top of the class, I was second to the bottom…. I felt like giving up then and there to be honest…. I hated how much it hurt everyday, I hated how hard I worked only for my results to be almost as bad as the laziest fucker in the class…. I tried so hard every fucking day, yet never got any stronger and their words wouldn’t worse and worse each day….. I remember running away…. I ran and ran and continued until my legs couldn’t take it anymore…. I fell to the ground and cried, my screams bounced off the trees and my tears drenched my entire face…. I hated it, it hated training, I hated my family, I hated my life, and I hated myself…. I wanted to just do what they said, to just give up and die…. That’s when Quirin found me. The man had fucking raced after me and went through a fuck ton of bad shit just to find me and bring me back! I yelled at him for that, told him to leave me be, that I didn’t want to go back, that I wanted to just….”
Hector sighed, wiping a few tears from his eyes, he felt Varian hug him and snickered, “this is what your dad did to me when I said that too”, he stated, getting his nephew to look up at him, “he hugged me and kept doing so until I stopped yelling. He didn’t let go either, he sat down, placed me on his lap, and continued to hold me….. I was too tired to fight him, and he began to talk to me. He told me he loved me, said I was like a little brother to him. He said he knew I was working harder than anyone else, and that he knew I would get stronger. He said it would take time, but it would be worth it, that I just needed to keep going, and that he would help me, that I loved me…. It was the first time he said it, first time he’d told me he loved me, first time I’d ever heard it….. and it made me cry again, I hugged him, I told him how much I wanted to get better, to get stronger, I told him I wanted to prove that I was worth saving to him, because that’s all I wanted, I wanted him to know he hadn’t made a mistake in choosing me, and I felt like I was failing him…..”
“Like….. you wanted to make him proud….” Varian said softly, sniffling a little, “I know the feeling….”
“Yeah….. Quirin told me about that…. I was exactly like you….. It was for different reasons, but I was the same, I thought I kept messing up and failing him….. And it tore me apart every day….. He told me he was proud of me, anytime I continued to fight, anytime I kept getting up, anytime I showed him that I wouldn’t quit, he said he was proud, and that he always will be. That quieted me down, and he began to sing that song. It was his way of saying that he loves me, the lyrics are his way of saying that we see the same thing, that he loves me, and it’ll all be okay, that he won’t abandon me, not now, not ever. It made me happy. The next day, I found a new energy in myself, and I was finally able to push past my illness and get stronger, I shot to the top with Adira after that, she was happy about it too, said she was glad to have a *real* challenge”
Varian giggled, “I love Adira”
“I love her too, she doesn’t need to say much to show her support. It’s something that both bugs and helps me”
“Is that why you fight with her a lot?”
“Yeah, well that and she can be a fucking bitch sometimes, I’m the only one allowed to call her that though”
“Of course, because you mean it with love”
“Yup, I mean it with all the love and annoyance in my fucking heart”, Varian giggled again as Hector chuckled, “either way, that’s why whenever I’m in this type of mood, Quirin’s song pops into my head, that’s why he sang it while I was panicking too, because it’s his way of saying he’s there, it’s what I need sometimes, affirmation”
Varian hugged his uncle tighter, “I’ll always be here for you too!”
The wild tamer hugged little nephew back, “thanks kid, same here, I’ll always be here for you, and Hugo now too”
The duo stayed together for a little while longer before they broke the hug and Hector finally finished the flower crowns. They walked inside after that, opening the door to find Quirin waiting for them, “hey, you two alright?” He asked
“Yeah we’re good, why?” His son replied
“Tear streaks”
“Huh? Oh, sorry, we were discussing stuff, good feeling stuff”
“Ah, need tissues?”
“Nu, but dad, do you know where Hugo is?”
“Hugo? He’s in the dining room, wh-!” The retired knight stopped when he saw the flower crowns, smiling when he spotted them, “aw Hector, I was wondering why you wanted me to help you plant those”
The Wild tamer blushed, “shut up”
Quirin chuckled before he gestured for them to follow him. They walked into the dining area, where Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance and Hugo were talking as Edmund and Adira listened to their conversation nearby, when the tiny group walked in, and everyone turned to look, Hugo spotting the flower crowns instantly, “woah wait, are those…. Flower crowns…. For us?!” He asked
“Yup”, Hector replied with a smile
Hugo froze for a moment or two before he smiled happily, “you… made them for us?”
“Yup, three days” Hector stated
“Um, someone wanna catch me up on the flowers?” Eugene asked
“Awwww!” Edmund exclaimed, wiping his eyes as Adira patted his shoulder
Quirin chuckled as he explained, “it’s an Ingvarrian tradition, the day after someone you love, unconditionally, gets engaged, Ingvarrians in the family will make the two flower crowns, made from special flowers they grow themselves, each one has its own meaning, morning glories are the symbol of a happy marriage and new beginnings. They then give them to the newly engaged, the two have to wear them on their heads for three days, if the flowers remain alive during the time, their marriage is blessed with the meaning of the flowers, if they wilt, their marriage is cursed”
“Oh, ok, so what do those flowers mean?” The Dark Prince asked
“They’re Morning glories! They are the ultimate blessing!” Hugo exclaimed as Hector placed the crowns on his and Varian’s heads, “not many people get them, usually royals, it’s the purest blessing, because it means that not only is the family member loved but the-!” He stopped before he finished that sentence, realizing what he was about to say and turning to look at Hector, “it’s means…. That the person who isn’t from that family…. Is accepted into the it no matter what….” Hector smiled at the blond happily, getting Hugo to stay frozen before he smiled, teared up, and hugged the tamer, “thank you!” He said softly
Hector smiled and hugged him back, “anytime kid”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Hector has a soft side! I kept writing him with a grumpy attitude or a sad backstory, but he can be peaceful too! I love Hector, he deserves a peaceful moment with his nephew, of course they talk about some bad things that happened to Hector as well, but it’s more feel good than anything else, since he no longer has to struggle with that climate anymore, he’s surrounded by loved ones, as is Varian 😁❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 505: Edmund’s Mistake!
Summary:
Edmund is so excited about his little grandson being engaged, that he ends up making a bigger mess than he meant to!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Edmund couldn’t stop giggling as he walked around the home. His smile was infectious when he passed anyone he saw. His heart skipped several beats as he continued to walk in excited circles before, “grandpa?”
He stopped at the sound of a tiny voice, he turned and saw big blue eyes staring at him with confusion, but the sight of the alchemist’s hand, particularly the one with a ring on it, made his heart beat faster as he let out a cry of joy and ran over, scooping up his grandson and hugging him excitedly! He continued to hug him as he spoke, “married! My tiny grandson is getting married! Ooooh I’m so happy and excited and I just can’t wait until the day of your wedding and-!”
The Dark King continued in his excited tirade as he spun and continued to hug the little alchemist, who’d begun to laugh at this point, “grandpa! Hee hee, this is the fifth time this week! Ha ha ha!”
Edmund didn’t seem to care as he continued to celebrate with his grandson, that is, until he saw someone dash beside him, he blocked them from taking his grandson before noticing Adira standing there, “nice try, but he’s mine until breakfast!” The Dark King stated
Another dash on his other side got him to turn and block Hector’s reach as well, “damn it”, the wild tamer stated
“Ha HA! No one shall take my grandson before our morning meal!”
“That’s very funny, because he’s no longer in your arms”, a third voice stated, getting Edmund to look and see Varian no longer there, “wait, how-! Oh”, he looked over and saw his knight holding the alchemist, he hugged, “no fair, I get to celebrate with him until breakfast”, he pouted
Quirin chuckled as Varian fixed his flower crown, “You’ve celebrated with him every morning this week since he was proposed to, Hugo too for that matter”
The Dark King blinked before he looked around when he heard someone run beside him, only to see the blond hiding behind Adira, peeking out just a little, “have I really been overdoing it?” He asked
“Weeeeeeell…..” Adira started, but stopped when she was faced with Edmund’s puppy dog eyes, “okay that’s just not fair”
Hector snorted as Quirin let out a sigh, “celebrating the fact that they will now be together forever is not a bad thing, though maybe tone it down just a little”, The retired knight asked gently as his king looked at him, “you can still celebrate, just…. Gently”
“Aw but Quirrrrrrriiiiiiiin”, Edmund whined
The Village Leader snickered, “no, no whining, Tis a reasonable ask”
“I don’t mind being hugged, but maybe don’t jump scare me?” Varian asked as he snuggled into his father’s vest happily
“Okaaaay…. Then that hug shall last until breakfast!” The Dark King exclaimed
The group let out a small sigh, but they’re smiled all the same as Hugo came out from his hiding spot, “with that being said, hi”, he stated
Edmund giggled before he, gently, hugged the blond, being careful not to touch the flower crown, “hi!”
Quirin chuckled before he began to walk towards the stairs with Varian in his arms, “much better, thank you”
“You’re welcome, but I feel more celebration is needed and you must know that”, the Dark King stated
“Your grumble has been noted”
Varian smiled happily as Edmund smirked at Quirin before he blinked as a question popped into his head, “hey, who told you three that I was celebrating again anyway?” He then noticed Ruddigar sneak over to Quirin, climb up the man, and begin to snuggle with his boy, he gasped, “traitor coon!”
The raccoon snickered as he continued to love on his boy happily
“He’s a brat coon who wanted to be in charge of Varian and Hugo’s morning snuggles, I can’t blame him”, Hector stated
“That striped tail is a tattle tail!” Edmund exclaimed
“Nice pun”, Hugo complimented, getting the Dark King to stop before he began to giggle when he realized what he’d just done
Everyone smiled at the man’s joy before they all went downstairs to breakfast
****
“Hey love, can you pass me the screwdriver?” Varian asked as he turned to look at Hugo
“Sure thing, here”, the blond tossed the item to the alchemist, who caught it
“Thanks!”
“You’re welcome!”
They continued to work together on their latest project before Varian suddenly bumped into someone large, “huh?” He looked up, only to be met with very excited brown eyes, “grandpa? What are you doing in here?”
Hugo stopped and looked at the Dark King, “oh I was uh, just showing Hamuel your lab!” Edmund explained as Hamuel CAW’d loudly
“Oh, well um, that’s nice of you, but you’re in a danger zone, I wouldn’t want you to get hurt”
“Right, right, here”, Edmund backed up a bit, “is this okay?”
The alchemist blinked before he looked at the inventor, who shrugged, “not bothering me”
“Oki, that’s fine, we’ll be just a moment oki? Oh and please don’t touch the chemical, they’re unstable”, Varian said politely
“Of course!” Edmund stated happily
The alchemist smiled before he turned around to continue working on the invention, he smiled and wiped the beads of sweat of his forehead after a few more moments of tinkering before he backed up and looked over at his fiancé, “ready?”
“Yup!” Hugo exclaimed as he finished screwing in a bolt
Both teens backed up to where Edmund was as Varian pressed a button on a remote he was holding, suddenly, the machine they were working on began to move, forming a giant, metal, humanoid machine, “yes!” Varian cheered, “they’re still functional! I was worried they’d broken down or rusted”
“Nope, seems like your automatons are pretty hardy”, Hugo stated with a smirk, “so, what are they gonna be doing again?”
“I wanna see if I can get them to help guard Corona and Old Corona, we still have a small issue with the guard shortages, the only problem is the villagers, I don’t want them to be afraid, so we’ll need to reprogram these guys”
“You should have them give people hugs!” Edmund exclaimed, scooping up both scientists and startling them in the process, to where Varian dropped the remote. The button was pressed again, making the automatons fall apart. Edmund shielded both teens from harm with his body, the crash was loud and shook the entire house hold!
The door to the lab *instantly* flew open as Quirin appeared inside, “VARIAN! HUGO! ARE YOU TWO OKAY?!” He yelled, freezing when he saw the fallen robotic parts, “b-boys?” He said, “BOYS?!”
“DAD!” Varian yelled, “WE’RE OKAY!”
“BUBBY! Where are you?!” Quirin asked as Eugene, Rapinzel, Lance, Adira, and Hector popped their heads inside to see
“W-WE-EEEP!” Varian began, but was interrupted when Edmund burst out of the metal avalanche, holding the two boys in his arms protectively
“Edmund?!” Eugene exclaimed, “what are *you* doing in here?”
“I…. Um…. Eheh….” The Dark King blushed
Quirin blinked before he let out a sigh and rushed over to his father figure and two kids, “are you three alright?” He asked, looking over all of them
“We’re okay”, Varian replied, “w-Hugo?”
“I’m good, startled, and I may need to use the privy in a second, but good”, the blond stated
“Grandpa?”
“Y-yeah, I’m okay”
“Oki, yeah, we’re okay”
“Thank the Moon…” Quirin stated softly as he sighed before he looked at his King, “what happened?”
“I…. *may* have startled the little peanut into dropping his remote and making all the robots-!”
“Automatons”, Varian and Hugo corrected gently
“Right, automatons, fall apart and crash around us…. Eheh…..”
The retired knight stared at the man for a long time before he took a very *long* breath, and let it go slowly, “why?” Was all he asked, sending shivers down Hugo, Edmund, and Varian’s spines
“I….” Edmund let out his own sigh, “I’m sorry, I got so excited about them being engaged that… I wanted to see them together…. And I ended up nearly getting them hurt…”
“Why did you wanna see them together?” Eugene asked, walking over to the group
“Well…. I…. Don’t mean to be creepy or anything it’s just…. Hugo and Varian remind me a lot of me and Eden…..”
“We… do?” Varian asked
“Yeah!” His grandpa said with a chuckle, “you two balance each other out, Hugo’s the outgoing, kind of a bad boy, but with a good heart, and lots of sass to boot, butter nut! Varian‘s the good peanut, that did as he was told ,and stayed within the lines drawn for him, that is, until he found someone that made him question those lines. When I met Eden, she made me question a lot of the teachings I was given growing up. She showed me how strong women could be and got me to realize they deserved the same rights as men, she showed me that I didn’t have to be like my father, and I could be better than him, of course, Quirin certainly helped with that particular lesson, but you know what I mean. She showed me that you could love anything you want to love, just so long as you handle the things you need to first, she taught me what was important and what was not. All of these things were shown in your relationship, so when you two became fiancés…. I suppose I just wanted to see you two together, happy and thriving, it…. Made me happy to see that. I’m sorry for the mess however….”
Hugo and Varian looked up at the man sadly before Varian began to float, the Moonstone glowing, as he flew over to his father, “it was an accident, and either of us are hurt, he was just excited, that’s all”
Quirin let out a breath before he looked at Varian, double checking him and Hugo, who’d been set down by the Dark King, before he noticed Edmund holding his left arm, “…..let me heal that, and it’s fine”
The Dark King was startled by that, “wha-I-it’s not hurt”
“I repeat, let me heal that, and it’s fine”, his knight replied, sterner, but with less ice in his voice
Edmund blushed before nodding, “oki”
Quirin gave the man a smile before they got out of the lab, everyone headed over to the living room as Quirin healed Edmund while they all joked with each other about the events that just transpired, Edmund smiling as he continued to watch to two scientists interacting happily, unbeknownst to him, a female with long brown hair, a purple dress, and a matching black crown with a purple jewel on her head was watching them as well, a warm smile on her face as she stood by her husband’s side
Notes:
Hello! :D
I love Edmund, him’s a very sweet man, clumsy, but sweet, and he deserves all the happiness 😁🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 506: Guess Who’s Back!
Summary:
An unexpected pal of Varian and Hugo’s returns!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“We are making our way to the dangerous Coronan’s town square! Where everywhere you turn, there’s another fresh hell awaiting! A thief here, a gossip there, even the occasional past trauma reminder just to spice things up! And we are heading there, with all the vim and vigor that we possess because Quirin needs the most precious farming tool in all the world!” Hugo exclaimed before gesturing to the retired knight, which was walking beside him and smiling at the blond’s antics
“A trowel”, the Village Leader said
“But wait, you say to yourself, as any normal human being would, why can’t you use the twenty-something other trowels you have at home in the farming shed?! Well, this isn’t just *any* old trowel dear boyfriend!” Varian piped in, “it’s one of the most incredibly rare and positively *fragile* trowels to ever be needed!” His son gestured to his father once again
“A garden trowel”, the retired knight stated with a smirk as Eugene and Lance began to snicker
“That’s right! Flowers! Such a tremendous use of our time and energy! We had to stop everything for this dire emergency that we cannot use *any* other trowel for!” Hugo added
“Are you two done?” Quirin asked with a chuckle
“We don’t think you understand the severity of this mission father!” Varian exclaimed, “because if there is one thing that this specific tool can do that no *other* farming trowel is capable of, it’s planting *flowers*!” His father quirked a brow, “okay, *now* we’re done”
“Brats”
"Us? Brats? Why what ever would give you that idea?" The inventor stated, giving Olivia a scratch behind the ears
"Call it a father's intuition"
"Seriously though, why are we going all the way into town just for a garden trowel?" Varian asked
"Because the last one broke and we need another one"
"Why can't I just make you another one? I could probably do it!"
"Because I happen to like walking into town, and it'll be nice to get you two out of that lab for a little bit", Quirin replied
That’s when the alchemist stopped, “wait, haven’t we had this conversation before?”
His father also stopped and snorted, “yes we did, it was about an egg basket though”
“Oh yeah!”
“Egg basket?” Hugo asked
“Yeah, when the Coronans still didn’t like me very much, I hid inside my lab to make sure I didn’t get seen by them so they wouldn’t say something to me, but dad *insisted* that we needed a new egg basket, and *insisted* that I come along”
“It was good to get you out of the house and get some sunlight”, the retired knight stated
“At the risk of being mobbed!”
“You were not gonna get mobbed ya stinker”
“Was too!”
“Was not”
“Uh-huh!”
“Nu-uh”
Hugo laughed, “you two, I swear!”
Edmund chuckled, “it’s fun to see you two together, Varian, you bring out the fun in Quirin, and Quirin, you bring out the sassy in Varian”
“That’s because he acts like an even bigger brat whenever I’m around”, the retired knight joked
“And *he* decides that instead of ignoring my brattiness, he’s gonna be sassy right back!” Varian added with a grin
“Hey, I’m allowed to give you what you give me”
“Actually, you’re supposed to be the mature parent, I’m not supposed to be mature yet”
“Oh I see, so that means you still need to have a nap time and curfew?”
“Wha-! Nu!”
“Well if you’re not supposed to be mature”
“You’re an evil jerkface!”
“And you’re a bratty stinkbomb”
The duo hugged as Hugo shook his head, “your relationship is both wholesome and strange to me, and I’m not sure if that’s sad or not”
“Same here”, Eugene stated, “we’ve grown to accept their antics though”
“It’s cute!” Rapunzel stated happily
“Very!”
“You’re gonna marry this thing”, Hector gestured to the alchemist, “and you’re not used to their antics?”
“I’m used to them, but I still get confused”, Hugo stated
“Ah”
“Welcome to the family, we’re very confusing”, Adira stated
Hugo snorted, “I love this family”, he said as they began walking again, they were just chatting when suddenly, the inventor bumped into someone. Turning, he shook his head, “whoops, sorry, didn’t see you th-!” He stopped when he saw the former Captain of the Royal guards standing behind him, “oh, it’s you”
The former Captain glared at the teen, he was about to say something, when suddenly his mouth was zipped shut. Startling Hugo for a moment before he heard Varian yelp in surprise! He turned to see why his lover had made such a noise when he saw someone he hadn’t seen in a little while, “long time no see kid”
“Beetlejuice!” Varian exclaimed, he was being held in the demon’s arms, “hi!”
“Heya!”
“Holy hell, what the fuck?” Hector exclaimed as he backed away from the man a little, his blade sliding out of its gauntlet
“It’s okay! He’s okay Hector, he won’t harm you!” Varian exclaimed, “this is Beetlejuice, he’s a…. Well I consider you a friend, don’t know if you feel the same or not”
“I’d say we’re pals, though if you want to be anything more, you need to take me out to dinner first”, the demon joked before he caught sight of Adira, “nice to meecha”, he added, before he dislocated his hand from his wrist and tossed it to her, she caught it and stared at the appendage for a moment or two, unsure of what to do with it
“What are you doing here?” Hugo asked, “get bored of the castle?”
“Yeah, place is kinda killjoy central if I’m honest, wondered where you guys were, so I decided to find you! I may have scared people in the process, but no harm came to them if that helps! They’ll only have nightmares for a few days at best!”
The alchemist blinked before he sighed and looked at his father, “you wanna talk about brats”, he joked before floating out of the demon’s arms and gently taking Beetlejuice’s hand from Adira, who still look rather confused by the experience, and handing it back to the spirit, “we were gonna come see you tomorrow you know”
“Yeah, but why wait? Besides, I heard there was a halabaloo with you two in particular”, the demons stated, as his arm stretched and grabbed Hugo before pulling him over as the demon hugged him, “you two are getting *married*! And ya didn’t even tell me!”
“Huh? O-oh! Well…. That was my bad”, Hugo said gently, “sorry”
“Eh, it’s fine, but ya gotta let me help out with the decorations!” The demon snapped his fingers, and suddenly the streets were filled with tinsel made out of spiders, confetti made from different colored bug shells, skeletons and bones *everywhere*, and party hats made of teeth, “eh? Eeeeeeh?” The two scientists were stunned into scared silence, “I know, I leave people speechless all the time!”
“Um…. W-well…. I certainly wouldn’t mind a…. Horror themed wedding, but uh….. a-are those real bones?” Varian asked
“Huh? Of course they are! I’m authentic ya know!”
“Oh…. Um…. I’m gonna…. Just….” Varian floated to the floor before he sat down and pulled his knees up to his chin
Hugo let out a chuckle before he looked up at Beetlejuice, “while we appreciate the decorations, maybe you and I could talk about what would be at the wedding, ya know, before we decide on the….” He gulped when he noticed the spider tinsel moving as Lance let out a squeaky whimper, “….t-the main decor?”
The demon shrugged and nodded before snapping his fingers and making all the decorations disappear, “whatever floats your boat!”
“Thank you”
“Lance, buddy, ya good?” Eugene asked
The former thief shivered, unable to answer for a moment or two before Adira walked over and, gently, placed a hand on his shoulder, this calmed Lance down immediately and he let out a breath, “t-thank you”
“Yup”, the face painted warrior replied before she looked at the demon, “so…. You’re a demon I’m guessing”
“Yup! And I’m the real deal too! Though I’m on a strict, be a good boy and gain bffs, contract with Varian and Hugo here, along with those two little girls, who were they again?” Beetlejuice asked
“Angry and Catalina”, Hugo replied as he comforted Varian, with the help of Quirin and Ruddigar before he noticed the former captain still had his lips zipped shut, “uh, do you mind releasing his mouth?”
“Huh? Oh! Yeah”, Beetlejuice snapped his fingers again and the zipper over the former Captain’s lips disappeared
“Ugh, finally!” The man exclaimed before he glared at Hugo and Varian, “I should tell the guards about you two communing with evil demons like him!”
Beetlejuice floated in front of the man, his eyes squinted, “why do I know you from somewhere…..”
“What the hell?! You don’t know me! I’ve never spoken to your kind before!”
“Ooooooh! You’re the asshole former captain that said that shitty stuff to Varian!” The demon stated as he smiled wide, “I remember you now! Hey kid”, Beetlejuice looked over at Varian, “I could totally do something to him right now, ya know, to make up for what he said? Like…. Cut out his tongue, or hang him by his fingers until they fall off, or maybe even feed him to the sand worm, whichever you prefer!”
The alchemist blinked, “um, nu, b-but thank you though, as I said before, revenge is not a good answer”
“Ya sure? He’s annoying the piss outta me, and I only just *met* the guy”
Hector snorted at that, “okay, you’re growing on me”
Beetlejuice smirked at the wild tamer as Quirin let out a sigh, “as much as I would love nothing more than that man be given what he deserves, how about we don’t do that and we focus instead on who you are and how you know my two kids”, he stated gently
Beetlejuice quirked a brow at the retired knight, “did they not tell you?”
“We didn’t have time to unfortunately”, Varian replied sadly, “sorry, but we were going to!”
“Varian?” Quirin asked
“How could ya not say something about me sooner?” Beetlejuice asked, “am I not memorable enough?” The demon asked before he fell to in front of the duo
“No! Nonono, you’re more than memorable! We just really didn’t have the time! I wanted to introduce you properly to my family! But with the engagement and projects and such, it’s been a little difficult bringing up the subject”, Varian explain
“Yeah, we actually were going to say something”, Hugo stated, “but there was never a right time, and we had a whole thing planned out, it’s why we were gonna visit your tomorrow, we were gonna tell you the plan”
“Oooooh, well I guess that makes sense, your story sounds very believable, but what was this plan of yours?” The demon asked
Varian smiled, “we were gonna have you pop out of the book! I even have fireworks!” He dug into his backpack and showed the demon, “it was gonna be a dramatic entrance!”
“Oh, alright, I believe ya, though, since that plan is ruined, ya may wanna explain who I am now, before all of your family faints”
Both scientists looked and saw each and every one of their family members staring, wide eyed, and shocked, at the demon, who had just pulled himself back together again, “oh, right, eheh, everyone, this is Beetlejuice, and…. Here, let me explain”, Hugo stated. The blond told the group how they met the demon, explaining the book and what the demon wanted and such, “…..He agreed t being mine and Varian’s pal and trying to be good. In return, should he prove that he’s a good demon, then Freckles will say his name three times in a row and he’ll be set free”, he finished, waiting for their response as the demon scooped Varian up in his arms and rested his chin on top of the alchemist’s head with a smile
Notes:
Hello! :D
I missed him, I wanted the Beetle bean back in the story, plus, I’m reintroducing him because there’s a certain person who may or may not be coming back as well, and Beetlejuice is the demon who I wanna have around when they come back
I’d love to see your guesses! XD
For now, thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 507: Back Again!
Summary:
Beetlejuice has to try and convince Quirin to give him a chance!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :Dm
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“What the hell?! You don’t know me! I’ve never spoken to your kind before!”
“Ooooooh! You’re the asshole former captain that said that shitty stuff to Varian!” The demon stated as he smiled wide, “I remember you now! Hey kid”, Beetlejuice looked over at Varian, “I could totally do something to him right now, ya know, to make up for what he said? Like…. Cut out his tongue, or hang him by his fingers until they fall off, or maybe even feed him to the sand worm, whichever you prefer!”
The alchemist blinked, “um, nu, b-but thank you though, as I said before, revenge is not a good answer”
“Ya sure? He’s annoying the piss outta me, and I only just *met* the guy”
Hector snorted at that, “okay, you’re growing on me”
Beetlejuice smirked at the wild tamer as Quirin let out a sigh, “as much as I would love nothing more than that man be given what he deserves, how about we don’t do that and we focus instead on who you are and how you know my two kids”, he stated gently
Beetlejuice quirked a brow at the retired knight, “did they not tell you?”
“We didn’t have time to unfortunately”, Varian replied sadly, “sorry, but we were going to!”
“Varian?” Quirin asked
“How could ya not say something about me sooner?” Beetlejuice asked, “am I not memorable enough?” The demon asked before he fell to literal pieces in front of the duo
“No! Nonono, you’re more than memorable! We just really didn’t have the time! I wanted to introduce you properly to my family! But with the engagement and projects and such, it’s been a little difficult to bring up the subject”, Varian explain
“Yeah, we actually were going to say something”, Hugo stated, “but there was never a right time, and we had a whole thing planned out, it’s why we were gonna visit your tomorrow, we were gonna tell you the plan”
“Oooooh, well I guess that makes sense, your story sounds very believable, but what was this plan of yours?” The demon asked
Varian smiled, “we were gonna have you pop out of the book! I even have fireworks!” He dug into his backpack and showed the demon, “it was gonna be a dramatic entrance!”
“Oh, alright, I believe ya, though, since that plan is ruined, ya may wanna explain who I am now, before all of your family faints”
Both scientists looked and saw each and every one of their family members staring, wide eyed, and shocked, at the demon, who had just pulled himself back together again, “oh, right, eheh, everyone, this is Beetlejuice, and…. Here, let me explain”, Hugo stated. The blond told the group how they met the demon, explaining the book and what the demon wanted and such, “…..He agreed to being mine and Varian’s pal while trying to be good. In return, should he prove that he’s a good demon, then Freckles will say his name three times in a row and he’ll be set free”, he finished, waiting for their response as the demon scooped Varian up in his arms and rested his chin on top of the alchemist’s head with a smile
Quirin blinked as he stared at the blond for a moment or two before he looked at Beetlejuice, “um….. I’m *very* conflicted right now”
“Understandably so”, the inventor stated, “but he… seems to be okay, at least, he’s not attacking anyone, and Freckles said he didn’t feel anything bad from this guy, so….”
“Aw come on, do you all really think I’m suspicious? Really? With a face wike dis?” Beetlejuice gave his best puppy dog eyes to the group, none of them were phased, he huffed, “well fine then, you’re all no fun”
Varian wriggled out of his grip and began to float as he looked at the group, “he really doesn’t mean any harm, he’s just… lonely from what I can tell…. And impish”
“The fuck?”
“It means you like to stir the pot, ya know, cause trouble”
“Oh! Yeah, I do, can’t lie”
Varian giggled, “either way”, he looked back at the group, “he’s not causing any harm right now, shouldn’t we give him a chance?”
“Varian, the last demon we faced possessed CassAndra and nearly took over Corona”, Eugene stated
“Who?” Beetlejuice asked
“Eheh, her name’s Zhan Tiri, she uh-!” Varian began
“Ya mean that purple bitch that likes to stick around in limbo?” The demon asked
“Wait, you know her?”
“Yeah, she was *super* bitchy! Kept talking a big game about how she would use the ‘Sundrop and moonstone to get to her rightful place of power’ or whatever. She could barely do anything in that realm, pretty pathetic if ya ask me. I kept wanting to hang with her, told my jokes and shit, she basically told me the equivalent of ‘fuck off’ before tryin to blast me, heh, I shut her up when I made her look like a doll”
Varian blinked a few times, “wait, wait wait wait, her morphed form, that I initially thought was from the effects of limbo, was because of *you*?!”
“Yeah? It was fuckin funny seeing her face when I did it to! She was so damn mad! I didn’t understand why, she looked better in my opinion”
“So, did you cast a spell on all of limbo?”
“Huh? Not intentionally, I only meant for it to just be on her, but she didn’t know it was me, so she probably thought her realm was the cause, pfft, moron”
Hugo stared at the demon for a long time before he let out a sigh, “bud, that ‘moron’ nearly took over Corona and killed everyone standing here”
The demon’s brows raised as he looked at the group, “wait, seriously?! Even with your, obvious, moon powers?” He asked as he looked at Varian, who nodded solemnly, “how?”
“She tricked us…. She tricked Cassandra first, then tricked me…. Became corporeal, the possessed Cassandra until she got the Moonstone, and then beat the Sundrop out of Rapunzel…..”
Beetlejuice was silent for a long time before he huffed, “where’d you put her?”
“She’s gone, we combined the Sundrop and Moonstone while they were still attached to her, and she exploded”
“Good, fucking bitch deserved it! What the hell?! I use possession as a fun party trick, but really? Man that’s just fucking shitty”, he looked at Varian, “you okay?”
“I….. I’m alright, just…. Kinda surprised you know her and can…. Kinda talk shit about her so easily. Would you be able to defeat her if you wanted?”
“In my sleep, but I’m a demon straight from Hell, she was just a human who thought she was tough shit because she got magical powers. I hate that, gives us actual demons a bad name”
Varian was quiet again before he looked at the demon, “hey, what happens to good humans when they die?”
“Eh? Oh, either they go to the Netherworld, or they go to paradise”
“Netherworld?”
“Sort of limbo’s distant cousin, but with a really fucked up scar on their face. Limbo is where demons will get banished to when they’re bad, paradise is where spirits move on to, the netherworld is the in-between, it’s where I live too actually!”
“Why do people go to the Netherworld?”
“Meh, unfinished business, shitty backstory got them so fucked up that they can move on, got lost on the way to paradise, pick your poison”
“And…. Bad spirits?”
“They go to Hell and never come back”
“A-and what about spirits we can see on Earth? L-like ghosts”
Beetlejuice blinked before he tilted his head, “your friends, Angry and Catalina, mentioned you had a problem with ghosts, that why you’re askin?”
“Well…. Nu…. I’m…. Wondering because…. I keep seeing my mama…..”
This got the demon to freeze, he stared at the teen for a long time before he gave him a sympathetic look, “she…. Died…. Huh?”
“Yeah…. W-when I was 3, b-but she still lingers around me and dad…. So does my grandma, and Hugo’s mama, a-and a few other relatives of my family’s….. they even visited me in a dream once….. are they in the N-Netherworld too?”
“No! Nonono, they’re not in the Netherworld, they’re not. Can I ask ya though, do they…. *look* dead?”
“Huh?”
“I mean blood, gore, signs of what happened to em that caused them to die, do they look dead?”
“….Nu, whenever I see them, they’re transparent, but look completely healthy”
“Sensitive question, do you know what killed them?”
“Most of them, yeah, and none of them bare the scars they would have in life”
Beetlejuice smiled, “then they’re guardians”
“Guardians?”
“Yeah see, here”, he floated to the ground, his shoes touching the concrete before he snapped his fingers, a small version of himself forming beside him, “so there are four things that can happen after you die. One, you go to paradise”, the little Beetlejuice smiled peacefully before floating up and disappearing, another one taking his place, “two, you go to Hell”, this one had the floor below him open up and swallow him whole while another Beetlejuice appeared, “three, you have unfinished business and end up in the Netherworld, doing what you need to do before you can finally move on”, this Beetlejuice drew a square in a wall with some chalk and knocked on the square three times, the square formed a door and the Beetlejuice stepped through as the door closed behind him while another Beetlejuice appeared, “and four, and the final thing that can happen, you become a guardian, which means you go up to paradise, but ask to come back down with pure intentions, like watching over a loved one and helping them when they need it. Your reasoning would need to be pretty fucking pure to do that however, so if you’re seeing your mama without any scars or anything, then her reason’s pure enough to be given the chance to come back and watch over whomever she’s decided to watch over, and it can be more than one”, he stated as the mini Beetlejuice smiled peacefully before floating up, then coming back down and looking over another Beetlejuice’s shoulder, “if you’ve got a guardian watching out for you, consider yourself lucky, because while they can’t tell you what to do, they can guide you down the right path, that’s a blessing”
Varian blinked before he smiled, “you really mean that?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Cause I keep seeing her, wait, can you?”
“Huh? Oh! Yeah I can, though she’d look like a normal human to me, so if I start talking to people that aren’t there to you, know that it’s a guardian, or an escapee from the Netherworld”
Varian blinked before smiling, “so, a guardian who comes back to check on those they love, what about when you *can* see how they died? The scars and such”
“That’s an escapee from the Netherworld who somehow managed to sneak past security and came here”
“Oh”
“Yeah, they get into trouble if they end up getting caught and coming back, though most of the time, they never get caught and usually move on because they figured out what they wanted to do”
“Like reunite with their baby?”
“Yeah, that’s one way, that’s specific kid”
“You remember my ghosts problems”
“Yeah? Ooooooh! Wow”
“Yeah”
“Um, as educational as this conversation is”, Adira started, “I feel there’s still the matter of you and Goldilocks speaking with a demon to address”
The alchemist blushed, “eheh, r-right, but to be fair, he did just give us a lot of good information that none of us knew about! So there’s that! See? He’s a good bean! Even if he has some actions that are…. A bit concerning”
“I take mild offense to that”, Beetlejuice stated
“Mild?”
“I’d take note if it weren’t true”
Varian giggled at that, “bubby, as happy as I am that you’ve made a new friend, um….. And this is no offense to you sir, but…. He’s still a demon, and apparently he’s straight from Hell, that’s a little more than, a bit, concerning”, Quirin stated gently
Beetlejuice raised a brow at the man, “who is he and why is he making me feel a certain type of way”
“BEETLEJUICE!” Varian squeaked as he blushed profusely, “that’s my DAD!”
“OOOOOOOH! No wonder you give off daddy vibes!”
“Sir! I have your timeout book in my backpack”
“Alright alright, I’m just kidding”
Quirin was blushing as he looked insanely uncomfortable, “d-dad he’s a good bean, I swear, he’s just pervy”
“Extremely pervy”, Hugo stated, “and that’s coming from *me*”
“I-uh I see….” Quirin said, backing up just a bit
The demon snickered as Hector stepped forwards, “so, you don’t do possession for anything *other* than party tricks, right?”
Beetlejuice was confused at first before he realized why the man was asked, “yeah, definitely, I wouldn’t do that anyway, that’s *way* too horrible, even for me”
“Kay”
Quirin let out a small breath of relief before he looked at Varian, “son, I’m not sure”
“How can he prove it to you?” Varian asked, “genuinely asking, because he really does seem like a good guy”
“I…. Don’t know how he can prove it”
Hugo and Varian looked at each other before suddenly, the duo were grabbed, “what the fuck?!” The inventor looked behind him to see a guard had his wrists, another one had grabbed Varian
“Communing with the dead is witchcraft!” The former captain stated angrily, “so I got the guards”
Hugo growled before freezing when he saw Varian, the alchemist was wide eyed, his pupils were mere pinpricks as his eyes, hair, and freckles were glowing, “let him go!” Eugene exclaimed angrily, “let them *both* go, now! That’s an order!”
“But sir, they’re communing with demons! Right after a demon attacked all of Corona!” A guard argued
“For fuck’s sake, they’re hero’s of Corona! You really think they’re gonna hurt anyone?!”
“We don’t have a choice!”
“Are you kidding me? I’m your damn Captain! Not him! Actually, why is *he* not in handcuffs, there’s no construction going on either, what the fuc-!” Eugene was knocked out from a guard behind him
The former captain smirked, “thank you”
The guard who’d knocked him out nodded before glaring at the two teens, “get them in handcuffs and arrest them now, and if anyone else interferes, they’ll be arrested too”
The group glared at the guards as Quirin began to walk over, only to be blocked by a group of traitors, “that order includes you Village Leader”
The retired knight growled at the man before him, until they all heard chuckling and stopped. They looked up to see Beetlejuice smirking, “sooo, you all think that because they’re talkin to me, that gives you the right to arrest them and hurt my new bffs yeah?” He asked
“SHUT THE HELL UP DEMON!” A guard screamed
The demon raised a brow at the man before he disappeared, reappearing right in front of the man, “you got something else you wanna fucking say?” The guard didn’t speak, “really? Nothing? Man I thought at least one of you fuckers would say somethin, heh, guess you’re all cowards”, he looked at Varian, “let him go, and maybe I’ll go easy on ya”
“You wish you demon scum!” The former captain snapped, “you have no power here!”
“That really the route you wanna take? Final warnin asshole”
“Fuck you!”
Beetlejuice smirked, “gladly”, he then went on a rampage, his body morphing into whatever shape, size, animal, human, or weapon it needed to to make every single traitorous guard back up and/or let Varian go. Once the alchemist was freed, he stood up and glared at every single guard near him as Beetlejuice appeared right beside him, “couldn’t get Hugo, but I’m guessing he’s your damsel to save. You said you wanna show how strong you are now, that you can stand up to that asshole once and for all, then do it”, he stated
“If I get angry….” The alchemist started
“The guy just convinced several guards to betray you and their captain, and it ain’t for a good reason either, from what I can tell, he’s a damn heretic, and doncha have a pretty princess right over there that’ll back up your story should someone ask why? Don’t you think it’s finally time you stood up for yourself? Finally shut the bully up? You don’t have to kill, just show em who’s boss”
The alchemist looked at the demon, he hesitated for a moment, just a moment, before he heard Hugo yelp, looking over, he saw his lover had just been handcuffed, his last line of excuses finally dropped when he saw the former Captain, free of any handcuffs or punishments, walk over, and touch his fiancé’s arm, grabbing him harshly and making the inventor yelp once again. His eyes narrowed, “you’re right….. I’m tired of being the bigger person…. I’m tired of him making me afraid….. I’m tired of him haunting me….. I’m fucking done…..”
“You’re right kid, time to stop being the mature one, time to finally punish him for what he’s done, for once, be ruthless”, Beetlejuice stated with a smirk, “I’ll let you have him, I can handle the other fuck heads”
“Thanks, for everything, Beetlejuice”
“Anytime kid, now, teach him a lesson!”
Varian took a breath, before he let it go, he felt the his powers come to him, he remembered everything the man had done to him and his family, and finally, he opened his eyes, and finally released his powers. Black rocks erupted from the ground below all of the guards, startling them, before Varian, eyes fully glowing blue, his irises and pupils were no longer showing, floated into the air in front of all of them. The traitorous guards shook as they felt his fury pulsing off of him, and began to chant his name as a warning as they tried to protect themselves:
‘Varian, Varian, Varian, Varian,
Varian, Varian, Varian, Varian!’
He huffed before he floated in front of the former Captain and glared:
‘In all my years of living,
It isn't very often that I get pissed off,
I try to chill with the waves,
But damn, you crossed the line…’
He floated around the man angrily:
‘I've been so gracious!
And yet, you hurt this *love* of mine!
That's right, the boy that you just harmed, is mine…..’
The former Captain’s eyes widened as he realized what he’d just unleashed, “oh fuck….”
Varian smirked as he saw the fear in the man’s eyes as more black rocks sprouted from the ground, cutting the former captain’s connection with his traitorous guards:
‘I'm left without a choice, and without a doubt!
Guess the pack of wolves is swimming with the shark now!
I've gotta make you bleed, I need to see you plead!
But before you go, I need to make you learn how!
Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves!’
Quirin, Hector, Adira, and Edmund sang with him, more than willing to allow the teen to let out his frustrations:
(Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves)
Varian:
Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves,
Ourselves!
The alchemist flew over to the man and grabbed his shirt, forcing him to look directly at the teen:
‘You are the worst kind of bad 'cause you're not even brave….
A man who reeks of false righteousness, that's what I *hate*!
'Cause you fought, then you lied, but won't stay and you just fucking hide!
I mean, you totally could have avoided all this had you just been more kind,
But no….’
He let go of the former Captain’s shirt as memories of the man’s cruelty floated around him:
You are far too cruel, for this kingdom’s rule!
It's the final crack, we're bound to break the ice now!
You reveal your shame, then try to run!
So for you, I've got no mercy left to give 'cause
Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves!
Quirin, Hector, Adira, and Edmund:
(Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves)
Varian:
Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves!
Ourselves!’
He zipped over to the man and flicked his forehead, sending him flying into a wall, he broke Hugo’s handcuffs and then disappeared, reappearing right in front of the former Captain once more as he glared *daggers* at the man before he lifted him up using his magic:
‘And now it is *finally* time to face your crime, today you cry!
Unless, of course, you apologize,
For my love’s pain and our cries…’
The former Captain finally realized the severity of what he’s just done as he stared at the teen, he shook and shivered as he responded:
‘Varian, we meant no harm!
We only hurt him to disarm him,
We took no pleasure in his pain
We only wanted to restrain….’
The alchemist could feel everyone’s disgust at the man’s excuse as he floated around the man like a shark about to jump, his voice low and cold as ice:
‘The line between naïveté and hopefulness is almost invisible,
So close your eyes, the world is dark and
Ruthlessness is mercy….’
Varian got right next to the former Captain’s ears and whispered one word that sent chills down the man’s spine:
‘Suffer’
Beetlejuice laughed as he began to use every fear he could find from the traitor’s minds to scare them into near insanity as they screamed out for their captain, Varian merely forcing the former Captain to watch as he could do nothing to stop them while his words echoed around them:
‘Ruthlessness is mercy upon our- (Captain, Captain)
Ruthlessness is mercy upon our- (Captain, Captain)
Ruthlessness is mercy upon our- (Captain, Captain)
Ruthlessness is-!’
“That’s enough”, Varian stated, getting Beetlejuice to stop, the former captain winced when he saw his men shivering or fainted from all the fear as he looked at the teen:
‘What have you done?’
Varian smirked as he looked at the man while his family sang:
‘When does a ripple become a tidal wave?’
“All of them scare due to your command”
‘When does man become a monster?’
Varian floated in front of the former captain and glared at him:
‘I am your darkest moment,
The monster that always draws near!’
He smirked, “any last words?’
The former captain looked down in shame and fear, finally showing his remorse, “I accepted my crimes…. I’m sorry….”
“Good”, Varian stated before he allowed the man to be gently placed on the ground before he looked at Rapunzel, “you mind getting some guards over to arrest these traitors?”
The princess nodded before she, Lance, and a recovered Eugene took off to find someone as the alchemist looked bad at the former captain once more, singing the final notes to his song that made the man shiver:
‘Remember me….’
The group remained silent, even as the guards came and took each traitor away, including the former captain. After a few moments passed, Quirin looked up at Beetlejuice before he smiled, “thank you”
“No problem, like I said, that guy’s an asshole, and these two are my new bffs! I’ll help em if I need to”
Varian smiled at the demon as Hugo walked over and hugged his lover, “are you alright love?” He asked, returning the hug as the blond nodded silently, a little too startled to say anything, “ok, I’m here, you can lean on me for as long as you need”
The retired knight watched his two sons for a long time before he let out a sigh and looked at Beetlejuice again, “you may be a demon, but anyone who’s willing to do what you just did for my two sons has definitely earned a chance at the very least. So, I’m willing to give you that, I’d like to know you more, maybe become a friend as well, what do you say?”
Beetlejuice grinned excitedly before he nodded, “okay! We’ve got a daddy on bored, sweet! I’m gonna more best friends! Woo!” He exclaimed as he began to fly around in the air and do loops happily! Everyone chuckled as they watched him celebrate, all with smiles on their faces as their new friend cheered with joy!
Notes:
“Rutherlessness”, from Epic the Musical, a man named Jorge made it! Can’t remember his last name, but the soundtrack is one YouTube, please check it out! It’s so good and I need someone to geek out with over it!
Hello! :D
So, the former Captain finally got what was coming to him, and Beetlejuice earned Quirin’s trust! Hooray!
Varian also finally got to stand up for himself and for Hugo
If the traitorous guards confused you, it’s because they’re still loyal to the former captain, so instead of locking him up or making him work like the rest of the prisoners, they basically gave him free reign to do what he wants and watch out for him. Because of that, they’re all traitors. I don’t know if this came across well, so I’m explaining it here
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 508: An Awkward Conversation!
Summary:
Varian has a few questions for his father regarding his marriage and the honeymoon!
TRIGGER WARNING:
Please note that this chapter does contain an awkward conversation about Varian asking questions about certain sexual activities during a honeymoon. It’s normal ‘child asking parent how things work’ questions, but it’s a bit awkward, I don’t go into detail about certain parts on bodies or anything, but they do talk about general stuff, so you have been warned, reader desertion is advised
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
TRIGGER WARNING:
Please note that this chapter does contain an awkward conversation about Varian asking questions about certain sexual activities during a honeymoon. It’s normal ‘child asking parent how things work’ questions, but it’s a bit awkward, I don’t go into detail about certain parts on bodies or anything, but they do talk about general stuff, so you have been warned, reader desertion is advised
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group remained silent, even as the guards came and took each traitor away, including the former captain. After a few moments passed, Quirin looked up at Beetlejuice before he smiled, “thank you”
“No problem, like I said, that guy’s an asshole, and these two are my new bffs! I’ll help em if I need to”
Varian smiled at the demon as Hugo walked over and hugged his lover, “are you alright love?” He asked, returning the hug as the blond nodded silently, a little too startled to say anything, “ok, I’m here, you can lean on me for as long as you need”
The retired knight watched his two sons for a long time before he let out a sigh and looked at Beetlejuice again, “you may be a demon, but anyone who’s willing to do what you just did for my two sons has definitely earned a chance at the very least. So, I’m willing to give you that, I’d like to know you more, maybe become a friend as well, what do you say?”
Beetlejuice grinned excitedly before he nodded, “okay! We’ve got a daddy on bored, sweet! I’m gonna more best friends! Woo!” He exclaimed as he began to fly around in the air and do loops happily! Everyone chuckled as they watched him celebrate, all with smiles on their faces as their new friend cheered with joy!
****
“Hey dad”, Varian said softly, as he peeked inside his father’s room, the man was on his bed, covers pulled up to his chest as he smiled while writing in a journal
Looking up from his task, Quirin’s smiled widened, “hi Bubby, what are you doing here?” He asked, sitting up as his son walked in
“W-well…. I…. I had a few questions for you…. A-about marriage a-and what it entails and such…..”
“Marriage questions? I kinda figured this would come sooner or later, come on”, the retired knight scorched a little before he patted the bed, Varian smiling as he climbed into the spot his father had made for him as the Village Leader placed blankets over the teen, “where’s Hugo right now?”
“He’s fast asleep, Beetlejuice really takes it out of you when he’s excited”, the alchemist replied with a giggle, “plus I…. Kinda wanted this to be a private conversation”
“I see, alrighty then”, his father closed his journal and set up down on a nearby nightstand before looking back at his son, “what questions did you have?”
“W-well….. Um…. H-how do you stop the butterflies?”
“Butterflies?”
“I-in your stomach, they’re going crazy and have been ever since Hugo proposed to me”
Quirin chuckled, “unfortunately, those don’t stop until the wedding is over and some with, that’s why the honeymoon is so important, sort of a…. Relaxation party for the couple”
“Oh, s-so they’re normal?”
“Yeah, they’re normal, getting married is a big step in a relationship, means you’re ready to commit yourself to the person you love the most in this world, and that’s a stressful experience for anyone, so butterflies as pretty normal. Though, if I’m being honest, I think they’re also a good thing”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, if you have butterflies, it’s because you’re nervous about the wedding right?”
“Yeah”
“You’re worried something may go wrong?”
“Uh huh”
“Then that just shows how important it is to you, I’d be more nervous if you *weren’t* worried about getting married”
“Really?”
“Yeah, because if you weren’t worried, that’d either mean you weren’t taking this seriously, didn’t know what you were getting into and/or what getting married means, or were planning on walking away before it happened. Butterflies don’t feel great, but I’m glad they’re there, in a way, it shows you really care about what’s about to happen, and you’re, understandably, scared”
The little alchemist smiled at that thought, “huh, I guess butterflies are a good thing then, still though, they make my stomach hurt”
“Yeah sometimes they can get a little *too* frantic, try to remember your breathing exercises, and if you ever need to talk, you have multiple people willing to listen and help”
“Thanks dad”
“You’re welcome”, the retired knight said happily, when his son didn’t move however, he cocked his head to the side, “there something else?”
“Well…. Um…. There’s…. A couple things…. Dad…” the teen took a huge breath before he spoke at a million miles per second, “I have no idea what the theme for the wedding will be, I don’t know how to organize such an event, I don’t know where or when it’ll happen, I may explode if I have to wait for more than a year but I also don’t want it to happen way too fast, since we’re both boys then I don’t know who wears a dress or if we even *need* to wear a dress, how am I gonna keep an eye on Beetlejuice if I’m gonna be married, I don’t know how to write a vow, I don’t wanna mess anything up but I feel like I’m gonna and it’s gonna go horribly, I don’t want Hugo to feel like I don’t wanna marry him but I’m so nervous that I might actually throw up at the wedding, what do you serve at a wedding, what do you do at a reception, why are weddings so stressful, and WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO DURING OUR HONEYMOON?!” He took a breath before panting violently, once he’d calmed down he hid underneath the blanket and groaned. Quirin blinked before he suddenly started to laugh, startling the teen enough to cone out of hiding to stare at his father for a long time before he spoke up, “are… you laughing at me?”
“Ha ha, oh! Oh Bubby I’m sorry! Heh heh, it’s just, oh you’re so much like me it’s just too funny!” His father replied before taking a few breaths to calm himself, “heh, sorry, I don’t mean to laugh, it’s just, oh I used to have those same thoughts! In fact, when I proposed to your mother, I couldn’t stop thinking about everything you just asked”
“Really?”
“Really, I was so nervous about everything in the world that could go wrong that I ended up causing myself to have a panic attack the day of my wedding. I got so bad that I nearly fainted, the only reason I kept calm was because Adira had snuck in through the window to pay me an unexpected visit, she really calmed me down. I hadn’t seen her in years, and it was so nice to have her there and watching. Knowing she was there just made me feel so much better. But it didn’t stop the worries. I can help with that though”
“How?”
“Well…. Ah!” Quirin picked up his journal and flipped a few pages until he reached a blank sheet, he then wrote, ‘Bubby’s Wedding plan’ on the top of the page before smiling, “how about we get started on planning it. That way, you’ll feel a little better knowing a plan is in motion, and we could even get some stuff done”
“Wouldn’t Hugo need to be here for that?”
“Yeah, but see that’s the glory of writing it down, this isn’t set in stone, it’s just ideas, stuff we can go over with Hugo once he’s awake, they can be crossed out or added onto once we get his opinion, then we can start getting it all together”
The alchemist smiled at that, “oki, thank you so much dad”
“You’re welcome son, just remember, it’ll all be okay, because you’ve got your loved ones beside you every step of the way”
Varian hugged his father lovingly, the retired knight hugging him back. They stayed that way for a bit before letting go and grinning at each other before the freckled teen spoke, “I’m lucky to have you around”
“I’m lucky to have you”
The teen blinked before he leaned against his father’s shoulder, his knees coming up to his chest as he snuggled against his father, who chuckled, “oki, w-we have to start planning otherwise I’m gonna cry”, he stated, sniffling a little, “you’re too damn sweet dad”
Quirin laughed at that, “sorry”, he stated, wrapping an arm around his son, “we can plan, where do you wanna start?”
The alchemist sniffled before letting out a breath and looking at the journal, “w-well…. We could start with a theme, a-as much as I love Beetlejuice’s horror theme, it’s…. A b-bit too realistic for me”, the alchemist stated
“Agreed”, Quirin said with a shudder, “though we should probably have him do something, he wants to feel included”
“I definitely want him to help, maybe he could help with certain decorations, but we’d have to make it a differently themed wedding”
“Well, how about science?”
“Hee hee, I don’t know how that would look dad”
“Well, the drinks could have a bubbling effect, like a potion, the room could be different colors, to match the occasional explosions, there could be decorated science beakers as vases for flowers, little goodie bags with tiny potion lotions and snacks, the cake could be a giant layers cake that looks like you and Hugo’s lab, the reception could have fireworks and different colored lanterns to show the different kind of chemicals you and Hugo make, there could be some wrench looking cookies and screwdriver drinks, it’s an alcoholic beverage, there’s so much you can do with a science themed wedding”
Varian listened to his father, a little impressed by the man’s words, “you’re surprisingly good at planning weddings”
“I try my best”
“I really like that idea, but I also kinda wanna have a little fantasy in it”
“Fantasy?”
“Well…. Flynn Rider”
“Oooooh, I see”
Varian blushed, “it would be cool”
“I can see it, maybe we can mix the two, you could dress like Flynn Rider, Hugo could be…. Um….. Lance Strongbow?”
Varian giggled, “while I could definitely see that, Hugo wants to be in a dress”
“He does?”
“Yeah! He said he’s worn dresses before and while they’re not his go to outfit, he really wants to wear one for our wedding, says he wants to feel pretty”
Quirin smiled, “that boy is such a cutie”
“Right?! He’s so adorable!”
The retired knight chuckled, “so, how do we get a Flynn Rider theme with a dress?”
“Well…. I don’t know….”
Quirin snorted, “specific”
“Shush you”
The Village Leader chuckled as he wrote a few things down, one of them including, ‘Hugo in a dress’. The man smiled at that for a moment before he remembered something his son had brought up earlier, “um…. Bubby do you know what people do on their honeymoon?” Varian blushed beet red *instantly*, getting his father to laugh, “yes, yes you do”
“Daaaaaaaaaaad”
“I’m sorry, but you mentioned it before”
“I was hoping you wouldn’t remember that part”
“Hee hee, you’re such a bean”, the retired knight stated before he calmed himself, “do you…. Wanna talk about it? I’m willing to listen and try to give advice”
The alchemist let out a sigh, “as embarrassed as I am…. Yeah…. We should probably talk about it….. I…. I’ve never….. you know…”
“I know”
“S-so how am I supposed to…. Well…. *do* that?”
His father snorted, “well, without going into detail-!”
“EEP! NU!” Varian hid under the blankets again, getting his father to laugh
“Son y-you cahan’t keep dohohoing thahat”
“When you stop making me blush I’ll stop hiding!” Varian’s muffled voice exclaimed
Quirin snickered a little before he sighed, “oh you’re gonna kill me, honestly son, when it happens, it happens. Sure it’ll be… awkward at first, given how I don’t think Hugo’s done that before either, but you’ll be experiencing it, for the first time, together! It sounds odd, but the best thing you can do with that particular moment, is to just…. Let it come to you, naturally, he’ll be awkward too, and that’s okay”
The alchemist peeked out from underneath the covers, “you’re surprisingly calm about this”
“Well, you’re going to be married soon, it’s not as if you’re a child anymore, you’re an adult now, and while that thought makes me a little sad, because you’ll always be my baby boy, I know I can’t just avoid telling you about it. It’s good that you’re asking anyway, as awkward as it is, I’m glad you’re coming to me with questions, it helps to know that I can give you advice on how to be safe while doing that, which is important”
“I’m just worried I’ll mess up”
“Well, when it’s the first time, expect to mess up, it’s okay to do so, just be safe about it, which I know you and Hugo will”
Varian smiled at that as he fully came out of the blankets, “so…. How do you stay safe?”
“Use protection, I’ll help you buy some later on in the marketplace, that way you’ll know what to get, you should also talk to Hugo about certain things, boundaries and such, that way you two can understand each other’s feelings about the matter. And son, if you don’t want to during your honeymoon, tell him, and it’s the same for him if he doesn’t want to. Be open and honest with each other, that’s tied for the most important rule when it comes to this particular subject. Use protection, and only do it when you’re *both* ready”
Varian nodded, “oki, noted, I’ll talk to Hugo about it later on, see how he feels”
Quirin nodded and smiled, “good thinking, and you know, it’s okay to be afraid of your first time. Just take it slow and see how you two feel, you’ll figure it out eventually, everyone does in time”
The alchemist smiled, “it’s so weird to think that I’m old enough to talk about this, I didn’t think I’d…. Ever reach this point in my life. I always thought that I’d be with you forever, not that that’s a bad thing, I like being with you! But…. What will happen when we need to leave? What about buying a house together, a-and moving? What if we decide to adopt a child, how will we be able to do any of that?!”
“Easy Bubby, take it slow”, Quirin stated softly, “first off, you don’t have to worry about leaving, you and Hugo can stay with me for as long as you two need, when you’re ready, I’ll help you find a place. Second, moving won’t be an issue, you have loads of people to help with that. Third, should you ever want to adopt a child, I happen to know of two very happy men that have been in orphanages before that would be more than willing to help you with that, also”, he placed his forehead gently on Varian’s and smiled, “you’ll be an amazing father, that’s something I know for sure”
The alchemist blinked before he smiled and hugged his father lovingly, “I love you dad”
“I love you too son”, Quirin replied, hugging Varian back as he smiled happily, neither of them noticing the red head standing nearby, a smile on her freckled face as a grey haired women stood beside her, sharing the same grin as they watch the duo happily
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, Varian and Quirin have a tiny talk about marriage and stuff, I’ve honestly been wanting to tackle this chapter in particular because Varian asking his dad for advice is just adorable to me! ❤️🎶
That being said, they do talk about some awkward stuff, let me say this, I’m asexual, I know very little about this kind of thing, I’m writing this based off of what I’ve been told before and also research I’ve done on how this conversation would normally go. But please know that I am in no way, an expert. Please talk to your own guardians, and do your own research, take what I say with a huge mountain of salt
Also, just to calm everyone’s nerves, there will NOT be a chapter of Hugo and Varian’s honeymoon, that’s private, between two science beans, plus I feel insanely uncomfortable with even the *idea* of writing a chapter like that, so it won’t happen, sorry to anyone who wants that
With that being said, thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 509: Hugo Gets Down with the Sickness!
Summary:
Hugo gets extremely sick!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey Goggles”, Eugene stated as he knocked on, and opened, the alchemist’s bedroom door, “are you busy today? I was kinda h-! Woah”, the man looked around the room and saw the disaster it was, different articles of clothing spread on the floor, a thermometer on the nightstand in a glass of water, tissues piled up in a trash bin next to the bed, that’s where he found the alchemist, standing beside the bed, in his pjs, “um….. Varian?”
The freckled teen turned around, his eyes had bags underneath them, he had tear stains going down his cheeks, and he looked like he hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep as he stared at his big brother, “Eugene…”
“Holy moly kid, what happened?”
“Hugo… he’s sick…..” The teen replied
“He’s…. What?”
“Sick….”
Eugene walked over and froze when he saw the blond, he was pale, sweating profusely, his eyes were closed, but he definitely wasn’t asleep, he was clutching his stomach with a pained expression on his face. The man gave the inventor a sympathetic look before he turned to Varian, “what happened?”
“He woke up in the middle of the night, said his stomach hurt. I told him to go the privy to see if maybe there was an issue there. He did, and I heard some odd noises, so I went over to see if he was alright when he popped out, paler than a ghost, and said he’d thrown up…. I got him back in bed and was gonna get dad, when he told me not to, said he’d be okay until everyone was awake…. That’s…. When he slapped a hand over his mouth…. I grabbed the trash bin and he threw up again…. He managed to get it all out, but started to shiver… I covered him with a blanket and cleaned up the bin, grabbing tissues, the water, and the thermometer in the process. Took his temperature, he has a fever of 102 degrees…. Gave him any and all tissues he needed, and helped him drink the water until he refused to, he keeps throwing it up…. So that became the thermometer’s new home as I stayed by his side and just waited….”
“Aw bean…. You could’ve gotten me, I would’ve helped”
“I didn’t wanna leave him….”
“I understand, but now that I’m awake, and I can assure you everyone else is too, you want me to go get your dad?”
“Yes please…. I d-don’t know how to help him a-anymore….” The alchemist admitted, tears coming to his eyes as he stared at his lover, worry making his eyes glow
“Ok, hey, you’ve done a good job so far, just take care of him for a little longer while I grab your dad, okay?”
“O-oki”, the freckled teen said with a tired sniffle
Eugene hugged Varian before he immediately went down to grab Quirin
****
The retired knight smiled as he cleaned the dishes, humming a tune to himself while he did before hearing his king chuckle, “you’re so cute Quirin”, Edmund stated
“Hm?” The Village Leader turned to look at his father figure, “what do you mean?”
“Humming, cleaning dishes after cooking such a lovely meal, smile on your face the entire morning, it’s cute! You’re just so happy, makes me smile I suppose”
The Village Leader blushed and chuckled, “well I’m glad you find my shenanigans cute”
Edmund grinned before he saw his son burst into the kitchen, “hello Eugene!”
“Hey dad, um… Quirin we have a situation”, the Dark Prince stated immediately, grabbing Quirin’s attention as the man turned to look at him
“What’s wrong?” The retired knight asked, drying his hands, “did Varian, and/or Hugo, have a nightmare?”
“No, but they’re kinda living one right now, Hugo’s sicker than a dog and Varian stayed up all night taking care of him”
“What?!”
“Yeah, puke, fever of 102 degrees, sweaty, chills, paler than a ghost, and so chalk full of anxiety that he begged his fiancé not to wake anyone for fear of upsetting all of us”
“Oh Hugo….”
“Help”
“Right, let me ge-! Hi Beetlejuice”
“Heya, heard there was trouble”, the demon stated as he was floating in the air, a bunch gag gifts in his arms, “need assistance?”
“If by, assistance, you mean, not using any of those right now, yes”
The demon noticed the gag gifts and blushed before they disappeared, “eheh, sorry, was gonna go on a prankin spree with Hugo and/or Hector later, though one of those choices seems to be unavailable, here”, the green haired spirit pulled out a gigantic medkit from his pocket and snapped his fingers, wearing a nurse’s outfit, “better?”
Despite the current situation, the Village Leader chuckled, “actually yes, is… is that real?” He asked, pointing to the medkit
“Yeah, chalk full of supplies”, the demon stated, opening it up to show professional looking equipment
“Good, we’ll need it, this too”, the Village Leader grabbed another medkit as Beetlejuice closed his, “can never be too sure about what you may need”
“True”
The retired knight smiled at the demon gratefully before looking at Eugene, “take me to them?”
“Yeah, follow me”, Eugene replied before he, Quirin, Edmund, and Beetlejuice walked, or floate-walk-Flo-Beetlejuice, stick with the story please
“Hehe”, the demon chuckled before he *walked* out of the kitchen….. before floating up the stairs, doggonit….
****
Quirin was about to head to his son’s room when he stopped, “Varian?”
The alchemist turned to look at his father, “hi daddy….” He’d been crying as he sat next to the privy, which had its door closed, Ruddigar sitting on his teen’s lap
“Bubby, what happened?” His father asked, kneeling beside him
“A-after Eugene left, Hugo’s eyes shot o-open and he s-started to puke…. I-it was a lot this time…. B-but there was nothing in his stomach….. s-so he dry heaved for a bit….. The s-sound…..” the alchemist shook a little as he remembered his boyfriend’s whimpers of pain after he’d finished, “once he was done, h-he laid back in bed…. A-and took a sip of water…. B-but apparently his stomach didn’t like that, b-because he started to p-puke again and….. h-he made a mess…. I t-told him it was okay, b-but he was embarrassed a-and so upset…. S-so I cleaned it up, a-and he went to take a bath…. I-I heard him puking again, b-but I didn’t wanna intrude…. B-but I don’t know w-what to do….. S-so…”
“So you sat out here and cried because anxiety sucks”, Quirin finished
“Uh huh….”
“Oh Bubby…. It’s gonna be okay”, he scooped his son into his arms and held him close
“H-he’s really sick dad…. W-worse than me…. A-and he can’t k-keep anything d-down, I’ve n-never seen someone d-fry heave before, a-a-and-!”
“Easy bean, it’s okay, it’s alright, you did a good job with what you had”, his father soothed, rubbing his son’s back, “take it easy now, we’re here, we’ll help Hugo”
Varian hugged his father, latching onto his vest, clinging to it like Quirin would disappear if he didn’t
Edmund walked over to the privy and gently knocked, “Hugo, we won’t come in if you’re not decent, but are you alright at least?”
There was a moment of silence before a small voice crept to the door, “y-yeah….” It was weak and horse, making everyone even Beetlejuice, flinch
“Are you in the tub?” Edmund asked
“Uh huh….”
“Ok, when you’re done in there, one of us will be out here to help you, you’ll go to the living room okay, we’ll have a little set up for you, is that okay?”
“O-okay…”
“Ok, it’ll be alright butter nut, just hang in there”
Hugo didn’t respond after that, but a few tub noises later told the group that he was relaxing, with a nod, Edmund looked at Quirin, who smiled, “thank you”, the Village Leader said softly
“You’re welcome, I can go set up the couch pallet if you’d like”
“That’d be perfect, I’ll keep this one calm for now. Eugene, do you mind waiting by the door to help Hugo? Beetlejuice you as well?”
“Can do”, the Dark Prince replied as Beetlejuice saluted the retired knight
“Thank you both, very much, for now, I think someone needs a change of clothing and some breakfast”, Quirin stated, looking at Varian, who was still clinging to his vest
Edmund smiled with the alchemist peeked at his father, his hair blocking most of his face, but one eye escaped the black locks. He went downstairs after that, his smile widening when he saw Adira and Hector had already set up the couch pallet as Rapunzel, who seemed to be in charge of their tiny team, placed a cup of water on the table next to the couch while Lance set the trash bin down, “hello”, he said to the group
“Hello”, the princess replied, “we heard about the situation”
“How?”
“Apparently Beetlejuice has mind powers”, Hector stated, “fun party trick if I’m honest”
Edmund chuckled, “very fun, anything I can do?”
“I’m makin soup, do you mind checking on it?” Lance asked, “I’m still currently working on the devastation that is Varian’s room”
“Got it”, the Dark King replied before he set off to the kitchen
****
A few minutes later, Quirin came down with a very tired looking Varian in his arms, the alchemist had fallen asleep. The retired knight placed him in their arm chair and covered him with a blanket and his own vest before helping prepare the inventor’s temporary sleeping arrangement. After an hour or two, Eugene walked down, he was holding a very weak looking Hugo, Beetlejuice floated behind the two, his usually grinning face was laced with worry, somehow, that scared Quirin more than anything else as he gently took Hugo out of Eugene’s arms and set him on the couch, covering him with blankets and placing a rag on his head before kneeling by Hugo’s side
The blond didn’t fight it, in fact, he looked all but drained from this experience, barely moving, his eyes were half open as he looked blankly at his surroundings. The retired knight recognized that look and sighed, “you need sleep”, he stated gently, “you’ve been up all night too huh?”
Hugo nodded
“You poor bean…. Varian’s sleeping right over there”, he pointed to the arm chair the alchemist was in, “so he’ll be by your side throughout this whole thing. Lance has some soup for you later, for now, how about you rest hm?”
The blond didn’t argue as his eyes closed slowly, his head lulling to one side as he finally gave in to sleep. The retired knight let out a small sigh before he stood up, “thanks for your help everyone”, he stated
They all nodded before Edmund looked at the blond, “this is a bad one….”
“You’re not kidding…. I may need to take some time off work…. I don’t want to leave either of them like this”
“I already sent a letter to my mom, she’ll take care of getting your coverage”, Rapunzel stated with a smile, “once we heard that Hugo was sick, I kinda figured you’d want to be off for it”
Quirin smiled at the princess, “thank you”
“You’re welcome, she also said she’d send both Mr and Mrs. Solace here too, they should be coming soon”
“Double thank you”, the retired knight replied, getting the princess to smile as he turned to look at the blond once again, “I’ve never seen him sick before, so I’m not entirely sure what we’re in for”
“The lady with the grey hair may be able to help”, Beetlejuice stated
“Adira has silver hair”, Hecto pointed out
“Not her, the other lady, trust me, that shade ain’t silver”, the demon stated
The room was confused for a moment before Eugene blinked, “he’s talking about Donella”, when everyone looked at him, he smiled, “she’s standing beside Hugo, guess she realized he was sick and decided to watch over him”
“That would explain the hair mistake”, Adira said softly
“How… how can Beetlejuice see her?” Raounzel asked
“I told Varian that I could see dead people, just, they look like all of you, save for the Netherworld escapees”, the demon stated
“Oh, right, I forgot about that”
“Wait, you also mentioned you could hear them too, right?” Quirin asked, when Beetlejuice nodded he smiled, “can you tell us what she’s saying?”
“I can do ya one better”, the demon stated with a smirk before he snapped his fingers. Suddenly, a bright flash of light filled the room before dimming, everyone winced a little as their ears rang. Once the noise had stopped, they opened their eyes
“What the hell?” Lance stated, rubbing his eyes, “what was that for?” He asked
“My that was risky”, someone stated, “you know that can damage their ears right?”
“Not if ya do it right”, the demon replied
“I hope, for your sake, that you did”
“I know I did”
“How can you be sure?”
“Who….. Is… is that….” Eugene began before he finally opened his eyes, “can…. Can we hear you?” He asked
“Can you?”
“Holy shit!”
“So that’s a yes”
“Hehe”, Beetlejuice chuckled
“Woah! The fuck?” Hector looked around before spotting the grey haired woman standing beside Hugo, “woah! …..Well fuck me, you really *are* here”
“That prove to ya that I can make em see and hear you?” Beetlejuice asked
“It did”, Donella replied with a nod, “though, you didn’t just show them me”
“They’ll see that in a second”
The rest of the group finally opened their eyes, once they’d adjusted back to normal, they all turned to look at Donella, “woah”, Lance said, “so is this what you see Eugene?”
“Yeah, well, her and a few others”, the Dark Prince replied, “though I’ve never heard them before”
“Didn’t you say you’ve spoken with a spirit without knowing they were one?” Rapunzel asked
“Every ghost has their own set of rules”, Beetlejuice stated, “it takes a bit of energy to talk normally to someone when you’re a ghost, sometimes, they can only speak to you in dreams”
“Varian…. He mentioned Ulla when he was turning into a full bird, and then again when he slept”, Quirin stated
“This chickadee can talk to people through dreams too”, the demon stated, gesturing to Donella
“Speaking of, hi”, Rapunzel said
“Hello”, Donella replied
“Oh right, we can actually see and hear her now, um…. What do you say to the dead?” Lance asked
“The same thing you’d say to the living”, Donella replied
Beetlejuice snickered at that, “she ain’t wrong, dead people are just like you, only deader”
“Morbid, but we’ll roll with it, so, hi, I’m guessing you know why we’re all standing around your kid”, Eugene stated, Donella nodded as she looked at Hugo, her eyes were laced with worry as she watched the teen sleep, “can you tell us…. Has he…. Been this sick before?”
“Unfortunately…. Hugo rarely gets sick, he’s got a very high functioning immune system, however, when he *does* get sick, it’s bad…. Medical room worthy in fact…. A stomach flu for him could be the difference between life and death if not treated properly”
“So this, him being this bad, it’s normal?” Eugene asked
“Unfortunately….”
“Damn kid…. You poor thing….”
“So what can we expect?” Quirin asked, cutting straight to the point, “hallucinations, puking, hot and cold flashes, all of the above?”
“All of the above”, Donella stated, “he needs medicine, but the princess mentioned the doctors coming, they’ll recommend some that’ll help. Ask them for a higher dosage though, he’ll need it”
“Noted”
“Aside from that, keep him comfortable, make sure he eats, all the obvious stuff, he’s got the stomach flu right now, I’ve seen these signs, if he starts to refuse any and all food and drink, even unhealthy ones that he loves, that’s when you worry”
“Not to be coy here but, ain’t that normal when people are sick with stomach flu?” Lance asked
“Yes, but not for Hugo, as much as you’ll all hate me for saying this, he’s a very obedient kid, you give him something to eat, he’ll eat it, no question, same with drinks, he’ll drink it, even if he knows it’ll make him throw up later, he knows it’s better to have something in your stomach, while sick, than nothing, Varian mentioned him drinking water after he dry heaved, that’s why”
“Got it, thank you for the info”
“You’re welcome, though I don’t plan on leaving”
“That’s fine”, Quirin stated, “maybe you can settle something then”
“Hm? Settle what exactly?”
“Me”, a quiet voice stated
Donella blinked before she turned and was face to face with Adira. The face painted warrior didn’t seem angry, in fact, she didn’t seem to feel anything at all, her face was neutral, however, she seemed to be visibly shaken in Hector’s protective stance next to her was anything to go by. Donella was quiet for a moment or two before she let out a small sigh before giving the women a sad look, “hello Adira”
“Hi”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I typed this up quickly because I couldn’t get this idea of Varian and co taking care of Hugo out of my head. I feel like Hugo is one of those people who will never usually get sick due to a high immune system, but when he does, it’s really freaking bad!
Poor Varian needs to take care of him, but the little bean is more than a little tired and stressed
Also, Beetlejuice keeps messing with the writing XD this man is well aware that he’s in this fic and has decided to make it his mission to mess with me anytime I write him, he’s a stinker he really is.
Beetlejuice: gotta make it more interesting for the folks out there!
Boi! This is the summary, what are you doing?
Beetlejuice: exactly what I said, makin it more interesting
XD Beetlejuice XD
Anyway, thank you all so much for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 510: Hugo Gets with the Sickness! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Adira and Donella talk, the White Lady appears, and Beetlejuice helps!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Oh right, we can actually see and hear her now, um…. What do you say to the dead?” Lance asked
“The same thing you’d say to the living”, Donella replied
Beetlejuice snickered at that, “she ain’t wrong, dead people are just like you, only deader”
“Morbid, but we’ll roll with it, so, hi, I’m guessing you know why we’re all standing around your kid”, Eugene stated, Donella nodded as she looked at Hugo, her eyes were laced with worry as she watched the teen sleep, “can you tell us…. Has he…. Been this sick before?”
“Unfortunately…. Hugo rarely gets sick, he’s got a very high functioning immune system, however, when he *does* get sick, it’s bad…. Medical room worthy in fact…. A stomach flu for him could be the difference between life and death if not treated properly”
“So this, him being this bad, it’s normal?” Eugene asked
“Unfortunately….”
“Damn kid…. You poor thing….”
“So what can we expect?” Quirin asked, cutting straight to the point, “hallucinations, puking, hot and cold flashes, all of the above?”
“All of the above”, Donella stated, “he needs medicine, but the princess mentioned the doctors coming, they’ll recommend some that’ll help. Ask them for a higher dosage though, he’ll need it”
“Noted”
“Aside from that, keep him comfortable, make sure he eats, all the obvious stuff, he’s got the stomach flu right now, I’ve seen these signs, if he starts to refuse any and all food and drink, even unhealthy ones that he loves, that’s when you worry”
“Not to be coy here but, ain’t that normal when people are sick with stomach flu?” Lance asked
“Yes, but not for Hugo, as much as you’ll all hate me for saying this, he’s a very obedient kid, you give him something to eat, he’ll eat it, no question, same with drinks, he’ll drink it, even if he knows it’ll make him throw up later, he knows it’s better to have something in your stomach, while sick, than nothing, Varian mentioned him drinking water after he dry heaved, that’s why”
“Got it, thank you for the info”
“You’re welcome, though I don’t plan on leaving”
“That’s fine”, Quirin stated, “maybe you can settle something then”
“Hm? Settle what exactly?”
“Me”, a quiet voice stated
Donella blinked before she turned and was face to face with Adira. The face painted warrior didn’t seem angry, in fact, she didn’t seem to feel anything at all, her face was neutral, however, she seemed to be visibly shaken, if Hector’s protective stance, next to her, was anything to go by. Donella was quiet for a moment or two before she let out a small sigh before giving the women a sad look, “hello Adira”
“Hi”
The two looked at each other for a bit before the grey haired women spoke again, “we never really did discuss what happened between us as children did we”
“No, we didn’t”
“Well…. I can understand if you’re angry with me. It isn’t as if I’ve given you any reason not to be”
“True, you left me behind to be tortured by that man, then you killed my brother’s wife out of anger and jealousy, threatened my family, beat a poor innocent boy into submission, and nearly death, and then never once spoke with me or even tried when you were still around, only leaving me a small, ‘I’m sorry’ in a journal that didn’t belong to you….. that’s not even including the fact that you poisoned my prince, harmed my nephew in more ways than one, and made my brother cry, yeah, I’d say I have plenty of reason to be mad at you”, the face painted warrior stated, watching Donella wince at every word she spoke, “but as much as I hate what you’ve done…. I… can’t hate you…. And I don’t know why”
The grey haired woman blinked before looking at Adira, “what?”
The face painted warrior sighed, “you did so many horrible things in your life, but you also felt ashamed, faced your punishment, protected and was forgiven by the boy you beat and nearly killed, and then died in a horrible way by a man that’s far worse than you…. Plus you did get save me…. You and Ulla were the reason I noticed Quirin in the bushes when I was 4…. Had you not told her about me, she wouldn’t have helped….. and had you not taken her away from her abusive home, she never would’ve met my brother and I wouldn’t have been saved nor would I have had a nephew….. So even though you were cruel and horrid, I can’t hate you….. My mind keeps rationalizing what you’ve done with all the good that came from it…. I wish I could hate you, it would be so much easier to do so, to look at you and only wish pain on your soul would be nothing short of satisfying for the pain you caused. But…. When you died I was sad…. When Hugo saw you as a spirit I related to his pain….. Why can’t I hate you? I want to…. But I can’t…..”
The grey haired woman was startled before she let out a small breath, “it’s the same reason why I can’t hate Quirin….. I did for a while, I hated his guts, but….. He made Ulla happy….. He helped her boy grow and made him smile everyday…. Hugo found love in her boy, something he wouldn’t have been able to do had I taken him and adopted him myself….. Hugo was strong enough to get away from me because Quirin taught his boy how to be strong enough to stand up for him….. I hated Quirin for taking Ulla away, even thought of him like Ulla’s father, the damn farmer…. But….. after I saw how happy Hugo was, my hate melted away…. It’s because the people we care about more were affected positively by the negative things that occurred to us….. You care about Varian more, so Hugo being strong and being there for him, maybe that helped sway your heart a little…. I won’t tell you that what I did was right, because I know it wasn’t… I left a 4 year old to handle that disgusting man alone, knowing fully well that he would be harsher to you without me there, I did harm and abuse an innocent child, and he still reaps the horrors of my treatment of him….. I still killed Ulla….. But good things came out of it. I won’t tell you not to hate me, in fact, I wish you could, but…. If that’s the question you want to ask, that’s my answer”
Adira was quiet for a moment, taking that into consideration before she spoke again, “King Edmund tried to attack the Moonstone and sent us all away from our home, yet because he did, Quirin got a family, I got to go on adventures that I love to think about, and Hector got more in tune with animals like he’s always wanted, and we all got a nephew and our prince back from that. Varian attacked Old Corona and caused harm, but because he did, Rapunzel got to go on adventures outside of Corona for the first time, have new experiences, Eugene found out where he came from through that adventure, I got reunited with my younger brother and king again because of that adventure, and when Varian came back to the good side, he got his father back and their relationship prospered for the better for it….. I guess that makes sense, bad things happened, but more good came out of them, he said that once….”
“He?”
“Varian, he told that to my king, he’s said it to Quirin too. Is that really the reason?” She looked at Donella again, searching for something to hate, anything to latch onto, that’s when her eyes widened, “it’s part of it…. You changed”
“Changed?”
“You got better, Speckles did as well, and so did my king. You were abusive and horrid before, now you protected that child you abused, cared for him even after death, and watch over him to this day. Varian was angry and lashed out because of it, harming many. But now he’s saved Corona more than once, helped the princess make it better, helped the Prince find more connections to the Dark Kingdom and his heritage with Quirin, and is actively working on himself to get better. King Edmund destroyed an entire kingdom and kicked us out, but he reunited with all of us when he realized his mistakes, he apologized over and over, made up for what he’s done by being the parent we needed, and has saved and protected us from harm ever since then. You all changed, no wonder I don’t hate you, you’re not that same person who deserves my hatred. You’re different…. I guess I figured that out before I realized it had, and it left me confused”
The grey haired woman was startled by that, before she chuckled, “I guess that makes sense”
The face painted warrior nodded, “it’s true, that’s the reason. Though I haven’t fully forgiven what happened between us, you’re not the same person you once were, even now, you’re still changing, Beetlejuice said only those with the purest intentions can come back from paradise to become a guardian to their loved ones, and you’re Hugo’s”
“Hey you remembered!” The demon in question exclaimed happily
“Did you think I’d forget?”
“Well, not many people actually remember what I say, kinda goes in one ear and out the other”
“I’ve had similar experiences, I can relate”
“Heh”
Adira’s smiled at Beetlejuice before looking at Donella again, “you still feel horrible for what you’ve done, don’t you?”
“Yes, everyday…..” the grey haired women replied
“Good, you should, but you’ve changed for the better, and that’s also good”
“I’m still sorry for what I did to you…. It wasn’t right”
“No it wasn’t, but things got better for me, I won’t forget, and I’m still trying to forgive, but know that I harbor no hatred towards you, just keep helping him”, she nodded to Hugo, who was still asleep, “ok?”
Donella nodded, “ok, I will”
Adira nodded before giving the women a small smile before she looked at Hector, “you’re gonna have a panic attack if you keep tensing up like that you know”
“Fuck you”, the wild tamer stated, but he calmed down
She smirked, “I love you too Hector”
He huffed, getting her to chuckle before she noticed something, “hey, is…. That a spirit?”
Beetlejuice looked over to where she was looking and nodded, “yup, what do you see?”
“A lady, but she’s glowing white”
“Wait, glowing white?” Edmund asked, “wasn’t there a white lady that the little peanut was telling us about in your home Quirin?”
“The White Lady!” Rapunzel exclaimed before clapping her hands over her mouth and looking at the two scientists, they didn’t stir, though Varian did shift a little, curling up and hugging Quirin’s vest a little closer to his chest, but that was it, the princess blushed, “sorry”, she whispered
“It’s okay, they thankfully didn’t wake up”, the retired knight stated, smiling at his snuggly son before he looked at the white lady, “that’s definitely her”
Beetlejuice quirked a brow, “you still see her glowing?”
“Yeah”, the princess replied as the group’s attention now shifted to the spirit
“Huh, weird, do you know why?” The demon asked as he looked at the white lady
Suddenly, Quirin gasped as a very familiar voice spoke to the demon, “I’m not sure, the phenomenon is quite interesting, possibly because this was once my home?”
The demon hummed, “nah, I think it’s just bad reception. Didn’t you say you were kinda split?”
“Yes, from here and somewhere else, perhaps my form is just unable to show itself properly like Donnie, so I look like a glowing spirit”
“that’s odd, cause Varian said he could see you before”
“Yes he did, but I think he’s only seen me through his Moon powers, he, Hugo, and Eugene were brought back to life through the Moonstone and Sundrop, so it makes sense that they could see me clearly that way, the two celestial beings may have just helped them see me clearer”
“Probably, like I said, I could help with that”
“How?” She and Donella asked at the same time, getting the two to look at the grey haired woman
“I…. I-if there’s a way you can be freed from there…. Then…. That would be wonderful…..” Donella explained, making Quirin’s eyes grow wider as Edmund gasped with realization
Beetlejuice smirked, “I could use my powers to free the other half of her, but do *you* plan on giving me something in return? I can’t do everything for free ya know”
Donella looked at him, glaring angrily for a moment before she sighed, “what do you want?”
“…..Fix him”, Beetlejuice stated before pointing to Hugo
Donella looked at the teen, “I can’t fix him immediately, I can help nurse him back to good health”
“That’s fine, just fix him”, the demon repeated
Donella blinked, “why do you care so much for Hugo? Do you plan on using him?”
The demon growled at the woman, his eyes glowing for a moment, “listen bitch, he’s my pal, that’s all I care about. Him and Varian are both struggling, but Varian just needs to rest, Hugo’s close to fucking dying right now. From my understanding, you’re the only person who’s been able to make sure he’s fucking safe, so fix him, make him feel better, even if it’s just a little. Don’t question me on why I want him fixed, it’s wasting time, which he has very little of! His fucking shivers went up and he’s sweating more, FIX HIM!”
The grey haired woman blinked, a little startled before she looked over at Hugo, “how did I not notice that?”
“Because you weren’t paying attention, now come *on*”, the demon pushed
Donella walked over and needed beside the teen, she noticed his face was flushed and he looked paler than before, “he needs to puke”
“I said fix him, don’t make him worse”
“Puking will help ‘fix him’, he’s got bacteria in his stomach that his body wants out, but he needs water or something to help. Otherwise he’ll just dry heave, he needs to puke, water, food, something”
“Oh! Here!” Rapunzel ran into the kitchen before coming back with a slice of bread, “me and Eugene got some from the market earlier, its sweet bread, but it may do the trick”
Donella nodded, “I’m not corporeal, so you’ll have to feed him yourself, but that should make him puke”
“I’ll do it”, Quirin said, “just in case there’s any splashing and so I can be there to hold his hair back and such”
The princess nodded before handing the bread to the farmer. He walked over and kneeled down, managing to get Hugo to eat the bread in his sleep, helping him chew and swallow. He then grabbed the trash bin nearby and waited, it took only a few seconds before the inventor’s eyes shot open and he clapped a hand over his mouth. He sat up straight and looked around frantically, “easy Hugo, easy, here”, Quirin held the bin up for the teen
Hugo took it instantly, right as he did, he puked, everyone turned away, including Beetlejuice, the only one that didn’t was Quirin, who rubbed Hugo’s back as he kept the teen’s hair out of his face. After a few moments, the blond finished and flopped back onto the couch, completely drained from the experience. Quirin caught the bin, Lance took it and he and Eugene began to replace the bag inside as the retired knight thanked them and turned his attention to the blond, “feel a little better?”
Hugo’s eyes opened slightly as the old farmer wiped his mouth with a tissue, the blond didn’t say anything for a moment before he nodded, “s-sorry….”
“It’s okay, you’re sick, it happens”
Hugo’s eyes closed as tears dripped down his face, Donella winced as she stepped forwards, “Hugo….” She said softly
The blond’s eyes opened once again, and he looked directly at her, “D-Don?”
The grey haired woman was startled before she looked over at Beetlejuice, “what? I said they can *all* hear and see you, that includes my two bffs”, the demon stated
Donella smiled at that before she looked back at the teen, “hey Hugo”, she replied
“You can talk?” The blond asked innocently, she chuckled and winced at the same time, his question was cute, but his voice was very horse
“Yes I can, always could, you just couldn’t hear me, your bff fixed that”
“Bf-! …..Beetlejuice?”
“Yeah”
“He let me hear you?”
“And let everyone else see and hear me too, yes, how do you feel?”
“Ugh…..”
“Naturally, but better than before?”
“…..A little…. Yeah”
She nodded, “good, you need to rest you know”
“Are you gonna stay?”
Donella smiled, “of course”
Hugo smiled back at her, “I miss you”
“I miss you too”
“You’re not a hallucination right?”
“Actually no, I’m the real Donella, you’re awake right now”
“Good, I don’t want this to be fake…. Where’s Freckles?”
“He’s sleeping in our armchair Hugo”, Quirin replied gently, getting the inventor to look up at him
“Oh, is he okay?”
“He’s alright, just sleepy, and worried about you of course”
“Mm….” The blond shuffled on the couch a little, trying to get comfortable before he finally settled, “Liv…. Liv?” He dug into his pocket and found the mechanical mouse, she blinked before running his cheek and nuzzling him lovingly, “Liv”
“Still have your little mouse friend, heh, you hid her well, I’m glad you did”, Donella stated
Hugo smiled up at her, “you like her?”
“She’s very beautiful”
The mouse in questions looked up at the women, a little startled by her words before she hopped onto Hugo’s shoulder and huffed at Donella
“That’s appropriate”, the grey haired woman chuckled, “I really didn’t give you much to like”
Hugo smirked at Olivia before he noticed something behind Donella, “Beetlejuice”
“Heya pal, you okay?” The demon asked
“Yeah, I’m…. W-well not perfect, but okay”
Beetlejuice winced a little, “your voice is real squeaky”
“It’s gonna be, I must sound like a mouse right now”
“Kinda, not entirely but kinda, you look a little better than before which is good, don’t fucking scare me like that though! You’re supposed to be the one I worry about the *least*! That’s how this story is *supposed* to go!”
Hugo chuckled, “sorry”
“I’ll forgive you once you’re better”
“Fair enough”, Hugo replied with a smile, “thanks Beetlejuice, you help a lot”
The demon was startled by that before he smiled back at the teen, “you’re welcome, hey, when you’re better, you, me, Varian, and Hector are gonna go prank people, yeah?”
“Heh, yeah, let’s do th-! Wait, Hector? Is he a bff too?”
“Yeah! That’s okay right?”
“That’s fine, just startled you like him so much”
“He’s an angry man that curses a lot and punches people to solve his problems, I can relate”
“Hell yeah”, Hector stated with a smirk
Hugo giggled, coughing a little, but he smiled all the same. That made the demon grin before he looked at Donella, “you kept your end of the deal”, he snapped his fingers and the room filled with some light, “so here’s mine”
The White Lady’s form seemed to shift and change as everyone watched her. It took a few seconds, but finally, something made of equal light joined her form, it shimmered and shook for a moment before the light faded, the White Lady’s glow fading as well, leaving a red headed, freckled faced, blue eyed, female in its place, she wore black boots, a teal dress, white apron, and blue pants, she smiled happily as everyone gasped when the rest of the room realized who she was, “hello!” She said happily
Quirin smiled as Hugo blinked, “no way”, he stated, as the retired knight walked over to her
The Village Leader’s eyes never dropped, they filled with tears as he reached her, her grin widened as she watched him, tears coming to her eyes as well. His voice was quiet, but filled to the brim with love and warmth as he spoke to her for the first time in 12 years “welcome home, Ulla”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Donella and Adira finally got to talk about things!!!!!! Honestly, Adira being at odds with herself over Donella makes the most sense because Adira really isn’t a vengeful person, she more just wants them to be punished, she’s a justice kinda girl, which I can respect, through Cyrus may be an exception to that rule
The White Lady’s identity is finally revealed, I had a bigger plan for her, but I didn’t really pan out, so I ended up doing this instead, her identity was never not going to be Ulla, I just had a way of doing that to where her form would be shown in a different way. Either way, Ulla’s finally free from the library :D
If how her form looks is odd to everyone, here’s an explanation:
She was split in-between her home and the library, thus her form at home was, as Beetlejuice said, having a bad connection. The reason Varian, Hugo, and Eugene could see her clearly is because they were given their vision when they came back from death. Not only does the Moon and Sun help with that, but they technically died, like her, so they’d be able to see her perfectly.
Donella didn’t say it, but she could see Ulla perfectly since she’s dead too, she just knew she was partially stuck in the library because she was the one that trapped her there. Beetlejuice basically just pulled that part of Ulla out of the library and reunited her together. Making her whole and able to be seen the way she was meant to be!
VAT7K would be over in 2 seconds had Beetlejuice just been there XD
Hugo moment with Donella, the boy missed his adopted mother, they made up and he still loves her, she still loves him too. Sick bean gets comfort because he deserves them
Varian’s gonna wake up soon 😊
Quirin ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Quirin getting reunited with his wife is what I’ve always wanted to see in fics, so I wrote how they could still see each other without completely changing the plot or Tangled! 😁🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 511: Family Reunion! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Ulla is given a gift by Beetlejuice and Varian wakes up!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The demon was startled by that before he smiled back at the teen, “you’re welcome, hey, when you’re better, you, me, Varian, and Hector are gonna go prank people, yeah?”
“Heh, yeah, let’s do th-! Wait, Hector? Is he a bff too?”
“Yeah! That’s okay right?”
“That’s fine, just startled you like him so much”
“He’s an angry man that curses a lot and punches people to solve his problems, I can relate”
“Hell yeah”, Hector stated with a smirk
Hugo giggled, coughing a little, but he smiled all the same. That made the demon grin before he looked at Donella, “you kept your end of the deal”, he snapped his fingers and the room filled with some light, “so here’s mine”
The White Lady’s form seemed to shift and change as everyone watched her. It took a few seconds, but finally, something made of equal light joined her form, it shimmered and shook for a moment before the light faded, the White Lady’s glow fading as well, leaving a red headed, freckled faced, blue eyed, female in its place, she wore black boots, a teal dress, white apron, and blue pants, she smiled happily as everyone gasped when the rest of the room realized who she was, “hello!” She said happily
Quirin smiled as Hugo blinked, “no way”, he stated, as the retired knight walked over to her
The Village Leader’s eyes never dropped, they filled with tears as he reached her, her grin widened as she watched him, tears coming to her eyes as well. His voice was quiet, but filled to the brim with love and warmth as he spoke to her for the first time in 12 years “welcome home, Ulla”
She giggled and sniffled, “glad to be home Quirin”, she replied happily
The room was quiet for a long time, allowing the two a moment with each other as Edmund turned to Hugo, “so!” He exclaimed a little loudly everyone would’ve them a moment, which they did, “how are you feeling Hugo?” He asked
The inventor blushed, “o-oh um, I uh, I’m okay”, the teen replied squeakily, not used to being at the center of everyone’s attention without Varian around, “I still feel like dog shit, with nerve endings, found its way on a caravan wheel that’s currently going extremely fast through rock and glass, but ya know, other than that….”
“Descriptive”, Eugene stated
“I’m impressed”, Hector added
“Thanks, I tried”, the sickly replied
Beetlejuice snickered, “I’m usin that sometime”
“Feel free”
“Heh”
The group fell into an awkward silence for a moment or two before they heard someone ask, “why are we all just standing here?”
The group yelped before jumping back, only to see Quirin chuckle as Ulla grinned, “oh you’re such a brat”, she stated
“Can you blame me? That was cute”, the retired knight stated, “they’re being such good kids”
“True, sweet babies all giving us some privacy”, she agreed
Both of them smirked before they looked at the group and said, “awwwwww”, together before chuckling
“You two are brats!” Edmund exclaimed as he blushed, “we were being respectful”
“Oh we know, we’re just kidding”, Quirin replied with a smile, “honestly we appreciate the moment, it’s…. Been 12 long years”
“Yeah…. I can’t believe how much has changed”, Ulla stated
“I was about to say, how does it feel to see your home again?” Rapunzel asked, “must be so surreal”
“It is, extremely surreal, I didn’t think I’d be able to see it so clearly. While I was the, ‘White Lady’, which is *so* cute by the way, everything was a little too blurry for me to see, I could make out shapes, but aside from that, nothing. I heard voices but they were muffled, still, I would recognize my Quirin and Variable’s vocals anywhere”
“Awwww!”
Ulla blushed as the princess smiled wide with glee, “hee hee, either way, I can’t believe how different it all looks from when I was last able to see it! The house has so many changes, no toys on the floor, no little play rug where he used to crawl, just nice furniture and books, lots of books!”
“Yeah guess who he took after”, Quirin stated with a sassy smirk
“Hee hee, I knew he would, my little alchemy baby”, Ulla giggled, “speaking of where-!” She gasped a little when she turned and spotted the sleeping teen on the armchair, “oh”, she flew over, fluttering around him for a moment or two as her eyes filled with tears, “oh, my little alchemy baby is all grown up”
Everyone smiled at her as Edmund wrapped an arm around Quirin, “she’s so beautiful”, he whispered, “inside and out”
“Thank you”, the Village Leader replied happily, “that means a lot”
Ulla giggled when she heard Varian begin to mumble, “hee hee, sleep equations!” She said with a squeak of joy, “ooh, magma cup?”
“He’s been really trying with that one”, the retired knight stated with a chuckle
“Not a new idea I take it?”
“Nope, nor does he ever find a way to make it safer either”
Ulla giggled, “little scamp”, she stated as she watched him, she ran a finger across his cheek, she knew she would go right through him, but couldn’t help herself, “if only…” she said softly
Beetlejuice tilted his head to the side, “hmmm….”
“Beetlejuice?” He heard someone say, looking, he saw Hugo watching him, a silent question on his mind
The demon smirked, “one request, I get to make the cake”
“The… cake?”
“For the weddin! I get to make the cake, and I’ll do what you want”
The blond thought about that, but one looked at his fiancé’s mother, and his decision was made for him, “ok, but *please* make it edible, and safe, and stick with the theme, whatever it may be, otherwise you have free reign over the cake”
“Deal!” The demon exclaimed excitedly before he flew over to Ulla, she looked at him, blinking at little in confusion before he poked her head. There was a strange sensation that went down her body, making her shudder for a moment before he backed up a bit, “there, now try to touch somethin”
The female alchemist blinked before placing her hand on the arm of the armchair, she gasped when she felt the fuzzy nature of the fabric underneath her fingers. She rubbed it a little, giggling as the familiar sensation sent waves of nostalgia down her spine before she began to fly around and touch everything she could, portraits, the fireplace, the floor, her hair, her dress, the couch, and finally, she got to Quirin. She stopped and waited for a moment, anxiety filling her mind as questions of it working or not made her heart shake with fear and sadness, “it’s okay”, Quirin said softly, getting her to look up at him, “if it doesn’t work, then I can still see and hear you, that more than I expected and I’m so happy with even that, you’re presence is more than enough for me”
“Oh!” She sniffled, “ooooh why do you have to be such a sweetheart!” She exclaimed as she flapped her hands
He chuckled before he touched her cheek, making her gasp as she felt his glove and the warmth of his hand, “you haven’t changed Ulla, I’m so happy about that”
She gingerly touched his hand with hers, leaning into the it before she smiled, tears rolling down her eyes before she embraced her husband! Kissing him happily and getting everyone to look away once again, “so, how about those blankets”, Eugene stated
Hugo snorted, “they’re fluffy my guy, perfect for sicklies like me”, he stated with a tired smile
Eugene felt them and smiled, “wow, those are *soft*”
“You’re hyping this up a little too much”, Hector stated
“Actually the blankets here are a lot softer than I thought they’d be, I though the castle had the softest blankets, feel them”
The wild tamer felt the blankets, “ooh”, he said, a little impressed
“Sheep’s wool on this farm is super soft”, Hugo stated, “they take really good care of their sheep, combing them out before sheering them, then they boil raw wool, which shrinks it and constricts the fibers, making it softer and more durable. After that, they’ll flex it while it dries, make it into a blanket, or some other article of clothing, Quirin made this one for Freckles, but he doesn’t mind me using it, once it’s made into a blanket, they soak it in cool water and then hang it on a clothes line with incense underneath it, which softens it even more. They then comb it again, and then place finishing touches onto it. I say they, Quirin and Freckles are the ones who do all that, and it’s only with some of the wool, they keep very little and give the rest to Corona, the save up enough to make special gifts and go through the rigorous steps to make the gifts perfectly soft”
“Wow, that’s a lot of steps”, the Dark King stated, “I’n a little startled by how much work goes into one blanket”
“It’s worth it”, Hugo stated, “this blanket is a favorite of Varian’s, Quirin said they have enough wool to make me one soon, which is super sweet of them”, he added before coughing a little
“Does Quirin have a blanket of his own?” Adira asked
“Yeah, Freckles made it for him, it’s on Quirin’s bed, he sleeps with it every night”
“Aww!” Rapunzel said, “why do I want to draw that now?”
“Because you’re an artist that likes to draw cute things, and Quirin sleeping with, essentially a baby blanket, is adorable to you”, Lance said with a chuckle
“Well, it was made by a bubby, so maybe the term ‘bubby blanket’ would be more accurate”, Quirin stated with a smirk
“Yeah that’s probably tru-AAAAAAAH!” The former thief squeaked as he jumped three feet into the air, when he heard Ulla’s giggled he huffed, “*why* Quirin?!”
“Sorry Lahahance”, the retired knight chuckled, “I dihihidn’t think thahat’d scare you so much”
“You’re mean!”
“Sorry, heh heh”
“Lance?” A small voice called out, getting everyone to look over and smile when they saw Varian siting up, his eyes were still closed, but they could tell he was awake as he let out a squeaky yawn and rubbed his eyes
Ulla let out a small gasp as she saw and heard him clearly, she smiled as she watched her son shake his head to get rid of the grogginess his nap had left him with. She looked at Quirin, he nodded, she grinned before floating over to him. She stopped next to the armchair, snickering when she saw Ruddigar, who’d apparently been startled awake given how poofy his tail was, yawn before looking up at her. He chittered, she offered him her hand to sniff, when he did his eyes grew wide as he looked at his boy, then back at her, she grinned, he chittered again, this time excitedly
“Ruddigar?” Varian asked, finally opening his eyes and looking at his best friend, “oh, hi, hee hee, poofy tail”
The raccoon nuzzled his boy happily as his tail regained its normal composure, he chittered
“I’m alright, oh, Lance”
“I’m alright little man”, the former thief stated, “your dad’s just bein a brat and startlin me”
“Tee hee”, Quirin sassed, getting the stink eye from the former thief
Varian giggled before he saw Hugo was awake, “hello love”
“Hello”, the blond replied
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m…. Ugh… but a better ugh than before”
“Progress”
“Woo…”
Varian smiled at his fiancé before noticing everyone watching him, “um…. Do I have something on my face?” He asked
“No”, Donella replied, startling the alchemist, “they’re just waiting for you to notice us”
Varian blinked, “D-Donella?! H-how? Am I dreaming?”
“Nope, your demon friend made it to where you can see and hear us while awake, and so can everyone else for that matter”
“Beetlejuice?”
“Yes him”
The alchemist smiled at the demon in question, “that’s so cool! Thank you!”
“Don’t mention it kid, though, ya may wanna look to your left”, Beetlejuice stated with a smirk
“To my left?” Varian looked before gasping, his eyes wide as he stared at the spirit before him
“Hello my little variable!” Ulla stated happily as she smiled lovingly at her son
Varian was silent for a long time, tears pricking into the corners of his eyes as he blinked several more times, grateful she didn’t disappear, he rubbed his eyes, still there, he closed his eyes and pinched himself before opening them, still there and now he had a bruise forming on his arm. He looked at Ruddigar, who gave him a happy chitter, before looking back at her, still there. He placed a hand over his mouth as his eyes glowed, “m-mama?”
Ulla giggled as she had tears come to her eyes as well, “yeah, hi you beautiful dreamer”
He reached out his hand, and to his surprised, was able to touch and feel her cheek underneath his fingers, she placed a hand on his, and finally, he smiled before jumping into her arm, “MAMA!!!!!” He yelled happily
She laughed and caught him, flying into the air as they spun around together happily, giggling and hugging each other for the first time in 12 years! The group watched the duo, not a dry tear in the room, not even Beetlejuice could hold back his water works, though he and Hector tried to hide them. Donella smiled as she walked over and stood beside Hugo, he grinned and leaned against her, startled that he could, “did you really think I would only allow her to be touched?” Beetlejuice asked
Hugo didn’t answer, he just hugged Donella with a smile, she returned it as they both watched Varian and Ulla, the entire room was bathed in blue light as Varian’s hair and freckles glowed in tandem to his eyes, Ulla didn’t notice, nor did she care as she hugged her son, her small, tiny, adorable, precious little son, as he spoke to her, his voice was gentle, quiet, warm, and loving like his fathers, but light, smooth, calm, and fully of joy, like hers, the words he said bringing more tears to her eyes as her heart skipped a few beats with joy, “I missed you so much mama”
She smiled and kissed his cheek before hugging him again, “I missed you too, my beautiful baby boy”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I’m a sucker for happy things, I’m not gonna do VAT7K for this story, I’m gonna do it for the rewrite, but because of that, we needed a family reunion, what better way to do so than with Beetlejuice being a bro!
I won’t say more than that because this chapter made me cry while writing it, and I need to find tissues STAT! XD
But thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 512: Cuddles, Sickness, and Ghosts, oh my!
Summary:
Hugo gets cuddles, Hugo’s also very sick, and a ghost’s identity is finally revealed!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Yeah that’s probably tru-AAAAAAAH!” The former thief squeaked as he jumped three feet into the air, when he heard Ulla’s giggled he huffed, “*why* Quirin?!”
“Sorry Lahahance”, the retired knight chuckled, “I dihihidn’t think thahat’d scare you so much”
“You’re mean!”
“Sorry, heh heh”
“Lance?” A small voice called out, getting everyone to look over and smile when they saw Varian siting up, his eyes were still closed, but they could tell he was awake as he let out a squeaky yawn and rubbed his eyes
Ulla let out a small gasp as she saw and heard him clearly, she smiled as she watched her son shake his head to get rid of the grogginess his nap had left him with. She looked at Quirin, he nodded, she grinned before floating over to him. She stopped next to the armchair, snickering when she saw Ruddigar, who’d apparently been startled awake given how poofy his tail was, yawn before looking up at her. He chittered, she offered him her hand to sniff, when he did his eyes grew wide as he looked at his boy, then back at her, she grinned, he chittered again, this time excitedly
“Ruddigar?” Varian asked, finally opening his eyes and looking at his best friend, “oh, hi, hee hee, poofy tail”
The raccoon nuzzled his boy happily as his tail regained its normal composure, he chittered
“I’m alright, oh, Lance”
“I’m alright little man”, the former thief stated, “your dad’s just bein a brat and startlin me”
“Tee hee”, Quirin sassed, getting the stink eye from the former thief
Varian giggled before he saw Hugo was awake, “hello love”
“Hello”, the blond replied
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m…. Ugh… but a better ugh than before”
“Progress”
“Woo…”
Varian smiled at his fiancé before noticing everyone watching him, “um…. Do I have something on my face?” He asked
“No”, Donella replied, startling the alchemist, “they’re just waiting for you to notice us”
Varian blinked, “D-Donella?! H-how? Am I dreaming?”
“Nope, your demon friend made it to where you can see and hear us while awake, and so can everyone else for that matter”
“Beetlejuice?”
“Yes him”
The alchemist smiled at the demon in question, “that’s so cool! Thank you!”
“Don’t mention it kid, though, ya may wanna look to your left”, Beetlejuice stated with a smirk
“To my left?” Varian looked before gasping, his eyes wide as he stared at the spirit before him
“Hello my little variable!” Ulla stated happily as she smiled lovingly at her son
Varian was silent for a long time, tears pricking into the corners of his eyes as he blinked several more times, grateful she didn’t disappear, he rubbed his eyes, still there, he closed his eyes and pinched himself before opening them, still there and now he had a bruise forming on his arm. He looked at Ruddigar, who gave him a happy chitter, before looking back at her, still there. He placed a hand over his mouth as his eyes glowed, “m-mama?”
Ulla giggled as she had tears come to her eyes as well, “yeah, hi you beautiful dreamer”
He reached out his hand, and to his surprised, was able to touch and feel her cheek underneath his fingers, she placed a hand on his, and finally, he smiled before jumping into her arm, “MAMA!!!!!” He yelled happily
She laughed and caught him, flying into the air as they spun around together happily, giggling and hugging each other for the first time in 12 years! The group watched the duo, not a dry tear in the room, not even Beetlejuice could hold back his water works, though he and Hector tried to hide them. Donella smiled as she walked over and stood beside Hugo, he grinned and leaned against her, startled that he could, “did you really think I would only allow her to be touched?” Beetlejuice asked
Hugo didn’t answer, he just hugged Donella with a smile, she returned it as they both watched Varian and Ulla, the entire room was bathed in blue light as Varian’s hair and freckles glowed in tandem to his eyes, Ulla didn’t notice, nor did she care as she hugged her son, her small, tiny, adorable, precious little son, as he spoke to her, his voice was gentle, quiet, warm, and loving like his fathers, but light, smooth, calm, and fully of joy, like hers, the words he said bringing more tears to her eyes as her heart skipped a few beats with joy, “I missed you so much mama”
She smiled and kissed his cheek before hugging him again, “I missed you too, my beautiful baby boy”
The duo remained in the air for a couple more minutes before the alchemist felt his exhaustion catching up to him, making his light spitter a little as Ulla caught him in her arms. She smiled when she saw the sleepy look on his face, giggling when he yawned as she floated back over to the arm chair and set the little alchemist in it gently. Varian rubbed his eyes a little before sighing, “if my body could just stay up for a second…. Ugh….”
The female alchemist gave the teen a sympathetic look, “you’re sleepy, you need to rest”
“Not while I can still see you”, the teen whined
His mother chuckled before sitting on the arm of the arm chair, “how about this, you rest just touch more, Mr. Beetlejuice’s spell doesn’t wear off unless he wants it to, right?” She looked at the demon
“That’s right”, Beetlejuice stated with a smirk, “won’t stop unless I stop it”
Ulla smiled at the man before looking at Varian again, “how about you rest your eyes for a few more moments, when you wake up, I’ll be right here”
Varian wanted to argue, but he could feel himself shutting down quickly, he noticed Hugo on the couch again and sighed before he nodded, “I have a-!” He interrupted himself with a yawn before continuing, “-a-a condition, and that is… you know what, I’m just gonna”, he got up and walked over to his sick lover, wrapped in Quirin’s vest, before climbing onto the end of the couch to give Hugo some room before settling down and staying there as he lost his fight against his eyes closing again
The blond blinked before he smiled, “aw Freckles”, he stated, his voice still horse
Donella stared at the freckled teen for a moment before chuckling, “so determined”
“Isn’t he though? That was so cute!” Ulla exclaimed happily as she watched Ruddigar waddle over to his sleeping boy and hop onto his lap, the raccoon curled into a donut shape on Varian’s lap and fell asleep as well
Quirin smiled as he walked over, tucking Varian into his vest more before stepping back and looking at Hugo, “you’re gonna have a very odd wedding cake”, he teased
“He’s worth it”, the blond replied with a adoring smile towards the alchemist
That was before he noticed Ulla had suddenly appeared by his side, startling him a little, she giggled, “I’m sorry, it’s just, I can’t believe my little dreamer found, quite possibly, the sweetest boy in the world to be his love!”
Hugo blushed, “eheh, t-thank you”
The red head grinned happily as Edmund looked at Ulla with a grin, “I could say the same about Quirin”, he stated
“Huh?” Ulla looked at him before realizing what he’d just said and blushing, “hee hee, thank you! Wait, so does that mean you’re Quirin’s father?!”
“Yeah”, the retired knight replied with a chuckle, “he is”
“Eee-! Op, sorry, eheh, sleeping baby, but it’s so nice to meet you!” She stated happily
“It’s nice to meet you too”, Edmund replied with a chuckle
“I wish we could’ve met when I wasn’t… well….”
“Dead?” Beetlejuice and Hector said at the same time
“Oi you two!” Eugene exclaimed, “no tact!”
Hector raised a brow as Beetlejuice snorted, “please, I’m used to seeing dead people all the time”, the demon stated, “some deader than others, sayin your dead is the least worst thing you can say”
“Also, pointing it out doesn’t make her disappear, she wasn’t gonna say it, so we said it for her”, Hector added, “I call it helping”
“I call it rude!” Eugene stated, “even if it’s something you’re used to”
“It’s okay”, Ulla replied with a bright smile, “I mean I *am* unalive, so it’s the correct terminology”
“Still!”
The female alchemist giggled, “you really are a prince”
Eugene blinked before he smiled back at her, “thank you”
“Just for the sake of our sibling, does saying you’re…. *ahem* unalive offend you at all, Donella that question goes to you as well”, Adira stated, startling the great haired women
“It doesn’t affect me, though I think Mr. Fitzherbert was trying to spare Quirin’s feelings”, Ulla replied
“Mr. Fitzherbert? Well that’s a first”, the Dark Prince said with a snort
“It suits your snootiness”, Hugo teased
“Oi! Ok, you may not be able to go into the corner now, but when you’re better little sir”
“Tee hee”
“Why’s everyone being mean to me today?….”
Rapunzel held Eugene’s hand as Lance patted his shoulder while stifling his own laughter before Donella answered next, “to get back on topic, saying I’m dead is like saying I’m female, it’s not a lie, just a fact, so it’s fine to me”
Adira nodded, “both are respectful answers, now I give the question to you Quirin”, she looked at her older brother
“I…. Well I came to terms with Ulla’s passing a long time ago, saying she’s…. Well… no longer on the same plain, won’t hurt my feelings, just so long as she’s okay with it, which she said she was so”, the retired knight replied, “just… I dont think I can”
“That’s fair”
“Very fair!” Ulla replied with a smile as she flew over to Quirin and hugged him, he hugged her back, happily
“I still think its tactless”, Eugene stated
“Meh”, Beetlejuice and Hector said at the same time before smirking at each other
The Dark Prince sighed as Edmund cocked his head to the side, “hey Ulla, do you…. Know about…. Well about Quirin’s past?”
The red head had stopping hugging her husband as she looked at the Dark King, “hm? Not when I was alive, but to be fair, I never told Quirin about mine, so”
“It was a fresh start thing with us”, the retired knight stated, “though I’m certain you know about it now”
“Yup! And you know about mine!”
“True!”
They smiled at each other happily, “I hope me and Freckles are that happy”, Hugo stated with a tired smile
“You will be”, Donella said, “it’s a fact, that boy makes you smile much more than I’ve ever seen”
“True”, Hugo replied as he looked at Varian, who was still sleeping at the other end of the couch, “I actually wanna snuggle with him right now, but I don’t wanna get him sick”
“You could be sick lovers together, so I think it’d be fucking worth it”, Beetlejuice stated
“I think he’d prefer the opposite, as would I”
“Meh”
“Heh”
“Meh heh, ha! I win”
Hugo snorted, unfortunately leading him into a rough coughing fit, he covered his mouth, but couldn’t stop for a good minute, Quirin walked over and rubbed him back as it happened. The coughing finally subsided and the blond sunk lower into the blankets, “ugh….”
“Are you alright?” Quirin asked
“Yeah…. That just hurt…” Hugo replied, wiping away the tears that’d appeared during the fit
“I’ll bet, here”, the retired knight handed Hugo the cup of water, “maybe this will help soothe that throat for a bit”
The inventor nodded before he took the cup and drank from it, slowly, he took tiny sips before waiting a second to see how his stomach reacted. When it didn’t do anything, he drank a little more, waited, then a little more before finally setting the glass down and sighing, “thanks”
“You’re welcome”
“Damn I hate being sick….”
“I know, it stinks”
“It really does….”
The room was quiet, everyone was watching the blond, worried about him, before Ulla spoke up, “I made a potion…. It’s probably long gone by now, but it helped with coughing fits, I’m certain if I could find the recipe, Varian could make it, once he’s awake of course. I just have to…. Oh no”
“What?” Donella asked
“I left the recipe in my journal, and it’s the one I took with me to the library….”
“I found it and gave it back to Quirin and Varian”
“You did?!”
“Yeah, well, they found it among my stuff when I was dead, but still, it’s was apart of my punishment for abusing Hugo, and killing you…. I left it to Varian and Quirin”
“Varian kept it”, the retired knight replied, “he gave me the ring inside and kept the journal, which I was fine with”
“It’s under his pillow”, Hugo stated, “he likes to read it after a particularly bad nightmare, or on a bad day, it helps him calm down”
Ulla smiled happily at that, “not that I’m happy he gets bad nightmares, but him reading it as comfort makes me delighted!”
Quirin chuckled, “I could go grab it if you’d like”, he stopped when he felt Hugo gently grab his hand, looking at the sick teen, he saw a look that told him to stay and smiled, “or not, maybe we’ll just wait until Varian’s awake yeah?” Hugo nodded and blushed, getting the Village Leader to chuckle
Donella didn’t say anything, however she felt a few jealousy bubbles, and guilt, in the pit of her stomach, though she knew she had no leg to stand on as she remembered her treatment of the blond, but she couldn’t help herself as she watched the retired knight interacting with Hugo. Ulla noticed however and flew over to her, whispering, “it’s okay, I feel the same about Varian”
This calmed the women as she looked at Ulla and smiled, “thanks”
“Mm-hm!”
“Hey, I’ve got a question”, Rapunzel stated, getting everyone to look at her, “we now know who the white lady is, Ulla, so….. who’s the ghost across the bridge?”
The room filled with silence as everyone felt a shiver down their spine, all except for Beetlejuice, who just quirked a confused brow, “you all seriously don’t know?” He asked
“I…. No”, Quirin replied, “do you?! Because none of us ever figured out who she was and why she was there”
“Huh, well I don’t know her name, but she didn’t used to be a ghost across that old bridge until a couple years ago. She used spells to keep people away, seemed like she was protecting something”
Eugene suddenly got a very bad feeling in the bit of his stomach, as did Rapunzel, “um…. Beetlejuice, what does she look like?”
“Sure, old lady, curly white hair, though she would change her appearance a lot”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well she’d look younger majority of the time I saw her, that was when she would cast spells to keep others away from across the bridge. She had jet black, curly hair, wore a reddish pink dress, and a black cloak, she always talked about protecting her… flower? I thought it was an innuendo, but who knows now”
Everyone’s hearts dropped as he said this, they stared at the demon, who seemed unsure of why everyone was looking at him, “listen guys, I know I’m gorgeous, but can ya stop looking like I just shit in your hair? It’s creepin me out”
“There’s only one women who fits that description”, Lance stated
“No…. Nonono, I-it couldn’t be her, i-it just couldn’t….” Rapunzel exclaimed, shivering a little as Eugene instantly wrapped his arms around her
Beetlejuice looked at the princess, not noticing a light blue glow begin got shine, “why are you all freaked out? Do you know who she is?” He asked, genuinely confused
“Gothel…..” a voice stated, getting everyone to look and see a very *angry* looking Varian, his eyes, hair, and freckles lit up and shining bright as he frowned, “the one that kidnapped and abused Rapunzel for 18 long *years*, abandoned Cassandra, and allowed Zhan Tiri to manipulate Cassandra by using her abandonment against her and Rapunzel….. that damn *WITCH*!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I won’t say much, but I’ve been wanting to reveal this for a while, so here it is! 😁❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 513: The Moon, the Wedding Plans, and the Second Chance!
Summary:
The title kinda says it all honestly XD
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey, I’ve got a question”, Rapunzel stated, getting everyone to look at her, “we now know who the white lady is, Ulla, so….. who’s the ghost across the bridge?”
The room filled with silence as everyone felt a shiver down their spine, all except for Beetlejuice, who just quirked a confused brow, “you all seriously don’t know?” He asked
“I…. No”, Quirin replied, “do you?! Because none of us ever figured out who they are and why they’re there”
“Huh, well I don’t know *her* name, but she didn’t used to be a ghost across that old bridge until a couple years ago. She used spells to keep people away, seemed like she was protecting something”
Eugene suddenly got a very bad feeling in the bit of his stomach, as did Rapunzel, “um…. Beetlejuice, what does she look like?” The Dark Prince asked
“Old lady, curly white hair, though she would change her appearance a lot”
“W-What do you mean by that?”
“Well she’d look younger majority of the time I saw her, that was when she would cast spells to keep others away from across the bridge. She had jet black, curly hair, wore a reddish pink dress, and a black cloak, she always talked about protecting her… flower? I thought it was an innuendo, but who knows now”
Everyone’s hearts dropped as he said this, they stared at the demon, who seemed unsure of why everyone was looking at him, “listen guys, I know I’m gorgeous, but can ya stop looking like I just shit in your hair? It’s creepin me out”
“There’s only one women who fits that description”, Lance stated
“No…. Nonono, I-it couldn’t be her, i-it just couldn’t….” Rapunzel exclaimed, shivering a little as Eugene instantly wrapped his arms around her
Beetlejuice looked at the princess, not noticing a light blue glow beginning to shine, “why are you all freaked out? Do you know who she is?” He asked, genuinely confused
“Gothel…..” a voice stated, getting everyone to look and see a very *angry* looking Varian, his eyes, hair, and freckles lit up and shining bright as he frowned, “the one that kidnapped and abused Rapunzel for 18 long *years*, abandoned Cassandra, and allowed Zhan Tiri to manipulate Cassandra by using her abandonment against her and Rapunzel….. that damn *WITCH*!”
The teen’s voice bounced off the walls, shaking the house as he growled, “F-Freckles, it’s okay, she isn’t h-here, Rapunzel’s sa-!” Hugo tried, but he was cut off by his coughing
Varian’s eyes instantly shifted to his fiancé, the glow dimming as the alchemist flew into the air and dashed to Hugo’s side, rubbing his back gently until the coughing subsided, he helped his blond get some water in him before tucking the inventor under the blankets more, “sorry love”, he said softly
“It’s okay, fucking sickness isn’t your fault”
“Yeah… but still….” The alchemist sighed before he stopped floating, his feet landing on the carpet below as the glow dimmed completely, his hair and freckles going back to normal, though his eyes were still brighter than normal as he looked over at Rapunzel, “are you okay?”
The princess was startled, but nodded, “y-yeah….. but…. If she’s really there…. Then….”
“She won’t hurt you….” Varian stated, “I won’t let her”
“She wouldn’t want to anymore, I don’t have the Sundrop….”
Now it was Varian’s turn to be startled as he thought about that for a moment before he sighed again, “I suppose you’re right, but abusive people like her wouldn’t stop there….. She’ll want to make you pay for what happened to her…. And she won’t be able to do that, not if I have anything to say about it”
“Varian, you have Moon powers, if anything, she’ll go after you more than me”
“Punzel, she’s already gone. No amount of healing will do her any good, maybe she’d want me for power, but to do that she’d need to possess me. And I don’t intend to let that happen”
The princess raised a brow, “you’re…. Not acting like yourself right now. Aren’t you usually the, ‘we can think our way out of it’s kinda guy? Ya know, ‘find the smartest and safest route’, even when super angry?”
Varian chuckled, “I am, the safest route would be letting me and Hector take her on while everyone else stayed safe”
“Hector?” Eugene asked
“He’s good with animals, which we may run into while out there, and he hates abusive assholes more than anyone here, just earlier I noticed him glaring much harder than I have before, so yes, Hector”
“In fine with that”, the wild tamer stated
“Hooold on, *neither* of you are going out there”, Quirin stated before looking at his son, “and Rapunzel’s right, what’s going on with you? You’re far angrier and much more aggressive than you usually are”
“I’m not-!”
“Varian”
“I’m really not though!”
“Son, you’re glowing brighter”
“Dad I-!”
“Easy!” Varian blinked before he looked around, noticing he was floating in the air again and was glowing even brighter than before
“W-woah!” The alchemist took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down, but none of them worked, he looked around, trying to find *something*! That’s when Beetlejuice popped into his line of sight
“Work with me kid”, the demon stated, getting the alchemist to nod, “be honest, what’s your mind sayin right now?”
“……Gothel…. A-and Rapunzel’s fear….. I c-could feel her fear….”
“Ok, so you could feel that and it scared you and pissed you off, yeah?”
“…..uh-huh…. B-but I didn’t think t-to this degree!”
“Your powers are getting stronger, this will happen, kinda sensed it not too long ago, anyway, look at her now, she’s safe, yeah?”
“I….” He looked at Rapunzel, she was startled and nervous, but safe, as Beetlejuice had stated, “y-yeah”
“Ok, good, now keep that in mind as we get your powers to ease up. Close your eyes and just think about how safe she is with you, Hugo, your family, her lover boy, her lover boy’s best friend, and me”
Varian did as he was told, images of Rapunzel being surrounded by the ones she loves filled his mind, and suddenly he felt himself start to float down until his feet touched the carpeted floor once again, his eyes the only thing glowing as he opened them. He sighed and blushed, “sorry…..”
The demon shrugged, “it’s fine, though you should do somethin about that power curve, it could hurt you if you’re not too careful”
“Power curve?”
“Yeah, like I said before, your powers are getting stronger for some reason”
Varian blinked before he looked at his hands, “they’re…. That shouldn’t be possible, the Moonstone, er, well, most of them, went back to the Moon. My powers should be stagnant, never growing, never shifting”
“Welp, all I know is, they’re stronger than the first time we met”, the demon stated
“That’s concerning….”
“I’m not surprised it’s happening, you said you *felt* her emotions kid”, Beetlejuice pointed it, “that ain’t normal either you know”
“He’s right, you did say you felt my fear”, Rapunzel agreed gently, “which shouldn’t be possible because… I don’t have the Sundrop….”
“Could the Moon answer this?” Hugo asked, “she’s done that before for you”
“I…. Yeah she could….” Varian walked over to the window, he looked at the sky and saw the Moon shining brightly into his home, “she wants to talk to me….. Why didn’t she say anything before? I was asleep all day”, he wondered
“She wasn’t out all day”, Quirin said, “she was rising about a half hour ago”
Varian hummed in thought for a moment before he suddenly got a wave of worry, anxiety, and curiosity. He blinked before he looked at his aunt, “I’m okay”, he reassured, “just startled more than anything. Heh, that was a test, wasn’t it?”
Adira smirked, “smart Speckles, and yes, it was, so you can feel what I feel, and what the princess feels as well. If Beetlejuice’s statement is correct, then you should be able to feel mine, Hector’s, Quirin’s, and King Edmund’s emotions as well”
“I can, dad’s very worried while being relieved that I’m not glowing anymore, he’s also scared, sorry dad, Hector is slightly angry, I’m not sure why, sorry if that’s my fault, but he’s more concerned than anything else, and grandpa is *just* concerned….. it’s okay grandpa, I’m okay”
Edmund blushed, “sorry, I can’t help it”
“I know, though I’m surprised I can pinpoint the emotions so easily, that’s a little startling”
“Meh, chalk it up to you knowing them extremely well”, Beetlejuice stated
“Well see that’s the thing, the only other person I can feel emotions from is Rapunzel, I just tried to figure out Hugo’s, and nothing came up….. though I noticed you’re staring someplace you shouldn’t be *sir*”
“Can you blame me?” Hugo teased before he coughed a little and sneezed
“You’re a stinker”, Varian giggled, walking over and handing his lover a tissue
“Um…. Quirin do we say something about that?” Eugene asked
“Technically no, they’re fiancés now, that means we give them leeway on certain things…. Though I’d keep those comments to a minimum sickly”, Quirin stated
Hugo giggled before nodding as Varian smiled at the pair, feeling his father’s protectiveness and amusement. The alchemist looked up to the Moon again, she was calling to him, he wanted to reach out to her, to touch her, he felt a need to be close to her once again, but he shook his head, “I’m sorry Moon, but I need to help Hugo first”, he said softly, “can you call me once he’s feeling better? I will go to you then, I will”. The Moon’s light shimmered before she shined over all of Corona once again. He didn’t feel her call anymore, nor did he have that longing. He sighed, “thank you”, he smiled when he saw her shimmer before he turned to look at everyone, who was staring at him
“Um…. Explanation?” Eugene asked
Varian blushed, “I can talk to her when I’m not asleep, I did it once when you, me, and Hugo were in the woods with the wolf spirits, she said we would be okay, remember?”
“Oh yeah, what did she want right now?”
“She has something to tell me, and I’m more than willing to listen, but I can focus if Hugo’s still sick, he…. Really scared me….” The alchemist looked at the inventor worriedly as the blond blew his nose in the tissue. He finished and sniffled before throwing the disposable handkerchief into the bin next to the couch
“Sorry”, the inventor said softly
“It’s okay, it wasn’t your fault, but…. Do you usually get sick like that?”
“No, I hardly ever get sick at all if I’m honest, just, when I do, I end up getting *really* sick….”
“Didn’t Donella say this earlier?” Lance asked
“Varian was asleep when she did”, Ulla replied
“Oh yeah”
Varian smiled at the pair before Hugo spoke again, getting the freckled teen’s attention again, “there’ll be moments where I seem to get a little better, but I know what’s coming, it comes in waves for me…. I get really sick first, usually throwing up and such, then I sleep it off for a few hours before waking up and feeling good enough to talk. Then I’ll get really bad again, sleep it off, talk, then it repeats until I’m better…. Medicine helps, but my body tends to be kinda finicky”
“Like the sicknesses you didn’t get before have come back for vengeance?” Varian asked
“Yeah, good way to describe it Freckles. The alchemist smiled before his fiancé coughed again, covering his mouth and turning away so he didn’t get the freckled teen sick as well before sighing, “ya know, it would be *wonderful* if I could just not do this right now”
“Unfortunately, that isn’t how things work”, Donella said with a sigh
Varian looked at her for a moment, she looked back at him, “…..So you’re staying to help?”
“In order for Beetlejuice to keep his end of the deal, yes”
“Deal?”
“I fix your mama’s form, and keep it fixed, so long as she helps Hugo feel better”, Beetlejuice stated
Varian blinked before he smiled at the demon, “aw Beetlejuice”
“Oh that ain’t the best part! You wanna tell him, or should I?” Beetlejuice asked Hugo with a toothy grin
“Tell me what?”
Hugo sighed, “in order for you mother to be able to touch us, hug, kiss the Quirin, love on you because you are her Variable, etc, and be touched by others, kissed back by the Quirin, hugged back by the you, etc, Beetlejuice said he’d make it possible, along with Donella, as long as I allowed him to be in charge of the wedding cake, thing is, he has to make it *edible*, please don’t be mad”
The alchemist blinked before he giggled, “hoo boy, well, the cake is definitely gonna be a highlight then!”
“You know it!” Beetlejuice exclaimed
“Y-you’re not mad?” Hugo asked
“Of course not love! You were trying to be kind, and I know Beetlejuice wants to help with the wedding, as long as the cake’s edible, and he goes with the theme, I’m okay with it!”
“Really?”
“Hugo, I was *worried* about the cake, dad gave me ideas, sure, but I still didn’t know how to be creative with it!”
“Not to Frank here kiddo, b aren’t you an alchemist, literally finding new and creative ways to make normal stuff into useful potions and even spells?” Eugene asked
“Of course I am, but that’s with *chemicals* and *science*, not edible confectioneries that one would serve to a large amount of guests on the day of mine and Hugo’s union! That’s a touch more pressure than me doing alchemy, which is something I’m passionate about and am an expert in. But *Beetlejuice* is probably the most creative to be person I know, outside of *Rapunzel* herself! But she’ll be the one I turn to with decoration ideas, with Beetlejuice handling the cake, that just leaves us”, he turned to face Hugo with a smile, “to figure out a theme! And of course the planning and such, but we can do all that together! I’m happy you made that deal with Beetlejuice! I trust your judgement, and I trust that Beetlejuice will do an amazing job!”
“Heh, thanks kid!” The demon stated with a grin
“Anytime”, the alchemist replied with a smile to Beetlejuice before he looked back at Hugo, “were you worried I’d be mad?”
“I… a-a little….” The blond responded truthfully, “wedding cakes are kinda the centerpiece ya know?”
Varian blinked, “I actually don’t know, I don’t know much about weddings at all since my parents were married before they had me”
“Oh! W-well I’ve always thought of weddings like the couple’s story that they tell to the entire world”, Hugo stated with a blush, “how they met is the theme, how they fell in love is the decorations, how they courted is the food, and how they proposed is the cake, the wedding being the final moment when they say, ‘I do’, a-and the party afterwards is a celebration of their journey together. The honeymoon is their f-final promise, uniting as one as they share their first time being a genuine couple together”
“Hugo….. that’s so beautiful!”
“I….. eheh, y-ya think so?” The blond asked, blushing even more, “I-I dunno, I always t-thought it was c-corny and-and-and usually I’d keep it to myself but… w-well you asked and I-I-I-!”
“Hey”, Varian gently placed his forehead against Hugo’s and smiled, instantly stopping him, “I love you, and I love the way you see weddings, it’s beautiful, and definitely not corny at all”
Hugo was stunned into silence before he smiled, “heh…. T-thanks….. Damn it, I’m fucking flustered! How dare!”
Varian laughed and hugged his fiancé happily, humming with joy when he felt the blond return the embrace. The room was quiet but smiling all the same, even when the duo let go and grinned at each other! The rest of the night was spent talking and planning the wedding, among other things, before Hugo felt tired again and fell asleep leaning against Varian. Everyone decided to call it a night so the blind could get some rest, Quirin helped Hugo lay down on the couch as Edmund tucked the teen in. Everyone else got ready for bed and slept in the living room, Beetlejuice, Donella and Ulla deciding to watch over the group
“Ya know Donnie, I didn’t think I’d ever get to see my baby boy married”, Ulla stated with a smile as she watched Hugo and Varian sleep on the same couch, “but here we are, seeing him happy and thriving, and with your baby boy to boot!”
“Yeah, it’s a little surreal”, Donella stated before she frowned, “Ulla… I’m sorry for what I did to you…. I truly am….”
The red head looked at her former best friend with a sad smile, “I know you are, I watched you try to make up for it too….”
“You… can’t forgive me though can you…”
“…..Not yet…. I don’t hate you…. I regret that those were my final words, I really could never hate you…. But…. I can’t forgive what happened yet”
“So…. What are we? Are you comfortable saying we’re friends?”
“I’m not sure, we’re not enemies, certainly not rivals either, both our babies are wonderful in their own ways, and very accomplished in their field of science…. But we’re not super close best friends like we used to be either….. And even though I felt love for you before, my heart is with Quirin, and I truly do love him, with everything I have in me. Maybe we’re not best friends, but…. I’m willing to start over with you, give you a second chance, everyone deserves at least one”
“You’re too generous”, Donella stated
“No, I’m really not, I don’t want to give you a second chance, I want to tell you that I’m still angry, and I want you to hurt…. But I hate feeling that way…. I hate it far more than I hate you, probably because I don’t actually hate you….”
“Why don’t you?” Donella asked, as Beetlejuice, who’d just finished his perimeter check, phased through the wall and stopped, he smirked before he phased back through the wall, a few crashes could be heard, before he came back with popcorn and a theater chair, sitting in it, he crossed his legs and ate the popcorn, waving for the duo to continue their conversation
Ulla giggled at the demon’s antics before she let out a sigh, “I guess…. Because I saw what hatred can do to a person…. I saw Quirin hate his past and his actions from the past, and because of that, he kept a huge secret from me and Varian, because of that, Varian got too ambitious and put himself in danger, leaving Quirin no choice but to save our son, sacrificing himself and his life for over a year and a half! And then, I saw Varian grow so full of hatred, for the princess, for the kingdom, for the people who abandoned him, and for himself, that he lost himself in his anger and darkness and attacked people. He was wrong in his actions, but he was right in the beginning and blamed, used as a scapegoat from people who already hated and feared him and my husband, King Frederic….. Hate hurts, it tears and scratches and burns you until you feel nothing *but* hate, and then it hurts you more by making you do stupid things…. It is a horrible emotion, and I will never associate myself with it, not again….. it’s why I don’t hate you, because even thought you did cruel things, you tried your hardest to make up for them….. And Hugo forgave you, he needs a mother, and I respect that you’re willing to change for him. Starting over seems like a fair deal to me, just…. Please know, I love Quirin, and I always will, if that upsets you, then I’m sorry, I loved you once, and you left and trapped me, then killed me…. I won’t forget, but in time, I could forgive, you deserve that much”
Donella nodded, “ok, I’ll accept that, thank you for the second chance, it means a lot to me”. Ulla smiled, her face looking so much like her son’s, from her bright blue eyes to her crooked smile, Donella chuckled, “he took after you so much”
Ulla grinned as she looked at Varian before shaming her head, “nah, he didn’t”, she looked at Donella with a grin, “he’s even cuter”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for not posting yesterday, my cat got very sick, she’s 14, and she’s my whole world, I wasn’t able to concentrate on anything but her, so I apologize for being a day late for this chapter
But I merged this chapter into the one I was meant to post yesterday, so it’s two chapters in one! I hope that makes up for it!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 514: Note From the Author
Chapter Text
Dear Readers,
I’m so sorry, but…. My cat has just passed away….. she was not only my best friend, and the best cat in the entire universe, but she was also my family, my kid, and my service animal….
She was such a good girl, her name was Willow, she was the inspiration behind Varian’s horse and a few other characters that I’ve made for this series
Because of her passing, I’m taking a break from this story to grieve. I’m sorry for this, it may take me a week to come back, she was much more than just a cat to me. But I will come back
I just need some time….. Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Sincerely,
HarmonySong
Chapter 515: Freedom!
Summary:
Hugo’s not healing like the group expected and they find out why!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hugo, I was *worried* about the cake, dad gave me ideas, sure, but I still didn’t know how to be creative with it!”
“Not to Frank here kiddo, but, aren’t you an alchemist, literally finding new and creative ways to make normal stuff into useful potions and even spells?” Eugene asked
“Of course I am, but that’s with *chemicals* and *science*, not edible confectioneries that one would serve to a large amount of guests on the day of mine and Hugo’s union! That’s a touch more pressure than me doing alchemy, which is something I’m passionate about and am an expert in. But *Beetlejuice* is probably the most creative to be person I know, outside of *Rapunzel* herself! But she’ll be the one I turn to with decoration ideas, with Beetlejuice handling the cake, that just leaves us”, he turned to face Hugo with a smile, “to figure out a theme! And of course the planning and such, but we can do all that together! I’m happy you made that deal with Beetlejuice! I trust your judgement, and I trust that Beetlejuice will do an amazing job!”
“Heh, thanks kid!” The demon stated with a grin
“Anytime”, the alchemist replied with a smile to Beetlejuice before he looked back at Hugo, “were you worried I’d be mad?”
“I… a-a little….” The blond responded truthfully, “wedding cakes are kinda the centerpiece ya know?”
Varian blinked, “I actually don’t know, I don’t know much about weddings at all since my parents were married before they had me”
“Oh! W-well I’ve always thought of weddings like the couple’s story that they tell to the entire world”, Hugo stated with a blush, “how they met is the theme, how they fell in love is the decorations, how they courted is the food, and how they proposed is the cake, the wedding being the final moment when they say, ‘I do’, a-and the party afterwards is a celebration of their journey together. The honeymoon is their f-final promise, uniting as one as they share their first time being a genuine couple together”
“Hugo….. that’s so beautiful!”
“I….. eheh, y-ya think so?” The blond asked, blushing even more, “I-I dunno, I always t-thought it was c-corny and-and-and usually I’d keep it to myself but… w-well you asked and I-I-I-!”
“Hey”, Varian gently placed his forehead against Hugo’s and smiled, instantly stopping him, “I love you, and I love the way you see weddings, it’s beautiful, and definitely not corny at all”
Hugo was stunned into silence before he smiled, “heh…. T-thanks….. Damn it, I’m fucking flustered! How dare!”
Varian laughed and hugged his fiancé happily, humming with joy when he felt the blond return the embrace. The room was quiet but smiling all the same, even when the duo let go and grinned at each other! The rest of the night was spent talking and planning the wedding, among other things, before Hugo felt tired again and fell asleep leaning against Varian. Everyone decided to call it a night so the blind could get some rest, Quirin helped Hugo lay down on the couch as Edmund tucked the teen in. Everyone else got ready for bed and slept in the living room, Beetlejuice, Donella and Ulla deciding to watch over the group
“Ya know Donnie, I didn’t think I’d ever get to see my baby boy married”, Ulla stated with a smile as she watched Hugo and Varian sleep on the same couch, “but here we are, seeing him happy and thriving, and with your baby boy to boot!”
“Yeah, it’s a little surreal”, Donella stated before she frowned, “Ulla… I’m sorry for what I did to you…. I truly am….”
The red head looked at her former best friend with a sad smile, “I know you are, I watched you try to make up for it too….”
“You… can’t forgive me though can you…”
“…..Not yet…. I don’t hate you…. I regret that those were my final words, I really could never hate you…. But…. I can’t forgive what happened yet”
“So…. What are we? Are you comfortable saying we’re friends?”
“I’m not sure, we’re not enemies, certainly not rivals either, both our babies are wonderful in their own ways, and very accomplished in their field of science…. But we’re not super close best friends like we used to be either….. And even though I felt love for you before, my heart is with Quirin, and I truly do love him, with everything I have in me. Maybe we’re not best friends, but…. I’m willing to start over with you, give you a second chance, everyone deserves at least one”
“You’re too generous”, Donella stated
“No, I’m really not, I don’t want to give you a second chance, I want to tell you that I’m still angry, and I want you to hurt…. But I hate feeling that way…. I hate it far more than I hate you, probably because I don’t actually hate you….”
“Why don’t you?” Donella asked, as Beetlejuice, who’d just finished his perimeter check, phased through the wall and stopped, he smirked before he phased back through the wall, a few crashes could be heard, before he came back with popcorn and a theater chair, sitting in it, he crossed his legs and ate the popcorn, waving for the duo to continue their conversation
Ulla giggled at the demon’s antics before she let out a sigh, “I guess…. Because I saw what hatred can do to a person…. I saw Quirin hate his past and his actions from the past, and because of that, he kept a huge secret from me and Varian, because of that, Varian got too ambitious and put himself in danger, leaving Quirin no choice but to save our son, sacrificing himself and his life for over a year and a half! And then, I saw Varian grow so full of hatred, for the princess, for the kingdom, for the people who abandoned him, and for himself, that he lost himself in his anger and darkness and attacked people. He was wrong in his actions, but he was right in the beginning and blamed, used as a scapegoat from people who already hated and feared him and my husband, King Frederic….. Hate hurts, it tears and scratches and burns you until you feel nothing *but* hate, and then it hurts you more by making you do stupid things…. It is a horrible emotion, and I will never associate myself with it, not again….. it’s why I don’t hate you, because even thought you did cruel things, you tried your hardest to make up for them….. And Hugo forgave you, he needs a mother, and I respect that you’re willing to change for him. Starting over seems like a fair deal to me, just…. Please know, I love Quirin, and I always will, if that upsets you, then I’m sorry, I loved you once, and you left and trapped me, then killed me…. I won’t forget, but in time, I could forgive, you deserve that much”
Donella nodded, “ok, I’ll accept that, thank you for the second chance, it means a lot to me”. Ulla smiled, her face looking so much like her son’s, from her bright blue eyes to her crooked smile, Donella chuckled, “he took after you so much”
Ulla grinned as she looked at Varian before shaking her head, “nah, he didn’t”, she looked at Donella with a grin, “he’s even cuter”
****
A few days passed by, Hugo had only gotten worse, not being able to eat anything and barely drinking what he was given. The doctors came and went, giving him medicine and offering home remedies, they visited frequently after that, especially after being told why Hugo was so sick in the first place by Donella. They noticed the blond seemed to be holding onto a little strength, but only just barely, they weren’t sure how, by and large he shouldn’t have any strength due to his lack of food, but suddenly, Mrs. Solace had an idea, “are you sure this is a good idea?” Eugene asked as Quirin held Varian in his arms
“Yes, if this is really the reason why Hugo’s strength is staying the way it is, then there might be a way we could help him”, Mrs. Solace stated with a smile
“Ok, if you’re sure”
The female doctor smiled cheerfully before she looked at Quirin, “it’ll be okay, should he show any signs of his health depleting, we’ll get you both right back in here asap!”
Quirin nodded, “ok, you really Bubby?”
Varian let out a nervous breath before nodding, “oki…”
The retired knight took the teen out of the room. For a moment, all was quiet, that is, until Hugo’s skin turned paler than it’d ever been, “Rose”, Mr. Solace stated
“Right, I’ll go get them”, Mrs. Solace stated before rushing out of the room
After a few seconds, Varian ran back inside, Quirin following behind as the alchemist ran over to the couch and held Hugo’s hand, “I’m here love, I’m here!” He stated
For a moment, all was quiet, then Hugo’s skin regained its color and his eyes fluttered open ever so slightly, “F-Freckles….”
“Hugo”, Varian hugged his lover as Mrs. Solace let out a breath of relief before turning to Quirin
“You said he was brought back to life by Varian’s magic during the eclipse, right?” She asked
“Yes”, the Village Leader stated
“This may sound insensitive, but, how did he…. Die….”
“….He was hurt very badly, weakened by Cyrus’s beatings, he got thrown into the portal and was inside Limbo”, Quirin explained, his anger bubbling slightly as he remembered how much that horrible man had hurt his 2nd child
“That aligns with his readings”
“What?”
“His readings indicate sickness, stomach flu and all it’s tall tale signs, but they also show that he’s been bruised and beaten, or at least, his body seems to think he has, and is constantly using up a lot of his energy to fend off harmful or even painful signals coming to his brain so they can begin to heal it. However, because his body is showing him signs and forcing his body to heal the wrong thing, less of the stomach flu bacteria is being fought off, so the sickness isn’t healing”
“Ok, but why does Varian being in the room change that?” Rapunzel asked
“His magic”, Quirin stated, getting Rose to smile and nod as he looked at the princess, “Varian *healed* Hugo back to life, he said it was because of the eclipse, he used the same healing incantation that he did when he healed Adira with you, and healed Hugo, bringing him back to life. Hugo’s body changed because of that, just like Eugene’s and Varian’s, it’s proven by the fact that they could see spirits when they couldn’t before”
“So Varian being in the room helps because Hugo’s body remembers his magic?”
“Sort of, remember when Beetlejuice told Varian he was getting stronger? He glowed brightly and began to float because we all mentioned Gothel?”
“Yeah”
“Varian’s magic was radiating off of him, suddenly, he could feel you, me, Adira, Hector, and King Edmund’s emotions, notice that all of us have had some connection to the Moonstone at one point or another, you had the Sundrop, and me, Adira, Hector, and King Edmund are the Brotherhood members. I’m guessing that since that day, Varian’s powers, for whatever reason, have been growing, that includes any healing magic the Moonstone may have had. And one of the final things Varian did when the Moonstone was whole, was heal Hugo and bring him back to life”
“Oooooh, wait, why is Hugo’s body acting like it’s hurt in the first place? He’s sick, not beaten”
“That, I’m unsure”
“I have a theory”, Varian said softly, getting everyone to look at him as he sat next to Hugo, “has anyone noticed that Eugene and Rapunzel have never had this problem?”
“Yeah”, Edmund replied, “I did, and I’m grateful, though I’m sad that the butter nut is going through this…”
The alchemist smiled at his grandfather before he continued, “it’s because the Sundrop’s magic never changed. The Sundrop was a healing flower than got turned into tea, it change when it was tea and healed Arianna and Rapunzel, staying within Rapunzel until she gave the Sundrop back to the Sun and Moon, with the Moonstone. However, the Moonstone piece that I have, stayed with me, and I still have the powers that I used to. The difference here is, my magic is now changing. It’s growing stronger, because of that, my magic isn’t the same magic that healed Hugo, it’s different”
“But why would that matter little man?” Lance asked, “I would think the Sundrop being completely gone would affect all of you first before the Moonstone’s magic changin”
“Well, because of the change, the original magic that kept Hugo alive may not be enough anymore, thus his body, while healed, must need the changed magic to provide the energy the old magic gave him. There’s a limit to the old magic once it’s changed, I suspected this might happen… It’s like a pain potion that you take too many times, too much, and you grow immune”
“So you need to heal him again with the changed magic”
“Yeah, but that can be dangerous, I give him too much, and his body goes into shock and makes him seize. I give him too little, and he succumbs to the pain and sickness and dies….. I have to give him just enough, but I don’t know how much that would be….”
“Maybe there’s a way you could measure it”, Adira stated
“How?”
“Well, you healed me remember?” The face painted warrior stated, “the little cut I had, you healed me using the old magic, and while I haven’t felt any residual pain, there’s a small tingle that’s not quite gone away. I wasn’t sure what it was and thus, ignored it, however, hearing your theory, it make sense, the tingle is right where my cut was”
Varian blinked before he smiled, “that’d be perfect! It’s small enough that even if I give you too much, it shouldn’t affect you too much more than the small tingle or a feeling of fatigue! I-I’d have to be quick about it though, because my magic will be directed to you instead of Hugo”
“True”, Adira looked at the doctors, “are you able to keep him alive for a few moments?”
“That we can do!” Mr. Solace stated confidently
They got to work helping Hugo, giving him a shot and helping him get some food inside his stomach, as they did, Varian waited, focusing his energy for a little bit, once they gave him the signal, he smiled and ran to Adira
Hugo felt his energy zap instantly, the food he’d injected began to bubble in his stomach, he placed a hand over his mouth as pain shot through his body! He whimpered, “it’s gonna be okay Hugo, just hang in there”, Eugene stated gently as he grabbed the blond’s hand gently
Varian gently touched Adira’s hand, placing his over the place he’d healed her cut, and began to sing, his hair, eyes, and freckles glowing instantly as he did:
‘Moon light, shine and gleam,
Let your blessings rise,
Push the darkness back,
Silence the mournful cries,
Take the carnage back,
Strengthen these Earthly ties,
Keep what is so dear,
Silence the mournful cries,
The Mournful cries’
Adira braced herself as she felt the magic flow into her, she wince a little, “too much Speckles”
“Sorry”, Varian called some of his magic back, regulating it as he focused on her arm. He could feel it heal, could feel her discomfort, he took a little more of his magic back and felt her relief. Smiling he waited until the cut had been fully healed before he looked at Hugo and flew over, Eugene quickly stepping back as Varian, very gently, touched his lover’s hand, smiling, before closing his eyes. He felt Hugo’s worry and anxiety, he felt the sickness, then the pain. Wincing a little, he got to work, healing and reassuring his Hugo’s mind that there was no danger as the signals slowed and finally stopped, the body beginning to fight off the sickness instead
He grinned before he finally stopped, allowing his magic to stop flowing and opening his eyes, he was no longer glowing, he watched Hugo for a second or two before the blond lowered his hand away from his mouth, he still looked sick, but he had some color to his cheeks, and the bile he’d been blocking seemed to calm down, the bespeckled teen smiled at the alchemist, “t-thank you”
“Anytime”
Mr and Mrs. Solace smiled wide as Mr. Solace spoke up, “alrighty, looks like things are back to the normal sickness, to be sure, we need to do a small check”
Varian giggled as his fiancé’s grumpy expression, but felt proud when he saw his lover oblige, Donella and Ulla watching as Beetlejuice flew over to Varian, “so, how are you feeling?” The demon asked
“What do you mean?” Varian responded, looking at the green haired man
“Well, figuring out how to control your powers like that while they’re getting stronger is a tough gig kid, would leave even the most talented of demons and wizards winded, so, what about you? How are you feeling?”
“Hmmm…. I’m…. Not sure? Sleepy I think it the best way to describe it. I don’t have any other word”
“Huh, you’re pretty buff”
“Buff?” Varian asked with a giggle
“Well yeah, you healed two people while regulating your powers in the span of a few minutes. That’s impressive, even to me! Seems like you’re a pretty tough cookie, I mean, I already knew that, but ya just proved it even more”
“Heh, well thanks Beetlejuice”
“Anytime, I tells it like I sees it”, Varian quirked his head to the side, “ugh, seriously, you need tv”
“What’s tv?”
“Basically a box that has moving pictures in it, ya watch it and see characters have adventures and such in the comfort of your own home!”
“That…. Sounds very boring”
“Suit yourself, it’s relaxing after a hard day’s work”
“What’s a hard day’s work look like for you Beetlejuice? Genuinely asking”
“Scarin, possession, doing fine and kooky shit that keeps people guessing, and taxes”
“Taxes?”
“Hey, I have to responsible *sometimes*”
Varian giggled, “ya know what, I’m glad I know you, I won’t lie, I was pretty worried at first. But you’ve been such a huge help with Hugo and you’ve also been really kind to everyone here, I really appreciate you Beetlejuice, thank you”
The demon grinned happily, “aww stahp, you’re too kind, heh”
The alchemist smiled before he hugged the demon, startling him, “I mean it, thank you so much Beetlejuice, for everything”
“Aw gee kid, it was just a few parlor tricks”, he stated, but returned the hug with a small smile
“Not to me”, Varian said softly, “it was kind, and you helped me and my family through a lot, even when you didn’t have to, that’s not little to me…. In fact….” He took a breath before catching his father’s eye, the retired knight watched for a moment before he realized what was happening and smiled, nodding. Varian grinned before he let go of the demon and smiled, “Beetlejuice”
Beetlejuice blinked, “huh?”
“Beetlejuice”
The demon began to glow a green aura, he was startled at first before he looked at Varian, seeing the teen’s grin, he smiled as tears came to his eyes, “one more time, j-just one more”
Varian nodded before he spoke, “BEETLEJUICE!”
Suddenly, a bright, green, light shined throughout the room before Beetlejuice’s laughter could be heard, the light dimmed and floating in the air was Beetlejuice, but he was corporeal now, he looked much more vibrant as well, sparkling and grinning from ear to ear, “I’M FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” He squeed as he flew around the living room, bouncing off of everything as he laughed and cheered and screeched with joy
Everyone laughed as they watched him celebrate before the demon zoomed over to Varian and embraced him happily, “THANK YOU!” He exclaimed, “thank you! Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!!!”
Varian returned the hug, “you’re welcome!”
Beetlejuice sniffled as he hugged the teen before his eyes opened wide in realization and he looked at the alchemist, still holding him like a kitty, “w-we’re still pals right?! I get to come to the wedding and make the cake and-and-and-!”
“Of course we’re still pals!” Varian exclaimed, “best friends forever! You, me, Hugo, and Hector too!”
Relieve filled the demon as he hugged Varian again happily, “good! I-I’m was worried”
The teen hugged the demon again, “you don’t have to be worried anymore, we’ll always be pals, you just get to have all your powers now, instead of just some of them”
This made the demon begin to giggle before he set Varian down and grinned, “hell yeah! Now I can show you what I can REALLY do!”
“Uh, w-within reason please, there’s still a sickly and I’d like my house to stay unbroken please”, Quirin stated gently
“Ugh, daaaad, you’re not fun”, Beetlejuice wined
The retired knight snorted, “I could be less fun and say no flying in the house too ya know”
Beetlejuice gasped dramatically, “you would dare!”
“I would and can”
The demon blinked before he laughed, “aw man, I’ve never had a dad before! This is GREAT! Now I know how it feels to be almost grounded!”
Varian laughed, “hooray for new experiences with dad!”
“Yay!”
The duo looked at Quirin, “oh! Uh, um…. Wee hoo?”
Beetlejuice snorted, “good enough”
Hugo smiled, “you’re in the same boat as me, wait til you get a Quirin snuggle, those are some of them best”
The demon smiled, “I’m excited!”
“That’ll be a sight to see”, Hector teased as Adira snickered, Quirin gave them both the stink eye
“Wait, does that mean you have three kids now Quirin?” Lance asked
“I do, but I’ve kinda accepted that already”, the retired knight stated with a chuckle
“Does that mean I get my own room?” Beetlejuice asked
“You can if you wish, I’ll even let you pick, though you can’t have mine, or Varian and Hugo’s, those are already taken”
“I’m okay with that, I want the attic!”
“The…. Attic? Wouldn’t you want something a little more comfortable?”
“Nah, I’m a demon! I lived in basements my entire afterlife, I wanna be the opposite of a basement!”
“Im certain we could make that work”, Varian stated, “we’d need to move a lot of boxes though”
“Or I could haunt them!”
“Oooh! Haunt the baby Freckles sock! Haunt the baby Freckles sock!” Hugo exclaimed, coughing a little
“Nu! He’s not haunting my baby sock!” Varian exclaimed
“I’m haunting your baby sock”, Beetlejuice stated
“Nuuuuuuuu!”
“Yeeeeeeeeah!” The demon and blond exclaimed
“Daaaaaaaaad!”
“Hoo boy, what have I gotten myself into”, Quirin stated, getting everyone to laugh as the retired knight smirked at his two, now three, kids. He watched them for a moment before looking over at Lance. Eugene noticed his look and grinned before holding up four fingers, Quirin nodded, getting Eugene’s smile to widen as the doctors continued to give Hugo a check up and Varian and Beetlejuice discussed room ideas for the demon
Notes:
Hello, I’m back! 🎶
I’m sorry it took me so long, I needed some time to grieve, I’m gonna do a chapter about her, about Willow. She was with me through the worst parts of my life and I wanna honor her in any way I can, she deserves that much and more
Thank you all for your patience with me, it means a lot, as stated previously, a week’s time gave me enough of a rest, so I can start writing again. I won’t lie, it may be a little harder for me to do, I ask for patience with that, I’m sorry, but Willow was my Ruddigar, my support animal, and my kid, so going back to what was my normal schedule may take a little getting used to without her…. But I’ll try my best! For you all and for her
As for the story, it’s gonna continue as usual, I’m gonna finish it, I still plan on making the rewrite for Tangled the series as well, and then VAT7K! That’s still the plan, and I’m excited to show the ideas I have for the stories :D
Thank you all so much for your patience with me, and thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 516: Sickly Pages!
Summary:
Hugo discovers something out about himself!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian nodded before he spoke, “BEETLEJUICE!”
Suddenly, a bright, green, light shined throughout the room before Beetlejuice’s laughter could be heard, the light dimmed and floating in the air was Beetlejuice, but he was corporeal now, he looked much more vibrant as well, sparkling and grinning from ear to ear, “I’M FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” He squeed as he flew around the living room, bouncing off of everything as he laughed and cheered and screeched with joy
Everyone laughed as they watched him celebrate before the demon zoomed over to Varian and embraced him happily, “THANK YOU!” He exclaimed, “thank you! Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!!!”
Varian returned the hug, “you’re welcome!”
Beetlejuice sniffled as he hugged the teen before his eyes opened wide in realization and he looked at the alchemist, still holding him like a kitty, “w-we’re still pals right?! I get to come to the wedding and make the cake and-and-and-!”
“Of course we’re still pals!” Varian exclaimed, “best friends forever! You, me, Hugo, and Hector too!”
Relief filled the demon as he hugged Varian again happily, “good! I-I’m was worried”
The teen hugged the demon again, “you don’t have to be worried anymore, we’ll always be pals, you just get to have all your powers now, instead of just some of them”
This made the demon begin to giggle before he set Varian down and grinned, “hell yeah! Now I can show you what I can REALLY do!”
“Uh, w-within reason please, there’s still a sickly and I’d like my house to stay unbroken”, Quirin stated gently
“Ugh, daaaad, you’re not fun”, Beetlejuice wined
The retired knight snorted, “I could be less fun and say no flying in the house too ya know”
Beetlejuice gasped dramatically, “you would dare!”
“I would and can”
The demon blinked before he laughed, “aw man, I’ve never had a dad before! This is GREAT! Now I know how it feels to be almost grounded!”
Varian laughed, “hooray for new experiences with dad!”
“Yay!”
The duo looked at Quirin, “oh! Uh, um…. Wee hoo?”
Beetlejuice snorted, “good enough”
Hugo smiled, “you’re in the same boat as me, wait til you get a Quirin snuggle, those are some of them best”
The demon smiled, “I’m excited!”
“That’ll be a sight to see”, Hector teased as Adira snickered, Quirin gave them both the stink eye
“Wait, does that mean you have three kids now Quirin?” Lance asked
“I do, but I’ve kinda accepted that already”, the retired knight stated with a chuckle
“Does that mean I get my own room?” Beetlejuice asked
“You can if you wish, I’ll even let you pick, though you can’t have mine, or Varian and Hugo’s, those are already taken”
“I’m okay with that, I want the attic!”
“The…. Attic? Wouldn’t you want something a little more comfortable?”
“Nah, I’m a demon! I lived in basements my entire afterlife, I wanna be the opposite of a basement!”
“Im certain we could make that work”, Varian stated, “we’d need to move a lot of boxes though”
“Or I could haunt them!”
“Oooh! Haunt the baby Freckles sock! Haunt the baby Freckles sock!” Hugo exclaimed, coughing a little
“Nu! He’s not haunting my baby sock!” Varian exclaimed
“I’m haunting your baby sock”, Beetlejuice stated
“Nuuuuuuuu!”
“Yeeeeeeeeah!” The demon and blond exclaimed
“Daaaaaaaaad!”
“Hoo boy, what have I gotten myself into”, Quirin stated, getting everyone to laugh as the retired knight smirked at his two, now three, kids. He watched them for a moment before looking over at Lance. Eugene noticed his look and grinned before holding up four fingers, Quirin nodded, getting Eugene’s smile to widen as the doctors continued to give Hugo a check up and Varian and Beetlejuice discussed room ideas for the demon
****
‘New Journal Entry 1, October 21st, 9:30AM
Dear Journal,
Hi, this is Hugo, so, this is kinda funny, but I got me a fancy new journal! Freckles, uh, that’s my fiancé, his actual name is Varian, but I call him Freckles, said that since I was sickly and banished to forever be a couch potato, his words not mine, that I should have something to do while I’m here. So he got me a journal when he and Quirin, his dad and technically mine too, went on an outing for more food
I’m not sure if I should explain things to you journal, if that’s correct or not, I’ve never had a journal before. I wrote in Varian’s journal once, but I didn’t think to explain anything there since Freckles was the author, I knew the audience I was writing to. I’ve never had to write about my own thoughts without someone else using the same journal as me. Donella, my adopted mother, said that we shouldn’t have journals, leaving a paper trail is wrong and could get us caught. We were thieves and scammers during those days, I’m glad we don’t have to do that anymore. But having a journal of my own is so new, Lance said it would be a good therapy tool too, he was actually thinking about recommending one to me. Lance is the group therapist by the way, again, I feel like a should explain this to you, but I’m not sure if that’s correct or not….. I’ll ask Freckles later…. Maybe I’m journaling wrong?
Ugh, It was so much easier to journal inside of Freckles’s notebook because I knew Freckles would be the one reading my entires! The audience was very clear, and almost everything I wrote in that journal would be stuff I’d tell him in person…. Save for the Eugene stuff…. I don’t think he should ever know about that…. Hence why I ripped it out…. Which was a mistake….
I… I won’t rip anything out of you journal…. I feel like that would hurt you for some reason…. I don’t wanna hurt anybody….
Sorry, I’m gonna wait for Freckles to come back, I need to ask him how to journal correctly, because I think I’m doing it wrong. He’s in his lab right now, doing small experiments, he didn’t want to leave at first, but I could tell he was getting twitchy and needed to science. He said he’d do a few things, and run a few tests, before coming straight back to me. I feel kinda bad, he’s been by my side ever since I got sick, even forgoing eating unless I eat, which is hard for me to do since my stomach hates the hell outta me right now….
I hate being sick…. Fucking sucks man, I have no way of feeling better, I just sick here and basically wait until my next puke session…. That’s how being ill works for me and it fucking sucks! Ugh…. Varian’s right about being banished to a fate of forever being a couch potato…. Speaking of, he’s back, heh, he’s got a little spot on his nose, I love it when he gets soot on himself, he’s so fucking cute I swear!
I’m gonna go ask him how to journal correctly, that way I’m not just jumbling out my thoughts in an unorganized heap like I’m doing! It’ll be better for you journal, you might like it far better too! See you when I’m a journaling expert!
Sincerely…. No that sounds too formal for you journal…. From-ugh, no thanks, too end-of-letter like…. Maybe I should just end it with my name.
Hugo’
Journal Entry 2, October 21st, 1:22PM
Dear Journal,
So, I asked Freckles how to journal, and he told me to do it however I wanted. I told him about what I’d written down and how unorganized it is, he said that was okay, that my writing didn’t have to be organized. You just write about how you’re feeling in that moment, or memories you don’t wanna forget…. But that seems so unorganized to me! He said he could help me organize my thoughts better, but whatever I write is the correct way to journal
But it’s so fucking messy! The paragraphs barely look like paragraphs! They shouldn’t even count as paragraphs either since they don’t have a minimum of 6 sentences! There’s no notes to explain, there’s no grammatically correct format that I’m writing in! It’s unorganized and it’s bothering the hell outta me! Worst part is, I tried to write a paragraph the way it’s supposed to be done in this journal, and it looks so fucking long compared to the short ones I made! Which makes it even LESS organized than before! UGH!
…..I guess it doesn’t help that small things like that tend to bother me, like the blanket that I’m currently using, while extremely soft, also drapes over one side of the couch, but not the other, or how my hair isn’t in it’s usually neat and tidy ponytail, it’s fucking hanging loosely around my face and looks like a bird’s nest…. My glasses are askew, my face is a mess, don’t even get me STARTED on my clothing, the pjs are nice, but ugh, all the ugh, and so much more ugh…..
It’s just bothering me so much and honestly, I just wanna stand up and reorganize it, I need it to look better, look cleaner, I don’t wanna be on this couch, it’s so damn messy that it’s driving me crazy! I don’t feel like myself right now, I don’t feel like I’m Hugo, I feel like I’m a damn hobo!
Varian noticed…. He asked me if I was alright, I guess I’ve been acting really odd…. But I just really hate being sick, everything’s out of my control right now. I at least had some control over my looks, neat and tidy, just like I like it, or my room, neat and tidy, everything in its place, where it should be, but here, the couch is constantly messy, my body is constantly messy, my hair is constantly messy, maybe I’d get a kick out of the consistency if it were so damn irritating!
Let me just give you an example of my waning sanity, journal. There’s a water cup on the stand next to me right? Rapunzel keeps refilling the water cup when it’s empty, however, she grabs it with her left hand, it is a clear, glass, cup, her fingerprints are easy to make out on it! So when she brings it back to me, and sets it on the stand, WITHOUT A COASTER UNDER IT MIGHT I ADD, which is another thing that drives me nuts, but anyway, her prints are always on the left side of the cup, I’ve gotten used to this as her normal way of grabbing a cup. Well today, she grabbed it with her RIGHT HAND! She had paint on her left hand, she didn’t wanna get it on the cup, but she grabbed it with her RIGHT HAND, and refilled it! I don’t know why this bothers me so damn much, but when she put it down, and I saw the prints on the right side of the cup, instead of the left, and mixing with the left side prints, I couldn’t stop staring! The worst part, is that they’re not aligned! She grabs this cup EVERDAY with her left hand, and it aligns perfectly! But she grabbed it with her right hand today and I’m *very* close to knocking it off the table….. It still has no damn coaster under it either, by the fucking way!
Shit, Varian noticed I was staring at the cup. He must think I’m the oddest fucking man on the planet right now, I didn’t realize I was glaring at it, he seemed startled by my facial expression. But, to my surprise, when he looked at the cup, he got up, grabbed it, walked into the kitchen, and refilled it, when he came back, he got a coaster and set it on there, and it looks like he got me a new cup as well, because Freckles wear gloves, and I see no prints on it, either that or he cleaned it
Either way, I don’t know why, but that filled me with relief, a lot of relief….. The problem now is that I’m thirsty, but the cup is the only clean thing in this room, and I don’t have my gloves on right now….. Not that they would make much of a difference, I wear fingerless gloves. Ugh, why is this bothering me so much?! It’s prints on a damn glass! Yet I can do nothing else except stare at it! I want to drink from it, but I don’t want to dirty it….
Ugh…. I’m tired, maybe I’ll just take a nap or something…. That might calm me down….
Goodnight Journal…. Sorry for all the fuss
I still don’t know how to end these entries, so I’m sticking with my name for now.
Hugo’
‘New Journal Entry 3, October 22nd, 1:02PM
Dear Journal,
I slept in very late, just woke up a few hours ago…. I don’t feel good at all…. Everything’s a mess, my stomach is killing me, the cup was touched, I puked three fucking times already today….. What’s worse is Lance keeps eyeing me…. I get he wants to help, but him eyeing me specifically makes me think he’s seeing a mental problem in me and it’s making me a fucking nervous wreck
I’d tell him to stop if I wasn’t too damn sick to say anything…. Beetlejuice is in good spirits thankfully, he’s entertaining to watch, Varian freeing him apparently got him motivated to impress me and Freckles with everything he’s got. Hector too actually, he’s really taken a shine to Hector, and vice versa, it’s a good thing, Hector needs a friend, Quirin says it’s good for Hector to make new friends
I think Quirin is in major dad mode, because he’s been checking on me every five seconds, and while I don’t mind, because it’s Quirin, and I’m kinda needing the dad attention today, I’m also very overwhelmed and drained right now….
I don’t know what this is…. A crash? Possibly fatigue from being sick? I don’t know….. but I’m barely moving because when I do, everything just hurts…. I can feel everything underneath my body, it feels like bugs underneath my skin and I hate every fucking second of it!
I don’t want to be on this couch anymore! I can’t take it, I CAN’T FUCKING TAKE IT!!!!’
‘New journal entry 4, October 23rd, 3:04PM
Dear Journal,
Hi…. I’m sorry…. I threw you to the floor and basically had a fit…. I blacked out for most of it, but Freckles said I got up and began to clean, he said I was freaking out over how unorganized everything was…. I threw the cup…. It shattered….. I almost hit Lance…. Who was still watching me….
I don’t remember any of it… I don’t remember doing it… I barely even remember writing down the entry before this one…. I remember getting angry…. I remember feeling so fucking bad about everything, and I guess I just exploded….
Lance said he thinks he knows why, once I’d calmed down, I fell asleep…. When I woke up, he had me do a few tests…. I was still recovering from my outburst, but some of the tests included me walking into a cleaner room and him asking what the first thing I noticed was…. There were pens on the table, most were in a cup, one wasn’t, I noticed that first….
He said I may have OCD…. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder…. Said it stems from a lot of things, one of them is trauma. The main two emotions you feel are anxiety and fear…. When…. I was younger…. I had to keep everything immaculate because we didn’t wanna be traced….. I even learned how to stomp out ashes perfectly so as not to make a mess…. It became…. A-an obsession….. and I didn’t realize it until now…. I’d always kept my shit clean, save for my language, I thought it was normal to do that…. I didn’t realize it was to an obsessive degree….
Varian mentioned how I’d commented on his room being so messy when I’d first seen it, and how I had to have my own section in his lab because he lived in organized chaos…. I didn’t realize those were small signs…. Lance says it’s normal, but I feel horrible for what I did…. I broke a damn cup because I got so obsessed….
He said it’s normal for things like that to happen, it’s like how people can become overwhelmed with noises, sometimes they can’t help but lash out…. But still…. I broke a cup….. I almost hit Lance…. I scared Varian…. I yelled…. I…. I did bad things…. No one’s mad at me though….. Once they found out why it happened, they understood….
I wish they were mad at me…. I feel like I should be punished for something like that…. Donella felt guilty…. She said she’d suspected I had it, but…. She never really tried to figure it out….. She apologized for that….. Why is everyone just… okay with what I did? Shouldn’t I suffer a punishment? I broke a glass cup! I yelled and threw a fit, I made my illness even worse, how am I not in trouble?!
Varian’s watching me…. I guess he can tell I’m still upset…..-! He… he’s coming over! He looked serious, I-I should go….
Hugo’
‘Journal Entry 5, October 23rd, 6:25PM
Dear Journal,
So… Varian had a chat with me, he said he could tell I still felt really guilty about what happened, and told me I shouldn’t. I broke down, ended up crying and saying that I felt horrible, that I just wanted him to say I did wrong. I didn’t mean to cry, I just… I needed him to do something to me! I…. Told him to hit me….
Everyone was so startled, everyone…. Except Varian….. He knew this would happen…. He held me until I calmed down, then, he asked me something that I’ll never forget, he asked me:
‘Do you think I should be punished when my PTSD kicks in and has me react incorrectly?’
To which I immediately said NO! PTSD isn’t something he can help, it’s like his depression, or anxiety, he can’t help dealing with any of that, and sometimes, it does get out of control and he can’t stop himself!
That’s when he told me that it’s the same for OCD. That the reason I have it, or one of the reason, is because of the trauma I received growing up. He said that it’s a trauma response, just like PTSD, and why should he get a pass when I didn’t
I told him it was because PTSD wasn’t something he could control, that it just happens. He said the same could be said for OCD, that I was taught to keep things clean otherwise there would be consequences, very bad consequences….. He said that, while yes, what I did was wrong, I did it because of something out of my control, it’s a mental disorder, not a conscious decision
I didn’t have any ways to argue that point…. So I stayed quiet, I did eventually say that I still felt guilty, but he told me that he feels the same when he has an episode. But there are gonna be ways we can cope with both, he’ll help me with mine just like I help him with his. He said that I have a space in the lab, and that he can figure out a way to get his room in ship shape so I’ll feel more comfortable. He said that the couch can even be made a little cleaner so I can stay in it without worry
He mentioned that I’m surrounded by people who support me, and are willing to go the extra mile because they love me…. It made me cry again…. Happy tears this time. He hugged me, and I ended up falling asleep in his arms, eheh
I feel a lot better now, I have to figure out ways to cope with this situation, especially since this was the first time it’s been an issue, but I chalk that up to my life before Varian being very….. Travel light and leave nothing behind-ish, I’m glad I don’t live that way anymore. It’ll be tough, but I have my lover, and my new family, to help me, for the first time ever journal, I feel…. Safe…. I didn’t think I’d ever feel this way, but I finally do, and I don’t ever want to let it go
So I’ll keep working, and working hard, to be better, like Varian is, and I’ll live, like he wants me to, I want to do it, for him, I just…. Need to stop being sick first, heh. But I can do it, I can!
…..Heh, Quirin just came over and moved some of the blankets so they would be draping evenly over the sides of the couch, he’s been helping a lot, ever since he found out about my OCD, he’s been cleaning things up and took over water filling duties, since he wears gloves all the time too, and he even got me a darker colored cup so I wouldn’t be able to see the markings, and uses a coaster! He cleaned up the couch too, and helped me dress up into pjs that were far for comfortable and patterned evenly
He didn’t need to do all of that, and he’s still learning more about OCD, he keeps asking Lance questions while Freckles reads about the subject to better understand and help me. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better family, oh! I paid for the cup I smashed, Quirin accepted the money, but then used it to buy a mug with a picture of wrench on it, he said that it’s now my personal mug, and I can use it to drink hot chocolate! I love him, he’s a really amazing dad!
I can’t wait to be a full member of this family, I really can’t! Beetlejuice wants to talk cake with me soon, actually, he wants to do that now, heh, I gotta go
Oh! Freckles helped me figure out a way to send off each entry, so here’s the new way I’m doing it from now on! I took inspiration from an old farmer and a cute alchemist heh!
Thank you for listening journal, your inventor/Author,
Hugo (soon to be) Vanguard’
Notes:
Hello! :D
Real quick, I wanna say, I am not a professional of any kind! I’m not a licensed therapist either! I’m writing this story based off of experiences I’ve had. This one happens to be an experience my very close friend had when she was diagnosed with OCD, this is what they went through, but it’s second hand knowledge and research. Please understand that because self diagnosing is not good for you, if you feel you exhibit any of Hugo’s behaviors, please seek professional help to get further analysis!
Thank you! 😊
Hugo always seemed like the type to have his own style, but sometimes our own personal styles end up hiding some things about us that we didn’t even know. For example, I like to wear baggy hoodies and leggings because I like to hide my body, I originally thought it was because the clothing was comfortable, only to find out that that wasn’t the case
Hugo is a very chill dude, when he’s on his routine, he has a way of doing things, and should that way be interrupted, it throws him off course, little things can become a much bigger issue if not taken seriously, and it’s very hard for him to cope with stuff like that. I got the initial idea for this because of my friend, they’re a lot like Hugo, chill and very cool, but if they’re routine is thrown off, things get rough for them
And that’s okay! It’s okay to have OCD, it’s okay to need things in order, it’s okay! It just takes a little patience, and that’s perfectly fine 😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 517: Any Ideas?
Summary:
The group is in high spirits until Hugo gets a clean bill of health, and they’re reminded of what they’ll have to face once he’s fully cleared!
Notes:
More notes at the end :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“…..So getting up seems like a really fun idea”, Hugo stated casually
“Nu”, Quirin chuckled as he finished checking the teen’s temperature
“But it’s a beautiful day outside, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, on days like this, kids like me-!”
“Should be sleeping on the couch until the doctor gives them the all clear”
The blond huffed, “you’re mean”
“And you’re sick”
“But I’m getting better”
“You’re still sick”
“I didn’t puke last night, I can eat normal foods, and drink normal drinks”
“And yet the sickness, it continues”
“You’re very ruthless good sir”
“I’m aware, now take your medicine”
“But it tastes like bubble gum and bad feelings”
Quirin chuckled, “and it’ll make you feel better”
“….Fine”, the blond swallowed the medicine dosage he’d been given before swallowing, “ugh, happy?”
“Very”, Hugo raised a brow at the man, getting him to smirk, “my my, you and Varian just absolutely *hate* being taken care of, don’t you?”
“Couches are evil and the bane of scientific existence, and I *will* find a way to destroy each and every one of them”
“Then you’ll be stuck to the armchair, that better?”
“Hmph”
“Thought not”
Eugene snickered as he watched the two, “Sun above, you and Varian really hate to relax doncha?”
“It’s not the relaxing part that’s the problem, I’m genuinely feeling better, good enough to get up and move, but I’m not allowed, it’s slightly frustrating”, Hugo explained, “I think it’s a Quirin thing”
“When you were younger, and got sick, did you get up and work when you were feeling slightly better?” The retired knight asked
“Yes, yes I did”
The Village Leader paused before he let out a sigh and quirked a brow at Donella, who was standing beside him, “a mistake on my part, I admit”, she stated, blushing slightly
“Ya think?” The retired knight asked sarcastically
“Don’t worry love, the doctors are gonna come today, they said they have some free time to give you a final check up. Once they do, they’ll probably tell you to rest up for the remainder of the day, then you’ll get up tomorrow”, Varian stated reassuringly
“Did that ever work on you?” Hugo asked
“It made me feel slightly better that there was a chance of a productive day tomorrow, after a dad check, of course”
“…..Fair point”
Quirin sighed as Adira snickered, “two little stubborn scientists and one Stickler, how will he ever cope?”
“You know, Hugo has plenty of pillows over here, just perfect for throwing”, the retired knight stated with a smirk
“I’d love to see you try”
“Can I join in? If yes, I’m on Adira’s team”, Hector stated as Beetlejuice laughed
“Welcome aboard”
“Happy to be here”
“You two are brats”, Quirin stated
“Children, please no pillow fights around the grand-peanuts”, Edmund stated gently, “especially considering one is sick”
“I’m fine with them pillow fighting, it’d be entertaining at the very least”, Hugo stated
Varian giggled, “it still would probably knock over a few important items that I don’t think anyone wants broken, the pictures for example”
“Good point”, Quirin agreed
“He did challenge me to be fair”, Adira pointed out
“Adira no, no pillow fights”, the retired knight joked
The face painted warrior smirked as she raised an amused brow, “Adira yes, all the pillow fights”, she stated simply, getting Hector to laugh
“Adira nu, um, please?” Varian asked gently
His aunt snickered, “fine, Adira no”
“Why him and not me?” Quirin asked
“He said please”, she replied
The retired knight let out a very long, suffering sigh as Hector fell onto the armchair laughing, “I have a headache…”
Varian hugged his father as Hugo, Lance, Eugene, and Beetlejuice joined Hector’s laughing while Adira snickered and Edmund, Ulla, and even Donella looked at the man with pity
****
“Aaaand, there! That should do it”, Dr. Rose stated as she looked at the thermometer, “fever’s broken, no puking, heart pressure seems normal, save for when Varian’s around”
“Aw!” Varian gushed, getting Hugo to blush a little
“Hee hee, reflexes are good, skin is back on its normal color, no running noses, I think you’re in the clear! Though I recommend one final day of rest, just in case, but tomorrow you should be good to go!”
“Huzzah!” Hugo cheered
Dr. Isaac snickered, “Huzzah indeed, I take it you don’t like being a couch potato either?”
“Me and the couch are not *spuddies*, no”
Varian and the doctors laughed at that as Eugene groaned, “that was terrible”
“And yet I feel no remorse”
“You wouldn’t”
“Anyway, seems as though the sickness has died down quite a bit, so all should be well!” Dr. Isaac stated with a smirk, “let us know if anything comes about and we’ll come running, yeah?”
“Oki, thank you both very much!” Varian replied with a smile
“Yes, thank you”, Quirin added
“We’re happy to help!” Dr. Rose replied happily
The two left, Quirin paying them for their services as they did before closing the door once he’d made sure they were safe in their caravan. After a few more moments, the retired knight turned to face the blond, “so, feeling any better now that you’ll be all clear tomorrow, provided there be no more episodes”
“Yup!” Hugo exclaimed happily, “a clean bill of health never felt so good! I mean that figuratively and literally”
The group chuckled before they grew silent, “why’s everyone’s so quiet?” Lance asked
“I think it’s because of what’s gonna happen next Lance”, Quirin replied softly, “we’ve been able to focus on Hugo since he’s gotten sick, and while we’re all very glad he isn’t anymore…. The matter we’ll have to handle afterwards isn’t…. A pleasant one to think about….”
The former thief winced a little as he realized what the man meant before Ulla spoke up, “do you really have to go after her? She’s not harmed anyone ever since that part of the land was blocked off”
“Keeping problems locked behind a door never solves anything, trust me, I should know….” Edmund stated gently, “it’s best to nip this in the bud before it gets too bad, I’m almost afraid it already has given how much time she’s been waiting….”
“Well…. Do any of you have a plan?” The red haired alchemist asked
“No, but it would be a good place to start, we should know what we’ll do when we face her….” Varian stated
“Do you have any idea kiddo?” Eugene asked
The alchemist shook his head before smirking, “but I do have a pal who knows a lot about ghosts and stuff, if he’s willing to help out”
Beetlejuice chuckled, “I told you I’d help you out with you ghost problem beforehand, I keep to my word, though, I gotta ask, because everyone’s being cryptic as fuck right now, you’re talking about Gothel, right?”
Rapunzel’s wince was harsh and obvious to everyone in the room, Eugene instantly taking her hand and rubbing his thumb over her knuckles reassuringly as Varian spoke up, “yes, we’re talking about Gothel…. And how we need to get rid of her once and for all….”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Times getting closer as Hugo’s feel better, they need to take care of Gothel, especially now that they know who she is…. But it’s not going to be a very easy fight….. especially not for Rapunzel….
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 518: The Trauma We Share!
Summary:
Rapunzel talks about her trauma from Gothel and Varian relates!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group chuckled before they grew silent, “why’s everyone’s so quiet?” Lance asked
“I think it’s because of what’s gonna happen next Lance”, Quirin replied softly, “we’ve been able to focus on Hugo since he’s gotten sick, and while we’re all very glad he isn’t anymore…. The matter we’ll have to handle afterwards isn’t…. A pleasant one to think about….”
The former thief winced a little as he realized what the man meant before Ulla spoke up, “do you really have to go after her? She’s not harmed anyone ever since that part of the land was blocked off”
“Keeping problems locked behind a door never solves anything, trust me, I should know….” Edmund stated gently, “it’s best to nip this in the bud before it gets too bad, I’m almost afraid it already has given how much time she’s been waiting….”
“Well…. Do any of you have a plan?” The red haired alchemist asked
“No, but it would be a good place to start, we should know what we’ll do when we face her….” Varian stated
“Do you have any idea kiddo?” Eugene asked
The alchemist shook his head before smirking, “but I do have a pal who knows a lot about ghosts and stuff, if he’s willing to help out”
Beetlejuice chuckled, “I told you I’d help you out with you ghost problem beforehand, I keep to my word, though, I gotta ask, because everyone’s being cryptic as fuck right now, you’re talking about Gothel, right?”
Rapunzel’s wince was harsh and obvious to everyone in the room, Eugene instantly taking her hand and rubbing his thumb over her knuckles reassuringly as Varian spoke up, “yes, we’re talking about Gothel…. And how we need to get rid of her once and for all….”
The demon stared at the teen for a moment or two before he tilted his head to the side, “ain’t you the one who gives people second chances? What’d she do to piss you off so badly?”
“Kidnapped and hurt Rapunzel for 18 long years, abused her, made her feel like her feelings didn’t matter, and damaged her so much that those problems ended up spiraling and hurting Rapunzel and the people around her. Not only that but she abandoned her 4 year old daughter to stay young forever, she made the king of Corona go on a rage streak that caused so much harm and mayhem the Corona is STILL trying to recover, she’s THE MAIN REASON Cassandra went on her damn evil spree and harmed everyone in this room, and she’s been haunting these fields for *years*, both when she was alive, through spells, and now when she’s dead….”
“….oh…. Well shit….”
“Yeah…. Not a nice lady…. And you know, I can understand if she has a fear of death or something, but literally *anything* else would’ve been better than what she did, I’d say she’s as bad as Cyrus, and in many ways she is, but she technically didn’t-oh wait, she DID kill someone! Eugene! She stabbed him with a dagger! The only reason he survived was because of Rapunzel’s tears bringing him back to life! Ok so she *is* as bad as Cyrus!”
“Not entirely, at least she didn’t sexually harass or touch anyone”, Hugo point out, “bout the only thing she didn’t do”
“Good point…. Cyrus is worse, but Gothel’s still a horrible person that needs any and all forms of punishment we can think of….”
Eugene chuckled, “very angry”
“Can you blame me?”
“No, trust me, I really don’t blame you one damn bit, but your anger is kinda cute”. The alchemist quirked a brow at his big brother, “it’s true! It’s also the only thing that I can think of to calm a certain someone, who I may or may not be holding hands with right now, down with since you are talking about her past and that’s kinda a hard topic to hear”
The teen blinked before he felt an enormous amount of anxiety and fear that he’d neglected to notice until now, “oh…. Oh my, I’m so sorry Punzel….”
“I-it’s….” The princess took a few deeps breaths before letting them out slowly, “it’s alright, really”
“Are you okay?”
“Well…. No, but you’re right, she needs to be dealt with”, she stated honestly, “I want to help deal with her, I-it’s just…. Gonna be….”
The alchemist watched Rapunzel freeze, he sighed before speaking up, “….hard?”
“Yes….”
“I understand…. When….. W-when Andrew wanted to…. M-make things right… uh, *ahem* heh, i-it was hard for me too…. He uh…. H-he gave me some of the closure I needed, b-but it was still difficult to face him, sometimes…. I-it was like I could barely b-breathe…. Even by just being in the same place as him…. I take it you feel the same?”
“I… do… yeah…. Moth-….. G-Gothel…. She was the only other person I knew for 18 years…. Its…. Hard to think about that while remembering all the things she did to me during that time….”
“It would be…. You only thought of her as your only parent for years, it’s…. Very hard to remember all the horrible things she did, even harder to accept them….”
The princess blinked and nodded before she looked at Varian, “how did you? W-with Andrew I mean”
The alchemist gave her a sad smile and shook his head, “I didn’t….”
“I…. V-Varian-!”
“It’s okay, that’s why I talk to Lance, and dad, and Hugo. It’s why Ruddigar is still my service animal and not my pet. When bad things happen to you….. I-it’s very hard to accept that they did, in fact, happen, even harder to try and work on and cope with that knowledge….. I think about all the ways he used to hurt me, all the things he’d say or do….. little moments that I hadn’t ever realized were abuse until I spoke with Lance and told him about them…. I didn’t ever get to the place where accepting it and moving forwards was an option…. I keep trying to justify him, even now, I still try to say that what he was doing was for the good of his people….. A-and…. I keep losing every argument in my head….. B-But that’s when I talk to Lance, he helps me cope, he’s come up with ways to handle when things get too bad for me, when I’ve lost too many arguments with myself. Snuggling Hugo at night keeps me calm as well, he’s very warm, and hearing his whistle is surprisingly nice to wake up to. And then there’s dad, gotta say, I go to him the most, he’s my main source of comfort, he knows exactly how to calm me down, exactly what to do whenever I need him to, heck he’ll even come in and check on me because he has a feeling I needed him, and he’s usually right, other times, I’m just hungry”
Rapunzel giggled at that, “he can sense when you need him huh?”
“Yup! I call it ‘dad Powers’, sometimes he’s evil with them, and ends up coming in and getting me out of my lab when I don’t wanna”
“Oh, you mean when you need to sleep? Or eat? Or get some Sun?” His father asked
“I can sleep in my lab, there’s a space for it, I have plenty of tables I can eat on, and the Sun burns”
“Right, you’re a gremlin of the night, I forgot”, Varian giggled when his father ruffled his hair before he looked at Hugo, “that includes you too by the way”
“Hey, I eat and sleep on time! ….mostly…. About 50%”, Hugo defended
“Make it 35%, and you’d be correct”
“45%!”
“30%”
“40%!”
“25%”
“…..35%?”
“35%”, Quirin agreed with a chuckle as he ruffled the blond’s hair too
“Either way”, Varian stated with a snicker, “dad’s always there when I need him, it’s always been that way, and the same can be said for Ruddigar, he’s my service animal for a reason. I also have tools to cope with what I’ve been through, little ways of calming down and seeking help. And when all else fails, I find a safe space and hide for a bit. In my safe spaces, I’m surrounded by stuff I love and pillows, lots and lots of pillows. Plus there’s nothing harmful in there, so I won’t be hurt, and dad, Hugo, Grabdpa, Hector, Adira, Beetlejuice, Ruddigar, Max, Pascal, Pete, Stan, Lance, Eugene, Catalina, Angry, Arianna, and you Rapunzel, all know where each and every one of my hides holes are, so you can all check on me if needed”
“Stan and Pete know?” Lance asked
“They found one by accident and asked me about them, Stan took an interest and asked for the other locations, both so he and Pete could check on me and so they don’t come in and disturb me should I be in one”
“Ah”
“My mom knows?” Rapunzel asked
Varian smiled at that, “yeah, she and I have been getting closer, she forgave me, and showed me she did in various ways, I feel less anxious around her and she was a huge comfort when…. W-when my family wasn’t available…. So…. She found out when I told her one day, I trust her, and she said she wouldn’t tell…. *ahem* a-anyways, she knows because she wanted to be sure I was okay, Hugo’s also got a few that he shares with me! It’s nice! She knows about those too!”
The princess gave the teen a grin before she let out a breath, “I’m sorry that…. It’s still hard for you….”
“That’s not your fault, would you like me to apologize to you for what Gothel did?”
“No, that wasn’t your fault at all!”
“Then don’t worry about it with me, you and I already hashed out our beef with each other, over and over again….. I don’t blame you for what happened anymore, honestly, I never really did in the first place…. I knew you’d left me, but we already talked about why, and how, and what happened…. Your part to play in my spiral has already been forgiven and accepted, you’re not the reason I stay up late at night anymore”
“I was once though….”
“I’m certain I was the reason for your nightmares too at some point”
“I…..” she sighed, “yeah….”
“But they’re no longer happening anymore, right?”
“Aside from the ones where I worry about you, and it always ends on a good note”
“That’s good, and uh, same, eheh, we’re scarily alike”
“Probably because of the Sundrop and Moonstone”
“Well that yes, but also, we were in similar situations when we hit our lowest points. You got betrayed by someone close to you, Cassandra, you felt abandoned when you came back to Corona, you ended up realizing your feelings, after all was said and done, and finally got to express them to someone who would listen and understand, me, and you ended up keeping a promise and rekindling a friendship. For me it was very similar, I got betrayed by someone close to me, you, I felt abandoned when no one checked on me or my father, I ended up realizing my feelings, after all was said and done, and finally got to express them to someone who would listen and understand, you, and I ended up keeping a promise and rekindling a friendship! We had very similar situations, they just happened in different ways. I’m not surprise we cope with it very similarly”
The princess smiled at the teen before her eyes widened, “hey! We both found out we’re royalty too! We didn’t realize it before until we got a lot older and found out!”
“That’s true!” Varian giggled, “I’m a prince of the Dark Kingdom, and you are the princess of Corona, kinda funny how that happened”
“Very! Heh heh”, Rapunzel agreed before she felt her fears creep back into her…. She tried to hide it, but her stomach was tying itself into knots, over and over and over again, it was almost unbearable, that is, until she felt someone grab her other hand, looking, she saw Varian smiling at her
“It’s okay, take your time and breathe. We can wait to handle Gothel until you’re completely ready, when we do, we’ll be right here, okay?” He said softly
She was quiet for a moment before she smiled back at him and hugged the alchemist, “thank you….”
He hugged her back gently, “anytime sis”
They stayed that way for a long time before the princess broke the hug and giggled when Eugene hugged her next, Varian walked over and hugged Hugo. Everyone was quiet for a bit as the duo calmed down before Hector broke the silence, “so what are we gonna do about Gothel? Not trying to rush, because you can take as much time as you need. But do you have a preferred way of dealing with her Princess?”
Rapunzel look at him for a moment or two before she began to think about it. Her mind reeled with ideas until she finally came up with one, “…..I think…. We need to use me as bait…..”
“What?!” Everyone in the room asked as Hugo coughed, startled by the answer as they all stared at Rapunzel in shock and worry
Notes:
Hello! :D
Rapunzel and Varian relate to each other! Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve done a celestial siblings chapter, and I missed writing them because they ended up being very wholesome! So here’s one for today! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 519: The Plan!
Summary:
Edmund has a plan and everyone is going to do as he says!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
They stayed that way for a long time before the princess broke the hug and giggled when Eugene hugged her next, Varian walked over and hugged Hugo. Everyone was quiet for a bit as the duo calmed down before Hector broke the silence, “so what are we gonna do about Gothel? Not trying to rush, because you can take as much time as you need. But do you have a preferred way of dealing with her Princess?”
Rapunzel look at him for a moment or two before she began to think about it. Her mind reeled with ideas until she finally came up with one, “…..I think…. We need to use me as bait…..”
“What?!” Everyone in the room asked as Hugo coughed, startled by the answer as they all stared at Rapunzel in shock and worry
“Gothel wanted me for my magic, when my hair got cut, the magic that kept her alive seeped out it of her and she died. She’ll want to get revenge, use me as bait, we can trap her!”
“How do you trap a ghost?” Hugo asked, “because she isn’t corporeal anymore, we could use you as bait all we wanted to, but we’d be putting you in unnecessary danger if we did because you can’t just throw a bet over a spirit”
“Well then we’ll have to find a way to trap her, but we should still use me”, the princess stated
“Rapunzel, as much as your bravery is appreciated, you’d take a chance of being hurt”, Edmund stated
“I know, but I’m the only bait we’ve got”
“Not…. Not entirely….” Eugene spoke up, getting everyone to look at him, “you may have been what she wanted before, but I took that away from her when I cut your hair. And then, you brought *me* back to life with your tears, not her. Whichever way ya slice it sunshine, I’m also able to be used as bait, probably even more so since you don’t have the Sundrop anymore”
“W-wait bu-!” Edmund started
“Eugene you are not being used as bait! I lived with her for *years*, if anyone knows how to handle her, it’s me”, Rapunzel argued
“Now hold on, if we could just wait a momen-!” Edmund tried again
“Rapunzel, you dealt with her for 18 years! The mere mention of her *name* caused you to shake”, Eugene exclaimed, “I’m the bait!”
“But if w-!”
“No, I am!” The princess argued
“Hey I’m trying t-!”
“Rapunzel just let me keep you safe!” Eugene replied back
“You two aren’t listen-!”
“I don’t need protection, I need to help!” Rapunzel snapped
Only Quirin, Varian, Hugo, Donella, Ulla, Beetlejuice, Adira, Lance, and Hector noticed Edmund’s expression darken as Eugene replied, “I’m not saying you can’t help, but you shouldn’t be used as bait!”
And how it only grew darker as Rapunzel argued back, “what’s another way I can help then? Just stand there and wait for you to possibly be killed?”
And darker still as they all took a step back when Eugene spoke up, “and what, you think you don’t have a possibility of being killed either?!”
“ENOUGH!!!!!!” Edmund yelled, stomping his foot on the floor once and making the entire house shake as Eugene and Rapunzel grew completely silent, “NEITHER of you two are being used as bait! NO ONE IS! That woman KILLED my son, she KIDNAPPED AND ABUSED my daughter in law, and she HAUNTED AND SCARED MY KNIGHT, so she will be dealt with the way ALL dark spirits are dealt with in the Dark Kingdom! Beetlejuice will help us out with this and you two WILL cooperate or so help me I’ll use such a NASTY glower that it’ll give you NIGHTMARES!” He glared at the pair, who blinked but didn’t argue, with one final huff he turned to look at the demon, “we need to exorcise her, do you know how to do so the Dark Kingdom way?”
Beetlejuice was startled for a moment before he shook his head to clear his mind before answering, “I uh, well I don’t know the Dark Kingdom way of doing it, but I know the normal way”
“I can teach you, you’ll know the basics, the Dark Kingdom exorcism is much more painful…..”
“Uh….”
“She deserves it…. I won’t change my mind. We will do the exorcism the Dark Kingdom way will be rid of her easily. Quirin will have his fields back, my son and daughter in law will stop fighting and no longer live in fear of this damn *bitch*, and I’ll be much calmer once this is over”, he looked at Varian, startled when the teen hid from him behind Quirin, when his knight gave him a sympathetic smile before pointing to his face. The Dark King blinked before he realized he was using the glower, blushing he calmed down and relaxed his face, “sorry little peanut, I just got a little angry”
The alchemist peeked out for behind his father, relief filling him when he saw Edmund’s calmer, more grandpa looking, face before he stepped out from hiding, “I-it’s okay, just n-never heard you yell b-before”
The Dark King felt a twang of guilt rush through him when his grandson stuttered a little. He looked over at Hugo, who seemed to be calm as he let Ruddigar, who was, thankfully, on his lap with Olivia, before he walked over and gently scooped the alchemist up, hugging him, “sorry, I didn’t meant to scare you”
Varian smiled and hugged him back, “it’s oki!”
Edmund smiled before he pulled away and looked at the teen, “I hate asking this of you, but are you alright with helping? We’ll need your connection to the Moon to strengthen this exorcism”
The freckled teen blinked before nodding, “yeah, I can help, what do you need me to do?”
“Well, it’s a little hard to explain, but no harm is gonna come to you, I mean that”
“I trust you grandpa”
Edmund felt his heart fill with warmth at that, he smiled before nuzzling the teen, “you’re such a sweet peanut”
Varian giggled as the room seemed to be filled with relief before Adira walked forwards, “so, a Dark Kingdom exorcism hm?”
“Yes”, the Dark King replied, “she deserves nothing less….”
“You do know what that’ll do to her however”, Edmund nodded, “and you can live with that?”
“She kidnapped and abused a baby girl, abused and abandoned another baby girl, scared my knight, and killed my son Adira….”
“I’m just making sure, it’s not something you’re to take lightly, especially given the results”
“What are you talking about?” Varian asked, a little worriedly
The face painted warrior looked at the teen before she glanced at Quirin, “he’ll need to know, do you want to explain?”
The retired knight sighed before nodding, “as you’re aware Bubby, the Moon guides spirits to the afterlife, that’s been the belief for centuries and, to this day, has never been proven wrong. However, sometimes there are very bad people who come into the world. Their only way of living is to cause people harm, these people are very rare, but when they do appear, they usually live a life they like while twisting and doing evil deeds. Gothel is one of those people, Cyrus is definitely another, as is the Baron…. *ahem*, anyway. When these people come to the world, they will most definitely leave a horrid spirit behind. One that causes terror and fear, no good comes out of their wandering, they’re only there to cause more pain….. In the Dark Kingdom, if such a person is found. It is an unspoken rule that any and all of them are to be exorcised that Dark Kingdom way. A normal exorcism would have us force the spirit to leave and move on to the afterlife, where they’re to be judged by the Moon on where they’re supposed to go, usually there’s no interaction from the exorcists to the Moon, she judges based on what she sees. However, since our kingdom has such a personal connection to her, we found a way to…. Basically tell her what this person has done. Most of the time, it’s used to bring hero’s to the afterlife and given a pass should the Moon allow it. However, there are times where…. Cruel or evil people are punished…. Much more harshly that what would be considered the norm”
“Wait, you can…. Supersede the Moon’s judgement on a spirit with this type of exorcism?” Varian asked
“Not exactly, we can draw her attention to the pain this person has caused, and ask her to make the person pay for their transgressions. She usually agrees, and will show us she does by shining down brightly, almost as if she were waiting for us to ask, however, when she doesn’t agree, she’ll show us why in our dreams, and we’ll pray for that person’s spirit to find peace instead. She has the final say, but we communicate why we ask her for such a harsh judgement on said spirit”
“Huh…. Will me being connected to her help at all?”
“It’ll make our voices louder”, Edmund stated gently, “it’ll make the reasoning for such a harsher punishment much more clear, usually we’d do this sort of exorcism as close to the Moonstone as we can”
“Since the Moonstone’s gone, you’re thinking I’ll have the same effect”
“Correct, I hope that’s okay peanut”
“That’s fine, I’m will to do my part”
“Really?”
Varian smiled at his grandpa, “absolutely! You’re right, Gothel kidnapped and abused Rapunzel, abused and abandoned Cassandra, killed Eugene, and scared my dad, all of those things are horrible and I’m not gonna stand by and allow her to be a free spirit roaming around and causing pain! Also, I have this…. Odd feeling like she’s connected to something far bigger and we’re just not seeing it….”
“What do you mean?” Quirin asked
“I’m not sure…. But for some reason, there’s this…. Tiny voice in my head that keeps repeating something…. It isn’t my voice either…… And it’s barely audible….. But it sounds like…. A riddle?”
“A riddle?” His father asked
“Yeah….. like someone’s telling me to solve it to find out more about Gothel…. But it’s so hard to hear….”
Beetlejuice raised a brow before smirking, “I can help with that!” He stated before flying over and placing a hand on Varian’s head gently, “you’re on the wrong station kid, got the wrong frequency, ya need this one to hear it”
The demon’s eyes glowed green for a moment, making Varian’s eyes glow blue before they died down, then alchemist blinked before he gasped, “woah! How’d you do that?!”
“Heh, I basically boosted your 6th sense a little, ya may hear more voices because there are a lot of spirits calling out, but this one seems to have a connection to you, hence why you could hear it a lot better now”
“Huh, that’s really cool! Thank you Beetlejuice!”
“Anytime!”
Varian grinned before he waited for a moment, listening until his eyes widened as he repeated what he was hearing:
‘She was a follower who hated me,
Because of her destined role,
When I won the final battle,
Her magic took a toll
She sought for something magical,
That could put an end to her age,
When she found it she hid it away,
She put the flower in the cage’
The alchemist blinked, running through the riddle in his head before his eyes lit up, “wait…. Wait wait wait, he’s talking about Gothel, it’s obvious with the second verse, she put the flower in the cage, she locked Rapunzel in a tower, and Gothel used Rapunzel to keep herself young, stopped her age. The first verse however…. That…. That’s….”
“Zhan Tiri”, Hugo stated, “he won against her in the final battle, and Zhan Tiri had three followers…. You all told me you face two of them, the lady with the art class, and the man in the house or yesterday’s tomorrow, right?”
“Right”, Lance stated
“You never ran into the third one…. At least, you didn’t think you had, but that first verse…. Zhan tiri had three followers, and she assigned each of them a role to help her grow in power. Gothel was the witch, and with Zhan Tiri gone, her magic took a toll…. So she looked for something that would help her, and ran into the Sundrop, it was placed inside Rapunzel, she kidnapped you princess, and placed you in the tower. Holy shit, Gothel has a connection to Zhan Tiri! How fucking old *was* this lady?!”
“Old enough to turn into dust when her magic flower no longer had the ability to heal her”, Eugene stated
It would also explain why Gothel knew about the Sundrop in the first place….” Quirin stated, “not even the Dark Kingdom knew about it…. We thought it was a legend”
“Who told you that riddle Varian?” Rapunzel asked, “do you recognize their voice?”
The alchemist was silent before he smiled happily, “that was Demanitus”, he stated, “Beetlejuice said the voice had a connection to me, and Demanitus is part of my and dad’s bloodline, the man who speaks in riddles! And he beat Zhan Tiri a long time ago! In the riddle he states that too, ‘when I won the final battle, her magic took a toll’”
Quirin chuckled, “and que the happy Varian”
“Can you blame me? That was so cool!”
His father snickered, as did everyone else before Hector spoke up, “ok, so Demanitus wants justice then too. We can do that, she’s gonna have a lot to fucking answer for”
“See, there’s only one issue with this plan, and King Edmund, I think you may want to consider this before anything else”, Adira stated, getting the Dark King to look at her, “Cassandra…. She was the daughter that was abandoned by Gothel. If we really want this exorcism to work, we’ll need to know if she wants justice too, not only that, but if she does, she’d need to be there during the exorcism”
“No”, Quirin stated instantly
“Quirin we can’t do it fully if we don’t have her there, you know that”
“Adira, she’s not coming anywhere *near* Varian or Hugo. I d-don’t give a *damn* if she wants justice, s-she’s not stepping foot inside my home”
Edmund sighed, “Quirin…. As much as I understand your anger…. And fear…. Adira’s right, you know she’s right….”
Now it was Quirin’s turn to grow angry as he looked at his king, “Cassandra is *not* stepping inside my home…. That’s final.”
His voice was as cold as ice, making everyone shiver before Varian let out a sigh. He wriggled out of Edmund’s arms and floated in the air, going over to his father and giving him a gently smile, “it’s okay dad”
“Vari-!”
“I know, believe me, I completely understand. But if it’s the only way to bring Gothel to justice, then we’ll need Cassandra here. She doesn’t have to come inside, she doesn’t need to stay after. But if she wants justice, then it’s not our decision on whether or not she gets it, that’s up to the Moon”
The Village Leader stopped, he wanted t argue, he *really* did, but he stared into Varian’s eyes for a long time before letting out a sigh, “fine…. But she isn’t going to be left alone with you or Hugo, not even for a second”
“She won’t be”
“Even if you’re in the same room as her together”
“I know dad, it’s okay, everything’s okay”, Varian hugged the man, Quirin hugged him back, and for a moment they stayed that way, until Varian spoke up one last time, “I won’t let her near you either dad, me and Hugo both will protect you, and Grandpa, and Hector, and Adira”
The room was silent, but they smiled when they heard the retired knight let out a shaky sigh of relief. They remained quiet as they all thought about what they’d have to do next, talk to Cassandra
Notes:
Hello! :D
Eugene and Rapunzel argument, because even if they love each other, it’s gonna happen! It’s healthy for couples to argue, just so long as it’s not abusive, which this isn’t 😊
So angry Edmund is actually extremely terrifying to me. This man is the epitome of a puppy dog, but very many people forget that dogs also have teeth and claws that can rip and tear with the best of any other animal! And Edmund is a very experienced dog, he knows a lot of old tricks, and can still learn new ones
Demanitus wants justice, I’d be surprised if he didn’t want any, since there’s a chance he can get justice, he looked to his most recent decedent :3
Gothel is definitely a freaking follower of Zhan Tiri, when you first see the three followers, they’re only silhouettes like Zhan Tiri, this is in the show, I think it’s Queen for a day, but I’m not sure. Either way, one of them looks like Gothel, you can even see her curly hair! That’s where this idea came from :D
Poor Quirin, he’s able to stand up to Cassandra no problem, but he’s a lot more fearful of her than he’d like to say, but he’ll protect his boys, because he’s a freaking amazing dad!
Varian’s a good bean! He knows why his father is acting that way, doesn’t embarrass him, and comforts him at the same time! His bean is amazing!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/nigh! 🎶❤️
Chapter 520: Lunar Love Festival! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The Lunar Love Festival is back, and it’s Hugo’s First time celebrating!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo felt miles better, it’d been a couple of days since they’d discussed what to do regarding Gothel. The inventor was happy to be off the couch to be honest. He stretched and yawned as he looked at himself in the mirror, smiling at his combed hair, clean clothing, and regularly placed glasses, he never thought he’d be happy to see his regular self looking like normal again, but he supposed things were very different now as he walked out of the bathroom, “BOO!”
“HOLY FUCKING SHIT!” Hugo screamed before drawing out his dagger and going to stab the thing in front of him, only to be blocked by a black rock, making him freeze, “F-Freckles?”
The alchemist peeked out from behind the black rock and lifted his mask a touch, “eheheh, sorry, didn’t mean to scare you that badly”, he stated with a blush, right as Quirin appeared at the top of the stairs, only to let out a sigh of relief
“Thank goodness, ugh, Bubby try not to scare people in the morning”, the retired knight stated as he gripped his shirt, right above where his heart was, “there’s only so much I can take this early”
Varian blushed even harder, “sorry dad”
Hugo let out a sigh of relief before he realized his dagger was inside the black rock, “um….”
“Hm? Oh!” Varian lowered the rock, “sorry! You have really quick reflexes, so a part of the dagger got stuck”
“It’s fine, sorry for almost stabbing you love”
“I-it’s okay, I should’ve probably not tried to scare you, eheh”
“Aw it’s alright, it was all in good fun and no one got hurt, though, why’d you have a mask?”
The freckled teen blinked before he looked at his mask, “oh!” He looked at his fiancé, “do you not know about the Lunar Love Festival?”
“Um…. Nu”
“He didn’t live in Old Corona or the Dark Kingdom son”, Quirin pointed out
“Right! Right right right, I keep forgetting that he’s not from here”, Varian stated as he papped his forehead gently, “it feels like you’ve always been here I suppose”
Hugo blushed, “heh, smooth Freckles”
“Thank you! O-oh but um, let me tell you about the Lunar Love Festival”, he went on to explain the history of the holiday and how it’s celebrated as the five of them, Ruddigar and Olivia included, walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, right as Varian finished his explanation, “and that’s how we celebrate!”
“Huh, that’s super interesting! It actually reminds me of when we saw the ghosts from the Dark Kingdom, when we saw Demanitus and his brother asking their chief for help for Corona, that must’ve been what they meant”
“Yup!” Varian exclaimed happily
“Explaining traditions Varian?” Rapunzel asked as she glued a piece of her mask together with a smile
“Indeed! Now Hugo knows!”
“That’s great! Are you gonna make a mask Hugo?”
The blond looked at the arts and crafts laid out on the table and chuckled, “seems I’ve already been beaten to it”, he teased light heartedly
The princess grinned, “heh, me, Lance, and Eugene all made our masks kinda quickly, we got excited I suppose, though Varian, are you gonna make a new one this year?”
The alchemist nodded, “yup, as much as my old one makes me laugh, I uh…. Think it may be in poor taste, just a little”
Hugo looked and noticed the alchemist’s mask was the angry face of King Frederic, he snorted, “it’s an understandable fear to be fair, given what you went through”
“Yeah, but I’d rather not wear that around, especially after what he did for Arianna… that would be rude”
The blond hugged his lover, “you’re so sweet”
“Heh, thanks, do you wanna make a mask with me?”
“Sure! Sounds like fun! Uh, after breakfast though, I smell your pops’s famous sunny side up eggs”
“My pops huh?” Varian asked with a giggled as Rapunzel snickered
“I’m trying something new”
“You know you can call him dad too right?”
“I know…. I’m warming up to it”
“Heh, you’re so cute”
Hugo blushed before he saw a plate of hot food placed in front of him, “here ya go sonny boy”, Quirin joked, getting everyone to laugh
****
After Hugo ate his fill at breakfast, the table was cleared and he was given tons of art supplies to make his mask, he went to grab a piece of paper before stopping. His hand was still in the air as he stared at everyone surrounding him, “Hugo?” Varian asked, already starting on his own mask, “you okay?”
“I…. Um….. Freckles, what’s my fear?”
“Huh?”
“I…. I don’t know what my fear is, I mean, heights definitely, but I don’t think I can make that into a mask”, he stated, “at least, not a good one”
Varian thought about that for a second before he looked at Hugo, “snakes?”
“Meh, I’m more fascinated with them then anything else”
“Spiders?”
“Do I look like Lance?”
“Hee hee, um, bugs?”
“Again, fascination outweighs fear”
“Bats”
“I think bats are cute, not creepy”
“Um, snuggles?”
“We’d have a problem if I were”
“Water?”
“Nu, I just wish it was warmer whenever I take a bath or shower”
“The dark?”
“Not really, I feel safer in the dark than in the light”
“Light?”
“Meh, Tis day time, that’s all I think”
“Sharp things”
“Not really? I’m cautious, but no afraid”
“Closed spaces?”
“Believe it or not, I feel more comfortable in a small space if I’m by myself”
“That gets rid of the fear of being alone, um…. Ooh! Ooh! Crowds!”
“That’s anxiety, not fear, good try though”
“Clowns and/or mimes?”
“Ulf would be offended Freckles, no, neither of them freak me out, I actually tied to learn how to mime when I was a kid”
“Awwwww!”
“Heh”
“*Ahem* anyway, uh, storms?”
“Meh, it’s the fascination thing again, I actually really love storms, even big ones”
“You’re a braver bean than me”, Quirin stated with a shudder
Varian smiled at his dad before he tried to think of any more fears, “needles?” Rapunzel offered
“Nah, I don’t like em, but I can live with them”, Hugo replied
“Hmmmm…. This is a tough one”
“HELLO-!” A voice yelled
“AGH SHIT!” Hugo jumped up and nearly fell out of the chair before Beetlejuice caught him
“Well ain’t you jumpy”, the demon stated with a chuckle
Hugo blushed, “why is everyone startling me today?”
“Cause it’s fucking funny”
“Fuck you”
“HA!” Beetlejuice set Hugo back into the chair before he floated above the table, “sup?”
“Nothing much”, Varian replied as he grabbed Hugo’s hand and gave it a squeeze, “we’re trying to find out what Hugo’s afraid of, I can’t seem to find a regular fear for him however”
“Hmmmm, I could propbably help with that”
“Beetlejuice, no scaring the Hugo”
“I wouldn’t *scare* him per se, I’d just show him a bunch of stuff until somethin spooks him, it’ll be fun!”
The alchemist quirked a brow, “nu”
“Fiiine, though it’s a little odd that ya don’t know what scares ya”
Hugo sighed dejectedly, “I know….”
“Well, heights”, Rapunzel pointed out
“That’s circumstantial to be fair…. It’d only affect me if we were hundreds of feet in the air, which we’re not….”
Varian and Beetlejuice stopped as they saw the blond deflate a little, “aw Hugo, it’s okay, not everyone has an irrational fear”, Quirin chimed in, “honestly, I’d say that’s a blessing more than a curse”
“I guess so….”
“…..heh, being different because of your past bothers you too huh?” The retired knight asked, getting Hugo to look at him, “it’s the same for me if that helps. Though it’s a little of the opposite problem. What wouldn’t give to be able to walk outside in the rain without getting the shivers and freaking out, but because of the many nights I spent outside during really horrible storms, I couldn’t quite get over that fear…. It’s hard, to come from a past of violence and be damaged from it…. Very hard…. But you’re not alone if that helps any”
The bespeckled teen started at the man before he sighed and gave him a small smile, “thanks Quirin, I’m sorry, I just wish I could be afraid of something insignificant….”
“That begs the question”, Rapunzel stated, “why aren’t you?”
Hugo shrugged, “I’ve been asking myself the same thing for years, but no matter what I’m faced with, I don’t get the shivers or freaked out like regular people. I just find it fascinating and want to study it, or it’s a normal thing that I’m not that effected by, I mean hell, even Donella freaks out whenever she sees a mouse, but I made friends with the first one I ever met!” He smiled at Olivia, who squeaked happily
The group thought about that for a little bit before Varian got an idea, “hey Hugo, do something for me, close your eyes”
“Huh?”
“Close your eyes, I think I know of an irrational fear for you”
“Um…. Oki”, the blond did as he was told, for a moment or two, there was silence, until suddenly, loud metal clangs could be heard beside the blond, “FUCK!” He screamed before jumping up again and running behind Quirin instinctively
The retired knight looked behind him and saw that the blond had grabbed the back of his vest and was clinging to it, shivering a little, “I-it’s okay!! It’s alright”, Varian stated, rushing over and gently taking his fiancé’s hand, “it’s okay, it was just me”
Hugo blinked before he looked at the alchemist, “w-what did you do?”
“I banged two skillets together”, the freckled teen replied, “I didn’t want to scare you, I was hoping to startle you just a little at best, it didn’t quite work”
“No, really?” Hugo sassed, getting Varian to blush as Quirin chuckled
“E-either way, you have a fear of loud noises, phonophobia!” Varian stated happily, “I don’t think it’s misophonia either, because constant loud noises don’t bother you, nor do small tiny noises, like chewing, only the *really* loud noises effect you, and it’s you instantly becoming fearful of it and entering fight or flight mode. You have Phonophobia! That’s your irrational fear love!”
Hugo thought about that before he smiled, “yeah, yeah! I do! I freak out when sudden loud noises come around! Phonophobia!”
“Phonophobia!” Varian exclaimed happily
“We really shouldn’t be excited to know that I have a fear but we are!”
“Yeah we are!”
“I is slightly normal!”
“Yes you is!”
“We cannot grammar!”
“No we cannot!” Both teens laughed as the blond came out from behind the retired knight
Hugo smiled up at Quirin, “thank you for being my temporary shield”
“Anytime”, the Village Leader replied, ruffling the teen’s head and getting him to giggle, “so, are you gonna make a spooky noise mask?”
“Yeah! Actually, I kinda have an idea for it! You kind of I make a small something? Like science make, not just arts and crafts, it’ll be a spooky mask still”
“Well…. Ok, but only if you’re back by lunch”
“I should be done before then! Can Feeckles join me? I’ll need his help”
“He can join, but only to help with the mask, same time limit”
“Yes dad”, Varian stated with a giggle
Hugo grinned before he had a thought, he wiggled a little bit before he hugged Quirin and quickly said, “thanks for your help dad!” Before letting go, blushing, grabbing Varian’s hand, and rushing out of the dining room
Rapunzel and Beetlejuice watched them go before the princess looked back at Quirin and smiled, “happy?”
Quirin blinked before he wiped away a few tears that’d appeared on his face and smiled, “very!” He said, getting the duo to grin
The rest of the day was spent getting everything, and everyone, prepared for the night’s festivities, true to their word, Varian and Hugo managed to come out of the lab before lunch, the blond stating he’d show his mask when it was the right time. That time happened to be when everyone returned back to the house, Angry and Catalina joined them when Lance brought them over! The party was going well until Hugo revealed his noise making mask, complete with spooky roars and loud, but not too loud, BOO’s and screams that he controlled with a remote! Everyone was very impressed before they sang songs, ate sweets, and celebrated the Moon with joy and love!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Happy Halloween to all who celebrate! If you don’t, happy holiday, whichever one that may be! And if you don’t celebrate holidays at all, happy October 31st/November 1st! 😊🎶❤️
Halloween is my favorite holiday, so writing a chapter for it is an absolute must! Course I know that it isn’t celebrated by everyone, so I tried to make this chapter a little more everyone friendly, it has some fun moments, a little sweet ending, and Varigo! Plus you learn something new about Hugo! So yay!
I sincerely hope all of your days went well, whether you celebrate them or not, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Thank you all for reading! 🎶❤️
Chapter 521: Cassandra! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The group is on their way to speak with Cassandra, when Rapunzel asks Quirin something important!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel watched the group before her as they road inside a caravan, they’d decided that today was the day they would go to the castle and ask Cassandra what she wanted to do regarding Gothel. No one was happy about this situation, majority of the people were quietly brooding or had such anxious energy that their thoughts were practically screaming with unanswered questions. There was one person who stood out to the princess more than the others however…. Quirin….
The man had hated this plan from the start, and he’d made his opinion’s quite plain, but he knew this was what was needed, but his icy anger could be felt in even the farthest stretches of Corona. The princess watched the man as he wrapped two protective arms around Hugo and Varian. He was glaring daggers into the floor of the caravan below him, he looked like he wanted to break the damn thing in half, despite herself, Rapunzel couldn’t help but wonder if some of that was directed at her….
She sighed, not sure what to do, everyone, even *Beetlejuice*, was not smiling, laughing, talking, or even moving. She wanted to say something, but what could she say that would make this whole situation better?
“It’ll be okay”, a little voice said softly, she looked over and saw Varian watching him, a small, nervous, smile on his face, “I-it’s….. gonna be hard to face her…. But it’ll be okay”
The blinked before remembering hi we could, somehow, feel what she felt now, and blushed, “sorry…”
“It’s alright, I’m worried too…. Doesn’t help that nobody’s happy with what we’re gonna do….. B-but it’s for the best, if it’ll help, in any way, shape or form, then it’s in our best interest. M-maybe if we think like that, things will feel…. A little easier”
The group was silent once again before Hector growled, “ugh! This is so fucking stupid! Can we just fucking talk?! Complain! Shout! Say something! Because this is fucking driving me nuts! *None* of us are happy about what we have to do and who we have to talk to! We’re in the same shitty ass boat here!”
And just like that, the ice broke, Hector’s outburst somehow managed to pop everyone’s bubble and the air felt breathable again, Rapunzel even let out a sigh of relief as Varian giggled, “you’re right”, the alchemist stated, “we should probably talk, if anything else, about what we’re gonna say to her”
“Good point”, Hugo agreed, “I actually have a worry that’s been fucking up my thoughts, uh…. Freckles, what if we have to go into the dungeons to see her?”
Quirin *instantly* tightened his grip on Varian, startling the teen before letting out a small sigh, “I’ve…. Been thinking about that too…. I’ve been in the dungeons before and handled it, even when I went down into the… p-pit….”
“Yes but, you were kinda distracted when you did that, because you had to save me and get Catalina out of her wolf form”
“T-true…. *ahem* b-but I can distract myself again this time of this happens to be an option. We have a goal, seeing Cassandra, and talking with her about Gothel. As long as I focus on that, I’ll be fine”
“Varian….” Hugo gave his lover a look
Varian blushed before sighing, “I need to be fine, I need to be okay during this. It’s important”
“Don’t force yourself to act like you’re not affected though, you know it doesn’t work love”
“I-I know…. But I’ll have you with me! And dad too! Plus Hector, Adira, Grandpa, Eugene, Lance, Ruddigar, Olivia, Hamuel, and Rapunzel! I have my support group, if I need to step outside and take a breath, I’m certain I can indicate that to someone and will have the chance to leave. Plus Arianna’s been making a lot of changes in the dungeons! I was there when….. W-when dad w-was….” The teen’s eyes filled with tears before he shook them away instantly and cleared his throat again, “*ahem*, um, anyway, d-dad had books to read, pillows and blankets for when he got cold, food and a private place to use the privy. It’s much better down there than it was before. That helped a lot when…. I v-visited him…. S-so, even if we go down there, I’ll be able to handle it because it’s not the same horrible place that I was in before, and that *does* make a difference”
He gave Hugo a confident smile, it was genuine, the blond could tell, but even so, Hugo let out a sigh, “if you’re sure, just…. Stick beside me, okay?”
“I will love, I will”
They smiled at each other before Eugene chimed in, “so, what are we gonna say to her?”
“Tell her the truth”, Rapunzel stated, “she was never one for sugar coating. Matter of fact is how she’s always preferred being given any kind of news, good or bad”
“Ok, but what do we *say*?” The man repeated, “‘hey Cassandra, been a while, jail looks good on you, by the way, we wanted to ask you if you’d like to get some justice on your dead mom? Yeah, she’s haunting Quirin’s fields and we’ve decided we’re finally gonna do something about it, care to join us?’”
“Pfft!” Hector snickered, getting Eugene to smirk
“Well ok, maybe not *that* matter of fact”, Rapunzel stated with a quirked brow and a smirk of her own, “I mean we could just explain what’s going on and why we wanna talk to her, then give her the offer”
“I suggest you be the one to do that princess”, Adira stated, “you seem to be the only one in this caravan that doesn’t hold only ill will towards short hair, save for Speckles, but I think it best to come from you”
“Fucking ditto”, Hector agreed
The princess nodded, “I can be the one to talk with Cassandra…. Um…. When we do chat with her, if she agrees…. Where will she stay until we’re ready to face Gothel?”
“In the dungeons where she belongs”, Quirin stated
Rapunzel looked at him worriedly, “I….” She let out a small sigh, “I understand that you’re not comfortable with Cassandra being in your home-!”
“You’re right, I’m not”, the man stated, leaving no room for argument
The princess tried however, taking a calming breath before speaking up once again, “but, maybe it would be beneficial if she was allowed to be in there, just so she has a place to rest during this whole ordeal since we’ll need her should she say yes”
The group got *extremely* quiet as they watched the two. Even Varian grew nervous, as did Hugo, before Quirin, after what seemed like the longest minute ever, finally spoke, “…..She’s not welcome….” He stated, before Rapunzel could say anything else, he spoke again, “she used me and my family, she forced me to fight again my *child*, she gets to live in an updated, and quite frankly, undeserved dungeon space where she still get to live her damn life, woefully unaware of the damage she’s done. She’s *not* welcome in my home”
“Quirin…. I know what she did was wrong, *believe* me, I completely understand, but if she is to help us, if she says yes, it’ll be inconvenient for her to be in the castle, and us to fetch the day we decide to face Gothel. It’ll take us hours to get there and back, by the time we do, we’ll all be tired and possibly even hungry. Plus, it’d be a full caravan ride back there with her in tow, which would mean you spend more time with her in a small caravan, wouldn’t that be worse than her just being there?”
“Rapunzel, me and my kids, and whoever else decides they don’t want to see her for very good reasons, can take a different caravan when she needs to come back. And should we be too damn sleep deprived to take care of Gothel that day we get her she can sleep in the damn caravan for all I care. She’s not stepping foot in mine and my children’s *home*”
“….Could….” Rapunzel took another calming breath, trying to keep her temper in check before she spoke, “could I ask you why?” She said gently, “I genuinely want to understand why you’re not comfortable with her in your home. Maybe if I can understand, then I can find a better solution that would benefit both of us”
This took the retired knight by surprise a little bit, but he felt his anger subside a little, even more so when he felt his son wiggle, looking down, Varian was smiling wide at the princess, his eyes glowing just the merest bit to show his gratitude for her words. He let out a sigh before speaking once again, “…..the last time she was in my home…. She attacked Hugo, Donella, Hector, and Adira…. She played with my sisters body like she was a damn puppet, she hurt my blond bean without any regards for his life, she knocked Hector out and forced him to find me and King Edmund for help…. And even if I’m not her biggest fan, she hurt Donella badly, she did it again afterwards, when none of us were there, like a coward…. Which ended up leading her to….” He stopped talking and looked at Hugo, who understood and was staring at the ground
Varian reached over and touched his fiancé’s hand, getting the blond to lean again him as Quirin continued, “not to mention she destroyed our home as well, including Ulla’s picture…. The one memory I could physically see of me, my Varian, and my wife all together, happy and healthy….. and she destroyed it without a second thought….. we just got the place back in order, even more so because we’ve got a Beetlejuice in the house”, the demon giggled happily at that, “things are finally starting to feel like before all of this happened, except I’ve got my full family back again….. I…. I don’t want to have Cassandra be there…. And have her remind me of what…. What I almost did to my sons…. What almost happened to my home….. What she did to my siblings and father….. She tainted it…. All of it….. and she’ll do it again if she’s back there…. It’s…. Darker when she’s there…. Hurts…. More than I can describe….. even just thinking about is talking with her makes me want to throw this entire caravan on its side and beat it into the floor until it’s nothing but dust….. I hate feeling like that…. Especially around my two sons…..”
Varian and Hugo looked up at the man sympathetically as Rapunzel took in his words, “I….. I can understand that…. I’m sorry, that must be horrible….” She spoke softly, “…..I’m sorry for asking”
“It’s okay, you didn’t know…. But you do now, thank you, for listening I mean”
She smiled at him, he smiled back, and for a moment, things felt peaceful, until Varian let out a loud, “EUREKA!” Startling everyone
“Holy shit kiddo!” Eugene exclaimed as he caught his breath
“Sorry! Sorry sorry, I didn’t mean to startle everyone”, he exclaimed, comforting Hugo, who had a hand over his heart and was breathing heavily for a moment or two. Everyone calmed down before the alchemist spoke again, “sorry, I just had a really great idea that would work for both Rapunzel and dad! The shed!”
“The shed?” Quirin asked as Rapunzel tilted her head to the side
“Yeah! Dad, you have a little place where you and I can sleep there, there snacks in there as well, and it’s refurbished so the wind won’t get it. It’s a little storm bunker, you made it when I was 3 or 4, we’ve used it a few times since then. But it’s right next to the house without being inside it, there’s medical supplies in it too. She wouldn’t be inside the house, and she wouldn’t be too far away either. We could have guards stationed to watch it so she can’t escape as well! It’s the perfect compromise!”
Quirin and Rapunzel blinked before they looked at each other, “would that be more comfortable for you? I’m willing to have that”, the princess stated
The retired knight nodded, “yeah, I can clean it out a little too, so she doesn’t have any weapons at her disposal. It wouldn’t take me long, I could live with that”
The princess grinned and nodded as Varian smiled wide at the pair, giggling when his father ruffled his head before they stopped at the castle. Everyone took a collective breath before stepping out. They were escorted through the castle by Arianna, who’d already been informed of what they were going to do and who they needed to speak to. She led them through the dungeons and over to on cell in particular, in it stood the black haired, green eyed girl that’d caused the entire kingdom so much grief, she was dressed her street clothing, she didn’t have any weaponry on her, and she still had blue streaks in her hair from the magic she used to wield. She looked at the group as they approached, the guard watching her cell stood at attention. She was startled before Rapunzel stepped forwards and smiled at her, “hello Cass”
The ex-guard women stood up and walked over to the front of the cell to face Rapunzel, she gave the princess a small smile before she spoke, “hello Raps”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s the first part to Cassandra! She’s back, and the group isn’t very happy to see her, save for Rapunzel, but then again, can’t really blame them
Quirin finally got to talk about Cassandra, and Rapunzel finally learned how to speak with him! It’s progress and they’re both growing! I’m very proud XD
Varian being an excited bean! I love this kid, he’s just too adorable for words :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/ night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 522: Cassandra! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The group talks to Cassandra!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
She smiled at him, he smiled back, and for a moment, things felt peaceful, until Varian let out a loud, “EUREKA!” Startling everyone
“Holy shit kiddo!” Eugene exclaimed as he caught his breath
“Sorry! Sorry sorry, I didn’t mean to startle everyone”, he exclaimed, comforting Hugo, who had a hand over his heart and was breathing heavily for a moment or two. Everyone calmed down before the alchemist spoke again, “sorry, I just had a really great idea that would work for both Rapunzel and dad! The shed!”
“The shed?” Quirin asked as Rapunzel tilted her head to the side
“Yeah! Dad, you have a little place where you and I can sleep there, there snacks in there as well, and it’s refurbished so the wind won’t get it. It’s a little storm bunker, you made it when I was 3 or 4, we’ve used it a few times since then. But it’s right next to the house without being inside it, there’s medical supplies in it too. She wouldn’t be inside the house, and she wouldn’t be too far away either. We could have guards stationed to watch it so she can’t escape as well! It’s the perfect compromise!”
Quirin and Rapunzel blinked before they looked at each other, “would that be more comfortable for you? I’m willing to have that”, the princess stated
The retired knight nodded, “yeah, I can clean it out a little too, so she doesn’t have any weapons at her disposal. It wouldn’t take me long, I could live with that”
The princess grinned and nodded as Varian smiled wide at the pair, giggling when his father ruffled his head before they stopped at the castle. Everyone took a collective breath before stepping out. They were escorted through the castle by Arianna, who’d already been informed of what they were going to do and who they needed to speak to. She led them through the dungeons and over to on cell in particular, in it stood the black haired, green eyed girl that’d caused the entire kingdom so much grief, she was dressed her street clothing, she didn’t have any weaponry on her, and she still had blue streaks in her hair from the magic she used to wield. She looked at the group as they approached, the guard watching her cell stood at attention. She was startled before Rapunzel stepped forwards and smiled at her, “hello Cass”
The ex-guard women stood up and walked over to the front of the cell to face Rapunzel, she gave the princess a small smile before she spoke, “hello Raps”
The group stood there for a few seconds before Rapunzel spoke up once again, “so um….. I uh…. We actually, need to talk to you about something pretty important”
Cassandra nodded, “did I do something?” She asked
“Oh no, you didn’t, it’s just, we found out about something and, it pertains to you”
Cassandra tilted her head to the side, “what did you find out?”
The princess let out a small sigh before she spoke, “we found out…. That there’s a spirit hunting the fields of Old Corona, particularly Quirin’s field, it’s over a bridge…. Near…. A cottage… your old cottage to be precise”
The ex-guard’s eyes widened for a moment before she huffed, “did you need help clearing it out?”
“Well yes, actually, b-but that’s not the only reason why we came to talk to you… Um….”
Cassandra raised a confused brow before she gave the princess a small smile, “it’s okay Raps”
“I…. Y-yeah…. I know….”
“You’re…. Very nervous…. Are you worried I’ll get mad?”
“W-well….. Slightly if I’m honest…. See…. It’s not really *where* the spirit is haunting that we’re talking to you about, it’s *who* the spirit is……”
“Who are they?”
“Um….. Gothel….. she’s…. She’s Gothel…..”
Cassandra was silent for a moment or two before she blinked, “you….. you’re not serious”
“I am…. It’s Gothel…. She’s back…. Got confirmed by another spirit friend of ours…. His name is Beetlejuice, he’s actually very nice!”
“Raps”
“Right…..” Rapunzel let out another sigh, “we have a plan to…. Get rid of her…. It’s a Dark Kingdom exorcism actually…. And Edmund said that, in order for it to work properly, anyone who is connected to Gothel should be given the chance to help….. They should be allowed justice to punish her for what she’s done….. That’s why we’re here…”
The ex-guard stood still for a moment before she looked at the group behind the princess, “if I do, where will I be staying? I’m asking because….” She looked at Varian, giving him a sad expression, he noticed, but before he could do anything, Hugo stood in front of him and glared at her, “….I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable….”
“Too late….” The blond stated, betting Hector to snort
Rapunzel nodded, “there’s a storm bunker at the farm. Quirin said he’ll clean it out and you can stay there. There’s a bed, medical supplies, and snacks! There’ll also be two guards standing in front of it….. For obvious reasons”
Cassandra nodded, “ok, then…. Yes, I’d like to help, I’d like to get justice for what she did….. to both of us…..”
Rapunzel smiled and nodded before she looked at her mom, “can she come with us today?”
“She can if everyone’s okay with that”, Arianna replied, looking to Quirin
“We’ve discussed it, I’m about as comfortable as I can be”, the retired knight responded honestly
Arianna nodded, “ok, we’ll have her in a separate caravan, the two guards that’ll be watching her will be in the caravan”
“I’ll have room for them in my home when they need to swap”, the Village Leader stated
“Thank you Quirin”, the Queen replied with a smile, “I…. Understand this is extremely difficult for you, so believe me when I say, it’s extremely appreciated”
The retired knight nodded before Varian stepped forwards, holding Hugo’s hand, “um, Arianna?”
“Hm?” The Queen looked at the teen with a warm smile
He smiled back at her, “I was just wondering if…. I-if we could choose the guards? I have two in mind that I’d prefer, and I think most of my family would prefer them as well”
“Of course! I…. Can see why you’d want that as well, the Captain being with you should also be beneficial too, am I right?”
“Yeah, Eugene being there definitely helps, oh um, the two guards, they were Stan and-!”
“Pete?” Hugo asked
“Hee hee, nu, Pete’s a good guard, but I think he prefers the castle, Stan’s a farm boy though, he loves being in Old Corona as well, the other guard I had in mind was Ethan Nite”
“Ethan?” The Queen asked
“Yeah! He’s shown a lot of care in protecting others, respects my dad and awful lot, and he’s really kind to me, those two, a-and Pete and Eugene, are the guards I personally feel the most safe with”
Arianna nodded, “understood, I’ll make arrangements for them and have them assigned to Cassandra”
“Thank you very much, you’ve been a really big help”
The Queen smiled, “I’m glad, I wish I could do more, but with Fredric being gone…..” She looked down
Varian reached out and took her hand in his, getting her to look at him, “it’s okay, you’re doing as much as you can, you and Rapunzel both. Honestly, you’ve both helped immensely through all of this. You, in particular, forgave my past sins quickly, yelled at the king when you found out about his treatment of me, supported his attempts to mend things, acted like a mother to me, which is didn’t know I needed until now, helped Hugo when he was dealing with Donella, consoled and comforted my father when….. certain people made him do horrible things…. And have actively helped make the dungeons better, the guards act nicer, and are still running the kingdom with full efficiency! You are amazing Arianna, and I am really grateful for everything you’ve done for me and my family, and my fiancé too!”
“I heard about that! Congratulations you two!”
“Thank you! We’re really excited! See? Even when you don’t have to, you’re kind, thank you, so much, I don’t think I could ever express how much I appreciate you and all the things you’ve done for me and my family, you even became friends with Adira! You supported her too! Even when other people saw her as gross, you saw her for her! Thank you for that! For everything”
The Queen was startled before she felt tears pricked at the corners of her eyes and she hugged the teen lovingly, “thank you Varian, you’ve done a lot for me too, more than I could ever describe! Thank you, so much, for your kind words”
Varian hugged her back happily, getting everyone, even Cassandra, to smile at the pair, before they let go and grinned at each other, “but the way, how’s the flying machine?” The alchemist asked
Arianna giggled, “it’s been wonderful! Still my favorite birthday gift ever!”
Varian wiggled with glee at that, getting Quirin to snicker, “oh no, we’ve got the happy wiggle”
“Happy wiggle?” Eugene asked as he chuckled at Varian’s antics
“The happy wiggle is a Varian exclusive, it’s when he gets so excited and happy about something that he can’t express it with words, so he wiggles, think of a dog wagging their tail, same thing really”
“What?! No it’s not!” Varian exclaimed, blushing as he huffed at his father
“Yes it is, and you can’t tell me otherwise”
“You’re just jealous because you didn’t get a flying machine for your birthday!” His son teased, “also, you have a happy giggle sir, so I wouldn’t talk if I were you”
Quirin snickered, “whatever you say wiggle worm”
“Girly giggle!” Varian exclaimed
“Jello”
“Petite guffaw!”
“Happy feet”
“Evil jerkface!”
“Bratty stinkbomb”
Varian giggled, “what am I gonna do with you?”
Quirin shrugged, “got you to stop wiggling though, didn’t I?”
“Yes, but it was mean mister!”
“I see, maybe a piece of apple pie will help with that?”
Varian blinked, “with apple juice?”
His father chuckled, “yeah, with apple juice”
The alchemist thought about it before he huffed, “fine, I suppose that’s a good enough payment for your mean toll”
“How generous”, his father stated sarcastically
“You two, I swear”, Eugene stated as Rapunzel and her mother giggled
Cassandra smiled at the pair happily before her thoughts roamed to the news she’d been given, “So”, she began, getting everyone’s attention, “what do we do during this exorcism? I don’t mean to bring the mood down but….” She looked at the ground, “I don’t want any more of my family causing bad things to happen to Corona…..”
Rapunzel blinked before she nodded and looked at Edmund, “I’m not sure what it entails either, but we’ll be taught by Edmund, right?”
“That’s correct”, the Dark King replied, “there are many steps that go into it, it’ll be a bit of a hassle, but well worth it in the end”
“Does it get rid of every spirit around the property?” Beetlejuice asked
“No, just the one we call into it”, Edmund stated before smiling, “don’t worry, it won’t be you”
“Why would it ever be you Beetlejuice?” Hugo asked, “you’re family now!”
The demon blinked before he grinned happily, “hell yeah! Heh heh!”
“Um…. Y-your majesty”, Cassandra said, getting the Queen to look at her, “my dad…. I won’t be able to see him during all of this, will it be okay to…. Send him letters?”
“Yes that’ll be fine, l’ll have Stan or Ethan hand them to a guard in town”, Arianna replied, “he’ll need them”
“Um….. why?” Lance asked, “did somethin happen to the former captain?”
“Apparently, he and some of the guards in our platoon were going to riot against Eugene, but before they could, something happened, the guards and Christopher, Cassandra’s father, came back paler than ghosts and unable to be alone for too long. They kept talking about a floating demon and…. Ruthlessness being mercy?”
Varian’s eyes widened at that as he and Beetlejuice shared a look, “where is he now?” Hugo asked
“He’s in his own cell, he can function properly, but he’s been, rarely speaks, just does as he’s told, when he’s told, he doesn’t apologize for certain things now, like when he passed by someone he’s hurt in the past, even a prisoner, he apologizes. The guards that were with him have since been removed from the platoon and are serving small sentences of their own based on how they acted towards prisoners, you being one of them Varian, they got sentences depending on their treatment of you and others, and were sentenced accordingly, none of them have put up a fuss since they’d been caught and taken in”
The alchemist blinked before he nodded, “good….. normally I’d feel bad…. But given what all of them did to me, I’m glad they’re finally seeing the error of their ways”
The Queen nodded, “as am I, and now that I’ve met…. Certain demons, I think I may know what happened to them”, she smiled up at Beetlejuice, “or at least have an inkling. For the record, should anybody have done something that *may* have not been completely correct but was understandably done, thank you”
The demon blinked before he smirked, “heh, I like you”
“I like you too Mr. Beetlejuice”
“Pfft, lady you can just call me Beetlejuice, believe me, I’m way too dirty to be formal, both inside and out, heh”
“Beetlejuice!” Varian squeaked
“What? I’m just sayin!”
“She’s the *Queen*!”
“And? Looks like a normal human to me”
The alchemist face palmed as Hector snorted, “damn it, I fucking can’t”, he started to cackle
“And there goes Hector”, Quirin stated as Adira smirked
“I was wondering how long that’d take”, the face painted warrior added
“Either way”, Arianna said with a giggle before looking at Cassandra, “your letters will get to him, you have my word on that”
“Thank you, that’s more than I deserve but…. Thank you”, Cassandra replied
“You’re welcome”
“Well”, Eugene started, “shall we get this whole shindig on the road?” He blinked when he heard Hector cackle louder before he noticed Quirin, Varian, Hugo, Adira, and Edmund’s faces, “damn it, that’s something dad would say, isn’t it?”
“Yup”, the retired knight replied as Edmund jogged over and hugged his son happily
“Awwww! Like father like son!” Lance stated
Eugene sighed before he smirked at his father, “yeah yeah, you’re a happy Edmund, we really should get back to Old Corona soon though, otherwise we’re spending the night here”
The Dark King giggled before letting go and nodding, “right! As my son’s just stared, let’s get this shindig on the road!”
“Yeah!” Everyone, save for Cassandra, Arianna, Eugene, and Hector exclaimed, Eugene groaned, Hector laughed even more, Arianna giggled, and Cassandra nodded, she backed up when the cell was opened, allowing herself to be cuffed. She was led out of the castle, Stan and Ethan being called over and given their instructions, to which they accepted. Two caravan’s traveled back to Old Corona, Varian and Hugo helped Quirin clean out the storm bunker, once that was done, Cassandra was led inside and the doors were closed, Stan took the first watch as everyone else went inside and had some apple pie
Varian, after everyone had finished, looked towards the shed, he sighed before taking two small pieces of apple pie and bringing them to Stan, he gave one to the guard before he opened the door to the shed and set the piece down on a night stand for Cassandra, she was startled to see him, but he spoke first, “I don’t like you, I still can’t forget what you’ve done. But you’re still a guest, and you’re helping us. Even if you’re a prisoner, you deserve to be treated fairly. You’re serving your sentence and made no complaints about your placement here, I’d say it’s worth a small treat”
The ex-guard blinked again before nodding, “thank you Varian”, she said softly
He nodded and was about to leave before stopping as something came to his mind, “…..Gothel was horrible….. She was awful to you as well as Rapunzel…. That fact is not lost on me…..” he turned to face her, “I’m sorry she was cruel, and I’m sorry you never got the childhood that you should’ve gotten. It doesn’t make what you’ve done any better, but I think you already know that, and I’m not going to remind you like the guards did to me…. Just….” He sighed, “I don’t know….”
Cassandra waited for the teen to say something more, when he didn’t, she spoke up, “thank you…. I’m sorry I hurt you… it doesn’t make up for what I’ve done…. I don’t think ever could….. I don’t know if there’s any way I could make this more comfortable for you and your family, if you can think of anything, I’m willing to listen”
The alchemist looked at her, “…..The Moonstone…. They’re upset at what they were forced to do….. Maybe praying to them would be a good start, and…. My dad…. He’s still hurting….. Try to stay away from him if you can”
“What about you?”
“…..I…..” the teen shook his head, “I’m not worried about me, this doesn’t affect me as much as I thought it would. I’m more concerned about my family….. Hugo…. Hugo’s helped me a lot on that”, he added with a warm smile
Cassandra smiled too, “I’m glad he has, sincerely, oh, and congrats on being engaged”
Varian nodded, “I didn’t think I’d find love like him, I’m glad I was wrong about that”, he looked at Cassandra again, his eyes glowed gently
“Your eyes-!”
“I still have Moon powers”
“Oh”
“Yeah”
“Huh, congrats on that too”
Varian was quiet as he stared at her before he reached out and gently touched one of the blue stripes in her hair, it didn’t react to him, it didn’t even glow. He let it go and sighed, “so it’s a sign that you were touched by the Moonstone, not that you have powers I guess, unless you just haven’t woken them up yet, but since there not reacting to me, I guess you don’t”
Cassandra blinked, “were you worried?”
“No, even if you had powers, I don’t think you would use them”
“You…. Trust me?”
“I don’t know if I’d call it trust, more than just, a hunch”
“Pretty good hunch”
Varian shrugged, “…..It’s so odd…. It’s reversed…. You’re in here, you’re the prisoner now….. I thought…. That I’d be happy about it….” The ex-guard watched the teen, he sat down on the ground, pulling his knees to his chin, “why am I not happy?…..”
“…..Are you looking for me to answer that?” She asked gently
“…..I wouldn’t mind a guess….”
Cassandra chuckled before she got up from the bed and sat on the ground as well, across from Varian, far enough away that the alchemist would feel safe, “I think it’s because you’re not cruel”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I’m not saying your family is cruel for liking me being a prisoner, but…. I think because you have a connection to being one yourself, it’s mixing with what would normally be satisfaction”, she stated, “and because of that connection, and you knowing how hard it was being in my position, even harder for you considering who you had to deal with….. I think that connection makes it hard to be happy that I’m being punished in the same way, or at least, slightly similarly….. I’m lucky, I didn’t get what you did….. I think I deserve it more to be honest…..”
“No one deserves to be treated the way I was, not even you….. The only people I can see deserving that treatment is Cyrus and Baron….”
“And Gothel?”
“Gothel got Eugene’d, and she’s about to get Grandpa’d, believe me, she’ll get more than she deserves after he’s through with her”
“Got it”, Cassandra said with a chuckle, Varian chuckled as well before he looked at her
For a moment, he didn’t say a word, then he sighed, “…..I still love you….”
She gasped, “V-Varian-!”
“Don’t get me wrong, Hugo is my one and only, that’s never gonna change, ever…. But that crush I had on you…. It never went away…. And when you did what you did, it hurt…. It hurt really badly…. It still hurts in fact….. like an unhealing wound…. But….” He looked at her, and gave her a small, sad, smile, “I’m glad you’re back to being Cassandra again. I can’t forget, I will never forget what happened between us, my family, my home, my Hugo…. You damaged them…. Badly…. Especially my dad…. But, you’re not…. That person anymore…. You don’t have the Moonstone, you don’t have powers, you’re just…. Cassandra, and, I’m really glad to have Cassandra back”
“….heh…. I’m nothing special”
“Is that why you did it?” He asked, “because you didn’t feel special?”
“Kinda, I did it because I felt worthless, and I blamed Rapunzel and everyone else for that….. I thought that if I could show them, show *her* that I was just as good as her, could be just as powerful, could control just as much, that maybe I’d feel like I was worth something myself…. But the more I hurt…. The emptier I felt….”
“It kept building too, huh?” Varian asked, “until you broke?”
“Yeah…. And then I just did what I was told. Zhan Tiri did possess me, but a lot of her actions were mine, I did them when she gave me a suggestion, so they’re still bad….. You were right, it left a permanent mark…..”
The alchemist hummed in thought before finally speaking up, “I was wrong about that too”
“Huh?” She watched him stand up, doing the same before sitting back onto the bed behind her
He smiled at her, “I was wrong about the permanent mark. I thought it was permanent because that’s how it felt. Like a scar, angry, and scary, and loud….. But the more I fixed, the less the mark appeared. Sure I’m reminded of what I did, and glimpses of that mark will reappear. But I’m not that person anymore, and I can finally accept that now. I helped save people, I protected those I loved and even some I don’t, I became a hero, I finally get to say, that I’m happy with how I turned out. I won’t ever forget what I did, but that’s not a mark, that’s a memory, one that I won’t forget. But I’m not a villain, not anymore, and one day, you won’t be either”, he stated
She stared at him for a long time before tears dripped from her face, “I….. h-how…. How can you do that? H-how are you able to be so nice to me after all I did?”
“Because I know what it’s like Cassandra. I remember it, and it hurts. But….. I fell in love with the girl that was good, the girl that was kind and honest, sometimes even bluntly. I loved the girl that connected with me during the science expo, the girl that went out of her way to save me from a falling pipe when she didn’t have to. I fell in love with *you*, and for a while, I didn’t see that girl anymore, she got over shadowed by a monster….. But I finally get to see her again, I get to see *you* again. Maybe I wasn’t the one you needed to hear this from, but, you were enough for me, and you still are honestly. You’re not my one and only, that’s Hugo, but I still love you, that never changed”
“I’m sorry….”
Varian shook his head, “you don’t need to be, my dad is angry, my aunt, uncle, and grandpa are resentful, my fiancé is full of hate, Eugene and Lance are weary, Rapunzel is forgiving, my entire family basically have every emotion handled when it comes to you. They make it easy for me to feel what I can, and Cassandra”, he looked at her, “I’m just relieved that you’re back. Maybe I’m not ready to fully forgive, and I’ll never forget, but I’m relieved you’re back to being Cassandra, it makes me happy”
The lady in waiting was startled by that before she sniffled and smiled at the alchemist, “thank you, for saying that”
He nodded before his eyes glowed slightly as he looked towards the house, he giggled before looking back at Cassandra, “I’ve gotta go, dad and Hugo are worried, they’re staring out of the window and watching me like creepers”
“Pfft!”
“Yeah, heh, I’m gonna head in, I hope you enjoy the pie, it’s still fresh so eat it while it’s hot”, he began to walk away as she grabbed the pie before he stopped, “oh, and uh, thanks, for talking to me…. You didn’t have to, but I appreciate that you did”
She nodded, “thanks for the pie”
He giggled before he heard the back door open, “I’m a comin ya worry wart!” He exclaimed before he stopped and chuckled, “Moon above you two”, giving Cassandra one final wave, he walked away, the doors closing behind him
The ex-guard looked in the shed’s window and saw him be embraced by Hugo before Quirin picked the both of them up and walked inside, she smiled before she took a bite of the pie, the flavor making her smile widen as she finally felt, for the first time in a while, like she was herself again
Notes:
Hello! :D
Long chapter, sorry it’s late, but I might not be able to post tomorrow, so I put today’s and tomorrow’s chapter together! This was gonna be a three parter
Cassandra was horrible in the show and in my story, but she’s no longer than person anymore, and is actively trying to be better. I don’t think all of the characters, particularly not Varian or Rapunzel, would continue to be angry or hateful. Some will, like Hector and Quirin, but Rapunzel can’t stay angry at Cassandra, that’s her best friend and sister, she won’t deny that what she did was awful, but she’s not a person that would continue to hate someone, that’s just how Punzel is. And Varian, he understand what it’s like to be a villain, he, out of all people, would see how hard Cassandra’s trying, and even if he can’t fully forgive or forget, he’d be nice to her, that’s kinda what happens here
Maybe people will disagree, and that’s okay, you’re free to have your own opinion, but this is mine, and I hope you can kinda see where I’m coming from. Plus it helps Varian grow, same with Rapunzel, it’s good for them 😊🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 523: Support Group!
Summary:
Quirin’s emotions are whirlpool ing once again, this time however, Varian steps in!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Apologies always felt so empty to the retired knight. Even when he knew the person meant every word, he still never took it to heart until they showed him how sorry they were. Actions spoke louder than words, that’s the mantra he’d always gone by. If someone truly felt sorry, then he’d give them a chance
There were very good few exceptions to this rule, the princess for example, her apology had been genuine, he could feel every inch of it, no actions were needed the day she’d taken his son away, he hadn’t forgiven her, but he’d accepted her words as fact, and she’d proven them time and time again
His son was another good exception to this rule, his baby boy, who’d been left alone and harmed, neglected by his own hands, of course he’d gone off the deep end! Quirin had played a part in his son’s downfall, so he shared his son’s blame, and he could see his child fixing it even before he’d been freed from the amber, there was no point in getting angry at a child who was far too broken and frail for even more punishment, especially when he shared that blame, so that sorry had been accepted and forgiven on the spot
His King had been the final good exception, the man traveled all the way to Old Corona just to reconnect, and he’d been making up for what he’d done for 25 years! His actions had already been made up by the time the retired knight saw his father figure again, no doubt in his mind
However, there was one bad exception that he’d never be able to forgive. She’d already apologized, but he couldn’t ever think of giving her a second chance, he’d already tried, and she nearly killed his blond boy. So when he’d stood in that courtroom, facing the female that’d abused and used Varian, and then nearly him made him kill Hugo, and the same female who’d also terrorized all of his family, he couldn’t bear to hear any apology she had cooked up. If she had anyone to apologize and make up to, it was the rest of his family
As far as he was concerned, Cassandra was dead to him…. He wanted nothing to do with her, and that would never change….. He’d watch her when Varian and Rapunzel went out to visit, he’d glare daggers and scare her when she’d be apart of any meetings for this exorcism, he’d make her life a living *hell* for all the pain and agony she’d caused his family and home! Even as he cooked the house breakfast, he found himself staring at the shed she’d been staying in, and felt guilty for the guards that had to watch over the garbage inside, maybe he’d burn it after she left, they could always make a new storm bunker, he’s certain Varian and Hugo wouldn’t mind
“Dad?”
“Hm?” Looking over his shoulder, he saw his blue eyed alchemist staring up at him, concern lacing his child’s cheeks, “I’m sorry, my mind was in another place, did you say something?”
“I…. Said you burned the eggs, was trying to warn you before you did”
“Oh! Oh sh-! Shoot”, Quirin corrected
“Shit!” Hector exclaimed
“Hector!”
“Fucking shit! Damn, ass, bitch, shit!”
“Ugh….”
Varian giggled before he saw his father throw the burnt eggs away and start a new batch once the pan was cleaned, “dad…. Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, just distracted by foul language in front of children!” He stated, quirking a brow at Hector
“Ass!” The wild tamer exclaimed happily
“As much as I love the banter, dad, that’s not the only thing bothering you”, Varian pointed out, “what’s wrong?”
Quirin stopped and looked at his son, he wanted to tell him that he was fine, but one look in those big blue eyes told him that wasn’t going to fly, “I…..” he sighed, “angry…. I’m just…. Really angry….”
“…..At Cassandra, right?”
“Yeah…. Sorry”
“It’s okay, you don’t have to feel sorry for being angry. Out of everyone here, I think it’s understandable why you’re the most upset….. She…. Didn’t make anything easy on you….” Quirin remained silent before Varian spoke up once again, his voice very small as he asked, “….are you able to forgive her?”
The question came out as innocent and pure as a white feather floating in the wind, but the sting it gave the Village Leader’s heart left a bleeding and angry crack as he winced, “….I-I…..”
“I’m sorry! I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to! O-oh my….” Varian stated instantly before Quirin felt something hot on his hands, looking down, his eyes widened, how had he not noticed that he’d splashed hot oil on them?! It was hot enough to make his garden gloves melt slightly
Varian moved quickly and got cold water on them, removing the gloves and allowing his father’s hands to feel the relief of the cool water get the hot oil off his skin. The teen threw the gloves away before he quickly grabbed the medkit that Hector had snatched from the top cabinet, opening it and getting to work on his father. Quirin, throughout this entire process, felt nothing, his hands barely even hurt, just a dull pain as he stared at them, his curiosity taking over as he looked at the blisters that began to form
Varian managed to prevent the burn from spreading, Hector and Adira, who’d heard the commotion and rushed inside the kitchen with Edmund, helped pop them as the alchemist cleaned the wounds. All the while, Edmund watched Quirin, the Dark King instantly understanding what was going on. He sighed before he gently place a finger on Quirin’s burn, and gave a small push
Suddenly the world came back as the pain startled the retired knight, “ow!”
“There we go, sorry, you can continue”, Edmund stated. Varian blinked, but didn’t question it as he worked to clean the wounds. Edmund looked at his knight and sighed, “Cassandra?”
Quirin winced a little as the pain was finally registering before he nodded, “Cassandra….”
“Oh boy….”
Varian finished wrapping up his father’s wounds before he looked up at the man, “I’m sorry…..”
“It’s okay Bubby”
“N-no it’s not!” He exclaimed as tears came to his eyes, “I-I startled you s-so much and-and-and you g-got burned and-and-and t-the eggs are b-bad and your s-skin is-is blistered a-and-!”
“It’s okay”, his father stated, wrapping his arms around his son gently, “it’s alright, it was an accident, that’s all, one you didn’t mean to make happen, it’s okay, I’m alright, I’m alright”
Varian hugged his father back and sniffled, his guilt overwhelming him as images of his father’s burnt hands and melted gloves flashed in his mind, “I’m sorry….”
Quirin scooped his son up and continued to hug him, “hey, they’ll heal, I’d be worried if I could scoop you and Hugo up, but I can still, so it’s alright”. He heard a small, guilt filled, sob from his son and sighed, “hey, it’s really okay, look, now we know not to have existential questions while making eggs, right?”
Varian peeked out and looked up at his father, “mm-hm…”
“And I have to not think so deeply while handling hot food and oils, so see? We both learned something!”
The alchemist peeked out a little more, “I’m sorry….”
“It’s okay, if anything, this gets me out of a few days of work, which means your penance is spending time with me during those days, and possibly feeding the animals on the farm, so there”, he stated with a chuckle as he nuzzle his son
Varian smiled and giggled a little before nodding, “oki”
“Oki?” Quirin asked
“Oki”
“Oki”
They hugged, smiling happily before letting go, Varian looked a lot more relieved, which made the retired knight happy, “*ahem*”, until that. He sighed and looked at his king, who had his hands on his hips and was quirking a brow at his knight
Quirin chuckled, “I’m gonna have to explain, huh?”
“Very much so”
The Village Leader blushed before he looked over at the shed again, Rapunzel, Lance, and Eugene were out there. Eugene looked apprehensive, Lance seemed hesitant, but Rapunzel looked happy. He huffed, “I’m…. Not handling her being here well….. I’m fine with her stayed where she is now, but…. It’s…. Getting harder and harder for me to keep my emotions in check”
“That the only reason?”
Quirin looked at his king, “it actually is”, he stated gently, “ever since Ulla and Donella decided to watch from above after Hugo started to feel better, things have actually been rather peaceful for me. I got to see my wife again, Hugo got to say a proper goodbye to Donella, Varian got to say a proper goodbye to his mama, my house is full of my family now, I couldn’t be happier, but…. Her being here, it just makes things very hard…. I know I agreed, and the compromise is more than fine, it’s just very hard…. She’s the same woman who harmed my children, all of you, and my home….”
“And you”, Varian pointed out, when his father was silent, he blinked before his eyes widened in realization, “dad…. You haven’t fully accepted what she’s done to you yet have you?….”
“Heh”, his father chuckled, “t-that obvious huh?” He asked
Varian gave his father a sad look, “not to everyone, but I’ve been there, so….”
His father let out a sad sigh before looking at his son, “ugh…. I wish I didn’t feel like this…. I wish I could just accept it, be angry, and be done…”
“Not how it works dad”
“I know…”
“Why didn’t you ever say anything?” Adira asked
“How am I supposed to? Adira you got sexually harassed! Hector was physically abused! King Edmund had to face his own *child*!”
“So did you!” The face painted warrior exclaimed
“My child was not lost for 25 years and me having the companion of one tiny *crow*”, he stated, “my child had access to me, my child was not alone most of his life, he had me, Eugene do not have anyone, save for Lance, who also had no one….. “
“Fucking hell Quirin”, Hector stated, “you think that your shit is the only one that doesn’t fucking stain? Haven’t we been through this before? You matter too you big, goofy, dumbass!”
“Poetry Hector”
“My fucking point still stands brother!” Hector snapped before he stopped and took a breath, “sorry spawn….”
“It’s okay, m-maybe we don’t yell at my dad though? Please?” Varian asked gently as he looked at Adira as well as Hector
Quirin chuckled, “I’m okay Bubby, they mean it with love, they yell because they’re passionate, I’ve accepted that”
“Yelling until someone decides to listen still won’t solve the problem however”, Edmund stated, “Quirin, this has been a problem for you since you were a kid, that doesn’t just go away, I understand that, but it’s gotten bad again….”
“I know…. It was getting better to be fair! It truly was! I was finally starting to feel better about everything, it’s just…. She…. Tainted it….. but I can’t even blame her this time, because she’s staying in the shed, she’s doing as I said, she didn’t even complain! So….. I don’t know why I’m so damn angry still….”
“Because she hurt you too dad”, Varian replied, “that hurt doesn’t go away because other things are getting better in your life. It still hurts to see her around everyone you love! I’ll give you an example, before me and Punzel got better, she told me about how Cassandra decided to choose her over going with the Queen of Ingvarr and becoming a warrior like Adira. I felt so angry because Rapunzel’s guilted her into staying! I walked out of the damn room because I got so upset, that was when my ankle was hurt, I fell onto the floor because I was too upset to look where I was going, and I ran into Lance”, the alchemist stated, “I told him all the horrible things I was thinking about, all the bad emotions I felt towards the Princess, you know what he told me? He said that it was normal, that it was okay to feel that way, that I’m not acting them out, but I feel that way because she did me an injustice. It doesn’t matter that it was Cassandra’s choice in the end, it doesn’t matter that Punzel didn’t ask her to stay, all that mattered was that I was still mad at her and that gave me more fuel to the fire! Even being in the same damn room as the princess made me anxious and scared and angry. It’s all because I didn’t accept what happened to me, what she’d done to me, and because I hadn’t, I wasn’t able to move on. Lance helped me through that, he talked to me, allowed me to say everything she did, and get as angry as I wanted”
“I don’t think I can do that safely”, Quirin stated
“You could if you found a place to take your anger out on. Like a patch of the forest or a break room”
“Break room?”
“Eugene told me about that, it’s a room full of breakable items, you pay to go in and smash stuff! You do that with stuff to hee your face safe, but glass bottles, cups, large items, small items, doesn’t matter, smash em, crush em, melt em if you can, it gets your anger out”, the teen stated, “because…. Whatever happens to you in life still affects you, and it can be positive, but also negative…. Lance gave me a visual aid with this… hmmm…. Oh! Ruddy, can you grab my sketch book?”
Ruddigar, who was on his boy’s shoulder, chittered before he dove into the backpack and pulled out his boy’s sketchbook, handing it to the teen
“Thanks! Um dad, I need to stand for this”
“Hm? Oh! Yeah, here”, Quirin set the teen down and watched as his son ripped out a piece of paper from the book before having Ruddigar place it back into bag and receiving a few nuts as a treat
Varian smiled before he looked at his dad, “oki, so pretend this paper is you. Name something that Cassandra did to you that hurt you”
“I…. Well…. She did kidnap me to get more information about the Moonstone”
He winced when he heard a rip, looking over, he saw Varian had ripped a small tear in the, otherwise, pristine piece of paper, “ok, what else?”
“She…. Physically hurt me”
Another rip sounded, there was another tear, “keep going”
“She took control over me” another rip, “she made me forget important parts of my life”, another rip, “she hurt my family”, seven rips could be heard, once for each member as Quirin counted Hector, Adira, Edmund, Varian, Hugo, Ruddigar, and Olivia, “she kidnapped you Varian”, another rip, “she assaulted you multiple times”, rips could be heard for every time she assaulted the teen, “she…. Attacked and hurt Hugo”, another rip, “she nearly killed Hugo”, a *large* rip sounded for that one, “she nearly killed me”, another *large* rip sounded, “she destroyed out home”, another rip, “she took control over me, Hector, Adira, and King Edmund”, four rips were heard, “she forced us to do awful things”, four more rips could be heard, “…..She was gonna have m-me kill H-Hugo if I d-didn’t comply….” Another *large* rip could be heard, “….She made me k-kill Frederic….” Another *large* rip was heard, “and….. She’s here….. I know I agreed, but that’s a tiny part of it”, a tiny rip could be heard
“Oki, now look at the paper”
Quirin looked, and gasped, the entire sheet, which had been pristine and near, nary a rip in sight, was covered in so many holes that the retired knight wasn’t sure how it still held together! “I….”
“For good measure, let’s just add that you already have some past trauma that isn’t helping you cope with what she’s done to you very well”, Varian crushed the entire paper, wrinkling every inch of it before he opened it back up again, the group watch the paper start to fall apart, one piece at a time, “you see? This is how much she affects you everyday”, the alchemist stated, “because anytime you see her, all of the things she’s done to you get brought back to the surface. So all these rips, mixed with the wrinkles of your past, they start to tear you apart, and it builds and builds and builds inside you”, he emphasized this by wrinkling the paper again, “whirling around you like a tornado, that when you finally start to try and fix it”, he opened the paper again, but it felt apart, “it’s too late…. Now I could try and fix it, grab some tape, put all the pieces back together, but”, he pulled some tape from his pocket and picked up the piece of paper, he taped it all together perfectly, and showed the group, “even though I matched every piece, even taped it together, it’s not the same as it once was! That’s you dad”. The teen looked at his father sadly, “you can match every piece, out everything together and make it fit perfectly, but until you finally get the help you need, it’s not ever gonna be okay. You’re still hurt by Cassandra because she damaged you permanently. That’s not something that just goes away, you have to work on it, heal, in the right way. May that be through therapy, or family, or even just staying away from her, which I know you can’t do right now….. you’re hurting dad, and that’s okay to hurt, you’re not gonna be the way you used to be before she did what she did, just like I’m not, nor is Adira, Hector, or Grandpa, but you’ve got people who will be more than willing to help you pick up the pieces, well he’ll you find the tape, it won’t be perfect, some scars won’t heal, but we can try to make it easier to bear, so that you’re not falling apart, you just gotta talk to us”
Quirin looked at his son before he looked at the paper, he stared at it for a long time before he placed a hand over his mouth and sniffled. The realization finally hitting him as Varian walked over and hugged him. Hector, Adira, and Edmund doing the same as he hugged them back
He felt like a weight was lifted as he felt his family’s warmth surrounding him. He let out a breath of relief once he’d calmed down, that breath taking some of his anger away as the group let go, and he finally sat down and began to tell them how he felt and what she’d done to him, finally allowing himself to share without the worry of being judged or embarrassed. He smiled when they helped him, when they gave him support instead of shutting him down like he had been before, and for once since Cassandra came to his home, the retired knight felt a peace, it wasn’t perfect, but it was pleasant all the same
Notes:
Hello! :D
I thought I wasn’t able to post today, but I found I had more time than I thought! So yay!
This chapter is Quirin finally being able to help cope with his anger control. He lacks it, and he doesn’t know why, it’s hard to remember that you matter too, and it takes a few times to really drive that home, but with Varian here this time, he’s finally able to see how his son did it, and Varian helps him a lot in this chapter!
Varian is basically the main reason why Quirin still goes on. I say this because the man literally lost everything and everyone in his life, the only thing he had left was his son, and he clung to him in the show, in my opinion, you didn’t get to know more about Quirin without Varian first. His son is his life, so to have that reason tell you that it’s okay and you’re allowed to be angry, along with all of the family members you thought you’d lost, it’s kinda that final part you needed, like an ice cream sundae finally getting the cherry on top! Varian’s the cherry! Just the perfect touch to finally make the whole thing sink in
Quirin needed permission to feel what he wanted, he didn’t know he needed hit until now, and every single person in his life has finally told him he can feel what he wants to again, and it’s freeing for him 😊🎶
Upcoming chapters will actually be racing Gothel and such, sorry it’s taking so long
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 524: The Art of Tarot!
Summary:
Varian learns about Tarot cards from his grandpa in preparation for the exorcism!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Oki”, Varian stated as he opened the box his grandpa had given him, “the tarot cards can read your past, present and future, all you need to do, is ask me a question, then shuffle”
Hugo, who was sitting across from the teen, nodded, “ok, well…. What kind of question should I ask?”
“I’m doing the three card spread, past, present, future. Grandpa said that this is close to the simplest spread of these cards. So the question, and answers to come from it, should be as simple, if not, more so”
The blond nodded before he let out a soft sigh, “well then…. Tell me about my life and where I’m going, I’d like to know, just in general, what I’m heading towards”
Varian smiled and nodded before he let out a breath, closed his eyes, and for a few moments, seemed to be meditating, before he opened them and handed the cards to his finacè, “shuffle them, with only your question in mind, until you feel ready, then draw three cards, face down, and place them one after the other”
Hugo took the deck, and began to shuffle. He shuffled for a minute or two, stopping a few times before starting up again, before finally halting, placing the three cards, faced down, in front of him, on after the other, “okay, what do they say?”
Varian grinned before he pointed to each one, “past, present, future”, he clarified, tapping each one before he revealed the left card, “your past, the Tower, reversed…. Gain at a great loss, false accusations, false imprisonment, oppression…. You’ve faced many hardships in your life, most of which were undeserved…. Small things, big things, all with consequences towards you…. Lies and deceit have been your best friends, you mask yourself to protect yourself, because you’ve been oppressed for so long….”
Hugo nodded, “yup, that pretty much sums it up, my life sucked”
“You okay?”
“Oh yeah, I knew all that already, Tis the past card after all”
Varian giggled before flipped the middle card, “your present, the fool, upright…. New beginnings, adventure, new challenges, opportunities that are often unplanned or unforeseen! You’ve gained a new life, a new you! Your past was filled with darkness, your present seems to be waning it away. You’re going on countless journeys, discovering more about yourself and the world and people around you! You’re taking the bull by the horns! A bright present and a great start to an even brighter future should you take these new opportunities life presents to you! Don’t forget to try things outside of your comfort zone!”
Hugo grinned, “I like that one”
“It’s a really good sign!”
“Hee hee, I like the journey I’m taking, and the people I’m going on it with! Particularly a certain person”
Varian giggled and blushed before he touched and flipped over the final card, “your future, the Star, upright…. Insight, inspiration, hope, selflessness, good health, spiritual gifts, great love! A bright future awaits for you! Full of joy and love and hope! Not just for yourself, but for those around you! Your past was dark, your present cleared it, and now your future is as bright as the stars above! You shine even in the darkest moments, you bring hope and love to those you care about, and thus, they bring you hope and love in return. Be you, your best self is the person that can make the best out of every opportunity, being you will get you your happy ending with those you love so dearly!”
Hugo smiled wide before he sniffled a little, then blushed, “sorry”
“Hee hee, it’s okay, it made me tear up a little too”, Varian replied as he offered the teen a tissue, “are you alright?”
“Yeah! Yeah, I just…. It’s good to know that things will be okay, e-even better to know that I’ll be with those I love! I was genuinely worried, but, I believe in that fortune, and I hope it comes true”
Varian smiled, “just like the Star, heh, it’s funny, the Star being your future is perfect, even the Moon called you my Star, I couldn’t agree more, just like the Star, you’ve brought me so much hope through your own acts of selflessness”, he cupped Hugo’s cheek, “I couldn’t ask for anyone better than you love”
Hugo sniffled again, “frecklllllllles”
Varian laughed as he hugged his fiancé happily before the door to the dining room opened, “hey you two, what are yo-! Hm?” Quirin walked over and looked at the tarot cards before smiling, “using grandpa’s deck huh?”
“Actually, they’re mine now! Grandpa gave them to me! He said he wanted me to be the one who uses them during the exorcism, so I’m getting in some practice”, Varian explained as Hugo calmed down and wiped his face with the tissue, kissing Varian’s cheek and getting the alchemist to giggle
“Ah, I see, mind if I see the reading?”
“Hugo?” Varian asked
“I don’t mind”, the blond replied with one final sniffle as he wiped his eyes once again
Varian lowered his hand from Hugo’s face so his father could see the cards, the retired knight studied them before smiling, “if I’m reading this right, bad past, hopeful present, amazing future”
Varian blinked, “you know tarot?!”
“I dabbled”, his father replied with a smile as he walked over and began to grab ingredients for dinner, “King Edmund showed me, Adira, and Hector when we were younger, tarot cards came from the Dark Kingdom you know”
“They did?”
Quirin chuckled at his son’s interest, “yes they did, we were the first kingdom to study the stars and find our futures. The cards were made to represent stuff like that, in fact, you could use your zodiac to show you things”
“Ooooooooh, grandpa said he’s gonna show me a complicated way to use them during the exorcism, he mentioned astronomy!”
“Probably the zodiac, it’s powerful, but a bit more complicated”
“I’m excited! Hey dad, wanna have me do your past, present, and future?”
Quirin chuckled, “I’m making dinner Bubby”
“Pleeeeeeeeeeease?”
“I gotta make dinneeeeeeeeeeeeer, so we can eaaaaaaaaaaaaat”
“But it’s only one tiiiiiiiiiiiiiime”, Varian replied
“But dinner takes foreeeeeeeeeeeever to maaaaaaaaaake”
“But daaaaaaaaaaaaaaad”
“Bubbyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy”
Varian giggled, “you’re mean”
“I learned from the best”, Quirin replied with a snicker as he began to cut up some veggies
Varian shuffled the cards again and smile, “have you done your own reading?” Hugo asked
“Nope, I want to though”, Varian replied
“You should!”
“I will later, for now, I wanna prepare myself for this exorcism….. Hey! Maybe I should do a reading for Ruddigar!” The raccoon in question, who was on his boy’s shoulder, let out a chitter, “how bout it bud?”
Ruddigar hopped off and sat down across from Varian with a smile, getting the teen to giggle again
“So, what do the tarot cards do during the exorcism anyway?” The inventor asked as the raccoon sniffed the deck curiously
The alchemist smirked, “well, I’m basically supposed to read the spirit’s fortune”
“How do you do that?”
“I see my timing is impeccable”, a voice stated with a hearty chuckle, getting the duo to look over and see Edmund standing in the doorway, Adira, Hector, Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel were all behind him, “I was just coming in here to explain it!”
“Grandpa!” The freckled teen exclaimed before he zipped over and hugged the man happily
“Hello little peanut! Have you been practicing?” The Dark King asked as he hugged his grandson
“Yup! I just did a reading for Hugo! Past, present, and future! His results were amazing and extremely accurate!”
“It’s true”, the blond stated with a smile
“Ho ho! Well that’s wonderful! Seems as though you’ve taken to tarot like you’ve taken to alchemy!” Edmund stated happily
Varian grinned happily before he let go of his grandpa and looked up at him, “I wanna do a dad reading, but he’s being a butt and cooking dinner”
“Oh yes”, Quirin stated sarcastically as he dumped the veggies he’d just cut into a crock pot, “how dare I decide to make the household food right at dinner time, the shame”
“Daaaaaad”
Edmund snickered, “have you done your own reading?”
“Nu, I wanna do that later, I was actually about to do Ruddigar’s reading though!”
The raccoon chittered again, swishing his tail happily
Hector’s eyes sparkled when he saw the raccoon, instantly going over and petting him happily as the Dark King smiled, “I can already see what the cards say about such a good boy, past, rough and tumble, present, happy and content, future full of apples!”
Ruddigar purred as the alchemist giggled, “I’d say that’s pretty accurate”, he then looked up at his grandpa, “so what do I do for the exorcism?”
The Dark King nodded and walked to the dining table, “come over here, I’ll explain”
Varian jogged over and sat down, Hugo sitting next to him as Ruddigar climbed on his boy’s shoulders once again. Rapunzel and Eugene sat down as well, Lance decided to stand next to Adira, who was sitting on the counter, much to Quirin’s chagrin, as Hector leaned against the wall beside the table, “ready!” Varian exclaimed happily
Edmund chuckled before he let out a small sigh and looked at the teen, “have I ever told you my birthday?”
“Nu”
“I’m a cluster, Aries and Taurus, I was born on April 20th, right at 12:01AM”, he stated, “that’s important to know little peanut, however, it does make the reading a bit more complicated, so just pretend only an Aries for now”, Varian nodded, committing that to memory, “now then, what you’ll want to do:
You know the 12 zodiac signs, Aries is first, you start there, and not because of me either, you always start with Aries for the spreading of the cards, oh! Do you know what a sun dial looks like, and where its numbers are? (Varian: yes I do), ok great! You would have to shuffle the deck, there’s no question I ask, you simply have to concentrate on me and my zodiac sign, focus your energies and shuffle as you think of me and what message I need to hear from the stars, stop when you feel you’ve shuffled enough (Varian: am I doing a reading for you?) yes if you please, I feel it’s best if you learn by doing (Varian: oki)
Finished? (Varian: yeah), you’re sure? (Varian: I’m sure), ok, now lay them on the table in a circle, place 12 cards where the numbers on a Sun dial are, start with Aries at 9 o’clock, then go backwards until you hit 10 o’clock (Varian: oki). Good! Very good, now, place one final card in the middle, (Varian: face up?) yup, I’ll be able to see it, good! Now you’re the one reading, but you’re reading me, the cards are either upright or reversed based on how they’re facing you, don’t base their meanings on my position
(Varian: oki), alright, now then, you’ve perfectly set it up, now how you read this. Each card represents some part of the person, the first card is the person’s zodiac, I’m an Aries, in this instance, so my first card is the one at 9 o’clock, with me so far? (Varian: yup! Card number one is 9 o’clock for you, if I were doing my own reading, I’d be reading Aries too! If I were doing dad’s, I’d look at Capricorn!)
Ho ho you’re right! *ahem* anyway, heh, okay, the cards! you read them counterclockwise, so, for this reading, you start at 9 o’clock, and go to 8, then 7, then 6, then 5 and so on until you’ve reached the first card again, interpreting them. The card in the middle is optional, but I like to put it down because of many different reasons, here’s what each card represents, and I’m gonna list a lot of things here, but it all depends on what message you see from them, you would use your instincts to figure out the message:
1- Identity: how you see yourself, and how others see you, physical health and appearance
2- Resources: money, security, self worth, values
3- Environment: family, siblings, cousins, friends, doesn’t include spouse, kids, or parents, home environment, communication, letters
4- Home and Family: close relationships, parents, spouse, kids, domestic life, your emotional health based on where you live now, emotional security, basically how your relationships with these particular parts of your life are effecting you
5- Your Creativity: passions, things you love to do, or are passionate about, creative power, how you include that in the world, what and how you love, love language, how you love! It’s also how you birth projects and such
6- Daily Habits: health habits, mindset, your daily routines. This is internal health, mental health, personal hygiene, 1st house is outward health, body and such (Varian: ooooh, oki)
7- Partnerships: love partner, deep friendships, legal matters, this is how you feel about your relationship with whomever you’re focusing on, from love partner to an enemy
8- Your Secrets: death and sex, inheritance, core energy, drive, basically, this is stuff that would worry you, stuff you hate talking about in public, taxes, your death, your sex life, etc (Varian: ummmm….) w-we don’t have to worry about that one, try to ignore it please (Varian: o-oki)
9- your Growth: your dreams, education, religion, how you can grow, ways you can grow
10- your Career: your life’s work, your financial position, public image, self expectations, how you’re fulfilling your dreams
11- your Community: social connections, giving and charity note, how you interact with the world, your acquaintances, thoughts on charity and giving
12- Your Shadow Self: unconscious beliefs and burdens, hidden dangers, fears, worries, self imposed restrictions and limitations, are you living up to your true life’s potential basically
13- This one is optional, I like to include it- this is the outcome and clarifier: about your year or the spread as a whole, or adding layers to any/all of the other cards, use it to clarify the cards, it also could be the theme, you got it? (Varian: got it!)
Ok, now what do you see for me?”
Varian looked at each and every card before he blinked, his eyes began to glow as he focused on one in particular, he frowned, eyes darting to the other cards before coming back to it, he finally looked at his grandpa, “you…. Need to stop being so hard on yourself”
“Hm?”
“Your 12th card is your subconscious beliefs right?” The Dark King nodded, “it’s the tower, upright….. Change, conflict, destruction, disruption, enlightenment, failure, and bankruptcy….. You feel as though you’re a failure…. You believe yourself to always be wrong, it’s shown time and time again in a lot of your cards grandpa….. it’s subconscious, and you’re handling it, but you’re mental health is wavering…. Your 6th card, in interpreting it as your mental health, and it’s five of wands reversed, trickery, contradiction, a mock struggle, quarreling, rashness, disputes, litigation….. you’re at odds with yourself, contradicting what you’ve been told, you want to believe you’re a bad person, but the cards tell me you need to relax and cut yourself some slack”, his eyes flowed brighter as he pointed to the card in the middle, “four of swords, upright, from what you told me, this can be the theme, clarifier, or the outcome, here I think it’s a clarifier, a message to you, it’s saying that you’re not as bad as you think, that you need to relax and stop working so hard, stop being so hard on yourself, and that it’s okay, you’re okay”, he smiled as his glow dimmed until it was gone, “phew…. How’d I do?”
Edmund blinked before he grinned, got up, and scooped up the alchemist happily, “you did such a good job! I’m so proud o you little peanut!!!!! You’re a true tarot reader!!!!!!”
Varian laughed and squeed as everyone in the room smiled, Quirin chuckling as he walked over and rescued his son when the freckled teen seemed to be getting overwhelmed, “ok, I think that’s too much snuggles”
“Op, sorry, hee hee”, Edmund chuckled, “it’s just, he read it so very accurately!”
“That he did”
Varian smiled as Eugene looked up at his dad, “so, how’d you it was accurate?”
“Well, I did a reading on myself yesterday, I had Adira do the same reading on me to see if the results would change. They didn’t, If you read me as an Aries, the stars tell me to relax”
“You had Adira read you as well? Why not Hector or Quirin?” Rapunzel asked
“Because Adira is a very talented tarot reader as well, her talent exceeds that of her two siblings, Eugene you’ve never tried it before, so I’m not including you in that in fairness”, the Dark Prince nodded as the Dark King continued, “I wanted to be sure it would stay the same when the little peanut read mine, so I could gauge if we needed to work on anything beforehand, and we don’t! Little peanut is talented!”
Varian blushed, “I’m not surprised”, Adira stated with a smirk, “though the eye glow, that’s different”
“The Moon was watching me, I felt her, her presence made my eyes glow”, Varian explained
“Ah”
“Well that’s good that she’s watching, it’ll make the exorcism better”, Hector stated
“That’s exactly why Varian should do the reading, it also keeps him safe with us”, Edmund stated, “knowing who this woman is, I want her nowhere near my family, especially not Varian, Eugene, or Rapunzel”
“Eugene and Rapunzel is get, but Varian?” Lance asked
“He’s got the power of the Moon, he’ll be one of her targets”, Hugo stated
“How do you know for sure?”
“If Don taught me anything, it’s that people have patterns, whether they know they do or not, and they tend to stick to those patterns. Like Cyrus with his disgusting fucking behavior, or Freckles and his amazing heart, Gothel is a woman who wanted more power, so much so that she abandoned the only family she had to steal a child and use her power for herself! If she found out that Freckles has the Moon powers, she may target him to regain what she’s lost before. And I’m sorry, but if she fucking touches my Freckles, I’m gonna make sure she’s double dead….”
Varian wriggled out of his father’s arms and walked over, he kissed his fiancé’s cheek, making the blond blush, “my hero”
The group snickered before Rapunzel spoke up, “so…. Tomorrow night is when we’re doing the exorcism?”
“Yup”, Edmund stated, “will you be okay?”
“Yeah, I….. well….. Okay maybe not 100%, but I’ll be a very solid 75%”
“A solid 75% is perfectly fine with us”
Rapunzel smiled as Quirin spoke up, “does Cassandra know? Has anyone told her the plan?”
Varian nodded, “I went out there and discussed it with her, she’s good to go and will do what she’s told, the guards are gonna help as well, Ethan seemed interested, said Chris mentioned ghosts and he’d probably be delighted to be correct that they exist”
The retired knight nodded, “ok”
“Are *you* gonna be okay Quirin? With Cassandra I mean?” Eugene asked
Quirin looked at the Dark Prince before he smiled at Adira, Hector, Edmund, and Varian before looking back at the captain of the royal guards, “I’ll be fine”
“You sure? I don’t mean to push, but you were on the fence before”
“I was because of some…. Unresolved issues, but I had a nice chat with a few people and feel better about things. I may not fully trust Cassandra, in fact I don’t trust her at all and think she deserves to stay in jail and rot, but I’ve accepted that she’ll be helping us and am moving on. This is to benefit Old Corona after all, I can deal with her for one night”
“That’s fair”, Eugene stated as Lance smiled
“BLECH!” Everyone looked over and saw Varian’s wrinkled nose at the pot bubbling on the stove, “carrots!”
“It’s stew”, Quirin stated
“Carrot stew?!”
“*Beef* stew, carrots are *inside* it”
“Blech!”
“Varian, you won’t even *taste* the carrots!”
“Still Blech!”
“You’re still eating it”
“What if I have a stomach ache”
“Then you can have carrot soup instead and stay in bed for a few days without alchemy”
“What if I don’t eat this carrot stew? Will I not have dinner? I might starve!” His child exclaimed, half jokingly
Quirin chuckled, “how about a compromise then, you try it first, one tiny spoonful, and if you really don’t like it, I’ll whip up some pumpkin soup and grilled cheese”
Varian blinked, “I’ll accept that”
“You’ve got to give it an *actual* try though son”
“I will, tis the honorable thing to do”
“It is”
His son giggled as the retired knight walked over and continued to cook the meal. He’d finished it in an hour, Varian tasted it and genuinely didn’t enjoy the flavor, so Quirin made him the pumpkin soup with grilled cheese, which the alchemist happily took. The group enjoyed dinner together before going to sleep, the next day, they prepared everything they need, as the night fell, Cassandra joined them outside and they walked over to the bridge. A thick fog was blocking the group from seeing beyond it, Rapunzel took a breath, clutching her braid in her hand, it wasn’t the same length or the same thickness, but she still felt the need to protect it as she faced the fog that contained the spirit of her mother. Beetlejuice joined them as well, he stuck near Hector and Adira, Edmund looked at everyone, “are you ready?”
With a nod, the group braced themselves, before they walked onto the bridge, and into the fog.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I had to do a LOT of research for this chapter, I love Tarot, I study it, but it can be very complicated if not explained or handled properly, and could lead to very many bad things! That being said, I’ve been studying the art of Tarot for a long time, I’ve never done this particular spread however, the zodiac spread, so hence, it took me a long time to fully understand it and explain it, let alone replicate a reading and write it all down for this chapter, that’s why I didn’t post anything yesterday, Tarot is an art, and very important art
Also, this exorcism, please do not replicate it, while the tarot is correct, the exorcism is basically gonna be me making up a different way to do so using tarot along with some research. I am not qualified, at all, to teach anything about exorcisms, so please take the next few chapters with a massive MOUNTAIN of salt!
Other than that, Varian’s being a stinker, Hugo’s gonna have a happy ending, Quirin’s finally growing, Edmund is a good teacher, Adira and Hector are freaking fun to write even as side characters, Rapunzel has some issues but she’s finally facing them, Eugene is a good bean, Lance asks important questions, Beetlejuice is fun, Cassandra is a jerk, and Ruddigar is fluffy :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 525: Mother Gothel’s Return! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The group finally goes to face Gothel on the other side of the bridge!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo blinked, looking around, he find himself in a shabby looking cabin, the wooden walls were slightly warped in different places, the roof was sagging, the windows all had cracks. He recognized the smell of musk in the air as well, “I’m….. home?” He said, it came out as more of a question than anything else. He walked through the area, startled at how detailed everything seemed to be, “what… h-how did I get back here?” He asked himself, “what was I doing before this?”
As he turned the corner, something fell to the floor behind him and shattered. The blond looked to see what it was, when he found a glass mug had fallen to the floor. He walked over to it, still confused, when, “HUGO!” He winced, his heart beat spiking at he turned and saw an angry Donella stomping towards him, “WHAT DID YOU JUST FUCKING DO?!”
“I-I didn’t d-do it D-Don”, he stammered, his legs quivering as Donella began to grow, “I-it just fell t-to the floor w-when I walked I-in”
By the time he’d finished speaking, Donella’s head was touching the roof of the shack, her eyes were redder than fire, and he voice *boomed* through the house, and shook it like an earthquake, “DONT YOU *DARE* LIE TO ME YOU LITTLE INGRATE!”
“I…. I-I….” Suddenly, Hugo’s mouth was zipped shut, he couldn’t speak, and his feet had melted to the floor, making him unable to move, “mmmph! MMMPH!”
“SHUT UP! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH IVE DONE FOR YOU?! YOU SELFISH! VILE! LITTLE NOBODY CHILD!”
Hugo felt tears streak down his cheeks, he felt fear grip his heart as his eyes grew wide when Donella raised her hand, ready to bring it down on top of him, that is, until a bright blue glow flooded his vision, “HUGO!” A voice yelled, the blond looked at the blue light, and saw Varian standing inside, the alchemist ran to his fiancé and hugged him, clutching him close to his heart, “Hugo, it’s okay! Whatever you’re seeing isn’t real! Please snap out of it! Please!”
Hugo was felt his fear start to leave him as he hugged Varian back, he moved his lips, trying to say what he wanted to, but they’re came out in small grunts, “mmmph! Mmmmph!”
“Easy love”, Varian said gently, pulling away to look at the inventor, “just breathe, take a minute and breathe, close your eyes and count to ten with me, okay?”
Hugo hesitated, looking at the gigantic Donella, before he looked at Varian and nodded. He closed his eyes, and listened to Varian count as he breathed in and out
“One… Two… Three… Four… Five… Six… Seven.. Eight… Nine… Ten…”
He opened his eyes, and suddenly, his wooden home was gone, as was gigantic Donella, he touched his lips, and found no zipper, the only thing that remained was Varian as he watched his lover, “w…. W-what happened?” He asked, grateful to hear his own voice
“Gothel…” Rapunzel stated, he looked at her and noticed she had tear stains on her face, “she attacked us right as we crossed the bridge…. Made us see some of our worst memories…. Beetlejuice was effected, and Varian managed to snap out of it first, Quirin was next, then Adira, Hector, and Edmund. They all helped the rest of us break out of the spell, Varian went straight to you, but you had the hardest time breaking out”
“Oh….”
“Yeah….”
“Are you alright?” Varian asked anxiously, “I was calling you name for a while, and then you seemed to notice me, but didn’t seem to be out of the trance yet and-!”
“I’m okay love, I’m alright”, Hugo stated gently
“A-are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure, just… A really bad memory….”
“…..Was it Donella?”
Hugo nodded, “yeah…. One or her favorite mugs fell and broke…. She’d thought I’d done it, beat me real good for it too…. I was 14….”
“I’m sorry….”
“It’s okay, you got me out of it, don’t blame yourself”
“I’m not…..” the alchemist glared at his lover, his eyes glowing, “I know *exactly* who to blame it on…… And I’m gonna find her and rip her to *shreds*”, he growled, sounding almost inhumane as he did
Hugo’s eyes widened, “F-Freckles?”
Varian blinked before he let out a breath, his eyes no longer glowing, “sorry….”
“…..Varian…. What memory did she throw you into?”
The alchemist winced before his lips quivered a little, “…..p-pole….”
Hugo’s eyes widened, as did Quirin’s, “oh this bitch is dead”, Hector stated
“Completely fucking dead”, Beetlejuice agreed
“Varian….” Hugo stated
“I-I’m okay…. I realized, pretty quickly, that it was just a vision, and that it wasn’t real”, he stated, “I managed to break out first after all….”
“But not until a few lashes….”
“N-no…. Not before that….”
“Oh Freckles….”
Edmund huffed before he walked over and blocked off Hugo and Varian from the rest of the area in front of them, “if you’re out there witch, we’ll find you! And when we do, you’ll be *sorry*!” He snapped into the air, his voice echoing everywhere
Nothing happened for a second or two, not until Rapunzel gasped before she began to shiver, Edmund looked at her, and noticed Eugene looked tense, “Gothel…..” The Dark Prince growled
“Where?” His father asked
“Not here, she’s laughing though…. We can hear her…..”
Edmund growled before he looked out into the fog, “laugh now…. While you can….” He stated, his voice was quiet, but full of burning venom
The two scientists blinked before Adira spoke up, “would this be a good place to set up?”
Edmund turned to face her, “yes, since she cast a spell on us, now is the perfect place to set up”
The face painted warrior nodded before she looked at Varian, “Speckles, keep your tarot cards safe, the moment we start setting up, she’ll try to take them”
“Oki”, the alchemist replied, making sure he still had the tarot cards in his pocket, he did, he let out a sigh of relief before feeling the emptiness of his shoulders, “damn I miss Ruddigar….”
“Same here with Pixie, Basil, and Xena”, Hector stated, “it’s for the best that they’re kept safe at home though”
“I guess…. Punzel, how are you doing without Pascal?”
“It feels extremely odd”, the princess stated, “but the faster we get this over with, the faster we’ll be back to our animal friends”
“Right….”
The group looked at the alchemist worriedly before he was scooped up into his father’s arms, “it’s okay Varian”, Quirin stated gently, hugging his teen, “everything will be okay”
Varian nodded and hugged his dad for a moment. They stayed that way until they broke off, Quirin setting his son down before smiling at him lovingly, “let’s go set up the circle, yeah?”
“Oki”
With that, the group began to set up their final stand against Gothel….
****
Rapunzel and Eugene walked through the fog together, Beetlejuice and Adira were with them. The princess looked around, “it’s gonna be okay Sunshine”, Eugene stated quietly
“I…. Hope so….” She responded
“This bitch has really got you fucked up, huh?” Beetlejuice asked
“She…. Wasn’t kind to me during my 18 years with her….”
“Dunno much about whatcha went through, but Hugo might, that kid’s been fucked up six ways to Sunday”
“I know….”
The demon quirked a brow at the princess, “are you gonna be okay with this? Facing her I mean”
“I… I-!”
“That’s enough Beetlejuice”, Adira stated, gently, “let’s just focus on the task at hand for now”
Beetlejuice looked at the warrior, he was quiet as he floated along with them, before he finally spoke up, “so…. You’re not gonna talk about what you saw?” He asked
Adira stopped before sighing, “that is not the main concern right now”
“But what you saw shook you up just as badly as it did Hugo, I know it did”
“And how would you know?”
“Hector told me what to look out for when it comes to you”, the demon stated, when he noticed Adira’s anger he huffed, “he was worried about you”
“He still shouldn’t have said anything”
“Can you blame him? You hide a lot, I figured that out on my own”
She turned to face him, “what I choose to keep to myself is for everyone else’s benefit”
“So…. You go and tell Quirin he ain’t allowed to hide things, yet you do the same……”
She stopped, not able to argue that before she shook her head, “he’s got kids”
“You’ve got siblings, the only difference is you can’t boss your siblings around, not that you would, but I’m just sayin”
Rapunzel stared at the warrior, “Adira?”
The face painted warrior sighed, “look, I’m handling it, in time, I’ll speak with whomever I deem necessary to help me through what I saw, for now however, I’d rather occupy my mind with the mission thank you”
“B-but…” Rapunzel began, but she didn’t know what to say, all she knew, was that she wanted to reach out to the warrior
“….Adira, you’re the leather”, Eugene stated
“Huh?” The warrior asked with a raised brow
“I’m the fish skin that holds the shoe together, you’re the leather the shoe is made of”, he stated, “you’re hard to work with, and stubborn sometimes, but when you finally allow yourself to be helped, you make a really nice looking shoe”, he stated, “you’re durable and tough, but can be fragile too….. You need nails and glue to keep you together. I’m the fish skin, the glue, Hector is the nails, Quirin is the bottom of the shoe that prevents all of us from getting hurt or damaged, Edmund is the shoemaker, without him we wouldn’t be here, and Varian’s the laces, he combines, connects, and completes us, making us a shoe. Without any of the stuff that I just named, the shoe would fall apart”
Adira blinked before she began to chuckle, “have you been thinking about that a lot?” She asked with a smile
Eugene smirked, “yeah I actually have, I heard about the issue you’ve had in the past, and honestly, I get it, I truly do. I hate thinking about what I went through, I hate how dumb and vulnerable I was when I was with Stalyan…. I was so blind when it came to her, she controlled my every move and told me who I *should* be, what she *thought* I was. I had to fight *hard* to get away from her, I almost lost Lance because of her….. Because of my own choices….. But the same can’t be said for you, you were a little girl Adira! A tiny, 4 year old, girl who knew *nothing* about the outside world until everything was taken from you in the worst way possible!” The face painted warrior was quiet, but she was still listening, “you were vulnerable and sad and scared and abused, you were a fucking *child* Adira! I think some part of you keeps blaming yourself for not doing something when you thought you could…..”
“….Got that from Hector too?”
“Nope, I got it from Hugo actually”, Eugene stated, “he blamed himself for what happened with Donella, she abused the fuck out of him, yet he never blamed her, he blamed himself for doing the wrong things….. Varian did it too, so does Quirin…. And Edmund…. In fact, the only one who *doesn’t* do that is Hector”
“Pfft, no, he’d rather beat the ever loving hell out of whomever ticked him off than blame himself….”
“That’s…. Something I actually envy about him….”
“…..Me too…..”
The Dark Prince gave the warrior a sad smile, “look, you don’t have to tell us what you saw, but if you’re needing someone to talk to about how you’re feeling because of it, I’m all ears. It’s hard, I get that, but maybe if you had someone else to talk to about it, someone who won’t judge, then it might make things a little easier on you, and you can stop blaming that tiny girl”
Adira thought about that for a moment or two, before she nodded, “thanks, Fish skin”
“You’re welcome”, Eugene replied with a grin
Rapunzel smiled as well while Beetlejuice watched the three, “question”, Adira stated, “is being the leather a compliment?” She teased
Eugene blinked before he laughed, “eh, sure!”
“I’ll take it”
They snickered before someone spoke up, “oh, well isn’t this a nice moment….”
All the hairs on Rapunzel’s body stood on end as she *instantly* recognized that voice, she looked at the direction the voice had come from, “G-G-G-G-G…..”
“Hello Rapunzel”, the voice said, their sultry sweet way they spoke stuck to the air like stale honey, “I see you’re no longer the precious flower that you used to be….”
Eugene stood in front of his princess as Adira stood in front of him, Beetlejuice staying beside the face painted warrior, “good to see you again….. Gothel….” The Dark Prince stated angrily
The spirit laughed as she floated in the air, her spirit looked like her younger self, black hair, red dress, nary a wrinkle in sight, she looked like she had after Rapunzel healed her, the only different was her eyes, they were merely empty black sockets now….. That sight *alone* made the princess anxious, “is it? Am I a sight for *sore eyes*?” She exclaimed with a wicked grin before she sighed, “my my, the boy who stole my flower away, pretty brave of you to come look for me here”
“You need to leave”, Adira stated angrily, “you’re not welcome on this land”
Gothel looked at the woman, studying her up and down before, metaphorically, rolling her eyes, “oh, an Artem Brotherhood member…. How boring”
Adira glared, “boring it may be to you, but believe me when I say, we’re about to become your worst nightmare….”
“Ohoho please, I’ve dealt with your kind before! So protective over a small piece from the Moon, such pity you didn’t *do* anything with it”
“Actually, we did”, Adira smirked before she unsheathed her sword, it was fully encased in black rocks, she smirked
“….You made a sword?” Gothel deadpanned
“Not just any sword”, she jumped up and got ready to swing it
Gothel laughed again, “dear oh dear, don’t you know swords can’t hard a-AAAAAH!” She yelped as the face painted warrior sliced her arm, actually cutting it and leaving a fairly deep cut on it as well, “HOW DID YOU DO THAT?!” She screamed, her younger looking self, temporarily, shifting to her old crone body, white hair, pale, dusty looking skin, wrinkled litter her face and arms, before she shifted back to her younger form
Adira landed on the ground before she smirked, Rapunzel and Eugene noticed the sword glowing bright blue, “woah, wait, isn’t that the same blue that comes from-!” Rapunzel began
“Indeed it is”, Adira stated, “before today, in preparation, me, Quirin, Hector, and among Edmund prayed to the Moon to bless us with the means to accomplish our task today. During the night, she gifted us with the power to harm spirits, temporarily, my way is with my sword”, she explained
Gothel growled, “you will PAY for harming my precious arm!” She exclaimed before she lifted her hands, darkness followed them before she chanted something illegible and threw the spell at Adira
The face painted warrior dodged the attack, putting her sword away and spinning around the dark magic, she managed to dodge it as Gothel began to power up another attack, “RUN!” She yelled
Beetlejuice pushed Eugene and Rapunzel towards, getting them to begin running, Adira was close behind them, Beetlejuice was behind her, just in case, as Gothel followed them close behind, throwing attack after attack at them while screaming for them to face her! They ran faster and faster and faster, until they heard Beetlejuice cry out, “LOOK OUT!”
Suddenly, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Adira were swallowed in darkness…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
Took a bit to actually get to Gothel, but she’s there, and she’s deadly! I hope I wrote her correctly, I won’t go into anymore details
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 526: Mother Gothel’s Return! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Rapunzel, Eugene, and Adira almost die, and Varian’s had enough!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Ohoho please, I’ve dealt with your kind before! So protective over a small piece from the Moon, such pity you didn’t *do* anything with it”
“Actually, we did”, Adira smirked before she unsheathed her sword, it was fully encased in black rocks, she smirked
“….You made a sword?” Gothel deadpanned
“Not just any sword”, she jumped up and got ready to swing it
Gothel laughed again, “dear oh dear, don’t you know swords can’t hard a-AAAAAH!” She yelped as the face painted warrior sliced her arm, actually cutting it and leaving a fairly deep cut on it as well, “HOW DID YOU DO THAT?!” She screamed, her younger looking self, temporarily, shifting to her old crone body, white hair, pale, dusty looking skin, wrinkled litter her face and arms, before she shifted back to her younger form
Adira landed on the ground before she smirked, Rapunzel and Eugene noticed the sword glowing bright blue, “woah, wait, isn’t that the same blue that comes from-!” Rapunzel began
“Indeed it is”, Adira stated, “before today, in preparation, me, Quirin, Hector, and among Edmund prayed to the Moon to bless us with the means to accomplish our task today. During the night, she gifted us with the power to harm spirits, temporarily, my way is with my sword”, she explained
Gothel growled, “you will PAY for harming my precious arm!” She exclaimed before she lifted her hands, darkness followed them before she chanted something illegible and threw the spell at Adira
The face painted warrior dodged the attack, putting her sword away and spinning around the dark magic, she managed to dodge it as Gothel began to power up another attack, “RUN!” She yelled
Beetlejuice pushed Eugene and Rapunzel towards, getting them to begin running, Adira was close behind them, Beetlejuice was behind her, just in case, as Gothel followed them close behind, throwing attack after attack at them while screaming for them to face her! They ran faster and faster and faster, until they heard Beetlejuice cry out, “LOOK OUT!”
Suddenly, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Adira were swallowed in darkness…..
****
*It was pitch black, noises echoed around the princess as she tried to figure out if her eyes were open, or closed…. She gently touched the top of her eye, and found her eyes were wide open. She looked around, acutely aware of the sounds around her, she felt shivers running up and down her spine, before she saw a small, yellow, light sparkled at her. She watched it before recognizing its warmth, the Sundrop
She reached for it, begging it to help her, praying the Sun would hear her plea. She wanted to be reconnected, she longed to feel its warmth once more, she longed for her hair to sparkle and shine like it had once before. All she wanted was the Sundrop, *her* Sundrop! She grew closer and closer to the yellow light, she wanted to be one with it, become a part of it, she didn’t need anything else anymore
She felt her home, her hopes, her dreams, all began to slip away as she drew closer and closer to that light, when, “DON’T!”
She gasped, stopping as she looked around, “w-who’s there?!”
“PUNZEL!” The voice yelled again, “PUNZEL PLEASE!”
“….Varian?”
The area she was in suddenly filled with blue light, she felt herself being lifted into the air, the yellow light below her becoming more and more distant as her dreams, hopes, and home came back to her, and suddenly, she was face to face with the Moon
“…..Woah….” She said, her mouth hanging ajar as she stared at the celestial being
*It is not your time yet tiny Sun beam, go back to my little one and his Star, they’ll help you, just as they’ve done before*
Rapunzel blinked before she felt herself begin to fall, she watched the Moon the entire time, before suddenly, she gasped and sat up straight!*
“RAPUNZEL!” Varian exclaimed, “Punzel! Oh my gosh! Thank goodness!”
The princess felt the teen hug her, holding her close, his hands were trembling as he did, she looked at him, and returned the embrace, “Varian…..” she hugged him tighter, “I’m sorry…. I scared you….”
The alchemist sniffled a few times, before he looked up at her, “y-you were in the v-void! S-she put you and Eugene there! A-And Adira too! All three of you…. I t-thought you died….. Damn it….”
“It’s okay, it’s okay, I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry….” The princess held her little brother close once again as he cried, she looked around, and saw Edmund doing the same thing to Eugene as Hector had his arm wrapped, protectively, around Adira as Quirin held her hand and watched his son
“How did we get out of there?” Eugene asked, not minding his father’s hold on him
“Beetlejuice”, Hugo stated, the demon in question was floating beside him, “he said that you ran into Gothel and were luring her to where we were, when she used a spell that separated your souls from your bodies…. Beetlejuice managed to chase Gothel off, but couldn’t do anything to help you, so he got us. Freckles did something that brought you all back”
Eugene nodded, “I remember hearing Varian’s voice, then I saw the Moon, and fell…. That’s when I woke up and saw Edmund over me”
“Same….” Adira replied, clearly shaken from the experience
“I did too”, Rapunzel stated
They went quiet for a moment or two before Varian sniffled one more time before he broke the hug and let out a shaky breath. Hector looked at the teen, “you’re out of energy”, he stated
The alchemist nodded, “yeah….”
“We should leave”
“We can’t…. She blocked the way out…”
“How do you-!”
“The Moon…. She’s protecting us to give me time to recover, but Gothel is basically watching us like a shark…. Floating around us and waiting for our next move…. This is a safe area, our only safe area…. Grandpa made it…. We need to keep it safe”
“How is this a safe area?” Lance asked
“Salt”, Edmund stated, still holding Eugene, “salt made into an ancient pattern from the Dark Kingdom…. It calls out to the Moon for safety, and Varian helped power it earlier by praying inside of it. It’ll hold for a long time so long as the ring isn’t broken”
“How long do we have? Time wise”
“Hours, 10 at most, 9 at least, before it needs to be renewed”
“Cool”
“So…. Our souls were separated from our bodies?” Rapunzel asked
“Yeah”, Beetlejuice stated, “it’s an old fuckin spell, I only know about it because some dumb bitch tried it on me! Didn’t work, cause I’m a fucking demon, obviously, but still, nasty stuff”
“Geez….”
“Yeah it really fucking sucks”
“Well, thank you for getting everyone else here to help”
“Anytime”
Hugo let out a sigh as he, carefully, pulled his knees up to his chin, “what the hell are we supposed to do now?”
“We’ve gotta fight”, Lance stated
“How?! We nearly lost Rapunzel, Eugene, and Adira in one fell swoop! How in the *hell* are we supposed to face that without getting our *own* souls taken?!”
The group was quiet once again before someone spoke up, “…..We overpower her….” Everyone looked at Varian, he was glowing brightly as Rapunzel blinked, her heart growing anxious as the freckled teen’s power pulsated off of him, “we take away her magic, we scare the *shit* out of her, we trap her here, and we fucking *end* her…..” he stated before he stood up, blue electricity sparkled and zapped off of him, just as they had for Cassandra when she had the Moonstone. He growled as the salt pattern below then shivered under the teen’s wake
“Varian….” Quirin stated, but he stopped himself, looking at his sister. He saw her eyes, they looked just the same as the day he’d found her, full of fear, shaken, and disturbed. Hector caught his eye, the man looked about as angry as he had the day he’d seen his parents in Corona…. He looked at Edmund, the Dark King watched him, his endless desperation and anger overtaking his normally warm and chipper features. The retired knight sighed before he looked at his son, who seemed to be waiting for his answer, “……ok”
“Ok? OK?!” Lance exclaimed
“Yes”, Quirin stated, “ok, I give him permission to show Gothel what for”
“Quirin-!”
“Lance, sometimes, when you’ve been pushed to the brink, you need to let your anger take over. Out of everyone here, you should be the main person who understand that”
“I *do* understand that! But I’m worried about what’s gonna happen after! Will he regret this? Will he blame himself? Will he really be okay with this, with letting himself go? Because he did it once before, and he still blames himself over it”
“Lance”, Varian stated softly, getting the man to look at him, “she almost killed Rapunzel, my very first friend outside of dad and Ruddigar, Eugene, my first crush and one of my big brothers, and Adira, my aunt who’s helped me in more ways than I can count….. She took their souls from them and would’ve allowed them to rot in that dark and desolate void that I was in when I was a bird…..”
“Varian…..”
“…..This path is dark kid”, a voice said, getting Varian to turn and see Cassandra, who’d been quiet this entire time, watching him, “and it leaves a permanent mark…. Someone told me that once, are you truly sure you wanna go down it again? And if you are, will you be able to pull yourself back?”
The alchemist thought about that, genuinely giving it some thought, before he nodded, “…..I can do it, I trust myself this time, and I’m doing it for the right reasons, and to someone who deserves nothing less”
Cassandra stared into the alchemist’s eyes for a long time, before she nodded, “I trust you too”, she looked at Lance, “he’s got this”
Lance blinked before he looked at Varian, for a split second, he wanted to protest, to say this was wrong, but he looked inside Varian’s eyes….. and swallowed his words, “ok”, he stated, “I trust you too, just come back when you’re done, please….”
Varian nodded before he looked at Hugo and tossed the inventor his backpack, which the blond caught, “if I seem like I’m in trouble, I trust you to know what to do with what’s inside”
Hugo opened it and his eyes widened before he smirked, “I’ve gotcha Freckles”
Varian smiled before he looked at Ruddigar, “bud, stay with dad, this is gonna get ugly”
The raccoon nuzzled his boy, chittering something to him that sounded like he trusted and loved his boy, before received a chin scritch, and going to Quirin
Varian smiled at them before he looked at Adira specifically, “I’ll make her pay”
The face painted warrior blinked a few times, her eyes slightly coming back to their old selves for a second as she nodded
With that, they teen huffed and looked up at the Moon before he bowed his head, “help me, guide me, let me be your hand, and give her the punishment she deserves”
His glow increase, stars shimmered in the night sky, and he smiled as he heard his dad say, “she said yes”, before he looked in front of himself, and stepped off the pattern his family was on, and was instantly surrounded by fog
Notes:
Hello! :D
Can’t say much, but things are about to go down! Tarot cards are going to come into play in the next part, and also, the thing Hugo was given, here’s a hint:
He used it in the finale to help Varian when he needed Hugo most 😊🎶
Also, today is my sibling’s birthday, so this was a shorter chapter, sorry
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 527: Mother Gothel’s Return! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Varian faces Gothel!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“We’ve gotta fight”, Lance stated
“How?! We nearly lost Rapunzel, Eugene, and Adira in one fell swoop! How in the *hell* are we supposed to face that without getting our *own* souls taken?!”
The group was quiet once again before someone spoke up, “…..We overpower her….” Everyone looked at Varian, he was glowing brightly as Rapunzel blinked, her heart growing anxious as the freckled teen’s power pulsated off of him, “we take away her magic, we scare the *shit* out of her, we trap her here, and we fucking *end* her…..” he stated before he stood up, blue electricity sparkled and zapped off of him, just as they had for Cassandra when she had the Moonstone. He growled as the salt pattern below then shivered under the teen’s wake
“Varian….” Quirin stated, but he stopped himself, looking at his sister. He saw her eyes, they looked just the same as the day he’d found her, full of fear, shaken, and disturbed. Hector caught his eye, the man looked about as angry as he had the day he’d seen his parents in Corona…. He looked at Edmund, the Dark King watched him, his endless desperation and anger overtaking his normally warm and chipper features. The retired knight sighed before he looked at his son, who seemed to be waiting for his answer, “……ok”
“Ok? OK?!” Lance exclaimed
“Yes”, Quirin stated, “ok, I give him permission to show Gothel what for”
“Quirin-!”
“Lance, sometimes, when you’ve been pushed to the brink, you need to let your anger take over. Out of everyone here, you should be the main person who understand that”
“I *do* understand that! But I’m worried about what’s gonna happen after! Will he regret this? Will he blame himself? Will he really be okay with this, with letting himself go? Because he did it once before, and he still blames himself over it”
“Lance”, Varian stated softly, getting the man to look at him, “she almost killed Rapunzel, my very first friend outside of dad and Ruddigar, Eugene, my first crush and one of my big brothers, and Adira, my aunt who’s helped me in more ways than I can count….. She took their souls from them and would’ve allowed them to rot in that dark and desolate void that I was in when I was a bird…..”
“Varian…..”
“…..This path is dark kid”, a voice said, getting Varian to turn and see Cassandra, who’d been quiet this entire time, watching him, “and it leaves a permanent mark…. Someone told me that once, are you truly sure you wanna go down it again? And if you are, will you be able to pull yourself back?”
The alchemist thought about that, genuinely giving it some thought, before he nodded, “…..I can do it, I trust myself this time, and I’m doing it for the right reasons, and to someone who deserves nothing less”
Cassandra stared into the alchemist’s eyes for a long time, before she nodded, “I trust you too”, she looked at Lance, “he’s got this”
Lance blinked before he looked at Varian, for a split second, he wanted to protest, to say this was wrong, but he looked inside Varian’s eyes….. and swallowed his words, “ok”, he stated, “I trust you too, just come back when you’re done, please….”
Varian nodded before he looked at Hugo and tossed the inventor his backpack, which the blond caught, “if I seem like I’m in trouble, I trust you to know what to do with what’s inside”
Hugo opened it and his eyes widened before he smirked, “I’ve gotcha Freckles”
Varian smiled before he looked at Ruddigar, “bud, stay with dad, this is gonna get ugly”
The raccoon nuzzled his boy, chittering something to him that sounded like he trusted and loved his boy, before received a chin scritch, and going to Quirin
Varian smiled at them before he looked at Adira specifically, “I’ll make her pay”
The face painted warrior blinked a few times, her eyes slightly coming back to their old selves for a second as she nodded
With that, they teen huffed and looked up at the Moon before he bowed his head, “help me, guide me, let me be your hand, and give her the punishment she deserves”
His glow increase, stars shimmered in the night sky, and he smiled as he heard his dad say, “she said yes”, before he looked in front of himself, and stepped off the pattern his family was on, and was instantly surrounded by fog
****
Gothel’s laughter could be heard all around the teen as he looked in front of, and behind himself, his determination didn’t waver as he spoke, “Gothel! Come out and face me!” He exclaimed
“Oh dear”, she said in a condescending tone, “the little boy wants to come and play. You’re the little moon child aren’t you? The one with the powers given to you by the guardian of the night?” She laughed again, “hilarious!”
Varian growled, “come out NOW!” His voice boomed over the lands on the final word, his eyes glowing with anger
“Touchy, and very rude too”, she stated, but she appeared before him, in the same young form with eyeless sockets that Adira, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Beetlejuice had seen before, “well well well, look at how *scrawny* you are! And that freckled face, ugh! Too much Sun for your pale features tiny teen”
“Gothel, you have kidnapped the princess of Corona and used and abused the Sundrop for your gain alone. On top of that, you abused and neglected, then *abandoned* your own *daughter*! Then you *killed* the prince of the Dark Kingdom! And just now, you tried to kill him, the princess, and the *only* princess of the Dark Kingdom as well! You have broken several laws, murdered one, and attempted to murder three others, and abandoned a small, 4 year old, child! You are going to face your punishment and judgement given to you by the Moon!” He stated, his voice clear and full of righteous anger as he glared at the spirit before him
Gothel quirked a brow at him, clearly not amused, “oh? Is that so?” She asked, before the scene around them shifted, to one very familiar to the teen. One where automatons stomped through the fields, and he was at the lead, facing Rapunzel as she touched two black rocks, “then if you know my crimes so well, why don’t we take a look into yours”
He sighed, before swiping the scene away with a flick of his hand, “I know my own crimes, I’ve faced them and received my punishment, one of which you’ve already shown me tonight. I am with a clean conscious, you on the other hand, should be very worried….”
The spirit laughed, “oh you think you’re in the clear? You think you’re all good? You’re finally balanced, your mind is guilt free? I’d love to see you prove that to me!” She exclaimed before she changed the scenery again
“VARIAN!!!!”
The alchemist winced at his father’s strained call, not daring to look behind him as the familiar sound of growing amber on his father’s skin sounded in his ears, “ha! Isn’t lying a bad thing too?” Gothel asked, “didn’t you just break that rule?”
“VARIAN!!!!” His father called again
The alchemist growled before his eyes glowed bright and he faced his father, he saw the man struggling, trying to get out of his golden prison, but the teen, immediately, shot over and touched the amber, it broke, and Quirin was free. The scene disappeared as Gothel growled, “you just don’t get it do you?” He asked, a black rock shooting in front of him as he stepped onto it, another, more appeared as he continued to step forwards, higher and higher, like stairs, “I’ve faced my demons, I’ve fought through every nightmare I’ve had about that day, I’ve heard my father’s screams as he was ripped away from me from my own experiment, I *KNOW* what I did was wrong!” He snapped, getting face to face with her, “I’ve *faced* my punishment, screamed with every lash, edited every blow, survived every nightmare, and rebuilt everything I’ve destroyed, including my friendships! I’ve *changed*, I’m better now! And I will always remember what I’ve done! But I’ve grown, you on the other hand”, his power enveloped Gothel, surrounding her in blue light as her face fell from the condescending smirk, to an anxious grimace, “are no where near close”
He slammed her to the ground with his magic, the black rocks sinking underneath him as he glared at the woman, “you cant defeat me you simple little BOY!” Gothel spat, as she flew up and he hands sparked to life with green lightning, “I’m the one in control! I’m the one who has the power! You’re nothing to me but a worm to cut in half, over! And over! And OVER AGAIN!” She screamed as she slashed at him, green lightning barely grazing his cheeks as Varian dodged each attack
“You’re more powerful than me yet a glorified light show is the best you can do?” He asked before flying up to her level and getting in her face, “pathetic”, he spat before flicking her forehead and causing her to smash into the ground once more
She *roared* with anger before flying up to him and shooting bouts of magic at his face! He managed to dodge most of the shots, but did wind up getting his a few times! His vision going fuzzy as images of his father’s body being frozen in amber shifted into his mind. He growled at the sight and shook them away, only to see her right in front of him, “think you’re a hot shot?” She asked, before shooting him with her green electricity once again and throwing him to the ground, “think you’re strong because you have the Moon on your side?” She asked as she smirked at his struggled to clear his head, “you may have more power, but I’ve been doing this for *hundreds* of years! You may not be affected by the things you’ve done to the kingdom, but I know you’re father is your weak point, and it’s so interesting too, how must he feel to be your *weakness*? I should ask him once I’m done with you!”
That was the final straw….. Varian’s eyes glowed once again before he floated into the air, “shooting star….” He stated, and his light flashed throughout the entire field! Causing Gothel to yelp as she covered her eyes. Once the light was gone, she was face to face with an angry Varian, *centimeters* from her, his eyes narrowed, his teeth bared, as he spoke, his voice echoed off of every surface it could find, “you want me to be the bad guy? Fine! Now *I’m* the bad guy……”
“W-wha-! Gothel didn’t have time to react as she felt herself being grabbed by the collar before she was slammed onto the ground and black rocks trapped her! All the light from her magic was gone, her eyes couldn’t focus on anything except the pitch black darkness she found herself in. That’s when she heard someone begin to sing……
‘They sent me away to find them a fortune
A chest filled with diamonds and gold….
The house was awake, with shadows and monsters
The hallways, they echoed and groaned….’
Varian appeared before her, his eyes glowing bright blue, not pupils or irises, as he glared at Gothel and continued to sing:
‘I sat alone, in bed 'til the morning
I'm crying, "They're coming for me"’
The scenery behind him show guards busting into his home and beating him, screaming at him to find the graphite as he begged them to stop:
‘And I tried to hold these secrets inside me
My mind's like a deadly disease….’
The images disappeared as Varian’s voice grew as cold as ice, getting even Gothel to shivered while he spoke:
‘I'm bigger than my body!
I'm colder than this home….
I'm meaner than my demons….
I'm bigger than these bones!’
He appeared right in front of her face, scaring her as his voice grew *loud* and echoed around her! Everywhere she turned, he was there, glaring at her:
‘And all the kids cried out, "Please stop, you're scaring me!”
I can't help this awful energy!
Goddamn right, you should be *scared of me!*
Who is in control?!’
He disappeared as images showed him, beaten, and alone in his home with his father stuck in amber behind him:
‘I paced around for hours on empty,
I jumped at the slightest of sounds….
And I couldn't stand the person inside me
I turned all the mirrors around’
The images shatter like glass as Varian showed up once again, this time, he had the same wounds on him that he had in the images shown previously:
‘I'm bigger than my body!
I'm colder than this home….
I'm meaner than my demons!
I'm bigger than these bones….’
Sounds of whips slashing against skin surrounded Gothel as she felt the sting and winged, crying out as Varian continued to sing:
‘And all the kids cried out, "Please stop, you're scaring me!’
I can't help this awful energy!
Goddamn right, you should be *scared of me!*
Who is in control?!’
The whips stopped as Varian sat in front of Gothel, now his shirt was off, his back bleeding with gashes all over it for her to see, as if he’d just been lashed….. Tears streaked down his face as he sang quietly to her, his voice still echoing around him:
‘I'm well acquainted with villains that live in my head….
They beg me to write them so they'll never die when I'm dead….’
Images behind Varian showed Frederic, Donella, Rapunzel, Cassandra, Cyrus, the captain of the royal guards, and Andrew surrounding him:
‘And I've grown familiar with villains that live in my head….
They beg me to write them so I'll never die when I'm dead….’
He disappeared and Gothel was left in darkness as his voice continued to echo around her:
‘I'm bigger than my body!
I'm colder than this home….
I'm meaner than my demons!
I'm bigger than these bones….’
Suddenly his voice was louder than anything she’d ever heard, echoing and blasting her as he sins played! Everything she’d done, every person she’d hurt, every spell she’d used, every action she’d taken, all of them lashing her again and again and again as she screamed and begged for mercy while Varian continued to sing:
‘And all the kids cried out, "Please stop, you're scaring me!”
I can't help this awful energy!
Goddamn right, you should be *scared of me!*
Who is in control?!’
The voices of those she’s hurts joined Varian as he continued to sing even louder:
MAnd all the kids cried out, "PLEASE STOP! YOU’RE SCARING ME!"
I can't help this AWFUL energy!
Goddamn right, you should be *SCARED OF ME!*
WHO IS IN CONTROL?!’
“VARIAN STOP!” Hugo yelled, finally managing to touch his lover’s shoulder and getting the alchemist to turn to him! The blond had wings on his back, large and white, they were flapping anxiously as he had tears in his eyes, “V-Varian…..”
The freckled teen blinked a few times before, finally, his eyes returned to normal, “H-Hugo?”
“FRECKLES!” Hugo hugged the teen, holding his tightly, “holy fucking shit you scared the HELL out of me!” He exclaimed
“W-what happened?”
“You…. Y-y-you were facing Gothel, we could see the battle Freckles, all of it! We heard her when she told you Quirin was your weakness…. A-and we saw you snap….. suddenly you were enveloped in darkness, Adira, Hector, Edmund, and Quirin’s Brotherhood marks shined and then turned black! Edmund said it was an awful sign and said we needed to snap you out of what you were doing! Freckles, he said you were losing yourself to your anger….. that you’d gone so fucking deep and it was going to kill you! I grabbed the silver wing and it immediately reacted to me! I flew up to you as fast as I could, b-but you didn’t hear me! I called and yelled for minutes at least, you finally stopped and turned to me and…. A-and you’re…. You’re hurt…. Holy fuck Varian, you’re hurt so badly…..”
The alchemist looked down at himself and saw blood, he hadn’t realized the magic Gothel had used has done more than mentally affect him. He hadn’t even felt it, his eyes grew wide as the pain finally registered and he sighed, “I’m…. I’m so sorry love….. I got in over my head….”
“It’s okay! I-it’s okay now, you’re back! Just please…. Please stop, please come back with me…. P-please…..”
“Oki…. Oki I’m coming…..”
Varian took Hugo’s hand before he turned towards Gothel, and gasped! She was an old crone, wrinkled and disappaiting into dust! He flew over to her and touched her before looking up at the Moon, “p-please help me h-heal her spirit! Please!”
The Moon obliged and, with her assistance, Varian used his magic to bring Gothel’s spirit back to its you by erecting state. She was shivering and silent, she didn’t *dare* speak in front of Varian, he felt an enormous wave of guilt hit him like a caravan, “come on…. Let’s…. Give you your proper punishment….” He said softly, she followed behind without a word. That fact alone scared the alchemist as he and Hugo flew back down to the pattern, “you…. Used the silver wing huh?”
“I had no choice…. You were gonna be lost and I-!” Hugo began
“It’s okay love, I’m glad you did”, Varian interrupted gently, “I said to use it if needed, you did the right thing, I just wish I hadn’t been the reason…..”
“…..You were given permission to let yourself go…. So you did…. Don’t feel bad about that”
Varian smiled and kissed his lover before they finally settled onto the pattern, Varian feeling an immense amount of relief when the familiar energy of the Moon filled his mind. He slumped to his knees as he felt his legs finally give out from underneath him. He let out a sigh before shaking his head, “ow….”
“Varian!” Quirin exclaimed, rushing over to his child instantly, “son, are you alright?”
“I’m okay, I’m sorry dad…. I lost control….”
“It’s okay…. It’s alright…..” Quirin hugged his child close, as Lance and Eugene ran over with Medkits. They began to heal the teen as Varian calmed down. He managed to be completely calm as they finished healing him, that’s when his father spoke up, “I’m so sorry….” He looked at the man, he was crying, “I shouldn’t have let you go through with this…. Lance was right…. This wasn’t a good idea…..”
Varian was quiet before he looked at Gothel, then back at his dad, “you’re not the one to blame…. But we need to finish this first, can we…. Talk about what happened after? Once she’s gone?”
Quirin blinked before he saw Gothel and nodded, wiping his tears for now and staying strong for his son, “ok…. You’re right, let’s finish this first… I’ll help you, okay?”
Varian smiled, “oki, thank you dad”
Quirin gave his son a weak smile before helping him stand up. Although everyone in the group wanted seemed just as anxious, they didn’t stop as they nodded and got to work setting up the exorcism….. Varian sat down in front of Gothel, who didn’t move, he pulled out the tarot cards and placed them the way his grandpa had shown him. After a few moments, he set the 13th card down, “……the 13th card is your outcome….. The Devil, upright….. discontentment, depression, illness, misuse of force, materialism, ignorance, over indulgence, and negative magic….. You’ve controlled everyone your entire life Gothel…. But…. The Tower, upright, change, conflict, destruction, disruption, enlightenment, failure, bankruptcy, is in your 11th house, which is your community…. You were selfish your entire life, you deemed yourself important above others, including the master who helped you grow strong…. You had a chance to grow, the Sun, upright, being in your 9th house proves it! I would say the meaning, but considering who you kidnapped, it’s pretty obvious who that represents…. Rapunzel could’ve been the one to change you, had you truly loved her, you had a chance…. And you failed to take it….. your original outcome was death, but now I see a different punishment for you…. The Moon will judge your fate, but the Devil lurks in your future….” His eyes glowed brightly as winds began to churn around them, the pattern below them glowed brightly, the same color as Varian’s eyes as the Moon’s light shined on top of them all! “You were given chances and you failed, you were given options and ignored them, you abused and harmed everyone around you, even if your shadow shows how little you thought of yourself, you clearly are a very selfish being…. Your punishment shall reflect one of hardship and trial, you must fight and grow to overcome your fate. Take this warning with you as the Moon takes you away!” He stood up as everyone held hands around him, singing the decay incantation as Gothel’s spirit floated into the air, “you must be good! Betray your former self! Become the growth that I see you can be, truly become that kind person you can! And maybe you can be rejudged and have a better fate, may the Moon be with you as you face your fate”
Gothel seemed to understand and accept that before her spirit began to disappear and she screamed! Her younger form disappearing and being replaced by her old crone form, because she fully disappeared inside the Moon’s light
The everything stopped glowing and the fog finally cleared, Varian let out a breath before turning to his family, “it’s over…..”
Hugo ran forwards and hugged his fiancée, “are you alright?”
The alchemist was silent before he shook his head, Hugo’s wings wrapping around him as Quirin and Lance walked over. The alchemist looked at his father before looking at Lance, he sniffled, “…..I abused her….” Before he began to cry in Hugo’s open arms…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
Silver wing was created by CardCaptorKatara! They permitted me to use it! :D
“Control”, by Haysley, listen to this song! It’s amazing!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 528: No Power….
Chapter Text
Dear Readers,
I’m writing this using service right now, I don’t have power in my home due to a huge storm, because of this, I won’t be able to post today, I hope it’ll be up tomorrow, but I’m not sure. I need to keep my phone are powered up as possible, so I sincerely apologize for not being able to post, but I’ll try to get a longer chapter out as soon as my power comes back!
I sincerely hope you all stay safe out there, have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Sincerely,
HarmonySong
Chapter 529: Trauma Response!
Summary:
Varian and Lance talk about what the alchemist just did to Gothel!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Then everything stopped glowing and the fog finally cleared, Varian let out a breath before turning to his family, “it’s over…..”
Hugo ran forwards and hugged his fiancée, “are you alright?”
The alchemist was silent before he shook his head, Hugo’s wings wrapping around him as Quirin and Lance walked over. The alchemist looked at his father before looking at Lance, he sniffled, “…..I abused her….” Before he began to cry in Hugo’s open arms…..”
“No”, Lance stated, getting both to look at him, “no this… may have actually been a good thing….”
“How?” Varian asked, “I scared everyone, I lost myself, AGAIN! I…. I b-became the abuser….. Why?!….. why did I do that…..”
Lance knelt down next to the teens, “listen little man, I get why you feel upset….. But this…. I don’t think I was able to prepare you for in our sessions….” He admitted, “to be honest, I’ve actually been worried about this happenin too…. Look, sometimes…. An abuse victim ends up…. Abusin someone else…. They don’t mean to, they really don’t, and it can get out of their controls sometimes! Like this did….. but it *does* happen….. This *did* happen…. And it may happen again-!”
“NO!” Varian exclaimed as tears fell down his cheeks, “I d-don’t wanna do this again! I don’t! I WON’T! I-!”
“Easy Varian, easy, it’s okay, it’s okay….” Lance exclaimed gently, getting the alchemist to stop, “look, this ain’t somethin you can control, you can’t stop yourself when you get too overwhelmed and angry….. sometimes…. This happens…. And it sucks…. It really does, but this… this was important, this *needed* to happen”
“WHY?!”
“Because if it didn’t, we wouldn’t know what it looks like….. Look, abuse victims sometimes end up…. Abusing others because they’re afraid of gettin abused again, or they get so overwhelmed with emotion that it….. comes out”
“It’s still not good!”
“No, no it’s not, but…. How you react to it is what matters most here…. You’ve just stated that you abused her, how do you feel?”
The alchemist stopped and thought about that before sniffling, “awful….. a-and guilty….. I feel like garbage….”
“Ok, do you feel anything else, even stuff you don’t wanna feel?”
“……S-Satisfied…..”
“And?”
“…….L-lighter…. W-why do I feel that way? I should feel horrible!”
“That’s….. not entirely true….. see, like I said, this happens, it’s actually kinda expected….. It ain’t good, definitely not, but you’re not alone in feeling the way you do”, Lance stated, “look…. You….” He sighed, trying to think of a way to put what he wanted to say, “…..ok, abuse is *never* okay, not even a little bit of abuse, even if it’s to another abuser, you should never put someone through that, never. I know you know that, *however*….. When you did it, and you lost control, what were you thinking about? Be as honest as you can little man, it’s okay”
Varian sniffled again before he looked at Hugo, who gave him a small smile and nodded encouragingly. The alchemist let out a shaky breath before he nodded back and looked at Lance, “I….. was thinking about Rapunzel…. And what Gothel d-did to her….. And I…. I thought about dad…. And grandpa…. A-and Hugo…. And…. M-me….. I thought about how hard we’ve all h-had to fight….. I thought about Adira, a-and Hector, and Eugene….. how they were manipulated by p-people like Gothel…. I thought about all the times I felt hurt and alone and how small and insignificant A-Andrew and King Frederic made me feel e-every single day, for *years*……”
“…..I’m gonna ask a question that you won’t like, but…. It’s very important that you’re honest, ok?”
“…..ok”
“Ok….. Did all the things you just said, all the people that hurt you and everyone you just named…. Did they all become Gothel in your mind?”
Varian froze, his eyes wide with fear before they filled with guilt and shame filled tears and fell down his freckles cheek, he blushed and whimpered, his mouth quivered, but he nodded, letting out a watery, “y-yes….” As Hugo held him tighter
Lance gave him a sympathetic smile, “I’m sorry…..” he said softly, “I know that’s hard to admit, but it’s good that you did, it’s good you realized what happened there. Because that, that right there, that’s what I’m talkin about….. Varian, you are *not* a horrible person, you’re not. You’re not awful, you’re not a monster, you’re *not* an abuser….. you’re not little man, you’re not….. What just happened between you and Gothel, is a trauma response, a very big one….. It’s important that you see that”
“B-but Lance I *abused* her!!!!!”
“I understand that, but let me ask you, are you gonna do it again?”
“NO! I…. A-At least I hope I w-won’t…. I… I don’t want to….. I don’t….. w-will I?”
“Easy bud, my question is a little more simple, right here, right now, do you wanna do what you just did again? Even to someone like Gothel?”
“…….No”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes”, Varian stated, sniffling again, “v-very sure….”
“Then that’s all that matters right now”
“But I-!”
“Varian, had this been you abusing someone for hours, days, weeks, or years, we’d have a bigger issue. But as it stands, this is the only time this has happened, and it only lasted until Hugo got you out of it. When you realized what you were doing, you stopped *instantly*”
“It still isn’t good….”
“You think you should be punished?”
“Yes!”
“How?”
“I-! …..don’t k-know…..”
Lance chuckled when he saw the teen blush even more, “look, you remember when I told you about how I felt when seeing Eugene again?”
Varian blinked before he looked up at Lance, his eyes darting to the Dark Prince, who had a brow quirked in confusion, “um…..”
“Heh, it’s okay little man”, Lance looked at Eugene, “I already told him how I felt when I used him to steal from the Baron”
Eugene’s eyes widened in realization and he nodded with a smile, getting Lance to look back at Varian, “oh…. W-well then…. Yeah I… I remember….”
“Do you think I should be punished?”
“What? No! Y-you learned your lesson a-and have shown that you won’t do that again!”
“Then why should you be punished?”
“I….. y-you said it might h-happen again….”
“But you don’t want it to, right?”
“No”
“And you feel horrible right now?”
“Yes”
“What does a punishment do?”
“….M-makes the person realize that what they did was wrong,a-and tells them they shouldn’t do it again….”
“Hmm…. Seems like you’ve already learned then”
Varian blinked before he sighed, “but I still did it”
“Yeah, you did”, Lance raised his finger and wagged it at Varian, “don’t do it again”, he stated sternly, before smirking
Varian blushed even more but found a small giggle bubble up to his mouth, “Lance”
“Look, you said you abused her, and well…. Yeah, ya kinda did….. you scared the shit outta her and showed her who was more powerful…. But you stopped before you could continue doing it, and you stopped right when you realized what you were doing. Kid, that speaks volumes ya know. It was a *trauma* response, like PTSD, or panic and anxiety attacks. It happened *once*, and it was to a person who attacked you, and your family, *first*, now I will never condone abuse, but this one was trauma based….. that doesn’t make it right, but this happened once, and ya stopped when you realized you were doing it. Again, that doesn’t make it okay, but I’m not gonna sit here and tell you that you are the worst person in the world and that you should be burned at the stake, over a *trauma response*. You are *just now* getting better about accepting what happened to you, this was goin to happen…..” When he noticed Varian’s saddened expression, he asked, “have you seen any of us do something similar? At all?”
The alchemist was quiet before Adira spoke up, “I turned into a monster when fighting Cyrus”, getting Varian to look at her, “he became the Baron to me….. You were the one to stop me Speckles”
Varian was startled, but couldn’t argue, “I nearly beheaded King Adder *again* when facing him as a spirit”, Quirin added, “I lost my temper more than once when with him, and nearly damned him, and all the other spirits, to an afterlife full of pain. I also nearly killed Catalina when we first met her. Technically, though I hadn’t realized it at the time, that was a trauma response, and I abused her too, because she attacked you, and my training kicked in. Angry stopped me from killing her sister, and you and King Edmund stopped me from beheading King Adder”
“I have an entire area filled with broken trees, boulders, sticks, and what have you whenever I feel like fucking someone up when I get too overwhelmed or something triggers my trauma”, Hector stated, “you could say I’m abusing that area, because I technically am”
“……I broke my promise to you…. Ignored you for months….. Then grew angry with you when you lashed back out at me for my abuse towards you”, Rapunzel stated
“Punzel-!” Varian began
“No, that was abuse to you, on my part. You and Quirin both….. I acknowledge that, and it was because of the lack of understanding on my part”, she stated
“I kidnapped you, drugged you, locked you in a cage that was hundred of feet in the air, destroyed your gift for your fiancé, and then hurt you, and your family, a lot more both before and after kidnapping you”, Cassandra pointed out, “that was caused by what Gothel and Zhan Tiri did to me….. I’m still very much, in the wrong about that, but I’m serving my time”
“Freckles, I tried to trick you and almost got you killed when you were a bird because I wanted the kettle for Donella”, Hugo stated, “that’s abuse too”
“NO! Y-you didn’t know me then! You didn’t have any say in what you did because Donella *FORCED* you to do that! T-that doesn’t count!” Varian exclaimed
“Yes it does”, Hugo replied with a sad smile, “I love how you’re defending my actions, but I was still wrong for trying to trick you, and it almost led to your death!”
“B-but you stopped and saved me!”
“And you stopped and spared Gothel anymore pain or fear by doing the exorcism as intended”, Hugo stated, “how is that different?”
“I….. Y-you didn’t scare me!”
“But you were afraid when you almost turned into a bird”
“I….. b-but Hugo…..”
“Not buts Freckles, what I did was technically abuse too”
“I destroyed my own kingdom and kicked my children out of their homes because of my grief”, Edmund added, “it’s better now, but it was abuse, technically”
Varian wanted to argue, with *everyone*, he wanted to tell them that they were wrong, that they weren’t abusers, but he couldn’t find any way of doing that. Everything they’d told him was true, “I…… b-but….”
“Varian”, Lance began, “you’re not alone….. it was wrong, but you aren’t alone….. You understand why it happened, and now you can see that it might happen again, and try to stop it, because it’s happened to almost all of us. Funnily enough, Eugene’s the only one that *didn’t* do that!”
“Actually, I abandoned you and the stabingtons several times, even though we were best buds and we were the only family we had for years”, Eugene pointed out, “I abused *you* Lance”
“…..Well then, I guess everyone’s done it, save for the animals, we’ve all done it, and…. It’s not okay, but it happens! We regretted it and even made up for it, and over time, you will too, because this was a *trauma response* type of abuse. Still abuse, but it only happened once, and the person it happened to, attacked you and your family first. It’s not okay, but it will happen….. The most important thing here, is that you don’t do it again, and you try to learn from it”
Varian blinked before wiping his tears away, he sniffled a little more before sighing, “I feel awful….”
“I know…. That guilt and sadness and shame is a hard thing to bear…..” Lance stated, “but as time goes, and you learn how to prevent it from happenin again, it’ll start to lessen”
“How do I start?” Varian asked, before he felt Hugo give him a light bap on the head, “ow! Hey! Why’d you do that?!”
“Doesn’t matter, it’s in the past”, Hugo stated with a smirk
“Well it still hurts!”
“Oh yeah, the past can hurt, but, you can either run from it, or learn from it”, he went to bap him again, but this time Varian ducked, “ha! See?”
The alchemist blinked in realization before he looked at Hugo, who grinned, he then laughed, “you’re a brat!”
“I know”, the blond replied with a smile before he kissed the place where he’d bapped his fiancé’s head, “sorry”
Varian giggled, “it’s fine, though don’t do it again”
“Oki”
Lance chuckled, “that sounds familiar”
Varian looked at him before, a little confused, before he remembered what’d happened just a few seconds ago, and snickered, “oki, oki, I’ll…. I’ll learn from it”
The former thief grinned and hugged the alchemist, “that’s all you need to do”
Varian hugged Lance back, “thank you Lance, very much”
“Anytime little man, anytime”
Notes:
Hello! :D
I want to state this, I am, in NO WAY, condoning abuse of ANY KIND! Abuse is horrible and terrible and it is not okay to do, even a little bit!
To explain what this chapter is saying, there’s a difference between purposefully abusing someone, and accidentally abusing someone. Both are still absolutely wrong! There is no doubt in my mind about that, however, accidental abuse can be caused by trauma responses. Someone does or says something that ends up making you react in a horrible way…… PTSD is similar to that, it is out of someone’s control, they cannot stop themselves
The difference here, is that when PTSD hits, majority of the time, you see yourself in the place you were traumatized in, and react like you did back then, for this however, Varian knew he wasn’t in that place, but his anger and aggression didn’t, and he took that out on Gothel…..
It’s still very bad, but it *is* a trauma response. This is actually a similar conversation I’ve had with therapists, along with takes from research I’ve done. This has been an experience of mine, and several other people who have been abused before! It’s still very bad, but this CAN happen to someone who was abused. The best thing they can do, is stop asap, and fix it, and try to find ways to stop it before it happens again
Tell someone, walk away, talk about what you’re feeling with a therapist or someone you trust, find a place to calm down, find a break room and break a few things where it won’t harm anyone, there are more, and each person is different! I urge you to find out more about this if this is something you’ve been through, or have done before! It is important that you seek professional help when this stuff happens! I am NOT a professional, if you have questions, please find someone who is
This entire story is based off of personal experience. Please understand that, this is coming from a person who has been abused! I recommend doing research, you’ll find a lot of help out there for you, all of you, and you’ll have my support the entire way :)
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶
Chapter 530: Conversing with the Moon! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian finally gets to speak to the Moon!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian didn’t know when he’d fallen asleep, however, he was vividly aware that he had, as he floated throughout the air and over his sleeping body. He looked at himself for a while, smiling as he watching Hugo snuggle closer to him, the inventor whistling away every time he breathed out. The alchemist giggled before his bedroom window opened and Adira stepped inside, gently closing it before she turned to looked at the duo. She looked at her right hand, to which Varian saw her mark glowing, he smiled before floating over to her and touching the mark, “I’m okay Adira, this has happened before”, he said gently, trying not to startle her
The face painted warrior seemed a little surprised, but calmed down almost instantly as she looked at his body and whispered, “I understand Speckles, I just wanted to be sure considering the evening’s events”
“Thank you for that, are you doing alright?”
“I’m fine, you?”
“Yeah, I feel better after Lance talked to me”
“That’s good, you mind if I just stay and watch over you?”
“Nope, can you watch over Hugo and Ruddy too? They’re both really sleepy, and Ruddigar’s been having apple dreams again”
Adira chuckled, “I’ll be sure to watch out for that”
“Thank you Wise Eyes!” Varian exclaimed, when Adira nodded, he stopped touching her mark and suddenly, his bedroom door opened, revealing blue light. Smiling, he went towards it, it shined bright before taking him to a different room. One he recognized as the kitchen, where he found Eugene and Rapunzel sitting. They were discussing something he couldn’t hear, well, until Eugene stopped and blinked as he stared at the teen before chuckling, “astral projection again?”
“Yup!” Varian replied, floating over to the man
“I take it the Moon’s done waiting?”
“Seems like it, though she’s not being rude, I did ask her to wait until Gothel was gone”
“True”, Eugene stated, before Rapunzel said something that sounded muffled
Varian tired his head at her when he heard the tone of her voice, “is she okay?”
Eugene replied to the princess before turning to look at Varian, “she’s alright, anxious, but she feels better now that Gothel’s caput”
Varian giggled before the window to the backyard opened and blue light shimmered inside, “op, I gotta go, the Moon is calling me”
“Why does that sound so ominous?”
“Because you don’t hear, ‘the Moon is calling me’, in normal conversation”
“Fair point, have fun, be safe, don’t talk to any strange stars on your way to the Moon”
The alchemist snickered, “oki, but what if they sound like Hugo?”
“Then definitely ignore them because they’re naughty Hugo sounding stars who need to sit in the space corner”
Varian laughed at that, getting Eugene to smirk before the teen calmed down, “oki, oki I gotta go”
“Ok, be safe kiddo”
“I will! Given Punzel a hug for me”
“Will do!”
The teen grinned when he watched his big brother turn back to the princess and began speaking with her. Varian let out a sigh of relief when he saw them hug, before he flew to the window. The light surrounded him, then dimmed as he found himself in his father’s room. He saw the retired knight sitting up in bed, his hair a touch messy as he stared at his glowing Brotherhood mark. Varian smiled and floated down to him, touching his mark, “I’m okay dad”, he said softly
Quirin blinked before he smiled, “Moon’s calling you huh?”
“Yup”
“And you said you’re okay?”
“Yeah, I’m okay”
“Alright, just be careful and don’t wander too far”
“I won’t, Adira’s in my room right now, watching over me”
“Hector is too”, his father stated, “saw him darting towards your room from my window”
The alchemist giggled, “I love them”
“I do too, and I love you”
“I love you too dad”, the teen noticed his father seemed rather dazed, “are *you* alright?”
“Hm? Oh, yeah I’m alright, this just woke me up is all”
“Ah”
“Yeah, apparently what the Moon wants to tell you is important”
“I can feel that, I’ll be sure to tell you as well once I wake up”
“Ok, if that’s allowed”
“Should be, she’s never said I could before, I’ll definitely ask though”
“Oki”
Varian smiled before he giggled as his father let out a very large yawn, “sleepy dad”
The retired knight chuckled, “sleepy me”
The alchemist smiled happily before he saw Quirin’s bedroom door open as blue light poured inside, “I gotta go dad, I’ll see you soon though, oki?”
“Oki, I love you Bubby”
“I love you too, ya big papa you”
Quirin snorted, “well that’s a new nick name, what happened to ‘evil jerkface’”
“You’re more of a sleepy jerkface right now, and you’re not being a jerkface. So I’m trying to come up with an affectionate nickname when you’re being a good dad”
“Oh I see, big papa?”
“You’re tall and muscly, but a gentle dad! Big papa!”
“Ah, I’m honored to receive this, very prestigious, nickname”
Varian giggled, “you are quite welcome good sir! Now off I shall get, so-eth, the Moon-eth, does not-eth, get mad-eth at me”
“…..eth”, Quirin added
“Eth!”
His father chuckled, “ok-Eth, have-Eth, fun-Eth”
“I shall-eth! Goodbye-Eth!”
“Far-eth, the well-eth”, the retired knight chuckled, getting the alchemist to giggle before he flew away from his father. He turned towards the light of the Moon and went through the opened door
His smile widened when he found himself outside, he saw the ocean and waved at them, they’re waved back happily, before he was lifted into the sky, and suddenly was face to face with the Moon, *hello little one*
“Hi Moon!” Varian exclaimed, “been a while!”
*So it has*, her light shimmered happily
“Hee hee, I missed you”
*I’ve missed you as well little one, I see that you’ve decided to become one with your tiny star*
“My tiny-OH! Hugo! Yeah! We’re fiancés now!”
*My congratulations to you*
“Thank you!”
*You’re very welcome, I shall bring you and he good dreams on the night of your bond*
“Again, thank you very much! Oh! And thank you for your help with Gothel, you helped us out a lot!”
*You’re welcome my little one*
“Hey Moon, did you… um….. received her yet? …..I don’t know how else to put that”
The Moon seemed to chuckle at that as her star twinkled around her, *yes I have, she arrived tonight, she didn’t argue against the fate I judged for her to receive*
“That’s good….. Also, do you know about Beetlejuice?”
*The demon the lives in your home? I am aware of him, he seems to be a rather interesting individual*
“Do you like him?”
*Indeed, I find him fun, and curious, though I feel a lot of loneliness from him*
“I do too, he’s a really lonely guy, but he’s got a family now, with us!”
*That he does, and he couldn’t ask for a finer one*
Varian grinned proudly before he remembered why he was hear, “you wanted to tell me something before, I asked you to wait, and you did, I’m sorry I had to ask that”
*It’s alright little one, I understand the reason, are you ready to receive the information?*
“Yes I am, and I’m willing to as well!”
Her light shimmered again, making the teen giggle, before she responded, *there was a moment, recently, where you grew angry and the powers you wield reacted in a far stronger way than you’d expected*
“Yeah, when Hugo was sick, and then again when I faced Gothel…. I…. Did bad things to her Moon….”
*It is not your fault little one, for you see, the powers you wield are growing stronger for a reason*
“I still did bad things to her….”
*I saw the conversation and felt your guilt, I am sorry that happened, but it is as the gentle one said little one. It was an instinct you could not control. I understand the guilt you feel is something you cannot control, but try not to be so hard on yourself little one, it truly wasn’t within your control*
Varian nodded and smiled up at her, “thank you Moon, I’ll try to keep that in mind”
The celestial being’s light shimmered joyfully, *I’m happy to have helped little one, even a little*
“Hee hee, also, I like your name for Lance, the gentle one fits him really well!”
*Thank you*
“You’re welcome!”
The two seemed happy before the Moon spoke up again, *about why I’ve brought you here*
“Oh right! Sorry, I took over!” Varian exclaimed with a blush
*It’s alright little one, it’s was plaguing your mind, I could tell. However, we do need to discuss what’s going to happen with your powers*
“What’s going to happen?”
*Yes, you see…..* Varian saw something familiar appear before him, a small, oval shaped, opal. They were glowing a bright blue, matching the color of the teen’s eyes, a small piece of them was gone, filled only by the small piece the alchemist had kept with him, *the Moonstone wishes to become part of you, and help you so long as you and your bloodline lives, including anyone adopted inside of that line*
Varian gasped as his eyes began to glow, heard whispering coming from the Moonstone as he watched them, mouth agape, in shock
Notes:
Hello! :D
So you finally get to find out what the Moon wanted to tell Varian! HOORAY! :D
Also, WICKED IS COMING OUT THIS WEEK AND I GET TO SEE IT IN 3D!!!!!!!!! IM SO FREAKING EXCITEEEEEEEEEED!!!!!
Sorry XD thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful da/night!
Chapter 531: Conversing with the Moon! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian talks to the Moonstone!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian nodded and smiled up at her, “thank you Moon, I’ll try to keep that in mind”
The celestial being’s light shimmered joyfully, *I’m happy to have helped little one, even a little*
“Hee hee, also, I like your name for Lance, the gentle one fits him really well!”
*Thank you*
“You’re welcome!”
The two seemed happy before the Moon spoke up again, *about why I’ve brought you here*
“Oh right! Sorry, I took over!” Varian exclaimed with a blush
*It’s alright little one, it’s was plaguing your mind, I could tell. However, we do need to discuss what’s going to happen with your powers*
“What’s going to happen?”
*Yes, you see…..* Varian saw something familiar appear before him, a small, oval shaped, opal. They were glowing a bright blue, matching the color of the teen’s eyes, a small piece of them was gone, filled only by the small piece the alchemist had kept with him, *the Moonstone wishes to become part of you, and help you so long as you and your bloodline lives, including anyone adopted inside of that line*
Varian gasped as his eyes began to glow, he heard whispering coming from the Moonstone as he watched them, mouth agape, in shock, “I….. uh….” He looked at the Moon, “n-not sound incredibly rude, but why?”
*They sense a part of their power stayed with you, they say that was a gift for you to keep. They wanted to see what you would do with your power. They’ve been watching you little one. And since you’ve gained those powers, you’ve stayed balanced and helped people that needed to be helped, and hurt people that needed to be hurt*
“B-but I…. Just abused Gothel”, Varian said softly, looking at the Moonstone sadly
*Remember that balance I told you about before?*
“The good me and bad me being equal?”
*Correct, you are going to make mistakes little one, that is to be expected, you’re human, balance is what draws the Moonstone and me, not pure good, not pure evil*
“Even if those mistakes are huge?”
*You always balance them with just as big good choices*
The alchemist thought about that, and saw no way to argue it away. He nodded before looking at the Moonstone once again, he felt that longing to be connected with them, “Will…. I be able to talk to you?”
The Moonstone glowed brightly, shimmering like the Moon, *yes*, they said, *we will come to know each other, we must in order to become whole*
Varian blinked when he heard the Moonstone’s voice, “you…. Sound like me”
*I sound like anyone I’m supposed to be connected to. I sounded like you very great uncle once upon a time*
“My very great uncle? Who could that b-! Demanitus!”
*Correct!*
Varian’s eyes sparkled with joy, “you were supposed to be with him too??”
*Correct! I was with him for a short time as well! He didn’t need me much, and asked that I watch over his homeland and people. That’s when I met his brother, I watched both of them, saw what they did to help, and grew to enjoy how much they helped, and cared for, their people and many others. They made grave mistakes, but balanced it with heroic choices and sacrifice. They are all balanced, and their use of the power I wield has always helped the world in many ways. I wish to continue to do that, the only time that wasn’t the case was when I was taken away….. By that female…..*
Varian gave the Moonstone a sad look, “Cassandra….”
*Yes….. I hated being with her….*
“When you broke….. Did it… hurt?”
*Yes, but it was the only way I could get to you*
“Wait, you did that on *purpose*?! I-I thought that only happened because you were facing the Sundrop and the balance was thrown off!”
*Nope, I did it because I saw you and wished to help. You were very hurt, I needed to give more power to you. So I weakened a part of myself so that it would break before charging power into it, it broke and you caught it and it clung onto you*
“Wow….. T-thank you”
*Thank you for catching it, had you not, I know not of who would’ve received that power….*
“…..Rapunzel?”
*Potentially, but the Sundrop would’ve destroyed that piece of me and hurt her, it was…. A very dangerous risk to take….*
Varian blinked before nodding, “I can understand why you’d take such a risk…. Thank you, for helping me save my home and family, without you I…. I would be dead, and everyone else would as well….”
*Without me, Cassandra wouldn’t have had my power, so there’s that too*
“I don’t blame you for what she made you do”
*You shouldn’t blame yourself either*
The alchemist blinked before chuckling, “you’re a lot like the Moon”
*I should hope so, I came from her*
Varian giggled before he looked at the celestial being, “so, and I mean not offense, but technically, isn’t the Moonstone your child?”
*By human ways, yes, the Moonstone is a part of me and has developed their own sentience without my direction. They are different than me, but also a part of me*, the Moon replied, her stars shimmering happily
Varian smiled, “that’s super cool!” He exclaimed before he stopped, “wait, Moonstone, you’ll be with me and my bloodline until it no longer exists right?”
*Correct*, the Moonstone replied
“But, me and Hugo….. W-we can’t make children….. a-and I don’t have any brothers or sisters…. Nor does Hugo, oh but you did say adopted too Moon”
*I did indeed, however, that’s for protection and help. The bloodline must be yours to continue the journey of the Moonstone*, the Moon stated
“But… how can we do that?”
The stars shimmered happily before an image of Hugo appeared before Varian, “that is another thing I wish to discuss with you, you and your tiny star are to be one, that will not change, I sense you realize that*
“I do”, Varian replied with a smile as he stared at Hugo’s image and blushed
*There are many ways to conceive a child, ways that do not include you and your tiny star to be the ones to conceive them*
Varian blinked, “h-how would that work? My dad, while very handsome and a gentlemen through and through, is kinda too old to have another child, not only that, but he doesn’t wanna have another wife either, he loves my mama still, and she’s…. Well…. With you now”
*You’re right little one, but I’m not talking about your father finding another. I mean something far more different*, her stars shimmered brightly before the image of Hugo changed into that of him and Varian himself, together, holding each other close, *you two are the perfect match, and we, Me, Sun, the Moonstone, and the Sundrop, can sense that, together, we can grant you a gift, one that you and your family will have a connection to through blood, one that the Moonstone can stay with once your time on Earth is done*
Varian blinked before looking up at the Moon, “a child?”
*Yes, when you and your tiny star are ready, I can make a child of the Moon for you. They’ll have yours and your tiny star’s DNA, they will also have both of your blood flowing inside of them, the only difference is the way they are conceived*
The alchemist was startled by that, but he looked at the image of himself and Hugo before his eyes shimmered, “am…. A-am I able to see them? T-the child? Can I see what they’ll look like?”
The Moon and Moonstone shined brightly with excitement and care before the image of Hugo and Varian fused together, and a small boy, long, blond hair, big, blue eyes, freckles on his face, chin like Varian’s and teeth like Varian’s as well, skin the same shade as Hugo’s, build a mixture of both, smiled up at him. Varian froze when he noticed the blue streak in the boy’s hair, signaling his sign of the Moon. He felt his eyes fill with tears as he reached out and gently touched the child’s cheek, “he’s….. wonderful”, he stated in awe, smiling at the child
The celestial being and Moonstone shined brightly as the image disappeared, *he will be yours and your tiny star’s when you’re ready*, the Moon stated, *if that is what you wish*
“Oh I wish”, Varian stated, his heart all a flutter. “I wish and want and long for him so dearly! I never thought about it before, but I would love to have a child of my own! I want them to grow strong and be happy, I wanna be the dad they deserve, I wanna hug and snuggle them, and be there for them when they have nightmares, or if they’re scared of the monster under the bed! I wanna tuck them in at night, I wanna hug and kiss them, I wanna hear them laugh and sense their joy, and…. I want to give Hugo a chance to be the parent he’s always wanted to be too! He wants to be a mama, he wants to so badly! I….. I can’t WAIT to tell him! I’m allowed to tell him, right?”
*Of course, tell anyone you wish*
Varian grinned happily before he wiped his tears away, he then looked at the Moonstone, “I would love for you to be with me and my family, thank you, I…..” he sighed, before he looked at the stone, his eyes glowing bright, “I promise to take care of you, to the best of my ability, and I’ll teach anyone with your power to do the same, I promise”
The Moonstone’s glow brightened with joy before they flew to the alchemist. He felt them cling to him, and suddenly, he was surrounded by light, the Moon was the final being he saw, *have pleasant dreams, my little one*
****
“….rian….”
“Va…..”
“VARIAN!”
“Huh?!” The alchemist shot up in bed as he looked around, only to be met with warm hands on his cheeks, gently guiding his gaze to a pair of emerald green eyes
“Freckles! It’s me, easy, take it easy”
“Hu…. Go?” Varian asked
“Yurp, welcome back to the land of the living love”
The alchemist blinked before the world came back to him, he was in bed, with Hugo beside him, Rapunzel, Lance, Eugene, Beetlejuice, Adira, Hector, Edmund, Ruddigar, Olivia, and Quirin were all inside the room, “uh…..”
Hugo let go of Varian’s face, “you kinda made a light show before you woke up, it uh, startled everyone and they came in here like a pack of frightened cattle”
Varian blinked, “did you just make a farm analogy?”
Hugo blushed, “I…. Maybe”
The alchemist giggled and hugged his lover, “I love you!”
Hugo returned the hug happily, “I love you too Freckles”, he said, before he stopped and broke the hug, looking at his fiancé, “but what was with the light show?! Ya scared everyone to a nearly early grave! Including me!”
Varian giggled, “sorry, I just…. I spoke with the Moon….. and…. The Moonstone”
The inventor tilted his head to the side as Rapunzel spoke up, “the…. Moonstone?”
“Yeah, and…. Oh! Wait, are they….” He felt his chest, then felt his stomach drop, “where….” He looked at his chest, the Moonstone wasn’t there
“Woah!” Hugo exclaimed
“I… I know, b-but I thought that….. T-the Moonstone said….”
“Freckles, the Moonstone’s *back*, like *fully*!”
“I-I *know* that’s what they said but I can’t….. Wait…. H-how did you know about that? You weren’t in my dream”
“Varian, touch your forehead”, Eugene stated
The alchemist blinked before he gently touched the front of his forehead before his eyes widened, “M-Moonstone”, he stated, he lifted his bangs and Eugene handed him a hand mirror, the alchemist looked and, sure enough, there they were, the Moonstone glowed dimly, letting the alchemist know there were, in fact, there, as Varian smiled, “moved positions, I wonder why”
“Uh…. Little man, I don’t wanna alarm you, but that ain’t just a piece of the Moonstone”, Lance stated, “like Hugo said, that’s…. The entire Moonstone!”
“I know”, Varian said with a smile as he looked at everyone, “that’s why the Moon wanted to speak with me, and boy, do I have a *lot* to tell you!” He looked at Hugo, “especially you”
“Me?” The blond asked
“Yup, it’s good things, *very* good things!” He stopped, “oh but um….. Will this be okay?” He asked, gesturing to the Moonstone, “me having them, and then being in that spot, will that be okay?”
Hugo blinked before he gently touched the Moonstone, they glowed a little brighter when he did, he felt warmth emanating off of them, and took his hand away before he kissed Varian’s lips, “as long as you’re okay, then this doesn’t bother me”
Varian blushed even more before nuzzling his lover, “you’re amazing you know that?”
Hugo giggled, “would I lose good boyfriend points if I said yes?”
“Hugo!”
“Hee hee, just kidding”
The alchemist giggled before he noticed the Sun started to rise, “oh…. Well whoops, I guess we kinda got up early, eheh, sorry about that”
“It’s fine, just…..” Rapunzel began, “can you…. Explain please?” She asked, she seemed to be the most worried about the return of the Moonstone
Varian couldn’t blame her, especially with what happened before, he nodded, “yeah, I’ll explain everything, to start…..”
****
They moved to the living room as Varian explained everything he’d been told, about the Moonstone’s return, about his bloodline being protected, about his powers and how they’re affected now, about the child he and Hugo would receive, everything! “And…. That’s when I woke up”, he finished, looking around
Everyone seemed to be in shock for a moment before, almost, all of them exploded into questions and concerns, “what if you get hurt or someone tried to steal the Moonstone from you?!”
“Does that mean the Sundrop is coming back too? What’ll happen then?!”
“Is something going on?!”
“What if the powers grow to be too much?”
“What is Cassandra gonna do when she finds out about this? Because she WILL find out!”
“What if this is a warning from the Moon to be on guard?!”
“What if there’s a threat?”
“Who will have the Moonstone if the bloodline dies?!”
“What if this is going to lead to war against other nations because they fear the Moonstone?!”
Varian’s ears began to ring, he clapped his hands over them and whimpered before he hid in his father’s vest as the questions grew louder and louder and louder and *louder*, “ENOUGH!” Came a booming voice, everyone was instantly silent as they all looked at the person who’d given the command, “Bubby….. it’s okay, they stopped, you can come out of hiding now….” The voice stated gently
Varian peeked from his father’s best, and was met with warm brown eyes, “d-dad…..”
“I know Bubby, that was a little too much, it’s okay though, they stopped, you can come out”, his father reassured
The alchemist blinked before he slowly lowered his hands and came out of his hiding spot, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy lovingly, getting him to calm down, “sorry Varian”, Eugene said softly, “we kinda just exploded there…. Not good….”
“I guess we’re just all really worried about this….” Rapunzel added as she played with the ends of her hair nervously
“Yeah, I mean, the last time the Moonstone was here…. Well….” Lance didn’t finish that statement, but he did shudder
“The Moonstone and Moon deemed this as the right course of action. I trust them on that, but what’s worrying me is *why*”, Adira stated, “usually this would only happen if there was going to be a huge threat”
“Or a war….” Hector added, “I mean, the Moonstone is supposed to protect people, the black rocks are unbreakable because they protect people”
“I think we may want to hold off on the theories for a moment”, Edmund stated as he looked at the alchemist, “let’s just take this one step at a time, first step, the Moonstone is back and in the possession of the little peanut. That part *is* a *good* thing, despite the meaning it *might* hold”
“True”, Quirin agreed, “and Varian having the Moonstone especially is a good thing. That means the Moon and Moonstone trust him and his bloodline”
“Which includes you Quirin”, Eugene stated with a smirk
“That’s true, but I don’t think I’m the main reason they chose our bloodline”, the retired knight stated with a chuckle, “that would be Varian”
The alchemist looked up at his father, “you’re an honorary V named Vanguard big sir!”
“I am aware, little sir, but the Moonstone chose *you*, not me. That’s perfectly fine with me as well, I’ve never had Moon powers, and I don’t think I’d be able to control them the way you do”
“Still!”
Quirin smiled and kissed his son’s head, “I love you”
“I love you too”
“I think the Moonstone chose to be with Freckles because the Moonstone knows they’re still needed. But that doesn’t mean that we’ll be in a war or something will occur to cause us all harm. I think they’re just here because they want to help, and Freckles is the best candidate for them to be with. Should he teach the bloodline right, then we’ll have a bunch of Demanitus’s running around and helping to change the world”, Hugo stated, “the Vanguards have already done so without the Moonstone, think of what they could do *with* the Moonstone! I mean, hell, I wouldn’t even fucking *be* here without the Moonstone and Freckles!”
Varian smiled at his fiancé, “Im thinking the same thing. Our ancestors did so much, not just for the Dark Kingdom, but for Corona and the other 7 kingdoms as well! I wanna help out even more, do more for the world and make it a better place! If that legacy follows after I’m long gone, then I’ll be happy”
Everyone smiled at that, before Hugo grinned, “so…. About this kid you and I were gonna receive”
Varian smiled so wide his lips nearly tore open as his eyes shimmered excitedly, “we’re gonna be parents Hugo!”
“I know! I’m so fucking excited about it!” The blond exclaimed happily, “a baby boy! My hair, your eyes, the freckles, the chin, the skin tone! Ah!” Hugo hugged Varian happily, “we’re gonna be parents! PARENTS FRECKLES!”
“I KNOW!” Varian exclaimed happily, “and we’re gonna love them, and be there for them, and show em how to do alchemy, get em a raccoon of their own!”
Ruddigar chittered happily at that, his tail swishing with excitement
“Or a fish like Itty Bitty and Sassy!” Hugo added, the two fish in question smiling as they watched their humans from their bowl
“Or a tiny mousey like Olivia”, Quirin added with a grin
Olivia squeaked and nuzzled her boy, who scratched her ear lovingly
“Oh! And dad! You’re gonna be a grandpa!” Varian exclaimed
Quirin was quiet for a moment, his eyes widened, almost as if that thought hadn’t occurred to him until just now before his eyes filled with tears and he placed a hand over his mouth and sniffled, “oh Quirin”, Hugo exclaimed as he and Varian hugged him
Edmund chuckled, “I know the feeling”, he stated, getting Eugene to wrap an arm around him lovingly
The room was quiet as they watched Quirin, Varian, and Hugo, Rapunzel smiled before she looked at Lance and whispered, “you think everything will be okay, right?” She asked
“I think so”, he replied quietly, “we’ve faced a lot, with and without the Sundrop and Moonstone, even if this means somethin big will happen, I think we’ll be okay”
The princess smiled and nodded, “you’re right, we’ll be okay”
The duo nodded to each other before they looked back at the rest of the group, Quirin, Varian, and Hugo stopped hugging as the man sniffled, he was smiling and blushing, as was Varian and Hugo, everyone seemed to feel much calmer about the situation now as the Moonstone glowed happily, finally finding their place in the world as the family celebrated together
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, finally, the Moonstone is back, and fully united with Varian! Hugo and Varian are gonna be gifted a child from the Moon, and all is well with the world as Quirin is a wholesome bean who is gonna become the world’s greatest grandpa! :D
This was fun to write and also a nice way to kinda give the characters a small reward for all the things they’ve been through :D
Happy endings they shall have! Don’t worry, the story isn’t ending there, this is just a nice little moment for all the characters 😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 532: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished!
Summary:
Varian remembers an old philosophy of his!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
***A Year Ago***
The caravan stopped, the occupant inside yelped as he thumped into the wall harshly from the abrupt halt of the vehicle. He sighed and shook his head to clear his vision before the door in front of him, “out”, came the gruff order
He complied, not wanting to reap another punch from the guard. His balance was thrown off slightly when he was pushed forwards, “move!” Another exclaimed, just as gruff as the first
He didn’t respond, simply complying. He stared at the ground the entire time as his best friend stayed wrapped around his neck, tighter than bark on a tree, hissing anytime someone would try to snatch him away! He was brought into the castle, and marched down to the dungeons, his items were taken away, bombs, weapons, shoes, apron, socks, goggles, and gloves. His shirt, pants, undergarments, and friend were the only protection he had from anything else
Still he didn’t reply or complain as he was shoved inside a small cell after being released from his handcuffs. He’d fallen to the floor when they’d pushed him, gaining a new scrape on his cheek, he got up instantly and tried to run towards the door, but it was slammed shut in his face, and he bonked against the bars and fell back, dazed once again, before he shook his head, clearing his vision, only to be met with the cold, uncaring eyes of the king of Corona, “you will remain here until the princess has left. After such, you will be sentenced”, he stated
His eyes widened in shock at that, finally speaking up, his voice was rough and gravely from crying, “b-but you… you told her y-you’d get me help! Y-you said-!”
“Did you honestly think, after all you’ve done, that I’d *actually* help you?! You kidnapped my wife, you threatened me and my daughter, you nearly *killed* people! You are nothing but a *danger* to this kingdom!”
“You don’t know what happened to me!” He exploded
“I DON’T CARE!” The king yelled, “you are nothing but a CRIMINAL! No matter what happened to you, you still caused casualties!”
“YOU LOCK ME UP AND MY FATHER DIES!” He screamed as tears streamed down his face, “IM THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN G-GET HIM OUT! H-HE NEEDS HELP! THAT’S ALL I WANTED! I JUST WANTED TO SAVE HIM!”
“…..Your father is *dead* to this kingdom Varian…..”
“W-wha-!”
“I told him you were a problem, I told him to curve you! I told him to stop you from your destructive behavior because I knew-I *KNEW*! You were going to cause nothing but TROUBLE!!!!! AND HE NEVER LISTENED! He defended you, said you were only trying to help, and WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM VARIAN?! WHAT DID YOU DO?!”
The alchemist whimpered, “m-my village w-was being d-destroyed”
“SO YOU KILL YOUR FATHER?!”
“HE ISN’T DEAD!!!! I CHECKED HIS VITALS SIGNS, HE’S SAFE IN THERE! I-I’m not sure how, b-but he is!” Varian exclaimed, standing to face the king, “he’s still alive! He’s still breathing and is in a frozen stasis! If we get him out now, it’ll be like nothing’s changed! He wouldn’t feel like he’s missed a day because he’ll still be alive! BUT IF WE LEAVE HIM IN THERE HE’LL DIE!!!!!!” The freckled teen explained, “PLEASE! I don’t c-care if I stay here for the rest of my damn life! Just *please* save my father! Please! PLEASE let me help him! That’s the only thing I ask! He didn’t do this, he wasn’t the one who attacked Corona! He didn’t tell me anything about the Sundrop if that’s something you’re worried about! He’s been loyal to you since the day he was *born*! PLEASE! Just let me save him! I-I’ll come back here and suffer any punishment you w-want! Torture me, humiliate me, I DON’T CARE! Just PLEASE let me save my dad!!!!!! Please…..” he begged, “he…. H-he’s frozen now….. but I don’t know how long t-that’ll last….. p-please….. he doesn’t deserve to die…..”
The king was quiet for a long time, before he turned away from the alchemist, “Quirin Vanguard, as of this point, is dead to Corona…..”
“NO!” Varian screamed
“HE WILL NOT BE FREED! HE IS A DANGER TO US ALL FOR HARBORING SUCH A DESTRUCTIVE THING LIKE YOU!”
“PUNISH ME! NOT MY DAD!”
“Oh you’ll be punished, I’ll see to that *personally*, but your father has shown more loyalty to a TRAITOR than the kingdom he swore to protect! He is a traitor by proxy! And his sentence is death! AS ORDER BY ME! THE KING OF CORONA!”
Varian fell to his knees, “no….. please…. P-please no……”
Ruddigar chittered and nuzzled his boy anxiously, hissing when the king tried to touch him
Frederic sighed, “you did this to yourself and your father Varian….. Your actions caused you and your family’s downfall….. If anyone is to blame…. It’s you….. Your father’s death lies on your shoulders…. May that, and the rest of your punishment here, serve as a reminder of all that you’ve done…… the best you can do now is beg for my mercy…..”
When the alchemist did nothing but cry on the floor, Frederic turned and walked out of the dungeons, the door slamming shut behind him like the sealing of a tomb…..
For a long time, all that could be heard was Varian’s sobs as the ruptured the silent night….. But as his tears ran out, and all he had left was Ruddigar’s soft purr, he began to think. He thought back to all the things he’d done and why. He thought of the reasons for his downfall, the reason he’d done so much….. “I….. just wanted him back…..” he said to the raccoon
Ruddigar chittered sadly
Varian sat up with a sniffle, looking at his best friend, “I just…. W-wanted to bring him back Ruddigar….. honest that’s all….. I tried to tell people, I asked Rapunzel for h-help….. I begged people to come with me…. But nobody came…..” he sniffled as the raccoon nuzzled him again, “I know w-what I did was wrong…. Extreme…. A-and horrible….. I regret it….. I regret everything…. I wish I never did it….. b-but I only did because I d-didn’t know what e-else to do….. I…. I just wanted my dad…..” he brought his knees to his chin and wrapped his arms around them, “I just….. w-wanted my…. Daddy…..”
Ruddigar hopped onto his boy’s shoulders and rubbed against him as the teen’s quiet sobs filled the empty room as he felt utterly and completely alone…..
****
“Hey, dinner’s here, might as well eat up now buddy, or else they’ll take it away”, Andrew stated as he plopped a plate of mush in front of the teen
Varian hadn’t moved from his cot….. Ruddigar had disappeared, his back still ached from the recent lashing he’d received in front of the entire kingdom…. He still felt it sting when he tried to lay down at night. The alchemist stared at the mush before him, and turned away
“Aw c’mon kid, you haven’t eaten since…. That really awful fucking punishment….. Ya gotta keep up your strength”, Andrew stated gently
Varian didn’t reply
“…..Is it because the raccoon’s gone?”
Still no answer
“Kid….” The Seporian leader let out a small sigh before he looked at the mush and walked over, sitting next to the teen, “…..Look…. I heard some of the guards talking about you…. Found out part of the reason you’re here is because you’re a traitor….. I didn’t believe it at first because, well, you’re just a kid….. a small kid…. But…. After what you just endured, and how you’re reacting to it, I guess I shouldn’t have underestimated you…..”
Varian pulled his knees closer to himself
Andrew sighed again, “I don’t mean that in a bad way…. Ugh….. I…. I’m not good at comforting but….. Look you…. You had your reasons for doing what you did you know….. I’m not judging you for em….. And if treason is really the only thing you did, well you’re definitely not a criminal in my book…..”
Varian peeked out when he heard that
“Heh, I see that eye of yours”, the Seporian joked, eliciting the smallest, and weakest, chuckle he’d ever heard…. It made him wince a little, “……you….. didn’t kill anyone…. Did you?”
Varian’s breath hitched as images of his father’s frozen body flashed in his mind, Frederic’s cruel words slamming into his memory like a rocketing cauldron
“Woah woah, easy there”, Andrew stated when he noticed how frantic Varian had grown, without thinking, he pulled the alchemist close to him and wrapped his arms around the teen, “it’s okay, it’s okay, breath, in and out, in and out, there ya go, that’s better”
Varian did as he was told the moment he was pulled to the man. His furry vest hitting the teen’s face and flashing memories of his father in his mind. He hadn’t meant to, but he leaned into the touch, wanting nothing more than the smell of apples and wood hit his nose and take him away to a simpler time….. He gripped onto that vest, falling into that soft touch of fur against his skin, small tears trickled from his eyes, he let them flow and continued to grip onto that vest as if it were the last thing he had left in his life
Andrew, noticing this, smirked, “you uh…. Really like my vest huh?”
This *instantly* broke the alchemist out of his trance and got him to blush before he shied away and pulled his knees to his chin, hiding his face in them embarrassedly
“Easy kid, that isn’t a bad thing, I’m not offended, in fact…. You’re shivering, here”
The teen was startled when he felt the vest being wrapped around him. He looked at it, it was white, and smaller than the one he was used to, but the familiar feeling of the faux fur against his cheeks relaxed him. He nestled into it before mumbling something
“What’d you say? Couldn’t hear that”
“…..it’s like….. m-my dads’…..”
Andrew was startled by that, “your dad? He had a faux fur vest?”
“Mmhmm….”
The Seporian chuckled, “well then he’s got great tastes”
This perked Varian up a little, he let out a small chuckle, “he’s…. A great man….” He stated, before sniffling a little
“Hey, easy buddy…. Geez…. You’re really missing him huh? Guess that explains the waterworks…..”
“H-he was…. The o-only human I h-had left in m-my life….” Varian admitted, hiccuping a little
“……What happened to you?” Andrew asked, genuinely startled by what the alchemist had just said
Varian explained everything, his reasoning, and how horrible he felt about it all. He finished after a multitude of apologies, saying he was paying for it and how he wished he could forget the whole thing before hiding inside the vest….
Andrew was silent for a few moments, before he finally spoke up, “…..those…. Awful Coronans…..”
“Huh?”
“They *abandoned* you and your father! They left you to rot! Who leaves a damn *child* to rot?! What the actual *fuck*?! In my culture, children are sacred! They’re our future, and we should treat them as such! We teach them the ways in which we live, we love and cherish them, my culture is one big family! No one gets left behind inside it! In fact, abandoning your family is actually frowned upon and gains the harshest punishment one could get! People who abandon Seporia pay with their *lives*! I don’t understand why it isn’t like that everywhere to be honest! What they did to you….. kid…. I’m so sorry…..”
Varian was startled by that, “w-wha-but-n-no! It was bad-I did bad! It was very very BAD-!”
“And?! You didn’t have a fucking choice! Your father was *dying*, your village was *dying*, it’s the royals job to fix that shit! They kept it under wraps instead and left you holding the bag!!!!!! You’re their damn *scapegoat*! All the bad things that happened in the kingdom, they’re pitting it all on you!”
“B-but I attacked the Queen-!”
“*After* begging for help and being beaten and abandoned!”
“A-and I threatened the p-princess-!”
“*After* she lied to you and broke her promise! And then she didn’t even come to check on you!”
“……I k-killed my father…..”
“It was an *accident* kid! You were just trying to *help*! No one else was doing *anything*! You didn’t intend for his fate to be what it was, it was an *accident*! A true, honest to goodness *accident*! And his death could’ve been avoided had they just gone to help him before he got sealed fully! They sentenced him to death afterwards as well, you just told me that! So that’s not your fault either!”
Varian wanted to argue, but everything he could pit against himself, that the guards, and all of Corona had told him was his fault, suddenly started to crumble…. Every argument, every statement, everything they’d told him suddenly didn’t make sense, because of that, he was at a loss for words…..
Andrew chuckled, “don’t know what to say?”
“…..”
“Heh, startles you when someone finally tells you you aren’t wrong yeah?”
Varian looked at the man
“Geez, those big blue eyes of yours could break any heart, I fucking swear”, he stated with a smirk, “how anyone could actually hurt you with those things is beyond me”
The alchemist blushed
“That doesn’t help”
Varian hid his face
Andrew laughed, “you’re adorable buddy!” He stated as he wrapped an arm around the alchemist lovingly, Varian, for the first time in months, finally didn’t feel alone….
****
“RUN BUDDY! *RUN*!” Andrew yelled, pushing Varian forwards
“A-ANDREW!”
“DON’T WORRY ABOUT ME!” The man yelled, startling the teen before he calmed his voice, “look, just go with Kai, Clementine, and the others! They’ll protect you, keep you safe, I’ll hold off the guards! Go! GO!”
Varian hesitated, but was scooped up by Kai and was rushed out of the dungeons! They fled to an empty room, opened and slammed it shut, before locking it, “you okay little guy?” Kai asked worried as he set the teen down
“A-Andrew-!” Varian began
“He’ll be alright, we won’t abandon him”, Clementine stated gently, walking over and pulling out a medkit they’d brought with them, “he told us about you, don’t worry, you’re in good hands with us”
Varian was quiet for a moment, “w-why are the Queen and K-King acting so strange?”
“Because they forgot everything”, Juniper stated, “Clementine used a wand that made then forget”
“A-A wand?”
“This one!” Clementine brought out the wand, “it’s the wand of Oblivion! It makes anyone forget whatever that caster wants them to forget! I made the Queen and Ling forget *everything*!”
“E-everything?!”
“I was in a rush, b-but don’t worry! It doesn’t harm them! Just made it to where they won’t send more guards after us! It’s why the tiny amount that got send after us was so minuscule! Because the Queen and King think we’re the good guys and those guards are acting out! Heh! Pretty clever yeah? And painless too!”
Varian blinked before he smiled and nodded, “y-yeah, it really is!”
The group of Seporians smiled at the teen before something banged against the door harshly, startling them all, “shit! They found us!” Kai cursed
“Kai, grab the boy! The rest of you, with me!” Clementine ordered, Kai scooped Varian up again as Juniper, Clementine, and Maizie stepped forwards. The door buckled and splintered a few moments later, and they were swarmed with guards! The three held them off with spells and exchanging blows, they even seemed to be winning when, “HOLD IT!” Varian winced, he recognized that voice….. it made him shudder and haunted him in his nightmares as he looked and saw the Captain of the royal guards, “you all stop this now, and come with us *peacefully*, otherwise your friend here gets it…..”
Suddenly, Andrew was pulled forwards and thrown to the ground, he was bruised pretty badly and bleeding from several areas. The group gasped as Varian stared, wide eyed, at the man, “n-no…..” he said softly
“That’s right, I know how you Seporians feel about your fellow brethren!” The Captain stated, almost in a disgusted way, “come quietly, and he won’t get hurt….. Fail to do so…. Well…. Your friend certainly won’t like what happens to him…..”
He stepped in Andrew’s back, getting him to groan, that’s when Varian noticed a bit of the man’s shirt had lifted, revealing freshly made lash marks, still bleeding….. The alchemist froze, and for a moment, images of that whip stinging against his back made him whimper, he was only brought back when he heard Andrew speak, “I-it’s okay buddy…..” the Seporian leader stated, “I’m alright…. It’s nothing….. Coronans can’t hurt me….. Nor can they break my spirit-!”
“SHUT IT SEPORIAN SCUM!” The captain yelled, stepping on Andrew harder and making him groan
Varian winced before he heard Clementine, Juniper, and Maizie whimper. He looked, and saw them all in handcuffs….. They looked afraid, he looked up at Kai and saw the giant man shaking as well….. Varian then looked at Andrew and saw a tear slid down the man’s face, “I’m sorry buddy…..” he whispered, receiving another stomp on his back….. and something broke as Varian screamed:
‘ANDREEEEEEEEEEEEW!’
He yelled, before he rushed forwards and slammed his body into the Captain, knocking the man down and freeing the Seporian leader! That’s when he noticed what the Captain was holding, his backpack, he glared at the man, and ran forwards, grabbing it quickly before rushing back to Kai and throwing a flash bomb on the ground, blinding and dazing everyone in the room as he began to mix chemicals together that he’d stowed in his pack as Andrew, who’d snapped out of the daze quickly, watched him chant:
‘A bit of some glue and then some coloring to go and give it a shine and,
Some more of you and you and then we go and add this and that end!’
He glared at the guards as he stood and threw a few alchemy bombs to Andrew the the rest of the Seporians, the leader being startled when the pain he’d felt started to melt away as he heard Varian begin to sing:
‘Let their flesh not be torn
Let their blood leave no stain
Though they beat them
Let them feel no pain!’
Be exclaimed as the Seporians watched the teen work, the guards backing up as the Captain’s eyes widened at the teen’s ramblings:
‘Let their bones never break
And however they try to destroy them,
Let them never die!
Let them never diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie!’
“STOP HIM!” The captain yelled as guards rushed forwards, ignoring the Seporians, but they’re were all stopped when Varian used another flash bomb, this one didn’t affect the Seporians as they continued to watch the teen work:
‘Now more of you and you and add this too and just a dash of a salt and,
Trying to hold together the bit of family I’ve received and…. And….’
He huffed before grabbing a goo bomb and throwing it at some guards that’d gotten too close:
‘Ugh! What good is this mixing?!
I don't even know what I'm doing!
I don't even know what trick I ought to try….’
He looked at the Seporians worriedly,
‘Are you all alright now?
Already dead or bleeding?’
They shook their heads:
‘Good, One less disaster I can add to my generous SUPPLYYYYYYYYYYYY!’
He glared at the guards, his nose wrinkling on disgust when the Captain screamed, “ENOUGH! Stop this NOW Varian!”
‘No good deed goes unpunished!
No act of charity goes unresented!
No good deed goes unpunished!
That's my new creed!
My road of good intentions led where such roads always lead!
No good deed….
Goes unpunished……’
He fell to his knees as tears dripped from his face:
‘Andrew…..
My little Ruddigar…..
My daaaad….’
The guards stepped forwards, getting the alchemist to roar with anger:
‘MY DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!!!!’
He got up and threw bomb after bomb, forcing every guard to stick to the ground before all of them were stuck, he then began pacing:
‘….One question haunts and hurts…
Too much, too much to mention…..
Was I really seeking good….
Or just seeking attention?….
Is that all good deeds are when looked at with an ice-cold eye?!’
He looked at the Captain and gave him the nastiest look he could muster:
‘If that's all good deeds are,
Maybe that's the reason whyyyyyyyyyyy!’
He grabbed the man’s chin and screamed:
‘NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED!’
He huffed, letting go of the man’s face and turning away:
‘All helpful urges should be circumvented…..
No good deed goes unpunished!
Sure, I meant well
WELL LOOK WHAT WELL MEANT DIIIIIIIIIIID!!!!!!’
He faced the Seporians and walked over to his backpack:
‘All right, enough….
So be it, so be it then…..’
He placed his pack on his back after zipping it up and faced everyone in the room:
‘Let all Corona be agreedn
I'm wicked through and through!’
He glared at the Captain:
‘Since I can not succeed,
My dad, saving you!
I promise no good deed,
Will I attempt to do *again*!
EVER AGAIN!!!!!’
He then pulled out a yellow bomb, stepping in front of the Seporians, Andrew noticing a door and opening it with a smile to the teen:
‘No good deed! will I DOOOOOOOOOOO!’
He threw the yellow bomb at the guards, along with the dissolvent for the goo bombs, allowing them to escape the amber encasing a nearby black rock that they hadn’t noticed as the Speorians escaped:
‘AGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIN!’
He smirked when he saw no one trapped inside the amber before running to Andrew, who opened his arms to the teen, hugging him, “thanks buddy”, he said softly, “we’re happy you decided to join”
“My gosh kid! Your eyes! They were practically *glowin* while you sang! Just WOW!!!!” Kai exclaimed as the rest of the Seporians complimented and cheered for Varian
Andrew smirked and wrapped an arm around him, “I’m glad we decided to trust you buddy, I told you all he was good, didn’t I?”
“You did, we’re glad he is!” Clementine exclaimed happily, “welcome to the family Varian!”
Varian grinned happily before he felt Andrew scoop him up, “let’s go and make Corona a better place, yeah buddy?”
The alchemist felt a waved of guilt hit him when he felt the man’s vest underneath his hand, envisioning his father’s face, and how disappointed he would be if he saw what his son had just done….. *i-it was…. For the best… right?….. I’m only doing this to make things better…. F-for everyone….. aren’t I?…..* he looked back at Andrew again and nodded, “oki…..” before hugging the man as he held him close, trying to ignore the sadness in his father’s eyes as he made his choice….
****
***A Year later***
Varian smiled as he watched the fireworks fly in the town square, he could see them from the field he was in and sighed, “those fireworks are really amazing Freckles”, Hugo stated lovingly as he held his fiancé’s hand, “you know, we’re gonna need fireworks at our wedding, right!”
The alchemist giggled, “oh definitely! We can’t let them steal our thunder, even if it is their proposal night”, he joked
The inventor snickered, “those two have the corniest ideas for proposals, I swear they do. Like really? A riverboat ride with a hidden ring under a cupcake cherry?”
“Hey, the cupcake was my idea”
“That’s what makes it so corny!”
Varian elbowed his lover gently, getting him to laugh, “brat”, he stated with a smirk before he sighed, “Hugo….”
“Hm?”
“……Have you ever thought about….. ugh… never mind….”
“Eh? What? What’s the matter Freckles?”
Varian blushed, “I just…. Ugh….. it’s stupid….”
“Love”, Hugo gently cupped Varian’s cheek and guided his gaze towards him, he smiled lovingly at the alchemist, “nothing you ever say or do is stupid to me”
Varian blushed before he smiled and touched Hugo’s hand gently, “I love you”
“I love you too, now what were you gonna say? Seriously, talk to me, seems like it’s bothering you….”
“Well….. ok, it… happened about a year ago…. I….. kinda came up with a philosophy….. It’s…. Not healthy…. But it’s helped me kinda deal with a lot of stuff that’s happened….. I was hoping g maybe…. You could tell me why I came up with it?….”
Hugo blinked, “well I could take a guess, and educated guess, what’s this philosophy?”
Varian let out a shaky sigh before speaking up, “…..No good deed…. Goes unpunished…..” Hugo froze, “I-I came up with it when I escaped with the Speorians!” He explained, “t-they were hurting A-Andrew and…. He’d been so kind to me w-when I felt so alone…. B-but I never really understood why my mind adopted that theory….. a-and it made things worse when…. I-I was kinda proven right…..”
The inventor gave Varian a sad look before he replied, “…..That was a defense….”
“A defense?”
“Yeah, Lance talked about them before with you, he mentioned it and so have you, trauma defenses, that’s what I call em anyway….. they’re kinda…. Rules…. Rules you come up with that make what’s happening to you seem like it was supposed to be expected….. Like…. For example….. ‘Expect the unexpected, even when it hurts’….. that was one I came up with when I was a kid….. Figured that one out when Don came home after trying to kidnap you….”
“Oh….. Hugo, I-I’m sorry-!”
“No need to apologize Freckles, I’ve accepted what happened to me, kinda history now, really can’t change it”, the blond replied with a smirk, “it isn’t good history, but it’s the only history I’ve got. The rules, they help you cope with what you’re going through….. kids who think that being hit and/or embarrassed is a normal punishment are, unconsciously, doing the same thing….. It’s a sad fact of life….”
“…..Why do we do that?” Varian asked gently
“Like I said, to defend yourself”, the inventor replied, “you’re on a tough situation? There’s gotta be a reason you’re there, for me, it was because the unexpected happened, so it became my rule, for you, it was because you started with good intentions, and things took a turn for the worst….. You can have more than one rule too, it’s just another way of coping with abuse….. Sad thing is, those rules tend to be right…..”
Varian winced at that, “so good things are punished…..”
“Not all of them, practically none if you have the right people surrounding you. But you didn’t for a long time, so I’m not surprised that you kept on being proven right….. if I’m honest, I still think there are certain people you shouldn’t have in your life. But it’s your choice to make, not mine”
“I’m guessing the main person you have in mind is a princess?” Varian asked with a smirk
“You know me too well!”
The alchemist giggled before he let out a small sigh, “do you think it’s true?”
“Hm?”
“No good deed does unpunished….. Do think that’s true?”
“……Well….. me personally, no, because there are a lot of good deeds that you don’t get punished for doing, but I’m not really the one who needs to know that, that’s up to you to decide, do *you* still believe it?”
The alchemist thought about that for a moment or two before shaking his head, “not as much as I did before. I still think it’s true in certain circumstances, but not everything you do is gonna wind up hurting you, sometimes, you do good things, and good things come to you!”
Hugo smiled and hugged his fiancé, “I’m really proud of you Freckles, that’s a really hard thing to do”
Varian hugged Hugo back, and smiled, “I love you too Hugo, and thank you”
“Eh? For what? Being gorgeous and drop dead sexy?”
Varian laughed, “nohoho! Though you’re very good at that”, he added with a blush, “for being there for me, and for answering my questions, that was really sweet of you”
Hugo grinned, “anytime Freckles”, he replied, holding the alchemist’s hand again before he smirked, “was it good enough to get me a good boy kiss?”
Varian laughed before he kissed his fiancé on the lips, getting Hugo to blush as he returned it. They broke apart after a moment and smiled at each other, “that’s answer your question?”
“Hmmm…. It was a little unclear, I think I need another just to be sure”
The alchemist laughed as he hugged his fiancé again, “I love you”
“I love you too”, Hugo replied, hugging Varian back as they watched the fireworks together, hand in hand.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I saw Wicked in 3D last night, it was AMAZING!!!!!! It’s only part one, ends after ‘Defying Gravity’, but it made me wanna have a song from it inside this story
So this idea was born! :D It’s actually something that happens and honestly, I’m not sure what it’s called when you make rules to protect yourself, you could call it a coping mechanism, but I feel like there’s a better term for it
Either way, you can thank Wicked for this chapter, I hope you all see it! I’d love to discuss the movie if anyone’s willing, I made this chapter super long because I didn’t post yesterday due to the movie, sorry about that
I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Thank you for reading! 🎶❤️
Chapter 533: Rapunzel’s Question! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Rapunzel has a question for Varian specifically, but she wants to make it a special event!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel smiled wide as she stared at her hand, the newly placed ring on her finger made her grin widen as she let out an excited squee! She hopped out of bed, Eugene had already gotten up and was with Ethan and Stan outside, they were planning on heading back to the castle tomorrow night with Lance, but she had a mission first!
She got ready for the day and began to get her mission ready, painting up a storm, she ended up finishing majority of what she needed by the time she heard a tiny knock on the door to the guest bedroom she and Eugene shared. Smiling happily, she hid the projects she’d made and opened the door, “Varian, hi!” She exclaimed excitedly
“Hi, you’re extremely excited about burnt bacon and scrambled eggs”, the alchemist joked
Rapunzel giggled, “well, nothing says ‘good morning this is the Vanguard house!’ Then a good ol fashioned burnt bacon argument!”
“You’re not wrong, heh, ready?”
“Yup, I’m ready!”
“Great, let’s go! Oh and uh, congrats by the way”
The princess grinned happily, hugging Varian, “thank you!”
He giggled and hugged her back before they both broke the hug and walked down stairs and into the kitchen, “good morning fiancé~” Eugene greeted before kissing Rapunzel’s cheek
“Good morning fiancé!” Rapunzel replied, kissing him back
“Gross”, a voice stated, getting the couple to look and see Lance, Angry, and Catalina sitting at the table, the black haired girl’s nose wrinkled, “affection”
“Hello girls! And Lance”, Rapunzel stated happily
“Heya”, Lance replied with a smirk as Varian sat down next to him, getting Catalina to smile as she waved, he waved back cheerfully, “how are you two love birds doin?”
Rapunzel and Eugene looked at each other, not noticing the kitchen door open behind them as they blushed, “hate to break up the goo goo eyed romance, but can I get past you please?” They looked at saw Hugo standing behind them, “I’d like to sit next to my Freckles”
“Whoops! Sorry”, the princess stated before she backed up a bit with a giggle
“A-thank you, congrats by the way, I don’t know *what* you see in this guy”, the blond gestured to Eugene with a smirk, “but I hope you’re happy all the same”
“You know I could say the same to Varian about *you*”, the Dark Prince stated with a quirked brow and smirk of his own
“Well it wouldn’t make much sense since I’m near perfect by Varian’s own words, but you could *try*”
“I didn’t realize ‘perfect’ meant messy hair and discolored roots, then again, Rapunzel prefers ‘legendary’ over ‘near perfections’”
Hugo grinned as he faced the man, who snickered playfully, “buddy, you call yourself ‘legendary’, but all I can see are ‘legs’ and ‘dairy’”
“Coming from the lanky scarecrow who’s taking a break from the fields to mingle with actual humans instead of birds, I take that as a compliment”, Eugene rebutted
“Least my lanky ass can climb better and faster than you *Captain*”
“And at least my ‘legs’ and ‘dairy’ can help me lift ten times my weight without breaking my nail or panting for 5 minutes *farm boy*”
They stared at each other for a moment before they cracked up, confusing everyone except for Varian, “oh that was fucking fun!” Hugo exclaimed
“It really was! Damn I needed that!” Eugene agreed with a grin
“Seriously, congrats”
“Thanks, and same to you”
“Thanks! We’re both spoken for!”
“Yup! And I couldn’t be happier”
“Same!”
“Uh…. What just happened?” Lance asked as Rapunzel, Angry, and Catalina stared at the duo for a minute
Varian giggled, “so, they’ve been bickering for a long time, ever since they first met, yeah?” Everyone nodded, “well, Hugo noticed that when Hector and Adira bicker, they’ll some times sling silly insults and end up making each other laugh the bickering away, and turning it into a bonding experience. Apparently dad started that, so he and Eugene began doing it too, so long as the jokes don’t go too far, they’re calm!”
“Oooooooh”, everyone stated as the door to the kitchen opened again
“Dad!” Varian exclaimed
“Me!” Quirin replied with a chuckle, “I see we’ve got a lot of hungry people in front of the door”
Rapunzel and Eugene blushed before walking over to, and sitting at, the table, “sorry”, the princess stated
“It’s alright”, the retired knight replied as he walked inside, holding the door open as Adira, Hector, and Edmund walked through, “I had to step out anyway to find these three”
“Oh neat, strays!” Hugo joked
Hector snorted as Adira snickered and Edmund grinned, “can we keep em dad?” Varian asked
“Mmmm, maybe”, Quirin replied teasingly, Edmund gave him puppy dog eyes, “……that’s cheating”. Eugene laughed as the Village Leader walked over to the oven Varian had made and began to cook, “eggs and bacon coming up!”
“Correction, eggs and *burnt* bacon”, Varian teased
“You know I may just burn the eggs too”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“I would, can, and will in a second little sir”
“Evil jerkface”
“Bratty stinkbomb”
Varian giggled as Ruddigar, who was at the table, chittered happily before he began to smell something. Sniffing the air, he followed his nose, only to wind up in front of Rapunzel. He sniffed her curiously before looking up at her and chittering
The alchemist smiled, “looks like Ruddy smells something on you Punzel”, Varian stated
The princess grinned, “probably because of the magic trick”
“Magic trick?” The teen asking innocently
“Yup! Wanna see?” When the alchemist nodded, the princess got up, walked over to him, and showed him a letter. She then closed her hand around it before opening her hand and showing the teen that it was gone
“Woah! Where’d it go?!” Varian asked, getting Eugene, Hugo, and Lance to grin lovingly
“Well, it’s riiiiiight here!” Rapunzel stated before seemingly pulling the letter from the alchemist’s ear, “ta daaa!”
Varian gasped as his eyes lit up with excitement, “that’s so cool! How’d you do that!”
“Eugene taught me it”, she said with a chuckle, “and look, this letter’s addressed to you!”
Sure enough, the letter was blue with stars painted on it, and it had Varian’s name written in the middle, “seriously, how’d you *do* that?!”
“It’s a secret”
“Rapunzeeeeeeeel!” The princess giggled and hugged the alchemist happily, getting him to hug her back with a grin before they broke the hug and Varian opened the letter, “you, Hugo, and everyone else you care about, are cordially invited to the picnic hosted by Princess Rapunzel and Prince Eugene, today, November, 25th, at 1:30PM, for laughs, games, food, including a vegan option for animal loving tamers should they decide to attend”, Hector snorted at that, “and a special question that shall be asked during the festivities! It shall be held in the, newly cleaned, over the bridge area of the Vanguard farms, this shall be a private event, only offered to those who are the main addressee of this letter, or are cared about immensely by the main addressee of this letter!” He looked at the princess
Hugo smirked, “I get a mention?”
”Of course!”, the princess stated happily, “there’s a specific reason we asked for you and Varian together!”
”I get no invitation?”
”We have another one for you too kiddo”, Eugene stated, “but since you’re right here, and Varian read it out loud, it might’ve been a little repetitive to have you do the same. Though here”, he pulled out the invitation and handed it to the inventor, “you can definitely have it!”
Hugo accepted the invitation with a grin, “I feel special”
”Hee hee! So? Do you two wanna join?” Rapunzel asked with an excited grin
The alchemist looked at Hugo, who nodded after opening his invite, before the freckled teen wiggled happily and looked back at the princess, “yeah! That sounds like fun! Beetlejuice mentioned how he’s been clearing out Gothel’s old spells, I take it this means he’s finally done?”
“Yup! He’s in the attic, resting as we speak”, Rapunzel replied, “he said he’d join though!”
“Yay!!!! I’m excited! Over the bridge Picnic!”
“Over the bridge picnic!”
They giggled before Varian looked at the princess, “seriously though, how’d you do that magic trick?”
“It’s a secret that Eugene taught me, I’m surprised you’re so taken with it”
“Ah, well, it reminds me of some of the old magic tricks dad used to pull when I was a kid”
“Uh, Varian-!” Lance began
“A *younger* kid!”
“Heh”
The alchemist shook his head, while smirking, at Lance before he looked back at Rapunzel, “anyway, dad said he picked up sleight of hand tricks from his time on the streets! And he showed me some of them! I used to be so confused as to how he did it, until I did a little research, I’m not the best at it, however, there was *one* trick I could do!”
The alchemist brought out an old Coronan coin, he placed it in his left hand , closed both, and presented them to the princess, which hand has the coin?”
Rapunzel blinked before she pointed to his left hand, Varian opened it and revealed nothing there, “wait what?” Rapunzel grinned before pointing to the right hand, Varian opened it and revealed the coin, “how did you do that?!”
“That’s a secret dad taught me!”
“Variaaaaaaaaan!”
The alchemist laughed and hugged his big sister, who hugged him back as everyone smiled at the pair happily! Quirin finally finished cooking and everyone began eating as they began discussing slight of hand cheerfully!
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’d love to know what you all think the question is gonna be! :D I’ll give you a hint, it has to do with a certain proposal :3
Celestial siblings chapter!!!!!! Woot!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 534: Rapunzel’s Question! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Hugo and Varian get ready for the picnic, Rapunzel asks her question, and Quirin and Eugene have a moment!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group had finished their breakfast, Varian and Hugo had run down to the lab to do a little experimenting before the picnic! Both were excitedly chatting about it as they mixed different chemicals together, “what kind of food do you think there’ll be?” The alchemist asked as the potion he was working on bubbled before turning a bright green
“Well, I’m guessing favorites, pie, ham sandwiches, watermelon”, Hugo listed as he took notes while watching said potion
“Mmmmm, watermelon! Ya know how good that stuff is?” The freckled teen stated
“I do! Your dad grows the best fruit in all of Corona!”
“And you will be too someday don’t forget”, Varian said, “are you excited by that by the way? How’s the Village Leader training?”
“So far, so fun!” Hugo exclaimed, “I’m very excited to be the next Village Leader, and I’m definitely glad I’m getting trained for it now, there’s a lot of fucking *work* that goes into it!”
“Oh trust me, I know”, his fiancé agreed, “sometimes dad would come home and look so extremely tired that he’d practically fall asleep the moment he stepped through the door”
“I can imagine that, op!” The blond grinned when he saw the potion turn from emerald green to sky blue and wrote it down before looking at the freckled alchemist, “what do you think Rapunzel and Eugene need to ask us?”
“Well, I’m guessing it has something to do with their marriage”
“You think so?”
“Yeah, considering the proposal was yesterday, and Punzel said yes-!”
“Like she wouldn’t”, Hugo scoffed
“Hee hee, well either way, because of the quickness of this impromptu picnic, I’m guessing we’re going to be asked to do something during their wedding”
“You think they’ll want fireworks?”
“Yeah, but I don’t think they’ll ask us about that, seems as though what they wanna talk about is super important”
Hugo looked at the alchemist is mock offense, “how dare you! I’ll have you know Freckles, that fireworks are the *most* important part of a wedding!”
Varian snorted, “my goodness, apologies for the offensive statement, it wasn’t intended”
“I shall forgive you only if you give me something”
The alchemist giggled before his kissed Hugo on the lips gently and blushed, “that better?”
The blond smirked, also blushing, “yes”
“You’re such a brat”
“I’m aware, heh”, he noticed the potion turning a bright red and notated it down as he spoke, “so, if they don’t ask about fireworks, what do you think they’ll ask?”
“Hmmm…. Maybe for us to make something huge? Or possibly for us to be apart of the wedding?”
“What like, best men kinda deal?”
“Oh no, Lance is definitely the best man for them, that’s obvious. But maybe we’ll be…. I dunno, groomsmen?”
Hugo smiled, “I wouldn’t mind that, means I get to help Lance throw a killer bachelor party for Mister, ‘they just can’t get my nose right’! Which I’ll be more than happy to plan, heh”
“Hey, you be nice sir, Eugene’s a good bean”
“He is, he’s good people, he’s also a pain in my ass”
“You’re one to talk”
“Hey I *try* to be a pain in the ass”, Hugo stated with a snicker
“I can tell”, his fiancé replied with a smirk, “see, this is why your nickname is Heckles”
The blond laughed before he saw the bubble come to an end for the potion, he closed the notes and placed his goggles and gloves on before picking up the vial with the mixture and shaking it a touch. He waited for a few seconds, no reaction, with a nod, he corked the vial and placed it next to other, different colored, vials before notating their findings, “and…. Done! Rainbow vials are complete!”
“Thanks love”, Varian stated as he pulled out a box and began to, carefully, place vials inside, “I don’t think I’d be able to get this all done with an extra set of arms, legs, eyes, nose, mouth, and ass”
Hugo blinked before he looked at his lover, “you’re welco-! Wait, what’s my ass doing to help?”
“You’re a smart boy, figure it out”, Varian stated with a cheeky grin before he blushed even deeper and quickly walked away
Hugo laughed again, his own blush deepening, “and *I’m* the dirty one?”
“Shush! I said nothing!” He heard the timid teen call out from behind his hiding space
Ruddigar and Olivia, who were watching their boys together, snickered as the inventor grinned, “hey, if you’re gonna use your noodle for flirty jokes that make you anxious, ya may wanna use it to distract your anxiety, because we’ve got a couple more hours down here”
Varian huffed playfully as he walked back over, the box holding the vials had been carefully put away, “fine, I’ll just use my noodle to think of something else then!”
The blond snickered, “I mean, if my ass is really that distracting-!”
“Stop!” Varian squeaked
“You’re the one who said it!”
“I regret it now ya butt head!”
“Butt head, hm”
“HUGO!”
The bespeckled teen cackled, so much so that his sides cramped before he managed to calm himself down, “heheh, h-how about you just think of rhymes, Lance said that helps with anxiety, even if it was brought on by your own damn flirting”
“Know what? I *will* rhyme things, and I’ll rhyme things with-!”
“Ass?”
“PGBYIB-NUUUU! Noodle! Because it’s on the complete opposite end of the body!”
“And because I said it”
“I refuse to respond to that assumption”
Hugo giggled, “oki, you do that, let me know what you come up with”
“I will!”
The inventor watched his fiancé begin to think of rhymes as he continued to work before his own thoughts began to wander. He continued to stare at the teen with a small smile on his face, one that Varian couldn’t see, *so much has changed….* He thought to himself, *I used to be so fucking afraid of things like this, relationships, friends, people, but now….. heh, that all seems like a distant memory*
He sighed before memories began to play in his mind, those awful things that’d happened to him when he was small, all the pain and fear he used to feel on a daily basis, all of it, had began to fade away, as Hugo began to sing:
‘For a moment,
Life doesn't seem quite so bad’
He smiled as he looked at Varian, who had began to busy himself, mumbling about words rhyming with noodle still as he did so
‘For a moment,
I kind of forgot to be sad’
The blond looked around the lab he was in, the memories in his mind being replaced by ones with Varian in them, the alchemist smiling and laughing in each one as Hugo watched them swirl around him,
‘He turns night to day!’
An image of Cyrus flashed in one of those memories, startling him for a moment,
‘But don't get carried away,
Never let down your guard….
Let them into your heart for a moment…..
Not for a moment….’
He felt his breath hitch a bit before hands touched his, suddenly he was facing Varian, who looked concerned, “are you alright? You looked…. so nervous….”
“I…. S-sorry, I got lost in some bad thoughts….” Hugo replied
Varian was quiet for a moment or two before he placed a gentle hand on Hugo’s cheek, “it’s gonna be okay, I get those small flashes too, they make me feel unsafe too, but you always snap me out of them, so I’ll do the same. You’re safe love, always”
The blond blinked before he smiled and nodded, “t-thanks Freckles”
The alchemist nodded before his eyes lit up with excitement, “hey! I thought of a few rhymes that go with noodle! Listen to this!” He exclaimed before he began to sing joyfully, taking Hugo’s hands in his and dancing around the lab happily as he did:
‘Noodle, noodle, apple strudel!
Some people don't and some people doodle!’
Hugo laughed as he danced along,
‘Snakes, flamingos, bears, and poodles!
Singing this song will improve your mood-le!’
“It did!” Hugo confirmed, getting Varian to grin as they continued to dance while the alchemist sang,
‘Noodle-dee-dee, noodle-dee-dum!
We're having oodles and oodles of fun!’
Then the freckled teen’s magic ignited and surrounded them as they danced around the lab together, laughing and spinning as they flew into the air, memories of them being together shined brightly around them as they both sang together:
‘Hugo: For a moment! (Varian: noodle, noodle, apple strudel)
My life has turned upside-down! (some people don't and some people doodle)
For a moment! (snakes, flamingos, bears, and poodles)
I can't keep my feet on the ground! (singing this song will improve your mood-le)
He's the one good thing! (noodle-dee-dee, noodle-dee-dum)
That's ever happened to me! (we're having oodles and oodles of fun!)’
They landed back on the floor before their dance slowed down until they stopped, touching foreheads together gently before sharing a kiss. Pulling apart and hugging each other before Hugo sang the final notes:
‘For a moment,
Life doesn't seem quite so bad!
And for a moment,
I kind of forgot to be sad!’
They continued to hug each other for a while before finally breaking the hug, “feel better?” Varian asked
“Much, thanks, guess anxiety is contagious”
“Must be, either that or it jumped to you because it was *you* who *made* me anxious”
“Hold on a sec, *I* did not make you anxious, *you* made yourself anxious by flirting with *me*”
“True, so it’s your fault”
“Wha-ok *now* look who’s being a butt head!”
Varian giggled before kissing his fiancé on the cheek, “I’m just teasing, don’t worry, heh, how about we continue working on the potions, yeah?”
“Fine”, Hugo agreed, “but if you start flirting with me again, I’m telling Quirin”
Varian laughed at that as he and Hugo continued working together
****
The two scientists joined the rest of the group outside a few moments later, hand in hand as they did crossed the bridge, there were tables and chairs set up, plenty of food for all to enjoy, including some vegan options for Hector, who did join, Beetlejuice flew over to Hugo and Varian and began to chat with the two, cracking jokes and playing with them before Rapunzel called for everyone’s attention, “excuse me, I hate to interrupt the fun! But, I wanna start this out right by revealing why the impromptu picnic”, she admitted
Eugene snickered as everyone turned to face her, giving her their full attention
She grinned, “thanks everyone! So, you’re all aware that Eugene proposed to me yesterday, and I said yes! You all also know that we’ve been trying to do this for years, so we’ve been planning our wedding for quite sometime! That being said, we already know who we want to be in the wedding, which is why we’re all here! We have some very important questions for a few people, two of them are here today! Varian and Hugo!”
Both teens blushed and smiled as the attention was drawn to them, Quirin wrapped his arms around them, trying to give some comfort to the duo
“Eheh, sorry, um…. *ahem*, there’s another special guest we didn’t mention yet, because we wanted to keep it a secret for a very important reason, we’ve already got a best man in mind, Eugene”
She nodded to her lover, he nodded back before he pulled out a small box, turned to face Lance, then bent to one knee, getting the former thief to gasp and cup his hands over his mouth, “Lance, you’ve been with me through thick and thin, been my right hand man since, basically, birth, and have been a thorn in my side, but also the best friend anyone could ever ask for, I would not be here if it weren’t for you, and neither would Rapunzel, so I can think of no one better to ask, will you be our best man?”
He opened the box to reveal a very fancy looking cupcake with a ruby jeweled, golden, ring on top, replacing any cherry that would normally be on there. It sparkled as Lance fanned his face, tears coming to his eyes, “oh my gosh! I can’t believe this is really happening! This is the happiest day of my LIFE! YES! I do! I will be your best man!” He exclaimed
Eugene stood up and plucked the ring off the cupcake, placing it on Lance’s pointer finger, perfect fit, and getting a big ol’ bear hug from the former thief! Catalina and Angry laughing happily as the rest of the group cheered for the two as the Dark Prince returned the hug
They all shared the moment, congratulating the former thief, making N him blush as he showed off the ring proudly, once the group had calmed down a little, Rapunzel spoke again, “hee hee, thank you Lance, we’re really glad to have you as the best man!”
“I couldn’t be more honored! And I’m gonna throw one *hell* of a bachelor party!” Lance exclaimed
“I know ya will bud”, Eugene stated with a smile, getting Lance to grin
The princess giggled, “so, they other questions we have, are for you Varian and Hugo, we sent out the invites to your two specifically because, initially, we were gonna surprise you both like we did Lance, but then we thought about that a little more, and realized we’d be giving you two *way* too much anxiety”
Both teens smiled at that, “thank you”, Varian said
“You’re welcome, though, I’m sorry for the small amount of anxiety I just gave you earlier, my bad”, the two scientists giggled as Rapunzel blushed before she continued, “so, this may seem a little non-traditional, however…. Me and Eugene…. We’re not traditional people, we want to have all of our friends present! We want everyone to be apart of our wedding that helped us through so many hard times in our lives! And you two have done that in spades! We want you two to be apart of the wedding and planning and everything! But we can’t do that with the traditional roles of, ‘one best man, one maid of honor, groomsmen, bridesmaids, one flower girl, etc’. So we’re changing it, I’m not gonna have a ‘maid of honor’, and Eugene, while he has a best man, isn’t gonna stick to tradition either!” She smiled
“Varian”, Eugene began, “when I met you, you were a tiny, 14 year old, alchemical, Flynn rider fan! My initial thoughts were that you were trying to help Rapunzel keep things from me, I won’t lie, I didn’t trust you at first, especially after the water tanks exploded”, the alchemist blushed at that, “but you became one of the best people I have ever had the honor of meeting! You helped me when I needed you, geeked out with me over Flynn Rider, best one my best friends and the best little brother in the universe! And you went through so much and still did nothing but good, I couldn’t be more proud of the man you became over the years I’ve known you! If Lance weren’t around, you’d genuinely be my best friend, sincerely, you and he mean so damn much to me!”
Varian teared up at that, before Rapunzel spoke next, “Hugo, the first time I met *you*, you were trying to find a tea kettle that turned people into birds. You were sassy and sarcastic, and I didn’t trust you at all because of that. But then you helped Varian, not only by saving his life when he almost turned fully bird, but you helped him smile for the first time in *months*! You protected him, and is by proxy, from Donella, Cyrus, the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr, and even though you had to fight the hardest battle of your *life* against someone who you thought of as a parent, you defense us, you protected everyone, your braver and kindness, cunning and sass, and willingness to help those in need, even when you knew very little about them, opened my eyes and showed me how small things could effect a person! Hugo, you *changed* me, and not only that, but I can’t think of a best person to be with my little brother than you, you are, by far, one of the bravest, strongest, and most amazing people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting!”
Hugo was shocked and began to tear up as well, “that’s why me as Blondie aren’t sticking to tradition”, Eugene stated, “Max and Pascal are gonna be the ring bearers, Lance is my best man, Catalina and Angry are our two flower girls, we already asked them and they happily said yes”, the Dark Prince stated with a smirk, “now, all we need, is you two”
“Hugo”, Rapunzel began, “will you be my inventor of honor?” She asked, pulling out a small box and opening it, showing a emerald jeweled, silver gold, bracelet, with specks of blue shining throughout it
“Varian”, Eugene added, “Will you be my right hand alchemist?” He asked, pulling out a small box and opening it, showing a sapphire jeweled, silver gold, bracelet, with specks of green shining throughout it
“The inventor of honor and right hand alchemist are new roles we’ve come up with for the wedding, you both get to help the best man, Lance, plan the bridal shower and bachelor party, and you’ll all three be with us throughout the wedding, but you two get to handle fireworks and technical stuff, while Lance helps us handle the cake and food! You’ll all get special places to sit during the wedding and reception, and you’ll get to have a blast with everyone and be apart of the entire process!” Rapunzel stated, “just like how you’ve both been there for us during the hardest times in our lives, we want you to celebrate our joining together, front and center, so everyone can see how much you both mean to us! Also, Hugo, you’re allowed to wear a dress if you wish! Varian you are too if you want!”
“Also, there’s gonna be a special dance for you two, call the scientist dance, where you two get to start it off together”, Eugene stated, “because you two deserve to celebrate your relationship too! And we want everyone to know that we accept you both for who you are!”
The two scientists were startled before they looked at each other, they smiled wide, teary eyed, before they turned to the prince and princess, “yes!” They exclaimed at the same time, getting everyone to cheer as they allowed Eugene and Rapunzel to place the bracelets on their wrists! They hugged everyone there, showed off their bracelets, just as Lance had done, and celebrated together as one big, happy, family!
****
Hours passed, and things settled down, everyone was worn out by the day’s events, they’d all been put to bed save for Quirin, for was reading in his chair next the the fireplace, he was smiling happily as he thought about ideas for both of his son’s wedding outfits, before he heard a small noise, looking up, he grinned, “Eugene”, he said softly, getting the man to peak out from around the corner he was hiding behind, “hello, is everything alright?”
“Y-yeah! Everything’s good, I just…. Eheh, sorry, didn’t wanna interrupt you”
“I’m only reading a book, did you need to talk?”
“Well….. I…. Don’t know….”
“You don’t know? Sounds serious”
The Dark Prince blushed and chuckled as he walked into the living room and sat in the arm chair across from Quirin, “I don’t know about ‘serious’ but…. Heh…. Well….” He looked at the man, “see, I have a conundrum”
“Oh my”
“Yeah, see…..” he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, “I…. Have a conflicting feeling about…. A particular dance….. The daddy daughter dance to be precise”
Quirin blinked before raising a brow, “king Edmund’s more than happy to dance with Rapunzel, in fact, he’s been practicing his Walt just for the occasion”
“Oh I know, I’ve seen him, he’s shown me his moves, very graceful”
“Extremely”
Eugene chuckled, “but see…. Here’s the issue…. I kinda have…. Two dads…. And I’m not sure how to have both dance with Blondie”
“…..Two? Who’s the other dad?” Quirin asked
Eugene smirked, “well….. you”, this made the retired knight pause, “see, you didn’t know I was the dark prince when I first met you, yet you let me hangout with your kid, me and Lance both, when we messed up, you forgave us and allowed us to stay in your home several times before you knew I was the long lost prince of your kingdom…… After you did, you protected me more, helped me even when I was having some rough times with Rapunzel, hung out with me, joked with me, treated me….. like I was your kid too…. Like we were family….. Ever since you started doing that, I’ve always thought of you as my ‘officially unofficial’ dad. When Edmund was unsure of what to do, you’d step in and help, I mean hell, he looked to *you* for any and all parenting advice with me! Maybe you’re not technically related by blood, but I kinda…. Adopted you…. As my dad too….. But there’s only *one* daddy daughter dance, which, as we’ve just said, we’ve seen Edmund preparing for. And I don’t know how that’s gonna work with two dads….. hence the conundrum”
Quirin was startled, before he smiled lovingly at the Dark Prince, he sniffled a little before shaking his head, trying to clear his mind so he could help, “w-well, um, *a-hem*, let’s see…. We could…. Have both of us dance at the same time, first half could go to King Edmund and Rapunzel, the last half could go to m-me…. Or, I don’t mind being on the side while King Edmund has his moment with her”
“I don’t wanna leave you out though, that’s the thing! I want everyone to know that you’re my dad too! That I love you like a dad, and no one will mistake you for being anything less!”
Another sniffle escaped the Village Leader, but he held in his tears for a little longer as he spoke, “h-how about we um…. Oh! I know, how about this, King Edmund can walk Rapunzel down the aisle, and dance with her, and I can give the dad toast during reception”
Eugene nodded, “the dad speech would work, but I want you to do something else as well, something that shows you’re just as important to us as Edmund….. Hmmm…. Wait! I think I have an idea!” He dug inside his pocket before he pulled two things out and handed them to Quirin, the Village Leader looking, his eyes widening when he saw two wedding rings in his hand, “Max and Pascal are gonna present the rings to us, but I trust no other man to keep them safe, then you, you can hand them to Max and Pascal during the wedding, and stand beside Varian and Hugo during while we say our vows! That ways you’re apart of it too! Would…. You be willing to do that?”
Quirin was startled, before he smiled, the tears finally escaping as he looked at Eugene and nodded, “absolutely”
The Captain of the guards grinned happily at the man, “thank you Quirin! Sincerely, for everything, I…. Don’t know how I could’ve gotten through all I did without you here either…. And I wanna be sure you know that”
Without thinking, Quirin wrapped his arms around Eugene and hugged him tight, the Dark Prince returned the hug, smiling happily, as the two continued to embrace each other happily, smiles on their faces even as they let go and continued to discuss the wedding, both for Eugene and Rapunzel, and Varian and Hugo!
Notes:
Hello! :D
“For a Moment’, from Wonka, the movie bout Willy Wonka’s origin story! A seriously hidden gem! It’s a musical movie and I love it so freaking much!!!!!
So the question happened! :D Two of them, technically. Plus some Varigo flirting, and Lance being given some recognition for being a king!!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 535: Cyrus!
Summary:
The group gets called back to the castle, including Beetlejuice!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group was quiet as they rode in the caravan, an awkward silence filling the air as they tried to ignore the extra caravan that’d come to their house that day. The one with bars….
Rapunzel hadn’t been too keen to see it, she knew what it meant, and even though she respected it, she couldn’t watch the person it was designed for step inside. The princess, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, and Angry were heading back to the castle that day to begin with, wanting to tell the Queen about the princess and Dark prince’s engagement, but everyone was surprised when a letter, summoning Edmund, Hector, Adira, Hugo, Quirin, Varian, and surprisingly, Beetlejuice, to the capital, had been handed to them after the extra caravan was closed
So there they sat, silent and pondering over what they could possibly be called for. None of them were sure, the letter hadn’t specified, however, it seemed rather urgent. Hugo sighed as he gave Olivia a gentle scratch on the head, “well this is sufficiently awkward”, he stated bluntly, “anyone wanna share feelings? We’ve got the group therapist here”, he added, gesturing to Lance
Varian snorted and smirked at his fiancé as Rapunzel spoke up, “I think everyone’s just a little anxious about why you were all called to the castle”
“We could talk about theories”, the inventor offered, “like, maybe the Queen already knows about your engagement and is gonna ask all of us to help!”
“That is a nice thought”, the alchemist replied, “but, I have a weird feeling it isn’t that”
“What do you think it is Freckles?”
“…..Not to make you anxious love…. But I think it’s about Cyrus…..”
Hugo froze before he grew a touch defensive, “w-what makes you think that?”
Varian gave his fiancé a sympathetic look, “sorry, but why else would she call us all here, the caravan behind us has reinforced steel on it, when I did the tests between iron and steel, steel won for its durability and thermal conductivity”, when he got confused looks he chuckled, “it’s really strong and can get really hot really fast, which is good in Corona. Originally, the bars on that particular caravan were iron, I should know, I’ve ridden in it before…. But they redid the entire thing with steel, making it much harder to break out of no matter who’s watching it. Cyrus broke out of his, iron barred, cell the last time he was in the dungeons….. Plus, with the way she wrote it in the letter….. Not to sound rude, but if she knew about the engagement, surely she would’ve said ‘congratulations’ or something along those lines. But no, she said she needed to see all of us urgently…. She even asked for Beetlejuice, which either means there’s a ghost, or it’s Cyrus…..”
“Or she’s being entirely too urgent and is trying to prank everyone into thinking she doesn’t know about the engagement so she can surprise everybody when she begins to laugh?” The blond asked hopefully, “maybe?”
Varian wrapped an arm around his lover, “I hope that’s the case, for your sake”
Hugo leaned against the freckled teen, his eyes looking at the floor, “Hugo”, he heard Rapunzel say, “if…. If it is about Cyrus….. are you going to be okay?”
The blond laughed bitterly, getting Beetlejuice to raise a concerned brow, “would you believe me if I said yes?” He asked sadly, before sniffling a little and shaking his head, “I don’t want to see him….. I already have trouble walking past his frozen body whenever we fucking come here…. If….. if she asks him to be freed, I won’t run away, I’ll fucking fight him if I must, but….. Ya know, hyping yourself up is so much easier to do when you pretend like you don’t actually have to face what you’re hyping yourself up for!” He admitted with scoff, “shows how fucking brave I can be….”
“Hey, don’t do that”, Varian stated, “Cyrus *abused* you Hugo, he made your life a living *nightmare* for *years*, then scared the shit out of you when Donella was arrested and he escaped. Trust me love, the way you feel right now and what you’ve just said is completely okay, *none* of us are judging you for it”
“Still….”
“No, no “still”, look, when I faced Andrew and Casandra’s father, it took me *years* to finally gain enough courage to tell them off, even longer to get them to leave me be. During her trial, I could barely look Cassandra in the eye, when I did, it was forced and I nearly looked away. And her *father*, listen, had Beetlejuice not been there and he not attacked *you* love, I would’ve curled up again and fell to the floor….. Andrew too…. I only was able to speak up because I literally could do nothing else *but* talk, and while everything I told him was true, I was still scared, pardon my language here dad for I feel it is appropriate here, shitless”
Quirin snorted, “I’ll allow it, especially given the circumstances”
Varian smiled at his father before he looked back at Hugo, “heck, you could talk to anyone in this caravan, and they’d tell you that they also felt that same amount of fear that you do now when facing someone that’d hurt them in the past”
“Yup”, Eugene stated
“It’s true”, Lance added
“Right!” Rapunzel agreed
“Mm-hm”, Quirin nodded
“Definitely”, Edmund exclaimed
“I hate it, but it’s fucking true”, Hector grumbled
“Yup, me and Cat both!” Angry replied, getting her sister to nod
“Indeed”, Adira said quietly, “I’m…. Actually feeling the same way, so….”
Hugo looked at the face painted warrior before he gave her a sympathetic look, “I’m sorry Adira….”
“It’s not your fault, ponytail”, she responded with a small, sad, smile, “he hurt me too, in ways I’d rather not get into, I fought him off once, I can do it again, but that doesn’t stop that nagging fear from creeping into the back of your mind, it’s rather annoying if I’m honest….”
“You ain’t kidding….” The inventor agreed
“If nothing else, the fact that we’re not alone during this, is what’s making things a bit easier for me, maybe it’ll do the same for you?”
Hugo looked around and saw everyone giving him encouraging looks, he chuckled and blushed, “yeah, it kinda does, thank you, to everyone”
****
The group’s spirits lifted a little after that, and they began discussing the wedding for Eugene and Rapunzel and for Varian and Hugo, each having some great ideas for both, before he caravan’s stopped, the driver giving a quick, “we’re here!” To the group
Everyone hopped out, only to freeze when they saw where they were, Cassandra gasping as she stepped out as well, there, right in front of them, was Cyrus…. His body was still frozen in amber, the final stare he gave to the world was that of fear and pain as his hand seemed to be reaching out for help, going to someone, *anyone* that passed by. A few villagers had apparently taken it upon themselves to throw food at him, the stains were still on the amber. The inventor shuddered as Varian held his hand tight. The Queen walking over to the group, “hello”, she said softly, “I’m so sorry to call you all here of all places, but…. I’ve…. Been having some concerns with…. Well him….” She gestured to Cyrus
“Has he started to come out?” Hector asked
“No, but…. Villagers complain about him being here…. They say they have to shield their children’s eyes whenever they pass by him, because their kids ask who he is and why he’s here. We’ve tried moving him, but that amber remains unbreakable…..”
“Just like last time…..” Quirin whispered, wrapping his arms around Varian and Hugo defensively as he shuddered slightly, gently pulling them away from the amber
Arianna noticed and gave him an apologetic look before she looked at Cassandra, “you will be guided back to the castle after this is done, your father’s been fine, but he wants to see you soon. The caravan is going to transport Cyrus, so you’ll have to go by foot the rest of the way, guards will be with you”
“I understand”, the former lady in waiting replied, “considering it’s right in front of the castle, I won’t fight you on this, actually, I appreciate you allowing me not to ride in the same caravan as him…. *Greatly* appreciate that”
Arianna nodded before she looked back at the group, Varian in particular, “I hate to ask this, sincerely, but if there’s a way you could, at least, get rid of the amber at the bottom, so we can move him without releasing him, should that be a concern, we’d be more than will to do that. I don’t want to push anything on you, but you’re really the only one capable of making that happen now….”
Varian looked at the Queen before sighing, “you’re not wrong, but…. As much as I wish I could, I don’t think I can remove only the bottom part…. I can control the decay incantation, but it decays *all* of what I’m touching, not just one part…. If I trained hard enough, maybe I could stop it before fully releasing Cyrus, but…. That would take a while….. I’m guessing time isn’t something we have right now?”
Arianna sighed but nodded sadly, “I’m so sorry, but no, we don’t…. The people of Corona are in a state of unrest because he’s just been sitting in the open…. Their worries are that he’ll break out, children have nightmares about him, it’s causing civil anxiety…. As much as I absolutely *hate* to ask you to do this, and I *sincerely* do, my hands are tied…. We’ve tried everything on our end to remove him without fear of release, but…. To no avail….”
Varian nodded, “I understand, I don’t blame you for this, you’re just doing your duty to help Corona, if he’s causing issues by being here, then he needs to be removed, and if you’ve really tried everything, which I can see you have, given all the marks on the a-a-a-amber….” Quirin looked at his son, kissing the top of his head and nuzzling him gently, claiming him down a little, “…..thank you dad”, he stated gratefully before looking back at the Queen, “…..then I can definitely see why your hands are tied…. But, I have to ask, what will happen when he’s released?”
“He’ll be captured and placed into the caravan immediately, I’m certain you’ve noticed the reinforced steel”
“I did”
“It’s to keep him inside, there’s been an upgrade to the holding cells as well, they’re steel now too. There’s less of chance for him to break out, *many* guards will be watching him, and have already been assigned to do so, we’ve arranged emergency drills just in case he *somehow* manages to escape, and we’ve even developed a daily schedule that will leave Cyrus exhausted up to the date of his trial, where he will be sentenced. We have steel handcuffs and ankle cuffs, and the trial will be held in the dungeons so there’s no chance of escape during transport. We are taking every precaution possible to ensure that he will not escape, and should be do so, he’ll be recaptured effective immediately”
“Have you talked about any of the drills *in front of* the amber?” Quirin asked
“No, we’ve discussed any and all plans to keep him locked up away from him, out of earshot and eyesight, I remember you mentioning that you could hear what was being said to you in the amber, and took that into consideration. He only knows that everything is steel now, and he’s just found out because I said it just now”, she stated, “I will not make the same mistakes, not ever again”
Quirin nodded, smiling at the Queen, “thank you”
“No, thank *you*, you and your family have been crucial in developing *all* of this! Without *any* of you, we would have nothing to help us handle a, very *dangerous*, threat like Cyrus, sincerely, thank you. I wish I didn’t have to ask for anymore help but….”
“There’s honestly nothing else you’re able to do regarding this, it’s okay”, Varian said softly, “we understand”, he then stepped forwards and looked at his family, particularly Hugo and Adira, “are you ready?”
The inventor and face painted warrior looked at each other, both sharing a similar expression, before they looked back at the teen, “as we’ll ever be”, Hugo responded as Adira nodded
Varian accepted that before he looked at Arianna, “I…. Have to warn you…. I may lose my temper when he comes out….”
“Unless I see you start to hit him, I won’t stop you”, she stated, getting the alchemist to look at her, “he’s harmed almost everyone I care about, and he’s par of the reason my husband is gone…. I’ll take over if it seems as though you’re about to harm him in any way, but you can yell and scream all you wish. Somehow, I think you’re the only one he’s gonna listen to”
“She isn’t wrong Freckles”, Hugo said, “out of everyone here, you show him that you’ve got power, he’ll shut up and listen to it”
“Noted”, Varian said, “I won’t abuse him…. I don’t want to…. Not like I did with Gothel…. But if I have to, I’ll make him listen….”
“You can do it son”, Quirin assured gently, “we all trust you”
Varian smiled lovingly at his father before he faced the amber holding Cyrus. He felt all the memories of this man flood back into his mind before taking a few deep breaths and letting them go. He steeled his nerves, touched the amber, and began to sing:
‘Power of the moon,
Beneath your darkened glow,
Let your aura reach,
Let my magic flow…’
His hair, freckles, and eyes began to glow, his hair lifting and waving as if he were underwater, he opened his eyes, they were completely black, startling Arianna a little as he continued to sing:
‘Wither and decay….
End this destiny….’
The amber began to melt, slowly releasing its prisoner as Varian continued:
‘Break these earthly chains….
And set the spirit free….
The spirit free….’
The magic swept through the amber, weaving in and out of it like it was a dolphin diving in and out of the water. The alchemist waited, focusing on the amber until he felt nothing beneath his fingers, and heard the all too familiar thump of a body landing on the ground. He pulled his hands back, closed his eyes, stopped singing, and everything was back to normal….
“Ugh….” Someone groaned, coughing a little before there was a few moments of silence, then he spoke, “…..H….. H-Hu….. Hugo?……”
Varian opened his eyes and saw the man in front of him. He was on the ground, he looked weak and shaking, and he was staring at the inventor behind the alchemist, the one who’d grown paler than a ghost as he stared right back at him, “C-Cyrus…..” Hugo replied, not able to stop the stutter
Varian stomped his foot on the ground, getting the man’s attention, “you look at *me*, not him”, he stated darkly, his eyes glowing bright as he glared at the man, “lest you find out what I *really* wanna do to you….”
Cyrus blinked before he seemed to recognize the alchemist, he coughed again before sighing, “Varian….”
“Me”, Varian said coldly
“Ugh….. how long have I been in that fucking thing?”
“Months”, the alchemist stated, “3 to be exact”
“Wait…. You left me in there….” Cyrus began as he started to stand, glaring daggers at Hugo and growing loud, “FOR THREE FUCKING *MONTHS*?!”
“YOU’D BETTER WATCH YOUR *DAMN* PLACE BEFORE I SHOW IT TO YOU MYSELF *ASSHOLE*!” Varian yelled, immediately flying up, and in the face, of Cyrus, getting eye level with him and startling the man, “you have NO power here! You do NOT get to speak to him that way! And if I so much as THINK you’ll do anything of the sort, then you’ll have a one way ticket to MY FUCKING FIST!” He yelled, his voice echoing around the group and getting Cyrus to step back, “it is by MY good graces that I set you free, and I’ll be DAMNED if you start it off by yelling at Hugo!”
The mercenary fell back onto the floor, looking up at the teen, who was still floating over him, “shit…. You…. How did you get *more* power….”
“Doesn’t matter, all that you need to be concerned about is what you’re doing next. You’re going into a caravan and being taken to the dungeons, you’ll await your trial and be sentenced, and you’ll serve your punishment with a damn *smile* on your face and a *skip* in your step, do I make myself *perfectly* clear…..”
The alchemist was *centimeters* from Cyrus’s face, getting the murderer to sweat before he finally spoke, “…..c-Crystal….”
“Good…. Now stand up, get handcuffed, and step in the damn caravan….”
Cyrus stood up, and allowed himself to be handcuffed, but he didn’t move. Varian’s glare deepened, but still the man didn’t budge, instead he stared at someone else, “you brought that bitch?” He asked
Adira winced, “I said, *step* into the caravan”, Varian stated, standing in front of his aunt
The man scoffed as he began to walk over to the caravan that’d held Cassandra previously. He stopped right at the entrance and grinned wickedly at the face painted warrior, “good to see you again, ya fucking skan-AH!” He began to say before he was suddenly tackled and slammed into the Caravan bars
One black rock blade was at his throat as he looked and saw *piercing* yellow eyes glaring back at him, “the *fuck* were you just about to say?!” Hector snapped, “you wanna try repeating that while I *break you FUCKING ARMS AND SLICE OUT YOUR TONGUE*?!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
The group is called back for a certain someone! Also, Arianna’s doing better y’all!!!! She’s actively doing something to help her kingdom and Varian and his family as well!!!!!!
She’s growing and I’m Ferb proud of her!!!!! I love Arianna ❤️😊🎶
Guess who’s back….. nobody’s happy about it
Hector going full on brother mode here! I love Hector so freaking much! :D
Varian’s being assertive while comforting and protecting his Hugo! And Hugo’s being brave! Don’t worry, he and Adria will have bigger roles in this soon :D as will a certain demon, who’s not liking what’s going on right now
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 536: Cyrus’s Fate!
Summary:
Beetlejuice finds out what Cyrus has done, and decides he’s gonna do something about it!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Ugh….” Someone groaned, coughing a little before there was a few moments of silence, then he spoke, “…..H….. H-Hu….. Hugo?……”
Varian opened his eyes and saw the man in front of him. He was on the ground, he looked weak and was shaking, he was staring at the inventor behind the alchemist, the one who’d grown paler than a ghost as he stared right back at him, “C-Cyrus…..” Hugo replied, not able to stop the stutter
Varian stomped his foot on the ground, getting the man’s attention, “you look at *me*, not him”, he stated darkly, his eyes glowing bright as he glared at the man, “lest you find out what I *really* wanna do to you….”
Cyrus blinked before he seemed to recognize the alchemist, he coughed again before growling, “Varian….”
“Me”, Varian said coldly
“Ugh….. how long have I been in that fucking thing?”
“Months”, the alchemist stated, “3 to be exact”
“Wait…. *You* left me in there….” Cyrus began as he started to stand, glaring *daggers* at Hugo and growing loud, “FOR THREE FUCKING *MONTHS*?!”
“YOU’D BETTER WATCH YOUR *DAMN* PLACE BEFORE I SHOW IT TO YOU MYSELF *ASSHOLE*!” Varian yelled, immediately flying up, and in the face of, Cyrus, getting eye level with him and startling the man, “you have NO power here! You do NOT get to speak to him that way! And if I so much as THINK you’ll do anything of the sort, you’ll have a one way ticket to MY FUCKING *FIST*!” He yelled, his voice echoing around the group and getting Cyrus to step back, “it is by MY good graces that I set you free, and I’ll be DAMNED if you start it off by yelling at Hugo!”
The mercenary fell back onto the floor, looking up at the teen, who was still floating over him, “shit…. You…. How did you get *more* power….”
“Doesn’t matter, all that you need to be concerned about is what you’re doing next. You’re going into a caravan and being taken to the dungeons, you’ll await your trial and be sentenced, and you’ll serve your punishment with a damn *smile* on your face and a *skip* in your step, do I make myself *perfectly* clear…..”
The alchemist was *centimeters* from Cyrus’s face, getting the murderer to sweat before he finally spoke, “…..c-Crystal….”
“Good…. Now stand up, get handcuffed, and step in the damn caravan….”
Cyrus stood up, and allowed himself to be handcuffed, but he didn’t move. Varian’s glare deepened, but still the man didn’t budge, instead he stared at someone else, “you brought that bitch?” He asked
Adira winced, “I said, *step* into the caravan”, Varian stated, standing in front of his aunt
The man scoffed as he began to walk over to the caravan that’d held Cassandra previously. He stopped right at the entrance and grinned wickedly at the face painted warrior, “good to see you again, ya fucking skan-AH!” He began to say before he was suddenly tackled and slammed into the Caravan bars
One black rock blade was at his throat as he looked and saw *piercing* yellow eyes glaring back at him, “the *fuck* were you just about to say?!” Hector snapped, “you wanna try repeating that while I *break you FUCKING ARMS AND SLICE OUT YOUR FILTHY TONGUE*?!”
Cyrus grunted before he looked at the guards that were next to him, “WHY AIN’T YOU TWO DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ASSHOLE?!”
“Because you need to learn how to keep your damn mouth *shut*”, Varian stated as calmly as he could despite his rising anger. He got into Cyrus’s eyesight, “this isn’t the treatment you had before, you aren’t a guest in Corona, you’re a *threat*. One that’s caused *too* much damage to be treated as kindly as you were….. You mouth off, you’re gonna get punched, you hit someone, You’re gonna get beaten. You kill or torture someone, Guess who gets to handle you…..”
Hector grinned as his grip tightened, making Cyrus yelp a little, “this is fucking *abuse*!”
Varian laughed at that, startling the man before the alchemist stopped and quirked a brow, “you’re serious?! Are you fucking *kidding* me?!” He walked over to the man, gesturing, politely, for Hector to lessen his grip a little, which the tamer complied, albeit unhappily, as the alchemist spoke, “so you’re claiming abuse, ok, right, sure, then let’s talk about Hugo for a second”
Cyrus’s eyes widened, “we ain’t talking about hi-!”
“Oh and why not Cyrus? Huh? Is it because you *abused* him maybe?” Varian asked, “is it because if I bring him up then suddenly your punishment *pales* in comparison to what you’ve done to him?! Is *that* the reason?! Ok ok, fine, then how about another one of your victims hm? *Adira* perhaps?! Maybe we wanna talk about *her*?!” Cyrus glared at the alchemist, “oh what’s the matter? Am I not *supposed* to bring them up?” Varian asked in mock sympathy, “does it hurt your wittle feewings when I do? Does it make you feel *bad* about what you’ve done? You know, even though you *reveled* in it before and cherished every last second of hearing them cry out in pain or whimper underneath your grasp? Does it hurt to take responsibility? Well GOOD!!!” He snapped, “as far as I’m concerned, you have *no right* crying out for *anything* after all you’ve put them through! NONE! I watched that blind boy cry over you and Donella even *AFTER* you both beat him a bloody pulp! I watched Adira *shake and shiver* at mere *mention* of your name! You deserve *NO* sympathy as far as I’m concerned, NONE! You want to have a chance at living the rest of your *disgusting* life in some small amount of *peace*?! Then I suggest you shut your *FUCKING* mouth, get in that *DAMN* caravan, and take every single solitary punishment thats thrown your way like a *FUCKING* adult! You *dirty*, *disgusting*, pack of poorly packaged horse *SHIT*!”
“I-!” Cyrus began
“I said”, Varian interrupted, flying up to eye level with the man as his eyes, freckles, and hair glowed *brightly*, “get *in* the caravan”, he repeated *dangerously*
Cyrus shut his mouth *instantly*, backing up a bit before Hector pushed him to the guards, who caught him and got the murderer inside the caravan. Varian watched the man stare at him, his eyes wide with fear as he did, the alchemist never lowered his gaze. In fact, Varian waited until he couldn’t see even a *fraction* of Cyrus anymore before he let out a breath and his feet landed back onto the floor. All was calm for a bit as the freckled teen’s glow dimmed fully gone before he was hugged from someone he instantly recognized, and smiled, “thank you…..” Hugo said softly, his voice full of fear, relief, and sobs as he did, “thank you for d-doing that…..”
Varian hugged his fiancé back, “I’d do it again and again, forever if I could”
The inventor’s grip tightened on the freckled teen, making him smiled even wider before he caught sight of Adira, the face painted warrior had a single tear down her face, but she was smiling too, relief filling her brown eyes as she watched the two. Hector stood next to her, his blades sinking back into their place as he placed a protective arm around her shoulders. She chuckled before hugging the man, startling him before he sighed and gently returned the hug. Edmund chuckled at that before Quirin spoke up, “you kept yourself calm”, he said, getting Varian to look at him
“I didn’t feel calm”, the alchemist admitted as Hugo broke the hug and sniffled a bit, getting the blue eyed scientist to nuzzle his fiancé
“You may not have felt calm, but you were given the circumstances”, the retired knight stated, “you didn’t torture him or hurt him, you just told him what he needed to hear and used your powers to emphasize your point. Not physical touch, no emotional or mental abuse, you stated what he did, a few insults were sling but considering what he said to Hugo and Adira, I don’t fault you for that, you handled that perfectly and got him to listen! You were calm, I’m very proud of you son!”
Varian blinked before he smiled and blushed, “just doin my part”
Hugo hugged him again, “your part was more than appreciated! You get 1 *billion* good fiancé points!”
“Hee hee, yay! Good fiancé points for the win!” The alchemist exclaimed as he hugged his lover back
“Thank you for your help with that Varian, I agree with your father and fiancé, you did an amazing job in handling that”, Arianna stated with a grin, “I wouldn’t have been able to do that without you”
Varian smiled up at the Queen happily before Beetlejuice spoke up, “so…. What exactly has that guy done to you all?”
The entire group looked up at him before Adira stopped hugging Hector, walked over to Hugo and gently placed her hand on his, before reaching out her hand to the demon, “you want to see?”
Beetlejuice was startled, but nodded, “ok”, he flew over and took her hand in his, suddenly his mind was filled with both Hugo and Adira’s memories. All of them filled with what Cyrus did to the pair of them, the demon, when the memories came to an end, blinked a few times, before his eyes turned *red*….. he growled a little before he let out a breath, his eyes going back to their original color as he remained silent
“B-Beetlejuice?” Hugo said, getting him to look at the inventor
“Woah what’s with the face kid? I’m calm, just processing”
“Um…. Look behind you”, Varian stated
Beetlejuice did before he saw a multitude of ways Cyrus was being killed. He blushed before waving them all away, “eheheheh don’t-uh, don’t worry about all of those! It’s fine! I’m just processing heh heh-!”
“AHHHHHHHH! PLEASE SOMEONE FUCKING KILL ME!!!!!” They all heard one of the fake Cyrus’s scream before the demon instantly picked up that idea and put it in his pocket, silencing it
“Eheh heh, missed one”
Beetlejuice blushed, Varian sighed and smiled, “you’re silly”
“I try kid, I try”
The alchemist giggled before he looked at Adira and Hugo, “hey, how about we all do something fun, take our minds off of what we just went through yeah?”
The duo nodded, “that would be good”, the face painted warrior replied
“Definitely”, Hugo added
The group walked inside after that, chatting about all the things they could do together. Beetlejuice, however, remained quiet as he thought about the things he saw, all the screams, the whimpers, the torment….. He felt himself growing angrier and angrier and *angrier* as he continued to think about all this man had put his new friends through…. It made him want to throw up, “and I’m a *DEMON* for fuck’s sake!” He exclaimed to all of you, “I should *love* all the stuff I just saw! But not even *demons* are that cruel!”
Um…. Beetlejuice was reminded that the characters in the story could potentially hear him
“Chill out babe, they’re too engrossed in their conversation to really pay me any mind. Besides, you already know what I’m gonna do”
The text in the story reminds the demon that he shouldn’t *spoil* anything before it actually happens
“Heh heh, true true, just sayin”
Sigh…. Beetlejuice snickered at the slight frustration he was giving the narrator before he continued to think about what Cyrus had done. That’s when he remembered something, or, some*one*. He looked around for a bit before he flew off to the attic of the castle-wait there’s an attic?!
“You didn’t know?!” Beetlejuice asked the narrator
No! Since when has there ever been an attic?!
“Since the castle was built, I guess they never showed you in the show?”
No they never did, they showed us the storage rooms in ‘No Time Like the Present’, but never an attic
“Huh, well now you know, heh!”
I guess so, I may write a chapter abo-gosh dang it, off topic! Back to the story-!
“You’re the only one that’s surprised here toots”
First off, don’t call me that, and second, I *can* write you doing anything I want you know
“Wouldn’t be fun for the readers though”
Wouldn’t be fun for you either ya stinker!
“Heh, guess not, we should get on with this”
Yeah we really should, *ahem*, Beetlejuice flew up to the, previously undiscovered, attic and began to call to a spirit. They were startled by his call at first before coming down to see him. The demon waited until they showed up, their glow encasing the entire attic until it dimmed, revealing a grey haired, green clad female, “Beetlejuice”, she greeted with a curt nod of her head
“Donella”, Beetlejuice stated, “I have a question for you”
“A question? Well that’s new”
“Ey! I got you to see Hugo and you’re able to talk to him now!”
“Right right, sorry, just frustrated”
“Why are you frustrated?” The demon asked, quirking a brow
“Because someone is free and they really shouldn’t be….”
“…..He’s actually who I wanna ask about, I saw what he did to Hugo and Adira, they let me, and inside their memories, I also saw you. What did he do to you?”
“…..He killed me….”
Beetlejuice’s eyes widened in shock, “he fucking WHAT?!”
“Yeah, he killed me while I was injured, I put up as good a fight as I could, but to no avail”, she stated, “he strangled me to death, leaving guards, and the Queen of Corona to find my body after he’d escaped…. Hugo was devastated…. Which surprised me more than anything, but…. Then again, we were just now getting better…..”
“Wait wait wait…. He killed you, while you were injured, strangled you, basically betraying you, and HUGO SAW THAT?!”
“He didn’t see the kill, but he saw my body after…. No one could stop him, not even Varian, who tried….. He saw me, everyone did, Quirin closed my eyes and prayed for my soul to find peace, as if I deserve it, before holding Hugo as he cried over me….” The demon was quiet, too quiet for the spirit’s liking before he flew off. Donella flying after him, “what are you doing?!”
“I’m done”
“What?”
“IM FUCKING DONE!” The demon shouted, roars echoing around him as he did, “that fucking….. *THING* not only abused BOTH of my besties, but he tortured them for MONTHS, basically sexually assaulted Varian’s AUNT, threatened that ENTIRE GROUP and made good on a lot of promises, KILLED PEOPLE, and to top it all off, HE KILLED YOU AND LEFT HUGO ALL A-FUCKING-LONE!!!!!!! And I SAW that he kinda did the same to Hector, but he’s better off without those abusive assholes! STILL!!!!! Hugo fucking CARED about you! I SAW you trying to get better in those memories! Hugo HID that part from me because it was TOO DAMN PAINFUL TO REMEMBER! And I JUST saw how he acts when he feels like he’s got the most power, letting him fucking LIVE is WAY too good a deal to me! I’m fucking DONE! I won’t force Hugo or Varian to do it, but I know, I KNOW they NEED him gone….. And I’m gonna make that happen….. in the most painful way I fucking can…..”
Growls and shrieks surrounded the pair, Donella being startled by that, she was silent as they flew throughout the castle, debating before stopping the demon, he was about to say something when she spoke, “if you want him dead that way, wait until night”
“Are you fucking-WHY?!”
“Because then no one will hear him scream…..”
Beetlejuice stopped, “I…. Y-you-!”
“Cyrus is nothing more than a monster who wishes to hold power over everyone in this realm, I should know, I worked with him far fucking longer than I wanted to…. The only reason he worked with me is because he was forced to, I would’ve loved nothing more than to have him leave me the hell alone, but I couldn’t, he wouldn’t let me be so long as he got a pay check. He’s all the things I hate in this world and what’s worse is that even with all the extra things they’ve done to keep him locked up, he’ll find a way to escape and cause Hugo and Varian more pain, he always does…..” she shuddered, “Adira too…. He gets hooked on those that showed him they’ve got spirit, she did that, as did Hugo and Varian, there’s no way releasing him from that amber will ever keep them safe….. Hugo will look over his shoulder every day if Cyrus gets to live….. I *won’t* let that happen, not again. So wait until everyone’s asleep, he’ll be in a cell by himself, too risky for him to be anywhere near other prisoners, I’ll help you out the guards to sleep, then you can do whatever you want…..”
Beetlejuice blinked before he grinned wickedly, “oh…. I have so many ideas…. And all of them are fucking painful….. Fine, I’ll wait until night time, though if he escapes….”
“If he escapes, fuck waiting until the night”, Donella stated
The demon smirked, “ok, I gotta say, I was on the fence about you before, but you’re growin on me”
“Good to know, you’re not so terrible yourself”, Donella stated with a smirk, “now come on, Hugo may be distracted at the moment, but both he and Varian will know something’s up if you don’t show your face sometime soon”
“Fair point, thanks”, with that, the demon flew off
Donella watched him go before she looked down, they’d both flown to the dungeons, she watched Cyrus being placed inside the cell, and smirked, “looks like you’re finally meeting your end…. Good luck, you’ll need it with him sealing your fate”, she stated, though the murderer couldn’t hear or see her at the moment, she saw him perk up when she spoke, almost as if he could sense her somehow. It sent a chill up her spine a bit and she shuddered as flashes of her own death filled her mind, she shook them away before she felt someone’s hand in hers, looking over, she smiled, “you didn’t get called”, she teased
“I am a spirit Donnie, and I shall go where I please! Hee hee, was that convincing?”
Donella snicked, “what am I going to do with you Ulla?”
The red headed alchemist snickered, “I don’t know, but maybe taking a break from watching this jerk would do you some good?”
“Probably…. Ulla….. if this old jerk were going to die in an extremely painful way, and I had the chance to stop it from happening, should I?”
The female alchemist blinked before she looked at Cyrus, her blue eyes glowed slightly, as if she were studying him, before her expression changed from one of surprise, to anger and disgust, she then turned away, a tear sliding down her face as she looked at Donella and shook her head, “as much as I love to testify that any human life is worth keeping, after all he’s done….. no….. he’s far too dangerous to keep around anymore…..”
“Surprising coming from you”
“He hurt my baby….. both my babies…..”
“Fair point, he hurt mine too….. You won’t watch though, will you”
“No…. I can’t….. But…. Maybe I can help in another way….”
“What’s that?”
“Come with me”, They flew together to the family room, where the rest of the group was sitting. They watched, both of them hiding from view, smiling as Beetlejuice made jokes, before Ulla pointed, Donella looked, and saw Hugo and Varian, both of them were secretly clinging to each other, their hands were shaking as they faked their smiles, she then pointed to Adira, who was sticking closer to Hector, Quirin, and Edmund far more than she’d done so in the past. Ulla looked at Donella, “someone needs to know he’s gone, otherwise none of them will be at ease”
Donella smirked before she looked at everyone in the room, her eyes landing one someone in particular and smirking, “I know just who you can inform once the deed is done”
“Who? Surely not Varian, Hugo, or Adira, right?”
“You’re right, but someone close to all three of them, someone who can bring all of them comfort should they need it, the one person all three have relied on far more than anyone else”
Ulla blinked before Donella pointed, the red head followed the grey haired women’s finger until she grinned at who she saw, hearing his laugh, seeing his smile, feeling the warmth radiating off of him like it had all those years ago, the blue eyed, female, alchemist grinned, “my Quirin”
“Your Quirin, he’ll be the perfect one to find Cyrus”
“Um…. Maybe try to make it as little traumatizing as possible please, he’s been through enough….”
“I will, Beetlejuice and I both”
The two sat in silence as they thought about what would be happening tonight, they watched the group, seeing Adira, Varian, and Hugo being jumpy and anxious made their decision final, Cyrus would die, tonight.
Notes:
Hello! :D
I didn’t get to it today, but trust me, Cyrus’s fate will definitely be fitting for the kind of person he is! So much so that it’ll be the entire next chapter! XD
Donella and Ulla being there is going to kinda act as representatives for Varian and Hugo, that’s why they’re called, but they’ll also be doing something as well, as was pointed out in this chapter:3
Beetlejuice keeps messing with me while writing this story XD he’s a stinker, I love him, but he’s a stinker!
Poor Hugo, Varian, and Adira….. Also, I would’ve let Hector have him, but Beetlejuice claimed him, they rock, paper, scissored over it, and Hector lost X3 Still, he got to scare Cyrus at the very least, so there’s that :D
Quirin would be the only one who would be the best option for finding Cyrus, as he’d be able to help the three it would affect the most, but don’t worry! Beetlejuice will make sure he isn’t traumatized! He, Donella, and Ulla will!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 537: Cyrus’s Sins!
Summary:
Beetlejuice takes Cyrus’s fate into his own hands!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Beetlejuice, where do you end up staying when we fall asleep?” Varian asked as he and Hugo got ready for bed, the blond quirking a brow as he brushed his teeth
“Meh, I just kinda explore”, the demon stared, “why do you ask?”
“Just curious I suppose”, the alchemist replied, giggling when Hugo spit out the toothpaste into the sink, “it must be kinda boring”
“Not really, I’m used to doing it, if I’m honest, I’ve found some super secret places that are really neat!”
“Really?” The freckled teen asked as he turned to look at Beetlejuice
“Yeah! Did you know the castle has an attic?”
“Wait, it does?” Hugo asked as he dried his mouth on a towel while Varian brushed his hair
“Sure does! I’ll have to show you sometime!”
“Please do, I don’t think that’s common knowledge”
“Definitely ain’t kid”, the demon replied as he looked at the narrator, who quirked a brow at him
“Who are you looking at”, the blond asked as Varian blinked and looked where Beetlejuice was before smiling at the narrator
“No one in particular”
“Oookay? So you just explore?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Hm, maybe one night we could explore with you, might be fun!” Hugo offered as Varian looked back to his fiancé
Beetlejuice smirked, “would absolutely love it if you two came along!”
The inventor grinned before they all heard a knock on the door, “everything alright in there?” Quirin asked
“Yeah dad, everything’s good”, the alchemist called before he walked over and opened the door, “we were just talking to Beetlejuice”
“Ah, uh… Beetlejuice knows there are certain things that demons should give a little privacy to, right?”
“I didn’t watch em shower or dress if that’s what you’re thinking. I may be a horny demon, but I’m not a perv. Especially not to my besties”, the demon stated, “have more faith in me *dad*”
The retired knight snickered, “yeah yeah, I know, I’m just making sure”
“Dad! Beetlejuice found an attic in the castle!” The freckled teen exclaimed excitedly
“An attic? I didn’t know the castle had an attic”
“Neither did Hugo or I! I wanna see it!”
“How about you do that *after* tonight”, Quirin stated
“But daaaaaad! Attiiiiiiiiic!”
“Variaaaaaaaan! Sleeeeeeeep!”
The alchemist giggled, “you really are an evil jerkface”
“And you’re a bratty stinkbomb”
Varian smiled up at his father lovingly before he noticed something…. Different in the man’s eyes, “um…. Are you alright?”
“Hm? I’m okay I just-! Ugh, no, I’ve gotta stop that”, Quirin sighed as Beetlejuice and Hugo walked over, Olivia and Ruddigar were both on the inventor’s shoulders, “sorry, it’s just…. Look out the window”
Varian did and noticed the winds had picked up, clouds were growing darker even in the pitch black of the night, “ooooh….. *Big* storm tonight”
“Yes…. So I’m a little on edge today”, the retired knight stated, unknowingly causing Beetlejuice a little pinch of guilt to swell up inside him as he remembered Ulla and Donella telling him who would be finding their little present tonight….. “we’re more than safe in the castle, I just…. I don’t think I’m gonna get much sleep tonight”
“Me and Hugo will be here, maybe that’ll help?” Varian suggested, getting the blond to nod, “we share a room after all!”
“Maybe, actually, I think that’ll help a lot”, the Village Leader replied with a loving smile at the pair, “thank you….. But you two still have to go to bed now”
“Aw what? I thought we’d at least get *a little* more time”, the freckled teen exclaimed
Hugo snickered, “Freckles we have to go to bed now anyway, tomorrow we find out when the trial for that big asshole is, and…. I think we *all* need to be prepared for that….”
Seeing his fiancé’s anxiety Varian put away his nap time grumbles in favor of comforting his lover, “hey, it’ll be alright love, don’t worry, he’ll be in jail and we’ll be safe”
Hugo let out a small breath, “you’re right, I know you are, it’s just….”
“Difficult?” Quirin offered
“Yeah…..”
“It will be for a while, I mean this man caused you a lot of hardship, is too for that matter, but Varian’s right, he’s behind bars now, and that’s how he’ll stay”, the retired knight stated with a confident smile, “and if he escapes and tries to come after either of you, I’ll end him myself!” He added
Hugo looked up at Quirin and gave him a small smile before he sighed, “is…. Is it bad that I kinda just….. want him t-to…..” the inventor shook his head, “n-no, that is bad….. really bad…. I shouldn’t think that way….. not ever…. I-I shouldn’t…..”
“…..You want him dead”, Varian said softly, it still made the inventor flinch, “I used to feel the same way about Andrew, after all was said and done, the *very* same way….. It’s…. Not something you can help love”
“It’s still wrong though!”
“…..Adder”, Quirin stated, getting the two scientists to look at him, “King Adder went to kill everyone I loved at the time of his ruling….. He would take them all away, including me….. I did what I had to do in that moment, and I killed him first…. Sure, it wasn’t planned, but I’d still done it. I thought I’d have to pay for taking a human life like that, and honestly, I did! Taking a life isn’t as simple as playing a game of chess and winning, you’re taking someone’s entire world away, an entire lifetime and entire *story*, it’s gone because of you…. That’s how I felt for *years*, so much so that I held onto that burden with the swords on my back for so long….. the day we went to set those spirits free however…. That day, I finally realized something”, he looked at Hugo and smiled, “I saved so many more lives than I took, that doesn’t mean I forget what I did and kill more, but because of my actions, many more people got to live and their stories unfolded, including my own, and I ended up getting three, wonderful, sons in my life! I’m counting Beetlejuice”, the demon grinned, “and, of course, I can’t forget about the best animals in the universe!” Olivia, Ruddigar, Itty Bitty, and even Sassy smiled at that, “I guess what I’m saying is, it’s okay to feel that way about Cyrus Hugo, what he put you through, I’m not surprised you feel like that. Would it be good to *act* on it, eeeh, only if he were a danger to those you love and you have absolutely *no* other choice, but he’s not, currently, and you’re not acting on it, I’m not going to yell at your for how you feel, not ever, okay?”
Hugo smiled, “oki, thank you Quirin”
“You’re welcome-AH!” Quirin yelped when a loud clap of lightning and thunder sounded around them
“Dad!” Varian ran over and hugged the man
The retired knight panted a little, catching his breath quickly before he returned the hug, “s-sorry, didn’t mean to yelp like that”
“It’s okay”, Hugo replied, walking over and joining in the hug, “how about we all head to bed, maybe try to relax a little?”
Quirin nodded, “g-good idea”
Beetlejuice watched as all three went to bed, they all snuggled in Quirin’s bed for the sake of the retired knight, he was embarrassed, but didn’t fight it as his two kids snuggled close to him. The demon smiled as he watched the small family, they all wished him a goodnight, which he returned before he made sure each and every one of them had fallen asleep, including their animals. He then smiled as he floated over to Hugo and gently brushed his bangs to the side a little, “don’t worry kid, you won’t have to worry about Cyrus ever again”, he stated
He saw Hugo smile in his sleep, making the demon grin lovingly at him before he sighed and flew away, out of the room, and towards the dungeons where his victim waited……
****
Cyrus huffed, shivering a little at the cold as he glared at the storm outside, “bullshit….. this is all fucking BULLSHIT!” He yelled
“Shut up”, a guard snapped, “you’re in there for a *reason*, if you didn’t want to fucking rot in a cell then maybe you wouldn’t have done what you did!”
Cyrus growled, “you wanna say that to my fucking face?”
“What, and let you kill me? Fuck no! I’ve got a life to live”
“Coward!”
“No, smart, you’re a well known murderer, you’ve killed a lot of my *friends*, *hell* no I’m not coming near you! When they do your trial and give you your sentence, you’ll fucking bet I’ll be in the front row to watch your fucking fate, you have *no* power here anymore-!”
“FUCK YOU! IF I WERE OUT OF THIS SHIT HOLE! YOU’D BE FUCKING *DEAD*!”
“Yeah I’ll bet”
“YOU FUCKING PIECE OF-AAAAAAAAAH!” Cyrus tried to break the bars of the cell he was in, but the reinforced bars didn’t even budge. He growled as he tried again, but nothing happened, he tried again and again and again and again, but nothing happened, he backed up, panting and tired
“So, did you forget that you were in the amber for 3 months and that shit will make you weak? Quirin was in there for a full fucking year, and from what I heard, he needed helping *walking*, and that man is *ten times* stronger than you!” The guard chastised, “you ain’t getting out of there anytime soon pal”
Cyrus grit his teeth, almost to the point where they broke, that is, until he saw the guard fall asleep, the man stood and looked around, before he noticed the other guards had already passed out, “what the fuck-!”
“Cyrus-!” A voice said
“FUCK!” The man jumped back ten feet before he stopped and stared at the person in front of him
They chuckled, “wow, if I’d known you were *that* jumpy I would’ve used that to my advantage”
“…..D-Donella….”
“Yup, me, the woman you killed”, she stated with a quirked brow, “how are you?”
He huffed and glared at her, “fuck you”
“Wow, rude”
“Shut the fuck up! I killed you! Why won’t you fucking leave me alone?!”
Donella tilted her head to the side, “as far as I’m aware Cyrus, this is the first time I’ve spoken to you since you’ve killed me”, the man was silent, getting her to smirk, “oooh, unless you’ve been feeling so guilty that your subconscious has made another me to torment you”
“I SAID SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Cyrus yelled, slamming his fist into the wall
“So reckless”, Donella stated, “you always were to be fair, though I thought you’d have more intelligence than that, of course, I’ve been wrong before”
“LEAVE ME ALONE YOU STUPID BITCH!” The murderer yelled as he slammed his fists onto the ground, only for something underneath them to squish. He blinked before looking down, only to jump back when he saw Donella’s dead body underneath him
“Isn’t that what you wanted?” Donella asked, “to kill me? Why hide away from it now when you were so proud before?”
Cyrus felt someone grab his neck violently, he looked down and saw the dead Donella glaring up at him, her voice was raspy, like she barely had enough breath to say a word, “or were you secretly ashamed….”
“AHH!” Cyrus got up and backed up, “what the FUCK?!”
“What’s the matter?” Both Donella’s asked, the first one now having a mad grin on her face that nearly split her face in two, “aren’t you *proud*? Isn’t this what you told me you do?”
Cyrus stared at the both of them before he felt a shiver go down his spine, “f-fucking what the hell is happening?!”
Suddenly, he heard laughter he didn’t recognize, the voice sounded raspy, like sandpaper on gravel, he looked around, but didn’t see anything except the two Donella’s staring back at him, which he avoided. That is, until a new voice, this one he recognized *instantly*, some up, “awwww, what’s the matter Cyrus? Are you scared?”
He glared daggers at the voice, “HUGO!” He yelled, “WHERE THE *FUCK* ARE YOU YA LITTLE SHIT?! I SHOULD’VE *KNOWN* YOU WERE BEHIND THIS!”
“Blaming me again for coming up short Cyrus?” Hugo asked, “awww what a shame, poor baby can’t even take responsibility, so you pin on the weak and downtrod, someone you feel you have power over, and who better to do so than poor little Hugo?”
“THIS IS YOUR DAMN FAULT YA PIECE OF SHIT!!!!!” Cyrus yelled, before he felt something wet underneath his shoe, looking down his eyes widened at the sight of if blood flooding into the tiny area
“Me? What did I do Cyrus? Did I hurt you? Insult you in some way? Was I just *that* annoying that you felt it reasonable to pin the blame on me?” Hugo’s voice sounded distorted, hollow, and robotic, almost as if he were morphing into something, “then poor little Hugo would tank the bots rightful meant for *you*! No scratches or bruises ever made it to your skin, no no no, none whatsoever, you were always the one to get rewarded like the good little *LAP DOG* you were!”
“S-SHUT UP!” Cyrus yelled, trying to get away from the blood, which was now ankle deep, “w-why is there b-blood here?!”
“It’s all the people your fucking killed….” Another voice spoke, except, it wasn’t one…. But two? Cyrus tried to find the origin point of the voices, only to turn to the cell across from him and *scream* as the remains of the Duke and Dushess had somehow meshed together, forming one jagged and revolting monster that shambled its way towards him, “every little life you took out of pure rage and malice, the ones you decided didn’t deserve to live…. Like *us*”, the amalgamation slamming its hands onto Cyrus’s cell bars, pieces of them flinging into the, now knee deep, pool of blood
“I-I had to kill you! You two were the o-ones that failed! You deserved to be PUNISHED!”
“So you took our lives to spare your own?! You failed too you know, but as long as you took our lives it was completely fine right? Justice was served? Debt repaid?”The thing laughed, it was guttural and sounded painful, “and you called the *guard* a coward!”
“I DID WHAT I HAD TO DO!”
“Really?…. So what did abusing me have to do with it?….”
Cyrus froze before he looked around desperately, “WHERE ARE YOU BITCH?! YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE HONORABLE! GET ME THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!!!!!”
“I’m already with you Cyrus, don’t you realize that?” The voice said, “don’t you feel that chill running up your back?”
Cyrus turned to look behind him, only to see Adira standing there, she looked completely normal, the only difference was that he couldn’t see her eyes as they were hidden underneath her bangs, “ADIRA!” Hy yelled, “GET ME THE *HELL* OUT OF HERE!” The face painted warrior didn’t say a word, she merely walked forwards, she stood on top of the blood, never sinking, never getting a drop on her clothing or skin, she stopped and stood right in front of Cyrus, who was waist deep in the blood now, “WELL?!”
That’s when Adira looked at him directly, and suddenly, his blood ran cold, “what’s the matter?” She asked
“W-what…..”
She grinned, “are you afraid of my eyes? Or, I suppose, the lack of my eyes?” She asked with a chuckle, “you never could look into them could you? Not when you were doing what you did to me….. You could see my pain, my suffering, I noticed you never looked, I saw you decided against it…… You’re a coward, nothing more, nothing less…..”
“GET AWAY FROM ME!!!!!” Cyrus cried out as he turned and ran away! Sloshing in the blood as he did before he looked at the red substance, “why is this FUCKING IN HERE?!”
“The blood of your enemies lies thick on your conscious”, Zhan Tiri spoke up as she popped out of the blood he was looking at, “I should know, I’ve always drowned in it myself. Best to forget about them and move on yes? Isn’t that what you’ve always done?”
“S-stop…. J-just stop….. I did it because I had t-to…. I…. I d-didn’t have a choice….”
“Is that really the case?” Hugo’s distorted voice asked, getting Cyrus to turn and see the teen, but he gasped when he did, Hugo was barely Hugo anymore, majority of his body was a bloodied robot, the only thing that wasn’t was one of his eyes, his mouth, and his heart, which could be seen through a glass window on his chest, “don’t like how I look? Don’t like what I had to change just to be in Don’s good graces? Don’t like what you’ve done to me Cyrus?!”
“I DIDNT DO THAT TO YOU!!!!”
“You played a part, one that broke me each and every day, now I’m a shell of what I used to be…. My heart is human, my mouth and one eye are left, before I was just a machine, one you pit the blame on so Donella would beat *ME*!”
“And beat him I did”, the Donella at the cell door spoke up, “until he was black and blue”
“Beaten and bloody”, the dead Donella added
Then both spoke at the same time, “until there was mostly nothing left but someone who would do as I say”
“Thank you for help me make him-!” door Donella began
“Someone I could destroy and morph”, dead Donella choked out
“Made it much easier for me to listen when I didn’t have a will or say”, Hugo finished, “all because of you….”
“I DID NOTHING FUCKING WRONG!!!!!” Cyrus yelled, the blood was up to his chin now, he could feel the thickness soaking into his clothing and skin, he hated it, he hated every second of it! He wanted to escape, to run! To beat them all away, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move a muscle, the blood was too thick, weighing him down more and more and making it hard for him to breathe
“What’s the matter Cyrus”, the Duke and Duchess amalgamation asked
“Too hard to take the weight of your choices?” Eyeless Adira asked
“Too scared to move-!” Dead Donella began
“-with all your sins crawling up your back”, door Donella finished
“Or maybe you’re just scared of what comes next”, Hugo said, before Cyrus’s head was submerged under the blood, he saw faces of people he’d killed, their final moment etched in the fear and pain he’d given them
He tried to swim, tried to flee, but nothing worked, and suddenly, he felt himself slip away….. He saw his body bobbing in the blood, he saw his fate being sealed as an unknown force pulled him away
The process was painful, the journey was long, he was dragged the entire way, until he was thrown in front of something he’d never seen before, as blood dripped off his face and clothing, the Moon shined brightly in front of him, “I….. I-I-!”
*Welcome Cyrus*,a new voice said, they sounded female, he didn’t recognize them either, *I’ve been expecting you….*
The stars around the Moon shimmered dangerously, “w-who…. Are y-you?”
*You staring at me*
“I-what?! T-then you would be the-the-!”
*The Moon*
“I…. B-but I’m not-I c-c-can’t be-I-I-I DON’T WANNA DIE!!!!!” He cried
*That is not my decision to make, I don’t interfere with the affairs of human lives….. except one….*
He looked up at the Moon, “y-you interfere with one?! W-WHO?! I’LL TALK TO THEM! PLEASE!”
*You wish to leave your fate in their hands? Are you sure?*
“YES! PLEASE! I-I’LL DO ANYTHING!”
*…..As you wish….*
A bright flash of light shined on the area, before he looked around, and then gasped at who he saw! “N-no….. n-nonononononono-!”
*I granted your wish, now face them and plead your case as you wished to*
Cyrus stared up at the person who would be the only one to save his life. He felt tears come to his eyes as bright blue irises stared back at him, the freckled face of a young teen he recognized scared the murderer more than he’d ever thought possible, as he finally spoke, “V….. V—Varian…..”
The alchemist stood there, staring at the man before him. He didn’t realize he’d slipped into this place, but he had been talking with the Moon, they were having a pleasant conversation, until this guy showed up….. The freckled teen had been hidden, protected by the Celestial being, who was more than a bit startled when she’d realized someone had died during the night. It was before their predestined time. She’d known Varian knew who this was, and had hidden him to keep him safe, but she had no choice when the man begged to speak with the one human who could save him…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, Beetlejuice may have been having a little too much fun with this, so XD
And yeah….. Poor Hugo, Varian, and Quirin…..
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 538: Cyrus’s Death!
Summary:
Cyrus must face Varian and try to beg for his life!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
TRIGGER WARNING!
Talk of Suicide and Suicidal tendencies, reader discretion is advised!I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I….. I j-just…..” Cyrus tried, but the words died in his throat. The freckled teen glared at him, silently waiting, wanting to know *exactly* what he was going to say, “I….. please…. Save me…..”
…..That was it…. That’s all that Cyrus could muster before he fell to the ground and cried….. Varian sighed, “…..Really?” He asked, “that’s all you have to say?”
Cyrus looked up at him, “I-I don’t know what e-else to say!”
“How about ‘SORRY’?!” Varian snapped, his eyes glowing brightly as he did, “how about ‘I really regret everything I’ve done to you and your family’?! How about ‘Hugo is a good kid and I should’ve NEVER done what I did to him’?! Or ‘Adira is a beautiful and WONDERFUL person and I should’ve left her ALONE’?! How about ANY of that?!”
“I WILL DO FUCKING *ANYTHING* JUST DON’T LET ME *DIE*!” Cyrus begged
This startled the alchemist, he stopped and stared at Cyrus, “…..You fear death….. You’re willing to do anything I say, anything in the *universe*, just to make sure your life doesn’t end…..”
“YES! I’M FUCKING *BEGGING* YOU! I DON’T WANT MY LIFE TO FICKING *END! NOT TIGHT NOW!”
“Why?”
“DOES IT REALLY FUCKING MATTER?! DOES *ANYONE* WANNA DIE IN THIS UNIVERSE?!”
“I did…..” Varian admitted, genuinely startling the man, “when I lost everything…. I wanted to…. I hated myself and my actions, my dad was gone, my home destroyed, my world shattered…. I wanted to die….. because I had nothing left…. The only reason I didn’t is…. H-honestly because I didn’t have a weapon… a-and I…. I was afraid to….. I remember feeling like such a coward during that time… just for being too afraid to end it…. Then I realized…. I didn’t *feel* anything, logic told me that fear is the way I should ‘feel’ about dying…. So my mind tricked me into thinking I feared it…. And I liked that….. Being numb and wanting forever peace was the only thing I could think of doing….. That’s why I wanted to…. Because I *wanted* to feel nothing…. To give up, and stop feeling so horrible about myself…. That emptiness is so…. Enveloping….” Varian shuddered as the Moon wrapped her magic around him protectively
“….Why didn’t you?” Cyrus asked, “why didn’t you do it? You said it was fear of dying, but then you excused it for logic tricking your mind. So then why are you still alive? What stopped you?”
The alchemist blinked before he chuckled, “Ruddigar, for the longest time he was in the cell with me, and he kept me alive, he continued to make me want to go on, because if I died, what would happen to him?…. No one would take care of a fluffy raccoon…. Especially not mine…. They would probably kill him… when he got taken away, Andrew kept me going, when he got arrested, Rapunzel released my dad, and then Ruddigar came back. Then Eugene and Lance came into my life, Adira, Hector, and Grandpa came to visit and I finally got to meet them and have them become part of the family again, I got a better relationship with Rapunzel, I met Catalina and Angry, and then… Hugo”, the freckled teen smiled lovingly at the thought of his fiancé, “he came into my life, and suddenly, I felt whole again, and still do, because of him”
Cyrus scoffed at that, rolling his eyes, “that kid ain’t shit….. Just a fucking waste”
“Do *NOT* say that about him!” Varian snapped, glaring daggers at the man, “who the *hell* do you think you are, besmirching his good name like that?! And after you asked me to save you? Got some damn nerve you *asshole*!”
This sent shivers down the murderer’s back, “I’m sorry! I-I misspoke! I didn’t mean it!” He exclaimed hurriedly, “l-look I’m just under a lot of pressure here! I’m fucking *dying*!”
*Such a bold proclamation from someone who just stated those insults with such conviction*, the Moon observed, *one would almost think it were a ploy to garner sympathy*
“Agreed, also, don’t you realize you’re already dead?” Varian asked, “you’re not ‘dying’ you’re dead”
“But she called you in change that! Left my fate up to you!” Cyrus argued
*I did indeed, as I can make exceptions since it is before his time to join me and my stars*, the Moon replied
“Really?” Varian asked, genuinely startled by this
*Yes little one, he died of unnatural causes, there are few I can bend the rules with, surprisingly he’s one of them, but I feel it is best to leave that option up to you*
“So I’m ‘dying’ n-not dead!” Cyrus stated triumphantly
The Moon was quiet, but her stars seemed to show her growing annoyance with the man. “….Do you regret it?” Varian asked after a moment of silent, getting the man to look up at him, “do you regret *anything* you’ve done? To Hugo, to my family….. to me….. *anything*? Tell me the truth, me and the Moon with *BOTH* know you’re lying if you don’t”
Cyrus hesitated, he wanted to scream that he did, he wanted to, but he knew it would be a lie….. And he knew Varian and the Moon would be able to tell it is too…. So, he stayed quiet, *seems as though he regrets nothing…. Disappointing…* the Moon commented
“He didn’t lie at least”, Varian stated, “even if I hate the truth, and I *sincerely* do, still worth noting that he didn’t lie….”
*I suppose that’s fair, what will you do little one?*
Varian was quiet, he watched Cyrus, the man wouldn’t look him in the eye, the alchemist huffed before he got an idea, “maybe if you felt what it was like….” Cyrus winced, “tch, so you *know* it feels bad…. Yet you still did it…. *why*?”
“I didn’t have a damn choice…..” the man stated
“There’s *always* a choice”
“REALLY?!” He yelled, finally looking at the alchemist as he glared *daggers* at the teen, “what about when you overtook your home and hurt people?! Was there a choice for you THEN?!”
“YES THERE WAS! And I chose WRONG!” Varian exclaimed, “I needed to survive, I didn’t have a choice on avoiding the guards, but I could’ve chosen not to harm people! I could’ve chosen not to injure the innocent and take my anger out of them!!!! I HAD A FUCKING CHOICE CYRUS!!!! And I chose wrong…..” Varian exclaimed, “I chose to be violent instead, I chose to be angry and let that emotion fuel me and turn into *hate*! I became a MONSTER! I made the WRONG CHOICE! And I’ve regretted it every SINGLE day since then!!!! ….The guards abuse, my dad’s entrapment, the betrayal I did, the damage I caused, I could’ve chosen a better way for all of it! So could’ve Rapunzel, and her father, and my father as well! We ALL made bad choices that led to what happened, and we regret them…. For fuck’s sake, I *just* told you how fucking much I regretted it to the point where I was *suicidal*! You don’t think that comes out of fucking *NOWHERE* do you?! It’s because I knew I HAD A FUCKING CHOICE AND CHOSE WRONG! There’s *always* a better way, maybe not on every circumstance, but you have a choice not to hurt people each and every time, and I chose *wrong*….. And you know who *REMINDED* me that I had a better choice?”
“Who?! Who could’ve POSSIBLY reminded you that there was a better way out of what you went through?! Because even *I* fucking hated the story about you! AND I HATE YOUR DAMN GUTS!”
“HUGO!” Varian screamed, silencing Cyrus *instantly*, “….Hugo reminded me….. He’s been abused his *entire* life, he was bought and *sold* like fucking *livestock*, he was beaten and harassed by almost *EVERYONE* in his life, *including* you, and yet he never hurt a SINGLE SOUL!” Varian sniffled a little when he said that, “he did bad things, but NEVER hurt anyone! He lost his home over, and over, and OVER again! And not once, NOT ONCE did he ever DARE raise a HAND against the innocent! No matter how angry he got, or sad, or depressed, no matter how horribly people treated him, he fucking made the choice not to do what’s been done to him….. I fucking *applaud* him for that….”
“He was weak not to return the favor….” Cyrus grumbled before regretting his words the second they came out when black rocks sprouted from the ground and knocked the wind out of him
“You will *NOT* call Hugo weak in *MY* presence”, the alchemist stated, “and if you’re calling him that, then you *clearly* don’t understand….. Makes me want to go back to my previous statement…. What if you got the same shit handed to you…. What if you were the one abused, the one hurt, the one suffering every *damn* day of your life?! What if Cyrus, what if…. Would he be weak then? If you walked a mile in his shoes?”
“I’D BE STRONGER THAN HE WAS!” Cyrus yelled, “I’D STICK IT TO EVERYONE WHO LOOKED DOWN ON ME! I’D MAKE THEM FUCKING *PAY*!”
“Is that right….. Then fine….. Feel his pain….” The alchemist stated
“W-wha-AAAAAAAAH!” The murderer yelled and clutched his stomach, he fell to the floor as tears fell from his eyes, the pain made his sight fade in and out, he could feel every bone breaking, every bruise, every slap and scratch, and it just kept coming over, and over, and *OVER*, “PLEASE!” He begged, “PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!”
*This is merely a *fraction* of what the little star felt during his existence this far*, the Moon stated as her stars shined bright with anger, *just a mere *moment* of all the suffering he endured EVERY DAY! And yet it knocks you to the ground and makes you cry out in *PAIN*!* she scolded, *tell me, does he seem *weak* to you NOW?!*
“NO! NO H-HE DOESN’T!”
*MEAN IT*
“AAAAAAAAH! I MEAN IT!!!! I FUCKING MEAN IT!!!!! PLEASE STOP!!!!! STOOOOOOP!” The pain halted as quickly as it came, as Cyrus felt the pain drain away, he could finally breathe again, his vision came back and the tears stopped. He sat up and groaned before he looked at Varian, “w-what the fuck-!”
“That was Hugo’s pain….. Only a moment of it….. That’s what I felt from him as well when we first met…..”
“H-how did you-!”
“Funny thing about my dad…. He taught me a lot…. One of the most important lessons I ever learned, was gauging how much someone’s carrying when you first meet them. Listen to the way they speak and watch how they hold themselves. Find their constant and seek out their weakness. To beat your enemy, is to understand your enemy. He taught me this when a bunch of bullies tried to beat me up after school….. He found me and scared them away, then taught me the basics on how to defend myself….. I took that particular lesson to heart the day Hugo and I met…. I felt his pain, I saw his anxiety and fear, I watched him constantly at war with himself, and when he found a friend in me, and relaxed, I saw his relief and found out how funny and kind he truly was….. He was completely different when he came here during the 7 kingdom ball….. The only difference there, was that he was with you and Donella….. He was on edge, anxious, scared, not able to relax, stick straight and so *so* damn quiet….. Still kind and funny, but only in secret. I’ll never let that happen again, he’ll be able to be himself now, his wonderful, amazing, *fantastic* self, and if that means I have to take on some of his battles, then so be it…. One of them is you Cyrus….”
The man winced again, “I….. D-didn’t know-!”
*No, you never tried to understand*, the Moon interrupted, *you knew what pain the little star felt, you watched it happen *everyday* and I could sense your enjoyment….. you never understood however…. Only thinking of yourself….*
“YOU DON’T GET TO JUDGE ME-!” Cyrus began, before he felt the pain again
*I am the MOON, I watch over you at night, I keep the demons at *bay* from your mind, I make the darkness far *brighter* than it is meant to *be*, I bring your spirits to *rest* with me and my stars in the sky once your life is *DONE*, I *AM* the final judge, and you *WILL* respect that and *listen* to what I have to say*
The pain subsided, leaving Cyrus on the floor in a fetal position, Varian sighed, “you really don’t understand much do you Cyrus….” The man didn’t respond, he was shaking violently, making the alchemist shake his head before he looked at the Moon, “will he ever understand?”
*Seeing from what I’ve just witnessed, perhaps not*, she replied, her stars dimming with irritation
The alchemist looked back at the man, “why is he like this?”
*I don’t know little one…. His life was not full of horror, he was given a blessed childhood. He was treated with respect when he became a young man, good at his mercenary job. He got a very good place to stand when the Ingvarrian Queen took him into her kingdom, and when he was with Donella, he received praise and took his anger out on the little star…. His attitude makes no sense to me…..*
Varian looked back at Cyrus, “dad always said people are made bad, not born….”
*The guardian is wise, he has far more wisdom than his years of life he’s lived*
The alchemist smiled at that, “he does…. But I don’t think even *he* would understand why Cyrus is like this….”
Cyrus finally managed to sit up and look at the pair, “…..I don’t want to die….”
“Is fear the reason you act the way you do?” Varian asked, when the man fell silent the alchemist sighed, “Cyrus, I *want* to understand…. Because Despite *everything* you’ve done, Hugo would want me to give you that much…. To understand you…. I *want* to see *something* in you…. Anything, even a small *spark* would do….”
“Just…. Don’t let me die…..”
The alchemist gave the man a sad look, “Cyrus…. Why do you think you’re here?”
“Because I’m on the fucking *brink* of death and just need to you to say those magical words that’ll make her bring me the *fuck* back” He snapped
Varian shook his head, “no Cyrus…. You died already…..”
“I DID FUCKING NO-!”
“You’re *dead*…. You died in your cell…. It’s why you’re here….. in front of the Moon”
“B-but I thought I would be given a CHANCE!”
“You would be given a chance to be understood Cyrus, yes, a chance to see if maybe there was *something* in you that would give the Moon reason to bend the rules for you…. But given what I’ve just witnessed…. There’s just *nothing* in you. You’re a sad, small, pathetic person, who only thinks about himself, you’ve lived a blessed life, one that people would *beg* for, yet you squandered it away by abusing others”
*I agree little one, this human only seems to fear what the afterlife will bring him to*, the celestial being stated, *knowing this, perhaps death would be the best punishment*
“What?! B-but I did what I was told!” Cyrus exclaimed, “anything I was asked, I did FLAWLESSLY! Anyone I was assigned to, I would fucking keep them safe! Even the dirtiest jobs would be handled by ME! I did EVERYTHING RIGHT!”
*…..Perhaps that’s where this is from*, the Moon stated, * you did everything you were told, to a terrifying degree of efficiency, however do you know *what* you’ve done? The consequences of your actions? Have you ever thought about the victims of your missions?*
“I don’t need to! I do em and get a paycheck, end of story!”
“If that’s the case, then why the revenge on me and my family?” Varian asked
“Your family FUCKED ME OVER! The Duke and Duchess THREW ME UNDER THE BRIDGE! Donella fucked with me and LOST, and Hugo kept getting in my DAMN WAY! Had you not INTERFERED, you and your FUCKING FAMILY would’ve been LEFT ALONE!”
“So that’s it…. You just did what you were told, no questions asked…. Like a-“ Varian gasped as Hugo’s words struck his memory before he spoke, “like a dog….. How did I not see that?!”
*Because you try to find the good and logic in everyone little one, and there’s no good or logic in not understanding the entire quest, and what it’ll bring about, before taking the journey*, the Moon explained
“Hey, I did what was asked of me!” Cyrus defended
“And hurt *thousands* in the process….” Varian replied, “you truly don’t understand…. And what’s worse, you don’t *care* to! You look at everything the same way, do a job, get it done, and get money. Being with Donella must’ve driven you *mad*, because you got *stuck* with her didn’t you?”
“Yeah I fucking did, thought I’d made that clear!”
“And so you grew angry, the entire time you were stuck, you thought of ways to get out of it while not breaking whatever contract you had! It’s why you would fail your missions and blame it on Hugo! In your mind, you thought that if she saw him as a useless pawn, then it would only be a matter of time before she brought him back! You’d be able to get out Scott free when that happened! But you didn’t take into consideration that Donella actually *loved* Hugo! So when that ‘matter of time’ turned into years, the pent up anger and rage finally hit the ceiling when you were *rightfully* punished for your part to play when the Duke and Duchess got caught! And you went MAD! Then when you got trapped in the amber, it gave you time to think and calm down, because you’re locked in a stasis state in that amber, so when you came out, you were back to your senses, but still full of anger…. Cyrus, you’re right, you did everything you were asked without questions of any kind, and it turned out exactly how it should…..”
Cyrus growled, “SHUT TO FUCK UP!” He got up and tried to attack the alchemist, but was stopped when the Moon intervened by causing him to feel Hugo’s pain once again
*Little one, I’ve chosen to give this man a chance, but my patience with him wears extremely thin….*
“Right, your patience is highly appreciated Moon, I know what his fate should be now”, Varian replied, smiling up at her
Her stars shimmered with delight as she halted Cyrus’s pain, “guh!! Ow….” He groaned before sitting up once more
Varian looked at him and narrowed his eyes, “Cyrus, you’re life is *OVER*, there’s no chance of you going back, the Moon and I agree on that”
“NO! DON’T LET ME DIE!” He begged, “I’LL DO ANYTHING! *ANYTHING*! OLEASE JUST DO-!”
“SHU UP!” Varian yelled, “I will NOT change my answer! You’ve shown no reason for you to go back! No remorse, no care, no sign that you’ll change and leave Hugo, Adira, or ANYBODY alone! You are NOT surviving this night! And your punishment and fate shall be determined NOW!” Cyrus stared up in silence, too shocked to speak, “I want you to understand what you’ve done. I want you to know how your actions have caused people pain, and I want you to help Hugo and Adira….. So your fate is this”, his eyes, hair, freckles, and Moonstone glowed bright as he spoke, “you are to face, and relive, *everything* you’ve done, but this time, you will find out, and feel, what your victims felt, and you will not stop feeling it until you *fully* understand *why* it was wrong! You will also protect those you’ve harmed, forever watching over them for as long as they live! Should they get into trouble, it is your job to help them *immediately*! And you will bear symbols of each person on you, and carry them throughout your afterlife, only for them to disappear, one by one, once you fully understand what you did and *regret* each one!”
The murderer’s eyes widened when fear, “b-but-!”
“ENOUGH!” Varian yelled, his voice echoing, “I feel *NO* pity for you or your *WRETCHED SOUL*! I see no reason to give you anything less! You’re lucky I don’t sentence you straight to *HELL* for all you’ve done! You *will* understand the pain you’ve caused, and you *will* suffer every * agonizing* second of it until you *fully* understand and regret what it was like for them! My word is FINAL, your fate is SEALED, now FACE THIS BURDEN UNTIL THERE IS NOTHING MORE BEAR!!!!! THIS IS YOUR FATE, AND YOU WILL ACCEPT IT!”
Cyrus tried to run, he sprinted away, trying to fall back to his body, but the Moon would not allow it. Her magic gripped onto his soul and forced him to her as she absorbed him into her light, his final scream being the last thing he ever said as it echoed in the small space Varian and the Moon currently resided in
The freckled teen sighed when the deed was done, his glow dimming, until gone, before he fell back a little, the Moon catching him in her grasp, “how do you *do* that every single time someone dies?” He asked
The Moon’s stars twinkled as she chuckled, *I never run out of energy, unlike a human*
“Ah, so you cheat”, he joked, smiling when he felt her loving embrace. When she let him go, he looked up at her, “Moon…. Do you think I was fair”
*Yes, far more than I, little one*
“Really?”
*Indeed, a wretched being such as him shows no amount of growth to me, I saw no reason to even give him a chance to live and/or become better*
“So…. Was I too soft on him do you think?”
*No little one, you were you, there is nothing wrong with you being yourself and judging how you see fit. He asked for your judgement, not mine, and I gifted it to him*
“Why?”
*Because I could sense you…. You were so angry on your little star’s behalf, I knew that you deserved to have some retribution, so I allowed it*
Varian smiled, “thank you, I just…. I want Hugo to be happy…. He wouldn’t be if I just assigned Cyrus to eternity of torment….”
*As much as I don’t understand it, you are correct, he wouldn’t prefer what you have bestowed upon that wretched being. Although, judging from what I just witnessed, eternity will be far too short for this man to fully grasp what he’s done*
The alchemist giggled, “you’re sassy!”
*I believe I picked that up from you little one*
The freckled teen grinned before he sensed warmth, “the Sun’s coming”
*Yes he is*
“Moon, can I see Hugo really quickly?”
*Of course*
The Moon showed Varian his fiancé, the blond was still asleep, but he seemed troubled, “nightmare?” Varian asked
*No, he’s anxious*, the Moon replied, *his dream is peaceful, but his mind is not…. He will never be at peace so long as he believes that wretched being is around*
“Well…. Then I’d better be ready for tomorrow, he’s gonna have a lot of conflicting emotions”
*Yes he will, but rest assured his dreams will be peaceful, I’ll make sure of that*
“Thank you Moon, so very much”
*Of course my little one*, she shimmered lovingly when the alchemist yawned, *it is time for your spirit to rest, you must go back to your body*
“Oki”, Varian replied, before he noticed his father wasn’t in the bed with them, “where’s dad?”
*Seems as though he’s found Cyrus….*
Varian gasped, “no! N-no no no! H-he’ll be traumatized!”
*not so little one, look*
The Moon showed the alchemist Quirin, the retired knight was in the dungeons, his eyes were wide, but he didn’t look terrified as the alchemist thought, that’s when the teen saw Cyrus’s body. The man was fully dead, but he looked at though he were sleeping, doctors were checking his vitals, but they just proclaimed he was gone, stating he’d died in his sleep
“…..How….”
*The guardian has guardians watching over him, just as you do*
Varian blinked before he noticed Beetlejuice, Donella, and Ulla fleeing the scene, his eyes widened as the realization struck him, “…..mama, Donella, Beetlejuice…..”
*Are you angry little one?* the Moon asked
Varian watched the three separate, Ulla and Donella going together, back to the dungeons to check on Quirin as they saw the demon leave in the opposite direction, he’d gone directly back to their room, the freckled teen saw him smile at Hugo in particular, Beetlejuice looked *drained*, but a tired grin on his face showed he regretted nothing before he left the room, flying to the attic to rest. The alchemist chuckled, “no, I’m not angry, I don’t think I ever could be”
*Then will you keep his secret from your little star?*
“Yes, Hugo doesn’t need to know what Beetlejuice did, nor does he need to know about my mama and Donella’s part to play, but I’m glad I do”
*Why’s that?*
Varian chuckled, “because now I can thank them, for looking out for my fiancé, my aunt, my dad, and me”
The Moon shimmered happily before she brought the teen back to his body, *pleasant dreams little one*
“Goodnight Moon, pleasant dreams to you too, and thank you for everything you’ve done”
*Always little one, always*
Notes:
Hello! :D
Goodbye Cyrus, you might be missed
Poor Varian, it’s just a touch more insight into what he was going through during his time in the dungeons, I honestly think that, had it not been for Ruddy and then Andrew, Varian wouldn’t be here, he was in such a dark place that the dungeons were kinda the final straw for him, poor bean….
If you deal with suicide, and/or suicidal thoughts or tendencies, please find help. Look online, there’s numbers EVERYWHERE where you can get help! I’ve battled with those thoughts and horrors myself, I still battle with them everyday, it is a hard fight, but you can win, and stay alive, if you just ask for help ❤️🎶 you’re not alone, not anymore, you never will be again 🎶❤️😊
The Moon getting annoyed everybody! She does NOT like Cyrus one freaking bit! XD we love sassy Moon :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 539: Hugo’s Guilt!
Summary:
Hugo finds out about Cyrus’s death!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The room was quiet as everyone stared at the retired knight and two doctors beside him. Nobody seemed happy by the news they’d just received, but nobody was crying either. For a while, the group merely stayed quiet, until Hugo finally spoke, “how…. How did it happen?”
“We don’t know”, Dr. Rose Solace replied, “Quirin was the one to find him, from what we could tell, he died due to a heart attack while he slept”
“None of the guards heard him?”
“They said they’d fallen asleep, they’re being seen now for anything that could’ve cause that too, but so far”, she shook her head silently
The blond nodded as Eugene spoke next, “I’ll have a few other guards check the area to be sure no one was around, maybe this was just a freak accident”
“It seemed that way to me”, Quirin stated, “the guards were dazed and confused when I came in, they were standing around and scratching their heads before I came through and spotted Cyrus…. They were alert however, didn’t appear to be drugged or poisoned”
“Cyrus himself seemed fine too”, Dr. Isaac Solace stated, “save from the heart attack, he didn’t show signs of struggle or pain, his expression was fearful, but that’s the only thing we saw”
Hugo blinked at that, “his expression was fearful?”
“Yeah, but that’s kinda normal when it comes to heart attacks, the person ends up passing in a fear stricken state majority of the time because they feel the heart attack coming on and have no way of stopping it”. The blond was quiet before he looked up towards the ceiling, Varian watched his fiancé for a moment or two before the inventor looked at the doctors again, “forgive me if this is a dumb question, but I read in a book somewhere that you can die of a heart attack if you’re put under enough pressure and fear, is that right?” Both doctors nodded, making the inventor look up to the ceiling again, “hmmm….”
“Hugo?” The alchemist asked
His lover sighed, “I’m alright Freckles, just… thinking I guess”
“Well, since you are technically the only family he actually has Hugo, unless you can think of anyone, you have access to his belongings”, Queen Arianna said softly, “would you like them? Or would you prefer not? Either way is up to you”
The blond looked at her for a moment before he sighed, “I…. Yeah, I’ll take it, from what Don told me, Cyrus had no other family, and I think he’d prefer his stuff not be handled by other people…..” he said, “he’d probably hate that it’s going to me too, but beggars can’t be choosers….” He added with a grumble
Varian snorted at that, “are you sure you’re okay love?”
“I…. Should I be sad?” The blonde asked, looking at his fiancé, “I feel like I’m supposed to be mingled with sadness and rage, but I feel…. Nothing…. Well…. Not *nothing* per se, but…. Odd…. I’m supposed to be crying, someone should cry for him right? He should be mourned? Am I suppose to do that? Should I? I….. I don’t know…. I don’t know what to do Freckles”
“Take it one step at a time Hugo”, Varian replied gently as he held the blond’s hand, interlocking his fingers with the inventor’s, “you can feel whatever you wanna feel. If that feeling is sadness and rage, then I’ll be right here to help you, if you feel relief or happiness, no one would judge you, not after what he’s put you through”
“You certainly wouldn’t be alone in feeling that”, Hector stated, “as much as it’s against the Dark Kingdom’s customs to speak ill of the dead, fuck Cyrus”
“Hector!” Edmund exclaimed
“What? The guy was an asshole and a fucking abuser, Hugo can feel whatever he wants, and so can I! I hated every second I had to stare at his stupid, dumb, ass kissing face! I hated how he coddled up to my damn parents and then helped take my siblings to the fucking dungeons with them! I hate how he treated Adira, and I hate the fucking fact that *I* wasn’t the one to kill him myself! I hate him, and everything he stood for! Again, it’s against customs, but he deserved nothing fucking less, at least to me!”
“It’s still not the appropriate time to state such things! Even if that’s truly how you feel, Hugo is working through his own emotions, he must be given time to figure out how *he* feels about this”, Edmund explained
“It’s okay”, the blond said softly, getting both men to look at him, “it’s nice hearing someone else know how they feel, makes it a little easier to handle this”
“Still…..”
“…..You don’t have to feel the same way”, the wild tamer added, “I’m an angry fucking guy, I’m gonna be happy that someone who caused my family pain is dead. But you don’t have to feel the same. I won’t tell you to, and I won’t begrudge you if you don’t. You can be sad he’s gone, it’s okay, not that you need my permission, but… yeah….” He blushed
Hugo smiled warmly at the man, “thanks, I know what you mean, it’s okay. I just…. I don’t know how to feel about any of this. Cyrus was an asshole, and I really think he truly hated everything in his life….. I don’t think, given any circumstance, he’d be able to ever be truly happy…. Kinda makes ya sad when you think about it, but then you remember that he did it to himself. He could’ve gotten a life, a home, a wife, kids, he could’ve been a super cool dad guy, like that one”, he pointed to Quirin, who chuckled, “but he chose not to…. He *had* all the money he needed to take care of other people, he could’ve done so much to help himself and the people around him, hell, he could’ve even gotten us a home…. But he didn’t…. And I think that may have been part of the reason he did what he did, he poured so much of himself into his job that it became the only thing he knew after a while….. He wasn’t Cyrus anymore, he was just…. A mercenary…. A mad man who did everything he could for his job, and it cost him everything…. That being said, his actions are not justified”, Hugo added, “he abused, manipulated, killed, sexually harrassed, and exploited others…. He was racist, vulgar, disgusting, horrible, nasty, prideful, stupid, misogynistic, and sexist. He has no redeeming qualities about him, even if someone like Freckles gave him every chance in the fucking book, he’d squander it somehow by being just the most deranged and awful person in the *universe*”, Varian had to hold his tongue at that, but he remembered moments from is talk with the Moon that proved everting Hugo said as true, “he was nothing *but* an awful and abusive prick! …..Yet he was the only thing I ever knew…. Him and Donella both…. And they’re both gone now…. I know I’m not alone, but I feel like my past just died…. And took a part of me with it….”
Varian walked over and hugged his lover, “I’m sorry….”
“It’s okay…. Not your fault…. I actually think I’m grieving more for the piece of me that was lost than I am Cyrus”, the blond chuckled, “isn’t that awful?”
“Aw Hugo…”
The inventor shook his head, “I hated him…. But I cared about him too…..”
“That’s…. Unfortunately, normal”, Adira replied, “when an abuse victim finally runs away from their abuser, there’s guilt that eats away at you for it, like you’re doing something so wrong that you feel as though you should be punished…. I felt that way when Quirin found me and saved me all those years ago…. I felt so guilty for leaving the…..” she sighed, then huffed, “the *Baron*!” She stated indignantly, “I will *not* be afraid to say his name anymore.” Letting out a small sigh, she continued, “sorry, anyway, I felt horribly guilty for leaving him. I thought that, since I was still alive, I owed him my life. I thought I owed him everything because he hadn’t killed me when he had the chance….. Out of everything else he’s done, that was the one thing he hadn’t taken away, and it was the one thing I clung to….. So when Quirin saved me, and I woke up in that medical wing, sick as a dog and scared, then found myself somewhere safe, I felt even sicker, thinking that I shouldn’t have been allowed to live if the person who hadn’t killed me first didn’t get to use me……. I thought that every breath I took…. Cost something…..”
“That’s…. Almost *exactly* what I’m feeling!” Hugo exclaimed, “like I owe Cyrus, and Donella, for the everything! That I shouldn’t be allowed to live since they died, that it isn’t fair if I keep on breathing!”
Adira nodded, “it’s a very hard guilt to experience….”
“How do I get rid of that?! I don’t wanna feel that anymore!”
The face painted warrior smiled sympathetically at the blond, “there’s no sure fire way to make sure you never feel that guilt again. I could say it just goes away with time, which is true for the most part. But there’s one thing I had that no people didn’t”
“What?”
Adira smirked, “Quirin”
“Huh?”
“Quirin! I had Quirin”, she repeated, “he was a tiny child that became a thief in order to survive. He was abused during that time, and still got abused by King Adder even after King Edmund saved him. He had experience with that guilt, still does in fairly certain. I had him”, when she noticed the teen’s confused look, she chuckled, “he helped me through what I was dealing with. Told me a secret I still intend to keep”, the retired knight smiled at her for that, “we worked through that guilt, he helped me train using that guilt as energy, it took time, and a lot of trial and error, but eventually, I figured myself out. You need someone to help you through it, someone who’s been in a similar situation as you. For me, that was Quirin. You have plenty of options, plenty of people, in this room, have been through this too, you’re not alone, you can choose, I’d recommend someone who would do what was best for you, someone who’s similar to you”
Hugo blinked before he looked around the room, he saw everyone smiling at him, all of them were willing to help, before his eyes landed on someone in particular, “um…. If I choose someone, can Freckles come with?”
Varian giggled, “course I can”, he replied, “I’ll be there for you no matter what”
The inventor grinned, “thanks”, he said, before he sighed and looked at the same person again, “I think I already know who I’m choosing, and they already know too”
“Who would that be?” The face painted warrior asked
“The same person who found me in the bathroom all those months ago, and who helped me out and kept my secret, all without really getting to know me”
Varian grinned as he realized who his fiancé meant, before the person spoke up, “I mean, I *guess* I have some time in my schedule to help, *maybe*, I mean, it’s not like in *offering* or anything”
Hugo snorted, “you’re such an ass”
“Glad to be one kiddo!”
“Eugene?” Hector questioned, “why him? Thought you would’ve gone with Quirin himself, or Lance”
“Quirin is good dad, while we all love good dad, he’s also been doing way too much and needs a good dad break”, Hugo explained, “and Lance is my therapist, if I were to choose him, it’d be a therapy session, Adira’s said I need to *work* through it, I’ll definitely talk to Lance about this later though”
“I look forward to that, also, I think this is a good idea”, the former thief replied with a smile, “maybe you, Eugene, and Varian could try somethin new!”
“That…. Actually sounds kinda nice”, Hugo replied, “also, sorry Quirin”
“It’s okay, I think I need a good dad break too”, the retired knight replied with a chuckle, “I’m tired and still… slightly reeling from finding Cyrus…. Though”, he looked at Adira lovingly, “that was very sweet, I’m glad I could help”
“I’m glad you could too”, Adira stated with a smirk, getting Quirin to snort
Hugo giggled before looking up once more, “hey, I’m gonna head out and organize a few things to make room for Cyrus’s stuff, I take it I’ll be in charge of his funeral?”
“If you wish to be, think on it first”, Arianna stated gently, “if you’d rather not, we can handle it for you”
The blond nodded, “ok, um…. Varian, you mind helping me a bit?”
The alchemist blinked, a little started, but he agreed, “yeah, I can help out”
“Thanks, see you everyone”, the inventor stated, before he quickly walked out
Everyone was a little taken aback by the teen’s quick leave, “Varian, if he, or you, need anything, come find me?” Quirin offered, “I feel like he’s not going as well as he says”
“I will, and I’m thinking the same thing”, the freckled teen replied, “see you guys”, he added, waving to everyone else before following his fiancé out of the room
****
“HUGO! HUGO WAIT!” Varian yelled, noticing the blood finally stop as he ran over, the alchemist panted, “phew! Took a minute to catch up”, he exclaimed before he looked at his lover, “are…. You alright?”
Hugo didn’t respond for a moment before he fully faced the teen, startling Varian when he saw tears down the inventor’s face, “it…. It’s all my fault!” He exclaimed
“Huh?!”
“C-Cyrus’s death! F-Freckles it… I-it was my fault! All m-my f-fault!” He exclaimed
“Woah! Hey, no! No it wasn’t!” The freckled teen stared, hugging Hugo instantly, “why would you think it was your fault?!”
“B-because I wanted it to h-happen!” The blond admitted, “y-you know I did! I e-even started to *say* I did! I-it’s my fault! All my fault!”
“Hugo NO! Nononononono! This isn’t your fault! It’s not! I-it’s never been your fault! Not at all! It’s not! It’s not love, it’s not…..” Varian held his lover close as the inventor cried into his chest, he felt guilt swarm inside of him as he was once again reminded of the talk he’d had with Cyrus and the Moon….
Notes:
Hello! :D
Poor Hugo can’t seem to catch a break can he? He did begin to say he hoped Cyrus would…. Then stopped, he didn’t actually think it would happen, so now there’s guilt… Poor bean…..
Also, Adira, Edmund, Quirin, and Eugene moment :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 540: Hugo and Varian!
Summary:
Varian comforts Hugo as the blond handles his guilt, and lets something slip!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“HUGO! HUGO WAIT!” Varian yelled, noticing the blood finally stop as he ran over, the alchemist panted, “phew! Took a minute to catch up”, he exclaimed before he looked at his lover, “are…. You alright?”
Hugo didn’t respond for a moment before he fully faced the teen, startling Varian when he saw tears sliding down the inventor’s face, “it…. It’s all my fault!” He exclaimed
“Huh?!”
“C-Cyrus’s death! F-Freckles it… I-it was my fault! All m-my f-fault!” He exclaimed
“Woah! Hey, no! No it wasn’t!” The freckled teen stated, hugging Hugo instantly, “why would you think it was your fault?!”
“B-because I wanted it to h-happen!” The blond admitted, “y-you know I did! I e-even started to *say* I did! I-it’s my fault! All my fault!”
“Hugo NO! Nononononono! This isn’t your fault! It’s not! I-it’s never been your fault! Not at all! It’s not! It’s not love, it’s not…..” Varian held his lover close as the inventor cried into his chest, he felt guilt swarm inside of him as he was once again reminded of the talk he’d had with Cyrus and the Moon….
****
The two scientists sat on the bed in their room that they shared with Quirin. Varian having pulled his fiancé inside when they started to catch the attention of everyone in the hallways. Hugo was still sniffling and huddled close to his lover and the alchemist held him. The freckled teen waited until the blond was in control of his tears before speaking once again, “are you alright?”
“….Not really….” Hugo replied with another sniffle, “Freckles it’s all my fault-!”
“It is *not* your fault love”, Varian interrupted gently
“But I practically *wished* for that to happen! I basically asked someone to kill him!”
“You didn’t know he would die! Nor did you orchestrate anything that happened!” The alchemist exclaimed, “you didn’t even finish your sentence before cutting yourself off and saying never mind. This was *not* your fault! Cyrus died because of a heart attack, I’m guessing he just came out of the amber and was too stressed by his surroundings, to the point where his body couldn’t handle it and he died. *None* of that was *your* fault, none!”
“How do you know?!” Hugo snapped, looking at his lover frantically, desperately, “how do you know that what I wished *wasn’t* the reason he died?! What if a spirit had heard me?! What if *BEETLEJUICE* heard me?! And he decided to take matters into his own hands!”
“Hugo-!”
“He’d do it! He’d do that for me! He would! And it’s all my fucking fa-!”
“BEETLEJUICE MAY HAVE SCARD HIM BUT IT WAS MY CHOICE THAT HE STAYED DEAD!” Varian yelled, before quickly clapping his hands over his mouth in shock
Hugo froze before looking at his fiancé, “w-what?”
The alchemist sighed, his eyes beginning to glow slightly with anticipation before he removed his hands from his mouth, and spoke, “Beetlejuice didn’t act because you wanted it. He acted because he decided to….. he scared Cyrus, trying to show him what he’d done and make him feel bad for it. It led to his heart attack, but…. Last night….. I was talking to the Moon…..” he explained everything, what they’d said, what Cyrus stated, what Varian found out, everything…. He then let out a small breath, “….Cyrus isn’t dead because of you…. He had a heart attack because of Beetlejuice, and I made the final call….. I gave him every opportunity, but even the *Moon* was starting to grow angry with him, so I gave him his fate….. if anyone’s to blame for that maniac’s passing, it’s me….. Not you, not Beetlejuice, *me*….. I’m sorry….” The blond was silent, for a *long* time, before he looked at Varian….. and hugged him, “y-you’re not mad?”
“I….. I thought it was because of m-me…. I thought he died unfairly because of me…. B-but what you just t-told me….” He sniffled and pulled away, smiling at the alchemist, “you and Beetlejuice did all of that *for* me! Beetlejuice scared the shit outta him, and you…. You have him *every* opportunity to fucking repent! You and the Moon *both* tried! But…. H-he didn’t give either of you a choice….. a-and instead of sending him to Hell, you made him relive everything he’s done, until he fully understands why it was wrong, then he has to help all those he harmed in any way he can…. You two avenged me and Adira, you avenged Donella and everyone else he’s hurt, I….. I couldn’t ever be mad at you for that….”
“B-but you were just-!”
“Again, I thought my wish was granted without giving him a *chance*, but he was given *several* opportunities with you and the Moon! And he took none of them…. His fate was sealed the moment he started to defend his actions, but you still gave him chances. And you did that because you *know* me, you *know* I would’ve preferred it that way, , you even said so yourself! And, even if you didn’t, you were still looking out for me, I…. Can’t thank you enough for doing that Varian, thank you! You…. You saved all of us”, the inventor stated, before his eyes widened, “wait a minute, you still were part of someone’s death, how are *you* feeling?! Are *you* okay?!”
“I’m alright”, Varian replied with a loving smile, “I did the best I could to be as fair as possible, the Moon even agreed, but, I think there’s always gonna be some doubt….”
“I don’t blame you…. If that helps any…. I’m sorry for freaking out….”
“It’s alright love”, Varian stated gently, placing a gentle hand on Hugo’s cheek, smiling when the blond leaned into the touch, “you were scared, I can understand that”
“Still…. I feel really silly about it…”
“You didn’t know what actually happened, so it’s okay”
The bespeckled teen blushed, before he looked at the alchemist and blushed even deeper, “damn, your eyes sparkle when they start to glow”
The freckled teen’s cheeks flushed as well before he looked away timidly, “Hugoooooooo”
The blond snickered, “can you blame me?”
“You’re mean!”
“Heh, I know”
They kissed each other as Varian’s eyes stopped glowing, both of them sitting on the bed together for a moment or two before the alchemist spoke up, “so…. What are you gonna do with Beetlejuice?”
“Thank him”, Hugo replied, “he helped me a great deal, just as you did, maybe I can put a small party out for him, sort of a ‘thanks for being an amazing friend’ party”
Varian giggled, “oh he’ll love that! Make it horror themed”
“Definitely”
The duo smiled at the idea before growing quiet once again, Varian let out another sigh, “so much has changed”
“What do ya mean?”
“Well, when I first got my pardon, I was so scared to walk into town that dad had to force me to do so….. I was even too afraid to buy my own *clothing*! Barely anyone spoke to me, and when they did, it was to scoff at me or make some comment about me needing to attack another kingdom or something. Heh, back in those days, my biggest worries were of dad making me become a Village Leader like him, even had a full panic attack about it, but now….. so much has changed, I met you, Catalina, and Angry, I got a better relationship with Lance and Eugene, Rapunzel and I got closer and became siblings, I got Moon powers and learned how to control them, Ruddy came back, me and my dad have a better understanding for each other, I met more family members of mine, and I’m gonna marry the most wonderful, amazing, handsome, nearly perfect man I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting!” He stated with a grin, “I could’ve never, in a *billion* years, imagined myself here, right now, happier then ever, and with someone I’m more than blessed to call my own, maybe the circumstances aren’t great, but I couldn’t be happier”
Hugo smiled lovingly at his fiancé, “I couldn’t agree more, before I ever met you, I could barely look higher than neck level to anyone I spoke to, unless I’d never met them before, and even then, I was guarded and afraid, but so much changed when I got to meet you, I found a family, I have a home, I have people who love me, I know more about myself, and I get to marry the kindest, smartest, wisest, cutest, prettiest, and nearly perfect person ever! I truly cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you Freckles, I really can’t, I’m so excited, I’ve never felt this way about anyone in my life!”
Varian grinned and hugged Hugo happily, “together forever love, and now, we finally don’t have anyone to tell us no, or where to go, or say we’re only dreaming”
“It’s a whole new world Freckles”, Hugo stated with a smirk, “and I get to spend it with you”
The alchemist let out a happy sigh, before he got an idea, “hey Hugo, have you ever been to the beach?”
“The beach? No, why?”
“Well, you, me, and Eugene are all gonna hang out and do some fun stuff right? How about we go to the beach! We could make it a family day too! Just as a way to take your mind off things, how about it?”
The blond thought about that before he nodded, “ok, who knows, maybe I’ll finally learn how to swim!”
“You don’t know how to swim?”
“Nope, never got taught since we never had a day off”
“Ok, you sir, are gonna get a beach day, learn how to swim, and build your first sand castle! I decree it”
Hugo giggled, “oki, as long as you’re with me”
Varian nodded and kissed his lover, “always”, they both blushed again, “let’s go tell dad yeah? We wanna have him off that day too, so he can join the fun!”
“Yeah, gotta have pops with us”
“Pops?”
“New nickname for Quirin, you call him dad, I call him pops, you like?”
“I love! And he will too! Come on!”
“Wait!” Hugo exclaimed, getting Varian to stop and look at him, “I… still need to organize”
“Oh, right! Organize first, beach day declaration after!”
“Woot!”
The duo began to clean up and chat about what they would do at the beach together, both of them smiling happily as they grew more and more excited about the fun event while the thoughts of the recent death silently slipped their minds, allowing them some much needed peace.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the shorter chapter, I’m still feeling a little under the weather, the season changing does that to me for some reason
Either way, Hugo finds out about the Moon and Varian’s part to play in Cyrus’s death, same as Beetlejuice, but he doesn’t find out about Donella and Ulla, Varian didn’t tell him that
These two have been through so much, it’s honestly astounding to see how much they’ve grown since the very first chapter of this story, not patting myself on the back at all, but it’s still surprising to me, I’m really proud of the both of them 🎶😊❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 541: Adira’s Comfort!
Summary:
Adira is having a hard time coping with the recent events, and is in need of comfort, which Hector is willing to provide!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*”Hey Quirin”, a 13 year old Hector stated
“Hm?” The knight stopped writing his journal before looking at the small child, “hello Hector, what can I do for ya?”
The teen smiled at the man, a warmth washing over him when he’d spoken before he shook his head to clear it, “I just wanted to see if you knew where Adira went?”
“Where she went? I thought she was with you, training”
“She *was*, before some stupid ass guards came over and fucked with us….”
“What?!” The man rose from his seat and *instantly* rushed over to Hector, checking him for injuries, “are you okay? Did they hurt you?”
The teen blushed, “n-no, they didn’t come near us”, he stated, “at lest, not close enough to hurt us physically, they did say some really bad things to Adira though….. Something about her heritage? …..I can’t really remember, but they called her a name that made her eyes widen in shock. I didn’t recognize it, never heard it before, but when they said it, she…. Kinda lost it….. She screamed and ran towards them, she attacked em and beat the hell outta them! It was awesome to watch! But…. When she was done, she sort of snapped out of her rage and…. Began to cry….. She ran away before I could catch her, and I can’t find her *anywhere*!”
The knight’s eyes were wide with worry and anger before he stood up, “thank you for telling me, do you remember the names of those guards?”
“Yup, here’s a list, I knew you’d want it”, Hector handed it over to the man he admired
Quirin looked it over before nodding and pocketing it, “thank you, I have an idea on where she could be, a few ideas actually, if I tell you some of them, can you go look, I’ll look in the ones I don’t name, if I don’t find her there, and you do, stay with her until I get there, okay?”
“Will do, where are those places?”
****
The teen rushed around the forest, hopping from tree to tree, he huffed and puffed as he did so, his legs aching, lungs begging him to stop, but he continued to push! His worry was overtaking his need for rest that his body clearly craved! He hopped a few other trees before sliding to a stop when he heard something. The quiet sounds of a small girl’s cries. He listened and followed them, being careful to be extremely quiet before he finally found her!
Adira was curled up in a small nook in the biggest tree in the forest. Her knees were to her face, arms wrapped around them as she quietly cried to herself, hiding her face in her arms. The teen watched her for a moment or two before he let out a shaky breath and walked over to her, “….Adira-!”
He was startled when her sword came *centimeters* from his neck, he froze, eyes wide as he stared at her, when she realize who he was, she took the sword away and sniffled, “leave me alone….” She stated
Hector let out a breath before shaking his head, “no, I’m not leaving you”
“I don’t WANT YOU HERE!” She helped, glaring at him before turning away and hiding her face in her knees again
The teen was startled once again, but sighed, he walked over and sat down next to her, “well, it took all of my energy to come find you out here, so even if I wanted to leave, which I don’t, I can’t, you’re stuck with me”
Adira huffed, but said nothing, merely continuing to hide her face. After a moment or two of silence, save for the wind shifting the tree slightly, the girl finally spoke, “don’t say what they said….”
“Hm?” Hector looked at her
She looked back at him, her face was covered in tear stains, swollen and puffy from crying as she repeated what she said, “don’t say what they said…. It’s… it’s not a nice word….”
The teen blinked before nodding, “given your reaction, I wouldn’t have done so even if you hadn’t told me not to”, he stated, “….do you mind if I ask what it means?”
She glared, “it means worthless….. it means I’m nothing, that my people are nothing….. I hate it, I *hate* that word!”
Hector huffed, “I hate it too, that’s fucking awful! Why would they call you that?!”
“It’s because of my skin color….” She said softly, “and my heritage…. My people were known for being warriors, strong and independent, but apparently were also dirty, disgusting, savage, and….. worthless…. Only good for fighting….”
“That’s not true! You’re cleaner than me! Your side of the room is more organized and you have better manners too! I-I’m not sure what savage means, b-but that’s probably a lie too! You’re good at fighting, but only because you practice, and it’s not the only thing you’re good at! You’re good at other things too! Like…. L-like dancing!”
Adira blinked, a little confused, “w-when have you seen me dance?”
“Oh, um…. You uh, were dancing on the training field before me and Quirin got on it, apparently you pulled off a move you’d been practicing for a while and you didn’t see us”
The girl blushed profusely, “t-that was only once!”
“I know! B-but you did the spinning really well, s-so…..”
Adira sighed, “well…. Thank you…. Even if that’s embarrassing it’s…. Good to know I’m good at something other than fighting….”
“Being good at fighting isn’t a bad thing either, hell, I prefer to be good at fighting, at least if people call you something nasty, you can punch them in the face easily”
Adira snorted, “I guess, still not a good thing to start a fist fight for no reason”
“…..It was a slur”
“Huh?”
Hector was staring at her, his face serious, “you got mad and beat them up over a slur, that’s not, ‘no reason’, actually, I think they deserved *more* than that!”
Adira blinked, “how’d you know it was a slur?”
“Because Quirin taught me what those are when someone called me the Dark Kingdom slur. I don’t know how many there are, but it’s horrible the think that someone would stoop so low as to comment on someone’s heritage, like you can fucking change that, seriously, it’s messed up”
“You can say that again…. I didn’t ask to be born you know….”
“I know…. Neither did I…..” They both looked at the ground below, before Hector spoke up once again, “if it helps any, I think your people are cool”
“You do?”
“Yeah! They’re seriously amazing! They’re the first people that decided against a kingdom like system! Instead electing a group of officials based on beliefs and such! Everyone gets a choice in what the rules are! Trials are held and people actually get to defend their actions! Your people were ahead of their time! They did so much for everyone in the world! I think it’s amazing how much impact they had, they should be respected!”
Adira smiled, “you’re right, they should be”
“Yeah! And I’m gonna make sure that everyone knows that too! Anyone who gives you guff about you being you, they’re gonna receive my fist in their face! And I’ll remind them of everything your people have done for the kingdoms in this world! Then, no one will be able to tell you anything! Because they’ll be both eating their own teeth and thinking about what I told them!”
The girl chuckled, her eyes sparkling with care as she looked at the teen, “thanks Hector”
“Sure!” The teen stated with a proud smirk, “oh, by the way, Quirin’s looking for you too, he’s worried”
She nodded, “probably gonna be here soon”
“Yeah, hey, maybe he’ll bring Eden and Prince Edmund!”
“Maybe, that’d be nice, I wouldn’t mind having a picnic here”
“Ooooh! Yeah! With Eden’s vegan cake!”
“And Prince Edmund’s not vegan cupcakes, that sounds really nice”
The duo chatted about the picnic, unaware of the knight standing underneath the tree, chuckling as he made a mental note of the two’s desired foods before he walked to the castle, intending to bring the prince and Eden over with the picnic the duo craved. He smirked at the ground of guards that were packing up their things and heading home in shame, he must’ve let the list of names of those guards and what they’d said slip out of his pocket? Prince Edmund must’ve found it, “whoops, guess we’ll need new guards”, he said to himself before chuckling*
****
Hector sighed as he stared at the tree in front of him. He braced himself before hopping up it, managing to land on several branches before he stopped at one near the very top. He looked over and the person he’d been searching for, “hey”
The person he was talking to sighed before looking over her shoulder, “hi…. Found me did you?”
“Yup, not hard to find in Corona, less places to hide”, he stated before walking over and sitting next to her, “you good Adira?”
“I’m…. Coping”
Hector sat down next to her and sighed, “thought you’d be happy Cyrus was dead”
“I should be, shouldn’t I…. Somehow I feel similar to Hugo, guilty”
“I guess I can get why, he fucking abused you, and as much as I hate this, you’re gonna feel guilty that he’s gone, that’s just how it works….”
“Yeah…. I guess”, Adira was quiet as she drew her knees to her chin, resting her arms and head on them
Hector watched her before he let out a small breath, “I’m sorry…..”
“It’s not your fault, what you’re saying is true”
“Still….. *Someone* should apologize”
She chuckled, “that someone has just died, you’re not the person who should accept the responsibility”
“Well he’s not gonna say it unfortunately…. They never do….”
The face painted warrior looked at her younger brother, “Hector”
“Hm?”
“How do you keep knowing when I need to talk? You’ve managed to find me each and every time I’ve begun thinking about talking to someone”
He smirked, “that’s my own secret, you’re never gonna find out either, but if you want a hint, call it intuition”
She smiled, “pretty damn good intuition”
“Yeah well, you were pretty fucking great at pissing me off enough to fight you and get stronger, so”
The face painted warrior snickered, “and aren’t you happy I did”
“Oh so fucking happy”, Hector stated sarcastically, getting his sister to laugh. He smiled after a moment, “more than you know”, he added quietly
Adira finished laughing after a bit and looked towards the sky, “remember the time I was called a slur, and you came to find me?”
“yeah”
“And Quirin somehow managed to know we wanted a picnic with Eden and Prince Edmund with vegan cake and non vegan cupcakes?”
“Pfft, yeah, fucking psychic that he is”
“Heh….. Wouldn’t it be nice if that happened again?” She asked, “but with King Edmund, Speckles, Fish Skin, and Ponytail”
The wild tamer nodded, “yeah, it would, and maybe some of that salad Varian made, with cucumbers and stuff”
“And the pumpkin pie our brother seems to be perfect at making”, Adira added, “that would be really nice right now….”
Hector, hearing the small waver in his sister’s voice, looked at her and noticed she had a few tears sliding down her cheeks. He was startled, but didn’t say anything, merely sliding over to her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She didn’t move at first, but then leaned into the touch, eventually wiping away her tears and sniffling a little before calming down, “you’re not alone anymore sis, remember that”, he stated gently
She sniffled a little more, before gaining control over her emotions again and nodding, “thank you Hector….”
“Anytime….. Hey, who knows, maybe he got what he deserved”
“I wish we knew….. Somehow….”
The wild tamer thought for a moment, before he looked at his Brotherhood mark on the back of his right hand, “hmmm….” He brought it closer to his face before whispering something, too quiet for Adira to hear
She watched him and gasped when she saw his mark glow, she looked at hers, it wasn’t glowing, she looked back and saw him watching her, a small smirk on his face, “h-how did you-!”
“The spawn told me that if I spoke to my mark, he could hear me, and would answer”, he stated, “first time I’ve tried it, and it works, said it’ll work for you too. I asked if he knew anything about Cyrus, he said yes and that he was getting exactly what he deserves”
“…..How does he-!”
“He’s connected to the Moon, she probably can tell him stuff a lot easier now, especially since he’s got the entire Moonstone with him…. Make ya wonder if the princess will get the Sundrop back too now that I think about it. Either way, Cyrus is getting what he deserved, and if it’s coming from the spawn, you know it’s true”
Adira nodded before looking at her own mark, she smiled before bringing it closer to her face and whispering, “thank you Speckles”
To her surprise, the mark flowed for an instant, before Varian’s voice spoke in her mind, “you’re welcome Aunt Wise Eyes! I love you very much!”
She was startled, but smiled and nodded, “love you too”, she responded, smiling wider when she ‘heard’ his giggle
Hector snorted, getting her to look at him, “well ain’t you sweet”, he teased
“Shut up”, she replied with a grin, before, after a moment, she hugged him, “thank you, I really needed that”
Hector froze, extremely taken aback by Adira’s show of affection, before he returned the hug, “anytime”
“…..Heeeeeey!” A very familiar voice called, getting the both of them to stop hugging and look at each other
“No fucking way!” Hector exclaimed
“Only one way to find out!” She replied before standing up, she scanned the area for a moment before she gasped, “how?! Just HOW?!”
Hector got up, wanting to see for himself, and sure enough, there Quirin was, with Edmund, Eugene, Varian, and Hugo, the retired knight was holding a pumpkin pie while Varian had a cucumber salad in his hands, “what the fu-HOW IN THE *FUCK* DID YOU *KNOW*?!”
Quirin smirked, “call it an older brother’s intuition!”
“THAT’S MY FUCKING JOKE YA ASSHOLE!”
Adira laughed, as did Eugene and Hugo, Edmund and Varian giggled, and Quirin smirked, “you want some or not?”
“Yeah yeah, fucking psychic motherfucker”, Hector stated with a snort, he looked at Adira, “ready?”
She chuckled and nodded, “yeah, let’s go”
They hopped out of the tree, Adira feeling lighter than air when she did? Landing on the ground gracefully, alongside Hector, who did the same, before they walked over to their family, “we have more than salad and pumpkin pie by the way”, Edmund stated with a grin, “also, this was Quirin’s idea!”
“Not a bad one by any means”, Hugo stated, watching Varian getting hugged by his aunt as he spoke, “though, watch the cookies, they’re okay, but I may have burnt them a little”
“You tried baking again?” Hector asked
“It looked fun, oh! Eugene made a pasta dish too!”
“I did indeed, Lance was all too happy to chip in and help me too, he couldn’t join, but he sends his regards”, the Dark Prince replied, “oh! And Varian and Hugo had an idea for a day we could all do, but I think we’ll discuss that later, when the kiddo isn’t being squished”
“Hee hee!” Varian giggled as he hugged Adira back happily
Hector smirked, “thanks”, he said, before looking at Quirin, “seriously, how the fuck did you know what we wanted?!”
“Brother’s intuition”, the retired knight replied
“Still my fucking joke ha asshole”
“It’s a good one! And I can’t give away *all* my secrets, it would make it a lot less fun!”
“Is this like the ‘dad powers’ you also apparently possess?” The wild tamer asked as Adira and Varian broke their hug
“Maybe”
“…..Imma just call you fucking psychic before I get a headache”
“Oki”
Hugo snorted, “I love this family”
“Me too”, Adira agreed with a chuckle, “shall we eat and find out what Speckles and Pony tail’s idea for a day is?”
“YEAH!” Varian cheered excitedly, getting everyone to smile as they began to set up the picnic. Adira’s smile growing wider and wider the entire time as she hung out with her family and had fun!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Cute brotherhood moments! Because I love them and want to write more for them! ❤️🎶
Hector will always be a huge comfort to Adira, and vise versa! I love them being together so much! I really do!
Quirin’s a really sneaky big bro! XD
Baby Brotherhood for the win!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 542: Beach Day!
Summary:
They say the beach can draw out deep thoughts and even deeper emotions, the Dark Kingdom crew, and Hugo, go to the beach to have some much needed fun and relaxation, not knowing how much they truly need this experience together!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Sky is blue, clouds are nicely dispersed, Fish Skin has put on a little less lotion today than normal in lieu of Speckles’s homemade sun blockTM-!”
“Ey!” Eugene exclaimed
“I’d say today’s going to be a very good day!”
“Adira!”
“Oh calm down, I’m just teasing”, the face painted warrior replied with a smirk, “today’s a fun day, remember?”
“Yeah yeah, nix the teasing though, I wanna have fun too”
“Where’s the joy in that?”
The Coronan Captain huffed as Hugo laughed, “relax Eugene, we’re going to the *beach*!”
The man wanted to argue, but when he saw the pure joy and excitement on the teen’s face, he sighed and nodded, “you’re right, you’re right, today will be a good day”
“That’s the spirit fish skin!” Adira replied
The dark prince quirked a brow at her, but smiled all the same before he looked at the two men piloting the caravan, “so, what beach are we going to?”
“Me and Bubby have a spot we’ll sometimes go when we get the chance”, Quirin replied with a grin as he looked at the map, “I found it a long time ago, on my way to Corona!”
“*to* Corona?”
“When I first came here, I found it and stayed there for a bit before continuing my trek, when my home was given to me, I would take Varian, and Ulla, to the beach and have a day with them!”
“Do you swim?”
“I can, but I prefer staying on the beach and bubby watching”
“Daaaaaaad!” Varian exclaimed as he blushed, getting Hugo to giggle
His father chuckled, “I also like to fish, which you can do here. I was thinking we could set up an area for us to camp at for the day, I fish for a while, you all swim and have a good time, then once everyone’s done, for dinner, I cook us fish, and Hector a nice vegan meal that I brought along, and we can all have a bonfire!”
“That sounds extremely nice! Thank you Quirin! But uh…. How are you gonna catch all those fish alone?” Eugene asked
“He won’t be alone son! *I’m* gonna help!” Edmund exclaimed as he pulled out an old fishing pole he’d dug out from somewhere
The Dark Prince blinked before he gave his dad a loving smile, “uh, okay then, good luck dad!”
“Won’t need it! I’ll catch the biggest fish we’ve ever seen!” The Dark King exclaimed, Hamual CAWing in agreement
Eugene looked at the retired knight, which smirked before whispering, “this spot’s got a lot of fish to grab, trust me, I’ll have plenty for tonight, and I brought extra poles if you, or anyone else, would like to join”
The Coronan Captain smiled and nodded, “good thinking”, he whispered back, before noticing something beside Quirin, “ya brought Itty Bitty and Sassy?”
“Yup! They’re my good luck charms, plus they could use the sun light”
Eugene smirked before he looked behind him, “he hat are you two doing back there?” He asked with a grin
Varian giggled as he and Hugo placed two more cards on top of a gigantic card house they’d built, “having fun”, the alchemist replied, “and testing a theory! Slate and Domino are really smooth horses! We wanted to see exactly how smooth they could make this journey by stacking cards!”
“So far”, Hugo added as he gently placed the two cards he had on top, “we’re at the 9th story of this card house! Pretty damn smooth!”
“What’s the best story?” Eugene asked
“10”, both replied
“Ooh!”
“Bump coming!” Hector called out, “find a seat and hang on tight! It’s a big one”
“Aw, well damn”, the bland said sadly
“Hang on, if we go super fast we could still make it!” Varian exclaimed as he tried to stack the final two cards on the top
“Uh, kid”, Eugene began as he took his seat
“I’ll be okay, just one mooooore-EEEP!” Varian was pulled away from the cards right before he could stack the final two, he was held onto tightly as they went over the bump, once they were over, the alchemist looked and saw his fiancé had pulled him away, “awww…. We were so clooose”
“Not at the risk of you getting hurt Freckles”, Hugo replied gently, “to be honest, I think we can call that a 10 card stack, because you were way too close to stacking it that it should count”
“Still…. Oh well”, the freckled teen sighed
Hugo felt bad before he got an idea, “hey! After you teach me how to swim, how about we try to build the biggest sand castle *ever*!”
The alchemist’s eyes lit up, “yeah! We can even use some new tactics I read about for sand castle making!”
Eugene smiled at the pair as they chattered about all the ways they could build a sand castle, he was secretly growing fonder of the blond the more and more he spent time with him
****
“Adira, you’re at the beach”, Hector stated
“I’m aware”, the face painted warrior replied
“So why aren’t you changing?”
“I’m ready”
“You’re wearing your coat and full outfit still sister, even I’m taking off my cape and weapons for this”
“You’re still wearing pants and a shirt though, neither of which are made for swimming”
“But that-I-ugh! You’re fucking annoying!”
Adira chuckled, “I just prefer it this way Hector, makes me feel safer”
The wild tamer stopped, his anger cooling instantly before he sighed, “Kay”
She smiled, “thank you”
He gave her a smirk and nodded, before he looked behind her and snorted, quickly placing a hand over his mouth, “PFFT-look behind you!”
Adira did, and was faced with a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, sunglasses, hat, and sandals wearing Edmund, who smiled happily, “what do you two think? Am I ready for the sea?”
The face painted warrior blinked a few times before she snickered and nodded, “you look like a professional lolly gagger Fuzz face”
“Yay! And look, even Hamual’s getting into the spirit of things!” He exclaimed as the gestured to the crow, who had a matching miniature hat on
“Indeed”, Adira commented, as Hector snickered quietly before they saw two other people walking over, “Stickler seems to have your spirit”
Edmund grinned when he saw his knight, “awww look at you! Holiday Quirin!”
The Village leader chuckled, he was also wearing a Hawaiian shirt, but he had on some black swim pants and rubber boots, he was wearing sunglasses as well, “I tried my best”
“I see you’re going swimming Fish Skin”, Adira observed as she looked at Eugene, who was only wearing some red swim trunks with pineapples on them, and sandals
“Well we are at the beach, I wanna swim, haven’t done it for a while”, Eugene replied, “sticking to the usual outfit?”
“Yup”
“Alrighty then”
“Hey!” A voice called, getting everyone to look over and see Varian and Hugo walking over, the alchemist seemed a touch more timid about the situation however as he held the blond’s hand tighter than expected, “wow, holiday Quirin and Edmund, nice!” The inventor stated with a grin
“Thank you, the swimming trunks I got you feel alright?” Quirin asked
“Yeah! And I like that they’re green camo, that’s so cool! Thank you!”
“You’re welcome, I’m glad you’re happy with them”
Eugene smiled at Hugo, who, like him, only had the swim trunks and sandals on, however, he got a touch confused when he saw Varian, “hey kiddo, why are you wearing your old blue t-shirt with your swim trunks? Thought you were gonna swim with Hugo”
The alchemist blushed deeply as Hugo faced Varian and smiled, “it’s okay love, you look great”
“B-but it’s weird….” The freckled teen stated
“No it’s not, Eugene didn’t mean it that way love”
“I really didn’t kiddo, I was just asking is all”, the Dark Prince responded quickly, guilt filling him as he realized the error he’d just made
Varian sighed before he tugged at his shirt a little, “I….. I don’t wanna show….” He grew quiet
“Show what bubby?” Quirin asked, “it’s okay, you don’t have to be nervous”
Ruddigar and Olivia, who were both on Varian’s shoulders, nuzzled the teen lovingly as he finally spoke, “I…. D-don’t wanna show m-my back…..” he admitted, “b-because if I d-do then…. P-people will see my….” He stopped
Eugene realized what he’d meant *instantly*, as did everyone else as Adira winced when the sound of a whip hitting flesh, in her mind, made her shudder, “right right, I’m so sorry kiddos, I didn’t mean to bring that to attention”
“I-it’s okay, I just….. f-feel better with my shirt on….. t-that’s okay right?” He asked
“More than okay son”, Quirin replied gently as he scooped up the teen and hugged him, “whatever makes you comfortable”
“I’m wearing my full outfit, and Wild Child is wearing his full outfit save for his cape and weaponry, so it’s fine, trust me, you’re not the strangest one here Speckles”, Adira reassured gently
“She’s right, at least you’ve got swimming trunks on, also, the blue with the pumpkin pattern, I see that”, Hector teased
Varian giggled as Quirin smiled, “thanks guys”, the teen replied
“Anytime bubby, did you and Hugo put on your homemade sunblock?” His father asked
“Yup! Me and Hugo are all lotioned up and ready to swim! …..Dad, do you think Rapunzel, should she have the Sundrop, would get sunburnt?”
“I’m not sure, I think so, considering even though you have the Moonstone you’ll still get the occasional nightmare”
“True….. oh but that’s gonna eat at me all day today”
Quirin chuckled as he set his son down, “how about you teach Hugo how to swim first, then mull over life changing questions after that, yeah?”
“Well, me and Hugo were gonna built the best sand castle after the swimming lesson”
“Oh my, a very tight schedule we have tiny sir”
“Extremely tight!”
Hugo giggled, “we could mull over the question while we build”, he offered
“Hmmm….. yes! But we also gotta make sure we discuss castle tactics too! This is the ultimate sand castle after all!”
“Right! Then we should get started”
“Yeah!”
The group smiled at the pair as the mood lightened up a bit before Adira looked at the ocean, “shall we *ahem* have a blast?”
Varian grinned, “yeah! Lets go!” He exclaimed before pulling Hugo with him as they ran to the water, only stopping when they got to their little campsite that’d been set up earlier, took off their sandals, before hightailing it to the water!
Quirin laughed when Varian dove in as Hugo took his time to get used to the cold, Eugene going in after them, just in case, as Hector smirked and sat at their campsite, beginning to make a sand castle, Adira joined him. Edmund chuckled, “our kids are something else, aren’t they Quirin?”
“They really are”, the retired knight replied, “come on, we should join them and, as Adira said, have a blast”
Edmund grinned, “quite right! Let’s go fishing! And I’m gonna catch a big one today Quirin, I can feel it in my bones! Old as they may be”
The retired knight nodded, “I believe in you, shall we?”
“Let’s!” With that, the duo walked over to the docks, sat down, and began to fish together happily
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is just an intro chapter to the beach arc, but it’s gonna be a nice break for characters who truly need a minute to really find themselves and have a nice time. They’ve all been really hard on themselves lately, so they finally get some time to really have some fun!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 543: The Burdens we Tear!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo have a swimming lesson when Varian realizes something that gives him a choice!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Kick Hugo kick!” Varian cheered
Hugo kicked as hard as he could, he felt his body floating a bit as he did, “I’m doing it!”
“Great job! Oki, now stop and give yourself a break”
The inventor did as he was told as sighed as his feet touched the bottom of the shallow end of the ocean, “phew, who knew learning how to swim would be such a work out?”
“You’re not wrong, I’m just holding your hands and even *I’m* working up a sweat!” Varian agreed, “but it’s gonna be worth it! You’re so close to swimming, a few exercises on how to place your arms while kicking your beans, and you’ll be good to go!”
“Woot! Thanks for going and helping me learn how to swim Freckles, it means a lot”
“Anytime love! Funnily enough, you’re not the first person I’ve taught”
“Really?”
“Yup! I used to teach the little kids in the village too! They’d wanna learn and I’d be asked to show them how!”
“Wow, so you were a mini Village Leader”
Varian giggled, “kinda, I was the kid’s Village Leader I guess, I was usually the one the kid’s turned to when the adults needed to hear what they had to say. It was kinda funny too! I remember setting up little meetings with the neighboring kids, and we’d discuss what needed to be discussed that day. I’d tell dad after, he’d either agree to discuss, or he’d have a tiny debate with me about how we couldn’t say no to veggies at dinner”
The blond laughed, “that sounds so adorable! Oh my gosh! I wish I’d been there!”
“Oh you would’ve been a little stinker, I just know it”
“Pfft! Probably, though, had I had a better childhood maybe, when I was a kid I was actually really shy if you can believe it”
“Really?”
“Yeah…. I hid behind Don’s leg a lot when another adult spoke to me, and when another *kid* came over, heh, I clung to Donella like nobody’s business, I didn’t wanna talk to *anyone*….. it was, one of the reasons I didn’t have many friends as a kid”
“Oh Hugo…..”
“I’m not sad about it, I preferred inventing and alchemy, none of the other kids in Ingvarr did, in fact, most of them were snobs, didn’t like em much. You kept to your own really, did what you were told, and if you stepped out of line, ya got beat. But that was how things were”, the blond shrugged. Varian grew quiet, “h-hey, I didn’t mean to make you feel guilty Freckles! I love hearing about your childhood, it makes me happy!”
The alchemist sighed and gave his fiancé a sad smile, “I know, I just can’t help but get a little down-trod about your past…. You didn’t deserve *any* of what you got…..”
“That’s not your fault though”
“It still makes me sad though, I wish there was a way to help, but, short of time travel, there really isn’t….” The freckled teen stated before he got an idea and smirked, “so I guess I’m gonna have to invent time traveling then!”
“What?!”
“Yup! I’m gonna invent a way to time travel safely, go back to your past, and become your best friend! I’ll make an aging potion that’ll turn me young again, and you and I will spend a full day just being kids together!”
“Variaaaaaan!” Hugo laughed, blushing a little
“Hugoooooooo! It’s gonna happeeeeeeen, and we’re gonna be best frieeeeeeeeeends! As kiiiiiiiiiiiiids!”
“Sthohohop it!” The blond exclaimed as he splashed his fiancé
“Never!” Varian exclaimed as he splashed back, “and that is *not* how you swim sir!”
“How am I supposed to know? My teacher went awol on me and started talking about time travel!” Hugo teased as he splashed Varian again. The duo began to laugh as they got into a water war! Splashing and dunking each other until both were soaked and out of breath! Hugo had to take off his glasses just to make sure they weren’t damaged when they’d stopped, “heh, that was definitely a fun part of the lesson”, the blond remarked as he placed his glasses back on his face and smirked
“Very much so!” Varian agreed as he floated on his back happily
Hugo giggled, “having fun there?”
“Yup! It’s actually really relaxing!”
“How do you do that?”
“You lay flat on your back, relax, and so long as you have the same position as me, you’ll be fine!”
The bespeckled teen did as Varian instructed, copying his movements exactly, soon enough, he was on his back, floating like the alchemist, “hey look! I’m doing it!”
“Great job love!” The freckled teen replied happily as he watched his lover floating on the water with a grin on his face. The duo sat in silence for a little bit, staring up at the sky as they did so before Varian spoke up, “ya know…. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy before”
“Hm? Really?”
“Yeah, most of my life was filled with anxiety, I had a wonderful childhood, but I was always so anxious, my dad would always be busy, and the kids would be a little too much for me at times. Then I became a teenager and… ugh…. Just ugh….. but now? I feel so…. Peaceful…. I’ve never felt peaceful before, I’ve felt everything else, but not peaceful, it’s so odd….. I thought that I’d lived a thousand ways when I ended up in jail, turns out, I hadn’t even begun….”
“No…. You *did* live a thousand ways Freckles, just none of them were ever good…. Ya know, for all your worry about me and my life, you never think about your own…. You had it rough too, a dad that was always busy, a mother that passed away, kids that didn’t understand you, abuse up the fucking wazoo, villagers attacking you left and right, jail time, insanity, breaking, PTSD, you *survived* through so much pain, so much! It’s not wonder than when the world finally calms down and grants you a breath, you feel peaceful for the first time in your life”
The alchemist smiled, “with the most perfect partner too”
“Yeah, Ruddigar makes a really good friend”
“Hugo!”
“Hee hee”
The freckled teen sighed, but chuckled as he looked up to the sky, the Moonstone glowing slightly as he did so, “I’m finally happy, I guess I thought I was before, when did I realize I wasn’t?”
“…..When did it hit you the hardest?” Hugo asked, “for me, it was when I met you and saw you nearly die when you were a bird, that when it hit me the worst”
The alchemist thought about that, before a specific memory came to mind, “….when the day after I’d been lashed…. Andrew had spoken to me, comforted me, and even asked me how I was doing. I told him I was fine, and he…. Was surprised I was…. He said that he hadn’t seen a kid my age take a punishment like that and internalize it so quickly, almost like I was used to it….. That’s when it hit me the most…. When he said those words…. ‘It’s almost like you’re used to it kid…..’ When he’d said them, he meant it as a joke, but…. And I don’t know why…. I started crying….. and I couldn’t stop…..”
Hugo looked at his fiancé, “are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m alright now, thanks. I just, I never knew, guess I do now…. Huh”
“Did the answer help?”
“…..Slightly…. Why is that?”
“From my understanding, it’s because you’re at a place now where you can reflect on it, and it doesn’t hurt you as much. You finally realize that you really hadn’t been happy until now, and because you are, you can smile, knowing you’re not the same person you were before, because you’ve grown, and you have Freckles, even though I came late, you grew a lot since the first time we met, and honestly”, he smiled at the teen, “I couldn’t be more proud of you than I am right now!”
Varian stated at his fiancé, and he smiled, a few tears rolling down his face as he remembered everything he’d been through, all the hoops he had to jump through, the things he’d done and had to do, the sorry’s he’d had to say, the buildings he’d had to fix, the relationships he’d had to mend, and then the good times he’d had after, when everyone forgave him, when he finally became better, and for the first time in his life, he felt proud. He sniffled, “alright, we should get back to your swimming lesson”
“Yeah, we should”, the blond replied with a smirk, “you gonna be okay?”
“Yeah, I’ll be alright, thank you, that really helped, a lot”
“Anytime”, they got up and held faced each other, “so, what do I do with my arms?”
“Well you-! …..Hang on, I…. Wanna do something really quick”
“….ok, what do you wanna do?”
“Come on”, he gently pulled Hugo with him, the duo getting out of the water and making their way towards the docks. They both saw Edmund and Quirin fishing happily, the two talking about something, “hey dad”
The knight and king stopped and looked at the pair, “oh hi you two! How’s the swimming lessons going?” Quirin replied with a loving smile
“They’re going great, someone’s a fast learner!” Varian exclaimed, getting Hugo to blush
“Ive got a great teacher”, the blond stated, getting Varian to blush as well
The Village Leader chuckled, “well I’m glad, is there something you needed though Bubby? Or did you wanna join our fishing?”
“Hee hee, nu, I just….. Wanted to ask you for a small favor…..”
“Sure, what’s the favor?” His father asked gently, giving his son and encouraging look
The alchemist took a deep breath, held it, then let it go, before he let go of Hugo’s hand, and took off his shirt, making everyone look at him, startled, before he handed it to his father, “c-could you maybe make sure that’s put somewhere where it won’t get lost?” He asked, “I…. I wanna keep it off me for now”
His father blinked for a few moments, before he recovered quickly, “are you sure?” He asked gently, smiling encouragingly
“Yeah, I’m sure, I….” Varian took another breath, then let it go as he smiled at his father determinedly, “I don’t think I need it anymore”
His father looked at his son, then at the shirt in his hands, his eyes grew watery as he stood up and wrapped his arms around both of his sons, “ok, I’ll make sure it’s safe just in case you need it again”
The alchemist hugged his father back as he, for the first time, felt Hugo’s arms wrap around him, touching his bare back gently, he smiled when he realized that it didn’t hurt, not even an inch, “thanks dad….. far everything”
Quirin held them a little closer when Varian said that, before all three let go as the freckled teen grabbed the blond’s hand, and ran back over to the ocean, the Sun shining off of the teen’s back, the scars plain for all to see, but he didn’t care, for the first time since he’d received them, Varian didn’t care, he noticed the smiles he received when Hector, Adira, and Eugene noticed, all of them were full of pride and joy as they watched him splash into the water, Hugo joining him, hugging him, he felt the water on his back as well, and it didn’t hurt either, nothing hurt anymore, and for the first time in Varian’s life, he felt truly happy!
Notes:
Hello!!!!!
Varian’s finally at peace with himself!!!!! He’s finally accepted what happened to him and is finally accepted himself!!!!!!! I’m so proud of him!!!!!!
Hugo helped him through this! The blond bean helped Varian in ways the alchemist didn’t think possible, and now he can finally rest easy!!!!!!
Varian’s character arc is coming to an end! The bean is finally at peace, now there’s only one thing to do, and that make his fiancé something much more personal :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 544: A Crazy Rhino Face Painted Beach Day!
Summary:
Hector and Adira really don’t know what to do on the beach, Eugene helps them out!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Adira sighed as Hector placed a tiny flag on their sand castle and hummed, “looks kinda like the Dark Kingdom castle, but…. Sandy…..”
“I wonder why”, the face painted warrior replied with a smirk
“Fuck off, I’m just saying”, the wild tamer stated
“Well, it certainly is what we were going for, the flag is new though”
“I like the flag”
“It’s a nice touch”
Hector nodded with a proud smile on his face before he looked around and sighed, “have we ever had a day where we just…. Relax like this?”
“Not on a beach, but yes, usually it’s in places we’re more comfortable at”, Adira stated as she touched the arm of her coat, “like the forest, or Quirin’s home”
“Right…. Well, now that we’ve built a Dark Kingdom sand castle, what do we do now?”
“Not sure”, she replied, “we both already know how to swim, we’ve built a sand castle, I don’t think either of us really need to tan”
“Especially not with you wearing your full coat and shit”, Hector added
“Right, hmm…. We could fish”, the wild tamer growled, “right right, sorry”, Adira said, holding her hands up with a smile, “my bad, but what else should we do?”
“Hey you two!” A voice called, getting the pair to look and see a soaking wet Eugene running over to them with a smile on his face, “nice sand castle! Dark Kingdom castle, yeah?”
“Correct Fish Skin”, the face painted warrior replied, “I see you’re enjoying the ocean”
“I am! It’s nice and refreshing, I just came by to grab a swig of water”, the Corona Captain stated before he walked passed them and grabbed a water skin, taking a drink before letting out a breath, closing it, and setting it down, “what are you two gonna do?”
Both of them stared at the man for a moment before Hector huffed, “we don’t have a fucking clue….”
Eugene blinked, a little surprised, “really? There’s plenty to do at the beach, Adira, I thought you’d be meditating at the *very* least”
“I’ve tried to do so on a beach before during my travels to find the Sundrop, however crabs continued to bother me, and there aren’t many trees nearby, none that could withstand my staying there for a long period unfortunately….”
“Oh, I see, Hector what about you? Pixie and Basil are chilling by the campsite, there are plenty of sea creatures to befriend”
“Easier done when they aren’t in the damn water”, the wild tamer stated with a sigh, at the Dark Prince’s confused expression, he sighed, “being beat with a wet bamboo stick then forced to stay in the constantly stinging salty water as a punishment took the damn fun outta beaches for me….. I only made friends with one shark, and that’s because she was beached at the time….”
“Oh…..”
“Yeah…. Not a huge fan of the ocean…. Rivers and ponds, yes, ocean, fuck no”
“Right…. Well, do you two wanna try fishing?”
Hector growled again as Adira sighed, “he’s *Vegan* Fish Skin”
“OH SHIT! Right right, sorry, *really* sorry!”
The wild tamer huffed, calming down, “it’s fine….”
“…..Hey, what’s it like to be Vegan?” Hector quirked a brow at the man, “honest! I’m genuinely curious to find out what it’s like to be a Vegan! It’s kinda rare to find a person who is, especially when the main menu is meat or some other animal product. I just….. Never really knew how you did it, what you eat, or how you can stick to that lifestyle and diet while keeping your body nourished. Like it’s an actual fascination of mine, sincerely!”
“…..You’re serious?”
“Yeah! I’ve never actually met a Vegan before, so when I found out you were one, while I didn’t wanna pry, I also had so many questions in my mind that I’ve been wanting to ask! Just….. never really knew how you’d…. Take them…. Didn’t wanna come across as condescending or creepy ya know?”
The Wild tamer looked the man up and down before he sighed, calming himself completely, “well, it’s not exactly hard, kinda more expensive if you don’t know where to look or how to make your food yourself. Instead of getting the shit you need from animal meat, you look to other places, like nuts, they have a lot of protein. Oranges and other fruits and veggies will give you plenty of vitamin C, lentils, tofu, and spinach will give you iron, it’s just more of a way of finding things out and making sure you’re aware of what your body needs”, he explained, “as for the clothing and shit, you’ll have a tougher time, but there’s ways to work around the animal products. Like for clothing, cotton from cotton plants is good, learned how to make some of that myself”
“Interesting, so, do you know how much or one thing you need?” Eugene asked, getting Adira to smile as she listened
“Yeah, for me, I needed a lot more iron and protein in my diet because I was a sick kid. Needed something to help strengthen my muscles, those two are extremely good for that. Nuts aren’t the only option either, tofu has protein, so do peas and lentils. Honestly it’s just a habit after a while. You’ll start to recognize stuff you can eat once you really go in and stick to it. It’s just a matter of continuing that diet and lifestyle, even when tempted, it’s hard, but you get pretty good at it after a while”
“That’s really cool! So, this next question may seem a bit insulting or judgy, I don’t mean it that way, but…. Do you dislike farms?”
Hector snorted, “it’s a fair question, I should hate farms, they use animals in everything they do, but actually, certain farms I don’t mind. Quirin’s for example, he treats every animal right, giving them the best quality food and living space to stretch their legs. He only uses the meat of an animal once they’re too old to live, or they’re too sick. He never lets anything go to waste either, he’ll use every part of the animal and gives them the care and respect they deserve. He’s a good farmer, and very respectful to animals in general, even though I don’t eat his animals, I can tell they’re loved and cared for, so I don’t hate what he does. Other farms though, fucking farmers who lock their animals up and make them fucking work themselves to death…..” he growled again, “I’ll *end* them…..”
Adira snorted, “he’s actually freed a bunch of farm animals from horrible farmers and ruined the fields because of their cruel treatment”
“You’ve helped sister”
“I’m not saying it was a bad thing”
Eugene snickered, “ya know, you and Varian and Hugo are surprisingly similar Hector”
“We are?” The wild tamer asked
“Yeah! Varian and Hugo get super passionate about how farms work! Quirin too for that matter, though I’m not surprised about him. Either way, those two will go on tirades about how horrible some farmers are, Hugo’s been doing so, more, nowadays because he’s been training to be the next Village Leader, but the point still stands, I honestly think it’s kinda cute”
Hector paused before he smirked, “the spawn and his bo are really special, so I shouldn’t be surprised”
“They really are”, Adira agreed before she looked at the Dark Prince, “so, are you thinking about becoming Vegan?”
“Hm? Well I’ve actually thought about it in the past, I think I could, I’ve even tried before! But I don’t think my body would allow it, when I did it once, I ended up throwing up and getting really sick…. However, I was thinking about making one meal out of my day be a Vegan meal, no animal products to be seen, thought it would be a good way to, at the very least, contribute”
Hector blinked, “that’s a good way to do that. One meal can make all the difference, which one were you thinking about doing that to?”
“I was thinking either breakfast or lunch, dinner I eat with Blondie, and I don’t know if she’d wanna be Vegan during dinner or not, I don’t wanna push her either”
“That’s fair, either one works, it’s healthier for breakfast though, since it’s the first meal you have of the day”
Eugene nodded, “cool, Vegan breakfast it is then!” He stopped when he saw Varian and Hugo walk past them, the little alchemist looking determined, “huh, wonder what’s up with that”
“Not sure, seems Speckles is going to speak with Stickler and Fuzz Face”, Adira noted
“Maybe they wanna leave?” Hector asked
“Nah, Varian loves the beach, he couldn’t stop raving on the way here, it was cute!” Eugene stated with a smile as he saw the two scientists talking with the two fishermen, “I’m gonna head back to the water, do you two know what you’re gonna do?”
Hector smirked, “make you a list”
“A list?”
“Of Vegan breakfast options you can try, it’s hard to make even one meal into a Vegan one, so a list may help”
“Oh, well thank you!”
“Sure, Adira what are you gonna do?”
“Hmmm…. I think I’ll make another sand castle, the first one was genuinely fun to make, I’ve got some ideas”
“Nice, good luck with both of those things you two!” The Dark Prince replied with a smile before he ran off and dove back into the water
The two fighters waved at him before Hector looked at his sister, “that conversation went well”
“Indeed, you made a new friend! A rare occurrence!”
“Oh shit the fuck up!”
The face painted warrior laughed before they saw Varian and Hugo walking back to the ocean, they grew silent as they saw the alchemist with his shirt off, he didn’t seem to mind, in fact, he seemed to feel much more free! They smiled at him happily, noticing Eugene doing the same, before he and Hugo got into the water and began to splash around. They looked at Quirin and saw the man holding the shirt with a *huge* grin of pride of his face! Edmund standing beside him with the same expression, “well would you look at that”, Hector stated as he looked back at his nephew
“Congratulations Speckles”, Adira added with a loving smile, “congratulations”
Notes:
Hello! :D
We never really got a Eugene and Hector interaction in the story, we got him and Adira, and him and Edmund, but not him and Hector or him and Quirin. I’ve written plenty for him and Quirin, but this was the first time he and Hector really had a conversation in my story!
Honestly, I feel like these two would discuss something like this, either this or fighting strategies, or how annoying having a sister, or sister like friend, could be. Eugene and Cassandra were very brother and sister like, so I feel Hector would understand him the best given he’s got Adira XD
Also, the Vegan bit, I’ve honestly been interested in becoming Vegan or Vegetarian, there’s nothing wrong with either or, just like there’s nothing wrong with being an omnivore :D I found out I couldn’t because my body made me throw up, so I just stick to breakfast being my Vegan meal of the day! :D
Adira being the only one to really hang out with Hector, these two sticking together as well, it just makes sense they’re more comfortable with each other, even in the show, they fought with each other like they’d been sparring for years! Hector also seemed the most upset with Adira in the show, not Quirin, so there seemed to be a lot more feelings of betrayal between those two
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 545: A Fishy Conversation!
Summary:
Edmund and Quirin fish and talk about many things, seaweed, fishing techniques, the unfortunate reality that your kids will no longer need you as they grow older and the fear that comes with it! Ya know, normal topics!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“What will we do with a drunken sailor?
What will we do with a drunken sailor?
What will we do with a drunken sailor?
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises!
Way hay and up she rises,
Way hay and up she rises!
Early in the morning!”
Edmund laughed, getting Quirin to freeze before brushing, “eheh, sorry, forgot you were right next to me”
“Ohohoho it’s alright! I just haven’t heard that sea shanty in a long time! The pirate accent was a nice touch by the way”, the Dark King teased
The retired knight blushed even more, “h-how about we continue to fish please”
Edmund chuckled, wrapped an arm around his knight, “always so shy whenever you sing”
“Well I’m really not the best singer-!”
“Nonsense! I love listening to your jingles, it’s nice to hear, you’ve got a very quiet yet raspy voice that’s quite comforting Quirin”
“Well, to you and Varian maybe”
“To everyone with ears I think you mean”
The Village Leader smiled lovingly at his King, his blush disappearing before he noticed the man’s fish line being pulled, “hey look! You’ve got a bite!”
“Oh? OH!” Edmund grabbed his fishing pole and began to reel his catch in, “20 pounder easy! Maybe even *30*!” He exclaimed excitedly as he struggled with the line
Quirin chuckled, “don’t want help?”
“Nope, I wanna reel this big guy in myself!” The Dark King exclaimed, he continued to reel and fight, until finally his catch flapped against his face, “AH! ITS GOT ME! QUIRIN HELP!”
It was Quirin’s turn to laugh now as he watched his father figure flail his arms around, “easy, *easy*, it’s okay!” The retired knight stated before gently taking off the catch and freeing Edmund’s face
“Phew! What did I get?! A squid? Octopus maybe?!”
“Um….. Kinda?” Quirin held up a bunch of green seaweed, Edmund’s hook plain to see tangled up in the plant
“Oh…..”
“I-it was a good first catch!”
“It wasn’t a fish though, thought I’d actually gotten one”
“It’s alright, we’ve got plenty of time to catch some more”. The Dark King poured for a few moments, “do you wanna try again?”
“…..yeeahh….”
“Ok, let’s try again”, Quirin untangled the hook, baited it, then gave it his king, who stood up, and cast it once again, “that was a really good cast”
“I appreciate the attempt, but I freaked out over a tiny plant in my face….”
“It’s okay”
“No it isn’t! I’m a Dark King for Hector’s sake! Adira’s too for that matter! I should have been able to handle such a situation!”
“Oh come now, you were excited and something latched onto your face and startled you, it happens”
“To whom exactly? Has that *ever* happened to you?”
“No, but it happened to Varian one time”
Edmund blinked, “it…. Did?”
“Yup, when he went on his very first fishing trip with me. I took him to our secret fishing place for the first time, he didn’t let me bait his hook because he didn’t want me to hurt the worms. So he used a tiny lure instead. At one point, his hook got snared in some seaweed and he *freaked* out! Little bean was so excited, talking just like you, “it’s a big one daddy! Wook! Wookit! It’s a big one! I gots a big one!””
“Did he really?”
“Yes he did, and he didn’t want me to help him either, he wanted to, “be a big boy” and reel the “big fishy” in all by himself”, the Village Leader stated with a chuckle, “and reel he did, he got so excited, he reeled it in too fast and the seaweed slapped over his eyes and made him panic. Except he got up and ran around! It was quite a sight to see, let me tell you”, he chuckled as Edmund smiled lovingly, “once I got the seaweed off, Varian was so disappointed, he pouted for a few seconds before he sighed, huffed, then tried again. It happens, and now look at him, he’s a great fisherman! Sure he can’t *gut* the fish, but he can catch them pretty easily!”
The Dark King hummed happily at the story, “sounds like the little peanut had some really wonderful times with you”
“He did, I had some really wonderful times with him too”, the retired knight replied with a happy grin on his face
“Quirin….. have you ever thought about what’ll happen when he grows up?”
The Village Leader stopped before he looked at his King, “I…. Well yes, but… is that a bad thing?”
“Well no, not exactly, but, have you had any worried about it at all? I ask because I worry about Eugene all the time! But he’s already grown, so….”
“Well…. Heh, I think every parent has their worries about when their children grow up…. I mean, with Varian and Hugo, they’re both still in need of my care, but they are getting to the point where they’re pretty much independent. So I suppose there’s that worry…. And they’re also gonna get married soon, so is Eugene”
“Don’t remind me”
“Heh, I thought you lived Rapunzel”
“Oh I do, very much! But I’ve only just *began* to know who my boy is! And now I have to give him away!”
The Village Leader chuckled, “I know what you mean, heh heh. Honestly, as a parent, you never really stop worrying about your children, it’s always gonna be like that, you worry, you fret, then you see they’re doing okay and….. Well you just keep on worrying. It’s kinda how being a parent goes….”
“Do you ever worry that they won’t…. Need you anymore?”
This hit the retired knight hard as he suddenly felt the wind being knocked out of him. He hesitated, before he let out a sigh, calming himself for a moment or two before replying, “I….. I’m always gonna fear the day when they no longer need me…. I know it’ll come, I know I’ll have to be prepared…. But when it does come that they’re finally okay and figured everything out, or at least, most things, when they finally feel comfortable in their own skin and came stand up straight and proud. I’ll know they won’t need me anymore, but…. I’ll be so proud of them, the proudest I’ve ever been! Because that’s what being a parent is, you teach them, help them grow, so that when they don’t need you anymore, you can smile to yourself and say, “that’s my boy, my big, beautiful, baby boy”! It scares me…. Almost to the point where I can’t bear it! But…. It makes me excited as well, for them”
Edmund grinned, “you’re very wise, you know that?”
“Heh…. I appreciate that”, before he could say anything else, his line began to dip, “op!” He began to reel it in, the line would fight him, she the Village Leader would give it some slack before reeling once again! Eventually, he managed to reel in a 10 pound fish! He smiled happily and place them in the buckets he and Edmund had prepared
“Okay, now that’s just not fair, now I half a mind to pout just for that fishing knowledge display”, the Dark King joked
Quirin chucked as he baited his line once again and began to fish, “I’m sorry?”
“You’d better be”
They both snickered, “you’ll get one soon, don’t worry”
“Maybe….. I suppose I’ll just have to keep thinking of the little peanut and butter nut”
“Why’s that?”
“It’s what made you get a fish! So think of the little peanut and butter nut I shall! Their tiny freckles, their adorable eyes, their smile! I can feel the fish coming this way Quirin!”
The retired knight laughed, shaking his head at his king’s antics when, “hey dad”
The knight and king stopped and looked at the and saw Hugo and Varian standing behind them, holding hands, “oh hi you two! How’s the swimming lessons going?” Quirin replied with a loving smile, as he heard his King whisper about thinking a little too hard, and chuckled
“They’re going great, someone’s a fast learner!” Varian exclaimed, getting Hugo to blush
“Ive got a great teacher”, the blond stated, getting Varian to blush as well
The Village Leader chuckled, “well I’m glad, is there something you needed though Bubby? Or did you wanna join our fishing?”
“Hee hee, nu, I just….. Wanted to ask you for a small favor…..”
“Sure, what’s the favor?” His father asked gently, giving his son an encouraging look
The alchemist took a deep breath, held it, then let it go, before he let go of Hugo’s hand, and took off his shirt, making everyone look at him, startled, before he handed it to his father, “c-could you maybe make sure that’s put somewhere where it won’t get lost?” He asked, “I…. I wanna keep it off me for now”
His father blinked for a few moments, before he recovered quickly, “are you sure?” He asked, gently taking the shirt
“Yeah, I’m sure, I….” Varian took another breath, then let it go as he smiled at his father determinedly, “I don’t think I need it anymore”
His father looked at his son, then at the shirt in his hands, his eyes grew watery as he stood up and wrapped his arms around both of his sons, “ok, I’ll make sure it’s safe just in case you need it again”
The alchemist hugged his father back, Hugo doing the same, “thanks dad….. for everything”
Quirin held them a little closer when Varian said that, before all three let go as the freckled teen grabbed the blond’s hand, and ran back over to the ocean. The retired knight watched them go, smiling as he held his son’s shirt in his hands, noticing Adira, Hector, and Eugene watching the two teens with equally proud smiles on their faces, before Quirin felt his King’s arm around him, “well would you look at him!”
“Yeah, look at him”, the father replied as tears dripped down his face, before he sniffled and chuckled when he saw Hugo managed to get the hang of swimming quickly after being show how to move his arms, “those are my boys”
Edmund froze, looking at Quirin and seeing his knight smiling in a way he’d never seen before, it was… peaceful, sad, but full of love and pride, he smiled as well, before the sounds a pole being pulled caught his ears and he looked and saw Quirin’s line being tugged on, “oh! OH! Quirin! Your line! The pole!”
“Hm? OH!” The Village Leader ran over to the line and grabbed it, reeling in the *gigantic* 30 pound fish before placing it in the bucket
“Nice catch!” The Dark King exclaimed
“Well thank you, but I would pay more attention to you line, it’s wiggling again”
The Dark King looked and sighed, “It’s probably another seaweed”
“Um….. I don’t think that’s seaweed, from my knowledge, seaweed doesn’t pull and swim around like that”
The Dark King blinked before he looked at his line and gasped! It was going crazy! He grabbed his pole and began to reel it in! Copying Quirin’s movements, he gave it slack when needed, then reeled it in when necessary! He caught everyone’s eye as he did so! Adira, Hector, Eugene, Varian, and Hugo rushing over to see what was going on, “GET IT DAD!!!!” The Dark Prince cheered
“Look at him go!” Adira exclaimed
“As much as I hate fishing, this is actually kinda impressive, holy fuck!” Hector commented
“GET EM GRANDPA!” Varian yelled excitedly
“YOU’VE GOT THIS!” Hugo added with equal enthusiasm
“Just take it slow”, Quirin advised gently, “you’re doing great”
Edmund was sweating a little at how much concentration he was giving this, he wiped his brow before focusing once more. He waited and gave some slack before reeling it in more and more and more! It was so close now, Quirin’s eyes widened when he noticed how bit it was, “um, we may need a little assistance!” The Dark King exclaimed
“On it!” Varian exclaimed as he, Hugo, and Eugene ran over, the alchemist had grabbed a net, Hugo another pole, and Eugene some bait. Together, all five, including Edmund and Quirin, worked as a team to snag and catch the gigantic, ice 50 pound, fish! Edmund grinned excitedly when he *finally* pulled it from the ocean and slammed it into his bucket triumphantly, he panted, before he realized what he’d just done, “I…. Caught one…. I caught a fish…. I CAUGHT A HUGE FISH!!!!!”
“Yeah you really did! Holy shit!” Eugene exclaimed as he stared at the gigantic creature
“It’s so big!” Varian added excitedly, “wow!”
“That’s probably the biggest fish I’ve actually seen”, Hugo stated, fixing his glasses a little
Quirin smiled, “congrats”
“Thank you!” Edmund stared happily! He smiled wide before he looked at the creature and hesitated. He noticed the way it struggled in the bucket, the way it seemed so forlorn as it gazed to the sky. The Dark King felt his heart break a little, before he noticed Hector watching the poor thing, a sad look on his face, “…..Would it…. Be bad if I decided to…. Let this big guy go back?”
The group seemed a little startled by that, before Varian spoke up, “he’s a red snapper”, the alchemist pointed out, “you can tell by the coloration. That being said….. He does look kinda sad in there”
“You sure you want to dad?” Eugene asked, “I mean, this is the biggest catch *any* of us have had”
“Yeah…. But this little guy seems like he’s got so much to live for…. I mean he looks so sad…. And he’s red too…..”
“What does his coloration have to do with it?”
“Eugene, what color is your uniform?” Hugo asked
“Red, why?”
“And your swimming trunks?”
“Hugo, they’re red, you can see the-oooooh”
“And there we go”
Varian giggled before he crouched next to the red snapped in the bucket, “seems like we have an Itty Bitty situation”, he stated with a grin
“Seems like it”, Quirin replied with a chuckle, “if you wanna let him go, we can let him go”
“Indeed, plus I’m certain Wild Child would prefer that”, Adira added
“Hey! I didn’t say anything!” Hector exclaimed
“You didn’t have to, though I don’t blame the sad look, even with my, less in tune, way with animals, I can tell this one clearly wants out”, she stated
The tamer hugged, but he looked at the fish again and sighed before nodding, “you’re right…..”
Edmund smiled, “then I’ll let him go, oh! But am I allowed to name him still?”
“Yup!” Varian replied with a grin, “you catch, you name!”
The Dark King smiled wide at the alchemist before he picked up the bucket holding the fish, the animal seemed startled, before he saw the man walk him over to the ocean again, “don’t worry little friend, I’m setting you free, just wanna come up with a name for you…. Hmm….” He looked at all of his family members, stopping and staring at Quirin for a moment or two before a name came to mind, “Valiant”, be stated, “I think that would be a good name for you, since the fight you gave me was a valiant one!”
Eugene winced a little, but sighed as he shook his head, Varian giggling as Hugo smirked and Adira nodded. Hector blinked and smiled as Quirin walked over and wrapped an arm around his king, “it’s perfect”
Edmund grinned before he dumped the fish back into the water. He saw Valiant fall in, for a moment, the fish seemed startled, but when he realized the man was truly letting him go, he gave a smile and flapped his fins happily before swimming away!
The Dark King watched him go and signed, “well, I caught a fish anyway”
“I’m counting it”, Eugene stated, “biggest fish of us all, you definitely caught that fish and went are definitely bragging about it when we get back into town!”
“Yeah! Grandpa the kind hearted fish catcher!” The alchemist exclaimed happily
The Dark King grinned happily, “welp, we’d better see if we can find a little more fish to grab”, Quirin stated, “it’s almost dark out”
“Fair point! And this time, I *won’t* let them go!”
“How about I join ya”, Eugene stated, “you got an extra pole?”
“We’ve got plenty”, Quirin replied with a smile, “anyone else wanna join?”
“I’ve got a list to write”, Hector stated
“I’m building another sand castle, I plan to be able to sit in this one”, Adira added
“Me and Hugo are gonna swim around some more, and then we’ll probably have a competition with Adira for the biggest sand castle!” Varian said excitedly
“And we’ll win too!” Hugo added with a smirk
“Challenge accepted”, the face painted warrior replied
“Just try not to let it get too out of hand please you three”, Quirin advised
“No promises!” All three exclaimed as they laughed
The group dispersed happily as Eugene, Edmund, and Quirin fished, the retired knight catching a few more fish, Eugene catching some too, Edmund managed to catch two more before getting scared by seaweed again, which made the group laugh! Everyone enjoyed their time together on the beach as the Sun began to dip and they began to set up dinner. None of them noticed the two large creatures watching them from the bushes, one was pink, the other blue, both looked excited to pounce on the group they’d run into!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Edmund finally catches a fish!!!!! Among fish too! The man needed it to be honest!
Quirin’s moment where he talks about the day his kids will no longer need him, that’s something, I think, every parent goes through, and it’s so freaking hard to handle, poor Quirin
Family time!!!! Woot!
Any guesses as to who those creatures in the bushes are? :D here’s a hint, they’ve been in this story before :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 546: How to Support Your Dragon!
Summary:
An old friend of Varian’s returns with some big news!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Alright! Food is made, fire is burning, seats are set, plates and utensils are ready, now all we need is the people!” Edmund exclaimed happily as he watched Quirin finish cooking the final fish for their meal, “how do we get the group over here without having to, individually, grab them and make people wait?”
The retired knight stood and dusted off his hands, and Itty Bitty and Sassy’s bowl, before he smirked, “I’ve got this”, he then turned, facing the rest of the beach, placed his hands to his cheeks, and yellowed, “SUUUUUUPPEEEEEEEEEER!”
The Dark King looked confused before the stampede of Hector, Pixie, Basil, Xena, Adira, Eugene, Varian, Hugo, Ruddigar, and Olivia came over and quickly took their seats, all were chattering, drying off, and/or cleaning any sand from their bodies excitedly before they sat and waited, politely, for their meals with bright smiles on their faces
Edmund blinked before he looked at Quirin, who snickered, “how did you do that?!”
“Dad magic, can’t be explained”
“I can’t do that! And I’m a dad of *four*!”
“Tis a mystery”
“Quirin!”
The Village Leader grinned, “oh I’m just teasing, everyone’s just used to me calling out for supper is all”
“I haven’t seen or heard you call out supper before, and I’ve been here almost every time Adira and Hector have”
The Village Leader thought for a moment before he shrugged, “I told you dad magic can’t be explained, tis a mystery”
The Dark King sighed, “secret keeping knight”
“Pouting adorable father figure”
Edmund blinked, “I’m…. Adorable?”
Quirin blushed, “w-well in a-*ahem* a r-respectful term I-I mean…. Um….. Why did I just say that?”
Varian giggled as the Dark King snickered, “so that’s where the little peanut gets his embarrassed look from”, he teased
“Yup! Straight from the big papa himself!” The alchemist exclaimed, getting his father to smirk, his blush dying down a bit, “now that we’re settled, shall we eat, before the food gets cold and the veggies get soggy?”
“Right”, both Edmund and Quirin replied
The food was passed out among the group, everyone prayed and enjoyed together, laughing and talking about their time in the beach, the group congratulating Varian, Hugo, and Edmund on their accomplishments as Hector and Eugene went over the list he’d made for the Coronan Captain regarding vegan breakfast, and Adira proudly showed everyone her, Varian, and Hugo’s sand castle they’d built together. Everyone was having a great time, when, “ow!”
“Freckles?” Hugo said, a little startled by his finance’s arm shooting to his back, “are you alright?”
“Y-yeah, I’m fine, just… a pain in my ba-AH!” The alchemist’s eyes shot opened, “ok, t-that one actually really hurt…. W-what’s going o-!” He interrupted himself with a hiss of pain as his eyes closed instinctively
“Let me see”, Quirin stated, rushing over to his son’s back and checking it before freezing, “w-what the-!”
“OW! Dad stop touching it!”
“I-I didn’t Bubby, I swear”
“What do you see Quirin?” Adira asked
“….two bumps…. They’re on his shoulder blades”
“Wait what?! Let me see!” Hugo immediately jumped up and looked before he gasped, “w-wait but that’s….” He ran over to the caravan and grabbed Varian’s backpack that he’d kept inside it when swimming, he rifled through for a few moments before stopping, “it’s… here… but then… why are there….”
“Hugo?” Hector said
“The silver wing, it’s in the backpack, but I know those bumps! They’re pretty quick about it, but when the silver wing is used for me and Freckles, they’ll form those same bumps before the wings come out!” The inventor explained, walking over and showing the ancient artifact, “but Varian isn’t using the silver wing right now…. You can tell because it’s in my hands at the moment, it disappears when being used by us….. So I don’t know what those bumps are… But they look almost *exactly* like the ones we’d get when the wings sprout from the magic of the silver wing”
“Odd…. Has there ever been a time before the silver wing when the peanut has gotten wings?” Edmund asked
The group thought about that for a moment as Quirin comforted Varian, who was still wincing at the pain in his back, when Hector gasped, his eyes widened as big as dinner plates, “I think I know! Serenity! The Spawn’s dragon!” He exclaimed, “she gave him dragon wings, sharing her magic with him as he did with her! He could also breathe fire! Whenever my dragon visited me, the wings would pop outta my back the same way! It would fucking hurt, but once it was done then-!”
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” Varian screamed, tears sliding down his cheeks as the bumps on his back swelled bigger and bigger before they exploded into sky blue dragon wings! The alchemist panted as Hugo and Quirin took his hands in theirs. The freckled teen let out a sigh of relief, “t-that…. Hurt way t-too much…..” he stated
“Freckles, are you alright?” Hugo asked, touching Varian’s cheeks gently, before the alchemist looked at him and hiccuped, blue flames *busting* front his mouth
The alchemist froze and blushed as Hugo blinked, his face covered in soot and his hair was blown back, “o-oh my gosh, are you alright?!”
The blond was a bit startled before he shook his head to get the soot off of his face before he laughed, “wow! Talk about indigestion am I right?”
Varian blushed, “sorry….”
“It’s okay, I’m only a little burnt”, the inventor stated with a grin, “man, talk about a wake up call though”
“Hugooooooo!”
The blond laughed as he hugged his fiancé, “it’s really okay, I’m alright, are you? Fire hiccups don’t seem like they’d be good for the throat”
“You know you’d think so, but they’re surprisingly not harmful to me”
“Huh, good to know”
“Very!”
“The wings look nice too, remember when you took me flying with you?”
The alchemist blushed, “I remember, how could I forget, it was fun, and romantic!”
“Um, did you two forget the part where Hector said after his wings popped out something happens?” Edmund asked as Hamuel CAW’d
The duo looked at the Dark King before they stared at the wild tamer, Hector shrugged, “not a huge deal, just your dragon showing up almost immediately after”
Both scientist’s eyes widened as Ruddigar chittered, his tail poofing as his nose caught a scent in the air! He looked around before he hoped off and ran over to some nearby bushes
“Ruddigar!” Varian yelled, “Ruddy what are y-!” The alchemist gasped when his raccoon came back, with someone else in tow, someone the alchemist hadn’t seen for a very long time! His surprised turned into glee, his frightened expression turning to one fill of excitement, as he got up, his wings flapping happily, “S-Serenity?”
The raccoon turned and faced the creature behind him, the large, shy blue, female dragon smiled lovingly at the alchemist, her sapphire eyes watching the teen as she made an excited sound
“SERENITY!” Varian yelled, his wings flapping happily, he didn’t notice a dragon tail pop out of his lower back, he didn’t care that he could feel his breath heat up with every take, in fact, he didn’t even notice he was *flying* as he rushed over to her and hugged her lovingly, “Serenity! Oh I missed you so much!!!!!!” He exclaimed lovingly, he felt the dragon, *his* dragon, return the hug, “my baby! My beautiful dragon baby!”
Serenity chirruped happily, nuzzling her boy as she did, smiling when she felt Ruddigar hugging her as well! He tail wagged with joy as her wings wrapped around the teen, *her* teen, protectively
The group smiled at the trio, everyone except Quirin, who noticed something behind Serenity, “um….. t-there’s a-another one….” He stated, getting up and going behind Hector
The wild tamer smiled lovingly at his big brother, standing in front of him protectively as Adira walked over to the dragon, “I see you’ve brought a friend”, she stared gently as she looked at the other dragon, “who might you be? And why do you look slightly familiar to me?”
Eugene blinked, “little big guy?” He asked, getting the pink dragon to grin and wag his tail happily, “holy shit, little big guy! He’s Pascal’s dragon!”
Varian looked over at the other dragon and gasped, “little big guy!” The pink dragon smiled before letting out a roar of joy, “well hi bud!” The alchemist exclaimed, reaching his hand out and allowing the dragon to boop his nose against it, petting him happily, “oh Pascal and Rapunzel are gonna be so happy to see you! Yes they is! Yes they is!”
“And baby talking Freckles is back!” Hugo teased
“Shush you”
“Hee hee”
“Well isn’t this a surprise”, Edmund stated with a chuckle, “how nice! Are you two staying for a while?” He asked
The two dragons looked at him before Serenity nodded, he gestured up to the sky, the group looked up and saw other dragons flying through the air, “woah!” Adira said in awe
“The dragon migration!” Hector stated, “I remember that!” Smirking he added, “it’s the point in time where the dragons seek out a new nesting ground, they always have a different one each year to keep predators away. They look for the warmest places on Earth, settle with their mates, and play their eggs. They’ll hide the eggs afterwards and leave back to their lands, the babies hatch, learn how to take care of themselves, then make their way back to the dragon lands to reunite with their parents. Sort of a coming of age kinda deal”
Varian’s eyes sparkled with glee before he stopped, “wait, do they nest with other dragons?”
“Only one other, their mate”, Hector stated, “though they do tend to have guards around sometimes if the mother and father are well respected, depends on the dragon though”
“Do they look for the nesting grounds when pregnant?”
“Yup, why?”
Varian looked at Serenity, then at little big guy, then back at his dragon, “are you….”
The blue reptile smiled before nodding and gesturing to her stomach
The alchemist’s eyes glowed bright with joy, “you’re pregnant! Oh my gosh! You have BABIES!!!! YOU’RE GONNA HAVE *BABIES* SERENITY!!!!!”
Serenity grinned and nuzzled her boy lovingly, he hugged her as his wings flapped happily again
“Well well well, they grow up so fast ey Freckles?” Hugo asked
“Eeee!”
The blond laughed, “you’re so fucking cute!”
The alchemist grinned happily before he stopped and looked at little big guy once again, “wait…. Little big guy’s here, so…. Does that mean he’s the father?” He asked
Hector blinked before looking at the pink dragon, the derpy reptile smiled proudly, “wow, well it seems like it, holy shit”
“AWWWWWWWW!” Varian ran over and hugged Litle big guy, “my dragon and Pascal’s dragon are partners! Eeeeeeeee!”
The group laughed at the freckled teen’s antics before Hugo realized something, “hey wait, Hector, what about your dragon?”
The wild tamer smiled sadly, “dragons, after a while, tend to stick with other dragons. Mine hasn’t visited in a couple years, I understand why, he has a mate and kids now, they mate for life, so I don’t expect him to just keep coming back to me”
“…..I’m sorry…..”
“It’s fine, I miss him, but I know he’s doing alright, toughest dragon of them all”
“I’ll bet”, the blond said with a smile as he watched Quirin gently hug his little brother from behind
Hector returned the hug as Varian watched his uncle sadly before looking at Serenity, “you’ll keep visiting, right?”
The blue dragon chirruped lovingly, nuzzling her boy
“Oki, thank you”, the alchemist said gently, “I’d be really heartbroken if I didn’t see you again….”
Serenity smiled at the alchemist as Little big guy gave an equally affectionate smile to his mate before he looked at Eugene, he bounded over to them man and hopped on him, “nononononoNO-GAH!” The Dark Prince sighed, “good… to see… you… too….” He stated, trying to control his breathing as this gigantic reptile slobbered on him like a dog
Hugo laughed as Edmund looked worried, Adira sighed and shook her head as Hector and Quirin snorted, the wild tamer looking over at Varian, “so, we were planning on leaving before dark, that still a plan or….”
Varian blinked before he looked at Serenity, “are you staying here to lay your eggs?” He asked
The dragon shook her head and nuzzled her boy
“Hee hee, you’re coming with us?”
She nodded
“Yay! Maybe I can help you find a good nesting spot! U-unless that’s not allowed”
“Technically not”, Hector stated, “you can help them look for a spot, but they need to do whatever they must to make themselves comfortable”
“Oki, so they make the nest, but I can guide them to find it?”
“Correct”
“Oki, then let’s go! There’s a ton of nice places in Old Corona and Capital that I think you’d both love!”
Serenity smiled and nodded before she stood up, Varian floating next to her using his wings. The group got everything packed away after a while as Little big guy took care of Serenity, once the packing was done, they set off back to Corona, the two dragons flying above them to find the perfect nesting spot for little dragons
Notes:
Hello! :D
I couldn’t get them in the finale, but I’m having Serenity and Little Big Guy have a small arc here! They’re back and they’re bigger than ever y’all!
Serenity is gonna be a mama soon! Little Big Guy a father! Happy times they are a happening!!!!! Honestly, Serenity calms Little Big Guy’s hyperactivity, and Little Big Guy helps Serenity bring out that inner young dragon in her! They complete each other :D
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 547: Pascal’s Dragon Returns!
Summary:
The group makes it back to Corona, they reunite with Rapunzel and Pascal, only to discover something worrying about Serenity!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel’s day had been incredibly taxing, from royal decrees she had to enforce, to watching over the guard’s training while Eugene was away, to filing paper after paper after royalty sealed *paper* from other kingdoms asking for assistance during the harsher months of winter, to listening to citizens complain and gripe about things that needed to change in the kingdom, suffice it to say, the princess was beat…. So when she’d heard the girlish scream that came from her mother’s royal advisor when it was announced that the Dark Kingdom inhabitants, Captain of the royal guards, Village Leader, and his two sons were coming back with, what looked like, a gigantic mass above them, she was not very accepting, “must you scream?” She asked irritably, “if there’s a gigantic mass above them, then surely they would’ve noticed and would’ve done something about it, the fact that they’re not seems to prove whatever it is isn’t harmful”
“B-but your highness, i-it’s two *DRAGONS*!” Nigel exclaimed
This woke her, and Pascal, who was sitting on her shoulder, just as tired, up as her eyes widened to be as big as dinner plates, “dragons?! I-is one of them pink?”
“…..Why?”
“It’s for important reasons Nigel”, she stated huffily
“Yes dear”, Arianna replied gently, placing a hand on Rapunzel’s shoulder to calm her, “one of them is pink, the other blue, do you know these dragons?”
The princess looked at her mother before glancing at Pascal, “well, maybe, if they’re the ones I’m thinking of, but…. Wouldn’t you be-!”
She was interrupted when her chameleon yelped, looking at him worriedly, she saw e had two bumps on his back, for a moment he struggled before a loud squeak of pain was heard, and two wings popped from the bumps
She gasped as Arianna asked, “oh my, are you alight Pascal?”
The chameleon shook it off as he looked at the wings, he smiled and nodded, a dragon tail reshaping his own, he smiled wide before looking at Rapunzel and squeaking excitedly
“He’s great, better than great! Oh my gosh! LITTLE BIG GUY!” Rapunzel exclaimed before she ran out of the room and towards the doors of the castle
“PRINCESS!” Nigel yelled, he ran after her, trying to stop her
Rapunzel slammed the doors of the castle open and ran over, the pink dragon recognized her instantly and dove to the ground, landing with a thud before he embraced the princess and Pascal
“Little big guy! Oh it’s so good to see you again!”
Pascal squeaked happily as he shed a few tears
Varian, who’d been flying with Serenity, landed in front of them, his dragging landing beside him. He smiled at her, “welcome back my big princess”
The blue dragon chirruped and nuzzled her boy lovingly, getting a hug in return
The caravan, and rhino?l, following behind the pair of dragons and alchemist, stopped, their passengers getting out and walking over to the group, Eugene smirked, “happy to see the dragon Sunshine?” He asked with a chuckle
“Definitely!” The princess exclaimed, but stopped when she heard steps behind her, she looked over and sighed, “Nigel this is Little big guy, he won’t attack us”
“A-and the other dragon?” The advisor asked
Rapunzel looked and saw Serenity with Varian and Hugo, who’d walked over it his fiancé and was hugging the dragon as well, “she’s fine, that’s Serenity, you’ve met them both before”
“Yes, I remember, but they’re still dragons, and they’re far bigger than they were before”
“Well you’re right about them being bigger”, the princess observed with a smile, “look at you you handsome man!”
Little big guy grinned happily as Pascal flew up to his snoot and smiled, getting a tail wag in return before he gestured to Serenity
“Hm? Something wrong with Serenity Little big guy?”
“Actually, Serenity and Little big guy are mates!” Varian explained for he told the princess and Pascal about what Hector had said before
“So wait, Serenity is gonna lay some baby eggs? And Little big guy is a father?!”
“Yup!”
Rapunzel let out an excited squee, “oh that’s wonderful!!!!!! I understand we can’t make the nest for them, but I’d be more than willing to help search for a nice place for Serenity to lay her eggs! And Pascal wouldn’t mind either, would you?”
The chameleon met out a happy squeak
Ruddigar smiled at the reptile as Varian nodded, “that’d be a great help! Thanks! We gotta make sure my princess is taken care of!” He gently rubbed his dragon’s snoot, making her smile at him lovingly, “by the way Princess, we’re in-laws now, I know you’re gonna marry Eugene, which would’ve made us in-laws anyway, but now we’re official in-laws due to our dargons being a couple!”
“Hee hee! Dargon in-laws!”
“Dargon in-laws!”
“Princess!” Nigel exclaimed anxiously as Arianna walked over and smiled at the dragons, “I understand you trust these dragons, but them laying eggs here could cause *substantial* harm to Corona and its people! Other dragons will be on the lookout for the eggs! They’ll want to harm the mother and claim the children as their own! This could bring about *disaster* for the kingdom!”
“Dragons only attack to show dominance to other nesting dragons”, Hector argued, “as long as there aren’t any other dragons in the area, there shouldn’t be a problem, and if there are dragons in the area, then we find a place away from them to settle things, dragons need, at least, a 100 mile radius for their territory. So long as we double check the area within that radius, and there’s no other dragons to be seen, then we’re fucking fine”
“That-that still raises the worry about the dragons *themselves* being here and nesting! They’ll need to eat, and they eat sheep and livestock! They’ll need to hunt for food, which could result in farmers getting attacked! And once those eggs are born and left alone, a human could find one and bring it with them to the kingdom! All of this could lead to *chaos*!”
“Then we warn people to stay the fuck away from the dragons!” Hector exclaimed, “they won’t make their nest near people, they’ll make it a ways away! They’ll hide their eggs until they’re ready to hatch, and when the hatchlings come out, there’s plenty of things they can hunt outside of Corona! Hell they may not even *go* to Corona so long as people leave the eggs alone! You’re making a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be!”
“exactly how many dragons have *you* raised?!”
“Enough to know you’re blowing this whole fucking thing out of proportion! Just calm the fuck down and relax! We know what we’re fucking doing ya prissy piece of shit!”
“I am concerned for the safety of the citizens!”
“So, you’re gonna fuss and freak out over two dragons and make them leave and possibly cause more harm since they don’t know the area and could make their nest anywhere, instead of helping them out and showing them the boundaries of the kingdom so they can find a safe nesting place where people won’t get hurt? Real fucking helpful! Also, you’re giving Serenity some anxiety, she’s fucking pregnant, if you make her lose a baby I’ll beat your ass so fucking badly that you’ll *wish* you’d been dragon food instead!”
The advisor was startled as Arianna stepped in, “alright, easy please”, she stated gently, “look, today’s been a very long day, and we all need some rest. As for the dragons, Hector, you can assure me you know what you’re doing?”
“With 100% guarantee”, the tamer stated
“I can back him up on this”, Adira added
“So can I, and anything that results in harm to the kingdom will be our responsibility”, Edmund replied
The Queen nodded, “alright then, Nigel”, she looked at the man, “I’ll allow the dragons to nest where they see fit. Mostly because Serenity seems like she’s going to give birth very soon and needs a place to be where she’ll be safe. However, your concerns have not gone unheard. Responsibly has been taken, if needed, the dragons will be relocated, for now however, they’ve proven they mean no harm towards us. So for now, we’ll watch over them and help. Also”, she looked at Hector, “I understand you were upset, but please do not threaten my advisor. He’s merely looking out for the kingdom, he, aside from you, is the only one that has any knowledge about dragons at all. I apologize for his briskness, but he only means to prevent harm”
“I get that, my bad for the threat, but he’ll harm the dragon if he keeps acting like that”, the tamer stated
“I understand completely”, the Queen replied with a smile, she looked at Nigel, “calm yourself please, everyone will be watched over and kept safe. We’ll take precautions and help when needed, but I trust Hector and his knowledge on this matter, and I wish for you to do the same”
The advisor wanted to argue, but stopped short when he heard Serenity’s moan, he looked at her and saw Varian hugging her, the teen’s face showed nothing but worry and care for her as the blue dragon seemed to be filled with nerves herself. He let out a sigh and nodded, “yes your majesty, I’ll do my best to remain calm”, he turned to Hector, “my apologies, I’m just concerned. I wish to work together on this matter, in a peaceful way, if that’s alright”
Hector was about to curse the man out for even *offering* to help, but stopped when he felt Quirin’s hand on his shoulder. He looked at his older brother, noticing the man’s anxiety, a grim reminder of his dragon phobia. He sighed and looked at Nigel, “fine, but I can’t guarantee you’ll be completely fine with everything that needs to be done”
“Just so long as it doesn’t end up harming the kingdom, I will work with it”
The tamer nodded before he looked at Serenity, she was exhausted…. The eggs she was going to lay weren’t fully grown, but she seemed to be struggling. He looked at Varian, the alchemist could tell the same thing…. They shared a look, one that led to some very dark worries between the pair, Serenity’s egg was cold when they’d found it after all, and she was with Varian for a bit longer than she should’ve been….. The freckled teen sniffled as he continued to pet Serenity, “I-it’ll be okay”, he said softly, “we’ll t-take care of them and t-they’ll be okay….”
The group was quiet when they heard the alchemist say that, his voice was so small and meek…. Hector kneeled next to him and nodded, “you’re right. They’ll be okay, we’ll help them, take care of them, and when the time comes, she’ll give birth and be alright, and if she’s not, we’ll be there to take care of her, we will be”
Varian leaned against his uncle, letting out a sigh, “thanks”
“You’re welcome spawn”
Serenity gave a loving chirrup to the man as Little big guy walked over and nuzzled his mate, licking her cheek lovingly as he did, she smiled at him, it was a tired smile, but a smile all the same
Hector looked at Quirin, “I know that you’re afraid of them, but we may need your help when she gives birth”
“I figured”, Quirin replied, “I love Serenity, when the time comes, I’ll be there to help as much as I can”
“Thanks, that’ll be a lot of help”
The retired knight nodded before he looked at the dragon, “…..She…. She’s sick….”
“Not sick, weak…. Her egg was cold when she was found by Varian, she stayed with you five, counting Ruddigar and Olivia, for a bit longer than she should’ve been. She’s not a weak dragon, very strong in fact, but she’s sickly…. Like me…. Birth can be a hard process for creatures like us. But like I said before, she’s got help, given the proper amount of care, well be able to do our part”, he looked at the princess, “was Little big guy’s egg warm or cold when you found it?”
“Warm”, Rapunzel replied, “very warm”
“So he’s fine, that’s good to know”
The pink dragon in question sniffled the wild tamer, he huffed at him a little when he touched Serenity
“I’m not gonna hurt her, but I’ll need to run check ups. You know she’s sickly, she’ll need our help, we’ll let you do the stuff you must, we won’t interfere with that, but she’ll need help during birth”, he explained gently
The pink dragon seemed to grapple with that idea before he sighed and nodded, nuzzling his mate again
Serenity smiled before she lifted her wings, standing up, she used her wings to balancer a little, “you wanna go look for a nesting place, is that right Princess?” Varian asked
The blue dragon nodded at him
“Oki, can I come with you?”
She nuzzled her ‘mother’ longingly, inviting him along
Pascal squeaked out an offer to join, one the Little big guy accepted as he opened his wings as well, ready to take flight
“Bubby, you and Pascal be careful okay? You may be a night owl, but you’re tired too, I can tell”, Quirin warned
“I will be dad, the sooner we find a nesting place for these two, the sooner they can get settled and we can help them out”, the alchemist replied
“Freckles, please be careful”, Hugo stated gently, “I know you’re capable but…..”
Varian smiled at his fiancé, “I’ll be alright, don’t worry love”
The blond nodded, and with a final wave, Varian and Pascal began to fly in the air, Ruddigar sticking with him boy. Little big guy followed suit, Serenity took a moment, but she eventually got into the air as well. They took off flying through the air! Everyone waving goodbye before Hector let out a sigh, “…..Quirin….. She might not make it through this…..”
“I know….. I figured that’s really why you wanted me during the birth”, the retired knight replied
“Yeah….. I can guarantee the kingdom’s safety…. But I can’t guarantee hers…..”
Adira walked over and placed a hand on Hector’s shoulder, “she’s strong spirited, someone proved to all of us that that was enough to keep living, even when your body is sick”, she stated, “perhaps Serenity will be the same”
The wild tamer was startled by that, but smiled, “maybe, thanks”
“You’re welcome”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So the group is back together, Lance, Catalina, and Angry will be joining soon!
Poor Serenity, this honestly was something I’ve been planning for a while, Serenity’s eggs was found cold, she almost died when she was in her egg because of that, and she did stay with Varian a bit longer than she should have. She is a sickly dragon, so giving birth, even to eggs, will be very difficult for her…. Poor bean….
Varian’s gonna have a hard time during this…. As will Hector…..
Nigel is back, and he’s more anxious than ever! This time he’s actually gonna be helping!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 548: Waiting!
Summary:
Hugo and co wait for Varian’s return, as they do, Edmund begins to tell a story!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo sighed as he looked at the sky above him, he’d changed to camo pajama bottoms and a white t shirt, his hair was down, hand under his chin as he continued to to stare at the Moon and stars. “He’ll be back you know”, a voice stated from behind him
Hugo simply sighed once again, not responding, “I think he’s not gonna be able to relax until the little peanut comes back”, another voice stated
“He still shouldn’t be sitting by the window, it’s cold out, he could get sick”
“Eugene, you sound like a worried mother”, someone teased
“Lance, someone’s gotta keep this kid safe!”
“Hugo’s capable of handlin himself my dude, also if he wasn’t, then Quirin will say somethin. For now he said to leave him alone”
“I get that, but Quirin’s just as worried and is currently making way too much hot chocolate right now!”
“Relax man, Hugo won’t get himself sick. And Quirin ain’t makin too much hot chocolate, he’s makin a lot because we’ve got all of us and Cat and Angry”
The inventor heard the Dark Prince huff, “Eugene, I think Lance is right, the only one who seems to be the most worried right now is you”, a gentle voice stated
“Sunshine, Varian’s out there, in the middle of the night, with two gigantic lizards, and a flying frog! He didn’t even bring his cat!” Chitters were heard when he said that, “you know what I mean! Just…. Look I’m really worried for the kid, but….. I’m really worried about Hugo too…. He got into his pjs and hasn’t strayed away from that window even once since then…. It’s been *hours* guys! And he hasn’t said one word! And regardless of what you both say, Quirin *is* making too much hot chocolate! I saw the man with *stacks* of cups in the kitchen earlier! They’re both worried sick and they’re gonna hurt themselves if we don’t *do* something!”
The room was silent for a moment when someone opened the family room doors and walked inside before soft footsteps could be heard coming towards the window. Suddenly, Hugo felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, he looked over and saw Hector looking at him, “hey, he’ll be alright, come back inside”
The blond went to argue, but was stopped when another hand was placed on his other shoulder, “he’s right”, Adira said softly, “Speckles will be back soon, have faith in him, he’s just taking it slow is all”
The inventor was silent for a moment before he nodded and stood up, “can we keep the window open?” He asked
“We can do that”, Edmund, who’d walked over as well and wrapped a blanket around the blond, replied, “that way he has easy access to this room”
“Thanks”
“You’re welcome, now come on”, all three guided the teen towards the group, having him sit on the chair next to Eugene as they did
He looked up at the Dark Prince before smiling a leaning against him, “sorry….”
Eugene was taken by surprise, but he smiled and huffed the inventor back, “it’s okay kid, I get it”
Lance let out a sigh of relief before he, and the others, looked towards the, currently opening, door to the family room. They smiled when they saw Quirin, he held a plateful of mugs filled with hot chocolate. He smiled when he noticed Hugo sitting down, “hey, finally decided that window staring isn’t the most entertaining hobby?”
“Nu, I was told to come back and got a blanket wrapped around me by your siblings and dad”, Hugo replied
The retired knight chuckled, “I see, maybe that’s who sent Queen Arianna after me while I was making hot chocolate then”
“They did just walk in right before you did”, Rapunzel stated with a smile
“So I was right, you were making too much hot chocolate”, Eugene exclaimed
The Village Leader blushed and chuckled, “yeah, got into a bit of a panic over Varian being gone so long. The only reason I’m calmer now is because a guard just told me they saw Varian with Serenity, Pascal, and Little big guy pass by just a few moments ago, so it looks like they’re still searching for a spot”
Hugo groaned, “I want my Varian….”
Quirin chuckled, “I know, I want my Varian too, but at least he’s safe”
“True…..”
The group was silent once again before Edmund, sensing the tension, spoke up, “hey, have I ever told any of you the time when Adira and Hector first went into the Forest of No Return?” Groans were heard after he said that, no one flinched
“No you haven’t, I’d like to hear that story!” Rapunzel exclaimed excitedly
“Haven’t heard that one in a long time”, Quirin added as he passed out the hot chocolate, “though you’ll have to tell Varian when he gets back”
“I definitely will!” The Dark King replied happily, “for now, it’s a very gripping tale! And it’s actually quite a funny one as well!”
“If you say so….” Hector stated, getting Adira to chuckle as Edmund began to tell the tale:
*They walked through the grass, the small group of four smiling the entire time as the two youngest members ran around excitedly, “are we there yet?” A 13 year d Hector asked before a 15 year old Adira bumped into him and made them both fall to the floor
Prince Edmund chuckled, “not quite, my my you two are excited”
“Well you’ve been talking this forest up ever since you began planning this trip”, Adira stated
“Get off me Dira!” Hector complained
The face painted girl hopped up and helped the young boy stand as he dusted himself off, “while I’m glad you’re both ecstatic about this trip, you must remember that this forest isn’t something to play in. You have to use all of your training to get through it”, Quirin stated gently, plucking a branch from Hector’s hair
“We’ll be fine Stickler! You’ve told us the rules about a hundred times you know”
“I know I have, and I’ll tell you a hundred more if it means you two stay safe”, the squire stated, “this isn’t a playground or some fun field trip. This is a very dangerous and wild area. While I have confidence that you two will be able to handle yourselves, it’s imperative that you stay by our sides the entire time and-!”
“And make sure to always be on the lookout for monsters, don’t try to make friends with them, keep on your toes, and make sure to have the emergency torch, and light it, in case one, or both, of us get lost”, Hector interrupted before looking up at the man, “we remember the rules, don’t worry”
The squire sighed, but got a shoulder pat from Edmund, “the rules will keep you safe, as boring as we sound, it really is important that you two know what they are and follow them to a T. If you don’t, you really could get lost or very very hurt, even killed….”
“We’ve explored forests before”, Adira stated
“Not like this one”, Quirin stated gently, getting eye level with them, “this is a magic forest, it shifts and moves with no rhyme or reason, the animals here aren’t like the bears or bugs in the kingdom, they’re much bigger, stronger, faster, and unpredictable. I know you two are capable fighters, and you know how to handle a forest, just please, take what we’re saying seriously, ok?”
The duo seemed startled by how worried the squire was, so they sighed before nodding, “ok”, the said at the same time
“Thank you”
Edmund smiled at his children before he looked forwards, “we’re here”
The three looked at where the prince was staring and gasped when they saw the forest, “woah!” Adira stated as Hector gawked at it, “it’s foggy”
“Yes, and what does that mean?” Edmund asked, quizzing the duo
They thought about that, trying to remember before Hector gasped, “it’s hungry!”
“Correct! So we need to make sure we watch where we step, there’ll be a plethora of land pits and sink holes that’ll try to gobble us up if we aren’t careful”
“Ple….. pleee…. Um….”
“Plethora means a lot”, Adira stated
“Oh right, I forgot”
“‘S okay, I forget sometimes too”
Quirin smiled at the duo before he looked at the forest again and sighed, “you’re sure this is a good idea?”
“I’m positive, they’ll need to know eventually, better to let them see and explore it now”, Edmund replied
“…..I suppose but…..” he looked at the two teens with worry filled eyes
“It’ll be alright Quirin, I have faith in them”
“I do too, it’s the forest I’m worried about….”
“Don’t worry Stickler! We’ll fight the forest if we must”, Adira stated
“Yeah! And we’ll make it to go to bed without supper too!” Hector added before he blushed, “the uh, the supper being us I mean…. It sounded cooler in my head…”
Quirin chuckled at that, “I see, very cool”
The little boy smiled wide at that as Adira nodded and Edmund stepped forwards, “alright, everyone ready to go inside?”
“Yeah!” The duo exclaimed
“Then here we go!” The group walked into the forest, the fog making them disappear from sight as it shifted and moved, locking them in its trees
Hector looked up, “the sky, you can’t see it!”
“Great observation”, Quirin pointed out, “you’re not able to see the sky when inside this forest, so what do you do instead to find your way out?” He asked quizzically
The tiny fighter tried to wrack his brain for the answer when Adira spoke up, “look for moss or specific plants that grow right outside the kingdom! The more there are, the closer we’re getting to the entrance!”
“That’s right Adira!” Edmund exclaimed
Hector looked at the ground and scuffed his boot gently, “it’s alright Hector, you got the first question, this is why you’re going through this together”, Quirin said gently
The boy nodded, but still felt a little ashamed for not knowing the answer, “you’ll get it next time”, Adira stated with a smile, “don’t worry about it, you’re not in Ingvarr”
This made the teen feel a little better, he smiled at the girl before he heard something, “huh?” He looked around and saw something fly across his vision, “woah! A creature!” He exclaimed, “looked like a chunky, burnt, flying, grasshopper!”
“That was a locust”, Quirin stated, “they’re actually quite harmless as long as you leave them alone. Funnily enough, black locusts are really good for gardens! They fix nitrogen in the soil, providing nutrients for other plants, and their flowers are a valuable food source for pollinators like bees. Though if you put too many of them in the garden, that’ll cause a problem and-!” He stopped before blushing, “sorry, I’m rambling”
Edmund chuckled as Adira smirked, “it’s fine, garden knowledge is good knowledge, and now we know!”
Hector nodded in agreement, making a mental note to see if he could catch a locust later to help with the squire’s garden, before he heard another noise, “another creature! Over by those trees!” He pointed towards a patch of densely packed trees
Quirin and Edmund looked towards the trees and gasped, “that’s a faux doe”, the Prince stated, “remember what I told you about them?”
“Don’t look”, Hector stated, “otherwise you’ll be in a trace”
“Good…. Adira!”
“Sorry!” The girl looked away, the group stayed together, they didn’t look at the deer-like creature, they heard it come towards them, but kept their eyes to the ground. It was close enough to touch them, they still kept their eyes to the ground. After a few moments, the creature left, getting the group to let out a sigh of relief, “that was close”
“You’re telling me”, Hector stated, “though I wish I could look at them, they sound really pretty! I mean, deer-like features, pure white fire with black spots, large antlers, so amazing!”
“It’s a good thing you don’t look”, Quirin stated gently, “they’re beautiful, but very deadly”
“How did we find a description of them if no one’s ever looked at one?” Adira asked curiously
“A man did an experiment”, Edmund explained, “had himself tied to a tree while people wrote down when he said, he stared at the faux doe and explained what he saw, they wrote down everything as he thrashed about, wanting to go to it. They did this again with a few other people, the descriptions matched each and everytime, though, no one’s sure if that’s they’re real form, it could be a mirage meant to lure people to them”
“I’m surprised no one was killed”
“Reportedly”, Quirin added, “I’m not so sure if I believe that”
“Same…..” Hector replied, “but it’s still really beautiful, maybe we can make friends with one someday?”
Quirin chuckled at the teen, “maybe”-!*
Edmund stopped telling the story when something crashed through the window, looking over, the group saw a very tired looking Varian lying on the ground, “FRECKLES!” Hugo exclaimed before he ran over to his fiancé
The rest of the group doing the same, Edmund deciding to continue the story once his grand peanut was taken care of first
Notes:
Hello! :D
Been wanting to write their first Forest of No Return (groans) adventure for a while! :D
Poor Varian, little bean is so tuckered out 🥺
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 549: A Dad’s Love!
Summary:
Varian is not okay, but thankfully, Quirin is there!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
-!*
Edmund stopped telling the story when something crashed through the window, looking over, the group saw a very tired looking Varian lying on the ground, “FRECKLES!” Hugo exclaimed before he ran over to his fiancé
The rest of the group doing the same, Edmund deciding to continue the story once his grand peanut was taken care of first, “Bubby!” Quirin stated worriedly as he gently scooped up his son and checked him, the wounds he’d received from the crash were minor, thankfully
“Is he alright?!” Eugene asked, “that was a bad crash”
“Aside from some minor scrapes and bruising, he’s alright, though I’d need to look at his eyes to make sure he didn’t get a concussion”
“We’d he crash like that?” Rapunzel asked anxiously
“Because he’s really tired”, Hugo replied sadly, “look at the bags under his eyes…. Plus the fact the he’s fast asleep after a crash like that….. geez Freckles….”
“He pushed himself”, Quirin stated gently, “I’ll have to talk to him about that later, hm?” The retired knight noticed something trying to move the alchemist’s backpack flap. Quirking a brow, the man removed it and saw Pascal fly out, “oh! Hi”
The chameleon squeaked out a greeting before going to his girl and flopping on her shoulder
“Pascal! Oh thank goodness you’re alright!” Rapunzel exclaimed, gently booping the reptile’s nose gently and getting a small smile in return, “are you and Varian alright?”
A series of squeaks confirmed they were
“That’s good, did the dragons find a good nesting space?”
Another series of squeaks confirmed that they had
“Wonderful! Great job!”
The chameleon smiled but looked at the teen in Quirin’s arms worriedly. He then noticed Ruddigar and got up, flying over to the raccoon and telling him something that made the raccoon’s tail poof and his hackles raise worriedly
“Woah! Never seen the cat do that”, Eugene stated
“I have…. It means Varian’s bot doing too well usually…. Mentally speaking”, Quirin replied softly
The raccoon looked at Quirin and nodded as confirmation before he asked Pascal a few things, once the exchange seemed to be over, the raccoon hopped onto the retired knight’s shoulder and looked at his boy worriedly before he chittered to both Quirin and Hugo about the matter, Olivia translating the things Hugo needed her to, which wasn’t a lot
The blond and father gasped before looking at the alchemist sadly, “Freckles….” The inventor stated
“What’s going on?” Hector asked
“Yes, the suspense and concern is actually killing me, is the little peanut alright?” Edmund questioned
“Apparently during the trip, Serenity fell…. She’s alright, but she’s extremely tired and sick…. Varian was able to treat her to the best of his ability, she seems to be alright for now, but this birth is taking a very heavy toll on her body…. Varian got so worried that he ended up stressing himself to the point of fainting…. When he woke up, it’d been an hour by Pascal’s estimate, the chameleon made sure he was alright enough to fly, which he was, they found a spot for the dragons to nest, Little big guy taking over Serenity’s care. But on the way back, Varian was quiet, Pascal tried to comfort him, but as he did, bubby…. Ended up crying and his flying was wobbly due to exhaustion…. He was saying how worried he is…. He started growing angry about how unfair things seemed to be for Serenity and started saying some…. Very dark things…. He was so distressed thar he didn’t see the window and crashed…. He’s asleep now, ended up knocking right out after crashing, he couldn’t keep his eyes open…. Pascal fell into his bag when he’d crashed, hence why he was trapped…. And Varian….” The father looked at his son anxiously, “he’s not okay….”
“Damn it….. he *just* told me he’s fucking peaceful….. he’s *finally* fucking happy…. And this happens…..” Hugo stated angrily, “why can’t the universe just leave him the FUCK alone?!” He snapped, “*WHY?!*”
“I know you two ain’t happy right now, but unfortunately…. This was gonna happen…. Quirin, be warned you that somedays he’d get into a really bad headspace”, Lance stated
“I know Lance…. I understand, but…. He’s suffering again….” Quirin replied
“I know…. But he’s got family and friends who are gonna help him work through this, the fact that he’s here and still kickin despite what just happened was a miracle in and of itself. We can work with this, we can help him”
“….My baby’s suffering….”
The brokenhearted tone those words weee spoken in made everyone wince…. The man they saw as their strongest and most dependable member, sounded so small and weak…. It hurt to hear…. “It’ll be alright”, Edmund stated gently, walking over and touching Quirin’s shoulder, “I know he’s suffering, I know…. And that’s heartbreaking…. But we’re right here, Lance is right, the Moon was able to get him back to us safely. Now that he’s here, we can help. He isn’t gone Quirin, he’s still here, so long as he is, we can help him get through this. It’ll be okay”
The Village Leader looked at his king for a long time before he sniffled and nodded, “right…. Right…. We can help…. He’ll be okay…. He will…. It’s just so hard to see him suffer….”
“That’s why he fainted…” Hugo stated, getting the group to look at him, “why he’s so broken hearted and upset…. Serenity is his baby, his daughter, his princess, as he calls her. Seeing her sick and weak like she was…. It kills him…. Breaks his heart…. Just like it does seeing Varian like this Quirin…..”
“You’re right, but how do we help him feel better about that?” Eugene asked, “I mean, she’s a sick dragon, while I won’t give up on her, that kind of worry doesn’t just go away…. Out of everyone, Quirin and Edmund know that the best….”
“Hector does too, and Rapunzel and Hugo as well. They have babies too, animals yes, but babies all the same”, Adira stated
“Seeing your child suffer is never easy…. Regardless of what kind of child they are, animal, human, demon…. It hurts so much to see them this way….” Edmund added sadly, “but we can work through this, together”
“…..H-how?…..” a small, weak, voice asked, getting everyone to look and see Varian had woken up, he was looking at his grandpa with a worried expression on his face, “h-how can we get t-through it? H-how can we help? S-Serenity is sick…. She’s w-weak and n-nearly died getting t-to the nesting spot…..”
“Varian….” Quirin said softly
His son wriggled out of his father’s arms, landing on the floor with a wobble before standing and sniffling a little, “s-she nearly died…. H-her eggs may even be affected…. S-she’s sick and dying and there wasn’t *anything* I could do to fix it……” he stated with a stomp of his foot before he sat on the floor and pulled his knees to his chest, wrapping his arms around them and hiding his face in them…. “I-I’m scared…. She’s so sick…. A-and weak…. She could b-barely keep up with me, Pascal, and Little big guy….. W-we had to be slow and even *then* s-she fell out of the *fucking* sky…. And I c-couldn’t protect her, I couldn’t s-stop the fall, I could only heal what I knew how to h-heal, and it wasn’t that much! She’s sick and dying and I can’t do anything about ANY OF IT!” He snapped, slamming his fist into the ground, causing black rocks to sprout from it before they quickly sunk back into the ground as the alchemist cried, his worried and fears over his princess being sick and weak taking over everything else in his mind and overwhelming him to tears….
The group was silent for a while before Quirin let out a small sigh and walked over, sitting next to him son and wrapping an arm around him and pulling him into a hug. He was quite still, allowing the alchemist to let out his cries, before the teen was reduced to nothing but small sniffles. The retired knight continued to hold and hug his son as he spoke up, his voice low and gentle, one that only a father could use, “I understand bubby…. It’s hard… so very hard, so see your child in pain….. You think of all the ways you could try to fix it, but keep coming to the same conclusion, that it won’t matter…. That your child will suffer no matter how hard you try to help them…. But Serenity isn’t alone, and neither are you”, the alchemist peeked out from his father’s vest, looking up at the man and getting Quirin to smile, “you’ve both got all of us here to help you. Hector has dragon experience, I have knowledge on how to help animals give birth, king Edmund and Adira were both there when Hector has his dragon, they helped take care of him. Hugo, Rapunzel, Lance, Eugene, Catalina, and Angry will be here to help you and Serenity out as much as possible, so will Little big guy. It’s gonna be okay”
“B-but she’s s-so sick!”
“I know son, I know…. And I’m so sorry about that….. But please know that you are doing everything you can, and we will too. We won’t let Serenity die, we won’t, we’ll do everything we can to help her”
“….w-what if she….” He didn’t need to finished that sentence as more tears slid down his face
“….if that happens…. Moon forbid it does…. Then all of us will still be there, we’ll give her what she needs, and help her little ones as much as we can. We’ll make sure they’re taken care of, same for Little big guy. If Serenity…. If something happens…. We’ll be here, we’ll take care of her until the very end, and we’ll make sure she rests in peace”
“I *hic* I-I don’t want her to goooooooo!”, Varian cried, sobbing into his father’s vest once again, “I want her t-to *hic sniffle* b-be okay a-and live s-so she can *hic hic* b-be with her b-babieees!”
“I know son…. I know….” Quirin scooped his child up and held him in his arms like a baby. He hugged the teen as he continued to cry, for the first time in years, Quirin felt how tiny his son was, how fragile and weak the alchemist tried not to be…. And it hurt…. It hurt the man so much to see his baby crying the way he was…. Inconsolable tears dripping everywhere, sobs that shattered the man’s heart with every wrenching gasp or wheeze they requested…. Those big blue eyes closed tight and filled with nothing but fear, the fear of a child who’d just found out his best friend was sick and could possibly…..
It hurt…. It hurt so much for Quirin to bear…. Every gut wrenching scream hurt the man more than any weapon could ever hope to achieve…. He heard voices in his mind, scolding him for letting his child weep like that, telling him that he should be taught to hold it all in, like a man should do….. But he held strong, holding his son, allowing him to cry, allowing him to get it all out….. He took all of his son’s pain and fear, his worries and anger, his sadness and anxiety, he took it all and held on tight. Once Varian had began to calm down exhaustion taking over, that’s when Quirin spoke again, his voice still calm and nurturing, “….Im here…. We’re all here… you’re not gonna do this alone…. We’ll help her as much as we can, we will”, he said softly before he kissed his son’s tired head, “she’ll be alright, she will, and when she is, you’ll be a grandpa, and you’ll hold her babies in your arms with a smile when they hatch from their eggs”
Varian looked up at his father, he was so *exhausted*, the weight of the world was on his shoulders as he looked twice his age. For a moment, just a moment, the teen wanted to argue, to say something more. But as his father’s works hit him, and he really took them in, he wanted to believe them…. He looked up at the man, and suddenly felt all his worries and fears melt away, as if someone was taking his burden and bearing it for him. He felt guilty about that, but noticed his father smiling. It was warm, inviting, telling him he didn’t need to feel sorry for anything he gave his father. The man looked as though the burden had been a gift from the teen, something he’d *wanted* to take away. So, for the very first time in years, Varian let him. With a small breath in and out, the weight was gone. He reached out, wrapped his arms around the man, hugging him as the exhaustion caught up to him, “thank you dad….”
The retired knight smiled and nodded, returning the hug, “anything for you, son”
“I love you….”
“I love you too”
He felt the teen fall asleep in his arms almost instantly after that. He let out a sigh and smiled. The burden was heavy, but he’d bear it if it meant his child got some rest. He felt Edmund beside him, a hand on his shoulder to show he wasn’t alone either, which helped. Quirin got up and walked over to a nearby couch. He healed up Varian’s wounds, before wrapping him in a blanket and allowing him to sleep peacefully as he kept a watchful eye over his child throughout the entire night.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Ok, it’s no secret that I love Quirin, he really is the best dad in the series by a freaking LANDSLIDE! However, it’s still extremely hard for loving parents to see their children suffer…. It hurts them, brings them unbelievable pain…. It did the same to me when my kitty got sick…. She may just be a cat to most people, but she was my kid, and she still is! Even though she’s gone now, she’ll always be my kid, and the pain you experience when you see your kid suffering is so unbearable it could actually *kill* someone!
So I made a chapter showing that, showcasing how amazing and strong you have to be to be a loving parent. And showing how amazing Quirin is, because he deserves all the love in the world, he really does!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Oh! And HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!! If you celebrate, if you don’t, then I hope you have the best time ever for the rest of this year!!!!!! :D
Chapter 550: Sick….
Chapter Text
Hello,
I am so sorry, but I am really sick right now, like fever, throwing up, stomach flu sick. I can’t focus on writing a chapter at this point…. I had a holiday chapter planned, I’ll be posting that when I get better, again I am so sorry….
I tried writing the chapter for hours today, but I could only get a couple sentences in before the screen started to hurt my eyes. Even writing this is actually hurting me really badly. I need to take a few more days off, but I will be back! I just need some time to recover
Again, I am so sorry, I’ll make sure to write as soon as I’m back to normal health. For now, thank you all, so much, for your support, it truly means a lot to me
Be safe, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Sincerely,
Harmony Song 🎶
Chapter 551: Home is Where the Heart is!
Summary:
Quirin has a very special Christmas surprise for Hugo and Varian!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Jingle bells, Lancey smells, Hugo laid an egg!” Eugene sang, “Varian is a-carryin a bunch of alchemy, hey!”
The alchemist giggled as Lance and Hugo quirked a brow at the man, “you’re a dork Eugene”
“I try, why are you carrying so much alchemy by the way? Though you were super tired from the other day”
“When I had to fly around to help Serenity and Little big guy find a nesting place? I still am super tired from that, but it’s Christmas Eve! I wanna help”
“Ok, just take it easy kiddo”
“I will!” The freckled teen walked away happily, carrying the supplies with him as Lance looked at Hugo
“What’s he gonna do with all that stuff anyway, do you know?” The former thief asked
The blond smirked as he picked up his own box of alchemy, “Quirin and Rapunzel asked if we could help decorate the family room for the Christmas celebration. So me and Freckles are going all out! It’ll take a while, but we’re gonna make this holiday the most decorated thing in the world!”
“Ah, well you two have fun! And please be careful. Goggles is still recovering from his night flight, no matter how much he says otherwise”, Eugene stated
“Oh I’m aware, trust me, he wanted to do more alchemy yesterday, but the moment he touched the bed, he was out like a light”
With that, the inventor walked away, right as Quirin walked over to Lance and Eugene, “oh hi Hugo!” He greeted cheerfully
“Hiya pops! Can’t talk now, Freckles and I are decorating”, Hugo replied with a smile
“Ok, have fun, be careful”
“Will do!”
The retired knight watched the teen go, a smile on his face, before he turned to look at Eugene and Lance, “hi!”
“Hi!” The Coronan Captain replied with a grin, “you finished?”
“Yup! I finally got everything set up, just need your eyes”
“Gotcha! Lance, shall we?”
“We shall!” The former thief replied with a grin, “oh I can’t believe you’re actually doin this!”
“I can’t either, Quirin are you sure this is gonna be okay?” Eugene asked
“It’ll be perfect! Everything’s set up, repaired were made so it’s all stable, it’s nice and clean, recently furni-!”
“No no, I mean…. With you…. Are *you* gonna really be okay?” The Dark Prince interrupted gently, “I mean…. This is a *huge* step! And maybe it won’t be immediately, but when it is….”
The retired knight gave the man a sad smile, “I’ve been thinking long and hard about all of this Eugene. And while I am sad that this day has/will come, I am proud that I was able to help them get to this point”
“But what about you? You’re gonna be-!”
“I’ll be alright Eugene, I know that…. Things have happened before that have proven otherwise…. But…. I’m not alone anymore, I’ve got my siblings and King Edmund back, and even if this turns out the way I’m thinking it will, Varian and Hugo will still be here, even…. If I don’t see them as much….”
The Dark Prince and former thief looked at the man, “you’re really okay with this step bein taken?” Lance asked, “be honest, because it’s okay if you ain’t”
Quirin did think about it, but the more he did, the more reassured he was of his choice and what needed to happen next, so he nodded confidently, “they need this. I’ll be sad, but I’ll be proud to see them do this, when they’re completely ready of course. I want them to be happy together, and that means they’re going to have to take some steps without me…. I have to let them grow, I’ll be around to guide them, but there are things they need to do, as a couple, they’ve already begun doing so”
“They… have?”
“Yes, without getting into too much detail, me and Varian had a very grown up talk about…. Certain things, honey moon things”
Eugene and Lance’s eyes widened as they blushed, “you did?!” The Dark Prince asked
“Yes we did, Bubby had some questions and wanted to ask, I didn’t begrudge him either, he’s going to be safe about what he and Hugo do, and if either of them have questions after the fact, they know they can come to me”
The two former thieves looked at each other with shock before Lance spoke up, “damn, we gettin *really* old!”
“Extremely old! Like, raisin faced and face moles kinda old!” Eugene agreed
“Oh stop it you two, I’m older than the both of you, and I think I look perfectly fine for my age”, Quirin stated
“You’re fuckin 30!” Eugene exclaimed
“Actually, I’m 56”
“5-! You are NOT!”
Quirin chuckled, “you’ve known this for a while now Eugene”
“I choose to ignore that fact in lieu of you being in your late 50’s and lookin like a 30 year old buff guy!”
“Well I’m not so sure about *buff*, I mean, I’ve put on a few pounds since my knight days and I haven’t really been on the same regiment since then-!”
“Don’t you *even* start! You’re the literal definition of a buff fucking model, no dad bod in sight, not even an *inkling* of a fucking pot belly or gut save for the literal SIX PACK UNDER YOUR SHIRT! …..Not that I’ve looked on purpose, but when you fight, your shirt rises a little and it’s hard not to notice man!”
Quirin chuckled, blushing a bit, “we’re getting a *little* off topic here”
“I realize, and we’ll get back on topic, but we’re coming back to this conversation and now you seem to think you’re out of shape when you’re clearly not!”
“Eheheh ha…. Noted”
The Dark Prince and Lance blinked before smirking, “that’s the same embarrassed and/or nervous laugh Varian does!” Lance exclaimed
“You two are way too much alike, I swear to everything”, Eugene added
The retired knight smiled, blushing even more before he cleared his throat and spoke, “*anyway*, back to the *original* topic”
“Right right, the next step in Varian and brat nugget’s relationship”, Eugene stated
“You mean Hugo?”
“I said what I said”
Lance and Quirin snorted before the former thief spoke up, “this next step is gonna be a big one, you’re makin it easy for em, but ya ain’t gonna force em to take it immediately right?”
“Of course not, like I said, when they’re ready, it’ll be here, I’ve been working on this project for…. I wanna say about 6 months now. It’s been an absolute *terror* keeping this from the two curiosi-kids in the other room, they’ve almost found out a few times honestly! Little scamps”, he chuckled, “but it’s been a huge project of mine since they started to get more serious”
“What made you decide to do this for them?” Lance asked, “I mean, not every parent does this kinda thing, so”
“Heh, it’s a good question, I decided I wanted to do this when I saw them sleeping together one night. It was a night Varian had a nightmare, normally he’d walk downstairs and come find me. But he didn’t this time. I’d heard him sniffling and whimpering while walking to the kitchen one night. So I went up and peeked inside the room, and what I saw made me realize just how much their relationship had grown”:
*”it’s okay, it’s gonna be alright Freckles, don’t worry”, Hugo said softly, holding Varian close to his chest as the alchemist sobbed, “another bad one huh?”
When he received a silent nod he sighed
“I’m sorry…. They won’t leave you alone will they Freckles?”
A silent shake of the head confirmed his thoughts
“Do you need to talk about it? Or would you prefer staying in my arms…. Or both, we could do both”
The very quiet, yet audible giggle that came from the freckled teen startled the eavesdropping Village Leader as he watched the two
“That giggle, while adorable as hell, didn’t really answer my question Freckles”
Another quiet giggle was heard before Varian sunk deeper into the blond’s arms
“Snuggle time it is, I’m okay with that”, Hugo tightened his hug just a touch
For a moment, the duo were silent, before the alchemist finally spoke up, his voice was wavering, filled to the brim with tears and wracked with fear, enough to break Quirin’s heart as he continued to listen and watch, just in case he was needed, “I’m sorry…..”
“Don’t be, I get it, nightmares really suck…. Like, a lot….”
“I w-woke you up though….”
“Freckles, I’d run all the way to the Dark Kingdom and back, by myself, with all of Eugene’s lotions and skin care products on my back, just to get you a Dark Kingdom dust bunny if it made you happy. Trust me love”, he stroked the alchemist’s hair lovingly, “if it means you’ll have someone there for you, I’ll wake up over and over again”
Varian hugged him closer, making Quirin’s eyes widen before he smiled lovingly at the duo and gently closed the door, back by away from the room*
“That night, Hugo had been the one to help Varian, Hugo had been there as soon as he heard my bubby struggling. I realized in that moment that those two relied on each other just as Ulla and I had, and our bond only got stronger when we were together through all the good, bad, gross, sad, depressing, and hard times. So…. This idea popped into my mind, I truly trust Hugo with my son, I trust him to protect Varian and keep him safe, and I trust Varian to do the same with Hugo, to love him and help him even when things get harder than they should. Those two have been through too many terrible things, yet they’ve solved it all together, they have enough trauma for multiple lifetimes, and they’ve always stuck together. Honestly, this next step should’ve happened a while ago, but I think they’re nervous. They want to get to that point, but they need a little nudge in the right direction, if I can give them that, then I’m more than willing to”
“Even if it hurts…. Damn it how are you such a good dad?!” Eugene exclaimed
Quirin laughed as he looked at Lance, “do I answer that?”
The former thief snickered and shook his head, “ya don’t have to, I think it was rhetorical”
“Mostly”, Eugene stated with a smirk, “also, I’m ignoring that little comment Hugo made about my morning routine, because I wanna help you with this. Need any extra hands?”
“Ooh! Ooh! Me too! Me too!” Lance exclaimed excitedly
Quirin chuckled before nodding, “sure, some extra hands would be extremely helpful, come on”
****
“MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!” Rapunzel yelled happily, getting everyone to cheer, “I’d like to start off this holiday celebrationwith a big ol thank you to the two scientists who helped put this AMAZING display of decorations up, Varian and Hugo! Thank you so much for that! These look WONDERFUL!”
Everyone cheered again, getting the two scientists to blush as they held each other’s hands before the princess began to speak again, “with all that being said, LET THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION BEGIN!!!!!”
Everyone began to celebrate, exchanging gifts, playing games, Adira eating cake as Hector made paper animals and/or hats for Pixie, Basil, Xena, Ruddigar, Hamuel, Olivia, and Max, Edmund and Quirin laughing while having a few drinks together, Eugene and Raounzel dancing as Varian, Hugo, Catalina, Angry, and Lance formed a small band and began to play songs together! All the while, Arianna was smiling and drinking some hot chocolate as she watched the festivities, only joining in when Adira walked over, handed her some cake, and they began to talk
Everyone was having a great time before Rapunzel announced the gift exchange was beginning. Everyone grew excited and exchanged presents, hugging each other, or…. Well, throwing their gifts at each other before opening them and being sarcastically grateful to each other on Adira and Hector’s case, “it’s how they show they appreciate each other!” Edmund explained, Quirin nodding in agreement
Everyone shrugged and continued with the gift exchange. All that was left was Quirin’s gift to Varian and Hugo, “alrighty, so everyone got something from everyone except… um…. Quirin?” Rapunzel said gently, and quietly, so as not to call the man out, “did you have a gift for Varian and Hugo?”
The retired knight chuckled, “yes I do, and you don’t have to whisper”, he teased, getting her to blush, “though I appreciate that, very kind of you to do that, but my gift for my two sons is a little bit bigger, so I couldn’t exactly carry it inside”
“Ooooooh,I see! And now I’m excited for you two!” The princess exclaimed happily
Varian and Hugo snickered before the alchemist looked at his father, “you got us a big gift? You didn’t have to you know”
“I know, you two didn’t have to give me the amazing new dual blades you both made”, the retired knight replied as he unsheathed his new weapons and smiled happily at them, the black rock blades, made and engraved by Varian, and carved wooden handles with leather wrapped around them, and leather sheaths, made and engraved by Hugo, showing who worked on which part of the blades before the Village Leader sheathed them once again, “but you did”
“True, but you did need new blades pops”, Hugo stated
Quirin snorted, “true, teen, very true, but the gift I have for you two is also something that you both need, yet you probably won’t use it right away, which is perfectly fine”
Both teens blinked before they tilted their heads to the side curiously, getting the room to chuckle, “won’t use?” Varian asked
“Well not right away, you’ll see, come on, it’s a little bit of a walk”. The group walked with the Village Leader. They were all, save for Eugene and Lance, confused for a little while, until Quirin stopped and smiled wide, “we’re here!”
“Where?” Hector asked, “I only see a few buildings nearby, and the castle, of course”
“That’s the point”, the retired knight replied with a grin before he looked at his two sons, “you two have been growing up, growing closer and closer together, helping each other in ways no one else could, not even me. And while I won’t force you to do *anything* until you’re both ready, I wanted you two to know that you have a place that you can go whenever you feel it’s time. So…. I found, paid for, and fixed up, this”, he backed up and gestured to a decently sized home behind him. Making the two scientists gasp when they saw it!
It was a two story house, with a large, fenced in, front and back, yard! The duo could see the new paint job and the door had definitely been fixed rather recently. They walked over to the door and opened it. The living room met them first, a fire place with a couch and two comfy arm chairs were organized inside the home. The dining area and kitchen could be seen from there, the stair leading to the second floor could also be seen
“It’s got three bedrooms, one downstairs, and two upstairs, two privies, an attic and basement, a few closests for storage, and the fireplace!”
“D-dad, you…. You bought us a house?” Varian asked as Hugo stared in disbelief
“Not just a house, a home”, the retired knight replied, he walked inside and smiled, “I never told you two this, but when Ulla and Donella were living with me, they’d sometimes go into town and have to stay for a few days. I wouldn’t be able to pick them up every day, so they stayed here, they showed me this place and fixed it up themselves. They made a lab in the basement and even came here when they wanted a moment to themselves. It was their little getaway when they just wanted to spread their wings. It was in their names when they left it, never really got taken off their names either. I never came here after Ulla was gone because…. It was always too painful…. But I didn’t want it to go to waste. So I kept it, I was planning on making it into something, but never really thought about it, again, too painful. But that’s when I noticed you two beginning to grow closer and closer. It isn’t much, but it’s a home nonetheless, and I wanted to let you two know that, when you’re ready to take the next step and live together, you two have a place to call home! And I’ll be nearby, so will all of your family too!”
“Dad….” Varian said softly, his eyes watering as he smiled before Hugo walked around. Everyone watched the blond looked at every part of the house, he went upstairs, he went downstairs, he checked the kitchen and attic, all the rooms and privies, until he came back to the living room again, he then stared at the fireplace for a while, his back to everyone, Varian walked over, “Hugo? Are you alright?”
The blond was silent for a moment or two before the group heard him sniffle.he faced them, a huge smile on his face as tears streamed down his cheeks, “a home! W-we have a home!”
Varian blinked before he smiled lovingly at his fiancé, “yeah we do!”
“It’s ours! It’s our home! Our HOME!” He exclaimed as he spun around, arms one wide before he looked at Quirin, “you’re serious? It’s ours?”
“Yup, it’s all yours and Varian’s, to make it official”, he walked over, digging in his pocket before he pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Hugo, who opened it and gasped, “there’s the deed, in yours and Varian’s name. It’s your two’s home, when you’re ready”
The blond held the paper in his hands, he stared at it for a long time before he looked at Varian, “Don and Ulla’s signatures are on here, previous home owners, they signed it to Quirin, and he signed it to…. Us…. I-it’s our home…. Our home! OUR HOME! Varian we’ve got a HOME!!!!!”
The alchemist smiled happily at his lover, “yeah, we do! We have a home! Hugo, a *forever* home”
The inventor froze before he hugged, picked up, and spun around with Varian! Both of them laughing and crying at the same time as the group watched, Quirin smiling happily, wiping a few tears from his eyes. The duo stopped spinning together and ran over, hugging Quirin, who hugged them back, “thank you…..” Hugo said, his voice muffled by the man’s vest
“You’re welcome, both of you”, the retired knight replied when he noticed Varian was a little too emotional to speak, “you don’t have to move in right away, come here whenever you’re both ready. Until then, you can stay with me for as long as you’d like. But you can come here, stay and have a moment or a day. Test it out, and make it your home”
That’s when Varian’s eyes shot up at his father, “b-but you’ll be lonely!” He exclaimed, “w-well be gone and y-you’ll be-!”
“I’ll be happy, and proud that you two finally found happiness with each other. And who says you two can’t come visit me or that I can’t come visit you?”
“Dad…. A-are you gonna be okay w-when we go?” The alchemist asked, getting Hugo to look up at the man as well, both worried for his mental health
Quirin chuckled, “I’ll be alright, because I’ll be thinking of my two sons and how happy they are in their new home, together, living a wonderful life! One that I can’t wait to hear about the next time they visit me!“
The alchemist and inventor grinned and hugged him even closer, Quirin returning the tighter grip, everyone smiling as the holiday was filled with warmth and cheer!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I am still, very much sick! But I finally finished this chapter! I didn’t wanna keep the Christmas chapter waiting until next year, so I posted it today!
I’m still gonna be out for a bit, I’m really sorry, but I hope this chapter helps a little bit!
Thank you all for the kind wishes and words of encouragement and advice! I appreciate each and every one of them! 🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 552: New Information!
Summary:
Nigel and Hector learn how to talk to each other, and Varian finds out about someone Nigel did in the past!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian paced nervously, back and forth, with his hands behind his back. He stared at the ground seriously, not caring for the small divet he’d made from his constant stepping. The only time he’d stopped was when a hand went on his shoulder, “Freckles, it’s gonna be okay”, Hugo stated gently, “Hector’s just giving her a check up”
“He’s right bubby, why not come sit down for a second, you’re worrying yourself to pieces over there”, Quirin added
“I can’t stop! My nerves are so frazzled by what Hector may find that everytime I try to sit down I feel sick”, the alchemist replied anxiously
“Maybe just don’t think about it until Hector comes back”, Angry suggested, “put it in the back of your mind, then let your anxiety out when he’s here so it’s short lived”
“I do that, and I’ll faint”, Varian said gently, “it’ll build up more and more and more until I burst and end up either on the floor, panicking both my father, and my fiancé, or I scream at Hector to tell me what’s going on and ask him a million and one questions at the speed of light…. Neither of which are good options”
“It’s gonna take him a while to get back, especially since they’re closer to old Corona than here”, Catalina informed, “why don’t you come sit down and try to take your mind off it with a game or two?”
“I want to…. I *really* want to, but everything is screaming in my brain…. It won’t let me relax”
“Well, I know a few things we could *try*•, Hugo said with a grin
Varian quirked a brow, “normally, I’d giggle, but I’m sincerely way too worried to do anything right now except pace….”
Quirin got up and scooped his son into his arms, “I know you’re anxious son, but Hector will be able to help Serenity if something were really wrong. He and Nigel being there together, which I initially thought would be an impossible thing to do without Hector gouging the man’s eyes out with his fingers, cover a lot of dragon knowledge that none of us have. Both of them are equipped to handle this situation in the best way possible, if something were wrong, they’d help immediately”
The alchemist sighed, “I know you’re right, but I just can’t help it dad…. Is this how you felt whenever I was doing something potentially dangerous?”
“Yup, that, or whenever you were out with friends, or hurt and in the medical wing, or when you were kidnapped by Cassandra, or when you were astral projecting, or-!”
“Oki oki!” The freckled teen giggled, “I get it, I make you worry all the time”
His father chuckled, “that’s not what I meant, I just mean that, as a parent, per parent, Dargon parent, or human parent, you tend to worry about anything your baby does without you around. It’s what being a parent is, making sure your kid is healthy and loved, and one of those things can’t be fulfilled if you’re not around, you have to hope the other can, it’s extremely worrying”
“How do you cope with it?”
“I think about all the ways the people around you could help. Like whenever you, Lance, Eugene, and Hugo, whenever he joins, have those guys nights. I’m usually left behind, which is fine, but I end up the same as you, worry filled and pacing. But I think about the people you’re with and how they can handle situations you all end up in. Eugene and Lance have proven they’re trustworthy to look out for you when I’m not around, and Hugo will just about tear everyone apart should someone look at you sideways”
“True”, Hugo stated with a smirk
“You’re like a bitty Hector if I’m honest”, Quirin joked, “just less angry and more sassy, which isn’t a bad thing”
“Hector’s got some pretty good sass too though”
“He does, either way, I just try to think about the people you’re with, and it calms me down if I trust them”
“So, who would you be worried about if I were alone with them?” Varian asked
“…..Rapunzel’s, no offense, but the princess needs someone to watch over *her*, she’s strong, and capable of protecting herself, but we’re still working on her being able to protect you”, the retired knight stated, “she’s getting better though, so I’ll give her that. Catalina and Angry are two more, but *only* because I’d expect you to watch out for them”
“That’s fair”, Varian agreed
“Ya know we could probably pin him down easily right?” Angry stated with a huff as Catalina giggled
“You think you could eh?” Hugo asked
“You think we couldn’t?”
“Nope”
This made the girl stand up, “fine! Wrestling match, me and V, now!”
“Um, I didn’t sign up for this”, the alchemist stated
“Is it because you’re too afraid to face me because I’ll win? Just like when I took your hot air balloon Siri by the treasure hunt?” Angry teased with a grin
Varian froze, for a moment, his mind went to logic, trying to reason with him, saying she was a little girl and that playing into her game would only prove her right. But Hugo’s voice reached his ears, “are you really gonna let her talk to you that way?”
And with only a few words, Varian had wriggled out of his father’s grasp, giving a small huff, “screw it, let’s go, no hitting though”
“Bring it”, Angry stated
They wrestled for a little bit, both holding back any punches or blows that could end up hurting the other, only trying to pin each other. Angry seemed to be having the upper hand as she managed to grab Varian’s arm and shove it to the ground. But the alchemist used the momentum from that movement to thrust himself up and over her, turning her to face him, and pinning her fully to the ground, “I win”, he stated with a smirk
“What were you saying before about him being too afraid again?” Hugo asked with a snicker
“Shut up!” Angry snapped
Varian got off her and helped her up with a smile, “you put up a good fight if it helps any”
She sighed but nodded and grinned, “I’m gonna train up and face you again! You’re surprisingly strong for someone so lanky!”
“He lives and works on a farm Angry”, Catalina pointed out, “and also pushes and carries large machinery around every single day”
“……ok, ya got me there, got a secret six pack or something there V?”
Varian blushed, “um…. W-well I dunno about a *six pack* I uh-!”
“Don’t let him fool you, underneath that adorable vest and sexy shirt is a fucking six pack”, Hugo stated, “I should know, I’ve seen it”
“HUGO!” Varian squeaked
“What? We went swimming together, we *all* saw it freckles”
“…..oh…..”
“Where do you think I saw it?” Hugo asked worth a laugh as he blushed
“And we’re changing the subject because naughty fiancé’s keep making me flustered!”
“You brought it up ya brat!” The blond exclaimed with a grin
The alchemist blushed even more before he huffed, “you’re the one that made it sexual ya asshole!”
Hugo burst into laughter as did Catalina and Angry while Quirin sighed and shook his head, “what the fuck did we just walk into?” A voice asked
Everyone stopped and looked to the door, only to see Nigel and Hector, both of whom looked extremely annoyed with each other, but equally as curious about the conversation they’d just walked into. Adira, Edmund, Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel were there as well, “oh geez….” Varian instantly hid behind his father, burying his face in the man’s vest as he did
Hugo snickered, “oh nothing, just teasing freckles is all”
“Ah”, Nigel said with a quirked brow at the teen
“An indeed ya snobby fucker”, the blond stated
“Hugo”, Quirin scolded
“What? He’s being condescending!”
“I am not! I simply said ‘ah’!” The advisor exclaimed huffily
“It’s your tone dude”, Angry said
“I see, well if my tone is off, my apologies, I did just get back from a particularly trying check up”
“Fuck *right* off”, Hector snapped
“Hey you two, no more fighting please”, Edmund stared gently as he stepped in-between the pair
“I didn’t say *shit*, this asshole just knows all the *right* ways to *piss* me off with as *few* words as possible! He’s worse than Adira, FUCKING *ADIRA*!!!! And she does that shit on fucking *purpose*!”
“It’s true”, Adira replied
Edmund sighed as Quirin walked over, scooping Varian into his arms to allow the teen to keep hiding, “how about we change the subject to Serenity and Little big guy, how’d the check up go? Someone’s been a bit too anxious about, even pacing a tiny divet into the floor”
Hector sighed but nodded, “it went fine, Serenity is actually doing fairly well, she a touch weaker than she should be, but we got some food in her and managed to alleviate some pain she was feeling with some specific flowers that, I know, help dragons when they’re nesting. So she’s getting better, she’s about ready to give birth though, so we should start checking on her daily, and spawn, you may need to go back home for a bit, she’ll need you to be close to her when she gives birth”
Varian came out of his hiding spot and nodded, “oki, me, dad, and Hugo were gonna go back home tomorrow anyway, dad’s gotta get back to work, and Hugo and I left some supplies behind for experiments we’ve been wanting to try out”
“Do you know how to make a pain reliever?”
“Yeah I do, why?”
“That flower I was just telling you about, it may make it more potent for Serenity if you can put it in a pain reliever. You’d have to do a few replacements I’m guessing, especially since some of the ingredients may not be dragon friendly, but it’d help her in the long run”
The alchemist nodded, “I’m willing to do all I can to make sure my little princess is safe and healthy”
The wild tamer smiled at the teen before he placed a hand on Varian’s head, gently, “thought ya might say that, you’re a good dragon parent spawn”
The freckled teen blinked before he smiled, “thank you!”
Nigel sighed, “everything he’s said is true, though he did leave out that Little big guy is also tired and may need some rest soon”
Hector growled, but Quirin placed a hand on his little brother’s before looking at Nigel, “I’m guessing he was going to mention it, but Varian’s been extremely worried about Serenity, so he brought her up first to calm my son’s nerves”, he explained
“Right…. Well in any case, the princess’s dragon needs some help as well”
“Me and Pascal were gonna go and bring some dragonfruit tomorrow, apparently it gives them more energy during nesting”, Rapunzel added with a smile
“Can I join? Maybe I could make something that’ll help Little big guy as well, like a drink that gives him energy or something”, Varian asked
“That’d be great! And I’m certain Serenity would be extremely happy to see you!”
Th freckled teen’s dragon tail wagged happily as his wings fluttered and lifted him out of Quirin’s arms, he landed on the ground gracefully and smiled at the princess, “great! We just need to be sure we don’t take over too much, Hector mentioned that they needed to do majority of this stuff on their own”
“Serenity is a special case”, Nigel stated, “she’s weaker than most dragons, so she’ll need more help than any normal dragon would”
Varian blinked before he looked at the man, “um…. Maybe you’re not meaning it that way, but that way you said that kinda makes it sound line that’s more of an annoyance to you than anything else, you didn’t mean it that way, did you?”
The advisor was startled by that, “No, I-I didn’t, Serenity’s health is concerning, I’m merely pointing that out”
“Oki, that’s good to know, um…. I’m guessing that’s why Hector looks so irritated?”
“Your uncle seems to have it in his head that I’m not wanting to work with him on this at all! We got into a debate before stopping when both dragons seemed to become distressed by our antics”
“That’s because you sound like a pompous piece of *shit* everytime you *speak*”, Hector snapped, “and what was with all the, ‘I would do this if I were you’, and ‘I certainly wouldn’t do that’”
“I was pointing out things I did differently with my own dragon that seemed to work better than what you were doing, they were suggestions”
“They came out as criticism, I fucking know what I’m doing”
“I didn’t say you didn’t!”
“You *acted* like you think I *don’t*!”
“And thus, the arguing continues…..” Edmund stated with a sigh
“Is this how they were when you all found them?” Quirin asked
“Yup”, Eugene replied, “angry, arguing, tired, and just about ready to fist fight”, he added, getting Rapunzel and Lance to nod in agreement
“Well I can kinda see it from both points of views”, Catalina said softly, “Hector’s been working with animals of all *kinds* since he was a kid. To have someone constantly saying stuff that kinda sounds like they think he doesn’t know what he’s doing is extremely insulting”, she stated, “at the same time, Nigel is actually only trying to give advise, he’s an advisor after all, he’s used to giving his two cents in, so to have someone dismiss that advise entirely is extremely insulting as well”
Hector and Nigel both huffed as Edmund sighed and Adira watched the pair, “seems as though we have some miscommunication”, she stated, “Wild Child thinks he’s being talked down to, and Big Nose thinks he’s being ignored. Neither of which are true”
“Nigel, do you think Hector doesn’t know what he’s doing when it comes to the dragons?” Quirin asked
“I don’t, sincerely! I know he’s highly trained in this aspect!” The advisor stated
“And Hector, have you heard the advice Nigel’s given you?”
“Yeah….. and as much as I fucking hate the tone, some of what he’s said isn’t bad…..” the wild tamer stated
“I see, well, then how about we fix this a little, Nigel, your tone needs work, and Hector, you’re getting a touch too defensive. Both of you are great at what you do, neither is trying to step on toes either. Nigel maybe try *showing* Hector what you mean next time, he prefers it that way, if you have a better way of cleaning a dragon, take another cloth and show him, he’ll watch and if he agrees, he’ll do it too, also, the tone sounds authoritative, Hector’s your equal, please talk to him like you would a pal, it’ll help. And Hector, everyone knows you’re the best animal expert in the world, Nigel wouldn’t be working with you at *all* if he didn’t think that were true, the Queen herself stated you were, and he holds her opinion in very high regards. So maybe try to curb your anger just a little if Nigel tried to show you something new, if it really does irritate you, tell him gently, yelling or growing mad will make Nigel anxious, can we agree to that?” Quirin asked
Both men seemed to take in what the retired knight said before Hector huffed, but nodded, Nigel nodding as well, “we’ll try that out, though I’m not sure what about my tone is so bad”, the advisor stated, “genuinely asking”
“Whenever you say something, you have a…. Best way to say it is, parent voice”, Varian stated
“I take mild offense to that”, Quirin joked
The alchemist giggled before he spoke to Nigel again, “when a parent…. *most* parents, grandpa and dad don’t do this,!!but when they talk to their kids, it’s usually with an, almost, condescending tone. Like you know they don’t know any better, so you’re not being stern, but you are telling them that what they did was wrong and they should do it a different way next time. You talk *at* someone, not *to* them. They are to listen and follow your orders, no questions asked. Even if you don’t mean it that way, that’s how it comes across”, Varian stated gently
“Hmm…. I don’t mean to sound that way…. How do I change that?”
“You’re used to speaking with someone who actively searches for advice from you, may be if you got out of that mindset you’d be able to curb your tone”, Hugo stated, “like whenever you talk to me, if fucking pisses me off too, because I’m not your kid, and I do know better than you on certain things and am not looking for your advice. However, if you have something you wanna tell me that might help, then I’m all ears. Maybe start with a warmer tone, and getting to know the person you’re talking to better is a good way to figure out how to say certain things”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, take Freckles”, Hugo began, “he’s an anxious, meek, brave, and curious bean. He may look like a 15 year old teen, but his intelligence is way beyond his years! You don’t wanna yell or scream at him because he’ll get anxious, scolding him like a kid will make him irritated, hitting or even grabbing him will piss him off, he responds to gentle tones and kind words. Soft spoken advice is better in his case because he’s used to a father that doesn’t yell very often. Hector, on the other hand, is blunt, quick tempered, quick witted, and fast to react. He’s intelligent as well, and he doesn’t like being talked down to, it drives him up the damn wall. He’s used to people thinking lesser of him, but he hates it when they do, his immediate reaction will be to deck someone square in the jaw if he thinks they’re being assholes to him. For Hector, talk to him respectfully, *offer* the advice, *show* him what you mean, if he agrees, then he’ll do it too, if he doesn’t, he’ll flat out tell you, but if you show him in the right way, he won’t be mad. Hector is the epitome of ‘treat others how you want to be treated’. He’s respectful enough not to be an ass about it, but treating him how you would treat a kid is gonna make him act the same to you”
“I see…. Hmmm”, Nigel looked at the tamer, Hector huffed, still very much aggravated by their previous fight. The advisor sighed before he spoke, “my apologies for my previous actions. I didn’t realize I was talking to you in such a way. I truly wanted to give advice because there are some ways to help a dragon that are better for them in the long run. I know you’re very good with animals and creatures of all kinds. I only wanted to share my own advice from my own experiences, but if I did so in a condescending way, than that was not my intention”
The wild tamer seemed startled by this, but as he stared at the man, he could tell Nigel meant every word, so he sighed, closed his eyes, and calmed himself, before opening them and speaking, “same, sorry for getting mad. I hate fucking pompous assholes, but if you really weren’t meaning it the way it came out, then we can try again”
The advisor smiled and nodded, “I’d like that, the Queen rarely gives out recommendations for certain tasks, so I’d genuinely like to know more about what you know of dragons”
“I wouldn’t mind chatting about it, especially since I gotta know more about to dragon you had too…. I’m gonna warn ya, you’ve been doing better, but I’m gonna still be a little on edge around you…. I care about my nephew, and family, more than I do about my life, and you’ve kinda been an ass to them in the past. I can’t let it go right away, but I can tell you’re trying to get better, it’ll take me time to really trust that though”
“I understand, my actions towards Varian in particular were….. cruel, to say the least…. Actually, I have a small confession…. I… was the one who spread the rumor of him attacking the princess….”
“You WHAT?!” Varian exclaimed
“I…..” Nigel sighed, “it’s been a very awful guilt of mine….. But when you came to the castle and begged for help….. while I saw you, the way you reacted made me worried for the princess’s safety at the time…. I saw you’d grabbed her and shook her a little, she seemed startled and even winced a bit, I thought, at the time, that you *had* attacked her….. So I told people you’d done so and word spread quickly…. When I came to realize that truth, that’d you’d simply grabbed her out of fear and anxiety, the word had already been spread and the damage done…. I had tried to take it back, but no one would listen, and by that time, you’d ended up stealing the flower….. So I left it alone because you were going down a very dark path…. But when Quirin told me of your reasoning for doing what you did, and when I saw you fixing everything you’d damaged….. That guilt came back to me…..” he faced the alchemist, “I spread that rumor because I truly thought it was true, but I know I was very wrong for it…. I’m truly very sorry for that….. I’ve felt horrible ever since me and Quirin had that chat about you…..”
“…..is that why you came to our home and asked me for my side of the story?” Varian asked
“Partially, the other reason is, as I said before, because I wanted to understand why…..”
Varian sighed, he looked at the ground for a moment, thinking about the rumor about him, “…..people hated me because of that rumor…. They said I’d attacked the princess and deserved whatever I got…..”
“I’m so sorry…..”
The freckled teen sighed before he shook his head, “…..I’m not going to say that it’s alright, because that wasn’t good. What you did was wrong, even if it was because you were mistaken, the damage that that rumor caused cannot be taken back….. This is brand new information, and knowing it sooner would’ve made me questioning myself all the damn *time* when I was in the dungeons so much easier on my mind….. The rumor caused me to question so much of what I’d done to get my dad help…. I truly began to believe that I actually *had* attacked Rapunzel! But I didn’t…. I knew I hadn’t done that…. I knew it…..” he sighed before looking up at Nigel, “I don’t hate you, but I’m very angry with you right now…. I won’t be able to get past this for a bit…. But thank you for telling me, at least I know now”
Nigel nodded, “you have every right to be angry with me, would it… help if… I stayed away for a while?”
“Away from me? Yes, away from my dragon, no…..”
“I’ll still help Serenity and Little big guy, but I’ll make sure to keep my distance from you until you’re ready, and again, I’m so sorry….”
Varian nodded, but he didn’t say a word. The advisor took the hint, and walked out of the room, gently closing the door behind him, “are you alright?” Rapunzel asked, “had I known Varian-!”
“It’s alright sis”, the alchemist interrupted gently, “you didn’t know, and I don’t blame you for what he did, it’s alright”
She smiled before Lance spoke up, “I’m open for sessions anytime ya need it little man”
“Thanks Lance, I might need a few soon, for now I’m okay”, he looked at Hector, “please don’t let that affect Serenity’s treatment, I know you wouldn’t ever let an animal suffer, but…..”
Hector nodded with a smirk, “don’t worry, she comes first, I’ll respect that. Besides, not my place to tell him that he can shove his rumor spreading lips down the ass crack of Corona’s capital, get fucking stuck, and only be able to eat whatever shit comes out of it”, he stated, “I will if you want, but it isn’t my place”
Everyone laughed as Hugo wrapped an arm around Varian, the alchemist resting his head on his fiancé’s shoulder gently, grateful for the comfort it and his family provided
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’m back from being sick! I’m feeling a bit better, not 100%, but better, so I’m back to chapter writing!!!!!
I hope you all enjoy this chapter, I worked hard on it 😊🎶
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶😊
Chapter 553: Hugo’s Secret!
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, and Quirin make it back home, but Hugo starts to work on something secret!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo hummed to himself as he wrote something down in his journal, smiling before humming the same tune once again. He smiled happily as he looked at what he wrote, “whatcha doing?”
“AH!” The blond yelped before backing up a bit, his back hitting the caravan wall before he saw Varian watching him
“Wow, love the squeaky reaction there Heckles”, the alchemist teased
Hugo blushed, “s-shut up! I was working on something ha ass”, he exclaimed before adjusting his glasses
“Whatcha working on? An experiment?”
“Nu, it’s something else”
“What is it?”
“A secret”
The freckled teen blinked, “a secret? From me?”
“Yes, it’s not a bad secret, just a secret”
“You got a secret fantasy fic with you and Flynn Rider?”
“Ew! No!!!!”
“Ya sure? I mean, the man is pretty hot”
“Freckles!”
Varian laughed, “hey, that’s what you get for flustering me yesterday!”
The blond huffed, “you’re a brat”
“I know, seriously though, a secret?”
“It’s…. Something I’ve been working on for a while…. It’s a secret….”
The alchemist smiled lovingly at his fiancé as he watched the blond clutch the journal close to his chest protectively, “oki oki, I’ll leave it be…. For now”
“I say hurumph to you sir”
“Hee hee, anyway, the reason I came back here is because we’re almost home”
“Right, right, I’m a-comin”
You’re a-comin?”
“I’m a-comin”
“Alright, you’re a-Comin, I’ll let dad know”
Varian kissed Hugo’s cheek before going back up to the front of the caravan with Quirin. Hugo let out a small sigh of relief as he did before looking at the journal in his arms. He smiled when he saw what he’d written, “soon…. Very soon… just need to practice….”
****
**A few days later**
“Daaaaaaad”, Varian called, “we made that special shoulder potion for you and Adaaaaaaam”
Quirin chuckled as he turned to see his two sons walking into the kitchen with two large bottles, “well thank you both, I’ll be sure to give Adam his lotion when I go out to the fields today”
The alchemist smiled as he and Hugo sat down at the table, the blond pulling out his journal once again and writing in it, “Serenity and Little big guy are doing really well!”
“That’s good! Any signs of Improvement?”
“She’s getting slightly stronger, she can walk around a bit easier now, though her belly’s gettin bigger”
“That’s normal for a mama, it’s good that her strength’s improving, she’ll be laying those eggs fairly soon it seems!”
“Yeah! ….Hey dad”
“Hm?”
“Are you really gonna be able to help her give birth?”
The retired knight looked at his son, “yes, why do you ask?”
“Well…. I know you’re afraid of dargons, so…. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable….”
Quirin smiled lovingly at the freckled teen, “I’ll be alright Bubby, Serenity is a good girl, so it Little big guy, I’ll be able to put my fears aside to help them both. Maybe I won’t be able to stay that way for very long *after* the fact, but I’ll be able, and willing, to help her give birth”
Varian smiled, “thanks dad”
“You’re welcome”
The alchemist’s tail wagged happily before he looked over at Hugo, who was still writhing in the journal, “man, that secret’s really got you busy huh love?”
“Hm?” The blond looked over before he blushed, “eheh, yeah, sorry, it’s just…. Important is all”
Varian cocked his head to the side curiously, “and you’re really sure I’m not allowed to know? Maybe I could help, seems like something you’re working on”
“No no, I can do it, it’s just taking me a bit longer than I would’ve hoped….. You trust me though, right?”
“Course I do! I know you’re not doing anything untrustworthy! You’d be being way more secretive about it than you are now if it was something I should be worried about. Besides that”, he smiled lovingly at the blond, his eyes glowing just a little as he spoke, “you’re a good person Hugo, I trust you with mine, Ruddy’s, and dad’s lives, that’ll never change, no matter what”
Hugo blushed before he smiled and hugged Varian, “you make me so happy you know that?”
The alchemist hugged him back, “you do the same for me!”
Quirin watched the pair, smirking lovingly as he continued to cook their breakfast
****
**A week later**
“Dad! Rapunzel, Lance, and senior sore loser are here!” Varian called
“Senior sore loser?! Excuse you!” Eugene exclaimed as Lance and Rapunzel laughed
“Aren’t you the one who got super mad when I beat you in Uno?”
“So you just woke up today and chose violence kiddo?” The Dark Prince asked as he ruffled the teen’s hair playfully
“Hee hee! Maybe!” The alchemist exclaimed before he bapped the man’s hands away and began to fix his hair as the trio stepped inside, “or maybe I’m just goading you into another Uno game where you’ll lose yet again”
“Well ain’t you gettin cocky”
“I just know I’ll win”
“Brat”
“Hee hee”
“Hey Hugo, whatcha doin?” Lance asked as he spotted the blond writing in his journal
“He’s been doing that ever since we got back to the house”, Varian stated as he closed the door behind them
Eugene quirked a brow before he peeked over the inventor’s shoulder, “Oi!” Hugo exclaimed, covering his work, “peeper squeaker, no peeping!”
“Peeper squeake-! That’s adorable!” Rapunzel exclaimed as she giggled
“Liv taught that to me, either way, sir, keep those chocolate eyes away from my journal if you please”
“Well exsqueeze me”, Eugene replied as he back up a bit, “is it a secret or something?”
“Yes”
“Oooooh! What kind of secret is it?” The princess asked excitedly, “is it a ‘top secret’ secret? Or maybe a ‘you’ll find out’ secret! Ooh ooh! Or maybe a ‘I have a mysterious past and you shall never know’, but we find out later kinda secret!”
“You already know my past”, Hugo said gently
“….fair point, but there could be more we don’t know”
The blond snickered, “it’s just a secret, and no peepin is gonna solve it, *Eugene*”
“Why is everyone picking on me today, I did nothing wrong to you!” The Dark Prince exclaimed
Varian laughed, “you existed, apparently that gives us the right to pick on you, playfully”
“Ok, then you existing means I get to pick you up and hold you like a baby”, Eugene stated before doing as he said
“Ey! Put me down!”
“Nope! Not until you take back the ‘senior sore loser’ comment you made earlier”
“NEVER!”
“Then held as a baby you shall be ya little stinker!”
They both laughed and wrestled with each other as Quirin walked in, he was carrying snacks and refreshments, “scuse me Hugo, I need to set these there”, he stated gently
The blond looked up before smiling at the man and moving, “sorry”
“It’s alright, how’s the secret coming along?”
“It’s going good! I’m almost done with it too!”
“Well that’s good, I’m glad it’s working out for you”, the retired knight replied before sporting Varian and Eugene, “please don’t break anything”
“We won’t!” Both replied simultaneously before continuing their wrestling match
Quirin shook his head with a smile before he sat down on the couch with a sigh, “worn out?” Rapunzel asked
“A little, being back on the farm is wonderful, but it’s still hard work, especially with the harvest coming soon”
“I can understand that, I love being Princess, but it can be really tough, especially now that it’s just me and mom….”
The retired knight nodded, “that must be difficult….”
Rapunzel winced when she realized whom she’d just said that to as Eugene and Varian stopped wrestling, the teen raising a brow at her, “sorry sorry! I didn’t mean it that way! I don’t blame you for what happened! I… shouldn’t have mentioned that, sorry…..”
“It’s alright princess, really, you didn’t make me feel any guiltier than I already do, it’s just something I’ll have to accept happened is all, it’s alright, I’m alright”
“Are you sure? I really didn’t mean for it to come out the way it did”
“The way you put it was fine, don’t worry”, Quirin replied with a smile, “we were conversing, and you’re allowed to tell me life is hard without your dad without worries of me growing upset. I realize now that I was controlled, I had no say in what happened to him. I still feel guilty, but you mentioning that fact that he’s gone isn’t you blaming me, nor will it cause me any harm. It’s really okay, don’t worry”
Rapunzel nodded, “ok, still, I’m gonna watch that, I’m still working on what to say about certain things. I think I’m getting better, but there’s still a few things that I’ve gotta work on”, she blushed
“Everyone has something they need to work on, I’m no different. I realized that I was a little too overprotective of Varian and Hugo at one point, so I had to back off a little. It’s sometimes hard not to worry and peek into the lab just to make sure they’re okay, but I’ve gotten better about it, right?” He asked, looking at the two teens
Varian smiled and nodded, as did Hugo, “much better, thought it’s still pretty funny to see a Quirin face peep in while we’re doing something”, the blond stated with a grin, “you’re surprisingly adorable there pops”
The retired knight blushed, “well thank you”
“You’re welcome! Also, these snacks are good”
“You like em? Hector actually gave me the recipe!”
“He did?”
“Yup! He, Adira, and King Edmund are coming over today too, they’re gonna stay until Serenity’s eggs are laid, then they’re gonna depart for the Dark Kingdom”
“They are?” Rapunzel asked, as Eugene let out a grunt when Varian managed to take him by surprise and pin him on the ground. Getting the man to huff before admitting defeat
“Yup, they’re gonna start rebuilding. Your mother gave them some extra hands to go with, so once it’s all done, me, Varian, and Hugo are gonna visit again, these two little beans are gonna help with organization and changing some of the olds laws in the Dark Kingdom, and I’m gonna see if I can help Adira and Hector bring some people back”
“That sounds wonderful!”
“It really is! My home’s finally being rebuilt, I still can’t believe it, after 25, well, 26 now, long years!”
“Congratulations Quirin!”
“Thank you!”
“Heh, seems like all the loose ends are finally bein tied up, now all that’s left is, Serenity laying her eggs, Eugene and Rapunzel’s wedding, Varian and Hugo’s Wedding, and Hugo’s secret that he keeps writing in that journal”
“You shall never know”, the blond teased, getting everyone to laugh
****
**that night**
Varian let out a sigh as he stepped into his and Hugo’s room. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he stretched before he walked over to their bed and sat down, only to hear an odd sound once he’d sat down. Blinking, he looked down, realizing he hadn’t turned on the light, he hopped up and lit the lanterns, before gasping at what he saw!
The room was decorated, the bed had rose petals scattered on it, the lanterns had pink paper wrapped around them, bathing the room in pink, the previously dirtied areas were cleaned off and sparkling, there were chocolates in a heart shaped box on the night stand, and standing in the center of the room, was a smiling, blushing, nervously looking Hugo, he was holding an acoustic guitar, and his usual clothing was on, but he looked a lot cleaner, his hair much shinier, his glasses cleaned off and shimmering, his clothing ironed and pressed, “hello Freckles”
“H-Hugo what… what is all this?”
“Heh, well, today’s kinda special. See, maybe you don’t remember, and that’s perfectly fine of course, it’s not our anniversary of when we started dating after all…. But…. Today still is very special”
“Um….. w-what day is it? I feel horrible for not knowing considering all the effort you went through”
“It’s alright, I mean, you were a *bird* when it happened after all”
That’s when the alchemist’s eyes grew wide as dinner plates as he realized what the blond meant by that, “you… you mean it’s….”
Hugo nodded, “happy day we first met!”
Varian blinked before he smiled wide and blushed, “oh Hugo! I-I’m so sorry I forgot!”
“Nononono, it’s okay! You were a fucking *bird* Freckles! Not to mention ya almost *died* that day, I don’t expect you to even *want* to remember that! But…. I wanted to do something special for you for today, so….” He smiled before letting out a small sigh, “you wanted to know my secret, well…. Here it is”
He began to pluck the strings on the guitar, that Varian just realized was his father’s, the man must be on this too! He didn’t have time to think about that however, as Hugo began to sing:
‘I love you too much,
To live without you loving me back,
I love you too much,
The Moon is my witness and this is a fact,
I know I belong,
When I sing this song,
There's love above love and it's ours,
'Cause I love you too much!’
He smirked and looked at Varian, who blushed and smiled as he continued to sing:
‘I live for your touch,
I whisper your name night after night’
“And whistle”, Varian teased, getting Hugo to snort as he sang:
‘I love you too much,
There's only one feeling and I know it's right,
I know I belong,
When I sing this song,
There's love above love and it's ours,
'Cause I love you too much!”
The blond stood up and began to walk over to Varian, as he did, lights that the alchemist hadn’t seen began to glow with each step the inventor took, blue and green respectively, as memories of their first meeting played around them in the same chemicals they’d used for his dad on Father’s Day:
‘The Moon knows your name I've been praying,
To have you come here by my side!’
Varian smiled happily as he saw moments of them talking while he was a bird,
‘Without you a part of me's missing,
Just to make you my home, I will fight!’
As Hugo sang the next part, the memories converged and showed Varian becoming my a human, them making the antidote to the poison potion, them fighting the Seporians, them separating, and them reuniting once again:
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE YOU TOO MUCH!
I love you too much!
The Moon is my witness and this is a fact!
You live in my soul,
Your heart is my goal!
There's love above love and it's mine 'cause I love you!
There's love above love and it's *yours* 'cause I love you!
There's love above love and it's ours,
If you love me as much!’
The memories faded as Hugo was face to face with Varian, smiling before he stole a kiss from the alchemist, Varian returning it passionately! They stayed that way for a minute before separating and smiling at each other
“I’m so very glad I met you Freckles, I wouldn’t be here without you, happy meeting day!”
The alchemist giggled, “I’m glad I met you too, Heckles, though we’re gonna need a better name than ‘meeting day’”
“Yeah that sounded more romantic in my head”
Varian laughed at that as he hugged Hugo lovingly! His heart filled with warmth and affection as he felt the blond return the hug. They embraced each other for a few minutes before Varian gasped and broke the hug, “Star crossed meeting!” He exclaimed, “because you’re my star! The Moon calls you that, and it makes sense because I have Moon powers! Plus, I honestly think we were meant to meet! In some way, there’s no scientific way of explaining how you just *happened* to be in forest on the day we find that kettle and I turn into a bird! Even if you were looking for it. We were meant to meet, so ‘Star crossed meeting’, how about that?”
The alchemist stopped and blushed when he saw Hugo’s expression, it was filled with love, warmth, comfort, joy, and adoration, his eyes only filled with the alchemist before he said, “it’s perfect”
Varian and Hugo kissed once again, the Moonstone glowing just a touch as they did, lighting up the room even more than it was, in a cool, sky blue, color as the duo finished their kiss and hugged each other happily, listening to the other’s heart beat
Notes:
Hello! 😊🎶❤️
“Love you too much”, from the Book of Life movie, Lyrics by, Paul Williams, Music by, Gustavo Santaolalla, Performed by, Diego Luna, and Produced by, Gustavo Santaolalla and Anibal Kerpel
So this is both a story chapter and a Varigo chapter! I wanted the boys to have a nice night together, but I also wanted to progress the story, so I hope it worked the way I was trying to make it work XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 554: Egg Laying! (Part 1!)
Summary:
It’s time! Varian and Pascal make sure everyone knows!
Notes:
More notes at the end! 🎶😊
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“IT’S TIME!” Varian yelled as he ran through the house, waking everyone up as he did. Pascal was, surprisingly, with the teen, flying beside him as he ran excitedly downstairs and gathering as many items he could find! “IT’S TIME!!!!!” He yelled again
The entire house was up at this point, rushing downstairs to see what the teen was talking about before Pascal flew over to Rapunzel and squeaked out what’d happened
She gasped, “Serenity is giving birth!”
Quirin blinked, “what?! How do you two know?” He asked, quickly scooping Hugo up, the blond nearly falling on the floor due to fatigue
“Pascal said they got a feeling in their hearts, their dragons called out to them and said it was time! Apparently Hector, Adira, and Edmund already left because the tamer had a weird feeling”, she replied, “that feeling was right! Serenity’s about to give birth, we’ve gotta go!”
“IT’S TIME!!!!!” Varian yelled again as he used his Moon magic to grab a large bag along with snacks, rags, hot water that they’d heated earlier and placed in bottles, blankets, gloves, medkits, the dragon pain reliever the scientists had made, pillows, snacks, dragon snacks, raccoon snacks, and a tiny fire pit kit Hugo’s put together! The alchemist began to shove it all in the bag
That’s when Quirin handed Hugo to Eugene and stopped Varian, “easy son, how about you take Hugo and go wash up and get ready, I’ll finish packing and we’ll all head out”
“B-bu-but-!”
“I know you’re excited and worried, but we’ll get there in time, go on”, he gently nudged the alchemist towards the stairs, Varian nodded before he flew over, levitated Hugo, and flew up the stairs, Ruddigar and Olivia following suit
Eugene chuckled, “excited bean”
“Very, you three should probably go and get ready too, it’s gonna be a bit of a walk”, the retired knight said
They nodded and headed upstairs as well, getting ready in record time, and bringing any extra items, just in case, before heading downstairs, Varian, and a barely conscious Hugo, were waiting as Quirin finished packing the final item, with a nod of approval from the Village Leader, the group began their trek to the dragons
****
“I see them!” Adira called from her perch in the tree, “they have supplies!”
“Good eye Adira! Come on down, Hector and Serenity are holding in there”, Edmund replied
The face painted warrior hopped down, landing on the grass below, and smiled, “can’t believe it’s already here”
“Neither can I! It’s so exciting! I just hope Quirin and Serenity will be okay during this process”
“Agreed”
“Hey!” Eugene called, waving to his dad, who waved back, “we’re here and we brought everything but the kitchen sink!”
“It wouldn’t fit!” Varian exclaimed
“It’s okay bubby, we’ll be fine without it”, Quirin said gently
“….Oki, but if we need it I’m teleporting back o the house to grab it”
“Noted and terrified”
“Awww!” Edmund exclaimed, grabbing the group’s attention as he stared at Hugo, who was sleeping in Quirin’s arms, “tuckered out Butter Nut!”
“Yeah, he’s been in and out this morning, can’t really blame him though”, the retired knight replied, “where’s Hector, Serenity, and Little bug guy?”
As if to answer his question, Little big guy landed right behind the Village Leader, “hey buddy!” Rapunzel exclaimed as Pascal flew over and hugged the dragon, “how are you doing?”
The pink dragon made an anxious noise before he looked at Quirin
“Getting right to it then, wanna show me where she is?” The Retired knight asked gently, “don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her”
The dragon nodded before he stepped forwards and had the group follow him. They walked over and stopped when they saw Serenity. She was sweating and looked exhausted! She was whimpering and chirruping anxiously as she tried to keep calm, familiar whispers could be heard as the group turned to see Hector by her side, stroking her scales and conforming her as best as he could. Quirin smiled before he set Hugo in Lance’s arms, “guard that worn your life please, it’s precious”
“Will do”, the former thief replied with a smile as he held Hugo close
Varian flew over to Serenity instantly, “Princess”, he said softly
The blue dragon looked at him and whimpered before placing her nose in his hands
“Hi baby girl”, Varian replied, stroking her nose gently, “it’s gonna be okay, me and dad are here to help, it’s okay, its okay”
He hugged her, getting her to let out a small purr
Hector sighed before standing up and walking over to Quirin, “the eggs are close to coming out, she’s pushing, but it’s taking a large toll on her… she’s very weak Quirin….”
“Thankfully she isn’t bleeding however”, another voice said
“Nigel?” Rapunzel asked, “when did you get here?”
“I actually came earlier today to do a small check up, I ended up staying when I saw Hector, Adira, and King Edmund run over”, the advisor stated
“I see, thank you”
“You’re welcome”
“No blood, but weak, not terrible but not good either”, Quirin stated, “do either of you know how close the eggs are to coming out?”
“Very”, Hector said, “almost crowning”
“Good, that’ll make it easier, any clue as to how many there are?”
“More than one, less than ten, can’t give you more than that because she started pushing while I was checking”
“Noted, thanks Hector, and Nigel too, I’ll take it from here”
“Be careful brother”, the tamer stated, “she’s really weak….”
Quirin nodded, “I will be”, he walked over to Serenity and Varian, placing a gentle hand on his son’s shoulder, “bubby, I gotta get started now”
“Can I stay with her?” The alchemist asked, “she needs me”
The Village Leader looked at the dragon, noticing she seemed a lot calmer now that her ‘mother’ was there. He let out a small sigh, but nodded, “you can, but it’s gonna be a messy process, I’ll need you to keep her very calm, okay?”
“Oki”
Quirin kissed his son’s head before he walked over to Serenity’s stomach, he sat down and got everything prepared, putting on the gloves and placing blankets on the dragon. He managed to get Varian to help him place pillows underneath Serenity’s head, the warm water was set next to him for when the eggs came out and needed to be cleaned. The medkit was next to the water, opened and ready for use, Quirin also made a small blanket nest behind Serenity, one that Little big guy sniffed, “don’t worry, it’s got Serenity’s scent on it, she tried to eat this blanket when she was younger”
The pink dragon sniffed it a little more before nodding approvingly
Quirin smiled before he looked at Serenity, “you ready? We’re gonna try pushing just a little”
The blue dragon nodded
“Ok, 1…. 2…. 3…. Push!”
Serenity did, she pushed as much as she could, stopping only when she heard Quirin say so, she let out a puff of smoke, Varian coughed but smiled, “good girl, good girl!”
“That was very good”, Quirin stated, “we’re gonna need to keep doing that, okay?”
Serenity nodded, “she’s ready”, Varian said
“Ok, 1… 2…. 3…. Push!”
Push Serenity did, even harder this time! She whimpered as she did, stopping when Quirin said as Varian dealt with a few more puffs of smoke in his face
“Ok, one egg is crowning! We’re almost there!” Quirin exclaimed, “you got one more push?”
The dragon, filled with determination, nodded, letting out a huff and thumping tail on the ground to show she was prepared
“Good! We’re gonna need to push harder than the first two, okay?”
Another nod and tail thump
“Alright, 1…. 2…. 3…. Push!”
She did, Serenity pushed until her strength gave way, she pushed and pushed, ignoring the pain as she did, she whimpered and roared, but continued until finally, Quirin yelled, “ITS OUT!”
She stopped, she felt so tired however…. Smaller puffs of smoke were coming from her snoot. Varian hugged her head, “it’s okay, good girl! You did great! I’m so proud of you!”
She smiled up at him before she saw something else, her first egg, Quirin held it gently in the blanket, he smiled, “look at them, that’s yours”
The blue dragon’s eyes filled with tears as she nuzzled the egg, it was warm and healthy, she felt more determination run through her, until she winced a little in pain
“You’ve still got some eggs in you, Hector and Little big guy are gonna watch over them while we get the others out, but you’re doing wonderfully! How’re you feeling?”
The dragon huffed, she was grumpy, and extremely tired, but she knew she could keep going
“Alright, we’re gonna take this next one slower, I know you may not enjoy that, but we wanna make sure all your babies are safe and you are too, okay?”
She nodded, appreciative of the man’s concern
“Ok, good girl”, he gently pet her muzzle, something she’d never felt him do before, it filled her with joy and she let out a small chirrup, getting him to chuckle before he went back to her stomach
Varian smiled, “did you get a dad pat?” He asked in a cooing voice, getting her to smile, “yes you did! Yea you did!”
“Alright, are we ready?” Quirin asked, when Serenity nodded and Varian confirmed, the retired knight nodded,”alright, 1…. 2…. 3…. Push!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Serenity is finally starting to play her eggs!!!!! She’s weak, like Hector mentioned, but Quirin’s quizzing her well, and the man finally pet a dragon for the first time ever!!!!!! Big farmer dad is facing his fears for a Dargon in need!
Also, Hugo is not a morning person XD neither is Varian, but this is his baby, Hugo’s kinda conked out XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 555: Egg Laying! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Serenity is laying her eggs, but runs into complications, the only one that can help is Hugo!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Alright, 1…. 2…. 3…. Push!”
She did, Serenity pushed until her strength gave way, she pushed and pushed, ignoring the pain as she did, she whimpered and roared, but continued until finally, Quirin yelled, “ITS OUT!”
She stopped, she felt so tired however…. Smaller puffs of smoke were coming from her snoot. Varian hugged her head, “it’s okay, good girl! You did great! I’m so proud of you!”
She smiled up at him before she saw something else, her first egg, Quirin held it gently in the blanket, he smiled, “look at them, that’s yours”
The blue dragon’s eyes filled with tears as she nuzzled the egg, it was warm and healthy, she felt more determination run through her, until she winced a little in pain
“You’ve still got some eggs in you, Hector and Little big guy are gonna watch over them while we get the others out, but you’re doing wonderfully! How’re you feeling?”
The dragon huffed, she was grumpy, and extremely tired, but she knew she could keep going
“Alright, we’re gonna take this next one slower, I know you may not enjoy that, but we wanna make sure all your babies are safe and you are too, okay?”
She nodded, appreciative of the man’s concern
“Ok, good girl”, he gently pet her muzzle, something she’d never felt him do before, it filled her with joy and she let out a small chirrup, getting him to chuckle before he went back to her stomach
Varian smiled, “did you get a dad pat?” He asked in a cooing voice, getting her to smile, “yes you did! Yea you did!”
“Alright, are we ready?” Quirin asked, when Serenity nodded and Varian confirmed, the retired knight nodded,”alright, 1…. 2…. 3…. Push!”
****
Serenity was panting *heavily*….. smoke billowed out of her nostrils, looking very much like two mini volcanos, she felt so weak, was sweating bullets, and felt nothing but pain….. “Princess?”
Looking up, she saw the blue eyes of her ‘mother’, his eyes were filled with concern and worry, she tried to let out a small chirrup, but nothing came out
“She’s really weak Quirin….” Hector stated
“I know…. And she has two more eggs to go…. Unfortunately, one of them is sideways…..” the retired knight stated
“What?! Oh shit….”
“I can rearrange it by rubbing her belly, I know how to do so, I’ve had to do that with chickens before, but she needs to get the other one out first….. Varian, we’re gonna need that pain medication”
“O-oki”, the alchemist used his magic to lift the requested potion and float it over to himself. He then got a couple of dragon fruit as well, “s-she’ll need e-energy….”
“Bubby?”
Varian didn’t respond, he simply shook, Hector quirked a brow, before a flash of blond and green ran by the man, “FRECKLES! How many fingers am I holding up?!” Hugo asked, startling everyone as they looked at Lance
The former thief blinked, his arms still in a position that looked like they were holding a person, “I… didn’t realize he’d woken up”
“We can see that”, Eugene replied gently
“Freckles!” Hugo repeated
“Um…. E-eight?” Varian asked
“….four…. He’s breathed in too much smoke”, the inventor stated
“Shit!” Eugene cursed as Adira as Edmund ran over, the face painted warrior had a water skin in her hand and was splashing just a little in the alchemist’s face as Edmund held him
“Varian!” Quirin exclaimed
“He’s alright”, Hector stated, “he’s already starting to recover, just got a little too overwhelmed by Serenity’s fumes”
“Right…. He needs to take a break…. Get him away from the smoke”
“N-no, Serenity-!”, Varian began
“Freckles Quirin’s right, you need to brew the in some fresh air”, Hugo stated gently, “how about you rest, I’ll stay with Serenity, then for the final egg, you can come back and comfort her, okay?”
The alchemist wanted to argue, but seeing his fiancé’s serious look, he knew not to, so he nodded, “o-oki…. B-but you’ll stay with her, r-right?”
“Of course, I won’t leave her for a second, don’t worry love”
The alchemist nodded before looking at Serenity, “I’ll be back princess, until then, daddy Hugo is gonna stay with you, oki?”
The blue dragon nuzzled her ‘mother’ lovingly, but nodded, placing her muzzles in Hugo’s hands instead
“Good girl, I’ll be back, I will”
Serenity smiled at the teen, Varian smiled back, kissed her snoot, then was scooped up by Edmund and taken away for a break
Hugo looked at the dragon, “hey sweetie, I’m not gonna let you be alone, okay?”
Serenity chirruped at him before wincing
“That egg is crowning”, Quirin stated, “Hugo, can you give her the pain potion and some dragon fruit?”
“Yeah”, Hugo picked up the supplies and slowly fed it to Serenity, who ate it and drank the potion. They waited for a few more minutes until the dragon’s smoke stopped billowing from her nostrils, she seemed much calmer now and thumped her tail on the ground to show she was ready
Quirin smiled and nodded, “ok, we’re gonna push again, 1…. 2….. 2….. push!” Serenity did! She pushed with all her might! Hugo gave her encouragement as she did, Quirin continuing to count her pushes off, until, “stop! The egg’s out!”
The blue dragon stopped, but panted, she felt so tired, everything hurt, from her scales to her talons
Hugo gently stroked her head, “good job sweetie, that was really good”
She gave him a weak smile before she saw her newly laid egg, “another healthy egg, lookit that”, Quirin stated
The dragon smiled, her grin widening when she saw little big guy walk over and nuzzle the egg lovingly
The retired knight handed the egg to Little big guy, who grabbed the egg with his mouth, similar to how a dog would grab an egg, not using any teeth on the shell, but rather, the teeth are used to protect the shell as the egg is transported from Quirin to Hector, who had the blanket ready, and took the egg, securing it safely
“Alright, one more egg to go, but we need to move it a little so it doesn’t cause you any pain”, Quirin stated, “I’m gonna rub your tummy a little, I know how to do this, I need to move the egg from there, once the egg is in the correct position, we’ll take a small break, then have you push it out, okay?” He explained to the dragon
Serenity nodded, thumping her tail again to show that she was ready
The Village Leader nodded, “it’s gonna hurt, just be aware of that”
Another nod from the dragon made the man walk to her stomach. She waited for a few moments before letting out a roar as she felt him touch her stomach and begin to move the egg
“Quirin!” Hugo exclaimed
“I’m alright, moving an egg is a very rough process, it’s gonna hurt like I said…”
“No you… turned white as a ghost….”
“….Oh…. Eheh, d-don’t mind that, j-just got startled by t-the roar is all”
The blond wanted to say something, but stopped when he felt a presence next to him and turned to face, “Varian! You’re supposed to be resting love”
“I’m fine now, got the all clear from grandpa and Aunt Wise Eyes, besides, this is the final egg, this part is gonna be hard either way, so I’m gonna be here”, the alchemist stated determinedly
The inventor sighed, “you two are so stubborn!”
“We have to be”
Hugo huffed before he noticed Quirin shaking, he sighed before standing up, gently handing Serenity’s nuzzle to Varian before looking at Hector determinedly, “things need to change, Hector, Quirin’s shaking like a leaf and pale as a ghost, his fear’s getting to him, can you be by his side and help him move the egg properly? Rapunzel”, he looked at the princess, “I need you and Little big guy to watch over the eggs while Hector helps Quirin. Adira, Edmund”, he looked at the pair, “Varian’s fine now but he’ll need water and fresh air because there’s gonna be more smoke. Edmund if you could help keep the smoke out of Varian’s face while you, Adira, give him water when needed, he should be fine. Lance, Eugene”, he looked at the former thieves, “you two are the best supporters, Eugene help your father with Varian, Lance, help Hector and Quirin with the egg laying, Pascal, Rud, Liv, Xena, Basil, Pixie, and Hamuel”, he looked at all the animals, “keep those eggs safe with Rapunzel and Little big guy, got it?”
Everyone didn’t argue, they all agreed before going to their stations. Rapunzel and all the animals took the eggs and kept them warm, Hector and Lance went to Quirin, Hector calming the man down enough to where he was a lot calmer and back to his normal skin color, Adira, Edmund, and Eugene went to Varian, the face painted warrior having water at the ready, Edmund grabbing a large leaf and turning it into a fan, and Eugene helping Varian keep Serenity calm, Hugo nodded before he looked at Quirin, “pops, move the egg gently, when she starts to roar, stop and give her a minute. You and Hector mentioned she’s weak right now, let’s keep as much stress off her as possible. When the egg is in the right place and position, give her one moment while we give her more potion, then have her push”
“Got it”, the retired knight replied
Hugo sat down next to Varian, “Freckles, when Serenity starts to roar, take over *instantly*. You’re her mama, she needs you, and you alone, to comfort her. When she’s calm, keep petting her, stroking her, doing whatever is needed. Once the egg is in place, Quirin will have her start to push, you and I will help her from there, yeah?”
“Oki”, Varian replied
“Everyone ready?” He got a loud cheer of agreement, “good, then let’s go!”
They did as they were told, Lance, Quirin, and Hector worked together to get the egg in the proper position and place. Serenity held out well, Varian, Eugene, Edmund, Adira, and Hugo all making sure she and Varian were comforted and kept calm and healthy, the eggs were perfectly safe with Rapunzel, Little big guy, and all the animals, once Quirin gave the signal, they all gave Serenity a moment to collect herself, giving her the pain potion and more food to regain her strength once again, before she began to push
The egg was crowning, Quirin directed as Hector and Lance kept the man calm. That’s when the three of them froze, “the egg’s stuck….” Hector stated
Varian’s breath hitched, “n-no…..”
Serenity was in pain, she groaned and thumped her tail harshly on the ground, trying hard to push, but couldn’t get the egg out. That’s when Hugo took charge once again, “Serenity, easy”, he stated, petting her nose and getting her to look at him, “listen, we’ll get it out, I know it hurts, but you’re gonna hurt yourself if you keep pushing, hold on for one moment, please
The blue dragon grit her teeth, but held on. Hugo walked over to where the egg was, and let out a sigh, “over halfway out. Pulling will only hurt her, she’s weak and doesn’t have too much strength left…..” he shifted his glasses before he looked at Quirin, “where’s the warm water?”
“Here”, the retired knight handed him one bottle
“Thanks”, the inventor opened it and poured a little on the egg, Serenity whimpered as she felt the water on her scales, Little big guy went over to comfort her before Hugo nodded, “Serenity, give it one final push”, he stated, “all your strength, as much as you can, no one else touch her, the egg’s slippery, should slide out, Freckles, give her support”
“Oki”, Varian stated, “ar you ready princess?” He asked
Serenity looked at him, looked at Hugo, then, filled with determination, nodded, her tail thumped once again
“Good”, Hugo said, “ready…. Set…. PUSH!”
She did, she gave it all she had! Varian cheering her on as everyone stayed quiet. Hugo gently pulled, he rolled the egg just a little, his heart breaking when Serenity yelped, but with one last tug, the egg came out, the inventor flopped back onto his back with a thump, his glasses falling off from the impact, but he guarded the egg, sitting up he yelled, “IT’S OUT!”
Serenity stopped pushing, Varian stopped cheering, stroking her muzzle gently, “you’re done, you did it, you did it princess”, he cooed
She smiled up at him, she was so tired…. She was sweating badly, her nose was billowing with smoke once again, Adira and Edmund kept Varian safe as the smoke neared him
Quirin, Hector, and Lande walked over, the former thief grabbing Hugo’s glasses, “uh oh…. They busted”
“We can fix them”, Hector stated, “I actually know how to fix glass”
“That’s good to know!”
Quirin went over to Hugo, “hey, you alright?”
“Uh huh”, he stated, a little winded, but calm as he clutched the egg close to his chest, “it’s so warm Quirin….”
The retired knight smiled, “yeah, they’re very warm. Here, let me clean it up”
“Ok”, Hugo held out the egg, not being able to see where the man was, Quirin gently took it, chuckling
“He needs his glasses, even if they’re broken”
Lance nodded before he walked over and placed Hugo’s glasses back on his face, “there ya go”, he said softly
The blond blinked before he smiled, “hi Lance”
“Hey!”
“You did good kid”, Hector stated
Hugo felt his heart swell with warmth at that, “thanks”
The inventor was helped up to his feet before he, Hector, and Lance walked over to Varian, Adira, Edmund, and Eugene, “how’s it going over here?” Lance asked
“Serenity’s weak and tired, but okay for now”, Adira stated gently, “Speckles is making sure of that”
They nodded as they watched Varian. The alchemist has his head against his dragon’s, and was smiling peacefully
Serenity was panting, but seemed to be alright for now. Hector kneeled next to them, “can I give her a check up?”
Varian looked at him before nodding, “her breathing is heavy, and her heart’s racing”
“Noted”, the wild tamer checked the dragon with that in mind as Quirin and Rapunzel cleaned off all the eggs. The duo smiled when the animals helped, Ruddigar and Pascal being particularly protective over them
Once the check up was done and the eggs were cleaned and dried, the group waited as Hector, and Nigel, who’d joined in on giving Serenity a check up, finished discussing what they’d found before the wild tamer looked at Varian, “she’s extremely tired, and her body is lacking strength. She needs to be taken care of for a few days, otherwise she might get sick. But if she’s taken care of properly, and she doesn’t get sick, she’ll be okay”
The alchemist nodded, “what should I do to take care of her?”
That’s when Nigel chimed in, “that dragon pain medication should help a lot as her body recovers from laying eggs. She should be cleaned, normally they’d do that themselves, but she’s very weak, too much so to move. After that, she’ll need her eggs by her side at all times, they need hers and Little big guy’s scent, she’ll want to keep them warm as well. Little big guy will need to hunt for food for his mistress, and she cannot fly at the moment due to her wings being far too weak as well from the birth. She may be the first dragon to stay long enough to see her hatchlings emerge”
“Not the first, but definitely one of the few”, Hector stated, “I’ve seen a few dragons stick with their eggs until they hatch, and even some who’ve stayed the full time to raise their babies”
Varian nodded, “thank you both for the report, I can do all of that for her”
“With help”, Hugo added
Varian smiled, “with help”, he then looked at his fiancé, “by the way, you took charge mister”
“I…. Eheh, yeah I guess I did”, the blond replied with a blush, “sorry about that, I hope that I wasn’t bossy”
“Not at all! You took charge because you saw us kinda falling apart. Dad’s fear was getting too much for him, and I was being stubborn and getting too much smoke in my face. You took charge, did what was needed, and helped my Dargon! You saved her Hugo, I don’t think we would’ve been able to get her through this without you!”
The inventor blinked, “o-oh I’m sure you would’ve been able to-!”
“No we really wouldn’t have”, Quirin interrupted gently, “I was prepared to help Serenity give birth, but my mind got the better of me, and Varian was ready to give comfort and support but he got overwhelmed. Without you taking charge and seeing there was an issue right away, we wouldn’t have been able to get that final egg in the right position and then out, nor would Serenity would’ve survived. You did what a Village Leader would’ve done, you took charge when you saw a problem, delegated to those you knew could help, and took care of the hardest task yourself because you knew how to handle it”, the retired knight smiled lovingly at the blond, “I’m so proud of you Hugo, you’re going to make a wonderful Village Leader someday!”
“You even got Adira and Hector to listen”, Edmund stated with a chuckle, “that’s nearly impossible!”
“Hey!” Both the face painted warrior and wild tamer exclaimed at the same time getting the group to laugh
Hugo blushed even more before he smiled and rubbed the back of his head, “I’m j-just doin my part”
Varian grinned before he walked over and kissed his fiancé, “you did far more than that, you saved my princess, and her eggs, look at her and Little big guy”
He looked and saw the two dragons nuzzling each other lovingly, purring and chirruping as the eggs stayed close to Serenity
“That was because of you love, you did that, thank you, for saving her, and her babies, thank you”
Hugo was startled, but as he watched the two dragons, he smiled and nodded, “you’re welcome”, he said softly, before he sniffled a little
Varian noticed, and hugged his lover, getting a hug back as the group, and dragons, who’d stopped nuzzling each other and looked at the group, smiled happily at the duo
Notes:
Hello! :D
So the eggs are finally laid! And Hugo showed off his leadership skills!!!!! Serenity’s still not in the clear yet, she’s still very weak, but she’s at least survive the initial egg laying process :D
I didn’t mention it in the chapter, but she laid 8 eggs in total, the final one getting stuck has happened with other reptiles and birds before. I’ve seen different ways in which that’s handled, for a dragon, the best way would be to loosen the egg and pull gently while the dragon pushed, but it is still extremely tricky, so…. Don’t try this at home kids!
Either way, thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 556: Say Yes to the Dress!
Summary:
Rapunzel needs help picking out a wedding dress, and unbeknownst to Varian, someone else does too!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Punzel”
“Hm?” Rapunzel turned to face the freckled alchemist as she held a wedding dress happily
“Am I really the only person you can ask to judge wedding dresses? I mean, my closet is filled with 15 pairs of the same outfit, one nice tux that I may need to clean because I don’t know how to wash it, and various pajamas that dad picked out because they were Moon or chemical themed…. Or cute, because my dad thinks I’m adorable”
The princess giggled, “you *are* adorable, first off! Second, I know you’re not exactly the ‘fashionista’ type of friend that would normally be asked about this kind of thing. But, Eugene’s the grooms so I can’t ask him because it’s bad luck, Lance gets a little too excited about the wedding and ends up hyper and bouncey, which I don’t mind if he could sit and give me an opinion about the dress, eheh, Catalina likes dresses but her and my style don’t really match, Angry doesn’t care about dresses at all, neither does Adira and Hector, Edmund’s right beside you, he’s helping too!” At this, the Dark King waved happily as he sat next to his grandson, who waved back with a smile, “but I need more than just one person, my mom is busy with her royal duties, Quirin wanted to, but got busy with the harvest, and Hugo’s helping Quirin. The only other person was you, and Ruddigar”
The alchemist blinked, “I didn’t know Hugo was helping with the harvest….”
“He said he was asked last minute but he would make it up to you”
“Ah, well oki, if you’re sure”
“I am! I have faith in your dress choosing abilities, plus you designed the prettiest kimono for me, remember?”
“Yeah, for the Seven Kingdom Ball”, the alchemist replied with a smile as he remembered the outfit, “and you designed mine”
“Right! Both were really beautiful, so I have no doubt you’ll be perfect for helping me choose a dress for my wedding! Plus, we have some tux here, for you! Since Edmund’s here, we thought you might like to try out a few to see if you like any, for your wedding!”
The alchemist blinked, “oh so that’s what those are for! I thought you and Eugene were making a statement about gender roles”, he stated, “gotta say, you could pull off a tux princess”
Rapunzel laughed, “well thank you! You could pull off a dress Varian”
The teen blushed, “heh, thanks, but I’m pretty sure Hugo’d be better suited for that, I…. Don’t have the legs”
Rapunzel blinked before Edmund chuckled, “when did you discover that little fact?”
“When Hugo and I were looking at pajamas together and I saw some with shorts, Hugo liked it, but I was a little iffy….”
“Did Hugo try some on?”
“Yeah! And honestly, not to give too much info or be inappropriate here, but the boy’s got some modeling legs!”
Edmund laughed as Rapunzel smiled, “well that’s good to know”, she stated
“It is, and he hasn’t let me live down the fact that k blurted that out in the store to him”, the alchemist blushed, “so it’s a double edged sword….”
“Awww!”
“It’s not cute, it’s embarrassing!”
“It’s cute!”
Varian pouted, “I can walk out of here you know”
“Ok ok, I’ll stop”, she stated with a giggle, getting the alchemist to quirk a brow, “I will, I’ll stop”
“Oki…. So what dresses are you thinking about using?”
“Well, there’s quite a few the royal tailor made for me, he knows my measurements so he made me a selection, they’re rough drafts, but he drew the final versions of each one”
“Well that was nice of him!” Edmund stated with a grin
“Very nice of him!” The princess agreed, “Varian he’s got your sizes too, from the kimono, so the tux are the same”
“Oh, good to know, I’ll have to thank him later”, the freckled teen replied with a grateful smile
“Indeed! Now, the first dress is a liiiittle…. Fancier, than my usual style, but it’s still really pretty!”
They began to go through dresses, one by one. Edmund and Varian mostly agreeing on what works for the princess and what doesn’t. The only time they didn’t was when an evening gown came into play, it looked like a wedding dress, and for the Princess very well, Edmund approved, but Varian noticed the design was similar to that of a nightgown his mother had, they’d asked about it and found out it’d slipped in by mistake, it was meant for the Queen, who needed a new night gown, as her previous ones had been destroyed during the attack from Zhan Tiri and Cassandra. Rapunzel gave it back, albeit a little embarrassedly, before they continued with the others wedding dresses!
That is, until they got to one in particular. It was a sleeveless, backless dress, with a sweetheart neckline, the background color was a sage green, with an emerald green yoke from the chest to a little lower than the hips, the yoke flared out into a flowery, carnation-like, pattern, the bottom of the dress was layered, the sage green gradually darkening to a Sacramento green. The gloves were long, emerald green, sleeves instead, unattached to the dress, they flared out at the ends, almost like bell bottoms for pants. The entire dress was made of soft, yet shimmering fabric, and throughout it were sparkles of golden yellow, looking like stars dancing across the outfit!
Varian stared at it for a long time, his jaw dropped, his eyes wide, he couldn’t help himself as he got up and walked over to it, Rapunzel wasn’t even wearing the dress, she’d set it aside, stating the measurements were a bit off. The alchemist touched the dress, his heart skipping a few beats as he did. He stared at it for a long time, “Varian?”
“Huh?” The teen turned and saw both Edmund and Rapunzel smiling at him lovingly, “o-oh! I’m so sorry! I-I don’t know what came o-over me and I-!”
“It’s alright”, the princess removed gently, “that dress really caught your attention though, huh?”
“Y-yeah…. You said the measurements weren’t right?”
“Yeah, it’s unfortunate, because it is really pretty!”
“It’s not just pretty, it’s *beautiful*!” Varian exclaimed, “it looks like stars shining in a forest! I-I’ve seen some of these designs in Ingvarr when my dad would bring home some fancy clothing after one of his trips to the kingdom! I never got to go to Ingvarr myself, but I told him, if I ever did, I’d wanna see the outfits! …..A-along with the architecture and inventions and such eheh, it’s honestly the first place that has clothing I’ve been interested in! Heh, when I told Hugo that, he darn near fell out of his seat!”
“I’ll bet, didn’t he come from Ingvarr?” Edmund asked
“Yeah, he lived in the… um…. Well h-he called it the Slums, b-but that’s kinda rude for me to say….”
“He’s right”, the Dark King stated, “the area where the less fortunate stay is very dirty and decrepit….. The Slums is probably the best name someone could give it”
“You’ve been there?”
“For meetings, back before the Dark Kingdom was destroyed. I remember feeling awful for the people there…. Even when they tried to rob me….”
“Yeah…. Hugo said it’s a rough place, tough to grow up in, even tougher to get out alive…. He was glad to be out of there, but what happened to him is still awful….”
“It is….. I wish he never went through something like that….” Rapunzel agreed sadly
“Same….. b-but back to this dress though, I-it’s *wonderful*! If it were your size Punzel, I’d highly recommend it! But…. Seeing as how you’d probably want a dress that has the colors of Corona, maybe not”
“No no, it’s here because I asked for a variety”, the princess stated with a smile, “so green is definitely part of the variety! I wish it were in my size though, but that’s okay, we’ve got plenty of others to try, who knows, maybe we can find a use for that dress”
“I hope so….. It’s a shame to let something so beautiful go to waste”, Varian stated sadly as he stared, longingly, at the dress
“I bet you could pull it off little peanut!” Edmund teased
“Huh?!” Varian blushed, “nononononono! It’d be wasted on me! I don’t have the h-hips or l-legs for it, a-and if it were to really go on another man than….. w-well…. h-Hugo’d be a much better fit…. Actually…. He’d be perfect for it….” The alchemist smiled as he envisioned his fiancé in the dress, his golden locks matching the sparkles on the dress, his emerald eyes matching the emerald yoke, a golden tiara on his head, an emerald necklace hanging around his neck, the inventor smiling before spinning around to show the alchemist before asking, *how do I look Freckles?* sassily
“Varian?” Rapunzel asked, this time, her voice sounded amused
“Hm? Oh damn it! I did it again didn’t I!”
“Yes you did, though this time, you said, ‘how do I look Freckles’, in a very impressive Hugo impression!” Edmund exclaimed
The freckled teen blushed profusely, “eheheh ha…. S-sorry about that, I uh-ahem, d-didn’t mean to… um…. Eheh, *so*, wedding dresses that are in Rapunzel’s size!”
The alchemist rushed over to the princess and began talking at a very high velocity, getting the Dark King to chuckle as Rapunzel allowed the redirection for the sake of her little brother’s dignity. Once he was distracted however, Edmund smirked before looking over to the princess’s closet nearby, giving a thumbs up to the slightly opened door before it closed gently. Inside, Eugene smirked before he looked over at the teen standing beside him and whispered, “well, you heard everything I did, whatcha think? That your dress kiddo?”
The green eyed inventor smiled happily at the man, eyes sparkling with excitement, “he loved it”, he exclaimed quietly, “he really loved it!”
“Yeah he did, so much so that he even envisioned you in it, which is kinda funny when you realize what we’re doing here”
Hugo snickered, “true, and thank you, so much, for getting your dad in on this! I-I just can’t believe he loved it so much!”
“Well, when you put as much thought into an outfit as you have, then send it to an Ingvarrian tailor, you’re bound to get a good result”
“It wasn’t just good, it was *perfect*! That…. That’s my wedding dresses Eugene….. that’s it! I can’t believe it!” Hugo shuffled over and hugged the man happily, so overcome with joy that he couldn’t control himself
The Dark prince didn’t mind, as he hugged the inventor back with a smile, “congratulations kiddo, I’m really happy for you, sincerely”
Hugo hugged the man closer as his smile widened, tears streaming down his face as he envisioned himself walking down the aisle to the alchemist in the other room, in the emerald green dress the freckled teen had loved so much, “I really can’t wait!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I lost power yesterday and couldn’t upload anything…. I needed to conserve charge on my phone and computer, so I’m really sorry nothing came out yesterday….
Today however, I woke up early and the power was fixed, apparently there was a small outage in my area, so I ended up writing this chapter, it was meant to be two, but I put them together because I felt bad about not uploading yesterday, sorry about that
About the chapter however, hee hee, someone’s getting their wedding dresses :D
I am of the opinion that males, females, androgynous people, or whomever you identify as, can wear any clothing they wish! I don’t understand the need for clothing conformity, wear what you want, doesn’t matter who you are, so long as you’re happy and not hurting anyone or yourself, that’s all that matters 😊🎶
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️
Chapter 557: Varian’s Really Bad Day!
Summary:
Varian had an extremely bad day, and Adira tries to find out what happened!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It was a bad day….. Varian felt his anger only grow as he thought about everything that’d happened to him that day. The memories flashing in his mind only causing him more anguish as he hid underneath the blankets on his bed…. Ruddigar knew his boy would need him, but that the teen also needed space, so he sat beside him, not touching him or moving, just waiting, eyes closed, so his boy could have some privacy while he dealt with the events and his anger
The alchemist tossed and turned before he huffed and flung the blankets off his top half, laying on his back and glaring at the ceiling before he growled and looked away. No matter what he tried or did, the memories and anger wouldn’t leave him, he was stuck….. He felt like he was covered in black ink, and it was making him feeling heavier and heavier with each breath he took…..
He wanted it to go away, there was still some daylight in the sky, he had time to get up and try to do some alchemy, or even just jot down some ideas, or just do something he liked to do in general! But no, lay there he did, moping and glaring at the dresser in his room, “why do I feel like this?” He asked himself, “why can’t this just go away and everything be fine? Why can’t I walk out there and people just leave me alone? Why? …..I guess that isn’t really fair is it….. Ugh but who cares?! Why should I be fair?! No one else was today! Right?” He was met with silence, “ugh….” He rolled onto his stomach, hiding his face in his pillow
Ruddigar, noticing this, opened his eyes and looked at his boy, he got up and walked over to the pillow and chittered softly
Varian sighed before scratching the raccoon’s ear, “thanks”
Ruddigar smiled and accepted the scritches, he waited a few seconds before Varian came out from hiding and scooped the mammal up, hugging him, Ruddigar allowed his boy to do so, knowing he needed it, even more so now since he’d felt a few tears drip onto his fur
“I hate being this angry…..” Varian mumbled, “there’s so much I-I could be doing right now, yet here I am, sulking like a fucking teenager, in my room, all because of a bad day filled with misunderstandings…..” He sighed, “I’m still really angry…. And I just want to stop feeling so fucking mad…. I want people to just understand…. But they don’t…. And it’s driving me *crazy*!”
Ruddigar purred, trying to help calm his boy down
Varian sniffled, “thanks…. I just don’t know how to handle myself when this happens….. I mean, today was supposed to be really great! We had plans with dad, Hugo, Eugene, and Lance! We were gonna some fun new things together, but then, one by one things started to snowball! I just….. ugh…..” he sniffled, “I know I’m partly to blame, but s-still…. None of this would’ve happened had those guards not started it…..”
The raccoon looked at his boy sadly, before he noticed something. He chittered, pointing it out to the teen
The alchemist looked before he blinked and sighed, he hesitated, but shook his head, set his raccoon down, and opened his window, allowing the person outside it, in, before closing it again, “hello speckles”
“Hi Adira….” Varian replied, he was still mad and sad, but he didn’t want to take that out on her….
“Bad day?” She asked, he winced, “whoops, sorry”
“It’s….” He sighed again, “it’s okay… my bad day isn’t your fault….”
“But I still shouldn’t remind you of it”, she said softly, “I’ve seen this happen to Hector too, you’re stuck, aren’t you?”
He looked up at her, “yeah…. H-how’d you know?”
“I’ll be honest, Quirin is worried about you, so is Lance, Eugene, and Hugo, everyone else is too, but those four were the ones you had plans with today, right?” The alchemist nodded, “right, well when they told me what’s happened between all of you, they didn’t seem upset or angry, just confused and concerned. And when I’d heard the story, me and Hector both looked at each other and nodded before looking for you, I found you first”
“I see….”
The face painted warrior walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, Varian looked at her as she spoke again, “do you need to talk? Yell? Hit something? All of the above?”
“I…. Don’t know….”
“Hmmm, bad case then….”
He huffed, “I’m not a case study!” He snapped, before stopping as guilt washed all over him, “I…. D-didn’t mean it like that, I-!”
“It’s alright, you’re angry and upset right now, having someone handle this in a clinical way isn’t helping, actually, having anyone in here at all is annoying, but you don’t want to be alone either, am I right?” The alchemist didn’t respond, still feeling guilty, “hey, it’s okay, I’m not mad at you for snapping at me, you’re in a rough spot right now, it’s alright if some snaps happen, so try not to feel so guilty”
Varian looked at her, before he sighed and nodded, his lips were quivering, but he held it in and answered her question, “y-you’re right…. A-about me not wanting anyone n-near me, b-but also about me not wanting t-to be alone…. I wanna talk, b-but I wanna be quiet…. I don’t know w-why this is happening”
“Would you like an answer? I have one, just let me know when you’re ready to hear it”, she said gently
He nodded before taking a few deep breaths, he calmed himself a little bit before he felt ready, “I-I’m ready, thank you”
“You’re welcome, and the reason you feel that way is because you’re both an introvert, and also have social anxiety”, she stated, at the confused look he gave her, so continued, “when you’re an introvert, and you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, you seek out a quiet place to recharge and calm down. However, you’re so angry that you need to articulate how you feel, basically you need to vent, but you’re still recharging. You’re also worried about the situation escalating due to social interactions, that’s the social anxiety. Say you vent to me about it, should I be particularly nasty, I could grow mad myself and yell at you. That would escalate the situation and cause you to become overwhelmed all over again, and even more angry”
The alchemist blinked before nodding, “you’re right…. But how do deal with it?”
“Well, you’ve already found a quiet place to calm yourself, you met me inside the room too, so I’m assuming you’re calm enough to have a vent, and I’m calm enough not to get mad. You can start telling me what happened and why it made you so angry if you want, or we could wait for a moment or two so you can calm down a little more. I could even go back outside just to give you some time and privacy, whatever you need”
The alchemist thought about that, he felt his anger subsiding just a little, he could breathe a little easier now at the very least, still, he didn’t want to take his anger out of Adira…. He sighed, “I… don’t want you to leave…. B-but…. Could we go on the balcony, maybe with a blanket or two? I think I just need some air”
“We can do that”, his aunt said with a smile
“Thank you”, he replied, a small smile forming on his face
They gathered up a few blankets, Ruddigar hopping into his boy’s shoulder, before they walked out onto the balcony, found a comfy spot, and sat down. The evening breeze hitting Varian’s cheeks made the teen feel a little better as he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. He waited for a few moments, noticing Adira had started meditating, eyes closed, to give him some privacy. He appreciated that as he calmed himself down even more. After a few moments, he felt ready to talk, “um….” He looked at his aunt, not really sure how to tell her
She opened her eyes and smiled, “ready?” He nodded, blushing a little
“It’s alright, I’m ready too, begin when you’re able to”
Varian blinked, “you’re good at this”
“Hector gave me good practice”
“Heh”, the teen smirked at that before he let out a sigh and began to talk, “well…. It started this morning….. there were guards that were posted around the castle, like usual, but these guards have a hard time with Hugo…. An old wanted poster of his was found and it brought up some worries with them…. Eugene explained he was good now, and for the most part, that seemed to be enough. But when me and Hugo were walking to breakfast, they started to say stuff, awful stuff, about not trusting him and having to Keep an eye on him. I told them to stop, said that he’d saved hundreds of people in Corona and even saved me, that the discussion was dropped yesterday, and it should remain dropped. They didn’t say anything back, but later they tripped me and made me fall on the floor in front of the Queen, same guards…. Course, they played it off like it was an accident, but I got mad and snapped at them, telling them I know it wasn’t…. The Queen, not that I blame her, stopped me, she told me it’d looked like an accident to her, and that maybe I needed to take a breath. She was trying to be reasonable about it, and she wasn’t nasty, in fact, she was very calm and even touched my shoulder, something she knows my dad does to hell ground me when I get too anxious, she also didn’t know what they’d said before, so I don’t blame her for saying this, especially since the guards are pretty good actors, but it did make me mad….”
“Understandably”
Varian nodded, “when I did take a step back and calmed down, she had the guards apologize for tripping me, saying that even if it was accidental, it was still wrong. They did apologize to me, which made me feel better, and she didn’t make me apologize to them either, she told me later that she understood why I’d snapped, she thought it was because of my past with the guards, which I won’t deny was part of it, so that made me smile, and Hugo and I got to make origami together before he had to go, he’s going over ideas for our wedding with Beetlejuice, so that was nice”
“I see, nice indeed, I take it that niceness didn’t stay for very long however”
“No it didn’t…. Varian replied sadly, “after that, me and dad were supposed to test out a new farming invention me and Hugo had built, he was super excited about it too! But then he got pulled away for a meeting….. Rapunzel explained that the meeting was to talk about Old Corona and how to make things better for people living there, and even apologized, said it’s been a last minute change, but it also made me mad….. I decided to see if Eugene was ready for an early lunch though, to try and make up for my dad’s surprise meeting, that’s what we were gonna do together, Team Awesome lunch, but he ended up getting stuck training new recruits….. Said they’d just come in and that he had no choice…. So I went to find Lance, we were gonna bake, but Catalina got sick with a really bad cold….. So he couldn’t make it either…. And Hugo was still planning with Beetlejuice….”
“And this came the downpour of bad luck”
“Right…. I was understanding of course, I told each of them that maybe we could catch up after, except for Lance of course, but as the day went on, and on, and on, I tried to find things to do, I managed to occupy myself for a while with my and Hugo’s invention, but then a chemical spilled and scratched it…. I fixed the scratch, but the chemical couldn’t be saved and you just don’t really know how to bounce back after a disappointment like that…..”
“Very true”
“And then I tried to make myself dinner, but the kitchen was too loud, and it overwhelmed me…. Dad was still in his meeting too, so I couldn’t go to him for comfort…. So me and Ruddy hid…. Only to find our favorite hiding spot had turned into a storage room….. Miss. Crowley said she needed more room, so she used that one…. She didn’t know it was mine…. I-I got mad, but tried to be understanding and walked away…. But I kept getting angrier and angrier, and it all just boiled to a point where, when dad *did* finally come out of the meeting, he saw me and started to walk over, only for those same stupid guards to trip me again…. And I lost it….. My eyes and hair glowed, black rocks sprouted from the ground, the guards screamed and nearly got impaled, and…. I almost hurt dad…..” Varian sighed, “then I got scolded by a few maids, who’d seen me lose my temper, in front of everyone at the meeting…. And Eugene and Hugo, who’d just gotten back from their stuff…. So I ran away…. In here…..”
Adira winced at that, “I see…. That sounds awful….”
“It was…. I didn’t meant to lose it! I really didn’t! I just got so mad and upset, and then they just-just-!”
“Embarrassed you?”
“YES!” The teen exclaimed, “in front of an entire *crowd* of people, including my own *father* they scold me like a child! They didn’t listen to me or hear me out when I tried to explain! I know what I did was wrong but… but-but I just-I-it’s was an *accident*! It…. I…. I didn’t…. I didn’t m-mean to…..” the teen felt tears in his eyes again as he sniffled, “I didn’t….”
“Hey, easy, easy, it’s okay”, Adira quickly pulled her nephew close and hugged him, allowing him to cry in her coat, “it’s alright, it’s alright….”
“No it’s n-not…. I… I-I lost my temper and almost hurt p-people! And n-now they all probably t-think that I’m some a-awful kid and I just…. I…..”
“They don’t think that, they don’t. It was a *really* bad day, that’s all. I’m certain if they heard you, they’d all understand”
“I…. I dunno if I can face them Adira…. M-my mess in the hallway is s-still there and…. I…..”
“Shhh, it’s alright now, it’s alright”. They stayed that way for a while as the teen continued to cry. He couldn’t help himself, he was just so overwhelmed and angry and embarrassed that he just wanted to hide forever…. What he didn’t realize, was the door to his room had opened and several people walked inside. All of them headed to the balcony and waited, getting Adira to look at them before smiling, “I really think it would be best if you spoke to them”, she said softly, “they’d understand if you told them what happened”
Varian sniffled before he sighed, “d… d-do you really think they would?”
“I do, wanna know how?”
“H-how?”
“Because they’re right behind you”
“Huh?!” The alchemist turned and gasped when he saw Quirin, Hugo, Eugene, Rapunzel, Arianna, Edmund, Beetlejuice, and a very smug looking Hector standing behind him, “h-how-!”
“Adira and I did this”, the wild tamer stated, “when Quirin told us about what’d happened between you and those two guards, we both knew that there was something more to the story, your dad agreed too. So, with his permission, I gathered everyone and brought them to the door while Adira and you talked”
“You… did?”
“Yup”, Adira replied, getting the teen to face her, “we knew that you wouldn’t feel to keen about going and saying something yet, you and Hector are actually a lot alike in that aspect, you really hate losing your temper, so you hide. The best way to resolve the issue was to get you to calm down before having you explain. Course, we wouldn’t do this at all if you were in a place mentally where you’d want privacy, so we had code words to help us figure out how to handle this. ‘We can do that’, if you agreed to talk, and ‘we don’t have to do that’, if you said no”
The alchemist blinked before he smiled, “heh, right when I give consent”
“Exactly”
“And now we have the full story”, Hector stated
The alchemist sniffled again, he was facing away from the crowd still, but it didn’t take long for that to be fixed when Quirin walked over and scooped the teen up, “we forgive you Varian, it’s okay”
“I…. B-but the hallway-!”
“Is one part of the castle that can be fixed, no one got injured or died, and I know you’ll wanna help fix it, plus you can remove the rocks easily, and…. This is kinda our fault bean….”
“y-your fault? How?!”
“We all had plans with you kiddo”, Eugene said, “and we all knew how important those plans are to you, they’re important to us too, but we were all so occupied with our jobs and other stuff that we ended up neglecting you….”
“Or leaving you alone when you really could’ve used someone to talk to”, Hugo added, “me and Beetlejuice got a little carried away with the conversation, it wasn’t supposed to run so long……”
“The wedding’s gonna look great though”, the demon exclaimed, though he stopped when Hugo and Hector quirked their brows at him, “eheh, wrong moment, but we’re totally talking about that shit later”
“Looking forward to it, either way Freckles, this wasn’t just you, it was all of us…. Except for Lance, because I’m sorry, but nobody is gonna blame the guy because one of his kids got sick”
A crowd of agreements chimed in with that statement before Quirin spoke up again, “look bubby, should you have lost your temper? No, but can anyone blame you for doing so? No…. We would’ve lost our tempers too, that’s a hard thing to go through in one day, you have every right to be upset. We’re sorry we put priorities first, that wasn’t fair”
“And I’ll be having a chat with those two guards, had I known the circumstances I wouldn’t have defended their behavior, I’m so sorry Varian”, Arianna stated before adding, “I also spoke to those maids, because that was not okay for them to scold you like that, they’re not your dad. They’re going to be apologizing to you the next time they see you”
“Thank you, Arianna”, Varian replied with a smile, “and thank you everyone, I…. Didn’t know I needed that”
“I’ll play Lance for a second”, Adira stated before she put on her best Lance voice, “it’s called, Validation, you needed your feelings validated by those who made you upset, it’s not always the only thing that’s needed, but it can help with a well given apology”, she then cleared her throat and smiled
“You do that a little *too* well sister”, Hector replied, getting everyone to laugh when he did, including Varian, before the teen hugged his father lovingly, the man hugging him back as Ruddigar and Olivia, who was on the raccoon’s head, chittered and squeaked happily
“Hey, now that we’re all here, I’m free tomorrow, and I think majority of us are, why don’t we all have a big old slumber party in the family room?” Eugene asked
With a huge cheer, the group made their way to the family room, Varian getting the apologies from the maids and the guards along the way, as well as making the black rocks sink into the ground so the hallway could be fixed! The rest of the night was spent with laughter filling the air as the group played games and ate snacks together happily before falling into a peaceful sleep!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I wrote this because this was how my day started and what Varian felt was actually what I was going through today! I didn’t have an Adira to help me out, but I managed to calm myself down after a while and finish the chapter, so this is actually from personal experience
I did research on why people will feel like they wanna talk but wanna be alone before writing this chapter, because I needed ways to cope with what I was going through, one of the ways said to talk to a trusted friend/family member, which is what Varian did, another way was to jot down how you’re feeling, which is what I did by writing this chapter :D and I actually do feel better, so it works!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 558: Edmund’s Little Light!
Summary:
Edmund tells a very special story about him and Quirin when the knight was only 10!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Dad?”
“Hm?” Edmund looked up from his origami and smiled at his son, “what is it Eugene?”
“What are you humming?” The Dark Prince asked
“Is it annoying you?”
“Nonono, it’s just, you’ve been singing it all day, so it kinda seems like it’s stuck in your head”
“Ah! I see, well that’s because it *is* stuck in my head”, the Dark King declared with a laugh as Hamuel CAW’d triumphantly
“That’s…. Not something to celebrate dad…”
“Oh but it is! See, that song is actually very special to me! For the longest time, I’d forgotten it…. But it finally came back the other day when I was feeding Quirin’s pigs!”
“Speaking of, how’s your arm?” Hector asked
“It’s good!”
“I still can’t believe Little Nuggets bit you”, Varian exclaimed as he set a green origami rose in Hugo’s hair, making the blond grin, “he’s usually a super gentle pig”
“I’m just guessing here, but maybe Little Nuggets only bit Edmund because he fell in the mud behind to pig, starting him”, the inventor stated as he set a blue origami rose in Varian’s hair, making the alchemist squeak with joy
“Probably”, Edmund chuckled
Eugene smirked before he tilted his head to the side, “so… you said the song you were humming was special?”
“Hm? Oh yes! It’s very special! In fact, it’s from one of my most favorite memories!”
“Memories?”
“Yes, with Quirin!”
“What about me?” A voice asked, getting everyone to turn and see the retired knight in question coming from his kitchen with some snacks
“They were asking about a song you sang to me at one point! I was humming it because it got stuck in my head”, Edmund explained
“You sang a song to grandpa dad?” Varian asked as he and Hugo each grabbed a mug of hot chocolate from the man
“I did, it was a very long time ago though, I’m surprised you remember”, Quirin replied as he looked at his king
“Are you kidding?! It’s one of my favorite memories!” Edmund exclaimed
“Dad, every memory you have of me, you claim, is one of your favorite memories”, Eugene stated with a smirk
“Yes, and that’s true, but there are set memories I have with each person in my family that I cherish more than the others. I call them super memories! And the song that Quirin sang to me all those years ago is one of them! Oh! Let me tell you the story!”
“Seems we got inside at a great time”
“HECTOR! ADIRA!” Varian exclaimed happily as he ran over and hugged his aunt and uncle, both of whom returned the hug
“You’re both climbing out of my window again…” Quirin stated with an unamused eye brow quirk
“Indeed”, Adira stated, “and because we did, we made it in time to hear a story from our King, see how much better window climbing is?”
“No”, came the simple answer
“Kill joy”, Hector stated
“You let bugs in!”
“So the raccoon can hunt in the house and keep up his skills”, Adira pointed out
“Ruddigar is a good coon, but he knows he doesn’t need to hunt for food”
Suddenly a tongue shot out at a fly buzzing around, sticking to it, and zipping it away in to an open chameleon’s mouth, “Pascal can help with the bugs Quirin”, Rapunzel offered
“I…. While I appreciate that Princess, that’s not the point I’m trying to make here, there shouldn’t be bugs in my home at all”
“Why not? They’re good company”, Hector stated with a shrug
“Children, please don’t fight”, Edmund said gently
“Me and Hector aren’t fighting, we’re simply stating facts”, Adira replied
“Letting bugs into another man’s home is considered *rude* sister”, Quirin stated
“We help you get rid of them each and every *time* brother”
“But it shouldn’t happen in the first place *sister*!”
“Well you should know this is just how we do things *brother*!”
“Adira!”
“Quirin!”
“HEY!” Varian yelled, flying up and in-between his dad, and his aunt and uncle, “come on now, please done fight, tonight’s a good night”
The Village Leader stopped as he realized he’d lost his temper a bit, and sighed, “sorry…. Just…. Been a bit of a build up”
“I apologize too, that was uncalled for on my part”, Adira added, “sorry”
Varian smiled at his father and aunt, “it’s okay, look, the bugs will be dealt with, they always are, everyone helps”
“And siblings can get on each other’s nerves a little too much”, Hector added, “it happens”
“True”, the retired knight replied before sighing, “still, that came out of nowhere, odd…. I’m not even stressed right now”
“Same, but there is a point where picking on someone can go a little too far”, Adira pointed out
“We have been picking on him a lot lately”, Hector added
“Yeah, ha kinda have”, Hugo agreed
“Hugo”, Varian exclaimed
“What? I’m helping by agreeing”
“You’re such a brat”, the alchemist giggled
“I try”
“How about we all settle down now”, Eugene said gently, “I believe dad was about to tell us a story from his and Quirin’s past?”
“Oh yes! And it’s actually before Adira and Hector came along! So not even *they* know about this story!”
“Oooh!” The group said as Adira, Hector, Varian, and Quirin all sat down around the king, Adira and Quirin giving each other smiles to show there was no bad feelings as Edmund began the tale:
*A 21 year old Edmund let out a long sigh as he gazed over the kingdom below his balcony. He’d finished his training, and had just undergone a very *long* meeting with his father and the captain of the royal guards, exhausted hadn’t even begun to describe what he was feeling at that moment, and he still needed to do a patrol later on…. He stared up at the evening sky, the stars sparkled in the rising Moonlight, “what wouldn’t give to be up there with all of you….” He said to himself
“But then you wouldn’t be able to talk to me”, a small voice replied from behind the prince, getting the man to look and and see a 10 year old Quirin standing there, “you’d only sparkle during the night…. I’d be sad if that were the case….”
The prince blinked before he smiled at the small child before getting up, walking over to him, and scooping him into his arms, “heh, you’re right, sorry Quirin, that wouldn’t be fun for you at all”
“It’d be scary….”
“I’m sure it would be”, the prince replied with a tired smile
The 10 year old noticed that and tilted his head to the side, “what’s wrong? You look so tired”
“Hm? Oh I’m alright, just had a long start to my day is all”
“Seems like you just had a long day in general”, Quirin stated, “you look more than just a little tired after a long start to the day”
“I suppose you’re right about that, heh, I can’t get anything past you, can I?”
“Nope! I know you too well!”
The prince chuckled as he spun around with the child in his arms, getting him to squeak with joy before they stopped and flopped on the bed together, laughing as they did so, “hehe, you’re such a giggly boy!”
“Well you make me giggle!” Quirin exclaimed happily before he calmed himself down and sat up, “hey, are you really okay? You had a meeting with the king today right?”
“Yeah…. But I’m alright”, the 10 year old raised a brow at that, “hey, since when did you develop a brow raise like that?”
“Since you started lying about how well you’re *actually* doing”, the 10 year old replied, “I may be a kid, but I’m not stupid you know”
“I know, it’s just…. I don’t want you to worry I suppose…. You’re a kid, you should enjoy your childhood while it’s here”
“My parents died when I was 5 due to a plague, I was living on the streets as a thief until I was 7, almost got my hand chopped off when I was 7, and am now undergoing training to be a knight”
“…..You should enjoy your childhood starting *now*”
“Heh”, the child shook his head, “you know I don’t mind right?”
“I do though…. No kid should have to go through *any* of what you’ve gone through….”
“Honestly, I got lucky”, Quirin stated, “would I wish what happened to me happened to all kids my age? Nu, but I was on the streets for 2 years until I found you, and since then things have been good”
“Just good?”
“Well I can’t really say they’ve been great when we’ve got the king and captain of the royal doodie heads to worry about”
Edmund laughed, “Royal doodie heads?!”
“Yeah! They all look at me like I’m a freak, so they’re all doodie heads”
The prince snickered, “you’re such a stinker”
“I know, but not as stinky as the doodie heads”
They both laughed and joked for a little while before they calmed down and stared up at the prince’s ceiling. Edmund looked at the 10 year old, worry filled his mind at the thought of all the things he’d been through before he spoke, “Quirin”
“Hm?”
“Are you truly happy here?”
Quirin blinked before looking at the prince, “what do you mean?”
“I mean you were force to stay here and with me as a way for my father to show me my was of thinking is wrong…. But that’s not fair to you…. So I wanna know, are you truly happy here? With me?”
The 10 year old sat up and looked at the man, “Prince Edmund…. You’re my best friend, and my only real family aside from Eden! I know we’ve only been together for 2 years, but in the time you’ve taken care of me and protected me even at the cost of you getting hurt! Why on earth would I not be truly happy?”
“Because maybe that joy you feel when being with me is really just gratitude and obligatory loyalty…..” A flash of King Adder made the Prince shudder, as his father’s words came from his mouth, “maybe you’re just saying that because I saved you…. And if that’s the case then I don’t want you thinking you have to stay silly to repay what I’ve done….. So…. You’re free to go Quirin…. If you want to….”
“W-why would I go?”
“B-because I don’t want you to be trapped, or for you to feel like you *have£ to stay here, you don’t! You can go and be free again, you don’t have to be forced into a role you never wanted to fulfill”, a flash of the King’s crown filled the prince’s mind before he shook it away, “you don’t have any obligation to me or this castle…. You’re not chained here…. You’re free to go…. You should enjoy your childhood, and your life, for as long as you can…..”
“Prince Edmund…..” Quirin said before he spotted a couple tears dripping from the prince’s cheek. He sighed, but then smiled and began to sing:
“Oh, I know the world's not always pretty, and there are days that seem to last for way too long…. Oh, I know that the world can get real lonely, and there are times you feel too hopeless to go on….”
The prince winced, before Quirin took his hands in his:
‘But hey there Prince, don't remiss,
Look deep inside, this life is bliss!
Even when it’s hard, I'm always there!
And hey there Prince, can't you see?
No matter what, you still got me!
So when you need a friend or when you're scared,
Just let me be your light! Let me be the stars you see at night! Let me be the arms that hold you tight!’
He hugged the prince, who was startled, but returned the hug:
‘When life gets hard or when you're lost in the dark,
Let me be your Liiiiiiiiiiiight!
Let me be your Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!
Let me be your Light!’
Edmund still looked sad, so Quirin broke the hug and spoke, “aw come on! Why are you so serious all the time?” He asked before he put on his best Edmund voice, “‘Hey, look at me, I'm the Prince! Alright, listen up!’”
Edmund snickered, “What?”
“That's what you sound like!”
“I don't sound like that!” The prince laughed
“Sure”, Quirin stated sarcastically before he stood on the bed and sang again:
‘Do you remember when we would run through the forest,
looking for the largest threat?’
He stopped singing and corrected himself, “well you would run I would follow”
Edmund giggled before he sang as well:
‘Oh, I remember the thrill and the fun!’
Quirin sang next:
‘Until the day we found that giant boar's den!’
The prince shuddered as he spoke, “That was terrifying!”
Quirin nodded as he sound around and sang:
‘I was still quite young! And I was oh so scared!
I saw him lunge and I stared!’
Edmund sang again:
‘You tried to move, but your muscles wouldn't give!’
Quirin nodded before he sat in front of the Prince and grinned, signing once again:
‘but the you jumped right in his way!
You forced the boar down and saved the day!’
Edmund grinned as he replied in song:
‘I only took the blow so you could live!’
Quirin grinned and continued:
Whoa! and hey there friend, don't forget,
that even when the sun has set, hanging in your heart,
I'm always there!
And hey there friend, can't you see?
No matter what, it's you and me!
So when you need a hand or when you're scared!’
Edmund joined Quirin in singing as they danced around the room together:
‘Just let me be your light!
Let me be the stars you see at night!
Let me be the arms that hold you tight!’
The hugged each other:
‘When life gets hard or when you're lost in the dark,
Let me be your
Quirin: liiiiiiiiiiiight! (Edmund: Liiiiiiiiight!)
Quirin: Let me be your
Both: liiiiiiiiiiiiight
Edmund: Let me be your
Both: Let me be your liiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!
Edmund: liiiiiiiiiiiiiight!
Both: Let me be your liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!
Let me be your liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight
Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!
Quirin smiled at the prince before finishing the song with one final line:
‘Let me be your light!’
Edmund sniffled and hugged the 10 year old close to his chest, “thank you Quirin…. So much”
“Anytime…. I love you Prince Edmund, and I always will”
“I love you too, my Quirin”*
“AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!” Rapunzel exclaimed, “that was so ADORABLE!!!!!”
“Heh, well I wouldn’t say that”, Quirin replied with a blush, “but what I said all those years ago still rings true now, I wouldn’t ever leave your side, he stated as he looked at his king, “ever”
“I know Quirin, it’s the same from me to you, and Adira, Hector, Eugene, Varian, Hugo, Rapunzel, Lance, Catalina, Angrh, Ruddigar, Hamuel, Olivia, Xena, Basil, and Pixie!”
“You have so many kids now dad”, Eugene stated with a smirk
“I do! And I’m so happy I do!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Your Light is written by Jorge Rivera-Herrans, maker of Epic the Musical, it’s a cut song, but one of my favorites! Please go listen to it, it’s so good! :D a few lyrics were changed to fit Quirin and Edmund :D
I love writing little Quirin and Prince Edmund moments! They’re so cute and I may make a side series for the Brotherhoodma misadventures when Hector, Adira, and Quirin, were young and Edmund was still a prince!
Until then however, thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 559: A Baby is Born!
Summary:
Varian checks on Serenity and bee eggs while Little big guy is hunting for them both! Only to witness something he hadn’t expected to see!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hello Princess~” Varian sang happily as he knelt down in front of Serenity, “how’re you feelin sweetie?”
The blue dragon smiled tiredly, thumping her tail on the ground as she allowed her ‘mother’ to give her a check up before she looked around and let out a curious chirrup
“Huh? Oh! Ruddigar right? He’s a little too sleepy tonight, ate too many apples and ended up in a food coma. I told him I’d update him should anything happen, he apologized for missing your check up though”
The dragon took the information on before nodding understandingly
“Thank you for understanding Princess, he’s gonna make it up to you by visiting tomorro-er well, today I suppose, considering it’s half an hour until 12AM”, he said with a giggle
The blue dragon let out a tired chuckle before she allowed Varian to continue his check up on her
“Hmmm, well, you’re healing quite nicely! And your scales are shiny and clean, your wings look a bit stronger too! You’re doing a lot better now, soon enough you’ll be walking around chirruping like your usual adorable self!”
Serenity purred at that before she pointed her muzzle to her and Little big guy’s eggs
“I can check them too, where’s your mate by the way? He off grabbin some grub?”
She nodded
“I see, anytime he’ll be back?”
The dragon looked up to the sky, pointing her muzzled straight
Varian looked and smiled, “when the Moon is at her peak right? So 12AM?”
Serenity chirruped again before laying he head back down
“Oki! I can stay with you for longer than that if needed, dad and Hugo are coming too, so is Hector, Adira, Eugene, Rapunzel, and Nigel”
The blue dragon huffed
“Nigel?”
She huffed again
“I know he’s finicky, but he’s surprisingly helpful”
Another huff, this one was a bit more aggressive
The freckled teen gave his princess a sympathetic look, “try not to let his… ugh…. ‘suggestions’”, he rolled his eyes at that, “make you feel bad, he means them with good intention…. I think….”
The dragon huffed once more before she placed her right front leg in front of her tummy
“I know he said your tummy was still too big, he just doesn’t understand that losing that baby weight is hard when you’ve just given birth”, Varian cooed, “I know you’ll get it off when you’re all healthy again, you’re the prettiest dragon ever!”
Serenity smiled and purred, her tail swishing a bit
“Yeah, that’s my good girl! Alright, now open wide, I gotta clean your teeth”
Serenity whined
“I knoooow, but it’s for your own good, you wanna meet your babies with stinky dragon breath?” He asked, “no offense, but I can smell the chicken from your last dinner madam”
The blue dragon blushed before she opened her mouth and allowed the alchemist to gently pluck the….. leftovers…. From in-between her teeth before he gently brushed and washed them with a concoction he’d made. Once he was done, they were sparkling clean
“Perfect! You’re such a good girl! Once the taste of the dragon toothpaste is gone, I’ll give you dragonfruit as a treat, how’s that sound?”
She let out a happy chirrup, making her ‘mother’ giggle
“Such a happy girl! Hee hee, oki, imma check on your eggies”, he saw his princess smile before he walked over to the nest the two dragons had made. He climbed in and checked the eight eggs inside. All of them were hot to the touch, very hot, almost to unbearable levels. The alchemist notated that before he checked each shell and its surface, he ran his hands over each one gently, moving from one egg to the next, before he touched the final one and gasped, “w-what?” He touched it again, it was much hotter than the others, and it was the hardest one in the batch, but what surprised him was what he’d found as he checked the part he’d just touched, “….a-a crack?” He said softly, suddenly the egg shifted and another small crack formed, “Serenity! I think one of your eggies is hatching!”
The blue dragon’s eyes were wide with surprise as she lifted her head to look at her ‘mother’, making a noise akin to surprise and curiosity
“Yeah! It moved and had two cracks in it! One just formed as I was inspecting it! Ah! It moved again! It’s hatching!”
The blue dragon’s tail thumped against the ground as she wiggled her head in excitement before grunting at him hurriedly
“I-I can carry it over, hang on, where’s the blanket, where’s the blanke-ah! Here!” He grabbed the blanket, wrapped it around the egg, and lifted it out of the nest. Jogging over to his dragon and sitting down next her, showing the egg, “see?”
Serenity checked before she thumped her tail again and lifted her head, roaring a few times into the sky
Varian grinned, “you’re right! Little big guy will *definitely* wanna see this!”
Serenity continued her excited roar before something can rushing out of the bushes nearby! Suddenly, Varian had been pinned down and was face to face with a very *angry* looking Little big guy, who had a bit of his hunt hanging from his mouth. The purple dragon didn’t recognize the alchemist right away, too caught up in his mate’s cries to realize who he’d pinned. Serenity stopped and tried to do something, but was too exhausted to move, she whimpered, explaining the situation, but her mate wasn’t listening, all he saw was someone holding one of their eggs
That is, until yellow eyes appeared in his sight before the creature he’d pinned down was out of his grasp, his egg along with them, he roared, “WAIT!” A verb familiar voice helped, getting the pink dragon to stop and look, seeing Rapunzel and Pascal standing behind Hector, the tamer’s yellow eyes shimmering with worry, “Little big guy, it’s okay! Serenity is trying to explain herself!”
Little big guy looked to his mate and listened, calming down *instantly* when he’d heard what she was saying. He felt guilt swarm within him before looking around, gently calling out for the alchemist he’d pinned
“I-I’m over h-here”, a small voice responded
The dragon looked and saw the alchemist being held *tightly* in his father’s arms, Hugo standing in front of them pair of them, the freckled teen still protecting the egg. Little big guy hung his head in shame and dropped his hunt, apologizing with a few whimpers towards the teen
“I-it’s okay, I’m f-fine, just a little s-shaken up”, Varian responded, he looked up at his father before kissing the man’s cheek, getting Quirin to look at him, sigh, then put him down, “thanks dad, you were really fast!”
“Can you blame me? Seeing my son pinned underneath a large dragon is a little scary son”, the retired knight stated
“Agreed….” Hugo replied
“eheh, right… sorry….” The alchemist blushed
“It’s okay”, Quirin replied, “so why did Serenity roar? We heard her and Hector said she was calling Little big guy back with some news, so we came running”
“The egg!” Varian held out the dragon’s egg and showed his father and fiancé, “it’s hatching guys!”
Little big guy’s eyes widened before he looked at his mate, Serenity nodded with tired confirmation, getting the pink dragon to grin before rushing over and sniffing the blanket covered egg excitedly and licking Varian’s cheek
The alchemist giggled, “hee hee! It started hatching while I was doing a check up! Come on! Let’s have them hatch next to Serenity, that way you can both be together!”
The pink dragon nodded and followed the alchemist to his mate, the teen set the egg in Serenity’s front legs, the blue dragon nuzzling it gently. Little big guy joined his mate as the egg shook and cracked a touch more
Varian grinned before he felt a hand on his shoulder, looking, he saw yellow eyes staring at him, filled to the brim with concern and fear, “I’m okay Hector, really, he didn’t hurt me, you came just in time, thank you”, the freckled teen said gently, placing his hand on his uncle’s
The tamer let out a sigh of relief before removing his hand and looking at the two dragons with the egg, “is it still warm?”
“Yup! All of them are! They’re actually nearly burning!”
“That’s good, that means they’re gonna hatch soon too. Op, look”
Varian turned to face the dragons, he gasped when he saw the egg cracking more and more, it stopped however, “what happened?”
Hector smirked, “needs one more push, just like their mother”
“What push?”
“We used the fireplace, but for this little egg, a small fire breath should be perfect”
Serenity heard that and nodded before she took a breath, and let out a gentle puff of fire onto her egg. The shell shook once more, she did it again, another shake, one more breath of fire, and suddenly a little purple leg popped out of the shell, followed by another, then two more! The egg continued cracking as a tiny wing burst from it, then another, until the shell finally broke completely, leaving a small, purple, dragon in its place. The tiny reptile yawned before slowly blinking open their eyes, looking up at their parents before their eyes fully opened, showing sky blue irises. The tiny dragon stared at Serenity and Little big guy, before letting out a tiny sneeze, which caused the tiny dragon to let out a puff of smoke, before they made a happy chirrup sound and smiled at their parents
“Awwwwww!” Rapunzel exclaimed, “baby dragon!”
Pascal let out a happy squeak in response
Varian grinned from ear to ear as he stared at the tiny creature, before he walked over and knelt down beside the family, “congrats you two”, he whispered
Serenity chirruped and purred, nuzzling her baby, while Little big guy couldn’t contain his excitement and wagged his tail non stop! Jumping for joy, and getting the baby to do the same! Everyone laughed at the two’s antics as relief filled each person , and dragon, at the little hatchling’s clean bill of health given by Hector and Nigel!
Notes:
Hello! :D
A little Dargon is born!!!!!! Baby purple Dargon!!!!!! With blue eyes just like their mama!!!!!
I’d love to hear name ideas for this little one! And any of the other siblings as well! I won’t say the gender yet, but it feels right to let you, all of you, name the first hatchling!!!!! They look more like Serenity than little big guy, they have a lavender purple color, and sky blue eyes that match Serenity’s! They’re playful like their dad, but chirrup and purr like their mama!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 560: What’s in a Name!
Summary:
The group decides on a name for the new dragon!
Chapter Text
“Hmmmm…. Twirl!”
“No”
“Uuuuuh…. Dancey pants?”
“I don’t think so”
“Ooh! Ooh! How bout Spin!”
“Why are all the names you suggested dance themed Lance?”
“The little guy likes to dance Eugene!” The former thief exclaimed with a huff
“They’re so cute!” Catalina stated as she stroked the little dragon’s back happily
“And fierce, look at the look in their eyes! Definitely a hunter”, Angry added
Varian smiled, “glad you two like them, by the way, how are you feeling Cat? Heard you got sick”
“Much better now, it was a really bad cold”, the wolf girl replied
“I heard, it’s apparently going around, so dads having me be extra careful”
“I’ll bet”
“What about your blond butt face?” Angry asked
“The blond butt face rarely gets sick ya black haired fart breath”, Hugo stated with a smirk, getting Angry to laugh
“You two I swear”, Varian replied with a giggle before Hector walked over and date next to Serenity, “finding out the baby’s gender?”
The tamer nodded as he looked, “we gotta know so a proper name can be given to this little one”, he double checked, just to be sure, before nodding and looking at Serenity, “he’s a boy”
The blue dragon smiled and nuzzled her baby again before she nuzzled Hector gratefully
“Heh, you’re welcome”
“Prancer! Dash! Skip!” Lance exclaimed
“Would you stop it”, Eugene stated with a snort
“I’m just sayin, quality names over here!”
“Maybe we should let Varian and the *parents* of this new baby pick the names there buddy”, Eugene stated
“Fair point”
Varian giggled, “actually, I have a few friends who came up with some really nice names”, the alchemist stated, “Reannie35 mentioned Spyro, Levi, Pixie”, Hector chuckled at that before petting Pixie the binturong, and Basil too, just to be fair, “and Luca”, Varian finished, “they had female names too, really nice ones, like Zelda and Marie, but he’s a boy, so we can’t use those unfortunately”
“Awesome names! What are the others?” Eugene asked, at the alchemist’s look the man explained himself, “those are *really* great names, sincerely, I’m particularly fond of Levi and Luca, but you mentioned friend*s*, plural, and only one friend’s name came out of your mouth, I mean no offense to Reannie35, again, Levi and Luca, specifically, are definite name contenders here!”
“Ah, right right right, Cooper_Hunter376 suggested Zelena”
“Ooh! Fancy!”
“Very! And it can be used for make or female! So it’s versatile too! And LionRoar74 mentioned Amethyst if they’re a girl, and Skylar if they’re a boy!”
“Damn, all of those are really great names! We can’t use Amethyst, but if there’s another purple dragon-!”
“Oh we’re definitely naming her that”
“Cool! And then Skylar, damn that’s good! This is hard!”
“This really is! It’s so hard to choose!”
“Ok, but can we at least *think* about Skip?” Lance asked
“Lance if there’s another boy dragon, we’ll debate Skip”, Hugo compromised
“I can settle for that”
“What’s going on over here?” A voice asked, getting everyone to turn and see Quirin walking over with a basket full of dragon fruit that Little big guy was sniffing at
Varian giggled, “nice tagalong”
“Thanks, he’s been very helpful actually, he sniffed it some bad fruit that I hadn’t noticed”
“Ooh! Good boy!” Varian exclaimed happily as she stood and pet Little big guy’s snoot, “Punzel will be happy to hear that!”
“Definitely, what are all of you doing by the way?”
“Helping V find a name for the new baby”, Angry replied, “some of his friends gave him suggestions, all are really good! But we’re having a hard time choosing”
“What are the suggestions?” The retired knight asked as he set the basket down gently, “also, Catalina, good to see you up and about”
“Thank you!” The red head replied with a smile
“The names are, Skylar, Spyro, Pixie, Luca, Levi, and Zelena”, Hector repeated, “there are female names too, “Amethyst, Marie, Zelda, and Zelena, but the baby’s a boy, so”
“Ah, hmmm…. Any favorites?”
“Eugene likes Luca and Levi, me personally, I like Luca, Levi, and Skylar, I dunno about the others”, Varian stated
“I like Skylar”, Quirin stated, “reminds me of the sky, which is blue, like the baby’s eyes”
“Oki, so two points each for Levi, Luca, and Skylar…. We need a tie breaker, unless Hector, do you have a pick?”
“I like all of them, so I really don’t help here”, the wild tamer stated, “including Zelena, Spyro, and Pixie, though I’m biased with Pixie”, he added, petting his binturongs again
“Hmmm, so another three way tie….” Varian looked at Hugo, “wanna be the tie breaker?”
The blond smirked, “sure! The tie is between….”
“Hee hee, Luca, Levi, and Skylar”
“Hmmm…” Hugo looked at the little dragon, who smiled up at him, his blue eyes shining bright, making the blond grin, “Skylar”, he stated, “them eyes are so damn blue! Like yours Freckles!”
Varian blushed, “well thank you love! Skylar it is!” He stated happily before looking at Serenity, “are you okay with that?”
The dragon smiled and nodded her head before he nuzzled her baby again and purred
Hector smirked, “looks like she approves, little baby Skylar”
“Yay!!!!” Varian cheered, before the scene froze, the only ones moving still we Quirin, Varian, and Hugo, all of which stood up and smiled at all of you
A bright flash of like shimmered in front of you before dimming, music notes flying with it, leaving HarmonySong behind in its wake, “hello everyone! I just wanted to thank all of you for the wonderful name suggestions!” She stated happily
Varian nodded in agreement, “we honestly had a really tough time choosing between each and every name! All of them were really good!”
“Also, Reannie, with the Spyro the dragon reference, I saw that!” Harmony teased with a grin
Hugo looked at the author, “who’s Spyro?”
“He’s a purple dragon that flies around and saves his world! It’s a video game, you know my magic square right?” She asked, pulling out her phone
“Yeah?”
“Well, a tv is a larger magic square, and it has more power that allows it to be used to play video games, which are games that you play, like tag or hide and seek, but on the tv, which is why it’s called a video game!”
“Oooooh! Neat! So Spyro isn’t technically real in your world?”
“That’s correct, though I like to think that the characters made in tv shows or movies or video games and stories are all real, but just on a different plain of existence that we can’t reach is all”
“Interesting theory”
“Thanks!”
“Either way, off topic you two”, Quirin said gently
“Oh right! Scuse me”, Harmony said with a blush before she looked at all of you again, “sincerely, thank you all for the wonderful name suggestions! They’re really amazing, and I plan on using some of them, credits given, for the other dargons as well”
“Amethyst!” Varian exclaimed
“Right, specifically Amethyst, Luca, Levi, and Zelena! These were our favorites in the bunch! The rest may be used for other character babies, like maybe a certain raccoon’s, hint hint”
“Excuse me?” Varian said as Hugo snickered and Quirin smirked
“Hee hee, either way, they won’t go to waste! And we all sincerely appreciate them so much! Thank you for suggesting them! And I sincerely hope you enjoyed the chapter!!!!”
“We all hope you all have a wonderful day, and/or night too!” Hugo added
“And be careful wherever you are”, Quirin said gently, “it’s gotten a little crazy with everything that’s been going on in your world, we want you all to please stay safe”
“Absolutely!” Varian agreed, “there’s so much craziness going on, it’s kinda freaky! So please be safe out there! We care about all of you! Sincerely!”
“That we do!” Harmony stated, “thank you all for reading and supporting me and this story! I really appreciate it! Like the blond butt face said-!”
“Oi!” Hugo exclaimed, getting Varian and Quirin to laugh
“Hee hee, we hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Be safe, and thank you so much for reading! Bye bye!”
Notes:
Again, thank you all so much for the name suggestions!
Have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 561: Mom’s the word!
Summary:
Varian remembers a time when he was 3 years old with his mother and father, and begins to miss Ulla!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*”Variaaaan”, Quirin called, “Vaaaaaaarian!” He called again, “son, where are yo-WOAH!” The retired knight caught something right before it hit the ground, he sighed before holding it up, “are you alright? What were you doing?”
The person he was holding giggled, “Sowwy daddy, I jus got esited”
Quirin sighed but chuckled, “Varian you gotta be more careful. Be hugged his child close to his chest and snickered, “today’s the first day you’re helping me with the apples huh?”
“Yeah!”
“And you got excited and decided to get a head start?”
“Actuwee, I was pwacticin daddy!”
“Pwacticin?”
“Hee hee, *pwacticin* *Pwacticin!”
“Oh *practicing*!”
“Das what I said daddy, pwacticin!”
“I see, well ya little stinker, ya can’t practice without me there, you almost got hurt”
“Sowwy….”
“It’s alright, let’s just get you to stick by me today, okay?”
“Otay daddy”, the child responded as his father began to carry him back to the house, “is mama gonna join?”
“Yup, mama always joins with the fall apple harvest”
“Why?”
“Because mama likes the smells, she also likes the weather, not too hot, and not too cold”
“I agwee, it’s too cold and smewwy in da winter, and stinky spring comes nest, den icky hot summer”
“Yeah, you and your mama really like staying inside during those seasons huh?”
“Uh huh! How do you do it daddy? It’s so icky outside when dose season come awound”
“Cause daddy’s big and strong”, and voice replied, getting the duo to stop and smile when they saw a red head standing in front of them, “and daddy tend to work so hard he ends up just as stinky and icky in every season”
“I do not Ulla”, Quirin exclaimed as Varian giggled
“You do too! You come to bed and all I can smell is horse poo sometimes”
“Ewwwww!” Varian replied, laughing this time as Quirin tickled his tummy
“She’s lying, I do not smell like horse poo”, Quirin stated with a snicker before he stopped tickling his son and smirked at Ulla, “you’re mama’s a brat”
“And proud of it!” Ulla replied before she giggled and kissed the man’s cheek before nuzzling her son, “hello my little Variable!”
“Hee hee! Hi mama!” The tiny child replied
“How’s my little 3 year old today?” She asked as she scooped him from his fathers arms and snuggled him lovingly
“I good! I almost fell and got squishied!”
“Squishied? What happened?”
“Our son decided to practice getting the apples from the tree before I got here”, Quirin replied with a shake of his head, but a gentle smile
“Oh I see, we’ll practice makes perfect, b he maybe wait until stinky daddy comes along, yeah?” Ulla replied with a smile as she kissed her son’s forehead
“Hee hee, otay! But I got really high up dere! I could almost touch da Sun!” Little Varian exclaimed excitedly
“Oh really?” Quirin asked, amused
“Yeah! It was hot too!”
“Well the Sun is estimated to be around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit”, Ulla stated with a thoughtful look on her face
“Woah! Das super hot!”
“Extremely! You’d burn your hand pretty badly if you touched it”
“Hmmm…. Maybe I tan make groves dat can take dat kind of hotness!”
“Now that’s an interesting idea! Look at you my little science baby!”
Quirin chuckled as Varian giggled happily, “I’m a science baby daddy!”
“I heard, just please don’t explode things like your mama does”, Quirin replied, “she ends up being the stinky one after that, all covered in science goop”
“Ewwwwwwww!” Varian exclaimed while laughing
“How dare you sir! I’ll have you know that science goop is *much* cleaner than horse poo!” Ulla exclaimed
“Except you made up the horse poo thing, but the science goop is very real”, Quirin replied sassily
“Ok, now who’s being the brat?”
“I learned from the best”
The family laughed together before they began to walk inside, getting ready for the upcoming fall apple harvest that day*
Varian sighed as he looked at the red fruit in his hands, he saw his face reflected inside it, he was older now, far older than he had been that day…..
He sighed before tossing the apple into the waiting hands of his fiancé, who was chatting with Eugene, animatedly, about their new process for cleaning the apples he and Varian had invented!
The alchemist would usually be more than happy to join in the conversation, but he remained quiet as he picked another apple. His thoughts wandered back to that day as the wind brushed his cheeks gently. He went to pluck another apple, when he saw someone’s hand already on it, though this one was transparent
“Huh?” Varian looked over before he stopped when he saw blue eyes, red hair, and a familiar freckled face smiling at him, “I…. M-m-!”
“It’s okay”, she said softly, “I’m still here, helping you and your dad, every single day, even when you can’t see me”
He blinked before he smiled at her, “I miss you mama….”
“I miss you too my little Variable, but I’m always here, watching over you, Quirin, Hugo, Ruddigar, and Olivia too, so is Donella”
“It’s hard mama….. This was your favorite season….”
“I know…. It still is my favorite too, but know that I’m still enjoying it”
“How do I know that when I think about you? Especially when I can’t always see you….”
“Hmmm…. How about this”, Ulla flew up above the teen a little, and blew, a small gust of wind brushing his cheeks gently, “when you feel that, know that it’s me drying your tears”. She placed her hands on his, and made his hands warm up, “when your hand gets warm while it’s cold, that’s me holding it so you know you’re not alone”, she then flew beside him and kissed his nose, making an image of her flash in the alchemist’s mind, “and when you see me in that big brain of yours, know that it’s me kissing your nose to show you I’m here. I’ll always be here little one, always. Even when my energy is gone and I cant come physically see you, I’m always here, always”
Varian smiled up at her, sniffling a little before he nodded, “oki mama”, he said, “thank you, I love you”
“I love you too Varian, and I always will”, she said as she began to disappear, “oh! Wait! You’re about to fa-!”
“Ah!” Suddenly, the ladder step he’d been standing on broke, and Varian began to fall!
He tried to stop his fall by using his wings or Moon powers, but neither responded to his calls, he braced for impact, closing his eyes and hoping for minimal damage, when he was caught in someone’s arms. Opening his eyes he looked up and saw brown ones looking back, “are you alright? What were you doing?”
“Dad!” Varian exclaimed before embracing the retired knight, “dad….”
Quirin hugged his son back, “it’s okay son, it’s okay….”
“Freckles!” Hugo exclaimed as he and Eugene ran over, “holy shit! Is he alright?”
“He seems to be for right now. It was startling, and he’s definitely shaken, but alright”, Quirin responded
“Nice catch Quirin, fucking hell, me and Hugo were just talking when we heard something snap and saw him fall”, Eugene explained, “we weren’t fast enough to catch him, damn it all, this kid needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap or something!”
The Village Leader chuckled, “that’s an idea”. Quirin sighed as he looked up at the tree and froze when he saw Ulla. She seemed startled, but relieved at the same time. He blinked before smiling at her, “hello lab goop”, he joked a little
Ulla giggled, “hello horse poop”, she said with a smile before stopping when Barian wiggled a little
Quirin looked at his son, “hey, you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m okay… sorry….” The alchemist responded
“It’s alright, I think I know why you were so distracted”
“Lab goop?” Eugene asked
Hugo snorted when he noticed Ulla, “Eugene, look in the tree”
The Corona captain did and stopped before he smirked, “ah, I see”
The red head smiled before she winced a little, her energy giving way and making her even more transparent
“She can’t stay”, Varian said, “her energy’s low”
“You were thinking about her though, huh?” Quirin asked, when his son nodded he smiled, “I was too”
Varian looked up at him, “you were?”
“Yup, her favorite season is the fall, and she loves apple harvesting, so she popped up in my head a lot today, heh”, he smiled up at his wife, “must’ve been pretty loud for her to come see us”
“Yeah…. She said she’ll always be here though, when the wind blows gently, or our hands feel warm, or we see her in our minds”, Varian replied
Quirin nodded, “I believe it, she’s amazing that way”
Ulla blushed and smiled before he energy dipped a little more
“You may need to go Mrs. Ulla”, Hugo said gently, “you’re wincing a lot, which can’t be good….”
The red head tilted her head to the side, “you can just call me Ulla, you’re marrying my son”, she said with a smile
The blond blushed, “I’m gonna have to get used to that”, he squeaked
Varian giggled, “polite Heckles”
Eugene smirked before he looked up at Ulla again, “are you able to call someone to help you get back?” He asked, “not that I want you gone, but you’re wincing more now”
“Hm? Oh! Right! I should, ummm…. Hee hee, I know who to call”, she said, before whistling, the wind picking up slightly when she did
For a moment, nothing happened, until Hugo gasped when someone else appeared beside Ulla, “Don!” He exclaimed
Donella stopped before she looked at the blond and smirked, “good to see you again Hugo”, she then looked at Ulla and sighed, “got stuck again?”
“Um…. Maybe a little”, Ulla replied with a blush
The grey haired woman sighed before chuckling, “you just can’t stay away, can you?”
“No, but you’re one to talk Donnie”
“Heh”, Donella looked at Hugo again and smiled warmly at him, “that’s true”
The inventor stopped before smiling back up at her, he then dashed to the ladder, climbing up it and skipping the broken step before he reached Donella and Ulla, before hugging the grey haired woman, “I miss you….” He said
She was startled, but returned the hug all the same, “I miss to too”. A few moments passed before then separated and grinned at each other before Ulla winced again, “come on, we need to go”
“R-right”, Ulla looked at Varian and Quirin again, “everything I said is still true, I’m always here, always”
Varian nodded as Quirin smirked, “always?”
“Yes always!”
“Even when Varian’s covered in lab goop and me in a little horse poop?” He asked sassily
Ulla giggled as Donella helped her begin to fly away, “yup, even then! And you’re still a brat by the way”
“Learned from the best!” Quirin replied
Varian laughed as Ulla smiled before she and Donella, who waved one final time at Hugo, disappeared from sight
“Huh, so they can be seen when they have enough energy, but when they don’t, they can’t?” Eugene asked
“I think it’s more complicated than that, but then again, I’m not an expert”, Quirin replied
“Maybe we should go to someone who is”, Hugo said, climbing down the ladder and landing on the ground safely, “Beetlejuice would know”
“that’s a good idea, for now however”, Quirin looked at his alchemist son and smiled, “you feeling a little better?”
The freckled teen smiled up at the sky before he sniffled once more and nodded, “uh huh”
The retired knight chuckled before he hugged his son close to him, he grabbed Hugo and Eugene in the process, hugging them all happily as they felt wind gently brushing their cheeks, the smell of autumn leaves and chemicals filling the air.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I wanted to do a small Mom, dad, and Varian chapter, ended up becoming a family chapter with Eugene and Hugo, but that’s fine, family chapters are fun to write :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 562: The Final Egg!
Summary:
The world is such a different place, depending on how you view it, that can be a good or bad thing!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
What am I? …..I feel like I’m something, but I don’t know what I am…. I can’t see myself either, I wonder why. Everything is so dark, is this where I live?
….Someone is telling me it’s time to come out, come out of where exactly? Am I in something? Should I get out, or will I be in danger?
….I wonder what they’re knocking on…. It sounds very close… Is it me? Am I inside something? I feel so sleepy…. I don’t want to come out, it’s warm in here…. It would be cold if I came out now would it not?
….They sound worried…. Am I supposed to come out? Is there a reason? Should I? Who are they? Do I trust them? I can’t smell them, I can’t smell anything actually…. I can’t see anything either…. Why is it so dark?
*CRACK!*
OW! W-what was that?! Above me! There’s light! W-why is there light? I don’t want light! I want darkness, it’s safe in here! I want to sleep, I don’t wanna come out…. I…. M-my head…. It hurts…. Why does it hurt?
…..m…. Mama? Is that my mama? Is she sad? She sounds sad…. Why does she sound sad? Is it because I’m not coming out? …..But I don’t want to…. I’m afraid mama, isn’t it scary out there? And much too bright as well? It’s nice in here, dark and calm….. I don’t want to come out mama, I don’t! …..I’m so sleepy….
Papa? Why does he sound mad? I hear mama trying to calm him down, but I’m not sure why he’s mad…. Is it because of me? Did I do something wrong? No…. I can’t be the reason, I’ve stayed in here the entire time, even when I heard other noises that sounded like that big noise earlier, I stayed put, maybe papa’s mad because of those other noises?
…..Who’s that? And why does mama keep calling them ‘mother’? They sound worried, and anxious…. Their voice makes me think of the Moon for some reason, are they apart of her? …..They think I can come out, but that I don’t want to, how do they know that? Have they felt the same way? Ugh…. My head really hurts…. Maybe they can sense that too…. They seem smart….. Maybe if I sleep the hurt will go away? ….I don’t know….
Ugh…. I’m too tired to move…. Mama thinks I’m weaker than the others, whomever the others are…. I just want to sleep…. But everyone’s talking so much…. It’s so loud…. I…. Can smell something…. It’s familiar somehow….. It smells like…. Like….. Something…. I don’t know what that smell is, but it’s wild, I know that…. The smell has a voice too…. They sound very angry….. They’re yelling at the first voice too, but they turned gentle when speaking to mama, is that why papa’s mad? Did they upset him and mama? …..I can sense their anger…. They’re controlling it, but something made them really upset….. they’re scary…. My head hurts even more now….
Another voice? Who is that? They sound scared…. Not like mama or papa though, they sound like they’d did something wrong…. That must be why papa’s mad and mama’s sad, because they did something wrong! I’m glad I figured it out…. My head hurts even more now…. I’m so tired…. I think I’m gonna go to sleep soon….. That voice is the same one who knocked on something…. And said ‘it’s time to come out’…. Were they talking to me? They have a different way of saying words…. I wonder why they’re so scared, is it papa? Is he scaring them? ….Are they the reason that loud noise happened? It hurt my head a lot…. And now there’s a weird shape above me…. I don’t like it….
That voice from before is back, the one who knew I didn’t wanna come out and who might be apart of the Moon. They’re really scared now…. They said I got hurt? M-maybe sleep will help with that. I feel like I need to sleep…. It sounds nice, and it’s very warm in here, comforting really…. I want to sleep…. It’s just too loud…. And my head keeps hurting more and more…. That voice…. They keep telling me to ‘hang in there’, I wonder why…..
Woah! A big voice just started to make noise! Who’s that?! They sound so very large and gravely! But they’re gentle too…. They remind me of papa…. They’re comforting mama, papa, and the Moon voice…. The wild voice is suggesting ways to, ‘help them out of there’, do they mean me? Am I stuck in something? It’s getting darker now…. And I’m getting sleepier and sleepier…. I…. I think Moonlight is coming from that weird shape above me…. Is it…. Calling me? …..I want to go to it…. I wonder what it is, maybe…. I have to sleep first?
…..I’m so tired…. My head stopped hurting a while ago…. I can’t feel it anymore…. So sleepy….
I can’t move…. The voices I was hearing before have quieted down now, the wild voice did something to me…. Said it was…. ‘Medicine’? I don’t know…. I’m just so tired…. I want to sleep….
The Moon voice…. They’re singing…. Are they singing to me? Should I remember what they’re saying?
‘Moon light, shine and gleam,
Let your blessings rise,
Push the darkness back,
Silence the mournful cries,
Take the carnage back,
Strengthen these Earthly ties,
Keep what is so dear,
Silence the mournful cries,
The Mournful cries’….
Huh…. That’s a pretty song…… That thing above me is gone too…. And my head feels lighter again…. Now I can sleep…. I’m so tired…. So very tired…..
Where am I now? I’m floating! It’s so bright! Everything is shining!!!!! Why am I here? Where was I before? Did I sleep? Did I wake up? Where is here? Who am I?
*You are lost, so very lost, and so very new to this world as well*
Huh? The Moon? How can I see you?
*I am the balance between life and death, you’ve walked that line, and you’ve tripped*
Oh…. I’m sorry….
*It was not your doing that caused this stumble…. You were handled roughly and harmed by accident…. Damage was done to you before you were born….*
Really? Is that why papa was mad and mama was sad?
*Yes, but let me ask you a question, did you heard someone sing to you?*
Yes I did! They seemed like they were you, but…. Not?
*They are my little one, they are connected to me, and that song you heard was them trying to heal you*
Oh…. Did it work?
*That depends on you, the damage was done and it should’ve brought you to me before my little one found out. But you held on. You are very strong indeed, I will respect your wish if you so choose to accept it*
My wish?
*Yes, you wished to continue to learn about the world, yet you were too scared to emerge from your shell. So I give you a choice, emerge and be well, or stay with me and sleep in your shell for eternity, the choice of up to you*
…..Will my mama and papa be sad if I stay?
*While I cannot predict how those living on Earth will react with 100% certainty, I can ensure that, through my own judgement, it would seem that they would be very sad if you were to stay*
Earth?
*That’s where your mother and father live, and my little one is there too, with his star*
His star?
*Yes, his hair is as golden as the stars in the sky, eyes as green as emeralds*
He sounds beautiful!
*He is very beautiful, as is my little one, hair as black as night, one blue streak matching the sapphires of the Earth, his eyes marching sapphires as well, they sparkling like stars when he’s excited*
Your little one sounds beautiful too! I want to meet them!
*You would have to emerge to do that*
Oh….. But it’s scary….
*It can be, but the world is filled with wonderful things, as much as it’s filled with scary things. Everything is balanced, dark and light go together, for every star has a shadow, and every shadow a star. You can choose to see the world in whichever way you wish, the choice is up to you*
So many choices, what if I choose wrong?
*What happens after a wrong choice is up to you, it is the same for what will happen after a right choice*
Huh…. So if I choose to stay, mama and papa will be sad, but if I choose to go, I’ll emerge and find a world full of choices but mama and papa will be happy to see me?
*Correct*
…..I don’t want mama and papa to be sad…. Will they help me in the world?
*Most certainly, all you much do is ask*
….I want to emerge…. Mama and papa shouldn’t be sad because of what happened to me…. And your little one and his star seem like beautiful creatures! I wanna meet them!
*As you wish*
….So bright!
****
Varian sighed as he watched the egg, the large crack had sealed up thanks to his magic, but it hadn’t moved since then….. “Please…. Please live…. Please….” The alchemist prayed
Suddenly, the egg twitched a little, getting the teen to gasp, he waited, and it twitched again, then again! It kept twitching and sliding until cracks formed! One after another climbed down the egg’s sides as Varian watched, the Moonstone glowing brightly with the alchemist’s excitement and nerves, until finally, a leg popped out! Then another! Then two more, along with wings! This continued until the egg sheep finally burst! And a small, pink, dragon, with blue splotches all over their body, stood before the alchemist. They seemed a little disoriented, and very tired, but otherwise, in good health!
Varian gingerly sidled up to the new dragon, “hi, are…. Are you alright?”
The dragon looked up at the teen, startled for a moment, before they let out a surprised chirrup and ran, shakily, to the boy. They nuzzled him, the alchemist was startled, before he smiled as tears came to his eyes, “you’re alright! Oh I’m so glad!” He hugged the dragon gently before picking them up and smiling, “look at you! You’re so beautiful!”
The dragon looked the teen up and down before smiling as they remembered what they’d been told about him, black hair that matches the night sky, with a blue streak in it that matches the teen’s eyes, which match the ocean and sparkled like stars! The dragon licked the boy’s cheek happily!
“Hee hee! Friendly little one aren’t you?” Varian giggled, “Hector showed me how to check which gender you are, so excuse me a moment”, the teen checked before looked back at the tiny dragon and grinning, “you’re a girl! A little baby girl! Oh how wonderful!” He exclaimed before standing up, “how about you meet your mama and papa now huh? Would you like that?”
The baby dragon nodded as she continued to snuggle in the teen’s warm arms before looking up and seeing the Moon above her. She smiled happily, the Moon shimmered at her, that’s when Varian stopped and looked up at the Moon before looking at the dragon
“H-How do you….. oh….” The teen’s eyes grew wide for a moment or two before he let out a small breath to calm himself as he realized how and why the dragon may have met the Moon…. He then looked at her sadly, “you were so close to….. I…. Had I not….. I’m so sorry….. Had he just not dropped your egg! Ugh….” The teen huffed, holding the baby dragon close to his chest protectively as a tear dipped down his face
The dragon tilted her head to the side before she nuzzled the teen gently, getting him to stop before he smiled
“Heh…. Thanks, I’m sorry…. You might not even understand what just happened to you…. You are a baby after all…. Still though…. I’m gonna have a little *chat* with that advisor later…..” the teen’s eyes glowed dangerously, before he let out one final breath and smiled at the newborn dragon, “either way, come on, you’re the final one of your siblings to hatch! You should definitely meet your family! They’ll be so happy to see that you’re okay!”
The dragon chirruped happily at the idea , and was carried over to her mama and papa! She wiggled excitedly when she recognized their scent, even more so when they woke up and saw her! She was licked and nuzzled and snuggled so much that she didn’t care it was just a touch colder than inside her shell! She forgot all about it when she met her siblings as well!
They introduced themselves from oldest to youngest: Skylar, a lavender male (LionRoar74), Amethyst, an amethyst female (LionRoar74), Zelena, a maroon female (Cooper_Hunter376), Levi and Luca, two twin, Ocean blue, males (Reannie35), Pixie, a hot pink, with sky blue speckled, female (Reannie35), and Aurora (HarmonySong), a dragon that looked Lavender purple, sky blue, or Rose pink depending on the angle someone looked at her!
Each one of the siblings was welcoming to their new sister! And she was just as happy to meet them! Skipping and dancing happily as she played with her siblings, until she was scooped up by Varian, who smiled at her, “you need a new name”, he said gently before looking at her mama, “what do you think?”
Serenity nuzzled the new baby dragon before looking at Little big guy, the pink male walked over and watched his youngest girl
She smiled up at him happily, wiggling all four legs happily at him, as if she were trying to dance in Varian’s arms. The two dragons, and one alchemist, smiled lovingly at her before Varian gasped, “wait! She likes to dance and skip around right? What about Skip? Not only does it fit her personality perfectly, but it would definitely make Lance happy too! What do you two think?”
Serenity and Little big guy looked at each other before they smiled and nodded in agreement
“Skip it is! Welcome to the world Skip!” Varian exclaimed happily
Skip let out a tiny roar of joy before she managed to wriggled away and danced over to her siblings! They played with her again and skipped as well! Showing her the food they’d been given and allowing her to have some as the two dragons and one alchemist watched on happily, “she’s a beautiful girl, they’re all so wonderful! I’m so happy for you both!”
The two dragons smiled and nuzzled the boy gratefully as they all watched the baby dragons play peacefully while the Moon shined down on them happily!
Notes:
Hello! :D
The final egg has hatched! I wanted to try something different with this chapter, so I hope it came out well!
Poor little Dargon….. I don’t remember much about being born, I actually don’t remember anything about it XD but this is kinda how I feel things work inside a newborn’s mind, it’s strange and interesting, but also kinda scary! Skip was a nervous little Dargon, but now she’s out and about, prancing and dancing happily!
Well…. After the accident of course, that’ll be touched on more soon, for now however, if you’re curious, Nigel dropped the egg and cracked it after all the other eggs had hatched and this one hadn’t. He was trying to help, but ended up causing chaos and almost killed the baby inside
That crack on Skip, even though Varian healed her, will not be ignored either, something like that doesn’t just go away unfortunately….. Little Skip’s gonna have a bit of a hard time, but her family will love her all the same!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 563: Time Marches On!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo have a serious talk with Quirin!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a sigh as he, Hugo, and Quirin walked through the front door, the retired knight closing it as chitters and squeaks could be heard behind him. He smiled as he turned and saw his two sons being welcomed back by Olivia and Ruddigar as the duo regaled their animal companions with tales of what’d just happened
The Village Leader stretched a bit, hearing some of his old bones cracking just a little before he walked into the kitchen, he began to make dinner, waving at his sister, brother, and king, who were outside talking. This made the man let out a quiet sigh before a bowl was set next to him, looking, he saw Varian looking up at him with a smile before walking away, Itty Bitty and Sassy watching him, he grinned and talked to his fishy friends happily as he continued to make dinner
Once their meal was complete and everyone had been served, Quirin cleaned the dishes, with Hugo’s help as it was Varian’s turn to take out the trash, before all three sat in the living room, the two teens talking quietly to each other as their father read a garden book by the fire. All was calm and quiet, until a small voice caught his attention, “um dad?”
“Hm?” Quirin looked over and saw Varian and Hugo looking at him anxiously, hearing quirked a brow, “what’s the matter?” He asked
“Well…. Um…. Me and Hugo were talking and….” Varian took a breath in, then let it out slowly, before he spoke again, “are… you okay?”
“Okay? What do you mean?”
“W-well…. I-it’s just…. Dad your bones were cracking a lot today…. Your shoulder flared up a few times and you had to take a few extra breaks until it calmed down, a-and you’ve been needing… extra help with a few things that you normally are able to do with ease…. L-like grabbing something from the top shelf of the cupboard for example…. Y-you needed me to grab it for you because your shoulder’s been bad today…. Are…. You okay?” Varian asked quietly, “w-we don’t mind helping at all, but…..” he looked down, too anxious to finish what he was saying
The retired knight blinked before he thought about what his son was saying, had he really been that physically bad lately?
“Yes”, Hugo replied, startling the man, “you’re also thinking out loud now…. Like Edmund does…..”
The retired knight chuckled, “oh my, well I’ll need to stop doing that, otherwise there are some birthday presents that may get ruined”, he joked, trying to lighten the mood, but it didn’t seem to work as Varian and Hugo’s face on grew more anxious, “heh….” He sighed, “I knew this day would come eventually…. Look…. I’m getting older you two, and that’s not something you should be afraid of”
“B-but you can’t get older!” Varian exclaimed, “you’re dad! You’re supposed to be big and strong a-and tell me not to stay up t-too late and-and -and-!”
“Bubby, it’s okay-!”
“ITS NOT OKAY!” Varian yelled, “I don’t WANT you to get older! I don’t WANT to lose you! Not now! Not YET! I don’t I don’t I don’t-!”
“Varian!” Quirin interrupted, having to almost shout over his son’s anxiety filled voice, “it’s okay son, age happens, I knew it would, it’s natural, it doesn’t mean I’m gonna keel over right on the spot you know, it just means that I may need a little help with small things”
“I-it also means you’re closer to *death* dad!” Varian snapped, “w-what if you fall and we’re not around to help you?! What if you get hurt or lost or forget where you were going or-!”
“Hey hey, take it easy Freckles”, Hugo stated gently, grabbing his fiancé’s hands and holding them close, “panicking isn’t gonna help, you gotta take a few deep breaths, yeah?”
The alchemist went to fight that, but one look from Hugo got him to stop and do as he was told, taking a few deep breaths and letting them go, before he looked at his father sadly, “sorry….”
“It’s alright”, Quirin replied with a gentle smile, “thank you Hugo”
“You’re welcome, though, he’s not the only one that’s worried pops”, the blond stated softly, “Varian’s right about today, you kinda started to slow down, and yeah, it’s natural for someone to get older and need to slow down a bit, but this was…. A little bit harder to see…. Maybe that’s just because it’s *you*, but….” The blond sighed, “we understand that age is natural, and that this was gonna happen sooner or later, but…. It’s scary…. Really fucking scary…. I don’t wanna see you grow old…. To me, you’ve always been strong and reliable and protective. And you still *are*, but…. Now you’re gonna need to be more careful, and that thought alone is terrifying…. Not only because of what it means, but also because…. You don’t like to slow down….”
The retired knight stopped before he chuckled, “I have to give you credit, that’s a pretty brave thing to say, especially because I can tell just how terrifying that statement is for you. Heh…. You’re right, I don’t like to slow down, Varian got his workaholicism from me after all. It’s not something I’m proud of, but, it is a fact I’ve had to live with…..” the Village Leader sighed, “if it’ll make you two feel, at all better, I did plan for this a while ago. Back when my shoulder was just a persistent ache instead of…. Whatever it is now….”
“You may need to get it looked at Quirin….”
“….Yeah….”
“Dad….” Varian said softly, “are you okay?”
“……heh…. No…..” Quirin replied with a small shiver in his voice, “for years, this shoulder’s been giving me a run for my money, aching after a hard day’s work, forcing me to stop for a bit and take breaks when I don’t want to, even when I’ve trained I’ve had to push past the pain just to get half of my normal routine done…. I won’t lie, that scares me…. What if I need to fight and can’t because of my damn shoulder? I mean, it’s more than a little inconvenient…. Plus…. Getting old is scary…. So no…. I’m not okay…. I’m worried about what this will mean for the future, and I’m scared that I won’t be around for very long…. But I knew this would happen eventually…. I did prepare for it…. Just the mental block is getting to me I suppose….”
“Denial?” Hugo asked
“In the worst way, yes”
The blond smiled at the man, “well at least you know that, I’ve seen men, much older than you, succumb to an early grave because they didn’t wanna fucking accept their age limits….” The blond sighed before he looked at Quirin and Varian, “look, getting older, it’s gonna be hard, much harder on you Quirin than me or Freckles, but still hard. You’re not a fucking old geezer yet, you’ve got a lot of fight left in you and you’re healthy. But you’re gonna need more help and let work, so let’s figure this out together. Over time, you’ll probably have less and less to do, so let’s get you into some hobbies, your eating and routine don’t have to change much, your eating not at all, because you’re a damn good chef and you make healthy foods and not junk. But your routine should be less harsher on your body. There are ways to handle getting older without you working yourself to the bone and ending up…. Well…. You know….”
“Right….. I don’t like the idea of less work, but I’m gonna have to accept it….” Quirin replied before he looked at Varian, “are you okay?”
The alchemist let out a sigh before nodding, “it’ll be hard…. But as long as you take care of yourself, then it should be fine, and we’re gonna help you…..”
“….Son…..”
“I…. I-I don’t wanna lose you…. I l-lost you once to the a-amber, and it hurt so badly that I destroyed everything…. So I-I’m scared…. So scared…. Because I know you getting old means that y-you’re starting to…..” he let out a breath, “b-but you’re not yet….. a-and if you keep in good health and don’t push yourself, then you’ll stay away from….. that….. for a long time…. I-it’s just really terrifying to think about you like that…. I fear the day grandpa goes….. b-but at least I’m aware and I can b-be there for Eugene when he does, along with you, Adira, and Hector….. b-but you…..” Varian sniffled, “I don’t w-want you to go…. Ever…. If I could, I’d make an anti aging serum or something that’d stop you from ever aging again! But I know you wouldn’t want that….” Varian chuckled bitterly to himself, “I know I’m being dramatic over, what I should be celebrating as, a small wake up call, but….”
The room grew quiet before Quirin got up, walked over to his two sons, and scooped them both up, “I know it’s scary, I’m terrified too…. But I’m not gonna go anywhere for a very long time, Hugo’s right, I’ll need to make adjustments, and I probably won’t like most of them, but if it means I get more time with my two favorite boys in the whole wide world, then I’ll change everything to be with your two! It’ll be hard, but it’s worth it. Heh, King Edmund complains about not being allowed to do much at his age, guess I’ll have something to complain with him about”
The two teens giggled and hugged the man lovingly, “it’s gonna be okay”, Hugo said softly, “over time, things will get easier, you’ve still got a bunch of years in you old man!”
“Scuse you, old man?” Quirin asked with a chuckle
“It’s official now! I have to call you old man, that’s the rules of being the problem child”
“Problem child? Since when did you become the problem child?” Varian asked with a giggle
“”It’s self declaration freckles, I gotta give Quirin a hard time, that’s how it works”
“So what am I, the good kid?”
“Mmmm…. Clumsy big hearted bean”
“Ol, I can agree with that”, Quirin stated
“Hey!”
Hugo and Quirin laughed as Varian pouted before laughing as well. They then hugged each other before sitting back down and working out a new daily routine for Quirin to follow, one that would lessen the pain in his shoulder and make things easier on him. The retired knight added and got rid of certain things, making sure his routine was something he enjoyed, he wasn’t completely fine with it, but he understood why it needed to happen, so he accepted this new schedule, and planned a doctor’s appointment for his shoulder while he, Hugo, and Varian spent the rest of the night together.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, Quirin is an older gentleman, he’s not super super old, but he’s middle aged and an older parent, so this talk was going to happen sooner or later, poor science beans have to have this talk with Their big papa, and it’s not okay….
It’s good that it happened, it needed to happen, it’s just sad, because parents growing old is very scary…. If you’re going through something like this, you’re not alone ❤️🎶😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 564: Wedding Jitters!
Summary:
Rapunxel’s excited about her wedding, but crippling anxiety just has to interrupt!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶😊❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel let out a sigh as she laid on her bed, she stared at her ceiling tiredly as she thought about the day’s events. Hearing an adorable squeak beside her, she smiled and turned to it, “oh Pascal, today was wonderful! Tiring, but wonderful! The wedding decorations are looking great, Eugene’s so excited about us getting married, as am I, and the invites just went out today and I’m already getting a *bunch* of replies! I can’t believe it! I’m getting married Pascal! I….” She stopped as a wave of anxiety hit her, “I-I’m getting married…..” she then felt fluttery and unbridled joy, “I’m getting MARRIED!”
The chameleon gave her a confused look as he squeaked at her
The Princess blushed, “sorry, that’s been happening a lot lately, I’ll get super anxious about the wedding, then just be all a-flutter! I…. Don’t know why….. should I be worried about that? I feel like I should be, I mean, what if I end up getting so anxious that I leave Eugene at the alter?! I… did ask him to wait for a while…. He did keep asking if I wanted to marry him, I-I thought I was ready, a-am I not ready?! But I said yes! I love Eugene, oh no, oh no, breathe, breathe….” The princess took a few short moments to breathe as she felt her anxiety calm down, “geez…. If I’m like this until my and Eugene’s wedding, I’ll be wreck….. then I’ll mess up my vows and ruin the wedding and-and-and-! Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, feeling overwhelmed, the princess shouted, “WHO IS IT?!” Before slapping her hands over her mouth and blushing profusely
“Oh…. Um…. I-I was just gonna see if you were okay, since ya seemed to sound a bit anxious in there, b-but if I’m interrupting, I can go”, a small but familiar voice replied
Rapunzel instantly recognized that voice and felt guilt swarm all over her, “wait! Don’t! Don’t go, please, h-hang on”. She got up and straightened her clothing and hair out before she went to the door and opened it, “hi, sorry Varian, I didn’t mean to snap, I…. May have overwhelmed myself a little bit with anxiety, eheh”
“A little bit?” The alchemist asked as Ruddigar nuzzled his boy
“Ok, a lot a bit, just…. Sorry, I guess I’m more anxious about the wedding than I thought….”
Varian blinked, “is that what this is about?”
“Eheh, yeah….” The princess replied with a blush
“I see, heh, I thought I was the only one”
Rapunzel stopped before looking at the teen, “y-you….”
“I’m getting married too Rapunzel, mine’s not until *after* yours of course, but it’s still anxiety inducing to see decorations go up, cakes being ordered and prepared, snacks being taste tested by two very happy volunteers, one of which has a werewolf stomach, the other might as well have the same, shopping for a nice tux, seeing the excited dad and grandpa tears of pride, and watching all the invitations go out to friends, family members, and the occasional Dargon or two. Eheh, I’ll even have nights where I’ll be so full of joy and anxiety that they’ll swap between the two, it makes for a very odd experience”
“You too?!”
“Did you just have that happen?”
“Yeah, I thought I was going crazy! Thoughts of leaving Eugene at the alter began to grow in my head! It’s maddening!”
The alchemist grinned, “dad told me that’s natural. He had those when he was gonna get married to my mama, said it’s because you love the person you’re marrying so much, that you end up worrying about everything while feeling so incredibly happy that you smile so wide to make your lip split”
“Oh, is that what the bandage on your chin is from?”
“Huh? Oh! No, when I was putting on my tux to be tailored, a loose button napped my chin a little too hard and made it bleed. It was a small cut, and it’ll heal by the time my and Hugo’s wedding roles around, but I’ll have a scratch during yours, eheh, sorry”
“That’s okay, it wasn’t your fault! We can just ask the painters to not pain the scratch anyway, um….. here”, she pulled the teen in by the arm, eliciting a startled, “meep!” From the teen, before she closed the door, she blushed again, “sorry, I probably should’ve asked if you wanted to come in first”
“T-that’s okay, I should be used to the Punzel pulls by now heh, that one just took me by surprise”
After the alchemist had caught his breath, he smiled at the princess before looking around, “woah, hate to say this, and I hope it’s not rude, but you’re room’s messier than mine, and that’s saying something”
“Yeah I’ve been a little too busy to clean it, eheh”
“That’s fair, you’re planning a wedding after all, just uh…. Don’t show the paints to Hugo, he *will* freak out and begin to organize”
Raounzel giggled at that, “maybe I wouldn’t mind that so much, so long as he tells me where he puts what color”
“Knowing him, he’d go in rainbow order”
“Pffft!” The princess laughed, clapping a hand over her mouth as she did so
Varian giggled, “I love my fiancé, he’s not even *here* and he’s making things better”
“True! Hee hee”, Rapunzel agreed as she calmed down, she then sighed and smiled at the alchemist, “I’m sorry for being so anxious, I guess I’m just really nervous, and excited”
“You’ve got nothing to apologize for, I mean, I’d be a hypocrite if got mad at you for being anxious”
“Yeah, but the snapping wasn’t needed”
“Meh, it happens, and you apologized already, so it’s fine”
The princess smirked, “had I not apologized though”
“Had you not, I would’ve gotten my dad and he would’ve grounded you”
Rapunzel laughed as she hugged her little brother, “I love you Varian!”
“Hee hee, I love you too Punzel”
They stayed that way for a bit before the princess let the teen go and sighed, “I can’t believe I got so crazily anxious, I wish that would stop, I wanna be happy about my wedding, not worried”
“My dad says you’ll be happy once it’s over and you’re at the reception. Because then, all you have to do is allow people to enjoy themselves, which shouldn’t be hard at a party! The wedding is honestly the hardest part of the entire thing, once it’s over, you’ll feel a sense of relief wash over you, then, you’ll have more than enough energy to have fun, dance, sing, play games, throw the bouquet, and party til your hearts content! After that, you and your hubby have a honeymoon to yourselves! Celebrating your first time being an official couple! Then, you get a home, have some kids, grow old, be an adorable old couple for a while, then pass away, happily together, while your kids live out the rest of their lives”
“Is that how Quirin put it?”
“Yup! My dad’s a dreamer”
“It’s a very nice dream”
“I agree, I…. Wish he had it, would’ve been nice for him to grow old with mama by his side….”
“Varian….”
The alchemist blushed, “sorry, that’s not helping much”
The princess smiled at her little brother sadly, “I know how you feel if it helps any. Me and Eugene are both missing a parent at our wedding, so are you and Hugo….. Heck, Hugo’s missing *two*!”
“To be fair, his mama passed away when he was very young, his father gave him away for a comfortable life, and then there’s Donella…. I think out of the three of them, Hugo only misses Donella, and while I don’t like her, I can understand why he misses her….”
“That’s fair, but that’s still pretty hard…. Has Hugo ever wanted to reconnect with his father?”
Varian blinked, “well…. He’s sometimes told me he’s been curious, but if he ever saw the man again, he’d have to keep his distance, for fear of hurting him…. To which I can relate….”
“I see”
“Yeah…. I’m sorry about your dad though…. He should be here…. I know my dad’s been thinking about him….”
The princess smiled sadly, “it’s not Quirin’s fault that my dad is gone, I will never blame him for what happened”
Varian smiled back, “thank you, but I think he’ll always blame himself, even in a small way…..”
“I figured…. Quirin’s a very good man, with a gentle heart, it’s no wonder he blames himself….. I wish I could’ve stopped it from happening”
“Same….” The alchemist looked at the princess, “my aunt Adira said there’s a way to honor a lost family member at a wedding. I think me and Hugo are gonna do it, you and Eugene can too”
“How?”
“She said to leave an empty seat for the person that’s not there. Leave the seat next to who they’d be next to. For my mama, she’d be right next to dad, and for Donella, she’d be next to my mama”, Varian stated, “place a little note on it with their name, so that way, even if you can’t see them, they’ll always be there, watching, it’s a way of welcoming their spirit to watch”
Rapunzel grinned, “I think that’s a wonderful idea! I’ll have to tell Eugene!”
“Tell Eugene about what?” A voice asked, getting the duo to look and see the Coronan Captain in question standing in the doorway, with a guest
“Eugene! Max!” Rapunzel exclaimed
“With a Hugo and Olivia to boot! Best present ever!” Varian exclaimed as both he and Rapunzel ran to their significant other and embraced them happily
Eugene snickered as he returned Rapunzel’s hug, “hello Sunshine! Me and the squirt were just about to look for Varian, guess we found him!”
“You were looking for me?” The alchemist asked as he looked at Hugo
“Pops wanted to show off a decoration he made for the wedding, it’s an origami flower, he’s very proud”, Hugo explained with a smirk as he hugged the freckled teen
“Aw dad!” Varian giggled, “oh hey, me and Rapunzel were just discussing the chair thing at the wedding! She said she wants to try it!”
“You mean for the lost loved ones?”
“That’s the one”
“Oh, neat! I think it’d be a good idea”
“One for my mama, and one for Donella, right?”
“Correct! I…. Was also kinda thinking we’d do one for my other mother too, was that okay?”
“Yeah of course Love! I just didn’t know if you wanted to or not”
“I thought about it, and…. While she was never there, she wasn’t cruel to me, and she didn’t leave me behind for selfish reasons either, so she should be remembered, maybe…. She would’ve been a good mom”
Varian smiled, “I’ll bet she would’ve been the best”
Hugo smiled lovingly at his fiancé before they shared a kiss, “scuse me you two”, Eugene stated, getting them to stop as Varian blushed and Hugo smirked, “there’s more than two people in this room ya know”
“You’ve got your pretty lady, go ahead and kiss her if it makes you feel better”, Hugo sassed, getting the alchemist and princess to laugh
“Oh you little brat”
“Can ya blame me? You can’t tell me that you’d be able to look into these baby blues and *not* wanna kiss him!”
“I am his big brother, and uncle, so I can say with *full* confidence that I do *not* wanna kiss the Varian”
“….Ya got me there, but if you *weren’t*-!”
“If I wasn’t related to him, wasn’t straight, and was a few years younger, or he a few years older, and he gave consent, then yes, but still!”
“I knew it!”
“Can we change the subject please”, Varian squeaked, getting both of them to laugh as Rapunzel placed a hand on Varian’s shoulder
“You’re too kissable Freckles!” Hugo exclaimed
“Staaaaaahp”
“Ok ok, hee hee”
“So what’s this chair thing you two were talking about?” Eugene asked as he and Rapunzel broke their hug, Hugo and Varian doing the same, though Varian, timidly, hid behind Hugo a little
“Adira told us about it, ya leave a seat open at your wedding for those who passed on, one per person”, the blond explained
“Oh, huh”, he looked at Rapunzel, “did you wanna do that?”
“I think it would be a nice idea, one could be for my dad, and the other could be for your mom”
Eugene blinked before he smiled, “yeah, I think that’d be nice, do they actually sit in them? Their spirits I mean”
“Depends on if they can make it or not”, Varian responded, “you’ll be able to tell if the note you put on the chair is moved, though, in our case, we’d be able to see them too”
“Fair point, I’d like to do that”
The princess grinned, “then we will!”
Eugene smiled before he looked at Varian, “so I take it you two were discussing wedding stuff?”
The alchemist nodded, “yup, Punzel had some wedding jitters”
“You too huh?”
The princess blinked, “have you been having them too?”
“Yup! It’s a wedding I’ve been dying to have since we spent time getting to know each other. I’m a nervous wreck about the whole thing! At one point, I was getting so bad that thoughts of leaving you at the alter crossed my mind!”
“Me too! I thought my anxiety would make me do that to you!”
“Same! I do NOT wanna do that”
“Me either! And Varian said he’s been getting the wedding jitters too!”
“Oh geez, it’s jumpin jitters, Hugo, what about you?”
“Nope”, the blond replied with a smirk, “I’m jitter free!”
“Wha-how?!”
“I just think about me marrying Freckles, and I feel better!”
Varian blushed before he hugged his fiancé, “you just got 100 good fiancé points!”
“Hell yeah!” Hugo exclaimed, getting the group to laugh happily while Max, Olivia, Ruddigar, and Pascal smiled at the group happily, their tails wagging with joy for their humans!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Wedding jitters can get to the best of us! Especially because of Rapunzel and Eugene’s wedding drawing near! However, Varian being there to help Rapunzel out is always a good thing! Plus, celestial siblings chapter!!!!! Woot!!!!!
Poor Varian gets a little picked on in this chapter, but he takes it on the chin! And Hugo’s there to comfort him when needed 😊🎶❤️
There’s a small hint as to what’s to come in a few future chapters, 5,000 points to whomever can guess what the hint was 😊🎶❤️
The wedding date for Eugene and Rapunzel is getting closer! Hee, I hope nothing happens the day of that would cause a bit of chaos….. huh? I wonder what that shines yellow light could be :3
Variago!!!!!!! Woot!!!!! And Eugunzel!!!!! Woot!!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 565: Dreams and Wishes!
Summary:
Rapunzel has an extremely odd dream!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Come back…..
Come back…..
Please…..
“W…. Who are you?”
Someone you knew but gave away….
“I…. Gave you away?”
Come back…. Come back…. Please…. My other half…. My other half…. MY OTHER HALF!*
Rapunzel woke up with a gasp, sitting up straight in her bed as Pascal jumped up and squeaked at her with worry
The Princess blinked a few times, “a dream…. That was a dream…..” she sighed, stroking Pascal’s back gently as she did, “sorry…. Just a really weird dream is all, I’m okay”
The chameleon nuzzled her finger before squeaking at her again
“You think I should say something to Eugene? It was just a small nightmare Pascal, those happen from time to time”
Pascal squeaked again, this time more fervently
“I….. was glowing? I-in my sleep?”
The chameleon nodded
“Well…. That’s definitely not good….. What color did I glow?”
Pascal turned sun yellow before pointing to her hair
“Definitely not good….” She sighed again, “ok, I’ll tell Eugene….. But I don’t want to push this too much, we’re gonna be married in a few days after all, I don’t want anything to ruin it, fair?”
Pascal nodded with a smile before he used his tongue to latch onto her shoulder and pull himself on
She smiled, “thanks Pascal, come on, let’s go get ready for the day!”
****
“So…. Wait…. You had a dream about something telling you to come back, something you left behind, woke up with a gasp, and the frog said you were glowing yellow?” Eugene asked as he took another bite of the toast he’d managed to snag before he was pulled away from his meal by Rapunzel
“That pretty much sums it up, yeah”, the princess replied
The Dark Prince swallowed his bite before looking at his princess worriedly, “are you alright?”
“I’m fine physically speaking, mentally in a little anxious, but otherwise okay…. I don’t want to worry about this right now…. I wanna focus on the wedding”
“Rapunzel I get that, trust me, I’m completely done with the whole Moonstone and Sundrop thing, I want it to be over, but….. If you’re getting dreams like that, and then glowing, I think that’s a touch important to look into, don’t you? I mean, what if you’ll need the Sundrop to help you? Varian got the Moonstone after all”
“I know…. And believe me, I intend to look into this as soon as possible, but…. I just wanna wait until *after* our wedding is all…. It’s super important, but this wedding has been pushed back so many times…. All of them by me…. I don’t wanna wait any longer to be apart of you”
“Sunshine, you’re always apart of me, no matter if we’re married or not”, Eugene replied with a loving smile on his face before he sighed, “ok, how about this, we can wait until after the wedding, but at the *very* least, we *need* to tell Varian, Lance, my dad, Quirin, Hector, and Adira…. Hugo too actually. They’ll know more about this than we do, and they’ll be at the wedding, hell, most of them are *in* the wedding! It’ll be good to have them be prepared for whatever’s going on”
“I….. d-do we really have to?”
“Yes, I’m sorry Rapunzel, but they should know, *especially* Varian, who already may have a small inkling about what’s going on considering how you two were connected by the Sundrop and Moonstone at one point”
The princess hesitated before she sighed and nodded, “ok…. We’ll tell them…. But no one else… please….”
“No one else, absolutely”, Eugene agreed with a smile before he kissed Rapunzel’s forehead, “it’s gonna be alright Sunshine, don’t worry, you’re not alone”
The princess gave her fiancé an appreciative grin, “thank you Eugene”
“Hey, love birds”, a familiar voice called, getting the pair to look over and see Angry and Catalina standing nearby, “you two can kiss and do all that gross couply stuff later, it’s breakfast time right now”, the black haired girl exclaimed with a smirk
“Considering you’re gonna have a front row seat to our wedding, we’ll make sure to be *extra* lovey dovey, just for you Angry”, Eugene teased before he kissed Rapunzel’s lips, getting her to giggle
“Ewwww!” Angry stated as Catalina laughed before they all went into the dining area to continue eating breakfast
****
Eugene and Rapunzel spent all day working on their wedding, Captain of the guard, and Princess duties before they finally managed to finish everything! They stood outside of the family room door as Eugene placed an arm around Rapunzel, “it’s gonna be okay Sunshine, we’ll go inside, ask for their attention, and just tell them about the dream. It’ll all be alright”
“I know, you’re right…. But I’m so nervous…..”
“I understand that…. Wedding planning is really fucking stressful, but it’s gonna be okay, they’re gonna help us figure this out, they will”
Rapunzel sighed before she took a breath, appreciating the nuzzles she got from Pascal before she gained enough courage to open the family room door and walk inside, “Eugene!” Edmund exclaimed excitedly when he saw his son and daughter in law walk inside the room, “Rapunzel! Hello you two!”
“Heh, hey dad”, the Dark Prince replied with a smirk as Rapunzel’s nerves seem to calm themselves at the sight of the Dark King
“How are you two doing today? I saw you both working on the wedding room, it looks wonderful by the way!”
“Thanks! Were doing alright”, Eugene replied as he looked around the room, seeing everyone they needed to talk to and smiling before looking at Rapunzel, who nodded
“Um…. We uh…. Kinda need to talk to everyone in this room for a second…..” the princess said gently, gaining everyone’s attention
“Is somethin wrong?” Lance asked
“No-er-well…. Not exactly, we just…. Need to tell you all something before the wedding”
“I knew it, look, the cupcakes I made are not for the wedding, I was experimenting and they ended up burnt, I’m staying away from the kitchen on the wedding day”, Hugo stated
“That’s not what we were gonna say, but we’ll come back to that”, Eugene stated with a smirk
The blond blushed a little, “in a good way or bad way?”
“Good way, I wanna try them”
“Sure, I’d recommend having some water nearby to wash your mouth out, but other than that-!”
“Oh they’re not *that* bad”, Quirin interrupted with a chuckle, “they’re a little crispy by the edges is all, they’re actually pretty good”
“They taste like charcoal”
“You’re too hard on yourself”
“I liked them”, Edmund stated
“As much as I’m loving this conversation, we’re getting off topic”, Eugene intervened
“Right sorry”, Hugo said before he took a seat next to Quirin and a very tired looking Varian
Rapunzel blinked when she saw the alchemist, “Varian? Are you alright?”
“Hm?” The freckled teen looked at her before yawning a little, “sorry, I didn’t sleep well last night….”
This caused both Eugene and Rapunzel to look at each other worriedly before the princess spoke up again, “do you know why?”
The alchemist nodded, “the Moonstone, they were trying to tell me something last night, but I couldn’t hear them…. Something kept talking over them and it kept me awake all night….”
Rapunzel blinked, “do you know what was talking over the Moonstone?”
“Sounded like a voice, a female voice, they kept saying stuff like, ‘come back’ and ‘left me behind’, I couldn’t find a ghost nearby, Hugo, Beetlejuice, and I double checked. Plus there was no one outside of our room….”
The princess was quiet as Eugene spoke next, “have you heard this voice before?”
“No…. Well…. Maybe?” Varian replied, “see…. Remember when we went to the Nedzerdnian market and saw the Seporians?”
“Yeah?”
“Well…. I never said anything because I was a little preoccupied with not dying, but when me and Andrew were hanging off of that twig just over the river….. I heard voice then too…. I didn’t remember until after the fact, and by that time, there were other things we were handling, like the 7 kingdom ball, Andrew’s passing, helping the Seporians, and Hugo, Donella, and Cyrus…..”
“What did that voice say?”
“They said, ‘hold on’….. Like they were trying to keep me and Andrew from letting go…. It was only once, and it was the same, or very similar, voice to the one I heard last night….”
Eugene looked at Rapunzel, “she woke up that night…. But she wasn’t her…” he stated before looking at the teen, “Rapunzel woke up, but she wasn’t her, she said you and Andrew were in danger and needed saving, I stayed with her and found out that she was the Sundrop….. She told me she was there to help…. We had a conversation before she said you were saved and had Rapunzel fall asleep again….”
The alchemist blinked, a little surprised, “I…. Forgot about that….”
“You knew?”
“Dad told me after I’d calmed down from Andrew’s passing…. Again, I’d forgotten about it until now….. Why is it coming up again? Who was that voice? …..What happened last night?” He asked, looking directly at Rapunzel
The Princess felt her anxiety spike, but calmed down when Eugene’s hand was set, gently, on her shoulder. She let out a small breath before she spoke, “I…. Had a dream last night…..” she explained what happened in the dream, and how she’d glowed before waking up with a gasp, “…..Pascal saw the glow, it must’ve faded when I woke up….”
The room was completely silent before Varian spoke up, “Sundrop…..” he said softly, “that must’ve been the Sundrop….. She’s calling out to you! But why…..”
“I don’t know…. And I’m more than willing to find out, but…. I wanna wait until after the wedding….”
“What?!” Hugo asked, “no offense, but that is a terrible idea! Waiting until *after* the wedding to look into something like this?! What if the Sundrop is trying to come back and warn you about something *during* the wedding?!”
“I don’t think she is….” The princess said gently, “I don’t know why, but I get the feeling we shouldn’t be super worried…. I feel like whatever the Sundrop is wanting, it isn’t bad….”
“The Moonstone reacted to her”, Hector stated, “they were trying to tell the spawn something last night, and he could hear what the Sundrop was saying too”
“That could be because of the connection they share though Hector”, Edmund pointed out, “not because of something bad”
“We can’t rule out the possibility that it could be something bad though”, Adira stated, “the Moonstone’s voice was drawing out by the Sundrop, not even Speckles could hear them speak”
“Adira and Hector are right about that….” Varian stated softly before yawning again
“I don’t feel anything bad about this, nothing, in my dream, told me something bad was gonna happen, and I’m certain the Sundrop would’ve warned me if this were something bad”, the princess said, “I’m sorry, I know it sounds illogical, but I don’t want to worry about this before the wedding…. After it, yeah, I definitely wanna look into it, but beforehand, it’s just not the best time for this….”
“Since when has there ever been a good time for the Sundrop and Moonstone to do anything?” Hugo asked, “the last time the Moonstone did something, we had to traverse through a damn *forest* to save a bunch of dead people from complete damnation!”
“I know, but this is just too much….” The princess said
“Of course it is, it’s the Sundrop, the other half of the Moonstone”, Hector replied, “I get that you wanna make sure the wedding’s perfect, but this could be big and dangerous”
“I…. I…..” the princess tried, but couldn’t find her words
“You…. What?” The wild tamer asked
Rapunzel felt her anxiety grow bigger and bigger by the second, her mouth working to try and say something, *anything* that would cause the butterflies to stop, “Rapunzel?” Eugene said
“I….. T…. I-!” Suddenly, someone grabbed her hands and held them, she stopped and looked in front of her, only to see Varian standing there. His eyes were glowing bright with concern and worry, “V…. V-V….”
“You’re scared…. And you’re anxious, and it’s way too much right now….” He stated, “so we’ll stop”
“Huh?”
The alchemist looked at the rest of the group, “the Sundrop and Moonstone are connected. No matter what, the Moonstone, and Moon, would tell me if something was going on. That voice being the same one that told me to hang on while I was hanging off a branch with Andrew tells me that it means us no harm. So here’s what I’ll do”, he fully faced the group now, “I’ll pray tonight, ask the Moon for some guidance regarding this. When I fall asleep, I’ll try to talk to her and the Moonstone, ask them if they see anything odd or know what’s going on. Tomorrow, I’ll tell all of you what I find out, we’ll go from there. No sense in pressuring anyone right now, especially with a wedding on the way”, he looked at Rapunzel, “that being said, it would be best if you kept everyone in the loop with any dreams or strange occurrences you may have regarding this. If you feel like you need some help, say something. We will not pressure you to handle this now, but you should monitor this, better to be safe than sorry, right?”
Rapunzel was startled, but she calmed down and nodded, “right”
“…..promise….” He fully faced the princess now, “promise all of us that you’ll tell us anything and everything about whatever happens with this. Dreams, occurrences, daydreams, weird noises, etc. promise. If you can do that, then we’ll hold our end of the deal and won’t pressure you about this at all until after the wedding. Do you promise?”
The princess looked Varian directly in the eyes and nodded, “I promise, I’ll tell you all everything”
The alchemist nodded before he looked at the group, “she promised, will all of you?”
Everyone hesitated for a moment or two, before a round of promises came from each person. All except for one…..
“Dad….” Varian said softly, “do you promise?”
Quirin was quiet, mulling it over in his mind, he looked at Rapunzel, she returned the stare with a begging look of her own. He sighed before looking at his son, “I’m praying with you”, he stated, “and I’m sticking with you and Hugo during this”
The alchemist blinked before he smiled at his father, “so stubborn”, he stated gently before nodding, “I can accept that, so long as you take care of yourself too”
The retired knight nodded, “I will”, he then looked at Rapunzel, “we had a discussion before about me trusting you. Particularly with my son, now sons, do you remember that?”
“I do, vividly. And I intend to keep my word”, the princess stated
The Village Leader watched her for a moment before nodding, “ok, then I will as well. I promise I won’t push or pressure you about this….. I just want to add something”
“Hm?”
“….What if something does happen….” He stated gently, “someone comes to the castle and does something, you or someone we care about gets hurt, the Sundrop comes back to you like the Moonstone did to Varian, …..Cassandra breaks out of jail….. What will we do then? We should be prepared”
Hugo smiled, “I say we handle it right away. Nip it in the bud, that way everyone is safe”
“I agree”, Rapunzel replied, “should something happen, even if it’s before the wedding, rest assured I’ll do everything in my power to stop it”
Quirin nodded, “ok then, I have no qualms with this”
The alchemist let out a sign of relief before he yawn again, “ugh…. I may fall asleep a little faster than I thought….”
Hector snickered, “well you’re got several people who are more than willing to be your bed tonight, take your pick”
The alchemist smirked before he looked around, then walked over and climbed into Edmund’s lap, “I choose grandpa”
Edmund grinned excitedly before gently wrapping his arms around the teen, “I’ll be the best grandpa bed in the universe”
“I can vouch for that”, Eugene stated, “he’s surprisingly comfortable”
“When did you fall asleep on him?” Lance asked
“That’s for me to know and you to never find out”
“I’m drawing it!” Raounzel exclaimed
“No, don’t you dare!”
The group laughed as they teased the Dark Prince lovingly as they settled for a peaceful night, Raounzel smiling as she watched Varian, Hugo, Quirin, Ruddigar, and Olivia pray to the Moon before the alchemist fell asleep for the night. She let out a small breath of relief as she allowed herself to enjoy the company of her family.
Notes:
Hello!
I can’t say much, but if you know what’s about to happen, then you know the wedding is gonna be very interesting XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 566: The Sundrop!
Summary:
Varian meets the Sundrop!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*I pray to the Moon and stars above,
Protect the people that I love,
Put me in a lunar trance,
Give me just a single chance,
Provide to me your clarity,
To see with your sincerity,
A vision from your watching eyes,
One of good or one of demise*
Flashes of blue light flooded the Varian’s mind as he drifted off to sleep. The prayer he, his father, and Hugo had said replayed in his mind as he flew through the blue light! He drifted through the world before he saw yellow light surrounding him. He blinked before he saw someone he hadn’t expected to see, “R…. Rapunzel?”
“Not quite”, ‘she’ said with a gentle smile as the yellow light surrounded her
That’s when the teen gasped as realization hit him, “S-Sundrop?”
‘Rapunzel’ smiled, “hello little alchemist”
The teen gasped as he watched her, “h-how…. What’s happening? A-are you….. okay?”
The Sundrop chuckled before nodding, “yes, I am”
Varian blushed, “eheh, I-I guess if you weren’t then you’d b-be able to tell me or the Moonstone…. Um…. S-so….. Rapunzel had a strange dream…. Were you the reason?”
“In a way, yes. I was trying to get her to come back to me”
“Why? I-If you don’t mind me asking”
“The Moonstone has chosen to stay with you, they wish to help you and your kin with whatever situation comes your way. I wish to do the same for Rapunzel”
“So…. You’re coming back?”
“Yes, just as the world needs the Moon, they need the Sun as well, to have the Moonstone alone would cause imbalance in your world. So I’ve come back to help the princess on any way I can”
“Why’d you show her you want to come back in a dream?” Varian asked, “I thought that was the Moonstone’s thing”
The Sundrop smiled before she waved her hand, the world surrounding them turned from ocean blue to sunflower yellow, “this world is like clay, you mold it as you go. You can try to smooth the surface, but it grows dryer and dryer the longer it’s left out, meaning those marks cannot be changed once the clay is set in stone. If you try, you’ll only break it”, ‘she’ explained
Varian cocked his head to the side, a little confused, “I think I kinda get it, the world has rules set in place, and if you try to force a change, then it’ll disrupt the balance, but how does you showing Rapunzel you wanna be back with her come into play?”
“My magic is different from yours little alchemist”
“I know, but then….. oh…. Oooooooh! The Moonstone’s magic is already in this world! They actually never left because I still had my magic even when the Moonstone collided with you! So the Moonstone could slip in without breaking any rules! But you…. You can’t use your magic like you used to, because you went away and Rapunzel doesn’t have your magic in her anymore. So you’re going by the rules already set in place, you’re using the Moonstone’s magic! But… how?”
The Sundrop smiled, “so very smart you are, clever too. But I suppose you can’t guess everything, so let me help you by reminding you of what you said just before falling asleep”
She disappeared from his sight before reappearing beside him, she began to whisper, ‘*I pray to the Moon and stars above,
Protect the people that I love,
Put me in a lunar trance,
Give me just a single chance,
Provide to me your clarity,
To see with your sincerity,
A vision from your watching eyes,
One of good or one of demise*’
She disappeared again, leaving Varian shocked before he saw her reappear before him, “my prayer….”
“Correct”
“So…. My prayer gave you the ability to come to me in a dream?”
“It wasn’t a prayer”
“Huh?”
“You and your star do not know this, but the knight did to some degree”, she scooted to the side just a touch, showing Varian his family and friends in the family room. He saw his own body, fast asleep in Quirin’s arms, the alchemist’s hair and freckles were glowing gently, everyone was watching him
“Do you think he made contact with the Moon? Or is this something else?” Angry asked
“I don’t know”, Edmund replied, “he’s glowed in his sleep before, but not like this, aren’t his hair stripes the only things that glow?”
“Yes, unless he’s having a nightmare, but he’d be whimpering or tossing and turning”, Quirin answered
“Dad….” Varian said, noticing the worried look his father had on his face
“The knight knows the power of that prayer. He’s used it enough times in his life to know those words hold significance. He just didn’t know what”, the Sundrop stated gently
The alchemist blinked, “is that prayer important in some way?”
“It is, especially since you’re the one who said it, I believe you can see where I’m headed with this”
The alchemist thought about that, before his eyes began to glow blue are he realized what she meant, “an…. Incantation?!”
“Specifically for the Moonstone, yes, one that’s been used as a prayer of safety by people from the Dark Kingdom, but no one knew why it worked so well”
“It’s been an incantation this entire *time*?! And nobody knew?!”
“Indeed, quite the feat if I’m honest”
“I-is there a Sundrop prayer?”
“Yes”
“Can you tell me what it is?”
“I cannot….”
“Huh? Why? Is it a secret?”
*Little one*, a familiar voice said, getting the Sundrop to look over her shoulder as Varian grinned
“MOON!” He exclaimed happily as the scene shifted around them, turning from the yellow light to the starry evening sky, the Moon appearing before both him and the Sundrop, “I was wondering where you were!”
*I was here the whole time little one, but I was unable to have you hear me*
“W-what? Why? What happened?”
“I apologize”, the Sundrop said, “that was because of me”
Varian stopped and looked at the Sundrop, “what did you do?”
The celestial drop winced a little at the iciness of that question, “I didn’t do it on purpose, my magic intercepts the Moon’s depending on the severity of the situation”
“Huh?”
*Little one, the Sundrop called out to the princess, you could hear her over the Moonstone because the Sundrop’s call was desperate. The world is not in balance anymore*, the Moon explained
“It’s not?”
*No…. The Moonstone was trying to tell you that yesterday evening*
“But couldn’t because the Sundrop reached out to Rapunzel and I couldn’t hear…. Where is the Moonstone? Shouldn’t they be here?”
“They’re here”, the Sundrop replied
“Where?”
“In you, you have to summon them”
Varian blinked before he looked at the Moon, “I…. Do?”
*You summoned the Sundrop with that prayer, which is why she was able to reach you little one. The Moonstone must be balanced with the Sundrop, so you must call them as well*
“Oh, with a prayer?”
*You’re astral projecting, so summoning them here will count as a prayer*
“Oki, um…..” The alchemist closed his eyes and concentrated, he thought about the Moonstone, envisioning them in his mind before reaching out, he saw them take his hand and he pulled them to him
“Hello”
“Huh?” Varian opened his eyes, and saw himself, though ‘he’ looked like 14 year old Varian, same blue shirt, tan pants, black boots, and red apron, “I…. Moonstone…. I recognize you! You look like me when I was younger!”
The Moonstone smiled at the alchemist, “it’s good to see you Varian, I take this form because it’s when you reached the peak of you balance, you were consumed by darkness and light, the light was the will to fight for your father’s life, the darkness was the depression of what you’d thought you’d caused”
“Oh…. Uh well, that’s uh…. Cool… eheh”
“You’ll have another form I can take later on in your life, for now, this is the only form I can choose, I apologize for the memories”
“It’s okay, not your fault, it’s kinda mine since I made them, eheh, a-anyway, the Sundrop’s here!”
“I see”, the Moonstone smiled at the Sundrop, “it’s good to see you sister”
“Good to see you as well sibling”, the Sundrop replied
“Sibling?” Varian asked
“I identify as neither male nor female, so she calls me sibling”, the Moonstone explained
“Ah, oki, so…. Moonstone you were trying to tell me the world isn’t balanced?”
“I was”
“How’d it get unbalanced? It was fine for a while”
“Things can change over time. With the Dark Kingdom coming back, and the added attention from the Coronan’s due to your using my power, the Moon is getting a lot of attention. Which is good, but the Sun is now being neglected. The Sundrop must balance the world, Rapunzel must have her with so she can show the miracles the Sun can do. Then the people can have their attention drawn to the Sun as well”
“Huh…. Well…. There’s… a small problem….”
*What is it little one?* the Moon asked
“Well…. Rapunzel’s getting married…. And she wants to resolve all of this after her wedding…. So I’m worried she may not accept you Sundrop, not right away…. And given the fact that I had to accept the Moonstone to be apart of me…. And that you two need to balance each other in order to balance the world…..”
“That…. Is a problem…..” the Sundrop replied
“A very big problem….” The Moonstone agreed
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is an issue, the Sundrop and Moonstone need to be balanced, and Varian had to accept the Moonstone for them to be apart of him. But if Rapunzel doesn’t do the same for the Sundrop…. Well….. It’s a very big problem….
The Sundrop got all of the crypticness the Sun was supposed to have XD
Moon’s back :D so is the Moonstone! Woot! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 567: Rapunzel’s Acceptance!
Summary:
Rapunzel is given a choice of weather to accept the Sundrop or not!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian woke up with a gasp, his eyes and hair’s glow dimming as he sat up. Looking around, he noticed his father watching him, eyes filled with worry and concern, “Varian?”
“I-I’m okay dad, I’m okay”, the alchemist replied with a small tremor in his voice
“Are you sure? You look shaken son”
“I’m sure, I’m shaken because I spoke with her, the Sundrop, I got to talk to her, and I know what she wants”
“What? What does she want?” A voice asked, getting the freckled teen to look before blushing as he saw Hugo, Rapunzel, Lance, Eugene, Edmund, Adira, and Hector all staring at him anxiously waiting for his reply, “is it bad?” The princess added to her previous question, “is there something I need to do?”
The alchemist signed before he lifted his bangs and pointed to the Moonstone, “she wants to come back to you. Just as the Moonstone did for me”
The Princess blinked, “she… does? D-did you tell her about the wedding? N-not to be selfish here, but I *really* wanna have a break from all things magical if I’m honest…. A-aside from you Varian”
The teen quirked a brow before sighing, “I did, but…. I don’t think waiting’s a good idea…”
“What do you mean?” Eugene asked
“Well….. The reason she wants to come back, is because the world is being thrown off balance again”
“What?” Hector exclaimed
“How?” Hugo asked
“Because the Moonstone’s back”, Varian answered, “the Moonstone’s magic…. M-my magic, is causing people to have more awareness for the Moon. She’s getting praised and adored and respected more, but the Sun is not. He’s being neglected, and it’s throwing the world off balance, it could cause some major calamities if we don’t do something about it”
“So…. The Sun’s feeling ignored?” Lance asked
“In a way, the way they explained it, the Sun and Moon must always remain balanced, it helps keep their powers and gifts equal and helps the world continue to remain as it is today. Water comes from the Moon, fire comes from the Sun, their combined efforts bring about wind and earth, if one should be praised or loved more than the other, it’ll throw things off balance because not only will the celestial being be neglected, but so will the gifts they’ve given”
“Just like before….” Edmund stated, “the first king of the Dark Kingdom was asked to help Corona for the same issue, except with the Moon. The Sun was celebrated, the Moon ignored, so she took her gifts away”
“Right, and the same thing is happening with the Sun”
“We could throw a Sun celebration if that’ll help”, Rapunzel stated, “wasn’t that how it was solved before?”
“Yes, but it was different then. There was a tribe of people who loved the Moon and the Sung equally, Corona loved the Sun but ignored the Moon, so they needed to learn how to love the Moon too, for a while, that, and the Sundrop and Moonstone being around in the world, was enough, but Corona has grown since then and the Dark Kingdom is gone for now. Dad taught me and many Old Coronans about the Moon and how to love her, that, and the Sundrop and Moonstone being around in the world, kept the world in peace. But now that the Sundrop is gone and the Moon’s getting more attention, the balance isn’t there, she needs to come back, as soon as possible too”
The princess looked startled but sighed, “…..isn’t there… *any* way she could wait?….”
“….Is there something wrong Punzel?” Varian asked gently, “you’ve never been this hesitant to solve an issue before, you were born with the Sundrop, having her back would give you powers, and possibly your hair, back, it’s a big responsibility, but nothing you haven’t done before, so…. What’s going on?” Rapunzel hesitated, so Varian gave her a reassuring smile, “hey, you can tell us, nobody is gonna judge you….. well….. Hector might, but he judges everyone”
“True”, the wild tamer replied with a smirk and shrug
The princess let out a soft sigh before she finally spoke, “I…. I’m just worried I guess…. I mean…. The last time both the Sundrop and Moonstone were together, bad things happened, very bad things…. And….. I don’t want it to happen again…. Plus…. What if someone found out? Like someone who knew how to take them? What if this affects my mom, or the people of Corona, negatively? What if my magic is different? What if my hair *does* come back and it’s 80 feet long again? T-there’s just….. so many worries about the Sundrop coming back…. If she does before our wedding, I’ll be thinking about that nonstop, plus, someone could find out and ruin it, and possibly hurt people too…. I want to focus on mine and Eugene’s wedding *entirely*….. I want to be happy during it…. But…. How can I with the Sundrop powers and my hair back? I’m….. I’m really afraid to have it back….. giving it up was the right option at the time because them being in our world caused too much chaos…. I don’t want it to happen again….”
The group was silent for a little while before Eugene spoke up first, his voice calm and gentle as he did, “if something does happen Sunshine, we’ll all be there to help”, he stated with a smile, “plus, we all know how to handle the Sundrop and your hair, and anyone that tries to harm you or the people of Corona for the Sundrop. You aren’t alone in this, it’ll be okay”
“How do you know though? The last time the Sundrop and Moonstone were together, very bad things happened!”
“The last time the Sundrop and Moonstone were together, I met my family”, Varian stated, getting Rapunzel to look at him, “I met the love of my life as well, I got powers that helped me save my friends, family, and home, they also make daily activities *much* easier, and I was saved because of the Sundrop and Moonstone being used with the healing incantation”, the alchemist smiled, “look bad things happened, and there’s no doubt in my mind that more will come if the Sundrop comes back, but good things will also come. Having the Sundrop around, as well as the Moonstone, will also help stop those bad things from becoming worse. The world will remain balanced, it’s better this way, for everyone, if you and I hold the Sundrop and Moonstone. The Moonstone will also stay within my family, I’m guessing the same will happen with the Sundrop. So our people will continue to help the world with the powers they’re given”
The princess looked anxious, “what if I make another mistake…..” she said, “I did so many bad things when I had the Sundrop. So many mistakes took place because of my decisions, and it affected so many people because I had the Sundrop in me”
“Actually, you’re a princess”, Hector stated, “those mistakes affecting other people happened because of you lineage and title, not because of the Sundrop”
“Cassandra did….” Rapunzel stated, “she stole the Moonstone because she thought her place in the world was taken by me…. Because Gothel chose me over her…. And I got the
“Princess, you got the Sundrop because your father wanted you to live and used her to heal you and the Queen”, Quirin replied gently, “not because Gothel took you. Cassandra made a lot of very *stupid* mistakes during her quest for power, but she was definitely wrong about you stealing her place in the world with the Sundrop, that happened *before* Gothel, not after”
“I’m surprised that old witch had the ovaries to even *create* a child!” Hugo exclaimed, “I mean, wasn’t she like, over a hundred years old when she had Cassandra?”
“Hugo”, Varian laughed
“I’m just saying! Crotchety old witch lady should’ve been in a retirement home a *long* time ago!”
“For once, I agree with the brat nugget”, Eugene stated, getting Rapunzel to giggle, “look Rapunzel, I know it’s scary to have that power back, hell, it was scary to watch you *use* it! But it’s apart of you, she’s apart of you, and she doesn’t want to cause you, or any of us, any harm. Maybe her being with you again will help, you’ve been missing her, haven’t you?”
“Well…. I admit that I do really miss my hair…. It was fun to twirl and made things so much easier to paint. I miss swinging from it too, and climbing everywhere….. I miss the healing incantation too, and…” she looked at Varian, and smiled lovingly at him, “I miss being connected to you”
The alchemist blushed, “I miss that too… I remember feeling so anxious and lonely sometimes, but the connection we shared through to two celestial drops made the loneliness so much easier to bear, because I could feel your warmth”
“And I could feel your cool breeze”, the princess added
“Right, it really did feel like we were siblings, I mean, we still *are*, but…. You know…. The connection helped a lot…. I don’t have siblings, Eugene, Lance, and you, princess, are the closest I have. So to have you connected to me like that felt like, what I’d imagine, sibling connections feel like”
“Well, you’re half right”, Quirin snarked, quirking a brow at Adira and Hector, both of whom smirked
Rapunzel giggled at Quirin’s comment before she smiled lovingly at Varian, “I really miss that connection too, I feel the same way you do”, she said before she stopped and let out a sigh, “the Sundrop needs me to accept her…. Everything you’ve all said makes me feel better, if a little nervous…. But mostly better…. I….” She sighed again, “…..ok”, she finally stated, “I accept her, if she needs to come back to me, then I want her back…. Hair and all!”
Suddenly, Varian’s eyes, hair, and freckles began to glow brightly! Quirin, Adira, Hector, and Edmund’s marks did as well! The Dark Kingdom noticed something before he let out a sigh of relief. “AH!” Lance, Eugene, and Hugo yelped as they looked at the back of their hands! Varian’s blue glow wrapped around Rapunzel, turning from blue to gold as the princess rose into the hair, her eyes, hair, and freckles were glowing as well, before her hair burst out from her scalp! Growing longer and longer, a shimmer of something flew to her chest before Lance yelped again and the bright light of blue and yellow flashed!
The light dimmed, everyone groaned slightly, before the princess opened her eyes, and saw Varian sitting before her, his eyes, hair, and freckles were still glowing, and he looked peaceful, “….Moonstone”, she said softly
“Hello”, the Moonstone replied with a small smile, “thank you for accepting my sister into you. She will stay with you and your family for generations to come. She will help protect you, as I do Varian and his family, she wanted me to tell you that”
“She wanted you to… why couldn’t she say it?”
“Her powers are weak at the moment due to the imbalance of the world, my powers, and Varian’s, are stronger at the moment. Things are already coming back together, the world is rebalancing itself due to her presence, you must do the rest”
“I see…. Thank you Moonstone, for protecting Varian”
“I should be thanking him for accepting me, along with his family, without them, I wouldn’t be here. Though I appreciate the thanks”
The princess nodded, she noticed the Moonstone hadn’t gone yet however,is there something else?” She asked, curiously
“I have the Brotherhood, they protect me with the vow they’ve made to the Moon. Because of their tremendous work, I’ve been safe for as long as I have, the kingdom I resided in was as well. However, the Sundrop does not have this lizard. My sister does not have guardians that’ll help her…. She needs those guardians….”
“So… there needs to be another Brotherhood?”
“Correct, and the first of them has already been chosen. They have the Coronan mark on their hand, just as my Brotherhood has the Dark Kingdom mark on theirs. Each generation will bring about more Brotherhood members for each of us, four for me, and four for my sister”
“Do they need to be tested, like yours did?”
“No, mine are going to be chosen by the Moon, my sisters shall be chosen by the Sun, this is the new way of the world that the celestial beings have decided upon. You and Varian, and anyone else who bears me and my sister, shall have the power to take that blessing, of being chosen by the Sun and Moon to protect us, away should the need arise, use that ability wisely please”
The princess nodded, “we will, but…. Does being in the Brotherhood grant blessings? The only thing I’ve seen being apart of that group do is make you susceptible to mind control….”
The Moonstone frowned, “that was an oversight made by humans. The Moon did not create the accursed Mind Trap, an old king did, the original purpose was to summon the Brotherhood should the king need help protecting me, but the demon took that away and corrupted it, as she always did…. This will be different. The abilities given to those who are chosen shall soon be seen, they are meant to protect you, Varian, and the brotherhood members, the Sun and Moon will see to it that they are protected”
“So…. Basically…. Really bad things happened, the Sun and Moon don’t want it to happen again, so they’re making things easier on us?”
“Basically”, the Moonstone agreed with a chuckle, “that’s very astute of you”
“Thanks um…. Who’s the new Brotherhood member for the Sundrop?”
“One who has shown great loyalty to you and everyone else here, but would rather stay within the light rather than in the dark”
“….Eugene?”
“He’s the prince of the Dark Kingdom, his marking shall be one of the Moon, as were the kings before him”
“Oh…. So Eugene will be a Brotherhood member too….”
“It is his fate as a prince of the Dark Kingdom, but he will always remain by your side, remember that princess”
Rapunzel smiled, “well that makes me feel better, but…. Who else could the newest member be….. if not Eugene…..”
“Who is loyal and stays in the light? Or, in other words, who is a friend of yours that you trust intensely, but is afraid of the dark?”
The princess gasped as her eyes widened with realization, she looked at the Moonstone, but they just smiled as blue light surrounded them. Engulfing their form before it dimmed, and Varian fell to the floor
“Freckles!” Hugo exclaimed, before he and Quirin ran over and helped the alchemist up
“…..He’s okay”, the retired knight stated, scooping his son into his arms“just passed out, poor bubby used up all of his energy just now….”
The blond inventor let out a sigh before hissing through his teeth as he clutched his left hand, “ugh…. The fuck…. My hand hurts….”
“Mine too….” Eugene replied
“Same”, Lance said before he looked at the back of his right hand, “a-and I just found out why!”
“Huh?” Everyone looked as Lance showed them his hand, on it, was a golden yellow Coronan sun symbol, it was glowing dimly
“Woah!” Hector stated, “what the fuck?” He looked at his right hand and saw his mark, “what? Adira! My mark’s blue!”
“As is mind”, the face painted warrior replied as she showed her brother her right hand, the blue circle with three lines goo by through a corner of it was the same shade of blue as Varian’s eyes
“My mark is as well”, Quirin stated, “King Edmund, what about yours?”
The Dark kingdom was silent for a long time, “um…. King Edmund?” Hector asked, a little concerned
“I-it’s gone….” Edmund stated
“What?”
“My mark’s gone!” The Dark King exclaimed, “I-I saw it disappear, I watched it fade and it filled me with relief, but it just hit me…. M-my mark is *gone*!”
“Where did it go?!” Hector exclaimed, “that’s the only fucking thing you couldn’t have *physically* lost! Where the fuck did it just go?!”
“Oh me…..” Eugene said softly, getting everyone to look at him with shock as he showed them his left hand, on it was a dimly lit Brotherhood mark
“A….. a-and me…..” Hugo stated, showing his left hand as well
“What?!” Quirin exclaimed as he stared at Hugo’s hand, “h-how?! What?! WHY?!”
“Easy Quirin”, Adira said, “it’s okay, “look, his is actually more faded than mine, see?” She placed her right hand next to Hugo’s left, the blond inventor’s mark was significantly more faded, “his is also not glowing”, she added
“I….. I can see that, but why? Why does he have one in the first place? What’s going on?”
The Princess blinked, “did you not hear what the Moonstone said?” She asked
“Moonstone?” Quirin said, looking at her, “no I didn’t, all I saw and heard was light and swirling wind around you and Varian, what did the Moonstone tell you?”
The Princess bit her lip before she let out a sigh and began to tell everyone about their conversation.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I was very sick yesterday and couldn’t write anything, so I made this chapter longer than I expected it to be :D I hope that helps with the wait a little
So, things have changed quite a bit lately! Don’t worry, we’ll get to the two weddings very soon, this was just something that’s been in the back of my mind for a while. The Brotherhood, Sundrop, and Moonstone will now be passed down from generation to generation, course, the brotherhood for the Sun and Moon shall be chosen differently than the bearers of the Sundrop and Moonstone, because the two stones will be in the Vanguard and Solar families :D but still!
This is a change that I think should’ve happened in the show, I mean, there could’ve been a much bigger benefit had the Sundrop and Moknstone stayed, and the Brotherhood got extended to having a Moonstone brotherhood, and Sundrop Brotherhood
I’d love to hear ideas for name changes for each of the Brotherhoods by the way :D like Galaxy guardians for the Dark Kingdom Brotherhood, and Light Protectors for the Coronan Brotherhood, a. And change may be in their future so it includes females in the group like Adira wants XD
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 568: Sun and Moon Brotherhood!
Summary:
The group discusses the events that just transpired!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The room was silent as everyone stared at the princess in shock before Eugene spoke up, “so…. My fate is to be a Brotherhood member, just like every other kings of the Dark Kingdom, there’s gonna be a Sin Brotherhood for you, Lance being the first member, and Hugo’s gonna be a Brotherhood member now too?! Also, the Moon and Sun are gonna choose who’s in the Brotherhoods?! What the fuck?”
“Yeah it’s…. A lot….” Rapunzel replied as she tucked her hair behind her ear before she noticed her hair was long and blond again, and stopped, looking nervous about it
“I think I need to sit down….”
“I think we *all* need to sit down son”, Edmund replied in agreement
Hugo stared at his hand for a long time, “why is mine faded?” He asked
No one had an answer, until a tiny voice spoke up, “you’re not ready yet”
“Freckles?!” The blond inventor looked and saw his fiancé looking at him, a little dazed, but otherwise alright
“Hello love”
Hugo walked over and hugged Varian close, receiving a hug in return, “hi….”
They stayed that way for a bit, Quirin feeling a touch awkward as he held Varian in his arms, before the duo let go and blushed, “s-sorry dad”
“It’s alright, maybe wait until I set you down somewhere though, yeah?” The retired knight replied with a chuckle
“Oki”, the alchemist replied with a blush as Hugo broke the hug
The blond inventor looked at the freckled teen, “are you alright?”
“I’m ok, just really tired, you?”
“I’m…. Well physically I’m fine, mentally and emotionally I’m in a bit of turmoil”
“I can feel that”
“I’ll bet you-wait, you can feel my turmoil?”
Varian nodded, “you’re too young to be in the Brotherhood, and the person you’re replacing is still able to fight and protect me and the Moonstone, hence why your mark is faded, but I’m still connected to you because you’re supposed to become a part of the Brotherhood when you *are* ready”
“How’d you find out about that?”
“When the Sundrop and Rapunzel’s reunited, the Moon took me because the Moonstone wanted to talk to Rapunzel. She told me more about my Brotherhood”
“*Your* Brotherhood?” Hector asked
Varian giggled, “I say that because the Moon and Sun are gonna choose the Brotherhood based off of how they would best the bearer of the Sundrop and Moonstone regarding different situations, I suppose that’s not the best way to say that though”
“So…. Wait, if the Brotherhood for both celestial stones are going to be based off of who would protect the bearer the best, and determined by the Sun and Moon, why is Hugo not immediately ready? Why am I protecting you Varian, instead of Blondie over there, and why is my dad no longer part of the Brotherhood?” Eugene asked
Varian smiled understandingly, “the Moonstone said this before for you, you’re the bloodline of the Kings and Queens of the Dark Kingdom, you also have a very deep connection with me, and you’ve helped me before with things others couldn’t, so you were chosen to be by my side due to all of those factors. Grandpa, as good a shape as he’s in, is getting older and also, is going to be undertaking a very large responsibility by rebuilding the Dark Kingdom, his hands will be full and the Moon deems that an important task that he should do, as it’ll help balance the world and bring peace, a-at least, that’s what she told me. A-and for Hugo, the main reason he isn’t ready yet, is because he’ll be replacing someone who’s still able to fight and is more than willing to protect me”
“Who?”
“Guess, here’s a hint, they’ve always been there for me, even when they didn’t understand why I do the things I do”
The room was quiet before Hugo spoke up, “Quirin….. I’m replacing Quirin….”
Varian nodded, “my dad is still able to fight and help and protect me, he’s doing so right now in fact! Plus he’s shown that he only holds my best interests in mind and will do anything to help keep me and the Moonstone safe. But there will be a time when he won’t be able to do do that anymore, when that day comes, your mark will glow, and you’ll become the newest Brotherhood member love”
“So…. I’ll be protecting you, *and* kissing you, not a bad gig if I do say so myself”, the blond inventor teased
“Aja, um, w-well, yes you w-will and I-I’ll be-ooooooooh stop doing that!” Varian exclaimed as he blushed and got Hugo to laugh
The group snickered at the duo, all except for Eugene, who was staring at his mark anxiously, “you know we’ll help you, right?” Edmund asked him, getting the man to look up at his father
“I…..” Eugene sighed, “that obvious huh?”
Edmund chuckled, “you have very similar facial features as me and Eden, I can usually tell what you’re thinking about”
The Coronan Captain smiled before he looked at his hand again, “dad…. What does it mean to be apart of this? The Brotherhood, to be connected by the magic…. I didn’t go through any tests, I didn’t prove I can fight like you, Adira, Hector, or Quirin, actually, I *know* I can’t fight like all of you, I don’t have the skill…. And if I’m suppose to *lead* the Brotherhood….. well that’s just kinda awkward…..”
The Dark King chuckled, “there’s not really a *leader* son, all of us are in equal standing with each other”
“Well and that’s another thing. How can I say I’m on equal standing with those three!” He exclaimed as he gestured to the face painted warrior, wild tamed, and retired knight, “they’ve been through literal *hell* together, and apart, and they survived! I…. Haven’t done that….”
“Son…..” Edmund sighed sadly, “….look…. Being in the Brotherhood isn’t about strength or what you’ve been through or even what abilities you have. Being in the Brotherhood is about doing what you know is right by the Dark Kingdom standards. It’s about protecting those weaker than you, helping those who need you, being a better person in general. And it’s also about being what the world needs you to be”
“What the world needs me to be?”
“Yes, you don’t think we got these marks simply because of our skills do you?”
“I….. kinda did…..”
“Then I’ve seriously misrepresented the Brotherhood to you…… how to explain…. Ummm…. Ah!” The Dark King walked over and scooped up Hugo, who let out a small startled yelp before he blushed, getting Varian to smile as Edmund spoke, “take this little butter nut for example! He’s not from the Dark Kingdom like Quirin, he doesn’t have the same skill sets that Quirin does, he didn’t have the same past the Quirin did! Yet he’s going to replace my knight when the time comes”, he stated with a smile, “why do you think that is? What’s the one thing you can see that both Quirin and Hugo share…. Aside for their love of the little peanut, because that’s cheating and one could argue it’s a different type of love”
Eugene snorted at that before he looked in-between the two, before he realized something, “their honor and loyalty”, he said softly, “Hugo may be a brat nugget, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the kid is loyal to a fucking T, and he’s been nothing but honorable to Donella and even Cyrus when they both died. Quirin’s a man *full* of honor and loyalty, from his loyalty to you and his home, to his honor by leading Old Corona even when times got tough”
“That’s right! Now what’s different about them?” Edmund asked
“Uh….. Quirin’s a big muscle man with battle experience and a kid, while Hugo’s a lanky teen with an attitude problem and a robotic mouse?”
“Oi!” The blond inventor exclaimed as Quirin and Varian laughed
“It’s true!”
“Um…. That’s not quite what I meant”, Edmund replied with a small snort, “personality and battle wise, what difference do you see?”
“Well…. Quirin’s a trained, dual wielding, battle worn, knight with combat experience and *a lot* of strategy, whereas Hugo’s got a tiny dagger that he uses to slice and dice his enemies, along with some hand combat, but he hasn’t been trained and the only experience he has is on the streets, which I respect considering I was in his shoes”
“Right. Now look at Varian”, Eugene looked at the alchemist, who blushed and waved, the Dark Prince snorting and waving back, “eheh, sorry little peanut, um, how do each of them help Varian?”
Eugene blinked before he smiled as things began to click for him, “Quirin takes a fatherly approach, being there whenever Varian needs him, constantly watches over him, gives him advice when needed, raises him like a good dad would, supports him no matter what decision he makes, and if Varian was wrong, they talk and he helps him grow from it. And Hugo…. Heh….. He helps Varian be Varian. He gives him space when he needs it, talks him through the bad times, is ready to step up if Varian can’t get the words he’s trying to say, out, and supports him but will speak up if something isn’t quite right”
“Exactly, both of them are honorable and loyal to a t, as you said, but then have a different approach when it comes to battling, and Varian. Quirin will always be Varian’s father, that’ll never change, but there does come a time when children need to grow into their own and find out who they are. Hugo’s the one to help Varian do that, that’s why Hugo is replacing Quirin. It’s also why you’re replacing me. I’m Varian’s grandpa, I spoil him with gifts and lovins, I’ll protect him from all the world’s harms, if he needs a comfy seat I’m always prepared to hand him one, and if he needs to have some fun, well that’s where I can come in too! But you help him in places I can’t, I didn’t start a Guy’s Night to help him feel more fit in, I didn’t help him with breathing exercises when he needed someone to teach him that, I didn’t know what to do whenever he needed advice for things beyond my understanding, but *you* knew how to hell in each of those situations! For a while, I was the one he needed because all he needed was comfort, but he doesn’t need just comfort anymore, he needs to grow, that’s why you’re chosen!”
“And Hugo’s not ready because?”
“Because *I’m* still needed”, Quirin responded with a smile, “Varian’s growing up, but he’s not there yet, he still needs me, but that won’t be for long”
“Dad?” Varian said, giving his father a worried look
Quirin smiled at his son, “when the time comes for you to no longer need my guidance, and Hugo takes that place, I’ll still always be around, no matter what, I’m prepared for that day, and I know you will be too”
The alchemist blinked before he smiled and hugged his father, Quirin hugging him back lovingly, Eugene smiled before, “um…. Can you put me down please?” Hugo asked, getting Edmund to blush
“Oh uh! *ahem* sorry! My bad”, the Dark King exclaimed before he gently set the blond inventor down
“All of that makes Lance being apart of my Brotherhood a lot more understandable”, Rapunzel stated, “he’s the only person, aside from Quirin, Eugene, and Varian, that’s been able to tell me when I’ve done something wrong or said the wrong thing in a way that I could understand! So it’s pretty clear why he was chosen to be with me”
Lance smiled, “that kinda makes me feel better about being chosen too! The world’s changing, maybe fighters ain’t what’s needed anymore, maybe the world just needs some peace”
“Very true, if that’s the case, then the name for born Brotherhoods should really change, should they not?” Adira asked, “aside from the fact that there are female members, there are two different Brotherhoods, one for the Sun, one for the Moon, that should be shown in the name”
“We did kinda come up with the name on the fly”, Hector stated
“Wait, you made that name up yourselves?” Eugene asked
“When the Moonstone first came down, there was always a group of four to protect them”, Varian explained as he and Quirin stopped hugging, “but the marks and name weren’t officially added until a few kings and queens down the line, the name was actually the final thing to be added, and that’s by the current Brotherhood”
“Huh, well then, that’s interesting, literally that’s actually really neat to know, but what name should they be?” Eugene asked
“Something having to do with the Sun and Moon for sure!” Varian exclaimed excitedly
Lance smiled at the alchemist before someone popped into his mind, “wait a sec, didn’t your friend have a cool name suggestion for the original Brotherhood little man?”
The freckled teen looked at the man before his eyes widened, “oh yeah! LionRoar74 said Lunar Legion! I think it sounds epic!”
“I think so too!” Hugo agreed, “that’s such a cool name! Oh! Cooper_Hunter376 and I were talking about names for Sun groups, we were thinking about a band name, and they said Sun Defenders!”
“Ooooooh! I wanna be a Sun Defender!” Lance exclaimed, “that’s an awesome name for a band and a Sun Brotherhood!”
“I think you have your two names then”, Hector stated, “Sun Defenders and Lunar Legion”
“Hector likes them both”, Adira stated
“Wha-! Fuck you!”
“Ooooh! He likes them a *lot*!”
“Adira!”
The group laughed as the two siblings continued to bicker, the group finally settling down as they continued to talk about the new groups and the new names as well!
Notes:
Hello! :D
You guys come up with the best names! Like my gosh!!!!! I loved all of the suggestions I got, so thank you so much for sharing them!!!!
Eugene and Edmund moment!!!!! Because these two needed more moments together!!!!
Lookit the protective farmer dad grow! Hims becoming so emotionally mature!!!! I’m so proud!
Hugo being held by Edmund makes me smile way wider than I thought it would XD
Variago!!!! Woot!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 569: Preparation!
Summary:
Eugene and Rapunzel’s wedding is finally here! And they’re feeling extremely nervous!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel let out and anxious sigh as she double checked herself in the mirror. Her white dress, tinted slightly purple, with short sleeves, a floral lace bodice and skirt, with a rich purple stripe down the middle looked great on her! She placed a hand over her heart, where the Sundrop shined prominently, and could be seen by all. Her long, golden hair was tied back into its usual braid, this time with flowers decorating every inch of it! She looked at the flowers in her bouquet and smiled, purple, white, and yellow shimmered in the sunlight shining in from the window. She looked at her veil, which had been attached, temporally, to her princess tiara, a long, white, tinted purple, was 80 feet long, she chuckled at the representation as she looked back at the mirror before an overwhelming wave of anxiety climbed from her toes to her stomach and up through her lungs
She gasped as thoughts and worries she hadn’t had before came flooding into her! She closed her eyes to try to calm herself down, but the instant she did, the images of her thoughts were dancing through her vision, she opened her eyes again, sitting down in order to try to breathe a little easier, but it wasn’t helping, until, “Punzel!” A voice caught her attention, and she grabbed onto it, “w-woah! Hey, easy! Breathe with me, breathe”
She heard the voice begin to breathe slowly, taking in large gulps of air, slowly, through the nose, before holding for a few seconds and finally letting it out through the mouth. She followed the steps perfectly, managing to catch her breath and calm down. Her vision came back to her as she recognized who was there with her, “V-Varian”, she said before hugging the alchemist, “oh I’m so glad to see you!”
Varian returned the hug with a smile, “I’m glad to see you too, though, the panic attack wasn’t expected”, he gently broke the hug to look at her, “are you okay?”
The princess blushed, but nodded, “yeah, I’m alright, just….” She sighed, “I didn’t realize how overwhelming this feeling could be….”
“I can imagine”, the freckled teen replied with a smile, “my dad was overwhelmed too, he said Adira had to come and calm him down, and you know my dad, stoic and calm in most situations”
“Well, unless you or Hugo are in danger”
“Well even then, he’s pretty calm unless something ticks him off or he’s not made aware of the situation in time to help”
“Right…. Learned that the hard way”
“Uh…. Sorry, didn’t mean to bring that up, eheh”
“It’s alright, I know you meant no harm”, Rapunzel replied with a smile, “what brings you to my little corner of the wedding venue?”
“Well, Eugene and Hugo are chatting, I thought it’d be a good idea to come check on you, plus I wanted to see your pretty dress!”
The princess giggled, “you like it?”
“It looks amazing on you!”
“Why thank you! And don’t you look so dapper in your tux!”
The alchemist, who was wearing a sky blue tuxedo with a long coat tail, white undershirt, black slacks, and dress shoes, blushed, “the collar’s too tight and the shoes are pinching my toes, but I’m glad you like it”
Rapunzel snickered, “I understand how you feel, I’ve got punchy shoes on too…. I wanted to go without them, but apparently that’s ‘improper’ at a wedding”
“Let me guess, Nigel?”
“No actually, my mom said that, she said I could take them off during the reception though”
“Huh, that’s surprising that Queen Arianna said that, isn’t she usually cool with your barefooted preference?”
“Oh she’s perfectly fine with it, but when it comes to weddings, it’s a bit of a different scenario. See, she has some superstitions about certain proceedings. She’s not super strict about them, I mean, Eugene’s wearing battle boots for Quirin’s sake”, Varian giggled at that, “but his boots had to be black, and my shoes have to be white, plus it’s a small thing, and the shoes are flats and thin, so it’s kinda like I’m not wearing them at all, which helps”
“I guess I can see that, dad says if the groom sees the bride before the wedding, in her dress, that’s bad luck”
“My mom says the same thing”
“Ha! Our parents are so funny sometimes”
“They really are”, the princess giggled before she grinned at Varian, “so how excited are you about your wedding?”
The alchemist blushed, “very, and you’ll definitely be there, right? You and Eugene both?”
“Absolutely! We wouldn’t miss it for the universe Varian”
The freckled teen grinned, “oki, that’s good, I want you all to be there, I really do”
“We’ll be there with bells on!” Varian blinked, “sorry, it’s an Edmund saying”
“Hee hee, speaking of, you wanna know how excited grandpa is to be walking you down the aisle?”
“How excited?”
“He stayed up into the wee hours of the morning, practicing his ‘dad walk’, as he called it”
The princess laughed, her heart filling with warmth as she thought of the Dark King, watching himself walk in a mirror, “oh my gosh! He’s so cute!!!!”
“He really is! He actually had my dad judge his ‘dad walk’, to which my dad kept saying it was perfect, but he didn’t believe him, so my dad humored him, and gave a little critique, waited a few more tries, then said it was perfect, only then did grandpa feel fine with it”
“Awwwwww!”
“Hee hee! Oh! By the way, Beetlejuice has a surprise for you two, he said you’ll find out what it is once you walk down the aisle”
“Oh no”
“No no, it’s actually a really sweet surprise! Be ran it by me and Hugo first, and we both deemed it perfect”
“Oooh! Ok, now I’m excited!”
The two giggled and continued to chat together, the princess feeling much more at ease as she talked to her little brother
****
Eugene sighed as he straightened his overcoat. He was wearing a pure white tux coat, like with golden yellow stitching to make it shimmer, with a purple dress shirt underneath. He smiled at the white and yellow sash he was wearing, remembering how his father had had it made for him after the whole Dark Kingdom sash debacle. The metal Coronan Sun shimmering and marching the golden stitching on his coat. He also had some grey slacks on, with a white stripe going down the sides, his black battle boots completing the look with their new shine Feldspar had done
He tugged a little at the collar, feeling a little constricted, “damn, how do they make these things feel like a collar?”
“Because you’re finally putting on your ball and chain”, and annoyingly familiar voice replied behind the man, “gotta get you used to it”
“Hugo, when’d you sneak in here”, the Dark Prince stated as he turned to face the teen
The bespeckled inventor smirked, “that’s a secret you’ll just have to find out”
“It was when everyone was being seated, wasn’t it?”
“You shall never know”
The Coronan Captain sighed, “even on my wedding day, you’re still a brat nugget”
“Yup!”
The Dark Prince smirked before he turned back to the mirror, checking himself out once more, “why doesn’t this feel right….” He said to himself
“Hmmmm…. Ya need a cape”, Hugo stated
“Wha-I do not!”
“Why not? Rapunzel’s got a super long veil, you have a cool purple cape, that would go super well with the outfit, why not wear it?”
“She has a long veil?”
“Yurp”
“Hmmm…. Maybe…..” he looked at himself in the mirror again before he saw the blond holding his, aforementioned, purple cape, “how’d you-!”
“I knew you’d be having second thoughts on the pure white and grey outfit, doesn’t really scream ‘Eugene’, so I swiped this outta your room and brought it with me”
The man looked at the teen, a little surprised by his help, “thanks Hugo”
“You’re welcome, besides, you’ve gotta represent both kingdoms right? Why not show it with a really cool cape?”
“…..You’re being less of a brat nugget today”
“You’re getting married and are full of anxiety, why would I add to that?” The teen stated, “we can bicker and argue with each other after, for now, I’m letting you have your day”
The Coronan Captain smiled, his heart filling with warmth at that as he took the purple cape and put it on, “heh, it does add exactly what I was missing”
“And it matches your bride’s dress better too”, Hugo added
Eugene chuckled, “then it’s even more perfect”, he looked at the inventor, “thanks Hugo”
“Anytime”, the inventor replied as he walked towards a seat in the room and sat down, “so, how excited are ya?”
“About as excited as Varian gets when he finds a new element and gets to play with it”
“So, jump up and down with an adorable squeak of joy kind of excited”
“Correct, sans the adorable squeak, I think that’s a Varian exclusive”
“True, though your bride’s got some tiny excitement squees that are pretty adorable”
“Very true, heh”, the Dark Prince looked at the teen, “you know, in just a little while, you’ll be doing this too”
Hugo smiled, “I know”, he replied, his eyes filled with joy
“Heh, it’s kinda crazy how we’re all gonna be related soon”
“It really is, I think you and Lance, out of everyone, understands how huge this is”
“Oh definitely, not having a family, aside from Lance, for the majority of my life, only to find out that I have so many family members now, and it’s about to become bigger, it’s such a shock, and honestly, it takes my breath away”, Eugene smiled at the teen, “so I can only imagine how huge it must be for you right now”
Hugo blushed, “t-this isn’t about me”
“My wedding isn’t, but what I’m saying is. You’re going from no family at all to everyone you’ve grown close to in the past few years becoming your family in a matter of a few weeks! It’s huge, and it must be such a gigantic deal to you. It’s gotta be overwhelming too”
“It must be overwhelming for you too! I-I mean, you didn’t even know you *had* a family! And now, you’ve got Edmund, Adira, Hector, Quirin, and Freckles, and it’s about to become even bigger! That’s *huge*!”
Eugene smiled, “you’re right, guess we’re both feeling the family pressure, eh?”
The blond stopped before he blushed again and chuckled, “yeah, I guess we are”
The Coronans Captain and teen were quiet for a moment before the groom spoke again, “I remember my first real meeting with you…. I didn’t really get to talk to you during the Nedzerdnia trip, we left before we could talk at all. And then you came back for the ball, and I saw you in the bathroom…. Crying….”
“Yeah…. Don had…. Given me a good wallop that day….”
“I saw that…. You know, I’ll be honest, my first impression of you was that you were just a random kid that’d help my girlfriend, and became friends with my little brother, but I didn’t trust you…. Not until I saw you in that bathroom….. I think that was the first time I saw past the mask you wore….”
“It was the first time I took it off in Corona, so I’m not surprised”
“I’m glad you don’t have to wear it any more”, Eugene stated gently, “there’s are times where I’ll see it come out, when you’re nervous, or upset, but…. For the most part, it doesn’t come on anymore. I remember how hard that was for me, so I’m glad it’s getting better for you”
Hugo smiled, “can’t believe you noticed”
“I’ve been through the same thing”
“True, but I didn’t think anyone, outside of Freckles, Ruddigar, Liv, and Quirin, would ever notice me”
Eugene looked at the teen, “Hugo….”
The blond smirked, “shows how bad self esteem can get when all you’re told throughout your life is how you measure everything up right?” He chuckled bitterly, “makes you good at disappearing in the background, and if you get noticed, the mask is perfectly made to keep everyone from sneaking a peak….. everyone but him….. he was the only one who saw past that”, the blond stated, “he joked with me, laughed at my comments, talked to me with kindness and mutual respect, and even though I was tricking him, and even admitted to it, he still wanted me around, just to keep me safe….. And all I did was make a few sassy remarks….” He looked at Eugene, “she did that for you too didn’t she? I heard how you two met, the remarks you made to her, they were supposed to be sassy and get her away from you. But she didn’t leave, she forced you to take her to the lights, the lanterns, and during that trip, she knocked down every defense you had until you finally let her see you, the real you….. and when you did, she fell in love with you, and you fell in love with her….” He chuckled, “I was so jealous of you when we first met. I knew who you were, the world famous Flynn Rider down not become a legend by being known by a small group of people. I knew about it you, the Stabbingtons, hell I even knew about *Lance*! But you, just you, were the legend everyone talked about, elusive and sneaky, quick witted and a lady killer to boot, no one could ever pin you down! I strived to be like you, so I picked up your sassiness, I practiced being a thief, I made sure to do what you did, but better if I could, I became your living legend, and suddenly I was well known too, a name for myself, but…. Always in your shadow…. A Flynn Rider wannabe…. Heh…. So when Varian said he had a crush on you before he ever met me, well that didn’t help things either…. Especially when I found out he still had feelings for you. But I trusted him, and I trusted you, just…. Was jealous….”
“That….. That’s rough…. I didn’t know….”
“How could you know? I never told you….” Hugo said with a smirk, “I was either the failure Don had raised, or the Flynn Ruder wannabe, never just Hugo…. Come to find out that you settled down, stopped stealing, lived the good life, and it was because you fell in love…. I actually got angry with you for that, how was I supposed to compete with *that*?! I’d never even met anyone outside of the customers we scammed, let alone ever made a damn friend before, I ended up lost at that point. I think that’s why Don kept sending me out on missions, she saw me lose my place, and didn’t wanna deal with it at the time…. Which led me to looking for the bird kettle, and suddenly, I met Varian”
Eugene smiled, “and he saw you for you”
“Yup, the very first person…. Then I met you, and honestly, you’re right, we didn’t talk in Nedzerdnia, because I avoided you out of jealousy…. I saw you, realized who you were, and got real damn mad…. It was stupid, I was only mad at myself, but I stayed away…. Then I came to Corona, and got to see Varian again! Then Don beat me, and….. You saw…. And instead of judging me, telling me I deserved it, or laughing….. you helped me…. Protected me…. Comforted me…. That feeling id had about you….. The anger at the very least, it went away. I was still jealous, and picking on you quelled that, but…. You helped me, and I finally got to see you as Eugene Fitzherbert, or Horace if you’d prefer”
“I do not”
Hugo snorted, “either way, I finally got to meet the real you too, and…. I’m sorry…. I shouldn’t have been so nasty to you in the beginning…. Maybe it didn’t seem like I was, but if you’d heard what I’d thought…. You’d really be offended honestly…. I wasn’t the best to you…. And it was no fault of yours…. I came in here today, not only because I thought you should have the cape, but also…. Because I wanted to tell you that….” He smiled up at the man, “I think you’re a really amazing person, and I’m so glad, grateful, and honored that I got to meet you, the *real* you! And thank you, so much, for protecting me, I-I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you…. So thank you, Eugene, for everything”
The Dark Prince was so startled, but as he felt tears come to his eyes, he smiled lovingly at the teen, before he walked over, and wrapped his arms around him! Hugging him close, sniffling a little as he did, smiling wider when he felt the teen return the hug, “thank you Hugo…. I didn’t know how much I needed to hear that…. Thank you….. I’m so happy I could be there for you”
The duo stayed that way for a while before they heard the door before them open a little, “oh! Uh, I-is this a bad time?” A familiar voice asked
The two broke the hug, smiling at each other before looking towards the door, “hey dad”, Eugene said
Edmund gasped when he saw his son, his eyes shining brightly, “you look so handsome!”
“Thanks! So do you”
“What this old thing? I wore it at the 7 kingdom ball, so it’s not like it’s new, but look at you! The cape’s a nice touch!”
“Heh, thanks, I have Hugo to thank for that”, the Dark Prince stated as he smiled at the teen
“Hello butter nut! You and Peanut are matching I see! Felt you’re in green”
Hugo grinned, “you noticed! Hee hee, it was Varian’s idea”
The Dark King grinned before he looked at his son, “it’s time, everyone’s ready, are you?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be dad”, Eugene replied with a smile
“Great! Arianna went to grab Rapunzel! I’m gonna meet her at the walk! I think I’ve finally perfected my dad walk!”
To demonstrate, he did a few circles using the dad walk, Hugo grinned as Eugene snickered, “great dad walk dad, you’ve got it down perfect”
“Thanks! Let’s go! Oh! Butter nut! Peanut’s waiting for you at the walk too!”
“Oh! Right! Thanks!” Hugo exclaimed before he and Eugene made their way to their positions, standing where they need to be, Varian and Hugo holding hands as they stood together, Eugene grinning at them both, before the music of the wedding began, and the doors opened, revealing the thrown room before them, “here we go”, the Dark Prince stated, before he took his first step down the aisle!
Notes:
Hello! :D
The wedding is finally here! I was gonna have a bachelor and bachelorette party chapter, but I’m saving that for Hugo and Varian, so just know that it happened and was awesome! :D
Varian being the one to calm Rapunzel down and help her with her anxieties is my way of showing how much their relationship has grown and improved! :D before, Varian was nervous around Rapunzel, and Rapunzel was anxious around Varian, now they’re cracking jokes with each other, helping the other out, and are there for the other! The celestial/freckle siblings have grown so much! 🥹
Eugene and Hugo have had a very interesting relationship with each other, be they’ve both learned so much from each other, and have grown so close, they needed a little moment here, if Eugene and Varian are team Awesome, Eugene and Hugo are Team Cool, or Team Wholesome! Because these two are the coolest and the most wholesome when they’re together! 🥹
Next chapter? The wedding, and Max, Pascal, Olivia, and Ruddigar shenanigans with the rings! XD
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 570: Wedding Shinanigans! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Rapunzel and Eugene’s wedding begins!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The horse huffed a little as he quirked a brow at the raccoons shuffling. He huffed at him a little, trying to get the small creature to stop
The raccoon looked up at him and rolled his eyes, he was *trying* to hold still, but it was hard to do with the odd, fancy, bow his boy had placed around his neck. He tolerated it, but it was annoying. He’d worn bows before, but this one was different. It was tight and uncomfortable, it also didn’t look like a bow tie, it looked like a fancy string, a really uncomfortable, fancy string
The robotic mouse beside him looked over, she was also wearing a bow, though it was on her tail instead, she tilted her head at the raccoon
Ruddigar huffed again, he felt so uncomfortable….
The mouse gave him a sympathetic look before she used her tail and loosened the bow a bit
Ruddigar let out a breath of relief before he smiled at her gratefully
She smiled back before they all heard Pascal squeak at them that the ceremony was starting
All the animals drew their attention to their humans in front of them. The officiant had given the signal, and right as he did, the doors to the room opened up, Eugene was standing proudly in front, smiling as he began to walk down the aisle
The guests ‘ooh’d and ‘aaah’d at him, some whispering how handsome he looked. The man smiled even wider before he saw Beetlejuice smirking. The demon was floating above the seats he and Rapunzel had designated for her father and his mother. He quirked a brow before his eyes widened at what he saw. There, in the seats, was King Frederic, and Queen Eden. Both of them were smiling at the man, both looked so happy for him, and so fully of pride
Eugene nearly stopped walking when he saw them, before he composed himself, though not after a small tear trickled down his face as he stared at his mother. She gave him the warmest smile he’d ever seen, and it made him feel so elated as he finished his walk to the pastor. He saw Beetlejuice out of the corner of his eye, and thanked him profusely, to which the demon grinned
After Eugene had finished his walk, Lance was next, he was as happy as could be! Smiling at Eugene joyfully, as he walked down the aisle, he dropped little slips of paper on the ground, they were purple, black, and yellow! He grinned when he heard a few people wonder what he was doing as he joined Eugene at the aisle, standing on his left happily. He noticed Frederick and Eden, and grinned at them before placing a hand on Eugene’s shoulder, getting the groom to smile even wider before they both looked at the doors again
Hugo and Varian walked out together, hands clasped together, inventor of honor and right hand alchemist bracelets shining brightly, as everyone gasped when they did, but none of them were upset, everyone smiled happily at the duo before they found out the reason for the papers Lance had dropped. The two scientists grinned as they held out little droplets onto the papers, making them spark to life before an array of purple, yellow, and black mixed together to make a spectacle of colors for all to see around the aisle! Everyone cheered as the colors sparkles and shined like sunlight!
Hugo and Varian grinned proudly as they saw Eugene watching them happily, grateful for their contribution. Varian in particular seemed very proud of this chemical success as he put the dropped away in his pocket, that’s when he noticed Frederic and Eden, his eyes glowed gently with excitement, getting Hugo to notice, the blond smirked at the pair as they continued their trek down the aisle, the inventor giving Beetlejuice a thumbs up, which the demon appreciated
The duo stopped when they got to Eugene, smiling at each other before they let go of the other’s hand, Hugo walking to the right and standing beside where the bride will be, and Varian going to the left, standing beside Lance and Eugene
That’s was Max, Ruddigar, Pascal, and Olivia’s cue! They all stood tall before the horse held the pillow in his teeth and happily marched down the aisle! Ruddigar, Pascal, and Olivia were throwing confetti in the air while sitting on Max’s back, the hose happily finished his trek, with a bow to Eugene, who nodded happily, before they took their place beside Hugo, who grinned at them before he caught sight of Olivia’s bow and smiled wider, “such a pretty girl”, he whispered gently, getting the mouse to smile
That’s when the music changed, the colors from Hugo and Varian’s chemicals still swarmed around the aisle, until they disappeared as Catalina, who was wearing a beautiful, golden, sun dress, and Angry, who was wearing a fancy, purple, suit, stepped out, they smiled at each other before they dipped their hands in their baskets and threw purple, black, and yellow flower petals onto the ground! They grinned excitedly as they continued to do that before they began to walk down the aisle, everyone gasping at who was behind them
Eugene smiled happily when he saw Rapunzel, who was being walked down the aisle with Edmund, who had Hamuel on his shoulder. She was shining brighter than she ever had before, her smile was unlike anything he’s ever seen, her dress beautiful and sparkling like her! He saw her tear up at little when she noticed her dad and Eden in their seats, giving them a tiny, excited, wave, which Frederick returned lovingly as she continued down the aisle, with a very proud looking Edmund!
The Dark King had noticed his wife in the seats, nearly stopping to stare at her, but he managed to keep up his perfect ‘dad walk’ when Hamuel let out a small squawk, telling him to keep going, all the way go the aisle, he hugged Rapunzel happily, “I couldn’t ask for a better daughter in law than you”, he whispered
“And I couldn’t ask for a better father in law than you”, she replied happily
They broke the big, smiling happily at each other, before Edmund let go of her hand, backing up a little and allowed Rapunzel to take her place beside Eugene and Varian. The alchemist grinned at her as she did so, she grinned back before she fully faced Eugene, “you look very beautiful”, the groom said lovingly
“And you look very handsome!” The bride replied
“Ladies and gentlemen”, the pastor began, getting the duo to look at him, “we are gathered here today, to celebrate the union between Eugene Fitzherbert, and Rapunzel Solar!”
****
As the ceremony began, Max, Pascal, Ruddigar, and Olivia all smiled happily. Ruddigar’s tail swishing with excitement. Unfortunately, his tail, mixed with the confetti they’d thrown earlier, which was still lingering in the air, managed to tickle Max’s nose, and he ended up sneezing! The rings on the pillow catching the sneeze and flying off, rolling out of the room!
The horse, chameleon, raccoon, and mouse stared at the disappearing rings with stunned silence. All of them freaking out mentally! They saw Eugene looking over at them curiously, apparently he’d heard Max sneeze
The four animals all smiled, Max holding the pillow up like there was nothing wrong here, and that the two most important things in the ceremony hadn’t just flown off into who knows where! Satisfied, Eugene looked back to Rapunzel
“Did you see where they went?” A familiar voice asked, getting the animals to look and see Quirin standing behind them, he’d snuck over to them without drawing any attention
Ruddigar, instantly understanding what the retired knight was trying to do, nodded and pointed towards the hallway the rings had flown out of
“Good, hurry and grab them, Varian noticed, he and I are gonna stall, *hurry*”
Max handed Quirin the pillow before he, Olivia, Ruddigar, and Pascal took off after the rings! Hamuel flying behind them, getting Edmund to notice as we. He made an anxious face to his knight
Quirin motioned for his king to take a breath, the Dark King did so before the retired knight pointed to Varian
Edmund looked at the alchemist, who nodded, showing he’d seen what’d just happened and was prepared
The Dark king smiled at the duo before he gave them both thumbs up, signifying he would help too if needed
Notes:
Hello! :D
And so it begins, the perilous journey of trying to find the sneezed on rings! XD
I’m actually really excited to write this! Because I love writing the animals and putting things into their perspective :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 571: Wedding Shenanigans! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Max, Ruddigar, Olivia, and Pascal meet work together to get Eugene and Rapunzel’s rings back before the vows finish!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Max, with Ruddigar, Pascal, and Olivia on his back, and Hamuel above him, skipped out of the throne room as quickly and quietly as they could. They noticed the rings rolling down the hallway and ran after them! Max whinnying out orders
Ruddigar nodded, not arguing as he got into position to grab Eugene’s ring, Olivia on his head
Pascal poised himself on the horse’s muzzle, ready to grab Rapunzel’s ring
Hamuel flew above them all, watching out for anyone who may be walking down the hallway. Unfortunately, Miss. Crowley was headed their way. The old crow gave the animals a squawk of warning
But it came too late, as Ruddigar had already jumped and grabbed Eugene’s ring, right in front of the older maid, she stepped on his tail, making the poor raccoon lose the ring when he screeched in pain
“Ah!” Miss. Crowley yelped, jumping a bit and bumping into Max and Pascal, who’d just grabbed Rapunzel’s ring, knocking it out of the chameleon’s claws!
The old maid blinked when Max caught her, not wanting her to fall, she shook her head to clear it before looking at the animals, “this is why I don’t take bathroom breaks during a wedding….” She grumbled before giving the horse a grateful pat and walking away
The animals watched her go as Hamuel watched where the rings would go. He let out another squawk when he saw them heading towards a balcony, which was left open for some reason!
Max, Pascal still on his head, ran to try and grab them! While Olivia comforted Ruddigar as the raccoon rubbed his poor tail, checking it to make sure it hadn’t been broken. Once he was sure it hadn’t, he gave Olivia a grateful chitter before picking her up, placing her on his back, and rushing after Max and Pascal, Hamuel following
Olivia spotted the duo at the balcony, she squeaked to the other two, getting them to follow her instructions before the reunited with the pair, who looked devastated
Ruddigar chittered to Pascal, wondering where the rings were
The chameleon told him they’d managed to hit the triangle stone on the balcony and had flown off in two separate directions in the capital
Ruddigar and Olivia stared at the chameleon, thinking he was joking, but Pascal remained stoic as Max just stared, unbelieving, between the two directions the rings had gone. Before he snapped out of his slump!
The horse told the other animals they’d need to split into two teams to retrieve each ring
Pascal volunteered to grab Rapunzel’s ring
Max nodded before whinnying that he’d grab Eugene’s
Ruddigar chittered to the horse, wondering where the rings had gone
Pascal squeaked before pointing towards the dining area outside, all perfect and ready for the kingdom wide reception party
Max pointed his nose towards the market place, where all the stalls had been set up with wedding themes
The raccoon nodded before he looked up at Olivia
The mouse smiled before she hopped off the raccoon’s head and sat next to Pascal
Ruddigar smiled before he hopped onto Max’s back, the teams had been made
Hamuel squawked again, grabbing the animal’s attention as he watched the rings rolling down very dangerous avenues
The animals agreed to meet back at the castle once they each had their chosen ring before the teams split off, Pascal and Olivia going after Rapunzel’s ring, while Max and Ruddigar ran after Eugene’s
****
Pascal and Olivia ran together, they found the ring bouncing from table to table, Pascal jumping onto the tables and following it while Olivia ran beneath them just in case the ring dropped to the ground
Fortunately Rapunzel’s ring had plopped into some red punch. Pascal plopped in after it, causing a metal spoon to fall and getting the attention of one of the workers, a small female with black hair
Olivia let out a worried squeak, hopping onto the table as the female worker picked up the metal spoon. The mouse squeaked at Pascal, worried that he’d drowned!
The chameleon, thankfully, popped his head out of the punch, having changed to the same red color, Rapunzel’s ring in his mouth
Olivia smiled at him and was just about to celebrate, when the female worker placed the spoon back onto the table and saw the two tiny creatures. She stared at them in stunned silence, Pascal giving her a smile as Olivia squeaked out a greeting, “AH! MOUSE!” The female worker screamed before jumping back
Olivia quirked a brow, annoyed at the reaction she’d received, but it was short lived as the female worked had, accidentally, knocked a few glass cups done behind the animals, causing the duo to scatter away onto another table!
A large, male, worker, who was holding candles for the table’s centerpieces, saw them and freaked out as well, “D-D-D-DAHH! MOUSE!”
Olivia huffed, her ears lacing back in annoyance as she ran beside pascal. They hopped onto another table, only for another male worker, who seemed to be the boss, to brandish a *huge* chef’s knife and slice down at the duo, *narrowly* missing them and cutting into the table!
Pascal bumped into Olivia when she’d avoided the knife, spitting out Rapunzel’s ring
The mouse let out a squeak before she and Pascal hopped onto another table, this one had an ice sculpture of Shorty for some reason. The ring rolled toward the ice sculpture, Pascal opened his mouth
Olivia tried to stop him, but she wasn’t fast enough as the chameleon’s tongue launched out of his mouth, going through the ring’s hole, and latching onto the ice sculpture
The chameleon tried to move his tongue, but it was stuck, Olivia facepawing in frustration
****
Max, with Ruddigar on his back, *raced* through the marketplace! The raccoon spotted the ring, using his paws as binoculars and showing Max, who let out a happy neigh before he ran faster towards it!
They were a stones throw away from the ring now! Both animals had their sights set on it, before the raccoon spotted various dress and make up stands in front of the raging horse! He let out a few chittered, trying to get Max to slow down, but the horse was too focused on his goal that he ran straight through the dress, shoes, make up, and hat stands! Ruddigar screeched loudly, causing Max to finally skid to a halt!
The duo were both dressed in pink, make up was perfect, dress shoes were sublime, as marching pink, floral, sun hats sat atop their heads, Max brayed, slightly embarrassed as Ruddigar facepawed, before they both heard a small whinny beside them
Max looked and saw another male horse, smiling at him, giving him the elevators eyes as he stepped closer
Ruddigar quirked a brow as he looked at Max
They shared the same notion as the white stallion punched the male horse in the snoot! Making him fall backwards, knocked out
Ruddigar nodded, giving a small huff before flipping his cheek fluff at the offensive horse, that’s when he noticed Eugene’s ring had stopped rolling and was sitting underneath a stall! He chittered and pointed to it
Max gave a relieved whinny before he ran to it and bent down, trying to use his lips to grab it!
The raccoon blinked before he rolled his eyes, hopped off the horse, went under the stall, and picked up the ring, looking at Max with a bored stare
The horse froze mid fish face when he saw the raccoon, blushed, and backed away from the stall, Ruddigar crawling out from underneath it and smirking before he hopped onto the horse’s back, chittering that the adrenaline gets to all of us
Max let out a sigh of relief, taking a sit on a wooden wheelbarrow
****
Pascal tried to dislodge his tongue from the ice that trapped it, but it was no use!
Olivia looked around before spotting some hot soup. She smiled before hopping over, using a spoon to scoop some out of the pot, blew on it, then hopped back over to Pascal
The chameleon smiled and sat down, waiting for the mouse to pour the soup on his tongue
Olivia walked over, spoon in paw, and allowed the soup to drizzle from the spoon and onto Pascal’s tongue and the ice that trapped it. The ice melted a little, Pascal’s tongue wasn’t completely free, but the noise squeaked that one good pull should do the trick!
She dropped the spoon and wrapped her paws around Pascal’s middle as the chameleon stood on his two hind legs, his front two claws gripping onto his tongue!
Together, they pulled! The tongue came free, but sent them tumbling off the table. They landed on a waiter’s shoe, right as he was walking by, tripping him
He caught himself on the table the help the ice sculpture, but he’d sent the sculpture flying when he did!
Pascal and Olivia watched the sculpture flying, it nearly hitting Hamuel, who’d managed to dodge it, before the mouse noticed Rapunzel’s ring rolling away! She let out and urgently squeak, pointing the ring out to Pascal!
The chameleon squeaked as well before they both ran after it!
****
Ruddigar and Max smiled at the ring in the raccoon’s paw and were just about to make their way back towards the castle when an ice sculpture of Shorty slammed down on the opposite side of the wooden wheelbarrow! Causing both Ruddigar and Max to fly into the air!
The ring escaped Ruddigar’s grasp as the duo began to scream! They flew past the window of the throne room, the raccoon stopping when he noticed the wedding was still going on. He ended up locking eyes with a *very* startled alchemist, who stared at them in shock as he watched his raccoon and Max fly away
“Varian?” A voice said, getting the teen to look and see Eugene looking at him, “you okay kiddo?”
The alchemist blinked before be blushed profusely, forcing a smile on his face, “yup!” He squeaked, “j-just emotional, d-don’t mind me”
The bride and groom blinked before they shrugged and the wedding continued
Max was still screaming, until he stopped when the wedding caravan, made for the bride and groom to ride through the kingdom, had just caught the duo! Ruddigar chittered about his boy and how they needed to hurry! Max nodded before seeing the Eugene’s ring rolling away! The white stallion forced the wheels of the caravan to move, noting that he’d need to apologize to Eugene later as they went after the ring!
****
Pascal and Olivia rushed after Rapunzel’s ring, both of them were out of breath and tired, but determined to grab the ring! The only issue, is that the ring decided to latch onto the hook of a poor little girl’s lantern! The lantern flew away, leaving the girl sad
Pascal and Olivia watched the lantern slowly float away. They ran after it, well, Pascal did, Olivia stopped and found a lantern stall, she grabbed a lantern and gave it to the little girl, who smiled, “thank you!” She said
Olivia nodded before she went to run off after the lantern again, but she suddenly stopped. She looked at the stall selling lanterns, and got a marvelous idea!
****
Pascal ran after the lantern as fast as he could, turning the corner and freezing at what he saw, tons of lanterns were caught in a net, waiting to be released!
He let out an exasperated sigh before he hopped onto them and began to search!
****
Max and Ruddigar rode the wedding caravan faster and faster! The raccoon hopping onto the horses’s head as Max leaned down towards the ground
They were riding right next to the ring, the raccoon went to grab it a few times before he *finally* managed to snag it! Chittering triumphantly as he held the ring up!
Max raised his head, whinnying with joy, that is, until he heard someone yell, “FRYING PANS! GET YOUR FRYING PANS HERE!!!!!”
The duo looked and saw a bunch of stalls, people holding up painted frying pans happily, they were all decorated with Eugene and Rapunzel on them!
The horse and Raccoon tried to duck out of the way, but ended up being too slow, the velocity of the wedding caravan made them clang their heads against each frying pan they ran across, the sound echoing throughout the kingdom
A dove tamer, who had been standing nearby, jumped for joy, “there’s the signal! Release the doves!” He exclaimed, he and his fellow tamers released the doves happily
A little further down the street, the lantern vendor grinned, “there’s the doves! Release the lanterns!”
****
Pascal continued to search through the lanterns, before he finally spotted the ring hooked onto one of the lanterns! He squeaked with joy before he hopped over and grabbed the ring!
He held it out happily as he clung to the lantern before he felt wind rushing around him. Be looked down and saw he was *hundreds* of feet in the air! He let out a startled squeak as he clutched the ring close to himself
He felt his grip slipping, the hook being rather slippery, he tried to hold on tight, but ended up losing his grip! Falling towards the ground! He kept the ring close to him, closing his eyes and hoping he landed in water or something, before his tail was caught, he opened his eyes and looked at his tail, and was met with a happy Olivia face
Olivia squeaked, filled with relief as she pulled Pascal up and onto the lantern she was currently standing on!
The chameleon hugged her before showing her the ring! She grinned happily, celebrating, before doves flew around them, knocking the lantern they were on around! They managed to grab each other and keep the other safe, but Pascal had lost his grip on Rapunzel’s ring!
He and Olivia looked around, and saw it’d flown from the chameleon’s grip, clanged against a metal hook, which was holding up barrels of wine, had managed to be sling shotted into a wedding banner, and had ended up in a dove’s claws that was currently flying away
If that wasn’t bad enough, the lantern they were on had gotten a severe amount of holes in it from the doves, and slowly floated down to the ground, landing without a sound a the duo stared up at the dove in shock
****
Ruddigar and Max had been knocked out by the frying pans to the face. But they managed to wake up a few moments later, Ruddigar still holding onto the ring, thankfully
Max smiled up at the raccoon, before he looked forwards and gasped when he saw the wedding caravan heading straight towards a stone fence! He and Ruddigar braced themselves before the caravan hit the wall and sent them flying, once again, into the air!
They soared through the sky, managing to catch sight of Pascal hanging from a lantern, seemingly unaware of their presence before they fell! Ruddigar screeching and clinging to Max as the horse landed on a gigantic golden banner with Eugene and Rapunzel on it!
The banner ripped as Ruddigar and Max slid down it! Funnily enough, fixing Eugene’s nose, as it had been made too long again!
The horse and raccoon landed on a soft roof from a stall, bounced off, and landed on the ground. Max huffed before he looked up at Ruddigar. The raccoon, having g the wind knocked out of him, managed to catch his breath before showing he still had Eugene’s ring in his paw!
Max smiled before they heard a loud crashing sound. Turning to look behind them, their eyes widened in shock when they saw a purple wine tidal wave *rushing* towards them!
The duo stared at it before Max stood up and, with Ruddigar clinging to his head, high tailed it out of there!
Ruddigar screeching a little, getting Max to duck, avoiding him hitting a barrel headed their way until the raccoon spotted Pascal and Olivia sitting on the ground, staring up at the sky with shocked faces. The raccoon pointed them out to Max, who nodded before scooping the pair up and continuing to run!
Ruddigar showed the chameleon and mouse Eugene’s ring, getting the sad news that Rapunzel’s ring was in the claws of a dove, the raccoon patted Pascal’s back sadly before Olivia let out a loud, urgent, squeak, getting the animals to look at her and see another stone wall! A cliff right behind it!
Max’s eyes widened, but he couldn’t stop with the purple wine tidal wave behind him. That’s when Pascal pointed out a dove above them! It was the same dove that held Rapunzel’s ring!
This gave Max an idea as he spotted a small, purple flagged banner! He took a few deep breaths, whinnied for the small animals to hold on tight, which they did, and hopped into the air! Using his teeth to grab the banner and swing himself, Ruddigar, Olivia, and Pascal into the air before the banner broke, sending them flying for the umpteenth time that day!
Pascal was prepared this time however! He got Ruddigar and Olivia to pick him up, and launch him at the dove holding Rapunzel’s ring! The chameleon used his tiny claws to try and grab it, but the dove flew a little higher, and he whiffed!
Pascal began flying towards the ground, no ring in claw, he tried to use his tongue to grab it, but was too far away! The animals were falling faster and faster towards the ground, before they all saw something lack shoot towards the dove!
The white bird chirping wildly before flying away, their claw bearing no ring. Instead, a loud ‘CAW’ was heard instead! The animal’s looked and saw Hamuel smiling at them, Rapunzel’s ring gripped tightly in his claws!
Pascal, Max, Ruddigar, and Olivia cheered as the old crow followed their descent to the ground, the crow squawking that they’d be landing in a liquid factory, and would be safe
Max quirked a brow at that as Ruddigar chittered out the question they were all wondering, what liquid factory was the old crow talking about?
That’s when they crashed through a roof and landed inside soft, sticky, hot, tar!
Ruddigar’s paw, holding Eugene’s ring, was the only thing that stuck out from the tar as Hamuel landed nearby, him squawking that this was the liquid factory he’d been talking about!
****
“Do you, Rapunzel, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or for poor, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do you part?” The pastor asked, “boring as well that there be no more grammar mistakes pointed out during this wedding”, he added, looking pointedly at a very nervous alchemist, who blushed again
Rapunzel smiled lovingly at Varian, “I do! And I also understand the grammar mistakes pointed out because someone wants this wedding to be perfect”, she said, getting Eugene to smile, “as do I”
“Me too”, Eugene replied
The alchemist was grateful for the bride and groom’s understanding, but his nerves were basically shot as he realized what came next and who wasn’t here for it! That is, until he saw movement beside him, relief washing over him when he heard a familiar chitter and noticed his father had slipped back to his seat, though the strange look on the man’s face made him nervous again
“Very well, may to two of you have love, joy, happiness, and everlasting peace, may I have the rings?” The pastor asked, before turning towards the ring bearers and staring, his eyes wide with shock
Raounzel and Eugene looked confused before they turned towards the ring bearers as well, and Raounzel gasped at what she saw!
Pascal, Max, Ruddigar, and Olivia were covered head to hoof and paw in black tar! Max and Ruddigar were wearing, what looked like, pink dresses, white shoes, make up, and pink hats! All of them were smiling incredibly wide
Max waddled towards, the tar making it hard for him to do anything else, as he presented the rings, which were in pristine condition, to the couple!
Hamuel ‘CAW’d triumphantly as he flew over, he was the only animal that wasn’t covered in a speck of tar as he landed on Edmund’s shoulder
Eugene shuffled over and, anxiously, took the rings from the animals before backing up, blinking at them as Raounzel stared, slack jawed, at the animals
Eugene quickly placed the princess’s ring on her ring finger, Rapunzel doing the same for Eugene, his ring, and his ring finger, both of their eyes never leaving the animals as they continued to stare at them in shock
Varian blinked at the state the creatures were in, frozen stiff, Arianna, Hugo, Lance, Edmund, Quirin, Angry, Catalina, Hector, Adira, and everyone else in the throne room all sharing the same look, until the pastor broke the silence with a clearing of nod throat
“*Ahem* uh, um, I-eheh, I now pronounce you, husband and wife”, he stated, calming the entire room as Eugene and Rapunzel’s finally tore their eyes away from the animals and smiled at each other, “you may kiss”
The princess did an excited little bounce before she grabbed Eugene’s cheeks, pulled him forwards a little, and kiddies his lips! Startling him before he smiled and returned the kiss!
Everyone cheered for the new couple, throwing flower petals into the air, as Max, Pascal, Ruddigar, and Olivia let out a sigh of relief. The horse backing up and sitting on his haunches happily, unfortunately, he’d bumped the wedding cake, which was on a wheeled cart, a little, and made it wheel away, taking the cake with it
The animals stared at it for a moment before they heard Eugene say, “so! Who wants a piece of cake?” To the entire wedding crowd!
The animals stared at the man in disbelief, Eugene and Rapunzel grinned before they noticed the cake was gone, and the animal’s faces, “what…. Happened to the cake?” The princess asked
The animals began to sweat, until a voice calmed them instantly, “it’s right here”, then turned and saw Quirin wheeling the cake back to them, “little stinker started to wheel away, so Beetlejuice and I managed to grab it before it went far”
“Who puts a cake on wheels anyway?” Beetlejuice asked as he floated above the retired knight, “that just seems like a disaster waiting to happen”
“No kidding”, Quirin replied with a chuckle
“Thanks you two”, Rapunzel replied with a smile before she stopped, feeling something odd on her ring, she looked down and noticed a small, white, dove feather on it, it had a small amount of tar on it, neither one was noticeable to anyone looking from afar. The princess quirked a brow, plucking off the feather and tar before she looked at Max, Ruddigar, Pascal, and Olivia, who were covered in tar, and had little dove feathers on them. She saw Varian walked over and compliment and praise them on a job well done m
The realization hit her instantly and she smiled before she walked over to them, “thank you”, she said as Eugene directed Lance and his dad on where to move the cake so it didn’t roll away again
Varian looked at her, “huh?”
“Thank you! All of you, Ruddigar, Max, Pascal, and Olivia, thank you for getting the rings back, and Varian, thanks for stalling until they did”
“Whaaaat?” Varian asked with a chuckle, “I-uh-um-I-I have no idea what you’re talking a-about ehehe”
The princess giggled before she kissed the teen on the cheek, making him blush, “well, if you did, know that that’s what the kiss was for, and that your secret’s safe with me”, she said before walking away
Varian blinked as he placed a hand on his cheek, “cheating on me are we Freckles?” A voice asked
The alchemist chuckled before he looked at Hugo, “definitely not, be kinda bad if we were during one of our wedding days, doncha think?”
“Mmm, yeah, but then again, you’re hard to resist”, the blond stated, getting the alchemist to giggle before the inventor noticed Olivia, “what the hell happened to you?”
The mouse squeaked out an explanation
Hugo’s eyes widened, “holy shit! Well no *wonder* Freckles kept stalling the wedding, damn!”
“Much to my embarrassment, might I add”, Varian stated
Hugo snickered, “it was cute to be fair, though I kinda figured something was up when Quirin and Edmund started to agree”
“Eheheh….”
“Meh, it’s fine”, the blond said as he wrapped his arm around his fiancé’s shoulders, “at least everything’s good now, right?”
“Right!”
“WHAT THE HELL?!” A voice uelled, getting everyone to run over and look where they were looking! The person who’d yelled was a dignitary, they’d gone to the balcony to get some fresh air, only to see the devastation outside! Doves flying everywhere, lanterns already released, a literal purple wine flood was causing chaos in the upper parts of the kingdom, the wedding caravan was broken, the dining area for the reception was a mess, and to top it all off, the tar factory had a hole in the roof!
Ruddigar, Olivia, Max, and Pascal blinked at the mess they’d caused as Arianna, Rapunzel, Edmund, Eugene, Varian, Hugo, Quirin, Catalina, Angry, Lance, Adira, Hector, and everyone else at the wedding stared at the chaos before the princess looked at the animals before looking back at the chaos
Beetlejuice laughed! He couldn’t help himself, it was just too funny to him! “Oh my fucking hell!!! What a riot! Heh heh!” He grinned, “here, second wedding present”, he snapped his fingers, and suddenly everything was cleaned up, the flood was gone, the doves and lanterns were back in their places, everyone was safe and clean, including Ruddigar, Max, Pascal, and Olivia, though Max and Ruddigar were still wearing their dresses, shoes, make up, and hats, the wedding caravan was fixed and back in its proper place, and the tar factory’s roof no longer had a hole in it, “all fixed”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, “thank you Beetlejuice!” Rapunzel exclaimed happily before she walked over and kissed his cheek as well
The demon blushed, “heh heh, h-happy to help”
Everyone cheered as the wedding continued without a hitch, Varian and Hugo checking over Olivia and Ruddigar as the group was filled in on what’d just happened. The animals getting praised and Ruddigar and Max getting compliments on their outfits, to which the pair didn’t mind, as all of them, Pascal and Olivia included, felt a wave of relief hit them! Happy that this event was finally over!
“Heh, now you four have to do it all over again at mine and Freckles’s wedding!” Hugo teased
The animals looked at the teen before collapsing in a tired pile, getting the group to laugh as the reception began and everyone celebrated Raounzel and Eugene’s marriage together!
Notes:
Hello! :D
This was so much fun fun to write! Holy crap! The slapstick in this short was so funny, adding Ruddigar, Olivia, Quirin, and Varian to it just made things better for me! This was a blast and a half and I hope it makes you all laugh too!
Thank you for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 572: Violation!
Summary:
The reception is going really well, until something happens to Varian!
Notes:
More notes at the end! 🎶❤️😊
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo smiled as he watched everyone in the reception having fun. He laughed when he saw Lance being toyed with by Angry and Catalina before Adira came to his rescue. Holding his cup in his hand,l the inventor let out a tiny sigh. The alcohol had made him slightly tipsy, but he handled it well, having a full belly helped with that
The calming evening air hitting his cheek made his smile widen as he took another sip, finishing the cup and declaring he was done drinking for the night. He threw the cup away as he looked up at the stars, grateful that Rapunzel and Eugene’s reception had been half outside and half inside. He hummed to himself, closing his eyes as his mind drifted to the cutting of the wedding cake, the sounds of glee when the happy couple began the reception, the dance he’d shared with his fiancé, who was currently grabbing them some water, and now the calm silence of the evening as the reception began to die down a bit. Most of the children had gone home with their parents for the night, the only few remaining were Catalina, Angry, and a few of the capital preteens. “Lovely night out, isn’t it?” A voice caught the blond’s attention
Hugo looked over and saw a red headed dignitary, he recognized her from Nedzernia, “yup, the sky’s very nice”, he replied, not wanting to be rude
She smiled at him, “whatcha doing out here all by yourself?”
“Hmm, taking a moment away from it all, what about you?”
“Same, sometimes you just need a little relaxation after a big party like this”
“Agreed”
The duo stayed quiet for a moment, the blond completely fine with the silence between them, before he felt her scoot closer to him, he looked at her, “um…. Hi?”
“Hee hee, sorry, it’s just…. It’s rather cold”, she replied, blushing a little
Hugo quirked a brow, “um, oki, sorry you have a jacket?”
“Nope”, she replied, giving him a smile
He blinked before his tipsy mind finally caught up with him, and he realized what she was doing, “oh! Um…. Eheh, s-sorry if I’m reading this the wrong way here, but uh, I’m taken”, he said, “happily I might add, a-and while I feel bad that you’re cold, I uh…. Don’t think it’s appropriate to hand over my jacket since… well….” He didn’t finished that, hoping she’d understand
“You’re taken hm?” She asked, still smiling at him
“That’s correct!” He replied, scooting away from her a little bit
“Then, why isn’t your other half here next to you?” She asked, sliding closer to him, “seems a shame to leave such a handsome boy all alone, don’t you think?”
“U-um…..” he felt himself growing flustered, cursing himself mentally as his mind wasn’t at peak performance to help him get out of this his usual way, “I-u-uh-!”
“Excuse me”, a familiar voice said, getting both to look and see Nuru and Young standing behind them, “there something wrong?” The Star Princess asked with a quirked brow
Surprisingly, the Nedzerdnian rolled her eyes and signed, “nothing’s wrong Nuru, I’m just…. Making friends, right?” She said, looking at Hugo with a stare the clearly would’ve woo’d any other boy
“Um…. No, you were trying to flirt, and I already s-said I’m taken, happily”, Hugo replied, a little amused by her shocked expression
“Huh? That usually…. Wait… what’s your name?” The dignitary asked
“Hugo”, he replied
“Hugo?! Ugh! From Ingvarr right? Damn it, I was hitting on you?!”
The blond blinked as Nuru wrinkled her nose in disgust, “scuse you? I’ll have you know that he’s a great catch!” She stated
“Yeah! And you’re just upset that you didn’t get him first!” Young added
Hugo didn’t know how he felt about that, flattered seemed like the best word, but he couldn’t think of that at the moment. The Nedzerdnian dignitary sighed, “geez…. I’m not trying to flirt with *Hugo*, and *obviously* he’s a good catch, he’s rated in the top ten of the hottest boys in the 7 kingdoms”, she stated, “but I didn’t realize he was *him*! I thought he was number 3, who’s *also* a blond, lanky, boy with green eyes, he also happens to be single”
“If you were looking for the other blond boy, why didn’t you take the hint when Hugo told you he was taken?” Nuru asked
“I thought he was playing hard to get, people do that”
“Um…. No they don’t”, Young stated
“You’re a kid, you don’t know”, the dignitary said before looking at Hugo, “sorry, I really didn’t think you were…. You, not that there’s anything wrong with you being you, just…. I don’t go after men with fiancé’s…. That being said, ya may wanna find your other half, I think my friend may be trying to flirt with him too”
Hugo blinked before the realization hit him once again, “Varian!” He stood up straight, “thanks for the warning”, he looked at Nuru and Young, “thank you for the assist! Can you two help me find Freckles?”
“Absolutely, come on!” Nuru stated before they all three ran away from the dignitary
They searched high and low for Varian, even asking Lance if he’d seen him, he hadn’t and helped the search, Quirin, Edmund, Adira, and Hector joined the search, until finally, “over here!” Young exclaimed, getting Hugo and Nuru to come running, everyone else was out of ear shot, “I saw Varian run this way”
“Run?” Hugo asked
“Yeah, I couldn’t see his face, but he seemed in a hurry”
“Shit….” They ran after him, Nuru and Hugo catching a peak of the alchemist right as he managed to run inside his lab. They walked over and Hugo heard Varian’s panicked breaths on the other side of the door, “Freckles?” He called, and we met with silence for a few seconds before the door swung open and Varian clung to Hugo
“HUGO!” He exclaimed, his arms wrapped around the inventor tightly before he buried his face in the blond’s chest
“Hey! Hey, easy love, it’s okay”, Hugo replied gently as he hugged Varian back
“I-I’m sorry…. I’m s-so sorry!”
“Huh? Sorry? For what? Are you alright?”
The alchemist sniffled before he pulled away, eyes filled with tears, he was slightly tipsy himself, but aware enough to speak coherently, “I-I….. I d-didn’t want t-to… they… s-she-!”
“Woah, easy freckles, it’s okay, tell me what happened”, Hugo stared calmly
The alchemist took a few deep breaths before he finally collected himself, and blushed, “I…. I-I was getting us some w-water…. W-when this girl c-came up to me and s-started talking…. A-she pulled me away from the water bowl and, I-I hadn’t realized it at the time, b-but she was flirting…. I told h-her I was taken, a-and she didn’t believe me! I-I tried to explain that I really *was* taken, happily! B-but she kept pushing u-until she…. S-she….” He covered his face with his hands and sniffled
“She… what? What did she do?” Hugo asked, his heart racing as Nuru and Young listened anxiously
“S-she *kissed£ me!” He exclaimed, “I-I pulled away w-when she did, b-but she kissed me! On m-my lips! I p-pusher ber away, and s-she got m-mad and stormed off, b-but Hugo I… I-I’m sorry! I didn’t w-want to! S-she she did it before I-I could react a-and-and-and-!”
“It’s okay”, Hugo said softly, placing a gentle hand on his fiancé’s face and giving him a sad smile, “it’s okay, I know you didn’t do it, I know, I know….” He hugged Varian close to his chest, “her friend tried to flirt with me, I was only able to stop her from doing anything worse because Nuru and Young happened to step in….”
“I’m so s-sorry….” Varian said through a sob as he clung to Hugo
“It’s okay, you didn’t do anything wrong, you didn’t…..” The blond replied, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there…. I’m so sorry I left you alone like that…. I should’ve stuck next to you….”
“She s-shouldn’t have k-kissed me…..” Varian said sadly
“She shouldn’t have…. It’s not your fault love, I believe you”
“I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry…..”
Hugo held Varian close to his chest as the alchemist continued to sob before he heard footsteps, “Varian”, Quirin exclaimed as he ran over
“Daaaaaad!” Varian cried, Hugo smiled and helped his lover go to the retired knight, who wrapped his arms around him protectively
“Hey, it’s alright, it’s okay”, Quirin comforted before he looked at Hugo, “what happened?”
The blond sighed as Adira, Hector, Edmund, and Lance joined the conversation, “a girl began to flirt with Varian while he was getting some water, I was outside at the time, her friend began to flirt with me…. Freckles is a little tipsy, the girl began to flirt and led him away from the water bowl, he told her he was happily in a relationship, but she didn’t believe him and kissed his lips….. he pushed her off of him in a panic, she got mad and left, but he feels awful…..”
The group gasped, “oh Varian….” Quirin said softly as he hugged his son closer
“I should’ve been there…. Her friend tried to flirt with me too…. I was saved by Nuru and Young…. I’m sorry…..”
“It’s not your fault Hugo, and Bubby, it isn’t yours either”, the retired knight stated fentl
Varian sniffled, “I’m sorry….. I f-feel dirty….”
“Unfortunately, after someone violates your personal space the way she did, dirty is the only feeling you’ll get…. Regardless of who’s to blame….” Adira stated sadly as Edmund set a gentle hand on her shoulder
“Who was she?” Hector asked, though he was surprisingly calm
“Hector, no blood please”, Quirin stated
“I’m just gonna talk to her”
“Hector”
“I’m just gonna talk to her”
“Hector!”
“I’m just gonna talk to her”
“Hector!!”
“I’m just gonna kill to her”
“Ugh…..”
Adida snickered at that before Lance spoke up, looking at Hugo, “are you alright?” He asked, “Varian ain’t at fault, but that’s still gotta be hard to hear….”
“I…. Ugh, I feel really fucking guilty, I should’ve been there….” Hugo responded
“Hugo didn’t you say another girl was flirting with you?” Quirin asked
“I still should’ve gone with Varian….”
“Butter nut, this isn’t your fault, the one to blame is the girl who violated the peanut’s space and kissed him without consent”
“She wouldn’t have even approached him had I been there though….”
“Not true Hugo”, Lance stated, “most people understand that you two are a couple, but a lot of folks wouldn’t recognize you two outside of Corona, unless they personally know you”, the therapist stated, “so even if you’d been there, she probably still would’ve approached, and you’re tipsy too if I’m not mistaken”
“You’re right…. But still”
“Still nothing”, Edmund stated, “no one makes the best decisions when they’re tipsy, even a little, you and Varian are aware enough to speak coherently, but your probably gonna have a hard time really thinking much which in this state, even so, you both were responsible enough to stop when you realized you were getting tipsy, and both of you told the girls that you were taken”
“Happily”, Hector added
“Right, so neither of you are at fault here, it is solely because that girl decided to violate Varian’s lips without his consent, and it’s an awful thing to happen, a very awful thing…. I know Hector wants to harm her, and none of us are okay with him doing that”
“Killjoys, the lot of ya”, the wild tamer stated, Adira smirking
“Are we sure he can’t, at the very least, scare this girl?” The face painted warrior asked
“Children”, Edmund stated, getting them to shrug as he sighed, “anyway, she won’t be harmed, but I think it’d been a good idea to find out the name of this girl, or at least, what she looks like, that way we can have a chat with her and possibly her parents as well, I certainly hope she’s the same age as you two”
“She s-seemed like s-she was….” Varian responded softly
Nuru looked at the alchemist, “Varian, you and Hugo’s family is right, this wasn’t your fault at all”
“Yeah! She should’ve known not to kiss you! You told her you were taken!” Young agreed
“Happily”, Quirin added with a smile
“Yeah! That should’ve been enough for her to back off”
“The girl who flirted with me didn’t catch the hint either when I said I was happily taken”, Hugo stated, “she said she thought I was playing hard to get”
“Ugh”, Adira said, getting a disgusted look on her face
“So we have two parents we need to speak to”, Quirin stated, he noticed the two teens still looked very guilty, so he kneeled to their level and smiled, speaking gently to them, “look, this…. Unfortunately can happen sometimes…. People get a little too much drink in them and make very bad decisions…. Now the two of you can sit there and think of all the ways this could’ve been done better, and by all means, maybe there was a smarter way to go about this, however, that’s not the point at the moment. Had either of you two allowed yourselves to be sloppy drunk, alone the entire night, kissing people left and right, then yeah, that would’ve been a big problem. But you didn’t do that, you paced yourselves, got slightly tipsy and stopped, and stayed together for most of the night, the only time you split up was when Varian went to get you both some water. I saw you both take precautions during this reception, and you both stated you taken…. Happily”, the duo smiled as they held the other’s hand, “you both did what you were supposed to in this situation, sometimes bad things just happen, but it doesn’t make it your faults. Hugo, did you tell Varian to get the water himself?”
“No, we agreed together and he offered to grab it because I was a little dizzy from dancing”, the blond replied
“Okay, and Varian, did you flirt back with this girl, lead her on at all?”
“No, I told her, when I realized what she was doing, that I was happily taken and pushed her away when she kissed me”, Varian replied
“Then this is not either of your faults, this is a bad situation, but your actions did not spur it on. So try not to feel so guilty please, it truly was an accident made by a person with no respect for others, that’s all this adds up to. Right now, you two should talk this out and try to enjoy the rest of the reception, okay?”
They both nodded before Varian looked at Hugo, he went to speak before his mouth shut and his lips quivered, “I don’t think any less of you Freckles”, Hugo stated, wiping some tears away from Varian’s face, “she did this to you, you did nothing wrong”
“….d-do you think of me badly?” He asked, his voice quivering, “m-maybe that sounds so s-stupid, but I feel like…. L-like a….”
Hugo blinked before he realized wha this locker meant, “no! Nonono, you’re definitely not like that! Not at all! This…. This was not your fault, and I will never think that way about you”
Varian nodded, “are…. W-we gonna be okay?”
“That depends, did you like the kiss?” Hugo joked with a chuckle
Varian giggled, blushing a little, “nu, not at all, you kiss me way better than her…. Though…. I could use a reminder”
Hugo grinned before he kissed Varian’s lips lovingly, the alchemist retuned the kiss as Nuru blocked Young’s eyes, “hey!” The boy exclaimed grumpily before pouting
The duo broke off and smiled at each other lovingly, “how was that?”
“100 out of 10”, Varian replied with a smile before they hugged each other happily
The group smiled before the two scientists fixed themselves back up and they all returned to the reception. Quirin and Edmund had a long chat with the two girl’s parents, both of them were taken away from the reception and would be given proper punishment for their actions later. The night went on as usual, both scientists enjoying themselves until the bouquet toss!
Everyone was ready as Rapunzel blindly threw her bouquet into the crowd, surprisingly, Varian caught it! Hugo grinned from ear to ear as the duo shared another, passionate, kiss while the crowd cheered, Eugene and Rapunzel smiling happily as they did! The night lasted for a long time, finally winding down around 3AM, the two scientists were tuckered out, ending up in bed together that night, not even having the will to change as they clung to each other, the bouquet Varian had caught was safely placed in a vase by Quirin before he tucked the duo in with a smile
Notes:
Hello! 🎶❤️😊
So, I can’t tell you all enough that being violated, in any way shape or form, is not okay, especially when you set a clear boundary, and they just do not care. If this ever happens to you, it is NOT YOUR FAULT! The person who decided your boundaries did not exist the one at fault here! If you truly did everything in your power to say no, then you are not at fault in this situation, and you should not feel bad.
I know it’s not as easy as all that, but please know that it isn’t your fault, and if this ever happens to you, Heaven forbid, please tell someone and seek some help, you are wonderful and nobody should take advantage of you like this, not at all
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 573: It All Started with the Knight!
Summary:
This tale is reaching its end soon!
Notes:
More notes at the end! 🎶❤️😊
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Did you know the stars are lonely?
They twinkle in the night sky, keeping everyone below them happy and content, but they hold the saddest truth of all. They’re alone….
Stars are billions of miles away from each other, the only thing keeping them company is the occasional comet, but even then, they zip by, the fleeting moment of warmth given to the star they pass by is but a second to short….
Some stars cannot take their lonely immortality, so they’re fall to the Earth, hoping some lost human sees them and makes a wish.
It is a grave gamble however, for if they are not seen, they fall and fall, never stopping, their tears of stardust being the last thing anyone ever sees….
Human wishes are strong, stronger than anyone will ever know. Many humans don’t believe in wishes, that disbelief makes their wishes less likely to come true.
However, there are some that truly do believe in the wishes stars grant. And so they wish, and wish, on every shooting star they see, hoping to help those poor stars from a horrid fate….
One such human is a man, who was just as lonely as the stars he saved. A brave knight from a kingdom long past. His home had been destroyed, and he found himself wandering the world.
He found a home in another kingdom, one that was as bright as the Sun! He found a lover in that kingdom, she quelled his broken heart, mending it with her love for him, and thus, the two married each other, and lived happily together!
Until one day…. One very frightening day…. The knight’s lover had found she’d gotten pregnant, how happy they were, dancing and celebrating! But when the time came for the child to be born….. She’d gotten very ill, and the baby, well…. they were still…. And quiet….
The knight wept, his tears never stopped as the doctor gave him the news…. He stared out the window, and up at the Moon. She shined brightly upon him, being grateful for his kindness in saving her stars.
He begged her, prayed to her, to save his child. Hoping his prayer might be answered if he gave everything he had!
The Moon smiled upon him, and sent a star his way, the star fell, it was the brightest star the Moon had ever seen, bright blue, and sparkling with curiosity! The man saw it fall, and made his wish
Suddenly, the silent home of the happy couple was filled with cries from a newborn! The knight ran in his lover’s room, and she smiled at him, as she held their bright, beautiful, blue eyed baby boy!
The knight rejoiced! Celebrating with his lover with a newly found energy! He held his baby in his arms and, seeing the child’s bright blue eyes, he smiled up at the Moon, and thanked her
Three years went by, the child had grown into a small toddler, the knight’s lover had left to go on a grand adventure! And had never returned….
The tragedy brought sadness to the home. Not even the child’s bright light could bring the knight’s happiness back…. They were stuck in eternal darkness….
The boy looked out at the Moon that night. His heart filled with sadness and depression. That was when he saw it, a falling star!
This star was golden like the Sun, specks of emerald green sparked throughout its glow! They shined just as bright as he did the day he’d fallen from the sky! The boy felt a connection to this tiny star, and he close his eyes, and made his very first wish.
He longed for a friend, one to make him and his father happy once again! But he wished for the star to bless someone less fortunate than them. Someone who also needs a friend.
The star searched the world, until the h found a small orphaned boy, his mother gone, his father had given him away. He worked tirelessly for a Duke and duchess that did not care about him….
The star chose him, and fell into him that night as he slept! The boy was given dreams of the knight’s child, the one he must meet one day. The boy smiled at the dream, accepting it, and thus, their destinies were entertained!
It took years and years for their destinies to finally be complete, years and years for the two children to find each other again. But when they did, the knight’s home became so much happier!
Now they live together, finally free from their sadness and despair! Neither child remembered being a star, neither child cared either. They were made for each other, and that was enough for them!
The knight, however, knew. He knew the Moon had given him his son, and he had a feeling the stars had granted his son a friend. Though he never spoke of any of this to them.
The knight wanted his son to be happy, he hadn’t realized the Moon had granted his son anything more than life, but he accepted it all the same. When the other child found his boy, he smiled peacefully, knowing they would be happy together
‘The truth was not needed’, thought the knight, ‘they’ve never needed to know. The stars wanted to live, and live they shall. I’ll protect them from harm, for as long as I can, so long as they stay with me, I will keep them safe’
His vow was sealed by the flames in his heart, the two boys lived together, smiling and laughing, one day, they became more to each other. The knight smiled happily as he watched over them. Trials had made them grow stronger, and their love had kept them alive
The knight’s child had made one more wish to the Moon, he wished for a child of his very own one day. The Moon would grant it when the time came, she promised him she would, and she kept her word
The two were still young, but they stuck together, and thus they were dubbed by the celestial beings above, the star crossed lovers!*
**Two years after Rapunzel and Eugene’s marriage**
Varian let out a yawn as he stretched his arms above his head. He’d been working on this equation for a while, sighing as he looked at the paper, before he glared, “ugh….” He thumped his tired head on top of the paper with a huff
“Pfft, still working out that problem my 18 year old Freckles?” Someone asked
Varian smirked as he looked up at his fiancé, “that I am my 19 year old Heckles, what’s with the ages?”
“Well your birthday *was* last week, so I’m trying to remind myself that you’re an 18 year old now”, Hugo stated with a grin
“I see”, the alchemist replied with a chuckle before he sighed and crossed his arms while looking back at the paper, “I don’t get it, I’ve run through every possible solution to this problem in my head, but all of it just comes up so short….”
Hugo peaked at the paper, “have you tired used the Quadratic equation?”
“Yes, but there needs to be a higher number than 2”, Varian huffed, “the Ph levels of the soil my dad uses are too high”
“Schrödinger’s equation?”
“That one worked for a little while, but it’s a temporary solution to the bigger issue”
“What about Fourier’s transform?”
“I tried that one first, apparently decomposing this function to its constituent frequency doesn’t work here…. And it always end up with mud…. Ugh! This is so frustrating Hugo!”
“Why do you think I brought you got chocolate Freckles?” The blond replied with a smile, handing the alchemist the mug he’d brought in, “we’ll figure this out, we always do”
Varian took a sip and smiled as the flavor of the hot chocolate filled his mouth, “you’re right, thanks, just… been working on this for a while, I hate getting stuck, plus the sooner we get this done, the easier it’ll be for the farm! This could legitimately help with plant and food production by 50%! It’d make dad’s, and yours when you take over, job so much easier to handle! I just…. UGH! I wanna stop being stuuuuuuuuck!” Varian whined, getting Hugo to snicker
“Yeah, it sucks for sure, but hey, you could always take a break and think about our wedding instead~” the inventor singsonged
The alchemist snorted, “you’re excited, huh love”
“Hell yeah I am! We finally have our marriage license! I still can’t believe they wouldn’t give it to us before!”
“Well, we *were* teenagers”
“We still are! I’m nine*teen* you’re eight*teen*, how is that different than 16?!”
“Well for starters, we’ve got a few more years under our belt”, Varian teased
“You’re a brat”
“Hee hee, learned from the best!”
“Heh, speaking of, where’s pops anyway?”
“Hm? Oh! He’s playing with Itty Bitty and Sassy, as per usual, he’s been having a much easier time now that he has a few more hands helping on the farm”
“Ah, I’m still surprised that Catalina and Angry are so good at farm work!”
“Same, I think dad may have secretly taught them some skills when we weren’t looking”
“Probably”, Hugo chuckled, “have you eaten anything today?”
“Hm? Oh! I uh…. *ahem*, I-I did”
Hugo quirked a brow and smirked, placing his hands on his hips, “oh really”
“Yes really”
“What, pray tell, did you have then?”
“I…. Um…. Sooooooooooome eggs!”
Hugo snorted, “we’re out of eggs Freckles”
“Oh! I-uh…. Um….”
Hugo snorted, “forgot to eat again?”
“N-nu I just…. Didn’t eat?”
“Uh-huh, nice try, come on, I’m making you lunch”
“B-but I gotta-!”
“Nope!” Hugo scooped up the alchemist into his arms, getting the freckled man to let out a small, ‘MEEP!’ In alarm before the 19 year old carried him down the stairs and plopped him into a chair at the dining table, “stay put, or else I’m using your raccoon trap to force your ass to stick to that seat”
The alchemist sighed, “fiiiine”, he stated before he felt familiar paws and a familiar weight hop onto his shoulders, “hey bud”, he said
Ruddigar chittered happily, he nuzzled his boy lovingly, receiving ears skritches in return
“Back from visiting Serenity, Little big guy, and their babies huh? How are they?”
The raccoon gave a status report on the dragon family while Hugo cooked some ham and made a nice side salad for three. He made three ham sandwiches, and separated the salad into three servings before he walked over and handed one to Varian with a smile, he also made a small fruit and it bowl for Ruddigar and set that down as well before he took his own seat and munched on his own food
“Thanks love”, the alchemist replied with a grin, “you and dad make the best ham sandwiches!”
“I try, pops has me beat, how’s the dargons?”
“Ruddigar says they’re all in good healthy! Serenity is actually far healthier than she was before! And their babies are learning how to fly!”
“Oh nice! Sad that your wings and tail are gone”
“Eh, I’m kinda glad they are for now, they come back when I visit Serenity, but they’re made it hard to sit down or even sleep sometimes, plus, I can fly without them”
“True, and I have the silver wing still, so it’s not like neither of us can ever fly again, I just thought they looked cool!”
“I agree”
“As do I”, a voice replied, getting both young men to junk before they grinned at the third voice
“Dad!” Varian exclaimed happily, getting up and hugging his father
“Hi Bubby, forgot to eat again?” Quirin asked with a smirk when he saw the meal Hugo had made
Varian blushed, “I… um….”
“We’re working on it”, Hugo replied with a chuckle
“I see, well, as long as you’re eating now it’s fine, but you gotta stop doing that ya stinker”
“Yes sir”, Varian relied timidly before he got a hug from the retired knight
“I love you my little bratty stinkbomb”
The alchemist giggled, “I love you too you evil jerkface”
They broke the hug and grinned at each other before Hugo spoke up, “so how’s the squad Quirin?”
The retired knight chuckled, “they’re doin good, Itty Bitty is still a fast swimmer, despite his age. Ooh! That for me?”
“Yurp, chow down pops!”
“Thanks kid”
Varian and Quirin sat down and they all began to eat together. They smiled and laughed like they’d done a thousand times before! During the evening, they all went to bed, happy as could be, the Moon smiled down upon them
*The star crossed lovers and the lost knight have one more journey to go, how will they overcome it? We shall soon know*, she said, her stars twinkling happily in the night as the three slept peacefully.
Notes:
Hello! :D
I honestly can’t believe how far this story, my story, has gotten. It’s been such a long freaking journey, and it’s crazy how much it took to get here!
Thank you all so much for supporting me throughout all of this! I really could not have done it without all of you, thank you all so much!
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!
Chapter 574: The Courier!
Summary:
Varian, Hugo, and Quirin are just in the middle of discussing habits when they get a surprise visit!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian hummed to himself as he walked around the house, Quirin had gone out to the fields that morning, Hugo joining him for before heading inside to have lunch with Varian, before rejoining Quirin back out in the fields. The alchemist was happy to see his fiancé, even if it was for a little while. Discussing ideas with the blond had certainly been fun!
That was until he opened the door to their shared room and stopped. He looked around before giggling, “well at least he’s making himself more comfortable”, the alchemist stated to himself
The door downstairs opened and closed before his father called out to him, “Varian, we’re home!”
“Coming dad!” The young man replied before he picked something up and walked down, “hello you two, how was work?”
“Hot and sticky, but well worth the effort”, Hugo stated with a happy grin as he wiped his brow, “how was the alchemy?”
“Fun as always, and a little messy, I cleaned it up of course, Ruddigar helped, how are the crops doing?”
“They could be better, some of them dried out a little, which makes me worry that there may be a drought of some sort on its way”, Quirin stated
“The soil was still damp, so there’s something”, Hugo pointed out
“True, but I still wanna take precautions, better to be safe than sorry”
“I agree”, Varian stated as he pulled out the object he’d pocketed before and showed the pair, “especially when it comes to this”
Hugo blushed when he saw what the alchemist was holding, “damn it, did I leave my socks out again?!”
“Hee hee, yup, there’s one on my pillow too by the way”
“Ew…. I’m sorry Freckles, that’s a real bad habit of mine….”
“Meh, it’s not the only one, but I can live with it”
“Do I…. Have other bad habits?”
“Everyone does Hugo”, Quirin stated with a smile, “even me and Varian have some habits that we do without reason, that’s normal”
“Huh…. I’ve never had a habit like this before. So leaving my socks around the house….”
“That’s a stinky habit, but a habit nonetheless”, Varian said with a smile
“Weird…. Do I have anymore?”
“Yup!”
“I do? I didn’t actually think I did”
“Hee hee, don’t worry, they’re all pretty adorable!” The alchemist stated with a grin
“They…. Are?”
“Yeah! Well, one’s kinda sad, but the others are pretty cute! Like how you whistle while you work!”
The inventor blushed even more as he walked over, gently took the sock from Varian, and titled his head to the side with a sheepish grin, “I do?”
“Yeah!”
“You whistle a very sprightly tune too!” Quirin agreed with a chuckle, “it’s a better sound than Varian’s grumbling when he’s helping me with farm work”
“Hey! This is not pick on Varian o’clock *sir*!” The alchemist exclaimed sassily
“Then I think you need a better way of telling time my tiny, 18 year old, bubby”
“Evil jerkface”
“Bratty stinkbomb”
“Anyway, before I was so *rudely* interrupted, another adorably habit kf yours is when I find Olivia’s toys in unexpected places!”
“Ok, hold on, *that* one I blame *partially* on Liv”, the blond stated, the cybernetic mouse squeaking in mock offense
“Hee hee, I can see why, she does tend to be a little stinker”
“She do”
“Though it would be nice if my underwear drawer didn’t usually have a mouse slobbered plastic cheese chew toy in it”
“LIV!” Hugo exclaimed, his voice breaking a little out of shock
Olivia squeaked a defense that made both teens blush even more!
“I’m really glad I didn’t quite understand what she just said, otherwise I think a certain mouse would have a soapy toy or two”, Quirin stated with a smirk and brow raise
Varian giggled as Hugo face palmed, “she’s become too dirty….” The inventor stated sadly
“Either that or she’s learning from you”, the alchemist teased
“Nu she is most certainly *not*! I’m dirty, flirty, and definitely pervy, but that was way too much!”
The alchemist snickered, “you do have one more habit that’s both adorable, but sad”
“Which is?”
“When you ask if you’re allowed to eat”
The inventor paused before he gave a timid chuckle, “I uh…. Got that from Cyrus….. He uh…. Used to say that food wasn’t always guaranteed….. So I had to ask….”
“Which is why it’s sad”, Varian said gently, “but hey! You’re getting better! You do t ask to use the privy now! And you’re better about making yourself comfy! That should be celebrated!”
“He’s right Hugo, you’ve made very big strides”, Quirin said with a loving smile, “you’ve certainly grown into your own with the farm, I mean, you’ve definitely made some really amazing adjustments to certain things that I didn’t think needed adjusting! You even helped Varian with his water tanks”
“You helped build those to be fair”, Hugo pointed out
“Because you got chicken pox love”, Varian stated as he hugged his fiancé, “otherwise you would’ve been right there with me, and you did help me figure out that annoying equation for the chemical that makes water warm”
“See?” The Village Leader stated, wrapping his arm around Hugo, “you’ve been a huge help, and have made amazing improvements, to my farm, to Varian’s exploding experiments-!”
“Hey!”
“And to us”, Quirin continued as Varian stuck his tongue out, getting the retired knight to chuckle, “you’re gonna make a wonderful village leader someday Hugo, I truly believe that”
The inventor blushed, “thanks you two. …..Freckles your tongue’s gonna get dry if you don’t put it back in your mouth”
“Mo itsth mot!” The alchemist insisted stubbornly
Quirin smirked, “if I pretend to be offended, will you stop?”
“Maybme….”
Quirin placed a hand on his forehead and looked like he was about to fainted as he fanned himself with his other hand, “oh my! Your tongue’s rude protrusion from your mouth is givin me the vapors!”
Hugo laughed, making Varian satisfied as his tongue slid back in his month, “that’s better”, he huffed before giggling
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, all three seemed startled by it, “geez, it’s almost 6:30PM, who could be here at this time of night?” Hugo asked
“Maybe a traveler in need of a nice home for the night?” Varian asked, “like mama and Donella did”
“…..Fair point”
“Oooh! Or uncle Hector, aunt Wise Eyes, and Grandpa are visiting from the Dark Kingdom!”
“I like that one better!”
“How about we find out”, Quirin said with a chuckle, “though I’m hoping for the traveler”
“Dad, they’re family!”
“Very headache inducing family”
“Daaaad!”
Quirin snickered as he walked over to the door and opened it, “ATTENTION QUIRIN VANGUARD OF OLD CORON-AHHH!” The man standing at the door fell on his back as a large, black, rock sunk back onto the floor as a startled alchemist blushed, his glow dimming
“I am so sorry!” He exclaimed anxiously, “a-are you okay?”
“Been a while since you’ve had a rock startle eh freckles?” Hugo teased
“It’s just as well, the yelling startled me a little too”, Quirin said as he walked over and helped the man up before noticing what he was wearing, “you’re the Queen’s Courier! Is everything alright? And…. Are you? That was a big fall”
The courier brushed himself off before giving a good natured smile, “I’m okay, should’ve warned you before giving you the message my usual way”, he gave Varian a grin, “no broken bones little Moon!” The teen smiled at him before his father gasped
“Jack?!” Quirin said with a surprised grin, “they made *you* the courier?”
Jack nodded proudly, “indeed they did! I have the biggest mouth of them all you know! Who better right?” the man gave a hearty belly laugh the reminded Varian of his grandpa
“Um…. Who is this?” Hugo asked
“Hm? Oh! You must be Hugo!” Jack exclaimed, “nice to meecha! I’m Jack, a very old friend of Quirin’s!”
“Hi, nice to meet you too, why haven’t I met you before?”
“I was a traveler you see, been on the road for years! I stop by Corona every once in a blue Moon to see Quirin, he gave me shelter when I was sick. Figured I owed him a visit! I met Varian when he was 2! I visited more after that!”
“Because my son is adorable and you can’t deny it”, Quirin stated
“True!” The Courier exclaimed happily with another belly laugh, “to explain how I nabbed this job however, I finally met someone, really recently too! She wanted to live here, so I’m settling down in the capital, the Queen liked my voice so much that she dubbed me the courier! My first mission, THIS!” He stretched his arms out towards Quirin, getting the man to snicker
“It’s good to see you Jack, and congrats on settling, bout time”
“Why does he remind me of Edmund?” Hugo asked Varian
“Yeah well, this old pile of bones has had enough travels in his day, figured it’d be nice to take it easy for a while”, Jack stated
“….Answered my own question”, the blond stated with a grin, getting Varian to giggle
“Well, ya may wanna complete that mission before Patti g yourself on the back”, Quirin stated
“huh? OH YEAH!” Jack cleared his throat, “I AM HERE TO-!”
“Uh Jack, tiny alchemist who’s noise sensitive”, Quirin said gently, pointing to Varian, who was covering his ears
“Oop! Right, sorry”, he cleared his throat again before continuing, at a lower volume this time, “I am here to deliver a message from Queen Arianna to Quirin, Varian, and Hugo Vanguard! Which I’m glad to know is you!” He pointed to Hugo, who smiled, “the Queen requests your three’s presence at the castle post haste! There’s something a-stirrin up the citizens in the capital and the Queen has asked for your three’s help! That’s all!”
“Something a-stirrin up the citizens huh? Hmmm…. Okay, I’m guessing we’ll be leaving tomorrow morning?”
“Correct!”
“Alrighty then, would you like to stay for the night then? I was just about to start dinner”
Jack’s eyes lit up, “YES PLEASE! Op! Sorry Varian”
The alchemist shook his head, clearing it before he smiled warmly at the man, “no broken eardrums”
This made the courier laugh heartily before they all went inside, enjoying a nice meal together as everyone discussed the citizen’s of the capital!
Notes:
Hello!
I am so sorry for the lateness of this post! It took me longer because I started in one chapter, got this idea, then began to write this one and it took so much longer!
But I managed to get it out today, so I’m happy about that! Again, apologies for the lateness of it!
I decided against a Day of Hearts chapter this time because I’m going to be exploring Varian and Hugo’s relationship more during their wedding
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!
Chapter 575: A Village Leader, By Any Other Name! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian, Quirin, and Hugo are on their way to the captain when they get stopped by an unexpected predicament!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“So, what do you think is happening in the capital?” Varian asked as he, Hugo, and Quirin rode in the back of a caravan
“I’m not sure, whatever it is, it’s causing chaos if the Queen is asking us to come as soon as possible”, his father replied
“We’ll get to see a glimpse of it won’t we? I mean, we’re gonna be riding through the capital”, Hugo stated
“That’s true, still kinda odd though”, the alchemist stated, “I’m worried, whatever if someone’s causing trouble? Or Cassandra decided to forgo her redemption and become a villain again?”
“Last I heard, Cassandra was finished cleaning up Corona and was helping work around the castle”, Quirin stated with a smile, “so I don’t think it’s her, plus she doesn’t have the Moonstone anymore”
“That’s true….”
“Are your guts twisting again?” Hugo asked
“A little, they feel like Blurgh right now….”
“Heh, mine feel like bleg bloog, so I guess we’re in the same boat, what about you Quirin?”
“I have a dad stomach, hardened by the days of changing stinky alchemist diapers, so I think I’m good”, the retired knight teased
“Daaaaad!” Varian exclaimed with a giggle
Suddenly the caravan surged forwards a bit, making all three passengers jerk forwards, “WATCH IT YA MOOK! WHAT ARE YOU *BLIND*?!” They heard someone about
“Woah”, the alchemist said before he stood up and looked out the window, only to gasp, “holy shit!”
“Varian!” Quirin scolded
“I’m 18 dad, and this is a holy shit moment! Look!”
Quirin and Hugo looked at the window as well, only to gasp as they saw Jack, who was driving the caravan, apologizing to the yelling Coronan, “holy shit”, Hugo stated
Varian looked up at his father, “….Hugo doesn’t stop cussing even when I tell him not to”, Quirin stated
“I’m such a bad boy”, Hugo joked
The alchemist sighed before he noticed the Coronan getting closer and closer to Jack, “HEY!” The alchemist teleported out of the caravan and used his magic to stop the Coronan in place! Levitating them into the air, “easy! No need to punch him!” He exclaimed as Quirin and Hugo ran out to see what was going on
“PUT ME DOWN ALCHEMIST!” The Coronan screamed, “THIS GUY IS GONNA HET S PEACE KF MY MIND FOR BEARLY RUNNING ME OVER!”
“I-I apologized sir! I didn’t see you in time”, Jack exclaimed anxiously
“What happened Jack?” The Village Leader asked
“W-well, I was driving the caravan, watching the road, when the horses began to whinny and I saw this man run out in the middle of the road”, Jack explained, “I stopped just in time, but he got mad, I apologized over and over again, trying to explain that I hadn’t seen him coming, but he didn’t accept that and tried to punch me!”
Quirin blinked before he sighed, “not your fault, I think *someone* forgot the rule of no crossing when there’s a caravan on the road”, he stated, eyeing the Coronan, who stopped cussing Varian out when he saw Quirin’s glare
“Hmph! Those words are not appropriate by the way, were trying to keep you from getting into some serious shit, so calm down and breathe”, Hugo added with an equally intimidating glare as Quirin
The Coronan gulped before he nodded, took a breath, and calmed himself, “y-yes sirs….”
“Good”, the blond huffed
Varian sighed before he spoke, petting Ruddigar, who was nuzzling him, as he did, “I’m gonna put you down, when I do, do *not* scream or fight or run, okay?”
“Ok”, the Coronan stated
“Good”, Varian set the man down, true to his word, he stayed put. The alchemist let out a sigh of relief before he looked at the man, “what happened on your end?” He asked
“Well I was already crossing when this guy’s horses came outta nowhere”, the man exclaimed
“You didn’t see the caravan beforehand?” Varian asked
“No!”
“Are you sure?” Quirin asked
“P-Positive!” The man squeaked
“I didnt see him Quirin”, Jack stated nervously, “you know me! I would never run someone down like that!”
“I know, but if he didn’t see you either….” The Village Leader didn’t finish that statement
Hugo sighed before he walked over to the Coronan and shot of fast questions, one after the other, “where were you headed?”
“T-to town!” The Corona replied, startled by Hugo’s snappy question
“What were you gonna do?”
“Shop!”
“What were you gonna buy?”
“Food!”
“And when you saw the caravan coming down the street did you run in front of it to get him in trouble?”
“Yes-NO! *SHIT*!”
“Gotcha!” The blond exclaimed triumphantly, “now *why*?”
The man went to snap at the blond, but stopped when Hugo’s glare caught his eyes again, he darted his gaze towards Quirin before looking back at the blond, “I….. I-I don’t like the new Courier! The Queen should’ve never gotten him!”
“Why don’t you like him?”
“Because!”
“Because why?”
“I don’t have to-!”
“I said, *why*?” Hugo interrupted, he was calm, but his glare deepened, startling the man
“I-I, b-because, BECAUSE MY SON WANTED TO BECOME THE COURIER AND THIS MAN TOOK HIS JOB! SO I RAN OUT AND PRETENDED I HADN’T SEEN HIM SO HE COJLD GET IN TROUBLE AND LOSE IT!NOW STOP GLARING AT ME!”
Hugo wrinkled his nose in disgust as Jack gasped, “wait! I remember you! Your son didn’t get the job because he wasn’t loud enough, you came to comfort him after the training had been finished!”
“Yeah, and you think you’re louder than MY son?!”
“I never said that, but the Queen decided I was, I can’t control that”, Jack stated gently, “your son did a good job though, he really did! I was impressed, as was the Queen”
“She… was?”
“Yeah! She said if ever there was any need for a back up Courier, like if I lost my voice, she’d ask him to fill in”
“Huh….”
“So you fit of jealousy in trying to get an innocent man in trouble was all because you decided the Queen was wrong with her choice”, Hugo stated
The Coronan froze, “I-I never said that!”
“Us basically did if you disagree that Jack isn’t the best choice for the job”, the inventor replied, “so you tried to get him in trouble all because of a misunderstanding and your own damn *pride*! Fucking shameful”
The Coronan flinched before sighing, “I…. Ugh… you’re right… I’m sorry for my actions….”
“You’re lucky no one got hurt”, Varian stated
Quirin sighed, “it’s over and done with now, though I think a talk with the guards is the best action for this. I’m glad you apologized, but that is a very serious thing to do to go and jump in front of a moving caravan like you did”
“Right….” The Coronan agreed
“Well…. He did say sorry”, Jack said
“He could’ve gotten killed, or gotten all of us, and you, hurt”, Hugo pointed out, “I’m glad he saw that what he did was wrong, but that was still a very fucking risky move and could’ve ended really badly. He even said he wanted to get you in trouble! Had we not been the ones you were transporting to the castle, his plan might’ve worked and you would be in jail”
Jack flinched, “right….”
“There are some guards over there”, Varian gestured towards a few stalls in the marketplace, “let’s go talk to them before heading to the castle, yeah?”
Everyone agreed and walked over
****
“I can’t believe that just happened”, Hugo said as he sat next to Varian in the caravan, “what the *hell* was that man thinking?!”
“He was thinking about getting poor Jack into trouble”, Quirin said, “I’m just glad it was handled, the guards definitely made the right choice by placing a restraining order on him so he can’t come close to Jack”
“Did either of you two notice the guards looking extremely tired?” Varian asked, getting the duo to look at him, “they had bags under their eyes and seemed like they hadn’t slept in weeks”
“Now that you mention it, yeah, they kinda did seem a wee bit off”, Hugo agreed
“It might have something to do with whatever’s going on in the Capital, though, seeing how that man acted just now, makes me think that’s why we’re being called….” The retired knight stated
“Could be…. If that’s the case, then I’m guessing there’s more than just that one guy acting this way…. Which is a huge problem….”
“Very….” Varian agreed as they three of them thought more about what they’d just seen, that is, before the caravan stopped once again
“We’re here!” Jack called
“Well, looks like we’re about to find out if we’re right or not. Come on you two, let’s go”, the Village Leader stated with a smile
Varian and Hugo nodded as they hopped up and folllwed Quirin out of the caravan
****
“Thank you for coming on such short notice”, Arianna stated with a smile as she looked at the three figures standing before her
“Of course, your majesty”, Quirin replied, Varian and Hugo giving her a smile of reassurance, “what did you need to see us about?”
The Queen stood up from her thrown and walked towards them as she spoke, “throughout the Capital, people have been fighting, arguments have sprung up from nowhere, neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, and this has just recently started, right before the Goodwill Festival too….” She stopped in front of them, looking serious now, “I’m worried this will become an issue, it’s unsafe for the people, unsafe for visitors, very unsafe for children or the elderly, and while I’ve tried to calm the people down, they seem to just grow angrier by the day, and no one will tell me why…. And with Rapunzel being sick I haven’t had a lot of time to look into it with the guards…. It is why I’ve called you three today. I understand your jurisdiction is in Old Corona, but I can think of no one else that would be better suited for this task than you threw. Please, will you help us?”
“Absolutely!” Varian exclaimed
“Definitely”, Quirin added
“Yup”, Hugo stated with a smirk, “we’ll help as much as we can. Also, Rapunzel, she got sick?”
“Yes….., she sees a little better now, in fact, she’s able to walk around, but the mornings are very hard on her for some reason, the doctors haven’t told me what happened, but they’re said she’ll tell me, and all of you actually, as well as Lance, Angry, and Catarina, sometime soon. With the fighting in the capital, she isn’t sure when a good time to tell anyone is”
“That…. Seems odd…. She wants to tell everyone why she’s sick? Kinda like a celebration?” Varian asked
“I suppose, though I’m not sure why”
The alchemist thought about that before shaking his head, “I-I’ll figure that out later, for now, the issue at hand…. You said you couldn’t find out why people are fighting, did you get any clues?”
Arianna shook her head sadly, “unfortunately not…. I overheard a few of the arguments, but they were small misunderstandings, like a child stepping on a neighbor’s lawn, or business hours closing right as someone walks over…. Just little annoying ticks from the citizens that would normally have them brush it off! But…. For some reason, they’ve grown exponentially overboard”
“Sounds like the one we stopped earlier”, Hugo replied, when the Queen gave him a surprised look, he explained, “we ran into a Coronan who decided to jump in front of our caravan because his son wasn’t chosen to be the courier and he’d misunderstood why and what you’d said to his son about being a back up courier”
Ariann gasped, “oh my!”
“No one’s hurt, thankfully”, Varian added quickly, “we managed to calm him and down and got some guards to handle him after he’d apologizes, you might be hearing about it later, but yeah…. After that we had a guess as to why you called us”
Arianna nodded, “I’m so sorry that happened”
“Not your fault”, the alchemist replied with a smile
“Hmmmm…. Has anyone new come into the Captain lately?” Quirin asked, “and have any of them seemed suspicious at all?”
“Aside from the occasional dignitary, no, not really, and the dignitaries have stayed with us the entire time”
“Odd… it’s like a repeat of Sage’s village, but…. I know the Seporians aren’t the cause this time”, the retired knight stated
“True, but it’s very odd to hear, and see, that the capital is in such disarray….” Varian replied, “we can do what we did before, except this time we separate, find out the cause of as many arguments as we can, and then regroup to find a solution”
“You’ve done this before?” Hugo asked
“Yup, we went to a village and helped Sage, a Village Elder, qualm her people, who were also fighting like the Coronans in the capital are now, though, that was because of the Seporians spreading rumors and causing chaos, but they’re happy in their new homes in Old Corona, so we know it’s not them”
“Huh, well, no better way to start then to follow the arguments”, Hugo stated with a smile
“Right, we’ll figure this out your majesty”, Quirin added reassuringly
“Thank you, I have faith in all three of you, please be safe, and if you see a guard guard around, feel free to talk to them, they’re caught up on what’s been going on, and may know a few new things, also, should you feel the need, have them help you deal out an punishment should a citizen take things too far”, Arianna replied
“We will! Hopefully we don’t have to have a guard step in, but we’ll keep that in mind. Thank you your majesty! Come on you two”, the Village Leader stated, “let’s got stop the fights!”
With that, Quirin, Varian, and Hugo walked out of the thrown room, all three of them determined to find a way to stop the chaos taking over the Capital!
Notes:
Hello! :D
I managed to get an early chapter out this time!!!! Woot!
This is the adventure the Moon was talking about, and it’s a final arc for someone :D
Little moment to talk about Rapunzel, gee, I wonder why mornings are so bad for her and why she’s sick! And why would she wanna tell everyone why she’s sick in a celebratory way I wonder :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 576: A Village Leader By Any Other Name! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Hugo, Varian, and Quirin come up with a plan to help the Capital, and Rapunzel’s tells them some amazing news!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy!!!!!! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“….So once again, you’re saying the reason you’re upset is because your neighbor’s kids are always on your lawn, and they’re almost trampling your flowers”, Varian repeated, albeit a little more annoyed than normal
“They basically trample them! Darn near had a few close calls with them hooligans! I have half a mind and slap their hands!” The angry Coronan exclaimed
“Miss. Oldbag, if you could refrain from smacking young children’s hands, that would be wonderful….”
“I haven’t done it yet, but I half a mind to!” The older women exclaimed angrily
The alchemist sighed, “thank you for your time, we will try to solve the issue as soon as possible”
“You’d better ya whippersnapper!”
The alchemist walked away, rubbing his temple as he looked at the list he’d made. Huffing at some of the arguments he’d been listening to and growing more and more irritated before he bumped into someone, “oof! Sorry sorry, my fault, wasn’t watching where I was going”
“It is not a bother to me young alchemist”, a familiar voice said
“Xaves!” Varian smiled and hugged the blacksmith happily, to which the man returned, “thank goodness I ran into *you* of all people! Everyone’s so *CRANKY*!”
The legend keeper chuckled, “with tensions rising as high as they have lately, I can imagine”
They broke the hug as Varian used his magic to levitate his notebook and quill he’d dropped, off the floor, and into his hands, “you have no idea, all of the people I’ve spoken to today have complained about misunderstandings or minor offenses that would be easy to handle with a simple talk”
“Indeed, but this is not Old Corona, the people here do not have the same sense of community as you do there”
“Tell me about I-! Wait! That may be the issue right there! A sense of community!” The alchemist exclaimed excitedly, “if we could get the Capital to treat their neighbors how the people in Old Corona treat each other, then all of this anger goes away! People will talk to each other, things will be much easier to handle! They lost their sense of community! Thanks Xaves! I gotta find my dad and Hugo!”
“They’re at my shop”
“They are?”
“Yes, see I didn’t get that idea of lost community myself, your Hugo came up with the idea when he and Quirin bumped into each other and spoke to me”
“Oh, heh, well good on Hugo! Wait, why’d you leave then?”
“To find you, they asked me to help search for you”
“Ah, well let’s go!”
“HEY! QUIET DOWN OVER THERE! SOME PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO NAP!” A man yelled from his window
“And let’s hurry”, Varian added in a hushed voice
Xavier nodded as they both began to walk to the blacksmith’s shop
****
“Freckles!”
“Hugo!” Varian exclaimed happily as he ran over and hugged his fiancé , “it’s been hours and I missed you way too much!”
“I missed you too Freckles”, Hugo replied with a smile
“Awwww, a bean snuggle, ain’t it cute Xavier?” Quirin teased, getting the blacksmith to chuckle
“Indeed, a rare sighting as well in the Capital”, the legend keeper replied
The two scientists blushed and let go before Varian huffed playfully at his father, “you’re an evil jerkface”
“And you’re a bratty stinkbomb”, the retired knight stated, “how was the argument hunt?”
“Annoying, everyone is arguing over dumb petty things, like kids *almost* stepping on flowers”
“Pffft, almost?” Hugo asked
“It’s been a long day Hugo….”
The blond snickered, “well, sorry that you’ve had a long day so far, buuuuut I think I may have come up with a solution”
“Fixing the Capital’s sense of community, right?” Varian asked
“Huh? How’d you-!”
“Xaves mentioned the sense of community in the Capital was none existent compared to Old Corona, which gave me the same answer that he said you’d come up with”
“Heh, thanks!” Hugo said to the blacksmith, who smiled
“Happy to help”, Xavier responded
“So, if we want to fix the sense of community in the Capital, how would you two go about doing that?” Quirin asked
Varian blinked, “no ideas from you dad?”
“I wanna hear both of yours first, I have a few”
“I was thinking the solution could be the Goodwill festival”, Hugo stated, “maybe we could get the community to help set it up instead of leaving it up to the guards this time, that way they see how well they work together! Then when it *is* set up, they can celebrate their hard work!”
“That’s a great idea love! Oooh! Oooh! What if we asked them what kind of activities they’d like to see this year too, then they could also have a hand in what the celebration will be!” Varian exclaimed, “not just the mole chase, but a bunch of fun things for the people of the Capital to do!”
“I like that! We’ve got a few days until the festival, we could make it happen, and I’m certain the guards would love a hand, though we have to ask Eugene first”, Hugo stated, “since the guards usually set up the festivities, we don’t wanna step on toes”
“Good point”, Varian then turned to face his father, “was that what you were thinking?” He asked as Ruddigar and Olivia hopped onto Xavier’s counter and began to play with a light metal ball he had set down
The Village Leader smirked and nodded, “exactly right”
The two scientists grinned before Hugo laughed, “it takes two scientists to come up with one Quirin solution”
“Hee hee, that’s because he’s dad”, Varian said happily
“An experienced dad might I add”, Quirin stated, “come on, let’s go tell the Queen the idea”
“Right!”
****
“….So that’s the idea, what do you think?” Hugo asked
Arianna nodded as she thought about the proposal, “that could work, I’d be able to get the guards to assist easily, and it would bring the people together”
“Great! We can begin whenever you think is a good time”, the inventor stated professionally
The Queen smiled at him before looking at Quirin, “with him and Varian around, Old Corona’s in great hands”
“I’m aware”, the retired knight replied, “and proud”
“I’ll bet”, Arianna stated before she looked at Hugo again, give me time to gather the guards, until then, you all more than welcome to use the planning room for the ideas you’d like to build for the festival”
“Thank you, your majesty”, the blond replied as Varian grinned, that is, until a small voice crept in
“M-mom?”
“Hm?” Arianna looked behind her, revealing a very weak looking Rapunzel standing there, she was leaning heavily against a smiling Eugene, but she looked happy, “Rapunzel! Dear what are you doing out of bed?”
“I wanted to come say hi”, the princess replied before she noticed the trio, “oh, I didn’t know they were here”
“Rapunzel!” Varian teleported, disappearing from where he was standing before he reappeared right in front of her, his eyes glowing with worry, “a-are you alright?! What happened to you?”
The princess chuckled, “I’m okay Varian”
“B-but look at you! N-no offense of course, I’d h-heard you were sick, b-but-!”
“Eheh, actually, it’s not your average sickness”, the princess interrupted gently
“Huh? Average sickness?”
“That’s right, not common colds or flus here, something much different, and much more special too”, Rapunzel said, getting Eugene’s grin to widen
“Huh? O-oki, so what kinds of sickness is it? A-are you dying?!”
“Nonono, I’m not dying, don’t worry”, the princess said with a chuckle before she looked up at Eugene, “should we tell them?”
“Up to you Sunshine”, the Captain of the royal guards stated gently
“I wanna tell them, but maybe I can hint”, she looked at Varian again, “I think Quirin maybe understand this before you do but, my sickness only occurs in the mornings, I’m going to have some tough times ahead, but it’ll all be worth it in the end, try to guess what’s going on”
The alchemist blinked before he heard his father gasp *loudly*! Looking at the man, he saw his eyes wide with shock before they lit up and he grinned from ear to ear,a-are you really?!” Quirin asked
“Mm-hm!” The princess said as Eugene giggled
“Oh my stars! Oh my….. Varian I can’t say anything, you have to figure it out”, the retired knight stated, trying to hold in his excitement as Hugo looked curious
“Wha-? But dad-!” Varian began
“Nope!” Quirin interrupted, glancing at Arianna, who looked just as happy as she caught on, “I’m not saying anything!”
“She’s sick in the morning, will have tough times ahead, but it’ll all be worth it in the end…..” Hugo repeated, before his eyes lit up and he looked at the pair, “Eugene, are you…. Is she…. HOLY SHIT!”
This got Eugene to laugh as Rapunzel blushed, “caught on quick there eh beat nugget?” The Dark Prince asked
Hugo bounced in place excitedly, “eeeeee-I can’t say anything! Freckles figure it ouuuuuuut!”
Varian blushed, “s-sorry, I got distracted by a dad being excited, um let’s see….. morning sickness, rough times ahead, good at the end, hmmm-wait…… WAIT! WAITWAITWAITWAITWAIT, are you?!” He looked at Rapunzel, his eyes wide as she grinned, “wait but are you really?!” She grinned even wider, “YOU’RE PREGNANT?!”
“Yup!” The princess replied excitedly, “I’m pregnant! Me and Eugene are gonna have a baby!!!!!”
“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE”, Varian squeed as he flew into the air, the Moonstone shining brightly before he crashed into Eugene, Arianna catching Rapunzel as she laughed, “CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!” Varian yelled, hugging Eugene tightly, “I’d hug you like this too but you’ve GOT A BABY IN YOUR BELLY!!!!!”
The princess laughed even more as Arianna hugged her daughter, holding her close while Hugo jumped up and down happily and Quirin a sniffled, wiping a few tears of joy away
“Kid! I can’t *breathe*!” The Dark Prince exclaimed
“Oh! Sorry!” Varian let go but hugged the man again, this time gently, with a large smile on his face!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So they have a plan now, woot!
But also, PUNZIE’S PREGNANT!!!!!! SHE AND EUGENE ARE GONNA HAS A BABY!!!!!!
I was gonna save the reveal until after the Capital bit, but I got too excited 😊🎶❤️ don’t worry, Edmund, Hector, Adira, Lance, Catalina, and Angry will find out soon :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 577: A Village Leader By Any Other Name! (Part 3!)
Summary:
The group sets out to do Varian and Hugo’s plan to help the Communitu of the Capital!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I wanna tell them, but maybe I can hint”, she looked at Varian again, “I think Quirin maybe understand this before you do but, my sickness only occurs in the mornings, I’m going to have some tough times ahead, but it’ll all be worth it in the end, try to guess what’s going on”
The alchemist blinked before he heard his father gasp *loudly*! Looking at the man, he saw his eyes wide with shock before they lit up and he grinned from ear to ear,a-are you really?!” Quirin asked
“Mm-hm!” The princess said as Eugene giggled
“Oh my stars! Oh my….. Varian I can’t say anything, you have to figure it out”, the retired knight stated, trying to hold in his excitement as Hugo looked curious
“Wha-? But dad-!” Varian began
“Nope!” Quirin interrupted, glancing at Arianna, who looked just as happy as she caught on, “I’m not saying anything!”
“She’s sick in the morning, will have tough times ahead, but it’ll all be worth it in the end…..” Hugo repeated, before his eyes lit up and he looked at the pair, “Eugene, are you…. Is she…. HOLY SHIT!”
This got Eugene to laugh as Rapunzel blushed, “caught on quick there eh beat nugget?” The Dark Prince asked
Hugo bounced in place excitedly, “eeeeee-I can’t say anything! Freckles figure it ouuuuuuut!”
Varian blushed, “s-sorry, I got distracted by a dad being excited, um let’s see….. morning sickness, rough times ahead, good at the end, hmmm-wait…… WAIT! WAITWAITWAITWAITWAIT, are you?!” He looked at Rapunzel, his eyes wide as she grinned, “wait but are you really?!” She grinned even wider, “YOU’RE PREGNANT?!”
“Yup!” The princess replied excitedly, “I’m pregnant! Me and Eugene are gonna have a baby!!!!!”
“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE”, Varian squeed as he flew into the air, the Moonstone shining brightly before he crashed into Eugene, Arianna catching Rapunzel as she laughed, “CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!” Varian yelled, hugging Eugene tightly, “I’d hug you like this too but you’ve GOT A BABY IN YOUR BELLY!!!!!”
The princess laughed even more as Arianna hugged her daughter, holding her close while Hugo jumped up and down happily and Quirin a sniffled, wiping a few tears of joy away
“Kid! I can’t *breathe*!” The Dark Prince exclaimed
“Oh! Sorry!” Varian let go but hugged the man again, this time gently, with a large smile on his face!
****
“Alright”, Hugo clapped his hand together, “how’s this Freckles?” He asked
Varian grinned when he looked at the stall his fiancé had built, “perfect! Now all we need is dad and his way with getting people to follow him!”
“Way ahead of you bubby!” Quirin exclaimed, getting the two young men to look over and see the Village Leader walking towards them with a huge group of Capital citizens behind him, they all stopped when the man himself did
“Great! Thanks dad!” Varian replied as he flew down from where he was floating, Rapunzel, Eugene, and Queen Arianna standing beside the alchemist as he spoke to the crowd, “hello everyone! I’m glad you all could make it!”
“What’s going on here?!” Miss. Oldbag snapped, “I was in the middle of gardening!”
“And we were gonna play tag!” A few boys next to her yelled
“And I was cleaning!” A women exclaimed
“I know I know, apologies on the rather abrupt interruption to your days”, Varian stated gently, “but we have an important announcement to make! See, we’ve noticed there’s been a lot of fighting amongst all of you-!”
“NOT WITHOUT REASON!” A man shouted
“Right, I never said it was, what I’m saying is, we’ve found out why”
“It’s because kids have no respect for their elders!” Miss. Oldbag exclaimed
“Well our elders should be more understanding to us kids!” A boy snapped
“Easy easy everyone!” Varian tried, but the villagers began to bicker, some even throwing a few items at each other
Quirin ducked when a glass came flying by his head, it fell right in front of Rapunzel’s feet, she flinched and backed up a bit, Eugene shielding her as Varian continued to try to calm the people
It wasn’t working, and then were getting more and more upset, when, “SHUT UP!!!!” Everyone froze and turned to see Hugo standing there, his glare piercing every single person there as he spoke again, “you’ve lost your community!” He stated angrily, “and because you have,
Little things, like kids running on your lawn, or an older woman asking that you stay away from her plants has gotten on your nerves so badly that you’re willing to hurt your neighbors!”
“We are not!” A man snapped
“Really? Then throwing the glass was just some kind of damn sport the capital made up?” Hugo retorted, gesturing to the broken glass on the ground, silencing the man, “didn’t fucking think so. You’ve lost your community and honestly most of my patience with all of you! We’re here to *help*! We have an idea to help your community grow stronger, one that actually aligns with the Goodwill festival! And so long as all of you drop your damn irritation and small nit picks then it’ll actually help! But if you don’t then you’re gonna end up hurting someone and where will you be then?!”
The crowd was silent, everyone was startled by the inventor’s outburst before Varian smiled and took over, his voice calm but he was noticeably shaken, “*ahem*, the idea is to have all of you decide what small things we can have at the festival”, he explained, “my lovely fiancé here built a stall that contains an ideas box, quills, and paper! All you have to do is write what kind of ideas you Abe for the festival. We’ll then put it to a vote, and 4 of your ideas will be added to the festival! Old Corona will also come up with ideas, and we’ll put them to a vote as well to get 4 more! Once the voting is done, everyone can help build and decorate the activities! Then when the celebration begins, we’ll all participate and have a blast! You’ll be working together to come up with ideas, there’s something everyone can do, and it’ll strengthen your community! We’ll even keep the most popular activities from both the Capital and Old Corona for next year, one from each part of Corona! And we’ll do this voting system again too! That way other ideas can be kept in! So what do you all say? Wanna give it a try?”
There was a few moments of silence before people began to talk:
“we get to decide?”
“We’re making the activities too?”
“Maybe there could be a cooking booth!”
“Or maybe an origami stand!”
“Oh I’d love to try out a few new things!”
“Maybe there could be a drawing competition!”
“Maybe a game booth!”
“Or a race!”
The chattering became louder and more excited as more and more people smiled and listed off idea that could be added! That’s when Quirin stepped in, “what do you all think? You wanna make this heard festival the best it’s ever been?!”
“YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” The entire crowd cheered
“Then form a line and come this way!” The Village Leader showed the people what to do. Stan and Pete ran the booth, taking ideas and keeping a smile on everyone’s faces! Varian provided more supplies whenever any was needed, and Hugo stood watch, making sure no one cut in line or shoved anyone out of the way.
After all was said and done, the group put the stall away and looked over the ideas, Hugo made a list of each one, making sure to add a tally mark box so he could keep track of the votes. He smiled with satisfaction, happy that things worked out before he felt someone lean against his back and chuckle, “tired?”
“Being a peacekeeper is haaaaaaard….” Varian whined into Hugo’s back
The blond snickered, “I’ll say, but you did a good job today you know”
The alchemist hugged Hugo from behind and let out a sigh, “thanks, but I wouldn’t be praising me if I were you”
“Hm? What do you mean?”
Varian smiled as he looked at Hugo, “you’re the one that stopped them from fighting, and you kept watch and made sure anyone pushing or cutting in line went straight back to where they were. You also came up with the idea of the community needing fixed and a way to do that with the Goodwill Festival, I just came up with the stall and list”, the alchemist blushed, “if it weren’t for you love, I’d be lost, thank you”
The blond blushed, “I didn’t really do too much”
“Don’t you even start”, both young men jumped when they heard Quirin speak up before looking at the man, “Hugo you did amazing! You figured out the issue, came up with a solution, kept the peace, and are even making a list of all the events people placed! You led the people today, helping them keep calm, coming up with ideas to make the community grow, being kind and patient yet stern when needed, that’s the making of a great Village Leader, and Arianna was correct when she said Old Corona is in great hands, you and Varian both did wonderfully today, so you stop it with all that ‘I didn’t do too much’ talk, you did more than you were asked, and you should feel proud of that”, he smiled, “I know I do, of both of you”
Hugo blinked before he smiled, sniffling a little as he felt Varian’s arms tighten around him, “t-thank you….” He said softly
“You’re welcome”
The room was silent for a little bit as the inventor took in the man’s words, he felt himself fill with pride for the very first time in his life, and it made him smiled even wider, “so….. About babies”, Varian stated
Hugo laughed as Rapunzel giggled and Eugene smirked, “you’re excited, aren’t you kiddo?”
“Of course! There’s gonna be a little Flynn and Rapunzel running around here!!!!!”
“And you’re gonna have a cousin too”, the Dark Prince added, “which means Quirin’s gonna have a niece or nephew!”
The retired knight sniffled, “don’t start on that I might lose my composure!”
Eugene grinned as Varian stood up and walked over, hugging his father while Hugo set down the list, stood up, and smirked, “so is the kid gonna ever meet his grandpa? You know you’re gonna have to tell him too, right?”
“Gh-!” Eugene flinched as he pictured his father’s bear hug crushing his ribs as waterfalls came from the man’s eyes, “let’s cross that bridge when we get there shall we?”
“Oh you have to tell King Edmund! He’ll be ecstatic!” Quirin exclaimed, “hello say, ‘oh my goodness another grandpeanut! I’m gonna spoil them to death and live on them for as long as they live!’”
“The. Give me a bone crushing bear hug….” Eugene stated
“That’s tradition”
The Dark Prince snorted, “I didn’t see him give you a bear hug”
“That’s because you weren’t there, I got a very large bear hug when he first met Varian”
“But I was there, Varian was in the shower and came out to the surprise of all of us”
“Yes, but it was when you were asleep that he gave it to me, and it was extremely tight but full of King Edmund love. That’s important”
The Dark Prince sighed, “I won’t win this argument, will I?”
“Nope, and if you don’t tell him then I will”
“Alright alright! I’ll tell him, but let me decide when please”
“That’s fair, tis your bab-! Oh no”
“What?”
“I just realized that Hector and Adira will find out too…. And they’re gonna wanna come over….”
“Oh no…..”
“I can feel the headache already….”
“And I can see their smirks now…..”
“Uuuuuugh!” Both men exclaimed, getting Rapunzel, Arianna, Varian, and Hugo to laugh!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is the finale to the 3 parter for this particular arc! :D you’ll see more about the Goodwill festival, especially considering there are certain people who need to appear about certain news, but that’s all for this arc
We’re so close to the ending of this story, it’s so crazy to me that it’ll end soon….. I feel sad about it, but, I’m glad it happened, and I can’t wait to start of the new story after :D
Thank you all for being with me on this journey! And thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 578: The Final Guy’s Night! (Part 1!)
Summary:
It’s the final Guy’s Night! But it happens to fall on a rare celestial event!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶😊❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“TINY, ADORABLE, GAY, FIANCÉ’S SAY WHAT!!!!”
“What?” Hugo and Varian said in unison before blushing as Quirin chuckled before placing the book her was reading down
“Laaance”, the alchemist stated
Lance giggled, “so I and Eugene have a tiny proposal to you two, and Quirin too actually’
“Lance we already had the proposal”, Hugo teased, getting Varian to giggle, “as did Quirin for that matter”
“Not *that* kind of proposal”, the man replied with a snort before he looked at Eugene with a grin
“Hoo boy…..” the Dark Prince said, “take it away bud”
“You have to start it”
“Right right, *ahem*, we have a proposition for you Quirin", Eugene replied, smirking
The old farmer raised a brow, "oh really?"
"Why yes!" Lance stated, taking over, “it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to have your kid, yes the one with the goggles standing right there in front of you, and his glasses wearin blond boy", he gestured dramatically towards Varian and Hugo who began blushing, "a glorious and momentous memory that'll last them a lifetime and then some!"
Quirin looked at the two scientists, his sons blushing even more as they gave a shy, "hello" with a wave
"Hi", his father replied, waving back before tuning back to the two men, "momentous memory?"
"Yes sir!" Lance continue, "it's a heart stopping, ear popping, bubble gum chewin, friendship renewin, knee slappin, freckle face laughin experience they won't have with ANYONE else!"
Quirin laughed, "freckle face laughin! I can't!" He laughed for a little longer before wiping a tear away from his face, "just tell me what you'd like". Lance took a breath, "Ah! In a normal way if you don't mind" he chuckled, "I don't think I can take anymore "Announcer Lance" thank you”
Clearing his throat Lance exhaled, "I gotchu!" he said, giving Quirin finger guns and a wink.
Eugene stepped up and, placing an "I am so sorry", hand on the, extremely red alchemist's shoulder, who had completely hidden his face in his hands, while the inventor shook his head with a smirk, replied, "we want to take Varian and Hugo out for a safe and fun guy's night"
“Ah, a Guy’s Night, you four haven’t had one of those in a long ti-! Wait…. We’ve done this before, the only difference is the glasses wearing blond you mentioned, and my comment at the end, this…. Was the same thing you two said during the first Guy’s night”
“Hey you’re right!” Varian exclaimed, “and I was hiding in my hands, back then, the same way I’m doing now too! Though, I’m not anymore”
“That is correct!” Lance exclaimed, “it’s been *ages* since we’ve done a Guy’s Night!”
“The last one we did was when we sang songs together”, Eugene stated, “that was before we battle Cassandra, Cyrus, and Zhan Tiri”
“Right…. Good times”, Varian stated
“I dunno, beating the shit outta the she-demon while flying through the air and using alchemy was fucking boss”, Hugo stated
His fiancé giggled, “true, but I’d rather not have a repeat of in honest”
“If I remember right, the last Guy’s Night was interrupted, correct?” Quirin asked
“Yeah, by Cyrus”, Hugo started, before he signed, “I uh, guess we don’t have to worry about him interrupting again to be fair”
“You okay?” The retired knight asked
“Hm? Y-yeah, just still kinda crazy that he’s gone. I mean, it’s been *years*, but it’s still so damn crazy…. He seemed so unstoppable when he was around”
“So did Andrew”, Varian added, “and trauma doesn’t allow you to forget the feelings you had before, just ask Lance, it’s normal to still feel shocked that the people who hurt you before are gone, you spent *years* with them”
“He’s right”, the former thief stated, “Eugene and I still get anxious about the Baron”, Quirin growled, “and as you can tell, Quirin has a visceral reaction whenever the man comes up in conversation”
“Surprisingly, I’m with Hector on how that disgusting *thing* should be handled….. Letting him live in the castle dungeons seems like too light a punishment to me…..” the retired knight murmured
“You say the same thing about Cassandra”, Hugo pointed out
“I don’t want her killed, but keeping her in the same place she destroyed and where her victims reside is a far cry from what I’d call justice”
“But the Baron?”
“He can go to hell and rot….. the man took advantage of a 5 year old girl and made her so traumatized that she looks over her shoulder to this very day….. and she’s no weakling either….. Doesn’t help that she’s my sister….. but I won’t take justice into my own hands….. not my place…. The Moon judges, not me”
“Much to your chagrin”, Varian teased
“Don’t tempt me”
The alchemist giggled before he looked at Hugo, “see? You’re not the only one haunted by your past demons, so don’t feel bad love, okay?”
“Oki”, Hugo replied with a smile
“Well with all the death wishing out of the way, shall we move on to a lighter topic, like Guy’s Night?” Eugene asked
“Right right, sorry, I got my feathers ruffled”, Quirin apologized
The Dark Prince snorted, “you and my dad with those old sayings”
“They’re good sayings a-thank you”
Eugene snickered as Lance took over, “good sayins aside, this Guy’s Night is actually gonna be a BLAST! See, the first time we had a Guy’s Night, we took little Varian over here-!
“Hey! I’m taller than I was before, I’m almost as tall as *Eugene*!” The alchemist squeaked with annoyance
“And Eugene’s shorter than me, tiny one”, Lance teased, getting Varian to give a small huff as Hugo wrapped an arm around his lover’s shoulders, “anyway, we all went around town to try and get Varian to grow accustomed to…. Um….. bein free so to speak, *ahem*”
“I don’t mind you saying I was freed from the dungeons Lance”, the alchemist stated, “I just don’t like being reminded of what happened when I was in them, and why I was there in the first place”
“I know, but it’s a bit of an uncomfortable thing for me to say, I mean, ya shouldn’t have been put in there at all in my opinion, so I get a little itchy when I talk about you bein freed”
“Ah”
“Yeah, sorry, eheh”
“It’s alright”
The former thief smiled at the young man before continuing, “anyway, when we walked around, you were anxious about it, but ya had a really great time, right?”
“Yup! Sans the broken arm later on”
“What?!” Hugo exclaimed
“Hee hee, when we were riding back to get me back home, we were going fast because I was late. My horse, Willow, tripped over a root and I fell off and broke my arm”
“Holy shit, Guy’s Night were wild back then apparently”
“They really were”
“Anyway”, Eugene stated with a smirk and quirked brow, “we were thinking about reliving that particular Guy’s Night. Without the broken arm bit of course. And since you three are staying in the castle for a while as the Goodwill Festival set up is underway, we’ll be close to here”
"Right!" Lance agreed with a grin, "plus, we'll be able to check on the preparations, and shop!"
"Can we go out to eat too? Hugo and I haven't had anything to eat today", Varian asked
"That'd be fun! I know a great Italian place", Eugene replied
"I'm in!"
"Me too!" Hugo agreed before they both looked at Quirin
The retire knight chuckled, "I'll have to sit this one out unfortunately, I'm expecting some mail and I'd like to be here for it, plus I'm tired from work, however, you four have a blast"
"YAY!" Both scientists exclaimed as Ruddigar and Olivia chittered and squeaked happily
"What time do you want them back?" Eugene asked
The Village Leader cocked his head to the side a bit, "they're 18 and 19 years old Eugene, so long as they keep me updated via colorful firework in the sky, they can come back whenever they wish"
This surprised the Dark Price, "really?"
"Yup, I can't keep them on a curfew their entire lives, plus I trust you two. Do you have a time when you think you'll be back? That way if anything happens, and I don't see the colorful firework, I can come and look"
"Hmmm.... What do you think bud?" The Coronan captain asked as he turned to Lance
The former thief gasped, "we're in charge of the time limit?! EEE! Ok ok, uuuuh..... How bout 12AM, we should be good by then yeah?"
"Yeah!" Both scientists exclaimed together
"Heh, you two really are a couple aren't you, so synchronized", Eugene teased
"We try", Hugo replied
The Dark Prince snickered before he looked at Quirin, "12AM?"
"12AM it is", the old farmer agreed before looking at his sons, "you both be careful okay? Come and get me if there's any trouble"
"We will, thanks dad!" Varian said as he hugged his father, Hugo hugging the man as well
Quirin returned the hugs, "you're welcome, I love you both"
"We love you too!" They replied at the same time again before stopping
"Okay, now it's getting creepy", Hugo stated
"I'm inside your miiiiiiiiind, woooooooo~", Varian joked as he wiggled his fingers at his fiancé menacingly
The blond laughed, "You're so spooky Freckles"
"Thank you!" The alchemist replied happily
"Also, is being in my mind an actual power you possess? Because if so, I have a wedding present in mind that you are not allowed to see"
The alchemist laughed, "nu, though now I'm curious about that present"
The duo giggled as Quirin held them closer with a grin before he looked at Eugene and Lance, "all of you be safe, okay? I don't know why, but I'm getting an odd feeling about tonight"
Eugene tilted his head to the side, "you think something's gonna happen?"
"Well, I'm not sure, I know there's a full Moon out tonight, but for some reason, I'm feeling a touch twitchy"
"Hmm.... We'll make sure to keep an eye out and inform you if anything happens"
"Thanks"
"Anytime"
"Quirin, does the full Moon affect the Moonstone?" Lance asked
"Varian would know about that better than me, from my experience, yes she does, but I'm not sure how exactly"
"From how I feel, I get more energized when there's a full Moon out", the alchemist stated, "my powers increased in strength as well, but it also means I have to be more careful, because they're far more sensitive to my emotions"
"I see.... What about a new Moon?"
"Those nights I try to avoid going out, my power gets so overwhelming that it makes me twitchy, really twitchy. Dad and Hugo help me by letting me use small doses of my power so they remain under control, but it kinda hurts because there's so much, thankfully that's not tonight"
"How are you feeling now kiddo?" Eugene asked
"Now? I feel fine, but the Moon isn't out yet. I'm excited to go out on the town, maybe we could stop by the Snuggly Ducking later too! I'd love to see the bar thugs again, I hear Hook hand and Hook Foot are in town!"
"Yeah they're visitin on a tour", Lance replied with a grin
"Cool!"
"That's worrying me though", the Dark Prince stated, getting the group to look at him, "I've been having an odd feeling today too, like something's gonna happen, but so far, nothing has. Knowing that Quirin's feeling odd as well is making me anxious. The man is never wrong with his gut feelings"
"Tis true", Quirin agreed, "though I don't want it to get in the way of Guy's Night"
"It won't, but I think we should take it seriously, two gut feelings mixed with Varian's power, Hugo's sass, Lance's.... Actually Lance is pretty chill right now", the former thief looked proud of that, "and a full Moon, along with the history of how past Guy's Nights have gone makes me think that we'll need to be on our toes"
"Should we stay here then?" Hugo asked, "just to be safe?"
"Well, funnily enough, no, I still think we should go, I get the feeling that it'll be good for us to do so, but my feeling being on par with Quirin's is a little freaky"
"Hmmmm...." Varian looked out the window beside his father, towards the Sun, which was beginning to dip, "I have an idea... Hang on", he walked over to the bed he and Hugo share at the castle, sat down, crossed his legs, pretzel style, and close his eyes. His hair began to glow, his stripe becoming white, the rest becoming blue, as it swayed around like he was under water, his freckles glowed as well
"What's he doin?" Lance asked
"Meditating", Hugo replied, "he's contacting the Moon, Adira taught him how during their last visit. He does this whenever he, me, or Quirin get a bad feeling and he needs to ask her a quick question, normally she'll contact him in his sleep, but she can only do that when she's out and shining. So Varian does this when her sibling's out"
"Huh, good idea", Eugene complimented
"Yeah, but his body is pretty vulnerable when he does this, technically he's astral projecting right now, using meditation as a means to separate himself so he can talk to the Moon, we need to make sure his body stays safe"
They nodded and waited for a few moments, all of them watching the alchemist's body intently, before his glow dimmed, his hair returning to normal as he opened his eyes and stretched, letting out a squeaky yawn, "'scuse me", he said, finishing yawning before he stood up, "sorry, that was rude, the Moon told me that both of your gut feelings are well felt. She said the sun is in a position that'll make her appear in a different way to us, and that it'll affect me, and other creatures she's made, in a way she's not entirely sure how to describe"
"Huh? Will it make your powers weak?" Lance asked
"No, she said they'll be more powerful actually, like they normally are with a full Moon"
"Varian, did she said how she'll appear to us?" Quirin asked, the worry in his voice made Eugene and Lance look at him with worry
"Yeah she did.... She said it's what we would call, a Super Blue Moon". The retired knight gasped, his eyes wide with worry as he stepped back a bit, "d-dad?"
"I.... I-I'm sorry", the retired knight cleared his throat, calling himself down before he continued, "the Super Blue Moon occurs every 10 to 20 years.... It's a very rare occurrence where the Moon is closest to the Earth, making her a super Moon, and there are two full Moons in a single calendar month, making her a blue Moon.... Odd things are said to happen on a Super Blue Moon, anyone connected to the Moon does not act like themselves...."
"How do you know that?" Eugene asked anxiously
"Because The last time one appeared for me.... Was the same night Queen Eden passed away.... And King Edmund destroy the Dark Kingdom....."
The group gasped as they stared at the man in shocked silence, all of their hearts beating rapidly at the new information as the Moonstone in Varian's head began to glow with his anxiety.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for not posting yesterday, I ended up at a family event and didn’t get a chance to tow it out, so I made this one extra long, I hope that helps a little
As for this chapter, Tis the final Guy’s Night! And this one is gonna be a freaking doozy! :D
Varian, Hugo, Eugene, and Lance are gonna have one crazy night! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 579: The Final Guy’s Night! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The group sets a plan into motion to keep everyone safe as the Super Blue Moon rises!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everyone was still in shock before Lance spoke up, "w-wh-'ahem', what do you mean that's the same night all that happened?" He asked tentatively
Quirin sighed, "the Super Blue Moon rose in the evening sky when I took the Queen out for her final walk.... I don't know how the celestial event effected the Moonstone, but clearly they were effected, because their rocks never hit anyone, but they had that night.... King Edmund was far angrier than me, Hector, and Adira had ever seen him, he was usually calm, sad, or even quiet. You know his past now, about his father, about the sacrifice he had to make just to keep me, and about his patience when it came to mine, Hector, or Adira's misdeeds back then.... That man would've never raised his voice, nor his hand against someone or something he deemed innocent. Yet that night, through his sadness and grief, anger became his driving emotion, and he used it to attack the Moonstone, which destroyed our kingdom, our home.... And lost him his arm and family....." The retired knight looked at the group, "I've thought about that night over and over again, ever time I see it in my mind, I think how out of character my king was. Because he's lost people before, and he's gotten angry before, but he's never made reckless decisions like he had that night, you know he hasn't, because if he were the type to grow so angry that he'd become reckless, he'd have killed the Baron the day we met him.... He'd have gone after Hector's parents the moment he saw an abandoned and beaten boy on the streets.... He'd have killed his own father.... The moment that man did half the things he'd done to me..... My king is gentle, he's kind and patient, he waits for opportunities and strikes with words first. The Moonstone's caused issues in the kingdom during that time, yes, but not out of malicious intent. The king knew that, my king knew that, yet that day, that singular day....." Quirin sighed, "I realize everyone has a breaking point, and it's fine to assume King Edmund had reached his that night, especially with what happened to Eden..... But he wouldn't have gone to anger first.... He promised us, me, Hector, and Adira, that he'd never choose anger as his primary emotion the day his father was killed by my blade.... He would've cried, grieved, mourned her loss first, but he didn't. And the only thing that makes sense was because of the Super Blue Moon shining brightly that evening..... Even I was feeling off that day, so was Hector and Adira, they'd argued that night after King Edmund told us to leave.... He was bed ridden, we hadn't left his side yet, and he told us to go.... Adira and Hector argued, badly, about what to do.... Adira wanted to search for the Sundrop, I wanted to abide by our King's request, and Hector took Adira's decision to go against what the king ordered as a betrayal..... He claimed she wouldn't be his sister anymore if she went against his orders.... Hector is loyal to a fault almost, he'd never say such a thing.... Adira grew angry and fought back, which she would've never done, she's calm and keeps her anger in check, and I sat like a damn lump, watching my siblings break their relationship right in front of me without a single word leaving my lips. I normally would've spoken up, said 'something' to calm their tempers! But I didn't, which was odd for me..... The Super Blue Moon did something to all of us, and while I don't, and will never, blame her, that celestial event has shaken me to my core...." He looked at Varian, "and I'm so worried about what it may do to you....."
The alchemist shivered a little at his father's fear, he felt icy needles engulf his body as the Moonstone shined brighter before a warm, gentle, hand found his shoulder, "it'll be okay", Hugo stated gently, "we won't leave you alone, not for a second. We don't have to go far either for that matter, we'll be in town, if you start to feel funny, we can come back here"
"He's right", Eugene agreed, "even if we're all affected by the Moon tonight, we can make the right decisions and come back if needed. We'll be okay, we just need a plan"
Lance nodded, "how about this, we each do a check in every, eeeeh, let's say half hour. We can see how we all feel, and if it's bad, or we're feelin off, we'll come straight back here for a back up Guy's Night! Castle cookin, board games a plenty, and Quirin snuggles if needed, yeah?"
The Retired knight chuckled and nodded, "yeah, sorry if I scared you bubby, I've... Been thinking about that night for a long time...."
The alchemist felt the icy needles fade away, he let out a sigh of relief, "it's okay, not your fault, I can understand why you'd be thinking about something like that for years.... It was what made the most sense to you"
"Huh?"
"Well, I noticed that when people go through a loss, no matter how small, they end up trying to logic out why it happened after. I did it when mama went away, I saw Hugo do it both with Donella and Cyrus, Hector did it with his parents, it's a normal reaction.... So you suffering from losing your home, family, and life, that's an awful thing to go through, and you like to think. You're a man of little words, but when you say something, it's important. Your mind reels with thoughts everyday, I've seen you farm for hours on end and you've been content to just sit there and think to yourself with a smile and a hum! Which is adorable by the way", his father blushed, "hee hee, so when you went through such a horrible event, your thoughts probably went to all the ways you could've stopped it, and all the factors that played into it. The Super Blue Moon being there is probably what caused most, if not all, of the bad decisions during that horrible night. The Moon's powerful when it comes to emotions, she doesn't like that she effects creatures that way, something she told me while I was meditating, but she can't really help it.... Regardless, I get why the Super Blue Moon gets you so anxious, your logic is sound, grandpa is gentle, Adira and Hector would never say such awful things to each other on any normal occasion, and I know you would've stopped their fighting the moment you saw it going too far, so the Super Blue Moon causing them to act out of character makes complete sense to me as well", the alchemist blushed, "eheh, I'm rambling, long story short, I agree with you, sorry"
Quirin chuckled, "it's okay son, thank you"
Varian nodded as Hugo kissed his cheek, "I love your rambles, they're cute"
"Hugoooooo", the freckled teen exclaimed, blushing again and getting his fiancé to laugh, "e-either way, I think that's a good plan, checking in every half hour, going back if one of us feels off and having a back up Guy's Night. I just hope things stay calm.... Maybe we should warn the Queen about the Moon tonight", he stated, "they may need to have some guard posted around the capital and Old Corona, just in case"
"That's a good idea, plus, given how agitated the Capital is with one another still, even if it's getting better, it would be a good idea to have a back up plan, just in case fights break out", Hugo agreed
"I should talk to blondie as well", Eugene said, "she's pregnant, I'd rather she stayed here at the castle during this event, just to be sure she stays safe"
"A very good idea Eugene", Quirin stated
"Wait.... Quirin do you how the Super Blue Moon will effect Werewolves?" Lance asked anxiously, getting everyone to freeze as Catalina popped into their mind
"....I didn't even think of that, I-I don't know how she'll be effected...." The right knight stated, "that's not good...."
"Serenity, Little Big Guy, and their babies are right in her path too...." Varian pointed out
"Right, Varian, warn the Queen", Hugo stated, "Eugene, warn Rapunzel and keep her inside, Quirin, maybe you can help spread the guards out, and since you're in charge of Old Corona, I think it'd be in everyone's best interests if the Village Leader told them to stay indoors tonight. Lance, you and I will check on Catalina and Angry"
The group was startled for a moment before Eugene smirked, "sir yes sir", before he ran out of the room
Hugo blushed, "d-did I just take charge?"
"Yes you did!" Varian replied with a grin
"And you did a very good job too", Quirin added, "sounded like a true leader"
The blond chuckled nervously, "eheh, s-sorry"
"You're good, that's a good plan", Lance stated
The bespeckled teen gave a small smile before he shook his head, clearing it, "w-we should um"
"Right, lets go!" Varian exclaimed, getting everyone to move out, Varian flying through the halls to find the Queen, Quirin following in order to help with the guards, while Lance and Hugo left to go find Catalina and Angry, Eugene already on his way to search for Rapunzel
****
"Status report?" Hugo asked the group when they'd come back together in the throne room
Varian giggled before he spoke, "the Queen was warned and she and dad spread guards everywhere throughout the kingdom"
Quirin went next with a proud smirk on his face as he looked at Hugo, "the guards are evenly spread, and I managed to let the people of Old Corona know to stay indoors when the Moon shines bright tonight"
Eugene was next, he looked amused, "Rapunzel's been warned and she has everything she needs in her room, she'll be staying there all night to paint, rest, and eat"
Lance was last and he grinned, "and you already know that when we got to the treehouse, Catalina and Angry were both warned about the Super Blue Moon"
"Right, and they decided to stay in the tree house since it was further away from anyone in the kingdom. Also Serenity, Little Big Guy, and their babies are doing good and were warned as well", Hugo stated, "so it looks like we did our jobs, great work team-! I-I'm doing it again"
"Yes you are!" Varian replied happily, "you're speeching like a Village Leader!"
"Variaaaaaaan!" Hugo exclaimed, blushing even more than before receiving a kiss on the cheek
"That's for before love", the alchemist teased before winking, flustering Hugo and getting him to hide in his hands
"Pfft! Ok, as adorable as this is, we've done our part to keep everyone safe during the Super Blue Moon, we should start on Guy's Night before it's too late", Eugene stated
"Very true, I wanna go see the apothecary shop", Varian exclaimed
"And I wanna check the jeweler's stand", Lance added, "need another earring"
"Are you still trying to impress Adira?" Eugene asked
"No, well, not in the same way, she did name me earring, so I do wanna show her some new ones I'm tryin when she comes for a visit, but only as friends"
Quirin smiled at that, "our little Lancey's all growd up", he teased
The Dark Prince chuckled as Lance laughed, "yes he has Quirin, yes he has"
"What do you wanna shop for Eugene?" Varian asked
"Me? Well I wouldn't mind shopping around for some gifts for Rapunzel"
"Ooooh! Gonna get her something special?"
"Her birthday is coming up to be fair, after the Goodwill festival it's Blondie central for me, and actually kiddo, I was hoping to recruit you and your brat nugget fiancé into making her a pain medication. One that's safe for our baby, she's been having some bad back pain"
Hugo peaked out of his hands a bit as Varian replied, "I wouldn't mind making that, maybe we could also go a step further and make her a chemical goodie basket"
"I'm certain she'd like that", Eugene stated with a grin, "thanks kiddo"
"You're welcome!" The alchemist stated before he turned to his father, "so I guess this means we're heading out, will you be okay?"
Quirin nodded, "I'll be alright, just come back if you need me, or send a red firework into the sky"
"Will do! Oh! And you said you were waiting on some mail, is it from someone special?"
"Well, you'll see, how bout that?"
"Daaaaad!"
"Sooooon!" The duo laughed and hugged each other, Quirin smirking and gently grabbing and pulling Hugo in as well, getting him to smile and return the hug, "I love you both very much, be safe out there, okay?"
"We will dad", Varian replied
"We swear", Hugo added
Quirin tightened his grip on his boys before he let them go, they smiled at him before running over to Eugene and Lance, "We'll keep them safe Quirin", the Dark Prince reassured
"I trust you both, thank you", the retired knight replied, "you two be safe as well, you hear me?"
"Yes dad", Lance joked, getting everyone to laugh as they headed out for a night of fun! Quirin watched them go and sighed before he heard a bang against a nearby window. Turning, he smiled when he saw a very familiar looking crow outside. He opened the window, allowing the old bird inside, attached to his leg was a letter, "well you came fast", the Village Leader stated with a grin before he opened the note, giving the crow some treats for a job well done as he read before his eyes widened, "wait, is this true?" He asked the crow
They CAW'd loudly, and happily
"It must be if he sent you.... Hoo boy.... this is gonna be one eventful night....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, this happened :D
Hugo’s becoming more and more like a Village Leader, and he’s so good at it too!!!!!
Varian teasing his fiancé is adorable and it shows he’s gotten used to Hugo’s flirtatious nature and can dish it out as good as he can take it XD
The Super Blue Moon is a-comin!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 580: The Final Guy’s Night! (Part 3!)
Summary:
The Guy’s Night officially begins, but get interrupted by the unexpected!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“How bout this one?”
“Mmmm, too glitzy”
“This one?”
“Ew, that clashes with your eyes!”
“What about this?”
“Nah, big too big, you’ve got cute ears, you should show them off”
“Well thank you! ….This-!”
“No”
“Aight, bad pick, got it”
“Would you just pick an earring already?” Eugene exclaimed as he quirked an annoyed brow at the duo
Lance harrumphed and as Hugo shook his head, “tsk tsk tsk, you know nothing of ear glam”
The Dark Prince groaned as Lance tried another earring on, Varian giggled before he looked at Eugene, “one gold piece says I can stop this with one earring piece”
“Kid, I’ve learned my lesson when it comes to betting against you”
“I know, but you wanna stop this madness or not?”
The Coronan Captain looked at the alchemist before he heard Lance mention looking through another batch of earrings and groaned once more before hiding his face in his hands, digging through his pocket, and pulling out a gold coin, “fine”, he stated, voice muffled by his hands, “if you can stop them from torturing us further with their earring shopping in one go, I will give you a gold coin, just please make it stop”
The freckled teen grinned, “be right back”, he turned and walked over to the earring stand, picked up a hanging earring that was golden, diamond shaped, with a black onyx with red flecks inside the gem. He showed it to Lance, who tried it on, Hugo grinned and clapped happily, Lance did a tiny dance of joy before he paid for the earring as Varian walked over to Eugene, who looked stunned, “h-how did you just-!”
“Oh simple, Lance loves the color red as an accent, black is the best accent for red, added with a gold zing and a lovely diamond shape to give it an extra pizazz made him fall in love with it instantly”
Eugene’s eye twitched before he sighed, “here, take the coin”, he dropped the coin in the alchemist’s hand
“A-thank you”, the freckled teen replied, checking the coin
“Oi! Don’t trust me?”
“You’ve got a golden, double sided, coin in your pocket with Grandpa’s face stamped on it, so it looks like a real coin”, Varian pointed out
“…..Fair point, but I wouldn’t have used it on you at all”
“I guess not, but it never hurts to check”, the alchemist stated with a snicker
“Henlo~” Hugo singsonged as he and Lance walked over and joined Eugene and Varian
“Henlo~” the freckled teen replied back, “did you two enjoy yourselves?”
“Yup! I’m gonna wear the new earring tomorrow to show it off!” Lance exclaimed happily, “so where’re we gonna go next?”
“Well, I was thinking we would go to dinner, since it’s getting kinda late and places don’t stay open all night”, Eugene pointed out
“That sounds good to me, I’m hungry anyway”, Hugo agreed, “what’s for dinner?”
“Oh! Well I know this really amazing Italian place!” Eugene began as they began to walk towards the restaurants, none of them noticing the retreating citizens and frantic guards rushing to every stand they could find behind them as the creatures of the night watched from the darkness, the Moonstone glowing dimly, warily, as an odd breeze slid through the air like a whisper….
****
As the Sun dipped past the horizon, the Moon peaked out, shining brightly, her blue but beginning to drape over the kingdom of Corona as the group stood outside the Italian restaurant, stretching happily with full bellies, “great meal! Wonderful staff, though it’s really odd to see a place that fancy so empty”, Lance stated
“I agree”, Hugo said, “it’s rare to see such lovely cuisine and calm atmosphere so devoid of guests”
“Pfft, listen to you with the dignitary talk”, Eugene teased with a smirk
Hugo blushed, “eheh, sorry, I’m used to eating out with dignitaries alone to fancy restaurants like this, this is the first time I’ve been out with just friends, and a Freckles”
“He’s right, we’ve gone on dates, but we don’t really go to places that fancy”, Varian stated, “I’ve actually never been there myself, though dad has!”
“Ah, sorry then”, the Dark Prince replied, “meant it as a joke”
“It’s all good, I knew it was just a tease” the blond responded, “mine and Lance’s comments still stand though, it was really empty in there, considering the outstanding amazing service, you’d think it’d be packed tonight”
“Maybe because of the Super Blue Moon?” Varian asked, “the guards are wandering around the streets, and everyone’s been warned, perhaps people are taking precautions”, his fiancé stated
“That’s a fair point”
Eugene checked his pocket watch and smiled, “well, we got out in pretty good time, I think there are still some stands open right now, shall we head back to the town square?”
“Yeah!” Lance, Varian, and Lance exclaimed evicted before giggling as Eugene snickered
They walked back to the town square, only to freeze, “it’s….. empty…..” Lance stated, “just like the restaurant….”
Varian looked towards the sky, “the Sun’s still peaking out, I know for a fact that Xavier still sells around this time”
“Looks like his shop is closed up too”, Eugene stated, “which is so odd, we weren’t eating for very long, an hour, tops”
“Yeah, they would've had to started packin up right after we left”, Lance exclaimed, “I didn’t see anybody lookin to pack when we were done, so what’s goin on?”
"I dunno...." Varian replied anxiously, "but I'm getting a bad feeling about all this...."
"Ah! Freckles the Moonstone's glowing!" Hugo yelped
"Huh?" The alchemist looked up at his forehead, only to notice a bright glow shining just above his eyes, "woah!"
"Holy shit, that's a bright glow", Eugene stated
"And it's gettin brighter!" Lance exclaimed before they all ducked out of the way as the blue glow engulfed Varian's body. The teen let out a tiny yelp before the glow shined brightly, then disappeared
Hugo was the first to look at his fiancé, the blond gasping when he did, promting Eugene and Lance to look as well before they joined in Hugo's gasp, "kid..... V-Varian you've got that.... Black rock armor on you", the Dark Prince stated, before he froze as a blue glow shined beside him, looking down he saw his left hand was glowing, "a-and I'm glowing too....."
"Your Brotherhood mark Eugene", Lance said
"I know it's my mark, but why is it glowing too? And why is he in his black rock armor? What's going on here?"
"LOOK OUT!" Hugo screamed before a puff of smoke caused the duo to jump to their feet and back up
"What the hell?!"
"W-W-W-AAH!" Hugo screamed again as he threw another alchemy bomb! It was a flash bomb and it made, whatever was standing in front of them, roar loudly
"WEREWOLF!" Varian yelled, his voice was full of anger as he stood in front of Lance, Hugo, and Eugene, "STAND DOWN!"
The two former thieves stared at the creature before them as the smoke cleared, there, they saw a GIGANTIC werewolf, twice as large as Catalina, with a scar over their left eye. Hugo panted a little, his body was shivering, "are you alright?" Lance asked
"C-Catalina grabbed m-me in her w-werewolf form a-and took me t-to the dungeons..... I-I haven't been a-able to really look a-at a werewolf s-since then....." The blonde replied, "h-had to stay a-away from her d-during the Shan T-Tiri fight...."
"Shit...."
"It's okay Hugo, we won't let them hurt you", Eugene said softly before he pulled out his sword, "trust me, they won't come anywhere near you...."
RRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
The inventor turned paler than the Moon herself before fainting, "HUGO!" Lance and Eugene yelled
Varian saw his fiancé on the ground, and grew *angry*..... His eyes lighting up with *rage* as he flew straight up to the werewolf's face, glaring in their eye, "listen to me..... You have *one* chance to turn your hide around and march back to the forest without a word.... And if you cause *any* trouble, there is no force on this *planet* that'll stop me from kicking you back there myself, and I will *not* be gentle about it.... Am I understood?"
The werewolf glared at the alchemist, but Varian narrowed his eyes, making the creature back up a bit. Their ears laced back before they whimpered and ran off towards the forest. The freckled teen watched them go, praying for their safe return before he sighed and flew down to Eugene and Lance, who were holding Hugo close to them, "is he okay?"
"Out cold, but otherwise unharmed", the Dark Prince replied, "you?"
"I'm fine, you two?"
"We're good", Lance answered, "this Guy's Night started out so well too...."
"Where did that werewolf come from?" Eugene asked
"The forest", the alchemist responded as he walked over and kneeled next to Hugo, wiping some hair away from the blonde's face, "they were causing trouble, from what I could gather, it seemed like they hadn't meant to transform. So I'm guessing it caused them to grow aggressive due to a forced transformation by the Moon, not that she meant to, but, well you know...." He stated, "this is an issue...."
"Kid are you alright? You seem more angry than normal"
"This armor is supposed to only come out when I'm at my angriest..... It was a forced transformation, and it's throwing me off a bit...."
"Hence why you figured the same thing was happenin to the werewolf", Lance stated
"Right"
"Geez... So, what should we do now?" Eugene asked as he looked at Hugo, "Guy's Night got interrupted again, and this poor kid is down and out for the count, we could go back to the castle and wait it out, but I have a funny feeling that's not what you want, am I right Varian?"
The alchemist sighed, "you're correct.... Seeing that werewolf made me realize that this is much more than we were expecting..... I haven't said anything, but ever since the Sun began to dip, I've been feeling twitchy, I thought it was just because of nerves, but the Sun's not even fully down, and I've transformed into my black rock armor already.... The creatures of the night might be roaming the streets at this very moment, and if that's the case, then I don't feel comfortable leaving the people of Corona to face them all alone...."
"Wait, doesn't the Moon prevent the creatures of the night from attackin the innocent?" Lance asked
"Normally, yes, but when she becomes a blue super Moon, her powers end up causing a lot of aggression in those most affected by her. Mostly because they're so enhanced that it draws out an, almost feral state, in them"
"Kinda like how you have you black rock armor on right now when you only use it when you're angry", Eugene stated
"Right.... Eugene, I need you to promise me something, Lance, you too...."
"Huh?"
The alchemist looked at the pair seriously, his eyes filled to the brim with worry, "if I become overwhelmed by my powers, and begin attacking you two and Hugo, please stop me by whatever means necessary", he stated
"WHAT?!" Both men exclaimed
"I'm serious guys, that werewolf was forced to transform and it caused them to become aggressive, more so than normal. I have the Moonstone and Moon powers, I was born with them. Even now I can feel myself growing angry, and I'm not even sure why. There's a good chance that I may lose control and start attacking people, and I don't want to hurt anyone. So if that happens, please.... Please stop me..... Please...."
The duo were shocked into silence, they wanted to argue, to tell him that he was wrong and that he wouldn't lose control, but one look from the alchemist told them he wouldn't accept that as an answer, so they sighed and nodded, Eugene speaking up, "we'll make sure to stop you if it comes to that.... But I really hope it doesn't...."
"....Promise me...." Varian stated, startling them again
"Kid-!"
"Promise me!" The alchemist exclaimed, this time more desperate than before, "promise me that you won't let me hurt 'anyone' should I go too far! Promise me that I won't kill someone or hurt them in any way shape or form! Please", his eyes filled with tears now as he looked at them, eyes full of fear, "I don't wanna h-hurt anyone.... B-but I can feel myself s-slipping.... Please...."
The duo exchanged looks, before they sighed and nodded again, "if you lose control, then fine.... We promise we'll stop you and prevent you from hurting anyone...." The Dark Prince replied sadly
Varian sniffled and nodded, "....I'm sorry...."
Lance hugged the alchemist, "it's okay..... We get it.... Let's just hope it doesn't come to that, yeah?"
"Y-yeah.... Let's hope it doesn't....." The teen hugged Lance back, getting Eugene to smile
"Mm... Mph... Ugh.... What happened?" Hugo asked, his eyes fluttering open as he sat up and rubbed the back of his head
Lance and Varian broke the hug as Eugene chuckled, "ya fainted", he stated bluntly, "because a werewolf scared ya, not that I blame you"
The inventor blushed, "I.... Fainted? Ugh, well that's embarrassing...."
"You always tell me it's cute when I faint", Varian pointed out
"That's because you're you, the epitome of adorableness with those big ass baby blues"
The alchemist chuckled, hugging his fiancé, "you're a brat"
"I know, hee hee"
They broke the hug and were about to continue speaking, when a screech caught their attention. They looked around, immediately alert, before someone slammed down in front of them! When the dust cleared, they gasped, "stay behind me....."
"HECTOR!" Varian yelled
Another screech got the alchemist to freeze, "what the hell is that?!" Lance exclaimed, pointing to something in front of the tamer
"A willow wisp....."
"Huh?" The former thief looked at the freckled teen, "Varian?"
"They draw you close to them with their whispers and light, but often lead you to death if you're not careful.... Their screech only happens when they've been caught and are ready to attack!"
"How do you know this stuff?" Eugene asked
"Because he's the Moonstone bearer!" Hector exclaimed before he ran forwards, his swords shining brightly in the Moon light as he swiped at the wisp. The small creature dodged his attack, but couldn't when he swiped again, "the Moonstone gives him information on all night creatures he faces when they pop up. It's a perk to help you fight. Eugene you should get this knowledge soon too, once you become king of the Dark Kingdom, your mark will give you any and all information needed to face these creatures, you don't need it now", the wisp attacked the tamer, he managed to block it before growling, "this little shit's giving me trouble! Calm down!" He snapped at the creature, but it screeched again
"How can we help?" Lance asked
"Just stay pu-AAAH!" Hector screamed as the wisp shot at him, slicing his shoulder deeply. He growled, backing up a bit, that was when black rocks sprouted around him, "fuck! Varian no! DON'T!"
The alchemist slammed a few rocks towards the wisp, managing to knock it away, but he ended up freezing when he did, "w-wha-!" Suddenly, he was shot back, sliding on the ground with a groan, "ow... W-what was-!" He stopped when he saw a huge group of Willow Wisps around them, all of them were making a noise akin to a screech! Lance, Hugo, and Eugene plugged their ears as Varian and Hector winced, unable to move as the creatures slowly began to grow closer and closer to them, getting ready to attack.....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, to be continued! :D
I was gonna make this all once chapter, but it got LONG!!!!! So I’ll have to finish the final part to this Guy’s Night on another day
Hector’s back! :D and he’s not the only one either 😁
If you notice, there are small call backs to earlier chapters, I’d love to see if you guys can find them :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 581: The Final Guy’s Night! (Part 4!)
Summary:
The finale to the final Guy’s Night!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The alchemist chuckled, hugging his fiancé, "you're a brat"
"I know, hee hee"
They broke the hug and were about to continue speaking, when a screech caught their attention. They looked around, immediately alert, before someone slammed down in front of them! When the dust cleared, they gasped, "stay behind me....."
"HECTOR!" Varian yelled
Another screech got the alchemist to freeze, "what the hell is that?!" Lance exclaimed, pointing to something in front of the tamer
"A willow wisp....."
"Huh?" The former thief looked at the freckled teen, "Varian?"
"They draw you close to them with their whispers and light, but often lead you to death if you're not careful.... Their screech only happens when they've been caught and are ready to attack!"
"How do you know this stuff?" Eugene asked
"Because he's the Moonstone bearer!" Hector exclaimed before he ran forwards, his swords shining brightly in the Moon light as he swiped at the wisp. The small creature dodged his attack, but couldn't when he swiped again, "the Moonstone gives him information on all night creatures he faces when they pop up. It's a perk to help you fight. Eugene you should get this knowledge soon too, once you become king of the Dark Kingdom, your mark will give you any and all information needed to face these creatures, you don't need it now", the wisp attacked the tamer, he managed to block it before growling, "this little shit's giving me trouble! Calm down!" He snapped at the creature, but it screeched again
"How can we help?" Lance asked
"Just stay pu-AAAH!" Hector screamed as the wisp shot at him, slicing his shoulder deeply. He growled, backing up a bit, that was when black rocks sprouted around him, "fuck! Varian no! DON'T!"
The alchemist slammed a few rocks towards the wisp, managing to knock it away, but he ended up freezing when he did, "w-wha-!" Suddenly, he was shot back, sliding on the ground with a groan, "ow... W-what was-!" He stopped when he saw a huge group of Willow Wisps around them, all of them were making a noise akin to a screech! Lance, Hugo, and Eugene plugged their ears as Varian and Hector winced, unable to move as the creatures slowly began to grow closer and closer to them, getting ready to attack.....
"What's happening?!" Hugo asked as he looked between Hector and Varian, both of whom were trying to fight off whatever was holding them down, "why can't you two move?!"
"T-the wisps!" Hector replied through his struggle, "w-weak when alone, only a-able to do s-small slices, but they have t-the ability to h-hold you down w-when there's a g-group of them, a-and that group o-only shows up w-when the Moon c-calls out to them! V-Varian's powers, when i-in use, only make t-them stronger!"
"S-sorry...." Varian stated softly
"It's fine Spawn, y-you didn't know, just k-keep fighting!"
They both struggled to break free of the spell they were under, trying desperately to break free as the wisps grew ever closer, biding their time, striking fear into the hearts of their victims more and more, and with one final screech they jumped up to attack the group, when, "STAY AWAY FROM MY SONS AND GRANDPEANUTS!" A voice boomed before someone slammed their way into the group of wisps, freeing Hector and Varian and allowing them to get up as Hugo and Lance stood, Eugene staring at the person who'd just saved them in disbelief, "dad?!" He exclaimed as the Dark King smiled at him happily, "h-how'd you get here?!"
"Me, Adira, and Hector track the Moon and her phases. We realized the Super Blue Moon was coming and decided to come help wherever needed. Quirin was sending me letters back and fourth. I told him I was coming, but I believe Hamuel may have given him that information a bit too late to tell you", the old crow on his shoulder CAW'd loudly, "he is an older bird after all"
Eugene stood up and dusted himself off before he smiled, "well, it's good to see you either way, thanks for the save", he then looked at Hector, "where's Adira?"
"With our brother", the wild tamer stated, "you may run into them, they're helping Corona as well"
"Aren't other places being attacked by the creatures of the night like Corona is?" Hugo asked
"No", Edmund replied, "thankfully they're not, these creatures are drawn to the Moon, and all those who are attached to the Moon, thus, the one person they're drawn to the most...."
"Varian...."
"Right...."
"And us", Hector stated, showing his right hand, which was glowing with the Brotherhood mark, "we've got the Brotherhood symbol on us from the Moon, her magic courses through us, so we came here to get all the creatures in one place to minimize the damage done to other, smaller, villages and towns. It's a good thing Quirin and all of you got the Coronans into their homes, and guards spread around, that was smart, though I have to ask Eugene", the tamer looked at the Dark Prince with a quirked brow, "why isn't the Sun Princess helping out? Her powers would be instrumental here, she'd be able to balance out Varian"
The Coronan Captain began to sweat a little as his mind flashed to Rapunzel's belly, currently holding their child, "uh... She's sick at the moment...."
"Sick?! Will she be okay?" Edmund asked worriedly
"It's a different kind of sick dad, look, point is, she's not able to fight right now in her condition, I'll tell you all about it later, I swear, but as it stands, what can we do to stop these creatures from hurting people, and Varian, because I don't think we can keep this up all night"
Hector sighed, "we keep fighting...."
"What?! There's gotta be another way"
"Until the Moon descends from the Heavens for the day, we have no choice but to fight son", Edmund stated, "there's no other way, save for Rapunzel's powers, but if she's sick, then it won't be a good idea to have her fight...."
"What about Varian?" Hugo asked anxiously, getting all of them to look and see a very tired looking alchemist, his hair, freckles, and eyes were glowing nonstop now, his stripe and freckles were pure white, his hair, and his eyes were bright blue. He looked to be struggling a little bit against his power as his shivered, "he's shaking!"
"He's got too much power overwhelming him right now", Edmund explained, "if we're not careful, it'll take over and he'll begin to attack without restraint! We need to get him out of the light of the Moon!"
Lance scooped Varian up and ran over to the shade of a tree, hiding underneath it, "Varian?" He said gently
"L-Lance....." The alchemist replied, wincing a little as he did so, his glow dimming just a smidge
"That'll help, but it's not the best solution", Hector stated, "here", he untired his cape and wrapped it around the alchemist, "this'll help us carry him, he needs to get inside a house, or shelter of some sort, and he needs to stay away from windows"
"Where's the closest place?" Edmund asked
"The Snuggly Duckling", Eugene stated, "though it's still a pretty far walk"
"Good thing I've got a rhino", the wild tamer stated before he placed two fingers in his mouth and used them to whistle. The group waited for a bit before they heard stomping! It grew louder and louder until Xena, carrying Pixie and Basil, can rushing out of the bushes, she slid to a halt next to Hector, who smiled and gave her good girl pets, "thanks Xena, we need to carry the Spawn to the Ugly Duckling bar"
"'Snuggly' Duckling bar", Eugene corrected
"Oh, and suddenly I'm less mad at the name, ready?" Hector asked his rhino, Xena nodded, confirming that she was rearing to go, "good girl", he looked at Lance, "I'll take him from here, you get Hugo to join us there. I'd take him with, but Xena can only carry two people at a time, I need to be on her, and Varian's situation is a bit more dire"
Lance blinked as he handed Varian to Hector, "I'm fine with that, but why does Hugo need to join you?"
"I saw more werewolves on the way, and I remember his unfortunate mishap with Catalina. He'd be better away from them, he'll be vulnerable if one crosses his path, and if he gets hurt, not only with the Spawn go nuts, but I will too...."
Without another word, Hector held Varian tightly, yet surprisingly gently, before he, Xena, Pixie, and Basil zoomed off towards the Snuggly Duckling. The group watched him go before Eugene looked at Hugo, "how'd he know about you and Catalina?"
"He overheard me talking to Freckles about a nightmare I had once, it was about werewolves, he found out what happened from there and was the one that figured out I was traumatized from it. Hector's surprisingly observant", the blond replied with a smile before he frowned when he looked at the disappearing forms of his fiancé and the tamer, "I hope they'll be alright...."
"They will be", Edmund reassured, "Varian's with Hector, and my tamer can fight extremely well, even more so now that the Super Blue Moon's here"
The blond nodded before Eugene spoke up, "Hector's right though, we should get you inside as well, come on!" The group began to run after Hector and Varian, making their way to the Snuggly Duckling. Edmund kept the creatures of the night at bay as they did, seeing as how he was the only one who really had any indication of how to defeat each of them, or at least stun them
"Hey dad", Eugene began as Edmund managed to knock a wisp away
"Yes son?" The Dark King asked
"How is it that you still know about these creatures, but you don't have your mark?"
His father smiled, "that information never goes away, you were chosen to be part of the Brotherhood because the Moon deemed you worthy, that comes with blessings that last a life time. Even if I'm no longer part of the Brotherhood, I still remember everything I was shown!"
The Dark Prince smirked, "well ain't that nifty"
"Indeed!"
"AAAH!" Hugo yelped as he slid to a halt, Lance running in front of him and blocking the creature from the inventor. Eugene and Edmund gasped at what they saw. Another werewolf stood in their way, however, this one was far larger than any of the others that they've seen. This werewolf had multiple scars over their body, including a particularly nasty looking one over their chest. The creature growled at the group, Hugo shaking like a leaf and paler than the Moon once again
Eugene looked around and cursed under his breath when he saw how close they were to the Snuggly Duckling, "this thing has the 'worst' timing!"
The Werewolf let out an ear piercing RRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
It was 'far' louder than the previous wolf had given, and it had an undertone that sounded like a female scream..... Hugo whimpered, too shocked to faint, too frozen to move, too afraid to speak as tears dripped from his eyes and onto the ground. Eugene went to draw his sword, but Edmund stopped him, "no need", he said
"What? Why?" The Dark Prince asked anxiously
Edmund smirked as his eyes caught something shimmer from behind the creature, "because my knight is here"
"Huh?!"
Suddenly, the large werewolf let out a grunt of pain before growling, they swiped at something beside them, only to let out another grunt of pain and back up a bit. Someone landed in front of the group, blocking the werewolf from them without a sound, only for Eugene, Lance, and Hugo to fill with relief when they saw a familiar fluffy vest before them, "stay away from my son you bitch", Quirin snarled before he ran forwards and landed a cut on the creature's leg before returning to his spot in front of the group, he looked back at them from over his shoulder, "you all okay?"
"We're good", Eugene responded, "thanks to you and your miraculous timing!"
"Quirin that's an alpha", Edmund exclaimed
"I know.... Catalina, she turned fully werewolf, and she sniffed this beast out"
Lance's eyes widened at that, "wait, is she okay?"
"She's fine for now, we, me and Adira, got her, and Angry, to the Snuggly Duckling before she could fully lose control, I saw Varian and Hector there, my brother told me you were coming with Hugo, so I stayed as a look out while Adira kept guard at the door"
"Q-Quirin, I-I'm-!" Hugo tried
"It's okay", the retired knight said gently, giving the blond an understanding smile, "you can't be brave during every situation, you're allowed to feel afraid", he then looked at the alpha wolf, who growled at him, he glared at the beast, "let me take it from here....."
Edmund's eyes widened as his brows raised in worry, "....Quirin....."
"I know.... At least I have something I can take my anger out on...."
"Quirin!"
"Take Hugo and get him to safety! I'll protect you no matter if I lose myself or not!"
"Wait WHAT?!" Lance and Eugene exclaimed
"The Brotherhood is connected to the Moon and Moonstone, I told you before that Hector and Adira said things to each other, the night the Dark Kingdom was destroyed, that they never would've under normal circumstances, the same is true for me!" The Village Leader stated, "except this time I'm not standing around with my jaw to the ground! I 'WILL' protect you all! But I can't do that if you're out here and able to be attacked!"
"Quirin, if you lose yourself, will you be able to come back?" Eugene asked
"Eventually"
"QUIRIN!"
"TAKE MY SON AND GET HIM OUT OF HARMS WAY!" The normally calm retired knight shouted, startling all of them into silence. He sighed before he looked at them, his eyes were filled with fear and remorse, but they could all see the blue glow that was growing stronger, "it's too late for me to stop it.... The least I can do is keep you safe.... Please.... Protect my babies until I come back...."
The group was silent before Hugo stood up, he walked over and hugged Quirin. The inventor's legs were shaking, his hands clung to the man's vest, Quirin returned the hug, before the blond broke it and smiled up at the man, "please be careful....."
"I will"
"Promise?"
Quirin smiled at Hugo lovingly, "promise"
The alpha roared at them again, Hugo shrinking back a little before he heard Quirin growl, the blue light in his eyes becoming brighter..... Hugo sighed before he looked at Eugene, "let's go.... W-we don't have a choice...."
The Dark Prince sighed and nodded before he grabbed Lance and Edmund's hands, he pulled and let go, Lance came, but Edmund stood still. The Coronan Captain gave his father a sympathetic look, before he felt dizzy himself. He looked at his own Brotherhood mark and saw it shining brightly. His anxiety spiked, but he let out a breath and got in front of his father, "come on..... We'll be dead if we stay out here"
"Q-Quirin...." The Dark King said
"....Dad", Eugene grabbed his father's hand and held it, getting the man to look at him, "I need you.... Please...."
Edmund blinked before he looked at his son and sighed, giving one final glance to Quirin, nodding, then running towards the Snuggly Duckling, scooping up Hugo with him. Eugene and Lance Following as the retired knight they'd come to know and love let out an unrecognizable scream of anger and his swords sliced through the air towards the alpha he was facing!
****
"Dad?" Varian said as he, Hector, and the rest of the bar thugs saw the door knob of the Snuggly Duckling wiggle, the door opening and revealing a very sorrowful looking Adira, Edmund, Eugene, Lance, and Hugo. When the door closed, Varian got up and ran over, hugging Hugo instantly! He still had on the black rock armor, and his eyes were still glowing, but his hair and freckles were back to normal as he pulled away from the hug, "hello love"
Hugo smiled at his fiancé, "hello", he replied softly, "how are you feeling?"
"Better now, I got some food in me from Attila, and the Moonstone's calmed down quite a bit..... Um.... Where's dad?" He asked, "I got a really odd feeling just before you all came in..... Is he okay?"
The inventor bit his lip, unsure of what to say, when Edmund stepped forwards, "Quirin stayed out there to keep the werewolves at bay"
Varian's eyes widened at that, "WHAT?! B-but he'll end up losing control if he does that!"
"It's... A bit too late kiddo...." Eugene responded sadly
The alchemist blinked before he placed a hand over his mouth, "dad...." He stated softly, "....No..... Damn it! Why does this keep happening to him?! Just WHY?!" The alchemist stomped his foot on the ground, making the entire thing crack
"Peanut it's okay", Edmund stated, scooping up the freckled teen and holding him close, "he'll come back to us, he will, it'll take some time, he'll be lost for a bit, but he will come back, he won't be gone forever.... He won't...."
Varian hugged his grandpa back, accepting his words as he calmed himself down. Hector walked over and looked out the window, "he's giving the werewolf hell if that helps any"
The alchemist let out a bitter chuckle, giving the tamer a small smile, "thanks, it does, a little bit"
They walked away from the window, Lance smiling when he saw Adira, Angry, and a fully werewolfed Catalina, who seemed calm given the circumstances. The former thief hugged Angry, pet Catalina's snoot, and smiled at Adira, "wish us bein reunited again was under better circumstances, but it still is really great to see you again", he stated
The face painted warrior gave him a sad smile, "it's good to see you too Earring"
The bar was silent, Attila giving Hugo some food as well, he offered Lance and Eugene some as well, but they didn't feel in the mood. Edmund sighed as Hector sat next to him, Catalina and Angry stayed next to Lance, neither of them really having much to say. The tension was thick in the air, Varian snuggling with Hugo while he ate, Ruddigar and Olivia cuddling together as well. No one knew what to say, all they could do was listen to the sounds of Quirin's battle outside, none of them being able to stop it..... "I hate feeling so damn helpless...." Hector stated angrily, "isn't there anything we can do?"
"If we go out there, we'll lose ourselves as well", Adira stated, "Quirin was too far gone even before we got here.... We shielded ourselves, he was blindsided"
"So what, that just means we could have more time before we end up like him", the wild tamer exclaimed, "at least we would be helping"
"Unlike Quirin, Hector, we don't have a loyalty to this kingdom, we don't know what we'll do if we don't have our minds in check"
"You wouldn't harm anyone innocent, neither would I"
"That doesn't mean we'd stay and help either.... We could be a danger to the people of Corona.... Even if we were able to make our final thoughts be that of protecting Corona and all who reside in it, it's still extremely risky to have us lose ourselves here...."
"....What exactly happens when you lose yourselves?" Eugene asked quietly, getting the duo to look at him as he studied his Brotherhood mark
Hector and Adira grew silent, before Edmund spoke up, "you become your base instincts..... Each of us were taught what our instincts were when we first became members of the Brotherhood, mine was leadership, but it got corrupted when I went against the Moonstone, if I were to lose myself, I'd attack my knight without hesitation....."
"Mine is survival" Adira stated, "I had no choice but to learn how to survive when I was young..... If I were to lose myself to the Moon's glow, I'd only survive.... Which would mean that I may not help, I'd only look out for myself.... A tribute I hate...."
"It's understandable why you'd do it though", Lance defended
"I appreciate that, but it's still a very selfish instinct to have...."
"Mine's anger", Hector stated, "I lived in my anger, let it fuel everything I did for the largest part of my life..... Maybe if I directed it, I'd attack those who needed to be attacked"
"Or you'd go on a rampage and harm anyone in your path", Adira stated, "again, it's too risky"
"What's mine?" Eugene asked, getting all three to look at him, "I have a Brotherhood symbol, odds are that I'd lose myself too..... If that's the case, then what's mine? What's my base instinct? Maybe it can help"
Edmund went to say something, but Varian intervened when he stood up from his seat, walked over to Eugene, placed his hand over the Coronan Captain's mark, and closed his eyes. Everyone was silent for a moment or two, before Varian opened his eyes again, a flash of blue showed he'd just finished using a little bit of his powers, "Bravery", the alchemist stated, "you put others before yourself, you never back down, even when things grow to be too much. If you were to lose yourself, you'd end up trying to take any blow you could, you'd try to stand up against any foe you came across. Your bravery can come at a cost, it could get you killed if you don't keep your limits in mind. But that rarely stops you, even now, I can see what you're thinking Eugene.... And I wanna help"
"Varian-!" The Dark Prince began
"My father is out there, facing down an alpha werewolf on his own in the light of the Moon. My base instinct is vengeance.... I will harm any and all those who would harm my friends and family. I could even go too far in some cases, which is why I made you and Lance promise to stop me should I start to go too far..... I know you, you're gonna go out there and help, and you're gonna lose yourself too.... As it stands however, you're the only one who can stop me...."
"First off, Vengeance doesn't even sound like your base instinct, in fact, how you described it sounds more like a sacrifice than vengeance, and second, your dad-!"
"His instinct is protection. He will protect everyone he loves, thankfully that's all of Corona, but he'll do it even when he's dying..... He's lost himself Eugene, I need to get him back.... And if I'm being honest", Varian's eyes glowed brighter, "I'm losing myself just waiting for him to come back.... I want to help, I want my home to be safe, I want to fight and use my powers to do some good, and I want my damn dad back!" Varian snapped before he backed up a bit, closing his eyes and calming down before reopening them again, "I will fight to protect him..... So long as he, or Hugo, are in danger, I'll fight to help them, thankfully that'll keep me in check until the alpha stops and runs away, but dad will run off to another fight.... At the very least, I can keep him safe..... Everyone else in Corona and Old Corona are safe, the Sun will come up and will drive the night creatures away, the only man that isn't safe is my father, and it's because he's too stubborn to stay safe.... So let me help you..... Please...."
The Dark Prince was startled, but he sighed and nodded, "....ok, but we need to think of a back up plan, just in case I end up not being enough to stop you....."
"I already have one in mind", Varian stated with a smile, getting everyone to look at him curiously, "there's only one other person that I hold in the same regard as my dad, only one person that would be able to have a 'chance' to break me out of the Moon's light, only one, and he's right here in this room....."
****
The wind howled, as did a dozen werewolves, willow wisps flew through the air, bats screeched, rats stalked through the tall grass, occasionally a vampire or two would trudge down the streets of the Corona kingdom, but everything stopped when the blade of a man struck the fur of the alpha werewolf. He mighty howl ripping through the night as Quirin stood firm against her might. His eyes were fully encased in blue, his Brotherhood mark never stopped glowing, his breath came out in quick puffs, to say the man was exhausted felt like an understatement. His body was full of cuts and gashes, bruises on almost every part of his skin, yet his mind told him to press on, keep fighting, keep protecting those he cared about until he couldn't anymore
So he ran at the beast in front of him! Letting out a scream of rage as he sliced at her once more, the alpha dodged and used her tail to hit him, Quirin jumped out of the way, landing on a tree branch and using it to propel him towards the alpha! He sliced her once again, she roared with pain as he landed and ran to her again. They continued this dance, the alpha landing hits on the knight, the knight landing hits on the alpha, neither one was backing down as their scuffle caused them endless amounts of pain and anger! But neither could stop, neither could stand down, no matter how much they screamed at themselves to do so!
Quirin ran forwards again, he jumped into the air, about to land another blow when, "AAAH!" He yelled before he was thrown to the ground. His arm was on FIRE, looking, he saw the alpha had bitten down on it, HARD, and used it to throw him away from her. Still, he couldn't stop himself from getting up and grabbing his sword, the Moon's influence told him to fight, so fight he would do! He winced at the pain, he wanted to stop, wanted to admit defeat, his sons were safe, his family was fine, the kingdom was in a state of lockdown, no one else was out, he'd made sure, WHY COULDN'T HE STOP FIGHTING?!
"DAD!"
His eyes widened when he heard the voice, they watered with despair when his son flew to his aid, his wanted to tell him to go back inside, to be safe, that he would be fine! He wanted to scream at him, scare him, he'd don ANYTHING if it meant his son stayed away, but Varian didn't listen. Instead, his magic engulfed the retired knight, lifting him into the air, stopping his attack. Black rocks sprouted around the alpha, stopping her as well! Quirin noticed she looked thankful for the intermission, he'd shared the same sentiment if his child weren't out in the field of danger!
"LOOK OUT!" He yelled when he saw willow wisps surrounding his boy, only for all of them to be thrown back, that's when he saw Eugene, the man's left hand was glowing bright blue, his eyes filled with determination as he looked up at the man
"You may be stubborn, but you're not gonna die here! Not while we're around", the Dark Prince stated, suddenly roars ripped through the night sky, as dozen's of werewolves came to help their alpha
The alpha herself couldn't stop them, in fact, she'd been the one to call them, not because she particularly wanted to either. Quirin tried to fight his son's magic, he tried to break free so he could protect him, but he found himself trapped in a case of black rocks, his son's tear filled face filling his vision, "I won't let you get hurt anymore dad", Varian said
"VARIAN!" Quirin yelled when his son sprinted away
The black rocks protected him, nothing could touch him, the alpha had the same protection around her. With Eugene's help, each wolf, wisp, and other creature of the night had received the same protection from his son. However, all that magic had taken its toll on the teen. Varian's eyes, freckles, and hair glowed brighter than ever! His armor shimmered with power, in fact, the alchemist's image was shrouded in blue light, it was only then that Quirin realized, he'd been broken out of his instinctual state. The Alpha werewolf, and all the creatures around them, had as well, "what the hell?" Eugene said, the retired knight looked and saw the man checking himself out, his mark was still glowing, but he wasn't being taken over by the light of the Moon, "Varian.... Kid, what are you doing?!"
Quirin looked at his son, his anxiety and fear filling up his entire body, pain was no longer there, his mind was clear, and it shouldn't have been, and he knew why, "VARIAN NO! YOU'RE TAKING IT ALL IN! YOU CAN'T! BUBBY IT'LL KILL YOU!!!!!" He screamed
He saw his son smile at him sadly, "you were right Eugene....."
"What?!" The Dark Prince exclaimed, before a black rock cage surrounded him as well, "VARIAN!"
"My instinct isn't vengeance.... I only said it because I knew it would get you to let me come out here with you.... I needed to save him.... I needed to save all of them....."
"Kid what are you talking about?! What are you doing?!"
"He's taking all of the Moon's light into himself!" Quirin exclaimed, "he took everyone's instincts, he took them all! Bearing all of them so we don't have to! HE'S SACRIFICING HIMSELF!"
"WHAT?! VARIAN NO!"
"It's the only way to stop this...." The alchemist replied, "it's the only way"
"He's lost himself..... Varian.... Lost himself....." Quirin stated, he tried to reach out to the alchemist, "son.... s-son..... Please..."
"I'm only good for what I can do.... If this is what I can do, then I'll do it.... Let me do this, let me be useful.... Just once", Varian stated, the light grew brighter and brighter as he took on more and more, wings popped out of his back, as they had during the eclipse, his began to rise into the air, his eyes filled with light, until someone grabbed his hand
Varian froze, Eugene and Quirin did as well when they noticed that everyone from the bar had come out. Adira, Hector, Lance, Catalina, who was back to her human form, being held by Lance, and covering in a blanket, and Angry all watched, as Hugo spoke up, "that's enough", he said, "no more of that talk, no more...."
"H-hugo...." Quirin whispered
"I need to do this", Varian stated, "I need to be useful"
"You need to look around Freckles", the blond replied, "you need to realize that being useful isn't what you need"
"They're in danger, all of them"
"Yes, and it's gonna happen again, they'll be in danger again, that's how this works!" Hugo exclaimed, "life doesn't just stop being bad or dangerous because you beat the big bad demon bitch that made things worse before. Life keeps going, keeps spinning, and you keep growing! The people you love will change, the things you learn will be different, but that doesn't mean you gave to give yourself up just to be useful!"
"I have to be useful....." Varian said softly, "I only help when I'm useful, I only save people when I'm useful"
"Freckles, did you forget how we first met?" Hugo asked, "you were a damn 'bluebird'! Small, adorable, didn't even know how to fly, bluebird! You couldn't fight, couldn't run, I had to 'teach' you how to fly, and you kept getting distracted by the fact that you could understand all your animal friends like a damn fairytale princess! Sorry to say, but you weren't exactly useful while like that. Yet I still fell in love with you! I still wanted to save you, because you were kind to me! Being kind isn't useful to most people, but you were, and it ended up leading to us becoming friends, then courting each other, then boyfriends, and no fiancés! We're gonna get married soon Freckles, and it wasn't because you were useful to me or because you proved to be good to keep around, it was because you were kind"
"But if I don't do this, people will suffer"
"Freckles, if you go through with this, people will suffer reguardless..... More pointedly, I'll suffer, so with Quirin, and Eugene, Lance, Hector, Adira, Edmund, Catalina, Angry, Rapunzel, Ruddigar, Hamuel, Pixie, Xena, Basil, Pascal, and Max and so many more will suffer because you won't be here", the blond stated, "look.... I get wanting to be useful, I understand that sacrificing yourself so others can live is what your mind is telling you will make your death worth it. But it won't.... Being useful to the point of death.... It only hurts those you care about.... You taught me that love..... You did that.... You showed me that I didn't need to be useful, that I didn't need to go beyond my breaking point just to be wanted. For fuck's sake, you came out here to sacrifice yourself so that YOUR DAD wouldn't do the same damn thing you're doing right now!" Quirin blinked before blushing at that, "please.... Just come back to me love. Come back to where I can hold you and tell you it's okay, let me hug and kiss your face and make you blush with pervy jokes, let's debate together again about alchemist and inventing and which chemical compound best mixes with metal and argue about what experiments are good to try because, for fuck's sake, mold in your bedroom is not a good idea! Please just", he looked up at Varian, green eyes filled with worry and fear as he opened his arms, "come back to me Varian, please. I love you, I love you way too much to lose you..... Please...."
The alchemist was quiet, calm, and all the light in his body continued to tell him to continue with what he was about to do. But as he stared into his fiancé's eyes, another light began to grow, it was emerald green, and filled his entire body! Suddenly, Varian didn't know what he was doing! He looked up to the Moon, she was still shining brightly upon him, but he no longer had the longing to go to her, he instead turned to Hugo, and he sniffled before his eyes stopped glowing, his hair dimming, and he wrapped his arms around him, "HUGO!"
Hugo, happily, returned the hug! Laughing when he and Varian fell to the floor. The light Varian had been holding onto was released from his body! It shot back up to the Moon, sending a shock wave through the sky. The Moonstone shimmered, before finally dimming as the Moon's glow returned to that of a normal Moon, her blue hue still stayed, but she seemed to be just a regular blue Moon now, and shimmered in delight
The creatures of the night seemed to break out of her spell, all of them looked around, confused by where they were, until the alpha werewolf let out a howl, getting her pack to follow her lead, Catalina letting out her own howl before blushing and hiding her face in Lance's chest, getting the man to chuckle and hug her. The creatures made their way back to their homes, the werewolves surrounding their alpha. Varian noticed and made the black rock cages around the creatures he'd captured disappear, including the one around Quirin. The alpha looked at the retired knight, who stood up, wincing a little as the pain hit him like a speeding caravan. They shared a look before they nodded to each other out of respect, and she led her pack back to the forest. The Village Leader let out a sigh of relief, only to yelp when someone punched his good arm, he looked over, only to wince when he saw the full force of Edmund's glower turned on him, "YOU! YOU! UGH!" Edmund wrapped Quirin in a tight hug, startling the man again before he smiled
"I'm sorry...." He said softly, returning his king's hug, "I'm so sorry...."
"I should yell at you!" Edmund exclaimed, "You had me so damn worried!" He pulled away to look at his knight, "you're hurt and bruised and beaten and IT WAS ALL BECAUSE YOU JUST 'HAD' TO PROTECT PEOPLE WASN'T IT YOU!!!! YOU!!!!!"
"Asshole?" Hector offered
"Stupid moran?" Adira added
"YOU YOU 'QUIRIN'!" Edmund finished
Quirin, Adira, and Hector snorted, trying so hard not to laugh as a few tears came sliding down the Village Leader's face, "I know... I'm sorry", he said softly, "I shouldn't have done that"
"YOU COULD'VE BEEN KILLED!"
"I know"
"YOU WOULD'VE BEEN EATEN ALIVE!!!!"
"I know...."
"YOU.... You..... UGH...." Edmund hugged him again before he began to cry, his rage dying down when he saw his knight's look of guilt. He held his eldest as close as he possibly could as he wept into the man's vest, "you're grounded....." he stated
Quirin smiled sadly and returned the hug, rubbing his king's back as he did, to his surprise, Hector and Adira joined the hug, both of them letting out sighs of relief when they realized their brother was okay, "I'm sorry...." He said again, "I'm so sorry...." They broke the hug, through Edmund kept his arms wrapped around Quirin, keeping him close while also supporting his weight so he wouldn't fall
Varian groaned, shaking his head to clear it, Hugo smiled and kissed Varian's nose, "hello Freckles", he said
The alchemist blinked before he smiled and hugged Hugo happily, "hello love"
"Well", Lance stated, getting everyone to look at him, "this Guy's Night was definitely unexpected"
Eugene snorted, "you could say that again"
"You know, it's still night time", Angry stated, "we could still have a Guy's night"
"That would be fun, though, I need a change of clothing first", Catalina stated, "I still have most of my clothes on me, and this blanket helps, but I'd feel more comfortable in something a little less.... Hole filled...."
"That's fair", Eugene stated as Lance helped cover Catalina up a little bit more, with his own vest, to help her feel more comfortable, "um.... Do we want to continue celebrating Guy's Night?"
Lance shrugged, "I don't mind, but we may need to do so in the medical wing, considerin we've got a lot of hurt people right now"
"True, Varian, Hugo, do you two wanna still have a Guy's Night?"
The alchemist and Inventor broke their hug and looked at Lance and Eugene before Varian smiled, "I want to", he stated, "especially since the back up plan is board games, food, and now we've got dad, grandpa, uncle Hector, Aunt Wise Eyes, Catalina, and Angry with us too! Oh hey, maybe we could add Rapunzel to it!"
"That would be fun!" Hugo replied with a smile, "but I claim Freckles", Quirin cleared his throat, "hey, I saved him, and you, I get the Freckles tonight!"
Varian giggled, "I wanna snuggle both of you"
Hugo blinked, "fine.... But mostly me"
The alchemist hugged Hugo happily as Eugene looked up at the Moon, "so... How'd she go back to being normal sized?"
"When I shot her light back at her, it managed to propel the Moon back to where she was before, restarting her rotation until the next super Moon", Varian explained, "it only worked because it was her own magic, she didn't have control over it, so she needed me, and the Moonstone, to push her back"
"Are you gonna have to do that durin every super Moon?" Lance asked
"Not entirely, a Super Moon doesn't cause the same chaos the Super Blue Moon does"
"Why does a Super Blue Moon cause this much chaos kiddo?" Eugene asked
"Well, the second full Moon in a calendar month signifies an overwhelming amount of emotions being emitted from the creatures in the world, making the Moon blue, her blue hue enhances emotions during a single night so that all the excess emotions are evenly distributed and reset, and a Super Moon occurs when the Moon is closest to the Earth, making her light extremely strong, her light spreads far and wide over our world, so add the emotions into that mix, and you get what just happened tonight....."
"Ah"
"And those who are connected to the Moon get a double dose?" Lance added
"Yup, making them lose control, like me and dad, we got so overwhelmed by the emotions, and the light, that it ended up causing us to go back to our initial instincts", Varian answered, "wait.... DAD! Dad are you alright?!"
Quirin chuckled, "I'm okay, though" He looked at Edmund, who was still holding him close, though he was only using one arm now, "I think I'm in trouble"
"Hmph!" Edmund stated
"Grandpa, dad didn't mean to"
Edmund huffed, "he was in a good enough mindset before he decided to yell at us to go inside and protect Hugo and you, he could've come with!"
"And risk the alpha wolf coming after everyone?" Catalina asked, "I understood her, she was in protection mode too, and was looking to harm everyone inside the Snuggly Duckling"
"I... He... STILL!"
"It was a bad judgement call that could've cost me my life and left my sons and family alone, I knew better than to do that, yet I did is anyway. He's got every right to be upset with me", Quirin said gently
Edmund made a guilty sound, "well.... Now I seem like a jerk...."
"Not a jerk, a parent, you were very scared and worried and got upset, and that's okay"
"You're not supposed to be comforting me for being mad at you", Edmund exclaimed
"Well I can't just let you feel guilty either"
"How about we be mad at Quirin, and you forgive him and give him kingly snuggles, yeah?" Hector offered, "because I'm allowed to be pissed"
"Same", Adira stated, "and it would be justified if we were to pick on him too, since we'll be mad on your behalf"
"Hmm.... Agreed!" Edmund exclaimed before he hugged Quirin happily, getting everyone to laugh as the retired knight returned the hug and Guy's Night was restored!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this ended up being like, almost two and a half chapters in one! I couldn’t actually stop writing it, so let’s call this the Super Blue Moon of chapters XD kinda topical XD
Finally all the chaos comes to an end, and my gosh, what a way to end it all, you may wonder why I did this ending in this way. And that’s because I’ve decided something
Varian and the Seven Kingdoms shall be written based off the universe I make for the rewrite! Meaning Hugo’s moment where he betrays Varian at first, then goes back on it and betrays Donella, then saves Varian from his mother by professing his love to him and showing him how much he cares for the alchemist, will be for that universe. For this one? The speech is given to Varian when he’s being overwhelmed by the magic of the Super Blue Moon :D it’s not the same, and it’s not too different either :D
Also, angry Edmund both scares me and makes me laugh, this man just does not know how to be angry at his children!
Poor Quirin’s peace, we knew thee well XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️🎶
Chapter 582: An Interesting Conundrum!
Summary:
Varian and co remember something that happened to Quirin the night before with the Alpha werewolf that causes some issues!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hmmmmmm......"
"Eh? What's wrong kiddo?" Eugene asked as he saw the alchemist staring at the back of his shirt. The freckled teen was forced to change into some pajamas due to his injuries. He hadn't liked it, but he quieted down when he saw his shirt, which had two, mysterious, holes in the back. He cocked his head to the side, "uh... Varian"
"Huh? Oh sorry, I was distracted", the alchemist set the shirt on his lap and looked at Eugene, "did you need something?"
"Uh, well I wanted to know why you were staring at your shirt. It's the same fabric that it's always been kiddo"
"Oh, eheh", Varian blushed, "w-well I was looking at it because, when I was powered up with the Moon's light, wings popped out of my back. That's happened once before, during the eclipse, and when they first showed up, the Moon said it was my magic showing that I was free, she said it would rarely happen, but when they showed up this time, I was under the control of her light..... Plus, the wings I had before didn't rip holes into my shirt, but these did, seemingly showing that they were more corporeal than the other wings I've had.... Aside from my dragon wings, of course, so what happened here?"
"Maybe it was the Moon's light?" Hugo offered, huddling closer to Varian in the medical bed and getting the 18 year old to blush, "maybe there was so much of it, that it made your Moon wings far more powerful, and thus, made them corporeal", he stated with a grin, "though, I gotta say, I was digging those wings, I miss your dragon tail, but the angel wings on your back looked so pretty!" He stated, "reminds me of the silver wing"
"Do you think that had something to do with my wings?"
"Probably not considering I'd left it at the castle during the whole Guy's Night thing.... Which, I should really just bring them everywhere, ya never know when they could be useful"
"Hugoooo"
"Right right, sorry, getting back on track, the silver wing didn't cause your blue wings to appear and become more corporeal, they were too far away"
"Hmmm.... Then there must be another explanation as to why those wings appeared..... Ugh... Just when I think I've got a handle on all the things my Moon powers can do, something else pops up", the alchemist slunk back under the blankets until only the top of his hair was sticking out, Ruddigar waddled over and began playing with it when suddenly, the door opened
"Hello little peanut, Butternut, and son of mine! How are you thr-! Huh?" Edmund stopped when he saw Varian's hair sticking out of the blanket, "did the peanut get swallowed by the blanket again?"
"Again?" Eugene asked
"No he didn't", Hugo said with a giggle
"I'm concerned, what happened to Varian with a blanket?"
The blond snickered, "When Freckles was having a particularly rough day, Quirin threw a blanket over him and said he got swallowed by it, to which Edmund took seriously and grabbed the blanket, and Varian, together, he ended up swaddling him a little and got an idea. He wrapped Freckles up in the blanket, only allowing his head and face to show, and called him a bean burrito"
"Awwwwww!" Rapunzel, who'd come in behind Edmund, exclaimed, "when was that?!"
"After your wedding and during your honeymoon, Edmund, Adira, and Hector stayed with pops, Freckles, and I, remember, they stayed because they wanted to say goodbye before leaving to rebuild the Dark Kingdom?"
"Oh yeah!"
"That's when"
"Ah, well, I'm glad we went on our honeymoon, traveling around using the hot air balloon was so much fun!"
"If a little terrifying at times", Eugene stated
"Hey, we didn't end up crashing Kresten Loch"
"Very 'very' nearly didn't...."
The princess giggled before she noticed Varian's eyes peaking out from underneath the blanket, she grinned, "hi peeper"
He giggled and blushed before he gave a shy, "hi", from underneath the blanket, "I'm warm"
"So I can see", she replied with a loving smile, "Oh, by the way, your dad's coming back, he's just taking a minute because they wanted to get some snacks, they meaning Adira and Hector"
"Oh cool I was wondering where pops had run off to, how's his arm, the doctors say anything about it?" Hugo asked
"Well it's definitely broken", Edmund stated, "though I'm not really worried about that"
"What are you worried about?" Eugene asked
"The bite.... Quirin got a werewolf bite, from the 'alpha' no less, his arm with heal, but I'm worried he may become a werewolf!"
Varian's eyes widened at that as he sat back up, the blanket as his waist now, "wait, I thought that was just a legend that werewolves can spread through bite"
"Nope, it's very real, Hector nearly got bitten by a werewolf when he was much younger, one of the maids saved him, but she got bit instead and turned into a werewolf. She wasn't shunned at all, in fact, she was celebrated for her bravery, but she was not happy about being a werewolf, anytime she grew angry, that side of her popped out, and her eyes would glow red and her teeth would sharpen, sometimes she couldn't hide her tail and ears, it was hard on her.... Not to mention that she had to stay away from anything silver based, as that would've killed her"
"It there a cure?" Hugo asked
"Not that I'm aware of, she remained a werewolf until an unfortunate accident ended her life...."
"Oh my...." Rapunzel said
"So, my dad may be a werewolf? That's... Very much not good", Varian stated, "as a farmer, most of the equipment he uses is silver, I could make him new ones, but I'm not sure if he'd be okay with being a werewolf! Or if the citizens of Old Corona would accept him as one"
"They accepted Catalina", Eugene pointed out
"She's not their village leader Eugene, and Old Coronans are very picky about their Village Leaders, hell, they didn't like that I was chosen to be next in line for the position until I proved myself. And some are still on the fence. They're traditional people who don't like change, they would've preferred Varian be the Village Leader over me, because at least he's part of Quirin's bloodline, it was a.... Rough year, convincing them that I was a good pick...."
"You eventually did though love", Varian stated, taking Hugo's hand in his, "don't forget that"
"Heh, thanks, but still, this could be an issue....."
"Hang on, they'll accept a Sun powered princess, a Moon powered alchemist, but not a werewolf Quirin?" Edmund asked, when he received nods from both scientists he huffed, "geez Old Coronans are judgey"
"I wouldn't go that far, they're just, happy in comfortability", a voice stated, getting the group to turn to see Quirin, who had his arm in a sling, along with various other bandages and wraps on his body, smiling at them, though he looked tired, "hello"
"Dad!" Varian disappeared from the bed, reappearing in front of his father, floating in front of him and hugging the man happily
Quirin hugged him back, "hello bubby", they broke the hug and his father chuckled, "shouldn't you be in bed?"
"I am allowed to get up if it means showing affection", the alchemist sassed, "besides, I can just teleport back", to prove his point, he disappeared, reappearing beside Hugo, the blankets were back over him once again, "see?"
"Such a sassy", the retired knight stated with a smirk
"You're one to talk", Hector stated from behind Quirin, "also move ya big lug, we need to get inside too"
Quirin snorted, "well now I might just stand here out of spite"
"Quirin!" Hector tried to push him, but the Village Leader snickered and didn't move an inch, "ugh.... How am I able to move our king but not you?! You're not fat nor are you wearing any armor!"
"It's called, locking yourself in place, it's a lovely tactic I developed when a certain alchemist would get a little too excited and nearly pull me down the stairs to show me his newest experiment", Varian blushed and hid in the blankets again, getting Hugo and Rapunzel to giggle
"QUIRIN MOVE!" Hector snapped
"Hector using force to make this immovable object unblock the way inside will not work, you know this", Adira stated
Hector stopped pushing to growl at her, only for Quirin to walk inside, "are you fucking kidding me?"
"As I said"
"UGH! You two are annoying!"
Quirin snickered as Adira smirked, "and you're impatient", she walked inside, getting Hector to huff before he walked in as well and closed the door, right as Quirin sat on the bed opposite to Varian and Hugo's when he noticed his son's eyes glow for a split second before he blinked and the glow went away, quirking a brow he asked, "what was that?"
"I don't know...." Varian stated, "but that usually only happens when.... Oh no....."
"What?" Hugo asked
"T-that only happens when Catalina is close to me....."
The room was silent before Edmund looked at Quirin, "do you.... Feel any different?"
Hector and Adira looked confused as Quirin responded, "I feel fine, though, I will say, I'm acutely aware the Varian's in the room, but that's kinda normal for me considering. This time it feels a little more like.... I can hear him? And... Smell him from over here..... Which is odd but not unwelcomed"
"Huh?" Eugene said
"He smells like chemicals and Ruddigar, it's comforting to me, just like my apples and wood smell is comforting to him"
"Ah"
"Um... Dad...." Varian said, "you... Got bit by that werewolf.... That's why we're all concerned about your new awareness of me, and your ability to smell me from across the room.... The fact that my eyes glowed and I was sort of alerted to you being here is also concerning because, again, that only happens with Catalina....."
The retired knight blinked a few times before the realization hit him, "I.... Oh dear.... I didn't even think about that"
"Wait, so Quirin might be a werewolf?!" Hector exclaimed
"Might be?" Adira asked
"Well we don't know for sure until he actually turns into one", the wild tamer stated
"It seems so", Quirin replied as he looked at his arm, "well that's concerning.... Wait... Does this mean I'll want to eat sheep?"
"Dad I don't think that should be your main worry right now", Varian stated
"True, but my mind's a little too exhausted to think about all the other, more stressful, complications this new development may bring about...."
"....Ok that's fair"
Edmund sighed, "see, this is why we don't try to sacrifice ourselves to go and try to save everyone else", he stated, making Quirin blush, "ugh.... Eugene, you said Catalina's a werewolf, right?"
"Dad you've talked to her, you know she is", the Dark Prince stated
"Eugene, that little girl has told me that she's been so severely overlooked that she made a deal with a wolf spirit so she could be heard. I don't think about her being a werewolf, I only see the little girl who didn't have a voice until a creature approached her and made a deal like a demon would. Also we've all just now realized that Quirin, my eldest, may also be a werewolf due to a very rash decision he made last night, and he's so worried about it that he's more concerned about eating sheep because that's the kind of stress he can handle at the moment. So you'll have to forgive me if my thoughts and words seem a little frazzled at this point in time to the point where I have to confirm things I already know to be true, I'm 'a little' anxious"
"....Ok, fair point, yes, she's a werewolf, want me to see if I can grab her, Lance, and Angry? They're in the next room over"
"Yes please, it would be better to have an expert on hand"
"I'm not so sure Catalina would be the best expert though", Hugo stated, "she was turned by making a deal with a wolf spirit, like you just said, what if being bitten is different?"
The Dark King blinked and sighed, "she's the only one I know of at the moment...."
"Well.... There's actually one more expert we could ask...." Varian stated, "though I really hate the idea of asking her....."
Everyone looked at him with confused expressions, all except Eugene and Quirin, "no", the retired knight stated
"She's the only one with knowledge about this dad"
"No", Eugene added
"But she could help us understand this better Eugene!"
"No!" Both Quirin and Eugene exclaimed
The alchemist huffed, his eyes glowing with irritation, "well what do you two wanna do? Have Catalina come in here and give us advice while not being able to tell us the full details about what my dad being bit could do?! Because I can only see that ending in one or all of us getting hurt and you being put 'down' dad!" He snapped before clapping his hands over his mouth and blushing, "I am so sorry! I-I don't know w-where that came from-I do!"
Suddenly a flash of blue light filled the room, when it disappeared, all seemed normal, save for one thing, "V-Var... No... Moonstone.... You're the Moonstone", Hugo stated anxiously
"Yes I am, and I couldn't help but come out when I felt Varian's distress and worry. This child has just undergone some very deep and complex issues that could've ended in his death, yet he's focusing on how to help everyone else in this room. Hid outburst was from me, because I don't see why you two take Umbridge at what he's about to propose", they stated as they floated out of the bed and stared at Eugene and Quirin, "the person he's envisioned may not be his first choice, and by all means she's done nothing but harm everyone she's come into contact with, but I can tell you for certain that she'll be the only one to help you, and yet you shoot down his idea without so much as a conversation?!" Their voice echoed that final word as their aggravation grew slightly, "I try to understand humans, Varian's given me more insight over the years, yet I still do not see how this could be something you two disagree with!"
"That woman nearly killed Lance, Varian, Catalina, Quirin, and me!" Eugene exclaimed, not backing down from the Moonstone, "letting her out, if only to talk to her and find out what she knows about bites, could result in her escaping and killing someone else!"
"She's also a coward", Quirin added, "her fear makes her do dumb things, who's to say she won't cause Catalina to grow angry, but everyone else would get hurt, also, you should be vividly aware of three scars Varian has on his body from what that women caused a small girl to do in her werewolf form"
"Did your own rash decision not make you do a dumb thing that ended up in you being bitten knight?" The Moonstone asked with a quirked brow, "and did your own survival instinct consume you and force you to steal Dark Prince? Are you two not able to control this situation having prior knowledge as to what this woman is capable of? Is there really no way of you handling her? Does she really cause you so much fear?"
Quirin growled, startling Eugene a bit before he sighed, "look, we're just worried, you getting mad doesn't make that any easier"
"And you two shutting Varian down instantly and making him feel bad for even suggesting it is better?"
That got the two to grow silent before the retired knight spoke up, "Varian.... Oh no..."
"Right. Shutting him down when he tries to talk, immediately stating you wouldn't listen to what he had to say, you've done it before, and it ended poorly...."
Quirin sighed, "....I just don't want him hurt...."
This calmed the Moonstone, as they could feel the same sentiment coming from Eugene, "if that's the truth, then take what he says into consideration first before shutting him down.... I understand the wish to keep him safe, but he isn't weak, he's got me, and the Moon, and all of you. So does Catalina, just trust him, he's 18 years old now, and the only one that seems to have faith in his judgement is his star. He knows what he's talking about, he's smart and strategic, surely he's proven his capabilities by this point has he not?"
"He has, we never said we don't trust him", Eugene stated, "we just care about him, we don't want him to get hurt. The last time that woman was around, Varian and Catalina suffered the most.... I don't ever wanna see the kid like I did the first time he met her.... And the second time was worse.... Because she separated us and he was all alone..... Crying...." His mind flashed with the memory, "he's been through enough, we just wanna keep him safe...."
"I see.... It's not trust in Varian that's an issue.... It's trust in yourselves...."
"Yeah...."
The Moonstone sighed before he looked at Hugo, "forgive me for this, but, the star worries about Varian as well, he constantly thinks about all the ways he could mess up their relationship or harm this boy in any possible way. Yet he doesn't shy away from him, he doesn't avoid Varian, he stays with him and supports him in the best way he can, in fact, his star was the only one who could get Varian out of the Moon's light last night. He talked him down and showed his love, that was enough to help bring Varian back", the Moonstone smiled at Hugo proudly, getting the inventor to blush and smile back before the Moonstone looked back at Quirin and Eugene, "so perhaps take a page out of his book, and give yourselves a bit more credit. If you really feel you are not the correct people for the job, then ask for some help, it's been established that you're no longer alone anymore, lean on those who would be more than willing to help you. Maybe then you'll feel more inclined to listen to an idea, even when it worries you"
With that, the Moonstone went away, allowing Varian to take back control and gently float back down to the bed, "Ugh... What happened?" He asked
Hugo hugged him, "oh nothing, just the Moonstone scolding your dad and Eugene a little bit"
"W-what?" The alchemist looked over at his father and big brother, both looked like they were thinking about what they were told, "um.... A-are you two okay?"
Eugene blinked before he smiled, "yeah, we're good, just pondering I guess.... Kid... I'm sorry, I didn't know that use saying no to your idea made you feel bad"
"Same...." Quirin added, "sorry bubby"
"Oh...." Varian said, blushing a little before waving it away with a nervous smile, "i-it's okay, I'm fine, d-did... Did the Moonstone tell you I felt bad?"
"Yeah", both responded
"....Eheh.... Um.... I see...."
Quirin chuckled, "not used to standing up for yourself, huh?"
"Well yes, I am in a way, just.... Not against you two...."
That made both of them wince, "well shit.... I'm sorry kiddo...." Eugene said again, "we're just really worried that you'll get hurt again", he stated, getting Quirin to nod
"I-it's okay, I understand why you two do that, a-and it's not like y-you never listen at all! S-so it's okay!"
"It's really not", the retired knight stated, "we shouldn't do that, we should listen to you, and if we do, please let us know, we don't want to upset or hurt you, we just got a little.... a lot.... protective.... But that's not fair to you, and you can tell us that you know"
"I.... I-I'll try... It's just.... Hard...."
"Because we don't listen?" Eugene asked
"Oh no, not because of that, but because of how you stand in my mind... It's a little hard to explain but.... You two, a-and Hugo, you hold special places in my mind and heart. Eugene you're my big brother! You've helped me, saved me, given me advice when I've needed it, supported me, been there for me, so to tell you that you're not listening is just.... Wrong. And dad, hoo boy, don't get me started.... Dad you literally raised me, telling you that you're wrong or not listening is almost like me taking over Corona..... Bad.... Very VERY bad..... And while I know you two would listen if I told you, and you'd apologize, like you are not, it's still hard because I respect you two so much....."
"But you said Hugo has the same high regards that we do, yet you can tell him", Eugene pointed out
"That's because Hugo's my fiancé, he didn't raise me, he's not my big brother, he's my partner! Partners are supposed to tell each other when something's bugging them, but dad's make the rules, and big brothers set examples on how to follow them. It also doesn't help that Eugene was my idol and crush, and dad is freaking 'dad'! It... It's hard to stand up to people you look up to... Sometimes I have a hard time telling Lance stuff too...."
"I guess I can see where you're coming from, but you should never feel too afraid to tell us if we've upset you in any way", Quirin said with a smile, "we'll always listen to you son, always, even if we don't agree"
"And maybe we could be a little less aggressive in how we listen too", Eugene added
"True"
Varian smiled at the both of them, "thanks, I appreciate that"
The group was happy with the reconciliation, before Edmund spoke up, "so... Who's the expert that the little peanut was talking about?"
Eugene and Varian let out sighs as Hugo, Rapunzel, Adira, and Hector looked confused, that is, until Quirin spoke up, "Captain Creighton.... The werewolf huntress......"
this got the princess to gasp as Hugo, Edmund, Hector, and Adira froze at this new information
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I just have to say, LionRoar74, you noticed that he got bit and asked a question about it, and you are so incredibly observant that I needed to put this here! My gosh, I was trying to be subtle and you caught it!!!! Great job!
As for this issue, yeah….. poor Quirin….. This dude is being put through the wringer, I swear he is XD
The Moonstone being a bro and protecting the bean’s feelings! May they get medals galore and Moon joy :D
Hugo is best Fiancé, I’m just saying XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 583: Aggression and a Mistake!
Summary:
The group goes to the dungeons to talk to the werewolf hunter, and Varian makes a mistake!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Are you sure you want to see her?" Queen Arianna asked as she led the group through the dungeons, "didn't she cause you all harm in one way or another?"
"Yes", Varian replied as he, Hugo, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, and Angry walked beside the Queen, "but she's the only werewolf expert we know, and.... I wanna be sure my dad's gonna be okay...."
"I understand.... I'm still shocked that Quirin got bitten.... That must be terrifying.... For him and for you"
"It is, though, if he does turn into a werewolf, I happen to have a little sister who knows what it's like and can help him", the alchemist smiled at Catalina, she smiled back up at him, "and I trust her"
"Thanks, I'll do my best", the red head stated
"I still don't get why Adira, Hector, and Edmund didn't come down with", Lance stated
"They wanted to stay with Quirin", Hugo responded, "to put it plainly, they're being protective over him. He was getting aggressive with the Moonstone, something he never usually does, and it seems like the bite might be doing something to him"
"Plus they're worried that he'll become a werewolf and end up going on a rampage out of fear", Eugene added
"Ah", the former thief replied, "that makes sense"
"It's pretty cool that Quirin got bit, maybe he and Cat can go on night time runs together", Angry stated
Varian blinked as he tried to picture his father running around like a puppy with Catalina, he shook the thought away as soon as it came to mind, "that's.... Such a weird image...." He said with a grimace on his face, "I mean, he'll be in wolf form I'm sure, but still"
"It is kinda hard to see Quirin running around like that", Arianna replied with a chuckle, "I take it Rapunzel didn't join because of her-! Wait, who has she told?"
"Me, Hugo, dad, you, and Eugene, no one else knows yet", Varian stated, "but yes, that's why she stayed behind", he added, getting the Queen to nod
"Knows about what?" Lance asked
"You'll find out bud", Eugene stated with a smile, "don't worry, it's a good thing"
"O.... Kaaay?"
"We're here", Arianna stated, "are you all ready to see her?"
The group nodded before Catalina took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, "this.... Is gonna be a nightmare...."
"No kidding...." Varian stated
"Ya know, if ya need me to do somethin, I'm right here", a voice stated, getting everyone, save for Hugo and Varian, to jump
"I was wondering where you ran off to Beetlejuice", the inventor stated with a grin, getting the demon to appear, "what were you doing?"
"Hanging out, though the super blue Moon got me a little fucked up"
"Huh?" Varian said, "she did?"
"Yeah, demons are night creatures, or considered night creatures anyway", he stated, "so I was affected by the Moon's light, made me do hand stands while twisting my head around and around like crazy! It wasn't pretty.... So I stayed in the castle attic, since you two were gonna be back there again"
"Oh geez, that's sounds rough"
"It was!" The demon exclaimed sarcastically with a mock grin on his face, "though it made me wanna wreck someone's shit, so if you need me to step in with this werewolf hunter bitch, I'm 'more' than willing"
"Know what? I may take you up on that", Varian stated
"Freckles!" Hugo exclaimed, a little startled by his lover's bloodthirst
"What? Beetlejuice has proven he won't go too far, he knows we need her alive, and if she's gonna be difficult then having a demon with a far stronger stomach than any of us would be incredibly useful, plus...." His eyes glowed brightly as he stroked Ruddigar's fur, "she tried to kill my best friend to save her own sorry hyde..... If I get ahold of her, I won't show mercy.... Beetlejuice would be 'kinder'". Hugo felt a shudder go down his spine before he blushed, getting Varian to cock his head to the side, his eyes no longer glowing, "uh.... Blush?"
The inventor blushed even more, "uh.... Y-you're both incredibly terrifying and extremely hot when you get that mad...."
"Pfft! Hugo!"
"I CAN'T HELP IT!"
Varian and Beetlejuice laughed, the alchemist hugging his fiancé, Eugene shook his head with a smirk, Lance, Catalina, and Angry chuckled, and Arianna just smiled fondly at the duo as Varian spoke again, "you're so pervy!"
"No! I blame you for that one! I mean who said your big, old, blue, oceans could glow like that and make me feel a certain type of way! Tis you sir! All you!" Hugo exclaimed
Varian pulled away and giggled, "well I guess I'm glad my anger and aggression is something you admire instead of fear"
"THAT MAKES IT SOUND WORSE!" Hugo yelled, blushing even more and flapping his arms aggressively before he hid his face in Varian's chest and let out a muffled, "stop it...."
"Ok ok, I'll stop", the alchemist said with a giggle as he hugged his fiancé again before letting go when Hugo recovered from his embarrassed state, "shall we?"
Eugene smirked when Hugo fixed his glassed before nodding, "we shall"
With that, Arianna opened the door and they all walked inside
****
Many cells lined the walls of the dungeons, many had been refurbished, based off of Varian's opinions and Arianna's choices, giving a much more home-like stay while still showing it is a cell. The beds all had clean sheets, pillows, and blankets on them, the cells were kept clean and free of filth, guards were to be kinder to the prisoners, not family or friendly per say, but not insulting or beating the prisoners either. Toilets were all adorned with a curtain the prisoners could pull over to give themselves some form of privacy, but it wasn't enough room to allow them to do much outside of use the restroom and wash their hands using the small faucet attached to the toilet, and they all had the ability to look outside using the barred window, which had been reinforced so it was far more durable and not able to be broken out of. Plus each cell was made for one prisoner, not two, giving them more room to move around in their cells, and less ways to beat the other prisoner or even grow agitated with each other. All in all, it was a fair trade off, one some in their cells didn't deserve to Hugo as he passed by the blond haired, large, green blistered man that had been the main source of Adira's nightmares for a large majority of her life
Varian tried very hard to ignore the cell next to the one they were visiting, as it held a person he'd really rather not see, though he got a chuckle when the person across from that particular cell began slivering when he saw the alchemist, a small bit of satisfaction filled the teen, especially when Eugene looked over and raised a brow at, what used to be, his boss, "geez.... You really did a number on him, huh kid?" The Dark Prince commented
"Nothing he didn't deserve", Varian stated, "lashed me, insulted me, hurt me more times that Zhan Tiri ever did. Then tried to start a coup to break himself out using guards that were still loyal to him, so much for a respectful man of the law who would abide by their rules...."
"Not in a forgiving mood I see"
"I'm honestly fine, I just hold discontent for those who are fake. I used to look up to some, thinking they knew what was right and wrong", his eyes glanced over to the cell next to the werewolf hunter's, the person inside watching him sadly, "I used to feel pity and guilt for my treatment of them during my own crimes, but seeing where they ended up just makes things confusing, and remembering what they did to get where they are makes it hard...." He sighed before he stopped and fully looked at that person in the cell now, "though I've let it go.... I won't forget, never can, but at least one of them is trying to fix it, and that's a start". Hugo blew a raspberry, getting Varian to giggle, "course, it helps that my fiancé's taken the brunt of the anger for me"
"I'm more than willing to be a petty bitch if it means you feel better", the blond stated
"Thank you love"
"Always"
"Ugh gag!" A voice exclaimed, getting Varian to sigh as Hugo quirked an annoyed brow at them when they spoke up again, "the only reason I'm in here is because you cowards don't wanna face a werewolf and didn't like that I was wiling to get rid of em!"
"Beetlejuice", the alchemist stated
The demon didn't need to hear anymore as he flew over and grinned, "nice to meecha my new plaything!" He stated before offering his hand, taking the hunter's hand in his, and laughing when spiders crawled from out of his sleeve and onto her arm, making her scream, "I would 'really' not make comments like that while me and my clients are around. Otherwise a pack of black widows on your arm is gonna be the least of your worries!"
Lance let out a squeak of fear and took a few steps back as Hugo snorted and Varian stepped forwards, "thank you Beetlejuice"
"More than happy to help, seems like I'm gonna have a lot of fun today"
"You will", the alchemist said before he looked at Captain Creighton, who was shaking off the spiders and backing up before she noticed him, "hey! You're that tiny kid with the rodent!"
Varian's eyes glowed as Ruddigar growled, "I am the alchemist with the raccoon you tried to sacrifice to save your disgusting and cowardly hyde is what you actually meant to say", he stated, "and I've come for a favor"
"Oh hoo hoo! The wolf girl's causing you trouble ain't she? And you want me to take care of her for ya doncha!"
"No"
"Also, the wolf girl happens to be standing right here by the way, and I am more than willing to bite your head off, both figuratively and literally", Catalina stated with a growl, "so don't push it"
The hunter raised a brow at the girl, "pfft! Yeah right, like you're actually the girl I was chasin before, you're just a puny little stick of a girl! Coudn't harm a damn fly!"
Catalina's nose wrinkled before she shared a look with Beetlejuice, who allowed her to prove the hunter wrong. The red head approached the cell before her eyes glowed blood red, her teeth sharpened, and she a group of three reinforced cell bars, bending them almost to a breaking point when she let go and backed away, "need more proof?" She asked
Creighton stared at the bars before she shook her head rapidly and backed away, "h-holy shit it really is you...."
"Yeah, she is", Varian said, stepping forwards again, "now listen, the reason we need you is because we need to know about werewolf bites"
"PFFFT! HA!" The hunter laughed, "you throw me in jail, scare the shit outta me with your demon friend, then have your werewolf pet go and bit my cell to show her dominance and ask me for help?! For-fucking-get it!"
"Beetlejuice"
"Hee hee, I call this one, 'CHEESE'", the demon flew over and turned away from the group, showing a face only Creighton could see, but the scream the emanated from her lips proved that it was more than enough to cause her nightmares for months
When the demon was done, he backed up a bit, showing a very pale and shaking werewolf hunter, "as I was saying", Varian stated, "my father got bit by an alpha werewolf, on the arm, and while we know what happens when you make a deal with a wolf spirit, getting a bite from a werewolf may be different, and if it is, we wanna know how, what to do about it, and weather or not my dad will be able to control it should he be turned into a werewolf as well. Give us that information and I won't sick Beetlejuice on you anymore, fail to do so, and the spiders and cheese face will seem so incredibly mundane, the choice is yours"
The hunter growled at the alchemist before she scoffed, "guess it's true what they said about you.... With the way you're talking to me right now, you make a damn good villain...."
Varian's eyes widened, his shock overtaking his words as his mouth hung open for a second or two. That is, before he closed it, his fists clenched, hair beginning to glow bright pure white, his stripes bright blue, his eyes closed as well, when they opened, they were just as pure white as his hair, and suddenly, he flew straight at her, managing to teleport into the cell and slamming her into the back of the wall, making her cough up a little bit of blood as he did, "you wanna know why Beetlejuice is the one scaring the shit outta you?" He asked, his voice echoing off the walls, coming back as whispered only heard in nightmares, "you wanna see why Catalina was the one defending herself instead of me takin a crack at you?" The room grow as cold as ice as Arianna quickly opened the cell, Eugene and Hugo running in to try and stop the alchemist, only to be stopped by black rocks blocking their path, "it's because I was being 'kind', it's because I was showing you 'mercy', and it's because we need you 'alive'..... You're nothing but a disgusting, pathetic, pile of 'SHIT' that somehow wandered it's way into the clean kingdom of Corona! You nearly killed Ruddigar, Catalina, my father, me, Eugene, Lance, and me, you almost caused my family to grow significantly smaller, I couldn't give a 'DAMN' if you're being treated correctly or not, I don't give a 'SHIT' if you're in pain, that only thing that is keeping you alive is the information you hold to help my father, the cell you're currently in, and the law of Corona that says murder is wrong, and all of them I can bypass with one fucking 'flick of my wrist', but I follow them because otherwise bitch", his eyes met hers, his pupils mere pinpricks as she stared into them, "you'd be dead where you stand....."
Creighton whimpered and wept, scared out of her mind and unable to move, the light and power of the Moon and Varian combined was putting so much pressure on her body that she felt like she was holding the entire ocean on her back. It only left her when he dropped her to the floor. Black rocks receded back into the ground as Varian's glow dimmed until it was gone as the alchemist let out a breath before he shot her one final glare, she winced, and he walked out of her cell
Eugene and Hugo followed, not saying a word as Arianna shut the cell door. Varian turned and faced the hunter again, his voice was level and calm once more, "I could break every bone in your body and still keep you alive, I know how much blood a person needs to stay alive and could drain it from you in an instant, drop by precious drop, and I'd take immense satisfaction out of watching you struggle until you slowly die in my hands when I finally decide to give you mercy..... But I'm not like that.... I'm not cruel, I'm not like 'you'...." He spat, making her wince again, "I'm not asking anymore, here's what you're gonna do. You're gonna come with us, in handcuffs, and you'll look at my father's bite. You'll tell us everything you know about it and what could happen and what we should do. You'll answer any and all questions we have about this phenomenon and, should we come to you for more, you'll be all too happy to share that information with a damn smile on your face. And if dare try to run, insult someone I care about, or give me one good reason to think that you won't help us or that you're lying, and you'll be begging Beetlejuice to come to your aid. Do I make myself 120% clear?"
"Y-yes sir....." Creighton said with a quiver in her voice
"Good.... Now you're gonna be seen by a doctor so they can make sure I didn't do any damage to you.... Once they're done, we'll see you with my father"
"I... I'm g-getting healed?"
"Me attacking you wasn't part of my plan to have you help us. I didn't want you hurt, I wanted you to cooperate without worry or pain. But you just had to say what you did and now...." The alchemist sighed and turned away, guilt swarming in his mind as he looked at his hands, hating how awfully good it felt for him to do that. He shook the feeling away, "....Just.... Get healed.... Then help my dad.... Please...."
Creighton nodded and watched the group walk away. Arianna telling the guards to bring a few doctors to look her over before following. The group was silent until the reached the door that led to the dungeons. They opened it and walked out, closing it behind them. Once it was fully closed however, Varian slid down to his knees, his hands covering his mouth, as he closed his eyes, "I'm... I-I'm sorry.... I l-lost control again.... I'm sorry... I'm s-so sorry....."
Hugo was the first to hug him, holding him close, Eugene was next, then Arianna and Lance, Catalina and Angry were the last two. They held the alchemist for a long time before they heard his quiet sobs start to calm down, only forming into sniffles before they let go. Hugo grabbed a handkerchief from his pocket and gently dabbed Varian's cheeks, "it's okay Freckles.... We know you didn't mean to...."
"I abused her.... Just l-like I did w-with Gothel..... H-hugo am I... A-am I turning into-!"
"NO!" The blond exclaimed, a little too loudly before he sighed, "sorry... But no... You're not turning into an abusive person.... Varian she... She called you a villain, and you were surrounded by people that'd done you so much wrong in the past, plus, and I hate to bring this up, but being in the dungeons still affects you, even if only slightly.... All of that combined with your past trauma would've caused anyone to lose their cool after what she said...."
"But I still shouldn't do that! I should have better control! I was getting there! I was getting better Hugo b-but I still hurt her...."
The blond was quiet for a moment before he gently guided Varian's face up to meet his eyes, "Donella used to hurt me for far less.... She used to beat me for stepping out of line.... She used to insult me for simply speaking.... And she never apologized, or got me help. She would help me up and readjust my glasses if they were knocked off or askew, but she would leave me to heal on my own, and she would manipulate it to where it was my fault that she'd lost her cool.... You hurt Creighton.... And that was bad.... Very bad.... But do you want to do it again?"
No.... N-never"
"That's the difference", Hugo stated, "it's different for everyone, sure, but I know you Freckles. You are not abusive, and you never will be. You made a mistake, and you won't do it again.... We just have to find a way for you to stop yourself before making that mistake again, and we can do that. We have Lance right here, he can help you figure it out, and me, Eugene, Beetlejuice, Catalina, Angry, and Arianna are more than willing to help you out as well. I know Rapunzel, Quirin, Adira, Hector, and Edmund feel the same"
"He's right", Beetlejuice stated, "while I loved watching you do that, I know you didn't want to, and I can help you stop before it gets to that point"
"Same here", Eugene agreed, "we just gotta come up with a plan is all, mind over matter kiddo"
"Yeah, it was a mistake, and it's okay to make mistakes", Angry stated
"Even ones that hurt people, they do happen from time to time, need I remind you of when I turned wolf and stole you, then, boyfriend and injured him up pretty badly?" Catalina stated
"We know this wasn't you at your best Varian, and we're here to help you through it", Arianna stated
Lance smiled and wrapped his arms around the alchemist, "you're a good person Varian. A very good person, yeah, this was bad.... But I'm willin to help you find ways to stop yourself before it happens again. May I also point out that your dad is injured and might be a werewolf, so that ain't helpin your mind set at all?" The alchemist let out a small chuckle, "see? It's gonna be okay, we'll figure it out, together"
Varian let out a small sigh and smiled before a thought crossed his mind, "what if it goes too far...." He almost whispered this question
Hugo shook his head, "it won't"
"But-!"
"It 'won't'", the blond repeated, "you are 'not' abusive! You never have been, and you never will be! If you did this a lot, then it would be an issue, we'll get you help!"
"Gothel"
"We'll get you help, Lance, again, is right there", the bespeckled teen pointed out, getting the man to wave. When Varian began to sniffle once again, Hugo held him close, "I won't let you become abusive, I won't.... You're good and kind and sweet and caring.... You're not a monster, and you're not abusive.... I'll make sure you stay that way.... I promise.... You're not alone anymore Varian, you're not...."
Varian hugged his fiancé back, his guilt for what he'd just done filling his with dread and fear, the rest of the group hugged him again, all of them showing they'd be willing to help, no matter what as they help the duo close.
Notes:
Hello! :D
If you, or anyone you know is dealing with abuse, please get help! There are sources online that can and will help you! You’re not alone! You can be free of that abuse!!!! You can break the cycle!!!!
Varian isn’t going to turn abusive, however, him being abused, same as Hugo, could lead to him having abusive traits further down the line. And this is something that I don’t see many people talking about nowadays. It’s so easy to slip into that which you were taught from a young age. Varian was abused by Andrew, Cassandra, King Frederic, Nigel, and the former Captain of the Royal Guards. He was shoved to the side, had his feelings rejected and ignored, and honestly, that makes it so easy to lose control and hurt someone who’s hurting you…..
Again, I won’t turn Varian abusive, he’s gonna get help from Lance, but this is something he’s gonna struggle with….. It’s gonna be hard, but he’ll be okay, he will, just as you can if you get the right help, again, you’re not alone, I’m glad you’re here 🎶❤️😊
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 584: Quirin the Werewolf!
Summary:
Captain Creighton comes to see Quirin!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian had finished washing his face and stepped out of the privy with a sigh. He'd significantly calmed down after his trip to the dungeons. Though his hands were still shaking, he felt a little better as he walked over to rejoin the group, "so silver stuff hurts you?" Eugene asked
Catalina nodded, "I have a sword that's made out of titanium instead of silver because of that. Angry and Lance do too"
"Is there a reason why?"
"Well it could be because of the pure properties of the metal", Hugo stated, "silver is very pure, plus in a lot of the folk tales I've read regarding werewolves, silver is associated with the Moon because of it's shine. And the Moon usually causes werewolves to transform, plus silver is a conductor, it's very good at carrying currents across it, spirits are affected by conductors, and Catalina was changed into a werewolf by making a deal with a wolf spirit"
"Huh, I guess that explains that"
"It do"
"Hi", Varian said, getting the group to look at him
"Hey kiddo", Eugene replied with a kind smile, "you feeling any better?"
"A little, I needed that moment to splash some water in my face, thanks for that"
"Happy to help"
"We saw Captain bitch face headed to the medical wing", Beetlejuice pointed out, "wanna see what we can find out?"
The alchemist took in a deep breath before letting it out slowly and nodding, "oki"
They walked over to the medical wing and opened the door to their room, only for Varian to be scooped up and the smell of apples and wood hit his nose, "d-dad?" Varian looked up and saw his father smiling at him happily as he held his son with one arm
"Hello son", Quirin replied, "are you alright?"
"Huh? Yeah I'm okay, why do you ask?"
"You... Look like you've been crying"
"Why is Beetlejuice here?" Hector asked, "not that I mind, but he looks a little.... Worried...."
"Oh.... Um.... W-well...." The alchemist sighed, "there's a reason for that...."
****
"....And then I took a minute to wash my face and calm down before we came back here", the alchemist finished, everyone was listening as he'd told them what'd happened in the dungeons, "Beetlejuice didn't wanna leave because he wanted to make sure I was okay, plus he was concerned about dad...." Varian sighed again, "I'm sorry dad.... I lost control again...."
His father hugged him close, "it's okay son.... That... That's hard..... What she said to you was very cruel, and Hugo's right, you being in the dungeons, facing Cassandra, the former Coronan Captain, and Creighton is just.... Difficult...."
"Still...."
"....Hurting someone is bad, you're right about that", Quirin then gave his son a smile, "but knowing that it's happened before and deciding to get help so it doesn't happen again is commendable. You're gonna talk to Lance and get the help you need to not do it again and regain control before your temper gets out of hand, to me, that shows that you've learned from what you did and are going to fix it. There's no use in continuing to berate yourself if the lesson has already been learned. Plus, she's getting healed and from what you told us, it seems as though she wasn't seriously injured, so it didn't go too far, 'you' didn't go too far, it's okay son. We'll get you the help you need, it'll be okay"
He hugged Varian close, the alchemist returning the loving gesture and calming down, "thanks dad"
"You're welcome son", Quirin replied
They broke the hug and smiled at each other, the air feeling much lighter than before, "when in doubt, grab a Quirin", Eugene joked, getting the retired knight to snort
"All of the worlds issues can be resolved with your own, personal, Quirin!" Lance added, getting Catalina and Angry to giggle, "buy one now for only 100 payments of $99.99, not includin tax!"
"Stop it you two", the Village Leader stated with a snicker, getting the duo to laugh before someone knocked on the medical room door
This silenced everyone, Varian growing a little weary as Edmund stood up and walked over to the door, opening it, "hello", he said politely
"I'm here to see.... What's his name?" A gruff voice replied
"His name is Quirin, and I take it you're Captain Creighton?"
"Yeah...."
"Well, come on in, we're uh, all waiting for you"
He opened the door a touch wider, allowing the woman to walk inside, Stan and Pete walking in beside her and getting Varian to smile, "hi you two, been a minute huh?"
Pete waved as Stan returned the grin with one of his own, "yeah, good to see you again Varian!"
"You too! How was the honey moon?" The alchemist asked
"Great!" Pete exclaimed happily, "Stan and I adopted another kitty!"
"Ooh! So Mr. FluffyPants has a sibling now?" Hugo asked
"Yup, her name's Mrs. PoofyMittens! You should see her paws!" The larger guard stated with a twinkle in his eye
"That's adorable! I'll have to meet her sometime!"
"Same!" Varian exclaimed as he watched Captain Creighton approach his father and check the bite
As soon the she started to look the wound over, everyone froze. They wait with baited breath as she took a few moments to check, recheck, and triple check the bite, she looked over the retired knight, much to his chagrin, even eliciting a growl to come from him as she got close to his face, something the startled the, normally gentle, Village Leader. This seemed to satisfy the Captain as she backed up a bit, "he's a werewolf"
The alcehmist blinked before he let out a small breath and spoke, "how do you know?"
"His bite, he was bit by an alpha wasn't he?"
"Yes"
"She normally doesn't make werewolves from her own bite, not unless the person she's fighting managed to nick her in a place she normally keeps protected. I remember the fight this guy had with the wolf girl over there", she pointed to Catalina, "pretty good chance he managed to reach a spot she normally protects, which is real fucking rare. Because of that, she had no other option but to bite him, her fangs sunk deep into his skin and ended up getting to his veins. Her saliva mixed with his blood, changing it and causing him to become a werewolf", she explained, "and not just a regular one either, he's an alpha now too"
"An alpha?!" Edmund exclaimed
"Yup, only alphas can change humans into werewolves with their bite, normal wolf spirits don't have that power unless they kill an alpha and become one themselves. When that happens, the wolf spirit gets blessed by the Moon with more strength so they can protect their pack, which they take over the alpha they killed, so. However, the downside is that they can make alphas outta humans, it's incredibly rare, almost unheard of, but it does happen from time to time"
"W-what happens to the human?" Edmund asked anxiously as he looked at his knight
"Pretty much the same thing that happens with any normal wolf spirit, the only difference is they can become werewolves during the day and night, and they aren't forced to turn during a full Moon", she stated, "the Sun doesn't have an affect on their transformation, but they are weaker during the day. A wolf spirit human can only transform at night, and their strength is equal no matter what time it is, but an alpha has free reign to turn whenever needed, plus they don't have the blue print on their body, only the bite scar, and they're 'far' more powerful and aggressive than a regular wolf spirit human, even during the day"
Varian blinked, "so my dad will be able to control his form?"
"Yup, he might just be easier to anger now, and you may see his eyes glow red, oh, and he'll wanna have more meat than whatever his usual diet is, also, don't fucking give him silver if you want him to live"
The alchemist nodded before Hugo spoke up, "how many alphas are there in the world? And will other animals be able to sense he's an alpha werewolf?"
"Hmmm.... About a dozen, including him. Like I said, they're rare, and funnily enough, they usually get killed by other humans right after they're bit. Normally, humans want them dead before their first turn, so they burn them at the stake or have them hung. As for the animals, they'll sense that he's in charge and will probably listen to him. The tamer could tell you more about it, but from my experience, animals bow to whomever is the strongest, and an alpha werewolf is far fucking stronger than any normal animal"
"Unfortunately she's not wrong there", Hector stated, "animals, when sensing a far stronger presence, will either run away, or they'll submit. It's a survival instinct, though if that force shows it's not a threat, then the animals treat it like normal. I'm sure Quirin won't be seen any differently in the animal kingdom. He gives off a nice scent"
"Wawit, you can smell scents?" Eugene asked
"No, but Pixie, Basil, and Xena can, and they tell me what they smell", the man stated with a quirked brow, "I'm a tamer, not an animal, though I wouldn't mind being one"
The Dark Prince blushed, "oh.... Right... Eheh"
"I give off a nice scent?" Quirin asked
"Yeah, probably because you're a goody two shoes"
The retired knight snorted, "I'm not sure if that was an insult of a compliment"
"It's Hector, he probably means it both ways", Adira said with a smirk
Varian giggled before he got an idea, "hey Ruddy", the racoon, who was sleeping in his boy's backpack, peeked out, "you mind sniffing dad and telling me what you smell and sense?"
The raccoon chittered happily before climbing out of his boy's bag and waddling over to Quirin. He sniffed the man before making a startled face. He looked at Quirin, they man blushed, "I probably smell a little different, huh coon?"
Ruddigar nodded, but sniffed the man again, he tilted his head to the side before he nuzzled Quirin's cheek, licking it
"Heh, good coon", the retired knight said gently as he stroked Ruddigar's fur before letting the older mammal waddle back to his boy
He chittered to his boy about his findings, "oki, thanks bud, here", Varian handed Ruddigar an apple for his trouble, the raccoon grabbed it happily before he waddled back in his boy's pack and began to munch on the tasty treat, "Ruddy says you smell like normal, but your scent has a bite too it now, showing you're an alpha and not to be trifled with. He was a little startled, but sniffing you again proved you wouldn't do him any harm, as he put it, 'the guardian smells friendly, just tough'"
Quirin snorted, "the guardian?"
"That's what he calls you, and everything he said lines up with what Creighton and Hector mentioned. So it looks like you're my spicy and sweet dad"
"I guess so"
"Will his form be different than mine?" Catalina asked Captain Creighton
"Bigger, darker, really it depends on the person, but yeah, it'll be different", the werewolf hunter stated
"Ok, final question", Rapunzel said softly when no one else spoke up, "will Quirin be affected by my or Varian's magic? From what I heard happened in the dungeons, I know you know Varian has Moon magic, and I have Sun magic"
The Captain blinked before looking at the alchemist, "was that what that was?"
"Yes", Varian stated, "how's your back by the way?"
"'s fine. They said I'll need to lay in bed for a day or two, but you just jostled me"
"Ok.... That's good...."
The Captain blinked at the teen's showing of concern before shrugging it off and looking at the princess, "yes, if that's really what you have, werewolves are affected by the celestial bodies in the sky. I have no doubt he'll be able to feel something whenever your magic is active, though I don't know what"
The princess nodded, "thank you Captain Creighton, your information was appreciated"
"Yup", Creighton replied, "you've still got my werewolf book too, more info is in there if needed"
"Right, Varian, Hugo, I'll have you two handle that"
"Right up our allies", the blond scientist stated with a grin, getting Varian to smile at his fiancé
"Can I go back to my cell now?" The werewolf hunter asked
"Yes, Stan, Pete, do you two mind taking her back?" Rapunzel asked
"Yes your majesty!" Both guards exclaimed before they took her back to her cell without another word
Arianna, who'd been watching the entire time, finally spoke up, "does this relieve any fears about Quirin?" She asked gently
The group smiled and nodded, "at least we know the differences", Lance stated, "and Quirin, you'll be able to learn how to control your wolf form from Catalina!"
"That'll be interesting", the retired knight said with a smile towards the red head, who smiled back happily
"I'm just glad you'll be safe", Edmund stated before he huffed, "and this is a good reminder to never do anything rash! OR else you'll end up as a werewolf"
Hector snorted, "well shit, sign me up"
"Hector!"
"Hey, being a werewolf sounds fucking awesome"
The Dark King sighed as Adira chuckled, "did really you expect anything less from him?"
"No, but still"
Quirin chuckled before he looked at his son, "feel better?"
"Yeah, now that I know you'll be okay, I'm a little more at ease.... Helps that Creighton is okay as well, at least I didn't break any bones...."
Quirin wrapped an arm around his son, "we'll figure it out together Varian, you'll see"
The alchemist nodded before they heard Rapunzel yelp just a bit, "are you okay?" Adira asked the princess, "that was quite a flinch"
"Yup, I'm alright!" Rapunzel replied
"Blondie, are you sure?" Eugene asked, walking over and helping his wife stand up straight
"Yeah, just, heh, well... I can't say what happened without telling everyone in the room the news"
Eugene looked around before he smirked, "they're all here, and Quirin's all good, do you want to?"
The princess blinked before she smiled, "yeah!"
"Is.... Everything okay?" Hector asked
"Oh everything's fine!" The Princess stated happily, "the only reason I flinched is because of the baby", she added nonchalantly, getting Hugo, Quirin, Arianna, and Eugene to grin, "they're quite the active one"
The room was silent for a few moments before it exploded into chaos as Lance, Catalina, Angry, Adira, Hector, and Edmund took in the news of a new family member!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So we get to find out what Quirin is! Werewolf, man, or monster? Mwahahahaaa!
I wanna draw Werewolf Quirin now, I feel like he’d look super cool! :D
So, some news was dropped and now the room is in chaos XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 585: Babies!
Summary:
The group finds out about Rapunzel and Eugene’s baby, all are happy, until Angry asks a very simple question!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶😊❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin wrapped an arm around his son, "we'll figure it out together Varian, you'll see"
The alchemist nodded before they heard Rapunzel yelp just a bit, "are you okay?" Adira asked the princess, "that was quite a flinch"
"Yup, I'm alright!" Rapunzel replied
"Blondie, are you sure?" Eugene asked, walking over and helping his wife stand up straight
"Yeah, just, heh, well... I can't say what happened without telling everyone in the room the news"
Eugene looked around before he smirked, "they're all here, and Quirin's all good, do you want to?"
The princess blinked before she smiled, "yeah!"
"Is.... Everything okay?" Hector asked
"Oh everything's fine!" The Princess stated happily, "the only reason I flinched is because of the baby", she added nonchalantly, getting Hugo, Quirin, Arianna, and Eugene to grin, "they're quite the active one"
The room was silent for a few moments before it exploded into chaos as Lance, Catalina, Angry, Adira, Hector, and Edmund took in the news of a new family member! "A BABY?!" Edmund yelled excitedly, "YOU TWO ARE HAVING A BABY?!" Eugene smiled and nodded before he was swept up into his father's bear hug, pulled off his feet, and twirled along with the man himself, he laughed as they twirled
"Holy shit, royal baby...." Hector stated, "I ALMOST KILLED THEM WHEN WE FIRST MET!"
Adira laughed, "I thought you were proud of that"
"THAT WAS BEFORE THEY WERE HAVING A BABY!"
His sister laughed again as Lance walked over to Rapunzel, "how long have you two known?"
"It's been about two weeks", the princess responded honestly, "we didn't really get a chance to tell you, sorry...."
"Is that why you were sick for a while?"
"Yeah, morning sickness"
Lance blinked a few times before he smiled wide, "CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!" He exclaimed before gently hugging Rapunzel, "you're gonna be a MOM!!!!! That's so awesome!"
"I-I thought you'd be mad that we didn't say something sooner", Rapunzel admitted, hugging Lance back before the former thief broke the hug to look at her
"I'll be honest, it stings a little that Quirin, Varian, Hugo, and your ma knew before me, but I was busy for the past two weeks, and with all that happened with the Super blue Moon and you stayin safe, instead of fightin like I 'know' you would've, I had a feelin this was why"
"I'm still sorry we didn't tell you specifically, Eugene made it a point to say he wanted you to be among the first to find out, along with Varian and Hugo"
"Well, the only time you've seen me these past few weeks was just now, I'm guessin you saw Varian and Hugo before and couldn't hold it, right?"
"Yeah, they, and Quirin, came to the castle, at my mother's request, when the citizens were fighting amongst themselves and I.... Soooooorta let it slip"
"Aw that's okay, I'm not gonna get on ya for not tellin me first, I'm just happy to be among the second group who knows", he teased, getting the princess to blush but smile
"Thank you for understanding Lance"
"Anytime"
"I'M GONNA BE A DOUBLE GRANDPA!" Edmund yelled
"You've got two grandpeanuts", Quirin pointed out
This made Edmund pause, Eugene still hoisted into the air, before he blushed and spun with Eugene again, "I'M GONNA BE A TRIPLE GRANDPA!"
The retired knight chuckled as Adira spoke up again, "I get that this is premature, but do you have names for the baby yet?"
Rapunzel smiled at the face painted warrior, "we had some ideas, though, we can't really agree on them. I like pretty names but Eugene likes simple but awesome ones"
"Makes sense, might I suggest Fish Skin?"
"NO!" Eugene yelled, still twilling with his father
"Um.... King Edmund, I think he needs to be put down now", Quirin said gently, "before you make yourself dizzy and fall, preferably"
The Dark King stopped spinning and blushed before putting his son down, "eheh, sorry", he then looked at Quirin, "I'm gonna be a triple grandpa!" He squeaked
Quirin chuckled, "yes you are"
"Me and Hugo are gonna have a niece or nephew", Varian said, which I'm excited about, I'm gonna corrupt them with my alchemy", he joked, getting Hugo to laugh
"No, no science corrupting", Eugene exclaimed after recovering from his dizzy spell
"All the science corrupting", the inventor stated
"Hugo no"
"Hugo yes!"
"Pffft!" Varian giggled before he looked over at Rapunzel, "if you want name suggestions, I have a few that might fit both"
The princess smiled, "I certainly wouldn't mind!"
"So, wait..... How are babies born?" Angry asked, getting the room to go dead silent, "....What?"
"Wait... You don't know?" Hugo asked, when she shook he head he looked at Catalina, "what about you?"
The red head shrugged, "we were orphaned as babies, we ran away from the orphanage when I was 6 and Angry was 5, and no one really talked about babies unless it was us changing diapers"
"You changed diapers when you were 5 and 6?" Varian asked
"We changed diapers the moment we were able to talk and speak, the orphanage we're from was bad, hence why we ran away", Angry stated
"Ugh, I'm sorry that happened", the alcehmist said
"Not your fault, but my question still stands, I mean, I'm 13 years old, Cat's 14, we should know at this point right?"
Varian blinked, "I keep forgetting you're not 11 and 12 anymore", he stated
"Seriously V?"
"Hey, you're my 'little' sisters! I expect you two to STAY little!"
Catalina giggled, "well either way", she looked at Lance, "how are babies made? And why do they make Rapunzel sick?"
The former thief tensed up a bit as Quirin chuckled, the retired knight walking over to the man, "need a hand?" He offered
"Yes please, how do I do this?" Lance asked
"You'd tell them the truth, just not all the details"
"Huh?"
"That's how I handled this with Varian and Hugo-!"
"Wait, Hugo didn't know how babies were made until 'after' he met you two?" Eugene asked
"Don never explained, she said it wasn't important whenever I asked, and Cyrus would make me fell dumb for not knowing, so I stopped asking", the inventor explained, "Quirin told me the night after I told him about what Donella was doing to me, I asked him because he made me feel safe, him and Freckles both, and they were more than willing to tell me"
"Huh"
"So what details did you not tell them?" Lance asked
"I told them how babies are formed and made, and how they come out, but I wasn't specific with any of it, and I made sure to let them know I'd inform them of any details when they were older. Well... For Hugo, I told him all of it because he was 16, but Varian was 6 when he asked, and I told him the truth, well... He also wouldn't accept the stork explanation anymore either..... Stinker", Quirin replied with a chuckle
"I was too curious for my own good!" Varian stated proudly, getting Hugo to giggle
The former thief nodded before he looked at Catalina and Angry, "ok, well...." He sighed, "I can't give you all the details, Quirin's right about that, some things are a little too.... Much for girls you two's ages. But I can tell ya the basic gist. See.... Babies.... They're made by a man and a woman", he stated gently, "when they love each other, and they decide they wanna have a child, they'll.... Uh...." He blushed and looked at Quirin for assistance
"They have a small ritual, but it's very private, you'll both learn about it when you're older", the retired knight said gently, getting the girls to nod and Lance to let out a breath of relief
"When that ritual is done, an egg is formed inside the mother", Lance said
"Like a chicken?" Catalina asked, getting Varian to smile as he remembered asking the same thing
"Sorta yeah", the former thief said with a chuckle, "cept that egg isn't hatched outside of the mother. See what happens is, there's a little.... Energy.... Given from the dad, into the mom, from the ritual, and the energy finds the egg and helps it begin to grow"
"How?" Angry asked
Varian stepped in when he saw Lance growing flustered again, "my dad explained it this way, think of a seed, when you plant it in the ground and give it water, sunlight, and dirt, the plant begins to grow, in this case, it's growing a human instead of a tree or plant"
"Oooooh", both girls said, understanding before looking at Lance again
The former thief smiled gratefully at the alchemist before continuing, "so when that egg is given that energy by the dad, it starts to form into a baby, the mother helps grow the baby too, she gives it food when she eats, carries it around inside her stomach for month, until the baby is fully formed and ready to come out", Lance said, feeling a little more confident as he explained, "the mother gets cravins and can get sick from carryin the baby, I'm not sure why, you'll have to ask Varian about that, but when the baby is fully grown inside the mother, she gives birth to them"
"How does the mom give birth to the baby?" Catalina asked, getting Lance to sweat again
"Uh...."
"The mom feels the baby coming, goes to the doctors, and the doctors are able to get the baby out", Hugo answered, "the details of the procedure would probably be best left until you're a wee bit older"
Lance nodded vigorously, "just know that, when the mom goes into labor, meanin when she's about to have the baby, dependin on the person, it can hurt, and hurt badly. However, when the baby's born, the pain seeps away, and, mind you I'm not a girl so I'm not sure about this, but from what I've heard, it's all made worth it when their child is in their arms"
"So wait.... With all the mom does, carrying the baby and such, what does the dad do?" Angry asked
"The dad takes care of the mom", Quirin said happily, "he helps her, gives her the food she's craving, even when it's odd, calms her when she's feeling angry, soothes her when she's in pain, and when she's in labor, he's by her side every second, holding her hand and helping her throughout the entire process. He helped make the baby during the ritual, he contributes by taking care of the mom when she's pregnant", he then sighed, "and it's worth every second"
"Is it?" Catalina asked
The retired knight smiled, "it's hard on both parents, much harder on the mother since she's carrying the baby, but still hard for both, the late nights, the morning sickness, the odd cravings, the random snaps of anger to the waterfalls of tears due to hormones, it's hard. But when you see your wife give birth, and the look on her face when she's holding the baby.... And then you get to hold them next", his smile widened as he remembered the first time he ever held Varian, "it's a moment of pure bliss"
"Why is it bliss? With all the hard work and pain, you'd think you'd hate the kid that came out", Angry stated
"Never", the retired knight said, "because at the end of the day, when you hold the small being in your hands, you get to look at them and say, 'I'm apart of you', and that feeling is so special that the pain and hardships you and your partner endured just slip away"
"Is that what it was like for you Quirin?" Eugene asked as Edmund smiled at his know
The Village Leader looked at Eugene before looking at Varian, who blinked before he blushed, "yeah", his father said, "every second, every yell, snap, craving, puke fest, fight, tear, all of it, melted away when I saw those big blue eyes looking up at me that day"
The alchemist shifted a little before he walked over and hugged his dad, "I love you too", he said, his voice muffled by his father's vest, getting the man to chuckle and hug him back
The room was filled with smiles, though Hugo looked down slightly. He kept his mouth shut, only to be pulled into the hug, "w-wh-but I-!"
"The moment you because part of our family made dealing with Donella and Cyrus worth it too, the feeling is very similar", Quirin stated as Varian grinned at his fiancé
The inventor blinked before he blushed and hugged the both of them back. Angry and Catalina smirked before the red head looked at Edmund, "I'll bet that's how you felt too?"
"Yup, though, I couldn't stop hopping", the Dark King stated
"Hopping?" Eugene asked
Hector laughed at the memory as Adira spoke up, "when you were born, Fish Skin, our king was so ecstatic about your birth, that he couldn't stop jumping up and down, he jumped in the hallway, outside the castle, inside the family room, the only place he didn't jump for joy was when he held you", she explained, "it was quite the scene"
"Why am I both surprised and not surprised at the same time?" The Dark Prince asked as he watched his father do a happy wiggle when he looked at Rapunzel, who giggled
"I just can't fucking believe it.... A baby, a 'royal' baby", Hector stated, still in shock over the news before a thought hit him, "are they gonna rule the Dark Kingdom and Corona?"
This caused Eugene and Rapunzel to pause for a moment or two before they looked at each other, "that's.... Um...." The princess looked at Varian, "I don't.... Know...."
"I'm supposed to take over when you two begin to rule and don't have a replacement", the alchemist said, "I've got the basics of royal etiquette down"
"Sort of", Hugo said, "your royal table manners need work"
The alchemist huffed, "you're a brat"
"Learned from the best, seriously though, your pops has more royal table manners than you"
"Dad grew up in a castle and is naturally very polite, especially when eating", Varian pointed out
"Right, so elbows on the table and using the wrong spoon to slurp your soup is just a normal way of eating?"
"You're one to talk ya loud chewer"
"Hey, at least I 'try' to fix my manners"
"Uh huh, so you hogging the blankets at night during a particularly cold evening is supposed to be cute?"
"Nah, I do that just to spite you"
They continued to banter playfully, getting everyone to snicker, no one noticed Rapunzel and Eugene's anxious glances to each other as they thought about what would happen with their baby.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I hear that this is the most challenging discussion parents have to have with their kids, and I can see why considering it took me a few moments to figure out how to word the explanation
This was meant as a funny chapter with the girls, just to show that they’re growing up such :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 586: Morning Sickness, Hormones, and Werewolves Oh My!
Summary:
Raounzel deals with morning sickness and hormones, and an unforeseen event forces Quirin to deal with his wolf side!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Ugh...." The princess groaned as she stepped out of the privy, Eugene right behind her
"Feeling better?" The Dark Prince asked as he held a very dirty wash clothe a little bit away from him
"I hate morning sickness..."
This made the man freeze, "wait.... You hate something?"
"I know right? I don't hate anything! I am of the opinion that you can find a good thing about everything! But morning sickness just 'had' to prove me wrong!" Rapunzel exclaimed with a sigh, "the craving for pickles with chocolate pudding on them isn't helping either...."
Eugene tried not to chuckle at his wife's despair, he found that hard to do when his heart skipped a few beats with affection for her, but he managed to control it, "how about you hang out in here and I get you the chocolate pudding covered pickles, yeah?"
"Ok...." The princess let out another long sigh as she flopped, unceremoniously, onto her bed. Her hair, now in it's usual braid, though extremely messy, flopped beside her in a heap as she did
Eugene gave his lover a sympathetic look, "do you want me to open a window before I head out?"
"No, I think, for once, the birds might annoy me.... And I wish they didn't Eugene..." Rapunzel sniffled sadly
"I'm sorry Sunshine.... You'll be able to enjoy yourself again, don't worry, you just need to have our kid first", he lightly teased
She chuckled, her mood lifting a little as she picked up a pillow, "go get the pickles you silly", she said, throwing it and smirking as it gently hit the man's face
Eugene snickered, "I'll be right back", he said, picking up the pillow and tossing it onto the bed before heading out the door and closing it silently so as not to make the princess wince
Rapunzel sighed and laid back down, the sickness was gone for now, thankfully, but she shuddered when she thought about it coming back tomorrow..... Looking down at her stomach, she raised a brow, "when you come out, you and I need to have a serious talk about this morning sickness business", she stated, "w-when you're older, of course", she added, not wanting to be rude
The knock on the door didn't do anything to calm her throbbing head, she groaned before sitting up, "who is it....." She more stated then asked
"Oh, uh.... Eheh, sorry, I-I can come back w-when you're feeling better if you want", the familiar voice replied softly
Her eyes widened as she perked up, "Varian?"
"Yeah"
"Oh! Oh geez, I'm sorry, you can come in!"
The door opened slightly and in poked the alchemist's head, "a-are you sure? You seem..... Aggravated"
"Yeah I'm sure, I'm sorry, the morning sickness was rough today"
"Oh, oh my"
"Yeah.... But I don't mind you visiting, it's been a while"
Varian smiled, "well it isn't just me visiting, i-if that's okay. Hugo wanted to come along", the inventor in question also stuck his head inside the door
Rapunzel giggled, "that's fine, hello Hugo"
"Howdy", the bespeckled teen replied as Varian opened the door and they both walked inside
"Do you want the door closed?" The alchemist asked
"If you don't mind, I think the hallway has decided it's going to echo with the footsteps of an army today", the princess stated as she placed a hand on her temple
Varian gave the hallways a glare, "mean hallway", he stated, "you're grounded"
Hugo and Rapunzel snorted as the alchemist closed the door, gently, "thank you", the princess said
"You're welcome, we were coming in here to check on you, aside from the morning sickness and evil hallway of echoes, how are you?"
Rapunzel sighed, "well, not terrible I suppose, Eugene's been really supportive and nice and", she sniffled again as tears formed in her eyes, "and s-sweet and... a-and...." She whimpered a little
The alchemist walked over and handed her a handkerchief as he sat down beside her, "here, it's okay, I'm sure Eugene is more than happy to help you"
She took the offered handkerchief and blew her nose before sniffling again, I know I just..." She sniffled once again, "I love him so much!" She began to cry into the cloth, Varian hugging her gently as Hugo sat down and rubbed her back
Just then, the door opened and in walked the man himself, he froze when he saw his princess crying, setting the pickles and pudding down and walking over quickly, "what happened?" He asked
"Hormones", Hugo replied with a small smirk, "hormones mixed with guilt and love for you"
"Ah", the Dark Prince smiled at his princess before he switched spots with Hugo, "blondie, I'm back", he said
Rapunzel immediately switched over to him and cried in his chest, "I'm sorry", she sobbed
"It's okay Sunshine, it's alright", he said gently, hugging and holding her as she cried
The alchemist smiled up at Eugene before he noticed the pickles and chocolate pudding, he blinked, "cravings?" He asked the man, when the tired nod was all he received, he gave Eugene a sympathetic look, "you know, I have some medicine that might make the morning sickness less of a nuisance", he offered, "Hugo and I were working on it when we found out about her pregnancy, and we got some insight from dad and books, and Queen Arianna as well, it might help"
"I think we'd be willing to try it, but maybe give her a few moments yeah?" Eugene asked
"Absolutely", the alchemist replied as Hugo walked over to the bed with the pudding and pickles in hand
"Hey princess", the blond inventor said, getting Rapunzel to sniffle and look at him, when she saw the food, her stomach growled angrily and she made grabby hands at it, unable to speak due to her sadness. Hugo chuckled and handed her some pudding and a pickle, Rapunzel dipped the vinegar soaked cucumber into the dessert and ate it with gusto, accidentally getting some on Eugene's shirt
The man didn't mind, he'd been able to take off on paternity leave to help Rapunzel, and his street shirt could be washed. He just smiled and kissed his chocolate pudding covered Princess's head, "I love you so much you know that?"
She smiled, pacified for the moment, "I love you too", she said
Varian giggled as he saw Hugo set the tray down next to the bed, "wanna know something fun?" He asked the couple, getting them to look at him, "I can sense your baby"
This made them both paused as Eugene blinked, "what?"
"Yeah, the Moonstone is connected to the Sundrop, because Rapunzel is the bearer of the Sundrop, I can sense what's going on with her, and that, in turn, allows me to sense your baby", he stated with a smile, "they're very healthy!"
"Huh, well that's good to know!" Eugene replied with a grin, "right Sunshine?" He looked at Rapunzel
The princess looked curious and she cocked her head to the side, "what else can you sense about the baby?"
"Well, I can sense their health, their hunger, they get hungry 'a lot', and I think I can kinda feel a little bit of what they feel.... It's odd to explain, at this stage in their development, they shouldn't be able to feel anything at all, yet I feel something from them, it's very small, but it's something"
"Well it has been five weeks since they were first conceived", Hugo pointed out, "that's when the synapses begin to form on the spinal cord, they're a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter"
"Could you repeat that in English please?" Eugene asked
"Or at least Old Coronan?" Rapunzel added gently
Varian giggled as Hugo sighed, "the gap between two neurons that allows them to communicate, you know, send signals to the brain telling it what's what?"
"Oooooh", both prince and princess said
Varian smiled at his fiancé lovingly, "that's probably why I can sense how they feel a little bit, it's not much, and I think what I'm sensing is their hunger, they seem satisfied for now"
"Thank goodness", Rapunzel stated, "I love this baby, but I already told them we're gonna have a talk about this morning sickness stuff.... When they're older, of course"
Eugene snorted, "I'll help you out with that", he stated, that's when Rapunzel noticed his shirt
"Oh no! I'm sorry, did I do that?"
"Blondie, it's okay, I can wash it"
"Still... Ugh, I'm such a mess!" She huffed, pouting a little
"Don't worry Punzel", Varian said, getting eye level with her, "once the pregnancy is over, you and Eugene will have a baby to take care of, I think you'll enjoy that far more"
She blinked before letting out a breath, "you're right, I will, thanks Varian, though I wish you had a chemical that prevented me from being like this, it's really rough...."
The alchemist looked at Eugene, who nodded, before he looked back at the princess, "well, me and Hugo made a medicine for the morning sickness, we told Eugene about it just a few moments ago, we used a lot of research to get it just right, and we both think it's ready, if you wanna try it"
The princess blinked before looking at Varian, "really? You made a morning sickness medicine for me?"
"Me and Hugo did yeah", the alchemist replied with a grin as Hugo smiled, "we thought it might help you handle the mornings a bit easier if you didn't have to puke your way through them"
"That would be WONDERFUL!" Rapunzel exclaimed before clapping her hands over her mouth and blushing, "sorry"
"It's okay", the alchemist said with a giggle, "though, would you like some napkins, you uh.... Have some pudding on your nose"
The princess blinked before removing her hands and noticing the small amount of chocolate pudding on them, she blushed even more and nodded, Varian handed her a few napkins and she cleaned herself off before sighing, "I really am a mess...."
"Everyone is when they're pregnant, if it helps any, you rock the messy look", Hugo stated, Rapunzel stopped before she giggled
"Thanks Hugo", she said happily
****
Rapunzel panted a little as she sat down for the tenth time that day, "why 'huff puff' do we have 'huff' so many STAIRS!" She exclaimed, her voice echoing throughout the hallway
Eugene sat next to her as Varian and Hugo went off to get the princess some water, "because it's a castle, and stairs make you seem important", he joked
"I would laugh 'huff huff' if I weren't winded"
The Dark Prince smiled and allowed his princess to lean against him gently while she caught her breath, ".....I see the pregnancy is going well", a familiar voice said, getting the two to look and see Quirin standing in front of them, a cookie in his hand
"Hey Quirin, where'd you come from?" Eugene asked with a grin as Rapunzel smiled up at the man
"From the kitchen, Varian and Hugo just passed me by and said you two were over here, so I came to say hello", he looked at Rapunzel, "I made some peanut butter and banana cookies if you want some", he offer, holding out his own cookie for her to sniff
The princess did and waited for a moment before he stomach growled again and she stared at the cookie. The man chuckled and handed it to her, "fank you!" She said happily, her mouth full of the treat as the retired knight chuckled
"You're welcome, I have more where that came from", he replied before looking at Eugene, "if you're looking to curb any mood swings she may have, have peanut butter on standby, and a good back run helps"
"Noted, thank you", Eugene replied gratefully
"You're welcome, where are you two headed?"
"To the kitchen, she was feeling hungry, but she didn't know what she wanted", as Eugene said this, Rapunzel took another big bite of the cookie and smiled, "I guess we know now"
Quirin chuckled, "like I said, peanut butter almost always works"
"Dad!" Varian exclaimed as he and Hugo walked over, the alchemist hugging the man as the inventor handed Rapunzel the glass of water they'd grabbed for her, she guzzled it greedily before taking another bite of the cookie in her hand
"Hello Bubby", the Village Leader replied, returning the hug
"How's your arm?"
"It's better", Quirin rolled his arm and shoulder to show it'd healed, "a little achy at points, but fine nonetheless"
"That's good, and the bite?"
"People think it's a fun tattoo, so I suppose I don't have to explain, which is nice"
"Very nice!"
"Any-!" Rapunzel coughed a little, covering her mouth and taking another swig of water before she spoke again, "sorry"
"It's okay, are you alright?" Quirin asked worriedly
"Yeah, just embarrassed", she replied with a blush, "a-anyway, um, any wolf things happen? Like howling at the Moon or fangs or something? I know that was a worry you had"
The retired knight shook his head, "aside from the occasional growl when I get irritated, I haven't had any wolf experiences yet. Hector mentioned my eyes glowed red for a second when he and Adira were picking on me, which made them both stop, but I don't recall growing upset, just minorly aggravated"
"Huh, maybe the wolf is like you dad, gentle unless provoked", Varian stated
"Maybe, I can definitely say the my sense of smell has gone up, hearing and eyesight have too for that matter. Which is pretty handy, especially when little inventors decide they wanna try their hand at spookin me with their demon friend"
Hugo snickered, "it was just a small spook"
"I know, but you're still a brat"
"Tee hee"
The princess and Prince snickered before Eugene looked at Rapunzel, "you ready to try walking again?"
"Yeah, I have a little more energy, and those cookies are calling to me", the princess replied, accepting Eugene's help in getting up
"Oh! Dad, Rapunzel's gonna try the morning sickness medicine me and Hugo made!" Varian exclaimed excitedly
"Oh well that's good", Quirin answered with a smile, "I hope it helps, I know morning sickness can be-!" He froze, startling the group
"Dad?"
"Pops?" Hugo asked, waving a hand in front of the man's face
"That voice....." Quirin said
"What voice?" Eugene asked as Rapunzel blinked
The retired knight didn't say anything for a moment or two before his eyes glowed bright red and he glared, nose wrinkling, teeth bared, at the corner of the hallway. Two guards came from there, they were guiding a very familiar looking prisoner down it. Eugene felt his blood run cold, and he shivered, Hugo standing in front of him and Rapunzel protectively as Quirin growled, "Baron....." He said, his voice full of hatred and malice as the guards led the prisoner down the hallway
The man's hands were cuffed still, but the moment he saw Quirin, he stopped and glared back at the man. Varian's eyes glowed, he sense something huge about to happen, and he instantly flew in-between the pair, "for your safety Baron, keep walking...." He stated
"I'm not afraid of you or him you little-AHH!" The Baron began, but was cut off when Quirin lunged and managed to land a scratch on him
"Dad no!" Varian exclaimed, getting his father to back up a bit, his voice seeming to freeze the retired knight momentarily
Hugo noticed Stan a few feet away in the next hallway and ran to him, "Stan!" He called, getting the guard's attention, the inventor slid to a halt, "we've got a situation in the hallway! Quirin and the Baron! Quirin's werewolf is coming out, he just scratched the Baron!"
"Shit! I told them not to take him down this hallway", the guard cursed before he ran towards the commotion, Hugo following
Quirin was trying to hold back, but his left hand was furry and his nails had turned into sharp, blood covered, claws. He kept growling at the Baron, Varian stayed in-between the pair, as Eugene protected Rapunzel, though he still shivered a little as he saw the Baron, "Reggie! Josh! What the hell are you two doing?!" Stan snapped, getting the two guard's attention as the he managed to back the Baron away from Quirin and Varian, allowing the alchemist to calm his father down, "I told you not to go down this hallway! The Brotherhood members and Eugene take this route to the kitchen and the Queen said they have a history with this man, a bad one, why did you two go this way?!"
"Because it was faster sir", Reggie replied, "The Baron is on mopping duty today"
"Great, you take him to the other hallway", Stan stated, glaring at the pair, "not here!"
"Sorry sir..." Josh said
"I don't want an apology, I want you two to get him away from here, now! Take him back to his cell and get a doctor to take a look at that scratch, if he's given a clean bill of health, take him the CORRECT WAY to the dining area and get him mopping, if not, stay in the dungeons with him until the shift change comes along and explain the situation, got it?"
"Yes sir!" Both guards saluted Stan before they quickly took the Baron away
The guard huffed before looking at Eugene, who calmed down, "sorry sir, those two get hard to handle when you're not in charge"
"I'll have a talk with them when I'm back", the Dark Prince stated, "thank you Stan"
"You're welcome, though Hugo should get the credit, he's the one that came and got me", he stated, gesturing to the inventor, who was helping Quirin calm down, "um...." Stan looked at Varian, Hugo, and Quirin, "geez..... I see what you mean by having them go down a different hallway...."
"Yeah this... Is pretty bad...." Eugene stated before he sighed when he noticed Quirin's hand was back to normal, though his glove was ripped to shreds
Rapunzel gave the retired knight a sympathetic, and guilt ridden, look, she began to speak when she saw he'd calmed down completely, "you know, I was curious about the wolf, but I didn't mean for him to come out right now...."
The retired knight sighed, "it's not your fault.... Though at least we know how this works...." He looked at his hand, "that felt.... Almost invigorating, yet terrifying at the same time"
"Are you okay dad?" Varian asked
"I'm fine, sorry for causing trouble...."
"Dad you don't have to apologize, it was an accident"
"Still.... Even if he deserves nothing but pain, I still clawed that.... 'Thing', pretty deeply....."
"That thing?" Stan asked
"I refuse to say that criminal is anything more than a disgusting pile of shit, which is an insult to a pile of shit", Quirin stated indignantly, "so a thing is how he remains to me"
"Ah"
"I'll bet if you tell Hector what just happened, he'll applaud you", Hugo stated
"He probably would", Quirin said with a small chuckle before he looked at the inventor, "thank you for getting Stan by the way"
"You're welcome, just doin my part"
Varian grinned and kissed Hugo's lips, getting the blond to smile, "you just earned 50 good fiancé points"
"50? Wait, isn't there a prize with that?"
"Yup, but we discuss that later", the alchemist stated with a blush, getting Hugo to grin and hug Varian happily
"And the nerdy flirting is back", Eugene stated with a sigh, getting Rapunzel to giggle
"At least things are calmer now", the princess stated, before she gave Eugene a kiss, "thank you for protecting me"
"Always Sunshine"
Stan smirked at the pair, "I'm happy things are better now, also princess, how's the pregnancy coming along?"
The group began to talk amongst themselves, happy and full of joy after the harrowing event that'd just transpired. However, one remained silent, Quirin stared at his hand, it was ungloved, the pieces of his garden glove lay helplessly on the floor. He winced as he remembered clawing the Baron, and just how animalistic he'd turned before his son's voice had snapped him back to reality. His heart pounded with worry as he turned his hand over and saw the small drops of the Baron's blood on his fingers, and he shuddered.....
Notes:
Hello! :D
We all have a side of us that we don’t like to show or see, for Rapunzel, that’s her more negative side and feelings, and for Quirin, it’s his anger. Both of them have to handle these parts of them due to their circumstances, and it makes things a bit harder to handle whenever something goes awry
Poor Quirin and Punzel, things are gonna get a touch harder from here for them. Varian and Hugo however, have finally found some peace with each other :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 587: Hector’s New Friend!
Summary:
Edmund worries that Hector doesn’t socialize as much!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector looked at his king, Edmund was humming happily as he picked a few fruits from the merchant selling them and placed them in a basket. The wild tamer always hated going to town in Corona, it was always too busy, too bright, and too-"Hello there, lovely weather we're having today, isn't it?" Ugh.... Friendly.... When had his scowl ever been welcoming to people? He longed for the days of his kingdom being filled with citizens that would show if they wanted to be talked to or not on their faces..... The scowl and quirked brow of a man, or woman, who wanted to be left alone was a far easier tell, and it was a silent language everyone in his kingdom spoke. But Corona just 'had' to be the opposite..... Friendly faces as far as the eye could see, moving lips as people constantly spoke to their neighbors like it was their Moon given right to be annoying! And if you didn't reply in time-"hey, did you hear me?", ugh.....
The tamer looked at the small female who'd approached him. She was staring at him, big brown eyes meeting yellow. He wanted to tell her to fuck off, but his king wouldn't like that..... "No, I didn't, sorry", he stated, his voice blunt but polite, "I was thinking"
"Ah...."
Perhaps a bit too blunt, as his king gave his a look before he chatted with the woman, making her smile. A small conversation was made before she departed on good terms before Edmund looked at his tamer, "I know you don't like people Hector, but she was only being nice", he said gently
"Right...." He looked away, he knew he should try to get better at socializing, especially since their kingdom had begun to finally return to it's former glory, they even had some old families come back, it made him proud to see the kingdom, his home, bustling again, but he really hated small talk, "sorry..."
And then there was that look, his king never made the man feel bad on purpose, but the sad look he'd give the tamer always struck Hector as one of pity and guilt, and he always felt horrible when he received it..... "Hector's getting better to be fair", a familiarly annoying, yet welcomed, voice popped up as someone joined them, "at least he's not telling them to fuck off anymore"
Adira.... The tamer would never admit that he appreciated when she'd step in at times like these, lest his sister get a far bigger head than she already had, but somehow he had a feeling she knew, which made his irritation for her only grow, but in a good way, "I suppose you're right, I'm just worried is all. With the new baby coming, I want them to love all of us, but...." Edmund looked at Hector, "scary faces like that scowl might have the opposite effect"
"I wouldn't scowl at an infant", the tamer stated, a bit gentler than he had to the random woman who'd decided to interrupt his peace, "I never scowled at Quirin's spawn did I?"
"True, you never have, but still", Edmund stated, "maybe try to interact more? Not too much, just a little, you might find another friend here in Corona!"
Hector raised a brow, "a friend? I have you, Adira, Quirin, both of his spawns, the prince, and technically the princess.... And Lance", Adira smiled at that, "isn't that plenty?"
"They're you're family Hector.... Well, save for Lance, but he's your friend because of Adira"
"True", the face painted warrior stated
"Fuck you", Hector replied with a huff at Adira
She chuckled as Edmund sighed, "I'm just saying, it would be a good idea to make a new friend, who knows, maybe you'll find someone with an interest in animals!"
"Spawn"
"Someone other than the little peanut, who, again, is your 'family'"
"Technically-!"
"Rapunzel doesn't count either"
“….Moonlight”
“As much as we love Moonlight, they’ve been very busy as of late, and you need more than one friend”
"Damn...."
Adira snickered, "as entertaining as this is, we're holding up the line"
"Huh?" Edmund looked and saw a bunch of Coronan's waiting for the three of them to move, "oh! Uh, whoopsie doopsie, heh, sorry", they moved on, the Dark King paying for the fruit he'd grabbed as they began their trek back to the castle, "I'm just saying Hector, it would be a good idea to try to make a new friend outside of the family. Maybe you could try asking Quirin, I'm certain he knows more than a few folks around here that are very much like you!"
"Judging by how he reacts to me, I highly doubt it", the tamer stated
"Ye of little faith", Adira stated
"When was the last time you made a new fucking friend?"
"Queen Arianna and Lance"
"....Again, fuck you"
The face painted warrior smiled sympathetically at her little brother, "you'll figure it out, it took me a while too"
The wild tamer sighed as his mind wandered away to different places while Adira changed the subject so he could find some peace. Again, he would never tell her how much she was appreciated, but the smile on her face when she looked at him made it seem like she knew
****
"Uncle Hector, what's wrong?" Varian asked, snapping the tamer out of his thoughts as he noticed the alchemist watching him from the couch, "you look lost in thought, something happen in the market today?"
Hector blinked before blushing and looking away, "our king wants our brother to make a new friend outside of the family", Adira explained gently, getting Quirin, Hugo, Lance, Eugene, and Rapunzel's attention
"It would just be a good idea for him to socialize is all", Edmund explained
"That's an understandable request grandpa, but it's not as easy to make friends for Hector as it is for other people", Varian pointed out, "n-no offense, I'm the same way"
"None taken", the tamer said
"I know, but that's precisely why he should, just one, so that way he can have someone to talk to outside of the family", the Dark King explained
"Why?" Eugene asked, "we're a pretty big family as far as I'm concerned, he has people he can talk to, not to mention his other siblings, Trinity and Dexter", Hector smirked at the mention of his other siblings, a small bit of delight formed when he noticed Quirin and Adira's jealous faces flash before disappearing quickly
"Well, when the Dark Kingdom grows bigger, it's going to be a far friendlier place than before. Usually, you'd walk down the streets to silence and people glaring at you from all corners, but I intend to change that with some nice festivals and some community bonding to get everyone together! I want Hector to be apart of that, but he won't be able to if he doesn't socialize. I don't wanna force him, at all, but making a friend may help a little. It.... Was a rough subject when he was younger too...."
The tamer blushed at that, "Um.... King Edmund....", Quirin began
"Sorry, sorry, that popped out by accident, my bad", Edmund replied
Hector let out a breath, his blush disappearing as Adira stepped up, "Stickler you know everyone in this kingdom. Do you maybe have suggestions that our brother could try? On his own time of course, forcing the issue is just going to make things worse"
Quirin nodded, "I have a few ideas, majority of them are farm hands that I know, some are also guards that I've spoken to from time to time, though I want to state Hector, you don't have to talk to them if you're not comfortable"
The tamer sighed, "I know...." He looked at his big brother, "is it.... Bad that I haven't really made a friend outside of the people in here?"
"I wouldn't say it's bad per say", Quirin said with a smile, "Varian didn't have a friend outside of me until he met Eugene", he added, getting the alchemist to smile at the Dark Prince, who returned the grin with one of his own, "after that, Rapunzel, Cassandra unfortunately, Lance, Catalina, Angry, you three, Hugo, Nuru, and Yong joined the picture! When I first joined Corona, Xavier was my first friend, King Frederick was after that, him and Queen Arianna. All three of them took years of me building up the courage to finally make a connection"
"I'll also throw my hat into the ring and say I only had a mouse for a friend until I met Freckles", Hugo stated proudly, "then I met Rapunzel, Catalina, Angry, Lance, and duck lips over there"
"You're just jealous that my lips are more luscious than yours", Eugene stated
"Nah, Freckles likes my lips just the way they are, cute, moist, and not too big"
"Did you just imply that I have a big mouth?"
"If the Chapstick fits"
"You little shi-!"
"Anyways", Hugo interrupted, getting Varian and Lance to giggle as Eugene huffed and Rapunzel shook her head with a smile before calming her husband down, "after him, Nuru and Yong joined my group of friends, and then pops and I got better acquainted, it just takes time is all"
"I guess...." Hector stated, before he smirked, "nice insult by the way"
"Thanks, I'm proud"
"Ok, Hector's now on my list too", Eugene stated
This got the group to snicker
****
The tamer groaned as he walked down the hallway, he'd just met up with a farmhand Quirin had told him about, but the man hadn't really fit with Hector, only talking about farming and plants, sure, animals were apart of the conversation, but only on how they could be used to help better than farm, that was it before the man got freaked out by the tamer's binturongs joining them, it got even worse when Xena walked over.... Making a mental note to ask Quirin about the animal's welfare at the farm later, the tamer found himself a nice, comfy corner away from everyone, and sat down. He just needed some space away from people, for a second.... He let out a breath as Pixie and Basil, who'd followed him, laid by his side, getting scratches from him as he tried to calm himself, "woah, major social break eh?"
The tamer's hackles went up as he looked to see who was talking to him. He stopped when he saw a young guard he recognized, ".....Chris?"
"Yeah man, sup", the guard replied with a smile, "sorry if I'm bothering ya while you're relaxing, I'm doin my patrol at the moment and noticed ya sittin here, thought I'd come check"
The wild tamer quirked a brow before he looked a Pixie and Basil, then back at Chris, "you're not afraid of them?" He asked
"What your friends? Nah, I see the little alchemist dude walking around with his raccoon all the time, his fiancé has a mouse too. I figure these two wouldn't be allowed in the castle if they weren't calm", he stated before smiling and waving at Pixie and Basil, to which the pair waved their tails back at the man
"Huh, you're the first person, outside of my family and their friends, who hasn't run away at their first opportunity when seeing these two..."
"I don't see why I'd run away, I love animals, don't get much of a chance to be with em, but I think they're neat"
This piqued Hector's interest, "....What do you feel about rhinos?"
"Cool big beasties", Chris stated, "never seen one, but I hear they're pretty neat"
"....Would you like to meet one?"
This startled the guard, but he smiled, "hell yeah! Though, I've gotta finish my partrols first. I'm off in a half hour, you wanna hang out after?"
"....Kay"
"Sweet"
****
"AWESOME!" Chris exclaimed loudly when he saw Xena, "she's beautiful!"
"Thanks, she's my trusty steed, and my best friend", Hector stated proudly, patting Xena's side and getting her to smile
"Where'd you meet her?"
"And abusive asshole was selling her, so me and my siblings.... 'borrowed' her"
"Heh, nice, your secret's safe with me, mind if I pet her?"
"Nope, just, let me show you how"
The tamer showed the young guard how to pet Xena, Chris, surprisingly, followed along really well! Xena appreciated the gentle pets she received from the guard, even going so far as to ask for more once he'd finished, which got the pair to snicker as Chris pet her snoot again.
Once the rhino was satisfied, the duo began to talk, "so, do you have any animals of your own?" Hector asked
"I got a cat, he's a good boy, his name's Ray", Chris stated, "I got him when one of the Old Coronan farmers tried to bash him with a broom. Fucking assholes didn't care that the poor thing was only a kitten and just wanted some damn food..... I managed to save him, he's an orange tabby cat, and was skin and bones. I healed him up and fed him, we've been friends ever since!"
"Fucking pricks...." Hector cursed
"Agreed, dunno why everyone hates cats so much, it's not like they're doin anything wrong. If we didn't have cats, then the mice would take over instead. Which, again, I don't have a problem with, but I'd prefer cats"
"Eh, preferences are fine, as long as you aren't creul"
"Nope, if I see a mouse, Ray corners em and we take the little guy outside and find a nice patch of grass they can scurry to and let them go"
Hector smirked, "same here, though people hate it when I do that"
"Same!" Chris snickered, "but I'd rather do that over killing them, they're just surviving like we are, ya know?"
"Yeah, finally, someone who understands that!"
The guard smiled, "so what's it like bein in the brotherhood?"
"Huh? Oh, it's good, you get annoyed by the other members, but the fighting's enjoyable"
"I can get behind that, my partner guard, his name's Ethan, real stick in the mud somedays", Chris stated, "I think he idolizes your brother, Quirin"
"Pfft, if he's a stick in the mud, then his choice in role models fucking fits"
Chris snickered, "yeah, Ethan gets mad a lot whenever I don't do something 'by the book', like dude, chill, it's patrol, we don't have to stand in silence to watch a damn hallway"
"Pfft!" Hector laughed at that, "yup! Sounds like Quirin!"
The guard grinned, "hey, you believe in ghosts?"
The tamer controlled his laughter and nodded, "yeah, there's plenty in the Dark Kingdom, why?"
Chris grew super serious, "cause there's a ghost in the castle, and I know there is, but no one believes me!"
Hector quirked a brow, "have you seen them?"
"Yeah! Green hair, black and white striped suit! He keeps poppin out of nowhere and causin trouble with some, honestly pretty funny, prank, then people blame me because I laugh! When I tell em the ghost did it, they get mad and make me clean up the barracks!"
"Green hair? Black and white striped suit?"
"Yeah, you believe me right?"
Hector smirked, "yeah I do, in fact, I know who you're talkin about, and he's not a ghost, he's a demon"
"Aw come not you to-wait what?!"
Hector snorted, "he's a demon, his name's Beetlejuice, he's actually a friend of my nephew's"
Chris blinked a few times, "I KNEW IT!" He yelled, "I KNEW THERE WAS A GHOST HERE! VINDICATIOOOOOOOON!" He added, getting Hector to laugh as he did a celebratory dance
"You're a fucking nut and I love it!" The tamer exclaimed
Chris stopped dancing and grinned, "thanks! Bein normal's borin"
"Agreed, you wanna meet Beetlejuice?" Hector asked, "he's pretty friendly, and I'll bet I can get him to stop getting you in trouble"
The guard was startled at the idea of meeting an 'actual' demon, but he nodded his head vigorously, "yeah! That'd be so cool!"
The wild tamer nodded before he said, "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!"
At first, nothing happened, that is, until a gust of wind ran over the pair, Chris looking around as he saw no clouds in the sky, only to freeze when the demon himself appeared, a huge grin on his face as he looked at Hector, "heeeeeello there!" He greeted, "we doin another prankin spree? I've got the whoopie cushions and dummies!"
The tamer smirked, "actually, I wanted you to meet someone", he said before pointing to Chris
Beetlejuice looked at the guard, recognizing him instantly, "oh hey, I know you! You're that guard that is always around at the worst times when my pranks go off, heheh", he stated with a smirk, "sup"
"Sup!" Chris said happily, "I'm just glad to know you're real man! I thought I was goin crazy!"
"What's wrong with that?" The demon asked, getting Hector to snort
"Nothin as far as I'm concerned, though, maybe prank when I'm not comin around the corner, I hate cleaning the barracks every night"
"Oh, ew", the demon stated, "they make you do that? Heh, hell I'd prank their beds if I were you. If you're gonna be blamed for somethin you ain't doing, might as well do it anyways am I right?"
Chris chuckled, "I've been tempted"
"They'd probably get you in more trouble if you did that", Hector said, "guards are petty..... Er.... Most of em, there are exceptions", he gestured to Chris
"Thanks!" The guard said
"I can find a way to make it to where you don't get blamed, hell I'll make it impossible for them to blame you! I have my ways", Beetlejuice stated with an grinch like grin before he looked at Hector, "by the way, this mean we've got a pranking buddy joinin us?" He asked, "this dude seems cool!"
the wild tamer blinked, looking at Chris before he smiled, "do you wanna join us?"
"Hell yeah! I love pranks, it's all in good fun so long as no one gets hurt right?" He said
"Yeah, well mostly, there are some people that just deserve a good 'jump-out-of-their-skin' scare", the demon stated, "but they're more for the assholes of the world, like a certain former captain I love to mess with"
"Or Quirin, just because", Hector added
"You prank Quirin?" Chris asked
"Only when he's being a major pain in my ass, then again, that's few and far between"
"What about your sister?"
"She always manages to avoid the pranks", Beetlejuice stated, "though we got her once with a squirting flower in her tree"
"And then she ran after us all day with her fucking sword", Hector added, "so we tend to stay away from her"
Chris shuddered, "I can see why, damn.... What about your king? He seems chill enough"
"He's..... Too nice....." Hector stated, "it would upset him if we pulled a prank on him...."
"Ah, I take it the same can be said for Varian?"
"Well he's a different story", Beetlejuice stated, "pulling tiny pranks on Varian is all good and fine, Hugo's a fucking beast when it comes to pranks though! Both pulling them and taking them!"
"True", Hector agreed
Chris grinned, "awesome! I'd love to join up with you two then! I think it'd be a blast! And I have some fun prank ideas of my own"
Hector and Beetlejuice grinned before they both said, "we're listening"
the three chatter together about prank ideas! All three were enjoying their time together so much, the none of them noticed the face painted warrior who was watching them from her perch in a tree. She smiled and let out a sigh of relief, "good for you Hector, good for you"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, what happens when you take a character that not many people enjoy, and pair them up with someone everyone loves and who brings out a better side of said character? I’m about to find out XD
Chris was honestly meant as a one off character, but when this idea popped into my head, he was the only one I could see Hector becoming surprising friends with, and I think it’s because Chris is chill and easy going, which can kinda balance Hector’s anxiety and anger
I hope this comes out well to all of you! I’d love to know your thoughts on this too 🎶❤️😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 588: Willowmina’s Return!
Summary:
Arianna’s sister returns and makes her presence known, unfortunately!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Arianna was a patient women, she was kind, quiet, and able to handle majority of situations with a calm and wise demeanor. However, there was always ever one person who could shatter that reality just by simply showing up..... "Um, hello? I said hey sis! You gonna keep sitting there on that dusty throne and staring at me or what?"
The Queen sighed as Hugo blinked with shock at the person's interruption, "hello Willowmina", she said gently, "what are you doing here?"
"What? And not support my baby sister when she's alone on the throne?"
"Well, it has been a two years since I've started ruling alone, but who's counting...."
The inventor looked at the Queen, wincing a bit at the bitey tone of her reply before he was quickly pulled into a surprise hug, "who's this cute little guy? Is he my new little nephew I've heard about?"
"Uh... Lady, I have no idea who you are", Hugo stated bluntly
"She's my sister, Willowmina", Arianna explained, "though she shouldn't hug people she doesn't know", she added, quirking an irritated brow at her sister
Willow let go with a sigh, "ah come on, I'm being friendly!"
"You know nothing about him Willow, for one thing, he prefers hugs from those he 'knows' and is 'comfortable' with"
"Boy you sure got stuffy"
Arianna sighed, "I'm not trying to be, but you came here at a very poor time....." She stated as patiently as she could before looking at Hugo, "I'm sorry, I called you here because I wanted to see how the Goodwill Festival was going, are you able to tell me?"
The inventor shook off his shock and nodded, "it's going very well! People really like the idea of being able to add to the festival! Me and Varian have the votes from Old Corona and the capital about the four stands the people liked! Surprisingly, more of the Old Coronan's ideas were liked over the Capital's. But we're still gonna have the four stands from each part, that way it's fair"
Arianna smiled and nodded, "thank you very much Hugo, I appreciate that"
"You're welcome, also", he glanced at her sister, "I know her"
Arianna blinked, "what?"
"Yeah, Donella, Cyrus, and I ran into her a few times during out travels", Hugo stated before he looked at Willowmina, "do you remember Donella? Your height, grey hair, scars on her cheeks, Ingvarrian, traveled with a muscle head mercenary with yellow eyes?"
Willow thought about it for a moment before her eyes widened, "did she mention something about a library wear a green jumper?"
"Yup"
"I remember her! She was weird, but fun to mess with! Didn't she have a kid?"
"Yeah, me"
"Oh! So I DO know you! Man you were a squirt when I last saw you!" She stated with a snort, "didn't you get in trouble while I was there?"
"Yeah.... I uh.... Dropped and broke a glass....."
"Right, she said she was gonna 'deal with you later', I left before she punished you though", Arianna froze, her eyes wide, "I'm guessing you ended up grounded for a while huh? Seemed like an important glass given her reaction"
"Something like that...." The blond replied, shuddering as he remembered that particular day, "you.... Were a nice reprieve...."
"Reprieve? Well that's a funny way to say it, heh"
Arianna got up and walked over, hugging the bespeckled teen, "I'm sorry...."
Hugo was startled, but hugged her back, "it's okay, she really did keep Don's temper in check while she was with us. Don never did anything when guests were there"
"Still...."
"I'm okay Arianna", Hugo replied, giving her a smile, "really, I'm okay"
They broke the hug, Hugo giving another smile to the Queen, Arianna let out a breath before nodding, "if you're really sure.... Um.... May I recommend a Lance visit though?"
"Heh heh, yeah, I was planning on seeing him anyway after this, been feeling like I need to talk to someone"
"Ok, let me know if you need anything, okay?"
"I will, oh! D-did you need anything else?" Hugo asked, "Varian gave me the updated hot water tank blueprints, I handed them over to Eugene, dunno if you wanted an explanation of how they'll work or not"
Arianna chuckled, "I'll take a look at those later on, probably with Varina, yourself, Eugene, and Quirin"
"Quirin?" Willowmina asked, getting the two to look at her, "who's that?"
Arianna sighed, "you'll meet him later Willow, for now", she smiled at Hugo, "I have everything I need, thank you Hugo, though, if you happen to see Rapunzel on your way to Lance, let her know that her aunt is here to see her.... I have a feeling that's the 'actual' reason my sister's appeared"
"Got it", Hugo replied before he gave a bow of respect to the Queen before he left
Arianna watched him go before she turned to her sister, "honestly, why don't you just tell me why you really come to see me?"
"Because it's partly true, I really did mean to come when I heard Freddie was dead"
Arianna winced at the bluntness of her sister's words before shaking it off, "and you didn't because?...."
"I ended up getting a little distracted....."
"For two years..... Almost three actually..... And that memory only came back up when you somehow found out Rapunzel was pregnant?"
"Well, yeah!"
Arianna shook her head, "I love you sister, but...." She sighed, "just.... Be calm around Rapunzel okay? She's sensitive right now, her pregnancy isn't an easy one"
"I will!"
"And do NOT mention Fredrich's passing to her! You say it's partially why you came to see me, but she and I are both still trying to come to terms with it, I don't want her upset....."
"Didn't Freddie do some bad things?" Willow asked, getting Arianna to glare daggers at her, "I'm just asking"
Arianna took in a breath before letting it out slowly, "yes..... He did.... Very bad things..... But he sacrificed himself to save me and my daughter and our kingdom, he also tried to make amends for those things before his passing.... Plus he was my husband for many years! I loved him! I married him because I loved him! I don't condone what he did, I never will, but I can't hate him either.... Neither can our daughter.... So please.... Just don't mention his death to her.... She needs to remain calm during her pregnancy and if you end up upsetting her, or any of our family, in 'any' way shape or form, then you will 'not' stay. Am I understood Willowmina?"
"Alright alright! Easy Ari, I'll be good, geez!" Willow exclaimed, raising her hands up in a placating gesture
"Good."
Just then, the throne room doors opened, "mom?" Rapunzel's voice asked
"Rapunzel!" Arianna replied, smiling when she saw her daughter walk inside, "hello darling, how are you?"
"Doing better, Varian and Hugo's morning sickness medicine really worked wonders! I feel a lot calmer now that I don't have to deal with that horrible sickness every morning, heh. Why'd you call me in here? Is something wrong?"
"No, well..... Not entirely...." Her daughter cocked her head to the side, "sorry, did Hugo not tell you?"
"Hugo? I haven't seen him today, Nigel came and got me, he said something about you getting really upset about something?"
The Queen blinked before she made a mental note to thank the advisor sincerely with a gigantic gift basket later before she stepped to the side, "someone's here to see you"
"NIECE!" Willowmina yelled excitedly
"WILLOW!" Rapunzel replied happily before they ran to each other and hugged. Arianna smiled at the sight on the outside, though, internally she was screaming as her mind worried about all the things her sister intended to do during her stay.
****
"Ugh, that sounds awful", Willow stated
"I really was", Rapunzel replied, "morning sickness is gross and rough, but thankfully, I have two scientists with hearts of platinum"
"How old are these scientists exactly?" Willow asked with a sly grin
"You met one", Arianna stated, "Hugo, he's 19, and his fiancé, Varian, is the other scientist, he's 18"
"Ah, right, never mind!" Willow stated with a blush and wave of her hand, "never knew that kid swung that way"
"Willowmina!"
"What? Nothing wrong with that, I just never knew"
The princess giggled, "same aunt Willow", she said, getting her mother to sigh and smile, "so you came here just to see me?"
With a small amount of hesitation, Willow replied, "yup!" Before glancing at Arianna
Rapunzel glanced between the pair, but decided to let it go, "well that was very nice of you", she said, deciding to keep the, very fragile, peace for the moment, "thank you! How long are you staying if you don't mind my asking?"
"Until the baby is born of course!" Willow exclaimed, "I wanna be one of the first to see your little bundle of joy!"
The princess could sense her mother's rising irritation, so she let out a small chuckle, "well that's nice! I think mom will have a lot to talk with Quirin about if that's the case", she said
Arianna blinked, "huh?"
"Adira, Hector, and Edmund are staying here until the baby is born as well, remember?"
"Oh! Right! I'm just glad we were able to get them to forgo the birthing chamber", Arianna stated with a chuckle
"Right! That would've been nice, but a bit unnecessary", the princess said with a giggle, "though it was very sweet of them to offer"
"Birthing chamber?" Willow asked, "sounds rough"
"Oh not really, the birthing chamber is just a room I'd be isolated in while pregnant, nurses, maids, wet nurses, and a bunch of other people would've been with me, taking care of me, however, I would've been isolated until the birth, to keep the room peaceful and clean, being preened and taken care of the entire time, with Moon and Sun symbols everywhere to provide a spiritual reassurance for the baby", the princess explained, "it's a tradition of the Dark Kingdom, however, I prefer being with friends and family throughout my pregnancy, which they were very understanding about!"
"Ugh, old fogeys are they?" Willow asked
"N-no, just traditional, they offered it to me, when I said I didn't want that, they understood and still support me by being here to help, which is very kind of them"
"Oh ok, I've never met them, I probably should shouldn't I?"
"Probably, they're apart of our family after all"
"They.... Are?"
"Willow, Eugene's is the prince of the Dark Kingdom", Arianna stated, "he married Rapunzel, two years ago"
"Oh..... Eheh, right, sorry"
"It's okay, I understand you like to travel", the princess said with a smile
"You're surprisingly calm today", Arianna commented with a smile
"My hormones are doing a bit better today, it helps that I didn't wake up puking to be fair, again, thank you Varian and Hugo"
"You're welcome!" A voice said, getting the three females to look and see Varian, Hugo, Eugene, Lance, Hector, Adira, Edmund and Quirin standing behind them, "hi!" Varian added, "you three didn't hear us walk in, and we didn't wanna interrupt"
"Hi!" Rapunzel exclaimed happily, getting up and walking over, hugging the alchemist, getting him to giggle and return the hug
Arianna and Willow stood, the Queen walking over as Rapunzel and Varian broke their hug and smiled at each other, "hello everyone, great timing, I suppose now is as good a time as any", she gestured to Willow, "this is my sister, Willowmina, Willow for short", she stated, "she came to see Rapunzel and will be staying for her baby's birth"
"Oh! Like us!" Edmund said happily
"Yup", the Queen replied, exchanging a glance with Quirin, who recognized the annoyance of having their sibling there and chuckled before she turned to face her sister, "Willow, these are the people that have joined out family! Of course you already met Hugo", the blond waved, "but this is Eugene, Rapunzel's husband", Eugene nodded as he held Rapunzel close to him, "Lance, Eugene's best friend and brother", Lance grinned and waved, "King Edmund, Eugene's father, and king of the Dark Kingdom"
"Hi!" Edmund said happily
"Hi!" Willow replied
"Adira, adopted princess of the Dark Kingdom", Arianna continued
"A pleasure", the face painted warrior said
"Quite", Willow replied with a grin
"Hector", Arianna said, "adopted prince of the Dark Kingdom", Hector gave a polite nod, but nothing more, which Willow returned, "Quirin, the oldest adopted prince of the Dark King, personal friend of mine, and Village Leader of Corona, my goodness that's a long title"
Quirin snickered, "I'm too fancy apparently"
"Apparently", the Queen replied with a smile, "and Varian, Quirin's son, and the youngest adopted prince of the Dark Kingdom, personal friend/son of mine, and most trusted engineer of Corona and Old Corona, which is also a mouthful"
"I'm also too fancy!" The alchemist joked with a giggle as Hugo hugged him lovingly
"Yes you are", his father replied smiling at the pair
Arianna waited for her sister to respond with a greeting of some sort, only to hear nothing, "Willow?"
The Queen stopped when she saw her sister staring directly at Quirin, the look on her face making Arianna grow extremely anxious as her sister walked over to the man, gave him her most charming grin, and, with a voice she only used to flirt, said, "I'm 'very' glad to meet 'you'"
Quirin froze, Varian and Hugo doing the same, as the retired knight was a little too stunned to replied, the room grew quiet, as no one knew how to respond to Willowmina's response.
Notes:
Hello!
So, I don’t like Willowmina, I have siblings like her, that take over special occasions I’m having with someone I care about in order to make it about them. I also have friends like this too! I felt like Willownina is the type that comes and goes when she pleases, and never truly learns her lesson, she loves her sister, but she’s also not very kind or understanding either…..
I’m certain, had the show allowed, she would’ve grown as a person, but as it stands, they left her on a very sour note and I just cannot like her very much, so hence, she’s gonna be a headache for everyone here!
And wouldn’t it just be terrible if she happened to tick a certain farmer off enough to unleash a power be really knows nothing about? Hmmmmmmmm!
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 589: Quirin Unleashed! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Willowmina pushes a button that ends up causing emotions to rise, she does it again and it leads to something unleashing!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Quirin, the oldest adopted prince of the Dark King, personal friend of mine, and Village Leader of Corona, my goodness that's a long title" Quirin snickered, "I'm too fancy apparently" "Apparently", the Queen replied with a smile, "and Varian, Quirin's son, the youngest adopted prince of the Dark Kingdom, personal friend/son of mine, and most trusted engineer of Corona and Old Corona, which is also a mouthful" "I'm also too fancy!" The alchemist joked with a giggle as Hugo hugged him lovingly "Yes you are", his father replied smiling at the pair Arianna waited for her sister to respond with a greeting of some sort, only to hear nothing, "Willow?" The Queen stopped when she saw her sister staring directly at Quirin, the look on her face making Arianna grow extremely anxious as her sister walked over to the man, gave him her most charming grin, and, with a voice she only used to flirt, said, "I'm 'very' glad to meet 'you'" Quirin froze, Varian and Hugo doing the same, as the retired knight was a little too stunned to reply, the room grew quiet, as no one knew how to respond to Willowmina's response. Until Arianna began to blush as she huffed, "Willowmina!"
"What? I can't help it! You didn't tell me there'd be bachelors", her sister responded
"He is NOT a bachelor!"
"Oh? Is he married?"
"Willow!"
"Well? Is he?"
"My..... Wife has passed away", Quirin replied gently, getting the Queen to freeze and look over to see the man watching the duo, "she did so several years ago, when our son was only 3..... As much as I.... 'ahem' appreciate the uh.... Compliment and... I-interest..... I'm not really looking for another partner right now.... So...."
Varian gave his father a worried look as he walked over and hugged him, Hugo doing the same, getting Quirin to smile at the both of them, returning their hug before they all three let go. Arianna let out a small sigh before her sister spoke once again, "how old's your son now?"
Arianna quirked a suspicious brow at her sister, she hadn't thought such an understanding question would come out, "he's 18 now", Quirin replied, seemingly relieved that Willow had taken it seriously and-!
"Oh, so that's 15 years then, huh, given what I was just told, in the way it was told in, I would've thought that'd been a much shorter time period, like maybe a year or even 6 months, kinda sad he hasn't had a mom for that long though"
"WILLOWMINA!" Arianna snapped
"Easy sis, I'm just saying-!"
"NO! You do NOT get to 'just say' that with such callousness! What a HORRIBLE thing to state!"
"I-it's okay", Quirin soft voice said, the slight tremor in it catching everyone's ear as Arianna turned and saw her Village Leader giving a sad smile, trying to block the underlying tears, "it has been a long t-time. I still miss her even now though, I mean..... S-she meant the world to me after all.... T-to be honest, I've felt pretty bad about not giving Varian a mother after she passed.... B-but I could never find anyone like her.... No o-one was like my Ulla, h-heh"
"Dad....." Varian said as Hugo stared at the man with more worry than anyone thought possible
"Um.... I-if you'll excuse me, I t-think I'm going to take a quick uh.... Walk o-outside, sorry", the man, still smiling, said, though his lips quivered just a touch as he politely turned and walked out of the room, closing the door, gently, behind him
Once the door was closed, blue light filled the room, "ooooh shit", Eugene stated
"Oh fuck", Hector added before the light flashed and suddenly the air grew cold and still
"You're the Queen's sister, so I will keep my temper in check", Varian stated, his eyes, hair, and freckles all glowing with anger as his voice bounced and echoed off the walls, "however I will warn you once and 'only' once. My father and I have been through hell and back with all the shit we've been dealt in our lives. We've finally found peace, and you will 'NOT' fuck that up. If you make him cry again, or upset him in any way, you'd better hope someone's around to stop me..... I don't need another mother, I don't WANT another mother, I have my dad, my raccoon, my Hugo, and me, get that through your thick skull before you end up on the wrong side of my damn temper. This is your 'only' warning", he stated before he stomped his foot and a black rock came shooting from the ground, right in front of Willow, it was glowing angrily, pointed directly at her, before she heard the alchemist sigh and saw the rock dimming and slinking back into the ground as the air went back to normal and Varian's hair, eyes, and freckles stopped glowing, he gave Willowmina once final, piercing, glare, before he looked at the Queen, "her actions bear no reflection on you, I wanna be clear on that", he looked at Rapunzel, "ditto for you", he said, " with that being said, I'm going to take a walk too, find my dad, and make sure he's okay, do you both mind keeping her away from us while I do that please?"
"Of course", Arianna replied as Rapunzel nodded, "take your time and.... Maybe come find me with Quirin after, I know what you said, but I still feel an apology is needed for this"
"We will, thank you", the alchemist replied before he huffed at Willowmina again and walked out. Edmund, Hector, Adira, and Hugo followed behind him, but the blond inventor stopped at the door and spoke, his voice was calm, but serious, "losing a loved one, no matter how much time goes by, is still incredibly hard.... Donella passed away as well, and I'm still hurting over it. I'm sure you must know the same pain to some extent.... That being said", he looked at her still calm, but sterner now, "please try to be a little more tactful next time. Varian and Quirin, they're both very strong people, but that subject is not to be taken lightly"
With that, he left, closing the door once again and leaving the group in shocked silence before Eugene sighed, "welp.... That didn't go well...."
"What an introduction am I right?" Lance asked, trying to lighten the mood before he sighed, "sorry..."
"It's okay, you're anxious, we understand", the Dark Prince replied with a smile, "I think we all are right now", they both looked at the Queen's sister before Eugene asked, "what are you feeling right about now?"
Willowmina stared before she blinked, "did.... That kid just show he had powers?"
Everyone sighed as Arianna glared daggers at her sister, "did you not hear a word 'any' of them said?"
"Yeah, believe me, the echoey voice freaked me out, not to mention that I was almost skewered!"
"Willow, she meant about what they were saying and why they got upset", Rapunzel said gently
"Oh, yeah, I heard that too, but he has powers I mean, how cool is that! Makes me wonder what else this kid can do”
"Ugh...."
****
"Dad!" Varian called as he spotted, and ran after, his father, who'd heard him and stopped walking so the alchemist, and the rest of his family, could catch up. Varian skidded to a halt beside the man before he looked up at him, "are you okay?" He asked worriedly, noticing the tears stains down his father's cheeks
"I'm.... Doing a little better now that I'm out of that room", Quirin replied honestly
"Are you sure? What she said...."
"I know.... But I really am doing a little better, I just needed a minute is all"
"O-oki...."
"Are 'you' okay? I mean, she wasn't just my wife, she was you mother"
"I know.... But I handled it differently... I got mad.... B-but I kept my temper in check this time! So she's not hurt!"
"She should be shitting bricks though", Hector commented, "serves her right to be fair"
"What happened?" The retired knight asked, when his son explained he chuckled, "my goodness, you got very mad"
"Heh, yeah... I... Noticed that I've been getting angry instead of sad lately.... Is that a bad thing?" Varian asked
"As long as you keep it in check, then no, it's not", Adira replied, "if it goes unchecked, then it can be"
"N-noted"
"Quirin, what she said about Ulla, and how you responded", Hugo said, "....Do you really feel guilty for not giving Freckles another mother?"
The Village Leader chuckled, "can't get much past you, can I?" He asked, ruffling Hugo hair playfully and getting the blond to snicker before he sighed, "yes, I do.... I've felt that way for years...." He looked up to the sky for a moment, eyes distant, "when Ulla and I were together, we used to say that, should something happen to the other, we shouldn't feel guilty if we fall in love again. We wanted the other to be happy, even if that meant the other was gone..... However, when Ulla passed. I-I just couldn't find anyone who made me as happy as she did, and anytime I got close, I'd feel this.... Awful guilt and depression, so heavy that it would nearly knock me down.... And I just.... I couldn't... Not to Ulla.... I wouldn't begrudge her if she found someone that made her happy, but I couldn't do it.... But there would be days...." He looked at Varian, "where I'd come home and find him sitting in the livingroom, all alone, just waiting for me.... And it would break me.... I felt guilty for years because I felt like I was being too picky, or pathetic.... But it kept happening and I just.... I couldn't...." He sighed, "sometimes I still feel that way.... I wish you could've had your mother with you.... I really wish you could've...."
"Hey", Varian hugged his father lovingly, "I'm happy I got you", he stated, "I didn't have a mom growing up, and yeah, there were times where that was hard to take. But I got to have the most loving, protective, nurturing, kind, gentle, and strongest man raise me, I got to meet his family, I got to know more about myself and where I came from, and I got Moon powers to boot! I'm lucky and more than happy to have had you raise me from the time I was 3 until now. I couldn't have asked for a better parent than you, and if that means that I don't get to meet my mama, then that's okay with me, because I have you, and you're more than enough for me dad"
Quirin blinked before he sniffled and hugged his son, "thank you....", he said softly, tears dripping from his face and onto Varian's head
The group smiled as Edmund spoke up, "how about we all take a small walk together, maybe clear out the old tear ducts before we head back inside yeah?"
Quirin chuckled, "yeah, I'm a mess"
Varian giggled, "do dad tears count as a shower?" He joked as he looked up at his father
"No they do not, stinky"
"I think they should, sniffly"
The group began to walk and talk, the crisp summer air calming their nerves and causing them to have a much more joyous conversation, filled with laughter and smiles, that is, until they heard explosions coming from the castle that made both scientists hackles stand on end, "shit, our chemicals!" Hugo exclaimed
"I thought I'd locked the lab", Varian stated
"You didn’t, I had the keys, but we left quickly because of Willowmina’s visit! Come on, we've gotta stop whoever’s causing damage with those chemicals!"
The group ran back to the castle, making a beeline to the duo's lab, until they froze when Varian noticed a familiar, yellow, potion being held in Willowmina's hands, "man this stuff is cool! Didn't mean for it all to spill when I came in here, but it's cool nonetheless, I wonder what this one does", she said as she was about to throw it down
“Willow stop!” Arianna demanded as Rapunzel glared and Lance and Eugene panted tiredly from trying to catch the chemicals, they’d managed to save a few
“I can’t stop now! I just threw it!” Her sister exclaimed as she began to throw the potion
"WAIT DON'T!" Varian yelled, as Quirin noticed the yellow chemical as well, flashes of his imprisonment by it caused him to shudder
"Huh?" The Queen's sister saw the alchemist, but was in the middle of throwing the chemical, unable to stop, the ball of yellow flew towards the group, specifically, towards the blond inventor who didn't notice what was being thrown at him until it was too late!
"HUGO!" Varian screamed! He disappeared, reappearing in front of the blond and pushing him out of the way, right as the yellow potion shattered onto the alchemist!
"VARIAN!" Quirin yelled, rushing over, but he skid to a halt at what he saw. His son's arm was covered in amber, black rocks had sprouted around Hugo, the alchemist trying to protect him had caused them to grow when the inventor had been pushed away. A wall of yellow was behind the freckled teen, Hugo stood up shakily before he gasped at the sight. The retired knight stared at his trapped son, "V.... V-va....." His breath hitched when he saw the amber grow a little bit more onto Varian
"I-I'm okay dad! I'm alright!" Varian exclaimed, trying to calm his father down, the amber continued to grow around him, faster than it had before, "i-it's okay! I can get out of this! I-I'll be fine! I ca-!" He was cut off when the amber froze around his face. His tiny frame was completely sealed into the amber in a picture perfect copy of Quirin's original fate
"S-son...." The retired knight reached for his boy, he touched the amber, then backed up as if it'd burnt his skin through his gloves! He felt something deep within him flash and flare to life as his eyes began to glow, flashes and noises of his son's anguish filled screams flushed out every other noise that he could hear as he continued to stare at his frozen son, stuck in the amber. He didn't see Rapunzel and Arianna stopping Willow, he didn't see Eugene and Lance helping Hugo, he didn’t see Edmund, Hector, and Adira trying to calm him down, and he didn’t see the amber crack open as black rocks broke it apart, all he saw, felt, and heard, was the same feeling that'd filled up inside of him when he'd been frozen and forced to hear his son’s screams rip through the air as the guards beat and hurt him every day for MONTHS, he heard Rapunzel and Varian talking, and then Frederick's words came to his mind, those biting, repulsive, words that'd caused the man so much pain before, a promise of separation and a forever prison away from his child, his only light and hope in his life was swiftly snuffed and taken away, and suddenly.... Quirin wasn't Quirin anymore.....
His nose and mouth grew into a snarling muzzle, his eyes were blood red and constantly glowing bright, his hands and teeth were sharpened, his entire body was covered in jet black fur, as dark as the darkest night sky anyone’s ever seen, his frame far larger than any normal human's or animal’s, and his ears were pointed and laced back in anger and fear as his screaming voice ripped through the air in a loud, and fearsome roar!
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWR!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So tensions rose, things began to calm down, but of course, they escalate all over again! Poor everyone except for Arianna’s sister
Thank you all for reading, I’m slightly sleepy and sick, so my end notes are a little sparse here, sorry
I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 590: Quirin Unleashed! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian’s stuck in amber, Quirin’s an alpha werewolf, and Willomina’s still here, things are not good!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I thought I'd locked the lab", Varian stated
"You didn’t, I had the keys, but we left quickly because of Willomina’s visit! Come on, we've gotta stop whoever’s causing damage with those chemicals!"
The group ran back to the castle, making a beeline to the duo's lab, until they froze when Varian noticed a familiar, yellow, potion being held in Willomina's hands, "man this stuff is cool! Didn't mean for it all to spill when I came in here, but it's cool nonetheless, I wonder what this one does", she said as she was about to throw it down
“Willow stop!” Arianna demanded as Rapunzel glared and Lance and Eugene panted tiredly from trying to catch the chemicals, they’d managed to save a few
“I can’t stop now! I just threw it!” Her sister exclaimed as she began to throw the potion
"WAIT DON'T!" Varian yelled, as Quirin noticed the yellow chemical as well, flashes of his imprisonment by it caused him to shudder
"Huh?" The Queen's sister saw the alchemist, but was in the middle of throwing the chemical, unable to stop, the ball of yellow flew towards the group, specifically, towards the blond inventor who didn't notice what was being thrown at him until it was too late!
"HUGO!" Varian screamed! He disappeared, reappearing in front of the blond and pushing him out of the way, right as the yellow potion shattered onto the alchemist!
"VARIAN!" Quirin yelled, rushing over, but he skid to a halt at what he saw. His son's arm was covered in amber, black rocks had sprouted around Hugo, the alchemist trying to protect him had caused them to grow when the inventor had been pushed away. A wall of yellow was behind the freckled teen, Hugo stood up shakily before he gasped at the sight. The retired knight stared at his trapped son, "V.... V-va....." His breath hitched when he saw the amber grow a little bit more onto Varian
"I-I'm okay dad! I'm alright!" Varian exclaimed, trying to calm his father down, the amber continued to grow around him, faster than it had before, "i-it's okay! I can get out of this! I-I'll be fine! I ca-!" He was cut off when the amber froze around his face. His tiny frame was completely sealed into the amber in a picture perfect copy of Quirin's original fate
****
Silence, that’s all that filled the alchemist’s ears, his eyes wide open as he watched everyone scramble around him. Rapunzel and Arianna were trying to stop Willow, Eugene and Lance were helping Hugo, Edmund, Hector, and Adira trying to calm his father down, and then there was Quirin. The man stared into his son’s frozen eyes, Varian’s thoughts screamed! Begging his body to move, help him, do something to show that he was okay! But nothing listened as he saw his father grow more and more unsteady, his breathing became rapid, his eyes filled with tears, before they began to glow bright red.....
Varian tried everything in his power to break free, even calling on his magic! To their credit, the black rocks beside him moved slightly, but it wasn't enough, they were frozen too..... The alchemist kept trying, kept reaching out, his thoughts filled with images of his father's anguish, until a very familiar song began to play in his mind..... It coursed through him as if a part of him was using it without the use of his lips. That's when he saw Rapunzel standing before him, Her hair wrapped around the amber he was in, it was completely black, as were her eyes, and suddenly, Varian knew why the Moonstone was glowing as he could 'hear' her sing:
'Wither and decay,
End this destiny,
Break these earthly chains,
and set the spirit free,
The spirit free'
The amber cracked and melted all at once, the solid prison the alchemist found himself in finally giving him enough lee way to use his hand, he summoned the black rocks, and they burst through the weakened amber! Cracking it open like an egg and freeing him! He gasped, falling to the floor before he looked up, Rapunzel was stuck, "shit!" He cursed before running to her, he placed his hand on hers and took over:
'Power of the Moon,
Beneath your darkened glow,
Let your aura reach,
Let my magic flow'
Rapunzel's eyes and hair returned to normal and she gasped before looking at Varian, "o-oh no, Var-!"
He held up a finger, his eyes and hair was pitch black now, before he turned around and focused the decay incantation towards the remaining amber and finished singing:
'Wither and decay,
End this destiny,
Break these earthly chains,
and set the spirit free,
The spirit free'
The last of the amber melted into a puddle in the hallway, the alchemist letting out a breath before he returned back to normal as well. He shook his head, clearing it of any residual magic, before he looked at the princess, "thank you! But are you and the baby okay?" He asked worriedly
"Y-yeah, I'm s-sorry, I couldn't remember that full incantation, a-and you were frozen, and Quirin's u-upset and-!"
"It's okay Punzel, I'm not mad, I'm very grateful actually, I just wanted to be sure you're alright", Varian said, gently this time
The princess took a breath, let it go, and nodded, "yeah, I'm good, so is the baby"
"Good, that's good", Varian said before he hugged her, "thank you", he stated, smiling when she felt her hug him back, he was about to let go and run to his father when-!
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWR!
"Huh?!" Varian looked around before gasping, "WHAT THE HELL?!" Standing before him was a large, black furred werewolf, eyes glowing blood red, teeth and claws sharper than anything the alchemist has ever seen, frame far larger than anything he's ever come across, save for Zhan Tiri in her demon form, but this wolf wasn't too far off from that height! The teen stared up at the werewolf, before he saw something he recognized in those eyes, they were fill of anger and fear, yet he could see the original human's eyes underneath, and he whispered, "dad", in disbelief, before he shouted, "DAD!!!!!!"
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWR!
Varian winced at the roar, covering his ears when he did before the werewolf swiped his claw at something, that's when he heard someone speak, "AH! Put me down ya big brute!" Looking up, he saw his father had grabbed the Queen's sister, she was hitting his paw with a book that the alchemist could clearly see was one of his
Setting his annoyance aside, he shook off the ringing in his ears before shooting into the air, flying towards Willomina and yelling, "GRAB MY HAND!" He saw her look to him before she reached out. He managed to grab her hand in time and teleport the both of them away! They reappeared a little ways away from the werewolf, safe and sound
"Thanks for the rescue!"
"Please don't thank you", the alchemist replied with irritation, "because if he ends up hurting or killing someone in that state", his eyes shined bright with anger as he glared at her and growled, "I'm blaming you....." He then shot through the air again, leaving a stunned Willomina behind to think about what she's just done
The alpha werewolf used his big paw to swipe away all of the guards, that'd showed up to try and take him down, with ease, and was now looming over Lance, Eugene, Arianna, and Rapunzel, three of whome were protecting the princess, and all four were being protected by Hector, Adira, and Edmund, "QUIRIN YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN!" Hector yelled, dodging a swipe from his brother's claws
"Please Stickler! Try to focus on us! This isn't you!" Adira exclaimed, jumping out of the way of her brother's jaws
"Quirin! Please! COME BACK! FIGHT YOUR ANGER!" Edmund tried, managing to block his eldest son's attack with his axe
The alpha let out a loud howl as he got on all four paws, getting ready to attack before, "HEY!" The werewolf halted, turning his large head to see the blond inventor with tear filled eyes standing beside him, "p-pops.... Please...." Hugo begged, his voice was quivering, he was covered in scratches, and he was shivering violently, "please.... Y-you need to calm down...." Hugo stepped forwards, he fought the flashes of Catalina attacking him, only managing to stay completely fearless with the memories he had of Quirin, he continued to walk forwards and talk to the werewolf, "w-we're gonna have a picnic right?" He asked, "w-with ham sandwiches, I'll b-burn the cookies slightly, a-and then you can eat one a-and pretend it's really good l-like you always do, wouldn't that be fun?" He said, continuing to step forwards, inching closer and closer to the alpha, "w-we'll play games together, Eugene and Lance can bet against Freckles and lose, you'll get their money again, a-and then we'll all laugh and Adira and Hector will p-pick on you, just a little, just enough to annoy you, b-but in their own loving way", this seemed to be calming the werewolf, as his claws retracted and he turned to fully face Hugo, prompting the inventor to continue, his fear subsiding little by little as he grew more confident, "E-Edmund will laugh after he gets one of your dad jokes, and he'll make everyone else laugh too, because he's got a belly laugh that could make even the strongest man and woman chuckle. A-and then you could hold me and Varian close as we all huddle by the fireplace, w-we'll bore you with sciencey talk, and you'll bore us with your farming knowledge. We can eat your amazing pie, talk about pumpkins because you think they're fun! Freckles can call you an evil jerkface again, and you'll call him a bratty stinkbomb, right? Can we do that again?" He asked, reaching his hand out, he was inches from the alpha's nose, "can we? I wanna go back to that, I don't wanna see you like this anymore...."
"I-I'm sorry...." Willomina said, getting the alpha's attention, "I-I'm so sorry", she repeated as she stood
This got the werewolf to growl, his eyes glowing brighter as Hugo felt his shivers coming back, "stop", Varian stated, landing in the middle of his father and the Queen's sister, he looked at Willow, "just stay silent, you're making him even angrier"
"B-but I-!"
"Apologize to him once he's back to normal, for now, just stay silent", the alchemist stated, his eyes glowing to show he meant what he said, and silent she remained before he looked at Hugo, "keep going love, he's listening to you", he encouraged
The inventor let out a sigh before turning to Quirin again, the werewolf was still growling, but he was far less angry than before, "Pops, hey", he said softly, getting the alpha to look at him, "i-it's okay, d-don't worry about anything else right now. H-how about we make some origami instead huh?" He asked before he pulled out a paper butterfly he'd created, "I was gonna teach you how to make this, remember?" The werewolf calmed down when he saw the small creation, "we were gonna practice with Adira today, and then Hector was gonna join us to try some vegan foods we found in a cook book. Freckles was gonna make a snack with Edmund, an old Dark Kingdom snack, and we were gonna have it after the vegan meal. Eugene and Rapunzel were gonna join in and we were gonna talk about the baby, and mine and Freckles's wedding, it's coming up, you're excited because you get to walk him down the aisle, right?" He asked, the werewolf's tail twitched a little, almost like a wag, "Beetlejuice was gonna prepare the decorations, and they look amazing so far! I was gonna tell you about them! And then the cake! Remember? You and Lance were gonna make it! Right?" He managed to touch the alpha's nose gently
The werewolf was calm, his tail was wagging, if it was out of nervousness or excitement, nobody could tell. The only thing that seemed to cause anymore issue is when the melted amber ended up touching one of his paws, he growled at the offending yellow substance, "DAD!" Varian yelled, getting the alpha to stop and look to see his son running over, "I'm okay! See? I'm out! Everyone's safe right now, it's okay, really"
Hugo smiled up at the werewolf, "see? Can we just go back to the way things were? Come back to us pops, we need you here.... 'I' need you here.... Let's just got back to the way things were before yeah?"
The alpha stared at both of his sons, before he let out a sigh, and was suddenly surrounded in blue magic! It changed him back, his muzzle and claws shrinking back to his human face and hands, his tail disappearing, his ears becoming rounded, his fur resending back into his skin, until finally, the magic went away, and left behind the unconscious Quirin in it's place, "he's got clothes on!" Lance pointed out, getting Eugene to quirk a brow at him, "when Cat turns into a werewolf, her clothes rip apart, or they get full of holes at the very least, plus we just underwent an entire ordeal here, my focus is gonna be on the first thing my mind catches", he stated with a huff
Vairan and Hugo ran over to their father, the retired knight letting out a groan before he pushed himself up off the floor into a sitting position before he rubbed his aching head, "ugh.... W-what happened?"
"DAD!" Varian yelled, "DADDY!"
"Varian? SON!" Quirin opened his arms and caught the sprinting alchemist happily, Hugo stood a little off to the side, the retired knight noticed and chucked before he reached out a hand and grabbed Hugo's arm, "get over here", he said lovingly, gently guiding the inventor into the hug until he'd fully joined in. All three of them hugged each other happily before they all pulled away, "what happened?"
Hugo and Varian exchange a look before Varian asked, "what do you remember?"
"I... Remember seeing you.... F-frozen.... Then all these memories came flooding to my-ow.... My head...." He placed a hand on his head again, "ugh.... Then I blacked out.... I don't remember what happened after that.... H-hugo.... I remember heairng him talk to me, and I remember reaching out to him and-wait.... Hugo you're.... Y-You're covered in scratches....."
The inventor blinked before he looked down at himself, "oh yeah, heh, guess I am"
"....D-did.... Did I.... D-do that to you?"
"Hm? Oh no, you uh.... I-I got knocked back a bit and some debris landed on me, that's all!"
"Hugo...."
"I-I'm telling the truth, I didn't get hurt by you, I didn't"
"O-ok.... But either way, what happened to me?"
Varian let out a small sigh, "um.... You uh.... Kinda went wolf...."
"Went wolf?"
"Your uh.... Your werewolf came out....."
Quirin's eyes widened with shock as he looked around, he saw the devastation he'd left behind in his anger, the crushed walls, the scared faces, the knocked out guards, one of which Hector was trying to help back to their feet, Chris the retired knight thought his name was. As the man looked around and saw more and more of what his actions had done, he felt an overwhelming feeling of guilt well up inside him, "I..... I d-did all of this?....."
"It wasn't your fault", a voice said, getting all three to turn and see Queen Arianna standing there, "you didn't make yourself angry, you're a victim in this.... The real culprit is the one who caused you to become your werewolf self.... My sister...." She looked over and glared as Willomina stood up, a sheepish look on her face
"Um.... Hi....." She said timidly
Varian huffed as Hugo sighed, Quirin blinked at the women before he looked at his two sons, "are you both okay?"
They faced him and nodded, "we're alright", the alchemist replied, "I'm just really irritated, and I think Hugo's tired"
"Very tired...." The inventor replied
Quirin smiled at the pair before he looked over at the mess that was their lab. He winced when he saw the melted amber, but let out a breath and looked at the Queen again, "I can help rebuild this if you want...."
"Nope", Arianna stated, "Willow's gonna do it all..... She's not leaving until she does, after that we'll have a little chat about her actions.... You", she looked at the retired knight, "are sentenced to bed rest until you recover from this whole ordeal, that's how you can make it up to me"
"Ooooh! Dad got grounded!" Varian exclaimed
"Yeah he did, tough blow, we'll visit you in infirmary jail", Hugo teased
The retired knight blushed before he chuckled, "yes your majesty"
She blinked before smiling, "I'm glad you're okay"
"Same to you"
She nodded before looking at her guards, the only one who'd recovered with Chris, "huh, made a friend?" She asked
Chris grinned and nodded, "super cool friend too!" He stated as he glanced at Hector, who smirked at him, "he taught me a few things that saved me from being knocked out"
"Good to know, do you mind helping wake up your comrades"
"Sure thing your majesty!" He replied happily, giving Hector one final grin before he began to help wake up the other guards
Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, Edmund, Adira, and Hector all helped him as Varian, Hugo, and Quirin stood up, the retired knight was a little wobbly on his feet, but managed to steady himself. Once the guards were up and walking again, Willomina got to work cleaning up, she avoided eye contact with everyone and seemed to be contemplating something important as she cleaned. No one bothered her, she wasn't trying to worm her way out of the mess she'd made, Chris stood watch over her while the rest of the group went to the infirmary to heal. Quirin layed on the bed, staring at his bite mark, before he sat up and looked over, he saw his two sons sleeping together, both tuckered out from the day's events. He sighed, before he spotted Edmund sitting right next to him, the Dark King watching his knight, the look on his face told the retired knight all he needed to know, "I'm sorry...." He said softly
"Do you think I'm mad?" Edmund asked
"No, you're worried, but you wouldn't be had I not made the dumb mistake of getting bit while being a hero...."
"You still feel bad about that"
"Well I didn't for a bit, but seeing what happened today may have brought the guilt back"
Edmund chuckled, "I've already forgiven you you know", he said gently, "the super blue Moon messed with your head, I understood that from the beginning, honestly my anger was just another form of worry for me"
Quirin snorted, "good to know, ya worry wart"
"Where do you think you got it from?" Edmund replied with a snicker
Quirin smiled at his king before he sighed, "I.... Didn't feel like me.... When I was a werewolf.... All I felt, heard, and saw, was my rage.... It was terrifying....."
"Rage can be scary.... Unless it's handled in the proper way, but then again, who's ever been able to do that?"
"Hector"
"......Fair point"
Quirin smirked before he looked at his bite mark again, "will this be okay? Or will I hurt someone....."
"Well that depends on you", Edmund replied, "Catalina can turn wolf without losing herself in her anger, I'm certain you could do the same with a little practice"
"She's also not an alpha"
"I suppose that's true, but let me ask you this", Edmund grew serious for a moment as he spoke, "are you really gonna let a mangy mutt get the better of you?"
The retired knight blinked before he chuckled, "you know, Hector would be mad at you for saying that"
"I know, but I think he'd understand why"
"True...." Quirin let out a sigh, "no, I'm not.... It's just hard.... But... Since when have things not been?"
His king smirked, "loving you is easy", he stated gently, "loving Adira, Hector, Varian, Hugo, Eugene, and Rapunzel is too"
"True, I guess we share that in common", the retired knight replied, "I really am your son"
"Yes you are". The duo smiled at each other before Edmund hugged his knight lovingly, Quirin returning the hug, before they broke apart and smiled at each other, "you should get some sleep, you've had a long day, and you'll be stuck in bed tomorrow so now I have a way of spending the day with you without interruption, so ha"
"Oh no, what ever shall I do?"
"Don't you sass me sir"
"Heh", Quirin grinned, "I love you too by the way", he stated, "you're a really good dad"
Edmund froze as his knight gave him a knowing smile and layed back down to go to sleep, leaving the king with a gigantic smile on his face before he gently tucked his knight in, looked around at all of his children and grand children, and sighed, "I'm a really lucky dad too", he stated, before he allowed himself to drift off to sleep for the night.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s the final part of this two parter!
Quirin is such a cool Werewolf!!!! I’m gonna draw him soon, he’s got such an epic design in my head, but I don’t know how to describe it in writing!
Hugo being the MVP in this one, as well as Varian! The beans are working together! Woot!
Edmund and Quirin chat! Because these two are adorable together and I love them being this way 🎶❤️😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 591: Team Awesome!
Summary:
Varian invited Eugene out for a day of fun and a super secret surprise!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"GOOOOOOOD MOOOOOOORNING TEAM AWESOME COFOUNDER!" Varian exclaimed, startling Eugene as he turned to face the alchemist, who was grinning from ear to ear as Lance and Rapunzel perked up and looked over to see what was happening as well, "I'd like to formerly invite you to a knee slapping, toe tapping, cat napping team awesome hang out sesh with yours truly! A super secret surprise may be involved in this once in a life time, totally awesome, truly EPIC experience! You need to merely say the word and away we shall go into the great unknown of Varian Vanguard and Eugene Fitzherbert, Esmeray, Solstice's FLYNN RIDER THEMED, TEAM AWESOME ADVENTURE!!!!!!!!" He finished with a pose that made Lance proud as confetti exploded from behind him before he added, "snacks are included", with a giggle
The Dark Prince blinked before he sighed, stood up, and looked at Lance, "you corrupted it!"
"I did, and I'm so proud!" The former thief exclaimed happily as Rapunzel laughed
"Still posing and waiting for an answer, please respond soon because I do not know how he holds poses like this!" Varian exclaimed
Eugene snickered before walking over, "hang out sesh huh? Alright, I think I can make some time for that"
The alchemist let out a relieved huff before dropping his pose and stretching a little, "ow! How do you do that so easily?"
"Years of practice", Lance replied with a grin
"What do you have planned Varian?" Rapunzel asked curiously
The freckled teen grinned, "WEEEEEEELL"
"Oh boy", Eugene said with a smirk, getting a gentle elbow to the side, from Varian, as he snickered
"I just happened to see that the author of FLYNN RIDER is in town today! They're signing autographs and selling MINT CONDITION FLYNN RIDER BOOKS! I have a mint condition copy of all except for one, which Eugene will find poetic, because it's his favorite!"
"Flynn Rider and the Lost Treasure of Scotia?!" Eugene asked
"Yup!" The alchemist replied, "the day the mint condition copy came out in Old Corona, dad got sick and wasn't able to grab it with me, and I wasn't about to leave his side for a book. He got me a 2nd edition as a thank you, which I appreciated, but I was still bummed that I never got the 1st edition that I've always wanted, I never blamed him of course, I was just sad is all! Until today that is! I have all of my Flynn Rider books! I'm gonna get that 1st edition copy, get the author to sign all of them, and be the first to have all 1st editions sighed in my collection! Plus, they're selling their newest book, and what a better way to spend a day with my Team Awesome buddy am I right?!"
"Holy shit! They're coming to CORONA?!"
"YUP! It's a one day thing, so we've gotta HURRY!" The alchemist exclaimed, "there's more than one Flynn Rider fan in this old kingdom! And they're on the hunt for the same thing I am, plus, how cool is it to have my Flynn Rider in line with me? For a FLYNN RIDER SIGNING no less! Nothing could be cooler, or more awesome, than that!"
Eugene blushed, "aw kid", he said
"Hee hee, plus, I've got a super secret that I need to show you Eugene, the timing couldn't be more perfect honestly"
"Heh, reminds me of when we first met"
Varian blushed, "oh yeah, eheh, I remember that"
****
"HEY!" The child exclaimed as Eugene tried to free Rapunzel from what ever machine she was trapped in, "you're Flynn Rider!"
"No! You don't know what you're talking about", the man stated, crossing his arms defensively as he ignored Cassandra's eye roll beside him, "I've never seen you before in my life. YOU CAN'T PROVE ANYTHING!"
The teen then let out an odd combination of a giggle and nerdy noise of excitement as he said, "I am your biggest faaaaaaan!" Catching the man's interest as he watched the kid run over to a closed curtain before he pulled a cord and showed a shrine dedicated to himself! Complete with a piece of his hair, and quite possibly the ONLY wanted poster where they FINALLY got his nose right, though it looked like it'd been redrawn, "see?"
"Hey now!" Eugene exclaimed happily, "Flynn Rider, nice to be met!" He added, again, ignoring Cassandra as she face palmed
"I used to see your wanted posters all the TIME you're my HERO!" The kid exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of his shoes excitedly
"Aww well, hero is a bit much", the former thief replied, waving with his hand and glancing at Cassandra, soaking in her irritation as he walked over to the kid, noticing him grab a pile of books
"I've read-oof-every single book about you!" The teen stated, accidently bumping into Eugene, a book landing on the man's head, startling him as he recognized the title as 'Flynn Rider and Phoenix's Stone!'
"Oh!" Eugene said, realizing what the kid had meant and taking the book off of his head, noticing the words, 'Property of Varian Vanguard' written on the inside cover, and feeling slightly guilty as if he was lying to this kid, "well, see um, ya see-that's not actually me, see, I just took the name from the 'book' and-!" He froze when the teen began talking and swinging, what looked like, a glowing green sword at him
"Hey! Remember when you dueled that evil knight 'blindfolded'?!" Varian asked, swinging the sword around happily as if to show the man his moves
"No, no not me um-uh-1" He sighed as he dodged the kids swings before looking at Cassandra and Rapunzel, then back at the kid, "uh, you wanna.... Put that down?"
"Or how bout, tell me how you took down the Earl of 'Camembert'!" Varian stated, placing a French accent on the final word as he looked ready to fight, an excited grin on his face
"Also not me", Eugene said, watching the teen make different, albeit impressive, poses as he swung his glowing sword around before the former thief looked at Rapunzel and Cassandra again, basically begging for a clue, "would someone please explain to me who this child is?"
"I'm Varian!" Varian said, swinging his sword around once more and accidentally tipping over a flask of pink liquid, which fell onto something else that Eugene didn't know the name of, before it exploding, splitting the entire table beside them in half, breaking all of the chemicals at once, and getting some on Varian, who began to wince, "hot hot! hot! hot! Hot!" He exclaimed, tossing the glowing swords between his two hands before throwing it, the 'blade' landing, like a dart, into the redrawn wanted poster of Eugene and making it dissolve into ash
"Oh come on!" The former thief exclaimed, huffing when he heard Cassandra snicker before the entire room trembled violently before stopping, "what was that trembling?!"
"Trembling? I didn't feel any trembling", the kid, who's name Eugene had already forgotten, said with a way too innocent smile on his face, "OH! Ah!" The teen bapped his own head as he remembered something, "I almost forgot to get the spectrometric press!" He stated while chuckling, "it's the only way I can read the results of the test", he added, getting Eugene to look at Rapunzel, who gave him an, also, too innocent smile, "Flynn Rider, wanna come with?"
"Ooooooh!" Eugene said sarcastically, pretending to debate with himself before he gave a quick, "no", to the teen, though he hadn't seemed to catch it
"Hey if you come, I can show you something really special!" The teen stated, before he grew, excitedly, serious, "but um, you've 'got' to keep it a secret!"
This 'instantly' calmed Eugene down as Cassandra's words of mistrust rang through his head, "you want to tell 'me' a secret?" He asked, following the teen as he spoke, making sure to emphasize his words and watch Cassandra just to see her annoyance, "did you hear 'that' everyone? Varitas! Var-Vari-!"
"Varian!" Varian corrected politely as he ran excitedly towards the door
Eugene shrugged as he continued, "a complete 'stranger', wants to tell 'me' a 'secret'!" He said as he followed the teen outside with a smirk on his face
****
Eugene snickered, "good times, adorable too, you were so tiny back then!"
The alchemist sighed, "har-dee har har, yeah yeah, I was excited ya brat"
"True, but it's still cute"
The freckled teen rolled his eyes while smirking, "did you wanna join me for a team awesome day or what?"
"Right, right, I'm just saying! Heh, we've gotten pretty close since then, haven't we?"
This made the alchemist smiled, "yeah we have, and now, the thing that brought us together, o-outside of magical princesses coming to my lab to ask me about their hair, eheh", Rapunzel giggled, "is gonna be even more important!"
"More important?"
"You're gonna have to wait and see what I'm planning, hee hee hee", Varian said with a grin, "but for now, let's go!"
"Wait!" Lance exclaimed, stopping the pair, "do Quirin and Hugo know about this?"
The freckled teen nodded, "yup, they were sad they couldn't join, but with dad being grounded to the infirmary by the queen, and Hugo sustaining a bit more injuries than he'd initially thought, they really couldn't join but basically told me they didn't want me to miss out. I'm sad they're not coming too, because dad's a fan of Flynn Rider too, and Hugo's becoming a secret fan, don't tell him I told you that"
Eugene chuckled, "I won't, but that's good to know"
The alchemist giggled before he looked at Lance again, "I tripled and quadrupled checked to make sure it was okay to leave them, they kept telling me it was fine, and they even have plans of their own! So they'll be having fun either way, plus I'm planning to get them something since they're stuck in bed prison"
"Bed prison?" Rapunzel asked
"Tis what I call being grounded to bed rest for an undetermined amount of time because something just 'had' to happen and someone is keeping said prisoner from escaping their boring fate. Bed prison"
Eugene chuckled, "you really hate bed"
"If I could find a way to never sleep Eugene, I would"
"I believe that"
"Well you two have a blast", the princess stated happily, "and stay safe please"
"Yeah, we wouldn't want anything to happen to Varian", Lance added
"Oi!" Eugene exclaimed
"I said what I said"
Eugene gave his best friend a huff as Varian giggled, "see you two later! I'll get something for the two of you as well!" The alchemist exclaimed as he and Eugene began to leave the room, "bu-bye guys!"
"Bye!" Rapunzel said, waving to them happily
"Have fun!" Lance stated, "'both' of you!" He added
Eugene shook his head, but smiled and waved, "love you blondie! Cya Lance!"
They walked out and closed the door gently behind them before Eugene looked at the alchemist, "welp, I guess I'm all yours today"
"Yup!" The teen replied with a grin, "let's go have a Flynn Rider feild day!"
"YEAH!"
"WOO!"
The duo celebrated their temporary freedom as they ran through the halls and out the doors of the castle! A caravan, filled with Varian's Flynn Rider collection, a picnic basket for two, and Ruddigar, was set up already, getting Eugene and Varian to freeze before they grinned when they noticed a small, red, bow on one of the horses, "heh, I love my dad", the alchemist said
"So do I kiddo", Eugene replied before they both hopped onto the caravan, the Dark Prince taking the reigns before they took off on their Flynn Rider journey together!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this may seem like it’s just a random little moment between the two boys, but it’s actually not :D
This is a tiny arch that I wanted to do because I feel like Eugene and Varian needed more time together, plus, there is something important that happens during this arch, so I’m excited about it :D
Episode 1 Varian was so adorable!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 592: Team Awesome vs Entitled Mother!
Summary:
Varian and Eugene run across an entitled mother!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Wow! Look at all the people", Varian observed as he and Eugene rode through town, he smiled when he saw the Flynn Rider stand, "look Eugene! Look-look-look!"
"I see kiddo I see", the Dark Prince replied with a grin as he looked over and saw the stand the alchemist was pointing out, "pretty big for a one day stand, doncha think?"
"Yeah, but then again, it's Flynn-freaking-Rider!"
"True"
They managed to find a place to set the caravan before they hopped out, the alchemist levitating all of his books out of the caravan, gently placing them in his two bags that he'd brought with him, Ruddigar chittering happily as he stayed on his boy's shoulder, "I know bud, I can't wait for this either! I can't believe it's actually happening!"
Eugene grinned, "same here, how did I not know about this?"
"Because you've been taking care of your pregnant wife while balancing your semi-crazy family and newly werewolfed big brother", the alchemist responded
".....Right.... Is it weird that I'm still not used to Quirin being my brother?"
"Nope, I'm not used to you being my uncle, so"
"Fair"
The alchemist giggled before he spotted the line for the signing, "ooh! Ooh! Over there Eugene! Come on!" The teen grabbed the man's hand and pulled him towards the line, getting him to laugh
"I'm a-comin I'm a-comin!" The man replied with a delighted smile on his face
****
"You good kiddo?" Eugene asked, "you keep checking you pocket"
"Hm? Oh! Yeah I'm good! I'm just really excited is all", he said happily, "by the way, Imma pay for you to get an autograph"
"Huh? Wha-no you don't have to do that"
"I know, but I kinda dragged you out here to complete my collection, I feel a little bad about that"
"Bean, I came out on my own"
"I know, but I wanna pay for you anyway"
Eugene snickered, "alright, if you really want to... But I'm paying for lunch and I'm not taking no for an answer"
"Wha-hey!"
"Heh, fair is fair kiddo, it also gives me an excuse to drag you to my favorite restaurant, one that I know you'll love"
The alchemist grinned, "oki"
Varian began to hum happily as they waited in line, "whatcha humming?"
"The song Hugo sang to me when he proposed, it's been stuck in my head lately"
"Heh, it's a good song"
"It really is! I still can't believe how sneaky you two were!"
The Dark Prince grinned, "well, I was a legendary thief for a reason you know, being sneaky was part of the deal"
The alchemist giggled, "know what's funny? Raccoons are technically the thieves of the animal kingdom, so I've always had it in my mind that if Flynn was ever an animal, he'd be a raccoon"
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, I even drew him as a coon, a... cartoonish coon, but a coon nonetheless"
Eugene smirked, "did he look like Ruddigar?"
"Oddly enough, that was before I had Ruddigar, and.... I think he looked slightly different, but it's pretty close to Ruddy buddy"
The raccoon in question chittered happily, even more so when his boy gave him ear scratches as Eugene spoke up, "him being a coon seems pretty accurate, though I always saw him as a fox, tricky and clever, and very very fast"
Varian grinned, "ooooh! He'd look so good as a fox!"
"He really would!"
The alchemist giggled, "anyway, the reason I bring it up is because, when I first met you, I thought you were Flynn, and now you're my Flynn Rider, even if you're not him. However, I never saw you as a coon or a fox if you were an animal"
"Oh? What do you see me as?"
"A wolf!"
"A wolf?"
"Yeah! See, wolves are leaders, loyal, proud and strong, they're fierce and really really strong, and they lead with experience and knowledge! They get food the same way, and they don't start out as leaders, they have to earn it! A wolf is just like you, you didn't earn your leadership, you earned it! You got food and learned how to survive through experience and you used that knowledge to get better, faster, and stronger. You helped Lance, and the Stabingtons during your thieving days, and when you became good, you stayed next to Rapunzel's side, you were loyal to her, proud of your past as Flynn Rider, and strong willed! You convinced Lance to stop stealing, got Grandpa to come back, you got promoted to Captain and made Corona, and Old Corona, a better place, helped me readjust to being back in Corona, SAVED HUGO, need I even say more about that in particular, and you're a prince, gonna be a king, of two kingdoms nonetheless, you've become an amazing leader, big brother, uncle, little brother, son, and soon to be father! I definitely see you as a wolf, and I don't think that'll ever change"
Eugene was stunned before he smiled, "thank you Varian, that.... Means a lot to me, I didn't know you thought so highly of me"
"You became my idol for a reason"
"Heh"
****
The line had began to move, people getting their books signed, buying a copy or two, and leaving happily! Eugene and Varian were a few people away from getting to the top, they'd been talking nonstop about how excited they were, Flynn Rider theories, ideas for new stories, etc. The entire time, the alchemist had been watching the 1st edition copy of 'Flynn Rider and the Lost Treasure of Scotia', no one had grabbed and bought it yet, they went for the cheaper copies instead. However, that was all about to change when the alchemist and Dark Prince finally got to the front. Varian let out a tiny squeak of joy as he quickly walked over and grabbed the book, he went to purchase it, Eugene by his side, as the author sat before them, smiling, when, "hey! That boy stole my son's book!" A voice shouted before someone snatched the book out of the teen's hands
"Huh?" Both Eugene and Varian looked and saw a female glaring daggers at them, but smirking when she held the book close to her chest, "um... Excuse me ma'am, but I was just about to purchase that"
"No you weren't, this is my son's book!" She snapped, gripping it tighter
Eugene quirked a brow at the women, "ma'am, my friend here just got that book off the shelf over there", he pointed to the, now empty, shelf that Varian had grabbed the book from, "please give that back, he was about to purchase it, as he said"
"That's the final copy of the 1st edition Flynn Rider book, your 'friend' was about to take it over a child!" The women snapped, "my son's only 6, your 'friend' is an adult, my 'child' needs it more than him!"
"If it's that big of a deal ma'am, than you can purchase the many other books that are over here for your son", Eugene stated, growing a little irritated with her
"NO! I WANT THIS ONE!" She yelled, making Varian winced as Eugene was startled, but recovered and huffed at her
"What's going on here?" A voice asked, getting all three to look over and see the author standing beside the alchemist, who immediately grew star struck when he saw her
She was a blond haired girl, with emerald eyes, and a skinny frame, she looked to be in her 40's, her demeanor was pleasant and warm as she looked between the three, Eugene began to speak, when the woman holding the book cut him off, "this little thief took my son's book!" She snapped, "my son's only 6 years old! And that boy was going to take it from him! Snatched it right out of his hands, I saw him do it!"
"That's not what happened", Eugene stated irritatedly before he turned to face the author and calmed his tone in order to explain, "my friend here got the book from the shelf and she snatched it away from him, I'm a witness, I saw her do it"
Varian stayed quiet as the author looked between the pair, she sighed, "so it's a classic he said she said", she stated before she looked at Varian and smiled, "hello, I take it you're the friend he's talking about?"
"I-uh-um-y-yes", Varian replied timidly, blushing a little and getting the author to chuckle
"Little timid there, huh?" She teased good naturedly, getting him to smile shyly before she looked between Eugene and the woman and sighed, "who was next in line"
"Me!" The woman spat
"No you weren't, me and my friend here, were!" Eugene exclaimed, gesturing to Varian
"How about tis, who was in front of you?" The author asked, getting the woman to freeze as the Dark Prince smiled
"We were right behind the older couple that'd just walked away", Eugene stated, "they were holding the last 1st edition copies of Flynn Rider and the Phoenix's Stone and they looked incredibly happy. I remember because I thought about how I hoped me and my wife would look that way when we were older"
The author smiled, "I remember them, Susan and Fred, a very nice couple indeed", she looked at the woman, "seems to me he and his friend were in front of you and your son, I'm sorry, but you'll have to give the book back to them"
"What?! B-but my son's only 6! That boy is an adult!" The woman snapped
The author raised a brow and crossed her arms in a way that showed she meant business, "then why is it such a big deal that your son gets the 1st edition book? If they're 6, surely they won't care about the difference. I can definitely tell you the only reason to get the 1st edition is because of the difference in the cover but the story inside is still the same you know"
"My son likes the 1st edition covers better!"
"Then you should've gotten here before they did, give the book back, or else you won't be allowed to purchase anything at all"
The woman went to argue, but at the mention of not being able to purchase anything, she froze, looking between the author, to Eugene, to Varian, who was still a little star struck, then back to the author again before she sighed and slammed the book back into Eugene's chest. The man caught it, no damage was done to him, but he did give a huff to the woman. The author gave him an apologetic look, to which he smiled at her, she smiled back before she looked at the woman, "thank you, now back in line please, and no more fighting with the people in line, it's not kind"
The woman didn't say a word, simply going back in line, looking down right angry as she did so. Varian and Eugene noticed a tiny child beside her, he was sitting in a wheelchair, looking at the author with the same star struck face that Varian had. The alchemist noticed the poor kid's legs were a little crooked, and he felt his heart pang with guilt as he looked back at the 1st edition book in Eugene's hands. His mind flashed to all the times he loved reading his first edition books, even when he was 4, and he sighed, "Eugene.... I.... I-I can't just... I mean.... I...." He couldn't find the words, because no matter how much he wanted to speak, the guilt he felt for both the author, and Eugene's hard work in getting the book back for him kept stopping him
"You want to give the kid the book huh?" The Dark Prince asked, making the alchemist wince, "hey kid, it's okay, I noticed too...." He sighed and looked at the book, "it's your book, once you purchase it of course, you're allowed to do what you want with it"
The author watched, she was quiet, watching the pair with a smile on her face, when Varian looked at her, her smile widened, "I agree with him, whatever you wish to do with the book is completely fine with me"
The alchemist bit his lip before he looked at the child again, catching the boy's eye, the 6 year old blushing and looking away timidly when he did. Varian chuckled before he shook his head, "I can't, I can't take a book from a child like that, even if it's a 1st edition.... I loved my 1st editions, even when I was 4 and didn't really get why the covers were different. I thought mine were special because my dad got them for me, heh, it made me happy to think that way. Growing up and realizing what they actually were just made that feeling all the better, because he'd spent time and money to get them specifically for me..... I can't take that away from him, even if his mother's a bit nasty.... Maybe she was just too tired to get up early enough...." He looked up at Eugene, "you're really sure you won't be mad if I give it to them?"
"Nah, it's your choice, as long as you're not being forced to give it away, then I'm okay with it", the Dark Prince said
This made the alchemist smile before he looked at the author, "um.... C-can I get you to sign it too? A-and my other books?"
The alchemist paid for the books, and the signatures, before the author signed his, and Eugene's. The teen then walked over and handed the book to the child, "here", he said softly
The 6 year old was startled, "but, dat's yours", he said, his voice timid and quiet as the mother watched in shocked silence
"I know, but now it's yours, signed by the author herself", he said with a smile, "these books are magic, they brought joy into my childhood, so I hope they do the same for yours"
The 6 years old smiled wide and accepted it, "tank you so much mister!"
"You're welcome!" He replied, before he looked at the mother, "I hope there's no hard feelings"
She blushed, "no.... There's not... I'm sorry.... He... I..."
"It's okay", Varian said, "I get it, just.... Be kinder next time, okay?"
She gave the teen a smile and nodded, "thank you"
Eugene and Varian watched to two walked away, "you did the right thing kiddo", Eugene said
"Thanks, I hope she remembers what I said", the teen responded, "and I really do hope that little boy has a good time with that book"
"Same here Varian, same here"
"Wait, your name wouldn't happen to be Varian Vanguard, would it?"
The teen cocked his head to the side before he and Eugene turned to see the author standing behind them, "i-it is, but, h-how'd you know my name?" He asked
The author grinned, "well, you saved me!"
Varian and Eugene's eyes widened, "I did?!" The alchemist asked as he and Eugene stared at the author in shock and disbelief!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Team Awesome will always win against things, or people, that are not awesome, tis just a fact at this point
That being said, Varian has a heart of diamond, I can see him doing this! 🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 593: Varian’s Super Secret Surprise!
Summary:
Varian finally tells Eugene what his super secret surprise is!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene and Varian watched to two walked away, "you did the right thing kiddo", Eugene said
"Thanks, I hope she remembers what I said", the teen responded, "and I really do hope that little boy has a good time with that book"
"Same here Varian, same here"
"Wait, your name wouldn't happen to be Varian Vanguard, would it?"
The teen cocked his head to the side before he and Eugene turned to see the author standing behind them, "i-it is, but, h-how'd you know my name?" He asked
The author grinned, "well, you saved me!"
Varian and Eugene's eyes widened, "I did?!" The alchemist asked as he and Eugene stared at the author in shock and disbelief!
"Yeah!" She said with a grin, "remember when that lady attacked Corona with those black rocks?" Both Varian and Eugene nodded, "well, I got caught up in the fight, I was at the Snuggly Duckling when all of you came inside with the princess. I was part of the attack plan, and helped defend the castle, until I was knocked out at least. When I woke up, I was healed by a man named Xavier, the blacksmith here, and we were all inside this odd world! I saw you heal a blond boy with magic, gave me some inspiration for my latest book actually, 'Flynn Rider and the magical boy'", she said, getting the teen's eyes to glow slightly as Eugene gasped, "hee hee, when we got out of that strange world, I ended up on the battlefield, and was just about to be crushed by the tentacle demon, when you flew over me and smashed her away!" She stated happily, "it was amazing! I wanted to thank you for that, but we were all huddled in a black rock building of some sort, and when we finally left, the fight was over. I couldn't find you anywhere! So I wrote this new book, and came back to Corona in the hopes of seeing you again! I ran into a woman named Adira, she was also in the fight, right on the front lines, I asked her about you, and she told me your name, and said that you were a huge fan of my work, I don't do signings, but this was a special occasion", she smiled, "thank you, for saving my life Varian, I wouldn't be here without you, and neither would Flynn Rider!"
Varian stared up at her, his eyes glowing bright as Eugene recovered before grinning, "heh, you're Flynn Rider's hero kiddo!" He exclaimed, "what a title am I right?"
The alchemist was silent before he smiled wide, "I-I'm really happy I saved you! I.... Thank you", he said softly, "y-you've helped me so much with your stories, got me through so many rough times when I was a kid! I.... I-I didn't think I'd ever be able to do the same"
"Well, you most certainly did, and, I have a special present for you that I've been wanting to give you", she walked them over to her signing station, went around the back, and pulled out a small box. She smiled and opened it up, inside were all, signed, first edition, Flynn Rider books, along with an old quill, and a small blade, "the books are all signed, addressed to you, the quill was the one I used to write 'Flynn Rider and the Earl of Camembert', which Adira said was your favorite, is it?" Varian nodded, shocked into silence, "and the small blade is actually Flynn Rider's actual pocket knife", she stated, "see, Flynn was based on my husband, he passed away from an illness, but before he went, he would tell me and our daughter stories he'd make up about an adventurer who would start out bad, but turn good, those stories became the Flynn Rider books of today, he always wanted to publish a book with those stories, but never made it happen. He even got a blacksmith to make Flynn Rider's pocket knight, exactly how it's described in the book. Of course, now they're mass produced, however, this one", she picked it up and held it out to the teen, "is a one of a kind blade"
Varian unsheathed the knife and gasped when he saw it, "it's... Exactly how I imagined it..... Beat up, but still shining, rainbow tinted, golden blade, with his name inscribed on it, his prized possession"
The author smiled, "my husband had four made, we were planning on having another child, but that... Didn't work out.... So he told me to give this to someone who deserves it, and reminds me of Flynn Rider the most, and Varian, that's you", she said, "when I asked Adira about you, she directed me to a man named Quirin"
"YOU MET MY DAD?!" Varian asked, "AND HE DIDN'T TELL ME?!"
The author laughed, "I told him to keep it a secret", she replied, "please don't be mad at him, he only met me yesterday", she said
"No WONDER he knew about this!" The alchemist exclaimed before he looked at Eugene, "my dad was the one who told me this was happening, he had a flyer I hadn't seen before, sneaky dad!"
"Very sneaky", Eugene replied with a chuckle
"And sneaky Hugo too, he probably told him!"
"Probably", Eugene agreed, "you'll have to hug them later"
"I will!"
The author snickered, "a-anyway", she said, calming herself, "Quirin told me all about you, he told me all you'd been through, and how hard you've worked, he also told me about you Eugene Fitzherbert", she said with a grin, getting the Dark Prince to blink, "though to be honest, I already knew about you too", she pulled out a wanted posted of Eugene, "I redrew your nose, they don't do it any justice"
"That's what I've been screamin-wait, did you sign that?" He asked
"Yup! It's for you!" She said, handing it to him happily, "having a world famous thief take on the name of my character kinda makes you feel a little good about it, in a secret way, until that thief becomes good, then I could actually show my delight without getting the side glances whenever I celebrated you as you escaped the law"
Eugene blushed, "eheh, sorry about that"
"Perfectly fine", she responded with a grin
"I'm so glad the author of my favorite book series and hero did the same thing I did whenever Eugene escaped", Varian stated with glee, "makes me a happy bean"
"I'm glad kiddo", Eugene stated with a chuckle
****
The duo left the bookstand after talking with the author for a little bit longer, before they headed out. Both holding their precious cargo with them as they did. Varian giggled, "now I've got a full series of signed, 1st edition, Flynn Rider books, and you've got the only known signed Flynn Rider wanted poster know to mankind! Life is good!"
Eugene snickered, "yeah, life is very good, this was a lot of fun!"
"It's about to be even more fun!" The alchemist stated as he and Eugene made their way to the caravan, set their items inside, gently, and got on, "now we get to have lunch at a place you like, we get to hang out for the rest of the day, and the picnic in the back means we get to have a dad made dinner! Plus, I get to show you the super secret surprise I have in store!"
Eugene grinned, "hell yeah! Let get to it! TEAM AWESOME AWAAAAY!"
"WOOOOOOOOT!"
The caravan began to move as the duo set off on their day of fun! They stopped at an Italian place, enjoying each other's company while eat platefuls of spaghetti and debating story ideas for the newest Flynn Rider book! Once they were done they walked around the market place, picking out fun object and joking around, playing with each other, and generally having a great time before buying what they wanted, along with a few gifts for friends and family, before heading out. Varian took the two of them to his home, where they set up their picnic together and sat down, staring up at the stars while eating their Quirin-made meal, when they'd finished their food, that was when the alchemist spoke up, "soooo.... Eugene"
"Hm?" The Coronan captain looked at the teen
"I have.... One more thing I wanna show you..." He looked at the man, "you know how, when I was younger, I had a major crush on you?"
"Yeah?"
"Well... Not only were you my very first crush, but you were also the very first boy I liked"
"Really?"
"Yeah, eheh, you um.... Actually are the reason I found out I had a thing for both boys and girls.... I had crushes before, but they were only of the female persuation.... So when I figured out I had feelings for you, it was a huge wake up call! Like massive! I thought.... That something was wrong with me...."
This made the Dark prince freeze a little before he cocked his head to the side, "why'd you think that?"
"Well... Corona is founded upon love, but between a man and a woman.... You've seen how people react the first time they see me and Hugo together, it's not exactly a.... 'accepted' or 'common' practice, so when I found out I may have a thing for boys as well as girls.... I thought I was wrong somehow, and tried to stop myself from feeling that way...." He sighed, pulling his knees up to, and under, his chin, before wrapping his arms around them and looking towards the sky, "I think that's how my dad figured it out, I forced myself to flirt with girls that I had no interest in so I would seem normal, I tried to stay away from my Flynn Rider books because I didn't wanna think of you in that way, I even ran away whenever I saw a wanted poster of you because my heart would flutter a little too much for my liking.... I thought I needed to hide myself in order to fit in. This is also around the time when I started to love alchemy as well, which was definitely a bad mix..... Then, one night, dad came into my room, he saw me reading a boring book about a princess wishing on a star and that star coming to life and being this weird creature that everyone seems to gush over because they're cute and you can definitely tell the princess is supposed to be Snow White's fairy godmother, but that doesn't make any damn sense because she looks completely different than the one in Snow White's story and the story was a mess and WHY do they have to do this to already established characters and-! ....'ahem', getting off topic, I was reading something I didn't enjoy, and I was bored and miserable. That's when dad, being his subtle self, wrapped his arm around me, handed me a wanted poster of you, and said, 'you're wonderful the way you are, even if the world says otherwise, I'll always believe that, no matter what', before he kissed my head and left me alone", the teen smiled at the memory, "from then on, I started collecting memorabilia about you, saw your ponytail get chopped off by a guard when you were running away, so I picked it up and kept it, saw more wanted posters about you, and began to collect, and fix, them, found every Flynn Rider book I could and got the 1st editions from my dad, and on and on it went. It's also when I started to develop my alchemy more. Then, I actually met you and", he giggled, "you have no idea how fast my heart was beating when talking to you! I mean you were Flynn freaking Rider! At least, to me you were, and even when I found out you weren't actually him, it didn't matter, my heart still throbbed for you, I still had a huge crush on you, heh, still kinda do, not to sound creepy"
"You don't, I've accepted it at this point", Eugene replied with a smirk
Varian blushed before continuing, "then we started hanging out, and suddenly you basically adopted me as your little brother! Team Awesome was born, I met Lance through you, you saved Hugo, bonded with my dad, and are officially apart of my family! All of this is to say.... You're so incredibly special to me Eugene, and.... Hugo and I have reached an agreement about something", he turned to the man, and pulled out something from his pocket, it was a small box, he opened it, and Eugene gasped when he saw a necklace, it had peridots and aquamarines on it, "peridots mean strength, and aquamarines mean bravery and self expression, you've helped me and Hugo both grow strong and be ourselves in ways we though we never would be able to. Eugene, you have been, and are, my very best friend, I know Lance is yours, and I'm completely fine with that, but you really are my best friend, and I couldn't be more lucky to have someone like you in my and Hugo's life, could you be my best man? I can't think of anyone better, and more deserving, than you"
The Dark Prince stared at the necklace for a long time before his eyes filled with tears and he hugged the alchemist so tightly, a quiet, "yes", could be heard from his lips as he smiled
Varian returned the hug, his own tears dripping down his cheeks, "thank you", he said softly
The two continued to hug for a few more moments before they let go and Eugene took the necklace and wore it with pride, he sniffled before chuckling, "damn kiddo, if this is what all Team Awesome hang outs are gonna be like, we made need to make em few and far between, because my heart can only take so much!"
Varian giggled, "true, how about next Team Awesome hangout, you and I jump in some mud, just to balance things out"
Eugene laughed and wrapped an arm around his little brother, getting the alchemist to join his laughter as they both joked about what else they could do for their next hang out session while the necklace around Eugene's neck sparkled in the Moon light.
Notes:
Hello! 🎶❤️😊
The author is cool, surprise! :D I think it’s high time the boys got a break and got some peace for all their troubles 😊🎶
Varian’s super secret surprise is wholesome! Woot! Moon bean for the win :D
Sneaky dad’s get all the bean hugs XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 594: Wish Day!
Summary:
Edmund realizes that a Dark Kingdom holiday is coming up!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo and Eugene grinned as they watched Varian held his father close, getting the man to chuckle at his son, "would it have made things better if I'd ruined the surprise?" The Village Leader asked
"Mmmm!" His son whined, voice muffled by his father's vest, "sneaky dad", he added
Quirin snickered, hugging his child lovingly before they broke the hug and smiled at each other, "did you two have fun?"
"Yeah! I got to try an Italian restaurant that was really good, Eugene and I met the author of our favorite book series, AND, Huuuuugo, I have my best man! Ta DAAAA~" The alchemist exclaimed as he gestured to Eugene, who smirked and struck a pose for the dramatic effect
The inventor laughed, "nice work Vaaaaarian", he stated before quirking an amused brow at Eugene, "you're not gonna pose at our wedding are you?"
"I might", Eugene replied, dropping the pose and returning the blond's smirk back at him
That's when the door to the infirmary slammed open, revealing a VERY excited looking Edmund, "WISH DAY IS TOMORROW!" He exclaimed
"Wish Day?" Eugene asked
"Wait, really?" Quirin asked
"YES!" The Dark King exclaimed, "I got a message from the Moon, it's tomorrow!"
"What's wish day?" Hugo asked, "because I feel like only four people know about this holiday, and two of them are in this room, the other two may climb through the window at any second"
"What gave you that idea?" Adira asked as Hector sat on the window sill behind her, the window itself was now open as the evening wind gently brushed inside the room
"Oh you know", he snorted when the tamer stood and closed the window, "just a thought"
Varian giggled as his grandpa sat down beside Eugene, "Quirin, did you never tell the little peanut about Wish day?"
"I did, in stories when he was younger", the retired knight replied, "to be honest, we haven't ever really celebrated it"
"Quirin!"
"I don't get those dreams that tell me it's coming King Edmund, so I had no idea what days, or years, it fell on, also you never told Eugene"
".....I suppose that's fair, but I'm still grumpled by it.... Also humph! I humph at you"
"You can be grumpled and humph at me, that's fine", the Village Leader replied with a chuckle
"Freckles, do you have any idea what they're talking about?" Hugo asked
Varian thought for a moment, running through the old stories his father used to tell until the Moonstone began to glow, Varian's eyes flashed a little before he seemed to remember, "oh yeah! That story!" He looked up at the ceiling with a smile, "thank you Moon!" He exclaimed before he touched the Moonstone, "and thank you as well", he added, getting the Moonstone to glow a little before he smiled at his fiancé, "eheh, they helped me remember, there's this story that dad used to tell me, about a rare day, once every decade or so, where the stars would fall. He said the humans there would look up to the sky and wish on those falling stars, their wishes would be granted, the stars turning into those wishes. He never told me the reason the stars fell, nor did he say when the day would occur, but he mentioned he'd tell me when I'm older and well...." He looked up at his father, "I'm older!"
Quirin chuckled, "yes you are", the man then cleared his throat and explained, "Wish day is a rare occurrence that happens, if we're lucky, every decade or so. The stars no longer have their spark that allows them to stay in the sky, they succumb to despair and fall to the Earth in the hopes that a human will see them and wish on them", the man explained, "when humans wish, that wish becomes energy, so long as your heart desires it, that wish will keep the star alive, changing them into what you've wished for. In the Dark Kingdom, when Queen Hera was alive, she was the first ruler to see the Wish day, and her wish was to be made aware of when it would happen again, because seeing stars die in front of her caused her incredible sadness, see stars will fall everyday in one part of the world or another, but there's a day where many stars fall, that's Wish day. So her and her bloodline were blessed with dreams that would tell them when that time occurs again. They get a dream the day before it happens, and in order to give thanks to the stars and the Moon, the day became a national holiday, where everyone in the Dark Kingdom would come out and wish on those falling stars. Only the purest wishes would come true however, for star magic is only meant for the pure and good", the retired knight finished with a smile
"Wow", Varian said softly, "sad that they fall.... I wish I could help all of them"
"That's what Wish day does, we humans give our wishes to the stars, they grant them, and thus, they live in our world, so long as our wishes are needed, the stars live within them"
"Do the stars recognize each other on Wish day?" Eugene asked, getting Edmund to smile
"They do, but they rarely show it", the Dark King said, "sometimes they'll show that they were once stars by glowing, or the Moon will tell the people they effect that their wishes are connected, heck, sometimes destinies can be connected by the wishes granted on stars!"
"Really? You think Rapunzel made a wish on a star to leave the tower, and that's how I came about finding her?" The Dark Prince asked, "because me doing so was a complete accident, one that I'm very happy to have happened, but still"
"Possibly!" Edmund replied with a grin, "maybe she wished a handsome man would sweep her off her feet! And that's why you were chosen!"
"Aw dad"
"Or maybe she wished she could have someone to hit with her frying pan, and Eugene just happened to be nearby", Hugo stated with a smirk, "ya never know"
Eugene ruffled the blond's hair, "you're a brat"
"I'm aware", the bespeckled inventor replied with a giggle before he batted the man's hands away and fixed his hair
"That'd be so cool to see two stars interacting when they weren't aware, I wonder how they'd act", Varian said, his mind reeling with the possibilities
Quirin chuckled as he watched his son before looking at Hugo, the blond was smiling lovingly at his fiancé, "I think they'd recognize each other, but not as stars"
The two looked at him curiously, "what do you mean?" The blond asked
"Well, think about it, you're a star, you succumb to your loneliness and fall. A human wishes on you and you become something new, something better, and you're not so lonely anymore", he smiled, "would you really want to remember a time where you were so sad that you fell as a final effort to find some joy in life? Or would you want to be that new thing fully, so you never feel lonely again?"
The room grew quiet before Varian nodded, "I'd want both, because if I remembered how lonely I was, and knew that I was better now, I'd be happy, and it'd make me appreciate what I have even more. If I knew what I became and was fully what I changed into, then I'd be even happier because it meant someone was kind enough to save me"
Quirin paused at that before he smiled and hugged his son again, "you're so pure, you know that?"
The alchemist giggled, "this is why I'm marrying him", Hugo stated, "well, that and his hot as fuck"
"Hugo!" Eugene exclaimed
"Do you never think that about Rapunzel?" The blond asked
"What?! Of course I do!"
"Then why is it so bad that I think that way about Freckles? Look, he even likes it!"
They looked at Varian, who was blushing, but smiling and giggling happily. Eugene huffed, "I humph at you!"
"Uh Edmund junior?"
Eugene blinked before he blushed, "shit, he did say that earlier, didn't he?"
"Yup!" Edmund exclaimed, wrapping his arms around his son, "we're so much alike!"
"Agh! Dad, too tight!" The Dark Prince exclaimed, getting Edmund to release him just enough to where he could breathe again, "phew, thank you"
"You're welcome, but also, hee hee!" His father hugged him, getting Eugene to pause before chuckling
"Yeah yeah, I love you too ya big goober"
"So.... Wish day is gonna be tomorrow?" Varian asked
"Yup", Adira replied with a smirk
"Then we should tell Rapunzel", the alchemist said with a gentle smile, "she'd probably love to celebrate, maybe she could make a wish herself"
"That's a good idea, actually, we should tell the Queen", Eugene stated as his father let go of him
"I already did", Hector stated, getting everyone to look at him, when he noticed this he blushed, "what?"
"You already told the Queen about Wish day?" The Dark Prince asked
"Yeah? Why is everyone surprised by that?"
"Well.... Not to sound mean or anything, but I don't see you talking to the queen", Eugene stated, "the only royal family you've really spoken to was.... Well ours"
"The Queen of Corona is friends with my sister", Hector stated as he quirked a brow at Eugene, "I did a check on her and she.... Caught me.... We talked, she was nice, figured she could use a wish or two granted.... That's all."
"I think people forget that he's genuinely a sweet person because he hides it so well", Adira added with a smirk
"Fuck you"
Quirin chuckled, "well, the Queen knowing probably means she'll tell the kingdom, which'll be nice"
"Dad, we should have a picnic! A family picnic where we all wish on the stars!" Varian suggested excitedly
"Ooooh! We could have it in the meadows outside the castle", Hugo added, "there's plenty of room out there! We could invite Lance, Catalina, and Angry too! Maybe even play some games!"
"Yeah!"
Quirin grinned, "that sounds like a very nice idea. What should we make?"
"We?" Edmund asked quirking his own brow in a face that either he got from Hector, or Hector got from him
"Um.... Yes?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong here, but you're still grounded to bed rest"
Quirin blinked, "am I supposed to stay here during Wish day?"
"No, not per say, but you're not to get up and do a bunch of work either"
"I'd feel bad if everyone else made food while I just sat and enjoyed it"
"You need rest"
"Hang on a minute-!"
"Nope, no 'hang on a minute's"
"This sounds very familiar", Varian stated, getting his father to look at him before chuckling
"That's when you're sick or hurt, I'm practically healed ya stinker", Quirin stated with a smirk
"Nu uh! I was fully healed but you still told me to take it easy when I got sick or hurt!"
"That's because when you got sick or hurt, it would be a broken bone that would be a little too sensitive for some of the things you wanted to do, or you'd still be coughing, little sir. I have a few scratches and a little less energy than normal, but I'm fine otherwise"
"Nope, I'm on team grandpa this time. You get to be the bed potato this time, so nyeh", he playfully stuck his tongue out at his father, who chuckled again
"You're such a brat", Quirin stated
"I'm correct though"
"Yes you are little peanut", Edmund stated, "Quirin you'll be able to join the festivities, but you and Hugo really need to rest until we celebrate. Neither of you are fully healed, taking it easy is perfectly fine you know"
"Got any complaints kid?" Eugene asked Hugo
The blond shook his head, "I'll lose the fight if I try, plus Varian's got his mama voice on right now, I never win against mama Varian"
"Tis true", the alchemist stated
Quirin sighd before he looked at his king, "you're not gonna let me help no matter what, are you?"
"Nope", his king replied
"Fine", the retired knight relented, "but I'm not happy about it"
"Your grumpiness is noted"
Varian giggled, "I'm getting deja vu here Eugene"
"Same here", Eugen replied with a chuckle as he looked between the retired knight and his dad
"So what are we eating that day?" Hector asked, getting everyone to look at him, "not to argue with my king over there, but Quirin makes majority of the picnic food whenever one is scheduled. If he's not helping or making something, what are we gonna eat?"
The retired knight smirked at that, "we'll figure that out, we can make a nice meal for everyone", Edmund stated
"I could make kabobs", Adira offered, "Lance likes them"
"Cool, those are snacks, not entire meals", Hector stated
"Are you.... Vouching for Quirin to be ungrounded?" Edmund asked
The tamer paused for a moment, measuring his words before he shrugged, "yup"
"Why?"
"Cause he's a good cook and I feel his pain on the bed potato thing"
"He's grounded!"
"And he's the only one of us that knows how to cook things that aren't side dishes, snacks, and desserts"
"I know how to cook traditional Dark Kingdom food", Edmund defended
"Which takes hours just to make one dish"
"I..... Well...."
"Don't back down Grandpa!" Varian exclaimed, "I can help cook too! And I know Lance will wanna make something!"
"That's true", Edmund said before stopping, "you're usually on Quirin's side"
"One too many times of being forced to stay a bed potato has made me bitter", the alchemist stated with a huff, getting Quirin to raise a brow with an amused smile on his face
"Perhaps we could experiment then", Adira stated, "instead of having Stickler not help at all, how about he makes one thing, the thing being his pie", she stated
"Of course you'd choose that", Hector added
"However, the rest of us will make something to add to the picnic", Adira stated, ignoring her sibling's jab, "We'll make desserts, main courses, and snacks, we could bring drinks we like, and celebrate together by trying out different dishes and wishing on stars", she looked at Quirin, Hector, Varian, and her king, "does that sound fair?"
"Well... I suppose pie wouldn't be the worst thing he could make, it's simple, nice, and light", Edmund stated, "and I would like to make something myself..... Ok, I'm fine with that"
"Oki", Quirin agreed, "making a small something is better than nothing"
"Kay", Hector said
"That sounds fun! And if dad's making a small thing, then Hugo, do you wanna make a small thing too?"
The inventor thought for a moment before he grinned, "I did really like these little snacks Don made for me and.... S-someone else that shall not be named here", he looked at Adira, who smiled at him, "I'll leave it a surprise, but it's relatively easy to make, she left me the recipe in a note with her stuff, so I'm eager to try making it!"
"Cool! So everyone's making something, I'll have to help blondie make something too", Eugene stated, smiling as he thought of his wife's excitement, "knowing her, she'll wanna go all out"
The group began discussing ideas on what they could each make, everyone getting excited about the next day's celebration as their anticipation grew!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this is kinda Dark Kingdom St. Patties Day, but with wishes and stars instead of shamrocks and good luck 😊
I also really love writing the big family all together, it does so much good for the soul!
I’m sorry if it seems as thought I’m delaying the end, I think there’s a part of me that doesn’t wanna end this fic, but I will soon, I just hope I end it well you know?
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 595: Food Fight!
Summary:
The group prepares the picnic food, and end up in a massive brawl!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Flour, eggs, fruit, and tin!" Varian listed happily as he set the items in front of his father, "plus sugar, milk, small bit of yeast, and all the dishes in the world to mix them all together!"
"Thank you son", the retired knight replied with a smile, "you seem energetic today"
"I kinda am, and I'm not sure why. I just feel really jazzed right now", the alchemist stated as he flew into the air and used his magic to levitate more and more ingredients, pots, pans, and cooking utensils out of the cabinets, getting everyone to smile up at the teen happily, "I mean, everyone is filled with joy, the kingdom's in a buzz over this celebration tonight, we're gonna save stars from falling with our wishes, and I get to spend time with everyone in my family!" He spun in the air before flying down and landing, the items he'd grabbed in his magic following suit, landing before their respective user depending on the dish they were preparing, "plus, I get to help COOK! I never get to do that!"
"To be fair, the last time you were gonna cook, you had a broken arm", Hector pointed out
"True, but now I don't, and I can actually make something! .....If.... Only I knew what to make..... Eheh"
"You'll figure it out Freckles", Hugo said with a smile as he grabbed a bowl, "you always do!"
Varian blushed before he watched everyone begin to cook, the castle kitchen was far larger than his and his father's back home, so everyone had all the room they needed, and then some, to make something. Varian watched everyone, Rapunzel and Eugene were making Hot dogs, bratwursts, and hamburgers, the princess focusing on the hot dogs as the prince cooked the burgers and brats. Hector was working on a cake, making it a point to let everyone know his cooking only lies with certain cakes and small desserts, he'd burn everything, including water, otherwise. Adira smiled happily as she set about making her kabobs, half barbecued, half not. Lance was beside her, growing more and more excited over his pasta salad! Quirin hummed to himself as he made a few apples pies, Edmund watching his knight while cooking some veggies and potatoes to go with their meal. The alchemist let out a small sigh as he watched Angry and Catalina cut up fruit for the salad they were making, and Hugo watched the rice he was cooking, making sure not to keep it going for too long before he got it out and formed it into a ball with a small fruit, snack, or veggie inside
Varian stood there, awkwardly, for a solid 10 minutes before his father noticed and gave his son a sympathetic smile, "you know, the theme of the dinner seems to be cook out, you could make some mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese, both of which are wonderful side dishes. Or you could bake some light cookies as a dessert", he suggested
That got the teen's mind going as he thought more and more before his eyes lit up and he grinned, "cheesy mash potatoes! And mac and cheese with fried potato squares and bacon bits!"
"Sounds delicious bubby"
The alchemist let out a tiny squee as he flew over and began to make his creation!
****
Varian watched the pot for a while before her heard Adira behind him, "a watched pot never boils"
"I intend to disprove that theory", the alchemist stated stubbornly
"I see, well while you're laughing in the face of philosophy, I need to use the counter beside you"
"Hmm? Oh! Whoops!" The teen backed up a bit, allowing the face painted warrior past him so she could set her own creations down and began to cover them with flour and breading as the teen watched the pot again, "aw damn it!" Adira looked at him, "it's boiling...."
She chuckled, "my apologies, I didn't mean to interrupt your experiment"
"It's fine, that always happens, no matter what I try, either Hugo or dad need to tell me something, I get distracted, or something happens and I have to step away and have dad watch the pot for me, tis a curse apparently"
"It does the same thing to me Freckles", Hugo stated with a smirk as he walked over with his rice balls, "I haven't been able to disprove that theory yet, maybe it's just a fact of life that can never be explained"
"I refuse to think that watching water boil in a pot is impossible", Varian stated stubbornly
Hugo giggled, "I love you and your stubborn brain"
"I love you too, and also, how dare"
The inventor snickered as he saw his lover place noodles inside the water, stirring them happily before he began to make the sauce, Hugo placed his rice balls on some trays and set them next to Varian's dishes so they could get a little heat and meld together a touch better. He smiled before he felt something drip onto his cheek, using his hand to wipe it off and look, he saw red sauce on his fingers, "uh, who's using red sauce?"
"I am, sorry, that was my bad", Eugene stated as he showed the inventor the dollop of ketchup he was using, "had an idea to bake ketchup and mustard onto the burgers"
"Ah, eh, it's okay, not like I'm hurt or anythi-!" He froze when a droplet of more red sauce dripped onto him, this time from the other side, he looked at Varian, who shook his head before pointing to Adira, who smirked with her barbeque sauce on her fingers. Hugo took in a deep breath, before he huffed out a short, "girl", at the warrior
"It was a slip is all, though red looks good on you", Adira stated with a chuckle
Hugo rolled his eyes, wiping off the sauce, only to freeze when white frosting made it's way onto Adira's shoulder, a smirking Hector making no effort in order to hide his smile, "'it slipped is all'", he stated, using his fingers to give air quotes
The face painted warrior raised a brow at her little brother, before she placed some sauce into a bowl, and picked it up with a smirk on her face, "oh shit not AGAIN!" Eugene exclaimed as he ducked, right as some sauce flew by and hit Hector's hair. The tamer grinned before he grabbed more frosting and flung it back at his sister! However, the face painted warrior ducked, managing to escape the edible sugary treat
She looked pretty satisfied with her dodge, when, "A-'HEM'", the duo looked over and saw Quirin with frosting in his hair, before the retired knight gave an evil smirk and picked up an egg
"Oh", Varian started
"No", Eugene finished before he looked at Hugo and Rapunzel, "I'd duck if I were you two"
They didn't hesitate, Rapunzel being helped by Eugene as Hugo ducked beside Varian, who also knelt down, right as an egg splattered on Hector's face! The tamer threw more frosting, and Adira flung sauce everywhere! Lance yelped when he got a face full of everything before he sighed and accepted his fate, opened his arms and allowed himself to be covered in the edible substances
Adira managed to grab another egg tray and threw it at everyone in the kitchen, save for Varian and Rapunzel, to which she merely cracked an egg on the counter and allowed it to slowly drip onto the alchemist's head, making him giggle, as she looked at the princess, "pregnancy gets you a pass", she stated, before dodging Hector's frosting attack
"Thank you!" The princess replied apprciatively
"You're welcome, though my siblings may not agree"
"Noted, and AH!" The princess yelped, as an egg splattered on her arm, startling her
"Oh my, I'm sorry Rapunzel", Quirin said, stopping momentarily, "are you alright?"
"I'm good", she replied with a giggle, "didn't hurt"
"Thank goodne-!" The knight was interrupted by his brother's frosting to the face
"I'm so fucking winning!" The tamer exclaimed, only to be met with an onslaught of barbeque sauce
"You wish", Adira stated, starting the fight back up again as Eugene, Varian, Rapunzel, and Hugo took that opportunity to make their way over to Edmund, who was already covered, head to foot, in eggs, frosting, and barbeque
The Dark King blinked when he saw the four of them standing behind him, "hello!" He greeted with a smile
"Hi dad, you mind if we just" Eugene began
"Nope, not at all!" Edmund replied with a chuckle
Angry let out a cheer as she threw some frosting of her own into the mix, Catalina laughing as she and her sister were gently hit with applesauce by Quirin! Lance was no more, merely a pile of sauce that once was the former thief, "poor Lance, we knew thee well", Hugo stated, bowing his head in respect
"We need to stop this! This is worse than last time!" Eugene exclaimed, freezing when Edmund yelped as he was pelted with three eggs before the man burst into laughter
"How'd you stop it last time?" Rapunzel asked, "however you did it may work again here!"
The Dark Prince thought for a moment before he caught sight of Varian and winced, "you are one, very caked on, alchemist", the man stated when he saw, what used to be, an 18 year old Varian, who was now covered in egg, frosting, and barbeque
"Indeed!" Varian replied with a giggle
"PAUSE!" Hector yelled, getting Quirin and Adira to freeze, "the spawn's noodles are about to boil over"
The face painted warrior looked over at the alchemist's noodles and smiled as she gently took them off the active burner and stopped the flame, "better?" She asked her brother
"Better, continue!" Hector said before both Adira and Quirin got him with eggs
Angry and Catalina laughed before the Adira tossed some nearby flour at them, covering them in the stuff and getting them to laugh even more! Quirin chuckled as he managed to land an egg on his sister's shoulder once again, "what a cracking good time", he teased
"Indeed, I think you deserve some flours!" She retorted, tossing more flour into the air
Hector snorted when he noticed Lance, "having fun?"
"A blast....", the former thief stated in his saucy prison
Hector used the man as a shield as more food cam flying his way, "alright, this is getting crazier by the second!" Hugo exclaimed
"Ya think?!" Eugene replied
"At least it tastes good!" Edmund tried, "savory and sweet, mmm!"
"Dad, that has raw egg in it"
"A little egg won't kill me"
"Salmonella will though", Varian pointed out, getting his grandpa to stop
"Eugene, that thing you used to stop them before, use it now please, before the cooks get mad", Rapunzel begged
"Right, hang on!" Eugene replied, he got up and grabbed Varian quickly before hoisting the teen on his shoulders
The alchemist let out a "Meep!" of surprise when this happened, immediately stopping the food fight
"That's playing fucking dirty!" Hector exclaimed, "AGAIN!"
"Well, again, sometimes you have to play dirty to stop a food fight between you three rascals! Now I will not put the hair stripes down until you three come to a truce! ....And free Lance because I'm getting really worried about him in there"
"I smell like a barbequed pie!" The former thief exclaimed
Adira sighed, "fine, I suppose that's that only way to stop this", she then smirked and threw more flour onto both of her siblings, covering them both, "'now' I'm done", she said with a grin
Hector sneezed before huffing at his sister, only to laugh when Quirin splatter her with an egg, "and now 'I'm' done", he said with a grin as Adira brushed the egg off of her
"Same", the wild tamer replied with a smirk before looking at Eugene, "we're done"
"Good, now if you three start again, then I'm grabbing Varian and Hugo and running", the Dark Prince stated with a huff before setting Varian down, only to hear a squish, he looked down and saw he'd set the alchemist in a puddle of frosting, egg, and flour
"Uh, ew", Varian stated
"Heh, sorry kiddo"
"It's okay, if I had a quarter for every time someone set me down in some food right after stopping a food fight, I'd have two quarters, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice!"
"Very weird", Hugo agreed before he looked at Quirin, "Adira and Hector being swept into a food fight, I can't understand, but seeing you join in was funny!"
"Heh, I'm glad I could entertain", the retired knight replied
"Hey, is uh, is anyone gonna help me outta here?" Lance asked, "the egg is dryin and I can't actually move right now"
"Hang on bud, we'll get you out", Eugene said as he walked over and dug into the amalgamation of food, Varian, Hugo, and Rapunzel joining as Edmund looked at his three children
"Well I think we know who's cleaning this mess", he stated with a chuckle, "little rascals"
"Eugene senior has spoken!" Hugo exclaimed
"Oh he did say that didn't he?" Edmund exclaimed before grinning happily at his son, who let out a relieved sigh when he, Varian, Hugo, and Rapunzel had freed Lance before he looked at his father and smirked
Quirin snickered as Adira grinned and Hector sighed, "yeah yeah, I'll get the mop, Adira gets dishes duty"
"Says you", the face painted warrior stated
"You fucking started it"
"And you joined in"
"How about 'I' do the dishes", Quirin suggested, "I'd actually prefer to"
The duo looked at their big brother before shrugging, "ok", they said before Adira grabbed a wash clothe and bucket in order to clean the counters as Hector grabbed the aforementioned mop
The three of them set to work cleaning up the kitchen until it was spotless while the rest of the group finished their dishes and got cleaned up. Once the kitchen was cleaned, Adira, Hector, and Quirin cleaned themselves up as well, and soon enough, the food was prepared and everyone was smiling happily, "we;;, that only took majority of the day, we've still got some time to kill, what do we wanna do?" Eugene asked
"Hmmm.... We could start setting up", Rapunzel suggested
Everyone agreed and grabbed a few blankets and baskets, grabbing the food and brining it outside with them. They set up a spot when they could clearly see the sky, Moon, and stars! The Sun began to dip behind the horizon, the stars beginning to shine brightly in the sky as the Moon started to rise and night began to fall on Corona. When this happened, Varian stopped, his eyes, hair, freckles, and Moonstone glowing brightly. Rapunzel glowing in tandem as she looked at him, "Varian?" She said, getting everyone to look at him
The teen stared up at the sky before he smiled, "the stars.... They're anxious", he said softly, "they can see us down here, preparing to save them, they're sparkling with longing as the Moon is speaking to them, encouraging them to grant the wishes they choose to be, they..... They're so.... Beautiful", he said gently, "and sad....."
Quirin watched his son as the teen reached up to the sky, "they won't be sad for too much longer, we'll help protect them"
He looked at his father and smiled, "yeah", he looked back up at the stars, "we'll protect you, we will", he saw the stars shiver, he could feel their worries, so the teen stepped forwards, "it's okay, we won't let you fall, we won't, we won't...." The stars could hear him, and he smiled, feeling their fear, he reached up again, eyes shimmering brightly, and began to sing:
'If happiness was a tangible thing,
It would be you!
If you'd have told me the feeling you'd bring,
I'd think it untrue!'
He smiled lovingly at the stars as they hung on his every note while he continued:
'And people search for a wonder like you,
All of their lives!
You still amaze me after all this time'
He lowered his hand, his magic spreading around him and twinkling back to the stars, showing them it was okay,
'You pull me in like some kind of wind,
Mesmerized by the hold I'm in,
Leave you here, I don't wanna,
I wanna'
He took a breath and flew into the air,
'Promise as one does,
I, I will protect you at all costs!
Keep you safe here in my arms!
I, I will protect you at all costs!
At all costs!'
Quirin smiled up at his son, Hugo did as well, before he looked up to the sky, his own eyes sparkling as he felt something deep within himself that wanted to reach out as well. When he did, he stepped over towards the stars, and added to Varian's song:
(Hugo)
'What's pain? When I look at you?
No way, could I explain you,
Even if tried to, I'll never dream like I used to do!
If someone tried to hurt you, I don't,
See how that could happen,
I'd fight for you in ways you can't imagine,
Felt this, no I haven't, I hope
It would be all right to, stay right here beside you and'
Varian smiled down at his fiancé and lifted the inventor off his feet with his magic, joining hands with him as they both sang up to the stars together:
(Varian and Hugo)
'Promise as one does,
I, I will protect you at all costs!
Keep you safe here in my arms,
I, I will protect you at all costs!
At all costs!'
Memories of all the two had gone through together began to show around them, the stars watching and growing braver and braver as they saw the two's adventures while Varian and Hugo danced together in the air, singing happily together as Quirin's smile widened:
'If you're ever feeling like you're lost,
I'll come find you!
Man all fronts, there's no ocean I won't swim across!
To be right by you!
And not just once, here and now I swear on my response!
I'll remind you'
Suddenly, Varian's back sprouted wings, as the silver wing in his backpack latched onto Hugo's, they flew across the sky together, singing, dancing, and gliding and Varian's magic swam around them harmoniously:
And promise as one does!
I, I will protect you at all costs!
Keep you safe here in my arms,
I, I will protect you at all costs!
At all costs!'
The duo gently glided back to the Earth together, landing gently on the soft soil beneath their feet, before their wings disappeared, they looked up and smiled, the stars were twinkling so brightly they were almost blinded by them, before they saw the first of the stars begin to fall!
Notes:
Hello! :D
“At All Costs!” From Wish, written by Benjamin Rice and Julia Carin Cavazos, performed by Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine
I despise Wish the movie, but At All Costs is too good a song for me not to love! The movie was garbage, and I may or may not be working on a rewrite for it (and may or may not post it here if anyone’s interested, please let me know), but this song, and “This is the thanks I get” are the only two songs that caught my attention! The lyrics and writing could still be tweaked, but I still love them very much, they deserve to be recognized for their superb sound (also, fun fact, At all costs was meant to be a love song between Asha and Star boy, when the Star was an actual humanoid being, they changed it in the Final Cut however but I still love it)
The food fight has returned XD these three really are rascals XD
Poor Lance XD the man knew he couldn’t escape and just accepted his fate, this poor man needs Caviar Lance now more than ever XD
Varian and Hugo can sense the stars, gee I wonder why X3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 596: Wish Day!
Summary:
Everyone makes a wish, except one!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶😊❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The Earth was filled with light as the stars began to fall, Varian grinned, his eyes sparkling with joy as a star whizzed past him and towards an on looker who had their eyes closed and hands folded like they were praying, "wish granted", the teen stated happily before he saw more stars begin to fall, he looked to the group, "well? Wish! They're coming"
The group smiled before they began to wish, bowing their heads, closing their eyes, and folding their hands in a similar fashion to the one who'd wished first. Stars flew to and fro, making a spectacular light show for all to see! The night was as light as day, the Moon shimmering brightly as her stars continued to be saved right before her!
Suddenly, Rapunzel gasped! The alchemist looked at the princess worriedly, before he saw her clutch her chest a bit, and breathe, "I.... Feel so.... Calm", she stated, "the pain I was feeling, it's gone, I'm not sore, I'm not angry, I'm calm. How...."
She looked at Eugene, who smiled at her before he looked up to the sky, "thank you"
She smiled lovingly at him, "you were supposed to wish for yourself"
"I know, but I couldn't let you continue to suffer", he stated, "you looked so miserable, so I wished for you to feel better and to have really amazing health in general", he stated, "maybe the pregnancy is not gonna be perfect, but easier nonetheless with this wish"
The princess walked over and hugged and kissed Eugene passionately before she let out a happy sigh, "I feel so much better now, thank you Eugene, thank you"
"Anytime Sunshine"
As the stars continued to be wished on, one by one, Varian's heart felt lighter and lighter the more he watched the stars survive. A longing in his chest wanted him to go up to the ones who have yet to fall, out of fear, and tell them it would be okay, but he kept himself under control as he watched wishes get fulfilled. Adira was startled when she was surrounded in a twinkling shield that disappeared from sight, she looked at Hector, who was who blushed then looked away quickly, "you're not careful on your own. It'll keep you safe is all"
The face painted warrior smiled at her little brother, "thank you"
He didn't say anything, merely letting out a huff, but he did hide a secret smile behind his hair, and he seemed relieved. That's when Varian noticed Hugo wishing as well, and he smiled lovingly at his fiancé before a star shined before the inventor. Looking over, Varian's eyes widened at what he saw. The star took the form of a mirror, and was placed into the inventor's hands. Hugo had opened his eyes at this point and stared at the mirror he'd received before looking up at the sky, "thank you", he whispered
"What is that?" Varian asked
The blond smiled as he looked into the mirror before showing Varian, "take a look, what do you see?"
The freckled teen looked before he gasped as the magic inside the mirror swirled around before forming shapes and images that looked like himself and Hugo, but older. They were laughing together, making new discoveries, and just, in general, seemed to be having a really great time together, "Hugo?"
Hugo smiled happily, "I wished to know if we would be okay, I... Keep having these thoughts that something will happen and it's been scaring me.... Badly...." He stated, clutching the mirror close to him, "I didn't wanna freak you out, so I kept it to myself until now, and I know I should've told you, but I just-!"
"It's okay love", Varian said gently, smiling at his lover, "I have them too. I asked dad about them before, he said it's normal, but they can get really scary from time to time, I understand why you didn't say anything, just know, if it gets to be too scary, don't hesitate to tell me, okay?"
"Oki", the blond replied before he looked at the mirror, "either way, I just wanted the stars to show me if we would turn out okay, or... Or if I messed it up somehow..."
"Hugo, you could never mess us up", Varian stated calmly, "you're wonderful, inside and out, if you were to do something that would upset me, I'd just tell you because I know I can, and you can do the same with me"
"I know, but that doesn't stop me from worrying... It's not really something I can just make go away... Though I wish I could"
Varian chuckled, "same here, but I don't think even the stars can grant that"
"Maybe not, but I have this mirror now, I-I don't exactly know the extent of what it does, but it shows me our future, maybe we could see other things too! Like.... O-our future home, or Corona, or.... People we once lost, or..." He grew silent
"You okay?"
"Yeah.... Eheh, sorry, I just... Miss her I guess"
Varian held his lover close to him, "funnily enough, I do too"
"You do?"
"Yeah, she was... A piece of work, but, she did the right thing in the end, and I know that, even though she knew I didn't trust her, she still helped me and my family, and, after she was done being a psycho path, she helped you too", Varian stated, getting Hugo to smile, "she was a victim too... she did horrible things, but she was hurt by someone before ever meeting me or you or my mama", he stated, "I could justify my anger and hatred when I didn't know how my own mother felt about Donella, but when I did, and I saw how she still cared about her, I... kinda got a new perspective. I'm not her biggest fan, but I feel bad for not really getting to know her, and I'm grateful that, before she passed, she did right by you, she was honorable in her final days. I'll remember that, so in a way, I miss her, and I regret not getting to know her, maybe... She could've been helped too..." He noticed Hugo's saddened smiled, and felt horrible, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you miss her more I-!"
"No no, it's okay! I'm glad you told me, it means a lot, really, and, if it helps any, we do have a demon friend that can help make them corporeal so we can talk to them. Not only that, but we can naturally see them since you, me, and Eugene all died and came back so... Maybe you can get to know her", he said with a smile
Varian froze before he looked at Hugo, and he returned the smile with one of his own, "maybe", he said, and then chuckled, "we've got issues"
"Yeah, but we're working on them"
"True" The alchemist agreed with a giggle, before they heard someone let out a small yelp! Turning, they saw Eugene staring at a floating glass ball, he gently grabbed and held it, before looking at Rapunzel, "I, what?"
"You're the Captain of the royal guards! And a prince, soon to be king!" She stated, "I remember you said you were worried about it, so I wished for a tool to help you, alleviate some stress in some way, I'm not sure what that does, but I trust it!"
"Aw blondie, thank you, that's very sweet of you and-I see you coming up behind me Edmund, I'd rather not have a bear hug right now". he interrupted himself
"Son I'm over here", the Dark King said, getting his son to look to his right and see his father, "though I was gonna give you a bear hug after we were done celebrating, I suppose I shouldn't though now, since you don't want one"
Eugene's jaw dropped before he looked at the glass ball, he then looked at Rapunzel and hugged and kissed her, "you're a blessing!"
"Hey, are my hugs really that bad?" Edmund asked
"No!" Eugene exclaimed quickly, "not at all! There are just times where I'd like a heads up is all"
"Oh, oki"
Eugene smiled before he looked at Rapunzel again, "thank you"
"You're welcome!"
"AH!" Hector exclaimed, getting everyone to look over and see his blades being engulphed in the star's glow before it disappeared, he looked at Adira, "they'll never break now", she stated, "you had trouble with that before if I recall, so now you have non-breakable swords, plus, they can grow"
Hector blinked before he looked at his swords and imagined them as katanas, and sure enough, they grew into long katanas! "I..."
Adira smirked, "learn how to use them, and 'maybe' you'll be as good a fighter as me", she teased
"Fuck you", he stated, but then smirked, "and thanks"
"Yup"
"Hey V!" Angry exclaimed, getting the alchemist to look over and see the girl holding up a blanket, "Lance wished for me and Cat to always have something safe to keep us warm and fed, Cat's got a cool looking spoon that keeps giving us food, and I've got this blanket that's super warm!"
'Interesting! And very very cool", the alchemist replied with a smile
"Have you wished for anything yet?"
"Hm? No, not yet"
"Seriously? You have plenty to wish for you know, you can wish"
"I know, but all that I have right now is all that I need", Varian stated gently, "I guess I'm not sure what to wish for"
"Well me and Cat wished for Lance to have something he's always wanted, and a huge statue of him made of caviar showed up out of nowhere, he's eaten a few pieces too, and they end up growing back, he cried of joy and hugged us like crazy, maybe wish for something you know someone else would want?"
Varian smiled, "that's a good idea, thanks!" She nodded before running back over to Catalina and Lance as Varian looked around, Lance was still enjoying his, never ending, Caviar Lance, Edmund smiled as he saw his son happily staring into his glass ball, seemingly satisfied as he held a small sparkling star, it disappeared from sight before the man began speaking crow to Hamuel, who responded with pure joy! Rapunzel seemed content and happy with her new found good health, Catalina was using the spoon to make ice cream sundaes for herself and Angry, Angry was using her blanket as a cape, Hugo was staring happily into the mirror, Adira and Hector were practicing their fighting skills with each other, Hector using his new swords, and Adira testing her shield. The only one who didn't seem to be doing anything was Quirin, who noticed his son looking at him, and smiled. The alchemist walked over and asked, "hey dad, what did you wish for?"
"Oh! I uh, haven't yet", the man replied
"You haven't either huh?"
Quirin chuckled, "nope, having a hard time really knowing what I'd want or need, I'm guessing it's the same for you?"
"Yeah... I wanna wish for something important, something that'll do something wonderful for more than just me, but I don't know what"
"I'm not sure either, Corona's in a state of peace, so is the Dark Kingdom, and the other 6 kingdoms. No one's struggling right now, no one's hurt. I could wish for something for you, but you're struggling to think of something you want or need too. I was gonna ask, but ya beat me to it"
Varian giggled before he looked up at the sky, "I wonder if there was a way we could save our wishes for another day. Maybe just have two stars stay with us, that way they don't die. If anything else, I just want the stars to be happy"
"Same here, but I think that's cheating"
The alchemist snorted, "probably", he looked up at his father, "gotta say, I'm glad you're my dad"
"Why's that?"
"Well, I could've made a selfish wish, or one that hurts people but with pure intentions, but you taught me not to do that. I can see you learned that from a certain someone who may or may not have just wished he could speak crow just to tell his old buddy what a good bird he is", the duo chuckled at that before Varian continued, "I'm glad you taught me that. If anything, I just want you to know how much you mean to me, but I think I'd prefer showing you that rather than wishing it"
"I was thinking the same thing", Quirin replied with a smile as he wrapped his arm around his son before he looked up at the sky, "I always tell Adam how lucky a father I am, though he teases me whenever an experiment of yours backfires, asking me how lucky I feel in the moment. But I never change my mind. I'm very lucky to have a wonderful son like you, and honestly, if you weren't here, I'd probably just wish for you", he stated, "I already had my wish come true for me the day you were born, I feel like wishing again would just be greedy"
"Dad", Varian said with a sniffle, before he hugged his father, the retired knight returning the embrace lovingly
They broke the hug after a bit before looking up to the sky happily, no star was able to drop to the ground, every single one was being wished on, they smiled happily, Varian noticing Ruddigar having a field day with Max as they were surrounded by apples! He chuckled before nestling closer to his father, that's when he got an idea, and smiled before he bent his head, and prayed out loud, getting Quirin to watch him as he began to glow, "Moon, I'm lucky, the day my mother passed away, I had my father to guide and protect me, I've a life that I love, friends that I cherish, and met the man of my dreams, but I wouldn't be here, and done all that I have, without my father beside me. So please, my wish is this and only this, please grant my father nothing but joy and peace in his life and death. Let him be remembered for the wonderful and strong man he is, and let him live as long as he can knowing no sickness or hurt. He's given me everything, and asked for nothing in return, please let him shine brightly beside you, never knowing loneliness or pain. I want him to be forever happy, please, he deserves nothing less"
"Son", Quirin said, his voice soft and quiet, but full of surprise, and love, before he began to glow. Varian looked at him and smiled wide when he saw several star dancing around his father. Everyone watched, not just in the group, but in the kingdom as well, they saw Quirin be lifted into the air by the stars, each one changing into a memory, showing all that Quirin's done, and everyone he's saved, the people saw how much he's suffered, and how hard he's worked just to get where he is today. They saw him, they saw Quirin, and they smiled and cheered as his memory never left their minds. Quirin was startled when the stars zipped into him, he felt his shoulder stop aching, his body grew stronger, his health increasing, as he did, he smiled as a single tear slid down his face. Then the stars flashed!
Once the light dimmed, Quirin was guided back to the ground, he shook his head to clear it, before he looked at his hands and saw a small star sitting in them, he blinked, the star shimmered before it flew over to Varian, and showed him a vision of the future. A child that looked an awful lot like Varian, only with blond hair, same color as Hugo's, and greenish blue eyes, stared back at him, "so... Grandpa Quirin was a hero?" The boy asked
"Yes he was, and still is", a voice that sounded like Hugo's said, "and he'll never be forgotten now"
"Really?" The boy asked, his eyes sparkling with joy, "that's great! Grandpa doesn't deserve to be forgotten! He's the best grandpa EVER!"
The vision disappeared, the star going back to Quirin, it whispered something to him before disappearing, leaving a shocked Varian in its wake, "my... My baby", the alchemist said
"Our baby", Hugo corrected with a smile, "I felt him too, that was him Freckles"
"Heh, he has your hair'
"And your, everything else, yup", the inventor joked
The alchemist smiled as his own tear dripped down his face before he looked at Quirin, "my wish came true", he said happily
His father didn't say a word, he merely walked over, scooped up his son, and held him close, hugging him lovingly as Varian returned it. The stars stopped falling shortly after that, the group ate their meals while talking about the wishes. None of them realized the small star that had spoken to Quirin was waiting for the man in the sky every night after that, the final wish, only meant for the retired knight to make, and he would use it in due time, for now, he ate with his family, sitting right next to Varian the entire time.
Notes:
Hello!
Sorry for this being so late, had some technical issues, but I figured them all out :D
All the wishes are kinda based on everyone’s personalities :D
CAVIAR LANCE!!!!!!! ITS FINALLY BECOME A REALITY!!!!! Wooot!
Varian and Quirin being of the same mindset isn’t surprising, Varian wishing what he did, …..is also not surprising XD
I made this chapter a little more serious to balance out last chapter, which was fun and silly, I hope I did it correctly
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 597: Coon Troubles!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo search for a noise the alchemist heard early in the morning, only to come across something they didn’t expect!
Notes:
More notes at the end :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶😊❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian yawned and stretched all four limbs, all ten fingers, and toes, as he woke up that morning. Letting out a sigh, he felt the Sun's ray gently tickle his face from the opened window before he giggled while looking at his lover, who was still asleep beside him with their raccoon and mouse. He kissed Hugo's cheek, getting the blond to smile in his sleep, before Varian stood up and walked over to the privy, closing the door behind him in order to get ready for the day. As he did however, he heard something, a rustling of some sort. Quirking a brow, the alchemist peeked outside the privy, everything was still peaceful. He closed the door again, keeping an ear out as he got ready for the day
Once he was done, he walked out of the privy, this time, he noticed Ruddigar had woken up and was watching his boy from his spot on Hugo's chest. The alchemist smiled and walked over, petting the coon, "hey bud, did you happen to hear me in the privy? Or did you hear something else?"
The raccoon gave his boy a chitter
"Neither huh? Welp.... That isn't good...." He sighed, his raccoon giving him a quizzical look, "I heard an odd noise, everything seems quiet, but I could tell where it was coming from, so it's got me a little worried"
The small mammal gave his boy another chitter, suggesting that maybe whatever he'd heard had been outside, or even perhaps the blond sleeping in the bed had turned
The alchemist shook his head, "nah, I'd be able to tell if it was Hugo, despite his sleep whistling, he's actually a pretty quiet bed turner. And as for it being outside.... That's a possibility, but one that I'm even more nervous about...."
Ruddigar cocked his head to the side, wondering why his boy so nervous about a noise outside
"Because we're on the 3rd floor.... And the rustling sounded like it was right out the window"
The coon's ears laced back with worry as his hackles rose up a bit
"Yeah...." Varian sighed, "I'm gonna have a look around, you stay here with Hugo okay? Should anything happen, screech, I'll be here before they have a chance to take another step"
Ruddigar saluted and watched his boy, quietly, walk out the door of their bedroom, closing it gently so as not to disturb the sleeping inventor. The raccoon sniffed the air, double checking any scents in case he recognized one as a threat.
He could smell a few guards standing by, their metal the same irony smell that made the mammal's stomach churn, but the mix of cat hair, cookies, and mustache wax meant the guards were Stan and Pete, who never meant harm, so no threat there.
The coon continued to sniff the air, he could smell his boy, who wasn't too far from the room, he was moving slowly, methodically, the chemical, apple, and smoky smell that always followed his boy made the coon smile as he turned his nose away to search for anyone else that may be around
He could smell the inventor, the metal, chemical mix, with a hint of wood, got Ruddigar to nod, noting the small metal and mouse smell the accompanied him as Olivia
The raccoon opened his eyes, growing confused as he couldn't place a different, or worrying, scent, but them, something jolted his nose! It was quick, frantic even! A smell the small mammal could guess immediately..... Another raccoon.....
They were running through the castle, seemed as though they were filled with fear, as they seemed to be in a panic of some sort with their quick movements! Ruddigar stood up as he could smell them coming closer and closer to the door! The coon looked at Hugo, the teen would be able to handle himself, but not if he were asleep. So Ruddigar let out a loud screech, 'instantly' getting the attention of his boy as a blue light filled the room, and Varian appeared instantly, while Hugo and Olivia were jolted awake!
"What is it?! What's wrong?!" The alchemist asked, looking around and ready to fight if needed
Ruddigar chittered out an explanation about what he could smell before pointing his nose toward the hallway behind the bedroom door. Hugo, still groggy, looked confused, "w-what's going on?" He asked tiredly as Olivia, who seemed far more alert, laced back her ears and sniffed the air. She caught the scent of the other raccoon and confirmed it with Ruddigar as true
"Good morning love, sorry for the wake up call", Varian said softly, calming down as he walked over to Hugo, giving Ruddigar an ear scratch as he did, "I heard a rustling noise while in the privy, told Ruddy to keep an eye out and screech if you were in any possible danger, he smells another raccoon heading this way, so he alerted me and woke you up with said screech"
"Oh", Hugo stretched, "well shit. Why's there another raccoon in the castle?" He asked
"I dunno, but if they're here, then they'll end up running into someone who may hurt them.... I'm gonna search for them, maybe get them to calm down so they can get out of the caste", the alchemist stated
"Hang on, I'll come with you, I wanna see where this little guy came from, we, potentially, may need to fix something so this doesn't happen again"
Varian smiled, "oki, I'll wait for you to get ready"
With a nod, the blond hopped out of bed, grabbed some clean clothes, and headed to the privy before pausing, "where's pops?"
"You know him, early bird and all that, he has farming to do today"
"Right, check on him later?"
"Definitely"
With that, the inventor disappeared into the privy
****
"So.... Do you think the raccoon is just hungry or something?" Hugo asked as he and Varian walked through the halls of the castle
"I'm not sure, that's a definite possibility, though coons normally stay nearest to their homes. They'll travel to the closest food source to them, which would be the gardens or trash cans in Corona and Old Corona, not inside the castle", Varian replied with a contemplative look, "so maybe this little one just.... Got lost?"
"Maybe, Ruddy, you picking up on anything there pal?"
The raccoon sniffed the air and pointed his nose towards a left turn
"That way huh?" The alchemist asked, "are we getting closer?"
Ruddigar nodded
"Thank goodness, maybe they're running out of steam", Hugo said
"Hopefully that's the case, and it isn't anything more than that"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, if someone's cornered the raccoon, they could be stopping or hiding in order to defend themselves. If that's the case, they we're looking at some, potentially a lot, of blood and fangs"
Hugo shuddered, "noted", before he looked at Ruddigar, "hey Freckles"
"Hm?"
"Does Rud have any coon friends?"
"Unfortunately no", Varian said, giving Ruddigar a scratch behind the ear, "he came to me when both of us were pretty young, coons don't normally make friends with each other unless mating, and even then, the males don't tend to stick around once.... the uh-'ahem'-deed is done, so to speak"
"Ah"
"Course, Ruddy Buddy would be different, right bud?" Varian asked, getting his coon to chitter happily in agreement, "yeah, you'd be a good papa coon, wouldn't you? Yes you would!" Varian cooed
Hugo snorted before he stopped, his ears perking up as he halted Varian, "hold on for one sec love", he stated gently, getting the alchemist and raccoon to silence themselves. Hugo listened, and for a moment, nothing happened, until the blond gasped, "LOOK OUT!" He pushed Varian out of the way! Only to be slammed into by two people
Varian groaned before he looked around, "Hugo?! Are you o-!" The teen froze when he saw two people he wasn't expecting in the slightest, "A-Angry?" He stuttered as the pile of three humans and one mouse groaned a bit before sitting up, "Catalina? What are you two doing?"
The girls froze when they heard Varian speak, "V! Hugo! Heh heh, uh, hi!" Angry said nervously as Catalina blushed when she noticed she was right on top of Hugo, nose to nose with him, and quickly got up and off him, "h-how are you twooooo?"
Varian quirked a brow, "I 'invented' that tone Angry, what are you two up to?"
"What makes you think we're up to something?" The girl asked with a huff before something shot out from around the corner and into Hugo's arms, the blond, unconsciously, grabbed onto it, yelping when he saw a small, female, raccoon in his arms. He held her close, shushing her and petting her, calming her down
Varian raised a brow at the two girls, both of whom blushed as Angry gave a small chuckle, the alchemist huffed at the two of them, noting the frightened raccoon, who was now staring at Ruddigar in fear and hope for some help out of this situation.
Notes:
Hello! :D
More and more coons!!!!! Ruddy buddy needed some mammal friends, outside of Max and Olivia! So here we go! Here’s a new friend for him, and…. Maybe more?
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶😊
Chapter 598: Coon Training! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian makes a decision about what to do with the new raccoon!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Does Rud have any coon friends?" "Unfortunately no", Varian said, giving Ruddigar a scratch behind the ear, "he came to me when both of us were pretty young, coons don't normally make friends with each other unless mating, and even then, the males don't tend to stick around once.... the uh-'ahem'-deed is done, so to speak" "Ah" "Course, Ruddy Buddy would be different, right bud?" Varian asked, getting his coon to chitter happily in agreement, "yeah, you'd be a good papa coon, wouldn't you? Yes you would!" Varian cooed Hugo snorted before he stopped, his ears perking up as he halted Varian, "hold on for one sec love", he stated gently, getting the alchemist and raccoon to silence themselves. Hugo listened, and for a moment, nothing happened, until the blond gasped, "LOOK OUT!" He pushed Varian out of the way! Only to be slammed into by two people Varian groaned before he looked around, "Hugo?! Are you o-!" The teen froze when he saw two people he wasn't expecting in the slightest, "A-Angry?" He stuttered as the pile of three humans and one mouse groaned a bit before sitting up, "Catalina? What are you two doing?" The girls froze when they heard Varian speak, "V! Hugo! Heh heh, uh, hi!" Angry said nervously as Catalina blushed when she noticed she was right on top of Hugo, nose to nose with him, and quickly got up and off him, "h-how are you twooooo?" Varian quirked a brow, "I 'invented' that tone Angry, what are you two up to?" "What makes you think we're up to something?" The girl asked with a huff before something shot out from around the corner and into Hugo's arms, the blond, unconsciously, grabbed onto it, yelping when he saw a small, female, raccoon in his arms. He held her close, shushing her and petting her, calming her down Varian raised a brow at the two girls, both of whom blushed again as Angry gave a small chuckle, the alchemist huffed at the two of them, noting the frightened raccoon, who was now staring at Ruddigar in fear and hope for some help out of this situation. "I'll ask again, what are you two doing?"
Angry sighed, "we wanted our own raccoon and Lance said we could!" She stated
Catalina nodded and continued her sister's words, "yeah! We wanted to have a little buddy with us like you do Ruddigar"
The alchemist sighed and walked over, gently scooping up the shivering coon from Hugo's arm and holding her close, "when trying to find a raccoon friend, you can't just swipe one from the forest and try to keep and train them. Me and Rud found each other and bonded, he knew he was safe with me, and I knew I was safe with him. We have a connection, this poor old girl barely knows you two, and.... I'm not really sure what you're doing with her, but if you're trying to teach her tricks, that isn't gonna work"
"Well, how do we do this then?" Angry asked
Varian raised his brow again, "taking on a raccoon is a HUGE responsibility, they need a lot of care and attention, I get that you two want a pet of your own, but are you SURE you want a coon, and if so, are you READY for that responsibility?" He asked
"Eugene calls Ruddigar your cat", Angry pointed out, "if they're anything like cats, then we'll be fine"
"See, and that right there is what worries me, raccoons are not like cats in the slightest", he stated, "they're not domesticated animals for one thing, and require a BUNCH of love, affection, and care to be properly taken care of. A kitty can lay around the house, get fat, and be generally fine, but a coon can't. You can't let a coon out of your sight unless you know they're trained, otherwise they'll go rabid, claw up everything, eat what they shouldn't, could get very sick very fast, and could end up hurting someone else, surely Lance told you some of this, yes?"
"He may have, we uh.... Kinda ran out right after he said yes", Catalina admitted
Varian sighed, "that would explain things", looking at the female coon, he saw her staring at him, and felt his heart pang with sadness, "tell ya what, if you two can show me that you're willing to learn how to care for a coon, then yes, you can keep her, ONLY if she wants to stay however", he stated, "we got a deal?"
Both girls brightened up and nodded, Hugo looked at his fiancé, "you sure about this? Taking care of a coon, especially a wild one, is tricky"
"Lance has had this girl for a few years now, she's domestic by this point, right?" Angry asked
Varian cocked his head to the side, "he's had her for years now?"
"Yeah, he said you helped him find a bunch"
That made the alchemist pause before his memory suddenly hit him:
'"So.... Raccoons...."
"Suddenly I'm very concerned about what events will transpire today", Varian stated as he looked at the large man standing in front of him scratching his chin and staring at Ruddigar
"I want one", Lance responded
"Congratulations?"
"But Eugene won't tell me where to get one"
"I wonder why"
"So I thought"
"You can do that?"
"Why not ask your best friend in the world, Varian!"
"Poor Eugene, we knew thee well"
"Eugene didn't think you would help me"
"Smart guy"
"So we made a bet"
"Of course you did"
"And I had another thought"
"Still surprised by that"
"He wouldn't wanna tell me that!"
"How right you are"
"But I got an idea"
"And here we go"
"What if I bargained with the tiny alchemist"
"Off to a bad start"
"So I went out and bought something"
"I'm certain you did"
"That would knock your socks off"
"Yet here they remain"
"But I broke it"
"I'm not surprised"
"So I got another idea"
"Better than the last?"
"He likes to fix things right?"
"Indeed I do"
"So if he fixed what I bought him"
"Mm-hmm"
"And then let him keep what I got"
"Right"
"He'd get two scientific projects instead of one!"
"Interesting notion"
"So here it is!!!!!!" The man presented a broken, empty, wooden scroll holder
"Uh..."
"I had another thought"
"Three in a row, are you okay?"
"I have the scroll with me"
The alchemist raised a brow
"This is the scroll", he pulled out a rolled up paper that looked ancient and worn, but from the markings on the seal Varian could see it was made by Demanitus
"Wait WHAT?!"
"This is what I bought"
"How did you FIND that?!"
"So I'll give it to you"
"Please do, that would help me out!"
"But only until *after* you help me get a raccoon"
"...."
*A few minutes later*
"VARIAN!" Eugene screamed as five raccoons ran around the family room while Lance held one in his arms and was snuggling it happily
"I WAS WEAK EUEGENE!!!!" The little alchemist yelled from another room'
The alchemist shuddered, "right... I remember that..... Eugene was so mad at me...." He looked at the raccoon in his arms, "so one of them was you huh sweet girl?" He asked, scratching the female coon's head gently and getting her to purr. He smiled, "she's around Ruddy's age funnily enough, give or take a year or two younger", he added with a chuckle, "coon's like this needs some special attention, especially at this age", he looked at the girls, "so.... I'll train you on how to care for a coon, it starts now by helping her feel much more confortable with you two", he stated before smiling, "and I know exactly where to start"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I know a lot didn’t happen this chapter, but I ended up losing time so I couldn’t do too much, I will do more tomorrow though :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! ❤️🎶😊
Chapter 599: Coon Training! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian tried to start the raccoon training, but they get slightly side tracked by Catalina and Angry’s questions!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Angry and Catalina sat in the middle of the floor, twiddling their thumbs as they waited for the alchemist and inventor, "what do you think he's gonna show us?" Angry asked
"Probably the basics, how to groom them, clips their nails, keep them tidy", Catalina listed
"You really think raccoons are that hard to take care of?"
"I don't think so, but then again, I've never taken care of a coon before"
Angry sighed, "do you think we'll be able to take care of her?"
"Well, Varian said he'd show us how, so once we know, we'll have to see"
"You're pretty chill about this"
The red head shrugged, "I love animals, probably because of Hector and my werewolf side, but I've gotten really close to them, so learning ow to care for one isn't that stressful to me"
"Well that and you get to hang out with two adorable boys"
Catalina blushed profusely, "hey! I'm over Varian thank you very little!" She exclaimed, "and I never had a thing for Hugo.... But yoooooou do", she teased
Her sister also blushed, "s-shut up! I just think he's cool okay? Besides it'll never happen"
"Yeah, but you flinging Varian in my face gives me all the permission to do the same to you with Hugo"
"You're a jerk"
"So are you"
"Um", the duo froze when they saw Varian and a blushing Hugo standing in the doorway before them. The alchemist chuckled, "did we interrupt?"
The two girls stared at the two boys before Angry snapped, "YOU TWO NEED TO WEAR BELLS!" Loudly, blushing even more and getting Varian and Catalina to laugh
Hugo gave a shy chuckle and rubbed the back of his head, "well, it's good to know at least", he stated, trying to let the confession roll of his back so as not to embarrass Angry any more than she already was
The girl huffed before she noticed the raccoon in Varian's arms, "are you gonna teach us how to care for her or not?"
Catalina and Varian managed to control their laughter before the red head added, "also, how do you know she's a girl? We couldn't tell"
The alchemist smiled, "well, females happen to be smaller in size, while males are bigger, they also have different behaviors, and you can also tell if you're able to take a look at their, um 'ahem', private area", he stated, blushing a bit, "though I wouldn't recommend that unless the coon is trained, she happens to be pretty calm when she's not riled up. Which brings me to my first question, what were you two doing that got her all hyper?"
The girls looked at each other before Catalina spoke up again, "we were trying to give her a bath, she smells just a touch, and we've never bathed her before"
"I see, so she got a little freaked out and ran for the hills", the alchemist stated
"Yeah...."
Ruddigar chittered to the female coon, she looked up at him and chittered back, getting Varian to smile, "such a sensitive girl", he said
"What'd she say?" Hugo asked
"Well, Ruddy asked her about bathing, and she said she didn't mind, but the smelly stuff they put on her made her want to vomit", he stated
"Ah, so strong shampoo for them"
"Yeah, poor baby got overwhelmed by the smell"
"Strong shampoo?" Angry asked, "we used the shampoo Eugene recommended"
"Did you tell him it was for a coon and not you two?" Hugo asked, "because if you did, we need to have a chat with him", Varian nodded in agreement
"Well.... No, we didn't, but we thought it would be fine", the black haired girl admitted
"Ah", the alchemist said, "well then, how about we make the first lesson of coon training and care be about bathing"
"Ok", the two girls stated
Varian smiled before he looked at Ruddigar, "you mind asking if she's okay with us trying to give her another bath, this time with the proper shampoos?"
"Wait, can't you ask her?" Angry asked, "I though you spoke coon"
"I actually don't speak it fluently", Varian responded, "I know bits and pieces of regular coon language, like how a coon asks for apples for instance", he smirked at Ruddigar, who grinned, "but that's only because me and Ruddy have.... Kinda our own language and communication"
"Huh? How?" Catalina asked
"Well, when Rud was little, he and I had to learn how to communicate via gestures and/or signals from each other, if I wanted him on my back and shoulder, I had to pat that part of my body to show him where to go, and he'd hop up. Over time that gesture has developed into slight movements or just a small command, watch", he gently handed the female coon to Hugo, who smiled at her lovingly, getting her to rub her head against his arm, before the alchemist walked over to a table nearby, and Ruddigar hopped down and sat on it. Varian smiled before he backed up, and walked by, looking at Ruddigar before he dropped his shoulder for a moment, the raccoon caught the hint and climbed on instantly, "see?" Varian said, giving his coon a scratch behind the ears, "small gesture, no words, no signaling, Ruddy knows what I want just by me communicating in a way we always have. That happens with pet owners of any kind. You learn to... Sort of speak the same language by using a mix of gestures, words, small commands, and reading each other's body language. Pascal and Rapunzel do it too"
"What about Max?" Angry asked, "he didn't need to learn anything from any of us, he just knows"
"Ah see that's the only animal I know that can speak fully human", Varian stated, "my dad trained him, and because he knew that Max wanted to be in the royal guard someday, he made sure Max would be able to understand any human language in Corona"
"How did he do that?"
Varian shrugged, "he's dad, I never found out how he did it, I just chalked it up to dad magic and moved on"
Angry blinked before Catalina cocked her head to the side, "so, you are, or were at one point, skeptical of fairy godmothers, magic spells, even the Sundrop and Moonstone at one point or another, but your dad having magic that allows him to do things you can't explain is plausible?"
The alchemist giggled, "my dad is special, one of a kind. The man knows how, where, and when to find me even in my most secretive spots. He knows when Hugo and I are tired even if he hasn't seen us all day, he's an amazing cook and knows what and when to cook something without asking, he's a man who managed to hide his entire backstory of being a dual wielding knight from the Dark Kingdom away from me to keep me safe, and he's done things that I've never seen anyone do in my 'life'! The man has magic, I don't know what else to call it except for dad magic, and he's had it my entire life, so I don't question it"
"Have you ever done a study on it?" Angry asked
"I tried, but he always catches me! I one time did a case study on almost everyone that was in the house at the time, Punzel, Eugene, Lance, Grandpa, Hugo, and dad, he kept catching me as I was watching him!" The alchemist exclaimed, "he caught me three times! Though, the last one I'd finished the study, so I was fine with him catching then I suppose, but still!"
Hugo laughed, "I remember that! I gave you the idea to do the case study! My subject name was Emerald Eyes if my memory serves"
"Correct!" Varian confirmed, "Punzel was Sunny Day, Eugene was Flynn Rider, Lance was Teddy Bear, Grandpa was... Well.... Grandpa, you were Emerald Eyes, and dad was Evil Jerkface"
"What about Adira and Hector?" Angry asked
"They uh.... Had to search for Cassandra during that time.... They left, knowing fully well that they might not come back.... I was so depressed that, for three days straight, I stayed in my room, didn't sleep, didn't eat, and just cried.... I worried everyone, but I was just so scared, and sad"
"Hey, Freckles it's okay you know, we all understood what you were feeling, Quirin more than anyone", Hugo stated, placing a gentle hand on Varian's shoulder
"I know, I just still feel bad, it's been a few years, so I can handle the feel bad, but making people worry is not what I wanna do", the teen stated
"I understand, but just know, we worry because we care, not because of anything else love"
"Thanks Hugo"
"Anytime"
The smiled at each other before Angry cleared her throat, snapping to two back to reality, "oh! Uh, whoops, we got VERY off topic there, eheh, um...." He looked at Ruddigar, "you mind asking her if she's okay with a bath bud?"
Ruddigar nodded before he chittered the question to the female coon, who seemed very comfortable in Hugo's arms. When she heard the question, she looked at Varian, who smiled at her before pulling out a small bottle and lifting it to her nose. She gave it a small sniff before smiling and sniffing it again, she looked at Ruddigar and chittered to him, they began to have a small conversation before Ruddigar smiled up at his boy and nodded
"She doesn't mind?"
Ruddigar chitter out a confirmation
The alchemist grinned, "great! We'll get started right away, but first", he smirked, "what were you two discussing there bud?"
The raccoon blushed and huffed at his boy
Varian giggled, "I thought you couldn't understand raccoon", Catalina pointed out, getting the alchemist to look at her
"As I said earlier, I don't speak it fluently, but I know bits and pieces, and that little conversation right there was getting a touch spicy"
Ruddigar gave a whine to his boy, ruffling the teen's hair and getting him to laugh
Hugo smiled at the female coon as she looked up at him, "they're a pretty great family, so if you decide to hook up with the scruffy prince charming over there, you'll have a warm home, just so you know"
Despite never knowing the blond until this point, the coon in his arms seemed to understand what he was trying to say, and licked his fingers as a thank you
"Heh, you're welcome little miss", Hugo said before he looked at Varian, he blushed, "I know how ya feel", he added before he spoke to Varian, "you wanna stop playing with you furry friend and maybe we actually start teaching about raccoon care?"
Varian and Ruddigar stopped messing about before they both blushed and nodded, "right! To the privy!" The alchemist exclaimed before he and Ruddigar marched out of the room, Catalina, Angry, and Hugo all chuckling as they followed the duo out.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Funny story, while writing this chapter, I ended up rereading the Case Study Varian did, Chapter 284: Interactions: A Case Study by Varian
And I think that chapter is my favorite! Because not only does it show how each main character interacts with Varian, save for Adira and Hector, but it has some feels and nice moments that I’m actually pretty proud of 😁
I hope that doesn’t sound egotistical, I just remember writing that chapter and I think that’s when my writing began to improve a bit, so I’m pretty pleased with that chapter, I also remember Hugo did his own case study on Adira, and I need to have a Hector case study to balance it out, would you all be interested in that? Please let me know 😊
Aside from all that, I ended up side tracked during this chapter and have to add a part 3, but I hope the side tracked is entertaining to say the least! Shenanigans will ensure in tomorrow’s chapter however XD that’ll be a blast to write! I hope you’ll enjoy that 😊❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 600: Power outage
Chapter Text
Hello Readers!
I’m so sorry to report that my power went down, there’s a large power outage in my area that they said cannot be fixed for a few days….
I’m not able to upload because of this, as I need to conserve my phone’s battery life until this issue is resolved, but I didn’t wanna leave all of you in the dark, so to speak.
So I wrote this message so that you all know what’s going on. Again, I’m so sorry for the power outage, but I hope to be up and running once again in a few days as promised!
Thank you all so much for reading and supporting my story, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!
Sincerely,
HarmonySong 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 601: Coon Training! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Shenanigans ensure as the training continues!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Now", Varian said, turning off the faucet after filling the water basin, "when bathing a coon, make sure the water is warm, more on the cooler side than the warmer side, but warm nonetheless. Raccoons, like most animals, are sensitive to temperature, too hot, they'll get burned, too cold, they'll freeze or get sick, just right is the best way", he stated, picking up the basin with ease and startling the girls
"He works on a farm", Hugo pointed out, "hell he was 'born' on a farm, I'm surprised you two don't realize how buff he is yet"
"We kinda figured, but seeing it in person is a bit different", Angry stated
"Well if you need proof, he's got a six pack under that shirt that I absolutely 'love' to stare at"
Varian set the basin down and huffed at his fiancé, "we're teaching the girls how to care for a coon, not about my physical strength, sir"
"Can't blame me or them for being impressed Freckles", the blond stated with a smirk
Varian rolled his eyes, but smiled back, playfully nudging Hugo before looking at the girls, "anyway, brat nugget fiancé's aside, seriously, coons need just the right temp for water, here, place your hands inside the basin, you'll see what I mean"
The girls did as they were told and blinked at the lukewarm temperature of the water, "they really like this temp? Won't they get cold?" Angry asked
"Nope, see it's warm enough so that they can relax, but cool enough that it won't cause any damage. Animals, unlike humans, have fur all over their body, that fur traps heat so they constantly stay warm. It's also why they don't need to wear coats during winter, though I generally give Ruddy a coat because he looks adorable, but I digress. When animals step in too hot of water, their fur traps that heat, so if that water is enough to burn them, it gets ten times worse when their fur comes into play. Best to air on the side of caution"
"Ah"
"How often do you bathe Ruddigar?" Catalina asked
"Not very often, once a week, maybe less than that. Raccoons, despite being scavengers, are actually fairly clean creatures. The reason they carry so many diseases is because they live in the wild and dig through trash. But if you domesticate a coon, they're actually extremely clean animals, it's just best to take care of them with the upmost care depending on the coon. Judging this sweet girl", he looked at the female coon, who was now resting on Hugo's shoulder, "she seems fairly cleanly, I'd say one bath a week to begin with, and once she gets comfortable, she'll keep herself cleaner and won't need them as much", he gently picked up the coon, "ready?"
She looked up at him, then noticed the basin, her hackles went up and she chittered quietly
"Hey, it's okay sweetie", Varian cooed gently, and softly, "the water won't hurt you, don't worry"
Ruddigar chittered at her as well, reassuring her of the water and how his boy knew how to handle stuff like this. She seemed calmer, but was apprehensive
"Hmmm.... Ruddy, maybe you could show her the water's okay?" Varian asked
The raccoon nodded before hopping off his boy's shoulder and going to the water basin. He chittered at the female coon, making sure she was watching, before he dipped his paws in and splashed his face. He shook his head to clear the water away from his eyes, but then smiled and chittered
The female coon was startled, but seemed to completely calm down when she was shown this. "Feeling more confident?" Varian asked, when he got a nod he smiled, "oki, now I'm gonna set you inside, are you ready?" Another nod confirmed her determination, "atta girl", he said before he slowly walked over, and set the female coon into the basin, making sure to be methodical about it so as not to startle her, "how's that?" He asked, when she was fully inside the basin
The female coon chittered happily as she began to splash and play in the water, getting everyone wet
Varian laughed, "I think she likes the water"
Hugo giggled before he walked over, "to shampoo a coon, especially a splashing one like this little lady, you just gently", he placed his hand on the scruff of her back, settling her, "do that, you don't grab, you don't pinch, this movement reminds them of their mother, because this is how she would pick them up, by the scruff, so when they start to get riled up, be gentle and place your hand here so they'll calm down, yeah?" The girls nodded, "it won't work all the time however, you kinda have to prepare for anything with a coon"
"You really do", Varian agreed, "alright, are we ready to clean a coon?"
"YEAH!" The group shouted together before they watched Varian and began to help
****
The female coon smiled happily as she was being carried by Hugo in his arms. She was purring happily, sniffing her newly combed fur as she swished her long tail, "well don't you seem chipper", the blond teased, getting the coon to grin at him
Ruddigar chittered to his boy, "I know bud, we're heading there next"
"Where next?" Angry asked, Catalina looking up at the alchemist curiously
"To the dining area and kitchen, you need to know what to feed your coon", he stated with a proud smile
"Oh good, cause I'm starving!"
"Same, though, I hope it turns into another food fight", Catalina stated
"It won't", Varian stated as Hugo snickered, "and if it does, the culprits will have to suffer being grounded and cleaning the entire mess up"
"So says who?" Angry asked
"So says me and my dad when I tell him about it, should it happen"
Angry huffed, pouting a little, but calmed down after a minute or two as they entered the kitchen, "so what do raccoons eat?" Catalina asked
"Bugs", Hugo replied
"EW!" The girls exclaimed
"And fruit, small mammals like mice, rats, or squirrels, birds eggs, aquatic prey like frogs and snails and such, human food, and veggies", Varian added before raising a brow at his fiancé, "brat nugget"
"Wait, so they can eat a lot of different stuff?" Catalina asked
Varian nodded and looked at the red head as they entered the kitchen, "yup, they're omnivore, but they're opportunistic omnivores. They'll eat things they scavange and are able to get their hands on. Which is why it's important to keep their diet consistent, healthy, and balanced when owning and training a coon, otherwise they could get really sick"
As the alchemist said this, they group froze when both Ruddigar and the female coon made chirrups and eager noises. The group looked and saw a bunch of food sitting out, hot and ready. Ruddigar merely swished his tail in excitement, being polite enough to know he has to wait in order to get a small taste of any of that food. However, the new female coon didn't hesitated, rushing forwards and trying to snag anything and everything she could get her tiny paws on in order to shove it in her mouth and chew!
Varian, Hugo, and Catalina ran after her, trying to stop her, as Angry just laughed as chaos erupted in the kitchen!
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’m finally back!!!!! My power has been restored!!!!! And I can finally post the technically 600th chapter of this story!
Holy crap, 600 chapters is crazy to think about! Thank you all so much for being here throughout all of this! I didn’t think it would grow this big, but I’m really glad it has and I’m so grateful to all of you for helping me through this journey!
Here’s to more fun coming soon!!!!!!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 602: Coon Training! (Part 4!)
Summary:
The Kitchen turns to chaos, and the coin gets a name!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"To the dining area and kitchen, you need to know what to feed your coon", he stated with a proud smile
"Oh good, cause I'm starving!"
"Same, though, I hope it turns into another food fight", Catalina stated
"It won't", Varian stated as Hugo snickered, "and if it does, the culprits will have to suffer being grounded and cleaning the entire mess up"
"So says who?" Angry asked
"So says me and my dad when I tell him about it, should it happen"
Angry huffed, pouting a little, but calmed down after a minute or two as they entered the kitchen, "so what do raccoons eat?" Catalina asked
"Bugs", Hugo replied
"EW!" The girls exclaimed
"And fruit, small mammals like mice, rats, or squirrels, birds eggs, aquatic prey like frogs and snails and such, human food, and veggies", Varian added before raising a brow at his fiancé, "brat nugget"
"Wait, so they can eat a lot of different stuff?" Catalina asked
Varian nodded and looked at the red head as they entered the kitchen, "yup, they're omnivore, but they're opportunistic omnivores. They'll eat things they scavange and are able to get their hands on. Which is why it's important to keep their diet consistent, healthy, and balanced when owning and training a coon, otherwise they could get really sick"
As the alchemist said this, the group froze when both Ruddigar and the female coon made chirrups and eager noises. The group looked and saw a bunch of food sitting out, hot and ready. Ruddigar merely swished his tail in excitement, being polite enough to know he has to wait in order to get a small taste of any of that food. However, the new female coon didn't hesitated, rushing forwards and trying to snag anything and everything she could get her tiny paws on in order to shove it in her mouth and chew!
Varian, Hugo, and Catalina ran after her, trying to stop her, as Angry just laughed as chaos erupted in the kitchen! "No! G-GET BACK HERE!" Catalina yelled, nearly grabbing the coon by the tail before she slipped away
"Ah! Ptooey! Ew!" Hugo exclaimed as the coon knocked over a jug of juice on his head
"Rud, stop her and tell her why!" Varian stated, Ruddigar nodding before he hopped onto the counters and managed to catch up to the female coon, quickly chittering about why she shouldn't do what she's doing
This got the female coon to stop, she grumbled a little, but Ruddigar chittered at her again, explaining the food she would get if she came back, she nodded, seeming to calm down before she and Ruddigar went back to Varian
The freckled teen helped Hugo to his feet, the blond shaking the juice off him like a dog as he stood, "Hugo! hahaha!" Varian giggled before he noticed the two coons, "hey, thanks bud", he said, giving Ruddigar a treat before he scooped up the female coon, "you've caused some trouble huh sweetie"
"Lots", a voice stated getting the group to freeze and turn around, their blood running cold when they saw a few guards standing behind them, "do you have ANY idea the mess you've all just caused? And the food you've all just ruined?!" One of the guards snapped
Angry, who'd stopped laughing at this point, stood up boldly in front of the guards, "it was an accident, we were trying to get food for our raccoon and-!"
"We're well aware of the raccoons in this castle and the trouble they've caused before! Particularly 'that' one!" He pointed to Ruddigar, which Varian held closer to his chest, along with the female coon
"Look", Hugo began calmly, "this was all just a big misunderstanding", he stated, "we can explain how this happened, and we'll clean it all up too, you just have to give us a chance to expla-!"
"YOU AIN'T EXPLAINING NOTHING!" The guard yelled, startling Varian as Ruddigar growled, "all of you are gonna come with us and we're gonna contact your parents and get those RODENTS taken away and released to the wild where they belong!"
Angry and Catalina's eyes widened, "no!" the red head exclaimed, "you can't! They're domestica-!"
"I DON'T GIVE A SHIT!" The guard yelled, making the girl back up, "YOU RUINED THE DINNER FOR THE DARK KINGDOM DIGNITARIES!" This made Varian pause, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO THEY ARE AND 'HOW' THEY ARE YOU LITTLE SHIT?!"
The alchemist handed Ruddigar and the female coon to Hugo, before stepping forwards, his voice calm, but his tone sharp and icy, "my name is Varian Vanguard", he stated, "I am the son of Quirin Vanguard, my aunt is Adira Yong, my two uncles are Hector Jeacer and Eugene Fitzeherbert-Esmeray, my grandpa is king Edmund Esmeray, and you", he glared at the guard, "will stop that yelling, stand down, and let us explain what this happened", he stated with a the boldness of a ruler, but the calmness of his father
The guard froze, staring at the teen, "y-you're lying!"
"Need proof?" The alchemist asked before his eyes and hair glowed a bright blue, "I'm also the wielder of the Moonstone". This made the guard back up a bit before the teen dimmed the glow, "as we were trying to say, this was an accident. The raccoon got out of our hands at the sight of food and began to eat, my raccoon, Ruddigar, who is my service animal and has been approved to be here by the Queen, late King, and Princess of Corona, and is the pet of my two friends over here", he gestured to Catalina and Angry, "me and my fiancé", he gestured to Hugo, "were teaching them how to train and tame her, as she's already been domesticated and cannot be let back out into the wild, or else she'll die. She got too excited, we stopped her, with minimal damage to the food and drink, we'll clean everything up, and if you still don't accept this, then I'd like to speak with Stan, who is the acting Captain while Eugene is away on paternity leave, as I know he'll be fair and just in this discussion"
The guard was still frozen, before he shook his head, clearing it, before he sighed, "m-my apologies for the, u-um, rudeness I've just displayed, I-I didn't know the context, nor did I understand who you were. I-I'm new"
"So I can see", Varian stated, "look, it's fine, but even if I wasn't a dignitary myself, you still shouldn't be acting like that. I mean, they're just kids, and had I not been with them, you might've scared them half to death, or gotten one to fight you with all your yelling. Accidents happen, they can be overlooked for small messes such as this, provided the guilty party clean it up, which we already intended to do. Also, are you really afraid of my family? If you are, then you should probably talk to them and see how they actually are, they're very nice, just strong, and that's not a bad thing"
The guard sighed, "right, I'll uh, l-look into that", he looked at the group, "so you'll clean this up?"
"Absolutely, and I can remake the food that was tampered with too"
"Ok, mind if I watch? I kinda have to"
"Don't mind at all", Varian looked at Catalina, Angry, and Hugo, all of whom seemed startled by the teen's calm demeanor, "ok everyone, lets get this all cleaned up, yeah?"
They nodded and cleaned up the mess, feeding the coons, and remaking and replacing what was destroyed
****
"Holy shit V, that was amazing!" Angry exclaimed
"Yeah! You stayed so calm around the guards!" Catalina agreed with a smile as she held and pet the female coon, who was happily sleeping in her arms
"Took charge there Freckles, I knew ya had it in you", Hugo stated with a smirk, "it was pretty fucking hot to see too"
"Hugoooo", Varian replied, blushing and getting the blond to snicker before the alchemist sighed, "thank you for the compliments, but honestly, I just.... Kinda went into dad mode there"
"Dad mode?" Angry asked
"Yeah, when the guard mentioned the Dark Kingdom, it made me think of my dad, and I channeled him and how he would handle the situation", he explained, "and I did just that, stayed calm, my voice icy enough to show I was angry, but calm enough to show I wouldn't hurt anyone, made sure to stated that we would clean the mess up, before giving some dad advice in the form of telling the guard to meet my family and see how kind they truly were. That's what dad would do"
"And stating your name?" Catalina inquired
"Oh, that was just so they knew that I was apart of the Dark Kingdom group, some guards won't back down unless you're connected to certain people, that guard wouldn't have had I not said anything. I hate doing that, but if it's the only way to get them to stop, I'll use it"
"Man that's fucking bullshit", Hugo stated, "I hate the dignitary needed respect thing"
"The what?" The red head said
"The whole, 'if you're not someone important, than you get treated like shit' deal", Hugo explained, "I think it's stupid"
"I agree, but that's, unfortunately, how some people are", Varian replied sadly
"Yeah well.... When you're in power, you're gonna try to change it, right?" His fiancé asked
"Course I will", Varian agreed with a smile, "everyone should be given a fair chance! Heck, Rapunzel and Eugene are trying to change that rule as we speak"
"Fair point"
The alchemist smiled lovingly at his fiancé, "don't worry love, society will get better"
"I trust you"
"You'd better", Varian teased, "otherwise you can find yourself a new sleeping partner"
"Nuuuuuuu!"
The duo giggled as Angry rolled her eyes, "seriously? Nerdy flirting, here?"
"My Hugo, my rules", Varian stated before kissing the blond on the cheek, getting him to giggled before the alchemist noticed the sleeping coon and smiled, "she's really calmed down, hasn't she?"
"Yeah", Catalina replied happily, "she's so precious"
Angry smiled lovingly at the female coon, "she really is, guess all she wanted was food"
Varian smiled before he sighed, "well I guess that's it then", he stated, placing his hands behind his head, "congrats, you two passed and get to tame the coon!"
"Wait, seriously?!" Angry exclaimed excitedly
"You'll still need tricks and tips to help you both handle her spurts of energy, that much is clear, but you've both definitely shown that she's in good hands, so yeah, seriously"
The two girls gave a quiet celebration so as not to wake up the coon! Hugo snickered as they stopped, "what are you gonna name her?" He asked
Catalina and Angry stopped and looked at the coon, "not sure", Angry stated, "but it's gotta be perfect!"
Catalina then smiled, "Princess", she stated, getting Angry to look at her, "think about it, she doesn't mind being bathed or taken care of like a Queen, but she's got spurts of energy and likes to run around, like a girl! She's a young Queen, that would make her a princess!"
Angry grinned, "I like that! Princess it is!"
"What a good name", Varian stated with a smile
"Agreed!" Hugo replied
The only one who was quiet was Ruddigar, who watched the younger coon. He smiled at her lovingly, noting how she smelled like flowers and grass. His tail swished with joy for her finding her new forever home, and he grinned when he heard her begin to purr. He didn't know it yet, but seeing her sleeping in Catalina's arms made him happier than what could be considered normal, as he just watched her continue to rest peacefully.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, Yong, means strong and brave, perfect last name for Adira! And it’s also Korean, which is where Adira is from if I remember correctly, if not, then I’m making her Korean because Korea is cool!
The coon gets a name! It’s princess because she’s a little scamp, but polite and gentle too, which you’ll all see in later chapters 😊🎶❤️
Varian being able to take charge of a situation shows how much he’s grown and I’m so proud of him!!!!!!
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 603: Bachelor Party! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The start of the bachelor party for Hugo and Varian!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eugene grinned widely as he directed Max and Domino on where to go, he turned towards the opened window of the caravan he was driving, smirking when he saw a grinning Lance behind him, "how are they holding up?" He asked
"They're nervous as hell, but excited too!" The former thief replied, "Quirin's doin a good job helpin them breathe"
"Great! Oh they're gonna LOVE this!"
"Yeah they will! Bachelor party, HERE WE COME!!!!!"
"Drinking"
"Partyin"
"Saying goodbye to the single life!" The duo exclaimed at the same time before they laughed
"Why are you two more excited about this than the bachelors themselves?" A voice asked, getting the pair to look
"Because Hector, Varian and Hugo planned 'my' bachelor party, with Lance, and 'Rapunzel's' bachelorette party.... With Lance", Eugene added
"Hee hee", the former thief giggled
Eugene smirked at him before looking at the wild tamer again, "so us returning the favor, and with everything we have planned, is just exciting as hell, especially since we've gotta make it extra special since blondie can't be here due to her pregnancy, she begged up to make it super special. Also, the two teens in the back are just nervous beans, they'll calm down once we get there, then they'll be just as excited as us!"
"Yeah yeah", Hector said, waving his hand dismissively, "just so long as it's what 'they' like to do, if I remember right, Varian's not a big drinker"
"It is a combo of what the 'both' like, Hugo's a controlled drinker and loves fun parties without snobby dignitaries, and Varian loves hot air balloon rides and fishing with his big papa, which is why we've got an entire week of fun planned, in a cabin, beginning with a stop at the Snuggly Duckling for some non stop party fun", Eugene stated, "since they're both bachelors"
"And they wanted to do a bachelors party together because they're an adorable couple who can't spend a day apart", Lance added, getting the Dark Prince to nod
"We're combining their interests, getting them to try some new things that the other likes, and it all combines into.... Well a surprise! You'll see, it'll be awesome!"
"Kay", Hector said, a small, amused, smile on his face as he continued to ride atop of Xena. He then looked at the top of the caravan and snorted, "having fun sister?"
The face painted warrior, who was currently meditating, smirked, "a blast"
The wild tamer chuckled, rolling his eyes before he noticed a pair of baby blues looking at him from the opened window, he gave them a gentle smile, "hey spawn"
The eyes crinkled with joy before he heard a small giggle and they darted away, this got the tamer to snort as he faced forwards and the group continued on their journey
****
Hugo stared out the window and grinned, his mind and heart racing with joy as the smell of alcohol, sweat, dirt, and man filled his nostrils as they grew closer to the bar, "ahhh, the smell of shit, I love it"
"Despite you having OCD", Varian teased as he walked over and hugged his lover
"Hey, it may 'smell' like shit, but it doesn't 'look' like shit, it's actually fairly organized in there", the blond stated with a smirk, "and the best part is no snobs!"
Varian giggled, "so are you gonna get drunk?"
"Mmmm.... Maybe? Haven't decided yet, I wanna have fun, but sloppy drunk is just.... Gross, and drinking the bad decision juice in bulk during a bachelor party is just a bad idea"
"Pffft! Bad decision juice", the alchemist laughed, "oh-ho Imma have to use that one"
"A-thank ya", Hugo replied with a snicker, "you gonna get drunk?"
"I'll try my best not to, I don't wanna get drunk"
"You've gotten better at holding your liquor to be fair"
"True, but I'm still gauging my limits"
"That's fair, do you want me to not get drunk?"
"You can do whatever you wish to on this trip", Varian stated before stopping, "uh, w-within reason", he added with a blush, "this is your bachelor party too, hell, this part is yours! I'm gonna love you no matter what love"
The blond kissed Varian's cheek gently, "if you insist, course, I wanna be sure you're comfortable too"
"Why do you think we've got dad, Eugene, and Lance?" Varian asked with a grin, "even if you get sloppy drunk, they'll be there to help the both of us, plus, the guys inside will be watching out for us too, Attila in particular"
"True, heh", the duo looked at the bar again before Hugo sighed, "you're nervous as hell too, aren't you?"
"Oh yeah", the alchemist replied, "bachelor parties scare me, so many bad things can happen!"
"Like cheating on your partner", Hugo said
"Or getting so drunk that you end up in a stupor", Varian added
"Or getting killed"
"Or getting sick!"
"Or-!
"OR, you both have a great time, make some memories with your close friends and family, and you say goodbye to your singles life with no regrets", Quirin, stated gently, putting down the book he was reading and getting the two to look at him, "it's gonna be okay you two, it's a bachelor party, you have fun, enjoy yourselves, and let your worries go"
Both teens wanted to agree, but their fluttering hearts wouldn't let them, until Varian spoke up, "dad, what was your bachelor party like?"
Quirin blinked before he began to laugh as the memories came flooding back to him, "chaos", he said with a grin, "I drank with friends at the bar, partied with my farm mates, and had a hang over that lasted until my wedding day", the man stated with a smirk, "but it was so much fun, I wouldn't trade it for the world", he added with a chuckle, "Ulla partied with some friends of hers for her bachelorette party as well, I'm not sure how that went, but she was just as hung over as me", he stated, "it was adorable, and the one thing I can say about the experience however, is that we both were ready to say goodbye to our singles life, in a way, that's what a party, such as this, is meant to do, for you to throw everything out the window for one, or many, days and nights, before allowing yourself to fully commit to one person, it's a celebration of how you got here, and the next journey starting in your life, and neither of you two should be nervous about it"
"B-but what if I don't do it right?" Varian asked
"I was just about to ask the same thing! Like, am I supposed to get sloppy drunk? Or should I stay mildly tipsy the entire time?"
Quirin hugged his two sons and chuckled, "you've both got many friends and family who will keep you both safe, you don't have to go crazy if you don't want to, and you don't have to get wild if you feel uncomfortable, just do as much as you want"
"It feels like there's a time limit", the alchemist said, "are we not allowed to do these things when we're married?"
"Yes you can, the point isn't that you can't do what you're about to anymore, the point is just.... A final hurrah so to speak. One last crazy time with friends before committing to the one you love. You can still get drunk while married, and party, and do all these things, but you'll have to do so with the knowledge that, you're married, and you have responsibilities as a married person"
"Ooooooh, so it's kinda like.... A promise?" Hugo asked, "to commit, and be loyal, and say goodbye to the life you had before because you'll be sharing it with someone you love?"
"Exactly", the retired knight agreed with a grin
Varian smiled, "I like that, it sounds nice"
"Yeah, people make marriage out to be this ball and chain thing, why do they do that?" Hugo asked
"Because they think getting married means you give up your freedoms", Quirin stated, rolling his eyes, "honestly, I think that's a misrepresentation. You get married because you love someone so much that you can't imagine life without them, you're not forced into it, well.... Most of the time you're not forced into it.... Most of the time you marry someone because you want to share a life with them, and being with them makes you happier than you've ever known. Some people seem to think that it means losing freedoms, but it's not. You can still have fun, have parties, hang out with friends, be happy, and just enjoy life in general any way you want to, you're just committed to one person now and you and them take care of each other, but you can still have fun on your own if needed, in fact, it's healthy to have some space in a relationship"
"It is?" Varian asked
"Yup, you wouldn't wanna marry another you would you?"
"Nope", both teens stated
"If I married another Varian, we'd be having panic attacks all day everyday", Varian stated
"And marrying another Hugo would just mean getting drunk to forget my woes and destroying my liver", Hugo added before he shuddered at that thought
"Well, I wouldn't go that far, you're both fairly responsible, and logical, give yourselves a little more credit than that, but you see my point right?" Quirin asked, getting the duo to nod, he smiled, "good"
"So, we're going to the Snuggly Duckling for two days, then to a cabin that Eugene and Lance picked out for the rest of the week, to fish, hot air balloon, and.... some other third thing that Eugene and Lance have planned", Hugo listed, "right?"
"Yup!" Varian replied with a smile
The blond nodded, "ok, should we have a plan for the Snuggly Duckling, or are we winging it?"
The alchemist thought about that before he looked at his father, the man gave him an encouraging look, and he smiled, "lets wing it", he stated
"You sure?"
"Yup, we're supposed to have a final hurrah like dad said right? It won't be much of a hurrah if we plan it out! How about we just make sure to have a word or gesture when the other needs help yeah?"
The inventor grinned, "good idea! What should we do?"
"Hmmmmm..... Well..... Oh! How about the word could be bird! To signify our first meeting!" Varian exclaimed happily
"Cool, so bird is the word, and what about the gesture?"
"Hmmmm.... How about when you taught me how to fly as a bird, you used your hands to signify wings and made them look like they were flapping", the alchemist showed the blond what he meant, "how about that?"
"Sweet, okay, so bird is our word, and flappy hands is our gesture, both mean we need help in some way shape or form, correct?"
"Right! We should tell Lance, Eugene, Adira, and Hector about this too", the alchemist stated before he sighed, "I wish Rapunzel and grandpa could be here...."
"I do too", Hugo agreed before he looked at Quirin, "why couldn't Edmund come again? I get why Rapunzel couldn't, but Edmund?"
"King Edmund wanted to watch over Rapunzel just in case her pregnancy went south. He has the most experience out of all of us with this sort of thing, and because Eugene, and you two, rightfully, wanted to do the bachelor party before the baby came both so it didn't cause stress on anyone, and also because he wanted all of his attention to be on you two, King Edmund wanted to make sure Eugene's conscious was clear from worry or guilt about doing so so late in her pregnancy"
"To be fair, our wedding is very close to her due date", Hugo said, "maybe we should move it"
"We can't, remember?" Varian replied, "the preacher won't be able to marry us for a few months after the pregnancy, and the date was already set years in advance, before we knew about the pregnancy, to move it now would mean we'd have to move everything else too, the reception, the honey moon, people may not be able to join due to the shift and everyone who's responded really wants to be there. Nuru especially since she's going to be taking over her kingdom soon!"
"Right.... I just feel bad"
"I do too"
"Hey! I can hear you two in there!" Eugene exclaimed from the opened window, getting the trio to look over and see Lance and Eugene staring at them, "don't either of you two feel guilty! None of us knew that me and blondie would get pregnant around this time! And besides that, she's a little over two months away, she literally 'ordered' me to do this for you two! Don't you dare start to feel guilty about that!"
"Speaking of, how'd you get paternity leave so quickly? I thought that only started on the due date", Hugo stated
"Normally it does, but I asked to go early to celebrate with you two, and Rapunzel's been saying I've been needing a break from work because the stress of that, and her pregnancy, and the bachelor party has been getting to me"
"Sorry...." Varian stated
"Nope! I could've said no to being your best man but I didn't! I could've stayed at work reguardless but I didn't! And I could've stayed by Rapunzel's side at this point in the pregnancy but, with her blessing and pushing, I didn't! She wanted you both to have a blast, she wanted me to have a break, and with dad staying there with her, Queen Arianna keeping an eye on her, the daily updates I'm getting, the fact the you can communicate with her and teleport all of us to her if needed kiddo, AND the fact that I'm not really helping her much with me being so stressed out so she ordered all of us to go so you could both get a celebration in, I could get a quick break, this would relieve stress, AND everyone is watching out for her and keeping her safe means you do need to apologize for a thing! We're gonna have a fun time, you two are gonna have the best bachelor party ever, and Rapunzel's gonna be safe and happy, and when we get back she'll have the baby and I'll be a father! So no more guilty feelings, only happy ones from here on in, okay?" He stated with a loving smile at the duo
Varian and Hugo were startled, but they smiled all the same, "oki", the alchemist replied, "thanks Eugene, and also", he closed his eyes and his hair and freckles glowed for a second before they dimmed and he opened them again, giggling, "she said she loves you"
Eugene chuckled, "love you too blondie", he stated as he looked up at the sky
"WE'RE HERE!" Lance exclaimed excitedly
****
Back in Corona castle, the princess smiled as her hair dimmed, she let out a small sigh before she looked at her belly. It was round, very round, she couldn't help but poke it a little before giggling. She adjusted herself in her seat, she was in an armchair at the moment, right next to a fire that was crackling in the fire place
She looked over to her left and her smile widened, "Thank you again for staying with me", she said
"Anytime my dear", Edmund replied happily, "did you get a message from them? Saw your hair glow"
"I did, Varian was just checking in, he sent me a memory of all of them in the caravan, apparently Eugene's still feeling guilty, as are Varian and Hugo, but they shouldn't, I really am fine"
"Well, they're still gonna worry at the very least", the Dark King said with a chuckle, "I mean, they love you, and you're very pregnant", he added before stopping, "uh, sorry, that was rude"
"No no, it's okay, ever since Eugene's wish, my mood swings have gone away, and so have the pains and aches too! I actually just feel really bloated at the moment, but then again, who wouldn't?" She asked with a giggle as she looked at her stomach again, "I also feel tired, a-and a little sore, but nothing too awful"
Edmund smiled, "I'm glad the pregnancy is easier on you hun, you don't need all that stress on you", he stated, "though I will advise to watch yourself either way, sometimes it comes and goes"
"Oh I know", the princess replied with a chuckle, "earlier, my mom asked me which dress I wanted to try on, and I ended up crying because I felt bad that I couldn't wear all the dresses", she stated with a blush, "my hormones aren't completely gone, but they're much easier to handle, one good cry later and I was back to normal"
Edmund chuckled, "sometimes a good cry is all it takes"
"Agreed!" The princess said happily as she looked up towards the ceiling. She let out another sigh before she stopped, "hm?" She looked at her belly again before she gasped, "I just felt a tiny kick!" She exclaimed
"You did?!"
"Yeah! They're kicking! Come check!"
Edmund got up and ran over, gently placing a hand on her stomach, they waited a few seconds before the man let out a startled yelp before laughing, "oh ho ho! What a little wiggler!"
Rapunzel grinned happily, "they're so excited!"
"It seems so!"
"This is their first kick!"
"30 weeks, that's normal for your first pregnancy", Edmund stated with a smile before he yelped again then chuckle, "a very big wiggler indeed!"
"Oh I can't wait for Eugene to know!" She exclaimed happily before she stopped, "you don't think he'll be upset he missed this, do you?"
"No, I think he'll be happy that your baby seems to be healthy! Plus, with how much this little one is going now, he'll feel another kick as soon as he walks through the door!" Edmund stated with another chuckle before he took his hand away and smiled, "you're doing really well, you know that? I've never seen a more calm and nurturing first mother, aside from my Eden"
Rapunzel blinked before her eyes filled with tears and she smile brightly, "t-thank you! That means the world to me!"
Edmund gently hugged her, smiling when she hugged him back, all the while, the two giggled when they felt the baby kick once again!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter is mostly setup and explaining, but I hope I made it entertaining to sh the very least! I wanted to start the bachelor party bit, but I also wanted to make sure any loose ends were tired up, because Eugene wouldn’t leave his pregnant wife alone, especially not a little over two months away from her due date! She’s so close though! I can’t wait to write more about it!
I’m gonna have these little Rapunzel segments at the end because she’s getting closer and close to her time and I love writing pregnant Punzel! She’s such an adorable mom!!!!!! ❤️🎶😊
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 604: Bachelor Party! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The group arrives at the Snuggly Duckling, and the party begins!!!!!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel yawned and stretched her limbs out as she woke up from her nap, "hey sweetie", Edmund said with a smile as he walked over to her, helping her sit up, "how are you feeling?"
"Better, though I feel so lazy too", she replied with a giggle, "normally I'd be running around Corona and doing my princess duties"
"I know, but in your condition, it's best for you to rest"
"I know, I just feel a little bad you know?"
"Hmmm..... How about this, lets get you something to eat, and then we can take a caravan ride through town hm? You can check up on the citizens that way, and it'll be good for you to get outside and have some Sun on your face"
Rapunzel smiled, "that sounds wonderful! You think we could stop by Old Corona too and check on the farms?"
The Dark King chuckled, "along with the adorable animals that are there"
The princess blushed, "that obvious huh?"
"My dear, you and Hector think very much alike when it comes to tiny creatures, and yes, we can"
Rapunzel let out a squee of joy and clapped her hands excitedly as she got up, with some help from Edmund, and they made their way to the dining area
****
"HAPPY BACHELOR'S PARTY!!!!!!!" The bag thugs screamed, shaking the walls of the Snuggly Duckling as they did before letting out a cheer and splashing the entire floor with beer!
Hugo laughed as Varian blushed, "thank you!" The alchemist replied
"Aw fuck me I love this bar", the inventor stated as he grinned, "ready to party Freckles?"
"Ready as I'll ever be", the freckled teen replied before Hugo took his hand in his, and led Varian to the bar
Eugene and Lance smirked, "look at them", the former thief stated before he sniffled a little and wiped a tear from his eye, "they grow up so fast!" He exclaimed, his voice choking up and squeaking a bit
"That they do bud, that they do", Eugene replied
"Hey Adira, didn't you have a pool tournament here?" Hector asked as he, his sister, and Quirin walked inside after having gotten the caravan and Xena secured
"I did, and I won, with laryngitis might I add, I can show you my poster too as proof", the face painted warrior stated with a proud smirk
"Why must you do dangerous things while sick?" The retired knight asked
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Didn't you also have laryngitis when you went through the forest?" Eugene asked
"You mean the Forest of No-!" Lance began
"Yes I'm aware of its name thank you!" Eugene interrupted
"Return", Adira whispered, setting off groans from somewhere and getting the Dark Prince to sigh
"I'm getting a drink...."
They watched the man walk away, joining to two scientists at the bar, both of whom had plates full of food, and drinks, "picking on him during my two son's bachelor parties? Really you three?" Quirin asked with a quirked brow
"I'm his Lance, it's my 'job' to pick on him", Lance stated, "he's said so himself"
".....Ok fair, but Adira, Hector, no excuse"
"The fuck? How is 'that' an excuse?!" The Wild Tamer asked
"Because Eugene has actually said that before, and he picks on Lance right back"
"Asshole"
"I'm aware, I still stand by what I said though", he then looked at his sister, "Adira"
She snickered, "fine fine, I'll 'behave'..... For about two seconds"
"Adira!" Quirin exclaimed as she walked away, he sighed, "I'm gonna be the adult today it seems...."
"Isn't that the role you signed up for when you joined this bachelor's party?" Lance asked
The retired knight huffed at the man, "I shouldn't be the only one responsible here"
"Easy bud, I'm just teasin.... You okay?"
Quirin stopped and blushed, sighing, "yeah, sorry, I guess..." He looked over at his two sons as they toasted, drank, and ate happily together, "I thought I was more prepared for this, for them to be on their own and start their lives together. But... It's harder than I imagines is all...."
Hector blinked before he wrapped an arm around him brother, "growing up is part of the deal when you're born, but it doesn't make it any easier when you have to let go of someone you've raised...."
"He's right", Lance agreed, "you could prepare 'years' in advance, but it ain't gonna be any easier. The best thing you can do right now however, is just help them enjoy themselves safely. You're still their dad you know, you're right about them needin you still, even when they do start their new lives"
Quirin sighed and nodded before he smiled, "you're both right, sorry, happy occasion and I'm being a debbie downer", he stopped then blushed, "and using King Edmund's sayings more and more it seems"
Hector snorted, "to be fair, it's a good term to use"
"Heh, thanks"
"Dad! Hey dad!" A happy voice said, getting the three's attention, only to see Varian smiling up at them, "Hugo's challenge Adira to a game of darts! Wanna watch?"
"Um, how drink is he?" Lance asked
"He's not that bad actually, only had one drink, he said he wanted some liquid courage in order to ask"
"Ah"
Quirin looked over and smiled when he saw Hugo waving at him, "he's fine, getting a little giddy, but not sloppy or even tipsy"
Lance shrugged, "alright, lets got watch Hugo's massacre"
"Hey!" Varian stated, "how do you know he'll lose?"
"Uh, cause it's Adira"
"Actually, she sucks at darts", Hector stated
"Wait really?"
"Yup, she's never been very patient when it comes to the game, she thinks throwing it and hitting the target is good enough, probably because she uses a great sword, which hits everything no matter where you swing it"
"Huh..... Is Hugo good at darts?"
"Yup", Varian replied with a confident nod, "he's actually scarily good at them! He's even give me a run for my money! Though, he practices for the ultimate challenge"
"Which is?"
"Me", Quirin stated with a smile
"How did I not guess that?"
"Because Adira", Hector stated
".....I hate to say it, but true"
"Are you guys gonna come watch?" Varian asked
The retired knight chuckled, "we're a-coming bubby"
The alchemist grinned and jogged back to Hugo, getting the blond to smile even more as a crowd of bar thugs began to surround Adira and the blond, including Eugene! Quirin, Lance, and Hector all smirked before walking over as well, none of them noticed the pair of yellow eyes watching from the darkness
"Heh, and surprisingly, neither did any of you"
The pair of yellow eyes refrained from speaking to the audience until his introduction in the next chapter, sir!
"Since when have I ever done that babe?"
The narration for the chapter sighed, getting the yellowed eyes's owner to grin as he watched the dart game unfold, ideas popping into his head of how he could make it better, "they did ask me to come spice things up as a surprise after all, heh heh heh"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I started off with Punzel and Edmund because someone wanted me to end with them in this chapter, he’s excited to be a part of this arch X3
Adira not being good at darts is accurate to me because she seemed like the impatient type. Surprisingly, more so than Hector in certain ways. She was the one to initiate a way to fix the Dark Kingdom, she was the one pushing the group to the Dark Kingdom faster and faster without explaining the whole story because I would take too much time, she was the one that was the first to attack when Cassandra took the Moonstone, she’s fast, and first, she’s impatient, so with a game like darts, where you have to line up your shot first, then throw it, she tends to be too quick to throw, as long as it lands on target, she’s fine, at least, that’s how I see it, I’d love to hear your thoughts however! :D
Hugo’s not drunk, or tipsy, he’s just giddy and excited, because he’s a bean 😁
Varian’s having fun too! Happy Moon bean! ❤️
Quirin’s feeling the parent pain, poor guy, but he’s still gonna have fun too!
Lance and Hector being the cheer up crew! Woot!
And then there’s a certain something that I think you’ll all recognized :3 heh
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 605: Bachelor Party! (Part 3!)
Summary:
A special guest joins the party!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo was grinning from ear to ear as he took a swig of his victory drink while sitting at the bar. He felt at peace with himself as he looked around the pub they were in, everyone was having fun, drinking, laughing, giving playful jabs at each other just as friends and family, it made the teen let out a happy sigh as he finished his drink. He did a look around once more before deciding to cut himself off from the bar. His mind just foggy enough to keep him in control, but still with an air of peace about him. He got up and walked around, his cheeks slightly flushed from the alcohol, he noticed Quirin standing beside Eugene, calmly drinking his mug of beer, and walked over, sitting next to the man and leaning against him. The retired knight blinked before he looked down and saw the blond before he chuckled and wrapped an arm around him, "having fun?" He asked, his calm voice making Hugo feel safe
"Mm hm"
"Did you get enough to eat?"
"Mm hm"
"Did you have too much to drink?"
"No, just tipsy", he stated, "cutting myself off, feeling peaceful now"
Quirin smiled lovingly at the inventor, "you're such a responsible bean"
The blond didn't reply, allowing himself to kinda drift a little bit. He watched the party continue, enjoying seeing everyone dancing and playing pool, Adira took her dart loss well, and had moved on to challenging the Hook brothers, who'd come back from their tour for this occasion. Lance was chatting with Eugene and Hector, all of whom had noticed the inventor and smiled at him before continuing their conversation. Hugo's smile widened when he saw Varian sitting at a table. The alchemist had a drink in his hand as well, and seemed to be pacing himself with it. He looked to be perfectly sober at the moment, he noticed Hugo watching him and blushed as he placed a fry in his mouth and ate it. Hugo blushed too, "pretty", he said
"Hm?" Quirin looked where the blond was and smirked, "yeah, that's a pretty boy right there.... Are you sure you're not drunk?"
"I think the alcohol is making me sleepy, didn't get much last night, too excited for today"
"Ah"
The inventor watched Varian stand up and begin to walk over before the alchemist froze, his eyes widening as he stared at something above Hugo. This caused the inventor to cock his head to the side just a bit, "what's he staring at?"
"Me!" A voice said behind the blond, getting him to jump a bit, only to hear very familiar laughter behind him, "wow kid! Didn't know you were THAT jumpy!"
"Beetlejuice!" Varian exclaimed as he ran over
"Hello!" The demon exclaimed happily, getting everyone in the bar's attention, "how are y'all doin tonight folks? Good? Good!" He said, looking around the bar at the thugs who stared at him, a little startled by his appearance
Hugo felt himself being picked up and held, he looked up to see Quirin staring at the demon, "Beetlejuice, please tell me you got invited", he said, worry lacing his voice
"I did pops, no worries! I was asked to spice things up a bit! So here, we, a-go!" He snapped his fingers, and suddenly the entire room changed! Suddenly, the piano came to life and began to play itself! The fire place burned excitedly as it also came to life, dancing to the music the piano was making! The bar was making drinks on its own! The kitchen was making food that was impossible to make during the time period! Even Ruthless Ruth's club was burped up from the fireplace and began to play Ruth's final song! This got everyone to began dancing and the catchy lyrics were sung out by everyone!
Beetlejuice laughed as he flew around, his magic shimmering and sparking to life as he grew more and more excited! "H-how many drinks did I have?" Hugo asked, a little dazed by all the inanimate objects suddenly coming to life
Varian giggled, "not many love, Beetlejuice just has that effect on people", he stated before he smiled up at his father, "it's okay dad, he's safe"
Quirin nodded and set the blond down, "not that I'm not glad he's here, I am, but who invited him?"
"I did", Lance said, getting the three to look at him, "he was excited about the trip and wanted to help, so I asked if he wouldn't mind spicin up the bar party is all"
"Ah"
"Well he definitely spiced it up! This is so cool!" Varian exclaimed happily, "I'm gonna go talk to the piano! They seem nice!"
Quirin snorted, "you have fun"
"I will!" The alchemist replied happily before he ran over to the piano and began a conversation
Hugo chuckled, "well this just got a hell of a lot more fun!"
"Indeed", Adira stated, "the flying darts seem eager for us to have a rematch by the way, shall we?"
"You're on!" The blond exclaimed before the duo walked over to the game
Hector smirked, "wonder how that's gonna work"
"I'm guessing they'll need to chase the target", Eugene said with a smirk
"That'd be fucking hilarious!"
Quirin looked around, he watched Varian and the piano chatting, both seemed to be enjoying the conversation, he smiled before looking at Adira and Hugo, who did indeed have to chase the target, he laughed when the blond tripped but was caught by a living chair before it flew into the air, getting Adira to stop before she chased him instead, hoping to catch the inventor before he fell. When he did fall, and she caught him, Hugo managed to throw a dart at the target just before being caught, it landed as a bullseye, and he cheered as Adira blinked before she sighed and smiled at him, admitting defeat before hugging the blond, who hugged her back happily
The retired knight let out a relieved sigh, "didn't trust me pops?" Beetlejuice asked, right in his ear
He shook his head and smiled at the demon, "I never said that"
"So the look around to make sure things were nice and safe was.... What? A friendly stare?"
"It was me just calming my own anxieties thank you", Quirin replied, "I trust you Beetlejuice, Hugo just happens to be a little more tipsy than I think he realizes, and Varian is fine, but he seems to be limiting himself. Though I'm certain talking to a piano may help with that"
"She's a sweet gal, got some nice tunes to her too!"
"Good to know"
"You know, Varian ain't the only one limiting himself, why are you playing supervisor?"
"Cause I'm the dad"
"And? Dad's can have fun too"
"I'm having fun"
"Riiiiight, standing here with your singular cup of beer is just the pinnacle of fun"
"First off, where'd you learn that word?"
"I lived in a book"
"Ok fair, second, I happen to like my singular cup thank you"
"Oh yeah, you're having one hell of a party over here in the corner like a wall flower"
"Ok one, wall flowers are very pretty, two, I'm not in a corner, I'm at a table, and three, I'm having a blast", he twirled his index finger in the air, "wee hoo"
Beetlejuice just stared at the man before huffing, "fine, I guess I'm doing this myself!" He then flew behind Quirin and began pushing him towards the dart board
"Ey ey ey! Stop it!" The retired knight exclaimed, but was unable to stop the demon from doing whatever it was he was about to do!
****
The princess stared out the window, a wide smile on her face as she waved to everyone passing her and Edmund by, "hi!" She called out, "hello! So good to see you again!"
Edmund chuckled as he listened to the blond call out to her citizens, he watched her, seeing her smile brighten and face light up as she continued to greet everyone she saw. The Coronans all waving back at her and congratulating her pregnancy. He chuckled when children gave the princess flowers, his mind drifting to a time where he used to do the same thing with his queen when she'd gotten pregnant as his mind wandered back to the past....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So Quirin’s like me at a party, both of us are wallflowers! We stay in our tiny corner and are usually the ones supervising and making sure everyone stays safe
Though it can sometimes make the party a bit boring, so we need someone to tell us to get into the party, hence, our fabulous helper giving our precious farmer dad a helping hand XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 606: Intermission!
Summary:
Edmund is reminded of a time Eden was pregnant with Eugene!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hello!" Eden called from the caravan she and her husband were riding in, she giggled when children waved back to her excitedly, "hi", she said again, her voice full of joy as the delightfully light breeze wafted through the air
Citizens bowed as she passed them back, she smiled and nodded her head to them before she looked down at her stomach, which was round due to her pregnancy, "this is gonna be your home little one", she said, rubbing her stomach lovingly, you're going to come out one day and meet all of these wonderful people! Oh how wonderful that day will be, don't you think Edmund?"
She looked at her husband, who smiled back at her, his face full of nothing but warmth and love, "indeed!" He replied happily, "and you'll be able to meet Adira, Hector, and Quirin too! Oh how fun that day will be", he chuckled at the thought of his three Brotherhood members holding a tiny baby in their arms
Eden giggled, "10 coins says Quirin will be the only one to hold our baby"
"I don't doubt it", Edmund replied with a chuckle, "though I'm certain Adira and Hector will want to train the baby more than Quirin will"
"Probably, they'll say something like, 'even though they're just a few days old, they still need to be ready for an attack!'"
The Dark King laughed at that, "I'll bet they do! Oh we're going to have to be careful about that"
"We will", Eden replied with a loving smiled before she looked at her stomach again, "I feel like Quirin will probably be our main help with this tiny one, did you know he wants a child of his own someday?"
"I do! I hope he has one!" Edmund exclaimed, "that tiny one would be such an adorable little bean! Maybe our child and Quirin's will become friends!"
Eden grinned, "that would be wonderful!"
"They could have sleep overs and go to school together!"
"And would have the same crazy relatives, probably get forced to have animal companions as well if Hector has anything to say about it", the Queen chuckled
"And learn how to dodge faster than anyone's ever seen if Adira has any say in the matter", Edmund added with a smirk, "though I think both of those things would be good for our baby, don't you?"
"Of course, when they're older"
Edmund chuckled, "right", The caravan stopped, the duo looking forwards before the door opened, "speaking of! Hello Quirin!" The Dark King stated happily as he saw his knight greeting them
"Hello your majesties", Quirin replied, "how was the outing?"
"Great! Oh Quirin the kingdom is all a buzz for this little one!" Eden exclaimed as she accepted the knight's hand and climbed out of the caravan
"But of course, there's a royal baby on the way, I don't know anyone who wouldn't be excited for that"
"I suppose that's true", the Queen said as she hopped down and thanked the knight before letting go of his hand and waiting for Edmund, the King thanking, and paying, the caravan driver, "Edmund and I were just talking about how all of you would react when the baby is born", she said
"Oh? What was the verdict?" Quirin asked with a chuckle
"Guess"
"Me holding the baby, Adira teaching them how to dodge, Hector getting them an animal friend, and both of them fighting over which one trains the tiny one in combat"
"Correct! You're good at this"
"Mm, nah, I just know my siblings"
Eden giggled before Edmund joined the pair and they began to walk towards the castle, "so Quirin", the king stated excitedly, "any guesses on if our baby will be a boy or a girl?"
"Hmmmmm.... I'm thinking a boy", the knight replied
"Really? I was thinking a girl", Eden added
"I wasn't sure", Edmund stated with a snort, "why do you say a boy?"
"Well, if you look at the patterns of the past kings and queens of the Kingdom, majority have been boys, there are some exceptions, but the bloodline seems to be mostly male", the knight said, "so if we go based on lineage alone, there's a 75% chance of a boy, 25% girl"
"Look at you Mr. Science", Eden teased
Quirin chuckled, "I just happened to notice the pattern is all"
"Which means you're extremely excited for this baby because you looked back into old family history to find out the percentages of them being a boy or a girl", Edmund stated
The knight blushed, "m-maybe"
Both rulers laughed at that, getting Quirin to snicker before someone hopped down in front of them, getting the group to stop and smile, "hello Hector", Eden said
The tamer straightened up and smirked, "hello Queen Eden", he said, "how are you?"
"I'm alright, though I happened to notice someone was watching us from the trees and behind some corners, that wouldn't have been you and Adira, would it?"
Hector's eyes widened a little before he blushed and turned his head away just a bit, "I d-don't know what you mean"
Edmund smiled lovingly at his tamer as Quirin shook his head with a smirk, "leaving me with all the castle work too", the knight teased
"Boo fucking hoo", the tamer replied with a snarky glance
"See, and this is why you get to the clean the quarters tonight"
"What? No I don't!"
"It's your turn anyway"
"It is not! It's Adira's!"
"Incorrect", a voice from behind the tamer stated calmly, getting the man to jump back a few feet in surprise as Adira smirked, "I cleaned them last week"
"And me the week before", Quirin added
Hector caught his breath before huffing, "I fucking hate it when you do that!"
The group laughed again before the face painted warrior looked at the Queen, "how's your child?"
"They're good, Quirin thinks they're going to be a boy, what do you think Adira?" Eden asked
"Girl"
Quirin raised a brow, "you want everyone to be a girl"
"Not true, I only want the strong people to be girls", she teased
The knight snorted, "you're a brat"
"I'm aware, but anyway, girl", she said, "definitely"
"And if you're wrong?" Hector asked, raising his own brow
"Then they'll be like King Edmund", the warrior stated, "which will make things extremely interesting"
The Dark King blinked, "what do you mean by that?"
"She means you're an adorable king and having a son like you would make the world brighter", Eden stated with a grin, getting her husband to smile, "though I'm hoping for a girl, I want a little lady"
"A girl wouldn't be too bad, so long as she isn't like Adira", Hector stated
"You mean able to knock you off your feet with one swift motion?" Adira asked, getting the tamer to huff
"While also showing up late to training and being an absolute menace to the maids when they try to give you a dress to wear?" Quirin added
The face painted warrior rolled her eyes, though everyone could tell she was still amused, Eden giggled, "you three are brats"
"Yeah, but they're our brats", Edmund stated with a grin, "and we're gonna have a fourth!"
Eden grinned as Edmund hugged her lovingly, "yes we will my love, yes we will!"
****
Edmund smiled at the memory before he felt someone touch his shoulder, looking over he saw Rapunzel watching him, "are you alright?" She asked worriedly
"Yeah, I'm fine, why?" He responded
"You're crying"
He blinked before wiping his face, sure enough, he had tears. He chuckled, "I'm sorry, I did this once with Eden while she was pregnant with Eugene", he stated, "she wanted to go for a ride around the kingdom, when we took one, she greeted everyone just as you did. It.... It's been a long time since I remembered that day", he smiled, "I suppose the memory propped back up while I was watching you"
The princess smiled sympathetically, "I'm sorry"
"No no no, it's quite alright!" He responded, "I haven't remembered that day in such a long time, it's very nice to have it come back to me again"
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure, and I'm more than willing to continue this ride as well, if you want"
Rapunzel nodded, "okay"
They continued to ride throughout the kingdom as Edmund reminisced before he looked at the princess and smiled, hey Rapunzel"
"Hm?" The princess looked at him
"What gender do you think your baby will be?"
"The gender? Well I'm not sure.... What do you think?"
The Dark King smiled as he remembered his knight's words, "well my family has a 75% chance off all babies born to be a boy, 25% a girl"
"Really? How'd you find that out?"
He chuckled, "Varian got his interest in science and patterns from both of his parents"
That took Rapunzel a moment or two before she realized what he meant and smiled, "well, in my family, it's 50/50 for either one. My.... My dad told me that when I first came back home from Gothel", she said with a sad smile
Edmund looked at her before he placed his arm around her, "missing a family member is hard.... Somedays are much harder than others....."
The princess sniffled a little, "he would've been so happy....."
"I'm certain he still is, as is Eden", Edmund stated gently, "they still watch over you, and as long as you remember them, they're never really gone", he stated, though his own tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, "I miss her everyday.... But I know she's right beside me no matter where I go", he said
The princess leaned into Edmund's touch and sniffled again before sighing, "you think they talk to each other?"
Edmund chuckled, "I'm certain they do, heh, Eden probably gave your dad an earful when she could meet him before apologizing and hugging him", he stated with a smile, getting Rapunzel to chuckle, "both of them probably watch over all of us now, and I'll be they're both so incredibly happy to have a grandpeanut on the way", he said softly
Rapunzel wiped her tears away and sniffled again before smiling, "probably", she agreed before she looked at the Dark King, "I'm so glad you're here, you're not him.... But you remind me of him.... You and he have the same hug", she said with a chuckle, "maybe that's just a universal dad hug"
"Potentially, I'll have to ask Quirin when he gets back", Edmund replied, getting the princess to laugh, he joined in as they drove through the kingdom happily!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I’m gonna write more of the Bachelor party soon, but this popped into my head and I couldn’t get it out!
Rapunzel and Edmund have the same energy with each other, so them being together in the show was actually not of fun to watch! It didn’t happen often enough, so I wanted to give them one chapter and moment together, just relating to each other, and this ended up happening
I will get back to the wild bachelor party, because BJ is gonna blow it all up! But this little moment just wouldn’t leave me be and I had to write it, I hope that’s okay ❤️🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 607: Party Song!
Summary:
The Bachelor Party is getting way too out of control, and there's only one way Eugene and Varian know how to stop it, a catchy musical number!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The bar was lighting up with glee as the bar thugs wrestled with the furniture that'd been brought to life! Beetlejuice laughed before another him brought himself a drink, he toasted to himself before drinking the beer in one swallow! His clone grinned before they snapped their fingers, magicing another drink and downing it as well before laughing!
Eugene watched the entire thing before he turned and looked at the Beetlejuice working the bar, "you're having fun", he stated
"Et pourquoi pas? Après tout, c'est un endroit très chic, n'est-ce pas?" The Beetlejuice replied
".....Ya know, you'd think I wouldn't be able to speak French, but I actually do! But your taste in class is on a much different scale than mine my dude"
"Peu importe"
"Why are you speaking French anyway?" The clone froze before he shrugged and disappeared, "alrighty then"
"Eugene!" Lance called, getting the man's attention, "look!" He pointed to Hugo and Quirin, both of whom were fighting off some living tables, "aparently tables are bad sports! They lost a game of musical chairs against those two!"
The Coronan Captain blinked before snorting, "hoo boy", he looked up to see the real Beetlejuice still watching the scene, not worried about anything, the man sighed, "I think this is getting a little too out of control"
"You're telling me!" Varian squeaked as a chair chased him
"Why are you being chased by a chair?" Eugene asked, helping the alchemist by sitting on the chair
"That's the piano's stool, apparently he thought I was hitting on his woman"
"Oh geez"
"Yeah, I'm all for crazy stuff, but this is going a little too crazy! I mean, Adira just had to duck behind the bar because the cabinets wouldn't stop tripping her! And Hector's trying to keep the chandelier from catching fire!"
"Shit.... We need a distraction, something that'll get everyone, including the furniture, to calm down"
"Can't you ask Beetlejuice to stop?" Lance asked
"He won't unless he see's we're having fun, he was the one that pushed dad and Hugo to play musical chairs with the tables!" Varian stated, "I don't think he means any harm, but if we don't get the furniture to de-escalate, we might have some broken bones on our hands"
"Hmmmm..... What would Rapunzel do....." Eugen asked himself before he got an idea and smirked, "so Beetlejuice needs to see us having fun yeah?" He asked, when he saw the teen nod he grinned, "well then we just need to get everyone to settle their differences! And I happen to know of one sure fire way to do that, one that Rapunzel taught me"
"Which is?" Lance asked as he ducked when a lantern, who was wearing a cowboy hat, flew over his head
"A song"
"What?!" Both Varian and Lance asked
"Listen, the last time a huge fight like this happened at this bar, Rapunzel used the piano, it quelled Ruthless Ruth's spirit, and everyone, even the Captain before me, sang to it!" He stated, "that is actually the only way I know how to stop a fight quickly without any violence"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARG!" They heard Hector yell
"And right now, your uncle is about to smash everything in this bar judging from how angry that yell sounded kid"
Just before Varian argued, they heard a crashing sound and saw the tamer huffing as he glared at some broken shards that used to be a lantern. The alchemist blinked as the glass reformed into the lantern and began to chase the tamer, who got out his blades and began to fight! "O-oki, we'll go with your plan, but who's gonna sing, and what song?!"
"Lance, bud are you able to-!"
"AAAAAH!" LAnce shrieked, as one of the lanterns took on the form of a spider and chased the man
"Ok, so he's out..... The piano is a bit too angry at you kiddo, so I think you'll have to sing"
"What?! B-but I've only sung a few times, a-and it was only supposed to be to move the plot along!" The alchemist exclaimed
"Now is not the time for 4th wall breaking jokes kid!"
"I can't help it, Beetlejuice's presence affects my humor! My point still stands Eugene!"
"Ok ok, look, no one else here can get a crowd to freeze faster than you and your angel voice", the Dark Prince stated
Varian blushed, "m-my voice isn't that good...."
"Are you kidding me? I heard you during Rapunzel's 'through it all' song, it makes people freeze and stare in shock at how magical it is! And right now, that's our only bet on fixing this issue! We don't have a choice!"
They heard more glass breaking and saw Hector getting surrounded by lanterns, at the same time, Quirin managed to knock a few tables away as Hugo kicked at some chairs that were trying to flank them! Adira was using her sword as a shield against the onslaught of kitchen equipment that was trying to attack her, while Lance still ran from the spider lantern as bar thugs tried to help him out!
Varian sighed, "o-oki, but what song do I sing?"
"Anything! Literally anything will do!"
"So a sad song is fine?"
"....Ok not anything, just, a party song! One that makes you dance and will help you stand out!"
The alchemist thought about it for a moment before his eyes lit up and he nodded, "I have one in mind.... Though I've never sang it in public before"
"You've got this kiddo!"
"I'll do my best, uh.... How are you gonna play the piano? She's still kinda huffy right now"
"Trust me, I can handle her, you just get on stage, and let me know when to start-Oh! What song are you gonna sing?" The alchemist whispered in the man's ear he grinned, "perfect! And just in time for the anniversary too! Let's go!"
They took their places, Eugene managing to charm the piano, her allowing him to play, as Varian stood on stage. He took a deep breath, then let it go, before he caught sight of Hugo. His fiancé had noticed him hopping onto the stage and he smiled, kicking another chair before cheering for him, encouraging him to do whatever he was about to! The freckled teen smiled right as Eugene began to play, the piano sounding different that what she would normally sound like, when Eugene looked at Beetlejuice, the demon shrugged, "depending on the song your playing, she can sound like an entire band if she wants", he stated
The Dark Prince blinked before he shrugged and continued to play, this made majority of the people inside the bar stop and stare, causing the furniture they were fighting to do the same, until everyone was watching the man, that's when Varian began to sing:
'Open up your eyes, take a look at me,
Get the picture fixed in your memory,
I'm driven by the rhythm like the beat of a heart,
And I won't stop until I start to stand out!
Mm, to stand out'
The crowd looked at the teen, who blushed, but he took another breath and continued:
'Some people settle for the typical thing,
Livin' all their lives waitin' in the wings,
It ain't a question of if, just a matter of time!
Before I move to the front of the line'
He grew more confident and began to dance a little, getting everyone's attention at this point:
And once you're watchin' every move that I make,
You gotta believe that I got what it taaaaaakes!'
He jumped up excitedly, his magic allowing the jump to go higher than normal as he landed, throwing a pink smoke bomb to the ground and creating a smoke affect that made the crowd gasp:
'To stand out above the crowd,
Even if I gotta shout out loud!
Till mine is the only face you see,
Gonna stand out till you notice me!'
Hugo let out an excited squee as his heart fluttered, getting Varian to grin as he continued,
'If the squeaky wheel's always gettin' the grease,
I'm totally devoted to disturbing the peace,
And I'll do it all again when I get it done,
Until I become your number one!'
"GO FRECKLES!" Hugo shouted, getting to crowd to cheer, including the furniture, as the alchemist continued:
'No method to the madness and no means of escape,
Gonna break every rule, I'll bend 'em all outta shape!'
Varian winked at his fiancé, who laughed:
'It ain't a question of how, just a matter of when!'
He looked at his father, who chuckled as he sang:
'You get the message that I'm tryin' to send!
I'm under a spell, I'm in over my head!
And you know I'm goin' all of the way till the eeeeeend!'
Varian did another jumped as his magic glowed brightly and his blue wings popped out of his back, sending sparkles everywhere in an amazing display that made everyone cheer:
'To stand out above the crowd!
Even if I gotta shout out loud!
Till mine is the only face you'll see,
Gonna stand out till you notice me, yeah!'
The alchemist landed on the floor again, noticing Eugene wasn't playing the piano anymore, she was playing herself as the teen same, this got him to snicker before he saw Hugo and smirk as he danced towards him while singing:
'If I could make you stop and take a look at me,
Instead of just (walkin' by~)!'
He did the moon walk before he crouch to be eye to eye with Hugo, his face drawing closer and closer to the blond as he sang/rapped:
'There's nothin' that I wouldn't do,
If it was gettin' you to notice (I'm alive)!'
He pulled back and began to dance again as Hugo blushed:
'All I need is half a chance,
A second thought, a second glance to prove,
I got whatever it taaaaaaakes!'
He smirked at his dad:
'It's a piece of cake!'
Quirin laughed as Varian flew into the air:
'To stand out above the crowd!
Even if I gotta SHOUT out loud!
Till mine is the only face you'll see,
Gonna stand out, STAAAAND out, HEY!'
He landed back on the stage and danced excitedly:
'Stand out! YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH!
Stand out, mmm!
Till mine is the only face you'll see,
Gonna staaaaaaand out!'
He posed:
'Till you notice me!'
Everyone cheered! The entire bar filled all of Corona with their cheers and stomps of joy! All of them, including the furniture, began to try to imitate the alchemist's movements, getting the teen to blush as he hopped down before getting hugged by Eugene, "KID THAT WAS AMAZING!!!!! Holy shit! You've got some PIPES!"
"T-thank you!" Varian replied, "I didn't t-think I could do it!"
"I told you you could!"
"That", Hugo began as he walked over, "was", he continued before he wrapped his arms around Varian, hoisting him up, and spinning as he shouted, "AWESOME!"
"EEE!" Varian squeed with joy
"I have to admit, that was one spectacular performance", Quirin stated with a grin
"IT SURE WAS!" Another voice exclaimed, suddenly they heard someone snap their fingers as Beetlejuice appeared next to Varian and Hugo, the furniture was back to normal, and in it's proper places, nothing was broken or damaged, all was repaired, "damn kid, I just wanted you to have fun, I didn't know you had a party animal in you!"
Hugo put Varian down as the teen blushed once again, "w-well I wouldn't say I have a party animal in me, eheh, um.... Hey, Beetlejuice, I'm all for fun and chaos, but that got out of hand a bit"
"A bit?" Eugene asked with a quirked brow
The demon chuckled, "yeah, I kinda figured it did when you started to step on stage, my bad, I just wanted to bring more energy to the crowd"
"Well you definitely did that", Adira stated as she and Hector, who glared at the lanterns, walked over, "I didn't think I'd be fighting the kitchen"
"Damn lanterns are fucking lucky that they got fixed...." The wild tamer huffed
"Where's Lance?" Eugene asked
"Over there", Quirin said, pointing to a nearby table the former thief was sitting at, "he's out of breath and his nerves are shot from the spider lantern, so he's taking a minute"
"Ah"
"Sorry", Beetlejuice said, "I saw a party that really needed a damn energy drink or some shit, thought the furniture coming to life would cause some friendly chaos, it did for a while to be fair"
"Yeah, the flying dart board was a lot of fun!" Hugo agreed
"Hell yeah!"
"Though it did sour the mood when the darts began to target me and Adira"
"Oof.... Sorry"
"It's okay Beetlejuice", Varian said, hugging the demon, "your heart was in the right place, and hey! I learned that I can sing party songs!"
"And have some damn good special effects to boot!"
The group laughed happily as the bachelor party continued, this time, everyone took turns singing, dancing, and playing the piano, which Beetlejuice cast a spell on so she would sound like any instrument they wanted, or the song called for, the party getting back on track with a lot more energy and fun than before!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this was a lot of fun to write! :D I wanted this to be a more funny chapter! Full of all the characters having a blast! Though it's mostly chaos until the moon bean hits the stage :D
The French is supposed to mean, 'And why not? After all, it's a very classy place, is it not?' and 'whatever' when Eugene replied, however translation may vary, if I did it wrong, I apologize sincerely, I mean no insult to the French language, it's a beautiful language! <3
Beetlejuice has his heart in the right place, he's a good bean, just chaotic XD
'Stand Out', by Tevin Campbell I love this freaking soooooong! It's the song Max lip syncs to in the Goofy Movie, which had it's 30 year anniversary this month! :D Close to my birthday too! I love the Goofy movie, it's my most cherished movie because it was my favorite growing up :D IT's still one of my favorites, tied for my first favorite Disney movie along with the original Little Mermaid <3
Hugo would be the biggest fangirl if Varian decided to start a music career! XD He would be a roadie and he knows it! XD Now I'm gonna draw that XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3 :D
Chapter 608: A Party Crasher!
Summary:
Rapunzel has a great idea for Edmund! And someone crashes the bachelor party!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel let out a happy sigh as she laid down on her bed, she felt content with the day's events. Thinking back on it, she giggled at the things she and Edmund had gotten to do! Her mind then wandered to their conversation, she blinked as she remembered seeing the man's tears. Her heart ached for him, knowing how it felt to lose someone you love so dearly.....
Suddenly, she got an idea and sprang up from her bed! Er.... Well.... She sat up very slowly..... But it was as fast as she could muster, so it still counts! She stood and made her way to her bedroom door, opening in, stepping out, and closing it behind herself before she made her way down the halls! She took it slow so as not to do any harm to herself or her and Eugene's baby, before she finally entered the family room! There, she saw her mother, a few maids, and Edmund looking at her, the Dark King standing instantly and rushing over to her, "are you alright?" He asked anxiously, checking her over, "did something happen?"
"No no no! I'm fine, perfectly fine actually, I just had a really good idea and I needed to ask you something important!" The princess replied excitedly before she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding until now, "hoo geez.... 'huff puff', you get winder really easily when pregnant, 'huff'", she said as she panted
"Which is why you're supposed to stay in bed for most of it", the Dark Kind said with a good natured chuckled before he and Queen Arianna helped Rapunzel take a seat in a comfortable chair
Arianna giggled before smiling at her daughter, "what's this idea of yours dear?"
Rapunzel grinned excitedly, "well, during out outing today, Edmund told me about his wife! And I talked about dad, and I thought about how sad we both got when we realized we'd never be able to see them again! So, I had a thought, what if we 'could' see them again! And it gave me an idea!" She looked at Edmund, "was your wife ever painted at all? A portrait, a picture, even a drawing of some sort?"
"Well, yes, she and I posed for a royal portrait when I became king", Edmund replied, "and it was updated every year until she.... Well.... You know.... Why do you ask?"
Rapunzel nodded, "I was hoping that maybe I could borrow the most recent one? I love to paint and draw! I've practiced drawing almost everyone in the kingdom! I was thinking.... Maybe I could make drawings of her! And my dad too!" She stated, "maybe I could draw her laughing with you! Or maybe doing something she loved, Quirin's mentioned she loved his original garden, maybe I could draw her looking at it with him! Or ruffling Hector's hair! Or even her and Adira just meditating together!" She said, "I...." She let out a sigh, "I want them to be remembered, I want people to see the one's we've lost in a good way, when they were happy, or sad, or angry, and excited! I was thinking that if I could draw her and my dad doing stuff they used to.... That their memories would help keep them alive in a way. Varian told me he and his dad honor his mom by living for her and remembering her, but what if they could see those beautiful memories again! I.... What do you think? I won't do it if you aren't comfortable, but I thought that maybe.... Since you've done so much.... That I cou-!"
She stopped when Edmund hugged her! She felt his tears drip down her back and she blinked with concern before smiling when he spoke, "thank you", he said, "that would be wonderful!"
She returned the hug, her smile widening when Arianna hugged her as well, and she couldn't see him, but she felt the warmth of her father standing nearby, and could picture his smile in her mind, it made her tear up as well.
****
The party had quieted down quite a bit, the bar thugs had drank and ate and partied themselves until they eventually fell asleep in the bar's back bedrooms. The group had rented out a big room for themselves, and as the night went on, Beetlejuice, Lance, and Eugene had made their ways to bed, too tired from the day's events to continue.
Hector and Adira had gone outside for a bit of air, the duo having more than enough fun to last them a while. All that was left was Hugo, who was asleep on Quirin's arm, Quirin, who was smiling at the inventor, and Varian who was sitting next to the both of them. The trio were quiet for a moment or two before Varian let out a happy sigh, "today was great", he said, "drinks, partying with friends and most of my family, Beetlejuice showing up as a surprise, heh, I even got to sing! This was a blast! And to end it all, I get to see Hugo being a snuggly bean, and he's so cute!"
Quirin chuckled, "he's pretty adorable", he said, "I'm glad you had fun tonight son, tomorrow is another bachelor party day"
"Yeah it is, but I think it's gonna be a bit of a calmer one, seeing as how we leave to go fishing tomorrow, and 'no one' wants a hang over during a fishing trip"
"Definitely not", his father agreed with a snicker, "are you excited for tomorrow?"
"Yeah, having a fishing trip with most of my closest friends and family members is gonna be a blast! Though.... Hector probably won't join in on the fishing bit"
"No he will not, but he will be supporting us"
"That's nice to know"
"It is!"
They stopped when they heard Hugo whistle in his sleep. The duo giggled at the inventor a little before they looked towards a nearby window, smiling at the shimmering stars and Moon, "hey dad", Varian said
"Hm?"
"I'm glad you're here, if I'm being honest, I'm really nervous about the marriage and everything that comes with it.... Is that bad?"
"No son, it's not", Quirin replied, wrapping an arm around the alchemist, "I was nervous too, this isn't a small decision you're making, it's huge! Nerves are going to be rough because of that"
"What if..... What if it doesn't work out..... What'll I do then?"
"Well, in that impossible scenario, you and Hugo will work it out, there's ways you two can do that amicably. But seeing as how you two are so close, and how much you've been through together, I highly doubt that it'll ever come to that"
"But what if it 'does'?" Varian asked anxiously, "w-what if I say something awful to him? What if my Moon powers go crazy? W-what if I hurt him dad?!"
"Easy bubby", his father said gently, "take a deep breath, it's okay". Varian did as he was told, taking the deep breath in before letting it out slowly, he sighed and looked at his father, "look, if it happens that you two end up not working out, for whatever the reason may be, then you and Hugo will have people to help you both through it. Me, Eugene, Rapunzel, Lance, Queen Arianna, heck even Adira, Hector, and King Edmund could help!" He stated, "and I know you two, despite me also knowing that you'll both work out, should there come a time when you two separate, you'll do so amicably, and you'll still be friends and care about each other a bunch! Plus, I told Hugo that, should anything ever happen, he still has a place here. I'll adopt him if I have to, he's apart of the family now"
Varian smiled up at his dad, "I'm glad you told him that", he said, "I wouldn't want him to be alone, ever..... H-he's been through enough....."
"And see, that's what makes me say that nothing will come between you two", Quirin stated, "you're both so in love with each other, that even with the possibility of either of you breaking this off, neither one wants the other to be alone, you know, when I told Hugo about my plans to adopt him should you two not work out, he asked me if that was really a good idea because he thought that he may cause the separation"
"He did?"
"Yes, he also said he would never want you to be caught in a place that would force you to see him if you didn't want to", Quirin stated, "he was willing to leave all of this behind if it meant your happiness", the retired knight smirked, "why do you think I love this boy so much?"
"Because he fills the need for you to have a farming son?"
"No you brat", Quirin exclaimed, gently nudging Varian with his elbow and getting the alchemist to giggle, "though that 'is' a bonus"
"Daaaaad"
"Hee hee"
Varian laughed quietly, so as not to wake the sleeping Hugo, before he let out a sigh, "thanks dad, I feel a little bit better now"
"That's good, I'm glad you're feeling better"
Varian smiled and leaned against his father happily, letting out a hum of content as he felt his father's arm wrap around him again in a hug. The trio were sitting beside each other, peacefully, until the door to the bar opened and closed. None of them moved, thinking it was Adira, Hector, or both coming inside at the same time, but then Quirin froze, "wait...." He said, "my siblings don't use doors", he looked over at the entrance, alerting Varian when he let out a small gasp, "who are you....." He growled, holding the two scientists closer, "the bar is closed for a private event....."
The alchemist blinked up at his father before noticing Hugo's eyes flutter open. The inventor sat up and looked towards the door, Varian doing the same, all three of them saw a tall and lanky man, with emerald green eyes, a five o clock shadow, and disheveled blond hair staring at them. The man didn't say anything, he merely stared at the trio, or.... He was staring at one of them in particular. Quirin glared at the man, getting a very bad vibe off of him, he stood up, making sure to keep Varian and Hugo behind him, as he drew his swords and pointed them at the intruder, "who are you..... Tell me 'now'....." He growled
The man said nothing for another few seconds before he looked at the retired knight and raised a brow, "you said this was a private event.... Right?" His voice sounded smoother than the alchemist and retired knight thought it would, but it had a small raspiness to it that showed the man seemed to have gone through a lot during the more recent years, "I'm guessin that includes only friends and family of the people inside are allowed?"
Quirin huffed, "yes, it does"
The man smirked, "than I 'am' allowed in. I have a family member that's actually a pretty important part of this party"
"Who?" Varian asked, his voice not hiding his own irritation at this man's interruption, "who could you possibly know here and be related to? I've 'never' seen you before"
The man grinned, setting off warning bells in both Quirin and Varian, before the froze, blood running cold, when the next words left the man's mouth, "Hugo"
"What?!" The Village Leader said, turning to look at the blond, Varian did the same
Both of them saw the inventor staring at the man in shock and horror, his eyes were wide and full of fear, before they narrowed.... He stood up and gave the nastiest glare the father son duo had ever seen on the teen, before the blond finally spoke, "you.... Are 'n-not' related to me....."
Varian blinked, his lover's voice had broken a bit when he'd said that, before his mind flashed to an old memory of him and Hugo in the library, he heard his fiancé's voice telling the alchemist about how he'd met Donella, and suddenly, he felt his blood begin to boil, "Hugo.... Is this who I think this is?"
The blond looked at Varian, and nodded, "uh huh...."
The alchemist turned and glared 'daggers' at the man, "fuck you...." He spat, startling Quirin a little with how venomous that sounded
"Hey hey now, is that anyway to speak to me?" The man asked, "I mean after all", he grinned, "I 'am' your father in law, aren't I?"
"Father in l-!" Quirin froze, his eyes widening with realization as he looked at the man, "you're..... Hugo's....."
"That's right", the man said, "I'm Hugo's dad"
Notes:
Hello! :D
So imma give some credit to HikoontheCouch for giving me this idea for Hugo’s father!!!!! I had a different idea for him, but they gave me this idea and I think it’s gonna turn out much better than what I had planned! So thank you Hikoon! ❤️🎶
Rapunzel being a sweetheart and basically kinda inventing comics at the same time XD because I just realized that she’d be technically making alive or life comics for friends and family XD
Also, Quirin and Varian having a moment! Because these two are both beans and I love them!!!! All the appreciation for good papa’s!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 609: To Dad, or Not to Dad!
Summary:
Hugo's biological father has shown up unexpectedly, and now Hugo faces a huge choice on his hands!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The man said nothing for another few seconds before he looked at the retired knight and raised a brow, "you said this was a private event.... Right?" His voice sounded smoother than the alchemist and retired knight thought it would, but it had a small raspiness to it that showed the man seemed to have gone through a lot during the more recent years, "I'm guessin that includes only friends and family of the people inside are allowed?"
Quirin huffed, "yes, it does"
The man smirked, "than I 'am' allowed in. I have a family member that's actually a pretty important part of this party"
"Who?" Varian asked, his voice not hiding his own irritation at this man's interruption, "who could you possibly know here and be related to? I've 'never' seen you before"
The man grinned, setting off warning bells in both Quirin and Varian, before the froze, blood running cold, when the next words left the man's mouth, "Hugo"
"What?!" The Village Leader said, turning to look at the blond, Varian did the same
Both of them saw the inventor staring at the man in shock and horror, his eyes were wide and full of fear, before they narrowed.... He stood up and gave the nastiest glare the father son duo had ever seen on the teen, before the blond finally spoke, "you.... Are 'n-not' related to me....."
Varian blinked, his lover's voice had broken a bit when he'd said that, before his mind flashed to an old memory of him and Hugo in the library, he heard his fiancé's voice telling the alchemist about how he'd met Donella, and suddenly, he felt his blood begin to boil, "Hugo.... Is this who I think this is?"
The blond looked at Varian, and nodded, "uh huh...."
The alchemist turned and glared 'daggers' at the man, "fuck you...." He spat, startling Quirin a little with how venomous that sounded
"Hey hey now, is that anyway to speak to me?" The man asked, "I mean after all", he grinned, "I 'am' your father in law, aren't I?"
"Father in l-!" Quirin froze, his eyes widening with realization as he looked at the man, "you're..... Hugo's....."
"That's right", the man said, "I'm Hugo's dad"
The room was silent, though it didn't seem that way to Quirin, for some reason, he could hear everything, the floor squeaking underneath all of their weight, the wind rustling through the trees outside, the chirps of the various crickets that lingered in the night, all of it blasted onto the Village Leaders ears, and he winced at how loud the silence had become as he held his breath
"You were NEVER m-my parent!" Hugo snapped, stomping his foot to emphasize his statement, "you sold me to the highest fucking bidder and left me for DEAD with two abusive PRICKS and their broken kids!" He added, "you're the reason Donella ever found me! You're the reason my life turned out the way it did! I got so broken and beat down that I had to rely on a fucking STRANGER for help!!!!!!" The blond was in tears at this point, his breathing had become erratic
Varian quickly moved to Hugo's side, "easy love, it's okay, he can't hurt you anymore", he stated gently, this seemed to calm the blond down a little, but his anger spiked right back up when the intruder spoke once again
"If I'm the reason your life turned out the way it did, then shouldn't you be thanking me?"
"THANKING YOU?!" Hugo yelled
"Yes! Because of me making that decision, you found true love, and in a prince no less! You would've had a shit life with me, but instead, you got to live in the castle with the duke and duchess of Ingvarr, then with the royal scientist of Ingvarr! You got to go on adventures, you got to live and learn and grow, all because of me!"
The blond growled, his hands were balled into fists as they shook more and more with anger and rage, "YOU LEFT ME TO SERVE WITH THOSE PEOPLE JUST TO SAVE YOUR OWN DAMN SKIN!!!!!!" The blond yelled, startling Varian and Quirin, "I WAS NOTHING MORE THAN A MEANS TO THE END FOR YOU! YOU SOLD ME FOR A MEDICORE LIFE AFTER MY MOM DIED YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU SO FUCKING MUCH IT HURTS!" He screamed, stomping his foot again, only this time he broke one of the floor boards, he managed to step back as the wood fell through the floor, he sniffled and shook, his entire body was vibrating with anger and fear
"H-hugo", Varian said anxiously, trying to approach his lover
"Don't", a voice from behind the group said, getting Hugo's father, Quirin, and Varian to look and see Hector and Adira standing there, the wild tamer looked sad, his eyes fixated on Hugo, "don't touch him.... It won't help, he'll panic if you do"
The alchemist blinked, "Hector? W-what do I do? I-I've never seen him like t-this before"
"That's because he's facing someone he never thought he'd see again....." The tamer replied sadly, "like me with my parents....."
"Oh..."
"Yeah.... Hang on", the man began to walk over to the blond, but stopped, his blade coming out of its gauntlet as he pointed it 'directly' at Hugo's biological father's nose, "listen to my fuckhead, you're gonna sit there, and shut your damn mouth. You won't say a damn word, not one, and if you do, I'll slit your tongue out and make you lick your own balls", he promised, glaring darkly at the man, who froze before nodding
Hector's blade went back into his gauntlet before he turned and walked to Hugo, the teen was still shaking, badly..... Hector closed the gap between them and sighed, when he spoke, his voice was calm, and quiet, "hey", he practically whispered, "look at me", he said, gently touching the inventor's cheek and guiding his gaze to the tamer, when he had Hugo's full attention, he spoke again, "you're right, he isn't your father anymore. What you're feeling now is anger and sadness and fear, lots and lots of fear.... And it's scaring you even more I'm guessing because of the thoughts in your mind, yeah?"
Hugo nodded, his lips trembling
"Fighting your body's reaction?"
Another nod
"I understand, take a few deeps breaths, let them out slowly, and think of whatever makes you the happiest. It can't be anything less than pure joy. What do you got?"
After the blond did as he was told, he spoke, his voice quivering, "p-proposal", was all he could muster
"Proposal? You mean yours to Varian?"
Another nod
Hector smirked, "didn't you sing a song?"
Yet another silent nod
"Do you remember the lyrics?" Hugo was still, "mind's too fucked up right now, huh?" The blond continued to stay still, "hmm..." The tamer looked at Varian, "the proposal song Hugo sang to you, do you remember it?"
"Y-yeah I do!" The alchemist replied before he smiled at the memory and began to sing:
'I'm, I'm good at wasting time,
I think lyrics need to rhyme,
And you're not asking,
But I'm tryin to grow a mustache!
I eat cheese!
But only on pizza please!
Or sometimes on a homemade quesdilla!
Otherwise it smells like feet to me and I!
And I, I really like it when the Moon looks like a toenail!
And I love it when you say,
My naaaaaaaaaaaame~'
He giggled and danced a bit as he sang the chorus, getting Hugo to blink as he watched his lover, a small smile creeping onto his lips:
'If you wanna know, here it goes,
Gonna tell you there's a part of me that shows, if we're close,
Gonna let you see everything!
But remember that you asked for it!
I'll try to do my best, to impress,
But it's easier to let you take a guess, at the rest,
But you wanna hear what lives in my brain, and my heart,
Well, you asked for it!
For your perusin', at times confusin',
Slightly amusin', introducing me!'
Varian danced over to Hugo and spun and danced around the teen as he continued to sing while making silly faces:
'Do-do, do-do-do-do-do!
Do-do, do-do-do-do-do!
La-da-da-da~
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-da, da!'
"Pfft!" Hugo giggled a little, blushing as he watched his fiancé dance around, "F-Freckles!" He squeaked out, getting Varian to stop and stick his tongue out playfully. Hugo hugged his lover happily, Varian returning the hug, "thank you"
"Anytime love", the alchemist replied
They broke the hug and smiled at each other before Hugo looked up at Hector, "and thank you, I.... H-how did you know what to do?"
"Because I've dealt with this before, remember?" The tamer said
"Right....." Hugo looked down
"Hey", the tamer smiled kindly at the blond, who looked up at him again, "it's okay, this stuff really fucking sucks, I don't expect you to be an expert, it messes with you and makes you forget things, like PTSD, it's really okay"
Hugo nodded, "oki"
Hector ruffled the blond's hair, getting him to giggle again, before he let out a sigh and turned to face the intruder. Adira walking over and doing the same, blocking Hugo and Varian in the process, which didn't do unnoticed by the duo, "the fuck do you want?" Hector asked the man, "you may speak now, but if I don't like what I hear, my promise still fucking stands"
"Isn't it obvious?" Hugo's biological father asked, "I'm here to support my son is all"
"Yeah fucking right"
"No really!" The man exclaimed, "I've seen the error of my ways and wish to make it right! I want to see my son marry his true love, and have a home and flourish!"
"Have any proof?" Hector asked, quirking his brow
"The only proof I have is me being here, I don't have anything else I can show you"
The wild tamer rolled his eyes and huffed, "fucking ridiculous, you really think we'll fall for that?"
"Do you know how hard it is for me to sit here and give myself to you?" The man asked, "I don't have anything else! Everything I owned I sold because I couldn't live with the guilt I had for selling my son! I used all the money I'd gained to get here and see him! And the only things I managed to keep are the clothes on my back! I used to be in the upper middle class of Ingvarr, now I'm back in the slums and all just to see my son!"
"What's his date of birth?" Quirin asked
"Huh?"
The retired knight glared at the man, the air growing colder than a glacier and sending shivers down the man's back, "what is Hugo's date of birth? It's year 1782 now, when was he born?" He asked, "and if you can't remember that, then tell me how old he is instead"
"I.... W-why would you-!"
"Any father who truly feels awful for the things they did would be able to tell me without a second thought. Any parent who's made huge mistakes when raising their children would count the days until they could see them again. Any person who cared even the tiniest amount would be able to tell how old whomever they cared for is without any hesitation", the retired knight stated, "I watched this boy go through hell and back just to find the right path for him, I watched him struggle, day in and day out, with nightmares and PTSD. I was there when he got diagnosed with OCD, I helped him find ways to cope with it as well! I've been there, I've helped him, I've done all that I could for this child, the boy who was left broken on the street with nothing a deranged and abusive women and a murderous and crazy man for company! He had to fucking make a friend out of scrap metal and an injured mouse! So I will ask you a-fucking-gain since you don't seem to understand this", Quirin walked over and slammed his fist into the wall behind the man, the sound it made akin to an explosion, the new hole in the wall making everyone aware of the intentions of that punch, "when was Hugo born, the date, month, day, and year, or how old is he now?"
The man hesitated for a second, and only for a second, before he sighed, "19", he replied, startling Hugo, Varian, and Hector, "and he was born on June 5th, 1763"
"He's right", Hugo said softly
"Hey you're a Gemini!" Varian exclaimed excitedly before he stopped and blushed, "uh 'ahem' sorry"
Quirin looked at the man, before he raised a brow, "why the hesitation?"
"His birthday is close to my late wife's, which was June 15th, sometimes I confuse the dates and I didn't think that would be a good idea here, hence the hesitation"
Quirin huffed before he backed up, dislodging his fist from the wall before sighing and looking at Hugo, "what do you want to do?" He asked gently
"I...." The blond hesitated, looking at the ground for a moment or two before looking back up at Quirin, "I d-don't know...."
"Love, even if he got your birth date and age right, what he did is still extremely unacceptable", Varian said, "you have 'every' right to disown him and move on, just as you have every right to give him another chance. Whatever you choose, know that all of us will support you, no matter what"
The blond was quiet as he thought about it, trying to debate with himself to see what he should do as everyone waited for his answer.
Notes:
Hello! :D
We got the Introducing me song again!!!! :D I seriously love that song, though I didn't add the full thing since this was just a small way to make Hugo feel better for the moment
Hector stepping up and being a huge bro!!!!! This man is the real deal, and I love him so very very much! :D
Adira is being protective and it will come back into play later on :D
Varian is an angry bean, so is Quirin, though I really can't blame them, considering who just walked into the bar
Poor Hugo.... Here again, he's left to deal with something else from his past, this poor kid cannot catch a break.... What do you all think he'll do? Will he give his biological father a chance? Or will he tell him to screw off? :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3 :D
Chapter 610: Hugo's Decision!
Summary:
Hugo decided on what to do about his biological father!
Notes:
More notes at the end :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Any father who truly feels awful for the things they did would be able to tell me without a second thought. Any parent who's made huge mistakes when raising their children would count the days until they could see them again. Any person who cared even the tiniest amount would be able to tell how old whomever they cared for is without any hesitation", the retired knight stated, "I watched this boy go through hell and back just to find the right path for him, I watched him struggle, day in and day out, with nightmares and PTSD. I was there when he got diagnosed with OCD, I helped him find ways to cope with it as well! I've been there, I've helped him, I've done all that I could for this child, the boy who was left broken on the street with nothing a deranged and abusive women and a murderous and crazy man for company! He had to fucking make a friend out of scrap metal and an injured mouse! So I will ask you a-fucking-gain since you don't seem to understand this", Quirin walked over and slammed his fist into the wall behind the man, the sound it made akin to an explosion, the new hole in the wall making everyone aware of the intentions of that punch, "when was Hugo born, the date, month, day, and year, or how old is he now?"
The man hesitated for a second, and only for a second, before he sighed, "19", he replied, startling Hugo, Varian, and Hector, "and he was born on June 5th, 1763"
"He's right", Hugo said softly
"Hey you're a Gemini!" Varian exclaimed excitedly before he stopped and blushed, "uh 'ahem' sorry"
Quirin looked at the man, before he raised a brow, "why the hesitation?"
"His birthday is close to my late wife's, which was June 15th, sometimes I confuse the dates and I didn't think that would be a good idea here, hence the hesitation"
Quirin huffed before he backed up, dislodging his fist from the wall before sighing and looking at Hugo, "what do you want to do?" He asked gently
"I...." The blond hesitated, looking at the ground for a moment or two before looking back up at Quirin, "I d-don't know...."
"Love, even if he got your birth date and age right, what he did is still extremely unacceptable", Varian said, "you have 'every' right to disown him and move on, just as you have every right to give him another chance. Whatever you choose, know that all of us will support you, no matter what"
The blond was quiet as he thought about it, trying to debate with himself to see what he should do as everyone waited for his answer, "w-why do I have to choose now...." He said softly, "I.... Y-you can't really t-tell if someone's changed w-within a few minutes of s-seeing them.... I...."
Varian watched his lover struggle, so he stepped up, "how about this then, and feel free to say no if you don't want this", Hugo nodded, Varian smiled, "we give him, and you, a few days to think it over. He can stay with us during this trip, at any time during this, you can say yes or no to letting him back in your life. If he really means what he said, then yay! Now we know! If he doesn't", the teen glared at the man, "we'll find out", he stated, eyes glowing just a touch to show he meant business, the man backed up, understanding the threat the alchemist gave, before Varian looked back at Hugo, "does that sound okay?"
The blond thought about that before nodding again, "o-oki.... B-but there needs to b-be boundaries a-and ground rules!"
"Absolutely, what rules and boundaries would you like?"
"W-well... Um.... I uh... I don't know...." Hugo blushed, "I-I've never done this before.... Well... No I... Actually have..... Don..... B-but I knew she'd changed... I could tell...."
"And I set up the boundaries and rules for her", Quirin stated, "mostly because you allowed me to and had this same problem, it was too much"
"I-it's too much again...." Hugo admitted
Quirin gave the inventor a loving smile, "I know, and I'm sorry.... I can't set them for you this time.... This man... I know nothing about him, he isn't in my home, he's in Corona, I don't have any right to tell him what to do, and if I did..... Well..... He wouldn't be here....." The retired knight huffed before shaking his head to clear his anger before looking at Hugo again, "do you need suggestions?"
"M-maybe?"
"Well... You could have him stay away from certain people, you could have him not speak to you unless you speak to him first, you could have him apologize, you could have him explain why he did what he did"
"Hmmm.... I...." Hugo shivered still, continuing to hesitate
"Hugo", the blond looked at Varian, the alchemist looked extremely concerned, "what's going on? Tell me what you're feeling right now"
The inventor froze before sighing, "a-angry.... A-and scared.... And sad.... and.... W-worthless...."
"Worthless?"
"Yeah he... H-he sold me to strangers to be their servant when I was just kid.... He didn't say goodbye, I love you, I'll miss you, it's for your own good, nothing.... I was worthless in that place... I..... Wait.... I was in...." He looked at Hector and winced a little, "....The Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr...."
The tamer sighed, "yeah.... I remember you telling me that...."
"Are you okay?"
"Am 'I' okay? The hell? I'm fine kid, you shouldn't be worried about me"
"I c-can't help it, my mind jumped to you when I remembered"
"Hugo, you were stuck in the same shit hole I was before I got rescued. You got out the same way, you got rescued, but by the worst fucking people imaginable! I'm not worried about how I feel in this situation.... Though it does make me wonder something", he looked at Hugo's biological father, "how the fuck are you only 'just now' showing up? It's been 'years' since they died"
"That's a good question", Varian stated as Quirin, Adira, and Hugo looked at the man
Hugo's biological father looked extremely startled, he stuttered for a few moments before finally stating, "I-I found out they passed away a couple years ago, went to the funeral, mourned their passing, and then tried to find my son. I thought you were still with them, s-so imagine my surprise when I find you weren't! T-they never told me you'd been taken away, so I searched everywhere for you until the new Duke and Duchess, Trinity and Dexter, told me about Corona, where they'd met a little blond boy named Hugo, they told me he was marrying the Village Leader's son, and a prince of the Dark Kingdom, and they mentioned a bachelor party! So I searched Corona until I came to this place and finally saw you! I sold everything to come and find you too! But it was worth it!"
"How did Trinity and Dexter know about the bachelor party?" Adira asked
"Hi", Hector said, waving lazily at his sister
"Ah"
Quirin chuckled at that, "you write to them?"
"Well yeah, they're my siblings too you know", this made Hugo's father wince a little at that, though the only one who noticed was Varian, who quirked a brow at the man
"That's adorable", the retired knight stated
"Shut the fuck up!"
"Uh guys", Varian said, getting all three to look at him, "Hugo still needs to make a decision"
"Right, sorry", Adira responded
The blond was quiet before he let out a breath, calming himself before he looked at his biological father, "I.... I don't trust you.... But I... I want to try.... It's more than you fucking deserve, but....." He sighed again before he huffed and glared at the man standing before him, "you have one chance, and only one. I'll give you a few days to see who you really are and why you're really here, because I feel like something's fishy about your story. For example, why would you fucking only come to find me when the people who bought me from you died? Why not before then?"
"I was told never to see you again", the man responded, "once you were sold to the duke and duchess, they told me the only way to keep when I had and let you stay with them, which I thought was the best since I didn't think I could take care of you properly, was to never look back. Now that they're gone, we could be together, so I came searching the moment I found out"
"Hmm... Either way.... I still smell something fishy..... Give me one good reason that you may be up to no good, and not only will I kick your ass so hard that you'll never shake the feeling and pain, but I'll make sure everyone here knows what you did and the reason, and trust me when I say, you do NOT wanna get on their bad side", he stated before gesturing to Adira, Hector, Quirin, and Varian, all of whom were glaring daggers at the man before them, Varian's eyes glowing brightly
"U-understood...." Hugo's biological father said with a gulp
"Good", Hugo said, "also, you don't get to do 'anything' to him", he pointed to Varian, "nothing, you don't touch him, look at him the wrong way, or even breath disrespectfully in his presence. If you so much as snort in a sarcastic way and it happens to even be associated with disrespect towards him, you're fucking dead meat", the blond stated, his voice lower than normal to emphasize his point
"W-why him?"
"Because he's my one and only and you will honor him, his family, and everything he stands for", Hugo stated, "he's the best thing that ever happened to me, if it weren't for him, you wouldn't have anyone to find"
"G-got it"
"Good. ....Also.... I don't consider you as anything to me at the moment", Hugo stated, this time much calmer than before, he was no longer shaking at this point, his anger overwhelming everything else, "you sold me to the highest bidder, and went on your marry way to live the good life while I was stuck with those fucking abusers. Then I got trapped with Don and a crazy and murderous man who only loved himself..... That was all your fault. It took me a very long time to realize that I didn't bring any of that on myself, it took me years to finally stop hating myself for the life I assumed I'd given myself. I stopped second guessing, I stopped hurting, I finally dropped you, finally left you behind because Varian showed me a better way to live, and told me that I was worth every painful second here. You being here brings all of that back.... So I don't consider you anything more than just a loose end.... If you truly mean what you say, and you really wanna make up for what you did to me, then the burden of proof is on you. As for what I'm gonna call you", he glared at the man, "Damien..... That's your first name.... I won't call you anything else"
"B-but I'm your father!" Damien exclaimed
"No, you lost that title when you sold me for money and the good life! You have to earn that title back, and until then, you are nothing more than a person I know!" Hugo snapped, "I have a father, one who cared for me, loved me, took me in even at my lowest, his name is Quirin Vanguard, and when I marry his son I'm taking his last name. That won't change no matter if you earn your way back or not. Hell, you never even gave me your last name, you said I didn't fucking deserve it! So no, you're not my father, you never have been, earn it back and maybe I'll call you dad, but until then, you're Damien, that's not up for fucking debate!"
Varian smiled proudly at that before he looked up at his father, his smiled widened when he noticed Quirin was tearing up a little at that, before he heard Damien speak again, "ok... I accept that.... I'll earn my way back"
"Good", Hugo said, before he let out a breath, "you don't have a place to stay.... Do you...."
"No...."
"Well.... Then I guess it's a good thing we're in a bar.... Do you have money?"
"A little change"
"How much is that?"
"Two gold pieces, three silver piece, and one copper piece"
"Well.... The bar charges a silver piece per night, so you can stay using that money. We're leaving here tomorrow though...." Hugo looked at Varian, "are we taking him with us?"
"Up to you love, I don't mind", the alchemist responded
Hugo was quiet before he nodded, "ok, we will, but the rules still fucking stand"
"Ok", Damien replied
"We have a spare fishing rod", Quirin stated, "and even a spare tent, actually we've got two spare tents, so there's that taken care of"
"That's good.... For now.... Let's all just get some sleep.... I'm so tired..."
Varian walked over and hugged his lover, "come on, lets go to sleep", he said gently, "dad, we're gonna turn in, what about you?"
"I'm gonna stay out here for a little bit longer bubby, you two enjoy some sleep", the retired knight replied
"Oki, I love you dad!"
"I love you too, sweet dreams you two"
"Sweet dreams!"
Varian walked away with Hugo by his side, when the both of them disappeared into a room together, and the door closed, all was quiet before Adira clapped her hands together, "welp! Hector and I are going outside, goodbye!"
"Wait what the fuck?!" Hector exclaimed as he was pulled, by the hand, by Adira to, and out, the front window of the bar, Pixie and Basil jumped through the opened window before Adira pushed Hector out, "WOAH! Oof!" The tamer exclaimed as he hit the ground, before Adira jumped out after him, smirked at Quirin, before hopping out
They could hear the tamer complaining angrily, "oh hush, you're fine", Adira stated as the window closed shut
Now only Quirin and Damien remained, both of them were quiet, before the retired knight looked at the man, "you know, you're quite skinny for someone who's 'led the good life' for a while", Quirin stated, "and your eyes are fairly sunken too, you've got bags under them as well, and if I didn't know any better, I'd say you've got some gray hairs already growing, seems odd for a well to do man such as yourself"
Damien raised a brow, "what do you mean? I said I sold everything to find my kid, and I only heard about this two years ago"
"Right, but if I'm right, then surely all the stuff you had was worth a full ride through life, and it would've been more than enough for you to find your kid without practically starving like it seems you have been", this made the man grow quiet, "yeah I thought so. So let me see if I can understand this, you sold your only child for the good life, had it all, possibly put him in the back of your mind because, you say, you were supposed to forget about him because you didn't think you could take care of him, so you gave him to strangers, who made him work like a servant at the ripe old age of 3, didn't give him your last name, and I'm not sure why you didn't, would've made it easier to find him had you done so, and suddenly you found out the Duke and Duchess were dead, and that Hugo wasn't with them anymore, began searching for him, then found Trinity and Dexter, who told you where he was, and so you finally show up here, right now, during a bachelor party, that sound about right, of course it does, that's what you said. So let me go and set the record straight here", he walked right up to Damien and glared daggers at the man, "Ingvarr is right next to Corona, only a few days travel, I know because I've been there, it's closer than fucking Nedzernia in fact, and we happen to be allies with Ingvarr as well. So you're trying to tell me, that in all the supposed two years you've been searching for Hugo, you never once thought about coming to the closest kingdom to your home, and in fact, you returned to Ingvarr, because you spoke to Trinity and Dexter to find out where Hugo was, that would mean you would've had to have passed Corona to be able to get back to Ingvarr no matter which way you go, and you never thought to go to Corona to search, or look, or even just stay the night in the vain hope that your long lost son may be there?"
"I... W-well I-!"
"You're fucking lying", Quirin stated, "I know it, Hector and Adira know it, Varian knows it, hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Hugo knew too, but he's still giving your sorry ass a chance at redemption. So let me make one thing perfectly clear, because I think I know why you're here, and I don't like it one fucking bit", he grabbed Damien's shirt and pulled him closer until they were nose to nose with each other, Quirin lifting the smaller man off his feet in the process, "you hurt, trick, prank, upset, or even glare at that kid for one millimeter of a fucking second, and Hugo won't ever have to worry about his dead beat father anymore. I will 'personally' make it my mission to leave you buried 6 feet in the ground, and I know how to without anyone fucking knowing. I'm a retired knight of the Dark Kingdom, and Hugo is 'MY' son. You best be very aware of that and make sure you really figure out what you're coming here to do, I am giving you 'one' opportunity to leave this place tonight and never come back. If you go now, without a word to Hugo, then I will leave your sorry ass alone, and while I'll know that I was right in my assumption, you'll at least have your damn life, but if you choose to stay, you'd better make damn sure that you're it because of what you claim, and not because of what I think you're doing this for. Just 'one' fucking chance, be smart"
He dropped Damien on the ground before walking away, joining Varian and Hugo in the room and closing the door behind him, leaving the man on the floor to ponder what to do next.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Damien means to tame or subdue, like how he subdued Hugo's needs in lieu of his own
Poor Hugo has to deal with a lot right now, it's exhausting him, the poor bean
Quirin laying down the LAW! Hugo is his kid, and he will protect him at all costs! :D
Hector and Adira XD I love writing those two XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3 :D
Chapter 611: Easter Traditions! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Varian and Quirin always set up an egg hunt on Easter, but they never really said why or how it started, so the group grows curious!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
'1 month before the bachelor party'
Varian giggled as he placed an egg down, smiling excitedly before he ran off, looking for another place to hide an egg. As he jogged through the hallways of the castle however, he ended up bumping into someone, he fell backwards and landed on his butt before shaking his head to clear it of any haze and looking up, "ow, sorry, I didn't mean to-! Oh hi dad!"
"Hi bubby", Quirin said, helping his son back up before he noticed the eggs and smirked, "are you hiding the eggs already?"
"Maybe", the alchemist replied, hiding the eggs behind his back
Quirin chuckled, "you're adorable"
Varian giggled, "I'm gonna hide em really well this year!"
"I'll bet, there's no surprises this year right? No alchemical explosions or tiny potions that make you change colors like a chameleon?"
"Nope, not this year, though Rapunzel loved being like Pascal last year, a-thank you very little!"
"Yes she did, but I'm fairly certain Eugene's gonna be on the lookout for any more hair dying puffs of smoke"
"True"
"Varian"
"I didn't do that this year, I didn't, mostly because he told me not to or else he'd smash an egg on my head"
His father raised a brow, "he said what now?"
"He was mostly joking dad, I don't think he'd actually do it"
"If you're sure"
Varian giggled, "you protective papa"
Quirin snorted, "so, are you excited about having grandpa join this hunt again?"
"Yeah! I made extra eggs, just to make sure he got more than one at least! And look!" He held up an egg to show his father, "Dark Kingdom colors!"
"Oooh! Very pretty"
The alchemist grinned before they both heard a clock chime nearby, "oh my gosh, it's 3:30PM, I gotta finish hiding these before the Easter bunny gets mad!"
"He won't get mad at you for being a little late son"
"Not gonna risk it! Bye dad! I'll see you later!" With that, the teen ran off, hiding eggs as he went, Quirin watched his son go before chuckling to himself and continuing his walk
****
"AH!" Rapunzel squee'd before giggling with joy, "the jack in the box is so adorable! What a fun little guy!" She exclaimed before she grinned at Eugene, bouncing on her heels just a bit, "come on! Lets find more!"
The Coronan captain grinned as he was pulled by his pregnant wife through the castle, an Easter basket in his hand as he held every egg and prize they'd found! The rushed through the halls, well, rushed as in they went as fast as the pregnant princess could go in her state, but it was faster than a walk! They turned a corner and rushed through the other hall, before Eugene spotted someone in front of them, "Blondie wait!" He exclaimed, hooking his heels into the ground as fast as he could so that they grinded to a halt right before smashing into the other person
The princess blinked before she blushed and giggled, "sorry Eugene, I got too excited"
"You're good", the Dark Prince said with a chuckle before he noticed who they were in front of, "oh! Hey dad"
"Hello son!" Edmund replied happily, "how goes the egg hunt?"
"Pretty well so far, what about you?"
"I've found quite a few!" The Dark King showed his own basket with a proud smile, getting to two to nod
"Nice job dad"
"Aw thanks, but I think the little peanut was trying to be kind, and hid a few more than he did last year, and in easy to spot places too, so I'd be able to find them"
"Why do you say that?" Rapunzel asked
"Because I literally found an egg hovering in front of my nose, engulphed in blue magic"
"....Ah"
"Yeah, I didn't mind finding only one last year"
"Well, Varian wants everyone to have many eggs, he's been working on this for months now", Rapunzel stated
"How'd this even come about anyway? Peanut hiding the eggs while everyone else, including Quirin, Hugo, and Ruddigar, searches for them?"
"From what I remember, this was a tradition Quirin introduced Varian to when he was a kid", Eugene said, "and he wanted to share it with us"
"Huh.... I wanna hear the story of that tradition, it sounds adorable!"
"Well, once we find all the eggs and head to the family room, we could definitely ask Varian", Rapunzel replied with a smile, "I wanna hear that story too! I have a feeling it's gonna be wholesome!"
"Knowing Varian and Quirin, it'll definitely be wholesome", Eugene stated with a snicker before he stopped and stared when an egg floated in front of him, he raised a brow but smirked, "I think Varian's telling us to continue searching"
Rapunzel and Edmund giggled before they grabbed the egg and continued the search
****
"I CALL TODAY'S EGG HUNT A SUCESS!" Varian announced, getting the group in the family room to cheer as they held up their eggs! "Today's lucky winner for finding the most eggs, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis....." He drummed his hands on a nearby table while making a 'brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr', noise before stopping and shouting, "A FOUR WAY TIE BETWEEN ADIRA, HECTOR, DAD, AND HUGOOOOOOOOO!"
The crowd cheered again as the four winners looked at each other in surprise, "well then", Hector said
"Good game", Adira added with a smile
"I don't know how you did it, but you fucking cheated"
"Just me?"
"Yup, Hugo and Quirin were actually searching, you were following me!"
"And is it my fault that I grabbed the eggs you happened to miss?"
"SO YOU ADMIT IT!"
"Guys, not on Easter", Quirin said with a sigh
"Yeah, can't we just call it a draw and have fun?" Hugo asked
Hector huffed as Adira snickered, "Children", Edmund said
"Fiiiine", Hector said, "but I'm beating you next fucking year", he stated
"Noted", Adira replied with a smirk
Hugo snorted, "you know, you two keep fighting like that, and the Easter Bunny will only give you mints for Easter"
The two Brotherhood members blinked at the inventor before they glanced at Varian, who looked worried, and sighed, "fine, we'll stop", the tamer said
"For the Easter Bunny", Adira added
Hugo nodded as Quirin smirked and looked at Varian, who seemed relieved, "oh by the way Varian, and Quirin too!" Rapunzel said, getting the duo to look at her, "what caused this holiday tradition?" She asked, "the hiding the eggs and the hunt and all that? Did you two always do that together?"
"Oooh! Ooooh! I wanna hear this story too!"
"Wait, is it Quirin and Varian story time?" Lance asked, "I wanna hear it! Hang on!"
"Me too me too!" Angry and Catalina exclaimed together before they all gathered around the two Vanguards
Varian giggled before he looked at his dad, who smirked, "so much interest in a Vanguard family tradition", he said
"You two have the best stories, don't act like you don't!" Rapunzel exclaimed
Varian grinned, "well that particular story goes back to a long time ago! We'd be more than willing to share it though, that is", he looked at Hugo and blushed, "if all of you wanna hear"
The blond giggled and kissed his lover, "always", he said
Varian grinned before he looked at his dad, "you want me to tell it, or should you?"
"Mmmm, do you remember why it started in the first place?"
"Nu"
"Then I should probably tell it"
"Yeah you should", the alchemist sat down on a couch nearby, Hugo doing the same as everyone looked at Quirin with wide and excited eyes
He chuckled, "I feel like I'm the adult telling the kids a story"
"You kinda are", Eugene replied with a snicker
The retired knight gave the man a loving grin before he took and breath, let it out, and began, "it started a long time ago, when Varian was only 2 years old, and it was just me, him, and Ulla"
Notes:
Hello!
HAPPY EASTER!!!!!! And if you don't celebrate Easter, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!! IF you don't celebrate holidays, HAPPY APRIL 20th!!!!!! I hope it's been a wonderful day for you all! :D
So this is a fun little two parter I wanted to post because I missed writing an Easter chapter last year, so this year here it is! :D
Now, they celebrate Easter for different reasons, it's the same for Christmas, but they celebrate it in the same way we do, I'll get to why they celebrate in the next chapter :D
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! :D <3
Chapter 612: The First Egg Hunt!
Summary:
Quirin tells the story of how the tradition of the egg hunt was made!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! :D <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin chuckled, "I feel like I'm the adult telling the kids a story"
"You kinda are", Eugene replied with a snicker
The retired knight gave the man a loving grin before he took and breath, let it out, and began, "it started a long time ago, when Varian was only 2 years old, and it was just me, him, and Ulla:
'"Are you being silly?" Ulla asked, giggling when she heard her 2 year old giggle, she turned to face him and her grin widened when she saw the tiny toddler watching her, he had his fork and spoon in both hands and was drumming them on his high chair table excitedly, "are we gonna eat some food?" She asked, getting a happy coo in return, "yes we are! And it's nice and balanced food too, farmer papa said so"
"Yes I did", a voice said, getting the alchemist to smile
"Daddy! Daddy!" The toddler called, stopping his drumming and dropping the fork and spoon in order to make grabbing gestures at the man
"Good morning tiny Bubby", Quirin said as he walked in and picked up his son, kissing his cheek and hugging him before repositioning the toddler in a sitting position in his arms, "are we gonna eat some food?"
"Yeah!"
"Yeah?"
"YEAH!"
Quirin chuckled, "such energy", he walked over and kissed Ulla, "hello wife"
She giggled, "hello husband, we're forgoing the names today?"
"I'm thinking about it"
Ulla snickered as she watched Quirin set their son back into his chair, where the toddler picked up his fork and spoon and began to drum again, "he's such a little musician", she stated lovingly
"Yes he is, I'll bet he could play the piano very well"
"I could see it, though it looks like he just loves drumming"
"True", Quirin agreed before he smelled the breakfast his wife was cooking, "smells delicious, whatcha making?"
"Oh the usual"
"Eggs, raw bacon, toast, and some milk?"
"Along with coffee for the tired adults and some cut up fruit, also, the bacon is 'not' raw, it's just not burnt, like yours"
Quirin chuckled again before he heard something metal clang to the floor, looking over, he saw his son had dropped his spoon. The Village Leader walked over and picked it up before giving it a rinse and handing it back to the toddler, "word of advise son, you never wanna lose your drumstick in the middle of a performance", he joked
"Never wose dwum stick", the child repeated
"That's right! Also, my heart"
"Right? He's too pure for words!" Ulla exclaimed, "I keep looking back at him while cooking and it's taking everything in my power to not stare at him like a creep!"
Quirin smirked, "well, Varian did come from the most adorable, and beautiful, woman I've ever met, so it makes sense that he shares that trait, it's genetics"
"Oh I see, you know, flirting will only get you so far", Ulla stated, turning to face her husband
"Oh really?" Quirin asked before blushing, "and how far will a kiss get me?"
"Yuckie!" Toddler Varian exclaimed-!'
"I agree with my younger self", Varian interrupted, his entire face was beat red as Hugo giggled
Quirin snorted, "well maybe I can skip 'some' of the dialogue, 'ahem"':
'After the trio had eaten breakfast, Quirin and Ulla had set to work cleaning the kitchen before Ulla heard her husband laughing, she walked over, "what's going on?"
"Varian's, ha ha, he's helping me clean the dishes", the farmer stated, showing their son, who was licking a plate clean
"Oh, oh no", Ulla giggled
"This kid, I swear, he said he wanted to help, so I gave him a tiny plate and this is what he did"
"Awwwwww!"
Quirin snickered when he saw his son drop the plate in the water, "all ceen!" The child exclaimed
"All ceen?"
"Ceen daddy, 'ceen'"
"Oooh, 'clean'"
"Yeah!"
"I see"
"Siwwy daddy"
Quirin looked at Ulla, his face full of unimaginable love and joy that his child gave him, "I'm a siwwy daddy Ulla"
"Yes you are", the red headed alchemist replied with a smile before she walked over, "how about you come and help mommy for a while huh?" She said as she scooped Varian up
"Why mama?" The toddler asked
"Because I Think daddy needs a cuteness break, otherwise he might explode"
"Esp.... Eplo.... Eeeplode?"
"Ulla!" Quirin said, though his voice was higher pitched due to his attempts to keep from laughing
Ulla giggled before scooping up her son and walking away, before she could get too far however, there was a knock at the door. She went and answered it and smiled, "hello Adam!"
"Hewwo", Varian said
"Mornin Ulla, hey shorty", Adam responded politely while tipping his hat, "mind if I come in? I need to talk to all of you about somethin"
"Don't mind at all, do we my little dreamer?" Ulla asked as she looked at Varian
"Dat's a big hat", the toddler stated
This got both Ulla and Adam to chuckle, "like it?" The old farmer asked as he stepped inside, Ulla letting him in before closing the door behind him, "maybe you can get one yourself someday"
"Hmmmm, I want mama goggles"
"Mama goggles?"
"These", Ulla pulled out her goggles with a proud smile, "I made them myself, they protect your eyes from everything! And they're much hardier than regular goggles, I wear them while I work"
"Ah, that's some pretty cool goggles"
"Thanks!"
"Hey Adam", Quirin said as he walked through the kitchen door and smiled at his friend, "everything okay?"
"Yep, everything's fine, the reason I came was to talk talk to y'all about Easter"
"Easter?" Quirin asked, "I haven't celebrated that in a few years"
"What's Easter?" Ulla asked, cocking her head to the side as she, Quirin, Varian, and Adam sat down
"You been here for several years and no one's told you bout Easter?" Adam asked, when Ulla nodded, he looked at Quirin, "you keepin her locked in a basement or somethin?"
The Village Leader chuckled, "no I'm not, but when I first met Ulla, I never really celebrated Easter, it.... Brings back some sad memories"
"Ah, well that makes sense"
"What's Easter?" Ulla repeated
Quirin smiled lovingly at her, "Easter is where the people of Corona celebrate the Earth, as well as the Sun and Moon", he explained, "see, years ago, the Earth was barren and lifeless, just a hunk of rock that some organisms lived on. But one day, the Sun and Moon shined their light and magic upon the Earth, they made the plants grow, the water come, and even created creatures that would eventually evolve into the animals and humans of today! It's also said that the first animal that was made by the Sun and Moon was the rabbit, because of that, the rabbit is revered with a lot of respect during this holiday, in fact, people believe there's a magic rabbit, dubbed the Easter Bunny, who hops around and watches the celebration, and they'll give whomever if the most joyful, or filled with the most holiday spirit, a special gift. It's.... More of a religion that people follow than anything else, but I've seen too many things happen that just can't be explained without saying something about the Sun and Moon's blessings on the Earth. So once a year, Coronans, and some other kingdoms", he cleared his throat, "celebrate the Earth, and thank the Sun and Moon for blessing this planet with what we have today. We do so by parties and feasts, sometimes there'll be a scavenger hunt where you'll find things scattered about Corona that was blessed by the two celestial beings, usually it's eggs, livestock, and plants, but sometimes you'll find tools too. It's just meant to show how grateful we are for our lives being what they are"
"Well that sounds wonderful! But why don't you celebrate Quirin?" Ulla asked
"Well I.... For the longest time, I didn't really have any reason to be happy..... I lost my home a long time ago.... I lost my family too.... I didn't really feel very festive when this time of year came around because of what happened to me, so I neve worried about the holiday, and I hid....."
"Oh...."
"Well, you may not have to really worry about it much this year either", Adam stated, "because the king wants to call it off"
"What?!" Both Ulla and Quirin asked together
"Yeah, apparently he's feelin the same way you do Quirin", Adam stated, "he says that since his daughter was taken, he's felt the joy of the holiday less and less, and now he doesn't wanna celebrate"
"Oh...." Quirin looked down sadly, "well I can't rightfully force him to celebrate.... I'd be a hypocrite if I did...."
"I was worried you'd say that"
"I'm sorry Adam, but you know it's true"
"I know it, though I don't rightly like it"
"I know...."
"Wait, if the king calls it off, surely families could still celebrate on their own could they not?" Ulla asked
"Yeah they could, but who's gonna do that?" Adam asked, "the King and Queen always organized the scavenger hunt, the King and Queen would get the kingdom to celebrate, the King and Queen not celebrating means no one in the kingdom will feel motivated enough to do so, plus it's not like he'd allow us to celebrate, he seemed pretty serious when he said he was calling the holiday off"
"That's a shame.... I would like to celebrate"
"So would a bunch of others, but there's nothin we can do"
"No!" A little voice exclaimed, getting the three adults to look at the angry toddler
"Varian?" Ulla asked
"No! We Cewebwate!"
"Shorty, we can't", Adam stated
"Who says?" The tiny toddler asked incredulously, "just cause da big meanie king doesn't want to doesn't mean we can't!"
"Bubby, we could get in trouble", Quirin said gently, "big naughty trouble"
"Maybe not papa", Varian said, "what if da big meanie king just needs ta be weminded of why we cewebwate?" He asked
"The big meanie king doesn't want to be reminded son"
"Did you papa? Did you wanna be weminded?"
"Huh?"
"You said you didn't cewebwate betawse you had icky feewings", the toddler explained, "but you were just weminded bout da weason why we cewebwate, and you seem dis.... Disa.... Dispointed dat we can't cewebwate anymore!"
""Disappointed?" Quirin asked
"Yeah dat! You seemed weally sad papa!"
"Well... I won't lie, it does make me feel a little sad not celebrating", Quirin admitted
"Ezacly!" Varian exclaimed, "and now da whole kingdom is gonna be sad too! You didn't cewebwate papa, but you didn't tell over (other) people not to! You just hid! Da big meanie king called it off for evwyone! Dat's not fair!"
Ulla was startled before she grinned, "you know what? He's right, it isn't fair that the king can just call off a major holiday like that", she stated, "we should do something about it, we should organize the events instead, we could put it all together ourselves! After all, it's not that late in the day! And we have the Village Leader himself over here, who could probably wrangle up a few people to help out"
"Ulla, we could get in some serious trouble for going against the king's wishes", Quirin stated
"But what if Varian's right? What if all the king needs is to be reminded of why the holiday is celebrated in the first place?" She asked, "what if you need to be reminded too my love? You always get so depressed when this day comes around, I finally know why now, and while I understand, I don't want you to be stuck feeling that way for the rest of your life", she said gently, "you deserve to feel that joy again, and having some king go and take that option away just isn't right"
Quirin was quiet as he thought about his wife's words, until he felt a tiny pressure on his lap, looking down, he saw his toddler had climbed into his lap and was looking up at him, "no sad papas", he said, "only happy papas, and to make a happy papa, we gotta have a fun time, dat means, we gotta cewebwate, so you can wemember why you're still here papa"
Quirin blinked before he teared up a little and hugged his son, "I don't know how a 2 year old can understand such complicated things, how? How are you able to understand this?"
"Betawse I wuv you papa!"
The Village Leader froze before he smiled and pulled away from the hug, looking at his son as if for the first time, "I love you too bubby", he kissed the boy's nose, getting him to giggle, before he grew determined and nodded, "ok, let's do it!"
****
The three adults got everyone in Old Corona to pitch in with the celebration! They gathered decorations, sent out invitations, cooked food for a potluck meal, had tellers and shopkeepers selling their products in commemoration for the day, they even got people to map out a place to set up the scavenger hunt, with only one issue, "WE HAVE NOTHING TO HAVE THE PEOPLE OF CORONA TO FIND!" A village exclaimed anxiously, "all the farming equipment has been used! All the livestock is needed, the plants haven't fully bloomed yet, this is a DISASTER!!!!!"
"Easy, we'll figure something out", Quirin stated calmly
"What can we use Quirin?" Ulla asked, holding Varian close to her, "he's right, we don't have anything we can place in the scavenger hunt"
"Eggies!" The toddle exclaimed excitedly, "but in pwetty cowers!"
"Eggies Bubby?" Quirin asked
"Yeah! We can paints dem, and den we can hide stuffs in dem wike a present!"
Quirin blinked before he looked at Ulla, "huh.... That's not a bad idea actually, we could hide them around the town, the colors would make them stand out, and if we hid something in them, like chocolate or candy, or just tiny prizes, then maybe that would make up for the lack of diversity in what the people search for"
"I can make the eggs if you want! I have a machine that can crack them open, and I could make something else to keep them shut until opened"
"That'd be great! Now we just need to have people paint them"
"How about we open a stand where the citizens can paint them?" Adam asked, "that way we have a tiny station where kids and adults can work together to paint the eggs nice and pretty, once painted, they could have stuff put in them and be hidden"
"PERFECT!" Ulla and Quirin exclaimed as Varian giggled with joy!
They did as they said, using the insides of the eggs to make food for the celebration as well, that way nothing was wasted! The entire celebration was a huge hit! Everyone enjoyed painting the eggs then handing them off to be hidden, even the King and Queen of Corona swung by and participated, despite not wanting to in the beginning! Varian managed to find a lot of eggs with the help of his mother, and by the end of the day, was pronounced the winner of the egg finding contest! Everyone cheered with joy, exclaiming how wonderful the entire celebration was, Quirin, for the first time, felt joy celebrating the holiday once again, and never wanted to forget it again!'
"And that's how the celebration turned into a tradition", the retired knight finished with a grin, "honestly, if it wasn't for Ulla and Varian, none of that would've been possible, they brought the joy of the holiday back to me, and I'm really glad they did"
The alchemist smiled, "the next year the celebration took place, mama hadn't left yet, so I got to spend one more year celebrating with her when I was 3, it was the final holiday we spent together as a family", he stated, "that's why it's so special to me"
"Aw kid", Eugene said softly
"That was an amazing story", Rapunzel stated with a sniffle
"It truly was, what a wonderful way to start a tradition!" Edmund exclaimed, "though... I'm sad that you didn't celebrate for a while"
"It didn't feel right without you, Adira, and Hector.... Surprisingly", Quirin teased
"That's because we're fucking epic and you know it", Hector stated with a smirk, "don't think I didn't catch that", he added
Adira chuckled, "the egg hunt is a very good touch, I think I prefer that way of celebrating as opposed to the regular tradition of finding random items"
"You only like it because it's a contest", Hector stated
"I don't deny that"
Edmund shook his head with amusement before he looked at Hugo, who was quiet for some reason, "whatcha thinking about butter nut?" He asked
The group looked at Hugo, including Varian, before the blond huffed, "I'm irritated...." He said, before he wrapped his arms around Varian and pulled him close, "I missed out of toddler freckles and I'm so angry with myself because he sounds too cute for words!!!!!!"
"ACK! Hugoooo!" Varian exclaimed, blushing and laughing, as the rest of the group joined him, the room filled with joy as the two scientists embraced!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here's the story of the very first Coronan egg hunt! :D And we get more toddler Varian, Ulla love, and Quirin being a wholesome dad and an epic Village Leader! WOOOT!
Hugo being sad about missing out on toddler Varian is felt around the world I think, we need more Varian in this world! He's too adorable!!!!!
Adira and Hector are being sassy again XD
Edmund being a wholesome grandpa :D
Eugene, Rapunzel, Catalina, and Angry are just kinda there in this chapter, but honestly, it was more about the egg hunt story than anything else
After this chapter, it's back to dead beat dads and their horrible life choices :D
Also, fun fact, it's almost my birthday! :D I'm not sure what to do for it, please give me suggestions! I'd love to know what I should do :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! :D
Chapter 613: Holding It Together!
Summary:
Everyone’s holding it together, only one person seems to be succeeding however!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Wakey wakey eggs and bakey!” Varian said as he gently shook his fiancé awake. Hugo groaned before he grabbed a nearby pillow and swished it above him, gently bopping Varian’s cheek and getting the alchemist to giggle, “get up you lazy pants”, he stated
“I’m lazy because I’m on the bachelor clock”, the blond replied with a smirk, “I’m not supposed to be nagged awake until I’m married”
Varian quirked an amused brow, “oh really, well I guess you can just forget about your morning kiss then”
This made the blond sit up quickly, “I’m awake!”
Varian giggled, “very cute, but that comment cost you a lip lock sir”
“Nuuuuu, I wanna kiiiiiiiiss”
“Nope, you’re a bad boy”
“Would it help if I apologized in the cutest way possible?”
“…..Maybe….”
Hugo placed his chin on Varian’s chest, his mouth and face were squirmed because of that as his green eyes looked up at the alchemist, “I’m sorry…..” he said because giving a poo lip
Varian tried to hold in his growing affection for the blond, but he couldn’t anymore and let out a snort and giggle before kissing Hugo’s nose, “ok, you got me, that was too cute”
“Hee hee”, Hugo grinned and took his chin off Varian’s chest before he stretched and let out a sigh, “today’s the second day of celebrating not being married yet, we’re going to the fishing pond today right?”
“Yup! You, me, dad, Hector, Adira, Eugene, Lance, and….. um….. your dad….”
“You mean my sperm donor”
“Hugo!”
“What? It’s what he is!” The blond exclaimed, “he didn’t take care of me, love me, fucking hell he didn’t even *want* me!” The inventor exclaimed with a huff, “he’s nothing more than my sperm donor, that’s all…..”
“I don’t disagree, but maybe we don’t mention that until after we leave the *public* bar”, Varian stated
Hugo raised a confused brow before looking around and blushing when he saw a bunch of bar thugs staring at the pair, “ah….. eheh, sorry guys”
For a moment, the room was silent, then the thugs erupted into laughter, “sperm donor! That’s a good one!” Hook Foot cheered
“Definitely one I’m gonna use when describing my old man!” Attila exclaimed
“Perfect name!” Hook Hand added, “damn that’s so good! I’d clap if I could!”
Hugo blinked before he smirked and looked at the alchemist before him, “did we both just forget we’re surprised by bar thugs who’ve probably felt and said a lot worse?”
“Yes”, Varian replied, “yes we did”
The duo got ready for the day and walked out of the room, the bar thugs giving them privacy when they did so before they spoke to the two scientists again when they came out. After a bit of chatting over breakfast, Eugene walked over and grinned at the pair, “hey! You two ready for some fishing fun today?”
“Heck yeah!” They both exclaimed excitedly
“Great! …..one thing…. Who’s that?” The Coronan Captain pointed to Hugo’s biological father
“That’s….. my…. He’s….. technically my sperm donor”, Hugo replied timidly
“Your-! Wait….. the same man who-!”
“Yes….. him…..”
“What the hell? When did *he* get here?!”
“When you and Lance were asleep last night”, Varian replied, taking over the conversation when he noticed Hugo’s rising anxiety
“Holy shit….” The Dark Prince stated before he let out a sigh and looked at Hugo, “how are you holding up?”
“Uneasy and my stomach feels like Blugh”, the blond replied, “but….. Hector gave me the idea to give this man a few days to see what he’s really here for…. And if he proves that he’s here for me, like he said he was, then I can choose weather or not to give him a chance”
“Geez…. That’s a lot of pressure”
“It’s….. for the best though….”
“Kid, do you even *want* him in your life?”
“I…… I don’t know….” Hugo let out a sigh, “I-I was really young when he gave m-me away…. And he s-said it was because he couldn’t give me a good life….. a-and thought selling me was for the b-best…. And while I feel like that’s a c-crock of shit, I….. I-I feel like I should….. at least try? I…. I don’t know….. I d-don’t know what to do or h-how to do this….”
Eugene sat beside Hugo and wrapped an arm around him, “believe it or not, I know how you feel…. My dad gave me away to an orphanage…. And I only found out why a few years ago….”
The inventor blinked before he looked at the man, “yeah he…. He did…… shit you really *do* know….. probably better than me”
“Well I wouldn’t say *better* than you”, the Dark Prince stated with a gentle smile, “We’re kinda in the same situation, just because I handled it for longer doesn’t mean I know better, but I can tell you what my experience was if you’d like”, he got a nod in returned, so he began to explain, “I was put in the orphanage because my dad wanted me to have a better life and so I didn’t suffer from his mistake, and I did! I had a good time in the orphanage and met Lance, broke out and became a thief known as Flynn Rider, and met someone I loved because of my adventures! And when I found my dad again, he realized it was me instantly”, Eugene stated with a chuckle, “startled the hell outta me too I gotta say, not to mention how crazy it was to finally know who my family was, where I came from, and why I was abandoned….. I won’t lie, it really hurt….. and I was confused and scared and angry as hell! But….. Then I got to know him, with a little push from Raounzel, heh”, he chuckled, “I found out that I’m a lot like him, and he likes a lot of the same stuff I do! We bonded and, after a while, I finally felt like I was complete! But…. I also know that that isn’t always the case in situations like this….” He looked at the inventor with a serious expression on his face, “Hugo, my dad did what he did because he wanted me to live….. he *proved* that to me then showed me how sorry he was for his mistake the very first time we were reunited….. I was still hesitant, but I could tell he meant what he said….. this man…. Your sperm donor as you call him….. What do you feel from him?”
“I feel…… S-scared”, Hugo admitted
“Did he do stuff to you when you were a child?”
The blond was silent for a long time before he let out a shaky breath and nodded, “he…. H-hit me…. And yelled a-a lot…. When he was able to s-sell me…. The look he gave….. I-it was one filled w-with nothing…. No care, no love, n-not even hate……. I-it was like…. L-like-!”
“Like you didn’t matter…..” Varian said softly, getting both to look at him, “like you mean nothing, not even worth being on the bottom of someone’s shoe….. Like you could die and no one would mourn you, or remember you…. Nor would they care to….. Since you’re just nothing…..” he noticed the looks he was receiving from his fiancé and big brother, and blushed, “I…. F-Frederic…..” he said softly, “when I w-was la….. um…. P-punished for my crimes while I-in jail….. That was the l-look he gave me when it was done…..”
“I remember you saying that once….” Eugene stated, “that’s still so awful Varian….”
“It was….. and had I known you knew what that was like too love…..”
The alchemist grew silent, Hugo wrapped an arm around him, “it’s okay, I never said anything because I wanted to move forward. I avoided thinking about what happened to me in the past because I didn’t want it to affect my future”, the inventor admitted, “but…. I think that’s unhealthy…..”
“It is but I did the same thing”, Eugene said, “you kinda have to”
“Or you feel like you have to”, Hugo added
“Right”
“Either way….. I…. Feel scared around him….. The way he approached the situation, and h-how he talks, and walks…. I just…. I-I’m scared….. and I hate it…. Because when I-I get scared, I get really angry, and….. I-I don’t wanna ruin this trip…..”
“You won’t love”, Varian stated, “if he does anything to you, believe me, he’ll have people standing in line to give him back what he gave you, just 1000 times worse”
“That’s true”, Eugene agreed
Hugo smiled at the pair of them, “thanks you two”
****
“Bye!!!!!” Varian called, waving back at the Bar thugs who had come out to say their final farewells to the group as they rode off to their next stop! This time with one more accompanying them, much to everyone else’s chagrin, including Lance’s, who was informed of the situation by Eugene
Once the Snuggly Duckling was out of sight, Varian sat back down and sighed before he noticed no one was talking. The only thing that could be heard was the clip clopping of the horse shoes on the ground. He looked around before he saw Hugo’s biological father sitting across from them, and suddenly he didn’t feel like talking much either….. “….So….. uh….. is uh…. Is that a raccoon?” Damien asked, looming at Varian
The alchemist quirked a brow as Ruddigar let out a sarcastic chitter that seemed to say, “the hell do you think?”
“Yes”, Hugo replied, a little too quickly, “h-he is”
The alchemist winced, guilt flooding him as he realized his lover felt inclined to answer this man’s questions, so he swallowed his irritation and began to speak, “so where have you been for the last….. 15 years or so?”
This caught Damien off guard before he took the bait and spoke up, “well I was in Ingvarr for most of it. I thought Hugo was still with the Duke and Duchess at that time, so I never left, when I found out he wasn’t, which was about two years ago, I sold everything and traveled the world in search of him. That’s how I came here”
“And if I remember right, you said you weren’t allowed to see him?”
“Yes, that was the deal”
“…..So….. did you ever check on him? Ask Trinity and Dexter? The Duke and Duchess? The Queen?”
“I…..” the man froze for a moment or two before he let out a breath, “I t-tried to…. B-but I never got the chance to speak with the Duke, Duchess, Trinity, or Dexter”, he stated, “none of them w-were around, so I figured all was w-well…. A m-mistake on my part…. One that I deeply regret….”
“A mistake?” Hugo asked, looking up at the man, eyes wide with disbelief, “I was adopted by a woman named Donella when I was 3…. She changed wildly from a caring parent to a physical, mental, and emotional abuser when I was 4, I was stuck with her and a psychopath named Cyrus until I was 16, and then Varian found me and he and his family saved my ass because he somehow found something to love in the mess that I am! I…..” he sighed, his hands shaking a bit as he spoke, “a m-mistake is small….. it doesn’t hurt too many people, and those it does hurt will forgive a mistake if the person saying it says sorry and truly means it….. but this…. That….. Wasn’t *just* a mistake….. and….. hearing it defined like that makes it worse…..”
“You’re right, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said it like that”, Damien replied gently as he saw Varian comfort Hugo by hugging him, “I…. Didn’t know the proper term…. I don’t have much by means of education…. I just know I wanted to find you the moment I could….. I’m so sorry for my lapse in understanding”
“No its…. Ugh it’s fine….. I’m just…. Sensitive…. I guess….” Hugo stated, trying to pull himself together
“Hey, no no no, you’re not, this…. Is a sensitive topic….. I brought it up, I’m sorry….” Varian replied soothingly
“You…. W-were only asking what I wanted to, so it’s okay…… I just don’t know if I can handle the answers right now….. T-that’s on me and me alone”
“Still…..”
“it’s fine…..”
The caravan was silent again, the clip clopping of the horses becoming the only noise as the group didn’t know what else to say. Nobody knew what to do next, nobody knew how to approach the situation, and nobody noticed how hard Quirin gripped the reigns of the horses, nor did they see him watching the entire interaction. None of them saw the man struggling so hard not to burst out in a fury of anger, nobody noticed, because he hid it all behind a mask of complete numbness while he drove them to their fishing spot. His mind screamed at him, warning bells shooting off, every nerve and vein was *begging* the man to relent just a little, one punch would be more than enough, but he held himself strong
….At least, until he felt someone’s hand on his shoulder, and saw Hector riding beside him, the tamer’s face showing the retired knight all he needed to see, before he let one small tear slip down his cheek….
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the late post, my birthday left me a little too tired to write quickly, but I finally finished this chapter! Woot!
So, everyone’s having a hard time holding things together, but the one person that’s having the hardest time, outside of Hugo, is Quirin
This man has helped this poor teen through so much, and has basically adopted him as another son at this point, something he’s never done before, only to be shown that he has a father, and that this clown wants to try to get back into Hugo’s life
For Hugo, this isn’t the toughest thing he’s ever had to go through, because he did it once with Donella, and she meant far more to him than this man did, but it’s still very hard for the bean
But for Quirin…… it hurts seeing someone you love and cherish dealing with something like this, and not be able to say anything. He can’t protect Hugo, Hugo needs to make his own decision, but it’s killing our protective farmer dad! And Hector’s the only one who sees that
I’m not saying this isn’t hard for Hugo too, the poor bean is struggling hard freaking core right now! But he can let out what he needs to to Damien, Quirin can’t, he’s being respectful of his second son’s wishes, it’s just very hard for both of them right now, no one’s happy about this…..
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 614: Camping!
Summary:
The group finally makes it to their campsite and sets up, though it seems as though something is brewing from underneath the surface!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3 :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian stretched as he looked around and smiled, he loved his and his dad's secret fishing spot, he felt so at home in it! The breeze was nice and calming, the smells of the nearby wildlife filled his nostrils, and the trees covering the clearing made for a wonderful way to zone the rest of the world out! Add the tents, a nice campfire, and some fishing poles and the alchemist could practically live here, "just need a lab", he said to himself
"Bubby, are you thinking about living out here again?" Quirin asked, not really needing an answer
"Maybe"
"You know that certain fiancé's prefer the comfort of a nice warm bed and a shower right?"
"A bean can dream!"
His father chuckled as he continued to unpack the caravan, Eugene and Lance helping him do so while Adira, Hector, and the aforementioned, shower and warm bed loving, fiancé gathered up wood for the bon fire they were planning on having that night! Varian smiled as he watched his father hum to himself, his dad always seemed to be in such a better mood no matter what was going on whenever they got to this place, "so we're really just camping out?" aaaaaand never mind....
The alchemist winced at his father's crestfallen expression when they all remembered their..... Extra guest..... The alchemist sighed and looked over at Damien, who was just sitting on a log, "yes, we're camping. We're not 'just' camping, we're 'camping'", the teen replied with a huff, "it's been a tradition since I was a kid, and it's also how I 'met' Hugo", the teen snapped, a little harsher than he'd meant to, not that he cared much, but still
Damien winced a little before he cocked his head to the side, "you met my son while camping?"
Eugene and Lance noted the visual winced Quirin gave to those words before the man slammed a box down on the floor, making a loud bang and cracking it a bit, "shit...." He cursed under his breath
"You okay dad?" Varian asked, grateful for the distraction
"Hm? Yeah, I'm okay, just put the box down a touch too hard"
"So I can see", the alchemist replied, noting the crack, "good thing this isn't the food chest, here", he pulled out a small vial and turned the box on it's side so the crack was easily accessible. With a smile, he opened the vial, and pulled out a small paint brush
"Hey, that's Rapunzel's!" Eugene exclaimed
"Yup, she gave it to me when she found out I lacked the necessary tools to use some of the chemicals I make, like this one", Varian replied before he dipped the brush into the vial, before taking it out and spreading the white substance on the crate, "it's wood glue and seal! My own creation! With a little time to dry, the box will be sealed and everything inside won't be tarnished! It's even water proof! Hugo thought of that", he giggled, "it's like new skin growing over a cut, except with wood"
"Huh, neat!"
"Am I allowed to have a vial?" Lance asked, "our house is leakin...."
"Sure! I can make you some soon actually, or I could just come by and fix the leaks, the roof may need a little repair", the teen offered, standing up and closing the vial before putting it back in his pocket for safe keeping, "plus this stuff is super strong, and I would strongly advise you wait until I or Hugo can apply it to the roof, otherwise you'll stick to it and will have to wait until someone comes looking for you"
"That strong huh?" Lance asked
"Yup, wanted to make sure it worked"
"Efficient, even when dangerous, that's our Varian!"
The alchemist blushed before looking up at his father, "you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, I just lost some of my grip on the box is all", the retired knight replied, "sorry bean"
"It's okay, just so long as you take it easy, if you're losing your grip on a box, it's either because you're hungry, tired, or something startled you"
"I'll let you guess"
The alchemist blinked before he looked over at Damien and, remembering what the man had said, instantly understood, "ah"
"Yeah"
The freckled teen gave his father a sympathetic look before patting his arm, "it's okay, it got me too"
Quirin smiled and ruffled his son's hair, "thank you", he said, before he looked at the crate he'd slammed, "is it dry?"
"Lemme see", Varian checked the glue and grinned, "yup! All dry!"
His father nodded and picked it up before walking it over to their campsite, Eugene and Lance doing the same as Damien watched, the man staying quiet, yet thoughtful
****
"Hi-hoo, Hi-hooooo, coming back with wood and stooooone", Hugo sang before whistling happily as he, Adira, and Hector returned to camp, "Hi-hoooo! Hi-ho hi-ho hi-hoooo!" The blond finished before setting the wood and stones he'd collected down
Varian giggled, "hello love", he replied, "and hello Adira and Hector!" He added when they also set their wood and stones down, "I take it the trip was fun?"
"Yurp!" The blond exclaimed happily, "we even saw a deer!"
"Hector pet them", Adira added
"She was very sweet", the tamer finished with a satisfied smile
Quirin snorted, "why am I not surprised by that?"
"Because he's a nature brat", Eugene replied with a grin
"I'm taking that as a compliment", the tamer stated
"It technically is"
Hugo snickered before he noticed his biological father watching him, "hey", he greeted
"Hey", Damien replied, "how was the trip?"
"It was good", the inventor replied
"That's good.... Do you.... 'like' camping?"
This question seemed to startle the inventor before he thought about it, "I didn't for a long time, mostly because I was camping in order to survive, but when I met Freckles and Quirin, and they showed me camping their way, and I ended up really enjoying it! ....As long as it's not forever, because this girl needs a shower and a bed!"
"This girl?"
"Sometimes I'll just say 'this girl' to be funny"
"Ah"
Varian smiled at his lover, "well, with all the wood and stones you, Hector, and Adira collected, we should have enough to last us for two or three days! Dad brought plenty of food for tonight too! So we can just relax today and get settled, then tomorrow we can fish!"
"Sweetness!"
Eugene smiled, "so, we gonna do some camp traditions? Like camp songs, or looking at the stars?"
"I was thinking more scary stories!" The alchemist exclaimed, "I actually have one I've been sitting on for a while!"
"Can we at least eat first before you give you nightmares?" Lance asked
The alchemist nodded, "I can turn off the scary until after dinner, but after that, I 'must' let this scary beast out, otherwise it could 'devour' us all!"
Quirin chuckled, "that would be about ten times scarier if you didn't have a bad case of the wiggle fingers"
The alchemist blinked before he noticed his arms were up in the air, his fingers wiggling menacingly, "but it's for the ambiance dad! Woooooooooo~ I'll bet you're feeling very scaaaaaaaaared right noooooooow~"
"Terrified", his father deadpanned
Varian huffed and dropped his arms, "killjoy"
Quirin smirked, "if we're going the scary route, I'd technically be called a joy murderer"
"Would that really be the name?" The alchemist asked, "I feel like there could be something scarier"
"I don't know, joy murderer seems pretty intense", Eugene responded
"What about, thrill killer?" Hugo offered
"Ooh! Ooh! Or smiling slasher!" Varian exclaimed
"Joy ploy!"
"Unfun pun!"
"Are you two done?" The Dark Prince asked with a grin, trying to stifle his laughter
"Maybe", the duo responded together
"These names are amazing and you know it Eugene", Hugo stated
"Yeah! I agree!" Varian added, "right Adira?" He asked, looking to his aunt for affirmation
Everyone looked at the face painted warrior, Hector and Quirin smirking as they waited for her response, before she opened her mouth, "Vile smile"
Hugo and Varian cheered as Eugene groaned while Hector, Quirin, and Lance laughed! The group continuing their antics as Damien just sat and watched, though his mind wandered back to the wood glue he'd been shown before..... He stared at Hugo, the blond laughing as he and Varian came up with more scary names to replace 'killjoy'. He thought about how the blond looked and sounded, then grinned before quickly wiping it from his face, he'd made the right choice in staying......
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, things seem to be happening! We get more Damien plot, and some fun family antics because this family is full of adorable people that deserve all the love in the universe and no one can tell me differently!
This chapter was a lot of fun to write, but it definitely is the calm before the storm, because believe me, it's a coming!
So, fair warning, because I think people may be predicting this already, there may be a howling in the near future :3
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! <3 :D
Chapter 615: Varian’s Spooky Story!
Summary:
Varian tells his spooky story to the group, and it turns out the story holds more merit than the group anticipated!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“There’s a story I know that happened on a night like this…..” Varian began, everyone watched the alchemist, their bellies full and the fire bright and warm, “I read about this during a trip to the King’s hidden books, the Queen lets me go there to learn more about alchemy, the Moonstone, the Sundrop, Demanitus, old Coronan legends, and the Dark Kingdom. When I came across this story, all of it is true”
Lance shivered, “w-what was the b-book title?”
“Old Corona Legends and Myths”, the freckled teen replied with a smile, “you’d think that book would be filled with a bunch of fairytales, but looking inside gave me more information that I never knew I needed or wanted! It’s made me rethink these woods!”
“What’s the story?” Eugene asked, showing clear interest, but trying to play it cool
Varian giggled, “this story, like I said, takes place in a night like this, 5 campers were hanging out, taking a fun trip with each other! They had a good time for sure, telling jokes, lighting a fire, fishing, making smores, normal camp stuff. But as the night grew closer, they suddenly started to hear noises all around them….”
“N-noises?” Lance asked, shaking even more
“That’s right, creaks and cracks made from someone stepping on sticks and splashing in the nearby lake…. The only thing is, all of them were present when they heard these noises….. They knew no one else would come to find them, because they didn’t tell anyone where their camping spot was…..”
“Why would you do that?” Hector asked with a raised brow, “that’s fucking stupid”
“It’s a scary story, majority of the characters inside it are stupid”, Adira stated
“Fair”
“*a-hem*”, Quirin cleared his throat before gesturing to Varian
“What?” Hector asked, “I’m just saying that it’s fucking dumb to not let people know where you are, what if you need help? Scary story or no that’s just a dumb move”
The alchemist sighed before looking at all of you, “tell people where you’re going kids, otherwise you’ll end up in a campfire story”, he stated before looking at his uncle, “better?”
“Better, continue”
“Thank you”, the teen cleared his own throat as Quirin and Hugo snickered, before he continued, “anyway, they kept hearing odd noises all around them, splashes and creaks and subtle steps circling their campsite…. The group stood and one brave soul called out, “WHO’S THERE?!” He yelled, “WE HAVE WEAPONS! COME OUT!” But no one responded, not even the wind….”
Lance made a whimpering noise before sliding over to Eugene a bit as Varian continued
“The world was filled with silence at that point, everyone was still and quiet, it was almost deafening with how quiet it got…. When they finally heard someone speak, “who’s there?! We have weapons! Come out!” The same canter, the same inflection…. The same voice….. As the camper who’d called out, the only difference was a small whisper that followed the voice….”
“T-That’s fucked up….” Lance stated, practically hiding behind Eugene at this point
Varian grinned before continuing, “this made the campers freeze, before another one spoke, her voice gentle and small, “w-who are you?” She asked, “who are you, who are you, who are you, who are you” the voice repeated, over and over again. It surrounded the campers, the voice growing louder and louder, almost yelling! The campers ran! All of them terrified to their very core! The voices followed them, repeating “who are you”, over and over, getting closer and closer, until they hit a dead end….”
“Gulp….” Lance said
“The trees blocked the camper’s path, the voices grew louder and louder, it was so loud that the campers had to plug their ears! They couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, couldn’t do anything….. They all thought this was the end of their adventures, when a bright light made the voices surrounding them shriek! They opened their eyes to find the Sun peaking above the horizon! Whatever the voices were shied away from the light, their final noises being that of pain and revulsion as they scampered off into the night. The campers left that day, and they never came back. They told their story to all who would listen, a warning was placed over these woods to never go out after dark….. Village Leader after Village Leader checked these woods, until they felt the place was clear. And for generations, those voices have never reappeared. But you should always be on your guard….. There’s a prophecy, the 100th Village Leader will find these voices again, and this time, may not live to tell the tale…..”
Lance continued to shiver and shake, until Eugene spoke up, “so how is that story different and more factual than the ones I told you about, you know, the Corona legends?”
Varian smirked, “glad you asked, you see, Grandpa’s been telling me about the night creatures the lurk when the Sun doesn’t shine. The Moon’s even given me visions of some creatures, and there’s one in particular that caught my attention….. Doppelgängers……”
“Eh? W-What are doppelgängers?” Lance asked, his voice high pitched and squeaky
“Lance, we used doppelgängers during our thieving days remember? As distractions?” Eugene stated
“Oh…. Yeah…..”
“These are different, they go by different names, doppelgängers are the most well known. They’re also called, mimics, or shadow walkers, or even skin walkers! And they all have different stories and abilities, some stories are two separate creatures mistaken for one, but grandpa said there’s only one he knows is fact, Shadow Walkers is what he calls them”
“Okay, what about them makes them the creatures from the story?” Eugene asked
“Grandpa said he met one, during the late hours of the night”, Varian stated before he looked at his dad, aunt, and uncle, “you three were actually younger, dad you were 19!”
“Really? I’m surprised I was never told this story about the shadow walkers”, Quirin said
“Grandpa said he wanted to keep the creatures away from you three, so he never told you about his encounter. But one day, when he was arriving home late from a meeting with some dignitaries, he said he heard voices in the woods nearby. He got a bad feeling and told the caravan driver to keep going, and just ignore them. But the driver didn’t listen…. The horses stopped and the driver stood up, his face full of panic as he called out a name grandpa didn’t recognize! The man kept yelling it though, over and over again, “JULIA! JULIA WHERE ARE YOU?!” He’d yell, grandpa said he tried to calm the man down, tried to tell him to keep going, that Julia wasn’t out there, but the man didn’t listen and ended up running off into the woods!”
Hector blinked, “wait! I think I remember that night!” He exclaimed
“Hector you would’ve been around 10 or 11 when this took place”, Adira stated
“I fucking know, but I woke up from a nightmare that night, and when I was looking for Quirin, I heard the king talking about this encounter! He was so freaked out, he mentioned someone named Julia, and the caravan driver….. he disappeared….”
Varian nodded, “he’s right”, he said, getting the group’s attention, “grandpa went after the caravan driver, he followed him, using his tracking skills, until he reached a dead end, and the caravan driver had disappeared. There wasn’t any way for that man to find the deadend, then turn back without grandpa seeing him! As he started to looked around, the world grew quiet, almost deafening, then he heard a voice….. dad’s to be exact”
“Mine?” Quirin asked
“Yeah…. He said you were calling for help, begging for him, crying out in pain, grandpa had to plug his ears and run, he had to keep reminding himself that you were safe in the castle, he took the caravan and left, going back to the castle and sending out a search party when he got there. But it was too late, the search party came back with the only thing left of the caravan driver being his hat…..”
“Woah…..”
“Yeah…. I found out about this story because I ran into grandpa when trying to search for you dad, I was gonna ask you about the shadow walkers, and when he saw the book I was holding, and the story, he recognized it and immediately asked if I’d heard voices, when I told him no and explained why I had the book, that’s when he told me about his experience…. He did so without reading the story too, and I know grandpa wouldn’t lie….. So I know this story has to be true…. That’s what makes it scary to me”
“Holy shit…..” Eugene said, “wait, how many Village Leaders have been in charge of Old Corona”
They all looked at Quirin, who seemed a little anxious before he replied, “I’m the 100th one…..” he said softly
“…….shit…..”
The retired knight took a breath and let it out before he smiled at his son, “good story, even freaked me out a fair bit”, he said
“It’s true though dad”, Varian exclaimed
“Oh I believe you, truly I do, I’m actually glad you said something, because if something *does* happen, well now we’re prepared”
“Are you okay?”
“I….” Quirin sighed, “I’m okay, it did freak me out, badly….. mostly because I’ve been hearing some odd things lately, and I’ve been able to ignore them, but now I’m second guessing. It could just be my imagination playing very mean tricks on me, but….. one of them sounded like Ulla…. And the other…. Hugo….”
The blond in question blinked, “me?”
“Yeah…. You were crying….. You said you were scared too…. I almost went to check on you, see if you were okay, but then you popped up right next to me, and I ignored it”
Hugo shuddered, “when did you hear that?”
“Just a little bit before Varian started telling his scary story”, Quirin replied, “you’d gone to use the restroom, Eugene and Lance were talking, Varian, Hector, and Adira were putting the fire out, and me and Damien were putting the food away when I heard you clear as day”
“So after the sun went down”, Eugene stated
“Yeah…..”
“But wait, I though the story said only in the late hours of the night”, Lance exclaimed, still shivering
“Sometimes creatures will change their tactics in order to get to their prey”, Hector said, “I’ve seen plenty of animals do it while hunting”
The former thief whimpered again, “don’t worry Earring, as long as we keep our wits about us, we’ll be fine”, Adira stated gently, getting Lance to calm down just a little
“So….. wait, if I was saying I was scared, and I was crying…. What was Ulla doing?” Hugo asked
“She was calling out to me, saying she was just around the few trees nearby”, Quirin replied, “I didn’t check, because there’s a deadend over there, didn’t seem smart, plus, if Ulla wanted to talk to me, she wouldn’t play coy, she’d just pop in front of me and give me a hug”, Quirin state with a chuckle, “especially since she can actually do that now thanks to Beetlejuice”
“Thankfully”, Varian added, “though the Hugo crying and saying he was scared…. I dunno, I get an odd feeling from that”
“What do you mean kiddo?” Eugene asked
The alchemist looked at Hugo, before he noticed Damien watching him, he raised a brow at the man, “what? I’m just sitting here”, the man said, getting Hugo to looked at him
Varian was quiet as the blond turned back to look at him again. The alchemist sighed, “maybe it’s nothing, it was just a really odd feeling is all”
“What kind of odd feeling?” Hector asked
“I…. J-just odd, what’s wrong?”
“You’re the Moonstone bearer spawn”, the wild tamer stated, “if you get an odd feeling, it’s either anxiety, or the Moonstone and Moon telling you something’s about to happen. And Quirin being the only one to hear Hugo’s voice means it’s much more likely to be the Moon and Moonstone warning us”
The alchemist blinked before he looked at Hugo again, “I just…. Have this feeling that you shouldn’t be left alone”, he said, “I feel like you’ll be hurt if you are”
The blond was startled before nodding, “well, if that’s really what you’re bein told, then I certainly don’t mind the company. Truth be told, the woods still kinda wig me out because of Cyrus”, he admitted, “it’s hard not to constantly look over my shoulder….”
Varian hugged Hugo tightly, “I’ll protect you”
Hugo returned the hug with a smile, “thank you Freckles”
The group smiled at the pair, all except for one man, who’s secret glare of annoyance went unnoticed by everyone, save for the retired knight, who looked back just in time to see his expression change. Something deep within the knight’s soul opened its eyes when he saw that, and he took a few steps closer to Hugo and Varian, just in case…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
I won’t write much here, but things are about to go down, and Quirin…… Hoo boy…..
That’s all I’m gonna say!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 616: Shadow Walkers!
Summary:
Varian wakes up in the middle of the night, only to find an adventure waiting for him and two other people!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶😊❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group spent the rest of the evening relaxing, singing, and making smores, that is until it was time for bed. Everyone went to their tents, Varian and Hugo decided to share one with Quirin, Hector, Eugene, and Lance shared one as well, Adira and Damien were the only ones not sharing a tent, Damien taking an extra one that he’d been provided with, and Adira sleeping in her hammock. As they all fell into a peaceful sleep, Varian tossed and turned. He mumbled to himself a bit before his eyes opened wide and he sat up
He looked beside him and saw Hugo laying peacefully, Quirin doing the same, though the retired knight had stirred a little, “I’m okay dad, just….. got too hot”
“You sure?” Came the quiet and tired response, getting the alchemist to smile lovingly at his sleepy father
“I’m sure, go back to sleep, I’m gonna take a quick step outside for a bit, get some water”
“Need company?”
“No, I’m okay”
“Oki….. Yell if you need me, and don’t wander too far away”
“I won’t”, he saw his father drift back off to sleep and, with one final smile, he left the tent
****
As Varian stepped outside, he felt the cool evening breeze touch his cheeks, and it made him let out a sigh of relief. He walked through the grass, the evening dew going in-between his toes, not that he minded much, before he froze when he saw a lone figure standing near the doused campfire. He stared at them for a long time, silent as a fox, before he realized who he was looking at, “Damien…. What are you doing out here?” He asked, his eyes glowing bright as a warning
“Easy kid, I’m out here because I couldn’t sleep is all”, the man replied, “got a lot on my mind….”
The alchemist hummed with indecision as he watched the man, before he noticed his eyes, they looked downcast and frightened, it made the teen rethink his approach just a touch, but only for a moment, as he reminded himself who he was speaking to, “if you’re trying to play with me by acting like someone who’s freaked out or deep in thought, it won’t work”, he stated
Damien chuckled, “well, I guess that answers one of my questions”, he looked at the teen, “figured you didn’t trust me, guess I shouldn’t be surprised though. I woke up your aunt too, by accident, she’s sitting right across from me”
Varian blinked before looking and spotting Adira, “hello Speckles”, she said with a wave, her hair was down and she looked alert but slightly tired
“Hi”, he replied with a nod, “what are you doing up?”
“Heard a noise, saw this man, decided to stay awake until he went to sleep”
“Ah”
“As I said, no trust”, Damien stated
“Can’t blame us”, Varian huffed as he walked over and sat next to the face painted warrior, “you did abandon Hugo after all, and abuse him before that. Then you show up with some bullshit story about how you suddenly ‘lost it all looking for him after finding out he wasn’t with the Duke and duchess anymore’, which I *still* don’t believe in the slightest”, he huffed, “it all just seems too convenient, especially since we’re about to be married”
Damien sighed, “the hell would I be looking for exactly?” He asked, “I don’t know you, I only know Hugo, and I don’t want anything but to reconnect, that’s all, what do you all think I’m after?”
“I dunno, money, power, control, all of the above”, Adira stated bluntly
“Oof, don’t hold back do ya?”
“No”
“How would I even get any of that?” Damien asked, “control, I guess I could see, me holding Hugo over all of your heads would make it easy, but I wouldn’t do that, mostly because he wouldn’t listen to me at all, considering we don’t have any sort of relationship right now, but also because that’s just wrong”, the man stated, “as for money and power….. I don’t see how that would happen….”
Adira and Varian exchange the same, suspicious, look, before the alchemist sighed, “were not gonna explain it, mostly because that would be really stupid if we did, but the fact that you basically know what we mean by control and how you could do so “easily” as you put it, makes us highly suspicious. The reason you’re even here is to prove that you don’t mean any harm to anyone”
“Agreed”, Adira said, “that burden lies on your shoulders alone”
Damien sighed and sat down, “yeah I get that, just hard when you don’t even have a running start”
“Running start?” Varian asked with a quirked brow
“Huh? oh! Ugh…. I said it wrong….” He groaned, “I meant chance, but I fucking said the wrong thing, that probably makes me look even *more* suspicious, and I can’t even blame you for it, that was awful….. ugh I’m tired”
Varian and Adira looked at each other once again before looking back at the man, the alchemist rolled his eyes while the face painted warrior shook her head. They sat in silence for a bit before they heard a snap in the nearby bushes, “what was that?” The alchemist asked
“Probably an animal or some sort”, Adira replied, “whenever Hector’s in the woods, they seem to be attracted to him”
“That didn’t sound like a regular, Hector drawn, animal though”, Varian pointed out, “it sounded human….”
They listened once again before hearing the same snap, “hmm”, Adira stood up and walked towards the bushes. She drew her sword and used it to peak inside before shaking her head and backing up, “just an animal”, she stated, “small prints, a tiny cracked twig”
Just then, another snapping twig could be heard, it was the same one, same sound, same echo, but it was coming from behind them…. The group of three stopped before Adira turned around, “just an animal, small prints, a tiny cracked twig”, her voice repeated back to her
Varian’s Moonstone glowed a little with apprehension as Damien stood and backed up a bit. The face painted warrior glared, “you do *not* have permission to use my voice”, she snapped, “knock it off”
They were met with silence for a small bit before Varian gasped, “Need company?” His father’s voice asked, “Need company? Need company? Need company? Need company?” It repeated
“Do *NOT* use my dad’s voice!” Varian scolded, standing up and stepped forwards, the voices were silenced, “what do you want?” He asked angrily
There were a few seconds of silence before whispering could be heard. Varian’s Moonstone glowed brighter when this occurred, prompting the teen to raise a brow, “what the hell?” Damien said, “what’s going on?”
“Remember that story I told?” The alchemist asked, receiving a nod in return, “this is them, the shadow walkers”, he stated
“This is *them*?! S-shouldn’t we run?!”
“No”, Adira stated, “if we run, we’ll leave everyone else behind, and we’ll risk being killed”, she stated, “they want something, which is why they keep showing up, thing is, what do they want? Are you able to understand any of what they’re whispering about?” She asked, looking at her nephew
Varian shook his head, “I’m not, but someone is….” He looked at Adira, “they need to come out, can you keep him calm?” He gestured to Damien, who looked confused
“I can do that”
“Thank you, give me a second”, he turned back to the bushes, “you wanna talk to them, don’t you”, it wasn’t a question, he knew they wanted someone in particular, “let me just warn you, if you hurt me or my family, both of us will be extremely angry, and we’ll be more than able to punish anyone who breaks that rule”, he stated, his eyes glowing a bright blue, “understood?”
The whispering grew silent, showing they understood, the alchemist nodded before he sighed and closed his eyes. The Moonstone glowed brighter and brighter, engulfing the alchemist entirely, hiding his form from everyone until the light dimmed, and there stood a 14 year old looking Varian. Startling Damien to the point where he fell backwards, “what the hell?!”
“Shush”, the face painted warrior hissed, “I’ll explain later, but you must be calm now”
The man stayed quiet, though he couldn’t help the tiny yelp that escaped his mouth when he saw the teen’s eyes open and all that was inside them was blue light. Still, he said nothing, even as he noticed the teen’s hair and freckles glowing bright blue. The alchemist stared at him for a moment, glaring, before he looked towards the bushes, “I’m here”, he said, his voice deeper than Varian’s, “what do you need?”
All was still, until the entire forest bursted into whispers as the Moonstone listened, Damien and Adira waiting with bated breath as the shadow walkers spoke to the Moonstone.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So…. On Monday, I got really sick and I couldn’t post…. I’m really sorry about that, I have an appointment with the doctors on Sunday, so I may not post them either, but I do plan on posting today and tomorrow, at the very least, sorry for the inconvenience
Damien, Adira, and Varian….. Hoo boy this is gonna be a crazy adventure!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 617: The Moonstone and The Shadow Walkers!
Summary:
The Moonstone comes out and talks to the Shadow Walkers!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! <3 :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
There were a few seconds of silence before whispering could be heard. Varian’s Moonstone glowed brighter when this occurred, prompting the teen to raise a brow, “what the hell?” Damien said, “what’s going on?”
“Remember that story I told?” The alchemist asked, receiving a nod in return, “this is them, the shadow walkers”, he stated
“This is *them*?! S-shouldn’t we run?!”
“No”, Adira replied, “if we run, we’ll leave everyone else behind, and we’ll risk being killed... They want something, which is why they keep showing up, thing is, what do they want? Are you able to understand any of what they’re whispering about?” She asked, looking at her nephew
Varian shook his head, “I’m not, but someone is….” He looked at Adira, “they need to come out, can you keep him calm?” He gestured to Damien, who looked confused
“I can do that”
“Thank you, give me a second”, he turned back to the bushes, “you wanna talk to them, don’t you”, it wasn’t a question, he knew they wanted someone in particular, “let me just warn you, if you hurt me or my family, both of us will be extremely angry, and we’ll be more than able to punish anyone who breaks that rule”, he stated, his eyes glowing a bright blue, “understood?”
The whispering grew silent, showing they understood, the alchemist nodded before he sighed and closed his eyes. The Moonstone glowed brighter and brighter, engulfing the alchemist entirely, hiding his form from everyone until the light dimmed, and there stood a 14 year old looking Varian, startling Damien to the point where he fell backwards, “what the hell?!”
“Shush”, the face painted warrior hissed, “I’ll explain later, but you must be calm now”
The man stayed quiet, though he couldn’t help the tiny yelp that escaped his mouth when he saw the teen’s eyes open and all that was inside them was blue light. Still, he said nothing, even as he noticed the teen’s hair and freckles glowing bright blue. The alchemist stared at him for a moment, glaring, before he looked towards the bushes, “I’m here”, they said, their voice far deeper than Varian’s, “what do you need?”
All was still, until the entire forest burst into frantic whispers as the Moonstone listened, Damien and Adira waiting with bated breath as the shadow walkers spoke to the Moonstone. For a few moments, no one else said a word, that is until a tent opened behind them, and someone walked out. Adira gasped as Damien's eyes widened when he saw Quirin walking towards them. His left hand glowing bright blue, the Dark Kingdom mark clearly visible to anyone who noticed. The retired knight walked over to the Moonstone, standing beside them, not saying a word, before they sighed, "he did nothing to you...." They stated, "he's different from the one you speak of, even if he shares that title"
The whispering continuing, this time sounding angry as Adira and Damien went to look at Quirin, only to freeze when they saw his eyes, completely white, nothing in them..... Damien stared at the man before he felt someone shiver and looked at the face painted warrior
Adira was staring at her big brother, her body being unable to stop shaking as she watched him before looking at the Moonstone, "w-what did he do?" She asked quietly
"They think he's the same man who trespassed on their lands all those years ago", the Moonstone replied, silencing the whispers, "they misunderstand the role of Village Leader.... Or perhaps there was an unnamed tradition that none of us knew about until now.... Either way, Quirin is not the same person as the person as the one who trespassed onto their grounds, he's not even the same bloodline"
"They can't tell the difference?" Adira replied
"No they can't.... Their vision is limited, all they understand is the words we speak, they cannot see the blood that runs through humans.... And Quirin admitted he was the 100th Village Leader before"
"....How do we prove he's not the same?"
"The only way they'll accept is by taking him.... But he'll be killed...."
The whispering continued, getting the Moonstone's attention again as Adira felt a chill run down her spine. She looked at Quirin again before sighing. She glared at Damien, "listen, you stay put, no tricks, no gags, no jokes, you do anything to harm my brother and nephew, and I'll end you myself, understood?"
"I..... Y-yeah, but.... W-what are you doing?" Damien asked
"I'm getting the Prince and my brother, Hugo will be woken up, as will Lance, if they're not already, seeing as this is an issue, we'll need all the help we can get here, stay put and don't you dare move or do something stupid"
With one final glare, she left, Damien watching her go, as she rushed over to Eugene, Lance and Hector's tent. The man didn't move, didn't speak, he just watched her disappear before looking back to the 14 year old boy that used to be Varian.... He waited for sometime before he heard the whispering stop. He blinked and looked at the boy, "what's happening?"
He saw the boy glare at him, but they huffed, "they're waiting", they stated, "they want to see if we can prove Quirin's innocence"
"Oh...." Damien looked at the knight, his thoughts whirling, before he heard someone coming up behind him. He turned to see Hugo rushing over, the inventor looked disheveled and extremely anxious, but there was a determination that the man couldn't describe. The blond made it over and noticed both the Moonstone, and Damien, he sighed and stood next to his biological father. Damien looked at him, "you okay?" He asked
Hugo looked up at him, "no, got woken up by whispers and Adira explaining the whole situation, this is a whole other level of fucked up....." He stated before he looked up at the man, "you stayed put though, that's good at least"
Damien was about to respond when Eugene and Lance joined them, "woah, Quirin-!" The Dark Prince reached a hand towards the retired knight
"Don't!" The Moonstone snapped, getting Eugene to draw his hand back, "sorry, but if you touch him you'll be breaking a rule"
"Rule?" Lance asked
"The shadow walkers have Quirin in their grasps, they're being respectful of us by letting him stand here, but if we touch him, we'll be breaking their rules and forgoing all means of mediation with this"
"Oh... Well shit", both men stepped back, standing next to Hugo and Damien, "thanks for the warning"
The Moonstone nodded before they looked back towards the bushes, just as Hector, along with Adira, finally joined. The face painted warrior looked at Damien before glancing at her big brother, then back at Damien before giving a small nod as a thank you, to which he returned
"Oof, yup.... This is them...." Hector stated, shivering a little, "same feeling that I got before when the king came home after the caravan driver disappeared.... They want Quirin?"
"They think he's the same person", the Moonstone said
"Right, Adira explained it to me.... How many are there?"
"Hundreds...."
"Oh fuck...."
The Moonstone looked at Hugo, "do you know old legends and rules in Corona?"
"No, a-at least, not many, I started studying them with Freckles recently"
"Have either of you two found anything about Village Leaders?"
"No, nothing about th-! Wait! The Village Leader curse!" Hugo exclaimed, "t-there was a curse placed on the Coronan Village Leader, they all had something bad happen whenever they became the new Village Leaders! No one could really explain the reason, but we confirmed it to be true when Quirin told us that he had it too"
Eugene perked up at that, "I remember! It was the legends of Corona and Old Corona! Where we were debunking them all, er, Varian was at least", The Dark Prince exclaimed, "almost all of them were debunked by him except for two, if I remember right, the ghost wolf, and the Village Leader's curse"
The Moonstone sighed and looked towards the bushed, "that curse was placed on them by you, am I correct? Because a Village Leader trespassed"
The whispering replied, getting the Moonstone to nod
They looked back at the group, "well, now you know where it came from"
"....I don't know if I should be happy about that or not", Eugene stated, getting Hugo to snort
"So Quirin was cursed?" Adira asked
"No, but his position as Village Leader was", Hugo replied, "every man, surprisingly no women took up to position, who became the Village Leader in Old Corona had a curse on them. Something would cause them great pain and hinder their work. The man before Quirin always had sick livestock for example, so Corona went through a meat crisis for a while before he stepped down"
"What the hell?! The animals didn't do a damn thing! The fuck?!" Hector exclaimed angrily
"Hector, I know there's an injustice in what was just said, but getting the shadow walkers angry is the last thing you wanna do right now", the blond stated gently
The tamer huffed, "fine, but I'm gonna do something about that later"
"Noted”, Adira said, “Hugo continue, what was Quirin's?"
"Quirin always wanted a farming son, one he could share his love of plants and agriculture with, but he had Varian instead, an alchemist that ended up destroying more than he grew when he was younger. For a while, as Quirin put this, it was hard for him to accept, but as time went on, he grew to love what Varian did, and still does, and accepted it. He saw Varian as more of a blessing than a curse, and treated him as such"
This made the Moonstone's eyes widen as Hector and Adira looked at their big brother with a smile, "aw Quirin”, they said together
"Wait.... He saw Varian as a blessing...." The Moonstone stated before they looked at the bushed once again, "your curse became a blessing! That should be proof enough!" They exclaimed, "I know your curses, you place them on people, and if they truly deserve that curse, then it only grows. But if they don't, then it weakens and will even become a blessing! It's karma based magic! Quirin's curse became a blessing, his son is his entire world and I have proof of this!"
They snapped their fingers and suddenly the entire forest was lit up with glistening memories of Varian and Quirin together, times they were hugging, times they were happy, times they snuggled, times they struggled before they got back on their feet together, even when the amber came for Varian and Quirin pushed him out of the way, then showing when Quirin was freed and Varian rushed to hug him! All of the memories shined bright in the Moon light as everyone watched before they finally disappeared and the Moonstone smiled, "the curse is a blessing, this is not the same man, nor is he part of that bloodline! You must let him go!"
The shadow walkers were quiet for a bit, before Varian's voice spoke, "remember that story I told you?" He said, "that story I told you? that story I told you? that story I told you? that story I told you? that story I told you?" They repeated
"We know a Village Leader walked onto your grounds, but Quirin is not one of them", the Moonstone stated
A low growl echoed from the forest, getting everyone to jump, save for the Moonstone, who glared
"W-what was that?" Damien asked
"They're getting mad, something's wrong.... The story Varian told.... I remember it, I remember him reading it.... That's what it said, but something's wrong...."
"Could the story have been wrong?" Hugo asked, getting the Moonstone to look at him, "think about it, people lie all the time to make themselves seem so much better than they actually are. They lie about the past because they can get away with it. Freckles said there was only one camper that made it that night.... That story also blamed the shadow walkers for killing the others. What if that story was a lie?" He asked
"that story was a lie!" Hugo's voice repeated, "that story was a lie! that story was a lie!"
The Moonstone looked back to the bushed and nodded, "so you're saying it was. No wonder you're so angry, perhaps we should find the truth, would that bring you peace?"
The shadow walkers were silent, everyone waited before Eugene understood, "use my voice", he said, if we find the truth, will you be at peace. Yes, no", he offered
"Yes", they repeated using Eugene's voice, "yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, find the truth, be at peace, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes"
The Moonstone nodded, "then we will, but you must first let him go", they pointed to Quirin, "he's done nothing wrong, that's been proven, it's fair, we'll need his help either way, seeing as how he's the Village Leader"
There was silence
"They need words", Eugene stated, "someone has to say the right words, they can only copy for us to hear them too"
"They need words", his voice repeated
"Let Quirin go, yes, no", Lance said
"Fair or not fair", Hector added
"Need his help, Village Leader", Adira finished
Lance's voice was first, "Let Quirin go, yes", Adira’s came next, "need his help", then Hector's, "fair", the group smiled before Adira’s voice came again, "Village Leader", then Hector's once again, "not fair"
"Village Leader not fair?" Hugo asked
"The Village Leader wasn't fair to them maybe?" Damien offered
The Moonstone was quiet, "hey, why aren't they using your voice?" Eugene asked them
"Because they hold me in a higher regard, me and the Moon shield them at night, just as we do for werewolves and all other creatures of the night"
"Ah"
Suddenly, Quirin gasped and knelt down, breathing heavily, "QUIRIN!" Hector exclaimed, rushing over to the retired knight, "are you alright?"
The Village Leader looked at his king, his eyes were back to normal, "yeah, I'm alright, w-what happened? I heard voices and then...." He shivered, "s-someone's death...."
"You... WHAT?!" The tamer exclaimed
"Village Leader", Adira’s voice said again, followed by Hector, "not fair"
Quirin blinked, "the shadow walkers?"
"Yes", Hector replied, "they possessed you, thinking you were the same Village Leader that trespassed onto their grounds, also, apparently the story the spawn told is full of lies and they want us to solve it, tell the truth"
"Oh..."
"Also, the Village Leader curse thing, that's from them", Hugo added
"Oh! Well then..." The retired knight stood up, shaking his head a bit to clear it as Hector stood up with him, "we should probably get started then, shouldn't we?" He looked around before looking at his King worriedly, "where's Varian?"
"He allowed the Moonstone to take over", the wild tamer stated before pointing to behind Quirin
The retired knight turned and saw his son, who looked 14 once again, the Moonstone looked back at him, eyes, hair, and freckles still glowing, "hello knight", they said, their voice gently
"Hello Moonstone", Quirin replied, "thank you, for stopping them from taking me, I can only figure that was you who did it"
They nodded before looking back towards the bushes, "can you decipher something for me? They're giving us a clue, but I don't understand it"
"A clue?"
"Village Leader", Adira’s voice said again, followed by Hector, "not fair"
"Oh", Quirin looked towards the bushes as well before he thought for a moment, "Village Leader, not fair..... Are you saying that maybe the Village Leaders of the past did something with the information?"
"did something", his voice repeated back to him, before Hector's, "not fair"
"Hmmm..... Maybe they hid it?" He said
"Hid it!" His voice repeated, "Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it!"
"I see...." The Moonstone said before they gasped, their glow shining a bit brighter for a second, "Varian!" They said, getting everyone's attention, "Varian easy! Calm down, you'll split up apart if you don't!"
"Freckles?" Hugo asked
"He must've realized something", Quirin replied, "a clue we're missing"
The Moonstone smiled, "such a clever boy", they said, before closing their eyes, their glow growing a touch, before they stepped back, and there stood a floating, transparent, glowing, Varian
"Huh? Wha?! Oh!" Varian said as he looked at himself, "astral projection, eheh, forgot about that"
The Moonstone chuckled
Varian blushed, "the book with the story I read, I brought it with me!" He stated, "I was reading it, with Hugo, while riding in the caravan here", he added, "Ruddy could get it out, it's in my backpack"
"Where is Ruddigar?" Quirin asked
"He's still asleep with Liv", Hugo responded, "I didn't wanna wake him"
"Ah, well, Hugo you know what it looks like"
"I do, I could grab it really quickly, but what do you think it'll have in there aside from the story full of lies?"
"When I was reading it, there were references made to that specific story that I didn't understand. Ones made in the other stories! I think they might be referring to what actually happened, because one of them talked about the shadow walkers!"
The inventor smiled and nodded, "gotcha, I'll go grab it!" With that he ran off back to the tent
Varian grinned, "thank you love!" He called, getting a wave in return, before he looked at his dad, "good to have you back"
"Good to be back", Quirin replied with a smile, "though I now have a ghost child at the moment"
"I'm the spoooooooky thing now, eheh"
"Very spooky, but again with those wiggle fingers"
"They add ambiance and you can't tell me otherwise!"
Quirin chuckled as Hugo ran back with the book in question, Varian grinned when he saw his lover, taking the book, kissing the blond's cheek, then flipping through its pages before he looked towards the bushes, "we'll find the truth, and when we do, we'll bring you all peace", he stated
The group heard whispering before Varian and the Moonstone smiled, the alchemist replying happily with a small, "you're welcome", before the night grew silent once again.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this was a longer chapter, both because I can't post tomorrow, and because I got really into it! :D
Poor Quirin keeps getting possessed and it just isn't good for his health! 99.5% of the time, possession leads to weakness, body aches, sadness, your body being controlled by another thing, and even sometimes death, would not recommend trying this unless you'd like a lifetime of trauma! .5% chance of nothing bad happening, and that's only if Beetlejuice happens to be the one doing it and all he does is make you dance and sing the banana song, which wasn't even him in the movie or musical, but he likes to stick to the classics
The Moonstone coming out to play means some serious business! Also, Damien actually staying put, and Adira being awesome and smart! Woot!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! :D <3
Chapter 618: The Shadow Walker Quest!
Summary:
Varian and co decide to look into some of the clues they’ve found!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Oh", Quirin looked towards the bushes as well before he thought for a moment, "Village Leader, not fair..... Are you saying that maybe the Village Leaders of the past did something with the information?"
"did something", his voice repeated back to him, before Hector's, "not fair"
"Hmmm..... Maybe they hid it?" He said
"Hid it!" His voice repeated, "Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it! Hid it!"
"I see...." The Moonstone said before they gasped, their glow shining a bit brighter for a second, "Varian!" They said, getting everyone's attention, "Varian easy! Calm down, you'll split up apart if you don't!"
"Freckles?" Hugo asked
"He must've realized something", Quirin replied, "a clue we're missing"
The Moonstone smiled, "such a clever boy", they said, before closing their eyes, their glow growing a touch, before they stepped back, and there stood a floating, transparent, glowing, Varian
"Huh? Wha?! Oh!" Varian said as he looked at himself, "astral projection, eheh, forgot about that"
The Moonstone chuckled
Varian blushed, "the book with the story I read, I brought it with me!" He stated, "I was reading it, with Hugo, while riding in the caravan here", he added, "Ruddy could get it out, it's in my backpack"
"Where is Ruddigar?" Quirin asked
"He's still asleep with Liv", Hugo responded, "I didn't wanna wake him"
"Ah, well, Hugo you know what it looks like"
"I do, I could grab it really quickly, but what do you think it'll have in there aside from the story full of lies?"
"When I was reading it, there were references made to that specific story that I didn't understand. Ones made in the other stories! I think they might be referring to what actually happened, because one of them talked about the shadow walkers!"
The inventor smiled and nodded, "gotcha, I'll go grab it!" With that he ran off back to the tent
Varian grinned, "thank you love!" He called, getting a wave in return, before he looked at his dad, "good to have you back"
"Good to be back", Quirin replied with a smile, "though I now have a ghost child at the moment"
"I'm the spoooooooky thing now, eheh"
"Very spooky, but again with those wiggle fingers"
"They add ambiance and you can't tell me otherwise!"
Quirin chuckled as Hugo ran back with the book in question, Varian grinned when he saw his lover, taking the book, kissing the blond's cheek, then flipping through its pages before he looked towards the bushes, "we'll find the truth, and when we do, we'll bring you all peace", he stated
The group heard whispering before Varian and the Moonstone smiled, the alchemist replying happily with a small, "you're welcome", before the night grew silent once again
****
The group decided not to sleep that night, all of them trying to figure out how to solve this elaborate mystery. Varian had taken back over his body, the Moonstone allowing him to do so, as they needed to rest after keeping the shadow walkers at bay. Hugo had helped Varian write down the clues they found in the book, but both because frustrated when they kept running into a wall, “how the fuck did that Village Leader survive?!” The blond snapped, after an hour and a half of searching led to nothing once again
“I don’t know love”, the alchemist replied, “from what we can gather, the Village Leader, and his friends, were surrounded by shadow walkers during a camping trip, and he was the only one to survive it, those parts of his story are the only ones that tell the truth. But the other clues just don’t add up, nor do the other parts of his story add up with the clues given either”
“Yeah, I mean, this one goes to the lake and ends up dead”, Hugo said, pointing to a clue before going to another, “this one fucking stands there in shock at their campsite and dies on the spot, no reason, no explanation or how they died, save for “the shadow walkers got them”, just *pbbt*, gone in an instant. And the bodies were never found, like, how are we supposed to fucking solve this?!” He asked with a huff, “and correct me if I’m wrong here, but shadow walkers can just spirit people away, can they?”
“Nope”, Hector replied as he and Adira sat very closely to Quirin, who was chuckling, “I mean they technically can for a little while, they can make people disappear in the shadow, but their bodies are always found later on, that’s what happened to the caravan driver that king saw”, he said, “
“Maybe you two should take a break?” Lance suggested
“Yeah, no offense, but you both look like you’re about to tear that book apart”, Eugene added
“None taken, I’m tempted”, Varian stated with a huff as he glared at the book, “none of the deaths make sense, and they all lack any explanation, whatsoever, of how they happened! I mean why do all the stories in this book have this same issue?! Just, how and why?!”
“….Maybe that’s the point”, Damien said, getting the pair of scientists to look at him, “what if it’s all a lie, I mean, there’s only one author right?”
The alchemist blinked, “yeah, but the stories came from different people”
“How do you know? Do they credit the people that told them?”
Varian blinked before he looked through the book and searched every story, every line, including the table of contents, and found, “nothing….” He said, “there’s no other names, save for the publisher company’s name…..”
“Then all of those stories were written and made by one person, the same Village Leader who lied about the shadow walkers”, Damien stated with a shrug
“How did I *miss* that?!” Varian asked, his eyes wide, “if that’s the case, then *nothing* in this book can be verified, except that something happened that involved the shadow walkers and that particular Village Leader and his friends! And only because the shadow walkers *themselves* told us that!”
“How did you know it was only one person?” Hugo asked, a little impressed by Damien’s assessment
The man shrugged, “if I were going to tell a lie and back it up with stories I make up, I’d publish kt in the book and make me seem like a damn hero”, he stated, “easiest scam I’ve ever heard of”
“You know a lot about scamming?” Hector asked with a raised brow
“When you live in the slums of Ingvarr for years, you tend to pay attention to the details of random people’s sob stories”, he stated, “just so you don’t get scammed yourself”
“Right, and your details would be….”
Damien sighed, “ask me what you want, I got nothing to hide”
“Maybe we focus on this first?” Varian asked, “as much as I’d love to dig into his story, and believe me, I would, Damien did just help us with this”
The tamer huffed, “fine, for now I’ll leave it be”
Damien smirked, getting Hector to glare at him, only for Hugo to notice, “don’t worry Hector, you’ll be able to chew his ass out for any of the bullshit he’s told us once we’re done with this”
That made Damien’s smirk drop instantly as Hector smiled evilly at the man, “noted”, he said
“So if the story is a lie, then how are you two going to solve this mystery?” Adira asked
“Well”, Varian said, “to take a line out of my dad’s book, every lie told has a *tiny* grain of truth inside it. All we need to do, is find that grain and follow it. And I think I have an idea”, he smiled when he picked up one of their clues, “maybe this isn’t how the person died, but maybe it’s *where* they died”, he stated, “after all, it seems to line up with the rules of Corona and Old Corona today, we’re not allowed to drink from the lake mentioned in the story, no one knows why considering it could be cleaned easily if it were a normal lake, but if someone died in it, that’s a different story”
“A very *gruesome* story too, how are you so calm about this kiddo?” Eugene asked
“Because I’m more concerned about finding the truth and reclaiming the shadow walker’s innocence, and releasing the future Village Leaders, and my dad, of this curse, than what’s already happened. Though I am worried about what we’ll find out…..”
“Oooooh, I get it, because Hugo’s gonna be the next Village Leader too”
“That as well”
“Wait, he is?” Damien asked
“Yup”, Quirin replied, “he’s a hard working bean, and a damn good farmer and leader, so I chose him as my replacement”
Hugo blushed, “aw pops”
“Pops?” Damien asked
Hugo blinked before he huffed at the man, “Quirin’s raised me since I was 16, he’s taught me a lot, gave me a home when I needed one, saved me from a shitty life, and helped me through so much. I consider him my pops, made even more so with the fact that I plan on marrying his son, so yeah, pops, and I’m not changing that”, he stated, “*ever*”
Damien flinched at the blonds harsh tone, “sorry, just startled me is all”
The blond let out an angry breath before he looked at Varian, “so, we heading to the lake then?”
The alchemist grinned, “yup! Also, awww!”
“Stop it”
“But you were so cool!”
“You’re a butt”
“Hee hee”, Varian kissed his fiancé’s cheek before standing up, “alrighty, shall we go?”
“Yes we shall”, Quirin replied with a wide smile as he stood up too, the rest of the group doing the same
“Hold on, we should have someone stay at camp”, Hector stated, “just in case”
“We should have two”, Hector agreed, “particularly those who can fight”
“You two volunteerin?” Lance asked
“Fuck no!” Hector snapped
“Absolutely not”, Adira added, though much gentler than her brother
“Easy, I was jokin”, the former thief said with a placating gesture
“Damien stays”, Varian said suddenly, his eyes glowing bright
“Uh….. Freckles?” Hugo asked
“That’s not Varian”, Quirin replied, “that’s the Moonstone”
“Damien stays”, the Moonstone repeated, “along with you Quirin”
“Huh? Me? Why?”
“Because if he’s lying, and does something to this camp, then you’ll have the satisfaction of taking him down. Plus, the shadow walkers don’t like Village Leader, your name’s been cleared, but your title has not, it would be unwise for you to traverse the woods”
“I….” The retired knight wanted to argue, but he hesitated as he stared at the Moonstone
“I was gonna stay behind anyway”, Damien stated with a shrug
Quirin grimaced at the man’s statement before looking back at the Moonstone, “….I don’t like this idea….”
“Nor does Varian”, the Moonstone stated calmly, “but it is the only correct option”
“Moonstone, Quirin’s the strongest one here, no offense”, Hugo said, Adira and Hector shrugged, “what if we run into trouble?”
“Adira and Hector are more than capable of handling anything we may encounter, as are Eugene and Lance, plus Varian and you have abilities these animals and creatures will not expect, Quirin must stay here”
Quirin hesitated, but then sighed and nodded, “ok….”
“What-Quirin-!” Hugo began
“It’s okay, the Moonstone has a reason for having me stay behind”, the retired knight interrupted gently, whatever it may be, I’m more than willing to accept it, even if I don’t agree”
“B-but-!”
“I can assure you, this is for the best”, the Moonstone said before they glared at Damien, “if something happens to Quirin, and that’s only one man standing here by the time we get back, there’ll be *hell* to pay”, he warned, his eyes shining bright and getting the man to back up a bit
“F-Freckles!” Hugo exclaimed
The Moonstone blinked before turning and spotting Varian astral projecting, he was staring at the Moonstone, his face full of anxiety, “I know you’re worried, but your father is capable”
“My father is *human* too”, the alchemist stated, “I know what you’re doing….. and I don’t like it in the slightest…..”
“Quirin will be okay”
“He’s my dad, he may have promised an oath to you and the Moon, but he’s *my* dad, and I don’t like what you’re *using* him for!”
“Varian, he will be safe”
“How do you know?”
“Because the Moon told me so”, the Moonstone stated, pointing straight up and getting the alchemist to look, “she will keep him safe. If things go the way I believe they will, then she will protect your father, she won’t let him get hurt, you can trust us both”
Varian stared up at the Moon for a long time, her light shining on him, almost as if she were confirming the Moonstone’s statement, before he finally let out a sigh and looked at his father, “stay within the Moon’s light, oki?”
Quirin smiled and nodded, “oki, but I’ll be alright son”
“I know….. it’s not you I don’t trust”, he glared at Damien, his look as cold as ice, but as hot as Hell, it made the man quake a little, even more so when the alchemist fully faced him, “listen…. You’ve shown you’re not an idiot, and you did help us with this mystery a bit, but I will not trust you until you’ve proven, without a shadow of a doubt, that you mean my family no harm. Now don’t get me wrong, my father could crush you and demolish any chance you have of living within 1 second flat, and even that would be too slow. However, you’re cunning, and I can sense that….. I don’t like it, and I don’t like you….. So if something happens to my father, even if I find him just *slightly* more upset than he was before because of you, and I’ll make sure you wished you *never* met me…… That’s a *promise*”
Eugene and Lance shivered a bit as Hector, Adira, and Hugo smirked, Quirin and the Moonstone were a little startled, but Damien’s fear filled face showed the message was received, “I-I-I….. I-I’m not p-planning on harming h-him…..” the man replied, “g-geez, do you r-really think he’s t-that weak?”
“NO!” Varian stomped his foot, making the area shake a bit and knocking Damien off his feet, “that’s the issue, he’s too strong, in every sense of the damn word! And that’s all anyone ever fucking tells me! “Your dad’s strong, he’ll be okay”, he’s fucking *HUMAN*! He’s not a machine, not an automaton, not a damn monkey for everyone to use for their tests or games! He’s human! And I swear if you hurt him in any way shape or form then I’m gonna come after you and make your life a living HELL!” He screamed before he backed up a bit and let out a breath, the black rocks armor that was forming on his body dissipating slowly
“Varian…..” Eugene said softly
“The shadow walker’s anger is affecting him”, the Moonstone stated
“It’s not just that”, the alchemist replied huffily, “he was nearly taken by the shadow walkers due to a damn misunderstanding! He was helpless to stop them! You had to take over my damn body and use up most of your energy just to make sure he’d stay alive! That kind of thing puts a lot into perspective! It was so easy for them to possess him! So easy for him to become their puppet and suffer consequences for a crime he NEVER committed! And I just…..” The alchemist sighed and looked at his father again, worry and fear lacing every inch of his body, “I don’t want it to h-happen again….. I almost l-lost him once…. Not again…. N-never again…..”
“Son…..” Quirin said, before he walked over and kneeled before his boy, getting eye level with him, though the alchemist was a touch taller now, but only a little, “bubby I’m not gonna go anywhere”, he said softly, “the shadow walkers won’t do anything to me, I trust them and the Moon and Moonstone, I’ll be okay, nothing will happen to me”
“It did though”, Varian stated, “you were taken over and there was nothing I could do to s-stop it!”
“That’s not your fault-!”
“B-but you almost died!” Varian interrupted, “just l-like before….” He sniffled
“The amber….” Lance said gently
“Yeah….. the a-amber….”
“Son, I won’t die now, I can promise you I won’t. I survived that ordeal, both of us did, and we got to meet Hugo, and Eugene, and Lance! We got through a lot tougher than this, believe me, I’ll be okay”, Quirin said gently as he cupped his son’s cheek, “you’ve gotta stop worrying about me, I’ll be okay, I will”
“I-if I don’t, w-who will?”
Quirin was a little startled by that, but chuckled, “so stubborn”, he said lovingly, booping his son’s nose, “how about this, you only worry about me if something actually happens, okay? If nothing does, then you won’t have worried for nothing!”
The alchemist sniffled before raising a brow, “does that actually h-help you?”
Quirin laughed, “it was a start”, he said with a smile, “helped me when you went with Rapunzel to face the red rocks”, he added, “and when I had to be locked up due to the mind trap, I only worried about you when something happened, so long as you kept visiting me, I didn’t worry, even through my hazy brain”
Varian giggled, “hazy brain”
His father snickered and hugged his son, to which the alchemist returned it, “I’ll be okay, I’ll stay in the Moon’s light, and if anything happens, you’ll know, and I know you’ll come to save me, you and Hugo both”
“A-*hem*!”
Quirin snorted and pulled away, “and, I *guess*, Adira and Hector will help too”
“Asshole”, Hector stated
“Agreed”, Adira confirmed
The retired knight chuckled before he looked at his son, “okay?”
Varian sniffled for the finely timed, then nodded, “o-okay”
Quirin kissed Varian forehead before standing up and looking at Hugo before he smirked and walked over, scooping the blond up and hugging him too, “AH! AFFECTION! GET IT AWAY!” Hugo joked while weakly trying to get away
Quirin laughed and kissed Hugo’s forehead too before setting him down, the blond fixing his hair when he did, “you all be safe now, okay?”
Eugene smiled, “we will Quirin, and don’t worry, we’ll take care of Varian and Hugo….. and Lance”
“OI!” The former thief exclaimed
“I’m just kidding Lance”
Quirin snickered, “thank you Eugene, all of you be safe, we’ll be waiting for you all when you get back, okay?”
The group let out a collective “ok”, as a reply before they said their final goodbyes and left in search of the lake, leaving Quirin and Damien alone at camp, with nothing but the Moon for company
****
“You okay Freckles?” Hugo asked as the Moonstone gave Varian his body back, allowing the alchemist to walk freely
“Yeah….. Guys I’m sorry about that…. I just…. Had a bit of a meltdown there….” the freckled teen replied
“It’s okay kiddo, we understand”, Eugene said with a smile
“Yeah! You and your dad have been through waaaaaay too much for us to be judgin your worry filled outburst”, Lance added
“Still…. It’s been over two years now, I should be over it….”
“Trauma doesn’t just go away over time, it just gets easier to bear”, Hector stated, “why do you think I prefer you asshats over the *billions* of other people in the world?”
That made the alchemist giggle just a bit, “fair point”, he said with a relieved smile as Hugo took his hand, lacing their fingers together and making the alchemist’s heart flutter a bit
“So, we’re searching for the lake?” The inventor asked
“Y-*a-hem* yeah, we are”, he squeaked
“Huh-oh, hand holding gets me too hairstripes”, Eugene said, getting Varian to blush
“Awwww!” Lance exclaimed, “two beans in love!”
“Hector, I’d like to borrow your potty mount for a second”, Varian stated
“Eh? Oh sure, *ahem*”, he looked at Eugene and Lance, “assholes”
“Thank you!”
“No probl-AH!” The wild tamer slipped, but his hand was caught by Adira, who pulled him back to her just before he fell into the lake, “*phew*, thanks”
“You’re welcome….. asshole”, the face painted warrior replied with a smirk
Hector swiped his hand back and nodded, “fuck you”
“Happy to help”
“Guys, this is the lake!” Varian stated
“Really? What tells you it’s the right one?” Eugene asked
“Well…… so….. this is disgusting to know, but a lake remains contaminated for decades or even centuries after initial contamination if there are certain factors at play. A body actually breaks down pretty quickly and the lake can easily wash it away, however, there are factors, like it the body has certain pollutants in it that cause it to be much harder to break down….. and you can always tell if that’s the case…. By the murkiness of the water, the algae growing around or in it, the discoloration, the lack of aquatic life, or the dead aquatic life…… and judging from the rancid, greenish yellow, algae covers, aquatic life missing, murky lake we’re looking at….. yeah I’d say this lake is the one we’re looking for……”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this took me so long to write because I was basically trying to write two chapters in one! I feel bad for the lack of chapters this week, so I wanted to end on a longer chapter to make amends for that
The doctors say I’m okay now, thankfully, just need to rest up a bit. But I’m not giving up on this fic! I will see it through to the end!
As for this chapter, yeah a lot happened here….. Moonstone has an idea that has Quirin in it, Varian’s trauma came back up for a second, Quirin and Varian adorable moment, Hugo and Varian adorable moment, family lovins, Hector and Adira being funny siblings, and then a scary cliff hanger, woot!!!!!
Also, I had to look up stuff about the lake being contaminated, and I’m pretty sure I’ve ended up on the government’s list of people to watch, so O.O…… it was just for a fanfic I swear!!!!!!! DX
Either way, I hope you all enjoy this, thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Next chapter will be a doozy! 😁
Chapter 619: The Lake!
Summary:
The group finds the lake and searches around when Varian gets an idea!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :S
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“You okay Freckles?” Hugo asked as the Moonstone gave Varian his body back, allowing the alchemist to walk freely
“Yeah….. Guys I’m sorry about that…. I just…. Had a bit of a meltdown there….” the freckled teen replied
“It’s okay kiddo, we understand”, Eugene said with a smile
“Yeah! You and your dad have been through waaaaaay too much for us to be judgin your worry filled outburst”, Lance added
“Still…. It’s been over two years now, I should be over it….”
“Trauma doesn’t just go away over time, it just gets easier to bear”, Hector stated, “why do you think I prefer you asshats over the *billions* of other people in the world?”
That made the alchemist giggle just a bit, “fair point”, he said with a relieved smile as Hugo took his hand, lacing their fingers together and making the alchemist’s heart flutter a bit
“So, we’re searching for the lake?” The inventor asked
“Y-*a-hem* yeah, we are”, he squeaked
“Huh-oh, hand holding gets me too hairstripes”, Eugene said, getting Varian to blush
“Awwww!” Lance exclaimed, “two beans in love!”
“Hector, I’d like to borrow your potty mouth for a second”, Varian stated
“Eh? Oh sure, *ahem*”, he looked at Eugene and Lance, “assholes”
“Thank you!”
“No probl-AH!” The wild tamer slipped, but his hand was caught by Adira, who pulled him back to her just before he fell into the lake, “*phew*, thanks”
“You’re welcome….. asshole”, the face painted warrior replied with a smirk
Hector swiped his hand back and huffed, “fuck you”
“Happy to help”
“Guys, this is the lake!” Varian stated
“Really? What tells you it’s the right one?” Eugene asked
“Well…… so….. this is disgusting to know, but a lake remains contaminated for decades or even centuries after initial contamination if there are certain factors at play. A body actually breaks down pretty quickly and the lake can easily wash it away, however, there are factors, like if the body has certain pollutants in it that can cause it to be much harder to break down….. and you can always tell if that’s the case…. By the murkiness of the water, the algae growing around or in it, the discoloration, the lack of aquatic life, or the dead aquatic life…… and judging from the rancid, greenish yellow, algae covered, aquatic life missing, murky lake we’re looking at….. yeah I’d say this lake is the one we’re looking for……”
The group looked at the lake and winced, each of them covering their noses as the smell hit them, “ugh…. That’s *foul*!” Lance exclaimed
“So how are we supposed to find out what actually happened here?” Eugene asked, “I’m not sure about any of you, but ‘dirty lake diving’ is not on my bucket list”
“We need to find the body, if there is one here still, that’ll give us clues as to how they died”, Varian responded
“Ok, great….. How do we do that, because ‘dirty lake diving in order to find in over 100 year old body’ is *also* not on my bucket list”
The alchemist stared at the water for a long time, his thoughts swirling in bs head as he remembered his father being left alone with Damien, and he found he couldn’t think straight anymore. The ideas he had were all a blur of messy anxiety and worry before he let out a sigh as one finally surfaced, and he grabbed onto it, he uncovered his nose, and walked towards the lake, “spawn? What are you doing?” Hector asked, voice filled with concern. When his nephew didn’t answer, he huffed, said, “fuck no”, uncovered his nose, and ran towards the teen, blocking his path, “*what* are you doing?” He asked again
“I’m gonna see if there’s a body”, Varian replied, “if I managed to hop in, it should only take me a minute to-!”
“Are you fucking kidding me?! You can’t stand the sight of blood without fainting! And you wanna *swim* inside a dirty ass lake for a *body*?! Not only do I *know* that that’s an *awful* idea due to so many damn diseases you could fucking catch, but your dad would fucking *kill* us if you did that!”
“I’m not gonna go too deeply in the lake”
“Varian”, Hector said, his voice serious, “you’re not fucking doing that. Me and Adira can, or just me if she doesn’t want to, but you stay far the fuck *away*”
“B-but-!”
“Look, I’ve been in awful situations that have *prepared* me for this kinda thing, you haven’t, I’ve been *trained* to do this, you haven’t. It’s just better that you stay back while I look, okay?”
“Hector, you don’t have t-!”
“I’m not going -*into* the lake, that’s just a bad idea no matter who it is, like I said, so many damn diseases. But I have better eye sight and my badgers can smell far more than any of us, and I’m sorry, but that includes Ruddigar too. Let me do this part, okay?” The wild tamer gave a small smile, “I know you’re worried about Quirin, and maybe you’re not thinking straight right now, but trust me, this is the better option. I’ll make sure we look good and hard, you just don’t go taking risks like this, it’ll only end up hurting you, and none of us want that, least of all me, okay?”
“I-but-! ……” Varian sighed and took a step back, “o-oki…..”
Hector let out a sigh of relief before he looked at Adira, “you can stay away if you want, watch him if you are”
The face painted warrior nodded, “next one is mine”, she stated before walking over to Varian
“Noted”, Hector replied before he looked at the lake, he let out a small breath before he snapped his fingers, getting Pixie and Basil to stand at attention, “sniff the lake, locate a body, inform me if you do or don’t or can’t, do not go inside the lake, and do not grab the body”, he ordered
The two badgers nodded before they began to search, sniffing the area while Hector went next to the lake and kneeled by it, looking inside to see if he could spot anything out of the ordinary
****
It’d been the better half of an hour since Hector, Pixie, and Basil began searching the lake, the rest of the group had stood back and watched them work, no one really knew what to do, Adira had managed to make them all nose clips, including Hector, who appreciated it immensely, but that was it. No one spoke, moved, or really did anything other than watch the tamer work, that is, until they heard Pixie let out a loud yip! Grabbing everyone’s attention, “where?” Hector asked
Pixie ran to him and chittered something at him, he nodded then looked at the group, “she found it, I’m gonna follow her, it’s no too far from here”
Adira nodded, “well stay here, now that a body’s been confirmed, perhaps we could look for anything that might indicate how she passed”
“Good idea, we’ll be back in…. 10 minutes, give or take, yell if you need me”
“Same to you”
With a nod between the duo, Hector and Basil followed Pixie to where she’d located the body. Adira looked at the group, “I meant what I said, we should look around for anything that may indicate what happened to this person, since there’s a body nearby, it wouldn’t be too unlikely for there to be something buried with items that belonged to them”
“Right, we should search for weapons, bags, anything that looks worn down and old”, Eugene agreed
“Wait, we’re assumin stuff like that would still be lyin around out here. It’s been over 100 years though!” Lance exclaimed
“Synthetic fabrics, like polyester, are less biodegradable and can last for 200 plus years in a landfill”, Varian stated, “given that this is a forest, and polyester was the more common cloth used back in that time period, along with other cloth with more natural fibers, I’m certain we’ll find something that’ll give us some clues”
“So can metals like steel and copper”, Hugo added, “mind you, they’ll be really fucking rusty, but they last longer than people think”
“……well shut my mouth”, Lance stated
The group chuckled before they began to look around, they worked in two groups, Hugo, Varian, and Adira were one, Lance and Eugene were the other, as they searched, they made sure not to go too far from each other, that is, until Lance noticed something shiny, “ey! Could this be somethin?” He called, getting everyone to come over to him as he dug it up
“Wait!” Varian stopped him before he pulled out some gloves from his pocket, “just in case there’s still some DNA, or disease, or anything, use these”, he offered the gloves to the man
“Thanks! Uh….. there anything I can wash my dirt covered hands with? I dug before you all came over here”
“Hmmm…. Oh! Here”, Varian pulled out a small vial, “it’s my newest alchemical solution! I call it, sanitizer! It acts like lotion, but instead of using it to get softer skin, you use it to clean small body parts, like your hands! It cleans cuts too, but it does sting them a little, still working on that”
“Oooh! I’m a science guinea pig!” Lance exclaimed excitedly as he got a little sanitizer on his hands
“Actually, I was the first one to try this product, and it works”
“Ah, well I still feel important in the world of science for bein second”
“You should, I feel like this product is gonna go worldwide!”
Lance smiled at the alchemist’s excitement before he rubbed his hands together, sure enough, the dirt came off, “ooh! That works amazingly well! And my hands smell sterile!”
Varian grinned happily as Lance put the gloves on, the alchemist handing everyone else some gloves as well, before he watched the man pull out when he’d found, “a knife?” He asked
“Can I see that Lance?” Hugo asked, the former thief handed it to him and the inventor rubbed some dirt off the item, studying it closely before he blinked, “it’s a fishing knife, one used to gut and descale fish in order to cook them”, the blond stated, “you can tell because of the riveted end, it’s made to slice through scales and flesh, and this is some old copper too! Which is what they used to use for fish knives”
“Ok, so a gutting knife, that’s a start…. Though it could’ve been used for fish and been apart of their camping gear, so that doesn’t tell us everything”, Varian said, “still, that’s a really good find! Nice job Lance, and Hugo!”
Both smiled at the praise, “how’d you find that bud?” Eugene asked
“I’m used to spottin shiny stuff in the dirt everywhere I go, I used to do so for change in order to buy street food, remember?”
“Oh yeah! You were better at it than I was!”
“Heh, yeah, still am too”
“Alright well don’t get cocky”
Lance grinned teasingly before he looked at Varian, “I found it right here, what do you think that means?”
“Well, depending on how far away the body is, it could mean that there was a struggle, maybe the victim tried to fight back with the gutting knife, or they threw stuff in order to distract whatever they may or may not have been running from, so many questions, so many possibilities….”
“So, we need more”
“Much more, once Hector comes back after examining the body, we’ll have a little more to go off of”
“Can’t the Moonstone use their powers to show us what happened?” Eugene asked
“No, the Moonstone can sense when things will happen, and they do give me the ability to sense danger from night creatures, but they can’t show something they didn’t see…..”
“Wait….. the Moonstone can’t? But who showed us all those kings and queens in the Dark Kingdom? They couldn’t see all of that could they? Some of that was outside of the Dark Kingdom”
“That wasn’t the Moonstone showing us those visions, they were just guiding you to where they were, the one who showed those visions was-!” He gasped as he looked up to the sky, “the Moon! She’s seen everything, so long as it happens at night! Just as the Sun sees everything during the day!”
“Oh! Well maybe the Moon could show us?”
“Maybe…. Though she’s told me before that she can’t interfere with humans, for fear of changing our fate…. But maybe there’s a work around?”
“Wait, if she can’t interfere with humans fate, then technically didn’t she break the rules with the kings and queens?”
“Not exactly, she is the keeper of all spirits, if she happens to see some that aren’t at peace, she can use her power to help them”
“Ah”
“As for this however….. I don’t see or sense any spirits around that aren’t at peace….. do you Hugo?”
“Nope”, the inventor replied, “then again, they usually appear without us really having to look…. Maybe we could call out to them? Heh, if only Beetlejuice hadn’t stayed behind at the bar, betcha he would’ve come in real handy here”
“Why did he stay again?” Eugene asked
“He wanted to have some drinks, he will be joining up with us later though”
“Noted”
“Hmmmm….. Maybe…..” Varian looked up at the Moon, “um….. are they at peace? If they’re not, are you able to let us help them? Maybe they could tell us their story”
The Moon shimmered on the teen for a little bit, before her light shined brighter and brighter, surrounding the group, before it vanished. The group blinked before looking around, “what happened?” Eugene asked before he froze, eyes wide, as he stared at what was in front of him, “uh….. hi?” He said
Adira rubbed her eyes and looked at Eugene, “hi?”
“Look”, he pointed
She did then gasped as she saw a transparent woman standing beside Varian, who was still rubbing his eyes, “oh my-!” She noticed three more people around the alchemist, all of them looked tired and sad, and all of them were transparent, “four….. five campers, only one survived…… These four…. They must be the ones that didn’t…..”
The alchemist finally managed to clear his eyes of the bright light before he looked around and jumped, “oh! Uh, h-hi!”
The spirits didn’t answer, they just watched him
“…..not much for conversation, are they?” Lance asked
“I’m back! And boy do I have a lot to tell all of y-what the fuck?!” Hector stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the spirits standing around, “…..did you all summon ghosts?…… AND YOU DIDN’T WAIT FOR ME?!”
“Hector, the Moon brought them here”, Adria said
“Oh…… Im still offended”, the wild tamer said before he walked over, “that body by the way, I saw them. She looked like a female, and from what I could gather, she was stabbed…. A bunch, then thrown into the lake, something happened to her mouth too, because there was very old blood that turned into gangrene around it”, he said, “I found her bag nearby, it was full of moldy food and shit, but I saw a few things that were pretty interesting. I brought it with me too, it’s over there”, he pointed towards the trees, “the smell is awful, but you’ll wanna see what’s inside”
“Good job”, Adira replied with a smile
“Thanks, now how did this happen?” He asked
Adira explained as Varian watched the spirits, he noticed none of them seemed able to speak, and he felt a longing to want to help them, “hello there”, he said softly, “my name is Varian, what’s yours?”
For a second, none of them spoke, then the female spirit looked at the teen, and opened her mouth, only for Hugo to yelp, “t-t-tongue!” He stuttered before covering his mouth
Varian was silent, his heart racing, his mind fuzzy, as he stared at the opened mouth of the female, her tongue completely gone, clearly showing that it’d been cut from her mouth, preventing her from speaking
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter is spooky! Well, it has a spooky ending! I really love the paranormal, and I can’t seem to escape it, so I ended up doing more with them because I just really like it
I feel bad, because this is supposed to be a bachelors trip, they’ll have fun again, no worries there, but…. Yeah…… ghosts!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 620: Where to Go From Here!
Summary:
The group manages to speak with the spirits, and they find a way to see what happened the night they died, but to do so, they have to do something dangerous!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 😊❤️🎶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I’m back! And boy do I have a lot to tell all of y-what the fuck?!” Hector stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the spirits standing around, “…..did you all summon ghosts?…… AND YOU DIDN’T WAIT FOR ME?!”
“Hector, the Moon brought them here”, Adria said
“Oh…… Im still offended”, the wild tamer said before he walked over, “that body by the way, I saw them. She looked like a female, and from what I could gather, she was stabbed…. A bunch, then thrown into the lake, something happened to her mouth too, because there was very old blood that turned into gangrene around it”, he said, “I found her bag nearby, it was full of moldy food and shit, but I saw a few things that were pretty interesting. I brought it with me too, it’s over there”, he pointed towards the trees, “the smell is awful, but you’ll wanna see what’s inside”
“Good job”, Adira replied with a smile
“Thanks, now how did this happen?” He asked
Adira explained as Varian watched the spirits, he noticed none of them seemed able to speak, and he felt a longing to want to help them, “hello there”, he said softly, “my name is Varian, what’s yours?”
For a second, none of them spoke, then the female spirit looked at the teen, and opened her mouth, only for Hugo to yelp, “t-t-tongue!” He stuttered before covering his mouth
Varian was silent, his heart racing, his mind fuzzy, as he stared at the opened mouth of the female, her tongue completely gone, clearly showing that it’d been cut from her mouth, preventing her from speaking
“Holy shit”, Eugene said softly, eyes wide in disbelief
Varian shook his head, clearing by his shock as the female shut her mouth and looked down, “I-I’m so sorry….” He stated sadly, “I didn’t know….”
The female spirit shook her head and looked at the alchemist again, Hugo, recovering from his shock and fear, finally spoke up, “how are they gonna communicate?” He asked, “they can’t speak, they cant write because they’re ghosts, and I don’t know if they know sign language”
Varian signed a question to the female spirit, she looked confused, “she doesn’t”, he looked at the other spirits and did the same thing, they shared her confused stare, “none of them do…..”
“Shit…. Who would do something like this to them? The fuck? This is *awful*!”
Varian looked at his lover, “are you alright?”
“No! I-I just….” He wrapped his arms around his stomach, “I feel sick….” Tears came to his eyes as he looked at the female spirit sadly, “s-she can’t talk…. She can’t say w-what happened to her… none of them can and it’s *killing me*!” He exclaimed, “who would do something so fucking vile?! WHO?! W-what the fuck….. what the actual f-fuck…..” he sunk to his knees and sniffled
The alchemist ran over to him and knelt down beside the blond, holding him close, “Hugo….” He said softly, but didn’t say anything more as his lover just sobbed into his chest
It took a few moments before the inventor finally composed himself, “I’m sorry….. J-just….. I know what it’s l-like….. t-to just be force to keep silent….” He shivered, “I-it’s a horrible t-to not be able to s-say how you feel….. I-it’s like everything you wanna s-say is trapped inside you, and y-your mind just keeps screaming to try a-and get it out, b-but your mouth won’t w-work…..” flashed of Donella and Cyrus shushing him, slapping or beating him when he spoke out of turn, or even times where a hand was placed over his mouth by the Duke and Duchess, and even his own father, played over and over in his head, becoming more and more real as time went on. His tears dripped more and more down his face as he thought about the pain the spirits surrounding them must’ve gone through, and in that moment, every instance of his past cut through his body, every slap felt real, every punch was vivid and knocked the wind out of him, every second he spent sitting there and remembering was reopening old wounds that had been tenderly healed
“Hey, hey Hugo! It’s okay love, it’s okay”, Varian tried, his voice soft and gentle, but nothing seemed to work
Hugo fell deeper and deeper down into his own past, he couldn’t speak, he wasn’t allowed to, he felt suffocated and hurt, he couldn’t cry out for help anymore…. All he could do was shut down….. that is, until a green spark filled his mind, and suddenly, someone else’s voice, this one was he’d and gravely, came through, “the fuck is goin on here?”
“Hey! How are you-!” He heard Varian said in shock and surprise
“Felt one of you slippin, so I came by to see if I could help, the shit happened here? And who are these peop-!” The voice stopped, for a moment, there was silence, then they spoke again, “damn….. That’s fucking awful…. No wonder he’s slippin…..” suddenly a hand cupped the blond’s chin, and his gaze was guided up to see Beetlejuice, “hey kid, feeling suffocated eh? Here”, he snapped his fingers and Hugo suddenly felt cool air rush around him, he unintentionally took a breath in, and his lungs felt relief as the air swirled into them as he slowly let the breath out, “there ya go, little better, ya need to do it on your own though”. The blond was frozen, “uh…. He needs some help”
“Right, Hugo, follow what I do”, Varian said gently, and together, Hugo managed to take a few deep breaths, letting them go slowly, as his past drifted away, he felt a little better after each breath as Hector walked over and placed a rock in the blond’s hand
The wild tamer helped the blond’s fingers move around the surface, the feeling helped the inventor feel a touch better each time he felt the rough edges of the piece of earth beneath his fingers, and finally, he opened his mouth, “V…. Vvvvvvvaaarian”, he said slowly, the word being a struggle to come out, “rrrock”, he managed to get that one out quicker, “rrock, Varian, V-Varian!” He said finally
“Welcome back!” Beetlejuice stated with a grin
Varian let out a sigh of relief as he hugged his lover, “holy mother of Demanitus you scared me”, the alchemist exclaimed, voice filled with relief
Hugo, clutching the rock in his hand and giving Hector a grateful smile, returned the hug, “thank you… I’m sorry”
“Don’t you *dare* apologize!” The alchemist huffed a she pulled away and stared at his fiancé, “that was *not* your fault!”
“What just happened?” Eugene asked worriedly
“Dissociation”, Lance replied, “or a panic attack, either one is a symptom of PTSD…. And Hugo just had an episode…..”
“Holy shit…..”
Beetlejuice looked at the spirits again and sighed, “missing tongues…. Yeah that’s a trigger for sure….” Hugo whimpered, “sorry….”
Hector sighed before he looked at the spirits, then at Beetlejuice, “there any way you could heal them?”
“I don’t have *that* much power”, the demon stated, “I can make people go insane, but the laws of the spirit world ain’t supposed to be broken. If I heal them, they’d only lose it again….”
“Damn….”
The group was quiet before Adira walked over, “Beetlejuice, could you make it to where we could hear their thoughts instead?” She asked
“Whatcha mean?” The demon asked
“Well, even though they can’t speak, I’m certain they can think. What if you allowed us to hear that? Would that be breaking any rules?”
The demon thought about that for a moment before he grinned, “nope! Though I’d only be able to do that for this group here”, he stated, “otherwise your minds would explode with all the crazy shit you’d hear in this forest!”
“Crazy shit?” Eugene asked
“Heh, this forest is a lot more haunted than you think, why do you think I’m so fucking nuts?”
“….Ah….. noted…..”
Beetlejuice snicked before he looked at Adira, “smart thinkin there babes”
“Don’t call me that”
“Ohoohoohoo~ and what if I dooooo~”
“Then I’ll make sure your precious book home is tossed in the fire”
“Nononononono! Alright alright fine! I won’t call ya that”
“Good”
“Damn you’re cold”
“I’m aware”
Hector snorted as Beetlejuice sighed before he snapped his fingers, the spirits around them lit up for a second before the light dimmed, “there ya go, couple o’ mind talking spirits”
“Thank you”
“Yeah yeah….. I would say ‘it’s a good thing I’m a masochist’, but I think you’ll torch my book if I do”
“Indeed”
“Then I plead the 5th”, Adira raised a confused brow at him, the narrator had to remind Beetlejuice that this was the early 1700’s and America wasn’t founded until 1776. The demon sighed, “man I’m firing off these pop culture references and all y’all don’t know shit yet…. It’s frustrating ya know! Also this time period has way too many things that were found in America that they shouldn’t have today!”
The narrator sighed as they got back to the story, Adira shook her head, clearing it of any confusion before she looked at the spirits, specifically at the female, “hello”, she said gently, “my name is Adira, you don’t have to speak, but we should be able to hear you think now, do you wish to try?”
The female spirit hesitated before a small, shy, voice could be heard, it sounded like a mix between a broken record and echo every time she paused between words or started a sentence, this happened when she would start a new sentence as well, her voice would fade in on the first letter before the rest of the word would follow, *….hhhhhhello?*
Adira smiled, “hello”
The female spirit blinked with surprise, *…..yyyuuyyyou can hear me? Really?* The rest of her sentence did not have this same echo or broken record sound, just a slight echo when she’d finished, the sound coming back again when she began a new sentence
“Yes, we can hear you think now”
The spirit looked so started before she smiled, tears coming to her eyes, *….yyyyyyyou can hear me! Finally someone can hear me!*
Varian smiled at the girl as Hugo sniffled a little, leaning against the alchemist, *…..HHHHHHHe understands*, one of the spirits thought, getting them to look and see a thin man with black hair and green eyes, *….ttttttttthe blond …..hhhhhhe understands what it’s like to be silenced. ……ttttttttThe pain…. …..ttttttthe awful pain that comes with it*
Hugo nodded, “I do….. and it hurts…. So incredibly badly…..”
The spirit nodded before he looked at the alchemist and cocked his head to the side, *……IIIIII know you! …..oooooor your ancestor at least*
“You do?” Varian asked
*…..yyyyyyes, he was the one who suggested our trip. …..HHHHHHe was a kind man, and I feel sad that his suggestion turned into what it did*
“What was his name? Did he share my last name? It’s Vanguard”
*…..Yes! …..QQQQQQQQuinn Vanguard was his name! …..HHHHHHHe said he came from far away, but said the people of Old Corona needed to rekindle their relationship with the Village Leader. …..SSSSSSSo four heads of the biggest families in Old Corona came out with the Village Leader. …..BBBBBBBut we never returned… …..WWWWWWe never should’ve trusted that man*
“That man? You mean Quinn?” Eugene asked
*….NNNNNNNo, the Village Leader*, the female spirit replied, *…..hhhhhhe was evil, wicked, and only longed for money and power. ….AAAAAAfter we came here, he trespassed onto the shadow walkers domain without us knowing. …..TTTTTThey attacked us, but only to scare us away. …..WWWWWWe ran, and then lost our lives by the Village Leader’s hands, one…. bbbby….. ooooone…..*
The female’s voice became deeper and far more angry at those last three words, whispers following after it before she calmed down, the group had shivers run down their spine, including Beetlejuice, which was startling to him and the narrator!
Varian blinked, “a Q named Vanguard….. but something very bad happened when he tried to help….. Dad…..” Varian thought of how his father tried to stop Frederich from using the Sundrop flower, but got tossed out and silenced by the man he once thought of as a friend, it made the teen’s anger grow just a touch before he calmed down and looked up at the spirits, “we want to know what happened to you. The Shadow Walkers are angry because the man who murdered all of you lied and said they’d done it! They want their innocence to be known, I know it’s painful to relive bad memories, but are you all able to tell us what happened to you?”
The spirits looked at the alchemist before the male spirit spoke up, *…..wwwwwwe can’t tell you. ……BBBBBBut we can show you. ……BBBBBBBe warned however. ……OOOOOur deaths are painful. ……AAAAAnd you will feel that same feeling until it is done. …..TTTTTTTThere’s not other way*
The freckled teen was surprised by the, but he let out a sigh and nodded, “I’m ready”
“Hang on! They just said they have to *show* you their deaths!” Hector exclaimed, “that means you may have to *relive* them! That’s not fucking easy! They hell do you mean you’re ready?”
“I need to know Hector”, Varian exclaimed, “you were right about the body, I wouldn’t be able to handle that, but I have more spiritual power than anyone else here due to the Moonstone! I can handle this part”
“Varian this isn’t Moon powered magic they’re using! It’s spiritual magic! If anyone has the best shot of handling this, it isn’t you, it’s Adira!”
“Speckles, Hector is right”, Adira stated, “Believe it or not, I’ve got more experience with this sort of thing that majority of you here, including you”
“What do you mean?”
Hector sighed, “Ingvarr isn’t just a place where you have to be physically strong, you have to be spiritually strong as well….. That counts for every child inside that kingdom, Hugo would know this too, though I don’t think he had to go through the training”
“I didn’t, no”, the blond replied, “but I know about it…..”
Varian raised a brow, “what are you two talking about?”
Hector sighed again, “when you’re in Ingvarr, the whole schtick of the kingdom is strength in every single aspect. The main three being strength, mind, and spirit. My siblings chose professions with those aspects in mind, my sister’s spirit was strong, my brother’s spirit was incredible, mine had to be the sane or better. I underwent test after tests of spiritual training along with my physical training. Believe it or not, I was a lot better spiritually than anything else. It’s why I’m so good with animals, my spirit connects with theirs much easier than the average person due to both being highly sensitive. Animals can sense what kind of person you are using their spiritual energy, what we humans call ‘senses’. However, as much as I trained, when I came across Adira, she fucking outdid me in every aspect of spiritual energy”
The face painted warrior nodded, “my people were known for this sort of thing, my family, I found this out through Quirin, were meant to act as a sort of…. Bridge, between the spiritual world and here”, she stated, “our hair is white or silver to signify the connection. It’s why Donella is able to come and go much easier than Ulla”, she stated, getting Hugo to perk up a bit at that, “it’s in our bloodline. I wasn’t trained properly in the ways of my people, but Quirin and King Edmund did teach me as much as they knew, and I also learned from anyone and everyone I could find who knew anything about my people. It’s why I meditate more instead of sleep, it’s why I know places like the forest of not return-!” The groans interrupted her, getting Eugene to sighed irritated while Lance patted his back, “-inside and out”, Adira continued, “I’ve trained myself in this aspect, and while I don’t think you’re weak in the slightest, you are not ready for this task”, she said gently, “let me do this part”
Varian was startled, “b-but…. You’ll relive their death…..”
His aunt smiled, “I know, and I’ll be able to keep calm during it. If need be, I could fight against it while seeing what truly happened to them”
“……Have you astral projected?”
“Not fully, but I never tried to, though you did astral project while I was meditating, so did Rapunzel at one point actually, didn’t you see anything different surrounding me?”
Varian thought back to the last time he’d astral projected and remembered seeing Adira meditating far away in the Dark Kingdom, “yeah….. you were far away….. But I could still see and sense you….. And I saw…. Light around you, or what I assume was you”
She smiled, “that’s was me, and I could sense you too, I could actually see you in fact. That light you saw was my aura, it’s far bigger than anyone else’s you’ve seen, right?”
“Yeah”
“It’s because of my bloodline. Speckles let me do this part, you’ll have a part to play in this mystery, I can assure you of that, but this is not that time…..”
Varian hesitated, before he looked at Beetlejuice, “can you see her aura?”
“Yeah I can”, the demon replied, “and it’s fucking blinding”
The face painted warrior smirked at that, Varian sighed, “oki….. b-but if you get stuck or hurt, please come out!”
“I will”, she replied with a nod, “but don’t worry, I’ll be okay, and I’ll be able to find I hurt the truth too, you have my word”
The alchemist smiled up at his aunt before he nodded and stepped back, Hugo holding his hand when he did. Adira’s let out a small breath before she looked at Hector, “my turn”
“Yup, don’t fucking die in there, if you do, I’m fucking killing you”, the wild tamer stated
“Noted”, the face painted warrior replied with a chuckle, “should I encounter the Village Leader that started this, I’ll punch him for you”
“Kay”
Adira smiled at her littler brother, he smiled back, before she looked at Lance and Eugene, the Dark Prince seemed worried, but was calmer than the man standing next to him, who was visibly swaying anxiously, “I’ll be alright Lance”, she said
“I trust you just….. nervous is all”, the former thief replied
“I can understand that….. Heh, if I make it out, I’ll try one of your cupcake recipes, how about that”
The man stopped swaying before he smiled and nodded, “ok, I’ll select the best one!”
She nodded, Eugene smirked at her, “I’d wish you good luck, but you don’t need it, you got through that damn forest with laryngitis, you’ll be fine”
She chuckled, “your confidence in me is kind, thank you”
He nodded before he looked at her seriously, “don’t get lost, yeah?”
“I won’t”, she replied
“Hey Adira”, the face painted warrior looked at Hugo, “if you do end up stuck…… Hector and I…. And Freckles too….. We could try to pull you out. Beetlejuice told me about a spirit rope that he thinks we could make in case any of us go too deep….. It’d be a glowing white rope, and it would appear nearby you, but may look normal in the place you are…. If you get stuck, can you…. Grab it?”
She smiled lovingly at the blond and nodded, “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind”, she said, before she looked at Varian one final time. The alchemist looked scared, his eyes were scanning every inch of her, memorizing each part of her body and face, she recognized that, she used to do the same thing with Quirin when she was little, “here”, she unclipped her hoop earring and tossed it to the alchemist, who caught it, “Quirin has the other one, it’s important to me, so keep it until I come back, okay?”
The freckled teen stared at the earring, remembering the time she and Hector had given him their Dark Kingdom badge and shark tooth earring before leaving. He nodded and held the item close to his chest, “I’ll keep it safe”, he said
She nodded before finally facing the spirits, “I’m ready, show me what happened that day”, she said
They nodded, all of them pointing at her, she felt herself being lifted into the air, though she saw her body fall to the floor, Hector catching it before it hit the ground. He looked startled but stopped and looked up, his golden eyes watching her, she smiled and nodded, he nodded back, and suddenly, she was whisked away!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Beetlejuice is finally here! And he’s messing with the narrator again cause he’s a butt XD
Hector being secretly adorable and caring is fun to me 😊🎶
Poor Hugo….. He needed a trigger warning before this chapter started….
So, I’ve actually wanted to touch more on Adira’s people and bloodline, but never really got the chance to do that until now! So here we are! We finally learn more about her people, he bloodline, and technically, we learn more about Donella too in this chapter :D and if anyone’s wondering, those who have white hair were much more spiritually strong that those with silver hair, despite both having stronger spiritual energy than the average person 😊🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 621: Mother’s Day!
Summary:
Happy Mother’s Day!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*The boy sniffled sadly to himself, he stared at the bruises on his arms and legs, angry and aching, punishing him even more for his poor performances….. He whimpered as he went through every mistake in his head, every blunder, every fall, every misstep….. He wiped his eyes as his mind flashed images of his father, beating him with that bamboo stick, over and over until his body couldn’t take anymore and he crumpled to the floor. The crown he’d wear sat beside him on the floor, he hated it….
As he continued to sniffled, he didn’t notice the quiet footsteps, nor did he see the kind smile that would soon greet him, he felt the warm arms wrap around him as he was pulled into a hug, he gasped, coughing slightly, before looking up and being met with warm brown eyes, “hello my little day dreamer”, a warm voice said, “it’s been a long time”
“M-mom?” He asked, his tone full of surprise and shock, “w-what are you doing here? The doctors said you weren’t getting better”
“I know, but I was told about your day and had to come see you. So I snuck out”, she explained with a giggle before placing a finger on her lips, “don’t tell”, she whispered
He giggled and hugged her happily, “mom”, he said, enjoying every small second he had with her
She hugged him so tightly, her embrace warm and loving, he never wanted her to let go, and she didn’t want to either. But it had to come to an end at some point, but when it did she sat down beside him before she gasped, “oh my…. What happened to you?”
“I…..” he sniffled, “I m-messed up again….” He admitted, “f-father punished me for my mistakes…..”
“Oh Edmund! I’m so sorry! Your father shouldn’t be doing that to you! Oh if I weren’t sick I’d-!”
“D-don’t! You’ll g-get worse mom!” Edmund exclaimed anxiously
He watched his mother sigh before she looked at her son again and gently touched his bruised cheek, “son, sometimes you need to fight, even if it means you get hurt or sick”, she stated gently, “and you, my little day dreamer, are worth every second I spent in that infirmary room”
“B-but I want you to get better! S-so you can go on a picnic with me! Remember? We’re supposed to go on a picnic a-and let the breeze take our minds away, just like in the books”
“I know my darling, I know, I haven’t forgotten”, she gave him a loving smile, “I’ve still got some strength in these old bag of bones though, I’m not so weak that I can’t say something at least”, she stated, “and you shouldn’t allow him to continue this treatment of you, you’re strong too, far stronger than him I can assure you of that”
Edmund looked down for a moment before he spoke again, his voice quiet, “mom…. Was father always like this? Or did he used to be kind?”
His mother was quiet for a moment before she smiled, “he used to be kind”, she lied, “he used to take me on picnics, we used to be happy”, she said, “it’s why I was…. Happy that our arranged marriage came to pass”
Edmund could tell she wasn’t telling the truth, “I’m not good at lying either…. I think I got that from you”
She laughed, a warm, rare, belly laugh that filled ten boy with pure joy every time her heard it, “you’re such a clever boy!” She exclaimed before she gave a happy sigh, “oh well, I guess this old fuddy duddy just can’t lie like the best of them, heh”
Edmund leaned against his mother gently, she gently touched his cheek again, “I love you mom”
“I love you too Edmund”, she replied, “you know, even if I’m sick, and even if this all was arranged…. There’s one good thing that came out of it, one thing that I’d suffer this marriage over and over and over again if it meant I got that one good thing again”
“What?” The small prince asked, looking up at his mother
She smiled, “you”
He giggled, “I’d suffer everything over and over again for you mom!”
She giggled at that and hugged him close, they were silent for a few moments, before she spoke one more time, “Edmund, promise me something”
“Hm?”
“Even if I’m gone, and life becomes too dark or too hard…. Promise to find one thing to keep fighting for”, she said, “don’t give up all of your dreams and hopes because of something out of your control. Promise me you’ll keep fighting, and that you never stop, even if you’re fighting for someone else, promise me”
The little prince blinked, before he thought about what she was asking, he felt dread fill his stomach, that same dread he’d gotten before his mother had been found sick with an incurable illness….. He knew something bad would happen….. And he knew she knew it too…. So with a heavy heart, he nodded, “I promise”, he said, before he sniffled, “I’ll fight for you too mom…. Even when you’re gone, I’ll keep you alive somehow!” He exclaimed
She gave him a warm smile, “thank you”, she said, her own tears dripped off her cheeks, they were pale, she was far skinnier than she should have been, her hair was messy and dry, her lip chapped, but even through all of that, her eyes shined with love and warmth every time she looked at her son
*If she can do that throughout all the pain that I know she’s feeling…. Then I can do the same!* Edmund thought to himself determinedly
****
“He’s a peasant Edmund!” His father screamed, “A peasant AND A THIEF! WE HAVE NO USE FOR SOMETHING LIKE HIM!”
*Even if I’m gone….*
“YOU’RE WRONG!” The prince yelled back, finally taking a stand as he glared at his father, his glower in full effect as the small boy he’d just saved was cowering in the clutches of the captain of the royal guards, “HE MAY BE A THIEF BUT HE’S MERELY A *CHILD*! AND I WILL *NOT* LET YOU HURT HIM WITH YOUR *CRUEL* PUNISHMENTS!”
****
“She was WHAT?!” Eden exclaimed as Edmund was filled with shock
“Assaulted….” The nurse replied softly, “sexually….. a-and physically…. Many times… Her illnesses could be derived from that…. She may not ever get better or even fit in polite society….”
“Your highness, while I understand this is a grave concern, perhaps we should take the child somewhere she’ll be cared for, the let go”, the royal advisor stated
*….and life becomes too dark….*
“No!” Edmund stated, “I will *never* abandon a child in need, *especially* not one so young and who’s been through too much! She will be cared for in this castle! With the best care we can offer, and she will be allowed a choice to either stay or go. And if she stays, then we keep her and train her and help her grow. That is my *final* ruling in this matter, and anyone breaking these rules will be kicked out of my kingdom”, he stated angrily
“….I can talk to her”, Quirin said softly, “I met her, saved her, and brought her with me to the Prince”, he said, “maybe she’ll remember that and respond to me?”
Edmund smiled at the 15 year old, “good idea, seeing a friendly face will definitely do her some good!”
The squire blinked before he smiled happily, as did Eden
****
“He’s been beaten so badly that I fear he may not be able to stand”, the captain of the royal guards stated, “and he’s a sickly child too, one the Ingvarians would call ‘born weak’, no wonder he’s so injured, he was probably deems useless after that fight with Adira and Quirin”, he added with a chuckle
“That’s not funny”, Eden huffed
“It really isn’t”, Adira agreed with a raised brow, “that child is clinging to Quirin like…. Well…. Like I used to….” She said quietly
“Well even more reason why he shouldn’t be here, if he’s clinging to Quirin just as badly as you, think of how hard it was to train you! And he’ll be even harder due to his condition!” The captain exclaimed
*…..or too hard….*
“He’ll be kept in the castle and cared for, just the same as Adira was”, Edmund stated, “he’ll be fed properly, treated as a permanent guest, and should the day come where he becomes strong enough, he’ll be given the same choice as Adira, he can stay, and we can train him or help him grow, or he can go, and we’ll support him. Either way, he will be healed and treated for his wounds. I will not leave a child in need, never!”
Adria and Eden grinned while the captain huffed before they all froze however when they heard Quirin talking, a small voice, filled to the brim with fear and a stutter that broke everyone’s hearts, replying to the him
****
“Our little boy”, Edmund said with a smile as he stared at the small bundle in his wife’s arms, “he’s so small”
“He’s a boy”, Adira said with a slight pout
Hector snorted, “ha ha, fuck you”
“Hector”, Eden gently scolded
“Eheh, *ahem*, Scuse me”
Quirin chuckled before he looked at the tiny baby, “a little prince, heh, he’s got Eden’s eyes, and King Edmund’s smile”
“Big and derpy?” Adira teased
“Oi!” Edmund exclaimed as the tiny family laughed
*…Promise to find one thing to keep fighting for….*
The Dark King gave a small huff before he chuckled and looked at his son, “can I hold him?”
“Of course”, Eden replied, gently handing their baby over to her husband
“Thank you”, Edmund replied as he supported the tiny child in his arms. He smiled loving at the baby as he rocked them gently, back and forth, before he looked at his family, “I’m a dad”, he exclaimed quietly but excitedly, “again!”
Eden giggled as Hector and Adira smirked, when Edmund’s eyes landed on Quirin, he noticed the man was staring at the newborn prince, eyes filled with love and care, “one day, you will be too you know”
The knight blinked and looked at his king before he blushed and chuckled, “sorry, that obvious?”
“Very”, Adira replied, getting Hector to snort
“Shush you two”, the knight huffed as Eden chuckled
Edmund grinned as he looked down at his son, “my little Horace Esmeray”, he stated gently before the baby made a small cooing noise that got the entire room to fill with giddy joy
****
*….Don’t give up all of your dreams and hopes…..*
“EVERYONE MUST LEAVE *NOW*!” Edmund screamed as he watched his citizens leave their homes behind
“Your majesty!” Quirin said as the Dark King walked away after the gates had closed, the final citizen well out of sights at this point, leaving the knight and his king alone, “please! Please reconsider!”
*….Because of something out of your control….*
“I said, *everyone*”, Edmund stated sadly, his voice cold, “including you….”
The knight froze, he stared at the retreating form of the man he’d grown up with. His eyes wide, filled with fear, sadness, and worry. He noticed a handmaiden holding a tiny bundle in her arms, he gently touched the bundle and saw a smiling Horace sleeping, wrapped up like a caterpillar. He let out a sad breath before he looked at where the king had gone and huffed, running after him as the handmaiden took the prince away
****
Edmund fell to his knees, clutching his chest, feeling his heart break as his mind flashed images of Quirin’s face. He let out a sob, quiet and weak, a tear falling from his face as his own mother’s face filled his mind, that’s when her words came back to him from all those years ago, *……Promise me you’ll keep fighting, and that you never stop…..*
“KING EDMUND WAIT!” Quirin voice yelled
The Dark king froze before he stood up and wiped his tears away, he knew…. He knew he couldn’t tell Quirin nothing else…. Not Quirin….. He knew him too well. So he sighed and faced the man, his very first child, the boy he’d saved all those years ago, and the man that saved him. He watched the knight, *his* knight, come to him, stopping right in front of him with tears in his eyes, “please….” He said, “please don’t do this, please…. After all we’ve been through…..”
His heart broke again, his knight was crying, he hated seeing Quirin cry….. he never wanted to see it again, but he had to be strong, “….There’s no other choice Quirin, everyone has to go…. It’s not safe here anymore-!”
“THEN LET ME STAY HERE WITH YOU!” Quirin yelled, “let me stay! Let me help you keep this secret! Let me! Please! You promised we’d stay together, forever! Does that promise break because of the Moonstone?”
“No! It will never break Quirin, ever!”
“Then why? WHY?! Why are you doing this?! Why?!”
“BECAUSE I DONT WANT TO LOSE ANYBODY ELSE!” The room filled with silence as Quirin stared at his king, “I lost Eden due to my incompetence…. She died because I didn’t think the Moonstone could make mistakes. And then when I grew angry and tried to break the Moonstone, I hurt you and Adira!” He snapped, “I just….. I can’t do it again….. I can’t…..”
Quirin was quiet, until, “…..You’re gonna die here if I leave….” He said, “slowly…. And alone…. You hate being alone….. Please…. Please don’t do this to yourself…. Don’t…..”
Edmund looked at Quirin, he was tempted to say yes, tempted to tell the man to stay, because Quirin was right! He didn’t want to be alone, he hated it! He hated this castle, hated his father, hated his mother’s illness for taking her away, he hated what the Dark Kingdom represented, not a strong and passionate kingdom, but one built off the lashes and beaten backs of those who came before him….. he wanted Quirin to stay, he *needed* Quirin to stay, but…. Just as he was about to agree, his mother’s voice came to his mind again
*…..even if you’re fighting for someone else, promise me*
The temptation went away and he shook his head, “no…..” he forced himself to say
“Y-you hesitated”
“Because I want you to”, he replied, “I want you to stay with me so badly it hurts! But….. you can’t Quirin….” He said, “you have more life to live, you have an entire world to explore! You don’t deserve to be stuck here with me, you don’t, especially not because of my mistakes”
“B-but-!”
“I’m sorry…..” Edmund interrupted gently, hugging Quirin, “I’m so so sorry Quirin…. But I have to break my promise to you…. I have to…. Because if I don’t, you’ll die here too….” He pulled away and gave Quirin a sad smile, “and I want you to live”, he stated, “maybe you want to stay here, but you don’t know what you can do out there Quirin, you could have a garden of your very own! A job that you love! No more killing, no more fights! You could even have a child!” The knight winced at that, Edmund sighed, “as much as I love you, and as much as I want nothing more than for you to always be by my side, it would be selfish of me to to keep you here, same for Adira and Hector too. Please…. Don’t stay, you have to go, you have to live, in the best way you can. Find a home, a wife, a job you love, and let me handle this, like I’m supposed to”*
****
*27 years later, before the bachelor party trip*
Edmund let out a happy sigh as he looked around the room, he grinned at Rapunzel as she and Arianna hugged each other, the Coronan Queen holding a painting the princess did of her and all her family. The king noticed Varian and Quirin playing guitar together, they tried to teach Hugo how to play as well, and it seemed as though the blond was picking it up quickly! Lance was getting snuggled by Catalina and Angry, who’d given him hand made presents that he adored! Adira and Hector were sitting next to each other, the wild tamer had made the face painted warrior a new ponytail holder, stitched together with rainbow thread, his way of showing he cares without being too gushy. Adira loved it, though she didn’t show it, but she did give him a hug when he’d given it to her, and was already wrapping her hair with it as well
The Dark King was happy, he hummed to himself as he ate a few snacks nearby, that is, until someone sat beside him, when he looked, he saw Eugene and grinned, “hello son!” He exclaimed happily, “want some chocolate? I believe Lance made it”
The Dark Prince smiled, “sure, thanks”, he took a piece and popped it in his mouth, enjoying the flavor and swallowing it , “yup, that’s Lance’s recipe alright, extra chocolate with a vanilla center”
The Dark King chuckled, “it’s very good!”
“Yeah, it is….. hey uh…. Dad?”
“Hm?”
“Um….. What was your mom like?”
This made the man pause, and apparently it made everyone else pause too, as Eugene immediately looked around and Edmund didn’t hear Quirin’s guitar anymore. The Dark King chuckled, “don’t worry, they’re not mad, they just don’t really know how to react when this topic comes up”
“Eh? Why not?” Eugene asked
“Well….. I used to cry when she was mentioned, but I could never explain why”, he admitted, “but I can now”
The Dark Prince blinked, “I-if it’s too hard dad-!”
“Nonono, not too hard at all! It…. Was once before….. but that was because of my father…..”
Eugene winced, “you mean King Adder?”
“Yes, him”
“Pbbbbt!” Varian spat
Edmund chuckled, “while I agree with you little peanut, you really shouldn’t spit at the dead”
“I wouldn’t with anyone else”, the alchemist stated, “only three people deserve that reaction, King Adder, the damn Baron”, Varian growled, getting Adira to smile, “and Cyrus…..” he huffed, getting Hugo to also smile
“Yes well, heh, I suppose if it’s only three”, Edmund said, before he let out a sigh, “my mom….. your grandmother Eugene….. heh, she was amazing”, he said, his eyes filling with tears, “she was the strongest person I’ve ever known, and that’s saying something considering the people I’m currently in contact with”, he gestured around the room, “but my mom will always be the strongest to me…. She was kind and loving, she was caring and warm, and those old quotes that I say, like ‘fuddy duddy’ and ‘bag of bones’, those were from her! Heh!” He looked down, “she was…. Forced to marry my fa-! …King Adder…. It was…. An arranged marriage…. She was promised to him because she was the fairest in our lands….. The issue was that she was….. born sick”, Hector winced at that, wrapping his arms around himself as Adira scooted a little closer to him, “she was constantly in pain, constantly pale in complexion, her lips were always chapped, and she was always tired, I’m surprised she was able to have me to be honest….. King Adder kept her locked in the infirmary….. He only laid with her to have me…. When he was done with her, she was basically thrown away…..”
“She was…. S-sold…..” Hugo said softly, “b-because of her b-beauty?” Varian grabbed his lover’s hand gently as Quirin pulled the blond closer to him
“Yes….. Her parents received stability with their daughter being given to the King….. But still she remained kind and wonderful, and so so very strong”, Edmund said with a smile, “even though I was only meant to be the end result, she still loved me, she said she always wanted a child, and she never thought she’d be able to, but she said the Moon blessed her with me, heh, she called me her day dreamer”, Varian smiled at that as he looked up at his father, who smiled back at him, “she would sneak out of the infirmary in order to see me, and while I wasn’t allowed to visit her, because I had to focus on being king someday, I’d sneak away to find her too, and she would talk with me and help me. And I helped her out too, or at least, I hope I did”, he looked up to the sky, “one day, she made me promise to keep fighting, to be strong, even if it was for someone else”, he looked at Quirin, “that day I kicked everyone out of the kingdom, her words came to me, it’s why you had to go, and I didn’t let you stay…. And I’m glad I did”, he added, smiling at Varian
Quirin hugged his sons, both Hugo and Varian, and nodded, “I’m glad you did too”
The Dark King grinned and looked at Eugene, “my mom was one of a kind to me, and I’ve tried my best to live and remember her, to make sure her memory never faded, she gave me some amazing advise while she was alive, and she defended me from King Adder anytime she had the chance. Course, he never once listened, but still she tried! …..When she passed away….. I was the one who found her….. I’d managed to sneak away and run to her, I had a horrible feeling that something would happen to her, and….. I was right…..” He let out a shaky breath, “she’d been trying to see me again, but had gotten caught….. The guards had been rough on her, too rough, and injured her….. Her body couldn’t take the pain anymore, and she’d crumpled to the floor…. When I came running, the guards saw me and tried to block me, but I shoved past them and saw her see me. She smiled, one final time, and reached out f-for my hand, I g-grabbed hers, and when I did she…..” he sniffled and looked away
“Dad…..” Eugene hugged him, as tight as he could
Edmund returned the hug, sniffling here and there, tears dripped down his cheeks, before he calmed himself and pulled away, chuckling, “sorry…. She wouldn’t want me to be sad”
“It’s okay to be though”
“I know”, he said softly, “I know, I just….” He sighed as Eugene sat down again, that’s when Edmund noticed Hector, Adira, Quirin, Hugo, and Varian had all gotten up, he laughed, “oh you’re all too sweet! I swear!” He exclaimed through his tears as Eugene noticed and smiled, “ha ha! I’m fine, I’m okay, it’s just hard to remember sometimes”, he added, getting them to relax, though none of them sat down, “heh, a-anyway, the last thing she saw was me, and I’m glad I could at least give her that. She passed away with someone who loved her by her side, at least she wasn’t alone…..” he looked at Eugene, “thank you for asking me, it’s been a long time since I’ve reminisced about her! To be honest, I feared I’d almost forgotten about her kindness, but I’m glad I didn’t, so very glad”
Eugene held his father’s hands tightly, staying close to him as the man closed his eyes and his memories of his mother replayed in his mind. He smiled, then Eugene spoke, “she sounds amazing….. just like you”, Edmund opened his eyes and blinked before he smiled at his son, “what was her name? I-if you don’t mind me asking”
“I don’t mind at all, Matilda”, he said, “it means battle, and mighty. She fought hard her entire life just to survive, so the name fits”. The Dark Prince smiled before his eyes widened, they shined brightly as he looked at his father’s shoulder, “w-what? What’s wrong son?”
Eugene smiled wide as a tear rolled down his cheek, “hi grandma”, he said softly
Edmund froze before he blinked and looked over his shoulder, that’s when Varian walked over, his eyes glowing brightly, “here”, he placed his hand on the Dark king’s shoulder, the one Eugene was staring at, “come on”, the alchemist said softly, “he’ll be able to see you”
Before Edmund could say anything, he saw someone shine beside him, he was startled, b it didn’t move, as the form that appeared before him drew his attention. The form of a woman, she looked younger, and far more healthy, but her eyes were the same warm brown that he’d remembered, “mom?” He said softly, she looked at him, and smiled lovingly, “mom!”
Edmund reached out to her, she reached out to him, they touched hands, and for a moment, the Dark King could feel the same love and warmth he remembered from all those years again, he smiled at her, and she returned the smile, before Eden, Ulla, and Donella appeared beside her
“Don!” Hugo exclaimed, running over and hugging her, startling the woman before she smiled and hugged him back
“Hi mama!” Varian greeted, getting Ulla to giggle as Quirin walked over and stood beside her
“Queen Eden”, Adira said as she and Hector stood and walked over, getting the Queen to smile
“Hi mom”, Eugene said, “been a while”, Eden nodded to him, still smiling happily
Edmund chuckled, “you brought them with you huh?” He asked, his mother grinning, “as I said, strongest in the world”
Arianna and Rapunzel smiled, as did Lance, Catalina, and Angry, as the group all reunited with their mothers happily!
Notes:
Hello!
Happy Mother’s Day! And if you don’t celebrate! Happy May 11th! We’re glad you’re here! 😁
I hope that, even if you’re missing you mother this year, you know that she loves you, and that she’s happy you’re still around
And we’re happy you’re here too! Sincerely, even if you don’t have the best mother, or your relationship is strained, or something’s going on, just know that you’re not alone this year, you’re not, you’re loved and supported here, always ❤️😊🎶
We’ll get back to the story tomorrow, but I wanted to make sure to post a Mother’s Day chapter here, for those of you who are missing your loved ones this year ❤️ Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night!
Chapter 622: An unwelcome Ancestor!
Summary:
Adira meets more than one ancestor of people she’s dealt with and spoken to, only one is related to someone she hoped she’d never see again!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
They nodded, all of them pointing at her, she felt herself being lifted into the air, though she saw her body fall to the floor, Hector catching it before it hit the ground. He looked startled but stopped and looked up, his golden eyes watching her, she smiled and nodded, he nodded back, and suddenly, she was whisked away!
****
The face painted warrior opened her eyes, and suddenly, she was in front of the entrance to the outside of Old Corona. She studied her surroundings until she saw a man that looked surprisingly similar to Quirin, the only difference were his eyes, which were bright blue, like Varian’s, and his hair was longer. Adira cocked her head to the side before she heard someone speaking beside her, “are you sure this is really the best way Quinn?”
Adira saw a man standing beside her, he was lanky, his brown hair was shaggy and unkempt, he had a 5 o’clock shadow on his chin, his clothing was similar to Quirin’s, red shirt, brown pants, black work boots, however he didn’t have a fluffy vest, and he wore a farmer’s hat that covered his eyes majority of the time and kept chewing a straw of hay, “I’m positive”, Quinn replied, startling Adira even more as he even *sounded* similar to Quirin, “this is for the best, you must trust each other! That’s how a village works, it’s not just a small town, it’s a home, a place where people should be able to trust each other, especially now that we have a Village Leader! You do know what you’re supposed to do as newly appointed, and very first, Village Leader, don’t you Puck?”
The straw stick chewing man sighed, “the Village Leader is supposed to be the voice of the village. I’m supposed to solve issues that the village may have, and if I can’t resolve it, I’m the one the goes to the king and queen for help, I’m also in charge of the farms in Old Corona”
“Correct, or if we want to put it in a bit of an easier term, you’re supposed to be a leader”, Quinn stated with a smile that reminded Adira so much of Varian, “you can’t very well be a leader of a village that doesn’t trust you! The king and queen feels you’re the perfect fit for this job, that is exactly why I’ve suggested your camping trip! You need to bond with these 4 ladies and gentlemen, they need to see you be a leader! You need to show the village that you can be trusted! This is the perfect opportunity!”
“Alright alright Quinn, I’ll do my best”, Puck replied
“That’s all I ask”, Quinn then faced Adira, “and I hope you four will do the same”, a sense of dread filled Adira’s stomach, “oh I know you’re nervous, but this’ll help you! All four of you! It will! Trust me-!”
Suddenly a small child burst into the room, her hair was as black as the night sky, eyes as blue as the ocean, freckles sprinkled all over her face as she giggled and singsonged, “daddy~ daddy~ I’m hoooooom~”
Quinn chuckled as his daughter jumped into his arms and hugged him, Adira smiled at the girl, before she looked at Adira directly and blinked, he big blue eyes staring at the woman, “who’s she?”
“She? You’re pointing to a man sweetie”, Quinn said gently
“No I’m not daddy, that’s a woman there! And her face is covered in red paint!” The girl exclaimed happily
Adira blinked, “you…. Can see me?” She asked
“Yeah! I can hear you too! Who are you?”
“I…..” Adira noticed Quinn was watching her as Puck looked severely confused, “…..you can see me too….. can’t you?”
The man smiled at Adira and nodded, “seeing the past is a dangerous thing. Are you sure you’re up to it?”
“Who is she daddy? Is she a friend?” The little girl asked
“Yes she is sweetheart, though I don’t think you’ll be able to meet her again”
“Awww…. But she’s really pretty daddy”
“I know darling, I know”
“I can handle it”, Adira stated, getting Quinn to look at her again, “I’ve trained for this”
He studied her for a moment or two, before he nodded, “you’re certainly strong enough, Brotherhood member”, he stated, startling her again, “but you’ll be at a severe disadvantage if ya keep getting startled so easily”, he chuckled
She blinked before sighing, “you sound just like a descendant of yours I happen to know”
Quinn laughed, “I’m glad I do!” He exclaimed, “must be a bit of a nag I’m guessing, judging from that annoyed look on your face!”
She smiled, “he is, but he’s a very good man, like you actually, and many of your ancestors”, she looked at the little girl, “and I actually have a nephew just like you! Who also happens to be a descendant of yours”
The girl giggled, “I wanna meet them daddy! Can we meet them? Can we? Can we?”
“Unfortunately we won’t be able to from our end, but maybe we will someday”, Quinn replied before looking at Adira again, “if my descendants happen to be in Corona, and they happen to go into the woods, there’s a place they should know about, you should too in fact. But I’ll tell you when you’ve finished your journey”
Adira cocked her head to the side, “how?”
Quinn smiled, “I know your bloodline, once you’ve seen the final piece of the puzzle, I guarantee you’ll come back to find me”
“Then you know what’s about to happen?”
“Unfortunately, I do, but I can’t change the past, neither can you…..”
Adira looked down and sighed, “I know o can’t, but I wish I could….. there are certain things I’d like to-!” She stopped and looked at the man, “why am I telling you this? I’ve only just met you?”
Quinn smiled, “Quirin seems like a very good man indeed, and you’re right, he does look an awful lot like me”
Adira blushed before chuckling, embarrassed by not being able to figure that out herself, “thank you Quinn, you’re very kind”
“You’re welcome Adira”
She smirked, “if you knew I was here, why didn’t you tell me before?”
“Some things you’ve gotta see in order to fully understand them”
“I suppose that’s true….. But that means this scene is important to the story, which means you’re important to this story too”
Quinn smirked, “smart”
“Thank you”, she looked at the tiny girl, who was still watching her, “one day, you’re going to do something amazing too”
The girl smiled, “I know! I end up giving birth to Mr. Quirin’s super duperty great grandpa!”
“More than that, you make an impact too you know”
The girl grinned, “yeah, but I can’t tell you that far”, she said, “you gotta go through the correct way first!”
Adira smiled and nodded, “I will, and when I do, I’ll come and find you two again….. I just have one question”
“What’s that?” Quinn asked
“Why are you two in Corona? Your family is in the Dark Kingdom is it not?”
Quinn smiled, “the king of the Dark Kingdom asked us to help Corona, said something odd was going on here, we came to check it out and ended up moving by here, but we do end up moving back, you’ll find out why”
“….Whatever happened…. It wasn’t your fault”
The man looked sadly at the face painted warrior, “I appreciate that Adira…..”
She wanted to say something more, but stopped when she felt something dark beside her, she looked and saw Puck glaring at her, she glared back, “you can see me too…..”
“The hell are you doin here?” He asked angrily
“Now Puck, we’re just talking”, Quinn said gently, “no need to do anything drastic to this girl, she isn’t doing anything wrong”
“She shouldn’t *be* here!” Puck snapped, his voice echoing angrily from everywhere
“Well, I wouldn’t try anything if I were you”, Quinn stated
“And why’s that old man?!”
“Because my descendant is far too clever to leave his wonderful aunt in this plain alone”
“What?”
Moonlight shined down onto the scene, the tiny girl giggled, “Varian’s coming! Varian’s coming! And he’s really mad at you!”
Adira blinked before she smiled, a small bit of relief filling her core as she felt Varian’s familiar presence, “how did he get here?” She asked
“Boy can astral project, must’ve known you’d need a little back up, heh”, Quinn smirked at Puck, “you’re in massive trouble if you try to mess with her, I’d watch yourself, the Moonstone doesn’t take too kindly to people like you”
Puck glared at the spot of moonlight before he faced Adira, “I don’t care!” He snapped, “I’LL RIP HER SPIRIT APART IF I FUCKING HAVE TO!” His eyes were fire red as he lunged at Adira, only to be slammed far away from her by a small, 18 year old, alchemist with glowing blue eyes
“VARIAN!” The girl yelled, “HE’S HERE! HE’S HERE DADDY! Ooooh! And he’s mad too!”
The freckled teen growled at Puck as the first Village Leader stood, “shit….” The man cursed, “fucking…. Ugh…. Fine…. I’ll fucking deal with her my own way”, he stated before he grinned, “you may be here now little shit head, but there’s places you can go in these memories, heh, I’ll see you then, you little bitch”, he stated to Adira before his eyes turned from blood red, to a very familiar looking yellow
“Wait….” Adira stated, “yellow eyes, only two men I know share that trait, and only one had the same acid yellow that you do…..” the face painted warrior, “…..No wonder you’re so mad Speckles….. Cyrus did a number on you and Hugo…..”
Puck grinned, “ain’t my descendants grand? The only issue is that that one happened to run into the lines of *YOU*!”
Varian’s glare deepened, almost matching Quirin’s, “back off before I make you”, he warned, “you *know* I can…..”
“Whatever, like I fucking said, there are places you can’t go in this memory ya little shit, heh, and when those times come, I’ll make sure this little bitch regrets coming here!”
Adira raised an unimpressed brow, “you think I’m afraid of you?” She smirked before running forwards, taking only one step as she pulled her sword out and braced it against Puck’s neck, “he’s not the only one with power here, I took down your descendant by myself! I’ll have no issues dealing with *you*” She then backed up, sheathing her sword, “now, as Hector would say, fuck off”
“This ain’t over bitch!” Puck stated, “not by a long fucking shot!” With that, he disappeared
The little girl clapped happily, “yay! Varian’s here! Varian’s here! Hee hee!”
Quinn let out a sigh of relief, “thank goodness he’s gone….” He looked between Varian and Adira
The two seemed a little tense before the face painted warrior faced the alchemist, “I told you to stay”, she said gently, though her frustration was clear
“I know, and I’m so sorry…. B-But I could sense something bad…. Really REALLY bad”, Varian replied, the glow around him dimming, “the Moonstone could too, and Hugo, Hector, and I tried to form that rope that Beetlejuice told Hugo about, but something blocked it….. Beetlejuice tried to pull you back himself, said something was off too, but he got blocked as well, *Beetlejuice* got blocked Adira! That’s when the Moonstone told me that something had infiltrated the memories, that you needed to be alerted and have someone by your side! That’s when Eugene remembered the astral projecting I could do and suggested I used it while the Moonstone was in charge of my body, and I went ahead and did it! Hugo, Beetlejuice, and Hector are keeping me grounded the rope, I have it tied around my waist right now”, he pointed to the glowing rope that was, indeed, tied around his waist, “the Moon allowed me to find you, she guided me here, just in time to see Puck getting ready to attack you, and even still, something tried to block me from making a connection to your spirit! Something’s wrong, really wrong! I-I know you can handle yourself easily b-but with everything that happened a-and everything we sensed, I just didn’t w-wanna-!” He was interrupted when Adira hugged him, tight
She held him close and didn’t let go for a long time, only doing so when he’d returned the hug and she felt him relax. She smiled at him, “it’s okay”, she said, if there were really so many factors that proved something was amiss, then I’m very glad you’re here….. But you could be stuck here too….”
“I’m not, see, the rope being on me, and me using the Moon and astral projection to come here, prevents me from being stuck. I’m not separated fully from my body, the Moonstone happens to just be in charge right now, allowing me to go free”
“So that’s what happens when they take over”
“Yup! I usually just go to the Moon and talk to her, but I came to you because you were really stuck”, the alchemist said anxiously, “the only issue is….. Puck is right….. I know what places I’m not allowed to follow you in….. The deaths….”
Adira blinked, “why not?”
“Remember when the Moonstone and I couldn’t follow you all into the visions of the kings and queens of the Dark Kingdom?”
“Yeah?”
“Same thing here, my only goal is to act as your guide right now, and pull you out, or protect you, during the in-betweens. I can’t do anything more than that…..”
“How did you interrupt this memory then?”
“This wasn’t a memory anymore, she noticed you”, he pointed to the little girl, “as did Mr. Quinn”, Varian added, “when they talked to you, the memory ended, allowing me to stop Puck and help you”
“So, if he acknowledges me in the memories, then they’re no longer memories and therefore allow you access?”
“Yes, but it takes a while, you were talking to Mr. Quinn and his daughter for quite sometime before I could finally pop in”
“I see….. That means I’ll just have to be able to dodge him until you can join in”
“Right”
“I can do that, I can also fight him, though something tells me this takes two people to do?”
“In order to escape him? Yes, we’re in his, and the other camper’s, memories, essentially, in their heads, they have the most power here, all we can do is stall until we can find a way to escape, or hurt him enough to where he goes away, but that takes a lot of spiritual energy, which you have a limited amount, as large as it might be, you need to keep it under control. I have an unlimited amount of Moon power so long as it stays night time in our world. My power grows weaker with the Sun, you know this”
“I do”, Adira replied with a nod, “well, this’ll be a bit trickier than I thought, but I still need to do this”
“You’re the only one who can”, Varian said with smile, “you were right about that. I didn’t realize how many obstacles there were to getting in here, even with the help of the Moon and Moonstone, I still took a long time to find and connect with you! I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own….. you and Hector…. Not to mention Damien figuring out the whole book was a lie, the Moonstone was able to speak with the shadow walkers and save my dad, Hugo figured out the knife that Lance found was a gutting knife, Lance found the knife in the first place, dad stayed behind to keep an eye on the game and Damien, Beetlejuice was able to help Hugo calm down, and Eugene was the one that suggested I use the Moonstone to connect with you in the first place! You guys keep being the ones to figure this all out…. I’m starting to feel a little useless….”
“You’re not, don’t ever call yourself useless Speckles”, the face painted warrior stated firmly, startling the teen, “even with all those obstacles in your way, you still managed to find me and help me shoo Puck away! Not only that, but you were the one who knew the story in the first place, you had the actual book with you which allowed Damien to make the connection that it was all a lie in the first place, and it was you who promised to figure this all out, and the shadow walkers trusted you! You are not useless! You may not realize it, but the only reason we’re doing any of this in the first place is because of you! Even if we play little parts, they all add up in the end, you are essential in this mission, in so many ways. Don’t ever forget that”
Varian smiled up at his aunt, hugging her lovingly, she returned the hug, they stayed that way for a moment before they pulled away, mostly because Quinn cleared his throat and both of them felt embarrassed due to forgetting he was even there, “eheh heh…. Ha~ sorry”, Varian said awkwardly
Quinn chuckled, “nice to finally meet you Varian”
The alchemist smiled, “nice to finally meet you too Mr. Qui-you look like my dad!” Adira laughed, as did Quinn and his daughter while Varian blushed, “sorry! You just…. Really look like my dad! Holy crap! I-In a good way!”
“Heh! Well thanks tiny one! I appreciate it! I’ve seen your dad, he’s a handsome fella”
The alchemist grinned, “he is!”
“Heh, you’re so much like my daughter it’s a little uncanny”
Varian looked down at the tiny girl and smiled, “hello!”
“Hi! I’m Serenity!”
“Varian, a pleasure!”
“Hee hee!”
Quinn chuckled before he looked at Adira, “you be careful now miss, Varian’s right about him and the other spirits being in control of this plain that you’re entering. Once the memory is started, Varian can’t access you, once it’s stopped, you’ll have a minimum of 5 minutes alone, max, 10”
The face painted warrior nodded, “I’ll make sure to be careful, and thank you for all your help, it’s been an honor meeting you, and your daughter”
“Anytime”, Quinn said
Adira smiled at him before Quirin flashed where he was standing, he was smiling at her, just for a second, before Quinn came back into view, “huh? What was….. Q-Quirin?”
Quinn blinked before he smiled, “you know, that flash only happens when we’re so connected with someone, that they can sense when we need a little positivity, and they think about you”, he said, “I’m guessing Quirin could sense you a little bit, and sent some prayers your way”
The face painted warrior was startled, before she smiled and shook her head, “that man, I swear, biggest pain in my neck I’ve ever met”
Varian grinned, “but he’s got the biggest heart you’ll ever see”
Adira smirked at the teen, “right”
“I’d keep an eye out for Quirin”, Quinn advised
“Why’s that? He shouldn’t be here”
“No, but if he does send you a prayer of safety, that’ll help you along the way. It’ll appear as him, all you need to do is reach him, and it’ll protect you for a small bit. I’d be careful using it though, there’s only so many prayers he’s given you”
Adira nodded, “I’ll be sure to remember that”
Varian grinned, “dad still being awesome!”
“Daddy’s are the best!” Serenity stated
“Agreed!”
Adira and Quinn chuckled at the duo! After a few more minutes of conversing, Varian and Adira went on their way, saying the goodbyes as the two past Vanguards disappeared. The face painted remembered Quinn’s words about finding him after the final death, and she nodded before she took Varian’s hand, “ready?” She asked
The alchemist grinned and nodded, “ready!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’m gonna let this chapter speak for itself :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 623: Reggie!
Summary:
Adira finally finds out what happened to one of the spirits!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The world faded away and Adira and Varian were left in a white dream-like, void. The trees surrounding them different shades of white and grey, “this is the spiritual realm”, Varian stated as he looked around, “I came here a few times, once was when the Moon called to me for the first time. She scared me at first, but she calmed me down and apologized before leading me to her. I love the Moon”, he said with a smile as he looked up at the celestial being
Adira returned the smile, “the Moon is very wonderful, did you know that each time one of us from the Brotherhood were rescued, it was always at night?”
“Really? I didn’t realize that!”
“It’s true, when King Edmund would see his mother or stand up against his father, it was always at night. When Quirin was stealing bread from the castle, he said it was during the evening, nearly dinner time, the Moon was in the sky. When I was found by Quirin and he led me to that cave, it was also at night. When Hector ran into me and Quirin after the competition in Ingvarr, it was late in the night”
“Wow! ….Hey! I was born after dinner!” Varian exclaimed happily
“As was Fish Skin”
“That’s so cool! I wonder if Punzel was born during the day”
“I’m not sure….. But if memory serves me correctly, Rapunzel met Fish Skin during the day, but they proclaimed their love for each other, via love song on a boat, at night, during the lantern festival”
“Oh yeah, you’re right! Even cooler!”
The duo chuckled before falling into silence. Neither of them really knowing what else to talk about before Varian sighed, “Adira”
“Hm?”
“About this journey….. I-I know you’re more than capable of fighting and protecting yourself…. B-but….” He twiddled his thumbs a bit
The face painted warrior smiled, “you’re worried, right?”
“Very….. Again, I know you’re *more* than capable of fighting back! B-but….. I can’t help but feel worried….. W-what if I don’t make it in time….. o-or what if he ends up h-hurting you….. or what if-!”
“Speckles, the more you think about what may occur, the more likely something will happen”
“I know…. I’m sorry….”
Adira wrapped her arm around the alchemist, “it’s alright, I understand the anxiety, believe me”, she hesitated before sighing, “I was….. a bit nervous myself”
“You were?”
“Yes….. but if you tell anyone, I’m denying it”
Varian giggled, “noted”
The face painted warrior allowed her arm to slip from the teen’s shoulders before she continued, “but yes, I was nervous, just a little”, she clarified, “I’m confident that my spiritual abilities are enough to get this particular job done no matter what, but I’ve…. never done this before, as you are well aware…. So when I first came here, I felt my nerves steadily growing more and more until you appeared. And suddenly, I felt much calmer, so, you being here is helpful, very helpful, thank you”
The alchemist blinked before he smiled, “anytime!”
They both stopped when Varian’s eyes began to glow, he sighed, “this is the first vision out of four….. I can’t follow you through, the memory will begin, once it’s finished, keep an eye out, Puck will try to harm you during that time, and you may get lost or trapped in the memory,I’ll come inside as soon as possible to get you out”
“I still don’t see why I can’t just leave the memory myself”
“If you did, you may end up way too far away from me, and us being separated will only isolate and trap you here….. and there are more things we need to watch out for than just Puck….. Worse things that could steal your very soul…..”
“Right…..” she let out a sigh and faced the vision in front of her, “I guess there’s no choice then”, she looked at the alchemist, “you remember to be safe out here, it’s not just dangerous for me”
“I will, you have my word”, Varian replied with a nod
Adira smiled before she looked at the vision again, and with one final breath, stepped through
****
*”How much further is it?”
Puck sighed as he turned to face Adira, who noticed, via a nearby puddle, that she’d taken the form of a large, red headed man wearing a red, plaid, flannel shirt, blue pants, brown work boots, and a read beanie. He looked like a lumberjack to the face painted warrior, though his bright blue eyes and freckled face reminded her of Varian, “almost Reginald”
“Reggie”, the man stated, “you can just call me Reggie, I ain’t that snobby”
“Right”, Puck turned around and continued their trek, leading the group up a hill
Adira felt goosebumps rise on her arm and she shivered, “the hell?” Reggie looked around, “where are you takin us?”
“To a secret spot, perfect for optimal fishing”
“Yeah you said that, but there’s a perfectly fine fishin spot not too far from here that doesn’t give me a bad feelin”
“I agree”, another voice said, getting Puck, Adira, and Reggie to turn and face the female spirit that Adira had spoken to before, though her hair was a light brown, long and curly, and she wore a regular blue dress that went down to the middle of her calves, and black shoes, “I’m getting such a bad feeling about this in the pit of my stomach…..”
“Anastasia, I know these woods like the back of my hand, trust me, this spot is better than the other one, I use it all that time”, the Village Leader stated with a sly grin that made Adira wrinkle her nose
Reggie and Anastasia sighed and followed, “perhaps we should take a small break”, another voice said, this time coming from a lanky man with glasses, blond hair, and brown eyes, he worse a white shirt underneath a brown petticoat, along with black pants and shoes, “the weather looks to be a touch rough, it would be wise of us to stay here for the night, then continue this trek tomorrow morning”
“Simon we’ve only traveled for a few hours”, Puck huffed
“And yet, Reggie is getting goosebumps, Anastasia has a bad feeling in her stomach, Greg is slowing down due to loss of breath”, he gestured to the slightly overweight, grey bearded man behind him who was panting, “and I can tell the weather is about to get bad”, the man huffed back, “I understand you’re the Village Leader, but not only are we supposed to follow you, you’re supposed to listen to us when we have an issue. Right now, I hear and see several issues that you and we should take into consideration before we continue”
Puck glared at the man, receiving a glare back, before he shook his head, “fine, we’ll take a break, but we’re not stopping here for the night though, too dangerous”
“Fine”, Simon stated
The group let out a sigh of relief before Greg sat down, panting still, “are you alright?” Reggie/Adira asked
“Yeah *pant*, just a little *huff puff* out of shape”, Greg replied
“Here, have some water”, Reggie/Adira offered, handing the man their canteen
Greg took a swig before he smiled and gave it back to them, “thanks Reggie”
“Anytime”
The time quickly passed for Adira, literally, the sky turned from day to night in almost an instant, Greg stood up, “I think I’m good to go now, sorry everyone”
“Don’t worry about it”, Anastasia replied with a gentle smile, “you can’t help it, what with your leg and all”
“Well, my age certainly doesn’t help either”, Greg stated with a chuckle
“Do you mind if I ask what happened to your leg?” Simon asked
“Fought in the war against the Seporians all those years ago”, Greg stated with a proud smile, “I was far more fit and agile back then, lost my leg when I got stabbed in the hip, I’m just glad they were able to give me a fake one, even if it is just a peg leg”
“Wow, you have my respect good sir”, Simon said with a genuine smile
“Heh, thank ya, though I’ll be honest, I would’ve preferred bein a farmer”
“You still can”, Reggie stated with a smile, “I could look for a comfortable job on the fields for ya”
“Comfortable ain’t really farmin though”
“Farming ain’t always uncomfortable, if you’re able to take care of a few crops simply by weedin or waterin, or just by helpin plow the fields, you’re a part of the process, which makes you a farmer. Im always lookin for hard workers too, ain’t no shame in needin things a touch more comfortable due to a war wound”
“Thats mighty kind of ya Reggie, thank ya, I may just take you up on that offer”
“Anytime, I’m lookin forward to workin with ya”
Puck was quiet throughout this entire interaction, leading the group up the hill, once they reached the top he smirked, something Adira and Reggie noticed, “what’s with that look?” They asked
Puck chuckled, “nothing, just enjoying the walk”, the Village Leader looked at Greg, “seems like you’re getting a new job after we’re done here”
The older man was taken a little off guard, but he tried to be nice and smiled, “seems that way!”
“Well congrats, the only issue is, I hope you’re able to handle a curse along with it”
“…..Curse?”
Reggie and Adira glared at the man, “what are you implying?”
“Just statin facts, seein as how you all were dumb enough to follow me up here”, Puck stated, “I’m certain you’ve all heard the rumors about this place, the cursed part of the woods”
“Wait, we’re *where*?!” Anastasia asked anxiously
“I *knew* it! I *knew* we shouldn’t have trusted you!” Reggie snapped
“Guess you were right, happy?” Puck asked, glaring at the red headed man, “happy that you were right about me? That the rumors were true? That I’m delusional and nasty? Are ya all happy?”
“Fuck you!” Reggie spat, “you’re sittin here gettin all bent outta shape because your feelings got hurt by a bunch of rumors spreadin around?! Are you kiddin?!”
“Fuck me?! No fuck you!” Puck snapped back, “like you would’ve actually given me a damn chance!!!!! But now look! Now we’re all on the cursed land! Now we’ll all be cursed! And you know what they say! 5 go in, only one comes out!”
Suddenly, the group was surrounded by shadows! Whispers and screams echoed around them, someone chanted *trespass! Trespass!* over and over again!
Anastasia squeaked with fear as Greg tried to punch at the shadows, Simon shivere, frozen in place, while Reggie glared angrily at Puck before both he and Adira noticed something odd. Puck’s eyes were…. Glowing….. They were bright yellow, his smile was wicked, and suddenly, Reggie ran. The red headed man tried to make his way back down the hill, tried to find the way out, he needed to warn someone, needed to get some help! His mind went to his wife and kids, he needed to get back to them! But as he ran, he tripped on a root and fell. He stood up, only to see Puck facing him again, his smile was even wider than before, “hello Reggie”, his voice was echoing everywhere, “where are you going in such a hurry?”
Reggie glared at the man, fists clenching, “I know what this curse does! I know what’ll happen if I try to find the rest of the group!”
“So what? You’re abandoned them?”
“No! You can counteract the curse if more than one person survives! They know it too! All we have to do is survive until we reach the end of this forest!” He offered his hand to the man, “I may not like you in the slightest, but I’ll be damned if you stay fucking cursed! I’m offering you to come with me! This can all change, we can fix this! Just come with me!”
Puck chuckled, “and why would I wanna do that?” He asked before pulling out a knife, the blade shining in the Moonlight, “when the only obstacles in my way from becoming the Village Leader everyone trust and needs me to be, are right here!”
Reggie growled, “you planned this…. Why?!”
“Must I spell it out for you?” Puck asked, “must you really ask? Did I not give you enough hints that a rhino could solve it?”
The red headed man glared, “rumors….. all of this over some damn RUMORS?!”
“ITS NOT JUST THE RUMORS YOU DICK!” Puck yelled
“THATS HOW THIS STARTED THOUGH ISNT IT?!” Reggie yelled, “YOU GOT BUTTHURT ABOUT SOME DAMN RUMORS THAT NOBODY FOLLOWS CEPT FOR THOSE WHO SPREAD THEM!”
“YOU WERE ONE OF THEM!”
“I WAS FUCKING NOT!” Reggie exclaimed before he sighed, “my daughter made a statement to me about you! She told me you’d been kind to her, that you’d helped her when a few bullies cornered her in the market! I took her at her word and ignored the rumors I was told about you”, he stated, “I didn’t fully trust you because you were new, that’s all! But I never thought of you as anything more or less than a good man! But now I see I was wrong!”
“LIES!” Puck roared before he ran forwards and swung the knife at the man
Reggie caught the Village Leader’s hands and pushed him away before he ran again, determined to find a way out in order to stop the curse. He ran through tree and bush, trying to find a way out! He felt his bag get caught on a branch and ripped it off him! Leaving the bag in the dirt in order to get away quicker! The man raced through the forest before Adira noticed someone beside them, apparently Reggie did to, but it was too late as a knife slammed into his head, knocking him and Adira down!
The pain was unbearable! Adira yelped before biting her tongue, she whimpered softly as she saw Reggie staring up at the sky, the Moon shining brightly above him before Puck came into view, blocking the Moon from sight, “should’ve stayed put, would’ve made your death less painful”
“…..Ugh…. E-even if…. Y-you manage to k-kill us…. W-we won’t stop….. S-someone will find us….. s-someone will….. a-and we’ll tell them…..” Reggie stated in defiance as he glared at the man
“Hm…. True….. Your spirits are still trapped here too until this curse is broken, heh, can’t have you ratting me out now can I?” He stated before a wild grin appeared over his lips, “maybe I should fix that, after all, the dead can’t talk without tongues, can they Reggie?”
Suddenly, the red headed man’s mouth was flung open, Adira could taste the Village Leader’s hands in her own mouth and wanted to gag before she felt something sharp against her tongue! Before he could slice the muscle out of her mouth however, she realized Reggie was gone, she felt him slip away, and she bit down on Puck’s fingers
“GAH! YOU BITCH!” The Village Leader’s screamed as he pulled his fingers away
Askew stood up and ran! Spitting out the blood from her mouth! She continued to run, looking up and following the Moon, the memory vibrated around her as Puck yelled after her! She continued to run, her heart and head beating a million miles per second, she still felt the pang of the knife slicing her head open and winced, this ended up tripping her. She slid on the ground before jumping up again and panting. She looked around, “shit!” She cursed, realizing she’d gone in a circle, ending up back at Reggie’s body. She looked at the poor man, there were tears in his eyes, “I’m sorry….” She said, “I won’t let him make me forget”
“You sure?” Puck asked from right beside her
She jumped away from him, unsheathing her sword and glaring at the man, “you’re disgusting!” She snapped
Puck laughed, “WELL WHAT DO YOU EXPECT BITCH?!” He yelled, his eyes looked wild and crazed, filled with nothing but pinpricks that used to be irises
“How could you do this?” She asked, “why?! What purpose does this serve you?!”
Puck glared at her, “did you not understand a word that was said?”
“I heard you talk about rumors, and he defended himself, that’s all, not enough to warrant you murdering people like this poor man!” She exclaimed angrily, “what drove you to do this?! What did they ever do to you?! Even if they did listen to the rumors, hell, even if they spread them, that doesn’t make it right to kill these people!”
“You don’t get it bitch…. You don’t get it at ALL!” He lunged forwards, Adira managed to block his attack with her sword, but was startled to find she couldn’t move her feet, “what?”
“My mind, my rules!” Puck stated with a grin
The face painted warrior growled at him, before she noticed something behind the man and smirked, “you should be careful”
“Oh yeah? And why’s that bitch?!”
Suddenly someone punched Puck’s jaw! Making the man fall to the ground, he looked up and saw Varian looming over him, the alchemist glaring at the man, “bit of advice for you”, he summoned some black rocks and pushed Puck away, “stay the *fuck* away from my aunt!”
Adira smiled, “good timing!”
“Thanks, though it seems you’re kinda stuck”
“Indeed, not sure how this happened”
“He’s right about one thing, his mind, his rules, hang on”, Varian grabbed Adira’s arms and pulled her out of the ground, when she was freed, the teen smiled, “let’s go!”
They ran together, hand in hand, Varian was glowing bright blue, he reached his hand out and managed to push against something the face painted warrior couldn’t see! Finally, the duo fell, Adira felt something slide past her, almost like she’d just emerged from jello, before she looked around and saw that they were back in the astral plain again, she let out a sigh of relief, “thank goodness….”
Varian smiled up at her, his glow dimming, “are you alright?”
“Yeah, just….. My head hurts….”
“Yeah, the after effects of the spirit’s death may make it to where you’ll ache a little after the event….. What happened? What did you see?”
The face painted warrior looked at the alchemist sadly, “I saw the murder of a good man, and a father…..”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter is the start of something dark and really fricked up….. I didn’t go into too much detail with the death, mostly because I have an idea, but believe me when I say, it’s only gonna get worse from here…..
I also realized, I don’t really write Adira being BA, and that’s a darn shame, so here’s a chapter where she’s just amazing in every way shape and form!
Rip Reggie…. He was a very good man….
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 624: Simon!
Summary:
Adira finds out what happened to Simon next, however, she begins to noticed something’s off…. with Puck…..
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“My mind, my rules!” Puck stated with a grin
The face painted warrior growled at him, before she noticed something behind the man and smirked, “you should be careful”
“Oh yeah? And why’s that bitch?!”
Suddenly someone punched Puck’s jaw! Making the man fall to the ground, he looked up and saw Varian looming over him, the alchemist glaring at the man, “bit of advice for you”, he summoned some black rocks and pushed Puck away, “stay the *fuck* away from my aunt!”
Adira smiled, “good timing!”
“Thanks, though it seems you’re kinda stuck”
“Indeed, not sure how this happened”
“He’s right about one thing, his mind, his rules, hang on”, Varian grabbed Adira’s arms and pulled her out of the ground, when she was freed, the teen smiled, “let’s go!”
They ran together, hand in hand, Varian was glowing bright blue, he reached his hand out and managed to push against something the face painted warrior couldn’t see! Finally, the duo fell, Adira felt something slide past her, almost like she’d just emerged from jello, before she looked around and saw that they were back in the astral plain again, she let out a sigh of relief, “thank goodness….”
Varian smiled up at her, his glow dimming, “are you alright?”
“Yeah, just….. My head hurts….”
“Yeah, the after effects of the spirit’s death may make it to where you’ll ache a little after the event….. What happened? What did you see?”
The face painted warrior looked at the alchemist sadly, “I saw the murder of a good man, and a father…..”
****
Varian was quiet after Adira finished the story. His eyes were wide with shock as he stared at the ground in front of him. His mouth drawn into a deep frown, his shoulders hitched and close to his neck. “Are you alright?” Adira asked
The alchemist let out a breath, his shoulders lowering before he nodded, “yeah…. That’s just….. disturbing…. On so many levels….”
“Indeed….”
Varian looked at his aunt, “how’s your head? Still aching?”
“Not anymore, the feeling’s faded, thankfully”
“That’s good”. They sat in silence for a long time before Varian spoke up again, “Reggie, Simon, Greg, and Anastasia”, he said softly, “I’ll remember their names. Maybe we can find them in a book”
“Potentially”
“…..Adira are you really okay?”
The face painted warrior sighed, “to a degree I am, I’ll be honest, feeling him die….. that was…. Startling to say the least….. I felt his life drain from his body, the last part of him to go were his eyes….. I think that’s what got me the most….. His hearing was gone, taste was dried up instantly, his smell disappeared, he couldn’t feel a thing, but his sight…. He could still see…. The last thing he saw was that man…. With that knife….. getting closer to his face…..” She shivered a little, “not pleasant….”
“I can imagine…. Did…. Did Puck say anything? Something that might’ve told you why he was doing this?”
“No, the only thing I got was that he was upset about a bunch of rumors spreading around the village. From what I could gather, it just seemed like the people of Old Corona didn’t trust him….. But Reggie ignored them, he never participated….. His daughter had said Puck defended her against some bullies in the town square, and Reggie accepted that and thought of him as a good man….. Yet even still, Puck showed no mercy….”
Varian hummed with thought, “I wonder if there’s more to this story that we’re not getting….”
“What do you mean?”
“Well…. From what you just said, Reggie seemed like a very good man, a father, respected, protective, even in death he was smart, and more than a little brave. Yet Puck seemed to already hate him…. This all seemed premeditated…..”
“Reggie mentioned this was planned….. Puck didn’t deny it”
“So if this was planned from the start, there has to be more to this…. More to why Puck did this in the first place…..”
“Possibly….. But whatever the reason, it doesn’t make this right…..”
“No it definitely doesn’t…..” Varian stated before he noticed something, “looks like the spirits are ready for you to return”
Adira blinked before she looked at whar Varian was seeing, “….What is that?”
“That’s the memory”
“It…. Looks like a bubble”
The alchemist giggled, “it kinda is, these memories are formed in the minds of those who share them, because you’re connected to the spirits, the memories appear as bubbles, to you, in order to grant you easier access inside, didn’t you feel something when you and I were leaving the memory?”
The face painted warrior remembered the odd feeling she’d had as they got out of the memory, “yes, it felt like I was emerging out of jello”
“That’s because the spirits are sharing their deaths with you, so they’re making the ways in and out easier for you”
“Are they not normally this easy to enter?”
“Not these, from my point of view, they’re locked up tight”
“Wait…. Do you see differently than me?”
Varian smiled, “yup, to me, they look like doors, locked up tight with chains. The only time they open is when the memory ends, and even then, they open just enough for me to try and break the chains so I can get inside. Which is why it takes me so long to get to you, because then I have to find you after, and that’s tough to do in someone else’s memory, thankfully the way out is easy so long as you and I are holding hands”
“That’s good to know”
The alchemist looked at Adira, concern lacing his features, “you can take your time going through these you know. I know it’s difficult”
“I appreciate that, but the longer I take, the longer everyone else has to wait”
“The Moonstone is giving them updates, so everyone knows what’s going on, so really, take your time Adira”
The face painted warrior looked at her nephew before she smiled, “thank you, I appreciate that. But I’m ready, I need to face this head on”
“…..Promise me you’ll only go when you truly are ready?”
Adira looked at the alchemist, he seemed extremely nervous, his hands wringing together anxiously as he watched her. She smiled at him lovingly, “I promise”
Varian smiled up at her and nodded, she hugged him before she faced the memory and, with a small breath of courage, she ran inside
****
*Her eyes opened and suddenly she was back in the forest, though, this time she was alone. Her fear was heightened to an unimaginable degree as she backed up and a twig poked her back. A small touch of self irritation hit her mind as she huffed, “come on Simon, calm your nerves!”
Adira blinked, she looked down and saw the black pants and shoes of the lanky, glasses wearing, blond man she’d seen before, Simon, “look for the path, you were just on it”, he told himself, “though…. Seeing as how we were tricked into coming on the shadow walker’s land, perhaps that path should stay off limits…. Focus…. Find Anastasia, Reggie, and Greg, and get out of here…. I hope she’s okay…. She’s afraid of the dark….”
Adira couldn’t help but agree, though her mind felt frazzled, her normally calm demeanor was shrouded in fear and anxiety, she felt her breath hitch with every new noise she heard. She felt bad for this man, *is this what anxiety feels like? Constantly living in a state of paranoia?* she asked herself
“Damn it! Ugh! I-I hate this forest!” Simon exclaimed with a huff, before he sighed, “well…. Maybe that’s too strong a word…. I severely dislike it! …..Well….. That’s not entirely true either…. Okay maybe I just dislike it right now…..”
Adira chuckled, Simon reminded her of a much younger Hector, she couldn’t help but feel a little more comfortable when she realized that. Though it didn’t last long when she heard the unmistakable noise of footsteps. But she suddenly couldn’t breathe as a *massive* wave of anxiety filled her stomach and lungs! She coughed, nearly choking on it as Simon turned to face the noise, “w-who’s there?!” He asked
“…..Hello Simon….”
Adira’s eyes went wide as the fear made the anxiety this man was feeling become sharp as knives, scraping across her lungs, “P-Puck! Hi! W-what do you want?”
She heard Puck chuckle, “so fierce and mighty when you have other people to worry about, but when you’re all alone, those thoughts really hit you hard, don’t they?”
Adira heard Hector’s voice in her mind, *being alone really fucking sucks*, he said, and suddenly, she finally understood why as more and more knives continued to scrape her lungs
“S-stay away from me!” Simon snapped, trying to be brave, and making Adira wanna reach out and push this poor man behind her, “I didn’t d-do anything to you!” His voice wavered with fear, and he sounded like he was on the verge of tears as he spoke
Puck only laughed, “getting you all frazzled doesn’t take much does it old friend?”
“Friends don’t do this!” Simon exclaimed, “t-they don’t trick people into cursed lands ! T-they don’t scare people in the forest! T-they don’t!”
“Friends also don’t betray each other Simon….”
“I DIDNT BETRAY YOU!” The blond exclaimed, a hint of anger bubbling up in his mind, “w-why can’t you understand that?! WHY?!”
“BECAUSE YOU DID BETRAY ME YOU FUCKING COWARD!!!!” Paul yelled, making Simon flinch, “you fucking chose that damn village over ME! You took HER away from ME! YOU KNEW SIMON! YOJ KNEW HOW I FELT ABOUT HER AND YOU TOOK HER FROM ME!”
“I didn’t take her! She chose to be with me on her own Puck!” Simon exclaimed, “and I even told her about you, talked you up! I tried to get her to give you a chance first! But she said no!”
“So you just took her, right? Just because she wouldn’t say no, you took her from ME!”
“I LOVE HER TOO!!!!” Simon yelled, “WE SHOOK ON THAT PUCK! DON’T YOU REMEMBER?!” Simon exclaimed, this, surprisingly, made Puck stop and stare at the man, “we said in the beginning, t-that if she chose one of us, the other w-would be happy! we s-shook hands on it! You knew I loved her t-too Puck! Was it my fault she chose me? Was it my fault that she wanted me over you? NO! We both had a chance! And she chose me!” Pick was silent, Simon sniffled, “….Im sorry….. Had I known you would’ve been so hurt by this, I wouldn’t have stayed with her…. But you seemed so happy for us, you were our best man, you stood by my side! Everyone in that room was asked if they had any objections and you stayed silent! Had you told me in the beginning, then I would’ve backed off! I would have! And had the roles been reversed, I’d be so happy for you! Because all that matters to me was that she and you were h-happy! …..So no…. I didn’t betray you….. and I didn’t choose the villagers over you….. They liked me because she introduced me to them….. You became the Village Leader though, a role you knew I wanted so badly! But still I was happy for you!”
“Yeah…. You were sooooo happy…..” Puck stated as he pulled out his knife
“Puck…. W-why is that fishing knife so b-bloody?”
“Why don’t you ask Reggie?”
Simon froze and Adira gasped when she felt his stomach drop, his fear and anxiety were *overwhelming*! “P-Puck…. Please t-tell me you didn’t…..” Simon stated, his voice high pitched but quiet. Puck smirked, and suddenly, Simon began to cry, “Reggie….. Reggie….” He sniffled as tears fell from his eyes, “h-he was…. M-My best friend….. H-He has a wife, a-and kids…. W-why? ….*W-Why him*?!”
“Because he’s just like you, because he was supposed to choose me too, all of them were, all of you were supposed to choose me….. but you didn’t…. YOU BETRAYED ME!”
“WE GOT A LIFE PUCK!!!!!” Simon yelled through his tears, “WE FOUND OUR PLACES HERE!!!!! WE FOUND LOVE AND JOY DURING SUCH AN AWFUL PERIOD OF TIME!!!!!! IT WASN’T ABOUT YOU!!!!”
Puck lunged, Simon let out a squeak before he jumped out of the way! He ran through the trees and began to call out, “ANASTASIA! GREG! WHERE ARE YO-AAH!” He tripped and fell on something, he sat up and shook his head, grabbing his glasses and replacing my them on his face before he froze, Adira did too before she felt a wave of sadness and grief flood Simon’s mind, “R-Reggie…..”
Reggie’s head was still bleeding out, the knife that’d been used to kill him was gone, his mouth hung open, tongue cut out viciously, the mouth muscle had been thrown not too far away either, still bleeding in the leaves nearby
“Reggie….. Oh Reggie…..” Simon sniffled and covered his mouth and nose in shock, “Reggie…..” Tears fell down his face, he sniffled, before he noticed the man’s eyes were wide open, “h-here…. I c-can’t d-do much…. B-but…. They’ll hurt… y-your eyes will…. H-hurt if they l-lay open like t-that…..” it was childish, he knew it was, Reggie wouldn’t feel them anymore, but it was the only thing he could think to do for his friend as he gently placed his fingers on the man’s eyelids and slowly closed them before closing Reggie’s mouth, “t-there, n-now you’re just….” He sniffled, “s-sleeping…..”
The silence of the forest was filled with Simon’s quiet sobs, tears dripped on Reggie’s chest, it only took a few moments for Simon to calm down, “I-I’ll try to survive…. A-and if I do…. I-I’ll keep your kids safe….. I’ll l-look out f-for them Reggie…. I p-promise…..” with one final sniffle, Simon stood up and nodded, he was filled with a newfound determination, “I must survive! I’ll find Anastasia and Greg, then we’ll escape and give Reggie a proper burial…..”
With this self made promise, Simon ran off, sneaking through the forest. He looked around, searching for Anastasia and Greg. Adira felt his anxiety still in full effect, but was impressed as the man seemed to ignore it, too determined to let it consume him. She smiled, and watched his back, hoping that maybe, just maybe, she could help him, “you’ve always sucked at hide and seek”, a voice said
Simon sighed, before he stood and faced the voice, however, he was far angrier than scared at this point, “I found Reggie Puck….” He said softly
The Village Leader smirked, “like his new look? I call it, ‘speak no evil’”
“You’re sick!” Simon stated angrily, “you’re really fucking sick!”
“Oooh! A Simon swear! That’s rare”, Puck teased, “what else does Simon say?”
The blond growled, “I say you’re a maniac! And you need to leave me alone now, or else!”
“Oooooh! Or else what old friend? I’m genuinely curious”
“Or else THIS!” Simon had picked up a sharp rock and threw it at Puck, he saw it make contact with the man’s nose, Puck yelled and Simon ran! He grabbed more rocks along the way, stuffing them into his pockets as makeshift ammo! Finally, he found a large stick and snatched it up before he hid behind a tree. He was complete still, no words, no movement, the only thing that could be potentially heard were his shaky breaths as he listened to his surroundings
Adira was impressed, she smiled, this man reminded her *a lot* of a younger Hector, not the strongest, nor the fastest, but smart, and agile, using his surroundings to his advantage, and giving his comrades the respect they deserved, especially if one passed away during battle. This man made Adira feel right at home, she could see them becoming friends if they met in her lifetime, but she soon stopped when she heard Puck’s footfalls once more
Simon heard them too, as his breath hitched and his anxiety rose. For a second however, all was quiet, neither of them saw the man. Adira got a very bad feeling in her stomach because of that, apparently so did Simon, because he jumped out and ran like the wind!
They heard Puck laugh and give chase, “he knew!” Simon exclaimed anxiously, “he knew I was there! He’s too good at this!” The man exclaimed, “what do I do? What do I do?! What do I-!” He stopped running, he realized nothing was gonna happen if he continued to run. So, for the first time in his life, Simon turned and faced Puck, his eyes focused on the man, large stick in hand, and rocks at the ready. Puck caught up to them in no time flat, and he smirked, “facin me for once eh?”
Simon wrinkled his nose, “I’m not afraid of you Puck”
“You should be”, the murderer ran forwards and lunged, his knife swinging down at Simon
The blond dodged it and swung hit stick, he hit Puck in the back, it wasn’t too hard, but he still did it! The blow actually seemed to startle the man, allowing Simon to throw a few rocks! They hit their target, hard! Little cuts bled on Puck’s face as he growled, “you little SHIT!”
The man lunged again, but this time, he dodged Simon’s stick and managed to stab his leg! Adira yelped, as did Simon, but he used the opportunity to swing his stick again, this time far harder than before! He hit Puck’s chest and knocked the man off his feet! Simon then swung the stick down, trying to hit and smash Puck’s head, but the murderer dodged just in the nick of time!
The blow jostled Simon a bit, making him stumble before he regained his composure, only to get a knife to the stomach! Simon choked before the knife dug deeper into him, Puck grinned, “too slow”
Simon’s stick dropped to the ground, clattering a bit, he winced, gritting his teeth, before blood streamed from his lips. He looked at Puck sadly, “was it…. W-worth it?”
Puck stopped, blinking, before he looked at Simon, “what?”
“W-was this…. W-worth it?” Simon repeated, “our deaths…. T-the pain you’re causing…. W-was it worth it?”
Puck was startled before he growled and tore the knife out of Simon’s stomach, Adira yelled! The pain was too much for her to bear! But Simon said nothing as he fell to the floor. Puck came into his view, “SCREAM!” He yelled, “SHOUT! SOMETHING!” He kicked Simon, Adira winced, but she bit her tongue, the pain was unbearable, but she knew what Simon was doing
The blond smiled up at Puck as chuckled weakly, “no”, he said, “kick me, hurt me, I don’t care….. Y-You can’t make me scream…..”
“TO HELL I CAN’T!” Puck used the knife and slammed it into Simon’s stomach! He tore it down his body, cutting it open! The pain was so horrible thar Adira began to cry, tears fell down her cheeks, but still she didn’t scream, nor did Simon. They both sat there, as Puck stomped on them, nothing worked, and finally, Adira felt Simon slip away, with a smile on his face
Puck stopped, he stared at Simon for a long time. Adira felt the throbs of the pain, but it was fading away, she managed to catch her breath and wipe her face, sniffling a little as she did, before she stood up. Thing is, Puck still didn’t move. He kept staring at Simon, his mouth quivering, “he was in so much pain….. He could feel everything I did….. But not so much as one scream or whimper….”
Adira blinked, she wasn’t really sure what to do. Her arms were over her stomach, she felt nauseous, but as she stared at the murderer, she felt a small pang of sadness for him….. “You murdered your best friend…..” She said softly, “…..Can you answer his question? ….Was this worth it?”
Puck was quiet, he bent down and cut out Simon’s tongue, he didn’t revel in it, didn’t make it a spectacle, just cut it out, quick as he could, and threw it away. He was silent before he spoke, “no….. It wasn’t….”
Adira was startled, “…..Then why didn’t you stop?”
Puck looked at her, his eyes looked so tired, and for a second, just a second, he looked…. Human….. Before he shook his head, “I don’t know….” The face painted warrior watched him for a moment or two, she wanted to reach out to him, just for a second, before that same sinister smile crept on his face, and suddenly that moment was gone, “you shouldn’t be here bitch…..”
She sighed and backed up, arms lowering as she unsheathed her sword, “there’s so much to learn here….” She said, “so much to find out….. But I’m afraid I must go for now”
Puck stepped towards her, and she ran! She used the trees as cover, the memory wavered around her just as it had before! She looked around, searching for Varian, but stopped short when she saw Quirin instead, “huh?”
The retired knight smiled at her and held out his hand, she cocked her head to the side, “ADIRA!”
She turned and saw Varian racing towards her, “there you are! Varian, can you see him?” She pointed to Quirin
Varian looked before he nodded, “dad’s prayer remember?” He said, “he’s protecting you!”
“Oh right! So that’s what that is”
“Yeah, but we only have a limited amount of them”
“Indeed, best to use them at a later time, come on!”
They ran through the memory, Puck found them and was giving chase, when Varian glowed bright blue once again, he reached out a hand, and pushed his way out of the memory, the same jello-like feeling swept over Adira, and suddenly, they were back in the astral plain, the face painted warrior let out a sigh before she slumped to her knees
Varian kneeled before her, and gentle hand on her shoulder, “are you okay?”
She looked at him and she shook her head, “something’s wrong….”
“With you? Do you need help? Are you hurt?”
“No, with Puck….” She responded, getting the alchemist freeze
“Huh?”
Adira chuckled at his surprise before she sighed and sat cross legged, almost like she was about to meditate, “something’s wrong with him…..”
“I could’ve told you that, the man’s a maniac!” Varian exclaimed
“I don’t mean it that way, I mean….” She sighed, “I feel like….. He doesn’t understand what he’s doing anymore….”
The alchemist tilted his head to the side, “what do you mean Adira?”
The face painted warrior looked at her nephew, then she began to explain what’s happened….
Notes:
Hello! :D
Varian and Adira moments are few and far between, but I feel like these two would have more intellectual conversations and quieter moments together rather than anything bombastic or crazy. They’re very careful around each other, but very caring as well, so they have soft, nice, tea time moments 😊
Simon is awesome, I honestly love people and characters like him, the ones that are timid by themselves, but when they’re with others, they’ll protect them with all their heart! It’s one of the main reasons why Luigi is my hero 😊❤️🎶
So, something’s going on with Puck! Any ideas? I’d love to hear your thoughts 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 625: Reflection!
Summary:
Varian and Adira reflect on what’s happened so far, and Adira comes to a conclusion about Puck. While she’s in the third memory, Varian gets a visit from an old enemy!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Puck stepped towards her, and she ran! She used the trees as cover, the memory wavered around her just as it had before! She looked around, searching for Varian, but stopped short when she saw Quirin instead, “huh?”
The retired knight smiled at her and held out his hand, she cocked her head to the side, “ADIRA!”
She turned and saw Varian racing towards her, “there you are! Varian, can you see him?” She pointed to Quirin
Varian looked before he nodded, “dad’s prayer remember?” He said, “he’s protecting you!”
“Oh right! So that’s what that is”
“Yeah, but we only have a limited amount of them”
“Indeed, best to use them at a later time, come on!”
They ran through the memory, Puck found them and was giving chase, when Varian glowed bright blue once again, he reached out a hand, and pushed his way out of the memory, the same jello-like feeling swept over Adira, and suddenly, they were back in the astral plain, the face painted warrior let out a sigh before she slumped to her knees
Varian kneeled before her, and gentle hand on her shoulder, “are you okay?”
She looked at him and she shook her head, “something’s wrong….”
“With you? Do you need help? Are you hurt?”
“No, with Puck….” She responded, getting the alchemist freeze
“Huh?”
Adira chuckled at his surprise before she sighed and sat cross legged, almost like she was about to meditate, “something’s wrong with him…..”
“I could’ve told you that, the man’s a maniac!” Varian exclaimed
“I don’t mean it that way, I mean….” She sighed, “I feel like….. He doesn’t understand what he’s doing anymore….”
The alchemist tilted his head to the side, “what do you mean Adira?”
The face painted warrior looked at her nephew, then she began to explain what’s happened….
****
The alchemist seemed startled by what he’d been told, “he was…. Remorseful?”
“It seemed like it….. he didn’t even know why he was doing what he was doing…..” Adira replied, “and he killed his best friend….. And didn’t know why……”
Varian grew quiet before he sighed, “there’s always a reason….. Maybe his is just buried too deeply….”
“Maybe….. But…. If it is….. I’m worried….”
“Why?”
Adira looked at the alchemist, “not to bring up the past, and my apologies for it, but you remember when you had you…. Coop…. On Corona, yes?”
“Yeah, I remember, and it’s okay”
Adore nodded, “you knew the reason, but you still hated doing it, and you couldn’t stop because you were too far gone, am I right?”
“Yeah…. It started as just me wanting my dad back, but it got worse and worse the more bad things I did….. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure if I was doing it for dad anymore after a while….. but I couldn’t stop, not when I’d done so much already…..”
“I think…. That may be what’s happening here…..” Adira stated, “I don’t know what happened to him before, but Puck, in that moment, looked like he didn’t understand what was happening, he looked so shocked and startled…. And scared….. What if he’s just been pushed too far? Maybe he’s just too far gone and he just can’t stop anymore, but….. his actions are far too horrid for him to get off Scott free….. and he knows it too….. so he keeps going….”
“Maybe….. if that’s the case….. Then what happened to him?”
“I’m not sure….. and I’m very worried about finding out…..” The face painted warrior looked at the alchemist, “why did you stop?”
“Huh?”
“When the princess came back to Corona, and she talked with you, why did you stop doing what you did? What made you finally realize enough was enough?”
“…..Ruddigar and dad…..” Varian replied, “Ruddy was afraid of me….. He stayed by my side, but he was so afraid of what I’d do next….. Then one day, he was just…. Gone….. I realize now that it was because he was trying to keep me safe, and to do that he needed to stay away, thank you King Frederic and Andrew”, he stated sarcastically, “B-but in that moment, when he’d left….. I thought it was because he was too afraid of me….. And that got me thinking about my actions, and why I’d done them…… That’s when dad came to my mind….. I hadn’t thought of him for…. Months….. I didn’t even realize I’d forgotten him until that day….. I thought I was doing it all for him, but….. I realized that….. If he found out all I’d done….. he would’ve been ashamed….. I guess…. That was the moment I decided I didn’t want that path anymore….. But I’d already agreed to help Andrew….. So when I spoke to him next, I made him promise me that no one would be harmed, he agreed….. and he lied….. So when Rapunzel showed up, and she spoke to me through the bars of a jail cell….. Trying to convince me to stop this, trying to tell me that I needed to give people a chance….. I…. Thought about dad and Ruddigar again….. and how Andrew had lied….. That’s when I chose to stop….. Not just because of Rapunzel, but because I finally realized what I was doing. And I didn’t wanna do it anymore, I wanted to be better, even if it meant I’d be back in jail”
“So, you stopped because you chose to”
“After a lot of thought and self reflection, yeah, for dad and Ruddigar”
“Hm….”
“Why do you ask?”
“Maybe…. Puck needs the same thing…. Self reflection…. Reminders…. What if he’s…. Lost….. Like you were…..”
“If he is, it’ll end one of two ways, he can stop before he goes too far, and work for forgiveness, like me. Or he’ll already have gone to far, and will live the rest of his life serving his punishment, like Cassandra”
“Well…. He’s already gone too far…. And he’s already dead”
“Then….. The Moon will judge him”, Varian stated, looking up, “it’ll be up to her what happens to his soul, but…. Maybe we can help him redeem himself before he faces her? Because I have a feeling he hasn’t yet”
“That would be nice…. Because something tells me there’s more to his story….. just as much as there’s more to the spirits”
Varian smiled at his aunt before he noticed something, “it’s time”, he said softly
Adira looked over and nodded when she saw the bubble, “I’m ready”
They stood up and walked over to the memory. The face painted warrior took a deep breath, then smiled at Varian, “this must look so odd to you, me stepping through a door of some sort”
“It does, but then again, we’re in the astral plain, anything can kinda happen here, so I’m used to it”
The face painted warrior chuckled before ruffling the alchemist’s hair gently, “you’re such a good boy”. Varian giggled before fixing the messy hairdo, he watched his aunt take a breath, before she let it go and stepped forwards, “see you in a bit”
Varian smiled, “be safe!”
As the face painted warrior disappeared, Varian let out a sigh before he sat down before the door, as he’d done twice before. He watched it, waiting for it to move, before he heard something from behind him. Standing up, he looked around, but saw nothing. He blinked and checked his waist, sighing with relief when he saw he still had the white rope tied around him. He touched it and his mind flashed with a picture of Hugo, Hector, and Beetlejuice, he smiled before sitting down in front of the door again
The world was silent, but Varian was used to that at this point, however, something changed. The alchemist looked over his shoulder and noticed a small shadow nearby. He quirked a brow and stood up, glaring at the shadow, “who are you?” He asked angrily, “and what do you *want*?”
The shadow didn’t move for a bit, until finally, it came out from hiding, “….long time no see…..”
Varian’s eyes widened with both fear and hatred, they glowed brightly as he glared at the person in front of him, “the *fuck* are you dong here?!” He snapped
“Would you calm your ass down?!” The shadow replied
“WHY SHOULD I?! AFTER ALL YOU DID!” The alchemist roared
“BECAUSE THE MOON SENT ME TO HELP YA LITTLE ASSHOLE!”
Varian stopped, blinking for a moment before he remembered something, and sighed, glow dimming, “…..So you finally finished reliving everything you did…..” he stated
“Yeah….”
“….fine…. Then stay there and don’t touch me…..”
“I don’t plan on it”
Varian huffed before he looked at the door again before realizing who was in there, “my aunt’s in there, she’ll remember you, don’t you *dare* hurt her again, or else”
“I won’t! Shit! I’m actually here to help!”
“I don’t fucking trust you! So *forgive me* if I sound a little hostile!” The alchemist growled, before he sighed, “…..your ancestor’s a real pain in the ass by the way…..”
“…..Why do you think I’m here…..”
Varian sighed before he turned and looked into the familiar, yet unwanted, acid yellow eyes…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
So you all can probably guess who’s with Varian right now, but if you don’t have a guess, I have plenty of hints! 😁 here’s one more, it isn’t Frederic
So, I feel like it should’ve been discussed more about why Varian stopped. Because a lot of people wanna say it was because of Rapunzel, but it wasn’t. Varian was already feeling really guilty for all he did, even saying so when he says, “it’s not what they did to me, it’s what I did to them, and there is NO WAY, they’ll ever forgive me!”
Rapunzel was the final push he needed in order for him to get back on the right path, but Varian was already thinking about what he’d done, and had regretted all of it, by the time she got there!
I wish we’d seen more of Varian and how he was doing in the second season, so we could actually have that context, but ton know….. I hope me giving him and Adira this talk helps a little with that
Also, small moment, but Varian’s trauma doesn’t trigger here when his past is mentioned! The bean is growing and moving on! :D
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 626: Greg!
Summary:
Adira finds out what happened to Greg!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian smiled, “be safe!”
As the face painted warrior disappeared, Varian let out a sigh before he sat down before the door, as he’d done twice before. He watched it, waiting for it to move, before he heard something from behind him. Standing up, he looked around, but saw nothing. He blinked and checked his waist, sighing with relief when he saw he still had the white rope tied around him. He touched it and his mind flashed with a picture of Hugo, Hector, and Beetlejuice, he smiled before sitting down in front of the door again
The world was silent, but Varian was used to that at this point, however, something changed. The alchemist looked over his shoulder and noticed a small shadow nearby. He quirked a brow and stood up, glaring at the shadow, “who are you?” He asked angrily, “and what do you *want*?”
The shadow didn’t move for a bit, until finally, it came out from hiding, “….long time no see…..”
Varian’s eyes widened with both fear and hatred, they glowed brightly as he glared at the person in front of him, “the *fuck* are you dong here?!” He snapped
“Would you calm your ass down?!” The shadow replied
“WHY SHOULD I?! AFTER ALL YOU DID!” The alchemist roared
“BECAUSE THE MOON SENT ME TO HELP YA LITTLE ASSHOLE!”
Varian stopped, blinking for a moment before he remembered something, and sighed, glow dimming, “…..So you finally finished reliving everything you did…..” he stated
“Yeah….”
“….fine…. Then stay there and don’t touch me…..”
“I don’t plan on it”
Varian huffed before he looked at the door again before realizing who was in there, “my aunt’s in there, she’ll remember you, don’t you *dare* hurt her again, or else”
“I won’t! Shit! I’m actually here to help!”
“I don’t fucking trust you! So *forgive me* if I sound a little hostile!” The alchemist growled, before he sighed, “…..your ancestor’s a real pain in the ass by the way…..”
“…..Why do you think I’m here…..”
Varian sighed before he turned and looked into the familiar, yet unwanted, acid yellow eyes…..
****
*Adira opened her eyes, and felt something off, she looked down, and noticed one of her legs was missing, instead replaced by wood, she blinked before realizing who she was with now, “ugh…. This ain’t good….”
She smiled as she recognized the guff voice of Greg, a slight fondness for him overcame her senses as she felt what he did, which was nothing but worry for his companions. He panted slightly, “used to be so much more fit….” He complained to himself before sighing and looking around, “shit…. Gotta find em….”
Adira realized they were in the middle of the forest, she was confused at first as she thought about what Reggie said before Greg spoke up again, “Anastasia…. Simon…. I hope you two are still alive…”
The face painted warrior was startled, *he must’ve seen Reggie already…..* she thought to herself
Greg wandered around, stopping for a few moments to look around or check the path he was on, Adira noticed he was looking for any fresh tracks and smirked, “nobody’s been through here…. Damn…. I gotta find em….”
This made Adira smile, *forgoing the plan in order to save your comrades even though it could spell your doom, that sounds familiar*, she thought as Quirin popped into her mind
Greg continued to track, hiding when he heard a noise, checking each and every corner, taking smaller steps and hiding his tracks with a small bush he’d managed to grab, he was being extremely cautious, and it made Adira proud. She felt hope swell inside her as this man’s determination filled her heart. She noticed he had another stick that had somehow been sharpened, he was being smart, until he froze. The older gent’s ear perked up and he sighed, “Puck….”
“Good ears”, a familiar voice said as the Village Leader appeared out of the shadows
Greg glared at the man and pulled out the sharpened stick, “stay there, I ain’t gonna tell you twice”
Puck smirked and stopped walking, “smart too, so sad that you don’t put those talents to better use”
Greg shook his head, “where’s Simon and Anastasia?” He asked, cutting straight to the point
“So you’ve already seen Reggie then?”
“Answer my question”
“Heh”, the Village Leader chuckled, though Adira noticed that same human look in his eye, it was more muted this time however, “Simon’s dead and Anastasia’s lost in the woods”
Greg flinched, but sighed, “killin your best friend is low, even for you…..”
“Wouldn’t you be the expert in that? War hero”
“Shut your damn mouth!” Greg snapped, “I fought for Corona! You’re killin for fun ya twisted asshole!”
“You fought for a kingdom that cares very little for the individual, and you know that far more than you let on”
The older gent growled, “I’m only sayin this once, after, this stick’s goin right up your ass! Get outta my way!”
“Why?”
Greg didn’t hesitate, lunging forwards and slamming the sharpened stick into Puck’s arm! The Village Leader yelled as Greg pulled the makeshift weapon out and ran as fast as he could! Taking twists and turns around trees, covering his tracks before he stopped and hid in a small nook. He waited, silently, hand over his mouth to still his breathing. He heard Puck running through the woods, the man was mumbling up a blue streak, but passed the older gent without a second glance. Greg smirked, but still waited, making sure Puck was gone before he finally stepped out and continued his search
Adira smiled wide, incredibly impressed by this man’s intelligence and drive! If she didn’t know better, she would’ve mistaken him for a Brotherhood member with how well he handled that situation! That is, until he found Simon. Greg froze when he did, staring at the man, his stomach torn open, his tongue a few feet away. Greg stared before he backed up. His sadness overwhelmed the face painted warrior as the older gent turned away and puked. His eyes stung with tears, his throat burned, as did Adira’s, and he was panting heavily
To face painted warrior saw visions of Greg fighting, dead comrades surrounding him, she coughed as his sadness continued to surround her before Greg shook his head, “n-no!” He said softly but firmly, “n-not right now…. N-no…. No….” He sniffled, the visions fading as he wiped his mouth
He then turned back to face Simon and sniffled before he walked over and closed the man’s eyes, “May the Moon watch over your spirit”, he said softly, folding his hands in prayer, before he sniffled and opened his eyes again, “I’m sorry I c-couldn’t save you….” He added, “I’ll protect Anastasia though…. I will…. I will Simon…….”
With that, Greg walked over to his throw up and covered it with leaves and dirt before he took once final glance at Simon, and left. Adira still felt his sadness, but it embed away, though the visions of his past, while faded, were still present, she was surprised she hadn’t seen them before. She frowned, *PTSD….. oh you poor man…..* she thought to herself as she saw him fighting for Corona, and noticed his memories were filled with the people he felt he’d failed to protect, her heart ached as she thought of Edmund in that moment, her fondness for this older gent growing even more
It’d been a few more moments, Greg had run into Puck again but had hidden just in the nick of time! The Village Leader had passed him, cussing even louder than before. Greg made his way through still, before he froze, something catching his eye, “Anastasia?” He said softly, Adira noticed her too, and grinned as she recognized her as the female spirit she’d spoken too before while Greg ran to the retreating figure!
He still covered his tracks, but he ran this time, “Ana!” He called out, the figure stopped and Dora saw the woman turn and face Greg before she gasped, “Ana! I found ya!” He exclaimed, rushing over and hugging the girl gently, relief and happiness filled him as she returned the hug
“Greg! Oh I’m so happy to see you!” Anastasia replied
“I’m so happy to see you too! I was so worried!” Greg stopped and pulled away, grabbing Anastasia’s hand gently, “we’ve gotta go!” He said, “it’s Puck, he’s doin all of this! He tricked up Ana, and he murdered-!” He stopped, hesitating, “….Ana…. Reggie and Simon…. They’re gone…..”
“What?!” The female exclaimed as tears filled her eyes, “n-no, Nono they can’t be!”
“They are…. Puck killed em….. he even told me before I escaped Ana…..”
“No….. nonono!” Anastasia slumped down to her knees, “I’ve b-been looking for Simon t-this entire time….. W-we…. We were-!”
“I know sweetie….. I’m so sorry…..” Greg said
Anastasia sniffled, clasping her hands over her mouth, “and R-Reggie….. No……”
Greg hung his head sadly, flashes of Reggie and Greg filled his mind, Adira winced when she saw them, before Greg spoke up again, “you and I need to escape Sweetie, we need to go now! I know the way out, if we both survive, the curse is broken and Puck will suffer the consequences! But we’ve gotta go now, before he finds us, can you stand honey?”
“I….. y-yeah….. b-but….. Greg I-i don’t think I can d-do this….. Simon…. My S-Simon-!”
“I know Ana, I know….. but he wouldn’t want you to die here, he’d want you to keep fightin, you know he would”
“I know but…. B-but…”
Adira felt her heart break for this girl, she reached out towards her, but knew there wasn’t much she could do, “Ana listen to me, when we lose someone, especially someone close to us, it’s the hardest thing a human can ever go through….. But we still have their memories, we still have what they represented with us! If we live, we can tell their tale, that way no one forgets”, Greg said gently, “you have the best stories about Simon, and I knew Reggie like a brother, we carry them with us hun, and we need to survive in order for their stories to be told, yeah?”
Anastasia sniffled, before she looked at Greg, taking his words in before she nodded, “yeah…. Y-you’re right…. I’ll be strong…. F-for Simon”
“Atta girl”, Greg said with a smile, “now come on”
They both stood up, hand in hand, as they began to make their way o it of the forest. Greg led Anastasia, teaching her as they went along, she picked up his skills fairly quickly, hiding their tracks and ducking into cover when needed, she saw Puck wandering around, and her breath hitched each and every time. But she managed to keep herself calm enough to where Puck passed. They were so close to the edge that Adira could actually see the entrance. The face painted warrior began to wonder how either of them were killed at this point. That’s when a knife came out of nowhere and lodged itself into a tree right next to Greg, forcing the duo to stop, “caught ya!” Puck exclaimed
The older gent pushed Anastasia behind him and glared daggers at the man, “fuck off Puck!” He exclaimed, pulling out the, now bloodied, sharpened stick
Anastasia shivered as Puck laughed, “WELL AREN’T YOU JUST A BARREL OF LAUGHS OLD MAN!”
“Puck….” Anastasia said softly, “w-what’s wrong with you?” She asked, “y-you’re not acting like yourself!”
This caught Adira’s attention as she quirked a brow at the woman’s comment, “not like myself ey? FUNNY COMING FROM A BITCH LIKE YOU!!!!!”
“Puck!” Anastasia exclaimed, shocked by his words
“The hell’s wrong with you?!” Greg snapped, “I may not fully understand what happened between you and Simon, but from my understanding, you used to love this girl!”
“Yeah, before she chose my best friend over me”, Puck stated, his voice suddenly cold, “before she chose being a *whore* over being my lover”
“SHUT YOUR FILTHY ASS MOUTH”, Greg yelled, “HOW *DARE* YOU TALK ABOUT ANA THAT WAY-GAH!” The fishing knife that’s been thrown earlier was thrown again, and landed right into Greg’s leg! The older gent winced before he took the knife and pointed it at Puck
“WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT GRAMPS?!” Puck yelled, laughing like a maniac
“Ana, RUN!”
“What?!” Anastasia asked
“I’ll hold him off! You get outta this forest NOW!”
“B-but-!”
“Sweetie I’m up in my years! I have a peg leg, a stab wound, and a lot of winter fat that I’ll never lose! I’ll only slow ya down! You need to run, and run fast!”
“G-Greg…..”
“No arguin now”, The old gent said as he smiled warmly at her, “tell them my story honey, don’t let them forget me”
Anastasia hesitated for a second, not wanting to leave, before she nodded and ran. Puck continued to laugh, “RUN BITCH RUN!!!!!” He yelled
Adira and Greg glared at the man, the face painted warrior feeling angrier and angrier by the second, “you have no weapon asshole! If you wanna get to Ana you’re gonna have to get through me!” He lunged forwards as punch Puck square in the jaw before he backed up, “and it ain’t gonna be easy…..” he growled
The Village Leader shook off the punch, spitting out some blood before he grinned again, showing a missing tooth where Greg hit him, “heh, challenge accepted, you bastard!”
The two began to fight! Greg would lunge, hit, and back up, while Puck would swing wildly, never backing down! Greg tried his best to block, and he managed to land a few good hits in before Puck managed to grab the sharpened stick from his grasp and stabbed the older gent in the shoulder with it! Greg yelped and dropped the knife! Allowing Puck to snatch it up and grin, “heheheheheheheheheheh”, he laughed
Greg pulled out the stick and backed up, his back hitting a tree, he was cornered and coughed a bit before Puck ran over and stabbed his other shoulder with the same stick, this time, he managed to stab so hard that Greg was now stuck to the tree. Adira grit her teeth throughout all of this, glaring at Puck as she did, “fuck you….” Greg said, his voice was weak, far weaker than it had been before
Puck snickered, “it’s a damn shame, an old war hero had to go out the way you did”, he smiled evilly, “running away from the fight and allowing everyone to get killed into order to save your own damn skin”
Greg growled, “n-no one will believe you…”
“Wanna bet old man?” Puck asked, “once I’m done here, I’ll find Anastasia, and she’ll be dead, then the only one left to tell any tale will be me, and who do you think the people will believe? The hero Village Leader who single handedly tried to defend everyone from an untimely fate but couldn’t and managed to escape? Or the cowardly war hero who died during the chase and who was, potentially, the reason this all started in the first place when his PTSD caused him to act out against the people he cared so much about?”
Greg’s eyes widened, shining with fear before Puck stabbed him, over and over again! He laughed and laughed as the knife dug deeper and deeper into the Older gent’s abdomen, Adira felt Greg slowly, and painfully, fade away, and she dropped to her knees. Her breath had been hitched the entire time, so much so that she hadn’t noticed when Puck sliced off Greg’s tongue, nor did she see him look at her with that same insane look in his eyes before he grabbed her hair
“Ah!” She yelped, she was forced to face him
He grinned, “hello ya little noseybitch”
She growled at him before she slammed her foot into his stomach! He was sent sliding backwards, her hair was released from his grip, and she ran! Her hairdo fell around her shoulders, the holder keeping it up came flying off, she slid to a halt and grabbed it, she looked at it and smiled when she saw the rainbow thread Hector had used to make it before she ran again!
Unlike all the other times, this death stuck with her far longer and far worse than any of the others. She didn’t know why, but the pain just wouldn’t go away, its like one stab faded while another took its place, the face painted warrior found it hard to focus on where she was running, and she ended up tripping and sliding on the ground. She groaned and held her stomach. She wanted to vomit the pain felt so bad! The tears in her eyes weren’t helping either, they made everything blurry and hard to see
She whimpered and stood up, she needed to keep going, but each step she took felt so heavy, and she fell again. The world began to spin, “ugh….” She groaned, “w-why…. Is t-this…..” she couldn’t finished her sentence as bile came up from her stomach, and she puked
She finally finished, but she felt so weak….. She looked around the memory was vibrating, she got up, no sign of Varian anywhere. She whimpered, small, familiar, pangs of her past came to her, “n-no…. Not now…. Not n-now….” She said, shaking her head, “w-why is this… happening n-now?”
“Heh, you suffered the fate of a man with PTDS”, Puck’s voice said from behind her before she felt him kick her back, making her fall once again, “you’re gonna feel some of the effects of that, makes runnin from me a hell of a lot harder, ey bitch?”
Adira growled, but she found she couldn’t do much, she couldn’t even face him as every move she made hurt her even more. She felt so sick….. She knew Puck was right in front of her, she knew she couldn’t move, and when he pulled out his knife, the fear that throbbed through her tired mind was like nothing she’d ever felt before, until she saw something familiar…. Someone who had saved her once before…. When she saw it, she smiled, before closing her eyes, and saying their name, “….Quirin….. Help me!”
Puck raised a brow, before someone slammed into him! Sending the man *flying*! Adira saw a hand reach out to her, its warmth was so familiar, so comforting, and suddenly she felt all of her fears and worries go away, the pain finally ceased, and when she looked up, she recognized that familiar face of her older brother, “come on”, he said, “I’m right here”
She took his hand, and he helped her up before they both ran! Both were hand in hand, Quirin was leading the way, “you have one more”, he said
“One more?” She asked
“I could tell you needed help, so I prayed twice, for both you and Varian”, he said, “you’ve got one more after me, Varian has two”
Adira blinked before she smiled, “thank you”
“Anytime”, Quirin replied
Puck was still hot on their tails, he’d recovered quickly from Quirin’s hit, and was running after them at full speed, but Adira wasn’t worried as she allowed Quirin to lead her wherever they were going. She saw them head further into the forest, she wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t care at that point, she just wanted to stay with Quirin! Finally, the two stopped, Quirin gently pushed Adira behind him, the face painted warrior didn’t argue, as she still felt the effects of her sudden illness, though they were far more manageable than before
Puck slid to a halt and glared at the man, “so you sent a damn protection prayer?! Are you fucking serious?!” He huffed before scoffing, “it doesn’t fuckin matter…. I still have more power! MY MIND! MY RULES BI-!” He was cut off when black rocks slammed into his stomach
“My gosh do you ever shut the hell up?!” A familiar voice asked
“Varian!” Adira exclaimed, relieved to see the teen
“I am so sorry for being so late Adira!” The alchemist exclaimed, “I had some unwanted company and the door got more complicated for some reason and-!” He stopped and blinked, “dad?”
“Hi son”, Quirin replied with a happy smile
“Hi! Wait…. You used a prayer?”
“I had too….” Adira replied, “something happened to me Speckles, I got sick…. Very sick…. And the pain of the death didn’t go away for some reason”, she said, a little weaker than she would’ve liked
“It didn’t go away? And you got…. Oh Adira, I-I’m so sorry…”
“I don’t blame you…. But we need to get out of here…. I think there’s something wrong….”
Varian nodded, “yeah, let’s go, oh! Um…. There’s actually something you should know before we leave”
“What?”
Puck yelled and ran forwards, his knife out, ready to stab Adira, Quirin unsheathed his swords, about to attack back when someone beat him to it. Someone familiar, someone unwanted, someone with acid yellow eyes, “no…..” the face painted warrior said
“How….. how in the hell…..” Quirin added
The man turned and faced them, “Been a while…..” he said
Varian sighed as Adira and Quirin stared at the man before them before Adira finally spoke, “what the hell is *Cyrus* doing here?!”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, Greg is one of the most awesome characters ever, because he’s smart, picks up on things quickly, and handles himself very well, the only thing going against him is his age and weight, but he is an amazing person, very strong too 😊
Poor Adira…. These visions seem to be affecting her more and more each and every time, I wonder what’s going on (hint hint) :3
Varian and Quirin being awesome, if you’re wondering, Quirin isn’t actually there, but his prayer takes his form and personality in order to protect Adira and make her feel safe, since that’s what Quirin asked for 😊🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 627: Thin Ice!
Summary:
Adira, Varian, and Cyrus talk!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Heh, you suffered the fate of a man with PTDS”, Puck’s voice said from behind her before she felt him kick her back, making her fall once again, “you’re gonna feel some of the effects of that, makes runnin from me a hell of a lot harder, ey bitch?”
Adira growled, but she found she couldn’t do much, she couldn’t even face him as every move she made hurt her even more. She felt so sick….. She knew Puck was right in front of her, she knew she couldn’t move, and when he pulled out his knife, the fear that throbbed through her tired mind was like nothing she’d ever felt before, until she saw something familiar…. Someone who had saved her once before…. When she saw it, she smiled, before closing her eyes, and saying their name, “….Quirin….. Help me!”
Puck raised a brow, before someone slammed into him! Sending the man *flying*! Adira saw a hand reach out to her, its warmth was so familiar, so comforting, and suddenly she felt all of her fears and worries go away, the pain finally ceased, and when she looked up, she recognized that familiar face of her older brother, “come on”, he said, “I’m right here”
She took his hand, and he helped her up before they both ran! Both were hand in hand, Quirin was leading the way, “you have one more”, he said
“One more?” She asked
“I could tell you needed help, so I prayed twice, for both you and Varian”, he said, “you’ve got one more after me, Varian has two”
Adira blinked before she smiled, “thank you”
“Anytime”, Quirin replied
Puck was still hot on their tails, he’d recovered quickly from Quirin’s hit, and was running after them at full speed, but Adira wasn’t worried as she allowed Quirin to lead her wherever they were going. She saw them head further into the forest, she wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t care at that point, she just wanted to stay with Quirin! Finally, the two stopped, Quirin gently pushed Adira behind him, the face painted warrior didn’t argue, as she still felt the effects of her sudden illness, though they were far more manageable than before
Puck slid to a halt and glared at the man, “so you sent a damn protection prayer?! Are you fucking serious?!” He huffed before scoffing, “it doesn’t fuckin matter…. I still have more power! MY MIND! MY RULES BI-!” He was cut off when black rocks slammed into his stomach
“My gosh do you ever shut the hell up?!” A familiar voice asked
“Varian!” Adira exclaimed, relieved to see the teen
“I am so sorry for being so late Adira!” The alchemist exclaimed, “I had some unwanted company and the door got more complicated for some reason and-!” He stopped and blinked, “dad?”
“Hi son”, Quirin replied with a happy smile
“Hi! Wait…. You used a prayer?”
“I had too….” Adira replied, “something happened to me Speckles, I got sick…. Very sick…. And the pain of the death didn’t go away for some reason”, she said, a little weaker than she would’ve liked
“It didn’t go away? And you got…. Oh Adira, I-I’m so sorry…”
“I don’t blame you…. But we need to get out of here…. I think there’s something wrong….”
Varian nodded, “yeah, let’s go, oh! Um…. There’s actually something you should know about before we leave”
“What?”
Puck yelled and ran forwards, his knife out, ready to stab Adira, Quirin unsheathed his swords, about to attack back when someone beat him to it. Someone familiar, someone unwanted, someone with acid yellow eyes, “no…..” the face painted warrior said
“How….. how in the hell…..” Quirin added
The man turned and faced them, “Been a while…..” he stated
Varian sighed as Adira and Quirin stared at the man in front of them before Adira finally spoke, “what the hell is *Cyrus* doing here?!”
Puck blinked before he growled at Cyrus, “you fuckin TRAITOR!”
The mercenary rolled his eyes, “like I have a damn choice in the matter….”
Varian huffed before he summoned more black rocks in order to hit the killer, Puck jumped out of the way before he ran towards Adira! Quirin blocked him, swinging his sword and holding the man in place before he looked at the face painted warrior, “go! Now! I’ll hold him off while all of you escape!”
Adira winced at that as she remembered Greg, but when Varian touched her hand, she sighed and nodded before smiling at Quirin, “thank you”
The retired knight smiled back, “anytime”
“Bye dad!” Varian called, his father smiling wider at him before the alchemist, warrior, and Cyrus ran!
Varian led the way, his eyes glowing bright as he held Adira’s hand the whole time while Cyrus ran behind them. The vision wavered just as it had before as the alchemist pushed against the barrier of the memory, the same jello-like feel waved over Adira, though it felt slightly heavier this time, and a bit harder to move through, before they finally busted through
Varian gasped and coughed a bit, “ugh…. What the hell?!” he coughed again before he shook his head, “ugh….. ok, that took more power to push through than before…..”
“It felt heavier….” Adira agreed, “are you alright?”
“Yeah, just, oof…..” the teen looked at his aunt, “are *you* okay? You said you got really sick before”
“I did…. So much so that I couldn’t move…. The man I was connected with had PTSD, and some of it was affecting me badly….”
“Oh…. O-oh my…. Adira, I’m so so sorry….”
“It’s alright Speckles, I’m fine now, but something else happened, I got sick”
“From the PTSD?” Cyrus asked in a bored tone
The warrior glared at him before looking at Varian, “it was like something poisoned me, I even ended up puking”
“Oh no….” Varian said softly, “this is bad…. Something’s wrong”
“You two just gonna ignore me or what?” Cyrus asked
“Something is definitely not right”, Adira agreed
“Ignore me, fucking got it…..”
“The hell do you want us to say to you?” The warrior snapped, “welcome back from being a complete asshole and scarring so many people! So good to see you and your abusive ass!” She added with a huff
Cyrus growled at her, “hey I just fucking *saved* your ass!”
“Good job for the *one* good deed you’ve done, you’ll need about a billion more to even *begin* to make up for all the *shit* you’ve pulled, and that’s just with me!”
“Ok, as much as I would love to continue this conversation about how awful you are”, Varian stated, getting Cyrus to huff, “we need to refocus here, something’s very wrong right now, and we need to figure it out”
“You sure he isn’t the issue?” Adira asked with a raised brow
Varian gave his aunt a sympathetic look, “he was sent here, by the Moon, to help us out, so I’m certain he’s not the problem”
“Tch”, she scoffed
The alchemist sighed, “he relived everything”, he said, “all the pain he caused people, the suffering, the hurt, he relived through it all, that was the Moon’s punishment for him, then he was made to serve and protect mine and Hugo’s bloodline from danger until he made up for all he’s done, I don’t know what happens after that”
Adira looked at the alchemist for a moment before she looked at Cyrus, “so… you lived through everything you did?”
“Yeah”, the mercenary said, “from the victims point of view”
“…..Including Hugo?”
This surprised the man, but he nodded, “yeah…..”
“…..Do you…. Feel remorse?” She asked
Cyrus looked at her, as did Varian, both of them were watching the man, though their faces varied wildly. Varian was staring a him with caution and anger, but Adira…. She looked…. Curious, and even a little hopeful, “…..yeah…..” he said, as flashes of when he did to Adira and Hugo replayed in his mind, “I do….”
The face painted warrior was quiet for a moment or two before she sighed, “it’s a start…. I guess….”
Varian looked up at Adira and gave her a small smile. He then spoke up, “back to the matter at hand?”
“Indeed”
“So you felt sick, and puked, I feel heavy, really heavy, and the locks on the door were more complicated to open…. Something’s going on….. it’s like something’s trying to block us from seeing the memories”
“Maybe Puck?” Cyrus asked
“….Maybe, but how could he have control over the other spirit’s memories…. And how is he affecting me? I’m using my Moon powers! Not spiritual energy”
“You also ain’t a ghost”, Cyrus stated, “you’re still alive, just…. Doing whatever the fuck this is”, he gestured to around them, “maybe that doesn’t help?”
“Maybe…..”
Adira noticed the final memory bubble nearby, though this one looked different, “the bubble…. It’s murkier….” She said softly, “it’s not the same as the others”
Varian looked at where the face painted warrior was looking, and gasped, “that’s door is filled to the *brim* with locks!”
“What the fuck? You see a bubble and you see a locked door?” Cyrus asked
“Yeah, what do you see?”
“A hole”, he stated, “the other side is nearly pitch black, but it’s a hole, ya jump in”
“Huh….. Does it look different than the other holes?” Varian asked
“It’s darker than the other hole, but I’ve only seen one so far, so”, he shrugged
“Hmmm…..” Varian looked at Adira, “they’re getting darker, more complicated, and heavier…. What if it’s because this memory might be affecting everyone a little differently than the others did….”
“What do you mean?” Adira asked
“Well, if we’re really going through the minds of those who passed away, who have you seen so far?”
“Reggie, Simon, and Greg….. All of them had their ups and downs….”
“Does Puck seem to have a connection to this final person, maybe more so than the others?”
“…..He loved her….” This made Varian’s eyes widen, “he and Simon both, though Simon was the one who married her…. Reggie was good friends with her, and Greg seemed to be protective over her, giving his life to save hers”
“Huh, so this not only affects Puck, but the others as well…..”
“Seems so….”
“No wonder her memory is the most contained, they don’t wanna remember how she died….. but…. I feel like there’s something else…..”
“What do you mean?”
“I dunno…. Something’s screaming at me that this memory, this girl….. she…. Shouldn’t have been killed, her more than the rest…. It…. It’s making me mad actually…..”
Adria and Cyrus were a little startled by this, “what do you feel exactly?” Adira asked
Varian was silent for a moment or two, his eyes glowing gently, before he placed a hand on his stomach, “…..I…… Something….. here…..” he said before looking at the two, “I don’t know….. But everyone is screaming about this one….. Please be careful Adira….”
The face painted warrior blinked before she nodded, “I will….” She said before walking over to the bubble. She took a deep breath, her heart was beating faster than it had before, she looked back at Varian and Cyrus, but she remembered something, “by the way, Quirin sent you two prayers Speckles, he sent me two as well, I used on already” she said
Varian stared at her for a moment before he smiled, “that dad of mine, hee hee”
Adira grinned before she faced the bubble again, and nodded before she walked inside, Varian sighed before he looked at Cyrus, “Puck is your ancestor, do you know anything about him?”
The mercenary shrugged, “no idea, never knew much about my family. I was told to just survive, they weren’t really the sharing type”
“Hm…. Did that ever bother you?”
“Nope, I did what I was told. Never had a reason to question anything, it got me food and clothes on my back, that’s all I needed”
Varian looked down for a moment, “….Do you think what Puck is doing is right?”
“……Not anymore….”
Varian looked at the man, “did reliving everything really change you so much?”
Cyrus looked at the teen, “…..I felt Hugo break…..”
This caught Varian’s attention, “what do you mean”
“…..It was during his early years….. He was 7….. By the point I’d felt this, I’d felt death so many times I’ve lost count, I had the more harmful tortures done, all I’d ever done, but I still kept my stance….. until Hugo…..” he sighed, “I’d felt him a few times before it, but they were small slaps or comments, things that would make him feel bad, but not broken….. But that day…. Donella had had a really bad day…. The job she did didn’t pan out the way she’d hoped, and she wasn’t good at keeping her temper when a job failed….. She usually just told us to fuck off, but that day, Hugo had tried to make her feel better…. He made her a drawing….. It wasn’t too bad either….. I ain’t heartless, it even got me a bit….. In my previous life, when this day came, I was out, so I never saw what he did to upset her….. But all he did was draw a damn picture…. He was trying to help her…. And she screamed and yelled at him, she blamed him for everything, insulted him, told him she hated everything about him….. and tore the picture apart…. Then…. when she was done, she called me in there and told me to beat him…..”
Varian gasped, “what the *fuck*?!”
“Yeah…. It was the first time she did too….. I just did what I was told, took him into the next room….. and kept punching and hitting him….. he begged for me to stop, screamed for Donella, apologized, tried to run away or shield himself, but she didn’t come…. She never came…. And when she didn’t, when he realized she wouldn’t help him…. He broke…. And stopped fighting me…. When I was done…. I remember seeing him slump to the floor, I remember walking out and telling her it was done, she’d congratulated me for it….. But from his perspective….. he had…. Everything on his shoulders….. suddenly all the anger and sadness and fear that he’d been feeling just…. Attacked and…. He couldn’t take it anymore…. And he broke…..”
Varian’s mouth twitched, his eyes were filled with tears as he covered his mouth, “oh Hugo…..”
“He thought about his dad that day…..” Varian looked at Cyrus when he said this, “he wondered what he’d done wrong to deserve any of it, and thought about how his dad just…. Fucking abandoned him….. I recognized the look on that man’s face too….. He was glad he’d left his 3 year old with some damn Duke and duchess….. and it just….. Hugo broke and….” Cyrus sighed, looking down in shame, “I didn’t fuckin know….” He said, “I just thought he was a fuck up who whined a bunch about simple orders…. I didn’t know he’d been abandoned….. I didn’t know his father sold him, I didn’t know any of that…. I just knew that a little kid joined me and Donella, that’s it, I didn’t ask questions….. And…. I should have…..” he looked at Varian, “everything else I did after that, it hurt….. I kept asking why, I kept trying to beg *for* Hugo, and anyone I’d hurt…. But I never listened….. I begged, I lied, I tricked, hell I even fought back! But I never won… and the things that I did….. they…. Were…. awful….. When I got to Adira….” He shuddered, “no wonder she hates me….”
“Why’d you be sassy back if you understood her anger?” Varian asked
“I hate what I did too, but I ain’t gonna take fucking insults!”
“That might be unavoidable”, Varian stated, “you yourself felt what we did, if you were in our shoes now and reuniting with yourself, would you really be happy to see you?” The teen stopped and blinked before he huffed, “you know what I mean”
Cyrus raised an amused brow, chuckling a bit, before he sighed and thought about it, then shook his head, “no….. I guess I wouldn’t….”
The alchemist looked at the man, “you may have to deal with a few more insults coming your way”
“Yeah…. I know, and believe me, I deserve each and every one of em….. just….. hard not to bite back yanno?”
Varian wanted to disagree, but remembered how he’d treated Gothel, Cassandra’s father, and the werewolf huntress, and sighed, “yeah….. I know….”
Cyrus was quiet for a moment or two before he spoke up, “you ain’t so bad…. It uh….. doesn’t make up for what I’ve done…. At all…. But…. I never knew you were….. like this”
“Like what?”
“…..So….. Understanding…. I thought you’d hate me”
“I do”, Varian stated, getting Cyrus to look at him, “right now Cyrus, I have the most disgusting thoughts about you that one second in my mind would be torture for you….. And I wouldn’t give a damn….. But….. I also know what it’s like to be…. A villain…..” he said, “I was nowhere near as bad as you, but….. I get it….. sort of….. And you’ve already been judged by the Moon. You’re serving your sentence now. What good would being awful to you do?”
“Be satisfying”
“Pffft!”
“I’m serious, being an asshole to me would be the most satisfying thing for you! And I wouldn’t blame you either, so…. Why aren’t you?”
Now it was Varian’s turn to be quiet for a moment or two, before he looked at Cyrus, “I’d rather be understanding and kind, even to my enemies, than turn into what I did before. I took my anger out on those I believed deserved it, and innocent people got hurt”
“I ain’t innocent though”
“No, you’re not….. But being cruel to you…. It just…. Doesn’t feel right to me…..” he stated, “you’re someone I’ll never forget, ever…. But two wrongs don’t make a right…..”
“So you’re being the bigger person?”
“I’m being the person I want to be”
“Huh….. Then…. I’ll try my best to make up for what I did”
Varian nodded, they were quiet once again before the alchemist looked at the mercenary, “now that you know more about him, what do you think of Hugo?”
“Meh, he ain’t so bad. Still a pain in my ass, but I deserved it, heh, he’d probably take that and say I’m callin him perfect, I guess he ain’t too far off though”
Varian smirked as he watched the door Adira disappeared behind, “damn straight”
Notes:
Hello!!!!! :D
So, I’m not trying to redeem him, but I like making characters a bit more complex, you can hate Cyrus all you want to, I’m not blaming anyone for that because what he did was nothing short of disgusting! But this is him after he finally learned his lesson, and I kinda wanted to play with that idea a little bit, but again, hate him all you want, I’m not condoning anything he’s done, at all, nor will I ever do so
Things are gonna get crazy in this upcoming chapter, there’s gonna be a trigger warning for it too, just, fair warning!
Hugo….. he’s been through too much man! DX
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 628: Anastasia!
Summary:
Adira finally finds out what happened to Anastasia, and realizes why Puck is acting the way he is…..
TRIGGER WARNING!!!!
Child death! Do not read if you cannot handle this subject! Please! I’m giving you this warning because this chapter has child death in it! Do NOT read if you cannot handle this subject! You are not weak if you do not read this chapter! I completely understand, just please do not read if you cannot handle it!
Notes:
TRIGGER WARNING!!!!
Child death! Do not read if you cannot handle this subject! Please! I’m giving you this warning because this chapter has child death in it! Do NOT read if you cannot handle this subject! You are not weak if you do not read this chapter! I completely understand, just please do not read if you cannot handle it!For those who are going to read, I hope you enjoy the chapter ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hmmm…..” Varian looked at Adira, “they’re getting darker, more complicated, and heavier…. What if it’s because this memory might be affecting everyone a little differently than the others did….”
“What do you mean?” Adira asked
“Well, if we’re really going through the minds of those who passed away, who have you seen so far?”
“Reggie, Simon, and Greg….. All of them had their ups and downs….”
“Does Puck seem to have a connection to this final person, maybe more so than the others?”
“…..He loved her….” This made Varian’s eyes widen, “he and Simon both, though Simon was the one who married her…. Reggie was good friends with her, and Greg seemed to be protective over her, giving his life to save hers”
“Huh, so this not only affects Puck, but the others as well…..”
“Seems so….”
“No wonder her memory is the most contained, they don’t wanna remember how she died….. but…. I feel like there’s something else…..”
“What do you mean?”
“I dunno…. Something’s screaming at me that this memory, this girl….. she…. Shouldn’t have been killed, her more than the rest…. It…. It’s making me mad actually…..”
Adria and Cyrus were a little startled by this, “what do you feel exactly?” Adira asked
Varian was silent for a moment or two, his eyes glowing gently, before he placed a hand on his stomach, “…..I…… Something….. here…..” he said before looking at the two, “I don’t know….. But everyone is screaming about this one….. Please be careful Adira….”
The face painted warrior blinked before she nodded, “I will….” She said before walking over to the bubble. She took a deep breath, her heart was beating faster than it had before, she looked back at Varian and Cyrus and remembered something, “by the way, Quirin sent you two prayers Speckles, he sent me two as well, I used one already” she said
Varian stared at her for a moment before he smiled, “that dad of mine, hee hee”
Adira grinned before she faced the bubble again, and nodded before she walked inside
****
*She was in the forest again, though her body was different. She could feel the familiar weight and size of the female body she was currently sharing a mind with, but she could tell it wasn’t hers. Case in point, her stomach, it felt….. different…. Heavier….. She’d seen this female before, even knew her name, Anastasia, so she knew the female wasn’t overweight in the slightest, yet her stomach was heavy….. and she felt out of breath. Though Adira could understand why as she and Anastasia were running through the forest at a break neck pace!
Behind them, they could hear fighting, Adira recognizing Greg’s voice, and she could tell he was about to die….. She looked down, Quirin and Edmund’s images flashed in her mind once again as she thought of the older gent…. *I’ll pay my respects to him, and the others as well just as soon as we’re done here….*
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!”
She winced as Anastasia stopped running and turned back to look, the girl was frightened to her core, backing up a bit as the forest fell silent…. Nothing moved, nothing stirred, the only thing that she could hear, was the silence after Greg’s final scream…..
Anastasia sniffled and fell to the floor, her mind finally realizing what’d just happened, “G-G-Greg…..” she whimpered
She had the good sense to place her hands over her mouth in order to quiet her sobs, and Adira certainly didn’t blame the woman for being upset…. She could feel how innocent this female was, her mind was so pure, her heart full of light and kindness. Adira felt like, had she met this girl under any other circumstances, she would’ve adored her, and wanted to protect her with everything she had. In fact, the face painted warrior felt something familiar about this female, she tried to remember what it was that made her drawn to Anastasia, who was it she reminded her of? Before a stick cracked nearby
Anastasia’s breath hitched and she quickly backed into a bush, hiding inside just as Greg had taught her…. Her hands were still over her mouth, eyes wide with terror that felt so wrong on this poor girl’s face. That’s when Adira noticed her eye color for the first time during her entire escapade. One eye was emerald green, the other was bright sky blue. She was extremely enamored by this as Varian’s voice crept into her her one
*”It’s called, heterochromia, it’s where one eye is either completely, or partially, differently colored than the other eye! It’s super rare, only 1% of the human population are reported to have it! It’s a genetic mutation that you get at birth, or it can come around later in life due to injury or certain medical conditions, either way it’s really cool! Though if you get it from medical conditions, then there’s cause for worry, but if you get it at birth then you’re fine! Wouldn’t that be near Adira? To have two differently colored eyes?” The 15 year old alchemist exclaimed excitedly as he lay ontop of his father in the medical bed
“Wouldn’t that be difficult, since one eye being a lighter color would mean that it is more light sensitive than the other?” The face painted warrior asked, getting Hector to snort
“Well, true, but I think the cool aspect is well worth it! Think about it, someone with an emerald green eye and chocolate brown eye would look so cool!”
“So, the eye colors of Hugo and Quirin”
Varian blushed as the inventor and retired knight in question laughed, “I-I make no excuses for my eye color bias!” The teen exclaimed as he pouted
Adira chuckled as she watched Quirin hug his son while Hugo continued to giggle, “I will say, it would be pretty neat, though, if I may through in my own bias here, how about yellow and green? Or maybe yellow and blue? Or yellow and brown?”
“All three of those combinations has Hector’s eye color in them!” Varian pointed out
“I know, yellow eyes are cool”
Hector blinked before smirking as Adira gave him a smile*
The face painted warrior smiled at the memory before she was brought back to her current circumstances. She could hear Puck getting closer and closer, slowly approaching the bush they were hiding in. Anastasia kept quiet and didn’t move a muscle as she retraced her steps, showing Adira that she’d followed Greg’s instructions and had hidden anything that would give away her location. The warrior smiled, proud of the girl, before the footsteps stopped right in front of their bush, Adira thought about anything and everything that could give away their location before she remembered the bright blue dress Anastasia was in, “ain’t blue a wonderful color to wear?” Puck asked
Anastasia squeaked before she backed up out of panic and fell out of the back of the bush! This seemed to be a miracle, because the back led to a small dirt hill that the girl slid down, when she reached the bottom, she got up and ran! She got off the path, trying to hide her steps as best as she could from her pursuer, but it didn’t matter much because her dress kept getting caught on branches and ripping, and Anastasia was in such a panic that she didn’t think about anything other than getting away!
Adira didn’t blame her, in fact, she felt so much fear for, and from, this woman, she wanted nothing more than to protect her! Something about Anastasia made the warrior wanna hold her close and keep her safe. And when Anastasia tripped over her own two feet, and fell, face first, onto the floor, Adira finally figured out why as a memory popped into her mind
*”Oof!”
The face painted warrior chuckled as she helped the tiny alchemist to his feet, “are you really sure you need all of this right now?” She asked
“I’m positive!” Varian exclaimed happily, “I’m gonna make those water tanks work, and Hugo said he’d help me! But we need every part”
“Speckles, you can just take another trip, you’re carrying two human’s worth of stuff in your hands right now”
“I can handle it, I live and work on a farm! I can definitely handle some metal scraps, tools, alchemy beakers, vials, and some Flynnolium”, he stated before he took another step and fell once again, face first, “oof!”
“I’m going to guess gravity is just a little extra heavy today”, Adira teased with a smirk
“I’m not dignifying that with a response”
Adira chuckled as she helped the teen to his feet once more and then continued down the hallway*
The face painted warrior snorted as the memory faded before letting out a sigh, *Varian….* she thought to herself, *of course you had to be like my clumsy little nephew…. No wonder they all love you….*
Anastasia had already gotten up and was still running at this point! Her only goal was leaving, she needed to go, she needed to survive so she could tell everyone’s story! She saw the entrance to the forest in front of her, her heart skipped several beats when she did! Adira smiled, but stopped when she realized something….. *this…. Isn’t right…. She’s escaping, Puck already found her before…. But he’s not chasing her…. In fact…. He’s not anywhere….* The memory wavered around Adira, the face painted warrior looked around, startled, before she watched Anastasia run out of the forest and towards the town
She made it! She’d finally escaped! She was safe and sound, and she broke the curse! But….. something was wrong…. This wasn’t right….. Adira knew it wasn’t…. So why….. What was going on?
“….Go the fuck away…..” Puck stated from right behind Adira
The warrior jumped back, realizing the memory had ended already, she glared at the man, but stopped short when she saw his tears sliding down his face. He looked human once again, but this time, he was angry, “what’s happening?” Adira asked, “why did she escape? That’s not what happened to her, I know it isn’t!”
“I DON’T FUCKING CARE! GO THE *FUCK* AWAY!!!!!” Puck screamed, his voice cracking the memory little by little
Adira backed up a bit, he stopped screaming, and the cracks healed. She watched him for a moment or two, before shaking her head, “I’m in here because she and the others want me to tell their story. I’m not leaving here until I’ve seen it all! You’re messing with the memory, and it isn’t yours to toy with!”
Puck glared at her, his acid yellow eyes showed nothing but hatred for Adira, but she saw something else in them, something familiar, “go away! NOW!”
“NO!” She yelled, “I won’t leave until I’ve seen what they want me to see! They deserve their true stories to be told! They deserve to be honored and grieved over properly! And the shadow walkers deserve their innocence! I WON’T LEAVE UNTIL I DO WHAT THEY ASKED ME TO!” She drew her sword and glared at the man, “WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?! SHOW ME *NOW*!”
Puck screamed and placed his hands over his ears, he crouched down and cried! His shouts cracking and breaking the memory around them, the astral plain showed behind them, Adira backed up a bit, she noticed Varian and Cyrus were nearby, staring, wide eyed, at the pair. The face painted warrior glared at Puck, she walked over and grabbed his shirt before hoisting him up and punching his chin, which made the man fly backwards, silencing his cries and stopping the memory from breaking. Varian and Cyrus could still see them, the alchemist ran over, managing to slide in through the cracks as Cyrus phased right through. They stood beside Adira as she continued to glare hatefully at the murderer on the floor
“You may not be able to face what you fucking did to her, but I won’t let you continue to mock their memories because you’re too much of a *COWARD* to remember!” She snapped, “SHOW ME WHAT YOU DID TO HER OR ELSE ILL TEAR YOU APART!” She yelled, startling Varian and Cyrus as they looked at her
“THEN FUCKING DO IT!” Puck yelled, “TEAR ME A-FUCKING PART! OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!!! I WONT LIVE THROUGH THAT AGAIN! I WILL NEVER LIVE THROUGH WHAT I DID TO ANASTASIA AGAIN! EVER!!!!”
Varian glared at Puck, “what the hell…. You were enjoying it before! What changed?” He asked angrily, “what? Did killing your best friend satiate some sort of disgusting hunger in you and Anastasia was just an after thought?”
“SHE WAS *NEVER* AN AFTER THOUGHT!” Puck screamed, appearing before Varian and grabbing the alchemist by the neck, lifting him up
Adira didn’t hesitate, slicing the man’s arm off and getting Varian to fall to the ground, he coughed as Adira pointed her sword at Puck, “don’t fucking play with me”, she stated, her voice low and angry, Cyrus and Varian both could hear bits of Hector in her tone, “show me what you fucking did to her….. *Now*”
This made Puck step back a bit, startled by her sudden change before he fell backwards, landing on his back, he groaned before he looked up and gasped, “NO!”
Adira paused when she saw Anastasia standing above him. She looked sad as she watched him. The warrior put her sword away, “he won’t let me see”, she said gently, using a tone Varian recognized whenever she spoke to him, “I want to help you, but he’s blocking your memory”
Anastasia sighed and looked at Adira, her mouth didn’t move, but her voice was clear, *it’s because if he relives it again, he’ll break, like he did before….*
“Before?” Varian asked
Cyrus looked at Puck, “the hell did you do that was so bad you couldn’t face it?” He asked
Puck growled at him, “you don’t understand!”
“Actually, out of everyone, I think I’d understand the most. I just relived everything I fucking did, and while I hated it, I still faced it because I had to”, he said
“I WILL NOT FACE HER! NOT AGAIN! I DIDN’T WANNA DO IT! I DIDN’T”
“But you did”, Adira stated, this time her voice sounded calm, but icy, reminding Varian of his father, “you killed her, and you did the same to Reggie, Simon, and Greg. You killed them all in cold blood, no remorse, no hesitation…. If you really feel remorse for her, then show me what you did, and allow yourself to be judged properly!”
Puck was still, he didn’t even seem like he was breathing anymore, before the group saw Anastasia running through the forest. She still had dirt on her, showing she’d slid down the hill from the back of the bush, but just before she could reach the entrance to the forest, she tripped and fell again. She whimpered, trying to get up, when she was stopped by Puck, he’d slammed his foot into her back and made her yelp in pain, “P-Puck-!”
“Shut up!” He snapped, making her wince, “you did this! You did this to me!”
Anastasia whimpered, “w-what did I d-do?”
“YOU CHOSE HIM OVER ME!”
“S-Simon?” She asked, “h-he was k-kind to me…. H-he helped me…. I…. I-I couldn’t help falling I-in love w-with him…. P-please…. S-Stop…. P-Puck….”
The weight of Puck’s foot left her back, and Anastasia slowly sat up, she held her stomach and sniffled before she looked up at the man and yelped, “P-Puck! Wai-AH!”
Her final squeak ended shortly when the fishing knife Puck had made its way into her stomach. Adira winced, still connected to Anastasia, she held her own stomach before she froze as she felt something…. Die…. Her eyes filled with tears as she backed away, hands clamped over her mouth as she stared at the memory before her, “no….” She said softly, “n-no…. No no no! No! NO!” She fell backwards, the memory was paused
Varian and Cyrus stared at her before the teen ran over, “Adira? Adira what’s wrong?!” He asked worriedly
“I didn’t know….” Puck said softly, “I-I didn’t know…..”
Adira stared at the memory as tears fell down her face. She whimpered when the memory continued and Puck slit Anastasia’s throat before dropping her. He then cut out her tongue and was about to walk away, when he stopped. He noticed a piece of paper on the floor. Walking over, he picked it up, and read what was inside before his eyes went wide with fear and anguish as he looked at Anastasia again
“No”, he said, “no…. NO!” He ran to her and checked her, she was already gone, he felt her stomach and stopped, tears sliding down his face as he realized what he’d just done, “NO! NONONO!!!! I DIDNT KNOW!” He yelled, “I DIDNT KNOW!”
The memory broke, disappearing. But Puck remained, Varian blinked, unsure of what just happened, Cyrus did the same before Adira looked at Puck, “….S-She…. She was….”
“I didn’t know! I truly didn’t know!” Puck exclaimed
Adira closed her eyes, before she stood up, her fists clenched in balls so tight that her knuckles turned white! She growled, tears continued to roll down her face as her eyes opened and she ran to the man at lightning speed, punching him so hard in the face that a few teeth were knocked out, “SHE WAS *PREGNANT*!” She yelled, her tone sounded like Edmund, heartbroken and erratic as she continued to slam her fists into Puck, “YOU FOUL! DISGUSTING! WORTHLESS! HORRIBLE! PIECE OF *SHIT*!!!!!!” She screamed, never letting up, never giving pause, she punched him, kicked him, beat him up until he was beyond recognition, and even still she wouldn’t stop!
“Holy shit….” Cyrus said, recognizing this side of Adira as the one he’d faced at one point when he’d taken Varian hostage
The alchemist had placed his hands over his mouth in shock, before he ran over to Adira, his thoughts were racing at a billion miles per second! His heart kept breaking over and over again for the little life that was unknowingly lost. He finally reached his aunt and, in an instant, wrapped his arms around her middle, hugging her gently, “stop!” He exclaimed, “please…. Stop…..”
Adira paused mid punch, the world coming back to her, before she finally felt Varian’s around around her, and she ended up sniffling before falling to her knees, Varian doing the same, as she returned the hug, and cried…..
Notes:
Hello ❤️
So…. Yeah I don’t have much to say about this chapter…. What happens in it is awful and horrible and I feel bad for anyone who goes through something similar to this….. or just this in general…..
I won’t get into politics here, so please leave those comments out of conversation, if you plan on bringing up abortion or anything of the sort. This isn’t that, this is something much different and I will delete any comment if someone brings that up. This isn’t that.
I’m so sorry for anyone who’s experienced miscarriages or something happening that’s lost them their child…. It’s never okay and I’m so sorry it happened. This chapter is not to make light of that situation at all, it’s to bring attention to it, and how wrong and sad those accidents can be…..
I’ve have friends and family members go through this, and the only way I know how to express my understanding of it is by writing it down….. I’m still so very sorry if anyone has experienced this….. this is a horrible thing to go through, and just know, that You’re not alone….. just know that there are people out there that are more than willing to help you through it, this is a safe space too, if you need to vent or need someone to talk to you, please feel free to comment and I’ll do my best to help, I’m not a professional, but I’m a shoulder you can come to if needed ❤️
I hope everyone has a wonderful day/night, thank you for reading 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 629: Regroup!
Summary:
The group needs to regroup after that final memory!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The memory broke, disappearing. But Puck remained, Varian blinked, unsure of what just happened, Cyrus did the same before Adira looked at Puck, “….S-She…. She was….”
“I didn’t know! I truly didn’t know!” Puck exclaimed
Adira closed her eyes, before she stood up, her fists clenched in balls so tight that her knuckles turned white! She growled, tears continued to roll down her face as her eyes opened and she ran to the man at lightning speed, punching him so hard in the face that a few teeth were knocked out, “SHE WAS *PREGNANT*!” She yelled, her tone sounded like Edmund, heartbroken and erratic as she continued to slam her fists into Puck, “YOU FOUL! DISGUSTING! WORTHLESS! HORRIBLE! PIECE OF *SHIT*!!!!!!” She screamed, never letting up, never giving pause, she punched him, kicked him, beat him up until he was beyond recognition, and even still she wouldn’t stop!
“Holy shit….” Cyrus said, recognizing this side of Adira as the one he’d faced at one point when he’d taken Varian hostage
The alchemist had placed his hands over his mouth in shock, before he ran over to Adira, his thoughts were racing at a billion miles per second! His heart kept breaking over and over again for the little life that was unknowingly lost. He finally reached his aunt and, in an instant, wrapped his arms around her middle, hugging her gently, “stop!” He exclaimed, “please…. Stop…..”
Adira paused mid punch, the world coming back to her, before she finally felt Varian’s arms wrapped around her, and she ended up sniffling before falling to her knees, Varian doing the same, as she returned the hug, and cried…..
****
Several minutes had passed by when Adira had finished sobbing. She was sitting on a tree stump, knees pulled to her chin and tucked underneath as her arms were wrapped around them, her eyes were closed, she seemed to be concentrating on controlling her emotions, though Varian could tell she was having difficulties if her slightly trembling lips were any indication. Puck had healed, his form slowly going back to what he originally looked like before the warrior had beat him beyond recognition
The group was quiet, before Cyrus looked at the man that was his ancestor, “so if you regret all this now, why did you lie?” He asked
Varian raised a brow at the man, “how’d you know he lied?”
“The Moon happened to be talking to me when Hugo’s asshole father figured it out”
“Ah”
“My question still stands, why’d you lie Puck? Why say it was the shadow walkers?”
“…..I don’t fucking know…..” the Village Leader replied with a sniffle, “I really don’t fucking know…..”
Varian stared at the man, “you killed a father, you killed your best friend, you killed a war hero, and you killed a pregnant woman”, he said, “all because of some revenge plot you got into your head because Anastasia fell in love with Simon and rumors were spread about you, but you can’t remember why you lied about their deaths?”
“It wasn’t a revenge plot…..”
“What?”
Puck looked at the alchemist, “it wasn’t a fucking revenge plot….. I didn’t plan this…. At least…. I didn’t want to….”
“Bullshit”, Adira spat, glaring at the monster before her, “you spouted on and on about rumors and being second to Simon. So I call bullshit”
“I didn’t WANT to kill them!” Puck exclaimed, “I didn’t! I never wanted this! Ever!” He stated as tears fell down his face, “I didn’t….. I didn’t…..” He began to sob, hiding his face in his knees
Adira shook her head and turned away from him, Varian gave his aunt a worried look, but Cyrus continued to watch the man with a thoughtful look on his face, “he ain’t lyin”
“Huh?” Varian looked at Cyrus
“I’ve seen thousands of people, murderers, thieves, abusers, corrupted noblemen and women, etc. I’ve seen em all, none of them act the way he is, none of em”
“And you would know?”
Cyrus huffed at the teen, “I ain’t the best role model, but I can read people like a damn book, and I’m tellin you right fuckin now that he ain’t lyin, this wasn’t planned, he didn’t wanna do this”
The alchemist stared at the mercenary for a long time before he looked at Puck. He waited for a few minutes, deep in thought before he sighed, “you’re blunt to a fault and tend to know people better than they know themselves, Hugo said so himself so….. Unfortunately I’m willing to believe that….. But if he didn’t plan this, and this wasn’t some revenge plot for him, then why did it happen?”
“No fuckin clue”, Cyrus said with a shrug
“Hmmm…..” the alchemist thought and thought and thought until his brain hurt
He had no ideas as to why this all happened, nothing spoke out to him, until, “the great tree….” Adira said
“Huh?” Varian looked over at his aunt and saw her watching Cyrus
“The Great Tree was Zhan Tiri’s place of power…. Demanitus sealed her powers away *after* trapping her in the portal, it was years after from my understanding, and even longer after that before the effects of that seal finally got rid of all her dark magic in the world”, she stated, “before this, there was an incident…. It happened long before me, my king, and my siblings were born, where pieces of that demon’s magic shifted throughout the world, infecting livestock, monsters, humans….. they say the first werewolf was made when Zhan Tiri’s dark magic hit a wolf, that wolf attacked a human, biting them, and causing the human to mutate into a half wolf, half human form. What if some of that magic affected Puck? It’s around the same time that this was discovered, because it was the first time shadow walkers were discovered, by him”, she pointed to the Village Leader, “he was the first to encounter them, and he wrote about them. His story lines up with the discovery of Zhan Tiri’s dark magic. And then there’s Quinn, he’s from the Dark Kingdom but got asked to check something out in Corona by the king, he mentioned this to me when I spoke to him, said something was happening here, so he and his daughter came to find out what”, she stated
Varian’s eyes widened, “if that’s the case, that dark magic affecting Puck could’ve turned his anger and minor irritation towards people he knew, into hatred and revenge, amping it up until this happened!”
“Exactly!” Adira stated, “it also solves another issue I’ve been having throughout these memories”
“What’s that?”
“Throughout them, Puck’s personality switches, one moment, he’s fine, calm, quiet, the next, he’s calling me a bitch and trying to kill me with a disgusting grin on his face! When he killed Reggie, he took pleasure in it, same with him killing Greg, but Simon and Anastasia showed a different side to him…. They showed his regret and sadness in what he’d just done….” She looked at Puck, “I’m right, I know I am”
“…..I don’t know…..” Puck replied
Varian hummed, “if it really was Zhan Tiri’s magic, he wouldn’t realize it….. I want to go with it, but I need solid proof, something that would be unarguable, because the actions that were committed here are far too horrendous to brush off with a theory”
“I agree, even if it was Zhan Tiri’s magic…. I….. I can’t…..” Adira stated, looking away from Puck, “they didn’t deserve it….. none of them…..”
Puck nodded, “I know they didn’t…..”
Varian looked at Cyrus, “this would also explain why Zhan Tiri seemed so buddy buddy with you, and got you out of jail”, he stated, “if her magic affected Puck, then she probably recognized you as part of his bloodline”
“Shit, you’re right…..” the mercenary stated
Puck looked at Cyrus, “aren’t you…. Dead?”
“Yep”
“So…. My bloodline ends with you….. unless you had kids”
“Nope, the only person I would’ve had kids with was Donella, and ugh, no fuckin thanks”
Varian snorted at that, “to be fair, she’s gotten better”
“Meh”
The alchemist chuckled as Puck grumbled about his lost lineage and Cyrus quirked a brow at him. Varian looked at Adira worriedly, she was still sitting down on the stump, looking at the ground, her position had changed however, now she was cross legged, hands in her lap, she looked like she was about to meditate. Varian walked over and kneeled before her, “you okay?”
She shook her head, “when I was a child…. There was a part of me that wanted to be a mom….. When I got older, I-I found out I couldn’t….. The B-Baron did too m-much damage t-to me…. S-So to feel that baby die….. I j-just…..” she closed her eyes and sniffled before shaking her head again and looking down
The alchemist hugged her gently, “I’m so sorry….. I’m sorry you had to live through that, it may be a memory, but that’s still so horrible to feel…..” he said softly, “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry….”
She returned the hug, holding him close to her. For a moment they stayed that way, before the hug broke and the duo looked at each other. Varian, very gently, wiped a piece of hair out of Adira’s face and smiled, “it’s gonna be okay, we’ll find out what happened, and when we do, we’ll come back home, and give them all, including the little one, a proper funeral. We’ll pray for them, and help the Moon put them to rest, okay?” He spoke softly, his voice calm and warm
She nodded, sniffled, and smiled at him, “thank you”
Varian nodded, “anytime”
Adore took a moment to collect herself before she got up, wiped her eyes, and let out a breath. She was feeling a bit better, though she wasn’t 100%, she would still fight for the people that were lost during this horrible situation. She looked at her nephew, “so what do we do? You said you need proof of Zhan Tiri’s magic being the cause, how are we going to get that?”
Varian smiled as he and Cyrus stood up, “Quinn said you needed to find him after you’d finished the memories, well, you’re done, so let’s find Quinn”
“How do we do that?” Puck asked, “that old man doesn’t really come around much”
“We need a link to him”
“So… you?” Cyrus asked, “ain’t you his descendant?”
“Well, yes, but I’m also not the best link, and we can’t take any chances in the astral plain. That being said, there’s only one person who is a perfect link, the one person that looks almost exactly like him!”
Adira grinned, “Quirin!”
Varian nodded before he looked up to the Moon, “I have two, I’m using one now, I need my dad Moon, can you send him here?”
She shimmered brightly before something light dropped from her, it fell down and splashed onto the ground before the alchemist, it began reshaped itself into the retired knight, he was facing his son, and smiled before holding out his hand. Varian’s grin widened as he walked over and took his father’s hand in his, “I need your help in order to connect with an old ancestor of ours”
Quirin nodded, “follow me Bubby”
Varian giggled and followed his father, Adira and Cyrus did the same before they stopped and looked at Puck, “not comin?” The mercenary asked
“I…. Can’t….. I’m stuck in the past, with the memories…..” The Village Leader replied
Adira huffed and turned away from the man, walking to Quirin and Varian, who’d also stopped to see what was happened. Cyrus nodded, “then I guess we’ll see you later”
“Right…..”
The man, along with the memory, disappeared, his face crestfallen and sad, Cyrus sighed before he walked over to the rest of the group, all of them were now in the steal plain. He looked at Adira, she was glaring at the ground. The man was quiet for a moment before he sighed, “you hate me, I get that….. But…. Know that….. I’m really sorry…. For what you just had to go through…..” he said softly
The face painted warrior was quiet for a long time, before she looked at Cyrus and nodded, “thanks….. I haven’t forgiven you for what you’ve done to me….. but…. Thanks…… that was…. Kind of you to say….”
The mercenary nodded and the group began to walk again. Quirin looked at his sister sadly, “I may not be your actual brother, but if you need a hug from him, I can help with that”
Adira smirked at the prayer Quirin, “I appreciate that, you know, you act a lot like him for a prayer”
“Heh, it’s to bring comfort to those I’m sent to”, he said, “I gain a bit of their personality from the words they speak, I look like them to give comfort, anything extra is just small memories I happen to get should the need arise from them. I remember you like his hugs, they’re second only to Hector’s and Varian’s”
The alchemist perked up at that, “my hugs are on par with Hector’s?”
Adira blushed but nodded, “you and he have similar ways of comforting me, but your hugs are almost the same, the only difference is you’re a touch smaller”
Varian grinned, “that makes me happy! Though I have to say, I’m biased towards dad hugs, oh! And grandpa hugs too! Especially his bear hugs!”
Adira laughed for the first time since she’d gotten there, “yeah, Fuzz Face has very good bear hugs! Though they’re a little tight at times”
“Hee hee, I love squishy hugs!”
“Indeed”
“Y’all are so fuckin sappy”, Cyrus commented, surprisingly, getting the duo to laugh, it lightened the mood as they made their way to Quinn and Serenity, Quirin leading the way as the duo continued talking with Cyrus commenting every once in a while
Notes:
Hello! :D
Lighter chapter to make up for how dark the last one got, still with some sad themes, but definitely not nearly as dark as the last one
Adira…. Honestly, she’s been through so freaking much in her life….. I remember watching her for the first time in the show, and all I wanted was to know more about her, but we never got that. She’s such an interesting person and I love how quirky and different she is! I think she’s wonderful, but her having such a dark part would definitely explain why she acts the way she does!
Also, again, I’m not making fun or light of any of the dark themes in this chapter, Adira not being able to have children is still a very sad and very serious topic and I hope anyone who’s in the same predicament knows that they’re not alone, and that it isn’t your fault. You are wonderful no matter if you can or cannot, I’m just happy you’re here, I’m only showing this in my story because I feel it should be discussed more. And because Adira is such a strong character, and the people who have to find out they can’t bear children are also incredibly strong and deserve someone showing that ❤️
Varian is being a supportive bean! Such a good nephew! 😊
Cyrus is…. Being good? Holy crap! The world must be ending!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 630: Quinn and Serenity!
Summary:
The group learns what happened to Quinn and Serenity.
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin nodded, “follow me Bubby”
Varian giggled and followed his father, Adira and Cyrus did the same before they stopped and looked at Puck, “not comin?” The mercenary asked
“I…. Can’t….. I’m stuck in the past, with the memories…..” The Village Leader replied
Adira huffed and turned away from the man, walking to Quirin and Varian, who’d also stopped to see what was happening. Cyrus nodded, “then I guess we’ll see you later”
“Right…..”
The man, along with the memory, disappeared, his face crestfallen and sad, Cyrus sighed before he walked over to the rest of the group, all of them were now in the astral plain. He looked at Adira, she was glaring at the ground. The man was quiet for a moment before he sighed, “you hate me, I get that….. But…. Know that….. I’m really sorry…. For what you just had to go through…..” he said softly
The face painted warrior was quiet for a long time, before she looked at Cyrus and nodded, “thanks….. I haven’t forgiven you for what you’ve done to me….. but…. Thanks…… that was…. Kind of you to say….”
The mercenary nodded and the group began to walk again. Quirin looked at his sister sadly, “I may not be your actual brother, but if you need a hug from him, I can help with that”
Adira smirked at the prayer Quirin, “I appreciate that, you know, you act a lot like him for a prayer”
“Heh, it’s to bring comfort to those I’m sent to”, he said, “I gain a bit of their personality from the words they speak, I look like them to give comfort, anything extra is just small memories I happen to get should the need arise from them. I remember you like his hugs, they’re second only to Hector’s and Varian’s”
The alchemist perked up at that, “my hugs are on par with Hector’s?”
Adira blushed but nodded, “you and he have similar ways of comforting me, but your hugs are almost the same, the only difference is you’re a touch smaller”
Varian grinned, “that makes me happy! Though I have to say, I’m biased towards dad hugs, oh! And grandpa hugs too! Especially his bear hugs!”
Adira laughed for the first time since she’d gotten there, “yeah, Fuzz Face has very good bear hugs! Though they’re a little tight at times”
“Hee hee, I love squishy hugs!”
“Indeed”
“Y’all are so fuckin sappy”, Cyrus commented, surprisingly, getting the duo to laugh, it lightened the mood as they made their way to Quinn and Serenity, Quirin leading the way as the duo continued talking with Cyrus commenting every once in a while
****
The group had grown quiet as they continued their trek. Varian still holding Quirin’s hand before he looked up at the retired knight, “did Quinn go somewhere far?” He asked
The prayer chuckled, “sort of, he’s traveling still, so I’m trying to find places to cut him off without going too far away from where you and Adira came from”
“Oh, why is he traveling?”
“He’s looking for something I believe, though I’m not entirely sure what”
“Perhaps he’s leading us somewhere?” Adira asked
“Perhaps”
Varian raised a brow, “where would he lead us to, do you think?”
“I’m not sure”, the prayer dad responded, “is there a question you’re trying to answer?”
“We wanna know if Zhan Tiri’s magic affected Puck and made him do what he did”
“Hmmm….. What makes you think it did?”
“Quirin would remember, it’s the Great Tree incident”, Adira stated
The prayer stopped and searched through the retired knight’s memories before his eyes flashed and he gasped, “I see, that makes sense seeing as how it they discovered her leaking dark magic around the same time. But isn’t it odd how it just so happens to be Puck that got influenced by it? Was there anything more than a hunch to this theory?”
“Sadly no”, Varian replied as they continued walking again, “there’s small things that seem to line up with it, but nothing more than that”
“Like Puck’s erratic behavior”, Adira stated, “and his eyes glowing at odd times, added to his lust for power that matches the demon’s, and his claim that he didn’t know why he did what he did without probable cause or reason”
“Hmmmm…..” Quirin thought about that for a moment or two before he looked at his sister, “did you plan on asking anyone who’s been connected with Zhan Tiri?”
“Like who?”
“Cassandra”, he replied, “she was fully possessed by the demon, if Quirin’s memories are correct. Consumed by her too when she had the Sundrop and Moonstone, if anyone would understand how it feels to have Zhan Tiri over your shoulder, it would be Cassandra”
“Yeah but, she’s not dead”, Varian pointed out, “and she’s also never astral projected before”
“True, but she can dream”, the prayer said with a smile, “and doesn’t the Moon have a connection to that? And doesn’t a certain stinkbomb have a connection to the Moon?”
Varian giggled before nodding, “that’s true, if Quinn can’t directly connect Puck’s behavior to Zhan Tiri’s power, then perhaps Cassandra can”
“Are you sure you’ll be able to talk with her Speckles?” Adira asked, “after what she did?”
“I…. May not have forgotten, and I haven’t really forgiven her either, but I’ve let it go if that makes sense. Her being around and talking doesn’t bother me, though it does bother dad a lot”
“Quirin’s anger towards Cassandra is not a secret”, the prayer stated, “it’s cold and icy, it could cause instant frostbite should it be physical in all honesty. But even so, he knows that you two need to do what you can to help solve this issue, so I’m certain he’d understand….. though prepare for lots of hugs and questions”
Varian giggled again, “noted”
The group continued their trek before Varian’s eyes glowed brightly, “ugh, the fuck? Why’s you turn on the lights?” Cyrus asked, covering his eyes
“I didn’t”, Varian replied
“We’re here”, Quirin said before he smiled at the alchemist, “hold Adira’s hand and walk forwards, Quinn is gonna show you something, whatever happens, don’t let go of each other”
“Why?” Adira asked
“Varian will be fine, but Adira, you don’t have a spiritual rope binding you back to the physical realm, and it’s a bit of a journey to get back from here, the rope makes that trip must faster”
The face painted warrior nodded, “thank you Quirin” she said before taking Varian’s hand
“Anytime”, the prayer replied before he looked at Cyrus, “you’ll be able to stick with Varian without physical touch, but you should still be careful. The Moon’s watching”
“Ominous threat received”, the mercenary stated
Varian snorted at that before he looked at his dad again, “I’ll see you later?”
Quirin smiled, “see you later Bubby, oh! Also, the rest are okay, they’re just waiting for you and Adira, the Moonstone’s giving them updates”
“Thank you”
“Anytime”, with that, the prayer disappeared, leaving Adira, Varian, and Cyrus alone
The alchemist looked at his aunt, “ready?”
“As I’ll ever be”, she replied
The teen smirked before he looked at Cyrus, “you?”
The mercenary shrugged, “sure”
“Ok”, the alchemist said, “here we go”, he and Adira stepped forwards, Cyrus right behind them, then a burst of blue light filled their vision and suddenly, they were at the Great Tree where a familiar looking Queen was standing:
*”So, let me get this straight, my husband was killed due to the dark magic that’s leaking from this tree?”
“Yes Queen Hera”, a guard beside her said, “Lord Quinn and his daughter, Lady Serenity, came back after their long years of research yesterday, and reported that Corona is being effected by this dark magic, which means it’s been spreading”, he said, “your husband’s passing was a result of this darkness infecting another living being….. Lord Quinn saw the same thing happen to a young man in Corona, the current Village Leader, Puck. But he couldn’t prove it to the Coronans after the Village Leader made him out to be a kook and got him and his daughter run out of the kingdom…..”
“So that’s why they came back…..” Hera said sadly, “how are they?”
“Still in the medical wing your majesty, Serenity’s child seems to be okay, but we worry for Serenity herself….. Having an emergency birth caused by stress is certainly not easy…..”
“I understand….. We’ll look into this leak, for now, get the Brotherhood for me, we’ll have them guard the tree just in case more dark magic begins infecting others….. Demanitus’s seal must not fail us, not now….”*
The vision shifted, showing Serenity in the medical wing. She was unconscious, weak, and pale, Quinn was next to her, the years had done a number on him, he looked far older than he should have as he stared at his daughter….
Varian watched the man, his eyes showing nothing but heartache and depression. He wanted to reach out, to touch him, but before he could, Quinn’s eyes flicked up to the teen, startling him. The older gent gave a very small smile to the alchemist, before his eyes flicked back to his daughter, “…..This is the day she dies….” He said, his voice was far more horse than it had been before, “she fought so hard for her baby….. And she saved him….. but it ended her life this day….. The Queen was wrong however….. She didn’t give an early birth due to the stress….. she gave an early birth due to that demon’s magic…..”
The alchemist was startled by that before he looked at Serenity, “h…. H-how do you know?”
“Because she was fine while we traveled”, he said, “even though we were constantly on the run, the travel here was far more stressful than our arrival…. But suddenly, Serenity said her stomach hurt….. She found blood when she’d used the privy, and was wheeled away. The doctors said it’d been a small scare, nothing more. That was last night….. a few hours later, and suddenly she was being pepper for unneeded surgery….. The doctors didn’t look like themselves….. They looked erratic and fearful….. They took Serenity away before I could stop them, and forced an early pregnancy….. The baby was safe….. but Serenity had been too weak….. and even though they’s come out of their frenzied states, the doctors couldn’t save my daughter…. And right here, right now, as I sat with her in the medical room….. her hand in mine….. She passed away….”
Serenity’s breath hitched for a second, just a second, before she let out a sigh, and didn’t move anymore…..
Varian was horrified, as Adira turned away, her eyes closed and her head hung low. Cyrus merely stared, unable to look away, his own eyes filled with small tears that he quickly wiped away before he turned his head as well. The alchemist let out his own sigh, before he looked at Quinn, “I’m so sorry…..”
“Don’t be….. it’s not your fault Varian….. Had Serenity not fought as hard as she did, her son wouldn’t have been born”, the man smiled sadly, “she even gave him his name before she passed away, told me it on the journey back home”
Varian smiled as he remembered the small boy that ran over to Queen Hera in the vision the Moon and Moonstone had shown his family, “Vincent”, the teen said softly
“Right”, Quinn said
“I’m really starting to love that name”
Quinn chuckled at the alchemist, “it’s a good one, should you ever have any offspring of your own, I give you my blessing to use it”, he said before he looked at Serenity again, “Puck lived until he was in his late 60’s, then passed away one night, alone, and in a lot of pain….. He had a sibling that lived in Ingvarr, that’s where their line continued. Then, year after year, Village Leaders would come, be cursed, then leave before too much time passed. The final one before Quirin had sick livestock…. He left the position and they had a vacancy for 32 years before a retired knight, after spending 2 years as the Captain of the royal guards for Corona, came in, and took the position, and has had it ever since”, Quinn smirked, “Quirin’s the best Village Leader they’ve ever had, Old Corona’s never thrived as much as it is now, heh, it’s almost as if the position was waiting for him”
“He was 32 when he became the Village Leader”, Varian said, “so maybe it was”
“Perhaps”, Quinn looked at his daughter once again, “I couldn’t stand life without her, but I tried my best, for Vincent…. However, my life was cut short as well, but the same dark magic leaking from the Great Tree…. It’s why I know Serenity’s dearth was caused by it, because it also killed me…. And Zhan Tiri, still connected to that damned magic, gloated….. Now I’m forced to watch my daughter die, over and over again…..”
“Why?”
“Once you’ve been touched with dark magic from a demon, you can never have peace until that magic has been found and vanquished….. You got ride of Zhan Tiri…. You didn’t get rid of her magic…. Find that, get the spirits to peace, including me…. And my daughter….”
Varian nodded, as did Adira, “we will”, they said together
Cyrus looked at the man again before looking at Serenity, “what the hell is with the world and giving Vanguards such a shitty hand in life?” He asked, startling the three, “she didn’t fucking deserve that….. and this is *me* saying this! She didn’t….” He sighed before looking at Varian, “how do you keep doing that? Fucking fighting all the damn time with bullshit like *this* in your ancestor’s past”
Varian blinked, startled by the man’s outburst before he gave a small, sad, smile, “you do what you can for the ones you love”
Cyrus stopped before Hugo flashed in his mind. He stared at the teen in disbelief, “all this…. All the pain and shit and suffering all of it…. For him?”
“And dad, Ruddigar, Adira, Hector, Grandpa, and everyone else in my life that I consider my friends and family”, the teen replied, “I love everything once Cyrus, and I became a villain. When I got it all back, and then some, I vowed to keep it no matter what”
“What about you?” The man asked, “what the fuck about *you*?! You’re caring for everybody else, but what about you?”
The alchemist grinned, “you sound like Hugo”
The mercenary stopped, thinking about that for a moment before he sighed, then smirked at the alchemist, “you and him…. Are way too much alike…. And I don’t fucking know that’s a good thing or not”
“Agree to disagree?”
“Tch, fine”, he said with a chuckle before he glanced at Serenity before he gave Quinn an apologetic look, “I’m sorry….”
The older gentleman shook his head, “not your fault…..”
“Shouldn’t have happened”
“Many things shouldn’t have happened, but they do. We must continue despite those events”
Cyrus sighed, before he looked at Adira, she was watching him, a curious look on her face, “you’ve changed”, she said simply
Cyrus was startled, but then he shook his head sadly and smiled at her, a genuine smile, “I finally learned….. I was just too late….”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Late chapter, I know, sorry, but I couldn’t write for very long, I had little moments where I was free to actually type something and I wanted to make sure it was good enough for a chapter, I really hope it is
I won’t say much more, again, only able to write for a short time right now, but k hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Thank you all for reading! ❤️🎶😊
Chapter 631: Memories and Reuniting!
Summary:
Adira as Varian finally leave the Astral Plains, but they find a memory of theirs that gives them more clues about Zhan Tiri’s magic and how it works!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
They trio walked through the astral plain once again, this time they were silent. Each of their own thoughts plagued them before Varian finally spoke, “so….. Quinn theorizes that Puck was possessed by the magic of Zhan Tiri as well, and gave us more signs to show that it’s definitely the case….. the repeating visions of death and the madness that came from the magic being the two most recognizable…. But how do we locate and destroy it so the spirits can have peace?” He asked, “any ideas?”
Adira shook her head, “no, I’ve been debating on what to do, but nothing seems to come to mind….”
Cyrus was silent, “Cyrus?” Varian said
The mercenary sighed, “I don’t think you can get to Zhan Tori’s magic from here. If you’re really looking for it, you may need to find it in the physical world”
“What makes you think that?”
“Because the astral plain, from what I’m understandin, is only meant for spiritual things, ghost memories, the past, visions, predictions, if Zhan Tiri’s dark magic we’re here, we would’ve been effected by it in the visions wouldn’t we?”
“….Thats….. Actually a fair point…. If the magic was present here, then we would’ve been hurt or corrupted by it…. I’m not, I can’t feel that I’m not, Adira?”
“No, though I did feel off in those visions”, the face painted warrior replied, “but perhaps that was because I was living someone else’s death”
“Most likely”
“Plus”, Cyrus continued, “I spent a lot of time with Zhan Tiri and Cassandra. When that demon would try to take over Cassandra, her eyes would turn purple and there would be a green…. Glow, of some sort, I have no fuckin idea what that was about, and I never asked either, the demon didn’t like it when I did”
“That green glow is Zhan Tiri’s aura”, Adira stated, “I’ve seen it a few times actually”, she said, “it lingered on Short Hair for a while after she was freed, I kept a very close eye on her because of that”
“I see…..” Varian thought about that for a few moments before he looked at his aunt, “looks like we need to get back to our family then”
“Seems that way”, she agreed before looking at Cyrus, “will you be around?”
“I’m supposed to watch over Varian and Hugo’s bloodline, you’ll probably sense or see me when you two get back”, the mercenary stated
The face painted warrior nodded, “ok”, she said, “then we’ll see you very soon”
The man looked a little startled by that, “you…. Act like that’s a good thing”
“….You’ve been helpful during this situation, and you’ve shown kindness towards me and Speckles….. I don’t forgive you yet….. but it’s a start”, she faced the man, “a good start. But only that, keep going like this, and….. I don’t know….”
Cyrus watched Adira for a few moments before he gave a small smile and nodded, “a good start is better than none at all”, he said, “I uh….. earn it”
She nodded before looking at her nephew, “how do we leave?”
Varian giggled before he held out his hand, “you hold my hand, don’t let go, I pull on the rope, and Hugo, Hector, and Beetlejuice pull us out, we may see some visions on the way back, but nothing more than that. The millions of questions and loads of happy Hugo hugs and Hector’s heartfelt hesitations will begin momentarily after that”
Adira chuckled before nodding, “good to know, thanks for the warning”
“Happy to be of service, are you ready?” He asked, outstretching his hand to her
She took one final look around and noticed Puck in the distance, the man was in the, still broken, memory of Anastasia’s death, he could still be seen in the fragments of what it’d become, he was watching them all, she stared at him for a moment before looking at Cyrus, the man seemed nervous for them, but he nodded and gave her the same small smile he’d given before. She nodded back before facing Varian and smiling, “ready”
She took his hand, and the alchemist pulled the rope. When he did, they were suddenly pulled off their feet and down! The face painted warrior held on tight to Varian, as she did, several memories passed by her and the alchemist, all of which she recognized as their voices bounced around, echoing everywhere as the duo fell back to the earth and to their bodies!
*"....so, you've decided to forgo the door again I see", he jabbed, "as well as knocking.... and isn't this technically breaking and entering?"
"It's good to see you too brother", the women replied, taking a bite from the apple
Quirin facepalmed, "Adira please tell me you got that from the market and *not* off of one of the apple trees?"
"Would you believe me if I did?"
"No”
"Then I won't"
Quirin sighed, don't get him wrong, he loved his sister and her antics, but when he was prepared to handle them. “IIs Hector with you?" He asked, almost afraid of the answer
Adira shook her head, "our brother isn't my biggest fan right now-!”
"Again?" Quirin interrupted
"So I decided to come here alone" Adira finished, "besides, I wanted to be first, I am older than him after all"
"First? First for what" Quirin tilted his head to the side
"Why, to meet my nephew of course" She answered simply
Quirin felt a shiver run up his spine, "so, let me get this straight, you broke into my home"
"Yes"
"Stole one of my apples"
"Mm-hmm"
"Sat on my table"
"Still am actually"
"Left my window open"
"It is getting drafty in here"
"All because you wanted to meet Varian”
"That would be correct!" Adira took another bite of the apple
Quirin sighed again, "and you see no problem with this?"
She shrugged and swallowed the bite, "should I?"
The retired knight just shook his head, "you haven't changed"
"Not a bit!" Adira took the final bite out of the apple before throwing the core out the, still opened, window*
* "There you are, are you okay?" Quirin questioned
"Y-yeah I'm ok, you said to call the whistle if we found the bag right?" Varian asked
"Yeah, so you found it?"
"Actually Adira found it, she said it was snagged by someone", his little alchemist explained, "so she grabbed it, ate an apple from it, then wanted to return it"
"An apple is the payment", Adira added
"I would've just given it to you if you'd asked", Quirin stated, but smiled all the same
"I know, but why wait?"
"Because patience is a virtue?"
"It also takes too long"
"How long did you have that bag exactly?"
"As long as I needed to"
"So probably when we left"
"Yep"
"And you ate more than one apple"
"Yep"
"So you're the one who snagged the bag"
"Snagged is such a strong word"
"What would you call it?"
"Borrowed"
"Right..."
"Checking the bag?"
"I'm seeing how much you ate"
"Three apples and a piece of cheese"
"You must've been hungry"
"Very much so"
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself"
"I did"
Varian giggled as Quirin rolled his eyes and Adira smirked, "at least I returned it, and told the truth, both of which are also virtues"
"You also are trying to steer away from the fact that you took the bag in the first place", he stated grumpily*
*They were about to depart when Rapunzel noticed the river acting off, she called it to attention, everyone went to investigate, when suddenly a large fish suddenly burst out of the water. It looked at Varian specifically, seemingly smirking as the little alchemist's eyes widened with wonder and amazement, the fish landed in the river and did not reappear, but everyone was awestruck
"That must be the sea monster!" Rapunzel stated, "he was beautiful! Oh now I wanna draw him! Where's my notebook when I need it?"
"That was it! That was the fish I saw before! It's *huge*!" Eugene yelled
"Ok ok, I believe you now", Lance stated, "but what *was* that?!"
"A Sturgeon", Varian replied
"What?"
"That was a white sturgeon, they're the largest freshwater fish in the world! They can grow up to fifteen to twenty feet in length, weighing almost a full ton!" His eyes were sparkling, "they're super rare around here! You don't really see them that often in Corona! That was so cool! He was really big, definitely not an experimented fish, nor a sea monster! But still so cool!" He began speaking over a million miles per second, explaining every fact he knew about sturgeons and how amazing they were before he yawned again, his eyes half open
"I think it's time we get home and get some sleep", Quirin stated quietly, lifting his son up and holding him bridal style to the carriage, "want a ride? There's still room", he asked Adira, the face painted warrior shook her head
"I'm going to do one more sweep around this area before I head into Corona, you should get him to bed", she smiled at the sleepy alchemist
"It was good to see you again Adira!" Rapunzel said, "thanks for joining us!"
"Good to see you too princess, fish skin, and earring", Lance blushed and hummed happily, Adira ignored it, "may your journey home be safe Stickler"
"Yours too Adira, or should I say Wise Eyes?"
"No", she said, making Quirin chuckle, "only he can call me that", she stated, pointing to Varian who was smiling at her
"Goodnight Wise Eyes", he said sleepily, Ruddigar curling up in his arms
"Goodnight Speckles", she replied*
“The visions”, Adira said, smiling warmly as she watched them, “they’re of us”
“I’m not surprised”, Varian replied, “we’re the ones in here after all”
The face painted warrior watched each vision that passed and chuckled, “I haven’t thought about these in a long time, to think it’s been 2, almost 3, years now that I’ve known you”
“It’s been one hell of a rise that’s for damn sure”, the alchemist stated with a giggle
Adira nodded and smirked, “Wild Child and Stickler certainly didn’t help things”, she teased
“Hee hee, you and them definitely made things so much more fun! Grandpa too!”
“Oh definitely, the King certainly made things much more entertaining”
“So dad and Hector were too much, but grandpa was just right?”
“Indeed”
The alchemist laughed, “you’re so mean”
Adira chuckled before she watched the memories again, smiling when she saw herself and Hector watching the alchemist outside of the castle after the tamer had first met the teen, “it’s been a very crazy journey, from facing a Moonstone stealing Cassandra, to handling my siblings, to meeting you, to judging Hugo, to *saving* Hugo, to you two falling in love, to just…. So much more!”
Varian grinned, “I’d say it was all worth it”
“Oh I agree, it’s just fascinating to think of how much we’ve all been through”
“It really is”, Varian agreed before he noticed a memory he hadn’t seen before, “huh? What…. W-Wait! I remember this one!”
Adira looked at the memory and gasped when it played before her:
* Cassandra fell to the floor with a thud, sitting up and seeing the cart get smaller and smaller. She growled, "how DARE you!!!!!" Her eyes and hair shined *bright* as her anger lifted her into the air, large amounts of black rocks shot through the earth, knocking a wheel off of the carriage
"OH NO!" Angry yelled as she watched the wheel break off, "BRACE FOR IMPACT GUYS!"
Catalina just barely caught up to them as the carriage began to tip, she grabbed the side tried to stop it, she managed to slow it down before they ended up crashing into a large tree. Hugo felt his head swim before he noticed a faint blue glow in front of him, looking up he yelped when he saw the crazed blue haired female glaring back at him, "hi", he replied, she continued to glare at him, her eyes completely white, "may I just say that is a *lovely* shade of blue you have on! Yeah, really highlights the... Eternal *anger* you've got going on"
"Shut up", Cassandra snapped, "you're not who I'm looking for so don't get in my way"
"Who exactly *are* you looking for?"
"Varian"
Hugo felt his heart skip a beat when she said that, his stomach twisting with worry, "l-listen, there's really no need to go after *him* is there? I mean, you've already got the magic... Glowy... Thingy going on, what would you really want with a tiny alchemist?"
"You don't understand"
"That's fair, I don't, but maybe there's a reason for that", he noticed her glare twitch just a bit at that, "a-all I'm saying is, I've spent a lot of my life thinking that I was some sort of lone wolf that didn't need anyone, b-but I spent one day, literally, with this group and... They kinda changed my mind... L-look I may not know what you're going through exactly, but do you really think that attacking people you used to care about and making them suffer for something that happened, from what I can gather, years ago, is really gonna change anything?" He asked, she didn't respond, "I know you're upset but... Maybe there's something else you could try? Talking to them, getting some help, find some way of getting clos-ACK!" He was cut off mid sentence when her hand clamped around his neck
Cassandra's face showed no remorse as she lifted the teen out of the carriage and held him above her head, "you do *NOT* understand", a voice replied through Cassandra
"W-what?" Hugo asked, struggling to breath as he grabbed her arm desperately, "what are yo-!" He gasped when he saw her face, her eyes were brighter than the sun, her hair shimmering, the Moonstone glowing just as bright, but there was something different, she wasn't herself anymore, it was like she was something... Some*one* entirely different. The glow wasn't hers anymore, it was... purple.... "C-Ca... Sa-ACK!" Hugo tried, but was cut off when her grip tightened
"PUT! HIM! *DOWN*!" Another voice yelled, making them both look towards it
Hugo's eyes widened when he saw Varian standing on top of the overturned carriage, his own eyes and hair glowing a bright blue as he glared at her, "Vari-AH!" Hugo grit his teeth as the grip was tightened once more
"I SAID! *PUT!* *HIM!* *DOWN!*" Varian repeated, his voice echoing off the trees, even making Catalina, who was still a werewolf, quake in fear
'Cassandra' dropped Hugo, making the blond crumple to the floor, she began walking over to the teen, "so it's true", 'she' said, "you really *are* connected to it...." Varian continued to glare at 'her', his fists were clenched and his shoulders tense as 'she' got closer to him, "you're such a little wonder... Aren't you... I can sense your violent nature you know", 'she' stated, stopping right in front of the teen, "you've got a lot of anger built up in your heart, such a feisty little human, so interesting, so vulnerable, even more so than her.... I wonder, what if I just... *took* you". 'Cassandra' reached 'her' hand out, trying to touch the boy's cheek, "that's it, just a little clos-AH!" A barrage of black rocks sprouted from beneath 'her', for 'her' to jump back, getting nicked by one of the rocks before 'she' landed, looking down 'she' saw 'her' leg had gotten cut, a small trickle of blood dripped from the wound, 'she' laughed, "oh I forgot how fragile these things can be!"
Varian looked at 'her', he felt so odd, heavy but light, small yet large, so peacefully balanced and yet he could feel himself slipping away from it, it was as if his whole body had something different coursing through him. He looked up and saw the moon looking back, he smiled, it smiled back, he felt a little giddy from that and he wasn't sure why. The moment was cut short however when he heard 'Cassandra' laugh, he looked at her once again and glared, that wasn't right, it felt wrong in some way, he wanted to correct it, but something told him he would end up doing more harm that good. "V-varian?" A voice called out, it was weak and scared, he looked over and saw Hugo staring at him, his green eyes were wide with fear and his glasses were cracked, he was shaking as well as he held his aching throat
"Hugo...." Varian replied, feeling sad as he watched the blond, he didn't want this to happen, but it did, Hugo had gotten hurt....
"So you *care* about that little worm?" 'Cassandra' asked with a smirk, "then maybe we can strike a deal"
Varian glared at 'her' again, wishing that Rapunzel and Angry weren't knocked unconscious right now, and that Catalina wasn't hurt, "no"
'Cassandra' chuckled, "smart answer, but my deal may actually help you, you see, I know a lot more about the Moonstone than you do small one, I have many more answers about it and know a lot more of its secrets. You have a connection with this powerful jewel, and I'd be more than willing to help you, if you'd allow me to, and I'm willing to do this if you simply shake my hand", 'she' said, offering 'her' hand to the teen
"No", Varian repeated instantly, his glare deepening
"I figured you'd say that, but I'll give you another chance and *before* you say anything, I'll even give you a gift", 'Cassandra' pressed her finger against Varian's forehead
He saw a flash of light and then saw a blue eyed women with long red hair holding a baby, she was laughing and singing, spinning the baby around and having a blast! He heard the baby giggle with joy as their mother played with them happily, then the door opened, and the father walked in, Varian gasped when he saw his own dad smiling at the women and child. Quirin held the baby close, hugging and kissing the little bundle before hugging and kissing the women, she laughed and kissed him back. Varian felt a tear run down his face as he watched his father beam with happiness before he finally got to see the baby, he was a boy with raven black hair and one little blue streak going through it, "i-it's...."
"You?" 'Cassandra' finished, "yes, and your mother and father too, together and happy, playing and having fun with you when you were much smaller. It was so sad to see her go, so sad to watch your father grow more and more exhausted everyday, wasn't it small one?" The images flashed to the day Varian found out his mother was gone, he watched his father cry, then the years began to speed up, as Varian grew up, his father grew more distant. Coming home later and later, he was still there to take care of the boy, but watching the images flash by faster and faster broke Varian's heart as he realized how much his mother's disappearance affected his father. "It's such a pity when these things happen, one lover loses their other and they grow so distant that you're merely a speck in their life..." 'Cassandra's voice echoed in his mind, "but you know, I could bring her back, I could reunite your little family, all you simply must do, is take my hand"*
Adira was silent as Varian looked down sadly, “I almost accepted that deal”, he admitted, “I was so close to saying yes and getting my mama back…. I even began to raise my hand to accept the deal….. But Hugo stopped me, he spoke out, using everything he had to shout about how impossible it was, he reasoned with me saying that we were both men of science, and so were so many before us, and yet no one had found a way to bring the dead back to life….. He also said that if she needed my power to help her bring my mama back, that it definitely was a scam, because not even I could do that, how could she? And then, with the last of his voice, he said he didn’t wanna lose me, because I’d become his very first friend…..”
He smiled, “you know, I was friends with Rapunzel, Eugene, Lance, Catalina, and Angry….. But they…. They didn’t understand me….. not like Hugo did…. They tried, Eugene and Lance were probably the closest, but none of them understood what it was like to be a scientist in a kingdom full of people who thought you were performing witchcraft with your alchemy….. none of them had ever really been shunned simply for…. Existing really…… Eugene and Lance were thieves, but they had each other, Rapunzel was kidnapped as a baby, but when she came to Corona she was loved and nurtured and, even though Gothel was awful to her, she always wanted her around, even if it was due to her hair….. that doesn’t make what Punzel went through okay, but she wasn’t alone is what I mean….. or shunned…. She also had Pascal, and was useful to Gothel to some degree…. Catalina and Angry were young thieves, but they also had each other, and then Lance and Eugene….. I know it’s awful to feel this way, but I honestly felt like none of them understood what it was like to…. Feel so damn alone all the time….. Hugo had Donella, but she would abuse and hurt him, so would Cyrus….. He was so shunned that he didn’t know what to do with himself when he finally broke free of their abuse…… And then there’s me….. The entire kingdom hated me even before I did what I did with the automatons and Rapunzel….. My mama died….. and my dad, Moon bless his soul, as much as he tried, he didn’t understand me either….. He loved me, but he didn’t understand me….. Hugo was the only one who really got that kinda of thing….. He understood what it felt like to…. *not* be understood….. So when he said that…. That I was his first friend….. It felt like I finally had someone else who…. Got me…. You know?” He said, “but….. again….. that’s so awful of me to think…… Because all of my friends went through awful things too…… Things that I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemies….. Sometimes I get worried that they’ll hate me too if they found out how I thought….. How I feel…..”
He grew silent, turning away from Adira. The face painted warrior thought about his words before she smiled and gently touched his cheek, getting him to look at her, “you’ve been through too much, far more than anyone should’ve been through, especially at your age….. Those thoughts are dark, and perhaps they wouldn’t like to hear what you have to say….. but not because they’ll be hurt that you feel that way, but because they don’t want you to suffer, just as you don’t want them to suffer”, she said softly, “I was just like you when I was your age, I had no blood relatives, I was a loner, save for Quirin but that’s because he saved me, I felt indebted to him. The only one that really understood me was Hector, and because he did, I stuck with him….. But…. when the Dark Kingdom was destroyed, and he didn’t agree with what should be done….. I was hurt…. And felt alone again…. And my thoughts went just as dark as yours… It isn’t easy being alone…. Especially not after you’ve endured so much….. you’re right, they don’t understand, they didn’t go through what you and Hugo did, and you’re also correct when you say they probably wouldn’t understand you the way Hugo does”, she said, “but”, she smiled warmly at him, “they’ll try, and though it won’t solve everything, I hope that it’s enough”
The alchemist blinked before he smiled and nodded, “it is, to some degree, though I sometimes wish they understood a little bit better”
“That’s normal to feel, and it’s okay to think that way, maybe you can find ways to help them understand?”
“Yeah, I can do that”, the alchemist replied, “thanks Adira”
“Happy to help Speckles”
The duo smiled at each other before Varian realized something, “that was odd…..”
“What?”
“Why did that vision show up? All the other ones were of you and me”
“Hmm….. I’m not su-! Wait! Zhan Tiri!” The face painted warrior exclaimed, “she possessed Cassandra in that vision!”
Varian eyes widened, “you’re right! That was my very first encounter with Zhan Tiri as well!” The alchemist replied, “she had purple eyes! And her aura was far different than Cassandra’s!”
“Right! Perhaps that was the astral plains trying to show us what to look for?”
“Or…. Maybe it’s a warning….”
“Warning?”
“That someone’s possessed…..” the alchemist replied, “what if we were just shown that so we would be prepared for what was about to come?”
“That’s a distinct possibility….. If someone is possessed, then we’ll need to be on the lookout for any tells”
“The purple aura is a dead giveaway”, Varian said
“Correct, purple eyes as well, but also listen to the inflections in their voices, Zhan Tiri has an accent”
“Right, British maybe?”
“Sounded transatlantic to me, but you can never be too sure”
Varian nodded before he looked down and smiled, “brace yourself”
“Hm? For wh-AH!” She yelped and suddenly sat up fast! Gasping for air and panting before looking around, yellow eyes stared at her, they were *very* close to her face, she recognized them immediately and smiled with relief before wrapping her arms around the person the yellow eyes belonged to, “Hector!”
“Ack! Adira-what the hell?!” The wild tamer exclaimed, startled by his sister’s hug before he stopped wriggling when he felt how tight she clung to him, he sighed and returned the hug, “I’m glad you’re back sister”, he said softly, getting her to smile
“It seems as though they’ve both returned, and with some news too”, Adira, still clinging to Hector, looked over and saw the Moonstone watching her, they smiled, “welcome back from the astral plain”, they said, “I shall see you soon”
With that, a light engulfed them before dimming quickly and leaving behind a dizzy looking Varian, no more rope tied around his waist, “huh?” He looked around before spotting Hugo right beside him and smiling wide, “Huuuugo!”
The blond grinned from ear to ear, “Vaaaaaarian!”
The alchemist hugged the inventor, kissing his cheek lovingly as he did so. They two stayed that way for a long time before Eugene cleared his throat, getting the duo to blush before letting go, “eheh, sorry, I missed you”
Hugo smiled, “I missed you too Freckles”
Varian giggled before he looked at Beetlejuice, Eugene, Lance, Hector, Pixie, Basil, and Ruddigar, “I sort of missed you all too”
Eugene, Beetlejuice, and Lance took mock offense as Pixie and Basil wagged their tails happily, Ruddigar huffed playfully before hopping onto his boy’s shoulders and nuzzling him, while Hector raised an amused brow and smirked, “judging from the fact that my sister is still fucking hugging me, which is *beyond* rare, I’m not inclined to believe that”, he stated before he looked at Adira and noticed her eyes looked tired, and sad, “what happened?” He asked, immediately on high alert
Adira chuckled and hugged him again, startling Hector even more as he looked at Varian anxiously, “We’ve got a lot to tell you…..” he said softly, “and there isn’t a lot of it that’s good….. I think one of the biggest things we should say is”, he looked at Hugo seriously, “Cyrus was with us”
Hugo’s eyes went wide with fear, Eugene and Lance looked shocked, and Hector looked *angry* as he wrapped his arms around Adira protectively. The inventor blinked before he let out a sigh and spoke, his voice quiet, “….What happened?”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So there was a lot of memories during this chapter, just some nice callbacks to earlier chaoters 😊 sort of a calm before the storm you know?
Varian’s still got a lot of dark thoughts, which is normal after going through so much trauma, but still, poor bean….
Adira being the best aunt ever while also needing comfort is something I wanted to see more of, I love Adira, I feel like she needed a lot more love in all honesty
Hector being immediately protective over his sister, even if she is older than him XD
Hugo!!!!! How I missed writing you!!!!!!
Also, I’m trying to find a way to fit “Fright of their lives” into this story! It’s from Beetlejuice the musical! If someone has any ideas please let me know, it’s an underrated song!!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 632: How it Starts and How it Ends!
Summary:
Varian and Adira return from one nightmare, only to find themselves in another!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian nodded before he looked down and smiled, “brace yourself”
“Hm? For wh-AH!” She yelped and suddenly sat up fast! Gasping for air and panting before looking around, yellow eyes stared at her, they were *very* close to her face, she recognized them immediately and smiled with relief before wrapping her arms around the person the yellow eyes belonged to, “Hector!”
“Ack! Adira-what the hell?!” The wild tamer exclaimed, startled by his sister’s hug before he stopped wriggling when he felt how tight she clung to him, he sighed and returned the hug, “I’m glad you’re back sister”, he said softly, getting her to smile
“It seems as though they’ve both returned, and with some news too”, Adira, still clinging to Hector, looked over and saw the Moonstone watching her, they smiled, “welcome back from the astral plain”, they said, “I shall see you soon”
With that, a light engulfed them before dimming quickly and leaving behind a dizzy looking Varian, no more rope tied around his waist, “huh?” He looked around before spotting Hugo right beside him and smiling wide, “Huuuugo!”
The blond grinned from ear to ear, “Vaaaaaarian!”
The alchemist hugged the inventor, kissing his cheek lovingly as he did so. The two stayed that way for a long time before Eugene cleared his throat, getting the duo to blush before letting go, “eheh, sorry, I missed you”
Hugo smiled, “I missed you too Freckles”
Varian giggled before he looked at Beetlejuice, Eugene, Lance, Hector, Pixie, Basil, and Ruddigar, “I sort of missed you all too”
Beetlejuice, Eugene, and Lance took mock offense as Pixie and Basil wagged their tails happily, Ruddigar huffed playfully before hopping onto his boy’s shoulders and nuzzling him, while Hector raised an amused brow and smirked, “judging from the fact that my sister is still fucking hugging me, which is *beyond* rare, I’m not inclined to believe that”, he stated before he looked at Adira and noticed her eyes looked tired, and sad, “what happened?” He asked, immediately on high alert
Adira chuckled and hugged him again, startling Hector even more as he looked at Varian anxiously, “We’ve got a lot to tell you…..” he said softly, “and there isn’t a lot of it that’s good….. I think one of the biggest things we should say is”, he looked at Hugo seriously, “Cyrus was with us”
Hugo’s eyes went wide with fear, Beetlejuice, Eugene, and Lance looked shocked, and Hector looked *angry* as he wrapped his arms around Adira protectively. The inventor blinked before he let out a sigh and spoke, his voice quiet, “….What happened?”
****
Everyone was quiet as they processed what they’d just been told, Hector was now holding Adira very close to him, and he wasn’t letting go anytime soon, and surprisingly, she didn’t mind. Eugene just stared at the ground while Lance looked like he was deep in thought. Beetlejuice merely watched, waiting for the next scene to play out so he could actually speak-!
Stop that!
The demon smirked and let out a sassy, “heheh”, before allowing the scene to continue as the narrator huffed
Hugo was quiet, millions of thoughts ran through his head as he tried to comprehend what he’d been told before he finally found his voice, though all that came out was something akin to a frog with a sore throat before he closed his mouth again
Varian sighed, “yeah….. It’s uh…. A lot to take in…..”
“Wait”, Lance said, getting everyone’s attention, “if all that is true, then how did Anastasia’s body end up in the lake?”
“When I was there, she’d ended up running to where the lake runs through, it’s possible it didn’t form until years later”, Adira stated
“Either that, or fuck head threw her body into the lake to hide it since it was so close to the entrance of the forest….” Hector added with a huff
“Would be a good way to do that”, Beetlejuice stated, “the body would decompose, hiding what actually happened to her”
Eugene shivered a little, “that’s just so….. awful…..”
They grew silent again, not really sure what to say when, “…..So….. Cyrus….. he helped?” Hugo’s quiet voice asked
Varian looked at him, “yeah, surprisingly, he was helpful. And actually kinda sympathetic about the whole situation”
“Hm….” The blond grew quiet again
“Hugo?”
The inventor sighed, “I just….. didn’t expect it…. He’s always been an asshole to me, so to hear that he actually understood and changed for the better…. E-even a little bit….. It’s strange…. And kinda…. Scary….”, the green eyed teen pulled his knees to his chin, tucking them underneath before wrapping his arms around them, “he gets it now…. It’s too late, but….. damn…..”
“Hugo, Cyrus also mentioned something to me”, Varian stated gently, “he mentioned your father”, he said, getting the inventor to sit up straight *instantly*, “Cyrus doesn’t trust him, at all. He said the day you…. Broke…. He got to see when that man sold you….. he said he recognized the face he was making….. I don’t think your father’s telling the truth about what he said….. And….. I know that it’s hard to hear….. but if he isn’t…. And if he hurts you…… I just….. I don’t want you to fall into any trap he might be pulling…..”
Hugo took Varian’s words to heart as he thought about them before sighing, “I know he’s lying….. But…. Is it bad that I’m hoping he’s not?” Hugo asked
Varian smiled lovingly at his fiancé, “no it’s not, not at all”
The blond sighed before he looked at Adira, “are you alright? Living through their deaths….. Can’t have been easy….”
“It wasn’t…. Especially not Anastasia’s….. but…. I’ll live”, Adira replied with a gentle smile
“Damn right you will, because you and I need to find this fake magic, and kick its ass, then find Puck’s spirit, and kick his ass, then find the shadow walkers, tell them they’re innocent, and if they try to pull something, we’ll kick their ass!” Hector exclaimed
Adira snickered, “something tells me you want to kick some ass”
“How could you tell?” The tamer asked sarcastically
Varian giggled at that as Eugene stood up, “welp, Hector makes a good point”
“We’re gonna kick some ass?”
“No-er, well…. Not *yet*, we should tell the shadow walkers that they’re innocent”
“And reunite with dad!” Varian exclaimed happily as he flew into the air excitedly, “at the risk of sounding like a child, I really want my dad right now”
“Seeing Quirin again would be very nice”, Adira agreed as she and Hector stood up, the tamer finally letting her go as they did, but sticking close to her, just in case, again, she didn’t mind
“It’s also be good to check in that dead beat dad of yours”, Beetlejuice pointed out to Hugo
The blond nodded, “you’re right, make sure he hasn’t done anything”
Lance stood up and looked around before noticing the spirits that had appeared around them, “uh, what do we do about these guys?”
Varian and Adira looked at each spirit, before the face painted warrior gave them a sad smile, “Anastasia”, she said, pointing to the female, “Reggie”, she added, pointing to the lumberjack looking spirit, “Simon”, she pointed out, gesturing to the lanky man, “and Greg”, she finished, nodding to the peg legged phantom, “I know all of your names now, and a little bit about each of you…. I’m so sorry for what you all went through, but rest assured, we’ll make this right”, she stated determinedly
The spirits smiled at her as Anastasia’s thoughts could be heard once again, *you’re nearly there, you’ve only got one more death to see*
“One more death?” Eugene asked, “but there’s only four of you”
*There are four here, but there are five victims of the demon’s black magic*, Simon’s thoughts replied, *even if he doesn’t look like a victim….*
Varian’s eyes widened, “Puck…..”
*Correct*, Simon confirmed
*He may have been the cause of ours deaths*, Anastasia continued, *but he himself was also a victim of the dark magic….. He should be judged by the Moon, just as we should*
“Wait, so they’re have to relive the fucking *murderer’s* death too?! What the hell?!” Hector exclaimed as Adira shivered a little
Varian noticed and turned to her, “are you okay?”
“I….. don’t wanna see that….” She said softly, “I dont want to relive what he went through, not after what he did….. even if he was possessed…. I…. I can’t….” She said, wrapping her arms around her middle in order to protect herself
The alchemist watched her before he walked over, “you don’t have to”, he said, “we’ll find a different way”, he said, “one that doesn’t force you to do anything…..”
“I…. I-I’m sorry….”
“Don’t be”, Hector stated, getting the duo to look at him, “do ever be fucking sorry for knowing your limits and drawing a damn line in the sand. You felt what it was fucking like to lose a *child* Adira!” He snapped, but seeing her wince, he calmed himself down, his tone much calmer than before, “….Sorry…. Just…. You don’t have to feel bad for saying you can’t do something. You’ve done enough sister, let us handle the rest, okay?” He gave her a small smile, “I mean that”
The face painted warrior blinked before she smiled back and nodded, “thank you”
Hector nodded before Eugene spoke up, “then how do we see what happened to Puck?” He asked, looking at the spirits, “do you know of a different way?”
They all shook their heads before Reggie’s thoughts were heard, *none of us have access to Puck’s memories…. Even if we did, some of us disagree on what should be done*
Varian smirked at the man, “I take it you and Greg don’t care one lick for the man, whereas Simon and Anastasia wanna give him a chance?”
*Actually it’s me and Simon who don’t give a lick about him*, Reggie’s thought corrected, *Greg and Anastasia wanna give him a chance for some reason*
Varian looked at Simon, a little startled by that, *he killed my child…..* the man’s thoughts said, *and betrayed me…. Even if he was possessed…. It doesn’t make what he did right…..*
Greg piped up, *he had a lot going on…. Not many knew of his struggles, it’s why I wanna give him a chance, I’ve seen too many like him, ain’t right not to hear him out at least*
Anastasia nodded, *he was a kind man before any of this happened, I wouldn’t have fallen in love at all had he not introduced me to Simon, and I wouldn’t have lived for as long as I did had Puck not helped me….. He killed my child, yes, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that….. But he was possessed…. Had he not been, I don’t think any of this would’ve happened….*
Reggie scoffed, *the man had shit goin on, but so did we, I had a family, my wife and kids suffered when they found out about my death! My wife grew depressed, my kids grew up too fast, ain’t not way I’m gonna forgive that man, even if he was possessed, fuck that*
Varian was quiet before he sighed, “all of you make good points, ones, I’m sure, the Moon will take into consideration”, they nodded at that, “for now, we need to find a way to see Puck’s past without using Adira, because I’m not forcing her to do that again….”
“Maybe Puck’s still around”, Beetlejuice stated, “there’s a lot of freaking shit in this forest, I wouldn’t be surprised if a murderer was among them”
The alchemist smirked, “good idea Beetlejuice! Let’s go get my dad first, and make sure he’s okay, talk to the Shadow Walkers next, then find Puck. Maybe if we do, we’ll know more about how to get rid of Zhan Tiri’s magic”
“Right!” The group exclaimed, before they ran through the forest, back to their campsite
As they did, Hugo snorted, “what’s so funny love?” Varian asked
“Crazy bachelor party, am I right?” The inventor stated
The alchemist giggled, “extremely crazy, though it started off well”, he said
“It did, hopefully it gets back on track soon”
“Hopefully”
They kissed before they continued to run, thinking about ways they could make this party better for the other as they did
****
The group stared in shock at the carnage they came back to. Their tents were shredded to bits, sliced and diced by, what looked like, two swords. Their food was gone and the chest it was held in was completely destroyed! The campfire was not only out, but it looked like it’d set fire to anything that hadn’t been ripped or destroyed, the only thing left that was still in text was Adira’s hammock, and even then, it was a mess, stained, and filled with ash from the fire!
“What the hell?!” Hector exclaimed, putting words to everyone’s thoughts as the group looked around
“DAD!” Varian called, “DAAAAAAD!” He called again, his voice rising with anxiety
“QUIRIIIIIIN?” Hector called as well, “YOU’S BETTER NOT BE FUCKING DEAD OR IM GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU!” He added
Hugo looked around before he noticed something on the ground, he picked it up before he jumped back with a yelp, “Freckles, please tell me that yours!”
Varian looked down and gasped when he saw a bloody fish gutting knife. Be stared at it for a long time before shaking his head, “no….. that’s not mine….”
As soon as the words left his mouth, the Moonstone glowed *brightly* before the light engulfed the alchemist, faded, and left behind the Moonstone, “I *TOLD* YOU NOT TO!” They yelled, stomping their foot and getting black rocks to shoot out in all directions from their anger as they glared towards the forest, “WHAT HAVE YOU *DONE*?!”
Whispers *immediately* sounded around the group, the Moonstone’s glare pausing as they listened before the whispers died down, “if this wasn’t you, then tell me what happened!”
The whispers began again, they lasted for a long time as the Moonstone’s eyes grew wide with shock, the group waited with bated breath before some bushes shook nearby, “hey! Who’s there?!” Hugo exclaimed, pulling out his dagger
“Hang on Hugo”, the Moonstone said softly, the whispered dying down again as they sighed, “my apologies then Shadow walkers, I thought this was your doing, I see now it wasn’t”, they bowed towards the forest, whispers began again, and the Moonstone straightened up and nodded, “thank you for accepting my apology, now”, they looked at the bushes, “to fix this then”
They walked over to the shaking bush and held out their hand, suddenly, the foliage was bent backwards, enough to make a hole, someone fell out and landed on the ground with a thud and a groan, getting everyone to gasp
“QUIRIN!” Hugo yelled, rushing over and kneeling beside the retired knight
Quirin sat up and rubbed the back of his head before shaking it to clean any fog before he looked down and saw Hugo beside him, “H-Hugo?”
“Yeah, it’s me!”
Quirin blinked before he smiled wide and wrapped his arms around the inventor, hugging him tight, “Hugo! Oh thank goodness!”
The teen returned the hug happily, not noticing the man was covered, head to foot, in bruises, cuts, gashes, and scrapes. The rest of the group did, “what the hell happened to you?!” Hector asked, getting the two to stop hugging and look at the man before Hugo looked at Quirin and gasped, “how in the hell are you so beat up?!” the wild tamer added worriedly
Quirin sighed before he looked at Hugo sadly, “it was Damian…. Something happened to him, and caused him to go nuts!”
Hugo looked up at Quirin again, “what? What happened?”
The retired knight sighed, “we were just talking, it was safe conversations, we spoke of the weather, the campsite, Ruddigar and raccoons and general, before he just…. Changed…. And Hugo…. He said some things that….. have me *very* worried for you……”
The blond was startled by that before he sighed and squared his shoulders as the Moonstone stood beside him, a small flash of light formed, then dimmed, before a holographic Varian sat next to the blond, waiting anxiously for his father to continue as the inventor finally spoke, “…what happened?”
Notes:
Hello! :D
My gosh poor Hugo!!!!! This guy get too much on his shoulders!!!! Way too freaking much!!!!! And I keep writing it, I feel so bad for doing this to him, imma make a Hugo lovins chapter, where he just gets all the love, because my gosh!
Hector being protective over ALL his siblings!! I freaking love Hector XD
Eugene and Lance played the role of handsome background boys very well, they’ll get more time to shine soon though 😊
Beetlejuice! Stop messing with the freaking narration XD
Beetlejuice: never, heh 😁
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 633: What Happened!
Summary:
Quirin tells everyone what happened!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
They walked over to the shaking bush and held out their hand, suddenly, the foliage was bent backwards, enough to make a hole, someone fell out and landed on the ground with a thud and a groan, getting everyone to gasp
“QUIRIN!” Hugo yelled, rushing over and kneeling beside the retired knight
Quirin sat up and rubbed the back of his head before shaking it to clear any fog before he looked down and saw Hugo beside him, “H-Hugo?”
“Yeah, it’s me!”
Quirin blinked before he smiled wide and wrapped his arms around the inventor, hugging him tight, “Hugo! Oh thank goodness!”
The teen returned the hug happily, not noticing the man was covered, head to foot, in bruises, cuts, gashes, and scrapes. The rest of the group did, “what the hell happened to you?!” Hector asked, getting the two to stop hugging to look at the tamer, before Hugo looked up at Quirin and gasped, “how in the hell are you so beat up?!” the wild tamer added worriedly
Quirin sighed before he looked at Hugo sadly, “it was Damian…. Something happened to him, and caused him to go nuts!”
“What?! What did he do?!” The inventor asked
The retired knight sighed, “we were just talking, it was safe conversations, we spoke of the weather, the campsite, Ruddigar and raccoons in general, before he just…. Changed…. And Hugo…. He said some things that….. have me *very* worried for you……”
The blond was startled by that before he sighed and squared his shoulders as the Moonstone stood beside him, a small flash of light formed, then dimmed, before a transparent Varian sat next to the blond, waiting anxiously for his father to continue as the inventor finally spoke, “what happened?”
****
* Quirin kissed Varian forehead before standing up and looking at Hugo before he smirked and walked over, scooping the blond up and hugging him too, “AH! AFFECTION! GET IT AWAY!” Hugo joked while weakly trying to get away
Quirin laughed and kissed Hugo’s forehead too before setting him down, the blond fixing his hair when he did, “you all be safe now, okay?”
Eugene smiled, “we will Quirin, and don’t worry, we’ll take care of Varian and Hugo….. and Lance”
“OI!” The former thief exclaimed
“I’m just kidding Lance”
Quirin snickered, “thank you Eugene, all of you be safe, we’ll be waiting for you when you get back, okay?”
The group let out a collective “ok”, as a reply before they said their final goodbyes and left in search of the lake, leaving Quirin and Damien alone at camp, with nothing but the Moon for company
The retired knight waved before stopping and letting out a sigh. He looked up at the Moon worriedly before he folded his hands together and prayed for everyone’s safety. His Brotherhood mark glowed dimly as he did, once he was done, he unfolded his hands and sat down on a nearby stump, facing the direction the group had walked from. All was quiet for a few moments, before Damian spoke up, “so….. How about that weather, yeah?”
The Village Leader huffed, but knew nothing good would come out of ignoring the man, “yes, it’s….. very breezy”, he stated
“Yeah…. I noticed your kid has a raccoon, that’s uh….. pretty unique”
“Yup, Ruddigar is a special raccoon”
“Neat”
“Yup”
“…..The campsite is nice”
“Yup”
“It’s a little dirty though”
Quirin looked at the campsite and noticed tiny things that he hadn’t noticed before, “yup”
“Someone should clean it”
“Yup”
“…..Yup….”
The conversation didn’t really last too long, as Damian didn’t have anything else to say after that. So the pair just sat in silence, which Quirin preferred. He continued to watch the woods where the group disappeared to, before sighing again and looking around. Their campsite looked fine, though he noticed a few things that were a touch out of place. He smiled when he saw Varian and Hugo’s tent, it was aquamarine, and big enough for two. He’d seen Varian set it up earlier, though it seemed the tiny teen still had a lot to learn about proper stake placement, either that or he was in a hurry
Quirin chuckled at the thought of his son before standing up and walking over to the tent, he grabbed the loose stake and gently stomped it back into the ground, making sure the tent was stable as he did so, “I’ll have to point that out to him later”, he said with a smirk
“Point what out?” Damian asked, standing beside Quirin
The retired knight huffed again, his patience wearing thin, before he quirked a brow at the man, “I think you forgot our previous interaction”, he stated, “you know, the one where I said I didn’t trust you?”
The man backed up a bit, “just trying to make conversation”
Quirin rolled his eyes, “maybe if you’d tell me what you’re really wanting to do here, that’d help”
Damian sighed, “I’m telling the truth”
“Sure, and I’m the Easter Bunny”
“I could see it”, Quirin glared, “alright! Alright”, Damian backed off and sat on the stump the retired knight had previously been sitting on
The Village Leader huffed once again, before turning away from the man, he looked around the campsite and began to pick up, a sock here, a blanket poking out there, he even fixed Adira’s hammock so that it was higher up than before like she liked, though he’d no doubt hear her grumble about him touching her stuff. Once he couldn’t find anything more to do, he looked up at the Moon and let out a worried hum, “an hour”, Damian said, “that’s how long they’ve been gone”
“I can tell time with the Moon, thank you”
“Hey, I’m just trying to make conversation, it isn’t *just* your kid out there!”
“Correction, *both* are *my* kids out there, along with majority of *my* family! You have *no* leg to stand on to be talking to me about then, *none*”, he snapped, no longer able to hold on his frustration
“So what, we sit in silence while you constantly try make yourself busy? Because that’ll work”
Quirin growled at the man, but stopped when his Brotherhood mark began to glow, it sent a tingling sensation through his arm, making him stop and look at it before looking up at the Moon. She was shimmering at him, almost as if she begged him not to fight. He stared at her for a long time before he let out another sigh, his mark dimming, as it did, he felt something odd, Adira and Varian’s images flashed in his mind, he sent another quick prayer of protection to the two before he looked at the man, “……Sorry….” He said, startling Damian, “nothing good will come out of us fighting….. I just don’t trust you…. And it’s hard, for me, to talk to someone I don’t trust….”
Damian looked at the man, “I…. I get it, just….. I’m really not doing anything”
“Right now….” Quirin said, before he stopped himself
Damian paused before chuckling, “man, you’re really protective huh?”
“Yeah”, the retired knight replied, this time a little gentler, “I have to be”
This made Damian raise a brow, “you have to be? I get being worried over your kid, especially in a place like this, and with what just happened, but your worry is to a *much* higher degree than most. Something happen?”
“That’s…. Personal”
“Ok, then what about this, your wife, where is she? Does she normally help you with this?”
“Again, personal”
“Not a sharer, eh?”
Quirin looked at the man with a raised brow, “do you normally ask complete strangers about their personal life?”
“Well no, but I normally don’t meet men who raised my son for about two to three years, kinda understandable that I’d wanna know more about you doncha think?”
Quirin paused, then looked at the man, “how’d you know it was two to three years?”
“Huh?”
“You said you spoke with Trinity and Dexter after several years of searching for Hugo when the Duke and Duchess were announced dead, and they told you he was marrying Varian, and that they were having a bachelor party in Corona, so you made your way to the Snuggly duckling and found him there with us. Nowhere did you say they told you he’d been with me and Varian for several years, hell you never even mentioned *Donella*! You just said you searched for him when the Duke and Duchess were dead”
“Well I found out about Donella’s death at the same time that I found out about the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr’s, and someone mentioned Hugo’d been with her before you”
“Donella passed away several months after the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr….”
Damian hesitated, sweating a bit as he spoke, “I-I just assumed Donella had died too, she’d b-been with them after all, eheh…..” Quirin stared at the man for a long time, his glare icy and dark
“Donella and Hugo were invited to that party at the last minute”, the retired knight said, “the only ones who would’ve known about their presence would’ve been the people that invited them, or the people there, and by the time the Duke and Duchess’s deaths were announced to Ingvarr, which is when you said you found out that Hugo wasn’t with them and began searching, Donella was still alive….. So Trinity and Dexter wouldn’t have said anything about Donella and Hugo unless you asked about them, which would mean you had prior knowledge about Hugo being given to Donella before the Duke and Duchess were gone. Which doesn’t fit with your story of you finding out he’d been given to Donella at the same time you found out about their death, and even if you somehow made it fit, which I *highly* doubt, you never mentioned Donella, and only found out about Hugo being with Varian when Trinity and Dexter mentioned he was marrying my son, which wouldn’t have told you anything except that he fell in love with Varian, which could take anywhere from one year to several, not specifically two to three, yet that’s exactly how long Hugo’s been with me and Varian”, he fully faced the man now, “so tell me this, why are you lying? What are you hiding? And what are you trying to accomplish that includes Hugo?”
Damian was startled, so much so that he couldn’t move, let alone speak. So he simply stared at the man, unsure of what to do or say at the moment until his lips finally moved, “I-I-I just got some facts wrong is all, it might’ve been Donella’s funeral w-when I found out that Hugo’d been given to her”
“Even if that were the case, Trinity and Dexter came to Donella’s funeral in Corona, she didn’t have a funeral in Ingvarr, I should know, I was the one who wrote to the Queen and told her Donella was dead”, he stated
“Uh…. W-well I-I mourned her death in Ingvarr!”
“Which would mean you knew Donella personally enough to mourn her, but again, you never mentioned her until now”, the retired knight stated, “and both Hugo *and* Donella would’ve said *something* about you before she died, but they didn’t, try again”
“Well I… I-I knew Cyrus! We were old pals!”
Quirin’s glare narrowed even more, “that’s, quite possibly, the *last* person you wanna tell me you knew….” He stated, “because if you knew him, then I now know for-fucking-sure that you’re up to no fucking good”
Damian backed up, bit by bit, before his back hit a tree, he shivered a little before he yelled, “H-HE’S MY KID DAMN IT! WHATEVER HE G-GETS I SHOULD GET TOO!”
Quirin’s eyes widened at that, “so wait, you’re telling me that the only reason you’re here is because you want what Hugo has?!”
Damian glared at the man and pushed him back, surprisingly, he got Quirin to stumble a bit, “that little asshole got away SCOTT FUCKING FREE after his mother died!!!!!! IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIM! HE SHOULD’VE SUFFERED!!!!! NOT HER!!!!!”
The retired knight blinked as he thought about all the things Hugo went through, all the heartbreak, the abuse, the sadness, depression, all of it. Each memory he found, Hugo’s voice kept repeating the same thing:
*”Hugo", the blond looked at Varian, the alchemist looked extremely concerned, "what's going on? Tell me what you're feeling right now"
The inventor froze before sighing, "a-angry.... A-and scared.... And sad.... and.... W-worthless...."*
Quirin stared at the man in shock and disbelief, right as Damian clapped his hands over his mouth. The retired knight blinked, his mind fuzzy, his heart breaking for his second son, as he stared at the imposter before him. As for Damian, he sighed, and finally, the facade broke, “damn it, well, guess this means I’m out of luck”, he looked at Quirin with an annoyed stare, “you’re too fucking good at scoping out the villains. Though I shouldn’t be surprised, I mean, you were a knight in the Dark Kingdom after all”, he smirked, “that little shit sure got lucky when he fell in love with your ugly ass child, I mean shit, those buck teeth and freckles make him look like a spotted *beaver*! I mean who in their right minds would find that cute?” He asked before laughing
That didn’t last long when the man went flying through the air and landed harshly on the ground with a this, he growled when he looked up and saw Quirin’s fist had been the one responsible for his aching chin, “touchy, aren’t we?”
“Fuck you”, the knight spat, his usually warm, brown eyes were now cold, angry, and devoid of nothing else but hatred at the *thing* they stared at
Damian snickered, “ya gotta admit, I was pretty damn close to fooling all of you, you even tried to apologize for being such a big old meanie”, the man stated with a mock sad look before he smirked again, “I can’t believe you actually care about that little street rat-!”
“DON’T CALL HIM THAT!” Quirin yelled, his voice coming out like a loud bark, startling the man for a moment with how loud it was
“Geez, you really are protective, heh, pathetic”, he stated, “see, there’s something you’re not understanding however”, he said, “Hugo *wants* me. He wants to have his biological father back! He wants to have a relationship with me. And to not have one would only make him feel worse don’t you think?” He asked, getting Quirin to growl at him, his brown eyes turning a shade of red, “so here’s the plan, because I know you don’t wanna break my son’s heart. You’re gonna play the part of the delighted and friendly step father, or father in law, whatever, you’re gonna make it so convincing that I’m a good boy that no one will question you! And I’ll even play along! I’ll keep pretending like I actually care for that little shit, just until Varian and Hugo get married. When they do, I’ll take what I want, money, food, and some nice clothing too, and be on my way. You’ll only see me occasionally, when I need something. Hugo gets that dad he needs, I get the shit I want, and you don’t have to break any bad news to anyone! Everybody wins! What do ya say?”
“You’re fucking insane if you think I’ll *ever* agree to that….”
“Well if you don’t, poor widdle Hugo will have his poor widdle heart broken! Not only that, but you’re dealing with the world’s most notorious con-man! I’ve been doing this shit for *years* Quirin, I’ve been able to ruin families simply by playing the part! It’s a role I do extremely well, try me”, he stated, “let’s see who Hugo believes more, his adopted dad, or me”
It was only then that Quirin realized Damian’s eyes were glowing bright! He raised a brow before the man’s smile widened more and more and more, to near impossible lengths! He nearly tore his face in two! Quirin backed up, all of his senses screamed at him, telling him something was wrong, but right as they reached their peak, he was attacked!
Damian ran at him, screaming, yelling, cursing, he pulled out a dagger and swung! Despite his training, Quirin couldn’t stop the man from hurting him! He managed to severely lower the damage he took, but it was still a lot regardless
When the retired knight finally managed to get away from the man, he gasped when he saw darkness swirling around him, taking a few steps back, he drew his swords, “what the hell?”
Damian began laughing like a maniac before he yelled and ran towards Quirin again!*
“….Thats when he knocked me into the bushes, I managed to lose him behind there, but I got stuck. I couldn’t move at all, maybe it was for the best, because Damian managed to somehow get out of the bush, but he thought I was gone, so he ran away to search for me, and I was still stuck until the bushes moved and I fell out, next thing I know, you’re all here….”
The group was silent before the Moonstone looked at Varian, “temper”, they warned
The alchemist, who was still transparent, took a breath and let it go, “can’t help it….”
“I know….”
Hugo was completely silent, Quirin looked at him sadly, “I’m so sorry….” He said
The blond was calm, everyone could he was trying to speak, but nothing came out. That is, until he finally just, broke, “I….. I was just…. A m-means to an e-end…. Again…..” his voice was so small, so shattered, he sounded exactly like he did the day he told Quirin and Eugene everything about Donella. He looked down, his green eyes closed, he was trying to keep it in, but he couldn’t anymore, “why…..” he said, opening his eyes as a few tears fell out of them, “why d-does this keep h-happening?”
“Hugo….” Quirin said softly
A bright light engulfed the Moonstone before it dimmed and Varian was back. He *instantly* hugged Hugo, using his arms to protect the inventor as much as he could, “I’m sorry….” He said, “I’m so sorry love….”
Hugo returned the hug, and stopped fighting it, allowing himself to shatter in Varian’s arms, and cry his heart out…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this chapter was brought to you by the Hugo crying corporation, where we apparently only exist to make this poor inventor cry, what the heck!
He’s getting some serious lovins in the chapters to come!!!!!! This kid needs more than one vacation! Good gosh!
Also, to those of you who called it, which was everyone, good job! 😁 Damian’s a freaking jerk! Even if he is possessed at the moment, you’ll find out more soon!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 634: Finding Damian!
Summary:
The group looks for Damian after examining everything to Quirin!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everyone was quiet as they allowed Hugo to grieve, Varian held him close, not letting go, not even for a second. Quirin had hugged both of them, giving support to his two sons until the blond managed to calm himself down, only mere sniffles remained of his grief. Varian continued to hold on to the inventor until Hugo himself pulled away to wipe his tears away, “….s-sorry”
“No need to apologize love”, Varian said gently
“Ugh…. I’m so tired of this”, he said, huffing a little, “tired of being used, and abused, and fooled, I just…. I feel so damn stupid….”
“You shouldn’t”, Hector stated, “speaking from experience, abusers can be extremely convincing….”
“I should be better at figuring it out though…. And I shouldn’t be so hurt when they turn out to be assholes….”
“This was different”
“They were all different, and yet all of them were assholes”, the blond exclaimed
“None of them were your bloodline Hugo!” Hector exclaimed, “none of them were part of you fucking family, Donella adopted you, Cyrus was an asshole that hung out with her, neither of them were you father, that shit hurts way too fucking much, no matter how many times you’ve been betrayed….” He sighed, “it hurts when your own bloodline doesn’t fucking want you…. So stop feeling bad for hoping he’ll be different, there’s nothing wrong with that…. Nothing…..”
The inventor looked up at the tamer and sniffled again before he stood up and hugged him. Hector blinked, but returned the hug, getting the rest of the group to smile at the duo. They stayed that way for a bit before they broke apart and looked at each other, “we’re too much alike, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not”, Hugo joked
Hector snickered, “both, well go with both”
The blond smiled at the man before he sniffled again and wiped his final tear before he looked at Quirin, “first, we heal the pops, then we find my failure of a father and kick his sorry ass, yeah?”
“Yeah!” Varian exclaimed
Quirin chuckled, “the pops?”
“Yes, the pops, it is a distinguished title that only the best of parents get”, Hugo stated
The retired knight blinked before he grinned lovingly at Hugo, “I love you too, son”
Hugo blushed before the group sat around Quirin, Varian pulling out the extra large medkit, labeled ‘dad kit’, “for dad healing, he gets big booboos”, the alchemist stated when he noticed Eugene glancing at it, getting the Dark Prince to chuckle before they began to heal the retired knight
****
“….So, let me get this straight”, Quirin said as they walked through the forest with what little luggage they’d managed to save, “Zhan Tiri’s magic is what affected Puck, the first Village Leader, our ancestor Quinn Vanguard, and his daughter Serenity, were investigating the dark magic leak and ended up being chased out by Puck, who was possessed to some degree *by* this magic, and then Serenity passed away after giving birth to Vincent, Quinn passed away after she did, both due to the dark magic, Hera’s husband passed away for the same reason, and now that same dark magic has now possessed Damian, or that’s the theory we’re going with, and that’s what caused him to suddenly change like he did?”
“Yup”, Adira confirmed
“That’s…. A lot to take in…..”
“Yeah….”
The retired knight looked at his sister for a moment before he wrapped an arm around her shoulders gently, “are you alright?”
She tensed for only a second before calming down immediately when he spoke, “I’m…. Handling it, as our king would say, ‘bigger fish’”
Quirin chuckled, “he would say that, though he’d also make sure you’re okay and keep you close to him the rest of the trip”
“Yeah, he would”, she smiled at the thought of her king
Quirin smirked, “good, so that means you’ll understand why I’m gonna do the same thing”
Adira stopped before she smirked, “you’re a brat”
“As you would say, ‘indeed’”
Adira nudged him just a touch, but smirked when he chuckled. She didn’t mind, in fact, she felt a lot safer now with Quirin on her left, and Hector, who hadn’t left her side since she’d got back, on her right. She let out a comforted sighed as Quirin put his arm down to his side and they continued to walk
The group was silent for a bit before Varian froze, “hang on”, he whispered, stopping the group, “I hear something….”
“What do you hear?” Eugene asked
“…..Laughing?”
Suddenly everyone froze as the laughter Varian heard grew louder, all of them ducked down so whomever was coming closer wouldn’t see them. That’s when Damian stepped into their line of vision, Hugo winced and scooted closer to Varian, who hugged him protectively, before the man began to speak, “well I guess, heh heh, I guess this whole thing is over!” He said, “I guess this is theheehee end!”
His eyes were still glowing, Hugo shivered when he saw them, “fuck….” The man stopped laughing, his eyes dimming, he looked terrified, “….They know now…. They all know! Why did I do it? Why did I do it?!”
His eyes started to glow again and he continued to laugh as he walked away slowly. The group waited until Varian couldn’t hear or see him anymore before they stood up, “he’s gone mad….”Hugo said
“Or he’s going mad right now”, Lance started
“Speckles, did that seem odd to you too?” Adira asked
“It did”, Varian confirmed, “his eyes dimmed….” He looked at her, “did Puck’s eyes do that?”
“No they didn’t”, she replied, “they were bright and glowing the entire time, even in his calmer moments”
“Right….. So if this is the dark magic of Zhan Tiri possessing him, is it possible that it’s lost some of its power over the years?”
“Potentially, though I’ve never been possessed by it, so I wouldn’t know”
“Is there anyone you know of that was?”
“Well….. yes…. But….. He doesn’t like to talk about it….”
“Who?”
“Me….” Hector stated, getting Eugene and Lance to wince while Quirin, Varian, and Hugo looked shocked
“Hector, you were-!” Quirin began
“Yeah…..” the wild tamer interrupted, “I did something really fucking stupid and pulled out the spear of Demanitus from the great tree’s heart….. I was trying to stop the princess and her friends from getting to the Dark Kingdom and saw no other way of doing it….. I admitted this to King Edmund, and he forgave me so long as I never went near that place again, and helped Adira find Cassandra. I agreed….. But for a short amount of time, I was possessed by the magic of Zhan Tiri…..”
“Hector…..”
“I know! I fucking know! And I’m ashamed and I hate it and-!”
“No! Nonono I’m not scolding you”, Quirin interrupted, “I just never knew….. You…. The only reason you’d do something like that is if you were so afraid that you didn’t have a choice….. I can only *imagine* the kind of mindset you were in during that point….. I’m not angry or disappointed, I’m worried as to what came about to make you do something like that, and if you’re okay, *are* you?”
“I…..” the tamer was startled, but sighed, “yeah….. I’m fine….. *now*….. Adira saved me…..” He said softly, “she healed me too, and then told me she still planned on going to the Dark Kingdom with the Princess….. She asked me to join them, but…. I couldn’t…..”
“Why?” Eugene asked
“I….. After what I did….” He said softly, not looking the Dark Prince in the eye
“Too ashamed….” Varian said, Hector nodded, “I can understand that….”
“Same here….” Hugo agreed
“I’m sorry Hector”, Eugene said
“It’s fine…. You didn’t know…. Anyway, I was….. possessed by that magic…. Did you wanna ask me something about it?” Hector asked
“Well….. i-if you don’t mind answering”
Hector smiled warmly at the alchemist, “you’re my nephew, trying to help figure out how we can kick this prick’s ass, believe me, I don’t mind”
Varian blinked before he giggled and nodded, “I think the magic is wearing out due to years of Zhan Tiri and her followers being gone, but if that’s the case, how could we tell?”
The man thought about that before his eyes shined when he realized something, “when the princess used the decay incantation on the roots and me-!”
“What?!” Quirin exclaimed
“I’m fine Quirin, she needed to in order to break the spell I was under”
“But the *decay* incantation?!”
The wild tamer sighed as he looked at his brother, “worrywart”
“Stop it! That’s so dangerous! Wasn’t there *any* other way?!”
“Yes”, Adira stated, “Demanitus’s staff was still there, just tossed to the side. Cassandra was close to it, almost reaching it, she told Rapunzel to wait, Rapunzel didn’t listen, and Cassandra got burned in the process due to the decay incantation”, she said, “I tried to get her away from the princess because there was nothing she could do, but she didn’t listen to me…..”
“What the fuck?!” Varian said, hands clamped over his mouth
“Yeah…. That was…. Rough to say the least….” Adria looked at Varian, “she never told you?”
“No! S-She didn’t!”
“Well….. oops”
The alchemist sighed as Quirin looked at Hector, “Hector I…. A-are you sure you’re okay?”
“It’s been two, almost three years since that’s happened brother”, the tamer stated
“I realize, but this is the first I’m hearing of it, *brother*, specifically my *little* brother”
Hector snorted and sighed, “I’m fine, really, we can discuss it later, just, for now, I’m good, okay? Bigger fish”
Quirin stopped, “don’t you King Edmund me!”
“I will if it means we get back to the task at hand!”
“Guys!” Adira snapped, getting the two to stop
“Ugh, right right, sorry, but we’re not done here”, the retired knight stated
“Kay”, Hector replied before he looked at Varian, “when the incantation was used on me, I felt the tree, and magic, leave me. They left the tree too. I didn’t feel it die persay, but it definitely took a huge hit that cost it a lot”
“You talk like that magic is alive”, Lance commented
“In a way, it felt like it was”, the tamer replied, “Zhan Tiri has a different type of magic, the reason we call it dark is because we have no fucking idea where it came from. The Moon, Sun, and Earth have their own magic and that’s what we’re used to. But Zhan Tiri’s magic isn’t the same. It’s wild and hungry, I’d actually say it’s a lot like a starving animal, desperate and clingy, but it’s also smart and cunning too, much like Zhan Tiri herself, much as I hate to say that”, he stated with a huff, “when it was with me, I didn’t control it, it controlled me, I was just a conduit basically”
“That’s terrifyin”
“I don’t disagree, either way, when it left me, I could feel it was weaker than before, in fact, it stayed within me until the tree fell. But after the decay incantation, it no longer controlled me, I could control it, and I was able to talk and warn the princess and her group about the Dark Kingdom”
“I remember that, you said Adira was lying”, Eugene said
“I did, and she was to a degree, but I get why….. *now*, I didn’t back then”
“How did you lie?” Hugo asked
“Lying by telling half truths and not the full story”, Adira said, “and I’d do it again too, because it worked”
The alchemist nodded as Hector spoke up again, “when the magic weakens, you can usually tell if the person they’re purporting can speak or has their own emotions back, even for a moment”
“Hmmm…. So if we’re talking about the same magic that was in the great tree, then that little display of emotions right there tells us that the magic is weaker…. Though I’m surprised it’s still here even after Zhan Tiri is gone”
“Maybe…. Her magic can separate from her?” Hugo suggested, “Hector did say it felt like a different entity…. That would explain why there was still magic in the great tree when Zhan Tiri wasn’t even in this plain”
“From my understanding, magic doesn’t go poof”, Beetlejuice stated, “it stays with whatever it’s linked to”
“If that’s the case, then maybe some magic was linked to the tree, and then was freed by the decay incantation”, Varian stated
“Then how did it corrupt Puck and people from different places, the Dark Kingdom isn’t too far away, so I can understand that, but Corona? Ingvarr? Way too far!” Lance exclaimed
“The great tree’s roots grow underneath all 8 kingdoms”, Quirin said, Adira and Hector nodding in agreement, “our ancestors found this out centuries ago, it’s why the the 8 kingdoms were formed, it’s also why Zhan Tiri attacked the great tree, because then her magic could spread far easier”
“Ah”
“Yeah”
“So then that’s it! The magic from the Great Tree was freed when Raounzel used the decay incantation, its weaker due to that incantation, so maybe it was lying in wait for a weak willed victim to possess, Hugo’s father just happened to be the best candidate”, Beetlejuice stated, “not that I’m surprised”
“Me either”, Hector agreed
“I wonder when he was possessed….” Hugo said, “if he was possessed before he found out about me and you…. Then maybe….” He sighed, “no…. I shouldn’t do that….”
“Love, it’s okay to try and look for reasons you know”, Varian said gently, “he’s your father after all. Just…. Don’t forget that, even possessed, the magic had to have some way to get him to do any of this, if he wasn’t willing to, then this wouldn’t have happened at all”
“You’re right, I just…. I guess I wanna believe that maybe he still cares…. Just a little….”
“That’s understandable love, and it’s okay to do so”, Varian smiled at the inventor, “really”
Hugo smiled back before Quirin yelped, “get down!” They ducked again as Damian reappeared, however, he wasn’t speaking anymore, in fact, he was staring, wide eyed, at the bush they were currently in
Hugo shivered at his father’s glare, it was one filled with hatred and anger, he shivered a little, before the man ran to the bush, “SHIT!” Hector cursed, standing and readying his blades, releasing them from their gauntlets
Everyone else stood up, but as Damian reached the group, Varian’s eyes glowed, “NOW!” he yelled, though it wasn’t his voice, and it bounced everywhere when he screamed it
Suddenly, darkness surrounded the group, they felt cold and warm at the same time, they could see nothing and everything, they felt heavy and light! The darkness disappeared and they froze when they saw the shadows had engulfed Damian, stopping him in his tracks. ‘Varian’ stepped forwards and faced the group, “Moonstone”, Quirin said
“Hello Quirin”, they responded, “sorry for the scare, but I didn’t have a chance to tell all of you what the shadow walkers wanted to do, Varian took over before I could”, they looked at Hugo, “this man has bad intentions for you, and only bad intentions. Though they may not be as bad as the dark magic possessing him wants you to believe, he still does not care for you in the way you wish him to, and I am sorry for that, but you must know, it is your right”
Hugo nodded, though his heart still broken that’s when Varian, transparent, came o it of his own body and huffed, “could’ve told *me* at least”, the teen stated, “and not been so *brutally* blunt with Hugo!”
“I apologize, but you didn’t give me a chance, and he needed to know”
Varian gave the Moonstone a glare before he flew over to Hugo, “I’m sorry love….”
“It’s okay….. I-I needed to hear it….” The blond said, a single tear sliding down his face before he wiped it away
“Not that way you didn’t….” He said
“It’s okay Freckles”, the blond replied with a sad smile, “I was making excuses for him, that’s not healthy”
“But it *is* normal”, Varian stated, “had you started to justify what he’s done, I would’ve helped you through that, guided you a bit, being blunt just makes it hurt worse”
“Sometimes you need to be blunt”, the blond replied, “please don’t be mad at them, I think they’re knew I needed it, really, I’m okay”
Varian watched his lover before he noticed Quirin giving him a sympathetic smile, “I’m being overprotective aren’t I?”
“Yup”, the retired knight said
The alchemist sighed again, “I’m not admitting I’m wrong”, he stated indignantly
Hugo snorted at that before he looked at the Moonstone, “so…. Is he…. Um….”
“He’s not dead, the shadow walkers are merely holding him in a stasis”, the Moonstone replied, “they came up with this plan earlier. He will need to be separated from the dark magic, the shadow walkers are using some of my magic to help hold him down. The only way to separate him from the magic, is to destroy the magic in the past”
“How do we do that?” Adira asked as Hector raised a brow
“Someone will need to step inside the darkness, my magic will guide you to where the demon’s magic was weak enough to destroy and separated from humans and Zhan Tiri”
“Which was when?” Varian asked
“During Puck’s final moments, when the demon’s magic killed him and returned to the great tree with the rest of itself”, the Moonstone said
“Wait, does that mean we need to relive Puck’s death?” Eugene asked
“That is correct, it is, unfortunately, the only way”
The group stood in silence for a while, none of them really knowing what to do as each of them thought about what they’d need to do.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, big chapter, lots of theorizing and figuring stuff out, and Quirin finds out that Hector was possessed! Good stuff! XD
Also, Poor Hugo part three, apparently this is just a thing now, this poor kid
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 635: Hugo’s Mission!
Summary:
Hugo decides to relive Puck’s death!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo looked at the Moonstone, “so…. Is he…. Um….”
“He’s not dead, the shadow walkers are merely holding him in a stasis”, the Moonstone replied, “they came up with this plan earlier. He will need to be separated from the dark magic, the shadow walkers are using some of my magic to help hold him down. The only way to separate him from the magic, is to destroy the magic in the past”
“How do we do that?” Adira asked as Hector raised a brow
“Someone will need to step inside the darkness, my magic will guide you to where the demon’s magic was weak enough to destroy and separate it from humans and Zhan Tiri”
“Which was when?” Varian asked
“During Puck’s final moments, when the demon’s magic killed him and returned to the great tree with the rest of itself”, the Moonstone said
“Wait, does that mean we need to relive Puck’s death?” Eugene asked
“That is correct, it is, unfortunately, the only way”
The group stood in silence for a while, none of them really knowing what to do as each of them thought about what they’d need to do, “….I’ll do it” Hugo stated quietly
“No”, Varian replied instantly
“You can’t, Adira won’t, and that’s my dad! Even if he’s a fucking jerk, who else could go in him but me?”
“Hugo, you are *not* reliving Puck’s death, for all we know, it could be the worst one yet!”
“Worse than losing a child? Or-or-or getting stabbed over and over? Or having your best fucking friend betray you? O-Or even just getting gutted like a fish?”
“Hugo! Love, you don’t have Adira’s spiritual energy!”
“I do though! I’m from Ingvarr, I may not have gone through the proper training, but I know enough to know what to do”, the blond exclaimed, “I just….” He looked at Damian, “I need to….. I need to do this…..”
The group was quiet again before Quirin spoke up, “why?”
“Huh?” Hugo looked at the man
“Why do you need to do this? What’s the reason? Is it just because he’s your dad? Is it because you feel bad? Why?”
“I…..” the blond sighed, “b-both…. But also because Adira shouldn’t go back in there, not after what she saw, Eugene and Lance aren’t part of a kingdom that forces you to be perfect in every way shape or form, so they can’t do this, Hector and you Quirin, you need to stay here with Adira, you’re the only two that can give her proper comfort right now, and freckles can’t use his Moon powers to get in, but I know he’ll be astral projecting to protect whomever does go inside. That just leaves me”
Quirin watched the teen for a bit before he sighed, “ok”
“What?! Dad!” Varian exclaimed
“Varian, he’s right”
“But he could be-!”
“I know son”, his father interrupted gently, “I know…. But he really is the only one who can right now…. I hate that…. I *really* hate that…. But since he is, there’s no other way….”
Varian wanted to argue, say something, he would even volunteer someone else, but stopped when he realized how far he was willing to go to keep Hugo safe. Shame and guilt filled his body before he sighed and shook his head, “I…..”
“It’s okay Varian”, Hugo said softly, “I’ll be okay”
The alchemist stared at his lover for a long time before he huffed, “do *not* move until I show up, I’ll be there as soon as I can, you’re not gonna go alone, not now, not ever”
“I won’t”, Hugo said with a loving smile
“Promise?”
The blond’s smile is widened and he nodded, “promise”
Varian nodded before stepping back a but. Hugo looked at the rest of the group and smiled at them, “good luck kiddo”, Hector said gently
“Thanks, I’ll do what I can”
“You’ll do great, we have faith in you”, Adira added, “I’m…. Sorry that I can’t do it myself….”
“It’s okay, you’ve done more than enough Adira, don’t feel guilt about knowing your limits”
The face painted warrior was startled by that, but smiled gratefully at the inventor. “You give anyone who gives you trouble a good kick in the nose!” Eugene stated
“And a punch in the gut!” Lance added
“Heh, will do”, Hugo replied
“Try not to get too spaced out either, otherwise I’m comin after ya”, Beetlejuice stated, “I may not be able to go inside memories, but I can still pull your ass out”
“Noted, thanks”
“Be safe Hugo, we’ll all be waiting for you to come back”, Quirin commented gently
“I will, um, Quirin…. About my dad…. I…. He…” the blond sighed, “I’m sorry”
“That man’s actions don’t reflect on the wonderful man you are Hugo, there’s no need to apologize”
“Thank you”
Quirin smiled lovingly at the inventor, before Hugo faced Varian. The alchemist looked anxious, and very very nervous, but he was trying his best to stay calm, “I’ll be okay”
“I….. I know you will, I just….” Varian sighed, “I wish it hadn’t come to this….”
“Same heh, some bachelor party am I right?”
“Right! Like can we have a fun trip with family and friends *without* the death defying shit please?”
The duo laughed before Hugo smiled at his lover, “I’ll see you soon Freckles”
Varian nodded, “I’ll be there as soon as I can”
They hugged each other, staying that way for a few moments before letting go. They kissed briefly, before Hugo faced his biological father, the man was still in a frozen stasis, for a moment, the inventor hesitated, before he took a breath, held it, and walked through. But right as he was phasing inside the man’s memories, he heard Varian’s frantic voice, “WAIT! I FORGOT TO WARN YOU ABOUT C-!” The alchemist had been cut off when the phasing was complete, and Hugo was left alone in a dark space he didn’t recognize
He looked around, curiosity filling every pore as he studied everything carefully, suddenly, the world flashed with light, and he was surrounded by a grey and white forest! He blinked as he looked around, “woah”, he said, amazed by everything. He didn’t move, standing perfectly still as he waited for Varian, but he was more than tempted
He smiled wide as he looked around, before a very familiar voice sent chills down his spine, “hello Hugo…”
The inventor turned around, only to freeze when he saw Cyrus standing behind him. The man looked just as startled as the teen, he was a few feet away, being sure to give the inventor some space, but seeing him again still made Hugo feel nothing but the familiar cold sting of the fear he’d gotten used to. It made his knees weak, his body shake, his mind fizz with static, as he lost all strength in his legs and fell to the floor. He backed up just a touch further and stared at Cyrus, “w-what are you d-doing here?!”
“Didn’t Varian tell you?”
The inventor stopped as he remembered Varian and Adira’s tale of their travels throughout the spiritual realm, and he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, “he…. H-he did….” He said, Cyrus stepped forwards, “b-but you stay over there!” Hugo snapped, getting the mercenary to stop, “I-if Varian says you’re being good, t-then I believe him, b-but I…. I feel more comfortable w-with you a bit away f-from me…. Please….”
Cyrus sighed, but complied, backing up to his original position as the inventor stood up. They were in complete silence for a few moments before a bright, blue, warm, light shined in-between them, Varian suddenly appearing, holding a glowing rope as he quickly tired it around his waist while looking around, “Hugo? Hu-ah! There you are!” The alchemist exclaimed happily as he finished tying the rope and jogged over to his lover before stopping, “why are you on the ground?”
Hugo pointed to Cyrus, getting the alchemist to look as the mercenary waved, “hi”
“Hi Cyrus”, Varian replied before he looked at Hugo, “I tried to warn you”
“I know…. I f-figured that out when I s-saw him”, Hugo replied
Varian offered his lover a hand up, which Hugo took, standing up while watching the mercenary the entire time. He stayed quiet as Varian looked at Cyrus, “he won’t hurt you”
“You believe him?”
“I have the ability to sense when someone’s being truthful in this place, and everything Cyrus said was true”
Hugo looked at the man again before he sighed, “just…. I-it’s gonna take me a while to actually believe that, but… I trust you”
Varian nodded, “understandable, and we’re gonna need him”
“I know….” Hugo looked at the alchemist, “where do I go? How does this work?”
“We wait until you see the memory appear, it looks different for everyone, for me, it’s a door with a bunch of locks on it, for Cyrus, it’s a hole he jumps into, for Adira it was a bubble”
“Do you know what it’ll look like to me?”
“I have no idea”
“Well shit”
“It’ll be okay love, I’ve got your back, remember this rope?” Varian pointed to the rope around his waist
Hugo smiled, “the line that me, Beetlejuice, and Hector cast to keep you and Adira grounded”
“Well Adira and dad have taken your spot with Beetlejuice and Hector”
“Heh, why am I not surprised?”
“Because you know that they love you a little less than I do”
“A little less?”
“No one loves you more than me, that’s just fact”
Hugo snorted before he hugged Varian tight, the alchemist returned the hug and they stayed that way for a bit before letting go. They sat down and waited, Hugo watching Cyrus, who sat down as well in the same spot he’d been standing. The duo just snuggled with each other until Hugo noticed something out of the corner of his eye. He blinked and suddenly it appeared. Cocking his head to the side he stood up, “is that what I’m supposed to enter?”
Varian looked before nodding, “yup, it’s a door with locks to me, what is it for you?”
Hugo was quiet, he stared at it for a long time before he gave a bitter chuckle, “this world fucking hates me”
“Huh? Why? What is it?”
“…..Donella….”
“What?!”
“Just a vision of her waving me over. I can tell it’s not actually her, and if I walked over, she wouldn’t react. But it’s how she called me over whenever she needed something. I’d walk over and she’d guide me”
“Oh Hugo….”
“It’s fine, at least she’s familiar, in a semi good way, anyway”, he said with a smirk, “I don’t mind seeing her, just…. Brings things back, ya know?”
“I know love…. And I’m sorry”
“Not your fault”
“Well…. How it works is, you go in and relive the death, I can’t enter until that’s done. Once it is, the locks will unlock, and I’ll be able to open the door once I’ve removed them all. This door seems complicated, so it may take me a few moments. Whatever you do, once that memory is done, keep an eye on the dark magic, but do *not* touch it until I’m there, if you do, there’s no telling what it’ll do to you”
Hugo nodded, “ok”
“Are you gonna be alright?”
“Yeah, I will be….. just nervous”
“Understandably so”
“Heh…. What if something else comes after me?”
“Run until you find me”
“Got it”
With one final hug, Hugo stood, walked over to Donella, the grey haired woman smirking at him before she walked into a doorway, one that didn’t show anything inside. Hugo blinked before he followed her inside, a rigid sensation going through his body, before he found himself in a forest, the same forest he’d just been in, but the body he had was not his own, when he looked down, he saw bigger, and older hands, his vision was clear but he could tell he wasn’t wearing any glasses, he felt heavier, looking down he saw that he had a small gut, bigger than his original one, his pants were dirty, his shirt was torn, he looked and felt like a mess, he was definitely not in his own body anymore….
Notes:
Hello! :D
Set up chapter, but definitely important 😊
Poor Hugo, for the 1 millionth time XD at least he got some snuggles this time, so that’s good at least
Cyrus being like “oh hello!” Is surprisingly fitting XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 636: Puck!
Summary:
Hugo sees Puck’s death!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo was quiet, he stared at it for a long time before he gave a bitter chuckle, “this world fucking hates me”
“Huh? Why? What is it?”
“…..Donella….”
“What?!”
“Just a vision of her waving me over. I can tell it’s not actually her, and if I walked over, she wouldn’t react. But it’s how she called me over whenever she needed something. I’d walk over and she’d guide me”
“Oh Hugo….”
“It’s fine, at least she’s familiar, in a semi good way, anyway”, he said with a smirk, “I don’t mind seeing her, just…. Brings things back, ya know?”
“I know love…. And I’m sorry”
“Not your fault”
“Well…. How it works is, you go in and relive the death, I can’t enter until that’s done. Once it is, the locks will unlock, and I’ll be able to open the door once I’ve removed them all. This door seems complicated, so it may take me a few moments. Whatever you do, once that memory is done, keep an eye on the dark magic, but do *not* touch it until I’m there, if you do, there’s no telling what it’ll do to you”
Hugo nodded, “ok”
“Are you gonna be alright?”
“Yeah, I will be….. just nervous”
“Understandably so”
“Heh…. What if something else comes after me?”
“Run until you find me”
“Got it”
With one final hug, Hugo stood, walked over to Donella, the grey haired woman smirking at him before she walked into a doorway, one that didn’t show anything inside. Hugo blinked before he followed her inside, a rigid sensation going through his body, before he found himself in a forest, the same forest he’d just been in, but the body he had was not his own, when he looked down, he saw bigger, and older hands, his vision was clear but he could tell he wasn’t wearing any glasses, he felt heavier, looking down he saw that he had a small gut, bigger than his original one, his pants were dirty, his shirt was torn, he looked and felt like a mess, he was definitely not in his own body anymore….
****
*His back hurt, muscles ached from years on the farm. He’d been toiling away, sweating bullets everyday, working the job of thirty men and women, all because of his curse. He huffed and puffed, groaning as he walked through the woods that he’d swore never to go in a long time ago. He felt hi tears roll down his cheeks as he remembered that fateful day, his victim’s faces flashing in his memory….
Puck continued to walk, wishing he’d had the strength he did when he was younger than this. Hugo wished he did too as his own muscles and back throbbed with aches and pains he would never know about until he was old and grey
The old man finally stopped, his ears picking up on a sound he hadn’t heard in years, “the hell?” He said to himself, listening again before a chill went down his back, “a…. Baby?”
Hugo grew anxious as the original Village Leader walked towards the noise, the blond couldn’t do anything to stop it however. This needed to happen, he needed to live it out, no fighting, no running, he had to see what happened next, had to be there when the dark magic split from Puck, only then would this whole thing be over, and he and everyone else could be free!
So they carried on, Puck continuing his trek to finding the source of the cry. He came across the bodies he’d hidden away long ago, first Reggie, then Simon, then Greg, and finally, the lake, he stopped at that old water bank. It was discolored now from years of contamination….. he stared at it for a long time before he fell to his knees and cried, “I’m sorry”, he said, “I’m so sorry Anastasia….”
Hugo felt disgust well up inside him as he felt the self pity and longing for the woman Puck killed. He glared, *you should feel worse you damn coward….* he thought to himself before remembering how this man had been possessed. He wanted to fight off that small instinct, wanted to shut it up because this man did not deserve any excuse, but it wouldn’t go away, as if it were a friend, reminding him to feel pity for this murderer as well as disgust, but nothing more than that. The blond finally conceded, he felt pity, and continued watching Puck
The Village Leader had stood up, wiping his tears and walking again, still hearing the baby cry. He followed it, the forest surrounding him growing darker and darker as he did. Hugo didn’t know how much time had passed, it felt like an eternity, but also merely a few minutes at the same time. Puck continued until he’d found a small clearing behind some bushes. He blinked and walked through them, Hugo’s instinct was to run, he felt like this was *not* a safe place to be. He didn’t know how right he was until he saw something sitting in the middle of the clearing on a, roughly cut, tree stump….
Puck stared at the stump before be slowly moved closer to it, inch by inch, step by step, he drew closer and closer, all the while Hugo’s arms were filled with goosebumps. The old Village Leader finally stepped in front of the stump, then gasped at what he saw! Blood was on the stump, a huge puddle of it, and not just that, but the old fish gutting knife, rusted and bent, sat in the middle of the puddle, shining gleefully at the man, as if greeting an old friend
Hugo wanted to puke as Puck fell backwards onto the ground. He shook and shivered as the wind picked up around him. The Village Leader screamed, “I’M SORRY!” Over and over again, cowering on the ground, the baby’s cries echoed louder and louder in his ears, accompanied by the final screams of his victims, over and over and over again, Puck screamed with them, he screamed and screamed as the memories flashed in his mind!
Tears streamed down his wrinkled face, the knife shined, the blood dripped from the stump, the crying and screams continued, more and more, louder and louder, everything hurt, each blade of grass cut through the old man like the knife that sat on that stump, it all continued until Puck couldn’t take it anymore, stood up, and grabbed the knife, “STOP! PLEASE!” He begged, “I DIDNT WANT TO! I DIDNT WANT TO KILL ANT OF YOU! I-!”
Suddenly, something zipped through the air, and pierced his heart. Hugo jerked, clutching his chest as Puck stopped, he fell to the floor, writhing in pain! The arrow that’d pierced him had just barely missed his heart. He whimpered and sobbed, the pain was too much. He caught the eye of the man who’d shot it, and saw a face that made Hugo do a double take, “I’m sorry”, the man said, “I’m so sorry Mr. Puck…. But you’ve been found guilty of a terrible sin”, he said, his voice was so similar, mannerism matched who Hugo saw to a *T*, even the bright blue eyes staring back at the old man seemed to glow in the light of the Moon
“H-how?!” Puck managed to asked, his voice wavering and shaky as he stared at the man
“Your people are already aware of what you’ve done, by your own admission sir….. You…. Sleep walk sir… When you were being brought back home, that’s when you admitted what you did sir….. I’ve been sent on behalf of the man you drove out of this kingdom, my grandfather, Quinn Vanguards sir”, he said, “my king sent me, as requested by the King of Corona sir. They sent me to execute you….. For my grandfather, and my mother…. For the sins you’ve committed….. My hand is to be your undoing sir…. My eyes are to be the last you’ll ever see….”
Hugo stared at the man, eyes wide, as he looked at his fiancé’s ancestor. Puck sputtered and gulped, blood was pouring out of his chest, “y-you m-m-missed”
“I didn’t mean to Mr. Puck…. I really didn’t…. I’d hoped to make it painless…. Because unlike you I’m not a monster…. However since it has missed, then perhaps it is the Moon’s doing”, the man walked over and kneeled beside Puck, his blue eyes locked onto the old man, they looked cold, unforgiving, but they softened when they saw Puck suffering, he placed his own hands on the man’s chest, trying to make the death as painless as possible by putting pressure on the wound, “you have a chance to repent sir, a chance to apologize to the victims”, he said, “my name is Vincent Vanguard, I act as an advisor to the King of my kingdom, King Richard sir”, he said, “it’s my last year of service before I am to retire and my son Verne Vanguard takes my place. Perhaps this was the Moon’s plan all along sir, perhaps you are meant to repent for what you’ve done, you’ve been given one final opportunity to atone for your sins before passing on to meet her sir”, Vincent smiled, which made Hugo’s heart flutter and skip a beat, “repent, apologize to the victims, show the Moon you truly feel awful for what you’ve done. Maybe she’ll have mercy on you, perhaps she’ll even give you a second chance”
“Y-you believe in that b-bullshit?!”
“I do sir”, Vincent said softly, his eyes shining brightly, “I truly do”
Puck was hesitant, but he looked up at the Moon, she shined down upon him, he felt her light touch him, gently, he closed his eyes, his pain had lessened, but he could still feel it, for a moment however, his mind was at peace. He sighed, and looked at the man, the man who’s mother’s and grandfather he’d driven out of the kingdom, the man who’d been so kind to him, the final face he’d ever see, and nodded, “I’m s-sorry….. I’m…. I-I’m so s-sorry….” Puck wanted to say more, but his voice gave out….
The Moon’s light shimmered, Vincent smiled and nodded as tears rolled down his face, he let go of the Village Leader’s chest and stood up, grabbing an arrow from his quiver, he readied the arrow in his bow, aimed directly for Puck’s heart, and with one final breath, let it fly
It pierced Puck’s chest, direct hit, death took hold of the old man as he looked up at the Moon. Vincent let out a sigh before putting his bow away. He kneeled beside the man again and prayed to the Moon, for all the victims, including Puck, before he stood and looked up
Hugo groaned, sitting up, he coughed a little, the pain becoming a dull ache, before he looked up at the Moon as well, “….So you’re my descendant’s husband then?”
“Huh?” The blond looked at the man and saw Vincent smiling at him, “o-oh! You…. You can actually see me?”
“The memory is over”, Vincent said gently, “anyone from this memory, aside from me, has faded now. That just leaves you and me”
Hugo smiled, “it’s good to meet you, yeah, I’m gonna be your descendant’s husband…. Or wife, I’m not really partial to either label”
Vincent chuckled, “it is very nice to meet you”
“Very nice to meet you too! My name’s Hugo, and you’re Vincent, right?”
“Indeed sir”
“Oh, you don’t have to call me sir, you’re technically my superior here”
“Ah, I see, Mr. Hugo then?”
“Just Hugo is fine, if that’s okay”
Vincent nodded, “that’s fine with me… Hugo, you can just call me Vincent then”
“Thanks!” The blond stood up, though he stumbled a bit
“Are you alright? That death wasn’t exactly quick, much as I tried”
“I’m okay, just a little dizzy”, the blond managed to stand up with a sigh before looking at Puck again, “you were kind to him, how do you Vanguards manage to be so kind to those who’ve done you wrong?”
“The same way you do Hugo”, Vincent replied, “you learn from their mistakes”
The blond smirked, “heh, read me like a book ey?”
“I wouldn’t say that, but you do share similarities to my grandpa and mother, or at least, from what I’ve been told about them”
Hugo looked at the man sadly, “I’m sorry you lost them….”
“Not your fault…. I lived with my father, he was still in Corona, but move to the…. What you now call, Dark Kingdom, when he heard about what happened to my mother”
“Why didn’t he go with Serenity and Quinn?”
“They left in a hurry, he’d stayed behind to grab their stuff, at their request”
“Ah”
“Yeah, he regretted that when he reunited with my grandfather….. Quinn Vanguard passed away a few years after my mother…. I knew him for a short time, but I remember he used to hug me close to his chest, he always smelled of books and ink, it was comforting”
“Heh, you and Varian do the same thing, Quirin, Varian’s dad, he smells like apples and wood, and Varian can’t help but love that scent, everytime he gets a hug from Quirin, he always sniffs him”
“Must run in the family then”, Vincent said with a chuckle
“It must”, Hugo agreed, “not a bad thing if you ask me”
They both smiled before the blond felt something change, he looked around before grinning from ear to ear, “Freckles!”
Vincent looked where Hugo was, and saw his near double, he blinked, before he smiled, “hello Varian”
The alchemist blinked, bright blue eyes glowing in the darkness before he rushed over and hugged Hugo, “I’m so glad you’re okay!” He exclaimed before he pulled away and looked at Vincent, “hello Vincent!” He replied, “it’s very nice to finally meet you!”
“Nice to finally meet you too”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I got really sick the past two days, and I couldn’t write anything! I ended up finally getting this one out, but when I read through it after healing, it was a bunch of jumbled words, and I had to fix it
So I’m really sorry for the lack of stories this week, getting sick at random really kills your writing flow, but I hope this makes up for it
Hugo finally sees Puck’s death, nothing like Cyrus’s, but it’s pretty dang rough
At least something good came out of it, namely meeting Vincent finally 😊🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 637: The Dark Magic!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo face off against the dark magic!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Why didn’t your father go with Serenity and Quinn?” Hugo asked
“They left in a hurry, he’d stayed behind to grab their stuff, at their request”
“Ah”
“Yeah, he regretted that when he reunited with my grandfather….. Quinn Vanguard passed away a few years after my mother…. I knew him for a short time, but I remember he used to hug me close to his chest, he always smelled of books and ink, it was comforting”
“Heh, you and Varian do the same thing, Quirin, Varian’s dad, he smells like apples and wood, and Varian can’t help but love that scent, everytime he gets a hug from Quirin, he always sniffs him”
“Must run in the family then”, Vincent said with a chuckle
“It must”, Hugo agreed, “not a bad thing if you ask me”
They both smiled before the blond felt something change, he looked around before grinning from ear to ear, “Freckles!”
Vincent looked where Hugo was, and saw his near double, he blinked, before he smiled, “hello Varian”
The alchemist blinked, bright blue eyes glowing in the darkness before he rushed over and hugged Hugo, “I’m so glad you’re okay!” He exclaimed before he pulled away and looked at Vincent, “hello Vincent!” He replied, “it’s very nice to finally meet you!”
“Nice to finally meet you too”
The alchemist grinned before he looked at Hugo, “what happened? Did you see the dark magic?”
“No, but Puck died, and I found out how”, the blond replied softly
“Oh, I-I’m so sorry, are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good, it….. felt weird…. But…. Hey… if I ever need to tell anyone what dying feels like, at least I have experience! ….Twice actually, heh”
“Eheh…. Um…. N-not funny love”
“Yeah I…. I didn’t think so”, Hugo chuckled
Varian kissed Hugo’s cheeks and held him close, “I’m just glad you’re here, I was so worried”
“Why? Adira went through this”
“Yeah, but she was negatively impacted by it”
“Ah”
“How are you not?”
“I died once?”
“…..I…. Don’t know if that would change things for you or not”
Hugo shrugged, unsure himself before he looked at Vincent, “so, you were sent here?”
“Yes”, the past Vanguard replied, “I was sent by the King”
“That’d be Jing Richard, right?”
Vincent smiled, “correct! You know your history!”
“Absolutely! Ever since I found out about dad’s past, I’ve been studying up!”
“I see, quiet an amazing feat to know of a kingdom long passed”
“It’s actually coming back from the brink now, thankfully”
“That’s good”
Varian grinned before his eyes lit up when he noticed a shadow move. He stared at the spot for a moment before it moved again, “the dark magic!” He exclaimed, pointing to it, “it’s there! We need to destroy it before it escapes!”
“Right!” Hugo stood up and unsheathed his dagger, “let’s go!”
“Sorry Vincent, we’re on a mission!” The alchemist stated
Vincent smiled, “as am I, I believe we have the same mission”
“Oh really? Did the Moon send your spirit here?”
“Indeed, it’s why I haven’t gone away yet”
“Awesome! Then let’s go!” They all ran towards the dark magic, Vincent shot arrow after arrow at it, trying to pin it down, Hugo saw his opportunity, and threw his dagger, he landed a scratch, but the magic still managed to squirm away. Varian used his magic to create black rock obstacles to slow the magic down, managing to do so fairly effectively
Their combined efforts had made the magic turn the wrong way, ending up cornered. The trio stepped closer and closer to it, all of them getting ready to end this entire thing, when suddenly, someone stepped behind the magic, “finally!” Cyrus exclaimed, panting a little, “damn that hole was long, took me a fucking while to finally fall all the way through it”
The magic seized this opportunity and scrambled up the mercenary, “CYRUS LOOK OUT!” Hugo screamed, but it was too late
The magic had reached the man’s heart, Cyrus helped and tried to pull it off him, but the magic had gripped onto the man and held on tight! Cyrus’s eyes turned pitch black, he stopped fighting it, unable to anymore, he smiled wickedly at the trio before Hugo whimpered, recognizing that look on the man’s face, “what’s a matter fuck head? Afraid of me again?!” ‘Cyrus’ exclaimed before he slammed his body into the blond, making Hugo fly backwards and skid into the ground
“Hugo!” Varian exclaimed
“Varian! Focus! He’s going to attack us next!” Vincent stated, dodging ‘the mercenary’s’ attempt to slam into him
Varian noticed and dodged ‘him’ as well before he growled, “GET OUT OF HIM!” He screamed, his eyes glowing bright blue as he let out a burst of magic that sent ‘Cyrus’ flying and skidding into the ground as well
Vincent paused at that, “that’s the magic of the Moonstone, you have it?”
“Yeah, it’s a long story”
“Noted, we’ll talk later; for now AAAAAAAH!” Vincent ran forwards and shot arrow after arrow at ‘Cyrus’, unfortunately the magic made the man tank every hit, standing him up before charging at Vincent once again
However, ‘Cyrus’ was suddenly knocked off his feet, “Hugo!” Varian exclaimed with a grin when he saw his fiancé was the reason, “are you alright?”
“Yeah, just a little dirty, but I’m good”, the blond replied, “Freckles, I battled Cyrus before, he’s tough! He can tank hits pretty damn well, and his strength is second only to Quirin himself”
“Noted….”
“I’m guessing that means we’ll need speed on our side?” Vincent asked
“Yeah, Cyrus is slower, so he can’t dodge, but his defense is near immaculate”, Varian stated
“Then we’ll just have to chip away at him”
“Isn’t there another way?” The alchemist asked, “I mean, he’s trying to be better, this isn’t Cyrus right now, he’s possessed by the dark magic”
“Do you have any ideas? I’m more than willing to listen”
“LOOK OUT!” Hugo yelled
Varian and Vincent dodged as ‘Cyrus’ came charging at them once again, “thanks love”, the freckled teen said
The blond nodded as he watched ‘Cyrus’, he winced when he heard the man screaming and yelling. He was thrashing about, unable to control himself, it made the inventor feel sick, “he doesn’t deserve this….”
“No he doesn’t”, Varian agreed, “he’s trying to be better”
“How do you know?” Hugo asked, looking at his fiancé, “did he tell you?”
“Yes, and he showed me that as well”, Varian said, “he helped me and Adira when we were with the spirits Puck killed, he saved me and Adira too, he cracked a few jokes to lessen the tension, and even apologized for everything he’s done. I don’t forgive him, not yet, but I want to give him a chance, and this”, he gestured to the raging man, “this isn’t fair”
“What do you two suggest?” Vincent asked, readying his bow and arrow, “because he seems like he’s about to charge again, weather he wants to or not”
Hugo was quiet for a moment, before he sighed and sheathed his dagger, “let me talk to him”
“Wha-Hugo-!” Varian began
“It’s okay Freckles”, the blond said with a smile, “I’ve got this, I know what I’m doing, just uh…. Cover me, just in case?”
The alchemist could see how badly the inventor was shaking, he saw his lover’s green eyes were filled with worry and fear, but he sighed, and nodded, “if he hurts you, we got to plan B”
“Which is us chipping at him until he falls I’m assuming?” Vincent asked, getting Varian to smile
“Yes”
“Understood”
Hugo smiled at his lover, “thank you”
“Anytime, now hurry, we’ll start plan B when you say…. Um…. Uh….”
“Quirin’s fish plush”, Hugo offered
“Perfect!”
The blond smiled before letting out a nervous sigh, and running over to ‘Cyrus’. He hesitated once, only once, as memories flashed of the man beating him senselessly over and over again, before the inventor shook it off and puffed out his chest before he called out, “HEY DICK HEAD!”
‘Cyrus’ stopped, glaring at the teen, “RAAAAH!” ‘He’ charged at Hugo, the teen dodged easily
“You charge like a *girl*!” He exclaimed with a smirk
‘Cyrus’ screamed before charging again and again, getting faster and faster, Hugo dodged each and every attack, hands folded behind his back as Varian recognized his aunt’s technique and grinned until ‘Cryus’ tired from rushing around, ran into a tree and fell
Hugo rushed over and knelt beside ‘him’, “Cyrus?”
The ‘mercenary’ groaned, before his eyes opened, though one was still pitch black, the other was normal, wide, and full of fear, “H-Hugo! Get away! I-I can’t control it! I-!”
“Easy, easy, I get it, look”, Hugo sighed, “Varian…. He said you were really trying to… m-make up for all you did…. So…. I’m gonna try to b-believe him….” The blond let out a breath to steady himself before he spoke again, “listen, you have to fight-!”
“I can’t-!”
“You’re telling me, the man who scared the shit outta me, worked for one of the smartest people I know, nearly knocked Adira and Hector off their feet, and went toe to toe with a powered up Freckles can’t fight off a small amount of shitty black smoke?”
“T-this ain’t fucking smoke! It’s inside me! I-I can *feel* it *wriggling*!”
“So what, damn it! You, out of everyone, showed us how someone can overcome literally *anything* to get what they fucking want! Cyrus you managed to somehow sneak out of a fully guarded castle, killed someone who, by all means, was more than prepared for you, and ended up being a fucking threat to an entire kingdom! And you’re saying you can’t fight of the same damn demon bitch that you once worked with?”
“This I-is *different*!”
“Bullshit!” Hugo exclaimed, “you once told me you were the strongest damn mercenary alive! So show me that strength! Fight the fucking smoke!”
“*HOW?!*”
“GET ANGRY! RAGE! FUCKING CALL UPON YOUR INGVARRIAN STRENGTH!” Hugo yelled, standing up and holding a fist at the same level as his chest, “show me the man that I once feared! Tell that smoke who’s the *fucking* boss! Do what you do best and *DESTROY* her!”
Cyrus growled, but he felt something rising within him, something he didn’t think he’d feel again. He grabbed onto it with both hands, harnessing it with all of his strength, he thought about Donella and Hugo, envisioned Cassandra and Zhan Tiri, he growled and yelled and screamed! Twitching violently before he jumped up, opened his mouth, and screamed!
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
When he did, the black magic flowed out of his body, Hugo winced at the man’s scream, but when he saw the magic, he looked at Varian and Vincent, the older of the two shot arrow after arrow, getting the magic weaker and weaker, before Varian teleported over, his eyes glowing brightly as he grabbed ahold and began to sing:
‘Power of the moon
Beneath your darkened glow
Let your aura reach
Let my magic flow’
The magic started to weaken the more he sang, dwindling more and more as Cyrus collapsed in a heap while the alchemist continued singing:
‘Wither and decay
End this destiny
Break these earthly chains
And set the spirit free
The spirit free’
The dark magic dwindled until it was nothing more than a small stone. Varian raised a brow as he floated to the ground, holding it, “a stone?”
“Negative magic, like negative emotion, can cling to a physical form if given enough strength”, Vincent stated, “this magic was malicious from the start, therefore it went after someone in order to cause trouble and strengthen itself”
Varian nodded, “I see, makes sense”
Hugo stood up, offering a hand to Cyrus, who looked up at him, “welcome back, you fucking asshole”
Cyrus looked at the inventor before he smirked and took Hugo’s hand. He got up with the teen’s help, before he let go and nodded to the blond, “thank you…. For helpin me out”
“Wow, a genuine Cyrus ‘thank you’, that’s rare”
“Heh, yeah…..” he rubbed the back of his neck, “listen I…. I’m sorry….. for everything I did to you and Donella….. I know it won’t make up for it…. But….” He looked down, “I…. Hope you know that…. I understand now…. And….. I’m gonna try to help you out…. When I can”
Hugo was quiet before nodding, “ok”, he said, “I…. Can’t forgive you…. Not yet…. But I appreciate the apology, it…. Helps….”
Cyrus nodded as Varian smiled before he looked at the dark magic in his hand, “we should get back, don’t want this thing to do anymore damage here”
Hugo looked at his lover, “hey, if we take it out of the past, won’t that affect the future?”
“No”, Vincent replied with a smile, “because you’re not taking it from the past exactly. You’ve traveled back via a memory. This dark magic is the same dark magic from the past, yes, and you’ve taken it, correct, but the damage has already been done by it. The points in time have already been recorded, they can’t change. So even with this tiny piece of magic gone, the damage it’s caused in your timeline cannot be undone, think of it as a piece of hair with split ends, you could take on split off, but the hair remains damaged because of it”
“Huh, I guess that makes sense?”
“It’s a paradox, something you’ll have to ask your friendly demon about”
“Wait, how do you know about Beetlejuice?”
“I’ve been watching over you Varian, you and Quirin both”
“Oh! ….Um….have we…. U-uh…. M-made you proud?” The alchemist blushed and face palmed, “you know what? N-never mind, that’s such an odd question….”
Vincent chuckled before he hugged Varian, startling the alchemist, “you have”, he said softly, “I couldn’t be more proud of you Varian, you and Quirin both have brought nothing but pride and joy to the Vanguard name! We can’t wait to see what you both do next on this journey”, he stated before letting go, “speaking of, you and Hugo should get going, before that magic starts to cause more issues”
Varian grinned happily as Hugo smiled and walked over, taking his lover’s hand in his, “thank you Vincent, for all you help, and….. thank you for helping me personally….”
Vincent raised a brow, making Hugo’s heart flutter again, “personally?”
“I…. Didn’t know how to handle this asshole”, he gestured to Cyrus, who snorted, realizing the insult was more affectionate than anything else, “but seeing you give Puck a chance, it…. Helped me figure out that maybe I don’t have to forgive him right away, but…. If he really means it, I can, at the very least, give him a chance, and….” He looked at Cyrus, “he means it, I can tell”
The mercenary was startled, but smiled and nodded, getting Hugo to look back at Vincent, “I am happy I helped, very happy”, he said gently, “to face a past enemy and give them a chance is a great feat, so I’m happy for you Hugo”
The two scientists grinned before Varian let out a sigh, “we should go”, he stated
“Yeah, we need to get back”, Hugo agreed
They looked at Vincent and Cyrus, “thank you, both of you, for your help”, the two nodded, the scientists walked, hand in hand, towards the entrance of the memory, as they did, they looked back to wave one final time, when they froze, Quinn and Serenity had joined Vincent’s side, all three were smiling happily, while Puck was standing beside Cyrus, he looked relieved, as did the mercenary
Hugo and Varian smiled before waving everyone waving back, before the alchemist pulled on the rope, hugging Hugo close as they began to be pulled back towards their bodies once again!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter was all about Cyrus and Hugo, but Vincent and Varian being so similar to each other is kinda fun to write :3
Nothing much more than that, Cyrus did some awful things, he’s not forgiven, but he has learned, which is a start, I still don’t condone his actions however
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️🎶
Chapter 638: Hugo vs Damian!
Summary:
Hugo and Varian come back from their adventure, and Hugo finally gets to talk to Damian!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The two scientists grinned before Varian let out a sigh, “we should go”, he stated
“Yeah, we need to get back”, Hugo agreed
They looked at Vincent and Cyrus, “thank you, both of you, for your help”, the two nodded, the scientists walked, hand in hand, towards the entrance of the memory, as they did, they looked back to wave one final time, when they froze, Quinn and Serenity had joined Vincent’s side, all three were smiling happily, while Puck was standing beside Cyrus, he looked relieved, as did the mercenary
Hugo and Varian smiled before waving, everyone waving back, before the alchemist pulled on the rope, hugging Hugo close as they began to be pulled back towards their bodies once again!
****
Hugo had closed his eyes when he’d began to fall, but he opened them back up after a moment and yelped, “easy love, it’s okay, we’ll be safe”, Varian said gently
The blond’s stomach was thing in knots as he stared at the long way down they were currently dropping towards, “h-how are you not pissing yourself r-right now?”
Varian giggled, “I’m used to this part, plus I’m not afraid of heights, like you”, Hugo whimpered, “sorry”
“I-it’s fine…. J-just gonna act l-like we’re flying…. Y-yup…. F-flying”
“That working?”
“Nu”, Hugo squeaked
Varian hugged the inventor, rubbing his back gently as Hugo hid his face in his fiancé’s chest, before suddenly his eyes *shot* open and he gasped for air, clutching his chest as he sat up quickly, “op! They’re back!” He heard Eugene exclaimed as he panted
The teen felt hot tears run down his cheeks, that was when he felt someone gently touch his cheek, he flinched and looked up to see warm brown eyes, the smell of apples and wood hitting his nose, “hey, easy, it’s okay, you’re safe Hugo, you’re safe”
Quirin’s familiar soft and slow canter calmed something in the inventor, he clung to the man, reaching out and latching onto his furry vest as he caught his breath, “woof, whatever happened must’ve been a bit much ey?” Lance asked
“Actually I think it’s the falling back to your body that’s disturbing him”, Adira pointed out, “it’s a long way down and for someone with a fear of heights, it’s life and death”
“Ya got a point”
“H-Hugo?” Came a quiet, and slightly sleepy, voice, everyone turned and saw Varian, the poor alchemist looked like he was about to keep over, his hair was a mess, his eyes had gigantic bags underneath them, he was standing, but he wobbled badly
Quirin didn’t hesitated, scooping up Hugo before rushing over to Varian and scooping him up too, “alright, new plan, Varian gets to sleep for as long as he wants while we finish this”, he stated worriedly
“I don’t think he’s gonna let us brother”, Hector stated
“He will if I tell him to”
“Hugo….” Varian said again as he wiggled over to the inventor and hugged him
The blond was startled, but he’d managed to fully catch his breath, and hugged Varian back, “I’m good now Freckles, I’m okay”
Quirin grinned at the pair before he noticed the stone his son was holding, “what’s that?” He asked
Varian looked up at his father, “it’s the dark magic”, he said, “it took the form of a sto-!” The alchemist let out a squeaky yawn before continuing, “-stone. Vincent, our ancestor dad, he said that it did so because it needed a physical form. And since we got it out of Puck, and weakened it to this state, it grabbed the stone and stayed inside”
“Ah, well then you did it, both of you, you got the dark magic!”
“Yup, we-!” Another squeaky yawn, “-we did!”
Quirin smiled lovingly at his son, kissing the alchemist’s forehead before he looked at Damian, who had fallen over when Varian and Hugo came back, the Moonstone’s magic disappearing from the man when the alchemist took over once again. The retired knight watched the man for a bit before sighing, “well, looks like all we need to do is destroy the stone”
“Right, but how do we do that?” Eugene asked
“You got a hammer?” Lance joked
“I wish”
“Quirin, give it to me”, Adira said, holding out her hand, Quirin handed it to her and the face painted warrior walked over before smashing the rock against a tree, breaking it instantly as the dark magic dissipated, “there, finished”
The group stared at her for a moment or two before Hector snorted, “angry sister?”
“Can you blame me?”
“No, no I can’t”
Suddenly the spirits of the victims appeared around the group, everyone, including Hugo and Varian, looked at them. They were healed, no longer transparent, and were smoking happily. They all nodded to the group before they flew away, disappearing in the form of light that spread to the stars and sky. Varian smiled, “rest in peace”
“Mph… ugh…. Wha? What happened?” Everyone looked over to see Damian standing up, the shadows around him were gone, the shadow walkers were nowhere to be seen or heard, even the Sun began to rise, everything was back to normal as the man looked at the group, “are the shadow walkers gone?”
Everyone was silent, watching the man before Hugo let out a sigh and wriggled out of Quirin’s arms, he walked over and kneeled beside his biological father, “do you remember anything?”
“I…. Remember sitting with Quirin…. We were talking…. Then…. It becomes foggy….”
Hugo sighed, “I was afraid of that…..” he looked the man straight in the eyes, “what are you trying to do here?” He asked, his voice serious and icy, but calm
Damian blinked, “I-I was trying to find you and be the father you need me to be! Why?”
Hugo remained calm, but his voice grew quieter, “because you lied….” He said
“Huh?”
“YOU *LIED*!” The blond yelled, startling the conman, “you pretended to do that, pretended you wanted to be back in my life again, but you lied! And when you got taken over by Zhan Tiri’s dark fucking magic, you finally told the truth in order to hurt Quirin before attacking him and ruining the campsite!”
“Hugo, I-!”
“TELL THE TRUTH!” Hugo yelled again, “for once in your *damn* life, tell the fucking truth to me! I FUCKNG DESERVE *THAT* MUCH AT LEAST!”
Damian was shocked before flashes of what’s happened between him and Quirin came back, his words, his attack, his change….. and finally, he sighed, “…..you know…. I was actually starting to like you”, he said, “….You’re a lot like me…. In so many ways, quick on your feet, great wit, sarcastic, you would’ve made a great street con Hugo, you really would have….”
The inventor huffed before he stood and backed away, he wrapped his arms around himself before glaring at the man, “what do you *want*?”
Damian sighed again, and stood up, wincing at the pain that coursed through his body before shaking it off, “I wanted to get whatever I could that would make my life easier”, he admitted, “food, good clothing, money, etc. I knew you were marrying Varian, the son of the Village Leader of Corona and also a prince of the, recently reformed, Dark Kingdom. I thought if I acted like the kind of dad you wanted, then you’d get a dad, I’d get what I want, and everyone wins”
“Except it was all a lie….” Hugo stated, “do you even care about me?” He asked, “at all?”
“I-!”
“The *truth*!” Hugo interrupted, “I’m sick of fucking lies….. just tell me the damn truth Damian…..”
“……No….. I didn’t….. I started to…. I started to like you, I thought you were funny, and sweet….. But no…. I didn’t care about you before this… before meeting you…..”
Hugo sighed as everyone glared at the conman, Quirin and Varian’s glares were particularly nasty, making the man wince and avoided eye contact with them, “….I knew it….” Hugo said, “I wanted to try…. To see if maybe I was wrong…. But I wasn’t….”
“I did start to-!”
“I DON’T FUCKING *CARE* WHAT YOU “STARTED” TO DO!” Hugo yelled, “I care what you fucking did! You used me! You try ti get close to me to live comfortably! You never once gave a *shit* about me! Never! And just because you suddenly started to doesn’t make what you did right!” He snapped
“You’re right….. it doesn’t….. I just… thought you’d wanna know….”
“Wanna know what? That my bio-dad fucking hated me up until he actually *met* me *19 years later*? That-that all the people in my life that fucking hated and abused me weren’t alone? That-that-that I don’t have any-fucking-body in my bloodline that isn’t a complete and utter *asshole*?! Is *that* what you wanted me to know?! Because I already do! I already know! I didn’t need a fucking reminder you piece of *shit*!”
Damian winced, his guilt rising when he saw tears in Hugo’s eyes, “I… Hugo I’m-!”
“What? Sorry?! Now that you’ve made me cry after we’ve figured you out, you’re finally fucking sorry now?!”
Damian stayed quiet, not having anything else to say, before he remembered something, “…..I….. Your mother…. She wasn’t like me….”
“What?”
“She…..” he shook his head, “she was good….. She was kind and caring and loving….. she wasn’t an asshole…..” he said, “she loved you….. she did….. and you look so much like her…. You have her eyes Hugo….. Those emerald eyes that made me fall in love with her…. It’s why I couldn’t do it…. Why I couldn’t raise you without her…. It hurt too much….. Seeing those eyes….. her eyes…. Again…..”
The blond was quiet before he shook his head, “no…. You don’t get an excuse….” He stated, “because there’s a man with that same fucking issue, and yet he loved his son, he loved him to fucking death and did everything he could for him, even though that son reminded him of his wife every single fucking day!”
“Who? Who’s able to fucking do that?”
“QUIRIN!” Hugo snapped, startling Damian, “Quirin lost his wife when Varian was fucking *3*! Varian has his mother’s bright blue eyes! Hell I’ve seen portraits of the women, and had Freckles been a red headed girl he’d be the spitting image of her! Yet Quirin stuck around! He loved Varian, raised him, protected him, cared for him, and he made Varian his entire fucking world! So don’t you dare pull that bullshit that you couldn’t do it without her, because Quirin fucking could! And he still does even now!”
The conman backed up a bit as he looked at Quirin, the man still giving him an icy glare, before he looked back at Hugo, “I’m sorry….”
Hugo closed his eyes and turned away, the wind picking up as it gently moved the inventor’s blond hair, almost as if it were caressing his cheek like a mother would. Varian looked up and smiled sadly at the Moon as she shined on the inventor. Hugo looked up at her as well before he sighed and shook his head, looking back down at the ground. That’s when Eugene and Lance caught his eye, both men were watching him. Hugo looked at the Dark Prince specifically, remembering the first day they met, and he sniffled, “leave”
“Huh?”
“Leave…. Go…. Just leave me alone….. I want nothing to do with you….” He said coldly
“…..If… that’s what you wan-!”
“It isn’t what I fucking want! I want you to stay and be my fucking father! I wanna know more about my mom, I wanna be able to talk to you and learn more about myself and our family! I wanna fucking be complete! I want you to fucking love me! But I can’t do that with you! I can’t….. You’re not who I need…. So just leave….. And never find me again…..”
Damian hesitated, wanting to reach out, for once in his life, he felt guilty for what he was doing, he wanted to hug the blond, tell him it was okay, he wanted to…. But he shook his head, knowing it would pass….. He turned away and began to walk, when he stopped and turned back, “Nedzerdnia…. There’s a ranch there…. Terracotta ranch…. Your mother’s name was Terra, she has a brother there, Hutch….. He’s still alive, he works there…. He’s like Terra…. I…. Never told him that we had a son….. If you wanna know more about our family….. go there…. Mention your mother…. Let him look at your eyes…. He’ll believe you….”
Hugo hesitated, but nodded, and Damian left without another word. The blond waited until he couldn’t the man’s footfalls anymore, before he turned around. He sniffled a little, arms wrapped around himself again, before he looked up at the Moon, “Don….. I wanna hug you really badly right now….” He said sadly
Beetlejuice, having remained quiet this entire time, surprisingly, noticed Varian’s look, the one begging him for a favor, and with a smile, gave a nod, before he snapped his fingers. The winds around Hugo picked up, steps could be heard coming closer to the inventor, before the winds stopped, revealing a grey haired woman with a scar on her cheek, and a grey outfit. She was startled for about a second before she saw Hugo, and instantly wrapped her arms around him
Hugo was also startled, before he returned the hug, sniffled, then cried into her shirt, Donella just holding him close to her heart, keeping him safe, and warm, in her embrace.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry for the later chapter, this one took longer to write because it was a bigger part of Hugo’s growth
We finally get to see Hugo standing up for himself and doing what he needs to in order to help himself, it’s a huge step, and a very tough step as well, but he did it. He did it when Donella had her trial, but this one was different since this one was his bio-dad
Hugo’s gonna get snuggles and lovins and all the best things after this. We’re…. Really close to the ending of this story….. I feel sad about its end, but glad, it’s been one heck of a ride, heh
Thank you for taking it with me 😊🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 639: Father’s Day!
Summary:
Varian and Hugo have been requested to keep Father’s Day small, challenge accepted!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*A week before the Bachelor party*
“Fancy…. fantastic….. Fabulous-!”
“Financially wise?”
“Hugoooooo”
The blond snickered, “just saying, do you *know* how much it probably costs him to fix what we’ve broken?”
“Nothing, because we always clean up our messes”, Varian stated with a huff
“Yeah, and and he allows us to, which makes him financially wise!”
“…..You’re a brat”
“Hee hee, I know”
The alchemist smirked as he wrote down more adjectives that start with the first two letters ‘fa’, “hmmmm…. Fascinating…. Fair…. Favorite-!”
“Fashionable”, Hugo offered
“Wha-fashionable?”
“Yeah! Have you seen him with a bow? Pops can pull it off!”
Varian giggled before he noticed Eugene walking by, “hey Eugene!”
“Hey kiddos! Watcha both up to?” The Dark Prince asked as he grabbed a glass of juice from the Varian-made fridge and sat down across from the pair
“Dad wants us to go smaller on the Father’s Day celebration, so we’re making him a card filled with every compliment that starts with the letters ‘fa’”
“Huh, isn’t that gonna be kinda short? Not many good words start with those two letters”
“Yee of little faith…. Faithful! There’s another one!”
“Ooh, nice!” Hugo complimented
Eugene snickered, “why those two letters specifically?”
“Because they’re the first two letters that spell ‘father’”, Varian explained
“I see, why not go with all the good words that start with the letter ‘f’?”
“Because then it wouldn’t be challenging”
“Kid, you’re making a card”
“Yeah, and since we’re doing something small, it needs to be challenging”
Eugene smiled at the alchemist, “I hope it works out in your favor kiddo”
Hugo gasped, “favorable!”
“Ooh nice one love!” Varian exclaimed before adding that to their list, “I’m also adding ‘favorite’ because he’s the best dad in the whole wide world!”
“Agreed”
Eugene snorted, “you two are adorable”
“We try…. What about ‘famous’?” Varian asked, looking at Hugo
“Well he *is* well known in this kingdom, and it’s a good kind of well known”, Hugo said
“A technicality still works!” Varian exclaimed before adding it, he then chewed on his pencil for a moment, unsure of what else to write
“How do you not have lead poisoning?” Eugene asked sarcastically
Hugo giggled as Varian blushed and pulled the writing utensil out of his mouth. He then groaned, “this is hard!”
“Yeah, but isn’t that the point?” Hugo asked
“Yeah, but the list is so tiny…. Is there any other ‘fa’ compliment that you can think of love?”
“Hmmmmm…. Oh! Fastidious!”
“Fastidious?” Eugene asked, taking a sip of juice
“Meticulous and attentive to detail”, Varian defined before adding it to their list with a grin, “almost forgot about that one, nice work!”
“Thanks, though now I’m out of words….”
“Hmmm….”
The door opened and Eugene smiled at who entered, standing up instantly and walking over to them, “hey Blondie, how ya feeling?”
“Better, that nap really helped”, Rapunzel replied with a grin as she rubbed her pregnant belly before she noticed Varian and Hugo and smiled, “hey guys, whatcha doing?”
“They’re creating a list of compliment words that start with the letters ‘fa’ and putting them in a card for Quirin”, Eugene explained
“Ah, ‘fa’ for ‘father’, right?” The princess asked
“Yup! See? She gets it”, Varian stated
“That’s because she thinks more like you kiddo, here Sunshine, take a seat”, Eugene said gently as he guided his wife towards an empty chair
“Thanks!” Rapunzel replied, taking a seat, “what words have you come up with so far?”
“Fancy, fabulous, fascinating, fashionable-!”
“Bow Quirin”
“Right, fantastic, favorable, favorite, fair, famous, faithful, and fastidious”, the princess cocked her head to the side, “Meticulous and attentive to detail”
“Ah, good words!”
“Thanks, but now we’re out of em”, Hugo replied with a sigh, “and Quirin doesn’t wanna go all out this year, he just wants a smaller celebration…. So we can’t make up for the lack of works with a fireworks show….”
“We are facing a fatherly conundrum”, Varian stated
“You sure are, hmmmmm….. oh! What if you drew something for each word!” The princess exclaimed happily, “like for fashionable, draw Quirin with a bow! And for fabulous, have him doing a cool pose!”
Varian’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, “that’s *perfect*! The words will be used to make wonderful pictures of dad!”
“Yes! Though uh…. How are we gonna draw him being faithful? Ya know…. Without the awkwardness”, Hugo asked
“…..We will figure that out! Come on!” Varian exclaimed, blushing more than ever as he grabbed Hugo’s hand and rushed out of the room while Eugene and Rapunzel giggled
****
Lance hugged Catalina and Angry lovingly as they held up wolf and fish plushies for him. Edmund laughed as he wore the fun wigs Eugene had given him, along with the many glasses and mustaches Hector and Adira had added. Rapunzel and Arianna lit up a lantern and allowed it to float in the nearby river together, a hand painted picture of Frederic was on it, both of them smiling fondly at it until it disappeared from sight.
Quirin was watching all of this with a smile on his face. He let out a happy sigh as he finished setting up the blanket and food for the picnic, Varian and Hugo helping him, “you two have been pretty quiet today”, he pointed out
Varian looked at his father before giggling and turning away, Hugo snorted, “subtle, love”
“Shush you!” The alchemist exclaimed
“Subtle?” The retired knight asked
Hugo sighed before he looked at Varian, “the others have their gifts”
The alchemist nodded, “right, go ahead and grab it”, when Hugo ran off to grab their gift, Varian smiled at his father, “we made something special for you”, his father raised a brow, “it’s not all out, we kept it small, don’t worry, it’s just…. I-it’s not as *polished* as our usual gifts are, so….”
“Ah, is that why you giggle every time you look at me?”
“Yeah, I can’t help it, I’m nervous! I’ve not done something like this since… well, since I was a kid”
“Uh, son-!”
“A *younger* kid!”
“Ah”
The alchemist gave a teasing huff to his father, who chuckled, before Hugo returned with a tiny book. The cover read, ‘Describing Quirin Vanguard’, “it’s not the most amazing thing we’ve done, and it’s definitely not the cleanest”, Hugo then mumbled about lead covered hands and lack of drawing skills
“But we tried our best to give you something small, but meaningful”, Varian said, before Hugo handed Quirin the book
The retired knight opened it up, and immediately chuckled at the small drawing of himself with a smile on his face, he noted the small ‘H’ in the corner and looked at Hugo, “we uh, took turns drawing you for each word…. Freckles is definitely the better artist….” The inventor stated
“I love this drawing though, it’s adorable!” Quirin said with a grin
“Really?”
“Yeah, reminds me of the ones Varian used to make when he was….. well…. Younger”
“Ya mean 3?” Hugo asked
“Noho, not 3, more 10 and 11, when he was developing his style, this is actually pretty good!”
“R-really?”
“Yeah, absolutely!”
Hugo smiled and gave a small wiggle of joy as Quirin turned the page and laughed at the drawing of himself with a gigantic hat on his head, feathers and fake fruit sat on top of it, the word ‘fancy’ was scrawled out in Varian’s handwriting, sure enough, there was a small ‘V’ in the corner of this drawing, “very fancy!”
“Indeed! Did you notice the tiny Ruddy?” Varian asked
“Hm?” The retired knight looked at the drawing again before he spotted a hidden Ruddigar on the hat, next to the fruit, eating one of the fake apples, he chuckled, “I see him, I take it he’ll be hiding in ever drawing?”
“Yup! He’s in Hugo’s too!”
“Oh?” Quirin turned back one page before he spotted Ruddigar behind his left leg, smiling up at him, “awww, he looks so cute there!”
“Thanks!” Hugo exclaimed happily
As the Village Leader turned page after page of the book, his smile grew wider and wider, eyes lighting up more and more as he took in every detail, what each word meant as it pertained to him, and finding each and every hidden Ruddy! Once he’d turned the final page, he stopped at what he saw. The word ‘Father’ was written, every other letter was from Hugo and Varian, Varian wrote the F, while Hugo wrote the A, and on it went, just like that. The picture itself was several different drawings of himself, he recognized Varian and Hugo’s style, but then noticed Rapunzel’s style as well, he blinked before he smiled, “did…. Did everyone draw me?”
“Yup!” Varian replied happily, “you can definitely see mine and Hugo’s I’ll bet”
“And you can guess which one is Rapunzel’s”, Hugo added
“Hugo yours is the one with me wearing your glasses, and Varian yours is me with the hidden Ruddy, the princess’s has me holding a paint brush, and looking very pretty”, he said with a chuckle
“Hee hee, yup, but see, we got an idea, you’re not just a dad to me and Hugo, you care for, and love, everyone here! You keep us safe, make us feel better when we’re down”, Varian began
“And you protect us from anything and everything”, Hugo finished with a grin
The alchemist smiled, “so we decided, why not have everyone, you treat like family, have a hand in celebrating your fatherliness! See if you can guess who’s all participated!”
Quirin blinked before he studied each piece, “me holding the garden hoe and blow torch is Adam, I’d know his sassy style anywhere heh. The one with me and a teddy bear, is the Lance?”
“Yup!” Hugo replied
“Aww, his style is cute! I’m also gonna guess that drawing of me with my duel blades out is Angry, because that pointy style suits her”
“It is, and does!” Varian agreed
“The me as a werewolf is Catalina, and might I say, she did wonderfully on the fur”
“She really did, I was impressed by that!”
“Ha! Eugene gave me a Flynn Rider wanted poster!” Quirin chuckled, gaining everyone’s attention before they all walked over and began to listen, “hmm…. Wait, Hector drew me with Ruddigar again, though I can tell it’s him because I’m giving treats to the chickens, and the animals are wearing crowns”
“I think that’s pretty accurate”, the wild tamer stated
“Did you see mine?” Angry asked
“Yeah, I love it, cool pose too! And Catalina, your werewolf is very well done!” Quirin complimented
The red head smiled, “glad you like it!”
“Do you like mine?” Lance asked, “first time drawin you”
“I did, your style is adorable”, Quirin replied with a grin before he noticed one he’d missed and smirked, “Adira, I found yours”
“I think you’ll find mine is factual”, the face painted warrior stated proudly
“Uh huh, me wondering where all the apples went is very accurate, I see the tiny you in the window by the way”
“Glad you like it”
Quirin snickered as Hector laughed before the retired knight noticed one that made him freeze for a moment before he smiled, “love you too King Edmund”
The Dark King giggled happily, “what did you draw him doing dad?” Eugene asked
“Holding your mother’s necklace and Hamuel on his shoulder with a heart on his chest”, Edmund replied happily, “to symbolize my two most cherished gifts from him and how much I love him!”
“Awww!”
“By the way Rapunzel, I do plan on having another painting day with you, I’m just waiting for now since you’ve got a little one on the way”, the retired knight pointed out
“Oh that’s perfectly fine, I appreciate that, though I hope my drawing didn’t make you think that’s what I wanted”, Rapunzel said anxiously
“Nono, it made me think of it, but I know you didn’t mean it that way”
“Phew, okay thank goodness! Had me worried there”
“Heh heh, sorry”, Quirin looked back at the drawing before he quirked a brow at one, then laughed again, “Ruddigar’s a very good artist, as is Olivia”
The raccoon and mouse in question puffed out their chests proudly
Quirin smiled as he looked at all the drawings before he closed the book and hugged his two sons, “happy Father’s Day dad”, Varian said
“Yeah, happy Father’s Day pops”, Hugo added with a smirk before they both returned the hug
“Thank you you two, I’ll keep this book forever”, Quirin said, smiling happily as everyone else grinned at the trio happily!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Happy Father’s Day!!!!!! This was a fun chapter to make up for the darker chapters I’ve been writing, also, this was a fun little break and a way to give some happy moments with the family while also celebrating one of the best dad’s in the world!
I’d love to invite you all to draw your own Quirin, just to show the man some love, but only if you have the time and energy, if you don’t, then please enjoy the chapter and have a wonderful Father’s Day!!!!!
If you can’t/don’t celebrate this day, for any reason, well then I hope you enjoy this chapter with way, and know that we’re happy you’re here 🎶❤️😊
Happy Father’s Day to you all! Thank you for reading, have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 640: After the fact!
Summary:
The group reconvenes after the night’s events! Sharing some memories to cheer up Hugo from what he’d just been through!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group was quiet as they watched Lance cooking breakfast, Donella ended up staying, comforting Hugo all night as she listened to what exactly happened, not being able to see into the astral plain unless sent by the Moon. Once she was caught up, she opted to stick around, just in case the blond needed her. Nobody minded surprisingly enough, but no one was sure what to talk about after they’d fixed the campsite
Lance whistled while he cooked, Adira and Hector stuck next to each other, which, coincidentally, was also right next to Quirin, though they’d never admit it. Eugene was next to Varian, allowing the alchemist to sleep on his lap for as long as he wanted, and Hugo was next to them with Donella and Beetlejuice. The air was thick, the tension heavy, until Quirin looked at Varian and smiled as an idea came into his mind, and he began to tell a story:
*There was this one time, a very long time ago, where Varian was playing in the snow. Heh, it was one of the only times in Corona where it snowed, and piled high enough to make snowmen and have snowball fights! I remember having to dodge a few naughty kids trying to hit me with one of their frozen creations. They were pretty surprised when they didn’t land a single one on me, (A: used the dodging technique you taught me and Hector?) how’d you guess? (He: *snort*)
Anyway, when I started feeding the animals that day, Varian, only 8 years old at the time, and a very tiny Ruddigar, decided to test out a theory of theirs. See, my little genius decided he wanted to see if it was safe to skate on 3 inch thick ice, (Hu: oh no), oh yes. Now he was a tiny boy… still is in fact, so he was far lighter than the average child or grown human, but still, that was 45 pounds, (E: very tiny), extremely, of human on 3 inches of frozen water, underneath of which had far more, unfrozen, and cold water underneath that was still moving, so you can imagine what happened next
(L: Splash!) correct! I ran faster than the speed of sound that day, I believe I broke the sound barrier with Joe fast I sprinted, because I *watched* him fall in! (D: where were you exactly?) feeding the animals, he told me he would be experimenting that day, he didn’t really explain much further than that, I saw him walk inside our house, so I though he’d meant inside and went about my business, keeping an ear out for any explosions. Little did I realize he’d just snuck out the side door, with his skates, and ran to the lake near our house. I’d warned him to stay away from it because it was dangerous too, and he didn’t listen, his curiosity got the better of him and into the frozen lake he fell
(L: hoo boy, take it he was in trouble after that?) well he was at *first*, but diving into the frozen lake to save your freezing son, then afterwards watching his lips turn blue and having to quickly warm him by the fire kinda takes the anger out of you. Especially when said son wakes up from his harrowing adventure and proceeds to cry and apologize over and over and over again for being, and I quote, ‘a bad boy’
(Everyone: awwwwwwww), yeah, suffice it to say, I was powerless against his almighty tears and baby blue eyes. So I told him I forgave him, that him being scared, frozen, and sick, because he was, was punishment enough. Though I did tell him if he ever did it again he’d lose his alchemy for a week, he never did it again. Even now, he hesitates to go on the ice because he gets anxious about the thickness, now he measures every time, and if it’s not thick enough, he tells me, and we make sure no one steps on the ice so they can be safe*
The group grinned lovingly at the sleeping teen as he mumbled something about mushroom concentrate being the cause of athletes foot, “he’s such a little scamp”, Eugene stated
“He is, and he’s my little scamp”, Quirin replied with a chuckle
The group grew quiet again before Adira began to chuckle, “what’s so funny?” Lance asked
“Oh, you wouldn’t know, because you and Fish Skin weren’t there, but this reminds me of a moment with a certain blond headed teen who thought he could keep up with Wild Child when it came to feeding my the animals”
“BAHA! I fucking remember that! Fucking priceless!” Hector exclaimed
“Yeah yeah, hilarious”, Hugo stated with a smirk and sarcastic roll of the eyes
“Wait what? What happened there?” Eugene asked. Adira cleared her throat before she began her story:
*It was two years ago, not too long after Short Hair’s trial actually. All of us had gone back to the farm to just have a break, this was also after we’d decided to go to the Dark Kingdom. Hector had been helping Stickler feed the animals for a little while at this point, and he’d gotten pretty fast, but Glasses over there decided to challenge him (Hu: my dignity was in question!) (He: you were just upset because I was better at feeding the animals than you) (Hu: fight me!)
*Anyway*, the competition was *fierce*, both of them fed each animal at high speed, I have to admit, even I was impressed. But in all that effort, they ended in a draw, so Stickler ended up having to find a tie breaker, and boy did you find one, (Q: I regret my actions), I’m sure you do. (E: what was the tie breaker?) teaching our king, how to feed the pig, (E: oh no….) oh yes
Our beloved King stood in front of the pig pen, two buckets next to him, full of pig food, (Q&He: Slop!) right, anyway, King Edmund took a class of pig feeding from each person, and then fed the pigs after each class to see which one he did better. But both went wrong, Wild Child ended up covered in the slop, and Ponytail was hiding inside the pig pen because our king ended up knocking him inside and the pigs chased him (Hu: that was terrifying), (He: pfft! Not as bad as when the pigs started fucking chasing *me*) (Hu: you were covered in slop! I’m surprised they didn’t chase you *before* that) (He: fair, but still fucking scarier)
Either way, after that, they were both pronounced winners, King Edmund got taught how to feed pigs *properly* by Stickler, and I got a funny story to tell while I ate an apple and watched it all happen*
“And that’s what happened!” Adira finished
“Wow, that was enlightening, and now I know how my dad figured out how to feed the pigs”, Eugene stated
“Heh, ya know, we’ve had quite a few adventures”, Lance stated, “remember the first time this all began?”
Eugene smirked, “which part? Me and Rapunzel meeting, or you and I coming back together, or-!”
“no no, I mean, with them”, he gestured to the Dark Kingdom inhabitants, “remember when adventures with *them* began?”
“Hmmmm, well, I dunno when *you* specifically joined up Lance-!”
“Science expo”
“Huh?” The Dark Prince looked down and smiled when he saw Varian looking up at him, one hand rubbing his eye, “hey Hair Stripes, how ya feeling?”
“I’m better, less sleepy and-I’m in your lap!” He squeaked before blushing and clapping a hand over his mouth
Eugene chuckled, “yeah, you uh, kinda fell asleep and I didn’t want you to have your head on the ground”
“So you put me on your *lap*?!”
“Y-yeah? You okay with that?”
“Eep!” Varian blushed even more before disappearing, reappearing in Quirin’s open arms, getting Hugo to chuckle
“Ooooh, bi-bean, right”
“Not *just* a bi-bean, but a bi-bean with a crush on you that he never grew out of”, Quirin clarified
“Thanks for sharing that embarrassing information dad…” Varian stated as he hid his face in his father’s vest
“Freckles, at this point, *everyone* knows about your crush, *including* me”, Hugo stated with a smirk, “and I’m totally okay with it too by the way”
Varian peeked out of his hiding spot, “good to know, but also, eep!” The alchemist hid back inside his father’s vest
Eugene snickered before Lance spoke up, “Varian’s right though, I joined in during the Science expo, helped clean up the mess, but I remember seeing Quirin pick Varian up, after the mess was cleaned, and talk to Cassandra”, Lance stated
“I remember that, I still don’t understand what happened”, Quirin stated
Varian peeked out of the man’s vest again, “the judge, Master Doctor Saint Croix messed with my machine and caused it to combine with another contestants, the velocity and chemicals of my Cassandreum making machine, along with the spinning rotation of the other contestant’s, made a cyclone that nearly sucked me inside!”
“Ah, yes, that….”
“You still don’t get it do you?”
“Not at all, but ask me about it anything agriculturally and I’m your man”
Varian sighed, but smiled up at his father, “I love you, you plant loving papa”
“I love you too my science loving son”
The group continued to share stories with each other, about past adventures, crazy moments, embarrassing episodes, and hopes for the future. As the Sun came down, and the Moon shined bright, everyone was laughing, and singing, and having a ball! Varian was now sitting next to Hugo, Donella having to say goodbye as her energy ran out, and returning to the Heavens with Ulla.
The duo sighed, their hands touching, fingers interlacing, as Hugo leaned against the alchemist, “ya kno, even if stuff didn’t work out with my bio-dad, I’m glad I have you and your family, I really am”
Varian smiled, “we’re really glad to have you too, and I can’t wait to see what happens next”
“Same here Freckles, same here”, he snickered, “Vaaaarian”
“Hee hee, Huuuuuugo”
“Vaaaaaaaarian”
“Huuuuuuuuuugo”
“Vaaaaaaaaaaaarian”
“Huuuuuuuuuuuuu-!” The alchemist was interrupted when the inventor kissed him, it was warm and passionate, full of love and care, when the two finally stopped, they smiled happily at each other, slight blushes on their cheeks, before they just leaned against each other and listened to the conversations going on around them, happy as can be.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, this was a chill chapter, the calm after the storm if you will. Hugo needed a break, some snuggles, and some fun times with his actual family, so here’s him getting that
Also, Varian needed a nap! Poor bean was up using all his powers during this, mind you, this was all only one night, so yeah, very tired Moon bean
Either way, thank you all very much for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 641: Big News!
Summary:
Rapunzel finds out some big news, and accidentally lets Varian know!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Boat!”
“Heh heh, in a moment son”
“Boooooooat!”
“In a moooooment”
“But booooooooooat!”
“Bubby, ha haa”, Quirin chuckled as he hugged his son, “just give me one second okay? I’m getting the fishing gear together”
The alchemist wiggled a bit with impatience before he huffed and waved his hands, blue magic engulfing the items and flying them into their places before a fishing pole flew over to Quirin and landed in his hands, ready to go, “boat!” Varian exclaimed
The retired knight laughed, “you never did grow out of your excitement whenever we went on a fishing trip didja?”
“Daaaaad!”
“Alright alright, easy ya stinker, let’s get into the boat…. Did you pack everything we needed?”
“Yup!”
“Are you suuuuure?”
Varian hesitated, looking around, double checking the bag he’d just packed before he smiled and nodded confidently, “yup!”
“Including Hugo’s stuff?”
Varian triple checked, “yup!”
“If you’re sure, we wanna make his first time fishing the best after all”
Varian grinned and wiggled excitedly even more than before, “let’s gooooo! Let’s go let’s go let’s gooooooo!!!!!”
“Ah, I see, you’re excited because it’s Hugo’s first fishing trip, aren’t you?”
Varian grinned, “I want him to have the best time ever! Especially after all he’s been through lately, or just in general, I want his fishing trip to be perfect! And perfection means either on time, or early, and I’m going for early”
Quirin smirked and quirked a brow at his son, “son, I think the *time* we start won’t matter unless we’re late”
“But if we’re on time, we’re late to being early”, his father gave him a look, “oki oki I’ll stop”
“Thank you”, They both stood up and began to place things onto the boat, when they were finished, Quirin looked at his son, “we’re 5 minutes early”
“Yeeeee!”
“Do I have to start counting your cute moments again?!” A voice exclaimed, getting the alchemist’s heart to flutter as the father son duo faced it
“*No*, you most certainly do *not*!”
The retired knight chuckled, “hello Hugo”
“Hiya”, the inventor replied with a timid smile before he saw the boat, packed full of gear, “oh right, w-we’re fishing today”
“Yup! It’s your first time, right?”
“Yeah, eheh…”
“You okay love?” Varian asked, “ya seem nervous”
“Oh uh, n-never better! I-I’m excited! Heh…”
The duo were quiet for a moment before Varian walked over and placed a gentle hand on his lovers shoulder, “hun, if you’re worried or nervous, you can tell us you know”
“I-I….” Hugo sighed, “I guess I’m just nervous about how I’m gonna do…. I’ve never fished before…. I’m worried I’ll be bad at it….”
“Aw Hugo, no matter if you’re bad, or good, at fishing, me and dad will love spending time with you, that’s the whole point”, he said with a smile, “we fish because we love to spend time together, the stories we could tell on some of our fishing adventures are fun and exciting, and have nothing to really do with catching fish, it’s just a blast to hang out and have fun! Like this one time, dad and I went out fishing and Eugene and Lance crash landed into our boat!”
“Wait, they did?”
“Yeah, that was a fun day! Though I was a bit mad at them because they messed with chemicals in my lab, which got them into our boat, but we still had a blast!”
“Ok, *that’s* a story I need to hear”
Varian grinned, “we’ll tell you all about it on the boat! Now come on, let’s go!”
The three hopped into their boat, Eugene, Lance, and Adira were in another boat, Hector stayed behind to watch the animals, they set sail and began to fish!
**Meanwhile in Corona**
The princess groaned as she walked through the hallways, she held her stomach, her eyelids drooping just a bit, as she entered the family room, “hello Princess!” Edmund greeted before he stopped when he saw her, “oh my, what happened?”
“I feel so sick….” She said
“Oh dear…. Come on, over here”, the Dark King gently guided her to sit down in a chair nearby, a small waste bin next to it. The princess didn’t argue as she sat down, letting out a sigh, “what happened? I though Eugene’s wish prevented you from feeling the negative effects of the pregnancy”
“He wished for it to be easier on me, and for the most part, it has been, I think it’s still being easy on me”, Rapunzel stated, “I feel sick, but I’m not in pain, I ran out of Varian’s morning sickness medication….”
“Oh my…”
“Yeah, I think that might be what’s happened here…. Ugh….”
“Oh my, I’m so sorry….”
“Not your fault…. At least I’m not mood swinging anymore, heh heh-!” She gasped before reaching to the waste bin, Edmund quickly grabbed it and handed it to her before he rubbed her back as she lost her breakfast. When she was done, she whimpered a bit, “here sweetie”, Edmund gave her some damp cloth and helped her clean up by taking the waste bin away and changing the bag inside before returning and sitting beside her, “are you alright?”
“Better now”, Rapunzel replied softly, “thanks”
“You’re welcome, do you want me to see if the little peanut left you some extra medication in his lab?”
“I have Nigel doing that, he said he’d be thorough…. Though now that I think about it, maybe he wasn’t the best choice…. Ugh…..”
“Want me to go?”
“Please?”
“Of course”
“I’m so sorry….”
“It’s okay sweetie, you’re pregnant and sick and that’s not a good combination”, Edmund stated with a loving smile, “you stay in here, I’ll be right back, guards are right by the door if you need them”
“Thank you”
“You’re welcome”
He gently kissed her forehead, getting her to smile, before he walked out of the family room to search for the medication
****
“No no no, don’t look there, look under *there*!” Nigel’s voice came cutting through the hall
Edmund followed it, smiling when he saw the man before he noticed the many boxes stacked into the hallway that contained his two grandpeanut’s items, “um, excuse me”
Nigel looked over before he yelped and bowed before the Dark King, “y-your majesty! Hello!”
“Hi, you don’t have to do that”, Edmund stated before he looked at the boxes as Nigel stood up, “why are my grandpeanuts’s stuff in boxes out in the hall?”
“Because we needed to organize some of Varian’s thing in order to look for the medication for the princess”, Nigel replied, “he’s a touch messier than Hugo, so it’s a little harder to search through his items, and we didn’t want to break anything, so we moved them to a safe location”
Edmund raised a brow at the man, looking him straight in the eyes and staring for a long time, Nigel’s startled stare didn’t falter, nor did it show an ounce of deception, “hmm…. Alright then, I’m here to help you look, I know my little peanut very well, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find”
“Right! Thank you! Where do you think he would keep it?”
Edmund walked into the lab, he smiled at the neat snd pristine side Hugo had, then the chaotic side Varian constantly used. He chuckled when he noticed a few socks on the floor before he spotted a vial with a note attached to it right in front of the guards and Nigel. Walking over and picking it up, he read it then quirked a brow before looking at the royal advisor, “it’s right here”, he stated, “little peanut left it out so we would know where to find it, he wrote, ‘put in green tea with honey for best effects, should last until we get back’”
“Oh”, Nigel stated, “well that was obvious, thank you”
“You’re welcome, and thank *you*!”
“For what?”
“For putting all of my grandpeanut’s items away in the exact place you found them!”
Nigel blinked before he blushed and gave a sheepish grin, “r-right!” He cleared his throat before he began to order the guards to start cleaning up the mess they’d made
Thankfully, Edmund saw nothing had been broken or lost, once he watched them finish the clean up, he ran to the kitchen and began to make the princess some tea
****
“Here you go, how does this feel?” Edmund asked with a smile as Rapunzel sipped the cup full of green tea, honey, and morning sickness medicine
She smiled peacefully, “delicious and stomach calming, thank you”
“Don’t thank me, thank the little peanut for making such a wonderful concoction!”
The princess smiled, “true, but you found it for me and made me tea, so thank you for that, I’ll be sure to thank Varian when he gets back”
“Of course!” Edmund replied with a smile before he sat beside her again, he looked at her stomach and chuckled, “that little one is giving you a run for your coins huh?”
“Yeah, I had a check up with the doctors yesterday, they ran some tests to make sure the baby was alright. I’m so worried”
“Why? Do you feel like something’s wrong?”
“Well…. My stomach, it’s bigger than normal, and the doctors said my morning sickness shouldn’t be this bad this late into labor. They said it’s a little odd….. I guess maybe I’m just overthinking it, but…. I can’t help it”
“I understand the worry, believe me, I remember how much me and Eden fret over Eugene, she was worried that he was dying in her, and he wasn’t, he was healthy and happy and perfectly fine”
“But what if my body is weaker than I thought? I mean, I almost died when I was born….. my mom was nearly dead as well! It wasn’t until the Sundrop came around that we were fine, but what if the Sundrop can’t help me save my baby? What if my body is too weak? What if my baby is hurt? What of-!”
“Easy Rapunzel, easy”, Edmund said calmly, “I know sweetie, I know, but trust me when I say, your child will be healthy and wonderful, just as you and Eugene are, you’ll see. Now try to breathe with me alright? It’ll help”
They did some breathing exercises together, the princess calming down a fair bit when they did, before the doors to the family room *burst* open! Arianna, and Dr. Isaac and Rose Solace were standing in the doorway! The two medical officials looked happy; while Arianna looked excited, as they ran over to Rapunzel, “dear! Oh I’m so excited for you!” Arianna stated
“Excited? A-about what?” The princess asked, confused as her anxiety rose when she saw the two doctors
Edmund cocked his head to the side when Rose handed him a small piece of paper, he unfolded it before his eyes widened with pure joy, “OHO MY GOODNESS!!!!!” He exclaimed happily as tears came to his eyes
“What?! What is it?!” Rapunzel asked
Edmund smiled at her before showing her what he’d received, when she looked, she saw the heart monitor readings that the two doctors had been studying. A bunch of notes of the doctors trying to figure out why they could hear a heartbeat outside of the baby’s and Rapunzel’s, that’s when the final line struck the princess like a tank. Her eyes widened, her hair glowing brightly as she read the notes over and over and over again before she looked at the doctors, “I…. R-really?”
“Yes!” Isaac replied happily, “it’s true!”
Rapunzel’s lips quivered before she smiled wide, her hair floating around her like she was under water, her eyes glowed bright yellow, as she spoke, “twins”, she said, “I…. M-me and Eugene, we’re having TWINS!!!!!” She yelled happily
“Yes you are! Two beautiful babies! Oh my dear I’m so happy for you!!!!” Arianna exclaimed excitedly
“We know the genders, but we weren’t sure if you wanted that information or not”, Rose said
“Not yet, I wanna wait until the others get back, especially Eugene! But I just! I can’t believe it! Twins! TWINS!!!! WERE HAVING TWINS!!!!!!” She stopped, her eyes widened as she blinked
“What’s wrong?” Edmund asked
“Varian!” She said, “I-I didn’t mean to! But we connected by accident!”
“Oh boy, heh heh” Edmund chuckled, “I take it he knows now?”
Rapunzel giggled, “oh he’s so happy!!!!! Hee hee!”
****
“Varian, why are you grinning like that?” Hugo asked as Quirin watched his son
The alchemist was glowing rightly, his eyes, freckles, and hair were shining brighter than ever as he smiled wide, “I can’t believe it”, he said softly before looking over at Eugene, who was watching the alchemist from his boat
“Can’t believe what bubby?” Quirin asked
“I…. S-she doesn’t want me to tell you”, he said with a giggle, “b-but I just, I can’t believe it!!!!!!!” He grinned even wider as he began to float
“THE FUCK’S GOIN ON OVER THERE?!” Hector yelled from the shore
“NOT SURE YET! WE’LL GET BACK TO YOU!” Hugo replied
“WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!” Varian flew through the air happily, confusing everyone
“Varian!” Quirin exclaimed
“Quirin, what the hell?” Eugene asked
“I don’t know, he just got extremely excited!” The retired knight replied before the alchemist began to set off fireworks, “VARIAN!”
Hugo laughed, “whatever just happened, he seems pretty happy it”, he said as Quirin and Lance began to row back to shore while Hector watched the hyper alchemist, a little bemused by his antics
“More than a little”, Quirin stated with a chuckle
“He started glowing, right?” Eugene asked
“Yeah?”
“Did he maybe connect with Rapunzel?”
“That could be it, but what would she be so happy about? This isn’t regular Rapunzel happiness, this is *ecstatic*”
“No kidding…. You think it has something to do with our baby?”
“Maybe”
“Looks like you’re havin a girl”, Lance teased, getting Adira to smirk
“Blondie said she wouldn’t look at the gender until we got back, I trust her on that”, Eugene huffed
“Maybe someone let it slip?”
“No, she’d be disappointed to know before she wanted to, bot happy”
“YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!” Varian screamed as he continued to fly through the air
Hugo giggled, “he’s so fucking cute”
“He’s also setting off fireworks in a wooded area”, Quirin stated
“True but also, Freckles”
The retired knight smirked, “he’s adorable, but we really should calm him down”
“Yeah we should”
The group managed to get to the shore and run after the teen as he continued to fly through the air, cheering and setting off more fireworks
****
Rapunzel laughed, “he’s setting off fireworks!”
“Oh no, ha haa!” Edmund laughed, “peanut no! You’ll get in trouble!”
The princess giggled, “he can’t help it, he’s feeding off my excitement, I didn’t even mean to connect with him like this, hee hee!” She tried to calm herself down, and she felt the alchemist do the same, finally the smell of apples and wood caught her nose and she nodded, “Quirin’s got him”
Edmund chuckled, “good on Quirin”
****
“Nice catch Quirin”, Lance exclaimed
The retired knight smiled as the alchemist panted in his arms, “thanks!” He looked at his son, “now what was all that about?”
Varian giggled, “sorry”
“I don’t think sorry will cut it here son”
“I know I know, but I can’t tell any of you”
“Why not?”
“Because Punzel wants to keep it a surprise until we get back home. She didn’t mean for me to find out either, but she’s *begging* me to keep it a secret”
“Even from me?” Hugo asked
“Even from you love”
“Well damn”
“I’m sorry, I wish I could tell you all! Especially you Eugene!”
The Dark Prince blinked, “Kid, you don’t have to tell me if it’s what I’m thinking, but does this have anything to do with our baby’s gender?”
“Nope! Nothing to do with that, she still doesn’t know”
“Phew, ok”
Varian grinned, “you’re gonna be so happy!” He stated as he wiggled his feet excitedly
Quirin snorted, “I can imagine, but uh, you set off fireworks son”
The alchemist blushed, “d-did I? Eheh, oopsie”
“Uh huh”
“Sorry dad, did anything catch on fire?”
“Thankfully no, and the animals are safe, but I think we’re done fishing for the day”
“Yeah…. Sorry….”
“It’s alright, you were just excited, about what, I’m not sure, but we’ll find out soon enough”
“You’re gonna be excited too dad”
“I’ll bet”
“You will! You’ll be so excited that you’ll bust out your tutu and dance!”
“I don’t have a tutu”
“Not with that attitude you don’t!” Hugo exclaimed, getting Varian to giggle
The group began to make dinner and chat about tutus, in Corona, Rapunzel, Arianna, and Edmund listened to the doctors explain the process for having twins. Everyone was happy, excited for what would happen next!
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’ll let the chapter speak for itself!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 642: Planning on a Meeting in Nedzerdnia!
Summary:
Hugo is lost in thought about what Damian told him before the man left!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy!!!! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Peanut butter!” Varian stated happily
“Jelly”, Quirin replied with a smile
“Um…. Banana”
“Split?”
“Oooh that sounds good right now! Let’s see…. Caviar”
“Lance”
“Daaad ha haa!”
Quirin chuckled, “hey, Caviar Lance is a way of life!” Lance defended
“Yeah, we swear by the church of caviar Lance thank you very much”, Eugene agreed
“The church of Caviar Lance huh? Does he talk about how the world is one big ocean that we all swim in?” Quirin teased
“How’d you know”, Lance exclaimed with a giggle
“Because Caviar Lance may have found that exact phrase on the back of Hugo’s new fishing kit”
“Ah”
“Speaking of, where *is* Hugo?” Eugene asked
“Next to me”, Adira stated, gesturing to the inventor beside her, who was staring at the ground, seemingly deep in thought as he munched on his hot dog
Hector quirked a brow at the teen, “he okay?”
Varian tilted his head at his lover, who was sitting across from him, before he spoke up, “hey love”, no reply, “loooooove”, still no reply, “inventors with an issue say ‘what’!”
“What?” Hugo looked at the alchemist before blushing, “you’re a butt”
“I do not disagree with you there love, but what’s wrong? You’re pretty quiet today”
The blond blinked before sighing, “sorry, I’m just…. Thinking”
“About what?”
“What…. Damian said before he left…. About me having family in Nedzerdnia….”
The group grew quiet before Quirin smiled, “you’re curious aren’t you?”
“I….. yeah….. But this is supposed to be a bachelor’s trip, it’s supposed to be one final hurrah and such before a lifetime commitment that I’m more than willing to agree to, it’s just…. Nagging at me ya know?”
“It’s okay Hugo, after what just happened to you, and in general, what’s happened to you, I’m not surprised that thought is stuck in your mind”
“I wish it weren’t…. I don’t wanna find out that the other side of my family fucking hates me too… I’m more than happy with the family I have right here, I don’t need any more…. I-I don’t… I…..”
Varian chuckled, “yes you do”
“Freckles I-!”
“It’s okay love, I’m not mad about it, in fact, out of everyone here, I think me and Eugene would understand what you’re feeling the most”
“You…. Do?”
“Well yeah! I didn’t know I had a grandpa, two uncles, and an aunt until I was 15! I understand *why* because my dad wanted to keep me safe, but when he told me about them, I wanted to know *everything*! When I finally met them, it made me feel complete”, he stated happily
“I met him first”, Adira bragged
“Shut the fuck up”, Hector stated with a huff, “I was fucking busy”
“I still won”
“Asshole”
Adira snickered as Quirin sighed, “no fighting you two”
“Or what?” Hector challenged
“Or I’ll tell King Edmund”
“…..You wouldn’t dare”
“That’s low Stickler”, Adira added
“I would, and can”, Quirin stated, “or I can take Varian privileges away, your choice”
“You can’t do that!” The tamer exclaimed
“He’s my son!”
“…..Shit….”
Varian giggled as Eugene continued the conversation, “I think the word we’re looking for here is, ‘anyway’, eheh um, I grew up in a similar boat as you kiddo”, the Dark Prince said, looking at Hugo and doing his best to ignore the huffs Adira and Hector were giving their big brother, “no family, no home, just me and Lance, and while I love this big hearted guy”, Lance chuckled, “I wasn’t complete, when I found out about my dad, and when I actually *met* him, it was so surreal for me. I’ll admit, I was mad at first, but when I found out what’d happened, I understood why he left me the way he did. Then I found out that Quirin, Adira, and Hector are my siblings, and that I have a little Varian nephew, and suddenly my family grew into a gigantic hodge lodge of well, almost everyone here! I say ‘almost’ because Blondie and my dad aren’t here right now, either way, it made me feel whole again, and like I could finally figure out who I am”
The freckled teen smiled at his fiancé, “exactly, so believe me when I say, we understand the need to know more about your family”
“I met Fish Skin first too you know”, the face painted warrior pointed out
“Adira for fuck’s sake!” Hector exclaimed
“Technically I met both Eugene and Varian before *both* of you”, Quirin stated with a quirked brow, stopping their fight immediately
Hugo snickered at the trio before he looked at Varian again, “you’re right, you and Eugene *do* understand, more than anyone…. I just… don’t know how to handle this…. I mean…. I don’t wanna interrupt our trip *again* for the *possibility* that *someone* in my family would want me….. Hell, I’m not even sure they’d even *believe* me if I told them who I was….. I mean…. You heard Damian….. My mom’s brother never knew she had a son….”
“He said to have her brother looking into your eyes right? That should be proof enough, as my grandpa says, ‘you can tell a lot by looking into a man’s eye’!” Varian stated
“Maybe…. But I don’t know if I even wanna try….. What if they hate me….. if memory serves, Quirin said they don’t like anyone who isn’t a true farmer in Nedzerdnia”
“Actually they don’t like *farmers* who aren’t ’true farmers’”, Quirin corrected gently, “they don’t mind welcoming anyone into their home if they need a place to stay, it’s why I went there in the first place before they judged me for being a ‘fake farmer’”
“Which I *still* think is bullshit!” Hector huffed
“Agreed”, Adira replied
“I appreciate that”, the retired knight responded with a smile
Hugo was quiet as he thought about their words for a moment before he let out a breath and looked at Varian, “would….” He hesitated
“Go ahead and ask love”, Varian encouraged with a loving smile
The blond smiled back before letting out another breath and trying again, “……w-would it…. Be okay to maybe…. S-stop by… a-and meet them?”
The inventor closed his eyes, anticipating the no he knew he’d receive, before gentle hands found his cheeks, guiding his gaze as he opened his eyes to find blue ones watching him, concerned, but very very loving, “you don’t need to feel afraid of asking a favor love, and I don’t mind going to Nedzerdnia to meet part of your family. This is your bachelor party too after all, and we’ve got 4 and a half more days left to spend on it, if you count this one since we spent one day partying at the snuggly duckling, the next day we left the snuggly duckling and ended up in the Shadow Walker’s situation that night, the next day is today, and we fished and cooked some food after I got some big news”
“Yeah, you and your fireworks display little sir”, Quirin teased
“I was excited!”
“A little too excited”
“You’ll see exactly *why* I was excited too when we get back home *big sir*”
Quirin chuckled as Hugo spoke up, his face still in Varian’s gentle hands, “is it okay with you Quirin?” He asked timidly, before he smirked at the alchemist, “also, can I have my face back?”
“Oops! Hee hee, sorry”, the freckled teen stated with a blush before letting go
Quirin chuckled before he nodded, “I wouldn’t mind, anyone else?”
“Nope, we could stop by the market!” Lance exclaimed
“That’s a good idea, I wanted to get Rapunzel something anyway, she deserves a snuggle buddy, like a plush or something”, Eugene agreed
“I think Nedzerdnia has some good wildlife nearby, I wouldn’t mind checking it out, and possibly scaring the shit outta the locals farmers who dare fucking say *my* brother isn’t a *real* fucking farmer…. Shit stains….” Hector said with a huff
“I hear the apple orchards in Nedzerdnia are on par with Old Corona, I’d like to see how they compare”, Adira added with a smirk
“*Pay* for them please”, Quirin stated
“I will…. Eventually”
“Adira!”
“Hey wait! Hugo, if I remember right, Varian mentioned you have a green thumb that he couldn’t explain”, Lance stated
“Oh do I?” Hugo asked with a smirk as Varian blushed even more before the inventor giggled, “I guess it’s true, when I helped Quirin with the farm for the first time ever, both he and Freckles were pretty startled by how well I’d adjusted to it. I guess, if my family really is the farmin type, it kinda fits”
“Huh, neat! So your farming genes came from your family!”
“I guess so, though, I wouldn’t be nearly as good as I am now without Quirin’s guidance”, the blond stated, “the man can grow a carrot like nobody’s business”
“Blech!” Varian exclaimed
“Carrots are good!”
“No! They are roots of death!”
“You’re a brat”
“I’m a brat with taste!”
“So I don’t have taste?”
“You have good taste in everything but veggies, you and everyone else who likes carrots and isn’t vegan or vegetarian”
“So everyone here except you and Hector”
“And Adira”
“You don’t like carrots?” Eugene asked, looking at the face painted warrior
“I prefer broccoli”, Adira replied
“Huh, ya learn something new everyday”
“Indeed”
“Carrots are gross!” Varian exclaimed
“They are not”, Hugo argued
“Are too! I’ve never had a good carrot”
“Challenge accepted”, Lance stated, stopping to duo, “how about this, I’ve got so many recipes that have carrots in them and make them taste amazin! I’ll cook a bunch of em for you to try Varian, and we can see if there’s maybe one carrot dish that you happen to like, just one”
“…….Fine, I can try that”, the alchemist agreed, “let it be known that I am willing to *try* to line carrots, but if it doesn’t work, then my carrots preferences get left alone, because blech!”
“That’s fair”
“Well, let me sweeten the deal a bit”, Quirin said, “if you truly do not like any of the dishes that Lance produces with carrots in them, then anytime I serve carrots, I will give you an alternative veggie that you prefer, because you’ll have given it an actual try”
“And if there’s a dish I do like?”
“So long as it’s not too complicated, I’m certain I could recreate it with Lance’s help”
Varian smiled up at his father, “deal!”
Quirin smiled before Hugo spoke up, “so…. We’re going to Nedzerdnia then?”
The group stopped before Hector and Beetlejuice laughed, “forget all about that previous conversation did we?” The wild tamer asked with a quirked brow
Eugene huffed at the duo before he looked at Hugo, “we’re going to Nedzerdnia”
The blond smiled, “thank you, I’m sorry….”
“No need to apologize”, Quirin stated gently, “you have every right to wanna try”
“…..Quirin, do you remember what Donella said about when you first found me, and how she and Ulla had helped guide you to me?” Adira asked
“Course I do, Why?”
“Wasn’t that near Nedzerdnia?”
“I…..” the retired knight thought back to that time period, before his eyes widened with shock, “you’re right!”
“Wouldn’t that mean that the farming family Ulla had, and eventually ran away from, was also in Nedzerdnia?”
“I…. Think you’re right…. From Donella’s story, Ulla hadn’t traveled that far away from her home with Donella when they saw you and me…. And King Edmund had been showing me around the market that day….. it’s also not that far from the Dark Kingdom…. About a few day’s journey if you’re going with a group of two fast traveling warriors….. so…. That means Ulla’s from Nedzerdnia too…. I wonder….”
Varian’s eyes widened at that, “…..you think her dad is still there?”
“I’m not sure…..”
“If he is, then…. What do we do?”
“…..He was abusive and never loved your mother…. If I end up seeing him, mind you I know nothing of what he looks like, but if I do, I’d try to stop myself from punching his lights out…..”
The alchemist giggled before he stopped and looked at Hugo, “does that mean you might be related to me?”
“No offense, but I hope not, because if I am, we’d have to stop dating”
“True”
“Your mother didn’t have any siblings son”, Quirin pointed out
“True, but what if her parents did, and they ended up having Hugo’s mom, who then had Hugo with Damian?”
“She never mentioned an aunt or uncle, she did mention her grandparents, but said they passed on a while ago”
“Ok, so probably not related, thank goodness”, Varian said
“Agreed”, Hugo said, letting out a sigh of relief
“I may want to stay far away”, Adira stated, “the way Donella mentioned howthey treated her, I’d be a prime target for their racist aggression”
“Over my fucking dead body”, Hector stated
“We went to Nedzerdnia before”, Eugene pointed out, “no one seemed to mind any of us being there”
“That’s true, and I was with your guys at that point, that’s when we first met Freckles”, Hugo said
“True!” Varian stated, “wow, to think we were so close to your family at that point”
“Yeah, that’s kinda crazy now that I think about it”
“Definitely!”
The group began to talk about the journey, forming a plan for the next day and searching for Hugo’s family before calling it a night and turning in, everyone sleeping peacefully as Hugo and Varian snuggled together, dreaming about what could happen tomorrow.
Notes:
Hello! :D
Fun family shenanigans! Along with some sweet moments and a bit of anticipation for what’s to come!
If you’re wondering about what Quirin and Varian were doing in the beginning, it’s a game I like to play with my sibling, we say what’s on our mind, a word, or phrase, and the person we’re playing with has to say what’s on their mind, and we have to make it connect!
Peanut butter and jelly because sandwich, Jelly with banana because they’re both sweet in taste, and split and caviar because a banana split is a fancy food and Caviar is too, then Lance because Caviar Lance, which we Stan Caviar Lance in this household XD
Next chapter is gonna be meeting the fam!!!!! Woot!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 😊🎶❤️
Chapter 643: A Place to Stay!
Summary:
The group decides to see if there’s an Inn they can stay in!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hmmmm…. Blueberries!” Varian exclaimed
“Ooh, that actually sounds good right now”, Quirin replied with a smile, “maybe i can make some blueberry muffins, I wonder if I can find ingredients at the Nedzerdnia marketplace-!”
“Daaaad! That’s not the game!”
“Technically, it is, because I did say muffins”
“While going on a tangent about grabbing ingredients, it interrupts the flow”
“The funky flow?”
“Dad!”
“The freaky flow then”
“Daaaad!”
“Ah I see now, the stinky flow, you’re good at that one”
“Sir!”
“Am I wrong though?”
Varian giggled before nudging his father a little as the retired knight chuckled, steering the horses with one of his sons by his side. The group had gotten up early and packed up for their trip, they’d been on the road for a few hours at this point, Adira sitting atop the caravan to meditate, Hector riding onto of Xena, while Eugene, Lance, Hugo, Ruddigar, and Olivia stayed inside the caravan with the front window open. The inventor had popped his head out to see where they were a few moments ago before slipping back inside with Eugene and Lance. Everything was peaceful until the alchemist noticed Nedzerdnia in the distance, “hey we’re here!”
“Oh good, cause your dad talkin about blueberry muffins made me hungry”, Lance stated, popping his head out of the window in order to see the kingdom
Quirin grinned, “right? I want to make them now! They sound delicious!”
“You two I swear!” The alchemist exclaimed, getting the duo to chuckle
Adira hopped off the caravan when it came to a stop as Hector halted Xena beside the vehicle, “so here we go again”, the wild tamer stated
“Indeed, hopefully this journey will be sans any angry Seporians”, Adira added
“I think we’ll be fine”, Varian said with a smile, “the Seporians are still in Corona, having a blast might I add, though, I would like to go to the place we spread Andrew’s ashes. He…. Helped me at one point…. And I’d like to thank him for that”
“We can do that Bubby, but first, we need to decide something very important”, everyone looked at Quirin, Eugene, Lance, and Hugo hopping out of the caravan to listen while Ruddigar and Olivia watched with curiosity, “*where*…..” Quirin began, before smiling, “are we sleeping tonight?”
Varian giggled, “aren’t we in a fun mood today”
“Potentially”
Hector snorted, “to be fair, that *is* an important question”
“I thought we’d just camp again”, Adira stated, “worked last time”
“True, but I wanna make sure I ask, just in case”, the retired knight stated
“I wouldn’t mind camping, though, I’ve never stayed in an inn before”, Varian pointed out, “do you think we could look around and see if one’s available?”
“Preferably one that doesn’t end up with us losing everything we’ve ever thought we knew”, Eugene stated
“Every hope, every daydream”, Hugo added with a smirk, getting the Dark Prince to raise a brow at him
“We could try, let’s have some lunch first, then we’ll go inn looking, yeah?” Quirin suggested
“YEAH!” The group exclaimed together before they began to unpack the picnic they’d prepared that morning
****
After lunch had finished, they’d packed everything back up and decided the leave the caravan there, Beetlejuice, Hector, and Adira watching it, while Quirin, Hugo, Varian, Eugene, and Lance went to look for an inn. The alchemist had Ruddigar on his shoulder, the older coon sniffed the air before coughing a bit
“Yeah, I smell the booze bud, we’re not gonna go there, don’t worry”, the alchemist said with a smile
Olivia was in Hugo’s pocket, sniffing the air as well before her ears laced back and she huffed at the bad smelling building, the inventor chuckled, “Freckles is right Liv, we’re staying far away from the bad decision juice building”
The mouse seemed satisfied with that as she continued to sniff the air
“What about that place?” Lance asked , pointing to an inn nearby
“Isn’t that the one Cat and Angry said thieves used frequently?” Quirin asked
“No that was down the street”, Eugene stated, “this one seems nice, should we see what it’s like inside?”
“Sure”
The group walked into the inn, they stared in amazement at the red rugs and fancy furniture that sparkled in the sunlight, “welcome to the Nedzerdnia Royal Inn!” A man stated enthusiastically, “where our motto is ‘sweet and elite so everything is magnifique!’ What can I do for you toda-!” He stopped when he saw Varian, “excuse me, are you…. Varian Vanguard?”
“Hm? Y-yes, why do you ask?” The alchemist replied timidly
“I…. I-it truly is an honor to meet you!” The man exclaimed, “you are well known in this kingdom!”
“I…. Am?”
“Yes! Yes yes yes! Your family is well known as well!”
“They are? Then…. Do you recognize him?” Varian gestured to his dad
“Quirin Vanguard! Am I correct?”
“Yes you are”, Quirin replied, a little startled
“Oh my goodness! I didn’t know we’d be visited by such Nobel guests!”
“How do you know them?” Eugene asked curiously as Hugo stepped in front of the alchemist defensively
“Eugene Fitzherbert! And Lance Strongbow! My goodness! How amazing is this!” The man looked at Hugo, the blond quirked a brow, before the man gasped, “….Hugo?”
“I…. Yes?” The inventor said
“My goodness! Happy day happy day!!!!” He exclaimed before he blushed when he realized the entire group was confused and weary of him, “eheh, so sorry, you probably don’t know why I know you all! Corn with me!”
“Um…. Classic ‘come with me in order to trap you’ skit”, the retired knight pointed out
“Oh! Yes yes yes, my apologies, of course you’d be on edge! Here here, wait one moment, I’ll stay here, and just”, he clapped his hands twice, “Jenna! Please bring the book of nobles to me!”
A girl with long read hair blinked before nodding and running off. She was pretty quick as she returned only two seconds later with a gigantic book! She handed it to the man, who opened it and rushed passed multiple pages before finding the one he was looking for, “here here, take a look!”
The group looked and saw all of their names underneath the words, ‘Coronan heros/heroines, and nobles!’
“Wow, they even have Ruddigar and Olivia!” Varian exclaimed, getting his coon to chitter
“Yeah they do, but….. why?” Hugo asked, looking at the man
“Hee hee, my name is Scott, I am the front of house here! This inn was built only two years ago, and it is for those who have done a great service to the 8 kingdoms! We welcome heros for free, noblemen and women have to pay, along with the occasional traveler! We make sure to check anyone who comes inside, we kept out thieves and those who may cause harm. Our inn is the safest place to be in Nedzerdnia, due to the huge staffing, extra security, able to be locked doors, and welcoming employees who only wish to protect those that need/deserve it”
Varian blinked before Hugo huffed, “occasional travelers? So only those who can afford this place?”
“No no, not at all! Our rates are very affordable to those who wish to stay, you see?” He showed the inventor a recent room that’d been rented
Hugo’s eyes widened, “wait but that’s…. Actually pretty cheap…..” he raised a brow at the man, “who was this guy?”
“The one who rented this room is still here, he’s a mere traveler, he wanted to rest his head for the night and we offered him a room”, Scott explained with a genuine smile
This startled Hugo, “so…. You don’t….”
“Discriminate? No no! We’d never do that”, Scott exclaimed, “see, we were founded by a man who saw the good in those that people saw as bad. He saw the worst in those that people thought were good. He’ll give chances to thieves who seem like they really wish to change, and he follows the adventures of heros who make the world better. All he wishes to do is create a better place”
“Who is this mysterious man?” Eugene asked
“He came from a city known as Vardaros, his name is Captain Quaid!”
Lance and Eugene halted before they both exclaimed, “Quaid the blade?!” St the same time
“That is what he said people used to call him”, Scott replied happily
“Wait but, what about Vardaros? Is he still there?” Eugene asked
“But of course! He stayed in Nedzerdnia and saw how easy it was for people to be harmed here. So he stayed, asking his helper, Vex I believe her name was, to go back to Vardaros and keep the city safe while he handled things here”, Scott explained, “she did so, and Quaid helped people defend themselves, he taught others how to guard, and ended up forming a group of people that wanted to protect Nedzerdnia! Quaid decided to make a place for heros to stay and be appreciated, he also wanted to make sure it was safe, so he personally trained the staff, along with his group, and left back to Vardaros to help Vex! Crime has gone down considerably since then, and he said it was all thanks to Princess Rapunzel from Corona, and her group of friends! He made the book of heros, and it will be updated by those who wish to keep his dream alive and hear about new heros and noblemen and women!”
“You two know this Quaid?” Varian asked, looking at his big brothers
“Make that three Freckles”, Hugo stated, “Quaid helped me out when me, Don, and Cyrus were in Vardaros at one point. He could tell something was up and went easy on me. He didn’t like what I was doing, but understood why I did it, and anytime he faced off against Cyrus and Don, he never hurt me. He was one of the first people that made me feel like there was some good in this world. Course, you sealed the deal, but still”, the inventor stated with a smile, “he’s a good man”
“I can’t believe he founded an inn to keep people safe”, Eugene explained, “oh I can’t wait to tell Blondie when we get back home!”
“She’ll be ecstatic!” Lance exclaimed
“Definitely, you think they still do the Goodwill festival?”
“Maybe”
“Um hello! Was written out of season 2 here!” Varian exclaimed as Quirin chuckled
“Oh, right sorry”, Eugene replied with a blush, “Blondie met Quaid on our trip to the Dark Kingdom, she, me, Lance, and Cass helped him get his mojo back, and he, and Vex, started to defend the people of Vardaros when he felt confident again! I didn’t know he would do something like this, but it’s really awesome to see!”
“Yeah! Quirin, can we stay here?” Lance asked, putting on his best puppy dog eyes, “pleeeeeeeeeeeeease?”
Eugene joined him, getting Quirin to laugh before he looked at Varian and Hugo, “what do you two think?”
“I wanna try it out”, Hugo stated, “plus, it’d make finding my family a little easier”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind staying here, who knows! This could be a lot of fun!” Varian exclaimed before he looked at Scott, “um, do you have rhino stables?”
Scott blinked, before he grinned, “if I’m not mistaken, that means you have Hector with you! And possibly Adira too! Right?”
“Yup!”
“We do indeed have rhino stables! Just in case he ever showed up!”
Varian grinned, “ok, now we *have* to stay here!”
The retired knight chuckled, “alright, I guess we’ve got our place to stay!”
The group cheered, as did Scott and Jenna, before Eugene and Lance ran back to get Adira, Beetlejuice, and Hector! When the trio came alone, the group didn’t have to pay for anything, all of them were considered heros, as they were shown to their rooms!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I liked Quaid and Vex, I thought they would be in season 3, spreading what they learned from Rapunzel and co, but they weren’t and I was disappointed! So I gave them a little bit more, because I think they deserve to be in more stories 😊🎶❤️ also, I can see Quaid wanting to travel because Vardaos gets too peaceful and he’s not needed as much. Plus he’s technically got two jobs, bee keeping and crime busting, so he’s got plenty of money to spend :D
Little moments with the family, because I like writing fluff XD
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 644: Hutch!
Summary:
Hugo finally finds, and meets, Hutch!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! ❤️🎶😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hugo stretched his limbs before looking around with a smile, the rooms they were currently occupying were chic and comfortable. The beds were plush, wide enough for two, the inventor made a note to find out where those beds had come from at a different date. For the moment however, he looked at his notes, ‘find my mom’s family, her name was Terra. Her brother, Hutch, runs the Terracotta farms in Nedzerdnia, maybe…. They’ll want me too?’
He sighed, *why am I hoping they take me in?* he asked himself, *I have a family, Freckles’s family! Why am I being so greedy?*
“You’re not being greedy love”
“AH!” Hugo jumped six feet into the air before landing and seeing Varian standing beside him with a bemused look on his face
“Jumpy today, aren’t we”, the alchemist teased
“Shush you”, the blond replied with a huff and a blush, “and since when could you read my thoughts?”
“Since you started talking out loud to yourself when you think that no one’s in the room with you”
“Wha-!-bu-I-ugh….” Hugo huffed again and sat on the chair behind him, pouring a bit
The alchemist giggled before walking over and sitting beside his fiancè, “like I said earlier, you’re not being greedy for wanting to meet you mother’s family”
Hugo sighed, letting down his guard, “I realize that to some extent, I just…. I guess I just can’t let myself believe that….. it’s hard for me to do so….”
“I understand, especially considering all I’ve had to figure out, it’s hard, but until you do believe it, I’ll keep reminding you, oki?” Varian said with a loving smile
“Ok, thanks Freckles”
“Anytime”, Varian replied before kidding Hugo’s cheek
“Hee hee, so, enough about me, what about you? Turns out your mother’s family might be here too, you thinking about looking for them?”
“Well…. I’m not so sure…. From what Donella told dad, and dad told me, it seems like her family didn’t care about my mama at all”, the alchemist said, “don’t get me wrong, I feel like it would be fascinating to find out who my grandparents are on my mama’s side, but I’m not so sure I wanna meet the abusive asshole who decided to mistreat his daughter with contempt and anger for a mistake *his wife* made”
“Fair enough, has Ulla said anything to you? Shown you she wants you to meet them?”
“No, not yet, but then again, I haven’t really asked, both her and Donella hate her folks, so I’m not sure what seeing them again would do”
“Might give em closure”
“Maybe…. I’ll ask dad”
“Good plan”
“Should I ask him now? Or would you like to lounge more?”
“Heh heh, how about we go ask”
“Oki”, Varian got up, Hugo following, as they both walked around in search of Quirin. They eventually found him, Eugene, Lance, Adira, Hector, and Beetlejuice sitting outside and talking about their next move. When the two scientists approached, the group looked up at them and smiled, “hey kiddos! Enjoying the inn?” Eugene asked
“Yup! It’s very cozy!” Hugo replied
“And soft”, Varian added
“Well with your half hour nap on the couch little man, I guess your opinion is pretty accurate”, Lance teased
The alchemist blushed as Hugo grinned, “I-I was sleepy!”
“Yeah, I know, you and Ruddigar were snugglin pretty happily over there”
“Awwwwww”, the blond made an adoring face at his lover, getting a nudge to the shoulder when he did
“*Anyway*! Dad, I have a question for you”, Varian stated as Lance and Eugene snickered
“What’s that Bubby?” Quirin asked
“Um…. Well…. Do you think mama would want us to meet her folks?”
This stopped the retired knight, getting him to look at his son for a moment, “why do you ask?”
“Well…. Hugo brought up a point that maybe mama would want us to know who she came from. But I haven’t seen hide nor hair of her, and was wondering is maybe you had?”
“I haven’t”
“Oh….”
“…..Do you want to meet them?”
“W-well I mean…. Like I told Hugo, I think it would fascinating to see where mama came from, but I’m not so sure I wanna meet her abusive dad and cowardly mother….. I’m on the fence so….” The alchemist scuffed his shoe on the floor awkwardly
“I see….”
Varian looked at his father, “I-I’m sorry, did I make you mad?”
“No no, you didn’t, you didn’t”, Quirin replied quickly, “I just…. Have mixed feelings about meeting your mother’s family….. Ulla was sweet, kind, caring, and wonderful, but anytime her parents came up in conversation, she always changed the subject, and she never told me why. A when Donella told me what she’d seen and witnessed, I finally understood and it made me madder than hell….. but…. That’s not my battle….. and if I’m honest, I don’t know how Ulla would feel if we met her family…. The thought of it makes me go quiet, so I apologize for the worry. I just don’t know what to do about that situation”
“Ah, it’s okay, you’re in the same boat I am”
“Well that’s kinda good to know”
The alchemist giggled before he looked at Hugo, “by the way love, did you wanna start looking for your family?”
The blond hesitated before he let out a sigh and nodded, “y-yeah…. Um…. I-I won’t be a-alone right?l
“Course not”, Quirin replied with a loving smile, “we’ll all be there with you”
The inventor smiled happily, relieved by those words
****
The group walked around the kingdom for hours, asking anyone they ran into if they knew where Terracotta farms was. Finally, a kindly older gentleman pointed them in the correct direction. When the group found the farm, they stared at how massive it was, it went on for *miles*! Every acre having a farmer plowing the fields or raking the dirt or planting seeds for the newest season! Quirin stared in awe, his eyes glistening with glee, “it’s almost as big as the Old Corona farms I manage! It’s just like home!” He stated happily
“Smells like home too”, Hector teased
“Shush you”
“Woah! I’m seeing a Hugo double!” Varian exclaimed as he pointed to a blond haired man, wearing a ponytail almost exactly like Hugo’s! In fact, the inventor had the man’s chin, nose, and even his body shape, the only difference is that Hugo had freckles, glasses, and emerald green eyes, where as this man had no freckles, no glasses, and brown eyes
“Holy shit”, Hugo said, a little startled at the similarities
“Hutch! We need your help with a stable hand!” A woman called from the gigantic home nearby
“Did they knock down the chicken feed again?!” The man yelled back
“Yep!”
“Hoo boy….” Hugo stared at the man as he began to walk away before he felt himself moving forwards! His hand was outstretched, eyes wide with desperation, and before he knew it, he’d grabbed the man’s sleeve, stopping him and getting Hutch to turn and look at the teen, “what the hell?! Who the-!” Hutch froze when he saw Hugo, the two stared at each other for a long time before the inventor blushed and let go
“S-sorry! I-I just I-I-I-!”
“Who…..” Hutch began before his eyes widened, making Varian’s heart flutter as the alchemist saw traces of Hugo in the older man’s face, “I…. I-is…. Who is your mother?” He asked, his voice filled with worry as he stared at the teen
Hugo blinked before he wrung his hand together, “I….. h-her name was…. T-Terra….. I uh…. D-don’t know her last name…. S-she passed away when s-she had m-me….”
Hutch stared at the teen for a long time before he knelt down to get a better look at Hugo. The inventor was still staring at the ground before a gentle hand touched his cheek, he winced, hard, before looking at the man, “you….. my sister had a son?”
“Yeah…. S-she did….. With Damian….”
Hutch’s eyes flashed a bit of anger at the mention of Hugo’s biological father’s name, before he sighed, calming himself down and looking at Hugo again before he smiled, “you have her eyes, heheh, and her nervous habits”
Hugo blushed, “eheh, eheheh….”
Hutch chuckled before he noticed the rest of the group, he stood up, quirking a brow at Quirin specifically, “what are you doin here?”
“The boy you happen to be touching has been staying with me and my family for years”, Quirin replied gently, “we only found out, just recently, that he had other family here, and it just so happened to be you”
Hutch snorted, “still huffy about my comment all those years ago?”
“Not my concern right now, but maybe”
Hutch chuckled before he looked at Hugo again, “that true? You’ve been staying with him and his family?”
“Uh huh, um…. T-they’re my family too now”, Hugo stated, “I…. W-well…. I’m engaged to Quirin’s son, Varian, he’s right there”, he pointed to Varian, who smiled and waved politely, “they saved me, a-and helped me in more ways than I thought anyone ever c-could…. A-and… they even helped me find you…. S-so….”
Hutch laughed before he ruffled Hugo’s hair, “boy if you had to choose any one of them to marry, I’m glad it was the son of a farmer!”
Hugo blinked adorably before smiling, “s-so that’s not b-bad to you?”
“Bad? Why would that be bad?”
“Well….” Hugo hesitated
“Corona”, Varian stated
“Ah, say no more”, Hutch stated, “that place can be….. well…. Best not to talk about a whole other kingdom when the only man I’ve met from there happens to be the only one not originally born there”, he stated
Quirin raised a brow, “not sure how to take that Bazin”
“Easy, I don’t mean that in a nasty way, just sayin we’ve had some arguments in the past is all, and it ain’t right to judge a kingdom off that alone”
“….Fair”
“Heh, I ain’t got nothing against ya Vanguard, I was young n stupid back then, pressure was on is all, my apologies for any misconceptions I may have given you bout me and my own, just the nature of things back then, but it’s better now, I can promise ya that”
Quirin smiled and nodded, “I can accept that, and…. Sorry if I seemed too defensive, it was my first farmer’s market”
“Eek, no wonder you were so upset! I ruined it for ya didn’t I?”
“No, but it being my first certainly made things far more…. Concerning”
“Fair Vanguard, fair”, Hutch stated with a smirk that looked so much like Hugo’s
“Bazin?” Hugo asked
“My last name”, Hutch replied with a smile, “dunno what that deadbeat’s was, but that’s our family name, Bazin, means foundation”
Varian blinked before he grinned from ear to ear, “a last name!”
Hugo smiled at him, “I…. I guess I actually have one!”
“Didn’t think you did?” Hutch asked
“Well…. No, I-I didn’t…. I was never given one….”
“Weren’t you with that deadbeat?”
“He…. S-sold me….”
“What?!”
“Yeah um….. I-I only just recently met him…. A-again….. a-and he…. Tried to u-use me…. W-when I kicked him out of o-our group”, he gestured to Varian and the others, “h-he told me about this farm…. A-and you…..”
Hutch stared at the teen for a long time before kneeling before him again, “how old are you?”
“…..19…..”
Hutch blinked before looking at Quirin, who nodded, confirming it was all true, before the Nedzerdnian farmer looked back at Hugo again, “…..I….. What happened to you?” He asked
The concern in Hutch’s voice made Hugo tear up, he sniffled as everything flashed in his head, the abuse, the neglect, being sold, being unwanted, unloved, harmed in every way imaginable, unable to cope with basic things, everything he’d ever gone through in his life, before he finally chocked out, “t-too much…..” and began to cry, his fear and anxiety overtaking him
Varian ran over and hugged his lover as Hutch sat there, contemplating what he’d just been told as the group watched, unable to say a word as the inventor clung to his fiancé and continued to cry
Notes:
Hello!!!!!!
Meet Hutch Bazin (Bah-zin)! Hugo’s officially unofficial uncle!!!!!!
Varian contemplating meeting his mama’s family shall remain up for debate for now, but I may do it, not sure if anyone wants to see that though, so I’d love some input on that 😁
As for Hugo’s family, I think Yall are gonna love them, especially Hutch himself, he’s a good man, and I couldn’t give Hugo anymore bad people in his life, for once, he deserves a freaking win, and by golly, this is gonna be it!!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 645: Judgement!
Summary:
Hugo worries about his interaction with Hutch!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The group had followed Hutch into his home, and stayed out as the farmer had asked while he fixed an issue. Hugo had managed to calm down at that point, staying next to Varian until the man, that he’d come to know as his uncle, came back. The inventor let out a sigh, “sorry for the water works earlier guys”
“Love, it’s okay”, Varian said
“No, I didn’t wanna cry, I don’t even *know* this person yet, and I’m fucking crying my eyes out and hoping he’ll fucking hug me like I’ve always wanted, and that’s not right…. It’s embarrassing and stupid and just….” He sighed again, “I didn’t wanna do that….. but I did….. and I wish I hadn’t…. Because now I can’t stop thinking about it…. And I can’t stop worrying that he might think I’m lying about being apart of his family and used crocodile tears to get inside…..” the blond hid his face in his hands and groaned, “I just wish I could redo all of that again…..”
Everyone was quiet for a moment before Hector walked over and knelt before Hugo, getting eye level with him, “have you been trained your entire life to feel nothing?”
“I-huh?”
“Have you been trained your entire life to feel nothing?” The wild tamer repeated
“I…. N-no not exactly”
“Have you ever been in a war?”
“No”
“Ever killed someone”
“Holy shi-NO!”
“Then why are you ashamed of showing emotion?”
“I….. t-this was different Hector, I don’t know him and-!”
“And he’s your family”, Hector interrupted, “your *only* bloodline family left that you have a chance to actually fucking bond with. You mom died, your dad sold you to *my* fucking parents, who made you their personal servant until Donella came alone, took you, then *she* abused you all your fucking life, then when she finally fucking regretted her actions she fucking dies, then Cyrus dies, also an abuser but still someone you could at least *claim* a familial bond with, then your asshole of a *father* comes around and tries to use you, only for his facade to fucking slip, because my brother isn’t a fucking idiot, and he walked away with his tail tucked between his fucking legs! With a small mention of your last fucking hope of a bloodline relation being here in Nedzerdnia. Hugo, you went through so fucking much in your tiny life, that, having *someone* treat you with a *little* bit of fucking respect, would make *anyone* cry!”
“I just…. I don’t want them thinking I’m faking it”
“Who could really look at you bawling your fucking eyes out and think that you’re faking it?” Hector asked, “seriously, I’ve seen people fake cry, hell, fucking *Adira* tried to fake cry at one point!”
“Wait, she what?”
“It was when we were kids”
“I wanted to train at a higher level”, the face painted warrior stated with a smirk
“And unfortunately used our King’s kind heart to get your way”, Quirin pointed out
“I learned my lesson”
“Because Quirin was fucking pissed”, Hector snickered
“What happened?” Varian asked
“Gave her what she wanted, trained her at a higher level, a *much* higher level”, Quirin stated, “and while she was able to keep up for a bit, it ended up being too much, she admitted her wrong doing, apologized, and King Edmund forgave her, but she was grounded for a week”
“And got stuck with cleaning duty”, Hector grinned
“Which I took with no complaint”, the face painted warrior stated
The alchemist giggled, “you gremlin”, Adira smirked at that
“Point is”, Hector continued, getting Hugo to look at him, “I can tell when someone’s fake crying, easily, and you definitely weren’t, and I can tell Hutch didn’t think you were either. So try to stop worrying, you’ve been through enough, try to take a few deep breaths, we’re with you, you’re not alone anymore, okay?”
Hugo sniffled a little bit before he smiled and hugged the tamer, startling him, “thank you Hector….”
The wild tamer blinked, before he smiled, and hugged the teen back, “anytime”
****
The group continued to wait, Hugo was far calmer than before, getting tarot readings from Varian, who was happy with the results, “basically, you’re gonna be such a happy boy!”
The blond snorted, “well that’s good to know, you’re having a lot of fun reading me, aren’t ya?”
“Potentially”
The blond giggled before the door opened and in walked Hutch, plus a few more people the group assumed was part of his family. As they filed in, the door closed behind them. Varian and Hugo stood up, the alchemist putting away his tarot cards as Hutch’s group stood across from them. For a moment, all was quiet, before an older woman stepped forwards, she stared at Hugo for a long time, before her eyes filled with tears, and she smiled, “her eyes”, she said, “you have Terra’s beautiful eyes! You really *are* her child! She…. She came back to us!” She hugged the blond, startling everyone as she began to cry!
Notes:
Hello! :D
I didn’t have a chance to really type too much of this chapter, but I did what I could, I’ll have a longer chapter tomorrow
For now, thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 646: Terra! (Part 1!)
Summary:
What happened to Terra!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*”Hutch! Get out of my room!” Terra snapped, hurling a pillow at her little brother
“Easy sis, I’m not even in your room!”
“You’re in the doorway! That’s part of my bedroom!”
“Nu-uh!”
“Uh-huh!”
“Would you two stop!” Their grandma snapped, getting the duo to look over and see the older woman standing behind Hutch, “you’ve got work to do today”
“Sorry nana”, both siblings said before they walked out and down the stairs, sticking their tongues out at each other as they did, their grandma just shook her head with a loving smirk on her face before she followed behind them
****
“Hey you two! Finally stopped yer fightin?”
“He was in my room dad!” Terra exclaimed
“I was not! I was in your doorway!”
Hutch argued
“That’s still my room!”
“Is not!”
“Is too!”
“So thats a no then”, their father replied with a chuckle
“Dad he keeps going in my room!”
Her father sighed, “sweetie, was he actually in your room, or was he just in the doorway?”
“Does it matter?”
“Yes it does”
She huffed, “the doorway, but he knows that still bothers me!”
“He does, and he should stop doing that”, her father stated, raising a brow at Hutch, who looked a little embarrassed, “but you also need to understand that he can’t help being in the doorway sometimes, especially since his bedroom is right next to yours”
“He *can* help standing there and pushing my buttons”, Terra huffed
“Yes he can, but you’ve gotta be just a touch more lenient bumble bee”
“Yes papa….”
“And *you* Hutch, have gotta stop antagonizing your sister”
“But I wasn’t! I was just passing by when she said what she did pa!” Hutch exclaimed
“Ah but see, did you really just pass by? Or were you standing there?”
“I…. Well I may have stopped for a moment….”
“Now see? You know your sister doesn’t like that kiddo”
“I know”
“Then why’d you stand there?”
“Cause she’s mean”
“Am not!” Terra exclaimed
“Are to! You yell at me all the time!”
“Because you stand by my room!”
“Stop it you two”, their father said gently, getting them to look up at him, “Hutch, you need to stop standing by your sister’s room, too know she doesn’t like it, it isn’t nice to get her mad son”
“Even if she yells first?”
“Even if she yells first, it bothers her, and it’s not nice”
“….Fiiiine….”
“Hutch”
“I won’t, I won’t”
“Good, now Terra, why don’t you start feeding the animals, Skip”, Hutch smiled at his father’s nickname for him, “how bout you help me in the field, yeah? Once we’re done here, if you two don’t fight for the rest of the day, I’ll let you both have some apple tarts after dinner, deal?”
“Yes sir!” Both children exclaimed excitedly before they ran off to do their chores
Their pa chuckled before he led Hutch to the field with a smile
****
“Hoo boy, what a sight to see!”
“I’ll say! Lookit the fields pa!” Hutch exclaimed happily
“I see em, we did some good work today son”
“Hee hee, yeah we did!”
The father grinned before he looked at his child, “heh, you’re gettin so big now, 15 years old and you’re almost as tall as me”
Hutch grinned before standing up straighter, getting his pa to laugh, “papaaaaaaa!” Terra’s voice called, getting the duo to look over and see her running towards them with a smile on her face, “papa papa! Look!” She showed him a belt, it was black, with four silver buttons, and a golden buckle, the buckle was an odd circle with three lines on it
“Woah, where’d you find that?” Hutch asked
“There was a woman who dropped it while I was feeding the animals!” Terra replied, “she hopped into the trees before I could return it to her, she had some red paint on her face too!”
Their father stiffened immediately, “red paint?”
“Yeah, all over half her face! She looked like she was in her 20’s or something”, Terra replied, “should we go find her papa?”
Hutch raised a concerned brow as he looked at his father, “pa….”
“I know son….”
Terra looked in-between the pair before she huffed, “can you two clue me in here? I’m not stupid”
Her father snorted, “you’re not stupid Terra, we know that, we’re a little worried about the red paint though, you sure *that’s* what was on her face?”
“Yeah! It wasn’t dripping, she didn’t look wounded either, it’s just red paint, lighter than blood if that’s what you’re worried about”
“Hm…. Show me where you found this bumble bee”
“Follow me!” Terra ran off towards the barn where all their animals were, Hutch stared at the belt
“Pa…. Isn’t that the same crest of that odd kingdom?”
“Yeah…. But we shouldn’t judge Hutch, it ain’t right”
“I know pa, but the king said something about those people…. Should we be worried?”
“….on our toes maybe, but if what Terra is saying is true, then let’s not jump to conclusion, yeah? Could just be a girl who lost her belt”
“Could be”
His father smiled, “I’m here Skip, don’t worry”
“Thanks pa”, Hutch said with a smile
“Hey! You two coming or what?” Terra yelled, getting the duo to chuckle before they followed her
****
“This is where I found it”
“I see”, her father replied as he looked around
“What were you doin over here?” Hutch asked
“One of the pigs got separated from the group, I was tryin to catch them when I saw the girl! She hopped into the tree and her belt fell off”, Terra replied
Hutch snorted, “you let a pig get separated”
“She was fast, okay!”
“Ey, no fightin”, their father exclaimed
“Sorry pa”, they both said before sticking their tongues out at each other again
For a moment, all was quiet, until someone hopped out of the trees, when Hutch grabbed Terra and ran behind his father, he peaked out to see exactly what his sister had described, a girl, made in her early 20’s, face half painted red. She stared at the group before she finally spoke, “that’s mine”, she said quietly, pointing to the belt in their father’s hand
“Who are you?” Their father asked
She studied the man for a moment or two before her glare lessened, “your name is Clay Bazin, right? Owner, and founder, of the Basin farms, and father of two kids, Hutch and Terra Bazin. Your wife is Amelia Bazin, your mother is a Grace Bazin, your father is Brock Bazin, you’re a well respected family in this kingdom, and one of my older brother’s idol”, she stated, “funny how we met before him. My name is Adira, I’m from the Artem Kingdom, and I wouldn’t like my belt back please”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s a little bit of a look at the life of Terra and Hutch! 😊
Of course Adira would be here, she’s got a reason for being away from her siblings too! You’ll find out 🎶😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 647: Terra! (Part 2!)
Summary:
There’s more than one side to every story!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*For a moment, all was quiet, until someone hopped out of the trees, when Hutch grabbed Terra and ran behind his father, he peaked out to see exactly what his sister had described, a girl, maybe in her early 20’s, face half painted red. She stared at the group before she finally spoke, “that’s mine”, she said quietly, pointing to the belt in their father’s hand
“Who are you?” Their father asked
She studied the man for a moment or two before her glare lessened, “your name is Clay Bazin, right? Owner, and founder, of the Bazin farms, and father of two kids, Hutch and Terra Bazin. Your wife is Amelia Bazin, your mother is a Grace Bazin, your father is Brock Bazin, you’re a well respected family in this kingdom, and one of my older brother’s idol”, she stated, “funny how we met before him. My name is Adira, I’m from the Artem Kingdom, and I would like my belt back please”
Clay blinked, staring at the female for a long time, before recognition finally filled his eyes, “you’re with the Artem Kingdom entourage, right?”
“Indeed, we’re investigating a series of crimes perpetrated here. I’m heading that investigation with one of my brothers, the oldest one I spoke of earlier, I came over here to watch over things when my belt got caught on a branch and fell off, your daughter took it, I’m glad she gave it to you, may I please have it back?”
“Of course, here”, Clay handed the belt over to the face painted warrior. She smiled when she got it back before immediately placing it back around her waist
“Thank you”
“Not to be rude, but isn’t it a touch too big for you at the moment?”
“I’ll grow into it”
“Ah, I see”
Silence grew between the duo before Terra spoke up, “I love your hair!”
“Terra!” Hutch exclaimed
“What? It’s completely white, and sparkles in the Sunlight! I think that’s pretty!”
“You don’t know her!”
“Do I need to in order to pay her a compliment?”
“The ‘her’ in your conversation appreciates the compliment by the way”, Adira teased with a friendly smile
Hutch glared before hiding behind his father again, getting Terra to roll her eyes before she smiled back, “I’m glad! Sorry about my brother, he’s….. Not good around strangers”
“I can understand that, you never know who you’re talking to”, Adira replied
“Yeah, but you seem nice”
“And weird….” Hutch stated
“Hutch!”
“She jumped out of a tree!”
“I could jump back *into* the tree if that’ll help”, Adira offered
“No! That would *not* help!” Hutch huffed, getting Terra to laugh
Clay sighed, “sorry”
“It’s fine, I’m used to it, and he’s got the right instincts, you shouldn’t trust strangers, but I’m one of the nice ones, though, I’m certain someone dangerous could say the same thing”
Their father chuckled, “yeah I’ve definitely heard of you, my king said you tend to cause a little mischief”
“Only if I’m lucky and my stickler brother doesn’t stop me first”
“Ah”
“I can definitely get behind that”, Terra stated
“Hey!” Hutch exclaimed
“Terra, be nice”, Clay stated gently
“Ok, ok…. Though it’s true”, Terra added
“Daaaaad!” Hutch whined
Adira chuckled, “I should probably go, I’m still investigating, oh! I’m supposed to warn the citizens though, if you see a large man, with a black cloak, and a scar on his right eye and left hand, don’t trust him, he’s very bad, avoid him if you can”, she looked pointedly at Clay, sharing a look that confused the two children, but their father seemed to understand
“Noted, thank you Miss. Adira”, Clay replied, “I’ll spread the word”
“I appreciate that, makes my job easier, for now, be safe, and farewell”, she gave a small curtsy before hopping off into the trees
The trio watched her go before Hutch huffed, “she was odd”
“Artem folk tend to be a little different, but that ain’t somethin we should fault em for. They’re a kingdom of fighters, their code and conduct is all about honor, strength, spirit, and loyalty. Even if they come across as odd, we should still treat em with respect”
“Yes father….”
Clay looked at his son, “I wasn’t scoldin ya Skip, I was just sayin”, he ruffled the boy’s hair, getting Hutch to smile, “now come on, you kids need to get inside, tell your mother what happened, I’m gonna go warn other folks, Adira’s got a big task ahead, least we can do is help her out a little”
“Yes pa!” The duo said in unison before Terra spoke up
“You’ll be back around dinner time though, right?” She asked
“Course I will bumble bee, gotta make those apple tarts for you two don’t I?”
The duo cheered happily before they gave their father a hug and ran off to the house. Clay watched them go before he let out a sigh and looked at the trees again, “….yer still here”
“I’m concerned”, Adira said, “he likes to target families…. And yours is well known”
Clay looked at her, “what does this man do?”
Adira hopped out of the tree again, her face serious, “anything you can imagine…. And worse….”
“I see…. So that’s why the Artem kingdom sent two of their Brotherhood members….”
“Indeed, me and my brother are currently the strongest, our king, and the youngest member of the Brotherhood, are protecting our kingdom. This man has caused deaths, harm, destruction, and mayhem, he’s not to be taken lightly. In fact, we were ordered to kill him if necessary, an order only given when absolutely necessary”
“In understand, my family have been taught what to do in this situation, well, save for my kids, but they’re good, they’ll listen to their mother. I’m gonna warn other people, it’s my job”
“I understand that, and I appreciate it, but you know the risk…. Can you fully accept them?….”
Clay was hesitant, before he nodded, “I’m the leader of Nedzerdnia farms for a reason, I will do what I must to protect everyone, even if it means I don’t come back”
Adira watched the man, searching for any signs of hesitation, before she smiled and nodded, “then you, Clay Bazin, have my upmost respect and appreciation”
“The feeling’s mutual Miss. Adira”
With that, the duo nodded to each other before they both set about warning everyone they could find about the criminal in the kingdom*
“I remember him”, Adira said softly, “he was a good man, Clay Bazin, kind and brave….. I remember what happened to him as well…..”
Hutch looked at her sadly, “I thought I recognized ya”
“I’m sorry….” She said, “I never got to tell you that when I was here last…. I wanted to, but we had to go….”
“I never blamed you Adira….”
“I’m grateful for that….”
Hutch smiled at her before he looked at Quirin and Hector, “so which one of you was with her?”
“Me”, Quirin said, “I never knew she’d met you”
“I was the youngest back home, with our king”, Hector stated
Hutch nodded, “did you meet my father too?”
“Yeah…. During my time here during that mission…. I was with him when…. Well….” He grew quiet
Hugo looked at Quirin, “what happened?”
The retired knight sighed, “Clay Bazin…. Leader of the Nedzerdnian farmlands, head of the Bazin family, and my personal idol when it came to gardening….. Lost his life defending his daughter from a man that was wanted for his many crimes in Artem…..”
Hugo, Varian, Ruddigar, Olivia, Eugene, and Lance all stared at Quirin in shock before Hutch spoke up, “my sister…. She tried to find our dad…. He’d been late to dinner, she’d gotten worried, and snuck out trying to find him…. And ended up getting caught by the man we’d been warned to stay away from…..” He looked at Quirin, “I don’t know what happened after that, people told me my father and some Artem knight had fought to try and save her, and it ended up in his death”
Quirin nodded, “I remember…. Vividly…. That…. *scum bag* was the second *thing* I’d killed…..”
“Dad….” Varian said softly
Quirin sighed, “sorry…. I just remember that particular fight….. And I hated every moment of it…..”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So here’s Adira, bringing just a touch of chaos to an already chaotic situation 😁🎶
Hutch and Terra being siblings, because this is what siblings do XD
Get ready for fanbean Quirin!!!!! But also, for some really sad times in the next chapter…… you have been warned
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 648: Terra! (Part 3!)
Summary:
Young Quirin meets his idol, Clay Bazin!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hutch smiled at her before he looked at Quirin and Hector, “so which one of you was with her?”
“Me”, Quirin said, “I never knew she’d met you”
“I was the youngest back home, with our king”, Hector stated
Hutch nodded, “did you meet my father too?”
“Yeah…. During my time here during that mission…. I was with him when…. Well….” He grew quiet
Hugo looked at Quirin, “what happened?”
The retired knight sighed, “Clay Bazin…. Leader of the Nedzerdnian farmlands, head of the Bazin family, and my personal idol when it came to gardening….. Lost his life defending his daughter from a man that was wanted for his many crimes in Artem…..”
Hugo, Varian, Ruddigar, Olivia, Eugene, and Lance all stared at Quirin in shock before Hutch spoke up, “my sister…. She tried to find our dad…. He’d been late to dinner, she’d gotten worried, and snuck out trying to find him…. And ended up getting caught by the man we’d been warned to stay away from…..” He looked at Quirin, “I don’t know what happened after that, people told me my father and some Artem knight had fought to try and save her, and it ended up in his death”
Quirin nodded, “I remember…. Vividly…. That…. *scum bag* was the second *thing* I’d killed…..”
“Dad….” Varian said softly
Quirin sighed, “sorry…. I just remember that particular fight….. And I hated every moment of it…..”
*The knight stared at the man before him, he’d been scouring the city, trying to find his sister, while warning innocent civilians of the criminal, while searching for the criminal himself! But never in all his years, did he ever think he’d meet one of his personal idols in this kingdom! Suffice it to say, the young Knight was a little startled, but recovered quickly when Clay Bazin spoke, what he’d actually said however…. That escaped the knight, “ah um, I’m so sorry, could you repeat that?”
Clay smiled, and made the gardener wannabe want to let out a happy squee, but he controlled himself, “heh, you must be him, I think I might’ve met your sister just a few hours ago, little 20 year old girl with face paint and white hair? She mentioned her big brother helpin out, and also said you were a fan of mine, heh”
The knight blinked before blushing, “eheh, did she now?” His thoughts went to his sister and having an *extremely* long talk with her about personal information given out on missions! He huffed before looking at the man again, “sorry, my name is Quirin, I’m a knight with the Artem kingdom. Since you’ve run into my, soon to be severely lectured, sister, I’m assuming you’ve been warned about what’s going on?”
Clay nodded, “I have, I’m warning folks as we speak”
“We appreciate that, but you should also be inside, it isn’t safe for you out here, especially since you have kids sir”
Clay gave the man a smile, again, making Quirin want to squee, “I understand the risks, but I’m doin this so my kids, and everyone else’s kids, can sleep at night knowin they’re safe, ain’t it better to have more that four eyes on the job?”
The knight gave the man a worried look, “we’ve had civilians join our cause before, and they’ve gotten killed in the process….”
“If I die, then I’ll do so protecting the ones I love, it’s also part of my job as the leader of the farms in this here kingdom”
Quirin sighed, but nodded, “do you have a weapon?”
“Pitchfork”
“Do you know how to fight?”
“Learned when I was young”
“Are you squeamish?”
“Pfft! If I were, scoopin out the pigs sty wouldn’t be the first thing I do in the mornin”
Quirin snorted at that, before sighing, “ok, but stay with me, Adira likes to move fast and through the trees, I like to go slower and catch every detail”
“That actually work?”
“My criminal counter’s higher than my sister’s, in both seen and caught”
“Noted, stickin with you then, nice ya meecha Quirin”
“Nice to meet you too Mr. Bazin!-!*
“Dad fanbean!” Varian exclaimed
“Scuse you, I was still tellin the story ya squirt”, Quirin stated with a raised brow and amused smirk
“But you were being so cute!!!!!”
Hutch chuckled, “it is kinda adorable that you were so infatuated with my father Vanguard”
“Don’t you dare start with me Bazin, he was a farming legend and you know it”
“I do, makes me happy thatcha liked him so much”
“Family squabbles!” Varian exclaimed
Hugo giggled, “technically, yeah”
Quirin and Hutch looked at the duo before smirking, “I should continue”, the retired knight said
“Yeah, please do”, Hutch agreed
*The young knight and old farmer continued to walk down the streets, warning every person they could while checking their backs, “so what’s this criminal’s name anyway?” Clay asked
“Cain…. He’s a well known criminal in our kingdom, known for harming others, particularly women and children. He’s extremely sneaky, we found out about him maybe a few days after he’d gotten into town…. He’d targeted Adira while she was patrolling. She’d ended up, scuse my language, kicking his ass, but he managed to escape her. She questioned nearby homes and they told her everything he’d done, with evidence”
“Damn, sounds like a pain in the ass…. Also, ain’t gotta watch your language around me bucko, I’m a farmer, I’ve heard worse”, Clay said with a chuckle
Quirin smiled, “noted, also, I gotta say, you being here is definitely helping me”, Quirin admitted, “Nedzerdnians don’t seem to trust me very much”
“Ain’t nothin against you Quirin, I can assure ya, they’re just…. Antsy went it comes ta strangers is all”, Clay admitted, “see there was a man, a long time ago, who caused a lotta harm to our kingdom…. He lost a prisoner here apparently, and ended up takin his temper out on the innocent people of this kingdom, burnin homes, crops, and scarin the livestock so badly they’d avoid humans altogether….. The man took over the town for a while, worked in secret to keep everyone in line, if you went against him, he’d make an example outta ya….. He was cruel….. and Disgustin….. The royals didn’t hear about it until it was too late, and too much damage was done. The man got kicked out and banished from the kingdom, damage was fixed, but people were harmed and the kingdom suffered for a while after that…. That was about 16 years ago”
“15 years huh?” Quirin said softly as he thought about what age he’d been before his eyes widened, “w-wait, are you *sure* that was 16 years from now?”
“Yeah, why?”
“I….. I-I’m 31 now…. S-she only 20…. If that’s the case then…..” he felt shivers go down his spine as he thought about how he’d saved Adira, she was so small, so weak….. it was 16 years ago….. he sighed as his shoulders slumped, “I’m so sorry…. I think *I* may have been the reason for that…..”
Clay raised a brow, “whatcha mean?”
Quirin sighed before he looked at his idol, “you have a right to know, all of you do….. 16 years ago….. I met a small girl in the woods….”
****
Clay was silent, his eyes were looking at the ground as he thought about what he’d just been told, he remembered the day the Baron had come into his town, how that scum had made his, and many others, lives a living *hell*, and here, standing before him, was the reason it all happened…. All to save a little girl who never asked to be born into the bloodline she’d been born into…. He was quiet as the young knight finished his tale and final apology, Clay finally looked at him, he could see the sadness and shame in Quirin’s eyes, and…. He smiled kindly at the man, “you saved her”, he stated, “you saved a four year old from a fate worse than death. You didn’t know what would happen, you didn’t know what that man was capable of, and I’m certain that had you known, you and your king would’ve found a way to stop him from harmin that girl and this kingdom”
“I’m still so very sorry for what he did…. Had I known…. Had I only known….”
“Quirin, lemme tell ya somethin, that past is the *past*, you can feel bad all ya want, but it ain’t gonna change what happened”, he saw the man slump down a bit, “*however*, you can make up for it in the future”, he added, getting Quirin to look at him, “you ain’t a bad man, in fact, I think you’re rather selfless, and kind! I can see you’re wise and honest too, ya didn’t have to tell me that, butcha did, and it shows you’ve gotta a good heart and soul. Right now, you’re tryin to stop a man from harmin this kingdom again, and I saw your sister, she looked like she was doin a helluvalot better ‘n how she *was* doin, mind ya, I don’t know the details, but I’m guessing you’re keepin that closer to your chest, am I right?”
“Yes sir”, Quirin replied, “Adira she….. Well not only would she kill me if I told you everything, but….. what happened to her…. It isn’t right…. It’s disgusting…. Vile… and I’d rather she not have people look at her with pity…. She’s strong, so very strong, she deserves respect, keeping the details of her imprisonment a secret, it’s small, but I know she’d prefer it that way”-!*
“I do”, Adira stated as Hector stood closer to her
Quirin gave her a smile, “I figured”
“Sorry it happened to ya at all…..” Hutch said softly
“Not your fault, but thank you for saying that”, the face painted warrior replied
Hutch nodded as Quirin continued:
*Clay smiled and nodded, “then I’d say we suffered for a damn good reason. Will I say it was good that we suffered at all? No, but at least it wasn’t because some maniac wanted to stroke his own ego or some shit, I think I prefer your reason to be honest, I, on behalf of all the folks in the Nedzerdnian village, forgive us Quirin”
Quirin smiled gratefully at the man, “thank you”
“Anytime”
They continued their search, this time with a lighter spirit as the young knight felt invigorated! Clay noticed, and chuckled as he followed*
“It wasn’t long until we’d found our target…. We ran into him a few times actually, but, he was a bit trickier than we’d initially thought…. We finally had him cornered, he made a mistake by ending on a dead end street…. But….. That’s when Terra came running out…..”
“Oh no…..” Varian said as Hugo looked at Hutch, the man was watching the retired knight, his eyes fully focused on him as Quirin continued:
*”Freeze Cain!” Quirin ordered, his dual blades shining in the moon light as he glared daggers at the criminal before him, “you’re stuck now! Dead end, no where to run. Give up now and I’ll make sure you get back to the Artem Kingdom alive. Our king wants you to stand trial for the *many* things you’ve done! However, should you choose to fight, I’ll have no choice but to kill you, it wouldn’t matter to my king. You have *one* chance”
Clay readied his pitch fork, watching their target, happy that this would finally end, that he could go home to his family. As he watched Cain slowly turn to face them, he could most hear his daughter screaming his name, in fact, her voice sounded so real, like she was running to him right now and about to-! “Ah!”
“Papa! I found you!” Terra exclaimed happily as she hugged her father
“T-Terra?! What are you *doin* out here?!” He asked anxiously as he stared at his daughter, anxiety rising
“You said you’d be home by dinner time! When you weren’t, mom got really worried! She and grandma thought ya may have died of something. I didn’t think you did, but they wouldn’t listen to me! They were gonna give up on you! So I snuck out to find you! Now you can come home, right?”
“Bumble bee, sweetie no! Nonono, papa’s busy, real busy, ya gotta go back *home*!”
“Too late!” Quirin exclaimed
“Wha-!” He saw Quirin rush forwards, his swords clanging with Cain’s hammer! Clay pulled Terra behind him, raising his pitchfork and glaring at Cain
Quirin and Cain were locked, Clay turned back to his daughter, “please go home! I’ll be back! I’ll be right behind ya, ya just need to go!”
“P-papa who’s that?” Terra asked, his emerald eyes shimmering with fear as she stared at the man behind her father
*Shit, she’s frozen in fear! What to do what to do what to fucking DO!* Clay thought to himself before Quirin’s voice reached him ears
“RUN!” The knight shouted, “TAKE YOUR DAUGHTER AND RUN *NOW*!”
Clay looked back at the knight, then winced when he saw him slide against the floor, he got up instantly, “Quirin-!”
“I’m fine! I’ve handled worse, *trust* me! Take your daughter and RUN! If you see Adira, point her in my direction! She’ll help! Just GO!” He clanged weapons with Cain again
Clay stared at the young man for a bit before he sighed, “thank you… I’m sorry….”
“It’s okay, just run! Keep her safe!”
Clay nodded before he scooped his daughter up and ran away! “Papa?” Terra asked, her voice was full of fear and worry*
“I think I remember this part!” Adira interjected, “he yelled at me with his daughter in hand, he told me you and Cain were fighting!” She explained:
*Clay didn’t reply, he just ran as fast as he could, his legs screaming at him, he was slow, his age, and years spent doing hard manual labor, betraying him as he rushed towards his house, rounding every corner with a slide and shriek of his heels on pavement. He stopped when he noticed white hair shining in some nearby tree branches, “ADIRA!!!!!” He yelled, instantly catching the woman’s attention, “QUIRIN’S GOT CAIN IN A DEAD END!!!!! ALLEY WAY, TO THE RIGHT, BIG OAK TREE NEXT TO IT, NOT TOO FAR FROM HERE! HE’S FIGHTING HIM AS WE SPEAK! I GOTTA BRING MY DAUGHTER BACK HOME, *PLEASE* HELP HIM!”
The face painted warrior’s face suddenly shifted from confused and startled, to serious, angry, and grateful, she nodded before hopping from tree to tree without another word, skipping trees and cutting her face on the branches in an effort to reach her older brother faster until she finally found him! Her blade shined brightly as she unsheathed it and sliced through the air, bringing it down on Cain’s hammer and knocking him away from her brother, “nice to see you again!” She said to Quirin
“Nice to see you too!” Quirin replied before they continued to fight together*
“So *that’s* how you got there!” The retired knight exclaimed
“Yes, Clay practically *screamed* for me to come find you”
Quirin smiled, “I’m grateful for that, he saved me, so did you that night, because I was close to losing that fight”
“Huh? But you’re super dad, you win every fight”, Varian stated
Quirin snorted, “well I wasn’t a ‘super dad’ during that particular fight, I was a knight, but with very little experience on the field of battle, I have plenty now, but you’re never fully prepared for an actual fight until you’ve face many opponents, I’d only faced a few at that point, none of them were as strong as Cain, Adder came close, but not as strong”
“Well that’s terrifying”, Hugo stated
“Very much so, going back to what happened next”, he said, getting Varian to blush, “Adira and I were a fair match for Cain, but he’d ended up catching me off guard and knocking me down, Adira went after him, I followed, he was slower than before, due to his injuries, but had enough of a head start that it took us a bit to catch up, an when we did…. He’d found Clay and Terra….”
*”STOP CAIN!” Quirin yelled as he and Adira rushed forwards, only to freeze when they saw Cain and Clay glaring at each other
The farmer had his pitchfork out, ready to cause some major damage, but what scared the two Brotherhood members the most was the small girl hiding behind her father still. She stared at the criminal before she saw Adira, “you’re back!” She exclaimed, making the face painted warrior look at her anxiously, “please get this man away from us!”
“I’ll do what I can”, Adira stated before she rushed forwards, slicing her blade at Cain, the man returned her slashes with a blow from his hammer, blocking her attack and locking their weapons
“Hello puppet”, Cain said, his voice wispy and hollow, sounding like the whispers you hear in the wind
A chill ran down Adira’s spine, but she continued to fight, “I’m *not* your *puppet*!” She exclaimed, stepping forwards, her sword making his hammer nudge back a bit
Quirin ran forwards and slammed into Cain, sending him flying before he looked at Clay, “RUN WE CAN HANDLE HIM!”
“I CAN’T!” Clay responded
“WHAT?! WH-!” The knight froze when he saw that they were in a dead end, “shit!”
Adira growled, “what do we do?”
Quirin was about to speak when Cain rushed at him, knocking the knight away! Adira blocked his punch, only to be hit in the head, *hard* by his hammer, sending him flying into the wall behind her before she fell to the floor, “ADIRA!!!!!” Quirin yelled
She didn’t move, the knight ran to her, checking her vitals, he signed with relief when he realized she was alive, only to get a blow to the head as well, though this one had a lot less speed to it, only managing to face the knight before he got up and, with an angry scream, slashed his blades at the criminal!
“GAH!!!!” Cain jumped back, holding his chest
This allowed Quirin to stand, growling at the man before he stepped in front of Adira. Cain glared before noticed Clay again and smirked, he got up again and rushed to them! “NO!” Quirin yelled, he ran towards them as well
But the yell of Clay’s pain and shriek of the little girl filled his ears, he stopped when he saw Cain holding Terra up by her hair, the 14 year old struggling against the large man’s grip, Clay was on the ground, still alive, but severely wounded if the blood coming from his mouth was any indication, “STAY THE *FUCK* BACK KNIGHT! OR THE GIRL GETS IT!!!!!”
Quirin froze, he growled, his eyes full of hatred and rage at this man, blades *thirsting* for his blood, but he stayed out, standing in front of his sister protectively
“Good boy, now, just stay like that, and no one else has to ge-ACK!”
Clay had stabbed his pitchfork into the criminal’s chest, causing him to drop Terra, she ran away, hiding behind a nearby trash can! Quirin ran forwards as Cain pulled out the pitch fork, only for him to smile at Quirin, “protect her”, was all he said, before Cain’s hammer caved Clay’s face in for one final time
“PAPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!” Terra screamed, her voice growing higher and higher pitched as she screamed
Quirin stood there, mouth agape as his idol’s body slumped to the floor, his blood painting the street red….. People had come out, trying to see what the noise was, only to shriek when they saw their farm leader lying dead on the floor. Tears streaked down Quirin and Terra’s face, someone had picked the 14 year old up and was holding her close as she told everyone what’d happened
The crowd grew angry, shouting at Cain, the criminal was surrounded, nowhere to run, no way to hide. The knight’s tears dripped off his face, before he looked at Cain. His eyes blazed with hatred, his swords glistened with rage, the Moon shining behind him as if approving of his decision. He stepped forwards, the sound of his footfalls silencing the crowd as they stood aside, silently giving their approval as well. Cain was grabbed by two men, unable to escape, before the knight came into view, “Cain….. you’ve harmed and killed *hundreds* of innocent women and children, you’ve damaged homes and have stolen *millions* in currency, you avoided capture even when given the chance for mercy, you harmed my *sister* *TWICE*, you held a *14 year old girl* *hostage* in front of her *father*, and you *killed* a great man. It is in Clay Bazin’s name, the name of the Artem King, King Edmund, and witnessed by the people of Nedzerdnia and the Moon herself, that I sentence you to *death*!”
Cain’s eyes widened, fear being the final emotion he’d ever feel, before Quirin’s blades came down, piercing his chest, straight through his heart, and cracking the cement below the criminal. The final thing he saw, was the knight’s face, tear stained and angry, the final words he heard, were from the knight himself, “May the Moon have mercy on your damned soul…..”*
Notes:
Hello! :D
So I couldn’t stop writing this chapter! I got so into it that I basically did nothing else the entire afternoon XD
Quirin is an adorable fanbean! I love writing him as an adorable knight, he’s so freaking cute 😊🎶❤️
Varian takes so much after his father it’s uncanny! Their anger, fanbeaning, adorkable natures, and intellectual minds, so cute!!!!!!
Adira would immediately run to help her sibling, she’s a good sister 🎶
Rest in Peace Clay Bazin, you were a very good man 🎶❤️ (no joke, even though I knew what would happen, I still really loved this guy! He’s a very good man! I hope that doesn’t sound egotistical, sorry if it does)
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 649: 4th of July!
Summary:
Heheh! Somethin new, from you favorite demon!
Chapter Text
*One month before the bachelor party*
Hugo hummed happily as he pieced together the final firework, he smiled when he looked at his finished creation and set it down. He looked out the window, it was a gloriously sunny day, perfect for fireworks, he grinned, things seemed to certainly be getting be-e-e-e-e-e-!
“Heya folks!” Beetlejuice stated with a grin as he looked directly at you, “so, the author decided I could have free rein to do somethin fuckin special for this holiday! They totally said I could do what I wanted and aren’t tied up in their room at the moment, heh. So what I wanna do, is pick from another fandom the author likes, and place our two lovers inside! And I’ve got one hell of doozy for you all! See, HarmonySong’s been getting back into a certain franchise that has a plot more complicated than my dating advice! It’s scary as hell, it’s fun, and it’s full of entertainment! So, for one chapter only, I give you all….. one night in security breach!” He grinned before snapping his fingers, “it’s showtime”, he then disappeared, allowing the chapter to begin again:
*”Ugh…. W-where are we?” Varian asked as he looked around, stopping when he spotted Hugo nearby, “Hugo! Hey!” He ran over and gently shook his lover awake
Hugo mooned before sitting up, “oof…. Freckles? What’s going on?”
“I don’t know, do you remember Beetlejuice coming over to you and snapping his fingers?”
“Yeah…. That was weird…. I think I fell asleep when he did that…. We were getting ready for the 4th of July right?”
“Yeah…. Um…. Where are we?”
“Huh?” Hugo looked around before he froze, staring at the place they currently resided in. It looked like a lab to them, but it was filled with screens that showed different places on them. Varian stared at the screens as Hugo walked over and poked them, “the hell?”*
Suddenly Beetlejuice appeared and snapped his fingers again, getting the boys to doze a little as he looked at you again, “we’re just gonna fucking have them know what modern technology is here, because fuck dealing with them trying to understand it. That’s boring as shit and it’ll take the whole damn chapter! Hugo’s a damn inventor for fuck’s sake! So now they know about modern technology, and they both still have their smarts about them, so they might actually know more than I do now, heh, perfect!”
He disappeared and the chapter continued
*Varian shook his head to clear it of the sudden dizziness he felt, “Hugo, did you also feel that just now?”
“Yeah, that was weird…. You okay Freckles?” The blond asked
“Yeah, you?”
“Yeah”
“Who are you two?!” A female voice asked, getting the duo to turn and face her. She was a blond female with green eyes, with her hair tied up in a ponytail, she had a security outfit on and a flashlight in her hand
“Um…. Hi, I’m Varian, this is Hugo, we sorta…. Got lost….” The alchemist explained
“I’ll say you did, how in the hell did you two get stuck in here so late?” She exclaimed, “you’re not supposed to be here after hours, you need to leave”
“And how are we supposed to do that?” Hugo asked with a quirked brow, unamused by this woman’s anger, “he just said we’re fucking lost lady”
“Vanessa”
“Eh?”
“My name is Vanessa, and you’ll follow me”, she stated huffily, “you’re so damn lucky that *I* was the one who caught you and not the security bot…. Come on, now”
Both teens stood and began to follow her without another question. The duo really didn’t wanna argue, seeing as how they still didn’t remember how they got here, now how they’d get back to their home. As they walked out of the employees only area and ended up in the main entrance lobby, they both gasped when they saw how big the place they were in was. Gawking at the sheer size as Varian looked at Vanessa, “what is this place?” He asked
“It’s the place you’re currently trespassing in”, she snapped
“Hey, I get you’re mad, but chill! We got lost for fuck’s sake”, Hugo defended, “it wasn’t like we did this on purpose”
“Regardless of if you did it on purpose or not is *not* my concern! You’re in *danger* here at night!” She huffed, “manners won’t save you two from what’s inside this pizzaplex, so just hurry up and move!”
This caught the blond off guard, he followed, holding Varian’s hand as he did. They reached the main entrance area, when suddenly, “Greeeeeeeegoryyyyy~”
“Huh?” Varian turned to look before he stopped at what he saw. An animatronic chicken stood across the room, she had pink and green leg warmers, a pink outfit, black bangles, green fingerless gloves, green triangle earrings, and a pink bow holding up her feathers. She also seemed to be wearing make up. The alchemist paused for a moment, “who’s that?” He asked
Vanessa froze when she saw the chicken before grabbing both teen’s hands and pulling them towards a hiding spot behind a nearby Photo Booth. She waited as the chicken walked by, “don’t make a sound”, she stated
Varian and Hugo watched the chicken pass them, the inventor noting that her walk cycle seemed slightly janky, and her eyes were lulling back and forth with no clear direction. He raised a brow, waiting until the chicken was out of sight before looking at Vanessa, “what’s up with that animatronic? She seemed…. Glitched”
Vanessa didn’t respond
“Um hello! Lady with a bug up her ass, can ya reply please?”
“……Find him….” She said, her voice also glitching a bit, startling both teens
“The hell’s wrong with you?” Hugo asked
Vanessa grinned wildly before something changed, her green eyes turned bright purple, she stood up and singsonged, “intruuuuudeeeeeeds~”
Varian and Hugo stared at the woman as something glitched around her. Her clothing changed from her security guard uniform, to a yellow bunny costume, complete with a wild grin and purple eyes. Hugo stared at the woman in shock before he felt Varian pull him to his feet, the alchemist’s eyes were glowing with fear before he pointed to something behind the security girl. The chicken was back, she’d spotted them and was sprinting straight towards them! “RUN!”
The two scientists booked it! Running as fast as they could through the pizzaplex, they went through a long hallway, the chicken animatronic hot on their tails, before they spotted a red double door that was labeled, “Superstar Daycare Pick-Up”. Slamming open the doors, they saw a mural pointing them towards the daycare, your parents are looking for yoooooooou~” the chicken called out, prompting the duo to run a little faster
They followed the arrows pointing to the daycare, spotting a giant, blue, sliding door with a yellow Sun, a yellow crescent Moon painted inside the Sun, on it, along with five stars surrounding the two celestial beings. The duo were drawn to the door as the chicken could be heard stomping around outside the red double doors. They walked over and stopped when the sliding door began to slide open!
They walked inside, the sliding door closing behind them as they both let out a breath, “whew! That was way too close!” Hugo exclaimed before he looked around, “woah, that’s a big statue”
“Yeah”, Varian agreed before he circled around the statue and grinned, “hey there’s two animatronics here!” He said, “this one at the back looks like the Moon!”
“Really?”
“Yeah! I like them!”
“Neat! This one looks like the Sun”, Hugo stated with a smile, “Rapunzel would like this one”, he smirked, “I like their puff pants!”
“Same! They look so cool! I hope we get to meet them!”
Hugo raised a brow, “well maybe not”, he said, “the chicken animatronic seemed glitchy”
“True…. But they look so friendly”
“I know Freckles”, the blond replied with a smirk before he spotted a slide, he snorted, “‘slide into fun’ eh?”
“Oooh! Hugo look! There’s a whole playground!”
“Huh?” The blond looked through the ropes, that hung around the slide, before smiling as he saw a large playing area, with padded walls, and decorated with the Sun and Moon and Stars! He grinned, “ok, that’s does look really fucking fun”
Varian giggled before he looked at the slide again, “it looks big enough for us, do you wanna slide into fun?” The alchemist teased
The blond raised a brow, “really?”
“Yeah! Come on! Last one down’s a rotten egg!” The alchemist said before he hopped into the slide and went down
Hugo chuckled before sighing and hopping in as well, sliding down and landing in a ball pit, “woah! Cool!” He said with a grin, before he looked around, “uh Varian?” He said, no reply, “Varian!”
“Boo!” Varian exclaimed as he jumped out of the ball pit towards Hugo
“Ah! Fucking hell! Don’t do that!”
The freckled teen laughed, “you’re so jumpy”
“Yeah yeah”
The alchemist giggled before giving Hugo a peck on the cheek as he waddled through the ball pit, “this is so fun!” He exclaimed happily
Hugo smiled as he followed his lover, before he heard a noise, “eh? Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?”
“It sounded like a laugh”
“A laugh?”
“Yeah-why are you stopping?”
Varian grinned, “remember that Sun statue we saw earlier?”
“Yeah?”
“Look!”
When Hugo looked to where the alchemist was pointing, he stopped when he saw the Sun character from earlier, but this time, they were real! And animatronic! The Sun character spotted the two before they smiled, “HOO HOO HOO!!!!” They laughed before diving, head first, into the ball pit
“Woah!”
“I know! Let’s go say hi!” Varian exclaimed excitedly
“Hang on Freckles”, the inventor exclaimed, grabbing the teen’s hand, “what about the glitchy animatronic from earlier?”
“Aw come on! This guy seems friendly”
“Varian, they just dove, head first, into the ball pit….”
“Yeah, with a laugh that reminds me of grandpa”
Hugo sighed, “let’s just, be cautious okay?”
“Oki….”
“Thank you”
Hugo took the lead, slowly walking over to where the animatronic had landed before they popped up out of the ball pit, “NEW FRIEND! You’re sure up late-are we having a slumber party?!” They asked, grabbing Hugo gently before lifting him up and bringing him out of the ball pit before setting him down gently on the floor, Varian followed behind. The Sun animatronic then scanned the inventor, “oh! You’re a teen! HELLO! I hope you’re not like the other kid that was in here, he broke the one rule of the daycare and now he’s banned!”
Hugo blinked, “and what would that one rule be?”
“Keep the lights ON”, the Sun animatronic stated, “ON! ON…..” he repeated ominously
“Oh…. Um…. Sure, we can do that”
“GREAT! Then you’re more than able to stay in the daycare! Oh it’s been a little while since I’ve seen a teenager in here, let alone two! Though you two are up *waaaaay* past your bedtimes!”
Varian giggled as Hugo let out a sigh of relief, this animatronic seemed okay, the alchemist spoke up, “what’s your name?”
“Me? Oh I’m Sundrop! But my friends call me Sunny!” Sunny exclaimed happily, “I’m the daycare attendant! And what might your names be?”
“I’m Varian, and this is Hugo”
“Nice to meet you BOTH! Oh this’ll be GREAT! We can finger paint, tell stories, drink fizzy faz until our heads EXPLODE, and stay up ALL NIGHT!!!!!”
Hugo grinned as Varian giggled, “oki, whatcha wanna do first?”
“Oooooh! You choose! I wanna do ALLOF THEM!”
The alchemist grinned, “well…. I haven’t finger painted in a long time, how about that?”
“Ok! I’ll go get the paint, you two stay right here okay?”
“Ok”, Hugo replied, before he watched Sunny skip off happily, humming to himself
“Still scared love?”
“Shush”
The alchemist giggled and hugged his fiancé lovingly
****
“So! How did you two end up here?” Sundrop asked as they finger painted together
“We…. Don’t remember actually”, the inventor replied, “we just kinda…. Woke up here….”
“Huh, how strange! My scanners don’t indicate any injuries”
“Well that’s good to know”
“It is! Though I will let you know, if either of your two ever get hurt in the daycare, I’m programmed with pediatric care and can heal you if needed”
“Thanks Sunny!” Varian stated before he showed his painting, “ta daaa~!”
“Oh! What a lovely painting! Very avant-guard!”
“Thank you! I like yours too! Though, who’s that?” Varian asked, pointing to the Moon man standing beside Sun
“Oh that’s just…. A very old friend of mine…. He uh… can’t come out to play much anymore…. I miss him….”
“Oh…. I’m sorry….. He looks like the Moon being on your statue, is that him?”
“Yeah…. His name is Moondrop, I call him Moony….”
“Why can’t he come out to play anymore?” Hugo asked, genuinely feeling bad for this animatronic
“Because he’s glitched”, Sunny replied, “whenever he comes out to play, he ends up hurting people…. That’s why the lights need to stay on in the daycare. If they’re turned off, Moony comes out, and he hurts people….. even kids…..”
Both scientists gasped at that, “oh Sunny I’m so sorry….” Varian replied, gently touching Sun’s hand
“Oh, it’s okay…. I just wish I knew what was wrong with Moony….” He said softly, “it doesn’t help that every other hour he gets to come out and patrol the building at night….”
“Wait, every other hour?” Hugo asked
“Yeah, oh don’t worry new friends! He leaves the daycare so long as the lights stay on. Even if there’s anyone inside when he goes on patrol, per his protocol, he’s supposed to leave, and be always does, so you’re safe in here, though…. I would hide when the time comes…. Just in case….”
“Good to know….” Hugo replied
Varian thought for a moment before he asked, “Sunny…. Me and Hugo…. We work with mechanics and such, maybe we could take a look at Moon and see if we could fix him?”
“What?! OH NONONO!!!! If he came out at all, you’d both be in terrible danger!” Sunny exclaimed
“Easy Sunny easy! I’m not saying we turn the lights off or anything. I won’t, neither of us will, but…. Maybe we could look at his coding? Do you know if we could?”
Sun stopped before he let out a sigh, “management already tried, they couldn’t fix it…. The lights being on all the time is the only way to stop him….”
“Hmmmm….” Varian continued to think before he got an idea, “lights on means you stay out, right?”
“Yeah?”
“What if we shined so much light on you that it locked your servos in place?” Varian suggested, “that way, no matter what we do, you’re stuck being Sun until we turn the lights down! Would you let us look at him then?”
Sun thought about that, “how do I know you two are technicians? Do you have any way of showing me?”
Hugo grinned, “got anything I can tinker with?”
Sunny smiled, “I do actually, hang on!” A small hook, attached to a thick rope, came down and attached itself to the animatronics back, lifting him into the air before he flew towards the tower he’d jumped from earlier. He went inside and stayed there for a moment or two, before he flew back out, holding a small robot in his hands as he landed and the rope unlatched itself from Sunny and went away, “here, this is a little vent music man”, he said, “they play music throughout the vents in the pizzaplex when the speakers go down, but when this one began to play, he ended up getting water in him due to a leak, and hasn’t worked correctly since…. Management couldn’t fix him, so they left him in here….”
“Lemme see”, Hugo said, gently taking the small spider robot out of Sunny’s hands. The tinkered with the tiny creature for a moment, managing to open the animatronic’s chest cavity before he found the damaged parts of the little creature. Working quickly, the inventor cleaned and fixed the motherboard, rewired a few things, and cleaned the speaker inside the creature before closing them back up, he smiled, “there, how do we turn them on?”
“Oh! You have to sing! Or place them near a speaker with music playing!”
“Hmmm….” The blond heard the daycare jingle and smiled, “where’s the jingle coming from?”
“Up there!” Sunny pointed to a speaker on the ceiling, “here, allow me”. Taking the small music man out of Hugo’s hands, the rope with a hook came down once again, and attached itself to Sunny. The daycare attendant was then hoisted up, and flew towards the speaker, he held the tiny music man next to it, and for a moment, nothing happened, but just as Sunny was about to leave, the little spider twitched a leg, then another. Soon enough, they were getting up and looking around before they smiled up at Sunny and began to play the daycare jingle, “you fixed them!” Sunny exclaimed happily as he flew down, showing the inventor, “you fixed them right up!!!!!”
“Yup! I told you I could, Varian can too”
Sundrop stared at the duo for a moment or two, before he sighed and nodded, “o-okay…. If you’re really sure you can fix Moony… t-then…. I’ll let you try….. j-just… be careful?”
“We will Sunny”, Varian replied with a reassuring smile, “we swear”
****
“Ready?” Hugo called out as he stood behind a generator
“Ready!” Sundrop replied determinedly
Varian and Hugo nodded before they fired up the final generator, it shined a bright light on Sun. The animatronic looked around before suddenly he froze. The duo could hear his servos locking up. Varian immediately ran over and, using a Fazwrentch Sunny had given them earlier, powered down the animatronic, though Sunny still didn’t move, “ok, he’s in sleep mode”
“Good”, Hugo walked over, his own Fazwrentch in his hand, “let’s check out this friendly guy and see what we can do”
“Right!”
They started to search through Sunny’s components before Varian noticed two memory chips, one was yellow, the other blue, “maybe this is it”, he pulled both out and flipped them over, the yellow chip said ‘Sun’, while the blue said ‘Moon’. The alchemist smiled, “Hugo, I found their memory chips”, he places Sunny’s back in place as Hugo walked over, “you think this may be the issue?”
“Could be, Sunny said Moon will only come out when the lights are off, only then does he start attacking people. That could be because something glitched his memories, they would hold all of his protocols and such inside”
“Ok, but how do we fix a memory chip love?”
“Hmmm…. There’s a computer nearby, if we can plug it in and see what memories and protocols it holds, maybe we’ll find the glitch and we can remove it?”
“Maybe”
They ran over to the computer and placed the memory chip inside. The screen that popped up showed a bunch of things that Varian couldn’t quite make out, he was more and alchemist than an inventor after all, though he did recognize a few things, such as the files going into detail about what Moon should do in certain situations. That’s when he noticed something odd, “hey Hugo, look”, he pointed to a second that seemed to be written in purple
“Woah, an entire different color of coding? The hell?” Hugo read through it before his eyes widened, “holy shit! This is advanced hacking! Someone overrode Moon’s personality, changing him from a gentle nap timer, to a fucking kidnapper! There were some things they couldn’t change, like the switching to Sunny when the lights go on, thankfully, but his security protocol, by the way, Vanessa was right, we *are* lucky that we didn’t get caught by the security bot, because that’s Moon, and he would’ve killed us, is all kinds of fucked up! It’s like someone took Moon and turned him into their personal weapon”
“That’s messed up!”
“Extremely, but we can fix it!”
“Yay! How?”
“We just need to recode this section here, it’s a simple fix, but it takes a while…. No wonder management gave up, watch over Sunny while I reorganize this will ya?”
“Can do!” Varian walked over to the animatronic and smiled, “guess what Sunny, we found the problem, Hugo’s fixing it now! Moon’s coming back to ya!”
The alchemist did a happy dance before he stopped, if he didn’t know any better, he could’ve swore he’d just seen Sunny’s smile widen just a bit
****
“Ugh…. What happened?”
“Heeeeeellooooo!” Varian stated happily, startling Sunny, but getting him to smile all the same
“We fixed Moon!” Hugo stated happily
“Y-you did?!” Sunny asked, standing up with Varian’s help
“Yup! It took a few hours, but I recorded his program, that glitch was detailed, but so was my fix! So you two should be perfectly fine now!”
“Also, we found someone named Eclipse in your memories. We got worried about the glitch possibly spreading to you, so we checked”, Varian stated, “it seems as though Eclipse being in your chip specifically Sunny made it to where you were protected from the glitch”
“Really?”
“Yeah! Eclipse has safety mode, which protects you and them from any malware from entering your code! Moon didn’t have that, now he does! So you’re both safe!”
“We also saw the you’d be able to talk to him when you’re out, and vice versa when he’s out, can you hear him?” Hugo asked
“Oh! Uh…. Lemme check”, Sunny closed his eyes, concentrating, he felt Moon’s presence, he reached out to them, and finally, a voice came through, “S…. Sunny?”
Sundrop gasped before opening his eyes, “M-Moony? Can you hear me?”
Silence, before, “….Yes, I can hear you Sunny, can you hear me?”
Sun grinned from ray to ray, “YES I CAN!!!!! Moony! I CAN HEAR MOONY!!!!!”
He heard Moondrop chuckling as he danced around happily, “I’m glad to be back”
“Moony!” Sunny embraced himself, trying to hug his lunar counterpart, it was the thought that counted. Hugo and Varian smiled happily, then Sunny gasped, “MOONY YOU’VE GOT TO MEET OUR NEW FRIENDS!!!!”
“He did already actually”, Hugo said
“Huh? When?”
“When we were checking your memory chip”, Varian explained, “we were positive we’d fixed Moon. So we placed him back inside you, that seemed to reset your servos, every other hour he comes out you said, right?”
“Yeah!”
“Well, he kept your word, because when we put him back inside you, the lights turned off and Moon popped out. He was startled to see us at first, but when we explained the situation, he genuinely super happy, and allowed us to check your memory chip, just in case”
“Oh so *thats* how that happened! Did you have fun Moony?”
“I did”, Moondrop replied
“YAY!!!!!! Oh thankyouthankyoithankyouTHANKYOU!!!!! You both brought back my Moony!!!!” Sunny exclaimed before hugging to two scientists happily-!*
What the heck happe-! BEETLEJUICE!!!!!
Beetlejuice grinned, “hee hee, guess we’re cutting it short. Also, did I say scary earlier? I meant puke inducing wholesome!”
BEETLEJUICE GET OUT OF MY ROOM!!!!!
“Heh, see ya next chapter fuckers!!!!!” The demon disappeared
*Sigh*, ugh…. Little gremlin, he keeps stealing my left socks! Hm? ….he wrote a chapter? About Varian and Hugo fixing Sunny and Moon? ….I was gonna write that…. *Sigh*, oh well, it’s not the 4th of July chapter I was planning on, but at least it’s something, who knows, maybe you’ll like it!
Notes:
Hello!
Beetlejuice stole my computer and typed this up, he really wanted me to post this, I read it over and it looks really good 😁
It actually is a lot like something I would type, so me and Beetlejuice hope that you all enjoy!
Happy 4th of July! 🎶❤️😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 650: Hugo’s Home!
Summary:
Hugo learns what happened to his mom before he was born!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
* “May the Moon have mercy on your damned soul…..”*
Quirin sighed, “I avenged him…. Adira had been hurt badly though, and Terra was… traumatized to say the least…. The there was Clay…. The entire kingdom mourned him…. I have my respect”
“As did I”, Adira added sadly
Quirin nodded, “we held a small service for him in the Artem kingdom as well, King Edmund wanted to give recognize him for his bravery and sacrifice. I think he spoke to your family?”
“He did, came to our home personally and gave his condolences”, Hutch replied, “I remember that day, he was a nice man, I remember him looking at me and givin a friendly smile, he said that the Moon would watch over my father’s soul, and that she’d keep him safe, it…. Helped…. A lot more than I knew at the time”
The retired knight smiled at that, “I’m glad it did…. I’m not sure what happened after that, I never stepped foot in Nedzerdnia again until I became a Village Leader”
“Where ya met me”
“Yup, and you had a few choice words to say to me”
“Heh, I… apologize for that, when I saw you, and you told me where you were from, I got mad because of what happened to my pa”
“Understandable”
“Still ain’t right though, you’re a damn good farmer Vanguard, if I ever needed proof, I’ll just look at that damn ribbon you won during your first farmer’s market, heh, your boy’s potion helped your pumpkin grow if I remember right”
“Yup!” Varian replied proudly, “my fast growing plant elixir!”
“Title pending?” Hugo asked with a smirk
“Title pending”
Quirin chuckled at that before the older woman, who’d hugged Hugo before, stepped in, “Terra was my granddaughter”, she said sadly, “my name is Grace…. And I love my Terra so much”, she stated, “when she was a young girl, I would teach Terra to sow and crochet, I would dress her up and do her hair. She was my little girl, she loved to talk with me while her father and brother worked in the fields, though she often would help with the animals because she felt connected to them. We Bazin’s have a strong connection to the Earth, our ancestors were Seporian before they moved to this new land, it’s the same story for most families in Nedzerdnia”
Varian’s eyes lit up with interest, “really?”
Grace smiled warmly at the teen, “indeed, we were a proud people, and Terra embraced that connection the most through her animals. She’d take such wonderful care of them, never once having any trouble with any animal”
“Well that makes sense”, Hector stated, getting Grace to look at him, “I mean for Hugo, I have two binturongs and a rhino, and the first time this blond kid met them, they, near *instantly*, fell in love with him. Never understood it, I thought that only ever happened to me, but Hugo proved me wrong”
“That happened with Ruddigar too, even if my coon didn’t trust you at first love, he didn’t actually hurt you, only threatened to should you harm me”, Varian stated as he scratched Ruddigar behind the ears, getting the older coon to purr
Hugo blushed, “so, I got that from my mom then?”
“Seems so!”
The blond smiled happily at that before he remembered something and looked at Grace, “um, I uh…. D-do you guys hate…. Inventors? ….Or alchemy?”
Grace blinked before she smiled and shook her head, “we may be of Seporian descent, but we actually enjoy a lot of the new technology in our world. That’s why we’re Nedzerdnia, we were the part of Seporia that left and found a new home, we wanted to see what more we could do for the earth, what more could be made, we sometimes practice the old ways in some of the holidays we celebrate, but we’re not opposed to anything new, that’s why we traveled here”, she smirked, “and we certainly don’t mind new ways to love either, like two men finding love in each other, so you can stop hiding your held hands behind your back now”
The two scientists blushed before they giggled and stopped hiding their hands. Grace chuckled, as did Quirin, before the retired knight looked at the older woman, “so…. Terra loved you all so much it seems…. Even to the point where she had a special relationship with you, Mrs. Bazin”, he nodded at Grace, who smiled and nodded back, “….Did…. Did the events of Clay’s passing change something?”
“It did…. Terra she…. Wasn’t the same after that…. She stopped talking, stopped eating…. Stayed in her room and shut the door, she didn’t wanna see, or talk to, anyone…. Not even me….” Grace said sadly
Hutch sighed, “when the day my pa’s funeral came along, Terra came out, dressed head to foot in black, and paid her respects…. But she didn’t cry, didn’t speak, she just…. Stared…. Silent as falling snowflakes….” He sighed, “I tried talking to her, tried telling her it wasn’t her fault, we *all* tried, but it didn’t work…. And…. After the service and everyone had grieved….. She left in the middle of the night….” He said sadly, getting the group to gasp, “I was the one that found her room empty that morning…. She left us a note, apologizing for what she’d done, she blamed herself…. She said she was a danger to this family and left…. We searched *everwhere* for her! Every kingdom, every person we found, we had an 8 kingdoms wide search! But she was gone…. She’d hidden…. And we never found her…. Until today”, he looked at Hugo, and smiled, “you have her eyes, and when you mentioned your father’s name….” He sighed, his fist clenched, “he came to our home once…. He was grabbing Terra’s things…. We saw him for what he was, a fuckin deadbeat only after my sister for her beauty….. I beat him half to death, tried gettin him to tell me where she fuckin was, be he managed to squirm away….. and he never came back….. we tried lookin again, but….” He shook his head
“I’m sorry….” Hugo said softly
“Don’t you apologize little one”, Grace stated, “you aren’t to blame for what happened to this family, you came home, you found us after all these years! And…. I’m so so *so* happy to meet you!”
Hugo blinked, before he smiled, tears filling his eyes a bit, Varian gave his hand a happy squeeze as another female, this one a bit younger than Grace, spoke up, addressing Quirin, “my name is Amelia, my husband was Clay”, she stated, getting the retired knight to wince a bit, he looked down, but looked back at her when she gently touched his shoulder, “my husband…. He was seen as a great hero because of you, and the people that saw you avenge him said you did him a great service. I’ll admit, I was mad at you before finding that out. I thought he’d died because of a criminal your kingdom couldn’t handle, but I realize I was wrong for thinking that”, she smiled at the man, “to know that someone who looked at my husband so fondly, and respectfully, avenged him, and was the final person to stand by his side, makes me so incredibly happy and proud, Quirin Vanguard….. thank you, for avenging him, and respecting his name”
This made the Village Leader pause, before he teared up a bit, “t-thank you….”
She smiled and nodded before hugging him, startling the group until Quirin hugged her back, gently, and respectfully of course, before they let go and she backed up a bit as he dried his eyes with a smile. She looked at Adira next, the warrior blushed, “I-Im sorry, but I wouldn’t like a hug”, she stammered
Amelia giggled, “it’s okay, I won’t, but thank you for helping, they couldn’t have done it without you”
Adira smiled and nodded as Hector patted Quirin’s shoulder, Eugene spoke next, “so…. With all this being said…. Hugo…. Did you wanna…. Maybe get to know them? They’re your bloodline after all”
“Yeah! Hugo you should spend a day with them!” Varian encouraged
“That would be wonderful”, Grace said, “I’d love to know more about you Hugo”
“We all would”, Hutch added with a smile
The blond blushed even more, “um…. C-can Varian join?” He asked, getting the alchemist to giggle
“Course he can! Heck, all of you can join! I wanna get to know all of ya better!” Hutch exclaimed happily, “specially you Vanguard, I think we got some farmin secrets to swap”
Quirin smirked, “you sure you’d wanna get advice from a retired knight Bazin?” He joked
“Heh, I think I can make an exception”
Quirin grinned happily before Hector chimed in, “mind if I join that conversation? I heard about some things said to my brother, and I’d like to chat about them”
“Hector”, Quirin chuckled
“Can’t blame ya, heh, you can chew my ear out all ya wish”, Hutch replied with a good natured smile
The tamer blinked before nodding, “I like him”
“Me too”, Adira added
“You two, I swear!” Quirin huffed happily, getting Hutch to laugh
Hugo looked up at Grace, “so…. You taught my mom how to sow…. Can you show me too? And Varian?”
The older woman’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, “of course I can!”
The entire family began to bond, Hutch, Quirin, Hector, and Adira were all swapping farming and Brotherhood tales, Hugo and Varian learned how to make a few doilies, though the alchemist’s was a little messy, but he didn’t mind, Eugene and Lance ended up spending time in the kitchen with Amelia, cooking up a storm while talking about books, the entire time, Hugo smiled and laughed and had a blast! More family members joined in as the night grew longer and longer. Hugo looked around at one point, he saw friendly faces, smiles everywhere, and got so many warm hugs and, even a few kisses on the cheek, whenever he met someone new! He stayed next to Varian the entire time, but he felt so happy, and for the second time in his life, he’d finally found his home!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Hugo finally gets his family!!!! And he got snuggled, and hugged, and kissed on all the love long day! This boy deserves the world! And I gave it to him!!!! Finally, for once I can say, hooray for Hugo!!!!!!
And Varian being such a supportive bean!!!!! He would! He would support his lover no matter what, and I love that about him!!!!!
Quirin being forgiven because WE STAN QUIRIN IN THIS HOUSEHOLD!!!!!
Adira and Hector were being overprotective, and it makes sense XD
And we even got a Ruddy Buddy moment, yeee!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 651: Chuck and Charlie!
Summary:
Varian runs into a man that he doesn’t realize he’s been looking for!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian stared up at the sky with a smile, he was still in Nedzerdnia, they’d spent the night with Hugo’s family, which had been nothing but a blast! But now the alchemist was walking down the road in order to get to the marketplace! Hutch had found out about their fishing trip and asked to join, the only issue is, he didn’t have a pole!
So as the alchemist stared at the blue sky above him, his mission in mind, he didn’t notice the man standing in his path, not until he bumped into him, “oof!” The alchemist fell backwards before he looked up and saw a very angry looking farmer glaring *daggers* at the teen, “my apologies! I didn’t see you there”, the alchemist got up and dusted himself off before he looked at the man again, “are you okay?”
The man spat on the ground before huffing at the teen, “Watch where yer steppin!” He snapped before stopping as he noticed the alchemist’s eyes. He quirked a brow, “…..what’s yer name?”
“V-Varian”, Varian replied, a little intimidated by this man as he towered over the teen
This made the man’s eyes widen, “Varian?! Wait! Where’d you get that name?!”
“My m-mom?”
“That ain’t a name you should have unless you’re…..” he stopped speaking before be growled, spitting on the ground again, “who was your mother?” He asked, his voice low and dangerous
“U-um I’m gonna go”, the alchemist replied, incredibly creeped out by this man as Ruddigar hissed, his hackles raised and tail poofed
“I asked you a question boy!”
“And I’m not gonna answer sir! Good day!” The alchemist ran away from the man, ignoring his angry calls to come back before the teen rounded the corner and panted a little. He blushed before looking at Ruddigar, who had given him an alert, “thanks buddy…. I know this is a dumb question, but do you have any idea as to who that man might be?”
The raccoon shrugged
“Didn’t figure….” Varian let out a sigh, “we uh…. We should get back to the Bazin home…. I think we’ll need some reinforcements for this fishing pole mission”
Ruddigar chittered in agreement before they started to make their way back to the farm
****
“You ran into who?” Hutch asked, a little concerned as he noticed the alchemist looked extremely frazzled
“A really angry man who…. Asked me who my mother was”, Varian stated, “he has dark brown eyes, brown hair, wears a big hat, and keeps spitting on the ground, er…. He spit on it twice anyway…. I-I just accidentally bumped into him and apologized when he… freaked out on me! T-told me to watch where I was going before he asked me my name, then who my mom was, it was…. Very intimidating….”
“I’m sorry Freckles, I should’ve gone with you”, Hugo said gently
“Not your fault, I wanted to go alone if I’m honest, I kinda needed a moment to myself, but…. I think it just made things worse…. Ruddy gave me an alert after this happened”
“Alert?” Hutch asked
“Varian has a bit of a disability, when his heart rate gets too high, either due to stress or something else, he’ll end up conking out. Ruddigar was trained to sense when it starts to occur, and gives alerts when needed so Varian can prepare accordingly”, Quirin explained
“Ooooooh, service coon!”
“Service coon”
“Neat!”
“How many alerts did he give you son?”
“Only one, and I’m calming down now, I don’t feel tired at all, just anxious”, Varian replied
“Well that’s good, still though, if there’s a man out there who will just be nasty could someone simply bump into him, then we should take precautions and have a buddy buddy system”
“Good idea”, Hutch agreed, “though I think I know the fella you ran into, sounded like old Chuck”
“Chuck?”
“Yep, he’s…. Not the nicest man…. A real pain in the ass if I’m honest, crotchety and rude, even to his own family. His kids don’t really talk to him much, but I see them visit their ma, she’s nice, just quiet…. I’m sorry you had a rough time with him Varian, I should’ve gone and grabbed the fishin pole myself”
“Oh I certainly didn’t mind going to buy it from the market, like I said, I wanted some alone time, so you don’t have to feel guilty at all! I just…. I’m not sure what we should do, I wanna go back to the market, I just don’t wanna run into that guy again”
“How about I go with”, Hugo offered with a smile, “we could take Quirin, and Adira too! Oh! And Hutch!”
“Not uncle Hector?” Varian asked
“Hector hates people”
“It’s true”, the wild tamer himself stated with a smirk
“Why are you standing outside the window?” Hutch exclaimed
“Don’t ask…. They do this…. It’s a headache….” Quirin warned
Varian and Hugo giggled as Hector smirked at his brother
****
“….So you bumped into him, said sorry, and he snapped at you, am I correct?” Adira asked as she walked beside Varian
“Yup”, the alchemist replied
“Hm…. And we’re not supposed to
Take a scene?”
“Yup”
“…..There *is* an ally not too far from here”
“Adira”, Quirin warned with a raised brow as Hutch snorted
“I’m only half joking”
“The half truth is what’s concerning me, sister….”
“It should”
The retired knight sighed before spotting someone and stopping, cocking his head to the side a bit, “Varian, is that who you saw?”
“Huh? Nu, he’s new, and looks a lot nicer too”, Varian replied as they stared at a, slightly rotund, man with blazing red hair and bright blue eyes. He was smiling as he swept the sidewalk before he noticed the group, he blinked and smiled before he spotted Varian, “oh! Oh my, hello there small one uh, ya didn’t happen to run into our father there didja?” He asked nervously
“Did he have dark brown eyes of evil, a hat of lies, and a scowl that looks like an upside-down banana?”
“Yup”
“Then yes”
“Aw geez, I’m sorry there kiddo, he’s uh…. Not the nicest person, eheh, did he hurt you in any way?” The man asked gently
“Nu, just yelled”
“Which isn’t much better if I’m honest”, Hugo added sassily
“You’re not wrong there, sorry about him, he’s…. Well… don’t really have an excuse for him cept that he’s kinda grumpy…. Well…. Okay a fair bit more than grumpy, but, I think you catch my meanin. Did he scare ya?”
“Nu, just made me nervous is all”, Varian replied, “he scared my raccoon though”
Ruddigar huffed and swished his tail
“Aw, sorry about that little fella”, the man replied, smiling apologetically at the coon, who nodded, “my name’s Charlie, named after my father, actually, though he goes by Chuck, and he’s the same man that just scared your coon, eheh, it’s nice ta meetcha. If there’s anything I can do ta make that little incident any better, let me know”
Varian nodded, a smile forming on his face, “it’s not your fault, you seem very nice, I appreciate that, though…. Why’s he ask me who my mama was?”
Charlie blinked, “well I’m not so sure, cept for….. What did you say your name was again?”
“Varian”
Charlie’s eyes widened at that, “Varian? Like…. Variable?”
The alchemist blinked as Quirin stood a little straighter, “y-yeah…. How’d you know that?”
“…..Well…. Eheh, see…. I…. Had a big sister…. I never met her unfortunately, she uh…. Ran away when she was 14….. and way before I was born, heh! …..My father, he never liked her, but…. He remember the name she was gonna give her son, should she ever have one, Varian, like a variable, she loved science…..”
Varian and Hugo stared at the man in shocked silence, as did Adira as Hutch looked at them all, confused, before Quirin spoke up, his voice low, and anxious, “…..was…. Was her name…. Ulla?”
Charlie stared at the man for a long time before he nodded, “y-yeah, it was! h-how’d you know!”
“Holy shit!” Hugo exclaimed
“Red hair….” The retired knight said, “blue eyes….. Cheerful personality…… I can’t believe it…..”
Charlie looked at the group before he spotted Hutch, “you uh….. know what they’re talking about?”
“No idea, but they’re good people, I know that much”, Hutch replied
Charlie nodded, before Varian spoke up, “Ulla…. She was my mama”
“Wait, what?!”
“Yeah! She’s my mama! She’s…. Gone now…. She passed away when I was three, but she’s my mama!”
“Did she work with potions?” Charlie asked
“Yeah! She was an alchemist, so am I!”
“Oh my stars and garters! You! You’re her little science baby!”
Varian grinned from ear to ear, “yeah I am!”
“Oh! I-I can’t believe it! My sister’s son! NY SISTER’S SON!!!! Varian! Ya came back!” He exclaimed, “oh you’ve gotta meet that rest of the family! Save for my dad, they’d wanna talk to you!!!! My mother would love to see you again! And all of my siblings would be more than happy to talk to you and learn more about her! And-!” He stopped when he noticed Adira, he blinked before cocking his head to the side, “my mom, she mentioned a white haired girl that took Ulla away…. But she had green eyes, you have brown….”
Adira blinked before she shook her head, “I’m not the same person, though I know who you’re talking about”
“Are you….. related to her?”
“Yes…. Is that an issue?”
“Well, not for me, but…. Might be an issue to my father…. He’s kinda set in his old ways…..”
Varian looked up at Adira worriedly, “you don’t have to come with, I don’t wanna put you in a bad situation”
“If he says anything to me, I’ll simply ignore him or say something, better, back, I want to be here”
“But…. He could…. Do something bad”
“I won’t let him”, Charlie stated determinedly, “my mom’s been wondering what happened to Ulla, and so have the rest of us, our father is the only person who doesn’t seem to care, and trust me when I say, I won’t let him say or do anything to harm any of you”
Adira nodded, “not only that, but Quirin’s also here, and I think your father should be far more fearful of *him* than anyone else”
Charlie looked confused, “Quirin?”
“Me”, the retired knight stated softly, “I’m Ulla’s husband, and I’m her adopted big brother”, he stated, gesturing to Adira
“Oh! We’ll just one glare from you should keep him quiet, uh, no offense”
“None taken, I’m actually glad that’ll work on him”
Varian looked up at Charlie, “do you know what your dad did to my mama?”
“No I don’t kiddo, my father never talks about it, and he never lets my mom talk about it either, but if you show up, he has no choice! And I, and my siblings, all wanna know what happened to our long lost sister, if that’s okay of course”
Varian thought about it for a moment, he looked at Hugo, who smiled, “I’ll be with you the entire time”
The alchemist smiled at his fiancé, before he nodded, “oki, we’ll come with you”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, Varian found Ulla’s family! And the reason she didn’t seem to have siblings before, is because they weren’t born yet! 😊
Her mother cheated on her father remember, so her mother had Ulla when she was fairly young, so when Ulla left, her parents ended up having kids together again!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 652: Chuck’s Remorse!
Summary:
The group meets the family! And Hugo has a talk with Chuck!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“If he says anything to me, I’ll simply ignore him or say something, better, back, I want to be here”
“But…. He could…. Do something bad”
“I won’t let him”, Charlie stated determinedly, “my mom’s been wondering what happened to Ulla, and so have the rest of us, our father is the only person who doesn’t seem to care, and trust me when I say, I won’t let him say, or do, anything to harm any of you”
Adira nodded, “not only that, but Quirin’s also here, and I think your father should be far more fearful of *him* than anyone else”
Charlie looked confused, “Quirin?”
“Me”, the retired knight stated softly, “I’m Ulla’s husband, and I’m her adopted big brother”, he stated, gesturing to Adira
“Oh! Well just one glare from you should keep him quiet, uh, no offense”
“None taken, I’m actually glad that’ll work on him”
Varian looked up at Charlie, “do you know what your dad did to my mama?”
“No I don’t kiddo, my father never talks about it, and he never lets my mom talk about it either, but if you show up, he has no choice! And I, and my siblings, all wanna know what happened to our long lost sister, if that’s okay of course”
Varian thought about it for a moment, he looked at Hugo, who smiled, “I’ll be with you the entire time”
The alchemist smiled at his fiancé, before he nodded, “oki, we’ll come with you”
****
The small group walked over to a small home nearby, there was a tiny barn in the backyard, with a modest garden, and some farm animals. There was also, about an acre, of land to the side of the home. It wasn’t much, but it was cozy. Varian smiled at the decor, he felt a sense of familiarity here, that’s when he looked at the front door to the home, and stopped, his eyes wide as he saw his mother standing there
She looked anxious, like what they were about to do was unsafe, “Varian?” Quirin asked
“You… don’t see her?” The alchemist responded
“Her? Her who-hold on, Ulla, right?”
“Yeah”
“Beetlejuice isn’t here at the moment, anytime she came around, he was nearby, without him, I can’t see her”
“Oh….. Dad she looks so nervous….”
“Well…. Given the story we were told…. I can understand why….”
“Perhaps we should heed her warning and take caution?” Adira asked, joining her brother and nephew while Hugo’s stare seemed drawn to the barn in the back, Hutch following the blond as they walked past the group, “after all, she knows this family far better than we do”
“A good thought”, Quirin agreed
Varian nodded before he took a breath, then let it go. He heard his father and aunt do the same, before they collectively stepped forwards. Charlie was waiting for them at the door, a friendly smile on his face. Hutch and Hugo were standing beside him, the blond teen still drawn to the barn in the back, before Charlie opened the door, “hello?” He called out, “kids? Honey? Mom? Father? Anyone?”
“Daddy!” A young voice called before a red headed boy, 10, maybe 11 years old, ran over and hugged his father, “hi daddy!”
“Hey Al! Where’s the rest of this house?” Charlie asked, hugging his son back before the child pulled away with a smile
“Out back, pop pop’s feeding the animals, they said I couldn’t come out until you came home”
“But they let Sallie out?”
“Yeah….”
“Albert, did you do something naughty?”
“Yeah…. I pushed Lila”
“Son, why’d you do that?” Charlie asked, kneeling before his child to get on his level
“Cause she was being mean and blocked me from going to the privy! And I really had to go!”
Charlie sighed, “I’ll have a talk with her, but we don’t hit, or push, girls son, you know that”
“I know…. I’m sorry….”
“Well…. You need to apologize to Lila, but let me talk to her first, she owes you an apology too, okay?”
“Yes daddy”
“Thank you for telling me the truth, that was very good of you to do”. Albert smiled and nodded before Charlie stood up and faced his guests, “eheh, sorry about that, little family drama”
“That’s okay”, Quirin replied with a smile, “I understand the feeling”, he looked at Varian, who blushed
Charlie chuckled before he led to the back door of the home, opening it and guiding the group, and Albert, outside. Quirin blinked when he saw a small girl, she looked at be about 12 years old, her hair was bright red, as eyes blue as Varian’s, tiny freckles covering her cheeks, and a smile that made the man freeze for a moment before he shook his head, clearing it of any and all confusion and surprise. Varian looked up at his dad and smiled, “she looks exactly like her”
“Scarily so”, his father agreed
“Hello everyone! I’m back!” Charlie exclaimed
“Welcome back Charlie”, a blond haired, brown eyed woman replied, walking over and kissing the man, “so, we had a little trouble today”
“So I heard, Al told me he’d pushed Lila because she blocked his way to the privy”
“Yup, I already had a talk with her”
“Good, I talked to him, he’s gonna apologize, she should too”
“Right, because we don’t block the privy, also, hun, who are the people behind you, I recognize Mr. Bazin, hi”
“Howdy”, Hutch replied with a smile
“But I don’t recognize the others”
“Oh right! I keep gettin distracted! Honey these fine folks are related to me and my siblings!” He exclaimed, gesturing to the group, “this little one”, he gestured to Varian, “is Ulla’s son!” He stated happily, a little louder than he’d meant to
“What?” A gruff voice said, Varian looked and saw the older man he’d bumped into before, though this time, he looked even angrier than before
Quirin gently scooted his son behind him, doing the same to Hugo while Hurch and Adira stood beside the retired knight, “father, these fine folks are related to Ulla, well, aside from Hutch of course, but the little boy, his name’s Varian, his father, Quirin, is the gentleman you see here”, he gestured to Quirin, who nodddd, “and this is his adopted sister, Adira!” Charlie added, gesturing to the face painted warrior
For a moment, the entire backyard was silent, so much so that you could hear a pin drop, before an old woman, one with red hair and green eyes, stepped forwards, Varian gasped a little when his mother stood beside her, looking concerned, “Varian….. That name…. That was what she wanted to name him….. I remember that”, the woman looked so tired, and so frail as well. She seemed as though the entire world was on her shoulders as she stared at the alchemist
He watched her, before he sidled out from behind his father, and continued to watch her. He was worried she was gonna fall! She looked like a gust of wind could knock her over! The story he’d been told had actually made him concerned about this woman’s well being, considering who she was with. But as he stood there, his mother shook her head, his eyes said it all, told him not to move any closer. So he stayed put, and just watched
The backyard was still silent, before the 12 year old girl, the one that looked so much like Ulla, spoke up, “Varian?” She said, “that’s your name?”
“Yeah, that’s me”, the alchemist replied gently
“…..Are you…. Scary?”
“Huh?”
“Lila!” Charlie scolded
“I-it’s okay”, the teen responded, “no, I’m not scary. Heh, unless you count knowing useless facts about random things scary”, he joked
Lila giggled, “nu I don’t”
Varian grinned, “oh good! Then did you know that apples float? They’re 25% air!”
“Really?”
“Yup! It’s a scientific fact!”
“Cool! No wonder they don’t sink!”
“Neat right?”
“Yeah!”
The ice seemed to break after that, as the was a collective sigh of relief. More people began to step forwards in order to meet the alchemist. He shook hands, greeted everyone that said hello, gave more fun facts, and basically charmed everyone, all except for Chuck, and his wife, who stood, quietly, by his side
The two watched their family interacting with the teen, “maybe…. It would be good to try and-!”
“That is *her* son”, Chuck spat, “that’s no family member of mine…..”
“*He* is family Chuck”
“That’s *YOUR* family! Not mine!” Chuck snapped angrily, “you remember, *that* didn’t come from *my* blood! Talk to it as much as you want, I ain’t got shit to do with them”
“Chuck-!”
“I said, no…..”
His wife sighed, before huffing, “I did wrong by you…. I understand that…. But I’ve since stood by your side, made as many as you wanted, helped you, stayed with you, chose you, I even let my daughter walk away from this family *for* you! I’ve done my damnedest to make up for what I’ve done, I have! And now I finally get the chance to make up for my daughter leavin….. And you won’t give that a chance? You said you regretted it all those years ago…. Was that a lie?” She asked, her voice so small
Chuck winced, before he sighed and looked at her, his eyes soft, “Ida… I didn’t lie…. But you did me wrong…. Really wrong…. It’s…. Hard…. Not to think about it….” He gently touched her cheek, “I forgave ya a long time ago…. But….” He looked at Varian, saw those bright blue eyes, and his blood began to broil, “that has her eyes…. And she had *his* eyes…. The same ones you….” He sighed, taking his hand away, “you done good by me, and I’ll always love ya for it…. But I can’t force myself to love somethin that…. H-hurts me….”
Ida sighed, and nodded, “I understand, but…. I wish to know him more…. I want to….”
“….Then you do what you must…. I ain’t gonna hold it against ya…. But I won’t participate either….”
“Ok….” Ida kissed her husband’s cheek, “I won’t leave you again…. You know that”
“I know….”
Ida nodded before she walked over to the group. Chuck watched her leave, before he sighed and looked down, then looked up at the sky, “I wonder if yer seein this…. If ya are….” He looked down, “….I shoulda never treated ya like I did….” He closed his eyes, and whispered, “Ulla….” Under his breath
Not realizing that the red head was standing beside him, her eyes wide, mouth trembling, as she reached towards the man that’d abused her….. but put it down again….. She looked away, not sure how to feel about the conversation she’d just overheard….
Luckily, someone had managed to sneak away from the crowd, and he could see the red head and walked over, “hello”
Chuck opened his eyes and looked over, only to see a blond boy, with emerald green eyes, freckled face, and round glasses on his face, “um…. Hi…. Who are you?”
“Hugo”, he responded politely, “nice to meet you…. Mr…..”
“Chuck”
“Mr. Chuck-!”
“*Just* Chuck”
“Oh, scuse me, Chuck then, hi”
“….hi”
“You uh…. Ya seem a little upset…. Not to be nosy, but are you okay?”
Chuck raised a brow at the teen, “the hell? Why do you wanna know?”
“Cause I’m friendly”
“I can see that”
Hugo snorted, “oh you’re blunt too, cool”
Another brow was raised at this boy, “you related to them?” He nodded over to Varian
“Well, not by blood, we are getting married soon though”
“You…. Are?”
“Yup!”
“Huh…..”
“That bad?”
“I ain’t got nothin wrong with it. Ain’t my cup of tea, but I’m not the one gettin married so”, Chuck shrugged
“That’s fair”, Hugo responded with a smile, “so um… I have a question”
“Eh? What?”
“Do you…. Um…” he scuffed his shoe on the grass, “d-do you remember…. I… I shouldn’t ask this…”
“Spit it out, I ain’t gonna get anymore angry that I already am”
“Could I get that in writing?” Hugo half joked, getting Chuck to snort, before the inventor let out a sigh, and finally asked, “do you…. Hate…. People with white hair?….”
This made the old man blink a few times, before he looked at Adira, and sighed, “she’s one of em…. Ain’t she”
“That…. doesn’t answer my question”
Chuck chuckled before he looked at Hugo, “I ain’t got nothin wrong with em…. I did before…. But I was makin a mistake back then…. If she wants ta walk around and shit, then I don’t mind. I’m too old to care anymore”
Hugo nodded, “again, fair”
“Why’d you ask? It’s almost like you know somethin bout me”
“Eheh, I uh…. Kinda… do….” Hugo admitted before he looked at the barn again, “um…. I uh…. Got adopted by…. A woman with silver hair…. And green eyes….”
This made Chuck stop, eyes wide, before he closed them, and sighed, opening them again, “you gonna kill me?”
“What?! Why would I do that?!”
“Ain’t that the reason you came? I saw yer dagger”
“I came here to support my fiancè, not *kill* anyone!” Hugo exclaimed anxiously, “I just…. Happen to know of one story…. And…. Wanted to ask….”
“…..You know what I did, yet you ain’t mad?”
“I…. That’s not my place…. What you did to Ulla…. That’s Varian’s place to discuss, and Quirin’s”
“Quirin?”
“The giant man over there who married Ulla and had Varian”
“Ah”
“No, my reason for coming was just to support the one I love. But…. I wanted to ask about that particular thing…. It was…. Worrying me…. For many reasons….”
Chuck was quiet before he signed, “I didn’t have anything against that girl”, he stated, “well, I *did*, but I don’t now…. She ain’t….” He sighed, “she wasn’t the reason I was so mad…. She just added to it because that fucking Baron kept ransackin the kingdom lookin for her…. No wonder she ran away….”
“He was a monster…..”
“I could tell…. He scared Ida”
“Ida?”
“My wife, toughest girl I know”
“Oh”
“Yeah…..”
This made Hugo blink a bit as be looked over at the frail older woman, the one Ulla happened to be watching, “huh”
“She was a lot stronger back then…. I…. Think that was my fault….” Chuck scoffed, “well…. A lot is my fault…. I just…. I don’t have the ability to apologize to her… Donella…. But I am sorry for what I did to her…. It wasn’t right….”
The inventor looked at the man, a little startled, “you seem so remorseful….”
“I am….”
“So… why aren’t you over there?”
“Cause lookin at that child just…. Brings it all fuckin back….” Chuck stated, “I…. I fuckin pushed her away, and she just…. Had a kid…. With someone else….. I loved her… I still love her…. And she just….”
Hugo was startled, he’d expected someone angry, someone able to break people in half, but instead, all that sat before him was a broken, sad, regretful old man…. One who made too many mistakes, so much so that they were weighing him down…. The blond frowned, he didn’t wanna like this schmuck! He wanted an excuse! He wanted to hate him for what he did to Donella and Ulla…. But…. He couldn’t…. He really couldn’t…. So he walked over, and placed a hand on Chuck’s shoulder, “I’m sorry….”
The man didn’t look up, he barely responded…. Instead, he just shrunk a little lower, and stayed quiet
Hugo stayed there, Ulla stayed with them, the inventor’s eyes did drift to the barn however, and he smiled when he saw Donella. She was just as startled as he was, before she closed her eyes, smiled, and opened them again
He smiled back at her, then looked at Chuck, “…..You won’t believe me… but she forgives you”, he said softly, “her name was Donella…. The little girl in your barn…. And she forgives you Chuck”
He felt Chuck wince a little, but the man looked like one weight had just dropped off his back. Hugo didn’t comment when he noticed the man’s cheeks we wet, he didn’t speak when Chuck placed his, extremely rough, hands on his, he wouldn’t comment, that wasn’t his place, but he smiled, secretly, and allowed this old man to take a minute.
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this may be a surprising chapter to everyone, but let me just explain my thought process for Chuck
This man is old, he’s on his last legs of life right now, and once upon a time, he was strong and bold and angry! He did so many bad things, he truly did, but he only did them *after* Ida cheated on him!
Chuck is a very complicated character to me, because I will never condone the things he did to Ulla and Donella, I won’t. But from his POV, his wife, someone he truly loves and adores, cheated on him with another man, then she’s impregnated by this man, and has the child, Ulla, who has this man’s eyes!
That’s a constant reminder that your wife’s first child, because Ulla was their first, was not yours! That really freaking sucks! Chuck did not need to blame Ulla, and honestly? Ida isn’t innocent at all, she cheated, then also blamed the child because she also treated Ulla like garbage!
When Donella came along, Chuck saw Baron taking away more from him, because Baron, as established by Clay, and reestablished by Chuck, ransacked the entire kingdom searching for Don. So when Chuck found her in his own barn, he made another huge mistake, and it ended up costing him his daughter, and more of his home, because the Baron was p$$sed!
This old man is now stuck, with a cheating wife that he still loves, an incomplete family, mistakes that he regrets, and a broken heart…. I honestly feel like he shouldn’t be treated as a bad guy….
He did terrible things, truly awful things! And he’s doing a terrible thing now by now he’s reacting to, and referring to, Varian, but he’s got so much crap handed to him that I honestly just feel really bad about….
So Chuck’s complicated…. Ida is also complicated, the only truly innocent people here, is Ulla, Don, Varian, Hugo, and the rest of the family here! Hugo helped Chuck finally apologize to Donella, now it’s between him and Varian
Trust me, that’ll get extremely emotional
Sorry for the long explanation, I just think there’s two sides to every story, again, I’m not excusing what Chuck did, but it’s complicated, and not Rapunzel and Cassandra complicated either, I’m talking actually complicated XD
Also, don’t worry, Quirin’s gonna be a protective papa very soon! 😁🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 653: Awkward Silence!
Summary:
The group mingle, but end up leaving due to an awkward moment!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“So alchemy is this super powerful magic stuff that helps you create anything out of nothing?” Lila asked, grabbing Varian’s sleeve
The alchemist giggled, “alchemy is a science, not magic, and you make anything from everything, but it *is* super powerful if you know how to use it correctly”
“Woah! Cool! Can you make an invisibility potion?”
“I have actually! Though, it’s invisibility dust that I can sprinkle on myself and shake off when needed, not a potion, but still”
“That’s so cool!”
“Are you able to make a flying potion?” Albert asked, his eyes lighting up with curiosity
“Mmmm, I haven’t yet, but I and Hugo, the blond handsome guy over there, have made a flying machine for the Queen of Corona”
“Awesome!”
“What’s the streaks of blue in your hair from?” An adult female asked
“That’s a bit complicated, see, I was born with one streak of blue in my hair, the other um…. Sorta happened when I was touched with magic”
“Magic?”
“Yeah, um…. Well… how to explain…. Uh-daaaaaad! How do I explain my haaaaair?” The alchemist called out, panicking just a touch
Quirin blinked before he chuckled and scooped his son up, “nervous bean”
“How do I ‘splain?” The alchemist asked, pouting a little bit
The retired knight snickered before he looked at the group, “well how about we start here, do of you believe in magic? Specifically Moon magic?”
“Yeah we do actually”, Ida replied as she walked over, getting her family to part as she walked over, “Nedzerdnians are a branch of Seporians that moved from the old ways and formed a new home. Our ancestors believed in earth magic, we still do, it’s not too hard to think the Moon and Sun also have their own magic”
Quirin nodded, “good to know, you’re right, the Sun and Moon both have magic of their own. Varian is connected to the Moon specifically, represented by the blue streak he was born with. When he got touched with more Moon magic, another streak appeared. He has some Moon magic in his as well, when he uses a bunch, his hair grows a bright blue”, Varian demonstrated by closing his eyes and glowing bright
Everyone gasped, save for Ida, who seemed more interested than startled, before the teen stopped growing and smiled, “I see, that’s very fascinating, and his innovation with alchemy is definitely a Nedzerdnian trait”
“Is it?” Quirin asked
“It is, you doing alchemy means you’re using gifts from the Earth to make something new, it’s actually pretty common for Seporians and/or Nedzerdnians to have a scientific background of some sort, though Seporians are a little pickier about what they use”
Varian nodded, “I uh, h-had a few run ins with Seporians w-who told me the same thing”
“Son, you okay?” Quirin asked. The alchemist didn’t reply, he just watched the woman, she stared at him. He couldn’t explain why, but he felt so nervous around her…. He clung to his father’s vest, Ruddigar wrapping his tail around his boy’s neck as Quirin held him closer, “ah, tired bean”, the man excused, though he watched Ida a little closer than before
“Well I’m certain this has been a bit of a hassle today, he can rest here if you’d like”
Quirin felt something cold run down his back when she’d offered that, and the face his son was making made his decision to decline all too easy, “sorry, I appreciate that, but we already have a place we’re staying in, and we wouldn’t wanna be a bother”
“Oh but I insist! It’d be so lovely to have a little piece of Ulla back in our home, even for a few hours”
Quirin felt his stomach clench at the tone she was using, he recognized it as a similar tone he’d been given by the King of Corona when he didn’t leave any room for refusal. The retired knight’s jaw squared a bit as Varian shifted uncomfortably in his father’s arms, “that’s very kind of you, but I think we’ll just head back”
Ida’s eyes changed for a split second, from caring and calm, to annoyed and angry, before she switched back and smiled, “oh but my husband seems to have made friends with your other boy over there”, she pointed out
Varian and Quirin looked and saw Hugo talking with Chuck, the man seemed much calmer now, the blond smiled at him, they seemed to be getting along. The alchemist blinked before he noticed Donella standing nearby, she looked over at him, and he gave her an anxious expression before flicking his eyes towards Ida. The silver haired woman understood and instantly got Hugo’s attention, the blond looking over and nodding before he said something the Chuck, who nodded, as they both, along with Hutch, walked over, “hey, we heading out?” Hugo asked, standing in-between Varian and Ida
“Awww, do you have to go?” Albert asked
“Yeah do you have to? We didn’t get to talk very much”, Lila added
“It’s getting dark”, Adira pointed out
“Yep, it sure is, we should be gettin along, don’t wanna keep the youngsters awake too late”, Hutch, sensing the atmosphere change, added
“Unless you’d all would like to stay here for the night”, Ida offered
Chuck and Charlie both blinked before looking at Ida, “um, mom, there’s no room”, Charlie gently pointed out
“Yeah, we have guests already Ida”, Chuck added, “‘sides, they can come back tomorrow for another visit, it would be easier on everyone, specially since this wasn’t planned”
Ida stared at her husband for a long time, but it wasn’t warm and loving, it was cold as ice and sent shivers down everyone’s spine, he stared back, brow slightly raised, he didn’t seem to be backing down for this unintentional glare off. Everyone was silent before Ida sighed, relenting before looking at the duo, “alright, but you’ll come back tomorrow”
It wasn’t a question, and Varian could tell it wasn’t. He felt a little overwhelmed, “mom, are you alright?” Charlie asked, apparently he’d sensed it too
“I’m fine, I just wanna get to know Varian, and I haven’t really gotten to today because there were a lot of other people who wanted to meet him as well”
Quirin raised an unamused brow as he watched the kids wilt a little at that, “aren’t you *all* family?” Adira asked, “surely everyone’s excited to meet a member they didn’t know they had”
“While that may be true, I’d like to actually spend time with my grandchild, after all, she was my daughter”, Ida pointed out, getting Adira to wrinkle her nose in disgust
Hugo had enough as he spoke up, “well I’m gettin really tired, I think we should head on out! Thanks again for the wonderful time, Chuck, it was nice talking to ya, and we will see *all* of you again really soon! Buh-bye!”
Chuck snorted as Hugo grabbed Quirin’s hand and walked away quickly, the man not protesting in the slightest as the rest of the group gave their goodbyes and left. No one stopped them, Varian waved at the kids, who seemed to brighten when he did, before the group finally made it out of there!
For a second, everyone let out a breath, before Hugo sighed, “well that was eerily familiar…..”
“I’m sorry Hugo”, Varian said as Quirin set him down
“No need to apologize, that was just *way* too familiar, no wonder she hated it there”
“No kidding”
“That was a new side of Ida I’ve never seen before, I’m sorry about that”, Hutch stated, “she’s normally much kinder than that”
“Well she definitely didn’t seem to mind the way she was acting”, Adira stated with a huff, “but it wasn’t kind”
“No it really wasn’t….” Hutch looked at Varian worriedly, “hey, you don’t have to go back to this house again, none of us with judge you if you don’t, and I’ll make sure all y’all are safe while you’re here”
The alchemist was about to speak, when, “VARIAN!” A familiar voice called out, the group looked over and saw Charlie running over, stopping when he’d caught up with the group, “thank goodness you’re still here! I am so so SOOO sorry for how my mother acted! She’s…. Not normally like this…. I don’t know what got into her, but trust me when I say, it isn’t any of your fault, you or your family here”, he stated, nodding to the group, “I just wanted to apologize and say, if you don’t end up comin back tomorrow, we understand why, especially after that display, but, it was sincerely great to meet you! All of you! Heh, even my father seems a little happier right now! So thank you, for even comin over and chattin with us, it meant the world to everyone, truly, oh! And here!” He handed the alchemist a small brooch with a jeweled rose on it, the same color as his mother’s eyes
Varian blinked, “I…. Huh?”
“This was Ulla’s”, Charlie stated, “it uh…. It’s been collecting dust for years…. I wanted you to have it, because I know she would want you to have it”
“T-thank you, so much! This means the world to me!” Varian exclaimed with a big smile on his face as he clutched the blue rose brooch close to his chest
“Anytime, you’re welcome back whenever you wish, just, only when you’re comfortable, okay?”
“Oki”
Charlie smiled and went to walk away, before Varian hugged him. The man was startled, but returned the hug happily, “welcome home”, he whispered gently, before they broke the hug, smiled at each other, then Charlie left, returning back home
Varian watched him go before he wiped the tears from his eyes, and turned to face his father, “I….. wanna see Charlie again”
Quirin smiled and nodded, “we can visit again if you wish, we’ll just have to be cautious”
“Right, at least we know to prepare ourselves now”, Hugo pointed out
“Right, and maybe we can bring Hector with us”, Adira added
“No”, Quirin said
“What? He’d just wanna talk to them”
“Adira”
“He’d just wanna talk to them”
“Adira!”
“He’d just wanna talk to them”
“Sister!”
“He’d just wanna kill them”
“Stop it!”
Varian and Hugo laughed as Hutch shook his head with amusement as they returned to the Bazin farm, safe and sound
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I’ve had people in my life like Ida, and I’ve never ever liked them, they’re fake and so nasty behind closed doors. Don’t worry, she will be handled, possibly by a certain tamer, depending on how much y’all wanna see that :3
Also, protective werewolf papa 😊🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 654: Vanguard and Bazin!
Summary:
Quirin and Hutch talk one on one!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin had been feeling a little overwhelmed ever since they’d met Damian. He had this itchy feeling in the back of his mind whenever the man spoke, and when he’d released his true colors, Quirin’s itchy feeling had become a full blown ache in the pit of his stomach. His arm twitched, his teeth sharpened unexpectedly, and sometimes he would catch himself staring at the Moon for hours. He didn’t know what was wrong, and he wanted it to stop, but meeting Ulla’s family had made that dull ache in his stomach rise all the way up into his throat. And suddenly his fists were always balled, his teeth were always sharp, and his patience seemed to be wearing thinner and thinner….
The man let out a breath when they’d returned to the Bazin family farm home. He’d decided sitting by the window would do him some good, but it only seemed to make his irritation worse, so he’d done outside. The air helped as it swept over his face, cool and gentle, like a mother touching her child’s cheek, he had a feeling the Moon had something to do with that
As he kept his eyes closed and allowed himself to breathe, the retired knight felt peaceful, until he suddenly heard the door behind him open and shut, and that momentary peace disappeared. He sighed, but stopped when Hutch spoke up, “sorry Vanguard, I just needed a minute”
Quirin looked at the man and noticed his expression, it was filled with worry and anger at the same time, “what’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Hutch sighed, “I…. Spoke to Hugo….. and I asked him about what’s happened to him…..”
“Oh…..”
“Yeah, he uh….. told me as much as he could, some things he didn’t give too much detail on because he was still dealing with the trauma….. but I got the whole picture now of why he’s so skittish and jumpy….”
“And how are you handling it?” Hutch was silent before he growled and punched the wooden porch railing, breaking it, “ah, so about as good as I did”
“Why would someone do something so awful to a kid like him?! Or just to a kid in *general*?! The *fuck* is *wrong* with people these days?!”
“A lot….. unfortunately”
“Apparently….. Varian told me about what he’s been through too…. And what happened to you…. I hope that was alright”
“It’s fine, I don’t mind him sharing that with family”, Quirin responded with a gentle smile, “just…. Don’t spread that around… people don’t need to know about my knighthood”
“I can understand the reason you wanna keep that under wraps…. Just…. Damn Vanguard…. Had I known-!”
“You didn’t”
“But *had* I, I would’ve never made you feel so damn incompetent as a farmer! I…. I’m so sorry….”
“It’s alright, it’s in the past now”
“That ain’t fucking fair, you should be mad”
“What would me being mad do? You’re a good man Bazin, you just made a really dumb mistake, and you’ve already apologized more than once at this point. I can tell you feel bad, and you treat both my children like your own kin, and have accepted my family as your own easily. Actions speak louder than words to me, and your actions show me that you’ve grown, as I have, so it’s truly okay”
“You’re too forgivin Vanguard”
“You’re too hard on yourself Bazin”
“Heh…..” the wind blew between the duo before Hutch looked at Quirin, “I…. Lost my wife a few years ago….. Her name was Lily”, he said sadly, “she was kind and sweet and caring, she loved to garden and had a pecan pie that’d make even the angriest man smile. She was loud but outgoing and fun, and I loved her with all my heart”, he looked at Quirin, “so imagine my surprise when I get your boy walkin up to me and sayin Lily loves me, and that she’s always watchin me and my kin, with a perfect description of what she looks like, even down to the outfit she was wearin the day she passed”
Quirin smiled, “Varian can see a lot of things that most others can’t, the same goes for Hugo and Eugene”
“Well, when I asked about it, he told me everything, about the Moonstone, Sundrop, him dyin and comin back to life, he told me how Eugene and Hugo did the same and….. just…. Damn….. how did these kids go through so much?”
“It’s….. unfortunately just circumstances….. Add in a little bit of fate given by the Moon herself and you’ve got one hell of a life…..” Quirin sighed, “I…. Wish things had been better for both of them….. Varian should’ve had a father who was present, a mother who loved him, and a happy life filled with everything he wants. And Hugo should’ve been with all of you, with an uncle the cares for him, parents that did nothing but give him love, and a life filled with joy and smiles. Both of them got the short end of the stick and yet, they still make it work…. I’m so proud, but so sad for them…. I just want them to be happy….” He then huffed, “and now we’ve gotta deal with my wife’s family, the ones that abandoned her, I don’t blame her siblings or the children, none of them were around when she was, but her parents makes me so damn mad that I could just….” He growled, low and threatening, as he bared his teeth for a moment, but then sighed, “sorry….”
Hutch was quiet, before he looked at Quirin, “alpha werewolf, right?”
“How did you-!”
“Hugo”
“Right….”
Hutch watched the Coronan Village Leader turn away, and sighed, “Quirin…. I’m sorry…. Im so sorry for what you and your family have been through….. and to add insult to injury, you can’t even be too upset about it, because of the werewolf form….. It’s awful…. And I’m so very sorry…. If you need any help, just tell me what to do”
“Stay away from me when I take that form, I can’t control myself when it comes out, it’s…. Only ever happened once, and I nearly killed people…..”
“Aside from that”, Hutch stated
“Hutch-!”
“No! I ain’t stayin away from you! Varian told me you’d say somethin like that! Bad Quirin”
The retired knight raised a brow, “bad Quirin?”
“That…. Slipped out, eheh”
“Alrighty then”
“I meant what I said though, I ain’t gonna leave you alone! I can fight, and help out, too, maybe I ain’t a knight, but I’ve been in more than fair share of scraps, and I won’t back down when the goin gets tough”
Quirin looked at Hutch, and for a moment, wanted to give in, but Clay flashed in his mind, and he shook his head, “I can’t…”
“Why?”
“Because-!”
“Because why? I ain’t weak! I can help, I can-!”
“BECAUSE YOUR FATHER HELPED ME AND I GOT HIM KILLED!” Quirin yelled, his eyes were wide, brown now turned red, teeth sharp, before he back up and looked at the ground, “you…. You’re so much like him…. You look like his spitting image for fuck’s sake…. And I just…. I can’t risk you dying…. I can’t…. I’ll control it…. I have to…. It’s why I’m out here….”
Hutch was startled, but then sighed, and placed a hand on Quirin’s shoulder, “I ain’t my father….. and you ain’t the same man he helped out all those years ago”, he stated, “you’re grown, I’m grown, and we’ve become better than before. I may not be as capable, but I know I can help, and you may be more capable, but you ain’t helpin yourself right now…. All you’re doin is scarin yourself…. You gotta stop”
Quirin sighed, “how?”
“Let me help”
“How?”
Hutch chuckled, “what causes you to go into that form?”
“My…..” Quirin let out a breath again, “emotions…. It’s only ever happened once, but there have been times where I’ve gotten close to letting it out….”
“What happened when you let it out once? What caused it?”
“…..It’s a long story…..”
“I’ve got time”
Quirin blinked before he smiled at Hutch, nodded, and spoke, “ok, it was a few months ago….”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Didn’t have a lot of time to write today, so here’s a quick chapter with Hutch and Quirin talking together, they needed a sweet moment
Especially before what’s about to happen :3 *hint hint*
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 655: Mother In Law!
Summary:
The group visits Ulla’s home once again, and things take a drastic turn!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I’m just gonna talk to em”
“Hector”
“I’m just gonna talk to em”
“Hector!”
“I’m just gonna talk to em”
“Brother!”
“I’m just gonna hurt em”
“Ugh….” Quirin face palmed, while Adira and Hutch chuckled, as they all walked down the street, back to Ulla’s home, this time with a bigger group
“Honestly, I’m a little worried about this visit”, Eugene stated, sticking close to Varian, Lance doing the same, “I’ve got an odd feeling in the pit of my stomach”
“I do too”, Quirin replied, “but Varian deserves to know his family, both sides”
“They’re not just my family dad”, the alchemist in question said, “they’re yours and Eugene’s and Hugo’s too! They’re just on mom’s side, but that doesn’t make them bad”
“That little interaction at the end there seemed to indicate something bad Freckles”, Hugo stated
“Well, I’ll admit I was very uncomfortable speaking with Ida, but…. Maybe she just got caught up in her nerves or something. Besides, Charlie’s there, and so are Lila and Albert, and a bunch more of our cousins and uncles and aunts and…. Well…. Then there’s Chuck…. From that conversation you told me about Hugo, he seems like a genuinely nice guy, just…. Angry…. Maybe…. Maybe I could talk to him, get to know him a bit better, ya know?”
Hugo smiled, “you with your hopeful thoughts”
“I know it’s not realistic, especially since he called me a ‘they’ and ‘it’-!”
“Yeah that’s why *I’m* joining”, Hector huffed
Varian giggled, “b-but I wonder if maybe…. Maybe Chuck just needs to…. Have a friend?”
“Maybe, but, just be careful okay?” Hugo said
“I will, I uh…. I’m really only uncomfortable with Ida….. She did not leave a good impression on me”
“That’s where yer pa comes in”, Hutch teased with a playful nudge to Quirin’s arm, getting the man to chuckle, “any pa worth his salt will keep the nasties away, and Vanguard does that in spades from what I’ve been told”
“My dad’s pretty good at knocking nasties right on their bumpkins”
“Exactly! And if things get a little too sticky, I’m back up”
“Awesome uncle Hutch”, Hugo stated
“Hell yeah!”
“And scary uncle Hector!” Varian added
“I’m just gonna talk to em”, Hector stated with a smirk
“Stop it!” Quirin exclaimed as the group laughed
****
“Daddy…. Were we bad?” Lila asked from her bedroom door as her father began to walk down stairs
“No no sweetie, you weren’t, I…. Think grandma just wants to have a little private time with Varian is all”, her father replied, though his voice was optimistic, the man secretly worried about what would happen should Varian visit today
“B-but she yelled really l-loudly this morning…..”
“I know baby, I know…. I’m sorry…. I’ll talk to grandma and get her to apologize, you and the other kids didn’t do anything wrong, you didn’t”, he sighed, “but I think it’s best for all you to stay in your rooms today, even if you hear talkin down here….”
“Why?” Albert asked, peeping out from behind his sister
“Because remember when daddy said grandma will sometimes have odd days, where she’s just actin odd or off in some way?” Both children nodded, “this is one of those days, if you have to come down, for any reason, just try to do so quietly okay?”
“Oki”
Charlie watched his children sadly, “I’m sorry….”
“We don’t blame you daddy”, Lila said, “we don’t”
Charlie kissed Lila’s forehead and Albert’s cheek, “when this is all over, we’ll go get some ice cream and have a good day, okay?”
This brightened up to youngsters as they smiled at their father, “oki daddy!” They said together
“CHARLIE!” Ida yelled, making the man wince, “HE’S BACK! GET DOWN HERE!”
“Comin ma!” Charlie replied back, before he looked at his kids again, “go on inside the room and shut the door, try to be as quiet as possible, okay?”
“Ok”, the kids shut the door, and Charlie sighed before he stood up. He took one final breath, before he continued his trek downstairs, noticing his father was sitting on the couch, and he looked so tired…. His mother was sitting next to him, looking like she was about ready to jump up if needed, his one sister and two older brothers looked anxious as they huddled around the doorway to the kitchen, before a gentle knock sounded from the front door, “answer it!” Ida snapped
“Yes ma”, Charlie replied, before he walked over to the door, and opened it up
****
Varian straightened his mother’s rose brooch on his vest, making sure it was obvious to everyone what he was wearing, he smiled before wincing when he heard, “CHARLIE! HE’S BACK! GET DOWN HERE!”
“Holy shit!” Hector whispered as Adira shook her head to clear the ringing left by the yelling
“Eugene, your odd feeling in the pit of your stomach has just spread to me”, Hugo said anxiously
“Don’t worry Hugo, we’re all here with you and Varian, we won’t let anything happen”, the Dark Prince stated
Hugo nodded, but he winced when he looked at the door again and saw Donella giving him a worried stare, he knew Eugene and Varian could see her too, and neither one looked thrilled as Varian knocked on the door again, this time far gentler, hoping it would help, “answer it!” He heard Ida snap, and he winced and backed up a bit
The freckled teen looked at Donella, before she pointed to someone beside him, that’s when the alchemist saw his mother. She looked scared and extremely worried, Varian gave her a look to show he’d be cautious, and she nodded before walking over to Quirin and standing behind him
The alchemist saw his father look at him, “hm?” The retired knight cocked his head to the side
“Mom’s scared….”
Quirin blinked before he looked over his shoulder, he couldn’t see her, but Ulla looked up at him, and with the gentlest touch he could muster, Quirin placed his hand on hers, she smiled and blushed before leaning against him, “did that help?”
“Yeah, a lot”
The retired knight smiled and nodded before the door opened, “hello!” Charlie stated happily, he was smiling and genuinely seemed happy to see everybody, but he looked so stressed out and tired that Varian worried he may fall over, “welcome back! Oh! And I see ya brought more friends with ya! Nice to meetcha fine folks! Come on in!”
Eugene, Lance, and Hector were a touch startled by the man’s friendly demeanor, but the tamer immediately went on his guard when Ida pushed Charlie to the side, gently, but still, and smiled directly at Varian, “hello! Welcome back!” She said softly, though her voice quivered with excitement
Varian flinched a bit before he gave her a polite smile, “h-hi, is it okay t-that we’re here?”
“Of course *sweetie*! Come on in! I made pie just for you!”
The alchemist tried his best to be excited, but he really wanted to decline the pie, in fact, he wanted to decline having anything from this lady now. But he pushed past his anxieties and walked inside. Hugo followed, but Ida nearly closed the door on the poor inventor, she only stopped when Charlie caught it quickly, “sorry, I’m so sorry, she’s uh…. Very excited….” Charlie tried
Hutch walked over and stood beside Hugo, who was a little frazzled, before the blond shook it off, “it’s okay, I’ve had worse than a door to the face”, he joked
“Eheh, that’s uh…. actually more concerning than reassuring”, Charlie stated
Hugo snorted, “sorry, I have a bit of a darker humor”
“Aw it’s okay, my brother Austin does too, heh, he kinda gets me something with some of his jokes, I think you two would get along! Oh but listen to me ramblin, sorry, come on in, Hugo right?”
“Yeah! You remembered?”
“Course I did, you’re family too!”
This made the blond happy as he stepped inside, Hutch nodded his approval at Charlie, who was all too happy to see the Nedzerdnian Village Leader. Everyone else followed the duo inside as Charlie closed the door. Quirin immediately joined his son’s side, sitting beside him on the couch, as Isa chatted the alchemist’s ear off about….. Ulla…..
“….She was always so adventurous”, Ida stated, sounding more like a loving mother than one who’d allowed their daughter to be neglected and run away, “always pushing te boundaries of what she could do, and she had a way with words too! I always thought she’d be a poet someday”
“Eheh, really?” Varian asked, clearly uncomfortable with this subject as he noticed Ulla staring at her mother in disbelief and worry
“Yeah, oh and the things she used to get into! That girl, oh! You know she colored her hair once? Dyed it bright yellow, oh I was so *furious*! But it came out after a while”
“Um mom, that wasn’t Ulla, that was me-!” One of the other adults tried, she had brown hair, emerald eyes, and freckles
“Not now Dawn, I’m telling a story!” Ida scolded
Dawn blushed and looked at the ground, Varian wanted to reach out to her and apologize, the woman looked so sad, but he didn’t dare. Though he took comfort when he saw Adira doing that for him, “pretty name”, she said softly
Dawn looked at her, a little startled by her words, before she smiled, “thank you, pretty hair”
“Thank you, I’m Adira”
“Dawn, though you uh, probably already knew that”, she blushed again
Adira smiled, “it’s okay, I do that too”
Dawn smiled, a lot more relaxed thanks to Adira. Varian smiled at the duo as he paid attention back to Ida’s words, “…..and you could stay here for a while, sleep in her room, and-!”
“Wait, I’m so sorry, what was that?” Varian asked, raising a concerned brow
“Oh! I was offering you a place to stay here, with us!” Ida replied with a wide smile, “we are your family after all”
Varian was speechless, as was the entire room, before Chuck spoke up, “Ida what the hell?! We don’t have the room! Nor did we even *discuss* this!”
“I don’t think this needs to be discussed! This is my grandson, and he should stay here”
“I have *several* objections-!”
“This isn’t up for debate *dear*”
“No it’s not, because he’s not staying with you”, Quirin stated, getting both Ida and Chuck to look at the man
Chuck looked relieved while Ida looked irritated, like she’d been inconvenienced, “oh right, you’re here”
Quirin raised a brow at that statement as Varian backed away from the older woman, “excuse me? He is my *son*!”
“He’s also *my* grandchild!”
“And?!”
“*And* that gives me full authority to keep him with me!”
“Are you even going to *ask him*? What if he says no?”
“Oh he won’t, he’ll be in his mother’s room, just like he always should’ve been”
“What are you talking abo-!”
“You’re getting angry! You’re clearly an angry man who can’t take care of this poor child! I don’t know you, I don’t know what you’ve done to him so far, but it ends now, he’s staying with me!”
“Ida-!” Chuck tried
“This isn’t up for debate Chuck!”
“H-hold on a second!” Varian exclaimed, “I-I have a home, w-with my dad, I-in Corona, I-I like it there! You can v-visit, but I h-have a life and family there, I-I don’t wanna leave it”
“Oh that just because you haven’t actually seen what Nedzerdnia is like! Trust me it’s far better than *Corona*”, Ida stated, almost scoffing at the idea of Varian returned to that place
“Mom what’s gotten into you?” Charlie asked anxiously
“What’s gotten into *me*?! Your sister is gone! Dead and buried! I finally found her son and have another shot with him and you’re asking *me* that?!”
“I get you wanna make up for lost time, but what you’re suggesting is just too much! You’ve only just met him!”
“YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LOSE A CHILD!” Ida yelled, startling all of them
“Fuck this”, Hector stated before he was by Varian’s side, scooped him up, and backed away from the older woman, “you’re fucking *insane* if you think you’re taking my nephew away!”
“Ida, calm down”, Chuck tried again, “take it easy! Charlie’s right, this is too much!”
“YOU DON’T EVEN CARE ABOUT HIM!!!!! NOT LIKE I DO! GIVE HIM BACK!” Ida screeched
Hector backed up even more, Varian felt his uncle’s hands shake a little, “what the fuck…..” The tamer said softly, clutching the alchemist closer as Quirin stepped in-between Ida and the tamer
“Hey, easy, hang on!” Lance said, stepping in front of Ida, hands up, his voice soft, “look I get it, you lost her, but this, what you’re doin, it ain’t right, just take a breath, it’s alright, let’s just talk, can we do that?” He offered his hand to her with friendly smile
Ida glared at the man, slapping his hand away, “*move*!”
Lance blinked, “you don’t need to do this-!”
“MOVE!”
“Ida! Stop! I demand you to in the name of Nedzerdnia!” Hutch snapped angrily, his voice booming as he got everyone’s attention, “I don’t know what the hell I just saw! But this is *not* the Ida I know! Stop this now, yer breakin rules that’ll get you tossed in jail quicker than a cat chasin a mouse! This is yer *only* warning to stop!”
Hugo smiled proudly at his uncle, and felt relief when Ida seemed to listen as Chuck walked over and gently nudged Lance outta the way as he spoke, “Ida I’m sorry…. I know that you wanted to love her… and I was too angry to letcha, but this ain’t right, this ain’t…. Ya gotta stop before you end up-!” He couldn’t finish what he said because he was cut off by a slap to the face
Everyone winced as Ida glared at him, “this is all YOUR FAULT!” She yelled before she ran out of the house and slammed the door shut
Chuck just stood there, staring after her, he didn’t flinch, didn’t move, as Hutch and Hugo noticed something they wish they hadn’t, “…..How long has she been hurtin you Chuck…….” Hutch asked quietly
That made the old man flinch, before he shook his head, “I…. It’s my fault-!”
“That ain’t what I asked…..”
“…..I don’t remember…..”
“Chuck-!”
“I don’t….. Because I deserved it…..”
This made the room fall silent, everyone staring at the old man, before Varian wriggled out of Hector’s arms, walked over, and placed a gentle hand on Chuck’s arm. This got the man to look at the teen, really look at him, “….Talk to me….” He said, “please…. Please tell me….”
Chuck stared at the boy for a long time, his instinct was to tell him to get off, but the more he looked, the more he could see Ulla….. and it broke his heart, “I’m sorry….” He finally whispered, “I’m so…. S-so sorry…..”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah…. This took a turn for the crazy…. As I stated before, I don’t condone any of the actions taken by the abusers of this story, but I do see forgiveness if they truly wish for it, it just takes time
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 656: Varian and Chuck!
Summary:
Varian and Chuck finally talk!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everyone winced as Ida glared at him, “this is all YOUR FAULT!” She yelled before she ran out of the house and slammed the door shut
Chuck just stood there, staring after her, he didn’t flinch, didn’t move, as Hutch and Hugo noticed something they wish they hadn’t, “…..How long has she been hurtin you Chuck…….” Hutch asked quietly
That made the old man flinch, before he shook his head, “I…. It’s my fault-!”
“That ain’t what I asked…..”
“…..I don’t remember…..”
“Chuck-!”
“I don’t….. Because I deserved it…..”
This made the room fall silent, everyone staring at the old man, before Varian wriggled out of Hector’s arms, walked over, and placed a gentle hand on Chuck’s arm. This got the man to look at the teen, really look at him, “….Talk to me….” He said, “please…. Please tell me….”
Chuck stared at the boy for a long time, his instinct was to tell him to get off, but the more he looked, the more he could see Ulla….. and it broke his heart, “I’m sorry….” He finally whispered, “I’m so…. S-so sorry…..”
“…..I was angry….. I loved her so much and…. She betrayed me…. With that damn bartender she met that night…..” Chuck stated, sitting on the couch and staring at the ground
“What happened?” Varian asked gently, sitting next to him
“…..We’d had an argument….. She was angry because I didn’t wanna have a kid yet. We were poor, just moved in, and she wanted to settle down before we’d even gotten on our feet. I’d asked her to just wait until we were prepared financially, but she didn’t like that…. She gave me an ultimatum, and I tried to reason with her, but she stormed out…..”
“Did you go after her?”
“I tried, but I lost her in the crowds…. Searched for hours until I ended up at a bar nearby…. It’s the hotel that smells like booze now”
“Noted”, Hugo said
“There was a bartender there with big blue eyes….. I noticed him and he knew me, we’d be pals for ages, met him through Ida….. Shoulda been my first clue….. I was so damn stupid…..” he said with a sigh, “he told me she’d been in, gotten drunk, and was sleepin in the back rooms….. I went to look for her, and he tried to stop me, that’s when I found her…. She was in a state. I nearly beat that bartender half way to fucking hell! I thought he’d taken advantage, but I was wrong…. She stopped me and said he’d given her what she wanted, and now there was nothin I could do…..”
Varian winced, “I…. I’m sorry…..”
“Ain’t yer fault…. Wasn’t hers either…. Ulla’s I mean….. But I couldn’t just leave my wife there, not in her state. I took her home, got her sober, and she ended up cryin in my arms. She said she didn’t know what she was doin, said she’d made a mistake….. She looked so sad, so embarrassed….”
“So you believed her…..” Quirin said sadly
“I loved her…. I still love her…..” Chuck stated, “she stayed, she had the baby, I thought I could do it, I thought I could parent her…. But those damn eyes…. Everything else was her mother’s, red hair, freckles, full lips, round face, but those eyes were not…. And I couldn’t stop starin at em…… Everytime she squeaked, said somethin, cooed, anything, I got so fuckin mad…..” he sighed, “it wasn’t right, I know it wasn’t, but I hated her….. I hated her so much that I blamed her for what’d happened….. shame on me….” He stated sadly, “I made her work, punished her hard, didn’t give her a chance, because I didn’t fuckin blame the one person I should have….. Ulla got the anger for my wife’s poor decision….. And because of what I did, she ran away…..”
Adira spoke up at this, “she ran with someone like me, a blood relation of mine, I’m sorry”
“I could tell, I ain’t mad atcha, it wasn’t you she ran away with, and it wasn’t you that made her wanna go…. That was me…. I hurt her, punished her, treated her like shit, all because I hated how she came to be, and her eyes made me angry each and every time I saw them…. They were just a constant reminder of what Ida had done to me, that night she betrayed me…. Broke my heart…. She never was the same after that….. when Ulla left, Ida blamed me…. Rightfully so…. And she took her aggression out on me…. I guess it helped her feel better, and I understood that…. She’d always apologize afterwards too, so I knew she meant no actual harm….. None of this woulda happened had I not harmed Ulla so much….. It… it’s all my fault…. I’m sorry….. I’m so sorry…..”
“No”, Varian stated, startling the old man, “you did wrong by my mom, but you didn’t deserve that! You didn’t deserve to be betrayed, nor did you deserve to feel that same hurt over and over again! You were abused too! That…. That’s not okay…..” Varian closed his eyes, collecting himself, before he opened them again and looked at Chuck, “tell me something, was she nice or kind to you before this happened, before she betrayed you?”
“Yeah, she was kind, and she loved me”
“How’d she show it?”
“She’d let me take her out on dates, she said I could court her, show her a good time, she married me”
“Did she hug you? Kiss you? Be there for you when times got tough? Did she show you any affection at all?”
“That ain’t the point”
“Yes it is! Shes your wife, just as you’re supposed to love her, she’s supposed to love you! If she truly cared she’d show you she did! She wouldn’t give you an ultimatum when you give her a reasonable request! Babies are hard, they take a lot of time and resources just to have one! You said you weren’t financially ready, that’s you being responsible! What she did to you after that was manipulative at best, abusive at worst!”
“I still drove Ulla away”
“And that was wrong, very wrong, you’re right about that. But here’s the thing, when you’ve been pushed down so badly that all you can do is react, it’s different. It will *never* make abusing someone right, ever! So yes, shame on you for that, my mama didn’t deserve any of the bullshit she got from you or Ida, she didn’t ask to be born! But shame on *Ida* for pushing you to that point! She gave you an ultimatum instead of talking it out, when she didn’t get her way, she went and got pregnant with someone else, then used crocodile tears to get her way! That is *not* love! That’s not even *close*! It’s manipulation and abuse! And her blaming you for *any* of that is hypocritical!!!!!” The alchemist snapped, startling Chuck
He stared at the boy for a moment, before he spoke again, “I still shouldn’t have done what I did….”
“You don’t deserve to be abused…. No one does”, Varian stated
“Then how do I fix it? You comin here without her means Ulla’s gone, how am I supposed to apologize to her ghost? How do I let her know that I’m sorry? What am I supposed to do to make this right?” The man asked sadly as tears fell down his face
Varian sighed, remembering a time he’d gone through this exact thing, “you live with her memory, you keep her in your thoughts, you try to work on yourself and help as many as you can”, he stated, “I’ve done this too…. I was pushed to a point where I hurt a lot of people….. I was punished, and it hurt, but I still blamed myself after…. Instead of moving on becoming better, for a while there, I stayed in my dark bubble, and took all the blame I could….. Until I was finally shown that I didn’t deserve that, I was finally forgiven and told that I could keep going, I just needed to be better. So I became better, I helped people, used my skills to rebuild, saved more and more, and carried my sins on my back so I wouldn’t ever forget! And when the time finally came, I finally found I could look at myself in the mirror again, and be proud of how much I’ve changed”, Varian looked at the man and smiled, “you’re still alive, you’re still here, you can still change, you’ve already started to! You just need to be better, that’s all. No more punishment, no more abuse, help those in need, do something that makes the world brighter. Trust me, my mama would want that”, he smiled up at the man, “we could start here if you wanted, I still wanna know you, and I didn’t get to yesterday, do you…. Wanna try?”
“What about Ida?”
“I think she should be left alone for a bit”, Adira stated, “one of your children already ran after her, I saw them talk before walking off somewhere, so she’s in good hands”
Chuck blinked before he looked at Varian, the alchemist gave him an encouraging smile, and got the man to chuckle before he nodded, “ok….. Yer name’s Varian?”
“Yup!” The alchemist replied
“Mine’s Chuck Barley, it’s nice to finally meetcha”
“Nice to finally meet you too!”
The duo began to talk, Chuck got Varian to giggle as the alchemist got the old man to smile! They bonded over their love of barnyard animals, and began to swap stories of little farming accidents, Quirin joined that discussion, which made Chuck happy when he’d found out Ulla married are farmer! The conversation went on for hours, everyone enjoying each other’s company as the thick air finally lifted and it was bright again. Charlie let his kids come out once he knew it was safe, they were happy to join the conversation, though they were respectful and allowed Chuck and Varian to finally talk!
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’m gonna let this chapter speak for itself, but I will say one thing, I believe in second chances, I don’t condone abuse, never have, never will, but second chances should be given to anyone who is truly willing to change, course, the victims make that choice, but if you’ve ever done a bad thing, or many bad things, and you truly regret them, find a way to make up for it, if it’s not with the victim, then help those around you, you’re not the only one who’s done wrong, but you can be better, there’s always a chance
Thank you all for reading and commenting! 🎶❤️🎶
Chapter 657: Baiting!
Summary:
The group goes on a fishing trip, sans Hector, who stays behind with his animal friends, only for the tamer to have to deal with something he didn’t expect!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“What kind of bait do you think is best for these waters?” Varian asked with a large grin as he began to prep his fishing pole
“Worms most likely, ain’t got nothin else round here”, Hutch replied with a smile as he and Hugo set up their own poles
“I wish we’d brought Itty Bitty and Sassy”, Quirin stated as he waited for the group to finish setting up, his own poke set and ready for use, “they could’ve had a good swim”
“When we get back, let’s take them to the lake nearby”, Varian suggested
“That’s a good idea”
The alchemist smiled as he finished setting up his pole before he looked over at the trees nearby, “Adira, Eugene, Lance, you ready?”
“Almost kiddo!” The Dark Prince replied, “just waiting on Lance to bait his hook”
“The worm keeps wigglin!” Lance exclaimed
The freckled teen giggle, “want me to help?”
“N-no I got it, just a little wiggle worm, literally!”
Varian smiled at the man as Hutch walked over to him, “alright, hooked up and ready to go, uh, is your uncle really not gonna join?” He asked, pointing to Hector, who was sitting next to the trees
“Nope he’s not, he prefers not to since he’s Vegan”
“Oh yeah, huh, will he be okay?”
“Yup, he’s gonna have a picnic with the animals, believe it or not, he really likes doing this, says it gives him an excuse to hang out with his companions”
“Plus it’s good to have him there just in case we need help”, Quirin added
“Ah, good idea”
“WE’RE READYYYYYYYY~” Lance sang as he, Eugene, and Adira walked over
Ruddigar chittered happily at them as Hugo spoke up, “great! Let’s hope in the boat and get started!”
“Woot!” The group exclaimed before they waved to Hector, who waved back, and set off into the water
****
The wild tamer loved feeling the wind on his face, he smiled and hummed as he picked a few plants nearby, “Nedzerdnian fauna is the best for salads”, he stated
Pixie, who was helping him, let out a chitter in agreement. The binturong placed the plants she’d gathered into a basket Hector had weaved out of grass, before sniffing around for more. Hector looked at their stock and smirked, “you think this is enough for everyone?”
Pixie picked up some leaves and placed them in the pile before she looked, and sniffed, the basket and nodded
“Great, good job girlie”, he said, giving her pets as he scooped the basket up and they made their way back to the lake. When they emerged from the bushes, Hector smirked when he saw Xena and Basil glaring at him, “at ease, and good instincts”
The rhino and binturong relaxed and happily accepted the compliment as Pixie waddled over to her mate, nuzzling him
Hector walked over and sat underneath the tree, he looked at the lake and smiled when he saw his family laughing together while they fished, “looks like they’re having fun”
Pixie and Basil walked over and nuzzled the man, Xena doing the same
“Heh, I’m having fun too, I prefer this honestly”, he stated, petting each of his friends, “sometimes human interaction is just too fucking much, ya know?”
He got a snort of agreement from each animal and laughed
“Ah you three, I swear”, Hector grinned before he set the basket he’d weaved down, Xena sniffed it, “don’t eat that, it’s not good for rhinos”
She sniffed it again before wrinkling her nose and walking away
Hector nodded before he pulled out a small dagger, it was beat up, scratch and smaller than any other weapon he carried, but he smiled at it fondly before looking around, only to be given a stick by Basil, who wagged his tail lovingly
“Heh, thanks”, Hector said, gently taking the stick and petting Basil’s head before the binturong sat down next to his tamer, Hector using the small dagger to whittle the wood, “remember when Quirin showed me how to do this?” He asked, getting his companions to look at him, “you were all pretty young back then, and I was still real fucking angry. So much so that no one really trusted me with a knife. At least, not until Quirin handed me this, and taught me how to whittle”, he smiled as he remembered the pure joy he got when the knight had handed him the tool, “he made me promise never to use it in combat, and I never have. I’m actually pretty proud of that”
Pixie made a confused noise that made Hector look at her
“It might’ve been a test, could’ve been his way of showing the others that I could wield a weapon without hurting anyone or myself, and I’m certain he’d understand me using it now if I really needed to. But I’m glad I haven’t, it feels like the only thing I have that’s…. Pure…. Well, this and you guys anyway”
Basil huffed at that
“Easy tiger, I’m not saying you’re angelic, I just mean your souls are pure, only attacking when needed, not because you wanna hurt someone, that’s a good thing”
Basil cocked his head to the side
Hector smirked, “you’re tough as nails, just with a Floofy outter shell”
Basil looked proud of that, making Hector snort as he continued to whittle
**1 hour later**
Hector grinned as he looked at the small wooden rhino he’d made. Xena looked please as she nodded at the item approvingly while Pixie and Basil grinned
“Not a bad statue, heh, though I need to work on the horn a bit more, I made it too sharp”
Xena huffed and placed her head on Hector’s lap
The tamer grinned, “you’re a very scary girl, sharpest horn in all the 8 kingdoms, don’t worry”
Xena smirked at that before her ears swiveled forwards and she lifted her head, Pixie and Basil jumping up and growing at something behind the tamer
Hector raised a brow and stood, putting the whittling dagger away as his blade popped out of the gauntlet. He growled when he saw the bushes shake a little bit, before they stopped. He stared at them, before Pixie let out a sharp hiss at something behind the tamer
Hector turned fast, only to see a strange man he didn’t know standing there, “the fuck?! Who are you?! And what the *hell* are you doing here?!”
The stranger smirked at the tamer, “getting what’s mine”
“The fuck-AH!” Hector fell forwards as something hit his back, he growled and glared up at whatever hurt him, only to see a large thug standing over him
“*This* is a brotherhood member?” The thug asked, “he’s fuckin wimpy”
Hector blinked before he spotted multiple thugs coming out of the bushes, Pixie, Basil, and Xena rushing to their tamer’s side immediately, “if he is, then deal with him”, the stranger snapped
“With pleasure”, the large thug stated, cracking his knuckles with a smirk
Hector raised a brow as the thugs drew closer and closer to him, “you think, just because you landed a cheap shot, that I’m defeated?”
“Didn’t take much to knock your ass to the ground, heh”, the large thug stated, “you ain’t shit ya little-AH!” The man flew into his back and groaned before he opened his eyes and saw Hector smirking at him as he stood over the man
“You caught me off guard, that’s all you did, should’ve shut your mouth and finished me before making yourself known. Cause now, I’m fucking mad”, his yellow eyes seemed to glow as he spoke, “and you won’t like me when I’m fucking mad”
The other thugs tried to jump Hector, but the tamer hopped out of the way, landing a few feet away before he rushed forwards, slicing his blade through the air and managing to cut every single thigh there at lightning speed
The group winced in pain before glaring at the man and rushing towards him, the largest one raising his fists in the air and slamming them down. Hector dodged the attack before hopping onto a few of their heads, basically playing hopscotch as the largest thug slammed each of his friends away!
When it was just Hector and the largest thug, the tamer grinned, “still think I’m a wimp?”
“SHUT THE FUCK UP!” He yelled before slamming his fists onto the ground once again, Hector dodging it and slicing him with his sword
The thug stumbled back before he growled and just slapped everything he could touch! Hector then whistled before pointing to the thug’s legs. Pixie and Basil came running front behind him and but the man’s ankles, knocking him down, stopping his onslaught, and allowing Hector to rush over and tie one of his arms to the tree nearby
The tamer smirked, “good job you two”, Hector complimented, giving his binturongs a scratch, before Xena let out a howl of distress
The tamer immediately turned, and saw the strange man standing beside his rhino, Xena had a slash on her snoot and leg, she looked really hurt, and it made Hector growl, “GET AWAY FROM HER!” He roared
“Don’t you dare take another step or she gets it!” The man exclaimed angrily, getting the tamer to freeze, stopping Pixie and Basil from charging
All three of them growled, “what the *hell* do you fucking want?!” Hector asked through gritted teeth
“I told you, I want what’s rightfully mine!”
“I don’t know what the fucking means! Maybe be specific here ya animal abusing *asshole*!” Hector spat
“Careful, one more nasty word and you might just make this poor little rhino cry”
Hector growled, eyes narrowing as it took everything in him not to rush the man as he held up a bloodied knife above Xena, “just tell me what you fucking want….”
“Say please and I will”. The tamer felt everything in him scream to kill this motherfucker, but right as he was about to say it, he noticed something in the trees, blinked, then let out a sigh of relief, “I’m waiting”, the man stated
Hector glared at the man, “how about some advice instead….. duck”
“Huh-ACK!” The man was kicked to the ground, face first, by someone behind him, he went to get up, only to have a sword pointed directly at his nose, only mere *centimeters* away
“Would you mind telling me why you’re decided to jump my little brother, attack him with thugs, and then harm his rhino friend while he was alone? Or do I have to beat it out of you?” A gruff, deep, and icy voice asked
The man looked up and saw a large man with black pants and gloves, a red shirt, fluffy brown vest, 5 o’clock shadow, and eyes that were filled with nothing but pure rage and irritation as they flickered from brown to red, “Quirin Vanguard! Oh shit…..” he cursed as he looked around and saw he was surrounded, the tamer already at his rhino’s side and cleaning her wounds while the rest of the group glared daggers at the man, waiting for his response, including a certain blue eyed alchemist, who was currently glowing brightly as his raccoon hissed at the man on the ground, “shit shit shit-!”
“Stop cursing, start talking, *NOW*!” Quirin snapped, his voice sounding like a gunshot on that final word as it echoed across the river
The man stared at him before he let out a sigh, “I-I just….. wanted to help her…..”
“Her who….” The retired knight growled
“I-I-Ida….. S-She’s my dad’s fling…..” he admitted
This stopped Quirin for a second before he looked at the blue eyed teen the man had been staring at before, the alchemist let out a sigh and looked back at the retired knight, “damn it….”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Hector likes to whittle! I can see him doing that just to calm himself while he’s hanging out with his animal friends
Our wild tamer is no slouch, he can kick the butt of basically anyone! But he will never risk his animal’s lives, ever, that’s one of the reasons I love him so much, he’s an angry animal lover
So, I’m certain there’ll be questions regarding this man and why he says Ida’s his dad’s fling, you’ll see in the next chapter 😊🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 658: Varian’s In-Law Problem!
Summary:
The group finally finds out more about the stranger that attacked Hector, and unfortunately, find out he’s connected to Varian!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector growled, eyes narrowing as it took everything in him not to rush the man as he held up a bloodied knife above Xena, “just tell me what you fucking want….”
“Say please and I will”. The tamer felt everything in him scream to kill this motherfucker, but right as he was about to say it, he noticed something in the trees, blinked, then let out a sigh of relief, “I’m waiting”, the man stated
Hector glared at the man, “how about some advice instead….. duck”
“Huh-ACK!” The man was kicked to the ground, face first, by someone behind him, he went to get up, only to have a sword pointed directly at his nose, only mere *centimeters* away
“Would you mind telling me why you’re decided to jump my little brother, attack him with thugs, and then harm his rhino friend while he was alone? Or do I have to beat it out of you?” A gruff, deep, and icy voice asked
The man looked up and saw a large man with black pants and gloves, a red shirt, fluffy brown vest, 5 o’clock shadow, and eyes that were filled with nothing but pure rage and irritation as they flickered from brown to red, “Quirin Vanguard! Oh shit…..” he cursed as he looked around and saw he was surrounded, the tamer already at his rhino’s side and cleaning her wounds while the rest of the group glared daggers at the man, waiting for his response, including a certain blue eyed alchemist, who was currently glowing brightly as his raccoon hissed at the man on the ground, “shit shit shit-!”
“Stop cursing, start talking, *NOW*!” Quirin snapped, his voice sounding like a gunshot on that final word as it echoed across the river
The man stared at him before he let out a sigh, “I-I just….. wanted to help her…..”
“Her who….” The retired knight growled
“I-I-Ida….. S-She’s my dad’s fling…..” he admitted
This stopped Quirin for a second before he looked at the blue eyed teen the man had been staring at before, the alchemist let out a sigh and looked back at the retired knight, “damn it….”
Quirin gave the teen a sad look before someone else, a female with white hair and red paint on half her face, spoke up as she walked out from behind the man she’d just kicked down to the ground, “this shit head said he wanted to help Ida, perhaps this isn’t her doing, but his own?”
“I have a name you know, it’s Richard!” The stranger exclaimed irritatedly
The woman’s brow raised and she looked amused as Hector growled from where he was, “course your would be a-that name doesn’t make your case *any* better”
“What’s wrong with my name?!”
“Richard, I suggest you just zip it”, Quirin stated before he looked at the female, “possibly”
“If that’s that case, we should tie this guy up and let Ida know”, another man spoke up, this one Richard recognized
“Flynn Rider?!” Richard exclaimed
Flynn sighed, “Eugene, name’s Eugene now, and didn’t my extremely angry friend here *just* suggest that you zip it?”
“He did”, the female stated with a smirk, “I’d listen to him”
“If this wasn’t Ida, and he did this on his own, then there’s still that matter of her cheating on Chuck again”, the alchemist Richard had been looking for stated, “he said Ida was his father’s new fling, unless he’s lying”
“I’m not ly-!” Richard began
“SHUT UP!” Quirin roared, his voice mixed with a beasts battle cry before he slapped a hand over his mouth and backed up, “ugh….. just….”
“Dad?” The alchemist asked anxiously
“Quirin…. It’s…. It’s the werewolf isn’t it?” A blond teen stated
The retired knight closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself, before opening them again, shaking his head to clear whatever seemed to be fogging it up before he nodded, “yes…. It’s getting harder and harder to control it at the moment…..”
The group was silent before Flynn Rider walked over and stood in front of Richard, “look my dude, you’re gonna have one of three things happen to you depending on your choices here today. 1: ya tell us what you know and don’t fight us while we bring you back to town, which is the safest option for everyone here. 2: you tell us nothing and we end up beating you up and *then* bring you back to town, the option I kinda hope you choose because you’re an asshole. Or 3: you keep pissing Quirin off, he turns werewolf and possibly/probably kills you, the option nobody wants, *including* you. Be smart and pick number 1 and save us the trouble here, ok?”
“Didn’t you just say you wanted me to pick 2?” Richard asked
“I’d prefer it because the person who’d do it is Hector, the man ya just attacked, and it’d honestly serve you right, but that’s a lot of blood that none of us wanna clean up, also, we’d have to stop him from killing you, and that’s never fun or easy”
“You’ve had to do that before?!”
“Just choose you damn moran, we don’t have all day”
“I…. Uh….” Richard looked at the group, none of them looked like they wanted to show him any mercy, especially not the tamer who’d just finished healing his rhino and was now glaring *daggers* at the man, “um….”
“Make my damn day, please”, Hector stated as one of his eyes twitched with anger
“O-option 1”
“Damn it….”
“Good choice”, Eugene stated, a huff from Hector made the man snort, “sorry, but you’re real damn tough to stop”
“I’m taking that as a compliment”
“You should, anyway”, Eugene knelt in front of Richard, “tell us what you know, now”
“I…. Where do you want me to start, I know a lot”
The group was silent, “…..Can I *please* kick him?” Hector asked
“Ye-nooooo”, Eugene said, “easy, ya angry gremlin”, he added before looking at Richard, “did Ida put you up to this?”
“No”, Richard replied
“Whys you attack Hector?”
“Cause he was the one Ida mentioned taking her grandson away”
“For fuck’s sake-who are you to Ida?”
“I’m…. Technically her step son, though it probably won’t last long”
“Huh?”
“My dad has this thing where he’ll get flings, a lot of them. Ida is his latest fling, she’s also his longest, they’ve actually been off and on for years now”
“…..When did that start?”
“Before I was born, why?”
“Did she have a child when they began this fling?”
“My dad got her pregnant the first time it happened, yeah, they’d been flirting with each other until that point, at least, that’s what they told me, again, why?”
“Do you remember the gender of the baby?”
“My dad said she was a girl-why is this important?!”
“ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!” The alchemist exclaimed
Eugene sighed before he looked at the teen, “I’m so sorry kiddo”
“UGH! Were you after *me*?!”
Richard looked at him and nodded, “yeah, Ida said you were being kidnapped by this group”
The alchemist’s eye twitched before he sighed, “my name is Varian *Vanguard*!”
Richard’s eyes widened as he stared at Varian, then at Quirin, “oh shit….”
“Oh shit indeed!” The alchemist stated with a huff, “I am getting so tired of this woman….. ugh….”
“Wait, wouldn’t that make this guy your uncle as well?” The blond teen asked
“Unfortunately, which means not only do I have a crazy lady as a grandma, but I have an ANIMAL ABUSER for an uncle! UGH!”
“Man Ulla’s family is fucked up”, Hector stated
“Makes me feel bad for her more and more”, the face painted female stated
“Ulla?” Richard asked
“My mom you asshat! The child your father and my grandmother bore together!” Varian exclaimed angrily, “tell me this, do you *any* other family members that might pull more of the same *shit* you just did? I’d hate it if the answer is yes, but at least I’d be prepared!”
“No”
“Thank the Moon!”
“Varian!” Eugene laughed
“I’m just saying, we’ve been trying to go on this damn fishing trip for *nearly* a *week* now, and it’s been interrupted *several times* by my mama’s crazy ass family! I’m starting to think we’re cursed at this point!” He then looked at the blond, “and you thought your family was bad”
“Yeah I’m starting to think I lucked out quite a bit”, the teen stated as he looked at-!
“Hutch!” Richard exclaimed when he saw the Nedzerdnian Village Leader
“Hey Richard, got yerself into trouble again I see”, Hutch stated with a raised brow
“I-I was just trying to help my father”
“Kid, this ain’t the way ta do it”
“I uh…. I see that now”, Richard then raised a brow at the blond teen, “who’s he?”
“He’s Hugo, my sister’s son”
“Terra had a kid?!”
“Yep”
“Awesome! I’d uh…. Say it’s nice to meet you but…..” he looked at Eugene, who quirked a brow at him, “I don’t think the feeling’s mutual at the moment….”
“No its really not”, Hugo replied, “though it’s a nice sentiment”
Hutch sighed, “I know he just did a real nasty thing, but could we let him up off the floor? Richard ain’t a bad kid, he’s just…. Well….”
“Stupid?” Varian asked
“An idiot?” The face painted female added
“Someone I’d like to punt?” Hector finished
“No no, he just…. Doesn’t think things through all the time…. Look if he tries anything else, I’ll handle it and take responsibility, but I don’t think he has the full story, otherwise he wouldn’t do this”
Eugene watched the man before he looked at Hector, Varian, and Quirin, “up to you three”
Varian huffed but sighed, “I trust Hutch, plus this guy *did* choose option 1, and told us what he knew”
Quirin glared at Richard before looking at Hutch, “he’s not a kid”
“I know Quirin, he knows better and, trust me, he ain’t gettin away with what he just did, but he doesn’t know the full tale, it ain’t fair to punish a man on what he doesn’t know”
The retired knight hesitated, but finally sighed and nodded, “you’re right, unfortunately, plus…. I think I need to calm down a bit….”
Hutch placed a hand on Quirin’s shoulder, “let me know if ya need any help”
“I will, he’s all yours”
“Thanks, Hector?” Hutch looked at the tamer
Hector looked at Richard and growled angrily, making the man look away instantly. The tamer huffed, “I want vengeance for Xena….”
“You’ll get it, dunno how yet, but I’ll make sure you do, I ain’t nice to those who hurt animals”
Hector was hesitant, he wanted to take his anger out on Richard, in fact, his fists *shook*, knuckles underneath his gloves were white with how hard he was clenching them. However, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and sighed, “…..I’m so angry Adira…. He hurt Xena…. Badly”
“I know….. But what good will hurting him, the way your mind tells you it wants to, do?” She asked gently
“It’s be extremely satisfying”
The face painted warrior snorted, “and as much as I would love that for you, you know that Hutch is right. If this man doesn’t have the full story, then we can’t really punish him for that”
“He hurt an innocent rhino, and attacked me in an attempt to kidnap our nephew!”
“And Hutch will make sure he’s punished for his actions, but I know you. You’ll take *everything* out on him, until you calm down, it’s best to let Hutch handle this”
“Your advice is right, but your way of punishing animal abusers is extremely merciful”
“Hector, you’d have him hanging by his thumbs for three days while Xena continuously rams into him with her horn”
“AND HE WOULD DESERVE EVERY DEMANITUS DAMN SECOND OF IT!”
Varian laughed at that, getting Hector to snort as the tamer wiped away his angry tears. Adira sighed, “Xena is healed, she isn’t killed, and while I do agree he deserves punishment, our way is not the right way”
“*Our* way?”
“You think you’re the only one who cares about Xena? She’s helped me out a lot too, so have Pixie and Basil, the thought of any of them being hurt makes me madder than hell, to the point where I’d love nothing more than to tie this man up by his *toes* and allow King Edmunds crows to slowly peck out his innards”, Hector grinned, “but that’s not appropriate right now, nor is it a fair punishment. So again I must insist, let Hutch handle this”
Hector sighed before he looked at Hutch again, “he ain’t gettin off Scott free, you have my word on that”, the Nedzerdnian Village Leader stated
Hector hesitated just a little bit more, still glaring at the man, before he finally sighed and nodded, “fine…. But I’d better see fucking tears from him for what he did to my rhino”
“He’ll be regrettin it, don’t worry”
“I’m not so sure I like that sound of that”, Richard stated
“You ain’t supposed to, ya went too far this time”, Hutch stated as Eugene got up, another red clad man pulling Richard up with him and pushing the man away
“Thanks Lance”, Eugene said
“Anytime”, the red clad man replied
“I get that but…. What are ya gonna do to me? Use a belt or something?” Richard asked
“What?! I ain’t yer parent! Why would you even suggest-ugh…. Richard…. Just…..” Hutch sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers
“That hanging by the thumbs option is still open”, Hector stated
“Don’t tempt me….”
“Um….. this is gonna sound really dumb, but you won’t do that to me will you?” Hugo asked
Hutch snorted and looked at the teen, “never Hugo, never, and that ain’t stupid to ask either, you actually *are* my kin, so *technically* I’d be able to, but I don’t think you’d ever warrant a punishment like that”
“Personally I find that kind of punishment monstrous”, Quirin stated, “you don’t need to physically harm your child, in any way, in order to have them learn a lesson”
“A statement I’m *very* glad you stand by”, Varian stated
Quirin chuckled, “I’m sure you are”
“So…. How am I gonna be punished then?” Richard asked
“I’ll figure it out, and you’ll serve it without question, for now however, did we wanna tell him the full story so he doesn’t do this again?”
“Probably a good idea”, Lance stated, “maybe on the way back to town? Since it seems like our fishin trip got interrupted”
“Again…..” Varian huffed, getting Hugo to hug him
“Who says we have to go back?” Adira asked
“Sister, Hector was just attacked”, Quirin said
“Are you wounded?” She asked Hector
“Nope, the damn assholes only landed one hit, and it was to my back when they caught me off guard, didn’t even hurt”, Hector stated
“Do you wanna go back to town?”
“No, I found stuff for lettuce out here, I wanted to make some and show the spawn how to as well”
Adira smiled and looked at Quirin, “he’s the one who was attacked, and yet he wants to stay out here and make salad. Plus, Speckles caught a big fish and was so excited about it too, so we really wanna ruin that?”
“So…. Continue the fishing trip with him here?” Quirin asked with a raised brow
“He can sit in the corner and think about what he’s done”, Varian suggested, getting Hugo to laugh
The retired knight looked at Hutch, “I’m being out numbered here”
The Nedzerdnian Village Leader chuckled before, “if you wanna finish the fishin trip, I don’t mind keepin watch over Richard and the thugs he brought with him. It’d make tellin him the full story a lot easier too”
Quirin sighed before he noticed Varian and Hugo were giving him puppy dog eyes, made even harder to ignore when Ruddigar and Olivia joined in, “alright alright, we can stay, but no talking to the crazy man sitting in the time out corner with his bar thug friends, deal?”
“Deal!” Both scientists exclaimed happily before they ran over to the boat and began to unload the equipment and fish everyone had caught
“Oh my gosh”, Adira said with a chuckle as Hector snorted
Hutch sighed before he looked at Richard, “let’s, you and me, talk fer a sec, get ya caught up to speed”
“Okaaaay?” Richard said as he followed Hutch without hesitation while the rest of the group helped unpack the boat and began to set up their campsite for the night
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this chapter was fun to write, but also another calm before the storm, because Quirin’s getting angrier and angrier, and Ulla’s family is getting crazier and crazier
Richard is merely a dumb guy who doesn’t think before he acts, he’s also Ulla’s half brother, which really freaking sucks for Varian
Speaking of, Varian’s hit his limit! This poor bean needs a break! He’s got a Hugo to help him out, but still, this poor kid
Also Hector and Adira are of the same mindset, yet have different approaches, and I love them for it XD
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 659: A Crazy Rhino Threat!
Summary:
The group is setting up camp and eating some food, when they discuss what to do with Richard and the bar thugs before someone ticks Hector off!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Do you wanna go back to town?”
“No, I found stuff for lettuce out here, I wanted to make some and show the spawn how to as well”
Adira smiled and looked at Quirin, “he’s the one who was attacked, and yet he wants to stay out here and make salad. Plus, Speckles caught a big fish and was so excited about it too, do we really wanna ruin that?”
“So…. Continue the fishing trip with him here?” Quirin asked with a raised brow
“He can sit in the corner and think about what he’s done”, Varian suggested, getting Hugo to laugh
The retired knight looked at Hutch, “I’m being out numbered here”
The Nedzerdnian Village Leader chuckled, “if you wanna finish the fishin trip, I don’t mind keepin watch over Richard and the thugs he brought with him. It’d make tellin him the full story a lot easier too”
Quirin sighed before he noticed Varian and Hugo were giving him puppy dog eyes, made even harder to ignore when Ruddigar and Olivia joined in, “alright alright, we can stay, but no talking to the crazy man sitting in the time out corner with his bar thug friends, deal?”
“Deal!” Both scientists exclaimed happily before they ran over to the boat and began to unload the equipment and fish everyone had caught
“Oh my gosh”, Adira said with a chuckle as Hector snorted
Hutch sighed before he looked at Richard, “let’s, you and me, talk fer a sec, get ya caught up to speed”
“Okaaaay?” Richard said as he followed Hutch without hesitation while the rest of the group helped unpack the boat and began to set up their campsite for the night
****
“Mmmmm! This salad is so good!” Varian exclaimed happily as he munched on a another forkful
Hector smirked as he rubbed Xena’s back gently while she rested, “I’m glad you like it, fresh ingredients make the best salad”
“Mm-hm! I gotta make sure to remember this!”
“You turning my kid Vegan over there?” Quirin asked, getting Hector to laugh
“This salad is amazing dad!” Varian exclaimed
“Gonna make everyone Vegan, one salad at a time!” The tamer stated sarcastically
The alchemist and retired knight, chuckled as Varian shoved another forkful of salad into his mouth happily. He hummed with joy at the taste before swallowing and looking over at Hutch, who was still talking to Richard. The teen cocked his head to the side, “you think he’s a good guy? Despite what he did”
“No, anyone who hurts an animal is not good”, Hector stated, “at least, not in my book”
“But what if he didn’t really know the situation? I agree that hurting an animal should never be anyone’s solution to anything, last, first, or middle, but maybe he’s just misguided?”
“If so, then he’s got *a lot* to make up for for hurting my Xena”
“True, he’s definitely gotta make up for what he did, because hurting any animal, especially ours, is not okay, but after he makes up for it, would you be willing to give him a chance?”
Hector raised a brow at the teen, “weren’t you angry at him before? What’s changed?”
“I had time to think, and from what he said, it just sounded like Ida went to her fling and complained about us, you specifically considering he seemed to know who you were, and this guy just wanted to help. I get the feeling he also isn’t the sharpest tool in the lab, judging from how Hutch treats him, so maybe he just did a really stupid thing in order to fall in favor of his dad and Ida?”
“It’s possible, but he’s still an asshole”
“Very true”
Hector snorted when Varian shoved another forkful of salad into his mouth and began to chew before the tamer saw Hutch and Richard stand up and walk over. He stood as well, glaring at the younger man, who noticed and backed up behind Hutch a bit, “alright, he’s all caught up, and he’ll be doing what he can to make up fer what he did”, the Nedzerdnian Village Leader stated, getting everyone’s attention, “but first”, he looked at Richard, “you got somethin to say?”
Richard hesitated, before he sighed, came out from hiding, faced Hector fully, and spoke, “sorry for attackin you, and for hurtin your steed, it wasn’t right”
Hector glared at the man, but Richard didn’t back down, he just waited, this made the tamer let out a huff, before looking away, “that’s Hector for, ‘I’m still really angry and it’s gonna take me a long time to forgive you, but I appreciate the apology’, with a lot less cussing”, Adira translated
“Good to know”, Richard said with a sigh of relief, “thanks”
“He’s still gonna make up fer what he did to Xena”, Hutch stated, “but that’s somethin I’d like to discuss with you first, you ain’t a farmer, so he can’t work on your fields, but maybe there’s somethin else he could do?” The tamer raised a brow and opened his mouth, “somethin that doesn’t include bodily harm”, Hutch added
Hector huffed again, getting Varian and Hugo to snort, before the tamer shrugged, “I don’t fuckin know, I’d have him clean up my animal’s shit, but I don’t trust him with that, same with cleaning any of their items, or mine”
“How about we figure it out”, Quirin suggested
“Fine, but for now, he stays the fuck away from me”
“With pleasure….”, Richard stated
“Not helpin”, Hutch huffed at the younger man
“Um, could you explain something to me”, Varian said, getting Richard to look at him, “you said you were after me, because your father’s new fling complained. I’m assuming you’ve been caught up on what’s been going on, can you tell me what exactly she said?”
“She mentioned strangers coming to her home with her lost daughter’s son. She said she found out her daughter was dead and asked if the kid could stay with her so she had a piece do her daughter with her again. But the strangers said no, attacked her and Chuck, then left”, Richard replied, “knowin what I do now, I shouldn’t have done what I did, sorry”
“You can make it up to Hector later, but if that’s all you really knew, what do think about the story now? Are you still gonna try to take me to her?”
“No”, Richard said, “from what Hutch told me, she’s gone bat shit crazy, to be honest, I always kinda thought she was a lunatic”
“Then why’d you attack Hector?” Eugene asked
“Because my dad is crazy about her. Said she was the only girl that made him feel some type of way, that the only thing stoppin him from keepin her was her husband”
“So…. You know she’s cheatin, yet you still tried to help?” Lance asked
“I….. Wanna help my dad…. I don’t really give a damn about her…..”
“Noted”
“So, you’re not gonna keep trying to steal my Varian?” Hugo asked, “I’m double checking because if you try that again, your hand’s coming off”
Varian giggled as Richard backed up a bit, “I-I’m gonna be good, sheesh you people are scary…..”
“You think *I’m* scary?! Pffft! I’m a kitten compared to Quirin!”
Richard looked at the retired knight, “yeah I…. Know….” This made the man cocked his head to the side, “I uh….. heard of some of your exploits….. You’re kinda famous in the bar my dad owns”
“I….. am?” Quirin asked
“Yeah, see, we’re not that far from the Dark Kingdom-well….. we’re closer than Corona is anyway. And some of the criminals from there will come here and camp in the bar and inn my dad owns. And they’ve told us about a large knight, who wields two blades, that has taken out *armies* by himself before. Some Dark Kingdom citizens have said the same thing when they came from there 27 years ago. You’re well known to be tough and strong. It’s gotten to the point where someone made a poster of you and we’ve kept it up since then. A few Nedzerdnians recognize you as well, apparently you killed a bad criminal who ended up killing Hutch’s-!”
“Shut it”, Hutch stated huffily
“R-right, sorry, that was rude of me, either way, you’re well known here, I’m surprised you haven’t been mobbed by fans yet”
Quirin blinked, a little startled by that, “do you all know about Adira and Hector?” Varian asked
“I’ve…. Heard the name Adira before, but Hector’s new”
“I’m not surprised, I was knocked out when Clay helped us defeat that criminal in Nedzerdnia”, Adira stated, “and Hector didn’t come with us that day”
“True”, the tamer stated with a shrug, “I’m not offended, I prefer a low profile, spotlight never appealed to me, too noisy”
“Agreed”, Adira replied
Quirin chuckled, “well, I’m glad you two aren’t upset, though it’s odd to hear I’m recognized here, I’m…. Not so sure I’m happy about that….”
“Odd, most people would be ecstatic”, Richard said
“I don’t see why”
“Because you’re practically famous? Ya know, something almost everyone strives for in their life?”
Quirin quirked a brow, “I…. Would rather just have a pumpkin and flower farm and go about my day, undisturbed”
“Noted….”
The group grew silent for a moment before Eugene spoke up, “so what should we do?” He asked, “seems like you’re not gonna try your bullshit again, I know we’re gonna camp out tonight, but what do we do about this guy?”
Everyone was quiet, when Hugo spoke up, “we’re near the bar Chuck mentioned Ida had gone to before to have Ulla….. we could…. Return Richard?”
“Maybe…. It would be a good idea to talk to the man who is, technically, my other grandfather….. though I struggle to say that…. I miss my Dark Kingdom grandpa….” Varian stated, an image of Edmund flashing in his mind, “I want a grandpa hug”
Quirin scooped his son up and held him close, “once we get back, we’ll head directly to the castle so you can give him a big ol’ bear hug”
“King Edmund would be really nice to have right now though”, Adira admitted, “he was better at handling family matters….”
“And calming us down too….” Hector added
Eugene smirked, “yeah, he’d probably sit here, with his goofy ass grin, and give us an optimistic thought that wouldn’t make a lick of sense to try and cheer us up…..” he sighed, “damn, I miss him too….”
Hutch blinked before he looked at Hugo, “heh, Edmund is Quirin, Adira, and Hector’s adopted father, and he’s Eugene’s *actual* father, he’s also Varian’s grandpa, on his father’s side. He’s a really good man, nice, kind, and funny too! Made me feel real welcome when we first met”, the blond explained
Hutch smiled, “well then I’ll have to meet him someday”
“You’ll love him, he calls me butter nut because of my hair”
Varian giggled, “he’d call you older butter nut, Hutch”
“Or butter nut 2.0”, Eugene added
“He would!” Hugo exclaimed with a giggle, “he really would!”
The Nedzerdnia Village Leader chuckled before Quirin spoke up, “as much as I’d love to continue thinking about King Edmund, we should get Richard back to him father before it gets too much later, also, the bar thugs are waking up and staring at me….”
“Eh?” Hector looked before he snickered when he saw the dumbfounded looks on the thug’s faces, “paint a picture you assholes!” He exclaimed, getting the thugs to look at him
“YOU!” The largest one exclaimed, balling his fists
“Hey, care for round 2 of getting your ass kicked?”
“You got lucky you fucking shit stain!”
“Oh did I? Would you like to be proven wrong again? Or should I spare your oversized ego the embarrassment?”
The thug growled before he spotted Varian and smirked, moving quickly, he grabbed the alchemist and held him up, “try me asswipe!”
Quirin *instantly* brought out one of his blades, but was stopped by the wild tamer, “if you hurt one *hair* on his head, I’ll make your face hit every *single* tree around this campsite before making your face slide into the dirt, where you’ll end up with you at the feet of Quirin Vanguard, begging him for mercy…..”
The thug smirked, “I’d like to see you try”, he stated, before gently plucking out one of Varian’s hairs from his head
*Instantly* the tamer kicked the thug’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him and making him release the alchemist, who was caught by Adira, before the tamer grabbed the thug’s shirt and pulled his face mere *inches* from his, “I wasn’t joking….”
He then proceeded to drag and throw the thug into every *single* tree around the campsite, before he slammed the man’s face in the dirt, and kicked him once, he making him slid forwards and stop, only for the thug to look up, mouth full of rocks and dirt, and find Quirin glaring down at him, eyes flickering from brown to red, before the retired knight pointed his blade at the thug’s nose, getting the thug to spit out the dirt and rocks before clapping his hands together, “I-I’m sorry! I’m s-sorry! Please d-don’t kill me!” He begged
Hutch and Richard stared at Hector, mouths agape, before Adira spoke up, “he did warn you”, she said
“I’m okay dad”, Varian said as Hugo walked over to the thug, “sincerely, please don’t kill him, not worth it, plus, uncle Hector kinda took care of it”
Quirin let out a sigh before he sheathed his blade and backed up, “fair point, but I get the next one”
Hector smirked, “Kay”
Suddenly they heard the thug let out a yelp, when they looked, they saw Hugo holding a chuck of the man’s hair in his hand, “Hugo!” Varian exclaimed
“What? I have a rule I need to live by! You hurt my Freckles, I hurt you back tenfold, so I pulled out ten hairs of his”, the blond explained, “it’s only fair”
This got Quirin to freeze for a moment or two before he cackled, scooping Hugo up and hugging him, “thank you! Haha! I needed thahahahat!”
The blond grinned as Hutch let out a sigh and Richard stared at his thug friend, as did the other thugs, all of them beginning to regret agreeing to this mission as Hector smirked and Adira snickered!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So Adira got a whole arc with her and Varian, Quirin’s getting one with his wolf form at the moment, Edmund is helping Rapunzel with her pregnancy, Hector needed some lovin, so here’s him being the exact opposite of loving XD …..While also protecting his nephew-he’s both! Hector’s just an anomaly and we love him for it! XD
Also, Edmund appreciation, because I miss our goofy Dark Kingdom Grandpa!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️🎶
Chapter 660: Internet Outage
Chapter Text
Hello!
So, I’m typing this on my phone because my internet is gone, I was almost finished with my chapter when it just blipped off
I’m using my phone to type this out, I’m really sorry, but I can’t post the chapter today, I don’t have a way of getting it on my phone with needing internet on my computer
I will try to post it when I have internet again, again, I’m so sorry about this!
But I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Thank you all for your patience with me 🎶
Sincerely,
Harmony Song🎶❤️
Chapter 661: Team Awesome and Meeting the Bartender!
Summary:
Two chapters in one! Eugene and Varian have a chat about how the alchemist is feeling, and the group finally meets Richard’s father!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Varian let out a sigh as he stared at the building before him, the bar smelled heavily of booze and sweat. He felt his heart pumping in his chest while he stood at the front door. The bar thugs, Richard, and Hutch had gone inside, the Nedzerdnian Village Leader suggesting he go in and explain the situation to Richard’s father to save the group some trouble
The alchemist watched the bar door, double checking over his shoulder to make sure no one from his mother’s family would find him. He sighed with relief when he didn’t see anyone, only to jump seven feet in the air when someone gently touched his shoulder, “op, I’m sorry kiddo, I was just making sure you were alright”, Eugene apologized, backing up a bit as Varian floated back down, the Moonstone glowing slightly
“I-it’s fine”, the alchemist replied, landing on the ground gracefully, “I guess I’m just a little jumpy”
“Understandably, sorry for startling you”
“It’s okay, you didn’t mean to”, the duo stayed quiet for a moment as they watched the rest of the group. Hugo was quietly chatting with Lance while Quirin, Adira, and Hector watched the roads around them, seemingly doing the same thing the alchemist had. Eugene let out a sigh and patted a random rhythm on his thighs before Varian chuckled, “nervous?”
“Heh, that obvious?” The Dark Prince asked
“Yeah, but I’m nervous too, so….” The alchemist looked up to the stars, “Eugene, do you think anyone on my mama’s side is good? Aside from Charlie and his kid I mean”
“Well…. I’m sure there might be *someone*, even if we don’t them here”
“What a lovely lie”
“Tch, I’m starting to think Hector’s rubbing off on you ya brat”, Eugene stated as he ruffled the teen’s hair
“Hee hee, maybe a little”, the alchemist napped his big brother’s hands away before smirking, “he’s helped me be more perceptive, and realistic”
“Not to the point where you can’t imagine things though, right?”
“Course not! The man rides a rhino around and has two binturongs as best friends and pets! Believe me, he’s realistic, but whimsical”
“Fair”
Varian giggled before he looked up at the stars, “he’s just been really helpful lately. The other day, he told me something that made me stop and think”
“What’s that?”
“Well we were talking about this whole situation, and he told me that sometimes, you gotta remember that you can’t choose your blood family. But their actions don’t reflect onto you. He said that even if you had a really horrible someone in your bloodline, that doesn’t make you horrible too, in fact, it makes you better, because you didn’t turn out like them”
Eugene smiled, “he’s right”
Varian nodded, “I’m glad you agree, what he said made me feel a lot better”
“Were you blaming yourself there kiddo?”
“A little…. I’ve just been…. Worried about this whole thing…. How I look to people now, to Hugo… to you…. To dad….”
Eugene looked at the teen, “Varian, Quirin loves you no matter what, he would never think any less of you or your mama”
“I know…. I just get worried is all”
“That’s fair, you feeling worried is normal and completely valid, but you know he’ll never think of you as bad, he loves you, so does Hugo, and me kiddo”
“I know”, Varian let out a small sigh before he smiled at Eugene, “thanks, I’m sorry”
“It’s alright, no need to apologize, are you okay?”
The alchemist looked at the ground for a moment before he shook his head, “my mama was very brave….. and strong too…. For having to go through all of this…. And still managing to be a wonderful person…. I just wish I could’ve helped her, been there for her…. Did *something* that made her pain worth it…. I don’t feel like I have…. And it makes me sad that she went through hell and back, had maybe a few years of peace, then was killed….. and while I don’t hate Donella….. I wish she would’ve just let my mama be….. maybe this wouldn’t hurt so much if my mama was still around…..” Varian sniffled, “I would never tell Hugo this…. Because I don’t wanna upset him…. But sometimes…. I get really mad at Donella…. This…. Hasn’t been helping….”
Eugene gave the alchemist a sympathetic look before he glanced at Hugo, noticing something, he smiled, “you’re not the only one feeling that way”
“Huh?”
“Look at your blond”
Varian watched his fiancé, and notice the tear streaks down the inventor’s cheeks as he spoke with Lance. The alchemist watched Hugo’s lips as he recognized the word ‘Don’. He blinked before looking at Eugene, “him too huh?”
“Seems like it”
“Oh Hugo….”
“Quirin too”
“Wait what?!” Varian looked at his father and saw the man was speaking to Adira and Hector, he hadn’t noticed that before. The retired knight seemed to be anxious, his shoulders were squared, mouth draw into an anxious frown, brows furrowed with worry, and eyes downcast as if he had the weight of the world on his back, “dad….”
“Yeah…. Looks like all three of you are worried, ya worry warts”
The alchemist snorted at that, “can you blame us?”
“No, I really can’t”
Varian let out an another sigh before he looked at Eugene, “hey, I’m so sorry for asking such a personal question but, I need to know…. Is this how you felt when you met grandpa?”
The Dark Prince smiled, “yeah, this is almost exactly how I felt. Lost and unsure of who I was supposed to be…. Everything I ever thought I knew was gone. I thought I’d had a pretty good idea of what I was and who I wanted to be, but then I found out I was a prince of a destroyed kingdom, and that my father had been the cause….. He also attacked Rapunzel and Lance and CassAndra, and I just…. Felt lost….. But, an annoying little frog reminded me that I was exactly who I’m supposed to be, that I’m the one that gets to choose, and I chose Rapunzel, then, I helped my dad, heh, he used to think it was my destiny to come to him and help destroy the Moonstone. I told him what if I was supposed to come and bring him out of the Dark Kingdom, and sure enough, he listened”
“And got to meet me!”
“Yeah, and reunited with Quirin and Hector too, Adira was already there”
“Of course she was, Adira’s first, always”
“Heh”, the Dark Prince grinned at the alchemist before he looked up at the stars, “hey, remember that first Guy’s Night? The one where I asked you to keep my Princliness a secret from your dad?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you know why I did that?”
“….Cause you were scared?”
“Well, that’s part of it, another reason was because….. I was still trying to accept it, I thought of myself as a rogue, a thief, a joker, with no place to call my own. Now suddenly I’m a prince and have all these responsibilities and shit and it just…. Overwhelmed me…. I didn’t think I fit that role, but then I got to know you more, and Quirin too! And you know what? You both helped me figure everything out. When Hugo came along, I finally had a good grasp on who I wanted to be, I think that’s what made it easy to help him. I relied on Flynn Rider being me for so long, than I didn’t really care about Eugene Fitzeherbert much, let alone Prince Horace Esmeray, which is still odd to me by the way!”
Varian laughed, “hey, I like your name, all of them”
“Well at least one of us does”
“Where’d Eugene come from anyway?”
“The orphanage I was at actually. The lady who dropped me off didn’t tell them my name, so they gave me one”
“Huh”
“Yeah, fitting right?”
“Considering Eugene means well-born or noble, very”
“Pfft, well then, my noble status should’ve just been obvious then, ey?”
“Eep! Not what I meant”, Varian exclaimed with a giggle as Eugene tickled him a little bit before stopping, “you’re mean”
“Heh, I know”, Eugene said with a smirk before he sighed, “I guess what I mean is, even if you feel overwhelmed, or scared, or lost, you’re not alone, and no matter who you end up being, we’ll all be happy that you finally figured it out! Also, even if it turns out that no one on your mama’s side is good, that doesn’t make you or Ulla a bad person, we know you’re good people, I can assure you of that”
Varian looked at his big brother, he was quiet for a moment before he spoke up, his voice small, and meek, “promise?”
Eugene looked at the teen, a little startled by that, before he smiled and nodded, “promise”
Varian smiled at the man and hugged him, getting a hug in return. They stayed that way for a while, before the door behind them began to open, and out stepped Hutch, getting the duo to part and look at him, before the Nedzerdnian Village Leader smiled at the two, stepping aside to allow another person through
This man was tall, about 6 foot 5 inches, he was wearing a blue flannel and black slacks, he had a 5 o’clock shadow and freckles littering his face, his hair was bright red, the thing the caught everyone’s attention however, we’re his bright blue eyes, identical to Varian’s! For a moment, he didn’t speak, he only stared at the alchemist at his bar’s door, before he gave the teen a gentle, but tired, smile, “hello there”, he said, his voice was gruff, but calm, “wow, look at you. You look just like her”
Varian was startled by this reaction, as he cocked his head to the side. He then smelled the familiar scent of apples and wood, and instantly he disappeared, reappearing a few feet back, standing behind his father, who’d walked over when he’d seen the doors open. Varian peeked out from behind the retired knight, he felt nervous, he didn’t sense any ill will from this man, but he wasn’t sure, Hutch chuckled, “it’s okay Varian, he seems a lot scarier than he actually is”, the man explained, “a lot like your pa actually”
“That was new though, the teleporting thing, you mentioned he had powers Hutch, but you didn’t mention what kind”, the bartender stated, seemingly fascinated with the alchemist
“To be fair, I don’t rightly know what powers he has, he hasn’t really shown that many to me”
“I see, that’s fair I suppose, oh and, this must be Quirin!” The retired knight raised a brow at the bartender, “heh, your mistrust in me is understandable, considering what my son just pulled, is…. Is Hector okay?”
“How do you-!” Quirin began
“I told him, sorry, thought it’d be easier to catch him up to speed”, Hutch interrupted politely
“Ah”
“I’m fine”, the tamer in question replied, “though one of your thugs may need a dental appointment”
To Hector’s surprise, the bartender laughed, “Butch? Yeah I saw that! He’s a bit strong headed when he’s drunk, sorry about him. I’m sorry about all of them actually, Richard included. Had I known what he was planning on doing, I would’ve stopped it immediately, I’m sorry about your rhino”, Hector shrugged, petting Xena’s head gently, unsure of what else to say. The bartender smiled at the man before he looked at Quirin, “I know I’m probably gonna be the last person you ever trust, but know that I’ll be keeping a better eye on Richard, he’s a good boy, he’s just…. Too ambitious at times…. Tell you the honest truth, when Ida came crying to me about her grandson being stolen, I didn’t believe her. I told her to calm down and maybe try to relax a bit, but she wouldn’t have it, and stormed off, but I guess Richard got a little ahead of himself and decided to take matters into into his own hands, rest assured the boy’s gonna be scrubbing stalls until horse shit is the only thing he smells for a week. I’ll make sure he stays out of trouble, and doesn’t cause any of you any more harm, you have my word”
Quirin blinked as Varian peeked out just a little bit more, “why are you so…. Calm? I thought you’d be on her side”, the retired knight asked
“Heh, Ida and me go way back, I love her to bits and pieces, but she’s kinda…. Nuts…. One day she’ll be all over me, the next, she’ll want nothing to do with me. I think it’s a mental condition, not that there’s anything wrong with that, I’m just saying. Heh, my son thinks Ida is a fling of mine, which couldn’t be further from the truth”
“Yeah he mentioned that….”
“Richard mentioned-hoo boy that kid…. I’m really sorry, let me explain”, he said, “my name’s Anthony, you can just call me Tony. I’m a bartender, and the owner of this bar and inn, as you’ve probably guessed. I have only *one* wife, her name’s Lydia, and one kid, Richard. Course I had another, Ulla, but when she was born, I wasn’t allowed to see or meet her, that was because Ida wanted to work things out with Chuck. See I met Ida *before* Lydia, and I had feelings for her, told her so myself. She declined because she was with Chuck, and I respected that, but Ida came in on a particularly bad day, I’d had too many drinks and had just lost a family member….. my dad…. She came in and had a few swigs of drink as well…. She vented to me about Chuck’s choice to wait on kids and, in my right mind, I would’ve agreed with him! But I wasn’t in my right mind at that time…. And me and her made a bad choice…. I consented, it wasn’t just her who decided to…. Well….” He glanced at Varian before clearing his throat and continuing, “either way, we both made a mistake, however, when she had Ulla, and I was told not to see her, I decided to be better. I had a problem back then, a bad problem, I drank my sorrows away and it caused a lot of shit…. So I cleaned myself up, and kept my nose clean. When Lydia came into my life, she understood my mistakes and helped me get better, I had Richard with her, and the boy’s got my hard headedness, but I’m hoping he’ll grow out of that soon. He’s a good boy, he’s just…. Never thought things through…. I regret not being able to see Ulla, I regret never having the guts to defy the rules Ida set, and talk to her…. When she was gone, it hurt…. A lot, but….” He smiled at Varian, “I’m so glad she found someone who loved her, and I’m so happy that someone had a kid with her, she deserves it”, he looked at Quirin, “I’m sorry for any misconceptions, thing is, I’m just trying to be better, if that means you don’t trust me, or that you wanna keep your boy away from me, I completely understand, but as for me and Ida, we’re not a thing anymore. She’s an old friend, that’s all, I promise”
Varian could sense the man’s sincerity, and he fully sidled out from behind his father at this point. He waited for his dad’s response, but looking up at the man, he saw the retired knight had calmed down considerably, “…..Ulla…. Mentioned a kind bartender that would sometimes give her bread when she was hungry. I’m guessing that was you”
“Heh, yeah, I could do a little bit for her”
Quirin nodded, “she remembered that…. She appreciated it too…. I don’t think Chuck ever starved her, but she did mention a few times where she couldn’t afford food. She relied on that bread…. One kind gesture from a man she never knew she was connected to….” He looked at Eugene, “kinda like someone else I happen to know”, the Dark Prince smiled before Quirin looked at Tony again, “I don’t hate you, I may not know you very well, but you seem good to me. But your boy left quite the impression….. I won’t say my son isn’t allowed to see you, it’s his choice, not mine, but thank you for explaining your side of things, and as for Ulla, thank you for helping her when she needed it”
Tony smiled and nodded, “it was a pleasure”
Varian looked up at his father and smiled before he looked at Tony, “I…. I wouldn’t mind getting to know you better… but can we do so another night? I…. I’m celebrating something important tonight”
“Course we can, come by anytime, you’re all more than welcome at my bar and inn! Also, don’t worry, I won’t let Ida take you away. She’s…. Got a lot of issues unfortunately…. But I won’t let her hurt you, especially not while you’re here”
“Thank you, Tony”
“Anytime”
Varian blinked before he smiled as Hutch said goodbye to Tony and the bartender walked back inside and closed the door. Varian let out a sigh of relief, before he huffed his father, “I love you”
Quirin chuckled and hugged Varian back, “I love you too, are you alright?”
“Yeah, I am, you?”
“Better than before”
Varian smiled before he let out a sigh of relief, then looked at Hugo, “wanna concentrate not being married yet?”
The blond laughed, “hell yeah!”
The alchemist giggled before he grabbed Hugo’s and Quirin’s hands, and ran, the retired knight allowing himself to be pulled by his sons as they laughed the whole way back to camp! Hutch, Eugene, Lance, Hector, and Adira all following behind the trio as they did!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So this is to make up for my lack of internet keeping me from typing out the last chapter!
Eugene and Varian talking was supposed to be that chapter, so I added Tony to it because that was gonna be the next chapter after!
Tony’s a sweetheart by the way, he’s a good man, just like Chuck! The only difference is Tony has less anger and is just more a man with a very long story!
Also, Eugene and Varian talking should’ve been done more in the show, because these two have way too much in common to not have that much dialogue between them!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, and for all of your patience with me! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 662: Moonstone’s Curiosity! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The Moonstone has developed an interest in the ways of humankind!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Everyone had a fun time running around, cooking, fishing even more, and celebrating the two young scientists and their eventual marriage to each other! Hutch was more than happy to receive an invitation to the eventual wedding, even happier when he was told he could bring the entire family! Varian had invited Chuck, Charlie, and Charlie's wife as well, who were all happy to attend. The alchemist was debating inviting Tony, but decided he'd need to talk to Chuck about that first, to make sure it was okay considering their history. The group had finished their day of fun with smores and scary stories around the campfire! All was peaceful as majority of the group slept. However, Lance, Hugo, Adira, Hector, Quirin, and Varian were still awake, Eugene and Hutch, along with all the animals, were a bit too tuckered out from the day's events to really stay up
No one minded, they all just sat around the fire and had quiet conversations, well, everyone except Varian. The alchemist had become preoccupied with a few questions in his head, inquiries he hadn't thought of himself, and he knew the answers to already, yet he continued to think about them.... He stared up at the Moon, she was full, her light was shining down upon the group, making him smile, he loved the Moon. He would love to enjoy the peace of the night, but those questions continued to plague his mind
'What is it like to have a family?'
'How do you know you can trust someone?'
'Do I have a father?'
'Do I have a mother?'
'Am I happy?'
'Do I wish to have a lover?'
"Mph...." Placing a hand on his forehead, the alchemist felt a dull ache begin to form. The questions kept coming, all of them so curious about life and family, all of them he knew the answers to, but he couldn't satisfy himself with them! For some reason, the questions seemed to be declining the answers he provided, and the dull ache in his head became worse
"Son?" Varian looked up, his father's warm brown eyes meeting his gaze, he'd been sitting in the man's lap, an old habit of his that he wasn't readily able, nor willing, to give up anytime soon, "are you alright? You keep making tiny noises"
"And not the adorable ones that I start to count", Hugo added with a smirk
Normally Varian would grow slightly annoyed at that comment, but for some reason, he felt nothing but curiosity as he answered, "I think..... I think something keeps trying to ask me questions..... B-but anytime I answer, it declines.... Like I'm talking about the wrong thing...."
Quirin blinked and raised a brow, "declines?"
"Could the Moonstone be asking?" Adira questioned
"Maybe.... But if they are, they keep asking if I want a lover, what's it like to have a family, if I have a mother or a father, and it's just.... Ongoing.... Never stopping.... I'm starting to wonder if this is how you felt, dad, when I was a little kid and kept asking you simple questions about the world"
Quirin chuckled, "maybe not to this degree, but somewhat"
"Noted-mph! Ugh...." The alchemist's eyes shut and he winced as a new wave of questions hit his mind like a speeding caravan, he groaned and leaned back against his father's chest, "help...." He said softly
The retired knight hugged his son, kissing the teen's forehead, before he smiled, "why don't you let the Moonstone out for a bit, give your head a rest. Maybe we could answer the questions they're so curious about"
"That's a good idea", Adira replied with a smile, "I'm certain it would give Speckles a well earned break too"
"O-oki...." Varian agreed before he looked at Hugo, "also, I heard your comment, but I'm in pain"
"I getcha, you can be slightly annoyed with me later", the blond replied with a smile
Varian chuckled despite his throbbing head, "noted", he then closed his eyes as blue light engulphed his body. He let out one final sigh before he changed, body growing smaller, hair shorter, shoulders less broad, and legs lanky and skinny. His clothing changed from his regular outfit, to a blue shirt, brown pants, reddish, full body, apron, and black boots and gloves. The only difference of this Varian as opposed to his 14 year old self, was that his two blue streaks, freckles, and eyes, were now glowing bright white while the rest of his hair weas glowing bright blue
The blue glow engulfing the teen had finally subsided, leaving behind the 14 year old looking Moonstone. They blinked before looking up and spotting Quirin, blushing they flew into the air, "my apologies! Did not realize he hadn't moved"
Quirin chuckled, "it's fine, I've had 14 year old sitting Varian in my lap before"
The Moonstone let out a sigh before they crossed their legs in the air and took a sitting position, "it is good to see you all again"
"It's good to see you too Moonstone, been a minute", Adira said with a smile
"A very long minute, when was the last time you came out exactly?" Hugo asked
"It's been a few years, Varian's grown significantly", the Moonstone stated
"Yet you still take the form of his 14 year old self", Lance pointed out
"It is when he was the most balanced, until he becomes balanced once again, this is the form I shall remain in"
"By balanced....."
"When Varian is caught between the darkness and the light, and he must make a decision to remain in one or the other"
"Ah"
"Speaking of my son, he said something about a bunch of questions in his head that, for some reason, he couldn't answer", Quirin said
The Moonstone blushed once again, "that was me, apologies for that, I.... Have become curious about the life of human beings"
"What have you grown curious about?" Adira asked
"I suppose things that would seem rather simple to all of you, but I do not comprehend", they replied, "things like family, life, love, and reasons for all of that"
"You've lived in my nephew's body for years, yet you're only 'now' growing curious?" Hector questioned
The Moonstone chuckled, "when I was with Varian, I was far more curious about when he would notice me, and when he finally did, it was in the midst of a battle between good and evil, my sister and myself, and all I could really hope for was that I would be reunited with her, I didn't have time for anything else. However, when the princess 'did' reunite us, but then use our combined power to bring Varian back then shoot us into the sky once again, it made me grow curious about all of you. It's one of the reasons I stuck with Varian, aside from me wishing to protect him and his bloodline, I wanted to see why the princess didn't use our powers for something more. She merely brought Varian back then allowed us to be free. A sentiment I'm not unhappy with, but it made me interested in finding out more about the lives you all tend to live. Then I saw the Dark King and you three forgive the people who'd once laid chaos to your home before you were all born, and saw Varian and Hugo have their first fight before making up, then Hugo proposed, and Varian grew angry with Gothel and that werewolf expert, Quirin sacrificed himself to protect the ones he loves and got bitten in the process, Adira went through hell and back when traversing Puck's memories, Hugo told his con man father off and sent him away, and then met his actual family in Hutch and the Bazins, then Varian did as well with Chuck, Charlie, and Tony, then Hector was nearly killed, and Eugene and Varian had such a personal conversation.... So many interesting, yet confusing, things have happened to all of you in such a short amount of time. Yet throughout all of it, you've stuck together, and pushed through every obstacle. Now that this party is coming to a close soon, Hugo and Varian are going to join together, and the princess is going to make another human, I've grown so very curious about all of it. I've started to wonder if I want to live a life similar to that, but given how short your lives tend to be compared to mine, I'm not sure I could handle it.... But I still wonder.... Why? And How?"
The group stared up at the Moonstone before Quirin chuckled, "so many questions, so little time, it must feel so odd to be so curious, doesn't it?"
"I'll admit, it does have a tendency to.... Cause slight hesitation in the things I'd normally do in an instant. Do you know why I feel this way Quirin? Because that, above everything else, has caused me the most amount of confusion. Why am I suddenly so interested in all of this?"
"Because of Varian"
"Hm?"
The retired knight grinned, "my son, more than anything else, is curiosity incarnate. Always wanting to know about what flowers I'm planting, why flowers needed to grow in the dirt, he told me when he was younger, that he thought the flowers were funny, and sneaky, because they chose to grow in the dirt and be all muddy, instead of growing somewhere else that was clean. He said they were smart because no matter how many baths I gave them, they'd always be dirty since they lived in the dirt, they he proceeded to pretend to be a flower and got himself all muddy"
"Pfft!!!!! Awwwwwwww!" Hugo exclaimed
"That's way too fucking cute", Hector stated with a smile
"Isn't it just?" Quirin asked with a grin before he looked up at the Moonstone again, "you're curious because Varian's curious, he's rubbing off on you, that tends to happen"
"Hmmm, perhaps you're right", the Moonstone agreed
"Does it upset you to be this interested?"
"No, I don't find it upsetting in the slightest, in fact, I'm glad it's happened. I've never really been given much to think about, I just longed for my sister, that's it. I felt lonely, and angry, and sad, and scared, but none of those feelings came out in a good way. I'd be used to attack others, gain power over the weak, have the upper hand in a battle, I was never..... Allowed to grow curious, or have any other emotion than the negative ones I'd just mentioned"
"Allowed to?" Lance asked
"I feed off emotion, my powers and abilities do as well, emotion is what makes mine and Varian's powers grow stronger. It's why, when Varian gets angry, his powers become uncontrollable for him, anger and sadness, as well as love and passion, are his four strongest emotions. Because of my powers being what they are however, I was not given the permissions, nor the ability, to feel anything, except for the feign notions of the negative emotions I'd had, until I was connected with a human. My sister is very much the same in that regard, except for her, it is passion specifically she feeds on, which is why the princess is so powerful"
"Until you were connected with a human? So.... When you blasted King Edmund, me, and Stickler back when he tried to destroy you....." Adira began
"I fed from his own fear, anger, and sadness....." The Moonstone finished, "I couldn't control it, it overwhelmed me and I lashed out in the worst way possible. I still regret that surge of power to this day, but there's nothing I can do about it now..... Except help Varian and all associated with him"
"You've done a great job of doing that", Quirin complimented
"Thank you"
The retired knight smiled before he let out a sigh, then noticed something and chuckled, "old habits die hard"
"Huh?"
"Look at my lap"
The group looked and saw Varian, hologramed and glowing, sitting there, smiling happily as he listened to the conversation, "Freckles! Damn it!" Hugo exclaimed as he blushed and giggled
"And Hugo's flustered", Lance teased as Varian giggled silently
"Shut up! That's too fucking cute!"
Quirin snickered before he looked up at the Moonstone, "did you maybe want to see if we could answer some of your questions?"
The celestial stone cocked their head to the side, "if you have the ability to answer, I certainly wouldn't mind"
"I think we can do that, what are you curious about?"
The Moonstone hummed for a moment before they smiled and began to speak.
Notes:
Hello! :D
This idea actually came to me in a dream, it played out exactly like this, just with less detail XD
I honestly love writing this sort of thing, helping creatures understand specific human things that mainly humans do, it creates some nice conversation and character development depending on how they see the world!
Plus, the Moonstone needs a little screen time before the end of this fic, so here’s a fun two parter for them! 🎶😊❤️
It’s also to give a little light to the current situation the characters are in, because my gosh, especially Varian, boy gets some snuggle time with his big papa 🎶😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 663: Moonstone’s Curiosity! (Part 2!)
Summary:
The Moonstone is satisfied for now, as something else comes barreling towards the group!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The retired knight smiled before he let out a sigh, then noticed something and chuckled, "old habits die hard"
"Huh?"
"Look at my lap"
The group looked and saw Varian, hologramed and glowing, sitting there, smiling happily as he listened to the conversation, "Freckles! Damn it!" Hugo exclaimed as he blushed and giggled
"And Hugo's flustered", Lance teased as Varian giggled silently
"Shut up! That's too fucking cute!"
Quirin snickered before he looked up at the Moonstone, "did you maybe want to see if we could answer some of your questions?"
The celestial stone cocked their head to the side, "if you have the ability to answer, I certainly wouldn't mind"
"I think we can do that, what are you curious about?"
The Moonstone hummed for a moment before they smiled and began to speak, "what's it like to have a family?"
This one startled the group, "don't you have a sister?" Lance asked
"And technically a parent?" Hugo added
"Well.... Yes and no. I have my sister, the Sundrop, and our mother is the Moon, but we aren't, what a human would call, a 'normal' family. We never spend time together, never go on holidays, never help each other, unless we happen to be in the same vicinity. It's not as if we're a bad family, but we're made to do our jobs, that's all", the Moonstone explained, "but then I see the fun things Quirin, Hugo, and Varian do together, I sift through Varian's memories and see all the games they've played, and adventures they've been on, and it makes me wonder what it's like, to be.... Human"
Varian gave the celestial stone a saddened look as Quirin spoke up, "well, it's..... A bit messy", he said, "and chaotic, but worth every second. It truly depends on the type of family you have however, because not every instance of family is good, but with me, Varian, and Hugo, along with Ruddigar, Olivia, Itty Bitty, and Sassy, I wouldn't trade them for the universe"
The Moonstone nodded, "what does it mean to be a family like yours?"
"Hmm.... Well, it means learning how to understand each other, accept the good and the bad, and figure out how best to figure out a situation"
Hugo chimed in, "sometimes me or Freckles will have really bad anxiety, or panic because they are different, attacks, and Quirin will need to be the calm that helps us through them"
Varian spoke next, his voice reverberated a little as he did, "or dad will have a PTSD moment, and me and Hugo will step in and help him"
"Or all three of us have a bad day, and we just need to leave each other alone until we can indicate what's bothered us", Quirin finished, "but that's not all of it, we have fun too, play games and go on adventures as you said. Heh, we have tiny arguments, like when someone doesn't wanna eat their carrots"
Varian giggled, "or when someone else is being pervy"
Hugo smirked, "or when another someone else starts going on and on about gardening"
Quirin blushed, but snickered, "it's honestly a day by day basis, take it one step at a time, and soon enough, things get easier"
The Moonstone smiled at the trio, "you three seem to have it down quite well"
"It wasn't always like that, I used to be so hard on Varian.... I didn't understand his alchemy, nor did I care to because I was so focused on keeping him safe.... It took time for me to finally stop freaking out over every little thing he tried to do, and relax. I think that's the biggest thing about families like ours that you kinda have to accept, we make mistakes, pretty big ones too. I mean, I lied, kept my past a secret, and even yelled at him.... And it ended up with me in amber and Varian in jail.... Something.... I'm currently working on forgiving myself for", he smiled at Lance, who smiled back and nodded, "you can see Varian's memories, all the regrets he has, I'm fairly certain you know Hugo's at this point too, it's.... A process.... But an important one"
"Yet you stick together through it all, why?"
"That's what families do", Hugo replied with a smile, "I.... Didn't know that until I met Quirin and Freckles.... I thought families were just work.... You got up, did what you were told, and got to live another day. If you made a mistake, you got your ass beat, hard.... No one comforted you, no one helped you, you did as you were told, no ifs, ands, or buts..... Lest a fist find it's way to you chin.... Or a hand to your face.... Hell I didn't even know how to function if Freckles wasn't around! Literally, he had a meeting to go to, and I was completely lost! Quirin was the one who helped me figure things out! And even after that I still didn't know much about myself, Eugene figured it out with me. I needed to be shown how to be a part of an actual loving family.... But.... Then I got better", he smiled, "they were patient with me, and held my hand a lot. I finally began to ask questions, I got hugs and even kisses when I never had before, I was told that I was loved, and.... I finally felt safe.... I was told about unconditional love, and shown it through Quirin's actions. Varian and I, we love each other like lovers, and while I don't think Varian will ever stop loving me, even if I made a horrible mistake, which hopefully will never happen, Quirin.... I really do think of him as my dad.... My one and only dad.... And dad's.... Love unconditionally, no matter what, and that's what he does.... Heh, even when I'm pervy"
"Hmmm..... What does a Quirin do?" The Moonstone questioned, "I've seen mothers and fathers, but they usually play a different role in the family, but Quirin seems to put both roles together"
"That can happen", Varian said, "my mama's gone, so dad stepped up and became both mom and dad! Though every family is completely different, I wouldn't base anyone's roles in the family on their gender"
"Oh definitely not", the Moonstone stated, "I just noticed a pattern I suppose"
"Pattern?" Adira asked
"Yes, females in the family seemed to be more adept at handling the emotions of the family, while males tend to handle the physical aspects, such as working, building a foundation for the home, etc. However, males can be the emotional stability while females can be more physical, so I don't see either gender being specific to a particular role, just as colors are not directly correlated to genders, a male can wear pink while a female can wear blue, but with Quirin, I noticed he tends to do both, and I've never seen that before, so I'm curious if that's just a Quirin thing, or a dad thing"
"Ah"
"For us, it's a Quirin thing", Hugo stated, "but it can be a dad thing too should the mom be gone, it can also be a mom thing should the dad be gone"
Varian nodded, "like I said, my mama's gone, she's with the Moon now, so dad stepped up and took on her role on top of his own. If she were here, I think she'd be the emotional stability while dad would be physical. Then again, who knows, this big lug could be more in tune with his emotions than I realized", the alchemist teased
Quirin raised a brow, "well now you're just being hurtful", he joked, getting the freckled teen to laugh
Moonstone smiled before they looked up at the Moon, she shined on them brightly, they could feel her holding them close, and it made them smile, "I suppose, now I understand". The group looked up at the Moonstone, "I'll have more questions in the future, but, if it's okay, I'd like to ask when they pop up"
Varian smiled and nodded, "I'll try my best to answer, if I don't have a clue, I'll ask around"
"Thank you Varian, thank you to all of you, I believe I'm starting to get an understanding of what being human is like. I wish you all a good night"
The group responded with a chorus of 'goodnights' and 'sweet dreams' before Varian flew up to the Moonstone, and a light engulfed the pair before it dimmed and the alchemist was back. He slowly floated back down into Quirin's lap, the retired knight catching him and holding him close, as the teen smiled up at him tiredly, "hi dad"
"Hi son"
Everyone smiled, none of them noticed the blond staring at them from the bushes. He sighed, "this is gonna be fucking difficult...." He said to himself before he heard Hugo laugh. Looking over, he saw the blond was being hugged by the retired knight. His heart thumped with anxiety as he looked behind him, "it's my only chance....." He ran out, rushing towards them, "HUGO!" He yelled, getting everyone to freeze when they heard him before the inventor turned, his emerald eyes going wide with surprise before they switched to anger and hatred
"What the fuck?! Damian LEAVE ME ALONE! The HELL are you doing here?!" The blond exclaimed angrily as he stood up and faced the con man
"Look I get you hate me right now, and you have every fucking right to do so! But you and your lover over there are in some deep shit! You've gotta leave Nedzerdnia! Right fucking now!" Damian exclaimed, startling everyone as they stared at the man, well, Hugo, Varian, Quirin, and Hector glared, but aside from them, everyone else stared, including a certain Nedzerdnian Village Leader who, along with the Dark Prince, had been woken up by the yelling
"Damian?" Hutch said, getting the blond con to notice the man and wince
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, things get a little spicy at the end of this chapter XD
The Moonstone being a curious bean! I love writing them honestly, I wish I’d done more with them, but hey, that’s what the rewrite will be for yeah? XD
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 664: A New Enemy!
Summary:
Damian warns of something coming, but it ends up being too late!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Moonstone smiled before they looked up at the Moon, she shined on them brightly, they could feel her holding them close, and it made them smile, "I suppose, now I understand". The group looked up at the Moonstone, "I'll have more questions in the future, but, if it's okay, I'd like to ask when they pop up"
Varian smiled and nodded, "I'll try my best to answer, if I don't have a clue, I'll ask around"
"Thank you Varian, thank you to all of you, I believe I'm starting to get an understanding of what being human is like. I wish you all a good night"
The group responded with a chorus of 'goodnights' and 'sweet dreams' before Varian flew up to the Moonstone, and a light engulfed the pair before it dimmed and the alchemist was back. He slowly floated back down into Quirin's lap, the retired knight catching him and holding him close, as the teen smiled up at him tiredly, "hi dad"
"Hi son"
Everyone smiled, none of them noticed the blond staring at them from the bushes. He sighed, "this is gonna be fucking difficult...." He said to himself before he heard Hugo laugh. Looking over, he saw the blond was being hugged by the retired knight. His heart thumped with anxiety as he looked behind him, "it's my only chance....." He ran out, rushing towards them, "HUGO!" He yelled, getting everyone to freeze when they heard him before the inventor turned, his emerald eyes going wide with surprise before they switched to anger and hatred
"What the fuck?! Damian LEAVE ME ALONE! The HELL are you doing here?!" The blond exclaimed angrily as he stood up and faced the con man
"Look I get you hate me right now, and you have every fucking right to do so! But you and your lover over there are in some deep shit! You've gotta leave Nedzerdnia! Right fucking now!" Damian exclaimed, startling everyone as they stared at the man, well, Hugo, Varian, Quirin, and Hector glared, but aside from them, everyone else stared, including a certain Nedzerdnian Village Leader who, along with the Dark Prince, had been woken up by the yelling
"Damian?" Hutch said, getting the blond con to notice the man and wince
"Huuuuutch! Hiiiii.... Uh.... G-good to see you?"
Hutch glared at the man, the resemblance was uncanny as Damian looked between the Nedzerdnian Village Leader and Hugo, "leave", Hutch growled
"I will, but only 'after' all of you do the same"
"Scuse me?" Hutch asked, raising an unamused brow, as did Quirin
Damian sighed, "look, I get it, none of trust me, like me, or want anything to do with me, and that's fine. I understand why, I'm a terrible person that should stay away from each and every one of you, but right now, I can't! Because if I do, you'll all be fucking skeletons! I'm warning you, there's some nasty shit going on right now! You need to leave!"
"Why should we believe anything you have to say?!" Hugo snapped, "you fucking USED me! You used all of us! You're a liar, a thief, a damn cheat, and a con man!"
"Yes yes, all of that's true Hugo, but PLEASE just listen! Just this one time, only one, then I'll never EVER come to see you or talk to you again, you just need to go! You and Varian in particular!"
"Why?"
"Because you're in-!"
"Deep shit, we know, explain first, we'll see if we believe you after", Hector interrupted
"It'll take too long to explain!"
"Then make it fucking quick!" The tamer huffed
Damian sighed before he growled in frustration, "fine! But it won't make a lick of fuckin sense! People are going to use Hugo and Varian to get rich quick, so they need to leave now!"
The group was silent, "okay.... Maybe elaborate a little more on that", Adira stated, concern lacing her voice
"UGH! I have a home here in Nedzerdnia! And I work for some shady ass people, I'm the best con they've got, so they use me to gather intel on shit they want. I used you to get out of that situation because it honestly fucking sucks, still wrong, I get that! Anyway, when I came back from you tellin me off, a few days after, I heard one of them mention you two in passin! They know about Varian's status as a Dark Kingdom prince, Quirin's too! They also know about your status as the Village Leader's nephew Hugo", Damian stated hurriedly, "they wanna capture you both, they don't think they can take Quirin, too many stories about his sword proficiency scared them out of that idea, and use you two to gain wealth from the King of the Dark Kingdom, and you and your family Hutch! It's why you two need to leave NOW!"
"And you're warning us why?" Hugo asked, "if this works, you could be loaded for fucking life"
"I'm a con man, not a monster! I don't sell 'people'! I make 'get rich quick' schemes that may or may not do emotional damage! Is it good? Hell no, but is it evil? ....Debatable"
Hugo rolled his eyes, "he isn't lying", Varian said softly, "I can tell"
"Same", Adira agreed, "I sense no ill intent in him..... Still.... Given who he is, he could probably lie his way out of anything"
"The Moonstone can't be tricked, we know that", Hector stated, "and if the Moonstone says no, then I'm going with that, plus this plan sounds way too fucking smart for this asshole to come up with on his own"
"Ey!" Damian exclaimed
"But why'd he warn us?" Quirin asked, "no reason, no motive, he says he's not a monster, but using you kid for your own personal gain by pretending to give a shit is monstrous to me!"
"You did WHAT?!" Hutch exclaimed
"You can beat the shit outta me later, Moon knows I deserve it, but for fuck's sake, can we just go?! They're planning on attacking tonight!" Damian exclaimed
"If we leave now, won't Hutch's family be in danger?" Eugene asked
"Yeah! If the primary targets ain't around, they'll go for whatever's second best, that could be Hutch's clan, or even Varian's!" Lance agreed
"They haven't attacked either of those families so far!" Damian exclaimed
"That doesn't mean they won't now that they know we're connected", Eugene replied
"My kin.... Fuck...." Hutch cursed
"If this is real, we need to get to the Bazin farm and Chuck's home! I don't like Ida, but even she's in danger at this point!" Varian stated
"You met Ida?" Damian asked
"Yeah, she's my grandmother, married to Chuck, why?"
"......Ooooh shit....."
"What?"
"I warned the families, got a punch to the jaw from your crew Hutch, and a right hook from Chuck, but still, I warned em about this, and told them I was goin after you to get you all outta here, I thought she and Chuck separated....."
"And? They didn't, they're still together. She's apart of this regardless, how does that change anything?"
"She's not a good woman!"
"Yeah we know-!"
"No ya don't! She pulls shady shit to get what she wants! And the other day, she came to the place I work, talkin up a storm about vandals who kidnapped her grandson! She said he was worth a pretty penny and she'd pay anything to get him back! I didn't know she meant you!"
Varian's eyes widened with shock, "s-she....."
"YES!"
"N-no... S-she couldn't.... S-she wouldn't have....."
"She would, she could, she did, and now she probably fuckin knows I came to warn ya! Which means-!"
"Which means", a gruff, deep voice interrupted, "you're in real deep shit Damian....."
the con man winced before he turned and faced a large, brown, nearly black, eyed man. He was as large and tall as Quirin, and wielded a single blade on his back. Eugene and Lance froze when they saw him as Adira growled, pulling out her sword 'immediately', "B-Blight! How g-good to see you again eheh-HRK!" Damian was lifted into the air by his neck by the man
"Tsk tsk tsk.... Did you really think the big boss would send a small grunt to to catch this big of a haul? Especially concerning Quirin Vanguard? Heh! I thought you knew better than that Damian....." The man then noticed the face painted warrior, and dropped the con man in surprise, "holy-!"
"Been a long time....." Adira stated, her voice low, but full of fire, one that nearly singed everyone close to her
"Well well well, if it isn't the Baron's little 'pet'", Blight spat
"My name is 'Adira', and I am no one's 'little pet' you disgusting piece of shit!"
"Temper temper, my word, I though you'd been taught better than that", Blight reached out to touch the warrior, only to have five blades, two daggers, a pitchfork, two binturongs, a raccoon, and a rhino slash in-between the pair. The man stepped back, and saw Hector with his unsheathed gauntlet blade, Quirin with his dual blades, Hugo and Varian with their daggers, Eugene and Lance with their swords, Hutch with his pitchfork, and the four animals growling and 'glowering' at the man, "I'm only gonna say this once, stay the 'FUCK' away from her!" Hector snapped
The face painted warrior blinked before she smiled lovingly at her family, "tch. Disappointing to be honest", Blight scoffed, though he paused when he saw Quirin, "so you're the famous dual wielder I've been hearing so much about. Rumor is your blades are the same ones that cut down my original boss, you might remember him, name was Cain"
The retired knight froze, he heard Hutch gasp with shock before the old Coronan farmer's memory flashed with Clay's final words while Cain's smile fill the retired knight's vision. His eyes grew blood red and he growled at the man, "it's true..... My blades cut him down, and I'll the same damn thing to you....."
"Will you now?"
"Test me and find out....." The knight stated, his blades shining brighter than ever in the light of the Moon as everyone, even Hector and Damian, stepped back
Notes:
Hello! :D
Farming dad’s about to throw down with a nasty foe! Place your bets on who’s gonna win! 😁🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 665: Blight vs Vanguard!
Summary:
Blight vs Quirin, great sword vs dual blades! Who wins? Who loses? And who lands a cheap blow?
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"You met Ida?" Damian asked
"Yeah, she's my grandmother, married to Chuck, why?"
"......Ooooh shit....."
"What?"
"I warned the families, got a punch to the jaw from your crew Hutch, and a right hook from Chuck, but still, I warned em about this, and told them I was goin after you to get you all outta here, I thought she and Chuck separated....."
"And? They didn't, they're still together. She's apart of this regardless, how does that change anything?"
"She's not a good woman!"
"Yeah we know-!"
"No ya don't! She pulls shady shit to get what she wants! And the other day, she came to the place I work, talkin up a storm about vandals who kidnapped her grandson! She said he was worth a pretty penny and she'd pay anything to get him back! I didn't know she meant you!"
Varian's eyes widened with shock, "s-she....."
"YES!"
"N-no... S-she couldn't.... S-she wouldn't have....."
"She would, she could, she did, and now she probably fuckin knows I came to warn ya! Which means-!"
"Which means", a gruff, deep voice interrupted, "you're in real deep shit Damian....." the con man winced before he turned and faced a large, brown, nearly black, eyed man
He was as large and tall as Quirin, and wielded a single blade on his back. Eugene and Lance froze when they saw him as Adira growled, pulling out her sword 'immediately', "B-Blight! How g-good to see you again eheh-HRK!" Damian was lifted into the air by his neck by the man
"Tsk tsk tsk.... Did you really think the big boss would send a small grunt to to catch this big of a haul? Especially concerning Quirin Vanguard? Heh! I thought you knew better than that Damian....." The man then noticed the face painted warrior, and dropped the con man in surprise, "holy-!"
"Been a long time....." Adira stated, her voice low, but full of fire, one that nearly singed everyone close to her
"Well well well, if it isn't the Baron's little 'pet'", Blight spat
"My name is 'Adira', and I am no one's 'little pet' you disgusting piece of shit!"
"Temper temper, my word, I though you'd been taught better than that"
Blight reached out to touch the warrior, only to have five blades, two daggers, a pitchfork, two binturongs, a raccoon, and a rhino slash in-between the pair. The man stepped back, and saw Hector with his unsheathed gauntlet blade, Quirin with his dual blades, Hugo and Varian with their daggers, Eugene and Lance with their swords, Hutch with his pitchfork, and the four animals growling and 'glowering' at the man, "I'm only gonna say this once, stay the 'FUCK' away from her!" Hector snapped
The face painted warrior blinked before she smiled lovingly at her family, "tch. Disappointing to be honest", Blight scoffed, though he paused when he saw Quirin, "so you're the famous dual wielder I've been hearing so much about. Rumor is your blades are the same ones that cut down my original boss, you might remember him, name was Cain"
The retired knight froze, he heard Hutch gasp with shock before the old Coronan farmer's memory flashed with Clay's final words while Cain's smile fill the retired knight's vision. His eyes grew blood red and he growled at the man, "it's true..... My blades cut him down, and I'll the same damn thing to you....."
"Will you now?"
"Test me and find out....." The knight stated, his blades shining brighter than ever in the light of the Moon as everyone, even Hector and Damian, stepped back
Blight grinned, “heh, at least the tales of your bravery are true, but your intelligence is, sadly, a lie”, the man stated before he rushed forwards, unsheathed his blade in less than a second, and slice at the knight
Quirin blocked it easily with one blade, before he used the other sword’s hilt and bashed the man’s stomach, knocking him back a few feet, surprisingly, Blight was still standing, of a little winded, “my intelligence is a lie, that’s what you said?” Quirin asked with a raised brow, “is it because your ego’s so large that you think you can’t be beaten? Because then it would make sense as to why you think I’ll go down as easily as that”
Blight smirked, “impressive retired knight. Not many people have managed to survive that blow, let alone block it and attack back. Though, I should warn you, I’m holding back”, just as he finished that sentence, he moved quicker than that wind and punched Quirin’s jaw, he managed to land it, but was surprised when the knight used that moment to lift Blight off his feet and throw him away like garbage!
Blight managed to land on his feet, and glared at the knight, as Quirin spat out a small amount of blood from his mouth, “wanna try that again?”
“Hmmmm….” Blight studied that Coronan Village Leader, “nimble, quick to act, quick to react, good strength, good defense, and great accuracy. Wow, when they train you Brotherhood *dogs*, they do it right, let me tell ya. Though, why you would take in Ingvarrian trash like that yellow eyed tape worm is beyond me”
“Ex-fucking-*scuse* me?!” Hector stated as his eyes narrowed
Blight smirked as Quirin huffed, stepping in front of the tamer, “pissing me off is actually the *worst* thing you can do at this moment….. I’m warning you for your own damn safety”
“Don’t tell me you actually give a shit about that *thing*!” Blight exclaimed
Hector growled, “I’m warning you, stop”, Quirin said as he felt his teeth begin to sharpen
“Why? Sad that I’m hurting your tiny tape worm’s feel-GAH!” A blast of blue magic snatched the man up before it threw him a few feet away
Hugo sighed, “good job Freckles”
“Thanks”, Varian said as he watched his father calm down, “why do we keep running into racist, arrogant, assholes?”
“I dunno, you’d think the formula would get tiresome at this point”
“To be fair, he’s a racist, arrogant, asshole who actually knows what he’s doing”, Adira stated, “unlike abusers like Andrew and Cyrus, Blight is actually capable of going toe to toe with Quirin and King Edmund. He’s not to be toyed with either”
“Who is he?” Hutch asked as he saw the man in question stand up
“An assassin”, Damian replied, coughing a little and rubbing his neck, “he’s the best assassin in all 8 kingdoms, no one messes with him. This may look like he can’t take the heat your dad’s cookin up, but trust me, this is how he sizes up his prey. He spars with them, figures out their weaknesses, then uses every opportunity to exploit that weakness. Why do you think he started to target Hector? Because he knows how much Quirin Vanguard cares about his family, everyone does, he’s pushing”
Varian blinked, “well that’s not good”
“No it’s really fuckin not, it’s why I was trying to get you all out of here now!”
“You wanted us to abandon innocent fucking people!” Hugo exclaimed
“They won’t hurt the other folks in your damn family! All they want is you two!”
“Right, and they’ll do anything to get us, which means *yes*, they’ll harm our damn family you selfish prick!” Varian exclaimed angrily, “and I’m not gonna let that happen!”
“How noble of you”, Blight stated from right behind the alchemist before when tried to grab the teen, only for Hugo to slice the assassin’s hand with his dagger
Blight backed up a bit before Quirin blocked Varian from the man, “you’re fight’s with me, not him”
The assassin smiled, “you’re easy to read now Vanguard. Good on all accounts when it comes to fighting, but self sacrificing and quick to anger when it comes to your peers”
“Most would call that a strength”, Quirin huffed
“Most are stupid”, Blight replied before he drew his blade, and threw it behind the retired knight, Quirin gasped and looked to see where it landed, letting out a breath of relief when it just barely missed Hector, before he felt a searing pain shoot through this back, “like you”, Blight added
“DAD!” Varian yelled as he saw the assassin digging his dagger into his father’s back
But before the teen could act, another sword sliced into Blight, faster than the man could dodge. It managed to cut his neck a bit, getting the man to yelp and jump back before it cut too much. He glared at the person who’d done it, and saw Adira standing before him, her eyes filled with anger and rage as her bloodied sword shimmered dangerously. Hector was at Quirin’s side in an instant, as was Varian and Hugo, the alchemist already glowing and singing as he tried to heal his father, “you’re disgusting you know that?” She said, “using someone’s weakness against them, making them feel shame for things out of their control, it’s horrid and nasty and disgusting!” She pointed her sword directly at him, “and I *will* make you pay for it”
“Heh, damn, Baron really made you a monster didn’t he?”
“That won’t work on me anymore. It only stokes my resolve to end your miserable journey right here”
“Then why haven’t you yet, Bali?” Blight asked with a wicked grin, “or do you even answer to that anymore?”
Adira slammed her sword’s blade into the ground right in front of the man, “you’ll see that side of me come out in a second if you keep pushing your luck…..”
“Bali?” Hugo asked as he stood beside Adira
She sighed, “the name of my tribe…. Bali….. Warrior women”
“Oh…. So…. Donella’s tribe too?”
“Yes”
Hugo nodded, contemplating that, before he huffed and glared at the assassin, “you’re not gonna win today, I suggest you take your loss and leave”
Blight smirked at the inventor, “not a bad idea, though you giving me advice isn’t smart”
“We’re granting you mercy, asshole”
“Your best fighter has just been stabbed, and you’re giving *me* mercy? Seems as though you might need it more than me”
“No, we really don’t”
“Care to elaborate?”
Suddenly a *bright* flash of blue light filled the entire sky, startling Blight before he saw Varian glaring *daggers* at him, the teen’s eyes, freckles, and hair were completely white, his hair stripes blue, the teen was sparking with blue electricity as he floated a few feet off the ground. Hugo looked at the assassin, “need more elaboration, or…..?”
Blight just stared at the alchemist, eyes wide with interest and fascination, “incredible…..” Hugo and Adira looked at each other, before Blight stood up and winced a little when his neck stung, but he stared at the alchemist before he left
Hugo and Adira watched him go as Varian calmed down, “what was that about?”, the inventor asked
“Blight is a sick man….. he finds things that are interesting and wants to keep them for himself. It’s why he stuck around with the Baron….. he got a lot of strange things he found desirable and rare…..” the face painted warrior explained
“Ew”
“No kidding”
“Hey, Quirin’s better by the way”, Hector pointed out
Adira and Hugo instantly looked at the retired knight, who was sitting on the ground, rubbing his back a bit, “are you okay?” Hugo asked as the duo went over to him
“Yeah…. He got me right between my shoulder blades…. Good thing that dagger wasn’t too long”, Quirin replied
“Good thing…..”
“So, you just let him go?” Damian asked, “are you fucking serious?”
“There’s a reason for everything”, Adira stated
“WHAT THE *HELL* DOES LETTING THAT FUCKER GO ACCOMPLISH?!”
“Ok, first off, fuck face, stop yelling at my sister or I’ll slice your damn vocal cords out and feed them back to you through a damn *STRAW*!” Hector snapped, “and second, we need more intel on that asshole, letting him go means we learn more about him! Third, and most-fucking-importantly, my sibling is fucking hurt! And while you may not give a shit about anyone else in this damn world, I fucking do! And I didn’t see you lift a fucking *finger* to help us out with that asshole, so for once in your sad, lonely, life, kindly SHUT THE HELL UP!”
Damian stopped talking and sat down, blinking a little as he did before Hector stomped away, sitting next to Quirin once again. The retired knight smiled at his brother, “I’m alright now, Varian healed me”
“You still have a wound, he made it manageable, you won’t die from it, but you’re still hurt”
“I suppose you’re right, but I’ll be okay”
“I still don’t wanna keep hearing the only fucker who didn’t fight, telling us what to do”
“Fair”
“So….. What *are* we gonna do exactly? If this guy really *is* as bad as Damian pointed out, and judging by the fact that he managed to tank every blow you gave him Quirin, and still managed to walk away, I’m guessing that’s a safe assumption, how do we handle this?” Eugene asked
The group was quiet before Varian spoke up, “we check on the Bazin’s and Chuck’s crew, we make sure to give Ida an earful, possibly throw her in jail at this point, and then we find Blight, and take him out…..”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Quirin didn’t go fully wolf yet, but trust me, that's coming soon
Bali means Warrior, perfect to name Adria’s tribe
So, about Blight, he seems like all the other villains I’ve made so far, but he isn’t. He’s far more dangerous than that…. For one thing, he learns about his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, for another, he will hit below the belt if needed, for another, he’s actually far more powerful than you think. I’ll be able to show that more soon, this chapter doesn’t define a lot of his character yet, it it does show some of bis sadistic ways, just wait, he’s…. Not good, in the slightest….
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 666: Dad’s Here!
Summary:
Quirin and Varian warn Chuck and his crew while everyone else warns Hutch’s family!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“So, you just let him go?” Damian asked, “are you fucking serious?”
“There’s a reason for everything”, Adira stated
“WHAT THE *HELL* DOES LETTING THAT FUCKER GO ACCOMPLISH?!”
“Ok, first off, fuck face, stop yelling at my sister or I’ll slice your damn vocal cords out and feed them back to you through a damn *STRAW*!” Hector snapped, “and second, we need more intel on that asshole, letting him go means we learn more about him! Third, and most-fucking-importantly, my sibling is fucking hurt! And while you may not give a shit about anyone else in this damn world, I fucking do! And I didn’t see you lift a fucking *finger* to help us out with that asshole, so for once in your sad, lonely, life, kindly SHUT THE HELL UP!”
Damian stopped talking and sat down, blinking a little as he did before Hector stomped away, sitting next to Quirin once again. The retired knight smiled at his brother, “I’m alright now, Varian healed me”
“You still have a wound, he made it manageable, you won’t die from it, but you’re still hurt”
“I suppose you’re right, but I’ll be okay”
“I still don’t wanna keep hearing the only fucker who didn’t fight, telling us what to do”
“Fair”
“So….. What *are* we gonna do exactly? If this guy really *is* as bad as Damian pointed out, and judging by the fact that he managed to tank every blow you gave him Quirin, and still managed to walk away, I’m guessing that’s a safe assumption, how do we handle this?” Eugene asked
The group was quiet before Varian spoke up, “we check on the Bazin’s and Chuck’s crew, we make sure to give Ida an earful, possibly throw her in jail at this point, and then we find Blight, and take him out…..”
****
Varian let out a sigh of relief when he knocked on the door to Chuck's house, and the man himself answered, "huh? The hell are you doin here?! You're supposed to be safe", he stated gruffly
"Because of Blight right?" The alchemist asked, "we ran into him, Damian was followed"
"Shit, are you alright?!" Chuck asked, his worry warming the teen's heart a bit
"Yeah, but dad got stabbed, he's okay now, I healed him-!"
"How-!"
"Moon magic, it's a lot to explain and we don't have time. Is Ida here?"
"Ida? No? Why?"
"Um..... Well.... We need to tell you something about her.... A lot of somethings actually..... And none of them are good...."
Chuck was quiet before he sighed, "kids are asleep upstairs, come on in, I think I have an idea about what you're gonna tell me...."
"You might, and thank you", the alchemist replied before he walked inside, Quirin right behind him before Chuck spoke up, "you okay?"
"I'm fine, I have a small wound now, and my siblings wrapped it up", the retired knight replied with a gentle smile at the man, "thank you for asking"
"You're welcome, if you need anymore medicine, I've got some"
"Again, thank you"
Chuck nodded before he looked at the rest of the group, who were standing outside, "you.... Coming in or.....?"
"No, we're gonna check on the Bazins, and this.... Seems like a family matter", Hector stated softly, "uh, bloodline family matter"
Chuck nodded, "be careful"
"You too Chuck", Hutch said, getting the man to nod before he closed the door as the rest of the group walked away
Varian and Quirin were in the livingroom, Charlie was hugging the teen lovingly as his siblings were chatting with Quirin before Chuck entered the room and sat down, "okay, so what's goin on?"
Charlie and Varian stopped hugging while Quirin looked at the older man. The retired knight let out a small sigh before he looked at Varian, who nodded, looked back at Chuck, and spoke, "Ida..... Is part of the group that's trying to kidnap Varian and Hugo"
Chuck stared at the man before he let out a sigh, "explain"
Quirin nodded, "we were in the forest, camping out for the night, fishing, the works. While we were doing so, Hector, who's Vegan, stayed on the shore to be with the animals. He was just relaxing when bar thugs attacked him, we saw him fighting from the boat, and me and Adira managed to get back to shore, sneak around the battle as Hector knocked out majority of the thugs, and knocked their leader down. His name was Richard-!"
"Richar-the fuckin bartender's kid?!" Chuck snapped
"Yes.... I'm sorry to bring him up, but it's pertinent to the story", Quirin continued to explain the rest of the night to Chuck, the man, and his kids, reacting to everything they were being told in a understandable, yet startled, way, until finally, the retired knight had finished with, "....that's when Varian decided we'd check on all of you, and Hutch's crew, just to be sure everyone was safe, and that they were warned about what might be coming..... You've got your family here Chuck, children that could get hurt or even worse..... We're not going to leave while this threat is still out there, we'd be putting you all in danger if we did.... It's why we're here now.... You all need to find a safe place to go, and Chuck, I'm so sorry, but Ida is not okay, she's not safe, and she might get you, and your kin, killed if you continue to trust her....."
The entire room was silent, no one spoke, no one moved, until they saw Chuck place one of his hands over his eyes, elbow on his knee, head tilted down, as he sighed defeatedly...... He took a few moments, before he looked back at Varian and Quirin, unshed tears lacing the corners of his eyes as he let out a sigh, ".....You're right...." He said, "she isn't safe..... I knew she wasn't a long time ago.... I just.... Loved her too damn much.... I shoulda known.... I'm sorry..... For what she's done to you..... It ain't right....."
"It also isn't your fault", Varian stated, "she made those decisions, not you, I can tell you didn't know about any of this, so can the Moonstone"
Chuck gave a bitter chuckle before he looked at Charlie, "grab the kids, tell them whatever you need to, but make sure they're quiet and they keep together. Have them pack clothing, I don't know how long we'll be hiding for"
"Ok, dad.... Are you-!" Charlie began
"No, I'm not..... But I can't dwell on it right now. When we're safe, I'll face how I feel, but for now, my only priority it getting everyone out of this house before Ida comes back. We have a storm bunker, she knows about it, but I have the only key"
"Why?"
"She..... Said she never wanted to go in there, actually, she told me to destroy it, but it was the one thing I fought her on, in case the storms got bad. She was mad about it, but I never let her inside, and there's plenty of food and bedding down there, it has enough room for everyone too. It's probably the safest place in Nedzerdnia if I'm being honest, which gives me an idea", he looked at Varian and Quirin, "you two headin over to Hutch's after this?"
"Yeah, we're gonna help them pack up since they're a bit bigger of a family", Varian replied, "why?"
"I made that bunker huge, it could fit a pretty good chunk of Nedzerdnia inside, if they don't have a place to stay, you can bring em here"
This startled the duo before Quirin asked, "are you sure?"
"Yeah, Hutch has been good to me, and Hugo", Chuck smiled as he thought of the blond, "he's a good man, a very good man, I ain't lettin any of em be put in danger, especially considering they're gonna be family soon too", he smirked at Varian, who grinned, "tell em to bring as many as they can to the bunker, I'll let em in no question, it's behind the shed in the back, camouflaged too"
"Noted, and thank you, so much!" Varian exclaimed as he ran over and hugged the man
Chuck was startled, but hugged the alchemist back, "always"
The freckled teen smiled before they broke the hug, he noticed his mama standing behind her father, she was smiling warmly at him, Varian grinned, "um..... So, the Moonstone comes with a lot of powers, one of them is me being able to see the people who've passed on", he lied, not wanting to inform his grandparent that he'd been killed and brought back to life at this moment, time and a place, "and I keep seeing my mama, and right now, she's smiling happily at you"
"She..... Is?"
"Yeah! And, I think.... Do you?" He asked, looking at Ulla
She cocked her head to the side before she realized what he meant and nodded enthusiastically
"Hee hee, she forgives you", Varian said, "for what happened before, for what you did, she forgives you.... And I do too"
Chuck stared at the teen, before the unshed tears finally fell down his cheeks, and he smiled and hugged the alchemist close, "thank you..... So much....."
Varian returned the hug again, "you're welcome"
****
Varian and Quirin waved goodbye to the family as they left the house, the children were up and had fully packed with Varian and Quirin's help, the alchemist getting lots of joy when the kids loved his magic display as he helped them. After which, Chuck had showed them the bunker so they'd be able to spot it, before he and his kin walked down, with one final goodbye, and a code word given to the duo so Hutch and his crew would be let inside when they got these, one that made Quirin smile, the father son duo were off!
They ran all the way to the Bazin farm, well, Quirin ran, Varian flew in order to keep up, "dad"
"Hm?"
"Should I connect with Rapunzel and warn her about this?" The alchemist asked as they slowed down a bit in order to talk, "that way, should we need any help, she'll know? Corona isn't too far away after all, it might be beneficial to have a back up plan, just in case things go awry"
"That's a good idea, but make sure she knows to get the king involved", his father agreed, "we don't wanna stress her out"
"No we definitely don't. Grandpa would be the best for this anyway, I wish I could contact him...."
"Yeah, I wish you could too, unfortunately, with his mark being given to Eugene, that's not able to happen anymore....."
"Yeah.... Though Eugene's fun to talk to through that mark"
"I'm sure, but Bubby, Rapunzel?"
"Right! Sorry", Varian landed on the ground and closed his eyes, his hair and freckles glowing as he formed a connection to the princess. He giggled when she greeted him happily, but he quickly gave her the entire story, he felt her fury grow to a fiery degree before he calmed her down and begged her to get Edmund. She agreed and the connection was gone as she did, "she's getting grandpa, she's a mad Punzel"
"I can imagine, this adventure isn't making me too happy either to be honest...."
"Yeah, you've almost wolfed out a few times during this trip"
"With good reason"
"Absolutely! I kinda want you to at this point, maybe if you did, Blight would back off..... That's a horrible thought though, isn't it?"
"No.... You're angry, and it's okay to be angry. I kinda agree with you, but I still don't have full control over that wolf form of mine.... So it's best to try and keep it calm"
"Right, but it would be really cool to see you go crazy on that asshole"
"Your uncle Hector's been such a terrible influence on that mouth of yours", Quirin teased, ruffling his son's hair
"True, hee hee! But it actually kinda helps me a little bit. I think it's because the words are so spicy in your mouth. Like you know it's not polite to say them, so that makes it extra satisfying to do so"
"I suppose", Quirin chuckled before he looked at his son, "I love you Varian.... You know that right?"
"Of course I do! I love you too! What brought that about?"
"I just..... I have a really bad feeling about this.... About Blight.... About Ida..... Something terrible is going to happen.... And I'm worried...."
"It'll be okay dad, we're together, nothing can stop us when we're together!"
"While that's true, my gut instincts have never been wrong before..... Son, please just.... Swear you'll be safe.... That you won't do anything that might end up getting you killed....."
"Dad....." The alchemist saw his father's anxiety filled face, and knew he wasn't joking, "that gut instinct must be really bad....."
"The last time I had this gut feeling son..... I was trapped in amber.... And you were thrown in jail.... And before that..... Queen Eden died.... And my home was destroyed...."
"Dad-!"
"Please son...."
Varian was startled, before he sighed and nodded, "I swear.... No.... I promise.... I'll be safe.... You promise me the same thing....."
"I promise", Quirin stated without hesitation before he pulled Varian into a hug, "thank you....."
"You're welcome dad.... It'll be okay, it will..... It will....."
They stayed that way for a few moments before Varian's hair glowed, they pulled away as the alchemist closed his eyes, he smiled and nodded before opening them, "Punzel informed grandpa, they're prepared, let's get to Hutch's house, we're nearly there!"
"Lets", Quirin agreed before he stood up, Ruddigar, who was sitting on Varian's shoulders, let out a chitter of determination, getting the duo to smile before they ran the rest of the way to the Bazin family house
It'd taken a few hours, but they managed to reach the place in record time! For the most part, everything seemed calm, nothing was out of place in the fields, however..... That all changed when they finally reached the home..... The door was kicked in, glass and broken items were scattered everywhere, but the thing that caught both of their eyes, was the group standing before them. Damian was knocked out, Hutch was wounded, Hector and Adira were protecting him as Lance and Eugene held him up. The Bazin family were staring at the group, all of them scared, majority of them angry, and in the middle stood Blight, smiling happily as he held a knocked out Hugo in his arms. The inventor looked like he'd been hit with a caravan, glasses cracked, blood dripping from a nasty looking head wound, as everyone glared at the man before them, "Quirin Vanguard", the assassin said, his smiled widening to an unnatural degree, "how nice of you to finally join us"
"HUGO!" Varian screamed
"Heh, and you brought my final target, that makes things easier for me I suppose"
Quirin brought out his blades and glared at the man, eyes already blood red, "put..... Him..... Down......", he growled
"Not a chance! I fought for him fair and square, it was a little underwhelming considering the people I fought weren't you, but I suppose that's be expected. The Bali girl gave me one hell of a fight though"
"CAN IT!" Adira yelled, her voice lashing out at the man like fire
"It was a compliment-!"
"I DON'T NEED ONE FROM YOU!" She snapped
"Heh, sensitive, aren't we?"
Quirin disappeared from sight, moving so fast the barely anyone could see him as he reappeared right in front of Blight, his blades nearly piecing the man's neck as the wind sped past the two, catching up to the knight, "I said, put. Him. Down......."
"So impressive, yet used for such meaningless things, like this orphaned boy here....." He looked at Hugo, "I still can't see what you actually see in him, he's a street rat, nothing more, and an Ingvarrian one at that, how strange for a man of your stature to even consider having your son mate with him"
"Zip your lips and put him down before I cut out your tongue and feed it to my brother's rhino", Quirin snapped, his voice icy, nearly freezing everyone in the room, "I'm giving you mercy here, it'll only take one movement of my blade to lance your throat, take it now or regret it in the afterlife, and LET MY SON GO!"
"You wouldn't dare kill me in front of all these kids, now would you?"
That made the knight hesitate, his ears finally picking up on the whimpers from the young children in the room. This gave Blight all the time he needed to kick Quirin's chest, knocking him back a few feet before he began to run! The knight growled irritatedly before he rushed after Blight! His speed outmatching the assassin's easily, but anytime he tried to land a hit on the man, Blight would use Hugo's body to block him!
Neither of them noticed Varian's glow, nor did they notice his blink out of it and shake of his head to clear whatever he'd just been told. They did notice when they alchemist disappeared however as he reappeared right in front of Blight, summoning black rocks that caused the assassin to turn and run a different way! Quirin followed, getting a look from Varian, he stayed running beside the assassin, corralling him like cattle as they changed his direction, getting him to run wherever the alchemist deemed he should until they reached the town square! Varian blocking his exit using black rocks once again. Blight glared at the teen, "magic can't solve all your problems! You haven't landed a single shot on me!"
"I'm not trying to", Varian replied with a smile, "I just wanted you to meet someone"
"Wha-ACK!!!!!!" Blight was suddenly lifted by his throat, into the air, he dropped Hugo on the floor, before he was thrown into a nearby wall
The assassin groaned, rubbing his head, startled at how winded he'd ended up before he opened his eyes and gasped, "oh shit!"
"Oh shit is right", Quirin agreed with a grin as the rest of the group caught up and smiled wide at who they saw, "you thought I was bad? Trust me, my anger holds no candle to the man who trained me"
"Fuck yes!" Hector exclaimed
"Thank the Moon...." Adira added
"Great timin", Lance complimented as he took over helping Hutch while Eugene stared at the person who'd just joined up with them
The Dark Prince's heart filling with warmth and joy as he saw the one person he missed more than he ever though he would, "dad", he said softly
Edmund smirked, "hello son", he said before he set the full power of his glower on Blight, "and hello to you too Blight..... My grandson says you've been causing a lot of chaos", he faced the man as Blight stood up and glared at the Dark King, "I believe you and me need to have a little talk......"
"I'm not afraid of you" Blight snapped, "you ain't shit! Your knight's tales have overtaken your own you washed up pile of-AH!" Blight flew back into the wall as Edmund's fist met his face
The Dark King walked over and towered over the man, his face darker than the darkside of the Moon, "I don't think you understand who you've just pissed off......"
Notes:
Hello! :D
I had WAAAAAAY too much fun writing the ending of this chapter! A certain someone was not supposed to appear until later on, but I couldn’t stop myself!
For those who are curious, it only takes a few hours to get to Nedzerdnia from Corona, judging by the fact that in “Day of the Animals”, no one seemed to have packed any tents or clothing, it just seemed like it maybe took three to four hours at the latest, if you’re going at a leisurely pace, like Varian, Punzel, Cat, and Angry were
But the people at the end of this chapter were not being slow, believe me, they’d be arrested for speeding if they were in a car!
Also, Quirin’s the strongest Brotherhood member by himself, but his anger does not give him the same power boost it gives the person who showed up at the end! (I’m leaving it vague so I don’t spoil anything!) with an anger boost, the surprise guest at the end is on par with alpha wolf Quirin, maybe even stronger if he’s super mad, like he is right now!
This is gonna be fun 😁
Thank you all for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 667: Edmund’s Final Stand!
Summary:
Edmund joins the fight! And the tables turn!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Zip your lips and put him down before I cut out your tongue and feed it to my brother's rhino", Quirin snapped, his voice icy, nearly freezing everyone in the room, "I'm giving you mercy here, it'll only take one movement of my blade to lance your throat, take it now or regret it in the afterlife, and LET MY SON GO!"
"You wouldn't dare kill me in front of all these kids, now would you?"
That made the knight hesitate, his ears finally picking up on the whimpers from the young children in the room. This gave Blight all the time he needed to kick Quirin's chest, knocking him back a few feet before he began to run! The knight growled irritatedly before he rushed after Blight! His speed outmatching the assassin's easily, but anytime he tried to land a hit on the man, Blight would use Hugo's body to block him!
Neither of them noticed Varian's glow, nor did they notice his blink out of it and shake of his head to clear whatever he'd just been told. They did notice when the alchemist disappeared however, as he reappeared right in front of Blight, summoning black rocks that caused the assassin to turn and run a different way! Quirin followed, getting a look from Varian, he stayed running beside the assassin, corralling him like cattle as they changed his direction, getting him to run wherever the alchemist deemed he should until they reached the town square! Varian blocking his exit using black rocks once again. Blight glared at the teen, "magic can't solve all your problems! You haven't landed a single shot on me!"
"I'm not trying to", Varian replied with a smile, "I just wanted you to meet someone"
"Wha-ACK!!!!!!" Blight was suddenly lifted by his throat, into the air, he dropped Hugo on the floor, before he was thrown into a nearby wall
The assassin groaned, rubbing his head, startled at how winded he'd ended up before he opened his eyes and gasped, "oh shit!"
"Oh shit is right", Quirin agreed with a grin as the rest of the group caught up and smiled wide at who they saw, "you thought I was bad? Trust me, my anger holds no candle to the man who trained me"
"Fuck yes!" Hector exclaimed
"Thank the Moon...." Adira added
"Great timin", Lance complimented as he took over helping Hutch while Eugene stared at the person who'd just joined up with them
The Dark Prince's heart filling with warmth and joy as he saw the one person he missed more than he ever though he would, "dad", he said softly
Edmund smirked, "hello son", he said before he set the full power of his glower on Blight, "and hello to you too Blight..... My grandson says you've been causing a lot of chaos", he faced the man as Blight stood up and glared at the Dark King, "I believe you and me need to have a little talk......"
"I'm not afraid of you" Blight snapped, "you ain't shit! Your knight's tales have overtaken your own you washed up pile of-AH!" Blight flew back into the wall as Edmund's fist met his face
The Dark King walked over and towered over the man, his face darker than the darkside of the Moon, "I don't think you understand who you've just pissed off......"
The assassin coughed roughly, groaning a little before he glared up at Edmund once again before he quickly pulled out his sword and thrust it at the man, only to be stopped when long, yellow, hair caught his wrist, "RAPUNZEL?!" Eugene exclaimed
"Hi!" The princess said with a smile as she pulled, making Blight lurch forwards and drop his blade as the hair came undone
"Blondie what are you 'doing' here?!" The Dark Prince asked anxiously as he ran over to her
"Varian had no way of updating Edmund without telling me, and I am 'not' gonna let him fight alone, especially not with what I was told"
"But you're-!"
"I know, but I'm okay, your wish, and Varian's medicine really helped, I'm okay, and I'm more than willing to fight this creep off"
"Actually princess, could you do me a favor and watch over him?" Varian asked, getting Rapunzel to look over and see the alchemist hugging Hugo close, "he's hurt, and while I will never underestimate your fighting prowess, you're a far better healer than me.... And I don't want him to die....." Rapunzel hesitated, "please....."
The princess sighed, "okay.... But give him a few good punches for me please"
"Believe me, I will", Varian stated before he teleported Hugo over to her, "thank you", he said, then stood beside Edmund, Quirin doing the same as they glared at Blight
The knight looked at Hutch and Lance, "there's a bunker at Chuck's place. He said you and your kin are more than able to join them, there's a code word you need to get inside, but are you able to make it there at all?"
Hutch winced, before he stood on his own, Lance making sure he didn't fall, before the Nedzerdnian Village Leader nodded, "I can.... What's the word?"
Varian smiled, "what's my job?"
Hutch raised a brow before he realized what the alchemist meant and smirked, "got it! Thank you, I'm sorry....."
"Don't be", Edmund said, "grab your family and run! We'll make sure this creep doesn't follow"
"Why would I?" Blight asked, "I have all I need right here!"
The Dark King's glower deepened, "cocky...."
"I can prove it", Blight jumped up and kicked out, aiming for the Dark King's right arm, Edmund blocked and smirked
"Didja think I was still missing that?" The King asked before he threw Blight back into the wall, "perhaps you don't know as much as you think you do"
Blight growled before standing up and running at the alchemist next, only for the teen to disappeared, reappearing behind the man and punching his jaw, "that's for Hugo!" He stated before disappearing again, reappearing in front of Blight and punching him again, "that's for Rapunzel!" before he disappeared one more time, reappearing behind the assassin, and kicking his back, right between the shoulder blades, and knocking him down to the ground, "and 'that's' for my dad!"
Blight wiped the blood from his lips and pushed himself up, "I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED BY THE LIKES OF YOU!" He screamed, right in Varian's face, only to get another punch, this one sent him flying until he slid on the floor and looked up, his eye already bruising as he saw Quirin glaring daggers at the man
"How many times do I have to tell you to stay the FUCK away from my son!" Quirin snapped
Blight groaned as he stood up again, before he saw he was being surrounded, Lance and Adira were on his left, Hector along with the animals were on his right, Quirin, Varian, and Edmund were in front of him, and the assassin heard Eugene pull out his sword while the princess sang to Hugo behind him, a soft yellow glow emanating from her. He smirked, a plan forming in his mind as desperation began to take hold, "you think you've got me now?" He used his blade and swiped at Varian, who was caught a little off guard by the speed of the man, and got scratched
"Varian!" Quirin instantly blocked his son from any more harm as Edmund went to punch Blight, only for the assassin to jump back. Eugene sliced at him, he landed a blow, but stopped short when Rapunzel yelped!
Her hair was now snatched up in Blight's hand, Hugo held close to her chest, as the assassin had a dagger to her back, "come any closer and your pregnant princess gets it!" Everyone froze, everyone except for one, 'angry', king. He was behind Blight in an 'instant', grabbing his wrist that held Rapunzel's hair and breaking it in his grip with one squeeze, "GAH!" Blight let go of the hair, Rapunzel letting out a sigh of relief as Eugene ran over and helped her, and Hugo, who was still knocked out, move away from the man
"You have just made a 'very' grave mistake......" Edmund whispered as he lifted Blight off the ground using his broken wrist, "I've watched that girl struggle and fight with that baby for 'months' at this point, she's been stronger than ever, through the tears, the pain, the morning sickness, and even when her body decided to try and throw her curve ball after curve ball, she's been fighting it out. And you just 'threatened' her..... You're worst than a 'monster', I don't think even Cyrus himself would threaten a pregnant woman..... and I will 'not' have you continue to exist if you pull that same shit again......" He stated, his voice filled with venom and rage as he glowered at the 'thing' he held in front of him
Everyone felt chills run down their spines as the Dark King spoke, Blight groaned before he looked at the king, and smirked, "you fell for it...."
Before anyone could stop him, the man shoved the dagger he had into Edmund's chest, "NO!" Adira and Hector yelled, as Varian screamed
"Everyone has a weakness", Blight said with a smirk as he stabbed Edmund again and again, pushing the dagger in more and more, "you share the same weakness as you knight.... Your care for your loved ones has betrayed you....." He added, pushing the dagger even deeper before stopping as he stabbed him one final time, "I will say this, you gave a good fight, King Edmund.... but now....." The Dark King was startled, his grip letting Blight fall to the floor as blood ran down his mouth and he whimpered, "your time is done...." the assassin roughly pulled the dagger out of Edmund, and smiled, "that was for Cain" He said before disappearing into the night
Edmund winced and fell to his knees before he landed on his back, Varian was 'instantly' by his side, "GRANDPA!" He screamed before noticing the wound, it was deep, blood seeped through it, as well as something else, something purple, "no....." The alchemist said, "no.... NONONONONO!!!!!!" His hair, eyes, and freckles glowed instantly, "RAPUNZEL HELP ME!" He screamed, "HE'S BEEN POISONED!"
The princess gasped before she ran over, her own hair glowing brighter than ever before as she and Varian held hands, their songs interlacing with each other, their tears beginning to fall, but as their song ended, and the light disappeared, they looked down, and the wound was still there. They tried again, and again, and again! But the wound wouldn't go away, "NO!" Varian yelled, looking up to the Moon as rain began to fall, "NO! PLEASE!!!!! PLEASE DON'T!!!! NOT GRANDPA!!!! NO MY GRANDPA!!!!!!" He begged, but he knew it was too late..... "No....."
Thunder sounded behind everyone as they stared at the scene before them, Eugene blinked before he walked over, he fell to his knees and stared at his father, Edmund's eyes were closed, "d-dad?" He asked, his voice was wavering
Edmund coughed a little, his eyes opening just a bit, as he looked up at Eugene, "hi son", he said softly, his voice was weak, "I'm sorry....."
"No, no you don't have to apologize", Eugene said, "y-you don't, you j-just have to get better! J-just live dad! T-that's all! Just.... Please...." Eugene begged, "I need you....."
"I don't think I can this time son....." Edmund said softly, giving Eugene a smile, "t-the Moon told me it's my time....."
"B-but you can't! Y-you.... You gotta be there for our baby! Y-you gotta be here for Rapunzel and Quirin and Adira and Hector and Varian and..... A-and me.... You..... I....." He sighed as tears fell down his cheeks, "dad....."
Edmund touched Eugene's face, "I'm so glad I got to meet you....." He said, "I'm s-so glad we got to have a relationship, and I'm so very h-happy that you forgave me..... You're strong, and amazing, and wonderful! You've g-got your mother's traits for sure", he said, "truth is son.... I knew it was coming.... The Moon warned me months ago..... When she gave you my Brotherhood mark....."
"B-but I don't want you to go......"
Edmund smiled, "I'm sorry..... But this ol bag of bones can't keep going anymore....."
Lance, Hector, Adira, Quirin, and all the animals joined the group, they sat down around the Dark King, none of them could fight this, they knew they couldn't..... So they sat down, and stayed by his side, Eugene just watched his father, before he remembered something, "Quirin said.... T-that anyone you lose..... S-still lives in you..... Through you.... S-so I'll keep you alive dad.... I'll tell everyone about you.... My k-kid will know, the k-kingdom will know.... Everyone will know.... T-they'll know.... How amazing you were..... I promise....."
Edmund smiled, "thank you..... So much...." He looked around and his smiled widened, "I've never been surrounded by so many people before..... Heh.... I thought I'd.... End up alone....." He chuckled, "I'm.... I-I'm so glad..... That I was wrong......"
"G-Grandpa....." Varian said, though he couldn't say anything else, his sobs taking over his words as he hugged the man one final time
Edmund returned the hug, "I'm sorry little peanut.... I have to miss your wedding...."
"We'll save a s-seat for you....." Varian promise through his sobs, his voice cracking
"Oh... Well I'll be there then", Edmund said with a chuckle, before he coughed, his voice very weak, and very tired as he looked at Quirin, Hector, and Adira, he reached out to them, they all took his hand, "I love you.... All of you.... And I couldn't be more proud.... Of the amazing people you've become......" none of them could speak, as their marks glowed brightly. They didn't need to say anything, all they did was watch their king, and squeeze his hand as tight as they could, as he smiled one final time...... And closed his eyes......
Rapunzel whimpered as she hugged Eugene, the Dark Prince, merely stared as his father's breathing ceased..... Varian cried into Edmund chest, Lance holding Adira's hand while she broke, her sobs quieted by her hand, Hector just stared, his eyes wide, tears dripping down his face, at the man who'd raised and protected him..... But out of everyone...... Quirin took it the worst......
Lightning and thunder clashed once again as the knight stared at his father..... His family's sobs filling his mind, his King's body lying before him, the purple poison clearly showing the assassin's intent..... And Quirin Vanguard suddenly broke.....
Blood red eyes, black as night fur, claws sharper than swords, teeth larger than a human, his scream ripped through the night, his change quick and immediate, his cries filled with anguish and grief, as he had only one goal in mind
Find Blight..... And *kill* him.......
Notes:
Hello!
So….. Let me explain….
This entire epilogue was actually supposed to lead up to this. Edmund has, in this story, basically made a complete turn around. He reunited with his family, made up for all he’s done, saved everyone, got his arm back, was forgiven by the Moon and Moonstone, rebuilt his kingdom, is now ruling it efficiently, helped all of his children live their lives, has seen and loved and been loved by everyone he comes across, re-established a connection to the other kingdoms, and has helped his son and daughter in law with their children
His Brotherhood mark has moved onto Eugene, his kingdom is flourishing, and he’s an old king at this point, tired, and worn. He’s don’t his job, and made things right. Edmund deserves to rest now, and I can’t see him going out any other way than this. Protecting the ones he loves the most!
He’s a wonderful, amazing, and fantastic grandpa and dad, and believe me, he may be gone, but his spirit is definitely gonna be there, but it’s was his time to go….. This epilogue was to give him one final hurrah before he went
I actually really hated writing it, because I love Edmund so freaking much, and I Stan this crazy grandpa! I made myself cry during this! I’m still freaking crying, but it was his time….
Rest in Peasce, Edmund Esmeray
If you’re wondering why the incantations didn’t work, it’s because it really was Edmund’s time to go, the future chapters will get into that soon, because a certain alchemist wants answers
Also, wolf Quirin….. Hoo boy…..
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 668: Avenging The Dark King!
Summary:
Adira and Hector run after Quirin!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel whimpered as she hugged Eugene, the Dark Prince, merely stared as his father's breathing ceased..... Varian cried into Edmund chest, Lance holding Adira's hand while she broke, her sobs quieted by her hand, Hector just stared, his eyes wide, tears dripping down his face, at the man who'd raised and protected him..... But out of everyone...... Quirin took it the worst......
Lightning and thunder clashed once again as the knight stared at his father..... His family's sobs filling his mind, his King's body lying before him, the purple poison clearly showing the assassin's intent..... And Quirin Vanguard suddenly broke.....
Blood red eyes, black as night fur, claws sharper than swords, teeth larger than a human, his scream ripped through the night, his change quick and immediate, his cries filled with anguish and grief, as he had only one goal in mind
Find Blight..... And 'kill' him.......
Rain fell hard on the group, as they all stared up at the wolf that used to be Quirin, save for Hector, who kept looking at his fallen king.... When the knight's roar/cry ripped through the sky, Hector still didn't look, he only stared as Quirin ran off after Blight, "DAD!" Varian yelled, though he sniffled and sobbed, his body felt too heavy to move as he watched his father go, "dad....."
"Don't worry Speckles", Adira said, "we'll go after him", she stated as she stood, "you stay here and.... W-watch over King Edmund..... Okay?"
"O-okay...."
The face painted warrior nodded, "come on Hector", she looked at her sibling, he still didn't move, "Hector?" She watched the wild tamer, "Hector come on! We've gotta get Quirin back! We have to-!"
"W-will he come back?....." Hector asked, his voice so small that Adira could almost mistake it as a child's
"I.... H-Hector he's..... You.... A-are.... Are you...." She sighed and sat beside the tamer, "no..... He can't...... H-he's gone....."
"B-but he can't be....." Hector said, "h-he can't... N-not him....."
"Hector-!"
"NO!" The tamer shouted, "Not him! Not King Edmund! H-he can't! H-He wouldn't! He..... H-he..... No....." The tamer stared at his king again, tears falling to the floor, "no....."
That's when Adira noticed Hector hadn't let go of Edmund's hand, still squeezing it, holding it for as long as he could, just to feel the King's final moments..... "Hector....." She wrapped her arm around him, and held him close, "I'm sorry.... But he's gone.... The Moon took him....." The tamer whimpered, "I know..... I know.... But this.... This isn't right.... We can grieve, and believe me, we will.... But right now, our older brother needs us..... He's run off.... Lost in his own kind of hatred and sadness.... If we leave him like that.... He'll lost himself.... You know he will...."
"B-but what if he comes back a-and we're not here?"
"Hector....."
The tamer sniffled and sighed, "....I just.... Can't accept that he's gone..... I can't.... H-he's too strong....."
"Sometimes.... Even the strongest have to leave.... And we have to keep going.... So that they're remembered...." Adira stated, "we have to fight in his honor now, we have to.... And we have to bring Quirin back....."
"WHY?!" Hector snapped, baring his teeth, "why do 'we' have to do any of that?! Why did he have to die?! Why did that fucker kill him?! Why didn't the incantations fucking work?! WHY?!"
"I don't know Hector.... I don't..... No one knows..... When it's someone's time to go, it's their time to go.... One day it'll be ours too..... And there won't be any rhyme or reason to it, it'll just be our time....."
"But why did he have to go out like that? By than hand of that fucking murderer?! Why couldn't it be peaceful? .....Why...... He deserved better than that....."
"He protected the ones he loved..... He was surrounded by his family..... He was smiling at the end.... And he got to tell us he loved us one final time..... Maybe it wasn't perfect..... Maybe he deserved better-!"
"He DID deserve better"
"He did.... But I wouldn't say what he got was bad.... At least we can give him a proper burial, and at least he got to speak with his son, grandson, and us. He wasn't alone, and he was happy and joyful until the end....." She sniffled, "he'll be missed.... So dearly missed.... But he will never be forgotten..... And right now, the best thing we can do for him, is make sure we don't lose anyone else. He would want us to....."
".....Can I kill his murderer?....."
"Yes....." She stated, "believe me, that's not a question..... But let's save Quirin first..... Okay?"
Hector was quiet.... Until he nodded, "okay...." He said, before he let go of Edmund's hand and stood up with Adira. He sniffled one last time, before he looked up at the Moon, "hey! Me, Adira, Quirin, Varian, Eugene, and Rapunzel did a-fucking-lot for you! So did our king! You make sure he gets treated like he fucking deserves! Or else I'm gonna come up there and make sure he does!!!!!!"
For a moment, a few waves of thunder clapped, before Varian began to glow, then dimmed, he sniffled, before smiling, "she promised....." He said, getting Adira and Hector to look at him, "she s-said he was special..... And that w-we'd see him again...."
Hector nodded, "good......" He then looked at Eugene, the Dark Prince was still staring at his father, "....I'm sorry....." He said to the man, "we couldn't protect him.... But we will fucking avenge him....."
For a moment Eugene didn't move, until he finally looked at the tamer, and nodded, ".....save Quirin.... Then give Blight hell...."
Hector nodded, accepting his orders, before he and Adira ran after Quirin!
****
The werewolf could smell him….. The scent of blood missed with sweat and desperation made the murderer easy to find. The shocked expression of the man’s face was satisfying as the beast bared their teeth, letting out a low growl that spoke ‘volumes’ of the creature’s intent….
“H-hey there b-big fella…. T-there’s no need to hurt me…. I-I’m just going a-about my night. T-that’s all….”
Apparently the murderer didn’t recognize who the werewolf used to be. But that didn’t matter, as the creature growled again….. They glared at the villain, the disgusting way he smiled at the beast, expecting kindness to work on them! How dare he….. HOW DARE HE!!!!!!
“AAAAAAH! S-STOP! I-I WON’T HURT YOU!!!!” The monster yelled
Blood pooled onto the beast’s paw as he shook the monster’s left overs off. They had no need to dirty their fur with his disgusting visage! They began to tear the murderer apart! Making his torment agonizing and slow, being careful not to kill him before they jumped up, their towering stature looming over the murderer!
“NO!” A voice yelled, and suddenly, the beast was pulled back
Looking down at their neck, a rope had been tied around it. They growled angrily before glaring at the person who ‘DARED’ stop their revenge!
“Q@&$@N!” The man holding the rope yelled, his yellow eyes piercing something familiar to the beast as he tried to keep them at bay, “YOU NEED TO STOP Q@&$@N! THIS ISN’T YOU!!!!!!”
The wolf roared as they tried to pull away from the man and towards the murderer! They turned back to face the monster, when they saw a female blocking them, “ENOUGH! I KNOW YOU’RE ANGRY! BUT YOU HAVE TO SNAP OUT OF IT! YOU HAVE TO! PLEASE!!!!!” She begged
The beast growled and roared! Pulling harder and hard against the man! Their eyes focused on the target, the monster! He needed to pay! HE NEEDED TO PAY!!!!! “FUCKING STOP!!!!!!” The man yelled, his voice angry and wavering as he screamed, “JUST FUCKING STOP!!!!! THIS WON’T BRING HIM BACK Q@&$@N!!!!!! IT WON’T!!!! STOP!!!! PLEASE!!!!! HE WOULDN’T WANT THIS!!!!!”
The beast just kept screaming, kept roaring, kept pulling closer and closer to the monster in front of them! They needed to do this! They needed to kill him!!!!!! He needed to die!!!!! HE NEEDED TO DIE!!!!!!
The beast was slammed on their side, they roared and screamed and cried! Scratched at anything and everything just to make that thing PAY for what it did!!!!!! That’s when something gently touched their nose, and it made them beast pause, only to see the woman standing before them, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at the beast, “I know….. I know you’re really angry right now….. you’re so angry, and sad, and full of hatred….. And you have every right to be….. He was wonderful….. So wonderful…..” she said as her tears began to fall, “he loved us, cared for us, kept us safe, made us feel loved and wanted….. He didn’t look at us like we were disgusting or hopeless, he defended us, gave us a home, somewhere safe…. He wasn’t perfect…. But he was what we needed…. And so much more than that….” She sniffled as the beast watcher her, something familiar filling their mind, “he was our dad…. Our family….. He loved us, with all his heart….. and we loved him too….. We loved him so fucking much…..” her voice broke at little bit, but she kept going, “he’s gone now…. He’s gone and not coming back, and it is because of the thing behind me…. And you have every fucking right to want it dead….. But this not the way to avenge him…. He wouldn’t want this…. You wouldn’t want this…. You know that”, she looked up at the beast, “you need to calm down…. You can be sad, and angry, and hurt, and you can hate this thing until you can’t fucking stand! But you can’t do this…. This…. I-isn’t right…. It’s not…. It… I-I…..” suddenly, she couldn’t stand anymore, her knees buckled and she fell
“Woah! Hey!” The man holding the rope stopped and ran to her, kneeling beside her and hugging her, “hey….. Adira…..”
“DAMN IT!” She yelled, “I DIDN’T WANT TO FUCKING DO THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!!”
“Adira….. You lost him too….”
“I know! But I’m not supposed to do this! I hold it together until I’m fucking alone! I….. I can’t break d-down right now…. Or he’ll be…..” she sniffled but couldn’t hold back her sobs any longer, and cried into the man’s chest
The wolf stared at the duo, the monster unable to move. The beast kept staring, something telling them to do something…. But they didn’t know what to do…. Until someone else touched their muzzle. They looked up, and their eyes widened when they saw warm brown eyes, and a familiar smile that warmed their heart. He looked at them, before shaking his head, “I’m sorry”, he said, “I can’t be there anymore…. And I am so sorry…. But I will never leave you behind….. ever…. You need to come back, this isn’t you…..”
The beast whimpered, their thoughts reaching out to the person speaking to them, *but you’re gone…. You’re gone and he’s to blame…. What do I do without you? I just got you back….. I can’t…. I can’t do this without you…. I can’t…..*
“You can, you have! You’re strong! You’re so strong! You’re my knight! My first child! My wonderful and amazing best friend! ….You’re my Quirin Vanguard…. And I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me….. I’m sorry I have to go…. I’m sorry I can’t be here longer…. But please…. Don’t lose yourself…. Don’t let this be the end of you….. Come back to them Quirin….. They need you….”
*I….. B-but….. D…. Dad……* The beast whimpered again as tears fell down their muzzle, *i-it’s so d-dark….. I can’t…. I-I can’t see…..*
The man smiled, “didn’t you say something before to me? When I felt this way? Heh, I remember now”
He opened his mouth, and, began to sing:
“Let me be your light,
Let me be the stars you see at night!”
As he sung, the world around the beast began to light up as memories flowed around them
“Let me be the arms that hold you tight,
When life gets hard,
Or when you’re lost in the dark”
Suddenly the beast changed, his form shrinking, his teeth returning to normal, his claws retracting as he reached out towards the man
“Let me be your liiiiiiiiiiight~
Let me be your liiiiiiiiiiight~”
They embraced, the man holding his knight close, hugging him with all him might as he sang the final notes
“Let me be your light”
Quirin held his king for a long time, his tears drifting away, “I’m s-sorry…..”
“It’s okay, I know…. I know this is hard…. But you’re not alone Quirin…. You’re not…. I will always be with you, always….. Always…..”
The man suddenly disappeared, and Quirin flew back down to his body, the wolf disappearing as the knight finally returned. He let out a breath, he felt so tired….. But as he looked up, he saw his brother and sister huddled close together, Adira crying her eyes out as Hector tried to help
Quirin sighed, before he got up, the thunder clashed above him, the rain dropped onto his cheeks, but he ignored it, as he walked over and knelt by his siblings, wrapping them up in his arms and holding them close, “I’m sorry…..” he said softly, “I’m so sorry….”
Adira didn’t hesitate, she grabbed him and hugged him as tight as she could, Hector doing the same, and getting the knight to smile as he continued to hold them close. He allowed them to cry, he allowed himself to cry, as their shared pain combined together while Adira’s sobs engulfed the silent night….. until finally, she calmed down, and the trio fell into a peaceful silence for a few moments….
None of them moved, or spoke, until the face painted warrior wriggled a bit, Quirin chuckled as he let go, Hector following suit, and allowing Adira to stand and walk a few steps away, her back facing the two as she cleaned herself off, before she turned back and sighed, “thank you…..”
They nodded and stood up as well, “sorry….” Quirin said again
“It’s okay”, Hector replied, “we understand….”
“If we had a werewolf form, believe me, they would be let out right now too”, Adira agreed
Quirin chuckled at that, “still….. I left you both behind…and Varian…. And Hugo….. I shouldn’t have done that…. I know better….”
Thunder sounded just a little bit as Adira and Hector watched their older brother, before the face painted warrior smiled, “you’re allowed to fall apart sometimes, it’s okay”
“Yeah, you came back to us, that’s all that matters now”, the wild tamer agreed
Quirin smiled and nodded, “thank you…..”
They nodded in reply, before Hector sighed, “so…. He’s not going anywhere…. What should we do with him?”
Adira glared at Blight, who was still lying on the ground, his right arm torn to shreds, his body covered head to foot in gashes and blood, his legs broken, his left arm twisted, it was a truly gruesome sight, “now…. We avenge our king…. A life for a life…..”
The tamer looked at the both of them, “you two sure?”
Adira and Quirin shared a glance before they looked back at Hector, “we’re sure”, they said, as thunder sounded behind them again
“Who then?” Hector asked, “who takes on the responsibility?”
Quirin unsheathed his blade, it was glowing in the moonlight, “let me finish what I started…. This time the right way…. Also”, he looked at the murderer, “what he did was unforgivable…. But I will never leave him to suffer like that….. I’m not a monster…. Not like him….”
Adira and Hector were silent before they walked over and placed their hands on Quirin’s blade, “let us help you”, the face painted warrior said, “let’s all bear this burden”
“Together”, Hector stated
Quirin was startled, but he smiled and nodded, accepting their help as he walked over…. He, Adira, and Hector stood above Blight, staring down at him, all three using their king’s glower at full power, the murderer didn’t move, but his eyes were wide with fear, he couldn’t speak, could beg, couldn’t escape. All he felt was pain as he saw the sword lift into the air, held at the hilt by the tamer, face painted warrior, and knight, before their final words reached his ears, the only one’s he would ever hear again, “for king Edmund Esmeray!”
Before the blade pierced his chest, and Blight drifted away…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’ll let this chapter speak for itself
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 669: Coping!
Summary:
Quirin, Adira, and Hector return to Hutch’s home!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Quirin, Hector, and Adira walked back to the group, they were silent the entire time, having already alerted the Nedzerdnian guards, which were grateful the trio had taken care of Blight, and gave their condolences about King Edmund, promising aid with his body as soon as they could. As the Brotherhood siblings, sans Eugene, returned to the group, they noticed things had changed quite a bit
For one thing, Edmund’s body had been covered in a blanket, which they appreciated, for another however, Hutch and his kin were now joined by Chuck and his family, sans Charlie, all of which were now staring at the trio, all with worried glances. Hutch was now healed, wounds were wrapped up and delicately taken care of. Damian was also there, his wounds were also taken care of, but he was sitting down, a dark look on his face, as he stared at the ground before him
That’s when the Nedzerdnian Village Leader limped over to the trio, “hey”, he greeted gently, making sure to keep his voice calm and quiet, “are…. Is…. Everything okay?”
“He’s dead”, Quirin said, “Blight I mean, we avenged our king, the right way”
Hutch nodded, “that’s good right?”
“It is, just…. A little hard”
“Yeah…. I can….” Hutch glanced at the blanketed body, “I can imagine…..” he looked back at the retired knight, “how are you specifically feelin? You told me about the wolf….. are you alright?”
“Physically, yes”
“That’s good”
They grew silent again before the Coronan Vilkshe Leader spoke up again, “how’s Varian and Hugo? Are they alright?”
“Hugo woke up a little while after you left, and…. He took your king’s passing hard….. He told me a bit about him…. Said he was a really great man, and judging from how he charged into battle just to defend all of you, I’m inclined to believe that”, Hutch explained, “and Varian…..” the man shook his head, “hasn’t spoken since it happened…. Since you three left…. He’s been clinging to Eugene, Lance, and Hugo. They’re inside my home, with Charlie”
Quirin nodded before he placed a hand on Hutch’s shoulder, “thank you, for….. everything….”
“Anytime Quirin”, Hutch replied, “us farmers gotta stick together, right?”
“Right”
They nodded to each other before Hector let out a huff and walked towards the house. This startle almost everyone, “he copes using anger”, Adira said tiredly, “just give him a bit”
“Noted, and you?” Hutch asked gently, “you look tired, do ya need a place to rest? We’ve got plenty of room, and I can make sure no one disturbs you”
“I….. I’d rather not at the moment…..” Adira replied anxiously, “my dreams are severely affected by the day’s events….. and…. I-I’d rather n-not….” She sniffled a little and shook her head before placing a hand over her mouth
Quirin wrapped an arm around her shoulders, “it’s okay, you don’t have to….. you don’t…..”
The face painted warrior leaned into his touch for a moment or two before she recollected herself and gently nudged away, Quirin releasing her as she let out a sigh, “I’m…. G-gonna go inside…..”
“Ok, yell if you need me”
Adira nodded before she walked away, she did give a nod to Hutch, “thank you… for the offer, I’m just… I….”
“It’s alright, I understand, you do what you need to”, the Nedzerdnian Village Leader replied with a smile
“Thank you”, she said, before quickly walking away
Quirin let out a sigh, “the guards know, and are….. cleaning up the…. Mess that I made…. That…. Includes Blight…..”
“Quirin…..”
“I…. Tore him up pretty badly…. It was only after he was suffering on the ground that I finally came back, and me, Adira, and Hector, using my blade, took his life….. in an act of both mercy, and vengeance….”
“Hey, you told me you have no control of yourself in the form”, Hutch stated, “don’t you blame yourself for that, I know your king wouldn’t blame you”
“He…. He didn’t….”
“Huh?”
“King Edmund…. Visited me while I was in my wolf form…. He told me to keep going, to stay with my siblings, with my family, and that he’d always be with me….. he didn’t blame me…. He understood…. But…..” Quirin balled his fist, “I just…. Keep feeling so damn angry…. My teeth are still sharp, my eyes are still red, I can still feel the fur beneath my skin….. it’s itching me, begging me to let the beast out again….. to take my anger out and run again….. and it is *so* hard not to…. I *want* to scream and yell, I *want* to let my anger out, I *want* to fall apart….. But….” Edmund’s face shined brightly in the retired knights mind, “I…. I can’t…. I told him I’d stay…..”
“Quirin….. You just lost your dad…..” Hutch stated softly, “if anyone is able to fall apart right now, it’s you….”
“But I can’t let the werewolf out again…… if I do…. I’ll kill someone….”
“What can I do?” Hutch asked, “do you need help?”
“I….. I don’t know what I need…..”
“…..Do you know what you want?”
“I….. Want my king…..”
Hutch was quiet for a second, lost in thought, before Chuck walked over, “go to your sons”, he stated, startling the duo, “you can’t have your king, you can’t let yourself go, you don’t know what you need. Go to your sons, you’ll know what to do the moment you see them”
Quirin blinked, before he nodded, and walked to the house, Hutch and Chuck following him, the two of them getting their families to watch over Damian and Edmund. They walked inside and were immediately greeted by a scene that made Quirin stand up straighter than before. Hector and Adira were sitting beside Eugene. The Dark Prince was holding Varian as silent tears slipped down his cheeks. Hugo was covered in bandages, and was lying on the couch, tear stained face full of grief and anxiety that would make even the most stoic person shift. Lance sitting by his legs to keep him company, and help calm his fears, both of them were right behind Varian, Eugene, Adira, and Hector, but the one person that caused the retired knight to stare, was the alchemist himself
Varian was curled into a tiny ball, he was covered him cuts and bruises, shaking like a leaf, still drenched from the rain, the towel that the retired knight assumed had been offered to him was sitting uselessly beside him. He was shivering, both from being cold, and from his tiny body being wracked with the small sobs coming from the teen. His face was hidden by his knees, which were pulled up to his head, arms wrapped around them, his Moonstone glowing brighter than ever before as Eugene held him close, clearly unsure of what else to do as his own emotions attacked him…..
“He won’t accept anything”, Hutch said softly, “he hasn’t spoken, like I said…. I don’t know what else to do…..”
“Varian…..” Quirin said, before he immediately walked over, he picked up the towel and sat down beside his son, he, very gently, took Varian from Eugene, the Dark Prince allowing him to as Adira placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Varian didn’t fight, didn’t wriggle, the smell of apples and wood had already hit his nose, Ruddigar chittered out Quirin’s name when he saw the man approaching, the alchemist was aware his father had returned, and he allowed the man to take him. The towel felt like sandpaper on his skin, and he whimpered, getting his father to stop for a second or two before starting again, this time far softer than before, it felt better. The retired knight dried his son off, before scooping the teen up and standing. He walked over to the couch, Lance stood, allowing Quirin to sit down and trading places beside Eugene. The retired knight kept Varian on his lap, as he checked on Hugo. The blond instantly sitting up, wincing at the pain, but crawling over to Quirin and leaving against him, his movement almost desperate to be with the retired knight
Quirin wrapped his arms around Hugo and Varian, the alchemist finally ended up breaking, his soft sobs finally morphing into whimpers, then finally, in the smallest voice the teen had ever used, “g-g-g-grandp-p—paaaa!”
Everyone winced, everyone’s heart broke, and everyone watched, as Varian finally cried, not softly, he didn’t hide, he didn’t close his mouth, instead, he opened his mouth wide, threw back his head, and *bawled*!
His cries rocked everyone to their core, there was no dry eye in that home, as Quirin held his sons close, and allowed Varian to grieve. He took every noise, every whimper, every tear, all of it. He felt Hugo being to cry as well, though he hid in Quirin’s vest, Olivia comforting her boy as he did. Quirin felt so heavy, and so depressed, but he didn’t stop being there for his children, he would, he always would
Just like Edmund…..
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, this is the chapter where Varian and Hugo fall apart. They can’t cope any longer and just…. Really need their dad right now….. thankfully, that’s exactly what Quirin needs too
Quirin is a man that, when given a bad time, will face it head on with anger, or will end up lost and in desperate need of what to do. He already had his anger, and nearly lost himself to it, now he’s lost and doesn’t really have a clue on what he should do, so when he sees his two kids needing his help, he jumps into action. He’s a man that needs to be needed, a human who’s only lot in life is his kids, and he will make sure to give his full attention to them so he can give them the best life they possibly can, better than he ever had it….
Just like Edmund….. Quirin is reflecting Edmund, it’s his way of honoring him, and you’ll see that more in upcoming chapters
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 670: An Alchemist’s Resolve! (Part 1!)
Summary:
The group figures out what to do next and Quirin remembers one final mess to clean up, Varian wants to help!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
After a while, Varian had finally calmed down, falling asleep in his father's lap, everyone seemed to take the hint, and rested for the night as well. Edmund's body had been moved to a safe location by the Nedzerdnian guards, Hector and Adira had seen to that personally when the authorities came to help. The night had fallen still, the morning came far too fast for anyone's liking, as the group woke up with headaches, puffy eyes, and a weight on their shoulders they'd never had before
No one really spoke as they got ready for the day, nothing seemed to really be a good topic for discussion.... Eugene stuck close to Rapunzel, helping her whenever needed, it was a good distraction, but the Dark Prince still had trouble keeping his tears at bay, which the Sun princess helped him with. All was quiet in the house of Bazin, Hugo stayed on the couch, he was unable to move, the heavy silence was cut short when the retired knight sat down beside the blond and finally asked, "what happened?"
Hugo looked at the man and sighed, "we.... C-came to the house, and warned everyone inside. There's a lot of people, s-so it took some time for them to gather their things and head out..... They have a bunker near the farm, though they weren't sure everyone would be able to fit. Just as we were about to leave, Blight came out of nowhere..... H-he started to attack, Hector and Adira kept him back, b-but he pulled some cheap moves, ended up using Basil against Hector and Pixie, catching them both off guard and knocking him off his feet..... Hutch came and defended, but got hurt in the process.... Badly.... Adira stood her ground, she.... W-was the only person who could go toe to toe with Blight.... He tried using his tricks on her, but she brushed them off.... The only reason she ended up backing off is because of Damian.... He tried to help, and you know, give him credit where credit's due, he managed to land a few hits..... But he's not a fighter, and only ended up tripping Adira up..... He got knocked out pretty quickly, and Adira got hurt.... Her arm's got a real nasty gash on it.... She backed up and defended Hutch, as did Hector, because Blight was after him. That's when I entered the fray..... I used alchemy to help me out, and I was actually handling myself fairly well! He wasn't sure how to handle me, I kept switching between alchemy and my dagger, to throw him off! But.... Then he got Olivia.... A-and started to hurt her..... I.... Got mad.... A-and I ended up charging in with both alchemy and dagger in hand.... He managed to slice both out of my hands, and I dropped them.... I used my fists, and while I was able to get Liv back.... He managed to get ahold of me.... I tried to fight, but he had a pretty tight grip, and.... He kept hurting me..... Using me any time someone tried to rescue me.... My body was his shield, and.... Everyone had tried to attack.... They hadn't meant to.... But I ended up really injured.... To the point where they had to stop and back off.... Blight knocked me out after that.... I think that's when you and Freckles came in...."
Quirin gave the inventor a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry Hugo...."
"You have nothing to apologize for.... Especially n-not after...." The blind sniffled a bit before shaking his head and letting out a shaky sigh, ".....H-he'll be so severely missed...."
The retired knight nodded, "yes he.... H-he will...."
Hugo leaned against the Coronan Village Leader, "are you gonna be okay?"
"I.... Eventually....."
The blond was quiet for a moment as the weight began to drift back down on their shoulders, "he wouldn't want a depressing funeral..... H-he'd want us to celebrate his life....."
Quirin chuckled for the first time since the king's passing, "yeah, he would, he'd tell us not to be sad sacks, that he wants us to be happy and just remember the good times we had with him"
"Yeah, and then he'd give his big ol belly laugh and say something like, 'this ol bag of bones has been around way too long anyway! Time for me to shake off the old age and watch from the stars!'"
"Yeah, heh, he would", they went quiet for a few moments before Quirin sighed, “I’m sorry we weren’t here…. Maybe if we were…. You wouldn’t have gotten so hurt"
"Ey! No! No being guilt filled", Hugo exclaimed, "you've been through enough, what happened..... Couldn't be stopped..... We just.... Need to move on now.... We should focus on what's happened..... And what we're gonna do...."
The retired knight was startled, but nodded, "if that's the case, then you need to heal, and.... We need to figure out what we're gonna do for the rest of yours and Varian's bachelor parties...."
"Oh I think it's safe to say, me and Freckles wanna postpone the rest of this"
"I.... Are you-!"
"Edmund just..... I'm.... Very sure......"
"....Ok"
Hugo let out a sigh as he looked around the room, everyone had come into the living room at this point, and was listening to their conversation, though no one else spoke up. That's when the inventor saw the alchemist, he was sitting on the chair across from them, he looked tired, his hair was a mess, as Ruddigar tried to comfort his boy, "we..... Need to find Ida....." Hugo stated, getting Varian's attention, "she caused Blight to come after us....."
"The authorities are looking for her right now", Adira said, "we told them about her involvement, she's in serious trouble"
"Fucking serves her right", Hector huffed before he glanced at Chuck, "um...."
"You're good", the old man stated, "serves her right...."
This surprised the wild tamer, "we had a long talk last night", Hutch stated, "no one's on her side anymore"
"Nope", Charlie agreed, "to be frank, we weren't on her side the moment she began to make Varian uncomfortable"
"Good to know", Hector said
"So if Ida's all alone, where would she go?" Hugo asked, "she's gotta have a hidey hole or something"
"She might, in the place I.... Used work at", Damian pointed out, "she's got a lot of friends there"
"Got a map?" Quirin asked
"I can make one"
"Then do"
"Ok"
"Wait hold on, what are you plannin?" Lance asked
"Finding her and bringing her to the authorities", the retired knight replied
"Quirin..... Ya just..... I.... Don't you think ya need a little more time than just a single night?"
"Lance this is the same woman who helped abuse my wife, tried to steal my son, and helped a maniac kill my king and father figure, she's not going to walk free for however long I need to grieve. She's dangerous and could hurt more people than she already has"
"But-!"
"I... I know.... I know you're thinking I should give myself time, but honestly, this woman really needs to be arrested. I won't go into my wolf form, I won't kill her, I.... Just need to do my job.... She's a threat.... And threats should be handled", the retired knight stated calmly
"Ida will use anything against you in order to hurt you", Chuck warned, "I get your resolve, respect it even, but if you have any form of weakness she can exploit, much like that Blight monster, she'll exploit it too...."
"Noted"
"Quirin", Hugo said anxiously
The Coronan Village Leader looked at the inventor and gave him a small smile, "don't worry, this isn't like before. I mean it when I say that I won't go wolf or anything like that. I genuinely mean it when I say I just need to do my job, its part of being a knight"
"But.... B-but-!"
"Bring me with you", Varian said, getting everyone to look at him
"Varian, son, you-!" Quirin began
"Don't tell me no", the alchemist interrupted, "she's supposed to be my relative too.... And she helped kill grandpa..... I wanna help bring her to justice too..... For him...."
"Son-!"
"Please..... Please just.... Don't leave me here again..... Don't....."
This made the retired knight freeze, remembering how he'd gone wolf, his son's call finally catching up to him. He felt his heart crack as he remembered how he'd ignored them, "I'm.... Sorry....."
"I don't blame you.... I get it.... Grandpa was..... A-and you couldn't control yourself.... Y-your wolf took over and y-you ran..... You avenged him.... B-but I didn't help, I d-didn't get to avenge him.... A-and now he's gone and I just.... I-I can't stay here and do nothing anymore! I can't! I want to help! I need to help! I.... I...." He took a breath in, held it, then let it go before he stood up, eyes glowing with determination as he looked straight at his father, "I am your son, you and I can't just cry it out, not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not how we work. We fix things, then we allow ourselves peace. That's how it's always been, and Ida is the last thing that needs to be done, so let me help you do that. Let me help grandpa one final time..... Please..... I need to....."
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, the group is figuring things out, and Varian and Quirin might be going on one final mission together!
Things are extremely complicated and difficult right now for this family…..
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 671: An Alchemist’s Resolve! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Varian and Quirin being their final adventure!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😁
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Bring me with you", Varian said, getting everyone to look at him
"Varian, son, you-!" Quirin began
"Don't tell me no", the alchemist interrupted, "she's supposed to be my relative too.... And she helped kill grandpa..... I wanna help bring her to justice too..... For him...."
"Son-!"
"Please..... Please just.... Don't leave me here again..... Don't....."
This made the retired knight freeze, remembering how he'd gone wolf, his son's call finally catching up to him. He felt his heart crack as he remembered how he'd ignored them, "I'm.... Sorry....."
"I don't blame you.... I get it.... Grandpa was..... A-and you couldn't control yourself.... Y-your wolf took over and y-you ran..... You avenged him.... B-but I didn't help, I d-didn't get to avenge him.... A-and now he's gone and I just.... I-I can't stay here and do nothing anymore! I can't! I want to help! I need to help! I.... I...." He took a breath in, held it, then let it go before he stood up, eyes glowing with determination as he looked straight at his father, "I am your son, you and I can't just cry it out, not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not how we work. We fix things, then we allow ourselves peace. That's how it's always been, and Ida is the last thing that needs to be done, so let me help you do that. Let me help grandpa one final time..... Please..... I need to....."
Quirin stared at his son, his worry filling every inch of his mind as he thought about how his child looked so much like himself when he was that age. He wanted to tell him no, he wanted to explain how so many things could go wrong, and how he was afraid of losing the alchemist too, but he stopped right as he opened him mouth, looking at his son again. He realized, this wasn't the little boy that had become afraid of the dark after a scary book had made him so, this wasn't the tiny child that'd clung to his pant leg anytime a stranger came to their home, and this wasn't the same lost little boy who'd been afraid of his own shadow when he was fresh out of jail. No, this was a man that stood before Quirin, a man that knew what he needed, a man that understood the risks, a man that was currently using logic and emotion in perfect harmony and encapsulating everything he'd been taught. So, with all the anxiety in the universe in his throat, and his cracked heart filling with dread, he nodded, "ok....."
This seemed to startle Varian a little, almost as if he'd expected a fight, but he recovered quickly, and nodded, "thank you"
"Quirin", Lance said, "are you absolutely 'sure' that this is a good idea?"
"I trust him Lance", the retired knight stated
"But..... But-!"
"He's right, he didn't get to avenge King Edmund, he didn't even get to help. And while I'm glad he doesn't have blood on his hands, I know he needs this, so I'm gonna let him", the retired knight stated, "however", he looked at his son, "this isn't like the mission you went on before, we aren't facing a thief who scares children in a forest with hot dogs and tries to eat raccoons. This is a woman who's got connections and nothing left to lose. She's gonna be slick, slippery, try everything she can to get away, maybe even use Ulla as a weapon. You need to be prepared for that, you can't fall apart, you can't falter, if you're coming with me on this, then you need to understand that this is your duty, but I think you already know that"
"Yeah, I do", Varian replied, "and I'm gonna do everything I can to make sure it gets done"
"It's not enough to just get it done, it needs to be done right son, no fear, no regrets, and no revenge..... I think that last bit might be the most important"
"Considering who we're going up against, it is, and trust me, I'm not seeking vengeance. I want her to stop hurting people, I'm doing this for grandpa, first and foremost, but I know he wouldn't want me to go nuts. He'd wanna see me be strong, he'd want me to show him that I'm capable of doing things like this the right way, and I'm....", the teen wiped his tears away and sighed before he looked at his dad again, "I'm gonna show him.... I'll make him proud....."
Quirin felt his heart break even more at that as his son voiced everything he thought, but he kept that to himself, and nodded, placing a hand on the alchemist's shoulder, "we both will"
Varian touched his father's hand gently, and nodded, giving a small smile to the retired knight, before Damian walked over to them, "here's the map, I labeled everyone on there, her friends, enemies, everyone. You can fucking give it to the authorities after if you want, I don't give a shit anymore, just, get her outta there"
Quirin nodded, taking the map, "we will, for him"
Damian backed up and sat down, groaning a little as his injuries grew irritated by his movement. Hugo scooted a few inches away from the man before he looked at Varian. The alchemist was staring at the ground, eyes still filled with determination, but also with fear...... The inventor stood up and walked over, "you already make him proud love", Varian looked at him, "you do, both of you do", he added, looking at Quirin, "you just need to be yourselves. I understand this is something that has to be done, I get that, but don't push yourselves, don't go too far, and don't get hurt. He wants you to live your lives, and be happy, that was his entire purpose for coming back. You can get Ida, bring her to justice, but after that's done, allow yourselves a break, you're human, you have limits, they don't make you weak, or useless, they make you stronger, especially when you face, and accept, them, please, remember that, okay?"
The alchemist and retired knight stared at Hugo for a few moments, before they both sighed and hugged the inventor, "thank you", Varian said, "we needed that", Quirin nodded in agreement
Hugo smiled and wrapped his arms around the both of them, "you're welcome"
****
Quirin and Varian looked around, they'd left the Bazin home and had made their way to the place Damian had indicated. The alchemist keeping his temper in check so the Moonstone didn't glow and give them away, Ruddigar stowing away in his backpack, while Quirin wore a common, blue, cape, with a hood, that hid his blades and face, Hutch's idea as he remembered the stories that'd spread throughout the kingdom about the retired knight and his exploits
The duo walked into the market, which was underneath an arch that was barely visible from the bridge people needed to cross in order to get to it. When they stepped inside the market, they saw that not only were illegal items being bought and sold, but there were folks the two didn't think they'd see down there. One of them being the bartender's son, who'd left his face wide open for the entire world to recognize! Varian felt his anger bubble a little when he saw the man, but Quirin just shook his head and led them away from him, "bigger fish", he whispered. This instantly got Varian to stop and smile a little as Edmund came to mind, Quirin noticed and stopped too, "sorry", he said, "that was.... An accident....."
"No it's okay..... It.... Made me smile"
Quirin looked at his son and nodded before he gave his a one armed hug, "I miss him too"
Varian returned the hug, before he noticed a familiar looking female skittering across the road in front of them. He blinked before looking up at his father, "she went that way, I just saw her"
Quirin looked at where Varian was indicating and nodded, "alright, then are you ready?"
"Yeah.... I'm ready...."
They broke the hug and followed after her, keeping to the shadows as Quirin finally saw her, he grew more determined as she bobbed and weaved in-between people coming and going in the market. Until they came into a building that had a bar inside. They saw her sit at the counter and lower her hood, it was definitely Ida..... The duo waited, wanting to know what she was doing here, that's when someone walked over to them, someone with long red hair, dark blue eyes, a mole on her left cheek, a black jacket, miniskirt, and boots, with a purple undershirt. She raised a brow at the duo before cocking her head to the side, "what exactly does a knight have any business in here for?" She asked, though her voice was low
Varian didn't recognize her, but his father certainly seemed to as his eyes narrowed at the female, "could ask you the same question....."
"Your pretty princess may have showed me that you Coronans can be trusted, a little, but you aren't gonna sully this place, not while I'm around buster"
Quirin tilted his head to the side this time, clearly annoyed by her, "and what will you do Stalyan? Rat us out? Last I checked, you weren't exactly welcome in this place either"
The girl huffed as Varian's eyes widened when he recognized the name, "you're....." He began, but stopped when she sent a fiery glare his way, one he returned
She scoffed, "cute kid, good try", she stated before looking at Quirin again, "look, I'm only here to get something"
"Same...." The retired knight replied, "so stay out of our way before I let my sister know of your presence"
This made the girl's eyes widen, "wait, she's here?"
"In the kingdom, yes, and I'll bet she'd just 'love' to see you"
Stalyan growled at the retired knight, "look just, stay out of my way asshole", she snapped before walking away
"Stalyan.... The woman Eugene was abused by....." Varian stated, "Baron's daughter...."
"Yup.... She won't cause us any trouble though, her name's been slandered ever since her father got caught. Must be getting some hench man to do her dirty work, just ignore her"
"Dad.... She's talking to Ida....."
"What?"
Sure enough, the fallen heir to the Baron's riches had sat beside Ida, and was chatting with her. The duo waited before Varian huffed when Stalyan seemed to stop for a moment before looking in their direction. Quirin quickly moving his son behind him, the Baron's daughter smirked and returned to her conversation, Varian peaking out from behind his father and glared, "well ain't this a humdinger....." He stated, Edmund flashing in his mind again as he sighed
"It truly is", Quirin agreed
Notes:
Hello! :D
So yeah, the duo have began their adventure! And they can’t stop referencing Edmund!!!!! The man is just always there! May it be in their minds, in their words, or just there in spirit!
They’re in the market! And of course they run into a familiar face, and not a welcomed one either!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😁
Chapter 672: An Alchemist’s Resolve! (Part 3!)
Summary:
An unlikely deal is made between enemies with a common target!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Stalyan.... The woman Eugene was abused by....." Varian stated, "Baron's daughter...."
"Yup.... She won't cause us any trouble though, her name's been slandered ever since her father got caught. Must be getting some hench man to do her dirty work, just ignore her"
"Dad.... She's talking to Ida....."
"What?"
Sure enough, the fallen heir to the Baron's riches had sat beside Ida, and was chatting with her. The duo waited before Varian huffed when Stalyan seemed to stop for a moment before looking in their direction. Quirin quickly moving his son behind him, the Baron's daughter smirked and returned to her conversation, Varian peaking out from behind his father and glared, "well ain't this a humdinger....." He stated, Edmund flashing in his mind again as he sighed
"It truly is", Quirin agreed
****
The duo waited for an hour, neither of them moved, they watched the two females talk before Ida got up and ran out. The two went to follow her, but were stopped by Stalyan, “so…. Funny story…. My client just asked me to find a kid….. One with two blue stripes in his hair and bright blue eyes to match, sound familiar?” She asked before smirking as she looked at Varian
Quirin growled at her, “you have *no* idea why she’s asking you that…..”
“Yeah, never really get the backstory on what people request, I just get what they want, and if it’s valuable, I keep it, if not, then they keep it and I get the money, gotta say, never stole a kid before, so I’m making an exception”
“Oh, good to know you’re not *completely* awful”
“I’m doing you a favor jackass, for the *both* of you actually”
“What’s in it for you?” Varian asked
“Info”
“And?”
“….And?”
“I know info isn’t the only thing you’ll be looking for”, the alchemist stated, “there’s always a catch, and neither I, nor my father, are in the mood”
“Heh, smart kid, fine, info, and a favor”
“What favor?” Quirin asked
“Easy big guy, info first”, Stalyan stated, “favor’s based off what I find out”
“And in return for this?”
“I don’t blow your cover, and I’ll even help you”
“And we trust you to keep your end of the deal when?” The retired knight asked with a raised brow
“You really have a choice? The kid’s going for a damn good price, and Ida’s got plenty of people looking to take whatever amount of money she’s willing to hand out, you should honestly be grateful you happen to know me”
Quirin stepped forwards just a bit, his glower slamming down on the young woman like a giant stepping on a blade of grass, “listen you psychotic, leather toting, gangster wannabe, bitch, shit’s happened recently that I’m currently *not* in the right mindset to sort out. I’m angry, and more than willing to do what’s needed to keep the rest of my damn family safe, just give me one reason, one *tiny* reason, to think that you’ll betray us, and your little ‘favor’ will be the last *fucking* thing you’ll need to worry about…..”
Stalyan blinked in surprise, “damn those stories about you have really strayed from the truth”
“Do you have a damn death wish lady?!” Varian asked as his father’s eyes turned *bright* red, “fucking hell, now is the *worst* time to test his patience!”
Stalyan rolled her eyes, “what the hell could be so terrible that the famous ‘Dark Knight of the Dark Kingdom’ would lose his temper so quickly?”
“How about losing a father figure, the only one you had, with no small thanks to the same damn *lunatic* of a client you’re currently working for, that a good enough reason for you?” Varian snapped, his eyes glowing bright as he glared *daggers* at her
Stalyan froze when she heard that, eyes wide with realization, “holy shit, you’re kidding”
“No, I’m really not…. And I swear if you use that info to your advantage, I’ll break your damn arms and legs”
“Easy, I wouldn’t”, Stalyan stated, hands up in a placating gesture, “fuck, I didn’t know…..”
“Do you even care?”
“Believe it or not kid, I happen to understand what it’s like to lose a parent…. *two* actually…..”
This made Varian pause as he thought about the Baron, “…..was he…. Good…. To you?”
“I was his damn daughter, of course he was! But…. I was talking about my mom…. She was the kind of parent you’d read about in stories, kind, gentle, good heart, etc. She died when I was a teen, heart disease…. Dad never really…. Recovered from that…. He took care of me, but I was forced to be in his business…. He kept me beside him at all times, overprotective as shit…. I didn’t blame him, but….. things got rough…. And then Flynn Rider and his *friends* ‘accidentally’ poisoned him…. And he was so eager to find the cure and get revenge that he damn near forgot all about me….. So yeah, I get it”
The alchemist was startled by that, “they….”
Stalyan sighed, “it actually was an accident, that weird guy with the beard bumped into my dad when he was about to have his Kai spider poison Rider-!”
“A Kai spider-holy-!”
“Aaaand he poisoned Lance in order to get Flynn to marry me, first, so….. I shouldn’t *fully* blame them…. But the princess knocked my father out with a frying pan after he was poisoned and just…. Didn’t help…. He was dying, Lance was cured, and I had to take my dad away….. We found the antivenom, but then my father went on a vengeance spree to hunt down Flynn, and I was left alone….” Varian stared at the woman in shock, “yeah, it was a big mess”
“Ugh….. look, regardless, even though I feel a little bad for you, just…. Tell us why we should trust you’ll keep your end of the deal….. *Without* the nasty comments….”
Stalyan sighed, “the info I want is about Ida”
“What? Why?”
“Because she’s trouble, everyone down here knows it, but she’s got connections down here, lots of them. A *lot* of people owe her favors, she’s actually pretty well known in this part of town. I don’t do work for her because she’s got a history of drama and a mile long list of killers on her side. But if I get some dirt on her, a way to make her little tower of command crumble, then I’ll be able to get what I need from her”
“What do you need?”
“She’s got something important to me, I want it back, that’s all you need to know, but stealing from her is like pulling teeth with a damn lemon juice covered tweezer. Painful and slow…. And the item I need is in short supply”
Varian thought about that before he looked at his father, who’d calmed down significantly at this point, they shared a look before nodding, the alchemist looking back at Stalyan, “we’re here to arrest her and bring her in, that should make her tower fall, but I’m guessing that’s not good enough”
“No, it’s not, she can break out easily with the connections she has”
“Figured…. Ugh…. Well we’ll need to help you crumble her underground empire either way. We want her to *stay* in jail, so…. Fine….. but my father’s warning still stands. You give us one *tiny* reason to think you’ll betray us for something better, and you’re *done*, got it?”
“Fine”
“Good”
Notes:
Hello! :D
Shorter chapter, I know, I didn’t have too much time to write it, but I wanted to make sure *something* happened here, and something did!
A trio against the same person is definitely better than a duo. Even if that third person is someone they don’t fully trust
I actually really don’t like Stalyan, I think her “redemption” with Rapunzel was kinda forced, so I changed it up a bit. She’s better than she was before, but she’s not fully redeemed. I see her as opportunistic in this story, she isn’t good, but she’s not terrible. I honestly think that having another episode with her would’ve added so much to her character. Give her some backstory, her emotions are voiced, we get insight into how she’s feeling instead of just having it be from Rapunzel’s perspective
Don’t get me wrong, I love Punzel, but Stalyan is the freaking *Baron’s* daughter! She’s not gonna suddenly be good after a few hours spent with our sunny princess!!!!! So she’s back to her criminal lifestyle, but I will say that Rapunzel influenced her to be better, not good, but better. She’s not as scheming as before, she’s not after Eugene anymore, she’s *better*!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 673: An Alchemist’s Resolve! (Part 4!)
Summary:
The trio talk about what they should do now, and decide to pay a visit to Tony!
Notes:
More notes at the end! 🎶❤️😊
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Stalyan sighed, “the info I want is about Ida”
“What? Why?”
“Because she’s trouble, everyone down here knows it, but she’s got connections down here, lots of them. A *lot* of people owe her favors, she’s actually pretty well known in this part of town. I don’t do work for her because she’s got a history of drama and a mile long list of killers on her side. But if I get some dirt on her, a way to make her little tower of command crumble, then I’ll be able to get what I need from her”
“What do you need?”
“She’s got something important to me, I want it back, that’s all you need to know, but stealing from her is like pulling teeth with a damn lemon juice covered tweezer. Painful and slow…. And the item I need is in short supply”
Varian thought about that before he looked at his father, who’d calmed down significantly at this point, they shared a look before nodding, the alchemist looking back at Stalyan, “we’re here to arrest her and bring her in, that should make her tower fall, but I’m guessing that’s not good enough”
“No, it’s not, she can break out easily with the connections she has”
“Figured…. Ugh…. Well we’ll need to help you crumble her underground empire either way. We want her to *stay* in jail, so…. Fine….. but my father’s warning still stands. You give us one *tiny* reason to think you’ll betray us for something better, and you’re *done*, got it?”
“Fine”
“Good”
****
“Wow, so…. Let me get this straight. Ida’s your grandma, but she’s obsessed with you?” Stalyan asked, when Varian nodded, she quirked a brow, “why? Because of what she did to your mom?”
“So I’m assuming”
“Well that’s some bullshit, if she wanted you, she should’ve just gotten to know you”
“Yeah, but I guess she doesn’t think that way…..”
“Guess not….”
“Also, I wouldn’t have stayed even if she had. I have a home in Old Corona, with my dad and fiancé, I don’t plan on leaving that anytime soon, especially not now”
“Why? Your fiancé pregnant?”
“Pfft! Well if *he* was, then that’d sure be one *hell* of a scientific discovery”
Stalyan froze before she laughed, “damn kid! Ha ha, alright, I’ll admit, that was shitty of me for assuming. Just figured you were straight considering your heritage, but my bad”
“Coronans aren’t exactly keen on same sex relationships, but they’ve gotten better”, the alchemist stated, “though, now I’ve given you a shit ton of info, it’s your turn”
“Fair”, Stalyan replied, “I’ve already told you she’s got a lot of favors due to her”
“Yeah”
“Well it’s because of her position. She had a kid with the local bartender, sweet guy, everyone loves him, super kind, willing to help anyone without asking any questions”, she explained, “having a kid with that man gets you a lot of respect. He’s protected by this community because of his generosity, and because Ida is a friend and former lover of his, she’s untouchable. Connections matter down here”
“If thats the case, then this might be easier than we thought”, the alchemist said, “Ulla is my mom, Ida’s my grandmother, surely that would have *some* pull”
“See here’s the thing, *you’re* what she wants, she keeps spreading rumors that the people you’re currently with, kidnapped you, and she’s desperately trying to get you back. She also keeps talking about this other kid, a Bazin, who’s new in town, she wants to make a pretty penny from him, offering to split the pot he gets her with whomever manages to steal both you and him”
“That’s disgusting…..” Quirin stated quietly
“That’s how things work down here unfortunately”, Stalyan replied, “you’re both lucky *I* don’t follow that logic”
“I’m glad you don’t”, Varian said
“You’d better be”, she huffed, “I could make my life so much easier by getting on her good side! In fact, it would actually benefit me *more*! Tch, honestly I should ask for more than what I am, considering you definitely have the money to pay me”, she huffed
This irritated the retired knight, “you’re getting, what seems like, an entire underground criminal organization toppled, with a chance to take it over, along with a special item from Ida, all at the low low price of not giving away our location, and help bringing said enemy of yours to jail”, he deadpanned, “I’d say that’s a pretty damn good deal”
Stalyan quirked a brow at the retired knight, “like you would understand anything, my dad is a piece of shit for abandoning me! Not unlike yourself to be frank, you’re lucky in putting up with you at all!”
“Don’t you *dare* compare me to that monster!” Quirin snapped, “and being a *partial* piece of shit doesn’t make you that much better than the rest when you clearly have the option to be good”
“And being high and mighty sure seems pretty easy with that massive stick hoisting you up as it’s shoved in your ass, doesn’t it knight?”
The Coronan Village Leader narrowed his eyes at her, “you think I don’t get how hard life can be?”
“Oh please! You’ve been sitting pretty your entire life, being knight to the Dark King, may he rest in peace, certainly has its perks, I’m sure”
“You think I was born into this? I wasn’t! I was a damn orphan that was on the streets and stealing food just to survive! I dug through garbage and cared for burnt, stale, bread like it was a damn gourmet meal! The *only* reason I am where I am today is because King Edmund showed me kindness and mercy! He took the time to help me, and taught me how to fight and defend myself! And I stayed by his side because I wanted to help him too! I got damn lucky, I’m aware of that fact, but even if I hadn’t, I would’ve worked, and worked *hard*, to be anything *but* a criminal! And to be perfectly honest, I don’t judge anyone who is, because everyone has a story! But *you* had a choice! *You* had parents who loved you, *you* had money and anything you wanted, *you* weren’t abused or hated! You had *everything* you needed! Maybe it wasn’t perfect, and your father abandoning you now is sincerely terrible! But you’re not a child! You’re a fully fucking grown adult! You know right from wrong! You know better! And you *choose* not to be! Not only that, but you *know* what your father did to my sister! And yet you decide to give *me* attitude and compare me to *HIM*?!” He snapped, before he felt Varian’s hand on his shoulder, and sighed, “….dammit….” He turned away in order to calm himself
Stalyan was startled as the alchemist sighed, then looked at her, “could you maybe be a little patient with us? We’re….”
“Right…. I get it…. Sorry….” She replied gently before she looked at the retired knight, “I….. didn’t know….. about what you’d been through….. And the only thing I knew about your sister, is that my dad did something to her, but I don’t know what….” She said, “but if that insult got you *that* angry, I can only imagine what happened to her, so…… sorry…. For saying what I did….. you’re not like my dad…. Especially considering all you’re doing for your kid”, she smirked at the alchemist, who gave her a small smile back, only for her to stop, “your…. Kid….. *Shit*! You’ll be recognized with those stripes in your hair!” She exclaimed, “you’ve gotta get a disguise!”
Varian cocked his head to the side, “shes really described me that much?”
“Let me put it this way, I recognized your dad because he happens to be one of my dad’s enemy, so I saw paintings of him and knew his name from the stories my father would tell. But I haven’t seen, or heard, hyde nor hair about you, and I recognized you instantly”
“…..Shit”
“Yeah….”
Quirin quickly pulled out another cloak, this one a dark blue, similar to his in style, and wrapped it around his son, “Hutch thought it might be a good idea to bring a second one, just in case”, he blinked before a small chuckle escaped his lips, “it’s…. A little big on you….”
Varian sighed as he looked at the cape that now covered him, the hood hid his face, but the top was so big that it covered his eyes and nose, and the back of the cape laid on the ground behind him, unable to dangle by his ankles like it should due to the teen’s smaller stature, “it’ll have to do”
“Tiny bean”
“Stahp it”
“Anyway”, Stalyan stated, “you gave me info, I gave you info, there’s gotta be a way we could use it”
“You said the bartender is well liked here?” Varian asked
“Yeah”
“I happen to know him, Tony right?”
“Yeah, wait, how do you-!”
“His son attacked me and my family, my uncle beat him up, and we walked him home. Met Tony that same night, really nice guy”
“Richard attacked you?!”
“Ida told Tony the same things she told you, and Richard wanted to “help”, so he and a batch of bar thugs came to try and “save me” but my uncle took care of them”
“By himself?!”
“Don’t mess with my uncle”
“…..Noted”
“Anyway, Tony was really nice, and he said we were welcome to come back at anytime if we wanted to talk. I genuinely was wanting to anyway, and he told us the only reason he helps Ida is because she’s his friend, apparently they’ve been friends for a long time”
“He also mentioned he’d make sure Ida didn’t take you away from me”, Quirin added, “I’d like to look into that”
“True!”
“So, the Tony’s we go”, Stalyan stated
“To Tony’s we go!” Varian exclaimed before he blushed and looked around, “eheh…. Sorry, that was a little too loud….”
The Baron’s daughter raised a brow at the teen, but a small smirk formed on her lips as Quirin ruffled the alchemist’s hair, “you’re fine, I think everyone’s a little too drunk to notice”
“He’s right”, Stalyan stated, “these people care more about their liquor than what’s going on around them. Makes it a good spot to talk”
“Noted”, Varian said, “we should get going though”
“We should”, Quirin agreed before he looked at the red head, “shouldn’t you have a disguise?”
“I have one, hang on”, she walked over to a table and swiped a man’s green cloak from off his back. He didn’t even look up, just stared into his cup before he got up and asked for more. Stalyan wrapped the cloak around her and pulled up the hood, “ta daa”
Quirin felt his eye twitch, but stopped when he heard Varian giggle, “how many times have you done that?”
“To that guy in particular? A few. In general, too many to count”
The alchemist snorted, “I shouldn’t laugh at that, but….” He snickered
Quirin raised a brow at his son, “scuse you”
“Hee hee, I can’t help it! I can picture Eugene and Lance doing something similar and it makes me giggle!”
The retired knight sighed as Stalyan walked over and grinned cheekily, “they’re would you know”
“Let’s just go”, Quirin stated as he led his son out of the bar, Stalyan shrugging before she followed
****
It hadn’t taken the trio that long to find their way out of the marketplace they were in. They made sure to keep in the shadows as they finally made it to Tony’s bar. Walking inside, they saw a few patrons talking quietly to themselves. Quirin smiled at the atmosphere, “it feels so nice in here”, Varian commented
“When people like me are in this bar in particular”, Stalyan began, “we go by one rule, don’t cause trouble for Tony. And we make sure everyone follows it”
“Wow, he must be really respected”
“He is, he’s kind to everyone, not many are like that nowadays, you’ll be lucky to find someone as kind as Tony…. Kinda like your princess actually…. She was kind to a fault, it was annoying…. But also…. Nice”
Varian smiled, “she’s gonna have a baby soon”
This made the red head’s eyes widen, “wait really?”
“Yup, Eugene’s kid too”
“Wow…. He’s…. Always wanted a kid….” She smiled softly, “good for him”
Varian grinned before his father interrupted, “there’s Tony”, he pointed out gently, “though he’s not alone”
The trio looked and saw a few of the thugs sitting next to the bartender. They also noticed an older female, she looked to be about Tony’s age, brown eyes, blond hair, a gentle smile on her face, “Lydia”, Stalyan stated, “been a while since I’ve seen her, hang on, I’ve got a way of losing the thugs”
Before the duo could say a word, Stalyan was gone. Varian looked up at Quirin, “she’s…. Different than what I expected”
The retired knight nodded, “true, though we should still keep our guard up, just in case”
“Yeah…. But…. Dad am I wrong for…. Liking her?”
“Liking her?”
“Well, like a friend, she seems genuine when she talks to us, and I feel like, despite what she says, she’s doing this for a different reason”
“What reason do you think she’s doing this for?”
“I dunno, but it doesn’t seem like a bad one”, the alchemist sighed, “maybe Punzel’s rubbing off on me a bit, and I certainly haven’t forgotten what Eugene said….. but….. she’s….. so different than the person I imagined….. and I’m not sure how to feel about that”
Quirin looked at his son, a small part of him wanted to say that they should focus on the task at hand, but he knew better than that, a small voice, that sounded a lot like Edmund actually, told him what an awful idea that would be. So instead, he smiled, “it’s not bad to like someone who was previously bad. If you truly see improvement in them, then it’s good to encourage that”, he then turned just a little stern, “but you should still be careful, just in case, we know very little about her, and while your intuition isn’t usually wrong, it’s best to be cautious, okay?”
Varian smiled and nodded, “oki”. Quirin nodded back as he wrapped an arm around his son, “do you like her dad?”
“Hmm…. I….. I’m a little on the fence…. She’s not her father, nor will I ever put what he did on her shoulders. She never hurt Adira, ever, and that’s something that I continue to remind myself. And despite my initial mistrust of her, she genuinely seems like she wants to help. I think you’re right, I don’t think she’s doing this for the reasons she said. But I’m still not sure if that’s a good thing or not….. I’m willing to trust her though, if she truly proves she’s trustworthy…. Though…. I think my anger might be clouding my judgement a bit…”
“About grandpa….?”
“Yeah….. I…. can’t believe he’s gone…..”
“Me either….”
Quirin looked at his son sadly, “I’m…. Sorry…. For running off like I did…. I left you behind….”
“Don’t be, I understand”
“That’s… no… you shouldn’t understand. You lost your grandpa, you’re my son, I should be there for you, not fall apart and leave you calling after me…. I learned my lesson about that…..”
Varian looked up at his father, “dad, you just lost your father! The only man that gave you the time of day! He loved you, he raised you, he cared for you, he trained you, I will *never* be mad or upset at you for how you reacted when he got killed! Ever!” The alchemist exclaimed, “you may be my father, and yeah, that holds a level of responsibility that you uphold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t feel sadness or despair, especially not when Grandpa died…. Don’t you ever go and blame yourself for leaving me behind, I wasn’t alone, I had Eugene and Hugo and Lance and even Rapunzel helping me out, Hutch, Chuck, Charlie, and everyone else helped me too. I was fine, you were not! You just lost your *dad*!” The alchemist exclaimed, “if you think that when the day comes that I lose you, which better not be any time soon, that I’m gonna have my shit together and not fall apart, you’re *severely* mistaken!” He placed a hand on Quirin’s shoulder as the retired knight teared up a bit, “you’re the strongest man I will ever know dad, but I understand that sometimes, you’re gonna fall apart, and I’m okay with being there when you need me”, he smiled, “so don’t be sorry, don’t ever be sorry for what happened that night…. I don’t blame you, and I never will, okay?”
Quirin was startled before he nodded and hugged his son, scooping him up in the process, before quietly sobbing. Varian smiled and hugged his father back, his own tears dripping down his cheeks. Neither of them noticed Stalyan standing a few feet away, leaning against a wall, and listening in. She let out a small sigh, her mind thinking about the little alchemist’s words, before she smiled, “maybe they’re not so bad after all”, she said to herself, before she kicked a pile of paint buckets over, causing a distraction the made the thugs run in her direction. She managed to get away before they found her, and returned to the duo, stopping short to allow them to finish their hug, before she spoke, “if you two are done”, she snickered when she saw them blush as Quirin gently set his son down, “the thugs will take a few minutes, so let’s go”
They made their way to the bar as Varian looked up at Stalyan, “what did you do?”
“Kicked a few cans of paint over, they’ll think it’s raccoons or something and look for it before giving up”
“Ah, clever, though now I’m a little worried they’ll see Ruddigar and think it was him”
“Who?” She let out a small yell of surprise when a raccoon popped out of the teens bag
The small mammal cocked his head to the side when he saw her and let out a small chitter of confusion
“Ruddigar, he’s my friend! And my service animal”, the alchemist replied with a smile, “also, he’s sorry for startling you”
Stalyan blinked before she let out a sigh, “right…. Um…. Nice to… meet you?” she looked at the teen, “I’ve never spoken to a raccoon before”
Ruddigar chittered as Varian giggled, “hee hee, he can understand you, and he says thank you, and that it’s nice to meet you too! He also mentioned you smell good, which is a pretty big compliment coming from him”
“Oh, um…. Thanks?”
Ruddigar chittered, his tail swishing happily, “he says you’re welcome!” Varian translated, “don’t worry, he’s a very good coon, the only thing you really need to know about him is that he doesn’t like being called a trash panda, and that if you show him an apple, he’ll do anything to get it”
“Noted, thanks for the warning”
“You’re welcome!”
“Varian?” A familiar voice said, getting the trio to look over and see Tony and Lydia staring at them, “and Quirin?”
“Hello Tony”, Quirin greeted, pulling down his hood
“Hi Tony!” Varian replied, also pulling down his hood, and giggling when Ruddigar hopped inside it and curled up into a ball
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, sorry about not posting yesterday, I got really sick, to the point where I lost my voice and couldn’t actually do anything without being in pain!
I’m better now, my voice is back, and I managed to type up both the chapter I missed, and today’s chapter into one! So I hope that makes up for it, but still, I’m sorry for missing a day ❤️🎶
As for this chapter, Varian and Quirin are getting to know Stalyan a bit more, and this is kinda where I’m emphasizing that Stalyan is better than she once was. I feel like it could’ve gone a long way if the show had shown her in another episode, possibly making amends with Eugene and actively helping the group in some way, shape or form
She’s not perfect, but she’s not terrible either!
Also, Quirin is feeling a lot of anger and pain right now, so he’s trying to cope with along with the guilt he feels for having left Varian behind when he turned word, poor protective farming dad is just dealing with way too much
This is also how I wanna show how much Varian has grown now! He’s so much more mature and able to help those he previously needed! And while he still needs them, he’s showing an understanding that they need him too, and I love writing him this way!
Thank you all for reading, and I sincerely hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 674: An Alchemist’s Resolve! (Part 5!)
Summary:
Varian, Quirin, and Stalyan talk to Tony and Lydia!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“If you two are done”, Stalyan snickered when she saw them blush as Quirin gently set his son down, “the thugs will take a few minutes, so let’s go”
They made their way to the bar as Varian looked up at Stalyan, “what did you do?”
“Kicked a few cans of paint over, they’ll think it’s raccoons or something, and will look for them for a bit before giving up”
“Ah, clever, though now I’m a little worried they’ll see Ruddigar and think it was him”
“Who?” She let out a small yelp of surprise when a raccoon popped out of the teens bag
The small mammal cocked his head to the side when he saw her and let out a small chitter of confusion
“Ruddigar, he’s my friend! And my service animal”, the alchemist replied with a smile, “also, he’s sorry for startling you”
Stalyan blinked before she let out a sigh, “right…. Um…. Nice to… meet you?” she looked at the teen, “I’ve never spoken to a raccoon before”
Ruddigar chittered as Varian giggled, “hee hee, he can understand you, and he says thank you, and that it’s nice to meet you too! He also mentioned you smell good, which is a pretty big compliment coming from him”
“Oh, um…. Thanks?”
Ruddigar chittered, his tail swishing happily, “he says you’re welcome!” Varian translated, “don’t worry, he’s a very good coon, the only thing you really need to know about him is that he doesn’t like being called a trash panda, and that if you show him an apple, he’ll do anything to get it”
“Noted, thanks for the warning”
“You’re welcome!”
“Varian?” A familiar voice said, getting the trio to look over and see Tony and Lydia staring at them, “and Quirin?”
“Hello Tony”, Quirin greeted, pulling down his hood
“Hi Tony!” Varian replied, also pulling down his hood, and giggling when Ruddigar hopped inside it and curled up into a ball
"Hi!" The bartender exclaimed, smiling wide as he rounded the bar in order to greet the trio properly, "what are you doing here? And...." He looked at Stalyan, who'd also pulled her hood down, "hello Stalyan, been a minute"
"Hey Tony", she responded with a smirk, "yes it has, unfortunately, we're not coming here for a friendly visit...."
Tony blinked before he looked at Varian and Quirin, "what's going on?"
The trio explained everything, including Edmund's passing, as they did, Tony looked more and more devastated as Lydia walked over to listen in. Once they'd finished, the bartender shook his head, "oh Ida.... What have you done....." He looked at Quirin, "I'm so sorry for your king's passing.... From what I heard, he was a damn good man"
"Thank you.... He was....." The retired knight responded, "we, my siblings and I, avenged him with Blight's death, but.... Ida.... She's dangerous.... She could hurt people.... Even more so than she has now....."
"You're right.... She's got lips that don't stop flapping..... She can get herself outta any kind of trouble with em too.... This isn't good....." He sighed, "she's using my name to get people to harm your family.... My family.... It ain't right..... But... What can I do?"
Stalyan took over, "she's using your name, and your friendship with her, to get what she wants, which is him", she gestured to Varian, "we thought that maybe if you.... I dunno, stopped being her friend, or maybe made it clear that you don't approve of what she's doing, then maybe people would stop helping her"
"Well.... Yeah I definitely don't wanna be friends with someone like her, I shouldn't have been in the first place, and I will never approve of what she's doing at all! But how do I let everyone know?"
"You could start with Richard", Lydia stated, getting everyone to look at her, "hello, we've never formally met, I'm Lydia, his wife, and I've been hearing about this Ida woman for years. I'll be honest, I never liked her, trusted her, or even wanted to be near her. But I honestly didn't wanna force my husband to believe what I do, that's his decision to make. However, seeing as how that's now changed, I happen to know that Richard would definitely be the best source to tell everyone in that marketplace that Ida's no longer associated with Tony"
"I noticed Richard was down there earlier", Varian stated, "also, hi, nice to officially meet you Mrs. Lydia"
"You can just call me Lydia sweetie, technically we're family too, at least, I consider us one"
"Oh, I suppose that's true"
"Richard would be the best option to getting Ida's name unattached to mine", Tony stated, "he'd probably be at the marketplace right now in fact, but I know how to get him here lickity split", the bartender walked over to a small box on a shelf behind the bar, rifling through it before pulling out, what looked like, a long, skinny, black stick with a tiny wire coming from the top. The alchemist's eyes widened as he stared at it
"Did.... You make that?" Varian asked
"Yeah, learned it from my dad, he loved making fireworks and flares, said it was always good to have some around, just in case you ever needed to get someone's attention. I told Richard if he ever saw, or heard, me set this off, he's to come home immediately"
"I.... I make flares like that too! Do you make them often? Did you teach my mama how to make one? Is that why she got into alchemy? Are you an alchemist? Are you an inventor? I-!" He stopped himself before calming down, "sorry.... I uh.... Don't meet many people who make flares and fireworks like that...."
Tony blinked before he smiled wide at the teen, "I'm not a alchemist or inventor by trade, but I do like to tinker. My dad was a engineer in his younger years, taught me a thing or two, and I got into the habit of making small things like this. Apparently that gene of inventing, engineering, alchemy, etc, it's a family trait, at least one person in each generation of our bloodline is gonna be able to work with their hands"
Varian looked at the man and beamed with joy, "so 'that's' where it came from!"
"Heh, yep! Had an alchemist uncle, though he used it to swindle, but that's a story for another day. For now, lets get my son back here, so we can stop Ida"
"Right!"
"Thank you both, for doing this, I'm sorry to have to get either of you involved", Quirin said
"Hey, think nothing of it. Had Ida not done any of this, I'm sure we would be talking about literally anything else, like how this old bag of bones could really get some sleep, heh. Besides.... If I can do one good thing for the daughter I never got to meet, then I'm happy", Tony stated with a smile as he looked at Varian
The alchemist grinned before his mind flashed to Edmund again, "....I.... You.... You're.... A lot like him....."
"Hm? A lot like who?"
"Like.... Grandpa....."
This startled the man, "I.... Am?"
"Not exactly like him, but.... You act like him, you're kind, willing to help, making amends for a huge mistake you made in your past..... You even accepted me right off the bat..... He did that too.... I.... Heh... Sorry...." Varian wiped a few tears away
Quirin scooped his son up and hugged him as everyone grew quiet, "I met your king once", Stalyan stated, getting the father son duo to look at her, "he knew who I was, heh, he wasn't too happy to see me either.... It was a few years ago actually, guess he was traveling to Corona, said he was gonna see his son, an old friend, one he wasn't sure would wanna see him, and he mentioned he was gonna meet someone for the first time, a.... little peanut?"
Varian giggled, "me!" He stated, "that must've been when he first traveled to Old Corona to meet me and reunite with dad, he called me that, little peanut, that was my nickname from him"
Stalyan chuckled, "well, even though he knew me, and who my father was, he wasn't unkind.... I was lost and ended up in desperate need of some food, he offered me a place by his fire. When I asked him why, he said that a parent's actions never symbolize who the child will be. He said he saw something better in me, and that it was my choice to make if I ever wanted to see it in myself..... I could've robbed him blind that night, he left his guard down, fully trusting me, but.... I never did.... It felt wrong....." She looked at the duo, "I never spoke to him again after that, our paths didn't cross, but his words always stuck in my head. He was right, I'm not my father, I didn't have to live in his legacy or shadow either, and that statement got me to where I am now. I.... Owe him.... For his kindness..... I didn't forget.... That's.... Another reason why I'm helping you two....."
Quirin sighed before he smiled, "thank you, for telling us...."
"You're welcome, look, I know I may not be the most.... Trustworthy, and the things I did in the past aren't ever gonna be okay. But.... I want to make up for them, and maybe.... Maybe you two can help me with that? Rapunzel stated to, and I learned a lot from her, but.... Well she's Fly-... 'Eugene's' girl..... Kinda hard for me to take advice from her.... But.... I genuinely want to try and be better.... I just don't know how to start.... Maybe this could be my start?"
Varian was startled by that, as was Quirin, before the alchemist gave the red head a smiled and nodded, "ok, I certainly don't mind helping you start to be better"
Ruddigar swished his tail happily and let out a chitter of joy
Quirin was quiet, before he sighed and looked up, "King Edmund had a lot to make up for, but one thing he taught me, was that you can't make up for everything, but you can use your mistakes to be a better person. I always took that to heart, it was hard sometimes, but I did my best. If... You really mean that, and I think you do", he smiled at her, "then ok, we'll help you"
Stalyan was startled, but smiled all the same, "thanks", she then looked at Tony, "shall we go and set off that flare?"
"Hell yeah", Tony stated
****
It'd been a few minutes after the flare went off that the door to the bar and inn opened. Richard walked inside, a very familiar face walked beside him, one that noticed Quirin right away, and froze, "aw shit! No thanks!" He exclaimed before he started to make his way out of the bar
Varian teleported in front of the door and blocked his path, "calm down, we're not here to attack you"
The thug blinked before he looked around, "where's that tamer?"
"Not here", Quirin replied, "though I'd advise against trying to pull what you did before on my son"
"There won't be any funny business pulled", Tony stated, getting the large thug to look at him, "Jason wouldn't do that"
"Jason?" Varian asked
"It's my name, shrimp", the large bar thug stated
"And if Jason wishes to keep his name off the banned list in my bar, he'll not call my daughter's son a shrimp, or any other bad name for that matter", Tony added with a raised brow
Jason froze, "wait, this is your kid's kid?!" He asked, looking at Richard
"Other kid Jason", Richard stated
"Oh...."
Richard rolled his eyes before he noticed Stalyan, "hey, when'd you get here?"
"Same time they did", she replied
"Here to see me?"
"You wish"
"Richard", Tony stated, getting his son's attention, "I need your help"
"With what? Them?" He gestured to Quirin and Varian, "kinda tried that before, didn't work out so well"
Lydia sighed, "Richard, we need you to help us stop Ida"
This made the man's eyes widen, "Ida? Ya mean dad's fling?"
"She's not my fling", Tony huffed, "she is, or 'was', an old friend, 'just' an old friend, but she's not anymore, and we need your help to stop her from using my name to harm people!"
"....Didn't you have a kid with her?"
The entire group sighed before Varian walked over and stood in front of Richard, "Ida and Tony got drunk one night and made a mistake, that mistake ended up in a baby named Ulla, Ida took Ulla and decided to raise her with a man named Chuck, a man she cheated on with Tony, Tony met Lydia afterwards and they became a couple and had you, Chuck and Ida meanwhile, mistreated Ulla and it ended up in her running away with a woman named Donella. They went to Old Corona and met a lonely knight named Quirin Vanguard, Donella left Ulla behind, Ulla and Quirin got together and had a child, that child is me, Varian. Ulla died when I was three because Donella tricked her, and Donella had an adopted son named Hugo. A bunch of shit happened that I won't go into, I will say that I met Hugo when I was 15, he was 16, we hit it off, became friends, then boyfriends, then lovers, and now fiancés, Donella is now gone. I'm 18 years old now, Hugo is 19, about to be married to the man of my dreams, am on a bachelor trip with said man of my dreams, but ended up finding out my mama's family is here, met Ida and Chuck, Chuck is cool, Ida's not, met Hugo's actual family, the Bazin clan, and met Tony and Lydia, Tony happens to be my grandparent on my mama's side. As you can see, I'm with my father, Quirin, but Ida wants me to stay here with her and Chuck, I said no, she's now obsessed, hired a hit man named Blight, he ended up killing my grandpa on my dad's side, pissed off my aunt, uncle, and dad, they avenged him by killing Blight, and now we wanna put Ida in jail for helping in the death of my grandpa, his name was Edmund and he was the king of the Dark Kingdom, but we can't do that at the moment because Ida has a lot connections, ones she gained by using her status as Tony's old friend and lover to gain a following, so me and my dad, with the help of Stalyan, who also wants to put an end to Ida's tyranny, asked Tony and Lydia for help, they said you'd be able to spread the word that Ida is no longer associated with them in an effort to knock her off her dark pedestal and finally put her behind bars where she rightfully belongs!" He let out a breath before looking at Richard, "caught up?" The man blinked, before nodding, "good, now will you help us or not?"
Notes:
Hello! :D
We’re finally getting somewhere! Gosh dang! I’m so sorry it’s taken so long to get to this point, I had a lot to establish with this story line XD
Stalyan is becoming better, I feel like a talk like this really should’ve happened in the show, but that’s just me
Varian and Quirin are having a hard time not thinking about Edmund, but believe me when I say, Ida’s gonna have one heck of a fight on her hands when they get ahold of her
Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 675: An Alchemist’s Resolve! (Part 6!)
Summary:
The group finally confronts Ida!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lydia sighed, "Richard, we need you to help us stop Ida"
This made the man's eyes widen, "Ida? Ya mean dad's fling?"
"She's not my fling", Tony huffed, "she is, or 'was', an old friend, 'just' an old friend, but she's not anymore, and we need your help to stop her from using my name to harm people!"
"....Didn't you have a kid with her?"
The entire group sighed before Varian walked over and stood in front of Richard, "Ida and Tony got drunk one night and made a mistake, that mistake ended up in a baby named Ulla, Ida took Ulla and decided to raise her with a man named Chuck, a man she cheated on with Tony, Tony met Lydia afterwards and they became a couple and had you, Chuck and Ida meanwhile, mistreated Ulla and it ended up in her running away with a woman named Donella. They went to Old Corona and met a lonely knight named Quirin Vanguard, Donella left Ulla behind, Ulla and Quirin got together and had a child, that child is me, Varian. Ulla died when I was three because Donella tricked her, and Donella had an adopted son named Hugo. A bunch of shit happened that I won't go into, I will say that I met Hugo when I was 15, he was 16, we hit it off, became friends, then boyfriends, then lovers, and now fiancés, Donella is now gone. I'm 18 years old now, Hugo is 19, about to be married to the man of my dreams, am on a bachelor trip with said man of my dreams, but ended up finding out my mama's family is here, met Ida and Chuck, Chuck is cool, Ida's not, met Hugo's actual family, the Bazin clan, and met Tony and Lydia, Tony happens to be my grandparent on my mama's side. As you can see, I'm with my father, Quirin, but Ida wants me to stay here with her and Chuck, I said no, she's now obsessed, hired a hit man named Blight, he ended up killing my grandpa on my dad's side, pissed off my aunt, uncle, and dad, they avenged him by killing Blight, and now we wanna put Ida in jail for helping in the death of my grandpa, his name was Edmund and he was the king of the Dark Kingdom, but we can't do that at the moment because Ida has a lot connections, ones she gained by using her status as Tony's old friend and lover to gain a following, so me and my dad, with the help of Stalyan, who also wants to put an end to Ida's tyranny, asked Tony and Lydia for help, they said you'd be able to spread the word that Ida is no longer associated with them in an effort to knock her off her dark pedestal and finally put her behind bars where she rightfully belongs!" He let out a breath before looking at Richard, "caught up?" The man blinked, before nodding, "good, now will you help us or not?"
****
Ida smiled to herself as she exited a building, her final stop of the night. She snickered to herself and let out a sigh before rounding a corner and hiding in a dark alley to avoid confrontation. She looked around, nobody had followed her, or seen where she'd gone, perfect, "you hate me, don't you", she said, "you hate me for standing by, you hate me for letting you suffer, you hate me for allowing you to take the brunt of the blame Chuck gave you..... Then you ran away and never came back...." She opened her eyes, and glared at the red headed, translucent female in front of her, "now you're dead, and you probably blame me for that, don't you"
The red head simply glared at the female, her bright blue eyes piercing the older woman's heart
"But I made sure you had a home, I made you, I kept you, I didn't let that bartender take you, nor did I leave you on the streets! I did right by you, it's only fair that I get your son!" She exclaimed, huffing angrily at the apparition before her, "he belongs to me! I wanted a son in the first place! But you just 'had' to be female didn't you?! I could've used Charlie, or his brother, but both of them are far too soft for this! Plus you're the eldest! This isn't my doing, this isn't my fault! It's yours! All yours Ulla! Just admit it!"
The red head shook her head, lips pursing in irritation
"You still won't speak to me will you..... Still holding your tongue even though you have no right to?"
Ulla kept her mouth shut, just continued to stare at this woman, the one she'd been so afraid of before, the one she'd been trying to impress her entire childhood, the one she thought loved her.....
"Tch.... And now you bring them along.... Those two that lag behind me, I can see them you know, glaring at me....."
Ulla looked over at the ones Ida was talking about, and sighed
"That girl..... The one with the white hair, I recognize her as the one you kept hidden in the barn all those years ago, Donella I think her name is. I never understood how you could like someone like her, or her wretched relative for that matter, ugh..... But then there's him....." She glared at the man, he glowered back, "ugh.... The moment he showed up, I knew there'd be trouble, and of course, Blight just 'had' to die right after killing him! But no matter, you three will disappear soon enough. I won't be frightened by phantoms any longer! The moment I get that child in my grasp, I'll have seen the last of all three of you!" She smirked at the white haired woman, "and don't think I forgot about your little protege either, the one who claims my grandson's heart. He'll be a nice little tool to keep my grandson under my control"
Ulla growled
"Oh don't get so angry with me, this is YOUR fault! Had you just been male, or had you not run away, none of this would have happened!" Ida snapped, "even when you were born female, I had a back up plan! I just needed you to give birth to a boy, that's all! That's not so hard, hell you even did it on your own, with that knight no less! Oh how wonderfully strong that boy must be! He'll make the perfect heir to this marketplace! All I need to do, is convince him to stay with me! Easy enough, my legacy will live on through him! My bloodline won't die!"
Ulla went to smack Ida, but her hand phased right through
"Pfft, forget your death dear? You never really were that smart, were you?"
The red head's eyes narrowed, her hair waving around her
"My my, that anger never really left you did it? You know what's funny? I'm surprised your little boy didn't pick up on the fact that I could see you. I mean you made it obvious did you not? Standing beside me, giving him warning looks, trying desperately to keep him from me, hmm.... Perhaps he gained your level of smarts..... That may be an issue as well, but one I can amend, I'm sure"
Ulla wrapped her arms around herself, Donella walking over and hugging her as she did
"Ugh.... Please stop doing that.... It's annoying to see your disgusting hands wrapped around my daughter", when they didn't listen, Ida grew irritated, "I said, stop", she stated, stepping towards the duo, a small shimmer of fear wavered around Ulla, and Donella let go, glaring at Ida, "good girl, heh, at least you still know how to listen when I'm serious"
Ulla lowered her head, staring at the ground before her
"Oh stop pouting, it's not as if I'm being completely heartless here. I don't intend to harm the boy, I just need him to carry on my good name. I suppose that would include Tony's too, as well as the Dark Kingdom's, but I can deal with that. If anything, that might be more of a blessing, I mean how rare is it for a Dark Kingdom member to show up in Nedzerdnia am I right? Heh, they're so rare that their spirits never come by, er well", she glanced at the man behind her, "save for one, I suppose"
She looked at the man, he was still glowering at her
"Please, that glower isn't as effective as you think", she rolled her eyes, "what was your name again? .....Oh right.... Edmund.... Surprised you're here honestly, perhaps you got stuck like these two did", she stated with a smirk, "I'll have to teach Varian that little trick as well, how to grab nosy little spirits and keep them in place, I'm certain that'll come in handy to him"
Edmund huffed, his breath ice cold as he did, it made the woman shiver a touch
"Do please try to keep your disgusting breath off my back, I'm not sure why, but it's cold, which.... I'll admit is odd, considering you'd only have cold breath if you were distant from me..... Either way, keep it off me"
Quirking a brow, Edmund huffed again, this time right on the woman
"Ugh! Knock it off!" She snapped as Ulla and Donella snickered a little, "geez, the moment that child sticks with me is the moment I toss your pitiful soul to the demons below", she stated
Edmund shook his head with a knowing smile
"You keep shaking your head, but you're just as stuck as they are, deny it all you wish, it won't change anything about your situation"
The Dark King let out a sigh before he looked at Ulla and Donella, the two were looking back at him, he gave them a comforting smile, Donella returned it, but Ulla looked away. That is.... Until she felt someone familiar close by, she blinked before looking around, but was unable to see where they went
"What are you doing?" Ida asked, raising an annoyed brow at her daughter, "who are you searching for?"
Ulla didn't speak, she couldn't, she just continued to search, her mind trying to reach out to them, trying to tell them to run
"Who are you trying to warn Ulla?! Enough of that! It won't wo-!"
"Ida....." A familiar voice said, getting the woman to turn and see Chuck standing behind her, he looked exhausted, panting heavily as he shivered in the cool evening air, "Ida I found you"
"Chuck?! What are you doing out here?!" Ida asked, startled by his presence
Chuck didn't answer, simply staring at the three spirits behind her, "I..... U-Ulla?"
The red head gave her father a worried look as Donella and Edmund watched him
"How.... How are they here?" Chuck asked
Ida sighed, "Chuck, go back to bed, you're up far too late in the night dear"
"Ida I'm your husband, not your kid! I ain't goin anywhere tonight, why is Ulla standin behind you? How am I able to see her, and what are they doing with her?!" He asked, looking worriedly at Donella and Edmund, "....what did you do?"
Ida sighed, "Nedzerdnia is a land filled with descendants of Seporians who decided to go for the new land. Our ancestors studied the ways of Earthly magic, even after they separated from the original group. Part of that magic was spiritual control, the ability to call upon, keep, and speak to spirits around you. My mother taught me, her mother taught her, it's a passed down trait only woman in my family possess, hence why I never told you"
"Then why tell me now?" Chuck asked
"Because you're not going to be here long, I'm afraid", Ida stated with a smile before she pulled out a knife
"Ida..... What are you-!"
"You've overstepped Chuck, I told you to go back inside, I told you this was your fault, I've warned you over and over again that you are not to get involved in this affair, but it seems as though your head's been filled with thoughts that shouldn't be there. Unfortunately, this has made you.... An obstacle..... One I'm going to need to get rid of"
Chuck stared at her, unsure of what to say or do, before he sighed, "......They warned me..... I accepted that warning... And I did this anyway..... Guess I have no choice", he looked at Edmund, "Moonstone says you can get out easily, just need to grab them and pray to the Moon for help", he stated, getting the Dark King's eyebrows to raise, "they found out..... Ain't too happy about it either.... I'd explain more, but for your sake, and theirs, your majesty, grab my daughter, and her friend, and pray"
Edmund smiled and nodded before he grabbed Ulla and Donella, then closed his eyes, and prayed to the Moon. Ida ran towards Chuck right as he did, the Moon's light shined brightly on them, startling her as she felt them break away, making her stumble a bit and giving Chuck enough time to move out of the way of the blade! "What?!" Ida rubbed her eyes and looked around before she yelped, "where did they go?!" She snapped
"They're free from your trap Ida", Chuck stated, "Dark King was actually almost free just by how close he was to the Moon"
"That explains his cold breath...." Ida stated to herself before she glared at her husband, "so you're betraying me then? You do realize had you not mistreated Ulla so badly, none of this would've happened right?!"
"I know my part to play in all this", Chuck stated, "I've accepted that what I did to her was wrong, but I'm willing to be better, I'm gonna be better, if that means the first thing I gotta do is make sure you go to jail for your crimes, then I'm gonna do it"
"How noble", Ida stated, "but you forget where you are", she said before she ran out into the streets, "HELP ME! HELP! THIS MAN IS TRYING TO KILL ME!" She screamed, her voice the perfect pitch of desperate and frightened, it made Chuck wince as he thought about how long she'd worked on it to make it sound so real
His thoughts were interrupted when a handful of criminals surrounded him, all of them brandished weapons that shined dangerously at him, he stepped back a bit, "don't worry Miss. Ida, we'll make sure this fucker don't cause you any trouble!" A rogue thief exclaimed
"This one of the people who took your grandson ma'am?" A thug asked
"Oh if he is, I'll gut him like a fish!" A assassin snapped, "those people killed Blight! I looked up to him!"
Chuck gritted his teeth, "anytime would be wonderful...." He said to himself as he was backed into a corner, that's when a flash of blue slammed in front of him, startling everyone as they backed up
The blue light shimmered and shook, until someone stepped out of it, someone that made Ida's eyes widen when she saw him, "VARIAN!" She yelled, getting everyone to freeze when they saw the alchemist standing in front of Chuck, blue eyes shining brighter than the stars as he glared at her, "see?! What did I tell all of you?! He's being forced to defend my husband, who's betrayed me! Look! Just look at him! He looks so frightened and angry!"
The criminals glared at Chuck, but Varian stepped in, "KNOCK IT OFF IDA!" He yelled, stopping everyone, "I am not being kidnapped! I'm not scared! I'm angry, but at YOU, for everything you've done to me and my family!"
This made the criminals gasp as they looked at Ida, confusion lacing their faces, "he's just confused!" She snapped, "they must've forced him to say that!"
"No they didn't!" Another voice yelled, getting everyone to look up as Stalyan landed beside the teen, pulling her hood down so everyone could see her, "just like all of you, Ida asked for my help in finding, and capturing, her lost little grandson, and bringing him back to her! She explained he'd been kidnapped by strangers and was forced to stay with them! But that's not the truth! She's lying to you all!!!!! He's here with his father, Quirin Vanguard! That's right, the same knight of the Dark Kingdom who defeated Cain all those years ago!" she exclaimed, getting everyone's eyes to widen, "Quirin is here! He's gathering as many folks as he can, right now, to make sure all of you know that what I'm saying, and what Varian is saying, is the truth! This kid is not being forced, he hasn't been kidnapped, he was just here for a visit! And Ida got Blight to attack his family and friends, and Blight KILLED THE KING OF THE DARK KINGDOM!!!!!!"
This made everyone gasp in shock, whispers spread throughout the crowd as Varian stepped forwards, "Edmund Esmeray, he was my grandpa, and the king of the Dark Kingdom! And he's dead now because of a man named Blight! A man Ida used to try and get me! He killed my grandpa! Stabbed him in the heart several times with a poisoned dagger! He said it was for Cain, a man that killed Clay, the original Village Leader of this kingdom! I watched my grandpa die, the life left his eyes as the poison quickly took his life before I could even TRY to heal him!!!!! This is the same woman who's made you all think that I'm some lost, kidnapped child who needs help! When in reality, I want NOTHING to do with that woman! She is NOT the person you think she is!!!!! She's an abuser, a cheater, a liar, a killer, a manipulator, and so much more!!!! She's tricked all of you into thinking she's still associated with Tony the bartender! She's not!"
"YOU GOT PROOF?!" One of the criminals in the crowd asked
"YEAH! IDA'S BEEN A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY FOR YEARS! WHY WOULD SHE LIE ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS?!" Another added
"I do actually! I've got several people who can agree with me! Hutch Bazin, the current Village Leader, being one of them! If he isn't enough, how about the Prince of the Dark Kingdom, Eugene Fitzherbert? Or the princess of Corona, Rapunzel! Or maybe even Richard, Tony's SON! All of them could tell you that Ida is fucking LYING about me!!!!! She's tricked all of you! She's done so for YEARS!!!!!"
"She's part of the reason Ulla ran away, she never once went to search for her, she abused and manipulated her own family, she even got a good and innocent man KILLED!" Stalyan exclaimed
"WHERE'S RICHARD AND HUTCH?!" The thief from before asked
"RIGHT HERE!" A familiar voice yelled, "YOU JUST CAN'T FUCKIN SEE US YET!" The crowd cleared a path directly to Varian and Stalyan, and revealed Hutch and Richard, along with the rest of Varian's group, "I got injured tryin to defend my kin from Blight!" Hutch exclaimed, "that man came into my home and hurt my kin, my children included, in order to get my long lost nephew, Hugo, and use him for ransom, at Ida's request!!!!!!" He snapped angrily, "that was the same night he killed King Edmund!!!!! The King only came by to help defend his family from that crazy assassin!!!!!"
"What Varian and Stalyan are saying is all true!" Richard stated loudly, "Ida is a liar! A cheater! An abuser! A manipulator! And is to blame for Blight killing the Dark King!!!!!" He exclaimed, "she is NOT associated with me, or my family!!!!! And after tonight, she's gonna be put behind bars for the rest of her MISERABLE life!!!!!!" He added
That's when Eugene stepped forwards, his cheeks with tears stained, hair a mess, eyes blood shot from crying so much, his voice was horse, but effective as he spoke, "my dad came here to save us..... He came here to stop Blight from killing all of us and taking Hugo away..... And he got killed right in front of me..... You hear that? .....My father..... The same man who spent years alone in a kingdom he destroyed so his kids, including me, could live a better life than the one he offer..... WAS KILLED RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!!!!!!!!" He glared daggers at Ida, "that assassin took his life without so much as a damn second glance!!!!!! He did it in Cain's name! And at Ida's FUCKING request!!!!!!" He glared at the crowd, "all of you know me..... I've met majority of you in my journeys, you KNOW why I turned out the way I did! You KNOW my backstory!!!!! You also KNOW that I don't FUCKING LIE ABOUT THAT SHIT!!!!!! That woman got my dad killed for her own gain!!!!!! She lied!!!!! You wanna know what's worse?! MY DAD DIED BECAUSE BLIGHT THREATENED MY PREGNANT WIFE!!!!!!!!"
The crowd of criminals gasped as they whispered to each other, shocked and horrified at the assassin's actions as Adira and Hector stepped forwards, "our king died in battle", Adira stated, eyes filled with determination and anger, "he died protecting a loved one, and we honored his death by taking Blight's life, as is custom...... But that woman.... She is, by far, on of the worst people we've EVER had the displeasure of knowing!"
"She tricked Richard", Hector stated, "she tricked all of you, she uses everyone she knows and comes into contact with, she even used Seporian magic to trap the spirits of Ulla, Donella, and our fucking king!!!!!!!" The crowd stared at Ida in shock, "yeah, you wanna know how we fucking found out about that tiny little detail?! Because of Hugo! He can see spirits, and he noticed his adopted parent couldn't seem to get away from you, ya bitch!" The tamer snapped, "he knew that being by your damn side would be the LAST place she'd wanna fucking be, so he told us, we told Varian, and Varian asked the Moonstone.... You trapped Donella.... Which is bad e-fucking-nough, but then you trapped your own damn DAUGHTER, and OUR KING!!!!!!!!"
"Ida is a liar to you all!!!! You owe her nothing!" Stalyan stated, "but I wanna ask for you help either way, one final thing we can all do together", She pointed to Ida, "help me put this bitch where she belongs! Behind bars!!!!!!"
The group of criminals cheered and yelled before raising their weapons and running at Ida. She tried to stop them, tried to tell them it was all an act! But they didn't stop, so she ran! Managing to escape the marketplace by using a tiny hole in the wall! "Shit, she's escaping!" Lance exclaimed angrily
"No she isn't", Varian replied with a smile, "notice anyone missing?"
The crowd looked around before Adira and Hector grinned, "Quirin", they said at the same time
Just as they did, they heard Ida scream! The crowd raced over to see what'd happened, and that's when they saw Quirin standing above the older woman. He had her arm in his hand, a Nedzerdnian guard had her other arm and was placing handcuffs on her, the knight allowed the guard to take the other arm, and made sure Ida was placed in the caravan the guards had brought with them, and locked inside. Quirin then turned to face the crowd, "hello", he said
Everyone stared at him, the criminals were in aw as they couldn't believe their eyes, "it's really him", the rogue thief from before said, "the dark knight"
"Holy shit..... You think he'll get mad at us for being criminals?" A thug asked, which got Quirin to snort
Varian ran over and hugged his dad, "you did it!" He said happily
"No son", he scooped up the alchemist and smiled, "we did it"
Varian blinked before he grinned and hugged his father again, Quirin hugged him back. They stayed that way for a moment or two before they were startled when Ida slammed her hands on the bars in front of her, handcuffs jingling, "NO!" She shouted, "no no no no NO!!!!! You're supposed to be with ME! You're my only heir! The only one who can continue on with my name!!!! You have to stay with me!!!! YOU HAVE TO!!!!!"
The alchemist blinked, "lady, from the bottom of my heart, you are the craziest bitch I've ever had the displeasure of meeting", he stated, getting Hector to laugh, "I want 'nothing' to do with you, EVER!"
Ida stared at the teen for a long time, "b-b-but...." She then saw Chuck standing behind the teen, and reached out to him, "Chuck! Please! PLEASE don't let them take me away!!!!" Charlie and the rest of their family stood beside him, "I'll n-never see our kids again! Our grandkids!!!!! You wouldn't do that to me would you?! WOULD YOU?!"
The old man just stared at his wife, his eyes filled with tears as he looked at her, "did.... You even love me Ida?" He asked, his voice was so soft and fragile, that the words broke as they hit the air, "did you? Or was it all a lie?"
"O-Of course I-!"
"The truth Ida...... For once.... Just tell me the truth....."
The woman shook and shivered before she roared with anger, "OF COURSE NOT YOU FUCKING DOLT!!!!! You had what I wanted! Financial stability! A good job! The perfect genes! No one else in this deadbeat kingdom had all that at the time!!!!! I needed you then! Just like I do now! So be useful for once and GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!!!"
"Wow....." Hector said, "what the fuck is wrong with you....." He walked over and placed a gentle hand on Chuck's shoulder, "look, we got off on the wrong foot, you did some bad shit, but just.... Damn man.... You did not deserve that...." He stated, "seriously, fucking drop her, she isn't worth it....."
Chuck looked at the man, "I.... I still love her though...." He said, his voice wavered badly
"Buddy, I get that, believe me, I spent 25 fucking years of my life in a damn tree protecting a kingdom no one was searching for..... I wasted my life in that tree, 25 years of thinking I was doing something, when I wasn't..... When I finally stepped out, I got to meet my nephew, I got my family back, it took me so long to fucking do that man..... So fucking long.... And it hurt to leave that tree, because I thought I was doing what my king asked of me.... But I wasn't.... I was only hurting myself, I needed to let it go.... You need to too.... Let her go.... For your own sake....."
"For my own sake.... Heh.... I hurt my kid for my own sake...."
"Ulla would not want you to suffer that woman's disgusting abuse", Quirin stated, getting Chuck to look at him, "she would want you to move on, and live. She'd want you to become better, to heal, and help those in the best way you can"
Varian smiled at Chuck, "you have a second chance Chuck, you helped us, a lot, and I'm more than willing to give you a second chance, all you have to do, is walk away from her"
Chuck stared at the teen for a long time, before he looked at Ida, "Chuck", she said, her eyes boring into his soul, "please...."
Chuck was quiet for a long time, before he looked at his kids, Charlie stood beside him, as well as his brother and sister, and all their kids and spouses. He thought and thought and thought, until he finally sighed, and looked at Ida, "I'm sorry...." He said to her, "but I just can't do this anymore....."
"W-What?" She said, "b-but they're gonna take me to JAIL!"
"Then maybe that's where you deserve to be now....."
"Chuck-!"
"No! I'm tired of you doin this to me!!!!! You didn't even love me Ida!!!! You said so yourself!!!! I spent 70 YEARS tryin to make you happy! Even after you cheated, after you blamed me, after you hit me and lied to me! I thought I deserved all of it!!!!! But I can't do this.... I won't bail you out.... Not after all you've done..... We're over Ida.... It's over....." He turned away, right as the guards started to take her away, she screamed and cried and begged and shouted, using every trick she could to try and get them to change their minds, but no one budged, no one spoke, as Ida was finally taken away!
Chuck let out a sigh, but felt someone touch his shoulder, he looked up at saw Charlie smiling at him, "you did good dad", he said, "you did good"
"I'm sorry it took me so long to do...." His son hugged him, "I, Charlie-!"
"It's okay..... You did it now.... That's all that matters"
Chuck returned the hug and smiled, "thank you....."
Hector let out a sigh before he faced Varian and Quirin, "so.... You two feel better now?"
"About as 'better' as we can", Quirin replied, getting Varian to nod before the alchemist floated into the air and flew over to Hugo, who was standing beside Lance, hugging the inventor lovingly and getting a hug in return
"Hey....." They heard a voice say, looking over, they saw Stalyan looking at Eugene
The Dark Prince looked at her, he was standing beside Rapunzel, who was startled to see the female. The Dark Prince looked at his ex, and sighed, "hi...." He replied as Lance watched, waiting, just in case
Notes:
Hello!
So I made this chapter really long
One: to make up for the day I missed
Two: because this particular arch is extremely long and I didn’t wanna leave it on a cliff hanger
And three: I couldn’t stop writing XDThis is the end of Ida, she’s finally been brought to justice! Also, I know that bit at the beginning may be a little confusing, but I actually was hinting towards it whenever Ida was around
I mentioned Ulla always had an anxious look on her face, I also mentioned that Donella was there when they first met the family. And Edmund showed up once, before he stopped appearing around his family, which he definitely would if he had the chance
To explain a little further, and I may do more with this in the series rewrite, the Nedzerdnians are a group of Seporians that broke off from their original group and went to live with the new ways, like eating meat, using animal product clothing, etc, but they still worship the Earth and practice Earthly magic, they just happen to do so in a different way, a far more spiritual way
Which is why Ida has the ability to see, talk to, and summon spirits to her side, she also found a way to keep them near her at all times. Ulla was the only one she summoned, but Donella and Edmund tried to free her and they got stuck. But Edmund’s connection to the Moon made it to where he was able to get unstuck fairly easily, but that would’ve left the other two behind, hence why the prayer to free them all was needed, we’ll see them again soon 😁🎶
Either way, the group can finally give Edmund a proper burial and funeral, Eugene can say goodbye, as can Quirin, Hector, Adira, Varian, and Hugo, and everyone can finally move on! With more family added to them 😁🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 676: The Funeral!
Summary:
The group holds a funeral for Edmund!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hector let out a sigh before he faced Varian and Quirin, "so.... You two feel better now?"
"About as 'better' as we can", Quirin replied, getting Varian to nod before the alchemist floated into the air and flew over to Hugo, who was standing beside Lance, hugging the inventor lovingly and getting a hug in return
"Hey....." They heard a voice say, looking over, they saw Stalyan watching Eugene
The Dark Prince glanced at her, he was standing beside Rapunzel, who was startled to see the female. The Dark Prince looked at his ex, and sighed, "hi...." He replied as Lance stared, waiting, just in case
“Been a while”
“Yeah….” The Coronan Captain stated, a little defensively, “you’ll have to forgive the bluntness, I’m kinda dealing with a lot”
“Yeah I…. I heard….” Stalyan said softly, “I’m sorry….”
“…..Thanks…..”
She nodded before letting out a sigh, “listen I….. I’m also sorry for how I treated you before…. I….. I didn’t-!”
“Stalyan I…..” Eugene began before he let out a breath and spoke again, “I’m really….” His voice wavered, “n-not in a good place right now for this conversation…..”
“I know, I do, I just… wanted to apologize…. And…. Offer you….. help…. Of any kind….. I-if you, or your family, need it…”
Eugene was quiet before he shook his head, “you…. Helped enough…. In a good way”, he stated, “just….” He looked at her as a single tear rolled down his cheek, “I…..”
“He…. Needs some space”, Lance finished for him, “nothin against you, just….. lot goin on”
Stalyan let out a breath, but gave a small smile, “I understand…. Just…. I’ll be around…. If needed”
Lance and Eugene nodded before Stalyan began to walk away, leaving the group in peace so they could mourn
****
The group had left Nedzerdnia, using a few hot air balloons to make their way to the Dark Kingdom. One such balloon had a casket that held the remains of the fallen king. Quirin, Adira, and Hector resided in that one, the retired knight controlling the balloon while his siblings stayed silent. Hutch had joined the group, as Hugo still needed some medical attention and he wanted to pay his respects. Chuck was a bit too elderly to ride in the balloon, so he and his family decided to take a caravan instead, with the fewer passengers inside, they kept pace with the hot air balloon
It only took a few days, as the group had gone slower in order to help the caravan’s below them find their way. But they’d made it to the Dark Kingdom, Arianna was already there, she had Hamuel and Domino with her, the crow being the one who had delivered the letter while the horse had been running below the bird in order to give the Queen a ride. Neither animal looked happy about the situation, both of the fully aware of what’d happened. Hamuel was taking it especially hard as he let out soft croaks and had a frown on his beak instead of his normal grin
Arianna walked over to the balloons and gave Eugene a hug the moment he stepped out of the balloon, “I’m so sorry…..” she said
He was startled, but hugged her back, “thank you…..”
After a minute or two, they let go and Arianna sighed, “Nigel is taking charge of the kingdom until I get back, I told him it would be a few days, so I’m here for however long I’m needed”, she stated before the group noticed a larger crowd of people waiting for them, she gave a small, sad, smile, “I sent a letter of his passing to the other kingdoms, and everyone came here to pay their respects. They actually made a place for him to rest, it’s….. lovely….” She said, her voice breaking a bit as she closed her eyes and shook the tears away, “sorry….”
“It’s okay, we’ve…. Kinda all been doing that…..” Rapunzel stated gently, “they all came to pay their respects?”
“Yeah”, Arianna replied, sniffling a little, “he was a very well respected, and beloved king in the 8 kingdoms, the Queen of Ingvarr took it especially hard…. So they all wanted to pay their respects to a wonderful man like Edmund”
Right as she said that, Hector, Adira, and Quirin walked over, startled by the amount of people there were, Varian, Hugo, Hutch, and Lance walked over beside them, right as four familiar faces walked over, “Varian, Hugo”, two said
“Hector”, the other two added
“Nuru, a-and Young, hi”, Varian greeted as the duo hugged him and Hugo instantly
“Trinity, Dexter you…. Came”, Hector said, before he was wrapped into a hug as well
“Of course we did, King Edmund helped us reunite with you!” His sister exclaimed as she and Dexter released their younger brother
“We’re so sorry for your loss….” Dexter stated, adjusting his glasses, “he was…. An amazing man”
“Thank you…..” the tamer replied softly, “both for the words and for coming”
“How are you two holding up?” Nuru asked as she and Young let go of the two scientists, “dumb question, but…. Well….”
“Not dumb, it’s better than others, and…. Not so great”, Hugo responded as he looked at Varian, who was staring at the ground, Ruddigar nuzzling his boy gently
“I’m sorry….” Young said
“It’s…. Not your fault….”
“Not yours either”, Nuru pointed out
Hugo gave a small chuckle, before he noticed Varian tear up a little, “hey”, he gently wrapped an arm around the teen, “you need a minute? We can walk to a more secluded spot”
“N-no, I just….” Varian sniffled, “b-being here and s-seeing all these people is j-just making this all too real…. T-that…. He’s really gone….” he sniffled again, “I-it’s just really hard….. Sorry…”
“Don’t apologize for being sad about your grandpa’s….. passing…..” Young stated, “I…. I’d be sad too if he were mine….”
“Young’s right, you’re allowed to grieve Varian, as are you Hugo”, Nuru added
The alchemist nodded as he leaned against Hugo, who graciously took his lover’s weight and placed his chin on Varian’s head, holding him close while the freckled teen whimpered a little, Nuru and Young comforting him as he sobbed a bit
The group grew quiet before Adira spoke up, “I…. Want to get him to rest”, she stated before looking at Arianna, “his resting place should be next to the Queens, is it?”
“Yes, I remembered Quirin’s-Quirin….” She stopped and finally looked at the knight, “oh…..” He looked awful, large bags under his eyes from the sleepless nights, shoulders completely slumped, tear stains on his cheeks, and a gaze that looked glazed over
“Yeah he’s…. Not doing great either…..” Hector said softly
“I’m doing the b-best that I can”, the retired knight replied softly
“And that’s more than enough”, Adira agreed, placing a hand on his shoulder before looking at Arianna again, “you confirmed his resting place was beside his Queen?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, right beside her, I remembered Quirin’s story about her…. Passing as well, and found the spot. The Queen of Ingvarr apparently remembered too, because she was the one who orchestrated making the spot for him”
Just as she was mentioned, the Queen of Ingvarr herself walked over, nodding to the group before looking at Quirin specifically, “Möge seine Seele Frieden finden und möge der Mond seine Familie beschützen”
“Thank you”, he replied
“Huh?” Lance asked
“may his soul find peace, and may the moon protect his family”, Hector translated, “an old Ingvarrian saying to give respect those who’ve gained high honor from them…. Said to the eldest child of the one who passed on”
“And King Edmund deserves nothing less”, the Queen of Ingvarr stated, “he helped save my kingdom, and protected and raised one of the best Ingvarrian children I’ve ever met,” she stated, giving a nod to Hector, who nodded back, “I remember the old customs of the Dark Kingdom, I was taught them when I was little, everything’s prepared, the only thing left is to put him to rest, and we can do that anytime you’re all ready”
Varian heard that, and looked over to his father, Rapunzel was hugging Eugene, Hector was next to his siblings, and Queen Arianna had began to comfort Adira, his father looked so tired, his shoulders slumping further down as the weight of what he needed to do next bore down on him. Prompting the teen to action, he gave Hugo a gentle kiss before he broke from the blond’s hug and walked over to his father, the inventor nodding understandingly
Varian gently held his father’s hand, getting the man to look at him, “are you ready?” He asked
Quirin shed one final tear, before he returned his son’s grasp on his hand and nodded, “as I’ll ever be….”
****
The procession was perfect, the weather was light, a small wind wafting through the air the touched the cheeks of everyone there. The Moon shined brightly in the evening sky as the Brotherhood, including Eugene, carried Edmund’s coffin, made in Nedzerdnia, down the the pathway made by the people the Dark King had helped in someway, everyone was there, even the commenters, all of them bowing their heads as the Brotherhood walked passed, Varian trailed behind them, being unable to hold the coffin, but he spread moonflower petals on the ground behind them, one’s provided by the Koto kingdom, they shimmered in the evening light, like stars upon the ground, their meaning of transition and protection wishing for Edmund’s journey to the other side be peaceful and calm
The alchemist approached the resting place for his grandpa, and noticed Beetlejuice floating nearby, he’d been crying as well, and bowed his head with respect, that made the teen feel a bit better, before he stopped right behind the coffin, he sighed before he placed a hand on it, “May the Moon light your path”, he said softly
“May the Moon light your path”, Hector said next
“May the Moon light your path”, Adira repeated
“May the Moon light your path”, Quirin continued
“May the Moon light your path”, Eugene finished
Before all of them, together, lowered the coffin into the ground. The alchemist using a bit of magic to help so the Moonstone could participate, something he felt the stone appreciated greatly
Once the coffin had been lowered, everyone bowed their heads and gave a few moments of silence to the fallen king, before each child, and grandchild, of Edmund grabbed a handful of dirt, just as before, Varian spoke first, “I’m the youngest, adopted, of his kin, and my favorite memory of my grandpa is when I first met him. He came to Old Corona, and I was in the shower, when I came out, I was startled to see him at first, but”, the teen smiled, “he calmed me down pretty quickly. He scooped me up too, and told me stories about my aunt, uncle, and dad, heh, embarrassing ones too”, the crowed chuckled, “it showed me that, even when he had so much on his mind, he was more than willing to put that aside to comfort those he cared for. He joked with my dad, told him he’d spoil the heck out of me”, the group chuckled again, “he was the best grandpa anyone could ever ask for….. and I’ll never, ever forget his kindness and love”, he released his fistful of dirt into the hole and watched it gently land on top of the coffin with the tenderness of a Moon beam
Hector spoke next, “I’m the second youngest, adopted, of his kin, and my favorite memory of King Edmund was when he taught me how to fight back. I was born sick and weak, my original parents abused me, beat me anytime I made a mistake. They’d keep me separated from my siblings and forced my body past many breaking points, until they finally dumped me on the street after a failed fight….. I was adopted that same night, and cared for until I was well enough to walk and talk without tripping….. I was so broken at that point, that even speaking had become a difficult task for me…. Even now, I wear this cloak because I get colder easily, and it hurts me….. but King Edmund didn’t see me as weak, or useless, he saw the fight I had in me. The day he decided to train me, was the day he told me that himself, he said that I could be whatever I wanted, and I wanted to fight and help people. So he taught me, it was hard, so fucking hard….. it hurt like hell, and there were so many damn times I just wanted to give up….. but he didn’t let me, not because he wanted to gain something from me, but because he knew I really want to do this! When one session in particular had become really hard, it was my worst one, I’d made so many mistakes, and I hurt everywhere because my body wasn’t used to actual training, it was used to abuse. I collapsed and just…. Didn’t get back up….. I expected him to yell, snap, scream, *something*, but instead, he stopped, and sat down beside me. I was lying on the ground, staring up at the sky, panting, and tearing up, when he offered me the chance to give up. He told me that I could if I wanted, and he would still keep me around. He said I didn’t have to do this, I didn’t have to continue, that he knew what I’d been through, and he understood how hard this path would be for me. But….. he then said that he’s never seen anyone work nearly as hard as I have….” Hector smiled, his yellow eyes filled with a gentility no one had ever seen before, save for his close family, “he saw my spirit, my guts, my hope, my fight, and he was so proud of all of managed to accomplish this far! He said he was impressed that, even though my body was to a point where it should’ve shut down, it didn’t, and he attributed that to me….. he said my spirit was a strength, my resolve was my greatest weapon, and the only thing stopping me was physical ailments outside of my control. He even told me that had I not been born sick, then he could see me being the strongest fighter in the world, heh, and that’s *with* Quirin and Adira being around”, the crowd snickered as the duo in question smirked, “and his words hit something in me that….. I hadn’t ever felt before….. I didn’t have confidence, my self esteem would probably win fucking awards with how low it’s actually sunk to….. But those words, his words, they healed a part of me k hasn’t realized was broken, he gave me confidence, made me feel like all I was doing was worth it. Even if I failed, I’d still win because at least I’d tried….. and in that moment, I got up, and tried again…… Because of him”, he sighed as a tear rolled down his cheek, “I’ll remember King Edmund for his faith and fat fucking heart”, the crowd chuckled as Hector tossed his dirt onto the coffin, it landed with the boldness of a rhino
Adira spoke next, “I’m Adira, the second oldest, adopted, of his kin, and…. My favorite memory of King Edmund…. Is one nobody, not even my siblings, know….. Because it was the day King Edmund gained my trust…..” the crowd inched forwards, listening intently, “I…. Was…. Assaulted….. at a very young age…. By a man who deserves nothing but the fires that burn hotter than a volcano below us…… It happened multiple times…. And I have never been the same since then…. So when I was found and rescued by Quirin, of which I’m still grateful for”, she nodded to the knight, who smiled and nodded back, “I had a hard time adjusting to…. Anything….. I was bruised, and angry, and scared….. by the time I was 5, I was still in the Dark Kingdom, but the only one I trust was Quirin….. but he had missions he needed to tend to, and on days like those, I’d hide until he came back…. Sneaking food when I thought everyone had gone to bed….. But…. One evening I’d tripped, and got caught, red handed, by Prince Edmund at the time. I was so afraid, scared he’d hurt me, terrified that he’d do something horrible to me that would cause even more pain. I struggled and flailed, I even bit him!” She exclaimed, “I wanted him to leave me alone, I needed to! It was the only thing my mind could think as he held my arm in his hand. But then he spoke, and his voice was so soft….. it threw me off guard. He told me it was okay, and apologized for scaring me….. I’d never been apologized to before…. And so I stopped struggling just to look at him…. And promptly fell, as I was in a position that caused me to do so….” She blushed as Hector smiled, “I heard him laugh, and…. The thing about our king is, his laugh will cure the worst ailment”, everyone laughed at that, “it’s true! He’s got this belly laugh that could sweep the world’s darkness away in just two seconds! And me falling had made him laugh that hard! It was embarrassing, but that laugh was so warm that…. It made me feel better…. So much so that, when I got up again, even though he’d let go of my arm, I didn’t run away….. I just watched him…. I almost laughed along, but with everything going on in my head, I couldn’t muster that much joy….. but he didn’t seem to mind as he stopped and asked if I was okay. I remember my face feeling hot, and I got a little mad, because, just, how dare”, the crowd laughed again, “I just embarrassed myself by falling to the floor and you’re asking *me* if *I’m* okay? You’re not being rude, but you’re being rude if you catch my drift”, the crowd snickered, and Adira smiled, “but when I huffed at him, he chuckled, and apologized again. He said he just hadn’t expected me to come out, and that he was happy to see me. He told me he thought I was a thief, which is why he grabbed me in the first place. He then offered me some food, and asked if I had a particular dish I’d like to try. Now this…. This was big for me…. When I was…. In that bad place…. I was only ever given scraps….. I had no choice, and majority of what I got was disgusting….. Moldy bread, spoiled drinks, the thing I thought was gourmet would be when the guards would drop a piece of bread on the floor and hand it to me because they didn’t want to eat the dirt….. He offered me any food I wanted on that table, and told me I could choose. Now I…. Tested a lot of limits…. During that time…. I did it with Quirin, much to his dismay”, the knight nodded vigorously and got the crowd to chuckle, “but to me, if I tested limits, and still got to stay, then at least I knew it was real….. Even if I got punished, I’d be happy knowing that this wasn’t temporary….. So I chose the biggest thing on that table, which was a gigantic turkey….. with maybe two or three small pieces having been taken….. But he didn’t protest, he slid the turkey over and allowed me to have as much as I wanted. And I ate, and ate, and ate…. And then promptly threw up on the floor”, the crowd let out small noises of sympathy, “yeah…. I thought I was done for, throwing up meant death….. Making a mess meant a beating and possibly more…. Throwing up food, specifically, meant no more for an indefinite amount of time…. So I braced myself for it….. and it never came…. Instead, he was startled and immediately checked on me, asked if I was okay, even called a doctor over to help. He was so gentle, and sweet…. He cleaned up my mess, he helped me to bed that night, he stayed with me until I fell asleep, and the next morning, when Quirin returned, he got him immediately and told him what happened, then stepped out and let Quirin take care of me the rest of the time”, the retired knight smiled at that, “he knew the one person I trusted most would be the only one I’d want to help me, so he made sure that one person came, and politely left, no punishment, no beating, no yelling, nothing! And it startled me so much that I didn’t know what to do….. So when I felt better, which I did after a few days, I found him again…. And when he saw me, he gave me the biggest smile I’ve ever received! He asked if I was okay, and that he was impressed with how much turkey I’d eaten, said it was a new record”, Eugene snorted, “heh, he was really something…. That day though, anybody would just see a kind man helping a little girl, not a big deal to most, but to me it meant the world, because he was doing this to someone who didn’t think she mattered….. I remember feeling so confused, I asked Quirin if I was in trouble after he came back, and he told me no, that I was safe, and it’d been an accident. Though, I noticed my older sibling no longer allowed me to cut my own turkey slices anytime after that”, she quirked a brow at Quirin, who grinned cheekily, “but I could live with that….. This was… also the first time I’d gotten to try cake too, as the day I’d come out to see Prince Edmund again, after my turkey experiment, he had a strawberry cake sitting in front of him, and had given me a taste….. I didn’t want anything else for a week except that cake”, the crowd chuckled and she smiled, “I’ll remember King Edmund for his patience and kindness”, she finished, before she let go of her handful of dirt, splashing on top of the coffin with the grace of a gazelle
Quirin was next, but as he went to speak, he hesitated for a moment, a few tears falling from his eyes….. Varian walked over and held his hand, for a moment all was quiet, until the knight nodded, kissing his son’s head, before he stepped forwards, and spoke, “m-my….. *ahem* my name is…..” he stopped, unable to continue as tears fell down his cheeks
Eugene stepped forwards, whispering, “you need me to go first?” When the retired knight tried to protest, the Dark Prince gave him a smile, “it’s okay, out of everyone here, you were the closest to him….. It’d be an honor for you to be the final one to speak”, this made Quirin paused before he nodded
“T-thank you…. I’m sorry…”
“It’s okay, I’m glad to go now…. I don’t think I can hold on for much longer myself”. With that, the knight nodded and stepped back, allowing Eugene to take a breath before stepping forwards, “I’m Eugene Fitzherbert, also known as Horace Esmeray, and I am the prince of the Dark Kingdom, and only offspring of King Edmund and Queen Eden….. though, I hate having to say that, because really, adopted or not, they’re just as official as me”, he stated, getting the crowd to smile, “to explain, I’m speaking now because of…. A few things…. One is….. because some emotions that are currently running a bit too high”, he gave Quirin an empathetic glance as Varian hugged his father, “ two is because…. I don’t think I can hold off much longer without losing myself as well….. And…. Though I may be his “official” offspring…. Reason number three is, I didn’t know Edmund as well as Adira, Hector, or Quirin did…. Especially Quirin…. So he should get the honor of having the final word on my dad…. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t know this man at all….. in fact, I think I met the best man in the world the day I reunited with my father! Because he was broken, and sad, and lonely, but he took every opportunity to get to know me…. Even in his darker mindset, when he still felt like he had to carry the weight of his fallen kingdom on his shoulders, and his shoulders alone, he sat down and spoke with me, explained himself to me, he…. Had to give me up because he made a horrible mistake….. He destroyed his kingdom in a fit of rage after the Moonstone accidentally killed his wife…. My mom…. Eden….. His actions destroyed the Dark Kingdom, but instead of keeping me, I was a baby, barely 1 years old, and his children with him, he told us to go, and sent me to an orphanage that took care of me….. I was so angry at first, because I thought that he’d abandoned me…. But I realized, he’d wanted me to have a life! He wanted me to live and be free! And he gave me that option, and took on the burden of watching over his fallen kingdom alone…. My favorite memory of my dad, was when we bonded for the first time”, Eugene smiled, “he came to Corona to give me a sash that’s been in our family for generations, and you know, at first, I didn’t wanna try with him…. I was still angry….. still didn’t fully understand why he’d done what he did…. I thought he’d just given up on me…. But came to find out later on, that he’d sent Hamuel, his old crow, to watch over me, and anytime I lost something, a toy, a double sided coin, my favorite Flynn Rider book, he’d been the one collecting them, keeping them safe in the hopes that we’d one day meet…. And when we did, those nic nacks he’d saved were the items that told me all I needed to know about him…. That he really did care about me, and through all his goofy ways, him inability to catch a fish, his lack of knowledge when it comes to rabbit droppings, his constant talking to himself, his declarations of games we’d play together, through out all of that, he was a really caring and loving person, he just…. Had a hard time adjusting to not being alone…..” The man sighed, “let me tell ya, he really was the epitome of goofy though, he’d have this big ol grin on his face whenever he thought of something clever, and it’s not that he was stupid or anything, but majority of the things he thought up were stuff that…. Depending on the situation, would either help, or hinder us…. But even when he failed, or goofed up a bit, he’s just stand back up, go ‘oops’ then try to make up for it ten times over! He was so silly sometimes, but that was the best part about him! Because he was genuine! Real! And so damn quirky!” The crowd laughed, “he made traveling fun, and a conversation with my dad was never boring, let me tell ya! The guy had figgy pudding in his pocket!” The crowd laughed even more, “and his armor has pockets! How does someone do that, how do you make armor with pockets?! I’m still feeling from that one!” The crowd erupted into laughter, calming down after a moment or two as Eugene smiled, a few tears rolling down his cheeks, “but you know, for all his quirks and moments where he doesn’t have the most graceful thought, he was the most caring and gentle man I’ve ever met….. He was tender hearted and loving, more so than I ever thought possible, and that’s some sincerely stiff competition considering my wife is the embodiment of the Sun and a literal hugging machine!” Rapunzel giggled through her tears as she watched from the crowd, “he gave bear hugs that warmed every part of your soul while they simultaneously broke your back! He smiled brighter than the Sun! His eyes twinkled more than the stars! He was entire cosmos of emotions! And each and every one he felt with the strength the Moon gave an asteroid! This man was more than just a goofball, he was a father, my father, and he was kind and loyal and loving every second of his life! And I am so incredibly honored to have known him! I will uphold his legacy, for as long as I’m alive, and I’ll teach my kids to uphold his legacy too! Because he was worth every second! I’ll remember my dad, King Edmund, for his quirks, his loyalty, and his honesty!” Eugene dropped his handful of dirt into the hole, it glided onto the coffin smoother that silk
Finally, the knight stepped forwards, his eyes were filled with determination, even though everyone could see he was still struggling, he would say his piece, no matter what. With a nod to Eugene, Quirin took his place, let out a shaky breath, and spoke, “…..my name…. Is Quirin…. I’m the oldest, adopted, of his kin….. a-and…..” he let out a sigh, struggling to keep himself together, before he shook his head, “sorry…. My…. Favorite memory of my king….. is….” He smiled sadly, “all of them….” This made the crowd give the man sympathetic smiles, “he…. Saved me…. F-from so much…. A life on the streets…. An abusive king…. An abusive Captain of the royal guards…. Death…. Hurt…. Everything…. H-he…. Saved me…. Each and every time we spoke…..” he let out a sigh, “King Edmund…. Wasn’t just good once and that’s it, he never stopped being good…. He never stopped being kind, and wonderful every single day….. He made mistakes, but they were few and far between, and each and every time he did, he held himself accountable and made up for them a thousand times over…. I have so many memories that I wish I could share…. Like how we first met, or how he had me help him propose to Queen Eden, or when he taught me how to fight, or appointed me the knight of the Brotherhood…. The day he came back to me after 25 years…. The first time he met my son”, Varian smiled, “the day he helped my second son”, Hugo grinned from the crowd, “how happy he was when I gave him Hamuel, how much joy he got when he trained his first horse, Domino. I could tell you all about the time he taught me how to ride my first horse, Slate! Or when he and I went on a fishing trip! Or how he adopted Adira, and took Hector in”, both smiled at that, “I couldn’t tell you how much he loves his own son, and how happy he was to finally bond with him”, Eugene smiled at that, “there’s so many things that this man, this king, my king….. my father…. Did for this world…. And for so many people…. He gave so much of himself, did so much for everyone else, and how hard he was on himself…. Even when he didn’t need to be…. He was the man we all strived to be, he’s the kind fairy godmother in the fairytales, the old neighbor who checks on everyone to make sure they’re okay, the nice gentleman that opens doors for random strangers, the helping hand, available wherever needed, the ear that always listened. No one talks about them as much, because they’re in the background, doing good just because they decided this world had enough pain in it, and they’d be the small minority that would alleviate all of it! …..There’s an old saying, ‘you never know what you have, until you’ve lost it’, that saying shines in its purest form when King Edmund’s name is used. He was the man none of us understood we needed, he was the foundation of a people that would be homeless if not for him. He’s the nail that kept the frame in place, the pillar that held the house up, the lantern that allowed the flame to burn, and he was never appreciated as much as he should have been while he was alive….. because, by the stars above, that man should’ve had a parade wherever he went…. He should’ve been praised by every mouth, his kindness, love, and spirit should’ve been known throughout this land and beyond! He was…. The best man… I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing…. And even if he wasn’t appreciated in the way he should’ve been…. He was loved….. so dearly….. By everyone he touched….. He was the most beloved man this world has ever seen, and will ever see…. With good reason too…. I will remember King Edmund for his kindness, loyalty, honor, devotion, and love”, he allowed the dirt to drop from his hand and onto the coffin, it landed with the passion and strength of a wolf leading its pack with a mighty howl!
The knight backed up, as Varian stepped forwards, “at this time, we invite any and all guests to come and share their memories of King Edmund! We know he touched more than just us, and we decided that he should be remembered through everyone, not just us, when the final handful has fallen, we’ll finish his burial”
The alchemist backed up, and one by one, people walked over and spoke of their experiences with Edmund! They spoke of his kindness, loyalty, devotion, strength, care, love, honor, and spirit! And they allowed their handfuls of dirt to fall one at a time, no one pushed, no one shoved, everyone waited their turn, until the final person to speak, was Hugo. He walked up to the hole, as grabbed a fistful of dirt, Varian helped his lover walk over to the grave, and Hugo began to speak, “hello, I’m Hugo, and…. I’m marrying this guy”, he gestured to Varian, who smiled, “I haven’t been in this family for very long…. And honesty, even though I couldn’t control that, I regret not meeting them sooner…. Because each and every one of them is wonderful! But….” He looked at the grave, “Edmund….. he was…. Different….” He smiled and looked at the crowd again, “Edmund adopted me the moment we met, when he found out what I’d been through, he didn’t hesitate to help! This is a man who barely knew me, not even for two seconds, before he asked if I was okay, offering me help, and giving me a hand whenever I needed it”, Hugo smiled, “hell he even called me Butter nut because of my hair! He called Varian peanut because he’s tiny!” The crowd laughed, “he was so much fun to be around! He was just…. Fun! Adira was right about his laugh curing practically everything! And Eugene talking about his bear hugs couldn’t be more true! This man wasn’t just a kind soul, he was a fun one too! And in a world filled with so much harsh realities and sickness and death, he was a light that never went dull, not even in his more melancholy moments. He made me laugh so many times with how funny he was! And honestly, even if his antics got to be a little too much, you never stayed mad at him for long, because he would go to the Moon and back, literally, to fix them! And he’d do it in such a way that just made you love him even more than you thought possible! Edmund was one of the best people I’ve had the absolute joy and honor to have known! I will never forget his fun personality, and his heart made of diamonds! Because this man was just too pure for gold!” With that, Hugo let go of his dirt, allowing it to flutter down like a butterfly on top of the coffin
The blond stood beside Varian, and everyone waited, no one else stood up, Rapunzel and Lance had taken their places beside Eugene, already having spoken what they wanted. When no one else moved forwards, Eugene did instead, “if there are no more memories, then with all the sincerity I have, thank you to all who came, and to all who spoke. It is an honor that you’ve all come here to say your final goodbyes to my father, and I couldn’t be more grateful to all of you for coming. We’re going to finish his burial, you’re able to leave if you wish, if you’d like to stay and watch, you can, there won’t be much to do afterwards, but you can all stay in the castle until you’re able to leave, arrangements have been made, I was informed of this just a little bit ago, to where we can fit all of you in. Thank you all for coming here today, we wish you a safe journey home”
With that, Quirin took the shovel, and began to fill in the hole. No one left everyone watched, bowing their heads and praying for Edmund’s soul to find peace. The Moonstone shined brightly, so much so that Varian’s hair turned blue, stripes turned white, and it waved around his face like he was under eager. He smiled as he saw the prayers fly into the air, reaching the Moon as she took each and every one of them in. When the final shovel full of dirt was packed into the hole, Quirin let out a breath, before he stepped back, and bowed his own head, Adira, Hector, Rapunzel, Arianna, Eugene, Hugo, Varian, and all the animals doing the same. They prayed for their king’s safety and peaceful afterlife, before everyone headed inside the Dark Kingdom castle
****
The group was silent as they sat in the family room. No one really had the strength to say anything, all of them were tear stained, puffy eyed, and tired….. They’d been meeting peace for the moment, something they were all grateful for
Varian sat next to Hugo, both of them were on Quirin’s lap, the retired knight holding them both close to his heart as he silently mourned. For a long time, no one spoke, until Hector did, “do… you think he made it by now?”
“I don’t know….” Adira said, “I hope so….”
Varian let out a small gasp, before he smiled, “he made it”, he said
“How do you know?” Lance asked
The alchemist grinned, “just a hunch”, he said, as he saw Edmund smiling at him happily. The man pressed a finger on his lips, the silent request getting a nod from the alchemist, though Hugo had a harder time controlling his emotions when he saw the man too, but he managed
Hector and Adira watched the duo before they realized what he meant and smiled before they looked at Eugene, the man was a little too lost in his mourning to notice as he held Rapunzel close. Edmund floated over and placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. Eugene didn’t respond, “hey Eugene”, Varian said gently
The man looked towards the teen, before he froze when he saw Edmund instead. He blinked before he sighed and smiled, “you did make it”, he said
Edmund’s smile widened as his eyes twinkled before he flew through the air happily. He gave one final smiled before mouthing a few words then leaving
The Dark Prince let out a sigh, “love you too dad”, and smiled at the alchemist and inventor before he closed his eyes, allowing himself to drift off to sleep beside Rapunzel as the night felt into a much more peaceful silence.
Notes:
Hello! 🎶❤️
I’ll let the chapter speak for itself here 🎶❤️
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 677: A knight’s Loyalty!
Summary:
It’s only been a few hours since the funeral, a few days since the king’s death, but Quirin is having a very hard time coping with it, and gets the attention of a certain celestial being!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*Quirin woke up in his old room, he looked around, and winced at the bleeding headache he received, "ugh...."
He placed a hand on his head and groaned before lying back down, only for his bedroom door to receive a knock before someone walked inside, "hey Quirin, how are you feeling?" The familiar voice asked, it was filled with worry and anxiety
"My head really hurts, but otherwise, I feel fine"
"Hmmm... Let me see", he felt a cool hand gently press against his head, "ooh... You're burning up, hang on, I'll get a doctor"
"....Doctor? ....Did one of the other kingdoms bring one with them?" He asked, but the person had already left. The knight stared up at his old ceiling, he felt his vision spin slightly, "ugh...." He groaned again before closing his eyes and placing a hand over his eyes
His door opened again and that familiar voice spoke up, "he's right here, he feels like he's got a fever, and he said his head really hurts...."
"Don't worry, I can take care of him", an unfamiliar voice, that the knight assumed was the doctor, replied before the he felt someone gently remove his hand away from his eyes, as a thermometer was placed in his mouth. After a few seconds, it beeped and was taken out, "100.03.... Definitely a fever...."
"Oh no.... Will he be okay?"
"I'll be fine", Quirin said softly, "probably just overwhelmed my body...."
"I wouldn't be surprised, what with everything going on right now", he heard the doctor say
"Oh Quirin...." The familiar voice said softly
"Don't worry, some bed rest and medicine will get him right as rain", the doctor stated
Quirin chuckled, "haven't heard that saying in a while"
"Doctor, is this only a small fever, or is it something more?" The familiar voice asked, Quirin was still having trouble placing it
"Seems like only a small fever, possibly with some cold symptoms included, though I wouldn't be surprised if it mostly stuck to the fever and headaches, still, knowing your knight's condition when it comes to ailments, I would be on guard of puking"
'Your knight?' Quirin thought to himself, before he grew slightly irritated and sat up, opening his eyes, "hey, there's only one man who can call me their knight, and that's-!" He froze at who he saw standing before him, eyes wide as he blinked a few times, "King.... Edmund?...."
"Quirin! Lay back down! You're sick!" Edmund exclaimed before he rushed over and forced the knight back on his bed, "my goodness, what am I gonna do with you?"
"I... B-but.... You're....." Quirin stammered as he stared up at his king
"I'm taking care of you, that's what I am", Edmund huffed, "you need to lay in bed until you're better. No if's, and's, or but's, you know how your body works when you get sick! It always gets worse, especially if you don't take care of yourself!" He nagged. The knight couldn't speak, merely staring up at his king before tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, this instantly calmed the king's anger, "oh.... Perhaps that was a bit too harsh.... Look I just want you to take better care of yourself, that's all.... You get sick very rarely, but when you do, it goes from a mild illness to a major infection easily! I'd like to avoid that this time.... I'd.... Like to avoid it 'every' time, but hey, beggars can't be choosers am I right?" He teased with a loving smile, "just......" Suddenly the scene shifted, and Quirin saw his old room disappear, his king growing older until he looked like the way the retired knight remembered, they were floating in a different place, one Quirin had only visited once.... With Varian, "take care of yourself Quirin..... Please....." Edmund finished
A few tears fell down Quirin's cheeks, as he sat up and realized, he was floating. He righted himself, getting Edmund to back up just a bit, "we.... I..... I've been here before.... How did we get here?"
"The Moon", his king replied, getting the retired knight to look at him, "she sensed your growing misery, and wanted my help to try and alleviate it.... But.... You ended up breaking through the dream we made"
'A rather impressive feat, I will say', the Moon added, getting Quirin to finally notice her and gasp, 'my little one had a bit of trouble doing that, and he's had far more experience in this world than you, dark knight'
"Moon..... I... Came here once with Varian.... Didn't I?"
'Yes you did, it was a long time ago', she replied
"So that.... Was a dream?"
'It was, one created by this noble king and I'
"Why?"
"As I said, the Moon sensed your misery and wanted to help, so she asked me", Edmund explained, that's when Quirin's mind finally caught up to him, and he realized who was floating inches from him
"EDMUND!" He yelled before embracing his king, getting the man to let out a startled chuckle before returning the hug
"Ho ho, hi Quirin!" He said happily as the Moon shimmered happily for the duo
'Perhaps this was all that was needed, a visit', she said
"Maybe, hee hee!" Edmund giggled as Quirin tightened his grip on his king before the man saw his knight's tears floating around him, "oh Quirin...."
They stayed that way for a while before the retired knight finally let go and sniffled before blushing, "sorry....."
"It's okay", Edmund said with a loving smile, "I guess I should've expected that, but... heh heh", he looked at his knight, "you're not okay Quirin...."
The knight shook his head, "no.... I'm really not....."
"You know I'm okay though"
"I know I just.... I can't.... You... You're gone...." He said, "you're gone and you can't come back and it's killing me!" He exclaimed, "I.... I-I was prepared for it I thought.... I was more than willing to let you go with a very peaceful passing, but.... B-but that isn't what you got! You were murdered! Poisoned! A-and I couldn't-!"
"I'm gonna stop you right there mister, you do not get to blame yourself for my death!" Edmund interrupted sternly, "You had 'nothing' to do with that! It was Blight who killed me, not you"
"But if I'd been able to take care of Blight myself-!"
"Quirin! The man used your weaknesses against you! I've only been here for a few hours, but I went back and watched what happened before I came there, the man was a professional assassin! He managed to 'stab' you for Hamuel's sake! He had your butter nut knocked out and injured so badly that he's STILL recovering from it! Blight was a tough opponent! He knew the area far better than you, Adira, and Hector did too! He has connections, and your story has been told over and over and over again in that kingdom. He 'knew' you Quirin, and that makes him far more dangerous that anyone else you've faced"
"Including a 70 foot tall she-demon with the power to control everyone?"
"Yes! Zhan Tiri lacked any knowledge on who she was facing, and that became her downfall, but Blight knew 'exactly' who you were and how you acted! The only reason you were able to take him down after my death was because your werewolf form was very new. No one, outside of us, knew about it, and even then, he still tried to manipulate the situation! That is not a beginner assassin, that's a man that's been doing his job for YEARS! I know you could've taken him down eventually, but many more people would've died in the process..... If my death means that more people live, that I'm more than happy to give my life for that"
"But it still doesn't make your death any easier to process!" Quirin snapped, startling Edmund, "you're gone! He killed you right in front of me! Even if you don't blame me, even if it really wasn't my fault, you're still gone! And I..... I'm trying my best.... But I keep falling apart every time I think about you....." He sniffled, "you're my 'father'! My best friend! My trainer! My leader! My KING! I became a knight because I knew, I KNEW, I wouldn't be loyal to anyone else but you! I don't need to be around you all day, every day, but knowing you were alive and well made things a little bit brighter! You made the world brighter just by being in it and I miss you so damn much that sometimes it feels like I'm sinking and can't come back!" He exclaimed before he sighed, ".....You were the first person who gave me a chance..... Eden helped me survive, but you took me in and taught me how to be better. You took punishments for me, you kept me safe, you loved me, you cared for me, you RAISED me! And maybe this sounds obsessive but I just... Can't wrap my mind around the fact that you're truly gone...." His voice broke at that before he looked down, wrapped his arms around himself, closed his eyes, and cried
The Moon and Edmund watched for a moment or two before Edmund glided over and gently wrapped his arms around Quirin, "I'm sorry....." He said softly, "I'm sorry that I'm gone.... I wish I wasn't, I really wish I wasn't, that I could be here for you.... But you must move on Quirin, you've got two kids who need you, siblings who love you, a family just waiting for you, that's worth going on for"
"I-It is, but.... I-I don't know h-how...." The knight admitted through his tears, "I don't know h-how to move on, I-I've had to let g-go of so much, the l-last thing I wanted to let go o-of was you....."
"Oh...." Edmund hugged his eldest son closely, his own tears escaping his eyes as they stayed together
'Maybe it is too early for him to move on', the Moon suggested
"Maybe.... But.... He's hurting...." Edmund said softly
'Is that not the way you grieve as humans? By hurting for the ones you've lost?'
"Yes.... But not to this degree.... He's hurting so much that it's killing him.... I'm worried Moon..... You are too, you called me here to help him"
'I did', the celestial being said as she shimmered in thought for a moment before an idea crossed her mind, her light filling the area before Varian's voice filled the room:
"I was once taught that, to best help you move on, a good way to start is to remember the person you lost. That way, that person never leaves your side, and they live through you!"
Edmund smiled at that, "little peanut"
The Moon shimmered with joy, 'he is a very good boy, perhaps he's the one we need for this situation'
"That's a good idea", the Moon's light shined bright blue, the same color as the alchemist's eyes, before it flashed back to normal, and Varian began fly up towards her, "well that didn't take long"
'Actually, time moves differently here, for us, it only took a few seconds, for them, minutes passed', the Moon explained
"Ah"
"Grandpa?" The alchemist asked, as he rubbed his left eye before they grew wide, "GRANDPA!" He exclaimed, flying over and hugging Edmund
"Ho ho ho! Hello peanut!" Edmund exclaimed happily as he wrapped one arm around the alchemist, the other still around Quirin
"Grandpa...." The teen said, though his voice was muffled by the Dark King's clothing he currently was face planted into. The area was quiet for a few moments before the teen pulled away and smiled before he noticed his father, "Dad!" He flew over to Quirin and saw the state the man was in, "oh...."
"Yeah.... Peanut me and the Moon.... We were trying to help Quirin.... But.... I think we may have made it worse...."
"Help him what? Move on?"
"At.... First...."
"You 'just' passed away grandpa"
"Yeah, time is a bit odd over here...."
'It was my doing little one, I sensed your guardian was in need of help', the Moon admitted, 'so I called the King here so he could assist'
"I understand that, but dad's gonna be pretty broken hearted about everything going on right now, he's definitely not gonna be in the best state when it comes to this", the alchemist said softly
'I'm.... Beginning to understand to a degree....'
Varian giggled before he looked at his father, Quirin was still crying and clinging to Edmund, "aw dad....."
"Peanut, I'm worried this may be a bit more than just him not being able to move on..... The Moon didn't just call me to get him to move on, she called me because his..... Dying.... From the inside out...."
"Yeah dad's.... Not very good at handling death.... When mama died, he got pretty bad...." The alchemist admitted sadly, "he's a knight for a reason, they're known for their loyalty"
"Extremely, but..... I don't want him to die too...."
The alchemist gave his grandpa a sympathetic look before he went to his father, gently touching his cheek, "hi dad...."
Quirin looked at his son, "hi Bubby....."
Varian smiled, "you're not doing too well, huh?"
"....N-no...."
"Yeah..... Me either..."
"I'm sorry...."
"Don't be dad, I'm 18 years old now, I'm old enough to be able to take care of you"
"You shouldn't h-have to...."
"Dad, you just lost your father.... He isn't coming back, that's hard to handle.... Even for a big, strong, knight like you", the alchemist stated with a smile, "it's okay for you to fall apart.... Just.... Don't lose yourself.... You promised, remember?"
The Village Leader looked at his son, remembering the conversation they had years ago, he nodded, "I remember.... B-but I already b-broke it didn't I?"
"When you turned wolf? No, because you came back to me", Varian said gently, "but it's happening again, it's only been a few hours since the funeral, and only a few days since he passed, so I don't blame you, I'd be a hypocrite if I did, but the Moon and Grandpa are worried you'll keep sinking.... So much so that they called you here to help you move on"
Quirin sniffled and sighed, "yeah.... I.... I'm trying but...." He whimpered as a few tears escaped him
"I know.... I know...." Varian said as he hugged his father lovingly, getting a hug in return, freeing Edmund as the Moon shimmered with pride, "it's okay to fall apart, especially when you've lost someone, but don't stay broken.... Come back to me when you're able.... Until then, I'll be here, waiting, ok?"
Quirin nodded, "I won't stay broken, I'll c-come back, I promise.... I promise...."
Varian smiled as the Moon's light engulfed the duo*
Notes:
Hello! :D
Basically, the Moon sees Quirin’s hurting and tried to help out, but she still doesn’t fully understand humans and how they cope, especially broken ones, like Quirin
Poor protective farmer dad….. he’s dealing with way too much….. But he and Varian being together make them an unbeatable team! He just….. really needs some therapy
Also, Edmund! The Dark King wanted to help! Because he’s a good bean, we Stan Edmund 🎶❤️😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 678: Coping!
Summary:
The group begins to cope with the loss of Edmund!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The alchemist woke up and looked around, "morning love...." He heard Hugo say, he faced his lover, who had been sleeping beside him, the blond's hair was a poofy mess, and he was just putting on his glasses
The alchemist smiled, "good morning", he kissed Hugo, getting the inventor to smile a little bit, "how're you feeling?"
"Still aching, and broken hearted, but better, you?"
"Same, wanna get up?"
"Mmmm.... I wanna stay in bed and snuggle"
The freckled teen giggled, "how about we do that for a few more minutes, and then get up, yeah?"
"Ok"
**20 minutes later**
Varian giggled, "grumpy Hugo"
"I reeeeeeally wanted to keep snuggling...." The blond grumbled
"I knooooow, and we'll definitely do more later, for now however, I wanted to check on everyone"
Hugo stopped and looked at his lover, "Freckles, you're not doing that thing where you make sure everyone else is okay so you don't have to deal with how you feel, are you?"
"No, I'm making sure not to push myself or anything, this is kinda my process though, you know that"
"Yeah, but I'm always gonna check, you have a tendency to push your feelings to the background, it's not healthy", the blond teased as he gently booped Varian's nose
The alchemist giggled, "I know, and I'm grateful you're worried and checking on me, but I really am okay, last night.... Kinda helped"
"....What did you do last night?" Hugo asked with a raised brow
Varian laughed, "my DREAM helped me last night, you dirty!"
"OH! Ok, ok, you made it sound like-!"
"NO! You get your mind out of the gutter right now, or so help me!"
Hugo laughed, "can you blame me?!"
"YES!" The alchemist yelled as he blushed wildly
"Well in that case-!"
"Hugo!"
The blond laughed before hugging Varian happily, "I'm sorry, I'll stop"
The freckled teen pouted before he let out a huff and hugged Hugo back, "brat"
"Tee hee"
They kissed before continuing their journey to the kitchen. When they opened the doors, they were greeted by a sight neither were prepared for. Tons of dignitaries and nobles were scurrying around, the kitchen smelled of breakfast, the air felt warm and inviting, but it was all offset by the main group in the middle, particularly by a certain Dark Prince who was being asked a million and one questions, and by the looks of things, wasn't handling any of it well:
"Would you like some waffles your majesty?"
"Some orange juice for your majesty?"
"Need a napkin your majesty?"
"Is that fork clean enough for you your majesty?"
"More grapefruit would greatly benefit your majesty"
The poor man's eye twitched as Rapunzel, who sat next to him, tried to politely get the noblemen and women away from her husband, but was also being swamped by her own brand of fanatics. The alchemist blinked before he huffed and walked over, Hugo close behind him, "scuse me", he stated, gaining the attention of every brown nosed nobleperson in the room, "while I understand the need and desire to try and help Eugene and Rapunzel, some personal space is required at this time. If you all could be so kind as to enjoy your own breakfast and leave them be, that would be great", his voice was calm, but ice cold and filled with potential to go any way he wished, sending chills throughout the entire castle before hasty apologies were made and the royal rump kissers took their seats. The alchemist sighed before looking at the two, "how are you both holding up?"
"Better now, thanks Varian", Rapunzel replied with a smile and a sigh of relief
"You're welcome, Eugene? What about you?"
"I'm.... Doing my best...." The man responded gently, though his teeth were grated together, he then sighed and looked at his little brother/nephew, "I knew there were brown nosers everywhere, but just.... Damn"
"I know right?" The alchemist said with an eye roll, "kinda gives a newfound gratitude to being invisible, doesn't it?"
"It really does"
"Hugo", a voice said, getting the group to turn and see one of the Ingvarrian princesses walking over to the inventor, "what are you-you shouldn't be walking!"
The blond blinked before he gave the female a smile, "I'm okay Rosa, besides, walking is good for recovering wounds"
"While that may be true, it isn't good to do so excessively, you go and sit your ass down"
Hugo laughed, "yeah yeah, I'm-a-goin"
"Um....." Varian raised a brow, "hi?"
Hugo snorted, "don't worry Freckles, Rosa's a friend, an old friend, we met during the 7 kingdoms ball, you know, back when it 'was' just 7 kingdoms, a long time ago, before I met you"
"Wait you've gone to one of those before?" Varian asked
"Yeah, had to accompany Donella to a few due to her friendship with the Duke and Duchess of Ingvarr, didn't go to too many however, she'd usually go alone, either way, I met Rosa there at one point, afterwards, she was one of the only princesses to actually be concerned about me, the few times she saw me", he added, "she was at the 8 kingdoms ball last year, remember?"
"Rosa.... Oh! Yeah I remember! She made those bimberry cupcakes, right?"
"Yeah!"
"Right, I remember now, ok, nice to see you again"
"You too Varian", Rosa replied with a smile before she raised a brow at Hugo, "seat"
"I'm goin I'm goin", the blond exclaimed before he hobbled his way over to a chair and sat down, "better?"
"Yes"
"Sheesh, you mom you"
"Don't you start with me, or I'll have Varian ground you"
"He wouldn't"
"I might", the alchemist said with a smirk, "dirty birdy"
"Oi! Different conversation!"
"Still dirty!"
Hugo giggled as Rosa shook her head with a smile before looking at the alchemist, "I didn't just come here for Hugo, if it's not overstepping, how are you holding up Varian?"
"Oh, I'm.... Ok for now, checking on everyone first and foremost, you know"
"I see, mother does that too, just.... Be careful, yeah?"
"I will, thanks"
Rosa nodded before she returned to her sisters and parent, "she seems nice", Rapunzel stated with a smile
"She is, her bimberry cupcakes were 'amazing' last year!" the alchemist exclaimed happily, "had the entire ball talking about them"
"You sure they weren't dimberry cupcakes?" Eugene asked with a smirk, getting Rapunzel to snort
"I'm sure, Ruddy had one and didn't turn into a crazed maniac, mostly because, unlike someone, Rosa happens to know the difference"
"Oi!"
"He's in a rare form today", Hugo stated
"I can see that"
Varian giggled before he saw the door to the dining area open and close, he turned and saw his aunt, uncle, and father standing there in shock, "hoo boy, one second, I'm gonna bring them over here before they get swamped and Hector bites someone"
"Good idea"
The alchemist jogged over to trio, right as a few dignitaries spotted them and began to buzz in their direction. The freckled teen gently guided them over to the Coronan Princess and Dark Prince, Hector already growling at a few nosier noblemen who seemed to be staring at Adira. Eugene stood up, "hey you three, welcome to this..... I wouldn't call it a party, but that's the only way I can describe it"
"Mess is more of a name", Adira stated before she sighed and looked at Eugene, "sorry, hi, rough morning"
"Don't worry, I understand, it's been rough for me too"
"Shit show is a better fit", Hector commented
"I agree", Hugo exclaimed
Varian sighed before he looked up at his father, Quirin was silent, his eyes still had bags underneath them, and he definitely wasn't doing that well, but his cheeks were clear of any stains, which the teen accepted as progress. He hugged the man, and smiled when he got a hug back, "hi Bubby", came the quiet greeting
"Hi dad", was the loving response
"Sir Vanguard!" Someone called before a dignitary ran over with a smile that could give Nigel a run for his coins, "so good to see you out and about! How are you doing?"
Varian huffed, but stopped when he heard his father speak, "Quirin, is just fine, and at the moment, I'd like to spend the morning with my family, if you please"
"Right, of course sir-I mean Quirin, as you wish!" The man walked away
"Well you handled that well", Rapunzel stated with an impressed smile
"Surprisingly, being a Village Leader has made the role of 'fake it til you make it' a lot easier to do"
"Noted, and also, kinda concerned"
"I'm.... Coping.... That's about as good as I can be at the moment"
"Understandable.... Just.... If you need an ear....."
"I'll know who to turn to", the retired knight replied with a tired smile and nod, "thank you"
"Where's Lance?" Adira asked, getting the group to look at her, "he..... Makes things lighter....."
Eugene gave her a smile, "I can grab him, I think he stepped out for some air"
"No need, if he did, then I know where he's at, and air sounds lovely at the moment", the face painted warrior said before she gave a grateful nod to the man and walked away
"Isn't that Adira?" The group heard a male dignitary asked
"Yeah, she's the princess of the Dark Kingdom", another replied
"Hmmmm.... Not bad-!"
"Keep you damn tongue in your mouth and fuck off before I make you eat your own ass!" Hector snapped, getting both to jump and scurry away, he huffed, "fucking assholes..... Our king passes away and the only thing they're worried about is their damn libido....."
Eugene gives the tamer an empathetic look before he gets up, walks over, and places a gentle hand on the man's shoulder, "I'm sorry...."
Hector stops before he sighs and faces him, "it's not your fault.... I just.... Miss him...."
"Me too...." The Dark Prince snickers a little, "ya know, he'd probably love every second of this"
Hector smirks, "yeah, he would. He'd fucking say, 'oh how wonderful is it that we have so many visitors! It's been such a long long time! Ho ho!' And then give us all bear hugs and tell us to enjoy ourselves...."
"He would, then he'd try and talk to every single person in this room"
"Yup, and mess up every single conversation!"
The two laughed a little before they sighed, Hector looking at Eugene, ".....You know.... Adira and I.... We can hold things down over here until you're ready....."
"I.... You.... Huh?"
"We were talking about it earlier, Quirin's the Village Leader in Old Corona, so he's got a place there, but when it was just me, King Edmund, and Adira, he taught us what to do and how to handle certain things, just in case something was to happen and you weren't ready. We got pretty good at it, and can hold things down.... Until she has the baby, and you feel comfortable..... I know that this...." He gestured to the entire castle, "isn't what you were prepared for.... So.... We can hold it down until you are.... I.... Wanted to make sure you knew that before you made any decisions"
Eugene blinked, staring at the man for a long time, before he sniffled a little, "t-thank you...."
Hector nodded, before he looked at Varian, "we were talking about teaching you a few things too by the way, when you were prepared"
The alchemist was startled, but nodded, "that'd be a good idea, just in case. Grandpa taught me a little bit, like how to handle trades and such when it comes to other kingdoms, but apparently my table manners need work, and I'm still brushing up on some of the other kingdoms traditions, though Hugo's been helping me with Ingvarr"
"Yup, and he's now proficient in proper Ingvarrian dinner fights!" The blond exclaimed proudly
"Dinner fights?" Eugene asked
"It's.... A weird tradition, but important nonetheless"
"Ok.... Noted, either way, thank you Hector, I'll be sure to do my very best to show you and Adira how much that means to me, and.... I'll try not to take too long.... Dad was showing me a lot, I know pretty much every Dark Kingdom custom, and my worldly travels helped me out in the other kingdom's traditions as well, though the Ingvarrian dinner fights are new"
"They're rare nowadays", Hector stated, "that's probably why he didn't train you on those yet"
"Probably, either way, thank you, I'll try to hurry"
"Take your time", the tamer stated, "the kingdom is still getting back on it's feet, it's flourishing, but we're not like Corona or Ingvarr yet. Our population is still small compared to where we were in the past, and our markets are 'just' coming back, it'll take some time to get everything up and running in that department, changing leaders now would only confuse things, so honestly, it's for the best that you take a while getting to the throne", he stopped himself, "and I'm not saying that because I want power, making that fucking clear"
"Heh, I gotcha, you're good, I trust you Hector, you and Adira both"
The tamer nodded, "thanks"
"Hey Hector, I actually had an idea for the market", Varian said
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, I remember how you said there used to be people who worked with ash here in the Dark Kingdom, they'd make a lot because it helped plants grow and could make glass and had all sorts of uses! I found out that it has more uses than you guys told me! I've actually been incorporating some ash into my alchemy, and it's helped me make many potions that have failed in the past! I think the marketplace may benefit from an apothecary shop, or even a business!"
"That's..... Not a bad idea, there's plenty of minerals around here that could be used in alchemy that you can't normally get anywhere else.... Might make the market boom actually"
"That's what I was thinking!"
"Hmm.... Let's get with Adira on this, we'll come up with a plan, to be honest, I wanna bring alchemy back anyway, it's saved so many lives, and can really help people, heh, we could put it on Varian street"
"Oki-wait, Varian street? Grandpa actually went through with that?"
"Yep, King Edmund named a street after you"
The alchemist blushed but smiled, "I love him so much"
"We all do"
"Hey", a familiar voice called, getting everyone to smile and look over as they saw Lance and Adira approaching, Arianna beside them
"Hey, there you are", Eugene stated
"Heh, sorry, things got a little too.... Cramped, in here", the former thief stated with a grin as the Coronan Queen sat beside her daughter
"No worries, how are you two feeling? Any better?"
Adira nodded, "much, turns out cool air heals depression..... Temporarily"
"Good to know"
"Hey Adira, the spawn has an idea for the marketplace that might actually help", Hector informed
"Hm?"
"Alchemy", Varian said, tossing a bit of glitter in the air to give him idea more pizzaz before he high fived Hugo
The face painted warrior chuckled, "I figured, I take it there's more than just that?"
"Yeah", Hector stated
She nodded, "alright, how about we discuss it over strawberry pancakes"
"Yeah!"
They all sat down, after grabbing some food, and began to discuss ideas for the kingdom, Eugene and Lance adding their plans to make more orphanages to the mix as Rapunzel and Arianna gave some pointers about how certain things would affect the economy. All the while, Quirin listened, giving a few ideas of his own, but staying mostly quiet. At one point, he stood up and walked towards a small, quiet, corner, leaning against it and watching before he looked at the person beside him, "we'll be okay", he said softly, "even if we miss you every step of the way, we'll make sure all you've worked for doesn't go to waste"
The person beside him nodded before he looked at the retired knight, "are you okay?"
".....I will be"
"Quirin-!"
"I will be", the man repeated, "you're worth hurting over"
This made the person smile, "so are you"
Quirin looked at the person, "why'd you show yourself to me?"
"Because I'm the most worried about you"
"Heh, worry wart"
"Look who's talking"
Quirin chuckled before he looked at the group again, ".....I made a promise.... I intend to keep it, even if it hurts. You don't have to worry anymore"
The person was quiet before they nodded, "I'll keep checking"
"I know"
"Will you always want to see me?"
"I will"
The person smiled, before he backed up, and began to glow, "I love you, Quirin"
The retired knight smiled as he watched the person disappear, before whispering, "I love you too.... King Edmund"
Notes:
Hello! :D
This chapter is just supposed to show that the group is finally starting to get better! The day after the funeral, they’re trying, and trying is better than nothing!
Of course they’re still gonna hurt, and it’s gonna be hard, but all of them know he wouldn’t want them to hurt forever, so they’re coping, that’s the best they can do for now, and that’s enough
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 679: The Birds and the Bees!
Summary:
Eugene goes into Edmund’s room for some peace and quiet, and finds Hamuel there, as he does something happens with Rapunzel!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy!!!!!! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Your majesty! What do you think of these curtains?"
"Your majesty! Your majesty! What have you selected for dinner tonight?"
"Your majesty! Do you have someone in mind for you royal advisor? Because I have a few recommendations!"
"Your majesty!"
"Your majesty!"
"YOUR MAJESTY!"
"STOP!" Eugene yelled at the swarm of dignitaries that were currently following him, "I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF GRIVING THE LOSS OF MY FUCKING FATHER!!!! HAVE YOU NO SYMPATHY PEOPLE?!"
"Your majesty, we're trying to help you prepare for you rightful place on the throne!" One bold nobleman said
Eugene's eye twitched and he growled, before a spark of blue flashed in front of him, "buzz off!" Varian snapped, and suddenly, the crowd disappeared, "vultures"
"Don't insult predatory birds, they didn't do a damn thing", Hector stated as he, Adira, and Quirin walked over from the next room after hearing the commotion
"Fair point, but a very apt description"
"Not too far off, I'll agree", the tamer stated before he looked at the prince, "you alright?"
"No, I'm really not", Eugene replied, a little harsher than he'd meant to, "my father's gone, I try to get a moment's peace to just 'think' for a second and suddenly, I'm being pulled into a game of the kiss ass's version of 20 questions! I mean for fuck's sake, WHAT DO THEY WANT WITH ME?!"
"Easy Eugene, easy", Varian said, gently wrapping an arm around the man and rubbing his back
"They want to brown nose you so they can hop on the next caravan to rich city", Hector stated, "you're the new king, even if me and Adira are taking over your duties until you recover and are ready, they know we can't make decisions on who you'll want in the castle. Butlers, maids, handmaidens, lady's in waiting, dukes, duchesses, marquis, dames, knights, guards, the list goes on. We can't make those decisions for you, it's why they're so eager to please at the moment....."
"Ugh.... I don't know how much more I can handle this shit...." Eugene stated as he let out an exasperated sigh before he looked at Varian, "why'd they listen to you?"
"The stories are my father are legendary, especially in the Dark Kingdom, my story gets added to it as the alchemist who not only took over Corona twice, but saved it several times after, and has the power of the Moonstone", Varian explained, "they also know that I'm also a prince and, should anything happen to you, Sun and Moon forbid, the next in line is me and dad"
"Damn"
"Yeah, it's both a blessing and a curse"
"But I'm the legendary Flynn Rider, they hell?"
"Who has a soft spot for sunshine princesses", Adira added
"Hey, Blondie is plenty powerful on her own"
"True, but I think that may be part of the issue, she's got the Sundrop, so people think she wears the preverbal pants in the relationship, making you far more approachable. Plus she pregnant, and you do NOT mess with a pregnant lady"
"While that may be true, I can kick some serious ass"
"We know that Fish Skin, but the people really don't...."
"....Ugh.... Did dad ever have to deal with this?"
Quirin chuckled, "yeah, and he hated it just as much as you"
"Did he?""
"Absolutely! King Edmund would groan and yell and snap and fuss every time some dignitary or noble would try to worm their way into his good graces! He'd even try giving them the glower if he got too upset, it worked on most, but a very rare few would stubbornly stay and continue to pester him"
"What'd he do?"
"Sick Hamuel on them"
"Pfft!"
"It worked too"
"Speaking of, has anyone seen Hamuel lately?" Adira asked
"I have, he's.... Not doing too great..." Hector replied, "poor bird knows his King isn't coming back... He's been laying on the royal pillow this entire time.... Only eating because he knows he has to...."
"Oh.... And Domino?"
"She's mourning in the stables...."
"I visit her", Varian said, "she's happy to see me, but.... I think she and Hamuel may benefit from a visit by a certain prince", he nudged Eugene a little
"Have you visited Hamuel, Speckles?"
"No...."
"Oh really? Why not?"
"Because that's Grandpa's room....."
"Oh....."
Quirin scooped his son up and hugged him, "me too bubby, me too...."
Eugene let out a sigh, "maybe a quick trip to see my dad's bird may help.... At least we have something to share...." With that, the man walked towards the room, Varian, Quirin, Adira, and Hector watching after him before he opened the door, entered the hallway that led to the rooms, and shut it behind him gently
The quartet were quiet for a while before the alchemist looked up at his father, "you think they'll be okay?"
"I'm sure", Quirin said with a reassuring smile before Lance rushed over to the group, "GUYS!!!! Ya gotta come to the infirmary!!!!"
"What?! Why?!" Adira asked, instantly on high alert
"Rapunzel!!!!! Her water broke!!!!!!"
"WHAT?!" All four exclaimed as Ruddigar, who was on Varian's shoulders, let out a startled chitter
****
Eugene sighed as he backed up a few steps before turning to face the hallway, he saw several doors in front of him, some he recognized as Quirin, Adira, and Hector's rooms, one he knew was where he and Rapunzel had been staying, one was where Lance was staying, and one help the two scientists, it, and Edmund's room, were the only ones closed, Eugene walked over and knocked on the two teen's room. He heard a muffled mumble before whistled and snickered, "sleepy Hugo, got it", he said before he looked at the other closed door
His heart filled with dread as he thought about the person who used to sleep there..... But, letting out a quiet sigh, he walked forwards and opened the door. It wasn't locked, which was startling to say the least, but when the man noticed the bird seed on the floor he realized why, noting to thank the tamer for his care of the old crow he'd mentioned now resided here. Speaking of which, the man looked at the bed and instantly noticed the usually happy and smiling Hamual, now slumped down and still, eyes closed, wings folded tight to his sides, as he laid his head on Edmund's pillow.....
The sight startled the Dark Prince as he closed the door behind him and walked over, sitting next to the bird, being careful not to scare or startle him. He watched the poor creature before he sighed and looked around. The room had a large cupboard that Eugene could tell kept his father's clothing, a nearby hook on the wall held a bear head, "hello Dabni", the man greeted, obviously there was no answer, but the man still shuddered, "don't care how long it's been since I've seen it, that bear head is still fucking creepy...."
He continued to look around, armor scattered the floor, sword and weapons hung on the wall, polished and pristine, a few drawings the man could clearly tell were from Varian and Rapunzel made him smile, his grin widened when he noticed a shelf filled with his old wanted posters and nic nacks he'd lost a while back, "still collecting those were ya dad?" He asked the air before his eyes stopped on a portrait hanging above the bed, "I..... Aw dad....."
The portrait showed Edmund and Eden, a baby Hamuel sitting proudly on the Dark King's shoulder, along with three small children standing in front of them, one little girl with long, white hair, and small red markings on her left cheek and around her left eye, she looked quite satisfied with herself, and two boys, one a teenager with black hair, wearing a knight outfit, and looking rather annoyed at the two kids, and the other a small, yellow eyed, boy holding a baby tiger and missing one front tooth, but smiling wider than the prince had ever seen. He chuckled when he noticed Edmund and Eden looked like they were giggling at their three troublemakers, "heh, cute family painting.... I'll have to ask about that one"
Caw....
The small noise made Eugene look at the pillow, only to see the old crow had looked up at him, his eyes were now open and staring at the prince, "hey bud", he said, gently stroking the bird's head, "how ya doing?"
The crow looked down, a small croak escaping his closed beak
"...Yeah.... Me too....." Eugene laid down on the bed and sighed before he noticed the ceiling had carpet on it, and snorted, "what the hell is the ceiling carpet for?" He asked, "dad, what is your room?"
He heard Hamuel let out another small caw, one that he, surprisingly, understood
"A water leak?" Eugene asked, when he saw the bird nod he hummed in thought, "I guess that'd fix the issue temporarily, but why keep it up after it's been fixed? Which is obviously has, or else I'd be having a very different reaction to it"
A few small caws explained everything
"He liked the way it looked and had it cleaned before putting it back up again?"
He saw Hamuel nod
"Pfft, he would", Eugene chuckled before he looked at the painting again, "you got a story for that?" He asked, gesturing to it
Hamuel perked up a little when Eugene asked, and let out a few caws
"So... Hector made friends with a tiger cub that day, snuck it into the castle and painting, with Adira's help, Quirin caught them, but it was too late because the painter was already there, and my dad and mom thought it was adorable and allowed the tiger to be painted in?"
The crow nodded
"Wow, talk about your family drama am I right?"
The crow nodded again
"Heh", Eugene smiled at the portrait before he laid back on the bed again, staring up at the carpet covered ceiling before he stretched, he fingers touching something fluffy. He blinked before he grabbed the item and pulled it towards him, only for his eyes to fill with tears when he realized he was holding Edmund fur cap...... He sat up, still holding the item, before running his hand over it. He let out a sigh before burying his face in the fabric, tears soaking into it, "dad....." He sobbed
For a few moments, nothing could be heard except for the man's quiet cries, only for Eugene to feel something climb onto his shoulder and nuzzle his cheek. He sniffled before lifting his head and looking, seeing the crow watching him sadly, "heh, thanks", he said, gently scratching Hamuel's chest, "you're a very good bird you know that?"
Hamuel smiled for the first time since Edmund's passing, leaning into Eugene's touch and letting out a small coo
The Prince smiled before he looked at the cape, "he used to wear this everywhere..... Heh, betcha it smells like him"
Hamuel let out a small caw
Eugene sniffed the cape before coughing a little, "yup! Definitely smells like dad!" He coughed again before laughing, "bird seed, figgy pudding, and warmth, an odd, but comforting, combination", he stated with a snort
Hamuel nuzzled Eugene again, getting the man to smile and lean his head, very gently, against the old crow
"You.... Wanna stick with me?" He asked, "I'm not my dad, but.... I know he wouldn't want you cooped up here all by your lonesome"
Hamuel hesitated, looking at the pillow
"We can bring that with you, I'm guessing that was your pillow yeah?"
The bird nodded
"Well, I can bring it, I'll be traveling from here to Corona quite a bit, so it's not like we won't ever come back, and also.... It'll be nice to visit him..... Both of them actually....." He added as he looked at the painting with his mom before he looked back at the old crow, "so what do you say? Wanna come with me?"
Hamuel was startled, before he looked up at the portrait, he was just about to answer when there was a frantic knock on the door
Eugene looked over, "who is it?"
"It's me!" He heard Hugo exclaimed, "you've gotta come quick! Rapunzel's water broke just a few minutes ago! She's in the infirmary with Freckles, Quirin, Adira, and Hector!"
"WHAT?!" Eugene shot up and ran for the door, Hamuel clung to his shoulder for dear life as the man opened it and sdaw the inventor, his green eyes were wide with panic, "why didn't anyone tell me?!"
"I don't know, I just woke up! Freckles sent me a dream message to come and grab you!"
"Shit! COME ON!" He yelled before scooping the inventor up and running through the castle! He was faster than lightning as he raced towards the infirmary, pushing past everyone he saw as he turned the corner and slammed into the room
All the while, Hamuel clung as his memory flashed to a time when his Edmund would do the same thing. The bird remembered clinging to his Edmund's shoulder as well until he burst into the infirmary, his Edmund's mate was on a bed, holding a small bundle in her arms, she'd looked so tired when that'd happened as the old crow remembered looking into the bundle and seeing brown eyes staring back at him with curiosity
His mind flashed back to the present as Eugene set Hugo down and dashed to Rapunzel's side, "BLONDIE!" He exclaimed, holding her hand and getting her to look at him, "are you doing alright?" He asked
"Eugene", the princess said, she was smiling, but she looked so very tired, her hair was a mess, and she was sweating, "I-I never got to tell you the good news", she said before her eyes widened and she let out a yelp
"Rapunzel?" Eugene asked
"Contractions", Quirin said instantly, "they're two minutes apart", he added, "the baby's coming"
"W-what do I do?!"
The retired knight smiled lovingly at the man, "be with her and hold her hand, help her breathe and push, she'll need you now more than ever"
Eugene nodded, understanding his role as he pulled up a chair and sat down, "don't worry sunshine, I'm here, I won't leave your side, not even for a second"
"Thank you", Rapunzel said softly, smiling happily at the man before she winced, "because this really hurts!"
"Uh... I think they'd like some privacy", Lance suggested
"Yeah, you're right, let's let them be", Hector agreed
Adira nodded before she opened the door and growled at the nosy dignitaries, "SHOO!!!!" She shouted, "BEAT IT YA BATCH OF BROWN NOSERS!" The entire hallway emptied the moment her yell hit the air, she smirked and looked at the couple, "we'll be outside if you need us", before she walked out
Hector and Lance looked at each other before snorting and following her, "you've both got this", Quirin said gently, "one step at a time, okay?"
They nodded, "thanks Quirin", the princess said tiredly
"Anytime", the old farmer replied before he left
Varian and Hugo were the final duo still needing to leave, the alchemist's Moonstone shimmered with excitement, "come on Freckles", the inventor stated, "we gotta go"
"I know I know, just....." He grinned at Rapunzel, "eeeeeeeeeeee!"
She giggled, "don't tell anyone yet"
"I won't, promise", he said with a wink before he scooped up Hugo into his arms, "come here often?"
Hugo blushed, "not much, but I might now"
They giggled before the alchemist carried the inventor out the door and gently closed it behind him using his magic. Eugene looked at his princess, "can't believe it's already time", he stated, "are you ready for this?"
Rapunzel nodded happily, "more than anything, so long as you're with me", she then noticed the old crow on the man's shoulder, "hi Hamuel, did you come to give your support too?"
The bird grinned at the princess before letting out an excited CAW, he then looked at Eugene, and hopped closer to his face, nuzzling him lovingly
Eugene chuckled, "this mean you're sticking with me bud?"
Hamuel let out another CAW
Eugene's grin widened, "welcome aboard then Hamuel"
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’m gonna let this chapter speak for itself, because it’s definitely a doozy and emotional, and I don’t have much to add to it except, a way to balance all the bad is with something amazing to happen!
Also, if you have baby name ideas, please don’t hesitate to let me know, I’m taking suggestions 🎶😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 680: Here Comes the Twins!
Summary:
Rapunzel gives birth and everyone finds out!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Rapunzel sucked in a breath
“Good, now let it go slowly”, Eugene encouraged
She let it go
“Perfect! Keep going that”
She told a breath in, held it, and let it go, and kept this up until the doctor stepped in the room, “well hello there”, he was a tall, Hispanic, hazel eyed man, with a smile as warm as a bon fire, and thick rimmed glasses, “my name’s Dr. Lorenzo, it’s very nice to meet you both”
“Nice to meet you too”, the Dark Prince said as Rapunzel winced as another contraction stopped her greeting from leaving her lips
“Op, seems the little ones don’t wanna wait, heh”
Eugene chuckled, “no they-wait! Little…. *ones*?! *plural*?!” He looked at Rapunzel, who grinned
“I never-mph! Got to tell you”, she said, wincing a little, “V-Varian found out by a-accident, and I b-begged him to keep I-it a secret-AH!” She grit her teeth and gripped the sides of the bed so hard that her knuckles turned white
Eugene blinked as Hamuel CAW’d in joy before he shook his head, grabbing her hand and smiling wide, “no wonder he was so excited! I can’t believe it! TWINS!” He exclaimed, his eyes filling with tears, “we’re having TWINS! W-who else knew?”
Raounzel smiled tiredly at Eugene, “Edmund, he was there when I found out, oh he was so happy Eugene!”
“Oh I’ll bet-ACK!” He winced as her grip on his hand tightened as another contraction interrupted them, “a-and I’ll be more than happy to celebrate once they’re actually out!”
“Same-AH!” Rapunzel tried to take a breath but winced harshly and began to sweat
“Ok ok, let’s get started!” Dr. Lorenzo stated before he rushed over and got the princess set up, legs elevated, privacy curtain up, gloves and mask on, the doctor smiled, “Hoo, they want to come out quick! Heh”, he looked at Rapunzel, “you’re ready to get them out, we’re gonna have you push now, okay?” She nodded, unable to speak due to the pain, “alright, follow my instructions, get ready, and push!”
Rapunzel grunted as she did what she was told, stopping when she was told, and breathing with Eugene, “you’ve got this, you’ve got this”, he said, gently brushing some of her hair out of her face as he smiled at her, “you’re doing great Blondie!”
“You really are!” Dr. Lorenzo complimented, “we’re gonna push again, ready?” With a nod from the princess, he instructed her to push, and she did! Putting as much strength as she could into it before the doctor told her to stop, a nursing coming inside the room to help out! When she had, the doctor smiled, “right on time, need the suction tool, baby’s head is crowning”, he exclaimed, the nurse immediately handed him a suctioning tool, with another push, the doctor managed to use the item and removed any access fluids from the infant’s nose and mouth, he smiled when he was done, “give one small push”, Rapunzel did and out the baby popped! The doctor grinned before he handed the child to the nurse, “got one more in there”
The nurse nodded before gesturing Eugene to come over, the Dark Prince did and was handed gloves and some scissors, “wanna cut the cord?” The nurse offered
“Oh! Yeah, here”, Eugene quickly put on the gloves and took the scissors in his hands, with the nurse’s help, he cut the cord perfectly
She smiled, “great job! I’ll clean this little one up, you’ve got one more coming”
“Yup, and here they come!” Dr. Lorenzo stated
Eugene grinned before removing the gloves and rushing over to Rapunzel’s side, grabbing her hand again right as she yelped, “it’s okay Blondie, I’m here, I’m right here”, he said as the sound of a baby’s cry reached his ears and made him tear up a little
The princess’s eyes were closed tight, but her hand gripped Eugene’s with the strength of, what Eugene assumed, ten Quirin’s would feel like! The thing that startled the man was how her hair glowed brightly, “um….” He heard the nurse say, “is that normal?”
“For her, yes”, Eugene replied, before he saw her glow brighter and brighter until her heard something pop behind him, he looked and stared at the tiny alchemist that randomly appeared, “Varian?!”
“Um…. What just happened?!” The freckled teen asked, blinking in surprise before he saw Rapunzel’s hair glowing bright, “oh”
“When could she-!”
“I-I don’t know, this is new!”
“Alrighty then”
“Not to interrupt, but, second baby’s coming”, Dr. Lorenzo stated
Eugene and Varian looked at the man before the alchemist spoke, “d-do I stay or-?”
“Stay, please!” Raounzel exclaimed, “S-Sundrop wants you h-here-GAH!” She gasped and her hair glowed brighter
Varian immediately ran over, Moonstone glowing brightly as a response to the Sundrop, Eugene held his wife’s hand once again as the doctor gave the instruction to push and Varian helped with Rapunzel’s breathing. Together, while the nurse cleaned off the first baby, they managed to push the second child out. Eugene cut the cord once again, smiling as his second child’s cry rang through the room. Varian smiled as tears slid down his cheeks, eyes glowing as he looked at Rapunzel, “they’re beautiful”, he said happily
She smiled, exhausted from the strain, Eugene walked over, holding one tiny bundle in his arms, “the nurse is cleaning off our second baby, but here’s little bean number one”
The Princess grinned brighter than the Sun as she took the tiny bundle in her arms, lighting up when she heard the baby coon just a bit, “oh, hello there little one”, she said softly, her voice an excited whisper as she did
“Here’s baby number two~”, the nurse singsonged as she brought over the second bundle. Varian grinned wider than ever, eyes sparkling brighter than the stars as Eugene took his second cold in his arms and showed them to Rapunzel
“Hi”, Rapunzel said, her voice was so tired, but filled with so much love as she looked at her second child, “they’re so beautiful Eugene!”
“They really are, I guess they must take after you”, the Dark Prince said, getting Rapunzel to grin and kiss his cheek lovingly
Dr. Lorenzo walked over, “well, in my 25 years of medical practice, I’ve never seen such a happy family before”, he stated, “the first little one is a girl, and the second little one is a boy, the girl is older by 1 minute and 7 seconds, congratulations you two”
Varian wiggled with joy, “congrats!” He said softly
“Thank you”, the two new parents stated happily, both extremely exhausted from the experience
The doctor nodded before he looked at the nurse, “we should give them some time”, with a nod, he and the nurse left, updating the anxiously waiting group outside
Though they stopped when Varian gently grabbed their attention, “none of them know that they gave birth to twins, I think they’d like to keep the secret for a moment”, he whispered
The two medical professionals nodded before they left, the alchemist getting an approving smile from Eugene as Rapunzel held, and hugged, both children lovingly in her arms
****
An hour later, Varian walked out of the room, and was instantly scooped up by his father, “eep! Hi dad!” He giggled
“Hi! What happened? How’d you get in there?” Quirin asked
“It was the Sundrop, and Rapunzel. Giving birth was a little too hard on her body, so the Sundrop called me and the Moonstone inside, I ended up using a touch of my magic to give her a little boost of energy”
“Oh, I see”
“Eugene said I was okay to stay, but that was very startling, I’ll be honest”
“I’ll bet”
“So, you watched the baby birth?” Hugo asked curiously
Varian grinned, “yeah I did! And it was amazing! Rapunzel and Eugene both did so well!!!!! Also, dad”, he looked at the retired knight, “Eugene’s gonna be a great big papa!”
Quirin smiled, “I’m glad”
“Also, Hamuel was on his shoulder”
This made the man raise a brow, “he…. Was?”
“Yeah! I guess he’s gonna stick with Eugene now, that’s what was explained to me anyway by the new papa himself”
Hector smiled, “good, I was hoping that would be the case”, at the confused looks he received, the tamer added, “Hamuel has been with King Edmund for a long fucking time! He’s been loyal and good and the best bird ever to the King, he deserves to be with someone who’ll take care of him, and I know Eugene will do that”, he stated before he grinned slyly, his fangs showing, “why do you think I fuckin mentioned him in the first place?”
The group was silent before Varian giggled, then floated out of his father’s arms and hugged the tamer, “you’re amazing uncle Hector!”
Hector returned the embrace as he blushed, “heh”
Adira smiled, relief filling her stomach before the infirmary door opened, the group turned and saw Eugene walk out, a large, but tired, smile on his face, “hey everyone”, he greeted happily
The group paused before Quirin moved forwards and hugged the man, “congratulations!” He stated happily
Eugene was startled before he returned the hug, “thank you”
Everyone watched the duo before the retired knight let go, “I take it Rapunzel’s resting?”
“Yeah, oh! And just so I’m clear with a certain someone”, he looked behind the man, directly at the alchemist, “she gave the okay to share the ‘secret news’, if ya catch my drift”
Varian’s eyes lit up, “really?!”
“Yep! She’s a bit too tired, and they’re bound to find out when they see…. Uh…. them, the doctor also stated that it would be best to have as little excitement as possible until she’s back to normal health, apparently the birth really took it out of her”
“Them?” Adira asked, catching the hint
Varian blinked before Eugene winked, he then grinned, “hee hee, yeah! It’ll definitely be best to keep everyone calm when they see *them*!” He agreed
The group was silent for a second or two, before Quirin caught on first, eyes widening before they shined brightly with tears, a gigantic smile growing across his face as he stared at the man. Hugo, Hector, and Adira caught on next, Lance was after them, all the while, Varian, Arianna, who had joined up with the group a little after finding out her daughter was giving birth, and Eugene, watched the realization hit each person, before the knight scooped Eugene up and spun around happily, “TWINS!!!!! TWO BABIES!!!!! BEANS!!! PLURAL!!!!!! BABIES!!!!! BABIEEEEEEEES!!!!!”
Eugene laughed as Hector and Adira cackled, “Quirin for fuck’s sake!” The wild tamer exclaimed
“Just like our king! Ha ha!” Adira agreed between snickers
Quirin stopped, blushed, and huffed at the two, still holding Eugene, bridal style, “s-shut up! Eden had a twin sister! Her and King Edmund hoped to pass the trait along to their child! It skipped a generation so forgive me if I’m a little excited about it alright?!”
“Easy, *easy*, we’re happy too! It’s just adorable to see you react that way!” Adira stated
“And as your younger siblings, we get to pick on you as much as we damn well please”, Hector added
“That doesn’t mean you get to laugh when I get excited you assholes!” Quirin snapped semi-aggravatedly, getting the duo to laugh again before he sighed, huffed again, before smiling at the pair, “brats”
“I-I can’t believe it!” Lance exclaimed, “two babies! Twins!!!!! Tiny toddlers!!!! My man you have some athletic *swimmers*!”
“LANCE!” Eugene shouted, blushing as Adira and Hector cackled even more
“He’s not wrong, like, damn man”, Hugo stated with a smirk, “also, no wonder we got a fireworks show that fishing night, Freckles you must’ve been ready to *burst*!”
“I was!!!!! It was SOOOOOO hard keeping that a secret from all of you!!!!!” Varian exclaimed, “but now that it’s not, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” He flew around with joy, bouncing from wall to wall happily as he did, little, blue sparkles being left in his wake
Hugo grinned as he saw Quirin set the Dark Prince down, he smiled at Eugene as the man looked at him, “seriously though, congrats”
Eugene smiled, “thanks”
“Bubby! Ha ha! You’ve gotta calm down, Rapunzel’s still resting”, Quirin tried as he failed to catch his son
The alchemist stopped and raised a brow at the man, “coming from the papa that scooped up the new dad and spun him around while shouting? Ex-squeeze me?”
Quirin chuckled, “my reaction was different”
“How so?”
“It was shorter, and not as high pitched”
“Hey! I can’t help that and you know it!” Varian squeaked, getting his father to snicker
Lance walked over to Eugene and wrapped an arm around him, “so, imma just be the first person to ask this, what are the genders of the two little family members?”
Eugene smirked as everyone turned to look at him, curiosity lighting every face up, “heh, one girl, and one boy, the girl was born 1 minute and 7 seconds before the boy”
Everyone grinned happily, “betcha the girl is gonna be tough as nails”, Adira stated
“And the boy’s gonna be a fucking beast!” Hector added before he gasped, “we should give them a Dark Kingdom debut ball!!!!!”
“You mean to introduce them to the other kingdom we alley with? That’s a good idea!” Adira agreed
“Hang on you two, that done when the children are a few years old at the very *least*”, Quirin stated
“We know, but we should start planning now, it has to be perfect!” The tamer exclaimed, getting the group to chuckle
Everyone, excitedly, chatted about the new additions to their family, joy spreading throughout the halls of the Dark Kingdom castle as they spent hours debating on themes for the debuts, and crownings, and celebrations for their births, before Varian asked, “um, Eugene? What are their names?”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, I’ve never given birth, my knowledge on the procedure is limited, I did some research before writing this chapter, so I hope I gave a good representation of partially what it’s like, I give some of my highest respects to the people out there who’ve given birth and actually care for their children!
Everyone’s reactions to the twins being twins are how I’d see them react to the news, also, Eden was the one who had the twin gene, I never mentioned it before, but she does have a sister, might make a chapter about that later on if y’all would like 😁🎶
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 681: It’s Show Time! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Heh heh, fuck summaries!
Notes:
‘More notes at the end! :D’
I sound just like them don’t I? Heh 😈
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lance walked over to Eugene and wrapped an arm around him, “so, imma just be the first person to ask this, what are the genders of the two little family members?”
Eugene smirked as everyone turned to look at him, curiosity lighting every face up, “heh, one girl, and one boy, the girl was born 1 minute and 7 seconds before the boy”
Everyone grinned happily, “betcha the girl is gonna be tough as nails”, Adira stated
“And the boy’s gonna be a fucking beast!” Hector added before he gasped, “we should give them a Dark Kingdom debut ball!!!!!”
“You mean to introduce them to the other kingdom we alley with? That’s a good idea!” Adira agreed
“Hang on you two, that done when the children are a few years old at the very *least*”, Quirin stated
“We know, but we should start planning now, it has to be perfect!” The tamer exclaimed, getting the group to chuckle
Everyone, excitedly, chatted about the new additions to their family, joy spreading throughout the halls of the Dark Kingdom castle as they spent hours debating on themes for the debuts, and crownings, and celebrations for their births, before Varian asked, “um, Eugene? What are their names?”
Eugene grinned, “I would tell you, but I’ll let Rapunzel do that, it’ll only take her a few hours to recover, at least mentally, doctor said so, you’ll all be able to visit her then”
“Ah, ok coolio, she wanna tell us herself, or….”
“Well, she wanted to see how everyone would react to the twins news, but that didn’t get to happen, she wanted to reveal the genders, but the doctors request I do so since it’ll cause less of an uproar while you’re inside the room with her. But I told them she’s revealing the names, because even if you guys get excited, she’ll at least get to be there for it”
Varian smiled, “you’re such a good husband”
“Heh, thanks kiddo”
“Alright, so we’ve got a few hours to try and guess what the names of the kids are gonna be, let the competition begin”, Hector stated with a smirk
“You’re on”, Adira replied
“Oh no…..” Quirin sighed, facepalming
“Oh yes”, both his siblings replied with grins
“This sibling competition will have to take place at a different part of the castle”, Eugene stated gently
“Or it could not take place at all and these two could just wait like the rest of us”, the retired knight stated
“Oh, but where’s the fun in that?” Hector asked
“Seems as though Stickler’s back to his sticklerly ways”, Adira teased
Their voices grew mumbled as you avert your gaze towards something that seems to be drawing your eye. A small corner or the ceiling comes into view, and you notice something….. off…. About it…. Only to realize a pair of lone, purple eyes watching the group. You blinked, they notice you staring and blink back before a familiar snicker reveals the owner to you, and you have one of two reactions, you either cheer, or sigh, as the figure reveals himself, “hey folks, miss me?” The gruff and raspy voice of the floating, dapper, demon stared with a crooked grin, “his green hair is even crazier than usual as you cock your head to the side before realizing, you’re now being narrated! Well that’s never happened before!
“Heh”, Beetlejuice chuckles, “wondering how I pulled that little party trick? It’s simple really”, he poofed a rope and blanket out of thin air, “narrator’s takin a small vacay again! It’s show time folks! You’ve been hearing all the gushy, cushy, and mushy shit for far too long! Tome to kick some shit up a notch and show you what *I’ve* been up to!”
You blink, now very concerned about the original narrator as the demon grins at you
“Don’t worry, they’ll be fuckin fine, probably thank me for this later as they don’t really have any damn good ideas for this part of the chapter. I mean seriously, a competition to see who can figure out the baby’s names first? Psssh!” He waved his hand at the idea dismissively, the idea itself having formed into a sentence that flew away like a bird when the demon waved it away, “what I’ve been up to is way more fuckin interesting!”
You speak, though your words don’t come out as regular dialogue, instead, you’ve become a bit of a narrator yourself, as what you say is being narrated. The question of the princess’s baby names finally being mentioned after a quick sentence explaining what your words appear as
“Heh, I’ll bring ya back before the end of the barf inducing chapter, hold on to your dandelions”, Beetlejuice stated, “I just wanted to show you something you’ll probably fuckin love even more than a damn competition between the triplet troublemakers
You point out that he’s including Quirin in that
“He’s a damn troublemaker himself, don’t let him fool ya, guys a walking hypocrisy in a sexy short sleeve shirt! He loves his sibling’s antics, and while they lead to some trouble, he never tried to stop em, even though we all know he really could”
You raise a brow at the demon
“Oh, don’t believe me? If we have time after this, remind me to show you all how big daddy over there tends to party when he gets three sheets to the wind, heh, anyway! There’s a right that must be wronged! A certain sexy grandpa was taken from my fine family of goobers, dreamers, and sexy dads”, a whistle sounds in the distance when he says this, “the guy’s fuckin hot, what can I say?” He chuckled, “anyway, that fine, long haired, yet surprisingly innocent, specimen of a man was taken away by the asshole named Blight. But then he was killed when big daddy when fully furry on him! Alls right with the world yes?” He waited before smirking, “if some of you assholes actually said yes, your ass has a kink for murderers, because that could not be FURTHER-a-from the truth! That asshole got what was comin to him from our trio of troublemakers, but then his soul got to go to the damn Moon! How’s that fuckin fair?! Same place our dearly departed grandpa heads to, and this fucker gets to *join* him?! Even for a second, that shit ain’t right! So *I* took upon myself to uh…. Intercept, our little ‘friend’s’ journey. Got me in some hot water with the mama upstairs and her brother, but when I got to explain my side, they understood, especially when grandpa stepped in and explained what this fucker had done to his family, and to mama’s ’little one’ and his ‘star’ as she calls em. Cute pet names aside, I got to be in charge of that fuckers soul, so long as I made sure to promise I wouldn’t use him for anything other than proper punishment. And yeah, in agreed”
You gawked at the demon’s confession, a little startled that he’d agree to something like that
“You know how many people this fucker’s killed?! His numbers go above fucking *Cyrus’s* level! And while that fucker isn’t *at all* in the right because even I wouldn’t go as far as he did with some of the shit he pulled, he only kept those fuckin kills to the assignments he was given! Blight is on a whole different level when it comes to mercilessly killing the people he’s come across! The one he shouldn’t have killed being his very first victim, the death that broke the camel’s back being our Edmund!”
Beetlejuice huffed, “you know how damn mad I was that the assassin got the damn grandpa?! That was bullshit! I nearly fucked up the narrator for it!!!!! They had some nightmares because of me, lemme tell ya, heh! Either way, ya get my point, guy’s an asshole, needed proper punishment, other than a kinky fun time, what’s a wittle Beetleboy Wike me apposed ta do? Right? Heh, you’ll like this”
Beetlejuice grinned as he snapped his fingers, your vision was taken over by a black and white spiral that engulfed the scene, you felt a little hypnotized by it before the screen lights flickered and the entire thing fell, revealing a sweats wearing Beetlejuice behind the scenes, huffing and puffing, tongue hanging out like a dog, as he sat on a elliptical before he noticed you, “huh?! What?! Oh! Uh, don’t mind the sex god behind the screen! Look!” He pulled the screen back in place, and you could hear him begin to pedal, “ooooh! Aaaaaah! Hypnotizing! Heh”
Your vision is blocked by the hypnotism screen once again before you hear a snap and suddenly see the Pizzaplex that Beetlejuice took Varian and Hugo to before. You see Moondrop, he looks far happier now, smiling and humming to himself as he patrols the plex. He notices you and smiles before giving you a wave, you wave back before the lights switch on, the drop suddenly spins and you see Sunny standing there! The light drop also waves, you wave again, smile widening at the pure joy you see on his face
“Whoops! Wrong reality! Hang on!” You hear the demon say, before the elliptical he’s on gets thrown to off screen and you see a treadmill float over to him
“Fucking escape reality elliptical was for the damn pizza plex, time traveling treadmill was what I fucking needed, ugh….”
The scene changes again and you are suddenly seeing Beetlejuice holding a tiny ball of light in his hands, smirking at it
“Heh, the Moon gave ya to me, guess we’re stuck together, ey?”
The light ball seemed to speak to the demon, but you couldn’t hear what it said
“Let you go?! FUCK NO! You killed grandpa! Ain’t no way you’re getting off that damn easily!”
The ball of light seemed to be speaking the Beetlejuice again, the demon huffed
“Lydia was a different story, I didn’t kill her, we became friends! Wait, how the fuck do you know about her anyway?”
That’s when you notice demon had a gigantic poster of himself and a goth girl standing back to back with each other, ‘Beetlejuice the Musical’ sprawled out in big, bold, green letters
“Oh, right, can’t help it if my merch is so good! Look at these socks! They’re the giant snake, and they’re eating my feet! That’s fucking hilarious!!!!!” The demon exclaimed, lifting his pant leg to show the light
Again you couldn’t make out what the light said, but the demon seemed annoyed and rolled his eyes
“Everyone’s a critic, and I’m not sorry to say, I didn’t ask for your opinion”, he flicked the ball and it flew from his hand, into a wall you couldn’t see before the past Beetlejuice smirked at you, “don’t worry, that’s the third wall, fourth one’s still safe…. For now, heh”
He turned back to the ball and grinned when the thing seemed to be speaking to him again
“Awwwww, did that hurt your poor wittle feewings? Poor baby! Surely you haven’t done *anything* like that in your life, oh wait”, he pulled out a body pillow of Quirin in his werewolf form, “ya have”
You want to question so many things about this conversation, but decide against it as you feel like all you’ll get is a headache, instead you see the ball of light is talking rapidly at the demon
“Pfft! You think you’re innocent?! Ya fucking killed grandpa! You know how much I *liked* him?! Not to mention all the damn people you’ve hurt in the past, which yes, I can plainly see, and the families you’ve torn apart! The family you just harmed happens to be mine, and honestly, you deserved every fucking thing you got from our furry daddy and his siblings! But you still hurt them, and I’m not gonna let you get away with it!”
He snapped his fingers, and the ball appeared in his hand once again, “you’re stuck with me ya fucking murderer, and I’m gonna make you wish you’d never even *looked* at that family! Or *any* fucking family for that matter!”
The ball of light, that you now realize is Blight’s soul, frantically speaks to Beetlejuice, seemingly scared by the situation he’s found himself in
“Heh, well should’ve thought of that before ya fucking killed the kindest man you’ll ever fucking meat-er-meet! See? You got me so damn mad that I’m fucking up my meats!”
Had you not been reading this chapter, you wouldn’t have noticed, but the demon seemed to be on a roll, so you let it go as the soul speaks again
“Oh you wanna know what I’m gonna do to you? Heh heh heh…. I’ve got a lot of fun plans…..” the demon grinned, sending shivers down your spine as the air grows darker somehow as the demon’s eyes change from purple to red…..
Notes:
‘Hello! :D
I’m the big, smelly narrator that doesn’t let the sexy Beetlejuice have any f$@kin fun!’
Pfft! Like the title of this chapter says, it’s my turn to be in the lime light! Hold on to your panties, boxers, or if you’re commando under there, well good for you!
You’ll find out the f@&kin baby’s names! But first, I wanna tell you a story, one of loss! Anger! Sadness! Revenge! And a whole lot of ME!
And who wouldn’t want that, am I right?
…..I’d better f&@kin be, or else imma get mad 😡
Heh, either way, cya folks! Oh, I should probably do their outro thingy, *ahem*
‘Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊’
F&@kin sappy, anyone even read that bit of the notes? If you don’t, you’re missin out on some more me, just sayin ;3
Chapter 682: It’s Show Time! (Part 2!)
Summary:
Blight finds himself in a strange place! And the baby’s names are revealed!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The ball of light, that you now realize is Blight’s soul, frantically speaks to Beetlejuice, seemingly scared by the situation he’s found himself in
“Heh, well should’ve thought of that before ya fucking killed the kindest man you’ll ever fucking meat-er-meet! See? You got me so damn mad that I’m fucking up my meats!”
Had you not been reading this chapter, you wouldn’t have noticed, but the demon seemed to be on a roll, so you let it go as the soul speaks again
“Oh you wanna know what I’m gonna do to you? Heh heh heh…. I’ve got a lot of fun plans…..” the demon grinned, sending shivers down your spine as the air grows darker somehow……
*Blight looked around, the area around him was completely black. His sight seemed to be swallowed everywhere he looked, it wasn't warm or cold, wet or dry, it was as close to nothing as it could be, he stood on an uneven ground underneath his feet, "hello?" He called out, his voice echoing around him, it bounced around him, growing louder and louder and 'louder'
"STOP!" He yelled, as his own voice, which should've been a perfect echo, started to grow deeper and deeper in pitch the more it echoed back to him
Blight shook, suddenly feeling very stiff, and heavy, almost as if he were carrying something on his back, "please...."
The echo stopped the moment his small plea entered the air, or what he could only describe as air. Whatever was surrounding him, and entering his lungs as he breathed it in, was far thicker, and much heavier than the air he'd consumed in life. It.... Wriggled inside of him, like a bunch of bees buzzing in their hive, particularly in his throat and hands
The assassin ran! "HEEEEEY!" He yelled, "DEMON!!!!!! GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!!!"
He got no response, completely ignored by his tormenter, but that's when Blight slid to a stop. He looked around, but was met with nothing but silence...... That.... Wasn't right..... When he'd first called out, he'd received an echo..... One he'd begged to stop, but now.... It didn't echo back..... "H-hello?"
Nothing.... But his shuddering breaths.... Could be heard.....
For some reason, that terrified the man! That's when he heard it..... A scratching sound, like something metal being dragged on the ground..... It grew closer, and closer to him, and made him run away once again!
"PLEASE!" He yelled, "PLEASE LET ME THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!!!!!!"
He received no reply, and the 'air' only grew thicker and thicker as he continued to run away from whatever was chasing him! Eventually, he ran out of breath, falling to the floor and panting as his lungs searched for the air they so desperately craved, but it felt like he couldn't get enough in him as he continued to pant
He suddenly heard the scratching again, and it was growing closer, and closer to him! He felt the air actually lighten as it came closer, and wondered if maybe this thing was trying to help him, if the demon had tricked him with scary noises and ambiance in order to keep him away from the only thing that seemed to be safe in this dark abyss. So he waited, the air growing lighter and lighter as he did, he smirked, 'damn demon thinks he can fool me? HA! Think again!' He thought to himself, before he noticed a shape in the distance, he called out to it, "hey! Can you help me out?! I got trapped here by some damn demon!"
Who knows, if he played his cards right, maybe he could be in cahoots with the demon, he was a good sweet talker, far better than that damn con man ever could be any way. He heard the scratching sound stop and was snapped out of his thoughts when something warm touched his skin. He blinked a few times before he looked at the thing, "oh finally, you caught up to m-AAAAAAHAAHAAAAAA!" He screamed before falling backwards on his back with a thud
Standing before him was the Dark King he'd killed, but the man's eyes were blacked out, empty eye sockets were all that remained of the brown eyes he'd originally had. His skin was far paler than normal, purple veins showed through his skin, as foam dripped from the man's mouth, the foam looked familiar for some reason..... He stared at the assassin, for a moment, all that could be heard was his breathing, until the Dark King reached out his right hand and offered something to the man
"WHAT THE FUCKING HELL?!" The murderer exclaimed, before he calmed himself down, "easy, this.... Could be another trick...." He stood up, and looked at what the Dark King was holding, before he felt a chill down his spine
It was the same poisoned dagger Blight had used to kill Edmund.... That's why the foam looked familiar, it was the poison!
"Shit! Uh.... N-no thanks, I'm good! I just wanna get out of here please"
Despite his terrifying demeanor, the Dark King standing before Blight genuinely looked sad about him not accepting his gift. He dropped the dagger on the ground, somehow, the blade broke, and blood seeped out of it like it'd been wounded. Blight looked at the Dark King again, as he reached out his right hand again, offering it to the man to take
"Do you.... Want me to follow you?" Blight asked, he received no response, "o-ok"
The assassin took the Dark King's hand, but instead of them walking through the void, the murderer suddenly heard millions and millions of screams BURST through his mind!!!!! They burned and tore at his sanity! He ripped his hand away from the Dark King, and it'd only been a few seconds, but it'd felt like hours to the assassin!
"WHAT THE HELL?! Who were they?!"
The Dark King pointed to Blight
"Me?"
A shake of the head made the assassin's blood turn ice cold
".....Were they..... My.... Victims?"
A nod confirmed his fears
"Why the hell do you have their screams?! What are you?!"
The Dark King looked at Blight again, before pointing to his arms and legs
"What? What do you want me to see?!"
The Dark King just pointed
"Can't you just fucking talk?!"
This seemed to make the man paused before he opened his mouth, and foam came bubbling out, a gurgling sound, mixed with the King's own mangled scream could be heard
"GAH!!!! OK OK! STOP IT!!!! STOP!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!"
The Dark King closed his mouth, the foam still dripping, before he pointed to the assassin's arms and legs again
Blight shuddered before he looked at his limbs, only to notice something wrapped around them that he'd never seen before, "huh?" He noticed they were chains, small ones connecting to his wrists and ankles, but they grew bigger in size as he followed them and found himself staring at the void
He looked back at the Dark King, "GAH!!!!" The man jumped back as the foaming man was mere 'centimeters' from his face, "don't do that!"
The Dark King cocked his head to the side, looking genuinely confused, it was a very odd thing to see
That's when the assassin noticed the Dark King was holding something in his left hand, "what do you have?"
The Dark King seemed anxious, as he tried to hide it behind his back and shake his head
"Give it to me!"
The Dark King backed up
Blight growled before pouncing on him! Kicking and fighting with the Dark King before he finally got ahold of the thing he'd been hiding! It was a key that was dimly glowing with bright blue light, anytime he moved the key, the glow either brightened, or dimmed depending on the direction he held it in
"AHA!!!!! I'll bet this is the key to let me out!!!!!" He exclaimed happily
"GRLRKLRLGKLRRK!" He heard from behind him, and saw the Dark King has his mouth slightly open, and was trying to say something, reaching out his left hand to the man
"Heh, no fucking way I'm giving this back to you! Trying to hide this from me! I'm getting out of here NOW!!!!!"
He ran away from the murdered man, the key beginning to glow brighter as he did!
"YES!!!!! Take me to my freedom!!!!" He exclaimed, before the scratching sound began to follow him, but this time at a MUCH faster pace
Blight looked back and yelped when he saw the Dark King catching up to him QUICK!!!!! Empty sockets now creased in a glower, body moving with the rage of a rhino
"HOLY SHIT!!!!! FUCK NO!!!!!" Blight looked around and grinned when he saw small pebbles on the ground, scooping them up, he began to throw them at the Dark King in an attempt to slow him down
But with a look back, his eyes widened as, every time he threw a rock, the Dark King would gracefully dance around it, the movement seemed familiar to the assassin somehow, a small twang of irritation growing in his gut as a flash of white hair grazed his vision
"Ugh.... So that's where she learned it from....." Even though it didn't seem to be working, the murderer continued to throw rocks and pebbles at the foaming man, all of them being dodged one after the other
Everything changed however when Blight noticed the key was growing extremely bright! He slid to a halt and looked around, only to see the Moon shining above him, though she looked different somehow, two stripes of bright blue shimmered on her surface, as a green star twinkled beside her
"Huh..... Odd", Blight shrugged it off until he noticed a gigantic door! It was made of metal, from the looks of it, it seemed to be covered in chains, a sign in front of it read, 'positively do NOT open!'
The murderer snorted, amused at the thought of the Dark King writing it to keep him out. Thinking of him, Blight turned around, only to freeze when he saw the foaming man watching him. The glower still prominent on his face, but it didn't seem like he was moving
"Finally give up didja?"
The Dark King didn't move, didn't speak, didn't say anything, just pointed to the door and shook his head
"Don't want me to go through?"
Another shake of the head
"Too fuckin bad! I'm gonna get out, and get that demon to leave me the fuck alone!!!!!"
The Dark King opened his mouth slightly again, "GRRLRLRK! GGRRRLGELEKRK!" He tried, almost desperately now
"Fuck you!" Blight spat, startling the foaming man before he turned away and ran towards the door, he grinned as he put the key inside the lock, sparing one final glance at the Dark King, only to see was gone
The spot he'd been standing in now empty, nothing but a pool of blood was left behind
"Tch", Blight looked back at the door, but right as he was about to turn the key, he noticed the chain on his wrist again, raising a brow, he followed the link and saw that it when inside the door. He looked at his other chains, and saw the same thing, "huh..... Maybe I need to break them?" He asked no one in particular, before shrugging and turning the key
He heard a clicking sound, and suddenly, the light of the key turned red..... Startled, Blight looked up at the Moon, the green star was gone, as were the two blue stripes, instead all that was left behind was the Moon, now red as well....
Blight shivered before he opened the door and stepped inside, "GAH! UGH!!!!!" He covered his nose with his arm, "what the hell is that smell?!"
He looked around and found himself in a cave of sorts, though there were stone stairs leading up. He walked over to them, and climbed, only to be met with a familiar sight!
"Nedzerdnia?" He asked, "how in the hell did I get here?!"
'SLAM!"
"Huh?!" Turning around, he saw the door had slammed shut behind him! "Woah..... I wasn't gonna go back, but damn"
He looked back at his hometown, looking around the familiar streets, before he noticed the Moon had followed him.... Still red....
"Ugh! That smells getting worse!" He exclaimed, "what is-!" His eyes widened when he turned and finally found the source
It was.... Him..... Piles and piles of him.... Torn up.... Shredded..... Some were even decapitated..... He stared at the display, before he noticed a small buddle of blood
Walking over to it, it seemed familiar somehow.... That's when the Dark King flash in his mind, "holy shit..... Same splatter..... Is he here?!" He looked around, "HEY!!!! Where are you?! DID YOU FUCKING DO THIS?!"
He hadn't noticed that he stepped on the blood, until he felt something warm against him back..... He looked down and saw his shoes were covered in the puddle
"Ew! Clean up your mess you crazy ass D-AAH!" He turned around, expecting the Dark King to be standing there, instead, he was met with two..... Angry..... Crimson red eyes..... A body covered in black fur.... Muzzle long, with sharp teeth sticking out.......
"No....."
The creature growled dangerously, the familiar sound making the murderer's entire body shake
"N-no this can't be....."
The pointed ears of the beast were laced back, claws sharper than anything the assassin had ever seen......
"YOU CAN'T BE HERE!!!! YOU'RE STILL FUCKING ALIVE!!!!!!"
"ROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"NO!!!!!!" Blight tried to run, but he was stuck in place! The blood he'd stepped in now turned pink and jelly-like! He tried to wiggle free, tried to run, but fell on his face as the creature loomed over him, "QUIRIN!!!!! QUIRIN CAN YOU HEAR ME?!?!?!?!" He yelled
At the mention of the name, the beast waited, wanting to hear what the man had to say
"Y-You CAN hear me then!!!!! Good!!!! Listen! Y-You don't have to do this! Y-you don't have to hurt me!!!! Y-you're better than this!!!! You-you-you-!"
The beast growled, ears lacing back
"PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!!!!!" He begged
The creature huffed, his breath hotter than fire, it burned the man's skin, making him turn away, only to see the Dark King standing a few feet away, he was holding a vial
"YOU!!!! CALL THIS THING OFF ME!!!!!!" Blight begged
The Dark King gave the man a sad look, before he stared at the beast, he walked over, and reached out a hand..... But it faded right through the creature..... He couldn't touch him.....
Blight felt his heart drop in realization as to why he was trapped, "I..... Took you away from him..... From all of them....." He said, all the signs he'd ignored finally coming back, "you raged like that tamer's rhino, you dodged my rocks and pebbles like Adira dodges blows...... The Moon with the two blue stripes is Varian.... His little green star is Hugo..... and this....." He looked at the creature glaring 'daggers' at him, "is Quirin..... You can't touch them, can't be with them..... Because you're dead.... I killed you....." He looked up at the foaming man, who nodded, "I....." Blight shook, he knew he couldn't escape, before noticing the vial, "is that.... A way out?"
The Dark King offered the vial to him, the assassin took it, opening the beaker, and pouring it on the concoction keeping him stuck to the floor, it dissolved in an instant, and he stood up
The creature growled as the Dark King cocked his head to the side
"I..... I'm......" The man glared, "fucking tired of this!!!!!" He pushed past the foaming man, and ran!
As he did, he felt his body slow down, his sprint turning into a snail's pace, before he was pulled back, as if something was weighing him down! He looked around, "what?! Why is this happening?!"
He felt his wrists and ankles being pulled, and looked back to see the creature had stamped their paw down on them and was pulling him back!
"NO!!!!! NONONONONONO!!!!!!! STOP!!!! STOOOOOP!!!!!" Blight tried to fight it, tried to break the chains, but everything he tried, failed. He scratched at the ground, his nails digging into the dirt as he did, as he was drawn closer and closer towards the creature! He looked up, and saw the Dark King again. But he was glowering now, a look of utter disgust and anger now plastered on his face
"I DON'T DESERVE THIS!!!!! YOU'VE GOTTA HELP ME!!!!!"
The Dark King showed him the empty vial, and the broken poisoned dagger, making Blight realize that he'd tried! But the man never accepted!
"Try one more time!!!! I'll mean it this time!!!!!" He begged
The Dark King's eye sockets narrowed
"PLEASE!!!!!" He was inching closer and closer to the creature, "are you really gonna let your son become a killer?!"
This made the foaming man wince, before he looked at the creature..... His frown deepened
Blight was nearly to the beast's feet, "he'll be exactly the opposite of what you want him to be if he kills me!!!!!!"
Suddenly the Moon shined brightly, the red hue disappearing into blue, the stripes now present, the green star by the Moon's side, as Blight's chain was pulled, and he was forced to face the beast one final time! Then stopped when he saw Quirin glaring at him, Adira and Hector beside him, "for King Edmund", all three said before the retired knight pulled out his sword, his sister and brother grabbing hold of it, and raising it into the air
Blight looked back at the Dark King, and gasped, "hello", he said, his eyes were back, foam gone, veins and skin normal, the only difference is, he was a little transparent
"I..... Hello?"
Edmund chuckled, "surprised to see me?"
"Um.... Y-yeah.... L-like that anyway....."
The Dark Kingdom shook his head before he walked over, and glanced at his children, who were frozen in their stance, the sword right above Blight's heart, "my children....." He said softly, "my poor children....." He looked down at the assassin, who was still shocked to see him, "you are the reason they're miserable right now.... And the reason I'm currently dead"
"I.... Yeah.... I-I am"
"Well it's good you can admit it", Edmund stated, "do you know why I'm here?"
".....No?"
"Because the Moon told me what Mr. Beetlejuice was doing to you....."
"I.... Are you here to stop it?"
"Oh ho ho, I wish! But I can't..... See, you're now his, the Moon gave your punishment to him, he's in charge of how you pay for your crimes"
Blight glared, "so this is just me paying for what I did?! This is overkill!!!!!"
"Actually, it's really not", Edmund stated, "sure he made it very very spooky, and seeing myself the way you see me here is definitely a frightening experience indeed! But believe it or not, he's giving you a chance"
"Chance?"
"Yes, you put pieces together earlier, about how my decayed version represented Adira and Hector as well as me, and that the creature represented Quirin, the Moon my little Peanut, and the green star my butter nut, which is adorable!" He giggled, "but you haven't put the pieces together on how to actually get out of here yet, and they're very visible to you, pretty obvious actually"
"What are you talking about?!"
Edmund gave a patient smile, "think about it, about what my darker version showed you, believe it or not, he was giving you a hint"
"Wha-!"
"Think"
So Blight did, he thought about the broken dagger, and the screams of his victims, that'd been what the foaming man had shown, "my victims, and the dagger I used to kill you....."
"On the right track"
".....Ugh..... He's gonna have me fuckin repent?!"
"Ding ding!"
"What the hell!"
"Believe it or not, he's being extremely fair here", Edmund became stern, "you have to understand that what you did to me, and all those people you've killed, was not okay, and you have to feel shame for their deaths! You started to earlier, though you brushed it off the moment you were free, which is why you got my peanut's dissolvent vial before, you were so close! But..... Well.... You ended up choosing wrong....." Edmund looked up at the blade, "so this is going to be your fate, but you'll get to try again!"
"Wait.... WHAT?!"
"Didn't you see the massive piles of your own dead body at the end of your chains?"
"I.... T-that was actually me?! Like, other versions of me who failed?!"
"Yes, and if you keep going like this, there'll be plenty more joining them"
"....Why are you helping me?"
Edmund blinked, "do I need a reason?"
"In this case, yes"
Edmund sighed, "because I believe everyone should have a fair chance, you have no clue how to get out of here because you get too scared to look around! So I'm giving you a hint so you can begin to change"
"Begin?"
"Well yeah, my death isn't the only one you'll have to repent for, you've got hundreds of others you need to revisit!"
That made Blight sweat, "h-hundreds?"
"Yup! All with their very own version of.... Well this", he gestured to the void around them, "just solve the puzzle, and repent, genuinely, then you'll move on to the next, then the next, and soon enough, you'll be done! Then Beetlejuice will get to decide your fate!"
"So.... I'm fighting for an unknown fate...."
"Yes, but if you genuinely repent, then Mr. Beetlejuice will be kind I'm sure. He's not evil you know, he's just a demon", Edmund said with a shrug, "they like to play games"
".....You're odd....."
"Ho ho! True, very true!" Edmund chuckled, "but at least you know now, right?" He asked with a grin, "better than shooting in the dark"
".....Why are you being so kind? I killed you.... In cold blood!" He looked at the trio who were about to stab him, "they killed me to avenge you!"
"Yes, but did you noticed the 'way' in which they did so?" Edmund asked, "by calming Quirin first, getting him to come back to them, then stabbing your heart together, for me. They did it out of obligation, kindness, and mercy, not anger"
"They still killed me because I killed you!"
"A life for a life, it's the Dark Kingdom way"
".....You didn't answer my first question...."
Edmund cocked his head to the side, "do I really need a reason to be kind? I saw you suffering and wanted to help, nothing more, nothing less"
"But why?! I killed you!"
"Yes, and then my children killed you!" Edmund stated, "after suffering substantial injuries from my knight", he added, "as far as I'm concerned, you've atoned for my death"
"How?!"
".....The Dark Kingdom way", Edmund said, "a life for a life, you killed me, and then were killed in my name. You made me suffer, so Quirin made you suffer. You killed me in front of my family, so my children killed you while you were alone", he stated, "there's honor in death, if you do something bad, then suffer equal consequences, then that debt is repaid, and the Moon is the judge of you, which is why you weren't given to me to be punished"
"So why am I suffering with your demon friend?"
".....Because he's angry....." Edmund said sadly, "and he's hurt, and frustrated, and lonely, and sad.... Plus there were many deaths, other than mine, that you should repent for. He's just making you start here because he's grieving my passing"
".....Oh....."
"Yeah, oh", Edmund chuckled
"So.... You've already forgiven me?"
"Well I wouldn't say that", Edmund looked up to the Moon, "you've paid your debt to me by death, but you are still not a good person. I can accept your passing as equal to mine by means of suffering and penance, but I cannot accept the things you've done, and how you've made my children, and grandchildren, suffer", he stated before looking at Blight, "that's something I feel you should make up for at a later date, because my family did not deserve what you did to them..... So now, for now, I cannot forgive you.... But", he smiled, "I'll help you, just a little, because it's the right thing to do"
Blight stared up at this man, he'd heard stories of the Dark King, Edmund Esmeray. He knew of his many battles and experiences, he knew he was a man revered and highly respected, he knew he was the reason why the Dark Kingdom fell, and also why it came back to life..... But he had no idea the King was this kind..... If he had..... "I never would've killed you.... Had I known this was who you are....."
Edmund blinked, confused at that, "there are plenty of people out there who are like me you know"
"No.... there really aren't......"
The Dark King smiled a little at that, "heh, I'll take that as a compliment"
"....Why'd everything change when you got here?"
"Hm"
"The Moon was blood red, Quirin was a werewolf, the stripes on the Moon and the green star were gone, why'd that change?"
Edmund blinked before he looked around, "I don't know..... How very strange", the man said, as Blight noticed a glow surround the Dark King, "I wonder if it's because of my connection to the Moon?"
Blight shook his head, Edmund clearly didn't see it, but he did, and he sighed, "I figured it out"
"Hm?"
"It's you", he stated, "the demon said you were the kindest man in the world, and I guess he wasn't wrong", he stated
Edmund blushed, "well I wouldn't say I'm the 'kindest', you should talk to my peanut, he'd give me a run for my money when it comes to kindness! So would my daughter in law, actually, ho ho!" His eyes then lit up, "oh! Speaking of! I've got two new little grandpeanuts I need to go visit!!!!!! A girl and a boy!!!! Oh I can't wait to see them!!!!!!" He looked at Blight sympathetically, "this is where you'll have to suffer again, sorry"
"It's....." The assassin took a breath, "it's fine..... Thank you.... For helping me, and..... I'm sorry....."
Edmund smiled and nodded, before he disappeared, his light faded, and everything turned back, the Moon was blood red, the stripes and star were gone, the creature was back, but this time, the assassin embraced his fate, as he was swallowed whole, and crunched up, blooded pooling out from the beast's mouth, into a little puddle on the ground, as the door the assassin entered opened wide, and someone spoke, ""Nedzerdnia? How in the hell did I get here?!"*
****
"Eheh, um.... Gotta go!" Beetlejuice tried, but was stopped by the third wall he'd damaged in the last chapter
Guess who's back ya sneaky demon?
"Hey! I wrote two damn chapters for you!"
WHILE I WAS TIED UP AND FORCED TO WATCH 'HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER' ON LOOP!
"You like that show!!!!!!"
I prefer 'Friends' as my sit-com of choice, first off, and second, that's not an excuse ya turd!
"Fiiiiiine! I'm sorry!!!!!"
Nope, not good enough, you're grounded to your book for a week!
"WHAT?! HEY!!!!" He was sucked into his book and it closed as Luigi walked over from off screen, picked it up, and walked off while waving to you
Thank you Weegie! Now then, back to the new additions to the family!
****
The group gathered back up in the hall outside the infirmary door, everyone equally giddy, before they were allowed entry into the room. It'd been one full day since the princess had given birth, Dr. Lorenzo wanted to be sure that she, and the babies, were fully okay before allowing visitors, the two newborns were in a small area, protected by glass, and sterilized to keep them clean, Rapunzel grinned tiredly when everyone greeted, and congratulated, her and Eugene, who was the only one allowed inside, save for the doctor and nurse. They gawked and cooed at the two new members of the family, "they're so beautiful!" Hugo said excitedly
"They really are, just look at them glow!" Arianna added
"Look at that adorable peach fuzz on their heads! Awwww!" Lance exclaimed
"I may explode! They're so darn cute!" Varian stated happily, eyes shining bright, before he noticed the female had a small glow around her, "huh.... Punzel, does your hair still glow?"
"Yeah, watch", the princess closed her eyes and got her hair to glow bright before it dimmed, she looked at the teen, "why?"
"....I think I know which one takes after you"
The princess blinked before her eyes widened with realization, "oh"
"Yeah, we're gonna have to watch that, er.... Her, actually"
Rapunzel smiled and nodded, "thanks for the warning"
"Always"
Quirin grinned, tearing up a little as he stared at the two babies, "uh oh, here come the Quirin waterworks", Hector teased
"Shush! I'm allowed waterworks!" The retired knight exclaimed as he sniffled a little, getting Adira to chuckle while Varian and Hugo hugged their dad
"So, what names did you two end up choosin?" Lance asked, "may I suggest Lance?"
Eugene snorted, "nice try bud, but no"
"We already have their names", Rapunzel said gently"
"Figured, I'm cool with that, what are they?"
The couple looked at each other, before the princess replied, "our girl, is Dawn Arianna Esmeray", that made the Corona Queen gasped, before her eyes filled with tears and she smiled wide, "and our boy, is Raymond-!"
"Ray for short", Eugene stated, getting Rapunzel to giggle
"Raymond Edmund Esmeray, in honor of the man who saved their lives, and mine"
Adira, Hector, and Quirin stared at the couple, before the tamer looked at the baby, and smiled, a few tears in his eyes now too, "thank you...."
Adira looked down, but could be seen smiling and tearing up as well, while Quirin sniffled and walked over, hugging to two, "they're perfect!"
Varian wiggled with joy as Ruddigar and Pascal cheered and Hamuel CAW'd, "I'm gonna teach them alchemy, I wanna teach them alchemy, PLEASE let me teach them alchemy!!!!!!!"
"You just couldn't wait to ask, could ya Freckles", Hugo teased, before adding, "inventing would be fun to teach though too"
"Um, hey, combat first", Hector stated, "Ray's gonna have an older sister, believe me, he'll need a way to let off steam", Adira elbowed his side, getting him to snicker
"I'd like to help them learn how to cook sometime", Lance stated, "they could learn with Cat and Angry!"
"I believe they'll need to learn how to communicate first", Adira stated, getting the entire room to laugh
Quirin shook his head as he looked at the duo, "they're gonna be so loved in this family"
The new parents smiled, "that's all we hope for", Rapunzel said
"You'll get it, trust me, and... If you need a hand, let me know, I think I'm the only one here with personal experience"
"Thanks Quirin"
"Anytime"
Notes:
Hello! :D
I’m back!!!!! Beetlejuice is a little sneaky demon who snuck into my room and tied me up! Brat nugget…..
Either way, I’m back, and got to finally reveal the baby names!!!!! Thank you all so much for your suggestions!!!!! I loved them all so much!!!!!
Of course I was gonna honor the Edmund and Arianna, two of the best parents ever!!!!!
LionRoar74 gave me the inspiration to, both honor thy grandpa, and also use names that represents the Sun 🎶 I thought it was a good idea, so thank you!
But everyone who suggested a name for me to use, thank you so so so so SOOOOOO much!!!!! I really loved all the names you suggested!!!!!! (Side note: someone suggest Dawn a while ago, but for the life of me, I cannot find your comment! If you could please tell me you did, I’ll place your name in this notes tab too! So you can be credited for such a wonderful name! 😊🎶)
As for Blight, he’s never gonna be redeemed to me, or in this story, because I don’t like him, but Edmund is the kind of man who would be kind just because. If he sees someone suffering, even someone bad, he’ll help them, hence why he did what he did
Also, it was a loop, I don’t know if I made the clear in the story, but Blight was caught in an endless cycle of death, and will be, until he repents for every single murder he committed!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 683: Worry Wart!
Summary:
Rapunzel notices something’s off with Eugene!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
You make me happy when skies are gray,
You'll never know dear, how much I love you,
Please don't take my sunshine away”
Rapunzel rocked the tiny baby in her arms, smiling lovingly as Eugene took the next verse, holding their son:
“The other night dear, as I lay sleeping,
I dreamt I held you in my arms,
And now that you're here, my dreams are waking,
And I will keep you from all harm”
Eugene walked over to the princess as they continued to sing, this time, together:
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
You make me happy when skies are gray,
You'll never know dear, how much I love you,
But, please don't take my sunshine away!
I'll always love you, and make you happy,
I'll pick you up when, when you've fallen down,
You turn the sky blue when it is raining,
You always keep the sunshine around!”
The twins cooed sleepily as Eugene took Dawn from Rapunzel, holding both children, one in each arm as they finished singing to the sleepy babies:
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
You make me happy when skies are gray,
You'll never know dear, how much I love you,
Please don’t take my sunshine away!”
Both new parents smile as the Dark Prince gently places his kids in the doctor’s hands, “you two did wonderfully”, Dr. Lorenzo stated, before he walked into a separate room, one they could see through the glass window nearby, and set the twins in two cribs, beside each other, their names painted in gold right above their heads before he turned off the light and walked back to the infirmary room, smiling at the duo, “not many parents already have lullaby ready”
“Me and Eugene talked a lot about it”, the Princess said with a tired smile
“So I can see, you’ll make wonderful parents!”
“We sure hope so”, Eugene replied, trying to hide the nervous quiver in his throat
Dr. Lorenzo didnt seem to notice, but Rapunzel gave her husband a worried look as the medical professional spoke up, “I see you two have been gifted many things by the dignitaries in the other room”
“Yeah”, Eugene said, as he looked at the literal *pile* of presents that nearly touched the ceiling, “most of it’s for the babies, not that I mind that much”
“They’ll definitely be spoiled for sure”, Rapunzel giggled, but still watched the Dark Prince cautiously
“With great reason to be, these are the first royal babies since…. Well…. You Princess”, the Nurse, who’d just re-entered the room, replied, “and…. You were kidnapped for 18 years!”
“Yeah I uh….. I remember”
“Oop, sorry”
“It’s alright, you’re not wrong”
“Still, that was rude of me, my apologies”
“It’s okay, no harm done”
The nurse blushed and quickly began to work on something, “don’t mind her, she’s just very excited”, Dr. Lorenzo stated gently, getting the duo to nod, “either way, you seem to be doing alright princess, a week’s rest, without incident, will convince me that your health is secure, as of this moment however, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask your majesty Eugene to leave for the night”
“Right, right, I’m-a-goin”, the Dark Prince turned and hugged Rapunzel, “I love you Blondie, and I’ll be back tomorrow morning”
“I love you too Eugene”, the princess said, “be sure to get some sleep, okay?”
“I will”, Eugene replied before pulling away and kissing his princess. He then left out the door with the doctor and nurse
Rapunzel sighed, before she thought about her husband, how worried he looked, how nervous his voice was, and it made her mind grow more and more anxious as he hair began to glow brighter and brighter. She didn’t notice until it floated around her, lighting up the whole room, “ah!” She yelped, before something poofed into the room, she covered her eyes, too weak to do much else, until a pair of familiar gloves gently touched her wrists, she lowered her palms and was face to face with a freckled faced, confused, alchemist, “V-Varian?!”
“Hello, you uh….. summoned me again”, the teen stated as he looked at the hair flowing around the two of them, “are you okay? Why’s your hair glowing?”
“Oh! I…. Um….. I-I don’t know….” Rapunzel’s said
Varian gently touched her face, “Punzel, your powers are connected to your emotions, like mine, they changed when they came back to you, so please tell me”, the teen smiled gently at her, setting her anxiety at ease when she looked into his eyes, “what’s wrong?”
The princess let out a sigh, “Eugene was…. Worried about something… I could tell….. But he wouldn’t talk about it….. I’m worried it might have something to do with me, or the twins…. I dunno….”
“Hmmm….. Would you like me to ask?”
“I….. wouldn’t wanna trouble you-!”
“Punzel, he’s my uncle/big brother/used-to-be-and-still-kinda-is-but-I-would-never-act-upon-it crush! It wouldn’t be any trouble at all for me to walk over and simply ask him how he is”, Varian reassured, “but, again, don’t want me to? Or would you prefer I let him tell you when he’s ready?”
The princess thought about that, before she let out a sigh, and nodded, “maybe don’t….. ask him about what he’s worried about, but could you at least check to see if he’s okay?”
The alchemist nodded, “absolutely! You just rest here, and I’ll check on him quicker than dad at a pumpkin seed shop!”
“Hee hee, does Quirin move quickly at a pumpkin seed shop?” The princess ask with a giggle
“Are you kidding? The man moves faster when he’s at *any* seed shop, but *pumpkin* seeds little make him faster than the speed of sight! I’m not exaggerating, he *teleports* when he sees them, Hugo and I are *still* debating how that happens”
Raounzel laughed as she thought about the usually calm and reserved Village Leader running like crazy towards a tiny seed stand, eyes glowing with determination as they locked onto the pumpkin seeds, which were glowing and had a choir singing behind them melodically, the image made her relax, “thank you Varian, I really needed that”
The freckled teen smiled, “anytime”
****
“Hey moody”, Eugene sighed as he turned to see the blond inventor smirking at him with a raised brow, “what’s with the sour face? You good? Being a new father stressing you out already?” Hugo gently teased as he hobbled over to the Dark Prince, still injured pretty badly from Blight’s attack
“Hugo, I’m really not in the mood for any comments today”, Eugene said, his voice showing he meant business
“Brr, that cold chill coming from you, or an open window?! Geez!” The inventor stated, giving a mock shudder as he did
“Hugo!”
“Easy easy, alright, my bad, I just noticed you seemed kinda down is all”
Eugene huffed, before sighing, “just…. I’m fine, okay?”
“Convincing….” Eugene felt his blood boil a little and walked away from the blond, only for a gentle hand to stop him when it was placed on his shoulder, “sorry”, Hugo said, “I’m a little thrown off today because of my injuries is all, just….. Whatever’s going on with you….. Don’t keep it to yourself, alright? Trust me I know what that does to a person……”
The Coronan guard leader was quiet, before he nodded, “thanks”, he said, before he walked away
Hugo watched the man go, “damn it….” He said, his guilt swarming in his stomach, “why did I do that?”
“Do what?”
“AH!” The blond jumped into the air, before someone caught him, when he looked, blue eyes met green, “F-Freckles!”
“Hi Heckles!” Varian replied happily, “what’s up?”
“Oh! I um…..” Hugo sighed, “I may have pissed off Eugene just a touch…..”
“Hm? What happened?” The alchemist walked over and gently set Hugo down on a nearby couch before sitting next to him
“Well….” The blond explained what’d just occurred
“Oh dear”
“Yeah…..”
“Why’d you tease him so much love?”
“I…. Usually tease him whenever he gets mad! He laughs, feels better, then we’re good! But I didn’t really read the signs this time”, Hugo admitted, “and ended up teasing a little too much…..”
“Huh, that’s odd, you’re better than I am at reading people, any reason you couldn’t today?”
“I’m not sure….. I know my leg’s been acting real fucking funky ever since Blight sliced it the way he did….And it’s kinda hurting pretty badly today…. I think it’s throwing me off….”
“I see….. Hugo, maybe you should go see Dr. Lorenzo, he’s really nice, and I think it would benefit you, especially if you’re leg hurts that much”
“Maybe…. But what about Eugene? I feel really bad for pissing him off like I did….”
“I’ll talk to him”
“Uh….. Freckles-!”
“It’s okay, I’ll be fine, Rapunzel actually asked me to, since he seemed pretty anxious when he was with her and their babies earlier, that’s actually what I was doing when I saw you!”
“Oh…. If you’re sure….” Hugo sighed, “um, he went towards Edmund’s room”, the blond pointed out
“Oh! Thank you! That helps a lot!”
“Mm-hm”, Hugo stood up, wincing a little as he did before Varian helped him. Then he looked at his fiancé, “thanks”
“You’re welcome!”
Just as Varian went to walk away, “a-are you mad at me?” He turned back around and saw the green eyed teen watching him worriedly
The alchemist just smiled, “not at all”, he replied, “it was a mistake, but not one you did on purpose, and once I talk to Eugene, I’m sure he’ll agree”
“….You swear you’re not mad?”
“I swear”, Varian replied with a giggle, before he walked over and kissed Hugo’s lip, getting the blond to blush, before adding, “now you get your sexy ass to Dr. Lorenzo, before I carry you there”
Hugo blushed, before grinned, “been looking then?”
“Perhaps, but we shall discuss that later”
“I’ll save the date, see ya then”
Varian giggled as Hugo wobbled away, he was still a little unsteady, but from that conversation alone, the alchemist could tell his inventor felt a little bit better, he smiled, before he turned and ran off to find Eugene!
Notes:
Hello! :D
Sorry about not posting for a little bit, had a bit of a crisis that I was dealing with, everything’s fine now, thank goodness, but that’s why I ended up not able to post
Either way, here’s a chapter about Eugene being a worry wart, and Varian going to comfort him!
Hugo’s just being a goober and made a slight mistake, he’s…. In a lot of pain right now, you’ll all find out why later
I hope you all enjoy! Thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 684: Team Awesome Talk!
Summary:
Eugene and Varian talk!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“….You swear you’re not mad?”
“I swear”, Varian replied with a giggle, before he walked over and kissed Hugo’s lip, getting the blond to blush, before adding, “now you get your sexy ass to Dr. Lorenzo, before I carry you there”
Hugo blushed, before grinned, “been looking then?”
“Perhaps, but we shall discuss that later”
“I’ll save the date, see ya then”
Varian giggled as Hugo wobbled away, he was still a little unsteady, but from that conversation alone, the alchemist could tell his inventor felt a little bit better, he smiled, before he turned and ran off to find Eugene!
****
The alchemist ran down the hallway, he had a feeling he knew where his big brother had gone, and when he approached the door, he paused, placing an ear to it. He heard nothing at first, but then, Hamuel’s CAW reached his ear, and he grinned before gently knocking on the door
A sigh came shortly after the four knocks he’d given the wooden entrance, before Eugene’s voice called out, “Hugo, if that’s you wondering if I’m mad, I’m not! But I wanna be left alone right now please!”
Varian smiled, “well I’m certain he’ll be more than happy to hear that! But I’m afraid I’m unable to leave until I speak with you Eugene”
There was a slight pause, before footsteps were heard and the alchemist backed up as the door swung open, standing in the doorway was the Dark Prince himself. He looked a little messier than normal, and his eyes weren’t as gentle as before, Varian made a mental note of that, but otherwise, the man looked to be doing alright, “Varian? Did Hugo send you?”
“No, though I did run into him on my way to find you. He told me what happened, and he feels pretty bad about it, so I’m glad you’re not mad at him”
Eugene nodded, “why would I be? Any other day, his teasing would’ve gotten me to laugh”
“Today just happens to be different then?”
The Dark Prince froze before he sighed, “listen kid, I’m sorry, but I really wanna be on my own right now”
“Well…. See I would love to, but I kinda can’t, I was sent here to try and see if you were okay”
“By who?”
“Your wife”
“Oh…..”
“Yeah”
Eugene let out another sigh, before he blushed, “damn it, I was hoping she wouldn’t notice….”
“Not to be rude, but I do believe you’ve forgotten you’re a-talking about”
The man snorted, “fair point”, he chuckled as Hamuel smiled while sitting on his shoulder
“So…. Are you?”
“Am I…..?”
“Okay?”
“Oh….. no”
“I see…. Would you…. Like to talk about it?”
The Dark Prince sighed, before he looked at the teen. He seemed to be debating with himself, before he nodded, “ok…. Maybe you’re actually who I need to talk to anyway….”
Varian saw the door open just a touch wider, and smiled, “I’ll do my best”, he said, before walking inside as Eugene closed the door. They sat on the bed, Varian giggling when he saw the ceiling carpet and paintings, “hee hee, I miss you grandpa!” He stated lovingly, before stopping and covering his mouth, “sorry”
“It’s alright, he’s your family too, you can miss him”
“I…. Wasn’t sure if that was the reason you were so upset though…..”
“Oh… no, I’m…. Handling my feelings about Edmund’s passing…. Hamuel’s helping a lot actually”, he stated, getting the old crow to let out a mighty CAW of pride
Varian smiled, subconsciously letting Ruddigar, who was on his shoulder, “I’m glad you’re keeping him”, he said, “do you think you’ll take Domino too?”
“Well…. I don’t know, I have Max after all”
“True”
“I don’t plan on leaving her though! I just…. Need to find someone who needs her”
“What do you mean?”
“Well…. For the longest time, dad didn’t have a left arm, he told me she’d been specially trained to be a horse that helped people with physical disabilities to ride her! She’s very smooth, and extremely gentle! When he’d gotten his arm back, dad told me he was thinking about maybe loaning Domino out to those who might need her, but then thought better of it when he realized that she’d be miserable with anyone other than him….. now that he’s gone…. I’m certain he’d prefer for her to go to someone with a physical disability, to help them, someone he trusts, I’m just not sure who….. nor if Domino would even want that”
“Is that what’s been troubling you?” Varian asked
“Partially….. it’s not the main reason”
“Do you mind if I ask what is?”
“No I don’t mind, it’s….. well…..” he sighed before looking at the alchemist, “Varian, I know you’re not a kid anymore, but…. You’re the only expert I know about this sort of thing…. What do you look for in a dad?”
“Huh?!” The teen was a little taken aback by that, before he recovered and spoke, “u-um…. Well…. I…. Is Quirin Vanguard a good answer?”
Surprisingly, that’d made the Dark Prince laugh, “I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything else! Ha ha! Yes, that’s a good answer, but I don’t think I can exactly transform into a Quirin Vanguard”, he stated
That’s when Varian understood what the man had meant, “ooooh! Are you worried about being a good dad?”
Eugene chuckled, before he nodded, “yeah…. See…. Me and Blondie, we were singing to my kiddos today, got em to sleep, but…. It got me thinking….. I wasn’t prepared for twins….. I’m not unhappy that there are two babies! I’m ecstatic actually, it’s just…. I don’t know how I’m gonna be able to handle this….. Rapunzel…. She’s ready to be a mom, more than able to take on the responsibility…. But me…. I was already anxious about one kid! Now there’s two! And….. dad…. He isn’t here to explain this to me…..” Eugene sighed as he looked up at the painting of Edmund, Eden, Quirin, Adira, Hector, and Hector’s tiger, “Quirin, Adira, and Hector…. They had such great memories of my dad and mom when they were growing up….. I wanna be like that, be the kind of dad who is fun and loving, but stern when he needs to be….. I wanna be good to them, but I don’t know if I can….. I don’t even know where to start…. It’s just…. My stomach’s twisting into knots right now! I mean, what if they start to steal things! Who am I, of *all* people, to tell them to stop?! I used to steal, used to live a life of crime, and it was so damn hard! I just…. I never grew up in a nice home, with good food, and guaranteed love and affection! I grew up living on the streets, going days on end without even a scrap to eat! Getting into all kinds of trouble! I just…. I don’t know if I can do this….. I’m not gonna leave her, or them, I never would…. But I’m so damn scared of what’s gonna happen, of what I’ll do to these kids! …..I don’t wanna hurt them…. I don’t wanna make a mistake, I-!”
Varian wrapped his arms around the man’s waist, startling him and stopping his tirade as he looked down at the teen, “stop….. it’s okay”, Varian said softly, “it’s alright…. Listen…..” he looked up, and smiled, “you’re not gonna be perfect, but no one is! You’re gonna make mistakes, you’re gonna mess up! Your kids will get mad at you sometimes, and maybe even say some things that’ll hurt….. but at the end of the day. You, Eugene/Horace Fitzherbert, you are gonna be a wonderful big papa!” He exclaimed with a smile, “all I wanted, when I was a kid, was to make my father proud! All I ever strived for, was his love, compassion, and acceptance, of me, my interests, my choices, everything! And even with my dad being the best fucking dad in the universe, he still made some pretty big mistakes, ones that both of us still sometimes pay for”, he let go and sighed, “look, being a dad doesn’t mean you have everything figured out. It just means you had a kid, and you are now responsible for them. Being their parent means you raise them, to the best of your ability! You don’t treat them like machines, you don’t hit them, you don’t hate them, or put all your pressure on their shoulders! Instead, all you really need when raising your kids, is the only thing that children will ever ask for, unconditional love”
Eugene blinked, “un…. Conditional…..”
“It means loving them no matter what! When they make a mistake, when they say something bad or cruel, when they do something wrong, you don’t ever hate them! You can get mad, punish them, take something of theirs away for a little while, but you still love them!” Varian looked at the man, “my dad was the only one I had….. Mama died, and we were alone….. it was so hard on him…. Just as it was hard on me…. He took on the burden of having to raise me on his own….. and it tough, and he was sad, but instead of breaking, leaving me, hating me, abusing me, or anything like that, my dad loved me, and remained strong, and he proved that every single time we spoke! When I got sick, he was there, when I made mistakes, he defended me, when I shouted and fussed, he forgave! He loved me, he still loves me! That was never a question in my mind, and because of that, he gave me the strength to keep going, keep trying, to get better, so I could make him look up to the sky one day, and say, ‘that’s my boy’! That’s all I ever wanted, and I did it….. I did…. And you did too…. All you have to do, is just love them”
Eugene was startled, but smiled, and nodded, gently hugging the teen, “I will…. I always will…. Thanks kiddo”, he said, his anxiety seeping away, it wasn’t completely gone, but he could handle what he had left
Varian smiled, “happy to help”, they pulled away, and he added, “by the way, you’ll have a lot of help when things become too much. There’s dad, Lance, Cat, Angry, myself, Hugo, Adira, and even Hector, so long as he watches his potty mouth anyway”, he giggled, “so you won’t be alone, if things get hard, and you need some time to yourselves, we’re right here”
“Thank you”
“Anytime”
They hugged once again, before there was a frantic knock at the door, “what the hell?” Eugene asked as Hanuel CAW’d and Ruddigar chittered, “hello?”
“E-Eugene?” Hector’s voice startled the duo with how nervous he sounded, “is Varian you?!”
And him not using the alchemist’s nickname made the duo feel scared, “y-yeah, I am, what’s wrong?”
“It’s Hugo”, Hector stated through the door
Varian’s eyes lit up before he *instantly* teleported to the door, opening it and looking at his uncle, “what’s wrong?” His eyes were glowing brightly with worry as Eugene rushed over to join the conversation
“He…. There’s…. Something wrong with his leg……”
Notes:
Hello! :D
So Team Awesome gets to talk!!!!! Eugene being worried about being a new father is something I can see almost everyone dealing with when they’re about to have kids, especially when he wasn’t aware of the babies being twins, that’s hard
But he loved Rapunzel and he wants to work through it, Varian being the little bean that helps him is me also making a parallel for Lance and Quirin talking about almost the same thing!
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 685: Hugo’s Results!
Summary:
Hugo finds out the fight with Blight did more damage than he’d thought!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
They hugged once again, before there was a frantic knock at the door, “what the hell?” Eugene asked as Hamuel CAW’d and Ruddigar chittered, “hello?”
“E-Eugene?” Hector’s voice startled the duo with how nervous he sounded, “is Varian you?!”
And him not using the alchemist’s nickname made the duo feel scared, “y-yeah, I am, what’s wrong?”
“It’s Hugo”, Hector stated through the door
Varian’s eyes lit up before he *instantly* teleported to the door, opening it and looking at his uncle, “what’s wrong?” His eyes were glowing brightly with worry as Eugene rushed over to join the conversation
“He…. There’s…. Something wrong with his leg……”
****
Teleporting was now something Eugene wished he was able to do, because one moment, they’d been standing in his father’s room, staring at a worried looking Hector, then he blinks, and when his eyes open, he’s in the infirmary, looking at a very startled nurse who just happened to be passing by, the tamer seemed just as shocked, but recovered quickly, “he’s in room 2A”
“Right next to Rapunzel”, the Dark Prince noted
“Um…. E-excuse me, are you looking for someone in particular?” The startled nurse asked
Eugene stepped forwards, “Hugo, blond, glasses wearing, smirk having, bean, and this man’s fiancé”, he gestured to Varian
“Oh! Tamer Jaecer is right, he’s in room 2A, sorry the light confused me for a moment"
“It’s fine, and thank you, also, could you tell my wife I said thank you for sending the positivity party? She’ll understand what I mean”
“Of course! Right away!” The nurse rushed off to Rapunzel’s room, as the trio went to 2A and knocked
They waited, Varian’s eyes were still glowing brightly as they did, Eugene wrapped an arm around the alchemist, before the door opened, the person standing there instantly calming all three, “hello Bubby”
“Dad!” The alchemist hugged Quirin gratefully, getting a hug in return, before he looked up at the man, “what’s going on? Hector said something’s wrong with Hugo’s leg?”
“F-Freckles…..”
The nickname came out weak and shaky, getting Varian to look and see Hugo sitting on a medical bed, his right leg was stretched out in front of him, pant leg pulled up, showing the scarring and bruises he’s obtained from Blight’s attack, but there was something odd…. The veins…. They looked…. Irritated
“Hugo!” Varian flew over and hugged his fiancé as Eugene and Hector walked inside and Quirin closed the door gently, “what’s going on? Are you alright?! What happened?! What’s wrong?!”
“There’s…. Blight…. He…. H-he….” Hugo whimpered
“Hello”, a slightly familiar voice said, getting the freckled teen to spin around and see Dr. Lorenzo standing across from him and Hugo, “perhaps it’ll help if I explain?”
The teen nodded as everyone took a seat, as the doctor showed the tests he’d just performed on the inventor’s leg, “so…. When I was told about Hugo's leg pain, I ran basic diagnostics and found something odd in his bloodstream blood stream….. When I’d heard what happened, I immediately did more tests…. I know who Blight is, he…. Killed a family member of mine a long time ago….. anyway, what I found is…. Well…. Not good….” He let out a sigh and gave a paper to Varian
The alchemist read through it before gasping, “p-poison?!”
“Yes…. It’s been faint, but whatever Blight did to Hugo’s leg, ended up in him getting poisoned just a little"
"H-he.... Slashed it with his blade....." The blond explained, "i-it was how he caught me in the first place....."
That made everyone's stomach drop as the doctor continued, "it must've been a fast slash, because the poison was so slight that Nedzerdnian doctors must’ve missed it on the initial diagnosis….. I removed it immediately, of course, the procedure wasn’t hard…. But…. It was in there for long enough to where…. I-it did some damage…..”
“H-how much damage?” The alchemist asked anxiously as he held Hugo's hand
“Enough to where Hugo will be…. Well, he’ll have a limp….. that won’t ever go away…..” the doctor stated softly, “the poison, thankfully, didn’t get too far up his blood stream, so only his right leg will be effected by this, but….. The poison damaged some nerves, completely burning them….. they’re unable to grow back, or heal themselves…. They’ve cauterized…..”
Varian’s eyes went wide with shock, “b-but that means…. He’ll…. H-Have a hard time walking….. Right? B-but he can still walk?”
“Yes…. Like I said, he’ll have a limp his entire life…. And he’ll have to take special care not to over strain that leg, lest the damage get worse…. But he can still walk, heck, he can run, walk, jump, and do all the things he could before, but he won’t be able to do so for as long, fast, or high, as he used to…..” The doctor explained, “I’m sorry….. But there’s nothing more I can do to heal it….. You could try using the healing incantation on it, as I've heard it can work miracles regular medicine can't, but I fear it’ll only help very slightly….. The damage….. cannot be undone…..”
The alchemist blinked in surprise, but sighed, and tried anyway, he gently placed his hands on Hugo’s leg and sang, his hair, freckles, and eyes glowing brightly as he did. Hugo smiled a little, appreciative of his lover’s attempts, but when the spell finished, the leg looked very much the same it had, if only slightly less irritated, “…..I….” Varian looked at Hugo, “I’m sorry…..”
“It’s okay, a-at least you tried”, Hugo replied, as a few tears dripped down his face
Dr. Lorenzo let out a small sigh, “I can help a little, there’s a pill for these occasions. It helps alleviate some of the pain, and it also recenters the nerves a little, so the leg will feel a little bit more like normal, but…. You’d have to take them twice a day, by mouth, and it won’t ever heal completely, but should be easier to manage….. I’m truly sorry for this however…..”
Nothing more was said, nothing more *could* be said, the alchemist let out a sigh, “…..Will it get worse?”
“If not taken care of properly, yes, but if you do the correct steps, head any warning it may give you, and get regular check ups on it, I’d say once every year, no, the leg should remain stable, maybe a few minor flare ups might make an appearance every once in a while, but resting the leg and taking it easy will help ease them"
“D…. D-do I….. um….” Hugo’s voice came out squeaky and rough, but he continued me “d-do I h-have to use…. a c-cane?” He asked
Dr. Lorenzo gave him a sympathetic smile, “it shouldn’t be too much of a problem, since you’re still so very young, but…. Yes…. You will need a cane to help you move around….. not all the time, of course! For the most part you should be fine! But….” The doctor sighed, “your leg needs a little extra support, I suggest you invest in a cane or walking stick, something to help you for longer distances”
“Will…. I-I be able to d-dance?”
This startled the doctor a little, before he thought about that, taking another look at the blond's test result before nodding, ”it won't be for too long, and you may not be able to dance too too much, but I'd say you could get through a fair good bit of songs before needing to sit down"
Hugo swallowed hard, and sniffled before nodding and pulling his pant leg down, covering the damaged veins and whimpering, “thank you Doctor”, Quirin said gently, taking over the conversation as Varian hugged his fiancé, “we’ll do as you’ve instructed, do you know when his prescription for his leg will be ready? I’ll sign for it if that’s needed, as I am his current guardian"
“That won’t be necessary, I’ve already given the prescription to the nurse, there’s an apothecary shop not too far from here that sells them. And Hugo is of the proper age to sign for it once it comes around. It should only take a few days to get here, until then, I’d recommend some physical therapy, stretches, walks using a cane, possible muscle building for that leg, just in case, horse back riding would also be a good way to get that leg used to fun activities! Though you'll need a specially trained horse, as that leg can't handle rougher rides without flaring up, at the moment, it's fairly sensitive. Stay off it for a few days, do some of the exercises I've said but take it slow, and come back to me, I'll do another check from there, ok?"
“Noted, thank you doctor”
“You’re welcome", He looked at the inventor, who was shocked into silence and holding onto Varian like his life depended on it, "I’ll…. Give you all some time to process this information”, the group nodded and, with that, Dr. Lorenzo politely left the room
All was quiet, before Varian glowed brighter than ever before, his armor was transparent as it formed on his body, almost like he was about ready to summon it completely and fight, “if he weren’t already dead…..” he stated angrily
“That…. Would technically be our faults”, Hector pointed out
“If it helps any, he was practically torn apart by the time we did get around to killing him”, Adira added out, making Quirin wince, "sorry"
"It's alright, I understand the reason", the retired knight replied
“That fact alone does not soothe any anger or hatred I feel towards that man right now…..” Varian said, his voice echoing off the walls before he looked up, “Moon, whomever you put in charge of that man’s soul, please make sure feels the full *force* of his actions….. I trust you already are but....." His eyes closed and tears slid down his face as he felt Hugo's pain throb throughout his body
The teen felt a small trickle of light gently touch his back, as if the Moon was reaching out her hand to calm him, and reassure that the person in question was being punished properly
“Thank you….” He said, glow dimming, armor disappearing, as the teen returned to normal and the light faded
“I-I’m sorry…..” Hugo said, getting Varian to look at him
“You have nothing to apologize for love”
“But…. O-our wedding…. Dancing…. W-walks…. All of them…. We can’t do as much a-anymore….. or… I-I can’t…..”
Varian froze before he let out a small sigh and gently cupped the blond's chin, guiding his gaze to met the alchemist's bright blue eyes, “Hugo, you think I really care about any of that right now? I’m worried about *you* love! Nothing else!”
“B-but-!”
“No buts! I don’t care if we don’t dance much at our wedding, I just wanna marry you! The walks we can still do, you just need a cane for longer distances, and you’ll be able to walk down the aisle with no problem. None of that matters to me right now, all I’m worried about is how he hurt you…. And how you feel….. are you alright?”
“I…… n-no…..” Hugo sniffled, “I’m n-not….. I can still walk, and I’m so fucking grateful for that, b-but…. All the things I was able to d-do before….. the backflips, cartwheels, t-the running so fast the wind would brush past m-my hair! Dancing with y-you, doing farm work with Quirin, I-I won’t be a-able to do any of it the s-same way! And yes, I-I'm young, b-but what if it flares up?! What'll h-happen if I don't take good care of i-it?! H-how am I gonna get used to this?! I…. I…. I’m so fucking scared!” Hugo leaned into Varian’s side as the little alchemist hugged him, “w-what if my leg prevents m-me from being a V-Village Leader?! O-or I end up not b-being able to save someone d-due to my slower pace?! W-what if my cane hurts someone?! I’ve never had one b-before a-and it could slip from m-my fingers and hit someone, o-or trip somebody, or-or-or-I just…. I-I don’t know how to handle this information.... I…. I…..”
A gentle hand touched Hugo’s shoulder, and he looked up and saw Quirin smiling at him, though the retired knight had tears down his face too, “it’s going to be okay”, he reassured, “it will be, trust me”
“H-how?! You were a knight and even-even you get tired from your job! How am I gonna keep up?! H-how am I gonna help people?! I-I can still walk, b-but what if it does get worse?! What if my leg n-needs to be chopped off?!”
“Hugo”, the Village Leader said, hugging his two sons, “easy, it’s okay, really, it’s okay, it’s okay….. we’ll work with it, you won’t lose your leg, it won’t get worse, we’ll make sure of that, we will, we will…..”
Adira smiled, “hey, maybe you won’t be able to do what you used to, but do you really need to?” She asked, “even with limited access to your leg, you can still do *something*, and being able to do something is far better than doing nothing, don’t you agree?”
Hugo looked at her, and sniffled, he was quiet for a moment, but nodded, “I…. G-Guess so….. a-and I’m glad something is still an option…. I just….” He sighed, “I-it’s hard….. to accept that t-there’s a part of m-me that I can't use as well as it did b-before….. I’m g-gonna have to get used t-to my leg again… and…. I-I don’t know if…. I-I’ll be able to right away….”
“That’s okay, none of us expect you to”, the face painted warrior said, “King Edmund lost his right arm, and had to relearn how to do everything. He told me about his experiences, said that he’d been so angry with himself when it happened, he had to become left handed when he wasn't before….. he felt so useless and dumb, and worried someone may try to take the Moonstone while he was in that state. I remember his words to me were, “I would have the hardest time remembering I’d lost my arm, because I’d gotten so used to using it, that I’d drop my axe on the ground! I remember worrying if I’d even be able to eat! It wasn’t until I finally accepted that I’d lost it that I finally began to move forward, but even that took me time to do”, so take as much time as you need"
"I had a friend who was blind in one eye", Lance pointed out, "actually, you two know him, Eye Patch, one of the Stabbingtons"
"Yeah I remember him", Varian replied with a huff, "he and... Who was the other guy? Sideburns?" Eugene nodded as Hamuel CAW'd, "yeah, I saw them once when I was five, one of them was trying to go in-between the bars of the jail caravan, kept bonking his head on them.... I had a lemon lollipop, I think that was the first time I tried it, it was really good!"
"Bubby, off topic", Quirin said gently
Varian blushed, "r-right, sorry"
Lance chuckled, "anyway, do you know how he got that eye patch?" The two scientists shook their heads, "it was actually because he was caught up in a fight when we were kids, at the orphanage, and ended up getting super glue thrown in his face. It damaged his eye so badly that he ended up goin blind in it. He hated it! The kids made fun of him and would constantly pull pranks on his because he couldn't really put up much of a fight"
"How awful, makes me almost feel sympathetic for him..... Almost....." Varian stated with a huff, at the confused looks he received, the teen added, "he and his brother grandpa-napped Grandpa!"
Eugene smiled at the alchemist as Lance chuckled before continuing his tale, "well, Eye Patch, or Patchy, as I liked to call him, had had enough, and ended up learning how to fight without looking. He used his ears to figure out where everyone was, it was actually kinda neat! He got the idea from a Flynn Rider story apparently"
"Flynn Rider and the mystical swamp", Varian stated
"A classic", Eugene finished
"ANYWAY, ya nerds", the duo giggled, "Patchy got used to fighting without really needing to see, and used his skills on the kids the next day. Now it'd taken him 'months' to perfect his technique, but when he did, he was a force to be reckoned with! Even Eugene and I didn't really stand much of a chance when he used it. Thing is, he never really was able to unlock the full potential of his skill because he stopped practicin, once the kids stopped bullin him, he didn't really see the point of it anymore. But he did have the best hearin out of all of us, which I think was a neat side effect. I guess what I'm sayin is", he smiled lovingly at Hugo, "you ain't alone, and just because your leg won't work the way it used to, doesn't mean you can't find a new way to help people. Who knows, maybe you'll be the first Village Leader ever to do his job on one leg! Or maybe you'll find a whole new dance move! Maybe your cane can be used to fight! The possibilities are kinda endless for ya Hugo!" He touched the inventor's shoulder, "I'm not sayin you can't be sad, or upset, please, by all means, cry, be angry, let it out, because this sucks! You were attacked, you didn't deserve that! You already lost someone precious in that battle, and now you've got a bum leg added onto that, it really fuckin sucks! But.... Once you're done, maybe looking at it from a different perspective will help you"
"Not only that, but we'll be here to help you the entire way", Quirin stated lovingly, getting the blond to look at him, "we won't abandon you, not now, not ever. We love you Hugo, and even with a leg that doesn't work as well, that fact will never change"
The inventor sniffled, his tears coming back up, "e-even.... When I'm u-useless?" He asked, voice shaky
"Not that you ever will be, but yes", Varian stated, "even when you're useless"
Hugo blinked and nodded, before his tears overtook his mind, "I.... I-I'm sorry.... B-but I can't....."
"It's okay love", the alchemist said, hugging the blond, "cry, go ahead and let it out as much as you need to....." The freckled teen had his own tears well up at the corners of his eyes as he hurt for his fiancé, "w-we're.... Here for you.... I'm here.... And I'll hold you until you feel b-better...."
Hugo sniffled, and whimpered, until he couldn't hold it anymore, and he began to cry. Varian smiled and hugged his lover, holding him as close as he could, Quirin doing the same, as the blond continued to cry and cry and cry.....
Notes:
Hello! :D
So…. This was sort of my way of coping with a few things that have happened to me lately. I discovered a few things about myself in the past few years that I’ve had to come and accept, and this is how I felt about them…..
Hugo’s leg is a physical disability for him now, and I feel like this doesn’t really get talked about nearly as much as it should. Mind you, I gave him the smallest one I could possibly think of! Because this boy has been through so so sooooo much already! But…. This is something he’ll have to get used to, and while something good may come of it, that doesn’t make the fact that he now has to get used to this, and relearn a bunch of things, any less difficult, scary, or even hard
This boy will have a hard time adjusting, just like I’m sure many people with physical disabilities later on in life do, just like I did…. I think the biggest thing about the disability itself is that, it wasn’t Hugo’s fault….. just like many other disabilities are not the person’s fault, it just… happens…. An accident leaves them paralyzed, or blind, or with a lost limb! They now have to adjust to life with this impairment, even taking pills just to help lessen the damage! It’s hard, and sad, and anger inducing! It happens to way ton many good people in this world, and I don’t see nearly enough people talking about the actual journey you have to go on just to start accepting it!
There was a show that discussed it so well, “Make it, or Break it!” It was my childhood show, it was about gymnastics, and one girl broke her back, couldn’t do gymnastics anymore, and had to adjust to a normal life, I won’t give away spoilers, go watch the show, it’s so freaking good! But it was a perfect way of showing it
And it’s the only show that really discusses physical disabilities, or mental disabilities, in such a vulnerable, yet real, light! (That I have seen, I’d love to see more if you all have recommendations)
Either way, I felt like I needed to write a chapter like this, I also felt like this was a good opportunity for Hugo to grow even more. Because this boy is nothing if not adaptable! It’ll be hard, but believe me, he’s going to become so much stronger that ever!!!!!!
Thank you all for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
Chapter 686: Hugo’s New Friend! (Part 1!)
Summary:
Hugo is having a hard time coping with everything, he’s not the only one!
Notes:
More notes at the end! :D
I hope you all enjoy! 🎶❤️😊
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It was a few days after Hugo had found out about his leg, he'd left the infirmary, being carried by Quirin, and had done all the doctor had prescribed him to. When his medication came, he'd taken two a day, one in the morning, and one at night, he felt the drug working to ease the pain in his leg, but still found it difficult to do everyday activities with the same gusto he used to. The inventor felt embarrassed anytime Varian helped him with the physical therapy, as they had to stretch his leg in and out in various different ways. He'd only walked a few feet during those few days, and yet those few feet felt like miles to him! He hated it, every second! He especially hated the temporary cane he was given by the nurse, it was a dull grey color and looked like an old man cane, to prove his point, Chuck, who had come with Hutch to visit, had the same exact one!
All of this to say, the blond was not up for the doctor visit he was being forced to have that day.... He needed to be carried by Quirin again, and he just felt so helpless and feeble.... He wanted to cry if he were honest, just sit in this man's arms and cry like a child. But that wouldn't get him anywhere.... So he went without argument, in fact, he barely said much at all that morning, just got up, got ready, with Varian's help, ate breakfast, brushed his teeth, then was whisked off the Dr. Lorenzo's. As they made their way through the hall, he heard a few dignitaries talking, "isn't that the poor boy who got poisoned by Blight?" One asked
"Yes, the poor thing has to be carried now I see.... Must be so hard for him...." The other replied
"I remember seeing him run around with Prince Varian and Prince Eugene not too long ago, such a shame, such a shame...."
Their words hurt, their pity angered him, he wanted to rip them to shreds and tell them to fuck off! But he remained silent as they finally got into room 2A, this time, Rapunzel was present, she'd been released from the infirmary the day prior, the twins were being looked after by a nursemaid, as the princess and Eugene wanted to show their support and give the inventor their full attention. When Dr. Lorenzo had Hugo do a few stretches and walk without the cane, the blond felt so embarrassed as he struggled to get too far.... He wondered why this suddenly became more difficult, before he'd gotten the diagnosis, he'd been walking just fine, now, suddenly he's having trouble? He asked the doctor that, and got that same, stupid, pitying grin that he's been getting from almost everyone else, "when I took out the poison, it relived your leg of any extra adrenaline it'd been giving that spot to support you and the poison, resetting your muscles back to normal, but you need a bit more strength now for that leg since it's been damaged so badly, and without that extra adrenaline, you essentially need to rebuild that strength again. The stretches and exercises you've been doing are helping! I see significant progress already! You might even have more strength that even I thought!"
"...Do you say that to everyone with a new injury?" Hugo sassed, getting the doctor to laugh as he clapped a hand over his mouth, "sorry...."
"It's alright, I understand, and no, I don't, but I'm happy I get to with you", the man replied with a kind smile
Hugo looked down sheepishly, he hadn't meant to be rude, he was just so frustrated! Varian wrapped an arm around him, it helped, "so, can he start walking normally soon?" The alchemist asked, "I mean, without the cane, I know it won't be.... You know... But you said he didn't need the cane the entire time"
"Right, I did, and I'd say a few days more of the same exercises should alleviate the use for the cane from all day activities, he doesn't need to rest on it anymore, actually, walking with that cane may actually prove to be good exercise for him too, and horse back riding, with the right horse, of course", he added, "over time, that cane will be needed less and less, he needs it now, but once his body gets used to the new damage to the leg, and it becomes the new normal, the cane will cease to be a necessity"
"I don't want the damage to become the new normal...." Hugo grumbled before blushing
"I know, and I'm sorry", came the kind reply, "I also understand the accidental sass, it's okay, you're actually being a lot nicer than any other patient I've had with a new obstacle"
"Still...." Hugo sighed
"You know, I get real sassy when I have to stay in bed and be sick, think of it that way love", Varian offered
"You become adorably sassy with your sodium chloride, I just become an immature asshole....."
A gentle hand cupped his chin and guided his gaze up, green eyes meeting warm brown, "bad Hugo", Quirin playfully scolded before booping the inventor's nose, "better?"
The blond blinked, before he sighed and smiled, "yeah, a little, thanks"
Quirin nodded before he looked at the doctor, "we have a cane in mind for him, could you come look at it and see if it's a good fit?" He asked, "it's.... Custom", he winked at Varian, who smiled and winked back
Dr. Lorenzo smiled and nodded, standing up, "absolutely!" He said, before walking with the retired knight out of the room
The group was quiet before Hugo looked at Varian, "I'm sorry...."
"It's okay", the alchemist replied
"No it's not.... I keep having these really awful thoughts about people.... I shouldn't have them.... It's not right...."
"Hugo, you're newly disabled, that's a hard thing to accept", Varian stated, "I don't expect you to be all sunshine and rainbows about this! None of us do!"
"I know but still! I'm being so damn rude! And if you heard what I was thinking...."
"Love, I have intrusive thoughts, if anyone's gonna understand what you're going through it's me, trust me", Hugo looked at him, eye to eye, "it's really okay"
"Yeah, if you're too sassy, we'll just feed you to Xena", Hector stated with a smirk, that got the inventor to snort, "I see a smile"
"You see nothing!" Hugo exclaimed, hiding his face in his hands as the tamer laughed
"By the way, how are you holding up Rapunzel?" Adira asked, "I didn't get to ask yet"
"Oh! I'm okay, much better now actually!" The princess replied happily, "thank you for asking!"
"You're welcome, I'm glad you're doing better"
"Me too", Eugene replied
"Me three!" The princess joked, getting the group to snicker as the door opened and Quirin and Dr. Lorenzo walked back inside
"Your son MADE that?!" The doctor asked
"Yup", the retired knight replied with pride, "with his own two hands"
"Impressive! I may have to ask for a few favors at a later date, heh, either way, it's perfect", the man stated, getting Varian to grin before the doctor sat down, "alright, are there anymore questions before I let you go today?" He asked Hugo
The blind thought about that, before he said, "can I hit people who pity me with my cane?"
Hector and Adira cackled as Quirin sighed, Eugene and Lance chuckled, Rapunzel gawked, and Varian grinned, "um, unfortunately no, that would not be recommended, though if you were to, subconsciously, place it in a position that makes people trip, I wouldn't be aware of any wrong doings by you"
That made the inventor smile, "good to know"
"Hugo, you gremlin!" Varian exclaimed, hugging his lover
"We're going to have to have a little talk about cane etiquette mister", Quirin stated with a smirk
"I may or may not listen to it", the blond stated honestly
"Hugo!"
"What? Honesty is the best policy, is it not?" The retired knight gave the teen a look, "alright alright, I'll stop"
"Thank you"
"Buzzkill", the teen huffed with a smirk as Dr. Lorenzo chuckled
****
The group had made their way outside, going to back of the castle and setting Hugo on a bench with his temporary cane before they all took a minute to stretch, "hey, isn't this your old garden space?" Adira asked as she looked at her older sibling
Quirin smiled, "yup, my original flower bed was just over there, this is also where you two would get into mischief"
"Oh yeah, I think I remember running through your garden at one point, heh, you were so damn mad!" Hector laughed
"Yeah.... Hilarious....."
"Aw come on, it was kinda funny", his sister said, gently nudging his shoulder
"Uh huh.... Sure"
"Grumpy"
Hugo giggled as he looked around, "wow, this place kinda fell into disrepair", he stated before he noticed something odd with the dirt nearby, "did.... Someone try to plant something over there?"
The Brotherhood members looked at where the inventor was pointing, and saw a few small mounds with dry seeds on top, "it looks like it", Hector replied, "wonder who"
"Edmund", Rapunzel stated, "he said he wanted to try and keep Quirin's first garden alive, back when he was alone. But he wasn't a gardener, much less a farmer, so when he planted the seeds, he didn't do it right and they ended up drying out and being crushed. He left them there, not really having the heart to move them"
"When did he tell you that?" Quirin asked as she sat down next to Hugo
"Right before Varian told me about Blight, he mentioned it before I went into my room for the night, a pack of pumpkin seeds reminded him of it"
"Oh Edmund....."
The group was silent once again, before they heard a few dignitaries whispering nearby, "that poor boy, such a shame he's in the condition he is.... I wonder how Prince Varian will fair with this new development"
"Same here, perhaps he'll look for someone a little less... Helpless?"
"Maybe, we should introduce him to some of our children! They're around his age! And are far stronger than that poor boy is now, even as a prince's Concubinus, you still have some sway in the kingdom, definitely worth looking into, considering the teen's..... Condition....."
"HEY!!!!! I AM 'NOT', NOR WILL I 'EVER' BE, IN THE MARKET FOR A 'CONCUBINUS'!!!!!!!" Varian yelled, his eyes glowing with anger, "KNOCK THAT KINDA TALK OFF!!!!! AND STOP TALKING ABOUT MY FINACE THAT WAY!!!!!!" the dignitaries ran off, redder than tomatoes as they did
Hugo stared at the ground, "they.... Have a bit of a point....."
"No they don't!" The alchemist huffed, "just because you have a leg that doesn't work as well as it used to, doesn't mean you're not strong! You're the strongest man I've ever met, and I will never let anyone talk about you that way!" He added
"So... You won't get a Concubinus?....."
"Never love, you're the only man I'll ever need", Varian confirmed, "besides that, isn't.... That 'form' of love only done through means of trust? I never understood the point of Concubines and Concubinus, unless the kind or queen can't birth their own child and need a little help"
"Usually that's the reason", Quirin stated, "though there are some royal families who will decide on a Concubine, or Concubinus, to give the prince or princess their very first night, as a right of passage"
Varian, Rapunzel, and Eugene all blushed, "um..... Dad"
"This kingdom, and Corona, doesn't do that tradition Bubby, don't worry"
"Ok, thank goodness, because me and Eugene kiiiiiinda already broke that rule", Rapunzel stated, getting Eugene to blush even more as Lance laughed
"That is not something I wanna hear from you Punzel!" Varian squeaked
"Where do you think the twins came from Varian?" The princess asked
"The stork! And I will not be corrected!!!!!!" The alchemist exclaimed, getting everyone to laugh now
"So what about when we-!" The inventor began
"HUGO! NU!" Varian squeaked again, cheeks burning bright red as he did, "you and I will get to that bridge when we cross it, for now, babies come from the stork, wrapped up in little bundles, smiling and happy!"
"Weren't you in the room when she gave birth to Ray?" Hector asked with a raised brow
"STORK!!!!!!"
His uncle cackled as Hugo hugged his lover while Rapunzel giggled, "we love you Varian"
"I love you too, ya bunch of dirties!" The alchemist replied before he began to giggle and returned Hugo's embrace before someone ran towards the group
“EUGENE!” The group stopped and turned, seeing Arianna and a few handmaidens running behind her, “EUGENE! IT’S DOMINO!!!! SHE’S GONE NUTS!”
“WHAT?!” The dark Prince asked before he rushed over to the Coronan Queen
“A stable boy was brushing her, when she apparently sat up and tried to kick at him! I tried calming her, but she wasn’t having it, I’m not sure what to do!”
“That’s not like Domino”, Rapunzel stated
“We should go see her”, Hector said, getting the group to nod before Quirin scooped Hugo up and they all ran after Arianna who led them directly to the stables!
Notes:
Hello! :D
So, people have already have guessed what’s gonna happen, but I won’t say anything here, I’ll let the story play out 🎶😊
Thank you all for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! 🎶❤️😊
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